The historie of the vvorld: commonly called, The naturall historie of C. Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland Doctor of Physicke. The first [-second] tome

THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE, (Book 2)

WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS.

CHAP. I.

¶ Whether the World be finite, and but one.

THE World, and this, which by another name men haue thought good to call heauen (vnder the pourprise and bending cope where∣of, all things are emmanteled and couered) beleeue we ought in all [unspec C] reason to be a God, eternall, vnmeasurable, without beginning, and likewise endlesse. What is without the compasse hereof, neither is it fit for men to search, nor within mans wit to reach and conceiue. Sacred it is, euerlasting, infinit, all in all, or rather it selfe all and ab∣solute: finite and limited, yet seeming infinite: in all motions or∣derly and certaine: how beit in shew and iudgement of man, vncer∣taine: comprehending and containing all whatsoeuer, both with∣out and within: Natures worke, and yet very Nature it selfe, produ∣cing all things. Great folly it is then, and meere madnesse, that some haue deuised and thought in their minde to measure it; yea, and durst in writing set down [unspec D] the dimensions thereof: that others againe, by occasion hereupon taken or giuen, haue deliue∣red and taught, That worlds there were innumerable: as if we were to beleeue so many natures as there were Heauens: or if all were reduced to one, yet there should be so many Sunnes and Moones neuerthelesse, with the rest also of those vnmeasurable and innumerable starres in that one: as though in this pluralitie of worlds we should not alwaies meet with the same questi∣on still at euery turne of our cogitation, for want of the vtmost and some end to rest vpon: or if this infinitenesse could possibly be assigned to Nature, the worke-mistresse and mother of all; the same might not be vnderstood more easily in that one Heauen which wee see; so great a worke especially and frame as it is. Now surely a fantasticall folly it is of all other follies, to go forth of it, and so to keepe a seeking without, as if all things within were well and clearely [unspec E] knowne already: as who would say, a man could take the measure iust of any third thing, who knoweth not his owne: or the minde of man see those things, which the very World it selfe may not receiue.

CHAP. II.

¶ Of the forme and figure of the World.

THat the forme of heauen is round, in fashion of an absolute and perfect globe, the name thereof principally, and the consent of all men agreeing to call it in La∣tine Orbis, (i.) a roundle; as also many naturall reasons, do euidently shew: to wit, not onely for that such a figure euery way falleth and bendeth vpon it selfe, is [unspec F] able to beare and vphold it selfe, includeth and compriseth it selfe, hauing need thereto of no ioints, as finding in any part thereof no end nor beginning: or be∣cause this forme agreeth best to that motion, whereby euer and anon it must turne about:

(as hereafter it shall appeare) but also because the eiesight doth approue the same: in that look [unspec G] which way soeuer you will thereupon, it seemeth to bend downeward, round, and euen on all sides, shewing a iust Hemisphere; a thing not incident possibly to any other figure.

CHAP. III.

¶ Of the motion of Heauen.

THat the world thus framed, in a continuall and vncessant circuit, with vnspeakable swiftnesse turneth round about in the space of foure and twenty houres, the rising and setting ordinarily of the Sunne hath left cleare and doubtlesse. Now, whether it be∣ing in height infinite, and therefore the sound of so huge a frame, whiles it is whir∣led [unspec H] about, and neuer resteth in that reuolution, cannot be heard with our eares, I cannot so easi∣ly resolue and pronounce: no more I assure you, than I may auouch the ringing of the starres that are driuen about therewith, and •…•…oll with all their owne spheres: or determine, that as the Heauen moueth, it doth represent indeed a pleasant and incredible sweet harmonie both day and night: although to vs within, it seemeth to passe in silence. That there be imprinted there∣in the pourtraicts of liuing creatures, and of all things besides without number, as also that the body thereof is not all ouer smooth and slicke (as we see in birds egs) which excellent Authors haue termed Tenerum is shewed bv good arguments: for that by the fall of naturall seeds from thence of all things, and those for the most part blended and mixed one with another, there are ingendred in the world, and the sea especially, an infinite number of strange and monstrous [unspec I] shapes. Ouer and besides, our eie-sight testifieth the same; whiles in one place there appeareth the resemblance of a waine or chariot, in another of a beare, the figure of a bull in this part, of a * 1.1 letter in that, and principally the middle circle ouer our head, more white than the rest, to∣ward the North pole.

CHAP. IIII.

¶ Why the World or Heauen is called Mundus.

VErily for mine owne part, moued I am and ruled by the generall consent of all nations. For, •…•…he World, which the Greekes by the name of ornament, called [unspec K] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, we for the p•…•…rfect nearnesse and absolute elegancie thereof, haue termed Mundus. A•…•…d without all question, Heauen we haue named Coelum, as it were Engraue•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gar•…•…ished, according as M. Varro interpreteth it. And hereto maketh much the order•…•…y ranke of things therein, and namely the circle called Signifer, or the Zodiake set forth and diuided by the formes of twelue liuing creatures therein portraied: together with the manner of the Sunnes race throughout them, keeping euer the same course still, for so many ages past.

CHAP. V.

¶ Of the foure Elements. [unspec L]

I Neither see any doubt made as touching the Elements, That they be foure in number. The highest▪ Fire: from whence are those bright eies of so many shi∣ning starres. The next, Spirit w•…•…ich the Greekes and our countrey men by one name called Aire: Vitall this element is, and as it giueth life to all things, so it soone passeth through all, and is intermedled in the whole: by the power wherof, the earth hangeth •…•…oised and ballanced iust in the midst, together with the fourth element of the Waters. Thus by a mutuall entertainment one of another, diuers na∣tures are linked and knit together: so as the light elements are kept in & restrained by certain weights of the heauier, that they flie not out: and contrariwise the massier be held vp, that they [unspec M] fall not downe, by means of the lighter, which couer to be aloft. So, through an equall endeuor to the contrary, each of them hold their owne, bound as it were by the restlesse circuit of the ve∣ry world: which, by reason that it •…•…eth euermore vpon it selfe the earth falleth to be lowest, and the middle of the whole: and the same hanging steadily by the poles of the heauen, peiseth

those elements by which it hangeth in a counterballance. Thus it alone resteth vnmoueable; [unspec A] whiles the whole frame of the world turneth about it: and as it is knit and vnited by all, so all rest and beare vpon the same.

CHAP. VI.

¶ Of the seuen Planets.

BEtweene the earth and heauen there hang in the same spirit or element of aire aboue named, seuen stars, seuered one from another, and distant asunder certaine spaces, which of their variable motion wee call wandring planets, whereas in∣deed none stray and wander lesse than they. In the middest of them the Sun ta∣keth [unspec B] his course, as being the greatest and most puissant of all the rest: the very ruler, not of times and seasons onely, and of the earth, but also of the starres and heauen it selfe. Beleeue we ought, this Sun to be the very life, and (to speake more plainely) the soule of the whole world, yea, and the principall gouernance of nature: and no lesse than a God or diuine power, considering his workes and operations. He it is that giueth light to all things, and riddeth them from darknesse: he hideth the other starres, and sheweth them again: he ordereth the seasons in their alternatiue course: he tempereth the yeare, arising euer fresh and new againe, for the benefit and good of the world. The lowring dimnesse of the skie he di∣spatcheth, yea, and cleareth the darke mists and clowdinesse of mans minde: to other stars like∣wise he lendeth out his owne light. Most excellent, right singular he is, as seeing all, & hearing all. For this, I see, is the opinion of Homer (the prince of learning) as touching him alone. [unspec C]

CHAP. VII.

¶ Of God.

I Suppose therefore that to seeke after any shape of God, and to assigne a forme and image to him, bewraieth mans weakenesse. For God, whosoeuer hee be [if haply there be any other, but the very world] and in what part soeuer resiant, all sense he is, all sight, all hearing: he is all life, all soule, all of himselfe. And veri∣ly to beleeue that there be gods innumerable, and those according to mens ver∣tues [unspec D] and vices, to wit, Chastitie, Concord, Vnderstanding, Hope, Honour, Cle∣mencie, Faith; or (as Democritus was of opinion) that there are two gods onely, and no more; namely, Punishment, and Benefit: These conceits, I say, make mens idlenesse and negligence the greater. But all commeth of this, That fraile and crasie mortall men, remembring wel their owne infirmitie, haue digested these things apart, to the end that each one might from thence chuse to worship and honour that whereof he stood in need most. And hereupon it is, that in sundry nations we finde the same gods named diuersly, according to mens deuotion: and in one region ye shall haue innumerable gods. The infernall powers beneath likewise, yea, and many plagues haue been raunged by themselues, and reckoned for gods in their kinde, whilest with trembling feare wee desire that they were pacified. Which superstition hath caused a [unspec E] chappell to be dedicated to the Feuer, in the mount Palatium, euen by publicke order from the State. Likewise an altar to Orbona, neere the temple of Lares: because another erected to Bad Fortune in Esquiliae. And thereby we may conceiue that there are a greater number of gods in heauen aboue, than of men vpon earth: since that euery one of their owne accord make so ma∣ny gods as they list, fitting themselues with Iunoes and Genij for their patrons. Now certain Na∣tions there be that account beasts, yea, and some filthie things for gods; yea and many other matters more shamefull to be spoken: swearing by stinking meats, by garlicke, and such like. But surely, to beleeue that gods haue contracted mariage, and that in so long continuance of rime no children should be borne between them: also that some are aged, and euer hoarie and gray: others againe young and alwaies children: that they be blacke of colour and complexi∣on, [unspec F] winged, lame, hatched of egs, liuing and dying each other day; are meere fooleries, little bet∣ter than childish toies. But it passeth and exceedeth all shamelesse impudencie, to imagine adulteries amongst them: eftsoones also chiding, scolding, hatred, and malice: and more than that, how there be gods, patrons of theft and wickednesse. Whereas in very deed, a god vn∣to

a man is he, that helpeth a man: and this is the true and direct path-way to euerlasting glo∣ry. [unspec G] In this way went the noble Romans in old time: and in this tract at this day goeth, with hea∣uenly pace, Vespasian Augustus, both he and his children: Vespasian, I say, the most mightie ruler of the whole world: whiles he relieueth the afflicted State of the Romane Empire and Com∣mon-weale. And this is the most antient manner of requitall to such benefactours, That they should be canonized gods. And hereof came the names as well of all other gods, as of the stars and planets (which I haue mentioned before) in recognisance of mens good deserts. As for Iu∣piter verily and Mercurie, and other princes raunged among the gods, who doubteth that they were called otherwise among themselues? and who confesseth not how these be celestiall de∣nominations, to expresse and interpret their nature.

Now, That the soueraigne power and deity, whatsoeuer it is, should haue regard of mankind * 1.2 is a toy and vanity worthy to be laughed at. For can we chuse but beleeue, can we make any [unspec H] doubt, but needs that Diuinity and Godhead must be polluted with so base & manifold a mi∣nistery? And hardly in manner may it be iudged, whether of the twain be better and more ex∣pedient for mankinde to beleeue, that the gods haue regard of vs; or to be persuaded that they haue none at all: considering, That some men haue no respect and reuerence at all of the gods; others againe so much, as it is a very shame to see their superstition. Addicted these are and de∣voted to serue them by forrein magicke ceremonies: they weare their gods vpon their fingers in rings, yea, they worship and adore monsters: they condemne and forbid some meats; yet they deuise others for them. Impose they do vpon them hard and vengible charges to execute, not [unspec I] suffering them to rest and sleep in quiet. They chuse neither mariages nor children, ne yet any one thing els, but by the approbation & allowance of sacred rites and mysteries. Contrariwise, others there are so godlesse that in the very capitoll they vse deceit, and forsweare themselues euen by Iupiter, for all that he is ready to shoot his thunderbolts: and as some speed wel enough with their wicked deeds and irreligion; so others again feele the smart and are punished by the saints whom they adore, and the holy ceremonies which they obserue.

How beit, betweene both these opinions, men haue found out to themselues a middle God∣head and diuine power, to the end that we should giue stil a more vncertaine coniecture as tou∣ching God indeed. For throughout the whole world, in euery place, at all times, and in all mens mouths, Fortune alone is sought vnto and called vpon: she only is named and in request; shee [unspec K] alone is blamed, accused, and endited. None but she is thought vpon; she only is praised, she on∣ly is reproued and rebuked: yea, and worshipped is she with railing and reprochfull tearms: and namely when she is taken to be wauering & mutable: and of the most sort supposed also blind; rouing at randon, vnconstant, vncertaine, variable, and fauoring the vnworthy: whatsoeuer is laid forth, spent, and lost, whatsoeuer is receiued, woon and gotten: all that comes in, all that goes out is imputed to Fortune: and in all mens reckonings and accounts she makes vp the booke, and sets all streight. So abiect we are, so seruile also and enthralled to Lots, that euen the very chance of Lots is taken for a god, than which nothing maketh vs more doubtfull and ignorant of God.

Now there are another sort, that reiect Fortune & Chance both, and wil not abide them, but [unspec L] attribute the euents and issues of things, to their owne seuerall stars, and go by the fatall horo∣scope or ascendent of their natiuitie: affirming that the same shall euer befall, which once hath bin set downe and decreed by God: so as he for euer after may sit still and rest himselfe. And this opinion beginneth now to settle and take deep root, insomuch as both the learned, and al∣so the rude and ignorant multitude, run that way on end. From hence (behold) proceed the war∣nings & admonitions of lightenings, the fore-knowledge by Oracles, the predictions of Sooth∣sayers, yea, and other contemptible things not worthy to be once spoken of; as sneesing, and stumbling with the foot, are counted matters of presage. Augustus Caesar of famous memorie hath made report and left in writing, that his left foot shooe was vntowardly put on before the right, on that very day, when he had like to haue miscarried in a mutiny among his souldiers. [unspec M]

Thus these things euery one doe enwrap and entangle silly mortall men, void of all forecast and true vnderstanding: so as this only point among the rest remaines sure and certain, name∣ly, That nothing is certaine: neither is there ought more wretched and more proud withall; than man. For all liuely creatures else take care onely for their food, wherein Natures goodnes and bountie of it selfe is sufficient: which one point verily is to be preferred before all good

things whatsoeuer, for that they neuer thinke of glory, of riches, of seeking for dignities and [unspec A] promotions, nor ouer and aboue, of death. Howbeit, the beleefe that in these matters the gods haue care of mens estate, is good, expedient, and profitable in the course of this life: as also that the vengeance and punishment of malefactors may well come late (whiles God is busily occu∣pied otherwise in so huge a frame of the world) but neuer misseth in the end: and that man was not made next in degree vnto God, for this, That he should be wel-neare as vile and base as the bruit beasts. Moreouer, the chiefe comfort that man hath, for his imperfections in Nature, is this, That euen God himselfe is not omnipotent, and cannot do all things: for neither he is able to worke his owne death, would he neuer so faine, as man can do when he is wearie of his life; the best gift which he hath bestowed vpon him, amid so great miseries of his life (nor indow mortall men with euerlasting life: ne yet recall, raise, and reuiue those that once are departed [unspec B] and dead) nor bring to passe, that one who liued, did not liue; or he that bare honorable offices, was not in place of rule and dignity. Nay, he hath no power ouer things done and past, saue on∣ly obliuion: no more than he is able to effect (to come with pleasant reasons and arguments to proue our fellowship therin with God) that twise ten should not make twenty: and many such things of like sort. Whereby (no doubt) is euidently proued, the power of Nature, and how it is she, and nothing els, which we call God. I thought it not impertinent thus to diuert and di∣gresse to these points, so commonly divulged, by reason of the vsuall and ordinarie questions as touching the Essence of God.

CHAP. VIII. [unspec C]

¶ Of the Nature of Planets, and their circuit.

LEt vs returne now to the rest of Natures workes. The stars which we said were fixed in heauen, are not (as the common sort thinketh) assigned to euery one of vs; and appointed to men respectiuely; namely, the bright & faire for the rich; the lesse for the poore: the dim for the weak, the aged and feeble: neither shine they out more or lesse according to the lot and fortune of euery one, nor arise they each one together with that person vnto whom they are appropriate; and die likewise with the same: ne yet as they set and fall, do they signifie that any bodie is dead. There is not, ywis, so great societie betweene heauen and vs, as that together with the fatall ne∣cessitie [unspec D] of our death, the shining light of the starres should in token of sorrow go out and be∣come mortall. As for them, the truth is this; when they are thought to fall, they doe but shoot from them a deale of fire, euen of that aboundance and ouermuch nutriment which they haue gotten by the attraction os humiditie and moisture vnto them, like as we also obserue daily in the wikes and matches of lampes or candles burning, with the liquour of oile. Moreouer, the coelestiall bodies, which make and frame the world, and in that frame are compact and knit to∣gether, haue an immortall nature: and their power and influence extendeth much to the earth; which by their effects and operations, by their light and greatnesse might be knowne, notwith∣standing they are so high and subtill withall, as we shal in due place make demonstration. The manner likewise of the heauenly Circles and Zones shall be shewed more fitly in our Geogra∣phicall [unspec E] treatise of the earth, forasmuch as the consideration thereof appertaineth wholly thereunto: onely we will not put off, but presently declare the deuisers of the Zodiake, wherin the signes are.

The obliquitie and crookednesse thereof, Anaximander the Milesian is reported to haue ob∣serued first, and thereby opened the gate and passage to Astronomie, and the knowledge of all things: and this happened in the 58 Olympias. Afterwards Cl•…•…ostratus marked the signes ther∣in, and namely those first of Aries and Sagitarius. As for the sphere it selfe, Atlas deuised long before. Now for this time we will leaue the very bodie of the starry heauen, and treat of all the rest betweene it and the earth.

Certaine it is, that the Planet which they call Saturne, is the highest; and therefore seemeth [unspec F] least: also that he keepeth his course, and performeth his reuolution in the greatest circle of all: and in thirtie yeares space at the soonest, returneth againe to the point of his first place. Moreo∣uer, that the mouing of all the Planets, and withall of Sun and Moone, go a contrarie course vn∣to the starrie heauen, namely, to the left hand (i. Eastward:) whereas the said heauen alwaies

hasteneth to the right [i. Westward.] And albeit in that continuall turning with exceeding [unspec G] celerity, those planets be lifted vp alost, and carried by it forcible into the West, and there set: yet by a contrarie motion of their owne, they passe euery one through their seuerall waies East∣ward, and all for this, that the aire rolling euer one way, and to the same part, by the continuall turning of the heauen, should not stand still, grow dul, & as it were congealed, whiles the globe thereof resteth idle; but dissolue and cleaue, parted thus, & diuided, by the reuerberation of the contrarie beams, and violent crosse influence of the said planets. Now, the Planet Saturne is of a * 1.3 cold and frozen nature, but the circle of Iupiter is much lower than it, and therfore his reuoluti∣on is performed with a more speedy motion, namely, in twelue yeres. The third of Mars, which * 1.4 some call the Sphere of Hercules, is firy and ardent, by reason of the Suns vicinity, and wel-neere in two yeares runneth his race. And hereupon it is, that by the exceeding heate of Mars, and the vehement cold of Saturne, Iupiter, who is placed betwixt, is well tempered of them both, and so [unspec H] becommeth good and comfortable. Next to them is the race of the Sun, consisting verily of * 1.5 360 parts [or degrees:] but to the end that the obseruation of the shadowes which he casteth, may return againe iust to the former marks, fiue daies be added to euery yeare, with the fourth part of a day ouer and aboue. Whereupon euery fifth yeere leapeth, and one odde day is set to the rest: to the end that the reckoning of the times and seasons might agree vnto the course of the Sun. Beneath the Sun a goodly faire star there is, called Venus, which goeth her compasse, * 1.6 wandering this way and that, by turnes: and by the very names that it hath, testifieth her emu∣lation of Sun and Moone. For all the while that she preuenteth the morning, and riseth Orien∣tall before, she taketh the name of Lucifer (or Day-star) as a second Sun hastning the day. Con∣trariwise, [unspec I] when she shineth from the West Occidentall, drawing out the day light at length, and supplying the place of the Moone, she is named Vesper. This nature of hers, Pythagoras of Samos first found out, about the 42 olympias; which fel out to be the 142 yere after the foun∣dation of Rome. Now this planet in greatnesse goeth beyond all the other fiue: and so cleare and shining withall, that the beames of this one star cast shadowes vpon the earth. And hereup∣on commeth so great diuersitie and ambiguitie of the names thereof: whiles some haue called it Iuno, other Isis, and othersome the Mother of the gods. By the naturall efficacie of this star, all things are engendred on earth: for whether she rise East or West, she sprinckleth all the earth with dew of generation, and not onely filleth the same with seed, causing it to conceiue, but stir∣reth vp also the nature of all liuing creatures to engender. This planet goeth through the circle of the Zodiake in 348 daies, departing from the Sun neuer aboue 46 degrees, as Timaeus was of [unspec K] opinion. Next vnto it, but nothing of that bignesse and powerful efficacie, is the star Mercurie, * 1.7 of some cleped Apollo: in an inferiour circle he goeth, after the like manner, a swifter course by nine daies: shining sometimes before the Sun-rising, otherwhiles after his setting, neuer far∣ther distant from him than 23 degrees, as both the same Timaeus and Sosigenes doe shew. And therefore these two planets haue a peculiar consideration from others, and not common with the rest aboue named. For those are seene from the Sun a fourth, yea, and third part of the hea∣uen: oftentimes also in opposition ful against the Sun. And all of them haue other greater cir∣cuits of full reuolution, which are to be spoken of in the discourse of the great yeare.

CHAP. IX. [unspec L]

¶ Of the Moones nature.

BVt the Planet of the Moone, being the last of all, most familiar with the earrh, and * 1.8 deuised by Nature for the remedie of darknesse, out-goeth the admiration of all the rest. She with her winding and turning in many and sundry shapes, hath trou∣bled much the wits of the beholders, fretting and fuming, that of this starre, be∣ing the neerest of all, they should be most ignorant; growing as it doth, or else wai∣ning euermore. One while bended pointwise into tips of hornes: another whiles diuided iust in the halfe, and anon againe in compasse round: spotted sometime and darke, and soone after [unspec M] on a sudden exceeding bright: one while big and full, and another while all at once nothing to bee seene. Sometime shining all night long, and otherwhiles late it is ere she riseth: shee also helpeth the Sunnes light some part of the day: eclipsed, and yet in that eclipse to be seene. The same at the moneths end lieth hidden, at what time (it is supposed) shee labou∣reth

and trauelleth not. At one time yee shall see her below, and anon aloft: and that not after [unspec A] one manner, but one while reaching vp close to the highest heauen, and another while ready to touch the mountains: sometimes mounted on high into the North, and sometime cast down below into the South. Which seuerall constitutions and motions in her, the first man that ob∣serued, was Endymeon: and thereupon the voice went, That he was enamoured vpon the Moone. Certes, thankfull we are not, as we ought to be, vnto those who by their trauell and carefull en∣deuour haue giuen vs light in this light. But delighted rather we are wonderously (such is the pestilent wit and wicked disposition of man) to record in Chronicles, bloud shed and murders: that lewd acts and mischieuous deeds should be knowne of them, who otherwise are ignorant of the world it selfe. Well, to proceed, the Moon being next to the Centre, and therfore of least compasse, performes the same course and circuit in seuen and twentie daies, and one third part [unspec B] of a day; which Saturne the highest planet runnes (as we said before) in thirty yeres. After this, making stay in coniunction with the Sun two daies, forth she goes, and by the thirtieth day at the most, returneth to the same point and ministery againe: the mistresse, if I may so say, and the teacher of all things Astronomicall, that may be known in heauen. Now by her meanes are we taught that the yeere ought to be diuided into twelue moneths: for as much as, the Moone meeteth or ouertaketh the Sun so many times before he returneth to the same point where he began his course. Likewise that shee loseth her light (as the rest of the planets) by the bright∣nes of the Sun, when she approcheth neere. For borrowing wholly of him her light, shee doth shine: much like to that which we see glittering and flying too and fro in the reflection and re∣uerberation of the Sun-beames from the water. And hereupon it is, that she, by her more mild [unspec C] and vnperfect power dissolueth, yea and increaseth, so great moisture as she doth; which the sun beames may consume. Hence it comes also, that her light is not euen and equall in sight, be∣cause then only when she is opposite vnto the Sunne, she appeareth full: but all other daies she sheweth no more to vs here on earth, than she conceiueth light of the Sunne. In time verily of coniunction or change, she is not seene at all: for that whiles she is turned away, all the draught of light, she casteth thither backe againe, from whence she receiued it. Now, that these planets are fed doubtles with earthly moisture, it is euident by the Moone: which so long as she appea∣reth by the halfe in sight, neuer sheweth any spots, because as yet shee hath not her full power of light sufficient, to draw humour vnto her. For these spots be nothing else but the dregs of the earth, caught vp with other moisture among the vapors. [unspec D]

CHAP. X.

