The poetical histories being a compleat collection of all the stories necessary for a perfect understanding of the Greek and Latine poets and other ancient authors / written originally in French, by the learned Jesuite, P. Galtruchius ; now Englisht and enricht with observations concerning the gods worshipped by our ancestors in this island, by the Phœnicians, and Syrians in Asia ... ; unto which are added two treatises, one of the curiosities of old Rome, and of the difficult names relating to the affairs of that city, the other containing the most remarkable hieroglyphicks of Ægypt, by Marius d'Assigny ...

BOOK I.

Of the Chief Divinities of the Heathens.

CHAP. I.

Of the Story of Saturn.

THe Poets tell us that Heaven called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and by the Latins Coelus, was the ancientest of all the Gods: He had two Sons; the youngest named Saturne 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the God of Time, who committed an action full of im∣piety upon his Father; with his graceless Sythe he cut off his Privy Parts, and depri∣ved him of the power of Begetting: What he had taken from him he cast into the Sea, where by the continual agitation of the

Waves, it found a favourable Womb amongst the Froth, for out of this bleeding substance the Goddess Venus was produced, as some do say.

Titanus was the Elder Brother of Satur∣nus, therefore the Kingdome of the World did appertain unto him by right; but to comply wlth the perswasions of his Mother Vesta, and of Cybele his Sister, he willingly resigned unto him the Scepter, upon this con∣dition, that Saturn should never suffer any Male Children to live, and that the Empire of the World should after his decease return to his Posterity.

Therefore Saturn was wont to devoure all his Male Children as soon as they were born; but when Cybele his Wife was happily brought to bed of Twins, Jupiter and Juno together, she caused little Jupiter to be conveyed away, and put in the hands of the Curetes, or Cory∣bantes, to be by them brought up, shewing only Juno to her greedy and cruel Husband: The Corybantes fearing least the Child should be discovered by its crying, invented a new sport, which was to leap and beat the 〈2 lines〉〈2 lines〉 In their hands they had little brass Bucklers, with which they did meet and strike at one another in order; the noise that they made thereby was so great, that the cries of the young Jupiter could never be heard by Sa∣turn. After that, he had several other Chil∣dren,

Neptune and Pluto, who were also pri∣vately nourished by their Mother; and when she was once constrained to discover unto her Husband the fruit of her Womb, she instead of her Child gave into his hands a great stone, which he greedily swallowed in the dark. As soon as Titanus was informed how his expectation was frustrated, and what impe∣diments were likely to be to his lawful Suc∣cession, contrary to the former agreement, and the oath that was given, he resolved, with the assistance of his Sons, to make War upon Saturn: When he had vanquished him, he clapt him fast in Prison with his Wife Cy∣bele, and there kept them until Jupiter came to be of sufficient Age to deliver them. But Saturn having learnt by some Oracle that one of his Sons should take from him his Scepter and Kingdom, he resolved to lay snares for his Son Jupiter that he might destroy him. This resolution was the cause of his final ru∣ine; for Jupiter was so much offended at the design of his Father, that he revolted from him, and by force of Arms cast him out of his Kingdom, and the Empire of Heaven; from whence he came strait into Italy to hide himself, and therefore it was called Latium à latendo. Janus the King of this Country re∣ceived him with all civility and respect: It is said that Saturn brought on earth that Gol∣den Age, so famous in the Poets, when the ground did yield all sorts of fruits without labour and manuring, when Astraea, other∣wise

called Justice, did mannage the affairs of men, and then they did live together in a perfect love and amity. This Janus was enrolled in the number of the Gods, not on∣ly for the favour that he did unto Saturn, but also because he was the wisest Prince of his time, and because he had a knowledge of the time past, and of that which was to come; for that reason you shall find him represented with two Faces. Numa Pompilius, the King of the Romans, built him a Temple which was always open when the Commonwealth had any Wars, and was never shut but in an Universal Peace.

* 1.1 The Poets tell us, that Coelus was the great Grand-father of all the Gods, his Wife Vesta brought forth •• multitude of Sons and Daugh∣ters; from Hesiod we are informed of their * 1.2Names, Codus, Japetus, Thya, Hyperion, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, Tethys, Saturnus, Gygas, Titan, Brontes, &c.

* 1.3 The m st considerable were Saturnus and Titan; the latter was the Eldest, but the Youn∣ger got the Empire, until he was thrust out of it by his Nephews the Titans: Jupiter did af∣terwards recover it again, with the help of the rest of the Gods, who swore fidelity to him upon an Altar, that hath since found a place amongst the Stars: He was so happy in this War, that he put all the Titans to death, and so freed his Parents from their fetters. Now from the cor∣rupt blood of these Titans all the Vipers, Ser∣pents,

and venomous creatures of the earth are proceeded.: They were esteemed to be the first that made use of Wbeat, having received directions how to sow it from Ceres in Sicily; that was therefore called Drepanum, which signifies a Sickle with which men do reap this sort of Grain, whereas it was before named Macris, and Coryca.

* 1.4 Saturnus was a wise Prince, but unfortu∣nate, forced to fly from the fury of his Son Ju∣piter-Belus into Italy, where he taught the Subjects of King Janus a more polite manner of living then they knew before; for this good office Janus rewarded him with the half of his King∣dom; * 1.5he taught them to manure and improve the Soil, and therefore he was called Ster••u∣lius; his Priests were initiated in Scarlet Robes; to express their bloody minds, they per∣formed * 1.6his Sacrifices with their heads uncover∣ed, and did offer unto this cruel God young In∣fants, for which inhumanity they were all cru∣cified under Tiberius Caesar.

* 1.7 Saturnus was painted with six wings, to ex∣press the swiftness of Time, and with feet of wooll, in bis hand a Serpent biting its tail, with a Sickle and an old garment hanging upon him; Jupiter his Son served him as he had done formerly his Father Coelus, for he cut off his privy parts; he was mightily honoured of the Romans and Carthaginians, the latter did every year offer unto him humane Sacrifices, which was the subject of an Embassy from Rome; for the people of this City did esteem

and honor this God, but they approved not * 1.8that men should be offered to him: They were afraid to loose him, therefore they kept his Sta∣tue always bound with Iron Chains, as the Ty∣rians did Hercules when their City was besieged by Alexander.

* 1.9 In December were the festival daies of this inhumane God, called Saturnalia, a time dedi∣cated to debauchery and disorder, as the Carna∣val is in the Popish Dominions, for then the Ser∣vants did take upon them to command their Ma∣sters, and the Slaves had liberty to be unruly without fear of punishment, wearing on their heads a Cap, as a Badge of Freedom, while these daies lasted. It was also the cu tom to send Wax Tapers then as expressions of kindness to friends and acquaintances; for the Romans had this particular respect for this God, they caused Tor∣ches and Tapers to be burning continually upon his Altars. There is this also that is remark∣able, * 1.10the Romans did depose under his protecti∣on, and in his Temple, their Treasury, because in his time there was no robbery nor theft com∣mitted; besides they laid up here the Rolls of the names of the Rom n people, which were made of the skin of Elephants.

CHAP. II.

The Story of Cybele.

Cybele, the Wife of Saturn, had several names, she was called Dyndimene, Bere∣cinthyi,

and the Grand-mother, not only because she had brought forth the Gods, but also because she was the Goddess of the earth which produceth all things; and for that reason she was called by the Latins Ops, and by the Greeks Rhea.

She was wont to ride in a Chariot drawn by Lyons; her solemn Festivals, called Mega∣lesia, were every fourth moneth, at which time the Coryhantes that were her Priests did act the part of Mad-men, with their Drums, Trumpets, and such other Instruments. The Gauls that had planted themselves in Phrygia, did on these daies move themselves so much, that by degrees they became really mad, stri∣king one another with Swords, and other Weapons, in wantonness, but many times they did grievously wound themselves. At the end of the sport they did wash their bo∣dies and their wounds in some River dedica∣ted to this Goddess.

Cybele was also named Vesta, but the Po∣ets, as their manner is, do vary in this parti∣cular; for sometimes they call Vesta the wife of Saturn, sometimes his Mother, and some∣times his Sister, or his Daughter.

They give unto one person divers names which agree with different persons, they deal in the same manner with others, with Jupi∣ter, Hercules, &c. However it is certain that Cybele, called otherwise Vesta, is the Goddess of Fire, whom Numa Pompilius, amongst the Romans, did adore with strange and won∣derful

Ceremonies; for he dedicated un∣to her a Fire which was called Eter∣nal, because it was to be always continued alive; he ordained for her Priests, named Ve∣stal Virgins, who were severely chastised by the High-Priest, if at any time they suffered the Eternal Fire to go out. In such a case it was not to be lighted again, but by the Sun beams. These Vestals were chosen out of the Noblest Families of Rome, and were to keep their Virginity whiles they remained in the service of this Goddess; when they did o∣therwise, they were buried in the ground alive.

* 1.11 Cybele the Grandmother of the Gods, is some∣times taken for Fire, sometimes for the Earth; She was called Syria Dea, because she was born in Syria; she was represented with Towers upon her head, sitting in a Chariot drawn with Ly∣ons; her Priests were called Gallantes, or Galli, and their chief leader Archigallus, because they * 1.12were chosen out of Gallo-graecia, a Province in Asia minor, joyning to Phrygia: They were noted for their madness, which they did express by their singings, howlings, sounding the Trum∣pets, and cutting themselves desperately, and all that they met. Of this Goddess we shall speak more at the end of the twelfth Chapter.

* 1.13 The Goddess Vesta was highly honoured by the Romans; they did distinguish her from Cy∣bele, and appoint unto her particular Sacrifices and Tmples, although the Poets do confound their names, and take one for the other. She was

* 1.14 the Goddess of Elemental Fire, her Temple was round, and in it two Lamps were continually burning. Some say, that there was in the inner∣most part of it a fire suspended in the air in pots of earth, kept always alive by the Vestal Vir∣gins: When it happened, by some misfortune, to be extinct, some fearful accident did immedi∣ately follow to the Roman Empire; therefore they did punish the Virgins, by whose negligence the fire did go out, in a very cruel manner. This Goddess was named Mater, Mother, and she had her Statues standing in many Porches; from hence is derived the word Vestibulum, because they were consecrated to Vesta, as to the chief of the houshold Goddesses, and there it was that the Romans did feast themselves; her Temple was magnificent, in it were laid up the Palladium, or Image of Pallas, so highly esteemed of the Ro∣mans, because the Oracle had pronounced, that the safety of their Empire did depend upon the preservationof i••, and because pious Aeneas brought it with him from Troy, having pre∣served it with his houshold Gods, and his aged Father, from the burning of that City. They were so much afraid to loose it, that L. Caecilius Metellus, a man sufficiently renowned for his valour and victories obtained upon the C••rtha∣ginians in Sicily, hazarded his life to save it from the flames when the Temple was burning a∣bout his ears. He did then preserve the Palladi∣um, but lost his eyes in the smoak. The Senat to acknowledge his care and courage, comm••ad∣ed that his Statue should be placed in the Capi∣t••l.

On the top of Vesta's Temple-stood her Ef∣figies, which was a woman sitting, having lit∣tle Jupiter in her arms; her Priests were to keep their Virginity 30 years, which was the time appointed for their attendance. They were ho∣noured so much, that if they did casually meet in the streets an offender, they could procure unto him his pardon; but if they did dishonour the ser∣vice of their Goddess by Carnal Copulation with any man, they were to die without mercy, they were to be buried alive with water and bread. It was a custome also in the solemn Sacrifices, to begin the solemnity by praying unto Vesta, and to end it by an address unto the same Goddess. * 1.15She was honoured also as the Goddess of Fodder, therefore she was called Magna Pales; they did offer unto her the first fruits of all things, espe∣cially of frankincense, of flowers, and of wheat, &c.

CHAP. III.

The Story of Jupiter.

VVHen Jupiter the Son of Saturnus and Cybele had put his Father to flight, he divided the Empire of the world between himself and brothers; he took to his share the command of Heaven, he as∣signed the Waters to his Brother Neptune, and sent Pluto to dwell in Hell.

He was called the Father of the Gods, and the King of men; he only had the power to

handle the Thunderbolts; and to hold the World in subjection: He had not long raign∣ed, when the Earth being incensed because he had crusht in pieces the Titans, she brought forth against him many dreadful Monsters of an extraordinary bigness, and sent them up to besiege heaven, and drive him from thence. For that intent they had their rendevouze in Thessaly, in the midst of the Plegrean Fields, where it was resolved by them, to raise one Mountain upon another, and thus to make an easie ascent unto Heaven: They began this difficult work, to scale Heaven, and assault it with great Rocks, and other fearful En∣gines: Amongst the Besiegers was Enceladus, Briareus, or Aegeon, with a hundred hands which he did imploy in casting up against Ju∣piter the Rocks of the Sea-shore; Typhoeus was no less remarkable amongst them, because he did exceed all these Monsters, in bigness of body and strength, for with his head he did reach to the Heavens, his arms he could stretch from the Northern to the Sou∣thern Pole; he was half a man, and half a Serpent, as many of the rest were; he was so dreadful to behold, because he did vomit fire and flame, that the rest of the Gods that came to the assistance of Jupiter, were fright∣ed into a shameful flight; they ran into Egypt, where they changed themselves into the forms of several Beasts and Herbs, that they might not be discovered: Nevertheless Jupiter did pursue these Children of the Earth so vigo∣roustly,

and did so play upon them with his Thunderbolts, that at last he got the Victo∣ry, after which he destroyed all the Race of these Gyants, holding many of them prison∣ers in the bottom of Hell; and that they might never rise again, he loaded them with huge Mountains, as that of Etna. About the same time Prometheus formed the first men of Earth and Water, animating them with the fire of Heaven, that he had stoln away, for which cause Jupiter was so incensed against him, that he commanded Vulcan to tye him upon the Mountain Caucasus with iron Chains, and to put an Eagle or a Vulture to devour daily his Liver, which every night did renew again, to his greater and continual torment. He remained in this condition un∣til Hercules by his incomparable virtue and valour did release him. Jupiter was not con∣tent with this revenge, he sent for Pandora, that wonderful Woman, which he, and the other Gods amongst them, had made in such a manner, that every one had bestowed up∣on her some perfection. By the order of Ju∣piter this Pandora went to Epimetheus, the Brother of Prometheus, with a Box full of E∣vils and Diseases, as a Present from the Gods: As soon as he had opened it to see what was in it, they did fly abroad into the ayr, and scattered themselves into all the parts of the Earth, only in the bottom of the Box there was poor hope left alone.

Jupiter having so happily overcome all his

Enemies, did dream of nothing but his plea∣sures, which hurried him into many extra∣vagant and infamous actions: Besides that, he did commit Incest with his Sister Juno, ta∣king her to Wife; besides the violence com∣mitted upon Ganimedes, the Son of Tros, King of the Trojans, whom he stole in the form of an Eagle, and bugred: He commit∣ted many thousand Rapes and Villanies to sa∣tisfie his bruitish passion; as when he took the form of a Bull to steal away Europa, the Daughter of Agenor, the King of the Phoeni∣cians. From this Europa the most Noble and glorions part of the World hath borrowed its name. Notwithstanding all the diligence, the watchfulness and care of Acrisius the King of Argos, who had secured his Daugh∣ter Danae in a Tower of Brass, this lascivi∣ous God found a means to enter into it by the top, in the form of a Golden Showre, and to accomplish his wicked design, for he be∣got on her Perseus, as we shall take notice in the following History. The World was so full of his shameful pranks, that we should scarce find an end if we once began to relate them all. We shall have occasion to mention some of them in the following pages; we may therefore justly take notice with Tertulli∣an, that it was no marvel to see all sorts of men every where so debaucht, and guilty of so many abominable crimes, seeing they were perswaded and encouraged by the example of those that they did adore, and from whom

they were to expect punishments or re∣wards.

* 1.16 Jupiter was the chief of the Gods; therefore Kings and Princes were anciently named Joves. The Cretans did own him for their Countryman, as the Thebans also, and several other people; but the former did shew many years the place where he was buried, as Lucian informs us: He was nursed up by the Nymphs, and nourished with the milk of a Goat; which he afterwards promoted amongst the Stars, and covered his Buckler with her skin; therefore he is called by the Poets Aegiochus Jupiter; His Mother saved him from the cruelty of his Father, and of the Titans her Brethren, who were always admit∣ted into the room where she was in Labour of her Children; as the Princes of the Blood-Royal of France are, when the Dauphin is born, into the Queens Chamber.

When Jupiter went to deliver his Father, an Eagle gave him a happy Omen of his future vi∣ctory and greatness, therefore he claimed that Bird as his own.

The Cecropes promised him assistance when he resolved to drive his Father out of the King∣dom, but when they had received his money, they refused to follow him, therefore he changed them into Apes.

Assoon as Jupiter had cast his father into prison, from whence he did afterwards escape into Italy, all the Gods came to congratulate with him for his victory in a noble banquet un∣to which they were invited by him: Apollo sung his praises in a purple garment.

Jupiter commanded that men should not feed upon humane flesh, but content themselves with Acrons, therefore the Oake was dedicated to him. He is called Jupiter à juvando, Despiter, quasi diei pater, the father of the day, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 life because he is taken for the hea∣vens and the firmament, that by their conti∣nual motions and influences do entertain and in∣fuse life into every thing, as also because of the universal power of God, that moves and sup∣ports all visible beings.

He had as many and as different Statues as Names, the Heathens painted him an Old-Fel∣low sitting upon a Throne with a crown upon his head, cloathed with a rich garment sparkling with stars, and representing flashes of fire: In his hand two globes that intimated Heaven and earth, under him Neptune's Trident and a car∣pet, representing the tail and feathers of a Pea∣cock. Sometimes they gave him Thunderbolts in his hand, which were painted as crooked iron-bars, sharp at the end, joyned together in the middle. The Aegiptians that did worship him in the figure of a Kam represented his pro∣vidence, by a scepter bearing in the top of it a great eye.

All the people of the world did worship him,

especially the Romans, who granted to him se∣veral Titles of honour, and erected many Tem∣ples to him in their City, The cheif was the Ca∣pitol, therefore he was called Capitolinus. He was also named Deus pater indiges by Aene∣as, when he arrived in Italy: Jupiter Inventor by Hercules, when he recovered his Oxen that were lost, Jupiter feretrius a feriendo hostem by Romulus, who built unto him a Temple. Jupiter Stator a sistendo because he stopt the Romans in their flight at the request of Romu∣lus: Latialis Jupiter was he that was wor∣shipped by the Latine People as well as by the Romans. There was also in Rome Jupiter Sponsor, Jupiter Imperator, Jupiter pistor, Ju∣piter Victor, Jupiter Lucetius à luce, Jupiter Tonans, Jupiter Ultor, Conservator, & Jupi∣ter Fagutalis, because the Beech-tree was dedi∣cated to him; Jupiter Praedator, Marianus, Pompeianus, because Marius and Pompey had built for him these stately edifices.

CHAP. IV.

Of Juno, and of her Children.

IƲno was named the Queen of the Gods, the Goddess of the Kingdomes and Ri∣ches, because she was Wife of Jupiter. She had also a Jurisdiction and a Command over Marriages, and Child-bearing, which caused many fair Temples and Altars to be erected to her Honour: She brought forth Hebe,

Goddess of Youth, and placed and advanced her so far in the favour of Jupiter, that she always poured forth unto him Nectar to drink until she was displaced by Ganimedes. Vulcan was also her Son; but when Jupiter saw how ill-shap't and ugly he was to behold when he came first into the World, he kickt him down from Heaven, so that the poor Babe fell up∣on the Earth, and broke one of his legs, whereof he halted ever after. When he came to be of years, he followed the Trade of a Black-smith, and work't for the rest of the Gods, especially for Jupiter, for whom he made Thunder-bolts: For that purpose he had several Forges, or Shops, in the Isles of Lemnos, Lipara, and in Mount Aetna: Some were appointed to assist him, and they were called Cyclopes, because they had but one great Eye in the middle of their Forehead; the most famous of them were Brontes, Stero∣pes, and Pyracmon.

