A true discourse, vpon the matter of Martha Brossier of Romorantin pretended to be possessed by a deuill. Translated out of French into English, by Abraham Hartvvel.

A TRVE DISCOVRSE , VPON THE MATTER OF Martha Brossier of Romorantin , pretended to be possessed by a Deuill .

AS faith is the gift of God , and a vertue inspired by Diuinitie , whereby we do stedfastly beleeue such things as do not appeare vnto vs , neither by sense nor by naturall reason : so is too great credulitie a vice , that proceedeth from an infirmitie or weaknes of a mans minde , and that oftentimes by suggestion of the wicked Spirit . And therefore old authors haue said , Epicharmus . That not to beleeue lightly is the sinew of true wisedome : 1. Ioh. 4. and the Apostle forbiddeth vs to beleeue euery Spirit . The faith of Christians is greatly commended : but the credulitie of Magicians is much reprehended , as being so great , that it taketh away beliefe from all things ; and is the cause , that by beleeuing euery thing ( though neuer so absurd ) in the end , men will no more beleeue any thing at all . Credulous Antiquitie hath bin deceiued by the delusions of Deuils , and drawne to superstition and idolatrie : but Christian Religion hath been alwaies contrarie to such deceits , to the end that the honor of the true God and sinceritie of faith might be preserued . And this was the cause , that by the craft and subtiltie of the Deuill , Christians had an euill report , and were by these Sorcerers and Deceiuers expelled , when they went about to work any of their delusions ; for then would they cause to bee proclaimed 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , that is to say , Foorth Christians . Faith is a sure and certeine way to come to veritie , saluation and wisedome : but too great credulitie is the path that leadeth headlong to falsehood , fraud , follie and superstition . This difference of faith and credulitie may bee shewed by many examples of ancient times : but there is none of them more worthie to bee written and knowne in these daies , then the Historie of Martha Brossier of Romorantin , pretended to bee possessed with a Spirit . Many Prelates , Diuines , and Phisitians , all of them acknowledging , according to the Christian Faith , that wicked Spirits doe enter into the bodies of men , and that by the commaundement and word of God they are cast out , haue by a diligent obseruation of all her signes and actions , discouered the cousonage and counterfeiting of this woman , and haue made their report thereof to the Parliament , the true Protector and Defender of Pietie and Iustice . Other Diuines , Religious persons , and Phisitians there were , which either through credulitie , or to follow the opinion of the people , or for some other reason , haue said and assured , that there was a wicked Spirit in the bodie of this woman , challenging al others for Infidels and Atheists , which should thinke , or say , that this woman was not a Daemóniake . The Parliament , by a solemne Decree of the Court , hath confirmed the iudgement of the better and wiser sort , and set downe an order , that this credulitie and superstition should proceede no further , to the detriment and hinderance of the Catholike Religion . But to the end , that there may rest no scruple or doubt in weaker mindes , and that such a cousinage may be knowne to all the world : we haue briefly and truly written the whole Historie , we haue proued the said Martha not to haue been a Daemóniake , wee haue faithfully described the opinion and reasons of those which thought the contrarie , following therein the Original-writing of their owne hands , word for word : and haue withall confuted their arguments , as being grounded vpon too light coniectures . We doe hope , that those which shall reade this discourse will receiue pleasure and profit thereby , and con them thankes , that ( without fearing the slaunder of euill speakers , and looking to none other marke , but onely to the trueth it selfe ) haue resisted and made warre against the Author of lyes : and that they will likewise giue thankes to God , who hath discouered this cousonage , whereupon there might otherwise haue followed , not onely false miracles , but also great diuision and parts-taking among the people : as by the discourse ensewing all men of vnderstanding may know .

On Tuesday the xxx . of March 1599. at the commandement of the right Reuerend , the Bishop of Paris , there met together , Marescot , Ellain , Hautin , Riolan , and Duret , within the Abbie of Saint Geneuesua , in the hall of my Lord Abbat , where was brought before them one Martha Brossier , who ( they said ) was possessed of a wicked Spirit : and this was in the presence also of the said Lords the Bishop and the Abbat , and many other persons of Note . By the commandement of the said Lord Bishop , Marescot ( as the ancientest of the rest ) questioned with her in Latin : ( for the rumour went , that she spake all manner of languages ) but she answered not a word . Then said the Abbat , She will not answer , vnlesse my Lord Bishop commaund her . Then the Bishop commaunded the Deuill to speake , saying , Adiuro te per Deum viuum , vt respondeas Dommo Marescoto . I adiure thee by the liuing God , that thou answere Master Marescot . But both the woman and the Deuill were mute . She was againe questioned withall in Latin by Marescot the Phisitian , and in Greeke by Master Marius Doctor of Diuinitie , and the Kings Reader of Greeke Philosophie : but she answered not a word . Then the Bishop being very desirous and curious to discouer the trueth : ( because the said Martha had said , that this was no place to answere in ) commaunded that she should be caried into a Chappell . Wherein , a number of Tapers being lighted , one Priest accompanied with two others , all apparelled in decent and Priestly garments , in the presence of the said Lord Bishop and the Abbat , and many other persons of qualitie , all being together in great deuotion and at their praiers , began to exorcise her . She , being vpon her knees praying to God , and making the signe of the Crosse , presently tumbled her selfe backward , first vpon her buttocks , then vpon her backe and vpon her shoulders , and then softly vpon her head . Whilest she lay vpon her back , fetching her breath very deepe , and quaking in her flankes , ( like a horse after he hath runne ) she turned her eyes in her head , blared out her tongue , and tolde the Bishop that he had not his Miter , and bid him that he should goe and fetch it . Then they caused certen Reliques of the very true Crosse to bee brought vnto her , which she indured to be put in her mouth . They presented also vnto her a Doctors whood , which shee stoutly reiected , as though the whood of a Diuine , or the Miter of a Bishop had more vertue and more Diuinitie in them , then the Reliques of the very Crosse. These things being done , and many other , which would bee to no purpose to rehearse , the Lord Bishop commaunded , that the Phisitians would tell him what they thought of it . Who after that they had maturely deliberated together , and considered all that they thought fit to bee considered , reported to the Bishop with the consent of them all , and by the mouth of the said Marescot , the ancientest of them all , what their opinion was , and that in few words , Nihil à Daemone : Multa ficta : Amorbo pauca . Nothing of the Deuill : Many things counterfeited : and a few things of sicknesse . And indeed all these actions were counterfeit , as hereafter shall be shewed . But in trueth her tongue was red , and they perceiued some little rumbling vnder her short ribs on the left side , proper to those that are subiect to the Spleene .

