summaryrefslogtreecommitdiff
path: root/old/44412.txt
diff options
context:
space:
mode:
Diffstat (limited to 'old/44412.txt')
-rw-r--r--old/44412.txt10568
1 files changed, 10568 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/old/44412.txt b/old/44412.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0dff7d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/44412.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,10568 @@
+Project Gutenberg's The Devil in Britain and America, by John Ashton
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Devil in Britain and America
+
+Author: John Ashton
+
+Release Date: December 12, 2013 [EBook #44412]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEVIL IN BRITAIN AND AMERICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE DEVIL IN BRITAIN AND AMERICA
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: FACSIMILE OF THE ONLY KNOWN SPECIMEN OF THE DEVIL'S
+WRITING.]
+
+
+
+
+ THE DEVIL IN BRITAIN AND AMERICA
+
+ BY JOHN ASHTON
+
+ AUTHOR OF 'SOCIAL ENGLAND UNDER THE REGENCY,'
+ 'SOCIAL LIFE IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE,'
+ 'VARIA,' ETC.
+
+ 'Nam ut vere loquamur, superstitio fusa per
+ gentes oppressit omnium fere animos, atque
+ hominum imbecillitatem occupavit.'
+ CICERO--_De Divin._, Lib. ii. 72.
+
+ _WITH FORTY-SEVEN ILLUSTRATIONS_
+
+ WARD AND DOWNEY
+ _Limited_
+ 12 YORK BUILDINGS, ADELPHI W.C.
+ 1896.
+ [_All rights reserved._]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+To my thinking, all modern English books on the Devil and his works are
+unsatisfactory. They all run in the same groove, give the same cases of
+witchcraft, and, moreover, not one of them is illustrated. I have
+endeavoured to remedy this by localizing my facts, and by reproducing all
+the engravings I could find suitable to my purpose.
+
+I have also tried to give a succinct account of demonology and witchcraft
+in England and America, by adducing authorities not usually given, and by
+a painstaking research into old cases, carefully taking everything from
+original sources, and bringing to light very many cases never before
+republished.
+
+For the benefit of students, I have given--as an Appendix--a list of the
+books consulted in the preparation of this work, which, however, the
+student must remember is not an exhaustive bibliography on the subject,
+but only applies to this book, whose _raison d'etre_ is its localization.
+
+The frontispiece is supposed to be the only specimen of Satanic caligraphy
+in existence, and is taken from the 'Introductio in Chaldaicam Linguam,'
+etc., by Albonesi (Pavia, 1532). The author says that by the conjuration
+of Ludovico Spoletano the Devil was called up, and adjured to write a
+legible and clear answer to a question asked him. Some invisible power
+took the pen, which seemed suspended in the air, and rapidly wrote what is
+facsimiled. The writing was given to Albonesi (who, however, confesses
+that no one can decipher it), and his chief printer reproduced it very
+accurately. I am told by experts that in some of the characters may be
+found a trace of Amharic, a language spoken in its purity in the province
+of Amhara (Ethiopia), and which, according to a legend, was the primeval
+language spoken in Eden.
+
+JOHN ASHTON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ PAGE
+
+ CHAPTER I.
+
+ Universal Belief in the Personality of the Devil, as
+ portrayed by the British Artist--Arguments in Favour of his
+ Personality--Ballad--'Terrible and Seasonable Warning to
+ Young Men' 1
+
+ CHAPTER II.
+
+ 'Strange and True News from Westmoreland'--'The Politic
+ Wife'--'How the Devill, though subtle, was guld by a
+ Scold'--'The Devil's Oak'--Raising the Devil--Arguments in
+ Favour of Devils--The Number of Devils 13
+
+ CHAPTER III.
+
+ 'The Just Devil of Woodstock'--Metrical Version--Presumed
+ Genuine History of 'The Just Devil of Woodstock' 28
+
+ CHAPTER IV.
+
+ 'The Daemon of Tedworth' 47
+
+ CHAPTER V.
+
+ 'The Daemon of Burton'--'Strange and Wonderful News from
+ Yowel, in Surrey'--The Story of Mrs. Jermin--A Case at
+ Welton--'The Relation of James Sherring' 60
+
+ CHAPTER VI.
+
+ A Demon in Gilbert Campbell's Family--Case of Sir William
+ York--Case of Ian Smagge--Disturbances at Stockwell 72
+
+ CHAPTER VII.
+
+ Possession by, and casting out, Devils--The Church and
+ Exorcisms--Earlier Exorcists--'The Strange and Grievous
+ Vexation by the Devil of 7 Persons in Lancashire' 85
+
+ CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ James I. on Possession--The Vexation of Alexander Nyndge--
+ 'Wonderful News from Buckinghamshire'--Sale of a Devil 113
+
+ CHAPTER IX.
+
+ The Witch of Endor--The 'Mulier Malefica' of Berkeley--
+ Northern Witches 129
+
+ CHAPTER X.
+
+ The Legal Witch--James I. on Witches--Reginald Scot on
+ Witches--Addison on Witches 139
+
+ CHAPTER XI.
+
+ How a Witch was made--Her Compact with the Devil--Hell
+ Broth--Homage and Feasting--The Witches' Sabbat 148
+
+ CHAPTER XII.
+
+ Familiar Spirits--Matthew Hopkins, the 'Witch-finder'--
+ Prince Rupert's dog Boy--Unguents used for transporting
+ Witches from Place to Place--Their Festivities at the
+ Sabbat 157
+
+ CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ Waxen Figures--Witches change into Animals--Witch
+ Marks--Testimony against Witches--Tests for, and
+ Examination of, Witches 175
+
+ CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ Legislation against Witches--Punishment--Last Executions
+ for Witchcraft--Inability to weep and sink--Modern Cases
+ of Witchcraft 191
+
+ CHAPTER XV.
+
+ Commencement of Witchcraft in England--Dame Eleanor
+ Cobham--Jane Shore--Lord Huntingford--Cases from the
+ Calendars of State Papers--Earliest Printed Case, that of
+ John Walsh--Elizabeth Stile--Three Witches tried at
+ Chelmsford--Witches of St. Osyth--Witches of
+ Warboys--Witches of Northamptonshire 199
+
+ CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ The Lancashire Witches--Janet Preston--Margaret and Philip
+ Flower--Anne Baker, Joane Willimot, and Ellen Greene--
+ Elizabeth Sawyer--Mary Smith--Joan Williford, Joan Cariden,
+ and Jane Hott 220
+
+ CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ Confessions of Witches executed in Essex--The Witches of
+ Huntingdon--'Wonderful News from the North'--Trial of Six
+ Witches at Maidstone--Trial of Four Witches at Worcester--A
+ Lancashire Witch tried at Worcester--A Tewkesbury Witch 234
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ A Case of Vomiting Stones, etc., at Evesham--Anne
+ Bodenham--Julian Cox--Elizabeth Styles--Rose Cullender and
+ Amy Duny 246
+
+ CHAPTER XIX.
+
+ The Case of Mary Hill of Beckington--The Confession of
+ Alice Huson--Florence Newton of Youghal--Temperance Lloyd
+ (or Floyd), Mary Trembles, and Susannah Edwards 260
+
+ CHAPTER XX.
+
+ Elizabeth Horner--Pardons for Witchcraft--A Witch taken in
+ London--Sarah Mordike--An Impostor convicted--Case of Jane
+ Wenham--The Last Witch hanged in England 273
+
+ CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ Scotch Witches--Bessie Dunlop--Alesoun Peirson--Dr. John
+ Fian--The Devil a Preacher--Examination of Agnes
+ Sampson--Confession of Issobel Gowdie 287
+
+ CHAPTER XXII.
+
+ Early Witchcraft in Scotland--Lady Glamys--Bessie
+ Dunlop--Lady Foulis--Numerous Cases 301
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+ Witchcraft in America--In Illinois: Moreau and Emmanuel--In
+ Virginia: Case of Grace Sherwood--In Pennsylvania: Two
+ Swedish Women--In South Carolina--In Connecticut: Many
+ Cases--In Massachusetts: Margaret Jones; Mary Parsons; Ann
+ Hibbins; Other Cases 311
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+ Cotton and Increase Mather--The Case of Goodwin's
+ Daughter--That of Mr. Philip Smith--The Story of the Salem
+ Witchcrafts--List of Victims--Release of Suspects--Reversal
+ of Attainder, and Compensation 326
+
+ APPENDIX 340
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE DEVIL IN BRITAIN AND AMERICA
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ Universal Belief in the Personality of the Devil, as portrayed by the
+ British Artist--Arguments in Favour of his
+ Personality--Ballad--'Terrible and Seasonable Warning to Young Men.'
+
+
+The belief in a good and evil influence has existed from the earliest
+ages, in every nation having a religion. The Egyptians had their _Typho_,
+the Assyrians their _Ti-a-mat_ (the Serpent), the Hebrews their
+_Beelzebub_, or _Prince of Flies_,[1] and the Scandinavians their _Loki_.
+And many religions teach that the evil influence has a stronger hold upon
+mankind than the good influence--so great, indeed, as to nullify it in a
+large degree. Christianity especially teaches this: 'Enter ye by the
+narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to
+destruction, and many be they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the
+gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that
+find it.' This doctrine of the great power of the Devil, or evil
+influence over man, is preached from every pulpit, under every form of
+Christianity, throughout the world; and although at the present time it is
+only confined to the greater _moral_ power of the Devil over man, at an
+earlier period it was an article of belief that he was able to exercise a
+greater _physical_ power.
+
+This was coincident with a belief in his personality; and it is only in
+modern times that that personality takes an alluring form. In the olden
+days the Devil was always depicted as ugly and repulsive as the artist
+could represent him, and yet he could have learned a great deal from the
+modern Chinese and Japanese. The 'great God Pan,' although he was dead,
+was resuscitated in order to furnish a type for 'the Prince of Darkness';
+and, accordingly, he was portrayed with horns, tail and cloven feet,
+making him an animal, according to a _mot_ attributed to Cuvier,
+'graminivorous, and decidedly ruminant'; while, to complete his classical
+_ensemble_, he was invested with the forked sceptre of Pluto, only
+supplemented with another tine.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The British artist thus depicted him, but occasionally he drew him as a
+'fearful wild fowl' of a totally different type--yet always as hideous as
+his imagination could conceive, or his pencil execute.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+That the Devil could show himself to man, in a tangible form, was, for
+many centuries, an article of firm belief, but, when it came to be argued
+out logically, it was difficult of proof. The only evidence that could be
+adduced which could carry conviction was from the Bible, which, of course,
+was taken as the _ipsissima verba_ of God, and, on that, the old writers
+based all their proof. One of the most lucid of them, Gyfford or Gifford,
+writing in the sixteenth century, evidently feels this difficulty. Trying
+to prove that 'Diuels can appeare in a bodily shape, and use speeche and
+conference with men,' he says:[2]
+
+'Our Saviour Christ saith that a spirite hath neither flesh nor bones. A
+spirite hath a substance, but yet such as is invisible, whereupon it must
+needes be graunted, that Diuels in their owne nature have no bodilye
+shape, nor visible forme; moreover, it is against the truth, and against
+pietie to believe that Diuels can create, or make bodies, or change one
+body into another, for those things are proper to God. It followeth,
+therefore, that whensoever they appeare in a visible forme, it is no more
+but an apparition and counterfeit shewe of a bodie, unless a body be at
+any time lent them.'
+
+And further on he thus speaks of the incarnation of Satan, as recorded in
+the Bible.
+
+'The Deuill did speake unto _Eua_ out of the Serpent. A thing manifest to
+proue that Deuils can speake, unlesse we imagine that age hath made him
+forgetfull and tongue tyde. Some holde that there was no visible Serpent
+before _Eua_, but an invisible thing described after that manner, that we
+might be capable thereof.... But to let those goe, this is the chiefe and
+principall, for the matter which I have undertaken, to shewe euen by the
+very storye that there was not onely the Deuill, but, also, a very
+corporall beaste. If this question bee demaunded did _Eua_ knowe there was
+anye Deuill, or any wicked reprobate Angels. What man of knowledge will
+say that she did? She did not as yet knowe good and euill. She knewe not
+the authour of euill. When the Lorde sayde unto hir, What is this which
+thou hast done? she answereth by and by, The serpent deceiued me. Shee saw
+there was one which had deceiued hir, shee nameth him a serpent; whence
+had she that name for the deuill whome shee had not imagined to bee? It is
+plaine that she speaketh of a thing which had, before this, receiued his
+name.
+
+'It is yet more euident by that she sayth, yonder serpent, or that
+serpent, for she noteth him out as pointing to a thing visible: for she
+useth the demonstratiue particle _He_ in the Hebrew language, which
+seuereth him from other. Anie man of a sound mind may easilie see that
+_Eua_ nameth and pointeth at a visible beast, which was nombred among the
+beastes of the fielde.'
+
+The Devil seems, with the exception of his entering into persons, not to
+have used his power of appearing corporeally until people became too holy
+for him to put up with, and many are the records in the Lives of the
+Saints of his appearance to these detestably good people--St. Anthony, to
+wit. Of course he always came off baffled and beaten, and, in the case of
+St. Dunstan, suffered acute bodily pain, his nose being pinched by the
+goldsmith-saint's red-hot tongs. Yet even that did not deter him from
+again becoming visible, until, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
+of our era, he became absolutely familiar on this earth.
+
+But, according to all the records that we possess, his mission no longer
+was to seduce the saints from their allegiance, and, having become more
+democratic, he mixed familiarly with the people, under different guises.
+Of course, his object was to secure the reversion of their souls at their
+decease, his bait usually being the promise of wealth in this life, or the
+gratification of some passion.
+
+He found many victims, but yet he met with failures--two of which are
+recorded here.
+
+
+A NEW BALLAD.
+
+SHEWING THE GREAT MISERY SUSTAINED BY A POORE MAN IN ESSEX, HIS WIFE AND
+CHILDREN, WITH OTHER STRANGE THINGS DONE BY THE DEVILL.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ A poore Essex man
+ that was in great distresse,
+ Most bitterly made his complaint,
+ in griefe and heavinesse:
+ Through scarcity and want,
+ he was oppressed sore,
+ He could not find his children bread,
+ he was so extreme poore.
+
+ His silly Wife, God wot,
+ being lately brought to bed,
+ With her poore Infants at her brest
+ had neither drinke nor bread.
+ A wofull lying in
+ was this, the Lord doth know,
+ God keep all honest vertuous wives
+ from feeling of such woe.
+
+ My Husband deare, she said,
+ for want of food I die,
+ Some succour doe for me provide,
+ to ease my misery.
+ The man with many a teare,
+ most pittiously replyde,
+ We have no means to buy us bread;
+ with that, the Children cry'd.
+
+ They came about him round,
+ upon his coat they hung:
+ And pittiously they made their mone,
+ their little hands they wrung.
+ Be still, my boyes, said he,
+ And I'le goe to the Wood,
+ And bring some Acornes for to rost,
+ and you shall have some food.
+
+ Forth went the Wofull Man,
+ a Cord he tooke with him,
+ Wherewith to bind the broken wood,
+ that he should homewards bring:
+ And by the way as he went,
+ met Farmers two or three,
+ Desiring them for Christ his sake,
+ to helpe his misery.
+
+ Oh lend to me (he said)
+ one loafe of Barley-bread,
+ One pint of milke for my poore wife,
+ in Child-bed almost dead:
+ Thinke on my extreme need,
+ to lend me have no doubt,
+ I have no money for to pay,
+ but I will worke it out.
+
+ But they in churlish sort,
+ did one by one reply,
+ We have already lent you more
+ than we can well come by.
+ This answere strooke his heart
+ as cold as any stone;
+ Unto the Wood from thence he went,
+ with many a grievous groane.
+
+ Where at the length (behold)
+ a tall man did him meet
+ And cole-black were his garments all
+ from head unto his feet.
+ Thou wretched man, said he,
+ why dost thou weep so sore?
+ What is the cause thou mak'st this mone,
+ tell me, and sigh no more.
+
+ Alas, good Sir (he said)
+ the lacke of some reliefe,
+ For my poore wife and children small,
+ 'tis cause of all my griefe.
+ They lie all like to starve,
+ for want of bread (saith he);
+ Good Sir, vouchsafe therefore to give
+ one peny unto me.
+
+ Hereby this wretched man
+ committed wondrous evill,
+ He beg'd an almes, and did not know
+ he ask't it of the Devill.
+ But straight the hellish Fiend,
+ to him reply'd againe,
+ An odious sinner art thou then
+ that dost such want sustaine.
+
+ Alack (the poore man said)
+ this thing for truth I know,
+ That _Job_ was just, yet never Man
+ endured greater woe.
+ The godly oft doe want,
+ and need doth pinch them sore,
+ Yet God will not forsake them quite,
+ but doth their states restore.
+
+ If thou so faithfull bee,
+ why goest thou begging then?
+ Thou shalt be fed as _Daniel_ was
+ within the Lyon's den.
+ If thus thou doe abide,
+ the Ravens shall bring thee food,
+ As they unto _Elias_ did
+ that wandred in the Wood.
+
+ Mocke not a wofull man,
+ good Sir, the poore man said,
+ Redouble not my sorrows so,
+ that are upon me laid.
+ But, rather, doe extend
+ unto my need, and give
+ One peny for to buy some bread,
+ my Children poore may live.
+
+ With that he opened straight
+ the fairest purse in sight
+ That ever mortal eye beheld,
+ fild up with crownes full bright.
+ Unto the wofull man
+ the same he wholly gave,
+ Who very earnestly did pray
+ that Christ his life might save.
+
+ Well, (quoth the damn'd Spirit)
+ goe, ease thy Children's sorrow,
+ And, if thou wantest anything,
+ come, meet me here to-morrow.
+ Then home the poore man went,
+ with cheerfull heart and mind,
+ And comforted his woful wife
+ with words that were most kind.
+
+ Take Comfort, Wife, he said,
+ I have a purse of Gold,
+ Now given by a Gentleman,
+ most faire for to behold.
+ And thinking for to pull
+ his purse from bosome out,
+ He found nothing but Oken leaves,
+ bound in a filthy Clout.
+
+ Which, when he did behold,
+ with sorrowe pale and wan,
+ In desperate sort to seeke the purse,
+ unto the Wood he ran,
+ Supposing in his mind,
+ that he had lost it there;
+ He could not tell then what to think,
+ he was 'twixt hope and feare.
+
+ He had no sooner come
+ into the shady Grove,
+ The Devil met with him againe,
+ as he in fancy strove.
+ What seek'st thou here? he said,
+ the purse (quoth he) you gave,
+ Thus Fortune she hath crossed me,
+ and then the Devill said
+
+ Where didst thou put the Purse?
+ tell me, and do not lye,
+ Within my bosome, said the man,
+ where no man did come nigh.
+ Looke there againe, (quoth he)
+ then said the Man, I shall,
+ And found his bosome full of Toads,
+ as thicke as they could crawle.
+
+ The poore man at this sight,
+ to speak had not the power,
+ See (q'd the Devill) vengeance doth
+ pursue thee every hour.
+ Goe, cursed wretch, (quoth he)
+ and rid away thy life,
+ But murther first thy children young,
+ and miserable Wife.
+
+ The poore man, raging mad,
+ ran home incontinent,
+ Intending for to kill them all,
+ but God did him prevent.
+ For why, the chiefest man
+ that in the Parish dwelt,
+ With meat and money thither came,
+ which liberally he dealt.
+
+ Who, seeing the poore man
+ come home in such a rage,
+ Was faine to bind him in his bed,
+ his fury to asswage.
+ Where long he lay full sicke,
+ still crying for his Gold,
+ But, being well, this whole discourse
+ he to his neighbours told.
+
+ From all temptations,
+ Lord, keep both Great and Small,
+ And let no man, O heavenly God,
+ for want of succour fall.
+ But put their speciall trust
+ in God for evermore,
+ Who will, no doubt, from misery
+ each faithfull man restore.
+
+
+'A TERRIBLE AND SEASONABLE WARNING TO YOUNG MEN.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'Being a very particular and True Relation of one _Abraham Joiner_, a
+young man about 17 or 18 Years of Age, living in _Shakesby's_ Walks in
+_Shadwell_, being a Ballast Man by Profession, who, on _Saturday_ Night
+last, pick'd up a leud Woman, and spent what money he had about him in
+Treating her, saying afterwards, if she wou'd have any more he must go to
+the Devil for it, and, slipping out of her Company, he went to the _Cock_
+and _Lyon_ in _King Street_, the Devil appear'd to him, and gave him a
+Pistole, telling him _he shou'd never want for Money_, appointing to meet
+him the next Night, at the _World's End_ at _Stepney_; Also how his
+Brother persuaded him to throw the Money away, which he did; but was
+suddenly taken in a very strange manner, so that they were fain to send
+for the Reverend Mr. Constable and other Ministers to pray with him; he
+appearing now to be very Penitent; with an Account of the Prayers and
+Expressions he makes use of under his Affliction, and the Prayers that
+were made for him, to free him from this violent Temptation.
+
+'The Truth of which is sufficiently attested in the Neighbourhood, he
+lying now at his Mother's house,' etc.
+
+Stepney seems to have been a favourite haunt of the Devil, for there is a
+tract published at Edinburgh, 1721, entitled 'A timely Warning to Rash and
+Disobedient Children. Being a strange and wonderful Relation of a young
+Gentleman in the Parish of _Stepheny_, in the Suburbs of _London_, that
+sold himself to the Devil for 12 Years, to have the Power of being
+revenged on his Father and Mother, and how, his Time being expired, he lay
+in a sad and deplorable Condition, to the Amazement of all Spectators.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ 'Strange and True News from Westmoreland'--'The Politic Wife'--'How
+ the Devill, though subtle, was guld by a Scold'--'The Devil's
+ Oak'--Raising the Devil--Arguments in Favour of Devils--The Numbers of
+ Devils.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the foregoing examples we have seen the Devil in human form, and
+properly apparelled, but occasionally he showed himself in his supposed
+proper shape--when, of course, his intentions were at once perceived; and
+on one occasion we find him called upon by an Angel, to execute justice on
+a bad man. It is in
+
+
+STRANGE AND TRUE NEWS FROM WESTMORELAND.
+
+ Attend good Christian people all,
+ Mark what I say, both old and young,
+ Unto the general Judgment day,
+ I think it is not very long.
+
+ A Wonder strange I shall relate,
+ I think the like was never shown,
+ In _Westmoreland_ at _Tredenton_,
+ Of such a thing was never known.
+
+ One _Gabriel Harding_ liv'd of late,
+ As may to all men just appear,
+ Whose yearly Rent, by just account,
+ Came to five hundred pound a year.
+
+ This man he had a Virtuous Wife,
+ In Godly ways her mind did give:
+ Yet he, as rude a wicked wretch,
+ As in this sinful Land did live.
+
+ Much news of him I will relate,
+ The like no Mortal man did hear;
+ 'Tis very new, and also true,
+ Therefore, good Christians, all give ear.
+
+ One time this man he came home drunk,
+ As he us'd, which made his wife to weep,
+ Who straightway took him by the hand,
+ Saying, Dear Husband, lye down and sleepe.
+
+ She lovingly took him by the arms,
+ Thinking in safety him to guide,
+ A blow he struck her on the breast,
+ The woman straight sank down and dy'd.
+
+ The Children with Mournful Cries
+ They ran into the open Street,
+ They wept, they wail'd, they wrung their hands,
+ To all good Christians they did meet.
+
+ The people then, they all ran forth,
+ Saying, Children, why make you such moan?
+ O, make you haste unto our house,
+ Our dear mother is dead and gone.
+
+ Our Father hath our Mother kill'd,
+ The Children they cryed then.
+ The people then they all made haste
+ And laid their hands upon the man.
+
+ He presently denied the same,
+ Said from Guilty Murder I am free,
+ If I did that wicked deed, he said,
+ Some example I wish to be seen by me.
+
+ Thus he forswore the wicked deed,
+ Of his dear Wife's untimely end.
+ Quoth the people, Let's conclude with speed,
+ That for the Coroner we may send.
+
+ Mark what I say, the door's fast shut,
+ The People the Children did deplore,
+ But straight they heard a Man to speak,
+ And one stood knocking at the door.
+
+ One in the house to the door made haste,
+ Hearing a Man to Knock and Call,
+ The door was opened presently,
+ And in he came amongst them all.
+
+ By your leave, good people, then he said,
+ May a stranger with you have some talk?
+ A dead woman I am come to see;
+ Into the room, I pray, Sir, walk.
+
+ His eyes like to the Stars did shine,
+ He was clothed in a bright grass green,
+ His cheeks were of a crimson red,
+ For such a man was seldome seen.
+
+ Unto the people then he spoke,
+ Mark well these words which I shall say,
+ For no Coroner shall you send,
+ I'm Judge and Jury here this day.
+
+ Bring hither the Man that did the deed,
+ And firmly hath denied the same.
+ They brought him into the room with speed,
+ To answer to this deed with shame.
+
+ Now come, O wretched Man, quoth he,
+ With shame before thy neighbours all,
+ Thy body thou hast brought to Misery,
+ Thy soul into a deeper thrall.
+
+ Thy Chiefest delight was drunkeness,
+ And lewd women, O, cursed sin,
+ Blasphemous Oaths and Curses Vile
+ A long time thou hast wallowed in.
+
+ The Neighbours thou wouldst set at strife,
+ And alwaies griping of the poor,
+ Besides, thou hast murdered thy wife,
+ A fearful death thou dy'st therefore.
+
+ Fear nothing, good people, then he said,
+ A sight will presently appear,
+ Let all your trust be in the Lord,
+ No harm shall be while I am here.
+
+ Then in the Room the Devil appear'd,
+ Like a brave Gentleman did stand,
+ Satan (quoth he that was the Judge)
+ Do no more than thou hast command.
+
+ The Devil then he straight laid hold
+ On him that had murdered his wife,
+ His neck in Sunder then he broke,
+ And thus did end his wretched life.
+
+ The Devil then he vanished
+ Quite from the People in the Hall,
+ Which made the people much afraid,
+ Yet no one had no hurt at all.
+
+ Then straight a pleasant Melody
+ Of Musick straight was heard to sound,
+ It ravisht the hearts of those stood by,
+ So sweet the Musick did abound.
+
+ Now, (quoth this gallant Man in green)
+ With you I can no longer stay,
+ My love I leave, my leave I take,
+ The time is come, I must away.
+
+ Be sure to love each other well,
+ Keep in your breast what I do say.
+ It is the way to go to Heaven,
+ When you shall rise at Judgment day.
+
+ The people to their homes did go,
+ Which had this mighty wonder seen,
+ And said, it was an Angel sure
+ That thus was clothed all in green.
+
+ And thus the News from _Westmoreland_
+ I have related to you o'er,
+ I think it is as strange a thing,
+ As ever man did hear before.
+
+In the old days the Devil was used as a butt at which people shot their
+little arrows of wit. In the miracle plays, when introduced, he filled the
+part of the pantaloon in our pantomimes, and was accompanied by a 'Vice,'
+who played practical jokes with him, slapping him with his wooden sword,
+jumping on his back, etc.; and in the carvings of our abbeys and
+cathedrals, especially in the Miserere seats in the choir, he was
+frequently depicted in comic situations, as also in the illuminations of
+manuscripts. He was often written about as being sadly deficient in
+brains, and many are the instances recorded of him being outwitted by a
+shrewd human being, as we may see by the following ballad.
+
+
+THE POLITIC WIFE;
+
+OR, THE DEVIL OUTWITTED BY A WOMAN.
+
+ Of all the plagues upon the earth,
+ That e'er poor man befal,
+ It's hunger and a scolding wife,
+ These are the worst of all:
+ There was a poor man in our country
+ Of a poor and low degree,
+ And with both these plagues he was troubled,
+ And the worst of luck had he.
+
+ He had seven children by one wife,
+ And the times were poor and hard,
+ And his poor toil was grown so bad,
+ He scarce could get him bread:
+ Being discontented in his mind,
+ One day his house he left,
+ And wandered down by a forest side,
+ Of his senses quite bereft.
+
+ As he was wandering up and down,
+ Betwixt hope and despair,
+ The Devil started out of a bush,
+ And appeared unto him there:
+ O what is the matter, the Devil he said,
+ You look so discontent?
+ Sure you want some money to buy some bread,
+ Or to pay your landlord's rent.
+
+ Indeed, kind sir, you read me right,
+ And the grounds of my disease,
+ Then what is your name, said the poor man,
+ Pray, tell me, if you please?
+ My name is Dumkin the Devil, quoth he,
+ And the truth to you I do tell,
+ Altho' you see me wandering here,
+ Yet my dwelling it is in hell.
+
+ Then what will you give me, said the Devil,
+ To ease you of your want,
+ And you shall have corn and cattle enough,
+ And never partake of scant?
+ I have nothing to give you, said the poor man,
+ Nor nothing here in hand,
+ But all the service that I can do,
+ Shall be at your command.
+
+ Then, upon the condition of seven long years,
+ A bargain with you I will frame,
+ You shall bring me a beast unto this place,
+ That I cannot tell his name:
+ But, if I tell its name full right,
+ Then mark what to you I tell,
+ Then you must go along with me
+ Directly unto Hell.
+
+ This poor man went home joyfully,
+ And thrifty he grew therefore,
+ For he had corn and cattle enough,
+ And every thing good store.
+ His neighbours who did live around,
+ Did wonder at him much,
+ And thought he had robb'd or stole,
+ He was grown so wondrous rich.
+
+ Then for the space of seven long years
+ He lived in good cheer,
+ But when the time of his indenture grew near,
+ He began to fear:
+ O what is the matter, said his wife,
+ You look so discontent?
+ Sure you have got some maid with child,
+ And now you begin to repent.
+
+ Indeed, kind wife, you judge me wrong,
+ To censure so hard of me,
+ Was it for getting a maid with child,
+ That would be no felony:
+ But I have made a league with the Devil,
+ For seven long years, no more,
+ That I should have corn and cattle enough,
+ And everything good store.
+
+ Then for the space of seven long years
+ A bargain I did frame,
+ I should bring him a beast unto that place,
+ He could not tell its name:
+ But if he tell his name full right,
+ Then mark what to you I tell,
+ Then I must go along with him,
+ Directly unto Hell.
+
+ Go, get you gone, you silly old man,
+ Your cattle go tend and feed,
+ For a woman's wit is far better than a man's,
+ If us'd in time of need:
+ Go fetch me down all the birdlime you have,
+ And set it down on the floor,
+ And when I have pulled my cloathes all off,
+ You shall anoint me all o'er.
+
+ Now when he had anointed her
+ From the head unto the heel,
+ Zounds! said the man, methinks you look
+ Just like the very De'el.
+ Go, fetch me down all the feathers thou hast,
+ And lay them down by me,
+ And I will roll myself therein,
+ 'Till never a place go free.
+
+ Come, tie a string about my neck,
+ And lead me to this place,
+ And I will save you from the Devil,
+ If I have but so much grace.
+ The Devil, he stood roaring out,
+ And looked both fierce and bold;
+ Thou hast brought me a beast unto this place,
+ And the bargain thou dost hold.
+
+ Come, shew me the face of this beast, said the Devil,
+ Come, shew it me in a short space;
+ Then he shewed him his wife's buttocks,
+ And swore it was her face:
+ She has monstrous cheeks, the Devil he said,
+ As she now stands at length,
+ You'd take her for some monstrous beast
+ Taken by Man's main strength.
+
+ How many more of these beasts, said the Devil,
+ How many more of this kind?
+ I have seven more such, said the poor man,
+ But have left them all behind.
+ If you have seven more such, said the Devil,
+ The truth unto you I tell,
+ You have beasts enough to cheat me
+ And all the Devils in Hell.
+
+ Here, take thy bond and indenture both,
+ I'll have nothing to do with thee:
+ So the man and his wife went joyfully home
+ And lived full merrily.
+ O, God send us good merry long lives,
+ Without any sorrow or woe,
+ Now here's a health to all such wives
+ Who can cheat the Devil so.
+
+There is
+
+ 'A Pleasant new Ballad you here may behold
+ How the Devill, though subtle, was guld by a Scold.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The story of this ballad is, that the Devil, being much amused with this
+scolding wife, went to fetch her. Taking the form of a horse, he called
+upon her husband, and told him to set her on his back. This was easily
+accomplished by telling her to _lead_ the horse to the stable, which she
+refused to do.
+
+ 'Goe leade, sir Knave, quoth she,
+ and wherefore not, Goe ride?
+ She took the Devill by the reines,
+ and up she goes astride.'
+
+And once on the Devil, she _rode_ him; she kicked him, beat him, slit his
+ears, and kept him galloping all through Hell, until he could go no
+longer, when he concluded to take her home again to her husband.
+
+ 'Here, take her (quoth the Devill)
+ to keep her here be bold,
+ For Hell would not be troubled
+ with such an earthly scold.
+ When I come home, I may
+ to all my fellowes tell,
+ I lost my labour and my bloud,
+ to bring a scold to Hell.'
+
+In another ballad, called 'The Devil's Oak,' he is made out to be a very
+poor thing; the last verse says:
+
+ 'That shall be try'd, the Devil then he cry'd,
+ then up the Devil he did start,
+ Then the Tinker threw his staff about,
+ and he made the Devil to smart:
+ There against a gate, he did break his pate,
+ and both his horns he broke;
+ And ever since that time, I will make up my rhime,
+ it was called "The Devil's Oak."'
+
+But popular belief credited to certain men the power of being able to
+produce the Devil in a visible form, and these were called necromancers,
+sorcerers, magicians, etc. Of them Roger Bacon was said to have been one,
+and Johann Faust, whom Goethe has immortalized, and whose idealism is such
+a favourite on the lyric stage. But Johann Faust was not at all the Faust
+of Goethe. He was the son of poor parents, and born at Knittlingen, in
+Wuertemberg, at the end of the fifteenth century. He was educated at the
+University of Cracow, thanks to a legacy left him by an uncle, and he
+seems to have been nothing better than a common cheat, called by
+Melancthon 'an abominable beast, a sewer of many devils,' and by Conrad
+Muth, who was a friend both of Melancthon and Luther, 'a braggart and a
+fool who affects magic.' However, he was very popular in England, and not
+only did Marlowe write a play about him, but there are many so-called
+lives of him in English, especially among the chap-books--in which he is
+fully credited with the power of producing the Devil in a tangible form by
+means of his magic art.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But the spirits supposed to be raised by these magicians were not always
+maleficent; they were more demons than devils. It will therefore be as
+well if we quote a competent and learned authority on the subject of
+devils.
+
+Says Gyfford: 'The Devils being the principall agents, and chiefe
+practisers in witchcrafts and sorceryes, it is much to the purpose to
+descrybe them and set them forth whereby wee shall bee the better
+instructed to see what he is able to do, in what maner, and to what ende
+and purpose. At the beginning (as God's word doth teach us) they were
+created holy Angels, full of power and glory. They sinned, they were cast
+down from heauen, they were utterly depriued of glory, and preserued for
+iudgement. This therefore, and this change of theirs, did not destroy nor
+take away their former faculties; but utterly corrupt, peruert, and
+depraue the same: the essence of spirits remayned, and not onely, but also
+power and understanding, such as is in the Angels: y{e} heavenly Angels
+are very mighty and strong, far above all earthly creatures in the whole
+world. The infernall Angels are, for their strength called principalityes
+and powers: those blessed ones applye all their might to set up and
+aduaunce the glory of God, to defend and succour his children: the deuils
+bend all their force against God, agaynst his glory, his truth and his
+people. And this is done with such fiercenes, rage and cruelty, that the
+holy ghost paynteth them out under the figure of a great red or fiery
+dragon, and roaring lyon, in very deed anything comparable to them. He
+hath such power and autority indeede, that hee is called the God of the
+world. His Kingdome is bound and inclosed within certayne limits, for he
+is y{e} prince but of darknes; but yet within his sayd dominion (which is
+in ignorance of God) he exerciseth a mighty tyranny, our Saviour
+compareth him to a strong man armed which kepeth his castle.
+
+'And what shall we saie for the wisedome and understanding of Angels,
+which was giuen them in their creation, was it not far aboue that which
+men can reach unto? When they became diuels (euen those reprobate angels)
+their understanding was not taken awaie, but turned into malicious craft
+and subtiltie. He neuer doth any thing but of an euill purpose, and yet he
+can set such a colour, that the Apostle saith he doth change himselfe into
+the likenesse of an angell of light. For the same cause he is called the
+old serpent, he was subtill at the beginning, but he is now growne much
+more subtill by long experience, and continuall practise, he hath searched
+out and knoweth all the waies that may be to deceiue. So that, if God
+should not chaine him up, as it is set forth, _Revel. 20_, his power and
+subtiltie ioined together would overcome and seduce the whole world.
+
+'There be great multitudes of infernall spirits, as the holy scriptures
+doe euerie where shew, but yet they doe so ioine together in one, that
+they be called the divell in the singular number. They doe all ioine
+together (as our Saviour teacheth) to uphold one kingdome. For though they
+cannot loue one another indeede, yet the hatred they beare against God, is
+as a band that doth tye them together. The holie angels are ministring
+spirits, sent foorth for their sakes which shall inherit the promise. They
+haue no bodilie shape of themselues, but to set foorth their speedinesse,
+the scripture applieth itselfe unto our rude capacitie, and painteth them
+out with wings.
+
+'When they are to rescue and succour the seruants of God, they can
+straight waie from the high heauens, which are thousands of thousands of
+miles distant from the earth, bee present with them. Such quicknesse is
+also in the diuels; for their nature being spirituall, and not loden with
+any heauie matter as our bodies are, doth afford unto them such a
+nimblenes as we cannot conceiue. By this, they flie through the world over
+sea and land, and espie out al aduantages and occasions to doe euill.'[3]
+
+Indeed, 'there be great multitudes of infernall spirits,' if we can
+believe so eminent an authority upon the subject as Reginald Scott, who
+gives 'An inuentarie of the names, shapes, powers, gouernement, and
+effects of diuels and spirits, of their seuerall segniories and degrees: a
+strange discourse woorth the reading.
+
+'Their first and principall King (which is of the power of the east) is
+called _Baell_; who, when he is conjured up, appeareth with three heads;
+the first, like a tode; the second, like a man; the third, like a cat. He
+speaketh with a hoarse voice, he maketh a man go invisible, he hath under
+his obedience and rule sixtie and six legions of divels.'[4]
+
+All the other diabolical chiefs are described at the same length, but I
+only give their names, and the number of legions they command.
+
+ Agares 31
+ Marbas or Barbas 36
+ Amon or Aamon 40
+ Barbatos 30
+ Buer 50
+ Gusoin 40
+ Botis or Otis 60
+ Bathin or Mathinn 30
+ Purson or Curson 22
+ Eligor or Abigor 60
+ Leraie or Oray 30
+ Valefar or Malefar 10
+ Morax or Foraij 36
+ Ipos or Ayporos 36
+ Naberius or Cerberus 19
+ Glasya Labolas or Caacrinolaas 36
+ Zepar 26
+ Bileth 85
+ Sitri or Bitru 60
+ Paimon 20
+ Belial none
+ Bune 30
+ Forneus 29
+ Ronoue 19
+ Berith 26
+ Astaroth 40
+ Foras or Forcas 29
+ Furfur 26
+ Marchosias 30
+ Malphas 40
+ Vepar or Separ 29
+ Sabnacke or Salmac 50
+ Sidonay or Asmoday 72
+ Gaap or Tap 36
+ Shax or Scox 30
+ Procell 48
+ Furcas 20
+ Murmur 30
+ Caim 30
+ Raum or Raim 30
+ Halphas 26
+ Focalor 3
+ Vine none
+ Bifrons 26
+ Gamigin 30
+ Zagan 33
+ Orias 30
+ Valac 30
+ Gomory 26
+ Decarabia or Carabia 30
+ Amduscias 29
+ Andras 30
+ Andrealphus 30
+ Ose none
+ Aym or Haborim 26
+ Orobas 20
+ Vapula 36
+ Cimeries 20
+ Amy 36
+ Flauros 20
+ Balam 40
+ Allocer 36
+ Vuall 37
+ Saleos none
+ Haagenti 33
+ Phoenix 20
+ Stolas 26
+
+'Note that a legion is 6666, and now by multiplication count how manie
+legions doo arise out of euerie particular,'
+
+Or a grand total of 14,198,580 devils, not including their commanders.
+
+How many of these fall to the share of England? I know not, but they were
+very active in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries,
+especially in the seventeenth. They seem to us, nowadays, to have
+frittered away their energies in attending on witches, in entering into
+divers persons and tormenting them, and in making senseless uproars and
+playing practical jokes. Let us take about half a dozen of these latter.
+Say, for argument sake, that they are not very abstruse or intellectual
+reading; at all events, they are as good as the modern stories of
+spiritual manifestations, and are as trustworthy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ 'The Just Devil of Woodstock'--Metrical Version--Presumed Genuine
+ History of 'The Just Devil of Woodstock.'
+
+
+THE JUST DEVIL OF WOODSTOCK.[5]
+
+'The 16 day of _October_ in the year of our Lord 1649, The Commissioners
+for surveying and valuing his Majesties Mannor House, Parks, Woods, Deer,
+Demesnes, and all things thereunto belonging, by Name Captain _Crook_,
+Capt. _Hart_, Capt. _Cockaine_, Capt. _Carelesse_, and Capt. _Roe_ their
+Messenger, with Mr. _Brown_ their Secretary, and two or three servants,
+went from _Woodstock_ town (where they had lain some nights before) and
+took up their lodgings in his Majesties House, after this manner: The
+Bedchamber and withdrawing room, they both lodged in, and made their
+Kitchin; the Presence Chamber their room for dispatch of business with all
+commers: of the Councel Hall, their Brewhouse, as of the Dining room,
+their Woodhouse, where they laid in the clefts, of that antient standard
+in the High-Park, for many ages beyond memory, known by the Name of the
+Kings Oak, which they had chosen out, and caused to be dug up by the
+Roots.
+
+'_Octob. 17._ About the middle of the night, these new guests were first
+awaked, by a knocking at the Presence Chamber door, which they also
+conceived did open, and something to enter, which came through the room,
+and also walkt through the withdrawing room into the Bed chamber, and
+there walkt about that room with a heavy step during half an hour; then
+crept under the bed where Captain _Hart_, and Capt. _Carelesse_ lay, where
+it did seeme (as it were) to bite and gnaw the Mat and Bed-coards, as if
+it would tear and rend the feather beds, which having done a while, then
+would they heave a while, and rest; then heave them up again in the bed
+more high than it did before, sometime on the one side, sometime on the
+other, as if it had tried which Captain was heaviest; thus having heaved
+for some half an hour, from thence it walkt out, and went under the
+servants' bed, and did the like to them; thence it walkt into a
+withdrawing room, and there did the same to all who lodged there: Thus
+having welcomed them for more than two hours space, it walked out as it
+came in, and shut the outer door again, but with a clap of some mightie
+force; these guests were in a sweat all this while, but out of it falling
+into a sleep again, it became morning first before they spoke their minds,
+then would they have it to be a Dog, yet they described it more to the
+likenesse of a great Bear, so fell to examining under the Beds, where
+finding only the Mats scratcht, but the Bed-coards whole, and the
+quarters of Beef which lay on the floor untoucht, they entertained other
+thoughts.
+
+'_Octob. 18._ They were all awaked, as the night before, and now conceived
+that they heard all the great clefts of the Kings Oak brought into the
+Presence Chamber, and there thumpt down, and, after, roul about the room;
+they could hear their chairs and stools tost from one side of the room
+unto the other; and then (as it were) altogether jostled; thus having done
+an hour together, it walkt into the withdrawing room, where lodged the two
+Captains, the Secretary, and two servants; here stopt the thing a while,
+as if it did take breath, but raised a hideous tone, then walkt into the
+Bed-chamber, where lay those as before, and under the Bed it went, where
+it did heave, and heave again, that now they in bed were put to catch hold
+upon Bed-posts, and sometimes one of the other, to prevent their being
+tumbled out upon the ground; then coming out as from under the bed, and
+taking hold upon the bed-posts, it would shake the whole bed, almost as if
+a cradle rocked; Thus, having done here for half an hour, it went into the
+withdrawing room, where first it came and stood at the bed's feet, and
+heaving up the bed's feet, flopt down again a while, until at last it
+heaved the feet so high, that those in bed thought to have been set upon
+their heads, and having thus for two hours entertained them, went out as
+in the night before, but with a great noise.
+
+'_Octob. 19._ This night they awaked, not until the midst of the night,
+they perceived the room to shake, with something that walkt about the
+bed-chamber, which, having done so for a while, it walkt into a
+withdrawing room, where it took up a Brasse warming-pan, and returning
+with it into the bed-chamber, therein made so loud a noise, in these
+Captains' own words, it was as loud and scurvie as a ring of five untuned
+Bells rang backward, but the Captains, not to seem afraid, next day made
+mirth of what had past, and jested at the Devil in the pan.
+
+'_Octob. 20._ These Captains and their Company, still lodging as before,
+were wakened in this night with some things flying about the rooms, and
+out of one room into the other, as thrown with some great force: Captain
+_Hart_ being in a slumber, was taken by the shoulder and shaked until he
+did sit up in his bed, thinking that it had been by one of his fellows,
+when suddenly he was taken on the Pate with a Trencher, that it made him
+shrink down into the bed-clothes, and all of them, in both rooms, kept
+their heads, at least, within their sheets, so fiercely did three dozen of
+Trenchers, fly about the rooms; yet Captain _Hart_ ventured again to peep
+out to see what was the matter, and what it was that threw, but then the
+Trenchers came so fast and neer about his ears, that he was fain to couch
+again: In the morning they found all their Trenchers, Pots and Spits, upon
+and about the rooms; this night there was also in several parts of the
+room, and outer rooms, such noises of beating at doors, and on the Walls,
+as if that several Smiths had been at work; and yet our Captains shrunk
+not from their work, but went on in that, and lodged as they had done
+before.
+
+'_Octob. 21._ About midnight, they heard great knocking at every door,
+after a while, the doors flew open, and into the withdrawing room entred
+something, as of a very mighty proportion, the figure of it they knew not
+how to describe; this walkt a while about the room, shaking the floor at
+every step, then came it close to the bed side, where lay Captains _Crook_
+and _Carelesse_; and, after a little pause, as it were, The bed-curtains,
+both at sides and feet, were drawn up and down, slowly, then faster again
+for a quarter of an hour, then from end to end as fast as imagination
+could fancie the running of the rings, then shaked it the beds, as if the
+joints thereof had crackt; then walkt the thing into the bed-chamber, and
+so plaied with those beds there: Then took up eight Pewter-dishes, and
+bouled them about the room, and over the servants in the truckle beds;
+then sometimes were the dishes taken up, and throwne crosse the high beds,
+and against the walls, and so much battered; but there were more dishes
+wherein was meat in the same room, that were not at all removed: During
+this, in the Presence Chamber there was stranger noise of weightie things
+thrown down, and as they supposed, the clefts of the King's Oak did roul
+about the room, yet at the wonted hour went away, and left them to take
+rest, such as they could.
+
+'_October 22._ Hath mist of being set down, the Officers imployed in their
+work farther off, came not that day to _Woodstock_.
+
+'_October 23._ Those that lodged in the withdrawing room, in the midst of
+the night were awakened with the cracking of fire, as if it had been with
+thorns and sparks of fire burning, whereupon they supposed that the bed
+chamber had taken fire, and, listening to it farther, they heard their
+fellows in bed sadly groan, which gave them to suppose they might be
+suffocated, wherefore they call'd upon their servants to make all possible
+hast to help them; when the two servants were come in, they found all
+asleep, and so brought back word, but that there were no bedclothes upon
+them, wherefore they were sent back to cover them, and to stir up and mend
+the fire; when the servants had covered them, and were come to the
+chimney, in the corners they found their wearing apparel, boots and
+stockings, but they had no sooner toucht the Embers, when the firebrands
+flew about their ears so fast, that away ran they into the other room, for
+the shelter of their cover-lids, then after them walkt something that
+stampt about the room, as if it had been exceeding angry, and likewise
+threw about the Trenchers, Platters, and all such things in the room;
+after two hours went out, yet stampt again over their heads.
+
+'_October 24._ They lodged all abroad.
+
+'_October 25._ This afternoon came unto them Mr. _Richard Crook_, the
+Lawyer, brother to Captain Crook, and now Deputy-Steward of the Mannor,
+unto Captain _Parsons_, and Major _Butler_, who had put out Mr. Hyans his
+Majesties Officer: To entertain this new guest the Commissioners caused a
+very great fire to be made, of neere the chimney full of wood, of the
+King's Oak, and he was lodged in the withdrawing room with his brother,
+and his servant in the same room: about the midst of the night a wonderful
+knocking was heard, and into the room something did rush, which, coming to
+the chimney side, dasht out the fire, as with the stamp of some prodigious
+foot, then threw down such weighty stuffe, what ere it was (they took it
+to be the residue of the clefts and roots of the King's Oak) close by the
+bed side, that the house and bed shook with it. Captain _Cockain_ and his
+fellow arose and took their swords to go unto the _Crooks_, the noise
+ceased at their rising, so that they came to the door, and called; the two
+brothers, though fully awaked, and heard them call, were so amazed, that
+they made no answer, untill Captain _Cockaine_ had recovered the boldness
+to call very loud, and came unto their bed-side; then, faintly first,
+after some more assurance, they came to understand one another, and
+comforted the lawyer: Whilst this was thus, no noise was heard, which made
+them think the time was past of that nights troubles, so that, after some
+little conference, they applied themselves to take some rest. When Captain
+_Cockaine_ was come to his own bed, which he had left open, he found it
+closely covered, which he much wondered at, but turning the clothes down,
+and opening it to get in, he found the lower sheet strewed over with
+trenchers, their whole three dozens of trenchers were orderly disposed
+between his sheets, which he and his fellow endeavouring to cast out, such
+noise arose about the room, that they were glad to get into bed with some
+of the trenchers; the noise lasted a full half hour after this. This
+entertainment so ill did like the Lawyer, and being not so well studied in
+the point, as to resolve this the Devil's Law-case, that he, next day,
+resolved to begone, but, not having dispatcht all that he came for, profit
+and perswasions prevailed with him to stay the other hearing, so that he
+lodged as he did the night before.
+
+'_Octob. 26._ This night each room was better furnished with fire and
+candle than before; yet about twelve at night came something in, that
+dasht all out, then did walk about the room, making a noise, not to be set
+forth by the comparison with any other thing, sometimes came it to the
+bed-sides, and drew the Curtains to and fro, then twerle them, then walk
+about again, and return to the bed-posts, shake them with all the bed, so
+that they in bed were put to hold one upon the other; then walk about the
+room again, and come to the servants bed, and gnaw the wainscot head--and
+shake altogether in that room; at the time of this being in doing, they in
+the bed-chamber heard such strange dropping down from the roof of the
+room, that they supposed 'twas like the fall of money by the sound.
+Captain _Cockaine_ not frighted with so small a noise (and lying near the
+chimney) stept out, and made shift to light a candle, by the light of
+which he perceived the room strewed over with broken glass, green, and
+some as it were pieces of broken bottles. He had not long been considering
+what it was, when suddainly his candle was hit out, and glass flew about
+the room, that he made haste to the protection of the Coverlets, the noise
+of thundering rose more hideous than at any time before; yet, at a certain
+time, all vanisht into calmness. The morning after, was the glass about
+the room, which the maid, that was to make clean the rooms, swept up into
+a corner, and many came to see it. But Mr. _Richard Crooke_ would stay no
+longer, yet as he stopt, going through _Woodstock_ Town, he was there
+heard to say, that he would not lodge amongst them another night, for a
+Fee of L500.
+
+'_Octob. 27._ The Commissioners had not yet done their work, wherefore
+they must stay, and, being all men of the sword, they must not seem afraid
+to encounter with anything, though it be the Devill, therefore, with
+pistols charged, and drawn swords laied by their bed sides, they applied
+themselves to take some rest, when something, in the midst of night, so
+opened and shut the window casements, with such claps, that it awakened
+all that slept; some of them peeping out to look what was the matter with
+the windows, stones flew about the rooms as if hurled with many hands;
+some hit the walls, and some the bed's head close above the pillows; the
+dints of which were then, and yet (it is conceived) are to be seen, thus
+sometime throwing stones; and sometime making thundering noise; for two
+hours space it ceast, and all was quiet till the morn. After their rising,
+and the maid come in to make the fire, they looked about the rooms; they
+found fourscore stones brought in that night, and, going to lay them
+together, in the corner, where the glass (before mentioned) had been
+swept up, they found that every piece of glass had been carried away that
+night: many people came next day to see the stones, and all observed that
+they were not of such kind of stones as are naturall in the countrey
+thereabout; with these were noises like claps of thunder, or report of
+Cannon planted against the rooms; heard by all that lodged in the outer
+courts, to their astonishment; and at _Woodstock_ Town, taken to be
+thunder.
+
+'_Octob. 28._ This night, both strange and differing noise from the
+former, first wakened Captain _Hart_ who lodged in the bed-chamber, who
+hearing _Roe_ and _Brown_ to groan, called out to _Cockaine_ and _Crooke_
+to come and help them, for _Hart_ could not now stir himself. Cockaine
+would faine have answered, but he could not, or look about, something he
+thought, stopt both his breath and held down his eye lids. Amazed thus, he
+struggled and kickt about, till he had awaked Captain _Crook_, who, half
+asleep, grew very angry at his kicks, and multiplied words till it grew to
+an appointment in the field: but this fully recovered _Cockaine_ to
+remember that Captain _Hart_ had called for help, wherefore to them he ran
+in the other room, whom he found sadly groaning: where scraping in the
+chimney he found a candle and fire to light it; but had not gone two
+steps, when something blew the candle out, and threw him in the chair by
+the bed side, when presently cried out Captain _Careless_, with a most
+pittiful voice, Come hither, O come hither, brother _Cockaine_, the
+thing's gone off me. _Cockaine_ scarce yet himself, helpt to set him up
+in his bed, and, after, Captain _Hart_; and having scarce done that to
+them, and also to the other two, they heard Captain _Crook_ crying out, as
+if something had been killing him; _Cockaine_ snacht up the sword that lay
+by their bed, and ran into the room to save _Crook_, but was in much more
+likelyhood to kill him, for at his coming the thing that pressed _Crook_,
+went off him, at which _Crook_ started out of his bed, when _Cockaine_
+thought a spirit made at him, at which _Crook_ cried out Lord help, Lord
+save me; _Cockaine_ let fall his hand, and _Crook_ embracing _Cockaine_
+desired his reconcilement: giving him many thanks for his deliverance,
+then rose they all and came together, discoursed sometimes godly, and
+sometimes praied, for all this while was there such stamping over the roof
+of the house, as if 1,000 horse had there been trotting. This night, all
+the stones brought in the night before, and laid up in the withdrawing
+room, were all carried away again by that which brought them in, which at
+the wonted time, left off, and, as it were, went out, and so away.
+
+'_Octob. 29._ Their businesse having now received so much forwardnesse, as
+to be neer dispatcht, they encouraged one the other, and resolved to try
+further, therefore they provided more lights and fires, and further, for
+their assistance, prevailed with their Ordinary Keeper to lodge amongst
+them, and bring his Mastive Bitch, and it was so this night with them,
+that they had no disturbance at all.
+
+'_Octob. 30._ So well had they past the night before, that this night they
+went to bed confident and carelesse, untill, about 12 of the clock,
+something knockt at the door as with a smith's great hammer, but with such
+force as if it had cleft the door; then entred something like a Bear, but
+seem'd to swell more big and walkt about the room, and out of one room
+into the other; treading so heavily, as the floore had not been strong
+enough to bear it; when it came to the bed chamber, it dasht against the
+beds heads some kind of glasse vessell, that broke in sundry pieces; and,
+sometimes, it would take up those pieces, and hurle them about the room,
+and into the other room; and when it did not hurle the glasse at their
+heads, it did strike upon the tables as if many smiths, with their
+greatest hammers, had been laying on as upon an anvill: sometimes it
+thumpt against the walls, as if it would beat a hole through; then upon
+their heads such stamping, as if the roof of the house were beating down
+upon their heads, and, having done thus during the space (as was
+conjectured) of two hours, it ceased and vanished, but with a more fierce
+shutting of the doors than at any time before. In the morning they found
+the pieces of glass about the room, and observed that it was much
+differing from that glasse, brought in three nights before, this being of
+a much thicker substance, which severall persons which came in carried
+away some pieces of. The Commissioners were in debate of lodging there no
+more, but all their businesse was not done, and some of them were so
+conceited as to believe, and to attribute the rest they enjoyed the night
+before this last unto the Mastive bitch; wherefore they resolved to get
+more company, and the Mastive bitch, and try another night.
+
+'_Octob. 31._ This night, the fires and lights prepared, the Ordinary
+Keeper and his bitch, with another man persuaded by him, they all took
+their beds, and fell asleep. But, about 12 at night, such rapping was on
+all sides of them, that it wakened all of them. As the doors did seem to
+open, the Mastive bitch fell fearfully a yelling, and presently ran
+fiercely into the bed to them in the truckle bed. As the thing came by the
+table, it struck so fierce a blow on that, as that it made the frame to
+crack; then took the warming pan from off the table and stroke it against
+the walls with so much force as that it was beat flat together, lid and
+bottom; now were they hit as they lay covered over head and ears within
+the bedclothes; Captain _Carelesse_ was taken a sound blow on the head
+with the shoulder blade-bone of a dead Horse (before, they had been but
+thrown at when they peept up, and mist,) Brown had a shrewd blow on the
+leg with the back bone, and another on the head; and everyone of them felt
+severall blows of bones and stones through the bed clothes, for now these
+things were thrown as from an angry hand that meant further mischief; the
+stones flew in at the window as if shot out of a Gun, nor was the bursts
+lesse (as from without) than of a Cannon, and all the windows broken down.
+Now, as the hurling of the things did cease, and the thing walkt up and
+down, Captains _Cockaine_ and _Hart_ cried out, _In the Name of the
+Father, Son and Holy Ghost, What are you? what would you have? what have
+we done that you disturb us thus?_ No voice replied (as the Captains said,
+yet some of their servants have said otherwise) and the noise ceast.
+Hereupon Captains _Hart_ and _Cockaine_ rose, who lay in the Bed-chamber,
+renewed the fire and lights, and one great candle in a candlestick they
+placed in the door, that might be seen by them in both the rooms; no
+sooner were they got to bed, but the noise arose on all sides more loud
+and hideous than at any time before, in so much (as to use the Captain's
+own words) it returned and brought seven Devils worse than itself; and,
+presently, they saw the candle and candlestick in the passage of the door,
+dasht up to the roof of the room, by a kick of the hinder parts of a
+Horse, and after, with the Hoof trod out the snuffe, and so dasht out the
+Fire in the Chimnies. As this was done, there fell, as from the sieling,
+upon them in the Truckle beds, such quantities of water, as if it had been
+poured out of Buckets, which stunk worse than any earthly stink could
+make. And, as this was in doing, something crept under the High Beds, tost
+them up to the roof of the House, with the Commissioners in them, until
+the Testers of the Beds were beaten down upon them, and the Bedsted-frames
+broke under them. And here, some pause being made, they all, as if with
+one consent, started up, and ran down the stairs until they came into the
+Counsel-Hall, where two sate up a Brewing, but were now fallen asleep;
+those they scared much with wakening of them, having been much perplext
+before with the strange noise, which commonly was taken by them abroad
+for thunder, sometimes for rumbling wind; here the Captains and their
+company got fire and candle, and everyone carrying something of either,
+they returned into the Presence-Chamber, where some applied themselves to
+make the fire, whilst others fell to Prayers, and, having got some clothes
+about them, they spent the residue of the night in singing Psalms and
+Prayers; during which, no noise was in that room, but most hideously round
+about, as at some distance.
+
+'It should have been told before, how that when Captain _Hare_ first rose
+this night (who lay in the Bed-Chamber next the fire) he found their Book
+of valuations crosse the embers smoaking, which he snacht up, and cast
+upon the Table there, which, the night before, was left upon the Table in
+the presence, amongst their other papers. This Book was, in the morning,
+found a handful burnt, and had burnt the Table where it lay; _Brown_ the
+Clerk said, he would not for a 100 and a 100l. that it had been burnt a
+handful further.
+
+'This night it happened that there were six Cony-stealers, who were come
+with their Nets and Ferrets to the Cony-burrows by _Rosamond's_ Well, but
+with the noise this night from the Mannor-house, they were so terrified,
+that, like men distracted, away they ran, and left their Haies all ready
+pitched, ready up, and the Ferrets in the Cony-burrows.
+
+'Now the Commissioners, more sensible of their danger, considered more
+seriously of their safety, and agreed to go and confer with Mr. _Hoffman_,
+the Minister of _Wotton_ (a man not of the meanest note for life or
+learning, by some esteemed more high) to desire his advice, together with
+his company and prayers. Mr. _Hoffman_ held it too high a point to resolve
+on suddenly and by himself, wherefore, desired time to consider upon it,
+which, being agreed unto, he forthwith rode to Mr. _Jenkinson_ and Mr.
+_Wheat_, the two next Justices of Peace, to try what Warrant they could
+give him for it. They both (as 'tis said from themselves) encouraged him
+to be assisting to the Commissioners, according to his calling.
+
+[Sidenote: _By which it is to be noted that a Presbyterian Minister dares
+not encounter an Independent Devil._]
+
+'But certain it is, that when they came to fetch him to go with them, Mr.
+_Hoffman_ answered, That he would not lodge there one night, for L500, and
+being askt to pray with them, he held up his hands, and said, That he
+would not meddle upon any terms.
+
+'Mr. _Hoffman_ refusing to undertake the quarrel, the Commissioners held
+it not safe to lodge where they had been thus entertained, any longer, but
+caused all things to be removed into the Chambers over the Gatehouse,
+where they staid but one night, and what rest they enjoyed there, we have
+but an uncertain relation of, for they went away early the next morning;
+but if it may be held fit to set down what hath been delivered by the
+report of others, they were also the same night much affrighted with
+dreadful apparitions; but, observing that these passages spread much in
+discourse, to be also in particulars taken notice of, and that the nature
+of it made not for their cause, they agreed to the concealing of the
+things for the future; yet this is well known and certain, that the
+Gate-keeper's wife was in so strange an agony in her bed, and in her
+bed-chamber such noise (whilst her husband was above with the
+Commissioners) that two maids in the next room to her durst not venture to
+assist her, but, affrighted, ran out to call company, and their Master,
+and found the woman (at their coming in) gasping for breath: and the next
+day said that she saw and suffered that, which, for all the world, she
+would not be hired to again.
+
+From _Woodstock_ the Commissioners removed unto _Euelme_, and some of them
+returned to _Woodstock_, the Sunday sennight after (the Book of
+_Valuations_ wanting something that was, for haste, left imperfect), but
+lodged not in any of those rooms where they had lain before, and yet were
+not unvisited (as they confess themselves) by the Devil, whom they called
+their nightly guest. Captain _Crooke_ came not untill _Tuesday_ night, and
+how he sped that night, the gate-keeper's wife can tell, if she dareth;
+but, what she hath whispered to her gossips, shall not be made a part of
+this our Narrative, nor any more particulars which have fallen from the
+Commissioners themselves, and their servants to other persons; they are
+all, or most of them alive, and may add to it when they please, and,
+surely, have not a better way to be revenged of him who troubled them,
+than according to the Proverb, tell truth and shame the Devil.
+
+There remains this observation to be added, that on a Wednesday morning,
+all these Officers went away; And that, since then, diverse persons of
+severall qualities, have lodged often and sometimes long in the same rooms
+both in the presence, withdrawing room and bed Chamber belonging unto his
+Sacred Majesty, yet none have had the least disturbance, or heard the
+smallest noise, for which the cause was not as ordinary, as apparent;
+except the Commissioners and their company, who came in order to the
+alienating and pulling down the house, which is well nigh performed.'
+
+As to the authenticity of the above, we are told in the Preface: 'And now,
+as to the Penman of this Narrative, know that he was a Divine, and, at the
+time of those things acted, which are here related, the Minister and
+Schoolmaster of _Woodstock_, a person learned and discreet, nor byassed
+with factious humours, his name _Widows_, who, each day, put in writing
+what he heard from their mouthes, (and such things as they told to have
+befallen them the night before), therein keeping to their own words.'
+
+There was also a metrical account[6] of these strange doings, printed in
+the year in which they occurred; but although it exactly tallies with the
+prose as above, it is not written in so refined a strain.
