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.

Sect. 2.

Parag. 5▪ Of such Meteors as are fiery onely in appearance.

Artic. 1. The Galaxia is no Meteor.

ANd thus have I done with all those kinde of Me∣teors which are fiery in very deed, whether pure or mixt.

Now it followeth that I speak of such as are fiery onely in appearance; not being such as they seem to be, but rather seeming more then they are.

Some account eight of them, and make the Galaxia or milkie way to be one. But that last may rather be left out: For although Aristotle would have the Galaxia to be a Meteor, yet his opinion is worthily misliked of most men, and that not without good reason.

For if it were a Meteor, and of the nature of the Ele∣ments, as Exhalations are, it would be at the length con∣sumed like to other Meteors: but this circle never cor∣rupteth nor decreaseth; and therefore it is no sublunarie concretion attracted and formed out of the starres which are above it, and placed by their power in the highest part of the aire.

Moreover, if this his tenent were true, why hath it conti∣nued (the Galaxia I mean) in the same form, place, and magnitude alwayes from the beginning of the world un∣till now? And besides, other starres might also attain to the like luminous concretion as well as those which he imagineth to be over it.

And moreover, this milkie way of Aristotle would admit of a Parallax, were it so as he perswadeth; and ac∣cording to the opticall consideration (saith noble Tycho) by the shining of the fixed starres through it▪ it would be∣get a strange refraction, differing farre from that which is occasioned by the vapours that are seen about the Ho∣rizon. For they seldome rise to the twentieth degree of altitude; whereas this, proceeding from the Via lactea, would reach to the greatest height.

Wherefore we may say that it is rather of the nature* 1.1 of the heaven, or a certain heavenly substance, but some∣what thicker then the other parts of heaven: or (if you will) much like to the matter of the starres, or to the substance of the moon; but diffused and spread abroad, and not conglobated into one bodie as the starres are. For although all be filled with aire from the earth to the fixed starres, yet there the matter may begin to be more thick, firm, and solid; and so the waters above the heavens are the better upheld.

For conclusion therefore, not reckoning this amongst any of these Meteors fierie onely in appearance, I may account them in number seven.

As thus:

• 1. The colours of clouds.
• 2. Many Sunnes.
• 3. Many Moons.
• 4. Beams of light.
• 5. Crowns or circles about the Sunne or Moon.
• 6. The Rain-bow.
• 7. Chaps or openings in the skie.

Concerning all which in generall, although they seem to burn, yet they do not, but are caused by refraction and reflexion of light, either from the Sunne or Moon, or brightest Planets.

Artic. 2. Of colours in the clouds.

ANd particularly for the appearance of colour in the clouds, it ariseth not from the mixture of the foure qualities, as it doth in bodies perfectly mixt, as herbs, stones, &c. but onely from the falling of light upon sha∣dow or darknesse; the light being in stead of white, and the shadow or darknesse in stead of black. Not that they are alwayes perfectly white and black; for they differ according to the qualitie and composure of the cloud: wherefore some be very white, and that is when the vapour whereof the cloud consisteth is very subtil and thin; some yellowish, when the vapour is thicker; some ruddie and duskish, when it is meanly thick; some black, when it is very thick; and some greenish, when it is more waterie then ordinary, being best discerned when it is farre from the Zenith, and obvious by an oblique aspect.

The red and ruddie colours are seen onely in the* 1.2 morning and evening, when the light of the sunne is not in his full force; for at other times his light is too vehe∣ment, cleare, strong and piercing. And by a diligent ob∣servation of these colours, I think a man may as easily judge of fair or foul weather and the like, as a physician may of the temperature of the bodie by inspection of the urine. But of colours you may see more * 1.3 afterwards.

Artic. 3. Of many Sunnes and Moons.

ANd now concerning many Sunnes; they are called Parahelii, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; which is as if one

should say, apud solem: because they are as it were with the sunne in place, as also not absent from him in splen∣dour and fashion.

