Merlini Anglici errata. Or, The errors, mistakes, and mis-applications of Master Lilly's new ephemeris for the yeare 1647. Discovered, refuted, and corrected. By C. George Wharton, student in astronomy.

The Errors, mistakes, and mis-aplications of Mr. Lilly's New Ephemeris, &c.

I Will not trouble my selfe, or the Reader in taking notice of any thing in his Long-winded-Preface, save on∣ly the reverend mention he hath made con∣cerning him, whom he is pleased to tearm an A. B. C. felow, viz. Naworth of Oxford, by whom (as he pretendeth) hee found himselfe intollerably abused in Print, and could doe no lesse, then vindicate himselfe in point of Art,

As for the Name, Naworth, which Willi∣am Lilly, and John Booker (to make their Worships merry) have so often, and as wisely, as wittily, inverted to No-worth, and Worth-nothing: it is well knowne, to be the Letters of my name long since transposed, purposely to avoid the Scandall and oblo∣quy, which both these Mounte-banks so greatly delight in, and indeavour so much to assume. For, whereas I observed, the Common people generally possessed of a

confident beliefe, or rather a foolish con∣ceipt, that such as could write Almanacks, were esteemed (with a Country-reverence) Wise-men (like Lilly and Booker) or (if I shall render it in their owne Dialect) Conjurers, or such as can tell all things, past, present, and to come: And so were usually haunted (by the silly people) with a number of unlawfull, unnecessary, and ridiculous questions by meanes whereof, many ingenious and honest Artists, have not only been branded with the titles of Conjurers, Necromancers, Wizards, Sor∣cerers, and Figure-Casters (in the worst sense) but have often been imprisoned, and Indicted and proceeded against upon the Statute, against Witchcraft, &c. and hardly escaped with their lives, (especially when they came before Judges, that were igno∣rant in, or disaffected to Astrology) after they had suffered severall yeares imprison∣ment, and thereby wasted and consumed their estates: I say, that I having resolved to write yearly, which was not usuall without prefixing a name; (nor for the reasons a∣bove-mentioned, would I then publish any thing of that nature, in my owne name:)

I therefore Anagramatiz'd my name to Naworth, and by that Name I writ an Al∣manack for severall yeares together, and continued unknowne, unlesse to some two or three of my friends; whereby I seasona∣bly prevented the before-named inconve∣niences and hazards, which otherwise I should inevitably have shared of: And I presume that in doing this, I neither wrong'd my selfe, nor abused the Countrie where I lived: And what ever other witty construction may be made thereof, by these two trifling Gypsies; by this they may perceive, I tooke no delight (as they doe) to be tearm'd a Conjurer, a Magician, a Ca∣balist, a Merline, a trucking Mercury, or a∣ny thing else, whereby they desire, and in∣deavour so much to promote, and propagate their deceitful & unwarrantable dealings.

And whereas Lilly, in the same Preface, chargeth me under the same name to have wrested many false judgements from A∣strologie, against the Parliaments actions, intending thereby to prepossesse the King∣dome with a vaine feare, that his Majestie and his designes should take place, &c. I must tell him, that this his Accusation, is

most maliciously false: And let him shew me (if he can) but one Aphorisme, or Sen∣tence that ever I delivered, for which I ei∣ther quoted not my Authors, or gave a suf∣ficient reason in Astrology: or that ever (of which I shall hereafter prove him ap∣parently guiltie) I wrested any part of A∣strology from the Genuine sence thereof, either to make for his Majestie, or against the Parliament? And if it hath pleased God, to suffer the loyall party thus to bee trampled over, it is for their sinns: and car∣ries with it a supernaturall Cause and Rea∣son above the stars, which could not be dis∣cerned by the clearest mortall eye. No Symtome of such (our sufferings, could be read, or observed by any man in the great Booke of Heaven; but rather the quite con∣trary, as I could instance for many reasons in Astrology: And whatsoever I spoke, or writ, was (as your owne sence implyes) ever with submission to divine Providence.

But I will not busie my selfe so much, as to examine and retort every Tatter of his ragged-Preface: nor shall I need to vindi∣cate his Majesties Officers, (whom hee is therein pleased to tearme Ravenous) from

his polluted lips: I see no reason why they may not meet with a fitter occasion and opportunitie to requite him: but the thing I have proposed to my selfe, is first, to fer∣ret the poore Quack in point of Art, and afterwards in matter of Judgement.

The first thing, and indeed the only thing that's worth my observation is, his Transcript of Eichstadius his Ephemerides, for the year 1647. wherein (indeed) he hath taken a great deale of paines, and deserves to be commended for this indifatigable La∣bour: but withall, I must tell him, that hee hath therein greatly betrayed his owne ig∣norance in Astronomy, or shewed himselfe exceedingly negligent and carelesse, in that he hath not fitted the places of the Sunne, Venus, and Mercury, (but especially the Moone,) to the Meridian of London, as he hath done (to his thinking) in the Lunati∣ons and aspects of the Planets, nor (which had been more easie, and sooner done) pre∣scribed any Rule, or Direction, whereby to supputate their true places for that Meri∣dian, or any other place of the Kingdome: And this Error hee hath beene guilty of throughout the two former yeares: whereby

our young Tyro's are much deceived in the Merline, when they thinke they have the places of those Planets therein exactly Calculated to the Noone-tide of every day at London: for, although in the higher Pla∣nets, whose motion is but slow, there bee no sensible difference: yet, in the Sun, Ve∣nus and Mercury, there is an apparent er∣ror: For, when they are in their swift mo∣tion, their places at noone, as Lilly hath set them, will differ above 2. min. and often 3. min. from the truth: And in the Moone (whose motion is farre swifter then any other of the Planets) her Error is intolle∣rable (especially when she is in her swift motion.) For example: the first of Janua∣ry 1647. the Diurnall motion of the Moon is 12. degr. 24 min. (being then but in her slow motion.) The difference of Meridi∣ans, betwixt London & Uraniburge•• to which place the Longitude of the Planets, (as Wil. Lilly hath printed them) were Calculated by Eichstadius,) is 50 minutes, (by his own confession in his Anglicus 1645. Page 54.) that is, the Sun cōmeth later to the Meridi∣an at London, then he does at Uraniburge, by 50 min. of time; so that how much soever

the Moon moveth (according to longitude) in that space of time? by so much hath Lilly erred in the Moones true place at noon, for every day in the yeare: which, what it is for the said first of January; I examine thus:

If the Moone in 24 houres, move 12 de∣grees, 24 minutes in Longitude, What moves she in 50 min. of time?

Facit 26. min. ferè.

And by so much hath Lilly erred from her true place the said first of January at Noon: So that whereas he hath placed her that day in 21 degrees, 10 min. of Pisces, she ought to have beene in 21 degrees 36 min. of the same Signe.

And when she is in her swift motion, he commits a greater Errour: as the tenth of March 1647. (if you examine it according to the former rule) you shall find just halfe a degree (or 30 min.) error; and in stead of 26 degrees, 3 min. of Virgo, (wherein Lilly hath put her that day) she should be in 26. degree 33 min. of the same Signe.

The next thing which I meane to take notice of, is, his Scheme erected to the Apparent time of the Moons Ecclipse up∣on the tenth of January 1647. at 9. houres

and 19 min. P. M. as he hath taken it from Eichstadius, by deducting 50 min. for the difference of Meridians betwixt London and Uraniburge: and to the same time I erect the Figure of Heaven, according to the Doctrine of Regiomontanus; and com∣paring his printed Scheme with that, which I had more curiously set, I find Lilly still bungling and botching, but without any result of truth: For, whereas he hath made the Cuspe of the tenth House 22. degrees 20 min. of Gemini, according to exact Calculation, it is no lesse then 23. degr. 30 minutes, whereby it appeares, that Ma∣ster Lilly hath mistaken 1 degree, & 10 mi. in the Cuspe of the Medium Coeli.

