How, then, was the Devil dressed? Oh! he was in his Sunday's best; His coat was red, and his breeches were blue, And there was a hole where his tail came through.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A humorous and simplistic description of the Devil's appearance, likely from a children's poem or story.
- In plain terms
- The Devil is dressed nicely but looks a bit ridiculous.
- What can you take from it?
- Folklore often humanizes or mocks supernatural figures.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is the Devil dressed like a person?
Another view
It simplifies complex theological ideas into a cartoon.
More from Robert Southey
From his brimstone bed, at break of day, A-walking the Devil is gone, To look at his little, snug farm of the World, And see how his stock went on.
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Permalink to quote #26 'And everybody praised the Duke Who this great fight did win.' 'But what good came of it at last?' Quoth little Peterkin. 'Why, that I cannot tell,' said he, '…
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