[36]In a scarce little book, "The Triumph of Sovereign Grace, or a Brand plucked out of the Fire, by David Crosly, Minister, Manchester," 1743, 12mo., which I owe to the kindness of the very able historian of Cheshire, George Ormerod, Esq., Dr. Whitaker, to whom the volume formerly belonged, has been at the pains of chronicling the superstitions connected with a family, ranking amongst the more opulent yeomen of Cliviger, of the name of Briercliffe, on the execution of one of whom for murder the tract was published. The Briercliffe's, from the curious anecdotes which the Doctor gives with great unction, appear to have been one of those gloomy and fated races, dogged by some unassuageable Nemesis, in which crime and horror are transmitted from generation to generation with as much certainty as the family features and name.
[36]In a scarce little book, "The Triumph of Sovereign Grace, or a Brand plucked out of the Fire, by David Crosly, Minister, Manchester," 1743, 12mo., which I owe to the kindness of the very able historian of Cheshire, George Ormerod, Esq., Dr. Whitaker, to whom the volume formerly belonged, has been at the pains of chronicling the superstitions connected with a family, ranking amongst the more opulent yeomen of Cliviger, of the name of Briercliffe, on the execution of one of whom for murder the tract was published. The Briercliffe's, from the curious anecdotes which the Doctor gives with great unction, appear to have been one of those gloomy and fated races, dogged by some unassuageable Nemesis, in which crime and horror are transmitted from generation to generation with as much certainty as the family features and name.
[37]We yet want a full, elaborate, and satisfactory history of witchcraft. Hutchinson's is the only account we have which enters at all at length into the detail of the various cases; but his materials were generally collected from common sources, and he confines himself principally to English cases. The European history of witchcraft embraces so wide a field, and requires for its just completion a research so various, that there is little probability, I fear, of thisdesideratumbeing speedily supplied.
[37]We yet want a full, elaborate, and satisfactory history of witchcraft. Hutchinson's is the only account we have which enters at all at length into the detail of the various cases; but his materials were generally collected from common sources, and he confines himself principally to English cases. The European history of witchcraft embraces so wide a field, and requires for its just completion a research so various, that there is little probability, I fear, of thisdesideratumbeing speedily supplied.
[38]The explorer of Pendle will find the mansion of Alice Nutter, Rough Lee, still standing. It is impossible to look at it, recollecting the circumstances of her case, without being strongly interested. It is a very substantial, and rather a fine specimen of the houses of the inferior gentry in the time of James the first, and is now divided into cottages. On one of the side walls is an inscription, almost entirely obliterated, which contained the date of the building and the initials of the name of its first owner. At a little distance from Rough Lee, pursuing the course of the stream, he will find the foundations of an ancient mill, and the millstones still unremoved, though the building itself has been pulled down long ago. This was, doubtless, the mill of Richard Baldwin, the miller, who, as stated in Old Demdike's confession, ejected her and Alizon Device her daughter, from his land so contumeliously; immediately after which her "Spirit or divell called Tibb appeared, and sayd Revenge thee of him." Greenhead, the residence of Robert Nutter, one of the reputed victims of the prisoners tried on this occasion, is at some distance from Rough Lee, and is yet in good preservation, and occupied as a farmhouse.
[38]The explorer of Pendle will find the mansion of Alice Nutter, Rough Lee, still standing. It is impossible to look at it, recollecting the circumstances of her case, without being strongly interested. It is a very substantial, and rather a fine specimen of the houses of the inferior gentry in the time of James the first, and is now divided into cottages. On one of the side walls is an inscription, almost entirely obliterated, which contained the date of the building and the initials of the name of its first owner. At a little distance from Rough Lee, pursuing the course of the stream, he will find the foundations of an ancient mill, and the millstones still unremoved, though the building itself has been pulled down long ago. This was, doubtless, the mill of Richard Baldwin, the miller, who, as stated in Old Demdike's confession, ejected her and Alizon Device her daughter, from his land so contumeliously; immediately after which her "Spirit or divell called Tibb appeared, and sayd Revenge thee of him." Greenhead, the residence of Robert Nutter, one of the reputed victims of the prisoners tried on this occasion, is at some distance from Rough Lee, and is yet in good preservation, and occupied as a farmhouse.
[39]The instances are very few in England in which the statute of James the first was brought to bear against any but the lowest classes of the people. Indeed, there are not many attempts reported to attack the rich and powerful with weapons derived from its provisions. One of such attempts, which did not, like that against Alice Nutter, prove successful, is narrated in a curious and scarce pamphlet, which I have now before me, with this title—"Wonderful News from the North, or a true Relation of the sad and grievous Torments inflicted upon the Bodies of three children of Mr. George Muschamp, late of the County of Northumberland, by Witchcraft, and how miraculously it pleased God to strengthen them and to deliver them; as also the prosecution of the say'd Witches, as by Oaths and their own Confessions will appear, and by the Indictment found by the Jury against one of them at the Sessions of the Peace held at Alnwick, the 24th day of April, 1650. London, printed by T.H., and are to be sold by Richard Harper at his Shop in Smithfield. 1650," 4to. This was evidently a diabolical plot, in which these children were made the puppets, and which was got up to accomplish the destruction of a person of condition, Mrs. Dorothy Swinnow, the wife of Colonel Swinnow, of Chatton, in Northumberland, and from which she had great difficulty in escaping.
