“First, that our demons be always present at the tribunals of the world, whether secular or canonical; that they take care of the account books of merchants; prevent soldiers from thinking of death; trouble the imagination of fanatics; inspire mundane sentiments in those who wish to enter holy orders, benefices, and monasteries; that they be the confidants of intrigues; that they repeat every day, to wives and daughters, what a lovely young man has said to them once only: in fine, let nothing be done in the world; let nothing be transacted in the shops, bureaus, academies, places of commerce, etc. at which they shall not be present; and we charge them to render an account to ourselves once a year. “Secondly, we ordain them reporters, flatterers, go-betweens, authors of discord, divisions and lawsuits, under pain of disobedience. “Thirdly, we order, also, in the matter which concerns those condemned to hell, that the judgments we have pronounced against them in their causes be put into immediate execution; that all those who have been condemned, whether individually or collectively, return to their cells, resume their irons, and there remain to all eternity, without hope of solace, or change in their sufferings. Such is our will, and we make no distinction in favour of pagan gods and goddesses, whom we regard in the same light as other subjects of our empire.” * * * * * When Lucifer had spoken, his visage entirely changed; his eyes became sparkling like two flambeaus; his nostrils cast out smoke mixed with fire; his mouth exhaled an infectious odour; his hands and feet changed to claws; from behind him issued a long tail, upon the end of which was a great button of iron; his ears were horns like those of the rhinoceros: he spoke again, and his voice sounded like the crash of thunder. This is the substance of what he uttered: “Let these places return to their former state; let darkness pervade the whole region; let the prisons shut with horrid sound upon all this infernal race; let rage and despair seize upon the damned; let a violent fire devour them; let the worm of remorse knaw without consuming, and let the habitude of torment afford no solace. Go, miserable wretches! obey! precipitate yourselves into these black retreats! suffer without expiation! and let my ears be sweetly flattered by the sound of your cries and chains!”