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 Prancing With Daddy
(Pet Play by the Lake)
Copyright ©2023 Morticia Knight
First Edition
Edited by Barham Editorial
Additional proofing by Sue Brown
Cover design by Black Jazz Designs
Published by Knight Ever After Publishing LLC
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction,
in whole or in part, without express written permission. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from
your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer-to-peer program, for free or for a fee. Such action is illegal and in violation
of Copyright Law.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. Models are
for representational purposes only and not related to the content herein.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Potential triggers

Off-page humiliation from a previous partner, bullying, off-page homophobia. This story contains
safe, sane and consensual kink between two adults.

Dedication

I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful authors who jumped in head-first with me on this
series. I appreciate the extra time and care you took to create new stories in my world.
Authors Note

Pet Play by the Lake originated in Pretty Puppy (Command & Care 6). The books in this series take
place the following year at the next event, but each book can be read as a standalone and without
reading Pretty Puppy. However, characters make small appearances in all the books and there are
different event activities and types of pets in each story. So, if you want to truly immerse yourself in
the world, then be sure to grab them all!

Pet Play by the Lake

 Table of Contents

Book Description
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Epilogue
More Pet Play by the Lake
Pretty Puppy
About the Author
Can a younger Daddy filled with sunshine encourage a grouchy boy to let his inner pony fly
free?

A year has passed since the annual Pet Play by the Lake LGBTQ charity event in Tahoe. It’s time for
another exciting weekend as pets from around the world arrive in search of a new Master or to show
off their skills with their dream Daddy. As always, the no-nonsense Shane is tasked with overseeing
the festivities.

Cody has dreamed of attending the pet play event for years. However, his duties as a ranch owner in
Montana make it difficult to take time off for himself. One of his side hustles is making leather
harnesses, collars and leashes for the kink community. What better excuse to attend than by renting a
booth for the long weekend?

Once Cody spots the stern, older Shane, he recognizes in him a boy who needs to let go, to prance and
romp. He also hopes Shane will give himself over to a firm, but loving handler. Cody would happily
apply for the job, but his advances are consistently rebuffed.

Will Shane’s scars from a humiliating relationship prevent him from finding the happiness he secretly
craves with the carefree Cody? And will a long-distance relationship prove impossible for them to
sustain?
 Chapter One

Shane checked another to-do item off his clipboard then tapped his pen against his chin. He’d
meticulously retyped his daily list the night before to account for the last-minute registrations. Every
year the Pet Play by the Lake charity event expanded with more attendees, activities and
demonstrations.
While Shane wasn’t prone to outward displays of emotion, the fact that the LGBTQ advocacy
group was receiving more help each year certainly made him happy on the inside.
“Shane? I need your help with a few things.”
Micki, the head receptionist for the Mountain Lake Resort where the event was held, waved
him over. Even though registration wasn’t taking place until Friday morning, plenty of attendees had
already arrived. Here it was, Thursday afternoon, and in some ways, it felt as if the festivities had
already begun. The pet play gathering had received so much attention in recent years, that non-event
resort guests didn’t bother trying to book a room at the popular Lake Tahoe destination while it was
being held.
“What can I help you with, Micki?” Shane stood at the ready, clipboard clutched to his chest,
always available to help wherever he could. Everything coming off without a hitch was something he
took pride in, a skill that Lee, the Mountain Lake Resort owner and founder of the event, had
explicitly hired him for.
Micki brushed her bangs back from her forehead. “Well, I need the list of last-minute attendees
to input before—”
Shane whipped the paper he’d been working on from the clipboard then handed it to her. “I had
to verify that all the online applications were updated before I provided you with the latest
information.”
Micki chuckled. “Thanks, Shane. I had a feeling that was the case.”
The website for the Pet Play event and registration remained separate from the resort, since the
hotel operated as a business and the event was a non-profit.
Shane nodded. “I apologize for not getting the list to you sooner, but there was a flurry of last-
minute applications when I arrived this morning.” He sucked in a deep breath through his nostrils.
“I’ve learned my lesson for next year, so I assure you it won’t happen again.”
Micki’s eyebrows shot up. “Lesson?”
“I assumed getting to my office by six a.m. would be sufficient time, as it’s Thursday and so
close to the beginning of the event. I made the rash determination that there would be little to no new
applicants. But clearly, I underestimated how popular pet play has become. I stand corrected.”
As it was, Lee had needed to build another banquet hall the year before to accommodate the
increased crowds. This year, he’d also constructed a new stage for the Best of Show competition. At
this rate, Lee would have to build a new resort altogether.
Micki patted his arm and he tensed. Random touches weren’t his favorite. “You’re doing a
magnificent job, hon. Lee wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”
Shane coughed into his fist then fixed his gaze on the clipboard. “I…er… I’m sure he… He has
Ash…” He shifted his balance to the other foot. “Let me see if there’s anything else…”
Micki snapped her fingers. “Ooh, yes. Thanks for reminding me. Two of the vendors have
arrived already and were wondering if it would be possible to drop off their things in the seller room.
They don’t need to set up, they only want to unload their vehicles.”
Shane ground his teeth. Not following the rules was unacceptable, made him uncomfortable in
his own skin. On the other hand, Lee had counseled him the year before to adopt a more flexible
attitude when it came to making everything perfect. A shudder ran through Shane’s body.
Rules were in place for a reason.
He sighed. But this was Lee’s resort, his event and Lee was his boss. Which meant if he didn’t
follow Lee’s rules, he was behaving just as badly.
“All right.” Shane drew his eyebrows together. “Where are the offenders—” He shook his
head. “Vendors?”
Micki pressed her lips together before speaking. “Waiting by the door to the seller room. I told
them I’d need to discuss it with you first.”
Shane gave a sharp nod then checked his watch. Ash, Lee’s pup, was supposed to have met up
with him exactly four minutes ago. Nothing irked him more than lateness. Actually, plenty of things
irked him. But his viewpoint was justified. For most of his forty-two years, he’d strived to be
responsible, forthright, and reliable. As an army brat, his father had taught him well.
Shane glanced around the sizable, open-air lobby of the resort, scanning the area to see if Ash
had become distracted by someone, and was busily chatting away rather than performing his duties as
Shane’s assistant. He narrowed his eyes at a large group of young men who were gathered around the
enormous river rock fireplace, talking and laughing excitedly. They seemed like Ash’s type of crowd.
He rubbed his forehead. Perhaps he was being too judgmental. Ash was more personable than
he was by leaps and bounds, and everyone who had traveled from the far reaches of the world to
enjoy themselves at a pet play event, needed someone less…regimented.
Shane continued to peruse the lobby to see if Ash was nearby. Handling the vendor situation
was scratching under his skin, his heart rate increasing a tad as the seconds ticked by without a
resolution.
A row of planters filled with a variety of Ficus and palms lined one section of the lobby. The
indoor foliage and trees separated the gathering space from the bank of elevators and halls leading to
the café on one side, and the fine dining room on the other. The containers were composed of rough
river rock, the same material that made up the massive stone fireplace wall on the opposite side of the
lobby.
As Shane’s frustration grew, his gaze landed on a small, dark-haired man darting behind a
voluminous Ficus at the end of the row. Shane frowned. Why was he hiding?
He marched in the man’s direction. He wasn’t about to put up with anyone being sneaky, or who
was up to no good. One of the hallmarks of the event was that it was a safe space, and Shane intended
to keep it that way.
As he neared the plant concealing the young man, two other young guys strolled past. They
snickered behind their hands then pointed in the plant-hider’s direction. Shane’s stomach clenched,
anger gripping his heart. He paused to take a few calming breaths. Even if he had good reason to
bristle when someone was mocked by others, he needed to gather more intel before making
assumptions about the situation.
Remaining professional was vital.
Forcing himself not to respond to the bullies for the moment, he continued to make his way
toward the huge plant. When he reached his target, the dark-haired man shrank in on himself.
Something about him seemed familiar.
“Mason? Is that you?”
Shane remembered the shy pup from the training sessions he’d taken before the previous year’s
event. He could’ve sworn Mason had found a partner, someone who should be taking care of his
scared boy. But perhaps he was getting Mason mixed up with someone else. There were so many
attendees to keep track of, and he was more of a logistics guy rather than the social one.
The young man peered from behind a leafy stalk. “Yes, sir. I’m Mason. Umm…”
Mason disappeared behind the plant again. Shane glanced around the lobby some more. Where
the hell was Ash? He and Mason had built up a great rapport back when Ash was pretending to be a
puppy play trainer. If ever he needed Ash’s help, it was now. Calming shy, frightened subs wasn’t his
area of expertise.
“Hey!” Ash’s breathless voice sounded behind him. “Sorry I’m late.”
Shane whirled around, almost fainting from relief. “I was becoming concerned.”
Ash swiped the back of his hand across his forehead. “I can only run so fast on these short
legs.” He frowned. “And anyway, I’m what. Like, five minutes late? I had to make sure the caterers
for Friday’s welcome party didn’t forget to have Kosher options. Remember how they goofed up last
year, but Lee gave them another chance?” Ash snorted. “Good thing I checked.” He rolled his eyes.
“Sure enough, they didn’t have any selections on their final list.”
Shane frowned and he yanked his phone from the pocket of his khakis. “This is unacceptable.
Should I make a call? Inform Lee?”
Ash held up his hands. “Take a breath, big guy. I handled it.”
Shane clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to take over or to comment on Ash’s effectiveness.
This was his fifth year as event manager—and while he loved Lee and appreciated the opportunity to
live vicariously through the people attending the event—sometimes the responsibility of it all was
overwhelming.
Shane gave Ash a curt nod. “That should be fine.”
Ash smirked. “It’s okay, Shane. You can disagree with me. Daddy Lee said it was good that I
don’t get my way all the time.” He grinned. “Even when I’m right.”
Shane rubbed his forehead with thumb and forefinger. The day had barely begun and already a
headache was forming. He didn’t have time to banter with Ash. Not when he had the vendor issue to
contend with.
Ash peered past his shoulder. “Is there someone hiding in that plant?”
A small voice from behind the Ficus responded. “Hi, Ash. It’s Mason.”
Ash gasped. “Oh my God! What are you doing hiding behind there?”
Mason glanced between Shane and Ash. “It’s…I…there was…”
Ash joined Mason behind the plant. “Hey, it’s all right. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. You
should’ve texted me.”
Mason stepped closer to Ash. “I did, but you didn’t answer.”
Shane checked his watch. He hated that poor Mason was having trouble, but there was still so
much to do.
“I didn’t?” Ash plucked his phone from his jeans pocket. “Oh crap. I forgot to turn my
notifications back on. Lee and I were…” He cleared his throat. “Err…anyway. What can I do to
help?” He glanced at Shane then back at Mason. “I sort of need to meet with Shane right now…”
While Shane did need to sit down with Ash for an event update meeting, he also had to deal
with the pushy vendors. Why couldn’t people follow simple instructions? It would make everything
so much easier.
“Ash!” They all turned in the direction of reception where Micki was waving wildly. “I’ve got
a situation with a group of pups! Can you help me, please?”
 Ash bit his lip then regarded Shane with pleading eyes. “Don’t be mad. But I don’t think I can
meet with you right now.” He turned to Mason, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Will you be okay for
a few minutes while I go take care of this? I’ll be back as quick as I can.”
Mason paled a bit then nodded. “I can do that. I hate that I’m being such a bother.”
Ash gave him a quick hug. “No, you’re not, hon. I promise.” Ash shrugged at Shane. “Sorry. But
at least I’m not goofing off, right?”
Shane sighed. “I have to handle something else anyway. And once you’ve handled everything on
your plate, we’ll meet up and grab that coffee.” Shane pointed a finger at him. “Make sure your text
notifications are on.”
“Yes, boss.” Ash gave him a mini salute then scurried off to reception. Shane said goodbye to
Mason, relieved that Ash was handling whatever crisis was happening with the pup group.
Now on to the next one.

