"Dark was the vaulted room of gramarye
To which the wizard led the gallant knight,
Save that before a mirror huge and high
A hallowed taper shed a glimmering light
On mystic implements of magic might;
On cross, and character, and talisman,
And almagest and altar, nothing bright;
For fitful was the lustre, pale and wan,
As watch-light by the bed of some departing man."
--_Lay of the Last Minstrel_.
The character of Dee, our English "Faust," as he is not inaptly called,
has both been misrepresented and misunderstood. An enthusiast he
undoubtedly was, but not the drivelling dotard that some of his
biographers imagine. A man of profound learning, distinguished for
attainments far beyond the general range of his contemporaries, he, like
Faustus, and the wisest of human kind, had found out how little he knew;
had perceived that the great ocean of truth yet lay unexplored before
him. Pursuing his inquiries to the bound and limit, as he thought, of
human knowledge, and finding it altogether "vanity," he had recourse to
forbidden practices, to experiments through which the occult and hidden
qualities of nature and spirit should be unveiled and subdued to his own
will.
Evidently prompted to unhallowed intercourse by pride and ambition, he
deluded himself with the vain and wicked hope that the God who spurned
his impious requests would vouchsafe to him a new and peculiar
revelation. He would not bow to the plain and humbling tenets already
revealed, but sought another "sign,"--a miraculous testimony to himself
alone. Fancying that he was entrusted with a divine mission, he was
given up to strong delusions that he should believe a lie. He aimed at
universal knowledge and exhaustless riches; but he died imbecile and a
beggar!
That he was deceived by Kelly, there is no doubt; and that he was
sincere, at least in seeking his own promotion and aggrandisement, is
equally certain; but we would rescue his character from the ridicule
with which it has been invested. His grasp was greater than his power,
and he fell, like heroes and conquerors in all ages, unable to execute,
and overwhelmed with the vastness of his own conceptions.
John Dee was born July 13, 1527, in London. His parents were in good
circumstances. At an early age (fifteen years) he studied at St John's
College, Cambridge. His application was intense. For three years, by his
own account, he only slept four hours every night. Two hours were
allowed for meals and recreation, and the rest was spent in learning and
devotion. Five years afterwards he went into the Low Countries, for the
purpose of conversing with Frisius, Mercator, and others. Returning to
Cambridge, he was chosen a fellow of Trinity College, then founded by
Henry the Eighth. His reputation stood very high, and his astronomical
pursuits, in those days generally connected with astrology, drew upon
him the imputation of being a conjuror, which character clung to him
through life. This opinion was much strengthened by an accident which,
he says, happened soon after his removal from St John's College, and his
being chosen a fellow of Trinity. "Hereupon," he continues, "I did set
forth a Greek comedy of Aristophanes, named in Greek [Greek: Heirênê]
with the performance of the Scarabæus, or beetle--his flying up to
Jupiter's palace with a man and his basket of victuals on her back;
whereat was great wondering, and many vain reports spread abroad of the
means how that was effected."
He left England again soon afterwards, distinguishing himself at several
foreign universities, and attracting the notice of many persons of high
rank, amongst which were the Duke of Mantua and Don Lewis de la Cerda
(afterwards Duke of Medina Celi). In 1551 he returned to England, being
well received by King Edward and his court. A pension of one hundred
crowns per annum was granted him, which he afterwards exchanged for the
rectory of Upton-upon-Severn.
In Queen Mary's reign he was accused of some correspondence with the
Lady Elizabeth's servants, and of practising against the Queen's life by
enchantments. He was seized and confined, but acquitted of the charge.
He was then turned over to Bonner, to see if heresy might not be found
in him. After a tedious prosecution he was set at liberty, August 19,
1555, by an order of the council.
Upon Queen Elizabeth's accession he was consulted as to a fit day for
the coronation, and received many splendid promises of preferment, which
were never realised.
In the spring of the year 1564, he made another journey abroad, when he
presented to the Emperor Maximilian his book, entitled "Monas
Hieroglyphica," printed at Antwerp the same year. He returned to England
in the summer, producing several learned works, which showed his
extraordinary skill in the mathematics.
In 1571 he went to Lorraine, where, falling very ill, he was honoured
with the solicitude of the Queen, who sent two of her physicians, and
gave him many other proofs of her regard. Upon his return to England he
now settled himself in his own house at Mortlake in Surrey, where he
collected a noble library, and prosecuted his studies with great
diligence. His collection is said to have consisted of more than four
thousand books, nearly a fourth part of them manuscripts, which were
afterwards dispersed and lost. This library, and a great number of
mathematical and mechanical instruments, were destroyed by the fury of
the populace in 1583, who, believing him to be a conjuror, and one that
dealt with the devil, broke into his house, and tore and destroyed the
fruit of his labours during the forty years preceding.
