Page:Political history of the devil upon two sticks.pdf/14

 demonstrations Donna Thomasa gave, that the company of these wretches was more agreeable to that abandoned creature than his own. Ah rascals, cried he, enflamed with rage, how deliciously they fare at my expence, and a fine mortification this to me.

I confess, said the devil, it is no very pleasing sight, but they who will frequent such loose ladies must expect adventures of this kind; they happen every day in France to Abbes, men of the long robe and rich farmers of the revenue. If I had a sword, replied Don Cleofas, I would break in upon those villains and spoil their entertainment. You would be overmatched replied the cripple; leave your revenge to me, I will compass it better than you; I will this moment set them together by the ears, by inspiring them with a lascivious flame, and they shall draw their sword's upon each other: you will see a fine uproar presently.

At these words he blew, and out of his mouth issued a violent coloured vapour, that descended waving like a squib and spread itself over Donna Thomasa's table. One of the guests, immediately feeling the effect of this blast, drew near the lady, and passionately embraced her: but the others, pushed on by the force of the same vapour, endeavoured to tear her from him. Each pretended to the preference, which they now began to dispute, and a jealous rage possessed all their minds; they came to blows, drew their swords, and began to engage very warmly. In the mean while Donna Thomasa shrieked in a horrible manner, and the neighbourhood was immediately alarmed; they cried out for the officers of justice to come, which they immediately did, broke open the courtezan's doors, found two of the ruffians dead on the spot, seized the rest and carried them to prison with Donna Thomasa, who crying and tearing her hair lost all patience, whilst her guards were not a jot more moved than