Page:Hocus pocus, or, The whole art of legerdemain in perfection (2).pdf/7

 two-penny piece upon the wax, which with use you may so accomplish as no man shall perceive it; then, and in the meantime, use words of course, and suddenly open your hand, hold the tips of your fingers rather lower than higher than the palm of your hand, and the beholders will wonder where it is gone; then shut your hand suddenly again, and lay a wager whether it be there or not, and you may either leave it there, or take it away at pleasure. This, if it be well handled, hath more admiration than any other feat of the hand. Note, This may be best done by putting the wax upon the two-penny piece, but then you must put it into your hand yourself.

Stick a little wax upon your thumb, and take a stander by, by the fingers, showing him the tester, and telling him you will put the same into his hand, then wring it down hard with your waxed thumb, and using many words, look him in the face, and as soon as you perceive him to look in your face, or on your hand, suddenly take away your thumb and close his hand, and it will seem to him that the tester remaineth; even as if you wring a tester upon one's forehead, it will seem to stick when it is taken away, especially if it be wet; then cause him to hold his hand still, and with speed put into another man's hand, or into your own, two testers instead of one, and use words of course, whereby you shall make the beholders believe, when they open their hands, that by enchantment you have brought both together.