euill may delude our senses, since we see by common
proofe, that simple juglars will make an hundreth thinges seeme both to
our eies and eares otherwaies then they are. Now as to the _Magicians_
parte of the contract, it is in a word that thing, which I said before,
the Deuill hunts for in all men.

PHI. Surelie ye haue said much to me in this arte, if all that ye haue
said be as true as wounderfull.

EPI. For the trueth in these actiones, it will be easelie confirmed, to
anie that pleases to take paine vpon the reading of diuerse authenticque
histories, and the inquiring of daily experiences. And as for the trueth
of their possibilitie, that they may be, and in what maner, I trust I haue
alleaged nothing whereunto I haue not joyned such probable reasons, as I
leaue to your discretion, to waie and consider: One word onlie I omitted;
concerning the forme of making of this contract, which is either written
with the _Magicians_ owne bloud: or else being agreed vpon (in termes his
schole-master) touches him in some parte, though peraduenture no marke
remaine: as it doth with all Witches.

Chap. VII.

ARGVMENT.

_The reason why the art of_ Magie _is unlawfull. What punishment they
merite: And who may be accounted guiltie of that crime._

PHILOMATHES.

Svrelie Ye haue made this arte to appeare verie monstruous & detestable.
But what I pray you shall be said to such as mainteines this art to be
lawfull, for as euill as you haue made it?

EPI. I say, they sauour of the panne them selues, or at least little
better, And yet I would be glad to heare their reasons.

PHI. There are two principallie, that euer I heard vsed; beside that which
is founded vpon the common Prouerb (that the _Necromancers_ commands the
Deuill, which ye haue already refuted). The one is grounded vpon a
receiued custome: The other vpon an authoritie, which some thinkes
infallible. Vpon custome, we see that diuerse Christian Princes and
Magistrates seuere punishers of Witches, will not onelie ouer-see
_Magicians_ to liue within their dominions; but euen some-times delight to
see them prooue some of their practicques. The other reason is, that
_Moyses_ being brought vp (as it is expreslie said in the Scriptures) _in
all the sciences of the AEgyptians_; whereof no doubt, this was one of the
principalles. And he notwithstanding of this arte, pleasing God, as he
did, consequentlie that art professed by so godlie a man, coulde not be
vnlawfull.