Lucretius his six books of epicurean philosophy and Manilius his five books containing a system of the ancient astronomy and astrology together with The philosophy of the Stoicks / both translated into English verse with notes by Mr. Tho. Creech; To which is added the several parts of Lucretius, English'd by Mr. Dryden.

MANILIUS.

The First Book.

After a short Account of his Design, and a com∣plemental Address to Augustus, he begins, 1. With the Rise and Progress of Astronomy, and other Arts: 2. Discourseth of the se∣veral Opinions concerning the Beginning of the World: 3. Describes the Order of it: 4. Proves the Earth to be the Centre of the World: 5. Proves it to be round: 6. As∣serts the Soul of the World: 7. Reckons up the Signs of the Zodiack: 8. Describes the Axis: 9. The Northern Constellations: 10. The Constellations between the Tropicks and the South-pole: 11. Explains the Fi∣gures of the Constellations: 12. Asserts Pro∣vidence against Epicurus: 13. Discovers the Bigness of the World: 14. Treats of the mo∣vable and immovable Circles: 15. Makes a long description of the Milky-way: 16. Rec∣kons up the Planets: 17. Discourseth of Comets and Meteors, and concludes that they presage.

STars conscious of our Fates and Arts1 1.1 Divin••, The wondrous work of Heaven's first wise design, In numerous Verse I boldly first inclose; Too high a Subject,* 1.2 and too great for Prose. At what the Ancients with a wild amaze And ignorant wonder were content to gaze, My Verse brings down from Heav'n, design'd to show Celestial secrets to the World below: What yet the Muses Groves ne'er heard, I sing, And bring unusual offerings to their spring. Rome's Prince and Father,* 1.3 Thou whose wide com∣mand With awfull sway is stretcht o'er Sea and Land, Who dost deserve that Heaven thy Love bestow'd On thy great Father, Thou thy self a God, Now give me Courage, make my Fancy strong, And yield me vigour for so great a Song. Nor doth the World this curious search refuse, It kindly courts the daring of my Muse, And will be known; whilst You serenely reign, Instruct our Labour, and reward our Pain. Wings raise my Feet, I'm pleas'd to mount on high Trace all the Mazes of the liquid Sky, Their various turnings, and their whirls declare, And live in the vast regions of the Air: I'll know the Stars, which yet alone to gain Is knowledge mean, unequal to the Pain; For doubts resolv'd it no delight affords, But fills soft empty heads with ratling words: I'll search the Depths, the most remote recess, And flying Nature to Confession press;

I'll find what Sign and Constellation rule, And make the difference 'twixt the Wise and Fool; My Verse shall sing what various Aspect reigns When Kings are doom'd to Crowns and Slaves to Chains. I'll turn Fate's Books, there reade proud Parthia's doom, And see the sure Eternity of Rome. Two Temples rais'd with sacred Incense shine,* 1.4 •• bow at Nature's and the Muses shrine; Both aids I need, for double Cares do throng, And fill my Thought; the Subject and the Song: And whilst I'm bound to Verse with Orbs immense The World rouls round me, and distracts my sense; Vast is my Theme, yet unconceiv'd, and brings Untoward words scarce loosned from the Things. Who first below these wondrous secrets knew? Who stole that knowledge which the World with∣drew? Whose soaring mind those Airy mazes trod And spight of Heaven desir'd to seem a God! Open the Skies, and teach how Stars obey, And run their race as Nature marks the way, Their Power and Influence, what directs their Course What whirls them round, and what confines their force. First Mercury disclos'd these mysteries,* 1.5 [ I] By Him we view the Inside of the Skies, And know the Stars, and now Mankind admires The Power, not onely Lustre of their Fires: By Him all know how great▪ how just and wise, And good is the Contriver of the Skies; At whose Command the Stars in order met, Who times appointed when to rise and set; That Heaven's great secrets may lie hid no more, And Man instructed gratefully Adore.

Nature disclos'd her self, and from her Springs Pure streams deriv'd o'erflow'd the Minds of Kings▪ Kings next to Heaven, who o'er the East did sway, Where swift Euphrates cuts his rapid way, Where2 1.6 Nile o'erflows, and whence the Whirl re∣store•• The Day to Us, and passing burns the Moors. And next o'er Priests, whose constant Cares em∣ployd In publick service did obleige the God, His Presence did their holy minds inspire With sacred flames, and rais'd their fancies higher▪ Till by degrees to due perfection wrought He made himself the Object of their thought: Such were those wondrous Men who first from fa•• Lookt up, and saw Fates hanging at each Star: Their thoughts extended did at once comprise Ten thousand revolutions of the Skies, They markt the Influence, and observ'd the Power Of every Sign, and every fatal Hour; What Tempers they bestow'd, what Fortunes gave, And who was doom'd a King, who born a Slave; How Aspects vary, and their change creates, Though little, grea•• variety in Fates. Thus when the Stars their mighty Round had run, And all were fixt whence first their Race begun, What Hints Experience did to search impart They join'd, and Observation grew to Art; Thus Rules were fram'd, for by Example shown They knew what would be, from what had bu•• done; They saw the Stars their constant Round maintain▪ Perform their Course, and then return again; They on their Aspects saw the Fates attend, Their change on their Variety depend;

••nd thence they ••ixt unalterable Laws, ••ettling the same Effect on the same Cause. Before that time Life was an artless State ••f Reason void, and thoughtless in debate: ••ature lay hid in deepest Night below, ••one knew her wonders, and none car'd to know: ••pward men look, they saw the circling light, ••leas'd with the Fires, and wondred at the sight: ••he Sun, when Night came on, withdrawn, they griev'd, ••s dead, and joy'd next Morn when He reviv'd; ••ut why the Nights grow long or short, the Day •• chang'd, and the Shades vary with the Ray, ••••orter at his approach, and longer grown ••t his remove, the Causes were unknown: ••or Wit lay unimprov'd, the desart plains ••ere unmanur'd, nor fed the idle Swains: ••v'n Gold dwelt safe in Hills, and none resign'd ••heir lives to Seas or wishes to the Wind; ••onsin'd their search, they knew themselves alone, ••nd thought that onely worthy to be known: ••ut when long time the Wretches thoughts re••in'd, ••hen Want had set an edge upon their Mind; ••hen Men encreast, and Want did boldly press, ••nd forc'd them to be witty for redress; ••hen various Cares their working thoughts em∣ploy'd, ••nd that which each invented all enjoy'd. Then Corn first grew, then Fruit enricht the grounds, ••nd barbarous noise was first consin'd to sounds: ••hrough Seas unknown the Sailer then was hurl'd, ••nd gainfull Traffick joyn'd the distant World: ••hen Arts of War were found, and Arts of Peace, ••or Vse is always fruitfull in encrease.

New hints from settled Arts Experience gains, Instructs our Labour, and rewards our Pains: Thus into many Streams one Spring divides, And through the Valleys rouls refreshing Tides. But these were little things compar'd, they knew The voice of Birds, in Entrails Fates could view; Burst Snakes with charms, and in a Bullock's bloud, See Rage appeas'd, or fear an angry God. They call'd up Ghosts, mov'd deepest Hell, the Sun Could stop, and force a Night upon his Noon; Then make him rise at Night, for all submit To constant Industry, and piercing Wit. Nor stopt they here, unwearied Industry Rose boldly up and mounted through the Sky, Saw all that could be seen, view'd Nature's Laws, And young Effects still lying in their Cause. What wings the Lightning, why from watry Cloud•• The Thunder breaks, and roars the wrath of Gods What raiseth Storms, what makes the Winds to blow•• Why Summer's Hail's more stiff than Winter's Snow What fires Earth's Entrails, what doth shake the Ball Why Tempests rattle, and why Rain doth fall: All this she view'd, and did their modes explain, And taught us to admire no more in vain. Heaven was disarm'd, mad Whirlwinds rul'd above And Clouds and Vapors thundred instead of Iove. These things explain'd, their hidden Cause known, The Mind grew strong, and ventur'd boldly on; For rais'd so high, from that convenient rise She took her flight, and quickly reacht the Skies; To every Constellation Shapes and Names Assign'd, and markt them out their proper frame••

Then view'd their Course, and saw the Orbs were mov'd As Heaven did guide, and as the World approv'd; That Chance was baffled whilst their Whirls create The interchang'd Variety of Fate. This is my Theme, ne'er yet in Numbers wrought, Assist me, Fortune, and improve my thought; ••qual my Mind to my vast task; prolong My life in ease, smooth as my flowing Song; That while my Muse is working o'er the Heap, And forms this Chaos to a pleasing shape, •• may with equal care, and equal heat, ••eclare the Little and disclose the Great. But now since Fate and Verse do joyntly flow From Heaven, and both rule equally below. First let my Muse whole Nature's Face design, ••ts Figure draw, and finish every Line. Whether from Seed it ne'er3 1.7 began to be, [ II] Secure from Fate,* 1.8 and from Corruption free; Knew no Beginning, and no Ending fears, But was, and will be, as it now appears. Or huddled4 1.9 Chaos by a wondrous Birth Archt the vast Sky and fixt the solid Earth; And when this shining World once rais'd its Head To Shades Infernal banisht Darkness fled. Or whether unseen5 1.10 Atoms blindly thrown Compos'd it, and as Years whirle nimbly on, ••t must dissolve, and as it first was wrought ••rom almost Nothing, fall to almost Nought. Or rose from working6 1.11 Fire's enlivening Rays, Which form Heaven's Eyes, and live in every Mass, ••n Thunder roar, and in the Lightning blaze.

Or whether7 1.12 Water which combines the Frame Compos'd, and keeps it from the loosning Flame. Or whether8 1.13 Water, Air, and Flame and Earth Knew no beginning, no first seeds of Birth; But first in Being from themselves arose, And as four Members the vast God compose; In which Thin, Thick, Hot, Cold, and Moist and Dry, For mutual Actions mutual parts supply. From whose agreeing disagreement springs, The numerous odd Variety of Things. These Qualities to act provoke the Seed, Make Vital Elements and Bodies breed. [ III] What 'twas at first,* 1.14 and whence the All began Is doubted, and the Doubt too deep for Man; And let it be, but whencesoe'er it came Its Face is certain, 'tis an order'd Frame. Upward the9 1.15 Flame on active Pinions fled, To Heaven's high Arch it rais'd its shining Head, There stopt as weary grown, and round the Frame For Nature's Bullwark roll'd a Wall of Flame. Then liquid Air spread through the empty space Less light and active took the second place. But next the Flame the lightest parts aspire To waste themselves, and feed the greedy Fire. The heavyer Water makes an humbler Claim, And lies the third in order in the Frame; That Vapours rising may, like Seed, repair What Fire destroys, and feed decaying Air: Weight sank round Earth to the remotest place, And floating Sand in clinging Mud's embrace Stuck fast, whilst Seas squeez'd out flow'd o'er the Mass: As those grew limpid, and diffus'd the Waves, Through spacious Hollows and descending Caves

Rocks started forth, their Heads the Mountains rear'd▪ And Earth surrounded by the Floud appear'd. Lowest of all, and in the midst it lies Compass'd by Seas, and cover'd by the Skies. The Place doth fix it, for still rising higher The other Elements equally retire, And that by falling stops its farther fall, And hangs the midst and lowest of them all, Its parts to one fixt point press jointly down, And meet, and stop each other from moving on. For did not Earth hang midst the airy space▪ [ IV] How could the Sun perform his constant race?* 1.16 Drive on the Day, fall headlong down the West, Force up the Stars, and rise again at East? How could the Moon her usual Round maintain, Rise, set, and rise near the same point again? Or He that leads the Stars at Night return To East again, and usher forth the Morn? But since Earth did not to a Bottom fall, But hangs, and yielding Air surrounds the Ball, The way is open, and no stop to force The Stars return, or to impede their course. For who can think that when the10 1.17 Sun doth rise He's born anew, or when He sets He dies? That when one Day He hath display'd his Light His Race is finisht, and goes out at Night? Since He the same doth every Morn appear, And as He drives a Day He whirls a Year. From the same East He comes with equal pace, To the same West He still directs his Race; And not one Change is seen in Nature's Face. The same Moon shines, and at a certain Day, Her light encreases, and Her Horns decay.

The track she made Nature doth still pursue, Nor like a Novice wanders in a new. Phoebus still warms those signs where first he shone, And Day goes round with one eternal Sun. Thus prov'd: because by just Degrees the Hours In different Countries are the same with Ours. The Eastern Nations view the rising Fires Whilst Night shades us, and lazily retires. And as to distant West we nimbly run, That still removes, nor can we reach the Sun. No East begins, no West his race doth bound, But he drives on in one continued Round. Nor is it wondrous that one single Ball Should hang, since 'tis the Nature of the All. No prop supports, but as their motions prove, The whole World hangs, and all that whirls above. The Sun doth drive his Race through yielding Skies, Wheel round the liquid Bound, and set and rise. Through Aether, Moon and Stars direct their Race, Like these Earth unsupported keeps its place, Though no fixt Bottom props the weighty Mass. [ V] Well then,* 1.18 the Earth hangs midst the yielding Air Not stretcht into a Plain, but every where It rises and declines into a Sphere. In other Parts this Figure Nature drew, The Sun and Stars, if we exactly view, Seem round, the Moon is vary'd every Night, Nor with an equal Face receives her Brother's Light. This proves her round since different rays adorn, Now shape, now bend, now fill her borrow'd Horn. This Form's Eternal and may justly claim A Godlike Nature, all its parts the same;

Alike and equal to its self 'tis found, No End's and no Beginning in a Round. Nought can molest its Being nought controul, And this enobles and confines the Whole. Hence every Countrey sees not every Sign,* 1.19 What Sailer views the bright11 1.20 Canopus shine O'er Egypt's Shores, and when its Rays appear Who sees the little Circles of the Bear? For Earth still rising to a Round denies, A larger Scene, and bounds our feeble Eyes. This Truth the12 1.21 Moon con••irms when deep in Night Earth interposes,* 1.22 and diverts her Light, She doth not all the World at once surprize, But now seems dark to these, now other Eyes. The Eastern Parts first view her darkned Face, Then o'er the South she rolls her broken Rays; And then still prest by the obscuring shade, She hears the Western Brass resounding to her Aid. Now if the Earth were flat the darkned Moon Would seem to all Eclypst as well as one. At once presenting to the common view Her gloomy looks, and prove this fancy true. But since its Figure's round, dim Cynthia's beams By just degrees must visit the Extremes; Not all at once; she must divide the Skies, And while she sets to some, to others rise. For in the mighty Concave whirl'd above She rising must, and must declining move; Now climb this rising, and her Glories show, Then sink again, and scatter Beams below. This proves (nor shall the subtlest Wits escape These twining Reasons) the disputed Shape. By various Animals this Globe's possest, The Common House of Man, of Bird, and Beast;

The Northern13 1.23 parts rise high, the South••rn fall Beneath our Fee, the Adverse of the Ball. Yet as it lies its surface seems a Flat. Though false, its bigness doth improve the Cheat, And take the Roundness off, though every where It riseth and declines into a Sphere. Hence when with setting Beams the Sun with∣drawn Beholds our East, they see the Morning dawn; And when their Toils He with his Light restores, Sleep sits on Us, and gently easeth Ours. [ VI] The Sea14 1.24 runs round, and with its circling Waves The Floud at once divides,* 1.25 and joyns the Halves. To this vast Frame in which four parts conspire Of different form, Air, Water, Earth and Fire, United15 1.26 God the World's Almighty Soul By secret methods rules and guides the Whole; By unseen passes He himself conveys Through all the Mass, and every part obeys. To proper Patients He kind Agents brings In various Leagues binds disagreeing Things. Makes some Powers act, and some receive their Force; And thus whilst Nature keeps her Vital Course, Though different Powers the several Things divide, The World seems One, and all its parts ally'd. [ VII] Now Constellations, Muse, and Signs rehearse, In order,* 1.27 let them sparkle in thy Verse. Those which obliquely bound the burning Zone, And bear the Summer and the Winter Sun, Those first: then those which roll a different way From West: nor Heaven's Diurnal whirl obey: Which Nights serene disclose, and which create The steddy Rules, and fix the Laws of Fate.

First Aries, glorious in his Golden Wool, Looks back, and wonders at the mighty Bull, Whose back-parts first appear: He bending lies With threatning Head, and calls the Twins to rise, They clasp for fear, and mutually embrace; And next the Twins with an unsteady pace Bright Cancer rolls: Then Leo shakes his Mane: And following Virgo calms his Rage again: Then Day and Night are weigh'd in Libra's Scales, Equal a while, at last the Night prevails, And longer grown the heavyer Scale inclines And draws bright Scorpio from the Winter Signs: Him Centaur follows with an aiming Eye His Bow full drawn and ready to let fly: Next narrow Horns the twisted Caper shows, And from Aquarius Urn a floud o'erflows. Near their lov'd Waves cold Pisces take their Seat, With Aries joyn and make the Round compleat. Now view the point where turn the shining Bears, [ VIII] And from their height look down on other Stars.* 1.28 Which never set but onely change their Sites To the same point; and whirl the meaner Lights; Thither the Axis runs, whose adverse Poles Bears the poiz'd World, and Heaven about it rolls; No solid substance that the weight might bear But an imagin'd Line stretcht through the Air; Begun from either Pole the Line extends Earth's Centre through, and in the other ends. For since the frame turns round, that fancy'd Line Which cuts the middle, too minutely thin By turning round it self to measure space, But still consin'd to one imagin'd place,

Is call'd the Axis; cause unapt to move It sees Stars whirl, the shining Planets rove, And swiftly measure the vast space above. [ IX] Fixt near the Pole appear those friendly Stars Well known to wretched greedy Mariners;* 1.29 Which guide their Sails, and which direct their Oars, When mad for gain they fly to foreign Shores. (Whilst Heaven it self befriends their Avarice, What Pleas may wretched Mortals make for Vice?) Seven equal Stars adorn the greater Bear, Which measure larger Circles of the Sphere, And teach the Grecian Sailers how to steer. The smaller Bear,* 1.30 though less in size and light In narrower Circles she commands the Night, Yet Tyre prefers, for through the Ocean tost They sail by her and find the foreign Coast; These stand not front to front, but each doth view The others Tayl, pursu'd as they pursue. Betwixt and round these two the Serpent twines,* 1.31 At once divides, and to their place confines; Secure from meeting they're distinctly roll'd, Nor leave their Seats, and pass the dreadfull fold: These keep the Vertex, but betwixt the Bear And shining Zodiack where the Planets Err, A Thousand Figur'd Constellations roll, Some near the Zodiack, some plac'd near the Pole: Whose differing Powers by tempering Skies com∣bin'd Make Seasons fruitfull, and refresh Mankind. First near the North,* 1.32 as conscious of his shame A Constellation kneels without a Name; And next Bootes comes,* 1.33 whose order'd Beams Present a Figure driving of his Teams. Below his Girdle, near his Knees, He bears The bright Arcturus,* 1.34 fairest of the Stars.

Behind his Back the radiant Crown is view'd,* 1.35 And shines with Stars of different magnitude; One plac'd i'th' front above the rest displays A vigorous light, and darts surprizing rays. This shone since Theseus first his faith betray'd, The Monument of the forsaken Maid. Nor far from these distended Lyra lies,* 1.36 Well strung, the sounding glory of the Skies. This Orpheus struck when with his wondrous Song He charm'd the Woods, and drew the Rocks along; When Hell obey'd, when Death resign'd her Chain, And loos'd his dear Eurydice again; This gain'd it Heaven, and still its force appears, As then the Rocks it now draws on the Stars. The Planets dance, and to the tunefull sound The Heaven consents, and moves the fatal Round. Next Ophiuchus* 1.37 strides the mighty Snake, Untwists his winding Folds, and smooths his Back, Extends its Bulk, and o'er the slippery Scale His wide stretcht Hands on either side prevail: The Snake turns back his Head, and seems to rage, That War must last where equal Powers engage. Next view the Swan, whom Iove advanc'd above,* 1.38 That Form's reward by which He caught his Love. When shrouded in the fair deceitfull shape, He cheated trusting Leda to a Rape: Now grac'd with Stars his Wings stretcht o'er the Skies. And next the Swan the shining Arrow flies:* 1.39 The towring Eagle next doth boldly soar,* 1.40 As if the thunder in his Claws he bore: He's worthy Iove, since He, a Bird, supplies The Heaven with sacred Bolts, and arms the Skies. Next rais'd from Seas the Dolphin's* 1.41 Tail appears, The Glory of the Floud and of the Stars.

Whom while the Horse* 1.42 (one radiant Star doth grace His generous Breast) pursues with eager pace, His Legs before, as running, He extends, But clos'd in fair Andromeda* 1.43 he ends. Her Perseus* 1.44 joyns, her Foot his Shoulder bears Proud of the weight, and mixes with her Stars. Five splendid Stars in its unequal Frame Deltoton bears,* 1.45 and from the shape a Name; But those that grace the sides dim Light display And yield unto the Basis brighter Ray. Next with her Cepheus Cassiopeia* 1.46 shines, Her posture sad, and mourns amongst the Signs; She sees her Daughter chain'd, the rolling Tide The Monster spout, and curses her old Pride: She fears that Perseus will inconstant prove, And now in Heaven forget his former Love; But He attends, and bears the Gorgon's head, His Spoil, and witness of a coming aid. Near the bent Bull a seat the Driver claims,* 1.47 Whose skill conferr'd his Honour and his Names, His Art great Iove admir'd, when first he drove His rattling Carr, and fixt the Youth above. Next stormy Hoedi* 1.48 shine which shut the Main, And stop the Sailers hot pursuit of gain. Then shines the Goat,* 1.49 whose Brutish Duggs supply'd The Infant Iove, and nurst his growing Pride. From that wild Food He did to Heaven aspire, Fierce Thunder throw, and dart the blasting Fire. Then mindfull of her Care the gratfull God Repaid her with those Skies which she bestow'd. Then Pleiades and Hyades* 1.50 appear, The sad Companions of the turning Year. Born by the Bull they lead they Tempests forth, And close the Constellations of the North.

Farewell cold North, thy Ice benums my Muse, [ X] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from Thee, and warmer Regions chuse; ••etwixt the Tropicks of the Traveling Sun, ••'ll trace the Signs that burn the torrid Zone, ••hen pass those bounds and view the Stars that roll ••etween cold Caper and the lower Pole. First next the Twins, see great Orion* 1.51 rise, ••is Armes extended stretch o'er half the Skies: ••is stride as large, and with a stately pace ••e marches on, and measures a vast space. ••n each broad Shoulder a bright Star's display'd, ••nd three obliquely grace his hanging Blade. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his vast Head imme••st in boundless spheres ••hree Stars l••ss bright, but yet as great, he bears. ••ut farther off remov'd, their Spl••ndor's lost, ••hus grac'd and arm'd He leads the Starry Host. Next barks the Dog,* 1.52 and from his Nature flow ••he most afflicting Powers that rule below, ••eat burns his Rise, Frost chills his setting Beams, ••nd vex the World with opposite Extremes. ••e keeps his Course, nor from the Sun retreats, ••ow bringing Frost, and now encreasing Heats: ••hose that from Taurus view this rising Star, ••u••ss thence the following state of Peace and War, ••ealth, Plagues, a fruitfull or a barren Year. ••e makes shrill Trumpets sound, and frightens Peace, ••hen calms and binds up Iron War in Ease. ••s he determines, so the Causes draw, ••is Aspect is the World's suprem••st Law. This Power proceeds from the vast Orb He runs, ••is Brightness ••quals or exceeds the Sun's. ••ut far remov'd he through the distant space ••arts feeble spl••ndour from his Azure face.

Yet others He excells, no fairer Light Ascends the Skies, none sets so clear a bright. Next Procyon view,* 1.53 and next the nimble Hare, Then Argo* 1.54 sailing through the liquid Air; Advanc'd from all the Dangers of the Tides, Which first she stem'd, she now securely rides. Heaven is her Port, and now she rules the Flouds, A Goddess made for saving of the Gods. Close by the Serpent* 1.55 spreads; whose winding Spires With order'd Stars resemble scaly Fires. Next flies the Crow,* 1.56 and next the generous Bowl Of Bacchus flows, and chears the thirsty Pole. The Centaur next in double shapes exprest, A Humane Body joyns a Horse's Breast. The World's great Temple next, and Altar* 1.57 lies Grac'd with the Gifts of conquering Deities, When Earth-born Giants did the Skies invade, The lesser Gods implor'd the greater's Aid; His Power Iove doubted when he view'd from far The threatning force of the unequal War. When He inverted Nature's Frame beheld, That Earth rose upward, and that All rebell'd. That Hills on Hills heap'd, rais'd their threatnin•• Head, And frighted Stars approaching Mountains ••led; When impious Armies at a monstrous Birth Broke through the Bowels of the gaping Earth, Of disagreeing Forms, and frightfull Makes, Vast Humane Bodies twisted into Snakes. E'er this no Danger and no fear was known, And wanton Iove sate idly in his Throne. But lest some greater Power (soft ease betray'd His Mind to doubt) should yield the Rebels aid,

He rais'd this Altar, and the Form appears With Incense loaded, and adorn'd with Stars. Next on his Belly floats the mighty Whale* 1.58 He twists his Back, and rears his threatning Tail; He spouts the Tide, and cuts the foaming Way, Wide gapes his Mouth, as eager on his Prey; Such on Andromede He rusht, and bore The troubled Waves beyond their usual shore. Next Swims the Southern Fish,* 1.59 which bears a Name From the South-wind, and spreads a feeble Flame. To him the Flouds in spacious windings turn,* 1.60 One Fountain flows from cold Aquarius Urn; And meets the other where they joyn their Streams One Chanel keep, and mix the Starry Beams. Betwixt th' Eclyptick and the latent Bears Whose creaking Axis turns the rolling Spheres, Those stranger Skies are painted with these Stars. Which ancient Artists in their wondrous Lines Transmit to Fame, and call the Southern Signs. The other part lies hid, the vast abode Of unknown Nations, by our Feet untrod. From the same Sun they take their common Light, But different Shades: in an inverted site, Their Signs o'th' left Hand16 1.61 set, and rise o'th' right. Their Skies as large, their Stars as splendid run, Equal i'th' rest, but are excell'd by One, By Caesar's Star which doth o'er us preside, Earth's present joy, and Heaven's future pride. For that the lower Pole* 1.62 resemblance bears To this Above, and shines with equal Stars; With Bears averse, round which the Draco twines, At once divides them, and at once consines,

That there as many Constellations move, We must believe from what we find above. For Fancy, which decaying Sense supplies, Not onely feigns a Vertex like to This, But all resembling Beauties of the Skies. [ XI] These are the Stars which scattered o'er the Pole In different Places fixt complete the Whole;* 1.63 But raise thy thought from sense, nor think to find Such Figures there, as are in Globes design'd; Nor think that Stars set close compose the Frames, Or that the Signs are all continued Flames. For then we soon should see the World expire, Frail Nature could not bear so great a Fire; Some Places vacant conscious of her State She leaves, unable for so vast a Heat. For 'tis her kind intent alone to show By certain Stars, those Signs that rule below; Such notice give, and such fair hints impart; As Men may take, and may improve to Art: The Stars mark out the Shapes, the lower Beams Answer the high, the middle the extremes. Fansie those parts that lie obscur'd between, For 'tis enough that some of them are seen: But chiefly then when Cynthia's beams are clear, And full, but few, though still the same, appear; And whilst the vulgar fly, their place possess; Nor lose their Light, nor mingle with the Less. Yet these still keep one Course, They still pursue Their constant track nor vary in a New. From one fixt point they start, their Course main∣tain Repeat their whirl, and visit it again: And this is strange, and this doth more surprize Than all the other wonders of the Skies,

That such unwieldy frames their signs should draw, As mov'd by Reason, and confin'd by Law; No change in distance nor in site appear, Though great their Number, long the rolling year. A most convincing Reason drawn from Sense, [ XII] That this vast Frame is mov'd by Providence.* 1.64 Which like the Soul doth every Whirl advance; It must be God, nor was it made by Chance; As Epicurus dreamt, He madly thought This beauteous Frame of heedless Atoms wrought, That Seas and Earth, the Stars and spacious Air Which forms New Worlds, or doth the Old repair, First rose from these, and still supply'd remain, And All must be, when Chance shall break the Chain, Dissolv'd to these wild Principles again. Absurd and Nonsense! Atheist use thine Eyes, And having view'd the order of the Skies, Think, if Thou canst, that Matter blindly hurld, Without a Guide should frame this wonderous World. But did Chance make, and Chance still rule the Whole Why do the Signs in constant order roll? Observe set Times to shut and open Day, Nor meet, and justle, and mistake their Way? Perform their Course as if by Laws confin'd, None hasten on, and leave the rest behind. Why every Day doth the discovering Flame, Show the same World, and leave it still the same? E'en then when17 1.65 Troy was by the Greeks o'er∣thrown, The Bear oppos'd to bright Orion shone; She near the Pole in narrow Rounds did move, He fac'd her then, and measur'd the vast space above. And e'en at Night when Time in secret flies, And veils himself in Shades from humane Eyes;

They by the Signs could know how fast He fled, And in the Skies the hasty Minutes read. How many Towns have fall'n, what well-built States, Since Troy, have sunk below oppressing Fates? How many Times hath sporting Fortune hurld The Chance of Rule and Slavery through the World? How hath she now reverst Troy's ancient Doom, And built her Relicks greater up in Rome? Reviv'd old Ilium doth new Spoyls enjoy, And Greece now bends beneath the Fate of Troy. Why should I count how oft the Earth hath mourn'd The Sun's retreat, and smil'd when he return'd? How oft he doth his various Course divide 'Twixt Winter's Nakedness and Summer's Pride? All Mortal Things must change. The fruitfull Plain, As Seasons turn, scarce knows her self again; Such various forms she bears: large Empires too Put off their former Face, and take a new. Yet safe the World, and free from Change doth last, No Years encrease it, and no Years can waste; Its Course it urges on, and keeps its Frame, And still will be, because 'twas still the same. It stands secure from Time's devouring Rage, For 'tis a God, nor can it change with Age. And that the Sun ne'er drives the rising Day From North to South, nor leaves the beaten way; That weary grown He still falls down the West At Night, nor turns his Horses to the East; That Light by just Degrees the Moon adorns, First shews, then bends, then fills her borrow'd Horns, And that the Stars in constant order roll, Hang there, nor fall, and leave the liquid Pole; 'Tis not from Chance; The Motion speaks aloud The wise and steddy conduct of the God.

These equally dispos'd in Order lye, Make various Shapes, and chequer all the Skie. Above them nought; To the World's Top they rose, Painting the Roof of Natures Common House; Which in a wide Embrace doth all contain, The spatio••s Air, the Earth, and raging Main; These Set in order, and in order Rise, As West drives down, or East brings up the Skies. But now how vast the Arch, how next immense [ XIII] The Zodiack's Round,* 1.66 though far remov'd from Sense, Plain Reason shews; whose Active Force can pierce, The deep Recesses of the Universe. No Bars can stop it, through the World it flies, And Heaven it self lies open to its Eyes. As great a space as Earth, and humble Seas From Heaven divide, so great two Signs possess. The World's18 1.67 Diameter by Art is found, Almost the third Division of the Round. Therefore as far as four bright Signs comprize, The distant Zenith from the Nadir lies. And two thirds more almost surround the Pole, The Twelve Signs measure, and complete the Whole. But since the Earth hangs midst the spacious All, The Solid Centre of the Liquid Ball, Therefore as far as e'er our Eyes can pass Upward, or downward, could they pierce the Mass, Till bounding Sky the wearied Sight con••ines, Is equal to the distance of two Signs. And six such spaces the vast Round complete Where All the Signs their constant Whirls repeat, And each lies distant in an equal Seat.

Nor must you wonder such Varieties Of different Fates from the same Stars should rise. Since great their Empire, and unlike their force, Their Seats so large▪ and so immense their Course. [ XIV] Thus far advanc't my towring Muse must rise, And sing the Circles that confine the Skies, D••scribe the track, and mark the shining Way, Where Planets Err, and Phoebus bears the Day. One towards the North••sustains the Shining Bear And lies divided from the Polar Star;* 1.68 Exactly19 1.69 six divisions of the Sphere. Another drawn through Cancer's Claws confines, The utmost Limits of the Fatal Signs; There when the Sun ascends his greatest height In largest Rounds He whirls the lazy Night. Pleas'd with his Station there He seems to stay, And neither lengthens nor contracts the Day. The Summer's Tropick* 1.70 call'd.— It lies the fiery Sun's remotest Bound, Just five Divisions from the other Round. A third twines round,* 1.71 and in the midst divides The Sphere, and see the Pole on both its sides. And there when Phoebus drives, He spreads his Light, On All alike, and equals Day and Night. For in the midst, He doth the Skies divide, And chears the Spring, and warms the Au••umn's Pride, And this large Circle drawn from Cancer's Flame, Just four Divisions parts the Starry Frame. Another Southward drawn exactly sets The Utmost Limits to the Sun's retreats;* 1.72 When hoary Winter calls his Beams away, Obliquely warms us with a feeble Ray, And whirls in narrow Rounds the freezing Day.

To Us his Journey's short, but where He stands With Rays direct, He burns the barren Sands. To wisht-for Night he scarce resigns the Day, But in vast Heats extends his hated Sway. The last drawn round the Southern* 1.73 point confines Those Bears, and lies the Utmost of the Lines. Wise Nature constant in her Work is found: As five ••ivisions part the Northern ••ound; From the North point, This Southern Round appears Just five Divisions distant from its Bears. Thus Heaven's divided, and from Pole to Pole Four Quadrants are the Measure of the Whole. The Circles five, by these are justly shown, The Frigid, Temperate and the Torrid Zone. All these move Parallel, they set, they rise, At equal Distance moving with the Skies; Turn'd with the Orbs the common Whirl repeat, Are fixt, nor vary their allotted Seat. From Pole all round to Pole two Lines exprest, Adversely drawn,* 1.74 which intersect the rest And one another; They surround the Whole, And crossing make right Angles at each Pole: These into four just parts, by Signs, the Sphere Divide, and mark the Seasons of the Year. One drawn from Heaven's high top descends from far,* 1.75 And cuts the Serpent's Tail, and the dry Bear: The Equinoctial Scales, the Snake's Extremes, And next the Southern Centaur's middle Beams; Then thwarts the Adverse Pole, and next divides The mighty Whale, and parts its scaly sides; Bright Aries point, and splendid Trigon past, The fair Andromeda below the Waste, And next her Mother's Head it cuts, and then The Pole, and closeth in it self agen.

Cross this,* 1.76 and from the Pole doth first appear The Other, through the forefeet of the Bea••, And through its Neck; (which when the Sun retires First shines, and spreads black Night with feeble Fires) Then parts the Twins and Crab, the Dog divides, And Argo's keel that broke the frothy tides. And then the Pole and other Circle crost To Caper turns contracted in his Frost: The Eagle cuts, and the inverted Lyre, Black Draco••s folds— The hinder Paws o'th' Bear, and near the Pole It's Tail, and closing there compleats the Whole. These Rounds immovable, their site the same, Here Seasons fix, nor vary in the frame. Two more are movable:* 1.77 one from the Bear Describ'd surrounds the middle of the Sphere, Divides the Day, and marks exactly Noon Betwixt the rising and the se••ting Sun: The Signs it changes as we move below, Run East or West, it varies as You go; For 'tis that Line, which way soe'er we tread, That cuts the Heaven exactly o'er our head, And marks the Vertex; which doth plainly prove That it must change as often as we move. Not one Meridian can the World suffice, It passes through each portion of the Skies; Thus when the Sun is dawning o'er the East 'Tis their sixth hour, and sets their sixth at West: Though those two hours we count our days ex∣tremes, Which feebly warm us with their distant Beams. To find the other Line cast round thine Eyes,* 1.78 And where the Earth's high surface joyns the Skies,

Where Stars first set, and first begin to shine, There draw the fancy'd ••mage of this Line: Which way soe'er you move 'twill still be new, Another Circle opening to the view; For now this half, and now that half of Sky It shews, its Bounds still varying with the Eye. This Round's Terrestrial, for it bounds contains That Globe, and cut the middle with a Plain; 'Tis call'd the Horizon, the Round's design, (For 'tis to bound) gives title to the Line. Two more Oblique,* 1.79 and which in adverse Lines Surround the Globe, Observe: One bears the Signs Where Phoebus drives and guides his fiery Horse And varying Luna follows in her Course. Where Planets err as Nature leads the Dance, Keep various measures undisturb'd by Chance; Its highest Arch with Cancer's beams do glow, Whilst Caper lies, and freezes in the low: Twice it divides the Equinoctial line, Where fleecy Aries, and where Libra shine. Three Lines compose it, and th' Eclyptick's found Ith' midst; and all decline into a Round. Nor is it hid, nor is it hard to find, Like others open onely to the Mind; For like a Belt with studs of Stars the Skies It girds and graces; and invites the Eyes: To twelve Degrees its Breadth, to thrice sixscore Its Length extends, and comprehends no more: within these bounds the wandring Planets rove, Make Seasons here, and settle Fate above. The other Round from Bears oppos'd begun [ XV] Runs adverse to the Chariot of the Sun,* 1.80 It leaves the Pole, and from its Round retires, And cuts inverted Casiopeia's Fires:

Thence still descending and obliquely drawn It passes through the Body of the Swan, Then Cancer's fires, the headlong Bird of Iove, The Line and Zodiack where the Planets rove: And thence in various windings turns to meet The other Centaur, and entwines his feet: And thence to mount through Argo's Sails begins, The Line, and lowest portion of the Twins; Then joyns the Driver, and from thence ascends O'er Perseus, and to Cassiopeia tends, There 'tis receiv'd in her inverted Chair, In her the Round begins, and ends in Her. Twice cuts the Tropicks, Zodiack and the Line, And is as often cut by those agen. Nor need we with a prying Eye survey The distant Skies to find the Milky way, It must be seen by All, for every night It forcibly intrudes upon our sight, And will be mark'd for shining streaks adorn The Skies as opening to let forth the Morn. And as a beaten Path that spreads between A troden Meadow, and divides the Green. Or as when Seas are plow'd behind the Ship, Foam curls on the green surface of the Deep. In Heaven's dark surface such this Circle lies, And parts with various Light the Azure Skies. Or as when Iris draws her radiant Bow Such seems this Circle to the World below. It all surpriseth, our inquiring sight It upward draws, when through the Shades of Night It spreads its Rays, and darts amazing Light. Fond Men the sacred Causes strive to find, And vainly measure with a feeble Mind:

And yet they strive, they madly whirl about Through various Causes, still condemn'd to Doubt. Whether the Skies20 1.81 grown old,* 1.82 here shrink their Frame, And through the Chinks admit an upper Flame. Or whether here the Heavens two Halves are joyn'd But odly clos'd, still leave a Seam behind: Or here the parts in21 1.83 Wedges closely prest, To fix the Frame, are thicker than the Rest, Like Clouds condens'd appear, and bound the Sight, The Azure being thickned into White. Or whether that old22 1.84 Tale deserves our Faith, Which boldly says, that this was once the Path Where Phoebus drove; and that in length of Years The heated track took Fire and burnt the Stars. The Colour chang'd, the Ashes strew'd the Way, And still preserve the marks of the Decay: Besides, Fame tells, by Age Fame reverend grown, That Phoebus gave his Chariot to his Son, And whilst the Youngster from the Path declines Admiring the strange Beauty of the Signs; Proud of his Charge, He drove the fiery Horse, And would outdoe his Father in his Course. The North grew warm, and the unusual Fire Dissolv'd its Snow, and made the Bears retire; Nor was the Earth secure, each Countrey mourn'd The Common Fate, and in its City's burn'd. Then from the scatter'd Chariot Lightning came, And the whole Skies were one continued Flame. The World took Fire, and in new kindled Stars The bright remembrance of its Fate it bears. Thus Fame, nor must the softer Fable die That Iuno's Breast o'erflowing stain'd the Skie,

And made that Milky way, which justly draws Its Name, the Milky Circle from its Cause. Or is the spatious Bend serenely bright From little Stars, which there their Beams unite, And make one solid and continued Light? Or Souls which loos'd from the ignoble Chain Of Clay, and sent to their own Heaven again, Purg'd from all dross by Vertue, nobly rise In Aether wanton, and enjoy the Skies. Great Atreu•• Sons, Tydides fixt above, And stout Achilles equal to our Iove; With three-ag'd Nestor: He that bravely stood The Dangers of the Land and of the Floud. Vlysses, Nature's Conquerour, enjoy The Skies deserv'd; with all the Chiefs at Troy. Iove's Son Sarpedon, He that Lycia sway'd: The black Merione, the Martial Maid, Had Fate stood Neuter, Troy's securest Aid. With all those Kings that Greece or Asia bore, Or Pella23 1.85 greatest in her Conquerour. Next these the grave and prudent Heroes rise, Whose solid Riches lay in being Wise; There good Zeleucus, stout Lycurgus shine, Solon the just, and Plato the Divine. His Master next, whose Bloud unjustly spilt On Athens still reflects a real Guilt. Next Persia's Scourge who strew'd the joyfu•••• Flou•• With Xerxes fleet, and check'd the growing God: Who broke his Force, when Neptune bore the chain, And prov'd his juster Title o'er the Main. Here Romans joyn'd, the greatest Croud, reside, The Kings, e'er Tarquin stain'd the Throne with Pride. The Horaces our Army in our Wars, The Town which he defended, Cocles bears;

Next Clelia rides, the brightest Maid in Fame, And Scevola more gloriou•• by his Maim. Then He on whom the Helping Crow bestow'd A Name, and in the Figure brought in a God. Camillus who the Stars deserv'd to gain For saving Iove, when Thunder roar'd in vain; Patient of wrongs, and whilst alive ador'd, The Founder of that Rome that He restor'd. Next Brutus sits, and next, unlearn'd in Fear, The fierce Revenger of the Pyrrick War, Papyrius shines; The Decii, o'er their Foes In Triumphs Equal, Rivals in their Vows. Fabritius, Curius, for their Country bold, Alike in Courage, and too great for Gold. Marcellus, Sword of Rome, the third that bore A Royal spoyl, and Cossus grac'd before: Next Fabius sits, who left the Common way To Victory, and Conquer'd by Delay. Livy and Nero glorious for the fall Of haughty Carthage in her Asdrubal. The Scipio's Africks Fate both joyn'd in One, The latter ending what the first begun. Pompey by Thrice the Conquer'd World ador'd, Before God Caesar stoopt to be our Lord: The fam'd Metelli; Tully, Rome's defence, Deserving Heaven for pretious Eloquence. The Claudian Race, and the Emilian Line With Fortune's Conquerour great Cato shine. But Venus Iulian race, who drew their rise From Heaven, return again and fill the Skies; Where great Augustus, with his partner Iove Presides, and views his Father fixt above. Quirinus joyns him, and is pleas'd to see The Caesars grow Rome's Founders more than He.

