Page:Political history of the devil upon two sticks.pdf/5

 what very extraordinary in it; I have been six months inclosed in one of those glass phials. In this house lives a skilful astrologer and magician, who by the power of his art has confined me to this close prison. You are then a spirit said Cleofas somewhat at this uncommon adventure. I am a dæmon, replied the voice and you are come very opportunely to free me from slavery where I languish in idleness; though I am the most active and indefatigable devil in hell.

Cleofas was somewhat affrighted at these words; but being naturally courageous, he recollected himself, and in a resolute tone thus adressed himself to the spirit. Signor dæmon, pray inform me by what character you are distinguished among your brethren, are you a devil of quality, or an ordinary one! I am, replied the voice a very considerable devil and am more estreme! in this and the other world than any other. Perhaps, replied Cleofas, you may be the daemon which we call Lucifer? No replied the spirit he is the mountebank's devil. Are you then Uriel? returned the student, Fie! hastily interrupted the voice) he is the patron of traders, taylors, butchers, bakers, and other third-rate thieves.

It may be you are Beelzebub, said Leandro, You deceive yourself, answered the spirit, he is the dæmon of governantes, and gentlemen ushers, or waiting men. This surprises me, said the student: I took Beelzebub for one of the greatest of your number. He is one of the least replied the dæmon; you have no true notion of our hell.

You must then, replied Don Cleofas, be either Leviathan, Belphegor; or Ashtaroth. Oh! as for, those three, said the voice, they are devils of the first rank; they enter into the councils of princes, animate the ministers, form leagues, stir up insurrections in states, and light the torches of war.

But my business lies another way, I make ridi-