The day following , which was Wednesday the last day of March , Ellain and Duret met together : and when the Exorcismes or Coniurations were againe repeated , the said Martha fell downe at the rehearsall of certaine words , raised her selfe vp againe very lustily , made mowes vpon the Exorcists euen to their faces , and nothing else was then done , sauing that Duret pricked her with a pin , betweene the thumbe and the forefinger . After these actions diuerse times reiterated vntill Noone , the Bishop demaunded of Ellain and Duret , what they deemed of it . But they intreated the Bishop , it might stand with his good pleasure , that the other Phisitians , which had seene her the day before , might be called , and others also with them , to the end they might more maturely deliberate of the matter : especially considering , that the said Martha Brossier , being commaunded to giue some tokens of her possession by the Deuill , had made answere , To morrowe : which request the Bishop found to bee very reasonable .

Vpon Thursday the first day of Aprill , all mysteries were imployed and vsed : none of the remedies were forgotten , that are proper to the driuing out of Deuils . They setled themselues to prayers : She blared out her tongue , turned her eyes , and at the pronouncing of certaine words , ( Et homo factus est : Verbum caro factum est : Tantum ergo Sacramentum : that is , And he was made man : The word was made flesh : Therefore so great a Sacrament ) she fell as before , and vsed such motions , as they doe that are troubled with a Conuulsion . Yet all these actions seemed to the Phisitians to be meerly counterfeit : and therefore they would haue been gone . But my Lord the Bishop intreated them , that they would bestow yet a little more time for the publike benefit . The Exorcismes or Coniurations were begun againe : and then the woman hearing the words , ( Et homo factus est , And he was made man ) she laboured with all her strength and forces to make her gambals , and being vpon her backe , in foure or fiue skips remoued her selfe from the Altar to the Chappell-dore : which indeed did astonish all the companie . * * A Capuchin Frier . Father Seraphin waxed somewhat angrie , and said : If there be any here that is incredulous , and will trouble her , the Deuill will carie him away in the ayre . Then Marescot growing impatient at that cousinage , said , I will take that hazard and perill vpon me : let him carie me away , if he can . And so set his knee vpon her knee , took her by the gorge , and commanded her to bee quiet . She being not able to stirre her selfe , and seeing her cousinage to bee discouered , said , He is gone : he hath left me . The good Seraphin approching neere vnto her , said , Indeede this is nothing but Martha : the Deuill is departed . Then haue I made him runne away , quoth Marescot . The Bishop being very desirous to know the trueth , and doubting some counterfeiting , said : Let vs begin againe , and pray to God , that he would learne vs the trueth : let vs see if the Deuill will torment her againe . Then they sung Veni Creator , and the Apostles Creede . At this word , Et thomo factus est , And he was made man , she did not fall , nor was tormented any more : yea , when they shewed her the holy Sacrament , she neither was troubled , nor tumbled any more : but seeing Marescot , Hautin , and Riolan behinde her , she said , Meddle thou with thy Phisicke . Marescot answered her : If thou doe stirre , and play the foole againe , I will handle thee well enough . In the meane while they perseuered in their prayers to God . She thinking that Marescot was departed , fell againe vpon her backe , plaied her old trickes , and vsed her ordinarie motions . Then Marescot , Hautin , and Riolan held her , and staied her very easily . The Bishop began to say to Father Seraphin the Exorcist , Good Father , command her to rise . The good Father cried vnto her with a lowd voyce , Raise thy selfe vpon thy feete , raise thy selfe vpon thy feete . Marescot said , The Deuill riseth not in our presence : and withall , because few people should take offence , he spake alowd in Greeke , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Nothing against nature , nothing against nature . And it is not to bee marueiled at , that the said Marescot , Hautin , and Riolan were not afraid , because they knew her dissembling , and beleeued in Iesus Christ , who is the terror of all Deuils .

Riolan , at the commaundement of the Bishop , spake vnto her in Latin , as followeth : Misera , quous ▪ perges nobis illudere ? Nunquámne cessabis plebeculam ludificare ? Agnosce culpam , & veniam deprecare . Patent enim tuae fraudes : & nisi hoc feceris , breui tradêris in manus Iudicis , qui quaestione veritatem extorquebit : Thou wretched woman , how long wilt thou proceede to delude vs ? Wilt thou neuer cease to deceiue the simple people ? Acknowledge thy fault , and craue pardon . For thy guiles are discouered : and vnlesse thou doe so , thou shalt shortly bee deliuered into the hands of the Iudge , who by torture will wrest out the trueth . She being demaunded , whether she vnderstood this or no , answered in good sooth , She did not . It was thought , that now all this businesse was done : and the Bishop withdrew himselfe , and went out of the Chappell , with diuerse men of good Note , and commaunded the Phisitians , then being present , freely to tell him their opinion and aduise . One of them assured him for certaine , that she had the Deuill in her bodie , because she had blared out her tongue very farre , and had indured the pricking of a pinne . Another amongst them said , that vndoubtedly hee had seene very many signes of counterfeiting : but yet his aduise was , that they should stay three moneths longer , to the end they might be assured , whether she had the Deuill in her bodie or no. For Master Fernelius , as he writeth in his Second booke De abditis rerum causis , Of the secret causes of Nature , could not certainly know a certaine sicke gentleman to bee possessed with a Spirit , till the end of three moneths . Sixe others there were , that very confidently and constantly said for certaine , all these actions of Martha were fained and dissembled , as it was reported on the Tuesday before . And therefore it was thought that they were now at the end of this businesse .