+
+The _British Magazine_ for April, 1747 (vol. ii., p. 156) professes to
+give 'The genuine history of the good devil of _Woodstock_, famous in the
+world in the year 1649, and never accounted for, or at all understood to
+this time.' It is by an anonymous writer, who says he found it in some
+original papers which had lately fallen into his hands, 'under the name of
+authentick memoirs of the memorable _Joseph Collins_ of Oxford, commonly
+known by the name of _funny Joe_,' and it puts forth that this said Joe,
+under the name of Giles Sharp, entered the service of the Commissioners as
+a servant, and with the help of two friends, an unknown trap-door in the
+ceiling of the bedchamber, and some fulminating mercury, played the part
+of the Devil; but as the document is not known to be in existence, and is
+only mentioned in the pages of a magazine a hundred years afterwards, the
+reader may attach whatever credit he pleases to it. At all events, it
+proves that something very extraordinary, according to popular rumour, did
+take place at Woodstock during the Commissioners' occupation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ 'The Daemon of Tedworth.'
+
+
+'THE DAEMON OF TEDWORTH.[7]
+
+'Master _John Mompesson_, of _Tedworth_ in _Wiltshire_, being about the
+middle of _March_, in the year 1661, at a neighbouring Town, called
+_Ludgarshal_, heard a _Drum_ beat there, and being concerned as a
+_Commission Officer_ in the _Militia_, he enquired of the _Bayliffe_ of
+the Town, at whose House he then was, what it meant. The Bayliffe told him
+that they had for some dayes been troubled by that _Idle Drummer_, who
+demanded money of the Constable, by virtue of a pretended pass, which he
+thought was counterfeit. Upon this Information Master _Mompesson_ sent for
+the fellow, and ask'd him by what _Authority_ he went up and down the
+Countrey in that manner, demanding money, and keeping a clutter with his
+_Drum_? The _Drummer_ answered he had good _Authority_, and produced his
+pass, with a warrant under the hands of Sir _William Cawly_ and Colonel
+_Ayliffe_ of _Gretenham_. These papers discover'd the knavery, for M.
+_Mompesson_ knowing those Gentlemen's hands, found that his pass and
+warrant were _forgeries_; and upon the discovery, commanded the _vagrant_
+to put off his _Drum_, and charged the Constable to carry him to the next
+_Justice_ of _Peace_, to punish him according to the desert of his
+_Insolence_ and _Roguery_. The fellow then confest the _cheat_, and begg'd
+earnestly for his _Drum_. But M. _Mompesson_ told him that if he
+understood from Colonel _Ayliffe_, whose _Drummer_ he pretended to be,
+that he had been an honest man, he should have it again; but in the
+interim he would secure it. So he left the _Drum_ with the Bayliffe, and
+the Drummer in the Constable's hands; who, it seems, after, upon intreaty,
+let him go.
+
+'About the midst of _April_ following, when M. _M._ was preparing for a
+Journey to _London_, the Bayliffe sent the _Drum_ to his house; and, being
+returned, his wife told him that they had been much affrighted in the
+night by _Thieves_, during his absence; and that the House had like to
+have been broken up. He had not been at home above three nights, when the
+same noise returned that had disturbed his Family when he was abroad. It
+was a very great _knocking_ at his Doors, and the out side of his House.
+M. _M._ arose, and with a brace of Pistols in his hands, went up and down
+searching for the cause of the Disturbance. He open'd the door, where the
+great knocking was, and presently the noise was at another. He opened that
+also, and went forth, rounding his House, but could discover nothing; only
+he still heard a strange noise and hollow sound; but could not perceive
+what was the occasion of it. When he was returned to his Bed, the noise
+was a _Thumping_ and _Drumming_ on the top of his House, which continued a
+good space, and then by degrees went off into the Air.
+
+'After this _It_ would come 5 nights together, and absent itself 3.
+Knocking very hard at the out-sides of the House, which is most of it, of
+Board. This _It_ did, constantly, as they were going to sleep, either
+early or late. After a month's racket without, _It_ came into the room
+where the _Drum_ lay, where _It_ would be 4 or 5 nights in 7, making great
+hollow sounds, and sensibly shaking the Beds and Windows. _It_ would come
+within half an hour after they were in Bed, and stay almost two. The sign
+of _Its_ approach was an _hurling_ in the Air over the House; and at _Its_
+recess they should hear a _Drum_ beat, like the breaking up of a Guard.
+_It_ continued in this Room for the space of two months; the Gentleman
+himself lying there to observe _It_: and though _It_ was very troublesome
+in the fore part of the night, yet, after two hours disturbance, _It_
+would desist, and leave all in quietness: At which time perhaps the Laws
+of the _Black Society_ required _Its_ presence at the general _Rendezvous_
+elsewhere.
+
+'About this time the Gentleman's Wife was brought to Bed; the noise came a
+little that night she was in Travail, but then forbore for three weeks
+till she had recover'd strength. After this _civil cessation_, it return'd
+in a _ruder_ manner than before, applying wholly to the younger children;
+whose Bedsteads _It_ would beat with that violence that all present would
+expect, when they would fall in pieces. Those that laid their hands upon
+them, could feel no blows, but perceived them to shake exceedingly. _It_
+would for an hour together beat, what they Call ROUNDHEADS and
+CUCKOLDS--the Tattoo, and several other Points of Warre, and that as
+dextrously as any Drummer. After which _It_ would get under the Bed, and
+scratch there as if _It_ had Iron Tallons. _It_ would lift the children up
+in their Beds, follow them from one room to another; and, for a while,
+applied to none particularly but them.
+
+'There was a Cock-loft in the House which had been observed hitherto to be
+untroubled; thither they removed their children, putting them to bed while
+it was fair day: and yet they were no sooner covered, but the _unwelcome
+Visitant_ was come, and played his tricks as before.
+
+'On the 5th of _Novemb. 1662_. _It_ kept a mighty noise, and one of the
+Gentleman's Servants observing two Boards in the children's room that
+seemed to move, he bade _It_ give him one of them, and presently the Board
+came within a yard of him. The Fellow added, _Nay, let me have it in my
+hand_: upon which it was shuft quite home. The man thrust it back, and the
+Daemon returned it to him, and so from one to another at least 20 times
+together, till the Gentleman forbad his servant such _Familiarities_. That
+morning _It_ left a _Sulphurous smell_ behind _It_, very _displeasant_ and
+_offensive_.... At night the Minister of the place, Mr. _Cragge_, and many
+of the Neighbours came to the House--and went to prayer at the Children's
+Bed-side, where, at that time _It_ was very troublesome and loud. During
+the time of _Prayer_ _It_ with-drew into the Cock-Loft, but, the Service
+being ended, _It_ returned; and in the sight and presence of the company,
+the _Chairs_ walked about the Room, the Children's Shooes were thrown over
+their heads, and every loose thing moved about the Chamber; also a Bed
+staffe was thrown at the _Minister_, which hit him on the Leg, but so
+favourably, that a lock of Wooll could not have fallen more softly. And a
+circumstance more was observed, viz., that it never in the least roul'd,
+nor mov'd from the place where it lighted.
+
+'The Gentleman perceiving that _It_ so much persecuted the little
+Children, lodg'd them out at a Neighbour's House, and took his eldest
+daughter, who was about 10 years of Age, into his own Chamber, where _It_
+had not been in a month before. But no sooner was she in Bed, but the
+troublesome Guest was with her, and continued his unquiet visits for the
+space of three weeks, during which time _It_ would beat the Drum, and
+exactly answer any Tune that was knock'd, or called for. The House where
+the Gentleman had lodged his Children, being full of Strangers, he was
+forced to take them home again; and, because they had never observed any
+disturbance in the Parlor, he laid them there, where also their old
+Visitant found them; but, at this time, troubled them no otherwise than by
+plucking them by the hair and night-cloathes.
+
+'_It_ would sometimes lift up the Servants with their Beds, and lay them
+down again gently, without any more prejudice than the fright of being
+carried to the _Drummer's_ quarters. And at other times _It_ would lie
+like a great weight upon their Feet.
+
+''Twas observed, that when the noise was loudest, and came with the most
+_suddain_ and _surprizing violence_, yet no Dog would move. The Knocking
+was oft so boysterous and rude, that it hath been heard at a considerable
+distance in the Fields, and awakened the Neighbours in the Village, none
+of which live very near this house.
+
+'About the latter end of _Decemb. 1662_. the _Drummings_ were less
+frequent, and the noise the _Fiend_ made, was a _gingling_, as it had been
+of money, occasioned, as 'twas thought, by some discourse of an antient
+Gentlewoman, Mother to M. _M._ (who was one day saying to a Neighbour that
+talked of _Fairies leaving money_, that she should like _It_ well, if _It_
+would leave them some to make amends for the trouble _It_ made them) for
+that night there was a great _chinking_ of money all the house over; but
+he that rose earliest the next morning, was ne're a groat the richer.
+After this _It_ desisted from its _ruder noises_, and employed _It_ self
+about little _apish_ Tricks, and less troublesome _Caprichios_. On
+_Christmas Eve_, an hour before day, one of the little Boyes arising out
+of his Bed, was hit on a sore place in his Heel by the latch of the Door,
+which the _waggish Daemons_ had pluckt out and thrown at him. The Pin that
+fastened it was so small, that 'twas for the credit of his _Opticks_ that
+he pick't it out without Candle-light. The night after _Christmas Day_,
+_It_ threw all the old Gentlewoman's Cloaths about the Room, and hid her
+_Bible_ in the Ashes. In such _impertinent ludicrous fagaries_, it was
+frequent. After _this_ the _Spirit_ was very troublesome to a Servant of
+M. _Mompesson's_, who was a stout fellow, and of sober conversation....
+His Master permitted him to give this proof of his courage, and lodg'd him
+in the next room to his own. There was _John engarrison'd_, and provided
+for the assault with a trusty Sword, and other implements of War. And, for
+some time, there was scarce a night past without some doubty action and
+encounter, in which the success was various. One while, _John's_ bag and
+baggage would be in the enemy's _power_, _Doublet_ and _Breeches_
+surprized, and his Shooes raised in _rebellion_ against him; and then
+_lusty John_ by _Dint_ of Weapon recovers all again, suppresseth the
+_insurrection_ of his _Shooes_, and holds his own in spight of _Satan_ and
+the _Drummer_. And for the most part, our combatant came off with honour
+and advantage, except when his enemy outwatch'd and surprized him, and
+then he's made a prisoner, bound hand and foot, and at the mercy of the
+_Goblin_; till he hath got the opportunity of recovering his _Diabolical
+Blade_, and then our Champion is in good plight again....
+
+'About the beginning of Jan. 1662 they were wont to hear a _singing_ in
+the _chimney_, before _It_ came down. And one night, about this time,
+Lights were seen in the House: One of which came into M. _Mompesson's_
+Chamber, which seemed _blue_ and _glimmering_, and caused a great
+stiffness in their eyes that saw it. After this light, something was
+heard coming up the Stairs, as if it had been some one without Shooes. The
+light was also 4 or 5 times seen in the Children's Chamber; and the Maids
+confidently affirm that the doors were at least ten times opened, and shut
+in their sight. They heard a noise at the same time when the Doors were
+opened, as if half a dozen had entred in together. After which, some were
+heard to walk about the room, and one rusled as if it had been in silk.
+The like M. _M._ himself once heard.
+
+'During the time of the Knocking, when many were present, a Gentleman of
+the company said, _Satan_, If the _Drummer_ sets thee a work, give three
+Knocks, and no more, which _It_ did very distinctly, and stopt. Then the
+Gentleman knockt, to see if _It_ would answer him as _It_ was wont, but
+_It_ remained quiet. He further tryed _It_ the same way, bidding _It_, for
+confirmation, if _It_ were the _Drummer_, to give 5 Knocks and no more
+that night, which _It_ did accordingly, and was silent all the night
+after. This was done in the presence of Sir _Tho. Chamberlain_ of
+_Oxfordshire_ and several others.
+
+'On _Saturday_ morning, Jan. 10. an hour before day, the _Drum_ was beaten
+upon the out-sides of M. _Mompesson's_ Chamber, from whence _It_ went to
+the other end of the House, where some Gentlemen, Strangers, lay, playing
+at their door, and without, 4 or 5. several Times, and so went off into
+the Air.
+
+'The next night, a Smith of the Village lying with _John_, they heard a
+noise in the room, as if one had been shooing of a horse there; and
+somewhat came, as it were, with a pair of _Pincers_, and snipt at the
+Smith's Nose, most part of the Night.
+
+'One morning M. _Mompesson_ rising early to go a Journey, heard a great
+noise below, where the Children lay, and, running down, with a Pistol in
+his hand, heard this voice, _A Witch, A Witch_, as they had also heard it
+once before; but, upon his entrance, all was quiet. Having, one night
+played some little pranks at M. _Mompesson's_ Bed's feet, _It_ went into
+another Bed, in which one of his Daughter's lay, where _It_ passed from
+side to side, and lifted her up, as _It_ went under her. At that time
+there were three kindes of noises in the Bed. They endeavoured to thrust
+at _It_ with a _Sword_, but _It_ very carefully avoided them, still
+skipping under the Child, when they were ready to thrust. The night after,
+_It_ came _panting_ like a Dog out of breath; upon which one took a
+Bed-Staff to knock, which was taken out of her hand, and thrown away with
+some violence. Upon this the company came up, and, presently, the room was
+filled with a _bloomy noysome_ smell, and was very _hot_; though without
+Fire, and in midst of a very _sharp_ and _severe_ winter. _It_ continued
+in the Bed, panting and scratching an hour and half, and then went into
+the next Chamber, where it knock'd a little, and seemed to rattle a chain.
+Thus it did for two or three nights together.
+
+'After this, the old Gentlewoman's Bible was found in the Ashes open, the
+paper side being downwards. M. _Mompesson_ took it up, and observed that
+it lay open at the third chapter of S. _Mark_, in which there is mention
+of the _unclean spirits falling down before our Saviour_; of his _giving
+power to the 12 to cast out Devils_, and of the _Scribes'_ opinion, that
+he _cast them out through Beelzebub_. The next night they strewed ashes
+over the Chamber, to see what _impressions_ _It_ would leave. And in the
+morning, found in one place the resemblance of a great Claw, in another,
+of a lesser; some Letters in another, which they could make nothing of;
+besides many _Circles_ and _Scratches_ in the Ashes; all which, I suppose,
+were _ludicrous_ devices, by which the _sportful Daemon_ made _pastime_
+with human _Ignorance_ and _Credulity_.
+
+'About this time, my[8] curiosity drew me to the House, to be a witness of
+some of those strange passages. _It_ had ceased from _It's_ pranks of
+_Drumming_, and _ruder noises_, before I came; but most of the more
+remarkable circumstances before related were confirmed to me there, by
+several of the Neighbours together, who had been present at them. At that
+time _It_ used to haunt the Children; I heard _It_ scratch very loudly and
+distinctly in their Bed, behind the Boulster. I thrust in my hand to the
+place where the noise seemed to be, upon which It withdrew to another part
+of the Bed; and, upon the taking out of my hand, _It_ returned as before.
+I had heard of _It's_ imitating noises, and therefore made the trial, by
+scratching certain determinate times upon the Sheet, as 5. and 7. and 10.
+which _It_ did also, and still stopt at my number. After a while _It_
+went into the midst of the Bed, under the Children, and there _panted_
+like a Dog, very loudly. I put my hand upon the place, and felt the Bed
+bear up against it, as if something had thrust it up; but, by grasping,
+could feel nothing but the Feathers: and there was nothing under it. The
+motion _It_ caused by this _panting_ was so strong, that it shook the
+Rooms and Windows. _It_ continued thus for more than half an hour, while I
+stayed, and as long after. I was certain that there could be no _fallacy_
+nor _deceit_ in these passages, which I critically examined; and I am sure
+there was nothing of _fear_ or _imagination_ in the case; for I was no
+more concerned than I am at the Writing this Relation.
+
+'But to proceed with M. _Mompesson's_ own particulars.
+
+'There came one morning a light into the Children's Chamber, and the
+voice, crying, _A Witch, A Witch_, for at least an hundred times together.
+M. _M._ seeing at a time some Wood move that was in the Chimney, when no
+one was near, discharged a Pistol into it; after which they found several
+drops of Blood on the Hearth, and in divers places of the Stairs.
+
+There was a seeming _calm_ in the House for 2 or 3 nights after the
+discharge of the Pistol; but then _It_ came again, applying _Itself_ to a
+little Child, newly taken from Nurse; which it so persecuted, that _It_
+would not let the poor Infant rest for two nights together, nor suffer a
+Candle in the Room, but would carry them away up the _Chimney_, or throw
+them under the Bed. _It_ so scared this Child by leaping upon it, that
+for some hours, it could not be recovered out of the fright. Insomuch as
+they were inforced again to remove the Children out of the House. The next
+night, after they were gone, something about midnight came up the Stairs,
+and knockt at M. _Mompesson's_ door; but he, lying still, _It_ went up
+another pair of Stairs, to his Man's Chamber, to whom _It_ appeared,
+standing at his Bed's foot. The exact shape and proportion he could not
+discover; but saw a great body, with two _red_ and _glaring_ eyes, which
+for some time were fixt steddily upon him, and, at length, disappeared.
+
+'Another night, Strangers being present, _It_ purr'd in the Children's Bed
+like a _Cat_; and at that time the Cloaths and Children were lift up from
+the Bed, and 6 men could not keep them down. Upon this they removed them
+from thence, intending to have ript open the Bed: but they were no sooner
+laid in another, but this second Bed was more troubled than the former.
+_It_ continued thus 4 hours, and so beat the Children's legs against the
+Bed-posts, that they were forced to arise, and sit up all night. After
+this _It_ would empty Chamber-pots into their Beds, and strew them with
+Ashes; and that though they were never so carefully watch't, _It_ put a
+long piked Iron into M. _Mompesson's_ Bed, and, into his Mother's, a naked
+Knife upright. It would fill porringers with Ashes, throw every thing
+about, and keep a noise all day.
+
+'About the beginning of April 1663. a Gentleman that lay in the house had
+all his money turn'd black in his Pockets. And M. _Mompesson_, one
+morning, coming into his Stable, found the Horse he was wont to ride, on
+the ground, with one of his hinder Legs in his mouth, and so fastned
+there, that 'twas difficult work for several men, with a Leaver, to get it
+out. After this there were some other remarkable things; but my _account_
+goes no farther: Only M. _Mompesson_ told me, that afterwards the house
+was several nights beset with 7 or 8 in the shape of men, who, as soon as
+a Gun was discharged, would shuffle away together into an Arbour.
+
+'THE DRUMMER was tryed at the _Assize_ at _Salisbury_, condemned to the
+_Islands_, and was, accordingly, sent away: but I know not how, made a
+shift to come back again. And 'tis observable, that during all the time of
+his restraint, and absence, the House was in quiet; but, as soon as ever
+he came back, the disturbance also returned. He had been a Souldier under
+CRUMWEL, and used to talk much of gallant Books he had of an odd Fellow's,
+who was counted a Wizard.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ 'The Daemon of Burton'--'Strange and Wonderful News from Yowel, in
+ Surrey'--The Story of Mrs. Jermin--A Case at Welton--'The Relation of
+ James Sherring.'
+
+
+The next case (in chronological order) that I have met with is very
+similar to that of Mompesson, and, like that, shows the trivialities to
+which this species of Devil could descend, apparently, with no object.
+
+
+'THE DAEMON OF BURTON.[9]
+
+'There is a Farm in _Burton_, a _Village_ in the Parish of _Weobley_, in
+this County,[10] which Mr. _William Bridges_, a Linnen-Draper in _London_,
+has in Mortgage from one _Thomas Tompkins_, a decay'd Yeoman man. This
+Farm was, about Michaelmas, 1669. taken by Lease by Mrs. _Elizabeth
+Bridges_, to commence from _February_ then next; Soon after this Tenant
+was entered on the Farm, and lodg'd in the House, some _Familiar_ began to
+act apish Pranks, by knocking boldly at the door in the dusk of the
+Evening, and the like, early in the Morning, but no body to be seen.
+
+'After this, the Stools and Forms, though left in their proper places,
+were, every night set round the fire, which the Tenant perceiving, she set
+them next night under the Table, and next morning they were found set
+orderly about the fire as before, and a continual noise of Cats heard all
+night, but never seen.
+
+'Afterwards, the Tenant having in a Room a heap of Malt, and another of
+Vetches, the two parcels were found next morning exactly mingled together,
+and put into a new heap.
+
+'Another time she had baked a Batch of Bread, and laid the Loaves over
+night on a Table; next morning the Loaves were all gone, and, after search
+made, they were found in another Room, hid in Tubs, and covered with
+linnen Cloathes, and all this while the Tenant had the keys of the doors
+in her pocket, and found the doors in the morning fast lock'd as she left
+them over night: so, also, her Cheeses and meat were often carried out of
+one Room into another, whilst the doors were fast lock'd, and sometimes
+convey'd into the Orchard.
+
+'Then the Tenant having set Cabbidg-Plants in her Garden, in the night the
+Plants were pull'd up, and laid in several formes, as Crosses,
+Flower-de-Luces, and the like. She caus'd them to be set again, and the
+Ground finely raked about, to the end they might see if any footsteps
+might be discovered in the morning, when the Plants were found pull'd up
+as before, and no track or footstep to be found or perceived; the Plants
+were set a third time, and then they continued unmoved.
+
+'She had in her Cheese-chamber many Cheeses upon Shelves, and a Bag of
+Hops in the same Room. One night, the Cheeses were all laid on the floor
+in several formes, and the Hops all strewed about the Room, and the
+Chamber door found fast lock'd in the morning.
+
+'Another night in the Buttery there were several dishes of cold Meat left
+upon a hanging Shelf; in the morning, the Table Cloath was found orderly
+laid on the Floor, and the Dishes set on it, and most of the Meat eaten,
+onely a manners bit left in every Dish; yet there were silver Spoons,
+which lay by the Dishes, and none of them diminished.
+
+'At another time she had left half a rosted Pig, which was design'd for
+breakfast next day, when the Pig was call'd for, there was not one bit of
+either Skin or Flesh left, but the Bones of the Pig, lay orderly in the
+Dish, and not one of them unjoynted or misplac'd.
+
+'Whilst these, and many other such pleasant tricks were play'd in the
+Rooms that were lock'd to make a discovery of any deceipt, if possible,
+the entrance of the doors were all strew'd with sifted ashes, and no
+footstep or track of anything was found in the morning, when such pranks
+were play'd in the Room.
+
+'One night the Tenant having bought a quart of Vinegar in a Bottel, she
+set it in her Dairy-house, where there were six Cows Milk. In the Morning
+she found her Bottle empty, and her milk all turned, and made into a
+perfect Posset, with the Vinegar.
+
+'And the Cheeses were sometimes convey'd by night out of the Cheese
+Chamber, and put into the Trines of Milk in the Dairy-house.
+
+'The Tenant had, likewise, divers of her Cattel that dyed in a strange
+manner, among others, a Sow that leap'd and danc'd in several unusual
+postures, and, at last fell down dead.
+
+'The _Hagg_, having thus for above a moneth together, almost every night
+acted the part of _Hocus pocus Minor_, lay quiet for some moneths, and
+then began to act the _Major_, and do greater mischiefs; and to this
+purpose, One night, as the Tenant and her Maid were going to bed, and
+passing by the Hall, which was dressed with green boughs tyed on the
+Posts, after the Country fashion, they were all of a flame, and no fire
+had been made in that Room of a fortnight before, nor any Candle that
+night; but the fire was soon quenched by throwing water on it, yet an
+outcry being made, the neighbours came in, and watched the House all
+night.
+
+'Not long after, a Loft of Hay, dry, and well Inned, was set on fire in
+the daytime, and was, most of it, burnt, with the house it lay in; and no
+way could be found how it should come to pass, but by the same black hand.
+
+'And, after some time, a Mow of pulse and pease was likewise fired in the
+daytime, and all the grayn either burnt or spoiled, and in the middle of
+the bottom of the Mow were found dead burnt Coales, which in all the
+Spectators Judgements, could not be conveyed thither but by Witchcraft.
+
+'After these dreadful fires, which did endanger the whole Village had
+they not been at length quench'd by a numerous Company of the Neighbours,
+who came in to the Tenant's Assistance, the poor Tenant dirst stay no
+longer in the House, but quitted it, with all her losses, when one _John
+Jones_ a valiant Welchman of the neighbourhood, would needs give a signal
+proof of his Brittish Valour, and to that purpose undertook to lye in the
+House, and to incounter the _Hagg_, to which end he carried with him a
+large Basket hilted Sword, a Mastive Dog, and a Lanthorn and Candle to
+burn by him; he had not long lain on the Bed, with his Dog, and Sword
+ready drawn by him, but he heard a great Knocking at the Door, and many
+Cats, as he conceived, came into his Chamber, broke the Windows, and made
+a hideous noise, at which the Mastive howll'd and quak'd, and crept close
+to his Master; the Candle went out, and the Welchman fell into a cold
+sweat, left his Sword unused, and with much adoe found the door, and ran
+half a Mile without ever looking behind him; protesting, next day, he
+would not lye another night in the House, for a hundred pounds.'
+
+The next in point of time is the following:
+
+
+'STRANGE AND WONDERFUL NEWS FROM YOWEL[11] IN SURREY.'[12]
+
+'On _Thursday_, the 5th of _October_, one Mr. _Tuers_, a Gentleman, living
+at _Yowell_ in the County of _Surry_, together with his wife, went forth
+upon occasion, leaving their Servant Maid, _Elizabeth Burgiss_, at home,
+to officiate in their absence, as she found occasion. In the meantime, or
+interim, one _Joan Butts_, a person that hath been for a long time
+suspected to be a _Witch_, came to the house of the aforesaid Mr. _Tuers_,
+and, framing some discourse to the Maid before named, she, at last, askt
+her for a pair of old Gloves; the Maid knowing her to be a person of ill
+repute, and being willing to be rid of her company, gave her a very short
+and sharp answer, telling her that she had no Gloves for her, or, if shee
+had, she could not spare time to look them out; whereupon this _Joan
+Butts_ went away, but in a little time returned, asking the aforesaid Maid
+for a Pin to pin her Neckcloath, which she furnished her with, and so this
+_Joan Butts_ departed, leaving the Maid without any dread or fear of any
+harm.
+
+'But, about fourteen days after, there happened strange and miraculous
+wonders, amazing and frightening all the Spectators; for stones flew about
+the Yard at such a strange rate, as if it had rained down showers of them,
+and many of them were as big as a man's fist, and afterwards flew as thick
+about the House as before they did about the Yard, notwithstanding the
+doors were close shut, yet for all (that) they flew so thick about, they
+hit nobody but the Maid, to the great astonishment of her Master, Mistris
+and others; but more to be admired, the next day this maid was suddenly
+attacqued with intolerable pain in her back, and such unsufferable
+pricking of Pins, that she was not able to endure, or without lamentable
+complaining. The groans and skreeches she sometimes parted with, would
+have moved a stony heart to pitty her distress, and Mr. _Tuers_, her
+Master, commiserating her condition, asked if he should put his hand down
+her back, and feel what might be the cause of her pain or Torment, which
+she willingly agreed to, and, to the amazement of all persons present,
+pulled out a great piece of Clay as full of Pins as it could well be, and
+throwing them into the fire, she was for that present at great ease. But,
+after that, a second Torment did seize this Maid, which caused her to
+complain more grievously and lamentably than before; whereupon one Mr.
+_Waters_ put his hand down her back, and pulled out a piece of Clay as
+thick of Thorns, as the other of Pins, so, throwing them into the fire,
+she was again at ease for that time.
+
+'The next day, as she was going a Milking, she saw, in _Nonsuch Park_,
+this wretched old Caitiff sitting amongst the Thorns and Bushes, bedaggled
+up to the Knees in Dew, and looking like one that had lately had converse
+with some Infernal Fiend; and, wondring to see her there so early, in that
+pickle (being, as it were, doubtful of her wickedness); and supposing her
+to be the cause of her (before mentioned) pain and misery, returned home
+to her Master's house, telling him how she saw this _Joan Butts_ in the
+place before named, adding in what strange garb and posture she sat in;
+which added to the suspicion of the (before doubtful) Master.
+
+'But the same night the Maid going into the chamber where she lay, to
+fetch a Trunk which was intended to be sent to _London_, all on a sudden
+cryed out, Master, Master, here is the old Woman: the master running
+hastily to see whether it were so or no, could see no old woman, but the
+Andirons thrown after the maid, and all her own Linnen thrown about at
+such a rate, as it is hard to believe, but that it will, upon occasion, be
+attested by unquestionable Evidence; and likewise a Wooden Bar which
+belonged to the street door, was strangely removed and conveyed up stairs,
+and came tumbling down after the maid, in the sight of her master.
+
+'About three days after, they were surprized with new wonders, for there
+was to be seen such sights as they never saw before, _viz._, the Bellows
+flew about the house, and Candlesticks and other things thrown after the
+Girl as she passed to and fro in her master's house; and, going to her
+Mother's house, which was at _Astead_, about three miles distant from
+_Yowel_, such numberless numbers of stones were thrown at her, that she
+found it hazardous to Travel, but had she returned, it might have been the
+same; and so she continued till she came to her mother's house, where, on
+Sunday the 9th of _October_, they were possest with admiration, as well as
+those of her Master's Family, for her Grandfather's Britches were
+strangely found to be on the top of the house, as near as can be imagined,
+over his Bed; and, besides, such great quantities of Nuts and Acorns flew
+about, that the Spectators never beheld the like before. The pewter
+danced about the house in a strange manner, and hits a Gentleman such a
+blow on the back, that I suppose he will have but little stomach
+hereafter, to go to see the Devil dance.
+
+'But the same day happened another Wonder, no less strange than what is
+before recited, for there was a Fiddle close laid up in a Chest, which was
+strangely, and unknown to any of the house, hung up in the room, and,
+after, was removed to the top of the Bed-Tester, and, the third time,
+carried quite away, and hath no more been seen since.
+
+'But, on Thursday, the 18th of this present _October_, there being a Fair
+kept at _Yowel_, the mother of this afflicted maid came thither, and,
+meeting with this old suspected _Witch_ (whom she had great reason to
+imagine so to be,) fell foul upon her, and so evilly Treated her, that she
+fetcht out some of her Hellish Blood, but the effects and event thereof, I
+must get time to acquaint you with.'
+
+The Rev. Joseph Glanvill was a great collector of these stories, and after
+his death many were published, as being found among his papers. One is a
+story of a Mr. Jermin, minister of Bigner in Sussex, who had noises in his
+house like guns going off whilst it seemed that people ran swiftly down
+stairs, into his chamber, and there seemed to wrestle, whilst one day,
+when a physician was dining with him 'there came a Man on Horseback into
+the Yard, in Mourning. His Servant went to know what was his Busness, and
+found him sitting very Melancholy, nor could he get any Answer from him.
+The Master of the House and the Physician went to see who it was; upon
+which, the Man clapt spurs to his Horse, and rode into the House, up
+Stairs into a long Gallery, whither the Physician followed him, and saw
+him vanish in a Fire at the upper end of the Gallery. But though none of
+the Family received hurt at any time, yet Mr. _Jermin_ fell into a Fever
+with the Disturbance he experienced, that endangered his Life.'
+
+Then we have the story of an extremely uncomfortable house 'at Welton,
+within a mile of Daventry,' where the younger daughter, ten years of age,
+took to vomiting three gallons of water in less than three days, and
+afterwards stones and coals, in number about five hundred. 'Some weighed a
+quarter of a Pound, and were so big, as they had enough to do to get them
+out of her mouth.... This Vomiting lasted about a Fortnight, and hath
+Witnesses good store.' Things got rather lively in the house, and were
+thrown about; the Bible, being laid upon a bed, was hid in another bed;
+the things from the parlour were turned out into the hall; their milk was
+spilt, their beer mixed with sand, and their salt with bran. The man of
+the house, one Moses Cowley, seems to have had an especially bad time of
+it. 'A knife rose up in the Window, and flew at him, hitting him with the
+Haft;' and, to make the place more uncomfortable, 'Every day abundance of
+Stones were thrown about the House, which broke the windows, and hit the
+people.' Probably the Devil was disappointed, inasmuch as 'they were the
+less troubled because, all this while no hurt was done to their Persons,'
+and after a while the persecution ceased, with the exception of 'great
+Knockings, and cruel Noise.'
+
+Then there is 'The Relation of _James Sherring_, taken concerning the
+matter at old _Gast's_ House of _Little Burton_.
+
+'The first Night I was there with _Hugh Mellmore_ and _Edward Smith_, they
+heard, as it were, the Washing in Water over their Heads. Then, taking a
+Candle, and going up Stairs, there was a wet Cloth thrown at them, but it
+fell on the Stairs. They going up farther, there was another thrown as
+before. And, when they were come up into the Chamber, there stood a Bowl
+of Water, some of it sprinkled over, and the Water looked white, as if
+there had been Soap used in it. The Bowl, just before, was in the Kitchin,
+and could not be carried up but through the Room where they were. The next
+thing that they heard, the same Night, was a terrible noise, as if it had
+been a clap of Thunder, and, shortly after, they heard great scratching
+about the Bed stead, and, after that, great Knocking with a Hammer against
+the Beds-head, so that the two Maids that were in the Bed cryed out for
+Help. Then they ran up the stairs, and there lay the Hammer on the bed,
+and on the Beds-head there were near a Thousand Prints of the Hammer,
+which the violent Strokes had made. The maids said they were scratcht and
+pincht with a Hand that was put into the Bed, which had exceeding long
+Nails. They said the Hammer was lockt up fast in the Cup board when they
+went to Bed.
+
+'The second Night that _James Sherring_, and _Tho. Hillary_ were there,
+_James Sherring_ sat down in the Chimney to fill a pipe of Tobacco, he
+made use of the Fire-tongs to take up a Coal to light his Pipe, and by and
+by the Tongs were drawn up the Stairs, and after they were up in the
+Chamber, they were play'd withal (as many times Men do) and then thrown
+down upon the Bed. Although the Tongs were so near him, he never perceived
+the going of them away. The same Night one of the Maids left her Shoes by
+the Fire, and they were carried up into the Chamber, and the old Man's
+brought down, and set in their places. The same Night there was a Knife
+carried up into the Chamber, and it did scratch and scrape the Bed's head
+all the Night; but, when they went up into the Chamber, the Knife was
+thrown into the Loft. As they were going up the Stairs, there were things
+thrown at them, which were, just before in the low Room, and when they
+went down the Stairs, the old Mans Breeches were thrown down after them.
+These were the most remarkable things done that Night, only there was
+continual knocking and pinching the Maids, which was usually done every
+Night.'
+
+There is a great deal more of this case, which reads like the senseless
+phenomena of a spiritual seance, but we will pass on to
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ A Demon in Gilbert Campbell's Family--Case of Sir William York--Case
+ of Ian Smagge--Disturbances at Stockwell.
+
+
+'A REMARKABLE STORY TOUCHING THE STIRS MADE BY A DAEMON IN THE FAMILY OF
+ONE GILBERT CAMPBELL, BY PROFESSION A WEAVER, IN THE OLD PARISH OF
+GLENLUCE, IN GALLOWAY, IN SCOTLAND.
+
+'It happened in October 1654, that after one _Alexander Agnew_, a bold and
+sturdy Beggar, who, afterwards, was hang'd at _Dumfries_, for Blasphemy,
+had threatened hurt to _Gilbert Campbel's_ family, because he had not
+gotten such an Alms as he required; the said _Gilbert_ was oftentimes
+hindred in the exercise of his Calling, all his working Instruments being,
+some of them broken, some of them cut, and yet could not know by what
+means this hurt was done. Which piece of trouble did continue till about
+the middle of _November_; at which time the Devil came with new and
+extraordinary Assaults, by throwing of Stones in at Doors and Windows, and
+down through the Chimney head, which were of great quantity, and thrown
+with great force, yet by God's good Providence, there was not one Person
+of the family hurt, or suffer'd damage thereby. This piece of new and
+sore Trouble did necessitate Mr. _Campbel_ to reveal that to the Minister
+of the Parish, and to some other Neighbours and Friends, which, hitherto,
+he had endured secretly. Yet notwithstanding this, his Trouble was
+inlarged; for, not long after, he found oftentimes his Warp and Threads
+cut as with a pair of Sizzars, and the Reed broken; and not only this, but
+their Apparel cut after the same manner, even while they were wearing
+them, their Coats, Bonnets, Hose, Shoes, but could not discern how, or by
+what means. Only, it pleased God to preserve their Persons, that the least
+harm was not done. Yet in the Night-time they wanted liberty to Sleep,
+something coming and pulling their Bed-clothes and Linnens off them, and
+leaving their Bodies naked.
+
+'Next, their Chests and Trunks were opened, and all things in them strewed
+here and there: Likewise the parts of the working Instruments that had
+escaped, were carried away, and hid in holes and bores of the House, where
+hardly they could be found again: Nay, whatever piece of Cloth or
+Household stuff was in any part of the House, it was carried away, and so
+cut and abused, that the Good-man was necessitated, with all haste and
+speed to remove, and to transport the rest to a Neighbour's House, and he
+himself compell'd to quit the Exercise of his Calling, whereby only he
+maintained his Family. Yet he resolv'd to remain in the House for a
+season. During which time some Persons thereabout, not very judicious,
+counselled him to send his Children out of the Family, here and there,
+(to try whom the Trouble did most follow, assuring him that this Trouble
+was not against all the Family, but against some one Person or other in
+it) whom he too willingly obeyed. Yet for the space of 4 or 5 Days after,
+there were no remarkable assaults, as before.'
+
+After the Devil had twice set this poor man's house on fire, and 'the
+persons within the family suffering many losses, as the Cutting of their
+Coaths, the throwing of Peits, the pulling down of Turf and Feal from the
+Roof and Walls of the House, and the stealing of their Apparel, and the
+pricking of their Flesh and Skin with pins, the Presbytery set apart a day
+for a solemn humiliation, which seems to have had some effect upon Satan,
+for soon after he found a voice.
+
+'Upon _Monday_ the 12th of _February_, the rest of the Family began to
+hear a Voice speak to them, but could not well know from whence it came.
+Yet, from Evening to Midnight, much vain Discourse was kept up with the
+Devil, and many idle and impertinent Questions proposed without that due
+Fear of God that should have been upon their Spirits, under so rare and
+extraordinary a Trial. The Minister hearing of this, went to the House
+upon the _Tuesday_, being accompanied with some Gentlemen, who, after
+Prayer was ended, heard a Voice speaking out of the Ground, from under a
+Bed, in the proper Country Dialect, saying, _Would you know the Witches
+of_ Glenluce? _I will call them_, and so related four or five Persons
+Names, that went under an evil report. The said _Gilbert_ informed the
+Company that one of them was dead long ago. The Devil answered, _It is
+true, she is dead long ago, yet her Spirit is living with us in the
+World_. The Minister reply'd, saying: _The Lord rebuke thee, Satan, and
+put thee to silence, we are not to receive any Information from thee,
+whatsoever Fame any Persons go under; thou art but seeking to seduce this
+Family, for Satan's kingdom is not divided against itself_.'
+
+Then the Devil and the minister had a most unseemly wrangle, both
+battering each other with texts of Scripture; and the holy man's visit did
+no good, for all their annoyances returned, until poor Campbell again
+appealed to the Presbytery; which body ordered that a solemn humiliation
+should be kept through all the bounds of the Synod. This was in February,
+and Campbell's persecutions gradually decreased till April, when they
+altogether ceased, and so continued till August.
+
+'About which time the Devil began with new Assaults, and taking the ready
+Meat that was in the House, did sometimes hide it in holes by the
+Door-posts, and at other times did hide it under the Beds, and sometimes
+among the Bed cloaths, and under the Linnens, and at last did carry it
+quite away, till nothing was left there save Bread and Water to live by.
+After this he exercised his Malice and Cruelty against all the Persons of
+the Family, in wearying them in the Night time, with stirring and moving
+through the House, so that they had no rest for noise, which continued all
+the month of August after this manner. After which time the Devil grew
+yet worse, and began with terrible Roarings and terrifying Voices, so that
+no Person could sleep in the House in the Night-time, and sometimes did
+vex them with casting of Stones, striking them with Staves on their Beds,
+in the Night time, and upon the 11th of _September_, about Midnight, he
+cryed out with a loud voice: _I shall burn the House_: and, about 3 or 4
+nights after, he set one of the Beds on Fire, which was soon extinguished
+without any prejudice, except the Bed itself, and so he continued to haunt
+them.'
+
+Here this thrilling narrative ends, and the minister and Presbytery seem
+to have given up the job of quelling the Devil. A much milder case is:
+
+'_A true and faithful_ Narrative _of the disturbance which was in the
+House of Sir_ William York, _in the Parish of_ Lessingham _in_
+Lincolnshire.'
+
+It began in May, 1679, with the latch of the outer door being lifted very
+quickly, which was done for between two or three hours. In July the doors
+banged to, and the chairs all held a conversazione in the hall, after
+which they returned to their several rooms. In August the persecution took
+the form of knocking at the doors; in September the noise was of a man
+walking on stilts.
+
+'Afterwards the said Noise began to be more dreadful and greater yet, and
+in more places, which mightily disordered Sir _William's_ ancient Father;
+and his Lady and Children very much. Upon which they were thinking upon
+leaving the House. Sir _William_ was willing that they should, but
+unwilling to leave it himself, and thereupon they all continued. At this
+time Sir _William_ had a Plummer putting up Lead about the House, to
+convey the Rain which fell into a Cistern, and this knocking was often
+against the Lead, and often against the Iron that bore it, in imitation of
+the Plummers knocking in the Day-time. He likewise had Carpenters at the
+same time, and sometimes the Noise was like their Chopping at the Wood in
+the Yard, insomuch that the head Carpenter said, That if he had not known
+his Servants to be in the House, he would have thought they had been
+chopping. Sometimes it was like the Servants Chopping of Coals in the Coal
+Yard; sometimes knocking at the Doors of Out-houses, at the Wash-house,
+Brew-house, and Stable-doors; and, as they followed it from place to
+place, it was still immediately, and in one instant removed. These were
+the usual Noises that were every Night when it came, which was 3 or 4
+times a Week.'
+
+It got worse until October, when Sir William had to go to London, to
+Parliament, when it entirely ceased. As years went on, these
+manifestations appear to have been of a much milder type. The belief in
+witchcraft and the personal power of the Devil was much shaken in Queen
+Anne's reign, but _the Ghost_ began to be introduced. In the following the
+two are well mixed, but, as we have nothing to do with such silly things
+as ghosts, this narrative will not take up much time.
+
+
+'AN EXACT NARRATIVE OF MANY SURPRIZING MATTERS OF FACT UNCONTESTABLY
+WROUGHT BY AN EVIL SPIRIT, OR SPIRITS, IN THE HOUSE OF MASTER _IAN
+SMAGGE_, FARMER IN _CANVY ISLAND_ NEAR _LEIGH_, IN _ESSEX_, UPON THE 10TH,
+13TH, 14TH, 15TH, AND 16TH OF _SEPTEMBER_ LAST, IN THE DAYTIME.' LONDON,
+1709.
+
+'This now Dwelling-House of _Ian Smagge_, standing in _Canvy_ Island, in
+the County of _Essex_, is said to have been Built, and for a great while
+Inhabited by a certain Person deceased; who, with his Wife, were lookt
+upon in their Life-time, jointly to have scrap'd together in the said
+House, by Fraudulent and Oppressive means, a considerable lump of Pelf.
+Having for a long time carried on this groveling Employ, the Wife being in
+a declining Condition, went to _London_ to be advis'd for her Health; but
+Sickness increasing, and she conceiving she should die, desir'd the Man
+with whom she lodg'd, that happened to be the same Person that now lives
+in the said disturb'd House, to acquaint her Husband, She would be Buried
+in a Place call'd _Benfleet_, near _Canvy_-Island, where her deceased
+Children lay: To which he answered, 'Twas all one where the Body was
+dispos'd, so the Soul was Happy.
+
+'This discourse passed about Six a Clock in the Evening in the Summer
+time. Immediately on which, _Ian Smagge_ affirms, He received a hard
+Stroke or Stroking on the Arm, from the Wrist upwards to his Shoulder; and
+then felt the Chair, that he sat in, to shake in an extraordinary manner.
+He lookt under the Chair, and about him, to see what caus'd the Motion,
+but discern'd nothing. His Wife and the sick Person were in the Room, but
+both distant from him.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'In two or three Days the said Person died, and her Husband was sent for,
+and acquainted with her Mind; but he, probably to save Charges, buried her
+in Town. The Funeral being over, he return'd to his Habitation in _Canvy
+Island_, and in a few Years made his _Exit_ also, which the old
+Inhabitants compute to be upward of 20 Years since. Presently, upon his
+death, unaccountable Noises were frequently heard in the House, to the
+great trouble of those that succeeded him in it. Such as forcibly opening
+and Shutting the Doors at Noon-day, no one being near them, or the least
+Wind or Breeze of Air stirring to do it. Nay, whilst the people have had
+the Doors in their Hands, they have been violently snach'd from them, and
+shut to and fro, with exceeding quickness, for many times together.'
+
+There were all sorts of noises and silly tricks, such as spirits seem to
+delight in--breaking windows, throwing stones, etc., and a ghost or two
+thrown in. The local minister did all he could to quiet matters, and
+'throughout this sore Visitation discharged his sacred Function in a ready
+and constant attendance, in advising Mrs. Smagge to a Fast, and Prayers in
+the Family'; and no doubt his remedies were effectual, for the
+disturbances ceased.
+
+Cases of this kind became scarce, possibly because the Devil got weary of
+such puerilities, and I shall only record one more case in which he,
+certainly, made a house very lively:
+
+
+'AN AUTHENTIC, CANDID, AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL NARRATIVE, OF THE ASTONISHING
+TRANSACTIONS AT _STOCKWELL_ IN THE COUNTY OF _SURRY_, ON MONDAY AND
+TUESDAY THE 6TH AND 7TH DAYS OF JANUARY 1772.
+
+'On _Monday_, _January_ the 6th 1772, about ten o'clock in the forenoon,
+as Mrs. _Golding_ was in her parlour, she heard the china and glasses in
+the back kitchen tumble down and break; her maid came to her and told her
+the stone plates were falling from the shelves: Mrs. _Golding_ went into
+the kitchen, and saw them broke. Presently after, a row of plates from the
+next shelf fell down likewise, while she was there, and nobody near them;
+this astonished her much, and while she was thinking about it, other
+things in different places began to tumble about, some of them breaking,
+attended with violent noises all over the house; a clock tumbled down, and
+the case broke; a lanthorn that hung on the staircase was thrown down and
+the glass broke to pieces; an earthen pan of salted beef broke to pieces,
+and the beef fell about.'
+
+A carpenter gave it as his opinion that the house was going to tumble
+down, so Mrs. Golding removed to Mrs. Gresham's, her next door neighbour,
+and her effects were also removed as quickly as possible; but the demon
+followed with them.
+
+'Among the things that were removed to Mrs. _Gresham's_, was a tray full
+of china, &c. a japan bread basket, some mahogany waiters, with some
+bottles of liquors, jars of pickles &c., and a pier glass, which was taken
+down by Mr. _Saville_, (a neighbour of Mrs. _Golding's_): he gave it to
+one _Robert Hames_, who laid it on the grass-plat at Mrs. _Gresham's_;
+but, before he could put it out of his hands, some parts of the frame on
+each side flew off. It raining at the time, Mrs. _Golding_ desired it
+might be brought into the parlour, where it was put under a side-board,
+and a dressing glass along with it; it had not been there long, before the
+glasses and china which stood on the side board, began to tumble about and
+fall down, and broke both the glasses to pieces. Mr. _Saville_ and others,
+being asked to drink a glass of wine or rum, both the bottles broke in
+pieces before they were uncorked.'
+
+This made the poor lady very nervous indeed, and she could no longer stop
+in a house where there were such doings, so moved to that of a niece, Mrs.
+Pain, but while they were picking up some of her things to store away, 'a
+jar of pickles that stood upon a table, turned upside down, then a jar of
+rasburry jam broke to pieces; next two mahogany waiters and a
+quadrille-box likewise broke to pieces.'
+
+Mrs. Golding doubtless thought that her troubles were ended, for
+everything was quiet in her new abode till about eight o'clock in the
+evening, when there was 'the Devil to pay.'
+
+'The first thing that happened, was, a whole row of pewter dishes, except
+one, fell from off a shelf to the middle of the floor, rolled about a
+little while, then settled, and what is almost beyond belief, as soon as
+they were quiet, turned upside down; they were then put on the dresser,
+and went through the same a second time; next fell a whole row of pewter
+plates from off the second shelf over the dresser to the ground, and being
+taken up, and put on the dresser one in another, they were thrown down
+again.
+
+'The next thing was two eggs that were upon one of the pewter shelves, one
+of them flew off, crossed the kitchen, struck a cat on the head, and then
+broke to pieces.
+
+'Next _Mary Martin_, Mrs. _Pain's_ servant, went to stir the kitchen fire,
+she got to the right hand side of it, being a large chimney, as is usual
+in farm houses, a pestle and mortar that stood nearer the left hand end of
+the chimney shelf, jumped about six feet on the floor. Then went
+candlesticks and other brasses; scarce anything remaining in its place.
+After this, the glasses and china were put down on the floor for fear of
+undergoing the same fate, they presently began to dance and tumble about,
+and then broke to pieces. A tea-pot that was among them, flew to Mrs.
+_Golding's_ maid's foot, and struck it.
+
+'A glass tumbler that was put on the floor jumped about two feet, and then
+broke. Another that stood by it, jumped about at the same time, but did
+not break for some hours after, when it jumped again, and then broke. A
+china bowl that stood in the parlour jumped from the floor, to behind a
+table that stood there. This was most astonishing, as the distance from
+where it stood was between seven and eight feet, but was not broke. It was
+put back by _Richard Fowler_, to its place, where it remained some time,
+and then flew to pieces.
+
+'The next thing that followed was a mustard pot, that jumped out of a
+Closet, and was broke, A single cup that stood upon the table, (almost the
+only thing remaining) jumped up, flew across the kitchen, ringing like a
+bell, and then was dashed to pieces against the dresser. A candle stick,
+that stood on the Chimney shelf, flew cross the kitchen to the parlour
+door, at about fifteen feet distance. A tea-kettle, under the dresser, was
+thrown out about two feet, another kettle that stood at one end of the
+range, was thrown against the iron that is fixed to prevent children
+falling into the fire. A tumbler with rum and water in it, that stood upon
+a waiter upon a table in the parlour, jumped about ten feet, and was
+broke. The table then fell down, and along with it a silver tankard
+belonging to Mrs. _Golding_, the waiter in which had stood the tumbler and
+a candle stick. A case bottle then flew in pieces.'
+
+The food took to flying about, and it must have been heartbreaking for the
+ladies to witness the destruction of their property, which must have been
+aggravated by the conduct of Mrs. Golding's servant. 'At all the times of
+action, she was walking backwards and forwards, either in the kitchen or
+parlour, or wherever some of the family happened to be. Nor could they get
+her to sit down five minutes together, except at one time for about half
+an hour towards the morning, when the family were at prayers in the
+parlour; then all was quiet; but in the midst of the greatest confusion,
+she was as much composed as at any other time, and, with uncommon coolness
+of temper, advised her mistress not to be alarmed or uneasy, as she said
+these things could not be helped. Thus she argued, as if they were common
+occurrences which must happen in every family.'
+
+Nowadays, perhaps, she would have been termed a very powerful 'medium,'
+but as the property still continued in an abnormal condition, and its
+destruction was proceeding at a very rapid rate, it was thought better to
+discharge her, 'and no disturbances have happened since.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ Possession by, and casting out, Devils--The Church and
+ Exorcisms--Earlier Exorcists--'The Strange and Grievous Vexation by
+ the Devil of 7 Persons in Lancashire.'
+
+
+The New Testament, especially the Gospels, decidedly and authoritatively
+teach that the Devil, or Devils, had power to enter into and possess men,
+and Jesus not only cast them out, but gave His disciples power to do the
+same; and, in order that this possession by the Devil should not be
+ascribed to disease, it is expressly classified apart, Matt. iv. 24: 'And
+they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers
+diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and
+those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy, and He healed
+them.' And even the Revised Version does not materially alter the text:
+'And they brought unto Him all that were sick, holden with divers diseases
+and torments, _possessed with aevils_ (or, _demoniacs_) and epileptic and
+palsied; and He healed them.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The early Christian Church fully believed in its powers of casting out
+devils, and holy-water, accompanied with the sign of the cross, was very
+efficacious in this matter. Now, in these latter days, it seems to be of
+no effect of itself. In Addis and Arnold's 'Catholic Dictionary,' a work
+which has received the _imprimatur_ of Cardinal Manning, we read, under
+the heading 'Holy-water': 'Water and salt are exorcised by the priest, and
+so withdrawn from the power of Satan, who, since the fall, has corrupted
+and abused even inanimate things; prayers are said that the water and salt
+may promote the spiritual and temporal health of those to whom they are
+applied, and may drive away the Devil with his rebel angels; and, finally,
+the water and salt are mingled in the name of the Trinity. The water thus
+blessed becomes a means of grace.... The reader will observe that we do
+not attribute to holy-water any virtue of its own. It is efficacious
+simply because the Church's prayers take effect at the time it is used.'
+
+But this was not the belief of the Roman Catholic Church of the sixteenth
+and seventeenth centuries, as we may read in Boguet[13]: 'But it was a
+frightful thing to hear the Demon cry and yell when the priest had
+pronounced the holy name of Jesus, and when he invoked the assistance of
+the holy Virgin Mary, or when he approached the Demoniac with the Cross,
+or when he sprinkled him with holy-water, or made him drink some. For he
+said sometimes _that they were burning him_, and at others, _that they had
+given him enough holy-water, and that if they persisted in throwing any
+more over him, he would not go out, and would torment Roland's body still
+further_.'
+
+But, before the Church took up this good work, it would seem that there
+were more or less effective agents for the purpose in existence, for
+Reginald Scot tells us, in 'A Discourse upon Diuels and Spirits,' chap.
+xv.: 'But when Saule was releeued with the sound of the harpe, they say
+that the departure of the diuell was by meanes of the signe of the Crosse
+imprinted in _Dauid's_ veines. Whereby we maie see how absurd the
+imaginations and deuises of men are, when they speake according to their
+own fansies, without warrant of the word of God. But methinks it is verie
+absurd that _Josephus_ affirmeth: to wit, that the diuell should be thrust
+out of anie man by virtue of a root. And as vaine it is that _AElianus_
+writeth of the magicall herbe _Cynospastus_, otherwise called
+_Aglaphotis_; which is all one with _Salomon's_ root, named _Baaros_, as
+hauing force to driue out anie diuell from a man possessed.'
+
+Nowadays we put some of those possessed with devils into prison, and we
+endeavour to purify them by work, diet, good counsel, and the absence of
+temptations--a course which is sometimes, but not always, effective; but,
+then, the character of devils has certainly changed during the last four
+or five centuries.
+
+The reading of cases of possession is somewhat dreary work, and some are
+evidently catch-pennies, extremely goody-goody, consisting of long-winded
+theological discussions between the possessed and the Devil, in which the
+former invariably gets the best of the argument, so that I shall not tarry
+long on this branch of my subject, giving only three or four cases in
+illustration.
+
+
+'A TRUE NARRATION OF THE STRANGE AND GRIEVOUS VEXATION BY THE DEVIL OF 7
+PERSONS IN LANCASHIRE, BY JOHN DARRELL, MINISTER OF THE WORD OF GOD. 1600.
+
+'At _Cleworth_ in _Lancashire_, within the parish of _Leigh_, there
+dweleth one _Nicholas Starchie_, gentleman, who, having only two children,
+it went thus with them, in the beginning of februari, 1594: first, _Anne_,
+his daughter, being 9 Yeares olde, was taken with a dumpish and heauie
+countenaunce, and with a certaine fearefull starting and pulling together
+of her body; about a weeke after, _Iohn Starchie_, his sonne, of the age
+of 10 yeares, as he was going to the schoole, was compelled to shout,
+neither was able to staie himself. After, they waxed worse and worse,
+falling often into extreame fits, M. _Starchie_ seeking for remedy, after
+9 or 10 weekes, heard of one, _Edmund Hartlay_, a coniurer, to whom he
+repaired, made knowne his greife, and with large profers craued his helpe.
+_Hartlay_ comes, and, after he had used certaine popish charmes and
+hearbs, by degrees the children were at quiet, and so continued, seeming
+to be well almost a yeare and halfe, all which time _Hartlay_ came often
+to visit them. At length, he fained as though he would have gone into
+another country, but wether, M. _Starchie_ might not know. When he begane
+to goe his way, _Iohn_ fell of bleedinge; then, presently, he was sent for
+again, who affirmed that if he had bene 40 rodes off, no man could have
+stanched him, and thus it fell out at other times.
+
+'M. _Starchie_ hereupon fearing lest his children would be troubled in his
+absence, and he uncertaine where to find him, offered to giue him his
+table to tarie with them, and so he did for a certain space; but, after
+couenaunted with him to giue him an annuel pension of 40s. for his
+assistance in time of neede; which pension was assured him in writing, and
+began at _Michael's_ day 1598; wherewith _Hartlay_ not being satisfied,
+desiered more, an house and ground: whereunto, because M. _Starchie_ would
+not accord, he threatned in a fume (M. _Starchie_ being absent, but in the
+hearing of diuers), that, if he would not fulfil his minde, he would make
+such a shout as never was at _Cleworth_; and so ther was indeed, not only
+upon the day, and at the instant of their dispossession, but also the day
+before: when 7 of them, both in the afternoone and in the evening, sent
+forth such a strange, supernaturall, and fearfull noyse, or loud
+whupping,[14] as the like, undoubtedly, was neuer hard at _Cleworth_, nor
+it, I think, in _England_. This he said in September 1596, and on the 17
+day of Nouember folowing, they both began to be troubled againe after so
+long rest.
+
+'On a certaine time _Hartlay_ went with M. _Starchie_ to his father's
+house in _Whally_ parishe, where he was tormented sore all night. The next
+day, beinge recouered, he went into a little wood, not farr from the
+house, where he maide a circle about a yarde and halfe wyde, deviding it
+into 4 partes, making a crosse at euery Diuision; and when he had finished
+his worke, he came to M. _Starchie_, and desiered him to go and tread out
+the circle, saying I may not treade it out my selfe; and further, I will
+meete with them that went about my death. When M. _Starchie_ saw this
+wreched dealing of his, and his children still molested, he waxed wearie
+of him, howbeit he sought other helpe for his children.
+
+'Then he tooke his sonnes water to a phisitian in _Manchester_, who sawe
+no signe of sicknes; after, he went to _Doctor Dee_, the warden of
+_Manchester_, whose helpe he requested, but he utterly refused, sayinge he
+would not meddle, and aduised him that, settinge aside all other helpe, he
+should call for some godlye preachers, with whom he should consult
+concerning a Publicke or Privat fast. He also procured _Hartlay_ to come
+before him, whom he so sharply reproved, and straitly examined, that the
+children had more ease for 3 weekes space after; and this was upon the 8
+of December.
+
+'About Newyeare's Day, the children (being in good case, as it seemed)
+went to _Manchester_, invited to a kinsman's house, whom _Hartlay_
+accompanied as their overseer, and in their returne homewardes, they were
+desirous to see _Doctor Dee_, according to their promise, and his request.
+But _Hartlay_ withstood them, and, because they went to his house,
+notwithstanding his prohibition, he told them, with an angri loke, that it
+had bene better for them not to haue chaunged an old frend for a new, with
+other menacinge speaches, and so went before them in a rage, and neuer
+came neare them all the way home.
+
+'Upon the Tuseday after newyeares day Ianuarie 4. _Iohn Starchie_ was
+readinge, somethinge gave him such a blowe on the necke, that he was
+soddenlye stricken downe with an horrible scryke,[15] saying that _Satan_
+had broken his necke and laye tormented pitifully for the space of two
+howres. The same day, at night, being in bed, he lept out on the sudden,
+with a terrible outcry, that amased all the familye. Then was he tossed
+and tumbled a long tyme, was very feirce like a mad-man, or a mad dogge,
+snacted at and bite euery one that he layde hold on, with his teethe, not
+spareing his mother, smiting the next, and hurling Bed-staues, Pillowes,
+or whatsoeuer at them, and into the fire. From this day forwarde he had no
+great ease until the day of his deliuerance.
+
+'His sister _Anne_ likewise began againe to be troubled, and 3 other yong
+children in the house, of whom M. _Starchie_ had the education and
+tuition, with there portiones committed unto him by ther parentes. The
+first was _Margaret Hardman_, of the age of 14 yeares, the 2. _Elizabeth_
+her sister of 10 yeares age, and the 3. _Ellinor Holland_ of 12 yeares.
+The same day, at night, _Hartlay_ himself, was also tormented, and the
+next day in like manner, where many held him, among whom one _Margaret
+Byrom_ of _Salford_, by _Manchester_ 33 yeares olde, a poore kinswoman of
+_Mistris Starchies_, was one; who beinge come thither to make merrie, was
+requested to sit downe behind _Hartlay_ to hold him, and did so; but, when
+he was out of his fit, she endeuored to arise, was so benumb and giddi,
+that shee could not stand, yet, being lifted up shee stroue to goe, but
+being unable, fell downe, and was sencelesse, and very unruly.
+
+'Which, _Hartlay_ seeinge, saide, I feare I haue done her harme. Then she
+nicknamed and taunted all that were present, though she wyste not what she
+saide, nor knewe or sawe _Hartlay_ onlye, whome she both knewe and saide
+she sawe, albeit her eyes were shut close, that she could see nothing: at
+him she rayled, and angerly smote. After her fit, _Hartlay_ came to
+comforte her, for hee pretended to bere a louinge affection towards her:
+and it was thought he had kissed her. Nowe they iudged in the house that
+whomsoeuer he kissed, on them he breathed the diuell. He often kissed
+_Iohn_ for loue, (as he saide) he kissed the little wenches in iest, he
+promised _Margaret Hardman_ a thrane[16] of kisses. He wrastled with one
+_Iohan Smyth_, a maide seruaunte in the house to kisse her, but he fayled
+of his purpose; whereupon _Elinor_ in a fitt saide, if hee had kissed her,
+3 men coulde not haue helde her. When he cam to comfort _Margaret_, she
+could not abide his companye. He demaunded of her, why? She said for that
+she thought he had bewitched her. He asked the reason why she thought so?
+Shee answered, for thou art euer in myne eyes, absent and present.
+
+'But let us returne to the other 5, who were first possessed, of whome we
+will say very little, seeing we have much to say of _Margaret Byrom_: and
+it is sufficient to heare at large of one of them, and were too much to
+discourse fully of euery of them, considering the number.
+
+'The 2. of February, in the night, _Iohn Starchie_ had verie shorte
+fittes, and thick; and at the recouery of euery one, gaue 3 Knockes with
+his hand on the seeling, and said that he must haue 20 such fits. The next
+day he left knocking, and fell to washing his hands after euery short
+fitt, and when so euer he washed, he would have newe water; if it were the
+same wherewith he washed before (for he could tell) he refused it. About
+the 14 of Januarie, these 5 beinge in theire fits, one of them began to
+barke and howle (according to theire custom); after that 2. then 3, lastly
+they were all in, like a ring of 5 bells for order and tune, and so
+continued almost a quarter of an houre. After theer howling, they fell to
+a tumbling, and after that became speachlesse, sencelesse, and as dead.
+
+'On the 1. of February, 4. of them fell a dauncing; _Elizabeth Hardman_
+singing and playinge the minstrell, whome _Anne Starchie_ (the 5 being
+well) followed, laughing at their toyes; but, after a while, she fel down
+as dead. All the time of their dauncing, they wist not what they did. If
+others called to them, they heard them not, answered not, and yet talked
+one to another.
+
+'The 1. or 2. weeke of Lent, Mistres Starchie required them all 5. to tell
+her how they were handled, that certaine knowledge might be had thereof to
+the preachers: they all answered that an angell like a doue was come from
+god, and that they must follow him to heauen, which way soeuer he would
+lead them, though it were through neuer so little a hole, for he toulde
+them he could drawe them through, and soe they ran under the beds. And
+_Elizabeth Hardman_ was under a bedde making a hole, and beinge asked what
+she did, she said that she must goe through the wall, for she on the one
+side, and her lad on the other, would soone make a hole.
+
+'About a fortnight or three weekes before their delivery, _Elinor Holland_
+and _Elizabeth Hardman_ foretould how many fits they shoulde haue before
+they slept, and, tomorrowe, quoth _Elinor Holland_ in the forenoon I must
+haue a fit of 3 howers long. When the tyme came shee bad them set the
+hower glasse: they set it behind her, out of her sight; her eyes also was
+closed. She was sencelesse and speachlesse, saue the noting of the time,
+which she truly noted, saying, there is a quarter, the halfe hower, and,
+as the glasse was runne out, she sayde, turne the glasse; and thus did she
+3 tymes, or 3 howers. After comming to herselfe, she said _Iesus, blesse
+mee_, which all of them usually said at the end of their fites. In like
+manner did _Elizabeth Hardman_, for 2 howers, who beinge demaunded how she
+knewe this, answered that a white Doue told them so.
