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. Containing the second part of this fifth day, which is of Birds, or Fowl, flying in the open firmament of heaven.

FRom fishes I must come to birds, from the water to the aire, and teach my pen to flie a while with the feathered fowls, as before it was swimming with the fearfull silent fish.

And now why God hath joyned the creation of fish and fowl together, may without curiositie be obser∣ved; to wit, because he would in every work and part thereof continue an harmonious order. Great is the likenesse between fish and fowl, whether it be that we consider the naturall place wherein either of them live, or that we consider their resemblance in parts, or their manner of motion. For first, the place of fishes is the wa∣ter; the place of fowls the aire: both which are diapha∣nous, cleare, moist, and easie yeelding elements. Second∣ly, that which finnes be to fishes, wings and feathers are to birds. And thirdly, that which swimming is to fishes

in the waters, flying is to birds in the aire. The one moves himself by his sinnes, the other by his wings. The one cuts and glideth through the liquid aire, the other shoots and darteth through the humid water. The one makes paths in that subtil concave between heaven and earth, the other draws furrows in the ploughed sea: and both tracts are indiscernible; either place again closing & no longer open then their native dwellers flit through their yeelding gates.

And first of all me thinks I see the loftie Eagle, king* 1.1 of birds, towring on high in the heaven-aspiring aire.

And amongst all fowls, the Eagle onely can move her self straight upward and downward, perpendicularly, without any collaterall declining. Munster. This bird is commended for her faithfulnesse towards other birds in some kinde, though sometimes she shew her self cruell. They all stand in awe of her: and when she hath gotten meat she useth to communicate it unto such fowls as do accompany with her; onely this some affirm, that when she hath no more to make distribution of, then she will attach some of her guests, and for lack of food, dismem∣ber them. Her sight is sharp and quick, insomuch that being in the highest part of the aire, she can easily see what falleth on the land, and thereupon the sooner finde her prey. It is said that she can gaze upon the sunne and not be blinde, and will fight eagerly against the Dra∣gon: for the Dragon greedily coveting the Eagles egges, causeth many conflicts to be between them.

The Poets have called her Joves bird, and Jupiters armour-bearer, because she is never hurt with light∣ning. She is a bird tenderly affected towards her young; insomuch that she will endanger her own bodie to se∣cure them, bearing her young ones on her back when she perceiveth them to be assaulted with arrows. Hares, Harts, Geese and Cranes, are such creatures as this bird

useth to prey upon. And for her practise in killing the Hart, thus it is: when she laboureth to drive the Hart headlong to ruine, she gathereth (saith Munster) much dust as she flieth, and sitting upon the Harts horns, shaketh it into his eyes, and with her wings beateth him about the mouth, untill at last the poore Hart is glad to fall fainting to the ground.

The Eagle buildeth her nest in the rocks and high pla∣ces; and the propertie of the young Eagle is, when she findeth a dead carcase, first of all to pick out the eye. And so (saith one) do all seducing hereticks, first put out the right eye of knowledge, that thereby they may the bet∣ter leade along their seduced Proselites.

And note that although the Eagle be very tender over her young, yet when they be able to flie of them∣selves, she casteth them out of her nest; because she would have them shift and no longer depend upon their damme. Which is a good example, saith the same au∣thour,* 1.2 for domesticall discipline; namely, that parents should not bring up their children in idlenesse, but even from their youth exercise them in honest labour, train∣ing them up to some vocation.

Moreover, Aristotle writeth, that when the Eagle waxeth old, the upper part of her bill so groweth over and increaseth, that in the end she dieth of famine. But Augustine observeth further that when the Eagle is thus overgrown, she beateth her bill upon a rock, and so by striking off her cumbersome part, she recovereth her strength and eating; to which the Psalmist alludeth, Psal. 103. 5. Which maketh thee young and lustie as an Eagle.

The Phenix, saith Munster, is a noble bird, and is but* 1.3 one in the world. Cornelius Valerius (whom * 1.4 Plinie mentioneth) doth witnesse that when Quintus Plautius and Sex. Papinius were Consuls, one was seen to flie

into Egypt. And Tacitus also writeth, that when Lucius* 1.5 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and P•…•…ulus Fabi•…•…s were Consul•…•…, another was likewise seen to flie thither▪ and yet not another, but the same rather; for there was not above two yeares difference in the time of this appearance; Vitellius and Fabius being Consuls in the yeare of the citie 786, and Plautius with Papinius in the yeare 788. * 1.6 Dion was perswaded that this bird thus shewing her self, did be∣token the death of Tiberius: but our countreyman † 1.7 M^r Lydiat rather thinketh, that it pointed out the time when Christ, that true Phenix, did both die and rise again: and so also thinketh Carion, in his chron. lib. 3.

This bird (if we may beleeve what is written) is about the bignesse of an Eagle, having a glittering brightnesse in the feathers of her neck, like unto gold; in other parts purple, with an azured tail, but so as in some places it is of a rose colour: her head hath on it a plume or tuft of feathers. Some say she liveth five hundred yeares; others give her six hundred and sixtie: and, as Plinie wri∣teth, this bird hath her setled habitation in Arabia Fe∣lix. When she waxeth old, she is said to make her a nest of Cassia, with branches of the frankincense tree, into which she putteth other odours, and so dieth upon them: and then, out of her bones and marrow, there spring∣eth first a little worm, which afterwards comes to be a young Phenix.

Howbeit many think that all this is fabulous: for (be∣sides the differing reports which go of this bird) what species or kinde of any creature can be rehearsed, where∣of there is never but one? and whereas the Lord said to all his creatures, Increase and multiplie, this benediction should take no place in the Phenix which multiplieth not. And again, seeing all creatures which came into the Ark, came by two and two, the male and fe∣male, it must needs follow that the Phenix by this means

perished. And so saith one, As for the Phenix, I (and not I alone) think it a fable, because it agreeth neither to reason nor likelihood, but plainly disagreeth to the historie of the creation and of Noahs floud, in both which God made all male and female, and commanded them to increase and multiplie.

The Griffon is a creature (if there be any such;* 1.8 for many doubt it) which whether I may reckon amongst the birds or beasts, I cannot tell. Howbeit as I finde him marked by * 1.9 Aelianus, he is thus described; namely that he is a kinde of beast with foure feet, keep∣ing most of all in India, being as mightie in strength as a lion: he hath wings and crooked talons, black on the back, and in the forepart purple. His wings be some∣what white, his bill and mouth like an eagles bill, his eyes fierie; he is hard to be taken except he be young, he maketh his nest in the high mountains, and fighteth with every kinde of beast, saving the lion and elephant: he diggeth up gold in desert places, and giveth repulse to those that come neare him. But (as I said) some doubt whether there be any such creature or no: which, for my part, shall be left to every mans li∣bertie.

The Ostrich is compounded as it were of a bird and* 1.10 a beast, and is especially found in Africa: he is partly like a camell in his long legs and feet, partly like a spar∣row in his head and bill, though much greater. Some say his head is covered with small hairs, his eyes be grosse and black, his neck is long, and (as I said) his bill is short and sharp like a sparrows bill, and his feet hath as it were a bipartite hoof. He is said to exceed the height of a man on horseback; and as for his wings they help him little: howbeit we make much use of his fea∣thers, as is well known. And in one thing he is like the woodcock; for hiding his head he never fears his bodie.

Job speaketh that he is forgetfull; for when this bird* 1.11 hath laid her egges (which she hides in the sand, and are hatched by the sunne) she forgetteth them, untill the young come forth, and then the males are forced to feed and cherish them. So have I seen many mothers refusing* 1.12 to nurse their children; and, if they could, would have others likewise bear them: but putting them forth, I beleeve many perish for want of care and due atten∣dance: for it is not possible that a nurse should have that tender affection which belongs to a mother; and many times, with the nurses milk, the children suck the nurses vices. Necessitie therefore, and a prudent choice, should seek out nurses; as we see it Gen. 21. 7. Moreover it is said, that this bird is of such strong digestion that she will eat iron: and when she seeth that she cannot avoid taking, she casteth stones with her claws against her followers, by which she often hurteth them.

Ibis is a tall strong bird, having a bill of great length;* 1.13 he doth exceeding much good in destroying serpents. These birds live in Egypt, and the serpents brought out of Lybia thither, by the Southern winde, are killed by them, Plin. lib. 10. cap. 28. See also afterwards in the Stork.

