第9章

Afterwards，heretired，afterreadingoverhisstatement，notwithouthavingfirstrecognisedtheabove-mentionedAfricantobetheservantandpageofthelady。

Inthefourthplace，uponthefaithpledgedinusinthenameoftheChapterandofourLordArchbishop，thatheshouldnotbetormented，tortured，norharassedinanymanner，norfurthercitedafterhisstatement，inconsequenceofhiscommercialjourneys，andupontheassurancethatheshouldretireinperfectfreedom，hascomebeforeusaJew，SalomonalRastchid，who，inspiteoftheinfamyofhispersonandhisJudaism，hasbeenheardbyustothisoneend，toknoweverythingconcerningtheconductoftheaforesaiddemon。ThushehasnotbeenrequiredtotakeanyoaththisSalomon，seeingthatheisbeyondthepaleoftheChurch，separatedfromusbythebloodofoursaviour(trucidatusSalvatoreinternos)。Interrogatedbyusastowhyheappearedwithoutthegreencapuponhishead，andtheyellowwheelintheapparentlocalityoftheheartinhisgarment，accordingtotheecclesiasticalandroyalordinances，thesaiddeRastchidhasexhibitedtousletterspatentoftheseneschalofTouraineandPoitou。ThenthesaidJewhasdeclaredtoustohavedonealargebusinessfortheladydwellinginthehouseoftheinnkeeperTortebras，tohavesoldtohergoldenchandeliers，withmanybranches，minutelyengraved，platesofredsilver，cupsenrichedwithstones，emeraldsandrubies；tohavebroughtforherfromtheLevantanumberofrarestuffs，Persiancarpets，silks，andfinelinen；infact，thingssomagnificentthatnoqueeninChristendomcouldsayshewassowellfurnishedwithjewelsandhouseholdgoods；andthathehadforhispartreceivedfromherthreehundredthousandpoundsfortherarityofthepurchasesinwhichhehadbeenemployed，suchasIndianflowers，poppingjays，birds\'feathers，spices，Greekwines，anddiamonds。Requestedbyus，thejudge，tosayifhehadfurnishedcertainingredientsofmagicalconjuration，thebloodofnew-bornchildren，conjuringbooks，andthingsgenerallyandwhatsoevermadeuseofbysorcerers，givinghimlicencetostatehiscasewithoutthatthereuponheshouldbethesubjecttoanyfurtherinquestorinquiry，thesaidalRastchidhasswornbyhisHebrewfaithnevertohavehadanysuchcommerce；andhasstatedthathewasinvolvedintoohighintereststogivehimselftosuchmiseries，seeingthathewastheagentofcertainmostpowerfullords，suchastheMarquisdeMontferrat，theKingofEngland，theKingofCyprusandJerusalem，theCourtofProvence，lordsofVenice，andmanyGermangentleman；tohavebelongingtohimmerchantgalleysofallkinds，goingintoEgyptwiththepermissionoftheSultan，andhetraffickinginpreciousarticlesofsilverandofgold，whichtookhimoftenintotheexchangeofTours。Moreover，hehasdeclaredthatheconsideredthesaidlady，thesubjectofinquiry，tobearightroyalandnaturalwoman，withthesweetestlimbs，andthesmallesthehaseverseen。Thatinconsequenceofherrenownforadiabolicalspirit，pushedbyawildimagination，andalsobecausethathewassmittenwithher，hehadheardoncethatshewashusbandless，proposedtohertobehergallant，towhichpropositionshewillinglyacceded。Now，althoughfromthatnighthefelthisbonesdisjointedandhisbowelscrushed，hehadnotyetexperienced，ascertainpersonssay，thatwhoonceyieldedwasfreenomore；hewenttohisfateasleadintothecrucibleofthealchemist。

ThenthesaidSalomon，towhomwehavegrantedhislibertyaccordingtothesafeconduct，inspiteofthestatement，whichprovesabundantlyhiscommercewiththedevil，becausehehadbeensavedtherewhereallChristianshavesuccumbed，hasadmittedtousanagreementconcerningthesaiddemon。Tomakeknownthathehadmadeanoffertothechapterofthecathedraltogiveforthesaidsemblanceofawomansucharansom，ifshewerecondemnedtobeburnedalive，thatthehighestofthetowersoftheChurchofSt。Maurice，atpresentincourseofconstruction，couldtherewithbefinished。

Thewhichwehavenotedtobedeliberateduponatanopportunetimebytheassembledchapter。AndthesaidSalomonhastakenhisdeparturewithoutbeingwillingtoindicatehisresidence，andhastoldusthathecanbeinformedofthedeliberationofthechapterbyaJewofthesynagogueofTours，anameTobiasNathaneus。ThesaidJewhasbeforehisdeparturebeenshowntheAfrican，andhasrecognisedhimasthepageofthedemon，andhasstatedtheSaracenstohavethecustomofmutilatingtheirslavesthus，tocommittothemthetaskofguardingtheirwomenbyanancientusage，asitappearsintheprofanehistoriesofNarsez，generalofConstantinople，andothers。

OnthemorrowaftermasshasappearedbeforeusthemostnobleandillustriousladyofCroixmare。ThesamehaswornherfaithintheholyEvangelists，andhasrelatedtouswithtearshowshehadplacedhereldestsonbeneaththeearth，deadbyreasonofhisextravagantamourswiththisfemaledemon。Thewhichnoblegentlemanwasthree-and-twentyyearsofage；ofgoodcomplexion，verymanlyandwellbeardedlikehisdefunctsire。Notwithstandinghisgreatvigour，inninetydayshehadlittlebylittlewithered，ruinedbyhiscommercewiththesuccubusoftheRueChaude，accordingtothestatementofthecommonpeople；andhermaternalauthorityoverthesonhadbeenpowerless。Finallyinhislatterdaysheappearedlikeapoordriedupworm，suchashousekeepersmeetwithinacornerwhentheycleanoutthedwelling-

rooms。Andalways，solongashehadthestrengthtogo，hewenttoshortenhislifewiththiscursedwoman；where，also，heemptiedhiscash-box。Whenhewasinhisbed，andknewhislasthourhadcome，hesworeat，cursed，andthreatenedandheapeduponall——hissister，hisbrother，anduponherhismother——athousandinsults，rebelledinthefaceofthechaplain；deniedGod，andwishedtodieindamnation；atwhichweremuchafflictedtheretainersofthefamily，who，tosavehissoulandpluckitfromhell，havefoundedtwoannualmassesinthecathedral。Andinordertohavehimburiedinconsecratedground，thehouseofCroixmarehasundertakentogivetothechapter，duringonehundredyears，thewaxcandlesforthechapelsandthechurch，uponthedayofthePaschalfeast。And，inconclusion，savingthewickedwordsheardbythereverendperson，DomLoysPot，anunofMarmoustiers，whocametoassistinhislasthoursthesaidBarondeCroixmaireaffirmsnevertohaveheardanywordsofferedbythedefunct，touchingthedemonwhohadundonehim。

Andtherewithhasretiredthenobleandillustriousladyindeepmourning。

Inthesixthplacehasappearedbeforeus，afteradjournment，Jacquette，calledVieux-Oing，akitchenscullion，goingtohousestowashdishes，residingatpresentintheFishmarket，who，afterhavingplacedherwordtosaynothingshedidnotholdtobetrue，hasdeclaredasherefollows：——Namely，thatonedayshe，beingcomeintothekitchenofthesaiddemon，ofwhomshehadnofear，becauseshewaswonttoregaleherselfonlyuponmales，shehadtheopportunityofseeinginthegardenthisfemaledemon，superblyattired，walkingincompanywithaknight，withwhomshewaslaughing，likeanaturalwoman。ThenshehadrecognisedinthisdemonthattruelikenessoftheMoorishwomanplacedasanunintheconventofNotreDamedel\'EgrignollesbythedefunctseneschalofTouraineandPoitou，MessireBruyn，CountofRoche-Corbon，thewhichMoorishwomanhadbeenleftinthesituationandplaceoftheimageofourLadytheVirgin，themotherofourBlessedSaviour，stolenbytheEgyptiansabouteighteenyearssince。Ofthistime，inconsequenceofthetroublescomeaboutinTouraine，norecordhasbeenkept。Thisgirl，agedabouttwelveyears，wassavedfromthestakeatwhichshewouldhavebeenburnedbybeingbaptised；andthesaiddefunctandhiswifehadthenbeengodfatherandgodmothertothischildofhell。Beingatthattimelaundressattheconvent，shewhobearswitnesshasremembranceoftheflightwhichthesaidEgyptiantooktwentymonthsafterherentryintotheconvent，sosubtilelythatithasneverbeenknownhoworbywhatmeanssheescaped。Atthattimeitwasthoughtbyall，thatwiththedevil\'saidshehadflownawayintheair，seeingthatnotwithstandingmuchsearch，notraceofherflightwasfoundintheconvent，whereeverythingremainedinitsaccustomedorder。

TheAfricanhavingbeenshowntothesaidscullion，shehasdeclarednottohaveseenhimbefore，althoughshewascurioustodoso，ashewascommissionedtoguardtheplaceinwhichtheMoorishwomancombatedwiththosewhomshedrainedthroughthespigot。