The highest Arch contains the greater Gods, The Godlike Heroes fill these next Abodes; Those generous Souls, that ran an equal race In Vertues Paths, and claim a second place. Thus far my Muse hath with success been crown'd, Or found no stops, or vanquisht those she found. And thus incourag'd now she boldly dares To sing the Fatal compacts of the Stars. But stop thy flight, sing all the Fires that shine And influence too, and finish thy design. [ XVI] Seven Fires refuse the Worlds Diurnal force,* 1.86 From West to East they roll their proper Course. Cold Saturn, Iove, fierce Mars, the fiery Sun, With Mercury 'twixt Venus and the Moon. Some swift▪ some slow, they measure different Years, And make the wondrous Musick of the Spheres. [ XVII] But these are constant, these adorn the Night, Whilst Others seldom shine and then affright.* 1.87 For few have view'd a Comet's dreadfull train, Which Wars foretells, and never shines in vain, Soon catch on Fire, and die as soon again. The Reason's this; when days serenely fair Have chas'd the Clouds, and cleans'd the lower Air, And mists breath'd out from Earth rise through the Sky, The moister parts are conquer'd by the Dry. And Fire entic'd by the Convenient Mass Descends, and lights it with a sudden blaze: But since the Body's thin, the Parts are rare And Mists, like smoak, lie scattered through the Air; As soon as e'er begun, the feeble fire Must waste, and with the blazing Mass expire. For did they long exist, their constant Light Would seem to bring new Day upon the Night;

Whole Nature's Course would change, and from the Deep The Sun would rise, and find the World a-sleep. But since in various Forms the Mists must rise,* 1.88 And shine in the same Figures o'er the Skies, These sudden Flames thus born by Chance at Night, Must shew as much variety of Light. Some equally diffus'd,* 1.89 like flaming Hair, Draw fiery Tresses through the Liquid Air. And streight the Mass that fiery Locks appear'd Grows short,* 1.90 and is contracted to a Beard. Whilst some in even and continu'd streams, Are round like Pillars,* 1.91 or are squar'd like Beams. And some with Belly'd Flames large Tuns present,* 1.92 Alike in shape, and equal in extent. Some ty'd in knots like hairy Curls are spread,* 1.93 A narrow Covering o'er the Comets Head. The Meteor Lamp in parted Flames appears,* 1.94 The Sheaf uneven shakes her bended Ears. But still when wandring Stars adorn the Night,* 1.95 The falling Meteors draw long trains of Light.* 1.96 Like Arrows shot from the Celestial Bow, They cut the Air, and strike our Eyes below:* 1.97 Fire lies in every thing, in Clouds it forms The frightfull Thunder, and descends in storms. It passes through the Earth, in Aetna raves, And imitates Heaven's Thunder in its Caves. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hollow vales it boyls the rising Flouds, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Flints 'tis found, and lodges in the Woods, ••or tost by storms, the Trees in Flames expire, ••o warm are Nature's parts, so ••ill'd with Fire. Therefore when Mists, which wandring Flames retain, ••••rsue and catch, and leave as soon again,

Blaze o'er the Skies when through the parted Frame The Meteors break in one continued Flame, Or when midst Rain, or through a Watry Cloud Quick Lightning flies, or Thunder roars aloud, Wonder no more; for o'er the spatious All Is fire diffus'd, and must consume the Ball. When eating Time shall waste con••ining Clay, And fret the feeble Body to decay. Thus far through paths untrod my Muse has gone, Found different Causes, but not fixt on One, Such various Flowers in Nature's field invite Her gathering Hand, and tempt her greedy sight; That drawn by many she scarce one enjoys, Lost in the great Variety of Choice. For Earthy Mists involving Seeds of Flame May rise on high,* 1.98 and fiery Comets frame; Or little Stars by Nature joyn'd in One May shine, though undiscover'd when alone. Or they are constant Stars, whose Natural Cours•• The Sun o'er powers by his prevailing Force, Draws from their Orbs, and shadows by his Light▪ Then frees again, and opens to our sight. Thus Mercury, thus Venus disappears, Then shines again, and leads the Evening Stars. Or God in pity to our Mortal state Hangs out these Lights to shew approaching Fate;* 1.99 They never idly blaze, but still presage Some coming Plague on the unhappy Age. No Crop rewards the cheated Farmer's toil, He mourns, and curses the ungratefull Soil; The meagre Ox to the successless Plow He yoaks, and scarce dares make another Vow. Or wasting Plagues their deadly Poisons spread, Encreasing the large Empire of the Dead.

Men die by Numbers, and by heaps they fall, And mighty Cities make one Funeral. On groaning Piles whole huddled Nations burn, And Towns lie blended in one Common Urn. Such Plagues Achaia felt,* 1.100 the fierce Disease Laid Athens waste, and spoil'd the Town in Peace. It bore the helpless Nation to the Grave, No Physick could assist, no Vows could save; Heaps fell on Heaps, and whilst they gasp'd for Breath, Heaps fell on those, and finisht half their Death. None nurst the Sick, the nearest Kinsmen fled; None stay'd to bury, or to mourn the Dead. The Fires grown weary dy'd beneath their Spoils, And heapt-up Limbs supply'd the place of Piles. Vast Emptiness and Desolation reign'd, And to so great a People scarce one Heir remain'd. Such are the Plagues that blazing Stars proclaim, They light to Funerals their unlucky Flame. They shew not onely private Plagues to come, But threaten Mortals with the Day of Doom. When Piles Eternal Heaven and Earth shall burn, And sickly Nature fall into her Urn. They sudden Tumults, and strange Arms declare,* 1.101 And when close Treach'ry shall start up to War. When faithless Germans did of late rebell, And tempt their Fate, when Generous Varus fell, And three brave Legions bloud the Plains did drown, O'er all the Skies the threatning Comets shone. E'en Nature seem'd at War, and Fire was hurld At Fire, and Ruin threatned to the World. These things are strange, but why should these surprize, The Fault is Ours, since we with heedless Eyes View Heaven, and want the Faith to trust the Skies.

They Civil-Wars foretell, and Brothers rage, The Curse and the disgraces of an Age. Never more Comets drew their dreadfull Hair Than when Philippi saw the World at War. Scarce had the Plains drunk up the former Bloud, On scatter'd Bones and Limbs the Romans stood And fought again; disdaining meaner Foes, (A wretched Conquest where the Victors lose) Our Empire's power did its own self oppose; And great Augustus o'er the slaughter'd Heaps Pursu'd bright Victory in his Father's steps. Nor did the Rage end here, the Actian fight, That bloudy dowry of a wanton Night, Remain'd, and rais'd by Cleopatra's Charms The headlong Nations ran again to Arms. The Chance for the whole World was thrown again, And the Skies Ruler sought upon the Main, Then War obey'd a Woman, Timbrels strove With Thunder, Isis with the Roman Iove. Nor stopt it here, but the degenerate Son Stain'd all the Glory that his Father won. The Seas great Pompey freed He seiz'd again, His Pirates lay like Tempests on the Main. The Relicks of the Wars, the Impious Slaves Were arm'd for fight, and ravag'd o'er the Waves. Till the torn fleet di'd all the Seas with Bloud, And Asia's Chains reveng'd the injur'd Floud. Let this, O Fates! suffice; Let Discord cease, And raging Tumults be confin'd by Peace. Let Caesar triumph, let the World obey, And long let Rome be happy in his Sway. Long have him here, and when she shall bestow A God on Heaven enjoy his Aid below.

The End of the First Book.

1 Whether Divinas is to be rendred Divining or Divine is not yet agreed by the Interpreters of the Poet; by rendring it Divine, Manilius is freed from a redundancy of Words, and the Origine of Astro∣nomy, which he so often inculcates in other pla∣ces, is hinted at: beside, Divinus seldom signifies Divining, but when a Substantive follows which determines it to that sense, as Divina imbrium, and the like, and in that case I find Milton venturing at it in his Poem:

—Divine of future Woe.

2 It seems very plain that this whole descripti∣on respects onely the Eastern Kings, and therefore Manilius must be reckoned amongst those who be∣lieved the head of Nile to be in the East; and lest he might be thought to have forgotten the Egyp∣tians, I am inclin'd to think he includes them un∣der the Priests, to whose care Astronomical Obser∣vations were peculiarly committed.

3 This was the Opinion of Xenophanes, Melissus, Aristotle and others; and Pliny thus concludes in the second Book cap. 1. of his Natural History: 'Tis reasonable to believe that the World is a Deity ▪ eternal and immense, that never had a beginning, and never shall have an end. As absurd an Opinion as ••ever was propos'd, and repugnant to all the Ap∣pearances of Nature; look upon the Rocks on the Sea shore, and having observ'd their continual wea∣ring, consider how few thousands of years they

must have stood: direct thy eye to Heaven, and view the several changes in that which was thought impassible; and in short, reflect on the essential vileness of matter, and its impotence to conserve its own being; aud then I believe you will find rea∣son to put this Opinion amongst those absurdities which Tully hath allotted to one or other of the Philosophers to defend.

4 This blind fancy we owe to the Phoenicians, who (if Philo Biblius's Sancuniathon may be trusted) taught that the Principles of the Universe were a Spirit of dark Air, and a confus'd Chaos; this Spi∣rit at last began to Love, and joyning with the Chaos, produced 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or slime, and thence fashio∣ned the World. And hence likely the more sober part of the Greek Philosophers, (for they were but borrowers of Learning) who requir'd two eter∣nal principles, the one active and the other passive, such as Plato, Anaxagoras, &c. took their notions, and having added some few new ornaments, vented them for their own.

5 The Philosophy of Epicurus is too well known to need any explication.

6 The Opinion of Heraclitus, concerning which see the first Book of Lucretius.

7 Thales the Milesian endeavoured to establish this by Arguments drawn from the Origine and Continuation of most things: The seminal Prin∣ciple of Animals is humid, Plants are nourished by mere Water; Fire it self cannot live without Air, which is onely water rarefied, and the Sun and Stars draw up vapors for their own nourishment and sup∣port. These were the considerations upon which he grounded his Opinion; and hence 'tis easie to

guess that he kept up the credit of his School ra∣ther by those riches which he gain'd by his lucky conjecture at the scarcity of Olives, than by the strength of argument and reason.

8 The Assertion of Empedocles, agreeable to which Ovid sings,

Quatuor aeternus genitalia Corpora Mundus Continet—.

9 There is something in this scheme of Manilius so like the ingenious conjecture of the excellent Au∣thour of the Theory of the Earth, that what reflects on the one must have an influence on the other, and when the fiction is confuted the serious discourse will find it self concern'd: The Stoicks held the mate∣rial part of their Deity to be changeable, and that too as often as the fatal Fire prevail'd, and reduc'd the Elements into one Chaos; in such a confusion the Poet supposeth the first matter of his World, and then makes the different parts separate, and take proper places, according as they were light or heavy: agreeable to this Opinion the Theory of the Earth supposeth a Chaos, which he defines to be a Mass of Matter, fluid, consisting of parts of diffe∣rent sorts and sizes, blended together without any u∣nion or connexion. The solid and heavyer parts of this Chaos descend to the Centre, by their own weight, and there fixing and growing hard, com∣pose the inward Body of the Earth; the lighter parts fly upward, and being continually agitated, make that Body which we call Air; the middle sort being somewhat heavyer, and not so much agita∣ted, cover over the solid interiour Body of the Earth; and its fat and oily parts rising, and swim∣ming on the surface, stop and detain those heavyer

particles which upon the first separation were car∣ried up by the Air, and afterward according to their several degrees of Gravity fell back again toward the Centre: These particles sticking in this oily matter, made a soft crust, which in time be∣ing hardned by the Sun and those breezes which always attend its motion, became the habitable Earth. This Earth thus form'd was solid, and without Caverns, nor had it any inequalities on its surface; as to its site, its Axis was parallel to the Axis of the Eclip••ick, both its Poles being e∣qually inclin'd to the Sun; and as to its figure it was Oval. These are the few easie principal parts of that excellent Hypothesis, settled on the obvi∣ous notions of Gravity and Levity, and on the ac∣knowledged Nature, and allow'd Motion of a Fluid. And from these so many curious propositions are naturally deduced, so many difficulties concerning Paradise and the Floud happily explain'd, and all set off with that neatness and aptness of expression, and that variety of curious thought, that I am very much inclin'd to believe that Nature was never so well drest before, nor so artificially recommended. And it is pity that the first acknowledged Princi∣ples of Philosophy will not allow it to be true. Inherent Qualities are now generally exploded, as unphilosophical, not to be understood, and unfit to explain the Phaenomena of Nature. The Acce∣leration of a heavy Body in its descent (beside a thousand other Arguments) quite overthrows Gra∣vity both as an accident of Aristotle, and as essen∣tial to Matter, according to the fancy of Epicurus; so that this motion proceeds onely from external impulse, and depends upon the present order of

the World. So that Philosophy will not allow the supposition of Gravity or Levity in a confus'd Chaos, since it can sufficiently demonstrate that they are neither inherent qualities, nor essential to matter, and that it is in vain to look after them, before the system of the World was settled in the present order. From this hint it is easie to infer that the supposed Chaos would have still continued such, the solid Parts would have been agitated this or that way indifferently by the restless particles of the Fluid, but there could have been no orderly separation, because no Principle of it.

But suppose such a separation, why must the out∣ward Crust of the Globe be without Caverns in its Body, and Inequalities on its Surface? What Law of Nature doth necessarily prove that in such a confusion the solid parts must be equally dispersed through the Body of the Air? If we trust our Eyes, and look upon a Dust raised by the ruin of a House, or onely consider what Confusion is, it will be very hard to find such a regular and order∣ly disposition. And since these solid Bodies may be unequally dispers'd, and every one of them tends to the Centre by a direct Line, whenever they set∣tle, the Body which they compose must be une∣qual in its surface.

Yet to let this Difficulty pass, its Figure accor∣ding to this Hypothesis will be much more Oval than common observation will allow, for since it is said to be Oval because the Motion of the Ae∣quator is swifter than that of the Polar Circles, the figure must be almost as much Oval, as the Circle of the Aequator is bigger than the Circle of the Pole; there being nothing to hinder the ut∣most

effect of this motion but the weight of the Fluid endeavouring to reduce it self to a Levell, which of what moment it will be in this Case I leave to be considered.

And as for its site, that renders the torrid and the frigid Zones unhabitable; intolerable Heats still burning the former, and the continual gathe∣ring and dropping of the vapours making the o∣thers too cold and moist to entertain either Man or Beast. And this one concession, I am afraid, spoils most part of the Contrivance; for these por∣tions of the Crust could never grow hard, being continually moistned by the Vapours, and so little expos'd to the Sun, or that breeze which attends its motion: And therefore, whenever Vapours were drawn from the Abyss in the Torrid Zone, these parts of the Arch being not firm enough to sustain themselves, must sink in; and those Vapors that were imprisoned between the surface of the Abyss and the solid part of the Crust of the Earth, might have found an easie passage through this soft portion of the Crust, and therefore could not con∣tribute to the general dissolution of the Frame. Besides, from such a muddy Fountain what could be expected but streams unwholsome and corrupted, and unfit for that end for which they were design'd, and for that use, to which sacred Scripture tells us they were imploy'd?

A great many other inconveniences in Nature may be observ'd to follow this Contrivance; but because this Hypothesis was not set up for its own sake, but to give an intelligible account of Noah's Floud; I shall close these reflexions with a few con∣siderations upon that.

And first the Authour pleads for an universal Floud, it being inconsistent with the demonstrated Nature of a Fluid, that Water should stand up in Heaps fifteen Cubits above the tops of the highest Mountains. This I am willing to admit, though there is no reason why Omnipotence might not be immediately concern'd in this, since he him∣self confesseth, that the forty days Rain cannot ac∣cording to his Hypothesis be explain'd by any Na∣tural Cause that he can find out.

Secondly, He compares the height of the Mountains and the Depth of the Sea, and having as to both made allowable suppositions (though the Course of the longest River, even the Nile it self, will not prove its head to be above three foot higher than its mouth) he infers that eight Oceans will be little enough to make an universal Deluge: The Waters above the Firmament are exploded; the Rain would afford but the hundredth part of such a Mass of Water, unless the showers were continual, and over the face of the whole Earth, and the Drops came down ninety times faster than usually they do. (Though here a Man would be apt to think from the expressions in Genesis, The Windows of Heaven were opened, that there was somewhat very extraordinary in this Rain, and that all those requir'd conditions were observ'd.) The Caverns of the Earth, if they threw out all the Water they contain'd, could afford but little in comparison of the great store that was requir'd; And if the whole middle region of the Air had been condens'd, still there had not been enough, because Air being turn'd into Water filleth onely the hundredth part of that space which it formerly

possess'd. Though all the other ways by which some have endeavour'd to explain the Floud, were demonstrably insufficient, yet this last which gives an account of it from so natural and easie a Cause as the condensation of the Air deserved to be con∣sidered a little more; but it is the Art of a Dispu∣ter to touch that least which presseth most on that Opinion which he would advance. For it being allowed that Air by natural Causes may be chang'd into Water, and a Vacuum in this very Chapter being excluded, it necessarily follows, that as much Air as riseth fifteen Cubits higher than the tops of the Mountains is sufficient to make such a Deluge as is describ'd to have been in Noah's time. Be∣cause where there is no Vacuum, there can be no contraction into a less space, and every particle of Matter, whatever form of schematism it puts on, must in all conditions be equally extended, and therefore take up the same Room. But sup∣pose a Vacuum, or (as it happens in our imperfect condensations) that a hundred cubical feet of Air would make but one foot of Water, yet sure the Region is large enough to make amends for this disproportion: Now since Nature is sufficient for condensation, and since its powers may be consi∣derably invigorated for the execution of the Al∣mighty's wrath; why must it be thought so difficult to explain a Deluge? and why should an excellent Wit waste it self in fashioning a new World, onely to bring that about which the old one would per∣mit easily to be done? It is above the Province of Philosophy to make a World, let that be suppos'd to have been form'd as it is reveal'd, it is enough for us to search by what Laws it is preserv'd; and a

system erected on this foundation will be agreeable both at Reason and to Religion.

10 He explodes the Opinion of Xenophanes, and the Fancy of Epicurus. Vid. Lucretius's fifth Book.

11 Canopus is a Star in the Southern Keel of the Ship Argo, of the first magnitude: These particu∣lars as to the Appearance of the two Stars are not mathematically true, yet serve well enough for the Poets design, sufficiently proving the roundness of the Earth.

12 This Argument being taken from the Eclipse and not from the increase or decrease of the Moon, the Poet must be understood, not as to divers mo∣ments of Time, for the Moon at the same instant is seen Eclips'd by all to whom she appears above the Horizon, but as to the diversity of Hours at which the Eastern or Western People reckon the Eclipse to begin or end.

13 This is to be understood in respect of those who inhabit the Northern Hemisphere, to whom the North Pole is still elevated.

14 It was the Opinion of the ancient Poets, and some others, that the Sea was as a Girdle to the Earth, that it ran round it as an Horizon, and di∣vided the upper Hemisphere from the lower.

15 Release this Soul from that union which the Stoicks foolishly assign'd, and then to hold a Soul of the World and Providence is all one.

16 Manilius is not constant in his Position; most commonly as a Poet he turns his face to the West, and then the North is on his right hand, and the South on the left: sometimes as an Astronomer he turns his face to the South, and this is the position in this place.

17 Alluding to the two Verses in Homer's sixth Iliad,

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

18 Demonstrated by Archimedes in his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Prop. 3. That the Circumference of every Circle exceeds three times the Diameter thereof by a part that is less than 1/7th, and greater than 10/70.

19 Eudoxus divided the Sphere into sixty parts, and this division Manilius follows, and according to that describes the Position of the Celestial Circles.

20 The Opinion of Diodorus.

21 Macrobius reports Theophrastus to be the Au∣thour of this Fancy.

22 From Plutarch we learn that Metrodorus and others asserted this, and Achilles Tacius ••ixes this foolish Opinion on Oenopides Chius.

23 The learned Mr. Hayns dislikes Scaliger's rea∣ding, which I have followed, and thinks that he meant that Pella was a Woman; a more solemn foppery was never met with, and this Note, beside a great many others, may serve to credit the Da••∣phin Editions of the Classick Authours.

MANILIUS.

The Second Book.

Manilius takes care frequently to tell his Rea∣der that he is the first that ever ventur'd on an Astrological Poem; He seems mightily pleas'd with his undertaking, hugs it as his First-born, and the Son of his strength, and is very troublesome in acquainting us with the pains which he suffered at its Birth; and then reckons up the Beauties of the Child, and what great hopes he conceives of it: If ever he deserv'd Scaliger's Character, that he knew not when to leave off, it must be acknowledged that this is the Case in which it may be chiefly apply'd: We need look no farther than the beginning of this Book to be satisfied in this matter; He spends about sixty Verses in reckoning up the chief Sub∣jects of Homer, Hesiod, Theocritus and others; all which being laid aside, he de∣clares his design to be wholly new; and then begins, 1. To prove the World to be one A∣nimal: 2. The Influence of the Heavens:

3. He Describes the several species of the Signs. 4. The various configurations or aspects of the Signs; and tells us what are Trines, what Quadrates or Squares; what Hexagons or Sextiles; and what are Right and Left in each of these. 5. What Signs are said to be conjoyn'd, what not, and what oppos'd; to what Sign each part of Man's body is appropriate; what Signs are said to hear, what to see one another; what are friendly, and what not. 6. The friend∣ly and unfriendly aspects of the Signs, and the various aspects of the Planets in the Signs. 7. The Twelfths or Dodecatemoria of the Signs and Planets. 8. The twelve Celestial Houses, and assigns to each its pro∣per Planet.

IN lasting Verse the mighty Homer sings The Trojan Wars,* 1.102 the King of fifty Kings, Stout Hector's brand, the bloudy dreadfull Field, And Troy secure behind the Hero's Shield: Vlysses wandrings, and his travelling years, In time and glory equal to his Wars: How twice with conquering Fleets he plough'd the Main, Whilst Scylla roar'd, and Neptune rag'd in vain. And how at Home he fixt his tottering Throne, Redeem'd his honour, and secur'd his Son: Usurping Woers felt his thundring Sword, And willing Nations knew their Native Lord. His Subjects these, and from his boundless Spring

MANILIUS.

The Second Book.

Manilius takes care frequently to tell his Reader, that He is the first who ventur'd on an Astro∣logical Poem: He seems mightily pleas'd with his Vndertaking, hugs it as his First-born, and the Son of his Strength: He at large ac∣quaints us with the Pains which He suffer'd in bringing it to Perfection, and then reckons up the Beauty of the Child, and what great Hopes He conceives of it: If ever he deserves Scaliger's Character, That he knew not when to leave off, it must be principally then when He speaks of himself and his own Perfor∣mance. We need look no further than the Be∣ginning of this Book to be satisfied in this matter: He spends about Sixty Verses in reck∣oning up the chief Subjects of Homer, He••iod, Theocritus, and other Poets, all which being laid aside, He declares his Design to be wholly new, and then begins, 1. To assert, that the whole Word is Animate, and God the Soul

of it 2. The Influence of the Heavens. 3. He reckons up the several kinds of sorts of Signs, as, 4. Male and Female Signs: 5. Human and Brute Signs. 6. Single and Double Signs. 7. Pairs. 8. Double Signs made up of different Species. 9. Signs Double by Place, viz. Those that immediate∣ly precede the Four Tropick Signs. 10. Signs of Natural or Unnatural Postures. 11. Day and Night Signs. 12. Earth and Water Signs. 13. Fruitful and Barren Signs. 14. Signs of different Postures. 15. Maim'd and intire Signs. 16. Season Signs. 17. He sings the various Configurations or Aspects of the Signs: As, 18. Trines. 19. Qua∣drates or Squares; shews what are to be ac∣counted Right and what Left in these Fi∣gures: And, 20. Adds several Cautions con∣cerning Squares and Trines. 21. He de∣scribes the Intercourse or Agreement of Trines and Quadrates. 22. Of Hexagons or Sextiles, of which he gives a particular Account. 23. Of Contiguous Signs. 24. Of Unequal Signs. 25. Of Opposites. 26. He shews what Gods are the Guardians of each Sign. 27. The Signs for the several parts of the Body▪ 28. What Signs See, Hear, Love, or Hate each other. 29. He makes a short Digression about Friendship. 30. He treats of the Friendly and Unfriendly Aspects. 31. Of

the Dodecatemoria, or Twelfths. 32. Of the Dodecatemoria of the Planets, and pro∣poses two ways to find them. 33. He de∣scribes the Celestial Houses, assigning them their Proper Charges and their Titles, toge∣ther with the Planets which presided in them; and then concludes this Second Book.

THE mighty Bard in lasting Numbers sings Ilium's long Wars,* 1.103 the King of fifty Kings; Brave Hector's Brand, the bloody dreadful Field, And Troy secure behind the Hero's Shield. He sings Vlysses, and his wandring Years ••n Time and Glory equal to his Wars: He sings how twice He conquering plough'd the Main Whilst Scylla roar'd, and Neptune rag'd in vain, And how at Home He fixt his tottering Throne, Redeem'd his Honour, and secur'd his Son: ••surping Woe•••• felt his thundering Sword, ••nd willing Nations knew their Native Lord. His Subjects these, from whose1 1.104 abundant Spring ••••cceeding Poets draw the Songs they sing; ••••om Him they take, from Him adorn their Themes, ••nd into little Channels cut his Streams, ••ich in his store— Next Hesiod sings the Gods Immortal Race,* 1.105 ••e sings how Chaos bore the Earthy Mass; ••ow Light from Darkness struck did Beams display, ••nd Infant-Stars first stagger'd in their way: ••ow Name2 1.106 of Brother vail'd an Husband's Love, ••nd Iuno bore unaided by her Iove: ••ow twice-born Bacchus burst the Thunderer's Thigh, ••nd all the Gods that wander through the Sky.

Hence He to Fields descends, manures the Soil, Instructs the Plowman, and rewards his Toil: He sings how Corn in Plains, how Vines in Hills Delight, how Both with vast Encrease the Olive fills: How Foreign Graffs th' Adulterous Stock receives, Bears stranger Fruit, and wonders at her Leaves: An useful Work, when Peace and Plenty reign, And Art joyns Nature to improve the Plain. The Constellation's Shapes3 1.107 some make their Themes,* 1.108 Sing whence they came, and how adorn'd with Beams, Andromeda enjoys kind Perseu's Aid, The Sire unbinds, the Mother mourns the Maid: Callisto ravisht now the Pole surveys, Nor grieves to change her Honor for her Rays: The Little Bear that rock'd the mighty Iove, The Swan whose borrow'd Shape conceal'd his Love Are grac'd with Light, the Nursing Goat's repaid With Heaven, and Duty rais'd the Pious Maid; The Lion for the Honors of his Skin, The squeezing Crab, and stinging Scorpion shine For aiding Heaven, when Giants dar'd to brave, The threatned Stars; and Thunder fail'd to save: And now the Fish ignoble Fates escape Since Venus ow'd her Safety to their Shape: The Ram having pass'd the Sea, serenely shines, And leads the Year, the Prince of all the Signs. Thus whilst by Fables They the Stars advance, They vainly make the Heaven one large Romance; Earth fills the Sky, the Mass ignobly reigns, And Heaven's upheld by that which it sustains: Fables absurd, which Nature's Laws reject, To make the Cause depend on the Effect.

The sweet Theocritus with softest Strains Makes piping Pan delight Sicilian Swains;* 1.109 Thro' his smooth Reed no Rustick Numbers move, But all is Tenderness, and all is Love; As if the Muses sate in every Vale, Inspir'd the Song, and told the melting Tale. Some Birds, some Wars of Beasts,* 1.110 or Serpents write, Snakes in their Poems hiss, and Lions sight: Some Fate in Herbs describe,* 1.111 some Sovereign Roots, Or see gay Health spring up in saving Fruits: One breaks thro' Nature's stubborn Bars, in∣vades The rest,* 1.112 and sacred Silence of the Shades, Turns up the inside of the World, and Night, And brings Eternal Darkness into Light. Of every Subject now the Muses sing, And Floods confus'd come tumbling from their Spring, Yet dry as fast, nor can Parnassian Streams Suffice the Throngs that crowd to common Themes. I seek new Springs which roul refreshing Waves Thro' Plains untrod, and Purls in hidden Caves, Kept pure for Me, which Birds did ne'er profane, And thirsty Phoebus oft hath sought in vain: My Verse shall be my Own, not stoln, but wrought; Mine, not the Labor of Another's Thought. My Vessel's trimm'd, tho' never launch'd before, I spread my Sails, and boldly leave the Shore: I'll sing how God the World's Almighty Mind [ 1] Thro' All infus'd, and to that All confin'd,* 1.113 Directs the Parts, and with an equal Hand Supports the whole, enjoying his Command: How All agree, and how the Parts have made Strict Leagues, subsisting by each others Aid;

How All by Reason move, because one Soul Lives in the Parts, diffusing thro' the whole. For did not all the Friendly Parts conspire To make one Whole, and keep the Frame intire; And did not Reason guide, and Sense controul The vast stupendous Machine of the whole, Earth would not keep its place, the Skies would fall, And universal Stiffness deaden All; Stars would not wheel their Round, nor Day, nor Night, Their Course perform, be put, and put to flight: Rains would not feed the Fields, and Earth deny Mists to the Clouds, and Vapors to the Sky; Seas would not fill the Springs, nor Springs return Their grateful Tribute from their flowing Urn: Nor would the All, unless contriv'd by Art, So justly be proportion'd in each part, That neither Seas, nor Skies, nor Stars exceed Our Wants, nor are too scanty for our Need: Thus stands the Frame, and the Almighty Soul Thro' all diffus'd so turns, and guides the whole, That nothing from its setled Station swerves, And Motion alters not the Frame, but still pre∣serves. [ 2] This God or Reason, which the Orbs doth move, Makes Things below depend on Signs above;* 1.114 Tho' far remov'd, tho' hid in Shades of Night, And scarce to be descry'd by their own Light; Yet Nations own, and Men their Influence feel; They rule the Publick, and the Private Will: The Proofs are plain. Thus from a different Star We find a fruitful, or a barren Year; Now Grains encrease, and now refuse to grow; Now quickly ripen, now their growth is slow:

The Moon commands the Seas, she drives the Main To pass the Shores, then drives it back again: And this Sedition chiefly swells the Streams, When opposite she views her Brother's Beams; Or when she neer in close Conjunction rides She rears the Flood, and swells the flowing Tides; Or when attending on his yearly Race The Equinoctial sees her borrow'd Face. Her Power sinks deep, it searches all the Main, Testaceous4 1.115 Fish, as she her Light regains, Increase, and still diminish in her Wain••: For as the Moon in deepest Darkness mourns, Then Rays receives, and points her borrow'd Horns, Then turns her Face, and with a Smile invites The full Effusions of her Brother's Lights; They to her Changes due proportion keep, And shew her various Phases in the Deep. So Brutes,5 1.116 whom Nature did in sport create, Ignorant both of themselves, and of their Fate, A secret Instinct still erects their Eyes To Parent Heaven, and seems to make them wise: One at the New Moons' rise to distant Shores Retires, his Body sprinkles, and adores: Some see Storms gathering, or Serenes foretel, And scarce our Reason guides us half so well. Then who can doubt that Man, the glorious Pride Of All, is nearer to the Skies ally'd? Nature in Man capacious Souls hath wrought, And given them Voice expressive of their Thought; In Man the God descends, and joys to find The narrow Image of his greater Mind. But why should all the other Arts be shown, Too various for Productions of our own?

Why should I sing how different Tempers fall, And Inequality is seen in All? How many strive with equal Care to gain The highest Prize, and yet how few obtain? Which proves not Matter sways, but Wisdom rules, And measures out the Bigness of our Souls: Sure Fate stands fixt, nor can its Laws decay, 'Tis Heaven's to rule, and Matter's Essence to obey. Who could know Heaven, unless that Heaven bestow'd The Knowledge? or find God, but part of God? How could the Space immense be e're confin'd Within the compass of a narrow Mind? How could the Skies, the Dances of the Stars, Their Motions adverse, and eternal Wars, Unless kind Nature in our Breasts had wrought Proportion'd Souls, be subject to our Thought? Were Heaven not interessed to advance our Mind, To know Fate's Laws, and teach the way to find, Did not the Skies their kindred Souls improve, Direct, and lead them thro' the Maze above; Discover Nature, shew its secret Springs, And tell the Sacred Intercourse of things, How impious were our Search, how bold our Course, Thus to assault, and take the Skies by force? But to insist on tedious Proofs is vain, The Art defends it self, the Art is plain; For Art well grounded forces to believe, It cannot be deceived, nor can deceive; Events foretold fulfil the Prophesie, What Fortune seconds, how can Man deny? The Proofs are Sacred, and to doubt would be Not Reason's Action, but Impiety.

Whilst on these Themes my Songs sublimely soar, And take their Flight, where Wing ne're beat be∣fore; Where none will meet, none guide my first Essay, Partake my Labors, or direct my way, I rise above the Crowd, I leave the Rude, Nor are my Poems for the Multitude. Heaven shall rejoyce, nor shall my Praise refuse, But see the Subject equall'd by the Muse; At least those favour'd few, whose Minds it shows, The Sacred Maze, but ah! how few are Those! Gold, Power, soft Luxury, vain Sports, and Ease Possess the World, and have the luck to pleas••: Few study Heaven, unmindful of their state, Vain stupid Man! but this it self is Fate. My Subject this, and I must this pursue, [ 3] This wondrous Theme, tho read, and prais'd by few; And first the Signs in various Ranks dispose, As Nature prompts, or their Position shows: Six Male from Aries,* 1.117 from the Bull comprise [ 4] (See how he rises backward in the Skies) Six Female Signs; but intermixt they fall ••n order turn'd,6 1.118 one Female, and one Male. Some Signs bear7 1.119 Humane Shapes, some Signs exprest [ 5] ••n single Figures bear the Form of Beast:* 1.120 These Shapes direct us, and from those we know How each inclines, what Tempers Signs bestow; Their Figures will not let their Force escape, Their Tempers are agreeing to their Shape. These Signs are Single, now observe the8 1.121 Pairs, [ 6] Double Shapes confess a double Force in Stars:* 1.122 And each Companion still in each creates A Change, and vast Variety in Fates:

Ambiguous Force from both exprest combines, No Single Influence flows from Double Signs. What Powers, or good or bad, one Part displays, [ 7] They may be alter'd by the others Rays: Two of this kind in all the round of Sky Appear,* 1.123 the Pisces and the naked Gemini: These different Powers, tho both Pair Signs, possess, Because their Parts Position disagrees; For tender Gemini in strict embrace Stand clos'd, and smiling in each others Face: Whilst Pisces glide in two divided Streams, Nor friendly seem, nor mix agreeing Beams. Thus•• tho in Both two parts compose the Frame, In Form alike, their Nature's not the same. [ 8] These Pairs alone an equal Frame can boast, No stranger parts are mixt,* 1.124 no parts are lost From their due Form; whilst other Pairs are join'd Of Natures disagreeing in their kind; Such is the Goat, he twists a Scaly Train, The Centaur such, half Horse, and half a Man. Observe this well, in these Mysterious Arts VVhether the Signs are fram'd of different parts, Or only Pairs, it much imports to know, For hence comes great Variety below. Midst double Signs the Pious Maid may claim [ 9] A place, not from the Figure of her Frame,* 1.125 But 'cause in Her the Summer's Heats decay, And gentler Autumn spreads a weaker Ray. But to be short; the same account defines That Double still precede the Tropick Signs,9 1.126 Because in those two Seasons mixt unite Their Powers, and make them double by their Site. Thus of the Twins the one the Bull requires, The other feels the Crab's unruly Fires;

One sees the fading Flowers, and Spring decline, The other Boy leads on the hottest Sign: But naked both, for both feel scorching Rays As Summer comes, or as the Spring decays. Thy Face, bright Centaur, Autumn's Heats retain, The softer Season suiting to the Man; Whilst Winter's shivering Goat afflicts the Horse With Frost, and makes him an uneasie Course. Thus thou midst double Signs mightst doubly claim A place, both from thy Seat, and from thy Frame: The like in Pisces is observ'd, one brings The Winter's end, the other leads the Springs; In them Spring's Dews, with Winter's Rage combine, Both moist, and both agreeing to the Sign: How wise, and how obliging in her Grants Is Nature's Bounty suited to our Wants! With Moisture she the Watry Signs supplies, And they enjoy their Ocean in the Skies. But there is War, Sign disagrees with Sign, [ 10] And Three rise adverse to the other Nine: Bull's Back,10 1.127 Twins Feet,* 1.128 Crab's Shell do first appear, And stop the progress of the rising year; Whilst others in their usual Postures rise, Nor shew unnatural Figures in the Skies: Since then thro' adverse Signs the Summer's Sun Makes way, no wonder that he drives so slowly on. How vast this Knowledge, and how hard to gain, The Subject still encreasing with the Pain; Yet my swift Muse, like Larks on towring Wings [ 11] Mounts to the Skies, and as she mounts she sings: She sees Signs various in her Aiery Flight* 1.129 Some Signs of Day, and other Signs of Night: Not so11 1.130 distinguish'd Cause those Signs maintain Those times distinctly, and then choose to reign:

For then as Years roul round, the Circling Lights Would all be of one kind Day's all, or all the Night's. But 'cause wise Nature in her first Designs By Laws Eternal fixt them to these Times: The Centaur, Lion, and the golden Ram, Fish, Crab, and Scorpio with his venom'd Flame Or near in Site, or in an equal space By two alike divided, are the Day's: The rest the Night's. But who can hope to see Opinion's join, or find the World agree! Some with the Ram begin, and thence convey The Five in Order following to the Day. The rest from Libra are to Night confin'd: Whilst others sing Male Signs affect the Light, And Female safely wanton in the Night. [ 12] But others, this is plain from common sense, de∣mand Some Signs for12 1.131 Sea, and other Signs for Land:* 1.132 Thus watery Pisces, and the Crab retain Their proper Nature, and respect the Main: The Bull and Ram possess their old Command, They led the Herds, and still they love the Land, Tho' there the Lion's Force their Rest invades, And poysnous Scorpio lurks in gloomy Shades; The Danger is despis'd, the Ram, the Bull Keep Land, so powerful is the Lust of Rule: The Twins, the Centaur, and the Scales dispose In the same Rank; and join the Maid with those. Of middle Nature some with Both agree, One part respects the Land, and one the Sea: The double Goat is such, whose wild Command Now Sea affects, and now enjoys the Land: And young Aquarius pouring out his Stream Here spreads a watry, there an Earthy Beam.

How small these things, yet they reward thy pain, [ 13] Reason's in All,* 1.133 and nothing's fram'd in vain: The Crab13 1.134 is fruitful, and a numerous Brood Fierce Scorpio yields, and Pisces fill the Flood; The Lion's barren, and no Vows can gain The Maid; Aquarius spends his Youth in vain, Ah too remov'd, too far disjoyn'd to prove The fruitful Pleasures of encreasing Love! ••Twixt these two kinds a Third nor fruitful Beams Nor Barren spreads, but joyns the two Extreams: The Goat all Beast above, and Fish below, The Centaur glorious in his Cretian Bow, The Scales that Autumn's Equinoctial rule, The Twins, and Ram, to whom we join the Bull. Nor must you think it undesign'd, a Cast [ 14] of busie Nature as she wrought in haste; That some shew running14 1.135 Postures in their frame,* 1.136 The Lion, Centaur, and the turning Ram; Erected some, Aquarius rears his Head, The Twins are upright, and the pious Maid: Some crouching Signs a lazy Posture show, Thus Taurus bends, as wearied by the Plough; The Scales press'd down appear, and Cap••r lies By his own Frost contracted in the Skies: The Crab and Scorpio flat are found, they show The Postures there which they maintain below, Whilst watry Pisces low, and gently glide In Streams divided, always on their side. But search minutely, and you find a15 1.137 Maim [ 15] In many Signs,* 1.138 the mighty Bull is lame, His Leg turns under, Scorpio's Claws are lost In Libra's Scales, nor can the Centaur boast

A Form compleat, tho' we distinctly find One Eye, the other's lost, and Cancer's blind. Thus Heaven to wretched Mortals sends Relief By these Examples it corrects our Grief, Since Signs, on which our Fates depend, do share The like Misfortunes, which we grieve to bear. [ 16] The different16 1.139 Seasons likewise share the Signs, From Pisces Spring,* 1.140 and Summer from the Twins, From Centaur Winter, Autumn from the Maid begins: Each hath three Signs, and as the Seasons fight In the Years Round, so these lie opposite. [ 17] Nor is't sufficient that my Muse defines The Kinds,* 1.141 and Figures of the Single Signs, They work by Compact, they their Beams unite To mutual Aid determin'd by their site. [ 18] From Aries rightways draw a Line, to end In the same Round,* 1.142 and let that Line subtend An equal Triangle; now since the Lines Must three times touch the Round, and meet three Signs, Where e're they meet in Angles those are17 1.143 Trines.* 1.144 Because they are at equal distance seen On either side, and leave three Signs between. Thus Aries sees on either side below The Lion roar, and Centaur draw his Bow: The Bull with Caper and the Maid are found In Trine: Thus fix the others of the Round. Signs Left and18 1.145 Right are in the Trines agreed, The Left still follow, and the Right precede; The Maid is Left, and Caper to the Bull Is Right: Thus fix the others by this Rule▪

[illustration]

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But more, in Quadrates, not in Trines alone [ 19] Signs Right and Left are by Position shown;* 1.146 In19 1.147 Quadrates: which to know,* 1.148 the Round divide By Squares exactly equal on each side; Where Angles close the Perpendiculars There lie the Signs agreeing in the Squares. To give an Instance then, observe the Site, The narrow Goat sees Libra on the Right, Oth' Left the Ram, at equal distance lies The Crab, and on the Left sees Libra rise, To make a Square agreeing in the Skies. This single Instance all the rest declares, And shews that twice ••ix Signs compose three Squares. But now should any20 1.149 think their Skill designs [ 20] The Squares aright,* 1.150 and well describes the Trines, And that they hit the Rule when e're they give Four Signs to Squares, to Trines allotting Five; And thence presume to guess what mutual Aid The Signs afford, they'll find their Work betray'd: For though on every side five Signs are found To make the several Trines that fill the Round, Yet Births in each Fifth Sign no Fates design To share th'united Influence of the Trine. They lose the Thing, though they preserve the Name, For Place and Number still oppose their Claim: For since the Round where Phoebus guides his Reins Three hundred, and thrice twenty parts contains, One third of those, as we the Round divide By Trines, to every Trine must make one side; But Sign apply to Sign, not Part to Part, This Number's lost; and therefore false the Art. For tho Three Signs appear to interpose Between the Two in which the Angles close;

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Yet take the Scheme as 'tis expos'd to sight, And joyn the utmost parts of Left and Right; Then count the number; on the slightest view You'll quickly find it much exceeds the true: Thrice fifty parts it holds, and thus one Line Defrauds the other, and destroys the Trine; And therefore though the several Signs retain The Name of Trines, they claim the Parts in vain. The like Mistake, when you design a Square, Thy Art may baffle, and elude thy Care; For as the Round we by Degrees divide To every Quadrate Ninety make one side: Now from the first from which begins the Line, Toth' last degree of the succeeding Sign If you count on, twice sixty parts prepare To crowd upon thee, and deform the Square▪ Or from preceding Signs last parts descend To Signs succeeding, let the Reckoning end I'th' first Degree of those: the space con••ines But sixty parts, the number of Two Signs; Thus count from Fourth to Fourth, Degrees too few, Or else too many will thy Work pursue, Elude thy Skill, and prove the Scheme untrue. Then take Advice, nor from my Rules depart, Nor think thy Figures well design'd by Art, 'Cause Four in Squares, Three equal Lines in Trines In Angles meeting there divide the Signs; For in all Trines the single sides require Sixscore Degrees to make the Scheme intire Squares ninety ask: but more or less proclaim The Figure faulty, and destroy the Frame. And where the several Lines in Angles close, They there the Trines, or else the Squares dispose▪

[illustration]

[illustration]

These mutual Aid by Nature's Laws convey, And jointly act with an agreeing Ray. And therefore every Birth, that Squares or Trines Enjoys, not always carries all the Lines; And tho' the Signs the name of Squares may gain, Or Trines, they never shall their Force obtain: They cannot jointly act, their Rays unite, Tho Trines they seem, and shew like Squares to sight: For wide the difference, whether those Degrees, The Line takes up, which to it Art decrees; Or from the Numbers, which the Circle fill, Detracting somewhat, it eludes thy Skill: For then of Signs too many or too few It will possess; and make the Scheme untrue. Thus far of these: But now expect to share [ 21] More vigorous Influence from the Trine than Square; For Lines that measure Squares remotely tend,* 1.151 And almost close with the Celestial Bend; But those that make up Trines to Earth repair, Downwards they shoot,* 1.152 from Signs the Influence bear, And with a nearer Ray infect our Air. From Signs Alternate little Friendship's due, [ 22] Asquint they look,* 1.153 and with a partial view; The Line that measures them obliquely drawn, Thro' various Angles goes not freely on;* 1.154 Many its stops, in every other Sign The Angle closing still diverts the Line; Forward it darts, but soon it meets a Bound, And six times broak, it leisurely creeps round: From Taurus stretcht to Cancer, thence it bends To Virgo's Sign, and thence to Scorpio tends;

Cold Caper meets it next, and thence it goes To Aries, upward then to Taurus flows, Where, whence it first began, we find the Fi∣gure close. The Other, for the Round contains no more, Meets all the Signs the Second mist before; Then passing those already sung, go on, To all the Others let the Lines be drawn, And equal Angles make the other Hexagon. You see their Site, and thus Oblique they lie, And view each other with a squinting Eye, Too near, because thus plac'd, for mutual Aid, Which freely flows in Lines direct convey'd. High in the Concave Signs Alternate lie, The Lines that mark them almost touch the Sky; And therefore far from Earth thro' distant way They dart their Influence with a feeble Ray. And yet some Intercourse in these we find, For Signs Alternate are alike in Kind; In the first He••agon six Males are found, With Females only is the Second crown'd: Thus Nature works, and, when the Place denies, Sex makes Agreement, and unites the Skies. [ 23] In Concord no Contiguous Signs agree,* 1.155 For what can love when 'tis deny'd to see? They to themselves, which they behold alone, Their Passion bend, and all their Love's their own▪ Alternately of different Kinds they lie, One Male one Female fill the Round of Sky. [ 24] From Signs unequal any way remove All Thoughts of Union,* 1.156 they're averse to Love: Thus never think between the Sixths to find An Intercourse, nor hope to see them kind;

Because the Lines, by which we mark their place, In length unlike stretch thro' unequal space. For take the Zodiack, from the Ram begin,* 1.157 And thence on either side extend the Line To meet the Sixth from Aries, then dispose A Third, and let the Three in Angles close; Between the Two first Lines Four Signs are found▪ The Third includes but One, for that fills up the Round. But more, the Signs oppos'd in Site, that lie [ 25] With Beams directly darting thro' the Sky;* 1.158 Tho' much remov'd they seem, yet mix from far Their friendly Influence, or declare for War; As the Sun's Aspect and the Planet's Fire For Peace determine, or to Rage inspire. These Signs21 1.159 adverse would you distinctly note? Let Summer's Crab oppose the Winter's Goat. The Scales the Ram where Day and Night appear Equal in adverse Seasons of the Year:* 1.160 The Fish oppose the Maid, the watry Vrn With adverse Fires sees raging Leo burn. When Scorpio fills the highest Arch of Skies, Then bending Taurus in the lowest lies, And when the Centaur sets the Twins arise. Yet though in Site oppos'd these rowl above, Yet joyn'd by Nature or by Sex they love: Thus Males to Males strict Leagues of Friendship bind, And Female Signs to their own Sex are kind. The Fish and Maid oppos'd are friendly Signs, For Nature couples what the Place disjoyns: But Nature sometimes yields, the Trines prevail, And Females Females fight, and Males the Male: Tho' Female both the Goat the Crab defies Winter in this, in that the Summer lies;

Here Snow makes white, and Frost binds up the Fields; There Sweat o'reflows, and Winter's Rigor yields; Here Day exults, there Night extends her Sway, And Winter's Darkness equals Summer's Day: Thus Nature fights, nor must we hope to find The Signs of disagreeing Seasons kind. Tho' differing Seasons hold the Scales and Ram, They are half Friends, and mix agreeing Flame: In this gay Flowers the painted Beds adorn, This fills the Plains, and stores the Barns with Corn; Their Days and Nights in equal Balance meet, Not vext with too much Cold, nor too much Heat: They Summer's Wars and Winter's Rage compose, Nor will these Seasons let their Signs be Foes. Thus are the several Aspects taught— [ 26] These things considered, press no more Divine, And know the Gods the Guardians of each Sign* 1.161 Whom Nature order'd to controul their Course, Direct their Inf••uence, and assist their Force: Great Powers are Godlike, we at least assign Gods to great Powers, to make them seem Divine▪ For where Things want, high Titles there bestow Admir'd Worth, and makes them great in show. Pallas the Ram22 1.162, and Venus guides the Bull, The Twins share Phaebus, and enjoy his Rule; The Crab is Mercury's, and Iove divides His Mother's Servant, and the Lion guides: Ceres the Maid, for this her Sheaf declares, And fighting Scorpio owns the God of Wars: Iuno pours out the Vrn, and Vulcan claims The Scales, as the just Product of his Flames: The Frozen Goat kind Vesta's Aid requires, She cheers his cold, and warms him with her Fires

Diana draws the hunting Centaur's Bow, And mighty Neptune now is prov'd to know The Fish above, which He had fed below. And now that Reason guides, that Gods do move The various Orbs, and govern all above, Must needs erect thy Mind, it must impart Strong Inclinations to pursue the Art; Since Man securely may his Thoughts advance, And hope to find, when undisturb'd by Chance. Now learn what Signs the several Limbs obey,* 1.163 [ 27] Whose Powers they feel, and where Obedience pay. The Ram defends the Head, the Neck the Bull, The Arms, bright Twins, are subject to your Rule: I'th' Shoulders Leo, and the Crab's obey'd I'th' Breast, and in the Guts the modest Maid: I'th' Buttocks Libra, Scorpio warms Desires In Secret Parts, and spreads unruly Fires: The Thighs the Centaur, and the Goat commands The Knees, and binds them up with double Bands. The parted Legs in moist Aquarius meet, And Pisces gives Protection to the Feet. But Stars have proper Laws, and Signs maintain [ 28] An Intercourse, and Compact in their Reign; Some Hear each other,* 1.164 some each other See, Some fight and Hate, whilst some in Leagues agree: Some Foreign Passions cautiously remove, But make Themselves the Object of their Love. Thus Signs in Sex by Nature closely join'd Are Foes, whilst Signs in Sex oppos'd are kind; And Signs, whose opposite Position tends To Disagreement, breed the greatest Friends. When God ordain'd this mighty Frame to rise, He setled these Affections in the Skies,

That some might Hear, and some each other See, Some Hate and fight, and some in Leagues agree; Some Love themselves alone; All this appears In Men, who take their Tempers from the Stars. The Ram, as it becomes the Prince of Stars, Is his own Council,* 1.165 and Himself he hears; He Libra sees, but unsuccessful proves In loving Taurus, for in vain he Loves; Taurus (for Aries finds but cold returns For all those Fires with which he freely burns; Nay more, by Treachery all his Love's repaid) Sees, Hears the Fishes, and adores the Maid: Thus from the Tyrian Pastures lin'd with Iove He bore Europa, and still keeps his Love: The Twins see Leo, and they hear the Vrn Pouring out his Streams, but for the Fishes burn. The Crab (as Caper adverse in the Skies) First makes himself the Object of his Eyes; He loves Aquarius Vrn, and then repays The friendly Goat by hearkning to his Rays. The Lion sees the Twins embracing Fires, He hears the Centaur, and the Goat admires: Mischief the Maid for Sagittarius brews, She hears the Scorpion, and the Bull she views. But Libra hears her self, her Mind applies To following Scorpio, to the Ram her Eyes: The Scorpion sees the Fish, the Maid he hears; To Leo Sagittarius bends his Ears; To young Aquarius he his Eyes resigns, His Love prefers the Maid to other Signs. The Goat admires, and loves himself alone, (For since at23 1.166 Caesar's Birth Serene he shone; What Glory can be greater than his own?