The Kite is well known: she is a fowl which flieth* 1.14 softly untill she espie her prey; she hath quick eyes, will flie high into the aire in hot cleare weather, and by the turning of her tail she directs her bodie, even as a great lazie ship is ordered by the helm. Aristotle observes that all such fowls as have talons, cannot devoure any meat but flesh: and if any other food be thrust into their mouthes, they cannot eat it.

There is great enmitie between the kite and the ra∣ven,* 1.15 it being an usuall thing for the kite to robbe the ra∣ven, as being better in talons and flying. So have I seen the gripers and catchpoles of this world destroy one

another, the lesse mightie alwayes devoured by the* 1.16 stronger and more potent. And (me thinks) the kites feeding upon carrion, is a fit embleme of the envious person, who rejoyceth in the fall of others: for there be many in the world who care not what men fall, so they may rise; building their own houses out of the bloud and ruine of others.

Howbeit, it is observed by Aristotle, that the kite be∣ing a ravenous bird, bringeth forth but two young ones at a time; wherein nature hath been very provident and carefull, to suffer such ravenous fowls to increase no fa∣ster. And so (saith one) it is commonly seen in the world, that many rich cormorants (or corn-vorants ra∣ther) are either childlesse and have no children, or else they abound not in many; and yet we can see no end of their scraping, pinching, and oppressing. There is one alone (saith Solomon) and there is not a second, which hath neither sonne nor brother, and yet there is no end of all his travell, Eccles. 4. 8.

The Raven also is a fowl given to rapacitie and de∣vouring* 1.17 of flesh, great of bodie, slow in slight, sharp in sight, frequenting much the countreys of Italie, Spain, Egypt, and about the Alps. But this (saith Munster) is to be understood of the great kinde of ravens.

This fowl doth greatly above all others covet mens carcases, and (as some think) by a singular instinct and naturall gift, it hath understanding of mans death, pre∣saging it a few dayes before. But whether that be true or not, this is certain, that it haunteth places of battell, with solitarie ruines; and like to the young eagles, it picketh out the eye of a dead corps first of all, because (as some suppose) he seeth his own image in the clear∣nesse of the eye; and so like coveteth the like. The fox* 1.18 and this bird are very friendly, but both at enmitie with the hawk; that being the chiefest cause of their familia∣ritie.

And so have I seen one man love another the better, for hating him whom he abhorreth: or one, like the fox, will sometimes plot anothers ruine, that the other, like the raven, may prey upon him.

Munster telleth us that the skinne of a raven well* 1.19 tewed and dressed with the feathers on it, is exceeding good to be laid to a weak and sickly stomack; for it greatly helps digestion.

And again, she is noted for an unkinde bird to her young ones, * expelling them out of their nest before* 1.20 their full and compleat time, leaving them to their selves before they are able to shift; and so crying for food, God by his providence provideth for them: whereupon it is said, that the young ravens crie unto God: or, which feedeth the young ravens that call upon him, Psal. 147. 9. And in this act, these and the like birds are emblemes* 1.21 of such as want naturall affection. And indeed the young ones afterwards prove as cruell to their dammes: for when they be old, and have their bills overgrown, they die of famine, not sharpning their bills again, by beating them on a stone, as the eagle doth: * neither* 1.22 will their young ones help them, but rather sometimes set upon them, when they are not able to resist. It is not good therefore to use children too harshly in their mi∣noritie,* 1.23 lest when Senes come to be Pueri again, they finde as little favour at their hands as they shewed be∣fore. And of this, parents, masters, tutours, and guar∣dians should be carefull; learning their lesson from these unnaturall birds. But more I may spare to adde; for the well affected are also well instructed to put a differ∣ence between foolish cockering, and cruell handling: knowing with * 1.24 Solomon that Where the rod is spared, the childe is spoiled: and with Paul confessing likewise, that they ought not to be bitter to them, lest thereby they provoke them to wrath, Ephes. 6. 4. Moreover, let

it be observed that some authours affirm there is also the raven of the sea, which is like in proportion to the other raven, onely differing in colour, as being white: Now Aristotle thinketh that this happeneth by reason of some passion or accident in the generation. Neither (as is thought) doth the raven conceive by conjunction of male and female, but rather by a kinde of billing at the mouth, which † 1.25 Plinie mentioneth as an opinion of the common people; saying, Ore eos parere aut coire vul∣gus* 1.26 arbitratur: ideóque gravidas, si ederint corvinum ovum, per os partum reddere; which is very strange, if it should be true: and therefore Aristotle denieth it; onely think∣ing that their billing or kissing is but like unto that amongst the doves. And as for the English name Raven, given to this bird, it is so called of ravening and devour∣ing: In Greek it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifieth Cro∣citare, to croke; and in Latine, Corvus; under which name we comprehend the crows as well as the ravens.

The ancient Emperours of Rome, and other heathen Princes, had their Soothsayers, and beholders of birds: now these gave great heed to the ravens, and would di∣ligently look upon their eyes; marking, in time of warre, to what part they turned: for they supposed that the raven did presage which side should perish in battell; and would alwayes therefore have her eye fixed or turn∣ed that way, or to that partie; as it were shewing her longing desire to be feeding on their carcases. Which is somewhat confirmed by that which Plinie writeth of the ravens flying out of Athens and Peloponnesus; saying, Nam cùm Mediae hospites occisi sunt, omnes è Peloponneso & Attica regione volaverunt. Plin. ibid. Which flocking to the fight was for their fat prey, as though there had been in them some sense of the present action.

Furthermore, this I finde again recorded by Plin. lib. 10. cap. 43. that when Marcus Servilius and C. Cestius

were Consuls, there was a solemne funerall of a raven celebrated at Rome, upon the fifth calends of April: and this being so neare the time of our Saviours passion as it was, did (as some observe) not unfitly shadow forth the devils funerall, and destruction of his kingdome among the Gentiles. For as the raven delighteth in so∣litarie or desert mansions, Isai. 34. 11. so doth the devil walk through desert places, as we see it, Matth. 12. 43. In which resemblance, he is fitly called the devils bird: and this funerall may as well prove the time of Christs death and buriall, as Dions Phenix, appearing about the same time, was used by Carion, and M^r Lydiat, to shew the yeare of his resurrection.

The Pelican is that bird which† 1.27 Plinie calleth Ono∣cratalus,* 1.28 and is much like the swanne in shape and pro∣portion, excepting in the widenesse of his gullet and capacitie of his maw. Of this fowl there be two sorts; one that liveth by the waters, another which is the Pe∣lican of the desert.

This is a melancholy bird, and takes the name of Pe∣lican, from the Greek * 1.29 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so called of smiting or piercing: which is in regard that by piercing his breast he reviveth his young ones with his own bloud, when they are bitten and killed of serpents: or having killed them with his bill, he reviveth them again by his bloud after three dayes. Or else this name belongs unto him from piercing the shel-fishes and picking out their meat to feed his young. For, according to the testimonie of Aristotle, the dammes use to catch such fish and swallow them into their stomacks, and when they have there so warmed them that their shells may gape, they do again cast them up; and so pick out their meat in an easie man∣ner. In like sort have I seen those, who have done more* 1.30 by policie, then others or they could do by strength; neither is violence alwayes the readiest way: for

sometimes art may be more then arms, and gentle usage have power to charm, when rigour helpeth to enrage.

The Stork is a famous bird for naturall love to his* 1.31 parents, whom he feedeth being old and feeble, as they fed him being young: the Egyptians and the Thessalians* 1.32 so esteemed this bird, that there was a great penaltie laid upon any that should kill him. His English name Stork comes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek, which is Amor in Latine; proceeding from his forenamed kindnesse and naturall love to his damme; being also humane and lo∣ving to mankinde, delighting to build in the tops of houses and chimneys, as is usuall to be seen in Germanie; whereby it is evident, that he loveth the societie of man:* 1.33 which (saith one) sheweth their disposition to be unna∣turall, which do shun the companie of men, and of a su∣perstitious minde, retire themselves into desert and soli∣tarie places, as Hermites, Anchorites, and such like. D^r Wil. on Levit.

And now the reason why he was in such esteem in Egypt and Thessasie, was for his great service he did them in killing of serpents, and other venemous things.* 1.34 Plinie calls him Ciconia: and from the Stork Ibis, men first learned to purge by clyster; for with his bill he con∣veyeth salt water up into his bodie below, and so pur∣geth himself.