Their generation is after this manner; viz. when a smooth waterie cloud which is of equall thicknesse, qui∣et and still, is placed on the side of the sunne: not under the sunne, for then there would be a circle; nor opposite to the sunne, for then there would be the appearance of a Rain-bow: but on the side; which must not be too farre off, nor yet too neare: for if it be too farre off, then reason telleth us that the beams will be too weak to re∣flect in a convenient manner: or if it be too neare, then the sunne will disperse it without any image at all.

Now if such a cloud as this we speak of shall happen to be on both sides of the sunne, then the appearance will be as if there were three sunnes; whereas there is indeed but one: the other two being the images of the true Sunne, seen onely by reflection or refraction upon the cloud on either side. Or be there more pieces of such a cloud then one, set at a convenient distance; then there may be many sunnes: even as in a broken looking-glasse, every part will shew the shadow of that face which is obvious to it.

Moreover, these many sunnes may be said to have a* 1.4 double signification; the one naturall, the other superna∣turall.

According to their naturall signification, they beto∣ken rain and moist weather; because they cannot ap∣peare but in a moist disposition of the aire.

And as for their supernaturall signification, experience hath witnessed, that they have appeared as the porten∣ders of change in states and kingdomes; or as the foreto∣kens of Gods wrath upon sinners. For this is a rule, that* 1.5 such things as are strange may be derived both from na∣turall causes, and also include God the chief and best

cause of all things; by whose admired providence each thing is ordered, & by whose unspeakable wisdome each particular change hath been decreed: yea even in the course of nature (before ever nature was) he both fore∣saw and appointed how things should happen; although in respect of our weaknesse and want of skill, the search∣ing of them out be too abstruse and hard. For as I verily beleeve, that not so much as one poore sparrow falleth to the ground without Gods providence; so I do also ac∣knowledge, that by his providence likewise he bringeth to passe these and the like things, for such ends, as he in his secret counsell hath determined; using his creatures (whose courses in each particular he both set and fore∣saw) as instruments and means to effect them.

But I proceed. And as for the supernaturall significa∣tion of these sunnes, experience (I say) hath witnessed that some strange thing or other usually followeth after them. As not long before the contention of Galba, Otho, and Vitellius, for the Empire of Rome, there appeared three sunnes, as it were pointing out the strife which followed soon after between them three a 1.6 for the impe∣riall diadem.

Also in the yeare b 1.7 1233, upon the 7 day of April, foure sunnes were seen besides the naturall sunne: in which yeare (as Lanquets chronicle testifieth) there was great debate kindled, and much variance stirred up between Henry the third, K. of England, and the Lords of his kingdome: and in the very c 1.8 next yeare, England was wasted with fire and sword from Wales to Salisbu∣rie; which said town was also burned: and at the same time was a great drought and pestilence.

Also in the yeare d 1.9 1460, three sunnes again shewed forth their orient faces, which was but the day before the three Earls, viz. Edward Earl of March, with the Earl of Pembroke, and Earl of Wilt-shire, fought their

great battels in Wales at Mortimers crosse (as Stow in his Abridgement affirmeth;) where the Earl of March put the other two to flight, and slew many of their peo∣ple. And again, in the yeare 1526, towards the slaugh∣ter of Lewis the second, King of Hungary, e 1.10 three sunnes marched out, f 1.11 betokening the three Princes which strove for the kingdome after him: which three were these, viz. Ferdinand, who was afterwards Emperour, and Iohn Sepusio Vaivode governour of Transilvania; as also Solyman the Magnificent, or Great Turk, being one of the hardiest captains in all his time.

And now after the consideration of many Sunnes, it followeth that I speak of many Moons, of which it is no hard matter to know the naturall cause, seeing their ge∣neration is, as before hath been shewed concerning ma∣ny Sunnes.

For if a watry Cloud shall side-long sit,* 1.12 And not beneath or justly opposite To Sunne or Moon; then either of them makes, With strong Aspect, double or treble shapes Upon the same. The vulgar then's affrighted To see at once three sparkling Chariots lighted; And in the Welkin, on nights gloomie throne, To see at once more shining Moons then one.

Artic. 4. Of Beams or Streams of light.