****

Cody leaned against the wall next to the closed door of the vendor room. He’d been waiting
close to thirty minutes for the event manager to tell him yay or nay about unloading his truck. He
wasn’t too fond of leaving his rather pricey, hand-tooled leather creations outside—locked vehicle or
not.
Standing next to him was another vendor, a tall, very thin guy with shaggy hair. He’d already
enthusiastically introduced himself as the owner of the Mollycoddled Mutt, also an early arrival who
was equally anxious to haul his wares inside.
Cody dragged his palm across the top of his head, sighing, then plucked his phone from his
denim jacket. He needed to check his messages in case Bert, his ranch foreman, had any issues or
questions. In general, Cody was a pretty laid-back guy, but the ranch was a huge business. When his
father died the year before, the entire operation had fallen under his control. Even if he’d been
working the ranch during his father’s declining years, he’d always relied on him for advice.
Now, the final decisions were his and his alone.
Which made traveling to kink events much more difficult, but he hadn’t chosen the lifestyle. In a
sense, the lifestyle had chosen him. He was a Daddy through and through.
His side hustle was more of a hobby. Working with leather, creating new designs for collars,
harnesses, leashes and other pet play accessories, was a way to wind down from the rigors of running
a ranch. It didn’t hurt that on occasion he got to use them on a boy.
Cody chuckled to himself. He’d been itching to attend the Pet Play by the Lake event for the past
three years. The timing had never been right, but he’d been determined to show up this year. Now that
he’d settled into the routine of running Valley High Cattle, it was his chance to enjoy a part of his life
that was severely lacking.
He needed a pony. One he could train and care for. A newbie might be good, or a man who
required a lot of guidance. But more than anything, he yearned for a man who held the potential to be
his whole world. Someone he could picture himself growing old with on the ranch, same as his dad
had done with his mom.
After checking his email and texts, he was reassured that everything was under control, so he
could focus on having fun and absorbing the atmosphere. Cody scrubbed his face with one hand. What
he’d really like to focus on was a long nap.
He’d left home the night before at midnight and driven straight through. His plan had been to
settle in at the resort before the event was in full swing. There wouldn’t be much of a chance to
socialize if he was taken up with selling the entire time.
Fortunately, the event manager’s assistant had given him the names of a few local guys in the
lifestyle he could hire for a couple of days. The sales room was only open Saturday and Sunday, so
he’d really only needed one person’s help for the weekend. That way he could take in a couple panels
or demonstrations, do some socializing outside of the planned parties.
Right as he tucked away his phone, he heard someone approaching. Cody glanced up and caught
sight of a tall, square-jawed, drill sergeant looking dude. Handsome as fuck, muscles for days and at
least a decade older than Cody. The man walked with a clear purpose, irritation decorating his
features.
The corner of Cody's mouth twitched. This could only be Shane, the event organizer. He had a
reputation for being a hard ass. Some of the vendors he’d come across while attending other events
had mentioned Shane when Cody inquired what Pet Play by the Lake was like.
They locked eyes and Cody's heart skipped a beat. He never messed around with Tops. But for
Shane, he'd make an exception. The other vendor straightened his gangly body the moment he noticed
the frowning man, as if he'd been caught slacking off at guard duty.
“Hello, gentleman. I’m in charge of overseeing everything,” the frowner said gruffly. "Micki told
me you'd both like to set up your booths. I assume you realize that the schedule clearly indicates set-
up is Friday morning."
Cody shot out his hand, smiling wide as he waited for Shane to accept the unspoken offer. "Cody
Fisk. I take it you're Shane?"
Shane appeared startled. The other vendor, whose name had slipped Cody's mind, stood with his
jaw slack, as if Shane might devour him in a single bite. Cody tilted his head. Now that he'd had a
moment to observe Shane, he wondered if he truly was a Top after all. Looks were deceiving, and his
manner screamed that he was playing at being tough and in charge.
Cody chuckled to himself. Oh my, no. Even if he wasn’t aware of it yet, Shane didn't want to be
in charge. He wanted someone else to take the reins.
At last, Shane shook Cody's hand, the grip too firm, his eyes averted. “Yes, I’m Shane Dawson,
event manager.”
A jolt of electricity ran through Cody’s body as Shane's hand lingered on his for a moment longer
than necessary. He had to wonder if Shane felt the zing, too.
If only he would look at me.
Cody imagined that if their eyes locked, that thrum of electricity would still be there.
The other vendor interrupted their moment, introducing himself as Adam. Cody barely registered
his name, his attention still focused solely on Shane. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was
something more to the intense man, something worth pursuing.
As if the tension between them was non-existent, Shane cleared his throat then launched into a
speech outlining the rules of the event. Cody had looked over the rules before he ever filled out his
application. That conversation was of zero interest to him. Instead, his eyes wandered back to Shane's
form. He found himself fixated on the way the muscles in his arms flexed as he gestured, the way his
jaw clenched when he emphasized a particular point.
Then there were his eyes. Gray, flashing eyes, serious. Almost brooding. This was someone
Cody was very interested in getting to know.
Cody was pulled out of his reverie when Shane addressed him. "Do you have any questions
about what I just said?"
Cody placed his hands on his hips, not accustomed to being caught off-guard. Someone as
demanding and masculine as Shane would be hard to say no to. The man was an enigma. Most people
would assume Shane was a brusque Dom, someone who commanded all those around him. Yet, Cody
still wasn’t convinced. If he were a betting man, he’d place all his dollars on Shane hiding behind his
position to avoid…something.
But what?
“I have to confess, Shane. My mind wandered there for a bit. Couldn’t help it. The views in
Tahoe are so distracting.” He winked.
A delightful blush filled Shane’s cheeks, and Cody was more certain than ever that he’d called it
when he deduced Shane was a sub. Or at least, someone who would make an excellent sub. Getting
Shane alone long enough to figure out his story would be the true challenge. If Shane was merely
doing his job at the resort, then went home every night to a vanilla boyfriend, Cody would be all
kinds of bummed out.
“What sights?” Adam scrunched up his nose. “You can’t even see the lake on this side of the
hotel, and anyway, the banquet rooms don’t have windows.”
Cody let out an inelegant snort. “Just making conversation, buddy.”
He returned his attention to a clearly rattled Shane. He was in the process of retrieving the pen
he’d dropped on the floor while juggling the clipboard and his cell phone. Cody caught the clipboard
right as it was slipping from Shane’s grasp.
“I’ve got you, Shane.” Cody gave him back his board. “You can count on it.”
Shane shot him a glare. It seemed as if he’d recovered from his initial shock of their chemical
reaction to each other and was back to pretending he was all about the rules and proper behavior.
That glimpse of a needy sub Cody has witnessed had been shoved back into his cage.
“I’d like to request we keep the subject to the topic at hand.”
Cody gave Shane a nod. “I apologize. Sometimes I’m like a kid in a candy store when I get
excited about something. But I’m a professional, I assure you. And I certainly don’t want to disrupt
your schedule or cause any trouble. You see, I wasn’t interested in setting up my booth as much as I
was concerned about how secure my items would be if left in the parking lot.” He gave Shane a wide
smile. “I’m sure you can understand my predicament.”
Adam raised a finger as if he were in a classroom. “I have the same predicament.”
Shane pressed his lips together, and Cody could almost see the cogs and wheels of his mind
whirring away. “In order to make sure your items are safe inside the hotel, this door needs to remain
locked at all times. If I allow you to bring everything inside, they stay in there until Friday morning.
No going in and out to retrieve this or that, understood?”
Cody held up his hands as if in surrender. “Understood, boss.”
The corner of Shane’s mouth twitched, and for a second, Cody could’ve sworn he was going to
get a smile in response. But Shane turned and the moment was lost.
As Shane strode away, he called out over his shoulder. “I’ll send someone to unlock the door
who can wait until you’re done. I’ve got a busy schedule.”
Cody chuckled. He was sure Shane was genuinely busy, and the poor thing was probably burning
the candle at both ends to make the event go off without a hitch. He got the impression that Shane was
all about perfection.
But in that moment, he believed the thing that Shane was busiest at was getting away from Cody
as quickly as he could.
 Chapter Two

Who the hell does that guy think he is?

