The Printer's Devil (29 page)

Thus was my dream:

That I sate alone and viewed in a scrying-glass, and in it I did see visions, a magus that was like unto a mere boy in countenance though I now believe ’twas a woman clad in boy’s garments, that did do battle with with a demon, and also with mine old acquaintance Roger Southwell that did desire to take her power for his own.

Yet she did turn the demon back onto the man and it devoured him. And all this was such a prodigy that I must needs set it down, for I do know that Roger S. doth yet live and prosper in the town of Fenstanton.

It may be, that you being possessed of an excellent wit, can riddle me this dream:
Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas,
as Vergilius doth say; yet an you do tell me tis but naught, I shall accept your word on’t. When all’s said and done, there must be sufficient in the world yet to discover, and not concern ourselves with prophecies and dreams.

Trusting that we may meet again ere many days are passed; you dwell ever in my thoughts.

Fabian.

THE END

1)
He is happy who can understand the causes of things

2)
a pleasing madness of rapture
(Odyssey)

3)
let it be so