CHAP. V.
An instance of one arraigned upon the law of the twelve Tables, wher-the said law is proved ridiculous, of two witches that could do wonders.
ALthough among us, we think them bewitched that wax suddenly poor, and not them that growe hastily rich; yet at Rome you shall understand, that (as Plinie reporteth) upon these articles one C. Furius Cressus was convented before Spurius Albinus; for that he being but a little while free,* 1.1 and delivered from bondage, occupying onely tillage; grew rich on the sudden, as having good crops: so as it was suspected that he transferred his neighbours corne into his fields. None intercession, no delay, none excuse, no denial would serve,' neither in jest nor derision, nor yet through ••sober or honest means: but he was assigned a peremptory day, to answer for life. And therefore fearing the sentence of condem∣nation, which was to be given there, by the voice and verdict of three men (as we here are tried by twelve) made his appearance at the day as∣signed, and brought with him his ploughes and harrowes, spades and sho∣vels, and other instruments of husbandry, his oxen, horses and work∣ing bullocks, his servants, and also his daughter, which was a sturdy wench and a good houswife, and also (as Piso reporteth) well trimmed up in apparell, and said to the whole bench in this wise; Lo here my Lords here I make my appearance, according to my promise and your pleasures, presenting unto you my charmes and witchcrafts, which have so inriched me. As for the labour, sweat, watching, care, and diligence, which I have used in this behalfe, I cannot shew you them at this time. And by this meanes he was dismissed by the consent of the ••ourt, who otherwise (as it was thought) should hardly have escaped the sentence of condemnation, and punishment of death.
It is constantly affirmed in M. Mal. that Stafus used alwaies to hide himself in a monshoall,* 1.2 and had a disciple called Hoppo, who made Stad∣lin a master witch, and could all when they list, in••isibly transfer the third part of their neighbours dung, hay, corne, &c. into their own ground, make