A HYMN to the LAUREAT,

Introduced in the Whitehall and London Evening Posts, Jan. 9. thus

Sir, By giving a Place in your Paper to the following Unfashionable Hymn you will very much oblige Sir,

your Humble servt.

Cibber, accept these feeble lays

From an unskilfull muse,

Who tries with artless Note, to praise

What envious men abuse.

Nature and Art in thee combine;

Thy Comedies excell:

With Wit and Sense replete, they shine,

And read politely well.

Who sees th’ inconstant[1] Loveless range,

But mourns Amanda’s fate?

Each female Heart approves his change,

And pants for such a state.

When Lady Betty[2] treads the stage,

All modish prudes submit:

What Foppington adorns our age,

With the same Grace and Wit?

In Townley[3] see the modern Wife!

How full of Vice! how blam’d!

How ruin’d by the modern Life!

How valu’d, when reclaim’d!

May empty Journals weekly rail;

May all dull bards repine:

If Wit unequall’d shou’d prevail,

The Laurel’s justly thine.

[1] Love’s last shift.

[2] Careless Husband.

[3] Provok’d Husband.

To the Author of the Whitehall Evening Post.

Jan. 12.

SIR,

As you are an impartial Writer, I dare say you will do justice on both sides.

The Verses on the Laureat, in yours of Saturday last, have occasion’d the following reply; which I hope you will give a Place to in your next, to show that we can be quick as well as smart, upon a proper occasion. And as I think it the lowest mark of a scoundrel to make bold with any man’s character in print, without subscribing the true name of the author; I therefore desire, if the Laureat is concern’d enough to ask the question, that you will tell him my name, and where I live, till then I beg leave to be known by no other than that of your servant,

Francis Fair-play.

Ah! hah! Sir Coll. is that thy way,

Thy own dull Praise to write?

And would’st thou stand so sure a lay?

No! that’s too stale a bite.

Nature and art in thee combine,

Thy Talents here excell:

All shining brass thou dost outshine,

To play the cheat so well.

Who sees thee in Iago’s part,

But thinks thee such a Rogue?

And is not glad with all his heart,

To hang so sad a Dog?

When Bays thou play’st, thy self thou art,

For that by nature fit,

No blockhead better suits the part,

Than such a coxcomb wit,

In Wronghead too, thy brains we see,

Who might do well at plough;

As fit for Parliament was he,

As for the Laurel thou.

Bring thy protected verse from Court,

And try it on the Stage;

There it will make much better sport,

And set the town in rage.

There beau’s, & wits, & cits, and smarts,

Where hissing’s not uncivil,

Will shew their parts to thy deserts,

And send it to the devil.

But, ah! in vain ’gainst thee we write,

In vain thy verse we maul;

Our sharpest satyr’s thy delight,

For [4]Blood! thou’lt stand it all!

Thunder, ’tis said, the Laurel spares,

Nought but thy brow could blast it,

And yet! O curst provoking Stars!

Thy comfort is, thou hast it.

[4] Epilogue to the Non-juror.

An ODE to Sir Robert Walpole, for New-Year’s-Day, 1731.

I.

Guardian of Britannia’s glory,

Life and soul of Europe’s peace,

Greatest name in modern story,

May thy happy years increase!

Brighter still thy genius shining,

Richer blessings yet designing.

II.

Thee, the sacred muses hailing,

Dulness seal’d in slumber lies;

Arts and wealth thro’ thee prevailing,

Faction far confounded flies;

Happy prince in thee confiding:

Happy people of thy guiding!

III.

Viewing present, past, and future,

As thou keep’st eternal watch,

Janus say (for thou are neuter)

Hast thou seen our Walpole’s match?

Phœbus in thy radiant journey,

Canst thou to a greater turn thee?

IV.

Lucky omens, minutes smiling,

All the friendly cares appear?

Every discontent beguiling,

Crown the Patriot’s coming Year:

In his person strongly guarded,

Counsels blest, and works rewarded.

An Epitaph on Mrs. Oldfield.

Hic Juxta requiescit,
Tot inter poetarum laudata nomina,
ANNA OLDFIELD.
Nec ipsa minore laude digna,
Quippe quæ eorum opera
In scenam quories prodivit,
Illustravit semper, & nobilitavit.
Nunquam ingenium idem ad partes diversissimas
Habilius fuit.
Ita tamen ut ad singulas.
Non facta, sed nata esse videretur.
In tragediis
Formæ splendor, oris dignitas, incessus majestas
Tantâ vocis suavitate temperabantur,
Ut nemo esset tam agrestis, tam durus spectator,
Quin in admirationem totus raperetur.
In comedià autem
Tanta vis, tam venusta hilaritas, tam curiosa felicitas
Ut neque sufficerent spectando oculi,
Neque plaudendo manus.

