TO SIR JAMES STEUART

“Venice, November 14, 1758.

“This letter will be solely to you, and I desire you will not communicate it to Lady Fanny:  she is the best woman in the world, and I would by no means make her uneasy; but there will be such strange things in it that the Talmud or the Revelations are not half so mysterious:  what these prodigies portend, God knows; but I never should have suspected half the wonders I see before my eyes, and am convinced of the necessity of the repeal of the witch act (as it is commonly called), I mean, to speak correctly, the tacit permission given to witches, so scandalous to all good Christians:  though I tremble to think of it for my own interests.  It is certain the British islands have always been strangely addicted to this diabolical intercourse, of which I dare swear you know many instances; but since this public encouragement given to it, I am afraid there will not be an old woman in the nation entirely free from suspicion.  The devil rages more powerfully than ever:  you will believe me, when I assure you the great and learned English minister is turned methodist, several duels have been fought in the Place of St. Marc for the charms of his excellent lady, and I have been seen flying in the air in the figure of Julian Cox, which history is related with so much candour and truth by the pious pen of Joseph Glanville, chaplain to K. Charles.  I know you young rakes make a jest of all those things, but I think no good lady can doubt of a relation so well attested.  She was about seventy years old (very near my age), and the whole sworn to before Judge Archer, 1663:  very well worth reading, but rather too long for a letter.  You know (wretch that I am) ’tis one of my wicked maxims to make the best of a bad bargain; and I have said publicly that every period of life has its privileges, and that even the most despicable creatures alive may find some pleasures.  Now observe this comment; who are the most despicable creatures?  Certainly, old women.  What pleasure can an old woman take?  Only witchcraft.  I think this argument as clear as any of the devout Bishop of Cloyne’s metaphysics:  this being decided in a full congregation of saints, only such atheists as you and Lady Fanny can deny it.  I own all the facts, as many witches have done before me, and go every night in a public manner astride upon a black cat to a meeting where you are suspected to appear:  this last article is not sworn to, it being doubtful in what manner our clandestine midnight correspondence is carried on.  Some think it treasonable, others lewd (don’t tell Lady Fanny); but all agree there was something very odd and unaccountable in such sudden likings.  I confess, as I said before, it is witchcraft.  You won’t wonder I do not sign (notwithstanding all my impudence) such dangerous truths:  who knows the consequence?  The devil is said to desert his votaries.”