Shane observed as Cody set up his booth in the noisy, crowded vendor room. Sure, Cody’s
creations were top-notch and his booth very professional. If he was still interested in pursuing pet
play—which he most certainly was not—he’d be drooling over one lead in particular. The
craftsmanship was supreme, with designs of whimsical butterflies and hummingbirds burned into the
leather, then accented with rhinestones. Brushes of color helped make the designs stand out.
He'd never seen anything so magical.
And only one existed. According to the tabletop banner, all of Cody’s items were one of a kind.
A few times while Shane was lurking on the perimeter of the room, one of the other vendors had
picked up or pointed to the lead and Shane’s heart would skip a beat. Such a reaction was ridiculous,
of course. Sure, the lead was gorgeous. But what the hell would he do with something like that when
he never played anymore?
Still, did Cody’s sign need to be so loud and over the top? The table coverings so colorful, lights
so twinkly, business name so outrageous?
Cody’s Pet Play Extravaganza.
Shane hmphed. He had other more important things to worry about.
Friday had arrived, registration was underway with a vengeance, and the resort was filled to the
brim with attendees.
People were showing up earlier and earlier every year. Add in the increased attendance, and
Shane had to wonder how long it would be before they’d have to expand the event to encompass a full
week. Even the early training sessions had filled up so quickly, they’d had to turn several hopefuls
away.
“Excuse me, sir?”
Shane tore his eyes away from Cody’s obnoxious set-up and turned his attention to the young man
gazing up at him.
“Yes?”
“Ash told me I should see you about my booth.” He gave Shane an excited smile, almost
bouncing as he spoke. “My Dom and I publish our own pet play graphic novels.”
Shane raised a brow. “Okay…”
The kid seemed very excited, so he should probably say something nice. Social pleasantries
were lost on him for the most part, and he typically erred on the side of caution when responding. He
never knew whether a response would be inappropriate and hurt someone’s feelings. He’d certainly
made that mistake more than once.
Shane had always believed that having a Master or—even better—a Daddy, would be helpful.
Someone who could guide him when he fumbled and reassure him when he fell. Shane grunted to
himself.
Yeah. That hadn’t worked out so well when he’d tried before.
The kid wrung his hands, his gaze darting around the room. Shane wondered what he’d said to
upset the softly-spoken sub.
Nothing.
Shane gave himself a mental shake. “That’s very interesting.”
The young man peered up at him hopefully. “It is?”
“Sure.” Shane shrugged. “We’ve never had anyone here with graphic novels for sale. And since
you produce them yourselves, that’s a bonus. They should be a success.”
The man’s smile lit up his face. “You think so? Sir said we should give it a try, that it would be
unique. We’re signing them, too.”
The room was getting louder as more and more vendors arrived with their crates and dollies and
bundles of items filling their arms. The familiar tug to get back to business rose in his chest.
“Is there something I can help you with? I have to take care of several matters.”
If he was being perfectly blunt, an overload of matters.
The sub palm-slapped his forehead. “Right, sorry. Sir wanted me to ask if there are any extension
cords we can use? We brought one, but it’s not long enough to reach the plug at the end of our row.”
Shane gestured for the sub to follow. “Yes, I’ll show you.”
Unfortunately, in order to fulfill the sub’s request, he’d have to walk by Cody’s booth. Of course
Cody would buy a double space right at the entrance to the room. He seemed like a big show-off.
As Shane passed the danger zone, he ducked his head, clutching his clipboard to his chest as if it
were a lifeline. In his peripheral vision, he caught Cody waving at him with a smile. Shane ignored
the man, not interested in inviting any more interaction between them.
The exit to the room was within reach, so he kept his gaze fixed on safety, his heart thudding. It
wasn't as if he found the guy attractive, or interesting, or anything like that—he merely wanted to
make sure Cody didn't get the wrong idea.
In one instant, he was rounding the end of the table, in the next, he was face down on the carpet,
his clipboard skittering across the floor. He was dazed for a moment, trying to figure out what
happened. Then he realized that he’d tripped over something, and that the something in question was
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 1. We are to Consid. 1. Histor. Natur. lib.
consider the 28. c. 2. p. 397.
intricacy and difficulty of this point, which hath exercised the wits of
the learned in all ages, and forced Pliny to say: Maximæ quæstionis,
& semper incertæ est, valeantne aliquid verba & incantamenta
càrminum. And again more particularly: Varia circa hæc opinio, ex
ingenio cujusq; vel casu, mulceri alloquio foras: quippe ubi etiam
Serpentes extrahi cantu cogiq; in pœnas, verum falsumne sit, vita
non decreverit. It seems by Pliny that learned men of old have been
very much divided in their opinions about this matter, insomuch that
he dares not take upon him to decide it, but leaves it free to every
man to believe as they shall see cause. And therefore we ought not to
be condemned, if we do not absolutely decide it neither, it is enough
if we bring so much light to the matter that it may be better
understood, though not absolutely determined, In magnis voluisse
sat est.
2. Again we are Vid. Credul. and Consid. 2.
to note that some Incredul. p. 101.
Authors of great credit and learning do hold these things to be but
meer Aniles fabulæ, of which opinion (it seems) Aristotle, and Galen
were, though Trallianus doth affirm (though some say falsly) that he
made a retractation of that opinion, and this was the judgment of the
learned Spaniard Valesius, who in his book, De sacra Philosophia,
hath taken great pains to perswade men, though he deny not
supernatural operations by Devils and Spirits, that inchanting by
magical words are impossible, and whatsoever is alledged by any
ancient or late writer to that purpose, he doth reject as meerly
fabulous. But upon as good grounds may any one reject this his
single opinion as fabulous, because there are a whole cloud of
witnesses against him, of as great credit and authority as himself,
and experience every day will make it manifest, that great effects do
follow from the appension of charms and characters, not
determining here whether they cause those effects causally as
efficients, or but meerly accidentally and occasionally, and therefore
in this point Dr. Casaubon saith well: “As for Valesius opinion (he
saith) though a learned Man, and for ought I know Pious and Wise,
yet it is no wonder to me, that any one man, though pious and
learned, should fall into an opinion very Paradoxical and contrary to
most other mens belief, especially in a thing of this nature, which
most depends of experience.”
3. Centur. 3. Curat. Consid. 3.
Notwithstanding 14.
all this, for the Hist. 2. Hist. 1.
most part all
charms, spells and characters are inefficacious, fallacious,
superstitious and groundless, and hardly fit for an honest and wise
man to use, except only to settle the imaginations of patients, that
they may more readily and hopefully take those things that may
effectually cure them. I say for the most part, not alwayes, because I
grant that they do sometimes either efficiently or accidentally
produce real effects. But that they are sometimes fallacious is
manifest in the Charmer of Saltzburg, who though with his charms
he could prevail against the little serpents, yet that great one that
came prevailed against him, and threw him into the ditch and killed
him. And how vain it is to put any confidence in these idle trifles, and
how fallacious and ineffectual and destructive they are, may appear
by two deplorable examples. Amatus Lusitanus, a learned and
experienced Physician; and a man of great repute and veracity doth
relate this: “That in the end of the Spring, the Summer coming on,
two young men did go from Ancona to the City Auximum, and by the
way, the one of them turning aside to make water, found a Viper in
an hole at the bottom of a Tree, with a great deal of rejoicing, but
with an unhappy success. He did contend with his companion, that
he could take the Viper with his hand, without any hurt, and did brag
that with the murmuring of certain words, he could make all
Serpents obey him, lying still as stupid. The other did laugh him to
scorn. At last they come to a wager. But the Viper more audacious
than was right, remained always truculent and unaltered. At last
when he stretched forth his hand to take her, it being stirred up with
a mad and venemous fury, lifting up the neck did bite him in the
finger, which beginning to pain him, he quickly put his finger to his
mouth perhaps to suck forth the blood, but within a small while the
unhappy young man died by his own fault, neither did medical helps
yield him any succour, but he might have escaped, if he had not put
the poyson of the Serpent to his mouth.” And this wofull example
may be a sufficient warning to all that they be not too hasty to put
confidence in these fallacious trifles. Another story we shall give of
our own knowledge, and is this. “I had dismembred a pretty Young-
mans leg by reason of a Gangrene, his name Robert Taylor, a good
Scholar, and had been a Clerk to a Justice of Peace, and about three
weeks after when the stump was near healed, I being gone from
home, his Mother lying in the same room with him, but having
gotten too much drink, he calling upon her to help him to the Close-
stool, but she not hearing, he scrambled up himself as well as he
could, but hit the end of the stump that was not quite closed,
whereby the arteries were opened, and a great Hemorrhage followed.
And there being an honest simple man that owed the house where he
lay, having a vain confidence that with a charm he said he had, he
could undoubtedly stay the bleeding, and therefore would not suffer
them to call up my man to stay the Flux until day; which continuing
so long, the vain and fruitless charm prevailing nothing, though my
man when he came did stop it, yet had he lost so much blood that he
died the next day;” and this may serve for a sufficient caution against
vain confidence in charms.
4. Further we De Morbo Sacro lib. Consid. 4.
are to consider, Sect. 3. p. 301.
that there are many notorious impostures, frauds and cheats
committed upon the poor ignorant, credulous and silly common
people, while some make the people believe that their diseases are
inflicted by such and such Saints, and therefore they must use such
and such strange lustrations, suffumigations and other vain
superstitious Rites and Ceremonies. Others pretend to drive away
evil Spirits by exorcisms and conjurations, and others to cure all
diseases (in a manner) with words, charms, characters, amulets, and
the like, when the most of these pretenders are meer ignorant
Knaves and Impostors, that do nothing but cheat the too credulous
people of their money, and defame and dishonour the most noble Art
of Medicine, of which we have known divers sorts, some of which we
have mentioned before in this Treatise. To such as these that ancient
Author (supposed by some to be Hippocrates) De morbo sacro, doth
give sufficient reproof, and of whom he saith thus: Ac mihi certè qui
primi hunc morbum ad Deos retulerunt. tales esse videntur, quales
sunt magi, expiatores, circulatores, ac arrogantes ostentatores, qui
se valde pios esse plurimumq; scire simulant. A most large
Catalogue of these kind of pestiferous impostors, and many others,
you have at full and to the life painted forth by Paracelsus in his
Preface to his less Chirurgery, where he hath sufficiently stigmatized
them with all those wicked marks and brands that justly belong unto
them. The same also is fully performed by learned Langius in his
