Page:Ante-Nicene Christian Library Vol 6.djvu/102

96 cial instruments [employed]; for certain pipes of brass, ten in number, [and] fitting into one another, terminating in a narrow point, are adapted [for the purpose], and through these is spoken into the ear whatsoever the [magician] wishes. And the youth hearing these [words] with terror as uttered by demons, when ordered, speaks them out. If any one, however, putting around a stick a moist hide, and having dried it and drawn it together, close it up, and by removing the rod fashion the hide into the form of a pipe, he attains a similar end. Should any of these, however, be not at hand, he takes a book, and opening it inside, stretches it out as far as he thinks requisite, [and thus] achieves the same result.

But if he knows beforehand that one is present who is about to ask a question, he is the more ready for all [contingencies]. If, however, he may also previously ascertain the question, he writes [it] with the drug, and, as being prepared, he is considered more skilful, on account of having clearly written out what is [about] being asked. If, however, he is ignorant of the question, he forms conjectures, and puts forth something capable of a doubtful and varied interpretation, in order that the oracular response, being originally unintelligible, may serve for numerous purposes, and in the issue of events the prediction may be considered correspondent with what actually occurs. Next, having filled a vessel with water, he puts down [into it] the paper, as if uninscribed, at the same time infusing along wdth it copperas mixture. For in this way the paper written upon floats upwards [to the surface], bearing the response. Accordingly there ensue frequently to the attendant formidable fancies, for also he strikes blows plentifully on the terrified [bystanders]. For, casting incense into the fire, he again operates after the following method. Covering a lump of what are called "fossil salts" with Etruscan wax, and dividing the piece itself of incense into two parts, he throws in a grain of salt; and again joining [the piece] together, and placing it on the burning coals, he leaves it there. And when this is con-