+
+'About the 19 of March, the 4 youngest went on ther knees all morning
+until afternoone, and they fleed from all the familye and neighbours, into
+other chambers, calling them deuils with hornes, creeping under the bed,
+when they had the use of their feete; their tongues were taken from them.
+
+'When _Maister Hopwood_, a Justice of peace, came of purpose to take their
+testimony against _Edmund Hartlay_ to _Lancaster Assises_, and had them
+before him to that end, they were speachlesse, and that daye, he gott no
+answer of them. Being called out of one chamber into another, they sank
+down by the way speachlesse. When they spake, they complayned that
+_Edmund_ would not suffer them to speake against him.
+
+'At the same time _Iane Ashton_, a maid seruant in the house (the 7th
+possessed person, of the age of 30 yeares) began to bark and houle when
+she should haue gon to bear witnes against _Edmund Hartlay_, wherupon one
+of them in her fit said, Ah _Edmund_, dost thou trouble her now when she
+shold testify against thee? This was the second time she was troubled.
+Almost a yeare before, it first tooke her in her throat, as if she had a
+pyn sticking there, whereupon she strayned herselfe so sore that she got
+up bloud, and for two dayes was very sicke.
+
+'About the 21 of March. _Ellinor Holland_ and _Elizabeth Hardman_ for 3
+dayes and 3 nights together could nether eate, nor drinke, nor speake to
+any except it were one to another, and to ther lads, saue that their lads
+gaue them leaue (as they said) the one to eate a toast and drink, the
+other a sower milk posset. And, notwithstanding that permission, thei said
+he was angry that thei had eaten, and told them that thei should not be
+quiet, until they had cast it up againe. So thei vomited, saying, take it
+to thee, here it is agayne, for thou gauest us lisence to eate it, and
+nowe thou art angry. And if thei went about to swallow a little drink,
+thei were so taken by the throat, that thei pict it up againe. The 3
+night, about 8 a cloke, _Elinor Holland_ being asked when she would or
+could slepe, answered that ther were 4 howers yet to come before she could
+slepe. About an houre and halfe of that time she tooke a distafe and spane
+both faster and finer than at any tym before. When she had done spinning,
+she said unto them, now shall I worke you all, and thenceforth was so
+extreamly handled, that two could scarcely rule and hold her. At length
+reuerting, she said I haue bene sleeping 3 daies and 3 nights, and now I
+faint with hunger.
+
+'About a weeke before there deliverance some of the youngest used these
+kind of speaches: thou naughtie lad, thou makest us sicke, for thou
+knowest the preachers will come shortly.
+
+'This generally was observed in the 5 youngest, that when they gaue
+themselves to any sporte, they had rest and were pleasaunt though the time
+was longe. Their parents report beyng at a playe in a neighbour
+gentleman's house many houres together, they were quyet all the tyme
+(_Hartlay_ boested that he had kept them so longe quyet); but on the
+contrary, as soon as they went about any godly exercise, they were
+trobled. And thus much brifly touching those 6 at _Cleworth_, and the
+strange accedents which fell out there, as also how in all probabilitie it
+came to be vexed, in like sort, by the appoyntment of God and by the same
+mediant hand, the devil, and _Hartlay_ the coniurer.
+
+'The 10 of Ianuary (beyng the 4 day after her trouble begane), as
+_Margaret Byrom_ sate by the kitchyne fyre, shee was throwne towardes the
+fire, lyinge hard by the chimneye barres, as though shee should have bene
+rosted. Thence she drewe her, and hauinge continued a longe tyme in the
+fitte, and recouerynge, about halfe an houer after, as shee satte in a
+Chaire, she was throwne headlonge under the boarde[17] but had no harme,
+and thus was she suddenly and violently cast sundrie times after.
+
+'She, being desired to tel how her fits held her, said that she thought
+something rouled in her belly like a calfe, and laye euer on her left
+side, and when it rose up from her belly towardes her hart, she thought
+that the head and nose thereof had bene full of nayles, wherwith being
+pricked, she was compelled to scrike aloud with veri paine and feare.
+When her belly was swollen, it lift her up, and so bounded, that it would
+picke off the hand of him that held her downe, and sometyme the parti
+himself, that held her, farr off. When her belly slaked, there went out of
+hir mouth a could breath (that made her mouth very coulde), which caused
+her to barke and houle; then plumpte it down into her body like a colde
+longe whetstone, on her left side, when her belly was smale, wherewith
+shee so quaked, that her teeth chattered in her head, and, if she went to
+warme her, she was presently pickt backward.
+
+'About the end of Ianuary, from M. _Starchie's_, she went home to
+_Salford_, a towne adioyning to _Manchester_, accompanyed with _Hartlay_
+and one other. The next morninge as _Hartlay_ prayed ouer her in a fite,
+came one M. _Palmer_, a preacher of _Manchester_, who asked him what he
+was doinge: he answeared, Praying. Thou pray, thou cans't not pray, quoth
+he, what prayer cans't thou say? None, saide he, but the Lorde's prayer.
+Say it, quoth he; the which, as I remember, he coulde not say. He then, as
+a privat man, examined him, and, after, had him before two Iustices of
+peace; from whom he brought him by ther appointment, to _Margaret Byrom_,
+to heare what she could say against him; but, as soone as she saw him shee
+straightwaye became speachlesse, and was cast downe backwardes, and so did
+she the 2 tyme; and 5 tymes was dumbe when _Hartlay_ came in her sight.
+
+'This morning as she came to the fier, she sawe a great blacke dogge,
+with a monstrous taile, and a long chaine, Open mouth, comming apace
+towardes her, and, running by her left side, cast her on her face hard by
+the fier, houlding her tounge for halfe an hower, but leauinge at libertie
+her eyes and handes. A litle after, a bigge blacke catt, staringe
+fearfully at her, came runinge by her left side, and threwe her backward,
+taking from her the use both of her eyes and handes, which with
+yesking[18] were euer losed. About halfe hower after that fit, it came
+like a bige mouse, and lept upon her left knee, cast her backward, took
+away her tongue, eyes, and sences, that she lay as dead, and when she came
+to any feeling, it put up her bellye as before. These visions and fites
+ordinarely troubled her for 6 weeks every day, on the daytime, as is said;
+and commonly everi night (as she thought) it sat on her head, very heavi,
+laying (as it seemed to her) 4 great fingers on her browes, that she was
+not able to open her eies. Often times she cried to her mother that she
+should sit from off her Head, asking who it was that held her soe
+straight, and, though she could not ster her head, hir kerchefe was pulled
+off her head commonly, she, notwithstanding, lying still as a stocke from
+9 to 3 in the morning, about which time it departed. In departing, it
+somtimes gaue her a great thumpe, on the hinder parte of her head, that it
+was verye sore for 2 dayes after.
+
+'Sixe times within those 6 weekes, the sperit would not suffer her to eate
+or drincke; it tooke awaye, also, her stomake. If she offered to drincke
+(at the earnest motion of others) it cast her and the drincke downe
+together. At other tymes shee did eate greedily, slossinge up her meate
+like a greedy dogge, or hogge, that her mother and her friendes were
+ashamed of her. Styll shee was hungrye and cryed for more, saying shee had
+nothing, though she spared no kinde of meate: all was fish that cam to
+nett. After abundance of meate her belly semed neuer the fuller, that she
+marueiled which waye it went.
+
+'The 10 of februari, it pulled her, as she thought, in an hundred peeces.
+Ther came out of her mouth such a stincking smoke and breath, that shee
+could not endure it her selfe. Her voyce and crying were quite altered,
+and so continued till night. But her breath stank soe yll a day and a
+nyght after, that her neighboures could not endure to come neare her.
+
+'Often, her sences were taken away, and she made as styfe as iron, and oft
+as dead, euen breathlesse: somtymes it made a loud noyse in her bellye,
+like that in the bellye of a great troting horse.
+
+'The two next nights before the day of her examination concerning
+_Hartlay_, appeared the deuill in the likenesse of _Hartlay_, requesting
+her to take heed what she sayd, and to speake the truth, for the time was
+come: promising her siluer and gould. She answered (thinking it to be
+_Hartlay_) that the truth she had spoken already, and that she would not
+favour him, neither for siluer nor gold. The 2 night he departed, saying,
+doe as thou wilt. The day before _Hartlay_, his execution, was a sore day
+unto her, after which, euery day, she went to morning prayer, and was
+never troubled in the Church, saue the 1 day, whereon it took her about
+the middest of the sermon, in heauing up her shoulders, depriuing her of
+her sences. After the recouery of her sences, it tooke away the use of her
+leggs, and thus it molested her in the Church, to the admyration of the
+people, about an hower and halfe.
+
+'At the assises at _Lancaster_, was _Hartlay_ condemned and hanged. The
+making of his circle was chiefly his ouerthrowe, which he denyed; but
+breaking the rope, he, after, confessed it.
+
+'After this time, she had more ease in the day, than she was wont; but, in
+the night, she lay stif and stark, quaking and trembling, till the day she
+came to _Cleworth_.
+
+'It going thus with the 6 at _Cleworth_ and the 7 at _Salford_, M.
+_Starchie_ according to the counsel before given him, procured first one
+preacher, then an other to see them, but they knew not well what to say to
+their affliction. After hauing intelligence, by D. _Dee_ his butler, of
+the like greuous affliction of _Thomas Darling_, his uncle's son, and
+recouery upon the aduice given by myself, he requested D. _Dee_ his letter
+unto me (though unacquainted) and obteyned it, wherwith he sent his owne
+also, which preuayled not with me.
+
+'Thereuppon, he procured other letters, whereof one was from a Iustice of
+peace therby, and sent the second time unto me. Then I, crauinge first the
+aduice of many of my brethren in the ministery, met togither at an
+exercise, yealded to M. _Starchie's_ request, and, about 3 weekes after,
+went thither.
+
+'On the 16 of March '96 M. _George More_, pastor of _Cawlke_ in
+_Darbyshire_, and myself, came to _Cleworth_. Whither when we were come,
+M. _Starchie_ tould us, that his sonn had bene well about a fortnight, and
+his daughter 4 dayes: and, surely, to see to, they were, at that instant,
+as well and free from any possession by Sathan, as any other; which we
+suspected to procede from the subtilty of the _diuel_, and so it proved.
+
+'Shortly after our comming, as we sat at dinner, came in _Margaret
+Hardman_ and hir sister, and _Elinor Holland_, one after another, like
+players to bid us welcom. For as much as nobody sent for me, said one of
+them, I am come of my owne accord. And, hauing thus spoken, shee was
+throwen backward on a forme; and so all 3 were strangely and greuosly
+tormented. Their faces (as I remember) were disfigured, their bodyes (I am
+sure) greatly swelled, and such a sensible stiring and rumbling within
+their bodyes, as to one's sight and feling they had some quick thing
+within each of them; and not only so, but such a violent mouing there was
+also in their inward parts, (especially in M. Hardman) as was easily
+hearde of us that were present. I remember, also, among the manifold
+pleasant speaches they used, one or moe spake iocondly concerning _Edmund
+Hartlay's_ hanging, who was then newly executed; and it was to this
+effect. Do they think they could hang the diuel? I wis no. They might hang
+_Edmund_, but they coulde not hang the diuel. No maruel though the rope
+broke; for there were two, _Edmund_ and the diuel. By that which I heard
+of his fits (whereof we haue partly heard before) I, for my part, then
+thought, and doe so still, that in the end, he who had so sweetly (by
+kisses, forsooth,) sent the diuel into so many, had, by the iust iudgment
+of god, the diuell sent into him.
+
+'Then hearde we _Iane Ashton_ howling, and perceiueing it was
+supernaturall, and hearing also, other strange things concerning her,
+especiallye that which was new fallen out of the swelling of her belly,
+whereof you shal heare: we affirmed that we thought that she, also, was
+possessed, which neither the family, nor the mayd, herself, mistrusted or
+feared; and ther was cause, for besides her first taking with the hoke and
+the wordes _Hartlay_ used thereupon, and kisses before, with promis of
+mariage (which all were, perhaps, forgotten), she was taken with barking,
+as the rest were, when M. _Hopwoode_ cam to examine them. Againe, the
+children said no lesse in their fits, for, when she cam in their sight,
+they would say, come and help us, for thou art one of our company. And
+though they neither knew nor speake to any other, yet _Iane_ they knewe,
+and speake to her onlye in these wordes, thou wilt shortlye come in
+amongst us. And shee, herself, acknowledged that somtimes, as she carrien
+up hot Ianoks,[19] she thought that she could haue eaten up a Ianoke, and
+often did eat much by stealth, being passing hungry like _Margaret Byrom_
+and the children, who, likewise, were sometymes exceedinglye greedye of
+meate. This day, also, an hower or two before we came, her belly began to
+swell greatly, so that she compared her bellye to a woman's great with
+child. When it abated a little, a breath came up her throat, which caused
+yelling: after, it fell downe into hir body like a cold stone, as it did
+with _Margaret Byrom_. And, as soone as tydings came that we were come,
+presently her belly was fallne, and as litle as in former time, and so
+continued.
+
+'Not long after our comming, all 7 being had in a chamber, the one of us
+applyed his speach according to the present occasion: and then, behold,
+all of them, even _Iane Ashton_, and M. _Starchie's_ children were
+presently greuiously tormented. Yea, Satan, in _Iohn Starchie_ exceeded
+for crueltye.
+
+'And thus they contynued all that afternoone. 3 or 4 of them gaue
+themselves to Scoffing and Blasphemy, calling the holy Bible, being
+brought up, _bible bable, bible bable_; and thus they did aloud and often.
+All, or most of them ioyned together in a strange and supernatural loud
+whupping, that the house and ground did sound therwith againe; by reason
+whereof we were dryven (as I maye say) out of the chamber, and keept out
+for that daye.
+
+'This euening we did use some words of exhortation, for the sanctefying of
+ourselues and the family, against the next daye's seruice: immediately
+before which, they all sent forth as they had before, a supernaturall loud
+whupping and yellyng, such as would have amased one to haue gone into the
+roome wher they were, but, as one of us opened his mouth, they were
+presentlye silent, and so continued.
+
+'The next morning, all 7 being had into a faire larg parlor, and laid ther
+on couches, M. _More_, M. _Dickens_ (a preacher, and their pastor) and
+myself, with about 30 more, assembled together, spent that day in prayer,
+with fasting, and hearing the word; all the parties afflicted remayninge
+in their fits the said whole day. Towards the end wherof, they, all of the
+sudden, began to be most extreamly tormented, beting up and downe with
+their bodies being held by others, crying also (6 of them) aloud, in
+strang and supernaturall manner; and, after, they lay as dead, where with
+they which were present were so affected, that, leuing that good order,
+which all the day had ben kept, confusedly, euery one with voice and hands
+lifted up, cryed unto god for mercy in their behalf, and the lord was
+pleased to heare us, so as 6 of them were shortly delyuered, wherein we,
+with them, reioyced, and praised god for the same.
+
+'The first that was dispossessed, was _Margaret Byrom_, then all the
+residu (saue _Iane Ashton_) one shortly after another, between 5 and 6 at
+night. She began to be vexed by Sathan about 4 or 5 in the morning, and
+neuer had rest until her deliuerance. All that day she heard only a
+humming and a sound, but knewe nothing what was said: she could thus
+heare, but not see. Sometime she sawe, and then marueyled what the company
+did ther, and how she got thither: howbeit, she heard euery idle word that
+the children possessed had spoken: she was more extreamly handled that
+daye than any before, though she had had many sore daies. She was euer
+full of payne, and it semed to her, as though her hart would haue burst:
+she strayned up much fleamy and bloudy matter. Lastly, she lay as dead for
+the space of half an houre, taking no breath. Then start she up most
+ioyfully, magnifying god, with such a cherefull countenance and voyce,
+that we all reioyced with her, but were somwhat amazed at hir suddayn
+lauding of god, with such freedome and earnestnes in speach and gesture.
+
+'_Iohn Starchie_, the next, was so miserably rent, that aboundance of blod
+gushed out, both at his nose and mouth. As the day before, so that day, he
+gnashed fearfully with his teeth; he, also, lay as dead about the like
+time, soe that some sayd to us, he seemeth to be dead. Then start he up
+likwise on the suddain, and prayed god in most cherful and comfortable
+manner. And so did the rest, who also maide sundry tymes greate shewe of
+vomyting, and nowe and then vomyted indeede, somthing like fleam, thick
+spettle. These 4, especially 3 of them used much light behauiour and vayn
+gestures; sundry, also, filthy scurrilous speaches, but whispering them,
+for the most part, among themselves, so that they were no let to that holy
+exercise we then had in hand. Somtimes, also, they spake blasphemy,
+calling the word preached--_bible bable; he will neuer haue done prating;
+prittle prattle_. _Margaret Hardman_ whylest M. _More_ was preaching, used
+these wordes. _I must goe, I must away; I cannot tarrie, whither shall I
+goe? I am hot, I am too hot, I will not dye_; iterating them all: which
+wordes did greatly incourage us.
+
+When these 6 were deliuered, some desired to know how they assured
+themselues thereof, and they answered as followeth. _Margaret Byrom_ said
+that she felt it come up from her belly towardes her brest, thence to her
+throat; when it left her throate it gaue her a sore lug, and all this
+whyle a darke myst dazeled her eyes. Then she felt it to go out of her
+mouth, but it left behind it a sore throat and a filthy smel, that a weke
+after, her meate was unsauary. It went out in the likenes of a crowe's
+head, round, (as to her semed) and sate in the corner of the parlor, with
+darknes about it a whyle. Then went it with such a flash of fyer out of
+the windowe, that all the Parlor semed on fyer, to her onlye.
+
+'_Iohn Starchie_ said it went from him like a man with a bulch[20] on his
+backe, very yll fauored, and, presently, he returned to haue re-entered,
+but he withstood hym strong in faith. The same, in effect, said _Margaret
+Hardman_. _Anne Starchie_ said, he went like a foule ugly man, with a
+white beard, and a great bulch on his brest as big as a man's head, and
+straightway returned to have re-entered, but she faithfully resisted. Euen
+so said _Elinor Holland_, the white beard excepted.
+
+'_Elizabeth Hardman_ said, it was like an urchin,[21] and went through a
+very little hole (as she thought) out of the parler, but, out of hand,
+returned againe in a very foule shape, promising her gold, and whatsoeuer
+shee would desier, if she would giue him leaue to enter againe, but she
+yealded not; then he threatened to cast her into a pit, saying, somtime
+thou wilt go alone. He said also, he would cast her into the fyre, and
+break her neck, but she, resisting, he departed like an urchine.
+
+'And thus the first dayes work was happily ended. But behold the
+slight[22] of the wyly serpent, for when we were all at rest, the sperits
+sett upon the 5 little children, like so many wolues the seely Lambes. The
+poore children being newly recouered, and suddenly inuaded, were so
+frighted, that they clasped fast about their middles those that lay with
+them, and hid their faces with their bed clothes. M. _Dickens_ was called
+down, who comming, saw them resisting, and encouraged them to stand fast,
+neuer to yeald, but to pray and resist with faith, and shortly they were
+well, and fell a slepe.
+
+'The next day we inquired how they were assalted. _Margaret Byrom_ said it
+cam to her like an ugly black man with shoulders higher than his head,
+promysing her enough if she would consent, and that he would lye still;
+when she utterly denyed him, and prayed against him, he threatened to cast
+her into a pitt as she went home. But, when she resisted, he cast her to
+the ground, and departed twise as byg and foule as hee came, with two
+flashes of fyer, one before and another after him, making a noyse like a
+great wynd among trees. She was not assaulted at midnight with the 5, but,
+after supper, before she went to bed.
+
+'_Iohn Starchie_ said he came in the former likenes, making many large
+proffers, baggs of gould &c. But, when he saw he nothing preuayled with
+sugred wordes, he used terrible menaces, saying he wold breake his necke
+&c. _Anne Starchie_ said he came in the former likenes.
+
+'_Margaret Hardman_ said he came in the same forme he went out; proffering
+golde, but she refusing, he threatned to breake her necke, cast her into a
+pyt and drowne her, and so departed.
+
+'_Elizabeth Hardman_ said he came like a beare with fyer in his mouth,
+wherwyth she was so terrifyed that she lept quite out of her bed, and rann
+from him, she wist not whither, but one of the company stayed her. Then he
+desyred her to open her mouth, as he opened his, shewing her two bagges,
+one of siluer, an other of gold, promising her 9 times as much: but not
+preuayling, he ran away as a beare that breakes loose from the stake. When
+she was layd downe and prayed, he came agayn like an ape, promising her
+golde &c, at her pleasure. Then he menaced to cast her out of the windowe
+and into the fyer, if euer she stood neare it, and so departed very foule
+and with an horrible scryke.
+
+'_Ellinor Holland_ said he came like a great beare, with open mouth, upon
+her, and presently turned it selfe into the similytude of a white dove;
+but she resisted, and it departed.
+
+'Thus we have heard of the dispossession of 6. and what thinges fell out
+therein, as also presently after the same. It resteth that we conuert our
+speach to _Iane Ashton_, the 7. Sathan, upon the aforesaid day, towardes
+euening, put her to extreame payne, and continued the same longe very near
+2 houres after their deliuerance, intising her to say he was gon, and to
+make shew of welfare, promising that he would not molest her at all. She,
+to be at ease, consented, and pretended, in wordes, to be as well as the
+rest; but we thought otherwise, as the signes of dispossession were
+wanting. After she had herein yelded to the diuell (which she concealed
+untill after her deliuerance) she was as free from any vexation by him, as
+the rest, notwithstanding that we prayed, or shee prayed: whereas before
+for 3 houres togither, her fyt beinge ended, the shortest prayer that
+might be, being used, she wold be in an other most greuous to beholde.
+
+'All night shee was very well, the next morning also, untill we 3, (who
+were to be the leaders that day, also, in that holy action we had in hand,
+having shut our doore,) had cast doune our selues before the throne of
+grace, to craue the direction and assistance of god's spirit, in the worke
+we were to enter upon. This (I say) we had no soner don, but, behold, the
+chamber wher we were, yea, the whol house did ring of her againe, whereby
+we were not a little comforted, and incouraged, to enter the second tym
+into the field, for thereby we were assured that we were not deceiued, and
+that satan was certainly in her. After we cam downe into the parlor,
+whither many more resorted that day, than the other, to the number of
+about 50, we being all exercised as the day aforesaid. This morning she
+was sore tormented. She often seemed to vomyt up all, and it got up only a
+litle fleame; and when she hanged down her head to vomyt, often the sperit
+would fall to shake her, as an angri mastife, a litle cur dogge, so that,
+after her delivery, she was very hoarce and weake. About one of the
+clocke, she being very extreamly tormented, fel a weping, that teares
+trickled downe, and after, lay as dead: a litle space reuerting, she said,
+he is gon, and gaue thanks for her deliuerance. It went out like a great
+breath, ugly like a toad, round like a ball, and within an houer after, it
+returned like a foule big blacke man, but she resisted, and it departed.
+When we saw clearly that she was dispossessed, we asked her why she
+dissembled the other night? She told us that the said euening it was com
+up from her belly to her brest, thence to her throat, wher it held her as
+at her first taking, thence to her head. Then, she said, it desired her to
+tell us that he was gon, and promised her not to moue or hurt her, and
+that she should lack nothing. Why, said we, would you harken to the
+deuill? Because, (said she) I was very sore, and he promysed me ease, but
+he hath deceaued me. Quoth M. _Dickens_, beleue the deuil againe, beware
+of lying, he teacheth to lye, and you are taught for lying.
+
+'This day and 2 or 3 following, the uncleane spirits returned euer and
+anone in visible formes upon all 7, throwing some of them violently downe
+before us all, depriuing others for a litle space of the use of som member
+of their bodies, as arme or legg; seking also both by goodly promises, of
+siluer, gold, veluit, (which they thought verily, they saw,) and such
+like, and fearful threats, their consents to re-enter; without which, it
+would seem satan cannot re-enter, though he can first enter. But from
+giving such consent, and yealding unto satan, therein god, in mercy, keept
+6 of them: who, since that tyme, (praysed be God therfore) were neuer more
+nor lesse, they nor any of them molested by satan until this day. Neyther
+the 7 _Iane Ashton_ untill a good space after, when she, leauing M.
+_Starchie's_ house, went and dwelt in a place of ignorance and among
+papists, and became popish herselfe, as I have heard. For which
+opertunitie and advantage, the deuill watching; and noe doubt compasing,
+he then recouered her, and now dwelleth there: whose last estat with
+_Katherine Wrights_ and _Will. Somers_, shall be worse than their first.'
+
+The learned (!) divine, John Darrell, then follows on with the case of
+Will Somers, which is too long and prosy for reproduction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ James I. on Possession--The Vexation of Alexander Nyndge--'Wonderful
+ News from Buckinghamshire'--Sale of a Devil.
+
+
+In King James I.'s 'Demonologie,' Philomathes asks Epistemon two
+questions. 'The first is, whereby shall these possessed folks be discerned
+fra them that are troubled with a naturall Phrensie, or Magic? The next
+is, how can it be, that they can be remedied by the Papists Church, whom
+we, counting as hereticks, it should appeare that one Diuell should not
+cast out another, for then would _his kingdome be diuided in itselfe_, as
+Christ said?'
+
+Epistemon answers: 'As to your first question, there are diuers symptomes,
+whereby that heauie trouble may be discerned from a naturall sicknesse,
+and specially three, omitting the diuers vaine signes that the Papists
+attributes unto it: such as the raging at holy water, their fleeing a
+backe from the Crosse, their not abiding the hearing of God named, and
+innumerable such like vaine things that were alike fashious and feckles to
+recite. But to come to these three symptomes then, whereof I spake; I
+account the one of them to be the incredible strength of the possessed
+creature, which will farre exceed the strength of sixe of the wightest and
+wodest of any other men that are not so troubled. The next is the
+boldning up so far of the patients breast and bellie, with such an
+unnaturall sturring and vehement agitation within them: and such an ironie
+hardnesse of his sinewes so stiflely bended out, that it were not possible
+to pricke out, as it were, the skinne of any other person so far.... The
+last is the speaking of sundrie languages, which the patient is knowen by
+them that were acquaint with him, neuer to have learned, and that with an
+uncouth and hollow voice: and all the time of his speaking, a greater
+motion being in his breast than in his mouth.... It is easie, then, to be
+understood, that the casting out of Diuelles is by the virtue of fasting
+and praier, and in calling of the name of God, suppose many imperfections
+be in the person that is the instrument, as Christ himselfe teacheth us,
+of the power that false Prophets shall have to cast out Divels. It is no
+wonder, then, these respects of this action being considered, that it may
+be possible to the _Papistes_, though erring in sundry pointes of
+Religion, to accomplish this, if they use the right forme prescribed by
+Christ herein.'
+
+A far more acute case of possession is the following:
+
+
+'A TRVE AND FEAREFULL VEXATION OF ONE _ALEXANDER NYNDGE_: BEING MOST
+HORRIBLY TORMENTED WITH THE DEUILL, FROM THE 20 DAY OF _IANUARY_ TO THE 23
+OF _IULY_. AT _LYERINGSWELL_ IN _SUFFOCKE_: WITH HIS PRAYER AFTER HIS
+DELIUERANCE.
+
+'Written by his owne brother _Edwn Nyndge_, Master of Arts, with the names
+of the Witnesses that were at his vexation. London, 1615.
+
+'... You shall understand therefore that the first fit, and vexation
+wherewith this _Alexander Nyndge_ was so fearefully perplexed, began about
+seaven of the clocke at night. His father, mother, and brethren, with the
+residue of the household being at that time in presence. And it was in
+this manner. His chest and body fell a swelling, his eies a staring, and
+his backe bending inwards to his belly, which did strike the beholders
+into a strange wonder, and admiration at the first, yet, one of his
+brothers, then also present, named _Edward Nyndge_, a Master of Arts,
+being boulder than others were of the company, certainly perswading
+himselfe that it was some euill spirit that so molested him, gaue him
+comfortable words of mercy from the holy Scriptures, and also charged the
+spirit by the death and passion of Jesus Christ, that it should declare
+the cause of the torment. At which, the countenance of the same
+_Alexander_ turned more strange, and full of amazement and feare than it
+was before, and so returned to his former state againe.
+
+'This _Alexander Nyndge_ having his speech then at liberty, said unto the
+same _Edward, Brother, he is marvellous afraid of you, therefore I pray
+you, stand by me_.
+
+'With which words the same _Edward_ was the more bold, and said to
+_Alexander_. _If thou dost earnestly repent thee of thy sins, and pray to
+God for the forgivenesse of the same (my life for thine) the Diuell cannot
+hurt thee. No, rather than he should, I will goe to hell with thee._ Then
+the Spirit, (for a small time) racked the said _Alexander_ in a far more
+cruell manner, for he did use such strange and idle kinds of gestures in
+laughing, dancing, and such like light behavioure, that he was suspected
+to be mad: sundry times he refused all kinds of meat, for a long space
+together, insomuch as he seemed to pine away. Sometimes he shaked as if he
+had had an ague. There was heard, also, a strange noise or flapping from
+within his body. Hee would gather himselfe on a rounde heape under his bed
+cloathes, and, being so gathered, he would bounse up a good height from
+the bed, and beat his head and other parts of his body against the ground
+and bedstead, in such earnest manner, that the beholders did feare that he
+would thereby haue spoiled himselfe, if they had not, by strong hand,
+restrained him, and yet thereby he receiued no hurt at all.
+
+'In most of his fits he did swell in his body, and, in some of them, did
+so greatly exceed therein, as he seemed to be twice so big as his naturall
+body. He was often seene to haue a certaine swelling or variable lumpe, to
+a great bignesse, swiftly running up and downe betweene the flesh and the
+skin.
+
+'Then would they carry the same _Alexander_ downe the Chamber, willing him
+to call upon God for grace, and earnestly to repent him, and to put his
+trust only in Christ Jesus. And, setting him in a chaire, desired his
+Father to send for all his neighbours, to helpe to pray for him. And, on a
+suddaine, he would be strangely handled, for, (sitting in a chaire when
+the fit came) he would be cast headlong upon the ground, or fall downe,
+drawing then his lips away, gnashing with his teeth, wallowing and foming,
+and the Spirit would uexe him monstrously, and transforme his body, and
+alter the same by many violences. Then the said _Edward_, his brother,
+with one _Thomas Wakefield_, would lay hands on _Alexander_, and set him
+in the Chaire againe, and there hold him. All that were in the house
+praying earnestly.
+
+'And the said _Edward_ charging the Spirit with these words, _Thou fowle
+Fiend, I coniure thee, in the name of Iesus our Sauiour, the Sonne of
+Almighty God, that thou speake unto us_.
+
+'Whereat the Spirit transformed him very ugly against his Chest, swelling
+upwards to his throat, plucking his belly iust to his backe, and so ceased
+for a time.
+
+'The partie tormented, being somewhat restored, uttered these words,
+_Sirs, He will speake with me, I pray you let him not speak with mee_.
+Whereupon all that were present did pray earnestly, at which the Spirit
+began to vexe him very grieuously, and swelled sore in his Chest, and, in
+a base sounding, and hollow voyce, uttered these words, _I will, I will, I
+will_. Then replyed the said _Edward_, and said, _Thou shalt not, and I
+charge thee in the Name of Jesus Christ that thou speak unto us, and not
+unto him_. Then the Spirit, in a hollow voyce said, _Why didst thou tell
+them?_ Then the said _Edward_ did charge the Spirit, (as aforesaid) to
+tell them the cause of his comming, and why he did torment his brother? To
+the which the Spirit answered, _I come for his Soule_. Then the said
+_Edward_ said unto the Spirit, _Wee have a warrant in the Holy Scriptures,
+that such as doe earnestly repent them of their sins, and turn unto God,
+with the only hope of Saluation, through the merits of Iesus Christ, thou
+mayest not have them, for Christ is his Redeemer_. The Spirit uttered (in
+a base, hollow sounding voyce) these words, _Christ, that was my
+Redeemer_. Then _Edward_ said, _Christ that is his Redeemer, not thy
+Redeemer but my brother_ Alexander, _his Redeemer_.
+
+'Then the Spirit said in his hollow voyce, _I will haue his Soule and body
+too_, and so began to torment and racke the same _Alexander_, and
+disfigure him more horribly than before, forcing him to such strange and
+fearefull skriking, as cannot bee uttered by man's power, and was of such
+strength, as, sometimes, foure or fiue men, though they had much aduantage
+against him by binding him to a chaire, yet could they not rule him. And
+in shewing that strength, he was not perceiued to pant or blow, no more
+than he had not strained his strength, nor strugled at all. Sometimes he
+would cry extreamly, so as teares would come from him in great aboundance.
+Presently, afterwards, hee would laugh aloude and shrill, his mouth being
+shut close. And sometimes, he was heaued up from the ground by force
+inuisible, the said _Edward Nyndge_, _Thomas Nyndge_, _Thomas Wakefield_,
+_Thomas Goldsmith_, _William Miles_ and _William Nyndge, Iunior_ hanging
+upon the said _Alexander_, unto the middest of the house, and the said
+_Edward_ putting his mouth unto the eare of the said disfigured body of
+his brother _Alexander_, said, _Brother, continue in your faith, and if
+you goe to hell, wee will goe with you_. Then the force did somewhat
+faile, and the hangers on drew him to the Chaire againe. Then one of his
+younger brothers, named _William Nyndge_ said, _Wee will Keepe him from
+thee, thou foule Spirit, in despite of thy Nose_.
+
+'Whereat the transformed body looked very terribly against the said
+_William_, and turned his most ugly looks unto his brother _Edward_,
+standing on the other side, uttering these hollowe sounding words, _Will
+you, Sir, will you, Sir_. To which the said _Edward_ answered; _Not I,
+Sir, but the merits of Iesus Christ will, we earnestly pray, keepe him
+from thee_. Then all that were present, to the number of 20 persons, and
+more, fell downe and said the Lord's Prayer, with other sentences, every
+one seuerally, and one of the Company uttered worde ioyning _God_ and the
+blessed virgin _Mary_ together, whereat there came a voyce much like
+_Alexander's_ voyce, saying twice, _There bee other good Prayers_.
+Whereunto the said _Edward_ made answere, and said, _Thou lyest, for there
+is no other Name under Heauen whereby wee may challenge Saluation but the
+onely name of Christ Iesus_. And then the Spirit roares with a fearefull
+voice, and stretched out his necke long to the Fyre; and then the saide
+_Edward_ desired _Peter Bencham_, Curate of the Towne, to coniure and
+charge him in the Name of _Iesus_ the Sonne of the Almightie, that the
+Spirit should declare unto them from whence hee came? And what was his
+Name? To which the Spirit made answere in this mumbling manner, _I would
+come out, I would come out_. Then _Edward_ charged him (as before) that he
+should declare his name. And the Spirit said _Aubon, Aubon_. They charged
+him then (as is aforesaid) to make knowne unto them whence hee came; and
+the Spirit made answere in a hollow uoyce; _From Ireland, From Ireland_.
+Then they laide the fourth Chapter of Saint Matthew against him, where
+Christ said, _It is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him
+onely shalt thou serue_. Which sentence, as it was pronounced, the hollow
+voyce sounded. _My Master, My Master, I am his Disciple, I am his
+Disciple._ Then they answered, _Thy Master we graunt he is, but thou
+lyest, thou art none of his Disciple. Thou art onely an instrument and
+scourge to punish the wicked, so farre as pleaseth him._ And then they
+layd unto him the eight Chapter of S. Luke, whereas Christ himselfe did
+cast out Deuils. And the Spirit answered hollowly, _Baw-wawe, baw-wawe_.
+And within a little space after, the body of the saide _Alexander_ being
+as monstrously transformed as it was before, much like the picture of the
+Deuill in a play, with an horrible roaring voyce, sounding _Hellhound_,
+was most horribly tormented. And they that were present, fell to prayer,
+desiring God earnestly to take away the foule Spirit from him. The said
+_Edward_ then desired to haue the window opened, for _I trust in God_,
+(said hee) _the fowle Spirit is wearie of our company_. The windowes being
+opened accordingly, within two Minuts after, the tormented body returned
+to the true shape againe, the said _Alexander_ leaping up, and holding up
+his hands, and saying _Hee is gone, hee is gone, Lord, I thanke thee_.
+Whereat all the people that were there present, fell downe on their knees
+with due reuerence, and yeelded unto God exceeding praise and
+thanksgiving. This fit ended about eleven of the clocke the same night,
+and so they went to Supper with great ioy and gladnesse.'
+
+He seems to have had two or three fits afterwards, but they were of a very
+mild type, and the last we hear of the afflicted Alexander is: 'After
+this, they took the said _Alexander_, and all of them ioyfully accompany
+him to his brother _Thomas Nyndge_, his house, where, after his comming
+thither, hee was not knowne to be perplexed with the like terrible
+vexations.'
+
+One more example of this branch of the devil's work in Britain must
+suffice. We find it in
+
+
+'WONDERFUL NEWS FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, OR A PERFECT RELATION HOW A YOUNG
+MAID HATH BEEN FOR TWELVE YEARS AND UPWARDS POSSEST WITH THE DEVIL, AND
+CONTINUES SO TO THIS VERY DAY IN A LAMENTABLE CONDITION. LONDON, 1677.
+
+'This unhappy Maid, whose strange Afflictions this sheet undertakes to
+give a true and impartial account of, lives at _Great Gadsdon_ in the
+County of Bucks. She is descended of honest Parents of good repute, and by
+them carefully educated in the Principles of Christianity; nor was there a
+young maid of more lovely innocent Beauty, sweet Carriage, or virtuous
+Disposition; or one that might have expected fairer preferment in Marriage
+than she: So that as there is no room for the Censures of the
+uncharitable, so neither, any place for the Surmises of the incredulous,
+it being impossible she or any of her Relations could imagine any
+advantage to themselves by counterfeiting or pretending a Possession;
+which on the Contrary brings them onely trouble, loss, vexation, and
+inconveniences, and that for a dozen years together. The beginning of her
+affliction was thus.
+
+'In the year 1664, there happened to be some difference between this
+maid's Father and a certain woman who had an evil name, but whether
+Causelessly or not, I shall not here determine, nor assert any dubious
+opinions of any kind; onely relate the principal Circumstances that have
+occurred, being matter of Fact, to which, as well myself, as scores of
+other people, were Eye and Ear-witnesses; and so leave every one to judge
+as they shall see cause, touching the Maid's being Possest or not, and the
+evil Instruments that are suspected to have been accessory thereunto, when
+they have duely weighed the whole Discourse. This is certain, soon after
+the before mentioned Difference, this maid being then about Sixteen or
+Seventeen years of age, was taken with strange Fits, and something would
+rise in her throat like two great bunches, about the bigness of an Egg;
+and a strange voice was frequently heard within her, speaking _Blasphemous
+words_, not fit here to be repeated: And if the Hearers and Bystanders did
+reply to such voice, by asking any Questions that pleased him, he would
+answer and discourse with them; and that with a voice as different from
+hers as any two voices, I verily believe, in the world; she having a
+cleer, smooth, pleasant voice, and that being very rough, guttural, and
+coming, as it were from the _Abdomen_, or hollow of her belly, but yet
+intelligible: and, though I am not ignorant of a certain sort of Jugglers
+of old, called in Latine _Ventriloqui_, yet as no such Art nor designe
+could be imagined in this innocent creature, so the things he declared
+(impossible, many times, for her to know) wipes off all suspitions of that
+kind: So that those about her generally concluded she was really and
+exactly possessed with the Devil, and took occasion to ask him, _How he
+came there?_ to which the Evil Spirit or voice answered, _Here are two of
+us_, and _that they were sent thither by two women_. The voice further
+said, _That they were sent first to the Maid's Father; but when they came,
+they found him at Prayer, and returned to those two women, and told them,
+they could have no permission to enter into him; whereupon they sent them
+to his Daughter, and that such a night, as she sat by the fire, they
+entred into her_. Now, the Family did remember that that very night, she
+had, as she declared, a sudden pain that seized her, and, ever since, had
+continued in a bad condition, and, after a little time, the Swellings and
+Voice happen'd as aforesaid.
+
+'By which the whole Neighbourhood and Country round about, were so alarmed
+at the strangeness of it, that multitudes of people went to See her, and
+returned full of wonder and amazement, at what they had seen and heard:
+The report whereof coming to my ears, I did not at first believe it, but
+hearing it still confirmed, did, at last, go to see her myself, resolving
+to make my observations as warily and curiously as I could. There were, I
+believe, at that time, Forty or Fifty Spectators present, and in strict
+observation two or three hours. I was, for my own part, fully satisfied
+that it was a Possession, it being, as I conceive utterly impossible that
+those things should be acted by her or any other person living, either by
+the force of Nature or power of the most afflicting Distemper.
+
+'Her Father, being of the same opinion, and willing to use all lawful
+means for his only Child's recovery, having read that passage of our
+Saviour's--_That kinde comes not out but by Prayer and Fasting_; he
+resolves to use that means, and to that purpose, desired some Ministers to
+keep a day with him on that occasion. Having sent for them, the Devil told
+him, _He expected five men to come, but there should only four come_. This
+the Girl could not know of herself; yet so it happened: for one, by an
+unexpected accident, was prevented from coming. These _four_ desired the
+assistance of several Godly Ministers and Christians in the Neighbourhood,
+who accordingly, met, and kept several days in Fasting and Prayer; and,
+according to the best judgment that could be made, one of the evil Spirits
+then departed, as was supposed from some accidents I shall relate by and
+by. I, myself, was present several of these days; First she had two great
+bunches rose up in her throat, and then a voice followed, uttering
+abominable Blasphemies; upon which, a godly Minister present, and since
+deceased, being stirred up with great Zeal and Indignation, going to
+Prayer, did earnestly beg of God, that he would plague and torment Satan
+for such of his Blasphemies; upon which the Spirit made a most dreadful
+crying, and bemoaning his condition, and said, _I will do so no more_: To
+which the Minister replied, _Satan, that shall not serve thy turn_: and,
+continuing his Prayer to God as before, the Devil again cried and roared
+most hideously, to the great amazement of all the people present; and,
+from that time, it was observed that there was but one bunch rose up in
+her throat, from whence it was conjectured that one of the Spirits was
+departed. However, one continued his possession still, and, after they had
+done Prayer, and were about to refresh themselves, he shewed strange
+tricks before them, tossing her up and down, and when she was going, took
+away the use of her legs, on a sudden. When she sate in a great Wicker
+chair, he would cause the Chair to fall down backwards, almost to the
+ground, and then lift it up again. One of the company bid her read in the
+Bible; the Devil said aloud, _She shall not read_: It was answered, _She
+shall read, Satan, for all thee, and read thy Condemnation too_.
+Whereupon, he plaid more tricks by tossing her about, and drawing her face
+to one side, as if it had been placed to look over her shoulder, and drawn
+in a very deformed manner; but, at last she read part of the 20 Chapter of
+the _Revelations_, though not without much opposition.
+
+'When she got upon the Horse to go home, it was a great while before she
+was able to get upon him, and was flung sometimes backwards, other whiles
+turn'd with her face to the horse's tail, and handled very sadly; yet,
+'tis observed, that he hath not much power to hurt her: for she often
+declares, that, being now accustomed to his tricks, and consequently not
+so much affrighted, the temptations he injects into her minde, are far
+worse than all the mischiefs he does her body.
+
+'At another time I was with them, when in the time of Prayer, he barked
+like a Dog, bellowed like a Bull, and roar'd after a wonderful frightful
+manner, and, on a sudden, would fling her up a great height, yet without
+hurte; whereupon, she, being placed in a low Chair, a man sate upon the
+Table side, endeavouring to hold down her head, and myself and another
+stood on each side, pressing down her shoulders; and though it could not
+be imagined so weakly a creature could naturally have half the strength of
+any one of us, yet she was tossed up, do what we could, and, at length,
+the Spirit in a desperate rage cries out, _If I come out, I will kill you
+all. I will throw down the house, and kill you all._ I answered, _Satan,
+come out and try_. He continued raging till they concluded Prayer, and
+then was pretty quiet.
+
+'There have since hapned many things considerable; I was once in her
+company at a house, where I was wholly unacquainted, and for aught I know,
+so was she; the people of the house gave us drink, and I drinking to her,
+she rising to make a Curtsey, he took away the use of her legs, and said,
+she should not drink. But when he found we were resolved to force the Cup
+of Beer on her, he said, _There is a Well in the yard, go and drown
+thyself_; when none of us that were strangers, knew there was such a Well.
+
+'He will often talk to some of the Family, or those that come to see her,
+and many times utter blasphemous filthy words to their great trouble:
+sometimes tell strange Stories to move laughter; sometimes be sullen and
+not speak a great while together; sometimes, he jumps her up and down, and
+draws her Body into a multitude of strange postures, too tedious here to
+be related.'
+
+The pamphlet winds up with some pious and moral reflections, of no
+interest to the reader.
+
+There is no doubt but that people verily believed that the Devil lived
+among them in a material shape, and we have throughout England divers of
+his punchbowls, dykes, quoits, and even the prehistoric flint arrow-heads
+were known as 'Devil's arrows.' But a most singular instance of this
+belief is to be found in Blount's 'Law Dictionary' (ed. 1717), under the
+word _Conventio_, an agreement or covenant. It is Latin, and is an extract
+from the Court Rolls of the Manor of Hatfield, near the isle of Axholme,
+in Yorkshire. It is also mentioned in the 'Antiquarian Repertory,' vol.
+ii., p. 395. The following is a translation:
+
+'At a court held at Hatfield on the Wednesday next after the Festival--In
+the 11th Year of Edward III. (1337).
+
+'Robert de Roderham appeared against John de Ithow, for that he had not
+kept the agreement made between them, and therefore complains that on a
+certain day and year, at Thorne, there was an agreement between the
+aforesaid Robert and John, whereby the said John sold to the said Robert,
+the Devil, bound in a certain bond, for three pence farthing, and
+thereupon, the said Robert delivered to the said John, one farthing, as
+earnest money, by which the property of the said Devil rested in the
+person of the said Robert, to have livery of the said Devil, on the fourth
+day next following: at which day the said Robert came to the forenamed
+John, and asked delivery of the said Devil according to the agreement
+between them made. But the said John refused to deliver the said Devil,
+nor has he yet done it, etc., to the great damage of the said Robert to
+the amount of 60 shillings, and he has therefore brought his suit, etc.
+
+'The said John came, etc., and did not deny the said agreement; and
+because it appeared to the Court that such a suit ought not to subsist
+among Christians, the aforesaid parties are therefore adjourned to the
+infernal regions, there to hear their judgment, and both parties were
+amerced, etc., by William De Scargell, Seneschal.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ The Witch of Endor--The 'Mulier Malefica' of Berkeley--Northern
+ Witches.
+
+
+Of all the extraordinary popular delusions that have existed, the wave of
+belief in witchcraft which flowed over this land in the sixteenth and
+seventeenth centuries is one of the most remarkable. The belief that some
+people have the power of exercising supernatural control over their
+fellow-creatures is not confined to any land, and dates from remote
+antiquity. But it is with the witches of Britain, and those of the Britons
+who emigrated from their country, that it is my province to deal.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The earliest English pictorial representation of a witch that I know of is
+in the Harleian MSS., 1776 (94, b), where the witch of Endor is
+represented as showing the ghost of Samuel to Saul. But she was a
+Pythoness, and did not at all come up to our idea of a witch. Nor can we
+exactly class in the same category the 'Mulier Malefica' of Berkeley, who
+is supposed to have been exhumed by the Devil about A.D. 852. She has been
+immortalized by William of Malmesbury, who says he had the story from an
+eye-witness, by Matthew of Westminster, by Schedel in the Nuremberg
+Chronicle, from whom this illustration is taken, and a short account of
+her is given by Olaus Magnus in his 'Historia de Gentibus
+Septentrionalibus' (lib. iii., c. 21), when he treats of the punishment of
+witches. Berkeley, however, in his hands becomes Bethelia. Southey also
+wrote about her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE OLD WOMAN OF BERKELEY.
+
+A BALLAD, SHEWING HOW AN OLD WOMAN RODE DOUBLE, AND WHO RODE BEFORE HER.
+
+William of Malmesbury thus gives the story: '(A.D. 1065) There resided at
+Berkeley, a woman addicted to Witchcraft, as it afterwards appeared, and
+skilled in ancient augury: she was excessively gluttonous, perfectly
+lascivious, and setting no bounds to her debaucheries, as she was not old,
+though fast declining in life. On a certain day, as she was regaling, a
+jackdaw, which was a very great favourite, chattered a little more loudly
+than usual. On hearing which, the woman's knife fell from her hand, her
+countenance grew pale, and, deeply groaning, "This day," said she, "my
+plough has completed its last furrow; to-day, I shall hear of, and suffer,
+some dreadful calamity."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'While yet speaking, the messenger of her misfortunes arrived: and, being
+asked why he approached with so distressed an air, "I bring news," said
+he, "of the death of your son, and of the whole family, by a sudden
+accident." At this intelligence the woman, sorely afflicted, immediately
+took to her bed, and, perceiving the disorder rapidly approaching her
+vitals, she summoned her surviving children, a monk and a nun, by hasty
+letters; and, when they arrived, with faltering voice, addressed them
+thus: "Formerly, my children, I constantly administered to my wretched
+circumstances by demoniacal arts: I have been the sink of every vice, the
+teacher of every allurement: yet, while practising these crimes, I was
+accustomed to soothe my hapless soul with the hope of your piety.
+Despairing of myself, I rested my expectations on you: I advanced you as
+my defenders against evil spirits, my safeguards against my strongest
+foes. Now, since I have approached the end of my life, and shall have
+those eager to punish, who lured me to sin, I entreat you, by your
+mother's breast, if you have any regard, any affection, at least to
+endeavour to alleviate my torments; and, although you cannot revoke the
+sentence already passed upon my soul, yet you may, perhaps, rescue my body
+by these means.
+
+'"Sew up my Corpse in the skin of a stag; lay it on its back in a stone
+Coffin; fasten down the lid with lead and iron; on this lay a stone, bound
+round with three iron chains of enormous weight; let there be psalms sung
+for fifty nights, and masses said for an equal number of days, to allay
+the ferocious attacks of my adversaries. If I lie thus secure for three
+nights; on the fourth day, bury your mother in the ground; although, I
+fear, lest the earth, which has been so often burdened with my crimes,
+should refuse to receive and cherish me in her bosom."
+
+'They did their utmost to comply with her injunctions: but, alas! vain
+were pious tears, vows, or entreaties; so great was the woman's guilt, so
+great the devil's violence. For, on the two first nights, while the choir
+of priests was singing psalms around the body, the devils, one by one,
+with the utmost ease bursting open the door of the Church, though closed
+with an immense bolt, broke asunder the two outer chains: the middle one,
+being more laboriously wrought, remained entire. On the third night, about
+cock-crow, the whole monastery seemed to be overthrown from its very
+foundation, by the clamour of the approaching enemy.
+
+'One devil, more terrible in appearance than the rest, and of loftier
+stature, broke the gates to shivers by the violence of his attack. The
+priests grew motionless with fear, their hair stood on end, and they
+became speechless. He proceeded, as it appeared, with haughty steps,
+towards the Coffin; and, calling on the woman by name, commanded her to
+rise. She, replying that she could not, on account of the chains: "You
+shall be loosed," said he, "and to your cost;" and, directly, he broke the
+chain, which had mocked the ferocity of the others, with as little
+exertion as though it had been made of flax. He also beat down the cover
+of the Coffin with his foot; and, taking her by the hand, before them all,
+he dragged her out of the church.
+
+'At the doors appeared a black horse, proudly neighing, with iron hooks
+projecting over his whole back; on which the wretched creature was
+placed, and, immediately, with the whole party vanished from the eyes of
+the beholders: her pitiable cries for assistance being heard for nearly
+the space of four miles.'
+
+The Northern witches came nearer to our modern ones, and seem, if we can
+believe Olaus Magnus, to have been very powerful.[23]
+
+
+'OF WOMAN WITCHES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'I shall shew you by a few Examples, how cunning some Women were formerly
+amongst the _Northern_ people in _Magical Art_. _Hugbert_, Daughter to
+_Vagnostus_ the Giant, was wont to change her stature at pleasure;
+sometimes she was very great; sometimes less; sometimes exceeding small;
+sometimes wither'd faced; sometimes beautiful: sometimes she was as tall
+as the sky; sometimes so short as a Pygmy; and she was supposed to be able
+to pull down the Heavens, to lift up the Earth; to harden Fountains, to
+melt Mountains; to lift ships into the Ayr; to pull down the Gods; to
+extinguish the Stars, and to make Hell a light place.
+
+'When _Hadingus_ the King was at Supper, another Woman of the same Art,
+who carried pipes, was seen to lift up her head above the ground before
+the fire; and stretching out her bosome, she seemed to ask in what part of
+the World so new green Reeds grew; the King, that desired to know the
+matter, was carryed by her under ground, wrapt in his own Cloak: and,
+having shewn unto him the Monsters of the Infernal Regions, she restored
+him back to the Earth again.
+
+'_Cvaca_, a Woman of _Norway_, that desired to know the future fortune of
+her Son _Rollerus_, provided Water-grewel, and into this, she dropt the
+venemous moysture of three Land-Snakes, that were hung up above by a small
+Twig. But _Ericus_, son in law to _Cvaca_ took to himself the Dish that
+was provided for her son _Rollerus_, and he, being refreshed with this
+happy meat, by the internal operation of it, arrived to the highest pitch
+of man's wisdome. For the force of this meat bred in him the Knowledge of
+all Sciences beyond belief; so that he could understand the meaning of the
+cryes of Birds and Wild Beasts. Besides, he was so eloquent and curious in
+his speech, that whatsoever he pleased to discourse of, he would
+constantly illustrate it with pleasant Proverbs. By his counsel King
+_Frotho_ overcame the Army of the mighty _Huns_, that was assisted by 170
+Kings. And, at length, _Gestilblindus_, King of the _Goths_, made this
+_Ericus_ heir to himself, and to the Kingdome of _Sweden_; and that about
+the time of Christ's Nativity.
+
+'But King _Frotho_, being lunged at by a Witch that turned into an Oxe,
+was slain by her upon a certain Sea-coast. _Guthruna_ suddenly blinded the
+forces of King _Larmericus_, and made them fight one against another. An
+earthen pot useth to be the common Instrument of Witches, wherein they
+boyl their Myces, Herbs, Worms, and Entrals, and by that Witchery meat,
+they allure idle persons to them, and make ships, horses, and horsemen, to
+be as swift as a boyling pot.'
+
+
+'OF THE CONJURERS AND WITCHES IN FINLAND.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'Also, I shall show very briefly what force Conjurers and Witches have in
+constraining the elements, enchanted by them or others, that they may
+exceed or fall short of their Natural Order: premising this, that the
+extream land of the _North Finland_ and _Lapland_, was so taught
+Witchcraft formerly in the Heathenish times, as if they had learned this
+Cursed Art from _Zoroastes_ the _Persian_; though other inhabitants by the
+Sea Coasts are reported to be bewitched with the same madness; and in
+this, and other such-like mischief, they commonly agree. The
+_Finlanders_[24] were wont formerly, amongst their other Errors of Gentil
+issue, to sell Winds to Merchants that were stopt on their Coasts by
+contrary weather; and, when they had their price, they knit three Magical
+Knots, not like to the Laws of _Cassius_, bound up with a Thong, and they
+gave them unto the Merchants; observing that rule, that when they unloosed
+the first, they should have a good gale of wind; when the second, a
+stronger wind; but, when they untied the third, they should have such
+cruel Tempests, that they should not be able to look out of the
+Forecastle, to avoid the Rocks, nor move a foot to pull down the Sails,
+nor stand at the helm to govern the ship: and they made an unhappy trial
+of the truth of it, who denied that there was any such power in those
+knots.'[25]
+
+
+OF THE MAGICAL INSTRUMENTS OF BOTHNIA.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'They that desire to know the state of their Frends or Foes, at a very
+great distance from them, five hundred be it, or a thousand miles off,
+they enquire of a _Laplander_ or _Finlander_, who is skilled in this
+matter, giving him a gift (namely, some Linnen Garment, or Girdle;)
+Whereupon he goes into his Conclave, content with one companion, or his
+wife, and he beats upon a frog of brass, or Serpent, with a hammer upon an
+anvil, so many strokes as are prescribed; and, by mumbling of charms he
+turns it up and down; and, presently falling, he is ravished into an
+extasie, and he lies a short time, as if he were dead. In the meanwhile he
+is safely guarded by his fore said Companion, lest any Living Creature,
+Gnat or Fly, or other Animal might touch him; for by the power of his
+Charms, his spirit, by the misleading of Devils, brings from far some
+token (namely, a Ring or a Knife), for a testimony of his Embassie or
+Commission fulfilled. And, presently, rising up, he declares the same
+signs to him that hired him, with the rest of the Circumstances.'
+
+This illustration is from 'The History of Witches and Wizards' (1700 ?),
+and shows a Northern witch raising a storm by means of a pump, whilst a
+Laplander in his _kayack_ rides in safety.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ The Legal Witch--James I. on Witches--Reginald Scot on
+ Witches--Addison on Witches.
+
+
+The legal witch, as defined by our statute law (1 James I., cap. 12), is
+as follows:
+
+'One that shall use, practise, or exercise any invocation, or conjuration
+of any evill or wicked spirit; or consult, covenant with, entertaine, or
+employ, feede, or reward any evill or wicked spirit, to or for any intent
+or purpose; or take up any dead man, woman or child, out of his, her, or
+their grave, or any other place, where the dead body resteth, or the skin,
+bone, or other part of any dead person, to be employed or used in any
+manner of Witchcraft, Sorcery, Charme, or Enchantment; or shall use,
+practise, or exercise any Witchcraft, Enchantment, Charme or Sorcery,
+whereby any person shall be killed, destroyed, wasted, consumed, pined, or
+lamed in his or her body, or any part thereof. Such offenders, duly and
+lawfully convicted and attainted, shall suffer death.
+
+'If any person shall take upon him by Witchcraft, Inchantment, Charme or
+Sorcery, to tell or declare in what place any treasure of Gold or Silver,
+should or might be found, or had in the Earth, or other secret places, or
+where Goods, or things lost, or stolen, should be found, or become: Or to
+the intent to provoke any person to unlawfull love, or whereby any Cattell
+or Goods of any person shall be destroyed, wasted or impaired, or to
+destroy or hurt any person in his, or her body, though the same be not
+effected, &c, a yeares Imprisonment and Pillory, &c, and the second
+conviction, Death.'
+
+Here, then, we have a clear definition of what a witch is, and as it does
+not state anything as to sex, we may imagine that it includes both male
+and female, both wizards and witches. But the softer sex undoubtedly
+predominated in the commission of this crime, wizards being very seldom
+brought to justice. And King James I.[26] gives us the reason:
+
+'_Philomathes._ But before yee goe further, permit me, I pray you, to
+interrupt you one worde, which yee haue put mee in memory of, by speaking
+of Women. What can be the cause that there are twentie women giuen to that
+craft, where there is one man?
+
+'_Epistemon._ The reason is easie, for, as that sexe is frailer than man
+is, so is it easier to be intrapped in these grosse snares of the Diuell,
+as was ouer well proued to be true, by the Serpent's deceiving of _Eua_ at
+the beginning, which makes him the homelier with that sex sensine.
+
+Reginald Scot, than whom there can be no better English authority, tells
+us[27] 'who they be that are called witches.'
+
+'The sort of such as are said to bee witches, are women which be commonly
+old, lame, bleare-eied, pale, fowle, and full of wrinkles; poore, sullen,
+superstitious, and papists; or such as knowe no religion: in whose drousie
+minds the diuell hath gotten a fine seat; so as, what mischeefe,
+mischance, calamitie, or slaughter is brought to passe, they are easilie
+persuaded the same is doone by themselues; imprinting in their minds an
+earnest and constant imagination thereof. They are leane and deformed,
+shewing melancholie in their faces, to the horror of all that see them.
+They are doting, scolds, mad, diuelish; and not much differing from them
+that are thought to be possessed with spirits: so firme and stedfast in
+their opinions, as whosoeuer shall onelie haue respect to the constancie
+of their words uttered, would easilie belieue they were true indeed.
+
+'These miserable wretches are so odious unto all their neighbours, and so
+feared, as few dare offend them, or denie them anie thing they aske;
+whereby they take upon them; yea, and sometimes thinke, that they can doo
+such things as are beyond the abilitie of humane nature. These go from
+house to house, and from doore to doore for a pot full of milke, yest,
+drinke, pottage, or some such releefe; without the which they could
+hardlie liue: neither obtaining for their seruice and paines, nor by their
+art, nor yet at the diuel's hands (with whome they are said to make a
+perfect and visible bargaine) either beautie, monie, promotion, welth,
+worship, pleasure, honor, knowledge, learning, or anie other benefit
+whatsoeuer.
+
+'It falleth out many times, that neither their necessities, nor their
+expectation is answered or serued, in those places where they beg or
+borrowe; but rather their lewdnesse is by their neighbors reproued. And
+further, in tract of time, the witch waxeth odious and tedious to her
+neighbors; and they, againe, are despised and despited of hir; so as
+sometimes she cursseth one, and sometimes another; and that from the
+maister of the house, his wife, children, cattell &c to the little pig
+that lieth in the stie. Thus, in processe of time they have all displeased
+hir, and she hath wished euill lucke unto them all: perhaps with cursses
+and imprecations made in forme. Doubtlesse (at length) some of hir
+neighbors die or fall sicke; or some of their children are visited with
+diseases that vex them strangelie; as apoplexies, epilepsies, conuulsions,
+hot feuers, wormes &c. Which by ignorant parents are supposed to be the
+vengeance of witches. Yea, and their opinions and conceits are confirmed
+and maintained by unskilful physicians: according to the common saieing;
+_Inscitiae pallium maleficio et incantatio_. Witchcraft and inchantment is
+the cloke of ignorance: whereas, indeed, euill humors, and not strange
+words, witches or spirits are the Causes of such diseases. Also some of
+their cattell perish, either by disease or mischance. Then they, upon whom
+such aduersities fall, weighing the same that goeth upon this woman (hir
+words, displeasure and cursses meeting so iustlie with their misfortune)
+do not onelie conceiue, but, also, are resolued, that all their mishaps
+are brought to passe by hir onelie meanes.
+
+'The witch, on the other side, expecting her neighbors' mischances, and
+seeing things sometimes come to passe according to her wishes, cursses and
+incantations (for _Bodin_ himselfe confesseth that not aboue two in a
+hundred of their witchings or wishings take effect) being called before a
+Iustice, by due examination of the circumstances, is driuen to see hir
+imprecations and desires, and hir neighbors' harmes and losses, to
+concurre, and, as it were, to take effect; and so confesseth that she (as
+a goddes) hath brought such things to passe. Wherein, not onelie she, but
+the accuser, and also the Iustice, are fowlie deceiued and abused; as
+being, thorough hir confession and other circumstances, persuaded (to the
+iniurie of God's glory) that she hath done, or can doo that which is
+proper onelie to God himselfe.'
+
+This is a good definition of a witch, and was published in 1584 when the
+witch mania was becoming a cult. Let us hear what Addison[28] writes of it
+in 1711, when it was decidedly on the wane:
+
+'... It is with this Temper of Mind that I consider the Subject of
+Witchcraft. When I hear the Relations that are made from all parts of the
+World, not only from _Norway_ and _Lapland_, from the _East_ and _West
+Indies_, but from every particular Nation in _Europe_, I cannot forbear
+thinking that there is such an Intercourse and Commerce with Evil Spirits,
+as that which we express by the name of Witchcraft. But, when I consider
+that the ignorant and credulous Parts of the World abound most in these
+Relations, and that the Persons among us who are supposed to engage in
+such an Infernal Commerce, are People of a weak Understanding and crazed
+Imagination, and, at the same time, reflect on the many Impostures and
+Delusions of this Nature that have been detected in all Ages, I endeavour
+to suspend my Belief, till I have more certain Accounts than any which
+have yet come to my Knowledge. In short, when I consider the Question,
+Whether there are such Persons in the World as those we call Witches? My
+Mind is divided between the two opposite Opinions, or rather (to speak my
+Thoughts freely) I believe, in general, that there is, and has been such a
+thing as Witchcraft; but, at the same time, can give no Credit to any
+Particular Instance of it.
+
+'I am engaged in this speculation, by some Occurrences that I met with
+Yesterday, which I shall give my Reader an Account of at large. As I was
+walking with my Friend Sir _Roger_, by the side of one of his Woods, an
+old Woman applied herself to me for my Charity. Her Dress and Figure put
+me in mind of a Description in Ottway, which I could not forbear repeating
+on this Occasion.
+
+ '"In a close Lane as I pursu'd my Journey,
+ I spy'd a wrinkled Hag, with Age grown double,
+ Picking dry Sticks, and mumbling to her self.
+ Her Eyes with Scalding Rheum were gall'd and red,
+ Cold Palsy shook her Head; her Hands seem'd wither'd;
+ And on her crooked Shoulders had she wrap'd
+ The tatter'd Remnants of an old Striped Hanging,
+ Which serv'd to keep her Carcass from the Cold:
+ So there was nothing of a-piece about her.