[39]The instances are very few in England in which the statute of James the first was brought to bear against any but the lowest classes of the people. Indeed, there are not many attempts reported to attack the rich and powerful with weapons derived from its provisions. One of such attempts, which did not, like that against Alice Nutter, prove successful, is narrated in a curious and scarce pamphlet, which I have now before me, with this title—"Wonderful News from the North, or a true Relation of the sad and grievous Torments inflicted upon the Bodies of three children of Mr. George Muschamp, late of the County of Northumberland, by Witchcraft, and how miraculously it pleased God to strengthen them and to deliver them; as also the prosecution of the say'd Witches, as by Oaths and their own Confessions will appear, and by the Indictment found by the Jury against one of them at the Sessions of the Peace held at Alnwick, the 24th day of April, 1650. London, printed by T.H., and are to be sold by Richard Harper at his Shop in Smithfield. 1650," 4to. This was evidently a diabolical plot, in which these children were made the puppets, and which was got up to accomplish the destruction of a person of condition, Mrs. Dorothy Swinnow, the wife of Colonel Swinnow, of Chatton, in Northumberland, and from which she had great difficulty in escaping.
[40]The copy in Baines is from the Harl. MSS., cod. 6854, fo. 26b, and though inserted in his history as more correct than that in Whitaker's Whalley, is so disfigured by errors, particularly in the names of persons and places, as to be utterly unintelligible. From what source Whitaker derived his transcript does not appear; for the confession of Margaret Johnson he cites Dodsworth MSS. in Bodleian Lib., vol. 61, p. 47.
[40]The copy in Baines is from the Harl. MSS., cod. 6854, fo. 26b, and though inserted in his history as more correct than that in Whitaker's Whalley, is so disfigured by errors, particularly in the names of persons and places, as to be utterly unintelligible. From what source Whitaker derived his transcript does not appear; for the confession of Margaret Johnson he cites Dodsworth MSS. in Bodleian Lib., vol. 61, p. 47.
[41]"The informer was one Edmund Robinson (yet living at the writing hereof, and commonly known by the name of Ned of Roughs) whose Father was by trade a Waller, and but a poor Man, and they finding that they were believed and had incouragement by the adjoyning Magistrates, and the persons being committed to prison or bound over to the next Assizes, the boy, his Father and some others besides did make a practice to go from Church to Church that the Boy might reveal and discover Witches, pretending that there was a great number at the pretended meeting whose faces he could know, and by that means they got a good living, that in a short space the Father bought a Cow or two, when he had none before. And it came to pass that this said Boy was brought into the Church of Kildwick a large parish Church, where I (being then Curate there) was preaching in the afternoon, and was set upon a stall (he being but about ten or eleven years old) to look about him, which moved some little disturbance in the Congregation for a while. And after prayers I inquiring what the matter was, the people told me that it was the Boy that discovered Witches, upon which I went to the house where he was to stay all night, where I found him, and two very unlikely persons that did conduct him, and manage the business; I desired to have some discourse with the Boy in private, but that they utterly refused; then in the presence of a great many people, I took the Boy near me, and said: Good Boy tell me truly, and in earnest, did thou see and hear such strange things of the meeting of Witches, as is reported by many that thou dost relate, or did not some person teach thee to say such things of thy self? But the two men not giving the Boy leave to answer, did pluck him from me, and said he had been examined by two able Justices of the Peace, and they did never ask him such a question, to whom I replied, the persons accused had therefore the more wrong."—Webster'sDisplaying of Witchcraft, p. 276.
[41]"The informer was one Edmund Robinson (yet living at the writing hereof, and commonly known by the name of Ned of Roughs) whose Father was by trade a Waller, and but a poor Man, and they finding that they were believed and had incouragement by the adjoyning Magistrates, and the persons being committed to prison or bound over to the next Assizes, the boy, his Father and some others besides did make a practice to go from Church to Church that the Boy might reveal and discover Witches, pretending that there was a great number at the pretended meeting whose faces he could know, and by that means they got a good living, that in a short space the Father bought a Cow or two, when he had none before. And it came to pass that this said Boy was brought into the Church of Kildwick a large parish Church, where I (being then Curate there) was preaching in the afternoon, and was set upon a stall (he being but about ten or eleven years old) to look about him, which moved some little disturbance in the Congregation for a while. And after prayers I inquiring what the matter was, the people told me that it was the Boy that discovered Witches, upon which I went to the house where he was to stay all night, where I found him, and two very unlikely persons that did conduct him, and manage the business; I desired to have some discourse with the Boy in private, but that they utterly refused; then in the presence of a great many people, I took the Boy near me, and said: Good Boy tell me truly, and in earnest, did thou see and hear such strange things of the meeting of Witches, as is reported by many that thou dost relate, or did not some person teach thee to say such things of thy self? But the two men not giving the Boy leave to answer, did pluck him from me, and said he had been examined by two able Justices of the Peace, and they did never ask him such a question, to whom I replied, the persons accused had therefore the more wrong."—Webster'sDisplaying of Witchcraft, p. 276.
[42]This was Richard Shuttleworth of Gawthorp, Esq., who married the daughter and heiress of R. Fleetwood, Esq., of Barton, and died June 1669, aged 82.
[42]This was Richard Shuttleworth of Gawthorp, Esq., who married the daughter and heiress of R. Fleetwood, Esq., of Barton, and died June 1669, aged 82.
[43]John Starkie, Esq., of the family of Starkie of Huntroyd, the same probably who was sheriff of Lancashire 9 Charles I, and one of the seven demoniacs at Cleworth in the year 1595, on whose evidence Hartley was hanged for witchcraft. Having commenced so early, he must by this time have qualified himself, if he only improved the advantages of his Cleworth education, to take the chair and proceed as professor, in all matters appertaining to witchcraft.