The Heron or Hernsew is a fowl that liveth about* 1.35 waters, and yet she doth so abhorre rain and tempests, that she seeketh to avoid them by flying on high. She hath her nest in very loftie trees, & sheweth as it were a naturall hatred against the gossehawk and other kinde of hawks: and so likewise doth the hawk seek her destru∣ction continually. When they fight above in the aire, they labour both especially for this one thing, that the one might ascend and be above the other: Now if the hawk getteth the upper place, he overthroweth and

vanquisheth the heron with a marvellous earnest flight; but if the her on get above the hawk, then with his dung he defileth the hawk and so destroyeth him: for his dung is a poyson to the hawk, rotting and putrifying his fea∣thers.

This bird is Avis furibunda, a furious bird; and so in Latine she is called Ardea, of ardeo, to burn: chiefly be∣cause she is an angrie creature, or because she is great∣ly enflamed with lust; or else because the dung of this bird doth as it were burn or consume what it touch∣eth.

Of Hawks there be many and severall kindes; as the* 1.36 Falcon, Merlin, Lannar, Tassell, and sundrie others. Howbeit the Tassells are supposed to be the males of such birds as live by prey: as the Tassell of the Saker is called a Hobbie, or Mongrell hawk▪ that of the Sparrow∣hawk, a Musket; that of the Lannar, a Lannaret; and so of the rest. Now some again distinguish these birds, three severall wayes. First by the form and fashion of their bodie; some being great, as the Gossehawk, Faulcon, Ger∣faulcon, &c. some small, as the Merlin, Musket, Spar∣row-hawk, Hobbie, and such others. Secondly by their game, as some for the phesant, some for the partridge, some for the hernshaw, some for the duck and mallard, some for one thing and some for another. Thirdly they are said to differ in the manner of their following the game; as such know better then my self, who use to keep and manage hawks.

And if hither I may bring other birds of prey, I would joyn to these the Kite, Ringtail, Buzzard, Bittor, and such like.

Olaus Magnus makes mention of brave generous fal∣cons* 1.37 in the more northern parts of the world, which live upon the spoil of fish, and build their nests upon high mountains: and for all kindes of hawks generally, he

accounts them the best which are bred thereabouts: ad∣ding moreover that an hawk is fearfull of nothing more then a Peacock: and as for little infants, he saith that there is none, either bird or beast kept tame at home, which more desireth to hurt them, then the Apes and biggest Hawks. So have I seen some maintain and che∣rish* 1.38 those in their own families, perhaps at their own tables, who upon occasion have proved the first to do them mischief; nay, no occasion but fit opportunitie is enough for such: as Brutus conspired the death of Cesar. Or again, I have seen those delight in that, which hath been the readiest way to their houses ruine.

The delicate Partridge is a bird well known: she* 1.39 bringeth forth young, which like chickens will runne as soon as they can creep out of the shell. They are suppo∣sed to live 16 yeares. They cover the shell of their egges with a soft dust sprinkled over them, and never lodge whereabouts they breed, being very lascivious wanton birds; as Plinie tells us, lib. 10. cap. 33. And as Physicians write, the flesh of this bird is admirably good and whole∣some, especially for weak persons: for it comforteth the stomack, makes them lustie, and helps the memorie. Neither do I marvell (saith one) that gentlemen be at such cost to keep hawks, and take such toil to kill Par∣tridges and Phesants: for besides the pastime and pleasure in hawking, the flesh of these birds is very pleasant, and every morsel as good as gold.

Well may we wish that pleasure to succeed, Which brings to man such treasure in his need.

The Phesants are said to come first of all from about* 1.40 the river Phasis, which is a famous river in Colchos; where they were found, and from whence they were brought by the Argonauts:* 1.41 Plinie therefore calls them Phasianae; and we, Phesants. This is a princely dish: but* 1.42 the Mallard is nothing wholesome; according to that of Schola Salerni,

Good sport it is to see a Mallard kill'd, But with their flesh your flesh should not be fill'd.* 1.43 The Capon, Hen, and Chicken, Partridge, Quail, The Heath-cock wholesome is, the Dove, the Rail; The Phesant, Woodcock, Lark, and Thrush be good, And all that do not much delight in mud.

But do you not heare sweet Philomel? heark how she* 1.44 playes the silent world asleep. This is a bird much ad∣dicted to watching; for she sitteth all the night singing upon a bough, with the* 1.45 sharp end of a thorn against her breast to keep her waking. Her very throat is able to ra∣vish the dullest eare, and so much the more is her musick beyond compare, in that from so small a creature such daintie aires are warbled forth. The Latines call her Philomela; that is, a bird loving to sing: and what Stoick but would love to heare her, and give her thanks for her daintie dittie? Should man strive to marrie his industrious layes with hers, he could not be so much rapt with his own as with her delicious notes: for sure she seems to have

So many tunes, whose harmonie excells* 1.46 Our voice, our viols, and all musick else.

The prettie Lark chants with a sugred throat, so doth* 1.47 the Black-bird, Linot, the severall kindes of Finches, the mirthfull Mavis, Red-breast, Wren, Thrush, and Star∣ling.

But all is nothing to the Nightingale, Breathing so sweetly from a breast so small.

The Owl is another night-bird; her cry is dismall, and* 1.48 she her self rightly stiled The hate and scorn of all the birds beside. And of Owls there be many kindes.

The great Owl in Greek is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 clamo▪* 1.49 or from the dolefull noise which she maketh: and so in Latine it is Bubo. This Owl keepeth in desert places, is like in shape to another Owl, hath talons like the Eagle, and is very neare as great. He is thought to be an omi∣nous

bird, as he was to Agrippa, Ios. Antiq. lib. 18. 1. which must be understood when he is seen in the day; as again in the Councell of Constance one appeared before Pope John the 22. And of all night-birds, those are held to be the most dismall, Qui glutiunt vocem velut strangu∣lati; that is, which throtle out a kinde of croaking voice, like one that is strangled, or ratleth in the throat.

And of this sound is that hoarse bird which is com∣monly* 1.50 called the Night-raven, or Night-crow. This al∣so is said to be a kinde of owl, and (as authours witnesse) will take mice like a cat, and many times catch and de∣stroy moles. In Greek, some name him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is clamo, to crie or make a noise: but in Latine he is Nyctico∣rax, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 nox, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 corvus; which in English is the Night-crow, or Night-raven. And as for his colour, it is black like other crows. See Gesner de avibus, lib. 3.

Again, there is another kinde named the Scriech-owl,* 1.51 which the Latines understand by the word Strix, and the Greeks by the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Some (in old time) have fa∣bled strange things of this bird, namely that it sucked out the bloud of infants lying in their cradles, and with the very eyes of it did effascinate children, or change their favours: whereupon some have used the same word for a witch, a fairie, or hagge.

But perhaps that which is most commonly called the* 1.52 Scriech-owl, is comprehended under one of the kindes of the Noctua: or else it may be another Scriech-owl. For there be 4 severall Noctua's, as Gesner writeth. One is of a large bignesse, and hath feathers growing on her head like eares. A second is lesse; white on the throat and breast, speckled on her other parts with a white and muddie colour. A third is also lesse then the former, and spotted with white and ash-colour. And a fourth is also lesse then this, of the same colour, inhabiting most of all among rocks, and such like places. The Noctua in La∣tine,

in the Greek is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the glaring, or colour of her eyes. And as for the Scriech-owl, she is known by nothing better then her crie.

Also there is Ulula; and this is that which we call the* 1.53 Howlet, or the Madge. All the owls are solitarie birds, some dwelling in deserts, some in churches and in rui∣nous buildings: and this delighteth to sit sleeping in a tree, using there likewise to build her nest; frequenting barns and other such like places for the love of mice, young birds, and little chickens. She is of a gray colour in the most of her bodie.

Some say that the egges of an Owl broken and put in∣to* 1.54 the cups of a drunkard, or one desirous to follow drinking, will so work with him, that he will suddenly lothe his good liquour, and be displeased with drinking.