Epistles, to whom I referr the readers.
5. We are to consider that though we Consid. 5.
should grant that words or charms had in
them no energie, nor efficiency at all, by any natural power, and that
the Devils power doth not concur to make them operative; yet (as we
have partly shewed before) they are of singular use and benefit to a
learned Physician, whereby he may settle the fancies of his patients,
to cause them more chearfully and confidently to commit them to his
hands, and to take what he shall order and prescribe them, and this
manner of their use is no way to be dispraised or condemned, and we
leave it as excepted forth of the dispute we have in hand.
There are chiefly three opinions, amongst those that grant the
truth of the matter of fact concerning the proper cause of these
effects produced by words. 1. Of which the first sort are those that
hold there is no efficiency at all in the words themselves, which are
nothing but the sign of the league and compact betwixt the Charmer
and the Devil, and that whatsoever is brought to pass is only effected
by the Devils power, and of this opinion are the greatest part of the
learned. 2. Are those that hold that the words or charms are but
means to heighten the imagination, and that it is the strength of the
exalted imagination only that produceth those things that seem to be
effected by those words or charms, and of this opinion was Avicen
and many of the Arabians, Ferrerius, Montanus and many others. 3.
There are those that hold that there is a natural efficiency in words
and characters rightly fitted and conjoined together in proper and
agreeable constellations, and of this opinion were Johannes
Ludovicus de la Cerda, Johannes Branus, Camisius Lusitanus,
Paracelsus, Galeottus Martius, Henricus Cornelius Agrippa, and
many others; and of these we shall speak in order.
1. The first opinion doth take up a false Reason 1. against
supposition for its ground, to wit that the this opinion.
Devil doth make a visible and corporeal league with the Charmer, by
virtue of which compact the effects are produced; and if this compact
be not explicite, yet it may be implicite, and so the Devil operateth
the effects, thereby to draw the Charmer into his league and service:
But we have before sufficiently proved the nullity of any such
Covenant, and shewed plainly that it is a false, impious and
diabolical Tenent, and that there is not, nor can be any other league
betwixt the Devil and wicked men, but what is spiritual, internal and
mental, and therefore that the Devil doth not bring those effects to
pass, by pretence of a league, that hath no being or existence.
2. We have proved by the unanimous Reason 2. against
consent of all the whole army of the learned, this opinion.
that the Devil can work no alteration or change in natural bodies, but
by the applying of fit agents to agreeable patients; but what agent
could the Devil have applied to make the iron that stuck in the
Souldiers shoulder-bone related by Benevenius, to come forth
without pain? surely none at all. For where an agent in nature is
awanting to produce an effect, there the Devil must needs also be
lame, and can effect nothing; and if either the words had a sufficient
natural power to cause the iron to come forth, or the Souldiers
imagination exalted by confidence in the Charm and Charmer, then
the Devils help is in vain implored, or he brought in to be an actor of
that he hath no power at all to perform, and there was no other
natural agent applied, and therefore it must of necessity be one of the
two that produced the effect, and not a Demon.
3. It cannot in Vid. Spong. Reason 3. against
any reason be Fosterianæ this opinion.
imagined that the expressio. c. 2. p. 7,
&c.
Devil, that for the
space of above five thousand years hath been the bitter and
inveterate enemy to the health of Man both in Soul and Body, should
now be become a Physician & an healer. We read that God sent forth
evil Angels amongst the people, but he sent forth his word and they
were healed. But it is manifest that the evil Angels since their fall, are
ordained of God to be the instruments and organs for the executing
of his wrath, and the good Angels are his ministring Spirits for the
good of his people both in Souls and Bodies: and therefore that the
Devil should be the author, or instrument of curing any disease at all,
were to make him to act contrary to that end for which God hath
ordained him, for he is the destroyer, that is ordained to destroy, but
not to heal.
 4. But we shall Vid. Miscell. Medic. Reason 4. against
take another Suet. lib. 6. Epist. this opinion.
argument or two 17. p. 284.
from the learned pen of Henricus Brucæus in his Epistle to Thomas
Erastus, where about this point he saith this: “What is that (he saith)
that the most of the Grecian Physicians were ignorant of Demons; or
that it should be agreeable to truth, that they have not judged that
Demons had any power either in inflicting or taking away any
diseases? For that sentence of Hippocrates, that there is somewhat
that is divine in diseases. Galen doth shew in his Comment how it is
to be understood, and Hippocrates himself in that Treatise of the
Falling-sickness doth sufficiently open it. Notwithstanding these
chief men being Physicians and Philosophers, by whom the power of
natural things and words was principally looked into; they were more
willing to assent to things that were evidently apparent, than take
away the force of incantation by it self. By it self (he saith) Because
they have had no remembrance of Demons, from whom the causes of
such effects, which follow incantations, do seem only they can
possibly be derived.”
5. Before he argueth thus: “But the Reason 5. against
curation of diseases, which are performed this opinion.
by conjurations and imprecations, he ascribeth unto the Devil.
Notwithstanding (he saith) some things do move a scruple to me,
because that some things of them do seem to be of that kind, which
cannot at all be referred to Demons, in which no league or compact
doth seem to interceed. For leagues or compacts seem to be
contracted, for that also those things comprehended are to be
performed to those that Covenant, that by that means those that
Covenant with him, may be withdrawn from the worship of the true
God, or that some may be confirmed in their impiety. Which causes
in Men to whom the true God is utterly unknown, have no place; for
neither are they to be withdrawn from the true God, whom they
altogether ignore, or to be confirmed in impiety, when they have
been brought up in the worship of Idols from their tender years. For
(he saith) Aloisius Cádamústus in the 18 Chap. of the Indian
Navigations relateth, that Serpents seeking to destroy Sheep in the
Kingdom of Senega, which is given to Idolatrous Worship, they will
on the night aim by heaps at the Sheep-folds, from whence they are
driven away with certain conceived words, and this reason is not
unknown to many others. And that Trallianus where he treateth of
the stone, acknowledgeth the force of incantations in healing of
diseases, and he witnesseth that Galen himself, taught by experience,
did come over to this opinion.” For though Galen before (as we have
shewed) did account charms but as Aniles fabulæ, yet this Author
Trallianus doth quote a piece of Galens, wherein he maketh a
retractation of that opinion, and it standeth with good reason that it
might be so, Trallianus living near his time, and so might
(notwithstanding what Guitterrius bawleth to the contrary) have that
part of his writing that since might be lost; for I remember
Paracelsus somewhere saith that in his travels he found the works of
Galen, far more genuine and incorrupt than those that were
published and extant.
6. A further Ut supra. Reason 6. against
reason this Author this opinion.
gives us thus: “Furthermore (he saith) that it is not impious to frame
to cure a disease with conceived words, and cannot be perswaded to
believe it, especially seeing that those diseases that are caused by
Magick, are only to be cured by Magick. But (he saith) I confess that
compacts with Demons are not to be entred into, but that compacts
being entred into with others, should pass to another, and should
bind with the same impiety, that is not agreeable to truth, seeing that
the consent of those that make the league, doth effect and confirm
the compacts. Which if it be (he saith) far absent from us (that is a
compact) and in the use of conceived words, by which the malady is
taken away, there be contained nothing that is impious, and that we
implore the divine assistance; I do not see (he saith) any thing
hurtful to Religion, nor unbeseeming a good and Pious Man. For as if
things that are salutiferous to mankind, should come from Men that
were Atheists, we should imbrace them, not respecting the Authors:
So if (he saith) things that are profitable should be shewed of a
Demon, I should not think they were to be rejected.”
7. Lastly he Hist. Reason 7. against
saith: “Why may this opinion.
we not also refer effects in the sanation of diseases, which do
accompany the enunciation or description of conceived words, to
those we call good or guardian Angels? Why should we not judge that
these would be as ready to ease and help, as others to hurt, especially
in diseases, where we are destitute of natural helps? And this opinion
(he saith) Constantinus magnus did approve, Codicis lib. 9. tit. 10.
leg. 4. The Science of them (he saith) is to be punished, who being
skilled in Magical Arts are discovered either to endeavour the
impairing the health of men, or the drawing of chast minds to lust.
But for seeking remedies to humane bodies, they ought not to be
punished. But perhaps thou wilt say, that words are in vain muttered
forth, unless a compact do interceed. But that which happened (he
saith) at Lipsick some twelve or fifteen years since, doth refell this
opinion, where a little Wench, that by reason of her age did not know
what she did, while she imitated the whole action of her nurse, which
she had often seen her use, and therewith stirred up tempests;
herewith the little Wench raised up such Thunders and Lightenings,
by which a Village, not far from the City was burned: As (he saith) D.
Nenius told him, and was a thing known to innumerable Citizens.
For the Wench being brought to the Court, it was debated whether by
law she could be punished, but it was decided by the opinions of the
Lawyers, that she could not be punished, seeing that by reason of her
young age, she was altogether ignorant of what she did.”
8. We cannot also but remember here De superst. &
some notable passages of Paracelsus where Ceremon. l. p. 451.
he is speaking of the power of faith and strong confidence, meerly
considered as a nude and natural power: And affirming its great
force and operation to effect strange things, he saith: “But truly we
cannot deny, but that spirits do commix themselves with such a faith,
in celebrated feasts, and the like, as though they had performed
those things. But not at all they, but faith only doth these things: As if
a Man had honey, and did not know from whence it came, nor what
kind of creature did make it, and the Beetle should brag that she had
made it.” So the Devils though they perform nothing at all, but the
effects are meerly produced by the power of a natural or miraculous
faith, yet they glory as though they had done them (in all things
being liars and deceivers) and therefore do they what they can to
confirm and raise up ceremonies and superstitions; From which
commotions faith is brought forth, and faith worketh those strange
effects, and therefore by reason of the superstition used, the Devils
would make men believe that they are authors of those strange
effects, which are onely wrought by the Power of an humane Faith,
that they might rob God of his Glory and have it ascribed unto
themselves. And therefore no persons do the Devils more service
than those that ascribe those works unto them that are wrought by
