The French academie Fully discoursed and finished in foure bookes. 1. Institution of manners and callings of all estates. 2. Concerning the soule and body of man. 3. A notable description of the whole world, &c. 4. Christian philosophie, instructing the true and onely meanes to eternall life. This fourth part neuer before published in English. All written by the first author, Peter de la Primaudaye, Esquire, Lord of Barre, Chauncellour, and Steward of the French Kings house.

The twelfth daies worke. (Book 12)

Of Mettals, and especially of Gold. Chapter 93.

ASER.

AS we haue already contemplated those things, which appeare to be most rare vpon the earth; so do we now desire somewhat to refresh our spirits by the considera∣tion of those things which are hidden within the in∣trailes thereof. That then shall bee the subiect of our discourse for this day, to the end that as the contem∣plation of the highest heauens did open an entrance in∣to our discourse, so we should conclude it, by a treatise vp∣on that, which is within the earth, neerest to the center of this great Vniuers: to witte, vpon mettals & stones. Not that we intend to speake of thē, as by a particular description of their nature & species: for then I dare affirme that there are so many kinds of mettals engēdred within the earth, that they cannot be particularly described: and sith that nature adorneth the earth with aboue fiue hundred kindes of plants, and with as many beasts, it is very like∣ly, that she exerciseth no fewer meanes vnder earth, wherby to inrich it. But as we haue pro∣posed vnto our selues no other ende in all our discourses of heauen, of earth, and of the crea∣tures therein contained; but onely to consider vpon the most worthy things therein, which might incite vs to an holy meditation of the prouidence of God, thereby the more to glorifie him: euen so will we doe in that which we now intend to declare, concerning mettals and precious stones.

Mettall is that which is pliable by the hammer, and hard, stones are hard, but not plia∣ble; and waxe and mud are pliable, but no hard. Mettalles are seuen in number, as the pla∣nets are. For gold representeth the Sunne; siluer, the Moone: amber called electrum, Mer∣curie, * 1.1 iron, Mars, lead, Saturne, brasse, Venus, and copper Iupiter: or else wee distinguish them in this sort. All mettall is perfect, soft, and pure as gold: or, it is pure and hard, as siluer: or, it is hard and impure, as iron: or, it is soft and impure, as lead. And for amber it is compounded of gold, and siluer; as cyprus copper is made of brasse, and iron: containing an equall substance of brasse, and of iron: which causeth that iron too much concocted and high tincted, is easily changed into brasse, and rechanged againe into copper. But wee will now speake of gold, which is the most perfect and purest of all mettals. In very trueth na∣ture neuer tooke delight to make a more perfect elementary substance then golde is: for it is as pure and neate in the qualitie thereof, as are the simple elements whereof it is compo∣sed. And therefore by good right doe we hold it in price of excellencie farre aboue all o∣ther riches, and doe esteeme it in our iudgement to bee much more precious then all other mettalls. For beeing in the composition thereof proportioned in equall qualitie, fitly cor∣respondent in the symmetry of the Elements which compound it, it is euen from the ori∣ginall therof so purified already, as are the simple elements: In such sort, that by their con∣iunction together in equall power, there is ingendred so delicate, & perfect a mixture of in∣dissoluble vnion, composing an accord so faithfully, that there is made thereby an incor∣ruptible paste, which is permanent to all eternity in the excellency and goodnesse thereof. Wherfore gold cannot be van quished by iniurie of time, and of antiquitie, neither can con∣taine in it selfe nor support any excrescence and superfluitie of rust. For though it bee put into the water, or fire, and there remaine for any long space of time, yet is it neuer stained, neither doth accept any other quality, but that which is naturall, nor yet doeth faile any whit: which is the particular priuiledge that it hath aboue other mettals. For they are all subiect to alteration, & therfore change and corrupt for a smal matter, and accept a good or bad quality in their original or end. But gold is incorruptible, and therefore not subiect to such mutations: yea though it be drawne out in so small wire, that it be as fine as threeds in a spiders web, and though it be buried in most piercing medicaments, as are sublimatum,

