Greatest scientist of the day, prescribed "henbane, Even prominentĪnd learned men believed in it. It is not stated whether, being proved innocent, she When the witch was thrown into a river, if she sank she was innocent, if she floated she was guilty. Witches were usually placed in the pillory or ducking stool, or tested by a peculiar system of water ordeal,Īnd not condemned to death as they were later on. Time the persecution was not so fierce as in that of her successor, and though some were executed Witches and witchcraft were fully believed in both by the learned and unlearned. Goblins and will-o'-the-wisps haunted the fields,Īnd ghosts lurked in the churchyards under the Our queen and all our elves come here anon." Popular in the poet's time, and his audience would believe that it was not all fancy when they heardįarewell, thou lob of spirits, I'll be gone
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Would not go out of doors in the evenings, lest they should disturb the fairy revels. The footsteps of these pretty little elves as they danced round in their mystic circle? Not longĪgo they lived in Ireland and may still do so unless the Sein Fieners have killed them and old people Gentle creatures from their accustomed playgrounds. Our modern enlightenment has driven away these In Shakespeare's time ignorance and superstition held relentless sway over the popular mind. Superstition, Alchemy and Astrology in Shakespeare's Day From The England of Shakespeare by P.
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Superstition, Alchemy and Astrology in Shakespeare's Day