The Bat may be next; because she useth to flie abroad* 1.55 in the twilight: called therefore vespertilio in the La∣tine, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek. It is a creature between a bird and a beast, for it hath a mouth, teeth, members of generation like a beast, bringeth forth young ones alive, laying no egges, &c. Onely it flies in the night, and hath wings like a bird. It is therefore called by some a Flittermouse, and is no bird but a winged mouse; for she creeps with her wings, is without feathers, and flyeth with a kinde of skin, as bees and flies do; excepting that the Bats wing hath a farre thicker and stronger skin. And this creature thus mungrell-like, cannot (as you know) look very lovely.

But not to keep you longer amongst these birds of night,* 1.56 for fear some one or other should affright you, let us now go walk and heare the Cuckoe sing. This is a bird so called by reason of his crie; and from thence comes the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the Latine Cuculus: for the noise which this bird maketh, and the song which she singeth, is nothing but Cuckoe. This is her note; which note she neither vari∣eth nor changeth untill she be wearing away.

Olaus Magnus calleth her the Annunciatrix optatae* 1.57 laetitiae; which is not in respect of her sweet singing, but because when she cometh, then comes that cheerfull time of the yeare, the wished and the welcome spring.

She loseth her voice commonly about the end of Ju∣ly, or somewhat before; faltring and doubling in her note when summer is wearing out. So have I seen those who in time of prosperity have been very cheer∣full,* 1.58 forward, and observant of others, attending them with fair words and great shews of love: but when times change, they also changed; shewing themselves dull and backward, and yet shewing themselves then no other then they were. For these be friends who will abide no winter, but falter now, even as they flattered before, ne∣ver remembring their former words, how plain and fair soever they seemed;

Iura, fides, ubi nunc? commissáque dextera dextr•…•…, Quique erat in falso plurimus ore Deus?

Whereas a true friend indeed, is onely known in time of trouble. For it is a certain rule, Amicorum idem affectus, Friends are alwayes like-affected: according to that of the Poet,

Et flêsti, & nostros vidisti flentis ocellos:* 1.59 Miscuimus lacrymas moestus uterque suas.

Thou diddest weep, and didst my moist eyes see: We mixed grief, and wept for thee and me.

Furthermore, this is a fowl hated of every other bird, be∣cause she spoileth their nests and eats their egges.

Neither is she very fruitfull; for one at a time is enough for her: neither is this one hatched but by some other of a differing kinde; for she doth not build any nest, but lay∣eth her egge in the nest of another, which hatcheth it up as her own. Nay it so falleth out, that the poore, sillie, and deceived bird thus beguiled, neglects her nearer brood, as being better pleased with the beautie of the

Cuckoes young, untill at the last this stranger thus brought forth and being ready to fly, destroy his nurse, and kill her for her kindenesse. So have I heard of some, no better rewarded for their good entertainment and watchfull care. For benefits received are little remem∣bred: and where men sometimes look for love, they are wickedly repayed with hate and harm.* 1.60

Also there appeares from hence another embleme. For in the Cuckoe is deciphered the wicked practise of adul∣terous men, who are not ashamed filthily to defile their neighbours bed: From whence we call them cuckolds, who suffer this wrong and yet are innocent; whereas in∣deed the lustfull Goat that acteth all, and performs the villanie, is the very cuckold; and the other (poore honest man) wronged not onely in his bed, but in his name, is the harmlesse patient of what he cannot help. Yet this I will say, that whilest many make Peacocks of their wives, they do also make Woodcocks (although not Cuc∣koes) of themselves: in which, whom they may thank, it is soon perceived; or whom they may blame, their folly telleth. For signes hanged forth are but the callers in of guests; and baits presented allure▪fish: and as nothing sooner invites the thief to cut a purse then shew of mo∣ney, so nothing sooner occasions an enticement to disloy∣alty, then the gaudie vestments of an immodest wife; as in this following Epigram may appeare,

A lustie lad that past along Cheapside, Incontinent a gallant lasse espi'd: Whose tempting breasts (as to the sale laid out) Invites: and thus this youngster 'gins to flout. Lady (quoth he) is this flesh to be sold? No, Lord (quoth she) for silver nor for gold: But wherefore ask you? and there made a stop. To buy (quoth he) if not, shut up your shop.

The Swallow is a bird likewise which comes in the* 1.61

Spring, and goeth away again before Winter. Some think that they repair into thòse countreys where they may rest upon the sides of such warm mountains as lie o∣pen to the heat of the shining sunne; and that there they have been found naked, and without their feathers. Plin.

But Olaus Magnus, in the nineteenth book of his Nor∣thern History, writeth otherwise; saying, Although the writers of many naturall things have recorded that the Swallows change their stations, going, when winter cometh, into hotter countreys: yet in the northern waters, Fishermen often times by chance draw up in their nets an abundance of Swallows, hanging together in manner of a conglomerated masse. Adding moreover, that in the beginning of Au∣tumne they gather themselves together among the canes or reeds; where, providing themselves to sink into the waters, they joyn bill to bill, wing to wing, and foot to foot. For it is observed (saith he) that at that time having finished their sweet singing, they descend in such a manner; and quietly again, after the beginning of the Spring, they fly out thence and repair their former nests.

This the said authour affirmeth with much confidence; and doth likewise say, that some young men have taken this masse, and by heating of it, the Swallows have been again disjoyned, beginning to fly: but they lived not long, because their time should have been a great while more to bring them to perfection. This I confesse is strange, but why may it not as* 1.62 well be, as that of the Barnacle or Brant-geese; of which it is certain that they first grow on trees? See more of them in the third day.

Elian saith that the Swallow is a watchfull bird, and sleepeth but by halves and fits (as we say) which is no sound kinde of rest. And again, her swiftnesse in flying is commendable; and as for her diligence and dexteri∣tie in building a nest, it deserveth praise: insomuch

that some have said, The Swallow taught men first to build. Plutarch de indust▪ animal.

Flying she sings, and singing seeketh where* 1.63 She'r •…•…ouse with ounning, not with cost, may r•…•…ar. Her little beak she loads with brittle straws, Her wings with water, and with earth her claws, Whereof she morter makes, and therewithall Aptly she builds her semicircle wall.

Next after the Swallow, I may come to the Turtle. It* 1.64 is a bird which singeth not, but hath a kinde of groning in stead of singing; true to her mate, of admired chastitie, lives long, is absent from us in winter; and (as some think) being gone, she loseth her feathers; as Plinie like∣wise writeth of the Swallow.

She is also a very harmlesse creature, and without gall.* 1.65 Which if man could frame himself to be, the serpents wisdome would not hurt him, nor lean-fac'd envie so∣journ with him. But being more wise then innocent, he makes others grone more at his wrongs, and under his burdens, then he himself either doth or did for his own sinnes.

Columbus, the Dove or Pigeon, may be next, because* 1.66 it is neare of nature to the Turtle. These fowls sit upon their egges by course, and afterwards when they be changed from egg•…•…s to young ones, the cock doth feed and foster them. They commonly bring forth two at a brood, the one a cock, the other a hen; and have young about ten times in a yeare. But some which write of Egypt (saith Aelianus) declare that the Pigeons in that countrey breed twelve times in a yeare.

Neither doth the cock tread the hen, before he hath courteously saluted her with a kisse. For the hen will not have company with him, untill that first debt be duely paid. Some (who write of India) report that there be Pigeons in that countrey of a yellow colour. And as for

Stock-doves, they differ from Pigeons, because the Pi∣geon is somewhat bigger, and not altogether so wilde. But the Ring-dove is much greater then any of them, and is thought to live about thirtie or fourtie yeares.

Furthermore, Pigeons take great delight to sit by the banks of waters and crystall streams: which some think to be, in regard that (like women) they love to behold themselves, as in a mirrour or glasse. And if na∣ture hath taught them that piece of pride, it brings them no small profit: for whilest they thus sit by the water side, they can soon perceive when the Hawk is coming towards them, because his shadow or image will appeare in the water; and so being fore-warned, they cannot but be fore-armed, and prepared against such mischief as that devouring bird intendeth to them.

These fowls be naturally very hot and moist, where∣fore they be not good for those that be cholerick or en∣clined to any fevers: but to them which be flegmatick and pure melancholy, they are very wholesome, and be easily digested.

The Sparrow dieth quickly, is very lascivious, and if* 1.67 it be a cock, lives not above a * 1.68 yeare; if a hen, it hath a longer time. Plin.

They be of a very hot nature; and (as Geminianus writeth) will, without harm, sometimes feed on the seeds of henbane. Their flesh is hard to digest, they stirre up Venus, especially the cock sparrows. But being boiled in broth, they are restorative, and good for weak or aged persons.

