is called the old dragon. In
Raffael's famous painting of the archangel Michael binding Satan, the
dignity, power, and angelic character expressed by the seraph form an
extraordinary contrast to the poor conception of a being who ought not,
even in that lowest degradation, to have seemed so unworthy an
antagonist. Neither has Tasso been more happy, where he represents the
divan of darkness in the enchanted forest as presided over by a monarch
having a huge tail, hoofs, and all the usual accompaniments of popular
diablerie. The genius of Milton alone could discard all these vulgar
puerilities, and assign to the author of evil the terrible dignity of
one who should seem not "less than archangel ruined." This species of
degradation is yet grosser when we take into consideration the changes
which popular opinions have wrought respecting the taste, habits,
powers, modes of tempting, and habits of tormenting, which are such as
might rather be ascribed to some stupid superannuated and doting ogre of
a fairy tale, than to the powerful-minded demon who fell through pride
and rebellion, not through folly or incapacity.

Having, however, adopted our present ideas of the devil as they are
expressed by his nearest acquaintances, the witches, from the accounts
of satyrs, which seem to have been articles of faith both among the
Celtic and Gothic tribes, we must next notice another fruitful fountain
of demonological fancies. But as this source of the mythology of the
Middle Ages must necessarily comprehend some account of the fairy folk,
to whom much of it must be referred, it is necessary to make a pause
before we enter upon the mystic and marvellous connexion supposed to
exist between the impenitent kingdom of Satan and those merry dancers by
moonlight.

LETTER IV.

The Fairy Superstition is derived from different sources--The
Classical Worship of the Silvans, or Rural Deities, proved by Roman
Altars discovered--The Gothic Duergar, or Dwarfs--Supposed to be
derived from the Northern Laps, or Fins--"The
Niebelungen-Lied"--King Laurin's Adventure--Celtic Fairies of a
gayer character, yet their pleasures empty and illusory--Addicted to
carry off Human Beings, both Infants and Adults--Adventures of a
Butler in Ireland--The Elves supposed to pay a Tax to Hell--The
Irish, Welsh, Highlanders, and Manxmen held the same belief--It was
rather rendered more gloomy by the Northern Traditions--Mer