Speculum mundi· Or A glasse representing the face of the world shewing both that it did begin, and must also end: the manner how, and time when, being largely examined. Whereunto is joyned an hexameron, or a serious discourse of the causes, continuance, and qualities of things in nature; occasioned as matter pertinent to the work done in the six dayes of the worlds creation.

13. Ignis lambens is a cleaving and licking fire or light;* 1.1 and is so called because it useth to cleave and stick to the hairs of men or beasts, not hurting them, but rather (as it were) gently licking them. These flames may be caused two wayes, as the learned write.

First, when clammie Exhalations are scattered abroad in the aire in small parts, and in the night are set on fire by an Antiperistasis; so that when any shall either ride or walk in such places as are apt to breed them, it is no wonder that they stick either on their horses, or on them∣selves.

Secondly, they may be caused another way, viz. when the bodies of men or beasts, being chafed, do send out a fat and clammie sweat; which (according to the working of nature in things of this kinde) is kindled and appeareth like a flame. Virgil makes mention of such a fire as this, upon the head of Iulus, the sonne of Aeneas;

Ecce levis summo de vertice visus Iuli* 1.2 Fundere lumen apex, tactúque innoxia molli Lambere flamma comas, & circum tempora pasci.

Behold, the lively crown Of soft Iulus head With light was circled round: A flame his temples fed. But toucht, not having hurt, nor feeling harm, The licking fire his hairs would scarcely warm.

Livie also maketh mention of two others, upon whom the like Meteor appeared: For Servius Tullius, when he was a childe, even as he lay sleeping, had his hair on his head as if it were all on a fire. And upon the head of Marius, that worthy Romane, was the like appearance, even whilest he was making an oration to his souldiers. And I my self do also know one, who hath often pro∣tested to me, that as he lay in his bed one night, his head

was all on a flame; which hurt him not, although it greatly scared his wife and him, as I have heard them both confesse. Moreover, others testifie how they have been scared in their beds by a kinde of light sticking to their coverings, like dew upon the nap of a frieze coat: which must needs be this Ignis Lambens, caused by some kinde of clammie sweat proceeding from among them. For, that a clammie sweat will cause these things, is manifest in the nimble currying of a foggie horse; visible sparks appearing and coming from him, if it be done in the dark. But of these kindes of fierie Meteors enough.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Artic. 13. Licking Lights.
• * 1.2

  Virg. Aeneid. lib. 2. prope finem.