Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/327

Rh with any one, excepting the Bible, in which she saw strange things, and fancied, from the above anagram (a species of fancy to which she was much addicted), that the soul of the prophet Daniel was infused into her.

Some fortunate guesses concerning events, particularly about deaths of people, which she frequently predicted, made many put great faith in what she said, and consult her in events, amongst whom was the queen of Charles I. But whatever opinion the queen might have of Lady Eleanor's prophetic spirit, his majesty appears by no means pleased with the use she made of it; and therefore, upon her taking a house at St. James's, sent Mr. Kirk (one of his bed-chamber) to her, to inform her of his displeasure, and, that if she did not leave off her "Predictions relative to his affairs, he would take another course. To which (says she) my answer was, I would take a course against him, namely. Sir Archibald Douglas, that had burnt my papers to purchase his favour, and that he and all should know shortly.

"In the conclusion, Mr. Kirk said, he was not carried with the vulgar, but prayed me to tell him, whether the king should have a son or no. Unwilling to send him empty away, assured him a son, and a strong child; he not sparing to impart, accordingly solemnized with bon-fires, &c." But this spirit of divination proved very unfortunate, and involved her in great trouble and vexation; for having printed some more prophecies, and drawn up a very offensive petition, she was summoned by his majesty's order before the ecclesiastical court, in 1633, where her book was burnt; on which, she told archbishop Laud when he should die; and was fined three thousand pounds, excommunicated, no bible, pen and