NExt unto these I mentioned Beams or Streams of light, and they are generated after this manner; namely when the light of the Sunne falleth into a watery cloud of unequall thicknesse, or rather of unequall thin∣nesse; or into such a cloud whose parts are some of them of a spungie nature, and some of them more closely com∣pacted: For the thinner and more spungie parts receiving the light do represent certain cleare and white streaks

or beams, whilest the thicker parts and more full of hu∣mour are not pierced at all, but look of another hue; from whence it comes to passe that these streams are often of differing and many colours.

Artic. 5. Of Circles or Crowns.

CRowns, Garlands, or Circles, are seen sometimes about the Sunne, sometimes about the Moon, and sometimes about the brightest Planets, as Iupiter & Venus. This appearance is commonly calleda 1.13 Halo; and the mat∣ter or subject of it is a cloud, which must be endued* 1.14 with three properties: First, that it be thin and not thick; Secondly, that it be equall and uniform, not in one part more thinne then in another; And thirdly, that it be di∣rectly under the Sunne, Moon, or any such starre whose* 1.15 beams cause the circle: Unto which adde this last, name∣ly that it be not disquieted by any winde. And being thus placed and composed, look how a stone cast into the wa∣ter makes a circle untill the force of the blow be wasted; So this watery cloud being struck with the force of the Sunnes, Moons, or starres beams, doth retain their light in form and manner of a circle. Or rather thus; the beams of the starre, &c. equally dispersing themselves so farre as they can, do at their utmost extent make a refra∣ction in the cloud, which must of necessitie be round, because the body of the starre it self is round, and can∣not possibly send out his beams further in one place then in another. This therefore made Du Bartas say,

Sometimes a fiery circle doth appeare, Proceeding from the beauteous beams and cleare Of Sunne and Moon and other starres aspect, Down-looking on a thick-round cloud direct; When, not of force to thrust their rayes throughout it, In a round crown they cast it round about it.

And note that sometimes it appeareth greater, some∣times lesser: which is in regard of the qualitie of the matter whereof the cloud consisteth. For if it be grosse, the beams piercing it can spread or dilate it but a lit∣tle way. If it be thin, they then are able to dilate it further.

And as for their significations, they sometimes signifie* 1.16 rain, sometimes winde, sometimes fair, cleare, and calm weather, sometimes frost, sometimes tempest, and sometimes snow.

• 1. Rain, if the circle wax altogether thicker and darker.
• 2. Winde, when the circle breaketh on the one side: The reason whereof is, because the circle is broken by the winde which is above and not yet come down to us here below: But by this effect above, we may gather both that it will come, and also from what quarter; namely from that quarter where the circle breaketh first.
• 3. But if it vanish away and be dissolved altogether, or in all parts alike, then it is a token of fair weather:
• 4. Or of frost, in winter, when it is great about the f 1.17 Moon:
• 5. Of snow, when at the same time of the yeare it seemeth to be craggie and rockie:
• 6. Or of tempestuous weather, when it looketh rud∣die, and is grosse, and broken in many parts.

And thus much concerning Circles.

Artic. 6. Of the Rain-bow.

THe Rain-bow is to be spoken of next: And this is nothing else but the apparition of certain colours in an hollow, watery, distilling, or dropping cloud direct∣ly opposite to the Sunne, representing in its fashion half a circle.

Or thus; It is a bow of many colours, appearing in a dewie, dark, droppie, and hollow cloud, by reflection of the Sunne-beams opposite to it. For this is certain, that lightsome or luminous bodies do cause images, colours, or appearances upon slender, clean, and thin objects: Now of all bodies the Sunne is most lightsome; but the aire and water are clean, thin, and slender.

Here then it appeareth that the Efficient cause of the* 1.18 Rain-bow is the light or beams of the Sunne; which fall∣ing into fit, apt, or convenient matter, opposite to them, are refracted and reflected to our sight.

The Materiall cause is not water in act, nor yet* 1.19 thick aire, but a dewie vapour; which is not conti∣nuus, sed potiùs corpusculis guttularum discretus; not abso∣lutely of one bodie, but rather severed into many bodies, or little drops.* 1.20

The Form of it is to be gathered out of the Figure and Colours.

