Then
make a circle, and call up the spirit with great intention, rehearse in
your owne name, and your companion's, (for one must alwaies be with
you,) this prayer following; and so no spirit shall annoy you, and your
purpose shall take effect. And note how thw prayer agreeth with popish
charmes and conjurations."
The prayer alluded to (see _Scot's Discovery_, b. 15, c. 2) is of the
most diabolical and blasphemous nature. A contemporary writer observes,
that there is not the least doubt but that the witches of the olden time
observed all the formalities of these ridiculous and disgusting
ceremonies to the very letter. In later times, however, though the
formalities were quite simple, yet the hag of the sixteenth century
exercised her vocation with all its ancient potency.
The broomstick has been the theme of many a story connected with this
subject:--
As men in sleep, though motionless they lie,
Fledged by a dream, believe they mount and fly;
So witches some enchanted wand bestride
And think they through the airy regions ride.
But the reason of its possessing such extensive powers of locomotion, or
rather aerostation, is not generally understood.
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