and verdegrease, salt, and vineger, and that it remaine two thousand yeeres therein, it will not for all that bee corrupted, but contrariwise the more refined, but all gold hath not one selfe same perfection: for their mines and sources are different in goodnes. Sometimes also gold is counterfait, sophisticate, and falsified through the infidelity or nuarice of those, who mingle it, and multiply it with other mixtures of mettals of lesse value, and lesse pure then it is. But pure and refined gold is alwayes perfect by nature in al those qualities, which we haue already touched, and it is found in diuers manners; to wit, mixed with sand, as in Bohemia: on the shore side amongst the waters neere to Gold bourgh, and Risegrond: and * 1.2 amongst the stones in mountaines as in Calcecut, and in the Indies. But the first genera∣tion thereof is at the top of mountaines, in the highest places, because that the sunne doth ther more easily purifie that, which retaineth too much earthines in it. And whē the raine and torrents doe flowe downe the mountaines, they carry the gold downe with them to the foote thereof, where it is gathered amongst the sand: or else in waters neere thereunto whether it is driuen by violence of the flouds: except perhaps the ground open with those raines, and the gold doe there stick, as it oftentimes chanceth. And that, which is alwaies found in the entrance of the mine, is not the finest: but the farther you goe, the finer and purer it is, of better waight, and greater value. That then which is found in waters & riuers, is fished for and is in forme of little graines: and in rocks and mountaines it is taken out, by deluing and digging. And therefore there are holden to be three sorts of gold mines. For some are called pendent, some iacent, and others oblique and running. The pendent are those which are found in the superficies of mountaines, and haue the earth vnder them. They which are iacent or lie, are belowe in the field and plaine ground, carried thither by torrents and stormes of raine. And the other that are oblique, haue a crosse course whether it be in that which hangeth, or lieth, all whereof is driuen by flouds into the next riuers: for which cause there are riuers throughout all the world, the sand whereof seemeth to be of a∣zure and gold, hauing indeede pure and fine graines of good gold. Now according as the mines are, so are there diuers means vsed to take out the mettall. For in those places which * 1.3 are dry, without water, they which are expert in the veine of mines, hauing true know∣ledge what may be in that place, doe cause it to be digged eight or tenne foote deepe, and as many foote long and broad: and as they proceede in their work, they still wash the earth that is digged vp, continuing so till such time as they finde the gold, which is sometimes so deepe, that they are driuen to set vp arches of wood ouer them, that the earth may not o∣uerwhelme them. And when the mines are pendant along the mountaines, the difficulty is then more great, wherefore they also set vp engines to defend them from dangers, which are there very imminent. For some, to wit, those that dig into the rocke, are quite hidden therin, euen as those that cut stone, are within a quarry; others creep scrambling vp the sharp rockes, with a basket at their backes, seeking out the earth of the mine to carry it to the water: others wash the same earth in a sieue, by meanes whereof the golde is separated, re∣maining in the sieue, after that the earth is runne out by little and little. Moreouer, out of these mines there issueth a stinking breath or damp, which doth oftentimes choake and kill them that worke therein, beeing not able to indure so bad an aire: some also are drowned by waters, which suddenly gush out of those places where they haue digged, when they thinke not of any such thing, quickly ouerwhelming them, before they can make signe to those that are aboue to helpe them. Againe, these miserable poore soules are oftentimes af∣frighted by euill spirits, who inhabite in great numbers in those hollow and solitary places, as many haue experimented to their great hurt. For sometimes it happeneth, that these di∣uels tumble great stones and whole rockes vpon them, throwe downe their engines, ouer∣turne their ladders, breake their cordage, and doe a thousand other mischiefes, whereby men are oftentimes slaine. Concerning riuers wherein the graines and sands of golde are found, the dangers are not so great therein, but the paine is no lesse. For if the riuer be little, the Indians vse to emptie and let it out till it be drie: and then take off the bottome therof, and wash it, as aforesaid: and if the water bee very great, they turne it out of the channell; which done, they goe to gather the golde in the midst of the riuer, betwixt the stones and great pibbles, so that sometimes there commeth greater profite by this fishing, then by wa∣shing the digged earth, to separate the gold. But howsoeuer, yet is there great paines alwaies vsed to obtaine the riches of this mettall, so much coueted by men, and whereof the abuse is very great, as wee may in some sort touch, after that wee haue spoken of other mettals, which shall serue (AMANA) for the subiect of your discourse.

Of Siluer, Amber, Iron, Lead, Brasse, and Copper. Chapter. 94.

AMANA.

THE most noble amongst mettals next to gold is siluer, for although that coppar in colour, and lead in waight do neerest approch vnto gold yet in tenuity of substance, in purenes and fastnes, siluer is so like vnto it, that good siluer may be rightly said to be imperfect gold in substance, failing in colour: and that by succes∣sion of time it is sometimes changed into gold? as in many yeeres space lead turneth into siluer. The mines therof are more ordinary then gold mines. For France, Italy, Spaine, Eng∣land, * 1.4 Germany, and many other regions of Europe doe heare siluer in diuers places, as well as the other parts of the world. And it is there engendred in fower manners: to wit, either in the earth, which being gathered together, and then molten in the fire, doth yeeld siluer; or in lead, wherewith it is often found mingled, or in brasse, or in stones, out of which it is also extracted by fire. For in the mountaine called (Mous Regius) stones retaine very much siluer: which being also but into the fire, there is found in euery pound of siluer that runneth out of them, halfe an ounce of gold at least. Siluer is also many times found to be mixed with copper, as in Alsaria neere to the Rhine, in the mountaines of Saint Anne, and in Meissen: for there are stones full of copper, in which is great abundance of siluer. And when it is separated from lead, it leaueth a scumme, which we call (Lythargyrium) which is * 1.5 a kind of impure lead, retayning some vertue of siluer. For quick siluer, though it agree in name with siluer, yet it approacheth neerer to gold: for it is like vnto it in tenuity, & waight and to siluer in colour onely. But for all this it is no mettall, but a water condensate, not by heat (for it is not hardned) not by cold (for then it would be a stone or mettall) but by some other terrestriall, rare and pure portion, whereby it commeth to be very waighty and cold splendant and liquide, and is therefore rancked among those mettalline substances, which differ but little from water: and indeed the mountaines where quicke siluer groweth are ve∣ry greene, and full of fountaines.

