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Dead man Quote by Hain Friswell

“Now,' cried the fiend, 'follow me! You must understand that I cannot get out by the great gate - the porter will not suffer that. Once here, there is no retreat. Follow me, therefore: we will just go to your house, where you shall dress yourself; for you can hardly go to a ball in your present…” quote by Hain Friswell
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““Now,' cried the fiend, 'follow me! You must understand that I cannot get out by the great gate - the porter will not suffer that. Once here, there is no retreat. Follow me, therefore: we will just go to your house, where you shall dress yourself; for you can hardly go to a ball in your present costume - especially as it is not a bal masque. Mind and wrap yourself well up in your winding-sheet, for the nights are cold, and you may feel unpleasantly touched by it.' As he said this, Satan laughed malignantly; and I continued silently to walk after him. 'I am sure,' continued he, 'that, in spite of the service I am doing you, you do not yet like me. You are always thus, you men - ungrateful to your friends. Not that I blame ingratitude; it is a vice upon which I pride myself, since I invented it myself; and I must say, that it is one most in vogue. But I do wish to see you a little more merry - it is the only thing I ask of you.' I answered not, but still followed my guide, white as a statue, and as cold. I was silent; but, at the pauses in the fiend's voice, I could hear my teeth chatter against each other, and my bones rattle in my body. ("The Dead Man's Story")””

Hain Friswell

About This Quote

Source Literature: The Dead Man's Story (short story) by Hain Friswell

A demonic guide tempts the narrator, offering false comfort while revealing his own ingratitude and cruelty.

In simple terms: A sinister figure offers hollow help.

Key Takeaway

Beware of guidance that comes with hidden malice.

Themes

temptation deception power dynamics

Mood

fearful uneasy

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • dark encounters
  • spiritual crises
  • moral dilemmas

Key Concepts

evil psychology control

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you recognize when help is a trap?
  • What inner strengths can resist such influence?
A Different Perspective

The guide’s promises are manipulative, not genuine.

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