And in the Ascendent of the same fi∣gure, he hath mistaken above one whole degree, viz. 1 degr. 10 min. for hee hath made the Cuspe thereof but 23 deg. and 51 min. of Virgo, which should have been 25 degrees, and 1 min. and the like Errors follow in the seventh house of the Fi∣gure; and proportionably in all the rest, which makes me wonder with what face this senslesse botcher dares tearme me an A. B. C. fellow, when all men may perceive

him so shamefully ignorant in the very fundamentalls of the Art hee pretends to, and that I am able to correct him in every point and particle of his Profession: For, I desire the Reader to consider but thus much with me, that if (as Sir Christopher Heydon hath said, in his unparalell'd Trea∣tise, written in defence of Judiciall Astro∣logie against Mr. Chambers) that Astro∣logy is an Art which teacheth by the Mo∣tions, Configurations, and influences of the Signes, Stars, and Coelestiall Planets to Prognosticate of the naturall effects, and mutations to come in the Elements, and these inferiour and elementary bodies: How (I pray) is it possible, that this fel∣low can Prognosticate rightly of the natu∣rall effects and Mutations to come in the Elements, and these inferiour and elemen∣tarie bodies, before he be able to Calcu∣late exactly the true motions and configu∣rations, &c. of the Signes, Stars and Pla∣nets, which you clearly see, he is not? And I marvell much that Lilly should bee no more tender and cautilous of his credit, then thus foolishly and frequently to di∣vulge his unskilfulnesse: for me thinkes,

as he knowes that he cannot Calculate the houses exactly, either by the Doctrine of Sphericall Triangles, or (which is more ready, and built upon the same foundation) by the Tables of Directions in Regiomon∣tanus) to the degree and minute of each Cuspe, yet he should have held it a safer way (if he purposed to palliate his defects) to have set down the Cuspes only in whole degrees, and not have published himselfe thus erroneously scrupulous, which hee might have done very easily, by the Domi∣fying tables, without further helpe. But I perceive him so impudent, and shamelesse, that he neither heeds, nor cares what hee does, or otherwise hee would have beene more wary in supputating the places of the Planets: For (according to Eichstadius, whom he indeavours to follow) the Sun (at the middle of the Eclipse) should have been in 56 minutes of Aquarius, and the Moone in 56. min. of the Opposite Signe Leo, Venus in Capricorne, 24 degr. 29 min. and Mercury in Aquarius, 3 degr. 17 min. But this man's discretion hath put the Sun in 53 min. of Aquarius, and the Moone in 53 min. of Leo, Venus in 24 degr. 39 min.

of Capricorne, and Mercury in the 3 degr. 20 min. of Aquarius; So that he hath erred 3 min. in the places of the Luminaries, and Mercury; and 10 min. in Venus, as may ap∣peare to every man, that will take the pains to Calculate the true places of these Pla∣nets by Eichstadius his Tables, to the Mean, or Equall time of the said Eclipse.

And in like manner, hath he playd the Botcher in his Figure at the Vernall in∣gresse: for according to the time therein posited, the Cuspe of the tenth House ought to be 13 degr. 44 min. of Taurus, and the Ascendent 25 degr. 48 min. of Leo, yet he hath made the tenth House 14 degr. 0. min. of Taurus, and the Ascendent 26 degr. 0. min. of Leo: so that he hath com∣mitted 16 min. Error in the Cuspe of the tenth House, and 12 min. in the Cuspe of the Ascendent, nor is hee lesse erronious in collocating of the Planets here, then in the former Figure, but especially in the Moone, whom he hath placed in 27 degree 48. min. of Virgo, whereas she ought to have bin in 28 degr. 14 min. of that Signe, wherein hee hath mistaken no lesse then 26 minutes.

And thus much I conceive sufficient to prove his ignorance, in point of Art: Now will I also unmaske his Errors, defects, mistakes, and mis-applications in matter of judgement.

I will not meddle with, or question up∣on what grounds Prince Charles left his Native. Countrey of England, nor who were the original causers of this his so long absence; It is sufficient that Will. Lilly con∣fesses him to bee Enforc'd upon necessitie, exiled, or banished, for the honour of the English Parliament.

I will not enquire further, then of the Scottish Papers, whether the King be at present restrained of his Libertie, as Lilly tells us he is; Nor dare I interrogate by what Law of God, or Man, the King of Englands Person, ought to be imprisoned, or be disposed of, by either, or both of the two Kingdomes, or by any, or all of his Subjects: Or whether His imprisonment, &c. be intended for the defence of his Ma∣jesties Royall Person, &c. and the Liberty of the Subject? Or how it can consist with the Honour of the English Parliament to suffer his Majesties Honour thus to lye at

the stake, and his Sacred Name to bee traduced, by such Pamphlet-mongers as Lilly and Booker, and that Pillory-man Wal∣ker, without any restraint, or punishment.

Neither doe I care, whether the Eclipse in Aug. 1645. pre-signified the P. of the Earle of Essex, or whether he have merited so much Honour, as to have a Statua in Crowne Gold erected at the Charges of William Lilly, and an Epitaph made (and thereon engraven) by Martin Parker, or Mercer (the Scot;) These things are all beside my Text, my intention being only to examine Master Merlin's Astrologicall discourse, and to shew him, and all men wherein it is invalid, and no more.

The judgement he hath given, is gene∣rally deduced from the position of the Heavens, at two distinct points of time, viz.

From the	Lunar Eclipse the 10 of Ianuary,	1647
Suns entrance into A∣ries, March 10.

The Eclipse he makes the first generall subject of his Discourse, the effects where∣of

of (as he tells us) may be somewhat put for∣ward by reason of a non-apparent Eclipse in the 15th degree of Capricorne, Decem∣ber 26. 1646.

What the Simpleton meaneth by Put∣ting forward, I know not, 'tis no tearme in Astrologie: but surely I have Put him out of doubt in my Prognostication 1647. that Eclipses are not hurtfull at all to those Regions, or Cities, where they are not visi∣ble; yet lest the testimony of that learned Authour therein mentioned should not be enough to convince him of his Folly, I shall further recommend unto him the words of Cardanus upon Ptolomy, lib. 2. cap. 5. Text 26. (if he can translate them any better then hee hath done the first 50 Aphorismes of the Centiloquie) they sound thus; Ut igitur locus a deliquio affici•• debeat in Luna, duo sunt necessaria: unum quod Luna tunc temporis in hemisphaerio su∣periore illius loci sit, & cum provincia illa concordet signo, vel trigono saltem: secund•• cum civitate in solis loco, vel Lunae, vel As∣cendentis, vel cum medio coeli illius qu•• regit civitatem ipsam.

In sole vero necessarium est, praeterid quo••

fit supra terram, & conveniat locus ejus pro∣vinciae vel civitati Eclipsis ipsa appareat.

Whereby it is cleare, that unlesse (in a Lunar Eclipse) the Moone bee above the Earth, and likewise on the Signe, or at least in the Triplicitie of that Signe, whereunto the Kingdome (in whose He∣misphere the Defect happeneth) is subject: And unlesse that the Sun, or Moon place, or the Signe ascending or Culminating, be also the Horoscopicall signe of the Citie, or Towne (you live in, or enquire after) the effects of such a Lunar Eclipse, shall not any way concerne that Kingdome or Citie.

But in a Solar Eclipse it is necessary, (besides that the Sun be above the Earth, and that his place agree to the Kingdome, or Citie,) that the Eclipse be also visible to the Kingdome or Citie, or otherwise the effects shall in no wise concerne the one, or the other.

