Of resemblance of specific details not much can be made. The two stories have in common the feature of demoniacal possession, but this, as we have seen, occurs also in the Rush legend. The fact that the princess speaks Latin, while Fitzdottrel surprises his auditors by his ‘several languages’, is of no more significance. This is one of the stock indications of witchcraft. It is mentioned by Darrel, and Jonson could not have overlooked a device so obvious. Certain other resemblances pointed out by Dr. Hollstein are of only the most superficial nature. On the whole we are not warranted in concluding with any certainty that Jonson knew the novella at all. On the other hand, he must have been acquainted with the comedy of _Grim, the Collier of Croydon_ (c 1600). Herford makes no allusion to this play, and, though it was mentioned as a possible source by A. W. Ward,[38] the subject has never been investigated. The author of _Grim_ uses the Belfagor legend for the groundwork of his plot, but handles his material freely. In many respects the play is a close parallel to _The Devil is an Ass_. The same respect for the vices of earth is felt as in Dekker’s and Jonson’s plays. Belphegor sets out to ... make experiment If hell be not on earth as well as here. The circumstances of the sending bear a strong resemblance to the instructions given to Pug: Thou shalt be subject unto human chance, So far as common wit cannot relieve thee. But whatsover happens in that time, Look not from us for succour or relief. This shalt thou do, and when the time’s expired, Bring word to us what thou hast seen and done. So in Jonson: ... but become subject To all impression of the flesh, you take, So farre as humane frailty: ... But as you make your soone at nights relation, And we shall find, it merits from the State, You shall haue both trust from vs, and imployment. Belphegor is described as ‘patient, mild, and pitiful’; and during his sojourn on earth he shows little aptitude for mischief, but becomes merely a butt and object of abuse. Belphegor’s request for a companion, unlike that of Pug, is granted. He chooses his servant Akercock, who takes the form of Robin Goodfellow. Robin expresses many of the sentiments to be found in the mouth of Pug. With the latter’s monologue (Text, 5. 2) compare Robin’s exclamation: Zounds, I had rather be in hell than here. Neither Pug (Text, 2. 5. 3-4) nor Robin dares to return without authority: What shall I do? to hell I dare not go, Until my master’s twelve months be expir’d. Like Pug (Text, 5. 6. 3-10) Belphegor worries over his reception in hell: How shall I give my verdict up to Pluto Of all these accidents?