2, 999, and assumed the appellation of Silvester the Second. It was
then a general belief that the world would come to an end in the following
year, a catastrophe which to many seemed the more imminent from the
election of a chief pastor whose celebrity as a theologian, though not
inconsiderable, by no means equalled his reputation as a necromancer.

The world, notwithstanding, revolved scatheless through the dreaded
twelvemonth, and early in the first year of the eleventh century Gerbert
was sitting peacefully in his study, perusing a book of magic. Volumes of
algebra, astrology, alchemy, Aristotelian philosophy, and other such light
reading filled his bookcase; and on a table stood an improved clock of his
invention, next to his introduction of the Arabic numerals his chief legacy
to posterity. Suddenly a sound of wings was heard, and Lucifer stood by his
side.

"It is a long time," said the fiend, "since I have had the pleasure of
seeing you. I have now called to remind you of our little contract,
concluded this day forty years."

"You remember," said Silvester, "that you are not to ask anything exceeding
my power to perform."

"I have no such intention," said Lucifer. "On the contrary, I am about to
solicit a favour which can be bestowed by you alone. You are Pope, I desire
that you would make me a Cardinal.

"In the expectation, I presume," returned Gerbert, "of becoming Pope on the
next vacancy."

"An expectation," replied Lucifer, "which I may most reasonably entertain,
considering my enormous wealth, my proficiency in intrigue, and the present
condition of the Sacred College."

"You would doubtless," said Gerbert, "endeavour to subvert the foundations
of the Faith, and, by a course of profligacy and licentiousness, render the
Holy See odious and contemptible."

"On the contrary," said the fiend, "I would extirpate heresy, and all
learning and knowledge as inevitably tending thereunto. I would suffer no
man to read but the priest, and confine his reading to his breviary. I
would burn your books together with your bones on the first convenient
opportunity. I would observe an austere propriety of conduct, and be
especially careful not to loosen one rivet in the tremendous yoke I was
forging for the minds and consciences of mankind."

"If it be so," said Gerbert, "let's be off!"

"What!" exclaimed Lucifer, "you are willing to accompany me to the infernal
regions!"

"Assuredly, rather than be accessory t