The workes of Lucius Annæus Seneca, both morrall and naturall Containing, 1. His bookes of benefites. 2. His epistles. 3. His booke of prouidence. 4. Three bookes of anger. 5. Two bookes of clemencie. 6. His booke of a blessed life. 7. His booke of the tranquilitie of the minde. 8. His booke of the constancie of a wiseman. 9. His booke of the shortnesse of life. 10. Two bookes of consolation to Martia. 11. Three bookes of consolation to Heluia. 12. His booke of consolation to Polibius. 13. His seuen bookes of naturall questions. Translated by Tho. Lodge, D. in Physicke.

OF NATVRALL QVESTIONS, WRITTEN BY LVCIVS ANNAEVS SENECA, DEDICATED TO LVCILLIVS The Fifth Booke. Wherein Is intreated of the matter and motion of the windes and aire. (Book 5)

CHAP. I.

THe Winde is fluent aire.* 1.1 Some haue defined it thus: The winde is an aire which is fluent in one part. This definition seemeth to be more exact, because the aire is neuer so immoueable, but that in some sort it is agitated. So say we that the Sea is calme, when it is but gently moued, and incli∣neth not ouer-much to one part. When there∣fore thou readest,

When as the Sea was calme vnbet by windes••

Know that it is neuer so still but that it hath some slight replying, and is said to be calme, because it forceth not a streame neither this way, nor that way. The same may a man iudge of the aire, that it is neuer immoueable although it be quiet and calme. Which thou maiest conceiue by this: When the sunne is infused into any closed place, we see certaine little bo∣dies carried now a thwart, some vpward, some downeward, and diuersly en∣countring together. He shall therefore scarce diligently enough comprehend that he would, that saith: The floud is the agitation of the Sea, because when it is calmest it is stirred likewise. But beyond exception shall he be that shall de∣fine it thus. The floud is the agitation of the Sea into one part. So in this thing also, wherof we most of all now debate, he shall not be excepted against, that carrieth himselfe so as hee saith: The winde is a fluent aire into one part,

or the winde is fluent aire with violence; or the force of the aire that fleeteth in∣to one part, or a course of the aire a litle more vehement then ordinarie. I know what may bee answered for that other definition, what needest thou to adde this, aire flowing into one part? For whatsoeuer fl••••teth, into some part. No man will say that the water floweth, if it be only moued in it selfe, but if it tendeth toward some part. There may be therefore somwhat that may moue and not flow, but contrariwise it cannot flow except i•• be into one part. But if this breuiti•• b•• sufficient to defend vs from r••proo••e, let vs vse this. But if any man be more circumspect, let him not spare his word, by whose adiection hee may exclude all cauill. Let vs now come to the matter it selfe, because we haue sufficiently disputed of the forme.

CHAP. II.

DEMOCRITVS saith, that when there are many of these small bodies,* 1.2 which he calleth Atomi, in some voide streight, there fol∣loweth winde: contrariwise that the estate of the aire is calme and peaceable, when in much voide there are few Atomes. For e∣uen as in the market place or street, as long as there is but little companie, a man may walke without tumult: but when as companie meeteth in a straight, there groweth quarrell, because they throng and iustle one ano∣ther: so in this space wherein we are inuironed, when many bodies haue filled a small place, it must needes bee that in incountring one with another: the one should be pushed by the other, which push them back againe, and that they should be confused together, and compresse one another. From thence com∣meth winde, when as those two bodies that were at debate are fallen downe, and after they haue long time floted and remayned in suspence, incline them∣selues. But where there are few bodies in a great exstent, neither can they iustle one another, nor be impelled the one by the other.

CHAP. III.

* 1.3HOw false this opinion is, thou maist gather hereby, because that when the skie is cloudie and the aire is thick, there is no winde stirring. But at that time diuers bodies are assembled together, whence proceedeth also the thicknesse of the clouds. Adde here∣vnto that about Riuers and Lakes fogs fall very oftentimes, bo∣dies being pressed and conioyned together, and yet there is no winde. And sometimes so great a mist is spred abroad, that scarce one man can see another, though they stand neare together, which should not come to passe except ma∣ny bodies had enclosed themselues in a little space. But no time wanteth winde more then that which is foggie. Adde hereunto now that which falleth out on the contrarie side, that the rising sunne ordinarily attenuateth the thick and moist aire vpon his rise. And then doth the winde rise when as the bodies are set at libertie, and that their presse and multitude is resolued.