On the 16th March 1575, Queen Elizabeth, attended by many of her court,
visited Dr Dee's house to see his library; but having buried his wife
only a few hours before, he could not entertain her Majesty in the way
he wished. However, he brought out a glass, the properties of which he
explained to his royal mistress, hoping to wipe off the aspersion, under
which he had long laboured, of being a magician.
In 1578 her Majesty being indisposed, Dee was sent abroad to consult
with some German physicians about the nature of her complaint. But that
part of his life in which he was most known to the world commenced in
1581, when his intercourse began with Edward Kelly. This man pretended
to instruct him how to obtain, by means of certain invocations, an
intercourse with spirits. Soon afterwards there came to England a Polish
lord, Albert Laski, palatine of Siradia, a person of great learning. He
was introduced to Dee by the Earl of Leicester, who was now the doctor's
chief patron. Becoming acquainted, Laski prevailed with Dee and Kelly to
accompany him to his own country. They went privately from Mortlake,
embarking for Holland, from whence they travelled by land through
Germany into Poland. On the 3d February 1584, they arrived at the castle
of their patron, where they remained for some time.
They afterwards visited the Emperor Rodolphe at Prague. On the 17th
April 1585, Laski introduced them to Stephen, king of Poland, at Cracow;
but this prince treating them very coolly, they returned to the
emperor's court at Prague, from whence they were banished at the
instigation of the Pope's nuncio, who represented them as magicians.
The doctor and his companion afterwards found an asylum in the Castle of
Trebona, belonging to Count William, of Rosenberg, where they lived in
great splendour for a considerable time. It was said that Kelly had
succeeded in procuring the powder of projection, by which they were
furnished with money in profusion; but on referring to the doctor's
diary, we find the miserable tricks and shifts they resorted to for the
purpose of keeping up appearances. Kelly, however, it seems, learned
many secrets from the German chemists, which he did not communicate to
his patron; and the heart-burnings and jealousies that arose between
them at length ended in an absolute rupture.
The fame of their adventures was noised through Europe, and Elizabeth,
in consequence, invited Dee home. He was now separated from Kelly, and
on the 1st of May 1589, he set out on his return to England. He
travelled with great pomp, was attended by a guard of horse, and
besides waggons for his goods, had no less than three coaches for the
use of his family. He landed at Gravesend on the 23d of November, and on
the 9th of December was graciously received at Richmond by the Queen. He
found his house at Mortlake had been pillaged, but he collected the
scattered remains of his library, and was so successful, by the
assistance of his friends, as to recover about three-fourths of his
books, estimating his loss at about £400, He had many friends, and
received great presents, but was always craving and in want. The Queen
sent him money from time to time, promising him two hundred angels at
Christmas. One-half he received, but he gave a broad hint that the Queen
and himself were defrauded of the rest. He now resolved to apply for
some settled subsistence, and sent a memorial by the Countess of Warwick
to her Majesty, earnestly requesting that commissioners might be
appointed to hear his pretensions and decide upon his claims. Two
commissioners were accordingly sent to Mortlake, where Dee showed them a
book containing a distinct account of all the memorable transactions of
his life, except those which occurred in his Jast journey abroad. He
detailed to them the injuries, damages, and indignities which he had
suffered, and humbly supplicated reparation at their hands. The Queen,
in consequence, sent 100 marks to Mrs Dee, and promises to her husband.
At length, on December 8th, 1594, he obtained a grant of the
chancellorship of St Paul's. But this did not answer his expectations,
upon which he applied to Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury, giving an
account of all the books he had either written or published. This, with
other applications, led to his being presented with the wardenship of
Manchester College, vacant by the removal of Dr William Chaderton to the
see of Chester. On the 14th of February 1596, he arrived with his family
in that town, and on the 20th he was installed in his new charge. He
continued here about seven years, passing his time in a very turbulent
and unquiet manner. On the 5th of June 1604, he presented a petition to
King James, earnestly desiring that he might be brought to trial and
delivered, by a judicial sentence, from those suspicions which his
astrological and other inquiries had brought upon him. But the King,
knowing the nature of his studies, was very far from showing him any
mark of his favour. In November, the same year, he quitted Manchester,
returning to his house at Mortlake, where he died, old, infirm, and
forsaken of his friends, being very often obliged to sell some book or
other to procure a dinner. The following account of Dr Dee's expenses
from Trebona to London, copied from a statement in his own
handwriting,[19] we have thought too curious to omit:--
"The charges of my last return from beyond seas, A. 1589, being
favourably called home by her Majestie from Trebon Castle in Bohemia.
