(393) On monasteries as centres of "possession" and hysterical
epidemics, see Figuier, Le Merveilleux, p. 40 and following; also
Calmeil, Langin, Kirchhoff, Maudsley, and others. On similar results
from excitement at Protestant meetings in Scotland and camp meetings in
England and America, see Hecker's Essay, concluding chapters.

In this case at Loudun, the usual evidences of Satanic influence
appeared. One after another of the inmates fell into convulsions: some
showed physical strength apparently supernatural; some a keenness
of perception quite as surprising; many howled forth blasphemies and
obscenities.

Near the convent dwelt a priest--Urbain Grandier--noted for his
brilliancy as a writer and preacher, but careless in his way of living.
Several of the nuns had evidently conceived a passion for him, and in
their wild rage and despair dwelt upon his name. In the same city, too,
were sundry ecclesiastics and laymen with whom Grandier had fallen
into petty neighbourhood quarrels, and some of these men held the main
control of the convent.

Out of this mixture of "possession" within the convent and malignity
without it came a charge that Grandier had bewitched the young women.

The Bishop of Poictiers took up the matter. A trial was held, and it
was noted that, whenever Grandier appeared, the "possessed" screamed,
shrieked, and showed every sign of diabolic influence. Grandier fought
desperately, and appealed to the Archbishop of Bordeaux, De Sourdis. The
archbishop ordered a more careful examination, and, on separating
the nuns from each other and from certain monks who had been bitterly
hostile to Grandier, such glaring discrepancies were found in their
testimony that the whole accusation was brought to naught.

But the enemies of Satan and of Grandier did not rest. Through their
efforts Cardinal Richelieu, who appears to have had an old grudge
against Grandier, sent a representative, Laubardemont, to make another
investigation. Most frightful scenes were now enacted: the whole convent
resounded more loudly than ever with shrieks, groans, howling, and
cursing, until finally Grandier, though even in the agony of torture he
refused to confess the crimes that his enemies suggested, was hanged and
burned.

From this centre the epidemic spread: multitudes of women and men were
affected by it in various convents; several of the great cities of the
south and west of France came under the same influence; the