But vpon the Friday and Saturday following , being the fourth and fifth daies of Aprill , they called other Phisitians , ( omitting the greatest part of those which had seene her before ) and then they began a new combat with this Fantasticall Deuill . One spake certaine Greeke wordes vnto her : and she answered in French . Another spake in English : shee answered in French , but yet ( as some say ) somewhat to the purpose . They obserued her most violent and sudden motions to be without any change , either in pulse , or in breath , or in colour . The Phisitians then present , made report in many words and magnificall termes , that Martha was possessed with a Deuill , and signed it with their hands . Which report wee will write out hereafter , word for word , as it is in the Originall .

While all this was in doing , the Parliament fearing , that this concourse of people , which came to see this new Deuill , might breede some new Mo●ster of Sedition , ( whereunto were are all too much inclined ) made a Decree , That Martha Brossier should be committed into the hands of Monsieur Lugoly , the Lieutenant Criminall . Hereat , the Ecclesiasticall persons repined , and said , that this cause , of a woman pretended to be possessed , belonged vnto them . The Preachers cried out alowd at the matter . And the King , being then at Founteyne-Bell'-eau , and fearing also , that of this sparke there might be kindled a great flame , commanded the like . And for the performance thereof , Martha was caried into the Chastelet , where she continued and liued almost for the space of two moneths , not as a prisoner , but being entertained very mildly , and well lodged : viewed and visited by Bishops , Abbats , and other Ecclesiasticall persons , Councellors of the Court , Aduocates , Gentlemen , and many Ladies and Gentlewomen , as many times and as often as any was desirous to see her . Besides , she was viewed by many Phisitians , that is to say , by my Masters De la Riuiere , the chiefe Phisitian , Laurence the Kings ordinarie Phisitian , Laffilé the auncient Deane of the Facultie in Paris , Le Feure , Marescot , Ellain , Hautin , Lusson , Pietre , Renard , Heroüard , Cousinot , D' Amboise , Palmier , and Marcés : all which did say , and signed it with their hands , that they had not seene nor obserued any thing , that was aboue the common lawes of Nature . And yet many there were , who being still infected with the old Leauen , had scattered it abroad throughout the Citie , that in the Chastelet she had plaied many of her Deuillish trickes : which was afterward found to be false .

The said Martha , being shriuen on the morow after Easter-day , and absolued by the Curate of Saint Germaines , or the Vicar there , receiued the Holy Sacrament , without making any stirre , or signe , or apparance of a person possessed by a wicked Spirit . In the end , when al sorts of informations were most diligently searched , and all things well considered , the Great Parliament of Paris set downe a Decree , with great prudence and clemencie , which wee will deliuer you in the end of this discourse . We haue declared vnto you the whole Historie as in trueth it was : and now wee must shew , by what reasons we were induced , firmely to beleeue , that Martha Brossier neither was , nor is possessed of a wicked Spirit : and afterwards wee will signifie vnto you , how sleight their reasons are , which held the contrary opinion , to the end we may cleere a matter of so great weight and of such consequence . But first we would haue euery man to vnderstand , that we were not any way assistant in this action , but only being called and commanded thereunto , by the right Reuerend , the Bishop of Paris : and that wee had none other scope therein , saue only God and our Conscience , not regarding what many might say thereof , nor the harme that might redound to vs thereby . And touching the Thesis and Generall Proposition , there was neuer any doubt of it . For we doe beleeue , according to the Christian Faith , that there are Deuils : that they enter into mens bodies : and that they torment them in sundrie sorts : and all , whatsoeuer the Catholike Church hath determined of their creation , Nature , Power , effects and Exorcismes , wee hold to bee true , firme and stable , as the Pole of Heauen . But touching the Hypothesis , that is to say , that Martha Brossier is , or hath been possessed of a Deuill , we say , it is absurd , false , and without any likelihood . And to proue it , we will conclude by this generall Syllogisme .

Maior . Nothing ought to be attributed to the Deuill , that hath not something extraordinarie aboue the lawes of Nature : Minor . The actions of Martha Brossier are such , as haue nothing extraordinarie aboue the lawes of Nature . Conclusio . And therefore the Actions of Martha Brossier ought not to be attributed to the Deuil .

Those that are exercised in the knowledge of the signification and equipollence of propositions , and in the Art of Syllogismes , will confesse , that it is concluded very well in secundo Modo prima Figurae , that is , Celarent . in the second Moode of the first Figure . The Maior or the Proposition is very euident , and Plato in his Apologie is of opinion , that there are Deuils , because there be many things where of a man can giue none other reason , but that it is the Deuill , as being extraordinary effects , and surpassing the forces of Nature . The Minor or the Assumption may bee knowne by an Induction of all the Actions of the said Martha Brossier . For what hath she done ? Mary , she hath blared foorth her tongue , she hath roled her eyes in her head , she hath shewed diuers motions like to Conuulsions , and being laid vpon her backe , she hath shaken her flankes . There is neuer a one , I do not speake of these tumblers , but euen of the very Lackies of the Court , that cannot doe so much . And by this reason , that excellent Dancer vpon the rope was rather to bee counted a Daemóniake , and possessed with a Deuill , then she is . Martha therefore hath done no Action , that wee ought to attribute to the Deuill , as hereafter shall be more at large declared . Moreouer , is it likely , that after fifteene moneths being so often vexed and tormented , she should remaine fat and in good liking ? considering that euen in the Gospell it is noted , that such as were possessed with Deuils , waxed drie and very slender ? We are yet at this day all of vs of one minde and opinion , that the motions like to Conuulsions in Martha , proceeded not of any sicknesse or disease , because while she was in them , keeping her eyes halfe shut and halfe open , she perceiued and saw whatsoeuer was done , and did of her owne free will and power moue her eye , and by consequence all her body . Againe , such as haue a true Conuulsion indeede , vse to bite those which come vnto them , and put their fingers into their mouthes : yea , if a man put a cudgell betweene their teeth , they will crack it : and withall haue their limmes so starke and stiffe , that they cannot be bended . Martha seeing her selfe staied and holden by any , or hearing certaine words of the Priest , wherewith she was before instructed , lifted her self vp lustily , as though she had had not fit at al. These motions then proceeded not of any disease , and therefore they were counterfeit , as wee haue alwaies maintained : or else they proceeded from the Deuill , as some held opinion grounded vpon verie sleight reasons : which we will throughly examine , after wee haue set downe the Originall report thereof word for word , and inserted the same in this place , as followeth .

