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.

Artic. 2. Of New starres, and especially of that which was in the Constellation of Cassiopea, Anno Dom. 1572.

NOw here I must confesse that I know not what to write: for how they are generated, or what they signifie, is a matter of most intricate question.

Noble Tycho, that Phenix of Astronomie, and after him Longomontanus, with certain others, have been per∣swaded that they were more then Comets, and genera∣ted farre otherwise, or of other matter then fierie Mete∣ors are; being first set a work so to think by the sight of that strange and admirable New starre which was seen in the constellation of Cassiopea; seen from the ninth of November in the yeare 1572, untill the last of March in the yeare 1574.

Which starre was indeed truely admirable, and (as I may say) attended with a sad event; I mean that cun∣ningly plotted Massacre of Protestants in France, at the solemnization of a marriage between Henry of Navarre chief of the Protestants partie; and lady Margaret, sister to the French King Charles the ninth, then reigning, and chief authour of the foresaid Massacre: at which wed∣ding there was not so much wine drunk as bloud shed; thirtie thousand Protestants and upwards, of the best and most potent, being sent through this Red sea to the land of Canaan.

Or if this New starre were not attended with that particular accident, because thea Massacre was in Au∣gust, and the starre appeared not untill b two moneths after; yet we may hope, that rising after such a butche∣rie, and so soon after it as it did, that therefore it came to animate distressed Christians, shining at the first with a cheerfull countenance, but at the last turning into a martiall and bloudie hue: as if in so doing, he which sent it would have the world take notice that his righteous servants should see truths enemies (be they where or whom they will) confounded at last by martiall disci∣pline; and that those who had made havock of others should be troden down at last themselves, although for a time they fairly bore it out.

But by what instruments the execution of these pro∣jects should be performed, we cannot tell. Yet this I ve∣rily think may be said, that those late, blessed, and admi∣red proceedings of the prosperous and successefull GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS King of Sweden, whose manifold and sudden conquests made him a spe∣ctacle to the astonished world, that those (I say) do point us to him above all men, as being the man appoint∣ed to shew the first effects of that strange starre; and that it was to have an operation farre surpassing the saddest consequents of former threatning Comets.

To which purpose I finde, that learned Tycho hath added a kinde of propheticall conclusion to that book of his which he wrote concerning this New starre; wherein he declareth (according to his modest and harm∣lesse rules of art, proceeding in them not like a doting heathenish starre-gazer) that the effects were to be de∣clared by c succeeding events: which as they shall not begin (saith he) untill some yeares after the apparition, so they shall continue for a long time afterward. The be∣ginning of the effect, or some part of it, was to fall out

after the third septenarie of yeares from the first appear∣ing of the starre (as he also writeth) which was afte•…•… one and twentie yeares; about which time I plainly finde that the foresaid d King was born: For the time of his birth falleth into the yeare 1594, which is the very next yeare after the one and twentieth yeare from the starres first rising; so that the yeare of his conception falleth in∣to the very one and twentieth yeare it self: or, if you ac∣count inclusively from the yeare of the starres vanishing, unto the yeare of the King of Swedens appearing, or en∣trance into the world, then not his conception, but his birth, falleth into the said one and twentieth yeare. Which thing is also somewhat agreeable to Tycho his own meaning, where he telleth us (although he nameth no particular person) that those noble Heroes which shall happen to be born at the first rising of this starre, are ordained to be the authours and atchievers of such great mutations as should then be, when the men ordain∣ed for them came to be fit, and of ripe age to work them. Thus he; the difference between us being, that he apply∣eth it to the birth of such eminent men as were to be born when the starre first appeared; and I to that time when (according to his conjectures) the operation of it first began: which, albeit he casteth it into the yeare 1592, must not be untill the yeare after, being the one and twentieth yeare from the starres first rising, and the very yeare of the King of Swedens conception: For he was born on the last day of November in the yeare 1594; being also (as hath been said, both terms included) the very one and twentieth yeare from the starres first va∣nishing.

