ABSTRACT
The kinds of scrutiny that women’s actions might be subjected to are captured in the author’s The Admirable History of the Possession and Conversion of a Penitent Woman. The exorcism is a protracted battle between the Dominican and the refractory will of Magdalene along with a second possessed nun, Louise, and the devils who inhabit them, Verrine and Beelzebub. The Admirable History was translated within two years of its publication in French, appearing in 1613 having been printed in London. Its appeal to local readers again suggests that Scot’s skepticism about European views on witchcraft are not wholly representative of English attitudes. Magdalene, now doth the whole host of heaven rejoice for thee, and all hell is in great sorrow and confusion. “Magdalene, thou lovest nobleness of blood. Thy Spouse shall ennoble thee and place thee in the rank and condition of a Queen and Princess.
