im that I had read many books, and
specially the works of Solomon, and how his ring should be made, and
of what metal; and what virtues they have after the canon of Solomon.
And then he desired me instantly to take the pains to make him one of
them; and I told him that I could make them, but I made never none of
them, nor I cannot tell that they have such virtues or no, but by
hearing say. Also he asked what other works had I read. And I told
him that I had read the magical works of Hermes, which many men doth
prize; and thus departed at that time. And one fortnight after,
William Neville came to Oxford, and said that he had one Wayd at
home, at his house, that did shew him more than I did shew him; for
the said Wayd did shew him that he should be a great lord, nigh to
the partes that he dwelt in. And in that lordship should be a fair
castle; and he could not imagine what it should be, except it were
the castle of Warwick."

"And I answered and said to him, that I dreamed that an angel took
him and me by the hands, and led us to a high tower, and there
delivered him a shield, with sundry arms, which I cannot rehearse,
and this is all I ever shewed him, save at his desire, I went thither
with him; and as concerning any other man, save at the desire of Sir
Gr. Done, Knt. I made the moulds that ye have, to the intent he
should have had Mistress Elizabeth's gear. If any man or woman can
say and prove by me, otherwise than I have writed, except that I
have, at the desire of some of my friends, '_cauled to stone_,' for
things stolen, let me die for it. And touching Master William
Neville, all the country knows more of his matters than I do, save
that I wrote a foolish letter or two, according to his foolish
desire, to make pastime to laugh at."

"Also concerning treasure trove, I was oft-times desired unto it, by
foolish fellows of the country, but I never meddled with it at all;
but to make the philosopher's stone, I will jeopard my life, so to do
it, if it please the king's good grace to command me to do it, or any
other nobleman under the king's good grace; and, of surety to do it,
to be kept in prison till I have done it. And I desire no longer
space, but twelve months upon silver, and twelve and a half upon
gold, which is better to the king's good grace than a thousand men;