e resembling a hawk's beak, and having on
a black gown, and a black skull-cap on his head, and he read from a
black book the names of those summoned to the meeting. The names,
however, were not the real or proper names of the persons, but
nicknames, by which they were known in the gang. The devil exhorted
his hearers to pursue a course of evil, and assured them that the more
mischief they did to mankind, the better he would be pleased with
them. After their master's address, loud revelling was indulged in.
Graves were opened, and the joints of two dead men taken out for
magical purposes.

When information reached the king's ears of the doings of this wicked
crew, he resolved to inquire into the case himself. Dr. Fian and a
good many witches were tortured in Holyrood House, in presence of
James, who took great delight in listening to their forced false
confessions. Agnes Sampsoun was stripped naked, that the devil's mark
might be discovered; but as it could not at first be seen, her body
was shaved, that what was looked for might not pass unnoticed. Of
course it was found, and the unfortunate woman confessed her guilt.
She said that Bothwell had consulted her as to the length of time the
king was to live. She had a spirit that regularly attended her in the
form of a dog, and it told her that in consequence of his Majesty's
piety and wisdom he was proof against incantations. The notorious
sorcerer Richard Graham confessed that the Earl of Bothwell had asked
him for supernatural assistance to hasten the king's death. He said
Bothwell had informed him that it had been predicted by a necromancer
in Italy that he (Bothwell) would become rich and powerful; that he
would slay two men; and would be accused before the king for two
capital crimes, but would be forgiven for the one, but not for the
other. Bothwell was satisfied that up to the time he consulted Graham
the prophecy was fulfilled; and now, he said, the time was come for
either him or the king being despatched. Barbara Napier, a witch
against whom James had a bitter feeling, was acquitted, on her trial,
by the jury, very much to the king's annoyance. Dr. Fian, Agnes
Sampsoun, Euphame Mackalzeane, and many of their associates in
supposed guilt, after mock trials, were burned.

CHAPTER XXV.

Cromwell in league with the Devil--Cromwell
consulting Astrologers--Memorable Days in the Life of
Cromwell--Singular Narrative--Duke of Hamilton warned