we_o will_v imagine_v that_o to_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o witch_n which_o to_o nature_n and_o sense_n be_v impossible_a special_o when_o our_o neighbour_n life_n depend_v upon_o our_o credulity_n therein_o and_o when_o we_o may_v see_v the_o defect_n of_o ability_n which_o always_o be_v a_o impediment_n both_o to_o the_o act_n and_o also_o to_o the_o presumption_n thereof_o and_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o possible_a in_o law_n that_o in_o nature_n be_v impossible_a therefore_o the_o judge_n do_v not_o attend_v or_o regard_v what_o the_o accuse_a man_n say_v or_o yet_o will_v do_v but_o what_o be_v prove_v to_o have_v be_v commit_v and_o natural_o fall_v in_o man_n power_n and_o will_v to_o do_v for_o the_o law_n say_v that_o to_o will_v a_o thing_n unpossible_a be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o madman_n or_o of_o a_o soole_n upon_o who_o no_o sentence_n or_o judgement_n take_v hold_v furthermore_o what_o jury_n will_v condemn_v or_o what_o judge_n will_v give_v sentence_n or_o judgement_n against_o one_o for_o kill_v a_o man_n at_o berwicke_n when_o they_o themselves_o and_o many_o other_o see_v that_o man_n at_o london_n that_o very_a day_n wherein_o the_o murder_n be_v commit_v yea_o though_o the_o party_n confess_v himself_o guilty_a therein_o and_o twenty_o witness_n depose_v the_o same_o but_o in_o this_o case_n also_o i_o say_v the_o judge_n be_v not_o to_o weigh_v their_o testimony_n which_o be_v weaken_v by_o law_n and_o the_o judge_n authority_n be_v to_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o case_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o right_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o same_o see_v therefore_o that_o some_o other_o thing_n may_v natural_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o such_o calamity_n as_o witch_n be_v suppose_v to_o bring_v let_v not_o we_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v bewitch_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v such_o thing_n answer_v as_o be_v in_o nature_n impossible_a and_o in_o sense_n and_o reason_n incredible_a if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v be_v do_v through_o the_o devil_n help_v who_o can_v work_v miracle_n why_o do_v not_o thief_n bring_v their_o business_n to_o pass_v miraculous_o with_o who_o the_o devil_n be_v as_o conversant_a as_o with_o the_o other_o such_o mischief_n as_o be_v impute_v to_o witch_n happen_v where_o no_o witch_n be_v yea_o and_o continue_v when_o witch_n be_v hang_v and_o burn_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o attribute_v such_o effect_n to_o that_o cause_n which_o be_v take_v away_o happen_v nevertheless_o chap._n vii_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o name_n of_o witch_n become_v so_o famous_a and_o how_o diverse_o people_n be_v opinion_v concern_v they_o and_o their_o action_n sure_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o man_n or_o woman_n can_v be_v so_o enlarge_v as_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n give_v and_o ingraft_v by_o god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a by_o the_o devil_n cease_v neither_o do_v god_n permit_v any_o more_o than_o that_o which_o the_o natural_a order_n appoint_v by_o he_o do_v require_v which_o natural_a order_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o god_n pour_v into_o every_o creature_n according_a to_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o hereof_o more_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o the_o title_n of_o witch_n confession_n howbeit_o you_o shall_v understand_v thâ—_n few_o or_o none_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v resolve_v or_o satisfy_v that_o witch_n can_v indeed_o accomplish_v all_o these_o impossibility_n but_o some_o one_o be_v bewitch_v in_o one_o point_n inconstant_a and_o some_o be_v cozen_v in_o another_o until_o in_o fine_a all_o these_o impossibility_n and_o many_o more_o be_v by_o several_a person_n affirm_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o i_o have_v also_o note_v that_o when_o any_o one_o be_v cozen_v with_o a_o cozen_a toy_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o make_v report_n thereof_o according_o verifi_a a_o matter_n most_o impossible_a and_o false_a as_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n as_o be_v overtake_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o illusion_n or_o other_o which_o illusion_n be_v right_a enchantment_n even_o the_o self_n same_o man_n will_v deride_v the_o likely_a proceed_n out_o of_o another_o man_n mouth_n as_o a_o fabulous_a matter_n unworthy_a of_o credit_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v wonder_v how_o man_n that_o have_v see_v some_o part_n of_o witch_n cozenage_n detect_v and_o see_v also_o therein_o the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o own_o presumption_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n of_o the_o witch_n confession_n will_v not_o suspect_v but_o remain_v unsatisfied_a or_o rather_o obstinate_o defend_v the_o residue_n of_o witch_n supernatural_a action_n like_v as_o when_o a_o juggler_n have_v discover_v the_o slight_a and_o illusion_n of_o his_o principal_a seat_n one_o will_v fond_o continue_v to_o think_v that_o his_o other_o petty_a juggle_a knack_n of_o legierâ—emaine_n be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o familiar_a and_o according_a to_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o papist_n who_o see_v and_o confess_v the_o pope_n absurd_a religion_n in_o the_o erection_n and_o maintenance_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n special_o in_o image_n pardon_n and_o relic_n of_o saint_n will_v yet_o persevere_v to_o think_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o trumpery_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a final_o many_o maintain_v and_o cry_v out_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o witch_n that_o particular_o believe_v never_o a_o whit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o be_v therein_o private_o deal_v withal_o and_o substantial_o oppose_v and_o try_v in_o argument_n chap._n viii_o cause_n that_o move_v as_o well_o witch_n themselves_o as_o other_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v work_v impossibility_n with_o answer_n to_o certain_a objection_n where_o also_o their_o punishment_n by_o law_n be_v touch_v cardanus_n write_v 80._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o credulity_n consist_v in_o three_o point_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o melancholic_a in_o the_o constancy_n of_o they_o that_o be_v corrupt_a therewith_o and_o in_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o be_v inquisitor_n themselves_o against_o heretic_n and_o witch_n do_v both_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v they_o have_v for_o their_o labour_n the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n so_o as_o these_o inquisitor_n add_v many_o fable_n hereunto_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v do_v injury_n to_o the_o poor_a wretch_n in_o condemn_v and_o execute_v they_o for_o none_o offence_n