English’d thus.

Near this place rests the body of Anne Oldfield, amidst so many celebrated Poets, herself not less deserving to be celebrated; for whene’er she trod the stage, her actions always illustrated and ennobled their compositions. Never was one Genius so adapted to the most different parts; she seem’d not made but born for each distinctly. In tragedy her noble presence, elevated speech, and majestic step, temper’d with so peculiar a sweetness of voice, never fail’d to transport the most rustic and insensible into admiration. In comedy she discover’d such a winning air, such a sprightly and becoming gayety, and so happy an address, that neither eyes were satisfied with seeing her, nor hands weary of applauding.

Another.

Fashion’d alike by nature and by art,

To please, engage, and int’rest ev’ry heart:

In publick life, by all who saw, approv’d;

In private life, by all who knew her lov’d.

Another.

OLDFIELD lies here retir’d, undrest,

The curtain drawn, her part is done;

Ye that remain to act your best,

Must also make your exit soon;

How happy then, if worthy praise,

Ye can such lasting plaudits raise!

Another.

EXIT

Anna Oldfield;

Valete & plaudite.

Another.

Hic jacet Anna Oldfield.

Jam mea preacta est,

Mox vestra agetur fabula.

Vos valete & plaudite.

Mrs. B—rb—r, to Mrs. C—f—r, at Bath.

When lately you invited me,

With Carteret I din’d;

And in return, most gen’rously

To Onslow I resign’d.

On Opportunity we seize,

For search the Nation round,

Such Commoners and Peers as these

Are rarely to be found.

Our Situation chang’d, you see

How pleasure fleets away;

But yesterday you envy’d me;

I envy you to day.

EPIGRAM on a LADY, stung by a BEE.

To heal the wound the Bee had made

upon my Delia’s face,

Its honey to the wound she laid,

and bid me kiss the place.

Pleas’d I obey’d, and from the wound

suck’d both the sweet and smart;

The honey on my lips I found,

the sting went thro’ my heart.

THE
Monthly Intelligencer.

JANUARY, 1731.

Friday, January 1.

Their Majesties received the compliments of the Nobility for the New-Year; among the rest, of the Lord Carteret, who was graciously receiv’d.

At the same time the Ode for the Day, compos’d by Colly Cibber, Esq; Poet-laureat, was perform’d; the Musick by Mr. Eccles, and the vocal by Mr Hughs, Mr. Gates, &c. [See the said Ode, p. [20], and Remarks on it, p. [10], [11].]

Forty mathematical Boys, educated in Christ’s Hospital, in the school founded by K. C. II. were, according to annual Custom, presented to his Majesty.

His Majesty order’d 30 l. per. Ann. to be paid out of the Treasury towards the support of the Poor of the Parish of St. Mary le Strand.

Saturday, Jan. 2.

Great talk of an Experiment to be made on Charles Ray in Newgate, a Malefactor repriev’d on that Occasion. It was said to be in order to discover whether Deafness is not to be cured by purging. The Tympanum was to be cut by an Instrument, in order to demonstrate whether the Hearing proceeds from the Tympanum, or the Nerves that lie between that and the Conceptor of the Ear; it being the Opinion of some that Deafness is principally occasion’d by Obstructions in the said Nerves, See p. [10], [18], [19].

Geo. Burrington, Esq; Gov. of North Carolina, set out to embark for his Government.

Sunday, Jan. 3.

Dr. Greenwood, newly appointed Chaplain, preached before their Majesties, the Pr. of Wales, and three eldest Princesses, at the Chapel-royal at St. James’s; the Nobility attended in their Robes and Collars, and the Duke of Dorset Lord Lieut. of Ireland carried the Sword of State.

Monday, Jan. 4.

The Lady Chaplin, Relict of Sir John Chaplin, of Tathwel in Lincolnshire, Bar., brought to bed of a Daughter. This Lady had a Writ de Ventre inspiciendo issued against her some Months ago, by the Heirs at Law; and by her not having an Heir Male, 3000 l. per. ann. descends with the Title to Thomas Chaplin, Esq; and an Estate of about 2000 l. per. ann. to Sir John’s two Sisters, after a 3d Share to Mrs Chaplin.

