“Well, and what if you should? It might do me good,
For a shock sometimes helps one—so I’ve understood.
But just here let me say, that for many a day
I’ve been hoping and wishing you’d happen this way.
“So give us your hand, and you’ll soon understand,
What a work in the future for you I have planned.”
Satan’s hand he then seized, which he forcibly squeezed,
At which the arch fiend looked more angry than pleased.
A puzzled surprise looked out of his eyes,
Which was really quite strange for the “Father of Lies.”
“Come,” said he, “this won’t do—I am Satan, not you.”
Said Jonathan Myer, “Very true, very true.
“Now don’t get perplexed, excited or vexed,
At what I’m about to present to you next.
Your attention please lend, and you’ll see in the end,
That Jonathan Myer, at least, is your friend.
“I’ve been led to suppose, in spite of your foes,
That you are far better than any one knows.
Now, if there is good, in stock, stone, or wood,
I’m bound to get at it, as every one should.
“So I’ll not have a fear—though you seem sort o’ queer—
But what all your goodness will shortly appear.
Fact—I know that it will, though ’tis mingled with ill.
So—so—don’t get restless—be patient—sit still.
“Now I long since agreed, that there was great need
Of a Devil and Hell in the Orthodox creed.
All things are for use, and none for abuse,
(And the same law applies to a man or a goose.)
“So they’ll keep you in play till the Great Judgment Day,
When the Saviour of sinners will thrust you away.
But then, don’t you see, they and I don’t agree;
So you’ll not be obliged to play Satan to me.
“Even now, in your eyes, does there slowly arise
A look, which no lover of good can despise.
So open your heart and its goodness impart,
For now there’s no need you should practice your art.”
O, strange to relate! all that visage of hate,
Which wore such a fearful expression of late,
Grew gentle and mild as the face of a child,
Ere the springs of its life have with doubt been defiled.