but_o fithens_o say_v he_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o luther_n sect_n these_o priest_n have_v tend_v more_o deligent_o upon_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o because_o more_o wealth_n be_v to_o be_v catch_v from_o they_o insomuch_o as_o now_o they_o deal_v so_o loose_o with_o witch_n through_o distrust_n of_o gain_n that_o all_o be_v see_v to_o be_v malice_n solly_n or_o avarice_n that_o have_v be_v practise_v against_o they_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v search_v into_o this_o cause_n or_o read_v the_o chief_a writer_n hereupon_o shall_v find_v his_o word_n true_a it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o we_o here_o in_o england_n be_v not_o now_o direct_v by_o the_o pope_n law_n answer_v and_o so_o by_o consequence_n our_o witch_n not_o trouble_v or_o convent_v by_o the_o inquisitor_n haereticae_fw-la pravitatis_fw-la i_o answer_v that_o in_o time_n pass_v here_o in_o england_n as_o in_o other_o nation_n this_o order_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v in_o force_n and_o use_v although_o now_o some_o part_n of_o old_a rigour_n be_v qualify_v by_o two_o several_a statute_n make_v in_o the_o first_o of_o elizabeth_n and_o 33_o of_o henry_n the_o eight_o nevertheless_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o their_o word_n and_o charm_n seem_v in_o those_o statute_n to_o be_v somewhat_o maintain_v as_o a_o matter_n hitherto_o general_o receive_v and_o not_o yet_o so_o look_v into_o as_o that_o it_o be_v refute_v and_o decide_v but_o how_o wise_o soever_o the_o parliamenthouse_n have_v deal_v therein_o or_o how_o merciful_o soever_o the_o prince_n behold_v the_o cause_n if_o a_o poor_a old_a woman_n suppose_v to_o be_v a_o witch_n be_v by_o the_o civil_a or_o canon_n law_n convent_v i_o doubt_v some_o canon_n will_v be_v find_v in_o force_n not_o only_o to_o give_v scope_n to_o the_o tormentor_n but_o also_o to_o the_o hangman_n to_o exercise_v their_o office_n upon_o she_o and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o in_o what_o point_n soever_o any_o of_o these_o extremity_n which_o i_o shall_v rehearse_v unto_o you_o be_v mitigate_v it_o be_v through_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o queen_n majesty_n and_o her_o excellent_a magistrate_n place_v among_o we_o for_o as_o touch_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o writer_n therein_o in_o our_o age_n yea_o in_o our_o
and_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o affirm_v that_o they_o caâ—_n rhyme_v either_o man_n or_o beast_n to_o death_n also_o the_o west_n indian_n and_o muscovite_n do_v the_o like_a and_o the_o hun_n as_o gregory_n turonensis_n write_v use_v the_o help_n of_o witch_n in_o time_n of_o war_n i_o find_v another_o story_n write_v in_o m._n mal._n repeat_v by_o bodin_n that_o one_o soldier_n call_v pumher_o daily_o through_o witchcraft_n kill_v with_o his_o bow_n and_o arrow_n three_o of_o the_o enemy_n acher_n as_o they_o stand_v peep_v over_o the_o wall_n of_o a_o castle_n besiege_v so_o as_o in_o the_o end_n he_o kill_v they_o all_o quite_o save_v one_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o archer_n simister_n deal_v and_o a_o proof_n thereof_o express_v be_v for_o that_o he_o never_o light_o fail_v when_o he_o shoot_v and_o for_o that_o he_o kill_v they_o by_o three_o a_o day_n and_o have_v shoot_v three_o arrow_n into_o a_o rod._n this_o be_v he_o that_o shoot_v at_o a_o penny_n on_o his_o son_n head_n and_o make_v ready_a another_o arrow_n to_o have_v slay_v the_o duke_n remgrave_n that_o command_v it_o and_o doubtless_o because_o of_o his_o singular_a dexterity_n in_o shoot_v as_o he_o repute_v a_o witch_n as_o do_v that_o which_o other_o can_v not_o do_v nor_o think_v to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o do_v though_o indeed_o no_o miracle_n no_o witchcraft_n no_o impossibility_n nor_o difficulty_n consist_v therein_o justice_n but_o this_o latter_a story_n i_o can_v requite_v with_o a_o familiar_a example_n for_o 〈◊〉_d town_n malling_n in_o kent_n one_o of_o q._n mary_n justice_n upon_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o wise_a man_n and_o a_o few_o foolish_a boy_n lay_v a_o archer_n by_o the_o heel_n because_o he_o shoot_v so_o near_o the_o white_a at_o butt_n for_o he_o be_v inform_v and_o persuade_v that_o the_o poor_a man_n play_v with_o a_o fly_n otherwise_o call_v a_o devil_n or_o familiar_a and_o because_o he_o be_v certify_v that_o the_o archer_n aforesaid_a shot_n better_o than_o the_o common_a shoot_n which_o he_o before_o have_v hear_v of_o or_o see_v he_o conceive_v it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o god_n name_n but_o by_o enchantment_n whereby_o this_o archer_n as_o he_o suppose_v by_o abuse_v the_o queen_n liege_n people_n gain_v some_o one_o day_n two_o or_o three_o shilling_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o to_o his_o own_o enrich_n and_o therefore_o the_o archer_n be_v severe_o punish_v to_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o archer_n and_o to_o the_o wise_a example_n of_o justice_n but_o special_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o now_o again_o to_o our_o matter_n chap._n xvi_o authority_n condemn_v the_o fantastical_a confession_n of_o witch_n and_o how_o a_o popish_a doctor_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o disprove_v the_o same_o certain_a general_a counsel_n by_o their_o decree_n have_v condemn_v the_o confession_n and_o erroneus_fw-la credulity_n of_o witch_n to_o be_v vain_a fantastical_a and_o fabulous_a and_o even_o those_o which_o be_v parcel_n of_o their_o league_n whereupon_o our_o witchmonger_n do_v so_o build_v to_o wit_n their_o nightwalkings_a and_o meeting_n with_o herodias_n and_o the_o pagan_a god_n at_o which_o time_n they_o shall_v pass_v so_o far_o in_o so_o little_a a_o space_n on_o cockhorse_n their_o transubstantiation_n their_o eat_n of_o child_n and_o their_o pull_n of_o they_o from_o their_o mother_n side_n their_o enter_v into_o man_n house_n through_o chink_n and_o little_a hole_n where_o a_o fly_n can_v scarce_o wring_v out_o and_o the_o disquiet_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_o say_v by_o a_o general_a council_n to_o be_v meet_v fantastical_a germani_n and_o imagination_n in_o dream_n but_o so_o affirm_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n the_o word_n of_o the_o council_n be_v these_o it_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o certain_a wicked_a woman_n follow_v satan_n provocation_n be_v seduce_v by_o the_o illusion_n of_o devil_n believe_v and_o profess_v that_o in_o the_o night-time_n they_o ride_v abroad_o with_o diana_n the_o goddess_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o else_o with_o herodias_n with_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n upon_o certain_a beast_n and_o pass_v over_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o night_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o those_o fairy_n or_o lady_n command_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o follow_v even_o there_o let_v all_o minister_n therefore_o in_o their_o several_a cure_n preach_v to_o god_n