natural power and the strength of humane faith. From whence he
concludeth thus: Eodem modo fides est in homine, ut laqueus quo
strangulatur fur, ad multa utilis sit. Ea fides facit, ut fiat. Si fides
etiam in filum lineum est, similiter fit. Interim tamen hoc nec
Diabolus facit, nec fur, nec laqueus, nec carnifex: sed adulterina tua
fides, quam non impendis ut debebas.
Having sufficiently (we suppose) proved that in the producing the
effects by words or charms, the Devil doth operate nothing at all in
them, but only as a lying deceiver and Impostor, laboureth to have
the honour of those effects ascribed unto him; we shall now come to
the second, and that is those that hold that the effects are solely
produced by the force of the imagination and faith of the Charmer,
and so that imagination doth work further than the proper body of
the imaginant, upon other extraneous bodies, and that the words or
characters avail nothing, but the fortifying and exalting of the faith of
the Operator, to prove which are brought these arguments.
1. When the Matth. 17. 20. Argum. 1.
Disciples asked Matth. 10. 1.
our Saviour, Why they could not cast forth
the Devil out of the child that was lunatick, and sore vexed, and oft
fell into the fire, and into the water, he told them; Because of their
unbelief, and said: For verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a
grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove
hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be
impossible unto you. Upon which place learned Beza gives us this
note: Non fidem illam generalem & historicam intelligit: Nec etiam
fidem justificantem. Sed illam demum specialem, & quibusdam
Christianis particularem, quâ animus quodam spiritus sancti
impulsu ad res mirandas perficiendas impellitur, & ista vocatur
fides miraculorum. And against diffidence our Saviour orders the
remedy of fasting and prayer: But this was a power given by Christ
unto them, which they (it seems) had lost, and are here taught to
resuscitate it by prayer and fasting. Others take it to be a natural
power of faith or strength of imagination in all men, which they may
stir up by fasting and prayer, therewith to operate that which is good,
but being suscitated by the means of images, pictures, superstitious
ceremonies, and the like, and so may effect either good or bad; but
this later opinion we reject as unsound, and contrary to the
Scriptures, and so the argument doth prove very little.
2. Helmont Vid. de inject. Argum. 2.
holdeth, “that mater. 601, 602.
every man, in respect that they have been partakers of the image of
God, hath power to create certain entities, by the power of
imagination, and that these conceived Ideas do cloath themselves
with a body in the shape of the image fabricated in the imagination,
and it is by these that those strange things are effected, that are falsly
attributed to Demons.” And that man solely hath this power. Which
(if his argument be well grounded) doth prove plainly, that these
strange effects are brought to pass by the sole power of the phantasie
of the person imaginant, or using the charms, and neither by the
power of the Devil nor of the charms.
3. The argument De occulta Philos. Argum. 3.
to prove these lib. 3. c. 40 p. 419, &
things by, that they p. 137.
are brought to pass by the strength of Of Credul. and
imagination, used by Cornelius Agrippa, is Incredul. p. 110.
this: Non mediocri experientia (ait) comprobatum est, insitam a
natura homini, quandam dominandi, & ligandi vim. And that there
is an active terror in man, (if it be rightly resuscitated in him, and
that he know how to direct and make use of it) impressed in him by
the Creator, which is as it were a terrifical character and signacle of
God instamped upon man, by which all creatures do fear, and
reverence man, as the image of his Creator, and as by the law of
creation, to be Lord, and to bear rule over them all. And here I
cannot but mention that lepid (though tedious & ludicrous) tale that
Dr. Casaubon gives us of an horse-rider called John Young, “that
could tame the most fierce Bulls and unruly Horses, as also by
pipeing to make the most couragious and fierce Mastiff to lie close
down and to be quiet, by the force of his imagination and charms.
And this John Young’s Philosophy was agreeable to this of
Agrippa’s, to wit, That all creatures were made by God, for the use of
Man and to be subject unto him; and that if men did use their power
rightly, any man might do what he did.” Fides sit apud authorem.
Argum. 4.
 4. Avicenna, Algazel, Alkindus, Marsilius Vid. Thom. Fien. de
Ficinus, Jacobus de Forluio, Pomponatius virib. imagin.
Paracelsus and others, do sometimes hold, Quæst. 12. p. 202.
&c.
“that the Soul (the sensitive and corporeal it
must be understood) not by a nude apprehension, or meer impery,
but by the emission of spirits (or corporeal beams, as we have
shewed before) do work upon external bodies, and so move and alter
them. Sometimes they hold, that the whole Soul (sensitive must be
meant) doth go quite forth of the Body, and wander into far distant
places, and there not only see what things are done, but also to act
something it self.” And to this opinion (only meaning of the
immortal, and immaterial Soul) Dr. Moore and Mr. Glanvil do seem
to agree, namely that the Soul may for a time depart forth of its Body,
and return again. And to prove this the argument of Avicen is this:
Superior things (he saith) have dominion over the inferior, and the
Intelligences do rule and change corporeal things. And that the Soul
is a spiritual and separable substance. And therefore after the same
manner, may act in corporeal things, and change them as may be
seen at large, with responsions in the book of Fienus.
Now we come to the third and last opinion of those that positively
hold, that there is a force in words and characters (if rightly framed)
to effect strange things withal, and this is as strongly denied by
many. Therefore we shall only offer the most convincing arguments,
that we meet withal, and leave it to the censure of others, and that in
this order.
But before we enter upon the positive arguments, we think it fit,
lest we be mistaken (though in part we may have touched some of
them before) to lay down some few cautions and considerations,
which we shall do in this manner.
1. It is to be De mirab. pot. Art. Consid. 1.
taken for a certain & Nat. c. 2.
truth, that the greatest part of those De Occult. Philos. p.
pretended charms and characters that are 484.
in this our age used by ignorant, superstitious, and cheating
impostors; are utterly false, and of no power or efficacy at all. And
this was understood by our learned Countreyman Roger Bacon, who
tells us thus much. “For without all doubt (he saith) all of this sort
now a days are false, or doubtful or irrational, and therefore not at all
to be trusted unto.” And to this doth Paracelsus fully agree, saying:
“All characters are not to be trusted to, or any confidence to be
placed in them, nor in like manner in words. For the Nigromancers
and Poets, being very laboriously imployed about them, have filled
all Books with comments proceeding forth of their brains, wanting
all truth and foundation, of which some thousands are not worth one
deaf nut.”
2. Yet for all this Vid. ut supra. Consid. 2.
we are to consider,
that all of them are not totally to be rejected, for Bacon tells us: “That
there are certain deprecations of ancient times instituted of men, or
rather ordained of God and good Angels, that are both true and
efficacious; and such like as these may retain their first virtue. As in
some Countreys (he saith) yet some certain prayers are made upon
red hot iron, and upon the water of the flood, and likewise upon
other things, by which the innocent are tried, and the guilty
condemned.” And this was the trial that by the Saxons (when used in
England) was called Ordeall. Therefore Paracelsus saith thus: Repeto
ergo, characteribus & verbis non omnibus fidendum esse, sed
eligenda & retinenda, quæ recta, genuina, ex fundamento veritatis
deprompta, ac multoties probata sint, which is counsel good, sound
and profitable. And somewhere he tells us that even those true and
genuine characters and Gamahuis that were rightly fabricated under
due constellations, and were in old time efficacious, may have now
lost their virtue because the configurations of the Heavens are
altered.
3. Many of these Ubi supra. Confid. 3.
strange characters
or words were not by wise men inserted into their works, that
thereby any strange things might be wrought by them, but were
invented to conceal those grand secrets that they would not have to
be made known unto the unworthy. And therefore Bacon gives us
this profound and honest counsel: “So therefore (he saith) there are
very many things concealed in the books of the Philosophers, by
sundry ways: In which a Wise Man ought to have this prudence, that
he pass by the charms and characters, and make trial of the work of
nature and art: And so he shall see, as well animate things, as
inanimate, to concur together, by reason of the conformity of nature,
not because of the virtue of the charm or character. And so many
secrets both of Nature and Art are of the unlearned, esteemed to be
magical. And Magicians do foolishly confide in charms and
characters, judging virtue to be in them, and because of their vain
confidence in them, they forsake the work of Nature and Art, by
reason of the error of charms and characters. And so both these sort
of Men are deprived of the benefit of wisdom, their own foolishness
so compelling them.
3. The same Vt supra 1. 2. Confid. 4.
most learned
Countryman of ours Roger Bacon, doth further give us this advice
saying: “But those things that are contained in the books of
Magicians ought by right to be banished, although they have in them
something of truth: Because they are mixed with falsities, that it
cannot be discerned betwixt that which is true, and that which is
false. And also Impostors and ignorant persons have feigned and
forged divers writings under the names of ancient wise men, thereby
to allure the curious, and to deceive the unwary, which with great
care and consideration we ought to eschew. To the same purpose
Paracelsus doth caution us in this point. Cuilibet ergo promptum sit,
characteres & verba quævis discernere posse.”
4. But for all this (as we have often Consid. 4.
intimated before) charms and characters
though in themselves of none effect, may conduce to heighten the
fancy and confidence of a Patient, and render him more willing to
take those things that may cure. And to this purpose, the
forementioned Author Roger Bacon, from Constantine the Physician
tells us thus much: “But it is to be considered, that a skilful
Physician, or any other, that would excite and stir up the mind, may
profitably make use of charms and characters though feigned, not
because the characters or charms themselves do operate any thing,
but that the medicine may be received with more desire and
devotion, and that the mind of the Patient may be stirred up, and
may confide more freely, and may hope and rejoice; Because the Soul
being excitated, can renew many things in its proper body, so that
from infirmity it may be restored to health by joy and confidence. If
therefore (he saith) a Physician to magnifie his work, that the Patient
may be raised up to hope and confidence, shall do any thing of this
nature, not for fraud, but because of this, that he may confide, that
he may be healed, it is not to be condemned.” We brought this
authority to confirm what we had asserted before; and that these
things are wonderfully prevalent, we have before shewed examples.
1. There are Numb. 6. 27. Argum. 1.
some, that to prove Ezek. 9. 4, 6.
that words and characters have a natural
efficacy, do alledge some passages of Scripture, which we shall
propose as very probable, but not as necessarily convincing, and the
first is this: And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel,
and I will bless them. Which some understand that the name
