omancer, gave him to understand, that he had some time before
presented a play in manuscript to a certain great man, at the head of
taste, who had not only read and approved the performance, but also
undertaken to introduce and support it on the stage; that he, the
author, was assured by this patron, that the play was already, in
consequence of his recommendation, accepted by one of the managers, who
had faithfully promised to bring it to light; but that, when he waited
on this said manager, to know when he intended to put his production
in rehearsal, the man declared he had never seen or heard of the piece.
"Now, Mr. Conjurer," said he, "I want to know whether or not my play has
been presented, and if I have any sort of chance of seeing it acted this
winter."

Cadwallader, who had, in his younger days, sported among the theatrical
muses, began to lose his temper at this question, which recalled the
remembrance of his own disappointments; and despatched the author
with an abrupt answer, importing that the affairs of the stage were
altogether without the sphere of his divination, being entirely
regulated by the daemons of dissimulation, ignorance, and caprice.

It would be an endless task to recount every individual response
which our magician delivered in the course of his conjuration. He was
consulted in all cases of law, physic, and trade, over and above the
ordinary subjects of marriage and fornication; his advice and assistance
were solicited by sharpers, who desired to possess an infallible method
of cheating unperceived; by fortune-hunters, who wanted to make prize of
widows and heiresses; by debauchees, who were disposed to be with other
men's wives; by coxcombs, who longed for the death of their fathers;
by wenches with child, who wished themselves rid of their burdens; by
merchants, who had insured above value, and thirsted after the news of a
wreck; by underwriters, who prayed for the gift of prescience, that they
might venture money upon such ships only as should perform the voyage
in safety; by Jews, who wanted to foresee the fluctuations of stock; by
usurers, who advance money upon undecided causes; by clients, who
were dubious of the honesty of their counsel. In short, all matters
of uncertain issue were appealed to this tribunal; and, in point of
calculation, De Moivre was utterly neglected.

CHAPTER LXXXIV.

The Conjurer and his Associate execute a Plan of Vengeance against
certain Infidels w