them, I finde vpon examination carefully set forth, and truely
reported, and iudge the worke fit and worthie to be published._

Edward Bromley.[A3]

* * * * *

Gentle Reader, although the care of this Gentleman the
Author, was great to examine and publish this his worke
perfect according to the Honorable testimonie of the Iudges,
yet some faults are committed by me in the Printing, and yet
not many, being a worke done in such great haste, at the end
of a Tearme, which I pray you, with your fauour to excuse.

* * * * *

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A particular Declaration of
the most barberous and damnable Practises, Murthers,
wicked and diuelish Conspiracies, practized
_and executed by the most dangerous and malitious_
Witch _Elizabeth Sowthernes_ alias _Demdike_,
of the Forrest of _Pendle_ in the Countie of
_Lancaster_ Widdow, who died in the
Castle at _Lancaster_ before she
came to receiue her tryall.

Though publique iustice hath passed at these Assises vpon the
Capitall offendours, and after the Arraignement & tryall of them,
Iudgement being giuen, due and timely Execution succeeded; which doth
import and giue the greatest satisfaction that can be, to all men; yet
because vpon the caryage, and euent of this businesse, the Eyes of all
the partes of _Lancashire_, and other Counties in the North partes
thereunto adioyning were bent: And so infinite a multitude came to the
Arraignement & tryall of these Witches at _Lancaster_, the number of
them being knowen to exceed all others at any time heretofore, at one
time to be indicted, arraigned, and receiue their tryall,[B_a_]
especially for so many Murders, Conspiracies, Charmes, Meetinges,
hellish and damnable practises, so apparant vpon their owne
examinations & confessions. These my honourable & worthy Lords, the
Iudges of Assise, vpon great consideration, thought it necessarie &
profitable, to publish to the whole world, their most barbarous and
damnable practises, with the direct proceedinges of the Court against
them, aswell for that there doe passe diuers vncertaine reportes and
relations of such Euidences, as was publiquely giuen against them at
their Arraignement. As for that diuers came to prosecute against many
of them that were not found guiltie, and so rest very discontented,
and not satisfied. As also for that it is necessary for men to kn