¶ Of the Sunne and Moones eclipse: and of the Night.

MOreouer, the eclipse of the Moone and Sunne (a thing throughout the vniuersall con∣templation of Nature most maruellous, and like a strange and prodigious wonder) doth shew the bignesse and shadow of these two planets. For euident it is, that the Sunne is hidden by the comming betweene of the Moone: and the Moone againe by the op∣position of the Earth: also that the one doth quit the other, in that the Moone by her inter∣position bereaueth the Earth of the Sunnes raies, and the earth againe doth the semblable by [unspec E] the Moone. Neither is the Night any thing else but the shade of the Earth. Now the figure of this shadow resembleth a pyramis, pointed foreward, or a top turned vp side downe: name∣ly, when as it falleth vpon it with the sharpe end thereof, nor goeth beyond the heights of the Moone; for that no other starre is in that manner darkened: and such a figure as it, alwaies endeth point-wise. And verily, that shadowes grow to nothing in great space of distance, appeareth by the exceeding high flight of some foules. So as the confines of these shadowes, is the vtmost bound of the aire, and the beginning of the fire. Aboue the Moone all is pure and light some continually. And we in the night doe see the starres, as candles or any other lights from out of darkenesse. For these causes also the Moone in the night season is eclipsed onely. But the reason why the Sun and Moone, are not both in the eclipse ta set times and monethly, [unspec F] is the winding obliquitie of the Zodiake, and the wandering turnings of the Moone one while farre South, and another while as much North (as hath been said:) and for that these planets do not alwaies in their motion meet just in the points of the eclipticke line, to wit, in the head or taile of the Dragon.

CHAP. XI. [unspec G]

¶ Of the magnitude of Starres.

THe reason of this lifteth vp mens mindes into heauen: and as if they beheld and looked downe from thence, discouer vnto them the magnitude of the three greatest parts of the whole world. For the Sunnes light could not wholly be taken away from the earth, by the Moone comming betweene, in case the earth were bigger than the Moone. But the huge greatnesse of the Sunne is more certainely knowne, both by the shadow of the Earth, and the bodie of the Moone: so as it is needlesse to search and inquire into the largenesse thereof, ei∣ther by proofe of eie-sight, or by coniecture of the minde. How vnmeasurable it is, appeareth [unspec H] euidently by this, That trees which are planted in limits from East to West, casteth shadowes equall in proportion; albeit they be neuer so many miles assunder in length: as if the Sunne were in the middest of them all. This appeareth also about the time of the equinoctiall in all regions meridionall, when the Sunne shineth directly plumbe ouer mens heads, and cau∣seth no shadow. In like manner, the shadowes of them that dwell Northerly vnder the Sol∣stitiall circle in Summer, falling all at noone tide, Northward, but at Sunne-rising, West∣ward, doing the same demonstration. Which possibly could not be, vnlesse the Sunne were far greater than the earth. Moreouer, in that, when he rises, he surpasses in breadth the hil Ida, com∣passing the same at large both on the right hand and the left, and namely, being so farre distant as he is. The eclipse of the Moone doth shew also the bignesse of the Sunne, by an infallible [unspec I] demonstration; like as himfelfe eclipsed, declareth the littlenesse of the earth. For whereas there be of shadowes three formes and figures: and euident it is, that if the darke materiall body which casteth a shadow, be equall in bignesse to the light, then the shadow is fashioned like a colume or piller, and hath no point at the end: if it be greater, it yeeldeth a shadow like a top directly standing vpon the point, so as the nether part therof is narrowest, and then the sha∣dow likewise is of infinite length: but if the said body be lesse than the light, then is represented a pyramidall figure like an hey-cocke, falling out sharpe pointed in the top; which manner of shadow appeareth in the Moones eclipse: it is plaine, manifest, and without all doubt, that the Sunne is much bigger than the earth. The same verily is seen by the secret and couert proofes of Nature it selfe. For why in diuiding the times of the yeere, departeth the Sunne from vs in [unspec K] the winter? marry, euen because by meanes of the nights length and coolenesse, he would re∣fresh the earth, which otherwise no doubt he should haue burnt vp: for, it notwithstanding, he burneth it in some measure, so excessiue is the greatnesse thereof.

CHAP. XII.

¶ The inuentions of man as touching the obseruation of the heauens.

THe reason verily of both eclipses, the first Romane that published abroad and divulged, was Sulpitius G•…•…llus, who afterward was Consull, together with M. Marcellus: but at that time being a Colonell, the day before that King Perseus was vanqnished by [unspec L] Paulus. he was brought forth by the Generall into open audience before the whole host, to fore-tell the eclipse which should happen the next morning: whereby he deliuered the armie from all pensiuenesse and feare, which might haue troubled them in the time of battell, and within a while after he compiled also a booke thereof. But among the Greeks, Thales Melesius was the first that found it out, who in the eight and fortieth Olympias, and the fourth yeere thereof, did prognosticate and foreshew the Sunnes eclipse that happened in the reigne of Halyattes, and in the 170. yeere after the foundation of the citie of Rome. After them, Hip∣parchus compiled his Ephemerides, containing the coutse and aspects of both these planets, for six hundred yeeres ensuing: comprehending withall the moneths according to the calcula∣tion & reckonings of sundry nations, the daies, the houres, the scituation of places, the aspects, [unspec M] and latitudes of diuers townes and countries; as the world will beare him witnesse: and that no lesse assuredlv, than if •…•…e had been priuie to Natures counsels. Great persons and excellent these were doubtlesse, who aboue the reach of all capacitie of mortall men, found out the rea∣son of the course of so mighty starres and diuine powers: and whereas the sillie minde of men

was before set and to seeke, fearing in these eclipses of the starres, some great wrong and vio∣lence [unspec A] or death of the planets, secured them in that behalfe: in which dreadful feare stood Ste∣sichorus and Pindarus the Poets (notwithstanding their lofty stile,) and namely at the eclipse of the Sun, as may appeare by their poems. As for the Moone, mortall men imagine, that by ma∣gicke, sorceries, and charmes, she is inchanted, and therefore helpe her in such a case when she is eclipsed by dissonant ringing of basons. In this fearefull fit also of an eclipse, Nicias the Ge∣nerall of the Athenians, as a man ignorant of the course thereof, feared to set saile with his fleet out of the hauen, and so greatly endangered and distressed the state of his countrey. Faire chieue yee then for your excellent wit, O noble Spirits, interpretors of the heauens, capable of Natures works, and the deuisers of that reason whereby ye haue surmounted both God and man. For who is he, that seeing these things, and the painfull ordinarie trauels, since that this [unspec B] terme is now taken vp, of the stars; would not beare with his owne infirmitie, and excuse this necessitie of being born to die? Now for this present I will b•…•…iefly and summarily touch those principall points which are confessed and agreed vpon as touching the said eclipses, hauing lightly rendred a reason thereof in most needfull places: for neither such prouing and arguing of these matters belongs properly to our purposed worke; neither is it lesse wonder to be able to yeeld the reason and causes of all things, than to be resolute and constant in some.

CHAP. XIII.

¶ Of Eclipscs.

CErtaine it is, that all Eclipses in 222 moneths haue their reuolutions, and return to their [unspec C] former points: as also that the Sun's eclipse neuer happeneth but vpon the change of the Moone, namely either in the last of the old, or first of the new, which they call conjuncti∣on: and that the Moone is neuer eclipsed but in the full, and alwaies somewhat preuents the former Eclipse. Moreouer, that euery yeare both planets are eclipsed at certaine dayes and houres vnder the earth. Neither be these eclipses in all places seene when they are aboue the earth, by reason sometimes of cloudy weather, but mor•…•… often, for that the globe of the earth hindereth the sight of the bending conuexitie of the heauen. Within these two hundred yeres was it found out by the witty calculation of Hipparchus, that the Moone sometimes was eclip∣sed twice in fiue moneths space, and the Sun likewise in seuen: also that the Sun and Moone [unspec D] twice in thirty dayes were darkned aboue the earth: how beit seene this was not equally in all quarters, but of diuers men in diuers places: and that which maketh me to maruell most of all in this wonder, is this, that when agreed it is by all, that the Moone light is dimmed by the shadow of the earth, one while this eclipse hapneth in the West, and another while in the East: as also by what reason it hapned, that seeing after the Sunne is vp, that shadow which dusketh the light of the Moone must needs be vnder the earth; it fell out once, that the Moone was e∣clipsed in the West, and both planets to be seene aboue the ground in our horison: for that in twelue daies both these lights were missing, and neither Sun nor Moon were seen, it hapned in our time, when both the Vespasians (Emperors) were Consuls, the father the third time, and the son the second. [unspec E]

CHAP. XIV.

¶ Of the Moones motion.

CLeare it is, that the Moone alwaies in her encreasing hath the tips of her hornes turned from the Sun toward the East: but in the waine contrariwise Westward. Also that she shines the first day of her apparition, ¼ parts, and the foure and twentieth part of an houre, and so riseth in proportion the second day forward, vnto the full: and likewise decrea∣seth in the same manner to the change. But alwaies she is hidden in the change within four∣teene degrees of the Sunne. By which argument we collect, that the magnitude of the other [unspec F] Planets is greater than that of the Moone, for so much as they appeare otherwhiles when they be but seuen degrees off. But the cause why they shew lesse, is their altitude: like as also the fixed starres, which bv reason of the brightnesse of the Sunne are not seene in the day time; whereas indeed they shine as clearely by day as by night. And that is manifestly proued by

some eclipses of the Sun, and exceeding deepe pits, for so they are to be seene by day light. [unspec G]

CHAP. XV.

¶ Generall rules touching the motions and lights of other Planets.

THose three which we say are aboue the Sun be hidden when they goe their course toge∣ther with him. They arise in the morning, and be called Orientall Matutine, and neuer depart farther than eleuen degrees. But afterwards meeting with his raies and beames, they are couered, and in their triple aspect retrograde, they make their morning station a hun∣dred and twenty degrees off, which are called the first; and anon in a contrarie aspect or oppo∣sition, 180 degrees off, they arise in the euening, and are Occidentall Vespertine. In like sort [unspec H] approching from another side within an hundred and twenty degrees, they make their euening stations, which also they call the second, vntill he ouertake them within twelue degrees, and so hide them, and these are called the euening settings. As for Mars, as he is neerer vnto the Sun, so feeleth he the Sun beames by a quadrant aspect, to wit ninetie degrees, whereupon that motion tooke the name, called the first and second Nonagenarie from both risings. The same planet keepeth his stationarie residence six moneths in the signes: whereas otherwise of his owne nature but two moneths. But the other planets in both stations or houses continue not all out foure moneths apiece. Now the other two inferiour planets vnder the Sun go downe and are hidden after the same manner in the euening Coniunction, and in as many degrees they make their morning rising: and from the farthest bounds of their distance they follow [unspec I] the Sun, and after they haue once ouertaken him, they set againe in the morning, and so out∣go him. And anon keeping the same distance, in the euening they arise againe vnto the same limits which we named before, from whence they are retrograde, and return to the Sun, and by the euening setting they be hidden. As for Venus, she likewise maketh two stations, according to the two manners of her apparance, morning and euening, when she is in farthest bounds and vtmost points of her Epicycle. But Mercurie keepeth his stations so small a while that they cannot be obserued. This is the manner and order as well of the lights and appearances of the planets, as of their occultations, and keeping close intricate in their motion, and enfolded within many strange wonders. For change they do their magnitudes and colours; sometime they approch into the North, the same againe go backe toward the South, yea, and all on a [unspec K] sudden they appeare one while neerer to the earth, and another while to the heauen: wherein if we shall deliuer many points otherwise than former Writers, yet confesse we do, that for these matters we are beholden vnto them, who first made demonstration of seeking out the wayes thereto: howbeit let no man dispaire, but that hee may profit and goe forward alwaies in fur∣ther knowledge from age to age. For, these strange motions fall out vpon many causes. The first is, by reason of those eccentrique circles or Epicycles in the stars, which the Greekes call Absides; for needs we must vse in this treatise the Greeke termes. Now euery one of the pla∣nets haue particular Auges or circles aforesaid by themselues, and these different from those of the starry heauen: for that the earth from those two points which they call Poles, is the very centre of the heauen, as also of the Zodiacke, scituate ouerthwart betweene them. All which [unspec L] things are certainly knowne to be so by the compasse, that neuer can lie. And therefore for euery centre there arise their owne Absides, whereupon it is, that they haue diuerscircuits, and different motions, because necessarie it is, that the inward and inferiour Absides should be shorter.

CHAP. XVI.

¶ Why the same Planets seeme sometime higher, and some lower.

THe highest Absides therefore from the centre of the earth are of Saturne, in the signe Scorpio: of Iupiter, in Virgo: of Mars, in Leo: of the Sun, in Gemini: of Venus in [unspec M] Sagittarius: of Mercury in Capricorne: and namely in the middle or fifteenth de∣gree of the said signes: and contrariwise the said planets in the same degrees of the opposite signes are lowest, and to the centre of the earth neerest. So it commeth to passe, that they seeme to moue more slowly when they goe their highest circuit: not for

that naturall motions doe either hasten or slacke, which be certaine and seuerall to euery one: [unspec A] but because the lines which are drawne from the top of the Absis, must needs grow narrow and neere together about the centre, as the spokes in cart wheeles: and the same motion by reason of the neerenesse of the centre, seemeth in one place greater, in another lesse. The other cause of their sublimities is, for that in other signes they haue the Absides eleuated highest from the cen tre of their own eccentrique circles. Thus Saturne is in the height of his Auge in the 20. degree of Libra, Iupi•…•…er in the 15. of Cancer, Mars in the 28. of Capricorne, the Sunne in the 29. of A∣ries, V•…•…nus in the 16. of Pisces, Mercurie in the 15. of Virgo, and the Moone in the 4. of Taurus. The third reason of their altitude or eleuation, is not taken from their Auges or circles accen∣trique, but vnderstood by the measure and conuexitie of heauen, for that these planets seeme to the eie as they rise and fall, to mount vp or settle downward through the aire. Hereunto is knit [unspec B] and vnited another cause also, to wit, the Zodiaks obliquitie, & latitude of the planets, in regard of the eclipticke: For through it the starres which we called wandering, do moue and take their course. Neither is there any place inhabited vpon earth, but that which lieth vnder it. For al the rest without the poles, are fruitles, desart, and ill fauoured. Only the planet Venus goeth beyond the circle of the Zodiake, 2. degrees: which is supposed to be the very efficient cause, that cer∣taine liuing creatures are ingendred and bred euen in the desart and vnhabitable parts of the world. The Moone likewise rangeth throughout all the bredth of it, but neuer goeth out of it. Next after these, the starre of Mercurie hath the largest scope in the Zodiake, but yet so, as of 12. degrees (for that is the bredth thereof) he wandreth but 8. and those not equally, but two in the midst, foure aboue, and two beneath. Then the Sunne in the midst, goeth alwaies betweene [unspec C] the two extremities of the Zodiake: but in his declining course from South and North, he see∣meth to wind bias after the maner of Dragons or Serpents, vnequally. Ma•…•…s in his latitude lea∣ueth the eclipticke line foure halfe degrees, Iupiter two degrees and a halfe, Saturne no more but two, like as the Sunne. Thus you see the manner of the latitudes, as they descend Southward, or ascend Northward. And vpon this is the reason grounded also of the 3. opin•…•…on of them, who imagine that the planets do arise and mount from the earth vpward into heauen. For very many haue thought, although vntruly, that they climbe in this manner. But to the end that they may be reproued and confuted, we must lay open an infinite and incomprehensible subtilti•…•…, & that which containeth all those causes & reasons aboue said. First therfore this is a •…•…reed o•…•… and re∣solued, that these stars or planets in their euening setting, are neerest to the earth, both in regard [unspec D] of latitude, & also of altitude: and then they be called Occidentall Vespertine, i when the Sun toward the euening couereth them with his raies: also, when they be farthest from the earth, as wel in latitude as eleuation, they be Orientall Matutine, & arise or appeare in the morning be∣fore the Sun is vp: as also that then they are Stationaries in their houses, which be in the middle points of the latitudes which they call eclipticks. Likewise, confessed it is, that so long as the planets are neer to the earth, their motion seemeth to encrease & be quicke: but as they depart on high, to decrease and be slow. And this reason is approued & confirmed principally by the eleuations and depressions of the Moone. As doubtles it is also, and held for an infallible rule, that euery planet being Orientall Matutine, riseth euery day higher than other. The superior three aboue the Sun diminish euen from their first stations vnto the second. Which being so, [unspec E] it will plainly appeare, that euery planet Orientall Matutine, rising before the Sun, beginns to mount the latitude Septentrionall, & decline from the Ecliptick Northward: in such sort, that from the time they begin to dismarch, their motion increases by little and little more spare∣ly. But in the first Stations, they are at the highest altitude & ascent: for then and not before, the numbers begin to be withdrawne, & the planets to go backward, and be retrograde. Wher∣of a particular reason by it selfe may be giuen, in this maner: The Planets being smitten in that part wherof we spake, they are both inhibited by the triangular beames or Trine aspect of the sun, to hold on a straight and direct course in the longitude of heauen, and so be retrograde: and so are raised vp aloft by the firie power of the said sun. This cannot presently at the first be vn∣derstood by our eiesight: whereupon they are supposed to stand, and hereof their Stations took [unspec F] the name. Then proceedeth forward the violence of the Sun beames or aspect, and the vapour thereof by repercussion, forceth them to be euidently retrograde, and go backward. And much more is this perceiued in their euen rising, when they be Orientall Vespertine, when the Sun is wholly against them, and when they be driuen to the very top of their Absides, and so not seene

at all, because they are at the highest, and goe their least motion, which is so much the lesse, [unspec G] when as it hapneth in the highest signes of their Auges or Absides. From the euen arising after the Sunne setting, they descend toward the latitude meridio•…•… all, for now the motion lesse di∣minisheth, but yet encreaseth not before the second stations: for that they are forced to des∣cend, by reason of the Sun beames comming from the other side of their Epycicle: and the same force beareth them downeward againe to the earth, which by the former triangular aspect raised them aloft towards heauen. So much skilleth it whether the said beames came from be∣neath or aboue. The same happeneth much more in the euen setting, when they be hidden with the raies of the Sun. This is the reason of the superiour planets aboue the Sunne: but the The∣ori que is more difficult of the rest, and hath by no man before vs been deliuered.

CHAP. XVII. [unspec H]

¶ Generall rules as touching the Planets.

FIrst and formost therefore let vs set downe the cause why Venus starre neuer depar∣teth from the Sunne more than 46. degrees, and Mercurie not aboue 23. and (be∣ing as they are diuers Planets) why oftentimes they retyre backe vnto the Sunne within that compasse. For to be resolued in this point, note we must, that both of them haue their Absides turned opposite to the rest, as being seated vnder the Sun: and so much of their circles is vnderneath, as the forenamed were aboue: and therefore farther off they cannot be, because the curuature and roundle of their Absides in that place hath no [unspec I] greater longitude. Therefore both edges of their Absides, by a like proportion keepe an indiffe∣rent meane, & their course is limited: but the short spaces of the longitudes, they recompence againe with the wandring of their latitudes. But what is the reason that they reach not alwaies to 46. degrees, and to 23? yes ywis do they: but this the Canonicall Astronomers haue missed of in their Aphorismes. For it is apparent, that their Absides also or Auges do moue, because they neuer ouerpasse the Sunne. And therefore when their edges from either side are perceiued to fall vpon the very point, then the planets also are supposed to reach vnto their longest distan∣ces: but when their edges or the points of their Epicicles be short so many degrees, the starres themselues are thought to returne more speedily in their retrogradation, than in their direct course forward, albeit the vtmost extremitie which they both haue, is euer the same. And from [unspec K] hence is the reason vnderstood of the contrary motions of these two planets. For the superiour planets moue most swiftly in the euen setting, but these most slowly. They, I say, be farthest from the earth, when they moue slowest; and these when they goe swiftest: for as in the former the neerenesse of the centre hasteneth them; so in these, the extremitie of the circle: they, from their morne rising begin to slack their celeritie; but these, to encrease it: they returne back from their morning Station to their euening mansion; but Venus contrariwise is retrograde from the Sta∣tion Vespertine, to the Matutine. Howbeit, she from the morne rising beginneth to climbe the latitude Septentrionall: but to follow the altitude and the Sunne, from the morning station; as being most swift, and at the highest, in the morn setting. Moreouer, shee beginnes to digresse in latitude, and to diminish her motion from the morn rising: but, to be retrograde, and withall to [unspec L] digresse in altitude, from the euening station. Againe, the planet Mercury, being Oriental Matu∣tin, begins both waies to climb, that is, to mount higher day by day; but to digresse in latitude, being Orientall Vespertine: and when the Sunne hath ouertaken him within the distance of fif∣teene degrees, he stands still for foure daies vnmoueable. Within a while he descendeth from his altitude dayly, and goeth backe retrograde from the euen setting, namely, when the Sunne hideth him with his raies, to the Moone rising, when hee appeareth before the Sunne is vp. This starre onely, and the Moone, descend in as many daies as they ascend. But Venus ascen∣deth vp to her station in fifteene daies and the vantage. Againe, Saturne and Iupiter are twice as long descending, and Mars foure times. See how great variety is in their nature, but the reason thereof is euident. For they which go against the vapour and heate of the Sunne do also hardly [unspec M] descend. Many secrets more of Nature, and lawes whereunto she is obedient, might be shewed about these things. As for example: The planet of Mars, whose course of all others can be least obserued, neuer maketh station but in quadrate aspect: as for Iupiter, in triangle aspect: and very seldome seuered from the Sunne 60. degrees, which number maketh six angled formes of the

heauen, that is to say, is the iust sixth part of the heauen: neither doth Iupiter shew his rising [unspec A] in the same signe this yeare, as in the former, saue onely in two signes, Cancer and Leo. The pla∣net Mercurie seldome hath his euen rising in Pisces, but very often in Virgo, and the morne ri∣sing in Libra. In like manner, the morne rising in Aquarius, but very seldome in Leo. Neither becommeth he retrograde in Taurus and Gemini: and in Cancer, not vnder the 25 degree. As for the Moone, she entreth not twice in coniunction with the Sun in any other signe but in Ge∣mini; and sometime hath no coniunction at all, and that only in Sagitarius. As for the last and first of the Moone, to be seene in one and the selfe same day or night, hapneth in no other signe but Aries, and few men haue had the gift to see it: and hereupon came Linceus to be so famous for his eye sight. Also the planets Saturne and Mars are hidden with the Sun beames, and ap∣peare [unspec B] not in the heauen at the most 170 dayes: Iupiter 36, or at least ten daies wanting, Venus 69, or when least 52. Mercury 31, or at least 17.

