The Devil's Crayons

A story from the Gardens of Purgatory

The young lady of refined sensibilities was strolling through one of the most attractive areas of the Gardens of Purgatory one morning when she came across the devil at an easel. He was set up in the manner of the impressionist painters, wearing a cocky hat to emphasize the effect. On the easel was not, however, the standard stretched canvas, but a large pad of paper.

The devil wagged a pencil playfully at the young lady. “Would you like to have your portrait done?" he asked.

“I didn't know you were an artist," said the young lady, looking with some curiosity at his equipment.

“There’s much you don't know about me, "said the devil with a beguiling smile. “I am, in fact, the artist’s artist. Everything I do is artful."

“Now that you mention it, I had heard something to that effect, "admitted the young lady. "But a portraitist? Surely landscapes are more your type of thing, aren't they?”

“My skills encompass the entire range," replied the devil with assurance. “Here, sit down. I shall draw your portrait.”

And he did.