Neither doth the time of his birth fall out thus fit∣ly, but the place likewise, which was to be the ominous nest concerning the occasion, or bringing forth of one, for the authour or beginning of the intended alterations, is

pointed at by the heavens to be such a place as hath for its latitude about 62 degrees from the Equator north∣wards; for in that parallel the starre moved day by day, and was verticall once every day to Norvegia, Swedia, Finlandia, Livonia, Moscovia, and Tartaria, with all such places as lie under the same parallel.

Now though the starre in his daily motion was in this manner verticall to more places successively then to the King of Swedens dominions; yet at the time of the next new Moon (which Tycho maketh a rule concerning the place, from whence either the occasion, or authours of the great changes should proceed) it was just over the Meridian of Finland, being verticall to that countrey: And who but the foresaid GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS King of Sweden hath the countrey of Finland as a part of his dominions? For he is not onely King of the Sweds, Gothes and Vandals; but also great Prince of Finland.

Tycho, I confesse, doth not directly name the countrey of Finland, but chose rather to expresse the place by callng it Moscovia, or Russia, bordering upon Finland: wherein I finde (according to the observations of a learned and great Divine) that he was something mis∣taken. For in a book lately set forth, and intituled The new starre of the North, the said Authour, having made some observations from Tycho's writings concerning that starre, and applied them unto these times, doth ma∣nifestly prove that it ought rather to be Finland border∣ing upon Russia, then Russia or Moscovia upon Finland: withall, amongst other reasons which should make Ty∣cho choose that place, rendring this for one, that perhaps he was loth to bring the prediction too neare home, seeing there often happened divers distastes and quar∣rels between his Soveraigne the King of Denmark, and the neighbouring King of Sweden: Which, upon

this ground may the better be granted, viz. because Ty∣cho was once fain to hide his head for denoting in too di∣rect terms a prediction too neare his own home, although it afterwards proved true. But I referre you to the book, and proceed.

And now we shall see, that not onely the time of his birth and place pointed at by the heavens, but the chief time also when the starres influence should be most per∣ceived, doth point at him. For Tycho witnesseth that about the yeare 1632 (if not also a few yeares after) the chiefest force and influence of this strange starre should shew it self, the greatest significations depending upon the Trigonall revolution and transmutation of the Pla∣nets: which force and influence, why he referreth it to those times, I leave to the admired perfection of his art, wherein he was a kinde of Phenix, and scarce hath left his parallel. For will you heare King JAMES of bles∣sed memorie, and our late learned Soveraigne speak for him? his commendations then will surely be no lesse. For in certain verses (as being able to judge both of him and his treatises) he approves his labours, and commends his skill as superexcellent. The like also he doth in an Epistle which he wrote unto him: some of which verses, as I finde them englished, are to this effect,

Great Tycho's labours also do fore-show Events, which shall befall on earth below; And by disasterous or fair Aspects, What destinies on kingdomes God directs.

Now then, if the chief effects shall demonstrate them∣selves about the yeare 1632; questionlesse the King of Sweden must not be baulked in his late proceedings, but taken as a prime man upon whom the beams of this New star hath shined: for his great famous victories, and never enough admired conquests in Germanie (that Sedes belli) atchieved in so short a time, have witnessed as much.

Nay, when I heare himself speak to his souldiers, and those citizens where he conquered, I am confirmed. For speaking to the men of Norimberg, thus he saith; Truely God hath marvelously preserved you, as he hath also pleased to call me to this work. For I had rather thought that the last day of judgement should come, then that I should come into Norimberg, and (as you said your selves) leave so farre behinde me mine own dominions, good subjects, and what else there is loving and deare unto me; and to bring along with me so many brave worthies, to expose their lives (as I do mine own) for the restitution, safetie, and preservation of the common Evangelicall cause, and liber∣ty of Germanie. And again, to those of his Court before Ingolstadt, amongst other things, he addeth this; I know (saith he) that the good successe which it hath pleased God to afford me in my enterprises, hath made some to be en∣vious, who labour to perswade the simple that I endeavour nothing more then mine own gain, and the robbing and spoil∣ing of others. But I call to witnesse in this case the Prin∣ces who were thus spoiled, which I have again established in their own right and estates; as also the creditours of whom I have borrowed such extraordinary summes of mo∣ney, both at Frankford and elsewhere, and the dangers which I do daily expose my self unto: I call all these to witnesse, whether I have left mine own kingdome, and the dearest I have in the world, to any other end, and with other intention, but onely to destroy the tyranny of the house of Austria, and to obtain a profound and setled peace un∣to all.

