Note 23 — The Second Book.
Reading edition
The Devil, whom Mohammed names Eblis, from his dispair, was once one of those Angels who are nearest to God’s presence, called Azazil; and fell (according to the doctrine of the Koran) for refusing to pay homage to Adam at the command of God.
Koran. Chap. 2. 7. 15.
God created the body of Adam of Salsal, that is of dry but unbaked clay; and left it forty nights, or according to others, forty years, lying without a soul; and the Devil came to it, and kicked it, and it sounded. And God breathed into it a soul with his breath, sending it in at his eyes, and he himself saw his nose still dead clay, and the soul running thro him, till it reached his feet, when he stood upright.
Maracci.
In the Nuremberg Chronicle is a print of the creation of Adam, the body is half made, growing out of a heap of clay under the Creator’s hands. A still more absurd print represents Eve half way out of his side.