Page:The Rebellion in the Cevennes (Volume 1).djvu/60

Rh of them, this is a well known fact; moreover, it frequently happens, that these devil’s nurslings even prophecy, and most of them speak in good and distinct French about what probably they have never heard in their lives—this may be explained by all who like explanations, some say, that they are in a fit, others that they are possessed with the devil, those of their own party take it for inspiration. Above there in Alais, some hundreds of them assemble, great and small, old and young, prophecying among one another, that the walls of their prison might be broken down. The medical college of Montpellier has transferred itself thither, each doctor has taken with him his hat and cloak; I believe they have also carried with them the antique mantle of Rabelais, in order to be quite perfect in their art. I hear they have now observed, discoursed, disputed, calculated, speculated, deduced, and what is the result? that we are as wise as before; These learned gentlemen declare, that it cannot be taken for