Let vs speake now of Amber, which wee haue put into the number of mettalles. Ma∣ny authours doe disagree very much in the discourse of Amber. For some reckon that * 1.6 which is called (Electrum) amongst pliable and had metalline substances: others will not acknowledge it to bee any other then a gumme of a tree, which is very much like to that of the Pine and Firre tree, producing Rosin, and is very common in Arabia the hap∣py. Philemon writeth, that in two places of Scythia. Amber is digged out of the ground, like a kinde of stone, and in one place it is white, in another yealow. But omitting this argu∣ment, we will follow those who make Amber a mettall, whose nature and property is in meane betwixt gold and siluer, and that such is the true and naturall amber; as that, which we vse in our beads is artificiall. And it partaketh more of gold then of siluer, because it is more pure and perfect, and apt to be wrought. For if it did consist more of siluer, it could not endure the forge and hammer. There are vessels made thereof for beauty and profite: For good amber doth discouer poysons in these two manners, by cracking and making the signe of an arch within. For when the rare humidity thereof commeth to be consumed by the force of venime, it cracketh: & the colour changing, it seemeth that instead of the great splendor thereof, there doth a kind of staine represent itselfe like vnto an arch. Now that this kind of amber is very rare, it is not because there is not enough to be had in mines: but auarice and ignorance of the vertue thereof causeth that the gold is extracted whereby it ceaseth to be amber.

Concerning Iron; it is taken out of the earth, and to make it malleable, the masse thereof is (when it is taken vp) laid to dry in the sunne, and that which is earthy doth sof∣ten * 1.7 in the raine, as that which is moist doth melt by the sun, and the most sharpe part there∣of, which is as the venime of it, is consumed by the fire. The mines of this mettell are com∣mon in Europe, as in diuers parts of Frāce, which are enriched by the forges that are there set vp, to bring this minerall substance to his perfection. Which by how much the more it is concocted and purged, by so much the more it is better in goodnes, in such sort, as that which is earthy, doth at last turne to scales & drosse, and the most subtile part thereof doth conuert into steele, after it hath bin well purged, & a little marble added therto. And this is

artificiall steele. For there is in many places naturall steele, namely in Persia very good, in the Chaldean Isle, and neere Damascus, whereof the best cemiters in the world are made which cut so well, that there is no rasor bee it neuer so well steeled and tempered that hath * 1.8 a more fine and sharper edge. For this cause some say that there are some kindes of steele and iron so excellent, that waight for waight they are esteemed of greater price then gold. More∣ouer men may see what art can doe in iron, when by much beating therof, and through the power of water, iron, be it neuer so thin, is made vnfrangible by blowes: because that such water, by meanes of fire doth consume the terrestriall and waterie excrement, which is found in this mettall. When then the iron is brought to be most pure, most hard, and most light, then is it most subtile, and therefore most strong, and resisteth best.