IntheseventhplacehasbeenbroughtbeforeusHuguesdeFou，sonoftheSieurdeBridore，who，agedtwentyyears，hasbeenplacedinthehandsofhisfather，undercautionofhisestates，andbyhimisrepresentedinthisprocess，whomitconcernsifshouldbedulyattainedandconvictedofhaving，assistedbyseveralunknownandbadyoungmen，laidsiegetothejailofthearchbishopandofthechapter，andofhavinglenthimselftodisturbtheforceofecclesiasticaljustice，bycausingtheescapeofthedemonnowunderconsideration。InspiteoftheevildispositionwehavecommandedthesaidHuguesdeFoutotestifytruly，touchingthethingsheshouldknowconcerningthesaiddemon，withwhomheisvehementlyreputedtohavehadcommerce，pointingouttohimthatitwasaquestionofhissalvationandofthelifeofthesaiddemon。He，afterhavingtakentheoath，hesaid：——

“Iswearbymyeternalsalvation，andbytheholyEvangelistsherepresentundermyhand，toholdthewomansuspectedofbeingademontobeanangel，aperfectwoman，andevenmoresoinmindthaninbody，livinginallhonesty，fullofthemigniardcharmsanddelightsoflove，innowaywicked，butmostgenerous，assistinggreatlythepoorandsuffering。IdeclarethatIhaveseenherweepingveritabletearsforthedeathofmyfriend，theknightofCroixmare。AndbecauseonthatdayshehadmadeavowtoourLadytheVirginnomoretoreceivetheloveofyoungnoblementooweakinherservice；shehastomeconstantlyandwithgreatcouragedeniedtheenjoymentofherbody，andhasonlygrantedtomelove，andthepossessionofherheart，ofwhichshehasmadesovereign。Sincethisgraciousgift，inspiteofmyincreasingflameIhaveremainedaloneinherdwelling，whereIhavespentthegreaterpartofmydays，happyinseeingandinhearingher。

Oh！Iwouldeatnearher，partakeoftheairwhichenteredintoherlungs，ofthelightwhichshoneinhersweeteyes，andfoundinthisoccupationmorejoythanhavethelordsofparadise。Electedbymetobeforevermylady，chosentobeonedaymydove，mywife，andonlysweetheart，I，poorfool，havereceivedfromhernoadvancesonthejoysofthefuture，but，onthecontrary，athousandvirtuousadmonitions；suchasthatIshouldacquirerenownasagoodknight，becomeastrongmanandafineone，fearnothingexceptGod；honourtheladies，servebutoneandlovetheminmemoryofthatone；thatwhenIshouldbestrengthenedbytheworkofwar，ifherheartstillpleasedmine，atthattimeonlywouldshebemine，becauseshewouldbeabletowaitforme，lovingmesomuch。“

SosayingtheyoungSireHugueswept，andweeping，added：——

“Thatthinkingofthisgracefulandfeeblewoman，whosearmsseemedscarcelylargeenoughtosustainthelightweightofhergoldenchains，hedidnotknowhowtocontainhimselfwhilefancyingtheironswhichwouldwoundher，andthemiserieswithwhichshewouldtraitorouslybeloaded，andfromthiscausecamehisrebellion。Andthathehadlicencetoexpresshissorrowbeforejustice，becausehislifewassoboundupwiththatofhisdeliciousmistressandsweetheartthatonthedaywhenevilcametoherhewouldsurelydie。“

Andthesameyoungmanhasvociferatedathousandotherpraisesofthesaiddemon，whichbearwitnesstothevehementsorcerypractiseduponhim，andprove，moreover，theabominable，unalterable，andincurablelifeandthefraudulentwitcheriestowhichheisatpresentsubject，concerningwhichourlordthearchbishopwilljudge，inordertosavebyexorcismsandpenitencesthisyoungsoulfromthesnaresofhell，ifthedevilhasnotgainedtoostrongaholdofit。

Thenwehavehandedbackthesaidyoungnoblemanintothecustodyofthenoblelordhisfather，afterthatbythesaidHugues，theAfricanhasbeenrecognisedastheservantoftheaccused。

Intheeighthplace，beforeus，havethefootguardsofourlordthearchbishopledingreatstatetheMOSTHIGHANDREVERENDLADY

JACQUELINEDECHAMPCHEVRIER，ABBESSOFTHECONVENTOFNOTRE-DAME，undertheinvocationofMountCarmel，towhosecontrolhasbeensubmittedbythelateseneschalofTouraine，fatherofMonseigneurtheCountofRoche-Corbon，presentadvocateofthesaidconvent，theEgyptian，namedatthebaptismalfontBlancheBruyn。

Tothesaidabbesswehaveshortlystatedthepresentcause，inwhichisinvolvedtheholychurch，thegloryofGod，andtheeternalfutureofthepeopleofthedioceseafflictedwithademon，andalsothelifeofacreaturewhoitwaspossiblemightbequiteinnocent。Thenthecauseelaborated，wehaverequestedthesaidnobleabbesstotestifythatwhichwaswithinherknowledgeconcerningthemagicaldisappearanceofherdaughterinGod，BlancheBruyn，espousedbyourSaviourunderthenameofSisterClare。

Thenhasstatedtheveryhigh，verynoble，andveryillustriousladyabbessasfollows：——

“TheSisterClare，oforigintoherunknown，butsuspectedtobeofanhereticfatherandmother，peopleinimicaltoGod，hastrulybeenplacedinreligionintheconventofwhichthegovernmenthadcanonicallycometoherinspiteofherunworthiness；thatthesaidsisterhadproperlyconcludedhernoviciate，andmadehervowsaccordingtotheholyruleoftheorder。Thatthevowstaken，shehadfallenintogreatsadness，andhadmuchdrooped。Interrogatedbyher，theabbess，concerninghermelancholymalady，thesaidsisterhadrepliedwithtearsthatsheherselfdidnotknowthecause。Thatonethousandandonetearsengenderedthemselvesinheratfeelingnomorehersplendidhairuponherhead；thatbesidesthisshethirstedforair，andcouldnotresistherdesiretojumpupintothetrees，toclimbandtumbleaboutaccordingtoherwontduringheropenairlife；

thatshepassedhernightsintears，dreamingoftheforestsundertheleavesofwhichinotherdayssheslept；andinremembranceofthissheabhorredthequalityoftheairofthecloisters，whichtroubledherrespiration；thatinherinsideshewastroubledwithevilvapours；thatattimesshewasinwardlydivertedinchurchbythoughtswhichmadeherlosecountenance。ThenIhaverepeatedoverandoveragaintothepoorcreaturetheholydirectionsofthechurch，haveremindedheroftheeternalhappinesswhichwomenwithoutseeingenjoyinparadise，andhowtransitorywaslifeherebelow，andcertainthegoodnessofGod，whoforfirstcertainbitterpleasureslost，keptforusalovewithoutend。Isspiteofthiswisematernaladvicetheevilspirithaspersistedinthesaidsister；andalwayswouldshegazeupontheleavesofthetreesandgrassofthemeadowsthroughthewindowsofthechurchduringtheofficesandtimesofprayer；andpersistedinbecomingaswhiteaslineninorderthatshemightstayinherbed，andatcertaintimesshewouldrunaboutthecloisterslikeagoatbrokenloosefromitsfastening。Finally，shehadgrownthin，lostmuchofthegreatbeauty，andshrunkawaytonothing。Whileinthisconditionbyus，theabbesshermother，wassheplacedinthesick-room，wedailyexpectinghertodie。Onewinter\'smorningthesaidsisterhadfled，withoutleavinganytraceofhersteps，withoutbreakingthedoor，forcingoflocks，oropeningofwindows，noranysignwhateverofthemannerofherpassage；afrightfuladventurewhichwasbelievedtohavetakenplacebytheaidofthedemonwhichhasannoyedandtormentedher。Fortherestitwassettledbytheauthoritiesofthemetropolitanchurchthatthemissionofthisdaughterofhellwastodivertthenunsfromtheirholyways，andblindedbytheirperfectlives，shehadreturnedthroughtheaironthewingsofthesorcerer，whohadleftherformockeryofourholyreligionintheplaceofourVirginMary。“

Thewhichhavingsaid，theladyabbesswas，withgreathonourandaccordingtothecommandofourlordthearchbishop，accompaniedasfarastheconventofCarmel。

