Sympathetic Theater

Let the miracle be done, even if Mahomet does it. These things being thus established, I asked him for a linen cloth stained with his blood. Then he immediately had the garter, which he had previously used in place of a bandage, brought to me. While these things were being done, I ordered that a basin full of water be brought as if I were about to wash my hands, and at the same time, I took a handful of Vitriol powder, which I had ready in my study, and dissolved it in the water. Then, as soon as the garter was brought, I threw it into the basin, always studiously observing how Mr. Howel was behaving among these things. He was talking to a certain nobleman standing in a corner of the room, paying little attention to what I was doing or what I was attempting. And behold, suddenly he leaped for joy and acted as if he were feeling a great commotion. To my inquiry as to the cause of this, he replied that he did not know what had happened to him, but nonetheless, he felt that he was no longer affected by any pain. It seems to me, he continued, as if a cooler breeze, like a cold and damp cloth or napkin, were spreading itself over my hand, removing all the inflammation which had previously tormented me in a wonderful manner. Since therefore, I said to him, you now feel my medicine with such happy success, I advise you to remove all your plasters immediately; at least take care and diligence that the wound