"The Devil and His Wife"

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 119, 28 March 1893, Page 3

"The Devil and His Wife"

In the works of Soame Jenyns, published in 1795, appears another version of this interesting alliance. The devil once, 6O the story runs, reviewed his subjects from all parts of hell. Surprised ftt the vast numbers passing before him, of each one he asked, " What crime had caused the fall ? "— '• Scarce one he questioned but replied the same, . And on the marriage noose laid all the blame." Then the devil spoke of the vast advantage it would be to his realms, " Could they fully know the form and nature of the marriage claims." The monarch then suggested that some bold patriot, for his country's sake, should animate awhile some human clay, — " Ten years in marriage bonds he shall remain ; Enjoy its pleasures and endure its pain." Then to his friends return, and, with truth, relate his experience of the matrimonial bonds. Lois were cast, and the dreaded chance on bold Belphegor fell. Sighing, he obeyed ; and proceeded to Florence, where he appeared in the form of one Roderigo, young, rich, and fair. All the pleasures that wealth can command were his at last. " One nymph, at length, superior to the rest ; . . . ' Gay, beautiful, and young, inspired his breast. Soft looks and sighs his passion soon betrayed : Awhile he woos, then weds the JoveJy maid." Belphegor, so far, had experienced nothing but pleasure, and he was enraptured with the marriage state, — " Are these the marriage chains, are these my fears '? Oh ! had my ten been but ten thousand year 9." But these happy days did not last long ; for in one month his wife had found her tongue, and Belphegor began to experience some of the discomforts of wedded life. From bad to worse they went ; living fast, drinking hard, and quarrelling made up their existence. His money too wt»s spent, the sum, which was designed to last ten years, was all gone before the first is passed. 41 Where shall he hide, whither shall he tiy ? Legions of duns abroad in ambush lie ; For fear of them, no more he dares to roam ; And the worst dun of all — his wife at home." Qnile tired, at last, one night he flies from wife and debts and takes refuge with a farmer called Mathew. But before long, alas ! Mat too becomes a dun, and presses his claim. Belphegor assuaged his wrath as follows : — " I three mortal bosoms will infest, And force them to apply to you for rest : Vast sums for cure they willingly shall pay. Thrice, and thrice only, your power will I obey." Having spoken Belphegor fled, unseen, with a noise like rushing wind. In due time the three cases, as promised, came to Mathew ; and his wondrous power as a healer was noised throughout the land. Belphegor then turns his attention to Gallias' King, who is immediately afflicted with a grievous disorder. The king is in dire extremity, — 41 And, instructed by the voice of fame, To Mathew sends ; poor Mat reluctant came ; He knew his power expired, refused to try ; But all excuses failed, he must or die." Poor Mathew begged of Belphegor to extend his power ouce more, but no, his entreaties were all in vain. Mathew then told the attendants that the devil the king was possessed of was one of a most malignant kind : he would make one try and, if that failed, he would give the patient o'er. Mathew stations a number of servants near with pots, kettles, and drums, and at a given signal they make a noise,— " The outrageous din Startles the king, and frights the devil within, He asks what 'fci« ? aud vows that in his life He ne'er heard the like, except his wife : By Heavens I 'tis she, Mat cries, you'd best be goue. She comes once moro to seize you for her own, Belphegor, frighted, not one word replies But to the infernal regions for refuge fles. There paints a dreadful sketch of married lives, And feelingly confirms the charge on wives."