study it attentively--not merely as a narrative which, in the
dramatic force of its gruesome simplicity, is not surpassed, if
it is equalled, by the witch scenes in Macbeth--but as a piece
of evidence bearing on an important anthropological problem.

We are told (1 Sam. xxviii.) that Saul, encamped at Gilboa,
became alarmed by the strength of the Philistine army gathered
at Shunem. He therefore "inquired of Jahveh," but "Jahveh
answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor
by prophets."<2> Thus deserted by Jahveh, Saul, in his
extremity, bethought him of "those that had familiar spirits,
and the wizards," whom he is said, at some previous time, to
have "put out of the land"; but who seem, nevertheless, to have
been very imperfectly banished, since Saul's servants, in answer
to his command to seek him a woman "that hath a familiar
spirit," reply without a sign of hesitation or of fear, "Behold,
there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor"; just as,
in some parts of England, a countryman might tell any one who
did not look like a magistrate or a policeman, where a "wise
woman" was to be met with. Saul goes to this woman, who, after
being assured of immunity, asks, "Whom shall I bring up to
thee?" whereupon Saul says, "Bring me up Samuel." The woman
immediately sees an apparition. But to Saul nothing is visible,
for he asks, "What seest thou?" And the woman replies, "I see
Elohim coming up out of the earth." Still the spectre remains
invisible to Saul, for he asks, "What form is he of?" And she
replies, "An old man cometh up, and he is covered with a robe."
So far, therefore, the wise woman unquestionably plays the part
of a "medium," and Saul is dependent upon her version of
what happens.