people_n so_o as_o they_o may_v know_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o counsel_n therefore_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o any_o creature_n may_v be_v either_o create_v by_o they_o or_o else_o change_v into_o better_a or_o worse_o or_o be_v any_o way_n transform_v into_o any_o other_o kind_n or_o likeness_n of_o any_o but_o of_o the_o creator_n himself_o be_v assure_o a_o infidel_n and_o worse_o than_o a_o pagan_a and_o if_o this_o he_o credible_a than_o all_o these_o their_o bargain_n and_o assembly_n etc._n etc._n be_v incredible_a which_o be_v only_o â—â—â—ified_v by_o the_o certain_a foolish_a and_o extort_a confession_n and_o by_o a_o fable_n of_o s._n german_n who_o watch_v the_o fairy_n or_o witch_n be_v at_o a_o rear_n banquet_n and_o through_o his_o holiness_n stay_v they_o till_o he_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o those_o neighbour_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v there_o and_o find_v they_o all_o in_o bed_n and_o so_o cry_v that_o these_o be_v devil_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o those_o woman_n which_o if_o it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o it_o ifalse_a it_o may_v serve_v well_o to_o confute_v this_o their_o meeting_n and_o nightwalkings_a for_o if_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o present_a in_o the_o likeness_n of_o witch_n then_o be_v that_o false_a which_o be_v attribute_v to_o witch_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o because_o the_o old_a hammer_n of_o sprenger_n and_o institor_n etc._n in_o their_o old_a malleo_fw-la maleficarum_fw-la be_v insufficient_a to_o knock_v down_o this_o counsel_n a_o young_a beetlehead_n call_v friar_n bartholomaeus_n spineus_n have_v make_v a_o new_a leaden_a beetle_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o counsel_n and_o kill_v these_o old_a woman_n wherein_o he_o counterfeit_v aesop_n ass_n claw_v the_o pope_n with_o his_o heel_n affirm_v upon_o his_o credit_n that_o the_o counsel_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a because_o the_o doctrine_n swarve_v from_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o be_v not_o authentical_a but_o apocryphal_a say_v though_o untru_o that_o that_o counsel_n be_v not_o call_v by_o the_o commandment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o pope_n nor_o ratify_v by_o his_o authority_n which_o say_v he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o disannul_v all_o counsel_n for_o sure_o say_v this_o â—rier_n which_o at_o this_o instant_n be_v a_o chief_a inquisitor_n if_o the_o word_n of_o this_o counsel_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v both_o i_o and_o all_o my_o predecessor_n have_v publish_v notorious_a lie_n and_o commit_v many_o injurious_a execution_n whereby_o the_o pope_n themselves_o also_o may_v just_o be_v detect_v of_o error_n strigib_o contrary_a to_o the_o catholic_a belief_n in_o that_o behalf_n marry_o he_o say_v that_o although_o the_o word_n and_o direct_a sense_n of_o this_o counsel_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o his_o opinion_n yet_o he_o will_v make_v a_o exposition_n thereof_o that_o shall_v somewhat_o mitigate_v the_o lewdness_n of_o the_o same_o and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v not_o only_o allowable_a to_o do_v but_o also_o meritorious_a mark_v the_o man_n word_n and_o judge_v his_o meaning_n chap._n xvii_o witchmonger_n reason_n to_o prove_v that_o witch_n can_v work_v wonder_n bodins_n tale_n of_o a_o friesland_n priest_n transport_v that_o imagination_n proceed_v of_o melancholy_n do_v cause_n illusion_n phâ—risi_n old_a m._n malificarum_fw-la also_o say_v that_o the_o counsel_n and_o doctor_n be_v all_o deceive_v herein_o and_o allege_v authority_n therefore_o confute_v that_o opinion_n by_o a_o notable_a reason_n call_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la or_o rather_o ignotum_fw-la per_fw-la ignotius_fw-la in_o this_o manner_n they_o can_v put_v changeling_n in_o the_o place_n of_o other_o child_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v tranferre_v and_o transform_v themselves_z and_o other_o etc._n etc._n according_a â—o_o their_o confession_n in_o that_o behalf_n item_n he_o say_v and_o bodin_n justify_v it_o that_o a_o priest_n in_o friesland_n be_v corporal_o transfer_v into_o a_o faâ—re_v country_n as_o witness_v another_o priest_n of_o oberdorf_n his_o companion_n who_o see_v he_o aloft_o in_o the_o air_n ergo_fw-la say_v m._n â—al_a they_o have_v all_o be_v deceive_v hitherto_o to_o the_o great_a impunity_n of_o horrible_a witch_n wherein_o he_o oppose_v his_o folly_n against_o god_n and_o his_o church_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o all_o possibility_n but_o sure_o â—_o be_v
almost_o incredible_a how_o imagination_n shall_v abuse_v such_o as_o aâ—â—_n subject_a unto_o melancholy_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v believe_v they_o see_v hear_v and_o do_v that_o which_o never_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v as_o be_v partly_o declare_v if_o you_o read_v galen_n de_fw-fr locis_fw-la affectis_fw-la and_o may_v more_o plain_o appear_v also_o if_o you_o read_v aristotle_n de_fw-fr somnio_fw-la â—auchâ—rist_n and_o thereof_o s._n agustine_n say_v well_o that_o he_o be_v too_o much_o a_o fool_n and_o a_o blockhead_n that_o suppose_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v indeed_o and_o corporal_o which_o be_v by_o such_o person_n fantastical_o imagine_v which_o fantastical_a illusion_n do_v as_o well_o agree_v and_o accord_n as_o algerus_n say_v with_o magical_a deceit_n as_o the_o verity_n deny_v divine_a holiness_n chap._n xviii_o that_o the_o confession_n of_o witch_n be_v sufficient_a in_o civil_a and_o common_a law_n to_o take_v away_o life_n what_o the_o sound_a divine_n and_o decree_n of_o counsel_n determine_v in_o this_o case_n lie_n alas_o what_o creature_n be_v sound_a in_o state_n of_o mind_n will_v without_o compulsion_n make_v such_o manner_n of_o confession_n as_o they_o do_v or_o will_v for_o a_o trifle_n or_o nothing_o make_v a_o perfect_a bargain_n with_o the_o devil_n for_o her_o soul_n to_o be_v yield_v up_o unto_o his_o torture_n and_o everlasting_a flame_n and_o that_o within_o a_o very_a short_a time_n special_o be_v through_o age_n most_o common_o unlike_a to_o live_v one_o whole_a year_n the_o terror_n of_o hellfire_n must_v needs_o be_v to_o they_o diverse_o manifest_v and_o much_o more_o terrible_a because_o of_o their_o weakness_n nature_n and_o kind_a than_o to_o any_o other_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o a_o witch_n weâ—â—_n but_o ask_v whether_o she_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v hang_v one_o yeâ—_n hence_o upon_o condition_n her_o displeasure_n may_v be_v wreak_v upon_o her_o enemy_n present_o as_o for_o thief_n and_o such_o other_o they_o think_v not_o to_o go_v to_o hellfire_n but_o be_v either_o persuade_v there_o be_v no_o hell_n or_o that_o their_o crime_n deserve_v it_o not_o or_o else_o that_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o repent_v so_o as_o 〈◊〉_d doubt_n if_o they_o be_v perfect_o resolve_v hereof_o they_o