CHAP. IIII.

NOw therefore how saye••t thou,* 1.4 are the windes made, since thou c••nfessest that they are made? not a••ter one manner: for some∣times the earth pusheth out of her caues a great abundance of ayre, oftimes when a great and continuall ••xhalation driueth vp on high, that which shee had depr••ss••••, this change of in∣termixed•• ayre is turned into wind•• for this neither can I b•••• pe••••waded to belieue, nor to conceale, which some men doe hold, that ••s by the meane•• of our meate, wind is caused in our bodies, which cannot burst ••o••th, except it be by viole•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉•• or like wise sometimes by d••scharg•• of the belly with some noice, or making ••n escape which is not heard: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••his spaciou•• na••ure that maintaineth all things, in changing nature produceth windes. It is good for vs that shee disgesteth alwayes, otherwise wee might feare some stinke or or more vncle••nnesse. Is there not therefore mo••e app••••ance to ••ay, that from all the parts of the earth, there necessarily arriue a g••••at numbe•• of these A∣tomes, which heaped together, & afterwards attennated by the same, it hapneth that the winde is made, because that all that which enlargeth it selfe in a narrow place, requireth a greater space?

CHAP. V.

WHat then? thinkest thou that the ••uaporations of the waters and earth are the onely cause of the wind?* 1.5 That the grauity of the aire is caused by these, & afterwards resolued by violence when these things that stood thicke, as i•• is needefull by being extenuated, striue to get a greater space? For mine owne part I iudge it to be so. But that is the more truer and firmer cause, is that the ayre hath a naturall force of mouing her selfe, which shee hath of her selfe, as other thinges haue without hauing any need of conceiuing it from an other. Thinkest thou that the force of motion hath beene giuen vs, and that the ay•••• ha••h beene con∣demned to remaine idle, and without agitation, considering tha•• ••he water ceaseth not to haue her motion, although the windes bee calme, for otherwise shee could not breed fishes. Wee see likewise that Mosse and other herbs grow in the waters, and float aboue them.

CHAP. VI.

THere is somewhat therefore vitall in the water. Speake I it onely of the water••* 1.6 The fire that consumeth all things, createth like∣wise somethings, and that which cannot seem•• to b••e true•• and yet is very true) there are certaine liuing creatures that are engendred in the fire. The ayre likewise hath some such like vertue, and therfore sometimes it thickneth, sometimes it spreadeth and pur∣eth it selfe, sometimes it cloaseth, it openeth, and restraineth it selfe. There is herefore such difference betwixt the ayre and the wind, as there is betwixt a Lake and a Riuer. Sometimes the sunne it selfe is the cause of winde, some∣times

melting the colde ayre, and finding it thicke and closed in it selfe, puri∣fieth and dilateth it.

CHAP. VII.

* 1.7WE haue spoken of the windes in generall, now let vs beginne to entreat of them seuerally. It will happily appeare how they are made, if it shall appeare when and whence they proceede, First therefore let vs examine th••se windes that rise before day, which eyther are raysed from some riuers, or vallies, or gulfes. There is none of them continueth, but falleth when the sunne is mounted somewhat high, neyther is carried aboue the sight of the earth. This kind of windes beginneth in the Spring time, and passeth not the Summer. And from thence most of all commeth it, where there are many waters and mountaines. The Champions although they abound with waters, yet say I, that they want this breath which standeth in stead of wind.

CHAP. VIII.

HOw then is that winde bred which the Grecians call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, what soeuer the riuers and marishes cast out of themselues,* 1.8 (the which is much and continuall) is in the day time the nutriment of the sunne, by night it is not spent, but being vnited in the mountains, is gathered into one region; when it hath filled the same, and being vnable to containe it selfe in it selfe, it breaketh forth, and goeth into an other part, and hence commeth the winde. It inclineth therefore towards that part, which inuiteth it with more free passage, and thorow the spaciousnes of the place, into which being gathered together it may runne. The proofe here∣of is, that it riseth not before midnight: for this collection beginneth to bee made a little before day, and being as it were accomplished at such time as the light appeareth, it seeketh to discharge it selfe of the weight, and thether especially tendeth, where there is most ayre, and a great and spacious extent. The sunne likewise at his rise reflecting vpon the cold ayre, in some sort addeth forwardnesse to it: for euen before hee appeareth, hee preuaileth by his light, although his beames doe not dissipate the ayre, yet prouoketh hee it, and stir∣reth by sending his light before: for when he himselfe appeareth, the one are raysed vp into the ayre, the other are dissipated by little and little, in such sort as they are not permitted to blow, except in the morning, their vigor va∣nisherh vnder the force of the Sunne. And if they bee strong about the mor∣ning, about midday they waxe weake, and these small windes neuer passe mid∣day. There are some likewise that are very feeble, and more short, according as their causes are more or lesse powerfull.

