the god of riches, according to some authors; though others deny that the word stands for such a deity, and understand by it only riches themselves. Our Saviour says, We cannot serve God and Mammon; that is, be religious and worldly-minded at the same time. Our poet Milton, by poetic license, makes Mammon to be one of the fallen angels, and gives us his character in the following lines:

least erected spirit that fell From heav'n; for ev'n in heav'n his looks and thoughts Were always downward bent; admiring more The riches of heav'n's pavement, trodden gold, Than ought divine or holy else enjoy'd In beatific vision: by him first Man also, and by his suggestion taught, Ran back'd the centre, and with impious hands Rifled the bowels of their mother earth, For treasures better hid. Soon had his crew Open'd into the hill a spacious wound, And digg'd out ribs of gold. Let none admire That riches grow in hell; that foil may best Deserve the precious bane.