Miscellanies upon the following subjects collected by J. Aubrey, Esq.

CHAP. VI.

Apparitions.

CYnthia [Propertius's Mistress] did ap∣pear to him after her death with the Beril-Ring on her Finger. See Propertius Eleg.—

St. Augustin [in—] affirms, that he did once see a Satyr or Demon.

The Antiquities of Oxford tell us, that St. Edmund Arch-Bishop of Canterbury did sometimes converse with an Angel, [or Nymph] at a Spring without St. Clements Parish near Oxford: as Numa Pompilius did with the Nymph Egeria. This Well was stopped up since Oxford was a Garrison.

Charles the Simple, King of France, as he was hunting in a Forest, and lost his Com∣pany, was frighted to simplicity by an Appa∣rition.

Philip Melancthon, writes, that the Ap∣parition of a Venerable Person came to him in his Study, and bade him to warn his Friend Grynaeus to depart from him as soon as he could, or else the Inquisitors would seize on him: which monitory Dream saved Grynaeus life.

Mr. Fiennes Morison in his Travels, saith, that when he was at Prague, the Appariti∣of

his Father came to him; and at that ve∣ry time his Father died.

See the Life of Iohn Donn D. D. Dean of St. Paul's writ by Mr. Isaac Walton, where it is affirmed, that the Dean did see the Apparition of his Wife.

Henry IV King of France, not long be∣fore he was stabbed by Ravellac, as he was hunting in the Forest (I think of Fon∣tain Bleau) met in a Thicket the Gros Ve∣neur, who said to him, Demandez vous? [or Entendez vous?] he could not tell whe∣ther of the two.

There is a Tradition (which I have heard from Persons of Honour) that as the Protector Seymor and his Duchess were walking in the Gallery at Sheen [in Surrey] both of them did see a Hand with a bloody Sword come out of the Wall. He was af∣terwards beheaded.

Mr. Caisho Burroughs was one of the most beautiful Men in England, and very Vali∣ant, but very proud and blood-thirsty: There was then in London a very Beautiful Italian Lady, who fell so extreamly in Love with him, that she did let him enjoy her, which she had never let any Man do before: Wherefore, said she, I shall request this fa∣vour of you, never to tell any one of it. The Gentlewoman died: and afterwards in a Tavern in London he spake of it: and there going to make water, the Ghost of

the Gentlewoman did appear to him. He was afterwards troubled with the Appari∣tion of her, even sometimes in company when he was drinking; but he only per∣cieved it: Before she did appear he did find a kind of Chilness upon his Spirits; she did appear to him in the Morning before he was killed in a Duel. This account I have from an intimate Friend of mine, who was an acquaintance of his.

Anno 1647, the Lord Mohun's Son and Heir (a gallant Gentleman, Valiant, and a great Master of Fencing and Horsemanship) had a Quarrel with Prince Griffin; there was a Challenge, and they were to Fight on Horse-back in Chelsey-fields in the Morn∣ing: Mr. Mohun went accordingly to meet him; but about Ebery-Farm he was met by some who quarrell'd with him and Pi∣stol'd him; it was believed, by the Order of Prince Griffin; for he was sure, that Mr. Mohun being so much the better Horse∣man &c. would have Killed him, had they Fought. In Iames-street in Covent-Garden did then Lodge a Gentlewoman a Hand∣some Woman but Common, who was Mr. Mohun's Sweet-heart. Mr. Mohun was Murthered about Ten a clock in the Morn∣ing; and at that very time, his Mistress being in Bed, saw Mr. Mohun come to her Bed-side, drew the Curtain, looked upon her and went away: She called after him

but no answer: She knock'd for her Maid, ask'd her for Mr. Mohun; she said, she did not see him, and had the Key of her Cham∣ber door in her Pocket. This Account my Friend aforesaid, had from the Gentlewo∣mans own Mouth, and her Maids.

A parallel Story to this, is, that Mr. Brown, (Brother-in-law to the Lord Conningsby) dis∣covered his being Murthered to several. His Phantome appear'd to his Sister and her Maid in Fleet-street about the time he was Killed in Herefordshire, which was about a Year since, 1693.