Lead consisteth in foure kindes. For there is blacke, common, and low pricked lead: white, which is ordinarily called tinne. Bisemutum which is of meane quality betwixt blacke * 1.9 and white, and is rare, & knowne but to few people though it be found in the mountaines of Bohemia: and the fourth kinde is compounded of Stibium. The ore of lead is molten, in furnaces prepared for that purpose, and being molten, it is let runne through pipes out of the furnace, whether the worke man wil. And whilest it remaineth very hot, they cast cleere water vpon it to make the forme arise: which waxeth very massiue, hard to breake, yealow and bright as glasse: and this is that which is called litharge of lead. But this difference is betwixt white lead, and true tinne; that this doth alwaies grow with siluer, and the other * 1.10 doth grow of it selfe: in such sort that tinne is almost white lead blaunched by siluer. Brasse (as we haue already said) is made of a matter very neere approching to that of iron: and so * 1.11 also is copper. But brasse hath the propertie, that it neuer resteth; as iron and steele doth: and therefore it will continue longer. In times past also, it was very vsuall to make armor and bucklers thereof, yea and launces likewise: witnes Homer, who recounteth that Me∣nelaus pursued Paris with a brasen launce. Flutes and pipes of organes, and other musicall instruments are commonly made of brasse: but it doth properly agree with trumpets, be∣cause it maketh a great noise in doricke muticke, and inflameth men to combat. That of Cyprus is harder, and better then any other. Some also because of copper make two kindes of brasse: to wit naturall, whereof the best hath spots of shining gold intermingled; & there is reported to haue beene found in new Spaine in America a peece of it of two hundred pound waight. Then is there artificiall brasse, which is called copper, or latten: and the most excellent is that, which in fower pounds of brasse doth containe one pound of white lead called tinne: also when the white lead is mixed to the eight part of brasse, then is the cop∣per very good: but it is base being mixed with black lead. For the vse of copper, it is chiefe∣ly fit for faire instruments, as ordinance, cauldrons, and such like: wherein it is more ex∣cellent then brasse, because also it doth not giue a bad tast, nor smell to such meate as is boiled therein. Thus haue wee summarily tunne ouer that, which we thought most con∣uenient to be spoken concerning mettals: we will now speake of pretious stones: whereof (ARAM) do you begin to entreate.

Of precious stones, and chiefely of the Diamond. Chapter 95.

ARAM.

IF wee first say somewhat concerning the originall and matter of stones, the na∣ture and vertue of them shall be so much the more easie for vs to comprehend. Now the originall of stones, as mettals, is in the earth: and they be all made of an elementarie substance, or of a pure and equall matter which is gathered together, or else is runne on an heape, or else hath beene purified in some sort howsoeuer. In which, heate doth chiefly operate. For that is it which boileth matter naturallie engendred to perfect * 1.12 the humour, whereof afterwards the minerall matter or stone doth consist. Theophrastus distinguishing all that which doth so grow within the earth, saith, that some things partici∣pate with the water, as gold, and siluer, and other mettals: some accord with the earth, as stones, yea precious stones, and all such earths as are in estimation because of their colours or of their sauours, or of some other properties. But if he would infer (as it seemeth) that all precious stones are terrestriall, if this opinion were true, then should there bee no precious stone bright and cleere, and yet almost all of them are so. Wherefore wee may rather say, that they are not earthie, but watry: that is to say, that they are composed of a certaine

humour, which retaineth more of water then of earth: for it is a certaine kinde of clammy slime, wherin there is more water then earth, which being dried and thickned through con∣tinuance of the same operation, and by the vehemencie therof, doth at last become a stone. Now that a grosse and clammy humour doth easily conuert into stone, wee see euident in all liuing creatures, and chiefly in our selues. For those stones and grauell, which breed in the bladder and in the reines, are ingendred of such humours, as in tract of time haue beene boyled and hardened by the naturall heat of our body. So then precious stones, which are bright and transparent, are not composed of earth, nor yet of water onely: but are ingen∣dred of a pure and liquid humour, which retaineth in it selfe more of water then of earth. For in that these stones, being cast into water, sinke to the bottome, it is manifest, that they are not made of water onely, for then they should swim aloft like yce and haile.

For the splendor and light of some; and obscuritie, or thickenesse of others: wee must first note, that the elements operating (as in all things else) in the generation of stones, they * 1.13 participate more with the water and with the earth, then with the fire and with the aire. And because that the earth is not transparent nor shining, as it is euident that the water is and cleere also; it followeth, that all the brightnesse and splendor of stones, doth proceede from the water. Therefore we say, that all cleere and transparent stones are ingendred of humours alike in cleerenesse and light: and contrariwise, that they which are troubled, ob∣scure and thicke, do proceed from the earth: to wit, from a slimie and blacke humour that retaineth much earth, and but little water. And for so much as some stones are more cleere, and more shining then others, that proceedeth from the diuersitie of humours, whereof they haue bin engendred: for some humors are more cleere and more purified then others. Whereupon ensueth that some precious stones which are white, haue beene generated by an humour hauing the colour of water, which maketh them more cleere and more trans∣parent then others: and so the variety which is in the colours of all stones, bee they greene, blew, red, purple, yealow, or of many mingled colours, one must iudge the humours where∣of they did proceede at first to haue beene such: and that other precious stones which are not transparent proceed from troubled, blacke and obscure humours, for the water it selfe though it be neuer so cleere, doth become blacke, if it bee mixed with neuer so little black∣nes. And such precious stones as are splendant, doe shine by reason of their great bright∣nes, which maketh their light continue and abound. As much must wee iudge of the cause of staines, spots, shadowings, cloudes, vaines and othervices, which are found in precious stones: and of the difference that is in their massiuenes, spunginesse, lightnesse, waight and hardnesse: for all these things proceede from the diuerlitie of the nature and of the colours of such humours as haue engendred them.

