At least a quarter it can hardly be:
I dare say that his wife is still at tea."

Here Satan said, "I know this man of old,

And have expected him for some time here;

A sillier fellow you will scarce behold, Or more conceited in his petty sphere: But surely it was not worth while to fold Such trash below your wing, Asmodeus dear:

We had the poor wretch safe (without being bored

With carriage) coming of his own accord. "But since he's here, let's see what he has done."

"Done!" cried Asmodeus, "he anticipates

The very business you are now upon,
And scribbles as if head clerk to the
Fates.
Who knows to what his ribaldry may

run,

When such an ass as this, like Balaam's, prates?"

"Let's hear," quoth Michael, "what he has to say: You know we're bound to that in every way."