Sometimes he appeared under the form of a gigantic black figure, sometimes under those of a tiger, a fox, a wolf, a dragon, or a serpent.

Not, however, that he really took any of these shapes, but merely some one of their characteristics, joined with other hideous forms.

None of these frightful apparitions entirely resembled any creature, but were symbols of abomination, discord, contradiction, and sin--in one word, were demoniacal to the fullest extent.

These diabolical figures urged on, dragged, and tore to pieces, before the very eyes of Jesus, countless numbers of those men for whose redemption he was entering upon the painful way of the Cross.

At first I but seldom saw the serpent: soon, however, it made its appearance, with a crown upon its head.