Chapter XXIII: Part 23

7. There is also an experiment that hath 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.

[Sidenote: _Argum. 8._]

8. The chiefest objection that is usually 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.

[Sidenote: _Vid. System. Harm. Log. Hen. Alstedii._ _p._ 251.]

2. Figures, characters, words or speech are (indeed) properly no quantities: For figures and characters are only delineations 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.

[Sidenote: _Geom._ _l._ 19. _p._ 144.]

3. But to make it more clearly manifest, 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.

[Sidenote: _Vid. Logic. System. Harmon. Alstedii._ _p._ 249.]

4. That which we call speech, or oration, is considered three ways. 1. That which is mental and only conceived in the mind, and 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.

[Sidenote: _Alphabet. Natur._ _p._ 20.]

[Sidenote: _Ibid._ _p._ 52.]

5. Lastly, we are to consider that 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_ 10^{th} _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.

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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

Page Changed from Changed to

23 Κρησμολόγος χρησμολόγος

24 Herwerk Hexenwerk

„ Ƿɩcce-cƿeeꝼꞇ Ƿɩcce-cꞃeeꝼꞇ

92 זָבָת רָבָה

93 רָדַע יָדַע

108 קסֵﬦ קְסָםוﬦ קֹסֵם קְסָמִים

110 עֹבֵן עֹנֵן

„ κληδονηζόμενος κληδονιζόμενος

111 וּמְנחֵשׁ וּמְנַחֵשׁ

113 וּמְכַשֵּׁת Umechascheth וּמְכַשֵּׁף Umechascheph

„ כּשֵּׁת _Coscheth_ כֹּשֵּׁף Coscheph

114, Burtorsius Buxtorsius
117

„ כַשְפִוﬦ כַשְּׁפִים

115 וּנְשָפֶוחָ וּכְשָׁפֶיהָ

118 Gauberers, dess Beschwerers der Zauberers, dess Beschwerers der
wol besch weren fan wol besch weren kan

120 וְשֹּׁאֵל אוֹב וְשֹׁאֵל אוֹב

128 חָאבוֹת הָאבוֹת

„ בַעֲלַה אוֹב בַּעֲלַת אוֹב

„ בַעֲלַה כְשָׁפיִﬦ בַּעֲלַת כְּשָׁפִים

129 וְעֳשָׂה אוֹב וְעָשָׂה אוֹב

„ עָשָׂת עָשָׂה

130 עִפְעֵת צַפְצֵף

131 וִדְעֹבִי יִדְּעֹנִי

„ וָדַע יָדַע

132 הַרטֻמּיﬦ חַרְטֻמִּים

„ הֶרֶט חֶרֶט

„ אָטַﬦ אָטַם

133 לָהַש לָחַשׁ

135 הָאִטִּיﬦ הָאִטִּים

„ אַשָּף אַשָּׁף

136 הֳכְםָה חָכְמָה

„ חָכַﬦ חָכַם

146 דֶמֶשׂ רֶמֶשׂ

„ דָמַשׂ רָמַשׂ

172 resurrexerumt resurrexerunt

178 כשא נשא

193 ὁρισμένη ὡρισμένῃ

211 בָּדָא בָּרָא

223 πονηροὺς πονυροὺς

1. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in spelling. 2. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. 3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. 4. Enclosed blackletter font in =equals=. 5. Denoted superscripts by a caret before a single superscript character or a series of superscripted characters enclosed in curly braces, e.g. M^r. or M^{ister}.