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?