Now amongst precious stones, these beare away the prise, and are praised with especiall praise, the white diamond, for hardnesse, and soliditie: the greene emerauld for beawty, the * 1.14 red carbuncle, called the rubie, for liuely colour, the skie coloured saphir, for grace, the yea∣low chrysolite for splendor, the diuers coloured opall, for varietie, and the cleere pearle for whitnesse, and roundnesse. First then let vs speake of the diamond. For as gold amongst mettals, so the diamond amongst stones is most precious. For the substance thereof is hard, * 1.15 and for that cause the more exquisite: as that is amongst mettals, which is the most pliable. By reason then of the hardnesse and soliditie thereof, the diamond beareth away the price amongst precious stones: for in colour it is inferiour to the emeraulde, to the rubie, and to the opall. But that which maketh it most to be esteemed, is, because that the filings, & small peeces thereof are precious: so that one scruple is sold for sixe crownes of gold: and because that by the hardnesse thereof, it cutteth all other stones, beeing not onely commodious in sculpture, but also very necessarie. Neither will it bee well cut or polished, but by the one∣ly filings thereof, so hard it is. For which cause many haue written, that the point of a dart being rubbed with the powder of a diamond, it will easily pierce any armour: wherein this reason is apparant, that the Iron or Steele is heated by the blowe, whereupon it may be pe∣netrated by the subtiltie and hardnesse of the Diamond. Which is also commended for this vertue, that being polished, it doeth greatly glister amongst precious stones: and for that it resisteth fire for the space of nine dayes time, without hauing any sense thereof, and afterwards it remaineth many other dayes, without being annoyed. Which sufficiently de∣clareth, that this stone doth consist of most subtill parts: for otherwise it would haue pores and small holes, by which the fire entring, it should easily breake. The Diamond then re∣taineth a liuely and strong splendor, in such sort that it doeth not onely shine, but doeth also

sparkle, and is besides that, vnchangeable, not beeing corrupted by iron, by moisture, by fire, by age, nor by vse. It hath also this propertie, that beeing tied to the flesh of the left arme, it doth hinder and withstand the feares of night. It is not then without good cause that this stone is so much esteemed by vs, and almost by all nations. For euen in the Indies, in Calicut, in Persia, in Tartaria, and other places, where rockes of Diamonds are com∣monly found, they are very deere and of great trafficke: so that they are transported into all places, how farre remote soeuer they be: witnesse the Isle of Carge, which lieth in the bo∣some of the Persian sea, where bargaines are vsually made for Diamond stone: it remaineth yet vncut from the rocke, although it be scarce within sixe hundred and threescore miles of that place where it is had. And therefore it is no great maruaile, if diamonds bee at so high a price as they are, considering that they are so much in request by euery one: where∣fore there are some found which are sold for twentie and thirtie thousand crownes a piece and aboue; for we ourselues know, that there is one in the treasurie of our kings which did cost seuentie thousand crownes. Wee are to note, that in the mountaine of Cugarquell, which is neere to the riuer of Goa in the East Indies, are the best and finest diamonds of all the world: as to the contrarie in the Isle of Canada, which neighboureth vpon Florida, there are found false ones, but so faire and well cut by nature, that the most subtil Lapidaries are very much troubled to discerne the one from the other: whereupon this Prouerbe did arise. Loe, theres a Canada diamond. But I haue said enough hereof. Now (ACHITOB) doe you speake of the nature and propertie of other precious stones.

Of the Emeraud, of the Carbuncle or Rubie, of the Saphir, of the Iacinth, and of the Amethyst. Chapter. 96.

ACHITOB.

