Mexborough & Swinton Times — February 10, 1882
The Recent Visit of His Satanic Majesty to Manvers Main
A Denaby miner writes as follows:—
Come, all good people of high and low station,
I pray you give ear unto my declaration;
Concerning the devil, who lately was seen,
By a young man at Mexbro’, aged sixteen.
Of this horrid monster we all should complain,
But why should he visit the Manvers Main?
The question is answered, if rumour be true,
And this is the statement made by Cordeaux:
While driving tubs a long road, my pony went slow,
I cursed and swore, and thrashed him, that faster he might go!
And I wished the devil would fetch him, but judge of my surprise
To see a great horned monster appear before my eyes:
I could not speak or scarcely stand, I knew not what to do,
When in sepulchral tones it said, “Now I have come for you.”
They brought me out and took me home, and put me straight to bed,
And never since that day have I lifted up my head;
Now all you pony drivers, that ponies do abuse,
I hope you will take warning, and bad language never use.
Let this be a warning to you all,
For the devil’s occupation is tempting all;
Put your trust in God above, and not like young Cordeaux,
Forget the Great Redeemer, who died for all of you.