CHAP. XIV.
How the Ancients relied much upon their auguries, and other accidents.
THe Generals of old were subject to one molestation, from which in our days we are exempt: and that is how to pervert an ill augury, and interpret it to their advantage: for if an Arrow fell down in an Army: if the Sun or the Moon was Eclip∣sed: if there hapned an Earth-quake, or it was the General's fortune to fall down, either as he got up on horse-back, or dismounted, it was look'd upon by the Soldiers as an ill omen, and was the occasion of such fear in them, that coming afterwards to a Battel they were easily beaten: and therefore the Generals in times past when such an accident hap∣pened, immediately gave some reason for it, and referr'd it to some natural cause, or else wrested and perverted it to their own profit and advantage.
passing over into Africa, tumbling down upon the ground as he came out of the Ship, grasping the grass in his hands, he cryed out, Teneo te O Africa; Africa you are mine, for I have you in my hands. And several others have given reasons (according to their own interest) for the Earth-quakes and Eclipses of the Moon: but in our days these artifices cannot pass, because our men are not now so superstitious, and our Religion ex∣plodes such opinions as heathenish and vain: but whenever we should be so blind as to reassume those superstitions, we must revive the custom of the Ancients.