These words of his shew nothing lesse then that he was extraordinarily set on work to undergo such for∣tunes as the eyes of all the world have bravely seen him struggle with: and God knows who shall end that which his coming into Germanie hath begun. It was his own saying, that if he himself should not survive so long

as to bring to passe so great a work, that then in his stead some other might succeed and go on, untill a full point and period were put unto the warre. For upon the occa∣sion of his deliverance from a cannon shot, he utters these words; saying, that he was not onely mortall, but subject also unto the very same accidents that the poorest and meanest souldier is subject unto. It is a generall law, (l saith he) from which my crown, my birth, my victories, are not able to rescue and exempt me. There remaineth no∣thing else therefore, but that I must resigne my self to the pro∣vidence of the Almighty, who (if it please him to call me out of this world) will neverthelesse not abandon and leave a cause so just as that which I have undertaken; but will doubt∣lesse raise up some other, more wise, more couragious and valiant then my self, who shall put a period to this warre.

And again, it was but three dayes before his death, that at Naumbourg he uttered these words; Our affairs (m saith he) answer our desires; but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of the people, who attribute too much unto me, and esteem me as it were their God: and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man. He be my witnesse, it is a thing distastfull unto me: And what ever befall me, I shall receive it as proceeding from his di∣vine will. Onely in this I rest fully satisfied, that he will not leave this great enterprise of mine imperfect.

Great King of Hearts, in arms transcending fame! Eternall praise shall blazo•…•… forth thy name. Soul of thy friends thou wert; But terrour, scourge of foes. Canst thou then die, though death Thine eyes in spight may close? No no: For times unborn shall yet repeat What deeds were done by thee a King so great. And this doth •…•…lso raise thy just renown, That in thy fall thine enemies fell down.

Thine was that day: thy men undaunted fought Untill their foes the field were driven out: For as it were from forth their Kings last bloud The palm and bay sprung up, and conqu'ring stood. Great deeds thou diddest soon: hot Mars his sphere In Germanie thee mov'd a double yeare: From whence at last above the spheres he caught thee, And to a place of peace eternall brought thee: Where thou shalt rest, how e're the rest proceed With those fierce warres which heav'n hath thus decreed

But let me now return again to this New starre, and shew you that in the dayes of Hipparchus, who lived to∣wards the end of the Grecian Monarchie, there appeared one much like it: and so m Plinie telleth us. But since that time we reade of no other untill this in the yeare 1572, excepting that which appeared at our Saviours birth, which indeed was no such starre: for it had three properties n never seen in any else; moving first from the North to the South; secondly, it was seated in the lowest Region of the aire; thirdly, it was nothing hindred by the light of the sunne, &c. Yet in later times, following the said yeare 1572, some smaller ones have been: as in the yeare 1596; this was seated in the Whale. And in the yeare 1600, or thereabouts, another was seen in the constellation of Cygnus. Kepler makes mention of one in the yeare 1602 in the constellation of Pisces; soon after which upon the death of Q. Elisabeth, and coming in of K. Iames, was that great plague at London. Some say that Andromeda's girdle and the constellation of Antoni∣nous afforded each of them one, in the yeare 1612. But the yeare 1604 must not be forgotten; for in the o 16 de∣gree and 40 minute of Sagittarius toward the Southwest a remarkable one appeared, having 2 degrees and 15 minutes of North latitude, and was seated in the constel∣lation of Ophiucus: this at the first shined as bright as

Venus; and in the very next yeare that damnable pow∣der plot of the Papists was discovered.