Sir Walter Long of Draycot (Grandfather of Sir Iames Long) had two Wives; the first a Daughter of Sir—Packinton in Worcestershire; by whom he had a Son: His second Wife was a Daugter of Sir Iohn Thinne of Longleat; by whom he had seve∣ral Sons and Daughters. The second Wife did use much Artifice to render the Son by the first Wife (who had not much Prome∣thean Fire) Odious to his Father; she would get her Acquaintance to make him Drunk; and then expose him in that Con∣dition to his Father; in fine she never left off her attempts, till she had got Sir Walter to disinherit him. She laid the Scene for the doing this, at Bath at the Assizes, where was her Brother Sir Egrimond Thinne an E∣minent Serjeant at Law, who drew the Writing; and his Clerk was to sit up all

Night to Engross it; as he was Writing, he perceived a shadow on the Parchment, from the Candle; he look'd up, and there ap∣pear'd a Hand, which immediately va∣nish'd; he was startled at it, but thought it might be only his Fancy, being sleepy; so he Writ on; by and by a fine White-hand interposed between the Writing and the Can∣dle (he could discern it was a Womans Hand) but vanish'd as before; I have forgot it appeared a Third time. But with that, the Clerk threw down his Pen, and would Engross no more, but goes and tells his Master of it, and absolutely refused to do it. But it was done by some body, and Sir Wal∣ter Long was prevailed with to Seal and Sign it. He lived not long after; and his Body did not go quiet to the Grave, it being Arrested at the Church-porch by the Tru∣stees of the first Lady. The Heir's Relati∣ons took his part, and Commenc'd a Suit against Sir Walter (the second Son) and compell'd him to accept of a Moiety of the Estate; so the Eldest Son kept South-Wran∣chester, and Sir Walter the second Son Dracot Cernes, &c. This was about the middle of the Reign of King Iames the First.

I must not forget an Apparition in my Country, which appear'd several times to Doctor Turbervile's Sister, at Salisbury; which is much talk'd of. One Marry'd a second Wife, and contrary to the Agree∣ment

and Settlement at the first Wife's Marriage, did wrong the Children by the first Venter. The Settlement was hid be∣hind a Wainscot in the Chamber where the Doctor's Sister did lie: And the Appari∣tion of the first Wife did discover it to her. By which means Right was done to the first Wife's Children. The Apparition told her that she Wandred in the Air, and was now going to God. Dr. Turbervile (Ocu∣list) did affirm this to be true. See Mr. Glanvill's Sadducismus Triumphatus.

One Mr. Towes who had been School-fel∣low with Sir George Villers, the Father of the first Duke of Buckingham, (and was his Friend and Neighbour) as he lay in his Bed a∣wake, (and it was Day-light,) came into his Chamber the Phantome of his dear Friend Sir George Villers: Said Mr. Towes to him, Why, you are Dead, what make you here? Said the Knight, I am Dead, but cannot rest in peace for the Wickedness and Abo∣mination of my Son George at Court. I do appear to you, to tell him of it, and to ad∣vise and dehort him from his Evil ways. Said Mr. Tows, the Duke will not believe me, but will say, that I am Mad, or Doat. Said Sir George, Go to him from me, and tell him by such a Token [some Mole] that he had in some secret place, which none but himself knew of. Accordingly Mr. Towes went to the Duke, who Laugh'd at his Mes∣sage.

At his return home, the Phantome ap∣peared again; and told him, that the Duke would be Stab'd (he drew out a Dagger) a quarter of a Year after: And you shall out∣live him half a Year; and the Warning that you shall have of your Death will be, That your Nose will fall a bleeding: All which accordingly fell out so. This Account I have had (in the main) from two, or three; but Sir William Dugdale affirms what I have here taken from him to be true, and that the Apparition told him of several things to come, which proved true, e. g. of a Pri∣soner in the Tower, that should be honoura∣bly delivered. This Mr. Towes had so of∣ten the Ghost of his old Friend appear to him, that it was not at all terrible to him. He was Surveyor of the Works at Windsor (by the favour of the Duke:) Being then sitting in the Hall, he cried out, The Duke of Buckingham is stabb'd: He was stabb'd that very moment.