+ Her lower Weeds were all o'er coarsly patch'd
+ With diff'rent colour'd Rags, black, white, red, yellow,
+ And seem'd to speak Variety of Wretchedness."
+
+'The Knight told me, upon hearing the Description, that this very old
+Woman had the Reputation of a Witch all over the Country, that her Lips
+were observed to be always in Motion, and that there was not a Switch
+about her House, which her Neighbours did not believe had carried her
+several hundreds of Miles. If she chanced to stumble, they always found
+Sticks or Straws that lay in the Figure of a Cross before her. If she made
+any Mistake at Church, and cryed _Amen_ in a wrong place, they never
+failed to conclude that she was saying her Prayers backwards. There was
+not a Maid in the Parish that would take a Pinn of her, though she should
+offer a Bag of Mony with it. She goes by the Name of _Moll White_, and has
+made the Country ring with several imaginary Exploits that are palmed upon
+her. If the Dairy Maid does not make the Butter come so soon as she would
+have it, _Moll White_ is at the bottom of the Churne. If a Horse sweats in
+the Stable, _Moll White_ has been upon his Back. If a Hare makes an
+unexpected Escape from the Hounds, the Huntsman curses _Moll White_. Nay,
+(says Sir _Roger_) I have known the Master of the Pack, upon such an
+Occasion, send one of his Servants to see if _Moll White_ had been out
+that Morning.
+
+'This Account raised my Curiosity so far, that I beg'd my Friend, Sir
+_Roger_, to go with me into her Hovel, that stood by it self under the
+Side of the Wood. Upon our first entering, Sir _Roger_ winked to me, and
+pointed to something that stood behind the Door, which, upon looking that
+way, I found to be an old Broom-staff. At the same time he whispered me
+in the Ear, to take notice of a Tabby-Cat that sate in the Chimney-Corner,
+which, as the Knight told me, lay under as bad a Report as _Moll White_
+herself; for, besides that _Moll_ is said often to accompany her in the
+same Shape, the Cat is reported to have spoken twice or thrice in her
+Life, and to have played several Pranks above the Capacity of an ordinary
+Cat.
+
+'I was secretly concerned to see Human Nature in so much Wretchedness and
+Disgrace, but, at the same time, could not forbear smiling, to hear Sir
+_Roger_, who is a little puzzled about the old Woman, advising her, as a
+Iustice of the Peace, to avoid all Communication with the Devil, and never
+to hurt any of her Neighbours' Cattle. We concluded our Visit with a
+Bounty, which was very acceptable.
+
+'In our Return Home, he told me that old _Moll_ had, often, been brought
+before him for making Children spit Pins, and giving Maids the Night-Mare;
+and that the Country People would be tossing her into a Pond, and trying
+Experiments with her every Day, if it was not for him and his Chaplain.
+
+'I have since found, upon Enquiry, that Sir _Roger_ was several times
+staggered with the Reports that had been brought him concerning this old
+Woman, and would, frequently, have bound her over to the County Sessions,
+had not his Chaplain, with much ado, persuaded him to the contrary.
+
+'I have been the more particular in this Account, because I hear there is
+scarce a Village in _England_ that has not a _Moll White_ in it. When an
+old Woman begins to doat, and grow chargeable to a Parish, she is
+generally turned into a Witch, and fills the whole Country with
+extravagant Fancies, imaginary Distempers, and terrifying Dreams. In the
+mean time, the poor Wretch that is the innocent Occasion of so many Evils,
+begins to be frighted at herself, and, sometimes, confesses secret
+Commerces and Familiarities that her Imagination forms in a delirious old
+Age. This, frequently, cuts off Charity from the greatest Objects of
+Compassion, and inspires People with a Malevolence towards those poor
+decrepid Parts of our Species, in whom Human Nature is defaced by
+Infirmity and Dotage.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+ How a Witch was made--Her Compact with the Devil--Hell Broth--Homage
+ and Feasting--The Witches' Sabbat.
+
+
+But how did a woman become a witch, and attain to the full possession of
+her wicked powers? There is no doubt but that she must have been a
+_mauvais sujet_ to start with, or else the Devil would not have thought of
+meeting her, and introducing himself to her. According to the witches'
+confessions, of which we shall have many, they generally first meet the
+Devil by chance, and their differing testimonies affirm that he was
+somewhat protean in shape, appearing to one as a great black man, to
+another in the form of some animal. Others, again, were regularly
+introduced to him by some perfected witch at one of their meetings, for it
+was part of their duty to beat up recruits for his Satanic majesty.
+
+Their agreement with the Devil is forcibly described by Reginald Scot,[29]
+who quotes as his authorities such crushing names as the 'Malleus
+Maleficarum,' Bodin, Nider, Danaeus, Psellus, Erastus, Hemingius, Cumanus,
+Aquinas, Bartholomaeus Spineus, etc., so that doubtless he is correct.
+
+'The order of their bargaine or profession is double; the one solemne and
+publike; the other secret and priuate. That which is solemne or publike,
+is where witches come togither at certaine assemblies, at the times
+prefixed, and doo not onelie see the diuell in visible forme; but confer
+and talke familiarlie with him. In which conference the diuell exhorteth
+them to obserue their fidelitie unto him promising them long life and
+prosperitie. Then the witches assembled, commend a new disciple (whom they
+call a nouice) unto him; and, if the diuell findeth that young witch apt
+and forward in renunciation of the christian faith, in despising anie of
+the seuen sacraments, in treading upon Crosses, in spitting at the time of
+the elevation, in breaking their fast on fasting daies, and fasting on
+sundaies, then the diuell giveth foorth his hand, and the nouice ioining
+hand in hand with him, promiseth to obserue and keepe all the diuel's
+commandements.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'This done the diuell beginneth to be more bold with hir, telling hir
+plainelie, that all this will not serue his turne; and therefore requireth
+homage at hir hands: yea, he also telleth hir, that she must grant him
+both hir bodie and soule to be tormented in everlasting fire, which she
+yeeldeth unto. Then he chargeth her, to procure as many men, women and
+children also, as she can, to enter into this societie. Then he teacheth
+them to make ointments of the bowels and members of children, whereby they
+ride in the aire, and accomplish all their desires. So as, if there be
+anie children unbaptised, or not garded with the signe of the crosse, or
+orisons; then the witches may and doo catch them from their mothers sides
+in the night, or out of their cradles, or otherwise kill them with their
+ceremonies; and, after buriall, steale them out of their graves, and seeth
+them in a caldron, untill their flesh be made potable. Of the thickest
+whereof they make ointments, whereby they ride in the aire; but the
+thinner potion they put into flaggons, whereof whosoever drinketh,
+observing certeine ceremonies, immediatlie becommeth a maister, or rather,
+a mistresse in that practise and facultie.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But there were other hell broths used by witches, as we may see by the
+accompanying illustration from Molitor's 'Die Hexen' (1489?), in which a
+cock and serpent form part of the ingredients of the broth, which is
+being brewed during a violent hailstorm. In 'The Witch: a Tragi-comedie,'
+by Thomas Middleton, we have good notices of the component parts of these
+mixtures:
+
+ 'HECCAT. Goe feed the vessell for the second houre.
+ STADLIN. Where be the magical herbes?
+ HEC. They're downe his throate.
+ His mouth cramb'd full; his eares, and nosthrills stufft.
+ I thrust in Eleoselinum--lately
+ Aconitum, frondes populeus, and soote,
+ Then Sium, Acharum, Volgaro too,
+ Dentaphillon, the blood of a flitter-mouse,[30]
+ Solanum somnificum, et oleum.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+We all know the Witches scene in 'Macbeth,' but few are probably aware to
+what extent Shakespeare was indebted to this play of Middleton's for its
+telling effect and language.
+
+ 'HECCAT. Give me some lizard's braine: quickly, _Firestone_.
+ Where's grannam Stadlin, and all the rest o' th' sisters?
+ FIRESTONE. All at hand, forsooth.
+ HEC. Give me Marmaritin; some Bear-Breech; when?
+ FIRE. Heer's Bear-breech, and lizard's braine, forsooth.
+ HEC. Into the vessell;
+ And fetch three ounces of the red-haired girle
+ I kill'd last midnight.
+ FIRE. Whereabouts, sweet Mother?
+ HEC. Hip; hip or flanck. Where is the Acopus?
+ FIRE. You shall have Acopus, forsooth.
+ HEC. Stir, stir about; whilst I begin to charme.
+
+ A CHARME SONG, ABOUT A VESSEL.
+
+ Black spiritts, and white; Red spiritts and gray;
+ Mingle, mingle, mingle, you that mingle may.
+ Titty, Tiffin, keepe it stiff in;
+ Fire-drake, Puckey, make it luckey;
+ Liard, Robin, you must bob in.
+ Round, around, around, about, about.
+ All ill come running in, all good keepe out!
+
+ 1 WITCH. Heer's the blood of a bat.
+ HEC. Put in that; oh put in that.
+ 2 WITCH. Heer's libbard's bane.
+ HEC. Put in againe.
+ 1 WITCH. The juice of toad; the oile of adder.
+ 2 WITCH. Those will make the yonker madder.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ HEC. Put in; there's all, and rid the stench.
+ FIRE. Nay, heer's three ounces of the red-haired wench.
+ ALL. Round, around, around, about, about.
+ All ill come running in, all good keepe out!
+ HEC. So, soe, enough: into the vessell with it.
+ There, 't hath the true perfection: I am so light
+ At any mischief; there's no villany
+ But is a tune methinkes.
+ FIRE. A Tune! 'tis to the tune of dampnation then, I warrant
+ You that that song hath a villainous burthen.
+ HEC. Come my sweet sisters; let the aire strike our tune,
+ Whilst we show reverence to yond peeping moone.
+
+ _Here they daunce. The Witches daunce and Ex{t}._'
+
+After this introduction to and instruction from the Devil, the novice has
+to do homage to her master. Still quoting Reginald Scot:
+
+'Sometimes their homage, with their oth and bargaine is receiued for a
+certeine number of yeares; sometimes for euer. Sometimes it consisteth in
+the deniall of the whole faith, sometimes in part. The first is, when the
+soule is absolutelie yeelded to the Diuell and hell fier; the other is,
+when they have but bargained to obserue certeine ceremonies and statutes
+of the Church; as to conceale faults at shrift, to fast on sundaies, &c.
+And this is doone, either by oth, protestation of words, or by obligation
+in writing, sometimes sealed with wax, sometimes signed with bloud,
+sometimes by kissing the Diuell's bare buttocks; as did a Doctor called
+_Edlin_, who (as _Bodin_ saith) was burned for witchcraft.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'You must also understand, that after they have delicatlie banketted with
+the Diuell and the ladie of the fairies; and have eaten up a fat oxe, and
+emptied a butt of malmesie, and a binne of bread, at some nobleman's
+house, in the dead of night, nothing is missed of all this in the morning.
+For the ladie _Sibylla_, _Minerua_, or _Diana_, with a golden rod striketh
+the vessell and the binne, and they are fullie replenished againe. Yea,
+she causeth the bullock's bones to be brought and laid togither upon the
+hide, and lappeth the foure ends thereof togither, laieing her golden rod
+thereon; and then riseth up the bullocke againe, in his former estate and
+condition: and yet, at their returne home, they are like to starve for
+hunger; as _Spineus_ saith. And this must be an infallible rule, that
+euerie fortnight, or at the least, euerie moneth, each witch must kill one
+child, at the least, for hir part.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'And this is to be noted, that the inquisitors affirme, that during the
+whole time of the witch's excourse, the Diuell occupieth the roome and
+place of the witch, in so perfect a similitude, as hir husband in his bed,
+neither by feeling, speech, nor countenance can discerne hir from his
+wife. Yea, the wife departeth out of hir husbands armes insensiblie, and
+leaueth the Diuell in her roome visiblie.'
+
+The novice is now a full-fledged witch, and according to the best
+authorities may, and must, commit certain crimes, of which the following
+are some:
+
+'They denie God, and all religion.
+
+'They cursse, blaspheme, and provoke God with all despite.
+
+'They give their faith to the diuell, and they worship and offer sacrifice
+to him.
+
+'They doo solemnelie vow and promise all their progenie unto the diuell.
+
+'They sacrifice their owne children to the diuell before baptisme, holding
+them up in the aire unto him, and then thrust a needle into their
+braines.
+
+'They burne their children when they have sacrificed them.
+
+'They sweare to the diuell to bring as manie into that societie, as they
+can.
+
+'They sweare by the name of the diuell.
+
+'They boile infants (after they have murthered them unbaptized) untill
+their flesh be made potable.
+
+'They eate the flesh and drinke the bloud of men and children openlie.
+
+'They kill men with poison.
+
+'They kill men's Cattell.
+
+'They bewitch men's corne, and bring hunger and barrennes into the
+countrie; they ride and flie in the aire, bring stormes, make tempests,
+&c.'
+
+Scot, quoting Sprenger, gives yet a wider range to the wickedness of
+witches.[31] 'Although it be quite against the haire, and contrarie to the
+diuel's will, contrarie to the witch's oth, promise, and homage, and
+contrarie to all reason that witches should helpe anie thing that is
+bewitched; but rather set forward their Maister's businesse; yet we read
+_In Malleo Maleficarum_, of three sorts of witches; and the same is
+affirmed by all the writers hereupon, new and old. One sort, they say, can
+hurt and not helpe, the second can helpe and not hurt, the third can both
+helpe and hurt. And, among the hurtful witches, he saith there is one sort
+more beastlie than any kind of beasts, saving woolues: for these usuallie
+deuoure and eate yong children and infants of their owne kind. These be
+they (saith he) that raise haile, tempests, and hurtfull weather; as
+lightening, thunder, &c. These be they that procure barrennesse in man,
+woman and beast. These can throwe children into waters, as they walke with
+their mothers, and not be seene. These can make horses kicke, till they
+cast their riders. These can so alter the mind of iudges, that they can
+haue no power to hurt them. These can procure to themselves and to others,
+taciturnitie and insensibilitie in their torments. These can bring
+trembling to the hands, and strike terror into the minds of them that
+apprehend them. These can manifest unto others, things hidden and lost,
+and foreshow things to come; and see them as though they were present.
+These can alter men's minds to inordinate love or hate. These can kill
+whom they list, with lightening and thunder. These can take awaie man's
+courage, and the power of generation. These can make a woman miscarrie in
+childbirth, and destroie the child in the mother's wombe, without any
+sensible meanes either inwardlie or outwardlie applied. These can, with
+their looks, kill either man or beast.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+ Familiar Spirits--Matthew Hopkins, the 'Witch-finder'--Prince Rupert's
+ dog Boy--Unguents used for transporting Witches from Place to
+ Place--Their Festivities at the Sabbat.
+
+
+In order to enable the witch to carry out her benevolent intentions, the
+Devil supplied her with one or more familiar spirits, of which we shall
+hear much in the accounts of cases of witchcraft, and in this old English
+illustration we see the Devil presenting one to a young witch. They were
+of all kinds of shapes--perhaps the commonest was a cat or dog; but
+sometimes they took strange forms.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+These familiars could talk and hold conversations with their mistresses,
+as witness the following story told by Giffard. A witch had confessed she
+had killed a man. 'And upon the ladder she seemed very penitent, desiring
+all the world to forgive her. She sayd she had a spirit in the likeness of
+a yellow dun Cat. This Cat came unto her, as she sayd, as she sat by her
+fire, when she was fallen out with a neighbour of hers, and wished that
+the vengeance of God might light upon him and his. The Cat bad her not be
+afraid, she would do her no harme, she had served a dame five yeares in
+Kent, that was now dead, and if she would, she would be her servant. And
+whereas, sayd the Cat, such a man hath misused thee, if thou wilt I will
+plague him in his cattell. She sent the Cat, she killed three hogs and one
+Cow. The man, suspecting, burnt a pig alive, and, as she sayd, her Cat
+would never go thither any more. Afterward, she fell out with that Man;
+she sent her Cat, who told her, that she had given him that, which he
+should never recover; and, indeed, the man died.'[32]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In 'The Lawes against Witches and Coniuration,' etc., the attention of
+justices of the peace is thus directed to these familiar spirits:
+
+'1. These Witches have ordinarily a familiar, or spirit, which appeareth
+to them; sometimes in one shape, sometimes in another, as in the shape of
+a Man, Woman, Boy, Dogge, Cat, Foale, Fowle, Hare, Rat, Toad, etc. And to
+these their spirits they give names, and they meet together to christen
+them.
+
+'2. Their said Familiar hath some big or little teat upon their body,
+where he sucketh them; and besides their sucking, the Devil leaveth other
+marks upon their bodies, sometimes like a Blew-spot, or Red-spot, like a
+flea-biting, sometimes the flesh sunk in and hollow, all which, for a
+time, may be covered, yea, taken away, but will come againe to their old
+forme; and these the Devil's markes be insensible, and being pricked will
+not bleed; and be often in their secret parts, and therefore require
+diligent and carefull search....
+
+'So likewise, if the suspected be proved to have been heard to call upon
+their Spirit, or to talk to them, or of them, or have offered them to
+others.
+
+'So, if they have been seen with their Spirits, or seen to feed something
+secretly, these are proofes that they have a familiar, &c.'
+
+Matthew Hopkins (of whom more anon) was a past master in the matter of
+familiars, and thus relates his experience of some of them.[33] He is
+supposed to be asked where he had gained his experience.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'The Discoverer never travelled far for it, but in _March 1644_, he had
+some seven or eight of that horrible sect of Witches living in the Towne
+where he lived, a Towne in _Essex_ called _Maningtree_, with divers other
+adjacent Witches of other towns, who every six weeks, in the night (being
+alwayes on the Friday night) had their meeting close by his house, and had
+their severall solemne sacrifices there offered to the _Devill_, one of
+which this discoverer heard speaking to her _Imps_ one night, and bid them
+goe to another Witch, who was thereupon apprehended, and searched by
+women, who for many yeares had knowne the Devill's marks, and found to
+have three teats about her, which honest women have not; so upon command
+from the _Justice_, they were to keep her from sleep, two or three nights,
+expecting in that time to see her familiars, which the fourth night she
+called in by their severall names, and told them what shapes, a quarter of
+an houre before they came in, there being ten of us in the roome; the
+first she called was:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'1. _Holt_, who came like a white kitling.
+
+'2. _Jarmara_, who came in like a fat Spaniel, without any legs at all;
+she said she kept him fat, for she clapt her hand on her belly, and said
+he suckt good blood from her body.
+
+'3. _Vinegar Tom_, who was like a long-legg'd Greyhound, with an head like
+an Oxe, with a long taile and broad eyes, who, when the discoverer spoke
+to, and bade him goe to the place provided for him and his Angels,
+immediately transformed himselfe into the shape of a child of foure yeeres
+old, without a head, and gave halfe a dozen turnes about the house, and
+vanished at the doore.
+
+'4. _Sack and Sugar_, like a black Rabbet.
+
+'5. _Newes_, like a Polcat. All these vanished away in a little time.
+Immediately after, this Witch confessed several other Witches, from whom
+she had her _Imps_, and named to divers women where their markes were, the
+number of their _Marks_, and _Imps_, and _Imps'_ names, as _Elemanzer_,
+_Pyewacket_, _Peck in the Crown_, _Grizzel Greedigut_, &c., which no
+mortall could invent.'
+
+Witches, however, were not the sole proprietors of familiar spirits, for
+the Roundheads declared that Prince Rupert had one, in the shape of a
+large white poodle dog, a present from Lord Arundel, whose name was Boy.
+Boy accompanied his master in many an engagement, but seemed to bear a
+charmed life, even having the credit given him of catching bullets and
+bringing them to his master. This evidently must be a dog of no common
+breed, and it was not thought so, as we read in one of the Commonwealth
+tracts, which was a reputed dialogue between Tobie's and Prince Rupert's
+dogs:
+
+ 'TOBIE'S DOG. ... I heare you are Prince _Rupert's_ White Boy.
+
+ P. RUP. DOG. I am none of his White Boy, my name is _Puddle_.
+
+ TOB. DOG. A dirty name, indeed, you are not pure enough for my
+ company; besides, I hear on both sides of my eares that you are a
+ Laplander, or Fin Land Dog, or, truly, no better than a Witch in the
+ shape of a white Dogge.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ P. RUP. DOG. No, Sirrah, I am of high Germain breed.
+
+ TOB. DOG. Thou art a Reprobate and a lying Curre; you were either
+ whelpt in Lapland, or in Finland; where there is none but divells and
+ Sorcerers live.'
+
+Poor Boy met his fate at Marston Moor, by a silver bullet fired 'by a
+valliant Souldier, who had skill in Necromancy.' Judging by the hail of
+bullets by which he is surrounded, he must indeed have borne a charmed
+life, the loss of which an old witch deplores.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+One of the duties of the familiar was to acquaint the witch with the next
+meeting between the witches and the Devil. This always (although
+authorities differ) took place on Fridays, after midnight, and was called
+the Sabbath or Sabbat. But Scot, quoting Danaeus, says: 'The Divell
+oftentimes, in the likenes of a sumner, meeteth them at markets and
+Faires, and warneth them to appeare in their assemblies, at a certaine
+houre in the night, that he may understand whom they have slaine, and how
+they have profited.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But these meetings might be many miles distant, and, consequently, the
+witches had to be provided with means of conveyance; which was effected
+with the aid of an unguent, as to the composition of which authorities
+vary. This was rubbed over the body, or upon a broomstick or dungfork, and
+hey, presto! they were in mid-air. But they must not make their exit by
+the door, only by such illegitimate ways as the chimney or the keyhole.
+Or, as we see, a wizard might mount his cat, or a witch a sheep; or, if a
+great favourite, the Devil himself would carry her, taking the form of a
+he-goat, in which shape he frequently presided at the Sabbat.
+
+The broomstick was the orthodox old English style of aerial courses; but,
+as I have before said, an unguent was necessary. In 'The Witch,' before
+quoted, Heccat says:
+
+ 'Here take this unbaptized brat:
+ Boile it well; preserve the fat;
+ You know 'tis pretious to transfer
+ Our 'noynted flesh into the ayre,
+ In moonelyght nights, on steeple topps,
+ Mountains, and pine trees, that like pricks or stopps,
+ Seeme to our height, high towres, and roofes of princes
+ Like wrinckles in the earth.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Scot, on the authority of John Bapt. Neap, gives the following recipes for
+ointments, which are singularly like those in 'The Witch':
+
+'[Rx]. The fat of yoong children, and seeth it with water in a brasen
+vessell, reseruing the thickest of that which remaineth boiled in the
+bottome, which they laie up and keepe, untill occasion serueth to use it.
+They put hereunto _Eleoselinum_, _Aconitum_, _Frondes populeas_, and
+Soote.'
+
+Another receipt to the same purpose.
+
+'[Rx]. _Sium_, _acarum vulgare_, _pentaphyllon_, the blood of a flitter
+mouse, _solanum somniferum_ and _oleum_. They stampe all these togither,
+and then they rubbe all parts of their bodies exceedinglie, till they
+looke red, and be verie hot, so as the pores may be opened, and their
+flesh soluble and loose. They ioine herewithall either fat, or oil in
+steed thereof, that the force of the ointment maie the rather pearse
+inwardly, and so be more effectuall. By this means (saith he) in a
+moonlight night they seeme to be carried in the aire.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Thus, then, their means of conveyance being assured, they all meet
+together, at some appointed place, it may be hundreds of miles away--in a
+social congress of a very mixed character, Continental writers giving a
+fuller and more detailed report of their transactions than do the English.
+One Henri Boguet, a French _Grand Juge_, in his 'Discours des Sorciers,'
+Lyons, 1608, is particularly lucid on this subject.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He says that at this assembly the first thing the witches do is to adore
+Satan, who appears in the form, either of a huge black man or as a
+he-goat, and by way of doing homage to him they offer him candles which
+burn with a blue flame, and kiss his back, some kissing his shoulders.
+Sometimes he holds a black image which the witches kiss, at the same time
+offering a candle or burning brand which they light at a candle, which the
+Devil carries between his horns. They next proceed to dance a curious
+circular dance, in which they are placed back to back, whilst the lame
+witches incite them to leap and dance. The music of the hautboy is not
+wanting, someone always being found who will thus oblige the company,
+besides which Satan himself sometimes plays the flute; but if no orchestra
+is forthcoming, the witches and devils sing each their own song, making a
+sort of 'Dutch medley.' Sometimes they dance two and two, at other times
+they perform _pas seuls_, but always in confusion, and they dance back to
+back, so that they may not be recognised; indeed, it is for that reason
+that they hold their assemblies at night.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+After the dance they break into couples, and indescribable orgies take
+place.
+
+The next part of the programme is a banquet, composed of different kinds
+of viands, according to the place of meeting and the quality of the
+guests; but, according to the illustrations, the _piece de resistance_ was
+a dead child. The table was covered with butter, cheese, and meat, and
+according to some authorities a large copper was provided, from which each
+witch could take her meat. They drank wine out of wooden goblets, but the
+chief drink was water. But at these feasts there was never any salt,
+because it is an emblem of immortality, which the Devil hates more than
+anything. Besides, it is put in holy-water, and the Apostles were called
+the 'salt of the earth'--sufficient reasons to disgust any Devil.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Before commencing the meal, and on finishing it, the witches say
+grace--not exactly as we do, but paraphrasing the benediction, filling it
+with blasphemies, and making Satan author and preserver of all things. And
+it is a curious thing that all authorities agree that the viands served at
+these feasts have no flavour or taste, and the meat is only horseflesh;
+also when the witches rise from table they are as hungry as when they sat
+down.
+
+This highly unsatisfactory repast being finished, the witches tell Satan
+what they have done since their last meeting, and those are most welcome
+who have caused the greatest number of deaths among human beings and
+cattle, or the most illness, or spoilt most corn; in short, those who have
+committed the most wickednesses and abominations. The others, who have
+behaved rather more humanely, are hissed at and mocked by all; they are
+set on one side, and are often beaten and ill-treated by their master.
+
+They then renew their renunciation of God and the Sacraments of the
+Church, as also their oath never to speak of God, of the Virgin Mary, or
+the Saints, unless in mockery and derision; they give up all hope of
+heaven, and swear that they will always hold him to be their master, and
+be faithful to him. He then exhorts them to all evil deeds, such as
+harming their neighbours, making them ill, killing their cattle, and
+revenging themselves on their enemies, and even uses these words, _Revenge
+yourselves, or you shall die_. Moreover, he promises them to lay waste and
+spoil the fruits of the earth, and gives them powders and ointments for
+that purpose; at least, he makes them believe so. He also makes them swear
+solemnly that they should accuse each other, and never reveal anything
+which had passed between them.
+
+The witches then cause a hailstorm, in order to spoil the crops and the
+fruit.
+
+But they also celebrate a parody of the Mass, the celebrant being vested
+in a black chasuble, without a cross on it; and after having put water in
+the chalice, he turns his back on the altar, and then elevates a slice of
+black radish instead of the Host, and all the witches cry with a loud
+voice, '_Master, help us!_' The Devil at the same time makes sham
+holy-water, with which he who celebrates the Mass sprinkles the
+congregation, using a black _asperge_.
+
+Finally, the Devil, after having taken the form of a he-goat, is consumed
+by fire, and reduced to ashes, which the witches collect and hide, in
+order that they may assist them in their diabolical designs.
+
+Of the English _Sabbat_ we shall hear enough when we come to the various
+cases of witchcraft. Scot quotes Bodin, the great French exponent of
+witchcraft, 'who saith, at these magical assemblies the witches never fail
+to danse, and in their danse they sing these words: _Har, har, diuell,
+diuell, danse here, danse here, plaie here, plaie here, Sabbath, Sabbath_.
+And whiles they sing and danse, euerie one hath a broome in hir hand, and
+holdeth it up aloft. Item he saith that these night-walking, or rather,
+night-dansing witches, brought out of _Italie_ into _France_ that danse
+which is called _La Volta_.'
+
+He also says that, according to Danaeus, if the witches 'be lame, the
+diuell deliuereth them a staffe, to conueie them thither inuisiblie
+through the aire; and that then they fall a dansing and singing of foule
+songs, wherein he leadeth the danse himselfe; which danse, and other
+conferences being ended, he supplieth their wants of powders and roots to
+intoxicate withall; and giueth to euerie nouice a marke, either with his
+teeth, or with his clawes, and so they kisse the diuell's bare buttocks,
+and depart; not forgetting euery daie afterwards to offer to him, dogs,
+cats, hens, or bloud of their owne.'
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In 'A Pleasant Treatise of Witches,' London, 1673, we have the following
+account of the _Sabbat_: 'They [witches] are likewise reported to have
+each of them a Spirit or Imp attending on, and assigned to them, which
+never leave those to whom they are subject, but assist and render them all
+the service they command. These give the witches notice to be ready on all
+solemn appointments and meetings, which are ordinarily on _Tuesday_ or
+_Wednesday_ night, and then they strive to separate themselves from the
+company of all other creatures, not to be seen by any; and, night being
+come, they strip themselves naked, and anoint themselves with their
+Oyntments. Then they are carryed out of the house, either by the Window,
+Door, or Chimney, mounted on their Imps in the form of a Goat, Sheep, or
+Dragon, till they arrive at their meeting-place, whither all the other
+Wizards and Witches, each one upon his Imp, are also brought. Thus brought
+to the designed place, which is sometimes many hundred miles from their
+dwellings, they find a great number of others arrived there by the same
+means; who, before _Lucifer_ takes his place on his Throne, as King, do
+make their accustomed homage, adoring and proclaiming him their Lord, and
+rendring him all Honour.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'This solemnity being finished they sit to Table, where no delicate meats
+are wanting to gratifie their appetites, all dainties being brought in the
+twinkling of an eye, by those spirits that attend the assembly. This done,
+at the sound of many pleasant instruments (for we must expect no Grace in
+the company of Devils,) the table is taken away, and the pleasing consort
+invites them to a _Ball_; but the dance is strange and wonderful, as well
+as diabolical, for, turning themselves back to back, they take one
+another by the arms and raise each other from the ground, then shake their
+heads to and fro like Anticks, and turn themselves as if they were mad.
+Then, at last, after this Banquet, Musick, and Ball, the lights were put
+out....
+
+'At last, before _Aurora_ brings back the day, each one mounts on his
+Spirit, and so returns to his respective dwelling place, with that
+lightness and quickness, that, in little space, they find themselves to be
+carryed many hundred miles; but are charged by their spirit on the way,
+not to call in any wise on the name of God, or to bless themselves with
+the sign of the Cross, upon pain of falling, with peril of their lives,
+and being grievously punished by their Demon.
+
+'Sometimes, at their solemn assemblies, the Devil commands that each tell
+what wickedness he hath committed, and, according to the hainousness and
+detestableness of it he is honoured and respected with a general applause.
+Those, on the contrary, who have done no evill, are beaten and punished.
+At last, when the assembly is ready to break up, and the Devil to despatch
+them, he publisheth this law with a loud voice, _Revenge yourselves, or
+else you shall dye_: then each one, kissing the posteriors of the Devil,
+returns upon their aiery Vehicles to their habitations.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ Waxen Figures--Witches change into Animals--Witch Marks--Testimony
+ against Witches--Tests for, and Examination of, Witches.
+
+
+Among other things done at the Sabbat, the Devil instructed witches in the
+art of making waxen images, the use of which is to torment those against
+whom they have a spite. King James I. ('Demonologie,' lib. ii., cap. v.)
+says:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'To some others, at these times, he teacheth how to make pictures of waxe
+or clay: That by the roasting thereof, the persons that they beare the
+name of, may be continually melted or dried away by continuall
+sickenesse.... They can bewitch and take the life of men or women, by
+roasting of the pictures, which, likewise, is verie possible to their
+Maister to performe, for, although that instrument of waxe haue no vertue
+in that turne doing, yet may hee not very well, euen by the same measure
+that his coniured slaves melts that waxe at the fire, may hee not, I say,
+at these same times, subtily, as a spirite, so weaken and scatter the
+spirites of life of the patient, as may make him, on the one part, for
+faintnesse, to sweate out the humour of his bodie. And on the other part,
+for the not concurrence of these spirites which cause his digestion, so
+debilitate his stomache, that this humour radicall, continually sweating
+out on the one part, and no good sucke being put in the place thereof, for
+lacke of digestion, on the other, he, at last, shall vanish away, euen as
+his picture will doe at the fire? And that knauish and cunning workeman,
+by troubling him, onely at sometimes, makes a proportion, so neere betwixt
+the working of the one and the other, that both shall end, as it were, at
+one time.'
+
+In 'The Witch' we find the following:
+
+ 'HECCAT. Is the hart of Wax
+ Stuck full of magique needles?
+ STADLIN. 'Tis done, Heccat.
+ HEC. And is the Farmer's picture, and his wives,
+ Lay'd downe to th' fire yet?
+ STAD. They are a roasting both too.
+ HEC. Good:
+ Then their marrowes are a melting subtelly,
+ And three monethes sicknes sucks up life in 'em.
+ They denide me often floure, barme and milke,
+ Goose-greaze and tar, when I nere hurt their churnings,
+ Their brew-locks, nor their batches, nor fore spoake
+ Any of their breedings. Now I'll be meete with 'em.
+ Seaven of their yong piggs I have bewitch'd already,
+ Of the last litter; nine ducklyngs, thirteene goselings, and a hog,
+ Fell lame last Sonday after evensong too.
+ And mark how their sheepe prosper; or what soupe
+ Each milch-kine gives to th' paile: I'le send these snakes
+ Shall milke 'em all before hand; the dew'd skirted dayrie wenches
+ Shall stroak dry duggs for this, and goe home cursing:
+ I'll mar their sillabubs, and swathie feastings
+ Under cowes bellies with the parish-youthes.'
+
+Some witches had the power of transforming themselves into divers animals,
+and Boguet gives a long list of witches who confessed to so doing, having
+become, for the nonce, wolves, pigs, asses, cats, horses, frogs or toads,
+and hares. Indeed, in France and Germany, the belief in _loup-garou_ and
+_waehrwolf_ has hardly yet died out. But not only could they change
+themselves into beasts, but others also, quite after the fashion of the
+enchantments in the 'Arabian Nights.' Reginald Scot tells a story (lib.
+v., cap. iii.) too good to be omitted:
+
+'It happened in the citie of _Salamin_ in the kingdome of _Cyprus_
+(wherein is a good hauen) that a ship loaden with merchandize staied there
+for a short space. In the meane time many of the souldiers and mariners
+went to shoare, to prouide fresh victuals. Among which number, a certaine
+English man, being a sturdie young fellowe, went to a woman's house, a
+little waie out of the citie, and not farre from the sea side, to see
+whether she had anie eggs to sell. Who, perceiuing him to be a lustie
+yoong fellowe, a stranger, and farre from his countrie, so as upon the
+losse of him there would be the lesse misse or inquirie, she considered
+with hirselfe how to destroie him; and willed him to staie there awhile,
+whilest she went to fetch a few eggs for him. But she tarried long, so as
+the yoong man called unto hir, desiring hir to make hast: for he told hir
+that the tide would be spent, and by that meanes his ship would be gone
+and leaue him behind. Howbeit, after some detracting of time, she brought
+him a few eggs, willing him to returne to hir, if his ship were gone when
+he came.
+
+'The yoong fellowe returned towards his ship; but before he, went aboord,
+hee would needs eat an egg or twaine to satisfie his hunger, and, within
+short space, he became dumb and out of his wits, (as he afterwards said.)
+When he would haue entred into the ship, the marriners beat him backe with
+a cudgell, saieing: What a murren lacks the asse? Whither the Diuell will
+this asse? The asse, or yoong man, (I cannot tell by which name I should
+terme him,) being many times repelled, and understanding their words that
+called him asse, considering that he could speake neuer a word, and yet
+could understand euerie bodie; he thought that he was bewitched by the
+woman, at whose house he was. And, therefore, when by no means he could
+get into the boate, but was driuen to tarrie and see hir departure; being
+also beaten from place to place, as an asse; he remembered the witches
+words, and the words of his owne fellowes that called him asse, and
+returned to the witches house, in whose seruice he remained by the space
+of three yeares, dooing nothing with his hands all that while, but carried
+such burthens as she laied on his backe; haueing onely this comfort, that,
+although he were reputed an asse among strangers and beasts, yet that
+both this witch, and all other witches knew him to be a man.
+
+'After three yeares were passed ouer, in a morning betimes he went to
+towne before his dame; who, upon some occasion, staied a little behind. In
+the meane time, being neere to a church, he heard a little saccaring bell
+ring to the eleuation of a morrowe masse, and, not daring to go into the
+churche, least he should have beene beaten and driuen out with cudgells,
+in great deuotion he fell downe in the churchyard, upon the knees of his
+hinder legs, and did lift his forefeet ouer his head, as the preest doth
+hold the sacrament at the eleuation. Which prodigious sight, when certeine
+merchants of _Genua_ espied, and with woonder beheld; anon commeth the
+witch with a cudgell in hir hand, beating foorth the asse. And bicause (as
+it hath beene said) such kinds of witchcrafts are verie usuall in those
+parts; the merchants aforesaid made such meanes, as both the asse and the
+witch were attached by the iudge. And she, being examined and set upon the
+racke, confessed the whole matter, and promised that, if she might have
+libertie to go home, she would restore him to his old shape: and, being
+dismissed, she did, accordinglie. So, as notwithstanding, they apprehended
+hir againe, and burned hir: and the yoong man returned into his countrie
+with a ioifull and merrie hart.'
+
+Credulous as James I. was, yet he could not swallow lycanthropy:
+
+'But to tell you simply my opinion in this, if any such thing hath beene,
+I take it to haue proceeded but of a naturall super-aboundance of
+Melancholie, which, as we reade, that it hath made some thinke themselues
+Pitchers, and some, horses, and some, one kinde of beast or other. So
+suppose I, that it hath so viciat the imagination and memory of some, as
+_per lucida interualla_, it hath so highly occupied them, that they haue
+thought themselues very Woolfes indeed, at these times: and so haue
+counterfeited their actiones in going on their hands and feete, preassing
+to deuoure women and barnes,[34] fighting and snatching with all the towne
+dogges, and in using such like other bruitish actiones, and so to become
+beastes by a strong apprehension as _Nabucad-netzar_ was seuen yeares.'
+
+But popular opinion still inclined to the belief in the ability of witches
+to change their form: and we will take only one instance, which occurs in
+the play of 'The Late Lancashire Witches,' by Heywood and Broome (London,
+1634):
+
+ 'MEG. Then list yee well, the hunters are
+ This day, by vow, to kill a hare,
+ Or else the sport they will forsweare;
+ And hang their dogs up.
+ MAWD. Stay, but where
+ Must the long threatened hare be found?
+ GIL. They'l search in yonder meadow ground.
+ MEG. There will I be, and like a wily wat,
+ Untill they put me up, ile squat.'
+
+And this belief has descended to quite modern times, for Mr. E. J. Wood,
+writing in _Notes and Queries_, October 25, 1862, says:
+
+'In a certain hollow, or "bottom," not many miles from Sevenoaks, lived an
+old woman (now deceased) who had the local reputation of being a witch,
+and who could, according to the vulgar belief, convert herself into a hare
+at will. Her cottage had a drain-hole, or aperture, through which hole the
+so-called witch used to pass when she had metamorphosed herself into a
+"puss."'
+
+To the outside world, a witch, be she young or old, looked like another
+woman, but to the _cognoscenti_ there were certain marks about her which
+proclaimed her as a servant to the devil. All authorities agree that a
+witch had certain marks upon her which no one could mistake, and Scot sums
+it up very tersely:
+
+'Item, if she haue anie priuie mark under hir arme pokes, under hir haire,
+under hir lip, or in hir buttocke, &c., it is a presumption for the iudge
+to proceed and giue sentence of death upon hir.'
+
+But perhaps we find the fullest details of these marks in the abominable
+book 'The Discovery of Witches,' by the wretch Matthew Hopkins, the
+professional 'witch-finder.'
+
+'_Query 5._ Many poore People are condemned for having a Pap or Teat about
+them, whereas many People, (especially antient People) are, and have been,
+a long time, troubled with naturall wretts[35] on severall parts of their
+bodies, and other natural excresscencies, and these shall be judged only
+by one man alone, and a woman, and so accused or acquitted?
+
+'_Answer._ The parties so judging can justifie their skill to any, and
+shew good reasons why such markes are not meerly naturall, neither that
+they can happen by any such naturall cause as is before expressed, and for
+further answer for their private judgements alone, it is most false and
+untrue, for never was any man tryed by search of his body, but commonly a
+dozen of the ablest men in the parish or else where were present, and most
+commonly as many ancient skilfull matrons and midwives present when the
+women are tryed, which marks, not only he and his company attest to be
+very suspitious, but all beholders, the skilfulest of them, doe not
+approve of them, but likewise assent that such tokens cannot, in their
+judgements proceed from any of the above-mentioned Causes.
+
+'_Query 6._ It is a thing impossible for any man or woman to judge rightly
+on such marks, they are so neare to naturall excressencies, and they that
+finde them, durst not presently give Oath they were drawne by evill
+spirits, till they have used unlawfull courses of torture to make them say
+anything for ease and quiet, as who would not do? but I would know the
+reasons he speakes of, and whereby to discover the one from the other, and
+so be satisfied in that.
+
+'_Answer._ The reasons, in breefe, are three, which, for the present, he
+judgeth to differ from naturall marks; which are
+
+'1. He judgeth by the unusualnes of the place where he findeth the teats
+in or on their bodies, being farre distant from any usuall place, from
+whence such naturall markes proceed; as, if a witch plead the markes found
+are Emerods, if I finde them on the back bone, shall I assent with him?
+Knowing they are not neere that veine, and so, others, by child-bearing,
+when it may be, they are in the contrary part?
+
+'2. They are most commonly insensible, and feele neither pin, needle,
+aule, &c, thrust through them.
+
+'3. The often variations and mutations of these marks into severall
+formes, confirmes this matter; as, if a Witch hear a month or two before
+that the _Witch-finder_, (as they call him) is comming, they will, and
+have, put out their Imps to others to suckle them, even to their owne
+young and tender children; these upon search are found to have dry skinnes
+and filmes only, and be close to the flesh. Keepe her 24 houres with a
+diligent eye, that none of her Spirits come in any visible shape to suck
+her; the women have seen, the next day after, her Teats extended to their
+former filling strength, full of corruption, ready to burst; and, leaving
+her alone then one quarter of an houre, and let the women go up againe,
+and shee will have them drawn, by her Imps, close againe: _Probatum est_.'
+
+This seems hard enough upon the poor friendless witch, but it is nothing
+to what Scot writes on the subject, giving his authorities, which, at the
+time he wrote, on behalf of the witch, was good law. As it is a very
+curious bit of history, and one, as far as I know, that has never been
+reproduced, I make a long extract bearing thereon:
+
+'Excommunicat persons, partakers of the salt, infants, wicked servants,
+and runawaies are to be admitted to beare witness against their dames in
+the mater of witchcraft, bicause, (saith _Bodin_, the champion of witch
+mongers) none that be honest are able to detect them. Heretikes, also, and
+witches shall be received to accuse, but not to excuse a witch. And,
+finallie, the testimonie of all infamous persons in this case is good and
+allowed. Yea, one lewd person, (saith _Bodin_) may be received to accuse
+and condemne a thousand suspected witches. And although by lawe, a
+capitall enimie may be challenged; yet _James Sprenger_ and _Henry
+Justitor_ (from whom _Bodin_, and all the writers that euer I haue read,
+doo receiue their light, authorities and arguments) saie, (upon this point
+of lawe) that The poore frendlesse old woman must proue that hir capitall
+enemie would haue killed hir, and that hee hath both assalted and wounded
+hir; otherwise she pleadeth all in vaine. If the iudge aske hir, whether
+she haue anie capitall enemies; and she rehearse other, and forget her
+accuser, or else answer that he was hir capitall enemie, but now she
+hopeth that he is not so; such a one is neuertheles admitted for a witnes.
+And though by law, single witnesses are not admittable; yet, if one depose
+she hath witched hir cow, another hir sow; and the third hir butter; these
+saith, are no single Witnesses bicause they agree that she is a witch.
+
+'Women suspected to be witches, after their apprehension may not be
+suffered to go home, or to other places, to seek suerties; for feare least
+at their returne home, they worke reuenge upon them. In which respect
+_Bodin_ commendeth much the _Scottish_ custome and order in this behalfe;
+where, (he saith) a hollowe piece of wood, or a chest is placed in the
+church, into the which anie bodie may freelie cast a little scroll of
+paper, wherein may be conteined the name of the witch, the time, place and
+fact &c. And the same chest being locked by three inquisitors or officers
+appointed for that purpose; which keepe three seuerall kaies. And then the
+accuser need not be knowne, nor shamed with the reproch of slander or
+malice to his poore neighbour.
+
+'Item. there must be great persuasions used to all men, women and
+children, to accuse old women of witchcraft.
+
+'Item. there may alwaies be promised impunitie and fauour to witches that
+confesse and detect others; and for the contrairie, there may be
+threatnings and violence practised and used.
+
+'Item. the little children of witches, which will not confesse, must be
+attached; who (if they be craftilie handled saith _Bodin_) will confesse
+against their owne mothers.
+
+'Item. witches must be examined as suddenlie, and as unawares as is
+possible; the which will so amaze them, that they will confesse anything,
+supposing the diuell hath forsaken them; whereas, if they should first be
+committed to prison, the diuell would tamper with them, and informe them
+what to doo.
+
+'Item. the inquisitor, iudge, or examiner, must begin with small matters
+first.
+
+'Item. they must be examined whether their parents were witches or no; for
+witches (as these Doctors suppose) came by propagation. And _Bodin_
+setteth downe this principle in witchcraft, to wit, _Si saga sit mater,
+sic etiam est filia_: howbeit the lawe forbiddeth it _Ob sanguinis
+reuerentiam_.
+
+'Item. the examiner must looke stedfastlie upon their eies: for they
+cannot looke directlie upon a man's face, (as _Bodin_ affirmeth in one
+place, although in another he saith, that they kill and destroie both men
+and beasts by their lookes).
+
+'Item. she must be examined of all accusations, presumptions and faults,
+at one instant: least sathan should afterwards dissuade hir from
+confession.
+
+'Item. a witch may not be put in prison alone, least the diuell dissuade
+her from confession, through promises of her indemnitie. For (saith
+_Bodin_) some that haue been in the gaole haue proued to flie awaie, as
+they were woont to doo when they met with _Diana_ and _Minerua_ &c, and so
+brake their owne necks against the stone walles.
+
+'Item. if anie denie hir owne confession made without torture, she is
+neuerthelesse by that confession to be condemned, as in anie other crime.
+
+'Item, the iudges must seeme to put on a pittifull countenance and to moue
+them; saieing that It was not they, but the diuell that committed the
+murther, and that he compelled them to doo it; and must make them beleeue
+that they think them to be innocents.
+
+'Item. if they will not confesse nothing upon the racke or torture; their
+apparell must be changed, and euerie haire in their bodie must be shauen
+off with a sharpe razor.
+
+'Item, if they have charmes for taciturnitie, so as they feele not the
+common tortures, and therefore confesse nothing; then some sharpe
+instrument must be thrust betwixt euerie naile of their fingers and toes;
+which (as _Bodin_ saith) was King _Childebert's_ devise, and is, to this
+daie, of all others the most effectuall. For by meanes of that extreme
+paine, they will (saith he) confesse anie thing.
+
+'Item. _Paulus Grillandus_, being an old doer in these matters, wisheth
+that when witches sleepe, and feele no paine upon the torture, _Domine
+labia mea aperies_ should be said, and so, (saith he) both the tormentt
+will be felt, and the truth will be uttered.
+
+'Item. _Bodin_ saith, that at the time of examination there should be a
+semblance of a great a doo, to the terrifieing of the witch; and that a
+number of instruments, gieues,[36] manacles, ropes, halters, fetters &c be
+prepared, brought foorth, and laid before the examinate; and, also, that
+some be procured to make a most horrible and lamentable crie, in the place
+of torture, as though he or she were upon the racke, or in the tormentor's
+hands: so as the examinate may heare it whiles she is examined, before she
+hir selfe be brought into the prison; and perhaps (saith he) she will by
+this meanes, confesse the matter.
+
+'Item. there must be subborned some craftie spie, that may seeme to be a
+prisoner with hir in the like case; who, perhaps, may, in Conference,
+undermine hir, and so bewraie and discouer hir.
+
+'Item. if she will not yet confesse, she must be told that she is
+detected, and accused by other of hir companions; although in truth there
+be no such matter; and so, perhaps, she will confesse, the rather to be
+reuenged upon hir aduersaries and accusers.
+
+'If an old woman threaten or touch one, being in health, who dieth shortly
+after; or else is infected with the leprosie, apoplexie, or anie strange
+disease; it is (saith _Bodin_) a permanent fact, and such an euidence, as
+condemnation or death must insue, without further proofe; if anie bodie
+haue mistrusted hir, or said before that she was a witch.
+
+'Item. if anie come in, or depart out, of the chamber or house, the doores
+being shut; it is an apparent and sufficient euidence to a Witches
+Condemnation, without further triall:
+
+'Item, if a woman bewitch anie bodies eies, she is to be executed without
+further proofe.
+
+'Item. if anie inchant or bewitch men's beasts, or come, or flie in the
+aire, or make a dog speake, or cut off anie man's members, and unite them
+againe to men or children's bodies; it is sufficient proofe to
+condemnation.
+
+'Item. presumptions and coniectures are sufficient proofes against
+witches.
+
+'Item. if three witnesses doo but saie, Such a woman is a witch: then it
+is a cleere case that she is to be executed with death. Which matter
+_Bodin_ saith is not onelie certeine by the canon and civill lawes, but by
+the opinion of pope _Innocent_, the wisest pope, (as he saith) that ever
+was.
+
+'Item. the complaint of anie one man of credit is sufficient to bring a
+poore woman to the racke or pullie.
+
+'Item. a condemned or infamous person's testimonie is good and allowable
+in matters of witchcraft.
+
+'Item a witch is not to be deliuered, though she endure all the tortures,
+and confesse nothing; as all other are in anie criminall cases.
+
+'Item, though the depositions of manie women at one instant are disabled,
+as insufficient in lawe; bicause of the imbecillitie and frailtie of their
+nature or sex: yet, in this matter, one woman, though she be a partie,
+either accuser or accused, and be also infamous and impudent (for such are
+Bodin's words) yea, and alreadie condemned; she may, neverthelesse serue
+to accuse and condemne a witch.
+
+'Item, a witness uncited, and offering himselfe in this case, is to be
+heard, and in none other.
+
+'Item, a Capitall enimie (if the enimitie be pretended to grow by meanes
+of witchcraft) may obiect against a witch; and none exception is to be had
+or made against him.
+
+'Item, although the proofe of periurie may put back a witnesse in other
+causes; yet in this, a periured person is a good and a lawfull witnesse.
+
+'Item, the proctors and advocates in this case are compelled to be
+witnesses against their clients, as in none other case they are to be
+constrained thereunto.
+
+'Item, none can giue euidence against witches, touching their assemblies,
+but witches onelie; bicause, (as _Bodin_ saith) none other can do it.'
+
+Thus we see that the poor witch had everything against her, which will
+account in a great way for those marvellous confessions we read of, when
+the poor, weary, baited and tortured woman would confess to anything to
+get a few hours' respite from pain, well knowing that execution would
+follow, whether she confessed or no. In fact, no other hypothesis is
+possible, when we read of the extraordinary matters to which these poor
+women confessed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ Legislation against Witches--Punishment--Last Executions for
+ Witchcraft--Inability to weep and sink--Modern Cases of Witchcraft.
+
+
+There has not been much legislation against witches in England, the Acts
+simply keeping in force. It is said that Athelstane in 928 made witchcraft
+a capital crime, but our 'statutes at large' give 33 Henry VIII., cap. 8
+(1541), as the first Act really touching witchcraft, as coming within the
+ken of this book. Next comes 5 Elizabeth, cap. 16 (1562), and then 1 James
+I., cap. 12 (1604), previously substantially quoted. This was the law of
+the land until it was abolished in 1736, 9 George II., cap. 5, which did
+away with capital punishment for witchcraft, and the present law on the
+subject dates from 1822, 3 George IV., where the word 'witchcraft'
+certainly disappears, and only 'All Persons pretending to be Gipsies: all
+Persons pretending to tell Fortunes, or using any subtle Craft, Means, or
+Device, by Palmistry, or other wise, to deceive or impose upon any of His
+Majestys subjects,' shall be adjudged 'Common Rogues and Vagabonds,' and
+sentenced as such.
+
+Formerly the poor wretches were burned, a fearful fate, as Scot says,
+quoting Bodin. 'Item, if a woman confesse freelie herein, before
+question[37] be made; and yet afterward denie it; she is neuerthelesse to
+be burned.' Possibly the last case of burning for witchcraft is one I
+shall record later on, at Bury St. Edmunds, in 1644; but the same year one
+Alice Hudson was burned at York for receiving small sums of money from the
+Devil.[38]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The last case of burning in Scotland was in Sutherland, in 1722, and the
+last in Ireland at Glarus, a servant being burnt as a witch in 1786.
+Probably the last burning for witchcraft, in any so-called civilized
+country, is the following, taken from the Steamer Edition of the _Panama
+Star and Herald_ of June 5, 1871: 'According to the _Porvenir_ of Callao
+(Peru), 29th ult., a woman has been burnt in the public square of a town
+in the province of Guavina, about thirty-four leagues from the port of
+Iquique, for being a witch. This punishment, worthy of the flourishing
+days of the Spanish Inquisition, was ordered by the Lieutenant-Governor
+and Judge of the Province.'
+
+Hutchinson, a very careful writer, whose 'Historical Essay concerning
+Witchcraft,' etc., was first published in 1718, and the second edition in
+1720, says, referring to a case we shall hear of anon: '_Susan Edwards_,
+_Mary Trembles_, and _Temperance Lloyd_, hanged at _Exeter_, confess'd
+themselves Witches, but died with good Prayers in their Mouths. I suppose
+these are the last Three that have been hanged in _England_. 1682.'
+
+James I. was ruthless against witches, _vide_ the following:
+
+ 'PHILOMATHES. Then to make an ende of our conference, since I see it
+ drawes late, what forme of punishment thinke yee merites these
+ _Magicians_ and _Witches_? For I see that yee account them to be al
+ alike guiltie.
+
+ EPISTEMON. They ought to be put to death according to the Law of God,
+ the civill and imperiall Law, and municipall Law of all Christian
+ nations.
+
+ PHI. But what kinde of death, I pray you?
+
+ EPI. It is commonly used by fire, but that is an indifferent thing to
+ be used in every countrey, according to the Law or custome thereof.
+
+ PHI. But ought no sexe, age, nor ranke to bee exempted?
+
+ EPI. None at al (being so used by the lawful magistrate) for it is the
+ highest point of Idolatry, wherein no exception is admitted by the Law
+ of God.
+
+ PHI. Then bairnes may not be spared?
+
+ EPI. Yea, not a haire the lesse of my conclusion. For they are not
+ that capable of reason as to practise such things.'
+
+Before quitting the subject of witches for cases of witchcraft, it occurs
+to me that I have omitted one or two peculiarities relating to them. First
+of all, one personal peculiarity they had, according to the infallible
+authority Bodin--an inability to weep, or, at all events, they could only
+screw out three tears. And this was a great test, so much so that a form
+of conjuration is given in the 'Malleus Maleficarum,' and translated by
+Scot, which bears strongly upon this point: 'I coniure thee by the amorous
+teares, which Jesus Christ our Saviour shed upon the crosse for the
+saluation of the world; and by the most earnest and burning teares of his
+mother the most glorious virgine _Marie_, sprinkled upon his wounds late
+in the euening; and by all the teares which euerie saint and elect vessell
+of God hath poured out heere in the world, and from whose eies he hath
+wiped away all teares; that, if thou be without fault, thou maist poure
+downe teares abundantlie; and, if thou be guiltie, that thou weepe in no
+wise: In the name of the father, of the sonne, and of the holie ghost:
+Amen. And note (saith he) that the more you coniure, the lesse she
+wepeth.'
+
+But the same authority says: 'She must be well looked unto, otherwise she
+will put spettle priuilie upon hir cheeks, and seeme to weepe.' King James
+says, 'Not so much as their eies are able to shead teares, (threaten and
+torture them as yee please) ... albeit the women kinde especially, be able
+otherwaies to shead teares at every light occasion when they will, yea,
+although it were dissemblingly like the _Crocodiles_.'
+
+He also says, with reference to their inability to sink in water: 'It
+appeares that God hath appointed (for a supernatural signe of the
+monstrous impiety of Witches) that the water shall refuse to receive them
+in her bosome, that have shaken off them the sacred Water of Baptisme, and
+wilfully refused the benefite thereof.'
+
+This ordeal by water has been practised to a very late date, and 'swimming
+her for a witch' has been often heard in this century. The scientific and
+proper method of preparing the witch is by tying her right thumb to her
+left great toe, and _vice versa_, and this ordeal had this simplicity: If
+the putative witch sank well, she was innocent; and if she swam, she could
+either be ducked and ill treated till she died, as too often was the case,
+or she was _ipso facto_ a confessed witch.
+
+Another ordeal was, to take a piece of the thatch from off the reputed
+witch's cottage, and set fire to it; if she came to the person so burning
+the thatch, her witchcraft was incontestable.
+
+Another was, to weigh the witch against the church Bible, and this test,
+too, has come down to modern times. One instance will suffice. 'One
+_Susana Hannokes_, an elderly woman of _Wingrove_, near _Aylesbury_, was
+accused by a neighbour for bewitching her spinning wheel, so that she
+could not make it go round, and offered to make oath of it before a
+magistrate; on which, the husband, in order to justify his wife, insisted
+upon her being tried by the church Bible, and that the accuser should be
+present: accordingly, she was conducted to the parish church, where she
+was stript of all her cloathes to her shift and under-coat, and weighed
+against the Bible; when, to the no small mortification of her accuser,
+she out-weighed it, and was honourably acquitted of the charge.'[39]
+
+But in this nineteenth century of ours, with all its boasted civilization,
+witchcraft is still believed in in England, as the following two or three
+instances will testify:
+
+S. A. S., writing in _Notes and Queries_, June 25, 1853, says, 'A
+cottager, who does not live five minutes' walk from my house, found his
+pig seized with a strange and unaccountable disorder. He, being a sensible
+man, instead of asking the advice of a veterinary surgeon, immediately
+went to the white witch (a gentleman who drives a flourishing trade in
+this neighbourhood). He received his directions, and went home, and
+implicitly followed them. In perfect silence, he went to the pigsty; and,
+lancing each foot and both ears of the pig, he allowed the blood to run
+into a piece of common dowlas. Then, taking two large pins, he pierced the
+dowlas in opposite directions; and, still keeping silence, entered his
+cottage, locked the door, placed the bloody rag upon the fire, heaped up
+some turf over it, and, reading a few verses of the Bible, waited till the
+dowlas was burned. As soon as this was done, he returned to the pigsty;
+found his pig perfectly restored to health, and, _mirabile dictu!_ as the
+white witch had predicted, the old woman, who it was supposed had
+bewitched the pig, came to inquire after the pig's health. The animal
+never suffered a day's illness afterwards. My informant was the owner of
+the pig himself.
+
+'Perhaps, when I heard this story, there may have been a lurking
+expression of doubt upon my face, so that my friend thought it necessary
+to give me farther proof. Some time ago, a lane in this town began to be
+looked upon with a mysterious awe, for every evening a strange white
+rabbit would appear in it, and, running up and down, would mysteriously
+disappear. Dogs were frequently put on the scent, but all to no purpose,
+the white rabbit could not be caught; and rumours began to assert pretty
+confidently that the white rabbit was nothing more nor less than a witch.
+The man whose pig had been bewitched was all the more confident, as, every
+evening when the rabbit appeared, he had noticed the bedroom window of his
+old enemy's window open! At last, a large party of bold-hearted men, one
+evening, were successful enough to find the white rabbit in a garden, the
+only egress from which is through a narrow passage between two cottages,
+all the rest of the garden being securely surrounded by brick walls.
+
+'They placed a strong guard in this entry, to let nothing pass, while the
+remainder advanced as skirmishers among the cabbages: one of these was
+successful, and caught the white rabbit by the ears, and, not without some
+trepidation, carried it towards the reserve in the entry. But, as he came
+nearer to his friends, his courage grew, and gradually, all the wrongs his
+poor pig had suffered took form and vigour in a powerful kick at the poor
+little rabbit. No sooner had he done this than, he cannot tell how, the
+rabbit was out of his grasp; the people in the entry saw it come, but
+could not stop it; through them all it went, and has never been seen
+again.
+
+'But now to the proof of the witchcraft. The old woman, whom all
+suspected, was laid up in her bed for three days afterwards, unable to
+walk about, all the consequence of the kick she had received in the shape
+of a white rabbit!'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ Commencement of Witchcraft in England--Dame Eleanor Cobham--Jane
+ Shore--Lord Huntingford--Cases from the Calendars of State
+ Papers--Earliest Printed Case, that of John Walsh--Elizabeth
+ Stile--Three Witches tried at Chelmsford--Witches of St.
+ Osyth--Witches of Warboys--Witches of Northamptonshire.
+
+
+At what date the higher cult of sorcery or magic became the drivel known
+as witchcraft is uncertain. I am almost inclined to place it (in England)
+at 1441; but then the charge was purely political, and I think that the
+Calendars of State Papers for nearly a century afterwards bear the
+statement out, that for some time afterwards they were so. The case of
+Dame Eleanor Cobham is very tersely told in 'Baker's Chronicle.'[40]
+
+'Whilst these Alterations passed in _France_, a more unnatural (_sic_)
+passed in _England_; the Uncle riseth against the Nephew, the Nephew
+against the Uncle; the Duke of _Gloucester_ brings Articles against the
+Cardinal, charging him with affecting Preheminence, to the Derogation of
+the King's Prerogative, and Contempt of his Laws; which Articles are
+delivered to the King, and by him to his Council, who, being most of the
+Clergy, durst not meddle in them, for fear of offending the Cardinal. On
+the other Side, the Cardinal, finding nothing whereof directly to accuse
+the Duke of _Gloucester_ himself, accuseth his other self, the Lady
+_Eleanor Cobham_, the Duke's Wife, of Treason for attempting, by Sorcery
+and Witchcraft, the Death of the King, and Advancement of her Husband to
+the Crown: For which, tho' acquitted of the Treason, she is adjudged to
+open Penance, namely, to go with a Wax Taper in her hand, Hoodless (save
+through a Kerchief) through _London_, divers Days together, and after, to
+remain in perpetual imprisonment in the _Isle of Man_. The Crime objected
+against her was, procuring _Thomas Southwel_, _John Hunne_, Priests,
+_Roger Bolingbroke_, a supposed Necromancer, and _Margery Jordan_, called
+the Witch of _Eye_, in _Suffolk_, to devise a Picture of Wax in Proportion
+of the King, in such sort by Sorcery, that, as the Picture consumed, so
+the King's body should consume: For which they were all condemned. The
+Witch was burnt at _Smithfield_, _Bolingbroke_ was hanged, constantly
+affirming upon his Death, That neither the Duchess, nor any other from
+her, did ever require more of him, than only to know, by his Art, how long
+the King should live. _John Hunne_ had his Pardon, and _Southwel_ died the
+Night before he should have been executed.'
+
+Shakespeare takes up the common tale about the bewitchment of Richard III.
+(Act III., scene 4):
+
+ 'GLOUCESTER. Then be your eyes the witness of their evil;
+ Look how I am bewitch'd; behold my arm
+ Is, like a blasted sapling, wither'd up:
+ And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch,
+ Consorted with that harlot-strumpet Shore,
+ That, by their witchcraft, thus have marked me.'
+
+Monarchs in the sixteenth century were especially jealous (for their own
+sakes) of this trafficking with the foul fiend. According to Hutchinson,
+in 1541, 'The Lord _Hungerford_ beheaded for procuring certain Persons to
+conjure, that they might know how long _Henry_ VIII. would live.' Another
+authority, however, states that 'Lord Hungerford was attainted and
+executed, for keeping an heretical chaplain.'
+
+Queen Elizabeth in 1562 being suspicious of the Countess of Lenox, had her
+imprisoned on a trumped-up case of sorcery and witchcraft. But the Devil
+evidently had a spite against this Protestant Princess, for in the
+Calendar of State Papers for 1584 we read, 'The Names of the Confederates
+against Her Majesty, who have diverse and sundry times conspired her life,
+and do daily confederate against her.' Among others we find Lord Paget,
+Sir Geo. Hastings, Sir Thos. Hamner, 'Ould Birtles the great devel,
+Darnally the sorcerer, Maude Twogood enchantresse, the ould witch of
+Ramsbury, several other olde witches, Gregson the north tale teller, who
+was one of them 3 that stole awaye the Earle of Northumberlande's head
+frome one of the turrettes of York &c.'