CHAP. XVIII.

¶ What is the cause that the Planets alter their colour.

THe reason of the Planets altitudes is it that tempereth their colours, according as they be neerer or farther off from the earth. For they take the likenesse of the aire, into the coasts whereof they enter in their ascent: and the circle or circumference of another Planets motion coloureth them as they passe either way, ascending or descending. The colder setteth a pale colour, the hotter a red, and the windie a fearefull and rough hue. Onely the [unspec C] points and coniunctions of the Absides, and the vtmost circumferences shew a darke blacke. Each planet hath a seuerall colour: Saturne is white, Iupiter cleare and bright, Mars fierie and red, Venus Orientall (or Lucifer) faire, Occidentall (or Vesper) shining, Mercury sparkeling his raies; the Moone pleasant, the Sunne when he riseth burning, afterwards glittering with his beames. Vpon these causes the sight is intangled, and discouereth euen those stars also which are contained and fixed in the sky, more or lesse. For one while a number of them appeare thicke about the halfe Moone, when in a cleare and calme night she gently beautifieth them. Another while they are seen but here and there, insomuch as we may wonder that they are fled vpon the full Moone, which hideth them: or when the beams either of the Sun or other aboue said haue dazled our sight. Yea, the very Moone her selfe hath a feeling doubtlesse of the Sun [unspec D] beames, as they come vpon her: for those raies that come sidelong, according to the conuexi∣tie of the heauen, giue but a darke and dim light to the Moone, in comparison of them that fall directly with straight angles. And therefore in the quadrangle aspect of the Sun she ap∣peareth diuided in halfe: in the triangle she is well neere inuironed, but her circle is half emp∣tie and void, howbeit in the opposition she seemeth full: and againe, as she is in the waine she representeth the same formes, decreasing by quarters as she increased, with like aspects as the other three planets aboue the Sun.

CHAP. XIX.

¶ The reason of the Suns motion, and the vnequalitie of daies. [unspec E]

AS for the Sun himselfe, a man may obserue foure differences in his course, twice in the yeare making the night equall with the day, to wit, in the Spring and Autumne, for then he falleth iust vpon the entre of the earth, namely in the eight degree of Aries and Libra. Twice likewise exchanging the compasse of his race; to lengthen the day from the Bruma or mid-winter, in the eighth degree of Capricorne: and againe to lengthen the night from the Sommer Sunsted, being in as many degrees of Cancer. The cause of vnequall daies is the ob∣liquitie of the Zodiake: whereas the one halfe iust of the world, to wit, six signes of the Zodi∣ake, is at all times aboue and vnder the earth. But those signes which mount vpright in their rising, hold light a longer tract, and make the daies longer: whereas they which arise crooked [unspec F] and go by as passe away in shorter and swifter time.

CHAP. XX. [unspec G]

¶ Why lightnings are attributed to Iupiter.

MOst men are ignorant of that secret, which by great attendance vpon the heauens, deepe Clerkes and principall men of learning haue found out: namely, that they be the fires of the three vppermost planets, which falling to the earth carry the name of lightnings: but those especially which are seated in the midst, to wit, about Iupiter, haply because partici∣pating the excessiue cold and moisture from the vpper circle of Saturne, and the immoderate heate from Mars that is next vnder, by this meanes he dischargeth the superfluitie, and here∣upon it is commonly said, that Iupiter shooteth and darteth lightnings. Therefore, as out of a [unspec H] burning piece of wood a cole of fire flieth forth with a cracke; euen so from a star is spit out as it were and voided forth this coelestiall fire, carrying with it presages of future things: so as the heauen sheweth diuine operations euen in these parcels and portions which are reiected and cast away as superfluous. And this most commonly hapneth when the aire is troubled, either because the moisture that is gathered moueth and stirreth forward that aboundance to fall; or else for that it is disquieted with the birth (as it were) proceeding from a great bellied starre, and thereforewould be discharged of such excrements.

CHAP. XXI.

¶ The distances of the Planets. [unspec I]

MAny haue essaied to finde out the distance and eleuation of the planets from the earth, and haue set downe in writing, that the Sun is distant from the Moon 18 degrees, euen much as the Moone from the earth. But Pythagoras, a man of a quicke spirit, hath collected, that there are 126000 furlongs from the earth to the Moone, and a duple distance from her to the Sun, and so from thence to the twelue signes three times so much. Of which opinion was also our countreyman Gallus Sulpitius.

CHAP. XXII.

¶ Of the Planets musicke and harmonie. [unspec K]

BVt Pythagoras otherwhiles vsing the termes of Musicke, calleth the space betweene the earth and the Moone a Tonus, saying, that from her to Mercurie is halfe a tone; and from him to Venus in manner the same space. But from her to the Sun as much and half again: but from the Sunne to Mars a Tonus, that is to say, as much as from the earth to the Moone. From him to Iupiter halfe a Tonus: likewise from him to Saturne halfe a Tonus: and so from thence to the signifer Sphere or Zodiacke, so much and halfe againe. Thus are composed se∣uen tunes, which harmonie they call Diapason, that is to say, the Generalitie, or whole state of consent and concord, which is perfect musicke. In which, Saturne moueth by the Dorick tune: [unspec L] Mercury by Phthongus; Iupiter by the Phrygian; and the rest likewise. A subtilty more plea∣sant yw is than needfull.

CHAP. XXIII.

¶ The Geometry or dimension of the world.

A Stadium or Furlong maketh of our paces an hundred twentie and fiue, that is to say, six hundred twenty and fiue foot. Possidonius saith, That from the earth it is no lesse than forty stadia, to that height or altitude wherein thicke weather, windes, and clouds doe engender. Aboue which, the aire is pure, cleare, and light, without any troubled darkenesse. [unspec M] But from the cloudy and muddy region to the Moone is 2000000 stadia: from thence to the Sun fiue thousand. By means of which middle space betweene it commeth to passe, that so ex∣ceeding great as the Sun is, he burneth not the earth. Many there be moreouer, who haue taught, that the clouds are eleuated to the hight of nine hundred stadia. Vnknown these points

are, and such as men cannot wind themselues out of: but as well may they now be deliuered to [unspec A] others, as they haue bin taught to vs: in which notwithstanding, one infallible reason of a Geo∣metricall collection which neuer lieth, cannot be reiected, if a man will search deep into these matters. Neither need a man to seeke a iust measure hereof; for to desire that, were in maner a point of fond and foolish idlenesse, as if men had nothing else to do, but onely to make an esti∣mate, and resolue vpon a guesse and coniecture therof. For, whereas it is plaine and apparent by the course of the Sunne, that the circle through which he passeth, doth containe three hundred threescore, and almost six degrees: and alwaies the dimetrent line, or diameter, taketh a third part of the circumference, and little lesse than a seuenth part of a 3. it is plain, that deducting one halfe thereof (by reason that the earth scituate as a centre, commeth betweene) the sixt part well neere of this great circuit which he makes about the earth (so farre as our mind doth com∣prehend) is the very height from the earth vp to the Sunne, but the twelfth part to the Moone, [unspec B] because she runneth so much a shorter compasse than the Sun: whereby it appeareth, that she is in the middest betweene the earth and the Sun. A wonder it is to see how farre the presump∣teous minde and heart of man will proceed, and namely being inuited and drawne on by some little successe, as in the aboue named matter. The reason whereof ministreth plenteous occasion of impudencie, for they who dared once to giue a guesse at the space betweene the Sun and the earth, are so bold to do the like from thence to heauen. For presuming, that the Sunne is in the middest, they haue at their fingers ends by and by the very measure also of the whole world. For look how many seuen parts the dimetrent hath, so many 22. parts or thereabout hath the whole circle: as if they had gotten the just and certain measure of the heauen by leuel, and the plumb [unspec C] or perpendicular line. The Aegyptians according to the reckoning which Petosiris and Necepsos haue inuented, do collect, That euery degree in the circle of the Moone, which is the least (as hath been said) of all other, containeth 33. stadia, and somewhat more: in Saturne, the greatest of all the rest, duple so much: and in the Sunne, which we said was the middest, the halfe of both measures. And this computation hath very great importance, for he that will reckon the distances betweene the circle of Saturne and the Zodiake, by this calculation shall multiplie an infinite number of Stadia.

CHAP. XXIIII.

¶ Of sudden Starres.

THere remaine yet some few points as touching the world: for inthe very heauen there be [unspec D] Starres that suddenly arise and appeare, whereof be many kindes.

CHAP. XXV.

¶ Of Comets or blazing stars, and coelestiall prodigies, their nature, scituation, and diuers sorts.

THese blasing starres the Greekescall Cometas, our Romanes Crinitas: dreadfull to be seene, with bloudy haires, and all ouer rough and shagged in the top like the bush of haire vpon the head. The same Greekes call those starres Pogonias, * 1.9 which from the nether part haue a maine hanging downe, in fashion of a long [unspec E] beard. As for those named Acontiae, they brandish and shake like a speare or * 1.10 dart, signifying great swiftnesse. This was it, whereof Tiberius Caesar the Empe∣rour wrot an excellent Poeme in his sift Consulship, the last that euer was seen to this day. The same, if they be shorter and sharpe pointed in the top, they vse to call Xiphiae: and of all other * 1.11 palest they be, and glitter like a sword, but without any reies or beames: which another kind of them, named Disceus (resembling a dish or coit, whereof it beareth the name, but in colour like to amber) putteth sorth here and there out of the brimmes and edges thereof. As for Pitheus, * 1.12 it is seene in forme of tunnes, enuironed with in a smokie light, as if it were a concauitie. Cera∣tias * 1.13 resembleth an horne: and such a one appeared when the whole manhood of Greece fought the battell of Salamis. Lampadias is like to burning torches: and Hippeus to horse maines, most * 1.14 [unspec F] swift in motion, & turning round. There is also a white Comet with siluer haires, so bright and shining, that hardly a man can endure to looke vpon it, and in mans shape it sheweth the very image of a god. Moreouer, there be blazing starres that become all shaggie, compassed round with hairie sringe, and a kind of maine. One heretofore appearing in the forme of a main, chan∣ged

into a speare, namely in the 108 Olympia's, and the 398 yeare from the foundation of [unspec G] Rome. Noted it hath bin, that the shortest time of theit appearance is a seuen-night, and the longest eighty daies: some of them moue like the wandering planets; others are fixed fast, and stir not. All in maner are seen vnder the very North star called Charlemaignes Wain: some in no certain part thereof, but especially in that white, which hath taken the name of the * 1.15 Milk cir∣cle. Aristotle saith that many are seene together, a thing that no man else hath found out, so far as I can learne. Mary, boisterous windes and much heate of weather are foretokened by them. There are of them seene also in Winter season, and about the Antarticke South pole; but in that place without any beames. A terrible one likewise was seene of the people in Ethiopia and Egypt, which the King who reigned in that age named Typhon. It resembled fire, and was * 1.16 pleited and twisted in manner of a wreath, grim and hideous to be looked on, and no more tru∣ly [unspec H] to be counted a star than some knot of fire. Sometimes it falleth out, that rhe planets and other stars are bespred all ouer with haires: but a Comet lightly is neuer seen in the west part of the heauen.

A fearefull star for the most part this Comet is, and not easily expiated; as it appeared by the late ciuill troubles when Octauius was Consul: as also a second time, by the intestine war of Pompey and Caesar. And in our dayes about the time that Claudius Caesar was poysoned, and left the Empire to Domitius Nero, in the time of whose reigne and gouernment there was ano∣ther in manner continually seen, and euer terrible. Men hold opinion, that it is materiall for presage to obserue into what quarters it shooteth, or what stars power and influence it recei∣ueth: also what similitudes it resembleth, and in what parts it shineth out and first ariseth. For [unspec I] if it be like vnto flutes or hautboies it portendeth somewhat to Musitians: if it appeare in the priuy parts of any signe, then let ruffians, whore-masters, and such filthy persons take heed. It is respectiue to fine wits, and learned men, if it put forth a triangular or foure-square figure, with euen angles, to any scituations of the perpetuall fixed stars. And it it is thought to presage, yea to sprinkle and put forth poison, if seen in the head of the Dragon either North or South.

In one only place of the whole world, namely in a Temple at Rome, a Comet is worshipped and adored, euen that which by Augustus Caesar himselfe, of happy memorie, was iudged verie lucky and happy to him; who when it began to appeare, gaue attendance in person, as ouerseer of those playes and games which he made to Venus genetrix, not long after the death of his fa∣ther Caesar, in the colledge by him instituted and erected: testifying his ioy in these words, In those very daies during the solemnities of my Plaies, there was seen a blasing star for seuen daies together, [unspec K] in that region of the sky which is vnder the North star Septentriones. It arose about the 11 houre of the day, bright it was and cleare, and euidently seene in all lands: by that star it was signified, as the common sort belceued, that the soule of (Iulius) Caesar was receiued among the diuine powers of the immortal gods. In which regard, that marke or ensigne of a slar was set to the head of that statue of Iulius Caesar, which soone after we dedicated in the Forum Romanum. These words published he abroad: but in a more inward ioy, to himselfe he interpreted and conceiued thus of the thing, That this Comet was made for him, and that himselfe was in it borne. And verily, if we wil confesse a truth, a health∣full, good, and happy presage that was to the whole world. Some there be who beleeue, that these be perpetuall stars, and go their course round, but are not seen vnlesse they be left by the [unspec L] Sun. Others againe are of opinion, that they are ingendred casually by some humour, and the power of fire together, and thereby do melt away and consume.

CHAP. XXVI.

¶ Hipparchus his opinion of the Stars. Also historicall examples of Torches, Lamps, Beames, Fiery Darts, opening of the Firmnment, and other such impressions.

HIppaachus the foresaid Philosopher (a man neuer sufficiently praised, as who proued the affinitie of stars with men, and none more than he; affirming also that our soules were [unspec M] parcell of heauen) found out and obserued another new star ingendred in his time, and by the motion thereof on what day it first shone, he grew presently into a doubt, Whether it hapned not very often that new stars should arise; and whether those starres also moued not, which we imagined to be fixed. The same man went so farre, that he attempted (a thing euen

hard for God to performe, to deliuer to posteritie the iust number of starres. He brought the [unspec A] same stars within the compasse of rule and art, deuising certaine instruments to take their se∣ueral places, and set out their magnitudes: that thereby it might be easily discerned, not only whether the old died, and new were borne, but also whether they moued, and which way they tooke their course, likewise whether they increased or decreased. Thus he left the inheritance of heauen vnto all men, if haply any one could be found able to enter vpon it as lawfull heire.

There be also certaine flaming torches shining out in the sky, how be it neuer seene but when they fall. Such a one was that which at the time that Germ. Caesar exhibited a shew of Sword∣fencers at vtterance, ran at noontide in sight of all the people. And two sorts there be of them, namely Lampades, which they call plaine torches; and Bolides, i. Lances, such as thé Mutinians * 1.17 [unspec B] saw in their calamitie when their city was sacked. Herein they differ, for that those lampes or torches make long traines, whiles the forepart only is on a light fire: but Bolis burnes all ouer, and draweth a longer taile. There appeare and shine out after the same manner certain beams, which the Greekes call Docus: like as when the Lacedemonians being vanquished at sea, lost * 1.18 the empire and dominion of Greece. The firmament also is seene to chinke and open, and this they name Chasma. * 1.19

CHAP. XXVij.

¶ Of the strange colours of the Sky.

THere appeareth in the Sky also a resemblance of bloud, and (than which nothing is more [unspec C] dread and feared of men) a fiery impression, falling from out of heauen to earth; like as it hapned in the 3 yeare of the 107 Olympias, at what time King Philip made all Greece to shake with fire and sword. And these things verily I suppose to come at certaine times by course of nature, like as other things, and not as the most part thinke, of sundry causes, which the subtill wit and head of man is able to deuise. They haue indeed been fore-runners of ex∣ceeding great miseries; but I suppose those calamities hapned not because these impressions were, but these therefore were procreated to foretell the accidents that ensued afterward. Now for that they fall out so seldome, the reason thereof is hidden and secret, and so not knowne, as the rising of planets aboue said, the eclipses, and many other things.

CHAP. XXViij.

¶ Of the Heauen flame. [unspec D]

LIkewise there are seen stars together with the Sun all day long; yea, and very often about the compasse of the Sun other flames, like vnto garlands of corne eares; also circles of sundry colours, such as those were when Augustus Caesar in the prime of his youth entered the city of Rome after the decease of his father, to take vpon him his great name and imperial title.

CHAP. XXjX.

¶ Of Coelestiall Crownes.

ALso the same garlands appeare about the Moone and other goodly bright stars which are fixed in the firmament. Round about the Sun there was seene an arch, when Lu. Opimius [unspec E] and Q. Fabius were Consuls: as also a round circle, when L. Porcius and M. Acilius were Consuls.

CHAP. XXX.

¶ Of sudden Circles.

THere appeared a circle of red colour when L. Iulius and P. Rutilius were Consuls. Moreo∣uer, there are strange eclipses of the Sunne, continuing longer than ordinarie; as namely when Caesar Dictator was murthered. Moreouer, in the wars of Antony the Sun continu∣ed almost a whole yeare of a pale wan colour.

CHAP. XXXj.

¶ Many Suns. [unspec F]

OVer and besides, many Suns are seene at once, neither aboue nor beneath the bodie of the true Sunne indeed, but crosse-wise, and ouerthwart: neuer neere nor directly against the earth, neither in the night season, but when the Sun either riseth or setteth. Once

they are reported to haue beene seene at noone day in Bosphorus, and continued from morne [unspec G] to euen. Three Suns together our Ancestors in old time haue often beheld, as namely when Sp. Posthumus, with Q Mutius, Q. Martius, with M. Porcius, M. Antonius, with P. Dolabella, and Mar. Lepidus, with L. Plancus, were Consuls. Yea, and we in our daies haue seene the like, when Cl. Caesar (of famous memorie) was Consul, together with Cornelius Orfitus his Colleague. More than three we neuer to this day finde to haue been seene together.

CHAP. XXXII.

¶ Many Moones.

THree Moones also appeared at once, and namely when Cn. Domitius and C. Fannius were Consuls, which most men called Night Sunnes.

CHAP. XXXIII.

¶ Day light in the Night. [unspec H]

OVt of the Firmament by night there was seen a light, when C. Coelius and Cn. Papyrius were Consuls, yea and oftentimes besides, so as the night seemed as light as the day.

CHAP. XXXIV.

¶ Burning Shields or Targuets.

A Burning shield ran sparkling from the West to the East, at the Suns setting, when L. Va∣lerius and C. Marius were Consuls.

CHAP. XXXV.

¶ A strange sight in the Sky.

BY report there was once seene, and neuer but once, when Cn. Octauius and C. Scribonius were [unspec I] Consuls, a sparkle to fall from a star: and as it approched the earth, it waxed greater; and after it came to the bignesse of the Moone it shined out and gaue light, as in a cloudy and darke day: then being retyred againe into the sky, it became, to mens thinking, a burning Lampe. This, Licinius Syllanus the Proconfull saw, together with his whole traine.

CHAP. XXXVI.

¶ The running of Stars to and fro in the Sky.

SEene there be also Stars to shoot hither and thither, but neuer for nought and to no pur∣pose: for, from the same quarter where they appeare, there rise terrible windes, and after them stormes and tempests both by sea and land.

CHAP. XXXVij.

¶ Of the Stars called Castor and Pollux. [unspec K]

I Haue seene my selfe in the campe, from the soldiers sentinels in the night watch, the resem∣blance of lightning to sticke fast vpon the speares and pikes set before the rampier. They settle also vpon the crosse Saile yards and other parts of the ship, as men do saile in the sea, making a kinde of vocall sound, leaping to and fro, and shifting their places as birds do which fly from bought to bough. Dangerous they be and vnlucky when they come one by one with∣out a companion; and they drowne those ships on which they light, and threaten shipwrack, yea, and they set them on fire if haply they fall vpon the bottome of the keele. But if they ap∣peare two and two together, they bring comfort with them, and foretell a prosperous course in the voiage, as by whose comming, they say, that dreadfull, cursed, and threatning meteor cal∣led [unspec L] Helena is chased and driuen away. And hereupon it is that men assigne this mighty power to Castor and Pollux, and inuocate them at sea no lesse than gods. Mens heads also in the euen tyde are seene many times to shine round about, and to be of a light fire, which presageth some great matter. Of all these things there is no certain reason to be giuen, but secret these be, hid∣den with the maiestie of Nature, and reserued within her cabinet.

CHAP. XXXViij.

¶ Of the Aire.

IT remaineth now (thus much and thus far being spoken of the world it selfe) to wit, the starry heauen and the planets) to speake of other memorable things obserued in the Skie. For euen that part also hath our forefathers called Coelum, (i.) the Skie, which otherwise they [unspec M] name aire: euen all that portion of the whole, which seeming like a void and empty place, yeel∣deth this vitall spirit whereby all things do liue. This region is seated beneath the Moone, and farre vnder that Planet (as I obserue it is in a manner by euery man agreed vpon.) And mingling together an infinite portion of the superiour coelestiall nature or elementarie fire,

with an huge deale likewise of earthly vapours, it doth participate confusedly of both. From [unspec A] hence proceed clouds, thunders, and those terrible lightenings. From hence come haile, frosts, shoures of raine, stormes and whirlewindes: from hence arise the most calamities of mortall men, and the continuall warre that nature maketh with her owne selfe. For these grosse exha∣lations as they mount vpward to the heauen, are beaten backe and driuen downeward by the vi∣olence of the starres: and the same againe when they list, draw vp to them those matters, which of their owne accord ascend not. For thus we see, that shoures of raine do fall, foggie mists and light clouds arise, riuers are dried vp, haile stormes come downe amaine, the Sunne beames doe scorch and burne the ground, yea, and driue it euery where to the middle centre: but the same againe vnbroken, and not losing their force, rebound backe and take vp with them whatsoeuer they haue drunke vp and drawne. Vapours fall from aloft, and the same returne againe on high: [unspec B] winds blow forcibly, and come emptie, but backe they goe with a bootie, and carry away euery thing before them. So many liuing creatures take their wind and draw breath from aboue: but the same laboureth contrariwise, and the earth infuseth into the aire a spirit and breath, as if it were cleane void and empty. Thus whiles the Nature goes too and fro, as forced by some engin, by the swiftnesse of the heauen, the fire of discord is kindled and groweth hot. Neither may she abide by it, and stand to the fight, but being continually carried away, she rolleth vp and down: and as about the earth shee spreadeth and pitcheth her tents, as it were, with an vnmeasurable globe of the heauen, so euer and anon of the clouds she frameth another skie. And this is that region where the winds raigne. And therefore their kingdome principally is there to be seene, where they execute their forces, and are the cause well neere of all other troubles in the aire. [unspec C] For thunderbolts and flashing lightenings most men attribute to their violence. Nay, more than that, therefore it is supposed that otherwhiles it raineth stones, because they were taken vp first by the winde: so as we may conclude, that they cause many like impressions in the aire. Wherefore many matters besides are to be treated of together.