CHAP. IX.

BVt why are these winds more violent in the spring-time,* 1.9 and in the summer? for in the two other seasons they are very milde and scarsely fill the sayles of shippes; because the spring is moister, and a greater euaporation is made from diuers waters and places, that by reason of the moist nature of the heauens are full and o∣uer charged. But why is it that these vapours are so great in the summer time? because such dayly heat continueth after the setting of the sunne, and conti∣nueth for the greater part of the night, and draweth to it selfe that which is without, and attracteth with violence all that which the earth is accustomed to render of it selfe, but it hath not sufficient force to consume and dissipate that which it hath drawne: for this cause, the earth and water push out these little Atomes which are accustomed almost ordinarily to issue out, not onely by heate, but also by the reuerberation of his beames, the Sunne is the efficient cause of the winds: for the light that forgoeth the rising of the Sunne doth not as yet warme the ayre, but onely reflecteth vpon it, which being strucken vp∣on, retireth it selfe on the one side; although I auerre not that this light is with∣out heate, considering that it is made of heate. It may bee it hath not so much heate, that it may actually apppeare, yet notwithstanding it performeth his dew∣ty by deducing and attenuating these things that are thicke. Besides those places, which by some iniquity of nature are so closed, that they cannot enter∣taine the sunne, are notwithstanding lightned by a drie and heauie light, and are lesse colde by day then by night. By nature likewise euery heate drieth and disperseth away from it all cloudes.* 1.10 It followeth therefore, that the sunne doth the like. For which cause some are of the opinion, that the winde bloweth from thence whence the sunne parteth. But that this is false, it appeareth hereby be∣cause the wind driueth shippes into diuers climates, and such as trauell by sea with full sayle, sayle against the sunne rise, which should not come to passe, if the winde were alwayes carried by the sunne.

CHAP. X.

THe Etesian windes likewise (which are alleadged by some in way of proofe) serue them little for their purpose.* 1.11 I will first declare what their opinion is, and afterwardes why it disliketh mee. The Etesians (say they) blow not in the winter, because in the shorter dayes the sunne is sooner set before the colde bee ouercome, and therefore the snowes both fall and are hardned. In the summer time they be∣ginne to blow, because the dayes are longer, and the beames of the Sunne di∣rectly beate vpon vs. It is therefore like to be true, that the cloudes being sha∣ken with great heat, push forth humidity, and that the earth (discouered and discharged of the snow) produceth the vapours more freely; whence issue more impressions in the ayre to the Northward, then otherwise, which are carried into places more sweet and temperate: so doe the Etesians inforce themselues, and therefore is it that they beginne in the Solstice, being vnable to endure the rising of the Dogge-starre, because that already the colder part of the heauen hath powred much of his humour into the same. But the Sunne

hauing changed his course, draweth more directly towards vs, inuiting one part of the ayre, and repulsing the other. Thus the gale of these Etesians brea∣keth the forces of Summer, and defendeth it from the violence of the hotest monethes.

CHAP. XI.

* 1.12NOw will I performe that which I promised, why the Etesians helpe them no wayes, neyther yeelde any confirmation to this cause; we haue saide that about the spring of the day, there ari∣seth a little wind, which is laid as soone as the Sunne meeteth with it. And therefore is it why the Mariners call the Etesians idle & delicate, because they know not how to rise earely as Gallion saith. They beginne the most times to blow when that little mornings breath beginneth to calme, which would not come to passe if the Sunne were the stirrer of them as he is of the lesser winds. Furthermore, if the length and greatnesse of the day were the cause that they blew, they should be heard before the Solstice at such time as the dayes are long, and the snowes are melted; for in the moneth of Iuly all the earth is discouered, or at leastwise there are very few things that lie vnder the snow.

CHAP. XII.