will_v never_o make_v such_o adventure_n neither_o do_v i_o think_v that_o for_o any_o sum_n of_o money_n they_o will_v make_v so_o direct_a a_o bargain_n to_o go_v to_o hellfire_n now_o than_o i_o conclude_v that_o confession_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v insufficient_a to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o body_n 11._o or_o to_o attain_v such_o credit_n as_o to_o be_v believe_v without_o far_a proof_n for_o as_o augustine_n and_o isidore_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sound_a divine_n say_v that_o these_o perstigious_a thing_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o witch_n be_v fantastical_a so_o do_v the_o sound_a decree_n of_o counsel_n and_o canon_n agree_v thâ—â—_n in_o that_o case_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o cirminall_a action_n and_o the_o law_n say_v thâ—â—_n the_o confession_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v illude_v must_v needs_o be_v erroneous_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o confessio_fw-la debet_fw-la tenere_fw-la verum_fw-la &_o possible_a but_o these_o thing_n be_v opposite_a both_o to_o law_n and_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v not_o because_o these_o witch_n confess_v so_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o confession_n differ_v from_o the_o act_n or_o from_o the_o possible_a of_o the_o the_o act_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n fail_v in_o his_o principle_n and_o therefore_o be_v natural_o impossible_a the_o law_n also_o say_v in_o criminalibus_fw-la regulariter_fw-la non_fw-la statur_fw-la soli_fw-la confessioni_fw-la 〈◊〉_d in_o criminal_a case_n or_o touch_v life_n we_o must_v not_o absolute_o stand_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o accuse_a party_n but_o in_o these_o matter_n proof_n must_v be_v borough_n more_o clear_a than_o the_o light_n itself_o and_o in_o this_o crime_n no_o body_n must_v be_v condemn_v upon_o presumption_n and_o where_o it_o be_v object_v and_o urge_v thâ—_n since_o god_n only_o know_v the_o thought_n there_o be_v none_o other_o way_n of_o prooâ—_n but_o by_o confession_n it_o be_v answer_v thus_o in_o the_o law_n to_o wit_n their_o confession_n in_o this_o case_n contain_v a_o outward_a act_n and_o the_o same_o impossible_a both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o nature_n and_o also_o unlikely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o quod_fw-la verisimile_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la attendi_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la so_o as_o though_o their_o confession_n may_v be_v worthy_a of_o punishment_n as_o whereby_o they_o show_v a_o will_n to_o commit_v such_o mischief_n yet_o not_o worthy_a of_o credit_n as_o that_o they_o have_v such_o power_n for_o si_fw-mi factum_fw-la absit_fw-la solaque_fw-la opinion_n laborent_fw-la estultorum_fw-la genere_fw-la sunt_fw-la if_o they_o confess_v a_o fact_n perform_v but_o in_o opinion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v among_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n neither_o may_v any_o man_n be_v by_o law_n condemn_v for_o criminal_a cause_n upon_o presumption_n nor_o yet_o by_o single_a witness_n neither_o at_o the_o accusation_n of_o a_o capital_a enemy_n who_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o give_v evidence_n in_o this_o case_n though_o it_o please_v m._n mâ—l_n and_o bodin_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n but_o beyond_o all_o equity_n these_o inquisitor_n have_v shift_n and_o devise_n enough_o to_o plague_v and_o kill_v these_o poor_a soul_n for_o they_o say_v their_o â—ault_n be_v great_a of_o all_o other_o because_o of_o their_o carnal_a copulation_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o heretic_n four_o nanne_n of_o way_n to_o wit_n with_o excommunication_n deprivation_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o also_o with_o death_n and_o indeed_o they_o find_v law_n and_o provide_v mean_n thereby_o to_o maintain_v this_o their_o bloody_a humour_n for_o it_o be_v writâ—en_v in_o their_o popish_a canon_n that_o as_o for_o these_o kind_n of_o heretic_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o the_o faith_n they_o may_v not_o be_v retain_v alive_a or_o keep_v in_o perpetual_a prison_n but_o be_v put_v to_o extreme_a death_n yea_o m._n mal._n write_v that_o a_o witch_n sin_n be_v the_o sin_n aganist_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 17._o to_o wit_n irremissible_a yea_o further_o that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v in_o which_o respect_n i_o wonder_v that_o moses_n deliver_v not_o three_o table_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n or_o at_o the_o leastwise_o that_o he_o exhibit_v not_o commandment_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o great_a shall_v be_v include_v in_o the_o less_o etc._n etc._n but_o when_o these_o witchmonger_n be_v convince_v in_o the_o objection_n concern_v their_o confession_n so_o as_o thereby_o their_o tyrannical_a argument_n can_v prevail_v to_o imbrue_v the_o magistrate_n hand_n in_o so_o much_o blood_n as_o their_o appetite_n require_v they_o fall_v to_o accuse_v they_o of_o other_o crime_n that_o the_o world_n may_v think_v they_o have_v some_o colour_n to_o maintain_v their_o malicious_a fury_n against_o they_o chap._n xix_o of_o four_o capital_a crime_n object_v against_o witch_n all_o full_o answer_v and_o confute_v as_o frivolo_fw-la we_o first_o therefore_o they_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n idolatry_n but_o alas_o without_o all_o reason_n for_o such_o be_v proper_o know_v to_o we_o to_o be_v idolater_n as_o do_v external_a worship_n to_o idol_n or_o strange_a god_n the_o further_a point_n that_o idolatry_n can_v be_v stretch_v unto_o be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v culpable_a therein_o be_v such_o as_o hope_v for_o and_o seek_v salvation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o idol_n or_o of_o any_o other_o than_o god_n or_o fix_v their_o whole_a mind_n and_o love_n upon_o any_o creature_n so_o as_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v and_o contemn_v thereby_o but_o witch_n neither_o seek_v nor_o believe_v to_o have_v salvation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o devil_n but_o by_o they_o they_o be_v only_o deceive_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o fantasy_n be_v corrupt_v and_o so_o infatuate_v that_o they_o suppose_v confess_v and_o say_v they_o can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v as_o far_o beyond_o their_o power_n and_o nature_n to_o do_v as_o to_o killâ—_n man_n at_o york_n before_o noon_n when_o they_o have_v be_v see_v at_o london_n in_o that_o morning_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o these_o latter_a idolater_n who_o idolatry_n be_v spiritual_a and_o commit_v only_o in_o mind_n shall_v be_v punish_v by_o death_n then_o shall_v every_o covetous_a man_n or_o other_o that_o set_v his_o affection_n any_o way_n too_o much_o upon_o a_o earthly_a creature_n be_v execute_v and_o yet_o perchance_o the_o witch_n may_v escape-scot-free_a
