e from danger or risk of an accident, or to have good fortunein buying, as, for instance, if a scholar hopes that he may find some rare old book or manuscript for sale very cheaply, or if any one wishes to buy anything very desirable or to find bargains or rarities. This scongiurazione serves for goodhealth, cheerfulness of heart, and absence of evil or the overcoming enmity.These are words of gold unto the believer. 'Tis Tuesday now, and at an early hour I fain would turn good fortune to myself, Firstly at home and then when I go forth, And with the aid of beautiful Diana I pray for luck ere I do leave this house! First with three drops of oil I do remove All evil influence, and I humbly pray, O beautiful Diana, unto thee That thou wilt take it all away from me, And send it all to my worst enemy! When the evil fortune Is taken from me, I'll cast it out to the middle of the street And if thou wilt grant me this favour, O beautiful Diana, Every bell in my house shall merrily ring! Then well contented I will go forth to roam, Because I shall be sure that with thy aid I shall discover ere I return Some fine and ancient books, And at a moderate price. And thou shalt find the man, The one who owns the book, And thou thyself wilt go And put it in his mind, Inspiring him to know What 'tis that thou would'st find And move him into doing All that thou dost require. Or if a manuscript Written in ancient days, Thou'lt gain it all the same, It shall come in thy way, And thus at little cost. Thou shalt buy what thou wilt By great Diana's aid. The foregoing was obtained, after some delay, in reply to a query as to wha...