THE REPORT OF CERTAINE Phisitians of Paris , touching the matter of Martha Brossier .

WE the vnder-named Doctors , Regents in the Facultie of Phisicke , in the Vniuersitie of Paris , touching the matter of Martha Brossier , a maide of the age of two and twentie yeres , or there abouts , borne at Romorantin in Berry , who diuerse times to some of vs , but specially vpon Friday and Saturday , the second and third of Aprill to all of vs in common , ( sauing and excepted one of vs , who was not there but only on the Saturday ) was brought vnto vs in the Chappel of my Lord of Saint Genenefue , hearing Masse there celebrated by my Lord the right Reuerend Bishop of Paris , and induring the Exorcisme , performed on the Friday by Father Benet a Capuchine , assisted therein by Father Seraphin , a Religious person of the same Order , who had exercised her vpon the daies aforesaid : and on the Saturday by Master Clerk a Lay Priest , assisted by Father of the Order of the Feuillans . And there , during the said time , we saw her sometimes in constitution , countenance and speech , as a person sound of bodie and minde : and sometimes disfigured with diuerse foule , vnseemely and deformed lookes : and now and then vexed and troubled with many different and furious motions of all the visible parts of her body : All the said euill fauoured lookes being either full of a kinde of scoffing , deceitfull , and consining laughter : or very fierce , horrible , and silent , and oftentimes accompanied for the most part with a roaring . In the middest of all this , sometimes obeying and answering the Priest , aswell in gesture as in words , vpon commandements and demaunds that were conceiued in Greek , Latin and English : but as farre as wee did marke , more often and more readily to Father Benet , then to any other : we do say in our consciences and certifie that which followeth :

That is to say , as it may be that all this , which is before set downe , remaining to bee specified hereafter , must necessarily be referred to one of these three causes , which are Sicknesse , Counterfeiting , or Diabolicall possession . And for the opinion that it proceeded of Sicknesse , we are cleerely excluded from that , for that the agitations and motions which we obserued therein , doe retaine nothing of the nature of Sicknesses , no not of those Diseases , whereunto at the first sight they might haue been resembled : it being neither an Epilepsie , or Falling Sicknesse , which alwaies supposeth the losse of sense and iudgement : nor the Passion , which we call Hysterica or Suffocation of the Matrix , which neuer is either without vtter priuation , or at least without restraint of breath : ( of which accidents neuer did there any appeare vnto vs . ) But to the end we be not too long , and by excluding generalities , to exclude lik●wise all specialties , to him that shall looke neere into the matter , these motions aforesaid being found not to appertaine to any of the foure motions proceeding of Diseases , that is to say , Shiuering , Trembling , Panting , and Conuulsion : Or indeede , if there doe appeare any Conuulsions , and that a man will so call , the turning vp of her eyes , the gnashing of her teeth , the writhing of her chaps , ( which are almost ordinarie with this maid while she is in her fits : ) the confidence which the Priest hath when he openeth her mouth , and holdeth it open with his finger within it : testifying sufficiently that they doe not proceed nor are caused by any disease , ( considering that in Diseases , he that hath a Conuulsion is not master of that part or member wherein it is , hauing neither any power of Election or commaundement ouer it : and particularly in the Conuulsion of the Iawes , which is the most violent of all the rest , the finger of the Priest should bee no more respected nor spared , then the finger of another man , but should be as quickly bitten off . ) Adding hereunto moreouer , that the accidents of Diseases , aswell as the Diseases themselues , being found to haue their times of beginning , increasing , full force , and declination , these torments here as they first tooke their beginning , and mounted to their vttermost extremitie all at once , so did they likewise cease all in a moment . Diseases and the motions also of Diseases , ( especially those that are violent ) as they leaue the bodie feeble , the visage pale , the breath panting : this maide on the contrarie , at the end of her fittes was found to be as little moued and changed in pulse , colour , countenance and breath , as euer she was before : yea ( which is the more to be noted ) as little at the end of her Exorcisme as at the beginning , at euening as in the morning , at the last day as at the first . Notwithstanding touching the point of Counterfeiting , the insensibilitie of her bodie , during her extasies and furies , tried by the deepe prickings of long pinnes , which were thrust into diuerse parts of her hands and of her necke , and afterwards plucked out againe , without any shew , that euer she made , of feeling the same , either in the putting in of them , or in the taking out of them : and also without any mark of blood , ( a griefe , which without Magike and without speech could not in our opinion be indured , without any countenance or shew thereof , neither by the constancie of the most couragious , nor by the stoutnesse of the most wicked , nor by the strong conceite of the most criminall Malefactors ) tooke from vs almost the suspition of it : but much more perswaded vs from that opinion , the thin and slender fome , that in her Mad-fits we saw issue out of her mouth : which she had no meanes to be able to counterfeit . And yet more then all this , the very consideration before mentioned , of the little or no change at all , that was seene in her person after all these most sharpe and very long pangs , ( a thing which no bodie in the world did euer trie in their most moderate exercises ) we are driuen , euen till this houre , by all the lawes of discourse and knowledge , yea and almost forced to beleeue , that this maide is a Daemóniake , and the Deuill dwelling in her , who is the author of all these effects : for that next after the corporall and materiall causes , which wee doe not finde to haue had any place in this matter , come the spirituall and supernaturall causes , in the highest degree whereof , acknowledging God to be the Father of grace and mercie , and the Angels to bee ordained for the tuition and consolation of Mankinde , as Christian Philosophers wee haue learned and know , that there is none but the Deuill that delighteth in doing euill .