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He hears the Crab: Aquarius hears the Twins, And sees the Centaur, and amidst the Signs The towring Crab alone his Mind can move, And is the only Object of his Love. Whilst Pisces to the Bull their Ears apply, And view the Scorpion with a longing Eye. These Powers the Tempers of their Births define, Each carries the Affection of his Sign; These love to See and love to Hear create, And all the Intercourse of Love and Hate: Hence some embrace, and some as odly fly Each other; Love and Hate, but know not why. Thus far of single Signs: But Trines engage With Trines, and all the Heaven is full of Rage: Signs War in Bodies, and in Parties fight, As adverse in their Manners, as in Site: The Ram, Lion, Centaur joyn'd in Trine oppose The Heavenly Scales, and to their Trine are Foes. And this on two Accounts; Three Signs to Three Shine opposite, and who can hope to see Two differing Natures,24 1.167 Man and Beast agree? For he that holds the Scales Celestial, bears A Humane Shape, a Brute the Lion wears, And therefore yields, for Reason's Force controuls Brute Strength, and Bodies still submit to Souls. The Lion conquer'd to the Skies was thrown, And fleecy Aries flead before he shone; The Centaur's Forepart still commands the rest, So much the Humane Form exceeds the Beast. No wonder therefore that with great Success The Scales fight Aries, and his Trine oppress. But this we may in one short rule comprise, For view the Signs that fill the round of Skies,

And those that are in Humane Forms exprest Are conquering Foes to all the shapes of Beast. But yet their Hate not equally extends, Signs have their proper Foes, as well as Friends; The Ram's Productions Friendly Leagues refuse To all the Fishes, Maid, or Scales produce: What Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces, Scales create Are Foes to Taurus, and his Births they hate: Whilst those Productions that the Twins design Are Enemies to Aries, and his Tr••ne. Against the Crab and Bull the Goat declares, And Virgo too, and Libra feel•• his Wars: Nor shall (could I write curious Verse, my Muse To shew her Art in Precepts would refuse; I teach an Art, and 'tis by all confest Instruction when 'tis plainest than 'tis best:) The furious Lion rous'd with desperate Rage With fewer Enemies than the Ram engage. The double Centaur with his threatning Bow Affrights the Maid, the Bull that bends his Brow, With Caper, and with Pisces is her Foe. O're Libra's Sign a Crowd of Foes prevails, The Icy Goat, the Crab which square the Scales, With those of Aries Trine consent to hate The Scales of Libra, and her Rays rebate. Nor doth the Sign of fiery Scorpio find Foes less in number, or of better Mind; The Urn, Twins, Lion, Bull, the Scales, the Maid He frights; and they of him are equally afraid: Nor can the Centaur's Bow his Peace defend, The Twins, Vrn, Virgin force his Sign to bend By Nature's Law, nor are the Scales his Friend. The same oppress thy Sign with equal Hate Contracted Caper, and thy Force rebate.

Whilst those that are in Brutal Forms exprest Afflict the Vrn, and all his Trine molest. The neighbouring Fish the Vrn with Hate pursues, And those the Maid, and those the Twins produce. And those that own the Centaur's angry Star He treats as Foes, and still afflicts with War. These Rules are true, but somewhat else defines The Friendship and the Enmity of Signs: Thus Thirds are Foes, for with a squinting Ray They view each other, and their Hate convey: Signs opposite, whatever place they fill Averse to Peace, and are unfriendly still: Thus Sevenths their adverse Sevenths are doom'd to loath, And Thirds from both, and which are Trines to both: Nor is it strange that Trines unfriendly prove When Kin to Signs that are averse to Love. So many sorts of differing Signs dispose [ 29] Mens Tempers,* 1.168 and produce such Crowds of Foes; Look o're the World, see Force and Fraud increase, Rapine in War, and Treachery in Peace; But look for Truth and Faith, the Search were vain, No Mind is Honest, and no Thoughts are plain: What bulky Villanies bestride the Age! What Envy pusheth on Mankind to rage! Envy not to be dispossest, her Throne Is firmly fixt, and all the World's her own▪ Friends kill their Friends, a Husband stabs his Wife, Sons sell their Father's and their Mother's Life; Bold Atreus feasts, and at the barbarous sight The Sun retires, and leaves the World to night. Whilst Brothers poyson, with a smiling Face They mix the Cup, and kill where they embrace:

No place is safe, no Temple yields Defence Against secret Stabs, or open Violence; And many a slaughter'd Priest profanely dies On the same Altar with his Sacrifice. Those most betray who kindness most pretend, And Crowds of Villains skulk behind the Name of Friend. The World's infected, Wrong and Fraud prevails, Whilst Honesty retires, and Justice fails; Nay Laws support those Crimes they checkt before, And Executions now affright no more. For disagreeing Stars that Men produce, Their Tempers fashion, and their own infuse: Hence Peace is lost, pure Faith we seldom find, Kind Leagues are rare, and then but feebly bind; For as the Signs above, so Things below Do differing Minds and Inclinations show; They form Men's Thoughts, and the obedient Clay Takes disagreeing Tempers from their Ray. Hence 'tis that Friendship is so thinly sown, It thrives but ill, nor can it last when grown; Rare it's Production: and the World pretends To boast but one poor single pair of Friends: One Pylades and one25 1.169 Orestes name, And you have all the Instances of Fame; Once Death was strove for, 'twas a generous Strife, Not who should keep, but who should lose a Life Was their Dispute, contending to deny Each other the great Priviledge to die. The Surety fear'd his guilty Friend's return, The Guilty Friend did his own Absence mourn; Careless of Life, impatient of Delay, He broak thro' hindring Friends that choak'd his way,

And ran to Danger: Here they disagreed, One hop'd to free, One fear'd to be so freed. But now if you would know what Signs dispose To Leagues, and Peace, and friendly Thoughts disclose; The Ram's bright Births you may securely joyn As Friends to the Productions of his Trine: But the Ram's Births are more sincerely plain, They give more Love than they receive again From thine fierce Leo, or than his can show That strides thro' Heaven, and draws the Cretan Bow: For 'tis a Sign of thoughtless Innocence, Expos'd to Harms, unpractis'd in Defence; Unus'd to Fraud or Wrong, but gentle, kind, And not more soft in Body than in Mind. The others carry Fierceness in their Ray, Their Nature's bruitish, and intent on Prey; Ungrateful still, nor can they long retain A sense of Kindness, and unjust for Gain: But tho' by Nature these are both enclin'd To frequent Quarrels, yet expect to find More Force in that which is of double kind, Than in the Single Lion: Hence increase Some sudden Heats, but intermixt with Peace. The Bull and Goat are equally inclin'd To mutual Friendship, both alike are kind; The Bull's Productions love fair Virgo's Race, Yet frequent Jarrs disjoin their close Embrace. The Scales and Vrn one friendly Soul inspire, Their Love is setled, and their Faith intire; To both their Births the Twins productions prove The surest Friends, and meet an equal Love. The Crab and Scorpion to their Births impart A friendly Temper, and an open Heart;

Yet Scorpio's (Fraud amongst the Stars is found) Tho' Friends they seem, yet give a secret Wound. But those whom Pisces watry Rays create, Are constant neither in their Love, nor Hate; They change their Minds, now quarrel, now em∣brace, And Treachery lurks behind their fawning Face▪ Thus Signs or Love, or Hate: and These bestow Their differing Tempers on their Births below. [ 30] Nor is't enough to know the Signs alone, The Planets Stations must be justly known,* 1.170 And all Heaven's parts, because the Site and ••in•• And Aspect change the Influence of the Sign▪ Thus when Oppos'd the Signs this Influence 〈◊〉〈◊〉, In Trine a different they are known to shar••, In Sextile this, another when in Square And thus the Sky now gives, now takes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The Influence, now it points, now blunts the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Here Hate infects them, when they thence remo•••• They lose that Hate, or change the Rage to Love. For Signs, or when they rise, or culminate, Or set, send down a different sort of Fate. To Hatred Signs oppos'd in Site incline, The Quadrates Kinsmen aid, and Friends the Trin••; The Reason's obvious: The Celestial Round Observe,* 1.171 there Signs of the same kind are found In each fourth place: In each fourth Sign appear The several Seasons that command the Year; Thus Aries gives the Spring, flat Cancer glows With Summer's Heat; the generous Bowl o're∣f••ows In Libra, Caper scatters Winter's Snows. Besides, by Signs in double Forms exprest Each fourth Celestial place is found possest,

Two Fishes glide; two smiling Boys embrace, A double Figure we in Virgo trace, The Centaur's double with a single Face. Next Simple Signs with their refulgent Stars Fill each fourth space, and still are found in Squares. Without a Rival Taurus fills his Throne, The dreadful Lion shakes his Mane alone, Th'26 1.172 unbodied Scorpion no Companion fears, And still the Vrn a simple Sign appears. Therefore to each fourth place the Stars assign'd In Time agree, in Number, or in Kind; This makes them Kindred Signs, and these preside O're Kinsmen's Minds, and their Affections guide. But those four Signs on which the Hinges move Belong to Neighbours, and direct their Love. The other Square with all its Stars attends On Guests, Acquaintance, and remoter Friends. Thus all the Signs as they are plac't obtain Their Rule, and with unequal Vigor reign. For tho' the Site and Form of Squares they bear, They work not like the other Signs in Square; For whilst the Cardinals more Force confess, The rest, which we from Number nam'd express Double or Simple Signs, still work with less. The Line extended thro' the larger space With Trines* 1.173 determines, and makes out their place, Presides o're Friends,* 1.174 whose mutual Faiths supply The room of Blood, and draw a closer Tie: For as it measures a long space, to joyn The distant, stretching out from Sign to Sign. So those, whom Nature doth in spight remove, It brings together; and knits in Bands of Love.

And these before the others most commend, For tho' the nearest Kinsmen oft pretend Deluding Kindness; who deceives a Friend? No Sign nor Planet serves it seif alone, Each blends the others Vertues with its own. Mixing their Force, and interchang'd they reign, Signs Planets bound, and Planets Signs again. All this my Muse shall orderly reveal, And keep the Method she begun so well; She'll sing what Parts the several Signs require, In what the Planets spread commanding Fire; This must be shown, if in your search for Fate The Signs of Love you'd know from those of Hate. [ 31] Now with expanded Thought go on to know A Secret great in Use,* 1.175 tho' small in show; For which our scanty Language, poor in words, No single ••it expressive Term affords, But Greek supplies, a Language born to frame Fit Words, and show their Reason in the Name. 'Tis Dodecatemorion27 1.176, thus describ'd— Thrice ten Degrees with every Sign contains Let Twelve exhaust, that not one part remains; It follows streight that every Twelfth confines Two whole, and one half Portion of the Signs: These Twelfths in Number, as the Signs, are Twelve, And these the wise contriver of the Frame Plac't in each Sign, that all may be the same. The World may be alike, each Star may guide, And every Sign in every Sign preside; That all may govern by agreeing Laws, And friendly Aids be mutual as their Cause. And therefore Births; o're which one Sign aspires, In Powers are various, different in Desires;

Males follow Females, and from Man deprest Weak Nature sinks, and errs into a Beast: For all on Signs depend, in which succeed The different Twelfths, and vary in the Breed. Now whose, and how dispos'd, the Muse must sing, And draw deep Knowledge from its secret Spring; Lest this unknown you should from Truth decline, Mistaking the chang'd Influence of the Sign: Each Sign's first Twelfths is by its self possest, The others shar'd in Order by the rest; Each hath its Twelfth, they take their equal Shares, (Ambition is a Vice too mean for Stars) Thus every Sign hath for its proper Throne Two whole, and one half Portion of its own; Of other Signs that rowl in order on Each takes as much, till all the thirty parts are gone. But there are many sorts, to find the true Wise Nature orders we must all pursue; This is her Will: Tho partial Search may fail, Yet He's secure of Truth who seeks for All. For Instance, grant it were thy great Concern [ 32] To know the28 1.177 Planet's Twelfths;* 1.178 securely learn; I'll shew the Method: As you count the Signs, First mark that Sign's Degree where Phoebe shine And views the new-born Child; that multiply By Twelve: (because Twelve Signs adorn the Sky) Observe the Product, and from thence assign To those gay Stars where Ph••ebe's found to shine Thrice ten Degrees: Then go in Order on, Assigning Thirty till the Number's done; And where the Number ends there fix the Moon:

That is her Twelfth. The following Planets lie In following Twelfths, and there enjoy the Sky. Another Method claims my next Essay, Another differing from the former way; This too I must explain, its Rules impart, And fix the subtle Niceties of Art▪ First take the29 1.179 Sun's true place, and that confest, Observe the Portion by the Moon possest: Count those Degrees the middle Space contains, Take all the Thirtys thence, and what remains Dividing into Twelfths, from thence assign To those gay Stars in which the Moon does shine One Twelfth: To Signs that orderly come on Apply their Twelfths, till all the Number's done, And where the number ends there fix the Moon. That is her Twelfth. The following Planets lie In following Twelfths, and there enjoy the Sky. The Task's not done: The Muse must next unfold A nicer thing, in fewer Numbers told: Which less in show and in extent appears, Yet than the Greater more of Force it bears: In every30 1.180 Twelfth a Twelfth the Planets claim, The Thing is different though we use the Name; 'Tis thus describ'd. Five half Degrees do lie In every Twelfth, Five Planets grace the Sky, And every Planet in its proper Course One half Degree possessing there exerts its Force. 'Tis useful therefore to observe the Sign, And mark the Twelfth in which the Planets shine; For where the Planets, as they rowl their Course, A Twelfth possess, they there exert their Force. These must be jointly sung: yet these belong To future Thoughts, and claim another Song:

'Tis now enough that I have clearly shown Things hid before, and made their Vses known; Let it suffice, that I have brought the Muse Materials proper, and prepar'd for Use: When all is ready, let her build the Frame, And raise a lasting Monument of Fame: The single Elements distinctly known Shee sees her Way, and may go safely on; And all the Parts describ'd the Verse will roul With freer Force, and orderly erect the whole▪ For as to Boys at School we first propound The Letters, show their Form, and teach their Sound, And then go on, instruct them how to Spell, And join their Letters in a Syllable; Then to frame Words, and thence their Fancies raise, To bind these words in Verse, and reach the Bays. And as the Boys proceed, they find their past, And first Acquirements useful to their last; For Precepts without Method got by pain, Prove empty, and the labour is in vain: So since my Songs Fate's dark Intrigues reherse, Their Influence show, and bind the Stars in Verse; Since they mount high, and from the Signs above, Bring down the God, and open hidden Iove: All must be taught, and I must first impart The Elements peculiar to this Art; That thence, as she proceeds, my labouring Muse May draw Materials, and go on to Use. And as wise Builders, who design a Town, First clear the Field, and cut the Forest down, And streight new Stars behold as new a Sun:

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From Antient Seats, and Hospitable Glades The Beasts are forc'd, and Birds forsake their Shades. Some Stones for Walls, some Marble square for Shrines, And suit Materials to their great Designs; And when they have provided ••it Supplies For future Art, the Piles begin to rise; Nor doth the interrupted work disgrac't By any stop, accuse their foolish haste: So I, that raise this mighty Work, must choose Materials proper to employ my Muse, Bare fit Materials; and not build one part 'Till all lies ready to compleat the Art; Lest whilst my Thoughts the noble work pursue, As all Materials lay expos'd to view, They start surpriz'd, and stop amaz'd with new. Be careful then,* 1.181 and with a curious Eye,* 1.182 Observe the31 1.183 four fixt Hinges of the Sky; One constant point their settled place defines, Altho' they vary in their moving Signs: One sixt i'th'* 1.184 East, where with a gentle Ray The Sun views half the Earth on either way, And here brings on, and there bears off the Day. One in the West, from whose declining steep The Sun falls head-long, and enjoys the Deep: The Third in Heaven's high point, where mid •• ••he Course Bright Phoebus stops, and breaths his weary Horse He stands a while, and with an equal Ray, Views East and West, and then drives down t•••• Day. Oppos'd to this, the Fourth securely lies, The immoveable Foundation of the Skies;

••he lowest point, to which with steddy Rein ••he Stars descend, and whence they mount again: These Points in Fate the greatest Interest claim, ••ecause they settle, and support the Frame; •• these fixt Points were not the Quarters ty'd. ••th' Top, oth' Bottom, and on either side, ••he Ball would cleave, the whirls would dissipate ••he agitated parts; and break strong Fate. Now different Powers these several Hinges grace ••nd vary with the dignity of Place;* 1.185 The chiefest that which on the Top doth lie, ••nd with a narrow limit parts the Skye, ••here Glory sits in all her Pomp and state, ••he highest place requires the highest Fate; ••hence Places, Dignities, Preferments flow, ••nd all that Men admire and wish below; ••igh Honours, Offices, in Suits success, ••ght to make Laws, and Power to give Peace; ••hence Scepters, and supreme Command accrue, ••nd Power to give them, where Rewards are due. The next,* 1.186 (tho' lowest and contemn'd it lies) ••he sixt, and sure Foundation of the Skies, ••reat in effect, altho' it seems but small; ••governs Wealth, and Wealth's the stay of all: •• rules Estates, it shows what Mines contain, ••hat secret Treasures we may hope to gain, ••ithout this Power the other Fates were vain. As great in Power is that where Beams display ••heir rising luster,* 1.187 and renew the Day; ••he Greek (no other scanty Tongues afford ••single proper and expressive Word) ••••mes this the Horoscope. ••is governs, Life, and this marks out our Parts, ••••r Humours, Manners, Qualities, and Arts;

This when and where the Birth is born declares▪ And guides the various Vertues of the Stars: By this they are settled, and as this defines The Birth, enjoys the influence of the Signs. The Last, the Point,* 1.188 whence Stars descendi•• fall, And view the lower surface of the Ball; This rules the Ends of things, this Point declare The Period, and Result of all Affairs; This governs Marriage, and on this depends Religion, Recreation, Death, and Friends. These Points considered, Their Powers distinct••y seen, Observe the Spaces that are plac't between; The Points are little, but the Spaces large, And every space has a proportion'd Charge. First then the Space that rising from the East Mounts upward,* 1.189 is by Infancy possest, There Childhood plays: From thence the Western space Gay Youth demands, and fills the second place. Next from the Western Point a space descends,* 1.190 Thro' under Heaven, and in the Lowest ends; There Manhood, having past the various Maze Of Infancy and Youth, compleats its Race: To finish this; The space that upward tends, And creeping slowly o're the steep Ascends To join the Round at East, is made the way Of feeble Age and flitting Life's decay. But more all Signs, whatever Form they bear, The several Vertues of their Stations wear; With good or hurtful Powers those points their Ray, The Places govern, and the Signs obey:

[illustration]

[illustration]

They turn the Round, and as they wheel their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Course, ••he Place now gives, and now takes off their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Force; ••or as the Planets thro' the stations Err, ••hose Places their own Ifluence transfer; ••nd force them, whilst within their bounds, to take ••heir ruling Vertues, and their own forsake. ••ence now they smile, and now severely frown ••ith Foreign Influence that Commands their own: ••ere sovereign send, there showr malignant Rays, ••nd spread the fatal Venom of their Place. That station which above the East doth lie,* 1.191 ••••e Third in order from the middle Sky, ••an unhappy Seat; destructive still ••o all Events, and too replete with Ill. ••or is this bad alone, the Seat that lies ••low the Western Hinge oppos'd to this, like it: Nor doth this that Seat surpass, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vertue of its Dignity of Place, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 near the nobler Hinge: But both decline,* 1.192 ••om both begin a wretched Round of time, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Labor full, for here you fall, and there you climb. Nor is the World with better stations blest ••ove the West,* 1.193 nor yet below the East, ••at hangs above, this downward seems to bend, ••is in the neighbouring Hinge still fears an end, ••at unsustain'd is eager to descend. ••happy Seats!* 1.194 Here Typho rules alone ••d fills a dark inhospitable Throne: ••is Typho Earth produc'••, when Giants strove 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Conquer Heaven, and shook the Throne of Iove.

When Monsters rose, and at a wondrous Birth In bigness equal to their Mother Earth, Vast Sons broke forth: But Thunder stopt their Course, And tumbling Mountains dasht the Rebells Force. Typhorus fell: Earth was too weak to save, And War and He lay buried in one Grave; Yet now he heaves in his Aetnean 〈◊〉〈◊〉, And Earth still fears new struglings in her Womb▪ That Next Heaven's topmost point,* 1.195 which ri••seth high, Almost it's equal in the middle Sky With fairer Hopes, and better Fortune blest, Erects its Head, and much excells the rest; Plac't near the highest Hinge, it riseth higher, This Empire's Seat, and almost fills desire: It's Title, the exalted Place may claim A glorious Patron, and as great a Name, Is Happy; Happy, if that word can ••ill The Greek Expression and commend my skill. Here Iove presides in all his Pomp and State,* 1.196 And to this ruling Fortune trust thy Fate. Oppos'd,* 1.197 and next the bottom of the Ball There lies a Seat as wearied with its fall; And yet prepar'd, tho' with a world of Pain For other Labour, and to mount again: About to bear, and destin'd to obey The Hinge's Power, submitting to its sway; Yet prest not by the World, it gives a Scope To haughty Thoughts, and still permits to hop•• In Greek Demonie: But our scanty Tongue Affords no proper word to grace my Song: Yet mind this station, it thy Thoughts may clai•• Observe its Patron, nor forget the Name:

Tho' troublesome it seems, no toil refuse The Labour's great, but equal'd by the Vse. Ith' Ninth,* 1.198 and Third gay strength and health Delight, Or Sickness arms its venom'd Darts for fight; Why Contraries should thus these Seats possess 'Tis hard to find, but Phoebus aids my guess; The mighty Patrons, whom these Seats obey,* 1.199 In one determin'd time bear different sway And Day succeeds the Night, and Night and Day. That Seat which next:* 1.200 the Highest Hinge doth lie The first declining from the middle Sky The Sun possesses: From his Rays we draw Our state of Health, He gives our Bodies Law: Its Title God. Oppos'd to this,* 1.201 which first begins to rise From Heaven's low bottom, and brings up the Skies, A Seat appears just tipt with Light, and guides The Starry Night, in this the Moon presides. The Moon that fees her Brother's adverse Ray, That looks up to him as he guides the Day. And imitates his Influence the wrong way: She rules our Bodies, but her Face derives Moist rotting Powers, and wastes the Health He gives. It's Title Goddess: But how mean these words Compar'd with those, expressive Greece affords? But as for Heaven's high top,* 1.202 the utmost point Of Rising, and beginning of Descent, Where 'twixt the Eastern rise, and Western fall Iove hangs the Beam at which He weighs the Ball;

This Venus graceth, here she seats her Throne, And in the World's high Face erects her own; That Face, whose awful force Mankind ••dmires, And yields Obedience to her pleasing Fires: Her Charge is Marriage, for what else can prove The Office of the beauteous Queen of Love? Pleasure's her aim, yet she forgets her Ease, And puts on Providence on design to please. Fortune's the station's Name; observe the Place; My Muse grows weary, and contracts her pace, Refusing to expatiate in her Race. But now go on,* 1.203 the lowest point of all The fixt Foundation of the solid Ball, Which looking upward, sees the circling Light, And lies it self immerst in deepest Night, Is Saturn's Seat;* 1.204 tho' once he rul'd above, Enjoy'd that Power, and fill'd the Throne of Iove; But thence thrown down, he makes his last retreat To this low place, and fills this humble Seat: Himself a Father, He pretends to bear Respect to Fathers, and makes Age his care: This only station double Cares enlarge, For Sons and Fathers Fortune are its charge: Severe and thrifty; This the Greeks proclaim Demonium, its power expressing in its Name. Now turn thine Eye,* 1.205 and view the Eastern Plain, The space whence Stars renew their Course again; Where moistned Phoebus from the Floods retires, Climbs up, and shakes the Water from his Fires, Then gathers Beauties, whose enlivening Heat▪ First strike thee,* 1.206 Mercury, and refresh they Seat. O happy Seat, on whom the Art that sways O're Heaven it self, bestown its32 1.207 Authors rays!

The Fates of Children this is doom'd to bear, And all the Hopes of Parents are its care. One Seat remains,* 1.208 from whose declining steep, The Stars fall headlong, and enjoy the Deep, Which turns the World, and now can only trace The back of Phoebus, that once view'd his Face: No wonder Nature doth this Seat bequeath To Pluto, and inexorable Death; For here the Day expires, this draws the light From all the World, and buries Day in Night, Nor is this all its care, on this depends, Faith, solid Constancy, and Friends, So great that Place's power, which waste the Ray, Which takes in Phoebus, and puts out the Day. The stations these, to which in constant Course The Stars arriving give and take new Force, Where Planets touching as they wheel their round, Mix foreign Powers, and with their own confound: Admitted once they make the Seat their own, And turn Usurpers in another's Throne. But this, if Fate my Life and Health prolong, Shall make the33 1.209 subject of a future Song: Now ends the Book, which hath describ'd at large The Heavenly Houses, Guardians, and their Charge; For which the Masters of the Art have found A proper Name, but of a foreign Sound; 'Tis Octotopos. With mighty labour I these Rules prepare, Forgetting Pleasure, and possest with Care: So hard it is in numerous Verse to close Unwieldy Words, and smooth uneven Prose.

The End of the Second Book.

1. Manilius having mention'd the chief Argu∣ments of Homer's Poems, concludes with a high Character, stiling him the Fountain of all Poetry. Ovid. Am••r. lib. 3. El. 8. to the same purpose,

A quo, ceu Fonte perenni, Vatum Pieriis ora rigantur Aquis▪

And Longinus (de sublim. Sect. 13) says not only Stesichorus and Archilocus, but Herodotus the Histo∣rian, and Plato the Philosopher, owe their chiefest Beauties to that Poet.

2. Several Poems of Hesiod are lost, and Scali∣ger with other Criticks conjecture, That Manilius refers us to those lost Poems: But I think this and the preceding Verse ought to be Corrected, (of this Correction perhaps I may give an account in a Latin Edition of this Author) and then they will be found in those pieces of Hesiod that are now extant.

3. Eratosthenes a Greek Poet, flourished in the time of Ptolemy Euergetes, about the 138 Olymp. He wrote of the Stars and Constellations, and gave an account of all the Fables relating to them: I have not time to explain all these Fables and therefore shall only direct where they may be found. Concerning Perseus, Andromeda, her Fa∣ther Cepheus, and her Mother Cassiopeia, vid. O∣vid.

Metam. lib. 4 ver. 665. Concerning Callisto, or the great Bear, Ovid. lib. 2. ver. 405. The Fabl•• of the Little Bear may be found in Diodorus Siculus, lib. 4. Of the Swan in the First Book of Manilius. Of the Go••t in the First Book of Ma∣nilius, and in Casaubon's Animadversions on Athe∣naeus: The Maid or Erigone, is said to be the Daughter of I••arus, who upon the Death of her Father, hang'd her self. The Nemean Lion being slain by Hercules, was plac'd amongst the Stars for his shining Skin. The Crab for pinching Her∣cules when he fought the Hydra: The Scorpion for Killing Orion, or rather, for assisting the Gods against the Giants. The Stories of Venus taking the shape of a Fish when she fled from the Giant▪ Typho, and of the Ram who swam over the Hel∣lespont with Phryxus and Helle on his Back, are well known, and may be found in Manilius, and Selden de Diis Syris.

4. This was a Fancy of the Antients, which some are not asham'd, after Experience hath so of∣ten Confuted it, to maintain still.

5. The Elephants do so, if we believe Pliny: Nat. Hist. lib. 8. cap. I.

6.

• Aries is Male.
• Gemini M.
• Leo M.
• Libra M.
• Sagittarius M.
• Aquarius M.

• Taurus Female.
• Cancer F.
• Virgo F.
• Scorpius F.
• Capricornus F.
• Pisces F.

7. The Humane Signs are Gemini, Libra, Vir∣go, Aquarius. The Brute, Aries, Taurus, Sagit∣tarius,

Capricornus, Leo, Cancer, Scorpius, Pisces.

8. Of Double Signs some are Pairs, as Gemini, and Pisces: Others are made up of two different Species, such as Sagittarius and Capricornus.

9. The Tropick Signs are Aries, Libra, Can∣cer, and Capricorn.

10. Their Position is unnatural; but this, as well as the fore-going Differences, will be easily understood upon view of the Signs upon a Globe.

11. Concerning Day and Night Signs, there are different Opinions: Some fancy that Aries, Tau∣rus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, are the Days, and the other six the Nights. Others teach that the Male and Female are the same with the Day and Night Signs. But the Opinion that Manilius fol∣lows is this. Aries is a Day Sign, Taurus, Gemini, Night. Cancer, Leo, Day. Virgo, Libra, Night. Scorpius, Sagittarius, Day. Caper, Aquarius, Night. Pices Day. So that begin with Pisces, and then you find two Day Signs together, and then two Night Signs, and so in Order.

12. The Water Signs are Pisces and Cancer. The Earth Aries, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Gemini, Sagitta∣rius, Libra, Virgo: Capricornus and Aquarius be∣long to both Earth and Water.

13. The fruitful Signs are Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. The Barren are Leo, Virgo, Aquarius. The re∣maining six are partly Barren, partly Fruitful.

14. The Running ••••gns are Leo, Sagittarius, A∣ries: The standing o•• Erected Signs, Aquarius, Ge∣mini, Virgo. The Crouching Signs, Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpius, Caper, Pisces.

15. The Maim'd signs, Taurus, Scorpius, Sagit∣tarius, Cancer.

16. The Season signs are Pisces, belonging to the Spring. Gemini to Summer. Virgo to Au∣tumn; and Sagittarius to Winter.

17. Suppose in the Zodiack Circle Twelve Signs, and in every Circle 360 Parts or Degrees, and 30 of these Degrees to belong to each of the Twelve Signs. Begin at any of the Signs, for in∣stance, Aries; and in this Circle inscribe a Tri∣angle, all whose sides are equal; it is evident that the Arch of the Circle which each of these sides subtends, contains 120 Parts or Degrees; and therefore between that Sign from which you begin to draw each side of this Triangle, and that to which you draw it, there must be Three Signs. But see Fig. 1st.

18. To shew what Signs are to be accounted Right, and what Left, the Poet mentions only the Trine of Taurus: Yet it is sufficient, upon View of Fig. 1st. direction for all the rest.

19. To know the Quadrate, begin from any sign, and in the Circle inscribe a Square, all whose sides are equal; the Angles shew the Signs, and what are Right or Left, you may find that in Qua∣drates, as you did in Trines.

20. The meaning of all these Cautions concern∣••ng Trines and Quadrates, is in short, this, You must reckon by Degrees, and not by Signs; for if you reckon by Signs, the Figures, as Manilius ••hews at large in each particular, will not ••e equilateral. See Fig. 1st. and 2d.

21. The Signs which have an Opposite aspect are,

• Aries.
• Taurus.
• Gemini.
• Cancer.
• Leo.
• Virgo.
• Libra.
• Scorpius.
• Sagittarius.
• Capricornus.
• Aquarius.
• Pisces.

22. The Guardians of the Signs.

• Of Aries. Pallas.
• Taurus.
• Gemini.
• Cancer.
• Leo.
• Virgo.
• Libra.
• Scorpius.
• Sagittarius.
• Capricornus.
• Aquarius.
• Pisces.
• Pallas.
• Venus.
• Phoebus.
• Mercurius.
• Iupiter.
• Ceres.
• Vulcan.
• Mars.
• Diana.
• Vesta.
• Iuno.
• Neptune.

The Reasons of this Assignment are to be ta∣ken out of the Old Fables.

23. Whether Capricorn was in the Horoscope of Augustus, when he was Born, or when he was Conceived, Is disputed: However 'tis certain, Augustus took Capricorn for his Sign, and many times its Figure is found upon his Coins. vid. Sueton. vit. Aug. cap. 94. and Spanhemius de Num∣mis. p. 210.

24. See the Figures of these Signs on a Globe.

25. Pylades and Orestes being taken Prisoners, Orestes was condemned to Die, but was allow'd to go and settle some Affairs, upon Condition that Pylades would stay behind, and engage his Life for his return: Pylades becomes Surety: Orestes goes, settles his Affairs, and returns at the Day appointed.

26. So call'd, because in the Sign Scorpius we see nothing but the Claws.

27. The Dodecatemorion is the Twelfth part, or two Degrees and an half of a Sign. Every Sign containing Thirty Degrees; for Twelve times two and an half make Thirty. Scaliger gives this Instance. Let the propos'd Degree be the Thirteenth Degree of Gemini, multiply Thirteen by Twelve, the Product is one hundred fifty six: Of these give Thirty to Gemini the propos'd Sign, Thirty to Cancer, Thirty to Leo, to Virgo Thirty, and Thirty to Libra: There remain Six, and therefore the Dodecatimorion of Gemini is in the Sixth Degree of Scorpius▪ But this instance doth not seem to agree with the Doctrine of Ma∣nilius.

28. Scaliger affirms, that Manilius proposeth two ways to find the Dodecatemoria or Twelfths of the Planets; Hu••tius says he gives but one: This Dispute will be best determin'd by observing the Poet himself, and illustrating his Doctrine by two Instances: Let the Moon be in the Sixth De∣gree of Aries, multiply six by Twelve, the Product ••s Seventy two: Out of this Seventy two give the first Thirty to Aries, the second to Taurus, and ••hen there remain Twelve; and therefore the

Dodecatemorionof the Moon is in the Twelfth De∣gree of Gemini, that is, in the Second of the Five half Degrees of the Dodecatemorion of Gemini.

29. To this Method Scaliger applies this Ex∣ample: Let the Sun be in the Thirteenth of Gemi∣ni, the Moon in the Twenty Third of Scorpius, the Arch of the Zodiack between the two Planets, contains one Hundred and Sixty Degrees: In this Number there are five Thirties, which being ta∣ken away there remain Ten; divide these Ten by Twelfths, or two and an half, the Quotient is four Twelfths, or Dodecatemoria; of which give one to Scorpius, another to Sagittarius, a third to Ca∣pricorn, and the fourth falling in Aquarius, shews the Moons Dodecatemorion to be in the twenty third Degree of that Sign.

30. The third sort of Dodecatemorion is this▪ In every Dodecatemorion or Twelfth, there are five half Degrees, and the Planets (which the Antient Astrologers counted but five, not reckon∣ing the Sun and Moon amongst the Planets) have in each Dodecatemorion or Twelfth, one half De∣gree assign'd to every one of them.

31. From this Verse to the end of this Book, Manilius treats of the Twelve Celestial Houses, which he divides into the Four Cardines or Hinges, and the Eight Spaces that lie between these Hin∣ges: The Hinges are the Eastern Point, the Middle Point, the Western Point and the lowest point of Heaven: The Spaces, &c. but see Fig. 10.

32. Manilius in the beginning of his first Book tells us Mercury was the Inventor of that Art, which he intended for the Subject of his Astrological Poem▪

33. Either the Poet never finish'd this Part which he here promises, or it is now lost.

MANILIUS▪

The Third Book.

Manilius begins this Third Book as he did the Second, reckoning up and slighting the seve∣ral Subjects which have imploy'd other Poets, and declaring his Design to be new and diffi∣cult: Then he proceeds to shew, 1. That the Twelve Signs of the Zodiack are the chief Disposers, and principal Governours of Fortunes. 2. That there are Twelve Lots belonging to these Twelve Signs. 3. He names and describes these Lots: The first is For∣tune: The Second Warfare and Travelling: The Third, Civil Employments: The Fourth, Pleadings, and all the concerns of the Bar: The Fifth, Marriage Acquain∣tance, Guests: The Sixth, Plenty, Wealth, and the means of preserving it. The Se∣venth, Dangers: The Eighth, Nobility, Honour, Reputation: The Ninth, Chil∣dren, Education. The Tenth, Manners, Institution, Family. The Eleventh, state

of Health, Physick: The Twelfth, Wishes, and the ends of them. 4. He teaches how to suit these Lots, Labours, or Athla to the several Signs, when the Birth belongs either to Day, or Night. 5. He proposeth Rules how to find the Horoscope. 6. Refuting the Method prescrib'd by the Chaldaeans. 7. And shewing how to find the different lengths of Days and Nights, together with the several Risings and Settings of the Signs in order to find the Horoscope. 8. He re∣sumes the Dispute against the Chaldaeans, and subjoins an Account of the several lengths of Days and Nights, in the three different Positions of the Sphere, Direct, Oblique, and Parallel. 9. He proposes another way to find the time of the Signs Rising and Set∣ting. 10. He particularly Discourses of the Days Encrease from Capricorn to Cancer. 11. He shews what are the proper Years▪ Months, Days, and Hours of the Signs, an•• Confutes the Opinion of some Astrologers con∣cerning them. 12. He sings how many Year•• belong to each Sign, and station. 13. An•• Concludes the Book with an Account of th•• Tropick Signs.

I am not to Answer for the Astronomy it is enough if I have made the Poet spea•• intelligible English.

WHilst I new ways attempt my groveling Name To raise from Earth, and wing my Flight for Fame; Thro' Woods untrodden whilst I take my way, Ye Muses lead; for I extend your Sway To larger Bounds, and make the World obey. No Heaven's besieg'd, no Thunder thrown from far Intombs the Giants, and concludes the War: No fierce Achilles tells brave Hector's Spoil, Nor Priam bears the Hero to his Pile. No barbarous1 1.210 Maid betrays her Father's trust, Nor tears her Brother to secure her Lust. No Bulls breath Fire, no Dragons guard the Prize▪ Nor from the poysnous seed Arm'd Harvests rise: No Youth returning here renews the Old, Nor treacherous Presents carry Flame in Gold. Nor will I sing the Babes Medea bore, Got by much Guilt, but ah! destroy'd by more. The Theban Siege, the highest Pride of Fame, Nor how the Town by Thunder sav'd from Flame Lost whilst it2 1.211 conquer'd; nor how Spartans fought Round old Messana, shall enlarge my thought. No Sons3 1.212 and Brothers shall be joyn'd in one, Nor Mother bear a Granchild in a Son; No Murder'd Babes4 1.213 shall feast their injur'd Sire, Nor Days break off, and frighted Suns retire. None shall defy the Sea, the Floods enslave, Sail o're the Mountains5 1.214, and walk o're the Wave: No Asian Kings. And thee, O mighty Rome, Thy Arms, thy Conquests, and thy World o'recome Thy Laws, thy Wars, thy Leagues my Verse refuse, Those claim the leisure of a greater Muse.

