Dumas also speaks of a work on the _jettatura_, which I have vainly endeavored to procure, written by Nicola Valetta; and from what one can gather from the heads of the chapters which Dumas gives, it must be a very amusing book. [Footnote: The title of this work is _Cicalata sul Fascino, volgarmente detto Jettatura_, by Nicola Valetta. It was published more than fifty years since, and copies are now rare.] These heads are as follows. They speak for themselves, and show the fear entertained of a monk. He examines:-- "1. If a man inflicts a more terrible _jettatura_ than a woman? "2. If he who wears a peruke is more to be feared than he who wears none? "3. If he who wears spectacles is not more to be feared than he who wears a peruke? "4. If he who takes tobacco is not more to be feared than he who wears spectacles? and if spectacles, peruke, and snuff-box combined do not triple the force of the _jettatura?_ "5. If the woman _jettatrice_ is more to be feared when she is _enceinte?_ "6. If there is still more to be feared from her when she is certain that she is not _enceinte?_ "7. If monks are more generally _jettatori_ than other men? and among monks what order is most to be feared? "8. At what distance can _jettatura_ be made? "9. Must it be made in front, or at the side, or behind? "10. If there are really gestures, sounds of voice, and particular looks, by which _jettatura_ may be recognized? "11. If there are prayers which can guaranty us against the _jettatura?_ and if so, whether there are any special prayers to guaranty us against the _jettatura_ of monks? "12. Lastly, whether the power of modern talismans is equal to the power of ancient talismans? and whether the single or the double horn is most efficacious?" Luckless, indeed, is he who has the misfortune to possess, or the reputation of possessing this fatal power. From that time forward the world flees him, as the water did Thalaba. A curse is on him, and from the very terror at seeing him accidents are most likely to follow. Keep him from your children, or they will break their legs, arms, or necks. Look not at him from your carriage, or it will upset. Let him not see your wife when she is _enceinte,_ or she will miscarry, or you will have a monster for a son. Never invite him to a ball, unless you wish to see your chandelier smash, or the floor give way. Invite him not to dinner, or your mushrooms will poison you, and your fish will smell. If he wishes you _buon viaggio_, abandon the journey, if you would return alive. Nor be deceived by his good manners and kind heart. It is of no avail that he is amiable and good in all his intentions,--his _jettatura_ is without and beyond his will,--nay, worse, is contrary to it; for all _jettatura_ goes like dreams, by contraries. Therefore shudder when he wishes you well, for he can do no worse thing.