[Sidenote: 600 lib.]
"My journey of remove homeward from Trebon Castle to Staden cost me more
than 3000 dollars, which we account
[Sidenote: 120 lib.]
"Besides the cost of 15 horses wherewith I travelled all that journey;
of which the 12 which drew my 3 coaches were very good and young
Hungarian horses, and the other three were Wallachies for the saddles:
which 15 cost with one another
[Sidenote: 60 lib.]
"The three new coaches made purposely for my aforesaid journey, with the
furniture for the 12 coach-horses, and with the saddles and bridles for
the rest, cost more than 3 score pounds
"The charge of wains to carry my goods from Trebon to Staden, they being
two and sometimes three (for more easy and light passage in some
places), cost above an hundred and ten pounds, which I account (for an
hundred of it) under my former sum of 600 lib. Under which 600 lib. also
I do account for the charges of the 24 soldiers, well appointed, which,
by virtue of the emperor's passport, I took up in my way from Diepholt,
and again from Oldenburgh; the charges of the six harquebusiers and
musqueteers, which the Earl of Oldenburgh lent me out of his own
garrison there: I gave to one with another a dollar a man for the day,
and their meat and drink full. For at the first, 18 enemies, horsemen,
well appointed, from Lingen and Wilstrusen, had lain five days attending
thereabout, to have sett upon me and mine; and at Oldeborch, a Scot (one
of the garrison) gave me warning of an ill-minded company lying and
hovering for me in the way which I was to pass, as by a letter may
appear here present. Of the former danger, the Landgrave of Hesse his
letters unto me may give some evidence.
"The charges of the four Swart Ruiters, very well mounted, and appointed
to attend on me at Staden, from Breme, being honourably and very
carefully sent unto me by the noble consuls and senators of Breme, and
that with a friendly farewell (delivered unto me by the speech of one of
their secretaries at my lodgings) need not be specified here what it
was. For their going with me in two days to Staden, their abode there,
and as much homeward, being in all five days' charges, 30 dollars.
"This was a very dangerous time to ride abroad in thereabouts, as the
merchants of Staden can well remember. The excellent learned theologian,
the superintendent of Breme, Mr D. Chrystopher Berzelius his verses,
printed the night before that of my going from Breme, and the morning of
my departure, openly delivered to me partly, and partly distributed to
the company of students and others attending about to see us set forth,
and to bid us farewell, may be a memorial of some of my good credit
grown in that city, and of the day of my coming from it.
"I will not enlarge my lines to specific what other charges I was at to
further some of her Majestie's servants at my lying at Breme; as 70
dollars given or lent to one Conradus Justus Newbrenner; and about 40
given to gett some letters of great importance brought to our
sovereign's honorable privy council in due time.
[Sidenote: 10 lib.]
"The charge of my fraught and passage from Staden to London for my
goods, myself, my wife, children, and servants
[Sidenote: 796 lib.]
"So that the sum total of money, spent and laid out, in and for my
remove from Trebon to London doth amount to
[Sidenote: 1510 lib.]
"Whereby the whole sum of the former damages and losses
[Sidenote: 796 lib.]
"And the removing charges doth amount (with the least) to
[Sidenote: 2306 lib.]
"Besides the 100 dollars disbursed at Breme for dutiful love to Queen
and country."
One minor occurrence in the following tradition--viz., the loss of the
horse--is related by Lilly as happening to another of the fraternity;
but we claim it--upon grounds too trivial it might be deemed by
some--for the "Doctor." It is not our intention to spoil a good story by
rejecting what we cannot verify. Sufficient for us that the tale exists;
though we take the liberty of telling it in our own way.
There came a thin spare man one evening to Dr Dee's residence in the
college at Manchester, where he then dwelt by permission only from the
Earl of Derby, though living there in the capacity of warden to the
church.
The college being dissolved in the first of Edward VI. (1547), the
possessions fell into the hands of that nobleman, who, however, kept
ministers at his own charge to officiate in the church. Mary refounded
the establishment, restoring the greater part of the lands, but Lord
Derby still kept the college house. In 1578 Elizabeth granted a new
foundation to the college, appointing her own wardens. Dr Dee, being the
third on the new establishment, was installed with great solemnity on
the 20th February 1596.
The visitor we have just noticed was muffled in a dark cloak, having a
wide and ample collar, which he threw over his head, as though anxious
for concealment. The Doctor, having retired into his study, was not to
be disturbed; but the stranger was urgent for admission, while Lettice
Gostwich, Dee's help-at-all-work, a pert ungracious slattern, was fully
resolved not to permit his access to her master.