Jehovah which they call Tetragrammaton, was worn upon them,
and that thereby they were blessed, and from thence they suppose
that Hebrew names, especially that, are very efficacious and
powerful. Another is: The man cloathed in linnen, that had the Ink-
horn by his side, is commanded to set a mark, or (as some read it) a
Tau upon those that mourned. This is the name of a letter the “last in
the Alphabet, and hath in the old books of the Hebrews (as
Schindlerus tells us) the figure of a cross, and such like the
Samaritans use to this day. From whence by Tau, some in Ezekiel do
understand the figure of the Cross of Christ.”
2. But to Psal. 58. 6. Explic. 2.
explicate what is Chirug. major. c. 8. Ut. supra.
meant by charms p. 22.
and characters, we
are to note that it is not to be understood of those words that are by
humane institution significant according to the imposition of men,
nor of any sort of charms or characters, but of such, as by wise men
are duly fitted and joined together, in and under a right and
favourable constellation, for it is from the Influence of the Stars (as
we have proved before) that words, charms, images and characters
do receive their energie and virtue. And to this purpose is the true
rendition of the words in the Psalm. Which hearkeneth not to the
voice of those that mutter, the conjunction of the learned joyner.
That is, that the Serpent doth not hearken unto, or obey the charms
that are framed or joined together by the learned joiner or framer of
charms. So that there is a great learning required to frame and
compose charms rightly that they may be efficacious. For Paracelsus
witnesseth that Serpents once hearing an efficacious charm do
forthwith stop their ears, lest they should hear the words repeated
again. Of both these sorts the learned Roger Bacon doth tell us this:
“Of characters therefore according to the first manner, it is so to be
judged as we have shewed in common speech: But of sigills and
characters of the second manner, unless they be made in elected
seasons, they are known to have no efficacy at all. And therefore he
that doth practise them, as they are described in books, not
respecting but only the figure that the exemplar doth represent, is
judged of every wise man to do nothing. But those which know to
perform their work in fit constellations according to the face of the
Heavens; those may not only dispose characters but all their works,
both of Art and Nature, according to the virtue of the Stars. But
because it is a difficult thing to understand the certainty of Celestials
in these things, therefore in these things there is much error with
many, and there are few that understand to order any thing
profitably and truly.” And to this purpose Paracelsus tells us:
“Certain Chirurgical Arts invented of the first improvers of
Astronomy, by which admirable things were (by an Ethereal virtue)
performed. But these after the decease of the ancient Magicians,
were so lost, were as scarce any footsteps do now remain. But it was
the Art of Celestial impressions, that they might draw down, the
influent action, into some corporeal substance. The thing is plain by
example. The seed of a Rose doth obtain the virtue and nature of a
Rose, yet for all that it is not a Rose, but when being put into the
earth, it doth sprout, then at the last it produceth a Rose. By the
same reason, there are certain celestial virtues and actions in being,
which being sown into Gemms, which were called of the ancient
Magicians, Peantides and Gamahii (otherwise gemmæ huyæ) from
whence they have afterwards sprung up, no otherwise than seed,
which doth fall from the Tree, and doth regerminate. This was that
Astronomie of the ancient Ægyptians and Persians, by which they
did adorn Gemms with celestial virtues. Neither are these things
forthwith to be reputed impossible: For if we believe, that the
Heaven doth send the Plague and other diseases upon us, why may
we not hope, that the benignity of its virtues may be communicated
to us also? In like manner if the Heaven doth act upon the bodies of
men, why may we not think that they may wrest their darts into
stones? Many are touched with such like celestial darts which a
Magician who hath skill of the Firmament, may easily (if they be
noxious) shun: or if they be benign shall, by putting some body,
communicate it to that body, that now that body may fully obtain
into it self the virtue of that dart or influence. From whence stones
are found amongst the Ægyptians, which being born do cause
diseases: But again there are others, that do throughly make sound
those diseases. So (he saith) we have seen Gemmas Huyas, that is
Peantides, wherein the sign of the Sagittary was insculped against
weapons, which were prevalent against wounds made with Swords.
Also we have known (he saith) that Magicians have rendered stones
efficacious to cure Feavers: nor only to have made them strong to
cure diseases, but also wounds, and their symptoms, to wit, the
Hæmorrhage, the Sinonia (or sinew-water) Convulsions, and the
Epilepsie. But as in that age the use of these was frequent, and the
authority great; so by little and little the sophistications of false
Philosophers being increased, they have come into desuetude and
contempt, and other childish things have been substituted in their
places. But these Stones (because now the site and influx of the
Heavens are plainly otherwise than they were in times past) are no
more so efficacious as they were then, therefore it is convenient that
they be prepared anew.
“The Art Magick, because it was more secret, nor known to vulgar
Philosophers, both because it did ingenerate wonderful virtues, not
only to Stones, but also to such like words, begun to be called the
prestigious Art by an odious term. For men being unskilful of these
things, who notwithstanding did usurp the title of the Art unto
themselves, addicted themselves unto artificious operations, crosses
and exorcisms: From thence the vulgar, being unskilful of the
Magical Art, have begun to attribute this virtue to exorcisms,
characters, short prayers, signacles, crosses, and to other frivolous
things. But the matter (he saith) is quite otherwise: for the
constellation under which the stones and words are prepared, doth
induce the virtues, not exorcisms.”
And being Explic. Astronom. Chirur. Minor. p.
entred upon this p. 654. 78.
particular, we shall add some things to this more fully, as first this
from the great Georgius Phædro, who saith, after he had shewed the
great virtue of some Roots and Herbs in curing wounds and ulcers:
“But a Characteristical cure is that, which exerciseth its natural
power by words pronounced, written or ingraven, by the qualities
celestial and various influences of the Stars, being friendly to our
bodies. And to this doth fully agree, what is written by Trallianus at
large and Augerius Ferrerius in his Chapter de Homerica
medicatione, whither I referr the Reader, and conclude this
explication with that sentence of Paracelsus: Præterea syderibus
nota sunt omnia, quæ in natura existunt. Vnde (inquit) sapiens
dominabitur astris, is sapiens, qui virtutes illas ad sui obedientiam
cogere potest.”
3. What is here fully explicated as also Argum. 3.
what we have formerly in this Treatise
proved both by reasons, authorities and examples doth sufficiently
manifest the great power of Celestial Bodies upon inferior matter,
and that according to the aptitude and agreeableness of the matter
prepared, and the configuration of the Heavens at the time elected,
the powerful influence of the Stars and Planets is received into the
subject, according to the purpose it was intended for. So that from
hence it will clearly follow, that if fit and agreeable words or
characters be framed and joined together, when the Heavens are in a
convenient site and configuration for the purpose intended, those
words and characters will receive a most powerful virtue, for the
purpose intended, and will effectually operate to those ends by a just,
lawful and natural agency, without any concurrence of Diabolical
power, superstition or ceremonies, and this is that which was
laboured to be proved.
p. 280. Histor. Cent 2. Argum. 4.
4. Thomas Bartholinus that most learned Histor. 78.
Physician, and experienced Anatomist (though his credit be laboured
to be eclipsed by Dr. Casaubon, who is always more ready to ascribe
power unto Devils, the worst of Gods creatures, than either to God or
Nature) doth (touching this point) asserts this: “Notwithstanding (he
saith) that words framed or shut up in a certain Rhythme, may
without any superstition work some such like thing as the curing of
the Epilepsie. For first, the air is altered by the various prolation of
words, as well that air, which doth enter into the little pores of the
vessels ending in the skin by transpiration, as that which is carried
into the Ears, Nostrils, and Lungs. 2. The state being different of the
words uttered, doth impress a different force, which the unlike
constitution of the rough Artery, and of the rest of the instruments of
speech, whether that state be hot or cold, it impresseth a virtue,
which doth either acuate or make grave. 3. The breath is heated by
the various prolation of words, which either alone, or bound up in
the Rhythme doth califie cold things, and discusseth flatulencies.”
And these may have a great diversity in operation, according as the
air and breath, and the several kinds of Atomes in them, may be
ordered in their site, motion, and contexture, so that thereby the
various effects may be produced, without Cacodemons, or vain
superstition.
5. And if we 1 Sam. 16. 14, 23. Argum. 5.
consider it De eo quod Divin.
seriously there is something more than est in morbis. c. 52.
ordinary in this place of Scripture. And it p. 183.
came to pass, that when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul,
that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was
refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
Upon which learned Tremellius gives us this note: “That evil spirit,
that is, those phantastical pangs, or that furious rage, which did
proceed from that evil spirit, did cease. So that it is manifest that it
was the natural efficacy of the melodious sound made by Davids
playing upon the Harp, whereby the Atomes of the air were put into
such a motion, site and contexture that thereby they became
repugnant and antipathetical to those contrary Atomes, that were by
the means of the evil spirit stirred up in the sensitive Soul of Saul, by
which he was terrified or tormented, and by overcoming them, and
dissipating of them, he came to be refreshed, and for a time those
effects wrought by that evil spirit ceased. So that the argument lies
plain thus: If the melody of tunes or sounds modulated upon an
Harp, have power to refresh the mind, and to cause the rage of an
evil spirit to cease; then may words rightly framed in agreeable
Rhythmes, which are but modulated tunes or sounds, ease sick
persons, and remove diseases: But the former is true by the
testimony of this Scripture, and so also is the later. Neither is the
objection of Hieronymus Jordanus against this of any force at all,
where he saith that the reason of sweet Harmony, and magical
words, are very far different. But it had been suitable for him to have
shewed us, wherein that difference doth lye, and not to have put it off
with such a pittiful shuffle, as that it is obvious to Tyronists. This is
(indeed) a shift used by many, that when they are not able to solve
the argument, they put it off with some impertinent diversion, or
passe by it with some ironical Sarcasm. But I must tell him, that
tunes and sounds, that are framed by art in the best ways that can be
devised, thereby by modulating of the air, to cause it to have several
effects upon the auditory organs, differ not at all from right framed
charms and characters, that by disposing the atomes of the air
several ways, do produce various effects; I say there is no difference,
except that constellated words may be more efficacious than Musick,