Now if wee had seene that , which my Lord of Saint Geneuefue and many others doe report , that this maide was lifted vp into the ayre , more then foure foote , aboue fiue or sixe strong persons that held her : it would haue been an argument vnto vs of an extraordinarie power , ouer and beyond the common nature and condition of man . But not being present at that wonder , we doe giue a testimonie of our knowledge , which is as much or rather more admirable then that force and power was , viz. that being demaunded , and in her exorcising commaunded , ( my Lord of Paris furnishing the Priest with questions and Interrogatories ) this maide diuers and sundrie times , by many persons of qualitie and worthie of credit was seene and heard to obey and answere to purpose , not onely in the Latin tongue , ( wherein it had not been impertinent peraduenture to haue suspected some collusion ) but also in Greeke and in English , and that vpon the sudden . She did ( we say once againe ) vnderstand the Greeke and English languages , wherein wee beleeue , as it is very likely , that she was neuer studied : so that there was no collusion vsed with her , neither could she inuent or imagine the interpretations thereof . It resteth therefore euen in the iudgement of Aristotle in the like case , that they were inspired into her .

By reason whereof , and considering also ( vnder correction ) that S. Luke , who was both a Phisitian and an Euangelist , describing the persons , out of whose bodies our Lord and his Apostles did driue the Deuils , left vnto vs none other , nor any greater signes , then those which we thinke wee haue seene in this case : wee are the more induced , and almost confirmed to beleeue and to conclude as before , taking God for a witnesse of our consciences in the matter . Made at Paris , this third of April . 1599.

Now let vs briefly examine this long discourse : The actions of Martha ( say they ) which we haue obserued , are either counterfeited , or proceede of some Disease , or are caused by the Deuill . Of any Disease they proceede not , neither are they counterfeit : then are they caused by the Deuill . The Proposition is true : the Assumption is false : and we do deny it . How proue you it ? Mary first you proue , that they proceeded not of any Disease ; because euery motion that proceedeth of any Disease , is either a Trembling , or a Stifnes , or a Panting , or a Crampe . This diuision seemeth to bee imperfect : because there bee diuerse motions proceeding from Diseases , which are mixt : as for example those that are called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Mingled of a Crampe and a trembling : and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a Trembling with a Shiuering , which Hippocrates calleth 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . And these mixt kindes are sometimes so mingled one with another , that it is a very difficult thing , to referre them to any one of your simple kindes . But let vs not rest vpon this , seeing we are all agreed , that the motions of this woman proceeded not from any disease : and let vs examine the reasons which you alleadge for the Deuill .

The first reason is , for that she being pricked very deepe with a pin , she neuer made any semblant , that she felt it . Out of all question , when she was but sleightly pricked on the side of her neck , she turned her selfe , and felt it indeede : and then Father Seraphin vsed his wonted excuse , and said , Here is nothing els but Martha . Well , a little after , being pricked somewhat deeper , she dissembled her paine : and therefore had she the Deuill in her bodie ? The Lackies of the Court , which diuerse times will of themselues thrust a pin very deepe into some fleshie part , as in the thigh , or in the arme , are they therefore possessed with a Spirit ? The wise Stoike , being inclosed in the bull of Phalaris , said that it was but a gentle torment . Theeues that robbe by the high way doe easily endure the torture : we haue seene many that were burned aliue , and neuer shewed any token of paine . Plutarch in the life of Lycurgus , saith , that the children of the Lacedaemonians did vse themselues to stealing , with so great feare to bee discouered in their theft , as one of them hauing stollen a yong Foxe , hid it vnder his cloathes , and suffered all his bellie to bee rent out with the nailes and teeth of the beast , and yet neuer cried for it , for feare he should haue been discouered , insomuch as he dyed in the place where he was . Which thing ( saith Plutarch ) is nothing incredible , when wee see what yong children doe euen at this day indure . For wee haue seene many that without either crying , or speaking a word , haue indured to be whipped euen to the death , vpon the Altar of Diana . Behold the very words of Plutarch .

But ye will say , that Martha was pricked , without any blood following . Assuredly we did see a shew and a marke of red . And ye must vnderstand , that when a pinne is pricked directly and vprightly into a fleshie part , wherein there is not notable veine , it will make a very small and narrow hole , out of which blood doth not issue , especially if the blood be earthie and melancholike . Vpon such a like argument as yours is , wee haue seene poore soules condemned to be burned for Witches , and afterwards absolued and let goe by the Iudges of the Court . A dangerous argument for such Witches , and yet in this question now in hand much lesse pricking then a pinne . But let vs argue by Philosophie a little more subtilly . Galen sheweth against Aristotle , that Sense is not the alteration or chaunge that is made in the Organon or Instrument of Sense , but the knowledge of that alteration . As for example , ( saith he ) if I bee very attentiue to any thing , and in the meane while one passeth before me : although his image bee receiued into the Chrystalline humour of mine eye , as it were in a glasse , yet for all that I shall not see him , because the Visuall Spirit with the power thereof is kept backe in the spring and original fountaine of the sight : or the soule doth not send forth the Common Sense into the eye , because it is occupied elsewhere ; and without it there can bee no Sense , and by consequence either little or no paine at all . If I bee very greatly busied or occupied attentiuely about any thing , although one crie out or speake alowd that is neere vnto me , yet shall not I discerne what was said , because the Common Sense is hindered elsewhere . Some haue receiued many shots of gunnes in the warres , that felt nothing thereof . Archimedes , being busied about his Geometricall lines , did not thinke that Syracusa had been taken . If therefore constancie and resolution , as also a strong imagination doe detaine the Spirit Animall in her fountaine : if the Soule doe not send foorth into the part her Common Sense , without which there is either little or no feeling at all , and by consequence either little or no paine : doe we thinke it strange , that the patient , being very resolute , doth endure little or no griefe , and so dissemble it ? This reason induced the Stoikes to defend this Paradoxe , That griefe or paine consisteth in opinion : because Imagination is the mother of Opinion : and if Imagination doe not worke withall , there is no paine at all . Cease therfore to conclude that Martha was possessed with a Deuill , because she was not moued with the pricking of a pinne : conclude rather that she was not possessed , because she felt not the pricking . For there is no likelihood in it , and it is a thing incompatible , ( not agreeing with it selfe ) that the Deuill should quite take away the feeling of paine , from those whom he meaneth to torment : nay , he would rather augment and increase the same , to make them feele the greater paine . Cease ye also to marueile , that there followed no blood out of the pricke : for the onely apprehension or strong conceit of being let blood , is ordinarily a cause , why there followeth no blood out of the issue that is made , although the veine bee very well opened . The common people doe vsually say , I was so angred , as if a man had stroke me with a dagger , I should not haue bled . And thus haue wee philosophically disputed about a pinne somewhat too much .

