The French academie Fully discoursed and finished in foure bookes. 1. Institution of manners and callings of all estates. 2. Concerning the soule and body of man. 3. A notable description of the whole world, &c. 4. Christian philosophie, instructing the true and onely meanes to eternall life. This fourth part neuer before published in English. All written by the first author, Peter de la Primaudaye, Esquire, Lord of Barre, Chauncellour, and Steward of the French Kings house.

The eight daies worke. (Book 8)

Of the sea, and of the waters, and of the diuision and distribution of them throughout the earth. Chap. 57.

ASER.

THE holy Scripture doth certifie vs, how that in the begin∣ning the earth was couered ouer with water, and that it ap∣peared not in any sort, but onely vnder the forme a great deep til such time as God commanded the waters to retire to the channels and places, which hee had prepared for their aboad. So that then the earth was discouered, euen so much thereof, as was needeful for the habitation and nou∣rishment of men and beasts. But this soueraigne creator of the Vniuers would not haue the waters to bee gathered all into one place, and not to haue

their course through the earth, but prouiding for euery commoditie for his creatures, hee ordayned, that out of the great Ocean sea, which is as the great bodie of the waters, there should issue diuers armes and members, by meanes whereof we haue the Mediterran seas: out of which againe procede many other waters, as lakes, flouds, riuers, and brookes. For although that all these waters seeme to haue their springing out of certaine fountaines, which many affirme to bee made of the aire; yet the very truth is, that their chiefe source is out of the sea: which (as it is named in Iob) is as the wombe, out of which all waters, both celestiall and terrestriall haue their first originall, and doe engender and repaire themselues continually by the meanes that we haue already heard. Now according to the opinion of * 1.1 the Philosophers, all reason teacheth vs, that this ordinance in nature concerning the di∣stribution of the waters throughout the earth, hath beene made of necessity for the mutu∣all maintenance of these two elements: for so much as the Earth beeing naturally dry, can∣not subsist without moisture: and contrariwise the flowing water, could not haue ought to stay vpon, without being propped by the earth. Wherefore it was necessary, that the earth should giue it place, and that it should open all her vaines and conduicts, that the water might passe through the same, both within and vpon it, yea & to pierce euen to the high∣est mountaine tops: in which place being pressed with the waight of the earth, and also in some place mooued by the aire, which driueth it, one shall see it issue out in great vehe∣mency euen as it were squirted out.

Whosoeuer then will consider of the whole circuit of the earth, shall learne that the moity of the roundnesse thereof is enuironed by the sea, which floweth round about it, causing the waues thereof to goe and come continually, sometimes aloft, and sometimes very low: like as if this terrene globe were a bowle cast into the water, one part whereof should lye discouered out of it, and the other couered within it: Which water the Philoso∣phers hold to bee entirely round, hauing the open heauen in euery part ouer it. And this * 1.2 is confirmed by those droppes of water which fall vpon the ground, or vpon leaues of trees and of herbes which are round. If also one fill a vessell toppe brim full of water, they may euidently behold, that the water riseth & swelleth in the middest, making a kind of round forme. In truth, by reason that the water is subtile and soft, these things are far better com∣prehended by arguments and concluding reasons, wherewith the bookes of the learned are replenished, then by the view of the eie. Notwithstanding this is very admirable, that if one put neuer so little water into a vessell already brimme-full, the vppermost part thereof will shedde ouer: and yet if one cast into the same so toppefull vessell, some hea∣uy thing, yea to the waight of twenty pence, the water will not spill therefore, but will swell onely, till such time as it stand much aboue the brimme of the vessell, by the rising thereof. Moreouer the roundnesse of the water, which causeth this, doth also make that those which are in the top of a ship, do sooner discouer land, then those which are in the fore deck, or in the sterne therof, so likewise if any shining thing be fastned to the top of the mast parting from the port, it seemeth that the vessell still goeth downewards till at length the sight of her will be cleane lost. Moreouer, how should it bee possible that the Ocean Sea, which enuironeth the earth, as being the mother sea, and the receptacle of all the rest, doth not runne abroad, considering there is no banke to withhold it, if it were not of round forme? Wherein this is to bee noted, that the water of the Sea doth in no sort ouerpasse the limits thereof, nor doth euer runne but toward the place of the naturall scituation thereof. Of which the Greeke Philosophers haue rendred an especiall * 1.3 reason by Geometricall propositions and conclusions making demonstration that this wa∣ter cannot runne otherwise, what roome or scope soeuer it haue. For they say, that con¦sidering the nature of water is to fall alwaies downeward; and that also the Sea stretcheth it selfe out so farre as it can; neuerthelesse according as the declining of the Sea can suffer, as euery one may see with his eie: and by how much the lower it is, by so much the more it doth approach to the center of the earth: whereupon ensueth, that all lines drawne from that center to the waters neerest to it, are shorter then those lines, which are drawne from the vppermost waters to the extremitie of the sea: so that by that means, the water of the sea doth alwaies decline towards the center, from whence it can in no sort fall, but doth there retaine it selfe. * 1.4

Surely if we do neerely consider this maruellous work of God (the Sea & waters) we shall therin find goodly mirrors wherein to contemplate his maiestie and greatnes. According as he saith to his seruant Iob, [Who hath shut vp the Sea with doores when it issued and came

forth, as out of the wombe? When I made the cloudes as a couering thereof, and darke∣nesse as the swadling bands thereof? When I established my commaundement vpon it, and set barres and doores: And saide, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no farther; and heere shalt thou stay thy proud waues,] The like is also taught by the Psalmist, saying: [He ga∣thereth * 1.5 the waters of the sea togither, as vpon an heap, and layeth vp the depths in his trea∣sures.] Which is as much as if he should say, (God holdeth backe the waters, as with a bri∣dle, that they may not ouerrun and couer the earth.) Wherein we are moreouer to note, that the holy Ghost speaketh concerning the sea, in this fore-alledged text of Iob, & in ma∣ny other places of Seripture, as if it had some sense and vnderstanding, and that God had caused it to heare his voice, and had commaunded it, as hee commaundeth men to o∣bey his ordinance, although it be a senselesse creature and without life: but this is to the end that we may better learne to acknowledge the power and prouidence of God ouer all his workes. For the sea is not onely deafe, and depriued of all sense, and much more with∣out vnderstanding, but also exceeding surious and and outragious, beeing mooued by force of windes and tempests, in such sort that it often seemeth, as if it would ouerrunne and swallow vp all the earth with the waues thereof, and would rise with the flouds therof and mount vp to heauen. For one may behold how at one time the waues wil swell and rise vp like high mountaines: and suddenly after will tumble and couch downe like vallies, and as if the sea would cleaue and diuide it selfe, and so discouer the deepe bottome there∣of. And therefore the kingly Prophet hauing diuinely described all things, together with * 1.6 the power that the soueraigne creator had to raise, and to appease such tempestes, he exhor∣reth all men to acknowledge this infinite power of the Eternall, and those great works and wonders, which hee declareth in the sea: and to haue recourse for their deliuerance out of all dangers, to the Creatour and true Lord of the waters and of the windes, and of all nature. But yet wee must heere consider the obedience that the sea sheweth, euen in the greatest furies thereof, to the commaundement which God hath deliuered to it from the first cre∣ation thereof. For although it bee often mooued, as wee saide; yet doth it containe it selfe shutte vp within the boundes which were appointed vnto it by the ordinance of God, as if it were affraide to runne out, and durst not passe farther, as hauing heard and vnderstood that which the creator thereof had commanded, and had engrauen it in memory for euer. And therefore we may see, that after it hath swollen and risen aloft in waues, and that it hath menaced the earth, as if it would ouerflow it, & couer it againe with the deepe, as at the beginning: it is nevertheles arrested, and beaten backe to returne into the proper gulfes thereof, which are assigned for it to lodge in, euen by a very little sand on∣ly. For what is the sea shore, but sand only, which is a kinde of loose earth like the dust, & is easily driuen with the wind? And yet the word of God, which hath giuen commaunde∣ment to the sea (which is so horrible & fearefull a creature being mooued, is of such power; that this small sand is sufficient to make it keepe within the confines and limits thereof, & to breake the furious waues thereof, as if he, who hath established this ordinance in nature, stood in presence vpon the shore side, to command it to do so, and that for feare and reue∣rence of him, it returned to hide it selfe in the deepe: how much more then should his word and voice mooue the hearts of men, breaking, cleauing, and pearcing them through, if they were not harder then stones, and rockes, and more senselesse then the waters? For this cause the Lord saith by Esay: [And to whom shall I haue respect, but to him that is * 1.7 afflicted, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my words?] And Ieremie shewing to the people of Israel the malice and rebellion, which was in them, against the Lord their God, doth giue them the Sea for a patterne, and referreth them to learne to obey their * 1.8 Creator, after the example thereof. Let vs learne then that the Sea and other waters doe not ouer passe their bounds and limits; but when it pleaseth God that they should ouer flow to chastice men, by deluges and slouds: as it oftentimes commeth to passe through his iust iudgement. But it shall bee your office (ACHITOB) to speake of this point, discoursing vpon the ebbing and flowing of the Sea, whereupon me thinkes the order of our speech doth require that we should entreat.