Intheninthplace，beforeushascome，agreeablytothecitationserveduponhim，Joseph，calledLeschalopier，amoney-changer，livingonthebridgeatthesignoftheBesantd\'Or，who，afterhavingpledgedhisCatholicfaithtosaynootherthingthanthetruth，andthatknowntohim，touchingtheprocessbeforetheecclesiasticaltribunal，hastestifiedasfollows：——“Iamapoorfather，muchafflictedbythesacredwillofGod。BeforethecomingoftheSuccubusoftheRueChaude，Ihad，forallgood，asonashandsomeasanoble，learnedasaclerk，andhavingmademorethanadozenvoyagesintoforeignlands；fortherestagoodCatholic；keepinghimselfonguardagainsttheneedlesoflove，becauseheavoidedmarriage，knowinghimselftobethesupportofmyolddays，theloveformyeyes，andtheconstantdelightofmyheart。HewasasonofwhomtheKingofFrancemighthavebeenproud——agoodandcourageousman，thelightonmycommerce，thejoyofmyroof，and，aboveall，aninestimableblessing，seeingthatIamaloneintheworld，havinghadthemisfortunetolosemywife，andbeingtoooldtotakeanother。Now，monseigneur，thistreasurewithoutequalhasbeentakenfromme，andcastintohellbythedemon。Yes，mylordjudge，directlyhebeheldthismischievousjade，thisshe-devil，inwhomitisawholeworkshopofperdition，aconjunctionofpleasureanddelectation，andwhomnothingcansatiate，mypoorchildstuckhimselffastintothegluepotoflove，andafterwardslivedonlybetweenthecolumnsofVenus，andtheredidnotlivelong，becauseinthatplacelikesogreataheatthatnothingcansatisfythethirstofthisgulf，notevenshouldyouplungethereinthegermsoftheentireworld。Alas！then，mypoorboy——hisfortune，hisgenerativehopes，hiseternalfuture，hisentireself，morethanhimself，havebeenengulfedinthissewer，likeagrainofcorninthejawsofabull。BythismeansbecomeanoldorphanI，whospeak，shallhavenogreaterjoythantoseeburning，thisdemon，nourishedwithbloodandgold。ThisArachnewhohasdrawnoutandsuckedmoremarriages，morefamiliesintheseed，morehearts，moreChristiansthentherearelepersinallthelazarhousesorChristendom。Burn，tormentthisfiend——thisvampirewhofeedsonsouls，thistigerishnaturethatdrinksblood，thisamorouslampinwhichburnsthevenomofallthevipers。Closethisabyss，thebottomofwhichnomancanfind……Ioffermydenierstothechapterforthestake，andmyarmtolightthefire。Watchwell，mylordjudge，tosurelyguardthisdevil，seeingthatshehasafiremoreflamingthanallotherterrestrialfires；shehasallthefireofhellinher，thestrengthofSamsoninherhair，andthesoundofcelestialmusicinhervoice。Shecharmstokillthebodyandthesoulatonestroke；shesmilestobite，shekissestodevour；inshort，shewouldwheedleanangel，andmakehimdenyhisGod。Myson！myson！whereisheatthishour？Theflowerofmylife——aflowercutbythisfeminineneedlecaseaswithscissors。Ha，lord！whyhaveIbeencalled？Whowillgivemebackmyson，whosesoulhasbeenabsorbedbyawombwhichgivesdeathtoall，andlifetonone？Thedevilalonecopulates，andengendersnot。Thisismyevidence，whichIprayMasterTournebouchetowritewithoutomittingoneiota，andtograntmeaschedule，thatImaytellittoGodeveryeveninginmyprayer，tothisendtomakethebloodoftheinnocentcryaloudintoHisears，andtoobtainfromHisinfinitemercythepardonformyson。“

Herefollowedtwentyandsevenotherstatements，ofwhichthetranscriptionintheirtrueobjectivity，inalltheirqualityofspacewouldbeover-fastidious，woulddrawtoagreatlength，anddivertthethreadofthiscuriousprocess——anarrativewhich，accordingtoancientprecepts，shouldgostraighttothefact，likeabulltohisprincipaloffice。Therefore，hereis，inafewwords，thesubstanceofthesetestimonies。

AgreatnumberofgoodChristians，townsmenandtownswomen，inhabitantsofthenobletownofTours，testifiedthedemontohaveheldeverydayweddingfeastsandroyalfestivities，nevertohavebeenseeninanychurch，tohavecursedGod，tohavemockedthepriests，nevertohavecrossedherselfinanyplace；tohavespokenallthelanguagesoftheearth——agiftwhichhasonlybeengrantedbyGodtotheblessedApostles；tohavebeenmanytimesmetinthefields，mounteduponanunknownanimalwhowentbeforetheclouds；nottogrowold，andtohavealwaysayouthfulface；tohavereceivedthefatherandthesononthesameday，sayingthatherdoorsinnednot；

tohavevisiblemaligninfluenceswhichflowedfromher，forthatapastrycook，seatedonabenchatherdoor，havingperceivedheroneevening，receivedsuchagustofwarmlovethat，goinginandgettingtobed，hehadwithgreatpassionembracedhiswife，andwasfounddeadonthemorrow，thattheoldmenofthetownwenttospendtheremainderoftheirdaysandoftheirmoneywithher，totastethejoysofthesinsoftheiryouth，andthattheydiedlikefleasontheirbellies，andthatcertainofthem，whiledying，becameasblackasMoors；thatthisdemonneverallowedherselftobeseenneitheratdinner，noratbreakfast，noratsupper，butatealone，becausesheliveduponhumanbrains；thatseveralhadseenherduringthenightgotothecemeteries，andthereembracetheyoungdeadmen，becauseshewasnotabletoassuageotherwisethedevilwhoworkedinherentrails，andthereragedlikeatempest，andfromthatcametheastringentbiting，nitrousshooting，precipitant，anddiabolicalmovements，squeezings，andwrithingsofloveandvoluptuousness，fromwhichseveralmenhademergedbruised，torn，bitten，pinchedandcrushed；andthatsincethecomingofourSaviour，whohadimprisonedthemasterdevilinthebelliesoftheswine，nomalignantbeasthadeverbeenseeninanyportionoftheearthsomischievous，venomousandsoclutching；somuchsothatifonethrewthetownofToursintothisfieldofVenus，shewouldtheretransmuteitintothegrainofcities，andthisdemonwouldswallowitlikeastrawberry。

Andathousandotherstatements，sayings，anddepositions，fromwhichwasevidentinperfectclearnesstheinfernalgenerationofthiswoman，daughter，sister，niece，spouse，orbrotherofthedevil，besideabundantproofsofherevildoing，andofthecalamityspreadbyherinallfamilies。Andifitwerepossibletoputthemhereconformablywiththecataloguepreservedbythegoodmantowhomheaccusedthediscovery，itwouldseemlikeasampleofthehorriblecrieswhichtheEgyptiansgaveforthonthedayoftheseventhplague。

AlsothisexaminationhascoveredwithgreathonourMessireGuillaumeTournebouche，bywhomarequotedallthememoranda。Inthetenthvacationwasthusclosedthisinquest，arrivingatamaturityofproof，furnishedwithauthentictestimonyandsufficientlyengrossedwiththeparticulars，plaints，interdicts，contradictions，charges，assignments，withdrawals，confessionspublicandprivate，oaths，adjournments，appearancesandcontroversies，towhichthesaiddemonmustreply。Andthetownspeoplesayeverywhereiftherewerereallyashe-devil，andfurnishedwithinternalhornsplantedinhernature，withwhichshedrankthemen，andbrokethem，thiswomanmightswimalongtimeinthisseaofwritingbeforebeinglandedsafeandsoundinhell。

II

THEPROCEEDINGSTAKENRELATIVETOTHISFEMALEVAMPIRE。

/InnominePatris，etFilii，etSpiritusSancti。Amen。/

IntheyearofourLordonethousandtwohundredandseventy-one，beforeus，HieromeCornille，grandpenitentiaryandecclesiasticaljudgetothis，canonicallyappointed，haveappeared——

TheSirePhilipped\'Idre，bailiffofthetownandcityofToursandprovinceofTouraine，livinginhishotelintheRuedelaRotisserie，inChateauneuf；MasterJehanRibou，provostofthebrotherhoodandcompanyofdrapers，residingontheQuaydeBretaingne，attheimageofSt。Pierre-es-liens；MessireAntoineJehan，aldermanandchiefoftheBrotherhoodofChangers，residinginthePlaceduPont，attheimageofSt。Mark-counting-tournoise-pounds；MasterMartinBeaupertuys，captainofthearchersofthetownresidingatthecastle；JehanRabelais，aships\'painterandboatmakerresidingattheportattheisleofSt。Jacques，treasurerofthebrotherhoodofthemarinersoftheLoire；MarkHierome，calledMaschefer，hosier，atthesignofSaint-Sebastian，presidentofthetradescouncil；andJacques，calleddeVilledomer，mastertavern-keeperandvinedresser，residingintheHighStreet，atthePommedePin；tothesaidSired\'Idre，andtothesaidcitizens，wehavereadthefollowingpetitionbythem，written，signed，anddeliberatedupon，tobebroughtunderthenoticeoftheecclesiasticaltribunal：——

PETITION

We，theundersigned，allcitizensofTours，arecomeintothehotelofhisworshiptheSired\'Idre，bailiffofTouraine，intheabsenceofourmayor，andhaverequestedhimtohearourplaintsandstatementsconcerningthefollowingfacts，whichweintendtobringbeforethetribunalofthearchbishop，thejudgeofecclesiasticalcrimes，towhomshouldbedeferredtheconductofthecausewhichwehereexpose：——

