512 NATURAL HISTORY. 



of latter times. There are used also Scripture 

 words ; for that the belief that religious texts and 

 words have power, may strengthen the imagination. 

 And for the same reason, Hebrew words, which 

 amongst us is counted the holy tongue, and the 

 words more mystical, are often used. 



949. For the refreshing of the imagination, which 

 was the third means of exalting it, we see the prac 

 tices of magic, as in images of wax, and the like, that 

 should melt by little and little ; or some other things 

 buried in muck, that should putrify by little and 

 little ; or the like : for so oft as the imaginant doth 

 think of those things, so oft doth he represent to his 

 imagination the effect of that he desireth. 



950. If there be any power in imagination, it is 

 less credible that it should be so incorporeal, and im- 

 materiate a virtue, as to work at great distances, or 

 through all mediums, or upon all bodies : but that 

 the distance must be competent, the medium not 

 adverse, and the body apt and proportionate. There 

 fore if there be any operation upon bodies in absence 

 by nature, it is like to be conveyed from man to man, 

 as fame is ; as if a witch, by imagination, should hurt 

 any afar off, it cannot be naturally ; but by working 

 upon the spirit of some that cometh to the witch ; 

 and from that party upon the imagination of another ; 

 and so upon another ; till it come to one that hath 

 resort to the party intended ; and so by him to the 

 party intended himself. And although they speak&amp;gt; 

 that it sufficeth to take a point, or a piece of the 

 garment, or the name of the party, or the like ; yet 



