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CHAP. XV.
Of the Common Peoples fond and superstitious Collections and Observations.
* 1.1AMongst us there be many women, and effeminate men (marry Papists al∣wayes, as by their superstition may appear) that make great Divinati∣ons upon the shedding of Salt, Wine, &c. and for the observation of dayes and hours use as great Witchcraft as in any thing: For if one chance to take a fall from a Horse, either in a slippery or stumbling way, he will note the day and hour, and count that time unlucky for a journey. Otherwise, he that receiveth a mischance, will consider whether he met not a Cat, or a Hare, when he went first out of his doores in the morning; or stumbled not at the thresh∣hold at his going out; or put not on his shirt the wrong side outwards; or his left shooe on his right foot, which Augustus Caesar reputed for the worst luck that might befal.* 1.2 But above all other Nations (as Martinus de Arles witnesseth) the Spaniards are most superstitious herein; and of Spain, the people of the Pro∣vince of Lusitania is the most fond: For one will say, I had a dream to night, or a Crow croaked upon my house, or an Owl flew by me, and screeched, (at which Augury Lucius Sylla took his death), or a Cock crew contrary to his hour. Ano∣ther saith, The Moon is at the prime; another, that the Sun rose in a cloud and looked pale, or a Star shot and shined in the air; or a strange Cat came into the house;* 1.3 or a Hen fell from the top of the house. Many will go to bed again, if they sneeze before their shooes be on their feet; some will hold fast their left thumb in their right hand when they hickot; or else will hold their chin with their right hand whiles a Gospel is sung. It is thought very ill luck of some, that a child, or any other living creature, should pass between two friends as they walk together; for they say it portendeth a division of friendship. Among the Papists themselves, if any hunters, as they were a hunting, chanced to meet a Frier, or a Priest, they thought it so ill luck, as they would couple up their Hounds, and go home, being in despair of any further sport that day. Marry if they had used venery with a begger, they should win all the money they played for that day at dice. The like folly is to be imputed unto them that observe (as true or probable) old verses, wherein can be no reasonable cause of such effects which are brought to pass only by Gods power, and at his pleasure. Of this sort be these that follow:
Vincenti festo si sol radiet memor esto.Englished by Abraham Fleming:
Remember on S. Vincents day, If that the Sun his beams display.
Clara dies Pauli bona tempora denotat anni.Englished by Abraham Fleming:
If Paul th' Apstoles day be clear, It doth fore-shew a lucky year.Si sol splendescat Mariâ purificante, Major erit glacies post festum quàm fuit antc.