CHAP. XXXIX.

¶ Of ordinary and set seasons.

IT is manifest, that of times and seasons, as also of other things, some causes be certaine; others, casuall and by chance; or, such as yet the reason thereof is vnknowne. For who need to doubt, that Summers and Winters, and those al∣ternatiue seasons which we obserue by yearely course, are occasioned by the [unspec D] motion of the Planets. As therefore the Sunnes nature is vnderstood by tem∣pering and ordering the yeare: so the rest of the starres and planets also haue euery one their proper and peculiar power, and the same effectuall to shew and performe their owne nature. Some are fruitfull to bring forth moisture, that is turned into liquid raine: others to yeeld an humour either congealed into frosts, or gathered and thickened into snow, or else frozen and hardened into haile: some afford winds: others warmth: some hot and scorching va∣pours: some, dewes: and others, cold. Neither yet ought these starres to be esteemed so little as they shew in sight, seeing that none of them is lesse than the Moone, as may appeare by the rea∣son of their exceeding height. Well then, euery one in their own motion, exercise their seuerall natures: which appeareth manifestly by Saturne especially, who setteth open the gates for raine [unspec E] and shoures to passe. And not onely the seuen wandering starres be of this power, but many of them also that are fixed in the firmament; so often as they be either driuen by the excesse and approch of those planets, or pricked and prouoked by the casting and influence of their beams; like as we find it happeneth in the seuen stars called Suculae, which the Grecians of raine name Hyades, because they euer bring foule weather. Howbeit some, of their owne nature, and at cer∣taine set times do cause raine; as the rising of the Kids. As for Arcturus, he neuer lightly appea∣reth without some tempestuous and stormie haile.

CHAP. XL.

¶ The power of the Dog-starre.

WHo knoweth not, that when the Dogge-starre ariseth, the heate of the Sunne is fiery [unspec F] and burning? the effects of which starre are felt exceeding much vpon the earth. The seas at his rising do rage and take on, the wines in sellars are troubled, pooles also and standing waters doe stirre and moue. A wilde beast there is in Aegypt, cal∣led Orix, which the Aegyptians say doth stand full against the Dog-starre when it riseth,

looking wistly vpon it, and testifieth after a sort by sneezing, a kind of worship. As for dogs, no [unspec G] man doubteth verily, but all the time of the canicular daies they are most ready to run mad.

CHAP. XLI.

¶ That the stars haue their seuerall influences in sundry parts of the signes, and at diuers times.

MOreouer, the parts of certaine signes haue their peculiar force, as appeareth in the Equi∣noctiall of Autumne, and in mid-winter; at what time we perceiue, that the Sun maketh tempests. And this is proued, not onely by raines and stormes, but by many experiments in mens bodies, and accidents to plants in the countrey. For some men are stricken by the [unspec H] Planet, and blasted: others are troubled and diseased at certaine times ordinarily, in their bel∣ly, sinewes, head, and minde. The Oliue tree, the Aspe or white Poplar, and Willowes, turne or wryth their leaues about at Mid-summer, when the Sun entreth Cancer. And contrariwise, in very Mid-winter, when he entreth Capricorne, the herbe Penyroiall floureth fresh, euen as it hangs within house, drie and ready to wither. At which time all parchments & such like blad∣ders or skinnes are so pent and stretched with spirit and wind, that they burst withall. A man might maruell hereat, who marketh not by daily experience, that one herbe called * 1.20 Heliotro∣pium, regardeth and looketh toward the Sun euer as he goeth, turning with him at all houres, notwithstanding he be shadowed vnder a cloud. Now certaine it is, that the bodies of Oysters, Muskles, Cocles, and all shell fishes, grow by the power of the Moone, and thereby againe di∣minish: [unspec I] yea, and some haue found out by diligent search into Natures secrets, that the fibres or filaments in the liuers of rats and mice, answer in number to the daies of the Moones age: also that the least creature of all others, the Pismire, feeleth the power of this Planet, and al∣waies in the change of the Moone ceaseth from worke. Certes, the more shame it is for man to be ignorant and vnskilfull, especially seeing that he must confesse, that some labouring beasts haue certaine diseases in their eyes, which with the Moone do grow and decay. Howbeit the excessiue greatnesse of the heauen and exceeding height thereof, diuided as it is into 72 signes, maketh for him, and serueth for his excuse. Now these signes are the resemblances of things or liuing creatures, into which the skilfull Astronomers haue with good respect digested the firmament. For example sake, in the taile of Taurus there be seuen, which they named in old [unspec K] time Vergiliae; in the forehead other seuen called Suculae; and Boötes, who followeth after the wain or great Beare Septentriones.

CHAP. XLII.

¶ The causes of raine, showers, winds, and cloudes.

I Cannot denie but without these causes there arise raines and windes: for that certaine it is, how there is sent forth from the earth a mist sometimes moist, otherwhiles smokie, by reason of hot vapours and exhalations. Also that clouds are ingendered by vapours which are gone [unspec L] vp on high, or else of the aire gathered into a waterie liquour: that they be thicke, grosse, and of a bodily consistence, wee guesse and collect by no doubtful argument, considering that they ouer-shadow the Sun, which otherwise may be seene through the water, as they know well that diue to any depth whatsoeuer.

CHAP. XLIII.

¶ Of Thunder and Lightening.

DEnie I would not therefore, but that the fierie impressions from stars aboue may fall vpon [unspec M] these clouds, such as we oftentimes see to shoot in cleare and faire weather: by the force∣ble stroke whereof, good reason it is, that the aire should be mightily shaken, seeing that arrowes and darts when they are discharged, sing and keepe a noise as they flie. But when they incounter a cloud, there arises a vapor with a dissonant sound (like as when a red hot yron ma∣keth

an hissing being thrust into water) & a smokie fume walmeth vp with many turnings like [unspec A] waues. Hereupon stormes do breed. And if this flatuositie or vapour doe struggle and wrestle within the cloud, from thence it commeth that thunderclaps be heard; but if it breake through still burning, then flieth out the thunderbolt: if it be longer time a strugling, and cannot pierce through, then leams and flashes are seene. With these, the cloud is clouen; with the other, burst in sunder. Moreouer, thunders are nothing els but the blows and thumps giuen by the fires bea∣ting hard vpon the clouds: and therefore presently the firy chinkes and rifts of those clouds do glitter and shine. Possible it is also, that the breath and winde eleuated from the earth, being re∣pelled back, and kept downe by the stars, & so held in and restrained within a cloud, may thun∣der, whiles Nature choketh the rumbling sound, all the while it striueth and quarelleth; but [unspec B] sendeth forth a crack when it breaketh out, as we see in a bladder puffed vp with winde. Like∣wise it may be, that the same wind or spirit whatsoeuer, is set on fire by fretting and rubbing, as it violently passeth headlong downe. It may also be stricken by the conflict of two clouds, as if two stones hit one against another; and so the leams and flashes sparkle forth, so as all these ac∣cidents happen by chance-medley, and be irregular. And hereupon come those bruitish & vain lightenings, such as haue no natural reason, but are occasioned by these impressions aboue said. With these are mountains and seas smitten: and of this kind be all other blasts and bolts that do no hurt to liuing creatures. As for those that come from aboue, and of ordinary causes, yea, and from their proper stars, they alwaies presage and foretell future euents. In like manner as touching the windes, or rather blasts, I would not denie but that they may proceed from a dry exhalation of the earth, void of all moisture: neither is it impossible, but that they do arise out [unspec C] of waters, breathing and sending out an aire, which neither can thicken into a mist, nor gather into clouds: also they may be driuen by the lugitation and impulsion of the Sun, because the winde is conceiued to be nought els but the fluctuation and waiuing of the aire, and that by many means also: for some we see to rise out of riuers, firths, and seas, euen when they be stil and calme: as also others out of the earth, which winds they name Altani. And those verily when they come backe againe from the sea, are called Tropaei: if they go onward, Apogaei.

CHAP. XLIIII.

¶ What is the reason of the resounding and doubling of the Eccho.

BVt the windings of hils, and their often turuings, their many tops, their crests and ridges [unspec D] also bending like an elbow or broken, and arched as it were into shoulders, together with the hollow noukes of vallies, do cut vnequally the aire that reboundeth them fro: which is the cause of reciprocall voices called Ecchoes, answering one another in many places, when a man doth holla or houpe among them.

CHAP. XLV.

¶ Of Windes againe.

NOw there be certaine caues and holes which breed windes continually without end: like [unspec E] as that is one which we see in the edge of Dalmatia, with a wide mouth gaping, & lea∣ding to a deep downfall: into which if you cast any matter of light weight, be the day ne∣uer so calm otherwise, there ariseth presently a stormie tempest like a whirle puffe. The places name is Senta. Moreouer, in the prouince Cyrenaica there is reported to be a rock consecrated to the South-wind, which without prophanation may not be touched with mans hand; but if it be, presently the South wind doth arise and cast vp heaps of sand. Also in many houses there be hollow places deuised & made by mans hand for receipt of wind, which being inclosed with shade and darknesse, gather their blasts. Whereby we may see how all winds haue one cause or other. But great difference there is betweene such blasts and winds. As for these, they be setled and ordinarie, continually blowing; which, not some smal tracts & particular places, but whole [unspec F] lands do feele; which are not light gales nor stormy puffes, named Aurae and Procellae, but simply called winds, by the Masculine name Venti: which whether they arise by the continuall motion of the heauen, and the contrary course of the Planets; or whether this winde be that spirit of Nature that engendreth all things, wandering to and fro as it were in some wombe; or rather

the aire, beaten and driuen by the vnlike influences and raies of the straying starres or planets, [unspec G] and the multiplicitie of their beames: or whether all winds come from their owne stars, name∣ly these planets neerer at hand; or rather fall from them that be fixed in the firmament. Plaine and euident it is, that guided they by an ordinary law of Nature, not altogether vnknowne, al∣though it be not yet throughly knowne.

CHAP. XLVI.

¶ The Natures and obseruations of the Windes.

THe old Greeke writers, not so few as twentie, haue set downe and recorded their obseruations of the Winds. I maruell so much the more, that the World be∣ing so at discord, and diuided into kingdomes, that is to say, dismembred as it [unspec H] was; so many men haue had care to seek after these things, so intricate and hard to be found out, and namely in time of wars, and amid those places where was no safe lodging nor abode, and especially when pyrats and rouers, common ene∣mies to mankinde, held welneere all passages: I maruell, I say, that at this day each man in his owne tract and countrey taketh more light and true knowledge of some things by their com∣mentaries and bookes, who neuer set foot there, than they doe by the skill and information of home-born inhabitants; whereas now in time of so blessed and ioious peace, and vnder a prince who taketh such delight in the progresse of the State and of all good arts, no new thing is lear∣ned by farther inquisition, nay, nor so much as the inuentions of old writers are throughly vn∣derstood. [unspec I] And verily it cannot be said, that greater rewards were in those daies giuen, conside∣ring that the bountie of Fortune was dispersed, and put into many mens hands: and in truth most of these deepe Clerkes and learned men, sought out these secrets for no other reward or regard, than to doe good vnto posteritie. But now, mens manners are waxen old and decay; now, all good customes are in the waine: and notwithstanding that the fruit of learning be as great as euer it was, and the recompences as liberall, yet men are become idle in this behalfe. The seas are open to all, an infinite multitude of saylers haue discouered all coasts whatsoeuer, they saile through and arriue familiarly at euery shore: all for gaine and lucre, but none for knowledge and cunning. Their mindes altogether blinded, and bent vpon nothing but coue∣tousnesse, neuer consider that the same might with more safetie be performed by skill and learning. And therfore seeing there be so many thousand poore sailers that hazard themselues [unspec K] on the seas, I will treat of the winds more curiously and exquisitly than perhaps beseemes the present worke that is begun.

CHAP. XLVII.

¶ Many sorts of Windes.

MEn in old time obserued foure Windes only, according to so many quarters of the world (and therefore Homer nameth no more:) a blockish reason this was, as soone after it was iudged. The Age ensuing added eight more; and they were on the o∣ther [unspec L] side in their conceit too subtill and concise. The Modern sailers of late daies found out a meane betweene both: and they put vnto that short number of the first, foure windes and no more, which they tooke out of the later. Therefore euery quarter of the Heauen hath two windes a piece. From the equinoctiall Sunne-rising bloweth the East∣winde Sub-solanus: from the rising thereof in the Mid-winter, the South-east Vulturnus. The former of these twaine the Greekes call Apeliotes, and the later Eurus. From the Mid-day, ri∣seth the South winde: and from the Sun-setting in Mid-winter the South-west, Africus. They also name these two, Notus and Libs. From the Equinoctiall going down of the Sun, the West winde Fauonius commeth: but from that in Summer season, the North-west Corus. And by the same Greekes they are termed Zephyrus and Argestes. From the North waine or pole Ar [unspec M] cticke, bloweth the North winde Septentrio: betweene which and the Sun rising in Summer, is the North-east winde Aquilo, named Aparctias and Boreas by the Greekes. A greater recko∣ning than this for number, is brought in by some, who haue thrust in foure more betweene; namely, Thracias betweene the North and the Summer setting of the Sunne: in like manner

Caecias in the midst betweene the North-east Aquilo, and that of the Sun rising in the Equino∣ctiall [unspec A] Sub-solanus. Also, after the Sun-rising in Sommer, Phoenicias in the middest, betweene the South-east and the South. Last of all, betweene the South and the South-west, Lybonotus, iust in the middest, compounded of them both, namely, betweene the Noonestead, and the Sunset∣ting in Winter. But here they could not lay a straw, and see to make an end. For others haue set one more yet called Mese, betweene the North-east winde Borias and Caecias: also Euronotus be∣tweene the South and the Southwest winds. Besides all these, there be some winds appropriate and peculiar to euery nation, which passe not beyond one certaine tract and region: as namely Scyros among the Athenians, declining a little from Argestes a winde vnknowne to other parts of Greece. In some other place it is more aloft, and the same then is called Olympias, as com∣ming [unspec B] from the high hill Olimpus. But the vsuall and customable manner of speech vnderstan∣deth by all these names Argestes only. Some call Caecias, by the name of Hellespontias, and giue the same winds in sundry places diuers names. In the prouince likewise of Narbone, the most notorious winde is Circius, and for violence inferiour to none, driuing directly before it very of∣ten, the current at Ostia, into the Ligurian sea. The same wind is not only vnknown in all other climats of the heauen, but reacheth not so much as to Vienna, a citie in the same prouince. As great & boisterous a wind as he is otherwise, yet a restraint he hath before he come thither, and is kept within few bounds by the opposition of a meane and small hill. Fabianus also auouches, that the South winds enter not so far as into Aegypt. Whereby, the law of Nature sheweth it selfe plainely, that euen windes haue their times and limits appointed.

To proceed then; the Spring openeth the sea for sailers: in the beginning whereof, the West winds mitigate the Winter weather, at what time as the Sun is in the 25 degree of Aquarius, [unspec C] and that is the sixt day before the Ides of February. And this order holdeth in manner with all other winds, that I will set downe one after another; so that in euery leape yeare ye anticipate and reckon one day sooner, and then againe keep the same rule throughout all the foure yeares following. Some call Fauonius (which beginneth to blow about the 7 day before the Calends of March) by the name of Chelidonius, vpon the sight of the first Swallows; but many name it O∣rinthias, comming the 71 day after the shortest day in winter; by occasion of the comming of birds: which wind bloweth for nine dayes. Opposite vnto Fauonius is the VVind which we cal∣led Sub-solanus. Vnto this VVind is attributed the rising of the Vergiliae or seuen stars, in as ma∣ny degrees of Taurus, six daies before the Ides of May; which time is a southerly constitution: [unspec D] and to this Winde the North is contrarie. Moreouer, in the hottest season of the Sommer, the Dog-star ariseth, at what time as the Sun entreth into the first degree of Leo, which commonly is the 15 day before the Calends of August. Before the rising of this star for eight daies space or thereabout, the Northeast winds are aloft, which the Greekes call Prodromi, i. forerunners. And two daies after it is risen, the same winds hold still more stiffely, and blow for the space of fortie daies, which they name Etesiae. The Suns heate redoubled by the hotnesse of that star, is thought to be asswaged by them: and no winds are more constant, nor keep their set times bet∣ter than they. Next after them come the Southerne winds againe, which are vsually vp, vntill the star Arcturus riseth, and that is nine daies before the Aequinoctiall in Autumne. With it entereth Corus, and thus Corus beginneth the Autumne. And to this Vulturnus is contrarie. Af∣ter [unspec E] that Aequinoctiall, about 44 daies the Virgiliae go downe, and begin winter, which season v∣sually falleth vpon the third day before the Ides of Nouember. This is the winter Northeast wind, which is far vnlike to that in Sommer, opposit and contrary to Africus. Now, a seuen night before the Mid-winter day, and as much after, the sea is allaied and calme for the sitting and hatching of the birds Halciones, whereupon these daies tooke the name Alcionis: the time be∣hind, plaieth the part of Winter. And yet these boisterous seasons full of tempests, shut not vp the sea: for pyrats and rouers at the first forced men with present perill of death, to run head∣long vpon their death, and to hazard themselues in Winter seas; but now a daies couetousnesse causeth men to do the like.

The coldest winds of all other, be those which we said to blow from the North-pole, and to∣gether [unspec F] with them their neighbor, Corus. These winds do both allay and still all others, and also scatter and driue away clouds. Moist winds are Africus, and especially the South wind of Italy called Auster. Men report also, that Caecias in Pontus gathereth & draweth to it selfe clouds Corus and Vulturnus are dry, but onely in the end when they giue ouer. The Northeast and the

North, engender snow. The North winde also bringeth in haile, so doth Corus. The South wind [unspec G] is exceeding hot and troublous withall. Vulturnus and Favonius be warme. They also be drier than the East: and generally all winds from the North and West are drier than from the South and East. Of all winds the Northern is most heathfull: the Southern wind is noisome, and the rather when it is drie; haply, because that when it is moist, it is the colder. During the time that it bloweth, liuing creatures are thought to be lesse hungry: the Etesiae giue ouer ordinarily in the night, & arise at the third houre of the day. In Spaine and Asia they blow from the East: but in Pontus, from the North: in other quarters from the South. They blow also after the Mid-win∣ter, when they be called Orinthiae, but those are more milde, & continue fewer daies. Two there be that change their nature together with their site and place: the South winde in Affrick brin∣geth faire weather, and the North wind there is cloudy. All winds keep their course in order for the more part, or els when one ceaseth, the contrary beginneth. When some are laid, & the next [unspec H] to them do arise, they go about from the left hand to the right, according to the Sun. Of their manner and order monthly, the prime or fourth day after the change of the Moone, doth most commonly determine. The same windes wil serue to saile contrariwise, by means of setting out the sailes: so as many times in the night, ships in sailing run one against another. The South winde raiseth greater billowes and more surging waues than the North: for that the South wind ariseth below from the bottome of the Sea; the other blustereth aloft, and troubleth the top of the water. And therfore after Southern winds, earth-quakes are most hurtful. The South wind in the night time is more boisterous, the Northerne wind in the day. The winds blowing from the East, hold and continue longer than those from the West. The Northern winds giue ouer commonly with an odde number: which obseruation serueth to good vse in many other [unspec I] parts of naturall things, and therfore the male winds are iudged by the odde number. The Sun both raiseth, and also laieth the windes. At rising and setting hee causeth them to be aloft: at noon-tide he represseth and keepeth them vnder, in Summer time. And therefore at mid-day or mid-night commonly the winds are down and lie still, for both cold and heat if they be immo∣derate, do spend and consume them. Also rain doth lay the winds: and most commonly from thence they are looked for to blow, where clouds break and open the skie to be seen. And verily Eudoxus is of opinion (if wee list to obserue the least reuolutions) that after the end of euery fourth yere, not only all winds, but other tempests and constitutions also of the weather, return again to the same course as before. And alwaies the Lustrum or computation of the fiue yeres beginneth at the leap yere, when the Dog-star doth arise. Thus much touching general winds. [unspec K]

CHAP. XLVIII.

¶ Of sudden Blasts.

NOw wil we speake of sudden blasts; which being risen (as hath bin said before) by exhala∣tions of the earth, and cast downe againe; in the meane while appeare of many fashions, enclosed within athin course of clouds newly ouercast. For such as be vnconstant, wande∣ring, and rushing in manner of land flouds (as some men were of opinion, as wee haue shewed) bring forth thunder and lightening. But if they come with a greater force, sway, and vio∣lence, and withall burst and cleaue a dry cloud asunder all abroad, they breed a storme, which of [unspec L] the Greeks is called Ecnephias: but if the clift or breach be not great, so that the wind be con∣strained to turne round, to roll and whirle in his discent, without fire (i.) lightening, it makes a whirle puffe or ghust called Typhon (i.) the storme Ecnephias aforesaid, sent out with a winding violence. This takes with it a piece broken out of a congealed cold cloud, turning, winding, and rolling it round, and with that weight maketh the owne fall more heauie, and changeth from place to place with a vehement and sudden whirling; the greatest danger and mischiefe that poore sailers haue at sea, breaking not onely their crosse saile yards, but also writhing and bur∣sting in pieces the very ships: and yet a small matter is the remedy for it, namely, the casting of vinegre out against it as it commeth, which is of nature most cold. The same storme beating [unspec M] vpon a thing, is it selfe smitten backe againe with a violence, and snatcheth vp whatsoeuer it meeteth in the way aloft into the skie, carrying it back, and swallowing it vp on high. But if it breake out from a greater hole of the said cloud, by it so borne down, and yet not altogether so broad as the abouenamed storm Procella doth, nor without a cracke; they call this boisterous

wind Turbo, casting downe and ouerthrowing all that is next it. The same, if it be more hot and [unspec A] catching a fire as it rageth, is named Prester; burning, and withall laying along, whatsoeuer it toucheth and encountereth.

CHAP. XLIX.

¶ Other enormious kindes of Tempests.

NO Typhon commeth from the North, ne yet any Ecnephias with snow, or while snow lieth on the ground. This tempestuous winde, if when it brake the cloud burned light with∣all, hauing fire of the owne before, and catched it not afterward, it is very lightning; and differeth from Prester, as the flame from a cole of fire. Againe, Prester spreadeth broad with a flash and blast; the other gathereth round with forcible violence. Typhon moreouer or Vortex, [unspec B] differeth from Turben in flying backe, and as much as a crash from a cracke. The storme Pro∣cella from them both, in breadth: and to speake more truly, rather scattereth than breaketh the cloud. There riseth also vpon the sea a darke mist, resembling a monstrous beast; and this is euer a terrible cloud to sailers. Another likewise called a Columne or Pillar, when the humour and water ingendred is so thicke and stiffe congealed, that it standeth compact of it selfe. Of the same sort also is that cloud which draweth water to it, as it were into a long pipe.

CHAP. L.

