Imitations of Thunder, and Other Illusions.

Thunder is produced in many ways; for stones very numerous and unusually large, being rolled downwards along wooden planks, fall upon plates of brass, and cause a sound similar to thunder. And also around the thin plank with which carders thicken cloth, they coil a thin rope; and then drawing away the cord with a whirr, they spin the plank round, and in its revolution it emits a sound like thunder. These farces, verily, are played off thus.

Ref 2.32.1

There are, however, other practices which I shall explain, which those who execute these ludicrous performances estimate as great exploits. Placing a cauldron full of pitch upon burning coals, when it boils up, (though) laying their hands down upon it, they are not burned; nay, even while walking on coals of fire with naked feet, they are not scorched. But also setting a pyramid of stone on a hearth, (the sorcerer) makes it get on fire, and from the mouth it disgorges a volume of smoke, and that of a fiery description. Then also putting a linen cloth upon a pot of water, throwing on (at the same time) a quantity of blazing coals, (the magician) keeps the linen cloth unconsumed. Creating also darkness in the house, (the sorcerer) alleges that he can introduce gods or demons; and if any requires him to show Æsculapius, he uses an invocation couched in the following words:—

Ref 2.32.2

“The child once slain, again of Phœbus deathless made,

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I call to come, and aid my sacrificial rites;

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Who, also, once the countless tribes of fleeting dead,

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In ever-mournful homes of Tartarus wide,

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The fatal billow breasting, and the inky flood

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Surmounting, where all of mortal mould must float,

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Torn, beside the lake, with endless grief and woe,

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Thyself didst snatch from gloomy Proserpine.

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Or whether the seat of Holy Thrace thou haunt, or lovely

Ref 2.32.11

Pergamos, or besides Ionian Epidaurus,

Ref 2.32.12

The chief of seers, O happy God, invites thee here.”

Ref 2.32.13