But he knew how far the capacities of
those virtuosi extended, and had frequently caught them in the fact
of recounting their exploits against the conjurer, which were the
productions of their own invention only. On these considerations,
his wrath was kindled against them, and he accordingly concerted
measures with his coadjutor, for overwhelming them with confusion
and dismay.
In the first place, a report was spread by his emissaries, that the
magician had undertaken to entertain their view with the appearance
of any person whom his customers should desire to see, whether
dead, or at the distance of a thousand leagues. This extraordinary
proposal chancing to be the subject of conversation in a place where
most of those infidels were assembled, they talked of it in the
usual style, and some of them swore the fellow ought to be pilloried
for his presumption.
Our hero, seizing this favourable opportunity, acquiesced in their
remarks, and observed, with great vehemence, that it would be a
meritorious action to put the rascal to the proof, and then toss him
in a blanket for non-performance.
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