Now the Solar Eclipse, here (by him) mentioned, is not visible at all to us, for it appeares in the Islands de S. Pedro, Barba∣dos, de Don Alfonso, de Praxaros, and to such as sayle beyond the Equator, and un∣der

the Tropick of Capricorne through the Persian Sea: and (indeed) in 13. and 14. deg. of North latitude, it wil be a very great Eclipse but of what concernment is this to England; or why should it put forward this Lunar Eclipse in January, seeing it is neither visible to us (for at London it hap∣peneth at their 11. aclock at night, & so the Luminaries are both under the Horizon,) nor yet is the degree Eclipsed in the Signe, or Triplicitie of that Signe whereunto ei∣ther England or Scotland are thought to be subject, which is required (by Cardanus his Rule) before the effects can concerne ei∣ther. Whereby it appeares that this Non∣apparent Solar Eclipse can no way helpe or harme us, nor augment, or put forward the effects of the Lunar Eclipse, and that William Lilly in thus preferring his owne idle fancy, beyond the experience, and more solid Reasons and Rules of Campanella, Car∣danus, and of all other Authors that ever I read, or heard of, hath very much abused the Reader, and rendered himselfe a very Novice and fondling in Astrology.

As touching the Lunar Ecclipse in Ja∣nuary 1647. I have writ of it already in my

Prognostication, wherein you may see what the effects of it are; and those that desire further satisfaction, may have re∣course to Origanus, page 460. upon Mercu∣ry's being Lord of an Eclipse, as hee is of this. But although this Lunar Eclipse bee visible, and fall out in a signe of the Fiery triplicity, and in that respect doth general∣ly concerne England: yet in regard it is so small, viz. but 4. digits, 47 min. 42 sect. its effects will scarcely be felt, or observed by any body; For, as, Eclipses nihil nocent illis Regionibus in quibus non videntur; So, parvae Eclipses parum nocent, & in pauca operantur.

It is true, as both (Lilly in his Anglicus, and I in my Prog.) have in effect observed, that, in caeremoniis, religione (to which hee addes in reditibus regiis) ac legibus mutatio∣nes affert: A likelyhood (as hee saith) of some change, or alteration in Church af∣faires, in the Revenues of Kings, or more properly, in such matters as at present the Parliament make use of, for maintenance of their Wars and affaires: and of altering or abolishing many lawes formerly in use. All this I grant him, and why may it not admit of thus much malignancy in the ap∣plication

thereof, viz. That the Kingdome are weary of the Presbireriall Govern∣ment, and will not indure the smell of El∣ders, for Gentlemen are (commonly) Schol∣lers, and doe naturally affect freedome in the Exercise of their Religion, and scorne to be constrained to give an account of their Beliefe to Broom-men, Coblers, Tay∣lors, and Tinkers, or to any such illiterate, mechanique and prophane fellowes, or to subject their understandings to the sense and interpretation of so unsanctified a So∣cietie, and shall therefore wish for, and (most justly) indeavour a change of Go∣vernment in the Church. So likewise may his Majesties Revenue (so long detained from him) be in a better possibility of re∣gaining, or in some part restored to him, or at least great means used to perswade those that have usurped the Possession and profits thereof to resigne and accompt. And that many Ordinances, Orders, and Votes that have passed and been formerly enjoyn'd, and observed, as Lawes must admit of alte∣ration and abolishment: but (as I have for∣merly noted) these things will not be done effectually this yeare, in regard of the smal∣ness

of the Defect, so that we shall be scarce sensible of its operation. Yet without all doubt the Dragons head in the tenth House (in the intercepted signe Cancer) bodes very much good to his Majestie to be begun and wrought by the Scottish Nation, who shal partake of that influence. And whereas Lilly addes, that C••lerem Regis, Principis, vel nobilissimi viri alicujus infirmitatem, vel praeclari viri cujuspiam mortem adducit: That this small Eclipse portends some sud∣den infirmity, or casualty to a King, Prince, or worthy man, perhaps some eminent and famous Man's death, &c. he had done well to have cyted his Author, or given his Rea∣sons for what he sayes here, for I cannot pick out any such signification from this Eclipse, as Mercury is truly and really Lord thereof: nor as he hath made Mars and Sa∣turne to be sharers with him: Indeed Mars stirrs up Wars, intestine Seditions, tumul∣tuous uprores, the wrath of Princes, and by that meanes some unexpected slaughter: And Saturne premonstrates perturbation of the Humours, Fluxes, and Quarten Fea∣vours, Poverty and Banishment, Dearth Penury, &c. but I find no such sudden infir∣mity,

or casualty to befall any King or Prince, &c. as he chattles of, yet Ile un∣dertake for him, that if prince Griffith should but this yeare fall asunder of the Pocks; the next yeare after, Lilly will tell you that this Prediction was verified in him. Nor know I any reason why Scotland should be at all concern'd in it, seeing the Eclipse happeneth in the Fiery Trigon, and that the Ascendent of Scotland, which is Cancer, is of another, viz. the Watery triplicity, nor at all aspected by the Signe, wherein the Eclipse happeneth, nor affli∣cted by either of the Malevolents, but ra∣ther fortified by the presence of the Dra∣gons Head in it (as before I noted) in the Mid-heaven; and although the Eclipsed Bo∣dy be Dispositrix of the signe Cancer, yet for the reasons formerly given, the effects of the Eclipse cannot be at all discerned in Scotland, or scarce in any part of England, and therefore it is but a foolery in William Lilly to make such a fluttering and a noise about nothing: But I am well pleased to heare him scatter that one truth (if so it prove) that the Scots will stand like Okes unshaken to their first Principles, &c. It

behoves some body else to remember their Covenant, &c. And truly the Scots do owe William Lilly a great many thankes for his confiding Epithites: but I feare, I feare I shall heare him ere long, lash out of his open Sepulchre as much and as vildly as e∣ver he did against the King and the Cava∣liers, though now he Court them, with the Titles of Prudent and Wise People. I hope they'le be wise enough, for those they are to deale with.

What he sayes against the Irish is not materiall: the more the Fox is curs'd, the better he thrives. But I suspect Lilly to be one of those London Adventurers, who were dividing the Beares skin, before hee was ta∣ken, (as his Majestie once told them) If he were, I presume a man might purchase Lilly's share of the Land in Ireland, at an easie rate: And although out of his Ma∣lice he tell them their Ruines approaching, and threaten them with Cupps, and even brimmers of vengeance; I believe he may drink them their off himselfe, before they once pledge him. And although Booker (in his bloody Irish Almanack) hath disgorg'd a filthy and confused heap, and masse of

misery, ruine and vengeance to befall that Kingdome, yet you have not heard of any considerable losse that they have sustained since first that malicious lying Pamphlet peep'd out into the world, which beares date on Tuesday the 17th of March, 1645/6. But on the contrary have beene exceeding victorious, and successefull beyond expe∣ctation, and at this present have all, or the most part of the Garrisons and strong Holds in that Kingdome under their sub∣jection; But I shall not (at present) take any more notice of that notorious peece of Non-sense of John Bookers, because I have reserved the Examination and confutation thereof, to a particular discourse comming out shortly, wherein I discover his grosse Errors and mistakes in point of Art, and plainly prove that his Pamphlet to be stuft with nothing but inveterate malice, and unparalell'd ignorance.

Lilly.

J will adde no distempered concep∣tions to this Discourse ensuing, lest J bee thought an Incendiary, J can breake out at what time J shall see my Pen may be usefull, and profitable for the cause J so much ho∣nour,&c.

Wharton.