[43]John Starkie, Esq., of the family of Starkie of Huntroyd, the same probably who was sheriff of Lancashire 9 Charles I, and one of the seven demoniacs at Cleworth in the year 1595, on whose evidence Hartley was hanged for witchcraft. Having commenced so early, he must by this time have qualified himself, if he only improved the advantages of his Cleworth education, to take the chair and proceed as professor, in all matters appertaining to witchcraft.
[44]Wheatley-lane is still a place of note in Pendle.
[44]Wheatley-lane is still a place of note in Pendle.
[45]Wild plums.
[45]Wild plums.
[46]It would seem as if a case of witchcraft in Pendle, without a Nutter in some way connected with it, could not occur.
[46]It would seem as if a case of witchcraft in Pendle, without a Nutter in some way connected with it, could not occur.
[47]What Mr. Robinson is intended does not appear. It was a common name in Pendle. It is, however, a curious fact, that a family of this name,with the alias of Swyer, (see Potts, confession of Elizabeth Device,) is even now, or very recently was, to be met with in Pendle, of whom the John Robinson,aliasSwyer, one of the supposed victims of Witchcraft, was probably an ancestor. There are few instances of analiasbeing similarly transmitted in families for upwards of two centuries.
[47]What Mr. Robinson is intended does not appear. It was a common name in Pendle. It is, however, a curious fact, that a family of this name,with the alias of Swyer, (see Potts, confession of Elizabeth Device,) is even now, or very recently was, to be met with in Pendle, of whom the John Robinson,aliasSwyer, one of the supposed victims of Witchcraft, was probably an ancestor. There are few instances of analiasbeing similarly transmitted in families for upwards of two centuries.
[48]Mother Dickenson, as Sir Walter Scott remarks, brings to mind the magician Queen in the Arabian Tales.
[48]Mother Dickenson, as Sir Walter Scott remarks, brings to mind the magician Queen in the Arabian Tales.
[49]This house is still standing, and though it has undergone some modernizations, has every appearance of having been built about this period.
[49]This house is still standing, and though it has undergone some modernizations, has every appearance of having been built about this period.
[50]The old barn, so famous as the scene of these exploits, is no longer extant. A more modern and very substantial one has now been erected on its site.
[50]The old barn, so famous as the scene of these exploits, is no longer extant. A more modern and very substantial one has now been erected on its site.
[51]Syleing, from the verb sile or syle, to strain, to pass through a strainer. See Jamieson, under "sile."
[51]Syleing, from the verb sile or syle, to strain, to pass through a strainer. See Jamieson, under "sile."
[52]Frightened.
[52]Frightened.
[53]Boggard Hole lies in a hollow, near to Hoarstones, and is still known by that name.
[53]Boggard Hole lies in a hollow, near to Hoarstones, and is still known by that name.
[54]"It is the sport to see the engineer hoist with his own petar." Her old occupation as witness having got into other hands, Janet or Jennet Davies, or Device, for the person spoken of appears to be the same with the grand-daughter of Old Demdike, on whose evidence three members of her family were executed, has now to take her place amongst the witnessed against.
[54]"It is the sport to see the engineer hoist with his own petar." Her old occupation as witness having got into other hands, Janet or Jennet Davies, or Device, for the person spoken of appears to be the same with the grand-daughter of Old Demdike, on whose evidence three members of her family were executed, has now to take her place amongst the witnessed against.
[55]Seale, from sele,s.a yoke for binding cattle in the stall. Sal (A.S.) denotes "a collar or bond." Somner. Sile (Isl.) seems to bear the very same sense with our sele, being exp. a ligament of leather by which cattle and other things are bound. Vide Jamieson, under "sele."
[55]Seale, from sele,s.a yoke for binding cattle in the stall. Sal (A.S.) denotes "a collar or bond." Somner. Sile (Isl.) seems to bear the very same sense with our sele, being exp. a ligament of leather by which cattle and other things are bound. Vide Jamieson, under "sele."