The second reason to proue , that Martha was possessed with a Deuill , is , That there appeared in her mouth a certaine kinde of thin foame . Who did euer heare any speech of the Deuils foame ? If it be so , there should haue been added , that it was also blacke . For all that commeth from him being of hell , must needes be blacke . Yea , our good old women vse to say , That the Deuill hath no white at all in his eye . Who can forbeare laughter , to heare , that a woman is knowne to be possessed with a Spirit , by her foame and spittle ?

The third reason to proue that Martha was possessed with a Spirit , is , Because she had certaine marueilous violent motions , without any alteration either in her pulse , or in her breathing , or in her colour . But truly , her motions were not so violent , but that certaine Phisitians , which could not patiently abide this cousinage , could very easily stay her : and so would haue done vpon the last daies also , when she plaied her part so cunningly , if they had been called . But , Non patebant fores , ne pateret veritas . The doores were not open , for feare least the trueth should haue beene opened . Moreouer , though the motions of Martha had been violent , yet were they very briefe and short : for presently she raised her selfe , and then the Exorcist said , Here is nothing else but Martha . But let vs confesse and auow , that these her motions were so violent and sudden , as they say , without any chaunge or alteration in her pulse : yet this signifieth , that her blood was very thicke and earthie , and so could not easily be kindled : and therefore we say with Galen , that the pulse of such people is very rare . We haue oftentimes seene , sundrie Melancholike persons , not onely many daies and moneths , but also many yeeres , to haue runne vp and downe crying very strangely , and howling like dogs , without any change , either in pulse , or in breathing , or in colour . Againe , vse and custome serueth greatly to this purpose . There were fifteene moneths spent in carying of her too and fro , like an Ape or a Beare , to Angers , Saulmur , Clery , Orleans , and Paris : in which time they taught her to practise all these gambalds , Et quae consueta sunt , minus afficere solent . The things that are of vse and custome doe not breede any great alteration . How many things are there , which we doe daily see in Nature to be farre more strange , admirable , and incredible , which notwithstanding are not attributed to Deuils , but to the hidden secrets of Nature ? We see those that are bitten with a mad dogge to barke like dogges , Men that are Warewolfes to howle and eate mans flesh like Wolues , because they haue their Imagination hurt , and thinke themselues to bee Wolues . They that are desirous to know more hereof , may reade the two bookes of Leuinus Lemnius De occultis Naturae miraculis , Of the secret miracles of Nature . Mizaldus and Fracastorius in the bookes of Sympathie and Antipathie : and Baptista Porta in his Magike Naturall : and also that which a learned man of this age hath written touching Miracles .

To bee short , there are an infinit number of things , that are done by the secret power of Nature : which if because they are secret , wee should attribute to the Deuill : then , to vnfolde the Questions of Naturall Philosophie and Phisicke , from the beginning to the end of these two Sciences , we should alwaies haue recourse to Deuils . But this reason is of so slender force , as by the same I may conclude the quite contrary , that is to say , that Martha Brossier neither is , nor was possessed with a Spirit .

Those that are possessed with a Deuill , after their vehement and sudden motions , do remaine astonished , and haue their members ( as it were ) cracked , as it appeareth in the ninth chapter of S. Marke , and by the Histories reported by Master Fernelius in his second booke De abditis rerum causis , Of the hidden causes of Nature .

Martha Brossier , after her motions , was not in that case , but to the contrarie , remained liuely and lustie .

Therefore Martha Brossier was not possessed with a Deuill .

Now then , build your beliefe vpon such slender reasons as you make , to conclude a matter of so great weight .

The fourth reason , if it were true , would necessarily conclude , that is to say , if she had spoken Greeke and English , hauing neuer before learned either of those languages , it would be a certaine and sure argument of her possession with a Deuill . But that is altogether false . For she neuer spake any other language , then the French tongue , and the proper speech of Romorantin , although false rumours haue been spread abroad thereof to the contrarie . But ( say they ) indeede she neuer spake either Greeke or English : but she answered to the purpose , when a question was demanded of her in Greeke . One asked her , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : How camest thou into the bodie ? She answered in French , For the glorie of God . Now the very selfe same question in Gr●eke had bin made vnto her before at Clery , as Master Lieutenant Criminal hath seene in his informations . It is manifest therefore that there was a collusion in it . Besides that , she answered not to the purpose : for she was asked the means how he had entred into the bodie , & the answer was made of the end , that is to say , wherfore it entred into the bodie . Father Benet questioned with her a long time in English : and the good old Father asked her , What was his name , and the woman answered , I was not at your Christning . O goodly Miracle : Martha had heard the Bishop , that furnished the good Father with Interrogatories ( as euen the Phisitians themselues , which though the woman was possessed , haue written in their Reporte ) and the Bishop willing him , to aske it in English , What was his Name , it was an easie matter for this cunning wench , being very craftie and well instructed in such subtilties , to answere , I was not at your Christning . But if in this woman there had been a Diuell in deede , how commeth it to passe , that hauing been so long a time conuersant in the Westerne Church , where Latin is so common , it had not in all that time learned that language ? Now she did confesse , that shee did not vnderstand vs , when wee spake Latine : What was the reason then that she did vnderstand rather the words of the Priests , but onely because shee was alreadie instructed and vsed thereunto , and so vnderstoode them , as an Ape or a Dogge vnderstandeth his Master ? And for as much as whiles she was in the Chastelet , shee had vsually in her hands the booke of the Deuill of Laon , which shee brought with her from Romarantin , and which Monsieur Lugoly caused to be taken from her : I leaue it to consideration , whether it were not of purpose to instruct her more and more in such Apish toyes .