"Then since nothing else will do," said the pertinacious intruder,
"convey me this message--to wit, a stranger comes to him on business of
great moment regarding his own welfare and that of the matter or event
whose _corollarium_ he is now studying."
Lettice, wearied through his importunity, and hoping by compliance to
rid herself from these solicitations, went to the Doctor's private
chamber, where, having delivered her message through the thumb-hole of
the latch--for on no account would he allow of personal intrusion--to
her great surprise, he bade her be gone.
"Show the stranger up-stairs," said he. "Why hast thou kept him so long
tarrying?"
Lettice, with little speed and less good-will, obeyed the Doctor's
behest, grumbling loud at the capricious and uncertain humours of her
master.
The visitor was at length ushered into the presence of this celebrated
scholar and professor of the celestial sciences, whose predictions at
one period astonished Europe; his presence, like some portentous comet,
threatening war and disaster, perplexing even emperors and princes, and
filling them with apprehension and dismay. But Dee was somewhat fallen
from this high and dangerous celebrity. He was become querulous and
ill-tempered. Never satisfied with his present condition, but always
aiming at some greater thing, he generally contrived to lose what he
already possessed. At one time, to control the destinies and acquire the
supreme direction of affairs, either as the High Priest or the Grand
Lama of Europe, was not beyond the compass of his thoughts or the scope
of his ambition. Now, he was petitioning the Queen for a small increase
to his worldly pittance, and an opportunity of clearing himself before
her Majesty's council from the foul and slanderous accusations by which
he was continually assailed. Yet he had not abandoned his former
projects. Though failing in his mission aforetime to the Emperor of
Germany, the King of Poland, and others, to whom he evidently went for
political purposes, and with offers of his aid, through the
foreknowledge and spiritual intercourse by which he thought himself
favoured, yet he still cherished the hope of promotion by such visionary
follies. That chimera of the imagination, the invention of the
philosopher's stone, still haunted him, and he did not yet despair of
one day becoming a ruler among princes, the supreme arbiter and
depositary of the fate of nations.
The delusions imposed on him by Kelly, his seer and confederate, had so
impressed him with this belief, that he still purposed going abroad on a
divine mission, as he called it, and only awaited the auspicious time
when his spiritual instructors should point out another seer in Kelly's
room, from whom he had been long separated. Though now in his
seventy-first year, he was not deterred from making another attempt to
reach the goal of his ambition. Such is the folly and madness of these
enthusiasts, that, let them be never so often foiled in their inordinate
expectations, yet does it in no wise hinder, but, on the contrary, sets
them more fully on their desire. Casaubon, in his preface to the account
of Dee's intercourse with spirits, gives a strange instance of their
infatuation. He says:--
"In the days of Martin Luther, there lived one Michael Stifelius, who
applying to himself some place of the Apocalypse, took upon himself to
prophesy. He foretold that in the year of the Lord 1533, before the 29th
of September, the end of the world and Christ's coming to judgment would
be. He did show so much confidence that, some write, Luther himself was
somewhat startled at the first. But that day past, he came a second time
to Luther, with new calculations, and had digested the whole business
into twenty-two articles, the effect of which was to demonstrate that
the end of the world would be in October following. But now Luther
thought that he had had trial enough, and gave so little credit to him,
that he (though he loved the man) silenced him for a time, which our
apocalyptical prophet took very ill at his hands, and wondered much at
his incredulity. Well, that month and some after that over, our prophet
(who had made no little stir in the country by his prophesying) was cast
into prison for his obstinacy. After a while Luther visited him,
thinking by that time to find him of another mind; but so far was he
from acknowledging his error, that he downright railed at Luther for
giving him good counsel. And some write, that to his dying day (having
lived to the age of eighty years) he never recanted."
These air-built hopes and projects may in some sort account for the
readiness with which Dee admitted the stranger after hearing his
message. It seemed to be the very echo of his own thoughts, floating on
their dark current, which it quickened by some unknown and mysterious
impulse.
The Doctor was sitting in a high and curiously-wrought chair, cushioned
with black leather, gilt and ornamented after the antique fashion. His
upper garment was of black serge, the neck and breast furred with
sables. A cap of the same materials concealed his bald and shining head,
giving his pale shrivelled features a peculiar look of learning and hard
study. His face was long, and his beard pointed. Age and anxiety were
indelibly marked upon his lank visage; but his eye was yet undimmed;
small, keen, and restless, it seemed the image of his own insatiable
desire, consuming soul and body in the fire and fervour of its
inordinate and uncontrolled appetite.
