ARGVMENT. _The exord of the whole. The description of Magie in speciall._ Chap. I. ARGVMENT. _Proven by the Scripture, that these vnlawfull artes in_ genere, _haue bene and may be put in practise._ PHILOMATHES and EPISTEMON reason the matter. PHILOMATHES. I am surely verie glad to haue mette with you this daye, for I am of opinion, that ye can better resolue me of some thing, wherof I stand in great doubt, nor anie other whom-with I could haue mette. EPI. In what I can, that ye like to speir at me, I will willinglie and freelie tell my opinion, and if I proue it not sufficiently, I am heartely content that a better reason carie it away then. PHI. What thinke yee of these strange newes, which now onelie furnishes purpose to al men at their meeting: I meane of these Witches? EPI. Surelie they are wonderfull: And I think so cleare and plaine confessions in that purpose, haue neuer fallen out in anie age or cuntrey. PHI. No question if they be true, but thereof the Doctours doubtes. EPI. What part of it doubt ye of? PHI. Even of all, for ought I can yet perceaue: and namelie, that there is such a thing as Witch-craft or Witches, and I would pray you to resolue me thereof if ye may: for I haue reasoned with sundrie in that matter, and yet could never be satisfied therein. EPI. I shall with good will doe the best I can: But I thinke it the difficiller, since ye denie the thing it selfe in generall: for as it is said in the logick schools, _Contra negantem principia non est disputandum_. Alwaies for that part, that witchcraft, and Witches haue bene, and are, the former part is clearelie proved by the Scriptures, and the last by dailie experience and confessions. PHI. I know yee will alleadge me _Saules Pythonisse_: but that as appeares will not make much for you. EPI. Not onlie that place, but divers others: But I marvel why that should not make much for me?