Page:Political history of the devil upon two sticks.pdf/17

 man would sooner clamber over a balcony to disgrace the woman that should shew him any favour.

Under the closet there is a dungeon, that serves for a lodging to a young vintner. What, my host again? cried Leandro; sure these people have a mind to poison all the world. This man's case is not the same replied Asmodeo: he was seized yesterday, and is likewise claimed by the inquisition. I will in a few words relate to you the subject of his commitment.

An old soldier by his courage or rather patience, having mounted to thothe [sic] the post of sarjeant in his company, came to raise recruits in this city. He enquired for a lodging at an inn, where he was answered, that they had indeed empty rooms, but that they could not recommend any of them to him, because the house was haunted by a spirit, which treated all strangers very ill that were rash enough to lodge there. This did not at all baulk our sarjeant. Put me in what chamber you please, said he do but give me a candle, wine, pipes and tobacco; and as for the spirit never trouble yourself about it: ghosts have a respect for men of war who are grown old in the service.

As he seemed so resolute, he was shewn into a chamber, where all that he desired was brought to him. He fell to drinking and smoking till midnight and no spirit had yet disturbed the profound silence that reigned in the house: one would have imagined he feared this new guest; but betwixt one and two, the sarjeant all of a sudden, heard a terrible noise, like the rattling of old iron, and immediately saw entering his chamber an apparition, clothed in black, and laden all around in iron chains. Our smoker not in the least affrighted at this sight, drew his sword, advanced towards the Spirit, and with the flat side of it gave him a very severe blow on the head.