"Thy name?" said Dee sharply, as the stranger bowed himself before the
reputed magician.
"Bartholomew Hickman."
"And thy business?" inquired the Doctor, with an inquisitive glance.
"Since your reverence hath dismissed Kelly, you have been but
indifferently served in the capacity of seer; mine errand is to this
purport:--If we agree for wages, I will serve you; and I doubt not but
my faculty of seeing will equal that of Master Kelly, provided you have
a glass whose quality and virtue shall be equivalent."
"My glass," replied the Doctor, "is not to be matched throughout the
world. Even Cornelius Agrippa had not its like; nor was his famous
mirror fit to compare with it. Hast heard aught of its history?"
"I would listen, Master Dee, for my knowledge thereof is but gathered
from the vulgar report."
"Know then," said Dee, with an air of great pride and complacency, "that
my stone was brought by the ministration of angels, in answer to fervent
and oft-repeated prayer. One night, as I sate with Kelly, discoursing on
the rise and fall of empires, the setting up and the downfall of
estates, and many other matters of grave and weighty import, he looked
uneasy for a while, saying that he felt a strange sensation, and, as it
were, a heavy weight on his right shoulder, as though something sat
there. He said a spirit, invisible at that time, was in all likelihood
hearkening to our discourse, and wished to communicate with us. He then
spake as though to some one behind him, and listened--'Sayest thou so'
said he; 'then will I speedily apprise the Doctor.' He then told me it
was the angel Uriel, who would bring us a wonderful glass or crystal,
whereby a seer, properly gifted, would be enabled to see many wonderful
things; but this surprising faculty I do not possess, by reason of a
fiery sign not occupying the cusp of my ascendant and medium cosli.
Edward Kelly was, however, permitted to supply this defect, and I might
confidently rely, he said, on the truth of those revelations, which I
was to note down for the benefit of mankind, and the establishing of a
new dispensation upon the earth. None but good angels could enter into
this glass, and they would teach me, as he then foretold, many things,
whereby, gaining great honour and renown, kings and princes should be
reproved of me, who was raised up for their sakes. At this revelation I
was exceeding glad, and more so on finding the day following in my study
this precious gem, which, as I once told the Emperor Rodolph, is of such
value that no earthly kingdom is worthy to be 'compared to the virtue or
dignity thereof. I well remember the time," said Dee, delighting to
dwell on these recollections: "I was at Prague, the emperor having sent
for me; I went up to the castle, where, in the _Ritterstove_, or guard
chamber, I stayed a little; Octavius Spinola, that was the chamberlain,
saluted me very courteously, having understood that I was he whom the
emperor waited for. Returning to the privy-chamber, he came out again,
leading me by the skirt through the dining-chamber and the
privy-chamber, where the emperor sat at a table with a great chest and
standish of silver, and my book and letters before him. Then craved I
pardon, at his Majesty's hand, for my boldness in sending him my '_Monas
Hieroglyphica_,' dedicated to his father; but I did it of the sincere
and entire good-will that I bare to his father Maximilian, and also unto
his Majesty. He then thanked me very kindly, saying that he knew of my
great endowments, and the esteem I had gotten of the learned; of this he
had been informed by the Spanish ambassador. He said my book was rather
too hard for his capacity; but he heard I had something to say to him,
_Quod esset pro sua utilitate_. 'And so I have,' I replied, looking back
to see first that we were alone. Hereupon, I began to declare how all
my lifetime had been spent in learning, and with great pains and cost I
had come to the best knowledge that man might attain to in this world. I
had found, too, that no man living, neither any book, was able to teach
me those truths that I desired and longed for. Therefore I concluded
within myself to make intercession and prayer to the Giver of all wisdom
to send unto me knowledge, whereby I might know the nature of His
creatures, and also enjoy means to use them to His honour and glory. At
length it pleased God to send me His light--the angel Uriel, whereby I
was assured of His merciful and gracious answer. For the space of two
years and a half, as I told his Majesty, angels had not ceased to
minister unto me through this wonderful stone, whose history I related.
Furthermore, I said that I had a message from them unto his, Majesty.
