of the witches. They succeeded in
performing the operation, which we presume was done by cutting them
above the mouth; for if the blood is not spilled "above the breath" in
a case of this kind, the sanguinary deed is of no avail. The afflicted
man and woman found relief for a short space of time. Scarcely,
however, had they left the prison than their pains returned with
double torment. That was not all. As they drove along in a coach, a
man and woman, riding on a black horse, suddenly appeared. The sight
was taken as an omen of mischief; and so it happened; for the horses
of Mrs. Belcher and her brother fell down dead on the road.

Once upon a time, when the Earl of Essex and his army were marching
through Newbury, they saw a woman crossing a river on a narrow plank,
and otherwise conducting herself, so as to make them conclude she was
a witch. The soldiers caught her, and, by desire of their captain,
two of them shot at her. With loud laughter and derision, she caught
the bullets in her hands and threw them back. One daring fellow went
close to the woman and discharged his carbine at her breast, but the
bullet rebounded without taking effect. Another soldier tried to cut
her down with his sword, but his arm lost its power. All efforts to
kill her proved abortive, until blood was drawn from above the witch's
temples, and then she fell by a pistol shot under her ear.

Anne Bodenham, an English witch, told fortunes, kept imps, and held
intercourse with the devil. She could raise storms, and kill and cure
at pleasure. There was a law-plea between Richard Goddard and Mr.
Mason, his son-in-law. Anne Styles went to inquire at Anne Bodenham
how the law-suit would be decided. Bodenham made a circle on the floor
with her staff, and then placed a book, a green glass, and a pan of
coals, within the circle. Suddenly a high wind rose, which made the
house shake; and five puny devils resembling ragged boys entered the
circle, followed by Bodenham's dog and cat. Boys, dog, and cat danced
round the pan of coals. After deep thought, the woman took up her book
and read part of it, then she threw white seeds to the spirits, which
they picked up. Dancing commenced again, and again the woman Bodenham
read her book. At last she went out at the back door, followed by her
sprites; and the wind, which kept blowing a furious blast all the
time, ceased. Alone the witch returned, and told the messenger how the
law-suit would terminate.

At anot