Meric Casaubon’s preface, part 5 of 9

But 4ly and lastly, The Confessions of some Magicians are extant in print, who tell very particularly what means they used, what books they read, &c. and they saw and found (if we believe them; and what should tempt them to lye, no melancholy men, I know not) till they were weary, and Gods grace wrought upon their hearts to bring them to repentance. There be such confessions extant, but the Reader shal pardon me, if I give him no further account. It would much better becom them therefore, that have made such essays without successe, to repent, and to be thankful unto God, then to make that an argument, that theres no divel, and perchance no God. There is a terrible saying (if well understood) in the Scripture; [non-Latin script] He that is filthy let him be filthy still Let them take heed (I advise them as a friend) if they persist in their hardness of heart and infidelity, lest God in just judgment, though they seek still, and provoke as much as they can, will not fuffer that they shall see anything, lest they should fear and be converted.

I Come now to Dr. DEE, and to This Book of his, which hath been the occasion of all the Discourse hitherto. As for his Person or Parentage, Education and the like, I have but little to say more then what he saith himself in his first Letter to the Emperor (RODOLPHE) of Germany, that being yet very young he was sought unto (ambiverunt me) by two Emperors, CHARLS the 5th and FERDINANDO his Brother and Successor in the Empire. Mr. Cambden indeed in the year 1572 makes honourable mention of him, and calls him, Nobilis Mathematicus. He dedicated his Monas Hieroglyphica to MAXIMILIAN Successor to FERDINANDO, first printed at Antwerp, An. Dom. 1564. and afterwards at Francford, 1591. and what other places I know not. In the year 1595. he did write (and was printed 1599 I am sure, but whether before that or no, I cannot certainly tell) A discourse Apologetical, &c. directed to the then Archbishop of Canterbury, wherein he hath a Catalogue of books written by himself, printed and unprinted, to the number of 48. in all, and doth also mention the books of his Library about 4000 volums in all, whereof 700 ancient Manuscripts, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. There also doth he produce a Testimony of the University of Cambridg, dated 1548. But this whole Discourse of his being but short, for the better satisfaction of the Reader, I thought good to have it here reprinted the next after this Preface. His Mathematical Preface before Euclid, is that I think which of all his writings published hath been most taken notice of in England, and added much to the worth and commendation of that Edition of Euclid. He was a married man and divers children, as will appear by this Relation; a great Traveller, and lived to a great age. But as I said before, I do not pretend to give an account of his life in general, unto others, which my self am yet a stranger to. What concerneth this Relation I am to give an account, and I hope there shall be nothing wanting to that. Four things I propose to my self to that end,

First, Somewhat to confirm the truth and sincerity of this whole Relation.

Secondly, To answer some Objections that may be made against some parts of it.

Thirdly, To give some light to some places, and to satisfie the Reader concerning the perfection and imperfection of the book, as also, concerning the Original Copy.

Fourthly, and lastly, To shew the many good uses that may be made of all by a sober Christian.