'The angel of the Lord hath appeared unto me,' I cried, 'and hath
rebuked you for your sins; if you will hear, and believe me, you shall
triumph; if you will not hear, the Lord, the God of heaven and earth,
under whom you breathe and have your being, putteth His foot against
your breast, and will throw you headlong from your seat.' Moreover, I
said that if he would listen to me, and take me for his counsellor, his
kingdom should be established, so that there would be none like unto it
throughout the world. I was commanded, likewise, to show him the nature
of the holy vision, and the manner thereof, which he might witness, and
hear the words, though he could not see the fashion of the creatures in
the glass. He thanked me, and said that he would thenceforward take me
to his recommendation and care. Some more promises he used, though I
could not well understand them, he spake so low. Perceiving, now, that
he wished to make an end for this time, I made my obeisance and
departed. But mark the favour of princes!--through the cabals of some,
and the intrigues of his favourite and physician, one Doctor Curtz, who
was fearful of my displacing him,--in the end I was not only prevented
from further access to his Majesty, but banished the empire! Go to, go
to," said Dee, much troubled at these thoughts, "I am something too much
affected of these vain impressions, and the pomp of these earthly ones."
He arose, lifting an ebony cabinet on the table, which he unlocked with
great solemnity. During this operation he fell to muttering many
prayers; and with an air of great reverence he took out a
richly-embossed casket, which being opened, there was displayed a fair
crystal of an egg-shaped form, on which he gazed with a long and silent
delight.
"A treasure beyond all price," said Bartholomew, eyeing it with rapture.
"Even so," said Dee, "and, by the grace of the Giver, I do hope to
profit by it. Once it was removed from me. Listen. It was in the little
chapel, or oratory, next the chambers which Lord William of Rosenberg
had allotted us in his castle at Trebona. I had set the stone in its
wonted place upon the table, or altar as we called it, when Kelly saw a
great flame in the stone, which thing though he told me, I made no end
of my usual prayer. But suddenly one seemed to come in at the south
window of the chapel, right opposite to Kelly, while the stone was
heaved up without hands, and set down again; wonderful to behold. After
which I saw the man who came in at the window; he had his lower parts in
a cloud, and, with open arms, flew towards Kelly; at which sight he
shrunk back, and the creature took up between both hands the stone with
its frame of gold, and mounted up the way he came. Kelly caught at it,
but could not touch it; thereupon he was grievously alarmed, and had the
_tremor cordis_ for a good while after.[20] This my angelical stone
being taken away, I was mightily troubled, for the other stones in my
possession being made through man's skill and device, I had not a safe
warranty of their virtue, so that I might confidently trust in what they
should disclose. I was afraid, too, of the intrusion of wicked spirits
into them, who might impose on me with their delusions. This happened on
a Friday, being the 24th of April 1587, as I find it recorded in my
diary. But mark the manner of its return! The following month, on the
22d day, and on the same day of the week, about four hours post
meridian, as I and Kelly were walking out through the orchard, down the
river-side, he saw two little men fighting there furiously with swords;
and one said to the other, '_Thou hast beguiled me_.' As I drew near
they did not abate their heat, but the fray seemed to wax even hotter
than before. I at length said, '_Good friends, let me take up the matter
between you_;' whereupon they stayed, the elder of them saying, '_I sent
a present to thy wife, and this fellow hath taken it away_,' With this,
they again fought until the other was wounded in his thigh, which seemed
to bleed. Being in great pain, he took out of his bosom something that
I guessed to be the very treasure that I had lost. '_Now will I make
thee return it_,' said the first speaker; with that the other, who was
wounded, seemed to go suddenly out of sight, but came again ere I could
answer a word. The elder of them then asked him, saying, '_Hast thou
laid it under the right pillow of the bed where he lay yesternight_?'
With these words they both went towards a willow-tree on the right, by
the new stairs, which tree seemed to cleave open, and as they went in it
closed, and I never saw them more. With great haste I returned to my
chamber, where, lifting up the right pillow, I found my precious stone;
being greatly rejoiced, together with my wife, who joined me in thanking
God for its return."[21]
"An exceeding comfortable and gracious providence: being preserved, I
doubt not, from the evil ones," said Bartholomew Hickman. "But I would
fain give you a sample of my skill, if so be that you will prepare the
crystal, charging it with due care and attention."
Then did the Doctor betake himself to the performance of sundry strange
rites, consisting of many absurd forms and hard speeches, ever and anon
ejaculating a fervent prayer for success, and a petition against doubt
and deception. He spread a fair carpet on the table, disposing the
candlesticks on each side, and a little behind the crystal. This was
placed upon a cushion of black silk, a crucifix near, and the psalter
before it, open at the service for the departed. After a profound
silence for about the space of half an hour, Dee looked towards his
visitor as if expecting that he should begin. The seer threw off his
upper garment, and kneeling down, clad only in a short tunic of gray
cloth, without ruff or belt, he betook himself, though with some
agitation, to the repeating of a few short Latin prayers, intermingled
with cabalistical jargon, and scraps of some unknown and uncouth tongue.