Smooth Seas the Artless Sailer safely tries, And Flowers undress'd in fruitful Gardens rise; He works securely, who in Gold designs, When e'en the rude unpolisht Metal Shines; On specious Subjects common Wits compose, For where the Matter takes, the Fancy flows; And every vulgar Author writes with ease, Secure of Credit, where the Themes can please. This way some take to Fame: Thro' Words un∣known, And things abstruse my Muse goes boldly on, Observes all Interchange of Times, compares The fatal turns, and views the Leagues of Stars, Things so remote, so intermixt, and wrought With Parts in Parts; they are too fine for thought. To know them is too much, but to explain How great! to bind in Verse shews more than Man. Then come, who e're thou art that bring'st a Mind To know high Truth, and patient Thoughts to find; Hear solid Reason, and go on to gain True serious Knowledge, but neglect the vain: No Kings at Aulis sworn, no tales of Troy With Priam's tears, or Helen's fatal Joy, Nor hope sweet Verse, and curious turns to find, I'll leave thy Passions, and instruct thy Mind: And tho' some Words of foreign Stamp appear, Seem harsh, untun'd, uneasie to thy Ear; This is the Subject's not the Writer's fault, Some things are stiff, and will not yield to thought; I must be plain: And if our Art hath found Expressions proper, it neglects the Sound. Thy Mind well purg'd from vainer Cares com∣pose, For now my Muse is eager to disclose,

The nicest Secrets; which observ'd, impart Fate's Laws, and prove the surest Guides to Art. When Nature order'd this vast Frame to rise, [ 1] Nature, the Guardian of these Mysteries, And scatter'd Lucid Bodies o'er the Skies; When she the Concave, whence directly fall Streight Lines of Influence round the solid Ball, Had fill'd with Stars; and made Earth, Water, Air, And Fire, each other mutually repair; That Concord might these differing parts controul, And Leagues of mutual Aid support the whole; That nothing which the Skies embrace might be From Heaven's supreme Command and Guidance free, On Man the chiefest Object of her Cares Long time she thought, then hung his Fates on Stars; Those Stars, which plac'd i'th' Heart of Heaven, display The brightest Beams, and share the greatest sway; Which keep a constant Course, and now restrain The Planets Power, now yield to them again; Thus sometimes ruling, sometimes rul'd, create The strange and various Intercourse of Fate. To these her Powers wise Nature's Laws di∣spense [ 2] Submitting all things to their Influence:* 1.215 But then as Emperours their Realms divide, And every Province hath its proper Guide, So 'tis in Signs; they have not equal Shares Of common Power, each Fortune claims its Stars. Our Studies, Poverty, Wealth, Joy and Grief, With all the other Accidents of Life She parcels out; to proper Stars confines The Lots in number equal to the Signs.

These grac'd with proper Names and Place contain The various Fortunes incident to Man, Yet so contriv'd, that they are always found In the same6 1.216 Order, in the fatal Round. Yet are not Lots thus fixt to Signs to lie Possessing the same7 1.217 Station in the Sky; And from one place directing down to Earth An equal Influence work on every Birth; But still the Time of every Birth confines These Lots to Seats, and makes them change their Signs, That every Lot from every Sign may flow, And vary the Nativity below. But lest Confusion too much Change produce, And make the Art too intricate for Vse; 'Tis order'd thus:— That when the Birth's first Minute hath decreed The first Lot's Station, then the rest succeed In following Signs; each Fortune takes its Seat In proper Order, till the Round's compleat: Take these short Rules till flowing Verse dilate, Unfolding all the Mysteries of Fate. These Lots which thus decreed to Signs contain The various Fortunes incident to Man; As Planets joyn with a malignant Ray, Or Kind; or as the rolling Skies convey To different Hinges, so the Fortune spreads, And well or ill the whole Design succeeds: [ 3] Their Names and Kinds obliging Muse reherse, And sing their Titles in no vulgar Verse, That late Posterity with Joy may throng To Themes unknown, and crowd to learn my Song. Fortune's the first: This Name our Art bestows,* 1.218 And what it signifies the Title shows.

[illustration]

[illustration]

Here House is found, with all that may conduce To House,* 1.219 either for Ornament or Use: What train of Servants, what extent of Field Shall aid the Birth, or give him room to build: When large Foundations may be safely laid, Or Houses roof'd; if Friendly Planets aid. Warfare's the next:* 1.220 And 'tis in This decreed How every Native shall in Arms succeed: What Dangers wait them when abroad they roam, To pick up Follies which they miss at home. Civil Employments in the Third we find,* 1.221 Tho those too justly may be styl'd a kind Of Warfare; when two different Interests jarr, Oppos'd in sides, and make a sort of War. Here's Patronage, and here our Art descries What breaks its bands, what draws the closer ties, Shows what Rewards our Services may gain, And how too often we may court in vain: All this as Planets friendly Aids conspire, Or temper Signs with their unlucky Fire. Proceed,* 1.222 my Muse, for in the next appear The Court Concerns, and Fortunes of the Bar, The pleading Patron with the fearful Throng Of trembling Clients hanging on his Tongue. The smooth Perswader who shall teach the Laws, And settle Right, whilst Truth supports the Cause; For from this Lot the Planets Rays dispense The various Powers of winning Eloquence. The Fifth to Marriage Sacred yet pretends To Guests,* 1.223 Acquaintance, Company, and Friends; Here we discern the Common League that binds The Equal Souls, and joyns agreeing Minds.

But in the sixth,* 1.224 rich Plenty takes her Throne, With Preservation: And from this 'tis known What stores of Wealth shall come, how long their stay, As Planets tamper with their ruling Ray: The Seventh in horrid Dangers shall engage The Birth,* 1.225 if Planets not correct its Rage. The Eighth Nobility pretends to claim,* 1.226 Where Honour sits with her attendant Fame; Where Family erect maintains her Place, And smiling Favour with her winning Face. The Ninth the doubtful Lot of Children bears With all the Pious Parents hopes and Fears,* 1.227 The Tutor's Industry, and Guardian's Cares. The next to this the Act of Life contains,* 1.228 And shews how far a good Example reigns: How by their Masters form'd Slaves take their way To Tasks assign'd, and chearfully Obey. The following is a Lot of high concern,* 1.229 For hence the state of strength and Health we learn, When griev'd, we live obnoxious to Disease, Or free from Sickness, and consign'd to Ease: Let none who value Health, this Lot refuse, When they would time for wholsome Physick choose; For hence we are with most exactness taught To gather Drugs, or mix the saving Draught. The Last,* 1.230 and which the Round concludes, con∣tains The End of all our Wishes and our Pains, Shews if to what our several Aims address Obtain'd, shall crown our Studies with Success; Whether with fauning Arts we court the Great, Or shunning Crouds, to Privacy retreat;

Whether we Plead at the Contentious Barr, Or Plough the Sea, and gather Wealth from far; Or tear the Earth, to crowd our stores with Grain, Or bring unruly Bacchus to the Press again. For these, if Planets prosper the Effect, You may fit moments, and ••it Days expect From this one Lot, and all the rest neglect. These Planets8 1.231 Powers, and how their Rays infuse, Or Good, or Bad, shall then engage my Muse, When their Effects she Sings— But now lest hudled things confusedly wrought, Distract thy Mind, and discompose thy Thought; Let Verse in Method orderly impart The single naked Elements of Art; And since my ventrous Muse hath bound in Rhime, The various Labours of the Round of Time, (What Greece calls Athla, happy Greece in Song, Are now call'd Labours in a meaner Tongue) Which to Twelve Lots conveniently assign'd Determine all the Fortune of Mankind: Her Theme pursuing, she will next comprise [ IV] The several Signs with which the Labours rise;* 1.232 For to one Seat they are not always ty'd, Nor from one Sign at every Birth preside; They change their station, as the Round they move, Yet still their Order is the same above. But lest you should imperfect Schemes compleat, Nor justly suit each Labour to its Seat; First find the place by Fortune's Lot possest, (Fortune the first, and Leader of the rest)

That done, to following Signs in order join The Lots, and give each Labour to its Sign: And to secure they search for Fortune's place Two Rules shall guide thee, and enfold the Maze. The moment known when first the Birth be∣gan,* 1.233 The Planets join'd to Signs to form the Plan, And Scheme erected for the future Man; If then the Sun with an exalted Ray Above the East and West commands his way, Then safely fix, and give the Birth to Day: But if through lower Skies he wheels the Light, The Day resigns, and yields the Birth to Night. This settled, if the Birth belongs to Day, The Rule is short, and not obscure the Way; From that Degree, where then the9 1.234 Sun presides, To that Degree where gloomy Luna rides: Count thro' the following signs, and as you pass, Exactly mark what Numbers fill the space: Thence from the Eastern point, which artful Greece Hath stil'd the Horoscope, an equal number of De∣grees, Following the circling Zodiack as it bends, Count thro' the Signs; and where the Number ends, There fix the Seat of Fortune; thence confine In order, every Labor to its Sign. But if when Night her sable Wings hath spread, The Birth starts forward from his Genial Bed;* 1.235 In different manner, then thy Numbers range, With Nature's Order, let thy10 1.236 Method change; The Moon, who imitates her Brother's Light, And governs in her own Dominion, Night, Observe: Thence thro' the Signs in order run, To find how far she's distant from the Sun.

The Native's Horoscope be next thy Care, And from that Point, begin to count as far As those Degrees permit thy Thoughts to pass; And where they stop, there settle Fortune's place. And then to following Signs the rest confine In order, every Labor to its Sign. Perhaps these Precepts may appear too nice, [ V] For who can find the Horoscope* 1.237 in Skies Immense, still circling with impetuous force, In Motion restless, and so swift in Course? Yet this not rightly fixt, our Art can boast No certainty, and all our Labour's lost: As wretched Travellers are doom'd to stray, When those mistake, who should direct the Way. Because the Points which all the rest controul, Misplac'd at first, must influence the whole, And since the rouling Skies move swiftly on, A different Face is every moment shown, The Scheme must be uncertain, and the Birth un∣known. Yet tho' of greatest Vse, 'tis hard to gain This Knowledge; and our Search is oft in vain: For who can in his narrow Breast comprise The World immense, and who observe the Skies, Which with eternal Revolutions move, And Circling, measure the vast Orb above? What Diligence can e're describe its Face, What Art can fix in so immense a space? Those Points where East and West exactly fall, Which Crowns the Top, and which supports the Ball? I know the Method, the11 1.238 Chaldaean* 1.239 Schools [ VI] Prescribe, but who can safely trust their Rules?

To each ascending Sign, to find their Powers, They equal time allow, that time two Hours: And then from that Degree, from which the Sun Begins to start, his daily Course to run, Two Hours to each succeeding Sign they give, Still thus allowing, 'till their search arrive At the Degree and Sign they seek, for where The Number ends, the Horoscope is there. But false the Rule; Oblique the Zodiack lies, And Signs as near,* 1.240 or far remov'd in Skies, Obliquely mount, or else directly rise: In Cancer, so immense his Round, the Ray Continues long, and slowly ends the Day; Whilst Winter's Caper in a shorter Track Soon wheels it round, and hardly brings it back: Aries and Libra, equal Day with Night, Thus middle12 1.241 Signs to the Extreams are opposite And Signs Extream too, vary in their Light. Nor are the Nights less various than the Days Equal their measure, only Darkness sways, In Signs13 1.242 adverse to those that bore the Rays: Then who can think when Days and Nights are found, In length so differing thro' the Yearly Round, There should be given to every Sign in Skies, An equal Space, an equal Time to rise? But more than this:* 1.243 The14 1.244 Hours no certain space Of time contain, but vary with the Days: Yet every Day in what e're Sign begun, Beholds six Signs above the Horizon, Leaves six below; and therefore Rules despise, Because the Hours no equal time comprise, Which give two Hours to every Sign to rise.

The Hours in number Twelve divide the Day, And yet the Sun with an unequal Ray Now makes a shorter, now a longer stay▪ Nay farther, tho' you many ways pursue To find their length you'l never meet the true, [ VII] But thus:* 1.245 Take all that space of time the Sun Meets out, when every daily Round is Run, Let equal Portions next•• that time divide; And then those Portions orderly apply'd To Days, will shew their length, from thence ap∣pears Their varying Measures through the rouling Years. The Standard this, by which our Art Essays Winter's slow Nights, and tries the Summer's Days. This must be fixt, when from th' Autumnal Scales, The Day declines, and Winter's Night prevails: Or in the Ram whence Winter's Nights retire The Hours restoring to the Summer's Fire: In those two Points, the Day and Night contain Twelve equal Hours. For with an even rein The Sun then guides, and whilst his Care doth roul Thro' Heaven's midd Line, he leans to neither Pole: But when remov'd, he to the South declines, And in the15 1.246 Eighth Degree of Caper shines, The Winter's hasty Day moves nimbly on, Nine16 1.247 Hours and half; so soon the Light is gone. But Night drives slowly in her gloomy Carr, Takes fourteen Hours and half for her unequal share; Thus twice twelve Hours in Day and Night are found, ••o fill the natural Measure of the daily Round.

Thence Light encreases still, as Nights decay, 'Till Cancer meets her in the Fiery way, And sets sure bounds to her encroaching sway. Then turns the Scene, and Summers day descends Thro' Winter's Hours, still losing as it bends: And then the Days of equal length appear, With Nights, 'th' adverse Season of the Year, And Nights with Days: For by the same Degrees That once they lengthened, now the Times de∣crease, These Times our Art can shew, but these belong To future Rhimes, and claim another Song. Thus measure those, who live where fruitful Nile, With Summer Torrents swoln o'reflows the Soil; Whose seven large Mouths, the Skies can boast no more Of Planets,* 1.248 vomit with impetuous Roar, And beat the Ocean from the foaming Shore. Now learn what17 1.249 Stadia, learn what times in Skies Signs ask to Sett, and what they claim to Rise: Observe, short rules my Muse, but full she brings▪ And Words roul from Her, crowded up with Things. For Aries, Prince of all the Signs comprise Full forty Stadia, for his time to rise, But Eighty give him when He leaves the Skies: One Hour, and one third part his rise com∣pleats, This space of time, He doubles when He sets. The following Signs to Libra rising, claim Eight Stadia more, and Setting lose the same.

And thus in order following Signs require Still sixteen Minutes more to raise their Fire, And lose as much, when setting they retire: Thus signs to Libra,18 1.250 as they rise increase; And thus they lose when they descend to Seas: For all the Signs that do from Libra range, Take equal measures, but the Order change; For Signs adverse to equal times engross, But setting Gain, and still arise with loss. Thus Hours and Stadia which bright Aries gets When rising, Libra loseth when she sets; And all the time, which when He leaves the Skies, The Ram possesses, Libra takes to rise: By this Example, all the rest define, The following imitate the leading Sign. This rightly fixt, if you these Rules pursue, The Horoscope lies open to thy view; Securely work, since you can fix in Skies The times, and Stadia, for the Signs to rise: From that Degree and Sign, in which the Sun Begins to start, his daily Course to run, Count fairly on, and all the work is done. Another method, if you this refuse, Shall lead thee right,* 1.251 and be as plain to use: For if the Horoscope you seek by Day, Observe these Rules, which shew the surest Way; First find what19 1.252 Hour, the Birth is born, and then Add five to that, and multiply by Ten: Add five, for every Hour the Signs ascend Thrice five Degrees, in the Celestial Bend:

This done, take that Degree in which the Sign Then rouls the Sun, and to this Number join; From this whole Sum, one Thirty parts apply'd To the Sun's Sign, nor to the rest deny'd, As following they in order lie, will show The thing you sought for, and design to know: For where the Number ends, that Sign and Part Is Horoscope: Thus speak the Rules of Art. By Night your search demands a different way; To the Nights Hour,20 1.253 add all the twelve of Day, From this whole Sum the Thirty parts apply To following Signs as they in order lie; And where the Number ends, that Sign and Part Is Horoscope: Thus speak the Rules of Art. Thus you may find the Horoscope in Skies, And tho' Oblique the Circling Zodiack lies, This Point determin'd, you may fix them all, What Crowns the Top, and what supports the Ball: The Signs true Setting, and true Rising trace, Assign to each their proper Powers and Place, And thus what stubborn Nature's Laws deny, Our Art shall force, and ••ix the rowling Skie. [ VIII] Nor is o're all the Earth, the length of Night, And Day the same;* 1.254 they vary with the sight; Nor, would the Ram alone and Scales agree, In Day and Night; in every Sign would be The Equinox, if as these Rules devise, Two Hours were given to every Sign to rise. In that Position where Direct's the Sphere,* 1.255 And in the Horizon both Poles appear; The Day maintains an equal length •••• Night, And that Usurps not on the others Right:

No Inequality in Skies is found, But equal Day, and equal Night goes round. Those Days and Nights which Spring and Autumn bear, They see unvary'd thro' the rowling Year, Because the circling Sun in every Sign Runs round, and measures still an equal Line; Whether thro' Cancer's height he bears the Day, Or thro' the Goat oppos'd He bends his way, The Day's alike, nor do the Nights decay. For tho' Oblique the Zodiack Circle lies, Yet all the Zones do at right Angles rise Still Parallel; and whils•• the Sphere is Right Half Heaven is Hid, and half expos'd to sight. Hence take thy way,* 1.256 and o're Earth's mighty Bend From this midst Region move to either End, As weary Steps convey thee up the Ball By Nature rounded and hung midst the All To either Pole; whilst you your way pursue Some parts withdraw, and others rise to view. To you thus mounting as the Earth doth ri••e So varies the Position of the Skies, And all the Signs that rose Direct before Obliquely mount, and keep that Site no more; Oblique the Zodiack grows, for whilst we range, Tho fixt its place, yet ours we freely change; Tis therefore plain that here the Days must prove Of different Lengths, since Signs obliquely move, ••ome nearer roul, whilst some remoter rove, And measure still unequal Rounds above. As nearer to the Arctick Round you go ••he Hours increase,* 1.257 and Day appears to grow;

The Summer Signs in ample Arch invade Our Sight, the Winter ••••e immerst in Shade; The more you Northward move, the more your Eyes Their Lustre lose; they set as soon as rise: But pass this Round,* 1.258 as you your way pursue, Each Sign withdraws with all its parts from view, Then Darkness comes, and chaces Light away, And thirty Nights excludes the Dawn of Day: Thus by degrees Day wasts, Signs cease to rise, For bellying Earth still rising up denies Their Light a Passage, and con••ines our Eyes. Continued Nights, continued Days appear, And Months no more fill up the rouling Year. Should Nature place us where the Northern Skies Creak round the Pole,* 1.259 and grind the propping Ice; Midst Snows eternal, where th' impending Bear Congeal'd leans forward on the frozen Air; The World would seem, if we survey'd the whole, Erect, and standing on the nether Pole. Its sides, as when a Top spins round, incline Nor here nor there, but keep an even Line, And there Six Signs of Twelve would fill the sight And never setting at an equal Hight, Wheel with the Heavens, and spread a constant Light. And whilst thro' those the Sun directs his way For long Six Months with a continued Ray He chaces Darkness, and extends the Day. But when the Sun below the Line descends With full Career, and to the lower bends, Then one long Night continued Darkness joins, And whilst he wanders thro' the Winter's Signs

The Arctick Circle lies immerst in Shade, And vainly calls to feeble Stars for Aid: Because the Eyes that from the Pole survey The bellying Globe, scarce measure half the way, The Orb still rising stops the Sight from far, And whilst we forward look, we find a Bar: For from the Eyes the Lines directly fall, And Lines direct can ne'er surround the Ball; Therefore the Sun to those low Signs confin'd Bearing all Day and leaving Night behind, To those that from the Pole survey denies His chearful Face, and Darkness fills their Eyes: Till having spent as many Months, as past Thro' Signs, he turns, and riseth to the North at last: And thus, in this Position of the Sphere One only Day, one only Night appear On either side the Line, and make the Year. What different sorts of Days and Nights are known In all Positions thus my Muse hath shown; Her Work goes on, and she must next comprise What Signs appear, what Times they claim to rise In all Positions of the moving Skies: That when you follow Art, and boldly press To find the Horoscope, a just Success May meet thy search, and into knowledge raise thy guess. But who can all their various times reherse? Compute so much, and state Accounts in Verse? Therefore this part let general Rules define, Let those that follow my advanc'd Design Apply them right, but let the Rules be mine.

[ 9] Where-ever plac'd▪ by these few Rules proceed, By Nature settled,* 1.260 and by Art decreed; First count how many21 1.261 Hours compleat the Night Or Day, when Cancer in the Summer's height Bears Phoebus, and short darkness bounds the light. Day's Hours by Six divide, one sixth devise To following Leo as his time to rise: Night so divided too one Sixth bestow On Taurus, that his rising time will show: But then observe the difference of the time Which Leo takes, and which the Bull to climb, That into Three divide, and thence apply, Beside the time which Taurus takes to mount the Sky, One single Third to Naked Gemini. The like to Cancer, and the like Account To fiery Leo as his time to mount; Then reckon all, you'll find the Sum the same Which from the first Division to Leo came, When one sixth part of Day was given to raise his Flame. By the same Method Virgo's time define: But this Condition runs thro' every Sign, The following keeps those Hours the Sign before Obtain'd to rise, and vulgarly adds more: As these an orderly Encrease maintain, So Signs from Libra still decrease again: But different Order they observe in Skies, The Hours these claim to Set, those take to Rise. But if you count by Stadia,* 1.262 change the Name, But keep the Method, for the Rule's the same: Seven Hundred Twenty Stadia fill the Round, No more in Day, no more in Night are found:

Hence take as many as compleat the Night, When glowing Cancer in the Summer's hight Bears Phoebus, and short darkness bounds the light. The rest by Six divide, one Sixth devise To fiery Leo as his time to rise; Night's Stadia so divide, one Sixth bestow On Taurus: Take the Difference twixt the Two, That Sum divide by Three, and thence apply, Beside the Stadia Taurus takes to mount the Sky, One single Third to naked Gemini. Thus to the rest proceed, but still confine To following Signs the Stadia of the former Sign, With one Third Part's Encrease; till Libra's Ray This Reckoning stops, and shews another way: For Signs from Libra different Rules comprise, A different Order they observe in Skies, The Stadia others claim to Set they take to Rise. Those Stadia too in which the rest ascend These Winter Signs in slowly setting spend. Thus having fixt the Stadia, now pursue The Horoscope, 'tis open to thy view; From that Degree in which the Sun doth mount Observe my Method, and begin to count; Give proper Hours to every Sign to rise, And proper Stadia to ascend the Skies, Work by those Rules which I have shewn before, Securely work, for you can err no more. By what advance the Winter Months encrease, [ 10] (For they advance not by the same Degrees Thro' every Sign,* 1.263 till on the Ram they light, Which equals Time, and Day adjusts to Night) Must next be shewn to all that press to learn, Short are the Rules, but yet of great Concern.

First take the measure of the shortest Day And longest Night, when with unequal Ray Thro' Caper Phoebus drives the narrow way. Then count the22 1.264 Hours which Day must yield to Shade, And in three Portions let the Sum be laid; One of these Parts to th' Middle Sign apply'd Shews the Increase of Day on either side: For as the First is by the Midst surpass'd One Half, so that's exceeded by the last. Thus thro' Three Signs the Day's Increase is shown, The following takes what to the Last was grown, And adds an equal Portion of its own. For Instance: To the Conquest Night assign Full Fifteen Hours, and give the Day but Nine: Three Hours the difference. Now the Goat hath Power To lengthen Day the space of half an Hour, One Hour Aquarius adds, the Fishes joyn As much as Both, and with the rest combine; Thus three Hours fill'd, adjusted Time they bring To Aries; and he equals Day and Night in Spring. The Sixth part of the Time, or more or less, Whate're it proves, is the first Sign's Increase; The Second doubles what the First surpass'd, And gives it to be trebled by the last. But from the23 1.265 Equinoctial point the Day Receives increase, but in another way; For Aries takes as many Hours from Night, As Pisces seiz'd before in their own Right; And to compleat the Rapine Taurus▪ joins One Hour, one Half is added by the Twins; Thus whilst these Signs the Time to Day restore, Night justly loses, as it gain'd before. From Caper thus Decreasing Nights appear, And Heaven turns up the right side of the Year;

The Day proceeds to lengthen all the way, Till high in Cancer rais'd it finds a Stay; The Solstice then: when Day and Night are found Equal to Night and Day that drove the Winter round. Then by the same degrees again the Light Decreasing, what it took returns to Night. Thus far advanc't in Art my Verse defines [ 11] The proper Years,* 1.266 Months, Hours, and Days of Signs: These must be shewn; for Signs have Days & Hours, And Months, and Years when they exert their Pow∣ers. First then, that Sign in which the Sun appears, Because the Sun measures out the time in Years, Claims the first Year: On following Signs bestow The following Years as they in Order go. And so the Moon, for as she rounds the Skies, She measures Months, to Signs the Months applies. Of Days and Hours the Horoscope possest Of the first parts, to following Signs commits the rest. This Nature orders, all her Months and Years, And Days, and Hours, she parcels out to Stars; That as they run their Course they all may ••ind The different Signs, and vary in their kind. This Nature orders too; and hence there springs That various Discord that is seen in Things; In one continued Stream no Fortune flows, Joy mixes Grief, and Pleasures urg'd by Woes: Inconstancy in every part appears, Which Wisdom never trusts, but Folly fears. Thus Years from Years, and as they roul the round The Months from Months, and Days from Days are found To differ: no returning Hours restore That sort of Fortune which they brought before: Because the Times, as round their Course they run, Meet different Signs, and are not bound to One;

The Days and Hours their ruling Signs obey, The Month's the influence which they give convey And temper all things by their fatal Ray. Some Author's Write,* 1.267 (for who can hope to see Opinions join, or find the World agree?) That from the Horoscope our Art defines The Days, the Hours, the Years, and Months of Signs; From that alone let the Account begin, And all the rest will orderly fall in: And whilst the others, as before 'twas shown, Three Heads of reckoning ask, the Moon, the Sun, And Horoscope, these still demand but One: Yet still as great, their difference must appear, Month disagrees with Month, and Year with Year, And Hours and Days: For with uneven pace, Tho' starting all together, they run the Race, And never make Returns in equal space: Twice to the Signs each24 1.268 Hour the Days restore Twice every Month, brings round the Days, and more: Once every Year the Months to Signs are born, And when Twelve Years are run, the Years re∣turn. 'Tis hard to think,* 1.269 and Nature's Laws reject One single Time, so differing in effect: That when one Sign for Years and Months ap∣pears, Bad Fate should clog the Months, Good Crown the Years: Or that the Sign which thro' the Months conveys Bright Fortune, should with Black infest the Days:

Or that the Star, which with afflicting Power, The Day oppresseth, should exalt the Hour. Vain therefore their attempt, who fondly hope, The Times to reckon from the Horoscope, And think because with an unequal Date, They come to Signs, that these Returns create Their different, odd varieties of Fate. Absurd Opinion! which with fruitless pain, They strive to prop with mighty Names in vain, It sinks, and falls with its own stupid weight a∣gain. This sung, and Times to Signs apply'd, the Muse [ 12] Would beg release,* 1.270 and further Task refuse; But lo the Subject grows: The next must show What length of Times the several Signs bestow: This must be known when in your search for Fate You measure Life, and fix the gloomy Date. Ten Years and One, but one third part with∣drawn, The25 1.271 Ram extends the wretched Life of Man; Poorly he gives, as frugal of his Store, Whilst Taurus adds two Years to these; the Twins two more. Full sixteen Years Eight Months, from Cancer flow, But two Years more the Lion's rays bestow. From Virgo twenty Years, eight Months convey'd, Enlarge the Birth: The Scales give equal to the Maid: Scorpio's as much as Leo's Rays dispense, The Centaur equals Cancer's influence:

Of Years, twice seven, eight Months the Goat conveys; Though young Aquarius shines with feebler rays, Four Years he trebles, and doubles six score Days. To the same space, with which the Ram began, The Fish plac't, next extend the Age of Man. But farther yet, 'tis not enough to know The length of time which single signs bestow; For you may Err, when in your search for Fate, You measure Life, and fix the gloomy Date; Because the Heavenly Stations claim their share, As Planets intermix their Force declare, In this Contrivance, and make Life their Care. To single stations now what Years belong, (With Planets join'd, they claim26 1.272 another Song) In well wrought Numbers let the Muse impart, And teach the simplest Elements of Art; This done, these things prepar'd and sitly join'd, With greater Ease, she'll raise the Work design'd▪ If when the Moon is in the Hinge at East, The Birth breaks forward from its native rest; Full Eighty Years, if you two Years abate, This Station gives, and long defers it Fate: But if in Heav'ns midst point, this large Decree She shortens, giving fewer Years by three: With Eighty Courses in the Zodiack Round, Substracting Four, the Western Hinge is Crown'd▪ The lowest Hinge on all its Births, derives Years sixty two, and then concludes their Lives. The ninth,* 1.273 which makes upon the Right the Trine, Gives sixty Years, and bates but One of Nine.

The Fifth o' th' Left, as frugal of its store, Gives sixty three, and can enlarge no more; Th' Eleventh station, that which rises high, Almost an equal of the Middle Skie, Yields six score Springs, and lest that Gift should be Too scanty, lengthens that vast Summ by Three. The Third which lies at equal space below The Eastern point, doth fifty Years bestow, Mean is the station, and its Gift is so. The second Forty Courses of the Sun, And two bestows, and when that term is done, The Man goes off, e're half his race be run. The Twelfth gives twenty three, then hasty Death, Comes on, and in his Bloom, the Youth resigns his Breath. The Eighth next o're the Western Hinge can bring But fourteen Years, nor adds another Spring. The sixth but Twelve bestows, then Death de∣stroys The Parents Hopes, and crops the growing Boys; Diseases following, from their Birth create A feeble Frame, and fit the Prey for Fate. Now nicely view the Tropick Signs that lie [ 13] Oppos'd in the four Quarters of the Skie; Call'd Tropick Signs,* 1.274 because when these appear, The World then Turns the Seasons of the Year: Thus Spring in Cancer, in Autumnal Scales The Summer turns, in Caper Autumn sails; Thence shivering Winter creeps congeal'd with Frost, Yet melts again; and in the Ram is lost: These loose the Seasons, to their full Career, And make the Course of the Revolving Year;

And these being Hingers of the World, create New Powers in Stars; and fix new Rules for Fate. In Heavens high Arch,* 1.275 and on the utmost Line Of Summers progross, Cancer seats his Sign: There stretches out the greatest length of Day, And then declines, and makes it soon decay; But all the time which, as he bears the Light He takes from Day, He still conveys to Night. Then Corn grows yellow on the fruitful Soil, And lusty Reapers bare their Limbs for toil: Then Seas grow warm, the Floods forbear to roar, And Billows languish on the quiet Shore. Then Mars goes forth, nor is the Scythian Coast From Roman Arms defended by her Frost: And whilst their Pools and Marshy Grounds are dry, Fearing our Force, the conquer'd Germans fly: Then Nile o'reflows, and Egypt's fruitful Plain, Rich Harvests yields, nor needs the aid of Rain. Thus lies the World, when with exalted Ray, I'th' Summer Solstice Phoebus bears the Day Thro' Cancer's Sign, and drives the highest Way. Oppos'd the Goat in narrowest rounds of Light, Wheels Winter on,* 1.276 but long extends the Night; Yet soon Ascending, He contracts the Shade, To Day returning all the waste he made; The Fields unwrought, then lie, unplough'd the Seas, And Mars in Quarters, lies consign'd to Ease: Rocks cleave with Frost; and by ••he Cold, op∣prest, All Nature's Powers, are stiffned into Rest.

The next in Power are those two Signs that rise With equal Revolutions of the Skies; Which times of Day and Night adjust,* 1.277 and bring The Autumn on, or else advance the Spring. The Sun returning in his Yearly Race, To Cancer's Sign meets Aries midst the Space, Seated between the Point, from whence he bends His upward Course, and that in which he ends. There plac'd as Umpire in the midst oth' way, Contracted Night, he well adjusts to Day. And as thro' him the Sun goes on to climb The Heavenly steep, He makes a change in time; For Day, that shorten'd in the Winter Bend, The Ram first leng••••ens; and the next extend, 'Till rais'd in Cancer, to the utmost height Of Summer's pitch, He wheels the longest Light. Then Seas lie husht: Then Earth grows bold to bear, And trusts young Flowers to the serener Air: Then Beasts in Fields, and Birds in every Grove, Press on with Fury to consummate Love. With joyful Songs the vocal Forests Ring, And various Leaves adorn the gawdy Spring: With such brisk Powers are Nature's parts pos∣sest, When wak'd, she rouses from her Winter's Rest. Oppos'd to Aries, Libra's* 1.278 Stars appear With the like power to sway the rouling Year, She equals Day and Night: But soon the Scale O'repois'd by Darkness, lets the Night prevail; And Day, that lengthned in the Summer's height, Shortens 'till Winter, and is lost in Night. Then from the burthen'd Elms, the generous Vine Descends, and Presses over-flow with Wine:

Then Wheat is sown, whilst Autumn's heats remain To loose the Clods, and millifie the Grain. These have their Powers, and as these Signs create A turn in Seasons, so they doe in Fate: From Tropick Signs (for by their name, we guess Their turning Natures) who can hope for less? But wide in their mistake, who think to see These Powers spread equally in each Degree; Not every Portion of the Tropick Signs Turns Seasons,* 1.279 and the Planets force confines, But one Day only, in the blooming Prime Of Spring, in Autumn One adjusts the Time, One Day in Aries doth to Time restore Equality, and Libra boasts no more; One Longest Day in Cancer's Sign is born, One Night of equal length in Capricorn: The other Days roul on with different Light, Now gaining from, now losing time to Night. Thus One Degree in Tropick Signs creates A change in Heaven, and turns the Rules of Fates; No fixt Decree's secure, their boundless sway, Extends to all, and makes the Stars obey. But which that is that governs, Fate's Decree, There Authors differ, nor can Art agree; For some the Eighth, and some the Tenth assign, The First Degree—is only Thine, Thine, but the Muse with scorn, forbears the Name; Unworthy mention, and too mean for Fame.

The End of the Third Book.

NOTES.

1. This and the seven following Verses relate to the several particulars of Medea's story.

2. I use this Interpretation rather than that of Scaliger and others, because I think Manilius speaks only of that famous Siege of Thebes, when the seven Generals attackt it; and as the Story says, Capaneus had almost ruin'd the Town before he was struck with Thunder.

3. Oedipus Married his own Mother Iocasta, and had Children by her; so that each Son was Brother to the Father, and Grand-Child to the Mother.

4. This respects the Story of Atreus and Thy∣estes.

5. Xerxes is said to have dug a Channel round Mount Athos, and to have made a Bridge over the Hellespont.

6. Thus, for instance, in whatever Sign the Lot of Fortune is plac'd, the next that belongs to the next Sign, is the Lot of Warfare: Civil Em∣ployments must be given to the third, &c.

7. For the Lot of Fortune being in all Nativities that belong to Day to be accounted for from the Sun, and in all Nativities that belong to Night from the Moon; and those two Planets not al∣ways possessing the same place in every Nativity, and the other Lots following the disposition of that of Fortune; it is very evident that the same Lot is

not to be always applyed to the same Sign.

8. The Poet never finisht this part, or it is now lost.

9.For instance, let the Sun be in the 20th De∣gree of Aries, the Moon in the 10th Degree of Libra; from the 20th Degree of Aries (counting thro' the following Signs Taurus, Gemini, &c) to the 10th Degree of Libra; are 170 Degrees: Let the Horoscope be the 10th Degree of Cancer; from that 10th Degree of Cancer, count thro' the fol∣lowing Signs, viz. Leo, Virgo, &c. and you will find the Number 170 to end in the 10th Degree of Capricorn: Therefore in the 10th Degree of Ca∣pricorn place the Lot of Fortune: This I take to be the meaning of Manilius.

10. Suppose the Sun to be in the 21, 49 of Leo, the Moon in the 26, 31' of Virgo; the Horoscope in the, 1, 0' of Leo; The Moon is distant from the Sun 325, 18', which number being distributed amongst the Antecedent Signs, viz. Cancer, Ge∣mini, Taurus, &c. ends in the 5, 42' of Virgo, that there is the place of the Lot of Fortune.

11. To explain this Method which the Chalde∣ans us'd to find the Horoscope, Scaliger gives this instance: Let the Sun's place be the 13, 25' of Libra, let the Birth be at the end of the Seventh Hour of the Day: Now because every Sign hath thirty Degrees, and fifteen Degrees make one Hour, these Seven Hours are three Signs and an half, or one Hundred and five Degrees: Now reckon those Degrees thro' the following Signs, viz. Scorpius, Centaurus, &c. The Number ends in the 28125' of Capricorn, and therefore that is the Horoscope.

12. Sic media extremis, &c. The middle Signs here are Aries and Libra, and these are said to be opposite to the Extremes, Cancer and Capricorn, because in them the Days are equal, but in the others unequal to the Nights: This I take to ••e the meaning of the Poet, rather than what Scaliger and other Interpreters pretend.

13. Thus in Cancer the Days are longest; in Capricorn, which is a Sign adverse to Cancer, the Nights are of the same length, that the Days were of in Cancer: The like holds in Leo, and Aquarius, and so in the rest.

14. The Italians divided all the time betwixt the Rising and Setting of the Sun into Twelve Hours, and all the time between the Setting and Rising of the Sun into Twelve Hours: And there∣fore, those times being various and unequal, the Hours must likewise be unequal.

15. According to the Opinion of some Ancient Astronomers, who plac'd the Winter Solstice in the Eighth Degree of Capricorn, the Summer Sol∣••tice in the Eighth Degree of Cancer, and the E∣quinox in the Eighth Degrees of Aries and Libra: Thus in the End of this Book,

Has quidam vires octava in parte reponunt.

16. Eudoxus wrote of the Sphere at the 36th Degree, Elevation of the Pole, and Manilius fol∣••ows him.

17. A Stadium in Manilius is half of a Degree, and therefore in the whole Zodiack there are 720 Stadia. In the Zodiack are 360 Degrees, to eve∣••y Hour we reckon▪ 15 Degrees, therefore every

Hour is equal to 30 Stadia, and for the same Reason, each Hour containing 60 Minutes, every Stadium is equal to two Minutes.

18. The rising and Setting of the Signs ac∣cording to Manilius.

[illustration]

Rising.

[illustration]

[illustration]

Rising.

[illustration]

[illustration]

Setting.

[illustration]

[illustration]

Setting.

19. Let the Child be born in the Fourth Hour of the Day, add five to four, the Sum is 9, Mul∣tiply 9 by 10, the Product is 90. Let the Sun be in the 10th Degree of Gemini, add 10 to 90, the Sum is 100, of this 100 give 30 to Gemini, the Sign in which the Sun is, 30 more to the follow∣ing Sign Taurus: 30 to the next Aries, 10 re∣main, therefore the 10th Degree of Pisces is the Horoscope.

20. Let the Birth be in the Seventh Hour of Night, add to that the Twelve Hours of the Day, and that Seventh Hour will be the Nineteenth, from the Suns Rising: Then add, multiply, and work, as in the former Method.

21. Let the longest Day in Cancer be of 16 Hours, the shortest Night of 8: Divide those 16 Hours into 6 parts, each part contains 2 Hours 40 Minutes: Therefore allow Leo 2 Hours 40 Min. for his Rising time: Divide likewise the 8 Hours of Night into 6 parts, each part will contain 1 Hour 20. m. and that is the rising time of Taurus. The Differece between the Rising Times of these two Signs is 1 Hour 20 Min. Divide this Diffe∣rence into three equal parts, each part will contain 26 Min. 40 Sec. Add these 26 Min. and 40 Sec. to the Rising time of Taurus, and the whole Sum makes up the Rising time of Gemini, viz. 1 Hour, 46 Min. 40 Sec. To this add another third part to make up the Rising time of Cancer, viz. 2 Hours 13 Min. 20 Sec. And so of the rest, as in the following Scheme.

[illustration]

But it must always be observed, that the Sou∣thern or Winter Signs are oppos'd to the Northern or Summer Signs. The Rising-time of the Sum∣mer is the Setting-time of the Winter; and the Setting-time of the Summer the Rising-time of the Winter Signs.

22. The Example which Manilius himself gives, sets this Doctrine in its true Light. Let the lon∣gest Night in Capricorn be of 15 Hours, the Day consequently must be of 9. Thus the Night ex∣ceeds the Day by 3 Hours. Divide these 3 Hours into 3 Parts, give one Part, that is, 1 Hour to the Middle Sign, viz. Aquarius, and thence con∣clude that in Capricorn the Day encreases half an Hour, and in Pisces an Hour and half; Aquarius being the Middle Sign in which the Days encrease one Hour.

23. According to the Doctrine of Manilius (let the Example be the same with that in the prece∣ding Note) in Aries the Day encreases one Hour and half, in Taurus one Hour, in Gemini half an Hour.

24. There being 24 Hours belonging to each Day, and but 12 Signs, more than 24 Days in each Month, and 12 Months in every Year.

25. A Table of the Years and Months that be∣long to each Sign.

[illustration]

26. This was never finished by the Poet, or is now lost.

MANILIUS.

The Fourth Book.

After a short Reflection on the vain Cares of Mankind, he brings several Arguments to prove Fate: 1. Several unaccountable pas∣sages in the Roman and Grecian Histories: 2. Sudden Death, and unexpected Recove∣ries, contrary to all the powers of Art and Physick: 3. The difference between the Children of the same Parents: 4. The few∣ness of Worthy Men, and the certainty of Death: 5. The ill successes of Wise and Good Men, and the prosperity of Knaves and Fools: 6. Monstrous Births: 7. Prophesy: And then endeavours, 8. to take off some Objections that might be rationally propos'd against this Doctrin: Then, 9. He shews what Tempers and Inclinations the twelve Signs singly consider'd do bestow, and to what Arts they incline: 10. Vnder the Ram, are born all sorts of workers in Wool, Broakers, Men of unsetled Fortunes, fearful, inconstant, and covetous of Praise: 11. Vn∣der

the Bull, Plowmen, Aspiring, Reserv'd, Strong, and Amorous: 12. Vnder the Twins, Mu••icians, Songsters, Men of merry Te••¦pers, and Astronomers: 13. Vnder th•• Crab, Covetous Fellows and Vsurers: 14. V••¦der the Lion, Hunters, Beast-keepers, Plain, Open-hearted, easily provok'd, and easily appeas'd: Vnder the Maid, Philoso∣phers, Orators, Notaries, shamefac'd and indifferently good: 16. Vnder the Scales, Measurers, Gagers, Accountants, Lawgivers, Lawyers, and Iudges: 17. Vnder the Scor∣pion, Hunters, Gladiators, Men of War∣like and Military Dispositions: 18. Vnder Sagittarius, Chariot-Racers, Horse-breakers, Tamers of Wild Beasts, Men of acute Vn∣derstandings, and strong and nimble Bodies: 19. Vnder the Goat, Miners, Coyners, Gold∣smiths, Bakers, Broakers, Inconstant and Lascivious in their Youth: 20. Vnder Aqua∣rius, Men skill'd in making Aqueducts, and Water-works, and Spheres, and Globes, tracta∣ble and prodigal: 21. Vnder Pisces, Ma∣riners, Pilots, Shipwrights, Rowers, Fishers, Fruitful but Inconstant: 22. He Discourses of the Tenths of each Sign, and what Sign is Lord of each third part of every Sign: 23. He encourages his Scholar to go on, th•• the Task seems to grow upon him, and to be

very difficult, because 'tis a Noble Study, and the Object truly great: 24. He shews what degrees of each Sign are hurtful, what not: 25. He Teaches, that the Tempers of those that are Born when the Sign riseth, are diffe∣rent from those that are Born at other times: 26. He draws a Map of the Earth and Seas, and Teaches what Signs govern particular Countries: 27. He shews what Signs are call'd Eccliptick, and why: 28. He propo∣seth such Objections as are made to deter Men from this curious search, and answereth them.

WHy should our Time run out in useless* 1.280 years, Of anxious Troubles and torment∣ing Fears? Why should deluding Hopes disturb our ease, Vain to pursue, yet eager to possess? With no Success, and no Advantage crown'd, Why should we still tread on th' unfinisht Round? Grown gray in Cares, pursue the senseless strife, And seeking how to Live, consume a Life? The more we have, the meaner is our Store; The unenjoying craving Wretch is Poor: But Heaven is kind, with bounteous Hand it grants A fit supply for Nature's sober wants: She asks not much, yet Men press blindly on, And heap up more, to be the more undone: By Luxury, they Rapine's Force maintain, What that scrapes up, flows out in Luxury again▪

And to be squander'd, or to raise debate, I•• the great only use of an Estate. Vain Man forbear, of Cares, unload thy Mind, Forget thy Hopes, and give thy Fears to Wind; For Fate rules all, its stubborn Laws must sway The lower World, and Man confin'd obey. As we are Born we Dye, our Lots are cast, And our first Hour disposeth of our last. Then as the influence of the Stars ordains, To Empires Kings are doom'd, and Slaves to Chains. Then Poverty, that common Fate comes down, (Few Stars are Regal, and design a Crown) What make a Wit, a Knave, a Saint, or Dunce, Are hudled then together, and fixt at once. The Ills that are ordain'd we must endure, From not Decreed how fatally secure? Prayers are too weak to check fixt Destinies, And Vows too slow to catch the Fate that flies. Whether with Glory rais'd, or clogg'd with Scorn, The State, that then is setled, must be born. [ I] For did not Fate preside,* 1.281 and Fortune lead, Had parting Flames the good1 1.282 Aenaeas fled? Had Troy's sunk Fortune been sustain'd by2 1.283 one? And only Conquer'd then, when overthrown? And did not Stars the rise of States dispose, Had mighty Rome from such beginnings rose? Had3 1.284 Shepherds built, or Swains without controul Advanc'd their4 1.285 Cottage to a Capitol? Plac'd on whose heights, our Caesars now survey The lower Earth, and see the World obey? From their5 1.286 burnt Nest, had Conquering Eagles flown, And the World yielded to a ruin'd Town?