This Relation Sir William Dugdale had from Mr. Pine, (Neighbour to Mr. Towes without Bishop-gate) they were both great lovers of Musick, and sworn Brothers. Mr. William Lilly Astrologer, did Print this Sto∣ry false, which made Sir Edmund Wyndam (who Married Mr. Pines Daughter) give to Sir George Hollis this true Account contrary to Mr. Lilly.

Mr. Thomas Elyot, Groom of the Bed-Chamber, Married Sir Edmund Wyndham's Daughter, and had the Roll (of near a Quire of Paper) of the Conferences of the Apparition and Mr. Towes. Mr. Elyot was wont to say, that Mr. Towes was (not a Bi∣got, or did trouble himself much about a Religion, but was) a Man of great Mo∣rals.

Sir William Dugdale did farther inform me that Major General Middleton (since Lord) went into the Highlands of Scotland, to endeavour to make a Party for King Charles the First. An Old Gentleman (that was second-sighted) came and told him that his endeavour was good; but he would be unsuccessful, and moreover, That they would put the King to Death: and that several other Attempts would be made, but all in vain: But that his Son would come in, but not Reign; but at last would be Restored. This Lord Middleton had a great Friendship with the Laird Bocconi, and they had made an Agree∣ment, That the first of them that Died, should appear to he other in extremity. The Lord Middleton was taken Prisoner at Worcester Fight, and was Prisoner in the Tower of London under Three Locks. Ly∣ing in his Bed pensive, Bocconi appeared to him; my Lord Middleton asked him if he were dead or alive? he said, Dead, and that he was a Ghost; and told him, that

within Three Days he should escape, and he did so, in his Wives Cloaths. When he had done his Message, he gave a Frisk, and said,

Givenni givanni 'tis very strange, In the World to see so sudden a Change.

And then gathered up and vanished. This Account Sir William Dugdale had from the Bishop of Edenborough. And this, and the former Account he hath Writ in a Book of Miscellanies, which I have seen, [and is now reposited (with other Books of his) in the Musaeum at Oxford.]

Anno. 1670, not far from Cyrencester, was an Apparition: Being demanded, whe∣ther a good Spirit, or a bad? returned no answer, but disappeared with a curious Perfume and most melodious Twang. Mr. W. Lilly believes it was a Farie.

So Propertius— Omnia finieret; tenues secessit in auras: Mansit odor; posses scire fuisse Deam.

The Learned Hen. Iacob, Fellow of Merton College in Oxford, died at Dr. Iacob's M. D. House in Canterbury. About a Week after his Death, the Doctor being in Bed and awake, and the Moon shining bright, saw his Cousin Henry standing by his Bed, in his Shirt, with a white Cap on his Head, and his Beard Mustaches turning up, as when he was alive. The Doctor pinched himself and was sure he was awaked: He turned to the other side,

from him; and after some time took courage to turn the other way again towards him; and Henry Iacob stood there still, he should have spoken to him, but he did not; for which he has been ever since sorry. About half an Hour after, he vanished. Not long after this, the Cook Maid, going to the Wood∣pile to fetch Wood to dress Supper, saw him standing in his shirt upon the Wood∣pile. This Account I had in a Letter from Dr. Iacob 1673, relating to his Life, for Mr. Anthony Word; which is now in his Hands.

When Henry Iacob died, he would fain have spoken to the Doctor but could not, his Tongue faltered. 'Tis imagin'd, he would have told Doctor Iacob, with what Person he had deposited his Manuscripts of his own Writing: (they were all the Ri∣ches he had) 'tis suspect'd that one had them and Printed them under his own Name. —See there in the said Athenae Vol. or Part 2. P. 90.

Mr. T. M. an old Acquaintance of mine hath assured me, that about a quarter of a Year after his first Wives death, as he lay in Bed awake with his little Grand-child, his Wife opened the Closet-door, and came in∣to the Chamber to the Bed-side, and looked upon him, and stooped down and Kissed him; her Lips were warm, he fancied they would have been cold. He was about to

have embraced her, but was afraid it might have done him hurt. When she went from him, he asked her when he should see her again? she turned about and smil'd, but said nothing. The Closet-door striked, as it uses to do, both at her coming in and going out. He had every Night a great Coal-fire in his Chamber, which gave a light as clear almost as a Candle. (He was Hypocondrical.) He Marry'd two Wives since; the later end of his Life was uneasie.

