The INTERPRETER.

1. BY Phaeton may be meant some fierle exhalation or comet, which being near the earth, caused a great heat siccitie, or conflagration for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sig∣nif•eth burning, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to manifest or make cleare 2. Phaeton was an Astronomer, who spent much time in observing the course and motion of the Sun, therefore was called his Sonne, but dying before he could bring his ob∣servations to perfection, was said to be killed by Jupiters thunder, for even the naturall death of a young man seemes to be violent. 3. Sol begot Phaeton of the Nymph Clymene, which is from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to overflow; by this is intimated, that of the heat of the Sun and of moysture, fruits are ingendred, which from their appearance or shooting out of the earth and tree, are called Phaeton from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 appearing; at which time when the sun is very hot, the trees also send out amber or gumm; which is ex∣pressed by Phaetons sisters converted into trees, whose teares are turned into amber. 4. He is said to be drow∣ned in the river Eridanus, because commonly after great heat and siccitie, follow great floods and inundations of water; or else because when the constellation Eridanus Page  216 riseth, heat is abated, and great raines follow. 5. By young and rash Phaeton we see, how dangerous a thing it is for a common wealth to be ruled by young, and rush heads, or such as want experience and judgement, a confl•gation in that state must needs follow; therefore Rome made an∣tient men called therefore Senator• to •e their rulers, and not young men; they knew by experience at Canna, what odds were betweene young rash Flaminius, and old stayed Fabius, qui cunitando restituit rem, an old mans sha∣dow is better then a young mans strength, temeritas sloren∣tis aetatis prudentia Seneciuti•. 9. Phaeton presumed too much upon his birth thinking that he was able enough to rule that charriot of his Father Phaebus, be being his owne Sonne; tis madnesse to presume too much upon our birth and gentrie; many men being puffed up with such arro∣gant thoughts, have undone themselves and others. •. The ruling of men, or guiding of a Kingdom, is ars artium, and a worke of no lesse difficulty then the ruling of Phaebus his charriot; if we consider the obloquies, envie, fe•res, and dangers to which rulers are subject▪ if we consider the un∣rulie and head strong multitude, whose heads are not ea∣sily kept in by the curb and bit of authoritie, no more then the Sunnes horses were by Phaetons strength; if we consider the multitudes of Scorpions, Lions, Bulls and other wild beasts, that is feirce and cruell natures, where∣of ther be more in the state among men, then in the heaven among the starres; if we consider how much wise∣dome and moderation is required in a governour▪ who must neither use too much his authority, for that is to mount too high; nor must he be too gentle and familiar, or use too much lenitie, for that is to fall too low. 8. By Phaebus we see how dangerous a thing it is in Princes to make rash and inconsiderat vowes and promises; which if they tend to the hurt or detriment of their subjects, Page  217 ought rather to be broken then kept; if Phae••rs had ei∣ther not promised, or not performed what he promised, neither had tho •arth be•n burned, nor his Sonne drow∣ned. 9. Lee younger 〈◊〉 learned by Phaetons example not to trust too much to their owne heads; but to be advised and ruled by their elders, especially their Parents, to whom they owe obedience; for want of which, they 〈◊〉 into many inconveniences, and are ••ely punished •or their teme•itie 〈◊〉 In that Phaeton Sisters were ••ned into trees; we are taught to moderation in nour•ing for the loste of our friends; for too much sorrow makes ••en stupid and senselesse, and unfit to serve either God, or the countrie; such are rather trees then men; for the like excesse in mourning, 〈◊〉 his fellows were turned into Sea birds▪ and Phaetons kinsman Cygnus, into a swan; men cease to be men, when their passions 〈◊〉 them beyond the bounds of reason 〈◊〉 else by this co•version of Dio•••des his fellowes, 〈◊〉 of Cygnus, may b• 〈◊〉, that when great men, or Princes fall into any misfortune their fellows, friends, and kindred, become birds and fly away from them; this was Jobs case, Davids and many more; and such friends •ld King Alphonsus compare to Sea Mewes that slew about his gally whilst he had 〈◊〉 to feed them, but when that was spent they slew away.