Lines from the Italian

"Repent, O repent!" said a Friar one day To a reprobate wretch, as expiring he lay;

"As I came up the stairs, I was frightened to see The devil who's waiting to seize upon thee."

"You saw him then truly?" "Too truly, alas!" "And under what shape?" "Under that of an ass."

"Well, well!" cried the sinner, "I am not afraid, You've only been terrified by your own shade."