THE Emeraud hath beene long time holden for the most precious stone of all other, as well because of the beautie thereof, as by reason of the many great properties which are naturall thereunto: in such sort as the price thereof did exceede that of the Diamond. But as the rarenesse of some things make them deere, so doeth the abundance of other things make them to bee lesse esteemed: As it came to * 1.16 passe, that the great quantitie of Emerauds, which not long since were found in the new found Countries of America, hath much abated their price, but not their beautie nor ver∣tue, which euer remaineth, and is most excellent in those which are brought out of the East Indies: for they of Peru are of much lesse worth. The greene Emeraud then is the fairest of all precious stones, but yet the most brittle. For it sometimes happeneth to breake euen in the act of coiture. Being drunke, it doth much resist poysons, by the nature of the soft∣nes thereof: by reason that the abundance of the well concocted humour which is therein, doth refresh the spirit by the perspicuitie thereof: and so it is profitable to the nature of man, and resisteth the force of venime: and for so much as it is a stone it retaineth the ver∣tue thereof stable. For wee may note, that all things which are pleasant to the sight, are pro∣fitable for man; whether it be in precious stones, or gold or siluer, silke or purple: but aboue all, the Emeraud is faire, if that the art therein deceiue not the sight, for as well this stone, as others are oftentimes counterfeited and falsified in diuers manners. Moreouer, as the Emeraud is very soft, so is it very subiect to all casuall chaunces: for it is corrupted by fire and heate, and by the touch of other precious stones which are harder, chiefly of the Diamond, yea by euery thing that can giue a blow. That which shineth most, and almost like the sunne, and which refresheth the sight, as forrests and greene medowes doe, is most to be esteemed. But I beleeue there was neuer any mention made of a more rich basin then that of an Emeraud, being on of the greatest treasures of Italie, which is in the ci∣ty of Genoa, for it is reported that it was pawned in the necessitie of the commonwealth for foureteene hundred thousand ducats: thinke then but how much this Emeraud must be woorth. But that which is also said, that this is the same platter, wherein our Sauiour Iesus Christ did eate the Paschal Lambe in his last Supper, maketh me to doubt much, whether there be any people that vpon one onely stone would lend so great a summe of money.

The red Carbuncle called the Ruby, is another precious stone, which is very beautifull, * 1.17 and hath the propertie to quicken the spirit, and make it ioyfull. Some authors haue made mention of three kinds of carbuncles, saying that there be some which shine in the darke: others also that shine, if water bee powred thereupon, and the third kinde is of those, whose

cleerenesse is onely seene in another light, to wit by day time, or by candle light. Theophra∣stus saith, that there are some of the colour of water, some of the colour of the Amethyst, o∣thers of the colour of the Iacinth, and some of a red colour, which are called Rubies. In the Indies these stones are plentifully found: and Lewes de Barthema reporteth, that the king of Pegum, which is a citie in India, hath carbuncles called in Greeke Pyropi, of such magnitude and splendor, that if any one should see the king in a darke place, with these stones vpon him, he would seeme to shine like a cleere light, euen as if he were fired by the beames of the sunne.

The Saphir doeth approch neere to the excellency of the diamond, in great hardnes: in fairenesse of colour, being of a skie colour; and in beawtie: and is very good for the sight if * 1.18 it bee not sophisticated. It refresheth a man, and being drunke is profitable for melancho∣ly people, and for blowes and bitings of scorpions and serpents. Albertus Magnus affir∣meth that he had twise found by experience, that the saphir would heale an anthrax, which is a kinde of bile. Which may be beleeued considering the medicinable vertue which is in this stone. For as thirst commeth through the biting of a certaine snake called Dipsas, and as the hand is benummed by the touching of a little fish, called Remora, so the venemous fire of the Anthrax may be extinguished by the long touching of the saphir: but it must needes be so big as it may couer the head of the bile.

Hauing already made mention of the Iacinth, and of the amethist, to which there are great properties assigned, I will now touch some principall points in them. And first wee are to note, that the Iacinth is commonly of a yealow colour; but the best is redde, yet it is not so big as the other: being put into the fire it becommeth more obscure, and redder: and being out of the fire it shineth greatly. Also this kind of Iacinth doeth differ but little from the carbuncle in estimation of price. They that are of the colour of water are counted for base, and of no force. But Serapio hath writtē, that the good iacinth keepeth men that hea∣reth it out of the perill of thunder: and defendeth them from the plague, and prouoketh sleepe. Albertus Magnus likewise saith, that the iacinth doth augment riches, and authority, and that it doth greatly comfort the heart, and cause much ioy. Now because these things might seeme to be paradoxes to many, wee will heare make a little discourse, following the precept of the philosopher, who thinketh it sufficient in hard and intricate questions, if we can well auoide and shunne absurd doctrine. For by this meanes many shall bee induced * 1.19 to esteeme more then they doe of precious stones, and to beleeue the properties, which are attributed vnto them, if not as true, at least wise yet as possible. I say then that the ia∣cinth is of cold temperature: for that is almost common to all precious stones, and causeth them, especially the diamond, not to receiue fire very easily: for so much as the coldnesse doeth greatly helpe the soliditie and subtiltie thereof, which maketh that stones doe resist fire. Besides the Iacinth is good for the breath of man, either because of the likenesse of substance, or by cleerenes, or through some other mysticall cause, whereby repairing and confirming the breath and the spirit, it maketh man ioyfull: for sadnes is nothing else but the contraction of breath, and shortnesse and difficultie of the same. By such reason then, as some haue saide that they haue experimented, that if any thing doe comfort the heart, it doth likewise resist the plague, which doth chiefly come through feare and imbecillitie of heart (as experience sheweth vs in regard of children, women, and fearefull people, who are sooner taken with this disease, then stout and hardy men:) the Iacinth abolishing these two things (feare and faintnes of heart) it may, I say helpe greatly to resist the plague. So al∣so making the heart and the spirit ioyfull, and by that meanes more capable of good coun∣sell, it shall be the easier for man to encrease in authoritie, and to augment in riches. For be∣ing defended from thunder, although that the Iacinth be (as we haue said) of cold temper, which causeth that it will not easily receiue endomagement by fire: yet do not we attribute to it therefore, that it will preserue a man from being hurt. But wee may rather say, that the spirit of his heart being reioyced by the vertue of this stone, may haue the grace to direct him into some place where he may be cleane out of the perill of thunder. Concerning the Amethyst, it is also a precious stone and orientall, although it bee but of a low price in re∣gard of others: in it is seene the colour and grace of wine, bearing a purple lustre: and it is * 1.20 thought to hinder drunkennesse if it bee tyed to the nauell; and to stir vp dreames. Now (ASER) let vs heare you pursue our discourse of stones.