Advice came of 3 Incendiaries, or as there call’d, Bristol Firemen, being taken up at Barnstaple, and conducted to Exeter Gaol. One was handsomely dress’d, and had a considerable Sum about him.

Two Hundred Recruits sent from the Savoy, to reinforce the Garrisons of Gibraltar and Port Mahon.

Tuesday, Jan. 5.

The Corpse of the late Earl of Delorain was a few Nights since privately interr’d at Leadwell in Oxfordshire.

Wednesday, Jan. 6.

This being Twelfth-day, his Majesty, the Prince of Wales, and the Kts Companions of the Garter, Thistle, and Bath, appeared in the Collars of their respective Orders. Their Majesties, the Prince of Wales, and three eldest Princesses, preceded by the Heralds, &c. went to the Chapel-royal, and heard Divine Service. The D. of Manchester carried the Sword of state. The King and Prince made the offerings at the altar, of gold, frankincense and myrrh, according to annual custom. At night their Majesties, &c. play’d at Hazard with the nobility, for the benefit of the Groom-porter; and ’twas said the K. won 600 guineas, the Q. 360. Pr. Amelia 20, Pr. Carolina 10, the E. of Portmore, and D. of Grafton several thousands.

At night Mr. Sharpless, high constable of Holborn division, together with several of his petty constables went to search a notorious gaming-house behind Grays-Inn-walks, by vertue of a warrant under the hands and seals of the Rt. Hn. Ld. Delawar and eleven other of his Majesty’s justices of the peace for the County of Middlesex, but the gamesters having previous notice, they all fled, except the master of the house, who was apprehended, and bound in a recognizance of 200 l. penalty, pursuant to the old statute of 33 H. VIII.

It may be some sort of amusement to present our readers with the following list of officers established in the most notorious gaming-houses.

1. A Commissioner, always a proprietor, who looks in of a night, and the week’s accompt is audited by him and two others of the proprietors.

2. A Director, who superintends the Room.

3. An Operator, who deals the cards at a cheating game called Faro.

4. Two Crowpees, who watch the cards, and gather the money for the Bank.

5. Two Puffs, who have money given them to decoy others to play.

6. A Clerk, who is a check upon the puffs, to see that they sink none of the money that is given them to play with.

7. A Squib, is a puff of a lower rank, who serves at half salary, while he is learning to deal.

8. A Flasher, to swear how often the bank has been stript.

9. A Dunner, who goes about to recover money lost at play.

10. A Waiter, to fill out wine, snuff candles, and attend the gaming-room.

11. An Attorney, a Newgate solicitor.

12. A Captain, who is to fight any gentleman that is peevish for losing his money.

13. An Usher, who lights gentlemen up and down stairs, and gives the word to the Porter.

14. A Porter, who is generally a soldier of the foot guards.

15. An Orderly man, who walks up and down the outside of the door, to give notice to the porter, and alarm the house, at the approach of the constables.

16. A Runner, who is to get intelligence of the justices meeting.

17. Link-boys, Coachmen, Chairmen, Drawers, or others, who bring the first intelligence of the justices meetings, or of the constables being out, at half a guinea reward.

18. Common bail, Affidavit-men, Ruffians, Bravoes, Assassins, cum multis aliis.

At a meeting of the society for propagating christian knowledge, held at Edinburgh, the several officers for the year ensuing were chosen, the stock amounted to 12,563 l. 12 s. 5 d. number of schools, 132; and they resolved to send three missionaries to preach the Gospel to the Indians on the borders of New-England; to which they are encouraged by a gift of Dr. Daniel Williams, late a presbyterian minister in England.

Thursday, Jan. 8.

Charles du Bois, chosen governor of the corporation for smelting down lead with sea-coal and pit-coal. And Samuel Beachcroft, Esq; deputy-governor of the same.

Mr Franklin was taken into custody for printing and publishing the Craftsman of the same day; as were likewise 3 persons for publishing it.

Ended the sessions for Westminster, when Sir J. Gouson was again chosen chairman, and desired to print his charge.

Terence Magrahe, a young man in the French interest, having inveigled many Irish papists to enter into that service, and it being soon known by their refusing to work, the magistrates of Birr in Ireland, assembled a Posse to secure them, but they were not able to apprehend above three, the rest escaped with their Captain, and took shipping near Dublin.

