L. VIVES.
VVHat (a) a Christian] Some copies haue not this. (b) As Apuleius] Hee was a magitian, doubtlesse: but neuer turned into an asse. Augustine saw how incredible that was, but * 1.1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not red many Greekes, he could not know whence he had his plot ofthe golden asse: for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 names none that he followes, as hee doth in his cosmography. But Lucian before him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ow hee beeing in Thessaly to learne some magike was turned into an asse in stead of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that this was true: but that Lucian delighted neither in truths, nor truths likelihoods. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ke did Apuleius make whole in latine, adding diuers things to garnish it with more delight to such as loue Melesian tales, and heere and there sprinckling it with his antiquaries 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and his new compositions, with great liberty, yet some-what suppressing the absurdity 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ame. But wee loue now to read him because hee hath said some things there in▪ that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dexterity, which others seeking to imitate, haue committed grosse errors: for I thinke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grace of his in that worke, is inimitable. But Apuleius was no asse, only he delights mens 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…th such a story, as mans affection is wholy transported with a strange story. (c) Either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 l. 8. held them all false, nor may we beleeue all the fables affirmed: but the Greeks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cruell liers, that they would not want a witnesse for the most impudent fiction they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nor can] To create, is to make something of nothing: this God onely can do: as all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affirme: [but then they dispute whether hee can communicate this power vnto a crea∣•…•…. Saint Thomas hath much concerning this, and Scotus seekes to weaken his arguments to * 1.2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his owne: and Occam is against both, and Petrus de Aliaco against him, thus each 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…weth the celestiall power into what forme he please. How can manners, bee amended, •…•…ow can truth bee taught, how can contentions bee appeased, as long as there is this confused 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iangling, and this haling too and froe in matter of diuinity, according as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ands affected? [(e) This Phantasie] All the world prooues this opinion of Augu∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉. (f) A budget] Reticulum: the trauellers caried their victualls in it, bread, cheese, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ &c. Hor. lib. 1. Serm.
Reticulum panis venales inter onustos, Forte vehas humero, nihiloplus accipias quam Qui nihil portarit—As if you, on your backe well burdened, bore A wallet of sale-bread, you should no more Receiue for food then he: that were from burthen free.