THere are some sorts of winds which the clouds that are broken, and fall,* 1.13 push before them; these windes do the Grecians call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which in my opinion are made after this maner. When as a great in••quality & diuersity o•• bodies which are cast forth by terrestriall vapours, mount on high, and that the one of these bodies are drie, and the other moist. It is to bee belieued, that from so great a contrariety of bodies that incessantly striue one against an other at such time as they are assembled, there should certaine hollow cloudes bee composed. and that there is betweene them some distances, full of narrow holes, such as are in flutes: In these distances there is a subtill and thinne aire, that incloseth it selfe, which being tossed vp and down therein, and in the end warmed by a constrained and int••rrupted course, becommeth hereby more strong; and see∣king for a place more large, breaketh all that which incloseth it, and issueth like a wind, which for the most part is stormy, because it commeth from aboue, and falleth vpon vs with a great violence, because it cannot spread it selfe euery wayes, but contrariwise trauelleth very much to finde an issue, enforcing his way before him, and as it were by a violent combate. Ordinarily this wind en∣dureth not long, because it breaketh the recep••acles of those cloudes wherein it was carried: sometime it issueth with a great noyse, but not without thun∣der and lightning. Such winds are of more vehemency and longer continu∣ance, if they carry with them other violent winds intermixed with them, and such as issue from the same way, and striue to vnite themselues with them: euen as torrents flow in a measurable greatnesse, as long as euery one ha••h his par∣ticular course, but when as diuers of them meet together in one, they surpasse in depth, breadth and swiftnesse the greatest riuers that flow incessantly. The

same way in all likelyhood fall out in stormes, which of themselues conti∣nue not long time, but when they h••ue ••ssembled their force••, and when as from diuers parts of the heauen, t••e ayre being pressed, assembleth it selfe in one place, they both gather more forces, and continue longer.

CHAP. XIII.

SO then a resolued cloud maketh the wind which is dissolued in diuers sorts.* 1.14 Sometimes the ayre which is inclosed, searching to finde a vent, strugleth in such sort that it breaketh all that col∣lection of cloudes that detaineth it, sometimes the heat that hath beene occasioned by the sunne, sometimes the intershocke of cloudes, as it hapneth when two great bodies encounter and crush one ano∣ther. In this place it may be demanded (if thou thinkest it fit) whence that storme is raysed? which is accustomed to happen in riuers, which fleeting onward without interruption seeme peaceable and milde, and make no noyse: but when they encounter with any rocke on this or that side of the riuer, they re∣c••yle and turne their waters into round circles which cannot bee diuided; so that in whirling about they sucke vp themselues, and make a gulfe: so the winde as long as nothing resisteth it, extendeth his forces: but when it is beaten backe by any promontory, or if by constraint of the places it bee gathered into some str••ight and crooked pypes, it oftimes turneth and returneth itselfe into it selfe, and maketh a gulfe like vnto those waters, which as I said, are conuerted and whirled about. This wind turning it selfe, and enuironing one and the same place, and mouing it selfe violently in diuers circles and rounds, is a whirlewind, which if it grow more strong and furious is inkindled, and maketh that flying fire, which the Grecians call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This is a fierie storme. These windes for the most part being broken from the cloudes discouer all dangers, whereby whole herdes of beasts are carried away in the fields, and whole shippes are tossed and drowned in the floudes. Some winds also engender diuers others, and pu∣shing the ayre into some other places, then those whereupon they were for∣merly cast, spread themselues here and there. I will tell you likewise that which is come into my memory; euen as the droppes of rayne in the beginning make not the earth slippery, but when they are gathered together, and reinforced, then is it said that they flow and fall: in like case, as long as th•• motions of the ayre are light and agitated in diuers places, it is not winde as yet it beginneth to be when hee hath mingled all his motions together, and hath made a mighty body. It is the measure that putteth a difference betwixt the aire and the wind, for the wind is a more vehement breath, and the spirit likewise a lightly flowing ayre.

CHAP. XIIII.

I Will repeate now that which I said at the first,* 1.15 that the winds issue from caues and hollow places of the earth. The earth is not made and fashioned of one whole massiue peece from the top vnto the bottome, but is hollow in diuers places:

Suspended on obscure and hollow caues.