No (Sir) you must first have your Inke tempered, before you can coun∣terfeit without suspition: those things you call your conceptions so naturall Rough, must be first Polish'd, before they can ad∣vantage the Cause, and run smoother, and with more shew of truth ere they shall de∣ceive me. You dare not, you will not can∣didly, and impartially relate what you find recorded in the Register of Heaven, lest you should bee taken for an Incendiary: that is, one that moves not by the wyre of the great Engine, one that speaks the truth without feare, or flattery; and 'twere your utter undoing, should the least scruple of ingenuousnesse be observed in your Lines. Therefore (say you) I can breake out at what time I shall see my Pen may bee use∣full and profitable for the cause; That is to say, when I perceive the Scots and the Parliament fall asunder, and dis-joynted in their opinions and affections, then will I make the Starres every minute pick quar∣rels with the Scots, I shall then breake out of a sudden, and prophesie nothing but losse, ruine, and destruction, and beggery, to that perfidious Nation: And that the

States of England shall be victorious over them: I shall encourage our Souldiers, and disanimate the Enemy, &c. whereby I hope to be usefull and profitable for the Cause I so much honour, and bee rewarded well for my paines.

Lilly.

The English wearied with the sad attendents of Warre, seeme at this present Suns ingresse into Aries, to bee desirous of Peace, yet not willing to be baffled, or curb'd by any neighbour Nation, Kingdome, or People, or to have Lawes imposed on them, contrary to their native humours and Customes, &c.

Wharton.

Great cause have the English, and especially the poore Inhabitants of the North to grone under, and to be weary on, and to shake the intollerable burthen from off their shoulders, which so long they have been forced to trudge under like so many Asses: but where is the man that some∣times so much hugg'd himselfe with the very name of Liberty, that endeavours now but to ease, though not to free the poore Countrey from that bondage and slavery? who was the cause of their present misery? who was is that hyred, and brought your deare Bretheren (the Scots) first into the

bowels of this Kingdome? and where lyes the fault now they are not sent home a∣gaine? Have the Scots baffled and outwit∣ted your wise and grave Senators? Have they put you in mind of your Covenant, and thereby blasted the fruit of your foure yeares—? What pitty it is you must not enjoy your Humours; what griefe it is you must yet be troubled with a King?

Lilly

I doe still confide in the Integrity of the Scottish Nobility and Clergy, and hope there may be unity betwixt the two Nati∣ons,&c.

Wharton.

You Confide, and you Hope, but what is that to the Portents of Heaven? It is expected that you should Astrologi∣cally, and thereby impartially relate, what the Signes, Planets, and Starres doe pre∣monstrate to happen in these Kingdomes, what signes they have of War, or what of Peace. Or in plaine tearmes, whether the former Unitie and League, betwixt the Scots and the Parliament is likely to bee broken, or continued: and of this it is that people would be satisfied, and not of your hopes, and your confidence, and yet any man that warily reads you, shall find you very

dubious in your expressions, and to carry your selfe so cunningly, and in so equall a poize, that (for ought I have observed, the Reader may bee as well satisfied (in that point) from Erra Pater, as from your An∣glicus, as hereafter shall appeare. And now we have done with the Prologue, the play begins.

Lilly.

Come wee now to the matter, and let us beleeve this will be a yeare of admirati∣on, if wee doe credit Bonatus, fol. 514. A∣spice etiam in revolutione Anni, utrum Jupiter ingrediatur in ••, vel sit in eo quo∣niam tunc augmentatur ejus virtus, & ma∣jorificantur ejus significata, significat e∣nim res magnas & mutationes mirandas, & nominatas & durabiles, ad bonum ta∣men, &c. Behold, saith he, if Jupiter in the Revolution of a yeare be in Cancer, or enter that yeare into that Signe, then shall his in∣fluence, vertue, and such actions as he natural∣ly signifies, bee exceedingly augmented, and take place to purpose, then are matters de∣signed by him exalted and magnified, then shall be wonderfull alterations, and eminent changes upon the Earth, matters durable and tending to the benefit of man-kind, or all

things inclining to Peace and Tranquili∣tie,&c.

Wharton.

Having already discovered his decrepednesse in point of Art, I come now to rip him up in matter of judgement, and shall begin with this his first Aphorisme, wherein the Reader may observe himselfe sufficiently abused, in the very quotation thereof: for, whosoever will persue that place of Guido, Colum. 514. may observe, that Lilly (to fit the words for his turne) hath left out at least two lines of the Apho∣risme. For, thus the words are in Guido: Aspice etiam in revolutione anni, utrum Ju∣piter ingrediatur in ••, vel sit in eo maxime in 15. grad. ejus, quoniam tunc augmentatur ejus virtus, & majorificantur ejus significata, Et eò fortius si receperit dispositionem ali∣cujus fortunarum significabit enim res mag∣nas, & mutationes mirandas & nominatas, & durabiles, ad bonum tamen, &c. So that the words here marked (by a different Let∣ter) he hath quite expunged, whereby it is plaine, that this Aphorisme hath but little force, unlesse that Jupiter were in the 15 degree of Cancer (which now hee is not) or that he received the disposition of the

Fortunes, which in this Revolution he doth not, for Jupiter is in the 28 degr. 25 min. of Cancer, and within 3 degrees of Malevo∣lent Mars, whereby he is much afflicted and weakened: and although he be in the Signe of his Exaltation, yet he is there slow in motion, Occidentall of the Sun, and Re∣trograde, and Planeta Retrogradus nihil bo∣ni significat, donec dirigatur, A retrograde Planet hath no signification of that which is good, untill he be direct. It is true, that within five dayes, he begins to move slowly forward, yet, that brings him to a perfect Conjunction with Mars the 23 day of March, and they will not be fully separated from each others Beames of a sudden, by which Jupiter is very much debilitated: And notwithstanding that Mars is in his Fall, yet he is the strongest save one in the Figure; so that I cannot perceive upon what ground in Astrology he should Prognosti∣cate of Peace and Tranquilitie from the Position of Jupiter in the latter part of Cancer, considering him so weake and un∣happy, by reason of his Conjunction with Mars, &c. and that hee staies no longer in that Signe then the 15 of April. Besides,

let him consider what Messahalack tells him: Conjunctio Jovis & Martis significat accidentia quae fiunt ex pluviis, & nivibus, & corruptionem aëris at{que} bellum: Si autem vincit in eorum Conjunctione fortuna, sig∣nificat fortunam, & si malus malum: Scito etiam quia quotiescun{que} juncta fuerit for∣tuna cum malo, apparebit natura fortioris eorum, &c.

The Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars hath signification of such Events as are caused of Raine and Snow: It foretels cor∣ruption of the Aire and Warre: And if a Fortune predominate at the time of their Conjunction, he signifieth that which is wholsome and good, but if a Malevolent, the contrary: understand also, that so of∣ten as a fortunate Planet shall bee joyned with a Malevolent, the naturall Effects of that which is strongest shall appeare.

Now if William Lilly could but have set a Figure rightly to the Apparent time of this Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars, which happens (by the Rudolphine Ta∣bles) upon the 23 day of March, at seven a clock and 14 min. P. M. in the Meridian of London, & would but have taken the paines

to collect the severall Fortitudes and Debi∣lities of Each Planet at the time of their meeting, he might have found Mars much stronger then Jupiter, and likewise elevated above him (secundum Latitudinem:) hee might also have observed the Conjunction to be in Scotlands Horoscopicall Signe, and neare the Cuspe of the 10. House, Saturne (their Senators Significator) unfortunat∣ly posited in the house of Death, &c. And the Moone (his Majesties as being Lady of the tenth House, and Dispositria of the Conjunction in the fifth in a mutuall Re∣ception with Jupiter, beholding Saturne with a Sextile aspect, and the Signe Cancer with a Trine: and Venus yet in her Detri∣ment, and applying to the Quartile Aspect of Jupiter and Mars: and the Sun the o∣ther Significator of his Majestie in his Ex¦altation, &c. with Mercury in the 6. House from the Ascendent: Which severall Po∣sitions being deliberatly considered, and rightly applyed, could have afforded him but small ground of pronouncing Peace and Tranquility.