Anno. 165 ... At—in the Moorlands in Staffordshire, lived a poor Old Man, who had been a long time Lame. One Sunday in the Afternoon he being alone, one knock'd at his Door: He bade him open it, and come in. The Stranger desir'd a Cup of Beer: The Lame Man desir'd him to take a Dish and draw some, for he was not able to do it himself. The Stranger ask'd the poor Old Man, how long he had been Ill? The poor Man told him. Said the Stranger I can Cure you. Take two or Three Balm-leaves steep'd in your Beer for a Fortnight, or three Weeks, and you will be restor'd to your Health: But Constantly and Zealously serve God. The poor Man did so, and became perfectly well. This Stranger was in a Purple shag-gown, such as was not seen or known in those parts: And no body in the street (after Even-song) did see any one in such a colour'd Habit. Dr. Gilbert Sheldon, (since

Arch-bishop of Canterbury) was then in the Moorlands, and justified the truth of this, to Elias Ashmole Esq from whom I had this Account: And he hath inserted it in some of his Memoirs, which are in the Musaeum at Oxford.

Mr. Io Lydill of Trin. College Soc. Oxon. March 11 1649, 50. Attests the ensu∣ing Relation, in a Letter to Mr. Aubrey, thus,

Mr. Aubrey,

COncerning that which happen'd at Wood-stock, I was told by Mr. W. Haws (who now lives with Sir William Fleetwood in the Park) That the Committee which sate in the Mannor-house, for Selling the King's Lands, were frighted by strange Apparitions; and that the Four Surveyors which were sent to Measure the Park, and Lodged themselves with some other Companions in the Mannor, were pelted out of their Chambers by Stones thrown in at the Windows (but from what Hands the Stones came they could not see) that their Can∣dles were continually put out as fast as they lighted them; and that one with his Sword drawn to de∣fend a Candle, was with his own Scabbard in the mean time well Cudgell'd; so that for the blow, or for fear, he fell Sick, and the others forc'd to remove; some of them to Sir William Fleet∣wood's House, and the rest to some other

places. But concerning the cutting of the Oak, in particular I have nothing.

Your Friend, to be commanded to my power, Iohn Lydall.

One Lambert a Gun-Smith at Hereford, was at Carmarthen, to mend and put in or∣der the Ammunition of that County before the first Expedition to Scotland, which was 1639. He was then a Young Man, and walking on the Sand by the Sea-side, a Man comes to him (he did verily believe it was a Man) and ask'd him, if he knew Hereford? Yes, quoth he, I am a Hereford Man. Do you know it well, quoth the other? Per∣fectly well, quoth Lambert.

That City shall be begirt [he told me he did not know what the word begirt meant then] by a Foreign Nation, that will come and pitch their Camp in the Hay-wood, and they shall batter such a Gate, which they did, (I have forgot the name of it) and shall go away, and not take it.

The Scots came in 1645, and Encamp'd before Hereford in the Hay-wood, and Storm'd the—Gate, and raised the Siege. Lambert did well remember this Discourse, but did not heed it till they came to the Hay-wood: Many of the City had heard of this story, but when the— Gate was Storm'd, Lambert went to all the

Guards of the Town, and encouraged them with more than ordinary Confidence: And, contrary to all humane expectation, when the Besieg'd had no hope o•• Relief, the Scots raised the Siege, Sept. 2. 1645, and went back into Scotland, re infecta. I knew this Lambert, and took this Account from his own Mouth; he is a modest poor Man, of a very Innocent Life, lives Poor, and cares not to be Rich.

—A Minister, who lived by Sir Iohn Warre in Somersetshire about 1665, walk∣ing over the Park to give Sir Iohn a Visit, was rencountred by a Venerable Old Man, who said to him,

Prepare your self for such a Day (which was about three Days after) You shall die.