And for the Figure, we see it is circular: But yet it never representeth to us any more then a Semicircle; and not alwayes so great an arch: The reason of which is, be∣cause the centre or middle point of the Rain-bow, which is diametrally opposite to the centre of the Sunne, is alwayes either in the Horizon, or under it: So that seeing our sight of the heavens is cut off by the earth in such a manner as that we can never see above half of them, it must needs be, that the appearance of this circle be either more or lesse to us, according to the Sunnes great or little distance from the Horizon.* 1.21

And as for the colours, they are commonly accounted three, viz. Ruddie, Green, and Azure. To which some adde a fourth. The first is in the thickest and darkest part of the cloud: For where a bright shining falleth upon a darkish place, there it representeth a ruddie colour, being somewhat like a Flame. The second is caused by a more

weak inf•…•…action, being in a remoter and more wa∣terie part of the cloud: whereupon it looketh greenish.

The third, which is further into the cloud, proceeds from the weakest infraction, and is therefore of a more dark and obscure colour, tending to a blew or an azure hue. And sometimes a fourth colour is also perceived, be∣ing very like a yellow or orenge-tawnie, proceeding from a commixture of the red and green, according to Aristotles judgement: of which the learned may see Iul. Scaliger, exer•…•…. 80. sect. 4.

Now these colours in some rain-bows are more vehe∣ment or apparent, in others more remisse or obscure; which is according to the aptnesse of the cloud, &c.

And in rain-bows caused by the moon (for sometimes,* 1.22 though seldome, they have been seen in the night) the colours are weaker, whiter, and lesse conspicuous; being in a manner as white as milk: which is, because the moon having a borrowed light, is nothing so strong in the projecting her raies, but farre more feeble then the sunne.

But come to the finall cause, and you will finde it two∣fold;* 1.23 partly Naturall, partly Supernaturall.

As it is Naturall, we take it either as a signe of rain, be∣cause it cannot appeare but in a waterie cloud, which is so prepared that it is ready to fall in very drops: or as a* 1.24 signe of fair weather; namely then when the beams of the sunne are strong, and the heat of it so great that the moisture of the cloud is dried up, and the drops attenua∣ted into thin aire. All which may be discerned after this manner, viz. when the colours grow either darker and darker, or clearer and clearer. For if the colours appeare dark, thick, or obscure by little and little, till at the last they bury themselves in a black cloud, then rain follow∣eth. But if the colours by degrees grow clearer and clearer till at the last they vanish away, then we may

expect fair and bright weather. And this as it is a naturall signe.

But now as it is Supernaturall: and then we behold it as a signe or symbole of Gods mercie towards the world, betokening that it shall never be destroyed again through any Deluge or universall Floud. For it shall be a signe of the covenant (saith God) between me and the earth, viz. that there shall be no more a Floud of waters to destroy the earth, Gen. 9.* 1.25

From both which significations or ends, it may well be called Iris; for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Greek is as much as dico in the Latine, signifying I say, I publish, I tell, or I declare. Iris therefore comes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, dico; First, because this bow publisheth or telleth to us the constitution of the aire. Secondly, because it declareth the covenant of God made with the world after the Floud; shewing that his wrath is so farre forth appeased, that he will never drown the world again; which appeareth even in the or∣der observed in placing the bow: for we see it with the bended ends downwards, and as one that holdeth a bow in peace; insomuch that had it a shaft in it, the earth should not be shot; neither ought man to fear that the Lord will shoot any more such arrows of displeasure as before.

Some have thought that there was no rain-bow be∣fore the Floud, but that it appeared since; because God saith, When I make the heaven thick with clouds, I will put my bow in the clouds, Gen. 9.

To which it may be answered, that God saith, not* 1.26 that he will of new create a bow, but that he will then put it into the clouds so as it never was before; namely to be a signe, &c. So that although it were not as a signe of any covenant before the Floud, yet without doubt it was as a Meteor then as well as now; and therefore was: otherwise we might deny both bread, and wine, and

water to be before the institution of the Sacraments: for it is the same reason. Wherefore, as there was water be∣fore ever it was used for the water of regeneration in the Sacrament of Baptisme; and as there was bread and wine before ever they were used as signes at the holy Communion: so also the rain-bow was before ever it had that office to be a signe of Gods covenant between him and mankinde, just as at this day it appeareth even to such as are not of the Church; very Heathens and Pagans beholding it as well as we.

