¶ The xiiii. Booke. 353. 249.
The first Chapter.
Of the art of Alcumystrie, of their woords of art and devises to bleare mens eies, and to procure credit to their profession.
ERE I thought it not impertinent to saie somewhat of the art or rather the craft of Alcumystrie,Alcumystrie a craft, not an art. otherwise called Multiplication; which Chaucer, of all other men, most livelie deciphereth. In the bowels herof dooth both witchcraft and conjuration lie hidden, as whereby some cousen others, and some are cousened themselves. For by this mysterie (as it is said in the chanons mans prolog)
They take upon them to turne upside downe, G. Chaucer in the Chanons mans prolog.
[See note.]
All the earth betwixt Southwarke & Canturburie towne,
And to pave it all of silver and gold, &c.
But ever they lacke of their conclusion,
And to much folke they doo illusion.