The Devil, in the prosecution, and the execution of his wrath upon them, often gets a Liberty to make a Descent upon the Children of Men.
-On Witchcraft: Being the Wonders of the Invisible World, by Cotton Mather
What sins have I committed to deserve such wretched sorrow? Mine eyes, burning with tears, beheld my beloved husband and twin sons cast into the hissing abyss below. They returned days later. Their eyes unfocused, their limbs limp, their heads scarred. They recognized me never and not at all - they respond not even to the familiar tones of my voice. Their utterances are not gone, however, they still speak when the overseers address them. But now, they speaketh only a single phrase or verse. It is etched into my memory, even as I dwindle within the intestinal walls of this nightmare palace. I hear it in my dreams. I pray to every god I know - the Eagle God and the Old Gods whose names are forbidden. I pray that I will forget; but, I know in the depths of my heart, that I never will. That phrase will echo with me, will define me until the end of my days.
Hark! They come for me! Please, I beg of thee - no! And yet - and yet! At last I will be together with my family. Together with them in a fashion. Forgive my weakness, O Eagle God. Take me - take me, my master! Render me unto the Wizard! I am prepared to join my family.
The Wizard is lord! I obey!
-Hannah Greensleeves, Peasant Laborer