[56]Heywood and Broome, in their play, "The late Lancashire Witches," 1634, 4to, follow the terms of this deposition very closely. It is very probable that they had seen and conversed with the boy, to whom, when taken up to London, there was a great resort of company. The Lancashire dialect, as given in this play, and by no means unfaithfully, was perhaps derived from conversations with some of the actors in this drama of real life, a drama quite as extraordinary as any that Heywood's imagination ever bodied forth from the world of fiction."Enter Boy with a switch.Boy.Now I have gathered Bullies, and fild my bellie pretty well, i'le goe see some sport. There are gentlemen coursing in the medow hard by; and 'tis a game that I love better than going to Schoole ten to one.Enter an invisible spirit. J. Adson[D]with a brace of greyhounds.What have we here a brace of Greyhounds broke loose from their masters: it must needs be so, for they have both their Collers and slippes about their neckes. Now I looke better upon them, me thinks I should know them, and so I do: these are Mr. Robinsons dogges, that dwels some two miles off, i'le take them up, and lead them home to their master; it may be something in my way, for he is as liberall a gentleman, as any is in our countrie, Come Hector, come. Now if I c'ud but start a Hare by the way, kill her, and carry her home to my supper, I should thinke I had made a better afternoones worke of it than gathering of bullies. Come poore curres along with me.Exit."* * * * * * ** * * * * * *"Enter Boy with the Greyhounds.A Hare, a Hare, halloe, halloe, the Divell take these curres, will they not stir, halloe, halloe, there, there, there, what are they growne so lither and so lazie? Are Mr. Robinsons dogges turn'd tykes with a wanion? the Hare is yet in sight, halloe, halloe, mary hang you for a couple of mungrils (if you were worth hanging,) and have you serv'd me thus? nay then ile serve you with the like sauce, you shall to the next bush, there will I tie you, and use you like a couple of curs as you are, and though not lash you, yet lash you whilest my switch will hold, nay since you have left your speed, ile see if I can put spirit into you, and put you in remembrance what halloe, halloe meanes.As he beats them, there appeared before him GooddyDickison,and the Boy upon the dogs, going in.Now blesse me heaven, one of the Greyhounds turn'd into a woman, the other into a boy! The lad I never saw before, but her I know well; it is my gammerDickison.G. Dick.Sirah, you have serv'd me well to swindge me thus. You yong rogue, you have vs'd me like a dog.Boy.When you had put your self into a dogs skin, I pray how c'ud I help it; but gammer are not you a Witch? if you bee, I beg upon my knees you will not hurt me.Dickis.Stand up my boie, for thou shalt have no harme,Be silent, speake of nothing thou hast seene.And here's a shilling for thee.Boy.Ile have none of your money, gammer, because you are a Witch; and now she is out of her foure leg'd shape, ile see if with my two legs I can out-run her.Dickis.Nay sirra, though you be yong, and I old, you are not so nimble, nor I so lame, but I can overtake you.Boy.But Gammer what do you meane to do with meNow you have me?Dickis.To hugge thee, stroke thee, and embrace thee thus,And teach thee twentie thousand prety things,So thou tell no tales; and boy this nightThou must along with me to a brave feast.Boy.Not I gammer indeed la, I dare not stay out late,My father is a fell man, and if I bee out long, will bothchide and beat me.Dickis.Not sirra, then perforce thou shalt along,This bridle helps me still at need,And shall provide us of a steed.Now sirra, take your shape and bePrepar'd to hurrie him and me.Exit.Now looke and tell mee wher's the lad become.Boy.The boy is vanisht, and I can see nothing in his steadBut a white horse readie sadled and bridled.Dickis.And thats the horse we must bestride,On which both thou and I must ride,Thou boy before and I behinde,The earth we tread not, but the winde,For we must progresse through the aire,And I will bring thee to such fareAs thou ne're saw'st, up and away,For now no longer we can stay.She catches him up, and turning round.Boy.Help, help.Exit."* * * * * * ** * * * * * *"Rob.What place is this? it looks like an old barne: ile peep in at some cranny or other, and try if I can see what they are doing. Such a bevy of beldames did I never behold; and cramming like so many Cormorants: Marry choke you with a mischiefe.Gooddy Dickison.Whoope, whurre, heres a sturre,Never a cat, never a curre,But that we must have this demurre.Mal.A second course.Mrs. Gen.Pull, and pull hardFor all that hath lately him prepar'dFor the great wedding feast.Mall.As chiefeOf Doughtyes Surloine of rost Beefe.All.Ha, ha, ha.Meg.'Tis come, 'tis come.Mawd.Where hath it all this while beene?Meg.SomeDelay hath kept it, now 'tis here,For bottles next of wine and beere,The Merchants cellers they shall pay for't.Mrs. Gener.Well,What sod or rost meat more, pray tell.Good. Dick.Pul for the Poultry, Foule, and Fish,For emptie shall not be a dish.Robin.A pox take them, must only they feed upon hot meat, and I upon nothing but cold sallads.Mrs. Gener.This meat is tedious, now some Farie,Fetch what belongs unto the Dairie,Mal.Thats Butter, Milk, Whey, Curds and Cheese,Wee nothing by the bargaine leese.All.Ha, ha, ha.Goody Dickison.Boy, theres meat for you.Boy.Thanke you.Gooddy Dickis.And drinke too.Meg.What Beast was by thee hither rid?Mawd.A Badger nab.Meg.And I bestridA Porcupine that never prickt.Mal.The dull sides of a Beare I kickt.I know how you rid, Lady Nan.Mrs. Gen.Ha, ha, ha, upon the knave my man.Rob.A murrein take you, I am sure my hoofes payd for't.Boy.Meat lie there, for thou hast no taste, and drinke there, for thou hast no relish, for in neither of them is there either salt or savour.All.Pull for the posset, pull.Robin.The brides posset on my life, nay if they come to their spoone meat once, I hope theil breake up their feast presently.Mrs. Gen.So those that are our waiters nere,Take hence this Wedding cheere.We will be lively all,And make this barn our hall.Gooddy Dick.You our Familiers, come.In speech let all be dumbe,And to close up our Feast,To welcome every gestA merry round let's daunce.Meg.Some Musicke then ith aireWhilest thus by paire and paire,We nimbly foot it; strike.Musick.Mal.We are obeyd.Sprite.And we hels ministers shall lend our aid.Dance and Song together. In the time of which the Boy speakes.Boy.Now whilest they are in their jollitie, and do not mind me, ile steale away, and shift for my selfe, though I lose my life for't.Exit."* * * * * * ** * * * * * *"Dought.He came to thee like a Boy thou sayest, about thine own bignesse?Boy.Yes Sir, and he asked me where I dwelt, and what my name was.Dough.Ah Rogue!Boy.But it was in a quarrelsome way; Whereupon I was as stout, and ask'd him who made him an examiner?Dough.Ah good Boy.Mil.In that he was my Sonne.Boy.He told me he would know or beat it out of me,And I told him he should not, and bid him doe his worst;And to't we went.Dough.In that he was my sonne againe, ha boy; I see him at it now.Boy.We fought a quarter of an houre, till his sharpe nailes made my eares bleed.Dough.O the grand Divell pare 'em.Boy.I wondred to finde him so strong in my hands, seeming but of mine owne age and bignesse, till I looking downe, perceived he had clubb'd cloven feet like Oxe feet; but his face was as young as mine.Dought.A pox, but by his feet, he may be the Club-footed Horse-coursers father, for all his young lookes.Boy.But I was afraid of his feet, and ran from him towards a light that I saw, and when I came to it, it was one of the Witches in white upon a Bridge, that scar'd me backe againe, and then met me the Boy againe, and he strucke me and layd mee for dead.Mil.Till I wondring at his stay, went out and found him in the Trance; since which time, he has beene haunted and frighted with Goblins, 40 times; and never durst tell any thing (as I sayd) because the Hags had so threatned him till in his sicknes he revealed it to his mother.Dough.And she told no body but folkes on't. Well Gossip Gretty, as thou art a Miller, and a close thiefe, now let us keepe it as close as we may till we take 'hem, and see them handsomly hanged o'the way: Ha my little Cuffe-divell, thou art a made man. Come, away with me.Exeunt."Heywood and Broome'sLate Lancashire Witches, Acts 2 and 3.
