Adam [aside]. I have a policy to shift him, for I know he comes out of a hot place, and I know myself, the smith and the devil hath a dry tooth in his head: therefore will I leave him asleep and run my way.
Devil. Come, art thou ready?
Adam. Faith, sir, my old friend, and now goodman devil, you know you and I have been tossing many a good cup of ale: your nose is grown very rich: what say you, will you take a pot of ale now at my hands? Hell is like a smith's forge, full of water, and yet ever athirst.
Devil. No ale, villain; spirits cannot drink; come, get upon my back, that I may carry thee.[114]
Adam. You know I am a smith, sir: let me look whether you be well shod or no; for if you want a shoe, a remove, or the clinching of a nail, I am at your command.
Devil. Thou hast never a shoe fit for me.
Adam, Why, sir, we shoe horned beasts, as well as you,—[Aside.] O good Lord! let me sit down and laugh; hath never a cloven foot; a devil, quoth he! I'll use Spritus santus nor Nominus patrus no more to him, I warrant you; I'll do more good upon him with my cudgel: now will I sit me down, and become justice of peace to the devil.
Devil. Come, art thou ready?
Adam. I am ready, and with this cudgel I will conjure thee. [Beats him.
Devil. O, hold thy hand! thou killest me, thou killest me! [Exit.