in_o christendom_n even_o of_o â—ate_z day_n to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o witch_n so_o as_o he_o can_v when_o â—e_n â—ist_v turn_v himself_o to_o a_o wolf_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v espy_v &c_n &c_n oftentimes_o see_v to_o perform_v that_o villainy_n because_o he_o will_v be_v count_v the_o king_n of_o all_o witch_n he_o say_v that_o this_o transubstantiation_n be_v most_o common_a in_o greece_n and_o through_o out_o all_o asia_n as_o merchant_n stranger_n have_v reporteed_o to_o he_o for_o anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1542_o when_o sultan_n soliman_n reign_v there_o be_v such_o force_n and_o multitude_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o wolf_n in_o constantinople_n that_o the_o emperor_n drive_v together_o in_o one_o stock_n 150._o of_o they_o which_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o city_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o people_n in_o to_o persuade_v we_o the_o more_o thorough_o herein_o he_o say_v that_o in_o livonâ—a_n yearly_o about_o the_o end_n of_o december_n a_o certain_a knave_n or_o devil_n warn_v all_o the_o witch_n in_o the_o country_n to_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a place_n if_o they_o fail_v the_o devil_n come_v and_o whip_v they_o with_o a_o iron_n rod_n so_o as_o the_o print_n of_o his_o lash_n remain_v upon_o their_o body_n for_o ever_o the_o captain_n witch_n lead_v the_o way_n through_o a_o great_a pool_n of_o water_n hand_n many_o million_o of_o witch_n swim_v after_o they_o be_v no_o soon_o pass_v through_o that_o water_n but_o they_o be_v all_o transform_v into_o wolf_n and_o fly_v upon_o and_o devour_v both_o man_n woman_n cattle_n etc._n etc._n after_o twelve_o day_n they_o return_v through_o the_o same_o water_n and_o so_o receive_v humane_a shape_n again_o item_n that_o there_o be_v one_o bajanuâ—_n a_o jew_n be_v the_o son_n of_o simeoâ—_n which_o can_v when_o he_o list_v turn_v himself_o into_o a_o wolf_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n can_v escape_v the_o force_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o whole_a army_n of_o man_n which_o thing_n say_v bodin_n be_v wonderful_a but_o yet_o say_v he_o it_o be_v much_o more_o marvellous_a that_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o many_o poet_n affirm_v it_o yea_o and_o if_o you_o look_v well_o into_o the_o matter_n say_v he_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o easy_a to_o do_v item_n he_o say_v that_o as_o natural_a wolf_n persecute_v beast_n so_o do_v these_o magical_a wolf_n devour_v man_n 5._o woman_n and_o child_n and_o yet_o god_n saâ—â—â—_n to_o the_o people_n i_o trow_v and_o not_o to_o the_o cattle_n of_o israel_n if_o you_o observe_v noâ—_n my_o commandment_n â—2_n i_o will_v send_v among_o you_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o fâ—eld_n which_o shall_v devour_v both_o you_o and_o your_o cattle_n item_n i_o will_v send_v the_o tooth_n 〈◊〉_d beast_n upon_o you_o where_o be_v bodins_n distinction_n now_o become_v he_o neâ—â—â—_n say_v i_o will_v send_v witch_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o wolf_n etc._n etc._n to_o devour_v you_o or_o your_o cattle_n nevertheless_o bodin_n say_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a case_n for_o the_o mâ—â—â—ter_n be_v dispute_v upon_o before_o pope_n leo_n the_o seven_o and_o by_o he_o all_o the_o matter_n be_v judge_v possible_a and_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o be_v the_o transformation_n of_o lucian_n and_o apuleius_n make_v canonical_a furthermore_o he_o say_v that_o through_o this_o be_v they_o be_v so_o cunning_a that_o 〈◊〉_d man_n can_v apprehend_v they_o lycanthropia_n but_o when_o they_o be_v a_o sleep_n item_n he_o name_v another_o witch_n that_o aâ—_n m._n mal._n say_v can_v not_o be_v catch_v because_o he_o will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o mouse_n and_o run_v into_o every_o little_a hole_n till_o at_o length_n he_o be_v kill_v come_v out_o of_o the_o hole_n of_o a_o â—amme_n in_o a_o windoâ—_n which_o indeed_o be_v as_o possible_a as_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o a_o needle_n eye_n iteâ—_n he_o say_v that_o divers_a witch_n at_o vâ—rnon_n turn_v themselves_o into_o cat_n anâ—_n both_o commit_v and_o receive_v much_o hurt_n but_o at_o argentine_n there_o be_v â—_o wonderful_a matter_n do_v by_o three_o witch_n of_o great_a wealth_n who_o transformâ—ing_v themselves_o into_o three_o cat_n assault_v a_o faggot-maker_n who_o have_v 〈◊〉_d they_o all_o with_o a_o faggot-sticke_a be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o he_o be_v miraculous_o deliver_v and_o they_o worthy_o punish_v as_o the_o story_n say_v from_o whence_o bodin_n have_v it_o after_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o beastly_a fable_n he_o invey_v against_o such_o physician_n as_o say_v that_o lycanthropia_n be_v a_o disease_n and_o not_o a_o transformation_n item_n he_o maintain_v as_o sacred_a and_o true_a all_o homer_n fable_n of_o circe_n anâ—_n ulysses_n his_o companion_n inveigh_v against_o chrysostome_n who_o right_o interprete_v homer_n meaning_n to_o be_v that_o ulysses_n his_o people_n be_v by_o the_o harlot_n circe_n make_v in_o their_o brutish_a manner_n to_o resemble_v swine_n but_o least_o some_o poet_n fable_n may_v be_v think_v lie_n whereby_o the_o witchmonger_n argument_n shall_v quail_v he_o maintain_v for_o true_a the_o most_o part_n of_o ovid_n metamorphosis_n and_o the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n in_o all_o that_o book_n marry_o he_o think_v some_o one_o tale_n therein_o may_v be_v feign_v final_o he_o confirm_v all_o these_o toy_n by_o the_o story_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o because_o say_v he_o nabuchadnezzar_n continue_v seven_o year_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o beast_n therefore_o may_v witch_n remain_v so_o long_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o beast_n have_v in_o all_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o shape_n hair_n voice_n strength_n agility_n swiftness_n food_n and_o excrement_n of_o beast_n and_o yet_o reserve_v the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o woman_n or_o man_n howbeit_o s._n augustine_n whether_o to_o confute_v or_o confirm_v that_o opinion_n judge_v you_o say_v 26._o non_fw-la est_fw-la credendum_fw-la humanum_fw-la corpus_fw-la daemonum_fw-la arte_fw-la vel_fw-la potestate_fw-la in_o bestialia_fw-la lineamenta_fw-la converti_fw-la posse_fw-la we_o may_v not_o believe_v that_o a_o man_n body_n may_v be_v alter_v into_o the_o lineament_n of_o a_o beast_n by_o the_o devil_n art_n or_o power_n item_n bodinâ—aith_o â—aith_z that_o the_o reason_n why_o witch_n be_v most_o common_o turn_v into_o wolf_n be_v because_o they_o usual_o eat_v child_n as_o wolf_n eat_v cattle_n item_n that_o the_o cause_n why_o other_o be_v true_o turn_v into_o ass_n be_v for_o that_o such_o have_v be_v desirous_a to_o understand_v the_o secret_n of_o witch_n why_o witch_n be_v turn_v into_o cat_n ironia_fw-la he_o allege_v no_o reason_n and_o therefore_o to_o help_v he_o forth_o with_o that_o paraphrase_n i_o say_v