Of the flowing and ebbing of the sea, and of the power that the moone hath ouer it and ouer all other inferi∣our bodies. Chapter 58.

AMANA.

IF we doe not referre all things to the heauenly disposition of him, who hath framed and compassed all with his hand, and doth gouerne all by his prudence and sustaineth all with his power: it will bee very difficult, yea impossible for vs, to declare the causes and reasons of his works in an humane discourse which are of such authority, that they may put a good spirit out of all scruple and doubt: Yea euen in the subiect which we intend now to entreate of, to witte, the flowing and eb∣bing of the sea. The searching out of which secret did so trouble a certaine great Philoso∣pher (some say, Aristotle) that beeing vpon the shore Euboea now called Negropont, onely to search out and to behold the naturall cause thereof, and not being able to enforme him∣selfe sufficiently therein, it did so vexe him, that chasing at nature her selfe, and against the water, he cast himselfe into the sea, saying to it (sith I cannot comprehend thee, yet shalt thou haue the honour to comprehend mee, and keepe mee within thy gulfes) and indeede hee was heere swallowed by the deepe. And certes this ordinary ebbing and flowing of the ocean, according to which it goeth, commeth, spreadeth it selfe abroade, & then doth euery day retire, without euer fayling in the order thereof, must needs bee a most wonder∣full thing. And that which is most admirable therein is, that the flowing and ebbing thereof doe follow the course of the moone. To which planet likewise is attributed with most apparant reason the cause of this flowing and ebbing; she beeing as the regient of the * 1.9 seas and waters, by the appointment of the soueraigne creatour, as is seene by experience and by the agreeablenes of nature, which they haue together. For we must note, that as the moone encreaseth or waineth, so is it with the state of the flowing of the sea: And therefore although that it happen diuersly, yet the principall cause of the motion thereof resideth in his planet. For betweene the two times that she riseth, which is in fower and twenty how∣ers, wherein she compasseth the whole earth, the sea doth twise flow, & doth as oftentimes ebbe. And when the moone beginneth to mount in the east, then doth the floud rise, and the sea swell, till such time as this planet doth attaine to our right meridian, which is in the mid heauen, and that it begin to decline towards the west, at which time the water ebbeth, Yet neuertheles all those sixe howers, wherein the moone maketh her course towardes the line of mid night opposite to our noone line, the floud returneth and increaseth, till after it hath passed that line; and then it doth ebbe againe, till such time as the said regient thereof the moone returne againe aboue our Horizon. It is most certen that the floud doth neuer returne iust at that very houre and instant, wherein it flowed the day before. But this doth proceed likewise from the course of the Moone, which seruing for these base and inferiour things, and not rising euery day at one selfe same instant, shee doth drawe the course of the sea with her: in such sort, that the tide is more late, and of shorter continu∣ance at one time then at another, and yet doth not the distance of time betweene the tides change one whit, for it endureth sixe houres in ebbe, and so long time in flowing. But here we meane not all manner of howres as our common howers are, according to the different situation of places, but wee meane equall and equinoctiall houres by considera∣tion where of the ebbing and flowing of the sea will bee found alwaies of like time, as is abouesaid. Moreouer, from seuen daies to seuen daies, the flowing is found different by the same power of the Moone: for it is but very small the first quarter thereof, and till it be halfe round. In the second quarter it alwaies encreaseth till full Moone: at which time the sea is at her greatest height. From thence forward the floud decreaseth: so that the third quarter it is in the same state wherein it was the first quarter. Neuerthelesse when the waining Moone is halfe round, the floud beginneth to rise. But when shee is in coniuncti∣on with the Sunne, the tide riseth as high as at full Moone. And when the Moone is high and Septentrionall, the tide is not so vehement as when shee is Meridionall, because that beeing then more neere to the earth, shee doth the more exercise her power.

But many haue endeauoured in this matter to vnderstand, why the flowings of the

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Ocean sea doe reach farther, then those of the other Mediterranean seas: wherein the eb∣bings and flowings doe not appeare as in the Ocean. Which may bee said to proceede, because that a thing which is entire hath more power, then any part which is separated. * 1.10 Also the high sea retaineth in it selfe more of the power of the Moone, which worketh vp∣on it at ease and pleasure, beyond all comparison more forcibly then vpon other seas, which are narrower, and minister lesse meanes to this planet to exercise her rule therein. From whence it commeth to passe, that lakes and riuers doe neuer flow. And for the Me∣diterranean seas they are enclosed about with the earth, as in an heauen, though there bee some places, or some armes of the same seas very broad. Some likewise are very much subiect to the Moone, as the Adriaticke gulfe, wherein Venice is builded, which ebbeth and floweth twise euery day like the Ocean. And it is to bee noted, that such motions are better perceiued on the shoare and sea coastes, then in the middest thereof: euen as the pulse of the arteries is better knowne in the extreames of the body, then in the bulke * 1.11 thereof. Some also doe render this cause of the flowing, and ebbing of the see, to wit, that though the waters thereof be salt, yet were not this sufficient for their conuersation, no more then of their neighbour the aire, if they had not a continuall motion. For we see, that sea water doth presently corrupt being in a vessell, and not mooued. Many also haue noted that in euery reuolution or course of the moone, the tyde resteth for three daies long, to witte, the seuen, eight and ninth day thereof: and that when shee is at full, all seas doe purge themselues by scummes. Certainely it is wondrous to see what power this planet hath, not onely ouer the waters, but also ouer the earth, and ouer all liuing creatures. Which hath ministred occasion to many Philosophers to suppose, that the moone was that quickning * 1.12 spirit, which nourisheth the earth; and that also by her inconstant course approaching di∣uers waies to the inferiour bodies, she produced diuers effects, sometimes replenishing them and sometimes leauing them voide and empty. Wherof it commeth, that all fishes hauing scales and shels, doe encrease and decrease according to the course of the moone: and that all liuing creatures also, which haue bloud, doe feele themselues refreshed, when she renu∣eth. It is likewise supposed, that the blood augmenteth or diminisheth in man, according as the moone encreaseth, or waineth: yea that herbes and trees doe partake of her power. Aristotle also doth note, that those creatures which are ready to die, do die onely when the sea ebbeth. But in this matter, as in all things which doe concerne ebbing and flowing of the Ocean, we must euer haue recourse to the ordinance that the Eternall father of the vni∣uers hath established in all his creatures: according to which they perseuer in obedience to their creatour, without transgressing one title of his lawes: as we haue a notable example in the sea, and in the waters, which containe themselues in such admirable sort (as in our for∣mer speech is declared) within their bounds and limits. And if at any time they ouerflowe * 1.13 (as whilome happened in Holland, where the water brake through the dams and bankes, wherwith the country is bounded, swallowing vp the coast towns, with an incredible losse of men and riches: as also at the same time. Tiber did so ouerflowe at Rome, that it rose in the fields the height of a lance, ruinating in fower & twēty howers many bridges & stately edifices, the endommagement whereof, comprising therein the moueable goods lost, was esteemed to amount to the value of three millions of gold: there being aboue three thou∣sand persons choaked and drowned.) Such deluges, I say, doe not come to passe (what naturall causes soeuer the learned force themselues to render) without the expresse com∣mand and ordinance of God, who will after this sort vse the water, to take vengeance vp∣on those whom hee pleaseth to wash from off the face of the earth, as being vnworthy to dwell longer thereupon. And so he himselfe hath prophesied vnto vs, saying: [There shall be signes in the Sunne, and in the Moone, and in the Starres, and vpon the earth, trouble among the nations, with perplexitie: the sea and waters shall roare.] Adding af∣terwards, * 1.14 [For the powers of heauen shall be shaken.] Moreouer we may say, that although the celestiall bodies haue no more life, sense and vnderstanding, then the earth and the sea: yet neuerthelesse they haue, as it were, a secret feeling by nature of the maiestie of God their creator, who causeth them to rise vp against men for their rebellion and wickednesse. Surely when we see them rise and stand vp against men, to worke them euill instead of dō∣ing them good, contrarie to the end of their first creation; wee must consider of them, as if they enuied & denied to serue men any more, which turne disloiall, ingrateful & peruerse towards him, from whom their totall good proceedeth: As the Sunne did witnesse when it waxed darke at the death of our Redeemer, depriuing those of his light, which were risen

vp against the eternall Son of God, that had created them. For it is certaine, that the crea∣tures doe groane and trauell altogither (as the Scripture saith) till such time as Iesus Christ shall come in iudgement, which is the day of the restitution and restoring of al * 1.15 things, foretold by the Prophets. And which day being neere, it is no maruell: if God doe daily shew his particular iudgements vpon men, to put them in mind of this generall and vniuersall iudgement, whereto heauen, earth, the sea, and all creatures shall come together: and therefore also he giueth them so many signes of his wrath, by thunders, tempests, delu∣ges, and inundations of water, as we haue made mētion. But let vs proceed to contemplate his other works and great wonders, which abound euery where, both in the earth, and in the sea, and in other terrestriall waters: by which very many commodities, do redound to men through the prouidence of God. And first we will speake of the diuersity of waters. Which (ARAM) I would haue you to discourse of.

Of salt, fresh, and warme waters: and of other diuersities in them. Chapter 59.