1. It seems that Dr. Dee began to have the reputation of a Conjurer betimes. He doth very grievously complain of it in that Preface to Euclid but now spoken of, about the end of it, and yet there doth also term himself, An old forworn Mathematician. For my part whether he could ever truly be so called, I yet make some question: But I am very confident, that himself did not know or think himself so, but a zealous worshipper of God, and a very free and sincere Christian. How this is to be reconciled with the truth of this Relation, shall be afterwards considered of. For the truth and sincerity of the Relation, I hope no body will so grosly mistake us as though we intended thereby to justifie what is here printed against any suspition of forgery; as if any man taking the advantage of Dr. Dees name and fame of a Conjurer, could be suspected to have devised and invented these things in his own brain to abuse the world. I should be sorry my name should appear in any kind to any book lyable to such a suspition; and the very name and credit of that so much and so deservedly prized Library from whence this is pretended to be taken, is sufficient (with civil understanding men) to prevent the grossenesse of such a mistake. Besides the Original Copy it self, all written with Dr. Dees own hand, there kept and preserved. But by Truth and Sincerity, intending not only Dr. Dee's fidelity in relating what himself believed, but also the reality of those things that he speaks of, according to his relation: his only (but great and dreadful) error being, that he mistook false lying Spirits for Angels of Light, the Divel of Hell (as we commonly term him) for the God of Heaven. For the Truth then, and Sincerity or Reality of the Relation in this sense, I shall first appeal to the Book it self. I know it is the fashion of many (I will not say that (I never did it my self) that are buyers of books, they will turn five or six leaves, if they happen upon somewhat that pleaseth their fancy, the book is a good book, and when they have bought it, it concerneth them to think so, because they have paid for it: but on the other side, if they light upon somewhat that doth not please (which may happen in the best) they are as ready to condemn and cast away. It is very possible that some such buyer lighting upon this, and in it, upon some places here and there, where some odd uncouth things may offer themselves; things ridiculous, incredible to ordinary sense and construction, he may be ready to judge of the whole accordingly. But for all this, I will in the first place appeal to the book it self; but with this respect to the Reader, that he will have patience to read in order one fourth part of the book at least before he judge; and if by that time he be not convicted, he shall have my good will to give it over. Not but that all the rest, even to the end, doth help very well to confirm the truth and reality of the whole Story: but because I think there is so much in any fourth part, if diligently read, and with due consideration, that I despair of his assent, that is not convicted by it. For my part, when the book was first communicated unto me by that Right worthy Gentleman who is very studious to purchase and procure such Records and Monuments as may advantage the truth of God (all truth is of God) and the honour of this Land, following therein the example of his noble Progenitor, by his very name, Sir Robert Cotton, known to all the Learned as far as Europe extendeth. I read it cursorily because I was quickly convinced in my self that it could be no counterfeit immaginarie businesse, and was very desirous to see the end, so far as the book did go. Afterwards, when I understood that the said worthy Gentleman (especially, as I suppose, relying upon my Lord of Armagh's judgment and testimonie, which we have before spoken of) was willing it should be published, and that he had committed the whole business unto me; I read it over very exactly, and took notes of the most remarkable passages (as they appeared unto me) truly I was so much confirmed in this first opinion by my second reading, that I shall not be afraid to profess that I never gave more credit to any Humane History of former times. All things seemed unto me so simply, and yet so accurately, and with so much confirmation of all manner of circumstances written and delivered, that I cannot yet satisfie my self, but all judicious Readers will be of my opinion. But nevertheless, to help them that trust not much to their own judgments, let us see what can be said.

First, I would have them, that would be further satisfied, to read Dr. Dee in that forecited Preface, where he doth plead his own cause, to acquit himself of that grievous crime and imputation of a Conjurer. But that was written, I must confess, long before his Communication with Spirits: yet it is somewhat to know what opinion he had then of them that deal with Divels and evil Spirits. But after he was made acquainted, and in great dealings with them, and had in readiness divers of these his books, or others of the same Argument, containing their several conferences and communications, to shew, and the manner of their appearing exactly set down; observe, I pray, with what confidence he did address himself to the greatest and wisest in Europe. To Queen Elizabeth often, and to her Council, as by many places of this Relation doth appear; but more particularly by his Letter to Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary, &c. That he did the like to King James and his Councel, may easily be gathered by the Records (in this Relation) of 1607. but much defective. But then to the Emperor Rodolphe, to Stephen King of Poland, and divers other Princes and their Deputies; the wisest and learnedst, their several Courts did afford for the time: the particulars of all which addresses and transactions are very exactly set down in the book. Nay, such was his confidence, that had it not been for the Nuncius Apostolicus his appearing against him at the Emperors Court by order from the Pope, he was, as by some places may be collected, resolved for Rome also, not doubting but he should approve himself and his doings to the Pope himself and his Cardinals. In all these his addresses and applications being still very ready to impart all things unto them that would entertain them with that respect he thought they deserved; yea, readily, which is very observable, even to receive them into this Mystical Society, whom he thought worthy, and in some capacity to promote the design; as de facto he did divers in several places: Albertus Alasco, Prince Palatine of Polonia, Puccius a learned man, and Prince Rosemberg in Germany, who were long of the Society, besides some admitted to some Actions for a while, as Stephen King of Poland, and some others. We will easily grant (as elsewhere hath been treated and handled at large) that a distempered brain may see, yea, and hear strange things, and entertain them with all possible confidence, as real things, and yet all but fancy, without any real sound or Apparition. But these sights and Apparitions that Dr. Dee gives here an account, are quite of another nature; yea, though possibly the Divel might represent divers of these things to the fancy inwardly which appeared outwardly: Yet of another nature, I say, and not without the intervention and operation of Spirits, as will easily appear to any man by the particulars. Besides the long Speeches, Discourses, Interlocutions upon all occasions and occurrences in the presence of more then one alwayes; and externally audible to different persons, for the most part or very frequently. That these things could not be the operation of a distempered Fancy, will be a sufficient evidence to any rational man.

