As we were revolving this subject in our mind, it occurred to us that much might be said concerning the wrongs of the devil. As to rights, we will suppose that he has none; but does that justify the children of men in imputing to him crimes of which he is not guilty? If men act right, they arrogate the merit to themselves; but if they act wrong, why then, forsooth, it was at the instigation of the devil.

Men in all ages have certainly joined to attribute every thing wicked to the agency of this being: does not this universal consent of mankind speak much against him? True: but it is also to be considered that this is the report of his enemies.

While these thoughts were chasing each other through our mind, in the dead hour of the night, we all at once felt a strong inclination to interrogate the devil on the subject, and see whether he had any thing to offer in his own defence. It appeared to us to be but justice to "hear also the other party."

And whether it were owing to a periodical fit of insanity to which we are subject, or whether what we are about to relate did actually take place, we will not undertake to determine. Let the public judge. If we were mad, there was "method in our madness," as you will perceive when we relate our story.

And why should it be thought strange that we should see the devil? It is only what thousands of old women have done; and our optics are as good as those of any old woman in the universe. We would not, indeed, wish to have it supposed that we are very intimate with the old gentleman, as he bears but an indifferent character: and we are very desirous of supporting the dignity of our character. We should not, we suppose, incur any risk of being burned, at the present day, for holding a short conversation with his infernal majesty; but still, as we could produce no witnesses to testify the nature of the intercourse which might subsist between us, we would rather not have it thought that his visits to us were very frequent, especially about midnight. But the alarm we should experience, even in that case, appears to be without foundation. Has not Satan appeared to prophets, apostles, and

holy men, in all ages? Did not Michael the archangel treat him with the greatest politeness? Indeed, if we remember right, it is written, that Michael "durst not bring a railing accusation" against him. How then could it be expected that we should have the heroism to wage war with the devil when he takes it into his head to pay us a visit? No, no: we thought it best to treat him civilly, as Michael did, and thus get rid of him as soon as possible: for we will not pretend to assert that we were altogether at our ease during the time of the interview. The serious fact is this, and we may as well acknowledge it, had he appeared to us, arrayed in his nightgown of flame and sulphur, with eyes like two bloody moons, and his mouth open, sputtering hellfire and damnation, we had been confoundedly frightened. We, although savage, have neither tomahawk nor scalping knife; and we should have made but a poor defence with our pipe

stem.

But what did you see?

Have patience, good reader, (if you be good, which we much question,) we have a way of our own in telling a story, and do not like to be interrupted; but as we perceive your anxiety to learn the issue, we will endeavor to gratify you as soon as possible.

In the midst of our nocturnal contemplation, we were alarmed with what seemed to be the rushing of wind through some of the adjoining apartments, and the opening and shutting of doors in different parts of the building. We listened. All was silent. Before we had fairly composed our thoughts after this interruption, we were startled at a great noise; it seemed as though it had been occasioned by the falling of some great weight in one of the upper rooms. While we were about preparing, though not without a certain unaccountable trepidation, (for we are naturally brave) to examine into this matter, we heard, distinctly, a noise like the report of a pistol; and immediately after, our ears were saluted with a low but sweet melody: it was like the distant breathing of an Eolian harp. We accidentally turned our eyes toward our candle: it sunk down into the socket. The

flame was lengthened, but became blue. We smelt sulphur. A noise like the rustling of silks was heard in our apartment. A shadow seemed to flit by us. We raised our eyes, and perceived a form. The outlines were indistinct; but it bore the resemblance of a man.

"I know," said the form, "the subject of your late contemplations." We continued silent for some time. Had we not been infatuated, we would have made certain cabalistical signs, with which we are familiar, that would have startled our infernal visitant; but it never occurred to us. Nemo omnibus horis.

We at last mustered courage to demand "Who are you?" The answer was immediate and explicit "I am the devil."

Piomingo. You are! Well, Mister Devil, (for as we knew that titles were delightful to republicans, we concluded that they would be doubly pleasing to the devil, who, if we mistake not, is something of a royalist in hell, though he acted the demagogue in heaven.) Well, Mister Devil, how came you to be acquainted with the subject of my contemplations? You cannot read the heart?

