CHAP. XVIII.
¶ Of the Spight or Woodpecker.
SOme little birds there are also that haue hooked clees, as the Spights, which are known by the sirname of Martius, and be therefore called Pici Martij. These are of great account in Auspices and presage good. They that job and pecke holes in trees, and will climbe vp∣right like cats, are of this race. As for them, they will rampe vp with their bellies to the tree, bending backward, & when they peck with their bils against the bark, they know by the sound [unspec H] thereof, that there be worms within for them to feed vpon. These birds alone of all others feed and nourish their yong ones in crannies and chinks of trees. And if it chance that a shepheard or some such do pin or wedge vp their holes, it is thought commonly that they will vnstop the same again by meanes of a certaine herbe, which no sooner they touch the stopple with but it will out. Trebius writeth, that let a man driue a spike or great naile, or else a wedge or pinne of wood, as hard as euer he will, into that tree wherein this bird hath a nest, incontinently as shee percheth and setleth vpon the tree, it will presently fly out with such a force, that the tree will giue a crack again therewith. Throughout all Latium these birds beare the name for effectual signification of good or bad fortune, by reason of that king or prince [i. Picus] who gaue them that name. And one presage of theirs aboue the rest I canot passe ouer: It fortuned that one of [unspec I] them light vpon the head of L. Tubero L. chiefe Iustice of the city of Rome, as hee was sitting vpon the judgement seat in the open face of the Court ministring justice, and there rested so gently, that it suffered him to take it with his hand. The Sooth sayer being asked his aduice in this case, answered by booke, That if the bird were let go, it would portend the ruine and ouer∣throw of the whole state and empire: but if it were killed, it de nounced the death of the sayd Pretor or L. chiefe Iustice then in place. But the Pretor Tubero immediatly vpon this answer, plucked the bird in pieces. It was not long after but the presage of this bird took effect indeed, and was fulfilled in his person. Moreouer there be of this kind many that feed on mast, acorns, nuts, apples, and such like fruits; but they be such as liue in maner vpon flesh onely. And yet I [unspec K] must except the Kite, for that propertie in him is noted to be in all Augurie an vnlucky signe, and presage of some heauy and deadly misfortune.