ARAM.

ACcording to the nature of the most wonderfull workes of God, in all that, which hee hath created, the maruels are innumerable, which may bee considered in the sea, and in all the waters which proceede out of it, and returne in∣to it, without any increasing or diminishing in it selfe, as we haue already heard. And if there were no other thing, but that the waters of the sea are alwaies salt, and other waters are for the most part fresh, would not that bee sufficient to teach vs to acknowledge the great power, wisedome, and bounty of the creatour, and how puissant hee is in all his workes? For though that all waters are of one nature, as making vp one onely element? yet doth hee make them of diuers qualities, according as hee knoweth how to purifie, di∣still and purge, or else to mingle and mixe them, with his other creatures. Wherupon it fal∣leth * 1.16 out, that wee haue not onely salt waters in the sea, but that there are some found also in fountaines, yea oftentimes very neere to other springs of fresh water: Wherein the pro∣uidence of God declareth it selfe to bee very great. For if all the waters were salt, men and beasts could not liue, nor the earth fructifie, and nourish the fruites therof, because that liuing creatures cannot want fresh watar, whether it bee for their driake, or for their other necessary commodities: neither is salt water fitte to water the earth, considering that salt makes it barren. On the other side, if al waters were fresh, where might men find salt enough to suffice them, for the necessary commodities of their life? For although that there bee some salt mines, and some salt ground, as appeareth by the salt waters of fountaines, which passe through such grounds: yet the best meanes to haue good salt and in abun∣dance is by the waters, and chiefely by Seawater. What may wee say also of so many sorts of water, whereof some participate with Sulphure; some with allom; other with iron or brasse, or with other mettals or minerals, which doe heate some of them in such sort, as men make naturall bathes of them, hauing diuers vertues and powers which serue for me∣dicines in many kindes of diseases?

Now the Philosophers doe much straine themselues to declare the causes of so many maruellous effects. For some say that the sonne, which is the greatest of all planets, drying * 1.17 vp by his heate the moisture of the water, and burning and sucking vp all the humiditie of the earth, doth by this decoction cause the Sea to become salt, because the force of the so∣larie fire doth attract vnto it the most fresh and subtile part of the water, making the more heauie and thicke part that remaineth, to be salter and of more substance: whereof it com∣meth, that the water towards the sea bottome is fresher, then that which is aboue. Others al∣leadge three efficients, which both cause and continue the saltnesse: to wit, the heate of the Sunne, for the foresaid reasons; and also because it maketh the water to purifie: then the continuall agitation thereof by flowing and ebbing, which causeth that the Sea nei∣ther resteth nor runneth a direct course: and thirdly, the ordinary receiuing of raine. For they say, that when salt resteth in the water, it descendeth downewards by reason of the waight thereof: and when the water runneth, it is purified by the earth: and that all rainewater, because it is heated by the Sunne, and doth putrifie through tardation and slownes, is somewhat brackish. But they are much more troubled when they entreate of

fountaines. For some say, that the sea yeeldeth none but salt waters, as is seene by many waters neere it: And that those which are fresh, become so by a long and vehement course. Others maintaine that they be engendred by the aire. Now experience manifesteth, that their saltnesse is diminished by the length and continuance of the course of the water. For the farther that welles are from the sea, the more fresh they are: because the water doth more purge it selfe, by the earth ouer which it transuerseth, leauing a part of the force * 1.18 thereof, and sometimes all of it, in the slime, and in the sand. And heere wee may note, that waters, especially Well waters, which doe all come from some springs, doe seems to be hotter in winter then in sommer, although they doe neuer change their nature: for this proceedeth of the aire, which is colde in winter and hotte in summer. Through the opposition then of these things one selfe same water seemeth to receiue diuers qualities: euen as we see, that according to the disposition of our body, the qualitie of the aire, which enuironeth vs, is esteemed. Eor when we are hotte, we doe suppose, that which we touch to be cold; and when we be cold, we esteeme that which we touch to be otherwise. Where∣fore we must iudge euen so of the inner parts of the earth, esteeming them to bee simply neither hotter nor colder in one season more then in another, but onely in respect of the aire. Indeede water doth waxe a little warme, when through the coldnesse of the aire, the heate is constrained to retire it selfe downeward in such sort as it cannot issue nor spreade it selfe vpon the earth: and therefore the snowe which doth lye a long vpon it, doth com∣monly make it more fertile; for it retayneth the heat in the bowels thereof. Moreouer, the vppermost part of the earth, which the water may come to, is of a clammy slime of * 1.19 the nature of brimstone or of salt, or of mettall: which causeth that the exhalations enclo∣sed in this part doe heat the water. And therefore such waters are either odoriferous, or of a baddesmell, or without any sauour, of which qualities one may easily iudge by the smell and taste. For some waters sauour not onely of lime, or of salt; but they doe also boile, as in the hathes neere to Padua; yea such waters are very ordinary, so that there are few regi∣ons, but haue some of them. But they are most common in Germany and in Italy. And the cause that they so boyle is, either fire or putrefaction, or else naturall or celestiall heate. But for the celestiall heate, it seemeth that it cannot be so great, especially in winter and in the night time, that it should heate the water very much. And for naturall heat, it is neuer actuall but in liuing creatures, because they haue life and sense. Neither is putrified heate so powerfull, that it can make water to boile, neither is it very likely, that the substance of a∣ny thing may bee engendred and corrupted at one instant. It resteth then, that the cause should rather be in the fire: considering also, that heate hath but little motion, except it attaine to the height thereof, whereas otherwise it doth quench it selfe. And therefore it is that matter which burnethvnder the earth, that ministreth this puissant heate, which doth so warme the water. And wee may moreouer note, that all those waters which boile so, are naturally light, and haue some medicinable faculty and property: And yet they are not to be so much accounted of, as that which is fitte for common vsage in mens affaires to preserue health. For good water hath neither colour, smell, nor sauour, and is passing cleere: and being drunke it abideth not long in the belly: such (they say) is the water of the riuer * 1.20 Euleus, which falleth from the mountaine Zager by Susiana, whereof the Kings of Persia did make prouision in their expeditions and warlike voyages. For to the preseruation of health, water is no lesse to be carefully chosen, then aire. Now as warme waters are fa∣mous for the reason heretofore deliuered; so there are some waters also very much ad∣mired for their great coldnesse, whereof snowe, marble, mettals, cold aire, sudden moti∣on, * 1.21 and the great fall from aloft, (euerie one in his degree) may be the cause. Againe, the sauours or tastes of waters are very diuers, and the principall cause thereof is heate. For sodden earth (which is of sundry sorts) giueth a taste to water, according to the qualitie thereof. And the like reason is concerning colours; for fine and thinne clay doth cause the colour of waters: but thicke clay tarrieth not in water, and therefore dieth it not. The same cause is also in the difference of smels. And alwaies waters that are of a good smell, are profitable for creatures: but stinking waters cause diseases: for (as Philosophers say) contrary causes appertaine to contrarie things. Good water likewise is lightest, as that which fleeteth aboue other water, be it in riuers, springs, or welles. From whence it commeth that fresh water floateth vpon sea water: which likewise being more massiue and waightie, beareth more heauie burdens. And amongst fresh wa∣ters, the water of Rhodanus or Rosne (in France) swimmeth vpon that of the

the lake of Geneua, passing ouer the midst thereof. Also many properties and great won∣ders are written concerning waters, with the causes of them: as that, which is reported by Iosephus, of a certaine floud in Iudea neere Syria, which ranne euery day, except vpon the * 1.22 Sabbaoth day: which was reputed a matter religious, and as a myracle: although that this might happen and come to passe through a naturall cause, if wee will so argue, to wit, that no water was gathered into this floud by orderly spaces, then was sufficient to runne for sixe daies and not for the seuenth: in such sort as Phisitions render a like cause concerning the renewings or fits, and ceasings of feauers. For the world is the great man, as man is the little world. But not stretching this discourse any farther, wee will onelie note for conclusion thereof, that in the diuersitiue of the kindes of waters, that which is gathe∣red together in one place and i•• salt, is called the sea; the fresh water so gathered together * 1.23 is called a lake; and if it mooue not at all, it is named a marish or fen: but if it be somewhat deepe, it is a standing poole, and if it runne, then is it a riuer: if it gather through raines, or by snowe, then is it a torrent, or raine floud: and if it spring, it is a fountaine; which is euer the best water, and doth slowliest putrifie. For it is least moist, and is most concocted by the heauenly heat. Also the lightest water doth hardliest corrupt: for which cause it is most fit for the maintenance of mans life, as approching neerest to the substance of the aire by which wee breath. Wee haue saide enough then concerning this matter. But me think∣eth that our succeeding discourse requireth that wee should entreat of those commodities, which men receiue by waters through nauigation, which (ACHITOB) shall be the subiect of your discourse.

Of the commodities which men reape of the waters, by nauigation, and of the directions which seamen receiue from heauen, and from the starres vpon the sea. Chapter 60.

ACHITOB.