Alongtimeagotherecameintothistownawickeddemonintheformofawoman，wholivesintheparishofSaint-Etienne，inthehouseoftheinnkeeperTortebras，situatedinthequit-rentofthechapter，andunderthetemporaljurisdictionofthearchiepiscopaldomain。Thewhichforeignercarriesonthebusinessofagaywomaninaprodigalandabusivemanner，andwithsuchincreaseofinfamythatshethreatenstoruintheCatholicfaithinthistown，becausethosewhogotohercomebackagainwiththeirsoulslostineveryway，andrefusetheassistanceoftheChurchwithathousandscandalousdiscourses。

Nowconsideringthatagreatnumberofthosewhoyieldedtoheraredead，andthatarrivedinourtownwithnootherwealththanherbeauty，shehas，accordingtopublicclamour，infiniterichesandrightroyaltreasure，theacquisitionofwhichisvehementlyattributedtosorcery，oratleasttorobberiescommittedbytheaidofmagicalattractionsandhersupernaturallyamorousperson。

Consideringthatitisaquestionofthehonourandsecurityofourfamilies，andthatneverbeforehasbeenseeninthiscountryawomanwildofbodyoradaughterofpleasure，carryingonwithsuchmischiefofvocationoflighto\'love，andmenacingsoopenlyandbitterlythelife，thesavings，themorals，chastity，religion，andtheeverythingoftheinhabitantsofthistown；

Consideringthatthereisneedofainquiryintoherperson，herwealthandherdeportment，inordertoverifyiftheseeffectsoflovearelegitimate，andtonotproceed，aswouldseemindicatedbyhermanners，fromabewitchmentofSatan，whooftenvisitsChristianityundertheformofafemale，asappearsintheholybooks，inwhichitisstatedthatourblessedSaviourwascarriedawayintoamountain，fromwhichLuciferorAstarothshowedhimthefertileplainsofJudeaandthatinmanyplaceshavebeenseensuccubiordemons，havingthefacesofwomen，who，notwishingtoreturntohell，andhavingwiththemaninsatiablefire，attempttorefreshandsustainthemselvesbysuckinginsouls；

Consideringthatinthecaseofthesaidwomanathousandproofsofdiableriearemetwith，ofwhichcertaininhabitantsspeakopenly，andthatitisnecessaryforthereposeofthesaidwomanthatthematterbesifted，inorderthatsheshallnotbeattackedbycertainpeople，ruinedbytheresultofherwickedness；

Forthesecauseswepraythatitwillpleaseyoutosubmittoourspirituallord，fatherofthisdiocese，themostnobleandblessedarchbishopJehandeMonsoreau，thetroublesofhisafflictedflock，totheendthathemayadviseuponthem。

Bydoingsoyouwillfulfilthedutiesofyouroffice，aswedothoseofpreserversofthesecurityofthistown，eachoneaccordingtothethingsofwhichhehaschargeinhislocality。

Andwehavesignedthepresent，intheyearofourLordonethousandtwohundredandseventy-one，ofAllSaints\'Day，aftermass。

MasterTournebouchehavingfinishedthereadingofthispetition，byus，HieromeCornille，hasitbeensaidtothepetitioners——

“Gentlemen，doyou，atthepresenttime，persistinthesestatements？

haveyouproofsotherthanthosecomewithinyourownknowledge，anddoyouundertaketomaintainthetruthofthisbeforeGod，beforeman，andbeforetheaccused？”

All，withtheexceptionofMasterJehanRabelais，havepersistedintheirbelief，andtheaforesaidRabelaishaswithdrawnfromtheprocess，sayingthatheconsideredthesaidMoorishwomantobeanaturalwomanandagoodwenchwhohadnootherfaultthanthatofkeepingupaveryhightemperatureoflove。

Thenwe，thejudgeappointed，have，aftermaturedeliberation，foundmatteruponwhichtoproceedinthepetitionoftheaforesaidcitizens，andhavecommandedthatthewomanatpresentinthejailofthechaptershallbeproceededagainstbyalllegalmethods，aswritteninthecanonsandordinances，/contrademonios/。Thesaidordinance，embodiedinawrit，shallbepublishedbythetown-crierinallparts，andwiththesoundofthetrumpet，inordertomakeitknowntoall，andthateachwitnessmay，accordingtohisknowledge，beconfrontedwiththesaiddemon，andfinallythesaidaccusedtobeprovidedwithadefender，accordingtocustom，andtheinterrogations，andtheprocesstobecongruouslyconducted。

(Signed)HIEROMECORNILLE。

And，lower-down。

TOURNEBOUCHE。

InnominePatris，etFilii，etSpiritusSancti。Amen。

IntheyearofourLordonethousandtwohundredandseventy-one，the10thdayofFebruary，aftermass，bycommandofus，HieromeCornille，ecclesiasticaljudge，hasbeenbroughtfromthejailofthechapterandledbeforeusthewomantakeninthehouseoftheinnkeeperTortebras，situatedinthedomainsofthechapterandthecathedralofSt。Maurice，andaresubjecttothetemporalandseigneurialjusticeoftheArchbishopofTours；besideswhich，inconsequenceofthenatureofthecrimesimputedtoher，sheisliabletothetribunalandcouncilofecclesiasticaljustice，thewhichwehavemadeknowntoher，totheendthatsheshouldnotignoreit。

Andafteraseriousreading，entirelyatwillunderstoodbyher，inthefirstplaceofthepetitionofthetown，thenofthestatements，plaints，accusations，andproceedingswhichwrittenintwenty-fourquiresbyMasterTournebouche，andareaboverelated，wehave，withtheinvocationandassistanceofGodandtheChurch，resolvedtoascertainthetruth，firstbyinterrogatoriesmadetothesaidaccused。

Inthefirstinterrogationwehaverequestedtheaforesaidtoinformusinwhatlandortownshehadbeenborn。Byherwhospeakswasitanswered：“InMauritania。“

Wehavetheninquired：“Ifshehadafatherormother，oranyrelations？”Byherwhospeakshasitbeenreplied：“Thatshehadneverknownthem。“Byusrequestedtodeclarehername。Byherwhospeakshasbeenreplied：“Zulma，“inArabiantongue。

Byushasitbeendemanded：“Whyshespokeourlanguage？”Byherwhospeakshasitbeensaid：“Becauseshehadcomeintothiscountry。“Byushasitbeenasked：“Atwhattime？”Byherwhospeakshasitbeenreplied：“Abouttwelveyears。“

Byushasitbeenasked：“Whatageshethenwas？”Byherwhospeakshasitbeenanswered：“Fifteenyearsorthereabout。“

Byushasitbeensaid：“Thenyouacknowledgeyourselftobetwenty-

sevenyearsofage？”Byherwhospeakshasitbeenreplied：“Yes。“

Byushasitbeensaidtoher：“ThatshewasthentheMoorishchildfoundinthenicheofMadametheVirgin，baptisedbytheArchbishop，heldatthefontbythelateLordofRoche-CorbonandtheLadyofAzay，hiswife，afterwardsbythemplacedinreligionattheconventofMountCarmel，wherebyherhadbeenmadevowsofchastity，poverty，silence，andtheloveofGod，underthedivineassistanceofSt。

Clare？”Byherwhospeakshasbeensaid：“Thatistrue。“

Byushasitbeenaskedher：“If，then，sheallowedtobetruethedeclarationsoftheverynobleandillustriousladytheabbessofMountCarmel，alsothestatementsofJacquette，calledVieux-Oing，beingkitchenscullion？”Bytheaccusedhasbeenanswered：“Thesewordsaretrueingreatmeasure。“

Thenbyushasitbeensaidtoher：“ThenyouareaChristian？”Andbyherwhospeakshasbeenanswered：“Yes，myfather。“

Thenbyushasshebeenrequestedtomakethesignofthecross，andtotakeholywaterfromthebrushplacedbyMasterTourneboucheinherhand；thewhichhavingbeendone，andbyushavingbeenwitnessed，ithasbeenadmittedasanindisputablefact，thatZulma，theMoorishwoman，calledinourcountryBlancheBruyn，anunoftheconventundertheinvocationofMountCarmel，therenamedSisterClare，andsuspectedtobethefalseappearanceofawomanunderwhichisconcealedademon，hasinourpresencemadeactofreligionandthusrecognisedthejusticeoftheecclesiasticaltribunal。

Thenbyushavethesewordsbeensaidtoher：“Mydaughter，youarevehementlysuspectedtohavehadrecoursetothedevilfromthemannerinwhichyoulefttheconvent，whichwassupernaturalineveryway。“

Byherwhospeakshasitbeenstated，thatsheatthattimegainednaturallythefieldsbythestreetdooraftervespers，envelopedintherobesofJehandeMarsilis，visitoroftheconvent，whohadhiddenher，thepersonspeaking，inalittlehovelbelongingtohim，situatedintheCupidonLane，nearatowerinthetown。Thattherethissaidpriesthadtoherthenspeaking，atgreatlength，andmostthoroughlytaughtthedepthsoflove，ofwhichshethenspeakingwasbeforeinallpointsignorant，forwhichdelightsshehadagreattaste，findingthemofgreatuse。ThattheSired\'Amboisehavingperceivedherthenspeakingatthewindowofthisretreat，hadbeensmittenwithagreatloveforher。Thatshelovedhimmoreheartilythanthemonk，andfledfromthehovelwhereshewasdetainedforprofitofhispleasurebyDonMarsilis。AndthenshehadgoneingreathastetoAmboise，thecastleofthesaidlord，whereshehadhadathousandpastimes，hunting，anddancing，andbeautifuldressesfitforaqueen。OnedaytheSiredelaRoche-PozayhavingbeeninvitedbytheSired\'Amboisetocomeandfeastandenjoyhimself，theBarond\'Amboisehadallowedhimtoseeherthenspeaking，asshecameoutnakedfromherbath。