Besides all these former reasons specified , they bring vs the testimonie of Saint Luke the Euangelist and Phisician , to the end that this authoritie should be the greater against the Phisicians : who , when he reciteth the Histories of such as were possessed , and healed by Iesus Christ , doth alleadge no more plaine and euident signes of possession , then those that were seen in this woman of Romarantin . Now let vs see whether this bee true , and well concluded . In the first place , Saint Luke in his eleuenth Chapter maketh mention of a Diuell that was dombe , and driuen forth by Christ , and doth not describe or set downe any signes , whereby this Deuill might be knowne . The Euangelists had no intent to describe any such signes . For they which were brought to Iesus Christ to be healed , were euidently found to be such persons , euen by the confession of the Iewes , and on the behalfe of Iesus Christ , hee knew them well enough without any signes . If therefore wee want none other signes of the Diuels possession , but those that are set downe by the Euangelists , then euery person that is Epileptike , or troubled with the Falling Sicknesse , euery Melancholike and euery Frantike person shall haue the Deuill in their bodies , and there will be moe Demóniakes in the world , then there are Fooles . But let vs see , whether Saint Luke doe not set downe more apparant and euident tokens of such as are possessed with Deuils , then those which Martha had . This Euangelist and Phisician in the eight Chapter of his Gospell , describing the man possessed with a Deuill called Legion , ( because many Deuils were entered into him ) saith , that this man Ware no cloathes , neither aboade in house , but in graues . Martha did weare garments of a slight coloured cloath , after the fashion of a Romarantin Mayde . Shee was , when occasion required , at the table of Bishops , Abbats , and Monkes . Shee did eate and drinke as other folkes doe . This Demóniake possessed with the Legion , acknowledged Iesus Christ to bee the Sonne of God , whom hee neuer had seene nor heard of , and therefore he knew things , that were otherwise secret . But Martha did neuer any such thing . This Demóniake , although hee were bound with chaynes of Iron , yet he broke them , and was caried away by the Deuill into the Deserts . But Martha was easilie helde and stayed with a very weake hand . Then is this authoritie of Saint Luke not well alleadged .

Now that wee haue confuted these slender and sleight reasons of some of the Phisicians , let vs come to the reasons of some others : and begin with the testimonie of diuerse men of qualitie , which say , that they saw her lifted vp into the ayre for a space , without any stay to vphold her . Goe too then : Let vs dispute by Philosophie . Whatsoeuer is moued in recta linea , in a right line , it must haue a rest , before it take any contrary Motion : as for example , a Ball being throwne against a Wall , before it reboundeth backe againe , resteth it selfe vpon the Wall , as Aristotle sheweth in his eyght booke of Phisicks : and an Arterie , after the Dilatation thereof , before it make Contraction , resteth it selfe . And now you may see , why this woman of Romarantin , leaping vp into the ayre , rested her selfe before she came downe againe . But this is somewhat too subtile a reason : let vs yeeld you one that is more plaine and cleere . They tolde vs , vpon the Thurseday morning , that they alwaies thought this matter of Martha to be meere cousinage : but in the after-noone , they saw her aloft in the ayre : peraduenture because some vapours arising vp into their braines , did breede certaine accidents like to Suffusions , or Clowdes , in such sort as a man shall see things ( as it were ) out of their place . Which may very well bee shewed by the Arte Optike . Yea it way possibly be , that they saw Duplicem Martham , vnam humi , alteram in sublimi ( Two Marthaes , one vpon the ground , and another a loft . )

Others there bee , which haue alleadged another reason , in that Martha did lift her flankes , all the rest of her bodie remayning vnmoued . And so Horses , after they haue runne , when they pant in their flankes , ( which Horace termeth Iliaducere , ) may as well haue the Deuill in their bodies . I am ashamed to heare such reasons .

And in sooth , this which followeth is not much better . They heard a rumbling vnder her left ribs , but it was very little , and that onely when it was touched . By this reason , those that are troubled with a Winde about the short ribbes , and poore Maydens that haue the Greene Sicknesse , and pale colours , shall haue the Deuill in their bodies . For oftentimes the sound in their bellies is so great , that it may bee heard aboue from beneath , and from one chamber to another . And by this reason also , they should not haue one Deuill alone , but many . And in deed , if we beleeue those Good-Fathers , Martha had , and yet still hath three Deuils in her : one that is an olde and a cruell one , called Beelsebuh : another that is a merrie one , which they call Ascalon , The lester of Hell : and a third which they call , The Skullion of Hell . And thus these reasons march all after one tune .

Some there be , which adde hereunto , that Martha discouered and tolde certaine Secrets of Men , in such sorte , as many of the assistants were in great feare thereof . Father Seraphin , ( who alwaies walked with a good simple conscience in this businesse ) demaunded of her , What haue I done this night ? Martha answered , Thou hast prayed to God . Behold , what a goodly great Secret this was , to tell a Capuchine Frier , Thou hast prayed to God . Whereby a man may know that the Romarantine Wench mocked the simplicitie of these Good-Fathers .

