274 FLORA HISTORIC*. 



battles were won and lost, and even the dead 

 brought to life. 



For by his mighty science he could take 



As many forms and shapes in seeming wise, 



As ever Proteus to himself could make : 



Sometimes a fowle, sometimes a fish in lake ! 



Now like a foxe, now like a dragon fell ; 



That of himselfe he ofte for feare would quake, 



And oft would flie away. O who can tell 



The hidden powre of herbes, and might of magick spell ! 



Spenser. 



We learn from Chaucer that the Lunaria was one 

 of the plants used in incantations, but it is not men- 

 tioned under the name of Honesty ! ! 



And herbes coude I tell eke many one, 

 As egremaine, valerian, and lunarie, 

 And other swiche, if that me list to tarie, 

 Our lampes brening bothe night and day, 

 To bring about our craft if that we may, 

 Our fournies eke of calcination, 

 And of waters albification. 



Spenser tells us that even the witches themselves 

 could not escape penance : — 



When witches wont do penance for their crimes, 

 I chaunst to see her in her proper hue, 



Bathing herselfe in origane and thyme : 

 A filthy foule old woman I did view. 



As we prefer relating the wonders of magic in 

 verse, we shall further quote the same author : — 



The develish hag, by changes of my cheare, 



Perceiv'd my thoughts ; and drown'd in sleepie night, 



With wicked herbes and oyntments did besmeare 

 I\Jy body, all through charmes and magicke might. 

 That all my sences were bereaved quight. 