Saturday, Jan. 9.

The new-born son and heir of W. Pulteney, Esq; baptized by the name of William; the E. of Berkeley, and E. of Winchelsea and Nottingham, being Godfathers, and the Dutchess-dowager of Marlborough Godmother.

Sunday, Jan. 10.

Dr. Lynch preached before their Majesties at St. James’s chapel; the Earl of Orkney carried the sword of State.

Monday, Jan. 11.

The corpse of the lady Dolben, wife of the rev. Sir John Dolben, lately arrived from France, was carried out of town to be interr’d, at Finedon in Northamptonshire. Sir John had also buried 4 sons in 8 months past.

Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Sir Isaac Shard, Kt. and Jn. Fuller, Esq; the present sheriffs, went to Woodstreet compter, and distributed a considerable sum of money to the poor debtors confined there.

Wednesday, Jan. 13.

The merchants having resolved to pay nothing for receipt of debenture money, for the 15 per Cent. and other duties, this day a great many were paid off without any abatement for pretended fees.

Thursday, Jan. 14.

The noted Mary Harvey, alias Machaig, broke out of the Kings’s-bench, where she was confined for keeping a disorderly house.

Friday, Jan. 15.

Began the sessions at the Old baily, when Mr Maynee, a clerk to the Bank was arraigned upon two indictments for erasing and altering 2 bank notes, and pleaded guilty, upon which the Statute was read that makes it felony without benefit of clergy. See p. 216, 403.

His Majesty order’d a pension of 20 l. per. Ann. to such of the late King’s superannuated livery servants who are not provided for on the present establishment.

Cork, Jan. 15. This day one Tim. Groneen was, for the murder and robbery of Mr. St. Leger and his wife at Bally volane, sentenc’d to be hang’d 2 minutes, then his head to be cut off, his bowels to be taken out and thrown in his face; and his body divided in 4 quarters to be placed in 4 cross ways. He was servant to Mr. Leger, and committed the murder with the privity of Joan Condon the servant maid, who was sentenced to be burnt, also of the gardener, whom he knock’d on the head to deprive him of his share of the booty. When he was taken, he said he would have all catholick servants use their protestant masters so, if they would merit heaven. But after Trial, made the following declaration. The Devil was too great with me, I first resolved only to rob my Master, but when I went into the room shot him in his Bed, and gave my Mistress 5 stabs. The Gardener consented to go with me and held the Candle. I took 20 l. and the watch out of my Masters pocket, and then rode off, (having first kill’d the gardener, and given the maid a small share of the money.)

Sunday, Jan. 17.

The Rev. Dr. Clark preached before their Majesties, &c. in the royal chapel at St. James’s; the Lord Delawar carried the Sword of State.

Monday, Jan. 18.

Eight persons who were taken up at Norwich, for handing about a treasonable paper, intitled, The D. of Wharton’s Reasons, &c. were admitted to bail about this time.

Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The KING’s most excellent Majesty elected governor of the royal African company, Sir Robert Sutton, Knt. of the Bath, sub-governor, and Sir Biby Lake, Bar. deputy-governor; as also, the following Directors or Assistants.

Those mark’d thus * are in the room of Edward Barker, Wm Corbet, George Johnson, Adr. Reynardson, John Torriano, and Philip Wilkinson, Esqs.

Wednesday, Jan. 20.

The Pr. of Wales entering into the 25th year of his age, there was a splendid appearance of the nobility, and a ball at Court, which was open’d by his Royal Highness and the Princess Royal.

20. The Duke of Richmond went to court and resign’d his post of Aid-de-camp to his Majesty; and also his Commission of Captain of a Troop in the Royal Regiment of Horse-Guards blue, commanded by the Duke of Bolton.

Robert Coke, Esq; brother to the Lord Lovel, resign’d his commission of cornet in the said Regiment.

Several parts of the northern Roads were so cover’d with Snow, that the Scotch peers and commoners in their way to Parliament, were obliged to alight and walk many Miles on foot; and in some places the Snow was so deep, that 50 Men were employ’d to remove it to make it passable. The Snow was deeper in Lancashire than it had been for 20 years past.

Thursday, Jan. 21.

The Parliament met, when his Majesty open’d the Sessions with a most gracious Speech to both houses.

The Ld. Raymond was introduced to the house of Peers, between the Ld Delawar, and the Ld Bingley.