AMongst such things as are worthy of consideration in the sea, and in other waters, wee must not passe ouer in silence those goodly commodities and great profits which they bring vnto men, by the meanes of nauigations, and of the dea∣lings and trafficks which they exercise by them. For it is to bee noted, that euery land and countrey cannot bee furnished with all commodities, because God hath so disposed thereof, that some abound in those thinges which other some doe greatly want and stand in neede of. But by meanes of sayling by water, all that which can bee required may be tansported from one countrey to another, with very small trouble and charges: so that one nation may communicate those commodities with another, which the crea∣tor hath particularly bestowed on them all, each graunting mutuall helpe to the other by this meanes. Wherein surely we may acknowledge the prouidence of God to be very great * 1.24 and manifold. For first the Lord hath disposed of his creatures, and distributed his treasures according to the diuersity of lands & countries, euen in such maner as he diuideth his gifts and graces amongst men. For he bestoweth not all either vpon one or vpon two, or vpon three, or vpon any other certaine number of them: And therefore there neuer hath beene, nor shall be any one, which either could or may surpasse all others so much, that hee may haue no neede of another, or that hath sufficient for himselfe. For if one man possessed all, hee would thinke himselfe to bee no more a man, but a God rather, and would therefore contemne all others. Moreouer, it is most certaine, that if euery one were so well furni∣shed with all things that they might all surpasse one another, there would be no humane so∣cietie. For one would make no account of another: being all puffed vp with pride (where∣with they are naturally enclined) there would arise a thousand quarrels and dissentions a∣mongst them, as wee ordinarily see to happen amongst the proud, mighty, puissant, and rich. For seeing that charitie, which should dwell amongst men, can take no place; how could they be vnited and and allied together in amitie, if they were not constrained thereto through necessitie? and if it bee a difficult matter to conioine and maintaine them in peace and mutuall good will, what neede soeuer they haue one of another, one may ea∣sily iudge what would ensue, if they had not necessitie for their mistresse to this effect,

which causeth them to do in spight of all their abilities, that which shee cannot obtaine of them, but by force. Againe how could men exercise the workes of charitie amongst them∣selues, (which workes are very much commended vnto them by God, to be done towards their neighbours) if euery one could at his pleasure excell his companion? As then God hath placed and disposed sundry members in one bodie, and yet hath not appointed them one selfe same office, but to euery on his owne: so hath it pleased him to diuide and distri∣bute his goodnes, gifts, and graces amongst men, to the end that they may one serue ano∣ther, as members of one and the same bodie, which cannot consist without the reciprocall helpe of all. So likewise hath he established the sundry regions of the earth, enriching euery one of them with certaine particular commodities, which do often constraine men to helpe and succour one another, and to liue in peace: without which, they would like madde beasts ouer runne and destroy each other, as wee (wretches) doe finde true, espe∣cially in time of warre. But wee may well note vpon this point, that although the most mightie do by their hate, enmities, dissensions, reuengements and warres, contend oftentimes with all their power, to stop and hinder the trafficke, dealings, and transpor∣tations of merchandize from one countrey, and out of one place to another, especially of foode and victuals; yet whatsoeuer they may or can doe (bee they kings, princes or Emperors) they cannot for all that make such a stoppe, but that they will alwaies passe and scape by somes meanes, mangre all their powers. Wherein wee must acknowledge, that seeing God hath ordained, that those which beare his image, should haue commu∣nication * 1.25 one with another, for the causes aforesaid, and that chiefly by the aide of naua∣gation: it is a great presumption in mighty men to oppose themselues against the order of the Omnipotent, and against that communion of benefits, which hee will haue to bee mainetained amongst men. Whome hee can constraine to obserue his ordinances, euen through their owne couetousnesse, when their charitie faileth, making them to despise all dangers, that they may supply where neede is, though they bee forbidden vpon paine of death. For such restraint by commandement is so farre from hindering their couetous∣nesse, that it doth more in flame it, because they expect greater gaine, then if there were mutuall libertie, and therefore they cause more warre secretly to passe, and by the meanes they put all to hazard: yea they would rather open away vnder ground (like moles) or else would flie in the aire (like birds) then leaue such trading: so wonderfull is God in all his workes, and in the gouernment of all nature. For when hee pleaseth, hee ser∣ueth his owne turne with the affections and euill workes of men, yea drawing good out of their euill, euen against their owne wils. And therefore wee may very well affirme, that seeing God will haue men to trafficke together; it cannot choose, howsoeuer they enterprise to the contrarie, but that this order must bee continued. For this cause likewise it was not the will of the creator, that the waters should so gather themselues into one place that they might not runne through the earth: but hee ordained, that out of the great O∣cean (which is like the great bodie of the waters, and like the wombe, out of which they doe all first spring, and wherein they are engendred, and whereby they are repaired for euer) there should issue diuers armes and members, by meanes whereof wee haue the Medi∣terranean seas, lakes, floods, riuers and brookes. So also in this distribution, and by the meanes of nauigation, God hath giuen vs many other meanes; to the end we might behold with our eies, many testimonies of his prouidence engrauen in euery part of the vniuers, by the disposition of the workes of his almightie hand, as they who saile vpon the waters are constrained to acknowledge. For as hee hath appointed the watrie element, to serue men to nauigate therein; so hath he established the heauen, and ordeined the starres en∣chased * 1.26 therein, to direct them to the middest of the great gulfes and deepes of the sea. For when the ships are entred very farre into it, they that be therein doe cleane lose the sight of land; so that they cannot iudge by the consideration thereof, in what place they are, nor vpon what side, neither to what place they may bend their course to finde a conuenient port, but they must take their directions from heauen.

And for this cause also, though that the heauen be in perpetuall motion, and that all the planets and starres doe follow it, rising and setting in such sort, as they doe not alwaies ap∣peare to men: yet there are some of another condition. For neere to the place, which Astronomers take for the pole, there are certaine starres which haue their motion and course so disposed, that they are alwaies seene at sea, being neuer hidden like the rest: and among these that is one, which is called the Polestarre, which is neuer seene to remooue (except

a very little) out of one place: so that it seemeth the whole heauen turneth about this star: As also we maintaine, that it hath the like place correspondent therto directly ouer against it in the other part of heauen, with a like appellation of name (as wee haue heretofore declared in our discourses concerning the celestiall bodies) excepting the difference, which is put betweene these two poles, taken from their opposite situation in heauen, and from the starres, which are next vnto them; which also haue their course and motion like the rest: but doe onely differ in this, that rising and setting are not attributed vnto them, be∣cause they may be alwaies seene, when the spheres are discerned. For when the skie is co∣uered with clouds, marriners doe finde themselues very much hindred and troubled. For then they prooue that which Iob saith concerning the workes of God, to wit, that he com∣mandeth * 1.27 the sunne, and it riseth not, and he closeth vp the starres, as vnder a signet. And that hee maketh the starre Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the Climates of the south, doing great things and vnsearchable, yea maruellous things without number. Whereupon wee may note, that here it especiall mention made of the septentrionall starres, as well be∣cause that they are more seene then the rest, as also because it is their propertie to bring and to procure raine and tempests (if wee may credite Astrologers) which cause that the heauen cannot bee seene. And because that some of these starres are so disposed, that they seeme to represent the figure of a chariot with fower wheeles, and they are very much glistering a∣boue other, they are commonly called by the name of Charles-waine: because also they * 1.28 haue three other very bright stars neere to them, placed in such order as if they were cart∣horses or oxen. Indeede some haue called them the Beare, seeing them so conioyned toge∣ther, taking the fower quarters apart as if they were the fower quarters of a Beare, and the other three as the taile thereof. There are some also, who haue named them the Dragon or Serpent, because that beeing considered together they might seeme to represent some such forme. But howsoeuer, it is certaine that pilots of gallies and ships doe direct & guide themselues chiefly by these northren starres, as beeing most seene, and best knowne by men, and because they doe almost alwaies remaine in one place, like the pole, or else doe mooue so little, that they are neuer out of sight, especially that constellation which is pro∣perly designed by name of the Beare, and is called the greater Beare in comparison of a lesse called the lesser Beare. And for which cause also the pole, which is in this region and part of heauen is called Arcticke, which is to say, of the Beare: for (Arctos) in Greeke signifi∣eth a Beare. Now hereby wee farther learne, that it is very requisite for marrinets, and chief∣ly for masters and gouernours of gallies and ships, to be Astronomers, at leastwise so much as to know the foresaid starres, and to know how to iudge of the eleuation of the pole, and of the degrees, and the distances of euery land and country, according to the eleuati∣on. For it is by it, that not onely marriners, but Geometricians and Geographers also doe take their measures, and dimensions to part and measure out the earth. But wee haue staied long ynough in this matter, now we will consider how God hath diuided and limited out this terrestriall globe, and the sundry countries and regions that are therein, by the sea and separation of the water: as (ASER) you can discourse vnto vs.

Of the diuision of lands and countries amongst men by the waters, and of the limits which are appointed them for the bounds of their habitations. Chapter 61.

ASER.

