CHAP. IX.
A confutation of Augury; Plato his reverend Opinion thereof, of contrary Events, and false Predictions.
BUt what credit is to be attributed to such toyes and chances, which grow not of Nature, but are gathered by the superstition of the Interpreters? As for Birds, who is so ignorant that conceiveth not, that one flyeth one way, another another way, about their private necessities? And yet are the other divinations more vain and foolish.* 1.1 Howbeit, Plato thinketh a Common-wealth cannot stand without this Art, and numbereth it among the liberal Sciences. These fellows promised Pompy, Cassius, and Caesar, that none of them should die before they were old, and that in their own houses, and in great honour; and yet they all died clean contrarily.* 1.2 Howbeit doubtless, the Heathen in this point were not so much to be blamed, as the sacrificing Papists: for they were direct∣ed hereunto without the knowledge of Gods promises, neither knew they the end why such Ceremonies and Sacrifices were instituted; but only understood by an uncertain and slender report, that God was wont to send good or ill success to the children of Israel, and to the old Patriarchs and Fathers, upon his accep∣tance or disallowance of their Sacrifices and Oblations. But men in all ages have been so desirous to know the effect of their purposes, the sequel of things to come, and to see the end of their fear and hope; that a silly Witch, which hath learned any thing in the Art of cosenage, may make a great many jolly fools.