 the stage; that he (the author) was assured by this patron, that
the play was already (in consequence of his recommendation) accepted by one of
the managers, who had faithfully promised to bring it to light; but that, when
he waited on this same manager, to know when he intended to put his production
into rehearsal, the man declared he had never seen or heard of the piece: »Now,
Mr. Conjurer (said he) I want to know whether or not my play has been presented,
and if I have any sort of chance of seeing it acted this winter?«
    Cadwallader, who had, in his younger days, sported among the theatrical
muses, began to lose his temper at this question, which recalled the remembrance
of his own disappointments; and dispatched the author with an abrupt answer,
importing, that the affairs of the stage were altogether without the sphere of
his divination, being intirely regulated by the dæmons of dissimulation,
ignorance, and caprice.
    It would be an endless task to recount every individual response which our
magician delivered, in the course of his conjuration. He was consulted in all
cases of law, physic, and trade, over and above the ordinary subjects of
marriage and fornication; his advice and assistance were sollicited by sharpers
who desired to possess an infallible method of cheating, unperceived; by
fortune-hunters who wanted to make prize of widows and heiresses; by debauchees
who were disposed to lye with other men's wives; by coxcombs who longed for the
death of their fathers; by wenches with child, who wished themselves rid of
their burthens; by merchants who had insured above value, and thirsted after the
news of a wreck; by under-writers who prayed for the gift of prescience, that
they might venture money upon such ships only, as should perform the voyage in
safety; by Jews who wanted to foresee the fluctuations of stock; by usurers who
advance money upon undecided causes; by clients who were dubious of the honesty
of their council: in short, all matters of uncertain issue were appealed to this
tribunal; and, in point of calculation, De Moivre was utterly neglected.
 

                                  Chapter XCII

The Conjurer and his Associate execute a Plan of Vengeance against certain
Infidels who pretend to despise their Art; and Peregrine atchieves an Adventure
with a young Nobleman
 
By these means, the whole variety of character undisguised, passed as it were in
review before the confederates, who, by divers ingenious contrivances, punished
the most flagrant offenders with as much severity as the nature of their plan
would allow. At length, they
