THE PREFACE

to the Reader.

An ornamental woodcut headpiece consisting of a central human figure (likely a cherub or putto) flanked by ornate scrolling foliage, flowers, and fruit, with two smaller figures at the edges.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'T' contained within a central square frame. The frame is flanked by two figures wearing feather headdresses and leaf-like skirts; the figure on the right holds a tall staff topped with a cross. They are standing among thistles and a central fruiting plant. The entire scene is enclosed in a rectangular border.

The frightening abundance in this country at this time of these detestable slaves of the Devil—the witches or enchanters—has moved me, beloved reader, to quickly publish original: "dispatch in post"; refers to sending something with the speed of a postal relay this following treatise of mine. I do this not in any way (as I declare) to serve as a display of my learning and intellect original: "ingine"; meaning native wit or genius, but only, moved by my conscience, to press...