Of the Chrisolite, Topaze, Opall, Turkesse, and of the Agath. Chap. 97.

ASER.

VVHosoeuer will neerely consider vpon that, which hath beene written by the Ancients concerning the Chrysolite and Topaze, shall finde that that which we called a Chrysolite, was their Topaze, and contra∣riwise * 1.21 our Topaze was their Chrysolite. This stone is of yellow colour, not pure, but gree∣nish, and is nothing inferiour to the Saphir in hardnesse, if it be orientall. For you must note that the Germaine Chrysolite, and many other precious stones, which are found vnder the North, cold, Septentrionall Zone, are not so hard as the orientall; because that there the heat is not so sufficient that it may much attenuate the humour, which composeth the stone, and harden it: for the perfect concretion and gathering together is the cause of hard∣nes, which is done, when some very small parts are mixed and conioyned together, as com∣meth to passe in the generation of euery stone. Moreouer the Chrysolite is seldome found, without some blacke spots wherewith it is soiled: and but for this, it is a very excellent pre∣cious stone. It is thought greatly to represse lust, if it be carried next to ones skin. Besides, it is of great coldnes, whereby this argument is apparant, that being laide vpon the tongue of one that hath a feuer, it appeaseth his thirst. Plinie recordeth, that from an Isle called To∣pazos, * 1.22 there was brought a Chrysolite to Queene Berenice, mother of king Ptolemey the se∣cond, which was fower cubites long: and that the king of Egypt did afterwards cause a statue to be made thereof in the honor of the Queene Arsinoe his sister and wife, which was placed in the gilded Temple, that this Prince caused to be erected,

The Topaze is of a greene colour, and softer then the Chrysolite, for it is easily brought * 1.23 into dust with a file: in lapse of time also it looseth his splendor of it selfe; so that although it bee very faire, yet none desireth much to weare it. Cardanus affirmeth himselfe to haue found that fifteene graines of this stone beeing drunke, make a singular remedy for melan∣choly * 1.24 persons.

Now speake we of the Opal, which for variety of colours is accounted amongst the most * 1.25 precious stones. For in it the fire of the Rubie, the purple of the Amethyst, and the greene sea of Emeraud, shine altogether by a maruellous kinde of mixture. There are some which haue a lustre so mixed with all colours, that there can no more bee seene in a rich tablet nor more liuely. Others seeme to sparkle with violet flames, changing in manner of a fire made of brimstone, or of a fire kindled with oyle. Plinie saith, that the Greekes did call the Opall Paederos, that is to say, pastime for little children, because of the great grace and beautie * 1.26 which this stone hath in it. For (saith he) first one would say that there were a green heauen in a pure christall, mixed with a purple colour, and a golden lustre, enclining to the colour of wine, which is alwaies the last colour that doth present it selfe. And yet one would say that this stone, hath the head crowned with a purple chaplet, and that it is confusedly tin∣cted with all these foresaide colours, and respectiuely with each of them. Moreouer, there is no stone more cleere then this: and some say that it is very good for the head, and com∣fortable to the sight. Nonius a Senatour of Rome did so loue an Opall that he had, that hee chose rather to be banished out of Rome, then to giue it to Marcus Antonius, carrying no∣thing with him of all his wealth but the ring onely, wherein that stone was set. Opals are found in many places of Egypt, of Arabia, and of the Indies: but the best are brought from Zeila, an Isle of East India, which produceth them as great as Walnuts. But we must note, that the Indians can counterfeit them so finely with simple glasse, that it is an hard matter to discerne the naturall, from false ones: yet their deceit is found in the Sunne. For holding betwixt the thumbe and fore-finger a false Opall against the Sunne, all the diuer∣sitie of colours which seemed to be in this stone will turne into one: But the naturall Opall changeth lustre euery minute, and spreadeth it heere and there, so that the diuersitie of the colours thereof will shine vpon your fingers beeing holden (as is saide) and exposed to the Sunne.