Devil. No: but in my rambles, moving about "to and fro upon the earth," I have several times met with you. And when you get into a train of thinking, you make so many odd grimaces and contortions, that any devil of common sagacity can tell every thought that passes through your mind.

Piomingo. Squire Devil, [We were not a little uneasy on account of the proximity of the "roaring lion,' therefore we made use of this soothing expression to smooth down the hairs of the ferocious beast.] Squire Devil, you possess an uncommon share of ingenuity: be so good as to inform me, to what fortunate circumstance I am indebted for the honor of your present visit? [We had heard these expressions made use of in polished circles, and had no doubt that they would be highly gratifying to the devil, who must be highly civilized, having met with hard rubs enough to wear off the rough prominencies of his original character.]

Devil. As you are a savage, I have some hopes that

you will deal justly even with the devil. Civilized men have a proverb, about giving the devil his due; but that is all. I know very well what their expressions amount to: vox et præterea nihil.

Piomingo. My dear sir, (meaning you damned black rascal) My dear sir, you do me great honor: be pleased to proceed but I beg your pardon-Excuse my inattention-(handing a chair) I beg you will be seated. [We shall not be accused of abject servility in showing this attention to the devil, when it is remembered that we were in the presence of a powerful being "the prince of the power of the air," who could in a moment have blown fire enough out of his nostrils to have burned us and our house to a cinder. We have heard that he is in the habit of carrying off half the house in his flight, if he be any way dissatisfied with the treatment he receives. It was probably owing to our intercourse withcivilized society, that we were able to avert, by a few soothing expressions, (which cost nothing) so dreadful a calamity. The old fellow took the chair we had offered, and, drawing it up close to ours sat down with the greatest composure. We renewed the light; and had full lei'sure to examine his person and dress. We were amazed at the fairness of his complexion and the whiteness of his raiment, until it occurred to us, all at once, that he had transformed himself into an "angel of light." He observed our tobacco pipe lying on a stand, and, reaching out his hand, took it up, and immediately began to smoke.] Devil. (puffing the smoke in our face) I find much entertainment in smoking.

Piomingo. I am overpowered by the condescension of your majesty, (meaning, damn your familiarity.) [It here occurred to us that we ought to give him his princely titles: and this civilized stroke of ours had the desired effect. He became remarkably cheerful and pleasant; and we pledge our savage word that his countenance was not disagreeable. However, upon close inspection, (for we have studied Lavater) there appeared, in his countenance, lurking behind a profusion of smiles, something of cunning and malignity. Such visages we have often met with among men of the world.]

Devil. It is a fact, Piomingo, that men use me very ill. Piomingo. I believe they do-but, would your infernal sublimity taste a glass of wine? [Here we arose and brought a decanter and a couple of glasses, saying, aside, (not so loud as they do at the theatre though) "The old scoundrel! I wish it was melted lead for his sake!" but as we did not wish to make the old fellow tipsy, we slyly mixed a little water with the wine. For all which proceedings, we have the best civilized authority.]

Piomingo. (bowing) Your majesty's health (meaning, May you be roasted on the gridiron of damnation !)

Devil. (boring) Your health! I wish you everlasting prosperity! [Non ego credulus illi]

[Could there be any thing wrong in our showing this attention to the devil? It was a lesson we learned from the men of the world. We have often seen them adulating and caressing men whom they hated much more than we do the devil. If we were wrong, they are doubly so.] Piomingo. Men, now, as well as formerly, speak evil of dignities.

Devil. Yes, men are very wrong in attributing to me the evils which they, themselves, commit. I declare, upon the honor of a devil, that I do not concern myself with the affairs of the world.

Piomingo. How then did it happen that you seduced our great grandmother Eve, from the paths of rectitude, by your subtle devices?

Devil. O, that was a very different case. Eve was vir tuous: she was correct in her conduct, and it required all the ingenuity of the devil to set her wrong. Your poet Milton gives a very true account of the trouble I had in that affair. Milton, indeed, is the only writer that gives any thing like a correct idea of diabolical man

ners.

Piomingo. But, may it please your tartarean highness, have we not accounts of your interfering in the concerns of the world long since the fall of man: as in the case of Job?

Devil. O yes, when any thing occurs worthy of my attention, I am not backward, on my part, in furthering the interests of my kingdom. When, once in a thousand