+
+We can scarcely wonder at the hatred of James I. of England to witches,
+seeing how he had been pestered with them in his realm of Scotland, two
+instances of which are recorded in the Calendars of State Papers. '1591.
+21 May. Witches have been discovered in Scotland, who practised the King's
+death, with the privity of Bothwell.' '1600 16/20 Ap. The Queen of
+Scotland is said to be a zealous Catholic, and the King inclined thereto,
+because an _Agnus Dei_ given him by the Queen had miraculously saved him
+in a tempest at sea, stirred up by witches, as the Witches themselves
+confess.'
+
+It is a curious fact, well worthy the thinking over, that England and
+Europe had a comparative immunity from the assaults of the Devil, until
+after the Reformation, when for a time he became rampagious, troubling
+even the arch-Reformer Luther himself.
+
+The earliest English printed book on witchcraft, pure and simple, that I
+can find is 'The Examination of John Walsh,' London, 1566. He confessed to
+having trafficked with 'Feries' and learned much from them respecting
+stolen goods and bewitched people; but in replying to his eighth
+interrogatory, 'He being demaunded whether he had euer any Familiar or no;
+he sayth that he had one of his sayde mayster. Which Familiar (after his
+booke of Circles was taken from him by one Robert Baber of Crokehorne,
+then being Constable, in the yeare 1565) he could neuer do anything
+touching his Familiar, nor the use thereof, but hys Familiar dyd then
+depart from him, and wyll neuer come to him agayne, as he sayth. And
+further, he sayth upon his oth, that his familiar would sometyme come unto
+hym lyke a gray blackish Culuer,[41] and somtyme lyke a brended Dog, and
+sometimes lyke a man in all proportions, sauinge that he had clouen feete.
+
+'Ninthly, he being demaunded howe long he had the use of the Familiar; he
+sayd one yeare by his sayd masters life, and iiii yeres after his death.
+And when he would call him for a horse stollen, or for any other matter
+wherein he would use him; he sayth hee must geue hym some lyuing thing, as
+a Chicken, a Cat, or a Dog. And further he sayth he must geue hym twoo
+lyuing thynges once a yeare. And at the first time when he had the
+Spirite, hys sayd maister did cause him to deliuer him one drop of his
+blud, whych bloud the Spirite did take away upon hys paw.
+
+'Tenthly, he sayth that when the Familiar should doo anything at his
+commaundment, in going any arrant; he would not go, except fyrst two wax
+candels of Virgin Waxe should first haue bene layd a crosse upon the
+Circle, wyth a little Frankensence, and saynt John's woorte, and once
+lighted, and so put out agayne: which Frankensence must be layd then at
+euery end of the Candel, as he sayth a crosse, and also a litle
+Frankensence with saynt John's woort burned upon the grounde, or euen the
+Familiar would go the message, and returne agayne at the houre
+appoynted....
+
+'... He being further demaunded to what end y{e} Spirits, in the likenes
+of Todes and the pictures of man or woman made in wax or clay, doo serue?
+He sayde, that Pictures made in wax wyll cause the partye (for whom it is
+made) to continue sycke twoo whole yeares ere the wax will be consumed.
+And, as for the Pictures of Claye, their confection is after this maner.
+They use to take the earth of a new made graue, the rib bone of a man or
+woman burned to ashes: if it be for a woman, they take the bone of a
+woman, if for a man, the bone of a man, and a blacke Spider, with an inner
+pith of an elder, tempered all in water, in which water the sayd Todes (?
+Images) must fyrst be washed. And after all ceremonies ended, they put a
+pricke, that is a pyn or a thorne in any member wher they wold haue the
+party greued. And if the sayde prycke be put to the harte, the party dieth
+within nine daies. Which Image they burne in the moste moystest place they
+can finde. And, as touching the using of the Todes, the which he sayth
+haue seueral names; soon they cal great Brownyng, or little Brownyng, or
+Boune, great Tom Twite, or litle Tom Twite, with other like names; Which
+Todes being called, the Witches strike with II withie sperres on both
+sydes of y{e} head, and saieth to the Spirit, their Pater noster backward,
+beginning at the ende of the Pater noster, but they wyll neuer say their
+Creede. And when he is stricken, they commaunde the Tode, to hurt such a
+man or woman as he would haue hurted. Whereto, if he swell, he will goo
+wher he is apointed, either to the deiry, brewhouse, or to the dry kill of
+malt, or to the Cattell in the field, to the stable, to the shepefold, or
+to any other like places, and so returne agayne to his place.
+
+'The bodies of men or women bee hurt by the Images before named, and mens
+goods and cattels be hurt by the Todes, in commaunding and using them, as
+aforesaid as he sayth. And if the Tode Called forth, as afore said, do not
+swell, then will the Witch that useth them call forth an other to do the
+act, which, if he do not, then will they spy another tyme when they may
+cause the partye to be found lacking fayth, or els to bee more voide of
+grace, whereby he or they may be hurt. Furthermore he saith, that whoso
+doth, once a day saye the Lorde's prayer and his Creede in perfite
+charitie, the Witch shall haue no power on his body or goodes for that
+day.'
+
+The witchcrafts of Elizabeth Stile[42] and her four companions were
+decidedly malicious according to her printed confession, but according to
+her own account they did not prosper, and her state before their trial and
+execution seems to have been most pitiable.
+
+'Also this is not to be forgotten, that the said Mother Stile, beeyng at
+the tyme of her apprehension, so well in healthe of bodie and limmes, that
+she was able, and did goe on foote from Windsor unto Readyng unto the
+Gaile, which are twelue miles distant. Shortly after that she had made the
+aforesaid confession, the other Witches were apprehended, and were brought
+to the said Gaile, the said Mother Deuell did so bewitche her and others,
+(as she confessed unto the Iailer) with her Enchantments, that the use of
+all her limmes and senses were taken quite from her, and her Toes did
+rotte offe her feete, and she was laied uppon a Barrowe, as a moste uglie
+creature to beholde, and so brought before the Iudges, at such tyme as
+she was arraigned.'
+
+In the next little book of the same year 'A Detection of damnable driftes,
+practized by three Witches arraigned at Chelmissforde in Essex, at the
+late Assizes there holden, whiche were executed in Aprill 1579.' In
+reality there were four witches, but one was not convicted, as no
+manslaughter could be found about her. I propose to give one little
+anecdote of each, whereby we shall find out something of the Devil's
+appearance to witches, their families, and their extreme malice in petty
+things.
+
+'Imprimis, the saied Elizabeth Fraunces confessed that about Lent last,
+(as she now remembreth) she came to one Poole's wife, her neighbour, and
+required some old yest of her, but beyng denied the same, she departed
+towardes one good wife Osborne's house, a neighbour dwelling thereby, of
+whome she had yest; and, in her waie, going towards the saied good wife
+Osborne's house, she cursed Poole's wife, and badde a mischief to light
+uppon her, for that she would giue her no yest. Whereuppon, sodenly, in
+the waie, she heard a greate noise; and, presently there appered unto her
+a Spirite of a white colour, in seemyng like to a little rugged Dogge,
+standyng neere her uppon the grounde, who asked her whether she went? shee
+aunswered for such thinges as she wanted, and she tolde him therewith that
+she could gette no yeest of Poole's wife, and therefore wished the same
+Spirite to goe to her and plague her, whiche the Spirite promised to doe;
+but, first he bad her giue him somewhat; then, she, hauing in her hand a
+crust of white bread, did bite a peece thereof, and threwe it uppon the
+grounde, whiche she thinketh he tooke up, and so went his waie: but,
+before he departed from her, she willed hym to plague Poole's wife in the
+head, and since that she neuer sawe him, but she hath hearde by her
+neighbours that the same Poole's wife was greuously pained in her head not
+longe after, and remayneth very sore payned still, for on saterdaie last
+past this Examinate Talked with her.'
+
+In 'The euidence giuen against Elleine Smithe of Maldon' we find:
+'Besides, the sonne of this Mother Smith confessed that his mother did
+keepe three Spirites, whereof the one called by her great Dicke, was
+enclosed in a Wicker Bottle; the seconde named little Dicke, was putte
+into a Leather Bottle; And the third, termed Willet, she kept in a
+Wollepacke. And thereupon the house was commaunded to be searched. The
+Bottles and packe were found, but the Spirites were vanished awaie.'
+Nevertheless this charming Master Smith had done his little utmost to
+hasten his mother's immortality.
+
+Mother Staunton, of Wimbishe, was the one who was not convicted, but
+things must have looked rather black against her. 'Item, she came on a
+tyme to the house of one Richard Saunder of Brokewalden; and, beeyng
+denied Yeest, which she required of his wife, she went hir waie murmuryng,
+as offended with her answere, and, after her departure, the yonge child in
+the Cradle was taken vehemently sicke, in a merveilous strange maner,
+whereuppon the mother of the Childe tooke it up in her armes to comforte
+it, whiche beynge done, the Cradle rocked of it self, five or seuen tymes,
+in presence of one of the Earle of Surreis gentilmen; who, seying it,
+stabbed his dagger three or fower tymes into the Cradle ere it staied;
+merily jesting and saiyng, that he would kill the Deuill, if he would be
+rocked there.'
+
+The worst I know about Mother Nokes, the last of this quatrain of witches,
+is as follows: 'A Certaine Seruant to Thomas Spycer of Lamberd Ende, in
+Essex, yoman, sporting and passing away the time in play with a great
+number of youth, chaunced to snatche a paire of Gloues out of the pockette
+of this Mother Nokes' Daughter, being a yong woman of the age of xxviij
+yeres, which he protesteth to haue done in iest. Her mother perceiuyng it,
+demaunded the Gloues of him, but he, geuing no greate eare to her wordes,
+departed towardes the feeldes to fetch home certeine Cattell. Immediately
+upon his departure, quoth the same Mother Nokes, to her Daughter, lette
+him alone, I will bounce him well enough; at which time he, being
+sodainely taken, and losing the use of his limmes, fell downe. There was a
+boye then in his Companie, by whome he sent the Gloues to Mother Nokes.
+Notwithstanding, his Maister was faine to cause him to be sent home in a
+Wheele Barrowe, and to bee laide into a bedde, wherewith his legges a
+crosse he lay bedred eight daies, and as yet hath not attayned to the
+right use of his lymmes.'
+
+In 1582 were the witches of St. Osyth, in Essex,[43] but, as they are too
+many to particularize, a summary, which appears at the end of the book,
+may best be given:
+
+
+'THE NAMES OF XIII WITCHES AND THOSE THAT HAUE BEEN BEWITCHED BY THEM.
+
+'The Names of those persons that haue been bewitched and thereof haue
+dyed, and by whome, and of them that haue receiued bodyly harme &c. As
+appeareth upon sundrye Enformations, Examinations and Confessions, taken
+by the worshipfull Bryan Darcy, Esq{re}: And by him certified at large
+unto the Queene's Maiesties Justices of Assise of the Countie of Essex,
+the xxix of March, 1582.
+
+'1. Ursley Kempe, alias Grey, bewitched to death Kempes Wife, Thorlowes
+Childe, Strattons Wife.
+
+'The said Ursley Kemp had foure spyrites, viz. their names, _Tetty_ a hee,
+like a gray Cat; _Jack_, a hee, like a black Cat: _Pygin_, a she, like a
+black Toad, and _Tyffyn_, a she, like a white Lambe. The hees were to
+plague to death, and the shees to punish with bodily harme and to destroy
+cattell. _Tyffyn_, Ursley's white spirit did tell her alwayes (when she
+asked) what the other witches had done: And by her, the most part were
+appelled, which spirit telled her alwayes true. As is well approued by the
+other Witches Confession.
+
+'2. Ales Newman and Ursley Kempe bewitched to death Letherdailes Childe
+and Strattons Wife.
+
+'The sayd Ales Newman had the said Ursley Kemps spirits to use at her
+pleasure.
+
+'The sayd Ales and Ursley Kempe bewitched Strattons Childe and Grace
+Thorlowe, whereof they did languish.
+
+'3. Elizabeth Bennet bewitched to death William Byet and Joan his wife,
+and iii of his beasts. The Wife of William Willes and William Willingalle.
+
+'Elizabeth Bennet bewitched William Bonners Wife, John Batler, Fortunes
+Childe, whereof they did languish.
+
+'Elizabeth Bennet had two Spirits, viz. their name Suckyn, a hee, like a
+blacke Dog: and Lyard, red lyke a Lyon or Hare.
+
+'Ales Newman bewitched to death John Johnson and his Wife, and her owne
+husband, as it is thought.
+
+'4. Ales Hunt bewitched to death Rebecca Durrant and vi beasts of one
+Haywardes.
+
+'Ales Hunt had two spirits lyke Coltes, the one blacke, the other white.
+
+'5. Cysley Celles bewitched to death Thomas Deaths Child. And bewitched
+Rosses mayde, Mary Death, whereof they did languish.
+
+'6. Cysley Celles and Ales Manfielde bewitched Richard Rosses horse and
+beasts, and caused their Impes to burne a barne with much corne.
+
+'Cysley Celles had two Spirits by severall names, viz. Sothrons, Herculus,
+Jack, or Mercury.
+
+'7. Ales Manfielde and Margaret Greuell bewitched to death Robert Cheston
+and Greuell Husband to Margaret.
+
+'Ales Manfielde and Margaret Greuell bewitched the widdow Cheston and her
+husband's v beasts, and one bullocke, and seuerall brewinges of beere and
+batches of bread.
+
+'Ales Manfield and Margaret Greuell had in common, by agreement, iiii
+spirits, viz. their names, Robin, Jack, Will, Puppet, alias Magnet,
+whereof two were hees, and two shees, lyke unto black Cats.
+
+'8. Elizabeth Eustace bewitched to death Robert Stanneuette's Childe and
+Thomas Crosse. And bewitched Robert Stannevette's vii milch beasts, which
+gaue blood insteede of milke, and seuerall of his Swine dyed.
+
+'Elizabeth Eustace had iii Impes or Spirits, of coulour white, grey and
+black.
+
+'9. Annys Herde bewitched to death Richard Harrison's wife and two wives
+of William Dowsing, as it is supposed. And bewitched Cartwright two
+beasts. Wade, sheep and lambs, &c. West, swine and pigs. Osborne, a
+brewing of beere, and seuerall other losses of milke and creame.
+
+'10. Annis Herd had vi Impes or spirites like auises and black byrdes, And
+vi other like Kine, of the bygnes of Rats, with short hornes: the Auises
+shee fed with wheat, barly, Otes and bread, the Kine with straw and hey.
+
+'11. Margery Sammon had two spirits like Toads, their names Tom and Robyn.
+
+'12. Annis Glascoke bewitched to death Mychell Steuens Childe, The base
+Childe at Pages, William Pages Childe.
+
+'13. Annis Glascocke, Joan Pechey, Joan Robinson. These haue not confessed
+any thing touching the hauing of spirits.'
+
+So we see that eleven out of fourteen women confessed not only all that
+was alleged against them; but many of them went out of their way to oblige
+Queen Elizabeth's judges, by confessing more. It seems incredible,
+nevertheless it is true.
+
+Not half so interesting is 'The most strange and admirable discouerie of
+the three Witches of Worboys,' etc., London, 1593. And, besides, it is
+such a hackneyed case that it is not worth mentioning, save for the fact
+that three people were done to death for it, and that money was left for a
+sermon to be preached in Huntingdon, annually, in commemoration of the
+fact--a bequest that has now lapsed, the money, of course, disappearing
+into someone's pocket.
+
+Far rarer is the story of 'The Witches of Northamptonshire, Agnes Browne,
+Joane Vaughan, Arthur Bill, Hellen Ienkenson, and Mary Barber, Witches,
+who were all executed at Northampton, the 22 of Iuly last, 1612.'
+Unfortunately, it is too long for reproduction here in its entirety, which
+is a pity, as the story is told by one who would have shone as a
+police-court reporter to a certain section of modern journals; but a
+portion of it I may give:
+
+'This _Agnes Browne_ led her life at _Gilsborough_ in the county of
+_Northampton_, of poore parentage, and poorer education, one that, as shee
+was borne to no good, was, for want of grace neuer in the way to receiue
+any; euer noted to bee of an ill nature and wicked disposition, spightful
+and malitious, and many yeares before she died, both hated and feared
+among her neighbours: Being long suspected in the Towne where she dwelt,
+of that crime, which afterwards proved true. This _Agnes Browne_ had a
+daughter whose name was _Ioane Vaughan_ or _Varnham_, a maide (or at least
+unmarried) as gratious as the mother, and both of them as farre from grace
+as Heauen from Hell.
+
+'This _Ioane_ was so well brought up under her mother's elbow, that shee
+hangd with her for company under her mother's nose. But to the purpose.
+This _Ioane_ one day happening into the company of one Mistris _Belcher_,
+a vertuous and godly Gentlewoman of the same towne of _Gilsborough_, this
+_Ioane Vaughan_, whether of purpose to giue occasion of anger to the said
+Mistris _Belcher_, or but continue her vile and ordinary custome of
+behauiour, committed something either in speech or gesture, so unfitting
+and unseeming the nature of womanhood, that it displeased the most that
+were there present: But especially it touched the modesty of this
+Gentlewoman, who was much mooued with her bold and impudent demeanor, that
+she could not contain herselfe, but sodainely rose up and strooke her;
+howbeit hurt her not, but forced her to auoid the Company: which this
+Chicken of the Damme's hatching, taking disdainfully, and beeing also
+enraged (as they that in this kind having power to harme, have neuer
+patience to beare) at her going out, told the Gentlewoman that shee would
+remember this iniury, and revenge it: To whom Mistris _Belcher_ answered,
+that shee neither feared her, nor her mother; but bad her doe her worst.
+
+'This trull holding herselfe much disgraced, hies home in all hast to her
+mother; and telles her the wrong which shee suggested Mistris _Belcher_
+had done unto her: Now was the fire and the tow all enflamed: Nothing but
+rage and destruction: Had they had an hundred Spirits at command, the
+worst and the most hurtfull had been called to this counsell, and imployed
+about this businesse. Howbeit upon advise (if such a sinne may take or
+give aduise) they staied three or foure daies before they practised
+anything, to aduoid suspition, whether the mother aduised the daughter, or
+the daughter the mother, I know not, but I am sure the deuill neuer giues
+advise to any man or any woman in any act to be wary.
+
+'The matter thus sleeping (but rage and reuenge doe neuer rest) within a
+while was awaked, which Mistris _Belcher_, to her intollerable paine too
+soone felt: For being alone in her house, she was sodainely taken with
+such a griping and gnawing in her body, that shee cried out, and could
+scarce bee held by such as came unto her. And being carried to her bed,
+her face was many times so disfigured by beeing drawn awrie, that it both
+bred feare, and astonishment to all the beholders; and euer as shee had
+breath she cried, _Here comes Ioane Vaughan, away with Ioane Vaughan_.
+
+'This Gentlewoman being a long time thus strangely handled, to the great
+griefe of her friends, it happened that her brother, one Master _Auery_,
+hearing of his Sisters sicknesse and extremity, came to see her, and,
+being a sorrowfull beholder of that which before hee had heard, was much
+moued in his minde at his Sisters pitifull condition, and the rather, for
+that as hee knew not the nature of her disease, so hee was utterly
+ignorant of any direct way to minister cure or helpe to the same. Hee
+often heard her cry out against _Ioane Vaughan_ alias _Varnham_, and her
+mother, and heard by report of the neighbours that which before had
+happened betwixt his Sister and the said _Ioane_. In so much as having
+confirmed his suspition that it was nothing else but Witch-craft, that
+tormented his Sister, following Rage rather than Reason, ran sodainly
+towards the house of the said _Agnes Browne_ with purpose to draw both the
+mother and the daughter to his Sister for her to draw blood on; But, still
+as he came neere the house, hee was sodainely stopped, and could not
+enter, whether it was an astonishment thorough his feare, or that the
+Spirits had that power to stay him, I cannot iudge, but he reported at his
+comming backe that hee was forcibly stayed, and could not, for his life,
+goe any further forward; and they report, in the Country, that hee is a
+Gentleman of a stoute courage. Hee tried twice or thrice afterwards to goe
+to the house, but in the same place where he was staied at first, he was
+still staied: Belike, the Deuill stood there Centinell, kept his station
+well.
+
+'Upon this Master _Auery_ beeing sory and much agrieued, that he could
+not helpe his Sister in this tormenting distresse; and, finding also that
+no physicke could doe her any good or easement, tooke a sorrowfull leaue
+and heauily departed home to his owne house.
+
+'The Impe of this Damme, and both Impes of the Deuill, being glad that
+they were both out of his reach, shewed presently that they had longer
+armes than he, for he felt, within a short time after his comming home,
+that hee was not out of their reach, beeing, by the deuilish practises of
+these two hel-houndes sodenly and grieuously tormented in the like kinde
+and with the like fits of his sister, which continued untill these two
+witches either by the procurement of Maister _Auery_ and his friends (or
+for some other Deuilish practise they had committed in the Countrey) were
+apprehended and brought to _Northampton_ Gaole by Sir _William Saunders_
+of _Codesbrooke_, Knight.
+
+'To which place the Brother and the Sister were brought, still desirous to
+scratch the Witches. Which Act, whether it be but superstitiously obserued
+by some; or, that experience hath found any power for helpe in this kind
+of Action by others, I list not to enquire, onely this I understand that
+many haue attempted the practising thereof, how successfully, I know not.
+But this Gentleman and his Sister beeing brought to the gaole where these
+Witches were detained, hauing once gotten sight of them, in their fits the
+Witches being held, by scratching, they drew blood of them, and were
+sodainely deliuered of their paine. Howbeit, they were no sooner out of
+sight, but they felle againe into their old traunces, and were more
+violently tormented than before: for when Mischiefe is once a foote, she
+growes in short time so headstrong, that she is hardly curbed.
+
+'Not long after, Maister _Auery_ and his Sister hauing beene both in
+_Northampton_, and hauing drawne blood of the Witches, ryding both
+homewards in one Coach, there appeared to their view a man and a woman
+ryding both upon a blacke horse. M. _Auery_ hauing spyed them a farre off,
+and noting many strange gestures from them, sodainely spake to them that
+were by, and (as it were Prophetically) cryed out in these words, That
+either they, or their Horses should presently miscarry. And, immediately,
+the horses fell downe dead. Whereupon Maister _Auery_ rose up praysing
+y{e} grace and mercies of God, that he had so powerfully deliuered them,
+and had not suffered the foule spirits to worke the uttermost of their
+mischiefe upon men made after his image, but had turned their fury against
+Beasts. Upon this, they both hyed them home, still praysing God for their
+escape, and were neuer troubled after.
+
+'I had almost forgotten to tell you before, that M. _Auery_ was by the
+Judges themselves in y{e} Castle Yard of _Northampton_, seene in the
+middest of his fits, and that he strangely continued in them untill this
+_Ioane Vaughan_ was brought to him.
+
+'But now to draw neere unto their ends, this _Agnes Browne_ and her
+daughter _Ioane Vaughan_, being brought to their Arraignment, were there
+indicted for that they had bewitched the bodies of Maister _Auery_ and his
+sister Mistris _Belcher_ in manner and forme aforesayd. Together with the
+body of a young Child to the death; (the true relation whereof came not to
+my hands). To all which they pleaded not guilty, and, putting themselues
+uppon the countrey, were found guilty. And when they were asked what they
+could say for themselves, why y{e} sentence of death should not be
+pronounced against them, they stood stiffely upon their Innocence.
+Whereupon, Judgement beeing giuen, they were carried backe unto the Gaole,
+where they were neuer heard to pray, or to call uppon God, but with bitter
+Curses and execrations, spent that little time they had to liue, untill
+the day of their Execution, when neuer asking pardon for their offences,
+either of God, or the world, in this their daungerous and desperate
+resolution, dyed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'It was credibly reported that some fortnight before their apprehension,
+this _Agnes Browne_, one _Katherine Gardiner_, and one _Ioane Lucas_, all
+birdes of a winge, and all abyding in the Towne of _Gilsborough_ did ride
+one night to a place (not aboue a mile off) called _Rauenstrop_ all upon a
+Sowes back, to see one mother _Rhoades_, an old Witch that dwelt there;
+but, before they came to the house the old Witch died; and, in her last
+cast cried out, that there were three of her old friends comming to see
+her, but they came too late. Howbeit, shee would meete with them in
+another place within a month after.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ The Lancashire Witches--Janet Preston--Margaret and Philip
+ Flower--Anne Baker, Joane Willimot, and Ellen Greene--Elizabeth
+ Sawyer--Mary Smith--Joan Williford, Joan Cariden, and Jane Hott.
+
+
+The foregoing sample must serve for the witches of Northamptonshire, nor
+will I touch on the Lancashire witches, whose story appears in nearly
+every modern work on witchcraft, and has been vulgarized by Harrison
+Ainsworth, except to give a portion of the evidence of one James Device,
+of the forest of Pendle, labourer, in the case of Janet or Jennet Preston,
+who was condemned as a witch, and executed at York in 1612.
+
+'And he also further saith, That the said _Prestons_ wife had a Spirit
+with her like unto a white Foale, with a blacke spot in the forehead. And
+further this Examinate saith, That since the said meeting, as aforesaid,
+that he hath been brought to the house of one _Preston_ in _Gisburne_
+Parish aforesaid, by _Henry Hargreiues_ of _Goldshey_, to see whether shee
+was the woman that came amongst the said Witches, on the said last Good
+Friday, to crave their aide and assistance for the killing of the said
+Master _Lister_; and hauing had full view of her, hee, this Examinate
+confesseth, That she was the selfe-same woman which came amongst the said
+Witches on the said last Good Friday for their aide for the killing of the
+said Master _Lister_; and that brought the Spirit with her, in the shape
+of a White Foale, as aforesaid.
+
+'And this Examinate further saith, that all the said Witches went out of
+the said house in their owne shapes and likenesses, and they all, by that
+they were forth of the doores, were gotten on horse-backe like unto
+Foales, some of one colour, some of another, and _Preston's_ wife was the
+last; and when she got on horse-backe, they all presently vanished out of
+this Examinate's sight; and before their said parting away, they all
+appointed to meete at the said _Preston's_ wife's house that day twelve
+month; at which time the said _Preston's_ wife promised to make them a
+great feast; and, if they had occasion to meet in the meane time, then
+should warning be giuen that they should all meet upon _Romles Moore_. And
+this Examinate further saith, That at the said feast at _Malkin Tower_,
+this Examinate heard them all giue their consents to put the said Master
+_Thomas Lister_ of _Westby_ to death; and after Master Lister should haue
+been made away by Witchcraft, then al the said Witches gaue their consents
+to ioyne altogether to hancke Master _Leonard Lister_, when he should come
+to liue at the Sowgill, and so put him to death.'
+
+Then we have 'The Wonderful Discouerie of the Witchcrafts of Margaret and
+Philip Flower daughters of Ioan Flower, neere Beuer Castle: Executed at
+Lincoln March 11, 1618. Who were specially arraigned and condemned before
+Sir Henry Hobart, and Sir Edward Bromley, Iudges of Assise, for confessing
+themselues actors in the destruction of Henry, Lord Rosse, with their
+damnable practices against others the Children of the Right Honourable
+Francis Earle of Rutland. Together with the seuerall Examinations and
+Confessions of Anne Baker, Ioan Willimot, and Ellen Greene, Witches in
+Leicestershire.' London, 1611.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The first case is a very ordinary one. The Flowers were discharged
+servants, and the children, after their leaving, sickened and died. The
+only remarkable part about it is, that '_Ioane Flower_, the Mother, before
+conviction (as they say) called for Bread and Butter, and wished it might
+neuer goe through her, if she were guilty of that, whereupon she was
+examined; so, mumbling it in her mouth, neuer spake more wordes after, but
+fell downe and died as she was carried to _Lincolne_ Gaole, with a
+horrible excruciation of soule and body, and was buried at _Ancaster_.'
+
+The portraits of the three witches do not prepossess us in their favour,
+and their confessions, on examination, fully bear out the feeling. Of the
+first: 'Further, she saith that shee saw a hand appeare unto her, and that
+shee heard a voyce in the ayre say unto her: _Anne Baker_, saue thyselfe,
+for to-morrow, thou and thy maister must be slaine; and the next day her
+maister and shee were in a Cart together; and suddainely shee saw a flash
+of fire, and said her prayers, and the fire went away; and shortly after,
+a Crow came and picked upon her cloathes, and she said her prayers againe,
+and bad the Crow go to whom he was sent, and the Crow went unto her
+Maister, and did beat him to death, and shee, with her prayers recouered
+him to life; but hee was sicke for a fortnight after, and saith, that if
+shee had not had more knowledge than her maister, both he and shee, and
+all the Cattell had been slaine.'
+
+Joan Willimot tells the following extraordinary story: 'That shee hath a
+Spirit which shee calleth _Pretty_, which was given unto her by _William
+Berry_ of _Langholme_, in _Rutlandshire_, whom she serued three yeares:
+and that her Master, when hee gaue it unto her, willed her to open her
+mouth, and hee would blow into her a Fairy which should do her good; and
+that shee opened her mouth, and hee did blow into her mouth; and that,
+presently, after his blowing, there came out of her mouth a Spirit, which
+stood upon the ground in the shape and forme of a Woman, which Spirit did
+aske of her her Soule, which shee then promised unto it, being willed
+thereunto by her Master.'
+
+The third, Ellen Green, said 'that one _Ioan Willimot_ of _Goadby_ came
+about sixe yeares since to her in the Wowlds, and purswaded this Examinate
+to forsake God, and betake her to the diuel, and she would give her two
+spirits; to which she gave her consent, and thereupon, the said _Ioan
+Willimot_ called two spirits, one in the likenesse of a Kitlin, and the
+other of a Moldiwarp:[44] the first the said _Willimot_ called _pusse_,
+the other _hisse, hisse_, and they presently came to her, and she,
+departing, left them with this Examinate, and they leapt on her shoulder,
+and the Kitlin suckt under her right eare on her neck, and the Moldiwarp
+on the left side, in the like place. After they had suckt her, shee sent
+the Kitlin to a Baker of that Towne, whose name shee remembers not, who
+had called her Witch and stricken her; and bad her said spirit goe and
+bewitch him to death: The Moldiwarpe shee then bad go to _Anne Dawse_, of
+the same towne, and bewitch her to death, because she had called this
+examinate witch, jade, &c., and within one fortnight after, they both
+dyed.'
+
+The case of Elizabeth Sawyer, known as the Witch of Edmonton, executed at
+Tyburn, April 19, 1621, is so extraordinary that I give a large portion of
+the tract _in extenso_:[45]
+
+'A true relation of the confession of _Elizabeth Sawyer_, spinster, after
+her conviction of Witchery, taken on Tuesday the 17 day of _Aprill, Anno
+1621, in the Gaole of Newgate_, where she was prisoner, then in the
+presence and hearing of diuers persons whose names to verifie the same are
+here subscribed to this ensuyng confession, made unto me, _Henry
+Goodcole_, Minister of the word of God, _Ordinary and Visiter for the
+Gaole of Newgate_. In dialogue manner are here expressed the persons that
+she murthered, and the Cattell that she destroyed by the helpe of the
+Diuell.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'In this manner was I inforced to speake unto her, because she might
+understand me, and giue unto me answere, according to my demands, for she
+was a very ignorant woman.
+
+'_Question._ By what meanes came you to have acquaintance with the Diuell,
+and when was the first time that you saw him, and how did you know that it
+was the Diuell?
+
+'_Answere._ The first time that the Diuell came unto me was when I was
+cursing, swearing, and blaspheming: he then rushed in upon me, and never
+before that time did I see him, or he me: and when he, namely the Diuell,
+came to me, the first words that he spake unto me were these: _Oh! have I
+now found you cursing, swearing, and blaspheming? now you are mine_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'_Question._ What sayd you to the Diuell, when he came unto you and spake
+unto you, were you not afraide of him? If you did feare him, what sayd the
+Diuell then unto you?
+
+'_Answere._ I was in a very greate feare when I saw the Diuell, but hee
+did bid me not to feare him at all, for hee would do me no hurt at all,
+but would do for mee whatsoeuer I would require of him; and as he promised
+unto me, he alwayes did such mischiefes as I did bid him to do, both on
+the bodies of Christians and beastes: if I did bid him vexe them to death,
+as oftentimes I did so bid him, it was presently by him done.
+
+'_Question._ Whether would the Diuell bring unto you word or no, what he
+had done for you, at your command; and if he did bring you word, how long
+would it bee, before he would come unto you againe, to tell you?
+
+'_Answere._ He would alwayes bring unto me word what he had done for me
+within the space of a weeke; he neuer failed me at that time; and would
+likewise do it to Creatures and beastes two manners of wayes, which was by
+scratching or pinching of them.
+
+'_Question._ Of what Christians and Beastes, and how many were the number
+that you were the cause of their death, and what moued you to prosecute
+them to the death?
+
+'_Answere._ I have been by the helpe of the Diuell the meanes of many
+Christians' and beasts' death; the cause that moued mee to do it was
+malice and enuy; for, if anybody had angred me in any manner, I would be
+so revenged of them, and of their Cattell. And do now further confesse
+that I was the cause of those two nurse children's death, for the which I
+was now indicted, and acquited by the Iury.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'_Question._ How long is it since the Diuell and you had acquaintance
+together, and how oftentimes in the weeke would hee come and see you, and
+you Company with him?
+
+'_Answere._ It is eight yeares since our first acquaintance; and three
+times in the weeke the Diuell would come and see me, after such his
+acquaintance gotten of me; he would come sometimes in the morning, and
+sometimes in the evening.
+
+'_Question._ In what shape would the Diuell come unto you?
+
+'_Answere._ Alwayes in the shape of a dogge, and of two collors, sometimes
+of blacke, and sometimes of white.
+
+'_Question._ What talke had the Diuel and you together, when that he
+appeared to you, and what did he aske of you--and what did you desire of
+him?
+
+'_Answere._ He asked of me when he came unto me, how I did, and what he
+should doe for mee, and demanded of mee my soule and body; threatning then
+to tear me in pieces if I did not grant unto him my soule and my body,
+which he asked of me.
+
+'_Question._ What did you after such the Diuel's asking of you, to have
+your Soule and Body, and after this his threatning of you, did you for
+feare grant unto the Diuell his desire?
+
+'_Answere._ Yes; I granted for feare unto the Diuell his request of my
+soule and body; and, to seale this my promise made unto him, I then gave
+him leave to sucke of my bloud, the which hee asked of me.
+
+'_Question._ In what place of your body did the Diuell sucke of your
+bloude and whether did hee himselfe chuse the place, or did you yourselfe
+appoint him the place?
+
+'_Answere._ The place where the Diuell suckt my bloud was chosen by
+himselfe, and in that place, by continuall drawing, there is a thing in
+the forme of a Teate, at which the Diuell would sucke mee. And I asked the
+Diuell why he should sucke my bloud, and he sayd, it was to nourish him.
+
+'_Question._ Whether did you pull up your Coates or no, when the Diuell
+came to sucke you?
+
+'_Answere._ No. I did not, but the Diuell would put his head under my
+coates, and I did willingly suffer him to doe what he would.
+
+'_Question._ How long would the time bee, that the Diuell would continue
+sucking of you, and whether did you endure any paine, the time that hee
+was sucking of you?
+
+'_Answere._ He would be suckinge of me the continuance of a quarter of an
+houre, and when he suckt me I then felt no paine at all.
+
+'_Question._ What was the meaning that the Diuell, when he came unto you,
+would sometimes speake, and sometimes barke?
+
+'_Answere._ It is thus: when the Diuell spake to me, then hee was ready to
+doe for me what I bid him to doe; and when he came barking to mee, he then
+had done the mischiefe that I did bid him to doe for me. I did call the
+Diuell by the name of Tom.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'_Question._ Did you euer handle the Diuell when he came unto you?
+
+'_Answere._ Yes, I did stroake him on the backe, and then he would becke
+unto me, and wagge his tayle as being therewith contented.
+
+'_Question._ Would the Diuell come unto you all in one bignesse?
+
+'_Answere._ No; when hee came unto mee in the blacke shape, he then was
+biggest, and in the white the least; and when that I was praying, hee then
+would come unto me in the white colour.'
+
+In another narrative[46] we have a different description of the devil, and
+of his protean powers:
+
+'_Marie_ wife of _Henrie Smith_, Glouer, possessed with a wrathfull
+indignation against some of her neighbours, in regard that they made gaine
+of their buying and selling Cheese, which shee (using the same trade)
+could not doe, or they better, (at the least in her opinion than she
+did,) often times cursed them, and became incensed with unruly passions,
+armed with a setled resolution to effect some mischieuous proiects and
+designs against them. The diuell, who is skilfull, and reioyceth of such
+an occasion offered, and knoweth how to stirre up the euill affected
+humours of corrupt mindes, appeared unto her amiddes these
+discontentments, in the shape of a blacke man, and willed that she should
+continue in her malice, enuy, hatred, banning and cursing, and then he
+would be reuenged for her upon all those to whom she wished euill: and
+this promise was uttered in a lowe murmuring and hissing voyce: and, at
+that present, they entred tearmes of a compact, he requiring that she
+should forsake God, and depend upon him; to which she condescended in
+expresse tearmes, renouncing God, and betaking herselfe unto him.
+
+'After this, hee presented himselfe againe at sundrie times, and in other
+formes, as of a mist, and of a ball of fire, with some dispersed spangles
+of blacke, and at the last in prison (after the doome of iudgement, and
+sentence of condemnation was passed against her) two seuerall times, in
+that figure as at the first: only at the last he seemed to haue a pair of
+horns upon his head.'
+
+Mary Smith, if what is written about her be true, was a very powerful
+witch. Many instances of her bewitching are given; but I think her spells
+on one John Orkton, a sailor, were the worst. She cursed him, 'Whereupon,
+presently, hee grew weake, distempered in stomacke, and could digest no
+meate, nor other nourishment receiued, and this discrasie, or feeblenesse
+continued for the space of three quarters of a yeare; which time expired,
+the fore mentioned griefe fel downe from the stomacke into his hands and
+feete, so that his fingers did corrupt and were cut off; as also his toes
+putrified and consumed in a very strange and admirable manner.
+Neverthelesse, notwithstanding these calamities, so long as he was able,
+went still to Sea, in the goods and shippes of sundry Merchants (for it
+was his onely meanes of living) but neuer could make any prosperous
+voyage, eyther beneficiall to the Owners, or profitable to himselfe.
+
+'Whereupon, not willing to bee hindrance to others, and procure no good
+for his owne maintenance by his labours, left that trade of life, and kept
+home, where his former griefe encreasing, sought to obtaine help and
+remedie by Chirurgerie; and, for this end, went to Yarmouth, hoping to be
+cured by one there, who was accompted very skilfull: but no medicines
+applyed by the Rules of Arte and Experience, wrought any expected or hoped
+for effect; for both his hands and feete, which seemed in some measure,
+euery euening, to be healing, in the morning were found to have gone
+backeward, and growne far worse than before. So that the Chirurgian,
+perceiuing his labour to bee wholly frustrate, gaue ouer the cure, and the
+diseased patient still continueth in a most miserable and distressed
+estate, unto the which hee was brought by the hellish practises of this
+malitious woman, who, long before, openly in the streetes, (when, as yet,
+the neighbours knew of no such thing,) reioycing at the Calamity, said,
+_Orkton_ now lyeth a rotting.' She was executed January 12, 1616.
+
+'The Examination, Confession, Triall and Execution of Joane Williford,
+Joan Cariden, and Jane Hott, who were executed at Faversham in Kent, for
+being Witches, on Munday, the 29 of September, 1645,' furnish us with
+other particulars, especially as they all confessed their crimes.
+
+Joan Williford confessed 'That the divell, about seven yeeres ago, did
+appeare to her in the shape of a little dog, and bid her to forsake God,
+and leane to him; who replied that she was loath to forsake him. Shee
+confessed also that shee had a desire to be revenged upon _Thomas
+Letherland_ and _Mary Woodrufe_, now his wife. She further said that the
+divell promised her that she should not lacke, and that she had money
+sometimes brought her, she knew not whence, sometimes one shilling,
+sometimes eightpence, never more at once: shee called her Divell by the
+name of _Bunne_. She further saith, that her retainer _Bunne_ carried
+_Thomas Gardler_ out of a window, who fell into a back side. She further
+saith, that neere twenty years since, she promised her soule to the
+Divell. She further saith that she gave some of her blood to the Divell,
+who wrote the covenant betwixt them. She further saith that the Divell
+promised to be her servant about twenty yeeres, and that the time is now
+almost expired. She further saith that the Divell promised her that she
+should not sinke, being throwne into the water, and that the Divell
+sucked twice since she came into the prison; he came to her in the forme
+of a Muce.'
+
+Joan Cariden's confession was commonplace, but Jane Hott said that 'a
+thing like a hedge hog had usually visited her, and came to her a great
+while agoe, about twenty yeares agoe, and that if it sucked her, it was in
+her sleep, and the paine thereof awaked her, and it came to her once or
+twice in the moneth, and sucked her, and when it lay upon her breast, she
+strucke it off with her hand, and that it was as soft as a Cat.
+
+'At her first coming into the Gaole, she spake very much to the other that
+were apprehended before her, to confesse if they were guilty; and stood to
+it very perversely that she was cleare of any such thing, and that, if
+they put her into the Water to try her, she should certainly sinke. But
+when she was put into the Water it was apparent that she did flote upon
+the Water. Being taken forth, a Gentleman to whom, before, she had so
+confidently spake, and with whom she offered to lay twenty shillings to
+one that she could not swim, asked her how it was possible she could be so
+impudent as not to confesse herselfe? To whom she answered, That the
+Divell went with her all the way, and told her that she should sinke; but
+when she was in the Water, he sate upon a Crosse beame and laughed at
+her.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ Confessions of Witches executed in Essex--The Witches of
+ Huntingdon--'Wonderfull News from the North'--Trial of Six Witches at
+ Maidstone--Trial of Four Witches at Worcester--A Lancashire Witch
+ tried at Worcester--A Tewkesbury Witch.
+
+
+A sickening story is told in 'A true and exact Relation of the seuerall
+Informations, Examinations, and Confessions of the late Witches, arraigned
+and executed in the County of Essex. Who were arraigned and condemned at
+the late Sessions, holden at Chelmesford before the Right Honorable Robert
+Earle of Warwicke and severall of his Majesties Iustices of Peace, the 29
+of July 1645,' etc., London, 1645. In this veritable 'bloody assize,' the
+rascally Matthew Hopkins appears, and it would almost seem as if the poor
+women confessed anything in order to have the luxury of dying. The charges
+against them were so frivolous, and the confessions so silly, that they
+must have either been imbecile or reckless. The following is a list of
+them:
+
+ Elizabeth Clarke confessed executed.
+ Elizabeth Gooding denied do.
+ Anne Leech confessed do.
+ Helen Clark confessed executed.
+ Rebecca West do. acquitted.
+ Mary Greenleife denied fate unknown.
+ Mary Johnson do. do.
+ Anne Cooper confessed executed.
+ Elizabeth Hare denied condemned, but reprieved.
+ Margaret Moon do. died on the way to execution.
+ Marian Hocket do. executed.
+ Sarah Hating do. do.
+ Rose Hallybread died in gaol.
+ Elizabeth Harvie confessed executed.
+ Joyce Boanes do. do.
+ Susan Cock do. do.
+ Margaret Landishe do. do.
+ Rebecca Jones do. do.
+ Joan Cooper do. died in gaol.
+ Anne Cate do. executed.
+
+The confession (!) of this latter will serve as an example of the
+puerility of them all.
+
+'This Examinant saith, that she hath four Familiars, which shee had from
+her mother, about two and twenty yeeres since; and that the names of the
+said Imps are _James_, _Pricke eare_, _Robyn_, and _Sparrow_; and three of
+these Imps are like Mouses, and the fourth like a Sparrow. And this
+Examinant saith, that to whomsoever shee sent the said Imp called
+_Sparrow_, it killed them presently; and that, first of all, she sent one
+of her three Imps like Mouses, to nip the Knee of one _Robert Freeman_,
+of _Little Clacton_, in the County of _Essex_, aforesaid, whom the said
+Imp did so lame, that the said _Robert_ dyed on that lamenesse within half
+a yeere after: And this Examinant saith, that she sent her said Imp,
+_Prickeare_ to kill the daughter of _John Rawlins_ of _Much-Holland_
+aforesaid, which died accordingly within a short time after; and that she
+sent her said Imp _Prickeare_ to the house of one John Tillet; which did
+suddenly kill the said Tillet.
+
+'And this Examinant saith that shee sent her said Imp _Sparrow_, to kill
+the childe of one _George Parby_ of _Much-Holland_ aforesaid, which child
+the said Imp did presently kill; and that the offence this Examinant took
+against the said _George Parby_ to kill his said childe, was, because the
+wife of the said _Parby_ denyed to give this Examinant a pint of Milke;
+and this Examinant further saith that shee sent her said Imp _Sparrow_ to
+the house of _Samuel Ray_, which, in a very short time did kill the wife
+of the said _Samuel_; and that the cause of this Examinant's malice
+against the said woman was, because shee refused to pay to this Examinant
+two pence which she challenged to be due to her; And that, afterwards, her
+said Imp _Sparrow_ killed the said Childe of the said _Samuel Ray_: and
+this Examinant confesseth, that as soon as shee had received the said four
+Imps from her said mother, the said Imps spake to this Examinant, and told
+her, shee must deny God and Christ, which this Examinant did then assent
+unto.'
+
+In 'The Witches of Huntingdon, their Examinations and Confessions,' etc.,
+London, 1646, we have eight cases of witchcraft which were tried at
+different times early in 1646. Among these eight, two were men; but there
+is no record of the fate of any of them. They are the same old story, the
+one with the most originality being that of Jane Willis, of Keiston, in
+the county of Huntingdon.
+
+'This Examinate saith, as she was making of her bedde in her Chamber,
+there appeared in the shape of a man in blacke cloaths, and blackish
+cloaths about six weeks past, and bid her good morrow, and shee asked what
+his name was, and he said his name was _Blackeman_, and asked her if she
+were poore, and she said I:[47] then he told her he would send one
+_Grissell_ and _Greedigut_ to her, that shall do anything for her: Shee
+looking upon him, saw hee had ugly feete, and then she was very fearfull
+of him, for that sometimes he would seem to be tall, and sometimes lesse,
+and suddenly vanished away.
+
+'And being demanded whether he lay with her, shee said hee would have lain
+with her, but shee would not suffer him: and after _Blackeman_ was
+departed from her, within three or 4 dayes, _Grissell_ and _Greedigut_
+came to her, in the shape of dogges, with great brisles of hogges haire
+upon their backs, and said to her they were come from _Blackeman_ to do
+what she would command them, and did aske her if shee did want any thing,
+and they would fetch it: and shee said she lacked nothing. Then they
+prayed her to give them some victuals, and she said she was poore and had
+none to give them; and so they departed: Yet she confessed that
+_Blackeman_, _Grissel_ and _Greedigut_ divers times came to her
+afterwards, and brought her two or three shillings at a time, and more
+saith not.'
+
+Another type of witchcraft is to be found in 'Wonderfull News from the
+North; or, a true relation of the sad and grievous torments inflicted upon
+the Bodies of three Children of Mr. George Muschamp, late of the County of
+Northumberland, by Witchcraft,' etc. London, 1650. It begins thus:
+
+'First in harvest, some two Months before _Michaelmas_, about four or five
+of the Clock in the afternoone, Mistris _Margaret Muschamp_ suddainly fell
+into a great Trance; her Mother being frighted, called Company, and with
+much adoe recovered her; as soone as the childe looked up, cryed out,
+deare Mother, weepe not for me; for I have seene a happy Sight, and heard
+a blessed sound, for the Lord hath loved my poore Soule, that he hath
+caused his blessed Trumpet to sound in my eares, and hath sent two blessed
+Angels to receive my sinfull soule. O weepe not for me, but rejoyce, that
+the Lord should have such respect to so sinfull a wretch as I am, as to
+send his heavenly Angels to receive my sinfull soule: with many other
+divine expressions.'
+
+After this she continued pretty well till Candlemas Eve, when she was
+taken very bad indeed, losing the use of her limbs and speech, 'and such
+torments, that no eyes could looke on her without compassion.' For 16
+weeks she refused all food, saying 'that God fed her with Angel's food:
+for truely all the 16 weekes fast she did not appeare to diminish her
+fatness or favour anything at all.
+
+'On Whitsun Eve in the morning, she had eight hours bitter torment. In the
+afternoone, her mother being abroad, left her Husband's Brother's
+Daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Muschamp with her, who made signes to her to
+carry her into the Garden, in her mother's absence; her Cozen, casting a
+mantle about her, gave her her desire, and sate in the Garden with her on
+her knee; who, in the bringing down, had so little strength in her neck,
+that her head hung wagging downe; but was not set a quarter of an houre,
+till showing some signes to her Cozen, bolted off her knee, ran thrice
+about the Garden, expressing a shrill voyce, but did not speake presently:
+she that was brought down in this sad condition came up stairs on her owne
+legs.'
+
+However, this improvement did not last long; she had more illnesses, and
+in one of them she made signs that she wished to write; so 'they layd
+paper on her brest, and put a pen with inke in her hand, and she, not
+moving her eyes, writ, _Jo. Hu. Do. Swo. have been the death of one deare
+friend, consume another, and torment mee_.' The wiseacres puzzled over
+this, and at last came to the conclusion that Mistress Dorothy Swinnow,
+then wife to Col. Swinnow, who subsequently died, had bewitched her. At
+another time this Margaret Muschamp wrote the same words with the
+addition, '_two drops of his or her bloud would save my life; if I have it
+not, I am undone; for seven yeares to be tormented before death come_.'
+
+On this they sent to one John Hutton, a reputed wizard, who told them that
+it was Mistress Swinnow who was the culprit, and he gave them two drops
+of his own blood, which he wiped off his arm, with the paper on which the
+girl had written. Returning home, they applied this remedy, in some way
+unstated, and 'On Munday night she fell into a heavenly rapture, rejoycing
+that ever she was borne, for these two drops of blood had saved her life.'
+The girl was afterwards very ill, and Dorothy Swinnow, now a widow, was
+arrested, and committed to prison, where the narrative leaves off, with
+the addition of the confession of one Margaret White, who 'Confesseth and
+saith, That she hath beene the Divells servant these five yeares past, and
+that the Divell came to her in the likenes of a man in blew cloaths, in
+her owne house, and griped her fast by the hand, and told her she should
+never want, and gave her a nip on the shoulder, and another on her back;
+and confesseth her Familiar came to her in the likenesse of a black
+Gray-hound. She also Confesseth upon Oath that Mrs. _Swinnow_ and her
+sister _Jane_, and herselfe were in the Divels company in her sister
+_Jane's_ house, where they did eate and drinke together, and made merry.
+
+'And Mrs. _Swinnow_, and her the sayd _Margaret's_ sister, with her selfe,
+came purposely to the house of Mr. _Edward Moore_ of _Spittle_, to take
+away the life of _Margaret Muschamp_ and _Mary_, and they were the cause
+of the Children's tormenting, and that they were three several times to
+have taken away their lives, and especially upon St. John's day at night
+gone twelve moneths: and sayth that God was above the Divell, for they
+could not get their desires perfected; and saith that Mrs. _Swinnow_
+would have consumed the childe that Mrs. _Moore_ had last in her wombe,
+but the Lord would not permit her; and that after the childe was borne,
+Mrs. _Swinnow_ was the occasion of its death; and that she and her sister
+were also the occasion, and had a hand in the death of the sayd child; and
+further confesseth that she and her sayd sister were the death of _Thomas
+Yong_ of _Chatton_ (by reason) a kill full of Oates watched against her
+sister's minde; And further saith that the Divell called her sister _Jane_
+(Besse); She confesseth that her sister _Jane_ had much troubled _Richard
+Stanley_ of _Chatton_, and that she was the occasion of his sore leg.'
+
+In 'A Prodigious and Tragicall History of the Arraignment, Tryall,
+Confession and Condemnation of six Witches at Maidstone in Kent, at the
+Assizes there held in July, Fryday 30, this present year 1652,' a new
+feature is introduced.
+
+'The said _Anne Ashby_ further confessed, that the Divell had given them a
+piece of flesh, which whensoever they should touch, they should thereby
+effect their desires.
+
+'That this flesh lay hid amongst grasse, in a certain place which she
+named, where, upon search, it was found accordingly.
+
+'The flesh was of a sinnewy substance, and scorched, and was seen and felt
+by this Observator, and reserved for publique view at the sign of the Swan
+in _Maidstone_.'
+
+They were duly hanged, but 'Some there were that wished rather they might
+be burnt to Ashes; alledging, that it was a received opinion amongst
+many, that the body of a witch being burnt, her bloud is prevented thereby
+from becomming hereditary to her Progeny in the same evill, which by
+hanging is not.'
+
+However, in the case of four witches tried at Worcester on March 4,
+1647,[48] they 'received Sentance to be Burnt at the Stak all Four
+together.
+
+'When being come to the Place of Execution, they made a strange and
+lamentable Yeling and Howling, after which they Confessed the Crimes for
+which they Suffered, and also declared how they had kill'd abundance of
+Cattle for several years past, and that it was extream Pride, Malice, and
+Revenge, that caused them to enter into such a curssed and Hellish League
+with the Devil, who told them to the last, that he would secure them from
+Public Punishment, but now, too late, they found him a Lyer, as he was
+from the beginning of the World. _Cock_ and _Landish_ seemed penitent,
+desiring all young Women to take Warning by their Devilish Lives, and
+Shameful Deaths, assuring the Spectators, that as Satan in the first
+Infancy of the World, prevail'd on the Woman to bring his Hellish attempts
+to pass, so he still strives with that Sex, as the weaker Vessels, to Work
+their Distructions; they both said the Lord's Prayer very distinctly, but
+_Rebecca West_ and _Rose Hallybread_ dyed very Stuburn and Refractory,
+without any remorss, or seeming Terror of Conscience for their abominable
+Witch-craft.'
+
+
+'A RELATION OF A LANCASHIRE WITCH, TRYED AT WORCESTER, IN THE YEAR
+1649.[49]
+
+'At _Droitwich_ in the County of _Worcester_, a poor Woman's Boy in the
+Month of _May_, looking for his Mother's Cow, espied some Bushes in a
+Brake to shake; and, supposing the Cow to be Brousing there, went to the
+Place, where he found no Cow, but an Old Woman, who, upon his approach,
+said _Boh_ to him: whereupon he presently lost his speech, and could only
+make a Noise, but could not speak any thing articulately, so as could be
+understood. In this condition he came home to his Mother, made a great
+Noise, but no body could understand what ailed him, or what he meant. A
+while after, he ran out, and, at Sir _Edward Barret's_ door, found, about
+One a Clock, amongst other poor People, the same old Woman supping up a
+Mess of hot Pottage, and ran furiously upon her, and threw her Pottage in
+her Face, and offered some other Violence to her. Whereupon the Neighbours
+wondering at the condition of the Boy, and his rage against the old Woman,
+and suspecting that she had done him some hurt, Apprehended her, and she
+was committed to the Prison, which they call the _Checker_. At Night the
+Boy's Mother Lodged him in a Garret over her own Lodging; and, in the
+Morning, hearing a great Bussle over her, ran up, and found the Boy gotten
+out of his Bed, with the Leg of a Form in his hand, striking furiously at
+something in the Window; but saw nothing there that he should strike at.
+The Boy presently put on his Cloaths, and ran downe into the Street
+towards the Prison; and, as he was going, endeavouring to speak, found his
+Speech restored.
+
+'When he came to the Prison, he asked for the old Woman, and told the
+Gaoler how she had served him, and how his Speech came to him again in the
+Way. The Gaoler, in the mean time, suspecting that she had Bewitched the
+Boy, would not let her have either Meat or Drink, unless she would first
+say the Lord's Prayer, and bid God bless the Boy: which, at last, her
+Hunger forced her to do; and it appeared to be at the same instant, as
+near as can be guessed, that the Boy had his Speech restored to him. The
+Boy asked the Gaoler, why he did not keep her faster, but let her come
+out, and trouble him? The Gaoler answered, he had kept her very safe. The
+Boy replied No, he had not; for she came and sat in his Chamber Window,
+and grinned at him; and that, thereupon, he took up a Form Leg, and
+therewith gave her two good bangs upon the Back, as she would have scutled
+from him, before she could get away. Whereupon the Gaoler caused some
+Women to search her, who found the Marks of two such Strokes upon her, as
+the Boy said he had given her. All this was Sworn upon her Tryal by the
+Boy, his Mother, the Gaoler, and the Women. Upon Examination she was found
+to be a _Lancashire_ Woman; who, upon the Scarcity in those Parts, after
+the Defeat of Duke _Hamilton_, wandred abroad to get Victuals.'
+
+
+'ANOTHER RELATION OF A TEUKSBURY WITCH, TRYED AT GLOUCESTER ABOUT THE SAME
+TIME.
+
+'At _Teuksbury_, about the same time, a Man, who had a Sow and Pigs,
+observing his Sow to have great store of Milk, and yet the Pigs to be
+almost Famished, and consulting with his Neighbours about it, they all
+concluded that she must needs be Sucked by something else, and so the Pigs
+be robbed of their milk. Whereupon he resolved to watch till he found out
+the Matter: and, having placed himself conveniently for that purpose, at
+last he saw a black Four footed Creature, like a Pole Cat, come and beat
+away the pigs, and having a pitchfork in his Hand, he ran the Prongs into
+the Thigh of it, and ran it to the ground. Yet it struggled so as to get
+off from him at last. There were some Neighbours not far off, but they saw
+no such creature, but saw a Wench go away, and that Blood fell from her as
+she went: whereupon they searched her, and found her so Wounded, as the
+Man said he had wounded the thing which he found Sucking: And, thereupon,
+she was Apprehended and Tryed at _Gloucester_ Assizes, where this Matter
+was given in Evidence against her.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ A Case of Vomiting Stones, etc., at Evesham--Anne Bodenham--Julian
+ Cox--Elizabeth Styles--Rose Cullender and Amy Duny.
+
+
+Baxter, in his 'Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits,' etc. (London, 1691),
+gives what he considers an indisputably authentic case of witchcraft, as
+follows:
+
+'But the certaintest and fullest Instance of Witchcraft that ever I knew,
+I shall here give you in the words of others: Only adding that about
+twenty years ago, at the time it was doing, my worthy and dear Friend, Mr.
+_George Hopkins_, the then Faithful Minister of the Gospel at _Evesham_,
+told it me himself, and told me of their Care and Watchfulness, to see
+that there were no Fraud committed in it. And the Witch was hanged at
+_Worcester_, and the Woman herself is yet living in _Evesham_, and the
+thing never there doubted of: But, having occasion lately to instance the
+fact against some Unbelievers, I sent to _Evesham_, to a Godly, Credible
+Friend to send me word, whether any doubt had, in these years past, risen
+concerning it, and to send me some of the Flint Stones which were voided
+by the Girl; who sent me word, that there were no doubt of the thing, and
+procured the now Minister of the Place to write me the Narrative which I
+here subjoin. And he sent me _One stone_, about the breadth of a small
+Groat, and the thickness of a Half-crown, which, he said, was all that is
+there kept of them, taken by the Major's Wife her self, and kept by her,
+and, therefore, I must send it back again: Many had sent for the Stones,
+and so many troubled the House about them, that they threw away, or buried
+the rest: And Mr. _Boyle_ told me that the Earl of _South Hampton_, Lord
+Treasurer, for his Satisfaction, had got a great number of them. I carried
+this about me, a quarter of a year, and then sent it home. But that which
+I chiefly inform the Reader of, is, that the thing was so long in doing,
+and so Famous, and so many Pious, Understanding Persons minded it, that
+suspition of Fraud was by their Diligence avoided.
+
+'_The Narrative as lately sent me from most Credible Persons in_ Evesham,
+_is as followeth_:
+
+'About the Month of _April_ 1652 _Mary_, the daughter of _Edward Ellins_,
+of the Burrough of _Evesham_, in the County of _Worcester_, Gardner, then
+about nine or ten years old, went in the fields on a _Saturday_, with some
+other Children, to gather Cowslips, and, finding in a Ditch by the
+way-side, at the said Town's end, one _Catherine Huxley_, a single Woman,
+aged then about forty years, the Children called her Witch, and took up
+stones to throw at her, the said _Mary_ also called her Witch, and took up
+a stone, but was so affrighted that she could not throw it at her; then
+they all run away from her, and the said _Mary_ being hindmost, this
+_Huxley_ said to her (_Ellins_ you Shall have enough stones in you.)
+Whereupon _Mary_ fell that day very ill, and continued so weak and
+Languishing that her Friends feared she would not recover; but, about a
+Month after, she began to void stones by the urinary passages, and some
+little urine came away from her; also, when she voided any stone, the
+stone she voided was heard by those that were by her, to drop into the Pot
+or Basin; and she had most grievous pains in her Back and Reins, like the
+pricking of Pins. The number of the stones she voided was about eighty,
+some plain pebbles, some plain flints, some very small, and some about an
+ounce weight. This she did for some space, (a month or two, or there
+abouts) until, upon some strong suspitions of Witchcraft, the forenamed
+_Huxley_ was Apprehended, Examined and Searched, (at whose Bed's Head
+there was found several Stones such as the said _Mary_ Voided) and was
+sent to _Worcester_, where, at the Summer _Assizes_ in the said year 1652
+(then at hand) she was, at the Prosecution of the Friends of the said
+_Mary_, Condemned and Executed: upon whose Apprehension and Commitment,
+_Mary_ ceased to void any more stones; but, for a while, voided much
+blackish and muddy Sand, and also, in short time, perfectly recovered, and
+is yet living in the Town, in good and honest Repute, and hath been many
+years Marryed, and hath had seven Children; but never voided any stones
+since, nor been troubled with the pain fore mentioned. Abundance of people
+yet living, know the Substance of this to be true, and her Mother in Law
+(since dead) kept the stones till she was tired with the frequent Resort
+of people to see them, and the said _Mary_, and to hear the Relation of
+the matter, and beg the stones; (for though many offered Money for them,
+yet she always refused it, nor did they ever take any, but it cost them
+much upon the Girl, and the Prosecution of the said _Huxley_) and then she
+buried them in her Garden. _Edward Ellins_, the Father of the said _Mary_,
+is also yet living, and a Man of honest Repute, and utterly free (as is
+also the said _Mary_, and all the rest of her _Friends_) from the least
+Suspition of any Fraud or Cheat in the whole business: This was known to
+hundreds of People in the said Town, and parts Adjacent, and many of them,
+yet living, are ready to attest to the truth of it.'
+
+In the case of Anne Bodenham,[50] which is too long and intricate to give
+even a resume of, we have some entirely new features, partaking more of
+the magician than the witch. She lived at Fisherton-Auger, Wilts, was a
+married woman, and at the time of her malpractices kept a small elementary
+school. She was considered a 'cunning,' or 'wise,' woman, and was resorted
+to by the people round about, for consultation as to the recovery of lost
+or stolen property, and, according to this pamphlet, her doings were
+marvellous. The first case records a woman going to consult her as to the
+loss of some gold money.
+
+'The Witch put on her Spectacles, and, demanding seven shillings of the
+Maid, which she received, she opened three Books, in which there seemed
+to be severall pictures, and amongst the rest, the picture of the Devill,
+to the Maid's appearance, _with his Cloven feet and Claws_; after the
+Witch had looked over the book, she brought a round green glass, which
+glass she layd down on one of the books, upon some picture therein, and
+rubbed the glass, and then took up the book with the glass upon it, and
+held it up against the Sun, and bid the Maid come and see who they were
+that she could shew in that glass, and the Maid, looking in the glass, saw
+the shape of many persons, and what they were doing of in her Master's
+house, in particular, shewed Mistriss _Elizabeth Rosewel_ standing in her
+Mistriss Chamber, looking out of the Window with her hands in her sleeves,
+and another walking alone in her Master's Garden, one other standing in a
+room within the kitchen, one other standing in a matted room of her
+Masters, against the window, with her Apron in her hand, and shewed others
+drinking, with glasses of Beer in their hands. After the Witches shewing
+this to the Maid, she then bad her go home; which, when she came home, she
+asked the people (she so saw in the Witches glass) what they had been
+doing while she had been wanting, and by their answers to her, she found
+that they had been doing what she saw they were in the glass: and the Maid
+relating this to _Elizabeth Rousewel_, she replyed, that Mistriss
+_Boddenham_ (meaning the said Witch) was either a Witch, or a woman of
+God.'
