INTRIGUE II. The Art of perswading that you know an∣other's Secrets.

YOU shall perswade others that you have come to the knowledge of Secrets, by one who pretends to have the Art of finding out Mysteries, and understanding Secret Mat∣ters, if in their presence, you give him some reward or gratuity, for the discovery thereof; for none will suspect that one should bestow his Gifts for nothing.

Thus as Dionysius was very Anxious and Thoughtful, how he might escape all Snares; there came a Stranger to Syracuse, bragging,* how he alone could tell the way how all Plotters might be known before-hand. As he was called to the Castle to Dionysius, and every Body else with∣drawn. This (saith he) is the way to render Page  6you secure from Plots and Snares; make as if you had Learned of me the Art of knowing Conspi∣rators, before-hand; which you shall render more credible, if in the presence of your Life-Gards, you bestow on me a Talent, as the reward of my Teaching. Dionysius being well satisfied with the Fancy, gave him a Talent accordingly; tel∣ling his Gards how he was taught an admirable Art of knowing Conspirators; before-hand: And they, believing it to be so, never durst afterwards be so bold as to hear of any Conspi∣racy against him.