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ABull is the husband of a Cow, and ring-leader of the herd, (for which cause Hom••r com∣pareth Agamemnon the great Emperor of the Graecian Army to a Bull) reserved only for pro∣creation, and is sometimes indifferently called an Oxe, as Oxen are likewise of Authors taken for Bulls, Virg.
Pingue Jolum primis extemplo mensibus anni, Fortes invertant boves.—
The Hebrews call him Tor, or Taur; which the Chaldes call Abir, for a strong Oxe: so the Ara∣bians, * 1.1 Taur: the Graecians, Tauros; the Latines, Taurus; the Italians, Tauro; the French, Taureau; the Germans, ein Stier, ein Vuucherstier, das Vucher, ein Mummelstier, ein Hogen, and ein Bollen; the Illy∣rians, Vul, and Iunecz: by all which several appellations, it is evident, that the name Taurus in La∣tine is not derived from Tanouros, the stretching out the tayl; nor from Gauros, signifying proud; but from the Hebrew, Tor; which signifieth great: upon which occasion, the Graecians called all large, great, and violent things, by the name of Taurol, and that word Taurus among the Latines, hath given denomination to Men, Stars, Mountains, Rivers, Trees, Ships, and many other things, which caused Ioachimus Camerarius to make thereof this aenigmatical riddle.
Moechus eram regis: sed lignea membra sequebar. * 1.2 Et Cilicum mens sum: sed mons sum nomine solo. Et vehor in coelo: sed in ipsis ambulo terris.
That is in divers senses, Taurus was a Kings Pander, the root of a tree, a Mountain in Cilicia, a Bull, a Mountain in name, a Star or sign in heaven, and a River upon the earth: so also we read of Statilius Taurus, and Pomponius Vitulus, two Romans. It was the custom in those days, to give the names of beasts to their children, especially among the Troglodytae, and that Adulterer which ravish∣ed Europa, was Taurus the King of Crete; or as some say, a King that came in a Ship, whose En∣sign and name was the Bull; and other affirm, that it was Iupiter in the likeness of a Bull, because he had so defloured Ceres when he begat Proserpina, and afterward defloured Proserpina his daughter, in the likeness of a Dragon. It is reported that when Achelous did fight with Hercules for Deianei∣ra the Daughter of Oeneus King of Calydon, finding himself to be too weak to match Hercules, turned himself suddenly into a Serpent, and afterward into a Bull; Hercules seeing him in that pro∣portion, speedily pulled from him one of his horns, and gave it to Copia the companion of Fortune, whereof cometh that phrase of Cornucopia. Afterward, Achelous gave unto Hercules one of the Horns of Amalthea, and so received his own again, and being overcome by Hercules, hid himself in the River of Thoas, which after his own name bending forth into one horn or crook, was called Ache∣lous. By these things the Poets had singular intentions to decipher matters of great moment un∣der hidden and dark Narrations.
But there are four reasons given, why Rivers are called Taurocrani: that is, Bul-heads. First, be∣cause * 1.3 when they empty themselves into the Sea, they roar or bellow like Buls, with the noise of their falling water. Secondly, because they surrow the earth like a draught of Oxen with a plow, and much deeper. Thirdly, because the sweetest and deepest pastures unto which these cattel resort, are near the rivers. Fourthly, because by their crooking and winding, they imitate the fashion of a horn, and also are impetuous, violent, and unresistible.
The strength of the head and neck of a Bull is very great, and his fore-head seemeth to be made * 1.4 for fight: having horns short, but strong and piked, upon which he can toss into the air very great and weighty beasts, which he receiveth again as they fall down, doubling their elevation with re∣newed strength and rage, untill they be utterly confounded. Their strength in all the parts of their body is great, and they use to strike backward with their heels: yet is it reported by Caelius Titornus a Neat-heard of Aetolia, that being in the field among the cattel, took one of the most fierce and * 1.5 strongest Buls in the herd by the hinder-leg, and there in despite of the Bull striving to the contrary, held him with one hand, untill another Bull came by him, whom he likewise took in his other hand, and so perforce held them both: which thing being seen by Milo Crotoniates, he lifted up his hands to heaven, crying out by way of Interrogation to Jupiter, and saying: O Jupiter, hast thou sent ano∣ther Hercules amongst us? Whereupon came the common proverb of a strong armed man: This is another Hercules. The like story is reported by Suidas of Polydamas, who first of all slew a Lyon, and after held a Bull by the leg so fast, that the beast striving to get out of his hands, lest the hoof of his foot behinde him.