Had Iove been storm'd; or6 1.287 Mutius safe return'd From baffled Flames, or vanquish'd whilst he burn'd? Our Towns and Bridges guard, had6 1.288 Cocles stood, Or the weak Virgin swam rough Tiber's Flood? Had one6 1.289 Horatius our sunk hopes restor'd, Or Three have fall'n beneath a single Sword? O Glorious Victory! what Arms before, E're won so much, none ever fought for more; Rome and her hopes of Empire hung on One, His o're matcht Lot was Hers, a Yoke or Throne. Why should I8 1.290 Cannae's bloody Plains relate, And Africk's Ensigns threatning at our Gate, How Thrasymene Drown'd Flaminius's Shame, And after Fabius, wise Retreats o'recame, The Conquer'd Carthage shone with Roman flame? How Hannibal on the Campanian Plains, Rome's Terror once, then destin'd to our Chains; Whilst waiting on his Proud Bithynian Lord, Stole a base Death, and scap't our Nobler Sword? But turn and view the9 1.291 Civil Wars of Rome, There opens wide a various Scene of Doom: See Marcus ride with Cimbrian Lawrels Crown'd, Then in the Dungeon stretcht upon the groun'd; Now Slave, now Consul, Consul, Slave again, His Curule Chair, succeeded by a Chain; Now a mean Ruin on the Lybian Sands Despis'd he lies, and streight the World Com∣mands; Like Thunder from low Earth exhal'd, he rose From the Minturnian Pools, And scatter'd Vengeance on his haughty Foes.

These wondrous Changes Fate and Stars advance, O mighty turns, and much too great for Chance! Who10 1.292 Pompey could (that saw thy Conque∣ring Fleet Regain the Seas, and Kings beneath thy Feet, Proud Pontus yield, fierce Tyrants make thy Train, And crowding Monarchs beg thy leave to Reign, That saw Victorious Lawrels Crown thy Head, And Worlds in thy repeated Triumphs lead; And all that Glory which thy Sword had won, Fixt and supported by as great a11 1.293 Son) Have thought that Thou, upon a Foreign Sand, Should'st steal a Burial from a common Hand; That shatter'd Planks, the Sea's dishonest spoil Should hiz beneath thy Trunk, and be thy Pile? That Thou, the mighty Thou, should'st want an Urn, What Power, but Fate, could work so strange a turn? E'en12 1.294 Caesar sprung from Heaven, and now a Star, Tho' midst the dangers of the Civil War, Secure He stood, and careless of Repose, Was ne're surpriz'd by his most watchful Foes; Yet Crown'd with Peace, in all his Pomp and State He fell a Victim to o're-ruling Fate: No dark suspitions, but bright hints were brought, He knew what Cassius spoke, and Brutus thought; How far advanc'd, how far they meant to go, And saw the minute of the fatal Blow: Yet dark Oblivion did his Memory blot, He all his warnings, and Himself forgot; And in the Senate, whilst his Right Hand held The faithful Bill, which all the Plot reveal'd; To prove that Fate will sway, and Stars controul, He fell, and with his Blood defac'd the Scroul:

O mighty power of Fate, and prov'd too well! The Best, the Wisest, and the Greatest fell. Why should I mention Kings13 1.295 and Empires falls, Shew Conquering13 1.296 Cyrus on the Sardian Walls? Or Croesus shrinking at the rising Flame? Or13 1.297 Priam's Trunk, a thing without a Name? Unhappy Prince! the Beasts and Vultur's spoil, His Troy was burnt, but Priam wants a Pile. The Wreck of13 1.298 Xerxes, who wou'd scourge the Gods, A Wreck, much greater than the threatned Floods? Or13 1.299 Tullus's Reign, who by the power of Fate, Was born a Slave, yet Rul'd the Roman State? Or shew13 1.300 Metellus snatch the Vestal Fire, And as he pass'd, prophaner Flames retire? How oft do suddain Deaths the Healthy seize, [ II] Without the formal warning of Disease?* 1.301 And yet how often from the Piles retire, E'en14 1.302 fly themselves, and wander thro' the Fire? Thus some have from their Graves return'd, and known Two Lives, whilst others, scarce enjoy but One. A small Disease destroys, whilst greater spare, Good Methods fail, and Men are lost by Care. Some temperate Diet, with Diseases fills, And Poyson's Innocent, when Physick Kills. Some Children prove a mean degenerate Race, [ III] Some shew their Father's Mind, as well as Face;* 1.303 In One, their Vertue, and their Fortune rise To greater height, and in Another dyes. One15 1.304 mad in Love, to Troy will carry War, Or swim the Flood, and view the Torch from far, The Other is determin'd to the Bar.

A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Father, Father kills the Son On mutual Wounds two head long Brothers run; These Combats prove the force of ruling Powers, For they are too unnatural to be Ours. [ IV] That every Age no new Camilh's breath, The16 1.305 Deci•• dye, or16 1.306 Cat••o conquer Death,* 1.307 'Tis not but that the Seed can still receive As noble Stamps, but Fates refuse to give. To fewer Days they do not cramp the Poor, Nor brib'd by Wealth, enlarg'd the Rich with more; There Riches lose their force, the shining Years Of glorious 〈◊〉〈◊〉 must be turn'd in Tears; They dig a Grave for Kings, and fix the Day; How great must be that Power which Crowns obey! [ V] Successless Vertue sinks whilst Vice prevails, And Folly wins the Prize when Prudence fails:* 1.308 He argues ill that from the Fortune draws The goodness or the badness of a Cause: Success or Morit do not always Crown, Midst good and bad Men they are blindly thrown, Without Respect, fixt fatally on One. For some superior Power's impetuous force Marks out our way, and still directs the Course; The Years that we must run, the length, the pace, And all the various turnings of the Race. [ VI] Besides,* 1.309 what Monstrous Births, the Nurses fear And Mother's shame, half Man, half Beast appear? Such wondrous Creatures ne're from Seed began, For what hath Beast that's common to a Man? And what mean Soul would with his Lust comply, And Sin on purpose for a Prodigy? No; Stars dispose, they Counterfeit a Rape, And mix a Monster of amazing shape.

Besides, were not Events by Fates enrol'd, [ VII] How can their certain Order be foretold?* 1.310 How can the Prophets Sing of future Doom, And in the present read the Age to come? To this there's one Objection; Fate denies [ VIII] Rewards to Vertue,* 1.311 and must plead for Vice: Absurd; for who less hates a Poysonous Weed Because 'tis bred from Necessary Seed? Or who loves Corn the less; who hates the Vine. Because by Nature rais'd, and not Design? Thus Virtuous Minds deserve the greater Love, Since Heaven consents, and all the Stars approve; And we should hate those more whom Fates have sent To commit Crimes and suffer Punishment; For how, or whence these noxious faults begin No matter, since each is certainly a Sin. Nay this Opinion's settled by Debate, 'Tis Fate that we should thus dispute of Fate. This settled, I must now attempt to climb [ IX] Celestial steps,* 1.312 and run the Round of Time, The Zodiack travel, go through every Sign, Their Powers rehearse, and sing how all incline. First Aries shines, and as he oft doth lose [ X] His Fleece,* 1.313 and then as frequently renews, 'Twixt sudden Ruin, and a fair Estate He ••ixes the variety of Fate; He gets, then loseth, then returns to Gain, Then Loss steals in, and empties all his pain; He rears new Lambs, he doth encrease the Fold, And makes the Rams to shine in native Gold; Betters the Wool, and whilst the Subject grows He forms Mens Minds to use what he bestows; To Pick, to Card, to Spin, and Weave, to deal In Cloath with gain; to Buy, Exchange, and sell:

All useful Arts, whose constant Works supply Mens real Wants, not only Luxury: This17 1.314 Pallas owns, nor doth disdain to claim Arachne's conquest as her greatest Fame. These are the manners, these the various Arts Which Aries Rays, and secret force imparts; To anxious fears he troubled Minds betrays And strong Desires to venture all for Praise. [ XI] Dull Honest Plowmen to manure the Field Strong Taurus bears,* 1.315 by him the Grounds are till'd: No gaudy things he breeds, no Prize for worth, But Blesseth Earth, and brings her Labour forth: He takes the Yoke, nor doth the Plough disdain, And teacheth Farmers to manure the Plain: He's their Example, when he bears the Sun In his bright Horns, the noble toyl's begun: The useful Plowshare he retrieves from Rust, Nor lies at ease, and wants his strength in Dust. To him the18 1.316 Curij, and to him we owe The brave Serrani, he i'th' Fields did Rods bestow, And sent a great Dictator from his Plow. Reserv'd, aspiring Minds, Limbs slow to move But strong in Bulk his powerful Rays improve, And on his19 1.317 Curled Front sits wanton Love. [ XII] Soft Gemini to easier Arts incline For softer Studies fit an Infant Sign.* 1.318 They tune rough Words, or they incline to Sing, To stop the Pipe, or strike the speaking String; Through Reeds they blow the Natural Sound in Measure, Gay their delight, and e'en their Pains are Pleasure; Wars they avoid, Old Age they chace with Song, And when late Death o'retakes them they are Young.

Sometimes to Heaven they mount, and trace the Stars, Then fix in Globes, or turn the Signs in Spheres: Their Wit reigns o're their Nature, and refines Its Powers; This is the Influence of the Twins. But glowing Cancer (where the Summer Sun [ XIII] With fiery Chariots bounds the Torrid Zone,* 1.319 Drives fiercely up, then with a bending Rein Sinks down, and runs in lower Rounds again.) As close in's Shell he lies, affords his Aid To greedy Merchants, and inclines to Trade: His Births shall sail, through Seas and Dangers tost To reap the Riches of a Foreign Coast. What thrifty Nature hath but thinly sown In Many Countries, they shall bring to One; Intent on gain ne're heed the Poors complaint But thrive on Scarcity, and live on Want: For Wealth undaunted gather every Wind, Out-sail good Fame, and leave Repute behind, And when their greedy Hands have seiz'd the Store Of this, search other Worlds, and seek for more. Or else at home prove griping Vsurers, Complaining at the slowness of the Years, Wish swifter Suns, and set too vast a rate On Time it self, to raise a quick Estate: Their Bodies shall be Strong, inur'd to Pain, Their Wits Contriving, and intent on gain: What Inclinations Leo's Rays dispense [ XIV] Is quickly known,* 1.320 'tis plain to Common Sense, He gives his Own; for he the Woods infests The mighty Terror of the meaner Beasts: He lives on Rapine, ranges all the Day, And sullenly at Night groans o're his Prey.

Hence he inclines Mens Minds to Hunt, and fills Our Nobles spacious Halls with grinning spoyls; There Skins and Horns do spread a dismal grace, And stand as certain Heraulds of their Race; This Beast was mine, and that my Father's Game, They cry, these are the Annals of their Fame: That generous Youth which France and Spain did fear Now prove the Humble Terror of a Deer. Nay some in20 1.321 Towns pursue this wild delight, There barbarous grow, and breed up Beasts to fight; Then bring them out for sight in Theaters, And feast their Luxury with Bruitish Wars; Cruel in Sport: Their Posts are grac't with Spoyl, And they get shameful Honour without Toyl: He makes Men warm, their Passions quickly rais'd, Like Boys soon angry, and as soon appeas'd: But Plain and Honest all their Thoughts sincere; Pure as the Sun, and like the Water clear. [ XV] But modest Virgo's Rays give polisht parts, And fill Mens Breasts with Honesty and Arts;* 1.322 No tricks for Gain, nor love of Wealth dispense, But piercing Thoughts, and winning Eloquence; With words persuasive, and with Rhetorick strong They rule, and are e'en Monarchs by their Tongue. Through Nature's Secrets too, they boldly press, Tho' deeply hid, and meet a just success; In Short-Hand skill'd, where little Marks comprise, Whole words, a Sentence in a Letter lies; And whilst Obedient hands their Aid afford, Prevent the Tongue, and Fix the falling Word. But bashful Modesty, casts down their Eyes, The best of Vices, yet 'tis still a Vice, Because it stifles, checks, or nips like Frost A blooming Vertue, and the Fruit is lost.

Besides, though strange such Influence should come From Virgo's Rays, she gives a fruitful Womb. Libra, whose Scales, when Autumn turns the Signs, [ XVI] And ruddy Bacchus treads the juicy Vines;* 1.323 In equal Balance, poi••e the Night and Day, Teach how to measure, and instruct to weigh: And Rival21 1.324 Palamed, (who Numbers sound, And into Letters fram'd unpolisht found; To Him the Art of Words, and Speech we owe, Till then Men only Spoak, but knew not how.) Besides, He'll know the Niceties of Law; What guard the Good, and what the Guilty awe, What Vengeance wait on Crimes, with Skill de∣clare, His private Chamber, still shall be the Bar. What He determines, that for Right shall stand, As Iustice weigh'd her Balance in his Hand. This Rul'd at22 1.325 Servius's Birth, who first did give Our Laws a Being, rather than Revive; The Tables seem'd Old, Reverend Senseless Lines, Meer waxen Things, and fit to serve Designs, As Fools mistook, or Crafty Knaves would draw; Till He infus'd a Soul, and made them Law. Bright Scorpio Arm'd, with poys'nous Tai•• [ XVII] prepares, Mens Martial Minds,* 1.326 for Violence and Wars; His Venom heats, and boyls their Bloods to Rage, And Rapine spreads o're the unlucky Age. Yet, when the Sun drives there, Men tear the Earth, And cast their Seed to an increasing Birth, As if he led mistaken Men to toil, And sweat for Matter for a future spoil. Yet 'tis not Prey they seek, as much as Blood, For e'en in Peace they fiercely trace the Wood,

O're Forests range, and every Plain infest, Now Fight with Man, and now Engage with Beast▪ To please the Crowd, they unprovok'd engage, And sell their Lives, to the dishonest Stage; And when calm Peace doth Publick Rest bestow, Yet still to Fight, each seeks himself a Foe. They spend their leisure Hours in fierce Alarms, And all their Recreation is in Arms. [ XVIII] The double Centaur different Tempers breeds, They break the Horse,* 1.327 and tame the fiery Steeds; They love the sounding Whip, the Race, the Rein, And whirl the Chariot o're the dusty Plain: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is their Humor to the Fields confin'd, They range the Woods, and tame the Savage Kind; Young Bears they break, and Tygers heats asswage▪ And hear Young Lions roaring without Rage. Discourse the23 1.328 Elephant, and Teach the Mass A mimick Action, and a decent Grace; To Act in Plays, or raise th' unweildly load, To Dance, and be the Darling of the Crowd. For in the Frame, in double forms exprest, The Man is uppermost, and rules the Beast; His Bow full drawn implies, his Rays impart, ••trength to the Limbs, and Vigor to the Heart. Quick active Motions, full of warmth and heat, Still pressing on, unknowing to retreat. [ XIX] But Sacred Vesta guards thy fatal Fire, And thence 'tis guess'd,* 1.329 what Minds thy Rays inspire, Contracted Goat; by thee that Art's infus'd, Which Fire assists, and where a Flame is us'd; By thee the Miners burn the Womb of Earth; And see the place of Metals fatal Birth: By thee they melt; by thee they work the Mould, Refine, and Stamp it into mighty Gold:

By thee, the Silver, Iron, Gold, and Brass, The Forge dissolves, and forms the easie Mass: By thee, the Ovens heat, and Baths acquire, And Happy24 1.330 Chymists blow enriching Fire: Thy Cold (for thou o're Winter Signs dost reign, Pull'st back the Sun, and send'st us Day again) Makes Brokers Rich, for whilst you spread your Ice, Their Wares go off, and they enhance the Price: From thee our Youth unconstant Tempers prove, And eagerly pursue unlawful Love, 'Cause Goat above; but these the Fish behind Corrects in Age, and fixes the soft Mind. Aquarius pouring out his Urn, imparts [ XX] An useful Knowledge in resembling Arts,* 1.331 To find out Springs, and with new Streams supply The Barren Countries, and refresh the dry; To raise in Pipes, or to extend in Beams, And in high Rooms imprison Foreign Streams; Affront the Sea, for State, not use, restrain The Waves with Moles, and curb the raging Main; Or Engins raise, whence Waters mount above, And mix the lower, with the higher Iove. A thousand other Arts, which Waters sway, As Channels lead, or else as Pipes convey, Depend upon the influence of his Ray. And to his Births the World oblig'd shall owe Spheres, Cycles, Orbs, and turn new Skies below. Soft, easie Tempers, loving Coin for use, Not fordid, but inclin'd to be profuse; Not pincht, nor yet too swelling in Estate; Thus flows the Vrn, and fixes this for Fate. Last double Pisces, from their shining scale, [ XXI] Spread watry influence,* 1.332 and incline to Sail;

To trast their Lives to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to plow the Deep, To 〈…〉〈…〉, or to build a Ship. In short▪ what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can for a Fleet be fram'd, A thousand Arts, too numerous to be nam'd. Be••••de to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 observe the Stars, and guide As 〈◊〉〈◊〉 direct, and ne•• ••r lose the Tide▪ To know the Coasts, the Winds, the Ports, and Shores; To 〈…〉〈…〉 Helm, or ply he bending Oars; To sweep smooth Seas with Nets, to drag the Sand, And draw the leaping 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Land, Lay 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wires, or with unfaithful bait, The Hook conceal, and get by the deceit: To fight 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sea, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Waves with blood, Whilst War lies floating on th•• unstable flood: Fruitful their Births, of Pleasure fond, engage In Lov•• are quick, but changing with their Age. Thus rule the Twelve, these Powers they singly [ XXII] own,* 1.333 And these would give if they could work alone. But none rules All its own degrees, they joyn Their friendly forces with some other Sign, As 'twere compound, and equal parts receive From Other Signs, as they to Others give: Thus each hath Thirty parts, and each resigns Two Thirds of those degrees to other Signs: We call these portions (Art new words will frame,) The Tenths,25 1.334 the Number doth impose the Name: So hid is Truth, so many Vails are spread Coy Nature's Face, and hide her Gloomy Head, So many are the little Niceties, So intricate, and puzling are the Skies, Not easie to be read by common Eyes.

For one appearance in another lies, Conceals its Powers, and Acts in disguise; And that which Lurks, and subtly interferes Hath different Powers from that which then appears. Not Day, but piercing Thought must clear this Sky, The Labour of thy Mind, not of thy Eye; Press bravely on, and pass the Gloomy Cloud, Enter, and view the inside of the God; The Path is dark, and lest thy Mind should stray I'll boldly lead, and shew the nearest way; I'll Sing what League the different Parts combines, And shew how others Rule in other Signs. For instance,* 1.335 Aries shakes his shining Fleece, And governs the First Ten of his Degrees: But next the Bull, and next the Twins do claim The second, and third Portions of the Ram: Thus three times Ten Degrees the Ram divide, And He, as many others as preside In his Degrees, so many Fates affords His proper Powers being temper'd by his Lords. Thus lies the Ram,* 1.336 next view the threatning Bull, His case is different, he hath none to Rule: For in his First Ten Parts the Crab's obey'd, I'th' Second Leo, and i'th' Third the Maid. Yet he seems stubborn, and maintains his Throne, And all Their Powers he mixeth with his Own. The feeble Twins just Libra's Scales possess,* 1.337 Then Scorpio, and the rest of their Degrees Bold Sagittarius subjects to his flame, With Bow full drawn, as to defend his claim. An equal share in Empire all maintain, But keep not the same order in their Reign. For Cancer's Sign,* 1.338 as in the Goat he sways, Resigns his first third Portion to His Rays:

For when he bears the Sun oppos'd in site, His Day is equal to the Others Night: This is the Reason why these Two combine, And each hath the same Portion in each Sign. His second part the V••n with watry Beams O're-flows, and Pisces rule in the Extreams. The Lion minds his Partner in the Trine,* 1.339 And makes the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first Ruler in his Sign; And then the Bull, with whom he makes a Square, I'th' Second Reigns; His Sextile Twins declare Their Third pretence, and Rule the other share. The Crab is chiefly Honour'd by the Maid,* 1.340 The first place his, and there his Sway's obey'd; The next is Leo's, and the last her own, She Rules unenvy'd in her petty Throne. The Ram's Example Libra takes,* 1.341 and bears A likeness in this Rule, as in the Years; For as He in the Spring, Her Scales do weigh In Autumn equal Night with equal Day: The first She Rules her self, next Scorpio's plac't, And Sagittarius Lords it o're the last: In Scorpio's first Degrees the Goat presides,* 1.342 Next Young Aquarius pours his flowing Tides; Next Pisces Rules, for they in Waves delight, The Flood pursue, and claim an easie Right. The grateful Goat doth Cancer's Gift repay,* 1.343 His First Third part resigning to his Ray; I'th' next the Lion shakes his flaming Mane, The last feels modest Virgo's gentle Rein. The Young Aquarius Libra's Scales command,* 1.344 Restrain his Youth, and check his turning Hand; The next Ten parts bright Scorpio's Rays enjoy, Then Sagittarius Rules the giddy Boy:

Pistes comes last,* 1.345 and sheds a watry flame, Its First Degrees resigning to the Ram: The Bull's the next, his own the last are found, Content with the last Portion of the Round. This thing consider'd well thy Mind prepares* 1.346 To know the secret guidance of the Stars; They interchange their Powers, they mix their Laws, And all agree to make one Common Cause; For these Divisions do unite the Sky, The more they part the closer is the Tye. But now, lest Error should thy Mind surprise, Believe not the Appearance of the Skies; They make a shew, they spread a Glaring Light To lead thee on, but never guide thee right; Let Active Thought assisting Sense pursue Goy Truth's retreat, and take an open view: What ever Things are born, their Minds receive The fatal Temper which that Sign can give That governs in the Tenths, the Foreign Ray, Tempers the Mass, and forms the easie Clay. A Thousand Reasons for this Truth appear From different Births belonging to One Star; Of all those Creatures, that at once do see The Light, scarce Two can perfectly agree; But different Tempers all the shapes adorn, As various as the Bodies that are born: For though one Chiefly Rules, yet others joyn And change the proper influence of that Sign: These Interchanges all our Thoughts distract, We think on other Signs, whilst others Act. Thus neither singly will the Ram bestow A Love to Cloathing, nor the Bull to Plough; To Hunt the Lion, nor the Crab to Trade; Learning the Twins, nor Eloquence the Maid;

The Scales to weigh, to measure, and to gage, Nor Poys'nous Scorpio arm unhappy Rage; The Fish to Sail, nor the Youth's Urn inspire To work in Water, nor the Goat in Fire. But many joyn, and these mixt Signs bestow Mixt Inclinations on the Births below: [ XXIII] A subtle and surprizing Task is shown, Much have I past,* 1.347 yet still you lead me on; These things seem dark whilst I the rest explore, Enjoy my Precepts, and complain no more. 'Tis God you search for, by my Aid you trie To climb, and view the inside of the Sky; Confin'd by Fate, you search its boundless sway, And seek to know the Laws you must Obey: The narrow Bounds of your own Breast you pass, Enjoy the World, and rove in the vast space: Painful, but always noble things are hard, Great is the Task, but equal the Reward: Nor let the various Maze thy Thoughts repress, Enter, and you are certain to possess. Is Gold thy Aim? What mighty Pains attend? Mountains are level'd, and the Mines descend Through Earth's deep Center; though she hides her Store We tear her up, and reach the hidden Oar: For shining Gems we cut the burning Zone, Such Dangers are the value of a Stone: The fearful Farmer makes his Yearly Vow, And Pain still presseth the deceiving Plow: In War no Danger's shun'd, we fight for Spoyl, E'en lazy Luxury leads us on to Toyl; For Food▪ and Cloaths from East to West we run, And Spendthrifts often sweat to be undone.

Are perishing Goods worth so much Pains and Cost, Hard to be got, and in injoyment lost? Then what must Heaven deserve?26 1.348 That Gold, that buys The rest, how disproportionate a Price! It asks a higher value, and to gain The God, lay out thy self, The Price is Man: Thus Fate's dispos'd, but yet the Work's not [ XXIV] done;* 1.349 For though the Powers of all the Signs are known, And how they joyn, how each rules every part, The Skill is small, and incompleat the Art: Observe the numerous parts of the Degrees What Heat doth scorch or what the Cold doth freeze, (Unfruitful both) where too much Moisture flows, Or Drought doth drain, and various Fates dispose: For different Qualities in Signs controul, There's nought all-over-equal in the whole. For view the Earth, the gliding Streams, or Flood, Faults are on all sides, Bad is mixt with Good. Thus Barren Seasons midst the Best appear, And a small Turn blasts all the Blooming Year. A Port turns Shelf, and the inglorious Sand Forfeits that Praise which once its Safety gain'd. Now Streams through Plains in smooth Meanders play, Then Roar o're Rocks, and force a rugged way. Such Inequality above appears, And thus the Sky is vary'd in the Stars; As Sig•• from Sign, so from it self the same Doth disagree, and spread unequal Flame; And Signs, whose Sovereign influence Births do find In One Degree, are in the next unkind:

Those things these parts o're••rule▪ no Joys shall know Or little Pleasure over-mixt with Woe▪ These parts,* 1.350 if such can be to Verse confin'd, My Muse must Sing, and ease my troubled Mind; For though 'tis various, yet the Subject's bound To words but few, and all of equal sound; So that it must be mean, it must refuse The turn of Verse, though fashion'd by a Muse. And that, though labor'd, Line must bald appear That brings ungrateful Musick to the Ear. But since I must the Laws of ••ate rehearse The settled Matter must direct my Verse; No Room for Fiction, I must things declare, Not as they may be feign'd, but as they are. It is enough the God is barely shewn, Rich in himself he shines, and great alone▪ Nor should the World be so to Words betray'd As to be thought ennobled by their Aid: This spurs me on, and I forget my Ease, The World must be oblig'd, and I must please; I must, if plainly I these parts comprise; Then learn the noxious portions of the Skies. The Fourth,* 1.351 and the Sixth Portions of the Ram Are hurtful parts, and spread unlucky flame;27 1.352 Nor doth the Seventeenth or the next display A kinder face, or shed a milder Ray: The Twenty First, Fifth, Seventh spread noxious Beams The Twelfth, and Fourteenth leaning to Extreams. The Bull's Ninth portion,* 1.353 did the Sign depend On me, should never shine upon a Friend: Add Three to Ten, or double Ten and Three, Take Two from Thirty, all these parts agree;

Twice Twelve, and twice Eleven count, and joyn The Seventeenth part as noxious in this Sign, Nor is the Thirtieth better than the Rest. The Twins First part doth hurtful Rays dispense,* 1.354 Nor doth their Childhood prove their Innocence; They're froward, pettish, and unus'd to smile, Their Third, and Seventh Degrees agree in Ill: The Fifteenth equals these, and Twenty sees Close on each side immoderate Degrees: To Twenty reckon Seven, or Five, or Nine, And all are hurtful portions of this Sign. Should Cancer boast a kind and gentle Reign,* 1.355 The First, and Third, and Sixth would plead in vain; The Eleventh, Fifteenth, and the Eighth Degrees, The Twentieth too could hope no more success: The Twenty Fifth, Seventh, Ninth, severely sway, The Seventeenth too with a malignant Ray Rules o're the Birth, and stamps the easie Clay. The flaming Lion in the First we fear,* 1.356 Nor doth the Fourth a milder Image bear; The Twenty Second, the Fifteenth, Tenth presage With th' Eight and Twentieth an unhappy Age. With hurtful Powers the Twenty Fifth is Curst, The Thirtieth too as noxious as the First. The First,* 1.357 and the Eleventh of the Maid, The Sixth, the Fourteenth, Eighteenth parts are bad: The Twenty First, and Fourth this Sign disgrace, Nor can the Thirtieth shew a better Face. Next view the Scales,* 1.358 the Seventh, and Fifth degree Is bad, add Eight to Ten, or Ten to Three; To Ten twice told add Seven, or Four, or Nine, All like the Thirtieth hurtful in this Sign.

〈…〉〈…〉,* 1.359 and Tenth black Scor∣pio's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And in 〈…〉〈…〉 make Mal••gnant Laws; The Twenty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Eighth, Fifth, and Ninth betray His 〈…〉〈…〉 R••ge in an unhappy Ray: Would* 1.360 〈…〉〈…〉 thee choice, forbear to choose The 〈…〉〈…〉 Degree, the Eighth refuse; The 〈…〉〈…〉 parts portend A wretched 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and an untimely End: The Twenty Fourth, Sixth, Eighth Degrees molest, Nor is the Thirtieth better than the Rest. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Goats contracted Star, Nor Seventh,* 1.361 nor Ninth shall be my earnest Prayer; Nor that which Twenty doth of One deprive, Or Three, or adding gives it Six or Five. To Ten add One,* 1.362 or Five, or Nine, or Three And you are sure to find a bad Degree: Add One, Five, Nine to Twenty, hurtful Streams Flow from the Vrn, and spread unlucky Beams. The Fishes close the Signs▪* 1.363 their parts confest As noxious, and as guilty as the Rest; For Three, Five, Seven, or Ten when joyn'd with Seven, Or One, mark hurtful Portions of the Heaven. Five multiply'd by Five is hardly clear'd, And Seven to Twenty added's to be fear'd: All these are noxious Portions of the Sky, Too Hot, or Cold, or else too Moist, or Dry. [ XXV] This known,* 1.364 the Work is not compleatly done, The Labours still increase as you go on; The Time makes difference, as they Rise, new force They gain, and after lose it in their Course. Thus when the Ram ascends,* 1.365 and proudly turns His bending backward Neck before his Horns

To Mortal Eyes, the wretched Births are Curst With Ravenous Tempers, and inflam'd with Lust: All Modesty shall be to Gold betray'd, Nor Parents Care secure the easie Maid: These Tempers are his own; as Fancy leads He roves, and wantons o're the flowry Meads: Forward to push, and as the Grass renews His wasted Strength, he Courts the willing Ews. To Travel he inclines through Lands unknown, He Ploughs new Seas, and makes the World his own: This he prefigur'd when his Back convey'd Young Phryxus safe, and lost the falling Maid. The Bulls bright part that first appears,* 1.366 creates Vile Pathicks scandals to the other Fates. The Cause, if it be fit to search for one When Nature works, may easily be shewn; His Back-part first appears, in that he bears The narrow Cloudy Train of Female Stars: And thus the Posture, and the Sex combine To shew the Influence of the rising Sign: He bends to Plow, and o're the Fruitful Plains The Labouring Ox grows Fat upon his Pains. But when their Feet the rising Twins do shew,* 1.367 And half appear above, half lye below, The Births are happy, all their Parts refind, And Arts enrich the Treasures of their Mind▪ Ready their Wit, persuasive is their Tongue, In Musick skill'd, and excellent in Song: These are the Powers their rising Rays dispense, They Wit bestow, and fix that Wit with Sense. When rouling Cancer riseth vaild in Clouds,* 1.368 I'th' Skies as deeply hid as in the Floods,

〈…〉〈…〉 depriv'd of Light; The 〈…〉〈…〉 vain for ••ight; By Fates a V••rse condemn'd to double Death, Dead whilst Alive, and Buryed whilst they breath: But when the Lion shews his ravenous Jaws Prepar'd for 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.369 and unsheaths his Paws, A 〈…〉〈…〉 who minds himself alone, He wrongs his Father, and he cheats his Son; His Race in vain with expectation wait, For in himself he buries his Estate; So vast his Gluttony, his Lust so wild That he d••vours him self, yet is not ••ill'd: And whilst his Appetite proceeds to crave He eats his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and he spends his Grave. When Virgo rises,* 1.370 (who whilst Right prevail'd Rul'd here below▪ retreating when it fail'd) To awful Honors all the Births must rise Profoundly skill'd in Sacred Mysteries: Good, Pious, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Devout, unus'd to Rage And great Examples to the looser Age: But when Autumnal Seales do first appear Happy the Birth,* 1.371 he shall be known from far, The Glory of the Bench, and of the Bar; He justest Laws shall make, and Life and Death Depend upon the Issues of his Breath; Him Towns shall ••ear, the Earth observe his Nod, And after Earth the Heaven enjoy a God. Thus Act these Signs,* 1.372 but Scorpio's Tayl displays A double Influence from his Forked Rays; For when that first appears, the Peaceful Child Shall Cities Raise, and be inclin'd to build; The World shall see him with his28 1.373 Plow surround The place design'd, and mark the fatal Bound;

Or he shall wast what others Pains did raise, Where Populous Cities stood, there Beasts shall graze, Or Harvests grow; He leads to these Extreams, And Power agreeing wai••s upon his Beams. Bold Sagittarius,* 1.374 when he first appears, Heats the gay Birth, and makes him fam'd for Wars; In Triumphs great, the Wonder of the Crowd, By Captives carry'd, he almost a God Shall climb the Capitol, bright Fame pursue, Old Cities raze, or grace the Earth with New: But ill suc••••ess, (his Forehead's wreath'd with Frowns) Shall wast his Fame, and blast his gather'd Crowns. Thus Conquering Hannibal, by this Sign betray'd Before his flight perceiv'd his Wreaths to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, He paid for Trelia's and for Cannae's fame, And recompenc'd our Losses by his shame. But when the narrow Goat erects his Tail He drives to Sea,* 1.375 and much inclines to Sail, Ignoble Trade then Ploughs the dangerous Main, And precious Life is meanly stak'd for Gain▪ The Good, the Pious, and the Iust are born When first Aquarius* 1.376 pours out his Vrn. But could I rule, could I the Fates design, The rising Fishes* 1.377 ne're should govern mine; They give a Hateful, Pratling, Railing Tongue, Still full of Venom, always in the wrong; That blows up Jealousies▪ and heightens Fears, By mutterring Poys'nous Whispers in Mens Ears. Faithless the Births, and full of wild desire; Their Faith is Treachery, and their Love is Fire. For when the Skies grew weak, when Giants strove, And snaky Typhon shook the Throne of Iove;

Fair 〈…〉〈…〉 and in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shape (This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 knows) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her mean eseape; Then did she through the Scaly Kind inspire New 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and with the Ocean mixt her Fire. No sing•••• Births, for when this Sign begins, Twins shall he Born, or those that shall have Twins. Now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what Sign•• o're different Lands 〈◊〉〈◊〉 But first take this short figure of the whole: 〈…〉〈…〉* 1.378 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and South, on either side, These Quarters lie oppos'd, the World divide: As many Winds from the••e four Quarters file, And fight and rattle, thro' the empty sky▪ Rough 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 North, bears Frost and Snows, And from the East, the gentle Eurus blows. Wet Auster from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 South is thrown, And pleasing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cools the setting Sun. 'Twixt these two other Winds their Seats do claim,* 1.379 Alike in Nature, different but in Name. Around the Earth the liquid Ocean plays, The Ball enclosing with a soft Embrace; But yet on many parts, Earth's bending sides, Or open ••ays receive the flowing Tides. The Sea admitted from the Western Shores,* 1.380 Doth on the Right Hand wash the swarthy Moors; And Lybia's Sands, where once great Carthage stood, Then o're the Syrtes whirls the rapid Flood; And thence to Egypt it directly flows, Where what dry Heaven denies, the Nile bestows. The Left Hand Sea by Spain and France extends, And follows Conquering Italy as it bends;

Till into Streights the burking Sylla draws, And whirls it round Charybdis greedy Jaws; Loos'd from these Streights, the Flouds spread wide again, And freely flow in the Ionian Main: Then on the left they turn, and winding flow, Fair Italy surround, and drink the Po. Then make rough Adria's Gulph; the other side Illyrium washes with a gentle Tide, Sees Epire's Cliffs, and Corinth's lofty Towers, Then winds round plain Morea's open Shores. Thence Northward into vast recesses tost The Sea confines the Learn'd Achaia's Coast: Thence North and Eastward the unwilling Flood Confin'd by Streights, and stain'd with Helle's Blood To fam'd Byzantium cuts its winding way, And joyns Propontis to the Euxine Sea; Behind whose back the Lake Meotis lies Receives full Tanais, and the Sea supplies. Hence when the Circling Waves return again The weary Sailer to the Open Main, He cuts th' Icarian, and th' Aegaean Tide By Asia's Coasts, and wonders at their Pride: And whilst the left hand Course he still pursues As many Trophies, as he places views; A thousand Nations,29 1.381 Taurus mount, that threats The Floods, the Bay that from the Sea retreats Parcht Syria's Plains, and the Cilician Seats, Till he at last to Egypt turns his Oars And sees the Waves dye on the swarthy Shores. Thus ruling Nature draws her bounding Lines, Checks midland Seas, and all their Rage confines. Yet midst this Sea a thousand Islands rise;* 1.382 ••hap'd like a Foot the low Sardinia lies

Near 〈…〉〈…〉 with Fires, But just 〈…〉〈…〉, And 〈…〉〈…〉. Iove's 〈◊〉〈◊〉-place Crete appears, a goodly Isle, And Cyprus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the adverse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 A 〈…〉〈…〉 these Seas, Rhodes, Delos, 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉, and by Sardinia's side Lies Corsica, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the coming Tide; Near the 〈…〉〈…〉 the Baleares Reign, And 〈…〉〈…〉 Main. Ten 〈…〉〈…〉 disperse, Too little to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 too mean for Verse. No•• 〈…〉〈…〉 but one single way Attempt the Earth,* 1.383 and force an open Bay, It tries on every side, But Mountains bound Insulting Billows, and preserve the Ground; For 'twixt the Summer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Northern Pole Through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Channels secret Waters roul, Till spread at last upon the open Plain They make the Caspian like the Euxine Main. Southward encroaching Waters doubly press,* 1.384 O'reflow the Earth, and in a vast recess One part more East runs on, and breaks a way Through Persi••'s Banks, and makes the Persian Bay: More West the other soft Arabia beats Where Incense grows,* 1.385 and pleasing Odor sweats, Which sends up Gums soft Luxury to please, And reconcile the angry Deities: Strange that the same, when differently apply'd, Should calm the Rage of Heaven, and serve our Pride. This Bay is call'd th' Arabian Gulph, the Name The Country gives it, and 'tis great in Fame.

Thus lie the Seas;* 1.386 Earth midst this mighty Flood Contains, first Africk, where proud Carthage good; Once great in Arms, and whose extend••d sway O're Libya stretcht, and made the Spains obey: When Hannibal wrapt Alban Towns in flame, And eterniz'd the bloody Trebia's Name; When led by ••ate he March'd to overcome, And pour'd his swarthy Libya upon Rome: When gasping Consuls groan'd on every Plain, And Canna's Fields were burd'ned with the slain. Here Nature angry with Mankind prepares Strange Monsters, Instruments30 1.387 of future Wars; Here Snakes, those Cells of Poyson, take their Birth, Those living Crimes and grievance of the Earth; Fruitful in its own Plag••es, the Desart shore Hears Elephants, and frightful Lions roar; Serious it seems in all thess Monstrous shapes, But sports in the lewd Limbs of Mimick Apes. The Country's large, the Barren Plains extend A mighty space, and then in Egypt end. Thence Asia spreads,* 1.388 a fruitful Soil, the Streams Roul Golden Sand, the Ocean shines with Gems; The Trees drop Balsom, and on all the Boughs Health sits, and makes it Sovereign as it flows. Thence India lies, a Land more large than thought, The Parthians oft, though not securely fought; They flying still delude Rome's firmer Powers, And yet Command a different World from Ours. These Taurus bounds, whose threatning Mountains rise To awful Hights, and wound the lower Skies; A thousand Nations lie by Tanais flood Which cuts the Scythia's stain'd with humane blood;

By Lake Meotis, and the Euxine Tide Which Nature sets as bounds to Asia's Pride. Europe* 1.389 remains, which first the Beauteous load Receiv'd, and where the Bull confess'd the God; Hence came its Name, in that the grateful Iove Hath Eterniz'd the Glory of his Love: Here Greece is seen, with Ruin'd Antient Troy, And shew'd what Fates attend unlawful joy: A Country Rich in Men of wondrous parts, The place of Learning, and the Seat of Arts: Here Ath••ns stands, which makes the best pretence To Sovereignty in Wit and Eloquence: For Courage Sparta, and for Deities Fam'd Thebes, whose Heroes People half the Skies: Epirus, Thessaly, whose lasting Praise One single Pyrrhus, and Achilles raise. To these Illyrium joyns, and Warlike Thrace, The Seat of Mars, and breeds a stubborn Race. Thence31 1.390 Germany, a mighty Country runs, And wonders at the vastness of her Yellow Sons. Thence South and Westward in a fertile Plain Lies France, for Tribute fam'd, for Battels Spain: But Italy Crowns all, whom Rome hath given Command of Earth, and joyns32 1.391 her self to Heaven: These Bounds the Earth,* 1.392 and these the Seas con∣fine, And God allots to every part a Sign; No Land is free, no stately Town deny'd The kind Protection of a Starry Guide: For as in Man, the work of Hands Divine, Each Member lies allotted to a Sign; And as the Body is the common care Of all the Sings, each Limb enjoys a share:

(The Ram defends the Head, the Neck the Bull, The Arms bright Twins are subject to your Rule; I'th' Shoulders Leo, and the Crab's obey'd I'th' Breast, and in the Guts the modest Maid, I'th' Buttocks, Libra, Scorpio warms desires I'th' secret parts, and spreads unruly fires: The Thighs, the Centaur, and the Goat Commands The Knees, and binds them up with double bands. The parted Legs, in cold Aquarius meet, And Pisces gives protection to the Feet.) So in the greater World, the Members share Celestial Rulers, and enjoy their Care: Hence different Men,* 1.393 in different Climes we view, They vary in their shape, or in their Hue; The Matter's common, and in all the same, But private Stamps, distinctly mark the Frame. Vast Yellow Offsprings are the German's Pride, Whilst Neighbouring France is not so deeply dy'd: But hotter Climates narrower Frames obtain, And low-built Bodies are the growth of Spain: Hesperia mixeth sweet with many Grace, And temper'd Mars appears in every Face: Whilst active Greece produceth finer parts, Their looks betray their Exercise and Arts: Short Curl'd up Hair the Sons of Syria grace, Whilst Ethiopia's Blackness stains the Face, With Horrid Shapes she does her Sons expose, Distends their swelling Lips, and f••ats their Nose: Less India blackens, less it Crusts the Mass, And mixeth Colours in the Tawny Face: But Egypt's slimy Plains affect the sight With brighter Colours, and approach to White. Par••ht Lybia burns her Sons, the vilest Shapes She shews, and scarce divides her Men from Apes:

Whilst Mauritania doth disgust the Eye, (Her Name betrays it) with the blackest Dye. Tho' each Speech Organs fram'd alike employs, How many Languages confound the Voice? How different Vertues Reign, how different Crimes? Mens Manners are as various as the Climes. Like Trees transplanted by the Farmer's Toyl; Vice turns to Vertue, in another Soyl. Tho' Seed the same, yet different Fruits are born, Thus Yellow Ceres varies in her Corn. Nor doth the Vine on every Hill produce Like Grapes, nor Bacchus press an equal Juice. Rich Cinnamon, not every Country bears, Nor are all Fields bedew'd with Myrrha's Tears. Nor is this great variety exprest In Man, and Fruits alone, but it divides the Beast: Here Lions roar, and there in dreadful Wars The high-built Elephant his Castle rears; Looks down on Man below, and strikes the Stars. As many parts, so many Worlds appear, For every part is subject to a Star; They spread their Influence, and the Countreys play A due compliance to the Fatal Ray. Plac't midst the pleasing Vernal Signs,* 1.394 the Ram Commands the narrow Streight o're which he swam; When from the Mothers Rage, his Fleece convey'd The Brothers safe, and dropt the falling Maid; Content he swam, and with his Burthen pleas'd, He mourn'd his Loss, and griev'd to be so eas'd: The near Propontis too his Beams obeys, And Syria feels the Influence of his Rays: The loose Garb'd Persians, know his gentle Rule, Their Garments bear Relation to his Wool:

With Nile that swells at Fiery Cancers Beams, And Egypt drown'd by its ore-••••owing Streams, Cold Scythia's Rocks, Arabia's wealthy Groves,* 1.395 And powerful Asia, Taurus Empire proves, Rich in their Corn, and wanton in their Loves. The boysterous Euxine,* 1.396 bent like Scythian bows, Beneath the Twins subjection gladly s••ows, And they of Ganges infant Streams dispose. The swarthy Indians Fiery Cancer sways,* 1.397 His Rule the Blackness of their Hue betrays, And Ethiopia's heated with his Ray. The Phrygian Plains the large Bithynian Woods The33 1.398 Servant of the Mother of the Gods, The Lion own,* 1.399 the Cappadocian Shoar With fierce Armenia, hear the Lion Roar. And Macedon, that all the World subdu'd, Submits to the Great Monarch of the Wood. In happy Rhodes the gentle Maids ador'd,* 1.400 Rhodes, the retirement of our future34 1.401 Lord: Blest Island truly Sacred to the Sun, E're since in thee the Glorious Coesar Shone, The World's great Light, whom with expecting Eyes; Mankind desires, and longs to see him rise. The Dorick Plains, the rich Ionian Towns, Arcadia Rival to the waining Moons: With Warlike Caria high in Antient Fame Owe all Subjection to her modest Flame. What Sign,* 1.402 could you dispose the Signs, should fall To Latium's share, but that which poizeth all; To which by Nature, it must needs belong To value things, and separate Right from Wrong. In which the Times are weigh'd, and Day with Night Are met, the Darkness equal to the Light:

The Scales rule Italy, where Rome Commands, And spreads it Empire wide to Foreign Lands: They hang upon her Nod, their Fates are weigh'd By her, and Laws are sent to be obey'd: And as her powerful Favour turns the Poize, How low some Nation's sink and others rise: Thus guide the Scales, and then to fix the Doom, They gave us35 1.403 Caesar, Founder of our Rome. The following Sign rules Carthage Conquer'd Towers,* 1.404 Subject they lie, to Scorpio's Scaly Powers; With Lybia's Sand, and Egypt's fruitful Soil, The slimy36 1.405 Gift of the o're-flowing Nile. Large Bounds, but yet too narrow to confine The vast Ambition of this craving Sign; He claims the Isles of the Italian Main, And low Sardinia's subject to his Reign. To Crete the Centaur makes an hateful claim,* 1.406 And still keeps up the Memory of its shame: It bore a Centaur once, and that confines The Isle to the same Figure in the Signs: To him their Skill and Darts, the Cretans owe, And imitate the sureness of his Bow. Trina••ria follows, Crete's Example draws Her Sister Isle, and yields it to his Laws; And Latium's Shores, which narrow Friths dis∣joyn, Here baffle Nature, and in him combine, Nor would be differenc'd by another Sign. The West,* 1.407 and Northern Parts, rich France and Spain, Contracted Goat, are subject to thy Reign, And Germany, since37 1.408 Varus stain'd thy Shore, A Seat for Beasts, and fit for Man no more:

This monstrous Sign hath variously engrost, (He Rules at Sea and Land) thy doubtful Coast, Now Earth appearing, now in Water lost. But Young Aquarius with his watry Fires,* 1.409 From Egypt to the Clydae Isles retires; The stout Cilicians, and the Neighbouring Plain With Sailing Tyre are subject to his Reign. When Heaven grew weak,* 1.410 and a successful fight The Giants rais'd, and Gods were sav'd by flight; From Snaky Typhon's Arms, a Fishe's shape Sav'd Venus, and secur'd her from a Rape: Euphrates hid her, and from thence his Streams Owe all Obedience to the Fish's Beams. Wide Parthia's Plains confin'd by mighty Rocks, The Nations round, long bent unto its Yokes With Tigris Streams, the Red-Sea's shining Shores Are Subject to the Heavenly Fish's Powers. Thus Earth's divided,* 1.411 these the Signs that sway Its Portions, and the Parts their Beams obey; These Signs the Tempers of their Empires show, The Parts above, directing those below, Their Powers infuse: And thus as Ruling Signs Are now Oppos'd, and now agree in Trines, Or other Site maintain, which Site directs Their Fatal Influence, various in Effects; So Towns with Towns, and roaring Seas with Seas, And Land with Land, or differs or agreees. And as these Signs direct, so Men should choose This Town, this Country, or that Seat refuse; Here Hate expect, there surest Friendship prove, As Heaven directs, and Stars decree above.

