The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A LADY WENT TO A PRIEST TO COMPLAIN ABOUT HER
HUSBAND'S TERRIBLE DRINKING. SHE PLEADED WITH THE
FATHER TO TALK TO HER HUSBAND TO END HIS "EVIL WAYS."
SO THE FATHER REQUESTED THAT THE HUSBAND COME IN TO
TALK. THE HUSBAND RELUCTANTLY AGREED TO GO.
"SON, I HAVE HEARD THAT YOU ARE PLAYING WITH THE
'DEVIL'S BREW.' BUT I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU TO
STOP SIPPING THE 'DEVIL'S NECTAR.' INSTEAD, I AM
GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT A MAN WHO DRANK SO MUCH THAT
WHEN HE WENT TO BLOW OUT A CANDLE HIS BREATH MADE IT
IGNITE MORE AND HE CAUGHT ON FIRE. NOW SON, I
WANT YOU TO GO HOME AND THINK ABOUT THAT."
THE MAN WENT HOME AND THOUGHT ABOUT IT. HE RETURNED
TO THE PRIEST TWO WEEKS LATER. "WELL, SON, HAVE YOU
THOUGHT ABOUT IT?" "INDEED, I HAVE FATHER! I WON'T
GIVE UP DRINKING BUT I PROMISE YOU I WILL NEVER BLOW OUT
A CANDLE."

Submitter comment: INFORMANT REMEMBERED THIS STORY BEING TOLD AT A WAKE
IN THE EARLY 1920S. INFORMANT ADDED THAT THIS STORY
HAS BECOME A CLASSIC AMONG HIS CIRCLE OF FRIENDS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON

Date learned: 11-15-1971