+
+She was also able to raise devils, and had several at her command,
+_Beelzebub_, _Tormentor_, _Satan_, and _Lucifer_, and one scene with them
+is thus described: 'And, presently, the back Door of the house flying
+open, there came five spirits, as the Maid supposed, in the likeness of
+ragged Boys, some bigger than others, and ran about the house, where she
+had drawn the Staff, and the Witch threw down upon the ground Crumbs of
+Bread, which the Spirits picked up, and leapt over the Pan of Coals
+oftentimes, which she set in the middest of the circle, and a Dog and a
+Cat of the Witches danced with them; and, after some time, the Witch
+looked again in her book, and threw some great white seeds on the ground,
+which the said Spirits picked up, and so, in a short time, the wind was
+layd, and the Witch, going forth at her back Door, the Spirits vanished.'
+
+But she also dabbled in poisoning: 'And in a short time after, Mistress
+_Rosewel_ sent her again to the Witch, to know of her when the day should
+be, that Mistris _Goddard_ should be poysoned, and delivered her eight
+shillings to give the Witch; so the Maid went again to the Witch
+accordingly, and gave her the eight shillings, and the Witch replyed she
+could not tell her then, but gave the Maid one shilling, and bid her go to
+an Apothecary, and buy some white _Arsenick_, and bring it to her to
+prevent it, which the Maid did, and carried it to the Witch, who said to
+her she would take it and burn it, to prevent the poysoning, but she burnt
+it not, as the Maid could see, at all....
+
+'The next day following, the Maid was sent again to the Witch, to get some
+example shewen upon the Gentlewoman that should procure the poyson, upon
+which the Maid went again to the Witch, and told her for what she was
+sent. Then the Witch made a Circle, as formerly, and set her pan of Coles,
+as formerly, and burnt something that stank extremely, and took her book
+and Glass, as before is related, and said _Beelzebub_, _Tormentor_,
+_Lucifer_, and _Satan_, appear! And then appeared five Spirits as she
+conceived, in the shapes of little ragged Boyes, which the Witch commanded
+to appear, and go along with the Maid to a meadow at _Wilton_, which the
+Witch shewed in the Glass, and there to gather Vervine and Dill, and,
+forthwith, the ragged Boys ran away before the Maid, and she followed them
+to the said meadow; and, when they came thither the ragged Boys looked
+about for the Herbs, and removed the Snow in two or three places, before
+they could find any; and, at last, they found some, and brought it away
+with them, and then the Maid and the Boys returned back to the Witch, and
+found her in the Circle paring her Nayls, and then she took the said
+Herbs, and dryed the same, and made powder of some, and dried the leaves
+of other, and threw Bread to the Boys, and they eat and danced as
+formerly; and then the Witch, reading in a book, they vanished away. And
+the Witch gave the Maid in one paper the powder, in another the leaves,
+and in the third, the paring of the Nayls; all which the Maid was to give
+to her Mistress. The powder was to put in the young Gentlewomens Mistriss
+_Sarah_ and Mistriss _Ann Goddard's_ drink or broth, to rot their Guts in
+their Bellies; the leaves to rub about the rims of the Pot, to make their
+Teeth fall out of their Heads; and the parings of the Nayls to make them
+mad and drunk. And the Witch likewise told the Maid, that she must tell
+her Mistriss, and the rest, that, when they did give it to them, they must
+cross their Breasts, and then say, _In the name of our Lord Jesu Christ,
+grant that this may be_, and that they must say the Creed backward and
+forward.'
+
+The death of this wicked woman was worthy of her life: 'Afterwards, she
+fell into a rage, and wished for a Knife: she said she would run it into
+her heart-blood. Being replyed unto by some, _Oh M{ris} Boddenham, you
+would not offer to doe such wickednesse? would you?_ She swore by the Name
+of God, but she would, had she but a Knife. She then went forth to the
+place of her Execution, where a numerous company were spectators; and, as
+she went along towards the gallows, by every house she went by, she went
+with a small piece of silver in her hand, calling for Beer, and was very
+passionate when denyed. One of the men that guarded her on the way, told
+her that Mr. Sheriff would not let her be buryed under the gallows, upon
+which she railed at the man extremely that told her so, and said she would
+be buryed there. When she came to the place of execution, she went
+immediately to goe up the Ladder, but she was pulled back again and
+restrained: I then pressed her to confesse what she promised me she would,
+now before she dyed, but she refused to say anything. Being asked whether
+she desired the prayers of any of the people, she answered, she had as
+many prayers already, as she intended or desired to have, but cursed
+those that detained her from her death, and was importunate to goe up the
+Ladder, but was restrained for a while, to see whether she would confesse
+any thing, but she would not. They then let her goe up the Ladder, and
+when the rope was about her neck, she went to turn herself off, but the
+Executioner stayed her, and desired her to forgive him: she replyed.
+Forgive thee? a pox on thee, turn me off: which were the last words she
+spake. She was never heard, all the while she was at the place of
+Execution, to pray one word, or desire any others to pray for her, but the
+contrary.'
+
+'_Julian Cox_, aged 70 years, was indicted at _Taunton_ in
+_Somersetshire_, about summer assizes, 1663, before Judge _Archer_, then
+judge of assize there, for witchcraft.[51]
+
+'For the proof of the first particular. The first witness was a huntsman,
+who swore that he went out with a pack of hounds to hunt a hare, and not
+far off from Julian Cox's house, he, at last, started a hare. The Dogs
+hunted her very close, and the third ring hunted her in view, till, at
+last, the huntsman, perceiving the hare almost spent, and making towards a
+great bush, he ran on the other side of the bush to take her up, and
+preserve her from the dogs; but, as soon as he laid hands on her, it
+proved to be Julian Cox, who had her head grovelling on the ground. He,
+knowing her, was affrighted, so that the hair on his head stood on end,
+and he spake to her, and asked her what brought her there? But she was so
+far out of breath that she could not make him any answer: his dogs also
+came up, with full cry, to recover the game, and smelt at her, and so left
+off hunting any farther. And the huntsman, with the dogs, went home
+presently, sadly affrighted.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'Thirdly, Another swore that Julian passed by his yard while his beasts
+were in milking, and stooping down, scored upon the ground for some small
+time. During which time his cattle ran mad, and some ran their heads
+against trees, and some of them died speedily: Whereupon, concluding they
+were bewitched, he was, after, advised to this experiment, to find out the
+Witch, _viz._ to cut off the ears of the bewitched beasts, and burn them;
+and that the witch would be in misery, and could not rest till they were
+plucked out. Which he tried; and while they were burning, Julian Cox came
+into the house, raging and scolding, that they had abused her without a
+cause; but she went presently to the fire, and took the ears which were
+burning and then she was quiet.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'The prisoner was called for up to the next bar in the court, and demanded
+if she could say the _Lord's Prayer_? She said, she could, and went over
+the prayer readily till she came to that petition. Then she said _And lead
+us into temptation_, or, _And lead us not into no temptation_, but could
+not say, _And lead us not into temptation_, though she was directed to say
+it after one that repeated it to her, distinctly, but she could not
+repeat it otherwise than is expressed already; though tried to do it near
+half a score times in the open Court. After all which the Jury found her
+guilty, and, judgement having been given, within three or four days, she
+was executed without any confession of the fact.'
+
+'Elizabeth Styles, her confession of her Witchcraft _January_ 26 and 30
+and _Feb._ 7, 1664. before _Robert Hunt_ Esqre.[52] She then confessed,
+That the Devil, about ten years since, appeared to her in the shape of a
+handsome man, and after, of a black dog. That he promised her money, and
+that she should live gallantly, and have the pleasure of the world for 12
+Years, if she would with her own blood, sign his paper, which was to give
+her soul to him, and observe his laws, and that he might suck her blood.
+This, after four solicitations, the examinant promised him to do. Upon
+which, he pricked the fourth finger of her right Hand, between the middle
+and upper joint (where the sign, at the Examination, remained) with a drop
+or two of blood, she signed the paper with an O. Upon this, the Devil gave
+her Sixpence, and vanished with the paper.
+
+'That, since, he hath appeared to her in the shape of a man, and did so on
+_Wednesday_ seven night past: but more usually, he appears in the likeness
+of a dog, or cat, or a Fly like a Miller; in which last (_shape_) he
+usually sucks her on the Poll, about four of the Clock in the morning; and
+did so Jan. 27, and that it usually is pain to her to be so sucked.
+
+'That when she hath a desire to do harm, she calls the Spirit by the name
+of _Robin_; to whom, when he appeareth, she useth these words, _O Satan,
+give me my purpose_. She then tells him that he should so appear to her,
+was part of her contract with him.
+
+'That about a Month ago, he appearing, she desired him to torment one
+_Elizabeth Hill_, and to thrust thorns unto her Flesh, which he promised
+to do, and the next Time he appeared, he told her he had done it.
+
+'That a little above a month since, this Examinant, _Alice Duke_, _Ann
+Bishop_, and _Mary Penny_, met about nine of the clock, in the night, in
+the common near _Trister Gate_, where they met a man in black Cloaths,
+with a little band, to whom they did courtesie and due observance; and the
+examinant verily believes that this was the Devil. At that time _Alice
+Duke_ brought a picture in Wax, which was for _Elizabeth Hill_: The man in
+black took it in his Arms, anointed it's Forehead, and said, _I baptize
+thee with this oyl_, and used some other words. He was God father, and the
+examinant and _Anne Bishop_, God mothers; they called it _Elizabeth_ or
+_Bess_. Then the man in black, this examinant, _Anne Bishop_, and _Alice
+Duke_, stuck thorns into several places of the Neck, Hand wrist, Fingers,
+and other parts of the said picture. After which they had wine, cakes and
+roast meat, (all brought by the man in black,) which they did eat and
+drink; they danced and were merry, were bodily there, and their cloaths.
+
+'... She saith, before they are carried to their meetings, they anoint
+their foreheads and hand wrists with Oyl the Spirit brings them, (which
+smells raw) and then they are carried in a very short time; using these
+words as they pass, _Thout, tout a tout, tout, throughout and about_; and
+when they go off from their meetings, they say, _Rentum Tormentum_.
+
+'That, at their first meeting the man in black bids them welcome, and they
+all make low obeysance to him, and he delivers some wax candles, like
+little torches, which they give back again at parting. When they anoint
+themselves, they use a long form of words, and when they stick thorns in
+the picture of any they would torment, they say, _A pox on thee, I'll
+spite thee_.
+
+'That, at every meeting, before the Spirit vanishes away, he appoints the
+next meeting, place and time; and at his departure there is a foul smell.
+At their meeting, they have usually Wine or good beer, cakes, meat or the
+like; they eat and drink really; when they meet in their bodies, dance
+also, and have musick. The man in black sits at the hither End, and _Anne
+Bishop_ usually sat next to him: He useth some words before meat, and none
+after; his voice is audible, but very low.
+
+'That they are sometimes carried in their bodies and their clothes,
+sometimes without, and, as the examinant thinks, only their spirits are
+present; yet they know one another.... The man in black sometimes plays on
+a pipe or cittern, and the company dances: at last the Devil vanisheth,
+and all are carried to their several homes, in a short space. At their
+parting, they say, _Hey boy, merry meet, merry part_.'
+
+The story of the trial of Rose Cullender and Amy Duny at Bury St.
+Edmund's, before Sir Matthew Hale in 1664, has been often told, but in one
+particular it differs from other cases of witchcraft.
+
+'_Diana Bocking_ Sworn and Examined, Deposed. That she lived in the same
+Town of _Leystoff_, and that her said Daughter having been formerly
+Afflicted with swooning fits, recovered well of them, and so continued for
+a certain time; and, upon the First of _February_ last, she was taken,
+also, with great pain in her Stomach, like pricking with Pins; and,
+afterwards, fell into swooning fitts, and so continued till the Deponents
+coming to the Assizes, having during the same time taken little or no
+food, but daily vomiting crooked Pins; and, upon Sunday last, raised Seven
+Pins. And, whilst her fits were upon her, she would spread both her Arms,
+with her hands open, and use postures as if she catched at something, and
+would instantly close her hands again; which being immediately forced
+open, they found several Pins diversely crooked, but could neither see nor
+perceive how, or in what manner they were conveyed thither. At another
+time, the same _Jane_ being in another of her fitts, talked as if she were
+discoursing with some persons in the Room (though she would give no
+answer, nor seem to take notice of any person then present) and would in
+like manner cast abroad her Arms, saying, _I will not have it, I will not
+have it_; and at last, she said, _Then I will have it_, and so waving her
+Arm with her hand open, she would presently close the same; which,
+instantly forced open, they found in it a _Lath-Nail_.'
+
+The two witches were executed, neither confessing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+ The Case of Mary Hill of Beckington--The Confession of Alice
+ Huson--Florence Newton of Youghal--Temperance Lloyd (or Floyd), Mary
+ Trembles, and Susannah Edwards.
+
+
+But this case of vomiting pins is as nothing compared with the following,
+which is taken from Baxter's 'Certainty of the World of Spirits,' etc.:
+
+'Mr. _John Humphreys_ brought Mr. _May Hill_ to me, with a Bag of Irons,
+Nails and Brass, vomited by the Girl. I keep some of them to shew: Nails
+about three or four inches long, double crooked at the end, and pieces of
+old Brass doubled, about an Inch broad, and two or three Inches long, with
+crooked edges. I desired him to give me the Case in Writing, which he hath
+done as followeth. Any one that is incredulous, may now, at _Beckington_,
+receive Satisfaction from him, and from the Maid her self.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+'In the Town of _Beckington_, by _Froome_ in _Somersetshire_, liveth _Mary
+Hill_, a Maid of about Eighteen years of Age, who, having lived very much
+in the Neglect of her Duty to God, was some time before _Michaelmas_ last
+past, was Twelve-Month, taken very ill, and, being seized with violent
+Fits, began to Vomit up about two hundred crooked Pins. This so Stupendous
+an Accident, drew a numerous Concourse of People to see her: To whom, when
+in her Fits, she did constantly affirm, that she saw against the Wall of
+the Room wherein she lay, an old Woman, named _Elizabeth Currier_, who,
+thereupon, being Apprehended by a Warrant from a Justice of Peace, and
+Convicted by the Oaths of two Persons, was committed to the County Goal.
+
+'About a Fortnight after, she began to Vomit up Nails, Pieces of Nails,
+Pieces of Brass, Handles of Spoons, and so continued to do for the space
+of six Months and upwards. And, in her fits, she said there did appear to
+her an old Woman, Named _Margaret Coombes_, and one _Ann Moore_; who,
+also, by a Warrant from two Justices of the Peace, were Apprehended and
+brought to the Sessions, held at _Brewton_, for the County; and, by the
+Bench, committed to the County Gaol. The former of these dyed as soon as
+she came into Prison: the other two were tryed at _Taunton Assizes_, by my
+Lord Chief Justice _Holt_, and for want of Evidence, were acquitted by the
+Jury. The Persons bound over to give Evidence, were _Susanna Belton_, and
+_Ann Holland_, who, upon their Oaths, Deposed, that they hookt out of the
+Navel of the said _Mary Hill_, as she lay in a dead fit, crooked Pins,
+small Nails, and small pieces of Brass, which were produced in Court
+before the Judge; and, from him, handed to the Jury to look upon them.
+Whereupon Mr. _Francis Jesse_, and Mr. _Christopher Brewer_ declared, that
+they had seen the said _Mary Hill_, to Vomit up, at several times, Crooked
+Pins, Nails, and Pieces of Brass, which they, also, produced in open
+Court; and to the end, they might be ascertained it was no Imposture, they
+declared they searched her Mouth with their Fingers before she did Vomit.
+
+'Upon which, the Court thought fit to call for me, who am the Minister of
+the Parish, to testifie the knowledge of the Matter, which I did to this
+Effect, That I had seen her, at several times, after having given her a
+little small Beer, Vomit up Crooked Pins, Nails, and Pieces of Brass.
+That, to prevent the Supposition of a Cheat, I had caused her to be
+brought to a Window; and, having lookt into her Mouth, I searcht it with
+my Finger, as I did the Beer before she drank it. This I did, that I might
+not be wanting in Circumstantial Answers to what my Lord and Court might
+propose.
+
+'I well remember a Gentleman, on a _Saturday_, came to my House
+(_Incognito_) to know of me the truth of the Country Report about this
+Maid, having seen some of the Nails &c she had Vomited up. I told him it
+was very true; and, if he would stay in Town till the Morning, he might
+see it himself, for his own Satisfaction. Which he did; and, early in the
+Morning, was called to see her. But, because Beer was not given her when
+she wanted it, she lay in a very Deplorable Condition, till past two in
+the Afternoon; when, with much Difficulty, she brought up a piece of
+Brass, which the said Gentleman took away with him. Though, before the
+said Piece of Brass came up, he told me he was satisfied of the Truth of
+the thing, because it was impossible for any Mortal to Counterfeit her
+miserable Condition. She, sometimes, lying in a dead Fit, with her Tongue
+swelled out of her Head, and then reviving, she would fall to Vomiting,
+but nothing came up till about two a Clock in the Afternoon.
+
+'Nay, so curious was he to Anticipate any Cheat, that he searcht her Mouth
+himself, gave her the Beer, held her up in his hand, and likewise the
+Bason into which she Vomited, and continued with her all this time,
+without eating and drinking, which was about eight hours, that he might be
+an Eye-Witness of the Truth of it. Nay, further, he found the maid living
+only with a Brother, and three poor Sisters, all young Persons, and very
+honest, and the Maid kept at the Charge of the Parish, were sufficient
+testimonies that they were incapable of making a Cheat of it. The
+Gentleman I now mentioned, was (as I afterwards learnt) Esquire _Player_
+of _Castle-Cary_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+'After the Assizes afore mentioned was ended, and she was turned home, she
+grew worse than ever, by Vomiting of Nails, pieces of Glass, &c. And,
+falling, one day, into a Violent Fit, she was swelled to an extraordinary
+bigness; some Beer being given her, she throws up several Pieces of Bread
+and Butter, besmeared with a Poysonous matter, which I judged to be white
+Mercury. This so affrighted the Neighbours, that they would come no more
+near her, and Compassionating the Deplorableness of her Condition; I, at
+last, resolved to take her into my own House; where, in some short time,
+the Vomiting ceased; though, for some space, her Distorting Fits followed
+her. But, blessed be God, is now, and has been, for a considerable time
+last past, in very good health, and fit for Service.
+
+'MAY HILL,
+'Minister of Beckington in the county of Somerset.
+
+'_April 4, 1691._'
+
+Here is one of those extraordinary confessions, for which, nowadays, no
+one can account, except upon the supposition that the poor woman was
+insane:
+
+
+'THE CONFESSION OF ALICE HUSON, 28 OF APRIL 1664 TO MR. TIM. WELLSET,
+VICAR OF BURTON AGNES (IN HER OWN WORDS) AS IT WAS GIVEN IN TO THE JUDGES
+AT YORK ASSIZES.[53]
+
+'Three Years I have had to do with, and for the Devil: He appeared to me
+like a _Black Man_ on a Horse upon the Moor; He told me I should never
+want, if I would follow his ways: He bid me give myself to him, and
+forsake the Lord; and I promised him I would. He did, upon that, give me
+five Shillings; and another time he gave me seven Shillings: And for six
+several times he did so; and _Thom. Ratle_ had 20s. of the Mony I had of
+him. He appeared like a _Black Man_ upon a Black Horse, with Cloven Feet:
+and then I fell down, and did Worship upon my Knees, because I promised
+him I would do so. I have hurt Mrs. _Faith Corbet_ by my Evil Spirit: I
+did, in my Apprehension, ride her: And, when I was Examined by Mr.
+_Wellset_, our Minister, the Devil stood by, and gave me my Answer. I was
+under the Window like a Cat, when Mrs. _Corbet_ said I was; and _Doll
+Bilby_ had a hand in this tormenting Mrs. _Corbet_. _Doll Bilby_ said, Let
+us make an end of her; and I said it was pity to take away her Life, for
+we had done her overmuch hurt already. The Devil did appear to me and
+_Doll Bilby_ both together: _Doll Bilby_ had of the Devil on _Thursday_ or
+_Friday_, some Mony: I had, about a Fortnight ago, ten shillings of the
+Devil at _Ratle's_ door, about Twi-light, or Day-gate: and I gave two
+Shillings of this Mony for two Pecks of Barly, Pease and Wheat mix'd, to
+_Will. Parkly_. He told me, if I would kill Mrs. _Alice Corbet_, I should
+never Want: He twitches me at the Heart, as if it were drawn together with
+Pincers. I have, I confess, a Witch-pap, which is sucked by the Unclean
+Spirit: This Sucking lasteth from Supper time, till after Cock Crowing.
+The Devil did bid me deny to Mr. _Wellset_ that he was sent by me. I had a
+purpose to practice Witchcraft when I begg'd a piece of Cloth and
+Black-hood. I confess that I did, by this Evil Spirit, kill _Dick Warren_;
+which was done by my wicked Heart, and wicked Eyes: If I had not employ'd
+this wicked Spirit, I had not hurt him. I lent _Lancelot Harrison_ eight
+Shillings of the ten Shillings the Devil gave me. I did forsake God,
+because I promised the Devil to serve him.'
+
+But most incredible of all were the doings of an Irish witch, one Florence
+Newton of Youghal, who was tried at the Cork Assizes, 1661. One extract,
+showing her power, must suffice:[54]
+
+'_John Pyne_ being likewise sworn and examin'd, said, That about _January_
+last, _Mary Longdon_, being his Servant, was much troubl'd with little
+Stones that were thrown at her, wherever she went, and that he hath seen
+them come, as if they were thrown at her, others, as if they dropp'd on
+her; and that he hath seen very great quantities of them, and that they
+would, after they had hit her, fall on the Ground, and then vanish, so
+that none of them could be found. And farther, That the Maid once caught
+one of them, and he himself another; and one of them, with a Hole in it,
+she ty'd to her Purse, but it vanish'd in a little time, but the Knot of
+the Leather that ty'd it, remain'd unalter'd. That, after the Stones had
+thus haunted her, she fell into most grievous Fits, wherein she was so
+violently distracted, that four Men would have very much to do to hold
+her; and that, in the greatest of her Extremities, she would cry out of
+Gammer _Newton_ for hunting and tormenting of her. That sometimes the
+Maid would be reading in a Bible, and on the sudden he hath seen the Bible
+struck out of her Hand into the Middle of the Room, and she, immediately,
+was cast into a violent Fit. That, in the Fits he hath seen two Bibles,
+laid on her Breasts, and in the Twinkling of an Eye, they would be cast
+between the two Beds the Maid lay upon; sometimes thrown into the middle
+of the Room; and that _Nicholas Pyne_ held the Bible in the Maid's Hand so
+fast, that it being suddenly snatch'd away, two of the Leaves were torn.
+That in many other Fits, the Maid was remov'd strangely, in the Twinkling
+of an Eye, out of the Bed, sometimes into the Bottom of a Chest with
+Linnen, and the Linnen not at all disorder'd; sometimes betwixt the two
+Beds she lay on; sometimes under a Parcell of Wooll, sometimes betwixt his
+Bed and the Mat of it in another Room; and, once, she was laid on a small
+Deal Board which lay on the top of an House between two solar[55] Beams,
+where he was forc'd to rear up Ladders to have her fetch'd down. That, in
+her Fits she hath often vomited up Wooll, Pins, Horse nails, Stubs, Straw,
+Needles and Moss, with a kind of white Foam or Spittle, and hath had
+several Pins stuck into her Arms and Hands, that, sometimes, a Man must
+pull three or four times before he could pull one of them out, and some
+have stuck between the Flesh and the Skin, where they might be perfectly
+seen, but not taken out, nor any Place seen where they were put in.'
+
+The confessions of Temperance Lloyd (or Floyd), Mary Trembles, and
+Susannah Edwards, who were executed at Exeter, August 25, 1682, are
+curious, as showing how it is possible for three persons to have similar
+hallucinations.
+
+'Temperance Lloyd saith, That about the 30th day of _September_ last past,
+she met with the Devil in the shape or likeness of a black Man, about the
+middle of the Afternoon of that day, in a certain Street or Lane in the
+Town of _Biddiford_ aforesaid, called _Higher Gunstone Lane_: And then and
+there he did tempt and sollicite her to go with him to the house of the
+said _Thomas Eastchurch_ to torment the Body of the said _Grace Thomas_;
+which this Examinant, at first, did refuse to do: But, afterwards, by the
+temptation and perswasion of the Devil in the likeness of a Black Man, as
+aforesaid, she did go to the house of the said _Thomas Eastchurch_, and
+that she went up the stairs after the said black Man; and confesseth that
+both of them went up into the Chamber where she the said _Grace Thomas_
+was, and that there they found one _Anne Wakely_, the wife of _William
+Wakely_ of _Biddiford_, rubbing and stroaking one of the Arms of the said
+_Grace Thomas_.
+
+'And the said Examinant doth further confess that she did then and there
+pinch with the Nails of her Fingers, the said _Grace Thomas_ in the
+Shoulders, Arms, Thighs and Legs; and that, afterwards, they came down
+from the said _Grace Thomas_ her Chamber, into the Street together; and
+that there this Examinant did see some thing in the form or shape of a
+Grey or Braget Cat; and saith that the said Cat went into the said
+_Thomas Eastchurch's_ shop.
+
+'The said Examinant, being further demanded whether she went any more unto
+the said Thomas Eastchurch's house, saith and confesseth that the day
+following she came again to the said _Thomas Eastchurch's_ house,
+invisible, and was not seen by any person; but there this Examinant did
+meet with the Braget Cat as aforesaid, and the said Cat did retire and
+leap back into the said _Thomas Eastchurch's_ Shop.
+
+'The said Examinant, being further demanded when she was at the said
+_Thomas Eastchurch's_ house, the last time, saith, that she was at the
+said Mr. _Eastchurch's_ house upon Friday the 30th day of _June_ last
+past; and that the Devil, in the shape of the said black Man was there
+with her: And that they went up again into the said Chamber, where she
+found the said _Grace Thomas_ lying in her Bed in a very sad condition.
+Notwithstanding which, she, this Examinant and the said Black Man did
+torment her again: And saith and confesseth that she, this Examinant had
+almost drawn her out of her Bed, and that on purpose to put her, the said
+_Grace_ out of her Life.
+
+'And further saith, that the black Man (or rather the Devil) did promise
+this Examinant that no one should discover her.
+
+'And further confesseth that the said black Man (or rather the Devil) as
+aforesaid, did suck her Teats, and that she did kneel down to him in the
+Street, as she was returning to her own house, and after that they had
+tormented the said _Grace Thomas_ in manner as last above mentioned.
+
+'Being demanded of what stature the said black Man was, saith, that he was
+about the length of her Arm: And that his Eyes were very big; and that he
+hopt or leapt in the way before her, and, afterwards, did suck her again
+as she was lying down; and that his sucking was with a great pain unto
+her, and, afterwards vanish'd clear away out of her sight.
+
+'This Examinant doth further confess, That upon the first day of _June_
+last past, whilst the said Mr. _Eastchurch_ and his Wife were absent, that
+the said Examinant did pinch and prick the said _Grace Thomas_ (with the
+aid and help of the black Man) in her Belly, Stomach and Breast; and that
+they continued so tormenting of her, about the Space of two or three
+hours, with an intent to have killed her.'
+
+She also confessed to have tortured several others to death.
+
+Mary Trembles said that about three years since Susannah Edwards persuaded
+her to become a witch, and that the Devil appeared to her in the shape of
+a lion.
+
+'_Susannah Edwards_ being brought before us, and accused for practising of
+Witchcraft upon the Body of _Grace Barnes_, the wife of _John Barnes_ of
+_Biddiford_, Yeoman, was demanded by us how long since she had Discourse
+or Familiarity with the Devil; saith, That about two years ago she did
+meet with a Gentleman in a Field called the _Parsonage Close_ in the Town
+of _Biddiford_, and that his Apparel was all of black. Upon which she did
+hope to have a Piece of Money of him. Whereupon, the Gentleman drawing
+near unto this Examinant, she did make a Curchy, or Courtesie unto him, as
+she did use to do to Gentlemen.
+
+'Being demanded what and who the Gentleman she spake of, was, the said
+Examinant answered and said, that it was the Devil.
+
+'And confessed, that the Devil did ask of her whether she was a Poor
+woman? unto whom she answered that she was a Poor woman; and that,
+thereupon, the Devil, in the shape of the Gentleman, did say unto her,
+that if this Examinant would grant him one request, that she should
+neither want for Meat, Drink, nor Clothes: Whereupon this Examinant did
+say unto the said Gentleman, In the Name of God, what is it I shall have?
+Upon which the said Gentleman vanished clear away from her.
+
+'And further confesseth, That, afterwards, there was something in the
+shape of a little Boy, which she thinks to be the Devil, came into her
+house, and did lie with her, and that he did suck at her breast. And
+confesseth that she did afterwards meet him in a place call'd
+_Stambridge-lane_ in this Parish of _Biddiford_, leading towards
+_Abbotisham_, (which is the next Parish on the west of _Biddiford_
+aforesaid), where he did suck blood out of her breast.
+
+'And further confesseth, That on Sunday, which was the 16th day of _July_
+instant, she, this Examinant, together with _Mary Trembles_, did go unto
+the house of _John Barnes_, and that nobody did see them: and that they
+were in the same room where _Grace_, the wife of the said _John Barnes_
+was, and that there they did prick and pinch the said _Grace_ with their
+fingers, and put her to great pain and torment, insomuch that the said
+_Grace Barnes_ was nearly dead.
+
+'And confesseth that this present day, she did prick and torment the said
+_Grace_ again, (intimating with her Fingers how she did it). And also
+confesseth that the Devil did intice her to make an end of the said
+_Grace_; and that he told her he would come again to her once more before
+she should go out of Town. And confesseth that she can go into any place
+invisible, and yet her Body shall be lying in her Bed. And further
+confesseth that the Devil hath appeared unto her in the shape of a Lyon,
+as she supposed.
+
+'Being demanded whether she had done any bodily hurt unto any other person
+besides the said _Grace Barnes_, saith and Confesseth, that she did prick
+and torment one _Dorcas Coleman_, the wife of _John Coleman_ of
+_Biddiford_ Mariner. And saith that the said _Mary Trembles_ was a Servant
+unto her, in like manner as she was a Servant unto the Devil.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+ Elizabeth Horner--Pardons for Witchcraft--A Witch taken in
+ London--Sarah Mordike--An Impostor convicted--Case of Jane Wenham--The
+ Last Witch hanged in England.
+
+
+Hutchinson gives an account of a very curious case of witchcraft in 1696:
+
+'_Elizabeth Horner_ was tried before the Lord Chief Justice _Holt_ at
+_Exeter_. Three Children of _William Bovet_ were thought to have been
+bewitched by her, whereof one was dead. It was deposed that another had
+her Legs twisted, and yet from her Hands and Knees, she would spring five
+Foot high. The children vomited Pins, and were bitten (if the Depositions
+were true) and pricked, and pinched, the Marks appearing. The Children
+said _Bess Horner's_ Head would come off from her Body, and go into their
+Bellies. The Mother of the Children deposed, that one of them walked up a
+smooth plaistered Wall, till her Feet were nine Foot high, her Head
+standing off from it. This, she said, she did five or six times, and
+laughed and said, _Bess Horner_ held her up. This poor Woman had something
+like a Nipple on her Shoulder, which the Children said was sucked by a
+Toad. Many other odd things were deposed, but the Jury brought her in _Not
+Guilty_ and no Inconvenience hath followed from her Acquittal.'
+
+She was lucky, not only inasmuch as the belief in witchcraft was on the
+wane, as also to have been tried by so enlightened a judge as Sir John
+Holt, of whom the story is told (of which, however, I can find no
+authentication) that a witch was once brought before him, and a charm,
+written on parchment, was adduced against her. This charm, which consisted
+of a line or two of Greek verse, Sir John recognised as having been
+written by himself in his student days at Oxford to cure a poor woman's
+daughter of the ague.
+
+But although the majority of so-called witches were executed after trial
+and sentence, all were not, for we find in the Calendars of State Papers
+several instances of pardons:
+
+ 1597. 30 Ap. Pardon for Elizabeth Melton, late of Collingham, co.
+ York, condemned for witchcraft.
+
+ 1597. 3 May. Pardon to Alice Brerely of Castleton, co. Lanc.,
+ spinster, condemned for killing Jas. Kirshaw and Rob. Scolefield by
+ witchcraft.
+
+ 1604. 16 Ap. Grant to Christian, wife of Thomas Weech, co. Norfolk, of
+ pardon for witchcraft.
+
+ She was one of the extremely fortunate, for she was again accused of
+ this crime.
+
+ 1610. 3 Ap. Grant to Christian Weech of pardon for the murder of Mary
+ Freeston by witchcraft.
+
+ 1608. 15 Feb. Grant to Simon Reade of pardon for conjuration and
+ invocation of unclean spirits.
+
+ 1611. 7 May. Grant of pardon to Wm. Bate, indicted twenty years since,
+ for practising invocation of spirits for finding treasure, the
+ evidence being found weak, etc.
+
+With the beginning of the eighteenth century, the belief in witchcraft was
+dying out rapidly, and very few are the cases narrated. I give the
+following from a broadsheet; but to my mind it has not the true ring of
+former cases, and I doubt its authenticity; still, I give it as amongst
+the few reported cases in this century.
+
+
+'A FULL AND TRUE RELATION OF THE DISCOVERING, APPREHENDING, AND TAKING OF
+A NOTORIOUS WITCH, WHO WAS CARRIED BEFORE JUSTICE BATEMAN IN WELL-CLOSE,
+ON SUNDAY JULY THE 23RD, TOGETHER WITH HER EXAMINATION AND COMMITMENT TO
+BRIDEWELL, CLERKENWELL.'
+
+'_Sarah Griffith_ who Lived in a Garret in _Rosemary lane_, was a long
+time suspected for a bad Woman, but nothing could be prov'd against her,
+that the Law might take hold of her: Tho' some of the Neighbors Children
+would be strangely affected with unknown Distempers, as Vomiting of Pins,
+there Bodies turn'd into strang Postures, and such like; many were
+frighted with strange Apperitions of Cats, which, of a sudden, would
+vanish away; these, and such like, made those who lived in the
+Neighbourhood, both suspicious and fearful of her: Till, at last, the
+Devil (who always betrays those that deal with him) thus brought the Truth
+to Light. One, Mr. John ---- at the Sugarloaf, had a good jolly fellow for
+his Apprentice: This Old Jade came into his shop to buy a quartern of
+Sope. The Young fellow happened to Laugh; and the Scales not hanging
+right, cryed out he thought that they were be-Witched; The Old Woman
+hearing him say so, fell into a great Passion, judging he said so to
+ridicule her, ran out of the Shop, and threatened revenge. In the Night
+was heard a lumbring noise in the Shop, and the Man, coming down to see,
+found a strang confusion; every thing turn'd topsy turvy; all the goods
+out of order. But, what was worse, the next day, the poor fellow was
+troubled with a strange Disease, but [by] the good prayers of some
+Neighboring Divines, the power of the Devil was restrain'd.
+
+'Two or three days after, it happened that the Young Man, with two or
+three more, walking up to the New River Head, who should they see, but
+Mother _Griffith_ walking that way. They consulted together to try her;
+and one of them said, Let us toss her into the River, for I have heard,
+that if she Swims, 'tis a certain sign of a Witch. In short, they put
+their design in execution; for, coming up to her, they tossed her in; but,
+like a Bladder when forc'd under Water, pops up again, so this Witch was
+no sooner in, but Swam like a Corke; they kept her in some time, and, at
+last, let her come out again. She was no sooner out, but she smote that
+Young man on the Arm, and told him he should pay dear for what he had
+done. Immediately, he found a strange pain in his Arm, and, looking on it,
+found the exact mark of her hand and Fingers as black as a Cole. He went
+home, where he lay much tormented, and wonderfully affrighted with the Old
+Woman coming to afflict him; and, at last, died with the pain, and [was]
+Buried in St. _Pulchres_ Church Yard.
+
+'Mr. John ---- fearing some further mischief, takes a Constable, and goes
+to her Lodging, where he finds the Old Woman, and charges the Constable
+with her. She made many attempts to escape, but the Devil, who owed her a
+shame, had now left her, and she was apprehended. As she was conducted
+towards the Justice's house, she tried to leap over the Wall, and had done
+it, had not the Constable knocked her down. In this manner she was carried
+before the Justice. There was Evidence that was With him in his Sickness
+could Witness that he had unaccountable Fits, Vomitted up Old Nails, Pins
+and such like, his body being turned into strange postures, and, all the
+while, nothing but crying out of Mother _Griffith_, that she was come to
+torment him. His Arm rotted almost off, Gangreen'd, and kill'd him. When
+she came before the Justice, she pleaded innocence, but the circumstances
+appeared so plainly, that she was committed to _Bridewell_, where she now
+remains.
+
+'24 July, 1704.'
+
+If we needed any evidence to show the decadence of witchcraft, it can be
+found in the case of Sarah Mordike, who was (luckily for her) tried by
+Lord Chief Justice Holt in 1701. Hutchinson gives the best report of this
+case that I can find.
+
+'_Richard Hathaway_, Apprentice to _Thomas Wellyn_, a Blacksmith in
+_Southwark_, had either real Convulsions, or counterfeit Fits; at the time
+when he was bound first to his Master. When he had served about three
+Years, he was thought to be so ill, that he was put into the Hospital, and
+was judged to be a very miserable Spectacle, lying in strange Fits, and
+going double; and, after seven Weeks was turned out as incurable.
+
+'In September 1690 (?1700) he said he was bewitched, and vomited great
+Numbers of Pins, and seemed to be dumb and blind, and was thought to live
+without Meat for ten Weeks together, tho' he was put with Keepers into an
+empty House a great part of the Time, and had a bed bought on purpose, and
+was watched Day and Night by Persons that were Strangers to him. One of
+his Watchers deposed, That a Lump of Hair, loose Pins, a Stump of a Nail,
+half a Nutshel, and two or three pieces of Stone came from him. A second
+Witness confirmed this, and added, That he stood over him at the Time,
+with a drawn Sword in his Hand. His Face would be drawn on one side, He
+foamed at the Mouth, and crooked Pins were found in the Foam. His Head was
+bent to the Reins of his Back, and he went, sometimes, almost upon his
+Ankles. He would lie as if he was dead; and, once, was brought to himself
+by Cupping Glasses. Screeking and other Noises were heard in the Bed, and
+about the House, and Charms were applied to him, and were said to do him
+good. It was also deposed, That he barked like a Dog, and in his Fits
+burnt like a Flame of Fire.
+
+'The Person that he accused of the Witchcraft was one _Sarah Morduck_, of
+the same Parish. He intimated by Signs, that, if he might scratch her, he
+should be well. He did scratch her, and then he eat and drank, and had his
+Sight, and was well for six Weeks together.
+
+'After that, he seemed to be ill again, and signified that she had
+bewitched him again, and he must scratch her again. Upon this, the said
+_Sarah Morduck_ was assaulted in her own House, and grievously abused; her
+Hair and Face torn; she, was kicked, thrown to the Ground, stamped on, and
+threatened to be put into a Horse-Pond, to be tried by Swimming, and very
+hardly escaped with her Life. In hopes to avoid these Dangers, she removed
+out of _Southwark_, and lodged in _London_; but, still, she was not
+suffered to be in safety, but was followed in the Streets, and often
+thought herself in danger of being pulled in Pieces.
+
+'About _Easter_, 1701, she was carried before Sir _Thomas Lane_, and was
+stript and searched by his Order, and _Hathaway_ scratched her before him,
+and then he eat and drank, and was thought to be well. Sir _Thomas_
+committed her, and _Hathaway_ continued free from his Fits. Near the Time
+of Tryal, the Prayers of several Churches were desired, and Money was
+gathered for him: between six and seven Pounds at one Collection; and
+other Sums at other Times, to bear his Charges to the Assizes.
+
+'In the latter end of _July_, at _Guildford_ Assizes, this _Sarah Morduck_
+was tried before the Right Honourable, the Lord Chief Justice _Holt_, and
+was acquitted, and _Richard_, himself, was committed as a Cheat and
+Impostor: But both Judge, and Jury, and Witnesses were slandered, as if
+they had not done fairly.
+
+'For several Days after his Commitment to the _Marshalsea_, he eat, and
+drank, and slept: but, some time after, he was again as if under the Power
+of Witchcraft, dumb and fasting.
+
+'That it might be certain whether he did really live without Meat or not,
+my Lord Chief Justice put him into the House of Mr. _Kensy_, a Surgeon, in
+_November_ following, that he might make Tryal of him.
+
+'_March 25, 1702_, this _Hathaway_ was tried before Lord Chief Justice
+_Holt_, and Mr. Baron _Hatfell_, in _Southwark_, the Place in which the
+Fact was best known, and where any witnesses might appear without Charge.
+
+'On _Hathaway's_ side, these things were sworn that I have mentioned
+already.
+
+'To convict him of Imposture, it was deposed, That on purpose for an
+Experiment, Dr. _Martin_, Minister of the Parish, had contrived that he
+scratch'd another Woman, when he thought he had scratch'd this _Sarah
+Morduck_; and upon that, he opened his Eyes; but, being told he had
+scratch'd the wrong Woman, he pretended to be blind and dumb again. And
+the manner of his doing it was such, as showed him a crafty fellow, taking
+care of himself; for he felt her Arm four times over, before he would
+scratch her.
+
+'To prove that his vomiting Pins was by a Trick, it was deposed, That
+immediately after he had vomited great Numbers in appearance upon the
+Ground, and was going to vomit more, Care being taken that he should vomit
+into a Basin, and his Hands being kept down below it, there was not a Pin
+in the Basin, but a great many crooked ones in his Pockets, in readiness
+to have play'd his Tricks with.
+
+'Some of the Noises that were said to be made in the Bed, were shewed to
+be made by his own Feet scratching the Bed Post.
+
+'Besides what he got by Gifts and Collections, it was proved that he had
+tried to make a Gain, by printing a Narrative of his own Case.
+
+'With respect to his Fasting, it was said by one of his own Witnesses,
+that there came from him five Times more than he took. After two Days
+fasting, and refusing to take any thing from Mr. _Kensy_, for fear he
+should really starve himself, rather than own his knavery, Mr. _Kensy_
+contrived to let him have Meat in a private Way, by this Device. He
+pretended to fall out with his Maid in _Hathaway's_ hearing, and said she
+gave him Meat; and therefor he gave her Warning to be gone. She carried on
+the Design, and told him she was as ready to be gone as he was to have her
+go; and, after this feigned Quarrell, she spake kindly to _Richard_, and
+bad him take nothing from her Master; for, while she stay'd she would take
+Care of him. After this, he took Meat from her; but a Child being in the
+Room, he pointed that it might not see him. He eat and drank any Thing she
+gave him, Ale, Brandy, Fish, Pudding, Mutton, &c. Once he was drunk, and
+spew'd, and covered his Vomit with Ashes; But if either Mr. _Kensy_, or
+anyone else offered him any, he refused to take it; and, when he had eaten
+heartily, he would shew them his Belly clung up to his Back, as though
+there had been nothing in it. The Maid saw this openly, Mr. _Kensy_ saw it
+through a private Hole; and, once, he had four Neighbours with him, that
+saw it as well as he. He eat in this manner for eleven Days together, and
+yet pretended to continue his Fast. If they asked him how many Weeks he
+had fasted before he came to Mr. _Kensy's_ House? he counted Ten upon his
+Fingers. If they asked him how many Weeks he had fasted since his coming
+thither? he counted Two, tho' they had seen him eat eleven Days of the two
+Weeks.
+
+'When they had Proof enough, Mr. _Kensy_ told him he was discover'd, and
+said his Friends were in Custody, and had confess'd the whole Matter. Upon
+that he cried passionately and said he would tell the Lord Chief Justice
+the whole Truth, and asked, If his Mother was safe? But, my Lord not being
+at his Chamber, he, in about an Hour after, recanted, and said again that
+he was bewitched.
+
+'These Things were deposed at large by many and substantial Witnesses;
+insomuch that the Jury, without going from the Bar, returned him Guilty.
+
+'Some Months after, my Lord Chief Justice _Holt_ past Sentence upon him,
+That he should suffer Imprisonment a Year, and stand in the Pillory three
+Times.'
+
+The last case of witchcraft in England, where a so-called witch was tried
+and condemned by judge and jury (although she was not executed), was that
+of Jane Wenham in 1712. I am aware that another and later case is cited in
+1716 of one Mrs. Hicks and her daughter, said to have been executed at
+Huntingdon, for 'selling their souls to the devil, making their neighbours
+vomit pins, and raising a storm by which a certain ship was almost lost';
+but as no one yet has been able to find any record of this case, I beg
+leave to doubt its existence.
+
+But Jane Wenham's was a _cause celebre_. She lived at Walkern, a village
+in Hertfordshire, about four miles from Stevenage. The account of the
+proceedings at her trial is very long, so that I shall only give two or
+three of the informations laid against her:
+
+'_Matthew Gilston_, of the Parish of _Walkerne_, says upon Oath, that, on
+_New Years Day_ last past, he carrying Straw upon a Fork from Mr.
+_Gardiner's_ Barn, met _Jane Wenham_, who asked him for some Straw, which
+he refused to give her; then she said she would take some, and accordingly
+took some away from this Informant.
+
+'And farther, this Informant saith, that on the 29th of _Jan._ last, when
+this Informant was threshing in the Barn of his Master, _John Chapman_, an
+Old Woman in a Riding-hood, or Cloak, he knows not which, came to the Barn
+Door, and asked him for a Penyworth of Straw; he told her he could give
+her none, and she went away, Muttering.
+
+'And this Informant saith, that after the Woman was gone, he was not able
+to work, but ran out of the Barn, as far as a place called _Munders-Hill_,
+(which is about Three Miles from _Walkerne_) and asked at a House there
+for a Penyworth of Straw, and they, refusing to give him any, he went
+farther, to some Dung-heaps, and took some Straw from thence, and pull'd
+off his Shirt, and brought it Home in his Shirt; he knows not what mov'd
+him to this, but says he was forc'd to it, he knows not how.
+
+'_Susan Aylott_, the Wife of _William Aylott_, of the Parish of
+_Walkerne_, saith upon Oath, that about 12 Years ago last _Christmas_,
+she, this Informant, was sent for to the Wife of _Richard Harvey_, lying
+very Ill in a strange Condition; and, as soon as she came thither, _Jane
+Wenham_ followed her, and she, this Informant, wonder'd that _Jane Wenham_
+followed her, since _Richard Harvey's_ Wife had told her that she, the
+said _Jane Wenham_ had bewitched her: Then _Jane Wenham_ went under the
+Window where the sick Woman lay, and said, Why do they let this Creature
+lye there? Why don't they take her and hang her out of the way? At which
+she, this Informant, had some Words with _Jane Wenham_, saying, Take you,
+and hang you out of the Way: and then _Jane Wenham_ answer'd, Hold you
+your Tongue, I don't meddle with you, and that Night, the sick Woman,
+aforesaid, died.
+
+'And this Informant farther saith, That, soon after, _Jane Wenham_ came to
+this Informant's House, and look'd upon a Child which was in her Lap, and
+stroaked it; and said, _Susan_, you have a curious Child; you and I had
+some Words, but I hope we are Friends; and asked this Informant to lend
+her a Glass to carry some Vinegar in from the Shop; then this Informant
+sent _Jane Wenham_ a Glass, who went away. And this Informant was afraid
+of her Child, remembering she was thought to have bewitched _Richard
+Harvey's_ Wife.
+
+'This Informant further saith, That on _Sunday_ following, she was at her
+brother _Jeremy Harvey's_ House, with her Child, and that her Child was
+taken in a grievous Condition, stark Distracted, and so died on the
+Thursday following; and this Informant saith, she thinks _Jane Wenham_
+bewitched her Child; and saith also, that Jane Wenham has had the
+Reputation of a Witch for several Years before.
+
+'_Thomas Adams_, Junior, of _Walkerne_, maketh Oath, that about Three
+Weeks, or a month before _Christmas last_, he met _Jane Wenham_ in his
+Turnip Field, with a few of his Turnips, which she was carrying away; and
+upon his Threatning her, she threw them down; he, this Informant, told her
+she might keep them, for she should pay dear for them; then she was very
+submissive, and begg'd Pardon, saying, she had no Victuals all that day,
+and had no money to buy any; afterwards, they parted, and he saw her not
+after; But, on _Christmas-Day_ Morning, One of his best Sheep died without
+any Signs of Illness found upon the Body after it was open'd, and Nine or
+Ten Days after, died another Sheep, in an unaccountable Manner; and,
+shortly after, Two more Sheep died also, some of them having no Marks of
+Disease upon 'em, but being sound in all their Parts, as his Shepherd
+informs him. He also saith that his Shepherd tells him that one other
+Sheep was taken strangely, skipping and standing upon its Head, but in
+half an Hour was well, and continues so; and another Sheep was likewise
+Ill, Two or Three Days, but it is now well again: And _Jane Wenham_ having
+the Common Fame of a Witch, he does believe that if they were bewitch'd,
+she did bewitch them.'
+
+All these charges convinced the jury that she was indeed a witch, and the
+judge had no option but to sentence her; but he got her a reprieve, and
+she was let out of prison, when she was kindly befriended by Colonel
+Plummer, of Gilston, who gave her a cottage in which she harmlessly lived
+the remainder of her days.
+
+But although this was the last capital conviction in England, the belief
+in witchcraft was far from dead; nay, it is still living in some remote
+districts, but cannot long exist, as education makes its way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ Scotch Witches--Bessie Dunlop--Alesoun Peirson--Dr. John Fian--The
+ Devil a Preacher--Examination of Agnes Sampson--Confession of Issobel
+ Gowdie.
+
+
+But Scotland was the real home of the witch. Comparatively speaking, the
+English hardly knew what a witch was, and the reports of trials are so
+numerous that space prohibits my making more than a selection of them.
+Witches were important personages--at least, in the sixteenth century--for
+we read in the trial of Bessie Dunlop, 1576, how many noble ladies
+consulted her. 'And demandit,--To quhom sche applyit the powder in drink?
+Declarit,--That the Lady Johnstoune the elder, send to hir ane servand of
+the said ladies, &c ... Interrogat--Quhair sche gaif the gentile woman the
+drink? Answerit--In hir awin sisteris hous, the young Ladye Blakhallis....
+Demandit--Gif ony uther personnes had bene at hir for the lyke caus?
+Declarit--That the Lady Kilbowye elder, send for hir &c....
+Demandit--Quhat personnes thar wer? Answerit--The Ladye Thridpairt in the
+barronye of Renfrew, send to hir, and sperit at her, Quha was it that had
+stollin from hir twa hornis of gold, and are croune of the sone, out of
+hir pyrse?... The Ladye Blaire sundrie times had spokin with hir, about
+sum claise that was stollin fra hir.'
+
+Again, in the trial of Alesoun Peirson, May 28, 1588: 'And in speciall,
+scho said, that he tauld hir that the Bischop of Sanct Androus[56] had
+mony seiknessis, as the trimbling fewer,[57] the palp,[58] the
+rippilis,[59] and the flexus;[60] and baid hir mak ane faw,[61] and rub it
+on his cheikis, his craig, his breist, stommak and sydis.'
+
+A favourite place of meeting, where they held their Sabbat, was at North
+Berwick-Kirk. In the trial of Johnne Feane, alias Cwninghame, December 26,
+1590, we find: 'Item. Fylit, ffor being in cumpany with Satan in the Kirk
+of North Berwick, quhair he apperit to him in the forme of ane blak maun
+within the pulpett thairof; and efter his out-cuminge of the Kirk, poyntit
+the graues and stwid aboue thame; quhilkis wer opnit in thre sindrie
+pairtis, twa within and ane without; quhilk the wemen demembrit the deid
+corps and bodeis being thairin, with thair galleis;[62] and in contment
+wes transportit, without wordis.... Item. Fylit. for being in North
+Berwick Kirk, at ane conventioune with Sathan and utheris witches; quhair
+Sathan maid ane dewelisch sermon, quhair the said Johnne satt uponne the
+left syde of the pulppett, narrest him; And the sermon being endit, he
+came doune and tuke the said Johnne be the hand; and led him
+widderschinnis[63] about.'
+
+In 'A True Discourse of the apprehension of Sundrie Witches lately taken
+in Scotland,' etc., 1591, is the following 'Item. The said Agnis Tompson
+(Sampson) was after brought againe before the Kinges Majestie and his
+Councell, and beeing examined of the meetings and detestable dealings of
+those witches, she confessed, that upon the night of Allhollow Even last,
+shee was accompanied, as well with the persons aforesaide, as also with a
+great many other witches, to the number of two hundreth, and that all they
+together went to Sea, each one in a riddle or cive, and went into the same
+very substantially, with flaggons of wine, making merrie and drinking by
+the way, in the same riddles or cives, to the Kirk of North Barrick in
+Lowthian; and that after they had landed, tooke handes on the lande, and
+daunced this reill or short daunce, singing all with one voice,
+
+ '"Commer goe ye before, commer goe ye,
+ Gif ye will not goe before, commer let me."
+
+'At which time shee confessed, that this Geillis Duncane did goe before
+them, playing this reill or daunce, uppon a small trumpe, called a Jewe's
+trump, untill they entred into the Kirk of North Barrick.'
+
+This Agnes Sampson was tried on January 27, 1591, for conspiring the
+King's death, witchcraft, sorcery, incantation, etc., and her ultimate
+fate was 'to be tane to the Castle (hill) of Edinburgh, and thair bund to
+ane staik and werreit (strangled), quhill sche wes deid; and thairefter
+her body to be brunt in assis.'
+
+'Item, fylit and convict, ffor as mekle as sche confest before his
+Maiestie, That the Dewill, in mannis liknes, mett hir going out in the
+fieldis frome hir awin hous att Keyth, betwix fyve and sax at ewin, being
+hir allane; and commandit hir to be at North Bervick Kirk the nixt nycht:
+And she passit thair on horsbak, and lychtit at the Kirk yaird. Or a
+lytill before sche come to itt, about ellewin houris att ewin, they
+danceit alangis the Kirk yaird, Gelie Duncan playit to thame one a trump.'
+
+She then gives the names of many who were present. 'Quhairof thair wes sax
+men, and all the rest wemen. The wemen maid fyrst thair homage, and nixt
+the men. The men wer turnit nyne tymes widderschinnes about, and the wemen
+sax tymes. Johnne Fien blew up the duris, and blew in the lychtis,
+quhilkis wer lyke mekle blak candillis, stiking round about the pulpett.
+The Devill start up himselff in the pulpett, lyke are mekle blak man, and
+callit ewerie man be his name, and ewerie ane ansuerit: "Heir, Mr." The
+fyrst thing he demandit, was "Gif thay kepit all promeis, and bene guid
+servandis?" and "Quhat thay had done since the last tyme thay had
+convenit?"--One his command, thay opnit up the graves, twa within and ane
+without the kirk, and tuik of the jountis of thair fingaris, tais and
+neife,[64] and partit thame amangis thame: and the said Agnes Sampsoune
+gatt for hir pairt, ane windene scheit and twa jountis, quhilk sche tint
+negligentlie. The Devill commandit thame to keip the jountis upoun thame,
+quhill thay wer dry, and thane to mak ane powder of thame, to do ewill
+withall. Then he commandit thame to keip his commandmentis, quhilkis war,
+to do all the ewill they could.'
+
+Their initiation was similar to their English sisters', as the aforesaid
+Agnes Sampson affirms. 'The fyrst tyme sche begane to serue the Dewill,
+was eftir the death of hir husband; and that he apperit to hir, in liknes
+of ane man, quha commandit hir to acknowledge him as hir maister, and to
+renunce Chryste; quhairunto sche grant it, being movit be pouertie and his
+promesis, that sche and hir bairnis sould be maid ritch, and sould gif hir
+power to be revangeit of hir inimeis; and eftir that, he appointit tyme
+and place for thair nycht meting; and that tyme, in signe that sche wes
+becum his seruand, he markit hir in the rycht kne, quhilk mark sche
+belevit to haif bene ane hurt ressavit be hir fra ane of hir bairnies that
+wes lyand in the bed with hir; quhilk hurt wes nocht haill for half ane
+yeir.'
+
+Before finishing with this lady, I must give another portion of her most
+extraordinary confession. 'Moreover she confessed, that, at the time when
+his Majestie was in Denmarke, shee being accompanied by the parties before
+speciallie named, took a cat, and christened it, and afterwards bounde to
+each part of that cat, the cheefest part of a dead man, and severall
+joyntis of his bodie: And that, in the night following, the saide cat was
+convayed into the middest of the sea by all these witches, sayling in
+their riddles or cives, and so left the saide cat right before the towne
+of Leith in Scotland. This doone, there did arise such a tempest in the
+sea, as a greater hath not beene seene.'
+
+This was the way they baptized the cat: 'In the wobstaris[65] hous, in
+maner following: Fyrst, twa of thame held ane fingar,[66] in the ane syd
+of the chimnay cruik, and ane uther held ane uther fingar in the uther
+syd, the twa nebbis[67] of the fingaris meeting togidder; than thay patt
+the catt thryis throw the linkis of the cruik, and passit itt thryis under
+the chimnay.'
+
+The confession of Issobell Gowdie, May 3, 1662, although it is somewhat
+mutilated, gives us a good insight into the manners and customs of Scotch
+witches:
+
+'Efter that tym ther vold meit bot sometymes a _Coven_, somtymes mor,
+somtymes les; bot a Grand Meitting vold be about the end of ilk Quarter.
+Ther is threttein persones in ilk _Coven_; and ilk on of us has a _Spirit_
+to wait wpon us, quhan ve pleas to call wpon him. I remember not all the
+Spritis names; bot thair is on called _Swein_, quhilk waitis wpon the said
+Margaret Wilson in Aulderne; he is still[68] clothed in grass grein; and
+the said Margret Wilson hes an niknam called _Pikle neirest the Wind_. The
+nixt Sprit is called _Rorie_ who waitis wpon Bessie Wilsone, in Aulderne;
+he is still clothed in yallow; and hir nikname is _Throw the Corne yaird_.
+The third Sprit is called _The Roring Lyon_, who waitis wpon Issobell
+Nicoll in Locklow; and [he is still clothed] in sea grein; her niknam is
+_Bessie Rule_. The fowrth Sprit is called _Mak Hector_, qwho waitis wpon
+Jean Martein, dawghter to the said Margaret Wilson; he is a yowng-lik
+Devill, clothed still in grass [green. Jean Martein is] _Maiden_ to the
+Coven that I am of; and hir nikname is _Over the Dyke with it_, becaws the
+_Divill_ [alwayis takis the] Maiden in his hand nix him, quhan ve daunce
+Gillatrypes, and quhan he vold lowp from ...[69] he and she will say,
+"Ower the dyk with it." The name of the fyft Sprit is _Robert the_ [_Rule_
+and he is still clothed in] sadd dun, and seimis to be a Comander of the
+rest of the Spiritis; and he waittis wpon Margret Brodie, in Aulderne.
+[The name of the saxt Spirit] is called _Thieff of Hell wait upon hir
+selfe_, and he waitis also on the said Bessie Wilson. The name of the
+sevinth [Sprit is called] _The Read Reiver_, and he is my owin Spirit,
+that waittis on my selfe, and is still clothed in blak. The aught Spirit
+[is called] _Robert the Jackis_, still clothed in dune, and seimes to be
+aiged. He is ane glaiked gowked Spirit! The woman's [nikname] that he
+waitis on, is _Able and Stowt_! The nynth Spirit is called _Laing_, and
+the womans nikname that he vaitis wpon is _Bessie Bauld_. The Tenth Spirit
+is named _Thomas a Fearie_, &c.--Ther wil be many uther Divellis, waiting
+wpon [our] _Maister Divell_; bot he is bigger and mor awfull than the rest
+of the Divellis, and they all reverence him. I will ken them all, on by
+on, from utheris, quhan they appeir lyk a man.
+
+'Quhan we rease the wind, we tak a rag of cloth, and weitts[70] it in
+water; and we take a beetle[71] and knokis the rage on a stone, and we
+say thryse ower:
+
+ '"I _knok_ this ragg wpon this stane,
+ To raise the wind, in _the Divellis_ name;
+ It sall not lye,[72] untill I please againe!"
+
+'[Whan] we wold lay the wind, we dry the ragg, and say [thryse ower]:
+
+ '"We lay the wind in _the Divellis_ name,
+ [It sall not] ryse quhill we lyk to rease it again!"
+
+'And if the wind will not lye instantlie [after we say this] we call wpon
+owr Spirit, and say to him:
+
+ '"Thieffe! Thieffe! conjure the wind, and caws it to [lye ...]"
+
+'We haw no power of rain, bot ve will rease the wind quhan ve pleas.--He
+maid us beliew [...] that ther wes no _God_ besyd him.
+
+'As for Elf-arrow-heidis, _the Diuell_ shapes them with his awin hand, and
+syne deliueris thame to Elf-boyes, who whyttis and dightis[73] them with a
+sharp thing lyk a paking neidle; bot [quhan I was in Elfland?] I saw them
+whytting and dighting them. Quhan I wes in the Elfes howssis, they will
+haw werie ... them whytting and dighting: and _the Diwell_ giwes them to
+ws, each of ws so many, quhen.... Thes that dightis thaim ar litle ones,
+holow, and boss baked![74] They speak gowstie[75] lyk. Quhen _the Divell_
+giwes them to ws, he sayes:
+
+ '"Shoot thes in my name,
+ And they sall not goe heall hame!"
+
+'And quhan we shoot these arrowes we say:
+
+ '"I _shoot_ yon man in _the Divellis_ name,
+ He sall not win heall hame!
+ And this sal be alswa trw;
+ Thair sall not be an bit of him on lieiw."[76]
+
+'We haw no bow to shoot with, but spang[77] them from the naillis of our
+thowmbes. Som tymes we will misse, bot if thay twitch[78] be it beast, or
+man, or woman, it will kill, tho' they haid an jack[79] wpon them. Qwhen
+we goe in the shape of an haire, we say thryse owr:
+
+ '"I sall goe intill ane haire,
+ With sorrow, and sych, and meikle caire;
+ And I sall goe in _the Divellis_ nam,
+ Ay whill I com hom [againe]!"
+
+'And instantlie we start in an hair, And when we wold be owt of that
+shape, we vill say:
+
+ '"Haire [haire, God send the caire!]
+ I am in an hairis liknes just now,
+ But I sal be in a womanis liknes ewin [now]!"
+
+'When we vold goe in the liknes of an Cat, we say thryse ower:
+
+ '"I sall go [intill ane catt,]
+ [With sorrow, and sych, and a blak] shot!
+ And I sall goe in _the Divellis_ nam,
+ Ay quhill I com hom again!"
+
+'And if ve [wold goe in ane Craw,[80] then] we say thryse ower:
+
+ '"I sall goe intill a craw,
+ With sorrow and sych, and a blak [thraw!
+ And I sall goe in _the Divellis_ nam,]
+ Ay quhill I com hom again!"
+
+'And quhen ve vold be owt of thes shapes, we say:
+
+ "Catt, catt, (or craw, craw,) [God] send the a blak shott! (or thraw)
+ I wes a catt (or craw) just now,
+ Bot I sal be [in a woman's liknes evin now.]
+ Catt, catt, (or craw, craw,) God send the a blak shot! (or thraw)."
+
+'Giff we in the [shape of an catt, an craw, an] haire, or ony uther
+liknes, &c., go to any of our neighbouris howssis, being Witches, we will
+[say]:
+
+ "[I (or we) _conjure_] the Goe with ws (or me)!"
+
+'And presentlie they becom as we ar, either cats, hearis, crowes, &c., and
+goe [with ws whither we wold. Quhan] we wold ryd, we tak windlestrawes, or
+bean stakes,[81] and put them betwixt owr foot, and say thryse:
+
+ '"[Horse] and hattok, horse and goe,
+ Horse and pellatis, ho! ho!"
+
+'And immediatlie we flie away whair [evir we wold]; and least our
+husbandis sould miss vs owt of owr beddis, we put in a boosom,[82] or a
+thrie [leggit stoole besyde thame] and say thryse ower:
+
+ "I _lay_ down this boosom (or stooll) in _the Devillis_ name
+ Let it not steir ... [Quhill I] com again!"
+
+'And immediatlie it seimis a voman, besyd our husbandis.
+
+'Ve can not turn in the lik[nes of ...] Quhen my husband sold beeff, I
+used to put a swellowes feather in the hyd of the beast, and [say thryse]:
+
+ "[I] _putt_ out this beeff in _the Divellis_ nam,
+ That meikle silver and good pryce com hame!"
+
+'I did ewin so [quhenevir I putt] furth either horse, noat,[83] vebs,[84]
+or any uther thing to be sold, and still put in this feather, and said the
+[samin wordis thryse] ower, to caws the comodities sell weill.
+
+ "Our Lord to hunting he [is gone]
+ ... marble stone,
+ He sent vord to Saint Knitt...."
+
+Quhan we vold heall ony sor or brokin limb, we say thryse ower
+
+ "He pat the blood to the blood, Till all up stood!
+ The lith to the lith, Till all look with;
+ Owr Ladie charmed her deirlie Sone, with hir tooth and her townge,
+ And her ten fingeris----
+ In the name of _the Father_, _the Son_, and _the Halie Ghaist_!"