[ XXVII] But now attend,* 1.412 for Signs Eccliptick claim Thy Care, and learn the Reason of the Name: For some, as weary'd in their tedious Race, Grow restiff, dull, nor keep their usual pace. Nor is this strange, for th••ough the mighty Frame There's nothing that continues still the same: As Years wheel round, a change must needs ensue, Things lose their former State, and take a new. Now tir'd with Births, the Fields refuse to bear, Now unmanur'd, prevent the Till••r's care. Dilated Vapours ••ear the solid Earth, Strong the Convulsions at the Fatal Birth; Vast Mountains sink: And now his large Com∣mand Neptune extends, and Seas o're-spread the Land, Contemning Shores: Thus were the Towns o're∣flow'd When Mankind's single Heir Deu••alion stood On steep Parnassus, to repair the Stock, The spacious World possessing in one Rock. And when bold Phaeton, with unequal force The Chariot fill'd, and drove the Flaming Horse; The Earth took Fire, Heaven saw the Stars recoil, And frighted Nature fear'd one common Pile. So much as Years roul round, the mighty Frame Is chang'd, yet still returns to be the same: And so the Stars, whilst they revolve their Course, Now lose their Power, and now regain their force. The Reason's plain,* 1.413 for when depriv'd of Light, The Moon Ecclipst, lies vail'd in sudden Night;

Whilst hindring Earth diverts her Brother's Ray, These Signs Eccliptick feel the same decay; They feeble grow, they hang their bending Head, And mourn, and pine, as if the Moon were dead. Now Signs Eccliptick (see the Name betray Unusual Languor, and a weak decay,) Grow weak by Pavis, and those not Neighbouring Signs, But Opposite; for thus our Art defines, Because the Moon then only feels decay, When Opposite unto her Brother's Ray. Nor is this Languor, nor these Times of Grief Alike to All, some quickly find relief; Some Languish long, and e're their Mourning's done, The Sun goes round, and all the Year is run. But when their Grief is o're,* 1.414 the next in turn Begin to Languish, and prepare to Mourn; The next in turn, that are in Order plac't On either side, the Two that Languish't last: To speak distinctly,38 1.415 those two Signs that view And leave the Earth before the former two. Not that the Earth doth noxious Powers dispense, Or Subject Heaven to its dull Influence; But since the World turns round, the Orb obeys, And Signs abate the vigour of their Rays, Not by Earth's Influence, but by their place. But what avail my Songs, if all refuse [ XXVIII] The profer'd Aid of my obliging Muse?* 1.416 If puny fear forbids our Hopes to rise, To enter boldly, and enjoy the Skies? What Nature hides, (for thus Objections teach) Is deeply hid, too deep for Man to reach.

Vast the Recess! Though stubborn Fate should Reign, And we know this, yet all the search were vain, Since none can find the Links that make the Chain. Fond Mortals! why should we our selves abuse? Nor use those Powers which God permits to use? Basely detract from the Celestial mind, And close our Eyes, endeavouring to be blind? We see the Skies, then why should we despair To know the Fatal Office of each Star? To open Nature, to unvail her Face, Go in, and tread the Order of the Maze? Why should we not employ the Gifts bestow'd By Heaven, in knowing the kind Author of the Good? Our Work grows short, we may surround the Ball, Make the whole World our own, and live in all: Through what remains, we now with Ease may pierce, Take, and enjoy the Captive Universe: Our Parent Nature we, her parts, descry, And Heaven-born Souls affect their Father Skie: For who can doubt that God resides in Man, That Souls from Heaven descend, and when the Chain Of Life is broke, return to Heaven again? As in the Greater World aspiring Flame, Earth, Water, Air, make the Material Frame; But through these Members a Commanding Soul Infus'd, directs the Motions of the whole; So 'tis in Man, the lesser World, the Case Is Clay, unactive, and an Earthly Mass; Bloods Circling Streams the Purple Soul convey, The Ruling Mind uniting to the Clay:

Then who can wonder that the World is known So well by Man, since he himself is One? The same Composure in his Form is shew'd, And Man's the little Image of the God. Now other Creatures view, how mean their Birth, The Rubbish, and the Burdens of the Earth: Some hang in Air, some float upon the Waves, Born for our use, and bred to be our Slaves. All their Enjoyments are consin'd to Sense, The easie Works of wary Providence. But since they Reason want, their Tongues are mute, How mean, how low a Creature is a Brute? No Mysteries disclos'd, commend their Parts, Nor are they Subjects capable of Arts; How hard the Labour, yet how often vain To bring them foolishly to Ape a Man? But ruling Man extends his larger sway Beyond himself, and makes the World obey; Wild Beasts are tam'd, The Fields are forc't to bear, And Recompence the Labours of the Share. In vain the Sea disjoyns the distant Shores, His Sails the Winds command, the Floods his Ores. Alone erect his Form doth nobly rise, Up to the Stars he lifts his Starry Eyes, And takes a nearer Prospect of the Skies: He searches Iove, and whilst his Thoughts do trace His kindred Stars, in them he finds his Race. No outside Knowledge fills his vast Desires, The more he riseth, he the more aspires. We think it Reason that in Augury We should on Birds, and slaughter'd Beasts rely▪ And can the Fates be less in Stars exprest, Than in a Bird, or Entrails of a Beast?

When God his Mind in meaner things declares, Should he neglect the Glory of the Stars? Besides, the World is eager to be known, Our search provoking still; for rouling on It shews us all its parts, displays its Light, And constantly intrudes upon our Sight: His Face unvail'd, God doth so plainly shew, That if we will but look, we needs must know: He draws our Eyes, nor doth our search forbid; What Powers he hides not, he would not have hid: Then who can think it impiously bold To search what we're encourag'd to behold? Nor think thy force too small, too weak thy Mind Because to Clay unequally confin'd; Its Power is wondrous Great; how small a Mass Of Gold or Gems, exceeds vast Heaps of Brass? How little is the Apple of the Eye? And yet at once, he takes in half the Sky: Nor dreads the disproportion to the Sense, The Organ small, the Object is immense: And from the narrow limits of the Heart, The Active Soul doth vigorous Life impart To all the Limbs, its Sway the Members own, Wide is its Empire from its petty Throne. Man know thy Powers, and not observe thy Size, Thy noble Power in pi••rcing Reason lies, And Reason conquers all, and rules the Skies. Nor must you vainly doubt that Man's allow'd To know Heaven's mind, since Man can make a God: A Star39 1.417 new rais'd, the Skie enlarg'd contains, And Heaven must still encrease whilst Caesar Reigns.

The End of the Fourth Book.

NOTES.

1 The Poet did not think of the Palladium as Scaliger imagines, but only of the Fire at Troy, which parted to let Aeneas go through with his Father, and his Household Gods.

2 Manilius makes only short Reflections on Hi∣story, and therefore is frequently obs••ure: He says here, that it was impossible one single Ae∣neas should have rais'd the Glory and Reputation of ruin'd Troy, and made it then conquer, when it was overthrown, by building Rome which sub∣du'd the whole World; for Rome rose out of the Ruins of Troy; unless some over-ruling Power and Fate had ordain'd it should be so.

3 Romulus; and Remus, the Founders of Rome, were but Shepherds.

4 I chuse to read Auxissent Culmina rather than vexissent, or duxissent Fulmina, and render Cul∣mina a Cottage.

5 If Manilius be suppos'd to keep the Order of Time in his Historical Reflections, I must own I have not hit his meaning in this place; for no doubt he had an Eye upon the Wars between the Sabines and Romulus: but then I cannot imagine what those Words Captus & à Captis Orbis foret mean: I cannot think with Soaliger and Huetius that he runs back to Troy, which he had left seve∣ral Verses before, and therefore apply this passage to the taking and burning of Rome, and the be∣sieging the Capitol by the Gauls: And 'tis certain

the Poet in his following Reflections neglects the Order of Time very much.

6 The Stories of Mutius Scaevola, Horatius Cocles, the Virgin Claelia, and the Combat be∣tween the three Horatij on the Roman, and the three Curiatij on the Alban side, are well known.

8 Short Reflections on the great Accidents in the Second and Third Carthaginian Wars, toge∣ther with the Death of Hannibal.

9 He goes on with the Roman History, the unaccountable Fortunes of the Great Marius.

10 Pompey the Great, was a very notable Ex∣ample of the variety of Fortune, being on a sud∣den rais'd to the highest, and as soon thrown down to the lowest Condition in the World.

11 Cumjam etiam posses alium cognoscere Mag∣num: I hope I have given this Verse a better Sense, than the other Interpreters have done.

12 Caesar is said to be sprung from Heaven, because he was descended from Aeneas the Son of Venus: After his Murther an unusual Star ap∣pear'd, which the Flatterers of Augustus said was the Soul of his Father Caesar.

13 The Poet closeth his Examples with Re∣flections on the overthrow of Croesus, the Famous wealthy King of Lydia, who was taken by Cyrus; on the wretched Condition to which old Priam was reduc't; on the unaccountable overthrow of Xerxes; on the Advancement of Servius Tullus, who was the Son of a Bond-Woman, and yet came to be King of Rome, and on the Conduct of Metellus, who broke into the Temple of Vesta when it was on Fire, and brought out the Image of the Goddess.

14 —Mortes se{que} ipsae rursus fugiunt, er∣rant{que} per Ignes.

15 To reconcile the different Interpreters, I have hinted at both Paris, (or rather Hercules) and Leander.

16 Furius Camillus was the restorer of Rome, after it had been taken and burnt by the Gauls: Of the Family of the Decij there were Three, who voluntarily devoted themselves to Death, for the Good and Prosperity of their Country: Cato Vticensis, who kill'd himself that he might not survive the Liberty of Rome.

17 Alluding to the Tryal of skill between Pal∣las and Arachne, describ'd by Ovid, in the Sixth Book of his Metamorphosis.

18 M. Curius Dentatus and Serranus were both fetcht from the Plough, to Command the Roman Armies, fought bravely, and Triumpht.

19 For this the Poets fancy'd to be the Bull that carry'd Europa into Crete.

20 Scaliger thinks Manilius means such as keep Beasts for publick Shews, and to fight in the Theaters; and this Interpretation I rather follow than that of Huetius, who fancies the Poet means by this pompous Description no more than inno∣cent, honest Butchers.

21 Palamedes is said to be the first Man amongst the Greeks, who invented Cyphers, and taught Men to cast Account: I have enlarg'd his Cha∣racter, and taken notice of his invention of Let∣ters.

22 Servius Sulpitius, the Great Lawyer, and Acquaintance of Cicero.

23 Of the Docility of Elephants, we meet with numerous Examples: Seneca mentions one, that play'd at Ball: Another, that would Dance on a Rope, &c. The Travellers in the East are full of strange Stories concerning those Animals; and Lipsius in his Epistles, will furnish any Man with more Stories than he will readily believe.

24 If Alchymy was more Antient than Mani∣lius, as Huetius himself grants, I see no Reason why the Poet might not speak of the Alchymists: The Interpretation I have given, I am sure, sounds better than that of Huetius.

25 The Tenths: This is a new word, but an∣swers to Decanioa in Manilius: Decanica signifies Ten Degrees, and the Decanus is Lord of Ten Degrees: The several Lords are these,

In Aries

• Aries
• Taurus
• Gemini

In Gemini

• Libra
• Scorpius
• Sagittar.

In Leo

• Aries
• Taurus
• Gemini

In Libra

• Libra
• Scorpius
• Sagittar.

In Taurus

• Cancer
• Leo
• Virgo

In Cancer

• Capricor.
• Aquarius
• Pisces

In Virgo

• Cancer
• Leo
• Virgo

In Scorpius

• Capricor.
• Aquarius
• Pisces

In Sagittar.

• Aries
• Taurus
• Gemini

In Aquarius

• Libra
• Scorpius
• Sagittar.

In Capricor.

• Cancer
• Leo
• Virgo

In Pisces

• Aries
• Taurus
• Pisces

26 Quantum est quo veniat Omne, I have fol∣low'd the Interpretation of Scaliger; but do not reject the Opinion of Huetius: Though of less force than Scaliger's.

27 The Hurtful Degrees.

In Aries

• 4. 6. 12.
• 14. 17. 18.
• 21. 25. 27.

In Gemini

• 1. 3. 7.
• 15. 19. 21.
• 25. 27. 29.

In Leo

• 1. 4. 10.
• 15. 22. 25.
• 28. 30.

In Libra

• 5. 7. 13.
• 18. 24. 27.
• 29. 30.

In Sagittar.

• 4. 8. 12.
• 16. 20. 24.
• 26. 28. 30.

In Taurus

• 9. 13. 17.
• 22. 24. 26.
• 28. 30.

In Cancer

• 1. 3. 6.
• 8. 11. 15.
• 17. 20. 25.
• 27. 29.

In Virgo

• 1. 6. 11.
• 14. 18. 21.
• 24. 30.

In Scorpio

• 1. 3. 6.
• 10. 15. 22.
• 25. 28. 29.

In Capric.

• 7. 9. 13.
• 17. 19. 25.
• 26.

In Aquarius

• 11. 13. 15.
• 19. 21. 25.
• 29.

In Pisces

• 3. 5. 17.
• 11. 17. 25.
• 27.

28 Alluding to the Custom of the Romans, who, when they design'd to build a City, took a Plow, and made Furrow a where the Walls were to stand.

29 Vossius, In his Observations on Catullus, P. 204. Reads,

—Taurum{que} minantem Fluctibus.—

30 Pyrrhus made use both of Elephants and Snakes, in his Wars against the Romans.

31 Germany, which comprehends all the Nor∣thern tract of Land beyond Thrace.

32 Rome had Temples Dedicated to her, and was look'd upon to be a Goddess.

33 The Poets feign'd that Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, rode in a Chariot drawn by two Lions.

34 Tiberius being under the displeasure of Augu∣stus, was sent to the Island Rhodes, and liv'd there some time.

35 Vossius out of his Ancient Manuscript Reads, Qua genitus Caesar{que} meus qui hanc condidit urbem.

36 I know Donata Regna may bear another Sense, but this will do as well.

37 Whom, in the time of Agustus, the Ger∣mans destroy'd, and cut off all the Legions he Commanded.

38 Thus when Aries and Libra are Eccliptick, the two next Eccliptick are Pisces and Virgo.

39 Alluding to Iulius Caesar, Deify'd by Au∣gustus.

MANILIUS.

The Fifth Book.

Having explain'd the general influence of the Twelve Signs of the Zodiack, and given a particular account of their interchanges with one another, and how they incline when they rise; after a short Preface, in which he mag∣nifies his own Industry, and unweary'd dili∣gence in this Subject: He goes on, 1. To shew what Constellations rise with the several Degrees of the Twelve Signs, and then what Tempers they bestow, and to what Studies they incline: For instance, 2. The Northern Rudder of the Ship, riseth with the fourth Degree of Aries, and those that are then Born, shall be inclin'd to Sail, and prove good Pilots: 3. Orion riseth with the same De∣gree of Aries, and those that are Born under his Influence, shall be Men of busie, active Tempers, Solicitors, cringing Parasites and Flatterers: 4. Heniochus or the Driver, riseth with the fifteenth Degree of Aries, and makes Charioteers, Horse-Racers, and Men

skill'd in all sorts of Horseman-ship: 5. With the Twentieth Degree of Aries, the Hoedi or the Kids rise, and those, being wanton Stars, produce nothing that is Vertuous or Noble: Their Births are wanton, light, and lustful, and never Couragious, but in pursuit of some shameful lewd Pleasure; some of their Births, are peculiarly delighted in feeding and keeping Goats: 7. With the Twenty-se∣venth Degree of Aries, rise the Hyades: And their Births are always turbulent and Seditious, prone to Factions, restless Pha∣naticks, or else, they give their Minds to Country Affairs, feed Cattle, or turn Wag∣goners: 7. With the Thirtieth Degree of Aries, the Goat riseth; and those that are Born under that influence, shall be fearful, jealous, suspicious, and inconstant, or else inclin'd to Travel: 8. He says the Pleiades rise with the sixth Degree of Taurus; and the Men that are then Born, shall be gay, and humorous, witty, but too effeminate and soft, minding nothing but Dress, Gate, and Love: 9. The Hare riseth with the se∣venth Degree of Gemini or the Twins; and her Births are active and nimble, fit for all sports, all feats of activity, and slight of hand: 10. The Asses rise with the first De∣gree of Cancer; and those that are Born un∣der

their influence, shall be employ'd in all sorts of Hunting and Fishing: 11. With the twenty-seventh Degree of Cancer, Pro∣cyon or the little Dog rises, and that pro∣duceth such as weave Nets, make Spears, and all other Instruments of Huntsmen: 12. The Great Dog riseth with Leo, and being him∣self a Constellation of excessive heat; those that are Born under his influence, shall be full of Passion, Hate, Iealousie, and ungo∣vernable suspicion, and given to excess in Wine; their Heat shall lead them on to to dangers, and engage them to hunt wild Beasts. 13. With the last Degree of Leo, the Bowl appears, and inclines to plant and dress Vines; the Births shall be somewhat intemperate, inclin'd to Merchandise, and to trade in those Commodities, which cannot be brought to perfection without moisture: 14. With the fifteenth Degree of Virgo, the Crown of Ariadne riseth, and then the Births shall be Florists; they shall delight in making and perfuming Garlands, be Gay; Amorous, and affect neatness in their Habit. 15. The Sheaf riseth with the tenth Degree of Virgo, and inclines Men to look after Corn, to build Barns, to Grind and Bake Grain, and make it useful: 16. With the eighth Degree of Libra, the Arrow rises, and then

are Barn expert Darters, and good Bow-Men, such as Philoctetes, Teucer, and Alcon. 17. The Goat or Hoedus, riseth with some part of Libra, and produceth Tem∣pers quick and active, fit for Business, and covetous of Employment: somewhat loose, but honest to their Country, and Enemies to Knaves. 18. The Harp rising with some part of Libra, breeds Songsters and Musici∣ans; such as affect to Sing in Company, and are always humming to themselves. 19. The Altar rising with the eighth Degree of Scor∣pio, breeds Priests, Servants in Temples, and such as take care of and consult Oracles. 20. The Southern Centaur rising with the twelfth Degree of Scorpio, breeds Horse-Men, Charioteers, and Farriers. 21. With the fifth Degree of Sagittarius, Arcturus appears, and breeds Collectors of Customs, Treasurers for Kings, or Stewards for pri∣vate Mens Estates. 22. With the thirtieth Degree of Sagittarius, the Swan rises; and then are Born all kinds of Fowlers; such as Teach Birds to speak, to sing, or to decoy, &c. all their Employments shall be about Birds. 23. With some part of Ca∣pricon, Ophieuchus, or the Snake-holder ri∣seth, and produceth such as are skill'd in curing poison'd Persons, and such as cannot

be poison'd themselves. 24. With the last Degrees of Capricorn, the Southern Fish rising, breeds Anglers, Divers, Fishers for Pearls, &c. or at least, Traders for Fish and Pearls. 25. With some part of Capri∣corn the Harp, (or rather the Strings of it, for of the Shell Manilius hath already spoken) riseth, and produceth subtle Accusers, Iusti∣ces that shall examine nicely, and determine justly; or such as shall torture, and force the Guilty to Confession. 26. With some Degree of Capricon, the Dolphin riseth, and breeds all sorts of Swimmers, such as are nimble and active, and perform feats of activity, either in the Water, or on Land. 27. Cepheus rising with some Degree of Aquarius, breeds Men of Morose Tempers, such as are design'd for Guardians, or Tutors, Tragick Poets, and sometimes Comedians, Stage-Players, Pan∣tomimes, and all sorts of Actors. 28. With the twelfth Degree of Aquarius, the Eagle riseth, and breeds Men of the most violent Tempers, head-strong, and bloody, greedy of spoyl, and destroying every thing that oppo∣seth them; under-Officers in an Army, and Armor-bearers to a General. 29. Cassiopeia rising with the twentieth Degree of Aquarius, breeds Founders in Metals, Goldsmiths, Iewellers, &c. 30. With the twelfth De∣gree

of Pisces, Andromeda riseth, and breeds Goalers, and all sorts of Ex••cutioners, cruel, pitiless and bloody. 31. With the twenty-first Degree of Pis••es, the Horse riseth, and breeds strong, vigorous, active Men, excellent Horsemen, either for the Race or War, Farriers, and ••h••sitians. 32. With the thirtieth Degree of Pisces, the kneeling Constellation, or Hercules ap∣pears; and his Births are Lewd, Treache∣rous Villains, given to no useful Arts, at best Iuglers and Rope-dancers. 33. With the same Degree of Pisces, the Whale riseth, and produceth Fishers, Fishmongers, makers of Salt, &c. 34▪ The Bears (Manilius tells us, what he means by their rising) are joyn'd with Leo and Scorpio, and breed such as are employ'd in breeding Beasts, and par∣ticularly Bears. 35. There follows a frag∣ment, in which the Poet Treats of the seve∣ral magnitudes or sizes of the Stars, that make up the several Constellations.

It is confess'd that Manilius shews no great exactness in the Astronomical part of this Book▪ but the Astrology is perfect and▪ may for the most part be apply'd to the most cor∣rect Astronomy.

HEre at the Signs,* 1.418 those Paths of yearly light, Weak Minds would stop; nor dare a far∣ther flight: But through the Planets Orbs would take their Course At one full stoop from Heaven, and mark their force; What Mercury design'd, what Mars did dare, Or Luna thought on in her Gloomy care: What Sol would work, how Saturn look'd on Iove, And Venus manag'd her Intriegue of Love: No farther would their feeble Thoughts aspire, And other Stars had roul'd unheeded Fire. But since I'm once on wing, and rais'd on high, I'll boldly soar, and compass all the Sky; I'll visit every Star, and strive to know Their proper Powers, and how they Rule below: Avoid no labour, and no toyl refuse, Whilst constant Industry can aid my Muse. Here vast Orion Heaven's great part,* 1.419 the Streams, Whose Spacious Windings mix agreeing Beams; The Hero's Ship which now midst Stars doth Sail, The frightful Centaur, and the gaping Whale, The Dog, whose Fires o're all the World are rould, The watchful Keeper of the growing Gold; And Heaven's high Altar grac't with Gifts invite My eager Muse to take a larger flight. There where the Serpent twines betwixt the Bears,* 1.420 Where rouls the Driver, and still minds his Cares: Where slow Bootes drives his lingring Teams, Or Ariadne's Crown spreads Heavenly Beams:

Where Perseus soars with Gorgon's Spoyls above, And weilds his Fauchion to secure his Love: Where wretched Cepheus and his Wife beside The fair Andromeda still Curse their Pride; Or where1 1.421 oppos'd the scaly Dolphin lies To the swift Shaft, or where the Eagle flies, Or Starry Horse still runs, my Muse must move, And boldly visit every Star above. These I must Sing, their proper Powers explain, How when they rise, how when they set they Reign: And what Degrees they claim from every Sign, And what extend their force, and what confine: For when the World was Fram'd, the Mighty Cause These Powers bestow'd, and did Enact these Laws; How Signs should singly work, how Stars agree, And ••ettled all things by a firm Decree. [ II] First Golden Aries Shines, (who whilst he swam Lost part of's Freight,* 1.422 and gave the Sea a Name: Whose2 1.423 Skin destroy'd himself, whose Golden Spoyl Forc't fierce Medea, from her Native Soyl; Then Magick Arts to Cholchis Shores confin'd First Sail'd abroad, and Poyson swell'd the Wind:) And now as Victor o're the Conquer'd Deep He keeps his Power,* 1.424 and still Commands the Ship: For when the3 1.425 Northern Rudder rears its Flame, And in the fourth Degree, first joyns the Ram: Who ever's born, shall be to Sail inclin'd, He'll Plow the Ocean, and he'll tempt the Wind; He o're the Seas shall Love, or Fame pursue; And other Months, another4 1.426 Phasis view: Fixt to the Rudder, he shall boldly Steer, And pass those Rocks which5 1.427 Tiphys us'd to fear.

Had no such Births been born Troy's Walls had stood, No6 1.428 Wind-bound Navy, bought a Gale with Blood; No7 1.429 Xerxes Persia o're the Ocean roul'd, Dug a new Sea, nor yet confin'd an old. No Athens sunk by8 1.430 Syracusian Shores, Nor Lybia's Seas been choakt with Punick Oars, Nor had the World in doubt at Actium stood, Nor9 1.431 Heaven's great: Fortune floated on the Flood: Such Births as these their hopes to Seas resign, Ships spread their Sails, and distant Nations joyn, The World divided, mutual Wants invite To close again; and Friendly Ships unite. But when Orion on the left doth rise, [ III] Orion* 1.43210 1.433 the large Portion of the Skies; At whose appearance Day the Night invades, And frighted Darkness folds her Gloomy Shades: One fit for Business, quick of Mind is wrought, Of Body nimble, and of Active Thought: As if he were the11 1.434 People, all the Town He shall inhabit, every House his own: And one Salute, when12 1.435 Morning peeps, extend Through every Street, to All a Common Friend. But when the Ram first shews thrice five De∣grees, [ IV] The Driver rears his Chariot from the Seas;* 1.436 And climbs that Steep, whence blustering Boreas brings His North-East Blasts, and shakes their freezing Wings. He keeps his old Concern, and thence bestows Those various Arts which here on Earth he chose.

To drive the13 1.437 Chariot, to direct the Course, And hang with forward Lashes on the Horse; Now press directly, now wheel nimbly round, Out-strip the Wind, nor raise the dusty Ground; Or cross athwart, and force the rest to yield, Disperse the Crowd, and clear the gapeing Field: And tho' outstript, yet scorn to stoop to Fear, But, drive on Hope, and leave behind Despair. Or midst the Race from14 1.438 Horse to Horse to leap, Sport o're their Backs, and fix the dangerous step: Or Singly mounted break the Foaming Jaws, Throw well the Dart, and force a just applause. Hence influenc't at his Birth15 1.439 Salmoneus strove To vye with Lightning, and to Rival Iove; His Brazen Bridge, and Chariots fiercely hurl'd Must roar like Thunder, and must shake the World. Vain the attempt: But yet his Pride was high, And now he thought he had brought down the Sky: Proudly he rode, but winged Bolts pursue, And his feign'd Thunder's noise provok'd the True; He fell, and by his sad Example shew'd 'Twas Fate son Man, to be esteem'd a God. The fam'd Bellerophon first view'd the Light16 1.440 When this appear'd, and took his Aery Flight: O're Seas and Land he fled, and first began Through pathless Skies, a way unknown to Man. [ V] But when the Ram twice Ten Degrees doth shew,* 1.441 Where on the Right rough Boreas Tempests blow; The Kids appear: But never hope to find Severe in Manners, nor correct in Mind Their Births; from them no Censuring Catos come To settle Vertue, and adorn their Rome.

No temperate Scipio's, whose obliging Charms The Spaniards Conquer'd, and excell'd their Arms: Too great a work for them, their Rays inspire Soft Love, then heat that Love to fierce Desire: Still urging on, they boyl that Lust to Rage, And Lust, not Courage, make the Youth engage: By Death base Pleasure is ignobly bought, And the Misfortune hightned by the Fault: By them are some to keeping Goats inclin'd, The Kids being always mindful of their Kind: Thence Goatherds rise, whose Pipes in every Vale Soft Love inspire, and tell the moving Tale. But when the Ram hath doubled Ten Degrees, [ VI] And joyn'd seven more, then rise the Hyades;* 1.442 Whose Births delight in Tumults, hate soft Peace, Seditions seek, and live averse to Ease: The Desks the17 1.443 Gracchi, Souldiers crowd the Town They love to see, and scorn the peaceful Gown. They seek Contention, and when none appears They heighten Jealousies, and nourish Fears. Or meanly bent, they o're the fruitful Plain Their Cattle feed, or drive the lazy Wain: Such Minds these give, such Tempers these bestow, Curst Influence! rais'd too high, or bent too low. But when the Ram hath trebled Ten Degrees, [ VII] Shines all above,* 1.444 excluded all from Seas; The Goat (whose Bruitish Dugs did once improve The mighty Babe, and nurst the growing Iove; Who gave him strength to Thunder) first appears, Breeds timorous Births, and fills their Breasts with Fears. On slight Occasions, they with Doubts are Curst, Suspicious, jealous, fearing still the worst.

Or Travellers bent on foreign Lands they breed; Thus o're the Rocks Goats wander as they feed: Now seek this Plain, and then as fast pursue What tempts their ••ight, leave old, and seize the new. [ VIII] Thus far the Ram's concern'd, and next the Bull Joyns other Stars,* 1.445 and varies in its Rule: For mounting upward in his backward rise When Six Degrees appear, and grace the Skies, He shews the Pleiades:* 1.446 Whose Rays incline To Joys of Venus, and the Charms of Wine: Feasts their delight, where witty biting Drolls Raise Mirth, and Health swims round in flowing Bowls. Such are these Stars gay Births; their Face, their Dress They chiefly mind, and 'tis their work to please: Offended with their Sex, their Manly Hair With Pumice kill, and Curse those Limbs that bear. Female they seem; now borrow'd Curls must raise Their Heads, and Love must play in every Maze: Now Gems must bind them up, now loose behind Their Locks must flow, and wanton in the Wind: Affected in their Gate, grow Fops by Rule, And with great study, finish Nature's Fool. Yet high Ambition, and a Thirst to please (The Name of Vertue covers the Disease:) Still fire their Breasts, nor from their Souls re∣move, They would not only Love, but would be known to Love. [ IX] The Twins succeed, and when their Seventh Degree Swims rising o're the Surface of the Sea;* 1.447

The Hare appears,* 1.448 whose active Rays supply A nimble force, and hardly Wings deny: The Whirlbats falling Blow they nimbly shun; And win the Race, e're they begin to run. Let Feasts unbend the Clowns, let Labour yield To Sport and Mirth, and Pastime Crown the Field; None give so sure▪ and none avoid the Fall So well; or catch and turn the flying Ball. To vigorous stroak their active Arms command, Or with their Foot supply the place of Hand. Or when in Sport they shall the18 1.449 Balls divide From Hand to Hand▪ and toss on every side; Now throw the flying Globes, and now retain, Or play them back upon themselves again: Now back, now forward, round▪ and every way O're all their Limbs the active Balls shall play, As taught to know their meaning, and obey. Whilst Crowds admire, and think the constant cares Of Art effect what is the work of Stars. Wak't whilst asleep, they tame by active Plea∣sure cares Their growing Troubles, and Sports employ their leisure. Thus those agree. And next my Songs com∣prise [ X] Stars near the Crab,* 1.450 with whom the Asses rise: Then Births appear, whose Skill infests the Woods, Lay Snares for Beasts; nor do they spare the Floods: On all they Prey, they boldly search the Caves; Nor are the Fish secure in deepest Waves: Then19 1.451 Meleager rose, whose fatal Brand, And Life too wasted in his Mother's Hand;

Unhappy Noble Youth! who must attone Her wretched Brothers Slaughter by thy own! Half bury'd whilst alive! Whom Love betray'd To give the Hero's Honors to the Maid; To rob thy jealous Uncles of their Fame, And by their Death secure the Beauty's claim. Then Atalante rose, who prest for Fame Through thickest Woods, and saw and overcame; Her Dart first reacht the Boar, and wan the Prize, She Conquer'd with her Arrow, and her Eyes; The Monster groan'd, and Meleager found As much disquiet, and as deep a Wound. Some pitch strong Nets, and some the Woods surround With20 1.452 fear of Death, or slip the faithful Hound: Some dig the treacherous Pits, some spread the Toyls, Or hunt with Spears, and Grace their House with Spoyls. Another puts to Sea, infests the Lakes, Draws monstrous Fish, and starts at what he Takes. Whilst some through Nets the wandring Waters strein, Their Game they follow thro' the pathless Main, Where no Scent lies, yet seldom Hunt in vain. As if the Earth were not profusely stor'd, They fly to Seas, they search what Floods afford, And Nereus from his Waves supplies the Glut∣ton's [ XI] Board: But when the Crab hath doubled Ten Degrees, And rear'd seven more, bright Procyon leaves the Seas:* 1.453 His Influence mean; But tho' his feeble Flame No Hunters breeds, yet it supports the Game:

Inclines to Weave strong Nets, to Train the Hound, To know the Breed, and to improve the Sound. To shave the Spear, and follow every Trade, That Love of Sport, and Hope of Gain persuade. But when the Lion's* 1.454 gaping Jaws aspire, [ XII] The Dog appears, and foams unruly Fire. In Caves scorcht Neptune mourns contracted Floods, Herbs dye, and Beauteous Greenness leaves the Woods; To other Climates Beasts and Birds retire, And Feverish Nature burns in her own Fire. So vast the Heat, such Flames increase the Sun, As if all Heaven's great Fires were joyn'd in one. Air's turn'd to Dust, the Earth's low Entrails burn, And dying Nature fears one common Urn. When this appears, his rising Beams presage Ungovern'd Fury, and unruly Rage; A flaming Anger, universal Hate With Jealousie make up his Births unhappy Fate: Each little Cause doth scorching Thoughts inspire, Their Soul's inflam'd, and Words break out in Fire: Yet crowd so fast, they just••e as they rise, And part flies out in Sparkles through their Eyes. Their Tongue's on Foam, and with their Teeth they break Their Words, and Bark when they design to Speak. Besides, excess in Wine inflames their Fire, And Bacchus makes their Fury blaze the higher. They fear no Rocks, nor Woods, but love to Gore The furious Lion, and the Foaming ••oar;

They dread no Beasts, but with blind Warmth en∣gage, And to their natural strength infuse their Rage: Nor is it strange that from his Beams should rise Such Tempers; for above through yielding Skies Averse to Peace, he cuts his furious way, And hunts the Hare, intent upon his Prey. [ XIII] The Lion mounts, and with his last the Bowl Studded with Stars comes up,* 1.455 and cheers the Pole: And then who e're are born, their Minds incline To water Meadows, and to dress the Vine. To Hills, Lakes, Rivers: To what e're produce The generous Liquor, and improve the Juice: Now Bridegroom Elms they shall in order place, And bring the blushing Brides to their embrace; Entwine their Boughs: Or when the Stock's dis∣play'd Without support, nor needs a Foreign Aid, In Branches lead it; and uncurious grown Trust reeling Bacchus to himself alone. Or from the Stock, the hopeful Tendrils tear, Plant them anew, and teach the Twigs to bear. Use all improving ways that Art hath sought, By long Experience, or wise Nature taught: When ripe their Bowls the generous Wine shall Crown, Soften their Cares, and all their Wishes drown; They largely shall enjoy their Fruits, nor spare The pleasing Recompences of their Care: Happy this State; but Stars still force them on, And urge their greedy Minds to be undone: For Corn, and Foreign Stores which moisture yields, They'll Plow the Ocean, and forsake their Fields

Till tost by Storms, they midst the Waves resign Their baffled Hopes: And thus the Bowl inclines. Next Shines the Maid, and when the Maid [ XIV] ascends Thrice Five Degrees,* 1.456 the glorious Crown attends. The Crown,* 1.457 since Theseus first his Faith betray'd, The Monument of the forsaken Maid: They give Soft Arts, for here the Virgin Shines, And there the Virgin's Crown, and each com∣bines Soft Beams agreeing in the same Designs. Births influenc'd then shall raise fine Beds of Flowers, And twine their creeping Jasmine round their Bowers; The Lillies, Violets in Banks dispose, The Purple Poppy, and the blushing Rose: For Pleasure shades their rising Mounts shall yield, And real Figures paint the gawdy Field: Or they shall wreath their Flowers, their Sweets entwine, To Grace their Mistress, or to Crown their Wine: The Odors fair Arabia's Groves dispense Sovereign for Health▪ or grateful to the Sense, Shall bath these Wreaths; for when the Sweets unite, The new Adultery heightens the delight. Besides they'll study Neatness, learn to dress, Affected grow, and think it Art to please: The present Pleasures Court, and gay desires; For this the Virgin's Age▪ and this the Crown re∣quires. When with her Tenth Degree, the Sheaf ap∣pears,* 1.458 [ XV] Shews her full Corn, and shakes her loaden Ears:

The Fields may fear, for those that shall be born Shall Plough the Ground, and be intent on Corn: They'll trust their Seed to Clods, whose large produce Shall yield the Sum, and give increase by Vse. Build Barns for Grain, for Nature those contrives, And in the Ear it self a Pattern gives; In that the Corn lies safe, her Laws ordain A proper different Cell for every Grain: How blest the World, had this been only known, Had Gold lain hid, and Corn been born alone! Then Men were rich, when they could Want suffice, And knew no Baits for Lust, and Avarice. Yet had they still employ'd their Cares on Corn Alone, those Arts would have been slowly born, Which make Grain useful, and for Common good Grind, Mould, and Bake, and work it up to Food. [ XVI] Now Southward bend, and see in Southern Skies With Libra's Eighth Degree the Arrow rise:* 1.459 Their Beams are strong: They curious Arts bestow, To dart the Javelin, and to draw the Bow; Or sling the Bullet; from the lofty Clouds Swift Birds shall drop, nor shall the deepest Floods Secure their Fish: But both shall surely feel The fatal force of the unerring Steel: What powerful Stars but these drew here below Brave21 1.460 Philoctete's and sure22 1.461 Teucer's Bow? One Hector's Flames repell'd, the angry Fire Did fear his Shafts, and sullenly retire; The other bore Troy's Fate, more dreadful far, He sate Exil'd, than all the Greeks in War. He own'd those Stars,23 1.462 who when the Serpent lay Twin'd round his Child, and Suckt the Bleeding Prey;

Ventur'd to shoot: The pious Arrow fled As sent by Fate, and pierc'd the Dragon's Head: To be a Father then was Art, and Love By Stars unaided, had but vainly strove; They drew the Bow, restor'd the flying Breath To the lost Boy, and wak'd the Youth from Death. But when the heedless Goat24 1.463* 1.464 Exalts his Beard, [ XVII] Alone, as stragling from the other Herd; Then Tempers quick, and piercing Minds are wrought, With Cares unweary'd, and of active Thought: They scorn that Rest, which private Minds enjoy, But fawn upon the Crowd, and Court Employ; That's their delight, and they're enlarg'd by Fate To serve the Many, and be Slaves of State. Whilst they survive, smooth Knaves shall fear to Cheat. In hopes of scapeing, or of growing Great; They shall espouse their injur'd Country's Cause, And be severe, yet not exceed the Laws; Imprison Cheats, or else with rigorous Fines Break their Estates, and curb their lewd Designs. Happy this Temper, would they still pursue These useful Pleasures, and affect the True; But they'll from Business, and from Court retire, (Loose are their Words, and looser their Desire;) Lewd Love and Wine indulge, and wast their Age In Mimick Dancing, or affect the Stage. Next shines the Harp,* 1.465 and through the Liquid Skies [ XVIII] The Shell as lightest, first begins to rise; This when sweet Orpheus struck, to listning Rocks He Senses gave, and Ears to wither'd Oaks;

Parch'd Pluto's25 1.466 Cheeks grew moist, and Death resign'd Her Spoil, and unrelenting Fates grew kind. These skill in Musick, and in Songs impart; How Sound is vary'd into Notes by Art Their Births shall know: Their Mouths shall Pipes inspire With voice; Their Hands shall strike the speaking Lyre: At merry Feasts they shall the Guests delight, Smooth Wine with Songs, and stay the flying Night. Nay e'en when Troubles, and when Cares oppress, Their Mournful Lays, shall give their Sorrows Ease. Low Murmurs shall employ their warbling Tongue, And their own Ears shall always hear a Song: [ XIX] Below fierce Scorpio,* 1.467 when his Eighth Degree Appears, the Altar* 1.468 riseth from the Sea: No Lightning arm'd Iove's Hand, no Thunder roard Till here as Priest he stood, and first ador'd; Then Powers unknown assisted, Clouds did swell With Fire, and the Devoted Giants fell: And who should then be born, but those that wait On Sacred Temples, and converse with Fate? That Hymn in Holy Quires, know what's to come, Are almost Gods, and can dispose of Doom? [ XX] With Twelve Degrees the Centaur's Form ap∣pears,* 1.469 And gives a Temper form the shape he bears; For he that then is born, and feels his force, Shall harness Mules, or he shall drive the Horse; Or he shall proudly mount the ratling Car, Or Arm the Steed, and lead him forth to War;

Or he shall study what Disease infests, And Ease apply to uncomplaining Beasts; Or he shall keep them sound, his Art be shown In sure Prevention, nor expect a Groan. Next Sagittarius* 1.470 mounts with threatning Bow, [ XXI] Whose Fifth Degree doth bright Arcturus* 1.471 show: And he that then is born shall ne're be Poor, To him rich Fortune shall entrust her Store; King's Treasures he shall keep, and Reign alone, Whilst those sit only higher in the Throne: Or if a Private House confine his Care, Blest he shall live, and see the thriving Heir In Wealth increast; Or he shall still defend The People's Right, and be a Common Friend. But when this Centaur hath advanc'd his Fire [ XXII] Thrice Ten Degrees, and shews his Horse entire; The Swan* 1.472 displays his Wings; And then by Fate The Birds for an Enployment, and Estate Are given to every Birth: Nor can the Skies Make better claim to every Fowl that flies; And hence to seize their own, they oft declare Against the Sky it self an open War; They take them flying, or they set their Toyls On Boughs or Fields, and catch the Feather'd Spoils. Sometimes besiege their Nestswith treach'rous Reed, Or draw the Net, and take them whilst they feed: Thus Luxury toyls; bold Luxury ventures far To Foreign Lands, and Travels more than War: Numidia's Plains, and Cholcos Woods afford Delicious Tribute to the Glutton's Board. Or Nature's stubborn Laws their Art shall break, Enlarge Converse, and teach the Birds to speak.