The Epithites of this beast are many among Writers, as when they call him Brazen-footed, wilde, chearful, sharp, plower, warrier, horn-bearer, blockish, great, glistering, fierce, valiant, and louring, which seemeth to be natural to this beast; insomuch as the Grammarians derive Torvitas, grimness or lowring, from Taurus, a Bull, whose aspect carryeth wrath and hatred in it: wherefore it is Pro∣verbially said in Westphalia, of a lowring and scouling countenance, Eir sic als ein ochs der dem, flesch••u∣wer * 1.6 Entlofferist: That is, he looketh like a Bull escaped from one stroke of the Butcher. Their horns are lesser but stronger then Oxen or Kie, for all beasts that are not gelded, have smaller horns and thicker skuls then other, but the Buls of Scythia as is said elsewhere, have no horns. Their heart is full of nerves or sinews, their blood is full of small veins, for which cause he ingendereth with most speed, and it hardneth quickly. In the gall of a Bull there is a stone called Gaers, and in some places the gall is called Mammasur. They are plentiful in most Countries, as is said in the discourse of Oxen, but the best sort are in Epirus, next in Thracia, and then in Italy, Syria, England, * 1.7 Maceconia, Phrygia, and Belgia: for the Bulls of Gallia are impaired by labour, and the Buls of Aethi∣cpe are the Rhinocerotes, as the Buls of the woods are Elephants.
They desire the Cow at eight months old, but they are not able to fill her till they be two years * 1.8 old, and they may remain tolerable for breeders untill they be 12. and not past. Every Bull is sufficient for ten Kie, and the Buls must not feed with the Kie, for two months before their leaping
time, and then let them come together without restraint, and give them Pease, or Barley, if their * 1.9 pasture be not good. The best time to suffer them with their females, is the midst of the Spring, and if the Bull be heavy, take the tayl of an Hart and burn it to powder, then moisten it in Wine, and rub therewith the genitals of a Bull, and he will rise above measure into lust: wherefore, if it be more then tolerable, it must be allayed with Oyl. The violence of a Bull in the act of copulation is so great, * 1.10 that if he miss the females genital entrance, he woundeth or much harmeth her in any other place; sending forth his seed without any motion except touching, and a Cow being filled by him, he will never after leap her, during the time she is with Calf: wherefore the Egyptians decipher by a Bull in health, without the itch of lust, a temperate continent man, and Epictetus saying of Sustine and Al∣stine; that is Bear and Forbear, was emblematically described by a Bull, having his knee bound and and tyed to a Cow in the hand of the Neat-herd, with this subscription. Hard fortune is to be endu el with patience, and happiness is often to be feared, for Epictetus said, Bear and forbear; we must suffer ••n•• any¦things, and with-hold our fingers from forbidden fruits; for so the Bull which swayeth rule among beasts, being bound in his right knee, abstaineth from his female great with young.
When they burn in lust, their wrath is most outragious against their companions in the same pa∣sture, with whom they agreed in former times, and then the conquerer coupleth with the Cow: but when he is weakened with generation, the beast that was overcome, setteth upon him afresh, * 1.11 and oftentimes overcometh: which kinde of love-fight is elegantly described by Oppianus, as follow∣eth. One that is the chiefest ruleth over all the other herd, who tremble at the sight and presence of this their eager King, and especially the Kye, knowing the insulting jealousie of their raging hus∣band. When the herds of other places meet together, beholding one another with disdainful coun∣tenances, and with their loughing terrible voices provoke each other, puffing out their flaming rage of defiance, and dimming the glistering light with their often dust-beating-feet into the air, who presently take up the challenge, and separate themselves from the company, joyning together at the sound of their own trumpets-loughing voyce, in fearful and sharp conflicts, not sparing, not yeelding, not retiring, till one or both of them fall wounded to the earth: sometimes turning round, sometimes holding heads together, as if they were Coach-fellows: and as two mighty ships well manned, with sufficient arms and strength, by force of winds and floods violently rushing one against another, do break and split asunder, with the horrible cry of the Souldiers, and ratling of the armour: so do these Buls, with voice, legs, horns, and strength, like cunning and valiant Martialists, make the sounds of their blows to ring betwixt heaven and earth, untill one of them be vanquished and over∣thrown.
