SORCERY

The ancient prototype and forerunner of political influence.
It was, however, deemed less respectable and sometimes was punished by torture and death.
Augustine Nicholas relates that a poor peasant who had been accused of sorcery was put to the torture to compel a confession.
After enduring a few gentle agonies the suffering simpleton admitted his guilt, but naively asked his tormentors if it were not possible to be a sorcerer without knowing it.