Some where she hath voides without any humour. There likewise if no light show the difference of the aire, yet will I say that the clouds and mists cons••st in obscuritie. For neither are these aboue the earth, because they seeme so to be, but because they are, they are seene. There notwithstanding also are they for this cause, because they are not seene. Thou mayest know likewise that there, there doe flow certaine riuers, no lesse great then those that we see, the one stea∣ling along sweetly, the other violently and with roaring noise, by reason that they fall downe headlong from craggie and stonie places. What then wilt thou not confesse also, that there are lakes vnder the earth, and that there are certaine pooles, whose waters standeth continually without issue? Which if it be so, it followeth also that the aire is burthened, and by his burthen bended, and rai∣seth the wind by his vrging forward. We shall know well then that these winds shall be produced, in obscure places, out of these clouds vnder earth, when they haue gathered so much forces that either may suffice to breake thorow the re∣sistance of the earth, or occupie some open passage for these windes, and that by these caues they may be conueyed amongst vs. But this is most manifest, that vnder ••arth there is a great quantitie of sulphure and other minerals, that serue to enkindle fire. The aire searching issue by these caues, after it is very much agitated, must of necessity in this great presse, expresse and cause the fire to iss••••. Afterwards the flames being spred more at large, if there remained any aire that was still, the subtiltie thereof gaue it motion, and there with great noise and cracking sound, it seeketh passage. But I will entreate hereof more exactly when I shall speake of, and debate of the trembling of the earth.

CHAP. XV.

* 1.16PErmit me now to tell thee a pleasant tale. Asclepiodotus reciteth, that in times past Philip caused certaine work-men to be let down in desert mines, to see if there were any thing to bee gotten, in what estate all things were, and if the auarice of our predecessors had left any thing for those that were to succeed. These men de∣scended with many lights, and remained there for many daies, and finally being wearied with walking, they saw great riuers, and pooles of a maruellous length like vnto ours, but not inclosed and restrained with any earth to bound them in, but spred and extended abroad, which made them afraid: I tooke great con∣tent to reade this; for I vnderstand that our age is sicke, not onely of new vices•• but also of those which the Ancients haue taught, and that it is not of late time that auarice hath digged into the vaines of earth, and rocks, seeking in the dark∣nesse the ruine of mankind.* 1.17 And as touching our Ancestors, whom we praise so much, they likewise (whose vertues we complaine that we cannot equall) being led by hope, haue opened and digged downe mountains, and haue found them∣selues buried vnder the ruines, and vnder the gaine th••y had made. There haue beene Kings long time before Philip of Macedon, that haue searched out the ve∣rie bowels of the earth to finde out siluer, and forsaking the free ayre, haue slid downe into those caues, where there was no difference betwixt day and night, leauing the clearenesse of the day behind them. What great hope could this be? What necessitie hath bowed a man towards the earth, who was made vpright to behold the heauens, that he hath digged, and drowned himselfe in the heart of the earth, to draw out gold, which is as dangerous in the searching, as in the

keeping! For this hath he vndermined the earth, and vnder hope of an vncer∣taine prey couered in dirt, (forgetfull of his time, and forgetfull of his better nature) hath he sequestred himselfe. There is no dead man to whom the earth is so waightie, as to those vpon whom auarice hath cast so waightie a load of earth; from whom she hath taken the light of heauen, and whom she hath bu∣ried in those bottomlesse pits, wherein this poyson was hidden: Into those pla∣ces durst they descend, where they haue found a new disposition of things, the earth suspended, the windes blowing in an obscure void, the dre••dfull sources of waters that streamed along, a profound and perpetuall night, yet for all this they feare hell.

CHAP. XVI.

BVt to returne to that which is now in question.* 1.18 There are foure windes, diuided into East, West, South, and North. All the rest which we call by diuers names are numbered vnder these:

EVRVS retired towards the mornings rise, And to the Nabathean Kingdomes flies, Breathing on Persia, and those mountaines hye, That are expos'd to PHOEBVS rising eye. Milde ZEPHIRVS the euening hath possest, And bea••es vpon the warmer shores of West, But horrid BOREAS doth the North inuade And bends his stormes against the Scythian glade: Where contrarie, the Southerne winde againe The Noonested tract doth moist with clouds and raine.

Or if thou haddest rather comprehend them in shorter words, let them be as∣sembled in one tempest (which can no wayes be.)

EVRVS and NOTHVS tempest both together, And stormie Afrike hasts (to helpe them) thither.