Elian, in the 13 book of his variable historie, speaking* 1.69 of Xeno•…•…rates how he was much enclined to pitie, tells a story of a Sparrow which flew into his bosome. As this man (saith he) on a time was sitting in a sunnie place, a little chirping Sparrow pursued by an Hawk by whom she was almost wearied to death, and fainting in flight,

fled into the bosome of Xenocrates; which when he saw, he entertained her with delight, and harboured her ve∣ry tenderly till all dangers were past, and then he gave her free passage to flie whither she would; uttering these words when he cast her up into the aire, Hosti supplicem non prodidi, I have not given one craving succour, into the hands of his enemie. And (indeed) to help the helplesse, harbour the houselesse, deliver the distressed, and defend the wronged, ad astra usque •…•…ollit, nay supra astra rather; and is a divine practise worth recording, and not unworthy imitation.

The Peacock is a bird well known, and much admi∣red* 1.70 for his daintie coloured feathers, which, when he spreads them against the sunne, have a curious lustre, and look like gemmes. Howbeit his black feet make him ashamed of his fair tail; and therefore when he seeth them (as angrie with nature, or grieved for that deformitie) he hangeth down his starrie plumes, and walketh slowly in a discontented fit of solitarie sadnesse; like one deeply possest with dull melancholy: from whence it is said, that he hath a theevish pace, and a hellish voice.

Neither is he other then a perfect embleme of deep* 1.71 envie. For * 1.72 some write that his dung is very medici∣nable and usefull to man in many things; which he therefore striveth to hide, and conceal: being indeed the right trick of devilish envie, which is best pleased when she can but exclude the communication of such things as would do good, if they might be had.

The flesh of these fowls, if they be old, is hard of di∣gestion; and so do physicians likewise write of the Tur∣kie-cocks: but yet the chickens of either of them about half a yeare old, are good and wholesome.

But I leave this bird, and come to the Cock. He it is* 1.73 who is a constant herald to the new-born day, and a

diligent watch to the silent night, altering in his note as the day approacheth: for in the deadest time he crows more deeply then when the night is wearing out; shew∣ing thereby as it were the differing houres, and changing watches.

It is said that the shrill voice of this commanding* 1.74 fowl, will •…•…ep in aw the grimme and fierce Lion: so Plinie writeth; but others have said the contrarie, be∣cause it hath been found that Lions have sometimes strangled Cocks and Hennes without fear: and yet per∣haps this might be through the antipathie which is be∣tween them. For in this it is free for every one to think what he pleaseth.

Neither is it now any other then a common sport to* 1.75 see such creatures enter battell with their weaponed∣wounding heels, and cruell pecking beaks. The origi∣nall of which (as * 1.76 Aelianus writeth) was after this manner.

When the Athenians had vanquished the Persians in* 1.77 a battell, they made a law, that upon one day in every yeare, there should, upon the open theater, be a Cock∣fighting kept to be seen of all; that observing how they fought and endangered themselves for nothing, others might learn not to be daunted when their countrey lay at the stake, but fight with courage unresistable; because they then fought for something. To which purpose it is recorded, that when Themistocles was captain, and* 1.78 spectatour of such a Cock-contention, he spake thus to his souldiers: These two Cocks (saith he) endanger them∣selves, as we see, to the death, not for their countreys cause, not for the houshold gods, not for the priviledges of their ho•…•…able ancestours, not for renown, not for libertie, not for •…•…fe and children: but onely for this, that the one might not 〈◊〉〈◊〉-crow or beat the other. And therefore the hearts of •…•…he Athenians ought rather to be stored with stoutnesse

and audacitie, that thereby they may purchase perpetuall remembrance.

Close by his side stands the couragious Cock,* 1.79 Crest-creatures king, the peasants trustie clock, True morning watch, Aurora's trumpeter, The lions terrour, true Astronomer, Who leaves his bed when Sol begins to rise, And when sunne sets, then to his roost he flies.

The Crane is said to be a shifting bird: it hath high* 1.80 legges, a long beak and neck; which finding no food in winter in the northern regions, by reason of the great cold, retire themselves into more temperate countreys, and in summer return to the north again.

They flie by companies, feed together, love their own kinde, and appoint one to be king over them: and if at any time they fight among themselves, presently they be again reconciled, and keep their societie as before. They have a watch, and watch by course; there being in the claw of that Crane whose turn it is to wake, a little stone, that so if by chance this watching bird should fall asleep, the stone falling down might again awake him. Gemin. ex Aristot.

Moreover it is said, that when they do alight upon the ground, their king is first, and he also first raiseth himself from the earth and looketh round about him, to see whether any one be coming, that thereby giving warning, they might defend themselves. Which is (in∣deed) a fit embleme of carefull pastours, good magi∣strates,* 1.81 and honest governours, whose part it is to be at all times vigilant for the good of those over whom they are. Nay, their captain and their watching, doth not one∣ly shew the care which ought to be in governours, but also the necessitie of government is deciphered by it.

And again it is reported, that when these birds flie out of Cilicia, over the mountains Taurus, each of them car∣rieth

in his mouth a peble stone, lest by their chattering they should be seized upon by the Eagles. So have I seen* 1.82 those whose unbridled tongues have but brought them to mischief, and rouzed the Eagles about their eares: whereas in little medling is much rest; and nothing said is soon amended. The wise man therefore will wear discre∣tion as a stone upon the tip of his tongue, lest chattering such words as he knows not what, he meet with that which he looks not for.

And now I could speak of the warres which the Cranes have against the Pigmies, whom Du Bartas call∣eth Dwarfs of the North: but I had rather referre you concerning this to Plinie, in the second chapter of his seventh book. Physicians tell us that the Crane is hard of digestion, and maketh ill juice; but being hanged up a day or two before he be eaten, he is the more tender, and lesse unwholesome.

The silver Swan is a white bird, living in marshes and* 1.83 calm rivers; very loving unto his fellow, the male to the female, whom when he draweth to him, with his long neck he doth as it were embrace her: wherefore in greek he is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to embrace or kisse; whence al∣so is derived the Latine Cygnus. They do one defend the other, and sit upon their nest by turns, and equally have care of their young ones when they be hatched: neither can the he-Swan endure that the she should companie with another; in which they be a perfect pattern of* 1.84 chaste, mutuall, and matrimoniall love. Howbeit they will sometimes fight very fiercely with their own kinde: and against the Eagles they have cruell battells, striving not so much to obtain rule, as to revenge their injuries.

It is likewise said that they sometimes sing, but never more sweetly then when they be dying and exchanging life for death: of which some doubt, and approve it as a thing onely spoken in a poeticall manner; yet Aristotle

is against them, affirming that many have heard them sing in the Assyrian sea. To which purpose, Martial hath this epigram,

Dulcia defectâ modulatur carmina linguà Cantator cygnus funeris ipse sui.

Sweet strains he chaunteth out with's dying tongue, And is the singer of his fun'rall song.

Wherein he is a perfect embleme and pattern to us, that* 1.85 our death ought to be cheerfull, and life not so deare un∣to us as it is. And from hence came the proverb, Cygnea cantio, which is but a lightning against death.

I formerly made mention of the Raven: but beside* 1.86 the Raven there described, there is also a Sea-raven or Sea-crow, which is a bird very black unlesse it be on the breast and bellie, upon which they be of an ash-colour. They hunt after fish, and have toothed bills like unto the reapers sickle, with which they can hold even an eele, as slipperie as it is. The dung of this bird is of an evil na∣ture: for it will rot both the boughs and barks of such trees as it falleth upon; and so it is also said that the dung of the Heron doth. Olaus, lib. 19.

The said authour speaketh of another Sea-crow, which in seven dayes builds her nest, and in the next se∣ven layes her egges and brings forth young: and of an∣other which he calleth Morfex, or Humusculus, so call∣ed because she must beat the water with her tail before she can flie. She is black all over, and with the residue of her companie useth to build her nest upon the tops of high trees, growing neare to such places where be store of fish, which they catch and devoure very greedily: and of these birds there be great store in the more Northern parts of the world. But they have especially two ene∣mies:* 1.87 the one is a bird which Olaus calleth Platea; the other is a fish which is called Raia.