STrabo a man as well seene in good letters as any other that hath written of Geographie, saith; That the earth is enuironed about by the Ocean: and therefore hee parteth it into foure very great gulphes: the first whereof * 1.29 turneth towards the North, and is called the Caspian or Hircanian Sea: the second and third is that of Arabia, and the gulfe of Ormuz or the Persian sea, turning towards the South: and the fourth being greatest of all the rest is that whereinto the Ocean entreth at the streight of Gibraltar, which some call the pillers of Hercules; which gulfe is called by the name of the Mediterran, or Middle earth-sea, because it is compassed round about with land. And the same Mediterran sea runneth, enlarging it selfe, and making many bayes and gulfes, sometimes washing the coall of Europe, and sometimes that of Africa,

and so it extendeth toward the East, and receiueth diuers names according to the places through which it passeth. For the first coast by which it runneth is called Mauritania Tin∣gitans, which is that of Tremissen; then doth it take the name of Mauritania Caesariensis, * 1.30 towards Algier, and Tunis; then is it named the Africke-sea towards Tripoly in Barbary; then passing the quicke sands it is the Lybian sea; and entring vpon the Marmarica and Cy∣renaica, it glideth with that name till it water Egypt, and then it is said to bee the Egypti∣an sea. And all this coast is from the east to the west, till you arriue at the gulfe of Larissa beyond Damiata, and at the vttermost of the deserts of the south-east, where Asia and A∣frica do separate. From which port being in Palestina, you must turne north and north-east, as if you would take your course by the west: and then this sea which was called the Sy∣riack sea because of all Syria to Tripolis, changeth name, and is called the Egean sea, till you come to Galli polis; or Helespont, making all this way diuers baies and gulfes: and vn∣der this name it coasteth Thracia, and the lands which abutte vpon Macedonia, and Mo∣rea, till you come to Albani••, and there it beginneth to bee called the Adriaticke sea: then doubling towards the south, it floweth by the countrey of Calabria to the towne of Rhe∣gium, vnder the name of the Ionicke sea, and passing betweene Sicilie and Italy, in stead of the old name Charybdis, it is called the Tyrrhene sea, and from thence it runneth to∣wards the coast of Genoa, by name of the Ligusticke sea, which diuideth and separateth France from Italy, being nominated the French sea: then to end the course, and finish the compasse, it approcheth the isles of Maiorca and Minorca, being called the Balearicke sea. And proceeding farther, it runneth to the streight of Barbarie, bearing name the Iberi∣rean sea, where it returneth to the first point, from whence we said it first parted, to wit, at the streight of Gibralter, which is the entrance of one sea into another.

Now in this briefe discourse, vpon which Cosmogrophers haue written many great vo∣lumes, we bauevery goodly matter to consider vpon, not without much wonder of the pro∣uidence of God; in that it hath pleased him to diuide, part, and limit out the earth, and the * 1.31 sundry countries and nations that are therein, by the sea, and by the bosomes, gulfes, and armes thereof. For it is written [God hath made of one bloud all mankinde, to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath assigned the times which were ordained before, and the bounds of their habitation.] Which is as much to say, that as men haue not made nor created themselues, but haue bin created by the Eternall; so are they borne where hee plea∣seth, hauing assigned them a place vpon the earth, not at their choise but at his pleasure.

And therefore also he establisheth their habitation, or changeth it, according to his good will, either keeping them within the countrey in which they were borne, or else driuing them out, & bringing them into strange lands, as we haue verie euident examples through∣out all the holy Historie, where mention is made of the children of Israel. For though the Scripture doth deliuer vs no testimony of the prouidence of God so speciall towards other nations, as it assureth vs to haue beene towards the people of Israel: yet we must neuerthelesse beleeue, that there is not one man that dwelleth vpon the earth, to whome the Lord hath not by his prouidence assigned the place of his habitation: But hee would giue an example and more certainety in his people, of that which he ordinarily doth towards all nations, although hee doth it not so openly, nor with so great fauour and grace, as is declared in those whom he accounteth for his children. And therefore the Prophet saith, [That it is God, who changeth the times and seasons, hee taketh away * 1.32 Kings, hee setteth vp Kings: because he giueth and taketh away kingdomes, and he aug∣menteth, cutteth off, and altereth the limits of them as he pleaseth.] Whereby wee also learne, that wee must not attribute either to the prudence and wisedome of any one, or yet to the force and power, or to the weapons or armies of men, the changes which wee daily see in the state of the most mighty: but to the onely ordinance and disposition of God, by which such alterations come to passe, according as the soueraigne iudge knoweth to be expedient and iust for the chastisement and punishing of men by one another, or else to shew himselfe benigne and fauourable towards them. For which cause the Scripture saith, that the Lord vsing as his instrument Senacherib the tyrant of Assyria to chastise ma∣ny people and nations; he calleth him the rodde and scourge of his wrath: and doth * 1.33 greatly reprehend him by Isay, for that he attributed to himselfe the glory of those victories which he had giuen him, not because of his vertues (considering hee was a fierce and cruell King) but because God would vse him against those who deserued to bee chastised by the hands of such a tyrant and murderer. If then wee consider (as behoueth vs) vpon that

which wee haue here summarily touched, wee shall finde therein excellent doctrine for all kings, princes, and people, and for all men, as well in generall, as in particular: to the end to induce them, that they may containe themselues within the inclosure of those con∣fines wherein God hath placed them. For as hee is cursed in the lawe, which passeth the bounds of his neighbours possession; so must wee not doubt, but that they are subiect * 1.34 to the same curse, who cannot containe themselues within the bounds of those coun¦tries, in which God hath confined them, bestowing vpon them power, signories, and ha∣bitation therein. For from whence proceede the greatest dessensions and cruellest wars, but from the ambition and auarice of men, which will one vsurpe aboue another, that which appertaineth not vnto them, and by such meanes doe outpasse their limits? whereas if euery one would content himselfe with that part and portion of land, which the creator thereof hath bestowed vpon him, who doubteth, but that men should liue in much more peace? As then God through his prouidence would constraine them by necessity and neede which they haue one of another, to trafficke and communicate together in liberty and mutuall securitie, by that meanes to receiue out of one countrie into another those thinges which faile therein, and abound elsewhere, and for the causes by vs heretofore deliuered: so it hath pleased him to set mightie and strong bounds and limits against their ambition and auarice, especially of kings, princes, and great men. For wee see how hee hath diuided and separated one countrey from another, and the diuers regions and king∣domes of the earth not onely by meanes of seas, lakes, and great riuers, but also by crag∣gie, high, and vnpassable mountaines, which (as the kingly prophet witnesseth) hee hath established by his power, that by this meanes men might bee confined within the bounds * 1.35 of the habitation assigned by the Eternall to euery people, in such sort as hee hath inclosed the waters within their places, to the course which he hath ordained them, hauing bounded them with hils & rocks. And yet there are no bounds so difficult to passe, which may bridle and restraine the ambition and insatiable desire of men within any limits, but that they * 1.36 will passe ouer the deepest, the longest, the amplest, and broadest waters, and the highest and steepest mountaines in the world: so that there are no places so inaccessible, through which they will not cutte a passage, one to ouerrunne another by great outrage and vi∣olence. Wherein surely they euidently declare, that they are much more furious then the sea, how outragious and rough soeuer it be; seeing they can in no wise containe themselues within their limits, as the warers doe: which also maketh them more vnreasonable then brute beasts. For although there bee many vnruly and furious horses in one stable, yet each of them will commonly be stayed with an halter made but of a little coard or leather, and will be kept a by little barre of wood, from striking and runnning ouer one another; so that one onely stable will serue them all. But men doe to the contrarie shew themselues to bee such furious and contentious beastes, that the whole world cannot suffice them. For there is neither riuer, sea, lake, nor mountaine, which can bee a barre sufficient to withhold them from forcing and rauaging one another, destroying themselues by horrible massacres and cruell warres. Which no doubt commeth vnto them especially through want of ac∣knowledging and considering vpon the prouidence of God, by which hee hath appoin∣ted bounds to their habitation, ambition, and auarice, as wee haue said, and for that they will not containe themselues within them, obeying the ordinance of their creator. But we haue said ynough concerning this subiect. Let vs now discourse vpon those commodities which come to men & to all creatures, by the course of the waters through the earth. Which (AMANA.) shall be the substance of your speech.

Of the commodities which are incident to men, and to all creatures, by the course of waters through the earth. Chap. 62.

AMANA.