But now, though these and more were reckoned up, yet that in Cassiopea would be the chief, the elder bro∣ther, and captain of them all; because both in height, bignesse, and lustre, they were lesse remarkable.

Tycho, upon the sight of this New starre, laboureth to prove that the heavens, and not the earth, afford mat∣ter to such as these are; thinking that it differeth not from the matter of other starres, unlesse in this, viz. that it is not exalted to such a perfection and solid composi∣tion of the parts as in the first continuing and created starres; the main and principall reason being taken from the magnitude of them, together with their extraordina∣ry height. As for example; Tycho affirmeth concerning that New starre in Cassiopea (being as it were the elder brother of all the other after it) that it was 300 times bigger then the earth. Which being so, it is with small probabilitie affirmed that it should have matter from that which is so much lesse then it; and indeed a thing impossible. The heavens are large enough to afford mat∣ter, although the earth be not: and no part of the heaven can be imagined to be more fit for such a purpose then the via lactea, or milkie way; for that place alwayes shews it self, even to the eye, so as if there were much indi∣gested matter in it, reserved onely to work such won∣ders.

Yet neverthelesse I suppose it may be also granted, that an earthly Exhalation may have recourse sometimes unto the battlements of heaven, and in some sort and in part concurre towards the composition of these New starres (as they are called) and of such Comets as have been above the Moon. What should we think of that last, in the yeare 1618? it was (as I have already said) amongst the wandring starres themselves; and yet it was

no other then such a starre as we call a Comet or a bla∣zing starre. Now then, if this had matter from the earth, and spent it amongst the Planets, rather then below the Moon; why might not those which we call New starres obtain the like freedome to have the like matter ascend a little higher? What should hinder this conjecture I do not easily see: for questionlesse the same power remains still in the starres to exhale the matter as well after it comes into the highest Region of the aire, as before it came there; neither need we then imagine an abatement of their exhaling vertue.

Object. 1. But perhaps it may be thought that the na∣ture of the place above the Moon doth sufficiently denie the ascent of any terrene Exhalation so high; there be∣ing too great a difference between the one and the other; between the matter ascending, and the matter of that place whither it ascendeth.

Answ. To which I may partly answer as before, in the 4. Chapter and 3. Section, that seeing the out-spread Firmament in the creation was taken from that masse of matter which lay here below, and separated from it rather then created of any newer matter, that therefore (I say) there cannot be so great a difference as to bring in such an Antipathie as will not at all suffer any terrene Exhalation to scale those flammantia moenia mundi, or battlements of heaven; but rather, that without relu∣ctancie, or any great striving, the one may admit of the other, and entertain it as a guest neare of kin unto it self, or unto the nature of that place where the continuing starres have ever had their residence.

For, if I urge it further, it may well be proved even by opticall demonstration, that the great vast space from the earth, as high as the fixed starres themselves, is not of a diverse nature from the Aire; for if it were, then there would be a multitude of Mediums between the sight and

the thing visible: but there is no multitude of Mediums: For where there is a multitude of Mediums, there the beams which come to the sight from the thing visible would beget a multiplicitie of refraction in the said raies or beams; but it is manifest that there is onely one refra∣ction found in the beams of the starres, and that but onely when they are neare to the edge of the Horizon, at which time the ascending vapours are between our sight and them: And therefore there is but one kinde of Me∣dium by which the starres offer themselves to our sight: And being but one Medium, there cannot be such diver∣sitie of natures between the heavens and things com∣pounded of the elements. Whereupon it may be con∣cluded, that an Exhalation may ascend into the territo∣ries of the starry heaven, and so by consequent have a mutuall concurrence with such matter as the hea∣vens do naturally afford towards the generating of supralunary Comets, or new admired starres.

Indeed I must confesse that were I of Pythagoras his opinion, I then would cry out with Auditus in the p Co∣medie—Heark, heark, list, list now, &c. What, are you deaf? do you not perceive the wondrous sound and the celestiall musick the heavenly orbs do make with their continuall motion? Or I would imagine firm spheres or solid orbs, and so set an undoubted stoppage, and hinder the passage of any Meteor above the Moon: But seeing that tenent is made the fit subject of laughter, I therefore passe it over.

