Semitic magic : its origins and development

XXXU ARAB WIZARDS.
imbibed too freel)'', and after drinking his sixteenth cup
he became confused and did not know how many he had
drunk. So they saw to it that he drank an even number,
and then succeeded in bewitching him. When he went
into the street he was met by a certain merchant, who
said, * I see a murdered man walking before me.' Not
being able to proceed farther, the drunken man embraced
a tree for support, when the tree emitted a groan and
dried up, and the man was killed.'* But even witchcraft
has no effect against a heavenly decree, according to
R. Hanina. There was a woman who tried to take earth
(for sorcery) from beneath his foot, and he said, ** If you
think you will succeed in affecting me with your witchcraft,
go on and do so, as I am not afraid." ^
It is curious to see that there is an Arab tradition that
magic will not work while he that works it is asleep.
Sadur and Ghadur, who were two of the Egyptian
magicians pitted against Moses, the sons of a famous
sorcerer, were sent for to court, and their mother persuaded
them to go to their father's tomb to ask his advice. The
father answered their call and told them, among other
things, that enchantments have no effect while the enchanter
is asleep.^
Although the power of evil spirits was much feared,
yet wise men could sometimes overreach Satan himself in
cunning. Such tales exist, especially among the modern
Arabs, who delight to relate such legends, particularly if
they redound to the credit of local patriotism. Iblis once
sent his son to an assembly of honourable people with
a flint stone, and told him to have the flint stone woven.
^ Sanhedrin, ed. Rodkinson, vii, 197.
- Sale, Koran, Surah vii.