Some bring a reason that is more vrgent , that is to say , That Martha did speake in her bellie , when her mouth and her lips were shut and closed . Truely Martha spake as another bodie did . And yet if shee had done so , should she therefore haue a Deuill , that spake within her bellie ? Hippocrates in his fift booke of the Epidemies , the 58. sentence , maketh mention of the wife of one Polemarchus , which spake in her bellie . Iohn Gorraeus in his Definitions Medicinall , sayth , that in Hippocrates , they are called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which talke in their bellie , when their Mouthes and their Lippes are shut and closed . Looke vpon Scaliger against Cardan in the 258. Exercise , and the third part . Foetius in his Oeconomia Hippocratica writeth , that the Great Adrian Turnebus did say in his Reading-Chayre , S. Augustine also reporteth a strange dexteritie ( though it be somewhat filthie ) of a man , that with the winde of his hinder parts , could make what sound he listed , and that with so good measure , as you would haue thought he had sung . Piedro Mexia de Serilla , lib. variarum lectionum . cap. 26. that he had seen a Rogue , who without opening his Mouth or stirring his lippes , did with his bellie , make such a sound , and vttered such a voyce as pleased him , and gained great store of money by practising that feate . And in truth it might very well bee done : because in closing or shutting the breast and stomacke , there may enter some ayre into the Arterie , which may make a kinde of sound or voyce , not very distinct or plaine to bee discerned at first , and yet by long exercise may bee in a sorte perceiued : and such persons are called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , that is , Talking in their Bellies . Or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Talking in their Breasts . Or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Prophecying out of their Breasts . Calius Rhodigynus referreth this to the Deuill , that speaketh within the Bellie . But hee is but a Reporter of Fables , and therefore let vs leaue these popular and common reasons .

Those , that haue thought themselues to bee somewhat more wise then the rest , as being skilfull in the Law , and making Profession thereof , haue oftentimes obiected against vs : If Martha were not possessed of a wicked Spirit , Cui Bono ? Whose benefite was it ? To what end did she all these things ? To this question , it belongeth not to our Arte to answere . Yet notwithstanding let vs entreate this fauour , that wee may make some gesse of the matter . To what ende doe many runne vp and downe the streetes , and say , that They are Emperours , and Kings , and Kings Sonnes , and Bishops ? You will then say againe , That Martha thought herselfe to be a Demóniake . It may be so : and to the end that she might imprint that opinion in the mindes of Men , she counterfeited and dissembled all the rest of her Actions . And it is not to bee thought a strange matter , that the selfe same person should commit an errour in one poynt , and in all the rest should be very cunning , subtile , and warie . Melancholike persons are craftie and malicious .

Let vs tell you a thing that is more likely then this . The Father of Martha , was alwaies factious ; by common report . He saw that his daughter , who ( as also the rest of his other Children did ) was euer reading of bookes touching Deuilerie , and especially and principallie that Booke of the Deuill of Laon was a very proper and fit Booke for these Deuilish feates and counterfeitings : adding thereunto , that many Priests , and namely the Theologal of Orleance , by that which she tolde vnto vs , confirmed her in this opinion , that she had the Deuill in her bodie . And therefore hee caried her to Our Ladie of Ardiliers , to Saulmur , to Angers , to Clery , to Orleance , and now at the last to Paris : Whether this were done vpon a follie , thinking in deed that his daughter had the Deuill in her bodie , or thereby to make some stirre and alteration , or for couetousnesse , God knoweth : for that belongeth to the Parliament to looke vnto . But the very truth is , that many bestowed Money on her Father : as namely Monsieur de S. M. Twentie Crownes , others Thirtie : some more , some lesse . Yea her Father being at Paris , went vp and downe a begging Money of the Church-Men , euen of simple Religious persons , to bring this holy enterprise to good perfection . And it is not to bee doubted , but if the matter had fallen out accordingly , there would haue been good store of money gayned by it , and shee should haue been caried from house to house to gather a beneuolence , as was the Mother of Frier Clement , that wicked and cursed Apostata and Runnagate , The Frier that murdered K. Henry the third of France . the remembrance of whom breedeth a horror in my soule . And thus much for those that aske , Cuibono ? Who had benefite by it ?

Wee haue now shewed , that Martha neither was nor is possessed with a Spirite : Wee haue confuted the reasons of those that helde the contrarie opinion : We haue seene the testimonies of the wisest and most prudent persons among them . Martha was caried to Angers to bee Exorcised or coniured . The right Reuerend Bishop Miron , ( a man of good wisedome and well aduised ) would not Exercise her , vntill hee had first tryed her , and knew of a certaintie that she were possessed . He caused her to bee stayed , hee bourded her , and for certaine dayes hee made her drinke nothing but Holy-water , wherewith shee was neither altered nor moued . After certaine dayes he caused common ordinarie water , ( not hallowed ) to be brought vnto her in a Holy-water stocke : and then Martha seeing the Holy-water-stocke , layed her selfe downe , fell to her brabling , and made her wonted Apes-faces . Afterwards , the Lord Bishop told her that he had a peece of the True Crosse. Hee tooke a key of Iron , wrapped it worshipfully in Taffata like a Relike , and offered it Martha to kisse : and presently she began to play her Deuilish trickes . A little while after , when he sayde , Let one bring me my great booke of Coniurations , they caused a Virgil to be brought vnto him : and he began to reade , Arma virumque cano . By and by , she thinking them to be words of Coniuration , fell downe vpon the ground , and tormented her selfe in the best manner she could . At the last , her counterfeiting being discouered , the Lorde Bishop sent her away , and would not prophane those holy Mysteries of Exorcisme , to driue away a Counterfeit Deuill . Others may imitate and folow the wisedome of this Prelate .

And what was done at Clery and at Orleans ? The Officiall there , being well assisted with the wisest of the Clergie , did forbid all Priests of the Diocesse of Orleans , to Exorcise Martha , vpon paine of Suspension from Diuine Seruice . It would be a long matter , if we should goe about to rehearse all that was done at Orleans , for the discouering of this cousinage of the sayde Brossier : wee will onely tell you two of the pretiest of them . First , there was brought vnto her a great thicke Grammar of Despanterius , bound after the old fashion with boords , and with claspes of Copper : it was opened and giuen her to reade . Shee lighted vpon this place , Nexo , xui , xum vult : Texo , xuit , indeque Textum . Which words Martha thinking to be Diabolical , began to fall backward , ( but softly enough , as we tolde you before ) and to fetch her ordinarie friskes and gambaldes . Another pretie tricke was , that my Masters of the Clergie in Orleans , would needes make experiment of the graund Remedie to driue away the Deuill , and that is called the Parfume . They did set fire to this Parfume , and offered those villanous and stinking vapours to her Nose , she in the meane while being bound to a chayre , but her feete at libertie to play withall : and then began shee to crie out , Pardon me , I am choaked , He is gone away .