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ANNO DOMINI 1573
A MOST STRANGE AND FEAREFUL OCCURRENCE UPON THE HIGHWAY NEAR OXFORD, WHEREIN A COMPANY OF TRAVELLERS DID REPORT A VANISHING CARRIAGE AND A MAN CLOTHED IN BLACK WITHOUT SHADOW
It is here set forth, as it hath been credibly told by sundry persons of honest estimation, that upon the fourteenth day of this present month there befell upon the high road leading toward Oxford a matter very marvellous and not lightly to be passed over in silence.
For it is affirmed that a small company of travellers, being upon their journey betwixt villages, did espy a coach drawn by horses of exceeding blackness, which did proceed without sound of hoof nor wheel upon the way. And though the road was rough and full of stones, yet the said carriage did move as if borne upon the air.
Master Edward Tilney, a yeoman of some account, doth declare the matter thus:
“We did first hear no noise, which did much trouble us, for all carriages make some manner of sound. And then we beheld the coach itself, which did seem not to rest upon the earth, but rather to glide. And therein sat a man all in black apparel, whose face we could not plainly discern, nor did he cast any shadow, though the sun did shine upon him.”
Moreover, when the travellers did call out unto him—first in courtesy, and then in fear—he made no answer, but did only turn his head slowly, as one that regardeth them from a great distance, though they were nigh at hand.
And it is further reported that one of the company, being overcome with dread, did fall upon his knees and utter prayers aloud, whereupon the coach and all therein did suddenly cease to be seen, as if they had never passed that way at all, leaving the road empty and silent as before.
Certain persons of learning in Oxford do incline to think this matter may proceed from a natural illusion of the air, or from vapours arising from the earth, which do sometimes deceive the eye and imagination. Yet others, especially such as are more given to ancient belief, do take it for a warning or sign not easily to be interpreted.
The magistrates have taken knowledge hereof, though no bodily harm hath been done, and do admonish all travellers to keep their wits and courage when passing lonely roads, especially at such hours when light is faint and shadows long.
Thus much is recorded, not as matter of certainty in all points, but as it hath been reported by credible witnesses, leaving every man to judge thereof as his understanding shall direct him.