The whole organism of Blackana quivered with reluctance as if he would
not answer. "Refuse me not," I continued, "you well know that I have
underneath me the everlasting arms."
He was restless for a moment, angrily rolling his awful eyes. Suddenly
his attitude changed and he thus calmly answered my question: "The
purpose of all these schools is to counteract and, if possible, to
destroy the influence of the teachings of Him who is called Jesus
Christ. He was once visible in the flesh and declared that his kingdom
was everlasting. Of him it was said that he would reign till he put
all things under his feet."
Then did Blackana add with fiery emphasis: "_Neither my master nor any
of his allies will ever be put under his feet._ Satan's words ran wild
as he addressed the insulted hosts of Hell on this issue." Knowing
that Blackana had a perfect memory, I commanded that he should reproduce
Satan's address in my own dialect.
Like a flash of lightning he flung himself to the winds around me,
thereby transforming himself into the image of Satan. It appeared as
if a thousand spirits in fitful rage were dancing in mid-air.
Then his voice pealed forth the logic of Hell as Satan had spoken it
centuries before: "Have ye heard, my noble comrades, how that Heaven
flings insults into our teeth? Not satisfied that we grovel on these
remains of empire, we are further threatened with being cast miserably
under his feet.
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