A very merry and pleasant History done not long since, in this realm of England. Written in Latin by Erasmus of R●terodame, Dialoguewise, under the title of a Conjuration or Spirit.  
Newly translated into English, by Thomas johnson.  
Imprinted at London, by Henry Bynneman, for William Pickring. ANNO DOMINI. 1567.   

from the bridge the way leadeth into the plain field.  Thomas. 
I remember it well.  Anthony. 
Of late a rumour was spread among the husbandmen of those quarters, that besides this bridge there walked a certain Spirit, 
Spirit.  whose miserable howlings were sundry times heard: 
Soul.  which they thought to be the soul of some man in those places tormented with most cruel punishments.  Thomas. 
Who was the author of this rumour?  Anthony. 
Who but Pole? and this was the preface of his Interlude.  Thomas. 
What came in his mind to feign this.  Anthony. 
I wots near, but that such is the man's nature, desirous to deceive the foolish people, by such sort of delusions. I will show you what like prank he hath played of late. We road a good company of us together to Richmond, whereof there were some, whom you would have sworn, 
Richmond.  had been both tall and stutdy fellows. 
The i. Act  The wether was very fair, neither appeared there any little cloud in the Sky. There Pole casting his eyes up towards heaven: blessed all his face and shoulders with the sign of the Cross, and feigning in his countenance, as though he had been afraid, these words he spoke to himself: O immortal God, what do I see? and being demanded of those that road next unto him what it was: Again, making a greater cross: O merciful God, I beseech thee (quoth he) take away from mine eyes this terrible sight. When they desirous to know what it was, most instantly required him to declare the vision, 
Vision.  he casting his eyes intentively up again towards heaven, and there with his finger pointing to one place: See you not yonder (quoth he) an ugly Dragon, 
A Dragon.  armed with light burning horns, and a winding tail? Which when they denied that they saw it: again he had they should behold more earnestly, oft pointing with his finger also to the place, until at length an other of the company, lest he should seem that he could see but a little, said also that be saw it. Likewise did one or. ij. other, for they were ashamed not to see that which was so evident. But what need many words? within. iij. days the rumour had persuaded all England that there appeared such a Monster. 
England.  A wonder it was how the report of the people had augmented the fable, 
Monster.  neither lacked there such as would in earnest expound what this horrible sight portended. Whose folly he much rejoiced at, who was the Inventer of the argument.  Thomas. 
I know well the man's wit, but return again to the Spirit.  Anthony. 
In the meanwhile commodiously, there resorted unto Pole, a certain Priest named Fan, 
Fan.  of the order which we can not well call in Latin Regulares, 
Regulares,  Regulars, unless the greek name agree also, a parish Priest serving the cure in one of the next Parishes. This same seemed unto himself not meanly learned, and especially in divinity.  Thomas. 
I perceive it well, he was found chief doer in the matter.  Anthony. 
About supper they fell in communication of this matter, or report of the spirit. When Pole perceived that Fan had not only heard of the rumour, but also believed it to be true, he began to entreat him, that because he was a man both learned and godly, he would help that sielly soul so cruelly tormented. And if you doubt any thing (quoth he) try the matter: Walk about ten of the clock at night to the bridge, and you shall hear terrible howlings. Take unto you what company you list, so shall you hear more safely and surely.  Thomas. 
What then?  Anthony 
After supper Pole as he was wont or accustomed, a hawking or hunting, Fan walking up and down even then when the darkness had taken away all sure judgement of things, at length heareth pitiful schritchinge fire out of their nostrils, who assayed also to enter into the Circle, but that by weighty words he drove them away with sorrow: At which Fan taking heart of grace, the day following being well appointed, cometh to the Circle, and provoketh the Devil to appear by many charms & prayers. 
Charms.  And Pole with his companions showing themselves a far off, sitting upon black horses, with terrible noises (as who should say) they would feign have entered into the Circle.  Thomas. 
Had they no fire?  Anthony. 
None at all, for that had chanced unto them not very well before: but here beginneth another tale. They brought with them a long rope which they dragged softly on the ground, each of them holding an end in their hands, dispersed themselves abroad as though they had been so enforced by the vehemency of Fan his invocation: and therewithal they tumbled over and over both the Priests & also the Vessel of holy Water which they had.  Thomas. 
Had the parish Priest such a reward for his good will in furthering the matter?  Anthony. 
Yea truly, yet had he rather suffer all this and more too, than to forsake the pretended pastime. 
The. 3. Act.  This done, when they came to talk together Fan declareth unto Pole in what danger he was, and how stoutly he drove away both the Spirits with his words, and that he had now taken such an opinion, that there was not one devil in Hell, were he never so hurtful or bold, which durst or could come within the Circle.  Thomas. 
That Fan should seem truly to be almost a fool.  Anthony. 
Yet have ye heard in effect nothing. The matter thus far proceeding, in good time came Poles son in law, 
The commendation of Fan his Son in law.  who had taken to wife his eldest daughter, a young man (as you know) of a marvelous wit and pleasant disposition.  Thomas. 
I know it well, neither doth