Moreover, Conjunctio Jovis & Martis, significat mortem divitis & magnae famae,

idque eo fortius, si fuerit in Signo fixo: The Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars, portends the death of a rich and famous Man, and so much the rather if it happen in a fixed Signe: but Cancer is a moveable Signe, and by so much the lesse feare there is of the death of such a person: I rather conceive that this Aphorisme presages only that some such person shall have his Honour, (and may be his life) questioned, and bee thereby in some perill of being deprived of both. However, you may perceive by what hath bin said, that William Lilly hath great∣ly deceived the Reader, by this false quota∣tion out of Bonatus, and that all things con∣sidered, he had no cause or ground in A∣strology to delude the world with a vaine hope of Peace and Tranquility, when no∣thing but Contention, Warring, & Blood∣shed is threatned by the great dominion of Mars, and the infortunate positure of Ju∣piter in the Revolution. And if Lilly would learne when this shall happen Lupoldus wil tell him; Belli tempus est cum fuerit Mars in opposito, vel Quartili aspectu Jovis, vel Saturni: When Mars shall be in an Op∣posite, or Quartile Aspect of Jupiter or Sa∣turne:

And when's that? Let but our E∣phemeris-master looke in May 1647. and against the 22. day he shall find a hatefull Square betweene Saturne and Mars; and in October following upon the 21 day will be a most terrible Opposition of Saturne and Mars, which will be very dreadfull and ominous to many parts of England and Scotland; and upon the 28. day of the same October, is another Square betwixt Jupiter and Mars: and no doubt but we shall heare of much Contention and Bloodshed about those times. I have noted every of these Aspects before-mentioned in my Calender for 1647. against the day of the Moneth whereon they happen, to which I referre you.

Lilly.

In the interim let those whom it may concerne (and many are herein concern'd) receive from mee this Astrologicall Caball judgement, either in jest, or in earnest, as they please, &c.

He or they, King or Kings, Prince or Prin∣ces, Nobles, Gentlemen, or of any Quality soever, shall indeavour the advance of a Forraigne Army or State amongst us (as it is certainly determined) to yoke us, and destroy

this present Parliament, he or they shall ne∣ver attaine his or their desires, shall perish in the Designe, shall never againe make his or their peace with this Kingdome of England.I know we are threatned, it must bee so, but woe to the invader; Invaders, or procurers of our Invasion; the Invaded shall prevaile, viz.the Parliament and Commonalty of Eng∣land;and although we shall be in danger of betraying, yet shall wee behold another pro∣vidence contradicting that Treacherie, even in the nicke of time, for this Kingdome ofEngland, is not ordained untill the worlds end, to be any more conquered, we shall give, but not receive Lawes, &c.

Wharton.

All the ambition & aime of this trifling fellow is to be thought a Necro∣mancer, a Conjurer, another Lullius, Tri∣themius, or the Ghost of Agrippa, or what ever you will have him to be, so he may but obtaine a popular esteeme, and by that meanes more easily cozen and cheate the poore people of their money, for otherwise why should he monstre such a confured heape of ridling trash without giving any reason, or naming any Author for what he saith: and if you peruse it seriously, and

compare it with the 4. last lines of the 4th following Page, you will find him plainly contradicting himselfe, for whereas in his Caball judgement, hee saith that the Ad∣vance of a Forraigne Army or State is cer∣tainly determined to yoake us and destroy the Parliament, &c. yet there he affirmeth that we shall not be oppressed with any in∣vasive, or domestique War: And if Inva∣sion were but attempted, I beleeve it would puzzle us, and more then oppresse us: But were Astrology the ground of this judge∣ment of his, he might have told us a more probable, though not so pleasant a story as he concludes with. For, let this Cabalist but looke into Lupoldus de Revolutionibus, and he shall find these words, Victor erit qui invadit, si dominus 4tae, vel 7ae in prima fuerit, vel in 10ae. If the Lord of the fourth House, or the Lord of the seventh House shall be in the Ascendent or Mid-heaven, it signifies that the Invader (or Invaders) shall prevaile against, and overcome the Invaded. And now (Good-man Merline) is not Saturne Lord of the seventh House, and posited almost in the very Cuspe of the Tenth? If this Aphorisme prove true (as

possibly it may, if the Scots and Parlia∣ment fall to pieces) you must invent other Epithites for the Scots, then Prudent, Wise, and Religious people, or else I know what will become of you. I will not urge this Aphorisme any further, as how farre it may concerne Ireland, or France, &c. lest I bee counted an Incendiary; but a few moneths longer wil produce a Miracle, &c.

And for this Caball judgement, bee it in jest, or be it in earnest, I hold it for no bet∣ter then a mere Scar-crow purposely devi∣sed to deterre his Majesties friends from a∣ny longer adhering to him; but it is in vain, for so much true Policy have that Party, that if any designe were a foot, whereby to restore his Majestie to the Rights of his Crowne, &c. and to regaine their owne, they would not be discouraged in the pro∣secution thereof, upon the reading of your fooleries, and this (sir) you may beleeve upon the reputation of a Cavaliere.

Lilly.

If we consider the profectionall Fi∣gure of the last Conjunction of Saturne andJupiter, wee shall find Aries ascending, and the Sun, Saturne, Iupiter, and Mercu∣ryall in Cancer, both the one figure and the

other, as also that of the Annuall returne of the Sun to his place at the Parliaments be∣ginning promise us exceeding faire this yeare, &c.

VVharton.

I have considered the Profe∣ctionall Figure of the last Conjunction of Saturne and Jupiter, and find the Sun, Sa∣turne Iupiter and Mercury, as you say all in Cancer; yes, and more then that I observed Aries ascending, and Pisces Culminating, Venus in Gemini, and Luna in Libra: and I have made inspection into the sixth Revo∣lution of the Sun, to his place at the Par∣liaments beginning, and there I meet with the seventh degree of Virgo ascending, and the last degree of Taurus Culminating, and that Mercury Lord of the Ascendent is in 12 degr. 45 min. of Scorpio & subradiis so∣lis: and the Moon is in 5 degr. 20 min. of Aquarius in opposition to Jupiter and Mars, who are neare unto a perfect Con∣junction in the eleventh House of the Fi∣gure in Leo, and she is also hastening to a Quartile with Saturne in the ninth. And I thinke (sir) you'le not deny but that Mer∣cury and the Moon are your Senators signi∣ficators: so that how faire soever you

imagine these positions to promise you: I am assured they will performe but slowly, you had done well to have shewn us some testimony of the Peace you mention, but as you have denyed us that favour, let mee instance you one testimony to crosse your conceit. You may see (sir) that Jupiter and Mars are there also in Conjunction, and that in Leo, a Signe of the Fiery Tri∣plicitie, which is farre worse then their Conjunction in Cancer; for, Mars in Leone significat bella & contentiones, & paucita∣tem annonae in partibus orientalibus, & erit Mars in hominibus, & maxime in juveni∣bus 40. Annorum us{que} ad 50. in pueris ta∣men erit hoc fortius. It signifies Wars and wranglings, and scarcity of Corne, in the Easterne parts, and Mortality amongst men, but especially to such as are betwixt 40. and 50. yeares old. Notwithstanding, this shall be most operative amongst chil∣dren. And thus faire (and no fairer) are you promised by the Annuall returne of the Sun to his place at the Parliaments Commencement, if you will credit Bonat. Colum. 365. so that you see what ever our Merline hath indeavoured to gull the

people with, yet the Heavens speake no such Language, they tell us of nothing but Warre and strife, &c. What the Position of Saturne in the 10. signifies in the Ver∣nall Ingresse, I have publish'd in my Prog∣nostication: And if I should grant him what so much he desires and urgeth, viz. that Saturn's being in the Midd-heaven should portend some sorrow and affliction to the King: yet Albumazar (a man of bet∣ter credit) affords us this comfort; Si fue∣rit dominae decimae domus Venus (as she is in this Revolution) significat quod sequetur ex hac tribulatione prosperitatem atque subli∣mitatem & gaudium atque profectum. If Venus be Lady of the tenth House, it shew∣eth that his affliction and sorrow, shall bee turn'd into joy, prosperity, sublimitie, and advantage, the sight whereof, will even breake the Malitious heart of this prodito∣rious peasant.