[56]Heywood and Broome, in their play, "The late Lancashire Witches," 1634, 4to, follow the terms of this deposition very closely. It is very probable that they had seen and conversed with the boy, to whom, when taken up to London, there was a great resort of company. The Lancashire dialect, as given in this play, and by no means unfaithfully, was perhaps derived from conversations with some of the actors in this drama of real life, a drama quite as extraordinary as any that Heywood's imagination ever bodied forth from the world of fiction.
"Enter Boy with a switch.
Boy.Now I have gathered Bullies, and fild my bellie pretty well, i'le goe see some sport. There are gentlemen coursing in the medow hard by; and 'tis a game that I love better than going to Schoole ten to one.
Enter an invisible spirit. J. Adson[D]with a brace of greyhounds.
What have we here a brace of Greyhounds broke loose from their masters: it must needs be so, for they have both their Collers and slippes about their neckes. Now I looke better upon them, me thinks I should know them, and so I do: these are Mr. Robinsons dogges, that dwels some two miles off, i'le take them up, and lead them home to their master; it may be something in my way, for he is as liberall a gentleman, as any is in our countrie, Come Hector, come. Now if I c'ud but start a Hare by the way, kill her, and carry her home to my supper, I should thinke I had made a better afternoones worke of it than gathering of bullies. Come poore curres along with me.
Exit."
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
"Enter Boy with the Greyhounds.
A Hare, a Hare, halloe, halloe, the Divell take these curres, will they not stir, halloe, halloe, there, there, there, what are they growne so lither and so lazie? Are Mr. Robinsons dogges turn'd tykes with a wanion? the Hare is yet in sight, halloe, halloe, mary hang you for a couple of mungrils (if you were worth hanging,) and have you serv'd me thus? nay then ile serve you with the like sauce, you shall to the next bush, there will I tie you, and use you like a couple of curs as you are, and though not lash you, yet lash you whilest my switch will hold, nay since you have left your speed, ile see if I can put spirit into you, and put you in remembrance what halloe, halloe meanes.
As he beats them, there appeared before him GooddyDickison,and the Boy upon the dogs, going in.
Now blesse me heaven, one of the Greyhounds turn'd into a woman, the other into a boy! The lad I never saw before, but her I know well; it is my gammerDickison.
G. Dick.Sirah, you have serv'd me well to swindge me thus. You yong rogue, you have vs'd me like a dog.
Boy.When you had put your self into a dogs skin, I pray how c'ud I help it; but gammer are not you a Witch? if you bee, I beg upon my knees you will not hurt me.
Dickis.Stand up my boie, for thou shalt have no harme,Be silent, speake of nothing thou hast seene.And here's a shilling for thee.
Boy.Ile have none of your money, gammer, because you are a Witch; and now she is out of her foure leg'd shape, ile see if with my two legs I can out-run her.
Dickis.Nay sirra, though you be yong, and I old, you are not so nimble, nor I so lame, but I can overtake you.
Boy.But Gammer what do you meane to do with meNow you have me?
Dickis.To hugge thee, stroke thee, and embrace thee thus,And teach thee twentie thousand prety things,So thou tell no tales; and boy this nightThou must along with me to a brave feast.
Boy.Not I gammer indeed la, I dare not stay out late,My father is a fell man, and if I bee out long, will bothchide and beat me.
Dickis.Not sirra, then perforce thou shalt along,This bridle helps me still at need,And shall provide us of a steed.Now sirra, take your shape and bePrepar'd to hurrie him and me.
Exit.
Now looke and tell mee wher's the lad become.
Boy.The boy is vanisht, and I can see nothing in his steadBut a white horse readie sadled and bridled.
Dickis.And thats the horse we must bestride,On which both thou and I must ride,Thou boy before and I behinde,The earth we tread not, but the winde,For we must progresse through the aire,And I will bring thee to such fareAs thou ne're saw'st, up and away,For now no longer we can stay.
She catches him up, and turning round.
Boy.Help, help.
Exit."
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
"Rob.What place is this? it looks like an old barne: ile peep in at some cranny or other, and try if I can see what they are doing. Such a bevy of beldames did I never behold; and cramming like so many Cormorants: Marry choke you with a mischiefe.
Gooddy Dickison.Whoope, whurre, heres a sturre,Never a cat, never a curre,But that we must have this demurre.
Mal.A second course.
Mrs. Gen.Pull, and pull hardFor all that hath lately him prepar'dFor the great wedding feast.