¶ In what Lands Lightenings fall not. [unspec C]

IN Winter and Summer seldome are there any Lightnings, and that is long of contrary cau∣ses: because in Winter the aire is driuen close together, and thickened with a deeper course of clouds: besides, all the exhalations breathing and rising out of the earth, being stark, con∣gealed, and frozen hard, do extinguish cleane what firie vapour soeuer otherwise they receiue: which is the reason that Scythia and other cold frozen quarters thereabout, are free from ligh∣tenings. And Aegypt likewise vpon the contrarie cause, and exempt from Lightnings; namely, exceeding heate: for the hot and dry exhalations of the earth, gather into very slender, thin, and weake clouds. But in the Spring and Autumne, lightnings are more rife; because in both [unspec D] those seasons, the causes as well of Summer as Winter, are confused and corrupt. And this is the reason also, that lightnings are common in our Italie; for that the aire being more moue∣able and wauering, by reason of a kinder Winter and a cloudie Summer, is alwaies of the tem∣perature of Spring or Autumne. In those parts also of Italy which lie off from the North, and encline to warmth (as namely in the tract about Rome and Campania) it lightneth in Winter and Summer alike, which happeneth in no other part thereof.

CHAP. LI.

¶ Sundry sorts of Lightnings, and Wonders thereof.

VErie many kindes of Lightnings are set downe by Authors. Those that come drie, burne [unspec E] not at all, but onely dissipate and disperse. They that come moist, burne not neither, but blast things, and make them looke duskish. Now a third kinde there is, which they call Bright and Cleare, and that is of a most strange and wonderfull nature; whereby tuns and such like vessels are drawne drie, and their sides, hoops, and heads, neuer toucht therewith or hurt, nor any other shew and token thereof is left behinde: Gold, copper, and siluer money is melted in the bags, and yet the very bags no whit scorched, no nor the wax of the seale hurt and defaced, or put out of order. Martia a noble Ladie of Rome being great with childe, was strucke with lightning: the childe she went withall was killed within her, and she without any harme at all liued still. Among the Catiline prodigies it is found vpon Record, that M. Herennius (a Coun∣sellor [unspec F] and States-man of the incorporate towne Pompeianum) was in a faire and cleare day smitten with Lightning.

CHAP. LII.

¶ Of obseruations as touching Lightning. [unspec G]

THe Antient Tuscanes by their learning do hold, that there be nine gods that send forth Lightnings, and those of eleuen sorts: for Iupiter (say they) casteth three at once. The Ro∣mans haue obserued two of them, and no more; attributing those in the day time to Iupiter; and them in the night to Summanus or Pluto. And these verily be more rare, for the cause afore∣named; namely, the coldnesse of the aire aboue. In Hetruria, they suppose that lightnings break also out of the earth, which they call Infera, i. Infernall; and such be made in Mid-winter. And these they take to be terrene and earthly, and of all most mischieuous and execrable: neither be those generall and vniuersall lightnings, nor proceeding from the stars, but from a very neere [unspec H] and more troubled cause. And this is an euident argument for distinction, that all such as fall from the vpper skie aboue, strike aslant and side-wise: but those which they call earthly, smite straight and directly. But the reason why these are thought to issue forth of the earth is this; because they fall from out of a matter nearer to the earth, forasmuch as they leaue no markes of a stroke behind: which are occasioned by force not from beneath, but comming full against. Such as haue searched more subtilly into these matters, are of opinion, that these lightnings come from the Planet Saturne, like as the burning lightning from Mars: And with such light∣ning was Volsinij (a most welthy citie of the Tuscanes) burnt full and whole to ashes. More∣ouer, the Tuscanes call those lightnings Familiar, which presage the fortune of some race, and are significant during their whole life: and such are they that come first to any man, after he is [unspec I] newly entred into his owne patrimonie or familie. How beit their iudgement is, that these pri∣uat lightnings are not of importance and fore-tokening aboue ten yeres; vnlesse they happen either vpon the day of first mariage, or of wedding. As for publique lightnings, they be not of force aboue 30 yeares, except they chance at the very time that townes or colonies be erected and planted.

CHAP. LIII.

¶ Of raising or calling out Lightnings by Coniuration.

IT appeareth vpon record in Chronicles, that by certaine sacrifices and prayers, Lightnings may be either compelled or easily intreated to fall vpon the earth. There goeth a report of [unspec K] old in Hetruria, that such a lightning was procured by exorcismes and coniurations, when there entered into the citie Volsinij (after all the territory about it was destroyed) a monster which they named Volta. Also, that another was raised and coniured by Porsenna their King. Moreouer, L. Piso (a writer of good credit) reporteth in his first booke of Annales, that Numa before him practised the same feat many a time and often: and when Tullus Hostilius would haue imitated him and done the like (for that he obserued not all the ceremonies accordingly) was himselfe strucke and killed with lightning. And for this purpose, sacred groues we haue and altars, yea and certaine sacrifices due thereto. And among the Iupiters surnamed Statores, tonan∣tes, and Feretrij, we haue heard that one also was called Elicius. Sundry and diuers are mens opi∣nions as touching this point, and euery man according to his owne liking and fancie of his [unspec L] minde. To beleeue that Nature may be forced and commanded, is a very audacious and bold opinion: but it is as blockish on the other side, and sencelesse, to make her benefits of no power and effect; considering that in the interpretation of Lightning, men haue thus farre forth pro∣ceeded in skill and knowledge, as to foretell when they will come at a set and prescript day: and whether they will fordoe and frustrate the dangers pronounced, or rather open other destinies, which lie hidden: and an infinite sort of publicke and priuat experiments of both kinds are to be found. And therefore (since it hath so pleased Nature) let some men be resolued herein, and others doubtfull: some may allow thereof, and others condemne the same. As for vs, we will not omit the rest which in these matters are worth remembrance.

CHAP. LIIII.

¶ Generall rules of Lightning. [unspec M]

THat the Lightning is seene before the Thunderclap is heard, although they come indeed iointly both together, it is certainely knowne. And no maruell, for the eye is quicker to see light, than the eare to heare a sound. And yet Nature doth so order the number and

measure, that the stroke and the sound should accord together. But when there is a noise, it is a [unspec A] signe of the lightning proceeding of some naturall cause, and not sent by some god: and yet e∣uermore this is a breath or winde that commeth before the thunderbolt: and hereupon it is, that euery thing is shaken and blasted ere it be smitten, neither is any man stricken, who either saw the lightning before, or heard the thunderclap. Those lightnings that are on the left hand, be supposed to be luckie and prosperous, for that the East is the left side of the world: but the coming therof is not so much regarded as the return, whether the fire leap back after the stroke giuen; or whether after the deed done and fire spent, the spirit and blast abouesaid retire backe againe. In that respect the Tuscans haue diuided the heauen into 16 parts. The first, is from the North to the Suns rising in the Equinoctiall line: the second, to the Meridian line, or the [unspec B] South: the third, to the Sun-setting in the Equinoctiall: and the fourth taketh vp all the rest from the said West to the North star. These quarters againe they haue parted into foure regi∣ons a piece: of which eight from the Sun-rising; they called the Left, & as many again from the contrary part, the Right. Which considered, most dreadfull and terrible are those lightnings, which from the Sun-setting reach into the North; and therefore it skilleth very much, from whence lightnings come, and whither they go: the best thing obserued in them is, when they re∣turn into the Easterly parts. And therefore when they come from that first and principall part of the skie, and haue recourse again into the same, it is holden for passing good hap: & such was the signe and token of victories giuen (by report) to Sylla the Dictatour. In all other parts of the element they be lesse fortunate or fearful. They that haue written of these matters, haue deliue∣red in writing, that there be lightnings, which to vtter abroad is held vnlawful, as also to giue [unspec C] eare vnto them, if they be disclosed, vnlesse they be declared either to parents, or to a friend and guest. How great the vanity is of this obseruation, was at Rome, vpon the blasting of Iunoes tem∣ple, found by Scaurus the Consull, who soone after was President of the Senate. It lightneth without thunder, more in the night than day time. Of all creatures that haue life and breath, man only it doth not alwaies kill; the rest, it dispatcheth presently. This priuiledge & honour we see Nature hath giuen to him; whereas otherwise so many great beasts surpasse him in strength. All other creatures smitten with lightning, fall downe vpon the contrary side; man onely (vnlesse he turne vpon the parts stricken) dyeth not. Those that are smitten from aboue vpon the head, lie downe and sinke directly. He that is stricken watching, is found dead with his eies winking and close shut; but whosoeuer is smitten sleeping, is found open eied. A man [unspec D] thus comming by his death, may not by law be burned: Religion hath taught, that he ought to be enterred and buried in the earth. No liuing creature is set a fire by lightning, but it is breathlesse first. The wounds of them that be smitten with thunderbolts, are colder than all the body besides.

CHAP. LV.

¶ What things are not smitten with Lightning.

OF all those things which grow out of the earth, Lightning blasteth not the Laurell tree, nor entreth at any time aboue fiue foot deep into the ground; and therefore, men fearfull [unspec E] of lightning, suppose the deeper caues to be the surest and most safe: or els booths made of skins of sea-beasts, which they call Seales, or Sea-calues; for of all creatures in the sea, this a∣lone is not subiect to the stroke of lightning; like as of all flying foules the Eagle, (which for this cause is imagined to be the armour-bearer of Iupiter, for this kinde of weapon.) In Italie betweene Tarracina and the temple of Feronia, they gaue ouer in time of warre, to make towers and forts, for not one of them escaped, but was ouerthrowne with lightning.

CHAP. LVI.

¶ Of strange and prodigious raine, to wit, of Milke, Bloud, Flesh, Iron, [unspec F] Wooll, Tyles, and Brickes.

BEsides these things aboue, in this lower region vnder heauen, we finde recorded in monu∣ments, that it rained milke and bloud, when M. Acilius and C. Porcius were Consuls. And many times else besides it rained flesh, as namely, whiles L. Volumnius and Serv. Sul∣pitius

were Consuls: and look what of it the foules of the aire caught not vp nor carried away, [unspec G] it neuer putrified. In like manner, it rained yron in the Lucanes countrey, the yere before that M. Crassus was slaine by the Parthians, and together with him all the Lucanes his souldiers, of whom there were many in his army. That which came downe in this raine resembled in some sort Sponges: and the Wisards and South sayers being sought vnto, gaue warning to take heed of wounds from aboue. But in the yere that L. Paulus, and C. Marcellus were Consuls, it rained wooll about the Castle Carissa, neare to which a yeare after, T. Annius Milo was slaine. At the time that the same Milo pleaded his owne cause at the bar, there fell a raine of tyles and bricks, as it is to be seen in the Records of that yeare.

CHAP. LVII. [unspec H]

¶ Of the rustling of Armour and sound of Trumpets heard from Heauen.

IN the time of the Cimbrian warres, we haue bin told, that Armour was heard to rustle, and the trumpet to sound out of heauen. And this happened very often both before and after those wars. But in the third Consulship of Marius, the Amerines and Tudertes saw men in armes in the skie, rushing and running one against another from the East and West; and might behold those of the West discomfited. That the very firmament it selfe should be of a light fire, it is no maruel at all; for oftentimes it hath been seene, when clouds haue caught any grea∣ter deale of fire. [unspec I]

CHAP. LVIII.

¶ Of Stones falling downe from the Skie:

AMong the Greeks there is much talke of Anaxagoras Clazomenius, who by his learning and skill that he had in Astronomie, foretold in the second yeare of the 78 Olympias, what time a stone should fall from out of the Sun: and the same happened accordingly in the day time, in a part of Thracia neere the riuer Aegos; which stone is shewed at this day as big as a waine load, carrying a burnt and adust colour: at what time as a comet or blazing starre also burned in those nights. Which if any man beleeue that it was fore-signified, must needs also [unspec K] confesse, that this diuinitie or fore-telling of Anaxagoras was more miraculous and wonder∣full than the thing it selfe: and then farewell the knowledge of Natures workes, and welcome confusion of al, in case we should beleeue that either the Sun were a stone, or that euer any stone were in it. But, that stones fall oftentimes downe, no man will make any doubt. In the publicke place of Exercise in Abydos, there is one at this day vpon the same cause preserued and kept for to be seene, and held in great reuerence: it is but of a meane and small quantity, yet it is that which the selfe-same Anaxagoras (by report) fore-signified that it should fal in the mids of the earth. There is one also at Cassandria, which was in old time vsually called Potidaea, a colony from thence deducted. I my selfe haue seene another in the territorie of the Vocantians, which [unspec L] was brought thither but a little before.

CHAP. LIX.

¶ Of the Rainebow.

THose which we call Rain-bowes are seene often without any wonder at all, or betokening any great matter: for they portend not so much as rainy or faire daies, to trust vpon. But manifest it is, that the Sun beames striking vpon an hollow cloud, when their edge is re∣pelled, are beaten backe against the Sun: and thus ariseth varietie of colours by the mixture of clouds, aire, and firie light together. Certes, they neuer are knowne but opposite to the Sun; nor at any time otherwise than in forme of a Semicircle: ne yet in the night season, although [unspec M] Aristotle saith there was a Rain-bow seen by night: howbeit he confesseth, that it could not possibly be but at the full of the Moone. Now they happen for the most part in winter, namely from the Autumne Equinoctiall, as the daies decrease and wax shorter. But as daies grow lon∣ger againe, that is to say, after the Spring Equinoctiall, they be not seene no more than about the Summer Sunstead, when daies are at longest. But in Bruma, namely when they bee shor∣test,

they chance very often. The same appeare aloft, when the Sun is low; and below, when he is [unspec A] aloft. Also, they be of narrower compasse, when the Sun either riseth or setteth, but their body spreadeth broad: and at noone narrower it is, and smal, yet greater and wider in circumference. In Sommer time they be not seene about noon-tide, but after the Autumne Equinoctial, at all houres; and neuer more at once than twaine. The rest of the same nature I see few men doe make any doubt of.

CHAP. LX.

¶ Of Haile, Snow, Frost, Mist, and Dew.

HAile is ingendred of Raine congealed into an Ice: and Snow of the same humor growne [unspec B] together, but not so hard. As for frost, it is made of dew frozen. In winter Snowes fall, and not haile. It haileth oftner in the day time than in the night, yet haile sooner melteth by farre than snow. Mists be not seene neither in Summer, nor in the cold weather. Dewes shew not ei∣ther in frost, or in hot seasons; neither when winds be vp, but only after a calm and cleere night. Frosts dry vp wet and moisture; for when the yce is thawed and melted, the like quantitie of water in proportion is not found.

CHAP. LXI.

¶ Of the shapes of Clouds.

SVndry colours and diuers shapes are seene in clouds, according as the fire intermingled [unspec C] therein is either more or lesse.

CHAP. LXII.

¶ Of the properties of weather in diuers places.

MOreouer, many properties there be of the weather, peculiar to certain places: the nights in Africke bedewie in Winter. In Italy, about Locri and the lake Velinus, there is not a day but a Rainbow is seene. At Rhodes and Syracusae, the aire is neuer so dimme and cloudy, but one houre or other the Sun shineth out. But such things as these shall be related [unspec D] more fitly in due place. Thus much of the Aire.

CHAP. LXIII.

¶ Of Earth, and the nature thereof.

THe Earth followeth next: vnto which alone of all parts of the world, for her singular be∣nefits we haue giuen the reuerend and worshipfull name of Mother. For like as the Hea∣uen is the (mother) of God, euen so is she of men. She it is that taketh vs when wee are comming into the world, nourisheth vs when we are new borne: and once being come abroad, euer sustaineth and beareth vs vp: and at the last when wee are reiected and forlorne of all the [unspec E] world besides, she embraceth vs: then most of all other times, like a kinde mother, she couereth vs all ouer in her bosom; by no merit more sacred than by it, wherwith she maketh vs holy and sacred; euen bearing our tombes, monuments, and titles, continuing our name, and extending our memorie, therby to make recompence and weigh against the shortnes of our age: whose last power we in our anger wish to be heauy vnto our enemy, and yet she is heauy to none, as if wee were ignorant that she alone is neuer angry with any man: waters ascend vp, & turn into clouds, they congeale and harden into haile, swel they do into waues and billows, & down they hasten headlong into brooks and land-flouds. The aire is thickened with clouds, & rageth with winds and stormes. But she is bountifull, mild, tender ouer vs, & indulgent, ready at all times to attend and wait vpon the good of mortall men. See what she breeds being forced! nay, what she yeel∣deth [unspec F] of her owne accord! what odoriferous smells, and pleasant sauors! what wholesome iuices and liquors, what soft things to content our feeling, what louely colors doth she giue to please our eie, how faithfully and iustly doth she repay with vsury that which was lent and credited out vnto her! Finally, what store of all things doth shee feed and nourish for our sake! Alas

poor wretch, pestiferous and hurtfull creatures, when the vitall breath of the aire was too blame [unspec G] to giue them life, she could not otherwise chuse but receiue them, after they were sown in her; and being once ingendred and bred, keepe and maintain them. But in that they prooued after∣wards bad and venomous, the fault was to be laid vpon the parents that ingendred them, and not to be imputed vnto her. For, shee entertaineth no more a venomous serpent after it hath stung a man: nay, more than that, she requireth punishment, for them that are slow and negli∣gent of themselues to seeke it. She it is that bringeth forth medicinable herbes, and euermore is in trauell to be deliuered of some thing or other, good for man. Ouer and besides, it may be thought and beleeued, that for very pittie of vs she ordained and appointed some poisons, that when we were weary of our life, cursed famine (most aduerse and crosse of all other to the me∣rits of the earth) should not consume and waste vs with languishing and pining consumption, and so procure our death; that high and steepe rockes should not dash and crush our bodies in [unspec H] pieces; nor the ouerthwart and preposterous punishment by the halter, wreathe our necks, and stop that vital breath which we seek to let out and be rid of: last of all, that we might not worke our owne death in the deep sea, and being drowned feed fishes, and be buried in their bellies; ne yet the edge and point of the sword cut and pierce our bodie, and so put vs to dolorous paine. So that it is no doubt, but in a pittifull regard and compassion of vs, shee hath ingendred that poyson, by one gentle draught whereof, going most easily downe, we might forgoe our life, and die without any hurt and skin broken of our body, yea, and diminish no one drop of bloud: without grieuous paine, I say, and like onely to them who be athirst: that being in that manner dead, nether foule of the aire, nor wilde beast prey vpon or touch our bodies, but that he should be reserued for the earth, who perished by himselfe and for himselfe: and, to confesse and say the [unspec I] troth, the earth hath bred the remedy of all miseries, howsoeuer we haue made it a venome and poison to our life. For after the like sort we imploy iron and steele, which we canot possibly be without. And yet we should not do well and iustly to complain, in case she had brought it forth for to do hurt and mischiefe. Now surely to this only part of Nature and the world, we are vn∣thankfull, as though shee serued not mans turne for all dainties; not for contumely and reproch to be misused. Cast she is into the sea, or else to let in peeres and frithes, eaten away with water. With yron tooles, with wood, fire, stone, burdens of corne tormented she is euery houre: and all this much more to content our pleasures and wanton delights than to serue vs with naturall food and necessary nourishment. And yet these misusages which she abideth aboue, and in her outward skin, may seeme in some sort tolerable. But we, not satisfied therewith, pierce deeper [unspec K] and enter into her very bowels, we search into the veines of gold and siluer, we mine and dig for copper and lead mettals. And for to seek out gemmes and some little stones, we sinke pits deep within the ground. Thus we plucke the very heart-strings out of her, and all to weare on our fin∣ger one gemme or precious stone, to fulfill our pleasure and desire. How many hands are worne with digging and deluing, that one ioynt of our finger might shine again. Surely, if there were any diuels or infernall spirits beneath, ere this time verily these mines (for to feed couetousnes and riot) would haue brought them vp aboue ground. Maruell we then, if she hath brought forth some things hurtfull and noisome? But sauage beasts (I well thinke) ward and saue her, they keepe sacrilegious hands from doing her iniurie. Nay ywis it is nothing so. Dig we not amongst dragons and serpents? and togethet with veines of gold, handle we not the roots of [unspec L] poisoned and venomous herbes? howbeit this goddesse we finde the better appaied, and lesse discontented for all this misusage, for that the end and issue of all this wealth tends to wic∣kednesse, to murder and wars, and her whom we drench with our bloud, we couer also with vn∣buried bones. Which neuerthelesse, as if she did reprooue and reproch vs for this rage and fu∣rie of ours, she her selfe couereth in the end, and hideth close euen the wicked parts of mortall men. Among other imputions of an vnthankfull minde, I may well count this also, That we be ignorant of her nature.

CHAP. LXIIII.

¶ Of the forme of the earth.

THe first and principall thing that offereth it selfe to be considered, is her figure, in which [unspec M] by a generall consent we doe all agree. For surely we speake and say nothing more com∣monly, than the round ball of the earth; and confesse that it is a globe enclosed within 2 poles. But yet the forme is not of a perfect and absolute roundle, considering so great heigth

of hills and such plaines of downs: howbeit, if the compasse therof might be taken by lines, the [unspec A] ends of those lines would meet iust in circuit, and proue the figure of a iust circle. And this the very consideration of naturall reason doth force and conuince, although there were not those causes which we alledged about the heauen. For in it the hollow bending conuexitie boweth and beareth vpon it selfe, and euery way resteth vpon the centre thereof, which is that of the earth. But this, being solid and close compact, ariseth still like as if it swelled, stretching and growing forth. The heauen bendeth and inclineth toward the centre, but the earth goeth from the centre, whiles the world with continnall volubilitie and turning about it, driueth the huge and excessiue globe thereof into the forme of a round ball.

CHAP. LXV. [unspec B]

¶ Of the Antipodes, whether there be any such. Also of the roundnesse of water.

MVch adoe there is here, and great debate betweene learned men; and contrariwise those of the leaud and ignorant multitude: for they hold, that men are ouerspread on all parts vpon the earth, and stand one against another, foot to foot: also that the Zenith or point of the heauen is euen and alike vnto all: and in what part soeuer men be, they go still and tread after the same manner in the middest. But the common sort aske the question and demand, How it happeneth that they opposite iust against vs fall not into Heauen? as if there were not a reason also ready, That the Antipodes againe shall maruell why we fell not downe. [unspec C] Now there is reason that commeth betweene, carrying a probabilitie with it euen to the mul∣titude, were it neuer so blockish and vnapt to learne; That in an vneuen and vnequall Globe of the Earth, with many ascents and degrees, as if the figure thereof resembled a Pine-apple; yet neuerthelesse it may be well enough inhabited all ouer in euery place. But what good doth all this, when another wonder as great as it ariseth? namely, That it selfe hangeth, and yet falleth not together with vs: as if the power of that Spirit especially which is enclosed in the World were doubted: or that any thing could fall, especially when nature is repugnant thereto, and affordeth no place whither to fall: for like as there is no seat of Fire, but in fire; of Water, but in water; of Aire and Spirit, but in aire; euen so, there is no roome for Earth but in earth, seeing all the Elements besides, are ready to put it backe from them. Howbeit, won∣derfull [unspec D] it remaineth still, How it should become a Globe, considering so great flatnesse of Plaines and Seas! Of which doubtfull opinion, Dicaearchus (a right learned man as any other) is a fauourer; who, to satisfie the curious endeauours of Kings and Princes, had a charge and commission to leuell and take measure of mountaines: of which he said, that Pelion the high∣est, was a mile and a halfe high by the plumbe rule; and collected thereby, that it was no∣thing at all to speake of, in comparison of the vniuersall rotunditie of the whole. But surely in my conceit, this was but an vncertaine guesse of his, since that I am not ignorant, that cer∣taine tops of the Alpes, for a long tract together, arise not vnder fiftie miles in heigth.