But that we may return to the affairs of Juno, the Poets do mention a great injury that she pretended to have received from Ju∣piter when he was resolved alone, without * 1.17her assistance, to bring forth the Goddess Pallas, otherwise called Minerva. They tell us, that he performed his design, and that Pallas came out of his Brain in a gallant Ar∣mor, the Lance in her hand, dancing a Dance called the Pyrrhick, which was proper to Martial Men, invented by Pyrrhus Son of A∣chilles, and which was agreeable to a Tune

named Hyporchematick: For these reasons she was held to be the Goddess of War, and to have a hand and in-sight in all the Battels; they did nevertheless attribute to her the in∣vention of several Arts and Sciences, which are the Ornaments of Peace; therefore the Athenians did pay unto her a singular ho∣mage and respect, having instituted several solemn Festivals in honour of this Goddess, as the Panathenees which were kept with di∣vers rare Spectacles, and expressions of joy. Juno was inwardly chaft at the birth of this Goddess, because she had no hand in the busi∣ness; and therefore she resolved to revenge her self upon Jupiter by a like action; she resolved to have a Child without any acquain∣tance with her Husband. The Goddess Flo∣ra saith Ovid taught her the means, she gave unto her a certain Flower, of a strange nature, which caused her to conceive and bring forth Mars, the God of War, as well as Pallas.

Juno did fee and entertain in her service a certain Fellow full of Eyes, called Argus, to observe and relate unto her the actions of her Husband Jupiter. When part of his Eyes were oppressed with sleep, the rest were wa∣king. But Jupiter was not pleased with this watchful Spy, and therefore he sent the God Mercurius to lull him asleep with his Pipe, and kill him, at which Juno was inwardly grie∣ved: Therefore to reward the faithfulness of her dead Servant, she changed him into a stately Peacock, that shews yet in his feathers

the great number of the Eyes of Argus.

* 1.18 Juno the Sister of Jupiter signifies the Air, she saved her Brother from death as soon as he was born; he requited that good Office by Marrying, and raising her to the honour of Queen of Hea∣ven and Earth: But she was not willing to con∣sent to this Incestuous Marriage, therefore Ju∣piter imployed his skill and wit to bring it to pass: He took the shape of a Cuckow, and in Storm lighted upon her Lap: Juno out of pity received the Bird into her Bosom, to shelter it from the violence of the weather; but when the subtil Bird felt the warmth of her body, it took again the form of Jupiter, who obtained his desire, by a promise of present Marriage.

Now Juno was represented upon a Throne, sitting with a Scepter in her hand, and a Crown of Gold upon her head, that did touch the Clouds; round about her was the fair and beautiful Iris, that is called Nuncia Junonis, the Messenger of Juno; on every side she was at∣tended by Peacocks, named therefore Aves Ju∣nonis, the Birds of Juno. She was also repre∣sented in another manner, as she was ta∣ken for the Moon. She was thus called Lucina, and painted with beams of light a∣bout her face, sitting upon Lyons, a Scepter and a Spindle in her hand; and because the Moon bath a power upon Women with-child, they did make their Addresses unto her in their Pain, saying, Juno Lucina fer opem.

Juno was also painted with Sheers, and a Platter in her hand, cloathed with a Goats skin,

crowned and girded with Vine Branches, and under her feet a Lyoness. On the top of her Scepter, which was sometimes given to her, was the Image of a Cuckow, and Castor and Pol∣lux, two Meteors waiting upon her.

Juno was adored by all Nations of the World, and by all sorts of people; the Souldi∣ers called her Curetis, the common people Po∣pulania, the rich Misers Soticena, or Sospita∣trix, * 1.19and Opipena, the new-married people Inderduca, Domiduca, Unxia, Cinxia, the women with-child Fluona, and Lucina. Three Cities did worship her more than any others, Mycenae, Sparta, and Argos. The Poets say, * 1.20that she spent her 〈…〉〈…〉 at Samos, a very pleasant Island of 〈…〉〈…〉 and that Jupiter married 〈…〉〈…〉 certain a yearly Solemnity was 〈…〉〈…〉 year in remem∣brance of her 〈…〉〈…〉 Junonia; at which time the Maids 〈…〉〈…〉 did run Ra∣ces * 1.21in honour of this 〈…〉〈…〉 whom they did petition for Husbands, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her Juno Pro∣nuba, and Jugalis; and in Rome an Altar was dedicated to this Juno Juga, where the new-married couple did appear to offer Sacrifice. * 1.22In which this is remarkable, that they did take from the sacrificed Beast the Gall, and did cast it behind the Altar, to express how all dis∣pleasure should be banished from such per∣sons.

The Temple of Juno was open on the top, and Numa Pompilius commanded that all Whores should not so much as touch or come near her

Walls, because there had been none so much persecuted by such sort of people as she, and none had greater cause to abominate them, for her lecherous Jupiter was seldome without half a dozen Mistresses. In the War of the Gyants, in the general fright of the Gods, she fled into Egypt, and took upon her the form of a white Cow, which may be the cause wherefore this Animal was adored by the Inhabitants. The Heathens offered to her a white Cow, Geese, and Ravens in Sacrifice. Adrianus, the Roman Emperour, presented her a rich gift in one of her Temples; he dedicated a Peacock, her be∣loved Bird, of pure Gold, with wings round a∣bout, at the extremities, he caused all manner of sparklings and precious stones to be put in, that they might serve in lieu of eyes, and represent the perfect form of a Peacock.

Juno was often offended with Jupiter, as she had just reason, and he in like manner was dis∣pleased with her; therefore in his anger Home∣rus tells us, that he hang'd her up by the heels, at which sight all the Gods took Juno's part, and laboured to cast Jupiter out of Heaven, but their endeavours were in vain.

She hated all the Children of her Husbands Concubines, especially Hercules; therefore she appointed unto him all his Adventures, and he in a tumult unfortunately gave her a wound.

* 1.23 It was to this Goddess that Horacius, who got the Victory of the Curii, built a Temple, to make expiation for the horrid crime committed in

his anger, for he kill'd in a fury his own Sister, because she did weep for her Sweet-heart that her Brother had kill'd in a Duel, upon which the happiness of Rome did depend.

* 1.24 Junones were the Genii or Demones that waited upon women, but of that hereafter.

The Children of Juno were Hebe, Vulcan, Mars.

Hebe the Goddess of Youth was painted as a dainty Girl, covered with Garlands and Flow∣ers: Her Mother conceived her in a pleasant manner, without any acquaintance with a Male; * 1.25for she was invited to a sumptuous Feast by Neptune in Jupiters Palace, and there she met with a dainty Sallad of Lettice that moved her imagination, and caused her to conceive this Hebe, whose Beauty advanced her into Jupi∣ters favour, and in his service, for her Office was to present the Cup to him when he was at Dinner with the other Gods.

A misfortune happened to this young Girl at a solemn Feast in the presence of all the Hea∣venly Company that was invited, her heels tript up, and discovered her nakedness to them; which accident made Jupiter remove her, and place Ganimedes in her Office. She had seve∣ral fair Temples built unto her, especially near Athens, where all Vagabonds and idle Knaves did find a favourable Sanctuary, and good en∣tertainment. The Poets tell us, that when Her∣cules was admitted amongst the Gods, Jupiter recommended him for a Husband to Hebe, who was married to him. From this jolly and plea∣sant

Goddess all merry Meetings of Youth are * 1.26named Hebetria.

* 1.27 Vulcanus was also a Child of Juno, nursed by Thetis, and the Nymphs, when Jupiter kickt him out of Heaven. He is taken for the Natu∣ral Heat; therefore the Aegyptians in their Hiereglyphicks did represent an Egg proceeding out of Jupiters mouth, from which Vulcanus was ingendred. The Lightning was ascribed to him, when it was dusky and darkish, as the white Lightning to Minerva, and the red to Jupiter. He was an ill-shap't Wretch, inso∣much * 1.28that Minerva scorned his offers when she was woed by him; he behaved himself very ge∣nerously in the War of the Gyants, for he began the onset, whiles many of the other Gods fled away. His two Wives were Aglaia, and Venus. The latter had no kindness for him, because of his def rmity; therefore she sought satisfaction somewhere else, and readily accepted of the im∣braces * 1.29of Mars: But Apollo gave notice of the meeting to poor Vulcan, who found a way to trapan the Knave in bed with his Wife: He spread his Net all over the place, and caught them there together; and to put them to greater shame, he sent for all the Gods to be Witnesses of their dishonesty.

He was the only Black-smith that made the Chariot of the Sun, the Armor of the Gods, and of the Heroes, and Jupiters Thunderbolts. His Feasts were named Protervia. The Romans did run about with lighted Torches in honour of him, and did sacrifice unto him the Lyon.

* 1.30 Mars, or Mavors, was another of Juno's Children, begot without her Husbands assi∣stance, * 1.31in revenge of the affront received from Jupiter, who did bring forth Pallas in the same manner, without Juno's privity. He was never * 1.32welcome to Jupiter in his Minority; he was nursed by Thero in the Northern Climates that are inclinable to War, He was represented up∣on a high Chariot, drawn by two furious Hor∣ses, named by some Terror and Fear, with all his Armour Defensive and Offensive: His at∣tendance * 1.33were three frightful Spirits, Appre∣hension, Contention, and Clamour: Before him Fame full of Eyes, Ears and Tongues, did fly. His Sister was Bellona, that had usually a Bloody Whip in her hand. He was said to be born in Thracia, because the people of that Country did offer unto him Humane Sacrifices, as other people did the Wolf, the Vulture, the Dog, the Pye, the Calf, and the Horse. He was mightily esteemed of the Romans, because they held their beginning from him, and gave out, that Romulus was his Son: Yet they would not suffer his Statues and Images to be raised in their City, but caused them to stand without. to intimate their inclination rather to Forreign then Civil War. His Priests were named Salii, because they did skip about his Altars that were erected under the same Roof as those of Venus, to express the happy influences that the Stars, Mars and Venus, did poure upon us when they meet in the Nativity of Children.

Mavors sanguinea qui cuspide verberat urbes, * 1.34Et Venus humanas quae laxat in otia curas, Aurati delubra tenent communia Templi. The Poets take notice that Mars was released at the request of Neptunus, when he was caught in Vulcans Bed with Venus; for that old God did consider how it might be his own case to be surprised in the same manner.

CHAP. V.

Of Apollo, and of the Sun.

* 1.35 AT last Jupiter began to be weary of Ju∣no, and to desire change; therefore to satisfie his appetite, he cast his affections up∣on a certain Latona, whom he entirely lo∣ved. Juno was enraged when she heard of her Rivals happiness, and sent against her a Serpent of a prodigious bigness, named Py∣thon, which was crept out of that filthy slime and matter that remained after the De∣luge of Deucalion, whereof we shall have occasion to speak hereafter. And to the end that the poor Latona might not escape the fu∣ry of this Monster, Juno had covenanted with the Earth to allow her no other retreat besides the Island of Delos, which then was floting in the Aegean Sea, and sunk under wa∣ter. Neptunus out of pity raised it up, and fixed it in a place, so that it might serve for a refuge and dwelling to this Exiled Crea∣ture, when she was near the time of her De∣livery.

Latona was there brought to Bed of Apollo and Diana, upon the large leaf of a Palm-tree, which by chance was found in that Desolate Island.

When Apollo came to be of years, he re∣membred unto what shifts and extremity the Serpent Python had reduced his poor Mo∣ther; therefore he kill'd him with his Bow and Arrows, after a long and grievous fight, during which, these words Jo Paean were frequently heard. From hence is derived the custome of singing and repeating these words in the publick Plays, in the Triumphs and Vi∣ctories.

After this happy Combat, he begot a Son called Esculapius, whom he committed to the Tuition of Chiron the Centaur, to be brought up in the Mysteries of Physick, whereof he was afterwards esteemed the God. But Jupiter strook this Esculapius with his Thunderbolts, because he restored to life Hyppolitus, who had been torn in pieces by his own Chariot Horses when he fled from the fury of his Father, as we shall see in the story of Theseus. The death of Esculapius did not a little afflict Apollo, and because he could not revenge himself upon Jupiter, he kill'd the Cyclopes that had made the Thunderbolts with which his Son had been smitten. Jupi∣ter was highly incensed at him for this action, and therefore banisht him out of Heaven, and deprived him of the priviledges of his Divinity for a time. Whiles he was thus ba∣nished

and shut out of Heaven, he endured a World of misery: His poverty constrained him to go to the service of Admetus, King of Thessaly, to feed his sheep for a livelihood: For that reason he was esteemed the God of Shepherds: In this Quality they did offer unto him the Wolf, the Enemy of the Sheep. * 1.36As he did one day keep his Cows, Mercurius the God of Thieves stole from him one of the best, and when he did complain of it, and sought satisfaction, the former Thief very subtilly stole from him his Quiver that hung upon his shoulders, all which turned into sport and laughter.

The misery of Apollo could not hinder him from falling in love with a certain Daphne, who would never consent unto his entreaties. As she was one day running from his pursuits, she was changed into a Laurel, which there∣fore was consecrated unto Apollo. But he met afterwards with a greater misfortune, when he played with little Hyacinthus his Darling, for while he was sporting with him by chance, he strook him in such a manner, that he died presently after. The Earth was so much moved with compassion at this un∣happy accident, that she caused the Flower Hyacinthus, a Violet, to rise out of the drops of his Blood, to perpetuate his Name to Po∣sterity. Apollo was in no small danger by this misfortune; for some did concern themselves for the death of Hyacinthus, seeking to re∣venge themselves upon him; of whom be∣ing

jealous, he fled to the City of Troy, where he met with Neptunus, fallen also into the displeasure of Jupiter.

Both together seeing themselves reduced to extreme poverty in a strange Country, far from their possessions, resolved to enter themselves in the service of King Laomedon, to help him to build his City. They work't long for this ungrateful King; but when they saw no hopes of the Reward promised to their labour, they threatned to revenge themselves. Neptunus with the swelling Waves of the Sea had almost drowned him, and all his people; and Apollo sent amongst them such a furious Pestilence, that it left every where nothing but Desolation and Slaughter.

When Laomedon saw into what inconveni∣cies his perfidious dealing had brought him, he consulted the Oracle, that informed him, that there was no other way to appease the displeasure of these angry Gods, but by ex∣posing every year a Virgin of Troy to be de∣voured by the Sea-Monsters. The Lot fell at last upon the Kings Daughter Hesione; but Hercules offered to deliver her, and fight with the Sea-Monster, if Laomedon would give him for the reward of his service the Horses begot of a Divine Seed, which were then in his Stables at Troy. The promise was made, but perfidious Laomedon stood not to it when Hesione was set at liberty, which so much in∣censed Hercules, that he laid Siege to the City

of Troy, took and sackt it, kill'd Laome∣don, and carried his Son into Captivity, who was afterwards redeemed by the Trojans, and for that cause was named Priamus; as we shall see in the sequel of our discourse.

After all these misfortunes, Apollo re-assu∣med again his Divinity, and became one of the most noted of all the Gods, not only by the great number of Oracles that he did give in several parts of the World, but also by the several Functions and Offices that were attributed unto him, and by the famous per∣sons that were said to Be his Sons.

First, He was taken for the Sun, and in this Quality he had the name of Pboebus gi∣ven to him, that is by interpretation, The Light of the Living. It is true, that some do differ in their relations concerning the Sun, and say, that his Father was one of the Ti∣tans, named Hyperion, from whence it is that he is called Titan. They have imagined that he rides upon a glorious Chariot, that every night he goes down to rest in the Oce∣an, until the next day, when the Hours do prepare him his Horses to begin again his course. He did seem to delight in the Isle of Rhodez, more than any other part of the World, for this reason; because, as Solinus doth report, there is no day never so dark nor clouded, but the Sun appears to the In∣habitants there: Besides they say, that in this Island he begat his Daughter Rhodia. He sent down in it showres of Gold, and caused on

his Birth-day Roses to open and spread. The * 1.37Rhodians did dedicate unto him that famous Colossus of Brass, of 800 feet in height, and of a proportionable bigness, which was broken down by the Sarazens, that took the Island in the year of our Lord 684. When it was beat in pieces, they loaded above 900 Camels with it. This was esteemed one of the seven Wonders of the World.

* 1.38 Amongst the most famous places where A∣pollo did give Oracles, Delphos was one of the chief: In it was a glorious Temple, or Fabrick, enriched with innumerable gifts, which came from every corner: In it was a Woman▪ Priest, named Poebas, otherwise Pi∣thia or Pythanissa, that received the Enthusi∣asme, sitting upon a little Table supported with three feet; it was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Cortina, because it was covered with the skin of the Serpent Python.

This God was also esteemed the Inventer of Musick, he flead the Satyre Marsias alive, because he was so impudent and daring as to challenge him to sing. The Muses, that were Daughters of Jupiter, and of Mnemosyne, were committed to his tuition; their names were Calliope, Clio, Erato, Thalia, Melpomene, Therp∣sicore, Euterpe, Polymnia, or Polyhymnia, and Ʋrania. They had several names, according to the several places where they did dwell: Sometimes they were called Pierides, because of the Forrest Pieris in Macedonia, where they were said to be born; sometimes Heliconia∣des,

from the Mountain Helicon, which is nigh to their beloved Parnassus, from whence also they were named Parnassides, and Cythe∣rides, from the Mountain Cytheron; Castali∣des, and Aganippides, from two noted Foun∣tains that were consecrated unto them.

These Muses, by the assistance of Apollo, invented Musick: Their chief Office was to be present at the solemn Festivals, and Sacred Banquets, and there to sing the praises of the famous men, that they might encourage o∣thers to undertake glorious actions. They were esteemed for their Chastity which they did profess so much, that when Admis, the Favorite of Venus, offered to stir up in them some inclinations of Love, they fell upon him, and put him to death.

The Children of Apollo were many, be∣sides that Rhodia mentioned before: He had Atha, the Father of Medea, King of Colchos. unto whom was committed the Golden Fleece, by Phrixus the Son of Athamas, King of Thebes, when he fled with his Sister from the fury of his Step-mother, as you shall see in the eleventh Chapter. Apollo had another Daughter named Pasiphae, married to Minos King of Crete, and who became at last ena∣moured with a Bull, by whom she had the Monster called Minotaure. Phaeton was also his Son. This young Gallant had an ambiti∣ous fancy to govern the Chariot of the Sun, and to give light to the World for one day: But not knowing the right way through the

middle of the Air, and wanting strength to rule the winged Horses that ran so swiftly, he set the Heaven and part of the Earth in a * 1.39flame: For which cause Jupiter being offend∣ed, kill'd him with his Thunderbolts, and cast him head-long into the River of Padus in Italy, that is otherwise called Eridanus; where his Sisters, afflicted with his misfor∣tune, were changed into Poplar-trees, and their Tears into Amber, as the Poets say.

After this Conflagration, there happened an Universal Deluge, when Deucalion, the Son of Prometheus, was King of Thessaly; for the waters were so great, as they say, that all living Creatures were destroyed, only Deu∣calion, and Pyrrha his Wife, were forced for the safety of their lives to seek a retreat upon the top of Mount Parnassus. When the Wa∣ters were abated, and that they saw them∣selves alone in the World, they requested the Gods to create some other men to keep them company, or to deprive them of their lives. Themis, the Goddess of Justice, sent them word, that their desire might be accomplish∣ed, if they did but cast behind them the bones of their Grandmother. They presently ima∣gined, that this Grandmother was the Earth; therefore according to this order, they ga∣thered up the stones, and cast them over their backs: Those that were cast by Deucalion, were turned into men; and those that came from Pyrrha, became women. By this Stony Generation all the Earth hath been

fill'd. This Deluge and another that hap∣pened in the time of Ogyges King of Thebes, are the most remarkable in the writings of the Poets.