Mall.As chiefeOf Doughtyes Surloine of rost Beefe.
All.Ha, ha, ha.
Meg.'Tis come, 'tis come.
Mawd.Where hath it all this while beene?
Meg.SomeDelay hath kept it, now 'tis here,For bottles next of wine and beere,The Merchants cellers they shall pay for't.
Mrs. Gener.Well,What sod or rost meat more, pray tell.
Good. Dick.Pul for the Poultry, Foule, and Fish,For emptie shall not be a dish.
Robin.A pox take them, must only they feed upon hot meat, and I upon nothing but cold sallads.
Mrs. Gener.This meat is tedious, now some Farie,Fetch what belongs unto the Dairie,
Mal.Thats Butter, Milk, Whey, Curds and Cheese,Wee nothing by the bargaine leese.
All.Ha, ha, ha.
Goody Dickison.Boy, theres meat for you.
Boy.Thanke you.
Gooddy Dickis.And drinke too.
Meg.What Beast was by thee hither rid?
Mawd.A Badger nab.
Meg.And I bestridA Porcupine that never prickt.
Mal.The dull sides of a Beare I kickt.I know how you rid, Lady Nan.
Mrs. Gen.Ha, ha, ha, upon the knave my man.
Rob.A murrein take you, I am sure my hoofes payd for't.
Boy.Meat lie there, for thou hast no taste, and drinke there, for thou hast no relish, for in neither of them is there either salt or savour.
All.Pull for the posset, pull.
Robin.The brides posset on my life, nay if they come to their spoone meat once, I hope theil breake up their feast presently.
Mrs. Gen.So those that are our waiters nere,Take hence this Wedding cheere.We will be lively all,And make this barn our hall.
Gooddy Dick.You our Familiers, come.In speech let all be dumbe,And to close up our Feast,To welcome every gestA merry round let's daunce.
Meg.Some Musicke then ith aireWhilest thus by paire and paire,We nimbly foot it; strike.
Musick.
Mal.We are obeyd.
Sprite.And we hels ministers shall lend our aid.
Dance and Song together. In the time of which the Boy speakes.
Boy.Now whilest they are in their jollitie, and do not mind me, ile steale away, and shift for my selfe, though I lose my life for't.
Exit."
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
"Dought.He came to thee like a Boy thou sayest, about thine own bignesse?
Boy.Yes Sir, and he asked me where I dwelt, and what my name was.
Dough.Ah Rogue!
Boy.But it was in a quarrelsome way; Whereupon I was as stout, and ask'd him who made him an examiner?
Dough.Ah good Boy.
Mil.In that he was my Sonne.
Boy.He told me he would know or beat it out of me,And I told him he should not, and bid him doe his worst;And to't we went.
Dough.In that he was my sonne againe, ha boy; I see him at it now.
Boy.We fought a quarter of an houre, till his sharpe nailes made my eares bleed.
Dough.O the grand Divell pare 'em.
Boy.I wondred to finde him so strong in my hands, seeming but of mine owne age and bignesse, till I looking downe, perceived he had clubb'd cloven feet like Oxe feet; but his face was as young as mine.
Dought.A pox, but by his feet, he may be the Club-footed Horse-coursers father, for all his young lookes.
Boy.But I was afraid of his feet, and ran from him towards a light that I saw, and when I came to it, it was one of the Witches in white upon a Bridge, that scar'd me backe againe, and then met me the Boy againe, and he strucke me and layd mee for dead.
Mil.Till I wondring at his stay, went out and found him in the Trance; since which time, he has beene haunted and frighted with Goblins, 40 times; and never durst tell any thing (as I sayd) because the Hags had so threatned him till in his sicknes he revealed it to his mother.
Dough.And she told no body but folkes on't. Well Gossip Gretty, as thou art a Miller, and a close thiefe, now let us keepe it as close as we may till we take 'hem, and see them handsomly hanged o'the way: Ha my little Cuffe-divell, thou art a made man. Come, away with me.
Exeunt."
Heywood and Broome'sLate Lancashire Witches, Acts 2 and 3.
[D]Sic in orig.
[D]Sic in orig.
[57]These names are thus given in Baines's Transcript:—"DickensonsHenrie Priestleyes wife and his laddAlice Hargrave, widdoweJane Davies (als. Jennet Device)William DaviesThe wife of Henrie Offep and her sonnesJohn and MylesThe wife of DuckersJames Hargrave of MaresdenLoyards wifeJames wifeSanders wife, And as hee beleevethLawnes wifeSander Pynes wife of BarafordOne Foolegate and his wifeAnd Leonards of the West Close."And thus in Webster:—"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 himselfsicut credit, one Laurence his Wife, one Saunder Pyn's Wife of Barraford, one Holgate and his Wife of Leonards of the West close."
[57]These names are thus given in Baines's Transcript:—
"DickensonsHenrie Priestleyes wife and his laddAlice Hargrave, widdoweJane Davies (als. Jennet Device)William DaviesThe wife of Henrie Offep and her sonnesJohn and MylesThe wife of DuckersJames Hargrave of MaresdenLoyards wifeJames wifeSanders wife, And as hee beleevethLawnes wifeSander Pynes wife of BarafordOne Foolegate and his wifeAnd Leonards of the West Close."
"DickensonsHenrie Priestleyes wife and his laddAlice Hargrave, widdoweJane Davies (als. Jennet Device)William DaviesThe wife of Henrie Offep and her sonnesJohn and MylesThe wife of DuckersJames Hargrave of MaresdenLoyards wifeJames wifeSanders wife, And as hee beleevethLawnes wifeSander Pynes wife of BarafordOne Foolegate and his wifeAnd Leonards of the West Close."