But this is it that troubles the vulgar sort most of all, if they should be forced to beleeue, that the forme of water also gathers round in the top. And yet there is nothing in the whole world [unspec E] more euident to the sight, for the drops euery where not onely as they hang, appeare like little round bals, but also if the light vpon dust, or rest vpon the hairy downe of leaues, we see they keep a perfect and exquisite roundnes. Also in cups that are filled brim full, the middle part in the top swell most. Which thing considering the thinnes of the humour, and the softnes there∣of setling flat vpon it selfe, are sooner found out by reason, than by the eie. Nay, this is a thing more wonderfull, that when cups are filled to the ful, put neuer so little more liquor thereto, the ouerplus will run ouer all about: but contrariwise it falleth out, if you put in any solid weights, yea, and it were to the weight of twenty deniers or French crowns in a cup. Forsooth the reason is this, for that these things receiued within lift vp the liquor aloft to the top, but poured vpon the tumour that beareth aloft aboue the edges, theymust needs glide off and run by. The same [unspec F] is the reason why the land cannot be seen by them that stand vpon the hatches of the ship, but very plainly at the same time from the top of the masts. Also as a ship goeth a far off from the land, if any thing that shineth and giueth light be fastened to the top-gallant, it seemeth from the land side to goe downe and sinke into the sea by little and little, vntill at last it be hidden

clean. Last of all the very Ocean, which we confesse to be the vtmost and farthest bound enui∣roning [unspec G] the whole globe, by what other figure else could it hold together, and not fall downe, since there is no other banke beyond it to keepe it in? And euen this also is as great a wonder, how it commeth to passe, although the sea grow to be round, that the vtmost edge thereof fal∣leth not downe? Against which, if the seas were euen, flat, and plaine, and of that forme as they seem to be, the Greeke Philosophers to their own great ioy and glory do conclude, and proue by Geometricall subtill demonstration, that it cannot possibly be that the waters should fall. For seeing that waters run naturally from aloft to the lower parts, and that all men confesse, that this is their nature, and no man doubteth that the water of the sea came euer in any shore so far as the deuexitie would haue suffered; doubtlesse it appeares, that the lower a thing is, the neerer it is to the centre; and that all the lines which from thence are sent out to the next wa∣ters, [unspec H] are shorter than those which from the first waters reach to the vtmost extremitie of the sea. Hereupon the whole water from euery part thereof bends to the centre, and therfore falls not away, because it inclines naturally to the inner parts. And this we must beleeue that Na∣ture the work-mistresse framed and ordained so, to the end that the earth being dry, could not by it selfe alone, without some moisture keepe any consistence; and the water likewise could not abide and stay vnlesse the earth vpheld it; in which regard they were mutually to embrace one another, and so be vnited, whiles the one opened all the creeks and nouks, and the other ran wholly into the other, by means of secret veins within, without, and aboue, like ligaments to claspe it, yea, and so break out at the vtmost tops of hils; whether being partly caried by a spi∣rit, and partly expressed forth by the ponderositie of the earth, it mounteth as it were in pipes: [unspec I] and so far is it from danger of falling away, that it leapeth vp to the highest and loftiest things that be. By which reason it is euident also, why the seas swell not and grow, notwithstanding so many riuers daily run into them.

CHAP. LXXVj.

¶ How the matter is vnited and knit to the earth.

THe earth therefore in his whole globe is in the midst thereof, hemmed in by the sea run∣ning round about it. And this need not to be sought out by reason and argument, for it is knowne already by good proofe and experience.

CHAP. LXXVij. [unspec K]

¶ Nauigation vpon the sea and great Riuers.

FRom Gades and Hercules pillars, the West sea is at this day nauigable and sailed all ouer euen the whole compasse of Spaine and France. But the North Ocean was for the most part disconered vnder the conduct of Augustus Caesar of famous memorie, who with a fleet compassed all Germanie, and brought it about as far as to the cape of the Cimbrians: and so from thence hauing kenned and viewed the vast and wide sea, or else taken notice thereof by report, he passed to the Scythian Clymat and those cold coasts, frozen, and abounding with too much moisture. For which cause there is no likelihood that in those parts the seas are at [unspec L] an end, whereas there is such excessiue wet that all stands with water. And neere vnto it from the East, out of the Indian sea, that whole part vnder the same clyme of the world which ben∣deth vnder the Caspian sea, was sailed throughout by the Macedonian armies, when Seleuchus and Antiochus reigned, who would needs haue it so, that Seleuchus and Antiochus should beare their names. About the Caspian sea also many coasts and shores of the Ocean haue bin disco∣uered, and by piece-meale rather than all whole at once, the North of one side or other hath been sailed or rowed ouer. But yet to put all out of coniecture, there is a great argument col∣lected out of the Mere Maeotis, whether it be a gulfe and arme of that Ocean (as I know many haue beleeued) or an ouerflowing of the same, and diuided from it by a narrow piece of the [unspec M] continent. In another side of Gades, from the same West, a great part of the South or Meri∣dian gulfe round about Mauritania is at this day sailed. And the greater part verily of it, like as of the East also, the victories of Alexander the Great viewed and compassed on euery side, euen as farre as vnto the Arabian Gulfe. Wherein when Caius Caesar, the sonne of Augustus,

warred in those parts, the marks and tokens by report were seen remaining after the Spaniards [unspec A] shipwracke. Hanno likewise in the time that Carthage flourished in puissance sailed round about from Gades to the vtmost bounds and lands end of Arabia, and set downe that his voy∣age in writing. Like as also Himilco was at the same time sent out in a voyage to discouer the vtter coasts of Europe. Moreouer, Cornelius Nepos writeth, that in his time one Eudoxius a great sailer, at what time he fled from King Lathyrus, departed out of the Arabian gulfe, and held on his course as far as Gades. Yea, and Coelius Antipater long before him reporteth, that he saw the man who had sailed out of Spain to Aethiopia for traffique of merchandise. The same Nepos maketh report as touching the compassing about of the North, That vnto Qu. Metellus Celer, Colleague to C. Afranius in the Consulship, but at that time Proconsull in Gaule; certain In∣dians [unspec B] were giuen by a King of the Sueuians, who as they failed out of India for traffick as mer∣chants, were driuen by tempests, and cast vpon Germanie. Thus the seas flowing on all sides about this globe of the earth, diuided and cut into parcels, bereaue vs of a part of the world, so as neither from thence hither, nor from hence thither there is a thorow-faire and passage. The contemplation whereof seruing fit to discouer and open the vanitie of men, seemes to require and challenge of me, that I should proiect to the view of the eye, how great all this is, whatso∣euer it be, and wherein there is nothing sufficient to satisfie and content the seuerall appetite of each man.

CHAP. LXViij.

¶ What portion of the earth is habitable. [unspec C]

NOw first and formost me thinks men make this reckoning of the earth, as if it were the iust halfe of the globe, and that no portion of it were cut off by the Ocean: which not∣withstanding, clasping round about all the midst thereof, yeelding forth and receiuing againe all other waters besides, and what exhalations soeuer that go out for clouds, and fee∣ding withall the very stars, so many as they be, and of so great a bignesse, what a mighty space thinke you will it be thought to takevp and inhabit, and how little can there be left for men to inhabit? surely the possession of so vast and huge a deale must needs be exceeding great and infinite. What say you then to this; That of the earth which is left the heauen hath taken a∣way the greater part? For whereas there be of the heauen fiue parts, which they call Zones; all [unspec D] that lieth vnder the two vtmost, to wit, on both sides about the poles, namely this here, which is called Septentrio, that is to say, the North, and the other ouer against it, named the South, it is ouercharged with extreme and rigorous cold, yea, and with perpetuall frosts and ice. In both Zones it is alwaies dim and darke, and by reason that the aspect of the more milde and pleasant planets is diuerted cleane from thence, the light that is, sheweth little or nothing, and appeareth white with the frost onely. Now the middle of the earth, whereas the Sun hath his way, and keepeth his course, scorched and burnt with flames, is euen parched and fried againe with the hot gleames thereof, being so neere. Those two only on either side about it, namely betweene this burnt Zone and the two frozen, are temperate; and euen those haue not accesse and passage the one to the other, by reason of the burning heate of the said planet. Thus you [unspec E] see that the heauen hath taken from the earth three parts, and what the Ocean hath plucked from it besides no man knoweth. And euen that one portion remaining vnto vs, I wot not whe∣ther it be not in greater danger also. For the same Ocean entring, as we will shew, into many armes and creekes, keepeth a roaring against the other gulfes and seas within the earth, and so neere comes vnto them, that the Arabian gulfe is not from the Egyptian sea aboue 115 miles: the Caspian likewise from the Ponticke but 375. Yea, and the same floweth between, and en∣treth into so many armes, as that thereby it diuideth Africke, Europe, and Asia asunder. Now what a quantity of land it taketh vp may be collected and reckoned at this day, by the measure and proportion of so many riuers, and so great Meres. Adde thereto both Lakes and pooles, and withall take from the earth the high mountaines bearing vp their heads aloft into the sky, [unspec F] so as the eye can hardly reach their heights: the woods besides, and steepe descents of the val∣lies, the Wildernesses, and waste wildes left desart vpon a thousand causes. These so many pieces of the earth, or rather, as most haue written, this little-pricke of the world (for surely the earth is nothing else in comparison of the whole) is the only matter of our glory. This, I say,

is the very feat thereof: here we seeke for honors and dignities; here we exercise our rule and [unspec G] authoritie: here we couet wealth and riches: here all mankinde is set vpon stirs and troubles; here we raise ciuill wars still one after another, and with mutuall massacres and murthers wee make more roome in the earth. And to let passe the publique furious rages of nations abroad, this is it, wherein we chase and driue out our neighbor borderers, and by stealth dig turfe from their soile to put vnto our owne: and when a man hath extended his lands, and gotten whole countries to himselfe far and neere, what a goodly deale of earth enioyeth he: and say that he set out his bounds to the full measure of his couetous desires, what a great portion thereof shal he hold when he is once dead, and his head laid low.

CHAP. LXIX. [unspec H]

¶ That the earth is in the middest of the world.

THat the earth is in the midst of the whole world it appeareth by manifest and vndoubted reasons: but most euidently by the equal houres of the Equinoctial; for vnlesse it were in the midst, the Astrolabe and instruments called Diophae haue proued, that nights and daies could not possibly be found equall: and those aboue-said instruments aboue all other confirme the same: seeing that in the Equinoctial, by one and the same line both rising and setting of the Sun are seen; but the Sommer Sun rising, and the Winter setting, by their owne seuerall lines: which could by no means happen, but that the earth resteth in the centre.

CHAP. LXX. [unspec I]

¶ Of the vnequall rising of the stars: of the Eclipse, both where and how it commeth.

NOw three circles there be infolded within the Zones afore named, which distinguish the inequalities of the dayes: namely the Sommer Solstitiall Tropicke, from the highest part of the Zodiacke in regard of vs, toward the North Clyme. And against it another called the Winter Tropicke toward the other Southern Pole: and in like maner the Equino∣ctial, which goes in the mids of the Zodiacke circle. The cause of the rest, which wee wonder [unspec K] at, is in the figure of the very earth, which together with the water is by the same arguments knowne to be like a globe: for so doubtlesse it commeth to passe, that with vs the stars about the North pole neuer go downe; and those contrariwise about the Meridian neuer rise. And againe, these here be not seene of them, by reason that the globe of the earth swelleth vp in the mids between. Again, Trogloditine and Egypt confining next vpon it, neuer set eye vpon the North pole stars, neither hath Italy a sight of Canopus, named also Berenices haire. Likewise another, which vnder the Empire of Augustus men sirnamed Caesaris Thronon: yet be they stars there of speciall marke. And so euidently bendeth the top of the earth in the rising, that Ca∣nopus at Alexandria seemeth to the beholders eleuate aboue the earth almost one fourth part of a signe: but if a man looke from Rhodes, the same appeareth after a sort to touch the verie [unspec L] horizon: and in Pontus, where the eleuation of the North pole is highest, not seene at all: yea, and this same pole at Rhodes is hidden, but most in Alexandria. In Arabia all hid it is at the first watch of the night in Nouember, but at the second it sheweth. In Meroe, at Midsommer in the euening it appeareth for a while; but some few daies before the rising of Arcturus seene it is with the very dawning of the day. Sailers by their voiages finde out and know these stars most of any other, by reason that some seas are opposite vnto some stars; but other lie flat and incline forward to other: for that also those pole stars appeare suddenly, and rising out of the sea, which lay hidden before vnder the winding compasse as it were of a ball. For the heauen riseth not aloft in this higher pole, as some men haue giuen out; else should these stars be seen [unspec M] in euery place: both those that vnto the next Sailers are supposed to be higher, the same seeme to them afarre off drowned in the sea. And like as this North pole seemeth to be aloft vnto those that are scituate directly vnder it; so to them that be gone so far as the other deuexitie or fall of the earth, those aboue said starres rise vp aloft there, whiles they decline downeward which here were mounted on high. Which thing could not possibly fall out but in the figure

of a ball. And hereupon it is that the inhabitants of the East perceiue not the eclipses of Sun [unspec A] or Moone in the euening, no more than those that dwell West in the morning: but those that be at noone in the South they see very oft. At what time Alexander the great won that famous victorie at Arbela, the Moone by report was eclipsed at the second houre of the night; but at the very same time in Sicily she arose. The eclipse of the Sun, which chanced before the Ca∣lends of May, when as Vipsanus and Fonteius were Consuls (being not many yeares past) was seene in Campania, betweene the 7 and 8 houres of the day: but Corbulo, a General Comman∣der then in Armenia, made report, that it was seene there betweene the tenth and 11 houres of the same day; by reason that the compasse of the globe discouereth and hides some things to some, and other to others. But if the earth were plaine and leuell, all things should appeare at once to all men; for neither should one night be longer than another, ne yet should the day of [unspec B] 12 houres appeare euen and equall to any, but to those that are seated in the mids of the earth, which now in all parts agree and accord together alike.

CHAP. LXXj.

¶ What is the reason of the day light vpon earth.

ANd hence it commeth, that it is neither night nor day at one time in all parts of the world, by reason that the opposition of the globe brings night, and the round compasse or circuit thereof discouereth the day. This is knowne by many experiments. In Africk and Spaine there were raised by Hanibal high watch-towers; and in Asia for the same feare of [unspec C] rouers and pyrats, the like helpe of beacons was erected; wherein it was noted oft times, that the fires giuing warning afore-hand (which were kindled at the sixt houre of the day) were de∣scried by them that were farthest off in Asia at the third houre of the night. Philonides the cur∣ror or Post of the same Alexander aboue named, dispatched in 9 houres of the day 1200 stadia, euen as far as from Sicyone to Elis: and from thence againe (albeit he went downe hill all the way) he returned oftentimes, but not before the third houre of the night. The cause was, for that he had the Sun with him in his first setting out to Elis, and in his returne backe to Sicy∣one he went full against it, met with it, and ere he came home ouerpassed it, leauing it in the West behind going from him. Which is the reason also, that they who by day light saile west∣ward in the shortest day of the yeare, rid more way than those who saile all night long at the [unspec D] same time, for that the other do accompany the Sun.

CHAP. LXXij.

¶ The Gnomonicke art of the same matter: as also of the first Diall.

ALso the instruments seruing for the houres, as Quadrants and Dials, will not serue for all places, but in euery 300 stadia, or 500 at the farthest, the shadowes that the Sun casteth change; and therefore the shadow of the style in the Dial, called the Gnomon, in Egypt at noone tide in the Aequinoctial day is little more in length than halfe the Gnomon. But in the city of Rome the shadow wanteth the ninth part of the Gnomon. In the towne Ancona it is longer than it in a 35 part. But in Venice at the same time and houre the shadow and the [unspec E] Gnomon be all one.

CHAP. LXXiij.

¶ Where and when there be no shadowes at all.

IN like manner they say, that in the towne Syene (which is aboue Alexandria 50 stadia) at noone tide in the midst of Sommer there is no shadow at all: and for further experiment thereof, let a pit be sunke in the ground and it will be light all ouer in euery corner. Wher∣by it appeareth, that the Sun then is iust and directly ouer that place, as the very Zenith there∣of. [unspec F] Which also at the same time hapneth in India aboue the riuer Hypasis, as Onesicratus hath set downe in writing. Yea and it is for certaine knowne, that in Berenice a city of the Troglo∣dites, and from thence 4820 stadia in the same countrey, at the towne of Ptolemais (which was built at the first vpon the very banke of the Red sea, for the pleasure of chasing and hunting

of Elephants) the selfe same is to be seen 45 daies before the Summer Sunsted, and as long af∣ter, [unspec G] and that for 90 daies space all shadowes are cast into the South. Again, in the Isle Meroe, the capitall place of the Aethiopian nation, inhabited 5000 stadia from Syene vpon the Riuer Nilus, twice in the yeare the shadowes are gon, and none at all seen; to wit, when the Sun is in the 18 degree of Taurus, and the 14 of Leo. In the country of the Oretes within India there is a mountaine named Maleus, neere which the shadowes in Summer are cast into the South, and in Winter into the North. There for 15 nights and no more is the star Charles-wain neere the pole to be seen. In the same India at Patales (a most famous and frequented port) the Sun ariseth on the right hand, and all shadowes fall to the South, Whiles Alexander made abode there, Onesicritus a captaine of his wrot, that it was obserued there, that the North star was seen the first part only of the night: also in what places of India there were no shadowes, there the North star appeared not: and that those quarters were called Ascia, (i. without shadow) nei∣ther [unspec H] keepe they any reckoning of houres there.

CHAP. LXXIV.

¶ Where twice in the yeare the shadowes go contrarie waies.

BVt throughout all Trogliditine, Cratosthenes hath written, that the shadowes two times in the yeare for 45 daies fall contrarie waies.

CHAP. LXXV.

¶ Where the day is longest, and where shortest. [unspec I]

IT comes thus to passe, that by the variable increment of the day light, the longest day in Meroe doth comprehend 12 Equinoctiai houres, and 8 parts of one houre aboue; but in A∣lexandria 14, in Italy 15, in Britaine 17: where in Sommer time the nights being light and short, by infallible experience shew that which reason forceth to beleeue; namely, that at Mid summer time, as the Sun maketh his approch neere vnto the pole of the world, the places of the earth lying vnderneath hath day continually for six moneths, and contrariwise night, when the Sun is remote as far as Bruma. The which Pythias of Massiles hath written of Thule, an Island distant Northward from Britaine six daies sailing. Yea, and some affirme the same of Mona, an Island distant from Camalodunum, a towne of Britaine, about 200 miles. [unspec K]

CHAP. LXXVI.

¶ Of Dials and Quadrants.

THis cunning and skill of shadowes, named Gnonomice, Anaximines the Milesian, the dis∣ciple of Anaximander aboue named, inuented: and hee was the first also that shewed in Lacedemon the Horologe or Dial which they call Sciotericon.

CHAP. LXXVII.

¶ How the dayes are obserued.

THe very day it selfe men haue after diuers manners obserued. The Babylonians count for day all the time betweene two Sun-risings: the Athenians, betweene the settings. The Vmbrians from noone to noone. But all the common sort euery where, from day light [unspec L] vntill it be darke. The Roman Priests, and those that haue defined and set out a ciuil day, like∣wise the Egyptians and Hipparchus, from midnight to midnight. That the spaces or lights are greater or lesse betwixt Sun risings, neere the Sunsteds, than the equinoctials, it appeareth by this, that the position of the Zodiake about the middle parts therof is more oblique and croo∣ked, but toward the Sunsted more streight and direct.

CHAP. LXXViij.

¶ The reason of the varietie and difference of sundry Countries and Nations.

HEreunto we must ioyne such things as are linked to celestiall causes. For doubtlesse it [unspec M] is, that the Aethiopians by reason of the Sunnes vicinitie are scorched and tanned with the heate thereof, like to them that be adust and burnt, hauing their beards and bush of haire curled. Also, that in the contrarie Clime of the world to it, in the frozen and icie re∣gions

the people haue white skins, haire growing long downeward, and yellow; but are fierce [unspec A] and cruell by reason of the rigorous cold aire: howbeit the one as well as the other in this mu∣tabilitie are dull and grosse, and the very legs do argue the temperature: for in the Aethiopians the iuice or bloud is drawne vpward againe by the naturall heate. But among the nations Sep∣tentrionall the same is driuen to the inferior parts, by reason of moisture apt to fall downward. Here breed noisome and hurtfull wilde beasts; but there be ingendred creatures of sundry and diuers shapes, especially birds. Tall they are of bodily stature, as well in one part as the other: in the hot regions by the occasionall motion of fire: in the other by the moist nourishment. But in the midst of the earth there is an wholesome mixture from both sides: the whole Tract is fertill and fruitfull for all things, the habit of mens bodies of a mean and indifferent consti∣tution, the colour also shewing a great temperature. The fashions and manners of the people [unspec B] are ciuill and gentle, their sences cleare and lightsome, their wits pregnant and capable of all things within the compasse of Nature: they also beare soueraigne rule, and sway empires and monarchies, which those vttermost nations neuer had. Yet true it is, that euen they who are out of the temperate Zones may not abide to be subiect, nor accomodate themselues to these: for such is their sauage and brutish nature that it vrgeth them to liue solitarie by themselues.

CHAP. LXXiX.

¶ Of Earthquakes.

THe Babylonians were of this opinion, that earthquakes and gaping chinks, and all other [unspec C] accidents of that nature are occasioned by the power and influence of the planets, but of those three only to which they attribute lightnings: and by this means, namely as they keepe their course with the Sun, or meet with him; and especially when this concurrence is a∣bout the quadratures of the heauen. And surely if it be true which is reported of Anaximander, the Milesian naturall Philosopher, his prescience and foreknowledge of things was excellent, and worthy of immortalitie; who, as it is said, forewarned the Lacedemonians to looke wel to their city and dwelling houses, for that there was an earthquake toward: which hapned accor∣dingly, when not only their whole city was shaken, and fell downe, but also a great part of the mountain Taygetus, which bare out like to the poupe of a ship, broken as it were from the rest, came down too, wholly couering the foresaid ruines. There is reported another shrewd guesse [unspec D] of Pherecydes, who was Pythagoras his master, and the same likewise diuine and propheticall: he by drawing water out of a pit both foresaw and also foretold an earthquake there. Which if they be true, how far off I pray you may such men seeme to be from God, euen while they liue here on earth. But as for these things verily, I leaue it free for euery man to weigh and deeme of them according to their owne iudgement; and for mine owne part I suppose, that without all doubt the windes are the cause thereof. For neuer beginneth the earth to quake but when the sea is still, and the weather so calme withall, that the birds in their flying cannot houer and hang in the aire, by reason that all the spirit and winde which should beare them vp is with∣drawne from them: ne yet at any time, but after the windes are laid, namely when the blast is pent and hidden within the veines and hollow caues of the earth. Neither is this shaking in [unspec E] the earth any other thing than is thunder in the cloud; nor the gaping chinke thereof ought else but like the clift whereout the lightning breaketh, when the spirit inclosed within strug∣leth and stirreth to go forth at libertie.

CHAP. LXXX.

¶ Of the gaping chinks of the earth.

