The words used in such case are uncertain, and to be recited at the pleasure of the witch or cozener. But at the conclusion of this, cut off the head of a horse or an ass (before they be dead, otherwise the virtue or strength thereof will be the less effectual), and make an earthen vessel of fit capacity to contain the same, and let it be filled with the oil and fat thereof, cover it close, and daub it over with loam; let it boil over a soft fire three days continually, that the flesh boiled may run into oil, so as the bare bones may be seen; beat the hair into powder, and mingle the same with the oil; and anoint the heads of the standers by, and they shall seem to have horses' or asses' heads. Discourse upon Devils and Spirits, chap. xi. "The Rabbins and, namely, Rabbi Abraham, writing upon the second of Genesis, do say that God made the fairies, bugs, Incubus, Robin Goodfellow, and other familiar or domestic spirits and devils on the Friday; and being prevented with the evening of the Sabbath, finished them not, but left them unperfect; and that therefore, that ever since they use to fly the holiness of the Sabbath, seeking dark holes in mountains and woods, wherein they hide themselves till the end of the Sabbath, and then come abroad to trouble and molest men." Discourse, &c., chap. xxi. "_Virunculi terrei_ are such as was Robin Goodfellow, that would supply the office of servants--specially of maids: as to make a fire in the morning, sweep the house, grind mustard and malt, draw water, &c.; these also rumble in houses, draw latches, go up and down stairs, &c.... There go as many tales upon this Hudgin[3] in some parts of Germany, as there did in England of Robin Goodfellow." * * * * * STRANGE FARLIES Strange farlies[1] fathers told Of fiends and hags of hell; And how that Circes, when she would, Could skill of sorcery well; And how old thin-faced wives, That roasted crabs by night, Did tell of monsters in their lives That now prove shadows light; And told what Merlin spoke Of world and times to come; But all that fire doth make no smoke, For in mine ear doth hum Another kind of bee, That sounds a tune most strange, A trembling noise of words to me That makes my countenance change. Of old Hobgobling's guise, That walked like ghost in sheets, With maids that would not early rise For fear of bugs and sprites. Some say the fairies fair Did dance on Bednall Green, And fine familiars of the air Did talk with men unseen. And oft in moonshine nights, When each thing draws to rest, Was seen dumb shows and ugly sights That feared[2] every guest Which lodged in the house; And where good cheer was great, Hodgepoke would come and drink carouse And munch up all the meat.