s not of the devil himself, but of other people, which the Count
de Luizzi, the human partner to the diabolical pact, is very anxious
to know. Hauff's book consists of a series of papers, which are but
loosely connected. In certain passages we hear nothing of the
autobiographer. The Suavian writer apparently could digest the
Diabolical only in homeopathic doses. His Satan, moreover, is a very
youthful and quite harmless devil. He is nothing but a personified
echo of the author's student-days. The book by Hauff is perhaps the
most popular personification of the devil in German literature.

The passage presented here shows the phantastic element of the book at
its best. The short introductory synopsis will give an idea of its
satirical aspect. The humorous aspect has pretty nearly been lost in
translation. Professor Brander Matthews has aptly said: "The German
humour is like the simple Italian wines--it will not stand export."

Of all the peoples, the Germans seem to have had the most kindly
feelings towards the devil. This is because they knew him better. To
judge from the many bridges and cathedrals, which the demon, according
to legends, has built in Germany, he must have been a frequent visitor
to that country. In Frankfort, where with his own hands our author
received the memoirs from the autobiographer, there is a gilded cock
above the bridge in memory of the bargain the bridge-builder once made
with Satan to give him the first living thing that should cross the
river. The day the bridge was finished, a cock fluttered from a
woman's market-basket and ran over the bridge. A claw-like hand
reached down and claimed the prize.

The distinguished personage, whose adventures form the subject of this
book, does not figure in it under his own name, nor does he appear
here in the gala attire of tail, horns and cloven foot with which he
graces the revels on the Blocksberg. He borrows for the nonce a tall,
gentlemanly figure, surmounted by delicate features, dresses well, is
fastidious about his ring and linen, travels post and stops at the
best hotels. He begins his earthly career by studying at the renowned
university of ----. As he can boast of abundant means, a handsome
wardrobe and the name of Herr von Barbe, it is no wonder that on the
first evening he should be politely received, the next morning have a
confidential friend, and the second evening embrace "brothers till
death." He becomes much puzzled at the extraordin