“Ha! your words shall be tried,” quick the demon replied, “For, lo! _I am Satan_, here, close by your side. Men should never defy such a being as I, For when they least think it, behold I am nigh.” Said Jonathan Myer, as he stirred up the fire, “Your face nor your figure I do not admire; But if that is your style, why, it isn’t worth while For me to find fault or your Maker revile. “Now don’t have a fear, lest it should appear That you’re an intruder--I welcome you here! So pray take a seat, and warm up your feet, For I think I have heard that you’re partial to heat.” “Well, you are either a fool or remarkably cool,” Said Satan--accepting the low wooden stool-- “But before I depart, I will give you a start Which will send back the blood with a rush to your heart.” “Well, and what if you should? It might do me good, For a shock sometimes helps one--so I’ve understood. But just here let me say, that for _many_ a day I’ve been hoping and wishing you’d happen this way. “So give us your hand, and you’ll soon understand, What a work in the future for you I have planned.” Satan’s hand he then seized, which he forcibly squeezed, At which the arch fiend looked more angry than pleased. A puzzled surprise looked out of his eyes, Which was really quite strange for the “Father of Lies.” “Come,” said he, “this won’t do--_I_ am Satan, not _you_.” Said Jonathan Myer, “Very true, very true. “Now don’t get perplexed, excited or vexed, At what I’m about to present to you next. Your attention please lend, and you’ll see in the end, That Jonathan Myer, at least, is your friend. “I’ve been led to suppose, in spite of your foes, That you are far better than any one knows. Now, if there is good, in stock, stone, or wood, I’m bound to get at it, as every one should. “So I’ll not have a fear--though you seem sort o’ queer-- But what all your goodness will shortly appear. Fact--I know that it will, though ’tis mingled with ill. So--so--don’t get restless--be patient--sit still. “Now I long since agreed, that there was great need Of a Devil and Hell in the Orthodox creed. All things are for use, and none for abuse, (And the same law applies to a man or a goose.) “So they’ll keep you in play till the Great Judgment Day, When the Saviour of sinners will thrust you away. But then, don’t you see, they and I don’t agree; So you’ll not be obliged to play Satan to me. “Even now, in your eyes, does there slowly arise A look, which no lover of good can despise. So open your heart and its goodness impart, For now there’s no need you should practice your art.”