Lilly.

And for the signification of Ve∣nus,who is under the Sun beames, and there∣by much impedited and descending into the eighth, though now locally in the ninth, it por∣tends a disturbed fancy, and a person not free, or much enlarged, for the Sun Lord of the

12. and Venus are within Orbes: her debi∣lities promise him no great good: significat enim, quod eveniat Regi in revolutione illa ira, & tristitia, & contentio, similiter at∣que timor: she as posited, is the signifier of much anger, malecontentednesse, and contro∣versie, and the Conclusion which is worst of all, saith, that he shall be in great feare, &c. of what, I am silent?

Wharton.

I have told you in my Prog∣nostication, that Venus her fortitudes, ex∣ceeds the number of her Debilities by 8, and is therefore to be accounted strong and powerfull in the Figure, so that what detri∣ment soever her debilities might promise, her fortitudes (being so many more in number) doe utterly extinguish and anni∣hilate, whereby is clearly signified good fortune and authority to Officials, and o∣ther of the Kings head Officers, and that the King shall prosper in his affaires. So that the Reader may perceive your owne Fancy so disturbed, and clowded, as that you cannot fancy, or discerne any sentence or Aphorisme that hath any shew in it of good towards his Majestie, but indeavour to conceale all things that tend thereunto

against your owne conscience, and the Principles of Art. Nor can (in my opini∣on) the Sun and Venus their being within Orbes, portend any kind of restraint to his Majesty, but rather absolute freedome, in regard they are both his Majesties signifi∣cators, and behold the Cuspe of the twelfth House with an Aspect of true and perfect Amity.

Lilly.

But let me examine Astrologically, whether there be any affection, or unity, betwixt his Majesty and Subjects, which you may dis∣cerne saith Bonatus, Fol. 526. Per Conjun∣ctionem significationem ad invicem, viz. by the Conjunction of each significator to o∣ther, or with other; vel per eorum aspectum cum receptione, quia ille ex significatori∣bus qui recipit alium, committit illi dis∣positionem,or by the mutuall aspect of the Significators with Reception; for observe whose Significators receives the other, com∣mits his disposition, or vertue to the Planet re∣ceived, or more properly may be said to be ru∣led or directed by him. Here doe I find the Sun Significator of our Honourable Patriots at Westminster, in his Exaltation, recei∣vingVenus (his Majesties) in her detri∣ment,

viz. in a low condition, &c.

Wharton.

If the Conjunction of the Sun and Venus had seene by Application, or a perfect conjunction, you had said some∣thing to the purpose, but (Mr. Wisdome) you see Venus is separated from him, and the Moone, who is Significatrix of your Honourable Patriots is hasting to an Op∣position with them both, which are signes of small Affection, or unitie betwixt them; and as for that Reception you mention to be betwixt them; I will not grant any, for I learn'd when I was in my A. B. C. of A∣strology, that Receptio est duplex, una ex do∣micilio, altera ex exaltatione: It is either from House, or Exaltation, which you cannot find here betwixt the Sun and Ve∣nus; for, althought the Sun be in his Exal∣tation, yet Venus is not in hers, so that there is no Reception in respect of Exaltation, and for matter of House you'le grant there can be none. Yet I remember Zael admits of this, and one more, as a kind of Re∣ception; and Origanus takes notice of them in him and Schonerus, and calls them Recep∣tiones minores but he does not commend, or allow them, but rather sets a marke upon

them for invalid and superstitious, for saith he, posteriores receptiones non nisi in particu∣lari et ad superstitionem inclinante judicio locum habent. Pag. 427. So that if the Com∣monalty, or Kingdom be no more obedient and kind to the King, then this reception inclines them to, I shall despaire of any Peace or Tranquility this yeare, nor ex∣pect better successe of their formall addres∣ses, then formerly.

Lilly.

If we run a straine above Astrology, the Hermeticall Learning will tell us, that the Angells Samael, and Malchidael are the Intelligences, or presiding Angells of the Eng∣lish Common-wealth and Kingdom, and Gene∣rally every Astrologer is satisfied, that Marsis the Planet, and Aries the signe to which Great Britaine is Subject. If the greater An∣gell and his Minister stand firme for us, as its thought they doe, and if the Planet be well for∣tified and the Ascending signe of this King∣dome not afflicted, I see no cause in nature to mistrust any gewerall misfortune to happen within this Kingdome to the Inhabitants thereof in this present yeare 1647. For though we find Mars our English Astrologicall, Pla∣net in his Fall, yet we have him very potent∣ly

placed in the Heavens, in Conjunction withIupiter and Caput Draconis, in the 11. house, and what Authors deliver upon such a Position as this, you shall be your owne Judges that read the discourse: Si Iupiter fuerit in undecima, significat lucra et merces in omnibus rebus, Haly 378. When Iupiter is in the 11. House he intimates much trade and merchandizing, and great wealth obtai∣ned thereby. Si quidem Iupiter fuerit in un∣decima significat laudem et bonam famam ex parte amicorum, et quod gaudebant ho∣mines, et erunt in alacritate, et bonus ef∣fectus, et profectus in rebus de quibus ha∣bebunt homines fiduciam, et de quibus sperant bonum Bonat. 567. Iupiter as new posited portends great comfort from friends, and that they shall merit honour and a good name, that men shall rejoice and be cheerfull, and have good effect and encouragement in the actions they seeke after, and of which matters they themselves expected good. If wee would dilate, or exemplify, why from hence may we not expect all faithfullnesse and honourable correspondency from the Scottish Nation; contrary to the expectation of some, and those not a few that divine otherwaies.

Wharton.

If William Lilly run out quite from his Witts, I shall here make him understand (if not acknowledge an other very grosse Error of his, notwithstanding the Angells Samael and Malchidael doe both of them take his part: for though I grant him that Mars is more powerfull then he speakes of, yet is the Signe Ascen∣ding of this Kingdome sufficiently affli∣cted, by the Platique Square of Mars un∣to it, (who is also within 3. degrees of Conjunction with the Lord of the eight House, which is the House of death, la∣bour sadnesse, and heavinesse, heritage of dead men, and the end of life, and the As∣cendent of the revolution is no lesse affli∣cted by the Quartile of Saturne unto it: and the Moone, who is Lady of the Houre (although he hath here forgot to mention her, is separate from the Sextile of Mars and in a partill Sextile with Jupiter, but comes immediately to a Diametricall con∣figuration with Aries Englands Horosco∣picall Signe; whereby you might have seene (if you had not beene worse then pur∣blind) cause too much to mistrust some ge∣nerall misfortune to befall the Inhabitants

of this Kingdome: I doe not love to create new jealousies and feares, but I presume Will. Lilly will not (upon second thoughts) deny what I have said, nor that hee hath plaid the foole in giving judgement of Ju∣piters positure in the eleventh only, with∣our mixing the nature of Mars with him, who is there likewise so powerfull, and neare unto Conjunction with him. But I have elsewhere told you what their Acci∣dentall Scite there doth signifie, and there∣fore shall not need to give him any further answer in this particular, since what hee here reiterares, is, only to clear his Brethren the Scots, lest they become unruly, & kick out that small proportion of his idle brains.

