Page:Hocus pocus, or, The whole art of legerdemain in perfection (1).pdf/3

This page has been validated.

3

may cover the whole whith both hands the end of the haft expected, and setting the point to your eye saying. 'Some body strike it with your fi-t.' but nobody will because it is so dangerous a thing; then setting your hand on the side of the table and looking about you ask. What will nobody strike it in? in which time let the knife slip into your lap then make as if you chop it hastily into your mouth or to hold it with one hand, and to strike it in with the other nimbly, making three or four wry faces saying. "Some drink some drink." or else. 'Nay let somebody put his finger into my mouth, and put it out aga n." Some will cry. "You will bite me', say, I will assure you I will not Then when he hath put his finger in he will pull it out. and cry, "There is nothing." This is time sufficient to convey the knife into your pocket: then say, "Why you have your finger again" So by this means you may swallow knives and forks.

How to put a Ring through one's Cheek.

You must have two rings made of silver or brass or what you please, of one higness. colour, and likeness, saying that one must have a notch through, and the other must be whole, without a notch. Show the whole ring and conceal that which hath the notch, and say, Now I will put this ring through my cheek and privately slip the notch ever one side of your mouth, then take a small stick which you must have in readines and slip the whole ring upon it, holding you, hand over it about the middle of the stick; the bid somebody hold fast the stick at both end, and say, See this ring in my cheek, it turns round