Friday, Jan. 22.

The house of Lords waited upon his Majesty with an Address of thanks to his most gracious Speech from the Throne; to which they received the following Answer.

My Lords,

I thank you for this loyal and dutiful Address. The enabling me to fullfil my engagements with my Allies in all events, will not only effectually secure and continue to my People the advantages stipulated for them by Treaties, but may greatly contribute to the obtaining a general pacification.

Saturday, Jan. 23.

About this time a medal was struck at the Tower, having on one side the Head of Sir Isaac Newton, with this Motto, Felix cognoscere causas; on the reverse a Figure representing the Mathematicks. See p. 64.

Sunday, Jan. 24.

The Rev. Dr. Birch preached before their Majesties, and the Lord Gallway carried the Sword of State, and the Rev. Dr. Clark preach’d before his Highness the Duke, and the two young Princesses.

The Ld Cavendish rode a trial (on a hunter) from Hide Park corner to the lodge in Windsor Forest, in an hour and six minutes: There was a wager depending between him and Sir Robert Fagg, that his Lordship did not perform the same in an hour and five minutes. It is 21 Miles, and upwards of 5000 l. betted. [His Lordship performed it on the 7th of February.]

Monday, Jan. 25.

Admiral Cavendish, lately arrived with his Squadron from Gibralter, waited on his Majesty, and was graciously received.

Several Prisoners were released out of Woodstreet compter, by Mr. Webb, executor to the late Ld. Chief Baron Pengelly, who, by his Will bequeath’d 500 l. for that purpose.

A duel was fought on the new walk in the upper park at St. James’s between the Rt. Hon. the Ld. Hervey and the Rt. Hon. Wm. Pulteney, Esq; who having closed in, after several passes on both sides, were parted and disarm’d by Sir John Rushout, Bart. and Hen. Fox, Esq; their two Friends who attended them. ’Tis said that the Ld. Hervey had two or three slight wounds, and Mr. Pulteney a small hurt in his left Hand; and that his Lordship gave the Challenge on account of Mr. Pulteney’s being the reputed Author of a Pamphlet; entituled, A proper reply to a late scandalous Libel, call’d Sedition and Defamation display’d.

A Printer at Newcastle upon Tyne taken into Custody, for re-printing some parts of the Craftsman.

In pursuance of the late Act for the better regulation of Juries in the sittings in Middlesex the names of the several Persons summon’d and impanell’d were written on distinct pieces of Parchment, and put into a box, and were drawn out one after another, until 12 Persons whose names were drawn did appear.

The Snows were so deep in some parts of Derbyshire, that the Roads were hardly passable.

As Workmen were digging in the Gardens of Charles Child, Esq; of Waverlay in Surry (where an a Abbey was founded above 600 Years ago, by Wm. Giffard then Bp. of Winchester, and Abbot of Waverlay as appears by the Monasticon Anglicanum, vol. 1. p. 703) they found a leaden pot, in which the Heart of a man was preserved in Spirits, supposed from an Inscription on a Tomb in the Cathedral Church of Winchester, to be the Heart of the said Bishop, which was not in the least decayed.

Tuesday, Jan. 26.

His Majesty’s ship Biddeford, of 20 guns, put in commission, and Capt. Bernard appointed commander. Also the Spence Sloop, and the Command given to Lieut. Swale.

Money sent to Deptford to pay 2 Months wages to the Officers and Seamen of his Majesty’s Yatchts.

Wednesday, Jan. 27.

His R. H. the D. of Cumberland, stood Godfather in Person to the new-born Son and Heir of the Ld Archibald Hamilton.

Two publishers were taken into Custody of his Majesty’s Messengers for publishing a Libel intitled, The Divine catastrophe of the Royal Family of the Stewarts, &c. and the next Day were admitted to Bail.

Thursday, Jan. 28.

Sig. Vignola, resident from the republick of Venice, had a private Audience of leave of the King and Queen.

At Night was a Ball at the Opera-house in the Hay-market.

Brigadier Clayton arrived in Town from Gibralter.

The new Church at Bloomsbury was consecrated by the Bishop of London, by the name of St George’s Bloomsbury, as was also the burying-ground in the Fields adjoyning. The Divine Service was performed by Dr. Crew, and afterwards the Sacrament was administred.

Signior Claudio Re, Minister of the Duke of Parma, was at Court, and notified to his Majesty the death of the said Duke.