And the North-winde which had no place in that conflict. Some imagine that there are twelue windes.* 1.19 For they diuide the foure parts of the heauen•• into three, and giue two adiuncts to euery one of the foure principall windes. Accor∣ding to this manner, Varro, a very diligent man, hath ordered them; and not without cause: For the Sunne neither riseth nor setteth alwayes in one place, but one is the rising and setting Equinoctiall, (for there are two Equinoctials) other the Solstitiall and hibernall. We call that Subsolanus,* 1.20 that riseth from the Orientall Equinoctiall: the Grecians call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Eurus issueth from the Orient of winter, which wee haue called Vulturnus. And Liuy so termeth it in that vnfortunate battell of the Romans, wherein Hanibal set the rising Sunne and winde in the eyes of his enemies, and by the assistance both of Sunne and winde, got the victorie. Varro surnameth it also Eurus after this mann••r. At this day the Latines vse indifferently both the one and the other. The winde that bloweth from the Orientall Solstice, is called Caecias, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 by the Greeks and the Latines haue no other name. The West Equinoctiall sendeth Fauonius,

which they that vnd••rstand not the Greeke will tell thee is Zephirus. From the Occid••ntall Solstice proceedeth C••rus, or according to others, Argestes, which I thinke not, because that Cor••s bloweth violently, and maketh a storme in some par••; Argestes is ordinarily slacke, equall, and common as well to those that go, ••s those that returne. Africus that is both stormie and tempestuous, depar∣teth from the Occident of wint••r, and by the Grecians is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. To the Northward, the highest is Aquilon, that in the middest Septentrion, and Thra∣cias is the lower, which hath no other name amongst the Latines. From the Me∣ridionall axis ariseth Euronotus, then Notus, in Latine Auster; after these Liba∣notus, which amongst vs is without a name.

CHAP. XVII.

* 1.21I Agree that there are twelue windes, not because there arise many in ••uery country (for the inclination of the earth exclude••h some) but b••cause there are no more in any place. So say we that there are six cases, yet meane we not, that euery nowne hath six cases, but becau••e ••here is no nown that can haue more then six. They that haue proposed twelue windes, haue followed this reason•• that ••here are as many winds as th••re are parts of the heauen, which is diuided into fiue circles, which passe thorow the Cardines of the world, that is to say, the Northerne, Solstitiall, Equinocti∣all, Hibernal, and Meridional, to which is annexed a sixt, distinguishing, as thou knowest, the superiour part of the world, from the inferiour. For there is al∣wayes a halfe aboue, and another beneath. The Greekes haue called this line which is partly couered, and partly discouered, Horizon, we Finitor or Finiens. To this must wee adde the Meridian circle, which diuideth the Horizon by straight angles. Some of these circles goe sloapewise, and trauerse the others. But it is necessarie that there should be as great differences in the aire, as there is in the parts. So then the Horizon diuideth the fiue aboue-named circles, wher∣of it maketh ten parts, fiue to the Eastward, and fiue to the Westward. The Meridian circle, which encountereth with the Horizon, addeth two parts. If the aire haue twelue differences, so many windes maketh it. There are some that are proper to certaine places, which go not from one place to another, but bend themselues towards that which is next, without blowing from one end of the world to another. Atabulus molesteth Apulia; Iapix, Calabria; Sciron, Athens; Cataegis, Pamphilia; Circius, France; whose inhabitants cease not to giue him thankes, although he breaketh their buildings, as if they were bound vnto him for the bountie of their aire. At such time as the Emperour Augustus soiorned in France, he vowed and builded a Temple to this winde. It were an infinite matter if I should entreate of all other windes in particular, since for the most part, there is not any region that hath not some winde, that both breedeth and ceaseth in it, or about it.

CHAP. XVIII.

