Page:Political history of the devil upon two sticks.pdf/24

 by Danton. So mean was this wretch that he would caress the horses who he said had the happiness to be the favourites of the Count or Countess; but no sooner were they unable to serve him, than he transferred his worship to the mob, and thus continued to co-operate with Robespierre is rivetting the chains of tyranny on the nation, till jealousy brought him to receive what he merited: and soon after Robespierre met the fate that he had brought on him and thousands.

These have only made way for a new series of tyrants who continue to delude this volatile unthinking people with the names of Liberty and Freedom, whereas they have only changed from the despotism of one tyrant to that of Five hundred.

—Here the Devil upon Two Sticks stopt short. He was suddenly taken with a frisson, and changed colour.

What is the matter, said the student, what extraordinary motion makes you shake, and stop short? Ah Signior Leandro, cried the dæmon with a trembling voice, how unfortunate am I? the conjurer, who kept me in the bottle in his laboratory has found I am flown. He is going to recal me by such forcible conjurations as I cannot resist. What a mortification is this to me; said Don Cleofas, quite softened with compassion! and what a loss am I going to suffer! For now I much fear we are going to part for ever. I do not think so, answered Asmodeo. The magician may want my assistance, and if I have the good fortune to do him any service perhaps out of gratitude, he may give me my liberty. If that should happen, as I hope, depend upon it I will soon be with you, upon condition that you reveal to no soul living what has this night passed between us; for should you be so indiscreet as to impart it to any body, I tell you before hand, you will never see me more.