* 1.40 This Deucalion is commended for his Piety and Justice, and is said to have built the first Temple for the worship of God. It is plain by the circumstances mentioned in the Poets, that this Fable is borrowed from the truth of the Scripture, from the History of Noah, who sa∣ved himself and his family from the universal Deluge by Gods appointment. Nicolaus Damas∣cenus and Berosus Chaldeus, two of the ancient∣est Historians do mention this Deluge, with some difference from the Scripture: Moreover, they say, That the Ark in which mankind was sa∣ved, did continue till their daies upon Mount Barin in Armenia, where it was worshipped, as well in requital of that good service that it had rendred, as because of those Diseases that it did cure, and the miracles that it did work. Abi∣denus * 1.41relates the same Story with some change of Names. This is an infallible a argument to prove the Truth of this Story, seeing so many persons that did live at such a distance one from another, that they had scarce any correspondency between themselves, but none with the Possessors of Moses writings, do all agree in one Relation. From hence it may be easily proved, That they had this, and all their other Stories that are a∣greeable to those of Moses, from the Tradition of their Forefathers, as Moses had his.

* 1.42 Apollo was one of the most gentile Gods of the Heathens, of whom they do not relate such filthy Stories as of the others: He was the God of Wisdom, Physick, Musick, Learning, and * 1.43Arching: He was represented as a young man without a Beard, and Rayes of light about his Head; in one Hand was a Harp and three Graces, and in the other a Shield and Arrows. He was reputed the Father of many Eminent Persons, of Aesculapius, of Eleutherus, of Delphus, of Philan∣drus, of Janus, of Miletus, and of Arabus, &c.

He was famous for Oracles at Delphs: There was a most stately Temple, enriched with the Gifts of many Princes dedicated to Apollo: Croesus enriched it with much Gold and Silver. In it was a dark Cave, where a Trivet of Gold did stand, upon which the Pythia or Priest of Apollo did sit. When the Oracle was consulted she began immediately to swell and foam, being possessed with an evil Spirit, who did give an answer to the parties that were present; they did never appear with empty hands. The Custom was, before the Oracle was questioned, to offer sacrifice to Apollo that was there named Isme∣nius. Now the Sacrifices that were pleasing to him were Bullocks, Lambs, and young Heifers: The Wolf also, the Crow, the Swan, the Hawk, the Juniper▪ the Lawrel, the Olive, and the Hy∣acinth were consecrated to him. Some do say, That under the Trivet hath been seen a Dragon, * 1.44that did give Answers to the Petitioners. In several places he did give Oracles, but the most noted was Delphs a City in Greece, that is

said to be the middle of the World, for the Poets report, That Jupiter, being desirous to know where the middle was, let fly two Eagles at the same instant, the one from the East, the other from the West, and that they both met at the City of Delphs: Therefore in remembrance of this, a Golden Eagle was laid up in the Temple and consecrated to Apollo.

During his Disgrace he assisted Alcathous, as well as Laomedon, to build his Labyrinth, where he had fixed a stone, upon which his Harp being laid, it gave unto it the wonderful virtue of * 1.45 sounding melodious Tunes, when it was touch'd with any hard Instrument.

The Romans erected several Altars to this God, distinguished by many Names. There was one to Apollo Coelispex, and another to Apollo Medicus: And when Augustus got the Victory of Antonius and Cleopatra, he built a Temple to Apollo Palatinus, called also Actiacus Na∣valis, and Paraetonius: The Doors were of Ivory, and Gold, and within were many Statues of Gold and Silver; it was also enriched with the Spoils of the Enemy. There was also in Rome Apollo, Sandaliarius, Sosianus, Tortor, Thus∣canicus. They did solemnize in honour of him publick Playes called Ludi Apollinares.

* 1.46 Aesculapius was one of his Sons, begotten of the Nymph Coronis, and because she had admit∣ted another to her Bed, when she was big with Child of Diana, some say Apollo kill'd her with an Arrow, but he saved the Child by cutting it out of her Womb. The truth is, This Aescu∣lapius

was a poor Infant cast away and laid in a Wood near Epidaurus, by the cruel Parents that were ashamed to own it. Some Huntsmen for∣tunately found it, and seeing a lighted flame a∣••out the Head, they look'd upon it as a progno∣stick of the Childs future Greatness; it was therefore delivered by them to a Nurse named Trigo; the Poets say a Goat gave him suck, he studied Physick under Chiron the Centaure: He proved so excellent a proficient in this kind of Learning, that he was generally esteemed the God of Physick. In the City of Tetrapolis, be∣longing to the Ionians, he had a Temple full of rare Gifts, offered by those that did ascribe their Recoveries from sickness to the Power of Aescu∣lapius. The walls also were covered and hung with the memorials of the miracles done by him.

The Romans sent for him from Epidaurus * 1.47when their City was troubled with the Plague. They say that the Serpent that was Worshipped there for Aesculapius did follow the Ambassa∣dors of its own accord to the Ship that transported it to Rome; Where it was placed in a Temple built in the Isle called Tiberina. The sick people were wont to lie in it, and when they found themselves no better, they did scold at Aescula∣pius.

He was painted as an old man with a long Beard, Crowned with a branch of a Bay-tree, in his Hand was a staff full of knots, about which a Serpent had twisted it self; at his Feet did stand a Dog or an Owle. These particulars were Representations and Hierogliphicks of the Qua∣lities

of a good Physician: Who must be as cun∣ning as a Serpent, as vigilant as a Dog, as full of Experience as an old Senior, to handle such a difficult and troublesome staff as Physick.

It is reported of Dionysius of Sicily, that he cast a good jest upon Aesculapius to cloak his Sa∣criledge; for when he came into a Temple where the Statues of Apollo and Aesculapius were to∣gether, and that of Aesculapius had a grave Beard of massive Gold, he told him that it was not just he should have a Beard, and that Apollo his Father should have none: therefore he cau∣sed it to be taken away, and melted for his use.

Ʋnto this God they did dedicate the Serpent, the Raven, the Goat, the Dog, and the Dra∣gon: And for his sake in the Woods, near the City of Epidaurus, the Grecians did celebrate Playes every five years, nine daies after the Isthmian.

CHAP. VI.

The History of Diana.

THis Goddess hath three names, either because of three Offices that are attribu∣ted to her, or because the Poets do confound three Divnities in one: She hath been repre∣sented with three Heads, and then she was called Triple Hec••te: In the Heaven she is Luna, the Moon: In the Earth Diana: And in Hell Pros••rpina.

First, as she is the Moon she is called Phoe∣be, because of her Brother Phoebus from whom she borrows her Light: She is also named Cynthia and Delia, from the place of her Nativity. She grew amorous of the Shepheard Endymion, that Jupiter had con∣demned to a perpetual sleep, because he had been too familiar with Juno his Wife. Diana hid him from the sight of Jupiter in a Moun∣tain. The truth is, That Endymion did stu∣dy very much the motions of the Moon, and for that end he was wont to pass the nights in the retired places, to behold her with less interruption. The Sorcerers of Thessaly did boast to have the power of drawing her to the Earth by their Charms. They imagined that she did come here below to walk a∣mongst us when she did disappear to our eye∣sight by an Eclipse.

She is also called Diana upon Earth, and so she is the Goddess of Woods, of Mountains, and of Huntsmen: Therefore she is always painted armed with Bow and Arrows, and threescore Maids or Nymphs in her train. She had some Office when Women were * 1.48brought to Bed, and so she was named Luci∣na. She did alwayes keep her Virginity, and therefore would never suffer any thing to the prejudice of her Honour: For that reason she did severely punish the rashness of the Hunter Acteon, who having met her with her followers, he beheld her with too much cu∣riosity whiles she was washing her self. She

was not content to load him with reproach∣es, but changed him into a Deer, so that his Dogs not knowing him for their Master they tore him in pieces. At Ephesus was her chief Temple, which was one of the Wonders of the World. Erostratus set it on fire that his name might be rendred famous, having no other means to get renown but by this wicked deed. The Ephesians did command that none should offer to mention his name upon pain of Dealth. It is remarkable that Alex∣ander the Great came into the World the ve∣ry day that this incendy or burning happened in Asia.

It was the custom of certain people a∣mongst the Scythians, named Tauri, upon the Euxin-Sea, when they paid their homage to this Goddess, to offer unto her nothing but humane sacrifices: As many Greeks as did unhappily make Ship wrack upon their Coast, and all the strangers that did fall into their hands, were condemned to bleed upon her Altars, as we shall see more at large in the Story of Orestes.

Finally this Goddess with three Faces was Proserpina in Hell, although some esteem Pro∣serpina to be the Daughter of Jupiter, and of Ceres, who was ravished by Pluto, when she went abroad upon Mount Aetna in Sicily to gather flowers: Therefore it is said that Ceres her Mother, hearing of her mis∣fortune, travelled all over the World to seek after her: And at that time taught men to

Sow, to Manure the Ground, to Reap, and change their Food of Acrons into that of Bread. For that reason she is worshipped as the Goddess of Corn.

* 1.49 Diana the Goddess of Hunting, Child-bear∣ing, Virginity, and Dancing, is said to be the Daughter of Hiperion, by others of Tartarus, or of Coeus, or of Aristaeus; but the plurality do make her the Daughter of Jupiter and La∣tona: Her Brother was Apollo, and because she was first born, the Poets say that she did this good Office to him and her Mother, as to help her to be Delivered of him in a Desolate Island where no Midwife was to be found; therefore she is e∣steemed * 1.50a Goddess that had a hand in bringing Children into the World. She always kept her Virginity, therefore she is represented by a Greek Poet petitioning Jupiter.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

* 1.51 She was painted with her Bow and Arrows in a Silver Chariot drawn by two white Staggs, sometimes by two Horses, one black the other white: On her * 1.52Shoulders were two Wings to express her swiftness, and in her hands were a Lion and a Leopard. She delighted in Hunting, and therefore she was named Dyctinnis, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Net used by Hunters.

She kill'd the Son of Pyrenes the Nymph in a chaffe, his mother hearing of this misfortune, poured forth such a quantity of tears, that she was changed into a Fountain of that Name.

And because she was a Virgin, and no Lover of Marriage, the young Virgins that had a mind to change their condition, did first offer Sacri∣fice to appease and satisfie this Goddess: And when their Belly did begin to rise so high that their Virginal Girdle was too little for them, they came to offer it in the Temple of Diana: From hence is derived this expression, Zonam solvere, which signifies to be with Child.

The Hunter Alphaeus was a Suter to Diana, but could never obtain his request. Ʋnto her were sacrificed Men, and Women, Bulls, Oxen, Boars, and the first fruits of the Seeds of the Earth: Which because King Oeneus neglected to offer unto her, she sent a wild Boar of a pro∣digious bigness into his Territories, to cause there a destruction, as Ovid tells us. The Hea∣thens * 1.53did sacrifice Virgins upon her Altars, and instead of them afterwards a White Hart. The most noted place where she was worshipped was Ephesus, her Temple there was built and con∣trived by Chersiphron, and inlarged and in∣riched by every Prince afterwards: In it were a hundred twenty seven Pillars, crected by so many Kings: It was four hundred twenty five foot long, and two hundred and twenty foot broad: When it was burnt by Erostratus but the Ephesians rebuilt it again.

Ʋnder the Protection of this Goddess were

the Vagabonds and all Debters, and all sorts of Woods. Her Images were commonly placed in the Corner of the Streets, and Wayes, with two Dogs chained at her Feet, and therefore called Trivia Diana.

* 1.54 Some say that Luna, otherwise Diana, was the Daughter of Hesperion and Thaea, who sor∣rowing above measure for her dear Brother Sol, that was murdered and cast into the Po in Italy, she drowned her self also in that River. Sol af∣terwards appeared to his Mother in a Dream, and desired her not to weep for his misfortune, because he had obtained thereby immortality with his Sister. This Dream she related to the people, who transferred the names of Sol and Luna to the two Lights of the Heavens, that were before named Fires: And because Thaea did in a frantick manner, with a Kettle in her hand run up and down the Country making a noise, they performed the Sacrifices to Luna with the noise of Drums, Kettles, Cymbals, Trumpets, &c. And when she was eclipsed, they made a rattling in the Streets that she might not hear the enchant∣ments of Witches, whom they thought to be the cause of it.

CHAP. VII.

Of Bacchus,

BAcchus was born in the City of Thebes, his Father was Jupiter, and Semele was his Mother: She suffered her self while she

was big with Child, to be deceived by the perswasions of Juno, that did hate all the Mistresses of her Husband. For Juno dis∣guised her self and came in the habit of an old Woman to Semele, telling her, That it did concern both her interest and honour, that Jupiter should visit her in the same manner as he did Juno, with his Thunderbolts in his Hand, and that she should beg from him this favour: Jupiter could not deny her the request, but it happened that she was by this means consu∣med according to Juno's desire. The Childs danger moved Jupiter, who presently sepa∣rated him from his dead Mother, and shut him in his Thigh until the full time of his Birth was expired; So that he did him the Office of a Mother: For that reason Bacchus is called Bimater: Other Names are given unto him as Dyonisius, Liber, Bromius, Ly∣caeus, Lenaeus, Evan, &c.

As soon as he was born he was delivered to Silenus and the Nymphs, some say to Ceres, to be by them brought up; they were there∣fore in reward of their good Service received up into Heaven, and there changed into Stars called now Hyades.

When Bacchus came to be of Age he pas∣sed through most part of the World, and made War upon the Indians, whom he over∣came, and in their Country he built the City of Nisa. He was the first that did introduce the custom of Triumphing; at that time he did wear a Golden Diadem about his Head.

His Chariot was drawn by Tygers, his Habit was the Skin of a Deer, his Scepter was a little Lance, adorned with branches of Ivy and of the Vine. He invented the use of Wine, which he gave to the Indians to drink, at first they imagined that he had given them * 1.55poison, because it had made them both drunk and mad. They did commonly sacrifice un∣to him Men, but since his expedition into India he was content with other Sacrifices; for they offered unto him afterwards nothing but Asses, and Goats; to signifie, that those that are given to Wine, become sots, as Asses, or as lascivious, as Goats. Bacchus was brought up with the Nymphs, that teacheth us that we must mix Water with our Wine. He ne∣ver had other Priests but the Satyrs, and women because the latter had followed him in great Companies in his Journeys, crying, singing, and dancing continually: Therefore they were named Bacchanales, Mimallones, Lenae, Bassarides, Thyades, and Menades, names that express fury and madness. The greatest so∣lemnities in honour of this God, were every three years, called therefore Trieteria, or Orgia, from the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies a transport of anger, because these mad Wo∣men clothed themselves wiih skins of Tygers, Panthers, and in their hair hanging down they did run over the Mountains with light∣ed Torches in their Hands, crying aloud, Eu hoe Evan, Eu hoe Bacche, that is, Good Son, a name given to him by Jupiter when in the

War with the Gyants, this Bacchus in the form of a Lion, ran violently upon the first and tore him in pieces.

* 1.56 Bacchus was usually painted with a Miter upon his Head, an Ornament proper to Women, or with a bald Pate, which signifies the effect of the excess of Wine. He had a Sickle in one Hand, a Pitcher in the other, and a Garland of R••ses upon his Head. He did always appear young, because Wine moderately taken purifies the blood, and keeps the Body in a youthful strength and colour. His Temple was next to * 1.57Minerva's, to express how useful Wine is to revive the Spirits, and enable our Fancy to In∣vent; for that reason the Heathens did sacrifice unto him the quick-sighted Dragon; and the chattering Py was also sacred to Bacchus, be∣cause Wine doth cause us to prattle more than is convenient. His Sacrifices were usually perform∣ed in the Evening and at night: And it is re∣ported of him, that he carried the Torch before Proserpina, when she was led to be married to Pluto the infernal God.

Juno could never endure the sight of him, therefore she labour'd to drive him out of Hea∣ven, and to banish him from all Society; he fled from her fury, and as he was resting him∣self * 1.58under a Tree, a Serpent named Amphis∣boena bit him, but he kill'd it with a Vine branch, which is a mortal poison to some Ser∣pents. Juno continued her hatred for him be∣cause he was her Husbands Bastard, until she

cast him into a fit of madness, which made him undertake an expedition against the Indians, and run over all the East Countries: Lusus was his companion, from him Portugal is called Lusi∣tania.

The truth is Liber, otherwise called Diony∣sius, or Osiris, by the Egyptians, was a King of Nysa a City in Arabia Felix, who taught his people, and the inhabitants of the adjoyning Countries many useful Arts, as the ordering of the Vine, and the preserving of Bees: He e∣stablished several good Laws; he is therefore called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. He perswaded the people to sacrifice to their Gods. He was therefore mighti∣ly honoured by all civil Nations: The Graeci∣ans established several Festival daies in honour of him; the chief are their Trieteria, kept eve∣ry three years in remembrance of his Indian Ex∣pedition, performed in that space of time, their Apaturia, their Phallica, and their Lenaea in the beginning of the Spring, that he might * 1.59bless their Vines. This latter Festival was na∣med Orgia, because his Proselytes did express in it nothing but fury and madness, although this name is sometime taken for all other Festi∣vals. The Romans had appointed the Ascolia in honour of Bacchus, at which time they carri∣ed the Statues of this God about their Vineyards, * 1.60as the Papists do beyond Sea their Host, or the Priest's God about their Fields that he might bless the fruits of the Earth. Afterwards the procession of Bacchus did return to his Altar, and there they raised the consecrated Victime

upon the top of a Lance, and did burn it to the honour of Bacchus; besides they took his Statues and Images and did hang them upon high Trees, imagining that they did contribute to the increase of the Grapes and of the Wine.

Now the Beasts that were dedicated to Bac∣chus, were the Goats, the Dragons; the Aegy∣ptians offered Sows. The Trees consecrated to him were the Ivy-tree, the Oak, the Fig, the Vine, the Smilax, and the Fir-tree. It was the Custom that all those that did sacrifice to Bac∣chus, did approach his Altars with a Branch or a Crown of that Tree in their hands, which they offered unto him. Bacchus was sometimes seen with a Garland of Daffadil or Narcissus about his head. His Priests were Women paint∣ed in frightful shapes, with Snakes for their Girdles, and Serpents twisted about their hair to represent their cruelty: for when they did perform the solemnity of this God, they did run with lighted Tapers and Swords in their hands, and did sometimes destroy one another, as Agave did her Son Pentheus, who despised Bacchus and his Sacrifices.

This God did, as the Poets tell us, punish all those persons that did neglect or oppose his Worship. Alcethous was changed into a Batt, * 1.61because he would not Sacrifice to him. And the Pyrats of Tyre, that stole him with an intent to abuse him, were changed into Dolphins; for when they had brought him on Ship-board, he forced them into the Sea in the shape of a furious Lyon.

* 1.62 T. Livius relates a strange story of the Festi∣vals of Bacchus, in Rome introduced by a Fortune-teller of Greece. Three times in a year the Women of all qualities did meet in a Grove called Simila, and there did act all sorts of Villany, those that did appear most reserved were sacreficed to Bacchus; and that the cryes of the murdered and ravished Creatures might not be heard, they did howl, sing, and run up and down with lighted Torches: When the Senate was acquainted with these night meetings, and their filthy practises, they banished them out of Italy.

CHAP. VIII.

Of Mercurius.