AMongst other workes of diuine prouidence therefore, a man may likewise wonder at this,* 1.22 as a matter worthie of admiration. For it hath not out of one cause, both found out, and disposed the windes diuersly: but first of all, to the end it might not suffer the aire to stand still, but by continual agitation make it profitable and vitall to those that should vse it. Againe, that they might minister raines vnto the earth, and bridle excessiue stormes. For sometimes they bring on clouds, sometimes seuer them, to the end that the raine may be distributed thorow all the world: Auster driueth it into Italy, Aquilo casteth it into Africa, the Etesi∣ans suffer not the clouds to stay with vs. The same windes in the same season, when we haue drought, water India and AEthiopia with continuall raines. But why? could a man store vp his corne, were it not that the winde assisted him to driue the chaffe from that which was to be reserued? Except there were some∣what that caused it to encrease, and that breaking the eare and spike that hol∣deth the graine hidden and couered (which the laborers call the husks) should open the same? Is it not a great good, that she hath giu••n vs the meanes to be a∣ble to traffique and to merchandize with forren Nations?* 1.23 This is a great bene∣fit of Nature, exc••pt the furie of men conuerted it to their iniurie. Now that which in times past was spoken by the greater part of people by Caesar, that a man could scarcely say whether it were more expedient for the Common-weale, if this man had liued, or had neuer beene, may be at this day said of the windes. So much the necessity of them, and the profit that they bring counter∣priseth the euils, that the furie of mankind hath inuented to his owne ruine by this meanes. For such goods cease, not to be good of their own nature, although they are become hurtfull through their wickednesse that abuse the same. The eternall prouidence of God, who is the gouernour of this world, hath not giuen this charge vnto the windes to agitate the aire, neither hath he lodged them in all parts to cleanse the same, to the end we should couer a part of the sea with vessels charged with armed souldiers, or that we should seeke out enemies in or beyond the same. What madnesse is it that possesseth vs, and maketh vs to seeke out a meanes how to murther one another? We embarke our selues to fight and seeke out danger, wee hazard our selues to find out hazard. We ad∣venture on vncertain fortune, we combat against the violence of a storme, which no humane power is able to surmount, and runne vnto death without hope of sepulture: yet should this be nothing, if we might attaine peace hereby. But now when we haue escaped so many hidden rockes, and the ambushes of a sea∣full of shoales, impetuous billowes, and sands into which a head-long winde driueth those that saile: when we haue passed thorow dayes couered with skowling clouds, horrid night full of raine and thunder, and seene the vessels broken and battered by the winde. What shall be the fruit of this labour and feare? What hauen shall entertaine vs, being wearied with so many euils? It shall be warre, and the enemie that attendeth vs vpon our descent; the Nations we shall murther, a••d shall kill a part of the Conquerours armie, with burning of those Citi••s that were builded for perpetuitie. Why call wee the people to armes? Why le••ie we men of warre, entending to arrange our battels in the middest of the sea? Why disquiet we the seas? Is not the earth great enough for vs to die in? Fortune handleth vs too delicatly: She hath giuen vs too hard

bodies, and to happie health. There is no accident that may hurt vs. Euerie one may measure his yeares,* 1.24 and pursue them vntill old age. Let vs then enter vpon the s••a, and prouoke the forts that forbeare vs. Wretched men what seeke you? Death; which euery where attendeth you, and alwayes is at hand? He will finde you euen in your beds, but let him finde you alwayes innocent; he will possesse you in your houses; but let him take hold of those that practise no euill. But what other thing is this, but meere rage, for a man incessantly to carrie his dangers about him, and to thrust himselfe amongst new and vn∣knowne dangers, to enter into choller without any offence, and thereupon to treade all things vnder foote that a man meeteth withall, and after the manner of sauage beasts, to murther him that a man hateth not? yet beasts bite either for reuenge or hunger sake; but we that are prodigall both of our owne and o∣ther mens bloud, trouble the seas, lanch our ships, commit our securitie to the waue••, wish for faire windes, whose felicitie is to be carried speedily to warre. How ••arre haue our euils rauished vs that are euill? Is it a little matter for vs to play the fooles in our owne countrey? So the foolish Persian King sailed ouer into Greece,* 1.25 which he conquered not, although he couered the conntrie with souldiers. So would Alexander enquire, when he was beyond the Bactrians and Indians, what was beyond that great sea, & would be angrie if he should leaue a∣ny thing behind him. Thus Couetousnesse will deliuer Crassus into the Parthi∣ans hands. He shall not feare the execrations of the Tribune that calleth him backe, nor the stormes of a long voyage, nor the lightnings which enuironing Euphrates, foretold him of his fall, nor the gods that made head against him; In spight of heauen and earth, he will runne and seeke out gold. It were there∣fore some reason, to say that Nature had greatly fauoured vs, if she had forbid∣den the windes to blow, to the end to bridle the forces of humane furie, by staying euery one in his owne countrie. For if there followed no other good, at leastwise no man could be borne, but to doe euill to himselfe, and his owne. But now it is a small matter to play the mad-man at home,* 1.26 we must goe farre off, and torment others. There is no countrie so farre of vs, but it may send vs much miserie. Whether know I, whether any powerfull and vnknowne Prince, made proud with his owne greatnesse, shall sallie out of his owne countrie with ar∣med hand? Or whether he riggeth some nauy, intending to cause some trouble? whence know I whether such or such a winde may bring armes against me? It were a great part of humane peace, if the seas were closed, yet can we not, as I said a little before,* 1.27 complaine against God our Creator, if we abuse his benefits, and make them contrarie vnto vs. He gaue the windes to keepe the tempera∣ture both of heauen and earth, to call forth and suppresse the waters, to nourish seeds, and fruits of trees; which the agitation of the windes, together with o∣ther assistance doe ripen, drawing nutriment to their vpper parts, and encreasing them, lest they should wither. He gaue the winds to know the furthermost parts of the earth. For man had beene an vnskilfull creature, and without great ex∣perience of things, if hee had beene shut vp within the confines of his owne countrie. He gaue the windes, to the end that the commodities of euery coun∣trie might be common,* 1.28 not to the end they should carie legions and horsemen, nor transport men to pernicious warres. If we weigh the benefits of nature ac∣cording to their deprauednesse that vse them, we haue receiued nothing but to our owne miserie. What profiteth it a man to see, to speake? Nay, whose life is not a torment? Thou shalt finde nothing of so manifest profit, which error cannot transferre to the contrarie. So Nature intended, that the windes should