IF men doe but slenderly acknowledge the prouidence of God in the limits of their habitation which he hath appointed, as well by means of mountaines as by waters (as we haue heard in the precedent speech:) they do also make but small stay in the consideration of those great commodities, which he giueth and sendeth continually to them by meanes of them, and of all the earth. For as hee watereth this fruitfull mo∣ther by dewe and raine from heauen, as hath beene heretofore expressed: so doth he moi∣sten

it by meanes of fountaines, floods and riuers, which doe runne through it. Whereupon we must note, that, the life of all corporall creatures doth principally consist in heat, & that this heat cannot be preserued & maintained without moisture, whereby it is nourished: euen as the flame of the snuffe, or match of a candle or lampe is nourished and maintained by the fat and humor which is therein. Therefore as God hath placed the sunne in heauen like a great fountaine of heate, and a great fornace of fire for to be distributed and disposed into all parts of the world: so that he established the sea here belowe in the earth, as a great and perpetuall fountaine conuenient for the nourishment and conseruation of this heat, which is communicated to the earth, and to all the creatures that are therein. And therefore * 1.37 also this sea spreadeth it selfe into diuers places, by the meanes which haue beene de∣clared: so that the courses of the waters in the earth are like the vaines in a mans body. For euen as the soueraigne Creator hath placed the liuer in the bodies of liuing creatures, which is as the fountaine of blood needefull for all the bodie to giue life thereto: and then hath made vaines like riuers to disperse and distribute this blood to euery mem∣ber, disposing them in such sort, as there is not any part but doth by meanes of these vaines receiue as much blood, as is needfull for the nourishment and preseruation of the life thereof: so likewise he hath ordained heere below in earth, the sea and springs of wa∣ters, which hee afterwards disposeth into euery place by meanes of fountaines, floods and riuers, who are as the vaines through which the water, that it as the blood of the earth, is coueyed and communicated, that it may bee moistened to nourish all manner of fruites, which God hath commaunded it to beare for the nuriture both of men and beasts. Wherefore as in one bodie there are many veines, some greater, larger, and longer; and some lesser, narrower, and shorter, which neuerthelesse do all answer to one self same source and fountaine, and then doe diuide themselues into sundrie branches: so the earth hath her flouds, riuers and streames, some great, other small, which haue all their common springs, and doe oftentimes ioyne themselues together, or diuide themselues in∣to diuers branches and armes, in such sort as the earth is moistened by them, so much as is needefull in euery part thereof. Moreouer, as it is watred to nourish the fruits; so men and other liuing creatures do thereby receiue their beuerage necessarie for the preseruation of their life.

But amongst all these things we are to consider, that God the most good hath not one∣ly prouided by meanes of them for the necessities of his creatures, but euen for their ho∣nest * 1.38 pleasures, so that it hath pleased him to conioyne an execellent beautie with profit and vtilitie. For howe goodly a thing is it to behold the fruitefull islands in middest of the sea, the cleere and sweete bubling springs, and gentle riuers and floods issuing out of rocks and caues of the earth, which tumble down the mountaines, flowe thorugh the vallies, and glide along the plaines, through forrests, fields and medowes, beeing decked with many sundry kinds of branched trees, that are planted aside from inhabitants; in middest of which, infinite little birdes flie vp and downe tuning their voices to sing in sweete melo∣die, and naturall musicke? What vnspeakeable pleasure befalleth to all creatures, especially to man, to liue amongst such abounding beauties? And who will not also admire the great variety which is in the disposition and distinction that wee behold in the earth, by the mountaies, rockes, vallies, plaines, fields, vineyards, meddowes, woods, and forrests: espe∣cially if we consider the fruits and profits, which redound to men thereby, besides the gal∣lant diuersity of infinite delectable pastures, beautified in all sorts? For there is not one foote of earth, which may not bee said to serue to some good vse, no not in most desert places. Some places are fit for fields, and Champion grounds; others for pastures; some for vineyards; other for fruitfull Orchards; and others for high and well growne trees fit for building timber, or for fire wood, to the end that men may helpe themselues there∣with in all their needfull vses for firing. Some places also are particularly commodious for cattell to graze in, by which great gaine & pleasure is receiued. And for deserts, mountaines and forrests, they are the proper retiring places for wilde beasts, by which likewise men do not onely receiue profit, but very great delectation also, and healthfull exercise in hunting of them: and which is more, such places are very commodious for houshold cattell, which doe there feede in euery place to maruellous profit. But let vs note, that all these pro∣perties and profits should not be found in the earth, if it were not conioyned with the wa∣ter by the course thereof through euery part of it. Which water likewise doth cause many and vnspeakable profits, that redound to men by fish, which remaine not onely in the sea,

but also in lakes, ponds and riuers, being of so sundry kindes and natures, that it is not possible to number them. In which if the prouidence of God be most admirable, it is espe∣cially to be obserued in the sea. For how many sorts of fishes are there, great, little, and of * 1.39 meane quantity; and how many sundry formes, and what diuersity of nature? I beleeue verily, that whosoeuer should vndertake to number them, by euery kind, and particularly, should be almost as much troubled, as if he would purpose to empty the Oceā. But though there be not any little creature in the sea, wherin God doth not declare & shew himselfe great and admirable; yet doth he chiefely manifest himselfe so to be in two things. The first is in the hugenesse and power of the great fishes which hee hath created, as whales and such like, which rather seeme to be sea monsters then fishes, there being no beast in all the earth so great and strong: for there are some that seeme a farre off to bee islands or mountains, rather then fishes. And the other most wonderfull thing is, that the Creatour hath set such a correspondency in many points betwixt the fishes and beastes of the earth, that it seemeth hee would represent a great part of the one by the other. So we see also that ma∣ny names of earthly beasts are giuen to many fishes, because of the similitude & likenesse, which they haue together in figure and in nature: yea it seemeth that God, would represent in the fishes of the sea, almost all the other creatures which are in the rest of the world. For there are some which bee called Starres, because they are like that shape, according to which men commonly paint the starres. Moreouer, how many are there which beare the shape of earthly creatures, yea of many instruments made by men? For amongst others, there is a fish called (the Cocke) which is also named by fishers in some countries, the Ioy∣ner, because it hath almost as much diuersity of bones and gristles, as a Ioyner hath of * 1.40 tooles; the forme of which they also represent. But if wee speake of the sundry fashions, of fishes, and of their colours, scales, heads, skinnes and finnes, and of their vnderstanding industry and chase, and of their shels and abiding places, and of their natures and infinite properties; who should not haue iust cause to wonder? Moreouer, haue not men forged many fashions of weapons, the forme of which they haue taken from diuers fishes? What shall we also say of the finnes and little wings which God hath giuen them, to direct them, and to hold them vp in the sea and in other waters, like birdes in the aire, and as ships are rowed and guided by oares, and the rudder? Seemeth it not that God hath created them, like watry birds, to whom he hath giuen wings agreeable to the element for to sustaine themselues with, and fit for their nature, as hee hath done to the fowles of the aire. Wee also read in Genesis, that the Lord did make in one day the birds and fishes, and euery flying thing. For as the aire hath more agreemēt with the water (then with the earth) and approa∣cheth * 1.41 neerer to the nature thereof, so is there more answerablenes betweene the creatures which liue & conuerse in these 2. elements, then is between them & the beasts of the earth. And therfore we see that the seed of both kinds is multiplied by their egs, & wee must also note, that forasmuch as mē can receiue no great fruit, nor much profit by fish, except in their victuals, or in some medicine or such like vse, which is not so cōmon as ordinary norishmēt, God by his prouidence & blessing hath made them so fruitful, that they multiply & increase wondrously: as experience doth euidently manifest vnto vs, by the great number of fry or spawne that is found in one onely fish. Which fertility we must beleeue to proceed from the power, which the Almighty bestowed vpon them: as also vpon all his creatures, when he said vnto them, [Bring foorth fruit, and multiply, and fill the waters in the Sea, and let the fowle multiple in the earth.] A thing which we must well consider vpon, to the ende that we may referre to this blessing of God all those commodities which we receiue, either from those creatures, or from the earth it selfe, or from the other elements, and that wee must render him continuall thankes and praises therefore. For hee hath no lesse wise blessed all his creatures, then the fishes and the birds, when by his word he gaue their nature to them, in which hee created them, and did presently after commaund them to bring foorth fruit according vnto that nature. To the end then that we may be the more induced to glori∣fie so great a workeman, for the excellencie of his workes, which shineth in all creatures, let vs now intreat of some fishes most accounted of by those who haue written of their na∣ture, and let vs consider of their singularities and woonders, so much onely as the scope of our discourse will permit vs, in such sort as wee haue declared in our antecedent speeches. To you then (ARAM) I referre the relation concerning this matter.

Of diuers kindes of fishes: namely of the whale, of the dolphin, of the seacalfe, and others. Chap. 63.

ARAM.

IT is affirmed by all the learned, who haue diligently searched out the secret of nature, that the water bringeth forth more and greater creatures, then the earth doth, because of the abundance of the moisture that is therein. And the sea is so ample, and so fit to giue nourishment, & a gentle and fertile increase of all things by meanes of that generating seede which it attracteth from heauen, and the aide of nature ordained by the creator (which hath this propertie, to produce alwaies something that see∣meth new) that it is no maruell if there bee found incredible and monstrous things in the water. For the seedes of all formes doe interlace and mixe themselues therein, as well by the windes, as by the agitation of the waues, that one may well say (as is saide com∣monly) * 1.42 that there is nothing on earth, which is not in the sea: yea, and that there are many thinges in it, which cannot bee found either in the aire, or on the earth. Now great fishes are chiefly resident vnder the Torrid zone, because that in the Ocean heate and moisture serue for augmentation, as saltnes doth for conseruation. And in this num∣ber is the whale, of which the ancients write, and whome some moderns call Gibbar (be∣cause that the common whale, which some take for the Musculus of Aristotle doth not answere to the description of this) which is of incredible hugenes. For if wee will beleeue histories, there haue beene some seene of fower arces of ground in length. They make an horrible crie, and spout out of two holes (of a cubite long, which they haue neere to their * 1.43 nostrils) so much water, that oftentimes drowne ships therewith. And of their crests men make faire rods, which seeme to bee of borne, or of hone, blacke in colour, and like to the * 1.44 hornes of a buffe, so flexible, that they can hardly be broken, and they do shine in the sun, as if they were gilded. Of euery peece of his crest is a rod made, so that in one crest there are many rods. Moreouer the bone of his whole head is so great, that one might make a ship thereof.

