"
"My glass," replied the Doctor, "is not to be matched throughout the
world. Even Cornelius Agrippa had not its like; nor was his famous
mirror fit to compare with it. Hast heard aught of its history?"
"I would listen, Master Dee, for my knowledge thereof is but gathered
from the vulgar report."
"Know then," said Dee, with an air of great pride and complacency, "that
my stone was brought by the ministration of angels, in answer to fervent
and oft-repeated prayer. One night, as I sate with Kelly, discoursing on
the rise and fall of empires, the setting up and the downfall of
estates, and many other matters of grave and weighty import, he looked
uneasy for a while, saying that he felt a strange sensation, and, as it
were, a heavy weight on his right shoulder, as though something sat
there. He said a spirit, invisible at that time, was in all likelihood
hearkening to our discourse, and wished to communicate with us. He then
spake as though to some one behind him, and listened--'Sayest thou so'
said he; 'then will I speedily apprise the Doctor.' He then told me it
was the angel Uriel, who would bring us a wonderful glass or crystal,
whereby a seer, properly gifted, would be enabled to see many wonderful
things; but this surprising faculty I do not possess, by reason of a
fiery sign not occupying the cusp of my ascendant and medium cosli.
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