The Platea lies in wait for these crows, and flies at them when they have gotten their prey, and never leaves biting them upon their heads, untill she cause them to* 1.88 leave it. This bird useth to swallow down an abundance of whole cockles into her bellie, and there having warm∣ed them, she casts them up, and then their shels gaping like unto the rosted oister, give her leave to take out their meat and eat it: which sheweth (as I said once before, in the description of another bird) that policie is better then strength, and in the hardest matters prevaileth best.* 1.89

The other enemie is not a bird, but that fish which we call the Ray. For whilest the devouring Crows be diving under water to catch their prey, they themselves are caught by this fish and devoured suddenly, lest other∣wise they might want a revenger of their rapacitie even where and whilest they do the wrong. Howbeit this Ray is a loving fish to man: for swimming in the waters, and being greedily pursued by the devouring Sea-dogs, the Ray defends him, and will not leave him untill he be out of danger.

There be also an abundance of other birds in those parts of strange properties, and names scarce known: of which, they who have a desire, may reade more in Ola∣us Magnus, the nineteenth book of his Northern hi∣storie.

The Plover is Avis pluvialis, and a fowl well known:* 1.90 howbeit some have thought that they live onely by the winde, and eat nothing at all; but they deceive them∣selves in this opinion, as experience teacheth. For they have not onely been seen to feed, but taken also with meat in their crops. And that which first occasioned this errour, was their quick digestion; for they commonly eat things that are easily digested, and soon consumed. Plover, * 1.91 saith one, is thought to be a daintie dish and right wholesome, yet it is slow of digestion, nourisheth

little, and encreaseth melancholie. The like he affirm∣eth of the Lapwing: but the Teal he yeeldeth to be some∣what better.

Moreover, the Plover flying high doth signifie rain: which bird Olaus describeth after this manner: There is, saith he, a bird which we call Avis Pluvialis, about the bignesse of a Partridge, supposed to live by nothing but aire, because her bellie useth to be emptie of meat, and yet she is very fat: her feathers are diversly coloured, some with white, some with black, and some with saf∣fron colour: and this bird the fowlers thus hunt; by throwing up into the aire short heavie clubs: for by so doing they cause her to descend, and being descended, they catch her in their nets, laid readie for the same purpose.

Upupa or the▪ Lapwing is a bastard-plover. This is a* 1.92 querulous bird, flying up and down lapping and clap∣ping with her wings; from whence she is called a Lap∣wing: and in Latine she is named Up•…•…a, from pu, pu, which is the crie that she maketh; there y securing her nest and young ones from our finding. F•…•… by this pra∣ctise she will draw us away from them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 farre as she can. The combe or crest upon her head, g•…•…ve Ovid a fit occasion to feigne a tale of a * 1.93 king turned into a Lap∣wing, whose crown doth yet appeare upon the head of this bird.

The Lapwings fight often with the Swallows, Jack∣daws, and Pies, and by their much crying do signifie rain. And as for their young, being as it were half hatch∣ed, they will runne from their nests with the shells on their heads.

The Osprey is a ravenous bird which hovereth over* 1.94 pools to take fish; having one claw foot, and another flat.* 1.95

Galgulus-Icterus or the Charadrion, is a bird unto

which some ascribe this strange property, viz. that if any who hath the Jaundise look upon him, and the bird on him, the bird then taketh the disease and dieth, but the* 1.96 man is cured, made sound, and liveth. Such are we, by nature sick unto death, but by Christ (who died for our sinnes and rose again for our justification) we are cured, made sound, and live.

Porphyrio is a bird drinking as though he did bite the* 1.97 water; his bill and legs are red and long.

Haleyon or the King-fisher is a bird which maketh her* 1.98 nest in winter upon the sea, during which time there is a calm and quiet season: whereupon we call those dayes Halcyon dayes, wherein we have peace, rest, and quiet∣nesse. They live also about rivers, lay five egges, and (as * 1.99 Plinie witnesseth) are seven dayes in preparing their nests, and in the other seven they bring forth their young.

The Poets have a fiction of Alcyone and Ceyx, who* 1.100 were turned into these birds: For when Alcyone heard that her husband Ceyx was drowned in his way home from a certain voyage, she cast her self into the sea, and then for the pitie which the gods had of them, they were both transformed into Halcyons. But without any fiction, this we are sure of, that it is a strange bird, and as it were natures dearest darling; seeing that in fa∣vour of her nests and young, the waters leave their raging, the windes their blowing, tempests have forgot to rise, and dayes appeare with quiet calms.

The Pirate (dwelling alwayes in his bark)* 1.101 Her building dayes desiredly doth mark: And the rich merchant resolutely venters, So soon as th' Halcyon in her brood-bed enters. For so long as her quiet couch she keeps, The * 1.102 boyling sea exceeding calmly sleeps.

This is a bird which feedeth upon fish, and by diving

after them, catcheth them; as is not seldome seen.

In the Summer islands, amongst other things, we heare* 1.103 of varietie of fowls. For upon the discovery of those parts by S^r. George Summers, and S^r. Thomas Gates, an abundance of fowl were taken. They took a thousand of one sort in two or three houres, being as big as a Pigeon, and laying speckled egges upon the sand, as big as hennes egges; which they would daily come and lay, although men sat down amongst them. Purch.

There also is another fowl that liveth in holes like co∣ny-holes; their egges like to hen-egges, both in quantitie and qualitie. And other birds were there found so tame and gentle, that whistling to them, they would come and gaze on you, while with your stick you might kill them. Idem.

But in Asia, in one of the Molucco islands named Ti∣dore,* 1.104 is a strange bird which they call Mamucos, or birds of Paradise: they have lesse flesh then the bodie maketh shew of; their legs be in length about an hand-breadth, their head small, their bill long, their feathers fair & of a singular beauteous colour: Authours write that they have no wings, neither do they fly, but are born up in the aire by the subtiltie of their plumes, & lightnesse of their bo∣dies. They are never seen (saith my authour) upon the ground but dead, neither do they corrupt or rot in any •…•…ort. There is no man knoweth from whence they issue, neither where they breed up their young ones, nor whereupon they nourish themselves. The islanders be∣leeve that they make their nests in Paradise, and tell ma∣ny fables thereupon: which perswasion the Moores first put into their heads. They call them Manucodiata, or holy birds, and have them in religious account; insomuch that some of them have beleeved that souls are immor∣tall, by the consideration of such a bird. And as for the sustenance which keeps this fowl alive, although it be

hard to say upon what it is maintained, I do easily think that we may listen to them, who suppose that they nou∣rish themselves, and maintain their lives by the dew that falleth, and the flowers of the spices. See Gesner de Avibus, lib. 3.

Some have written that it is a bird without legs: but M^r. Purchas in two severall places alledgeth the testimo∣nie of one * 1.105 Pigafetta, who witnesseth that it is a bird having two feet as well as other birds; but as soon as they be taken, they are cut off, with a great part of their bo∣dy, where of a little is left with the head and neck, which being hardened and dryed in the sunne, seem to be so bred. And other authours witnesse that there was one of them sold to the Emperour in the yeare 1605, which had legs on it.

Cardan likewise mentions this bird; but seeing his re∣port is differing from our modern writers and travellers, I forbear to rehearse it: Howbeit they who reade Gesner shall see it in his third book of birds, together with a fi∣gure of this fowl.

But out of Asia look yet once again into America: and* 1.106 then you shall see as strange a winged creature, as any we have heard of yet; I mean the New Spains Cucuios, which whether I may call it bird, or beetle, I cannot tell. He is very little, and of the thicknesse of a mans thumbe or there abouts; but amongst the works of God, he is a most admirable wonder. For he carrieth foure lights with him, which * 1.107 shine in the night; two in the seat of his eyes, and two which he sheweth when he openeth his wings. And as for his wings, he hath two very strong and hard, under which he hath two other little wings very thin, which appeare not but when he extendeth his other to fly. The Indians use them in stead of can∣dles, and (saith my * 1.108 authour) if a man tie five or six of them together, they yeeld as much light as a torch.

And loe, just now, as if it were by the light of this* 1.109 creature, me thinks I see the painfull and industrious Bees fly flocking to their hives.

These be those winged workmen, which whether their profit or admiration be greater, I am scarce able to say. For they do not onely busily bestirre themselves to gather hony, which is very usefull in the life of man; but they do work it up in most strange manner, and keep it in their waxen cells so rarely built, that all the men which the world affords are not able to do the like. Nei∣ther is this all; for they live so, as they may be true pat∣terns of needfull government, keeping themselves under the subjection of a king, and order of laws. They may well be likewise said to have the soveraignty and pre∣eminence above all others of this kinde, because the rest come farre short of their perfections.

