156 UNITING SWARMS OR STOCKS. 



hibited, he would cause them to settle upon a 

 table, window, c. Prior to making his secret 

 generally known, he deceived his spectators by 

 using words of command ; but the only magic that 

 he employed was the summoning into activity for 

 his purpose the strong attachment of the bees to 

 their queen. 



" Such was the spell, which round a Wildman's arm 

 Twin'd in dark wreaths the fascinated swarm ; 

 Bright o'er his breast the glittering legions led, 

 Or with a living garland bound his head. 

 His dextrous hand, with firm yet hurtless hold, 

 Could seize the chief, known by her scales of gold, 

 Prune, 'mid the wondering train, her filmy wing, 

 Or, o'er her folds, the silken fetter fling." EVANS. 



Cautioning his readers as to the hazard of attempt- 

 ing, what he himself accomplished only by long 

 experience and great dexterity, Wildman con- 

 cludes his account with a parody of the reply of 

 C. Furius Cresinus, a liberated Roman slave, who, 

 being accused of witchcraft in consequence of his 

 raising more abundant crops than his neighbours, 

 and therefore cited before a Roman tribunal, pro- 

 duced his strong implements of husbandry, his 

 well-fed oxen, and a hale young woman his daugh- 

 ter ; and pointing to them, said, " These, Romans ! 

 are my instruments of witchcraft; but I cannot 

 show you my toil, my sweats, and anxious cares.' 9 

 " So," says Wildman, "may I say, These, Britons! 