Object. 2. But may not the Element of Fire stand in the way, and so consume such matter as ascendeth, be∣fore it come beyond the Moon?

Answ. To which it is answered, that the chiefest cause why men have been perswaded to think that Fire is ge∣nerated immediately under q the spheres, and that with∣in the concave of the Moons orb, the said Fire, as it is

there generated, hath there its place of residence, is for no other reason but because of an imagined attrition of the spheres and orbs: Which seeing they are taken a∣way, and that all is filled with Aire, the Elementarie fire is not hindred from ascending, but may have a more loftie station. For questionlesse, this kinde of fire, as it is not visible to the sight, so neither may it be thought any other thing then the more subtill, light, and hot part of the Aire; in which regard it must needs be both in and of that part, which is nearest to the highest hea∣vens: For both the motion of the heavens is there most swift; and also, there is the greatest neighbourhood to that infinite number of starres fixed in the heavens.

An earthly Exhalation may therefore climbe above the Moon, and yet not runne through a fiery purgatory, or be consumed by the way.

M^r. Lydiat our countreyman, his opinion is, that if we consider of this Element, not as it is absolutely pure, then the greatest part of it is in the starres (of which see more in the fourth dayes work) and some also is un∣der ground, as being there a great cause of generating metals; occasioning the burning and breaking out of sun∣dry sulfurous hills, and the like.

But of this enough. And in the consideration of it I have made way (you see) for the admittance of terrene Exha∣lations to joyn their forces towards the effecting of su∣pralunarie Comets, or new and strange admired starres. This, I say, I have proved as a thing both possible, and not unlike. But that they do alwayes therefore thus con∣curre, I am not certain; neither will I stand curiously to decide it.

Let therefore learned Tycho his tenent go for currant concerning Cassiopea's starre, that the heavens onely were the materiall parents of it, and especially the Gala∣xia, or white milkie way; unto the edge of which place

(whilest it appeared) it was situated, and continued vi∣sible in the same, for the space of 19 moneths, or thereabouts.

And thus I conclude, adding herewithall concerning other Comets whose station hath been supralunarie, and time of continuance any thing long, that if in them there could be any right to challenge a portion out of the same storehouse, then questionlesse they were tyed to rest beholding both to the heavens, and also to the earth, for the matter of their composure. But for ordinary Co∣mets the case must needs be otherwise, seeing their place and small continuing time confirm it.

These things for mine own part I think more probable then if I should affirm that the Planets afforded certain Exhalations, which by force of the Sunne are expired and exhaled from them, and being exhaled are made the matter of all kinde of Comets above the Moon; yea and New starres also (as some affirm) consist of no other cau∣ses: wherein they dissent from Tycho, thinking (con∣trary to him) that the Galaxia affords no matter toward the composure of these appearances. For (as r Fromondus, a late writer, affirmeth) Simon Marius beheld a New starre in the yeare 1612, in Andromeda's girdle; and one Iustus Prygius beheld another in the constellation of Antoninous; Kepler, in the yeare 1602, saw one in the constellation of Pisces; and David Fabricius, in the yeare 1596, saw another in the Whale; all of them farre enough distant from the Galaxia or milkie way.

But suppose all this; must the continuing starres there∣fore needs be forced to waste their own bodies, and spend themselves in teeming such ample portions of matter as are required for glittering Comets, or New strange shining starres? Surely if they should suffer their bodies to be thus exhaled, they could not choose but fall into a deep consumption, and be visibly disproportioned

in their shapes and figures, farre otherwise then we see them: For it is a long time since the world began, and no few Comets have had their seats above the Moon, where they all cry out against an opinion so improbable, shew∣ing that the changes would be such as would be appa∣rant and visible enough to every vulgar eye.