* 1.63 HE was esteemed one of the most remark∣able of the Gods, as well for the No∣bility of his Birth, as for divers Offices attri∣buted to him, and which are very pleasantly described in the tenth Ode in the first Book of Horace.

He was the Son of Jupiter and Maia Daugh∣ter of Atlas, who bears up the Heavens with his Shoulders, he was born upon the Moun∣tain Cyllene, which is in Arcadia.

His ordinary Office was Ambassador and Interpreter of the Gods, in this quality, he had Wings at his Heels, and at his Head, and in his Hand a Caduceus, which was a Rod with two Serpents twisting about it their Tails, in

token of peace and amity. It is thought that Mercurius is the discourse which interprets our mind and thoughts, it flies as he did, for there is nothing more quick and speedy than the discourse, which hath the power of gain∣ing and uniting hearts.

Another of his Offices was to shew the ways, and to guide the deceased Souls into hell; therefore the Poets do say, that none can die until Mercurius comes with his Rod to break the tye that unites the soul to the body. When these souls have passed many years in the Elysean Fields, and after that they have drunk of the River Lethe, as we shall see in the following Chapters, the same Mercu∣rius, by the virtue of his Rod, doth cause them to pass into other bodies to live again, according to the judgment of those that be∣lieve the Metempsycosis.

He invented the Lute, and a kind of Harp, which he presented to Apollo: He was also the God of Eloquence, it did serve him mightily in his Embassies and Negotiations: He was also the God of Thieves, because he had been a very subtil Thief himself, as may appear by what he did to Apollo when he fed the sheep of King Admetus, for he stole from him a great many, and was not discovered by any but only by the Shepherd Battus, who was changed afterwards into a Rock by Mercurius, because he did reveal him, not∣withstanding his promise to the contrary.

Mercurius had one Son by the Goddess Ve∣nus

his Sister, who was named Hermaphro∣dite: This Child happened to meet with the Nymph Salmacis at a Fountain; the Gods at her earnest request made of both their bodies but One, in such a manner, that both Sexes were conserved entire. By this the Poets do give us to understand the union that should be between married persons; they ought to be but one body, and one heart.

Some say that this Mercurius made Daedalus so excellent an Architect, and taught him so many rare inventions, that they rendred him famous all over the World. This Daedalus left the City of Athens to offer his service to King Minos in the Isle of Crete, or Candia, where he built the Labyrinth with so much art, and with so many windings, that those that did enter in could scarce get out again. He was shut into it himself, with his Son Ica∣rus, because he had offended the King; but he made wings for himself, and his Son, to fly through the air out of prison. All things suc∣ceeded well to him, but for Icarus, because he ventured too near the Sun, notwithstand∣ing the admonition of his experienced Fa∣ther, the Wax that did unite his Wings to his shoulders melted by the heat of the beams, and he fell into the Sea, which since bears his Name.

* 1.64 Mercurius was admired for his nimbleness, which he expressed in several occasions; when he stole from Mars his Sword, from Vulcan a

pair of Tongs, from Apollo his Arrows, and his Beasts, from Venus her girdle, and from Neptunus his Trident: He had also undertaken to convey away the Thunderbolts of Jupiter, but the fear of his displeasure hindred him: He was much reverenced by the Egyptians, who did * 1.65worship him in the Image of a Dog, called Anu∣bis; and by the Gauls, who did cause several men to bleed at his Altars: It is reported of him, that he taught the Arts and Sciences in Egypt: It is probable, that the famous Trismegistus, * 1.66who flourished in the first Ages of the World, was worshipped under this name of Mercuri∣us. As he was the God of Eloquence, they did consecrate unto him Tongues: His Statue was usually placed in the Market, therefore he is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. He was painted with yellow hair, and a purse in his hand, to intimate the advantage we may expect by diligence and learn∣ing.

Mercurius was also the God of Merchants, of Shepherds, and of Dreams; the Egyptians re∣ceived from him their Arts and Sciences, and therefore they did honour him more than other people; he was painted with the characters of an ingenious man, because that they prove very in∣genious that are born when the Star of Mercu∣rius g verns. He was named Cyllenicus from the Mountain Cyllene, where he was bred and born; and Camillus, which signifies an Officer; * 1.67his Statues was placed in the ways unto which they did offer their first fruits; he and Mi∣nerva were worshipped in one Temple together;

the Greeks placed his Image over the door of their houses, because as he was the God of Thieves, he was best able to protect the house from their violence.

His Image was sometimes made as that of Hercules Gallicus, mentioned by Caesar, out of whose mouth came forth chains of gold, which were joyned to the ears of several little men that stood at his feet: This expresseth the power of E∣loquence, that enslaves and governs the Auditors, and makes men more able to command than strength and valour.

CHAP. IX.

Of Venus.

VVE have already mentioned her birth in the first Chapter, but the other Poets do tell us, that she was the Daughter of Jupiter, and of the Goddess Dione.

She was the Goddess of Love and Plea∣sures, because of her extraordinary beauty: Her Chariot was drag'd only by Swans and Pidgeons, lascivious birds; and the places where she was most adored were Amathus, Cythera, and Paphos, pleasant Mountains in the Island of Cyprus.

She had several children; Hymeneus the God of Marriages was one of her Sons, and the three Charities or Graces were her Daugh∣ters that kept her company: She was also the Mother of the two Cupi••'s, Gods of

Love; the one was honest, the other was the God of unlawful and carnal pleasures; he had wings upon his back, and a Quiver full of sharp and burning Arrows, by which he did enflame and heat the hearts. The infa∣mous Priapus, mentioned in Holy Writ, did also acknowledge her for his Mother: Unto this God no other beast was offered but the Ass; Aeneas, so often mentioned in the Latin Poets, was another of the Sons of Venus; and although this shameful Divinity was like a Bitch prostituted to every one, she had the God Vulcan for her Husband, of whom she never had any Children.

* 1.68 In the City of Rome several Temples were built to Venus: There was one to Venus Ery∣cina, where was the Statue of Amor Laetheus, dipping his Arrows in a River; another to Ve∣nus Libitina, where the Ʋrns and Coffins of the most considerable of Rome were placed and kept. Another to Venus Verticordia, who was also called Dea Viriplaca, where the Women did appear with their Husbands when there was and difference between them, to find some way of re∣conciliation. After the ceremonies appointed for that good office, they did return to their home with that satisfaction that they did seek, there were several other Images and Names of Venus. There was in Rome Venus Calvata, with a bald pate, Venus Barbata, with a long beard, fall∣ing down to her Navel, Venus Cloacina, or Cluacina. In Greece the Lacedemonians erect∣ed

* 1.69 a Statue to '〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in memory of that famous Victory obtained by their Women of the Messenians, their deadly enemies. The usual Sacrifices were Doves, Pidgeons, Sparrows, Swans, &c. The Rose, an inducement to Love; the Myrtle Tree, a symbol of Peace, were dedi∣cated to this Divinity, who was some times re∣presented with fetters at her feet.

Her Children were many; Pryapus the God of Gardens was the most noted, although he was the most deformed. It is reported, that when Bacchus came from India, Venus went to meet him, and Crown him with Garlands and Roses; he in requital begot on her this mishapen fellow Priapus, who came to be thus deformed by the inchantments of Juno, for he was bewitched in his Mothers Womb. He was no sooner in the World, but when she beheld his ugly shape, she caused him to be conveyed out of her sight.

Hymeneus was the Son of Liber, and of Ve∣nus; he was named Thalassius amongst the Ro∣mans; he was the Protector of Virginity, and the God of Marriages, unto whom the new∣married Virgins did offer Sacrifice, as they did also to the Goddess Concordia.

In the City of Rome there were two Cupi∣do's, called Eros and Anteros, to represent mu∣tual love, for they strove one against another who should have the branch of a Palm-tree that was between them to express that contention that should be between friends, to deserve the Palm, or the honor of excelling in love and friendship.

CHAP. X.

Of Aurora, and of such like Divinities.

THat light that we perceive before the ri∣sing of the Sun upon our Hemisphere, hath been taken for the Goddess Aurora, who according to the Opinion of the Heathens, doth come upon a Golden Chariot, having her fingers dropping with Dew, to foretell the arrival of the Sun.

She fell in love with Tithonus, the Son of Laomedon, whom Jupiter at her request made Immortal, without granting unto him the priviledge of continuing always young: When he came to be extreme old, he was impatient of those many evils that did trouble him in his decrepit Age; there∣fore he consented to be metamorphosed into a Grashopper. This Fable contains much truth, for it is certain, that Tithonus, a great lover of Astrology, was wont to rise by break of day to behold the Stars: This continual and constant vigilancy had rewarded him with a long life, and preserved him from all sick∣ness; but as Old Age, amongst other Vices, is subject to excessive pratling, from hence it is that they imagine that Old Tithonus was turned into a Grashopper. From this Marri∣age of Aurora with Tithonus, did proceed the couragious Memnon, who went to the Trojan War to the assistance of Priamus, and

was there call'd into the field and kill'd by A∣chilles in a single fight, at which loss Aurora was extremely afflicted; therefore when his body was in the flames, upon the pile, she changed him into a Bird. The Egyptians to honour his valour, did dedicate unto him a Brazen Sta∣tue, of which it is reported, that When it was visited with the Beams of the Morning Sun, it appeared most pleasant, and yielded a harmony grateful to the ear.

That Star that we call Venus, which rises at break of day, was the Daughter of Aurora, it is called also Lucifer, or Phosphorus, when it marches before the Sun; but at night, when it marches before the Sun; but at night, when it remains behind, at Sun-setting, it is named Vesper, or Hesperus, whose Office is to ap∣pear at the head of all the other Stars, when they come to enlighten the night.

* 1.70 Aurora is said to be the Daughter of Hiperi∣on, and the Nymph Thia, or of Titan and the Earth: When her Husband grew old and loath∣some, she laboured by certain Herbs to remedy her own grief, for by their virtue she restored un∣to him, in his decrepit Age, his youthful heat and vigour, and removed from him those weaknesses that were grievous unto both.

If the Heathens have enrolled Aurora in the number of the Gods, we must not wonder at what they have believed concerning the Sun, the Moon, as we have already seen, and of all the other Heavenly Bodies, who were, as they af∣firm, certain men, and Animals translatid from

Earth to Heaven, and changed into Stars. Se∣veral of them held the Rank of Gods, as Her∣cules, Cepheus, and his Wife Cassiope, his Daughter Andromede, his Son-in-law Perse∣us; Erichtonius, who was begot of the Seed of Vulcan when he offered violence to Minerva, and was also delivered to the Daughters of Ce∣crops to be nourished, who because they obser∣ved not Minerva's advice, but curiously searched into the Basket where this new-born Monster was hid, they became mad.

This Erichtonius was the first that invented the use of Coaches and Chariots to hide his de∣formity, because he had nothing but Dragons feet: He was King of Athens, and governed his people with Justice and Equity.

At the Northern Pole is that Constellation called Cynosura, or the Little Bear, that serves to direct the Mariners: This She-Bear was one of the Nymphs that had the tuition of Jupiter when he was an Infant. The Great Bear is o∣therwise called Helice, or Callisto, she was Daughter of Lycaon, King of Arcadia, and was changed into a Bear by the Goddess Diana, because she had dishonoured her Company, by suffering Jupiter to rob her of her Virginity which she had promised to keep: Jupiter was so much moved with compassion, that he carried her into Heaven, and changed her into this Constel∣lation.

Although some do name it the Chariot, be∣cause of the disposition of the Stars that do form and represent a perfect Chariot; the Stars that

are next adjoyning are called Arctophylax, that is keeper of the Bear or Bootes, that is driver of the Chariot. Orion also, who is the foreteller of Rain, is in the Heavens, he had done good ser∣vice to Diana in Hunting, and had so much strength and skill, that he did not fear to meet with any Savage Beast, although it were the most furious. The Horse Pegasus was also there promoted, and the Serpent that kept the Apples Hesperides with the Eagle that brought Ga∣nimedes to Jupiter; the Whale that Neptunus sent to devour Andromedes, the Great Dog, and the Canicule, otherwise named Procyon, with many other creatures, that are all placed in the Zodiack, and in the other parts of the Hea∣ven.

Orion is said to have been begot of the Ʋrine of Jupiter, Mercury and Neptune, who pis∣sed in an Oxes Hide when they were feasted by Hyreus, and to requite him for his kind Hospita∣lity, they advised him to bury the Hide ten moneths in the ground, and promised him then out of it a Child, because he had none. He be∣came an excellent Hunter, and in this imploy∣ment he served Diana; but when he began to boast of his skill, she killed him not long before he adventured to ravish Mecops Daughter of Ae∣nopion, who punished him by putting out his eyes; but by Vulcans help and assistance he re∣covered his sight again. This Constellation of Orion in the Heavens hath 17 Stars.

CHAP. XI.

Of Neptunus, and of the Sea Divinities.

NEptune was one of the Children of Sa∣turnus, that had to his lot the com∣mand of the Seas, and of the Waters, when the World was divided amongst him and his Brethren; his Scepter was a Trident, and his Chariot a great shell of the Sea, which was drawn either by Whales, or by Sea-monsters, or by Horses that had the lower part of Fish: His Wife was Amphitrite, so named, because the Sea doth encompass about the Earth: He obtained her by the means of a Dolphin, who was afterwards advanced amongst the Stars, near the Capricorn: He taught unto men the use of the Horse, when he had caused him to come forth of the earth with a blow of his Trident, at the dispute he had with Miner∣va about the name of the City of Athens in the Areopage. Because he had been engaged in a conspiracy against Jupiter, he was confined to the earth, where he was forced to offer himself to the service of King Laomedon, to build the City of Troy, as we have seen in the story of Ap••ll••. The Tritans, half men, and half Dolphins, were his Children; they were wont to accompany him, sounding certain shells, in form of a Trumpet. He begot also the Harpies by the acquaintance that he had with the Earth; they were Monsters that did

ingeniously and perfectly express the qualities of a Niggard: They had faces of young Maids, although somewhat pale; but their bodies were like the Vultures, with Wings and Claws both at their hands and feet; their bellies were insatiable, and of a prodigious bigness; whatever they did touch was infect∣ed and spoil'd, and they did steal all that came near them.

* 1.71 Neptunus was esteemed a famous God, be∣cause the Heathens judged him to have the com∣mand of one of the Elements; he was called * 1.72Consus, for the Romans do affirm, that he did advise them in thé first beginning of their Em∣pire, when there was scarcity of Women in their City, to steal from their Neighours, the Sabins, a convenient supply of that Sex. He was named also Neptunus Hippius, or Equester, because he taught unto men the use of Horses; and as the Fable informs us, he created at Athens a Horse when the City was built: The Romans to ac∣knowledge the benefit that their Empire had re∣ceived from Horses, instituted Horse-Races in honour of Neptune. The Sea is called by his Name, either because he was Admiral of it in the Reign of Saturn, or because this greedy and inhumane God did drown him in the Sea as soon as he was born: He had a famous Temple in Rome, enriched with the spoils of many Sea Vi∣ctories; but he received a signal affront when Augustus the Emperour caused his Statue to be pull'd down, because he was thought to have

raised against him a Tempest at Sea, where he had received some loss, with no small danger of his life.

The Ocean where Neptunus commanded was esteemed a God, the Father of the Ri∣vers: His Effigies was much like to that of a River, a great man with Bulls Horns up∣on his head; His Wife was Thetis, of whom he had Nereus and Doris, that married toge∣ther, and put into the World many Daugh∣ters, called Nymphs; some of them ascend∣ed up into Heaven, but those that had green locks of hair remained upon the Earth, a∣mongst the Waters, the Meadows, the For∣rests▪ The Napeae, the Dryades, and the Ha∣madryades, did dwell in the Woods, in the Meadows, and amongst the Flowers and green Pastures: The Naiades were for the Fountains and Rivers, and the Nereides, that did borrow their Name of their Father, were appointed to the Sea: They did extremely love the Halcyons, Sea-birds, of whom this Wonder is related, that they build their Nests upon the Waves of the Sea, in the midst of the most stormy Winters; but when their young ones do peep forth of the shell, the Sea round about them appears calm, and if it be rough they never come by any damage by it. The most remarkable of the Nereids was Thetis, who kept the Name of her Mother, she was so fair, that Jupiter fell in love with her: but when he heard the Destinies foretel, that

if she was married that she should have a Son far more couragious and more dreadful than his Father; he willingly left her, and gave her in marriage to Peleus, the Father of A∣chilles, whose Actions and Life we shall de∣scribe in their proper place.

Protheus, Neptune's Shepherd, and the Leader of his Phoei, who were called Calves of the Sea, was another Son of Ocean and Thetis; the Romans called him Vertumnus, be∣cause he had the skill to change himself into all sorts of forms and figures, and he was a great Fortune-teller; those that intended to make any use of him, were to surprise him, and bind him fast until he did take his pro∣per and natural shape, and tell them what they desired.

Glaucus Ino and Melicerta were Divinities of the Sea. Glaucus had been before a Fish∣erman; at a certain time having cast his Fish upon the Grass, and perceiving that by the * 1.73virtue of a certain Herb which they did touch they did receive a wonderful strength, and did afterwards leap into the Sea again, his curiosity moved him to try the virtue of it in himself: He had no sooner tasted of it, but he fell into a fit of madness, and cast himself into the midst of the Waves, where the Sea Divinities had a care to receive him, and admit him into their Society.

The story of Ino is more various; Athamas King of Thebes had married her in second Nuptials, after that he had divorced his for∣mer

Wife Nephele. This Ino was resolved to destroy Phrixus and Helle, Children of Ne∣phele. Phrixus to prevent his mischief, ran away with the Ram that had a Golden Fleece, the honour and riches of his Family. He and his Sister mounted upon it with a design to flee to some other Country, as they were passing over the Straits, between Asia and Europe, Helle fell into the Sea in a fright, from hence this place is named Hellespont: But Phrixus arrived happily in the Country of Colchos, where he offered his Ram to Ju∣piter, and since this same Ram hath been ad∣mitted amongst the twelve Signs of the Zo∣diack, but the Fleece was put in the hands of Aetha King of the Country, who placed it in a Park consecrated to Mars, and a good guard to keep it, as we shall see in the story of Jason.

Juno was mightily concerned for the Chil∣dren of Nephele, therefore she troubled the mind of Athamas, and caused him to become furious; in that condition he offered to kill Ino and her Children, but she being surprised with so great a change, casts her self into the Sea with Melicerta: Neptune pittied her, and therefore received her in the number of the Divinities of his Train; afterwards she was esteemed to be Aurora, and therefore called Leucothea, the break of day: Her Son was called Palaemon, he was the God of the Ha∣vens.

We must not here forget the God Aeolus,

for his Empire was upon the Waves of the Sea; he was the God of the Winds, who dwelt in one of the Islands next unto Sicily, where he kept the Winds close prisoners, gi∣ving them liberty when he thought it conve∣nient.

Besides all these, there were certain Mon∣sters that did dwell near the Sea, and that did terrifie the Marriners: In the Straits of Sicily were Scylla and Charybdis; they say that this Charybdis was a Woman of a savage Nature, that did run upon all passengers to rob them: When she had stoln the Oxen of Hercules, Jupiter kill'd her with his Thun∣derbolts, afterwards he turned her into a fu∣rious Monster, and cast her into a Gulf that bears her name.