The Doctor gave special heed thereto, hearkening as though not
over-credulous in the boasted skill of his visitor. Presently the latter
put his face close to the stone, binding it before his eyes with a white
napkin, his head still resting on the table. Dee asked him softly, "What
seest thou?"
"Nothing," said Bartholomew.
"Is the curtain not yet visible in the stone?"
"I cannot even see the curtain," replied the seer; "for all is dark."
Then Dee began to pray earnestly that some of his former friends might
appear, whom he called by many outlandish names, such as _Ave, Nalvage,
Madini_, and others. Immediately Bartholomew cried out--
"I see a glimmer!--Soft!"
The Doctor scarcely durst breathe, fearing to interrupt the opening of
the vision.
"I see a golden curtain, partly drawn aside."
"The charge beginneth to work," said Dee. "'Tis the very appearance that
was always vouchsafed to Kelly ere the spirits showed themselves in the
glass. Note well what thou seest."
"There appeareth a white cloud, as a curdly vapour wreathing itself
about a pillar of burning brass, but no creature is visible.--I hear a
voice!"
"Mark the words and repeat them steadily," said the Doctor, who drew
nearer that he might hear the purport of the revelation.
"_Sanctum signatum et ad tempus_," said the voice.
"The sense of this may be understood diversely. By which sense may we be
guided?" said Dee, as though speaking to some invisible thing within the
glass. Presently the seer again repeated--
"'_Sanctum, quia hoc velle suum; sigillatum, quid determinatum ad
tempus_;' the voice ceaseth:--but these be hard speeches, Master Dee. I
hear again, '_Ad tempus et ad tempus (inquam) quia rerum
consummatio_--_All things are at hand_--
"'_The seat is prepared.
Justice hath determined.
The time is short_.'"
"Seest thou no creature?" anxiously inquired the Doctor.
"None. But the pillar openeth as though it were cleft. Now a woman
cometh forth out of the pedestal, covered with a cloud. I can see her
face dimly at times through this veil, which seemeth to pass over as a
thin cloud before the dazzling sun. She standeth as though in a hollow
shell, glistening with such fair colours that no earthly brightness may
be comparable to it. She now seemeth to wrap the air about her as a
garment. She entereth into a thick cloud and disappears. There now
cometh one like unto a little girl, her hair turned up before, and
flowing behind in long and bright curls. Her raiment sparkles like unto
changeable silk, green and red."
"'Tis _Madini_," said Dee, with great delight. "Note well what she
sayeth, for she is my good angel."
"She sitteth down. Her lips move as though she were speaking, but I hear
nothing."
"I will speak to her," said Dee; "for she will answer me through thy
ministry, if it really be Madini. Art thou Madini, that has appeared to
me beforetime?"
"I think she answereth,'Yes.' But her voice is very feeble."
"I would thou shouldest resolve me three things," said the Doctor, again
addressing himself towards the glass. "To wit--Whereto shall I direct my
journey, and how shall I cause it to prosper? Secondly, I would speedily
be instructed in that great and heavenly mystery, the powder of
projection, which I have been oft promised, but never understood aright
by reason of my feeble apprehensions, or inability to accomplish the
grand and sublime arcanum. Thirdly, How may I find the treasure which
was shown to me in a dream three several times; but where it is hidden
is withheld from me?"
"She says she will answer so far as the will of him that sent her will
permit; but she hath a short continuance, and her answer must be brief.
With respect to the country, make thine own choice, and thou shalt be
directed in it for thy good. The other questions she says she cannot
solve, but will send one of the seven who bear rule over the seals of
the metals and their matrix. She hath departed, yet I saw her not. She
went like a sudden stroke of light; and now there cometh a man clad in
sober apparel, with an inkhorn at his girdle. He holdeth a pen, as
though he would write, but his face is veiled."
"'Tis a motion that I should bring my tablets," said the Doctor.
"Now he is writing," continued the seer. "He showeth me a roll of
parchment. But the glass becometh dim, and I think that evil spirits are
troubling us, for the whole seems to waver, like the glowing air over
the furnace."
The Doctor now fell to his prayers, when Bartholomew assured him the
glass grew brighter, gradually becoming still, like the subsiding of
waves after some accidental disturbance. He could now see the writing
distinctly, and the veil was also removed.
"Give me the words to the very letter," said Dee earnestly, as he
prepared to write.
"It runs thus:--'The most noble and divine magister; the beginning and
continuation of life. Watch well, and gather him so at the highest; for
in one hour he descendeth or ascendeth from the purpose.
