036r - - - - - [continued]
that cannot be seen, and you will skillfully and gently put all of it back into the bag or pouch.
To make a ball change into a fine thimble
Figure at left top margin
Make a small case of plain cow leather or Spanish goat’s leather quite thick, as high as three fingers, sewn like the finger of a glove and large enough that two fingertips can fit inside and which, at the tip, is a little creased, and has a round hole as large as a double liard. Take two boxwood balls that look the same, and one should be hollowed and opened by a round hole only on one side so that the thimble can enter. Thus, when you want to perform, you will place your leather case on the table with the ball that is not hollow. Put a stick into the leather case to show that there is nothing inside it, also show the round ball, and hold the hollow one which has the thimble inside it between your little and ring finger, and do this with your right hand with which you hold the stick. After, take the leather case and place it over the hollow ball which is between your fingers and pretend you put some goldibus powder upon it, and replace the leather case that contains the ball on the table, then you take the large round ball remaining on the table, and order it to enter from upon the table into the leather case. Then, lifting the leather, it will seem to be the same, although it is the hollow one. Then, cover it and command that it should become invisible, and lifting the case while pressing it, you will remove it at the same time as the ball, and meanwhile discreetly put it back in the case. In its place will be found a thimble for the ladies whose bottom hurts, that is the bottom of the needle.