Scylla was the Daughter of Nisus, King of the Megariens, she fell in love with Minos King of Candia, and for his sake she betray∣ed her own Father: For when Minos made War upon the Megariens, because the Inhabi∣tants of the Country had cruelly put to death his Son Androgeos, and when he held the chief City, Megara besieged Scylla: during the Siege, did often walk upon the Walls to recreate her self with the harmonious sounds that the stones did give: for when A∣pollo did build this City, he did often leave his Harp upon the stones, and by this means he granted unto them the virtue, that when they should be toucht, they should yield a most delightful sound. This young Princess

seeing Minos from this place, she began to entertain a kindness for him, which per∣swaded her to deliver the City unto him, up∣on condition that he should yield unto her desire and lust. The business did depend on∣ly upon a hair of a Purple colour which was in the head of Nisus, for whiles he did keep it he could not be overcome; therefore when he was asleep she cut it off. This Treason was not unprofitable to Minos, but he could not abide a Daughter guilty of so much cruelty against her Father, therefore he caused her to be thrown headlong into a Gulf of the Sea, under the Promontory or Cape that is against that of Charybdis: There she became a most horrible Monster, for all her lower parts, * 1.74from the Girdle downwards, changed them∣selves into dogs of several shapes, that did continually bark there. Others there are that relate this Story otherwise; for Ovidius tells us how Scylla was metamorphosed into a Lark, and Nisus into a Hawk, that did perse∣cute her continually for her Treason. These do say, that this was another Scylla that the Witch Circe changed into this Monster in a fit of jealousie, because Glaucus had less love and kindness for her than for Scylla. We shall see in the nineteenth Chap. of the next Book who this Scylla was.

The Sirens did also inhabit upon these Coasts of Sicily; their upper part was like fair Virgins, and their lower did represent the tail and body of a great Fish: They did

sing such melodious tunes, that the Passen∣gers were charmed and drawn to them; but it was to the end that they might destroy them▪ therefore they do very well typifie unto us un∣lawful Lust, for its pleasures and allurements will infallibly bring us to an unhappy end, unless we imitate the example of Ʋlysses, who commanded his men to stop their ears with Wax, and caused himself to be bound fast to the Mast of his Ship, when he passed by in these Seas, that the Sirens might not prevail upon him. This craftiness of Ʋlysses did not a little vex them, for they hoped to obtain him and his Company for their prey.

* 1.75 The Heathens did say that Oceanus was the beginning and first principle of all things; he had a numerous Posterity: Hesiodus numbers three thousand Daughters, besides Sons: Pro∣metheus was his intimate friend, and he did many good offices to the Gods: he brought up and nourished Juno.

Nereus was his Son, who had about sixty Daughters that waited upon Neptunus; his ha∣bitation was in the Aegean Sea; Hercules went to know from him where he should find the Gol∣den Apples.

When Ino had craftily made away all the Children of Nephele except two; she caused the Oracle to demand one of them as a Sacrifice to Jupiter, which forced them both to fly away. Athamas her Husband was so incensed at her cruelty, that he took her Son Learchus and cut

off his head; then Ino in hast caught hold of * 1.76Melicerta, and cast her self with him into the Sea: He was called Palemon, or Portunus, God of the Harbours: In some places of Greece Children were offered in Sacrifice to him.

The Sirens are noted for their folly and cru∣elty: These are the Names of the chief of them, Aglaope, Pisinoe, Thelxiope, Molpe, Alago∣phonos, Leucosia, Ligea, Parthenope: The last gave her name to the famous City of Italy, Naples, anciently called Parthenope. They did sing upon several Instruments of Musick, and very well, insomuch that they did challenge the Muses themselves by the perswasion of Juno. In the Island of Crete was the meeting, where the poor Sirens were shamefully overcome by the Nine Sisters, who took from them their Wings, & made of them Crowns, which they all wore, ex∣cept one who was esteemed the Mother of the Si∣rens, and therefore it did become her not to tri∣umph at the shame of her Daughters. Their dwelling was between Italy and Sicily, all the Passengers are said to have perished there but Or∣pheus, who with the sound of his Harp did o∣vercome the noise of the Sirens voices. Ulysses had the happiness to pass also without any harm; it is said that they were so much grieved at the escape of this last, that they cast themselves headlong into the Sea, and since they have ne∣ver been seen.

CHAP. XII.

Of the Divinities of the Earth.

CYbele that we mentioned in the second Chap. as the Mother of the Gods, is also the Goddess of the Earth; therefore she was painted sitting, and crowned with Towns, and about her abundance of Animals and Trees: The Shepherds did own her for their Goddess; amongst them she was named Magna Pales.

Pan was eminent amongst the Gods of the Fields; he was Son of Mercurius, that had taken the form of a Goat to beget him; therefore his Beard and his Feet were like a Goats, with horns upon his head: He was called Sylvanus, although Virgilius seems to be of another mind: He was the beloved of the Nymphs that did put themselves under his protection, and did dance at the sound of his pipe: The Arcadians did honour him as their God, offering unto him Sacrifices of Milk and Honey: The Romans also, in the moneth of February, did dedicate to him certain Feastival daies, called Lupercalia, from the place Lupercal, that was consecrated to his worship by Evander, and where Remus and Romulus were afterwards nourished by a Wolf.

Picus the K. of the Latin people had a Son named Faunus, that was also a famous God

of the Fields, he invented many things ne∣cessary for Husbandmen: He was lookt upon as the Father of the other Fauni, and of the Satyrs, who did all wear horns upon their heads, and had Goats feet. When these Sa∣tyrs became old, they were called Sileti; they were great Tiplers of Wine: The chief and the ancientest of them brought up and tutored Bacchus in his Infancy; he was al∣ways seen riding upon an Ass. This Animal became famous in India, when Bacchus made War against the Indians; for when it began to bray, the Elephants of the Enemies were frighted and disordered, which was the cause of the Victory. In reward of this good ser∣vice, Bacchus promoted this Ass amongst the Stars, near the Crab.

* 1.77 Cybele was originally of Phrygia, the Daugh∣ter of Menoe, an ancient King of that Coun∣try; she was cast into a Wood, and there left to be devoured by the Wild Beasts, upon some di∣stast that her Father had taken against her Mo∣ther: A Shepherd happily finding her, brought her to his home, and there caused her to be bred up as his Child▪ She quickly grew famous when she came to years of understanding, because of her extraordinary beauty and skill in Musick, and in the curing of Infants diseases, which caused the King to acknowledge her for his Daughter, and to grant unto her a Train bet∣ter befitting her Birth: She afterwards became amorous of Atys, a young man of the Country,

who because he could not have the liberty to mar∣ry her, he got her with-child: Atys was con∣demned for it to die, and Cybele for grief be∣came mad; so that she left her Fathers Court, and ran up and down the Country with a Pipe and Drum in her hand: After her death, when the Phrygians were afflicted with scarcity of corn, and divers diseases; the Oracle gave them this advice as a remedy to their evils, to worship Cybele as a Goddess. She was not well known amongst the Romans, until Hannibal was in the bowels of Italy with his Army: The Senate being frighted with several prodigious accidents that happened at that time, sent to consult the Books of the Sybile, where they found that the strangers might be driven out of Italy, if Mater Idaea did come to Rome. This obliged them to send Embassadors to Attalus King of Phrygia, * 1.78to beg from him the Statue of this Goddess, which was of stone in the Town of Pesinunte: They brought it to Rome, and all the Dames of the City went out as far as the mouth of Tyber to welcome her: The next year a Temple was e∣rected for her, her Priests were Phrygians, call∣ed Corybantes, they had over them one called Archi Gallus an Eunuch, as most of them were therefore called Semiviri Phryges: They did perform her solemnity with a furious noise of Drums, of beating of Brass, and of Musical Instruments. The Corybantes are Jupiters Life-guard, because they brought him up. The Pine Tree and Box were consecrated to this God∣dess.

Pan was the God of Mountains, and Sheep; also of Huntsmen; he loved Eccho, of whom he had a Daughter called Irynges: He was also beloved * 1.79of Luna; his Sacrifices were performed in a deep Cave, scituate in the middle of a thick Wood; they were wont to offer unto him Milk and Honey in Shepherds Dishes; he was paint∣ed with a stick in one hand, and a Pipe in the other, with a long Beard, and horns of a great length upon his head, and with Goats feet.

Faunus was also a God of the Field, all the Apparitions in the Woods, and all the voices were attributed to him.

CHAP. XIII.

Of the Infernal Gods.

IF we speak of Hell, according to the man∣ner of the ancient Poets, we must repre∣sent it as a large subterraneous place, whither the Souls are conveyed when they go out of their bodies: The God that commands there is Pluto, Brother of Jupiter and Neptunus; his Wife is Proserpina, the Daughter of Ce∣res; he was constrained to steal her, for he had been refused of all the Goddesses, because of his ill-looks, and of the darkness of his Kingdom.

Several Rivers do encompass it, which we must all pass before we can enter into it: Acheron is the first, Styx the second, this Ri∣ver did run round Hell nine times; Victory

was his daughter, she was favourable to Ju∣piter in the War of the Giants. Therefore by her means he attained to so great a credit, that the Gods having sworn by his waters, it was not lawful for them to act contrary to their engagements: When they did, they were depriv'd of the Nectar, and of their Di∣vinity, one hundred years compleat. The Styx did rise out of a Fountain of Arcadia, whereof the waters are venomous, and of such a strange nature, that there is no metal that can keep them: Nothing but the hallow of an Ass, or of a Mules Hoof, can retain this piercing water.

The third River of Hell was the Cocytes, which did swell only with Tears: The fourth was Phlegeton, whereof the waters boil.

Charon, the Ferry-man, did offer his as∣sistance, and his Boat, to carry over all that did come from this Upper World: He did shew as little respect to the Lords, to the Grandees, and to the Princes, as to the meanest Slaves, because Death doth bring all men to an equality. They whose bodies had not been buried, did wait many years upon the Banks of the River before they could be admitted to passe with the rest.

At the descent from the Boat they met Cer∣berus a great Dog with three heads, instead of hair he was covered all over with Ser∣pents.

He did keep the entry of Hell in such a manner that he did suffer all to enter but none to go out.

Within was a dreadfull night esteemed a Goddess the eldest daughters of Chaos and the Mother of several Monsters that did beseige this unhappy place for besides Envy, Grief, Poverty, Care, Labour, Diseases, Cruelty, Despaire, here were to be seen Death and his kinsman sleep. The latter was honou∣red as a favourable God unto men, because of the rest that he procures unto us, one of his Officers was Morpheus the God of Dreams who had the cunning and Art of taking all sorts of shapes. There were also the Harpyes con∣demned to perpetual darkness, and the Chi∣mera that did vomit fire and flame, her head was like a Lyons, her middle like a Goat, and her tail did resemble that of a furious Dragon

In these subterraneous places was the abode of the furies called otherwise Dirae or Eume∣nidae their names were Tisiphone, Megera and Alecto they were armed with flaming Tor∣ches, out of their mouth proceeded a filthy froth, a signe of their raging humor, their eyes did sparkle as the lightning and their head instead of hair was adorned with long and dreadfull Vipers.

In the Palace of Pluto the three sisters na∣med Parcoe, Clatho, Lachesis, and Atropas did dwell. These were the fatal Goddesses or the Destinies that did appoint unto every one

the several adventures of his Life, what they had decreed according to the Judgment of the Gods could not be altered, they were more * 1.80especially busied in handling the thred and disposing of the course of mens lives, the youngest held the distaff and did draw the thred, the seeond in age did wind it about the Spindle, and the third old and de∣crepit, did cut it off, and this was followed with the immediate death of the person li∣ving.

Assoon as the Souls were arrived in Hell they did go to give an account of their lives before Minos Rhadamantus, and Aeacus their Judges, who had in their keeping the fatal Chest where the names of all the living upon Earth, were contained, out of it was drawn every mans name when he was arrived at the end of his dayes, The Gods had intrusted these men with this Office, because during their lives they had been very just in their Judgments: Here we must not forget what is related of Aeacus when the plague had carried away all the Inhabitants of the Isle of Egine where he was King, he ob∣tained of Jupiter the favour that all the Ants should be changed into men, that the Island might be again filled with Inhabitants, they were therefore called Myrmidones; The truth is they were thus named because they did mightily apply themselves in the improve∣ment of the ground, as the Ants they were allwayes stirring it up.

When these infernal Judges had pronoun∣ced their sentence against the wicked Souls they were cast headlong by the furies into the bottom of the Tartare, a dreadfull place de∣signed for their punishment.

There were to be seen the Gyants and the Titans, in the midst of the flames loaden with huge mountains, to hinder them from rising again. And Tantalus that was ready to perish with hunger and thirst encompassed with the abundance of all sorts of dainties. There was also Salmoneus the King of ••lide who had bin struck dead with Jupiters thun∣derbolts, because he had the impudency to counterfeit and play the God upon a Bridge of Brass causing his Chariot to run over it that it might yeild a noise like that of the Thunder: In his conrse he did cast on every side flaming Torches to represent the Lightning, and such of the spectators upon whom they did unhappily fall were cruelly murdered by him.

In this place were also the Danaides, or the Belides, so named from Belus their Grand∣father, they were the Daughters of Danaus, from whom the Greeks have taken their name Danai. This Danaus was forced to marry them to the sons of Egyptus his Brother, they were equal in number, for Egyptus had fifty Sons for the fifty Daughters of Da∣naus; But these wretched Creatures cutt their Husbands throats the first night that they came together, only one excepted;

therefore they were condemned in Hell to fill up with Water a Tunn, without a bottom, which they could never effect, be∣cause at the same time that they did poure in, as much did run out.

Here was also one Sysiphus a famous Rob∣ber, forced to heave up a great stone with his Shoulder to the top of a Mountain, when he was almost come to the end of his la∣bour, it did fall again to the bottom, so that he was constrained to be allwayesbegin∣ing.

Ixion was here tyed about a Wheele that did continually move: He was condemned to this punishment, because he had been so bold as to seek a too familiar acquaintance with Juno, Jupiter to be better informed of his intentions, presented unto him a Cloud in Juno's likeness, of whom he begot the Centauri, half Men and halfe Hor∣ses.

All the Men that had lived an honourable life, and all those that had ended their ap∣pointed time in the Tartare, were conducted into the Elisian Feilds, Places that did a∣bound with all manner of delights and satis∣factions. But at the end of a certain num∣ber of years, they did return into the World again to live in other Bodies, and that the Souls might not retain any remembrance of these Elysian Feilds, they did drink of the River Lethe, that had the virtue of causing them to forget all the things past.

It is very remarkable that the Papists do fol∣low in their descriptions and fancies of Hell, and of its suburbs, the Heathens, or Romans their predecessors, who with the Empire of the World have left them many of their groundless opinions, and strange superstitions, as the former did imagine, several apartments under ground, and subterraneous places, so the latter do maintain divers retreats of the soul after Death, The Purgatorie of the Poets described by Virgil, is the same as that of these mistaken Christians.

Pluto was the God of Hell, and of Riches he had two keys in his hand, and was atten∣ded * 1.81by a dreadfull train, by Cerberus with three heads, by the furies the Paucae; &c. * he had upon his head a Helmet, that did render him invisible, and all those that did ware it; by this is intimated the safety men finde in the grave. His sacrifices were performed in the night, and the Tree that was dedicated to him, * 1.82was the Cypress. He was a blinde God that did not love to see any light, therefore the Poets say that he is mightily afraid when the Earth doth quake and let in the day into Hell. * 1.83

Charon the sonn of Erebus, & of the night was his Ferry-man to convey the Souls of the deceased unto him, he was greedy of mony, therefore he would let none pass without a peice of Silver, which the Souls were wont to carry betweene their lipps, those that were not dead or unburied were never admitted into this mans boat. Yet Aeneas by his Piety, Hercules and Theseus

by their valor, and Orpheus by his musick obtained the priviledge of viewing Hell, and of passing to and fro in old Charons ferry boat.

Cerberus was an ill shap't and a cruel mastif begot of Typhon and Echidna, Hercules had the strength to drag him from under ground, and bring him to see the light of the Sun when he was upon Earth, it is reported that he vomitted on the ground and immediately a new herb sprung forth called Aconitum, wolfes bane.

In these lower Regions of the Earth were several strange Goddesses, Nox the night was she that had the greatest command, and that was one of the most remarkable; she was held to be the Mother of Love, of Deceit, of Old-Age, of Death, of Sleep, of Dreams, of Com∣plaint, of Feare, and of Darkness.

The Cock was offerred in sacrifice to her, & she was painted with black hair, with a Garland of Poppies about her head, and her Chariot was draw'n with black Horses, and in her Arms a white boy signifying Sleep, and a black one intimating Death, both taking their rest.

The harpies were strange sorts of Birds paint∣ed with womens Faces, Dragons Tailes, and Eagles Talons; they are sometimes called Furiae, Striges, and Lamiae. They were said to suck in the night the blood of Infants, there were three in number Aello, Ocypete, and Celaeno, They were very troublesome at publick Feasts; in the night, and especially to blind Peneus, but Ca∣lais

and Zetis the two Children of Boreas and Orythea, had pity of the old man having therefore winged feet, they persued the Harpies and drove them from Peneas Stable, afterwards they were confined to Hell, their next neighbour was a cruel Monster, named Chimera, that was dreadfull because of it's mishapen body, but much more because it breathed forth nothing but flames of fire. The furies had here their habi∣tation, but when the Gods had any great de∣signe in the World, in raising of Wars or trou∣bling the peace of Men they did send for these furies of Hell, who disguising themselves did go and perform the commissions with which they were intrusted, by applying their burning Tor∣ches to the heart and affections of the persons with whom they were concerned. This represents unto us, how the Devils do tempt us inwardly to evil.

The Heathens did imagine a severer Justice in Hell than was upon Earth, for they placed three Kings eminent for their upright deal∣ing, to judge and dispose of the estate of every one according to his deserts, the Souls were brought before them naked, without any orna∣ment or name that might render them recommen∣dable, therefore the wicked were punished with fire, but the good were admitted immediately into the Elysean feilds.

Ixion the Son of Phlegias, is remarkable amongst the wicked not only by his horrid murder which he committed under the pretence of friend∣ship, for he cast his Father in law into a pitt of

burning coals: his troubled Conscience caused him afterwards to wander up and down the Earth until Jupiter out of pity made satisfaction for his crime, and received him into heaven, where ease and pleasure caused him to become both wanton and ungratefull, He fell in love with Juno, and sought to defile Jupiters bed, when he heard of it he presented unto him a ser∣ving maid, called Nephele a Cloud in Juno's habit of whom he begot the lecherous Centaurs: By that means falling into disgrace with Jupiter he was sent back again upon Earth, where he began to brag of his prancks, and how Juno had submitted to his lust for which he was by Ju∣piter condemned to this torment in Hell, to be continually carried about a wheele which never stood still, but when Orpheus was there playing upon his Harp.

Sisiphus the son of Aeolus was accused for having discovered the secrets of the Gods, and particularly of Jupiter, who had made him the confident of his love to Aegina, the daughter of Asopus, also for having spoken irreverently of him and for having spoiled and murdered strangers, for which enormities he was first slain by The∣seus and then sent to Hell to roll up a great stone that did fall down again and renew his labours.

CHAP. XIV,

Of some other Divinities.

BEsides these common and universal divi∣nities that we have mentioned the Hea∣thens did fancy others who had a particular kindness, for certain houses and persons.

The domestick Gods were named Lares or Penates they were in shape like Monkies pla∣ced in some private part of the house, or in the Chimney corner, they did honour them as their Protectors, and therefore did make unto them offerings of wine and frankinsence.

They did also imagine that every one was borne with two Genii proper unto his per∣son, named Daemones; the one was the good and favourable, who did perswade him to honesty and virtue, and in recompence did procure unto him all manner of good things proper to our Estates. The other was the Evil Genius, who was the cause of all wickedness and mishap when he did get the upper hand in us.