The poor over-comed beast, with shame retireth from the herd, and will no more appear, untill he be enabled to make his party good against his triumphant adversary: then he feedeth solitary in the Woods and Mountains, for it is proverbially said, to signifie a single and unmarryed life, abiit Taurus in silvam: that is, the Bull is gone to the Wood to live solitarily without his female, often exercising himself like a studious Champion against the day of a new combate, and when he findeth his strength increased, and his courage armed for the day of battel, then roareth he in the Woods and Mountains, to provoke his adversary to answer; and perceiving his own voyce to be more fierce and violent then is his enemies, forth he proceedeth like some refreshed Giant, confident in his strength, descending the lists of a second combate, where he easily overcometh the Victor, weakned with copulation, and not exercised or fitted to such a triall through fulness and venery: so the first that was vanquished becometh Conqueror.
The very same is in other words described by Virgil: Bulls are enemies to all beasts that live up∣on * 1.12 prey, as Bears, Lyons, and Wolves: when they fight with Wolves, they winde their tails toge∣ther, and so drive them away with their horns; when the Bear fighteth with an Oxe, she falleth on her back, watching opportunity to take his horns with her fore-feet; which if she catch, with the weight of her body she wearieth the beast, who is so earnest in combate with these beasts, that they will fight their tongues hanging out of their mouths. The Crow is enemy to Buils and Asses, for in her flight she will strike at their eyes; and it is easier for the Bull to be revenged of a Lyon, then on such a bird: Red colour stirreth up a Bull to fight, neither can the Neat-herds govern these with such facility as they do the females, for when they wander and go astray, nothing can recall them but the voice of their females for copulation, which they understand and hear, being a mile or two distant.
The voyce of a Bull is sharper and shriller then is the loughing of a Cow; they are most couragi∣ous that have short and thick necks, and in their greatest wildeness, if their right knee can be bound, * 1.13 they will not stir; or if they be tyed to a wilde fig-tree, which is so fearful to the nature of an Oxe or Bull, that it hath been seen, how a very few sticks of that wood have sod a great quantity of Buls flesh in shorter time, then a far greater number of other wood set on fire could perform: which caused the Egyptians in ancient time, to picture a Bull tyed to a wilde fig-tree, to signifie a man that changed his manners through calamity.
Out of the hides of Bulls, especially their ears, necks, and genitals, is most excellent glew confected; * 1.14 but for the most part it is corrupted, by seething with it old leather of shooes or boots: but that of Rhedes is without all fraud, fit for Physitians and Painters, and evermore the whiter the better, for that which is black is good for nothing; wherefore that which is made out of Bulls hides, is so white, that it sendeth forth a brightness, whose vertuous conjunction in conglutination is so powerful, that it is easier to break a whole piece of wood then any part so glewed together therewith: and for this invention, we are (saith Pliny) indebted to Dedalus the first author thereof. They used it in instruments of musick, and such other tender and pretious actions.
The gail of an Oxe put upon Copper or Brass, maketh it glister like Gold; for which cause it is * 1.15 used by Players, to colour their counterfeit Crowns. The flesh of a Bull is good for meat, but yet not so good as an Oxe or Cow; yet did the Egyptians abstain from eating Cows flesh, and not from * 1.16 the flesh of Bulls.
These beasts are used in some places to plow, in some to fight; and it is reported by Aelianus, that Mythridates King of Pontus, beside his guard of men, had also a guard of a Bull, a Horse, and a Hart, which he tamed with his own hands; so that when his followers were asleep, if any stranger came neer, they failed not to awake him, by one of their several voyces. It is reported also, that if the no∣strils of a Bull be anoynted with Oyl of Roses, he will presently lose his eye-sight: and that in the Lake Asphal〈…〉〈…〉es there can no living creature abide, and yet many Bulls and Camels swim therein safe∣ly. * 1.17 It is but fabulous that there were Bulls in Colchis, which did breath out fire, except by that fiction the Poets understood the beastly rage of the rich Inhabitants. Touching the sacrificing of Bulls; it * 1.18 was also the custom of the old Egyptians to sacrifice a Bull unto Epaphus: and their manner was, first of all to try him whether it were fit for sacrifice, by laying meal before them, whereof if they re∣fused to taste, they were adjudged not apt for the Temple.