The Minister told Sir Iohn Warre and my Lady this Story, who heeded it not: On the Morning fore-warn'd Sir Iohn calls upon the Parson early to Ride a Hunting, and to Laugh at his prediction: His Maid went up to call him and found him stark Dead. This from my Lady Katharine Henley, who had it from my Lady Warre. But Dr. Bur∣net in the Life of the Earl of Rochester, makes it a Dream.

This put me in mind of a Story in the Legend, &c. of King Edward the Confessor being forewarned of his Death by a Pilgrim, to whom St. Iohn the Evangelist reveal'd it: for which the King gave the Pilgrim a rich

Ring from off his Finger: And the event answered. The Story is well Painted in Glass, in a Window of the South Isle of Westmimster-Abbey (the next Window from that over the Door that opens into the West walk of the Cloyster) it is the best Window in the Church: Underneath the Two Fi∣gures, viz. of the King and the Pilgrim are these following Verses, Viz.

Rex cui nil aliud praesto fuit, accipe, dixit, Annulum, & ex digito detrahit ille suo. —Evangelistae—villa Iohannis. —gratia petit.

The Verses under the Pilgrim are not legible. This story is in Caxtons Chroni∣cle.

Dr.—Twiss Minister of the New Church at Westminster told me that his Fa∣ther [Dr. Twiss Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines, and Author of Vindiciae] when he was a School-boy at Winchester, saw the Phantome of a Schoolfellow of his deceased [a Rakebell] who said to him, I am damned. This was the occasion of Dr. Twiss [the Fa∣thers] Conversion, who had been before that time (as he told his Son) a very wick∣ed Boy, [He was Hypochondriacal]. There is a story like this, of the Conversion of St. Bruno, by an Apparition: Upon which he became mighty devout, and founded the Order of the Carthusians.

Iohn Evelyn Esq R. S. S. shewed us at

the Royal-Society, a Note under Mr. Smyth's Hand [the Curate of Deptford] that in No∣vember 1679, as he was in bed sick of an Ague, came to him the Vision of a Master of Arts, with a white Wand in his Hand: And told him, that, if he did lie on his back three Hours, viz. from ten to one, that he should be rid of his Ague. He lay a good while on his back; but at last being weary he turned, and immediately the A∣gue attacqued him afterwards, he strictly followed the Direction, and was perfectly cured. He was awake, and it was in the day-time.

This puts me in mind of a Dream of old Farmer Good, a Neighbour of mine at Broad-Chalk, who being ill, dreamt that he met with an old Friend of his (long since deceas∣ed) by Knighton-Ashes (in that Parish) who told him that if he rose out of his Bed, that he would die. He awaked and rose to make Water, and was immediateiy seiz∣ed with a shivering Fit, and died of an A∣gue, aged, 84.

The Lady Viscountess Maidston told me, she saw (as it were) a Fly of Fire, fly round about her in the dark, half an hour before her Lord died: He was killed at Sea: and the like before her Mother in Law [the Countess of Winchelseá died, [She was then with Child.]

A Dutch-Prisoner at Wood-bridge in Suf∣folk,

in the Reign of Charles II. could dis∣cern Spirits; but others that stood by could not. The Bell tolled for a Man newly de∣ceased. The Prisoner saw his Phantôme, and did descibe him to the Parson of the Parish, who was with him; exactly agree∣ing with the Man for whom the Bell tolled. Says the Prisoner, now he is coming near to you, and now he is between you and the Wall, the Parson was resolved to try it, and went to take the Wall of him, and was thrown down; but could see nothing. This story is credibly told by several Per∣sons of Belief.

Vavasor Powell saw several Apparitions. See page 8. of his Life.

There is a very remarkable story of an Apparition, which Martin Luther did see. Mentioned in his Commensalia, or Table-talk, which see.

Those that are delirous in high Fevers, see [waking] Men and things that are not there. I knew one Mr. M. L. that took Opium, and he did see (being awake) Men and things that were not present (or per∣haps) not in being. Those whose Spleens are ill-affected have the like Phantasies. The Power of Imagination is Wonderful.