Friday, Jan. 29.

Sig. Vignola had private Audience of leave of the Prince and Duke.

Ended the Poll for a Member of Parliament for Bedford, the numbers were, for:

Sir. Jer Vanaker Sambroke, Bar.375
Dr. Thomas Brown,346

29. The court received advice that on the death of the duke of Parma, the dutchess his widow had declared herself four months gone with child; that the duke had made a will in favour of Don Carlos, declaring him lawful heir to his dominions in failure of male issue to his said dutchess, and that the dutchess has likewise made another will to the same purport; and that 10,000 Imperialists had taken possession of the dutchies of Parma and Placentia, on pretence of the dutchess being with child.

A justice of the peace, who had challeng’d Mr. York, a council against him in a certain affair, came to Westminster-hall, and asked pardon in open court, upon which by consent the rule for an information against him was withdrawn.

About 3 o’clock this morning a woman of distinction fell in labour at the masquerade, was carried home in her habit, and deliver’d of a son in two hours after.

Saturday, Jan. 30.

This being the anniversary of the martyrdom of K. Cha. I. Dr. Middleton preached before the Ld Mayor and Aldermen of this City, at St. Paul’s; the Bp. of Peterborough, before the Lords at Westminster Abby, and Dr. Littleton at St. Margaret’s before the Commons.

Sunday, Jan. 31.

His Majesty did not go to chapel, nor dine in publick.

Divine service was performed in the new church of St. George’s Bloomsbury, for the first time since the consecration, by the Rev. Mr. Vernon in the forenoon, and by the Rev. Mr. Capper in the afternoon.

Domestick Occurences in JANUARY, 1731.

Melancholy Effects of Credulity in
Witchcraft.

For Burlington in Pensilvania we have an account, that the owners of several Cattle believing them to be bewitch’d, caused some suspected men and women to be taken up, and trials to be made for detecting them. Above 300 people assembled near the governor’s house, and a pair of scales being erected, the suspected persons were each weigh’d against a large Bible; but all of them vastly outweighing it, the accused were then to be tied head and feet together, and put into a river, on supposition that if they swam they must be guilty. This trial they offer’d to undergo, in case as many of their accusers should be served in the like manner; which being done, they all swam very buoyant, to the no small diversion of the spectators, and clearing of the accused.—This has revived a like transaction in Somersetshire in Sept. last, and another in France.

The first is from Frome publish’d in the Daily Journal, Jan. 15. relating, That a child of one Wheeler being seized with strange unaccountable fits, the mother goes to a Cunning Man, who advis’d her to hang a bottle of the child’s water, mix’d with some of it’s hair, close stopt over the fire, that the witch would thereupon come and break it: Does not mention the success, but a poor old woman, in the neighbourhood, was taken up, and the old trial by Water Ordeal reviv’d. They dragg’d her, shivering with an ague, out of her house, set her astride on the pomel of a saddle, and carried her about two miles to a mill-pond, stript off her upper cloaths, tied her legs, and with a rope about her middle threw her in, 200 spectators huzza-ing and abetting the riot. They affirm she swam like a cork, tho’ forced several times under water; and no wonder, for when they strained the line, the ends whereof were held on each side of the pond, she must of necessity rise; but by haling her from one bank to t’other, and often plunging, she drank water enough, and when almost spent, they poured in brandy to revive her, they drew her to a stable, threw her on some litter in her wet cloaths, where in about an hour after she expired. The coroner upon his Inquest cou’d make no discovery of the ring-leaders, altho’ above 40 Persons assisted in the Fact, yet none of them could be persuaded to accuse his Neighbour: so that they were able to charge only 3 of them with Man-slaughter.

The like Credulity in witchcraft occasion’d a tragical Accident at a Village near Mortagne in France, in December last. A Man of that Village had been long ill of a Distemper which puzzled the Physicians; whereupon his Wife believ’d he was bewitch’d, and consulted a pretended Conjurer, who shew’d her the Wizard (her husband’s uncle) in a glass of Water, and told her, that to oblige him to withdraw the Charm, they must beat him, and burn the Soles of his Feet. On her Return she sent for the Uncle, and notwithstanding his Protestations, with the Assistance of her Relations, beat him unmercifully, and burnt the Soles of his Feet, and the Crown of his Head in such a manner, that in two Days after he died. The Woman and her Accomplices were seized; she own’d the Fact, and said, if it was to do again, she would do it. See p. 358.