ThatatthissightthesaidSiredelaRoche-Pozayhavingfallenviolentlyinlovewithher，hadonthemorrowdiscomfitedinsinglecombattheSired\'Amboise，andbygreatviolence，had，isspiteofhertears，takenhertotheHolyLand，whereshewhowasspeakinghadlivedthelifeofawomanwellbeloved，andhadbeenheldingreatrespectonaccountofhergreatbeauty。Thatafternumerousadventures，shewhowasspeakinghadreturnedintothiscountryinspiteoftheapprehensionsofmisfortune，becausesuchwasthewillofherlordandmaster，theBarondeBueil，whowasdyingofgriefinAsiaticlands，anddesiredtoreturntohispatrimonialmanor。Nowhehadpromisedherwhowasspeakingtopreserveherfromperil。Nowshewhowasspeakinghadfaithandbeliefinhim，themoresoasshelovedhimverymuch；butonhisarrivalinthiscountry，theSiredeBueilwasseizedwithanillness，anddieddeplorably，withouttakinganyremedies，thisspiteoftheferventrequestswhichshewhowasspeakinghadaddressedtohim，butwithoutsuccess，becausehehatedphysicians，mastersurgeons，andapothecaries；andthatthiswasthewholetruth。

ThenbyushasitbeensaidtotheaccusedthatshethenheldtobetruethestatementsofthegoodSireHarduinandoftheinnkeeperTortebras。Byherwhospeakshasitbeenreplied，thatsherecognisedasevidencethegreaterpart，andalsoasmalicious，calumnious，andimbecilecertainportions。

Thenbyushastheaccusedbeenrequiredtodeclareifshehadhadpleasureandcarnalcommercewithallthemen，nobles，citizens，andothersassetforthintheplaintsanddeclarationsoftheinhabitants。Towhichherwhospeakshasitbeenansweredwithgreateffrontery：“Pleasure，yes！Commerce，Idonotknow。“

Byushasitbeensaidtoher，thatallhaddiedbyheracts。Byherwhospeakshasitbeensaidthattheirdeathscouldnotbetheresultofheracts，becauseshehadalwaysrefusedherselftothem，andthemoreshefledfromthemthemoretheycameandembracedherwithinfinitepassion，andthatwhenshewhowasspeakingwastakenbythemshegaveherselfuptothemwithallherstrength，bythegraceofGod，becauseshehadinthatmorejoythaninanything，andhasstated，shewhospeaks，thatsheavowshersecretsentimentssolelybecauseshehadbeenrequestedbyustostatethewholetruth，andthatshethespeakerstoodingreatfearofthetormentsofthetorturers。

Thenbyushasshebeenrequestedtoanswer，underpainoftorture，inwhatstateofmindshewaswhenayoungnoblemandiedinconsequenceofhiscommercewithher。Thenbyherspeakinghasitbeenreplied，thatsheremainedquitemelancholyandwishedtodestroyherself；andprayedGod，theVirgin，andthesaintstoreceiveherintoParadise，becauseneverhadshemetwithanybutlovelyandgoodheartsinwhichwasnoguile，andbeholdingthemdieshefellintoagreatsadness，fancyingherselftobeanevilcreatureorsubjecttoanevilfate，whichshecommunicatedliketheplague。

Thenbyushasshebeenrequestedtostatewhereshepaidherorisons。

ByherspeakinghasitbeensaidthatsheplayedinheroratoryonherkneesbeforeGod，whoaccordingtotheEvangelists，seesandhearsallthingsandresidesinallplaces。

Thenbyushasitbeendemandedwhysheneverfrequentedthechurches，theoffices，northefeasts。Tothisbyherspeakinghasitbeenanswered，thatthosewhocametoloveherhadelectedthefeastdaysforthatpurpose，andthatshespeakingdidallthingstotheirliking。

Byushasitbeenremonstratedthat，bysodoing，shewassubmissivetomanratherthantothecommandmentsofGod。

Thenbyherspeakinghasitbeenstated，thatforthosewholovedherwellshespeakingwouldhavethrownherselfintoaflamingpile，neverhavingfollowedinherloveanycoursebutthatofnature，andthatfortheweightoftheworldingoldshewouldnothavelentherbodyorherlovetoakingwhodidnotloveherwithhisheart，feet，hair，forehead，andallover。Inshortandmoreoverthespeakerhadnevermadeanactofharlotryinsellingonesinglegrainoflovetoamanwhomshehadnotchosentobehers，andthathewhoheldherinhisarmsonehourorkissedheronthemouthalittle，possessedherfortheremainderofherdays。

Thenbyushasshebeenrequestedtostatewhenceprecededthejewels，goldplate，silver，preciousstones，regalfurniture，carpets，etcetera，worth200，000doubloons，accordingtotheinventoryfoundinherresidenceandplacedinthecustodyofthetreasurerofthechapter。Bythespeakeranswerhasbeenmade，thatinussheplacedallherhopes，evenasmuchasinGod，butthatshedarenotreplytothis，becauseitinvolvedthesweetestthingsofloveuponwhichshehadalwayslived。Andinterpellatedanew，thespeakerhassaidthatifthejudgeknewwithwhatfervoursheheldhimsheloved，withwhatobedienceshefollowedhimingoodorevilways，withwhatstudyshesubmittedtohim，withwhathappinessshelistenedtohisdesires，andinhaledthesacredwordswithwhichhismouthgratifiedher，inwhatadorationsheheldhisperson，evenwe，anoldjudge，wouldbelievewithherwell-beloved，thatnosumcouldpayforthisgreataffectionwhichallthemenranafter。Afterthespeakerhasdeclaredneverfromanymanlovedbyher，tohavesolicitedanypresentorgift，andthatsherestedperfectlycontentedtoliveintheirhearts，thatshewouldtherecurlherselfupwithindestructibleandineffablepleasure，findingherselfricherwiththisheartthanwithanything，andthinkingofnootherthingthantogivethemmorepleasureandhappinessthanshereceivedfromthem。Butinspiteoftheiteratedrefusalsofthespeakerherloverspersistedingraciouslyrewardingher。Attimesonecametoherwithanecklaceofpearls，saying，“Thisistoshowmydarlingthatthesatinofherskindidnotfalselyappeartomewhiterthanpearls“andwouldputitonthespeaker\'sneck，kissingherlovingly。Thespeakerwouldbeangryatthesefollies，butcouldnotrefusetokeepajewelthatgavethempleasuretoseeittherewheretheyplacedit。Eachonehadadifferentfancy。

Attimesanotherlikedtotearthepreciousgarmentswhichthespeakerworetogratifyhim；anothertodeckoutthespeakerwithsapphiresonherarms，onherlegs，onherneck，andinherhair；anothertoseatheronthecarpet，cladinsilkorblackvelvet，andtoremainfordaystogetherinecstasyattheperfectionsofthespeakerthewhomthethingsdesiredbyherloversgaveinfinitepleasure，becausethesethingsrenderedthemquitehappy。Andthespeakerhassaid，thataswelovenothingsomuchasourpleasure，andwishthateverythingshouldshineinbeautyandharmonise，outsideaswellasinsidetheheart，sotheyallwishedtoseetheplaceinhabitedbythespeakeradornedwithhandsomeobjects，andfromthisideaallherloverswerepleasedasmuchasshewasinspreadingthereaboutgold，silksandflowers。Nowseeingthattheselovelythingsspoilnothing，thespeakerhadnoforceorcommandmentbywhichtopreventaknight，orevenarichcitizenbelovedbyher，havinghiswill，andthusfoundherselfconstrainedtoreceiverareperfumesandothersatisfactionwithwhichthespeakerwasloaded，andthatsuchwasthesourceofthegold，plate，carpets，andjewelsseizedatherhousebytheofficersofjustice。ThisterminatesthefirstinterrogationmadetothesaidSisterClare，suspectedtobeademon，becausewethejudgeandGuillaumeTournebouche，aregreatlyfatiguedwithhavingthevoiceoftheaforesaid，inourears，andfindingourunderstandingineverywaymuddled。

Byusthejudgehasthesecondinterrogatorybeenappointed，threedaysfromto-day，inorderthattheproofsofthepossessionandpresenceofthedemoninthebodyoftheaforesaidmaybesought，andtheaccused，accordingtotheorderofthejudge，hasbeentakenbacktothejailundertheconductofMasterGuillaumeTournebouche。