AFter many and sundry sorts the earth therefore is shaken, and thereupon ensue wondrous effects: in one place the walls of cities are laid along: in another they be swallowed vp [unspec F] in a deepe and wide chawne: here are cast vp mighty heaps of earth; there are let out Ri∣uers of water, yea and somtimes fire doth breathe forth, and hot springs issue abroad: in another place the course and chanell of riuers is turned clean away and forced backward. There goeth before and commeth with it a terrible noise: one while a rumbling more like the loowing

and bellowing of beasts: otherwhiles it resembles a mans voice, or else the clattering and rust∣ling [unspec G] of armor and weapons, beating one vpon another according to the qualitie of the matter that catcheth and receiueth the noise, or the fashion either of the hollow cranes within, or the cranny by which it passeth, whiles in a narrow way it taketh on with a more slender and whist∣ling noise: and the same keepeth an hoarse din in winding and crooked caues, rebounding a∣gaine in hard passages, roaring in moist places, wauing and floting in standing waters, boiling and chasing against solid things. And therefore a noise is often heard without any earthquake, and neuer at any time shaketh it simply after one and the same manner, but trembles and wag∣geth to and fro. As for the gaping chink, sometimes it remaineth wide open, and sheweth what it hath swallowed vp; otherwhiles it closeth vp the mouth, and hideth all, and the earth is knit together so againe, as there remaine no marks and tokens to be seene: notwithstanding many [unspec H] times it hath deuoured cities, and drawne into it a whole tract of ground and fields. Sea coasts and maritime regions most of all other feele earthquakes. Neither are the hilly countries with∣out this calamitie: for I my selfe haue known for certain, that the Alps and Apenine haue of∣ten trembled. In the Autumne also and Spring there happen more earthquakes than at other times, like as lightnings. And hereof it is that France and Egypt least of all other are shaken: for that in Egypt the continuall Sommer, and in France the hard Winter, is against it. In like manner, earthquakes are more rife in the night than in the day time: but the greatest vse to be in the morning and euening. Toward day light there be many; and if by day, it is vsually about noon. They fortune also to be when the Sun and Moone are eclipsed, because then all tempests are asleepe and laid to rest. But especially, when after much raine there followes a great time [unspec I] of heate; or after heate store of raine.

CHAP. LXXXj.

¶ Signes of Earthquake comming.

SAilers also haue a certaine foreknowledge thereof, and guesse not doubtfully at it, namely when the waues swel suddenly without any gale of wind, or when in the ship they are shoc∣ked with billowes shaking vnder them: then are the things seen to quake which stand in the ship, as well as those in houses, and with a rustling noise giue warning before-hand. The foules likewise of the aire sit not quietly without feare. In the sky also there is signe thereof; for there goeth before an earthquake, either in day time, or soon after the Sun is gon downe, a thin streake or line as it were of a cloud, lying out in a great length. Moreouer, the water in [unspec K] wels and pits is more thicke and troubled than ordinary, casting out a stinking sent.

CHAP. LXXXij.

¶ Remedies or helps against Earthquakes toward.

BVt a remedie there is for the same, such as vaults and holes in many places do yeeld: for they vent and breathe out the wind that was conceiued there before: a thing noted in cer∣tain townes, which by reason they stand hollow, and haue many sinks and vaults digged to conuey away their filth, are lesse shaken: yea, and in the same towns, those parts which be pen∣dant be the safer: as is well seen in Naples, where that quarter thereof which is sollid and not hollow is subiect to such casualties. And in houses the arches are most safe, the angles also of [unspec L] walls, yea, and those posts which in shaking will jog to and fro euery way. Moreouer, walls made of brick or earth take lesse harme when they be shaken in an earthquake. And great dif∣ference there is in the very kinde and manner of earthquakes, for the motion is diuers: the sa∣fest is, when houses as they rocke keep a trembling and warbling noise: also when the earth see∣meth to swell vp in rising, and again to settle down and sink with an alternatiue motion. Harm∣lesse it is also when houses run on end together by a contrary stroke, and butt or jur one against another; for the one mouing withstandeth the other. The bending downward in maner of wa∣uing, and a certain rolling like to surging billowes is it that is so dangerous, and doth all the mischiefe: or when the whole motion beareth and forceth it selfe to one side. These quakings or tremblings of the earth giue ouer when the winde is once vented out: but if they continue [unspec M] still, then they cease not vntill forty daies end, yea and many times it is longer ere they stay, for some of them haue lasted the space of a yeare or two.

CHAP. LXXXIII. [unspec A]

¶ Monstrous Earthquakes seene neuer but once.

THere hapned once (which I found in the books of the Tuscanes learning) within the teri∣torie of Modena, whiles L. Martius and S. Iulius were Consuls, a great strange wonder of the earth; for two hils encountred together, charging as it were, and with violence as∣saulting one another, yea and retyring againe with a most mighty noise. It fell out in the day time, and between them there issued flaming fire and smoke mounting vp into the sky; while a great number of Roman Gentlemen (from the highway Aemylia) and a multitude of seruants and passengers stood and beheld it. With this conflict and running of them together all the [unspec B] villages vpon them were dashed and broken to pieces: very much cattell that was within died therewith. And this hapned the yeare before the war of our Associates: which I doubt whe∣ther it were not more pernicious to the whole land of Italy, than the ciuil wars. It was no lesse monstrous a wonder that was knowne also in our age, in the very last yeare of Nero the Empe∣rour (as we haue shewed in his acts) when medows and oliue rowes (notwithstanding the great publique port way lay betweene) passed ouerthwart one into anothers place, in the Marrucine territorie, within the lands of Vectius Marcellus a gentleman of Rome, Procurator vnder Nero, in his affaires.

CHAP. LXXXIV.

¶ Wonders of Earthquakes.

THere happen together with earthquakes deluges also and inundations of the sea, being [unspec C] infused and entring into the earth with the same aire and wind, or else receiued into the hollow receptacle as it setleth down. The greatest earthquake in mans memory was that which chanced during the empire of Tiberius Caesar, when twelue cities of Asia were laid leuell in one night. But the earthquakes came thickest in the Punick war, when in one yeare were re∣ported to be in Rome 57. In which yeare verily, when the Carthaginians and Romans fought a battell at Thrasymenus lake, neither of both armies tooke notice of a great earthquake. Nei∣ther is this a simple euill thing, nor the danger consisteth only in the very earthquake, and no more: but that which it portendeth is as bad or worse. Neuer abode the city of Rome any earthquake, but it gaue warning thereof before hand of some strange accident and vnhappie [unspec D] euent following.

CHAP. LXXXV.

¶ In what places the seas haue gone backe.

THe same cause is to be rendred of some new hill or piece of ground not seen before; when as the said winde within the earth, able to huffe vp the ground, was not powerful enough to breake forth and make issue. For, firme land groweth not only by that which Riuers bring in (as the Isles Echinades, which were heaped and raised vp by the riuer Achelous; and by Nilus the greater part of Egypt, into which, if wee beleeue Homer, from the Island Pharus there was a cut by sea of a day and a nights sailing) but also by the retiring and going backe of [unspec E] the sea, as the same poet hath written of the Circeiae. The like (by report) hapned both in the bay of Ambracia for ten miles space, and also in that of the Athenians, for fiue miles, neere Pi∣reaeum: also at Ephesus, where somtime the sea beate vpon the temple of Diana. And verily, if we giue eare to Herodotus, it was all a sea from aboue Memphis to the Ethyopian hills: and likewise from the plaines of Arabia. It was sea also about Ilium, and the flat of Teuthrania; and all that leuell whereas the riuer Maeander now runneth by goodly medowes.

CHAP. LXXXVI.

¶ The reason of Islands that newly appeare out of the sea.

THere be lands also that put forth after another manner, and all at once shew on a sudden [unspec F] in some sea; as if Nature cried quittance with her selfe, and made euen, paying one for another, namely by giuing againe that in one place, which those chawnes and gaping gulfes tooke away in another.

CHAP. LXXXVij. [unspec G]

¶ What Islands haue sprung vp, and when.

THose famous Islands long since, to wit, Delos and Rhodes, are recorded to haue growne out of the sea: and afterwards others that were lesse, namely Anaphe beyond Melos, and Nea, betweene Lemnus and Hellespont. Alone also, betweene Lebedus and Teos. Thera likewise, and Therasia, among the Cyclades, which shewed in the fourth yere of the 135 Olym∣pias. Moreouer, among the same Isles 130 yeres after, Hiera, which is the same that Automate. And two furlongs from it, after 110 yeares, Thia, euen in our time, vpon the 8 day before the Ides of Iuly, when M. Iunius Syllanus and L. Balbus were Consuls.

CHAP. LXXXViij. [unspec H]

¶ What lands the Seas haue broken in betweene.

EVen within our kenning, neere to Italy, between the isles Aeoliae. In like maner neer Creta there was one shewed itselfe with hot fountames out of the sea, for a mile and halfe; and another in the 3 yeare of the 143 Olympias, within the Tuscan gulf, and this burned with a violent winde. Recorded it is also, that when a great multitude of fishes floted ebbe about it, those persons died presently that did feed thereof. So they say that in the Campaine gulfe the Pithecusae Islands appeared. And soon after, the hill Epopos in them (at what time as sud∣denly there burst forth a flaming fire out of it) was laid leuell with the plain champion. With∣in the same also there was a town swallowed vp by the sea: and in one earthquake there appea∣red [unspec I] a standing poole; but in another, by the fall and tumbling downe of certain hills, grew the Island Prochyta. For after this maner also Nature hath made Islands; thus she dis-ioyned Si∣cily from Italy, Cyprus from Syria, Euboea from Baeotia, Atalante and Macris from Euboea, Besbycus from Bithynia, Leucostia from the promontorie and cape of the Syrenes.

CHAP. LXXXIX.

What Islands came to ioyne vnto the Maine.

AGaine, shee hath taken Islands from the sea, and ioyned them to the firme land; namely, Antissa to Lesbos, Zephyria to Halicarnassus, Aethusa to Myndus, Dromiscos and Pern [unspec K] to Miletus, and Narthecusa to the promontorie Parthenius. Hybanda, somtime an Isle of Ionia, is now distant from the sea 200 stadia. As for Syrie, Ephesus hath it now in the mid∣land parts far from the sea. So Magnesia neighbouring to it, hath Derasitas and Sophonia. As for Epidaurus and Oricum, they are no more Islands at this day.

CHAP. XC.

¶ What lands haue been turned wholly into sea.

NAture hath altogether taken away certaine lands: in the first place, whereas now the sea Atlanticum is, was sometime the continent for a mighty space of ground, as Plato saith. [unspec L] Likewise in our Mediterranean sea, all men may see at this day how much hath beene drowned vp, to wit, Acarnania by the inward gulfe of Ambracia, Achaia within that of Co∣rinth, Europ and Asia within Propontis and Pontus. Ouer and besides, the sea hath broken through Leucas, Antirrhium, Hellespont, and the two Bosphori.

CHAP. XCI.

What lands haue swallowed vp themselues.

ANd now to passe ouer armes of the sea and lakes; the very earth hath deuoured and buried her-selfe: to wit, that most high hill Cybotus, with the towne Curites; Sipylus in Mag∣nesia: [unspec M] and in the same place before time the most noble city called Tantalus; the terri∣tories of Galanis and Gamale in Phoenice, together with the very cities. Phogium also, a pas∣sing high hill in Ethiopia, as if the very stronds and continent were not to be trusted, but they also must worke hurt and mischiefe.

CHAP. XCII. [unspec A]

¶ What Cities haue been drowned with the sea.

THe sea Pontus hath ouerwhelmed Pyrrha and Antyssa about Maeotis, Elice and Bura in the gulfe of Corinth; whereof the marks and tokens are to be seene in the Deep. Out of the Island Cea more than 30 miles of ground was lost suddenly at once, with many men. In Sicily also the sea came in and bare away halfe the city Thindaris, and all that Italy nurseth betweene it and Sicily. The like it did in Baeotia and Eleusina.

CHAP. XCIII.

¶ Of the strange wonders of the land. [unspec B]

FOr let vs speake no more of Earthquakes, and whatsoeuer else of that kind, as of graues and sepulchres of cities buried, and extant to be seen; but discourse we rather of the wonders, than the mischiefes wrought by Nature in the earth. And surely the story of coelestiall things was not more hard to be declared: the wèalth is such of mettals and mines, in such va∣rietie, so rich, so fruitfull, rising still one vnder another for so many ages, notwithstanding dai∣ly there is so much wasted and consumed throughout the world, with fires, ruines, shipwrecks, wars, and fraudulent practises: yea and so much spent in ryot and superfluous vanities, that it is infinite: yet see how many sorts of jemmes there be still, so painted and set out with colors? in precious stones what varieties of sundry colours, and how bespotted are they: and amongst [unspec C] them behold the brightnesse and white hue of some, excluding all else but onely light! The vertue and power of medicinable fountaines: the wonderfull burning so many hundred yeres together of fire issuing forth in so many places: the deadly dampes and exhalations in some places, either sent out of pits when they are sunke, or else from the very natiue seat and positi∣on of the ground; present death in one place to the birds and foules of the aire only (as at So∣racte, in a quarter neere the city:) in other, to all other liuing creatures saue only man: yea and sometimes to men also, as in the territories of Sinuessa and Puteoli. Which damp holes brea∣thing out a deadly aire some call Charoneae Scrobes, i. Charons ditches. Likewise in the Hirpines land, that of Amsanctus, a caue neere vnto the temple of Nephites, wherinto as many as enter dy presently. After the like manner at Hierapolis in Asia there is another such, hurting all that [unspec D] come to it, except the priest of Cybele, the great mother of the gods. In other places there be al∣so caues and holes of a propheticall power; by the exhalation of which men are intoxicate and as it were drunken, and so foretell things to come, as at Delphi that most renowned Oracle. In all which things what other reason can any mortall man make, than the diuine power of Na∣ture, diffused and spred through all, which breaketh forth at times in sundry sorts.

CHAP. XCIV.

¶ Of certaine Lands that alwaies quake.

SOme parts of the earth there be that shake and tremble vnder mens feet as they go: name∣ly [unspec E] in the territorie of the Gabians not far from Rome, there be almost two hundred acres of ground which tremble as horsemen ride ouer them. And the like is in the territory of Reate.

CHAP. XCV.

¶ Of Islands euer floting and swimming.

CErtaine Isles are alwaies wauing and nuer stand still, as in the countrey about Caecubum, Reate aboue named, Mutina, and Statonia. Also in the lake Vadimonis, and neer the wa∣ters [unspec F] Cutyliae, there is a shadowie darke groue which is neuer seen in one place a day and night together. Moreouer in Lydia, the Isles Calanucae are not only driuen to & fro by winds, but also many be shoued and thrust with long poles which way a man will: a thing that saued

many a mans life in the war against Mithridates. There be other little ones also in the Riuer [unspec G] Nymphaeus, called Saltuares or Dancers, because in any consort of Musitians singing they stir and moue at the stroke of the feet, keeping time and measure. In the great lake of Italy, Tarquiniensis, two Islands carry about with them groues and woods: one while they are in fa∣shion three square, another while round, when they close one to the other by the drift of winds, but neuer fouresquare.

CHAP. XCVI.

¶ In what lands it neuer raineth. Also many strange wonders and miracles of the earth, and other Elements heaped together.

PAphos hath in it a famous temple of Venice, vpon a certain floure and altar whereof it ne∣uer [unspec H] raineth. Likewise in Nea a towne of Troas a man shall neuer see it raine about the I∣mage of Minerua. In the same also the beasts killed in sacrifice, if they be left there neuer putrifie. Neere to Harpasa a towne in Asia stands a rocke of stone of a strange and wonderfull nature, lay one finger to it and it will stir, but thrust at it with your whole body, it moueth not at all. Within the demy Island of the Tauri, and city Parasinum, there is a kinde of earth that healeth all wounds: but about Assos in Troas there growes a stone, wherewith bodies are con∣sumed, and therefore is called Sarcophagus. Two hills there be neere the riuer Indus: the na∣ture of the one is to hold fast all manner of iron, and of the other not to abide it: wherefore if a mans shooe sole be clouted with hob nailes, in the one of them a man cannot plucke away his [unspec I] foot, and in the other he can take no footing at all. Noted it is, that in Locri and Crotone was neuer pestilence knowne, nor any danger by earthquake. And in Lycia euer after an earthquake it hath been faire for forty daies. In the territorie of Arda if corne be sowed it neuer comes vp. At the altars Murtiae in the Veientian field, likewise in Tusculanum and the wood Cyminia, there be certaine places, wherein whatsoeuer is pitched into the ground, can neuer be plucked vp againe. In the Crustumine countrey all the hay there growing is hurtfull in the same place: but being once without, it is good and wholesome.

CHAP. XCVII.

¶ What is the reason of the reciprocall ebbe and flow of the seas; and where it is that they [unspec K] keepe no order, and are without reason.

OF the nature of waters much hath bin said: but the sea tide that it should flow and ebbe againe is most maruellous of all other: the maner thereof verily is diuers, but the cause is in the Sun and Moon. Between two risings of the Moone they flow twice, and twice go backe, and alwaies in the space of 24 houres. And first as he riseth aloft together with the world the tides swell, and anon again, as it goeth from the height of the Meridian line, and en∣clineth Westward, they slake: again, as she moueth from the West vnder our horizon, and ap∣procheth to the point contrarie to the Meridian, they flow, and then they are receiued backe [unspec L] into the sea vntill she rise again: and neuer keepeth the tyde the same houre that it did the day before; for it waiteth and attendeth vpon the planet, which greedily draweth with it the seas, and euer riseth to day in some other place than it did yesterday. Howbeit the tides keepe iust the same time between, and hold alwaies six houres apiece: I meane not of euery day and night, or place indifferently, but only the equinoctial. For in regard of houres the tides of the sea are vnequall, forasmuch as by day and night the tydes are more or lesse one time than ano∣ther: in the equinoctial only they are euen and alike in all places. A very great argument this is, full of light, to conuince that grosse and blockish conceit of them who are of opinion, that the planets being vnder the earth lose their power, and that their vertue beginneth when they are aboue only: for they shew their effects as well vnder as aboue the earth, as wel as the earth, [unspec M] which worketh in all parts. And plaine it is, that the Moone performeth her operations as well vnder the earth, as when we see her visibly aloft: neither is her course any other beneath, than aboue our horizon. But yet the difference and alteration of the Moone is manifold, and first euery seuen daies: for whiles she is new the tides be but small vntill the first quarter:

for as she groweth bigger, they flow more, but in the full they swell and boile most of all. From [unspec A] that time they begin again to be more milde; and in the first daies of the wain to the seuenth, the tides are equall: and againe when she is diuided on the other side, and but halfe Moon, they increase greater. And in the Coniunction or the change, they are equall to the tides of the full. And euidently it appeareth, that when she is Northerly, and retired higher & farther from the earth, the tides are more gentle, than when she is gone Southerly; for then she worketh neerer hand, and putteth forth her full power. Euery eight yere also, & after the hundreth reuolution of the Moone, the seas returne to the beginning of their motions, and to the like encrease and growth: by reason that she augmenteth all things by the yerely course of the Sun: forasmuch as in the two equinoctials they euer swel most, yet more in that of the Autumne, than the Spring: but nothing to speak of in Mid-winter, & lesse at Mid-summer. And yet these things fall not out iust in these very points and instants of the times which I haue named, but some few daies [unspec B] after: like as neither in the full nor in the change, but afterward: ne yet presently so soon as the heauen either sheweth vs the Moon in her rising, or hideth her from vs at her setting, or as shee declineth from us in the middle climat, but later almost by two equinoctial hours. Forasmuch as the effect of all influences and operations in the heauen reach not so soon vnto the earth, as the eiesight pierceth vp to the heauen: as it appeareth by lightnings, thunders, & thunderbolts. Moreouer, all tides in the main Ocean, ouerspread, couer, and ouerflow much more within the land, than in other seas besides: either because the whole and vniuersall element is more coura∣gious than in a part: or for that the open greatnesse and largenesse thereof, feeleth more effectu∣ally the power of the Planet, working forcibly as it doth far and neere at liberty, than when the same is pent and restrained within those streights. Which is the cause that neither lakes nor [unspec C] little riuers ebbe and flow in like manner. Pythias of Massiles, writeth, That aboue Brittain the tide floweth in height 80 cubits. But the more inward and Mediterranean narrow, seas are shut vp within the lands, as in an hauen. How beit in some places a more spacious liberty there is that yeeldeth to the power and command of the Moon; for we haue many examples and expe∣riments of them that in a calm sea without wind and saile, by a strange water onely, haue tided from Italy to Vtica in three daies. But these tides and quick motions of the sea are found to be about the shores, more than in the deep maine sea. For euen so in our bodies the extreme and vtmost parts haue a greater feeling of the beating of arteries, that is to say, the vitall spirits. Yet notwithstanding in many firths and armes of the sea, by reason of the vnlike risings of the [unspec D] planets in euery coast, the tides are diuers, and disagreeing in time, but not in reason and cause, as namely in the Syrtes. And yet some there be that haue a peculiar nature by themselues, as the Firth Taurominitanum, which ebbeth and floweth oftner than twice: and that either in Euboea, called likewise Euripus, which hath seuen tides to and fro in a day and a night. And the same tide three daies in a moneth standeth stil, namely in the 7, 8, and 9 daies of the moons age. At Gades, the fountaine next vnto the chappell of Hercules, is inclosed about like a well; the which at sometimes riseth and falleth as the Ocean doth: at others againe it doth both, at contrary seasons. In the same place there is another spring that keepeth order and time with the motions of the Ocean. On the banke of Betis there is a towne, the wells whereof as the tide floweth, do ebbe; and as it ebbeth, do flow: in the mid times betweene, they stirre not. Of the [unspec E] same qualitie there is one pit in the towne Hispalis; all the rest be as others are. And the sea Pontus euermore floweth and runneth out into Propontis, but the sea neuer retireth backe a∣gaine within Pontus.

CHAP. XCVIII.

¶ Maruels of the Sea.

ALl seas are purged and scoured in the full Moone; and some besides at certaine times. About Messala and Nylae, there is voided vpon the shore certaine dregges and filthinesse like to beasts dung: whereupon arose the fable, That the Sunnes oxen were there kept in [unspec F] stall. Hereunto addeth Aristotle (for I would not omit willingly any thing that I know) that no liuing creature dieth but in the reflux and ebbe of the sea. This is obserued much in the Oce∣an of France, but found onely in man by experience, true.

CHAP. XCIX.

¶ What power the Moone hath ouer things on Earth and in the Sea. [unspec G]

BY which it is truly guessed and collected, that not in vaine the planet of the Moone is sup∣posed to be a Spirit: for this is it that satisfieth the earth to her content: shee it is that in her approch and comming toward, filleth bodies ful; and in her retire and going away, emp∣tieth them again. And hereupon it is, that with her growth all shell-fish wax & encrease: and those creatures which haue no bloud, them most of all do feele her spirit. Also, the bloud in men doth increase or diminish with her light more or lesse: yea the leaues of trees and the grasse for sodder (as shall be said in conuenient place) do feele the influence of her, which euer∣more the same pierceth, and entreth effectually into all things.

CHAP. C. [unspec H]

¶ Of the power of the Sun, and why the Sea is salt.