The Heathens did acknowledge also a Great Goddess, named Fortune, who had in her possession, and at her disposal, the honors, the riches, and the happiness of this life, she did give them and take them away at her pleasure: But this is noted of her, that she was blind, and very unconstant; in her hand was a Wheel that she did turn without cea∣sing,

raising sometimes men on the top of the Wheel, and sometimes casting them down, so that there was nothing setled or assured that did concern her. She was adored by the most part of men, the greatest Princes had one of Gold kept safe with them in their dwellings, that she might be always favoura∣ble unto them: The Goddess Nemesis, or Vindiciae, had an eye upon the crimes and misdemeanours of every one to punish them. The God Momus was worshipped by them, but he grew mightily out of favour, and be∣came odious to all the World, because of his ill qualities; for he had his beginning from Sleep, and the Night: And although he was very slothful and ignorant, he was neverthe∣less one that found fault, and who did prattle of every thing, which did proceed partly from his vanity, and the partly from the ness of his judgment.

* 1.84 The God of particular persons, or of King∣domes, was named Genius; he had a continual eye over them, and did accompany them to the Grave. The Genius of the Roman State was painted with a Horn of abundance in one hand, and a dish full in the other, which was stretched out upon an Altar. The Heathens said, hat their Genii were of a Nature between God and Man, and therefore they imagined them to be the Sons of Jupiter and Terra. All the Stars were reckoned in their number, and therefore they did worship them as the Jews did in the quality of Angels:

They did paint them differently, sometimes as a Serpent, and sometimes as Boys or Girls, or as Old Men; but a Garland of a Palm-tree was always upon their heads, therefore this Tree is named Genialis. In some ancient Medals, the Genius of the Emperour was represeuted as a Man, with a large dish of all sorts of Flowers in one hand, and a Scourge in the other, to ex∣press both rewards and punishments: They thought it not lawful to kill any Creature unto their Genius, because it was not decent that they should cause Creatures to loose their lives, the day on which they received theirs; yet Horace mentions the killing of a Pig of two moneths old. The usual offerings to the Genius were Wine and Flowers; as the men had their Ge∣nii, the Women had also their Junones Goddes∣ses, that did watch over and protect them.

Magnigeni cape thura lubens votis{que} faveto, * 1.85

And

Funde merum Genio.

The Penates were the Gods that were placed in penetralibus domi, in the inner most part of the house, as Guardians and Protectors ••o it: There were the Penates of Cities, of Kingdomes, of Heaven and Earth, and of many eminent dwel∣lings; Aeneas brought his from Troy, that were two young men in a sitting Posture: The Dictator and chief Magistrates of Rome did sacrifice to them when they entered into their Offices, and to the Goddess Vesta.

* 1.86 Lares is another kind of Domestick Gods in Figure, like a Dog: Plutarch tells us, that they were but covered with a Dogs skin, and a Dog was placed next to them, to express the watchfulness and care they had of the house, and their friendship to those who did belong to it. The Fable says, that Lara being condemned to loose her tongue, for revealing unto Juno Jupiters intention of deflouring Juturna; and being sent in Mercuries custody to Hell, by the way he layed with her, and begot two Sons named Lares, from whom these Gods are derived.

Fortune the Daughter of Oceanus, and the servant of the Gods, was carried in a Chariot drag'd by four blind horses, under her feet lay a Globe, in her right hand the Helm of a Ship, and in her left the Horn of Plenty: She had se∣veral Images, Statues and Temples erected to her honour, for the Romans did worship none more than Fortuna: At her right hand did play up∣on a Wheel a young Youth, with Wings upon his shoulders, named Favor, to express how soon her favours may fly away from us. Two Images were remarkable at Rome, Fortuna Calva, and 〈…〉〈…〉 both very signi∣ficant. 〈…〉〈…〉 several Temples built 〈…〉〈…〉 Fortune, one to Fortuna 〈…〉〈…〉 in the Capitol another to Fortuna obsequens, to Fortuna privata, to Fortuna 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the later was near the Temple of Venus; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Fortuna barbata, to Fortuna publica, to Fortuna plebeia, and another to Fortuna mu∣liebris, whose Statue had the power to speak,

as Val. Max. l. 5. cap. 2. informs us; and to several other kinds of Fortune Temples were e∣rected. When Fortune was not favourable to them, they did ••ad her with Curses and Impre∣cations.

Nemesis, the Daughter of Jupiter and Ne∣cessity, was the Goddess of Revenge; she was called Adrastia, because Adrastus built her a Temple; and Rhamnusia, from a place in Greece where she was worshipped: She was painted as Justice is, with a Sword in one hand, and a pair of Balances in the other, with a sad countenance of a Virgin, and piercing Eyes, or with a Bridle and a Ruler. The Heathens did think, that she would either reward or punish all the actions of our life.

The imployment of Momus was to reprove the faults of every one▪ he did not like Vulcans Man, who had not a Window in his brest that his thoughts thorough it might be seen: He was not pleased with the Slippers of Venus, because they made too much noise: He reproved Neptunes Bull, for not having Horns on his shoulders, rather than on his head; and Mi∣nerva's House, because it was not moveable.

Besides these Gods that were worshipped by most Nations, the Romans had several otbers, and of many kinds: Some were called Indige∣tes, who were advanced from the Estate of Men, to the honour of the Gods: Of this number were Hercules, unto whom divers Chappels and Al∣tars were erected in Rome, and many favour∣able Epithets ascribed unto him, as Magnus Vi∣ctor

Triumphator, Defensor, &c. Faunus was another, Carmenta Evanders wife another, and Evander himself, King of the Natives of Italy, Castor and Pollux, Aesculapius, Acca Lauren∣tia, the Nurse of Romulus and Remus, Qui∣rinus, a name of Romulus; from whence comes the word Quirites, the Romans Title.

All the perfections and virtues of the Soul were also adored as so many Goddesses, Mens the mind, Virtus virtue, Honos honor, Pietas, &c. And over every part of a mans life they had particular Gods and Divinities: The young Babes were under the protection of these, Opis, Nascio, * 1.87Vaticanus, Levana, Cumina, Goddes∣ses that did look to the Chill in the Crad e, Rumina that did assist it to suck; Potina, E∣duca, Ossilago, Fabulinus, Carnea, Juventas, Orbona, Volupia, Lubentina-Anculi Dii, were honored by servants. The new-married Couple had several Gods, Jugatinus that did joyn them together, Domiducus he that led the Bride home, Minturna Dea, Virginensis, Cinxia, Mutinus, Deus Pater, Subigus, Dea mater prema, Viriplaca Dea. All these had their se∣veral Offices appointed them in Marriages: The Goddesses of Child-bearing are Mena Dea, Ju∣no, Fluonia, & Lucina, Pertunda, Latona, E∣geria, Bona Dea, Magna Genata, &c.

Murica Dea, the Goddess of Laziness.

Strenua Dea, of Strength and Valour.

Stimula Dea, who prompts men to labour.

Agonius Deus, who did bless their underta∣kings.

Dea Horta, who did perswade them to any business.

Catius Deus, that made them careful.

Volumnus Deus, the God of their Wills.

Adeona & abeona Deae, the Goddesses of their coming in, and going out.

Vitula Dea, the Goddess of Joy or Victory.

Pellonia Dea, she that was active in driving away their Enemies.

Fessonia, she who did help the wearied.

Averruncus Deus, that did divert from us all evil.

Angerona, the Goddess of silence.

Laverna Dea, who did bless the Thieves in their Robberies, and unto whom they did offer Sacrifice. They that were under her protection, did divide the Spoil in her Wood, where her Temple was erected; therefore they were called Fures Laverniones.

Naaenia Dea, the Goddess of Funerals, &c.

There were also amongst the Romans the Gods and Goddesses of the Fields, besides the multi∣tude of Nymphs and Satyrs: These were the most noted.

Pales Dea, the Goddess of Fodder, and of Shepherds.

Flora Dea, a remarkable Whore, who gave all her Estate to the people of Rome, upon con∣dition that they would honor her Birth-day with Plays: The Senate to remove the infamy of her life, created her the Goddess of Flowers, and did offer unto her Sacrifice, that she might bless the hopeful encrease of the Fruits and Flowers:

In her honor were instituted the Floralia.

Pamona Dea had a Command over the Ap∣ples, and such like Fruits.

Tutilina Dea, had an eye over the Corn.

Robigus Deus, did preserve the Corn from the infection of the ayr.

Populonia & fulgor Dii, that did keep the Corn from the Thunder.

Pilumnus & Picumnus Dii, the latter is called Sterquilinus, because he taught men to im∣prove the ground with Dung: The first is the God of Millers.

Bubona Dea, of Oxen.

Hippona Dea, of Horses,

Mellona Dea, of Bees.

Jugatinus Deus, who did live upon the Moun∣tains.

Rusina Dea, a Country Goddess.

Terminus Deus, the God of Limits: The people of Rome were commanded to set stones upon the confines of their ground, which were called Terminalia; upon them they did offer to Jupiter every year; and if any was so impudent as to remove them, his Head was to satisfie Ju∣piter, unto whom they were consecrated. These Stones were crowned every year with Flowers, and upon them Milk was offered to Termi∣nus.

Pan was a Field God.

Sylvanus the God of Cattel, and of the Coun∣try.

Priapus, who was the most impure and shame∣less of all their Gods; he was also the God of

Marriners, as well as of the Country, and of * 1.88Gardens: He was painted naked, as all the o∣ther Gods and Goddesses of Love. Feronia Dea was also a Divinity of the Woods, the Wife of Jupiter Anxur in Italy; near her Temple was a large Wood which took fire, but when the peo∣ple did run to extinguish it, of its own accord the fire went out, and the Wood in a moment became green again and flourishing. The Slaves who were to be made free, did receive the badges of liberty in her Temple. It is reported of her Priests, that they did use to go bare foot upon burning coals every year at a set time before the people.

The Romans had encreas'd the number of their Divinities, so that many thousands were reck∣oned; every affection of the mind, and disease of the body, was honoured as a Deity: Such were Pavor, and Pallor, Cloacina, Aius, Locutius, whose Statue gave the Romans notice of the coming of the Gauls. Ridiculus was another God, Tempestas, Febris, Fugia, Forna••x, Ca∣cia, Vicepota, and Volturnus Deus, &c.

And as the Romans did inlarge their Domi∣nions, they did admit all the Gods and Goddes∣ses of strange Nations into their City: There∣fore when Tiberius heard of the Miracles of our Saviour from Pilats information, he desired the Senate that he might be introduced amongst the number of their Divinities, which they had no inclination to do, either because of the place of his Nativity, which was generally hated of all Nations, or because he could n t be rightly wor∣shipped

where there were such a multiplicity of Idle Gods. Now these were the strange Divini∣ties worshipped in Rome, when they had con∣quered the World.

Sanctus, or Deus Fidius, the God of the Sa∣bins; Io, or Isis, a Goddess of the Aegyptians. The Poets inform us, that she was the Daughter of the River Inachus, a professed Whore, yet the Priest of Juno: She perswaded Jupiter to yield to her Lust; but Juno's jealousic pursuing after her Husband, found them together, Ju∣piter in the form of a Cloud, and Isis in that of a white Cow, for Jupiter had changed her that she might not be suspected of his Wife, who un∣derstood his subtilty; therefore she beg'd the Cow from Jupiter, he being afraid, by a refusal, to discover her and his own dishonesty, granted her to Juno, who presently committed her to the custo∣dy of Argus with a hundred eyes; there she con∣tinued in much misery and persecution, until Mercurius was sent from Jupiter to deliver her, he played Argus asleep with his pleasant Musick, intending to steal away the counterfeit Cow; but a Boy, named Hierax, gave notice to Argus, and waked him, as the other was a departing with his prize. Mercurius seeing no remedy, but that he must either neglect Jupiters Com∣mand, or kill Argus, he took a great stone and knockt him dead upon the place, and changed Hierax into a Hawk for his ill Office. Juno was not a little displeased at the loss of her faithful servant, therefore she transformed him into a Peacock, that yet retains the number of his eyes

in its feathers; and she sent some Creatures to vex Isis, so that she became mad, and ran up and down the World, swimming over the Seas into Ionia, unto which she left her Name, as * 1.89also to the Sea that waters that Country: At last she returned back to Egypt, where she married Osiris: Her Son by Jupiter was Epaphus; after her death she was a••lored by the Egyptians; her hair was preserved as a Sacred Relick in her Temple at Memphis; she was honoured as the Goddess of Navigation, and of the Weather: Her Statue was a Cow with Horns, or as some say, a Dogs Head, unto which Ovid alludes, calling her Latrator * 1.90Anubis. The Romans had an extraordinary reverence for this Goddess, al∣though they banisht her, because her Priests had consented to defile her Temple with Whoredomes afterwards she was admitted again: Her Priests were initiated with Blood and Water, they had their Heads and Beards shaven, and did wear all White Linnen Garments: At the entry in of her Temple was the Statue of a Sphynx, to sig∣nifie that she was a mysterious Godd••ss: For her sake the Egyptians did keep in a corner of her Temple a White Cow; when it did die, they did all mourn, as for a Prince, until another was put in the place of the dead Beast.

Osiris, King of Egypt, was her Brother and Husband; he is esteemed the same with Serapis, some call him Dionysius, Ammon, Jupiter, and Pluto. The last name I conceive was granted unto him, because he had such an extraordinary care of the Dead, causing them to be buried in

several places made on t•• purpose near Memphis, to encourage Virtue, and a good life; for if the deceased had not lived well, he was by persons * 1.91appointed to enquire into every mans actions, cast into places of shame and punishment; the Vir∣tuous were interred in beautiful Fields, flou∣rishing with all manner of Flowers. This place was near the City Memphis, encompassed seve∣ral times with the River Nilus, and an old Fel∣low did convey the dead bodies over. By this means this Prince did awe his people into obe∣dience, and a submission to his Laws. And from hence it is that the Poets have borrowed their pleasant descriptions of Hell, as the rest of their superstitious Fables, as several writers informs us. Osiris is also called Apis, in whose Temple a Bull was nourished: Ʋpon the Statue of Osi∣ris was placed a Bushel; this hath given occa∣sion to some to fancy Osiris to be Joseph, who sa∣ved Egypt from the great Famine: It is proba∣ble the Bushel was placed upon Osiris his head, in honour of him.

All the other Gods of the Grecians, Illyrians, Gauls, Spaniards, Germans, and Asian People, were brought and worshipped at Rome, because we have already named them, and given a full account of their beginning and Histories, it is needless to repeat them here again.

CHAP. XV.

Of the Gods mentioned in Holy Writ, and of those that were adored in Syria, Phoenicia, and the adjoyning Countries.

I Think it not amiss, in this review of all the Heathen Gods, to add a Chapter or two concerning those who have been adored by the Inhabitants of the Eastern Countries, and by our Forefathers in this Island.

The Sacred Records do mention many I∣dols unto whom the Israelites did shametully prostrate themselves; their names are Moloch, Baal, Astoreth, Dagon, Baalzebub, Succoth, Be∣noth, Nergal, Nisroch, Rimmon, Thammuz, Ne∣bo, Sesach, the Golden Calf, the Teraphim, Rem∣phan, &c.

The Golden Calf which the Israelites did make in the Wilderness, was a God of Egypt, called Api••: Lactantius informs us, that the * 1.92 Head was the Image of a Bull; therefore they did worship him in the some manner as the Egyptians did their Apis, for they did migh∣tily rejoyce and feast themselves when he was made, and dance round about the Idol: But I cannot conceive how the Israelites could be of such weak memories, as to forget the greatness of Gods Power lately manifested to them in their deliverance from Egypt, and in the publishing of the Law, or of such per∣verse judgments, as to ascribe to the works of

their hands the glorious Acts of the Almigh∣ty, of which they had been Eye-witnesses; for it seems they intended, as our Religious Papists do, to adore God in the outward and visible representation of a Bull, or of a Calf, according to the custom of the Egyptians; therefore they did not say, To morrow there shall be a Festival to Apis, Osiris, or Isis, the Gods of Egypt, but to the Lord 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 so that they were so impious as to ascribe the Sacred Name of God to this shameful Image, or rather to worship God in this vile form: The Hebrews do tell us, that the Generation of such as were so profane at this time, had yellow Beards growing in their faces, in re∣membrance of that foul sin which their Fore∣fathers were so forward to commit in the Wilderness.

When Jeroboam returned out of Egypt, whither he had been banished by Solomon, he caused the same kind of Idolatry to be esta∣blished in the Dominions that acknowledged his Scepter; for he placed two Golden Calves at the two Extremities of the Ten Tribes in Dan and Bethel, to prevent the return of the people to the worship of God in Jerusalem, and to their Allegiance to their lawful Prince. It may seem very strange, that the Israelites possessed with a real Opinion of Gods Pow∣er and Authority over them, should be so ea∣sily drawn to commit such an abomination, directly contrary to the Law of God, unless they had been induced thereunto by their mi∣stakes

of some Example given unto them by Moses himself. We find that when Jeroboam intended to draw them to Idolatry, he could think of no better expedient, than to present unto them Golden Calves, for they were more inclinable to the adoration of them, than any other Idol; because, as some do i∣magine, they were wont to see these Images in the Temple of Jerusalem, as their Forefa∣thers had been accustomed to behold them worshipped in Egypt; for by these Idols the ignorant Egyptians did adore Nilus, other∣wise * 1.93 called Siris, and Osiris, because their life and riches did proceed from the excellent virtues of the Water of Nilus.

The Teraphim, mentioned in Judg. 17. 5. were not, as some have imagined, the House∣hold Gods of the Heathens; for in the same place, a Graven Image and a Molten Image are named, which were the Houshold Gods; but I do rather think, that they were some Talismanical Representations, consecrated by Devillish Ceremonies, to oblige some Evil Spirit to answer in them the demands of their Worshippers, and give Oracles. Elias Levita tells us, that they were made in this manner, they did kill a man who was a First-born, and pull off his Head with their hands; and when they had embalmed it, they did place it upon a Plate of Gold, upon which the name of the Unclean Spirit that they did invocate for an Answer was first handsomely engraven; Afterwards they did put it into a place made

in a wall purposely for it; they did light round about it Torches and Lamps, and did fall down before it to worship it. The Ima∣ges that Rachel stole from her Father Laban, are called Teraphim by some, they were the same as the Greeks name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, only the former did return Answers to the Petitioners, whereas the latter were the protecting Gods of a Family, worshipped near the Chimney Corners, usually in the Images of Dogs, who are watchful Creatures.

The Idol Moloch is the same with Saturn, unto whom the cruel Heathens did sacrifice their Sons and Daughters, causing them to be burnt alive in a Brazen Image made pur∣posely for such abominations. The Ammo∣nites, * 1.94whose God this Idol was, did oblidge all the Parents either to offer them in this manner to Moloch, or to cause them to pass between two fires in honour of this God: Somtimes when men did come to years of un∣derstanding, they did offer themselves freely to be burnt for this God. Near Jerusalem stood Moloch in a beautiful Valley, belonging to the Children of Hinnom, in the midst of a pleasant Grove, where the Jews did imitate their profane Neighbours. From hence is de∣rived this inhumane custom practised in Greece, and in many other parts of the world. * 1.95The Carthaginians were so extravagant, as to sacrifice 200 Noble mens Children to Moloch, when Agathocles made war upon them in A∣frica: And because this word signifies a

Prince, or a King, the Heathen Worthies did borrow from hence their names, as Amilcar, Imilcon, &c.