because they are by a most curious and secret art, not only composed
and joined together, but also are prepared at such chosen and fit
times, that the Heavens may more powerfully infuse their virtues and
influences into them, which is not observed in the composition of
tunes.
6. There is no Vid. Athan. Argum. 6.
one thing (if true, Kercher. l. magnet.
and that mus. p. 761. &c.
Kercherus and others have not told us Et Monfelt. insect.
abominable lies) that hath more induced Theatr. p. 220.
me to believe that there is some natural virtue in words and charms
composed in a right way or Rhythme, than because those that are
stung, or bitten with the Tarantula, or Phalangium, are cured with
Musick, and that not with any sort of Musick, but with certain proper
and peculiar tunes, which are diversified according to the colour of
the Tarantula that gave the venemous prick or bite, and so by
dancing they sweat forth the poison. And Kercherus further tells us
not only that those that are stung with the Tarantula are cured with
Musick, but that the Tarantula’s themselves with dance, when those
tunes are modulated, that are proportionable and agreeable to their
humors. Now if tunes modulated in proportionable and
sympathizing ways agreeable to the humours, do cure those that are
stung, then much more may words and charms rightly composed and
joined together, and that in a due selected time under a powerful
constellation, produce such effects as to cure diseases, and move
animals to divers and various motions; for betwixt the prolation of
words putting the Atomes of the air into a fit motion, site, figure, and
contexture suitable to perform the end intended, and the vibrating
and various figuring the air in its motion by musical tunes, there is
no difference at all in respect of the material or efficient cause, and
so either of them may produce like effects.
7. There is also an experiment that hath Argum. 7.
been sufficiently tryed and attested, which
doth much induce me to believe that there is efficacy in words and
charms above their significancy by imposition and institution, and
that is this. They take two Lutes rightly stringed and laid upon a long
table, and then they lay a light straw, chaff, or feather upon the
Unison string of the one, and then they strike, or move the Unison
string of the other Lute, that lieth at the other end of the Table, by
which motion of the Unison-string at the one end of the Table, the
straw, chaff or feather upon the Unison-string of the Lute at the
other end of the Table (though it be of the longest sort) will by the
vibration of the air be moved, or struck off, and yet it will not do it, if
the straw be laid upon any other string, and then the Unison of the
other Lute moved: By which it is manifest that the striking or moving
the Unison-string of the one Lute doth so figurate and dispose the
Atomes of the Air, that they are fit and apt to move the Unison-string
of the other Lute, and so to make the straw fall off, as being of an
agreeable. mood and temper for the susception of the motion, which
the rest of the other strings (being of different degrees and nature)
are not: for the maxime is true, Quicquid recipitur, recipitur ad
modum recipientis. And this being so, it must needs be also granted
that words and rhythms fitly joined and composed, being
pronounced do put the atomes of the air into such a site, motion,
figure, and contexture, that may at a distance operate upon the
subject for which they are so fitted, and produce such effects, as they
were composed and intended for: especially being framed under
powerful and suitable constellations, from whence they receive their
greatest force.
8. The chiefest objection that is usually Argum. 8.
brought against the natural agency of fitly
composed words or rhythms is a maxim of the Schools, ill
understood and worse applied, which is this: Quantitates rerum,
nullius sunt efficaciæ: unto which we shall render these responsions.
1. If quantity be taken mathematically, and abstractly, then it is
true, that it is of no efficacy or operation, because it is then only ens
rationis, and doth only exist in the intellect, and so can operate
nothing ad extra. But if it be taken concretely, physically, and as
materiate, than it is of force, and very operative, as two pound
quantity of lead will weigh down one pound of the same lead, and
two ounces quantity of the same Gunpowder, will carry a bullet of the
same quantity further, and more forceably, than one ounce of the
same will do: And one scruple of white Hellebor may be taken, when
a Drachm will kill, and a fire of a yard Diameter will warm a man at a
greater distance than a fire but of one foot diameter.
2. Figures, characters, words or speech Vid. System. Harm.
are (indeed) properly no quantities: For Log. Hen. Alstedii.
figures and characters are only delineations p. 251.
and circumscriptions of some kind of matter, and are all, whether
natural or artificial, properly contained under quality, and denoting
what figure or Form the thing is of. Figure therefore properly is
attributed to artificial things, as to a circle, a square, a triangle, and
the like; and form to animate things, as to a Man, an Horse, an Oxe,
and the like: And so characters whether ingraven in metals, gemms,
stones, clay, plaister or wood, or written upon parchment, paper, or
the like, of what figure or form soever they be, are but qualities, and
do qualifie the matter according to the form and figure impressed in
the subject matter, which being artificially done, the matter is the
patient, the figure or character is the exemplar cause, and the force
that maketh the impression is the efficient cause, and that these as
qualities have some efficacy, no rational man can deny.
3. But to make it more clearly manifest, Geom. l. 19. p. 144.
let us suppose three various figures that are
Isoperimetral, as a circle, a plain square, and an equilateral triangle:
Though they be all of equal circumference, yet shall the circle contain
more than either the square, or the triangle; and therefore learned
Ramus doth lay down this rule. Circulus è planis Isoperimetris
inæqualibus est maximus. But when the question is asked, what is
the cause, why a circle of figures of equal circumference, contains the
most? The answer is commonly made, Quia omnium figurarum
perfectissimus, & capacissimus est circulus; but if it be again urged,
what is the cause, that a circle of an equal circumference to a plain
square, should be more capacious than the square? Here (the thing
being found true by ocular experience) the capaciousness of the
circle, more than the square (they being both of equal circumference)
can be ascribed to nothing else at all, but only to the figure, and
therefore of necessity, figures have in them some efficiency.
4. That which we call speech, or oration, Vid. Logic. System.
is considered three ways. 1. That which is Harmon. Alstedii.
mental and only conceived in the mind, and p. 249.
not expressed. 2. That which is expressed or uttered by the vocal
organs. 3. And that which is written. And these are called mental,
vocal and written. The two, that is, mental, and that which is written,
are referred to the predicament of quality. And whereas oration vocal
is by some referred to the predicament of quantity, as it is the
measure of sounds and syllables, as it is pronounced, whereof some
are made long, and some short; and so while distinct sounds and
syllables are uttered in a certain mood, they are said to be measured,
and to belong to quantity: But if we will understand aright, one thing
in different respects may belong both to the predicament of quantity
and quality. So the prolation of sounds or syllables in respect of their
modification, and comparing one to another, some may be long, and
some may be short, and have a different part of time in their
pronunciation, and so may Analogically, and by way of similitude, be
said to be measured, and consequently referred to the predicament
of quantity. Yet if we consider speech or oration, which consists of
sounds and syllables, in relation to the efficient cause, the material
and instrumental, which is the breath of Man by his several organs,
moving, modulating and figuring the air (which is the subject matter)
into diversity of sites, motions, contextures and moods, then we must
conclude that words, charms or rhythms, having efficient, material
and instrumental causes, do belong to the predicament of Quality,
and are of great force and virtue naturally, notwithstanding all that is
or can be objected to the contrary.
5. Lastly, we are Ibid. p. 52. Alphabet. Natur. p.
to consider that 20.
the breath of Man being variously modulated by its passage from the
lungs, by the throat, palate, tongue, and other vocal organs, doth
make such several impressions and configurations of the moved
atomes in the air, that thereby so great a diversity of impulses or
sounds are made upon the drum of the ear, that thereby naturally we
are able to distinguish one from another. Now humane institution
found forth the ways of making these several sounds, or tones, to be
appropriated to such and such things, or to signifie the diversity of
creatures and things, according to the several compacts and
agreements of Men amongst themselves, so that what one sound
doth signifie in one language, may signifie another thing in another.
So that not considering the institution or invention of this or that
significancy of several sounds in several languages, every sound, or
articulate prolation, doth naturally make a distinct and several
impulse upon the ear, and thereby the senses, and consequently the
mind are variously affected by them. And therefore the younger
Helmont doth give us an apposite passage, or two to this purpose,
Englished thus: “For as in those of ripe years, certain musical
modulations being heard, do often so efficaciously imprint in the
mind the Idea of the voice and tones, that diverse do sensibly feel
them for so long a time in themselves, as it were yet sounding, that
they cannot, when they would, be freed from them: From whence
also (he saith) the word inchanting seemeth with the Latines and
Gauls to have drawn its original. So the Idea of our Mothers tongue
impressed in infants, doth so long adhere there, that to them about
to speak afterwards, it doth as it were place, and order the tongue,
and so is the only one mistress of their speech.” And again he saith:
“If in times past there were found those, who by the benefit of
musical instruments could move and mollifie the mind of Man
various ways: How much more humane voice, if it being moderated
by prudence, do break forth from a living spirit, shall not only have
power to effect those things, but also those that are far greater?”
Having thus far largely handled this point, we shall only
recapitulate a few things, and so conclude this Treatise.
1. It being granted, that great effects have been produced by words,
charms, rhythmes, and tunes, we have removed all diabolical
concurrence to those effects, except what may be mental and
internal, as in all wicked persons, when they use natural means to a
wicked and evil end, and that (as we conceive) by sufficient and
convincing arguments: And especially because, where there is no
natural agent, there the Devil can operate nothing at all, and if there
be a natural agent, his concurrence is not necessary.
2. As for the force of imagination upon extraneous bodies, we
cannot in reason affirm it to be none at all, neither dare, or will we
assert that its power (in that respect) is so vastly great, as many do
pretend.
3. And for what strange effects soever, that are true and real, that
do follow upon the use of words, charms, characters, rhythms, and
the like, we do confidently affirm, that they are effected by lawful and
natural means, but withal that of this sort in this age, few or none are
found out that are efficacious. But that error, credulity, ignorance
and superstition do put great force, and stress upon these things,
when really they produce no effects at all.