And as this kinde of fish is the heauiest and mightiest of all, so the Dolphin is the swif∣test and most ingenious not onely of all watrie creatures, but of those of the earth, and of the aire. For they swimme faster then a birde can flye. And therefore if this fish were not low-mouthed, there were no fish could scape him. But nature prouiding therefore, in put∣ting his mouth vnder his belly, hath so restrained him, that he can catch nothng but backe∣wards: whereby the great swiftnesse of such fishes doth euidently appeare. Wherefore when the Dolphin, pressed with hunger, pursueth any fish to the bottome, and that hee hath staied long there, alwaies holding winde, when he riseth he leaps aboue water with in∣credible * 1.45 quicknesse and force, to take breath againe. Some haue marked in this kinde of fish, that they haue their tongue mooueable, contrarie to the nature of all other water-crea∣tures. Their voice is as when one waileth. Their backe is bowed and bendeth outwards: they are very louing to men, and like well of Musicke: and indeede they doe not shunne men, as other fishes doe; but come right before Ships, making a thousand leaps and frisks before them. Sometimes also as if they had challenged the Marriners to trie who should * 1.46 goe speediest, they take their course along with the Ships, and do outstrip them, how good winde soeuer they haue.

Among Sea fish also the Sea-calfe is very admirable. For he hath vdders and haire, and calueth vpon the earth as sheepe bring forth, and is deliuered of the second burthen pre∣sently after her young ones. He snorts mightily when he sleepeth neere to the shore; hee bleates and bellowes like a calfe, and for that cause beareth the same name. The sinnes wherewith be swimmeth, serue for feete on ground to goe vpon. His hide (whereof the I slanders make girdles) hath a maruellous propertie, for the haire which is thereupon riseth when the sea increaseth, and falleth when it diminisheth. Some holde also that this creature is very capable of discipline, easily learning that which is shewed him: and that hee saluteth * 1.47 people by his lookes, and with a certaine noise and shaking that he makes.

Now let vs speake of the tortoise which is of a very strange forme. There are found of thē in the coast of India so great, that one shell onely is sufficient to couer a good pretie shed. And in the countrie of the Chelonophagi, there are some isles, where they ordinarily

vse tortoise shels in stead of boates. For we must note that there he three sort of Tortoises: the terrestriall, which breedeth in forrests: marish ones, which breed in fens: & watry ones, which breed in the sea. Those then of this last sort haue in steed of feet so many broad gri∣stles: they haue no teeth, but the nib of their beake is passing sharpe: and their vnder chap, doth close as iustly within their ••pper chap, as a boxe doth with the lid of it. Being in the sea, they liue vpon shel fishes, for their mouth is so strong and hard, that they crush thē, yea euen stones in pieces: yet when they come on land, they neuer liue but vpon herbs. They lay egs like birds; so that sometimes one may finde an hundred together. And they neuer hatch them in the water, but putting them into an hole which they make in the ground, and couering them well, they smooth with their shels vnderneath the place wherein they are, and hatch in the night time for a whole yeere long.

Also amongst the fishes which are famous for their strange operatiue power, is the Tro∣pedo or cramp fish: which is a kind of hedgehog, & hath many bristles, the touch of whom * 1.48 benummeth the fishers hands, by some naturall & secret vertue. And there be many kinds of these fishes, who haue all of them their shell couered with bristles very thicke, which bri∣stles they vse in stead of feet to stay themselues vpon, when they mooue and stir from one place to another. Their head and mouth is the lowest part of them, & towards the ground. And amongst the rest, thereis one, not of the kind of this bristled cramp fish, but a shell fish, which the Latins call (Remora) because it hath such power, that if it take hold of the bottome of ships, it staieth them. Yet we cannot read that any such thing hath bin seen since the time of Caius Caligula the emperor: whom Historiographers report to haue bin one time staied in his ship by this fish to his great endommagement.

But the most wonderfull of all fishes is the Triton, (otherwise called the sea Bug) for hee hath haire vpon his head, the nose of a man, a broad mouth, & the teeth of a wild beast. His * 1.49 hands, fingers, and nailes, are somewhat like those of a man. And the rest of his body is coue∣red with a thin shell, with a taile vnder his belly in stead of feet like a dolphin. Pliny repor∣teth that in the time of the Emperor Tyberius, the people of Lisbone sent embassadors on∣ly * 1.50 to aduertise him, that in the course of their sea, there was a Triton discouered, blowing of an horne in a caue. * 1.51

The Nereides also (otherwise called Syrens or Mermaides) doe very neere approch to humane forme, sauing that they bee rough and full of shels in euery part of their body. There are some also who testifie that they haue seene a sea man, hauing the entire forme of a man. Finally it is a thing that seemeth altogether incredible that the diuersitie of fishes, (or rather sea monsters, should be such as they affirme, who haue written thereof. But we may well beleeue, that the facility of generation and of life in the waters, is cause of so many strange shapes. For heate and moisture consist togither in generation and nourish∣ment maintaineth life: and in the sea heate and fatte moisture, and nutriment doe a∣bound. It is also to be noted, that by reason of motion, the pestilence neuer cometh into the * 1.52 water (as into the aire) for the Sea is euer mooued, and the aire is often still. For which cause all kindes of creatures may easily bee preserued in the Sea, but not in the aire. A∣gaine, fishes mooue themselues in the Sea easily, and without labour: which the beasts of the earth doe not, who therefore are constrained to be hungrie, or necessarily to bee consumed by too much labour and trauaile. Moreouer, the Sea freezeth not, neither yet is too hotte (like the earth, and like other waters) except it be (and that very seldome) in the superficies thereof, which is touched by the aire. Therefore through so many commo∣dities, and by the mixture of creatures of diuers kindes, many monsters are engendred in the Sea, so that sometimes when it ariseth by meanes of the flowing thereof, one may finde vpon the shore of the Westerne Ocean to the number of three hundred kindes of mon∣strous fishes. But although it seemeth that nature would expresse in fishes the formes of all terrestriall creatures, and put in them some resemblance of shape; yet in the hinder part all fishes are (except some few Sea-monsters) of a peculiar forme agreeable to their nature, and doe onely resemble other creatures in their forepart. For as the rudder directeth and gouerneth a Ship in the sterne, so the taile of a fish doth guide it in swimming, and for this cause the tailes of all fishes almost are forked. But this is most certaine that their sorts and kindes surmount the kindes of other creatures in multitude, in greatnesse, in force, and in varietie of shapes. But our intent is not heare to number them as wee haue said; for so wee should finde matter enough to make a great volume, as others haue done. Where∣fore to finish this argument, and this daies speech, see (ACHITOB) if by our discourses

of the sea and of the waters, and of the liuing creatures which are engendred and doe liue in them, you can deliuer any instruction, which may be answerable to that end, for which we especially continue our treatise concerning this great vniuers.

Of the image that we haue of the state of this world, and of men in the sea and in the fishes thereof. Chap. 64.

ACHITOB.

LEt vs not doubt (companions) but that we haue a goodly image in this daies discourse of the state of this world, and of all mans life. For first, what is this world, but a sea, wherein wee nauigate and are in conti∣nuall danger; Nay the sea is so variable, so inconstant, and so outragious? For if we haue * 1.53 neuer so little respite, peace and rest, (like as when the sea is calme, & quiet) presently there arise such violent whirle windes, stormes and furious tempests, as it seemeth oftentimes that heauen, earth, and all the elements conspire and runne together to worke our ruine. Yea when this wicked world sheweth vs fairest countenance, and becommeth most calme and gentle, and that it feedeth vs with the fattest morsels, then is it most false vnto vs, and then are we in greatest danger. For when we thinke our selues most sure therein, then are we sodainely tost and carried away, as with violent waues and horrible whirle windes, into the lowest gulfs and deeps of the earth. Moreouer as the huge monsters of the sea, and the greatest and strongest fishes doe eate and deuoure the smallest and weakest; and as the craftiest entrap the simplest, and prey vpon them: euen so is it with the men of this world. For the mightiest tyrants and the richest, strongest, and greatest rouers, theeues, and robbers doe pill, and take away the substance of the least and feeblest, and doe consume and de∣uoure them. And they which cannot doe so by force haue recourse to sleights, decites and treasons, by which they surprise the simple and meeke. And therefore also as the ho∣ly Ghost compareth in the Scripture tyrants, rouers, theeues, and murderers, to woolues, beares, lyons, and such like beasts: and the crafty and deceitfull, to foxes, dragons, and ser∣pents, * 1.54 who do by subtiltie and guile that which they cannot performe by power and force: so doth he compare them to huge whales, and to the great fishes of the sea. So because Nilus (a renowned riuer, whereof we haue already spoken) passeth through the land of Egypt, & runneth into the sea, by 7. mouthes or armes; Isay called Pharaoh the king and tyrant of that countrey, (Leuiathan, or Whale, which God did strike with his strong hand, and his * 1.55 mighty arme, ouerwhelming him in the red sea.) It is also said for the like consideration in the Psalme [Thou brakest the heads of dragons in the waters. Thou brakest the head of Le∣uiathan in pieces, and gauest him for meat to the people in the wildernes.] And the prophet Abacuc doth likewise compare the king and tyrant of Babylon to a great fisher who ca∣sieth his nets into the Sea, and causeth the fishes to come into them, and so hee taketh * 1.56 them.