The Deutdae call a general sacrifice Viscum, whereby they affirm all grievances may be cured. First * 1.19 they prepared a banquet with sacrifice under some tree, then brought they two white Bulls sastened together by the horns, and then they gave a drink to any barren creature, woman, or brute beast, holding religiously, that by that drink they should be made fruitful, and free from all poyson: Un∣to so great a height did the folly of blinde people arise, to put religion in every unreasonable inven∣tion, under pretence of any good intention devised by idolatrous Priests. As often as they flew and offered a Bull, and poured Frankincense and Wine upon the hoast, they said; The Bull is increased with Frankincense and Wine: but the Ionians did best comfort themselves in their sacrifices, where the Bull before his death did lough at the Altar: and the Messenians did binde their Bull which was * 1.20 to be sacrificed to the ghost of Aristomene, unto certain Pillars in his Sepulchre: if therefore the Bull did shake the pillar while he leaped to and fro to get liberty, they took it for a good sign or Omen, but if it stood immoveable, they held it a mournful and lamentable thing.
It is likewise reported by Varinus, that when Agamemnon ignorantly killed one of the Harts of Diana in Aulis, she was so wroth, that she stayed the winds from blowing upon his Navy, so as they could not stir out of harbour: hereupon they went to the Oracle, where answer was given, that the goddess was to be pacified with some one of Agamemnons blood, therefore Ʋlysses was sent away to fetch Iphige∣nia, the daughter of Agamemnon from her mother Clitemnestra, under pretence to be marryed to Achilles; but when she was ready to be sacrificed, the goddess took pity on her, and accepted a Bull in her stead, which ought not to be thought incredible, seeing that in holy Scripture a Ram was sub∣stituted in the place of Isaac.
They were wont also to sacrifice a Bull to Neptune, and to all the Rivers, because of that affinity which they held a Bull hath with all waters: and to Apollo, according to this Virgilian verse, Taurum Neptuno, Taurum tibi pulcher Apollo. But unto Jupiter it was unaccustomed to be offered, per∣haps because he had often shewed himself in that likeness, to ravish and deflour women. There be certain Proverbs of a Bull, which are not altogether impertinent in this place. First, it is commonly * 1.21 said, that he may bear a Bull that hath born a Calf; whereby is meant, that he may be more sub∣ject to filthiness in age, which was so in youth. Quartilla was a woman of most vile reputation for uncleanness, because she said, that when she was little, she lay with little ones like her self, and when she grew bigger, she applyed her self to the pleasure of elder men, growing in filthiness as she had increased in years. Likewise they were wont to say of an absurd or impossible thing; that if a Bull * 1.22 could reach his head over Taygetus, he might drink of the river Eurota: and the beginning of this pro∣verb, was taken of an Apothegme of Geradas, when his Hoast upon a time did ask him what punishment the Lacedemonians had appointed for adulterers, he answered: there was no adulterers in Lacedemon, and therefore the punishment and question were frivolous. His Hoast replyed; But if there should be an adulterer there, what punishment would they appoint for him? Marry (said Geradas) he should pay such a Bull as would reach over Taygetus to drink of the water Eurota; whereat the host laughed, demanding where such a Bull could be found? then said Geradas, and where can you finde an adulterer in Lacedemon? so putting off one absurdity with another. And thus much of the natures and properties of a Bull in general. In the next place before this beast be turned into the Woods, we will describe his medicinal vertues, and so let him loose.
The powder of a Bulls horn drunk in water stayeth a flux of blood, and the loosness of the belly. * 1.23 Sextus and Esculapius say, that if a Bulls horn be burned in a place where Serpents abide, it driveth them away. The blood of Bulls mingled with Barley flower, driveth away hardness in the flesh, and being dryed cureth Aposthumes in every part of the body. It taketh away spots in the face, and killeth Serpents: It is commended warm against the Gout, especially in Horses. It is not good for to drink, be∣cause it is easily congealed, except the little veins be taken out. It is accounted among the chiefest poysons, and therefore it is thought by Plutarch, that Hannibal poysoned himself by drinking Bulls blood, being thereunto perswaded by his servant: for so dyed Themistocles, and Psamm〈…〉〈…〉us King of Egypt, taken by Cambyss, was constrained to drink the blood of a Bull; whereupon immediately he gave up the ghost. For remedy hereof, it is good to beware of vomiting, because the blood con∣gealed in the stomach into lumps, stoppeth the throat; wherefore all those things which dissolve milk in the stomach, are also medicinable against the blood of Bulls. In these cases let the
party be first of all purged by Gl••ster or otherwise, and then anoynt the stomach and belly with Barly meal and sweet Water, laying it unto them like a plaister: likewise Lupines, Oxymel, and Ni∣tre, are soveraign in this, as all Physitians know. The dry leaves of Neppe and Calamach is profita∣ble against this Malady; so also are ashes made of the lees of Wine burned.