And thus in Webster:—
"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 himselfsicut credit, one Laurence his Wife, one Saunder Pyn's Wife of Barraford, one Holgate and his Wife of Leonards of the West close."
[58]The learned "practitioner in physick," Mr. William Drage, in his "Treatise of Diseases from Witchcraft," published Lond. 1668, 4to. p. 22, recommends "birch" in such cases, "as a specifical medicine, antipathetical to demons." One can only lament that this valuable remedy was not vigorously applied in the present instance, as well as in most others in which these juvenile sufferers appear. I doubt whether, in the whole Materia Medica, a more powerfulLamia-fugecould have been discovered, or one which would have been more universally successful, if applied perseveringly, whenever the suspicious symptoms recurred. The following is, however, Drage's great panacea in these cases, a mode of treatment which must have been vastly popular, judging from its extensive adoption in all parts of the country: "Punish the witch, threaten to hang her if she helps not the sick, scratch her and fetch blood. When she is cast into prison the sick are some time delivered, some time he or she (they are most females, most old women, and most poor,) must transfer the disease to other persons, sometimes to a dog, or horse, or cow, &c. Threaten her and beat her to remove it."—Drage, p. 23.
[58]The learned "practitioner in physick," Mr. William Drage, in his "Treatise of Diseases from Witchcraft," published Lond. 1668, 4to. p. 22, recommends "birch" in such cases, "as a specifical medicine, antipathetical to demons." One can only lament that this valuable remedy was not vigorously applied in the present instance, as well as in most others in which these juvenile sufferers appear. I doubt whether, in the whole Materia Medica, a more powerfulLamia-fugecould have been discovered, or one which would have been more universally successful, if applied perseveringly, whenever the suspicious symptoms recurred. The following is, however, Drage's great panacea in these cases, a mode of treatment which must have been vastly popular, judging from its extensive adoption in all parts of the country: "Punish the witch, threaten to hang her if she helps not the sick, scratch her and fetch blood. When she is cast into prison the sick are some time delivered, some time he or she (they are most females, most old women, and most poor,) must transfer the disease to other persons, sometimes to a dog, or horse, or cow, &c. Threaten her and beat her to remove it."—Drage, p. 23.
[59]The omission here is thus supplied in Baines's Transcript; but the actual names are scarcely to be recognised, from the clerical errors of the copy:—"One Pickerne and his wife both of Wyndwall,Rawson of Clore and his wifeDuffice wife of Clore by the water sideCartmell the wife of CloreAnd Jane of the hedgend in Maresden."
[59]The omission here is thus supplied in Baines's Transcript; but the actual names are scarcely to be recognised, from the clerical errors of the copy:—
"One Pickerne and his wife both of Wyndwall,Rawson of Clore and his wifeDuffice wife of Clore by the water sideCartmell the wife of CloreAnd Jane of the hedgend in Maresden."
"One Pickerne and his wife both of Wyndwall,Rawson of Clore and his wifeDuffice wife of Clore by the water sideCartmell the wife of CloreAnd Jane of the hedgend in Maresden."
[60]Webster gives the sequel of this curious case of imposture:—"Four of them, to wit Margaret Johnson, Francis Dicconson, Mary Spenser, and Hargraves Wife, were sent for up to London, and were viewed and examined by his Majesties Physicians and Chirurgeons, and after by his Majesty and the Council, and no cause of guilt appearing but great presumptions of the boys being suborned to accuse them falsely. Therefore it was resolved to separate the boy from his Father, they having both followed the women up to London, they were both taken and put into several prisons asunder. Whereupon shortly after the Boy confessed that he was taught and suborned to devise, and feign those things against them, and had persevered in that wickedness by the counsel of his Father, and some others, whom envy, revenge and hope of gain had prompted on to that devillish design and villany; and he also confessed, that upon that day when he said that they met at the aforesaid house or barn, he was that very day a mile off, getting Plums in his Neighbours Orchard. And that this is a most certain truth, there are many persons yet living, of sufficient reputation and integrity, that can avouch and testifie the same; and besides, what I write is the most of it true, upon my own knowledge, and the whole I have had from his own mouth."—Displaying of Witchcraft, p. 277.
[60]Webster gives the sequel of this curious case of imposture:—"Four of them, to wit Margaret Johnson, Francis Dicconson, Mary Spenser, and Hargraves Wife, were sent for up to London, and were viewed and examined by his Majesties Physicians and Chirurgeons, and after by his Majesty and the Council, and no cause of guilt appearing but great presumptions of the boys being suborned to accuse them falsely. Therefore it was resolved to separate the boy from his Father, they having both followed the women up to London, they were both taken and put into several prisons asunder. Whereupon shortly after the Boy confessed that he was taught and suborned to devise, and feign those things against them, and had persevered in that wickedness by the counsel of his Father, and some others, whom envy, revenge and hope of gain had prompted on to that devillish design and villany; and he also confessed, that upon that day when he said that they met at the aforesaid house or barn, he was that very day a mile off, getting Plums in his Neighbours Orchard. And that this is a most certain truth, there are many persons yet living, of sufficient reputation and integrity, that can avouch and testifie the same; and besides, what I write is the most of it true, upon my own knowledge, and the whole I have had from his own mouth."—Displaying of Witchcraft, p. 277.
[61]The confession in the "Amber Witch" is a true picture, drawn from the life. What is there, indeed, unlike truth in that wonderful fiction?
[61]The confession in the "Amber Witch" is a true picture, drawn from the life. What is there, indeed, unlike truth in that wonderful fiction?