be good, but we haue made them euill. There is not one but pusheth vs to∣wards some euill. Euery one setteth saile to diuers ends and intentions, but no man aymeth at the iust cause;* 1.29 for diuers euill concupiscences make vs embarke, therefore we set saile to some euill end. Plato speaketh well to the purpose, and he it is, that must be produced before vs, as a witnes in the end of our daies, that wee prise our liues basely for things of small value. But (my d••ere Lucillius) if thou estimate their furie well, that is to say, our owne (for wee are of the company) thou wilt laugh; yet more when thou shalt bethinke thy selfe, that life is gotten by those things, wher∣in life is consu∣med.

The End of the fifth Booke of the Naturall Questions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Hippocrat. lib. de Flatib. Read Valeriola vpon this, and Aristo∣tles opinion in 2. Meteorolog. wherein he high∣ly taxeth the de∣finition: bu•• Seneca in this place first defi∣neth what ••inde i••.
• * 1.2

  Whereof winde is composed.
• * 1.3

  Refutation of Democritus argument in the former Chapter.
• * 1.4

  Winde is made in diuers sorts.
• * 1.5

  The ayre hath in it selfe a natu∣rall faculty of motion.
• * 1.6

  It hath somthing vitall in it selfe.
• * 1.7

  When and from whense the winds proceed.
• * 1.8

  Whence strong windes are cau∣sed.
• * 1.9

  Whence it com∣meth that such a wind is more violent in the Spring and Sum¦mer.
• * 1.10

  If the winde bloweth from the place whence the Sun depar∣teth.
• * 1.11

  Why the winds that are called Eteseans blow not but in sum∣mer, and during the number of certaine dayes.
• * 1.12

  If the Etesians and other windes are stirred by the sunne.
• * 1.13

  Of the winds called Ecnephy and h••w they are made.
• * 1.14

  The maner how the winds break from the cloudes that inclose thē.
• * 1.15

  That there are windes likewise which breake from the caues and hollow places of ••he earth.
• * 1.16

  A digression wherein he en∣treateth of ri∣uers and pooles vnder ground.
• * 1.17

  An inuecti••e a∣gainst auarice.
• * 1.18

  Of the four•• principall winds, and whence they come.
• * 1.19

  Of twelue winds, according to some
• * 1.20

  Their name••.
• * 1.21

  Th•••• there can be but twelue principall winds.
• * 1.22

  Why the windes haue been crea∣ted and lodged in the aire.
• * 1.23

  How men haue abused this bles∣sing o•• God be∣stowed vpon vs by the winde.
• * 1.24

  Inuectiues a∣gainst the distur∣b••rs o•• humane peace.
• * 1.25

  The strange va∣nities o•• Xerxes and Alexan∣der.
• * 1.26

  In what so••t men abuse the wi••des.
• * 1.27

  God is the a••∣thor o•• good, t••ou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men em¦••loy his blessings to the contrarie.
• * 1.28

  The wicked en••y nothing but to the••r owne con∣fusion.
• * 1.29

  A notable cen∣sure of our va∣nitie.