It is a creature having foure wings, and bloudlesse, the onely crafts-master of hony. Their eyes are somewhat of a horny substance, hid deep in their bodies, as is also their sting; which when they lose they die:

—Vitam in vulnere ponunt;

because their sting and entrails come away together. They want neither tongue nor teeth; and out of their short feet or stumps, there grow forth as it were two fin∣gers, wherein they carry a littlestone, for the poysing their bodies in stormy, windie, tempestuous weather; it being a great means to keep them from blowing away and losing their home.

Neither can it be denied, but that by nature they are much different: for some (saith * 1.110 one) are more domesticall and tam•…•…, and others again are altogether wilde, upland∣ish and agrestiall. Those former are much delighted with the familiar friendship, custome, & company of men; but the other can in no wise brook or endure them, & there∣fore they keep their trade of hony-making in old trees, caves, and such like other holes.

As for their breathing, I do not beleeve it; howbeit they may pant, move, or stirre (as the heart or brain doth) and by transpiration be comforted and made live∣ly: for they be much refreshed by the aire which passeth through their divided places, insomuch that they al∣wayes use great diligence and care to preserve them from being stopped: for as soon as they be stopped in those passages, they die; as we see if at any time they chance to fall into oyl, or the like liquour which may stop their pores.

Some make three kings amongst them, differing in colour, as black, red, and divers-coloured; but perhaps there is rather one king in a companie, the other like kings may be esteemed as viceroyes. In their breeding they actually couple together, after which they lay egs, sitting upon them for the space of five and fourtie dayes; then do they hatch their young ones, which at the first come forth much like to white worms, except the king, who onely is said to be hatched with wings. And some∣times there is a kinde of Bee bred out of putrefaction, as authours write. A rotten horse breedeth Wasps; a dead calf Bees, if the West winde blow; from an asse pro∣ceed Humble-bees; of a mule, Hornets, &c. And whe∣ther the Bees, in Sampsons dead Lion, were bred any where else, no man knoweth.

They have a Commonweal, and are governed by a king, as before was mentioned: and him they reverence and honour, being alwayes readie to do according to his pleasure. He is of bodie farre bigger then the hony Bees, hath shorter wings, but a brighter and more good∣ly head then they. There is alwayes excellent discipline, and very good government among them: for at the mouthes of the hives there be some which stand like warders placed at the gates of a castle, to see who goes in and out. And having rested quietly all night, there is

one which with a humming noise doth call them up, whereupon they prepare to fly abroad about their busi∣nesse: but if they make no haste to look out, or go not farre from home, it is a certain signe of no good wea∣ther. When they be busie at their work, the Bees which go abroad return home with laden thighs, full of the substance of the flowers; and this especially is said to be an office of the younger Bees: for some of the other do onely earrie water; and the elder ones remaining at home, do busily lay up, carefully dispose, and curiously dresse what the other bring in. Such as be sluggish among them, are diligently observed, and bitterly pu∣nished: and as for the drones, they are supposed by some to be the female Bees, which they drive out of their hives when breeding time is past; and therefore they do ill who use to kill the drones before. Others again think that the female Bee is no drone, but rather bred among the Bees, and being idle, and unapt for work, is driven away either in the busiest time, or time of dearth. And yet perhaps it may be the female, which having done as much as can be naturally required from her, must not think much to be driven away, but leave her room to a succeding generation.

I said before, that in the morning there is one among them which calls them up, and so in like manner at night they leave their buzzing by degrees, at last hearing as it were a proclamation through their hive to go to rest: and so the watch being appointed, and all things set in order, they all make themselves readie to go to bed. So long as the king liveth, so long the whole swarm enjoyeth the benefit of peace; but he being dead, there is great disorder. The king keepeth his court by himself, in the highest room and largest part of the whole palace, his lodging being very curiously made. And if at any time any of them chance to die, they be carried out of the

hive, as it were upon the shoulders of the other Bees, who will suffer nothing in their houses which may pol∣lute them: but if they be onely sick, then have they a medicinall aliment of hony, drawn from annise, saf∣fron, and Hyacinths, by which they are cured. Topsell.

And when they be readie to swarm, they dare not take their flight untill their king leade the way; unto whose side they strive to flie, as neare as they can. Some* 1.111 say, if their king be such as tenders the good of the other Bees, he goes but seldome abroad: and stragling often from home, they will rid themselves of him. But when he dies through age, they carrie him forth in solemne manner, and behave themselves as at some sad funerall. Neither is he so tied to his home but that he may some∣times go abroad to refresh his aged bodie, whom they accompanie in a sweet obedientiall manner; and if it chance that he grow wearie and faint by the way, they bear him back again upon their wings, and with great commiseration pitie his decayed estate. Moreover they will not suffer a dead Bee to be in their hives, but carrie him forth as to his buriall, lest he should corrupt their pure and cleanly decked dwellings.

Vespa, the Wasp, is an angrie creature: they make them* 1.112 nests most * 1.113 commonly in the ground; their combes be round, much after the fashion of a broad toadstool; and their cells are diversly fashioned. They be very ten∣derly affected to their females when they are with young, and will not suffer them to take any pains, but lay the whole burden upon themselves. Like unto the Bees, they affect a kingly government; and in case they have no leader, they make their nests in holes of clay, walls, and the like; where they live like vagabonds and gather nothing. They do often times rob the Bees, and (as I said) be very angrie creatures, implacable, and very noxious to those who disturb their nests. Aristo∣phanes

calleth all those maids which are fine, slender, and prettie small in the waste, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, resembling them to Wasps; which by Topsell is interpreted, as if he should name them Wasp-wasted-wenches: the reason whereof is, because the bodie of a Wasp seemeth to be fastened together to the midst of the breast, with a certain thinne fine thread as it were; and to be as if they had no loins at all. And as your finest bodied wenches are like them in their waste, so sometimes too like them in their sting; by which their best beautie is eclipsed: and better were it to endure the continuall droppings and thunderings of a rainie day, then the waspish harms of wicked wo∣men, whether it be that they carrie their stings either in tongue or tail.

The Hornet is called by the Grecians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because* 1.114 with their sting they raise an Anthrax or carbuncle, with a vehement inflammation of the whole part about it: & in Latine it is called Crabro. These creatures do not gather their meat from flowers, but for the most part they live upon flesh and stinking carrion, which makes them delight so much in dunghills. They use likewise to catch flies, and hunt after small birds, which if they can but sting, they kill. M^r Topsell makes mention of a* 1.115 strange combate between an Hornet and a Sparrow, which he himself saw, at a town called Duckworth in Huntingtonshire; and the Sparrow lost the day: for being wounded by the Hornets sting, the bird fell to the ground, and the Hornet greedily sucked her bloud. The said authour writeth that their life is but short, never above two yeares: and as for their combes, they be wrought with greater cunning, more exquisite art, and curious conceit, then those either of Wasps or Bees; neither need we doubt (saith he) but that they bring forth young by the sides of their cells, and perform such other offices in their breeding as the Bees and Wasps do.

The Gray or Badger is their greatest enemie; for in the* 1.116 full of the moon he useth to make forcible entrance into their holes, and without fear he is able to spoil their nests. And albeit they most commonly feed upon flesh, yet they do greatly love all kinde of sweet things, and oyl, with other matter of a greasie substance.

And for to make a medicine against the sting of bees,* 1.117 hornets, or wasps, do thus. Take of opium, of the seed of henbane and camphire, of each a like quantitie, and incorporate them with rose-water or juice of willows, and lay it upon the wounded place, applying on the top of it a linen cloth, which must be first throughly wetted in wine, and this is good to asswage the pain. Vineger and camphire are also excellent to wash any such place.

Cantharides are flies whose juice is poison: they shine* 1.118 like gold, and must be carefully used in any experiment, otherwise they do much harm; as the unskilfull and ad∣venturous have sometimes proved to their own cost.

Pyrausta is a flie so called from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ignis; because it* 1.119 lives in the fire, and dieth without it. Plin. lib. 11. cap. 36.

