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THE DRUMMER OF HERSTMONCEUX. 197
The chief annoyance was a frequent noise of thumping and drumming. This was chiefly in the children's room, but other parts of the house were affected. Beds were lifted, a Bible thrown in the ashes, and various articles moved about without any apparent cause. The drummer was tried at Gloucester Assizes for felony and sentenced to transportation, but evaded the sentence. Glanvil says " but by some means—it is said by raising storms and affrighting the seamen—he made shift to come back again, " and the disturbances recommenced. Mompesson then indicted him at Salisbury Assizes in 1663 " for a witch," and upon evidence that he said " I have plagued him, and he shall never be quiet until he hath made me satisfaction for taking away my drum," the grand jury found a bill, but the petty jury with greater sense acquitted him. Gradually the disturbances died away apparently without any discovery of their real origin. Glanvil's narrative is quoted in Ennemoser's " History of Magic," and other works. It will be seen from a brief analysis that the incidents have not the slightest resemblance to the plot of The Drummer. This has no supernatural machinery. Lady Truman, whose husband is supposed to have been slain in |
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