InnominePatris，etFilii，etSpiritusSancti。Amen。

OnthethirteenthdayfollowingofthesaidmonthoftheFebruarybeforeus，HieromeCornille，etcetera，hasbeenproducedtheSisterClareabove-mentioned，inordertobeinterrogateduponthefactsanddeedstoherimputed，andofthemtobeconvicted。

Byus，thejudge，hasitbeensaidtotheaccusedthat，lookingatthediversresponsesbyhergiventotheproceedinginterrogatories，itwascertainthatitneverhadbeeninthepowerofasimplewoman，evenifshewereauthorised，ifsuchlicencewereallowedtoleadthelifeofaloosewoman，togivepleasuretoall，tocausesomanydeaths，andtoaccomplishsorceriessoperfect，withouttheassistanceofaspecialdemonlodgedinherbody，andtowhomhersoulhadbeensoldbyanespecialcompact。Thatithadbeenclearlydemonstratedthatunderheroutwardappearanceliesandmovesademon，theauthoroftheseevils，andthatshewasnowcalledupontodeclareatwhatageshehadreceivedthedemon，tovowtheagreementexistingbetweenherselfandhim，andtotellthetruthconcerningtheircommonevildoings。Bythespeakerwasitrepliedthatshewouldanswerus，man，astoGod，whowouldbejudgeofallofus。Thenhasthespeakerpretendednevertohaveseenthedemon，neithertohavespokenwithhim，norinanywaytodesiretoseehim；nevertohaveledthelifeofacourtesan，becauseshe，thespeaker，hadneverpractisedthevariousdelightsthatloveinvents，otherthanthosefurnishedbythepleasurewhichtheSovereignCreatorhasputinthething，andtohavealwaysbeenincitedmorefromthedesireofbeingsweetandgoodtothedearlordlovedbyher，thenbyanincessantlyragingdesire。Butifsuchhadbeenherinclination，thespeakerbeggedustobearinmindthatshewasapoorAfricangirl，inwhomGodhadplacedveryhotblood，andinherbrainsoeasyanunderstandingofthedelightsoflove，thatifamanonlylookedathershefeltgreatlymovedinherheart。Thatiffromdesireofacquaintanceanamorousgentlemantouchedthespeakerheronanyportionofthebody，therepassinghishand，shewas，inspiteofeverything，underhispower，becauseherheartfailedherinstantly。Bythistouch，theapprehensionandremembranceofallthesweetjoysoflovewokeagaininherbreast，andtherecausedanintenseheat，whichmountedup，flamedinherveins，andmadeherloveandjoyfromheadtofoot。AndsincethedaywhenDonMarsilishadfirstawakenedtheunderstandingofthespeakerconcerningthesethings，shehadneverhadanyotherthought，andthenceforthrecognisedlovetobeathingsoperfectlyconcordantwithhernature，thatithadsincebeenprovedtothespeakerthatindefaultofloveandnaturalreliefshewouldhavedied，witheredatthesaidconvent。Asevidenceofwhich，thespeakeraffirmsasacertainty，thatafterherflightfromthesaidconventshehadnotpassedasingledayoroneparticleoftimeinmelancholyandsadness，butalwayswasshejoyous，andthusfollowedthesacredwillofGod，whichshebelievedtohavebeendivertedduringthetimelostbyherintheconvent。

Tothiswasitobjectedbyus，HieromeCornille，tothesaiddemon，thatinthisresponseshehadopenlyblasphemedagainstGod，becausewehadallbeenmadetohisgreaterglory，andplacedintheworldtohonourandtoserveHim，tohavebeforeoureyesHisblessedcommandments，andtoliveinsanctity，inordertogaineternallife，andnottobealwaysinbed，doingthatwhicheventhebeastsonlydoatacertaintime。Thenbythesaidsister，hasanswerbeenmade，thatshehonouredGodgreatly，thatinallcountriesshehadtakencareofthepoorandsuffering，givingthembothmoneyandraiment，andthatatthelastjudgement-dayshehopedtohavearoundheragoodlycompanyofholyworkspleasanttoGod，whichwouldintercedeforher。

Thatbutforherhumility，afearofbeingreproachedandofdispleasingthegentlemenofthechapter，shewouldwithjoyhavespentherwealthinfinishingthecathedralofSt。Maurice，andtherehaveestablishedfoundationsforthewelfareofhersoul——wouldhavesparedthereinneitherherpleasurenorherperson，andthatwiththisideashewouldhavetakendoublepleasureinhernights，becauseeachoneofheramourswouldhaveaddedastonetothebuildingofthisbasilic。Alsothemorethispurpose，andfortheeternalwelfareofthespeaker，wouldtheyhaverightheartilygiventheirwealth。

Thenbyushasitbeensaidtothisdemonthatshecouldnotjustifythefactofhersterility，becauseinspiteofsomuchcommerce，nochildhadbeenbornofher，thewhichprovedthepresenceofademoninher。Moreover，Astarothalone，oranapostle，couldspeakalllanguages，andshespokeafterthemannerofallcountries，thewhichprovedthepresenceofthedevilinher。Thereuponthespeakerhasasked：“Inwhatconsistedthesaiddiversityoflanguage？”——thatofGreeksheknewnothingbutaKyrieeleison，ofwhichshemadegreatuse；ofLatin，nothing，saveAmen，whichshesaidtoGod，wishingtherewithtoobtainherliberty。Thatfortherestthespeakerhadfeltgreatsorrow，beingwithoutchildren，andifthegoodwiveshadthem，shebelieveditwasbecausetheytooksolittlepleasureinthebusiness，andshe，thespeaker，alittletoomuch。ButthatsuchwasdoubtlessthewillofGod，whothoughtthatfromtoogreathappiness，theworldwouldbeindangerofperishing。Takingthisintoconsideration，andathousandotherreasons，whichsufficientlyestablishthepresenceofthedevilinthebodyofthesister，becausethepeculiarpropertyofLuciferistoalwaysfindargumentshavingthesemblanceoftruth，wehaveorderedthatinourpresencethetorturebeappliedtothesaidaccused，andthatshebewelltormentedinordertoreducethesaiddemonbysufferingtosubmittotheauthorityoftheChurch，andhaverequestedtorenderusassistanceoneFrancoisdeHangest，mastersurgeonanddoctortothechapter，charginghimbyacodicilhereunderwrittentoinvestigatethequalitiesofthefemininenature(virtutesvulvae)oftheabove-

mentionedwoman，toenlightenourreligiononthemethodsemployedbythisdemontolayholdofsoulsinthatway，andseeifanyarticlewasthereapparent。

ThenthesaidMoorishwomenhadweptbitterly，torturedinadvance，andinspiteofherirons，haskneltdownimploringwithcriesandclamourtherevocationofthisorder，objectingthatherlimbswereinsuchafeeblestate，andherbonessotender，thattheywouldbreaklikeglass；andfinally，hasofferedtopurchaseherfreedomfromthisbythegiftallhergoodstothechapter，andtoquitincontinentlythecountry。

Uponthis，byushasshebeenrequiredtovoluntarilydeclareherselftobe，andtohavealwaysbeen，demonofthenatureoftheSuccubus，whichisafemaledevilwhosebusinessitistocorruptChristiansbytheblandishmentsandflagitiousdelightsoflove。Tothisthespeakerhasrepliedthattheaffirmationwouldbeanabominablefalsehood，seeingthatshehadalwaysfeltherselftobeamostnaturalwoman。

Thenherironsbeingstruckoffbythetorturer，theaforesaidhasremovedherdress，andhasmaliciouslyandwithevildesignbewilderedandattackedourunderstandingswiththesightofherbody，thewhich，forafact，exercisesuponamansupernaturalcoercion。

MasterGuillaumeTournebouchehas，byreasonofnature，quittedthepenatthisperiod，andretired，objectingthathewasunable，withoutincredibletemptations，whichworkedinhisbrain，tobeawitnessofthistorture，becausehefeltthedevilviolentlygaininghisperson。

Thisfinishesthesecondinterrogatory；andastheapparitorandjanitorofthechapterhavestatedMasterFrancoisdeHangesttobeinthecountry，thetortureandinterrogationsareappointedforto-morrowatthehourofnoonaftermass。

Thishasbeenwrittenverballybyme，Hierome，intheabsenceofMasterGuillaumeTournebouche，onwhosebehalfitissigned。

HIEROMECORNILLE

GrandPenitentiary。

PETITION

Today，thefourteenthdayofthemonthofFebruary，inthepresenceofme，HieromeCornille，haveappearedthesaidMastersJehanRibou，AntoineJehan，MartinBeaupertuys，HieromeMaschefer，JacquesdeVilled\'Omer，andtheSired\'Idre，inplaceofthemayorofthecityofTours，forthetimeabsent。AllplaintiffsdesignatedintheactofprocessmadeattheTownHall，towhomwehave，attherequestofBlancheBruyn(nowconfessingherselfanunoftheconventofMountCarmel，underthenameofSisterClare)，declaredtheappealmadetotheJudgmentofGodbythesaidpersonaccusedofdemonicalpossession，andheroffertopassthroughtheordealoffireandwater，inpresenceoftheChapterandofthetownofTours，inordertoproveherrealityasawomanandherinnocence。