Again, let his usual preparations and Prayers against an Apparition or Action (as he called them) his extraordinary prayers upon some extraordinary occasions, as upon Edward Kelley his temporary repentance, and another for him when he was about to forsake him (in Latine a long one) Stephen King of Poland being then present. And again, when his Son Arthur was to be initiated to these Mystical Operations and Apparitions, in the place of Edward Kelley, and the like. And again, his Humility, Piety, Patience, (O what pity that such a man should fall into such a delusion! but we shall consider of the causes in its right place afterwards) upon all occasions, temptations, distresses, most eminent throughout the whole Book. Let these things be well considered, and above the rest, his large and punctual relation of that sad abominable story of their Promiscuous, carnal Copulation, under the pretence of obedience to God. — Let these things, I say, be well considered, and I think no man will make any question but the poor man did deal with all possible simplicity and sincerity, to the utmost of his understanding at that time. And truly, this one thing (as we said before) excepted, his mistaking of evil Spirits for good, it doth not appear by any thing but that he had his understanding, and the perfect use of his Reason to the very last, as well as he had had any time of his life.

Again, let it be considered, that he carryed with him where ever he went A STONE, which he called his Angelicall Stone, as brought unto him by an Angel, but by a Spirit sure enough, which he shewed unto many; to the Emperor among others, or the Emperors Deputy, Dr. Curts, as I remember: But more of this Stone afterwards. We may therefore conclude surely enough, That Dr. Dee in all this Relation did deal with all simplicity and sincerity. I shall only add, That whereas I used the word Reality before, concerning those things that appeared, according to this Relation: I would not be mistaken, as though I intended that whatsoever the Divel did seem to do or represent; it was Really and Substantially as it seemed and appeared, that would be a great and gross mistake. The very word Apparition doth rather import the contrary. All I understand by Reality, is, that what things appeared, they did so appear by the power and operation of Spirits, actually present and working, and were not the effects of a depraved fancy and imagination by meer natural causes. By which, strange things, I confess, may be presented and apprehended too, sometimes by the parties with all confidence, as we said before, though all be but fancy and imagination. But all circumstances well considered, make this Case here to be of another nature; and it may be it was the policy of these Spirits to joyn two of purpose in this business, to make the truth and reality of it the more unquestionable; hoping (if God had given way) they should have passed, in time for good Spirits abroad generally, and then we should have seen what they would have made of it. From lesse beginnings, I am sure, greatest confusions have proceeded and prevailed in the world, as we shall shew elsewhere. And since that in all this business, as we said but now, Dr. Dee did not deal alone, but had a constant Partner or Assistant, whom sometimes himself calleth his Seer, or Skryer, one by name Edward Kelly: it will be requisite before we proceed further, that we give some account of him also. According to Dr. Dee's own relation here, An. Dom. 1587. April 7. Trebonae: in the particulars of his Son Arthur's Consecration (after his manner, which he calls, His offering and presenting of him to the service of God:) Uriel (one of his chiefest Spirits) was the author of their Conjunction: but when and how it hapned (being but obiter mentioned there) we do not find any where; and more then what I find here I have nothing to say: For certain it is by this whole story, from the beginning to the end of it, that Kelley was a great Conjurer, one that daily conversed by such art as is used by ordinary Magicians, with evil Spirits, and knew them to be so. Yet I would suppose that he was one of the best sort of Magicians, that dealt with Spirits by a kind of Command (as is well known some do) and not by any Compact or agreement: this may probably be gathered from sundry places. But that he was a Conjurer, appearereth first by that, where he proffered to raise some evil Spirit before the Polish Prince Palatine, Albert Lasky (of whom more by and by) for a proof of his Art. But Dr. Dee would not suffer him to do it in his house. Wicked spirits are cast out of him to the number of 15. P. 32. But I make no great matter of that in point of proof, because all there upon his bare report only. But see p. 63. &c. where it is laid to his charge, and he answereth for himself and his Spirits. See also where at last he yielded to bury not to burn his Magical books. But read his own confession (where you shall find him speak like one that knew very well what did belong to the Art) and the record made by Dr. Dee concerning a shrewd contest that hapned between Dr. Dee and him, (it was about some Magical things) wherein Edward Kelly carried himself so fiercely, that Dr. Dee being afraid of his life, was forced to call for help. Peruse well this place and I presume you will require no further light as to this particular concerning Kelly.