The26 1.473 Swan still shrouds a God, 'tis more than Fowl, The Feather'd part confines a noble Soul; And when cold Death comes on, the God dilates His Powers, and softly murmurs o're his Fates. Or they on Doves shall all their Cares employ, To make them Thrive, or teach them to decoy, Or carry Messages; the Birds convey Their Masters Orders, nor mistake their way: They know this Star, and they Influence own, Who carry sportive Birds about the Town; Who with one Sparrow wretched Life maintain; These are his Powers, and thus inclines the Swan. [ XXIII] When Ophieuchus* 1.474 mounts, and joyns the Goat, Those that are born shall live an Antidote To strongest Poyson; they may safely take The frightful Serpent, and the Venom'd Snake Into their Bosom: Whilst the Monster's Cling About their Bodies kils their fiercest Sting. [ XXIV] When the South Fish* 1.475 doth leave the Floods, and rise To Airy Seats, and swims in Liquid Skies; Those that are born in every Shore shall lay Their Lines and Hooks, and catch the hanging Prey; No Fish in their own Shells shall safely live By Nature fortify'd, whilst these can dive, All shall be dar'd; and they immerst shall rove Thro' Depths, despair'd, and lost to those above; Till with their dancing Prey they mount again; So small is the reward of all this Pain! Or Fish for Pearls, for Avarice cheats the Mind By valuing Things not for their Worth, but Kind. Vile Shells, which Nature midst the Floods hath laid, Asham'd of the mean work that she hath made;

When drawn up hither equal Provinces; Nor can the Land now bear the Riches of the Seas: Such are the Tempers, and Success that waits On these Stars Influence, and compleats their Fates. Or free from danger they incline to gain By Merchandise, what others get by Pain. Before I sung the Harp's* 1.476 Commanding Powers, [ XXV] And taught the Influence of its fatal Hours; Back to the same my Muse doth now retire, Pleas'd with the sounding Vertues of the Lyre: For when its gay Harmonious Strings appear, Let Sin grow Pale, and Villains learn to fear: For subtle Judges, whose Demands shall draw Pale sculking Guilt within the reach of Law, Shall then be born; or else the Births shall dare To screw the Rack, and make the Wretch his Sin declare; Steel'd against Pity, and averse to spare. All Pains inflict, be Cruel without Hate, And make stern Justice wield the Sword of Fate: Or if soft Methods can prevail, the Cause They gravely shall determine by the Laws: As Wisdom gave the Sentence, Strife shall cease, Both sides be pleas'd, at least consent to Peace. But when the Dolphin's* 1.477 Fires begin to rise [ XXVI] With Stars like Scales, and swim in Liquid Skies; It shall be doubtful which shall most Command The Inclination for the Sea or Land: Both shall conspire, and in one Mass combind, Now this way draw, now that way force the Mind: For as the Dolphin mounts, now dives again, Now turns, now leaps, and figures all the Main:

So those that shall be born shall now divide With wide stretcht Arms, and beat the swelling Tide; Now thrust them downward, and with secret Oars Their Bodies row, and visit Foreign Shores; Now tread the Water, with their Feet maintain Themselves Erect, and wade the deepest Main, As t'were a shallow; like the firmest Field, The Floods shall bear them, and refuse to yield: Now on their Backs or Sides securely keep One constant place, and lie upon the Deep: No Oar to Boy them up; but Floods forget Their natural yielding, and sustain the Weight: Or they shall dive, through boundless Oceans go, And visit Nereus, and the Nymphs below; Or take up Shipwracks, Merchants Spoils restore, And rob the greedy Ocean of its Oar, To these joyn those, who from an 27 Engine tost Pierce through the Air, and in the Clouds are lost; Or poize on Timber, where by turns they rise And sink, and mount each other to the Skies: Or leap through Fire, and fall on hardest Ground As on soft Seas, unhurt, and safe from Wound: Tho' void of Wings, their Bodies boldly rear, And imitate their Dolphin in the Air. Or if they want the skill, yet Nature's part Perform'd, they shall be nimble without Art: Not run, but rather fly, be swiftly born O're Fields of Wheat, nor bend the standing Corn. [ XXVII] When with Aquarius Cepheus mounts,* 1.478 require27 1.479 No sportive Tempers from so grave a Fire: But stiff, morose, severe, affected Fools, With Looks as starcht, and heavy as their Souls: Whose Guardian's roughness, or an Uncle's force Praise, and in Cato's Sentences Discourse:

Design'd for Tutors, whom the noble Heir, Altho' he keeps them, shall be forc'd to fear; Shrink at their Nods, and of their Looks afraid, Worship th' Imperious Idol he hath made. Or Tragick Poets; Those whose Style must slay In Paper, and be Barbarous in a Play: Who must kill Heroes to delight the Crowd, And seek to please with Horror, and with Blood: Antigone28 1.480 must fall the Tyrant's Spoil, And Brothers disagree upon their Pile: Thyestes eat his Babes, the Sun retire, And jealous Rage the made Medea Fire; Her Father, Brother, Sons must Murder'd lie, Whilst Dragons bear her through the Guilty Sky: Or she must Youth renew; such Themes as these Shall raise their Thoughts, and make them strive to please. But then if softer Themes their Fancies move In Comedy, the heated Youth shall Love; The Maid be stoln, the witty Slave defeat The covetous Father, and enjoy the Cheat. Thus fam'd29 1.481 Menander in immortal Rhymes Exposeth Humour and instructs the Times; Nature to him her Parts might safely trust, His Words expressive, and his Thoughts were just; And when he copy'd her, she hardly knew Her own Original; he wrought so true. But if unequal to a Poet's Rage They cannot Write, yet they shall serve the Stage. Their graceful action and their voice shall raise The native value of another's Plays; The School's Simplicity, the Court's Address, The Souldier's Huff so decently express;

As if they acted not another's part; And all was simple Nature, and not Art. In one short view they shall present to sight Whole Crowds, make Kings engage, and Armies fight: Before the pleas'd Spectators Troy shall lye In ruins, and the wretched Priam dye. [ XXVIII] But now the Eagle* 1.482 must my Songs employ, He shines upon the left hand of the Boy, Whom first from Earth he did to Skies convey, And now with wide stretcht Wings hovers o're his Prey. This Bird, the Armour-bearer of the Skies, Brings back thrown Thunder, Iove with Arms supplies, And with the Youth's twelfth part begins to rise. And then shall spring a violent ravenous Brood, Eager to rob, and purchase Spoil with Blood: On Men and Beasts with equal Lust they seize, Nor make a difference between War and Peace. Their Friends and Enemies alike they awe, They every thing to wild contention draw, Their Will their Ruler, and their Sword their Law. But if their Violence aright they place, Their Vice turns Vertue; conquer'd Spoils shall grace Their happy Country; when in Arms they dare, Success shall wait, and Victory crown their War. But since the Eagle is employ'd above Not to throw Thunder, but to wait on Iove, And bring him Arms, they hope in vain to bear The highest Office, and Command in War; They must be meaner, equal to their Star: Wait on a General, bear his ponderous Shield, And serve him bravely in the dangerous Field.

When mourning Cassiopeia,* 1.483 grac'd with Stars, [ XXIX] Upon the left hand of the Youth appears, And joins twice ten Degrees, her Beams impart In Metals skill, and fill the Births with Art: The precious Matter they shall nobly mold, And raise the native value of the Gold; Hence shine our Temples, and our Roman Iove Fills here a Heaven as bright as that above; Happy this Art employ'd on things Divine, To frame a Statue, or adorn a Shrine; But now how low her Head she strives to hide, Whilst chain'd to Luxury, and a Slave to pride! Now precious Metals common Roofs enfold, Rival the Temples, and we feast in Gold. But great Augustus doth its state maintain, Shews its old worth, and makes it rise again; His Temples shine, and now such Works are wrought As Mithridates lost when Sylla fought; The Sun's outshone, and Caesar's glorious Gems Excel the native lustre of his Beams: And hence with joy we view that wondrous Prize, The Monuments of30 1.484 Pompey's Victories; Though those did first a Lust for Gems inspire, Which still burns new? and spreads a growing fire; The Ornaments of Kings now serve to grace A shape, and raise the value of a Face; Now Neck, Feet, Hands are deckt, and every Dress Shines with the Spoils of groaning Provinces; Yet 'tis the Ladies Sign, their wants supply'd Advance its worth, they love what decks their Pride: Lest want of Matter should the Work restrain, The Art grow idle, and the Sign be vain,

By the same Powers are wretched Men decoy'd To dig for Oar, and work to be employ'd; To turn the Globe to search where Metals breed, And see young Gold first blushing in its Seed; Harmless it lies, 'till the mistaken worth Deludes poor Man, and brings the Monster forth. And lest Temptations too obscure should lye, Too far remov'd from every common Eye, Mixt with the Sands they shine on every Shore, These he shall gather, and extract the Oar, Or dive for Jewels, and intent on Gain, Pierce thro the Floods, and search the deepest Main; Draw Gold and Silver from the Waves embrace, And work them singly, and adorn the Mass; Or in Electrum both ignobly join: These are the Powers and Tempers of this Sign. [ XXX] Next shines Andromeda;* 1.485 she leaves the Sea, And on the Right joins Pisces twelfth Degree. Bright she appears, and gay with sparkling Fires, As when young Perseus first felt warm desires. Unhappy Maid! expos'd to rage Divine, A faultless Victim for her Mother's Sin: When Seas let loose o'reflow'd the fruitful Plain, And Earth now fear'd its ruin from the Main; Nought could appease, but to the injur'd Flood The Maid resign'd, to quench its rage with Blood. This was her Bridal, in her Robes of State; But not provided for so sad a Fate, Glorious she lookt, and like the setting Sun, Greater, tho not so ••ierce, her Beauty shone. No joyful Torch its ominous Flames did spread, No Vows were heard to crown her fruitful Bed; But Groans and Tears, e're Death pronounc'd her doom The Maid was born alive to her own Tomb.

Hence fly my Muse, and on the naked Shore Leave the poor Maid, and dare to look no more; 'Twill melt thy Song to turn again to view, The weeping Parents bid their last adieu; To see her fetter'd, and expos'd to pain, Design'd by Nature for another Chain: To see her hang on Rocks, and by her side Grim Death appear, and point to the swoln Tide. Yet turn, and view how she her Shape retains, How fair she looks, and glorious in her Chains: With what becoming fear her ••iowing Vest Forsakes her Limbs, and leaves her naked Breast: What hidden Beauties are expos'd to sight, Like Lightning glare, but must be lost in night. By her the Halcyons mourn'd, and round the Coast, That so much Beauty should in vain be lost, The Nymphs repin'd; and Nereis from the Deep Bewail'd her Fate, and did consent to weep: The gentle Breeze that fann'd her golden Locks, Turn'd into Sighs, and murmur'd to the Rocks: All Nature seem'd concern'd, despairing Grief Was general, but too weak to yield relief. Then Perseus, glorious with the Gorgon's Spoil, By Love directed to a nobler Toil, Kind Fortune brought; and at the wondrous sight He checkt his Horse, and stopt his airy flight; His Hand scarce held his Spoil, Medusa's Eyes He bore, but now grew stiff at this surprise; The Chains that held her, and the burth, ned Stone He happy call'd, and envy'd joys unknown. Amaz'd a while he hung, her Form survey'd, Then heard the Story from the weeping Maid; Streight in his Breast high generous thoughts were bred, To spoil the Ocean to adorn his Bed:

And should a thousand frightful Gorgons rise▪ He would oppose them for so vast a Prize: Fixt on these Thoughts he leaves the mournful Shore, Her Parents chears, and bids them weep no more, For Aid was come: And their Consent desir'd Was granted soon, and nobler warmth inspir'd. Back he returns: Now teeming Seas did roar, Waves fled the Monster, and o'ref••ow'd the Shore; High rais'd his Head, he spouts the Floods around, All Nereus ecchoes, and the Shores resound: Wide gapes his Mouth, and as on a vast Rock Dasht on each Tooth the foaming Billows broke: His winding Tail o're half the Main was spread, The Ocean groan'd, Rocks fear'd, and Mountains fled: Unhappy Maid! though such an Aid was near, What was thy Mind, and how surpris'd with fear? How pale thy Look? and how thy Spirit fled In a deep sigh, and hover'd round thy Head? How bloodless all thy Limbs, when from deep Caves The Monster rush'd, and bore the foaming Waves And Fate along? and all design'd for thee A Prey how little, for so vast a Sea! But Perseus nimble Aid descends, and hides The Gorgon's Fauchion in his scaly Sides; He twists upon the Wound, then strives to rear His head, and shoots up forward thro the Air: Perseus retires, and still deludes his Foe, Hangs in the Sky, and aims a surer Blow: He presses on, and casts his Jaws around, Bites at the Air, but bites without a Wound. Then tosses Seas to Heaven, spouts purple Floods At his high ••••oe, and drowns him in the Clouds.

The Maid beheld this Fight, and, grateful grown, Fear'd for his danger, but forgot her own; Doubtful which way the various Fate inclin'd, In Body less suspended than in Mind: Her doubt not long; for now Success did prove The great advantage, and the force of Love; The Monster groan'd, and from his Wounds there flow'd A mighty Stream, and stain'd the Seas with Blood. Down deep he sinks, but soon he floats again, And his vast Carcass covers all the Main; Breathless he lay, yet then his shape did fright; Tho dead, he was too dreadful for her sight. Now big with Conquest, from the cleansing Flood Bright Perseus rose, and more August he stood; Then to the Rocks with eager haste he flies, Unbinds the Virgin, and enjoys the Prize. And hence Andromeda now shines a Star, The Cause, and the Reward of such a War, As freed the Ocean, and restor'd the Main To Neptune's sway, and fixt him in his Reign. And he that sees her rising Beams, shall draw The Sword of Iustice, and shall smite by Law; Dungeons shall be, and Whips and Racks his care, Steel'd against Pity, and averse to spare. At his stern feet shall wretched Wives complain, And weeping Mothers tell their grief in vain: Though late at night to kiss a parting Son, And draw his flying Soul into his own; A Father sues, in unrelenting Ears His Prayers are lost, nor shall he yield to Tears. Or lean pale Hangmen shall her Beams create, Those solemn Murderers and Slaves to Fate:

Who on the Curses of the pitying Crowd Ignobly thrive, and live on shedding Blood. But he that sees her chain'd to Rocks, shall find A meaner Fortune, though as fierce a Mind; A Goaler he shall be, secure for pains Poor Slaves, and be a31 1.486 partner of their Chains. [ XXXI] With Pis••es twenty first Degree to fly The Horse begins,* 1.487 and beats the yielding Sky; His Births shall Health, and vigorous Strength enjoy, For Action quick, and nimble for employ. They in thick rounds shall rein the manag'd Steed, Or sweep the Plain, deceiving with their speed: Or proudly mounted they shall boldly dare Heroick Acts, and lead the Crowd to War: Or else be nimble Messengers, and move With greater swiftness th••n a flying Dove; Send both with like Advice, the one shall bring Returns, whilst t'other lags with lazy Wing. Or they shall study Herbs, and strength impart To Beasts, and e'en to Man enlarge their Art. [ XXXII] But now go on; with Pisces last Degrees, The humble Constellation on hi•• Knees O'th' Right appears:* 1.488 And those that then are born No vertuous Powers, nor useful Arts adorn, But they're for treachery, mischief, spoil design'd, Guilt's in their looks and Rapine in their mind. Or if to Arts he shall incline the Breed, Such, where the Danger doth the Skill exceed, They chiefly follow; 'tis their only scope To mount a Precipice, or dance a Rope; Tread32 1.489 Airy steps, and whilst thro Clouds they reel, Draw up the Crowd, and hang them at their heel. [ XXXIII] But on the Left is open'd to our view The Wh••••e,* 1.490 who now doth thro the Skies pursue

With eager haste, as thro' the injur'd Flood The fair Andromeda, and still thirsts for Blood. And He that then is born shall be inclin'd To spoil the Sea, and kill the Scaly Kind, No Fish shall swim secure whilst Nets can sweep The troubled Ocean, and confine the Deep: Those that but now could wanton or'e the Main Shall lye fast bound, and wonder at their chain; Till with a touch He shall the Cords command, And draw the Dancing Captives to the Land. Or whilst He shoals expects e'en midst the Flood Destroy, and stain the Ocean with their Blood. Yet then his works not ceafe, or pains decay, His various Arts encreasing with his prey: For on the Shore He shall his spoil divide For different uses. This when lightly dry'd Is better Meat; and that when moist is good, Whilst other parts are hardned into Food. Could Gluttons see, they would not bear the sight Of preparations for their Appetite, Whilst Blood and Guts in a polluted Mass Lye mixt, and are corrupted into Sauce; Till all in filthy Gore distils to treat The fashionable Palate of the Great. Or if to meaner Arts his Thoughts encline, Then Salt's his care; he shall the Floods confine In narrow Pitts, and to the Beams expose, Till what was liquid now a solid grows, Then lay the crusted froth with careful hand In heaps, and cleanse it, and divide the Sand. And thus the brackish and unwholesom Flood Proves vital Salt, and Poyson's turn'd to Food.

The Great and Lesser Bear which still maintain One constant Round, and never touch the Main, Scarce know a Rise; yet when each front appears, Take that to be the rising of the Bears.* 1.491 The First with Leo, and the last is join'd With Scorpio, and prove friendly to their kind. For those that then are born to Beasts shall bear Kind tempers, and oblige them by their Care; Give Law to Lions, with a Panther play, Teach Tigers peace, and make a Wolf obey; Maintain Converse, and give them Arts unknown, And such as Nature never thought her own. But yet their thoughts to Bears shall most incline, And there improve the Kindred of their Sign. Or ride the Elephant, his Bulk command, And make the Monster tremble at their Wand. Base the submission, where such strength in vain Possess't must tamely yield to feeble Man: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The third siz'd Stars the Pleiad's form do grace,* 1.492 They shine with virgin blushes in their face: Four in the Dolphin are observ'd to rise, And in Deltoton Three of equal size: The same the Eagle, and the Bear display, Nor can the Draco boast a greater ray; Of size the Fourth and Fifth securely take A measure from the others of the Snake. But yet the greatest part we spare to note, Too small to be discern'd, or too remote: There lye obscure, and seldom spread their light, But when the Moon's withdrawn to lower Night,

When great Orion from the Skies retires, Plunges in Waves, and quenches his bright Fires; Or when gay Phoebus doth his sway resign To shades, then They have a short leave to shine, Then Heaven with little Lights is spangled o're, That not the Sand upon the crooked Shore, That not the Billows in Tempestuous Floods, That not the leaves when Autumn shakes the Woods, Can equal the great Train; they all surmount, E'en Number is too short for the account. And as in Cities, where in ranks decreed First33 1.493 Nobles go, and then the Knights succeed, The next in order may the People claim; The Rabble next, a Croud without a Name: So is the Heaven by different ranks possest; Some like the Nobles with more rays are drest, Some shine with less, the numerous crowd with least: Were these endow'd with a proportion'd heat, Were they in Power, as they're in number great; They long ago must have dissolv'd the Frame, Nor could the world have born so fierce a Flame.

The End of the fifth Book.

NOTES.

1.

—Celerique Sagittae Delphinus certans—

We may read,"—Celerique Sagitta Delphinus certans—"and interpret the words, not as others do, The Dolphin seated opposite to the Arrow: But The Dolphin of equal swiftness with the Arrow.

2. The Ram having a Golden Fleece, as the Poets fancy'd, the King of Iolcos kill'd him that he might enjoy the Treasure, and Iason being sent to fetch this Golden Fleece carried away Medea the King's Daughter.

3. The Ship hath two Rudders, a Northern, and a Southern Rudder.

4. A River of Iolchos, whither Iason with the Argonauts, first Sailed.

5. Typhis, the Pilot to the Argonauts, who in his Voyage steer'd thro' the dangerous moving Rocks called the Symplegadae.

6. The Graecian Navy lay Wind-bound till Iphigenia was Sacrificed, and appeased the anger of Diana.

7. Vossius, in his Observations on Catullus, Reads—Invehet undis Persida— The Ex∣pression is bold, and therefore proper for the Po∣et. That Xerxes dug a new Channel, and made a Bridge over the Hellespont, are known stories.

8. Manilius mentions several notable defeats at Sea, such was that of the Athenians near Syracuse,

which brought the Athenians very low: such were those of the Carthaginians by the Romans: And that of Antony by Augustus near Actium.

9. Heavens great Fortune: Because the Conque∣rour was to be deify'd.

10. Orion is a very large and bright Constella∣tion, and deserves this pompous Description.

11. Instar erit Populi: This is one of Manilius's bold Expressions, which my English cannot reach.

12. Alluding to the o••••icious Salutations, which the Clients amongst the Romans carried early every Morning to their Patrons.

13. Manilius is very accurate in describing the particular Niceties observ'd in the Roman racing: Those are not now observ'd amongst us, and there∣fore we must be content with such Expressions as our Language will afford.

14. An Exercise much us'd amongst the Ro∣mans; the Horse-man rode one Horse, and led a∣nother, and in the midst of the Race would throw himself on the led Horse, and so back again as of∣ten as he was required; or else would stand upon the Horses back, and in that posture ride the Course.

15. Salmoneus built a Bridge of Brass, and dri∣ving Chariots over it fancy'd he Thundred: This he did to procure himself divine Honours, but was kill'd by a Thunder-bolt for his impious attempt.

16. The Poets fancy'd Bellerophon rode upon the flying Horse Pegasus.

17. A Family amongst the Romans, famous for their seditious Harangues, which they made to the People of Rome out of the Desks, or Rostra, standing in the Market place.

18. Amongst the Romans one Man would take several Balls, and toss them, sometimes behind, and sometimes before, now on this hand, and now on the other, so that some of them should be always up in the Air: And this feat of Activity Manilius Describes.

19. The Story of Meleager runs thus: At his Birth his Mother heard one of the Destinies say, the Child should live till the stick that then lay in the Fire was burnt: The Mother snatch'd the stick out of the Fire, and preserv'd it. When Meleager was grown a Man, he with a great many others went to hunt a Wild Bore; at the same time A∣talante a Nymph of extraordinary Beauty came into the Field, and had the good Fortune to wound the Bore first: Meleager fell in Love with Atalante, and having kill'd the Bore presented the Head to her: His two Uncles who were present at the Hunting thought themselves injur'd, and would not suffer a Woman to carry off their Spoil. Meleager in defence of Atalante kills his two Uncles: Melea∣ger's Mother, to revenge the Death of her two Bro∣thers, puts the stick into the Fire, as that burnt Meleager wasted.

20. Formidine Mortis: Huetius Reads Formidine Pennae: For when they Hunted, they us'd to set stakes in the ground, to which they ty'd Feathers which frighted the Deer, and made them keep with∣in that compass, or take that way the Hunters thought most convenient for their sport.

21. Philoctetes was Servant to Hercules, and when Hercules burnt himself, he left his Bow and Arrows to Philoctetes: Without these Arrows Troy could not be taken: Now it happened that Philoctetes, ei∣ther

by a contrivance of Vlysses, or because, being wounded by one of the Poisoned Arrows, he became offensive to the Grecian Camp, was sent away to Lem∣nos: But the Siege going on slowly, he was fetcht back again: With his Arrows he killed the chiefest of the Remaining Commanders, and so Troy was ta∣ken.

22. Teucer was Brother to Ajax, and he with his Bow beat back Hector when he came to burn the Grecian Navy.

23. The following Verses relate to Alcon the Cre∣tan, who shot a Snake that lay twisted round the Head of his Son, and did not touch the Boy.

24. This Goat or Hoedus Scaliger could not find, but Huetius says, the Single Hoedus is put by Mani∣lius for those two H••edi that are in the left hand of Heniochus, or the Driver. Thus Horace.

—Archeri cadentis Impetus, aut orientis Haedi,

and Propertius

••Purus & Orion, purus & Hoedus erit.

25. The Poets fancy'd Orpheus went down to Hell, charm'd Pluto and the Destinies, and brought back his Wife Eurydice.

26. Alluding to the Fable, which says Iupiter Courted Leda in the shape of a Swan.

27. Several Feats of Activity amongst the Ro∣mans, in which they equall'd if not excell'd all the following Ages.

28. The common Subjects upon which Sopho∣cles, Euripides, and other Tragaedians amongst the Ancients wrote their Plays.

29. A fam'd Com••dian, who flourish'd in the hundred and fourteenth Olympiad.

30. Po••pey having conquered Mithridates, brought to Rome more valuable Jewels than ever had been seen there: And from that time, as Pliny in the first Chapter of his 37th. Book com∣plains, the Romans began to value and admire Jewels.

31. The Romans did not only put Notorious Malefactors in Chains, but likewise chained them to their Keepers; and this Custom the Poet hints at.

32. Vossius out of his Ancient Manuscript reads,

Et Coeli meditatus iter Vestigia perdet, Et Perna pendens populum suspendet ab ipsa.

33. These were the several Orders in the Ro∣man Common-Wealth.

FINIS.

Notes

• 1 1.1

  Whether Divinas is to be rendred Divining or Divine is not yet agreed by the Interpreters of the Poet; by rendring it Divine, Manilius is freed from a redundancy of Words, and the Origine of Astro∣nomy, which he so often inculcates in other pla∣ces, is hinted at: beside, Divinus seldom signifies Divining, but when a Substantive follows which determines it to that sense, as Divina imbrium, and the like, and in that case I find Milton venturing at it in his Poem:

  —Divine of future Woe.
• * 1.2

  The Subject of the Po∣em.
• * 1.3

  The Invo∣cation.
• * 1.4

  The Diff••∣culty.
• * 1.5

  The Rise and Pro∣gress of A∣stronomy.
• 2 1.6

  It seems very plain that this whole descripti∣on respects onely the Eastern Kings, and therefore Manilius must be reckoned amongst those who be∣lieved the head of Nile to be in the East; and lest he might be thought to have forgotten the Egyp∣tians, I am inclin'd to think he includes them un∣der the Priests, to whose care Astronomical Obser∣vations were peculiarly committed.
• 3 1.7

  This was the Opinion of Xenophanes, Melissus, Aristotle and others; and Pliny thus concludes in the second Book cap. 1. of his Natural History: 'Tis reasonable to believe that the World is a Deity ▪ eternal and immense, that never had a beginning, and never shall have an end. As absurd an Opinion as ••ever was propos'd, and repugnant to all the Ap∣pearances of Nature; look upon the Rocks on the Sea shore, and having observ'd their continual wea∣ring, consider how few thousands of years they must have stood: direct thy eye to Heaven, and view the several changes in that which was thought impassible; and in short, reflect on the essential vileness of matter, and its impotence to conserve its own being; aud then I believe you will find rea∣son to put this Opinion amongst those absurdities which Tully hath allotted to one or other of the Philosophers to defend.
• * 1.8

  Different Opinions a∣bout the be∣ginning of the World.
• 4 1.9

  This blind fancy we owe to the Phoenicians, who (if Philo Biblius's Sancuniathon may be trusted) taught that the Principles of the Universe were a Spirit of dark Air, and a confus'd Chaos; this Spi∣rit at last began to Love, and joyning with the Chaos, produced 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or slime, and thence fashio∣ned the World. And hence likely the more sober part of the Greek Philosophers, (for they were but borrowers of Learning) who requir'd two eter∣nal principles, the one active and the other passive, such as Plato, Anaxagoras, &c. took their notions, and having added some few new ornaments, vented them for their own.
• 5 1.10

  The Philosophy of Epicurus is too well known to need any explication.
• 6 1.11

  The Opinion of Heraclitus, concerning which see the first Book of Lucretius.
• 7 1.12

  Thales the Milesian endeavoured to establish this by Arguments drawn from the Origine and Continuation of most things: The seminal Prin∣ciple of Animals is humid, Plants are nourished by mere Water; Fire it self cannot live without Air, which is onely water rarefied, and the Sun and Stars draw up vapors for their own nourishment and sup∣port. These were the considerations upon which he grounded his Opinion; and hence 'tis easie to guess that he kept up the credit of his School ra∣ther by those riches which he gain'd by his lucky conjecture at the scarcity of Olives, than by the strength of argument and reason.
• 8 1.13

  The Assertion of Empedocles, agreeable to which Ovid sings,

  Quatuor aeternus genitalia Corpora Mundus Continet—.
• * 1.14

  The Order of the Frame.
• 9 1.15

  There is something in this scheme of Manilius so like the ingenious conjecture of the excellent Au∣thour of the Theory of the Earth, that what reflects on the one must have an influence on the other, and when the fiction is confuted the serious discourse will find it self concern'd: The Stoicks held the mate∣rial part of their Deity to be changeable, and that too as often as the fatal Fire prevail'd, and reduc'd the Elements into one Chaos; in such a confusion the Poet supposeth the first matter of his World, and then makes the different parts separate, and take proper places, according as they were light or heavy: agreeable to this Opinion the Theory of the Earth supposeth a Chaos, which he defines to be a Mass of Matter, fluid, consisting of parts of diffe∣rent sorts and sizes, blended together without any u∣nion or connexion. The solid and heavyer parts of this Chaos descend to the Centre, by their own weight, and there fixing and growing hard, com∣pose the inward Body of the Earth; the lighter parts fly upward, and being continually agitated, make that Body which we call Air; the middle sort being somewhat heavyer, and not so much agita∣ted, cover over the solid interiour Body of the Earth; and its fat and oily parts rising, and swim∣ming on the surface, stop and detain those heavyer particles which upon the first separation were car∣ried up by the Air, and afterward according to their several degrees of Gravity fell back again toward the Centre: These particles sticking in this oily matter, made a soft crust, which in time be∣ing hardned by the Sun and those breezes which always attend its motion, became the habitable Earth. This Earth thus form'd was solid, and without Caverns, nor had it any inequalities on its surface; as to its site, its Axis was parallel to the Axis of the Eclip••ick, both its Poles being e∣qually inclin'd to the Sun; and as to its figure it was Oval. These are the few easie principal parts of that excellent Hypothesis, settled on the obvi∣ous notions of Gravity and Levity, and on the ac∣knowledged Nature, and allow'd Motion of a Fluid. And from these so many curious propositions are naturally deduced, so many difficulties concerning Paradise and the Floud happily explain'd, and all set off with that neatness and aptness of expression, and that variety of curious thought, that I am very much inclin'd to believe that Nature was never so well drest before, nor so artificially recommended. And it is pity that the first acknowledged Princi∣ples of Philosophy will not allow it to be true. Inherent Qualities are now generally exploded, as unphilosophical, not to be understood, and unfit to explain the Phaenomena of Nature. The Acce∣leration of a heavy Body in its descent (beside a thousand other Arguments) quite overthrows Gra∣vity both as an accident of Aristotle, and as essen∣tial to Matter, according to the fancy of Epicurus; so that this motion proceeds onely from external impulse, and depends upon the present order of the World. So that Philosophy will not allow the supposition of Gravity or Levity in a confus'd Chaos, since it can sufficiently demonstrate that they are neither inherent qualities, nor essential to matter, and that it is in vain to look after them, before the system of the World was settled in the present order. From this hint it is easie to infer that the supposed Chaos would have still continued such, the solid Parts would have been agitated this or that way indifferently by the restless particles of the Fluid, but there could have been no orderly separation, because no Principle of it.

  But suppose such a separation, why must the out∣ward Crust of the Globe be without Caverns in its Body, and Inequalities on its Surface? What Law of Nature doth necessarily prove that in such a confusion the solid parts must be equally dispersed through the Body of the Air? If we trust our Eyes, and look upon a Dust raised by the ruin of a House, or onely consider what Confusion is, it will be very hard to find such a regular and order∣ly disposition. And since these solid Bodies may be unequally dispers'd, and every one of them tends to the Centre by a direct Line, whenever they set∣tle, the Body which they compose must be une∣qual in its surface.

  Yet to let this Difficulty pass, its Figure accor∣ding to this Hypothesis will be much more Oval than common observation will allow, for since it is said to be Oval because the Motion of the Ae∣quator is swifter than that of the Polar Circles, the figure must be almost as much Oval, as the Circle of the Aequator is bigger than the Circle of the Pole; there being nothing to hinder the ut∣most effect of this motion but the weight of the Fluid endeavouring to reduce it self to a Levell, which of what moment it will be in this Case I leave to be considered.

  And as for its site, that renders the torrid and the frigid Zones unhabitable; intolerable Heats still burning the former, and the continual gathe∣ring and dropping of the vapours making the o∣thers too cold and moist to entertain either Man or Beast. And this one concession, I am afraid, spoils most part of the Contrivance; for these por∣tions of the Crust could never grow hard, being continually moistned by the Vapours, and so little expos'd to the Sun, or that breeze which attends its motion: And therefore, whenever Vapours were drawn from the Abyss in the Torrid Zone, these parts of the Arch being not firm enough to sustain themselves, must sink in; and those Vapors that were imprisoned between the surface of the Abyss and the solid part of the Crust of the Earth, might have found an easie passage through this soft portion of the Crust, and therefore could not con∣tribute to the general dissolution of the Frame. Besides, from such a muddy Fountain what could be expected but streams unwholsome and corrupted, and unfit for that end for which they were design'd, and for that use, to which sacred Scripture tells us they were imploy'd?

  A great many other inconveniences in Nature may be observ'd to follow this Contrivance; but because this Hypothesis was not set up for its own sake, but to give an intelligible account of Noah's Floud; I shall close these reflexions with a few con∣siderations upon that.

  And first the Authour pleads for an universal Floud, it being inconsistent with the demonstrated Nature of a Fluid, that Water should stand up in Heaps fifteen Cubits above the tops of the highest Mountains. This I am willing to admit, though there is no reason why Omnipotence might not be immediately concern'd in this, since he him∣self confesseth, that the forty days Rain cannot ac∣cording to his Hypothesis be explain'd by any Na∣tural Cause that he can find out.

  Secondly, He compares the height of the Mountains and the Depth of the Sea, and having as to both made allowable suppositions (though the Course of the longest River, even the Nile it self, will not prove its head to be above three foot higher than its mouth) he infers that eight Oceans will be little enough to make an universal Deluge: The Waters above the Firmament are exploded; the Rain would afford but the hundredth part of such a Mass of Water, unless the showers were continual, and over the face of the whole Earth, and the Drops came down ninety times faster than usually they do. (Though here a Man would be apt to think from the expressions in Genesis, The Windows of Heaven were opened, that there was somewhat very extraordinary in this Rain, and that all those requir'd conditions were observ'd.) The Caverns of the Earth, if they threw out all the Water they contain'd, could afford but little in comparison of the great store that was requir'd; And if the whole middle region of the Air had been condens'd, still there had not been enough, because Air being turn'd into Water filleth onely the hundredth part of that space which it formerly possess'd. Though all the other ways by which some have endeavour'd to explain the Floud, were demonstrably insufficient, yet this last which gives an account of it from so natural and easie a Cause as the condensation of the Air deserved to be con∣sidered a little more; but it is the Art of a Dispu∣ter to touch that least which presseth most on that Opinion which he would advance. For it being allowed that Air by natural Causes may be chang'd into Water, and a Vacuum in this very Chapter being excluded, it necessarily follows, that as much Air as riseth fifteen Cubits higher than the tops of the Mountains is sufficient to make such a Deluge as is describ'd to have been in Noah's time. Be∣cause where there is no Vacuum, there can be no contraction into a less space, and every particle of Matter, whatever form of schematism it puts on, must in all conditions be equally extended, and therefore take up the same Room. But sup∣pose a Vacuum, or (as it happens in our imperfect condensations) that a hundred cubical feet of Air would make but one foot of Water, yet sure the Region is large enough to make amends for this disproportion: Now since Nature is sufficient for condensation, and since its powers may be consi∣derably invigorated for the execution of the Al∣mighty's wrath; why must it be thought so difficult to explain a Deluge? and why should an excellent Wit waste it self in fashioning a new World, onely to bring that about which the old one would per∣mit easily to be done? It is above the Province of Philosophy to make a World, let that be suppos'd to have been form'd as it is reveal'd, it is enough for us to search by what Laws it is preserv'd; and a system erected on this foundation will be agreeable both at Reason and to Religion.
• * 1.16

  The Earth lies in the midst of th•• World.
• 10 1.17

  He explodes the Opinion of Xenophanes, and the Fancy of Epicurus. Vid. Lucretius's fifth Book.
• * 1.18

  The Earth is round.
• * 1.19

  First Argu∣ment.
• 11 1.20

  Canopus is a Star in the Southern Keel of the Ship Argo, of the first magnitude: These particu∣lars as to the Appearance of the two Stars are not mathematically true, yet serve well enough for the Poets design, sufficiently proving the roundness of the Earth.
• 12 1.21

  This Argument being taken from the Eclipse and not from the increase or decrease of the Moon, the Poet must be understood, not as to divers mo∣ments of Time, for the Moon at the same instant is seen Eclips'd by all to whom she appears above the Horizon, but as to the diversity of Hours at which the Eastern or Western People reckon the Eclipse to begin or end.
• * 1.22

  Second Ar∣gument.
• 13 1.23

  This is to be understood in respect of those who inhabit the Northern Hemisphere, to whom the North Pole is still elevated.
• 14 1.24

  It was the Opinion of the ancient Poets, and some others, that the Sea was as a Girdle to the Earth, that it ran round it as an Horizon, and di∣vided the upper Hemisphere from the lower.
• * 1.25

  God the Soul of the World.
• 15 1.26

  Release this Soul from that union which the Stoicks foolishly assign'd, and then to hold a Soul of the World and Providence is all one.
• * 1.27

  The Signs of the Zo∣••iack.
• * 1.28

  The axis.
• * 1.29

  The great Bear.
• * 1.30

  The little Bear.
• * 1.31

  The Ser∣pent.
• * 1.32

  Hercules.
• * 1.33

  Bootes.
• * 1.34

  A••••••••rus.
• * 1.35

  The Crown.
• * 1.36

  The Harp.
• * 1.37

  Ophiu∣chus.
• * 1.38

  The Swan.
• * 1.39

  The Arrow.
• * 1.40

  The Eagle.
• * 1.41

  The Dol∣phin.
• * 1.42

  The Horse.
• * 1.43

  Androme∣da.
• * 1.44

  Perseus.
• * 1.45

  The Tri∣angle.
• * 1.46

  Cepheus and Cassi∣opeia.
• * 1.47

  Henio∣chus.
• * 1.48

  The Hoedi.
• * 1.49

  The Goat.
• * 1.50

  The Pleia∣des and Hyades.
• * 1.51

  Orion.
• * 1.52

  The Dog-S••ar.
• * 1.53

  Procyon. The Hare.
• * 1.54

  Argo.
• * 1.55

  The Ser∣pent.
• * 1.56

  The Crow. The Cup.
• * 1.57

  The Altar.
• * 1.58

  The Whale.
• * 1.59

  The Sou∣thern Fish.
• * 1.60

  The Flouds.
• 16 1.61

  Manilius is not constant in his Position; most commonly as a Poet he turns his face to the West, and then the North is on his right hand, and the South on the left: sometimes as an Astronomer he turns his face to the South, and this is the position in this place.
• * 1.62

  The Sou∣thern Pole.
• * 1.63

  The Figures of the Con∣stellations onely fan∣sied.
• * 1.64

  Providence against the Epicure∣ans.
• 17 1.65

  Alluding to the two Verses in Homer's sixth Iliad,

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.66

  The bigness of the World.
• 18 1.67

  Demonstrated by Archimedes in his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Prop. 3. That the Circumference of every Circle exceeds three times the Diameter thereof by a part that is less than 1/7th, and greater than 10/70.
• * 1.68

  The Nor∣thern Po∣lar Circle.
• 19 1.69

  Eudoxus divided the Sphere into sixty parts, and this division Manilius follows, and according to that describes the Position of the Celestial Circles.
• * 1.70

  The Tropi∣cal Ci••••le of Cancer, or Summer Solstice.
• * 1.71

  The Equi∣noctial.
• * 1.72

  The Tropick of Capri∣corn.
• * 1.73

  The Sou∣thern Polar Circle.
• * 1.74

  The Colure.
• * 1.75

  The Aequi∣noctial Co∣lure.
• * 1.76

  The Solsti∣cial Colure.
• * 1.77

  The Meri∣dian.
• * 1.78

  The Hori∣zon.
• * 1.79

  The Zodi∣ack.
• * 1.80

  The Milky way.
• 20 1.81

  The Opinion of Diodorus.
• * 1.82

  Various O∣pinions a∣bout the Milky way.
• 21 1.83

  Macrobius reports Theophrastus to be the Au∣thour of this Fancy.
• 22 1.84

  From Plutarch we learn that Metrodorus and others asserted this, and Achilles Tacius ••ixes this foolish Opinion on Oenopides Chius.
• 23 1.85

  The learned Mr. Hayns dislikes Scaliger's rea∣ding, which I have followed, and thinks that he meant that Pella was a Woman; a more solemn foppery was never met with, and this Note, beside a great many others, may serve to credit the Da••∣phin Editions of the Classick Authours.
• * 1.86

  The Pla∣nets.
• * 1.87

  Meteo••s.
• * 1.88

  Several sorts of Me∣teors.
• * 1.89

  Stella Cri∣nita.
• * 1.90

  Barba••a.
• * 1.91

  Trabs.
• * 1.92

  Pithetes.
• * 1.93

  Bostru∣chias.
• * 1.94

  Lampa∣dias.
• * 1.95

  Stipulae ar∣dentes.
• * 1.96

  Stella ca∣dens.
• * 1.97

  Acontiae.
• * 1.98

  Different Opinions about Me∣teors.
• * 1.99

  Comets pre∣sage.
• * 1.100

  The Plague of Athens.
• * 1.101

  Wars.
• * 1.102

  Horner.
• * 1.103

  Homer.
• 1 1.104

  Manilius having mention'd the chief Argu∣ments of Homer's Poems, concludes with a high Character, stiling him the Fountain of all Poetry. Ovid. Am••r. lib. 3. El. 8. to the same purpose,

  A quo, ceu Fonte perenni, Vatum Pieriis ora rigantur Aquis▪

  And Longinus (de sublim. Sect. 13) says not only Stesichorus and Archilocus, but Herodotus the Histo∣rian, and Plato the Philosopher, owe their chiefest Beauties to that Poet.
• * 1.105

  Hesiod.
• 2 1.106

  Several Poems of Hesiod are lost, and Scali∣ger with other Criticks conjecture, That Manilius refers us to those lost Poems: But I think this and the preceding Verse ought to be Corrected, (of this Correction perhaps I may give an account in a Latin Edition of this Author) and then they will be found in those pieces of Hesiod that are now extant.
• 3 1.107

  Eratosthenes a Greek Poet, flourished in the time of Ptolemy Euergetes, about the 138 Olymp. He wrote of the Stars and Constellations, and gave an account of all the Fables relating to them: I have not time to explain all these Fables and therefore shall only direct where they may be found. Concerning Perseus, Andromeda, her Fa∣ther Cepheus, and her Mother Cassiopeia, vid. O∣vid. Metam. lib. 4 ver. 665. Concerning Callisto, or the great Bear, Ovid. lib. 2. ver. 405. The Fabl•• of the Little Bear may be found in Diodorus Siculus, lib. 4. Of the Swan in the First Book of Manilius. Of the Go••t in the First Book of Ma∣nilius, and in Casaubon's Animadversions on Athe∣naeus: The Maid or Erigone, is said to be the Daughter of I••arus, who upon the Death of her Father, hang'd her self. The Nemean Lion being slain by Hercules, was plac'd amongst the Stars for his shining Skin. The Crab for pinching Her∣cules when he fought the Hydra: The Scorpion for Killing Orion, or rather, for assisting the Gods against the Giants. The Stories of Venus taking the shape of a Fish when she fled from the Giant▪ Typho, and of the Ram who swam over the Hel∣lespont with Phryxus and Helle on his Back, are well known, and may be found in Manilius, and Selden de Diis Syris.
• * 1.108

  Eratosthe∣nes.
• * 1.109

  Theocri∣tus.
• * 1.110

  Macer.
• * 1.111

  Nicander.
• * 1.112

  Some old Poet who describ'd Hell.
• * 1.113

  The World an Animal, and God the Soul of it.
• * 1.114

  The Influ∣ence of the Heavens.
• 4 1.115

  This was a Fancy of the Antients, which some are not asham'd, after Experience hath so of∣ten Confuted it, to maintain still.
• 5 1.116

  The Elephants do so, if we believe Pliny: Nat. Hist. lib. 8. cap. I.
• * 1.117

  Male and Female Signs.
• 6 1.118

  Aries is Male.

  • Gemini M.
  • Leo M.
  • Libra M.
  • Sagittarius M.
  • Aquarius M.

  Taurus Female.