Tothisrequesthaveagreedfortheirparts，thesaidaccusers，who，onconditionthatthetownissecurityforit，haveengagedtoprepareasuitableplaceandapile，tobeapprovedbythegodparentsoftheaccused。

Thenbyus，thejudge，hasthefirstdayofthenewyearbeenappointedforthedayoftheordeal——whichwillbenextPaschalDay——

andwehaveindicatedthehourofnoon，aftermass，eachofthepartieshavingacknowledgedthisdelaytobesufficient。

Andthepresentproclamationshallbecited，atthesuitofeachofthem，inallthetowns，boroughs，andcastlesofTouraineandthelandofFrance，attheirrequestandattheircostandsuit。

HIEROMECORNILLE。

III

WHATTHESUCCUBUSDIDTOSUCKOUTTHESOULOFTHEOLDJUDGE，AND

WHATCAMEOFTHEDIABOLICALDELECTATION。

ThistheactofextremeconfessionmadethefirstdayofthemonthofMarch，intheyearonethousandtwohundredandseventy-one，afterthecomingofourblessedSaviour，byHieromeCornille，priest，canonofthechapterofthecathedralofSt。Maurice，grandpenitentiary，ofallacknowledginghimselfunworthy，who，findinghislasthourtobecome，andcontriteofhissins，evildoings，forfeits，baddeeds，andwickednesses，hasdesiredhisavowaltobepublishedtoservethepreconisationofthetruth，thegloryofGod，thejusticeofthetribunal，andtobeanalleviationtohimofhispunishment，intheotherworld。ThesaidHieromeCornillebeingonhisdeathbed，therehadbeenconvokedtohearhisdeclarations，JehandelaHaye(deHago)，vicarofthechurchofSt。Maurice；PietroGuyard，treasurerofthechapter，appointedbyourLordJeandeMonsoreau，Archbishop，towritehiswords；andDomLouisPot，amonkofmaiusMONASTERIUM

(Marmoustier)，chosenbyhimforaspiritualfatherandconfessor；allthreeassistedbythegreatandillustriousDrGuillaumedeCensoris，RomanArchdeacon，atpresentsentintothediocese(LEGATUS)，byourHolyFatherthePope；and，finally，inthepresenceofagreatnumberofChristianscometobewitnessesofthedeathofthesaidHieromeCornille，uponhisknownwishtomakeactofpublicrepentance，seeingthathewasfastsinking，andthathiswordsmightopentheeyesofChristiansabouttofallintohell。

Andbeforehim，Hierome，who，byreasonofhisgreatweaknesscouldnotspeak，hasDomLouisPotreadthefollowingconfessiontothegreatagitationofthesaidcompany：——

“Mybrethren，untiltheseventy-firstyearofmyage，whichistheoneinwhichInowam，withtheexceptionofthelittlesinsthroughwhich，allholythoughhebe，aChristianrendershimselfculpablebeforeGod，butwhichitisallowedtoustorepurchasebypenitence，IbelieveIledaChristianlife，andmeritedthepraiseandrenownbestoweduponmeinthisdiocese，whereIwasraisedtothehighofficeofgrandpenitentiary，ofwhichIamunworthy。Now，struckwiththeknowledgeoftheinfinitegloryofGod，horrifiedattheagonieswhichawaitthewickedandprevaricatorsinhell，IhavethoughttolessentheenormityofmysinsbythegreatestpenitenceIcanshowintheextremehouratwhichIam。ThusIhaveprayedoftheChurch，whomIhavedeceivedandbetrayed，whoserightsandjudicialrenownIhavesold，tograntmetheopportunityofaccusingmyselfpubliclyinthemannerofancientChristians。Ihoped，inordertoshowmygreatrepentance，tohavestillenoughlifeinmetobereviledatthedoorofthecathedralbyallmybrethren，toremainthereanentiredayonmyknees，holdingacandle，acordaroundmyneck，andmyfeetnaked，seeingthatIhadfollowedthewayofhellwithregardtothesacredinstinctsoftheChurch。Butinthisgreatshipwreckofmyfragilevirtue，whichwillbetoyouasawarningtoflyfromviceandthesnaresofthedemon，andtotakerefugeintheChurch，whereallhelpis，IhavebeensobewitchedbyLuciferthatourSaviourJesusChristwilltake，bytheintercessionofallyouwhosehelpandprayersI

request，pityonme，apoorabusedChristian，whoseeyesnowstreamwithtears。SowouldIhaveanotherlifetospendinworksofpenitence。Nowthenlistenandtremblewithgreatfear！ElectedbytheassembledChaptertocarryitout，instruct，andcompletetheprocesscommencedagainstademon，whohadappearedinafeminineshape，inthepersonofarelapsenun——anabominableperson，denyingGod，andbearingthenameofZulmaintheinfidelcountrywhenceshecomes；thewhichdevilisknowninthedioceseunderthatofClare，oftheconventofMountCarmel，andhasmuchafflictedthetownbyputtingherselfunderaninfinitenumberofmentogaintheirsoulstoMammon，Astaroth，andSatan——princesofhell，bymakingthemleavethisworldinastateofmortalsin，andcausingtheirdeathwherelifehasitssource，Ihave，Ithejudge，falleninmylatterdaysintothissnare，andhavelostmysenses，whileacquittingmyselftraitorouslyofthefunctionscommittedwithgreatconfidencebytheChaptertomycoldsenility。Hearhowsubtlethedemonis，andstandfirmagainstherartifices。WhilelisteningtothefirstresponseoftheaforesaidSuccubus，Isawwithhorrorthattheironsplaceduponherfeetandhandsleftnomarkthere，andwasastonishedatherhiddenstrengthandatherapparentweakness。Thenmymindwastroubledsuddenlyatthesightofthenaturalperfectionswithwhichthedevilwasendowed。

Ilistenedtothemusicofhervoice，whichwarmedmefromheadtofoot，andmademedesiretobeyoung，togivemyselfuptothisdemon，thinkingthatforanhourpassedinhercompanymyeternalsalvationwasbutpoorpaymentforthepleasureoflovetastedinthoseslenderarms。ThenIlostthatfirmnesswithwhichalljudgesshouldbefurnished。Thisdemonbymequestioned，reasonedwithmeinsuchamannerthatatthesecondinterrogatoryIwasfirmlypersuadedI

shouldbecommittingacrimeinfiningandtorturingapoorlittlecreaturewhocriedlikeaninnocentchild。Thenwarnedbyavoicefromonhightodomyduty，andthatthesegoldenwords，themusicofcelestialappearance，werediabolicalmummeries，thatthisbody，sopretty，soinfatuating，wouldtransmuteitselfintoabristlybeastwithsharpclaws，thoseeyessosoftintoflamesofhell，herbehindintoascalytail，theprettyrosebudmouthandgentlelipsintothejawsofacrocodile，IcamebacktomyintentionofhavingthesaidSuccubustortureduntilsheavowedherpermission，asthispracticehadalreadybeenfollowedinChristianity。Nowwhenthisdemonshowedherselfstrippedtome，tobeputtothetorture，Iwassuddenlyplacedinherpowerbymagicalconjurations。Ifeltmyoldbonescrack，mybrainreceivedawarmlight，myhearttranshippedyoungandboilingblood。Iwaslightinmyself，andbyvirtueofthemagicphilterthrownintomyeyesthesnowsonmyforeheadmeltedaway。I

lostallconscienceofmyChristianlifeandfoundmyselfaschoolboy，runningaboutthecountry，escapedfromclassandstealingapples。I

hadnotthepowertomakethesignofthecross，neitherdidI

remembertheChurch，GodtheFather，northesweetSaviourofmen。A

preytothisdesign，Iwentaboutthestreetsthinkingoverthedelightsofthatvoice，theabominable，prettybodyofthisdemon，andsayingathousandwickedthingstomyself。Thenpiercedanddrawnbyablowofthedevil\'sfork，whohadplantedhimselfalreadyinmyheadasaserpentinanoak，Iwasconductedbythissharpprongtowardsthejail，inspiteofmyguardianangel，whofromtimetotimepulledmebythearmanddefendedmeagainstthesetemptations，butinspiteofhisholyadviceandhisassistanceIwasdraggedbyamillionclawsstuckintomyheart，andsoonfoundmyselfinthejail。AssoonasthedoorwasopenedtomeIsawnolongeranyappearanceofaprison，becausetheSuccubushadthere，withtheassistanceofevilgeniiorfays，constructedapavilionofpurpleandsilk，fullofperfumesandflowers，whereshewasseated，superblyattiredwithneitherironsonhernecknorchainsonherfeet。Iallowedmyselftobestrippedofmyecclesiasticalvestments，andwasputintoascentbath。ThenthedemoncoveredmewithaSaracenrobe，entertainedmewitharepastofrareviandscontainedinpreciousvases，goldcups，Asiaticwines，songsandmarvellousmusic，andathousandsweetsoundsthattickledmysoulbymeansofmyears。AtmysidekeptalwaysthesaidSuccubus，andhersweet，delectableembracedistillednewardourintomymembers。Myguardianangelquittedme。ThenIlivedonlybytheterriblelightoftheMoorishwoman\'seyes，covetedthewarmembracesofthedelicatebody，wishedalwaystofeelherredlips，thatI

believednatural，andhadnofearofthebiteofthoseteethwhichdrewmetothebottomofhell，Idelightedtofeeltheunequalledsoftnessofherhandswithoutthinkingthattheywereunnaturalclaws。

Inshort，Iactedlikehusbanddesiringtogotohisaffiancedwithoutthinkingthatthatspousewaseverlastingdeath。IhadnothoughtforthethingsofthisworldnortheinterestsofGod，dreamingonlyoflove，ofthesweetbreastsofthiswoman，whomademeburn，andofthegateofhellinwhichIwishedtocastmyself。Alas！mybrethren，duringthreedaysandthreenightswasIthusconstrainedtotoilwithoutbeingabletostopthestreamwhichflowedfrommyreins，inwhichwereplunged，liketwopikes，thehandsoftheSuccubus，whichcommunicatedtomypooroldageandtomydriedupbones，Iknownotwhatsweatoflove。Atfirstthisdemon，todrawmetoher，causedtoflowinmyinsidethesoftnessofmilk，thencamepoignantjoyswhichprickedlikeahundredneedlesmybones，mymarrow，mybrain，andmynerves。Thenallthisgone，allthingsbecameinflamed，myhead，myblood，mynerves，myflesh，mybones，andthenIburnedwiththerealfireofhell，whichcausedmetormentsinmyjoints，andanincredible，intolerable，tearingvoluptuousnesswhichloosenedthebondsofmylife。Thetressesofthisdemon，whichenvelopedmypoorbody，poureduponmeastreamofflame，andIfelteachlocklikeabarofrediron。DuringthismortaldelectationIsawtheardentfaceofthesaidSuccubus，wholaughedandaddressedtomeathousandexcitingwords；suchasthatIwasherknight，herlord，herlance，herday，herjoy，herhero，herlife，hergood，herrider，andthatshewouldliketoclaspmeevencloser，wishingtobeinmyskinorhavemeinhers。Hearingwhich，undertheprickofthistonguewhichsuckedoutmysoul，Iplungedandprecipitatedmyselffinallyintohellwithoutfindingthebottom。AndthenwhenIhadnomoreadropofbloodinmyveins，whenmyheartnolongerbeatinmybody，andIwasruinedatallpoints，thedemon，stillfresh，white，rubicund，glowing，andlaughing，saidtome——

“\'Poorfool，tothinkmeademon！HadIaskedtheetosellthysoulforakiss，wouldstthounotgiveittomewithallthyheart？\'

“\'Yes，\'saidI。

“\'Andifalwaystoactthusitwerenecessaryfortheetonourishthyselfwiththebloodofnew-bornchildreninorderalwaystohavenewlifetospendinmyarms，wouldyounotimbibeitwillingly？\'

“\'Yes，\'saidI。

“\'Andtobealwaysmygallanthorseman，gayasamaninhisprime，feelinglife，drinkingpleasure，plungingtothedepthsofjoyasaswimmerintotheLoire，wouldstthounotdenyGod，wouldstthounotspitinthefaceofJesus？\'

“\'Yes，\'saidI。

“ThenIfeltahundredsharpclawswhichtoremydiaphragmasifthebeaksofathousandbirdstheretooktheirbellyfuls，shrieking。ThenIwasliftedsuddenlyabovetheearthuponthesaidSuccubus，whohadspreadherwings，andcriedtome——

“\'Ride，ride，mygallantrider！Holdyourselffirmlyonthebackofthymule，byhermane，byherneck；andride，ride，mygallantrider——

everythingrides！\'AndthenIsaw，asathickfog，thecitiesoftheearth，wherebyaspecialgiftIperceivedeachonecoupledwithafemaledemon，andtossingabout，andengenderingingreatconcupiscence，allshriekingathousandwordsofloveandexclamationsofallkinds，andalltoilingawaywithecstasy。ThenmyhorsewiththeMoorishheadpointedouttome，stillflyingandgallopingbeyondtheclouds，theearthcoupledwiththesuninaconjunction，fromwhichproceededagermofstars，andthereeachfemaleworldwasembracingamaleworld；butinplaceofthewordsusedbycreatures，theworldsweregivingforththehowlsoftempests，throwinguplightningsandcryingthunders。Thenstillrising，IsawoverheadthefemalenatureofallthingsinlovewiththePrinceofMovement。Now，bywayofmockery，theSuccubusplacedmeinthecentreofthishorribleandperpetualconflict，whereIwaslostasagrainofsandinthesea。Thenstillcriedmywhitemaretome，\'Ride，ridemygallantrider——allthingsride！\'Now，thinkinghowlittlewasapriestinthistormentoftheseedofworlds，naturealwaysclaspedtogether，andmetals，stones，waters，airs，thunders，fish，plants，animals，men，spirits，worldsandplanets，allembracingwithrage，IdeniedtheCatholicfaith。ThentheSuccubus，pointingouttomethegreatpatchofstarsseeninheavens，saidtome，\'Thatwayisadropofcelestialseedescapedfromgreatflowoftheworldsinconjunction。\'

ThereuponIinstantlyclaspedtheSuccubuswithpassionbythelightofathousandmillionofstars，andIwishedinclaspinghertofeelthenatureofthosethousandmillioncreatures。ThenbythisgreateffortofloveIfellimpotentineveryway，andheardagreatinfernallaugh。ThenIfoundmyselfinmybed，surroundedbymyservitors，whohadhadthecouragetostrugglewiththedemon，throwingintothebedwhereIwasstretchedabasinfullofholywater，andsayingferventprayerstoGod。ThenhadItosustain，inspiteofthisassistance，ahorriblecombatwiththesaidSuccubus，whoseclawsstillclutchedmyheart，causingmeinfinitepains；still，whilereanimatedbythevoiceofmyservitors，relations，andfriends，Itriedtomakethesacredsignofthecross；theSuccubusperchedonmybed，onthebolster，atthefoot，everywhere，occupyingherselfindistractingmynerves，laughing，grimacing，puttingbeforemyeyesathousandobsceneimages，andcausingmeathousandwickeddesires。

Nevertheless，takingpityonme，mylordtheArchbishopcausedtherelicsofSt。Gatientobebrought，andthemomenttheshrinehadtouchedmybedthesaidSuccubuswasobligedtodepart，leavinganodourofsulphurandofhell，whichmadethethroatsofmyservants，friends，andotherssoreforawholeday。ThenthecelestiallightofGodhavingenlightenedmysoul，IknewIwas，throughmysinsandmycombatwiththeevilspirit，ingreatdangerofdying。ThendidI

imploretheespecialmercy，tolivejustalittletimetorenderglorytoGodandhisChurch，objectingtheinfinitemeritsofJesusdeaduponthecrossforthesalvationoftheChristians。BythisprayerI

obtainedthefavourofrecoveringsufficientstrengthtoaccusemyselfofmysins，andtobegofthemembersoftheChurchofSt。Mauricetheiraidandassistancetodelivermefrompurgatory，whereIamabouttoatoneformyfaultsbyinfiniteagonies。Finally，Ideclarethatmyproclamation，whereinthesaiddemonappealsthejudgmentofGodbytheordealsofholywaterandafire，isasubterfugeduetoanevildesignsuggestedbythesaiddemon，whowouldthushavehadthepowertoescapethejusticeofthetribunaloftheArchbishopandoftheChapter，seeingthatshesecretlyconfessedtome，tobeabletomakeanotherdemonaccustomedtotheordealappearinherplace。And，inconclusion，IgiveandbequeathtotheChapteroftheChurchofSt。

Mauricemypropertyofallkinds，tofoundachapterinthesaidchurch，tobuilditandadornitandputitundertheinvocationofSt。HieromeandSt。Gatien，ofwhomoneismypatronandtheotherthesaviourofmysoul。“

This，heardbyallthecompany，hasbeenbroughttothenoticeoftheecclesiasticaltribunalbyJehantolaHaye(JohannesdeHaga)。

We，JehandelaHaye(JohannesdeHaga)，electedgrandpenitentiaryofSt。MauricebythegeneralassemblyoftheChapter，accordingtotheusageandcustomofthatchurch，andappointedtopursueafreshthetrialofthedemonSuccubus，atpresentinthejailoftheChapter，haveorderedanewinquest，atwhichwillbeheardallthoseofthisdiocesehavingcognisanceofthefactsrelativethereto。Wedeclaredvoidtheotherproceedings，interrogations，anddecrees，andannultheminthenameofthemembersoftheChurchingeneral，andsovereignChapterassembled，anddeclarethattheappealtoGod，traitorouslymadebythedemon，shallnottakeplace，inconsequenceofthenotorioustreacheryofthedevilinthisaffair。Andthesaidjudgmentshallbecriedbysoundoftrumpetinallpartsofthedioceseinwhichhavebeenpublishedthefalseedictsoftheprecedingmonth，allnotoriouslyduetotheinstigationofthedemon，accordingtotheconfessionofthelateHieromeCornille。

LetallgoodChristiansbeofassistancetoourHolyChurch，andtohercommandments。

JEHANDELAHAYE。