[4] This patriotic sentiment would seem to show that the book was written or published about the time of the Spanish Armada.
[5] Hermes Trismegistus (‘thrice great’), a fabulous Chaldean philosopher, to whom I have already made reference. The numerous writings which bear his name were really composed by the Egyptian Platonists; but the mediæval alchemists pretend to recognise in him the founder of their art. Gower, in his ‘Confessio Amantis,’ says:
‘Of whom if I the namès calle,
Hermes was one the first of alle,
To whom this Art is most applied.’
The name of Hermes was chosen because of the supposed magical powers of the god of the caduceus.
GREENE’S COMEDY.
In Scene I., which takes place near Framlingham, in Suffolk, we find Prince Edward eloquently expatiating on the charms of the Fair Maid to an audience of his courtiers, one of whom advises him, if he would prove successful in his suit, to seek the assistance of Friar Bacon, a ‘brave necromancer,’ who ‘can make women of devils, and juggle cats into coster-mongers.’[6] The Prince acts upon this advice.
Scene II. introduces us to Friar Bacon’s cell at Brasenose College, Oxford (an obvious anachronism, as the college was not founded until long after Bacon’s time). Enter Bacon and his poor scholar, Miles, with books under his arm; also three doctors of Oxford: Burden, Mason, and Clement.
Bacon. Miles, where are you?
Miles. Hic sum, doctissime et reverendissime Doctor. (Here I am, most learned and reverend Doctor.)
Bacon. Attulisti nostros libros meos de necromantia? (Hast thou brought my books of necromancy?)