+
+'And this we say thryse ower, straiking[85] the sor, and it becomes heall.
+
+'2{dli} For the Bean-straw,[86] or pain in the heaunce,[87] _Wee_ ar heir
+thrie _Maidens_ charming for the bean-straw; y{e} man of the Midle-earth,
+blew beaver, land-feaver, maneris of stooris, The Lord fleigged[88] the
+Feind with his holy candles and yeird foot stone!--Thair she sittis, and
+heir she is gon!--Let hir nevir com heir again!
+
+3{dli} For _the Feaveris_, we say thrise ower, I _forbid_ the
+qwaking-feavers, the sea-feaveris, the land-feaveris, and all the feaveris
+that ewir God ordained, owt of the head, owt of the heart, owt of the bak,
+owt of the sydis, owt of the kneyis, owt of the thieghes, fra the pointis
+of the fingeris, to the nebes[89] of the toes; owt fall the feaveris goe,
+[som] to the hill, som to the hap, som to the stone, som to the stok. In
+Saint Peiteris nam, Saint Paullis nam, and all the Saintis of Hevin: In
+the nam of _The Father_, _the Sone_, and _The Halie Gost_!
+
+'And when we took the frwit of the fishes from [the] fisheris, we went to
+the shore, before the boat wold com to it; and we wold say, on the shore
+syd, thrie seuerall tymes ower,
+
+ '"The fisheris ar gon to the sea,
+ And they vill bring hom fishe to me;
+ They will bring them hom intill the boat,
+ Bot they sall get of thaim bot the smaller sort!"
+
+So we either steall a fish, or buy a fish, or get a fish from them [for
+nowght] an or ma.[90] And with that we haw all the fruit of the heall
+fishes in the boat; and the fishes that the fishermen thamselues will haw,
+will be bot froath &c.
+
+'The first woyag that ewer I went with the rest of owr _Covens_ wes to
+Plewghlandis; and thair we shot an man betwixt the plewgh-stiltis, and he
+presentlie fell to the ground, wpon his neise and his mowth; and then _the
+Divell_ gaw me an arrow, and cawsed me shoot an voman in that fieldis;
+quhilk I did, and she fell down dead. In Winter 1660, quhen Mr. Harie
+Forbes, Minister at Aulderne, was seik, we maid an bagg of the gallis,
+flesh, and guttis of toadis, pickles of bear,[91] pairingis of the nailis
+of fingeris and toes, the liewer of ane hair, and bittis of clowtis. We
+steipit this all together, all night among watter, all haked[92] throw
+uther. And whan we did put it among the water, _Satan_ wes with ws, and
+learned ws the wordis following, to say thryse ower. They ar thus.
+
+ '"_He_ is lying in his bed,--he is lyeing seik and sair;
+ Let him lye intill his bed two monethes and [thrie] dayes mair!
+ 2{li}. Let him lye intill his bed--let him lye intill it seik and sore;
+ Let him lye intill his bed, monthis two and thrie dayes mor!
+ 3{li}. He sall lye intill his bed, he sall lye in it seik and sore;
+ He sall lye intill his bed, two monethis and thrie dayes mor!"
+
+'Quhan we haid learned all these wordis from _the Devill_, as said is, we
+all fell down [wpon owr] kneis, with owr hear down ower owr showlderis and
+eyes, and owr handis lifted wp, and owr eyes [stedfastlie fixed wpon] _the
+Divell_; and said the forsaidis wordis thryse ower to _the Divell_,
+striktlie, against Maister Harie Forbes [his recowering from the said
+seiknes]. In the night tym we cam into Mr. Harie Forbes chalmer, quhair he
+lay, with owr handis all smeared [... out] of the bagg to swing it upon
+Mr. Harie, quhair he wes seik in his bed; and, in the day tyme [... ane of
+owr] nwmber, quho wes most familiar and intimat with him, to wring or
+swing the bagg wpon the said Mr. Harie, as we could not prevaill in the
+night tym against him; quhilk wes accordinglie done.'
+
+'_Johne Taylor_ and his wyff, _Bessie_, and _Margret Wilsones_, and I,
+maid a pictur for the _Laird of Parkis_ maill children. _Johnne Taylor_
+brought hom the clay in his plaid newk;[93] his wyff sifted it; we poured
+in water in a cowg[94] amongst it, and wrought it sor,[95] and maid a
+pictor of it, lyk a child, als big as a pow. It vanted no mark of the imag
+of a bairn, eyes, nose, mouth, little lippies, and the hands of it folded
+down by its sydis. The vordis, quhan we maid it, ver thes:
+
+ '"We put this water among this meall,
+ For long divining,[96] and ill heall;
+ We put it intill the fyr,
+ To burn them up both stik and stour,
+ That be burnt with our will,
+ As any stikill[97] on a kill!"
+
+_The Divell_ sitton on an blak kist. Ve wer al on owr kneyis, and owr hair
+about our eyes, looking on _the Divell_ stedfastlie, and our handis lifted
+up to him, saying the vordes ower. And by this the bairnis died.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+ Early Witchcraft in Scotland--Lady Glamys--Bessie Dunlop--Lady
+ Foulis--Numerous Cases.
+
+
+Witchcraft in Scotland began early, for we hear of some dozen or more
+people being burnt at Edinburgh in 1479, for attempting to bewitch the
+King, James III., to death, by means of a waxen image. In the proclamation
+of 1510, for regulating the proceedings at circuit courts the judges are
+instructed to ask the question, 'Gif thair be ony Wichecraift or Soffary
+wsit in y{e} realme?' but it was not until the passing of the Act of 1563
+that the regular persecution of these deluded people began.
+
+The first recorded case of witchcraft that I can find in Pitcairn's
+'Criminal Trials in Scotland,' is that of Lady Glamys, where we read:
+
+'31 Jan. 1532. _Jonet, Lady Glammys_ found _John Drummond_ of
+_Innerpeffery_ as surety for her appearance at the next Justice-aire of
+_Forfar_, to underly the law for art and part of the Intoxication of
+_John, Lord Glammys_, her husband.'
+
+That considerable sympathy was felt with her is shown by the number of
+gentlemen who preferred being fined to giving evidence in her case. But
+this can scarcely be called a case of witchcraft. She was certainly
+accused of trying to poison her husband by means of charmed drinks, but
+the chief accusation brought against her at her trial in 1537, by the
+malice of her husband's brother, was attempting to poison the King, a
+charge which she disposed of easily in her defence. Said she:
+
+'I am here accus'd for purposing to kill _the King_; and, to make my
+pretended crime appear more frightful, it is given out that the way was to
+be by poison. With what strange impudence can any accuse me of such
+wickedness who never saw any poison, nor know I anything about the
+preparation of it? Let them tell where I bought it, or who procur'd it for
+me? Or, though I had it, how could I use it, since I never come near _the
+King's_ person, his table, nor Palace? It is well known, that, since my
+last marriage with this unfortunate gentleman, I have liv'd in the
+country, at a great distance from the Court. What opportunity could I have
+to poison _the King_?'
+
+But it was of no avail, she was to die, and this is her sentence:
+
+'For the quhilkis tressonable crimes, the said Jonet, Lady of Glammys hes
+foirfallit to oure souerane lord, hir life, hir landis, gudis movable and
+unmovable: And that scho sall be had to Castell hill of Edinburghe, and
+their BRYNT in ane fyre to the deid, as ane Traytour. And that I gif for
+Dome.'
+
+An historian[98] says: 'She heard the sentence pronounced without the
+least signe of terrour or concern. On the day appointed for her
+Execution, she suffered on the _Castle-Hill_ of _Edinburgh_, where she
+appear'd with so much beauty and little concern, that all the spectators
+were so deeply afflicted for her, that they burst out with tears and loud
+lamentations for her untimely end, and were so confident of her Innocence,
+that they design'd to rescue her. But _the King's_ Officers and Guards
+being present, hinder'd their attempting anything that way.'
+
+The foregoing is evidently more a political case than one of witchcraft,
+the earliest of which existing in the records of the High Court of
+Justiciary in Scotland is June 26, 1563: '_Agnes Mullikine_, alias _Bessie
+Boswell_, in Dunfermeling, wes _Banist_ and _exilit_ for Witchcraft.' The
+next is December 29, 1572: '_Jonet Boyman_, spous to _Williame Steill_,
+Delatit of diuerse crymes of Witchcraft. _Convict and Brint._'
+
+The next is most interesting, although it savours more of Elfland than of
+_diablerie_, and is dated November 8, 1576:
+
+'_Elizabeth_, or _Bessie Dunlop_, spous to _Andro Jak_ in _Lyne_.[99]
+Dilatit of the using of Sorcerie, Witchcraft, and Incantatione of spretis
+of the devill; continewand in familiaritie with thame, at all sic tymes as
+sche thocht expedient: deling with charmes, and abusing the peple with
+devillisch craft of sorcerie foresaid, be the meanis after specefeit; usit
+thir diuerse geiris bypast; specialie, at the tymes and in the maner
+following.
+
+'In the first, That fforsamekle as the said Elizabeth being demandit, be
+quhat art and knaulege sche could tell diuerse personnes of thingis thai
+tynt, or was stollin away, or help seik personnes? Ansuerit and declarit,
+that sche hirself had na kynd of art nor science swa to do; but diuerse
+tymes, quhen onye sic personnes come ather to hir, sche wald inquire at
+ane Thome Reid, quha deit at Pinkye,[100] as he himselff affirmit; wha
+wald tell hir, quhen euer sche askit.--
+
+'(2) Item. Sche being inquirit, quhat kynd of man this Thom Reid was?
+Declarit, he was ane honest wele elderlie man, gray beardit, and had ane
+gray coitt with Lumbart slevis of the auld fassoun; ane pair of gray
+brekis, and quhyte schankis, gartanit aboue the kne: ane blak bonet on his
+heid, cloise behind and plane befoir, with silkin laissis drawin throw the
+lippis thairof; and ane quhyte wand in his hand.
+
+'(3) Item. Being interrogat, how and in quhat maner of place the said
+Thome Reid came to hir? Ansuerit, as sche was gangand betwix hir awin
+hous, and the yard of Monk castell, dryvand hir ky to the pasture; and
+makand hevye sair dule[101] with hir self, gretand[102] verrie fast for
+hir kow that was deid, hir husband and chyld, that wer lyand seik in the
+land, and sche new rissine out of gissane.[103] The forsaid Thom mett her
+by the way, healsit[104] hir, and said, "Gude day, Bessie;" and sche said,
+"God speid yow, gude man." "_Sancta Marie_" saide he, "Bessie quhy makis
+thow sa grit dule and sair greting for ony warldlie thing?" Sche ansuerit,
+"Allace! haif I nocht grit caus to mak grit dule? ffor our geir is
+trakit;[105] and my husband is on the point of deid, and ane babie of my
+awin will nocht leve; and myself at ane waik point; haif I nocht gude caus
+thane to haif ane sair hart?" But Thom said, "Bessie, thow hes crabit[106]
+God, and askit sum thing you suld nocht haif done; and, thairfor, I
+counsell thee to mend to him: for I tell thee thy barne sall die, and the
+seik kow, or you cum hame; thy twa scheip sall de to; bot thy husband sall
+mend, and be als haill and feir as euir he was." And, than, I was sum
+thing blyther, fra he tauld me that my gudeman wald mend. Than Thome Reid
+went away fra me, in throw the yard of Monk castell; and I thocht he gait
+in at ane naroware hoill of the dyke, nor ony erdlie man culd haif gane
+throw, and swa I was sum thing fleit.[107]
+
+'(4) Item. The thrid [? second] tyme, he apperit to hir, as sche was
+gangand betwix hir awin hous and the Thome of Damwstarnok, quhair he
+tareit ane gude quhyle with hir, and sperit at hir, "Gif sche wald nocht
+trow[108] in him?" Sche said, "Sche wald trow in ony bodye did her gude."
+And Thom promeist hir baith geir, horsis, and ky, and uther graith, gif
+scho wald denye hir Christindome, and the faith sche tuke at the funt
+stane?[109] Quhairunto sche ansuerit, "That gif sche suld be revin[110] at
+horsis-taillis sche suld neuir do that:" bot promeist to be leill and
+trew to him in onye thing sche culd do. And, forder, he was sumthing
+angrie with hir that sche wald nocht grant to him that quhilk he spak.
+
+'(5) Item. The ferd tyme he apperit in hir awin hous to hir, about the XII
+hour of the day, quhair thair was sittand thre tailyeouris, and hir awin
+gudeman; and he tuke hir apperoun and led hir to the dure with him, and
+sche followit, and geid[111] up with him to the kill end, quhair he
+forbaid hir to speik or feir for ony thing sche hard or saw; and quhene
+thai had gane ane lytle pece fordwerd, sche saw twelf personnes, aucht
+wemene and four men: The men wer clad in gentlemennis clething, and the
+wemene had all plaiddis round about thame, and wer verrie semelie lyke to
+se; and Thome was with theme: And demandit, "Gif sche knew ony of thame?"
+Ansuerit, "Nane, except Thom." Demandit, "What said thai to hir?"
+Ansuerit, "Thai baid hir sit doun, and said, Welcome Bessie, will thow go
+with ws?" Bot sche ansuerit nocht; because Thom had forbidden hir. And,
+forder, declarit, That sche knew nocht quhat purpois thai had amangis
+thaime, onlie sche saw thair lippis move; and within a schort space thai
+pairtit all away; and ane hiddeous uglie sowche of wind followit thame;
+and sche lay seik quhill Thom came agane bak fra thame.
+
+'(6) Item. Sche being demandit, Gif sche sperit at Thom quhat personnes
+thai war? Ansuerit, That thai war the gude wychtis that wynnit in the
+Court of Elfame,[112] quha come thair to desyre hir to go with thame;
+and, forder, Thom desyrit hir to do the sam; quha ansuerit, "Sche saw na
+proffeit to gang thai kynd of gaittis, unles sche kend quhairfor!" Thom
+said, "Seis thow nocht me, baith meit-worth, claith-worth, and gude eneugh
+lyke in personn; and he suld make hir far better nor euer sche was?" Sche
+ansuerit, "That sche duelt with hir awin husband and bairnis, and culd
+nocht leif thame." And swa Thom began to be verrie crabit with hir, and
+said, "Gif swo sche thocht, sche wald get lytill gude of him."
+
+'(7) Interrogat. Gif sche had socht ony thing at Thom, to help hir self,
+or ony uther with? Ansuerit, That quhen sundrie personnes cam to hir to
+seik help for thair beist, their kow, or yow,[113] or for ane barne that
+was tane away with ane evill blast of wind, or elf-grippit, she gait[114]
+and sperit at Thom, Quhat mycht help thame? And Thom wald pull ane herb,
+and gif hir out of his awin hand; and baid hir scheir[115] the samin with
+onye uthir kynd of herbis, and oppin the beistis mouth, and put thame in,
+and the beist wald mend.'
+
+Altogether, she seems to have been a kindly-disposed and beneficent witch;
+but that did not save her from the sentence--'Convict and Brynt.'
+
+The annals of Scotch witchcraft are tame until we come to the case of
+Katherine Ross, Lady Foulis, July 22, 1590, who had enough to answer for,
+as she was accused of witchcraft, incantation, sorcery, and poisoning, her
+object being to poison her stepson, Robert Munro, then Lord Foulis, and
+Margery Campbell, wife to George Ross, Lord of Balnagowan. Several of her
+confederates had been tried and burnt, confessing the plot, before Lady
+Foulis's trial; but she had great interest, and both she and her stepson
+Hector Munro were acquitted. Her accusation is very long, so that I must
+leave all mention of the poisoning, and only take a portion of that
+relating to the witchcraft:
+
+'Thou art now accusit, for the making of twa pictouris of clay, in cumpany
+with the said Cristiane Roiss and Marionne Neyne M{c}Allester, alias
+_Loskie Loucart_, in the said Cristian Roissis westir chalmer in Canorth;
+the ane, maid for the distructioune and consumptioune of the young Laird
+of Fowlis, and the uthir for the young Ladie Balnagoune; to the effect
+that the are thairof sould be putt at the Brigend of Fowles, and the uther
+at Ardmoir, for distructioun of the saidis young Laird and Lady: And this
+sould haif bene performit at Allhallow-mes, in the year of God
+I{m}V{c}lxxvij yeiris: Quhilkis twa pictouris, being sett on the north syd
+of the Chalmer, the said Loskie Loucart tuik twa elf arrow heides, and
+delyuerit ane to you Katherene, and the uther, the said Cristian Rois
+Malcumsone held in her awin hand; and thow schott twa schottis with the
+said arrow held, att the said Lady Balnagowne, and Loskie Loucart schott
+thrie schottis at the said young Laird of Fowlis. In the meanetyme, baith
+the pictouris brak, and thou commandit Loskie Loucart to mak of new uthir
+twa pictouris thereaftir, for the said personnes: quhilk the said Loskie
+Loucart tuik upon hand to do.... Thou art now accusit, for assisting the
+said Thomas, Cristaine Malcomsone and Marionne Nieyn M{c}Allaster, upoun
+the secund day of Julij, anno threscoir sevintene yeiris, for making of
+ane pictur of butter to the said young Robert Munro, Laird of Fowlis, in
+the said house of Caynort, be the devyse and consultatioune of the said
+Donald and Williame M{c}Gilleuerie, and the said pictur of buttir, aftir
+it wes maid, wes set at the wall-syd, in the vester chalmer of the said
+hous of Coynard, and wes schot at with ane elf-arrow-heid be the said
+Marionne Neyuen M{c}Alester, alias _Loske Loucart_, aucht tymes; quhilk
+pictur scho mist, and haid hit no pairt thairof: And thow and Cristane
+Malcomsoune being present in the said chalmer, att the schotting of the
+said pictur, thinkand gane[116] the pictur were hit, it wald be for the
+distructioune of the young Laird of Fowlis: Lykas,[117] said Thomas was
+convict for the samin, and sufferit the deid.
+
+'Als. thow art accusit, for being in cumpanie with Cristaine Malcomsonne
+and Marionne Neyn M{c}Allester, _alias Loske Loucart_, with the deuyse and
+consultatioune of Donald and William M{c}Gilliourois, made ane uther
+pictur of clay to the said Robert Munro, young Laird of Fowlis, in the
+said hous of Conord; and so it was maid upoune the morne, the vj day of
+Julij anno lxxvij yeiris; They sat the pictur at the wall-syd of the
+chalmer of the said hous, and wes schott be the said Loske Loucart, with
+the said elf-arrow, tuelf tymes, and mist the said pictur: And persauing
+that ye mist the samin efter euerie schott, and maid the said pictur
+diuerse and sindrie tymes, yit the samin tuk nocht effect to thair
+purpoise; thow and the said tua womene, thy collegis, being present for
+the tyme, and uising[118] ane takin of the samin; the said Cristaine Ross
+Malcomsoune haid provydeit thre quarteris of fine linning claithe for the
+picturis, gif thay haid bene hit with the elf-arrow-heid, and the linning
+to be bound about the said picturis, and the picturis to haue bene
+erdit[119] under the Brig end of the Stauk of Fowlis, fornent the
+get,'[120] etc.
+
+The Scotch stories of witchcraft are quite as many as the English, and the
+so-called witches executed are far more numerous; the last one being
+burnt, as I have said, in 1727. In June, 1736, the Acts anent witchcraft
+were repealed; but I much fear that there is still a hankering after
+belief in it in many parts of Scotland.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+ Witchcraft in America--In Illinois: Moreau and Emmanuel--In Virginia:
+ Case of Grace Sherwood--In Pennsylvania: Two Swedish Women--In South
+ Carolina--In Connecticut: Many Cases--In Massachusetts: Margaret
+ Jones; Mary Parsons; Ann Hibbins; Other Cases.
+
+
+North America has been colonized by the British long enough to have
+enjoyed the visitations of the Devil. And the present Americans, judging
+by the amount of literature written thereon,[121] seem rather proud of his
+having dwelt among them; it gives an air of antiquity, and an old-world
+tone, to the favoured States, which is sadly lacking, and not otherwise
+procurable, in those unvisited by his Satanic Majesty. As far as I know,
+there have been but six or seven States troubled with witchcraft:
+Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and
+Illinois.
+
+The latter is somewhat remarkable, as it was only received into the Union,
+as a State, in 1818; yet I read, in 'The Pioneer History of Illinois,' by
+ex-Governor John Reynolds (Bellville, Ill., 1852), pp. 142, 143, the
+following:
+
+'In early times the inhabitants of Illinois were in a small degree
+tinctured with the absurdity and nonsense of witchcraft and
+fortune-telling; but in after-days this ignorant superstition has entirely
+disappeared.... It was the belief of some people, and families, that an
+old woman living on Silver Creek, Illinois, had the power of witchcraft,
+to take milk from her neighbours' cows, without seeing or touching
+them....
+
+'In Cahokia, about the year 1790, this superstition [witchcraft] got the
+upper hand of reason, and several poor African slaves were immolated at
+the shrine of ignorance for this imaginary offence. An African negro,
+named Moreau, was hung for this crime on a tree not far south-east of
+Cahokia. It is stated that he had said, "he poisoned his master, but his
+mistress was too strong for his necromancy." Another slave, Emmanuel, was
+shot, in Cahokia, for this crime, and an old woman, Janette, was supposed
+to have the power to destroy persons and property by her incantations.
+Many grown people, and all the children, were terrified at her approach.'
+
+These two cases are verified by extracts from the 'Record Book' of Colonel
+John Todd, Lieutenant-Commandant of the County of Illinois, under Governor
+Patrick Henry, of the Commonwealth of Virginia:
+
+'Illinois to wit.
+
+'_To Richard Winston, Esq{re}, Sheriff in chief of the District of
+Kaskaskia._
+
+'Negro Manuel, a Slave, in your custody, is condemned by the Court of
+Kaskaskia, after having made honorable fine at the door of the church, to
+be chained to a post at the water side, and then to be burnt alive, and
+his ashes scattered, as appears to me by record. This sentence you are
+hereby required to put in execution, on tuesday next at 9 o'clock in the
+morning, and this shall be your warrant.
+
+ 'Given under my hand and seal at Kaskaskia, the 13{th} day of June, in
+ the 3{rd} year of the Commonwealth.'
+
+ '_To Cap{t}. Nicolas Janis._
+
+ 'You are hereby required to call upon a party of your militia to guard
+ Moreau, a slave condemned to execution, up to the town of Kohos. Put
+ them under an officer. They shall be entitled to pay, rashions and
+ refreshment during the time they shall be upon duty, to be certifyed
+ hereafter by you.
+
+ 'I am, Sir, your hble servant,
+ 'JOHN TODD.
+
+ '15{th} June 1779.'
+
+Virginia, I believe, can only boast of one witch, and her case is not very
+widely known. Princess Anne is the southernmost county of Virginia,
+bounded on the north by Chesapeake Bay, and on the east by the Atlantic.
+Lynhaven Bay is on the Chesapeake River; and there lived, in the days of
+'good Queen Anne,' a young woman named Grace Sherwood, who was somewhat
+shy in her dealings with her neighbours, probably because they invested
+her with uncanny powers, and even said that she had voyaged across the
+Atlantic, as far as the Mediterranean, in an eggshell; that on her
+arrival, at the end of her journey, she had been so pleased with the smell
+of the rosemary she had found growing there, that she brought back some of
+the plants with her, and set them about her cottage. These evil rumours
+were brought to the ears of the authorities, and Grace Sherwood was haled
+before the justices assembled at Princess Anne Court House; and the entry
+of her examination, etc., in the court record is as follows:
+
+ 'Princess Annes.
+
+ 'At a Court held y{e} 10th July 1706.
+
+ { Col{o} Moseley Capt. Moseley }
+ Present { Cap{t} Woodhouse Jno. Cormick } Justices.
+ { Capt. Chapman Capt. W{m} Smyth }
+ Richason--come late.
+
+ [Sidenote: Grace Sherwood to be Ducked.]
+
+ 'Whereas Grace Sherwood being Suspected of Witchcraft--have a long
+ time waited for a fit opportunity for a further Examination--and by
+ her Consent, & Approbation of y{e} Court, it is ordered y{t} y{e}
+ Sherr take all such Convenient assistance of boats and men, as shall
+ be by him thought fit to meet & at John Harper's plantation, in order
+ to take y{e} said Grace Sherwood forthwith, & put her into water above
+ man's Debth & try her how she swims. Therein always having Care of her
+ life to preserve her from Drowning & as soon as she comes Out y{t} he
+ request as many Ancient and Knowing women as possible to come to Serch
+ her Carefully for teat spotts and marks about her body not usual on
+ Others & y{t} as they find y{e} same to make report on Oath To y{e}
+ truth ther of to the Court; and, further, it is ordered y{t} Four
+ women be requested to Shift and Serch her before she goo into y{e}
+ water y{t} she carry nothing about her to cause any further Suspicion.
+
+ [Sidenote: Order XX.]
+
+ [Sidenote: Grace Sherwood Ducked, etc.]
+
+ 'Whereas on Complaint of Luke Hill in behalf of her Majesty y{t} now
+ is ag{t} Grace Sherwood for a person Suspected of Witch craft & having
+ had Sundry Evidences sworn ag{t} her, proving many Circumstances to
+ which She could not make any Excuse, Little or Nothing to say in her
+ own behalf, only Seamed to Rely on w{t} y{e} Court should doo, and
+ there upon Consented to be tryed in y{e} Water, & Like-wise to be
+ Serched again Bodily. Experiment being tried, She swiming w{en}
+ therein, and bound Contrary to Custom & y{e} judg{t} of all y{e}
+ Spectators, & afterward, being Serched, & five Ancient weomen who have
+ all Declared on Oath y{t} she is not like y{em} nor noo Other women
+ y{t} they know of ... all w{ch} Circumstances y{e} Court weighing in
+ their Consideration, Doo there fore ord{r} y{t} y{e} Sherr take y{e}
+ s{d} Grace Into his custody, and to comm{t} her body to ye Common Gaol
+ of this County, there to secure her by irons or other Wise, there to
+ Remain till Such time as shall be otherwise Directed in order for her
+ comming to y{e} Common Gaol of y{e} County, to be brought to a future
+ tryall there.
+
+ 'Edw{d} Moseley &
+ 'Jno Richason.'
+
+As nothing more can be found respecting her, she was probably let go.
+
+As a justice of the peace, William Penn had to sit in judgment upon two
+Swedish women who were indicted as witches, and true bills were found
+against them; but they got off, owing to some flaw in the indictment. And
+this, as far as I know, is the sole instance of a trial for witchcraft in
+Pennsylvania.
+
+Drake, in 'Annals of Witchcraft,' p. 215, says: 'About this period [1712],
+in the Colony of South Carolina, some suspected of witchcraft were seized
+upon by a sort of ruffianly Vigilance Committee, and condemned to be
+burnt, and were actually roasted by fire, although we do not learn that
+the injuries thus inflicted proved fatal. The parties so tortured, or
+their friends, brought action in the regular courts, for the recovery of
+damages; but the jury gave them nothing.'
+
+In the early days of Connecticut there were twelve crimes punishable by
+death, according to the 'Capitall Lawes, established by the General Court
+the First of December 1642,' the second of which is: 'Yf any man or woman
+be a witch (that is) hath, or consulteth w{th} a familliar spirit, they
+shall be put to death. Ex. xxii. 18. Lev. xx. 27. Deu. xxvij. 10,
+11.'[122] And they had not to wait long for a victim, for the last entry
+in John Winthrop's Journal for 1646 is, 'One ... of Windsor arraigned and
+executed at Hartford for a witch,' Nothing more is _certainly_ known of
+this case, which is memorable as being the first execution for witchcraft
+in New England.
+
+The Connecticut Legislature also applied the same law, somewhat modified,
+to the Pequot Indians, on May 31, 1675:[123] '(2) That whosoever shall
+_powau_, or use witchcraft, or any worship to the divill, or any fals god,
+shall be convented and punished.'
+
+The following are the known cases of witchcraft in Connecticut; but, as
+far as I can see, none present any particular features of interest for the
+reader.[124]
+
+ 1646. Winthrop's 'One ... of Windsor' executed.
+
+ 1648. Mary Jonson, of Hartford or Wethersfield do.
+
+ 1651. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington, of Wethersfield do.
+
+ " Goody Bassett, of Stratford do.
+
+ 1653. Goody Knapp, of Fairfield do.
+
+ 1658. Goody Garlick, of Easthampton, L.I. acquitted.
+
+ 1661. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings, of Laybrook freed by
+ disagreement
+ of jury.
+
+ 1662. Mr. and Mrs. Greensmith, of Hartford executed.
+
+ 1663. Mary Barnes, of Farmington do.
+
+ " Mrs. Elizabeth Seager, of Hartford (?) acquitted.
+
+ " Mrs. Elizabeth Seager, of Hartford (2nd trial) do.
+
+ 1665. Mrs. Elizabeth Seager, of Hartford (3rd trial) convicted, but
+ freed by the
+ court.
+
+ 1670. Katharine Harrison, of Wethersfield convicted; the
+ court refused to
+ sentence, and
+ dismissed the
+ accused.
+
+ 1692. Mrs. Staples, of Fairfield acquitted.
+
+ " Goody Miller, of Fairfield do.
+
+ " Elizabeth Clawson, of Fairfield do.
+
+ " Mercy Disborough, of Fairfield convicted, but
+ probably pardoned
+ by the general
+ court.
+
+ 1697. Mrs. Denham and daughter acquitted, perhaps
+ accused only
+ before the
+ grand jury.
+
+But it was in Massachusetts that witchcraft was rampant. The Pilgrim
+Fathers when they landed at Plymouth, on December 22, 1620, brought with
+them from England the belief in witchcraft and the personality of the
+Devil, which was then the creed of the majority of those living in the
+mother country, and therefore they were no worse than their brethren or
+parents. So that we must not blame them if we find among their early
+records, dated New Plymouth, November 15, 1636, that they considered
+witchcraft a capital crime, and enumerated as such directly after treason
+and murder; and they defined the crime so punishable as 'Solemne
+compaction, or conversing with the divell, by way of witchcraft,
+conjuration, or the like.'
+
+The Devil, however, had got somehow into Massachusetts, for we read in
+Governor Winthrop's Journal that in 1639 'The Indians near Aquiday being
+pawwawing in this tempest, the Devil came and fetched away five of them.
+Query.'
+
+The first instance of witchcraft in this Colony is recorded in Winthrop's
+Journal in 1648, but he gives no specific date of the court being held,
+but most likely it was that of May 13, 1648, of which a record remains:
+'That This Court, being desirous that the same Course which hath been
+taken in England for the discovery of witches, by watching, may also be
+taken here, with the witch now in question, and therefore do order that a
+strict watch be set about her, every night, and that her husband be
+confined in a private room, and watched also.'
+
+The entry in the Journal is as follows: 'At this Court, one Margaret Jones
+of Charlestown was indicted and found guilty of witchcraft, and hanged
+for it. The evidence against her was: 1. that she was found to have such a
+malignant touch, as many persons (men, women and children), whom she
+stroaked or touched with any affection or displeasure, or etc., were taken
+with deafness, or vomiting, or other violent pains or sickness. 2. The
+practising physic, and her medicines being such things as (by her own
+confession) were harmless, as aniseed, liquors, &c., yet had extraordinary
+violent effects. 3. She would use to tell such as would not make use of
+her physic, that they would never be healed, and, accordingly, their
+diseases and hurts continued, with relapse against the ordinary course,
+and beyond the apprehension of all physicians and surgeons. 4. Some things
+which she foretold, came to pass accordingly; other things she could tell
+of (as secret speeches, etc.) which she had no ordinary means to come to
+the knowledge of. 5. She had, upon search, an apparent teat, as fresh as
+if it had been newly sucked, and, after it had been scanned; upon a forced
+search, that was withered, and another began on the opposite side. 6. In
+the prison, in the clear daylight, there was seen, in her arms, she,
+sitting on the floor, and her clothes up, etc., a little child, which ran
+from her into another room, and the officer following it, it was vanished.
+The like child was seen in two other places, to which she had relation;
+and one maid that saw it, fell sick upon it, and was cured by the said
+Margaret, who used means to be employed to that end. Her behaviour at her
+trial was very intemperate, lying notoriously, and railing upon the jury
+and witnesses, etc., and in the like distemper she died. The same day and
+hour she was executed, there was a very great tempest in Connecticut,
+which blew down many trees, etc.'
+
+The next authentic instance is that of Mary Parsons, whose case seems to
+have been somewhat urgent, as on May 8, 1651, there is a minute on the
+court records:[125] 'The Court, understanding that Mary Parsons, now in
+prison, accused for a witch, is likely, through weakness to die before
+trial, if it be deferred, do order, that on the morrow, by eight o'clock
+in the morning, she be brought before and tried by the General Court, the
+rather that Mr. Pynchon may be present to give his testimony in the Case.'
+
+This 'Mr. Pynchon' came from England with Governor Winthrop in 1630, and
+was named in the charter granted by Charles II. to Massachusetts, as one
+of the Governor's eighteen assistants. He returned to England in 1652,
+settled at Wraysbury, Bucks, where he died October 29, 1662. Hutchinson
+says of him: 'Mr. Pynchon was a gentleman of learning, as well as
+religion. He laid the foundation of Roxbury, but soon removed to
+Connecticut River; was the father of the town of Springfield, where his
+family hath flourished ever since.'
+
+For some reason, she was not brought before the court till May 13, when
+the following is recorded: 'Mary Parsons, wife of Hugh Parsons of
+Springfield, being committed to prison for suspicion of witchcraft, as
+also for murdering her own child, was, this day, called forth, and
+indicted for Witchcraft. "By the name of Mary Parsons, you are here,
+before the General Court, charged, in the name of this Commonwealth, that,
+not having the fear of God before your eyes, nor in your heart, being
+seduced by the Devil, and yielding to his malicious motion, about the end
+of February last at Springfield, to have familiarity, or consulted with, a
+familiar spirit, making a covenant with him; and have used divers devilish
+practices by witchcraft, to the hurt of the persons of Martha and Rebecca
+Moxon, against the Word of God, and the laws of this jurisdiction, long
+since made and published." To which indictment she pleaded "Not guilty."
+All evidences brought in against her being heard and examined, the Court
+found the evidences were not sufficient to prove her a witch, and
+therefore she was cleared in that respect.'
+
+But she was indicted for the murder of her child, found guilty, and
+sentenced to be hanged; it is doubtful, however, whether the sentence was
+ever carried out. Her husband, 'One Hugh Parsons of Springfield, was tried
+in 1652 for witchcraft, and found guilty by the jury. The Magistrate
+refused to consent to the verdict, and the case, as the law provided, came
+to the General Court, who determined that he was not legally guilty of
+witchcraft.'[126]
+
+'The most remarkable occurrence in the Colony in the year 1655 was the
+trial and condemnation of Mrs. Ann Hibbins for witchcraft. Her husband,
+who died in the year 1654, was an agent for the Colony in England, several
+years one of the assistants, and a merchant of note in the town of Boston;
+but losses in the latter part of his life had reduced his estate and
+increased the natural crabbedness of his wife's temper, which made her
+turbulent and quarrelsome, and brought her under church censures; and, at
+length, rendered her so odious to her neighbours, as to cause some of them
+to accuse her of witchcraft. The Jury brought her in guilty, but the
+magistrates refused to accept the verdict, so the cause came to the
+General Court, where the popular clamour prevailed against her, and the
+miserable old woman was condemned and executed. Search was made upon her
+body for tetts, and in her chests for puppets, images, etc., but there is
+no record of anything of that sort being found. Mr. Beach, a minister in
+Jamaica, in a letter to Doctor Increase Mather in the year 1684, says,
+"You may remember what I have sometimes told you your famous Mr. Norton
+once said at his own table, before Mr. Wilson the pastor, elder Penn and
+myself and wife, etc., who had the honour to be his guests. That one of
+your magistrate's wives, as I remember, was hanged for a witch, only for
+having more wit than her neighbours. It was his very expression, she
+having, as he explained it, unhappily guessed that two of her persecutors,
+whom she saw talking in the street, were talking of her; which, proving
+true, cost her her life, notwithstanding all he could do to the contrary,
+as he, himself, told us."[127]
+
+'It fared with her as it did with Joan of Arc in France; some counted her
+a saint, and some a witch, and some observed solemn marks of Providence
+set upon those who were very forward to condemn her, and to brand others
+upon the like ground, with the like reproach. This was the second instance
+upon record of any persons being executed for witchcraft in New England.
+She was not executed until June, 1656. She disposed of her estate by will
+executed May 27, 1656, and a codicil June 16. She appointed several of the
+principal gentlemen overseers, and hoped they would show her so much
+respect, as to see her decently interred. There was no forfeiture of goods
+for felony.'
+
+There was a case of witchcraft in Hartford in 1662, when three women were
+condemned, and one, at least, executed. In 1669 Susanna Martin, of
+Salisbury, was tried on this charge, 'but escaped at that time.' Another
+case at Groton in 1671, and yet another at Hampton in 1673. In 1658, in
+Essex County, an attempt was made to convict one John Godfrey, of Andover,
+as a witch, and at the County Court of Salem, June 29, 1659, he was bound
+in one hundred pounds to appear when called upon. But he turned the tables
+against his accusers, bringing actions against them for slander. In one
+case he got twopence damages and twenty-nine shillings costs, in another
+ten shillings damages and costs fifty shillings.
+
+In November, 1669, Goody Burt, a widow, was prosecuted, but acquitted. In
+1673 Eunice Cole, of Hampton, was tried, but her sentence was 'to depart
+from, and abide out of, this jurisdiction.' On November 24, 1674, at
+Salem, which even then was coming to the fore with its witches,
+Christopher Browne was had up before the County Court, for 'having
+reported that he had been treating or discoursing with one whom he
+apprehended to be the Devil, which came like a gentleman, in order to his
+binding himself to be a servant to him. Upon his examination, his
+discourse seeming inconsistent with truth, etc., the Court giving him good
+counsel and caution, for the present dismiss him.'
+
+On March 30, 1680, Caleb Powell was brought before the court at Ipswich,
+under an indictment of witchcraft, in molesting one William Morse, of
+Newbury, stones being thrown, furniture behaving abnormally, bedclothes
+snatched off, and many other inconveniences; but it could not be proved,
+and the wind-up of the affair was: 'Though this court cannot find any
+evident ground of proceeding against the said Caleb Powell, yet we
+determine that he hath given such ground of suspicion of his so dealing,
+that we cannot so acquit him, but that he justly deserves to bear his own
+share, and the costs of the prosecution of the complaint.' Elizabeth
+Morse, wife of the above, was next, on May 20, 1680, tried and convicted
+of witchcraft. On May 27 she was sentenced to death, was twice reprieved,
+and ultimately allowed to return home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+ Cotton and Increase Mather--The Case of Goodwin's Daughter--That of
+ Mr. Philip Smith--The Story of the Salem Witchcrafts--List of
+ Victims--Release of Suspects--Reversal of Attainder, and Compensation.
+
+
+We now come to the time of Cotton Mather, whose name is a 'household word'
+in connection with witchcraft in Massachusetts. He was the son of Increase
+Mather, D.D., one of the early presidents of Harvard College, was born in
+1633, studied at Harvard, and at the age of twenty was appointed co-pastor
+with his father at Boston. He begins his first witch story thus: 'There
+dwells at this time, in the _south_ part of _Boston_, a sober and pious
+man, whose name is _John Goodwin_, whose _Trade_ is that of a _Mason_, and
+whose _Wife_ (to which a _Good Report_ gives a share with him in all the
+Characters of _Virtue_) has made him the Father of _six_ (now living)
+_Children_. Of these Children, all but the _Eldest_, who works with his
+Father at his Calling, and the _Youngest_, who lives yet upon the Breast
+of its mother, have laboured under the direful effects of a no less
+_palpable_ than stupendous WITCHCRAFT.'[128]
+
+As the reader will see that it is impossible to quote Cotton Mather very
+much at length, on account of his excessively rotund style, I must tell
+the story as briefly as possible. Sometimes these unhappy children would
+be by turns either deaf, dumb, or blind, or all three at once, their jaws
+be dislocated, and then close sharply with a loud snap. 'They would bark
+at one another like _Dogs_, and again purr like so many _Cats_.... Yea
+they would _fly_ like _Geese_; and be carried with an incredible
+_Swiftness_ thro' the _air_, having but just their _Toes_ now and then
+upon the ground, and their _Arms_ waved like the Wings of a _Bird_. One of
+them, in the House of a Kind Neighbour, _flew_ the length of the Room,
+about 20 foot, and flew into an Infant's high armed Chair; none seeing her
+feet all the way touch the floor.'
+
+Cotton Mather took the eldest daughter home to live with them, in order
+that he 'might be furnished with _Evidence_ and _Argument_ as a Critical
+Eye Witness, to confute the Saducism of this debauched Age.' For some days
+all went well, but on November 20 she was once more possessed. She tried
+to fly, to dive, her eyes sunk into her head, so that they thought they
+would never return to their normal position, and she complained that Goody
+Glover, a poor crazy Irish woman, had put an invisible but very potent
+chain round her leg. She could not read the Bible, but a Quaker book she
+was able to read, with the exception of the names of God and Christ. Queer
+books, like the 'Oxford Jests' and 'Cambridge Jests,' she could read well
+enough, but could only pronounce the words 'Devils' or 'Witches' with
+extreme difficulty.
+
+'Every now and then an _Invisible Horse_ would be brought unto her by
+those whom she only called _them_, and, _Her Company_: upon the Approach
+of Which, her eyes would be still closed up; for, (said she) _They say I
+am a_ Tell-Tale, _and, therefore, they will not let me see them_. Upon
+this would she give a Spring as one mounting an _Horse_, and Settling her
+self in a _Riding Posture_, she would, in her Chair be agitated as one
+sometimes _Amble-ing_ sometimes _Trotting_, and sometimes _Galloping_ very
+furiously.'
+
+This state of things would not do, so divers ministers and devout friends
+fell to a-praying, but all to no purpose, her invisible adversaries on one
+occasion dragging her to an oven which was heating, and another time
+choking her, till she was black in the face, with an invisible rope and
+noose; she even began to torment good Mr. Mather. 'When I had begun to
+study my Sermon, her _Tormentors_ again seized upon her; and all _Fryday_
+and _Saturday_ did _they_ manage her with a special Design, as was plain,
+to disturb me in what I was about. In the worst of her extravagancies,
+formerly, she was more dutiful to myself than I had reason to Expect, but,
+_now_, her _whole_ carriage to me, was with a Sauciness that I had not
+been us'd to be treated with. She would knock at my Study _Door_,
+affirming _That some below would be glad to see me_; when there was none
+that ask't for me. She would call to me with multiplyed Impertinences, and
+throw small things at me, wherewith she could not give me any hurt.
+Shee'd Hector me at a strange rate for the _work_ I was at, and threaten
+me with _I know not what_ mischief for it.'
+
+By dint of energetic prayer she began to amend, but she had one more very
+bad breakout. 'Moreover, Both she at my house, and her Sister _at home_,
+at the time which they call _Christmas_, were by the _Daemons_, made very
+_drunk_, though they had no _strong_ Drink (as we are fully sure) to make
+them so. When she began to feel herself thus _drunk_, she complain'd, _O,
+they say they will have me to keep Christmas with them! They will disgrace
+me when they can do nothing else!_ And, immediately the Ridiculous
+Behaviour of one _drunk_, were with a wonderful exactness represented in
+her Speaking, and Reeling, and Spewing, and anon Sleeping, till she was
+well again.'
+
+The next example Cotton Mather gives us is that of '_Mr. Philip Smith_,
+aged about Fifty years, a Son of eminently vertuous Parents, a _Deacon_ of
+the Church at _Hadley_, a _Member_ of our General Court, an _Associate_ in
+their County Court, a _Select-man_ for the affairs of the Town, a
+_Lieutenant_ in the Troop; and, which crowns all, a man for _Devotion_ and
+_Gravity_, and all that was _Honest_, exceeding exemplary. _Such_ a man,
+in the Winter of the year 1684 was murdered with an hideous _Witchcraft_,
+which filled all those parts with a just astonishment.
+
+'He was concerned about Relieving the Indigencies of a wretched woman in
+the Town; who, being dissatisfied at some of his _just cares_ about her,
+expressed her self unto him in such a manner, that he declared himself
+apprehensive of receiving _mischief_ at her hands; he said he doubted she
+would attempt his Hurt.'
+
+In the beginning of the following January he fell sick, and took to his
+bed; but he could not rest, he was delirious and spoke in sundry voices
+and languages, and felt hundreds of pins pricking him all over. Sometimes
+there was a strange smell of musk about the place. As, in his agony, he
+called upon the supposed witch, his kind friends 'did three or four times
+in one Night go and give _Disturbance_ to the Woman that we have spoken
+of: all the while they were doing of it, the good man was at ease, and
+slept as a weary man; and these were all the times they perceived him to
+take any sleep at all.'
+
+Sometimes fire was seen on the bed, but when attention was called to it,
+it vanished. Something as big as a cat moved in the bed, but no one could
+catch it; and 'a discreet and sober Woman, resting on the Bed's Feet, felt
+as it were, a _Hand_, the _Thumb_ and the _Finger_ of it, taking her by
+the side and giving her a Pinch; but turning to see What it might be,
+nothing was to be seen.' Many more marvels occurred, and at last the poor
+man died, yet even then his bed moved of itself more than once, and at
+night, when they were preparing for his funeral, noises were heard in the
+room 'as though there had been a great _Removing_ and _Clattering_ of
+_stools_ and chairs.' I cannot find that the witch was punished.
+
+He next gives an instance of a boy at Tocutt, who held a great deal of
+communication with the Devil without absolutely resigning his soul to
+him, and who must have lived a very uncomfortable existence. 'He speaks of
+men coming to him before they come in Sight; and, once, _two_ being with
+him, their _Backs_ turned, the Devil carried him away, they knew not how,
+and after _search_, they found him in a _Cellar_, as _dead_, but, after a
+little space, he came to Life again. And another time, threw him up into a
+_Chamber_, stopped him up into a _Hole_ where they after found him.
+Another time, he carried him about a _Bowshot_, and threw him into a
+_Hog-Stye_ amongst _Swine_, which ran away with a terrible noise.'
+
+He gives two more instances of possession by the Devil; but they are mild
+cases which yielded to prayer. There are other minor cases of witchcraft
+which I have omitted, because I would fain have space to tell of the works
+of the Devil at Salem in 1692.
+
+Salem was then a small village, about sixteen miles north-east of Boston,
+and its minister was the Rev. Samuel Parris, born in London in 1653. He
+entered Harvard College, but could not take a degree, went to Barbados,
+where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and finally turned religious, and
+was ordained minister of Salem congregation in 1689, naturally taking a
+leading part in the little community.
+
+At his house, during the winter of 1691-92, a society of girls met,
+curiously enough, for the purpose of practising palmistry,
+fortune-telling, necromancy, magic, and spiritualism; and they soon became
+so far advanced in these arts as to be seized with unnatural spasms,
+falling insensible on the floor, writhing in agony, and uttering piercing
+cries. As this conduct was decidedly abnormal, as was their amusement, it
+was settled that they were bewitched, and they were sympathized with as
+being 'afflicted Children.' Fasting and prayer were tried, but with no
+good result. On being questioned as to who had bewitched them, they
+answered 'Good,' 'Osborn,' and 'Tituba.' Sarah Good was a woman generally
+disliked, Sarah Osborn was a bed-ridden woman who did not bear a very good
+character, and Tituba was an Indian woman in Mr. Parris' service.
+
+On March 1, 1692, they were brought before the court charged with
+bewitching the children. One indictment must serve as a specimen for all:
+
+'The Jurors for our Sovereigne Lord & Lady King William & Queen Mary Doe
+present: That Sarah Good, ye wife of William Good of Salem Village, In the
+County of Essex, husbandman, upon y{e} first day of March in y{e} fourth
+year of y{e} Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord & Lady W{m} & Mary, by y{e}
+Grace of God, of England, Scotland, ffrance & Ireland King & Queen,
+defend{rs} of y{e} faith etc & Divers other days & times as well before as
+after, Certaine Detestable Arts, Called Witchcrafts & Sorceries, wickedly
+& ffeloniously hath used, practised & Exercised at & within y{e} Township
+of Salem aforesaid, In, upon & against An Puttman, Single woman of Salem
+Village, by which said Wicked arts, the said An Puttman y{e} said first
+day of March, in y{e} fourth year abovesaid & divers other other days &
+times, as well before as after, was & is hurt, Tortured, afflicted, Pined,
+Consumed, wasted & Tormented, & also for Sundry acts of Witchcraft by said
+Good Committed & done before & since that time against y{e} peace of our
+Soveraigne Lord & Lady y{e} King & Queen Their Crowne & dignity & against
+y{e} forme of Statues In that Case made & provided.
+
+ 'Witness. Ann Putman. Jurat. Eliz. Hubbard. Abigail Williams. Jurat.'
+
+On examination, Good and Osborn denied the accusation _in toto_, but
+Tituba, the Indian woman, gave damning evidence against them, and it is
+worthy of being given _in extenso_:
+
+
+'THE EXAMINATION OF TITIBE.
+
+'Titibe what evil Spirit have you familiarity with?--None.
+
+'Why do you hurt these children?--I do not hurt them.
+
+'Who is it then?--The Devil for ought I know.
+
+'Did you never see the Devil?--The Devil came to me and bid me serve him.
+
+'Who have you seen?--Four women sometimes hurt the children.
+
+'Who were they?--Goode Osburn and Sarah Good, and I doe not know who the
+other were. Sarah Good and Osburne would have me hurt the children, but I
+would not. She further saith there was a tall man of Boston that she did
+see.
+
+'When did you see them?--Last night at Boston.
+
+'What did they say to you?--They said, hurt the children.
+
+'And did you hurt them?--No, there is 4 women and one man. They hurt the
+children, and they lay all upon me, and they tell me if I will not hurt
+the children, they will hurt me.
+
+'But you did not hurt them?--Yes, but I will hurt them no more.
+
+'Are you not sorry you did hurt them?--Yes.
+
+'And why then doe you hurt them?--They say hurt children or wee will doe
+worse to you.
+
+'What have you seen?--An man come to me and say serve me.
+
+'What service?--Hurt the children; and, last night, there was an
+appearance that said kill the children; and if I would not go on hurting
+the children, they would do worse to me.
+
+'What is this appearance you see?--Sometimes it is like a hog, and
+sometimes like a great dog; this appearance shee saith shee did see 4
+times.
+
+'What did it say to you?--It, the black dog said, serve me, but I said, I
+am afraid. He said, if I did not, he would doe worse to me.
+
+'What did you say to it?--I will serve you no longer; then he said he
+would hurt me; and then he looked like a man, and threatened to hurt me.
+Shee said that this man had a yellow bird that kept with him, and he told
+me he had more pretty things that he would give me if I would serve him.
+
+'What were those pretty things?--He did not show me them.
+
+'What, also, have you seen?--Two rats--a red rat and a black rat.
+
+'What did they say to you?--They said, serve me.
+
+'When did you see them?--Last night, and they said, serve me, but I would
+not.
+
+'What service?--Shee said, hurt the children.
+
+'Why did you goe to Thomas Putnams last night, and hurt his child?--They
+pull and hall me, and make me goe.
+
+'And what would they have you doe?--Kill her with a knife.
+
+'Left. Fuller and others said at this time when the child saw these
+persons, and was tormented by them, that she did complayn of a knife, that
+they would have her cut her head off with a knife.
+
+'How did you go?--We ride upon stickes, and are there presently.
+
+'Do you goe through the trees, or over them?--We see nothing, but are
+there presently.
+
+'Why did you not tell your Master?--I was afraid they would cut off my
+head if I told.
+
+'Would you have hurt others if you could?--They said they would hurt
+others, but they could not.
+
+'What attendants hath Sarah Good?--A yellow bird, and she would have given
+me one.
+
+'What meate did she give it?--It did suck between her fingers.
+
+'Did you not hurt Mr. Currin's child?--Goode Good and Goode Osborn told
+[me] that they did hurt Mr. Curren's child, and would have me hurt him
+too, but I did not.
+
+'What hath Sarah Osburn?--Yellow dog. Shee had a thing with a head like a
+woman, with 2 legges, and wings. Abigail Williams that lives with her
+Uncle Parris said that she did see the same creature, and it turned into
+the shape of Goode Osburn.
+
+'What else have you seen with Osburn?--Another thing, hairy; it goes
+upright like a man; it hath only 2 legges.
+
+'Did you not see Sarah Good upon Elizabeth Hubbard, last Satterday?--I did
+see her set a wolfe upon her to afflict her. The persons with this maid
+did say that she did complain of a wolfe. Shee further saith that she saw
+a cat with Good, at another time.
+
+'What cloathes doth the man go in?--He goes in black cloathes, a tal man
+with white hair, I think.
+
+'How doth the woman go?--In a white whood, and a black whood with a top
+knot.
+
+'Doe you see who it is that torments these children now?--Yes, it is Goode
+Good, shee hurts them in her own shape.
+
+'And who is it that hurts them now?--I am blind now, I cannot see.'
+
+In the end, all three were sent to gaol. Mrs. Osburn died in gaol on May
+16. Sarah Good was hanged, and Tituba lay in prison for thirteen months,
+and was then sold to pay her gaol fees.
+
+Evidently the taste for notoriety in the 'afflicted children' was
+developing. One of them, Ann Putnam, denounced one Martha Corey for
+pricking and tormenting her. Mrs. Corey seems to have been a harmless
+church-member, and denied all the imputations of witchcraft cast on her;
+but even her husband bore testimony against her anent an ox which he
+thought had been bewitched. She was hanged. Her husband was afterward
+arrested on a similar charge, and his was a most singular case. By law, if
+found guilty, his goods, etc., were forfeited. He had the singular courage
+to defeat the law by the law itself. He caused a deed to be drawn up, duly
+witnessed, etc., by which he left his property to two out of his four
+sons-in-law, who befriended his wife (the other two gave witness against
+her). He then refused to plead either guilty or not guilty. He was had up
+the legal three times before the judge, but as he continued dumb he was
+sentenced to the _Peine forte et dure_, that of 'pressing' until he
+pleaded or died. If he died under the punishment his goods were not
+forfeited.
+
+The punishment was that he was stretched out upon his back, his arms and
+legs drawn out by cords and fastened to the four corners of his dungeon. A
+board, or plate of iron, was laid upon his stomach, and upon this was
+placed a certain weight. Next day he was given, at three different times,
+three little morsels of barley bread, and nothing to drink. The next day,
+three little glasses of water, and nothing to eat, and if he continued
+obstinate and dumb, he was left uncared for till he died. Corey begged
+them to add weights until they killed him, and they mercifully did so.
+Verily, he expiated his testimony against his wife.
+
+It would be impossible to give, within the limits of this volume, an
+account of all the trials of the Salem witches. Suffice it to say that the
+little clique who met at the house of the Rev. S. Parris continued to
+accuse their neighbours all round. The following is a list taken from the
+'Records of Salem Witchcraft, copied from the original Documents.
+Privately printed for W. Elliot Woodward, Roxbury;' Massachusetts, 1864.
+Those in italics were hanged; the fate of the others except in two or
+three instances I know not:
+
+_Sarah Good_,* Sarah Osburn (died in gaol), Tituba, Indian (sold), _Martha
+Corey_,* _John Procter_,* Dorcas Good, _Rebecca Nurse_,* Elizabeth
+Procter,* (pleaded she was _enceinte_), Mary Warren, Bridget Bishop,
+_Abigail Hobbs_,* _Sarah Wilds_,* Philip English, _Susannah Martin_,
+Elizabeth Hart, _Dorcas Hoar_,* _George Jacobs_,* _John Willard_,* _Ann
+Pudeater_, Rebecca Jacobs, Roger Toothaker, _Mary Eastey_,* Sarah Procter,
+Susannah Roots, Benjamin Procter, _Martha Carrier_,* _Elizabeth How_,*
+William Procter, _Wilmott Reed_, Elizabeth Fosdick, Elizabeth Paine, Mary
+Ireson, _George Burroughs_,* _Abigail Faulkner_,* _Ann Foster_,* _Mary
+Lacey_,* _Rebecca Eames_,* _Samuel Wardwell_,* _Mary Parker_,* _Mary
+Bradbury_,* Giles Corey,* (pressed to death), _Alice Parker_, _Margaret
+Scot_.
+
+Who can say, after reading the above list, that, if the Devil were in
+anyone at Salem, he was not in that precious lot of 'afflicted children'?
+In fact, people began to fight shy of them; they even accused a member of
+Increase Mather's family, and made charges against Mrs. Hale, wife of the
+Minister of the First Church in Beverley, so that their testimony at last
+received no credence. After the Sessions of September 22, no one was
+hanged, even if convicted; and in April, 1693, the Governor-General, by
+proclamation, gave freedom to all suspects that were in confinement, and
+in 1711 a reversal of attainder was granted in those cases marked with an
+asterisk, and compensation made to their representatives to the amount of
+L578 12s.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+LIST OF BOOKS CONSULTED AND USED IN THIS WORK.
+
+
+Harl. MSS., 1766, f. Dan John Lydgate's Translation (or Paraphrase) of
+John Boccace de Casu Principum, in English Verse: done by the command of
+Duke Humfrey, about the beginning of the Reign of Henry the Sixth.
+
+Tboeck van den leuen ons heeren ihesu christi. Gheraert de leeu.
+Tantwerpen, 1487, 4to.
+
+Von den unholden oder hexen. Molitor (Ulrich). Ruetlingen, 1489, 4to.
+
+Registrum hujus operis libri cronicarum in figuris et ijmagibus ab inicio
+mudi. Schedel (Hartmannus), A. Koberger. Nuremberge, 1493, fol.
+
+Introductio in Chaldaicam Lingua, Syriaca, atq Armenica, & dece alias
+linguas. Characterum Differentiu Alpha beta, circiter quadraginta, &
+eorudem innicem coformatio. Mystica et Cabalistica qua plurima scitu
+digna. Et descriptio ac simulachru Phagoti Afranij. Theseo Ambrosio ex
+Comitibus Albonesii IV. Doct. Papien. Canonico Regulari Lateranensi, ac
+Sancti Petri in Caelo Aureo. Papiae Praeposito Authore. 1539.
+
+Hexen Meysterey. Dess ... Fuersten ... Sigmunds von Ostereich mit U.
+(Ulrich) M. (Molitor) und C. Schatz, wielandt Burgermeister zu Costentz
+... ein schoen Gesprech von den Onholden ... Weitleuffiger mit mer Exempeln
+der Alten, dann vor nie kains aussgangen, &c. Costentz, 1545.
+
+Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus, earum que diversis statibus,
+conditionibus, moribus, ritibus, superstitionibus, disciplinis,
+exercitiis, regimine, victu, bellis, structuris, instrumentis, ac mineris
+metallicis, & rebus mirabilibus, nec non universis pene animalibus in
+Septentrione de gentibus eorumque natura ... Autore Olao Magno Gotho
+Archiepiscopo Upsalensi. Suetiae & Gothiae Primate. Romae, 1555.
+
+The Examination of John Walsh before Master Thomas Williams, Commissary to
+the Reverend father in God, William, bishop of Excester, upon certayne
+Interrogatories touchyng Wytchcrafte and Sorcerye, in the presence of
+diuers getlemen and others. [pilcrow] The xx of August, 1566. [pilcrow] Imprynted at
+London by John Awdely, dwelling in litle Britain streete without
+Aldersgate 1566. The xxiij of December.
+
+The disclosing of a late counterfeyted possession by the deuyl in two
+maydens within the Citie of London. Printed at London by Richard Watkins.
+1574.
+
+A Dialogue of Witches, in foretime named Lottellers, and now commonly
+called Sorcerers. Wherein is declared breefely and effectually, what
+soeuer may be required, touching that argument. A treatise very
+profitable, by reason of the diuerse and sundry opinions of men in this
+question, and right necessary for Judges to understande, which sit upon
+lyfe and death. Written in Latin by Lambertus Danaeus, And now translated
+into English. Printed by R. W. 1575.
+
+A most strange and rare example of the iust iudgement of God executed upon
+a lewde and wicked Coniurer the xvij day of Januarie 1577. In the parish
+church of S. Mary Overis in Southwark, in the presence of divers credible
+and honest persons. [pilcrow] Imprinted at London by Henrie Bennyman.
+
+A Rehearsall both straung and true, of hainous and horrible actes
+committed by Elizabeth Stile, Alias Rockingham, Mother Dutten, Mother
+Deuell, Mother Margaret. Fower notorious Witches apprehended at Winsore in
+the Countie of Barks, and at Abbington arraigned, condemned and executed,
+on the 26 daye of Februarie last, Anno 1579. Imprinted at London for
+Edward White at the little North-doore of Paules, at the signe of the Gun,
+and are there to be sold.
+
+A Detection of damnable driftes practized by three Witches arraigned at
+Chelmissforde in Essex, at the laste Assizes there holden, whiche were
+executed in Aprill 1579. Set forthe to discouer the Ambushementes of
+Sathan, whereby he would surprise us, lulled in securitie, and hardened
+with contempte of God's vengeance threatened for our offences. Imprinted
+at London for Edward White at the little North-doore of Paules.
+
+De la Demonomanie des Sorciers ... par J. Bodin. Angevin. A Paris, Chez
+Jacques du Puys Libraire Jure, a la Samaritaine. 1580.
+
+[pilcrow] A true and iust Recorde of the Information, Examination and Confession
+of all the Witches, taken at S. Oses, in the countie of Essex: whereof
+some were executed, and other some entreated according to the
+determination of lawe. Wherein all men may see what a pestilent people
+Witches are, and how unworthy to lyue in a Christian Commonwealth. Written
+orderly, as the cases were tryed by evidence. By W. W. [pilcrow] Imprinted in
+London at the three Cranes in the Vinetree by Thomas Dawson. 1582.
+
+The Discouerie of witchcraft. Wherein the lewde dealing of witches and
+witchmongers is notablie detected, the knauerie of coniurors, the impietie
+of inchantors, the folie of soothsaiers, the impudent falshood of
+cousenors, the infidelitie of atheists, the pestilent practises of
+Pythonists, the curiositie of figure casters, the varietie of dreamers,
+the beggerlie art of Alcumystrie, the abhomination of idolatrie, the
+horrible art of poisoning, the vertue and power of naturall magicke, and
+all the conueiances of Legierdemaine and iuggling are deciphered: and many
+other things opened, which haue long lien hidden, howbeit verie necessarie
+to be knowne. Hereunto is added a treatise upon the nature and substance
+of spirits and diuels, &c.: all latelie written by Reginald Scot Esquire,
+1 John 4. 1. 'Beleeue not euerie spirit, but trie the spirits, whether
+they are of God; for manie false prophets are gone out into the world,'
+&c. 1584.
+
+A true and most Dreadfull discourse of a woman possessed with the Deuill:
+who in the likeness of a headlesse Beare fetched her out of her Bedd, and
+in the presence of seuen persons, most straungely roulled her thorow three
+Chambers, and downe a high paire of staiers, on the fower and twentie of
+May last, 1584. At Dichet in Sommersetshire. A matter as miraculous as
+euer was seen in our time. Imprinted at London for Thomas Nelson.
+
+IIII Livres des Spectres ou Apparitions et Visions d'Esprits, Anges et
+Demons se monstrans sensiblement aux hommes. Par Pierre le Loyer Coseiller
+au Siege presidial d'Angers. A Angers, pour Georges Nepuen, Libraire
+demeurant a la Chauss{e} Sainct Pierre. 1586.
+
+A Discourse of the subtill Practises of Deuilles by Witches and Sorcerers.
+By which men are and haue bin greatly deluded: the antiquitie of them:
+their diuers sorts and Names. With an Aunswer unto diuers friuolous
+Reasons which some doe make to prooue that the Deuils did not make those
+Aperations in any bodily shape. By G. Gyfford. Imprinted at London for
+Toby Cooke. 1587.
+
+A true Discourse, Declaring the damnable life and death of one Stubbe
+Peeter, a most wicked Sorcerer, who, in the likenes of a Woolfe, committed
+many murders, continuing this diuelish practise 25 yeeres, killing and
+deuouring Men, Women and Children. Who for the same fact was taken and
+executed the 31 of October last past in the Towne of Bedbur neer the
+Cittie of Collin in Germany. Trulye translated out of the high Duch
+according to the Copie printed in Collin, brought ouer into England by
+George Bore's ordinary Poste, the xj daye of this present Moneth of June
+1590, who did both see and heare the same. At London: Printed for Edward
+Venge, and are to be sold in Fleet-street, at the signe of the Vine.
+
+The most strange and admirable discouerie of the three Witches of Warboys,
+arraigned, conuicted and executed at the last Assizes at Huntington for
+the bewitching of the fine daughters of Robert Throckmorton Esqre., and
+diuers other persons, with sundrie Diuellish and grieuous torments. And
+also for bewitching to death of the Lady Crumwell, the like hath not been
+heard of in this age. London: Printed by the Widdowe Owin, for Thomas Man,
+and Iohn Winnington, and are to be solde in Paternoster Rowe, at the signe
+of the Talbot. 1593.
