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CHAP. VIII.
Iohn Bodin triumphing against Iohn Wier is overtaken with false Greek and false interpretation thereof.
MOnsieur Bodin triumpheth over doctor Wier herein,* 1.1 pronouncing a heavy sentence upon him; because he referreth this word to poi∣son. But he reigneth or rather rideth over him, much more for speak∣ing false Greek; affirming that he calleth Veneficos 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which is as true as the rest of his reports and fables of witches miracles contain∣ed in his book of devilish devises. For in truth he hath no such word, but saith they are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, whereas he should have said 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the true accent being omitted, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 being enterpoled, which should have been left out. Which is nothing to the substance of the matter, but must needs be the Printers fault.
But Bodin reasoneth in this wise; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is sometimes put for Magos or Praestigiatores •• Ergo in the translation of the Septuaginta, it is so to be taken. Wherein he manifesteth his bad Logick, more then the others ill Greek. For it is well known to the learned in this tongue, that the usual and proper signification of this word, with all its derivati∣ons and compounds doth signifie Veneficos, Poisoners by medicine. Which when it is most usual and proper, why should the translators take it in a signification lesse usual, and nothing proper? Thus therefore he reason∣eth and concludeth with his new-found Logick, and old found Greek; Sometimes it signifieth so, though unproperly, or rather metaphorically: Ergo in that place it is so to be taken, when another fitter word might have been used. Which argument being vain, agreeth well with his o∣ther vain actions. The Septuaginta had been very destitute of words, found for this purpose. But if no proper word could have been found where they have occasion to speak of witchcraft in their translations, they use Magian, Maggagian, &c. and therefore belike they see some differ∣ence betwixt them and the other, and knew some cause that moved them to use the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Veneficium.