  • Cancer F.
  • Virgo F.
  • Scorpius F.
  • Capricornus F.
  • Pisces F.
• 7 1.119

  The Humane Signs are Gemini, Libra, Vir∣go, Aquarius. The Brute, Aries, Taurus, Sagit∣tarius, Capricornus, Leo, Cancer, Scorpius, Pisces.
• * 1.120

  Humane and Brute Signs.
• 8 1.121

  Of Double Signs some are Pairs, as Gemini, and Pisces: Others are made up of two different Species, such as Sagittarius and Capricornus.
• * 1.122

  Single and Double Signs.
• * 1.123

  Pairs.
• * 1.124

  Double Signs of different Species.
• * 1.125

  Double Signs by Place.
• 9 1.126

  The Tropick Signs are Aries, Libra, Can∣cer, and Capricorn.
• 10 1.127

  Their Position is unnatural; but this, as well as the fore-going Differences, will be easily understood upon view of the Signs upon a Globe.
• * 1.128

  Signs of natural or unnatural Postures.
• * 1.129

  Day Signs and Night Signs.
• 11 1.130

  Concerning Day and Night Signs, there are different Opinions: Some fancy that Aries, Tau∣rus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, are the Days, and the other six the Nights. Others teach that the Male and Female are the same with the Day and Night Signs. But the Opinion that Manilius fol∣lows is this. Aries is a Day Sign, Taurus, Gemini, Night. Cancer, Leo, Day. Virgo, Libra, Night. Scorpius, Sagittarius, Day. Caper, Aquarius, Night. Pices Day. So that begin with Pisces, and then you find two Day Signs together, and then two Night Signs, and so in Order.
• 12 1.131

  The Water Signs are Pisces and Cancer. The Earth Aries, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Gemini, Sagitta∣rius, Libra, Virgo: Capricornus and Aquarius be∣long to both Earth and Water.
• * 1.132

  Earth and Water Signs.
• * 1.133

  Fruitful and Bar∣ren Signs.
• 13 1.134

  The fruitful Signs are Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. The Barren are Leo, Virgo, Aquarius. The re∣maining six are partly Barren, partly Fruitful.
• 14 1.135

  The Running ••••gns are Leo, Sagittarius, A∣ries: The standing o•• Erected Signs, Aquarius, Ge∣mini, Virgo. The Crouching Signs, Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpius, Caper, Pisces.
• * 1.136

  Signs of different Postures.
• 15 1.137

  The Maim'd signs, Taurus, Scorpius, Sagit∣tarius, Cancer.
• * 1.138

  M••im••d and intire Sig••••.
• 16 1.139

  The Season signs are Pisces, belonging to the Spring. Gemini to Summer. Virgo to Au∣tumn; and Sagittarius to Winter.
• * 1.140

  Season Signs.
• * 1.141

  The various Configura∣tion•• or A∣spects.
• * 1.142

  Tri••es.
• 17 1.143

  Suppose in the Zodiack Circle Twelve Signs, and in every Circle 360 Parts or Degrees, and 30 of these Degrees to belong to each of the Twelve Signs. Begin at any of the Signs, for in∣stance, Aries; and in this Circle inscribe a Tri∣angle, all whose sides are equal; it is evident that the Arch of the Circle which each of these sides subtends, contains 120 Parts or Degrees; and therefore between that Sign from which you begin to draw each side of this Triangle, and that to which you draw it, there must be Three Signs. But see Fig. 1st.
• * 1.144

  See Fig. 1.
• 18 1.145

  To shew what Signs are to be accounted Right, and what Left, the Poet mentions only the Trine of Taurus: Yet it is sufficient, upon View of Fig. 1st. direction for all the rest.
• * 1.146

  Quadrates.
• 19 1.147

  To know the Quadrate, begin from any sign, and in the Circle inscribe a Square, all whose sides are equal; the Angles shew the Signs, and what are Right or Left, you may find that in Qua∣drates, as you did in Trines.
• * 1.148

  See Fig. 2.
• 20 1.149

  The meaning of all these Cautions concern∣••ng Trines and Quadrates, is in short, this, You must reckon by Degrees, and not by Signs; for if you reckon by Signs, the Figures, as Manilius ••hews at large in each particular, will not ••e equilateral. See Fig. 1st. and 2d.
• * 1.150

  Cautions concerning Squares and Trines.
• * 1.151

  The Inter∣course of Trines and Squares.
• * 1.152

  See Fig. 3.
• * 1.153

  Of Seztile••
• * 1.154

  See Fig. 4.
• * 1.155

  Of Contigu∣ous Signs.
• * 1.156

  Of Vnequal Signs.
• * 1.157

  See Fig. 4.
• * 1.158

  Of Oppo∣s••tes.
• 21 1.159

  The Signs which have an Opposite aspect are,

  • Aries.
  • Taurus.
  • Gemini.
  • Cancer.
  • Leo.
  • Virgo.
  • Libra.
  • Scorpius.
  • Sagittarius.
  • Capricornus.
  • Aquarius.
  • Pisces.
• * 1.160

  See Fig. 4▪
• * 1.161

  The Guar∣dians of the Signs.
• 22 1.162

  The Guardians of the Signs.

  • Of Aries. Pallas.
  • Taurus.
  • Gemini.
  • Cancer.
  • Leo.
  • Virgo.
  • Libra.
  • Scorpius.
  • Sagittarius.
  • Capricornus.
  • Aquarius.
  • Pisces.
  • Pallas.
  • Venus.
  • Phoebus.
  • Mercurius.
  • Iupiter.
  • Ceres.
  • Vulcan.
  • Mars.
  • Diana.
  • Vesta.
  • Iuno.
  • Neptune.

  The Reasons of this Assignment are to be ta∣ken out of the Old Fables.
• * 1.163

  Signs for the several parts of the Body.
• * 1.164

  Signs that See, Hear, Love, or Hate.
• * 1.165

  See Fig. 5, 6, 7, and 8.
• 23 1.166

  Whether Capricorn was in the Horoscope of Augustus, when he was Born, or when he was Conceived, Is disputed: However 'tis certain, Augustus took Capricorn for his Sign, and many times its Figure is found upon his Coins. vid. Sueton. vit. Aug. cap. 94. and Spanhemius de Num∣mis. p. 210.
• 24 1.167

  See the Figures of these Signs on a Globe.
• * 1.168

  A short di∣gression con∣cerning Friendship.
• 25 1.169

  Pylades and Orestes being taken Prisoners, Orestes was condemned to Die, but was allow'd to go and settle some Affairs, upon Condition that Pylades would stay behind, and engage his Life for his return: Pylades becomes Surety: Orestes goes, settles his Affairs, and returns at the Day appointed.
• * 1.170

  The friend∣ly and un∣friendly Aspects.
• * 1.171

  See Fig. 1.
• 26 1.172

  So call'd, because in the Sign Scorpius we see nothing but the Claws.
• * 1.173

  Trines.
• * 1.174

  See Fig. 1.
• * 1.175

  Do••ecat••∣morion.
• 27 1.176

  The Dodecatemorion is the Twelfth part, or two Degrees and an half of a Sign. Every Sign containing Thirty Degrees; for Twelve times two and an half make Thirty. Scaliger gives this Instance. Let the propos'd Degree be the Thirteenth Degree of Gemini, multiply Thirteen by Twelve, the Product is one hundred fifty six: Of these give Thirty to Gemini the propos'd Sign, Thirty to Cancer, Thirty to Leo, to Virgo Thirty, and Thirty to Libra: There remain Six, and therefore the Dodecatimorion of Gemini is in the Sixth Degree of Scorpius▪ But this instance doth not seem to agree with the Doctrine of Ma∣nilius.
• 28 1.177

  Scaliger affirms, that Manilius proposeth two ways to find the Dodecatemoria or Twelfths of the Planets; Hu••tius says he gives but one: This Dispute will be best determin'd by observing the Poet himself, and illustrating his Doctrine by two Instances: Let the Moon be in the Sixth De∣gree of Aries, multiply six by Twelve, the Product ••s Seventy two: Out of this Seventy two give the first Thirty to Aries, the second to Taurus, and ••hen there remain Twelve; and therefore the Dodecatemorion of the Moon is in the Twelfth De∣gree of Gemini, that is, in the Second of the Five half Degrees of the Dodecatemorion of Gemini.
• * 1.178

  The Dode∣catemoria of the Pla∣nets.
• 29 1.179

  To this Method Scaliger applies this Ex∣ample: Let the Sun be in the Thirteenth of Gemi∣ni, the Moon in the Twenty Third of Scorpius, the Arch of the Zodiack between the two Planets, contains one Hundred and Sixty Degrees: In this Number there are five Thirties, which being ta∣ken away there remain Ten; divide these Ten by Twelfths, or two and an half, the Quotient is four Twelfths, or Dodecatemoria; of which give one to Scorpius, another to Sagittarius, a third to Ca∣pricorn, and the fourth falling in Aquarius, shews the Moons Dodecatemorion to be in the twenty third Degree of that Sign.
• 30 1.180

  The third sort of Dodecatemorion is this▪ In every Dodecatemorion or Twelfth, there are five half Degrees, and the Planets (which the Antient Astrologers counted but five, not reckon∣ing the Sun and Moon amongst the Planets) have in each Dodecatemorion or Twelfth, one half De∣gree assign'd to every one of them.
• * 1.181

  XXXIII.
• * 1.182

  The Celesti∣al Houses.
• 31 1.183

  From this Verse to the end of this Book, Manilius treats of the Twelve Celestial Houses, which he divides into the Four Cardines or Hinges, and the Eight Spaces that lie between these Hin∣ges: The Hinges are the Eastern Point, the Middle Point, the Western Point and the lowest point of Heaven: The Spaces, &c. but see Fig. 10.
• * 1.184

  The Hinges. See Fig. 10.
• * 1.185

  The Medi∣um Coeli.
• * 1.186

  The Imum Coeli.
• * 1.187

  The Ho∣roscope. or Eastern Point.
• * 1.188

  The We∣stern Point.
• * 1.189

  The inter∣mediate Spacers.
• * 1.190

  ••••e Fig. 9.
• * 1.191

  The Twelfth and Sixth Houses.
• * 1.192

  See fig 9th.
• * 1.193

  The Seco••d and Eighth Houses.
• * 1.194

  See fig. 9th▪
• * 1.195

  The Ele∣venth house
• * 1.196

  See fig. 9th.
• * 1.197

  The fifth House. See fig. 9th.
• * 1.198

  The third and ninth Houses.
• * 1.199

  See fig. 9.
• * 1.200

  The ninth House.
• * 1.201

  The third House.
• * 1.202

  The tenth House. See fig. 9.
• * 1.203

  The fourth House.
• * 1.204

  See fig. 9.
• * 1.205

  T•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 House.
• * 1.206

  See fig. 9.
• 32 1.207

  Manilius in the beginning of his first Book tells us Mercury was the Inventor of that Art, which he intended for the Subject of his Astrological Poem▪
• * 1.208

  The seventh House.
• 33 1.209

  Either the Poet never finish'd this Part which he here promises, or it is now lost.
• 1 1.210

  This and the seven following Verses relate to the several particulars of Medea's story.
• 2 1.211

  I use this Interpretation rather than that of Scaliger and others, because I think Manilius speaks only of that famous Siege of Thebes, when the seven Generals attackt it; and as the Story says, Capaneus had almost ruin'd the Town before he was struck with Thunder.
• 3 1.212

  Oedipus Married his own Mother Iocasta, and had Children by her; so that each Son was Brother to the Father, and Grand-Child to the Mother.
• 4 1.213

  This respects the Story of Atreus and Thy∣estes.
• 5 1.214

  Xerxes is said to have dug a Channel round Mount Athos, and to have made a Bridge over the Hellespont.
• * 1.215

  The twelve Lots of the twelve Signs.
• 6 1.216

  Thus, for instance, in whatever Sign the Lot of Fortune is plac'd, the next that belongs to the next Sign, is the Lot of Warfare: Civil Em∣ployments must be given to the third, &c.
• 7 1.217

  For the Lot of Fortune being in all Nativities that belong to Day to be accounted for from the Sun, and in all Nativities that belong to Night from the Moon; and those two Planets not al∣ways possessing the same place in every Nativity, and the other Lots following the disposition of that of Fortune; it is very evident that the same Lot is not to be always applyed to the same Sign.
• * 1.218

  First Lot.
• * 1.219

  Vid. Fig. 11
• * 1.220

  Second Lot.
• * 1.221

  Third Lot.
• * 1.222

  Fourth Lot.
• * 1.223

  Fifth Lot.
• * 1.224

  Sixth Lot.
• * 1.225

  Seventh Lot.
• * 1.226

  Eighth Lot.
• * 1.227

  Ninth Lot.
• * 1.228

  Tenth Lot.
• * 1.229

  Eleventh Lot.
• * 1.230

  Twelfth Lot.
• 8 1.231

  The Poet never finisht this part, or it is now lost.
• * 1.232

  How the Lots are to be suited to the Signs.
• * 1.233

  When the Birth belongs to Day.
• 9 1.234

  For instance, let the Sun be in the 20th De∣gree of Aries, the Moon in the 10th Degree of Libra; from the 20th Degree of Aries (counting thro' the following Signs Taurus, Gemini, &c) to the 10th Degree of Libra; are 170 Degrees: Let the Horoscope be the 10th Degree of Cancer; from that 10th Degree of Cancer, count thro' the fol∣lowing Signs, viz. Leo, Virgo, &c. and you will find the Number 170 to end in the 10th Degree of Capricorn: Therefore in the 10th Degree of Ca∣pricorn place the Lot of Fortune: This I take to be the meaning of Manilius.
• * 1.235

  When to Night.
• 10 1.236

  Suppose the Sun to be in the 21, 49 of Leo, the Moon in the 26, 31' of Virgo; the Horoscope in the, 1, 0' of Leo; The Moon is distant from the Sun 325, 18', which number being distributed amongst the Antecedent Signs, viz. Cancer, Ge∣mini, Taurus, &c. ends in the 5, 42' of Virgo, that there is the place of the Lot of Fortune.
• * 1.237

  How to find the Horoscope
• 11 1.238

  To explain this Method which the Chalde∣ans us'd to find the Horoscope, Scaliger gives this instance: Let the Sun's place be the 13, 25' of Libra, let the Birth be at the end of the Seventh Hour of the Day: Now because every Sign hath thirty Degrees, and fifteen Degrees make one Hour, these Seven Hours are three Signs and an half, or one Hundred and five Degrees: Now reckon those Degrees thro' the following Signs, viz. Scorpius, Centaurus, &c. The Number ends in the 28125' of Capricorn, and therefore that is the Horoscope.
• * 1.239

  The Chal∣daeana re∣futed.
• * 1.240

  The first Argument •• against the Chaldae∣ans.
• 12 1.241

  Sic media extremis, &c. The middle Signs here are Aries and Libra, and these are said to be opposite to the Extremes, Cancer and Capricorn, because in them the Days are equal, but in the others unequal to the Nights: This I take to ••e the meaning of the Poet, rather than what Scaliger and other Interpreters pretend.
• 13 1.242

  Thus in Cancer the Days are longest; in Capricorn, which is a Sign adverse to Cancer, the Nights are of the same length, that the Days were of in Cancer: The like holds in Leo, and Aquarius, and so in the rest.
• * 1.243

  The Second Argument.
• 14 1.244

  The Italians divided all the time betwixt the Rising and Setting of the Sun into Twelve Hours, and all the time between the Setting and Rising of the Sun into Twelve Hours: And there∣fore, those times being various and unequal, the Hours must likewise be unequal.
• * 1.245

  How to find the different lengths of Days and Nights, and to find the Horo∣scope.
• 15 1.246

  According to the Opinion of some Ancient Astronomers, who plac'd the Winter Solstice in the Eighth Degree of Capricorn, the Summer Sol∣••tice in the Eighth Degree of Cancer, and the E∣quinox in the Eighth Degrees of Aries and Libra: Thus in the End of this Book,

  Has quidam vires octava in parte reponunt.
• 16 1.247

  Eudoxus wrote of the Sphere at the 36th Degree, Elevation of the Pole, and Manilius fol∣••ows him.
• * 1.248

  The rising and Set∣ting of the Signs first. By Stadia: and Hours.
• 17 1.249

  A Stadium in Manilius is half of a Degree, and therefore in the whole Zodiack there are 720 Stadia. In the Zodiack are 360 Degrees, to eve∣••y Hour we reckon▪ 15 Degrees, therefore every Hour is equal to 30 Stadia, and for the same Reason, each Hour containing 60 Minutes, every Stadium is equal to two Minutes.
• 18 1.250

  The rising and Setting of the Signs ac∣cording to Manilius.

  [illustration]

  Rising.

  [illustration]

  Rising.

  [illustration]

  Setting.

  [illustration]

  Setting.
• * 1.251

  Another Method.
• 19 1.252

  Let the Child be born in the Fourth Hour of the Day, add five to four, the Sum is 9, Mul∣tiply 9 by 10, the Product is 90. Let the Sun be in the 10th Degree of Gemini, add 10 to 90, the Sum is 100, of this 100 give 30 to Gemini, the Sign in which the Sun is, 30 more to the follow∣ing Sign Taurus: 30 to the next Aries, 10 re∣main, therefore the 10th Degree of Pisces is the Horoscope.
• 20 1.253

  Let the Birth be in the Seventh Hour of Night, add to that the Twelve Hours of the Day, and that Seventh Hour will be the Nineteenth, from the Suns Rising: Then add, multiply, and work, as in the former Method.
• * 1.254

  Third Ar∣gument a∣gainst the Chaldae∣ans.
• * 1.255

  The length of Days and Nights in a Direct Sphe••e.
• * 1.256

  In an Ob∣lique Sphere.
• * 1.257

  On this side the Arctick Circle.
• * 1.258

  Beyond the Arctick Circle.
• * 1.259

  In an erect or parallel Sphere.
• * 1.260

  Another way to find the Trine the Signs Rising and Setting by Hours.
• 21 1.261

  Let the longest Day in Cancer be of 16 Hours, the shortest Night of 8: Divide those 16 Hours into 6 parts, each part contains 2 Hours 40 Minutes: Therefore allow Leo 2 Hours 40 Min. for his Rising time: Divide likewise the 8 Hours of Night into 6 parts, each part will contain 1 Hour 20. m. and that is the rising time of Taurus. The Differece between the Rising Times of these two Signs is 1 Hour 20 Min. Divide this Diffe∣rence into three equal parts, each part will contain 26 Min. 40 Sec. Add these 26 Min. and 40 Sec. to the Rising time of Taurus, and the whole Sum makes up the Rising time of Gemini, viz. 1 Hour, 46 Min. 40 Sec. To this add another third part to make up the Rising time of Cancer, viz. 2 Hours 13 Min. 20 Sec. And so of the rest, as in the following Scheme.

  [illustration]

  But it must always be observed, that the Sou∣thern or Winter Signs are oppos'd to the Northern or Summer Signs. The Rising-time of the Sum∣mer is the Setting-time of the Winter; and the Setting-time of the Summer the Rising-time of the Winter Signs.
• * 1.262

  By Stadia.
• * 1.263

  How Days encrease from Ca∣pricorn •• Cancer.
• 22 1.264

  The Example which Manilius himself gives, sets this Doctrine in its true Light. Let the lon∣gest Night in Capricorn be of 15 Hours, the Day consequently must be of 9. Thus the Night ex∣ceeds the Day by 3 Hours. Divide these 3 Hours into 3 Parts, give one Part, that is, 1 Hour to the Middle Sign, viz. Aquarius, and thence con∣clude that in Capricorn the Day encreases half an Hour, and in Pisces an Hour and half; Aquarius being the Middle Sign in which the Days encrease one Hour.
• 23 1.265

  According to the Doctrine of Manilius (let the Example be the same with that in the prece∣ding Note) in Aries the Day encreases one Hour and half, in Taurus one Hour, in Gemini half an Hour.
• * 1.266

  The Years, Months, Days, and Hours of Signs.
• * 1.267

  Some A∣strologers Opinion. concerning the Years, Months and Days of Signs.
• 24 1.268

  There being 24 Hours belonging to each Day, and but 12 Signs, more than 24 Days in each Month, and 12 Months in every Year.
• * 1.269

  Refuted.
• * 1.270

  How many Years be∣long to each Sign and Station.
• 25 1.271

  A Table of the Years and Months that be∣long to each Sign.

  [illustration]
• 26 1.272

  This was never finished by the Poet, or is now lost.
• * 1.273

  Vid. Fig. 9.
• * 1.274

  The Tro∣pick Signs
• * 1.275

  Cancer.
• * 1.276

  Capricorn
• * 1.277

  Aries.
• * 1.278

  Libra.
• * 1.279

  What De∣grees in the Tropick Signs are to be con∣sidered.
• * 1.280

  Short Re∣flections on the Cares of Men.
• * 1.281

  The first Argument for Fate.
• 1 1.282

  The Poet did not think of the Palladium as Scaliger imagines, but only of the Fire at Troy, which parted to let Aeneas go through with his Father, and his Household Gods.
• 2 1.283

  Manilius makes only short Reflections on Hi∣story, and therefore is frequently obs••ure: He says here, that it was impossible one single Ae∣neas should have rais'd the Glory and Reputation of ruin'd Troy, and made it then conquer, when it was overthrown, by building Rome which sub∣du'd the whole World; for Rome rose out of the Ruins of Troy; unless some over-ruling Power and Fate had ordain'd it should be so.
• 3 1.284

  Romulus; and Remus, the Founders of Rome, were but Shepherds.
• 4 1.285

  I chuse to read Auxissent Culmina rather than vexissent, or duxissent Fulmina, and render Cul∣mina a Cottage.
• 5 1.286

  If Manilius be suppos'd to keep the Order of Time in his Historical Reflections, I must own I have not hit his meaning in this place; for no doubt he had an Eye upon the Wars between the Sabines and Romulus: but then I cannot imagine what those Words Captus & à Captis Orbis foret mean: I cannot think with Soaliger and Huetius that he runs back to Troy, which he had left seve∣ral Verses before, and therefore apply this passage to the taking and burning of Rome, and the be∣sieging the Capitol by the Gauls: And 'tis certain the Poet in his following Reflections neglects the Order of Time very much.
• 6 1.287

  The Stories of Mutius Scaevola, Horatius Cocles, the Virgin Claelia, and the Combat be∣tween the three Horatij on the Roman, and the three Curiatij on the Alban side, are well known.
• 6 1.288

  The Stories of Mutius Scaevola, Horatius Cocles, the Virgin Claelia, and the Combat be∣tween the three Horatij on the Roman, and the three Curiatij on the Alban side, are well known.
• 6 1.289

  The Stories of Mutius Scaevola, Horatius Cocles, the Virgin Claelia, and the Combat be∣tween the three Horatij on the Roman, and the three Curiatij on the Alban side, are well known.
• 8 1.290

  Short Reflections on the great Accidents in the Second and Third Carthaginian Wars, toge∣ther with the Death of Hannibal.
• 9 1.291

  He goes on with the Roman History, the unaccountable Fortunes of the Great Marius.
• 10 1.292

  Pompey the Great, was a very notable Ex∣ample of the variety of Fortune, being on a sud∣den rais'd to the highest, and as soon thrown down to the lowest Condition in the World.
• 11 1.293

  Cumjam etiam posses alium cognoscere Mag∣num: I hope I have given this Verse a better Sense, than the other Interpreters have done.
• 12 1.294

  Caesar is said to be sprung from Heaven, because he was descended from Aeneas the Son of Venus: After his Murther an unusual Star ap∣pear'd, which the Flatterers of Augustus said was the Soul of his Father Caesar.
• 13 1.295

  The Poet closeth his Examples with Re∣flections on the overthrow of Croesus, the Famous wealthy King of Lydia, who was taken by Cyrus; on the wretched Condition to which old Priam was reduc't; on the unaccountable overthrow of Xerxes; on the Advancement of Servius Tullus, who was the Son of a Bond-Woman, and yet came to be King of Rome, and on the Conduct of Metellus, who broke into the Temple of Vesta when it was on Fire, and brought out the Image of the Goddess.
• 13 1.296

  The Poet closeth his Examples with Re∣flections on the overthrow of Croesus, the Famous wealthy King of Lydia, who was taken by Cyrus; on the wretched Condition to which old Priam was reduc't; on the unaccountable overthrow of Xerxes; on the Advancement of Servius Tullus, who was the Son of a Bond-Woman, and yet came to be King of Rome, and on the Conduct of Metellus, who broke into the Temple of Vesta when it was on Fire, and brought out the Image of the Goddess.
• 13 1.297

  The Poet closeth his Examples with Re∣flections on the overthrow of Croesus, the Famous wealthy King of Lydia, who was taken by Cyrus; on the wretched Condition to which old Priam was reduc't; on the unaccountable overthrow of Xerxes; on the Advancement of Servius Tullus, who was the Son of a Bond-Woman, and yet came to be King of Rome, and on the Conduct of Metellus, who broke into the Temple of Vesta when it was on Fire, and brought out the Image of the Goddess.
• 13 1.298

  The Poet closeth his Examples with Re∣flections on the overthrow of Croesus, the Famous wealthy King of Lydia, who was taken by Cyrus; on the wretched Condition to which old Priam was reduc't; on the unaccountable overthrow of Xerxes; on the Advancement of Servius Tullus, who was the Son of a Bond-Woman, and yet came to be King of Rome, and on the Conduct of Metellus, who broke into the Temple of Vesta when it was on Fire, and brought out the Image of the Goddess.
• 13 1.299

  The Poet closeth his Examples with Re∣flections on the overthrow of Croesus, the Famous wealthy King of Lydia, who was taken by Cyrus; on the wretched Condition to which old Priam was reduc't; on the unaccountable overthrow of Xerxes; on the Advancement of Servius Tullus, who was the Son of a Bond-Woman, and yet came to be King of Rome, and on the Conduct of Metellus, who broke into the Temple of Vesta when it was on Fire, and brought out the Image of the Goddess.
• 13 1.300

  The Poet closeth his Examples with Re∣flections on the overthrow of Croesus, the Famous wealthy King of Lydia, who was taken by Cyrus; on the wretched Condition to which old Priam was reduc't; on the unaccountable overthrow of Xerxes; on the Advancement of Servius Tullus, who was the Son of a Bond-Woman, and yet came to be King of Rome, and on the Conduct of Metellus, who broke into the Temple of Vesta when it was on Fire, and brought out the Image of the Goddess.
• * 1.301

  Second Ar∣gument.
• 14 1.302

  —Mortes se{que} ipsae rursus fugiunt, er∣rant{que} per Ignes.
• * 1.303

  Third A••¦gument.
• 15 1.304

  To reconcile the different Interpreters, I have hinted at both Paris, (or rather Hercules) and Leander.
• 16 1.305

  Furius Camillus was the restorer of Rome, after it had been taken and burnt by the Gauls: Of the Family of the Decij there were Three, who voluntarily devoted themselves to Death, for the Good and Prosperity of their Country: Cato Vticensis, who kill'd himself that he might not survive the Liberty of Rome.
• 16 1.306

  Furius Camillus was the restorer of Rome, after it had been taken and burnt by the Gauls: Of the Family of the Decij there were Three, who voluntarily devoted themselves to Death, for the Good and Prosperity of their Country: Cato Vticensis, who kill'd himself that he might not survive the Liberty of Rome.
• * 1.307

  Fourth Ar∣gument.
• * 1.308

  Fifth Ar∣gument.
• * 1.309

  Sixth Ar∣gument.
• * 1.310

  Seventh Argument.
• * 1.311

  An Objecti∣on an∣swer'd.
• * 1.312

  The Influ∣ence of the Signs.
• * 1.313

  Of Aries.
• 17 1.314

  Alluding to the Tryal of skill between Pal∣las and Arachne, describ'd by Ovid, in the Sixth Book of his Metamorphosis.
• * 1.315

  Of Taurus.
• 18 1.316

  M. Curius Dentatus and Serranus were both fetcht from the Plough, to Command the Roman Armies, fought bravely, and Triumpht.
• 19 1.317

  For this the Poets fancy'd to be the Bull that carry'd Europa into Crete.
• * 1.318

  Of Gemi∣ni.
• * 1.319

  Of Cancer.
• * 1.320

  Of Leo.
• 20 1.321

  Scaliger thinks Manilius means such as keep Beasts for publick Shews, and to fight in the Theaters; and this Interpretation I rather follow than that of Huetius, who fancies the Poet means by this pompous Description no more than inno∣cent, honest Butchers.
• * 1.322

  Of Virgo.
• * 1.323

  Of Libra.
• 21 1.324

  Palamedes is said to be the first Man amongst the Greeks, who invented Cyphers, and taught Men to cast Account: I have enlarg'd his Cha∣racter, and taken notice of his invention of Let∣ters.
• 22 1.325

  Servius Sulpitius, the Great Lawyer, and Acquaintance of Cicero.
• * 1.326

  Of Scor∣pio.
• * 1.327

  Of Sagitta∣rius.
• 23 1.328

  Of the Docility of Elephants, we meet with numerous Examples: Seneca mentions one, that play'd at Ball: Another, that would Dance on a Rope, &c. The Travellers in the East are full of strange Stories concerning those Animals; and Lipsius in his Epistles, will furnish any Man with more Stories than he will readily believe.
• * 1.329

  Of Capri∣corn.
• 24 1.330

  If Alchymy was more Antient than Mani∣lius, as Huetius himself grants, I see no Reason why the Poet might not speak of the Alchymists: The Interpretation I have given, I am sure, sounds better than that of Huetius.
• * 1.331

  Of Aqua∣rius.
• * 1.332

  Of Pisces.
• * 1.333

  The Tenths and the Lords of the third part of each sign.
• 25 1.334

  The Tenths: This is a new word, but an∣swers to Decanioa in Manilius: Decanica signifies Ten Degrees, and the Decanus is Lord of Ten Degrees: The several Lords are these,

  In Aries

  • Aries
  • Taurus
  • Gemini

  In Gemini

  • Libra
  • Scorpius
  • Sagittar.

  In Leo

  • Aries
  • Taurus
  • Gemini

  In Libra

  • Libra
  • Scorpius
  • Sagittar.

  In Taurus

  • Cancer
  • Leo
  • Virgo

  In Cancer

  • Capricor.
  • Aquarius
  • Pisces

  In Virgo

  • Cancer
  • Leo
  • Virgo

  In Scorpius

  • Capricor.
  • Aquarius
  • Pisces

  In Sagittar.

  • Aries
  • Taurus
  • Gemini

  In Aquarius

  • Libra
  • Scorpius
  • Sagittar.

  In Capricor.

  • Cancer
  • Leo
  • Virgo

  In Pisces

  • Aries
  • Taurus
  • Pisces
• * 1.335

  Of Aries.
• * 1.336

  Of Taurus.
• * 1.337

  Of Gemi∣ni.
• * 1.338

  Of Cancer.
• * 1.339

  Of Leo.
• * 1.340

  In Cancer.
• * 1.341

  In Libra.
• * 1.342

  In Scor∣pio.
• * 1.343

  In Capri∣corn.
• * 1.344

  In Aqua∣rius.
• * 1.345

  In Pisces.
• * 1.346

  The use∣fulness of this D••∣ctrin of the Lords.
• * 1.347

  Encourage∣nients to this Study.
• 26 1.348

  Quantum est quo veniat Omne, I have fol∣low'd the Interpretation of Scaliger; but do not reject the Opinion of Huetius: Though of less force than Scaliger's.
• * 1.349

  The Good and Bad Degrees of each Sign.
• * 1.350

  The diffi∣culty of put∣ting this Doctrin in∣to Verse.
• * 1.351

  The hurtful Degrees in Aries.
• 27 1.352

  The Hurtful Degrees.

  In Aries

  • 4. 6. 12.
  • 14. 17. 18.
  • 21. 25. 27.

  In Gemini

  • 1. 3. 7.
  • 15. 19. 21.
  • 25. 27. 29.

  In Leo

  • 1. 4. 10.
  • 15. 22. 25.
  • 28. 30.

  In Libra

  • 5. 7. 13.
  • 18. 24. 27.
  • 29. 30.

  In Sagittar.

  • 4. 8. 12.
  • 16. 20. 24.
  • 26. 28. 30.

  In Taurus

  • 9. 13. 17.
  • 22. 24. 26.
  • 28. 30.

  In Cancer

  • 1. 3. 6.
  • 8. 11. 15.
  • 17. 20. 25.
  • 27. 29.

  In Virgo

  • 1. 6. 11.
  • 14. 18. 21.
  • 24. 30.

  In Scorpio

  • 1. 3. 6.
  • 10. 15. 22.
  • 25. 28. 29.

  In Capric.

  • 7. 9. 13.
  • 17. 19. 25.
  • 26.

  In Aquarius

  • 11. 13. 15.
  • 19. 21. 25.
  • 29.

  In Pisces

  • 3. 5. 17.
  • 11. 17. 25.
  • 27.
• * 1.353

  In Taurus.
• * 1.354

  In Gemini.
• * 1.355

  In Gancer.
• * 1.356

  In Leo.
• * 1.357

  In Virgo.
• * 1.358

  In Libra.
• * 1.359

  In Scorpio
• * 1.360

  In Sagitta∣rius.
• * 1.361

  In Capri∣corn.
• * 1.362

  In Aqua∣rius.
• * 1.363

  In Pisces.
• * 1.364

  How the Signs Act when they rise.
• * 1.365

  Aries.
• * 1.366

  Taurus.
• * 1.367

  Gemini.
• * 1.368

  Cancer.
• * 1.369

  Leo.
• * 1.370

  Virgo.
• * 1.371

  Libra.
• * 1.372

  Scorpio.
• 28 1.373

  Alluding to the Custom of the Romans, who, when they design'd to build a City, took a Plow, and made Furrow a where the Walls were to stand.
• * 1.374

  Sagittari∣us.
• * 1.375

  Capricor∣nus.
• * 1.376

  Aquarius.
• * 1.377

  Pisces.
• * 1.378

  The winds call'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.379

  The Collate∣ral winds.
• * 1.380

  The Medi∣terranean Sea and and the se∣veral parts of it.
• 29 1.381

  Vossius, In his Observations on Catullus, P. 204. Reads,

  —Taurum{que} minantem Fluctibus.—
• * 1.382

  The Islands of the Me∣diterrane∣an.
• * 1.383

  The Caspi∣an Sea.
• * 1.384

  The Persi∣an Gulph.
• * 1.385

  The Arabi∣an Gulph.
• * 1.386

  Africa.
• 30 1.387

  Pyrrhus made use both of Elephants and Snakes, in his Wars against the Romans.
• * 1.388

  Asia.
• * 1.389

  Europe.
• 31 1.390

  Germany, which comprehends all the Nor∣thern tract of Land beyond Thrace.
• 32 1.391

  Rome had Temples Dedicated to her, and was look'd upon to be a Goddess.
• * 1.392

  What Signs govern each Country.
• * 1.393

  Why diffe∣rent Coun∣treys bear Men of dif∣ferent Shapes and Colours.
• * 1.394

  What Coun∣treys are govern'd by Aries.
• * 1.395

  By Taurus.
• * 1.396

  By Gemi∣ni.
• * 1.397

  By Cancer.
• 33 1.398

  The Poets feign'd that Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, rode in a Chariot drawn by two Lions.
• * 1.399

  By Leo.
• * 1.400

  By Virgo.
• 34 1.401

  Tiberius being under the displeasure of Augu∣stus, was sent to the Island Rhodes, and liv'd there some time.
• * 1.402

  By Libra.
• 35 1.403

  Vossius out of his Ancient Manuscript Reads, Qua genitus Caesar{que} meus qui hanc condidit urbem.
• * 1.404

  By Scor∣pio.
• 36 1.405

  I know Donata Regna may bear another Sense, but this will do as well.
• * 1.406

  By Sagitta∣rius.
• * 1.407

  By Capri∣••o••nus.
• 37 1.408

  Whom, in the time of Agustus, the Ger∣mans destroy'd, and cut off all the Legions he Commanded.
• * 1.409

  By Aqua∣rius.
• * 1.410

  By Pisces.
• * 1.411

  What Influ∣ence these Signs have in the seve∣veral Coun∣tries subject to their Rule.
• * 1.412

  What Signs are Ecclip∣tick.
• * 1.413

  Why call'd Eccliptick.
• * 1.414

  In what Order the Eccliptick succeed one another.
• 38 1.415

  Thus when Aries and Libra are Eccliptick, the two next Eccliptick are Pisces and Virgo.
• * 1.416

  This Art tho' diffi∣cult, yet may be ob∣tain'd.
• 39 1.417

  Alluding to Iulius Caesar, Deify'd by Au∣gustus.
• * 1.418

  The design of the Fifth Book.
• * 1.419

  The Sou∣thern Con∣stella••••ons.
• * 1.420

  The Nor∣thern Con∣stellations.
• 1 1.421

  —Celerique Sagittae Delphinus certans— We may read,—Celerique Sagitta Delphinus certans—and interpret the words, not as others do, The Dolphin seated opposite to the Arrow: But The Dolphin of equal swiftness with the Arrow.
• * 1.422

  What Con∣stellations rise with Aries.
• 2 1.423

  The Ram having a Golden Fleece, as the Poets fancy'd, the King of Iolcos kill'd him that he might enjoy the Treasure, and Iason being sent to fetch this Golden Fleece carried away Medea the King's Daughter.
• * 1.424

  The Ship.
• 3 1.425

  The Ship hath two Rudders, a Northern, and a Southern Rudder.
• 4 1.426

  A River of Iolchos, whither Iason with the Argonauts, first Sailed.
• 5 1.427

  Typhis, the Pilot to the Argonauts, who in his Voyage steer'd thro' the dangerous moving Rocks called the Symplegadae.
• 6 1.428

  The Graecian Navy lay Wind-bound till Iphigenia was Sacrificed, and appeased the anger of Diana.
• 7 1.429

  Vossius, in his Observations on Catullus, Reads—Invehet undis Persida— The Ex∣pression is bold, and therefore proper for the Po∣et. That Xerxes dug a new Channel, and made a Bridge over the Hellespont, are known stories.
• 8 1.430

  Manilius mentions several notable defeats at Sea, such was that of the Athenians near Syracuse, which brought the Athenians very low: such were those of the Carthaginians by the Romans: And that of Antony by Augustus near Actium.
• 9 1.431

  Heavens great Fortune: Because the Conque∣rour was to be deify'd.
• * 1.432

  Orion.
• 10 1.433

  Orion is a very large and bright Constella∣tion, and deserves this pompous Description.
• 11 1.434

  Instar erit Populi: This is one of Manilius's bold Expressions, which my English cannot reach.
• 12 1.435

  Alluding to the o••••icious Salutations, which the Clients amongst the Romans carried early every Morning to their Patrons.
• * 1.436

  Henio∣chus, or the Driver.
• 13 1.437

  Manilius is very accurate in describing the particular Niceties observ'd in the Roman racing: Those are not now observ'd amongst us, and there∣fore we must be content with such Expressions as our Language will afford.
• 14 1.438

  An Exercise much us'd amongst the Ro∣mans; the Horse-man rode one Horse, and led a∣nother, and in the midst of the Race would throw himself on the led Horse, and so back again as of∣ten as he was required; or else would stand upon the Horses back, and in that posture ride the Course.
• 15 1.439

  Salmoneus built a Bridge of Brass, and dri∣ving Chariots over it fancy'd he Thundred: This he did to procure himself divine Honours, but was kill'd by a Thunder-bolt for his impious attempt.
• 16 1.440

  The Poets fancy'd Bellerophon rode upon the flying Horse Pegasus.
• * 1.441

  The Hoedi, or the Kids.
• * 1.442

  The Hya∣des.
• 17 1.443

  A Family amongst the Romans, famous for their seditious Harangues, which they made to the People of Rome out of the Desks, or Rostra, standing in the Market place.
• * 1.444

  The Goat.
• * 1.445

  What Con∣stellations rise with Taurus.
• * 1.446

  The Plei∣ades.
• * 1.447

  What Con∣stellations rise with the Twins.
• * 1.448

  The Hare.
• 18 1.449

  Amongst the Romans one Man would take several Balls, and toss them, sometimes behind, and sometimes before, now on this hand, and now on the other, so that some of them should be always up in the Air: And this feat of Activity Manilius Describes.
• * 1.450

  What Con∣stellations rise with Cancer. The Asses.
• 19 1.451

  The Story of Meleager runs thus: At his Birth his Mother heard one of the Destinies say, the Child should live till the stick that then lay in the Fire was burnt: The Mother snatch'd the stick out of the Fire, and preserv'd it. When Meleager was grown a Man, he with a great many others went to hunt a Wild Bore; at the same time A∣talante a Nymph of extraordinary Beauty came into the Field, and had the good Fortune to wound the Bore first: Meleager fell in Love with Atalante, and having kill'd the Bore presented the Head to her: His two Uncles who were present at the Hunting thought themselves injur'd, and would not suffer a Woman to carry off their Spoil. Meleager in defence of Atalante kills his two Uncles: Melea∣ger's Mother, to revenge the Death of her two Bro∣thers, puts the stick into the Fire, as that burnt Meleager wasted.
• 20 1.452

  Formidine Mortis: Huetius Reads Formidine Pennae: For when they Hunted, they us'd to set stakes in the ground, to which they ty'd Feathers which frighted the Deer, and made them keep with∣in that compass, or take that way the Hunters thought most convenient for their sport.
• * 1.453

  Procyon, o•• the lit∣•••••• Dog.
• * 1.454

  What Con∣stellation•• rise with the Lion. The great Dog.
• * 1.455

  The Bowl.
• * 1.456

  What Con∣stellations rise with Virgo.
• * 1.457

  The Crowns
• * 1.458

  The Sheaf.
• * 1.459

  What Con∣stellations rise with Libra.
• 21 1.460

  Philoctetes was Servant to Hercules, and when Hercules burnt himself, he left his Bow and Arrows to Philoctetes: Without these Arrows Troy could not be taken: Now it happened that Philoctetes, ei∣ther by a contrivance of Vlysses, or because, being wounded by one of the Poisoned Arrows, he became offensive to the Grecian Camp, was sent away to Lem∣nos: But the Siege going on slowly, he was fetcht back again: With his Arrows he killed the chiefest of the Remaining Commanders, and so Troy was ta∣ken.
• 22 1.461

  Teucer was Brother to Ajax, and he with his Bow beat back Hector when he came to burn the Grecian Navy.
• 23 1.462

  The following Verses relate to Alcon the Cre∣tan, who shot a Snake that lay twisted round the Head of his Son, and did not touch the Boy.
• 24 1.463

  This Goat or Hoedus Scaliger could not find, but Huetius says, the Single Hoedus is put by Mani∣lius for those two H••edi that are in the left hand of Heniochus, or the Driver. Thus Horace. —Archeri cadentis Impetus, aut orientis Haedi, and Propertius ••Purus & Orion, purus & Hoedus erit.
• * 1.464

  The Goat.
• * 1.465

  The Harp.
• 25 1.466

  The Poets fancy'd Orpheus went down to Hell, charm'd Pluto and the Destinies, and brought back his Wife Eurydice.
• * 1.467

  What Con∣stellations rise with Scorpio.
• * 1.468

  The Altar.
• * 1.469

  The Cen∣••aur.
• * 1.470

  What Con∣stellations rise with Sagittari∣us▪
• * 1.471

  Arcturus.
• * 1.472

  The Swan.
• 26 1.473

  Alluding to the Fable, which says Iupiter Courted Leda in the shape of a Swan.
• * 1.474

  With Ca∣pricorn riseth O∣phieuchus.
• * 1.475

  The South Fish.
• * 1.476

  The Strings of the Harp.
• * 1.477

  The Dol∣phin.
• * 1.478

  What Con∣stellations rise with Aquarius. Cepheus.
• 27 1.479

  Several Feats of Activity amongst the Ro∣mans, in which they equall'd if not excell'd all the following Ages.
• 28 1.480

  The common Subjects upon which Sopho∣cles, Euripides, and other Tragaedians amongst the Ancients wrote their Plays.
• 29 1.481

  A fam'd Com••dian, who flourish'd in the hundred and fourteenth Olympiad.
• * 1.482

  The Ea∣gle.
• * 1.483

  Cassiopeia.
• 30 1.484

  Po••pey having conquered Mithridates, brought to Rome more valuable Jewels than ever had been seen there: And from that time, as Pliny in the first Chapter of his 37th. Book com∣plains, the Romans began to value and admire Jewels.
• * 1.485

  What Con∣stellations rise with Pisces. Androme∣da.
• 31 1.486

  The Romans did not only put Notorious Malefactors in Chains, but likewise chained them to their Keepers; and this Custom the Poet hints at.
• * 1.487

  The Horse.
• * 1.488

  ••ercules, or the Kneeling Constella∣••ion.
• 32 1.489

  Vossius out of his Ancient Manuscript reads, Et Coeli meditatus iter Vestigia perdet, Et Perna pendens populum suspendet ab ipsa.
• * 1.490

  The Whale
• * 1.491

  The rising of the two Bears.
• * 1.492

  The several imagnitudes of the Stars.
• 33 1.493

  These were the several Orders in the Ro∣man Common-Wealth.