Besides, it cannot but be granted, that for ordinary Me∣teors every starre and Planet hath an exhaling vertue as well as the Sunne: why therefore should they now desist and leave it all to him, who, if he may have this libertie, will at the last suck them all to nothing? These men may well imagine (as they do) mountains in the Moon, with woods and groves, seas and rivers; and make every planet another world: but yet 'twere good they knew that God made all but one, althoûgh the parts be two; and that Adam being cast out of Paradise was sent to till the ground and labour the earth, which he sought, not with the man in the Moon; for he knew that that was not to bud forth with fruit, bear trees, and the like, because it had another office. For Let the earth (saith the Almightie) bring forth grasse, herb, fruit, trees, &c. but let there be lights in the Firmament, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.

Also, if the Sunne should work thus among the starres, and that there should be vapours exhaled from their bo∣dies, how comes it to passe that we perceive no clouds in the Ethereall vault, and that we cannot see them glide between starre and starre, flying upon the wings of such windes as must necessarily upon the admittance of this tenent be generated there? Perhaps they will answer that these things may be, and we not see them, by reason of the great distance between us and them. Well, be it so; yet know, that although we could not see them, we should sometimes feel them, and perceive our mo∣ther earth to be watered with showers of rain, when we

see nothing but a cleare skie over us. But it may be they again will answer, that the starres do not frequently af∣ford such Vapours and Exhalations, but sometimes one∣ly: and then if they be not copious enough to make such a cloud as may shine like a Comet or blazing starre, they are rather dispersed into nothing, then turned into rain: for their matter is too hot and drie to make a rainie cloud. In good time. The starres do not frequently afford such Exhalations; and why so I pray? surely the sunne is never so farre distant from some one Planet or other, but that he would make this his operation appeare, if he had at all any such working, or power of exhaling matter from them; and, if not a waterie, yet a drie cloud might be visible. The starres surely are of such a nature that they be rather fed and nourished by vapours, then compelled to suffer an unwilling wasting caused by an exhaling vertue, which is improperly given onely to the Sunne, because onely to him: and from whence these Vapours come, which upon all likelihood do continually nourish the starres, shall be shewed in the fourth dayes work.

Neither do some exempt the Sunne from these eva∣porations, but affirm that day and night he also expireth vapours from him: which others again denie, because they imagine that this publick lamp of the world ought to be more immortall, lest being extinct, he should be quite without light, and afford the world nothing but black and dismall darknesse.

That therefore which before I affirmed, joyning in part with Tycho, who fetcheth matter from the Galaxia, seems to me farre more probable concerning the genera∣tion of these appearances. For first, the Galaxia doth sensibly appeare as if it were an ample storehouse, and had large portions of matter, reserved onely for such purposes; which, when there is a working in nature apt

and convenient to produce it, is liberally afforded, and sent thither where the most power is to attract it. And secondly, that an earthie Exhalation may sometimes be admitted to joyn with the abovesaid matter, this seems to me a reason, because, like other low and ordi∣nary Meteors, these also shew themselves or first begin to shine in the Autumnall season, and not in the Spring, Summer, or Winter Quarter.

Notes

• a

  Viz. on Bar∣tholomew day. Calvis.
• b

  Viz. on the ninth of No∣vember.
• c

  And therefore he could not then name any one in particular.
• d

  The King of Sweden born at such time as the starre began its operation.
• The place point∣ed at by the hea∣vens hath 62 de∣grees of North latitude.
• l

  In a speech to his court at In∣gol•…•…tadt.
• m

  Taken out of the relation of his last battel, pag. 20. transla∣ted out of French into English.
• A memento for after-times.
• He flourished 135 yeares before Christs birth. Helvic. Chronol.
• m

  Lib. 2.
• n

  See more in Aquinas summes.
• o

  Some say the 17 degree. Cal∣vis. ch•…•…ei.
• A consideration of this New starres matter.
• Lib. denova •…•…ella.
• Yet the same matter, had it been crushed together, or as solidly composed as the earth, would have been as no∣thing in respect of the earth.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de novis 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• From the earth to the highest Firmament is nothing but aire.
• p

  Called Lingua.
• q

  In 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lun•…•… generat•…•…r ignie.
• What place the Element of Fire possesseth.
• r

  Lib. 3. Met. cap. 2. Art. 7.