[62]Male.
[62]Male.
[63]In the nook, or corner, of his plaid.
[63]In the nook, or corner, of his plaid.
[64]Pounded, or powdered it, like meal.
[64]Pounded, or powdered it, like meal.
[65]To make the plaster fine, and free from earthy particles.
[65]To make the plaster fine, and free from earthy particles.
[66]Probably a sort of stir-about, or hasty-pudding, made of rye-flour.
[66]Probably a sort of stir-about, or hasty-pudding, made of rye-flour.
[67]In another deposition it is thus expressed, 'lyk apow or feadge.' Afeadgewas a sort ofscone, or roll, of a pretty large size. Perhaps this term signifies, as large as the quantity of dough or paste necessary for making this kind of bread.
[67]In another deposition it is thus expressed, 'lyk apow or feadge.' Afeadgewas a sort ofscone, or roll, of a pretty large size. Perhaps this term signifies, as large as the quantity of dough or paste necessary for making this kind of bread.
[68]A flayed sucking pig, after being scalded and scraped.
[68]A flayed sucking pig, after being scalded and scraped.
[69]Shrivelled with the heat.
[69]Shrivelled with the heat.
[70]Red like a coal.
[70]Red like a coal.
[71]Each alternate day.
[71]Each alternate day.
[72]Knew.
[72]Knew.
[73]It is writtenmeallin the other Confession; and the metre (such as it is) requires this liberty.Mowldsignifies 'earth' or 'dust.'
[73]It is writtenmeallin the other Confession; and the metre (such as it is) requires this liberty.Mowldsignifies 'earth' or 'dust.'
[74]Stubble.
[74]Stubble.
[75]Parched; shrivelled.
[75]Parched; shrivelled.
[76]Until.
[76]Until.
[77]Harm; injury.
[77]Harm; injury.
[78]There is a grave relation, in Delrio, of a witch being shot flying, by a Spanish centinel, at the bridge of Nieulet, near Calais, after that place was taken by the Spaniards. The soldier saw a black cloud advancing rapidly, from which voices issued: when it came near, he fired into it; immediately a witch dropped. This isundoubted proofof the meetings!—Disq. Mag., p. 708.
[78]There is a grave relation, in Delrio, of a witch being shot flying, by a Spanish centinel, at the bridge of Nieulet, near Calais, after that place was taken by the Spaniards. The soldier saw a black cloud advancing rapidly, from which voices issued: when it came near, he fired into it; immediately a witch dropped. This isundoubted proofof the meetings!—Disq. Mag., p. 708.
[79]See Dr. Hibbert's "History of Orkney," &c., to which this remarkable Trial is appended.
[79]See Dr. Hibbert's "History of Orkney," &c., to which this remarkable Trial is appended.
[80]The name left blank.
[80]The name left blank.
[81]Rede; advice.
[81]Rede; advice.
[82]Malicious.
[82]Malicious.
[83]The name given at her baptism by the Devil. From "Collection of Original Documents," belonging to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, MS. As a specimen of the other charges, take the following: "Williame Richardsone, in Dalkeith, haiving felled ane hen of the said Cristianes with ane stone, and wpone her sight thereof did imediatly threatne him, and with ane frowneing countenance told him, that he 'should newer cast ane vther stone!' And imediatly the said Williame fell into ane franicie and madnes, and tooke his bed, and newer rose agane, but died within a few dayes: And in the tyme of his sicknes, he always cryed owt, that the said Cristiane was present befor him, in the likeness of ane grey catt! And some tyme eftir his death, James Richardsone, nephew to the said Williame, being a boy playing in the said Cristiane her yaird, and be calling her Lantherne, shoe threatned, that, if he held not his peace, shoe sowld cause him to die the death his nephew (uncle) died of!' Whairby it would appeare that shoe tooke wpon hir his nepheas (uncle's) death."
[83]The name given at her baptism by the Devil. From "Collection of Original Documents," belonging to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, MS. As a specimen of the other charges, take the following: "Williame Richardsone, in Dalkeith, haiving felled ane hen of the said Cristianes with ane stone, and wpone her sight thereof did imediatly threatne him, and with ane frowneing countenance told him, that he 'should newer cast ane vther stone!' And imediatly the said Williame fell into ane franicie and madnes, and tooke his bed, and newer rose agane, but died within a few dayes: And in the tyme of his sicknes, he always cryed owt, that the said Cristiane was present befor him, in the likeness of ane grey catt! And some tyme eftir his death, James Richardsone, nephew to the said Williame, being a boy playing in the said Cristiane her yaird, and be calling her Lantherne, shoe threatned, that, if he held not his peace, shoe sowld cause him to die the death his nephew (uncle) died of!' Whairby it would appeare that shoe tooke wpon hir his nepheas (uncle's) death."
[84]Wonder; amazement.
[84]Wonder; amazement.
[85]Until. That is, many previous trials had been made of other persons suspected, or of those who were near neighbours, perhaps living at enmity with the deceased, who had voluntarily offered themselves to this solemn ordeal, or had been called upon thus publicly to attest their innocence of his blood.
[85]Until. That is, many previous trials had been made of other persons suspected, or of those who were near neighbours, perhaps living at enmity with the deceased, who had voluntarily offered themselves to this solemn ordeal, or had been called upon thus publicly to attest their innocence of his blood.
[86]Holding the lyke-wake.
[86]Holding the lyke-wake.
[87]Can be proved, by testimony or probation.
[87]Can be proved, by testimony or probation.
[88]The large collar which goes about a draught-horse's neck.
[88]The large collar which goes about a draught-horse's neck.