Page:The Famous History of the Learned Friar Bacon.djvu/15

 a way to relieve him from his obligation. He said, Meet him at the time set, and I will be near t offer to put the decision of the matter to the next that comes by, which shall be myself; and I will find an infallible way to give it on your side.—Accordingly they met, and the Devil consented to put it to arbitration; then Friar Bacon appeared.

Lo! said the gentleman, here is' a proper, judge, this pious father shall determine it, and if it goes against me, you shall have liberty to do as you please. Content, said the Devil.

Both of them told their story, and the writings were produced, with the acquittances he had taken; for the Devil, contrary to his knowledge, had stolen them and the other writings belonging to the state.

The Friar well weighing, the matter, asked the gentleman, whether he had paid the Devil any of the money he had borrowed of him? No, said he, not a farthing. Well, then, said he, Mr. Devil, his debts are not paid: you are the principal creditor; and according to the writing, you can lay no claim to him till his debts are discharged. How, now, replied the Devil, am I out-witted then? O, Friar, thou art a crafty knave.