* 1.96 The two Gods of Sepharvaim, Adramme∣lech, and Anammelech, were worshipped in the same bloody manner; therefore many have imagined them to be the same with Mo∣loch, from whom they have derived their Names; but I rather think them to be other Gods who did share in the same Titles of Ho∣nour, and in the same manner of worship: None of our Interpreters have found the per∣sons unto whom these Names were given; but I do conjecture from the Hebrew signifi∣cation of the Name Adrammelech, and with a small alteration 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ador-Melech, a * 1.97strong and glorious King, that thereby the Inhabitants of Sepharvaim did either mean some brave and generous Prince that had Reigned amongst them in much glory, or else they did intend the Sun by Adrammelech; for he is as a Prince in the Firmament, sending forth his beams of light into every corner of the World. Anas or Anam is a Chaldean word * 1.98never us'd in Scripture to my knowledge, un∣less it be Esther 1. 8. It signifies to force, or to compel; being therefore joyned with Me∣lech, it makes a compelling, or an Imperiou•• King: By this Title some Devil may be un∣derstood that did imperiously tyrannize ov•• them, they did therefore endeavour to ap∣pease his wrath, by sacrificing their dearest en∣joyments: That which makes me inclinab••

* 1.99 to this Opinion is, that to this very day the Inhabitants from whence these Sepharvaits did come, do worship the Devil in a visible shape, and when they neglect their Devotion to him, he pittifully afflicts them. The same is reported of the Caribbians, and of the Indi∣ans in Florida, and in the adjacent Countries. It may also with some kind of probability be imagined from this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signi∣fies to compel, that these Heathens did sacri∣fice to the Imperious and unresistable Empe∣rour of the World Death; for it is said, * 1.100that his Priests were cloathed in black, and therefore named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Holy Writ. Now it is certain, that this colour was an abomina∣tion to all the Superiour Gods, and only us'd in the sacrifices of the Inferiour, as we may understand by these following Verses of A∣pollon, lib. 3. Argonaut.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

So it is likely that these Heathens did offer unto Pluto or Death their Children, that he might spare their lives. Baal was another * 1.101Divinity of Phaenicia: The name signifies a Lord, and therefore it is due to the Soveraign Lord of the World, Hosea 2. 16. But seve∣ral Nations of the East have profanely ap∣plyed * 1.102it to men in their lives, and after their death have granted it to their breathless Sta∣tues,

which they did adore instead of the true God. And as this word hath no particular respect to any of their Divinities, it was a∣scribed to most of them. Mars the God of War, or rather Belus the Father of Ninus, was adored by this Name in Assyria: Jupiter Thalassius, worshipped in Sidon, was called Baal, Belus, or Beelsamen, the God or Lord of * 1.103Heaven: The Sun was also worshipped in Syria, and called Agalibalus, or Alagabalus, the Circular Lord, as the Learned Selden ob∣serves. Herodian informs us, that the Sun was worshipped in Syria, and that his repre∣sentation was a great and round Stone. Mo∣loch was also named Baal; in his Sacrifices * 1.104the Priests did offer their Privy Members in remembrance of the affront that Jupiter his Son did unto him.

When the Scripture only names Baal, with∣out any other addition, we must understand the God who was esteemed by the Pagans the Chief Jupiter: So that this Name imports in profane Language as much as Jehovah, or Adonai doth in sacred.

The Name of Baal became so universal, that all great Commanders and famous Prin∣ces did add it to their own Names, Hannibal, Asdrubal, Maherbal, &c. But in Scripture we meet with many Gods who bear this Title with another, as a token of the peoples re∣spect unto them. Baaltzephon was a City in * 1.105Egypt; through its Territories the Israelites did pass when they marched towards the Red

Sea: It is probable that it did borrow its de∣nomination from the Idol Baal worshipped there. It seems he was one of the most an∣cient Gods of the East Countries, for he was adored far and near.

* 1.106 Baal-Peor, or Beelphegor, as the Seventy write it, signifies a shameful Divinity set up * 1.107amongst the Moabits, beyond Jordan, upon Mount Peor: Some think him to be Jupiter * 1.108 Tonans, others Saturn, or the Sun; but the most probable Opinion is, that he was Pria∣pus, the adulterous and lascivious God; for the Israelites did worship him in the same maner as the Grecians did Priapus, by commit∣ting fornication in his Temple. Now this im∣pudent God was chiefly worshipt by women, and therefore he was named the God of Wo∣men, Jer. Chap. 48. 7. 13. calls the same God of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chemosh, or as the Seventy render it in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Chief God of Moab; which word I conceive may be derived from the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chamas, to hide, either be∣cause he was adored in some obscure corner of the Temple, as it was usual with some Divi∣nities, or because his abominable worship did deserve to be concealed in obscurity: It is likely that only the Holy Prophet brands him with this Title of disgrace, and that it was not his usual Name amongst his Prose∣lites.

* 1.109 Baal-Gad, was the God from whose Pro∣vidence and will all worldly felicity pro∣ceeds: The Grecians and Romans made this

Divinity Goddess, and called her 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and Bona, or Primigenia Fortuna. The first that caused this God to be worshipped, were the Astrologers; for when they did perceive how much the Heavens did contribute to the subsistance and welfare of man, and how his life was commonly either happy or mise∣rable, according to the hopeful influences of the Stars that did govern at his birth: They were apt to imagine, that the Stars had a greater power upon us, and our affairs, and our humours, than really they have; there∣fore they did possess the ignorant people with this fancy, which brought in the adoration of the Stars: The Star Jupiter was thus * 1.110call'd, therefore Jacob suffered one of his Sons to bear this name; and it was after∣wards and before a custom, in use amongst the people of God, as well as amongst the * 1.111Heathens, to greet the New-married Couple with this kind of Salutation, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mazal Tob, a good star, sub. I wish unto you; this was the common Title of the Planet Jupiter; and the Bridegroom, before the Marriage, did deliver to his future Spouse a Ring, with this same inscription, wishing thereby that her Children might be born un∣der the powerful and happy Star of the Hea∣vens Jupiter. It was unto this Planet that the Canaanites did offer sacrifice, and at the end of the year dress a Table of all sorts of Fruits of the earth, to acknowledge the be∣nefits received from his influences; there∣fore

* 1.112 Isaiah reproves the Israelites for imita∣ting this Heathenish Superstition.

* 1.113 Baalzebub, the Lord of Flies, was the God of Ekron, a City of the Philistins. Some have imagined this Name to be imposed upon him by the Israelites, because in the sacrifices that were offered unto him, his Priests were tor∣mented * 1.114with swarms of flies. Now in the sacrifices of the true God, there was no Fly to be seen, as several Learned Rabbies, and after them Scaliger, have taken notice. Plini∣us speaks of him, when he tells us, that the Cyrenians, a people upon the Coast of Africa, descended from the Phaenicians, did worship the God Achoren, to be delivered from the * 1.115troublesome Flies who did torment them, as the Egyptians did adore their Ibes, to be freed from the Serpents. I think that the Images of these Creatures, and of this God, were Ta∣lifmans, formed by some men Learned in the secrets of Nature, to free the people from the annoyances of the Serpents and Flies; and therefore in requital, the ignorant peo∣ple, who did ascribe the effects to an immedi∣ate * 1.116power of a God, did adore them; or it may be that the Devil, who wants no power in the Empire of the Air, that is attributed to him, was willing to entertain these Idolaters in his service, by this and other good offices. Now wherefore the Prince of the Devils should be called Belzebub, I cannot imagine, unless it be because the Flies, and several sorts of Insects, proceed from his and the Suns im∣mediate

Agency for the disturbance of man∣kind.

* 1.117 Baal-Berith, the Lord of the Covenant, was another God of the Phaenicians: So Ju∣piter was named at Rome Sponsor, or Fidius; * 1.118 and amongst the Greeks there was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Jupiter Faederator. It may be that the Devil, an Ape of Almighty God, caused him∣self to be worshipped by this name, in re∣membrance of the Great Covenant that God∣made after the Deluge with all his living Creatures, applying thereby this expression of Gods love, and the tribute of our services which we do owe unto it, to himself. In Holy Writ, God is call'd the God of the Co∣venant, * 1.119a God keeping Covenant and Mer∣cy, Nehem. 1. 5. A God stedfast in his Cove∣nant, Psalm 89. 28. whose Name we are al∣ways to call upon in all our Covenants, Isaiah * 1.12045. 23. The Devil therefore did claim this part of Gods worship, calling himself Baal-Berith. In Jerem. 12. verse 16. we find a memorable passage that mentions this God; for it is said there, that the people had been taught to swear by Baal. I am not ignorant of the Opinion of several of the Learned in Antiquity, who think that these names of Baal were all attributed to the Sun; for Porphyrius declares, that his Countrymen the Phenicians did worship the Sun as the Chief God, and did call him Beelsamen: And Somchoniathon in Philo Biblius tells us of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who had for his

Wife 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Berith: from this Elioun comes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: The Greek word for the Sun, for the better understanding of this confusion that appears in the Authors speaking of the Heathen Gods, you must remember what we have noted in our Preface to this work, that the chief of the Devils did receive the ho∣mages of all Nations, under several Names, proper to the places and dispositions of the Inhabitants; and that he might with more ease induce men to his worship, he did set up and promote those persons and things that were most in credit, appointing at the same time such manner of Devotion as was most suitable to him, and his enmity to mankind: From hence it is that he is called Jupiter, in Rome, Mithra, in Persia, Baal, in Phaenicia, Apis, in Egypt, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Grecia, Tharamis, in Germany, Thor, or Belemus, in England, Mars or Hesus, in Tartaria, Baalpeor or Chemos, in Moab, Baal∣zebub, in Ekron, Belus, in Babylon, Bacchus, in Arabia, &c.

It was no difficult business to cause men to * 1.121adore the Sun, for of all visible Creatures he is the most glorious, and the most useful: That grateful humor therefore that is natural to man, and that calls upon him to acknow∣ledge that Being from whom he receives fa∣vours and blessings, did incline him to return thanks to the Sun for all the visible effects of his heat and light; therefore he was the first Creature ador'd by the Eastern people. I am inclinable to think, that this Baal-Berith was

intended for the Sun, or rather the Moon; for in Judges 8. ver. 33. it is said, that the Israelites made Baal-Berith their God, that is, their chief God, and went a whoring after Baa∣lim. If this latter word, as some of the Learned do judge, and as may be easily prov'd, did signifie the inferiour Stars and Planets, we may have some reason to con∣jecture, that Baal-Berith that accompanies them in this place, was one of the most E∣minent Lights in the Heavens. Other learn∣ed Writers do understand the Deified Souls of men, by this plural number Baalim: This name may be applied to the Semones, or Semidii, by some people; but I cannot conceive so mean an Opinion of the Israe∣lites, as to think that they did adore the Souls of men departed out of their sight, without any further respect. It is more pro∣bable, that they did worship the Sun and Stars, whereof they did daily experience the goodness and power. There is a passage in 2 Chron. ver. 33. that makes me inclinable to this opinion; for there Manasseh rears up Altars broken down, plants Groves for Baa∣lim: To what purpose I pray? His design is * 1.122 discovered in the next words, that he might worship and serve all the Host, or the Stars of Heaven, unto whom he did sacrifice upon those Altars. And if you compare one place of Scripture with another, you may find the same Gods named Baalim, who are else∣where called the Host of Heaven. Herodotus

* 1.123 and Plato do inform us, that these Stars were the ancient Gods of Greece also, as well as of Phaenicia; therefore he derives the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 God, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to run, because the Sun, Moon, and Stars do run a very swift pace.

There are several places mention'd in Scripture, where the Images and Temples * 1.124of the God Baal did stand, as Baal-Hamon, Baal-hazor, Baal-Perazin, and Baal-Shalisha. This last place is mentioned 2 Kings 4. 42. And as in Hebrew it signifies Ter-Baal, it may cause us to imagine, that the place was thus named from the Sacred Trinity there wor∣shipt, which Mystery was not unknown to * 1.125the Heathens, as a Learned Writer hath pro∣ved.

* 1.126 Ashtoreth, or Astaroth, or as the 70 write it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, was the chief Goddess of the Sidoni∣ans, called by some Luna, by others Venus. * 1.127Philo Biblius reports of her, that she travelled all over the world, having taken upon her the shape of a Bull: At her return she landed at Tyre, and consecrated there a Star that she had found in her way fallen from the Sky upon the Earth: I do judge that this God∣dess was Luna, for she is named Jerem. 7. 44. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Queen of Heaven: They did adore her, by committing fornica∣tion in her Temple, as in that of Venus, be∣cause she hath a visible influence in the Gene∣ration of Children, and upon the humours and affections of women; they thought it

therefore their duty to dedicate to her service * 1.128those actions unto which she did stir them up; she was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Venus, and Juno Olympia, or Minerva Beli∣sama.

* 1.129 Herodianus mentions this Goddess, and names her from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Vrania, and tells us, that the Phaenicians did call her Astroarche. It is probable from this passage, that thereby the Moon is to be understood; for as the Pagans did marry 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Sun and Moon together, so Heliogabalus, that silly Emperour, who required for himself the usual worship rendered unto the Sun, is there said to have espoused this Ʋrania, or the breathless Statue of this Goddess; an action better becoming an extravagant of Bedlam, than the Emperour of Rome.

* 1.130 Dagon was the great Idol of the Philistines, adored at Ashdod, called Oannes, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as the Learned Selden informs us: He was named Jupiter Cassius by Forreigners, from a Mountain of the same name, scituate be∣tween Syria and Palestine, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Marnas. The Inhabitants did say, that he * 1.131taught unto them how to manure the ground, and the use of Corn: He was re∣presented half a Man, and half a Fish, and had in his right hand a Pomgranat, to shew * 1.132that he was the Protector of the Caphtorims, who bearing this kind of fruit in their Coat of Arms, did possess themselves of the Country of Phaenicia, Deut. 2. 23,

* 1.133 Cicero tells us, that the Syrians did worship a Fish; and Plutarch, how they abstained from several sorts of Fish, in reverence to their Gods.

Besides the former Astarte, the Phaenicians did adore another Venus called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which some take to be a bright Star of the firma∣ment named by us Venus.

* 1.134 Succoth Benoth was the Idol of the Babylo∣nians the word signifies the Tabernacle of Daughters, because the Temple of this las∣civious Idol was built in such a manner, that there was several retreats or lodgings * 1.135for women who were to prostitute their bo∣dies to the lust of Strangers. The Law of the Country did oblige them all to dis∣grace themselves in this manner once in their lives in honour of this Goddess, who is thought to be the same with Venus * 1.136Melita. All Strangers did in requital of their good entertainment, offer money to * 1.137this Idol. Justine confirms this Story, for he relates how that it was a kind expressi∣on of civility amongst the Babylonians to * 1.138give their Guests liberty to lye with their Wives.

It seems the Ambassadors of the King of Persia, who were slain in a Banquet by the

Macedonians, for venturing too far beyond the bouuds of modesty upon the Kings Daugh∣ter, were accustomed to this unnatural trade and shameful mode of their Country. Now this Goddess Benoth, from whence comes Venos or Venus, was adored in the same man∣ner in several places of the World: for in Africa there was Sicca Veneria near Car∣thage, an infamous place dedicated to this Goddess, where the Women did freely aban∣don themselves to their lusts, and to the plea∣sure of men for a Reward.

Nergal 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was a continual Fire, which the Persian Magi's did entertain in honour of the Sun, and of the Lights of the Firma∣ment, upon an Altar.

Their custome was to keep this Fire con∣tinually burning, as the Romans did their Holy Fire dedicated to Vesta. At every time they did meddle with the Fire, their cu∣stome * 1.139was to sing hymns in honor of the Sun. The Jewish Writers do affirm, that this was the God adored in Ʋr of the Chaldeans, and that Abraham was driven out of his Country because he did refuse to yield to this Idolatry. Now it was the custome of the Persians to dedicate to the Sun a Chariot and Horses, and to adore this glorious Light every mor∣ning at his first appearance. The Mahume∣tans to this day do perform some kind of de∣votion * 1.140to the rising Sun, for they salute it with much humility, as soon as they can see it, and do wash themselves with clean wa∣ter.

The Chaldeans were wont to burn themselves in honour of Nergal in that holy fire that was alwayes preserved alive. Alex∣ander was an eye witness of this kind of madness, as Curtius affirms. The simple Fel∣low, who was resolved to feel the fury of the Flames, did take his farewel of his Friends in a publique Banquet, and when he was thus reduc'd to ashes the cunning Priest did cause, the devil to appear in his likeness to his Acquaintance to tell them wonders of the t'other World.

* 1.141 Asima was a God of the Eastern people, * 1.142worshipped in the image of an Ape, as some do affirm, or rather, as a Goat or Ram: They did worship the Sign of Aries, there∣fore the Egyptians did abhorre the other Nations, who did kill those Creatures, that they did adore.

* 1.143 Nisroch is thought to be either the Ark of Noah, and a Picture of it, which was wor∣shipped by the Eastern People, as we may see by Euseb. de prepar, Evangel. Or the Image of an Eagle, as others do fancy, because 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is an Eagle in the Hebrew, but I rather think that this is a compounded word derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to exalt, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to enlarge, to ex∣press the high and spatious Heavens, that * 1.144were worshipped by the Persians, as Herodotus affirms.

Nibchaz 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 comes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to bark, as a learned Writer imagines; therefore he thinks, that this God was the same with

Anubis of the Egyptians, and that he was worshipped in the Image of a Dog.

Rimmon was the chief God of Damascus, * 1.145the word signifies a Pomegranate, and from the Scripture, we may understand that he was one of the principal Gods of these parts: Se∣veral Writers do inform us, that Jupiter Cas∣sius, mentioned before was adored upon the confines of the Mount Cassius: Now Damascus, * 1.146where this God had a famous Temple, was near unto the Mountain. I do therefore think, that this is the place and the God men∣tioned by Herodotus rather than Dagon. It is * 1.147certain, that Jupiter Cassius, whether he was Rimmon or Dagon did hold out in his right hand a Pomegranate, to shew how he was a Protector of that people, who did bear a Pomegranate in their Coat of Arms.

* 1.148 Thammuz is Adonis of the Greeks; The word is derived from Adonai; Lord. He is said to be the great Favorite of Venus. The Pagans in the Month of June did lament for his death, for they say, that he was kil∣led by a wild Boar, therefore this Creature * 1.149was odious to Venus: She was mightily con∣cerned for him; especially, when Mars went with a design to kill him, for she made such haste over some reeds that stood in her way, that she wounded her feet, and let out some drops of blood, that fell upon the white ro∣ses and changed their lilly colour into an in∣arnation. The Heathens did shed tears in * 1.150imitation of this Goddess, who grieved for

the death of Adonis, and therefore she re∣quired Proserpina to send him back again. * 1.151This infernal Goddess being also in love with him, could not yield altogether to the re∣quest, but only granted that he might once a year visit her upon the Earth, and return as often to her again into Hell.

Some relate the Story of Thammuz in ano∣ther manner. They say that he was a Priest wrongfully put to death by the Kiug of Baby∣lon: Therefore the King being tormented with remorse of Conscience labored to make satisfaction unto him for the injury. He caused many fabulous Stories to be related of him, that the people might be perswaded, that he was admitted among the Gods, and besides commanded that every year there should be an universal mourning for him. I do think that this, and such like fables do proceed from Astrologers, who did intend to signifie by the death of Thammuz some pleasant Star disappearing to our Horizon half the year, and returning to us again at a set time.

* 1.152 Nebo was a God of the Chaldeans in whose * 1.153Temple the Oracles were delivered as his name intimates, for it is deriv'd of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to Prophesie. That climate was full of prophets aud men, who studied the secrets of Nature: and that people was mightily addicted to the the Sciences that do enable men to conjecture of the events of the time to come, and ex∣tream superstitiary in observing all extraordi∣nary

accidents, as appears in the History of * 1.154Daniel. I do therefore imagine, that this Nebo was as much in request amongst the Chaldeans, as Apollo Ismenius was in Greece.

Mero or Merodach was another God of Ba∣bylon, whose Name the Princes did as∣sume.