THus by the feruent heate of the Sun all moisture is dried vp: for wee haue been taught, that this Planet is Masculine, frying and sucking vp the humidity of all things. Thus the broad and spacious sea hath the taste of salt sodden into it: or else it is, because when the sweet and thin substance thereof is sucked out from it, which the firie power of the Sun most easily draweth vp, all the tarter and more grosse parts thereof remaine behinde: and hereup∣on it is, that the deep water toward the bottom is sweeter and lesse brackish than that aboue in the top. And surely, this is a better and truer reason of that vnpleasant smacke and taste that it [unspec I] hath, than that the sea should be a sweat issuing out of the earth continually: or, because ouer∣much of the dry terrence element is mingled in it without any vapour: or else because the na∣ture of the earth infecteth the waters, as it were, with some strong medicine. We finde among rare examples and experiments, that there happened a prodigious token to Denis tyrant of Si∣cily, when he was expelled and deposed from that mightie state of his, and this it was; the sea water within one day in the hauen grew to be fresh and sweet.

CHAP. CI.

¶ In like manner of the Moones Nature

ON the contrary, they say that the Moone is a planet Foeminine, tender & nightly, dissol∣ueth [unspec K] humors, draweth the same, but carieth them not away. And this appeareth euident∣ly by this proofe, that the carkasses of wilde beasts slain, she putrifieth by her influence, if she shine vpon them. When men also are sound asleepe, the dull nummednesse thereby ga∣thered, she draweth vp into the head: she thaweth yce, and with a moistening breath procee∣ding from her, enlargeth and openeth all things. Thus you see how Natures turn is serued and supplyed, and is alwaies sufficient; whiles some stars thicken and knit the elements, others a∣gaine resolue the same. But as the Sun is fed by the salt seas, so the Moone is nourished by the fresh riuer waters.

CHAP. CII. [unspec L]

¶ Where the Sea is deepest.

FAbianus saith, that the sea where is deepest, exceedeth not fifteen furlongs. Others againe do report, that in Pontus the sea is of an vnmeasurable depth, ouer against the Nation of the Coraxians, the place they call Bathei Ponti, whereof the bottome could neuer bee sounded.

CHAP. CIII.

¶ The wonders of Waters, Fountaines and Riuers. [unspec M]

OF all wonders this passeth, that certain fresh waters hard by the sea, issue & spring forth as out of pipes: for the nature of the waters also ceaseth not from strange and miracu∣lous properties. Fresh waters run aloft the sea, as being no doubt the lighter: and there∣fore

the sea water (which naturally is heauier) vpholdeth and beareth vp whatsoeuer is brought [unspec A] in. Yea and amongst fresh waters, some there be that flote and glide ouer others. As for exam∣ple, in the lake Fucinus, the riuer that runneth into it: in Larius, Addua; in Verbanus, Ticinus; in Benacus, Mincius; in Seuinus, Ollius; in Lemanus lake, the riuer Rhodanus. As for this riuer beyond the Alpes, and the former in Italy, for many a mile as they passe, carry forth their owne waters from thence where they abode as strangers, and none other; and the same no larger than they brought in with them. This is reported likewise of Orontes, a riuer in Syria, and of many others. Some riuers again there be, which vpon an hatred to the sea, run euen vnder the bottom thereof; as Arethusa, a fountaine in Syracusa: wherein this is obserued, that whatsoeuer is cast into it, commeth vp againe at the riuer Alpheus, which running through Olimpia, falleth into [unspec B] the sea shore of Peloponnesus. There go vnder the ground, and shew aboue the ground againe, Lycus in Asia, Erasinus in Argolica, Tygris in Mesopotamia. And at Athens what things soe∣uer are drowned in the fountain of Aesculapius, be cast vp againe in Phalericus. Also in the A∣tinate plaines, the riuer that is buried vnder the earth, twentie miles off appeareth againe. So doth Timavus in the territory of Aquileia. In Asphaltites (a lake in Iury which ingenders Bit∣tumen) nothing will sinke nor can be drowned, no more than in Arethusa in the greater Arme∣nia: and the same verily, notwithstanding it be full of Nitre, breedeth and feedeth fish. In the Salentines countrey, neere the towne Manduria, there is a lake brim full: lade out of it as much water as you will, it decreaseth not; ne yet augmenteth, poure in neuer so much to it. In a riuer of the Ciconians, and in the lake Velinus in the Picene territory, if wood be throwne in, it is couered ouer with a stony barke. Also in Surius, a riuer of Colchis, the like is to be seen: inso∣much, as ye shall haue very often the bark that ouergrowes it, as hard as any stone. Likewise in [unspec C] the riuer Silarus beyond Surrentum, not twigs onely that are dipped therein, but leaues also grow to be stones; and yet the vater thereof otherwise is good and wholesome to be drunk. In the very passage and issue of Reatine meere, there growes a rocke of stone bigger and bigger by the dashing of the water. Moreouer in the red sea there be oliue trees and other shrubs, that grow vp green. There be also very many springs, which haue a wonderfull nature, for their boi∣ling heat: yea, and that vpon the very mountains of the Alpes; and in the sea between Italy and Aenaria: as in the Firth Baianus, and the riuer Liris, and many others. For in diuers and sundry places ye may draw fresh water out of the sea, namely about the islands Chelidoniae and Ara∣dus: yea and in the Ocean about Gades. In the hot waters of the Padouans there grow greene [unspec D] herbes: in those of the Pisanes there breed frogs: and at Vetulonij in Hetruria, not far from the sea, fishes also are bread. In the territory Casinas there is a riuer called Scatebra, which is cold, and in Summer time more abounding and fuller of water than in winter: in it, as also in Stym∣phalis of Arcadia, there breed & come forth of it little water-mice, or small Limpins. In Do∣done, the fountain of Iupiter being exceeding chill and cold, so as it quencheth and putteth out light torches dipped therein, yet if you hold the same neere vnto it when they are extinct and put out, it setteth them on fire againe. The same spring at noon-tide euermore giueth ouer to boile, and wants water, for which cause they call it Anapauomenos: anon it begins to rise vntill it be midnight, and then it hath great abundance: and from that time againe it faints by little and little. In Illyricum there is a cold spring, ouer which, if ye spread any clothes, they catch a [unspec E] fire and burne. The fountaine of Iupiter Hammon in the day time is cold, all night it is seething hot. In the Troglodites countrey there is a fountaine of the Sunne, called the sweet Spring, a∣bout noon it is exceeding cold, anon by little and little it growes to be warm, but at midnight it passeth and is offensiue for heate and bitternes. The head of the Po, at noon in Summer gi∣ueth ouer, as it were, and intermits to boile, and is then euer drie. In the Island Tenedus there is a spring, which after the Sommer Sunsteed euermore from the third houre of the night vn∣to the sixt, doth ouerflow, And in the isle Delos, the fountain snopus, falleth and rises after the same sort that Nilus doth, and together with it. Ouer against the riuer Timavus, there is a little Island within the sea, hauing hot wels, which ebbe and flow as the tide of the sea doth, and iust therwith. In the territory of the Pitinates beyond Apenninus, the riuer Nouanus at euery mid∣summertime [unspec F] swelles and runnes ouer the bankes, but in mid-winter is cleane dry. In the Falis∣cane countrie, the water of the riuer Clitumnus makes the oxen and kine white that drinke of it. And in Baeotia, the riuer Melas maketh sheepe blacke: Cephyssus running out of the same lake, causeth them to be white: and Penius again giues them a black colour: but Xanthus neere

vnto Ilium, coloureth them reddish; and hereupon the riuer tooke that name. In the land of [unspec G] Pontus there is a riuer that watereth the plaines of Astace, vpon which those mares that feed, giue blacke milke for the food and sustenance of that nation. In the Reatine territorie there is a fountaine called Neminia: which, according to the springing and issuing forth out of this or that place, signifyeth the change in the price of corne and victuals. In the hauen of Brind is there is a Well, that yeeldeth vnto sailers and sea-fering-men, water, which will ne∣uer corrupt. The water of Lincestis, called Acidula [i. Soure] maketh men drunken no lesse than wine. Semblably, in Paphlagonia, and in the territory of Cales. Also in the Isle An∣dros there is a fountaine neere the temple of Father Bacchus, which vpon the Nones of Ia∣nuarie, alwaies runneth with water that tasteth like wine, as Mulianus verily beleeueth, who was a man that had beene thrice Consull: The name of the spring is Dios Tecnosia. Neere [unspec H] vnto Nonacris in Arcadia, there is the riuer Styx, differing from the other Styx neither in smell nor colour: drinke of it once, and it is present death. Also in Berosus (an hill of the Tauri) there be three fountaines, the water whereof whosoeuer drinketh, is sure to die of it, remedilesse, and yet without paine. In the Countrey of Spaine called Carrinensis, two Springs there bee that runne neere together, the one rejecteth, the other swalloweth vp all things. In the same countrey there is another water, which sheweth all fishes within it of a golden colour, but if they be once out of that water, they be like to other fishes. In the Can∣nensian territory, neere to the lake Larius, there is a large and broad Well, which euery houre continually, swelleth and falleth downe againe. In the Island Sydonia before Lesbos, an hot fountaine there is that runneth onely in the Spring. The lake Sinnaus in Asia, is infected with [unspec I] the wormewood growing about it, and there of it tasteth. At Colophon in the vault or caue of Apollo Clarius, there is a gutter or trench standing full of water: they that drinke of it, shall prophesie and foretell strange things like Oracles, but they liue the shorter time for it. Riuers running backward, euen our age hath seen, in the later yeres of Prince Nero, as we haue related in the acts of his life. Now, that all Springs are colder in Summer than Winter, who knoweth not? as also these wonderous workes of Nature, That brasse and lead in the masse or lumpe sinke downe and are drowned, but if they be driuen out into thin plates, they flote and swim aloft: and let the weight be all one, yet some things settle to the bottome, others againe glide aboue. Moreouer, that heauie burdens and lodes be stirred and remoued with more ease in wa∣ter. Likewise, that the stone Thyrreus, be it neuer so big, doth swim whole and intire: breake it once into pieces, and it sinketh. As also, that bodies newly dead, fall downe to the bottome of [unspec K] the water, but if they be swollen once, they rise vp againe. Ouer and besides, that empty vessels are not so easily drawne forth of the water, as those that be full: that raine water for salt pits is better and more profitable than all other: and that salt cannot be made, vnlesse fresh water be mingled withall: that sea-water is longer before it congeale, but sooner made hot and set a see∣thing. That in Winter the sea is hoter, and in Autumne more brackish and salt. And that all seas are made calme and still with oile: and therefore the Diuers vnder the water doe spirt and sprinkle it abroad with their mouthes because it dulceth and allaieth the vnpleasant nature thereof, and carrieth a light with it. That no snowes fall where the sea is deep. And, whereas all water runneth downeward by nature, yet Springs leape vp; euen at the very foot of Aetna, [unspec L] which burneth of a light fire so farre forth, as that for fiftie, yea, and an hundred miles, the waulming round bals and flakes of fire cast out sand and ashes.

CHAP. CIIII.

¶ The maruailes of fire and water iointly together, and of Maltha.

NOw let vs relate some strange wonders of fire also, which is the fourth element of Na∣ture. But first, out of waters. In a citie of Comagene, named Samosatis, there is a pond, yeelding forth a kinde of slimie mud (called Maltha) which will burne cleare. When it meeteth with any thing solide and hard, it sticketh to it like glew: also, if it be tou∣ched, [unspec M] it followeth them that free from it. By this meanes the townesmen defended their walls, when Lucullus gaue the assault, and his souldiers fried and burned in their owne armours. Cast water vpon it, and yet it will burne. Experience hath taught, That earth onely will quench it.

CHAP. CV.

¶ Of Naphtha. [unspec A]

OF the like nature is Naphtha: for so is it called about Babylonia, and in the Austacenes countrey in Parthia, and it runneth in manner of liquid Bitumen. Great affinitie there is betweene the fire and it; for fire is ready to leap vnto it immediatly, if it be any thing neere it. Thus (they say) Media burnt her husbands concubine, by reason that her guirland an∣nointed therewith, was caught by the fire, after she approched neere to the altars, with purpose to sacrifice.

CHAP. CVI.

¶ Of places continually burning.

BVt amongst the wonderfull mountaines, the hill Aetna burneth alwaies in the nights: and [unspec B] for so long continuance of time yeeldeth sufficient matter to maintaine those fires: in win∣ter it is full of snow, and couereth the ashes cast vp, with frosts. Neither in it alone doth Nature tyranize and shew her cruelty, threatning as she doth a general consuming of the whole earth by fire. For in Phoselis the hil Chimaera likewise burneth, and that with a continuall fire night and day. Ctesias of Gnidos writeth, that the fire therof is inflamed and set a burning with water, but quenched with earth. In the same Lycia the mountaines Hephaestij, being once tou∣ched and kindled with a flaming torch, do so burne out, that the very stones of the riuers, yea, and the sand in waters, are on fire withall; and the same fire is maintained with raine. They re∣port [unspec C] also, that if a man make a furrow with a staffe that is set on fire by them, there follow gut∣ters as it were of fire. In the Bactrians countrey, the top of the hill Cophantus burneth euery night. Amongst the Medians also, and the Caestian nation, the same mountaines burneth: but principally in the very confines of Persis. At Susis verily, in a place called the white tower, out of fifteene chimnies or tunnels the fire issueth, and the greatest of them, euen in the day time carrieth fire. There is a plaine about Babylonia, in manner of a fish poole, which for the quan∣tity of an acre of ground burneth likewise. In like sort neere the mountaine Hesperius in Ae∣thyopia, the fields in the night time do glitter and shine like stars. The like is to be seene in the territorie of the Megapolitanes, although the field there within-forth be pleasant, and not burning the boughes and leaues of the thicke groue aboue it. And neere vnto a warme Spring, [unspec D] the hollow burning furnace called Crater Nymphaei alwaies portendeth some fearefull misfor∣tunes to the Apolloniates, the neighbours thereby, as Theoponpus hath reported. It increaseth with showers of raine, and casteth out Bitumen to be compared with that fountaine or water of Styx that is not to be tasted, otherwise weaker than all Bitumen besides. But who would maruell at these things? in the mids of the sea, Hiera one of the Aetolian Islands neere to Italy burned together with the sea for certaine daies together, during the time of the allies war, vntill a solemne embassage of the Senat made expiation therefore. But that which burneth with the greatest fire of all other, is a certaine hill of the Aethyopians Thoeet Ochema, and sendeth out most parching flames in the hottest Sun-shine daies. Lo in how many places with sundry fires Nature burneth the earth. [unspec E]

CHAP. CVII.

¶ Wonders of fires by themselues.

MOreouer, since the Nature of this onely element of fire is to be so fruitfull, to breed it selfe, & to grow infinitely of the least sparks; what may be thought will be the end of so many funerall fires of the earth? what a nature is that which feedeth the most greedy vo∣racitie in the whole world without losse of it selfe? Put thereto the infinit number of stars, the mighty great Sun; moreouer, the fires in mens bodies, & those that are inbred in some stones; [unspec F] the attrition also of certain woods one against another; yea, and those within clouds, the verie original of lightnings. Surely, it exceedeth all miracles, that any one day should passe, & not al the world be set on a light burning fire, since that the hollow firy glasses also set opposit against the Sun beams, sooner set things a burning than any other fire. What should I speake of innu∣merable

others, which be indeed little, but yet naturally issuing out in great abundance? In the [unspec G] Promontorie Nymphaeum there commeth forth a flaming fire out of a rock, which is set a bur∣ning with rain. The like is to be seene also at the waters called Scantiae. But this verily is but feeble when it passeth and remoueth, neither indureth it long in any other matter. An ash there is growing ouer his fiery fountain, and couering it, which notwithstanding is alwaies green. In the territorie of Mutina there riseth vp fire also, vpon certaine set holy-daies vnto Vulcan. It is found written, That if a cole of fire fall down vpon the arable fields vnder Aricia, the very soile presently is on fire. In the Sabines territorie, as also in the Sidicines, stones if they be anoin∣ted or greased, will be set on a light fire. In a towne of the Salantines called Egnatia, if fire be laid vpon a certaine hallowed stone there, it will immediatly flame out. Vpon the alter of Iuno Lacinia standing as it doth in the open aire, the ashes lie vnmoueable and stir not, blow what [unspec H] stormy winds that will on euery side. Ouer and besides, there be fires seene suddenly to arise, both in waters and also about the bodies of men. Valerius Antias reporteth, That the lake Thra∣symenus once burned all ouer: also that Serv. Tullius in his childehood, as he lay asleepe, had a light fire shone out of his head: likewise, as L. Martius made an oration in open audience to the army, after the two Scipios, were slain in Spain, and exhorted his soldiers to reuenge their death, his head was on a flaming fire in the same sort. More of this argument, and in better order, will we write soone hereafter. For now we exhibit and shew the maruells of all things hudled and intermingled together. But in the mean while, my mind being passed béyond the interpretati∣on of Nature, hasteneth to leade as it were by the hand the minds also of the readers, through∣out the whole world. [unspec I]

CHAP. CVIII.

¶ The measure of the whole earth in length and breadth.

THis our part of the earth whereof I speak, floting as it were within the Ocean (as hath bin said) lieth out in length most from the East to the West, that is to say from India to Hercu∣les pillars consecrated at Gades: and as mine Author Artemidorus thinketh, it containeth 85 hundred, & 78 miles. But according to Isidorus, 98 hundred, and 18. M. Artemidorus addeth moreouer, from Gades within the circuit of the sacred Promontorie, to the Cape Artabrum, where the front and head of Spain beareth out farthest in length 891 miles. This measure run∣neth [unspec K] two waies. From the riuer Ganges and the mouth thereof, whereas he dischargeth himself into the East Ocean, through India and Parthyene vnto Myriandrum a city of Syria, scituate vpon the gulfe or Firth of Isa, 52 hundred & 15 miles. From thence taking the next voiage to the Island Cyprus, to Patara in Lycia, Rhodes and Astypataea (Islands lying in the Carpathian sea) to Taenarus in Laconia, Lilybaeum in Sicilie, Calaris in Sardinia, 34 hundred & 50 miles. Then to Gades 14 hundred and 50 miles. Which measures being put al together, make in the whole from the said sea, 85 hundred 78 miles. The other way, which is more certain, lieth most open and plain by land, to wit, from Ganges to the riuer Euphrates 50 hundred miles and 21. From thence to Mazaca in Cappadocia 244 miles, & so forward through Phrygia and Caria, to Ephesus, 400 miles, 98. From Ephesus through the Aegean sea to Delos 200 miles. Then to [unspec L] Isthmus 212 miles. From thence partly by land, and partly by the Laconian sea and the gulfe of Corinth, to Patrae in Peloponnesus 202 miles and an halfe: so to Leucas 86 miles & a halfe, and as much to Corcyra. Then to Acroceraunia 132 miles and a halfe: to Brundusium 86 miles and a halfe: so to Rome 3 hundred miles and 60. Then to the Alpes as far as the village Cincomagus 518 miles. Through France to the Pyrenaean hils, vnto Illiberis 556 miles, to the Ocean and the sea coast of Spaine 332 miles. Then the cut ouer to Gades seven miles and a halfe. Which measure by Artemidorus his account, maketh in all 86 hundred 85 miles. Now the bredth of the earth, from the Meridian or South-point, to the North, is collected to be lesse almost by the one halfe, namely, 54 hundred and 62 miles. Whereby it appeareth plainly, how much of the one side heate of fire, and on the other side frozen water hath stolne away. For I am [unspec M] not of minde that the earth goeth no farther than so, for then it should not haue the forme of a globe; but that the places on either side be vnhabitable, and therefore not found out and disco∣uered. This measure runneth from the shore of the Aethyopian Ocean, which now is habited, vnto Meroe, 550 miles. From thence to Alexandria 1200 and 40 miles. So, to Rhodes 583

miles; to Gnidus, 84 miles and a halfe; to Cos, 25 miles; to Samus, 100 miles; to Chius, 84 [unspec A] miles; to Mitylene, 65 miles; to Tenedos, 28 miles; to the cape Sigaeum, 12 miles and a halfe; to the mouth of Pontus, 312 miles and a halfe; to Carambis the promontorie, 350 miles; to the mouth of Maeotis, 312 miles and a halfe; to the mouth of Tanais, 265 miles: which voiage may be cut shorter (with the vantage of sailing directly) by 89 miles. From the mouth of Ta∣nais, the most curious Authors haue set downe no measure. Artemidorus was of opinion, that all beyond was vnfound and not discouered; confessing, that about Tanais the Sarmatian Nations do inhabit, who lie to the North pole. Isidorus hath added hereto twelue hundred miles, as far as to Thule: which is a iudgement of his grounded vpon bare guesse and coniecture. I take it, that the borders of the Sarmatians are knowne to haue no lesse space of ground than this last [unspec B] mentioned commeth vnto. And otherwise, how much must it be, that would containe such an innumerable company of people shifting their seats euer and anon, as they doe. Whereby I guesse, that the ouer-measure of the clime inhabitable is much greater. For I know certainely, that Germany hath discouered mightie great Islands not long since. And thus much of the length and breadth of the earth, which I thought worth the writing. Now the vniuersall com∣passe and circuit thereof, Eratosthenes (a great Clerke verily for all kinde of literature, & in this knowledge aboue all others doubtlesse most cunning, and whom I see of all men approued and allowed) hath set downe to be 252000 stadia. Which measure, by the Romanes account and reckoning, amounteth to 300 hundred and 15 hundred miles. A wonderous bold attempt of his! but yet so exquisitly calculated and contriued by him, that a shame it were not to beleeue him. Hipparchus, a wonderful man both for conuincing him, and all his other diligence besides, [unspec C] addeth moreouer little lesse than 25000 stadia.

CHAP. CIX.

¶ The Harmonicall measure, and Circumference of the World.

DIonysidorus in another kind would be beleeued: (for I will not beguile you of the greatest example of Grecian vanitie.) This man was a Melian, famous for his skill in Geometrie: he dyed very aged in his owne countrey: his neere kins-women (who by right were his heires in remainder) solemnized his funerals, & accompanied him to his graue. These women [unspec D] (as they came some few daies after to his sepulchre for to performe some solemne obsequies thereto belonging) by report, found in his monument an Epistle of this Dionysidorus, written in his owne name, To them aboue, that is to say, To the liuing: and to this effect, namely, That he had made a step from his sepulchre to the bottome and centre of the earth, and that it was thither 42000 stadia. Neither wanted there Geometricians, who made this interpretation, that he signified that this Epistle was sent from the middle centre of the earth, to which place downward from the vppermost aloft, the way was longest; and the same was iust halfe the dia∣metre of the round globe: whereupon followed this computation, That they pronounced the circuit to be 255000 stadia. Now the Harmonicall proportion, which forceth this vniuersali∣tic and nature of the World to agree vnto it selfe, addeth vnto this measure 7000 stadia, and [unspec E] so maketh the earth to be the 96000 part of the whole world.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.2

  Here let Christiās take heed, and be thankefull to God for the light reuealed vnto them out of the holy scriptures.
• * 1.3

  Saturne. Iupiter.
• * 1.4

  Mars.
• * 1.5

  The Sunne.
• * 1.6

  Uenus.
• * 1.7

  Mercury.
• * 1.8

  The Moone.
• * 1.9

  Pogonias.
• * 1.10

  Acontias.
• * 1.11

  Xyphias.
• * 1.12

  Disceus. Pitheus.
• * 1.13

  Ceratias.
• * 1.14

  Lampadias. Hippeus.
• * 1.15

  Galaxi.
• * 1.16

  Typhon,
• * 1.17

  Lampades. Bolides.
• * 1.18

  Docus:
• * 1.19

  Chasma.
• * 1.20

  Some takeit for Ruds or Wert-wort: others for Turn-sol, or the Marygold.