“I wish to tell the world what is theirs for the asking.
To try and give them a new viewpoint — in place of their erroneous ideas.
Before, I wrote what the Self saw only — now it is what I know”
My Tussle With The Devil
It was the hour when souls simply cling to their bodies by the merest thread — when I met His Satanic Majesty.
He is well named, for he is majestic in every sense of the word — majestic of mien — majestic of gesture, of expression, and a god to look upon.
He is a deceptive person, for one meeting him casually would think he was one of the great and good men of the day — abroad on errands of mercy and with kindness in his heart for all humanity. So carefully does he conceal his identity that he resembles most of mankind — who are one person to themselves and quite another to the world of men.
We met. He knew me, but I had not yet had the pleasure of knowing this majestic lord — or thought I had not — and so was flattered when he accosted me and made me welcome.
“I was told you were coming, and so came to meet you,” he said, with a smile of geniality. “We hoped to have greeted you earlier.”
“Just a minute,” I said. “Who are you? Who told you I was coming?”
Making a sweeping gesture, and ignoring my questions, he continued:
“Our land is fair — as you see — but there are many wonders which I desire to show you. Wonders which are unheard of — not even dreamt of — and which will make you desire to remain among us, I feel confident.”
With this, my arm was taken in friendly fashion, and we proceeded up an avenue lined with trees perfect in form and foliage — passed handsome houses, with playing fountains, flowers, and birds in abundance.
With a magnificent gesture he swept all this out of the way. “The homes of our servants. We enter now the domains of those who rule and where we hope you will abide.”
The turn of the street brought us to an estate situated on the crest of a magnificent mountain. Winding roads of dazzling whiteness and smoothness led through a garden of flowers and wonderful trees. Running streams made music, and the song of birds — with brilliant plumage.
With no word spoken — but many implied by gesture and nod — we reached at last the mansion. Transparent — the walls seemed — heavy the air, with perfume. It was a palace of dreams — resting in the hollow of my hand.
With a smile of winning sweetness he said:
“This is yours. Will you rest?”
“Mine! For what?” I exclaimed.
“Do you give palaces like this to all your visitors?”
“Not to all,” he answered; “only to our favored ones.”
“Why am I so favored, then? What have I done to bring me this?”
“Nothing,” he answered, “as yet, but we have hopes of great things from you. We expect you will be of great benefit to us; will aid us in promoting our cause.”
“And how?” I queried.
“Come, let us sit and sup and we will talk it over,”
Leading me gently forward, we entered a banqueting hall, where costly viands and sparkling wines reposed among flowers: and gold and silver, and ruby and diamond, sapphire and emerald decked each goblet — while behind our places were fair women, who smiled and breathed perfume upon the air.
Too Hazed to remonstrate, I took my place, and, unconscious of what I did, sipped my wine from its jeweled goblet.
Lifting his wine, he said: “To our better acquaintance — our Brotherhood, I hope.”
“To our better acquaintance, certainly — but what do you mean by Brotherhood?”
“That I will explain. In this mountain fastness there is a secret abode, which only the elect can enter, and where the members set in motion great events and accomplish great deeds. We have need of one like you to assist us.”
“What do you feel I can do?” I asked. “My talents are slight. I do not comprehend my selection.”
“Ah! That is not to be wondered at — for you have not correctly gauged your talents and ability.
“Do you realize that you have the greatest talent ever known — in one direction?”
“What!” I gasped.
“Quite true! I will tell you.
“In the beginning you were presented, by lesser gods, with a talent for love of everything, with love for the pure, for the true, for the beautiful. You aspired to be one of the unknown workers for humanity — to create beauty, in poem and song; to weave for them music which would make life an ecstacy.
To scatter happiness was your ambition. Jealousy was unknown to you, and envy a word you never even thought of.
Kindness was your password in the realm from which you came — but we, who were observing you, recognized a power much greater than you knew — a power to work results magical in their effect — and so we came near you and sought to make your better acquaintance.
You were a shy bird, difficult to catch, however, and it took us many eons of time before we finally won your confidence.”
“What was this great ability?” I interrupted.
“You wish to know? That is well, for I see we shall be able to work more harmoniously if your interest is aroused,” he replied. “I will tell you. It was — but why should I say ‘it was/ rather, it is still, the great gift you possess, and which we desire to have you give to us in all its fullness. Let us review a bit what use you made of it.
First, you were disappointed in the love of the woman whom you desired, and so began its development — until love for man or woman had no place in your heart.
Then commenced your clear vision, which showed you the evil which was in all minds and hearts, and you recognized no one could be trusted. Ultimately, you nearly perfected that branch of your gift, and so had an honored seat at our council table — and we desire you again to take your place at its head.”
“But why?” I interrupted, “did I lose that exalted seat?”
“Alas!” he answered, “you went back to your old habits. An animal was the cause of your downfall — a mongrel cur!”
“You