that_o witch_n be_v curse_v quean_n and_o many_o time_n scratch_v one_o another_o or_o their_o neighbour_n by_o the_o face_n and_o therefore_o perchance_o be_v turn_v into_o cat_n but_o i_o have_v put_v twenty_o of_o these_o witchmonger_n to_o silence_n with_o this_o one_o question_n to_o wit_n whether_o a_o witch_n that_o can_v turn_v a_o woman_n into_o a_o cat_n etc._n etc._n can_v also_o turn_v a_o cat_n into_o a_o woman_n chap._n ii_o absurd_a reason_n bring_v by_o bodin_n and_o such_o other_o for_o confirmation_n of_o transformation_n these_o example_n and_o reason_n may_v put_v we_o in_o doubt_n that_o every_o ass_n wolf_n or_o cat_n that_o we_o see_v be_v a_o man_n a_o woman_n or_o a_o child_n i_o marvel_v that_o no_o man_n use_v this_o distinction_n in_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o man_n but_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v one_o dispute_v against_o these_o creation_n and_o recreation_n when_o bodin_n wash_v away_o all_o our_o argument_n with_o one_o word_n confess_v that_o none_o can_v create_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n acknowledge_v also_o the_o force_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n of_o such_o divine_n as_o write_v against_o he_o in_o this_o behalf_n yea_o he_o do_v now_o contrary_a to_o himself_o elsewhere_o affirm_v that_o the_o devil_n can_v alter_v his_o form_n 6._o and_o lo_o this_o be_v his_o distinction_n non_fw-la essentialis_fw-la forma_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la sed_fw-la figura_fw-la solum_fw-la permutatur_fw-la the_o essential_a form_n to_o wit_n reason_n be_v not_o change_v but_o the_o shape_n or_o figure_n and_o thereby_o he_o prove_v it_o easy_a enough_o to_o create_v man_n or_o beast_n with_o life_n so_o as_o they_o remain_v without_o reason_n howbeit_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o turn_v bodins_n reason_n into_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o ass_n than_o his_o body_n into_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o sheep_n which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n because_o lot_n wife_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n by_o the_o devil_n 27._o whereby_o he_o show_v his_o gross_a ignorance_n as_o though_o god_n that_o command_v lot_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n not_o
secret_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o stone_n and_o herb_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v attain_v unto_o by_o art_n and_o special_o by_o natural_a magic_n but_o we_o either_o for_o want_v of_o speech_n or_o knowledge_n call_v they_o all_o by_o the_o name_n and_o term_v of_o witch_n certain_o god_n induce_v body_n with_o wonderful_a grace_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n whereof_o man_n have_v not_o reach_v unto_o and_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v among_o they_o such_o mutual_a love_n society_n and_o consent_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o natural_a discord_n and_o secret_a enmity_n that_o therein_o many_o thing_n be_v wrought_v to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o man_n capacity_n but_o when_o deceit_n and_o diabolical_a word_n be_v couple_v therewith_o then_o extend_v it_o to_o witchcraft_n and_o conjuration_n as_o whereunto_o those_o natural_a effect_n be_v false_o impute_v upon_o so_o as_o here_o i_o shall_v have_v some_o occasion_n to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o natural_a magic_n because_o under_o it_o lie_v hide_v the_o venom_n of_o this_o word_n hartumim_n this_o art_n be_v say_v by_o some_o to_o be_v the_o profoundness_n and_o the_o very_a absolute_a perfection_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o active_a part_n thereof_o and_o through_o the_o aid_n of_o natural_a virtue_n by_o the_o convenient_a apply_v of_o they_o work_n be_v publish_v exceed_v all_o capacity_n and_o admiration_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o by_o art_n as_o by_o nature_n this_o art_n of_o itself_o be_v not_o evil_a for_o it_o consist_v in_o search_v forth_o the_o nature_n cause_n and_o effect_n of_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v conceive_v it_o have_v be_v more_o corrupt_v and_o profane_v by_o we_o christian_n than_o either_o by_o jew_n or_o gentile_n chap._n ii_o how_o the_o philosopher_n in_o time_n past_o travel_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a magic_n of_o salomon_n knowledge_n therein_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v a_o natural_a magician_n a_o distinction_n thereof_o and_o why_o it_o be_v condemn_v for_o witchcraft_n many_o philosopher_n as_o namely_o plato_n pythagoras_n empedocles_n democrituus_fw-la etc._n etc._n travel_v over_o all_o the_o world_n to_o find_v out_o and_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o art_n and_o at_o their_o return_n they_o preach_v and_o teach_v profess_v and_o publish_v it_o yea_o it_o shall_v appear_v by_o the_o magician_n that_o come_v to_o adore_v christ_n that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o reputation_n thereof_o be_v great_a than_o we_o conceive_v or_o make_v account_n of_o but_o of_o all_o other_o solomon_n be_v the_o great_a traveller_n in_o this_o art_n as_o may_v appear_v throughout_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiaste_n and_o special_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n where_o he_o say_v 20_o god_n have_v give_v i_o the_o true_a science_n of_o thing_n so_o as_o i_o know_v how_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o element_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n and_o the_o midst_n of_o time_n how_o the_o time_n alter_v and_o the_o change_n of_o season_n the_o course_n of_o the_o year_n and_o the_o situation_n of_o the_o star_n the_o nature_n of_o live_a thing_n and_o the_o furiousness_n of_o beast_n the_o power_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n the_o diversity_n of_o plant_n &_o the_o virtue_n of_o root_n and_o all_o thing_n both_o secret_a and_o know_v 21._o etc._n etc._n final_o he_o be_v so_o cunning_a in_o this_o art_n jidionii_fw-la that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v a_o conjurer_n or_o witch_n and_o be_v so_o repute_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n at_o this_o day_n whereby_o you_o may_v see_v how_o fool_n and_o papist_n be_v incline_v to_o credit_v false_a accusation_n in_o matter_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o conjuration_n the_o less_o knowledge_n we_o have_v in_o this_o art_n the_o more_o we_o have_v it_o in_o contempt_n in_o which_o respect_n plato_n say_v true_o to_o dionysius_n they_o make_v philosophy_n a_o mockery_n that_o deliver_v it_o to_o profane_a and_o rude_a people_n certain_o the_o witchcraft_n conjuration_n and_o enchantment_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o solomon_n 1_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o these_o his_o word_n follow_v i_o apply_v my_o mind_n to_o knowledge_n and_o to_o search_v and_o seek_v out_o science_n wisdom_n and_o understandiug_v to_o know_v the_o foolishness_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o error_n of_o