* 1.155 Sesach, otherwise called Saceas, was an I∣dol of the Babylonians, who was adored al∣most in the same manner as Saturn in Rome; for his Feastival did give liberty to all kind of debauchery, and did free the Servants from the command of their Masters. During the solemnity, Ciun is nam'd in the Acts of the * 1.156Apostles Remphan: Some imagine him to be Saturn, but I think that we must under∣stand one of the bright Stars of the Firma∣ment worshipped by the Israelites.

I shall not speak of the Aegyptians, who paid their Devotions to the Herbs, and the creeping things of the Earth, as to so many Gods. I shall not mention the remote and strange Gods of Assyria, Persia, Cappadocia, and of the Neighbouring Countries. This small account of the Eastern Gods will suf∣fice for the understanding of several passages of Scripture; we shall therefore proceed to examine the Names of our Saxon Gods.

CHAP. XVI.

Of the Heathen Gods worshipped in England.

IDolatry crept in amongst men, before ever this Island was peopled with Inhabitants: Therefore when any do mention this place, they speak at the same time of their Gods: Many of them, with the people, were come from the Eastern Nations.

The Sun was the Universal God, adored in * 1.157all parts of the World. In this Island of Albion he stood upon a high Pillar, as half a man, with a face full of Rays of Light, and a flaming Wheel in his Breast: For his sake, one of the daies of our Week is named Sun∣day, because he was worshipped on that day: The peoples Devotions were paid in the same manner to him, as to Mithra of Persia, and to the Divinities of the East, that were reve∣renced for the Sun.

The Moon was another ancient Idol of old England; it was represented as a beauti∣ful Maid, having her head covered, and two ears standing out.

Tuisco, a Grandchild of Noah, was ado∣red after his decease by all his Posterity in Germany. The Inhabitants of that Country are yet called Tuitsh, or Duytshm••n, from this their Grandfather; and a day of our Week is named Tuesday, because it was appointed for the adoration of this Northern Idol.

Woden was a warlike Prince of the Saxons, happy in all encounters of War: After his death they worshipped him for the God of War; therefore he was represented as a Mighty Man in perfect Armor, holding in one hand his Sword lifted up, and his Buckler in the other: From him our Wednesday, or Wensday, borrows the name.

Tharamis, or Thor, was a famous Idol of the Northern People, adored for Jupiter; for he was placed upon a high Throne, with a Crown of Gold on his head, encompassed a∣bout with many Stars, and seven Stars re∣presenting the seven Planets in his left hand, and a Scepter in the right. By this we may understand who he was that was thus na∣med; for this description agrees very well with the chief of the Gods, who was stiled Jupiter Olympius, and Tonans.

Friga was the Goddess unto whom the Heathens did make their addresses, to obtain plenty of earthly blessings and prosperity in their affairs; therefore she may be taken for the Goddess of Justice; for there is nothing that causes a Land to prosper more, than Ju∣stice and Equity: For that reason an Author tells us, that she did usually stand on the right hand of the great God Tharamis, & Woden the * 1.158God of War on the left. She was pictured with a Sword in one hand, and a Bow in the other, and hath left her name to our Friday.

Seater was an ill-favour'd Idol, painted like an old envious Knave with a thin face, a long

beard, a Wheel, and a Basket of Flowers in his hand, & girded about with a long girdle; from him our Saturday hath borrowed its name.

Ermensewl was a favourable Idol to the Poor, represented as a great man amongst heaps of Flowers, upon his head he support∣ed a Cock, in his breast a Bear, and with his right hand he did hold a displayed Banner.

Flint was another Idol of our Forefathers, so named, because he usually stood amongst or upon Flints.

Fidegast, Sine, Prono, Helmsteed, were al∣so the Idols of old Britain, and of the Ger∣mans: The Romans did call them by names proper to their own Idols; but it is the O∣pinion of many, that there was a great dif∣ference between the Gods of Rome, and of the Inhabitants of this Island, but they were as bloody here as in other Nations; it was a common practise for a Father to cut the throat of his Son upon the Altars of our En∣glish Gods, as a Poet informs us.

Et quibus immitis placatur sanguine diro Theutates, horrensque feris Altaribus Hesus.

By Theutates the Romans did understand Mercurius, and by Hesus Mars. I do ima∣gine that they may have some reason for their Opinions, because the Theutates of the Gauls, and of the Germans, was in the same place, esteem, and order, as Mercurius was in the Roman Territories: And so the Hesus of

our Britains, was that warlike and bloody Devil, who did delight so much in the effusi∣on of blood, and who had particular inspe∣ction over the places where he was ado∣red.

In time the Idols did encrease; and we find in Ancient Writers, some who have been transported hither by the Eastern peo∣ple, as the God Belenus, or Belatucadrus: The latter to my knowledge hath been ado∣red in the North part of England; for late∣ly since the Learned Cambden hath mentioned him, there was a piece of his Statue found in Westmorland, and near Brougham, belonging to that bountiful and Venerable Lady Anne Dor∣set, Countess Dowager of Pembrook, Mon∣gomery, &c. and in the bottom this Inscrip∣tion is to be seen, SANCTO DEO BELA∣TƲCADRO, which Idol was doubtless made by the Romans, for it was their custom to adore the Gods of the Country that they did Conquer.

The End of the First Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Addit. Not.
• * 1.2

  The number is 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.3

  The twelve chief Gods of Rome, Juno, Vesta, Minerva Ceres, Diana, Venus, Mars, Mercurius, Ju∣piter, Neptu∣nus, Vulcanus, Apollo.
• * 1.4

  In Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  Italy from him was named Saturnia.
• * 1.6

  In the sacrifi∣ces of all o∣ther Gods the Priest did co∣ver his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Virg 3. Aeneid.
• * 1.7

  He is the same with Moloch of the Israe∣lites, for that word is deri∣ved from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 he reigned, and Kings and powerful men were called Saturni by the Heathens.
• * 1.8

  On his Festi∣val day they did loose him from his chains.
• * 1.9

  A••rea nunc re∣vocet Saturni festa Decem∣ber Nunc tibi cum Domino ludere verna licet.
• * 1.10

  This Temple was very strong and se∣cure from Thieves.
• * 1.11

  Addit. N••t.
• * 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Prov. quia castrabant se∣ipsos.
• * 1.13

  In Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, derived as some ima∣gine, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the fire.
• * 1.14

  Vesta à vesti∣endo terram flori••us & her∣bis.
• * 1.15

  Cum farre & vino vestam Janum{que} roga∣bat. Juvenal Satyr. 6.
• * 1.16

  His Epithets Herceus. Cui nihil Hercei profuitara Jo∣vis. This Al∣tar was in the Yard or Hall of those that were free of the City.

  Hospitalis Ju∣piter, Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because he was a Prote∣ctor of stran∣gers. Sabadius Iupiter, Jupiter Hammon, whose Tem∣ple was in the midst of the Sands, and hills of Africa; for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is sand. Ju∣piter Dodone∣us, who gave Oracles in the old Oaks of the woods of Dodon. Olym∣pius Jup. He was also named Jupiter Philus, because he is the God of love; He∣terius, because he is the God of fellowship; Homogenius, the God of kindred; and Enhorcius Jup. because he is the God of Oaths. He is stiled Aratrius, Caeneus, Carius, Gnidius, Hypatus, Omarius, &c.
• * 1.17

  Vulcanus did the office of a Midwife at this time, for with a sharp hatchet he slit Jupiters Skull for Pallas to creep out▪ Lu∣cian in his Dialog.
• * 1.18

  Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 invado quia aer omnia penetrat & invadit.
• * 1.19

  Sospita Juno was worship∣ped in Lanu∣vium. Tit. Liv.
• * 1.20

  Juno Februa∣lis was adored in February.
• * 1.21

  From hence Marriage is called Ʋnicla Jugalia.
• * 1.22

  Che tien del nodomantal la cura vinz. Cattar. Im. de gli Dei.
• * 1.23

  This Juno was nam'd Juno Sororia. There was al∣so in Rome Juno Calenda∣ris, because she was hono∣red in the Calends. Juno Novelia, Juno Februata; Opigena Populona, &c.
• * 1.24

  Ilithya was al∣so daughter of Juno, called otherwise Lu∣cina.

  Praepositam ti∣midis parienti∣bus Ilithyam. Ovid Mesam. lib. 9.
• * 1.25

  She is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hom. 4. Iliad.
• * 1.26

  Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.27

  In Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to be bright. Vulcanus à volvendo; or à volando Candor.
• * 1.28

  The Star of Mars in the Heavens, re∣ceives an in∣fluence from, and is a friend to Venus. This is the cause of the Fable. Philostr.
• * 1.29

  Gallus was the Centinel at the door; and because he gave not notice of A∣pollo's rising, he was turned into a Cock, that now fore∣tells his rising in the Heavens
• * 1.30

  Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.31

  The Scyihians had no other God. Justin.
• * 1.32

  Herod saith, that they wor∣shipped other Gods, but did allow no Temples nor Statues but only to Mars.
• * 1.33

  Claudian.
• * 1.34

  Claudian.
• * 1.35

  He is named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because he kill'd at Cuffs Phorbas a cru∣el Robber, that hindered the access to his Temple in Delphos.
• * 1.36

  From hence the Prov. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a witty child, because he was a young Thief.
• * 1.37

  From hence the Proverb 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of a huge body
• * 1.38

  The Pythia did offer Ora∣cles in her belly without the assistance of mouth or tongue, there∣fore called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Plutarch de Orac.
• * 1.39

  From this ac∣cident men under the line are black, as some say.
• * 1.40

  Addit. Not.
• * 1.41

  Euseb. Evan∣gel. praepar.
• * 1.42

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ab 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 à destruendò.
• * 1.43

  His Names are Nomius, Abae∣us, Aegyptius, Agraeus, Cerde∣us, Lycius, Grynaeus, Deli∣us, Laemius, Nepaeus, Pa∣taraeus, Par∣nopius, Hyper∣boreus, Thyrae∣us, all these Names are de∣rived from places where he was wor∣shipped.
• * 1.44

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Prov. an insallible truth.
• * 1.45

  The Persians adored Apollo or the Sun in the figure of a Lion, crowned with a Diadem holding the Horns of an Ox in his paws. They called the Sun Mithra.

  Tertullian lib. 1. contra Mar∣cionem & Q. Curtius.
• * 1.46

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ab à privativa & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 quia non sinit mori vel ab 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 quia me∣dici sunt cru∣deles, & blandi Omnes medicidi cebantur Aes∣culapii.
• * 1.47

  Therefore Ovid saies he was changed into a Serpent.
• * 1.48

  Juno is also called Lucina.
• * 1.49

  Addit. Not. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 valeo quia po∣tens erat Virgo, & incolumis à voluptatibus aliena.
• * 1.50

  Therefore by the Greeks cal∣led 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.51

  This shews the nature and property of the Moon.
• * 1.52

  She was cal∣led from the places where she was ado∣red, Diana, Taurica, Per∣sica, Minthia, Ephesia, Forensis, Lycea, Sospita, Leucophryne, Salaminia, Alphe∣dia▪ Euclea, &c. And Jaculatrix, Venatrix, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Triformis, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 destroyer of beasts, &c. Therefore named Lya or Lua.
• * 1.53

  There were three degrees amongst her Priests, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Novices en∣tred into the Office, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that were grown old in the Service. Plutarch.
• * 1.54

  In Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 maneo per an∣tiphrasin quia non manet eadem.

  The Romans did offer unto her the spoils of the Enemy. T. Livius 5. Decad. lib. 5.
• * 1.55

  Therefore named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 cruel Bacchus.
• * 1.56

  Addit. Not. He was also painted riding upon a Tiger, in one hand a bunch of Grapes, in the other a cup full of Wine.
• * 1.57

  Bacchus was called Hede∣reus, Serva∣tor, Lysius, Lyeus, Nyseus, Leneus, Dithy∣ambus, Briseus, Sabasius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 venerando Iacchus, Ele∣beus, Thyoneus, Nyctileus, Ovid lib. 4. Metam. l. He is called Vitifer.
• * 1.58

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Furore perci∣tus, a mad man, and a mad god.
• * 1.59

  He is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Pindar. & Horace lib. 2. Od. 19.
• * 1.60

  This Festival is called the Festival of God. It is a∣bout the month of May.
• * 1.61

  Philostrat.
• * 1.62

  T. Livius lib. 39.
• * 1.63

  In Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 quia interpres er at & Nun∣cius Deorum, Mercurius quasi mercium curans.
• * 1.64

  Addit. Not. He is said to be a watchful God.
• * 1.65

  Egypt painted his face half black, and half of gold.
• * 1.66

  Some think him to be Moses.
• * 1.67

  Called there∣fore 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.68

  Addit. Not.
• * 1.69

  From hence armed women are named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.70

  A••d•• N••••.
• * 1.71

  Addit. Not. Of Neptune.
• * 1.72

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Homerus.
• * 1.73

  Hence Prov. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.74

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.75

  Addit. Not.
• * 1.76

  Vocatur Leu∣cothea à Graecis & Medusa à Latinis Cicer & habita est Dea Maris.
• * 1.77

  Addit. Not
• * 1.78

  Hence called Mater Pessi∣nuntia, or Dea Syria.
• * 1.79

  He loved also the Nymph Syring. Ovid.
• * 1.80

  Clotho colum retinet Lache∣sis net, et At∣tropas occat. they are cal∣led also nona decima morta.
• * 1.81

  He is named Dis Summanus Altor, Rusor, Februus.
• * 1.82

  Orci Galea
• * 1.83

  Haec omnis quam cernis in opis in humata∣que turba est: portitur ille Charon, hi quos vehit unda se∣pulti.

  Nec ripas da∣tur horrendas &c. Virgil 6 Aen.
• * 1.84

  Addit. Not. Genius à gig∣nendo, or ab ingerendo; be∣cause he sup∣ports or sug∣gests unto us thoughts.

  Virgil names them Manes.
• * 1.85

  Tibull. lib. 4.
• * 1.86

  Lararium, the place where they were worshipped. There were Lares publici, Lares familia∣res I ares Ho∣stitii, to drive away enemies, Lares Marini, of the Sea; Lares querque∣tulani, of she Oaks. They are also called Praestites Lar∣vae, Lemures,
• * 1.87

  or Vagitanus.
• * 1.88

  Nuda Venus faecunda Pales, Pharetrata Diana, Juno gravis, pru∣dens Pallas, turrita Cybelle.
• * 1.89

  Besides these most noted Gods of E∣gypt, they wor∣shipped there all the Herbs of their Gar∣den, which the Romans were ashamed to imitate.
• * 1.90

  Some thinks this Anubis to be Mercurius as we shall see afterwards.
• * 1.91

  Herodot. sa∣cres Igurn.
• * 1.92

  De sapient. cap. 10.

  Et comes in pompa corni∣ger. Apis erat. Ovid. fast.

  Exod. 32. 6. Barbara Mem∣phiten plangere docta Bovem Tibull.
• * 1.93

  Plinius, lib. 5. cap. 9.

  Osiris also na∣med Bacchus.
• * 1.94

  Nachmonides & R. Moses.
• * 1.95

  Minucius Faelix, La∣ctant. Justin.
• * 1.96

  2 King. 17. 31.
• * 1.97

  From hence the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a man.
• * 1.98

  Cogere 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a Chald-word.
• * 1.99

  Maff••••us de Job. Ind. and Munster. Cos∣mograph.
• * 1.100

  Selden de diis Syris. cap. 6. Virg. lib. 6. Ovid. Metam. lib. 7.
• * 1.101

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.102

  Selden de diis Syris.
• * 1.103

  Hesychius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Euseb.
• * 1.104

  His Priests did cut themselves in honour of him.
• * 1.105

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.106

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.107

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.108

  Hieron adose. cap▪ 11.

  Isidor. Orig. lib. 3. cap, 11. Numb. 25. 1. and 3.

  1 Kings 15. 11, 12.

  2 Chron 15. 16 This Priapus was named Miphleteth, an abominable Idol.
• * 1.109

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.110

  Gen. 30. 11. Aben-ezra.
• * 1.111

  Munster.
• * 1.112

  Isaiah 65. 10.
• * 1.113

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.114

  2 King 1. 2. from hence in Hebr. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Deus hoc discrimen posu∣it imer sacrif. Demon, & sui legitimi cultus.
• * 1.115

  Plin. lib. 10. H st. Natur. cap. 28.
• * 1.116

  Pliny saith that after the sacri c••s all the flies did immedi∣ately depart. This agrees with the rela∣tion of the Jewish Rabbies above mentio∣ned.
• * 1.117

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.118

  Signifies a Co∣venant. Thu∣cyd.

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.119

  Psa. 25. 10.
• * 1.120

  Jer. 12. 16.
• * 1.121

  The Natura∣lists do inform us, that as soon as our eyes are open in a morning, they turn of themselves to behold and admire the Sun when we sleep in he open Ayr. Coel. Rhodig.
• * 1.122

  Acts 7. 41.

  2 King. 17. 16. Dan. 8. 10. & Nehem 9. 6. There the Host of Hea∣ven signifies the Stars.
• * 1.123

  1 Sam. 7. 4. Compare 2 Chron. 21. 13. and 1 Kin. 18. Chap. 18. with Jer. 8. 2.
• * 1.124

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.125

  Steuch. Eugub.
• * 1.126

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cicer. natur. Deor, lib. 3.
• * 1.127

  She is named Baaltis and Haec baal. '〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lucian. Venus was named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and adored in the form of a Fish. Ovid ••ast. lib. 2.
• * 1.128

  Euseb. and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Selden.
• * 1.129

  Herodian in vita Heliogab. lib. 5. Histor. She is named Astronoe Da∣mafc. The Sy∣rians did ob∣serve her Fe∣stival; the men in habits like women, and the wo∣men in mens cloaths. Macrob.
• * 1.130

  1 Sam. 5. 2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.131

  Bochart Ge∣og. Sacr. lib. 4
• * 1.132

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.133

  Cicer. Nat De∣orum lib. 3. Caphtorims a people of Cap∣padocia des∣cended of the Scythians.
• * 1.134

  2 Kings 17. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.135

  Merodotus Munster in cos∣mograph.
• * 1.136

  See Levit. 19. 29
• * 1.137

  Ve•••••• Babylo∣••ia Dicta est
• * 1.138

  ••he Goddesse ••as named A∣••itis in Ar∣••enia; in her emple Vir∣ns did pro∣ture themselves before marriage. This custome was in Lydia. ••lia. lib. 4. v. Hist. The learned Selden. Va••er. Maxim. lib. 2. c. 6. ••is remarkable that Venus is named by the Pagans 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Destroyer of men, for there is no greater enemy to health ••n excess in Venerean delights.
• * 1.139

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was the Altar upon which the fire did burn.
• * 1.140

  I have seen them at these devotions.
• * 1.141

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.142

  Elias Levit. Diodor.
• * 1.143

  Kings 19. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Joseph. lib. 1. ap. 4.
• * 1.144

  ••erodot. in liv.
• * 1.145

  2 Kings 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.146

  See Bochart Georg. Sacr.
• * 1.147

  Herodotus
• * 1.148

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ezech. 5. 15.
• * 1.149

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, prov, to offer a hateful thing as a gift.
• * 1.150

  Tammur from to die
• * 1.151

  The Heathen women did carry a dead body to the ground, and did weep to perpetuate the funeral of Adonis, De∣mosth.
• * 1.152

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.153

  Isaiah 46. Jerem. 48. 1.
• * 1.154

  Most of the Syrian Gods were named Pattaeci, that is Tutelar Gods.
• * 1.155

  Jerem. 25 26.
• * 1.156

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 A nos Acts 7. 43.
• * 1.157

  See Verstegan.
• * 1.158

  Olaus. Mag.