But the dazzling dream of ambition again passed
before him. The portals of universal empire and immortality were thrown
open. He drove back the unwelcome intruder, but the phantom he pursued
again fluttered from his grasp.
They had marked the spot on their former visit, and Dee, with the fifty
gold pieces in his purse, Bartholomew Hickman acting as chief workman,
began his unholy proceedings: not, however, without some fear of the
demon whom these moneys were to propitiate. Bartholomew laboured with
great diligence, but the earth was much easier to remove than before,
and the old stump soon gave way, making but a slight resistance. This
was attributed to some charm wrought by the treasure they carried, and
was looked upon as a favourable omen--an unloosing of the fetters which
guarded the deposit. Every spadeful of earth was carefully examined, and
the probe thrust down anxiously and with great caution. About a yard in
depth had been taken away when the spade struck upon something hard. The
strokes were redoubled, and a narrow flag appeared. Raising this
obstacle they beheld a wooden coffer. Dee sung out a Latin prayer as
usual; for he failed not to pour out his thanks with great fervour for
any selfish indulgence that fell in his way, or, as he imagined, was
granted to him by the special favour of Heaven.
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