dote_a fool_n in_o this_o art_n of_o natural_a magic_n without_o great_a heed_n be_v take_v a_o student_n shall_v soon_o be_v abuse_v for_o many_o write_v by_o report_n without_o experience_n mistake_v their_o author_n and_o set_v down_o one_o thing_n for_o another_o then_o the_o conclusion_n be_v find_v false_a the_o experiment_n grow_v into_o contempt_n and_o in_o the_o end_n seem_v ridiculous_a though_o never_o so_o true_a pliny_n and_o albert_n be_v curious_a writer_n herein_o be_v often_o deceive_v insomuch_o as_o pliny_n be_v call_v a_o noble_a liar_n and_o albert_n a_o rustical_a liar_n the_o one_o lie_v by_o hearsay_n the_o other_o by_o authority_n distinguish_v a_o magician_n be_v indeed_o that_o which_o the_o latin_n call_v a_o wise_a man_n as_o nâ—ma_n pompilius_n be_v among_o the_o roman_n the_o greek_n a_o philosopher_n as_o socrates_n be_v among_o they_o the_o egyptian_n a_o priest_n as_o hermes_n be_v the_o cabalist_n call_v they_o prophet_n but_o although_o these_o distinguish_v this_o art_n account_v the_o one_o part_n thereof_o infamous_a as_o be_v too_o much_o give_v unto_o wicked_a vain_a and_o impious_a curiosity_n as_o unto_o moving_n number_n figure_n sound_n voice_n tune_n light_n affection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o word_n and_o the_o other_o part_n commendable_a as_o teach_v many_o good_a and_o necessary_a thing_n as_o time_n and_o season_n to_o sow_v plant_v till_o cut_v etc._n etc._n and_o divers_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v make_v manifest_a unto_o you_o hereafter_o yet_o we_o general_o condemâ—_n the_o whole_a art_n without_o distinction_n as_o a_o part_n of_o witchcraft_n have_v learned_a to_o hate_v it_o before_o we_o know_v it_o affirm_v all_o to_o be_v witchcraft_n which_o our_o gross_a head_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o yet_o can_v think_v that_o a_o old_a dote_a woman_n see_v through_o it_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o consider_v not_o how_o god_n bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o have_v establish_v a_o order_n in_o his_o work_n graft_n in_o they_o sundry_a virtue_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o several_a creature_n and_o special_o to_o the_o use_n and_o behoof_n of_o man_n neither_o do_v we_o therein_o weigh_v that_o art_n be_v servant_n unto_o nature_n and_o wait_v upon_o she_o as_o her_o handmaiden_n chap._n iii_o what_o secret_n do_v lie_v hide_v and_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o natural_a magic_n how_o god_n glory_n be_v magnify_v therein_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o this_o art_n of_o natural_a magic_n god_n almighty_n have_v hide_v many_o secret_a mystery_n as_o wherein_o a_o man_n may_v learn_v the_o property_n quality_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o nature_n for_o it_o teach_v to_o accomplish_v matter_n in_o such_o sort_n and_o opportunity_n as_o the_o common_a people_n think_v the_o same_o to_o be_v miraculous_a and_o to_o be_v compass_v none_o other_o way_n but_o only_o by_o witchcraft_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n natural_a magic_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o tillage_n as_o nature_n produce_v corn_n and_o herb_n so_o art_n be_v nature_n minister_n prepare_v it_o wherein_o time_n and_o season_n be_v great_o to_o be_v respect_v for_o annus_fw-la non_fw-la arvus_fw-la producit_fw-la aristas_fw-la but_o as_o many_o necessary_a and_o sober_a thing_n be_v herein_o teach_v so_o do_v it_o partly_o i_o say_v consist_v in_o such_o experiment_n and_o conclusion_n as_o be_v but_o toy_n but_o nevertheless_o lie_v hide_v in_o nature_n and_o be_v unknown_a do_v seem_v miraculous_a special_o when_o they_o be_v intermedle_v and_o corrupt_v with_o cunning_a illusion_n or_o legierdemain_n from_o whence_o be_v derive_v the_o estimation_n of_o witchcraft_n but_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v they_o be_v contemn_v and_o appear_v ridiculous_a for_o that_o only_o be_v wonderful_a to_o the_o beholder_n whereof_o he_o can_v conceive_v no_o cause_n nor_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o ephesius_n miraculum_fw-la solvitur_fw-la vade_v videtur_fw-la esse_fw-la miraculum_fw-la and_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v take_v great_a pain_n herein_o and_o bestow_v great_a cost_n to_o learn_v that_o which_o be_v of_o no_o value_n and_o a_o mere_a juggle_a knack_n whereupon_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o learn_v philosophy_n to_o be_v rich_a but_o must_v get_v riches_n to_o learn_v philosophy_n for_o to_o sluggard_n niggard_n and_o dizzard_n the_o secret_n of_o nature_n be_v never_o open_v same_o
several_a shift_n and_o suit_n of_o rare_a subtlety_n and_o deceit_n as_o that_o not_o only_o wealthy_a man_n be_v thereby_o many_o time_n impoverish_v and_o that_o with_o the_o sweet_a allurement_n of_o this_o art_n through_o their_o own_o covetousness_n as_o also_o by_o the_o flatter_a bait_n of_o hope_a gain_n but_o even_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n hereby_o be_v shameful_o overshoot_v partly_o for_o want_v of_o due_a experience_n in_o the_o wile_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o world_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o softness_n and_o pliablenesse_n of_o their_o good_a nature_n which_o cozen_v knave_n do_v common_o abuse_v to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o commodity_n and_o to_o the_o other_o utter_v undo_v chap._n vi_o the_o opinion_n of_o diverse_a learned_a man_n touch_v the_o folly_n of_o alchymistry_n transmutable_a albert_n in_o his_o book_n of_o mineral_n report_v that_o avicenna_n treat_v of_o alchymistry_n say_v let_v the_o dealer_n in_o alchymistry_n understand_v that_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v change_v but_o rather_o make_v by_o art_n to_o resemble_v the_o same_o in_o show_n and_o likeness_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n indeed_o but_o seem_v so_o to_o be_v in_o appearance_n as_o castle_n and_o tower_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v build_v in_o the_o cloud_n whereas_o the_o representation_n there_o show_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o resemblance_n of_o certain_a object_n below_o cause_v in_o some_o bright_a and_o clear_a cloud_n when_o the_o air_n be_v void_a of_o thickness_n and_o grossness_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n hereof_o may_v be_v the_o look_a glass_n and_o we_o see_v say_v he_o that_o yellow_a or_o orange_n colour_v lay_v upon_o red_a seem_v to_o be_v gold_n 10._o francis_n petrarch_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o form_n of_o a_o dialogue_n introduce_v a_o disciple_n of_o he_o who_o fancy_v the_o foresay_a fond_a profession_n and_o practice_n say_v i_o hope_v for_o prosperous_a success_n in_o alchymistry_n petrarch_n answer_v he_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n from_o whence_o that_o hope_n shall_v spring_v since_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o do_v never_o yet_o fall_v to_o thy_o lot_n nor_o yet_o at_o any_o time_n chance_n to_o any_o other_o as_o the_o report_n common_o go_v