Witchcraft and superstitious record in the south-western district of ScotlandWood, J. Maxwell (John Maxwell)
History
Witchcraft and superstitious record in the south-western district of Scotland
Wood, J. Maxwell (John Maxwell)
Folklore -- Scotland; Witchcraft -- Scotland
About this time the Devil abused Mr Robert Hay, a very honest gentleman,
very ill, with his tongue, calling him witch and warlock. A little after,
the Devil cryes (it seems out of purpose and in a purpose), "A witch, a
witch, ther's a witch sitting upon the ruist, take her away:" he meant a
hen sitting upon the balk of the house.
These things being past, all went to prayer, during which time he was
silent. Prayer being ended, the Devil answered and said, "If the goodman's
son's prayers at the Colledge of Glasgow did not prevail with God: my
father and I had wrought a mischief here ere now."
To which Alexander Bailie of Dunraged replied, "Well, well, I see you
confess there is a God, and that prayer prevails with Him, and therefore
we must pray to God, and commit the event to Him."
To whom the Devil replied, "Yea, sir, you speak of prayer with your
broad-lipped hat (for the gentleman had lately gotten a hat in the fashion
with broad lipps). I'le bring a pair of shears from my father, which shall
clip the lipps off it a little." Whereupon he presently imagined that he
heard and felt a pair of shears going round about his hat, which caused
him lift it to see if the Foul-Thief had medled with it.
During this time several things, but of less moment, passed, as that he
would have Tom a merchant, Rob a smith, John a minister, and Hue a lawier,
all which in some measure came to pass. As to Jennet, the goodman's
daughter, he cryes to her, "Jennet Campbel, Jennet Campbel, wilt thou cast
me thy belt?"
Quoth she, "what a widdy would thou do with my belt?"
"I would fain (says he) fasten my loose bones closs together with it."
A younger daughter sitting busking her puppies, as young girls use to do,
being threatned by the Fiend that he would ding out her harns, that is,
brain her, answered without being concerned, "No, if God be to the fore,"
and so fell to her work again.
The goodwife of the house having brought out some bread was breaking it,
to give everyone of the company a piece.
Cryes he, "Grissel Wyllie, Grissel Wyllie, give me a piece of that hard
bread (for so they call their oat cakes). I have gotten nothing this day
but a bit from Marrit"--that is, as they speak in that countrey,
Margaret.
The Minister said, "Beware of that, for it is a sacrificing to the Devil."
The girle was called for, and asked if she gave him any hard bread. "No,"
says she, "but when I was eating my due piece this morning something came
and clicked it out of my hand."
The evening being now far spent, it was thought fit that every one should
withdraw to his own home. Then did the Devil cry out fearfully, "Let not
the Minister goe home, I shall burn the house if he go," and many other
ways did he threaten.
After the Minister had gone foorth Gilbert Campbel was very instant with
him to tarry, whereupon he returned, all the rest going home. When he came
into the house the Devil gave a great gaff of laughter: "You have now,
sir, done my bidding."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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