Tarantula is a little flie, frequent in Italie•…•… it will ma∣ny* 1.120 times sting the people, whereupon they presently fall a laughing; and if musick be not forthwith brought them, they cannot choose but in a mortall merrie fit take leave of the world and † 1.121 die. Neither can they at all be cured, unlesse by hearing musick: and (as it is reported) if the cure be not throughly done, they dance ever after at the sound of musicks pleasing strains: shewing there∣by, that this is a creature, an admired creature, and of a strange propertie.

Bombyx is commonly called the Silk-worm: but whe∣ther* 1.122 I may name it a worm or a flie, I cannot tell. For sometimes it is a worm, sometimes a flie, and sometimes neither worm nor flie, but a little seed, which the dying flies leave behinde them.

As for example; when these daintie creatures have made them little husken houses, and spunne out the just length of their silken webs, they eat out themselves from those prisons; and (although they were worms before) yet then they appeare with their prettie wings, and flie about a while: in which space the male accompanying with the female, doth as it were tread her; and then, laying some certain egges, like little seeds, they cease to live any longer: from which seeds proceed more young ones (at the first like maggots) and they do as their dammes before them, and then die.

And let this creature end my discourse concerning the things done in this fifth day; wherein, not able to men∣tion all, I have toucht at some; and those so excellent, as I could have spent more time in their better view, were it not that the succeeding day hastens his dawning. In the phrase of Moses I will therefore conclude, and concluding say,

The Eve and Morn confine the fifth of dayes, And God gives to his work deserved praise.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Eagle
• * 1.2

  Parents ought not to bring up their children in idlenesse; by an example taken from the Eagle.
• * 1.3

  The Phe∣nix.
• * 1.4

  Lib. 10. cap. 2.
• * 1.5

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. lib. 6.
• * 1.6

  Lib. 58.
• † 1.7

  Lib. de emend. temp. & alio quo∣•…•… lib. cap. 22.
• * 1.8

  The Grif∣fon.
• * 1.9

  See also 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Cosmog.
• * 1.10

  The O∣strich.
• * 1.11

  Job 39. 14, 15.
• * 1.12

  The Ostrich like women who will not nurse their children.
• * 1.13

  Ibis.
• * 1.14

  The Kite.
• * 1.15

  Emblemes from the Kite▪ concern∣ing the covetous gripers of this world.
• * 1.16

  Envie shadowed forth.
• * 1.17

  The Raven
• * 1.18

  An emblem from the Fox and Ra∣ven, concerning compa•…•…ions in ill, &c.
• * 1.19

  Good to help digestion.
• * 1.20

  Plin. lib. 10. cap. 1•…•….
• * 1.21

  Against such a•…•… want naturall affection.
• * 1.22

  Aelian. de animal. lib. 3. cap. 43.
• * 1.23

  Children should not be used too harshly in their minoritie.
• * 1.24

  Prov. 13. 24. and chap. 23. 13.
• † 1.25

  Lib. 10. cap. 12.
• * 1.26

  The egges of ravens are naught for big be•…•…ed women.
• † 1.27

  Lib. 10. cap. 47.
• * 1.28

  The Peli∣can.
• * 1.29

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, comes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, perforo, to beat or pierce.
• * 1.30

  Policie is better then strength.
• * 1.31

  The Stork.
• * 1.32

  Plin. lib. 10. cap. 23.
• * 1.33

  There ought to be societie a∣mongst men.
• * 1.34

  From whence men first learned to purge by cly∣ster.
• * 1.35

  The Heron
• * 1.36

  The Hawk
• * 1.37

  Olaus Mag. lib. 19.
• * 1.38

  Emblemes from the Ape and Hawk, concern∣ing treacherie and ruine to a mans house.
• * 1.39

  The Par∣tridge.
• * 1.40

  The Phe∣sant.
• * 1.41

  Li•…•…. 1•…•…. cap. 4•…•….
• * 1.42

  The Mal∣lard.
• * 1.43

  Schol. Salern•…•…. translated by Sir John Hir.
• * 1.44

  The Nigh∣tingale.
• * 1.45

  Aelian. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. hist. lib. 12.
• * 1.46

  Du Bart.
• * 1.47

  The Lark, Black∣bird, Linot, Finch, Mavis, Redbreast, Wren, Thrush, and Starling.
• * 1.48

  The Owl.
• * 1.49

  Bubo.
• * 1.50

  The Night-ra∣ven.
• * 1.51

  The Scriech∣owl.
• * 1.52

  Noctua.
• * 1.53

  The How∣let.
• * 1.54

  To make a drun∣kard lothe •…•…is liquour.
• * 1.55

  The Bat.
• * 1.56

  The Cuckoe.
• * 1.57

  Lib. 19.
• * 1.58

  False friends.
• * 1.59

  Ovid. Epist.
• * 1.60

  Adulterous m•…•…n like the Cuckoe.
• * 1.61

  The Swal∣low.
• * 1.62

  And so much the rather, be∣cause they are seen in hotter countr•…•… when they be gone from hence; nei∣ther can any one shew a cause for every thing in Nature.
• * 1.63

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉
• * 1.64

  The Turtle
• * 1.65

  Innocencie to be learned from the Dove.
• * 1.66

  The Pigeon.
• * 1.67

  The Spar∣row.
• * 1.68

  〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ hinketh so: but I suppose, that although their time be short, yet it may be more then a yeare.
• * 1.69

  A storie of a Sparrow.
• * 1.70

  The Pea∣cock.
• * 1.71

  An example of envie.
• * 1.72

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib 4. cap. 43.
• * 1.73

  The Cock.
• * 1.74

  The Cock •…•…∣eth the Lion.
• * 1.75

  Cock-fights.
• * 1.76

  Var. hist. lib. 2.
• * 1.77

  A storie concern∣ing Cock-fighting
• * 1.78

  Ibid.
• * 1.79

  Du •…•…art.
• * 1.80

  The Crane
• * 1.81

  Care ought to be in Pasto•…•…rs, Ma∣gistrates, and Governours; taught by an ex∣ample from the Crane.
• * 1.82

  The tongue hath brought many to mischief.
• * 1.83

  The Swan.
• * 1.84

  A pattern of ma∣trimoniall love.
• * 1.85

  Death ought to be cheerfull.
• * 1.86

  The Sea∣crow.
• * 1.87

  A bird called Pla∣tea.
• * 1.88

  Policie is better then strength.
• * 1.89

  The Ray kills the Sea-crows.
• * 1.90

  The Plo∣ver.
• * 1.91

  See the haven of health, pag. 136.
• * 1.92

  The Lap∣wing.
• * 1.93

  Tere•…•…s •…•…ex Thra∣•…•…. Meta. lib. 6.
• * 1.94

  The Os∣prey.
• * 1.95

  The Cha∣radrion.
• * 1.96

  An emblem•…•… from the cure done by this bird, concerning our cure wrought by Christ.
• * 1.97

  Porphyrio.
• * 1.98

  The King∣fisher.
• * 1.99

  Lib. 10. cap. 3•…•….
• * 1.100

  Ovid. Met. lib. 11.
• * 1.101

  D•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.102

  He names onely the •…•…icilian sea.
• * 1.103

  Bermuda birds.
• * 1.104

  Birds of Paradise.
• * 1.105

  Who also wri∣teth that he saw a tree in the East-Indies, the leaves of which changed themselves into birds, who lived but 8 houres. Du Bart. Sum. And of birds in the Moluccos as big as hens, with horns in stead of crests: They lay their egges in the s•…•…nd, and there they be hatched.
• * 1.106

  The Cu∣cuios.
• * 1.107

  Like unto which are those birds mentioned by Plinie and So∣linus, Plin. lib. 10. cap 47.
• * 1.108

  See Purch. and Du Bart. summa∣ry, pag. 240.
• * 1.109

  Bees.
• * 1.110

  Topsel in his Hist. of Serpents.
• * 1.111

  Tops. bist. S•…•…rp.
• * 1.112

  Wasps.
• * 1.113

  But sometimes in tha•…•…ched houses.
• * 1.114

  Hornets.
• * 1.115

  A fight between a Sparrow and a Hornet.
• * 1.116

  The Badger on enemie to the Hornet.
• * 1.117

  A good medicine against stinging.
• * 1.118

  Canthari∣des.
• * 1.119

  Pyrausta.
• * 1.120

  Tarantula.
• † 1.121

  Like unto which is an herb in Sardinia, of which if any •…•…at much, they pe∣rish and die laughing. It is like to Balm gentle. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.122

  Bombyx.