But heere wee are to note, that although there bee some kindes of beasts who eate one another: yet are they not all of this nature. For there are but certaine of them that liue so vpon pray and rapine. And amongst them that so liue, there are but very fewe that eate beasts of their owne kinde, except great famine constraine them thereto: Yea hunger doth inuite them that liue by pray, to chase and deuour others, rather then their owne kinde. For it is necessitie and want of sustenance that driueth them thereto. And though especially fishes doe least spare their owne kinde, yet doe they not eate one another, except when hunger constraineth them thereto to preserue their life. But men (most wretched * 1.57 surely) haue not all these causes to mooue them against their own kinde, against their own flesh and blood, as it is ordinarily seene that they are more cruelly and more fiercely bent one against another, then any bruite beastes: but contrariwise they should be much better furnished in all their necessities, and should liue much more at their ease, if they could mainetaine good peace and vnitie one with another. Wherefore in that they doe otherwise, it is easie to iudge how much their nature is corrupted and peruerse, except they be regenerated by the spirit of God. For there is no bond of nature whatsoeuer, no not that which is kept amongst the brutest beasts (as of the female towards her yong ones, or of the male towards the female, and such like) which men doe not shamefully breake and violate. But we must herein acknowledge a terrible iudgement and furie of God against

them, because of their sinne, which hath so peruerted and infected the first originall nature of the stocke of mankinde. For when hee giueth strength and power to the one for to tor∣ment and destroy the other, yea to most cruell tyrants and bloudy murtherers, who make lesse account of men then of beastes; wee must learne this doctrine, that heerein the iust ordinance of the Almighty is very euident, by which hee punisheth the wicked by the wicked, and taketh reuenge vpon his enemies euen by his enemies themselues, as he hath threatned them in his law. And therefore there is lesse maruaile herein, then that * 1.58 God suffereth the small fishes to be eaten by great ones, the weakest by the strongest, and the simplest by the craftiest, as also the gentlest birdes by the cruellest; and lambes, sheepe and other priuate, domesticall and harmelesse beastes: by wolues, beares, lyons, and other wilde beastes. For it is very certaine that the beasts haue not offended their Creatour, nor deserued his wrath through any sinne against him, as men haue done, who being crea∣ted in his owne image are fallen from innocency and holinesse through their owne fault, and through the corruption of nature which the transgression of Gods ordinance hath brought vpon them. And if we cannot make answere for the cause of this nature of vnrea∣sonable creatures, but onely that it hath so pleased God, who is the master and Lord of all these workes, and who hath prouided for them according to his good pleasure: surely al∣so when wee can conceiue no other reason for the tyranny and cruelty of men, exercised one vpon another, this same reason should then suffice vs. For the onely will of the eter∣nall, the which cannot bee but iust and reasonable alwaies, must euer serue for reason, when wee cannot vnderstand the causes, as we would. But (as I saide euen now) this rea∣son manifesteth it selfe sufficiently in his iust iudgements vpon men, because of their sinnes. Now albeit wee holde this sufficiently good in regard of the wicked, and of those who op∣pose themselues and rebell fiercely against the Almighty: yet the consideration might seeme to vs to bee otherwise in respect of the meeke, and of those whom hee holdeth not onely for his seruants, but also for his beloued children: who neuerthelesse are commonly a pray to the wicked, as sheepe are to wolues. I must indeede confesse, that these iudge∣ments of God seeme more strange to humane reason, then the other doe: yet they are not so secret and mysticall, but that he manifesteth causes enough, not onely by his word, but also by common experience. For first, how much goodnes, holines and perfection soeuer can consist in any man, yet neuerthelesse as concerning his flesh, hee walloweth altogither * 1.59 in sinne, and very much naturall corruption, in pride, arrogancy, rebellion, & disobedience against God, which haue great need to be better mortified, humbled, tamed, and brought downe. Againe, how easie a matter is it for vs to forget our Creatour, and our owne selues, and to abuse all the graces and benefits, which wee receiue continually at his hand. Also seeing that he will bee glorified, and that his power shal be knowne in the faith, constancy, charity, and patience of his, we should not thinke it strange that he puts them to triall, ex∣ercising them by diuers great and dangerous temptations and afflictions. Now the tiranny, malice, crueltie, and peruersenesse of the wicked, serueth in all these things for his chil∣dren and to his glorie, through his prouidence; notwithstanding that hee hateth all the wicked, vsing them onely as roddes and scourges, to chastise and punish those whom hee pleaseth; as hee is likewise serued by diuels, without approuing their workes, insomuch as they proceede from themselues. But there is more yet: For considering that God hath not created men like vnto beasts, onely to liue in this world, with a corporall and temporall life, but hath made them to immortality and eternall life like the Angels: he will then by the aduersities, which hee sendeth vnto them, here giue them to vnderstand, that other blessings doe attend for them farre greater then those, which may be tasted vpon earth, and which are common betwixt them and beastes. Behold then the fruit, which mee seemeth must be gathered in our discourse this day: Now tomorrow we will step out of the sea and waters, to take land againe, and to consider vpon the treasures and benefits therein, which it produceth for the commoditie of men, and the diuersitie of creatures that liue therein: whereof (ASER) you shall beginne to discourse.

The end of the eighth daies worke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Why the wa∣ter is mixed with the earth
• * 1.2

  That the wa∣ter is round.
• * 1.3

  Why the wa∣ter doth re∣taine it selfe in it selfe, with∣out running abroad.
• * 1.4

  Good Chri∣stian instru∣ctions taken from the wa∣ters.

  Iob 38.
• * 1.5

  Psal. 33.
• * 1.6

  Psal. 107,
• * 1.7

  Isay 66.
• * 1.8

  Ierem 5.
• * 1.9

  Of the ebbing and flowing of the sea.
• * 1.10

  Why the oce∣an doth differ in flowing from other seas.
• * 1.11

  Other causes of the flowing and ebbing of the sea.
• * 1.12

  Of the power of the moone ouer all crea∣tures.
• * 1.13

  A mauailous mundation of waters in the yeere 1530.
• * 1.14

  Luke 21.
• * 1.15

  Romanes 8. Acts. 3.
• * 1.16

  Of the diuers qualities of water, and of the prouidence of God therin
• * 1.17

  Why the sea∣water is salt.
• * 1.18

  Of fountains and wels and why the wa∣ter of them seemeth hot∣ter in winter then in sum∣mer.
• * 1.19

  Why some waters doe boile.
• * 1.20

  What water is best.
• * 1.21

  Diuers causes of cold waters, & their tastes, colours and smelles.
• * 1.22

  Of a floud which ranne not on the Sabbath day.
• * 1.23

  Of the diuers appellations of waters.
• * 1.24

  Of the pro∣uieence of God in distri∣bution of his gifts.
• * 1.25

  That nothing can stop the intercourse of men.
• * 1.26

  Of the dire∣ction that marriners haue by the starres.
• * 1.27

  Iob 9.
• * 1.28

  Of Charles his waine.
• * 1.29

  Diuision of the Ocean into foure gulfes.
• * 1.30

  Of the me∣diterranian seas.
• * 1.31

  Things to be considered of, by the diuisi∣on of lands by the waters. Acts 17.
• * 1.32

  Dan. 2.
• * 1.33

  Isay 10.
• * 1.34

  That euery one must con∣taine himselfe within the li∣mits of his habitation. Deut. 27.
• * 1.35

  Psal. 65.
• * 1.36

  Against the ambition and auarice of men.
• * 1.37

  Goodly simi∣litudes of the course of the waters, and of the vaines which are in the body.
• * 1.38

  Of plea∣sure mixed with profit in the workes of God.
• * 1.39

  Commodi∣ties that the waters doe bring in fi∣shes, & what is to be admi∣red therein.
• * 1.40

  Of the fish called the cocke.
• * 1.41

  Genes. 1.
• * 1.42

  The admira∣ble property of nature.
• * 1.43

  Of the whale
• * 1.44

  Plin lib. 9. hist nat.
• * 1.45

  Of the dol∣phin.
• * 1.46

  Of the Sea∣calfe.
• * 1.47

  Of Tortoi∣ses.
• * 1.48

  Of the cramp fish
• * 1.49

  Of the Tri∣ton.
• * 1.50

  Hist. nat. lib. 9
• * 1.51

  Of the Nerei∣des.
• * 1.52

  Of the cause of innumera∣ble formes of fishes.
• * 1.53

  That the world is like a sea.
• * 1.54

  Soph. 3. Dan. 7. Exech 22. Psal. 74. Luke 13. Isay. 27.
• * 1.55

  Psal. 74.
• * 1.56

  Abac 1.
• * 1.57

  How men are more cruell then beasts.
• * 1.58

  Good do∣ctrine tou∣ching the ty∣ranny of the wicked.
• * 1.59

  Notable things to bee considered in the aduersi∣ties of the good.