Page:The Political History of the Devil - Defoe (1726).djvu/11



is not the easiest Thing in the Case before me to determine who has the most Right to a Dedication of this Work.

Antient Usage would have directed a solemn Author to address these Sheets to the great Majesty of Heaven, in Congratulation of his glorious Victory over the Devil and his Angels; but I decline that Method as prophane.

The same Reasons forbids me addressing to him who conquer'd him on Earth, and who when the Devil was so insolent as to assault him, made him fly like a vanquish'd Rebel, with but the Word, Get thee behind me.

I had then some Thoughts of inscribing it to Satan himself, but I did not really know how to relish holding a Parlee with the Devil, and talking to him in the first Person; nay, and as it were, ma-