De seipso duplicato.

Cardanus. Synes. Somniorum. Lib. 11. Cap. 12. In somniis mortis est signum, quia duo fiunt, cum anima separatur à corpore. Est et signum morbi in ipsis aegrontantibus, nec tum aliud quicquam significat.

As concerning Apparitions of a Man's own self, there are sundry Instances, some whereof I shall here set down.

The Countess of Thanet (Earl Iohn's La∣dy) saw as she was in Bed with her Lord in London, her Daughter my Lady Hatton, who was then in Northamptonshire at Horton Kirby, the Candle was burning in her Cham∣ber. Since viz. Anno. 167 ... this Lady Hat∣ton was Blown up with Gun-powder set on Fire by Lightning, in the Castle at Garnsey, where her Lord was Governor.

The Beautiful Lady Diana Rich, Daugh∣ter of the Earl of Holland, as she was walk∣ing in her Father's Garden at Kensington, to take the fresh Air before Dinner, about Eleven a Clock, being then very well, met with her own Apparition, Habit and every thing, as in a Looking glass. About a Month after she died of the Small-pox. And 'tis said, that her Sister the Lady Isabella (Thinne) saw the like of her self also be∣fore she died. This Account I had from a Person of Honour.

Mrs. E. W. Daughter of Sir W. W. af∣firms that Mrs. I. (her Father's Sister) saw

her self (i. e.) her Phantome half a Year be∣fore she died, for a quater of an Hour toge∣ther. She said further that her Aunt was sick∣ly Fourteen Years before she died, and that she walked Living, (i. e.) her Apparition, and that she was seen by several at the same time. The like is reported of others.

Mr. Trehern B. D. (Chaplain to Sir Or∣lando Bridgman Lord Keeper) a Learned and sober Person, was the Son of a Shoe-maker in Hereford: Gne Night as he lay in Bed, the Moon shining very bright, he saw the Phantome of one of the Apprentices sitting in a Chair in his red Wastcoat, and Head∣band about his Head, and Strap upon his Knee; which Apprentice was really abed and asleep with another Fellow-apprentice in the same Chamber, and saw him. The Fellow was Living 1671. Another time, as he was in Bed he saw a Basket come Sail∣ing in the Air along by the Valence of his Bed; I think he said there was Fruit in the Basket: It was a Phantome. From him∣self.

When Sir Richard Nepier M. D. of Lon∣don, was upon the Road, coming from Bed∣fordshire, the Chamberlain of the Inn, shewed him his Chamber; the Doctor saw a dead Man lying upon the Bed: He look'd more wistly, and saw it was himself: He was then well enough in Health. He goes forward in his Journey—to Mr. Ste∣ward's

in Berkshire, and there died. This Account I have in a Letter from Elias Ash∣mole Esquire. They were intimate Friends.

In the Deserts of Africk, you shall meet oftentimes with Fairies appearing in the shape of Men and Women: But they vanish quite away like phantastical Delusions.

I Captain Henry Bell do hereby declare both to the present Age and also to Poste∣rity, that being employed beyond the Seas in State-affairs divers Years together, both by King Iames, and also by the late King Charles in Germany. I did hear and under∣stand in all places great Bewailing and La∣mentation made, by reason of destroying and burning of above Fourscore Thousand of Martin Luther's Books: Entitled, His last Divine Discourses.

Upon which Divine Work or Discourses the Reformation, begun before in Germany, was wonderfully promoted and spred in other Countrys.

But afterward it so fell out, that the Pope then living, viz. Gregory XIII. un∣derstanding what great hurt and prejudice he, and his Religion had already received by reason of the said Luther's Discourses, and also fearing that the same might bring further contempt and mischief upon himself and his Church, he therefore to prevent the same, did fiercely stir up and

instigate the Emperor then in being, viz. Rodolphus III. to make an Edict through the whole Empire, that all the foresaid Printed Books should be burned, and al∣so that it should be Death for any Person to have or keep a Copy thereof, but to burn the same: Which Edict was speedi∣ly put in Execution accordingly; insomuch that not one of all the said Printed Books, nor any one Copy of the same, could be found out, or heard of in any place.

