There are certain fumigations, certain exsufflations, certain commandments written on a sheet of virgin parchment thrice blessed and worn like an amulet which almost always succeed in delivering the patient." "I want to ask you," said Des Hermies, "does a woman receive the visit of the incubus while she is asleep or while she is awake ?" "A distinction must be made.

If the woman is not the victim of a spell, if she voluntarily consorts with the impure spirit, she is always awake when the carnal act takes place.

If, on the other hand, the woman is the victim of sorcery, the sin is committed either while she is asleep or while she is awake, but in the latter case she is in a cataleptic state which prevents her from defending herself.

The most powerful of present-day exorcists, the man who has gone most thoroughly into this matter, one Johannes, Doctor of Theology, told me that he had saved nuns who had been ridden without respite for two, three, even four days by incubi!" "I know that priest," remarked Des Hermies.
"And the act is consummated in the same manner as the normal human act ?" "Yes and no.

Here the dirtiness of the details makes me hesitate," said Gevingey, becoming slightly red.