Page:Political history of the devil upon two sticks.pdf/18

 The apparition, not much used to meet with such bold guests, cried out, and perceiving the soldier going to begin again with him, he most humbly prostrated himself at his feet. Mr Serjeant said he, for God's sake, do not give me any more; but have mercy on a poor devil, that casts himself at your feet: I conjure you by St James, who, as you are, was a great soldier. If you are willing to save your life, answered the soldier, you must tell me who you are, and speak without the least prevarication, or else this moment I cut you down the middle, as your knights of old were used to serve the giants they encountered. At these words, the ghost finding what sort of a man he had to do with, resolved to own all.

I am the principal servant of this inn, replied the spirit, my name is Guillermo: I am in love with my master's only daughter, and she does not dislike me: but the father and mother having a better match in view in order to compel them to make me their son in-law, the girl and I have agreed that I shall, every night act the part which I now do. I wrap myself in a long black cloak, and the jack chain about my neck thus equipt, I run up and down the house, from the cellar to the garret, and make all the noise which you have heard. When I am at my master and mistress' chamber door, I stop and cry out. Do not hope that I will ever let you rest, till you marry Juanna to Guillermo your upper Drawer.

After having pronounced these words with a hoarse broken voice, I continue my noise, and at a window enter the closet, where Juanna lies alone, to give her an account of what I have done. Mr Serjeant, continued Guillermo, you see I have told you the whole truth; I know that after this confession you may ruin me by discovering it to my master; but it you please to serve, instead of undoing me, I swear that my acknowledgmentsYou are a