Chapter xxxv.
The Divination by a Cauldron—Illusion of Fiery Demons—Specimen of a Magical Invocation.
But neither shall I be silent respecting that piece of knavery of these [sorcerers], which consists in the divination by means of the cauldron. For, making a closed chamber, and anointing the ceiling with cyanus for present use,[1] they introduce certain vessels of cyanus,[2] and stretch them upwards. The cauldron, however, full of water, is placed in the middle on the ground; and the reflection of the cyanus falling upon it, presents the appearance of heaven. But the floor also has a certain concealed aperture, on which the cauldron is laid, having been [previously] supplied with a bottom of crystal, while itself is composed of stone.[3] Underneath, however, unnoticed [by the spectators], is a compartment, into which the accomplices assembling, appear invested with the figures of such gods and demons as the magician wishes to exhibit. Now the dupe, beholding these, becomes astonished at the knavery of the magician, and subsequently believes all things that are likely to be stated by him. But [the sorcerer] produces a burning demon, by tracing on the wall whatever figure he wishes, and then covertly smearing it with a drug mixed according to this manner,—viz. of Laconian[4] and Zacynthian asphalt,—while next, as if under the influence
- ↑ Some read φανερὸν for παρὸν.
- ↑ What cyanus was is not exactly known. It was employed in the Homeric age for the adornment of implements of war. Whatever the nature of the substance be, it was of a dark blue colour. Some suppose it to have been blue steel, others blue copper. Theophrastus' account of it makes it a stone like a dark sapphire.
- ↑ Or, "with the head downwards."
- ↑ There is some hiatus here.
in probably before the words, "These contrivances, however, I hesitated to narrate," etc., a few lines above in this chapter. The Abbe Cruice conjectures that they may have been written on the margin by some reader acquainted with chemistry, and that it afterwards found its way into the text.