The fat of a Bull is profitable to many things. First therefore, it must he plucked out warm from the reins of a Bull and washed in a River or Brook of running Water, pulling out the skins and tuni∣cles, * 1.24 then melt it in a new earthen pot, having cast among it a little salt, then set it in fair cold Wa∣ter, and when it beginneth to congeal, rub it up and down in the hands, wringing out the water, and letting it soke in again, untill it appear well washed; then boyl it in a pot with a little sweet Wine; and being sodden, let it stand all night: if in the morning it savour strong, then pour in more Wine, seeche it again, untill that savour cease, and so all the poyson be removed: and beware of Salt in it, especially if it be to be used in diseases, whereunto Salt is an enemy, but being thus used, it looketh ve∣ry white: after the same manner may be used the fat of Lions, Leopards, Panthers, Camels, Boars, and Horses.
The sat kall about the guts melted in a frying pan, and anoynted upon the genitals and breast, helpeth the Dysenterie. The marrow of a Bul beaten and drunk, cureth the pain in the smal of the belly: and Rosis saith, that if it be melted at a fire, and mingled with one fourth part of Myrrhe and Oyl of Bays, and the hands and feet be therewith anointed and rubbed, morning and evening; it helpeth the contractions of the Nerves and Sinews.
The fat of a Dormouse, of a Hen, and the marrow of a Bull, melted together, and poured warm in∣to the ears, easeth their pain very much: and if the liver of a Bull be broyled on a soft fire, and put into ones mouth that hath the Tooth-ach, the pain will go away so soon as ever the teeth touch it. The gall of a Bull is sharper then an Oxes, and it is mingled with Hony for a Wound-plaister, and in all outward remedies against poyson. It hath also a quality to gnaw the deadness or corruption out of Wounds, and with the juyce of Leeks and the Milk of women, it is applyed against the Swine-pox, and Fistulaes; but the gall alone rubbed upon the biting of an Ape, cureth that Malady. Likewise the Ulcers in the head, both of men, women, and children. And if the wool of an Hare be burned to ashes, and mingled with oyl of Myrtles, Bulls gall, and beaten Alome, and so warmed and anoynt∣ed upon the head, it stayeth the falling away of the hair of head.
With the gall of a Bull, and the white of an Egge, they make an Eye-salve, and so anoynt there∣with dissolved in water four days together; but it is thought to be better with Hony and Balsam: and instilled with sweet new Wine into the Ears; it helpeth away the pains of them especially run∣ning-mattry Ears, with Womans or Goats milk. It being taken wich Hony into the mouth, helpeth the clifts and sores therein; and taken with the Water of new Coloquintida and given to a woman in travel, causeth an easie childe-birth Galen was wont to give of a Bulls gall the quantity of an Almond, with two spoonfuls of Wine, called (Vinum Lymphatum) to a woman that hath her childe dead within her body, which would presently cause the dead Embryon to come forth. The genital of a red Bull, dryed to powder, and drunk of a woman, to the quantity of a golden Noble, it maketh her to loath all manner of copulation: but in men (as the later Physitians affirm) it causeth that desire of lust to increase. The dung of a Bull laid to warm, helpeth all hardness; and burnt to powder, helpeth the member that is burnt. The urine or stale of Buls with a little Nitre taketh away Scabs and Leprosie.
The true ety∣mologie of the name Taurus.
A Riddle up∣on the word Taurus.
Reasons why rivers are cal∣led Taurocrani.
The strength and several parts of Bulls.
The prodigi∣cus strength of Titornus.
Thei〈…〉〈…〉 several parts.
Countries of their best breed.
Their time of copulation.
Then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 procreation.
Quintilius.
The 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
Georg. 3. Their enmity to other beasts.
Hor. Apollo 〈…〉〈…〉 A secret in the taming of a Bu〈…〉〈…〉.
Their hides.
Of the gall.
Of the flesh.
Leo Afric.
The sacrificing of Balls.
Caelius. Cyraldus. Pliny.
Pausanias.
Proverbs of a Ball.
Like the Eng∣lish proverb, If the sky fall, we shall have Larks.
The medicines of Bulls.
Diosecrides.