Page:Political history of the devil upon two sticks.pdf/11

 hold as he could of the devil, who carried him out of the window.

Asmodeo was not in the wrong when he boasted his agility; he cleft the air with the rapidity of an arrow from a bow, and perch'd on St. Saviour's steeple. When gotten on his feet, he said to Don Cleofas, well, Signior Leandro, when men are in a very uneasy, hobbling coach, and cry out, This is a coach for the devil; do you now think they do us justice? I think nothing can be more unreasonable, answered Don Cleofas politely, and am ready to affirm upon experience, that the devil's is not only easier than a chair, but also so expeditious, that nobody can be tired on the road.

Very well replied the dæmon; but you do not know why I brought you hither, I intend from this high place to shew you whatever is at present doing in Madrid. By my diabolical power I will heave up the roofs off the houses, and, notwithstanding the darkness of the night clearly expose to your view whatever is now under them. At these words he only extended his right hand, and in an instant all the roofs of the houses seemed removed; and the student saw the insides of them as plainly as if it had been noon day, as plainly, says Louis Velez de Guevera, as you see into a pye, whose top is taken off.

This view was too surprising not to employ all his attention; his eyes ran through all parts of the city, and the variety which surrounded him was sufficient to engage his curiosity for a long time. Signior student, said the dæmon, this confusion of objects which you survey with so much pleasure, affords really a very charming prospect: but in order to furnish you with a perfect knowledge of human life it is necessary to explain to you what all those people which you see, are doing. I will disclose to you the springs of their actions, and their most secret thoughts.