"'_Take common Audcal, purge and work it by Rlodnr, of four divers
digestions, continuing the last digestion for fourteen days in one and a
swift proportion, until it be Dlasod fixed, a most red and luminous
body, the image of resurrection. Take also Lulo of Red Roxtan, and work
him through the four fiery degrees, until thou have his Audcal, and then
gather him. Then double every degree of your Rlodnr, and by the law of
mixture and conjunction work them diligently together. Notwithstanding
backward through every degree, multiply the lower and last Rlodnr, his
due office finished by one degree more than the highest. So doth it
become Darr, the thing you seek for; a holy, just, glorious, red, and
dignified Dlasod_.'"
"Methinks I have heard this before," said Dee, "and understood it not. I
am truly in great perplexity for want of money; but still I understand
not the purport of these symbols, the which, I beseech thee, now
vouchsafe to thine unworthy servant."
"'See thou take the season,'" said the voice, "'and get her while it is
yet time. If ye let the harvest pass, ye shall desire to gather and
shall not be able.'"
"Take pity on mine infirmities, and make it plain," supplicated the
Doctor, who now began to fear the usual evasions and disappointments.
"'Before I go,'" replied the vision, "'I will not be hidden from thee.
Read thy lesson.'"
"I read, '_Take common Audcal_' and so on."
"'What is Audcal?' inquireth the spirit."
"Alas! I know not; but thou knowest."
"'It is gold, and Dlasod is sulphur.'"
"Take also, it says, Lulo of Red Roxtan."
"'Roxtan is pure and simple wine in herself, and Lulo is her mother.'"
"There is yet in these words no slight ambiguity."
"'Lulo is tartar of red wine, and Audcal is his mercury. Darr, in the
angelical tongue, is the true name of the stone.'"
"He said before that Audcal was gold," said Dee, addressing the seer.
"Be thankful," replied Bartholomew, "and keep what thou hast received."
The Doctor was for the present satisfied; but a little reflection
afterwards, and another trial, left him as ignorant and as poor as ever.
He now returned thanks in the Latin tongue, it being his general custom
at the end of each revelation, or motion, as it was called.
"_Deo nostro omnipotenti sit omnis Laus, Honor, Gloria, et Jubilatio."_
Unto which the seer responded, "Amen."
"Now for the third question."
"He goeth to one side," said Bartholomew, "and the curtain hideth him.
Now he returneth, leading an old man blindfolded, who answereth him in
manner following, as though to questions put by the first:--'It is
within, and by a garden belonging to the new lodge in Aldport Park. It
is in three parts or places.' He now seems to pause. Again he
speaks--'Many roots and trees do hinder the gathering of it; but if he
be wise, and understand these things, he may obtain his pleasure. One
part was laid by Sir James Stanley, the warden, an hundred years ago.
Another portion was hidden by an aged nun. The remainder was left by the
Romans, and may be found under the foundations of the castle in the
park. The time is short, and the treasure guarded; but he shall
overcome. Listen:--'_Nine with twice seven northerly, and_ ACER _shall
disappear. The mystical number added to the number enfolding itself;
this shall be added to its own towards the rising sun. Then turn
half-round, and note well thy right foot. What thou seest gather, and it
shall lead thee on to perfection_'"
"Ask him the amount or worth of the treasure," said Dee, whose cupidity
gloated over the bare thoughts of this vast hoard.
"He says, it is 'two thousand and a half, besides odd money.'"
"How? In gold or silver?"
"'More than three parts thereof are in gold.'"
"Most humbly and heartily do I thank thee, oh"----
Dee was opening out another form of thanksgiving, when the seer
interrupted his hypocritical and blasphemous addresses.
"The old man goeth aside, groping his way as though it were dark. Now
all is dim, and the curtain covereth the stone, by which we are warned
to retire."
The needful and concluding ceremonies being gone through, the crystal
was returned to its place. After pondering awhile, the Doctor put many
questions to his guest about his residence, worldly calling, and so
forth. He offered him £50 yearly, besides lodging, and a fair proportion
of gold when the celestial and highest projection should be completed.
Bartholomew was not hard at making a bargain, and the Doctor began to
hope that, by a patient waiting and trust in the efficacy of these
strange delusions, he should at length accomplish his desires.
A low tap at the door again betokened the presence of Lettice, who came
to announce a warm friend of the Doctor's, one Master Eccleston. On
being admitted, the latter brought with him a low, ferret-eyed
personage, whose leering aspect betrayed an inward consciousness of
great cunning and self-satisfaction therewith. Dee received his guests
with becoming dignity, inquiring to what good fortune he was indebted
for their visit.
"Thou mayest remain, Hickman," said he to his new acquaintance.