Reading the story An Egyptian Hornet by A.Blackwood, I am not sure what to make of the following sentence: (for the context, a reverend hopes for a hornet to sting his enemy):
“May God forgive me!” ran subconsciously through his mind. And side by side with the repentant prayer ran also a recognition of the tempter’s eternal skill: “I hope the devil it will sting him!”
While I understand the words, it does not make much sense to me and would appreciate some help with understanding its true meaning. Thanks a lot