The Story of the Devil, Noah and the Ark.
There is another version of this tale which transfers the origin of the mouse to the ark of Noah. Noah would not allow the devil to get into the ark which he had built. In order, therefore, to get in, the devil transformed himself into a mouse, which, being surprised at the same work of gnawing away the boards of the ark, was eaten up by the cat—the fur glove which Noah threw at her.
A legend concerning the cat and mouse is found in the so-called “Alphabet of Pseudo Sirach,” here in the Appendix, No. III. According to a Bohemian legend, the devil created the mouse that it might destroy “God’s corn,” whereupon the Lord created the cat. (Ralston, p. 330 note.)
The apocryphal interpretation of the temptation of Eve by the serpent which has been identified with Satan is found in many ancient biblical legends. This story of the temptation has been transformed into a somewhat primitive love story between Eve and the devil—her paramour—who assumes the form of the house-snake and then wishes to drown poor unsophisticated Adam.
LXVIII.
WHY DOES A CAT SIT ON THE DOORSTEP IN THE SUN?
The Story of the Cat, the Mouse and Noah.
When Noah had built the ark, he kept the door wide open for the animals to enter. After they had all gone in, his own family came, and last of all his wife.
Noah said to her “Come in.” She obstinately said “No.” Noah again said “Come in.” She again said “No.” Noah, getting angry, said “Oh, you devil, come in.” That was just what the devil was waiting for. He knew that Noah would not allow him to come in otherwise, and so he waited for an invitation, of which he promptly availed himself. Getting into the ark the devil changed himself into a mouse.