It is really astonishing, continued the Apparition, how little you people
have learned about electricity It is an Earth element that has existed since
the Earth itself was formed, and if you but understood its proper use
humanity would be marvelously benefited in many ways.
We are, already, protested Rob; our discoveries in electricity have enabled
us to live much more conveniently.
Then imagine your condition were you able fully to control this great
element, replied the other, gravely The weaknesses and privations of mankind
would be converted into power and luxury, That's true, Mr.
--Mr.
--Demon, said the boy.
Excuse me if I don't get your name right, but I understood you to say you
are a demon, Certainly.
The Demon of Electricity.
But electricity is a good thing, you know, and--and-- Well? I've always
understood that demons were bad things, added Rob, boldly Not necessarily,
returned his visitor.
If you will take the trouble to consult your dictionary, you will find that
demons may be either good or bad, like any other class of beings, Originally
all demons were good, yet of late years people have come to consider all
demons evil.
I do not know why.
Should you read Hesiod you will find he says: 'Soon was a world of holy
demons made, Aerial spirits, by great Jove designed To be on earth the
guardians of mankind.
' But Jove was himself a myth, objected Rob, who had been studying
mythology, The Demon shrugged his shoulders Then take the words of Mr.
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