Besides, there were from the beginning the same cau∣ses in nature to produce it: for there wanted neither a sunne to draw vapours from waterie places, nor yet a convenient place in the aire to thicken them into clouds; neither was the sunne destitute of sparkling raies to make reflexion and infraction: but as it is caused now, so also then; and to think otherwise were to think amisse.

Some again have been perswaded that this bow was before, but was not in a cloud before. And thus thought certain amongst the Hebrews.

But this is a reasonlesse assertion, and against all Phi∣losophie, and not at all approved by Divinitie. For how could that appeare in a cleare aire, which can have no existence or being, but in a dewing or distilling cloud? Verily of both absurdities the former was the better, namely that it was not at all: and yet that also wanted grounds to uphold it, as hath been shewed, and is yet further manifest. For seeing the Lord God in six dayes finished the creation, and set the perfect order of all his creatures; it followeth that the rain-bow had then his place either in being or in power. And thus from two ab∣surdities* 1.27 I bring you to a third. For further more, it hath been the opinion of some idle doting brains to think that there shall be no rain, nor rain-bow, 40 yeares before

the end or destruction of the world by fire; because the very aire (say they) must be prepared a long time before by a continuall drinesse, and each thing made fit for combustion.

Which surely is a brain-sick fancie. For what do they in this but shew their extream follie; derogating, not onely from reason, but also from the power of God? For is not God able to destroy the work of his own hands without such a supposed preparation, and make the world combustible in an instant, if need be? Or should there be no rain, and consequently no bow (because it appeareth in a waterie cloud) then how should the fruits of the earth be preserved? Great famine and miserie must needs follow in the world if this be true. For when the clouds drop no fatnesse, then the ground pines away through barrennesse; and when the heavens are iron, then the earth is brasse: whereas it is manifest, that at the coming of Christ there shall be pleasant and fruitfull times; times full of mirth, wherein they shall eat and drink, marrie and be given in marriage, even as it was in the dayes of Noah. Who therefore will think that these men are in their right mindes, whilest they affirm that no rain shall fall by the space of 40 yeares before the world endeth?

The Jews as soon as they behold this bow (not daring* 1.28 to gaze upon it) do presently go forth and confesse their sinnes, acknowledging that they are worthy to be de∣stroyed with a Floud as the old world was; and in being spared they celebrate the mercie and •…•…lemencie of God for sparing them. But, saith a 1.29 Pareus, although they mingle this religion with much superstition, because they dream that the name of Iehovah is as it were en∣graven on the bow, and because they turn their eyes away as from the majestie of God appearing there, not daring to look upon it, lest (as may be said) beholding

the face of God they die: Yet it is meet even for us up∣on the sight of it to be so farre forth touched with a re∣verence towards God, that we passe not away the sym∣bole of the covenant with a brutish dulnesse, lest there∣upon we grow unmindefull of Gods severitie and goodnesse.

There is also another thing observable concerning this bow which I may not forget; namely this, The my∣sterie which (according to some mens fancies) is involved in the colours. For in a mysterie they would have it beto∣ken both the baptisme of Christ, by water and fire; and also the two judgements of the world, the one alreadie past, the other yet to come: that which is past appeareth in the watery colours, shewing that the world hath been drowned: that which is yet to come appeareth in the fiery colours, shewing that the world shall be destroyed by fire, or burnt up at the day of judgement. But (saith b 1.30 one) these and the like applications are wittie and pret∣tie, rather then wise and pithie: I leave them therefore, and proceed:

Artic. 7. Of chaps or gapings in the skie.

THe Philosophers call this Meteor Chasma, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quod est hio, vel dehisco, to gape or open: and in Latine it is Hiatus, a word of the same signification. There are two kindes of these gapings or openings: the one wide, the other round. And although I reckon these amongst such fiery Meteors, as are fiery onely in appea∣rance; yet it may be that they sometimes burn, and some∣times onely seem to burn.