The Alarm that the Pendle-forest Witches gave to all this

Kingdom, that they were sent for to London, great sums gotten at
the Fleet to shew them, and publick Plays acted thereupon; and the
Original Examination coming lately to the Authors hand, it is
desired the Reader will after these words Page 277. line 4. [and had
incouragement by the adjoining Magistrates] peruse these following
Depositions, viz.
The Examination of Edmund Robinson Son of
Edmund Robinson of Pendle-forest eleven
years of age, taken at Padham before
Richard Shutleworth and John Starkey
Esquires, two of his Majesties Justices of the
Peace within the County of Lancaster, the
10th day of February, 1633.

“Who upon Oath informeth, being examined concerning the great

meeting of the Witches of Pendle, saith that upon All-Saints-day last
past, he this Informer being with one Henry Parker a near door-
neighbour to him in Wheatleylane, desired the said Parker to give
him leave to gather some Bulloes which he did; In gathering whereof
he saw two Grayhounds, viz. a black and a brown; one came running
over the next field towards him, he verily thinking the one of them to
be Mr. Nutters, and the other to be Mr. Robinsons, the said
Gentlemen then having such like. And saith, the said Grayhounds
came to him, and fawned on him, they having about their necks
either of them a Collar, unto each of which was tied a string: which
Collars (as this Informer affirmeth) did shine like Gold. And he
thinking that some either of Mr. Nutters or Mr. Robinsons, Family
should have followed them; yet seeing no body to follow them, he
took the same Grayhounds thinking to course with them. And
presently a Hare did rise very near before him. At the sight whereof
he cried, Loo, Loo, Loo: but the Doggs would not run. Whereupon he
being very angry took them, and with the strings that were about
their Collars, tied them to a little bush at the next hedge, and with a
switch that he had in his hand he beat them. And in stead of the
black Grayhound one Dickensons Wife stood up, a Neighbour whom
this Informer knoweth. And instead of the brown one a little Boy,
whom this Informer knoweth not. At which sight this Informer being
afraid, endeavoured to run away: but being stayed by the Woman
(viz.) by Dickensons Wife, she put her hand into her pocket, and
pulled forth a piece of Silver much like to a fair shilling, and offered
to give him it to hold his tongue and not to tell: which he refused,
saying, Nay thou art a Witch. Whereupon she put her hand into her
pocket again, and pulled out a thing like unto a Bridle that gingled,
which she put on the little Boyes head: which said Boy stood up in
the likeness of a white Horse, and in the brown Grayhounds stead.
Then immediately Dickensons Wife took this Informer before her
upon the said Horse and carried him to a new house called
Hoarstones being about a quarter of a mile off. Whither when they
were come, there were divers persons about the door, and he saw
divers others riding on Horses of several colours towards the said
House, who tied their Horses to a hedge near to the said House.
Which persons went into the said House, to the number of threescore
or thereabouts, as this Informer thinketh, where they had a fire, and
meat roasting in the said House, whereof a young Woman (whom
this Informer knoweth not) gave him Flesh and Bread upon a
Trencher and Drink in a Glass, which after the first tast he refused
and would have no more, but said, it was naught.
“And presently after, seeing divers of the said company going into
a Barn near adjoining, he followed after them, and there he saw six of
them kneeling, and pulling all six of them six several ropes, which
were fastened or tied to the top of the Barn. Presently after which
pulling, there came into this Informers sight flesh smoaking, butter
in lumps, and milk as it were flying from the said ropes. All which fell
into basons which were placed under the said ropes. And after that
these six had done, there came other six which did so likewise. And
during all the time of their several pulling they made such ugly faces
as scared this Informer, so that he was glad to run out and steal
homewards: who immediately finding they wanted one that was in
their company, some of them ran after him near to a place in a High-
way called Boggard-hole, where he this Informer met two
Horsemen. At the sight whereof the said persons left following of
him. But the foremost of those persons that followed him, he knew to
be one Loind’s Wife: which said Wife together with one Dickensons
Wife, and one Jennet Davies he hath seen since at several times in a
Croft or Close adjoining to his Fathers house, which put him in great
fear. And further this Informer saith, upon Thursday after
Newyears-day last past, he saw the said Loind’s Wife sitting upon a
cross piece of wood being within the Chimney of his Fathers dwelling
house: and he calling to her, said Come down thou Loynd’s Wife.
And immediately the said Loynd’s Wife went up out of his sight. And
further this Informer saith, that after he was come from the company
aforesaid to his Fathers house, being towards evening, his Father bad
him go and fetch home two Kine to seal. And in the way in a field
called the Ellers, he chanced to hap upon a Boy, who began to
quarrel with him, and they fought together, till the Informer had his
ears and face made up very bloody by fighting, and looking down he
saw the Boy had a cloven foot. At which sight he being greatly
affrighted, came away from him to seek the Kine. And in the way he
saw a light like to a Lanthorn towards which he made haste,
supposing it to be carried by some of Mr. Robinsons people; but
when he came to the place, he only found a Woman standing on a
Bridge, whom when he saw he knew her to be Loind’s Wife, and
knowing her he turned back again: and immediately he met with the
aforesaid Boy, from whom he offered to run, which Boy gave him a
blow on the back that made him to cry. And further this Informer
saith, that when he was in the Barn, he saw three Women take six
Pictures from off the beam, in which Pictures were many Thorns or
such like things sticked in them, and that Loynd’s Wife took one of
the Pictures down, but the other two Women that took down the rest
he knoweth not. And being further asked what persons were at the
aforesaid meeting, he nominated these persons following, viz.
Dickensons Wife, Henry Priestleys Wife, and his Lad, Alice
Hargreene Widow, Jane Davies, William Davies, and the Wife of
Henry Fackes, and her Sons John and Miles, the Wife of
Denneries, James Hargreene of Marsdead, Loynd’s Wife, one
James his Wife, Saunders his Wife, and Saunders himself sicut
credit, one Laurence his Wife, one Saunder Pyn’s Wife of Barraford,
one Holgate and his Wife of Leonards of the West close.”

Edmund Robinson of Pendle Father of the aforesaid Edmund

Robinson Mason informeth,
“That upon All-Saints-day last he sent his Son the aforesaid
Informer to fetch home two Kine to seal, and saith that his Son
staying longer than he thought he should have done, he went to seek
him, and in seeking of him heard him cry pitifully, and found him so
affrighted and distracted, that he neither knew his Father, nor did
know where he was, and so continued very near a quarter of an hour
before he came to himself. And he told this Informer his Father all
the particular passages that are before declared in the said Robinson
his Sons information.”
Richard Shutleworth.

John Starkey.

FINIS.

The Printer desires the Reader to excuse some literal faults, as

Nandeus for Naudeus, Libanius for Libavius, and the like, the
Author writing a very small hand, and living at great distance that his
perusal could not be gotten.
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES