Secondly, [d]they harbour in their breast a curious and inquisitiue
desire to know such things as be not fitting and conuenient, and so are
oftentimes intangled with the bare shew and visard of goodnesse. As the
Lady of Rome, who was importune, and vehemently instant vpon her
husband, to know what was debated of that day at the Councell Table. And
when he could not be at rest, answered, The Priests had seene a Larke
flying in the aire with a golden Helmet on his head, and holding a
speare in his foot. Scarce she had this, but presently she told it to
one of her maids: she to another of her fellowes, so that report was
spread through the whole Citie, and went for currant vntill it receiued
a checke: But all are not of this mould.
[Footnote d: _Binfeldius de confessionibus maleficorum. Peucerus
de pr[e,]cipius diuinationum generibus in titulo de +theomanteia+
Martinus de Arles._]
Thirdly, their complection is softer, and from hence more easily receiue
the impressions offered by the Diuell; as when they be instructed and
gouerned by good Angels, they proue exceeding religious, and
extraordinarily deuout; so consenting to the suggestions of euill
spirits, become notoriously wicked, so that there is no mischiefe aboue
that of a woman, _Eccles. 25. 13._ &c.
Fourthly, in them is a greater facility to fall, and therefore the
Diuell at the first took that aduantage, and set vpon _Eue_ in _Adams_
absence, _Genes. 3. 3_.
Fifthly, this sex, when it conceiueth wrath or hatred against any, is
vnplacable, possessed with vnsatiable desire of reuenge, and transported
with appetite to right (as they thinke) the wrongs offered vnto them:
and when their power herein answereth not their will, and are meditating
with themselues how to effect their mischieuous proiects and designes,
the Diuell[e] taketh the occasion, who knoweth in what manner to content
exulcerated mindes, windeth himselfe into their hearts, offereth to
teach them the meanes by which they may bring to passe that rancor which
was nourished in their breasts, and offereth his helpe and furtherance
herein.
[Footnote e: _Exemplum apud Binfeldium reperies de confessionibus
maleficorum, pag. 32._]
Sixthly, they are of a slippery tongue, and full of words: and therefore
if they know any such wicked practises, are not able to hold them, but
communicate the same with their husbands, children, consorts, and inward
acquaintance; who not consideratly weighing what the issue and end
thereof may be, entertaine the same, and so the poyson is dispersed.
Thus _Dalilah_ discouered her husbands strength where it lay, vnto the
Philistines; and procured his infamous and disastrous ouer-throw.
_Judg. 16. 18._
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