+
+A True Discourse, upon the matter of Martha Brossier of Romorantin,
+pretended to be possessed by a Deuill. Translated out of French into
+English by Abraham Hartwell. Ecclesiastie 19. 'He that is hastie to giue
+credite, is light minded; and shall be held as one that sinneth against
+his owne Soule.' London: Imprinted by Iohn Wolfe, 1599.
+
+Malleus Maleficarum: De lamiis et strigibus, et sagis aliisque Magis &
+Demoniacis, eorumque arte, potestate, & poena ... Tractatus aliquot tam
+veterum quam recentiorum auctorum, &c. 2 tom. Francofurti, 1600, 8vo.
+
+A true Narration of the strange and grevous vexation by the Devil of 7
+persons in Lancashire, and William Somers of Nottingham. Wherein the
+doctrine of Possession and Dispossession of Demoniakes out of the word of
+God, is particularly applyed unto Somers and the rest of the persons
+controuerted: together with the use we are to make of these workes of God.
+By Iohn Darrell, Minister of the word of God. 'He that is not with me, is
+against me: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth.' Matth. xii.
+30. Printed 1600.
+
+A Dialogue concerning Witches and Witchcrafts. In which is layed open how
+craftily the Diuell deceiueth not onely the Witches, but many other, and
+so leadeth them awrie into manie great errours. By George Giffard,
+Minister of God's word in Maldon. London: Printed by R. F. and F. K. and
+are to be sold by Arthur Iohnson, at the signe of the Flower-de-Luce and
+Crowne in Paules Church-Yard. 1603.
+
+Demonologie. In forme of a Dialogue. Diuided into three books. Written by
+the High and mightie Prince, Iames, by the grace of God, King of England,
+Scotland, France and Ireland. Defender of the Faith, &c. London: Printed
+by Arnold Hatfield for Robert Wald-graue. 1603.
+
+A Treatise of Specters or Straunge Sights, Visions and Apparitions
+appearing sensibly unto men. Wherein is deliuered the Nature of Spirites,
+Angels and Divels: their power and properties: as also of Witches,
+Sorcerers, Enchanters and such like.... Newly done out of French into
+English. London: Printed by Val. S. for Mathew Lownes. 1605.
+
+Discours, et Histoires des Spectres, Visions et Apparitions des Esprits,
+Anges, Demons et Ames, se monstrans visibles aux hommes. Divisez en huict
+livres. Esquels par les Visions Merveilleuses, et prodigieuses Apparitions
+avenues en tous siecles, tirees et recuillies des plus celebres autheurs
+tant Sacrez que Prophanes ... Aussi est traicte des Extases et
+rauissements &c. Par Pierre le Loyer, Conseiller du Roy au siege Presidial
+d'Angers. A Paris, Chez Nicolas Buon, demeurant au mont Sainct Hilaire a
+l'enseigne Sainct Claude. 1605.
+
+A Full and True Account Both of the Life; and also of the Manner and
+Method of carrying on the Delusions, Blasphemies and Notorious Cheats of
+Susan Fowls, as the same was Contrived, Plotted, Invented, and Managed by
+wicked Popish Priests, and other Papists, with a Design to scandalize our
+Church and Ministers, by insinuating that the Virtue of Casting out
+Devils, and Easing Persons Possess'd was only in the Power of their
+Church. As also, Of her Tryal and Sentence at the Old Baily, the 7th of
+this instant May, for blaspheming Jesus Christ, and cursing the Lord's
+Prayer. London: Printed for J. Read in Fleet Street. 1608.
+
+Strange and Wonderful News. Being a True, tho' Sad Relation of Six Sea Men
+(Belonging to the _Margaret_ of Boston) who Sold Themselves to the Devil,
+And were Invisibly Carry'd away. With an Account of the said Ship being
+Sunk under Water, where She continued full Eleuen Weeks: All which Time,
+to Admiration, the rest of the Ship's Crew Liv'd, and Fed upon Raw Meat,
+and Live Fish that Swam over their Heads. The Names of the Three Persons
+that were, (thro' Mercy) Preserv'd so long under water, were William
+Davies (a Man very well known to the Merchants in London) Mr. William
+Kadner, and Mr. William Bywater. There was only One Boy Drowned. [Pointing
+Hand] The Truth of which Strange and Miraculous Relation will be Attested
+at Mr. Loyd's Coffee House, near the General Post Office in
+Lombard-Street: where the original Letter, at large, will be shewn to any
+Person that desires to be further satisfy'd in the Truth hereof; and by
+several Eminent Merchants upon the Exchange. London: Printed for H.
+Marston in Cornhill. No date.
+
+A Discourse of the damned Art of Witchcraft, so farre forth as it is
+revealed in the Scriptures and manifest by true experience. By William
+Perkins. O. Legge, Cambridge, 1608, 8vo.
+
+Discours des Sorciers, avec six Advis en faict de Sorcelerie. Et une
+Instruction pour un Juge en semblable matiere: Par Henry Boguet Dolanois,
+grand Juge en la terre S. Oyan de Ioux, ditte de S. Claude, au Comte de
+Bourgongne.... Seconde Edition. A Lyon, Chez Pierre Rigaud en rue
+Merciere, au coing de rue Ferrandiere, a l'Horloge. 1608.
+
+The wonderful discouerie of Elizabeth Sawyer, a Witch, late of Edmonton,
+her conuiction and condemnation and Death. Together with the relation of
+the Diuels accesse to her, and their conference together. Written by Henry
+Goodcole, Minister of the Word of God, and her continuall Visiter in the
+Gaole of Newgate. London: Printed for William Butler, and are to be sold
+at his Shop in Saint Dunstons Church Yard Fleet Street. 1611.
+
+The Witches of Northamptonshire. Agnes Browne, Joane Vaughan, Arthur Bill,
+Hellen Ienkenson, Mary Barber, Witches. Who were all executed at
+Northampton the 22 of Iuly last 1612. London: Printed by Tho: Purfoot, for
+Arthur Iohnson. 1612.
+
+The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster. With the
+Arraignement and Triall of Nineteene notorious Witches, at the Assizes and
+generall Gaole deliuerie, holden at the Castle of Lancaster, upon Munday,
+the seuenteenth of August last 1612. Before Sir Iames Altham, and Sir
+Edward Bromley, Knights; Barons of his Maiesties Court of Exchequer: And
+Justices of Assize, Oyer and Terminor, and generall Gaole deliuerie in the
+Circuit of the North Parts. Together with the Arraignement and Triall of
+Iennet Preston, at the Assizes holden at the Castle of Yorke, the seuen
+and twentieth day of Iulie last past, with her Execution for the murther
+of Master Lister, by Witchcraft. Published and set forth by the
+Commandement of his Maiesties Iustices of Assize in the North Parts. By
+Thomas Potts, Esquier. London: Printed by W. Stansby for Iohn Barnes,
+dwelling neare Holborne Conduit. 1613.
+
+Tableau de l'Inconstance des Mauvais Anges et Demons. Ou il est amplement
+traicte des Sorciers, et de la Sorcellerie. Livre tres-utile et
+necessaire, non seulement aux Iuges, mais a tous ceux qui viuent sous les
+loix Chrestiennes. Avec un Discours contenant la Procedure faite par les
+Inquisiteurs d'Espagne et de Nauarre, a 53 Magiciens, Apostats, Iuifs et
+Sorciers, en la ville de Logrogne en Castille, le 9 Novembre 1610. En
+laquelle on voit combien l'exercice de la Iustice en France, est plus
+iuridiquement traicte, et auec de plus belles formes qu'en tous autres
+Empires, Royaumes, Republiques et Estats. Par Pierre de Lancre, Conseiller
+du Roy au Parlement de Bordeaux ... A Paris, Chez Nicolas Buon, rue sainct
+Iacques, a l'enseigne de sainct Claude, et de l'Homme Sauuage. 1613.
+
+A True and Feareful Vexation of one Alexander Nyndge: being most horribly
+tormented with the Deuill, from the 20 day of Ianuary to the 23 of Iuly.
+At Lyeringswell in Suffocke; with his Prayer after his Deliuerance.
+Written by his owne brother, Edward Nyndge Master of Arts, with the Names
+of the Witnesses that were at his Vexature. [pilcrow] Imprinted at London for W.
+B. and are to bee sold by Edward Wright at Christ Church Gate. 1615.
+
+Le Fleau des Demons et Sorciers par J. B. (Bodin). Angevin. Derniere
+Edition, a Nyort, par Dauid du Terroir. 1616.
+
+The Triall of Witch-craft, shewing the true and right methode of the
+Discouerie: with A Confutation of Erroneous wayes. By Iohn Cotta, Doctor
+in Physicke. London: Printed by George Purslowe for Samuel Rand, and are
+to be solde at his shop neere Holburne-Bridge. 1616.
+
+A Treatise of Witchcraft. Wherein sundry Propositions are laid downe,
+plainely discouering the wickednesse of that damnable Art, with diuerse
+other speciall points annexed, not impertinent to the same, such as ought
+diligently of euery Christian to be considered. With a true Narration of
+the Witchcrafts which Mary Smith, wife of Henry Smith, Glouer, did
+practise: Of her contract vocally made between the Deuill and her, in
+solemn termes, by whose meanes she hurt sundry persons whom she enuied:
+Which is confirmed by her owne confession, and also from the publique
+Records of the Examination of diuerse upon their oathes: And, lastly, of
+her death and execution, for the same, which was on the twelfth day of
+Ianuarie last past. By Alexander Roberts, B.D. and Preacher of Gods Word
+at Kings-Linne in Norffolke.... London: Printed by N. O. for Samuel Man,
+and are to be sold at his Shop in Pauls Church-Yard, at the signe of the
+Ball. 1616.
+
+The Merry Devil of Edmonton. As it hath beene sundry times Acted by his
+Maiesties Seruants, at the Globe on the Bankside. At London. Printed by G.
+Eld, for Arthur Iohnson, dwelling at the signe of the white-Horse in
+Paules Church-yard, ouer against the great North Doore of Paules. 1617.
+
+The Mystery of Witchcraft. Discouering the Truth, Nature, Occasions,
+Growth and Power thereof. Together with the Detection and Punishments of
+the same. As Also, the seuerall Stratagems of Sathan, ensnaring the poore
+Soule by this desperate practize of annoying the bodie: with the seuerall
+Uses thereof to the Church of Christ. Very necessary for the redeeming of
+these Atheisticall and secure (_sic_) times. By Thomas Cooper. London:
+Printed by Nicholas Okes. 1617.
+
+The Wonderful Discoverie of the Witchcrafts of Margaret and Philip Flower,
+daughters of Ioan Flower, neere Beuer Castle, Executed at Lincolne March
+11, 1618. Who were specially arraigned and condemned before Sir Henry
+Hobart, and Sir Edward Bromley, Iudges of Assise, for confessing
+themselues actors in the destruction of Henry, Lord Rosse, with their
+damnable practises against others the Children of the Right Honourable
+Francis, Earle of Rutland. Together with the seuerall Examinations and
+Confessions of Anne Baker, Ioan Willimot, and Ellen Greene, Witches in
+Leicestershire. Printed at London by G. Eld for I. Barnes, dwelling in
+the long Walke, neere Christ-Church. 1619.
+
+The Boy of Bilson: or a true Discovery of the late notorious Impostures of
+certaine Romish Priests in their pretended Exorcisme, or expulsion of the
+Diuell out of a young Boy, named William Perry, sonne of Thomas Perry of
+Bilson in the County of Stafford, Yeoman. Upon which occasion, hereunto is
+premitted A briefe Theologicall Discourse, by way of Caution, for the more
+easie discerning of such Romish Spirits; and iudging of their false
+pretences, both in this, and the late Practises ... at London. Imprinted
+by F. K. for William Barret. 1622.
+
+The Infallible and Assured Witch: or the Second Edition of the Tryall of
+Witch craft. Shewing the right and true methode of the discouerie; with a
+confutation of erroneous waies carefully reviewed and more fully cleared
+and Augmented. By Iohn Cotta, Doctor in Physicke. London: Printed by I. L.
+for R. H. and are to be sold at the signe of the Grey hound in Pauls
+Church Yard. 1625.
+
+The late Lancashire Witches. A well received Comedy, lately Acted at the
+Globe on the Banke-side, by the King's Majesties Actors. Written by Thom
+Heywood, and Richard Broome Aut prodesse solent, aut delectare. London:
+Printed by Thomas Harper for Benjamin Fisher, and are to be Sold at his
+Shop at the Signe of the Talbot, without Aldersgate. 1634.
+
+A Relation of the Devill Balams departure out of the body of the Mother
+Prioresse of the Ursuline Nuns of Loudun. Her fearefull motions and
+contorsions during the Exorcisme, with the Extract of the Proces verball,
+touching the Exorcismes wrought at Loudun, by order of the Bishop of
+Poictiers, under the authority of the King. Printed at Orleans 1635. Or
+the first part of the Play acted at Loudun by two Divels, a Frier, and a
+Nun. Faithfully translated out of the French Copie, with some Observations
+for the better illustration of the Pageant. London: Printed by R. B. and
+are to be sold in S. Pauls Church-yard, and in S. Dunstans Church Yard in
+Fleet Street, at the Shop turning up to Clifford's Inn. 1636.
+
+A Dog's Elegy, or Rupert's Tears, for the late Defeat given him at Marston
+moore, neer York by the Three Renowned Generalls: Alexander, Earl of
+Leven, Generall of the Scottish Forces. Fardinando Lord Fairfax, and the
+Earle of Manchester, Generalls of the English Forces in the North. Where
+his beloved Dog, named Boy, was killed by a Valiant Souldier, who had
+skill in Necromancy. Likewise the strange breed of this Shagg'd Cavalier,
+whelp'd of a Malignant Water Witch; With all his Tricks and Feats.
+
+ 'Sad Cavaliers, _Rupert_ invites you all
+ That doe survive, to his Dogs Funerall.
+ Close mourners are the Witch, Pope, & Devill,
+ That much lament yo'r late befallen evill.'
+
+Printed at London, for G. B. July 27, 1644.
+
+A true and exact Relation of the severall Informations, Examinations, and
+Confessions of the late Witches, arraigned and executed in the County of
+Essex. Who were arraigned and condemned at the late Sessions, holden at
+Chelmesford before the Right Honorable Robert Earle of Warwicke, and
+severall of his Majesties Justices of Peace, the 29 of July 1645. Wherein
+the severall murthers, and devillish Witchcrafts committed on the bodies
+of men, women and children, and divers cattell, are fully discovered....
+London: Printed by M. S. for Henry Overton and Benj. Allen, and are to be
+sold at their Shops in Popes head Alley. 1645.
+
+The Lawes against Witches and Coniuration, and Some brief Notes and
+Observations for the Discovery of Witches. Being very usefull for these
+Times, wherein the Devil reignes and prevailes over the soules of poor
+Creatures, in drawing them to that crying Sin of Witchcraft. Also the
+Confession of Mother Lakeland, who was arraigned and condemned for a
+Witch, at Ipswich in Suffolke.... London: Printed for R. W. 1645.
+
+The Examination, Confession, Triall and Execution of Joane Williford, Joan
+Cariden, and Jane Hott: Who were executed at Feversham in Kent, for being
+Witches, on Munday the 29 of September 1645. Being a true Copy of their
+evill lives and wicked deeds, taken by the Maior of Feversham and Jurors
+for the said Inquest. With the Examination and Confession of Elizabeth
+Harris, not yet executed. All attested under the hand of Robert
+Greenstreet, Maior of Feversham. London: Printed for J. G., October 2,
+1645.
+
+The Discovery of Witches in answer to severall Queries, lately delivered
+to the Judges of Assize for the County of Norfolk, and now published M.
+[Matthew] H. [Hopkins] Witch finder, for the benefit of the whole Kingdom.
+London, 1647, 4to.
+
+The full Tryals, Examination and Condemnation of Four Notorious Witches,
+At the Assizes held at Worcester, on Tuseday the 4th of March. With the
+manner, how they were found guilty of Bewitching several Children to
+Death. As also, Their Confessions, and last Dying Speeches at the Place of
+Execution; with other Amazing Particulars concerning the said
+Witchcraft.... London: Printed by I. W., near Fleet-street. No date.
+
+The Woodstock Scuffle, or, Most Dreadfull Apparitions that were lately
+seene in the Mannor-House of Woodstock, neere Oxford, to the great Terror
+and wonderfull Amazement of all there that did Behold them. Printed in the
+yeere 1649.
+
+Wonderfull News from the North, or a true Relation of the sad and grievous
+Torments Inflicted upon the Bodies of three Children of Mr. George
+Muschamp, late of the County of Northumberland, by Witchcraft; and how
+miraculously it pleased God to strengthen them, and to deliver them. As
+also the prosecution of the sayd Witches, as by Oaths, and their own
+Confessions will appear, and by the indictment found by the Jury against
+one of them, at the Sessions of the Peace held at Alnwick, the 24 day of
+April, 1650.... London: Printed by T. H., and are to be sold by Richard
+Harper, at his shop in Smithfield. 1650.
+
+Doctor Lamb Revived, or Witchcraft condemn'd in Anne Bodenham, a Servant
+of his, who was Arraigned and Executed the Lent Assizes last at Salisbury,
+before the Right Honourable the Lord Chief Baron Wild, Judge of the
+Assise. Wherein is set forth her strange and wonderful Diabolical usage of
+a Maid, Servant to Mr. Goddard, as also, hir attempt against his
+Daughters, but by Providence delivered. Being necessary for all good
+Christians to Read, as a Caveat to look to themselves that they be not
+seduced by such Inticements. By Edmond Bower, an eye and ear Witness of
+her Examination and Confession. London: Printed by T. W. for Richard Best
+and John Place, and are to be Sold at their Shops at Grays Inn Gate and
+Furnival's Inn Gate in Holburn. 1653.
+
+An Advertisement to the Jury-men of England touching Witches. Together
+with a Difference between an English and Hebrew Witch. London: Printed by
+I. G. for Richard Royston. At the Angel in Ivie-lane. 1653.
+
+A Compendious History of the Goths, Swedes and Vandals and Other Northern
+Nations. Written by Olaus Magnus, Arch-Bishop of Upsall, and Metropolitan
+of Sweden. London: Printed by I. Streeter, and are to be sold by Humphrey
+Mosely, &c. 1658.
+
+Strange and Terrible Newes from Cambridge, being A true Relation of the
+Quakers bewitching of Mary Philips out of the Bed from her Husband in the
+Night, and transformed her into the shape of a Bay Mare, riding her from
+Dinton towards the University. With the manner how she became visible
+again to the People in her own Likeness and Shape, with her sides all rent
+and torn, as if they had been spur-gal'd, her hands and feet worn as black
+as a Coal, and her mouth slit with the Bridle Bit. Likewise, her Speech to
+the Scholars and Country-men, upon this great and wonderful Change, her
+Oath before the Judges and Justices, and the Names of the Quakers brought
+to tryal on Friday last at the Assises held at Cambridge. With the
+Judgment of the Court. As also, the Devil's snatching of one from his
+Company, and hoisting of him up into the Air, with what hapned thereupon.
+London: Printed for C. Brooks, and are to be sold at the Royal Exchange in
+Cornhill. 1659.
+
+The Just Devil of Woodstock, Or, A True Narrative of the Several
+Apparitions, the Frights and Punishments inflicted upon the Rumpish
+Commissioners Sent thither, to Survey the Mannors and Houses belonging to
+his Majestie. London: Printed in the Year 1660.
+
+A Philosophical Endeavour towards the Defence of the Being of Witches and
+Apparitions. In a letter to ... R. Hunt. Esq. By a Member of the Royal
+Society. J. G. [Glanvill] London, 1666.
+
+Some Philosophical Considerations Touching the Being of Witches and
+Witchcraft written in a Letter to the much Honour'd Robert Hunt Esq: By J.
+G. a Member of the Royal Society. London: Printed by E. C. for James
+Collins at the King's Head in Westminster Hall. 1667.
+
+A Blow at Modern Sadducism. In some Philosophical Considerations about
+Witchcraft. And the Relation of the Famed Disturbance at the House of M.
+Mompesson, with Reflections on Drollery, and Atheisme. The Fourth Edition
+Corrected and Inlarged. By Jos Glanvill. Fellow of the Royal Society.
+London: Printed by E. Cotes for James Collins at the King's Head in
+Westminster Hall. 1668.
+
+The Question of Witchcraft Debated; Or, a discourse against their Opinion
+that affirm Witches.... London: Printed in the Year 1669.
+
+The Opinion of Witchcraft Vindicated. In an Answer to a Book Intituled the
+Question of Witchcraft Debated. Being a letter to a Friend by R. T.
+London: Printed by E. O. for Francis Haley, and are to be sold at his Shop
+at the corner of Chancery Lane in Holborn. 1670.
+
+The Witch of the Woodlands, Or, The Coblers New Translation. Written by L.
+P.
+
+ 'Here Robin the Cobler for his former evils
+ Was punisht worse than Faustus with his devils.'
+
+Printed by A. P. for W. Thackeray at the Angel in Duck Lane neer West
+Smithfield. 1670?
+
+The Question of Witchcraft debated. Or a Discourse against their Opinion
+that affirm Witches, considered and enlarged. The Second Edition. By the
+Author John Wagstaffe.... London: Printed for Edw. Millington, at the
+Pelican in Duck Lane. 1671.
+
+The Daemon of Burton. Or a true Relation of Strange Witchcrafts or
+Incantations lately practised at Burton in the Parish of Weobley in
+Herefordshire. Certified in a Letter from a Person of Credit in Hereford.
+London: Printed for C. W. in the year 1671.
+
+A Treatise proving Spirits, Witches and Supernatural Operations, by
+Pregnant Instances and Evidences: Together with other Things worthy of
+Note. By Meric Casaubon D.D. London: Printed for Brabazon Aylmer, at the
+Tree Pigeons in Cornhill. 1672.
+
+A Pleasant Treatise of Witches, Their Imps, and Meetings, Persons
+bewitched, Magicians, Necromancers, Incubus, and Succubus's, Familiar
+Spirits, Goblings, Pharys, Specters, Phantasms, Places Haunted, and
+Devillish Impostures. With the difference between Good and Bad Angels, and
+a true Relation of a good Genius. By a Pen near the Covent of Eluthery.
+London: Printed by H. B. for C. Wilkinson at the Black Boy in Fleet
+street, and Tho. Archer and Tho. Burrell under St. Dunstan's Church. 1673.
+
+The Wonder of Wonders, or Strange News from Newton in York-shire. Being a
+True and Perfect Relation of a Gentleman turn'd into a statue of Stone,
+which Statue stands now in the Garden of Goodman Wilford, a sufficient
+Farmer living in the same Town. Together With the occasion of the Fright
+upon Himself, Wife, and Maid, by four Persons, upon the 12th of May 1675.
+Set forth to prevent Surreptitious Reports. Printed in the Year 1675.
+
+The Displaying of supposed Witchcraft, Wherein is affirmed that there are
+many sorts of Deceivers and Impostors, and Divers persons under a passive
+Delusion of Melancholy and Fancy. But that there is a Corporeal League
+made betwixt the Devil and the Witch, Or that he sucks on the Witches
+Body, has Carnal Copulation, or that Witches are turned into Cats, Dogs,
+raise Tempests, or the like, is utterly denied and disproved. Wherein also
+is handled, The Existence of Angels and Spirits, the truth of Apparitions,
+the Nature of Astral and Sydereal Spirits, the force of Charms and
+Philters; with other abstruse matters. By John Webster, Practitioner in
+Physick.... London: Printed by J. M. and are to be sold by the Booksellers
+in London. 1677.
+
+Wonderful News from Buckinghamshire, or a perfect Relation How a young
+Maid hath been for Twelve years and upwards, possest with the Devil; And
+continues so to this very day in a Lamentable Condition. With an Account
+of several Discourses with the said Evil Spirit, and his Answers: attested
+by Ear-witnesses; and other strange Circumstances from time to time
+relating there unto. Published for the Awaking and Convincing of Atheists
+and modern Sadducees, who dream that there is neither Angel nor Spirit.
+Licensed according to Order. London: Printed for D. M. 1677.
+
+A Discovery of the Impostures of Witches and Astrologers.... By John
+Brinly, Gent. London: Printed for John Wright, at the Crown on Ludgate
+Hill, and sold by Edward Milward, Book Seller in Leitchfield. 1680.
+
+Melampronoea: or a Discourse of the Polity and Kingdom of Darkness.
+Together With a Solution of the chiefest Objections brought against the
+Being of Witches. By Henry Hallywell, Master of Arts, and sometime Fellow
+of Christs Colledge in Cambridge.... London: Printed for Walter Kettilby,
+at the Bishops Head in S. Paul's Church Yard. 1681.
+
+Strange and wonderful News from Yowel in Surry; Giving a True and Just
+Account of One Elizabeth Burgiss, Who was most strangely Bewitched and
+Tortured at a sad rate, having several great lumps of Clay pulled forth
+from her Back, full of Pins and Thorns, which pricked so extreamly, that
+she cry'd and roar'd in a vehement and outragious manner, to the great
+amazement of all the Beholders. As also. How great Stones, as big as a
+Man's Fist, were thrown at her in the Dwelling House of Mr. Tuers, which
+came flying into the House, and that none of the Family was any ways hurt,
+but this Maid; Also how the Bellows was thrown at her. Mr. Tuers. her
+Master, finding his House thus troubled, after some time, sent her home to
+her Mothers House at Asteed, about three Miles off from Yowel, where by
+the way She was most strangely assaulted with Stones as before; and after
+She came to her Fathers House, the throwing of the Pewter Dishes,
+Candlesticks, and other clattering of Household-Goods at her, besides the
+displacing of a Musical Instrument, hanging up her Grand Fathers Breeches
+on the top of the Sealing. With many more strange and miraculous things,
+filling the Spectators with Wonder and amazement. Printed for J. Clarke,
+Seignor; at the Bible and Harp in West Smithfield. 1681.
+
+The Tryal, Condemnation and Execution of three Witches, viz: Temperance
+Floyd, Mary Floyd, and Susanna Edwards. Who were Arraigned at Exeter on
+the 18th of August 1682. And, being prov'd Guilty of Witch Craft, were
+Condemned to be Hang'd, which was accordingly Executed in the view of many
+Spectators, whose strange and much to be lamented Impudence, is never to
+be forgotten. Also, how they Confessed what Mischiefs they had done, by
+the assistance of the Devil, who lay with the above named Temperance
+Floyd, nine nights together. Also, how they Squeezed one Hannah Thomas to
+death in their Arms; How they also caused several Ships to be cast away,
+causing a Boy to fall from the top of a Main Mast into the Sea. With many
+Wonderful Things, worth your Reading. Printed for J. Deacon at the sign of
+the Rainbow, a little beyond St. Andrews Church in Holborn. 1682.
+
+A Tryal of Witches at the Assizes held at Bury St. Edmonds for the County
+of Suffolk; on the Tenth day of March, 1664. Before Sir Matthew Hale, Kt.
+then Lord Chief Baron of his Majesties Court of Exchequer. Taken by a
+Person then Attending the Court. London: Printed for William Shrewsbery
+at the Bible in Duck Lane. 1682.
+
+A Strange, True, and Dreadful Relation of the Devil's appearing to Thomas
+Cox, a Hackney Coach-Man; Who lives in Cradle Alley in Baldwin's Garden,
+First in the habit of a Gentleman with a Roll of Parchment in his hand,
+and then in the shape of a Bear, which afterwards vanish'd away in a flash
+of Fire, at Eight of the Clock on Friday Night. October the 31st, 1684.
+London: Printed by E. Mallet. 1684.
+
+Pandemonium, or the Devil's Cloyster, Being a further Blow to Modern
+Sadduceism, Proving the Existence of Witches and Spirits, in A Discourse
+deduced from the Fall of the Angels, the Propagation of Satan's Kingdom
+before the Flood; The Idolatry of the Ages after, greatly advancing
+Diabolical Confederacies. With an Account of the Lives and Transactions of
+several Notorious Witches. Also A Collection of several Authentick
+Relations of Strange Apparitions of Daemons and Spectres, and Fascinations
+of Witches, never before Printed. By Richard Bovet, Gent., London. Printed
+for J. Walthoe, at the Black Lion, Chancery Lane, over against Lincoln's
+Inn. 1684.
+
+Satan's Invisible World discovered; or A choice Collection of Modern
+Relations, proving evidently against the Saducees and Atheists of this
+present Age, that there are Devils, Spirits, Witches, and Apparitions,
+from Authentick Records, Attestations of Famous Witnesses, and undoubted
+Verity. To all which is added, The Marvellous History of Major Weir, and
+his Sister; with two Relations of Apparitions at Edinburgh. By Mr. George
+Sinclar, late Professor of Philosophy in the Colledge of Glasgow....
+Edinburgh: Printed by John Reid. 1685.
+
+A Discourse, proving by Scripture and Reason, And the Best Authours,
+Ancient and Modern, that there are Witches: and How far their Power
+extends to the doing of Mischief both to Man and Beast: And likewise the
+Use and Abuse of Astrology laid open.... London: Printed by J. M. and sold
+by John Weld, at the Crown in Fleet Street, between the Two Temple Gates.
+1686.
+
+News from Pannier Alley: or, a True Relation of Some Pranks the Devil hath
+lately play'd with a Plaster-Pot there. London: Printed and Publish'd by
+Randal Taylor. 1687.
+
+Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions. A Faithful
+Account of many Wonderful and Surprising Things, that have befallen
+several Bewitched and Possessed Persons in New-England. Particularly, A
+Narrative of the marvellous Trouble and Releef Experienced by a pious
+Family in Boston, very lately and sadly molested with Evil Spirits.
+Whereunto is added A Discourse delivered unto a Congregation in Boston, on
+the Occasion of that Illustrious Providence. As also A Discourse
+delivered unto the same Congregation, on the occasion of an horrible
+Self-Murder Committed in the Town. With an Appendix in vindication of a
+Chapter in a late Book of Remarkable Providences, from the Calumnies of a
+Quaker at Pen-silvania. Written by Cotton Mather, Minister of the Gospel,
+And Recommended by the Ministers of Boston and Charleston. Printed at
+Boston in N. England by R. P. 1689. Sold by Joseph Brunning, at his Shop
+at the Corner of the Prison Lane next the Exchange.
+
+The Certainty of the World of Spirits, fully evinced by unquestionable
+Histories of Apparitions and Witchcrafts, Operations, Voices, &c. Proving
+the Immortality of Souls, the Malice and Misteries of the Devils and the
+Damned, and the Blessedness of the Justified. Written for the Conviction
+of Sadduces and Infidels by Richard Baxter.... London: Printed for T.
+Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside; and J. Salusbury at
+the Rising Sun over against the Royal Exchange. 1691.
+
+The Wonders of the Invisible World. Observations As well Historical as
+Theological, upon the Nature, the Number, and the Operations of the
+Devils. Accompany'd with (I.) Some Accounts of the Grevious Molestations,
+by Daemons and Witchcrafts, which have lately annoy'd the Countrey: and the
+Trials of some eminent Malefactors Executed upon occasion thereof: with
+several Remarkable Curiosities therein occurring. (II.) Some Counsils,
+Directing a due Improvement of the terrible things, lately done, by the
+Unusual and Amazing Range of Evil Spirits, in Our Neighbourhood: and the
+methods to prevent the Wrongs which those Evil Angels may intend against
+all sorts of people among us; especially in Accusations of the Innocent.
+(III.) Some Conjectures upon the great Events likely to befall the World
+in General, and New England in Particular; as also upon the Advances of
+the Time when we shall see Better Dayes. (IV.) A short Narrative of a late
+Outrage committed by a knot of Witches in Swedeland, very much Resembling,
+and so far Explaining, That under which our parts of America have
+laboured! (V.) The Devil discovered: In a Brief Discourse upon those
+Temptations, which are the more Ordinary Devices of the Wicked One. By
+Cotton Mather. Boston: Printed by Benj. Harris for Sam Phillips. 1693.
+
+A further Account of the Tryals of the New-England Witches. (Collected by
+D. [Deodat] L. [Lawson]) ... To which is added Cases of Conscience
+concerning Witchcrafts, and Evil Spirits personating Men. Written ... by
+I. [Increase] Mather. 2 parts, London. 1693.
+
+A Collection of Modern Relations of Matter of Fact, concerning Witches and
+Witchcraft Upon the Persons of People. To Which is prefixed a Meditation
+concerning the Mercy of God, in preserving us from the Malice and Power
+of Evil Angels. Written by the late Lord Chief Justice Hale upon Occasion
+of a Tryal of several Witches before him, Part 1. London: Printed for John
+Harris, at the Harrow in the Poultry. 1693.
+
+A Faithful Narrative of the Wonderful and Extraordinary Fits which Mr.
+Tho. Spatchet (Late of Dunwich and Cookly) was under by Witchcraft: or A
+Mysterious Providence in his even Unparalleled Fits. With an Account of
+his first Falling into, Behaviour under, and (in part) deliverance out of
+them. Wherein are several Remarkable Instances of the Gracious Effects of
+Fervent Prayer. The whole drawn up and written by Samuel Petto, Minister
+of the Gospel at Sudbury in Suffolk, who was an Eye-witness of a great
+part. With a Necessary Preface.... London: Printed for John Harris at the
+Harrow in the Poultrey. 1693.
+
+Miscellanies. Collected by J. Aubrey, Esqre. London: Printed for Edward
+Castle next Scotland Yard Gate, by Whitehall. 1696.
+
+A Sad, Amazing, and Dreadful Relation of a Farmer's Wife, near Wallingford
+in Barkshire, who Abusing her Husband for selling Corn cheap to the Poor,
+and wishing the Devil might Thrash, the next Day found him Thrashing in
+the Barn, and was, by him, thrown on the Mow, remaining there in a pitious
+manner, not to be removed, feeding on the Ears of Corn, and refusing all
+other Food. With her Description of the Devil; how he vanished from her,
+and a great Quantity of Corn he had Thrashed was found black and burned.
+London: Printed and Sold by J. W. 1697.
+
+A Relation of the Diabolical Practices of above Twenty Wizards and Witches
+of the Sheriffdom of Renfrew in the Kingdom of Scotland, contain'd in
+their Tryalls, Examinations, and Confessions; And for which several of
+them have been Executed this present Year, 1697. London: Printed for Hugh
+Newman, at the Grasshopper in the Poultry.
+
+Sadducismus Debellatus: Or a True Narrative of the Sorceries and
+Witchcrafts exercis'd by the Devil and his Instruments upon Mrs. Christian
+Shaw, Daughter of Mr. John Shaw of Bargarran in the County of Renfrew in
+the West of Scotland, from Aug. 1696 to Apr. 1697. Containing the Journal
+of her Sufferings, as it was Exhibited and Prov'd by the Voluntary
+Confession of some of the Witches, and other Unexceptionable Evidence,
+before the Commissioners Appointed by the Privy Council of Scotland to
+Enquire into the same. Collected from the Records. Together with
+Reflexions upon Witchcraft in General, and the Learned Arguments of the
+Lawyers on both Sides, at the Trial of Seven of those Witches, who were
+Condemned; And some Passages which happened at their Execution.... London:
+Printed for H. Newman, and A. Bell, at the Grasshopper in the Poultry,
+and at the Cross Keys and Bible in Cornhill near Stocks Market. 1698.
+
+The Second Part of the Boy of Bilson; or, a True and Particular Relation
+of the Impostor Susanna Fowles, Wife of John Fowles of Hammersmith, in the
+County of Middlesex, who pretended her self Possess'd with the Devil.
+Giving an Exact Account of the Beginning, Progress, Conferences,
+Discovery, Commitment, Confession, &c., of the said Impostor.... London:
+Printed, and are to be sold by E. Whitlock, near Stationers Hall. 1698.
+
+A Strange and True Relation of One Mr. John Leech, Who lived in
+Huntington-Shire, at a place called Ravely, not farre distant from
+Huntington Town, who was (about ten dayes agoe) Carried twelve miles in
+the Ayre, by two Finnes, and also of his sad and lamentable death....
+London. 1700?
+
+The History of Witches and Wizards: Giving a True Account of all their
+Tryals in England, Scotland, Sweedland, France, and New England; with
+their Confession and Condemnation.... By W. P. London. 1700?
+
+More Wonders of the Invisible World. Display'd in Five Parts. Part I. An
+Account of the Sufferings of Margaret Rule, Written by the Reverend Mr. C.
+[Cotton] M. [Mather]. P. II. Several Letters to the Author, &c. And his
+Reply relating to Witchcraft. P. III. The Differences between the
+Inhabitants of Salem Village and Mr. Parris their Minister, in New
+England. P. IV. Letters of a Gentleman uninterested, Endeavouring to prove
+the received Opinions about Witchcraft to be Orthodox. With short Essays
+to their Answers. P. V. A short Historical Account of Matters of Fact in
+that Affair. To which is added A Postscript relating to a Book intitled
+The Life of Sir William Phips. Collected by Robert Calef, Merchant, of
+Boston in New England.... London: Printed for Nath. Hillar, at the Princes
+Arms, in Leaden-Hall Street, over against St. Mary Ax, and Joseph Collyer
+at the Golden Bible on London Bridge. 1700.
+
+Magnalia Christi Americana: or, the Ecclesiastical History of New England
+from its First Planting in the Year 1620 unto the Year of our Lord 1698.
+In Seven Books.... By the Reverend and Learned Cotton Mather, M.A. And
+Pastor of the North Church in Boston, New-England. London: Printed for
+Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside. 1702.
+
+A True and Full Relation of the Witches at Pittenweem. To which is added
+by way of Preface, An Essay for proving the Existence of Good and Evil
+Spirits, relating to the Witches at Pittenween, now in Custody, with
+Arguments against the Sadducism of the Present Age. Edinburgh: Printed by
+John Reid Junior, and are to be Sold at his Printing House in Libertouns
+Wynd. 1704.
+
+A Full and True Relation of the Discovering, Apprehending and taking of a
+Notorious Witch, who was carried before Justice Bateman in Well-Close, on
+Sunday July the 23d. Together with her Examination and Commitment to
+Bridewell, Clerkenwel. London: Printed by H. Hills in Blackfryars near the
+Waterside. 1704.
+
+Christ's Fidelity the only Shield against Satan's Malignity. Asserted in a
+Sermon Delivered at Salem-Village the 24th of March, 1692. Being
+Lecture-day there, and a time of Publick Examination, of some Suspected
+for Witchcraft. By Deodat Lawson, Minister of the Gospel. The Second
+Edition.... Printed at Boston in New England, and Reprinted in London by
+R. Jockey for the Author; and are to be sold by T. Parkhurst, at the Bible
+and Three Crowns in Cheapside; and F. Lawrince at the Angel in the
+Poultry. 1704.
+
+An Exact Narrative and many Surprizing Matters of Fact Uncontestably
+wrought by an Evil Spirit or Spirits in the House of Master Jan Smagge,
+Farmer in Canvy-Island near Leigh in Essex, upon the 10th, 13th, 14th,
+15th and 16th of September last, in the Day-time: In the Presence of The
+Reverend Mr. Lord Curate to the said Island, Jan Smagge, Master of the
+House, and of several Neighbours, Servants and Strangers, who came at
+different times, as Mr. Lord's particular Care to discharge his Duty, and
+their Curiosity led them to this place of Wonders. Together with a Short
+Account of some of the Extraordinary Things credibly said to have formerly
+disturb'd the House, both before and since Mr. Smagge came into it: The
+utmost Caution being used not to exceed the Truth in the minutest
+Circumstance. In a Letter from Maiden in Essex to a Gentleman in London
+London: Printed and Sold by John Morphew near Stationer's Hall. 1709.
+
+A Terrible and seasonable Warning to young Men; Being a very particular
+and True Relation of one Abraham Joiner, a young Man about 17 or 18 Years
+of Age.... London, 1710?
+
+A Full and Impartial Account of the Discovery of Sorcery and Witchcraft
+Practised by Jane Wenham of Walkerne, in Hertfordshire, upon the Bodies of
+Anne Thorn, Anne Street, &c. The Proceedings against Her from Her being
+first Apprehended, till she was Committed to Gaol by Sir Henry Chauncy.
+Also Her Tryal at the Assizes at Hertford before Mr. Justice Powell, where
+she was found Guilty of Felony and Witchcraft, and receiv'd Sentence of
+Death for the same. March 4, 1711-12.... London: Printed for E. Curll at
+the Dial and Bible against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet street. 1712.
+
+Witchcraft Farther Display'd. Containing I. An Account of the Witchcraft
+practis'd by Jane Wenham of Walkerne in Hertfordshire, since her
+Condemnation, upon the Bodies of Anne Thom, and Anne Street, and the
+deplorable Condition in which they still remain. II. An Answer to the most
+general Objections against the Being and Power of Witches: With some
+remarks upon the Case of Jane Wenham in particular, and on Mr. Justice
+Powel's Procedure therein. To which are added The Tryals of Florence
+Newton, a famous Irish Witch, at the Assizes held at Cork, Anno 1661: as
+also of two Witches at the Assizes held at Bury St. Edmunds, in Suffolk,
+in 1664, before Sir Matthew Hale (then Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer)
+who were found guilty and executed.... London: Printed for E. Curll, at
+the Dial and Bible against St. Dunstans Church in Fleet street. 1712.
+
+A full Confutation of Witchcraft: More particularly of the Depositions
+Against Jane Wenham, Lately Condemned for a Witch, at Hertford. In which
+the Modern Notion of Witches are overthrown, and the Ill Consequences of
+such Doctrines are exposed by Arguments; proving that Witchcraft is
+Priestcraft.... In a Letter from a Physician in Hertfordshire, to his
+Friend in London. London: Printed for J. Baker, at the Black-Boy in
+Pater-Noster Row. 1712.
+
+The Case of the Hertfordshire Witchcraft consider'd. Being an Examination
+of a Book entitled A Full and Impartial Account of the Discovery of
+Sorcery and Witchcraft, Practis'd by Jane Wenham of Walkern, upon the
+Bodies of Anne Thom, Anne Street, &c. London: Printed for John Pemberton,
+at the Buck and Sun against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet-street. 1712.
+
+The Impossibility of Witchcraft. Plainly proving from Scripture and Reason
+That there never was a Witch, and that it is both Irrational and Impious
+to believe there ever was. In which the Depositions against Jane Wenham,
+Lately Try'd and Condemned for a Witch at Hertford, are Confuted and
+Expos'd.... London: Printed and Sold by J. Baker at the Black-Boy in
+Pater-Noster-Row. 1712.
+
+The Belief of Witchcraft Vindicated: proving from Scripture, there have
+been Witches; and from Reason that there may be Such still. In Answer to a
+late Pamphlet, Intituled, The Impossibility of Witchcraft: Plainly proving
+that there never was a Witch, &c. By G. R., A.M. London: Printed for J.
+Baker, at the Black-Boy in Pater-Noster-Row. 1712.
+
+A Compleat History of Magick, Sorcery and Witchcraft: Containing I. The
+most Authentick and best attested Relations of Magicians, Sorcerers,
+Witches, Apparitions, Spectres, Ghosts, Daemons, and other preternatural
+Appearances. II. A Collection of several very scarce and valuable Tryals
+of Witches, particularly that famous one, of the Witches of Warboyse. III.
+An Account of the first Rise of Magicians and Witches; shewing the
+Contracts they make with the Devil, and what Methods they take to
+accomplish their Infernal Designs. IV. A full Confutation of all the
+Arguments that have ever been produced against the Belief of Apparitions,
+Witches, &c, with a Judgment concerning Spirits, by the late Learned Mr.
+John Locke. 2 vols. London: Printed for E. Curll at the Dial and Bible, J.
+Pemberton at the Buck and Sun, both against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet
+Street and W. Taylor at the Ship in Pater-Noster-Row. 1715.
+
+An historical essay concerning Witchcraft with observations ... tending to
+Confute the Vulgar errors about that point. As also two sermons: one [on
+John xv. 24] in proof of the Christian Religion: the other [on Ps.
+cxlviii. 2] concerning ... good and evil angels by Francis Hutchinson
+Bishop of Down and Connor. London, 1718.
+
+_British Magazine_ for 1747.
+
+The History of the Colony of Massachusets-Bay, from the first settlement
+thereof in 1628. Until its Incorporation with the Colony of Plimouth,
+Province of Main, &c, by the Charter of King William and Queen Mary in
+1691.... By Mr. Hutchinson Lieutenant Governor of the Massachusets
+Province. Boston, New England: Printed by Thomas and John Fleet at the
+Heart and Crown in Cornhill. 1749.
+
+An Authentic, Candid, and Circumstantial Narrative of the Astonishing
+Transactions at Stockwell in the County of Surry. On Monday and Tuesday,
+the 6th and 7th Days of January 1772. Containing A Series of the most
+surprising and unaccountable Events that ever happened, which continued
+from first to last, upwards of Twenty Hours, and at different Places....
+The Second Edition. London: Printed for J. Marks, Bookseller, in St.
+Martin's Lane. 1772.
+
+A Narrative of the Sufferings and relief of a Young Girl; Strangely
+Molested by Evil Spirits and their Instruments, in the West: Collected
+from Authentic Testimonies, with a Preface and Postscript. Containing
+Reflections on what is most Material or Curious, either in the History or
+Trial of the Seven Witches who were Condemned and Burnt in the Gallow
+Green of Paisley.... Paisley: Printed and Sold by Alexander Weir. 1775.
+
+A Tragi-Coomodie called The Witch, Long since acted by His Ma{ties}
+Servants at the Black-Friers. Written by Tho Middleton. 1778. [The
+following note in pen and ink will explain how a play by a contemporary of
+Massinger, Ben Jonson, etc., bears this date; for until this copy the play
+was never printed: 'This play was given me by Mr. Reid, who printed 100
+Copies for the use of his friends, from a M.S. in Mr. Pearsons[129]
+library.']
+
+A Collection and Abridgement of Celebrated Criminal Trials in Scotland,
+from A.D. 1536 to 1784, with Historical and Critical Remarks. By Hugo
+Arnot, Esq., Advocate.... Edinburgh: Printed for the Author by William
+Smellie. 1785.
+
+A Journal of the Transactions and Occurrences in the Settlement of
+Massachusetts and other New-England Colonies, from the year 1630 to 1644.
+Written by John Winthrop, Esq., First Governor of Massachusetts; and now
+first published from a correct copy of the original Manuscript. Hartford:
+Printed by Elisha Babcock. 1790.
+
+A Narrative of some extraordinary things that happened to Mr. Richard
+Giles's Children, at the Lamb, without Lawford's Gate, Bristol; supposed
+to be the effect of Witchcraft. By the late Mr. Henry Durbin, Chymist, Who
+was an Eye and Ear Witness of the principal Facts herein related. To which
+is added A Letter from the Rev. Mr. Bedford, late Vicar of Temple, to the
+Bishop of Gloucester, Relative to one Thomas Perks of Mangotsfield, who
+had Dealings with Familiar Spirits. Bristol: Printed and Sold by R.
+Edwards, Broad Street; Sold also by T. Hurst and W. Baynes, Paternoster
+Row, London; and by Hazard and Browne, Bath. 1800.
+
+The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer, being a complete system of Occult
+Philosophy.... By Francis Barrett, F.R.C.... London: Printed for
+Lackington, Allen and Co., Temple of the Muses, Finsbury Square. 1801.
+
+A Collection of Scarce and Valuable Tracts, on the most Interesting and
+Entertaining Subjects: but chiefly such as relate to the History and
+Constitution of these Kingdoms. Selected from an infinite number in print
+and manuscript, in the Royal, Cotton, Sion, and other public, as well as
+private, Libraries; particularly that of the late Lord Somers. The Second
+Edition, revised, augmented, and arranged by Walter Scott, Esqre....
+London: Printed for T. Cadell and W. Davies, Strand; W. Miller, Albemarle
+Street; R. H. Evans, Pall Mall; J. White and J. Murray, Fleet Street; and
+J. Harding, St James's Street. 1809.
+
+Newes from Scotland, Declaring the damnable life of Doctor Fian, a notable
+Sorcerer, who was burned at Edenborough in Ianuarie last 1591. Which
+Doctor was register to the deuill, that sundrie times preached at North
+Baricke Kirke, to a number of notorious Witches. With the true
+examinations of the said Doctor and witches, as they uttered them in the
+presence of the Scottish king. Discouering how they pretended to bewitch
+and drowne his Maiestie in the sea comming from Denmarke, with such other
+wonderfull matters as the like hath not bin heard at anie time. Published
+according to the Scottish copie. Printed for William Wright. [This is a
+reprint of a rare tract by H. Freeling, for the members of the Roxburghe
+Club, 1816.]
+
+Memorialls, or The Memorable Things that fell out within this island of
+Brittain from 1638 to 1684. By the Rev. Mr. Robert Law. Edited from the
+MS. by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esqre.... Edinburgh: Printed for
+Archibald Constable and Co. 1818.
+
+The History and Antiquities of the Parish of Edmonton in the County of
+Middlesex.... By William Robinson Gent, F.S.A.... London: Printed for the
+Author.... 1819.
+
+A Collection of Rare and Curious Tracts on Witchcraft and the Second
+Sight; with an Original Essay on Witchcraft. Edinburgh: Printed for D.
+Webster, 35, West College Street. 1820.
+
+Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, addressed to J. G. Lockhart, Esqre.,
+by Sir Walter Scott, Bart. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street. 1830.
+
+Lectures on Witchcraft. Comprising a History of the Delusion in Salem in
+1692. By Charles W. Upham, Junior Pastor of the First Church in Salem.
+Boston: Carter, Hender and Babcock. 1831.
+
+Criminal Trials in Scotland, from A.D. 1488 to 1624. Embracing the entire
+Reigns of James IV. and V., Mary, Queen of Scots, and James VI. Compiled
+from the Original Records and MSS., with Historical Notes and
+Illustrations, by Robert Pitcairn, Esq., Writer to his Majesty's Signet,
+F.S.A. Scot, and Hon. F.S.A. Perth, etc. Edinburgh: William Tait, Princes
+Street; and Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green, and Longman, London. 1833.
+
+The Darker Superstitions of Scotland, illustrated from History and
+Practice. By John Graham Dalyell, F.A.S.E. Edinburgh: Waugh and Innes; W.
+Curry Junior and Co., Dublin; and Whittaker and Co., London. 1834.
+
+A Collection of Rare and Curious Tracts relating to Witchcraft in the
+Counties of Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincoln, between the years
+1618 and 1664. Reprinted verbatim from the Original Editions.... London:
+John Russell Smith, 4, Old Compton Street, Soho. 1838.
+
+Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions. By Charles Mackay.... London:
+Richard Bentley, New Burlington Street.... 1841.
+
+The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut.... By J. Hammond
+Trumbull.... Hartford: Brown and Parsons. 1850.
+
+The Pioneer History of Illinois, containing the Discovery, in 1673, and
+the History of the Country to the Year 1818, when the State Government was
+organized. By John Reynolds. Belleville, Ill.: Published by N. A. Randall.
+1852.
+
+The History of New England, from 1630 to 1649. By John Winthrop, Esq.,
+First Governor of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, from his Original
+Manuscripts, with Notes.... By James Savage, President of the
+Massachusetts Historical Society. Boston: Little, Brown and Co. 1853.
+
+Domestic Annals of Scotland, from the Reformation to the Revolution. By
+Robert Chambers.... W. and R. Chambers, Edinburgh and London. 1858.
+
+Witch Stories. Collected by E. Lynn Linton.... London: Chapman and Hall,
+193, Piccadilly. 1861.
+
+La Sorciere. J. Michelet. Deuxieme Edition, revue et augmentee. Bruxelles
+et Leipzig: A. Lacroix, Verboeckhoven et Cie, Editeurs, Rue Royale, 3,
+Impasse du Parc. 1863.
+
+La Sorciere: The Witch of the Middle Ages. From the French of J. Michelet,
+by L. J. Trotter.... London: Simpkin, Marshall and Co., Stationer's Hall
+Court. 1863.
+
+Records of Salem Witchcraft. Copied from the Original Documents. Privately
+printed for W. Elliot Woodward. Roxbury, Mass. 1864.
+
+Salem Witchcraft; with an Account of Salem Village, and a History of
+Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects. By Charles W. Upham. Boston:
+Wiggin and Lunt. 1867.
+
+Some Miscellany Observations on our present Debates respecting
+Witchcrafts, in a Dialogue between S. and B. By P. E. and J. A.
+Philadelphia: Printed by William Bradford for Hezekiah Usher. 1692. Boston
+_Congregational Quarterly_ reprints, No 1. 1869. [This tract is by the
+Rev. Samuel Willard, of the Old South Church, Boston. S. and B. probably
+stand for Salem and Boston. S. takes the part of the magistrates, B. that
+of the clergy. This tract is mentioned by Calef in his 'More Wonders of
+the Invisible World.']
+
+Cotton Mather and Witchcraft. Two Notices of Mr. Upham his Reply. [By
+Charles Wentworth]. Boston: T. R. Marvin and Son, 131, Congress Street;
+London, Henry Stevens, 4, Trafalgar Square. May, 1870.
+
+Demonology and Devil Lore. By Moncure Daniel Conway, M.A.... London:
+Chatto and Windus, Piccadilly. 1879.
+
+The Mysteries of All Nations: Rise and Progress of Superstition, Laws
+against, and Trials of, Witches, Ancient and Modern Delusions, together
+with Strange Customs, Fables, and Tales relating to Mythology, Days and
+Weeks, Miracles, Poets and Superstition, Monarchs, Priests and
+Philosophers, Druids, Demonology, Magic and Astrology, Divination, Signs,
+Omens and Warnings, Amulets and Charms, Trials by Ordeal, Curses and Evil
+Wishes, Dreams and Visions, Superstition in the Nineteenth Century. By
+James Grant. Leith: Reid and Son, 35, Shore; Edinburgh: W. Paterson;
+London: Simpkin, Marshall and Co. 1880.
+
+Bibliographical Notes on Witchcraft in Massachusetts. By George H. Moore,
+LL.D., Superintendent of the Lenox Library. Read before the American
+Antiquarian Society, April 25th, 1888. Worcester: Printed for the Author.
+1888.
+
+_Scottish Review_, October, 1891, Edinburgh.
+
+_Boston Monthly Magazine_, vol. i., p. 251.
+
+_Congregational Quarterly_, vol. x., p. 154.
+
+_Putnam's Monthly Magazine_, vol. ii., p. 249; vol. vii., p. 505; vol.
+xiv., p. 207.
+
+_The Galaxy_, vol. xix., p. 358.
+
+_Christian Examiner_, vol. xi., p. 240.
+
+_American Monthly Review_, vol. i., p. 140.
+
+_American Whig Review_, vol. iii., p. 60.
+
+_North American Review_, vol. cvi., p. 176.
+
+_New England Historical and Genealogical Register_, vol. xiii., p. 193.
+
+_Southern Review_, N.S., vol. iii., p. 306.
+
+_The Hesperian_, vol. i., p. 191.
+
+_Congregational Review_, vol. ix., p. 201.
+
+_Harper's Magazine_, vol. lxix., p. 99.
+
+_Magazine of American History_, vol. xiv., p. 458.
+
+_New Englander_, vol. xliv., p. 788.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+BILLING AND SONS, PRINTERS, GUILDFORD.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] The old writers and the old maps probably meant mosquitoes when they
+said 'Here be Divells.'
+
+[2] 'A Discourse of the Subtill Practises of Deuilles by Witches and
+Sorcerers,' etc. By G. Gyfford. Lond., 1587.
+
+[3] Chap. iv.
+
+[4] 'The Discouerie of Witchcraft, etc., by Reginald Scot, Esq{re},' 1584,
+p. 377.
+
+[5] 'The Just Devil of Woodstock; or, a True Narrative of the Several
+Apparitions, the Frights and Punishments, inflicted upon the Rumpish
+Commissioners Sent thither, to Survey the Mannors and Houses belonging to
+His Majestie.' London; printed in the year 1660.
+
+[6] 'The Woodstock Scuffle; or Most Dreadfull Apparitions that were lately
+seene in the Mannor-House of Woodstock, neere Oxford, to the great Terror
+and Wonderful Amazement of all there, that did Behold them.' 1649.
+
+[7] 'Palpable Evidence of Spirits and Witchcraft, in an Account of the
+Fam'd Disturbance by the Drummer, in the House of M. Mompesson, etc.'
+London, 1668.
+
+[8] The writer was the Rev. Joseph Glanville, M.A., F.R.S., Chaplain in
+Ordinary to King Charles II., Rector of the Abbey Church, Bath, and a
+Prebendary of Worcester.
+
+[9] 'The Daemon of Burton; or, A True Relation of Strange Witchcrafts, or
+Incantations, lately practised at Burton, in the Parish of Weobley, in
+Herefordshire. Certified in a Letter from a Person of Credit in Hereford.'
+London, 1671.
+
+[10] Herefordshire.
+
+[11] Ewell.
+
+[12] 'Strange and Wonderful News from Yowel in Surry, giving a True and
+Just Account of One Elizabeth Burgiss, who was most strangely Bewitched,'
+etc. London, 1681.
+
+[13] 'Discours des Sorciers,' by Henry Boguet (Lyon, 1608), p. 417.
+
+[14] Whooping.
+
+[15] Shriek.
+
+[16] A sheaf or bundle.
+
+[17] Table.
+
+[18] Hiccoughing.
+
+[19] Or bannocks, oat cakes.
+
+[20] A hump.
+
+[21] A hedgehog.
+
+[22] Sleight, cunning.
+
+[23] These extracts are from an English translation of Olaus Magnus, 1658.
+
+[24] A Finn is even now reckoned to be a very uncanny person on board
+ship, and to be able to control the weather.
+
+[25] The same selling of winds used to be done both in the Isle of Man and
+the Orkneys.
+
+[26] 'Demonologie,' lib. ii., cap. v.
+
+[27] 'The Discouerie of Witchcraft,' lib. i., cap. iii.
+
+[28] _The Spectator_, No. cxvii.
+
+[29] Lib. iii., cap. i.
+
+[30] A bat.
+
+[31] Lib. i., cap. iv.
+
+[32] 'A Dialogue concerning Witches and Witchcrafts,' by George Giffard.
+London, 1603.
+
+[33] 'The Discovery of Witches,' etc., by Matthew Hopkins, Witch-finder.
+London, 1647.
+
+[34] Bairns, or children.
+
+[35] Warts.
+
+[36] Gyves or fetters.
+
+[37] Torture.
+
+[38] _Notes and Queries_, Series IV., vol. viii., p. 44.
+
+[39] _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1759, p. 93.
+
+[40] Ed. 1730, p. 187.
+
+[41] A dove or wood-pigeon.
+
+[42] 'A Rehearsall both Straung and true, of hainous and horrible acts
+committed by Elizabeth Stile, alias Rockingham, Mother Dutten, Mother
+Deuell, Mother Margaret, Fower notorious Witches, apprehended at Winsore
+in the Countie of Barks, and at Abbington arraigned, condemned and
+executed on the 26 daye of Februarie last, Anno 1579.'
+
+[43] 'A true and iust Recorde of the Information, Examination and
+confession of all the Witches, taken at S. Oses in the Countie of Essex:
+whereof some were executed, and other some entreated according to the
+determination of lawe,' etc. London, 1582.
+
+[44] A mole.
+
+[45] 'The Wonderful Discouerie of Elizabeth Sawyer, a Witch, late of
+Edmonton,' etc. London, 1621.
+
+[46] 'A Treatise of Witchcraft,' etc., by Alex. Roberts, B.D. London,
+1616.
+
+[47] Ay.
+
+[48] 'The full Tryals, Examination, and Condemnation of four Notorious
+Witches at the Assizes held at Worcester on Tuseday the 4th day of March,'
+etc. London, 1647.
+
+[49] 'A Collection of Modern Relations of Matter of Fact concerning
+Witches and Witchcraft upon the Persons of People,' etc. London, 1693.
+
+[50] 'Doctor Lamb revived; or, Witchcraft condemned in Anne Bodenham.'
+London, 1653.
+
+[51] 'The History of Witches and Wizards,' etc., by W. P. London, 1700
+(?).
+
+[52] 'The History of Witches and Wizards,' etc., by W. P. London, 1700
+(?).
+
+[53] 'A Collection of Modern Relations of Matter of Fact concerning
+Witches and Witchcraft upon the Persons of People,' etc. London, 1693.
+
+[54] 'Witchcraft Farther Display'd.' London, 1712.
+
+[55] A solar was an upper chamber.
+
+[56] Patrick Adamsone, Archbishop of St. Andrew's.
+
+[57] Fever and ague.
+
+[58] Palpitation of the heart.
+
+[59] Weakness of the back and loins.
+
+[60] Flux.
+
+[61] A salve.
+
+[62] Large clasp-knives.
+
+[63] Contrary to the course of the sun.
+
+[64] Hand.
+
+[65] Weaver's.
+
+[66] Paw.
+
+[67] Tips.
+
+[68] Always.
+
+[69] Mutilated.
+
+[70] Wet.
+
+[71] A piece of flat wood, somewhat like a cricket bat, with which, in
+washing, the clothes are beaten.
+
+[72] Be allayed.
+
+[73] Shapes and trims.
+
+[74] Hollow-backed.
+
+[75] Gruffly.
+
+[76] Alive.
+
+[77] Jerk.
+
+[78] Touch.
+
+[79] A coat of mail.
+
+[80] Crow.
+
+[81] Bean-straws.
+
+[82] Besom.
+
+[83] Cattle.
+
+[84] Webs of cloth.
+
+[85] Stroking or rubbing.
+
+[86] Sciatica.
+
+[87] Haunch.
+
+[88] Frightened.
+
+[89] Ends.
+
+[90] One or more.
+
+[91] Grains of barley.
+
+[92] Chopped up together.
+
+[93] In a fold of his plaid.
+
+[94] A _quaigh_, or cup.
+
+[95] Hard.
+
+[96] Lingering sickness.
+
+[97] Stubble.
+
+[98] 'History of Scotland,' by David Scott. London, 1727.
+
+[99] Lyne, or Linne, in Ayrshire.
+
+[100] Battle of Pinkie, September 10, 1547.
+
+[101] Grieving much.
+
+[102] Weeping.
+
+[103] Child-bed; in old French, _gisante_, a woman that lies in.
+
+[104] Hailed.
+
+[105] Dwindled away.
+
+[106] Provoked.
+
+[107] Frightened.
+
+[108] Trust.
+
+[109] In baptism.
+
+[110] Riven, drawn asunder.
+
+[111] Went.
+
+[112] Fairyland.
+
+[113] Ewe.
+
+[114] Went.
+
+[115] Sift or strain.
+
+[116] Thinking if.
+
+[117] Likewise.
+
+[118] Wishing.
+
+[119] Buried.
+
+[120] Gate.
+
+[121] I have before me at this present writing seventeen volumes of
+American magazines containing articles on witchcraft in America, and that
+is not an exhaustive list.
+
+[122] 'The Public Records of the Colony of Connecticut, prior to the Union
+with New Haven Colony, May, 1665,' by J. Hammond Trumbull (Hartford,
+1850), vol. i. p. 77.
+
+[123] 'Records,' vol. ii., p. 575.
+
+[124] The _New Englander_, November, 1885, p. 817.
+
+[125] For this and much else relating to witchcraft in Massachusetts, I am
+indebted to that most exhaustive book, 'Salem Witchcraft,' etc., by
+Charles W. Upham (Boston, 1867).
+
+[126] Hutchinson, 'History of Massachusetts Bay,' 1767, vol. i., p. 179.
+
+[127] Hutchinson, 'History of Massachusetts Bay,' 1767, vol. i., p. 187.
+
+[128] 'Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcrafts and Possession,'
+etc., by Cotton Mather (Boston, 1689), p. 1.
+
+[129] Major Pearson, at the sale of whose library the British Museum
+acquired the 'Roxburghe Ballads.'
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Passages in italics are indicated by _italics_.
+
+Superscripted characters are indicated by {superscript}.
+
+The original text contains letters with diacritical marks that are not
+represented in this text version.
+
+The original text includes a prescription symbol that is represented as
+[Rx] in this text version.
+
+The original text includes a pointing hand symbol that is represented as
+[Pointing Hand] in this text version.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Devil in Britain and America, by John Ashton
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEVIL IN BRITAIN AND AMERICA ***
+
+***** This file should be named 44412.txt or 44412.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+ http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/4/1/44412/
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive.)
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+ www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+ the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+ you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is
+ owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+ has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+ Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments
+ must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+ prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+ returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+ sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+ address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+ the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+ you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+ does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+ License. You must require such a user to return or
+ destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+ and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+ Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+ money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+ electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+ of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+ distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+ Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+ Chief Executive and Director
+ gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+ www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
generated by cgit v1.2.3 (git 2.25.1) at 2026-08-17 05:24:53 +0000