As for the several Epistles (in Latin most) that will be found here, as also Narratives of several meetings and conferences, they carry so much light with them, being set out with so many remarkable circumstances of time, place, persons, &c. that no man of judgment that hath any knowledge of the world, will or can make any scruple of the sincerity and fidelity of either reports or Deeds and monuments (such I account the Letters to be) herein contained. A man might with little labour (that had all kind of books at command) have found somewhat concerning most (outlandish) persons in them mentioned. I could not intend it, and I think it would have been a needless labour. If any make any question let them make search, I dare warrant it unto them they shall find all things to agree punctually. But because Albert Lasky (next to Edward Kelley) is the man most interressed in this story, I will give you some account of him out of Mr. Cambden his Annals.

Anno Dom. 1583. E Polonia, Russiae vicinâ hac aestate venit in Angliam ut Reginam inviseret, Albertus Alasco, Palatinus Siradiensis vir eruditus, corporis lineamentis barbâ promisissimâ, vestitu decoro, & pervenusto; qui perbenignè ab ipsa nobilibusque magnoque honore & lautitiis, et ab Accademia Oxoniensi eruditis oblectationibus, atque variis spectaculis exceptus, post. 4. menses aere alieno oppressus, clam recessit.

But of all Letters here exhibited, I am most taken, I must confess, with the Bishops Letter that was Nuncius Apostolicus: he seemes to me to speak to the case very pertinently (take Puccius his account along in his long letter to Dr. Dee, of his conference with the said Bishop concerning the same business) and to have carryed himself towards Dr. Dee very moderately and friendly.

II. Now to Objections:

The first shall be this: Although 'tis very probable that Dr. Dee himself dealt simply and sincerely; yet since he himself saw nothing (for so himself acknowledgeth in some places) but by Kelley's eyes, and heard nothing but with his ears. Is it not possible that Kelley being a cunning man, and well practised in these things might impose upon the credulity of Dr. Dee (a good innocent man) and the rather, because by this office under the Doctor he got 50 l. by the year, as appeareth. Truly this is plausible as it is proposed; and like enough that it might go a great way with them that are soon taken, and therefore seldom see any thing in the truth or true nature of it, but in the outward appearance of it only. But read and observe it diligently and you will find it far otherwise: It is true indeed, that ordinarily, Dr. Dee saw not himself; his business was to write what was seen (but in his presence though) and heard by Kelley. Yet that himself heard often immediately appeareth by many places; I shall not need any quotations for that himself feeleth as well as Kelley. In the relation of the Holy Stone, how taken away by one that came in at a window in the shape of a man, and how restored; both saw certainly. In the story of the Holy Books, how burned and how restored again (part of them at least) which Dr Dee made a great Miracle of, as appeareth by some of those places; there also both saw certainly. And Albert Lasky, the Polonian Palatine saw as well as Kelley. Besides, it doth clearly appear throughout all the book that Kelley (though sometimes with much adoe perswaded for a while to think better of them) had generally no other opinion of these Apparitions but that they were meer illusions of the Divel and evil Spirits, such as himself could command by his art when he listed, and was acquainted with, insomuch that we find him for this very cause forsaking, or desirous to forsake Dr. Dee, who was much troubled about it; and is forced in a place to Pawn his Soul unto him (to use his own words) that it was not so, and that they were good Spirits sent from God in great favour unto them. But for all this Kelley would not be satisfied, but would have his Declaration or Protestation of his suspition to the contrary entred into the book; which you shall find, and it will be worth your reading. I could further alledge, that if a man considers the things delivered here upon several occasions, being of a different nature, some Moral, some Physical, some Metaphysical, and Theological of highest points (though sometimes wild enough, and not warrantable; yet for the most part very remote from vulgar capacities) he will not easily believe that Kelley, who scarce understood Latine) not to speak of some things delivered in Greek in some places) and betook himself to the study of Logick long after he had entred himself into this course, could utter such things: no, nor any man living perchance, that had not made it his study all his life-time. But that which must needs end this quarrel (if any man will be pertinacious) and put all things out of doubt, is, that not Kelley only served in this place of Seer or Skryer, but others also, as his son Arthur, and in his latter dayes, when Kelley was either gone or sick, one Bartholomew, as will be found in all the Actions and Apparitions of the year 1607. which (as I suspect) was the last year of the Doctors life, or beyond which I think he did not live long.