They seem to burn when the Exhalation by reason o•…•… the a 1.31 want of viscuous matter is not enflamed, but enlight∣ened rather on the outward parts, having much raritie or thinnesse in them: at which time the middle part re∣ceiving

no light, in regard that it is black and thick, there appeareth as it were a gulf in the skie. The reason where∣of is, because the black is compassed about with white; which white presenting it self b 1.32 sooner to the sight then the black, makes the black seem to be farre off, and the white neare hand: and the black being farre off, seems like a gaping deep: which (as hath been said) is some∣times c 1.33 greater, sometimes lesse, according to the fashi∣on or quantitie of the Exhalation, or cloud represented by it. And after this manner do cunning painters deceive the eye in shadowing their pictures. For when a bright, cleare, and aiery colour is laid circularly, and a thick, dark, and obscure colour in the middle of it, then the ap∣pearance is like some gulf, hole, deep or pit: which they fashion diversly according to their skill in fancying the laying of their colours.

All this is when it burneth not.

But note that sometimes this Meteor burneth in very deed. Which is when the Exhalation hath much viscosi∣tie or clammie matter in it; the thick and dark not burn∣ing, but remaining in the middest; and the thinner-parts on fire, deceiving the sight with a seeming gaping, as be∣fore when there was onely light in those thinne parts in stead of fire.

And thus have I shewed you the naturall cause of all fiery Meteors.

Notes

• * 1.1

  What the Galaxia is.
• * 1.2

  Why red clouds are seen onely in the morning and evening.
• * 1.3

  Viz. Parag. 6. Artic. 1.
• * 1.4

  What is signified by many sunnes.
• * 1.5

  A rule and in observation con∣cerning strange sights.
• a 1.6

  Fulks Meteors.
• b 1.7

  Stows Abridg. of chron.
• c 1.8

  Stow▪ ibid.
• d 1.9

  Idem.
• e 1.10

  Fulks Meteors.
• f 1.11

  In the yeare 1619 were 3 also seen at Lovan in the moneth of May, at the rising of the Sunne. Fromond. Met. lib. 6.
• * 1.12

  Du Batt.
• a 1.13

  Halo, Graecis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.14

  nominatur, hoc est, Area: quoniam (ut Seneca testatu•…•…) apud veteres terendis frugibus loca desti∣nata fere rotunda suerunt.
• * 1.15

  Latini Coronam vocant, quia rotun∣dâ plerumque con∣stat figurâ, & sidera cingere atque coro∣nare videtur.
• * 1.16

  The signification of Circles.
• f 1.17

  They are very seldome seen about the Sunne, because of winde in the day time; or because the Sunne either draweth the va∣pours too high, or else disperseth them too much. In the yeare 1104 there was a bla∣zing starre and 4 circles about the Sunne, which was a signe of the new kindling ma∣lice again be∣tween Henry the first, King of Eng∣land, and his bro∣ther Duke of Normandy. Stow in his chron.
• * 1.18

  The efficient cause of the Rain-bow.
• * 1.19

  The materiall cause.
• * 1.20

  The formall cause.
• * 1.21

  The colours in the Rain-bow.
• * 1.22

  Moon-bows.
• * 1.23

  The finall cause.
• * 1.24

  How to judge of the weather by the rain-bow▪
• * 1.25

  The derivation of Iris, signifying the rain-bow▪
• * 1.26

  The rainbow was before the Floud.
• * 1.27

  A grosse absur∣ditie of some who think that there shall be no rain nor rain-bow 40 yeares before the worlds end.
• * 1.28

  What the Jews do at the sight of the rain-bow.
• a 1.29

  On Gen. chap. 9. pag. 898.
• b 1.30

  Dr. Willet on Gen.
• a 1.31

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉▪ na•…•…▪ •…•…hilosoph.
• b 1.32

  Qu•…•… clara sunt, alboque apparent co∣lore, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 visum movent: qu•…•… vero nigra & obscura sunt, minus cum afficiunt.
• c 1.33

  Si magna fuerit, vorago; si non it a magna, hiatus no∣n•…•…natur. Titclman.