that_o many_o rich_a man_n by_o this_o vanity_n and_o madness_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o beggary_n while_o they_o have_v weary_v themselves_o therewith_o weaken_v their_o body_n and_o waste_v their_o wealth_n in_o try_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v gold_n engender_v gold_n i_o hope_v for_o gold_n according_a to_o the_o workman_n promise_n say_v the_o disciple_n he_o that_o have_v promise_v the_o gold_n will_v run_v away_o with_o thy_o gold_n and_o thou_o never_o the_o wise_a say_v petrarch_n he_o promise_v i_o great_a good_a say_v the_o disciple_n he_o will_v first_o serve_v his_o own_o turn_n and_o relieve_v his_o private_a poverty_n say_v petrarch_n for_o alchymister_n be_v a_o beggarly_a kind_n of_o people_n who_o though_o they_o confess_v themselves_o bare_a and_o needy_a yet_o will_v they_o make_v other_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a as_o though_o other_o poverty_n do_v more_o molest_v and_o pity_v they_o then_o their_o own_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o petrarch_n a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o no_o less_o experience_n who_o as_o in_o his_o time_n he_o see_v the_o fraudulent_a fetch_n of_o this_o compass_v craft_n so_o have_v there_o be_v no_o age_n since_o the_o same_o have_v be_v broach_v wherein_o foam_n few_o wise_a man_n have_v not_o smell_v out_o the_o evil_a meaning_n of_o these_o shift_a merchant_n 1_o and_o bewray_v they_o to_o the_o world_n a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o a_o religious_a order_n who_o live_v above_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o discover_v the_o diversity_n of_o theft_n after_o a_o long_a enumeration_n in_o alchymister_n who_o he_o call_v falsificantes_fw-la metallorum_fw-la &_o mineralium_fw-la witch_n and_o counterfeiter_n of_o metal_n and_o mineral_n and_o set_v they_o as_o deep_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o thief_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o injurious_a deal_n be_v bring_v to_o open_a arreignment_n it_o be_v demand_v say_v he_o why_o the_o art_n of_o alchymistry_n do_v never_o prove_v that_o in_o effect_n which_o it_o pretend_v in_o precept_n and_o promise_n the_o answer_n be_v ready_a that_o if_o by_o art_n gold_n may_v be_v make_v then_o be_v it_o behooveful_a to_o know_v the_o manner_n and_o proceed_n of_o nature_n in_o generation_n since_o art_n be_v say_v to_o imitate_v and_o counterfeit_v nature_n alchymisticall_a again_o it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o lameness_n and_o unperfectness_n of_o philosophy_n special_o concern_v mineral_n no_o such_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v set_v down_o by_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o philosopher_n in_o writing_n touch_v the_o true_a and_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o the_o same_o whereupon_o one_o suppose_v that_o gold_n be_v make_v of_o one_o kind_n of_o stuff_n this_o way_n other_o of_o another_o kind_n of_o stuff_n that_o way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o chance_n if_o any_o attain_n to_o the_o artificial_a apply_v of_o the_o active_n and_o passives_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n moreover_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o quicksilver_n and_o sulphur_n be_v the_o material_n as_o they_o term_v they_o of_o metal_n and_o the_o agent_n be_v heat_n which_o direct_v howbeit_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v the_o due_a proportion_n of_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o material_n which_o proportion_n the_o generation_n of_o gold_n do_v require_v and_o admit_v that_o by_o chance_n they_o attain_v to_o such_o proportion_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o ready_o resume_v or_o do_v it_o again_o in_o another_o work_n because_o of_o the_o hide_a diversity_n of_o material_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o apply_v the_o active_n and_o passives_n the_o same_o ancient_a author_n conclude_v against_o this_o vain_a art_n ibid._n say_v that_o of_o all_o christian_n lawmaker_n it_o be_v forbid_v and_o in_o no_o case_n tolerable_a in_o any_o commonwealth_n first_o because_o it_o presume_v to_o forge_v idol_n for_o covetousness_n which_o be_v gold_n and_o silver_n whereupon_o say_v the_o apostle_n covetousness_n be_v idolworship_n second_o for_o that_o as_o aristotle_n say_v coin_n shall_v be_v scant_a and_o rare_a cultus_fw-la that_o it_o may_v be_v dear_a but_o the_o same_o will_v wax_v vile_a and_o of_o small_a estimation_n if_o by_o the_o art_n of_o alchymistry_n gold_n and_o silver_n may_v be_v multiply_v three_o because_o as_o experience_n prove_v wise_a man_n be_v thereby_o bewitch_v cousener_n increase_v prince_n abuse_v the_o rich_a impoverish_v the_o poor_a beggar_a the_o multitude_n make_v fool_n and_o yet_o the_o craft_n and_o craftmaster_n oh_o madness_n credit_v thus_o far_o he_o whereby_o in_o few_o word_n he_o discountenance_v that_o profession_n not_o by_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n but_o by_o manifold_a circumstance_n of_o manifest_a proof_n touch_v the_o which_o practice_n i_o think_v enough_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o more_o a_o great_a deal_n than_o need_v since_o so_o plain_a and_o demonstrable_a a_o matter_n require_v the_o less_o travel_n in_o confutation_n chap._n vii_o that_o vain_a and_o deceitful_a hope_n be_v a_o great_a cause_n why_o man_n be_v seduce_v by_o this_o allure_a art_n and_o that_o their_o labour_n therein_o be_v bootless_a etc._n etc._n hitherto_o somewhat_o at_o large_a i_o have_v detect_v the_o knavery_n of_o the_o art_n alchymisticall_a partly_o by_o reason_n and_o partly_o by_o example_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v no_o less_o appear_v to_o the_o judicial_a eye_n of_o the_o considerer_n than_o the_o bone_n and_o sinew_n of_o a_o body_n anatomize_v to_o the_o corporal_a eye_n of_o the_o beholder_n now_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o nor_o impertinent_a to_o treat_v somewhat_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a hope_n which_o induce_v and_o draw_v man_n forward_o as_o it_o be_v with_o chord_n not_o only_o to_o the_o admiration_n but_o also_o to_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o some_o be_v compel_v rueful_o to_o sing_v as_o one_o in_o old_a time_n do_v hope_n whether_o in_o token_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a luck_n i_o do_v not_o now_o well_o remember_v spes_fw-la â—_o fortuna_fw-la valete_fw-la hope_n and_o good_a hap_n adieu_o no_o marvel_n then_o though_o alchymistry_n allure_v man_n so_o sweet_o and_o entangle_v they_o in_o snare_n of_o folly_n since_o the_o bait_n which_o it_o use_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o gold_n the_o hunger_n whereof_o be_v by_o the_o poet_n term_v sacra_fw-la which_o some_o do_v english_a holy_a not_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v interpret_v 40._o curse_v or_o detestable_a by_o the_o figure_n acyâ—on_n when_o a_o word_n of_o a_o unproper_a signification_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o clause_n as_o it_o be_v a_o