Lilly.

And surely were not Mars over∣swayed by the presence of Jupiter in that Na∣tions ascending Signe, I should somewhat doubt of them my selfe, but I doe not, for the truth is Religion and Faith, overmasters their naturall Policy, Really; Mars in undecima inimicitias amicorum praenotat: Mars in the 11. destroyes the Leagues and friendships of People, &c.

Wharton.

And surely William Lilly a

Horne-book-blade, hee would not divulge so much of his ignorance at one clap, as to say that Mars is overswayed by the pre∣sence of Jupiter, cujus contrarium verum est; for as before I have proved, Mars is the strongest save only the Moone: and Jupi∣tar the weakest but Mercury in all the Fi∣gure, as will appeare to any man that will take the paines to collect the Dignities and Debilities of the Planets respectively in the Figure. And therefore hee hath good reason to doubt of himselfe, and to suspect the Scottish Nation will become Con∣verts: which if they did not, wee (Malig∣nants) should have questioned, whether they had any Religion, or Faith at all? But to the matter: Mars in the 11. House pre∣sages something else then amicorum inimi∣citias, if you had not abused Guido Bonatus Colum. 571. and in him the whole King∣dome: whose words (if he had not beene interrupted by this unmannerly clowne) had been thus; Mars in 11^• domo, significat paucitatem lucri, seu profectus in rebus de quibus spaeratur utilitas; & quod cadent in inimicitias amicorum, & significat diminu∣tionem substantiae, & desperabant homines

derebus in quibus habebatur siducia, & qui∣bus spaerebatur: That is, Mars in the eleventh House foretells but little profit, or gaine in those things by which profit was expected, and that they shall fall at enmitie with their friends. Also, the diminution of their substance, and that men shall utterly de∣spaire of ever obtaining what they most trusted to, and expected. This Aphorisme carryes a great deale of matter in sit, in re∣lation it hath to the differences depending and impending betwixt the Scots and the Parliament: and therefore it was not held fitting to be published, or communicated (by our misterious Merline) without a Fee. The plaine English of it is, that (ac∣cording to naturall causes) it is most evi∣dent that the Parliament, &c. shall be fru∣strated in their expectation; that they shall be mvch deceived, and deprived of the pro∣fit and commoditie, which might have ac∣crued unto them, by having the King at their owne disposall: and that for this cause they shall fale fall at difference with, and incurre the dislike and enmity of those that were formerly their friends and confede∣rates, who shall account them no otherwise

then such as have forgot and neglected their Covenant with God and man, &c. And hereupon they dispaire of the Scottish Re∣ligion, because it is come nearer the Kings, and of their Faith, because they have not so much credulity as to interest them alone in the disposall of his Majesties Person: and hence arise new discords and contenti∣ons, and greater taxes are imposed then e∣ver upon the poore Kingdome, whereby mens Estates are exhausted and consumed, and fresh miseries daily approaching, if not timously prevented.

What he cites out of Haly concerning Ju∣piters positure in the 11 House, I have suffi∣ciently answered and explained before, up∣on the words which he quoted from Bona∣tus, for the same thing.

And thus farre hath Mr. Lilly made his progresse in preaching Peace and Tranqui∣litie to the People, to what purpose I have sufficiently declared? and now he comes to the Qualitie of the yeare, wherein I scorne to detract the least scruple from him of whats his due, but shall agree with him in every thing which he performs but any thing like an Artist, (though he stumble

of it against his will) his quotation of Bo∣natus Pag. 55. (by great fortune) is very true and pertinent, whereby is proved a yeare of scarcity of Corne and other Pro∣vision for the use of man: But the applica∣tion of his next Aphorisme out of Haly is very illicite, and ignorant, for although he affirme it shall assuredly come to passe in those parts of this Kingdome, which lye South-East, and full South from London, but nothing so violently as in the Kingdom of Ireland: I shall prove him here and er∣rand Bo••cher: For, if he had understood the Aphorisme; Saturn ought to both infor∣tunate in alto loco, and elevated above all the other Planets, or otherwise it hath no sig∣nification, which he is not in this Figure; For although he be weake in his Essentiall Dignities, yet considering his other Acci∣dentall fortitudes, he is indifferent strong and powerfull, so that the Aphorisme will not serve for this Position. And if you will know the principall waies by which a Planet may be said to be elevated above a∣nother, they are three, viz.

In respect of their

• Latitude from the Ecliptique.
• Nearnesse to their Auges,
• Position in the Figure.

A Planet is said to be elevated above a∣nother (according to Ganivetus (cap. 1. differ. 3. of his booke entituled Amicus medicorum) who hath greatest Northerne Latitude from the Ecliptique: now if we Calculate rightly, we shall find Mars e∣levated above all the rest of the Planets, the moone expected, for he hath 3. degrees of North Latitude, and Saturnes Latitude is meridionall no lesse then 2. degrees 6. min. So Iupiter hath 0. degree 47. min. of North Latitude, Venus, 1 degree. 10. min. and Mercury 2 degree 5. min. both South, and the •• indeed hath 4. degree 47. min. of N. Latitude so that in respect of La∣titude, Saturne is the most depressed of all the Planets in the Figure, and the moone most elevated next Mars, and then Jupiter.

The next way is in respect of a Planets pro piuquitie to his Auge, according to Altohazen Haly in his Comment upon Ptolomy: So that the Planet which is nea∣rest the Summitie of his Epicyle, is eleva∣ted

above another, which is further removed thence, and if we consider here which of the Planets is most elevated secundum Augem, wee shall finde that Mercury is in Apog. Epicicli. 12. March Mars is in Apog. Eccentr. the 14. of March, and Saturne is not in A∣pog. Epicicli untill the 4. of May follow∣ing: so that this way Mercury and Mars are both elevated above Saturne.

And hereby the way will I put Mr. Mer∣line in mind of one mistake in this kind committed in his Englands Pro∣pheticall Merline Pag. 78. Where he hath put Saturn transire Apoge. on 20. Martii & Jupiter Epicicli sui superio∣rem partem 23. Martii, wheras Saturne is in Apog. Epicili the 10. of March and Jupiter the 13. so but only 10. daies Error in each committed.

The 3. way by which a Planet may be said to be elevated is in respect of their pla∣ces in the Figure; as he that is above the earth is more elevated then he that under is the Horizon, he that is in the 12. House is elevated above an other Planet in the As∣cendent, he that is in the 11. above any i••

the 12. and he that is in the 10. above any other in the Figure as indeed Sa∣turn is now: And if all the Planets were under the Horizon, then that which is nea∣rest to the Ascendent is said to be most E∣levated; but this is not so much conside∣dered by Astrologers as their elevation in respect of Latitude, and of their proximi∣tie to their Auges, or if it were, yet you see there is two to one against Wil. Lilly: For Saturne is neither elevated above all the other Planets in respect of Latitude, nor in respect of his Auge, and there∣fore that Aphorisme of Halyes hath no signification here, Saturne being nei∣ther infortunatus in alto loco, nec sublevatus super omnes alios planetas as William Lilly supposes him: So that the South, and South-east parts of this Kingdome need not feare this positure at all.