Yet it pleased God, that in Anno 1626, a German Gentleman named Casparus Van Sparr, with whom in my stay in Germany about King Iames's business I became fa∣miliarly known and acquainted, having oc∣casion to build upon an old Foundation of a House, wherein his Grand-father dwelt at that time, when the said Edict was Publish∣ed in Germany, for the Burning of the said Books, and digging deep into the ground under the said old Foundation, one of the said Original Printed Books was there hap∣pily found, lying in a deep obscure hole, being wrapped in a strong Linnen Cloth, which was waxed all over with Bees-wax within and without: whereby the said Book was perserved fair without any ble∣mish.

And at the same time Ferdinandus II. be∣ing Emperor of Germany, who was a severe Enemy and Persecutor of the Protestant

Religion, the foresaid Gentleman, and Grand-child to him that had hidden the said Book in that obscure hole, fearing that if the said Emperor should get knowledge that one of the said Books were yet forth∣coming, and in his custody, whereby not only himself might be brought into trouble, but also the Book be in danger to be destroy'd, as all the rest were long before; and also calling to mind that I had the high Dutch Tongue very perfect, did send the said Ori∣ginal Book over hither into England unto me: Related to me the passages of the preser∣ving and finding the said Book; and ear∣nestly moved me in his Letter, to Translate the said Book into English.

Whereupon I took the said Book before me, and many times began to Translate the same, but always I was hindred therein, being called upon about other Business; in so much that by no possible means I could remain by that work. Then about six Weeks after I had receiv'd the said Book, it fell out, that being in Bed with my Wife, one Night be∣tween Twelve and one of the Clock, she be∣ing asleep, but my self yet awake, there ap∣pear'd unto me an Ancient Man, standing at my Bed-side array'd all in White, having a long and broad white Beard, hanging down to his Girdle steed, who taking me by the right Ear, spake these words following un∣to me; Sirrah, Will not you take time to

Translate that Book which is sent unto you out of Germany? I will provide for you both place and time to do it: And then he Vanish'd a∣way out of my sight.

Whereupon being much affrighted, I fell into an extream Sweat, insomuch that my Wife awaking, and finding me all over wet, she ask'd me what I ailed? I told her what I had seen and heard; but I never did heed or regard Visions nor Dreams. And so the same fell soon out of my mind.

Then about a Fortnight after I had seen the Vision, on a Sunday I went to Whitehall to hear the Sermon, after which ended, I return'd to my Lodging which was then in Kingstreet at Westminster, and sitting down to Dinner with my Wife, two Messengers were sent from the Council-board with a Warrant to carry me to the Keeper of the Gate-house at Westminster, there to be safely kept, until further Order from the Lords of the Council; which was done without shewing any Cause at all, where∣fore I was Committed; upon which said Warrant I was kept there Ten whole Years close Pri∣soner; where I spent Five Years thereof about Translating of the said Book: Insomuch as I found the words very true which the Old

Man in the aforesaid Vision said unto me, I will shortly provide you both place and time to Translate it.

Then after I had finish'd the Translation, Dr. Laud Arch-bishop of Canterbury, sent to me in the Prison by Dr. Bray his Chaplain Ten Pounds, and desir'd to peruse the Book; he afterwards sent him by Dr. Bray Forty Pounds. There was a Committee of the House of Commons for the Printing of this Translation, which was in 1652.

Notes

• See the whole Sto∣ry in Ath. & Fas••••i Oxon. Part. ••. p. 91. This very Story Dr. Iacob told me himself being then at my Ld. Teynhams in Kent, where he was then Physitian to my El∣dest Son; whom he recovered from a Fever.
• Dr. Hooke the Parson of the Pa∣rish, has often told this Story; of which I know many more Par∣ticulars.
• See Mr. Baxters Last Book.
• Pliny's Na∣tural Hist. Lib. VII. Chap. II.
• Whatsoever was pretended, yet the true cause of the Cap∣tains Commitment was, because he was urgent with the Ld. Treasurer for his Ar∣rears: which amount∣ing to a great Summ, he was not willing to pay, and to be freed from his clamours clapt him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Prison.