Next I desire the reader to observe that he hath cut off▪ corrupted, and misunderstood that Apho∣risme in Bonatus 574 viz significat naufragia re∣pente, &c. For that Aphorisme is not deduced from the dominion of Mars in the 4 and 9 houses of the figure, but (as you may see in Guido) from the scituation of Mars in Cancer and his triplicity, and the words of Bonat: are these, Et si fuerit Mars in

Revolutione anni in Cancro, vel elus triplicitate: & maxime in Cancto, erit apparitio eorum, quae signifi∣caverit in partibus Septentrionalibus: and thus much of that Aphorisme Master Merline hath quite left out, which is thus much in English: if Mars in the yeares revolution shall be in Cancer or his tri∣plicity, but especially in Cancer, the visibility of his effects shall be in the Northern parts of the King∣dome: Further In Cancro significat naufragia re∣pente venientia ex forti atque subito flatu ventorum, & significat rixam atque contentionem, & bellum, &c. Mars in Cancer hath signification of unexpect∣ed shipwracks, happening by fierce and sudden gales of wind; he also portends strife, contention, and warre, &c.

Lilly

Gaudebunt Reges, & habebunt laetitiam, & securitatem, that our principall Governours and officers that have with such industry these many years steered the affairs of our Kingdome shall in this year rejoice.

Wharton

(indeed) Lilly) you steere by a false Chart, for there is no such thing absolutely signified to the Governours you speak of from the sunne as he is Lord of the ascendant, for he that will look in∣to Guido Pag. 575 whence he takes this judge∣ment, shall find the words to carry another sence, viz. Et si fuerit Sol Dominus, Anni, ac Dominus as∣cendentis fueritque liber a malis, dixit Albumazar, gaudebunt Reges, & habebunt letitiam & securita∣tem, so that if you expect to have benefit by this a∣phorisme

the Sunne must not onely be Lord of the ascendent, but free from the Malevolents, but he must also be Lord of the yeare, which he is not in this revolution; and how farre soever this apho∣risme may be in force, the King will have the best share thereof, if the Sunne be the naturall significa∣tor of Kings as all authors accord: nor shall those Governours he talks of want their part of what the Sunnes accidentall position in the 8 house doth sig∣nifie. viz. depressionem Divitum & Magnatum, seu Nobilium atque potentum, eorumque diminutio∣nem, & mortem, ac improperium Bonat. 577. I'le lay my life this aphorisme belongs to the Round∣heads. What Venus portendeth in the 9 as she is significatrix of his Majesty, I have told you in my Prog. and what Mr. Lilly hath added out of Bo∣nat 579 is not amisse; onely his application is like all the rest, as idle and foolish as may be, in that it concerns all the Clergy in generall, and not the Prick-ear'd Divines onely, as every Artist can testifie.

Now, for that William Lilly seemes to be very much offended with one Master Geere, who (as he saith) was sometimes a priest of Tewksbury, and hath lately writ a Pamphlet called Astrologo-ma∣strix, (which indeed is as full of old idle Sophistry, as Master Lilly is of Malice, and Ignorance) yet I hold it no sufficient answer to tell him a story of a Weathercock, or a Cock and Bull, in stead of deny∣ing and avoyding his Arguments by better Rea∣son:

nor is it Scholler like, or favours at all of Common Civility, to fall upon scandalizing of a mans Reputation, when he hath not wit enough to require him otherwise. I think (Lilly) you would scarce accept of it as a sufficient answer from me, if in stead of correcting your errours, I should tell the world that you were but a Taylours Boy in Saint Clements Parish, and that the summity of all your honour was to be afterwards a Scriveners Man, and that he dyng your Mrs taught you first to write Secretary, in which respect I account you not worthy of the just revenge of my Pen: This (though it be true) were but mean Logick, but the truth is, you are lame of that legge, and therefore you may do well to borrow a crutch of Master Thomas Challoner, that precise Logitian, &c.

Nor does it grieve me at all that I suffer so much for the justnesse of the Cause which I have under∣taken and sworn to, as to be traduced by you, with the tearmes of an obscure footman, ungownd, and unbooted, &c. the time was when I have been on Horseback, where neither Lillie, nor Booker durst have shown their faces, and 'tis no matter whether I weare Boots or Shoes, either shall content me: I have both, and if I want a Colledge Gown, I be∣lieve (Sir) you'r not in so much credit as to take one up for me till my nex yeares Almanack may defray your engagement, however you are not so much Master of your trade, as to make it for me, for (to say the truth) I was told you Master was a womans Tailour.

I find nothing left now worthy my notice, save onely the Quadrate Aspect of Saturn to Jupiter, which hapeneth this year, which (Master Merline) saith onely signifieth mutationes. & res multas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Negotiis Regis, similiter & in lege, very great a∣terations, and many things concerning his Maje∣sties affairs and the Law: but you see Master Mer∣line dare not tell us his author, and (indeed) he either will not, or dare not; yet neverthelesse I have trac'd him, and found Haly to be the authour of those words, and of some other proceedings, which you may guesse he was unwilling to publish, by the tenour of them, Haly pag. 391 they run thus: Significat (saith Haly) quod existent Rebelles qui adversabuntur Regi, & qui querunt regnum, &c. The plain English is this, it signifieth that there shall be Rebels (and traytors, who shall rise and oppose themselves against the King, who shall en∣devour to deprive him of his Kingdome, &c. and this together with the former, is the genuine signifi∣cation of the square of Saturn, and Jupiter; and these very words I had noted in my Almanack, but the Printer maliciously expunged and altered them and divers more, whereby he hath unworthily a∣bused me, and made my Almanack look weather∣beat lik himself.

As for the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars in Taurus, which Master Merline, saith, hath been so learnedly handled by John Booker; I have suffici∣ently laid him open in that discourse I formerly

mentioned; and no doubt, but it will serve both their turns: yet I cannot passe by one grosse er∣rour (above all the rest) committed by this wood∣den Prick-eare John Booker, in his new Alma∣nack for 1647 (which may be easily known, by the signe of the Logger-head in the front of it) up∣on his judgements of the yeare at the Vernall in∣gresse, where he saith that Jupiter is in Ascendente hora revolutionis, and accordingly drawes fine Peaceable judgement from Iupiter, being in the Ascendent, when notwithstanding, Iupiter is above 30 degrees (or a whole signe) distant from thence, and so in the 11 house, as you may see in William Lillies Figura mundi, in his Anglicus, e∣rected, for the same time and place, by which the Reader may perceive what certainty can be in this dull fellows Prognosticks, who is thus palpably & intolerably erronious, as to misse no lesse then a whole signe in the place of one Planet?

And thus have I diligently and carefully exa∣mined William Lillies Discourse, wherein I find him very foolishly rash, and even brim full of ma∣lice and ignorance; and do now assuredly know him unworthy the name of an Artist. I could have taken notice of a great many more Errours, &c. and particularly in his Translation of those first 50 Aphorismes of Ptolomi••s Centil••qui, wherein he showes himself ignorant in the Originall, so hath he infected some of them with his own foolish Commentaries, and (amongst the rest) a ridicu∣lous

story of a suit of cloths, that he tore many holes in, in going a nutting, when the Moon was ill dig∣nified in Lea, which suit he sayes did never do him any service after: whereby you see that Lilly is as bad a Taylor, as he is an Astronomer, that could mend his own cloathes no better. The truth is, he was not born to be a workman. But I shall re∣serve my other more serious observations till I heare further from him, which if ever I do, I pro∣mise to lash him without mercy, in the interim I should advise such Gentlemen as desire to be in∣structed in this kind of Learning, to shake off these ignorant fellows, and apply themselves to Doctor Nicholas, Fisk Doctor Scarborough, Ma∣ster Jonas, Moore, or Master, Holland, who are all of them singular Artists, and men of honest and cleare intentions.

FJNIS.