Shall we say nothing of the Turkesse which is garnished with the colour of heauen, and which hath admirable vertue? For it is of a skie colour and celestiall blewe, and very bright. It is esteemed, because that in the night it likewise looketh greene: that part which is vp∣on

the earth is marked with veines: it is soft, and not of too cold a substance. Also lime sla∣ked and laid vpon this stone 'seemeth to bee blew, and receiueth the colour of a precious stone. It is commonly made bunching, and swelling out like an eye: and is found in this forme sowed and set a long the rockes in many places of the Indies: but the fairest Tur∣kesses are in the kingdome of Rasigut. And because of the difficultie to come to those pla∣ces where they grow, the inhabitants of the countrey beat them downe with staues, in such sort that they fall with their earth and mosse: and the people doe esteeme so much of them, that they account them as their greatest riches and delight, hanging them about their neckes in manner of Carcanets. It is no maruell then if these stones bee rare amongst vs: for we see no very common trafficke made of them, and yet they are much in request at this day. Their vertue and propertie according to the report of some, is very maruellous. For they say, that the Turkesse being worne in a ring doth keepe a man from hurt that falleth, yea though it be from his horse: and that it receiueth all the blow, and is oftentimes broken in pieces: which is lesse credible then that which some also affirme, that the vertue thereof doth resist poysons.

Now let vs speake of Agath, which is the biggest of all such as are called precious stones. * 1.27 But it is of so variable a kinde, that one can scarcely thinke it to bee one onely stone. For the Agath is white, red, yellow, ash coloured, greene, blacke, changeable, blew: in briefe, the colours of all precious stones, and of all other besides do concur in it. And nature exerci∣seth so many fashions vpon it, that we may see it represent forrests, fields, floods, flowers and trees. Histories haue celebrated verie much the Agath of king Pyrrhus, which repre∣sented the nine Muses, with Apollo in the middest of them playing vpon his harp, being all in sundry garments: in such sort, as it seemed that nature did contend with the painter to carrie away the price of such a representation. Cardanus reporteth that he had in his keeping * 1.28 two Agaths, in one of which, nature had painted the hemisphere of heauen, the distinct circles, with the round earth in the midst, enuironed by the waters: and in the other, an open gulfe of the earth, seemed to breath out a fume that darkened the aire: wherein this was most admirable, that the colour of the smoake should seeme to differ from that of the aire, which was thereby darkened: this appearing white, and thicke, and the aire reddish, and somewhat cleere. But though the agath be noble and excellent for the varietie thereof, yet because it is but little bright, and shining, it is but seldome esteemed to bee of great va∣lew amongst precious stones. Some doe attribute this propertie thereto, to be good against stinging of scorpions: especially that Agath which is spotted with little graines of gold, which the Isles of Candie, and Sicilie doe produce. The same vertue is attributed to the a∣gaths of India and to refresh the sight much, by but onely looking vpon them: and they say, that they staunch thirst being held neuer so short a while in ones mouth. But enough of this: now (AMANA) doe you looke to that, which resteth for vs to consider vpon, concer∣ning these most precious stones that deserue to enrich our discourse.

Of Pearle, Corall, and Chrystall. Chapter 98.

AMANA.

IT is no maruell though pearles be so much sought after in these daies, by e∣uery one for ornaments, especially for women: for of old they haue beene in such or more request: so that while the Romane Empire flourished this was a common Prouerbe. That a woman could or might goe without pearles, aswell as a Consull might goe without Officers: meaning thereby that pearles were an honor to wo∣men, and made way to be giuen them in the street, as the sergeants did for the Consul be∣fore whom they marched. Pearle is placed among precious stones, and is of great price, being esteemed for whitenesse, splendor and roundnes: and when it is found big, poli∣shed, * 1.29 and heauy, then may it be said to bee faire in all perfection. But there are very fewe pearles that haue all these beauties, and conditions. Concerning the generation thereof the ancient opinion hath euer beene, that the pearle was engendred in shels of fishes, wherewith the the Indian Sea doth abound, which engendring at one time of the yeare, doe open and gape in the night time, by that meanes filling themselues with dewe, where∣by they conceiue pearles, which they make according to the qualitie of the dewe receiued: if it be cleere, they are cleere: if troubled, so are they troubled, and foule: if aboundant, the

pearles are great: if scarce, they are little. Moreouer if it happen to thunder the shels shut together for feare that they haue; so that they haue no leasure to take in dewe enough, whereby they remaine lancke and empty, as if they had fasted: and thereof also pearles do proceed that are without substance, and full of wind.

But marke what our French Cosmographer saith: if these shels or oisters haue no o∣ther * 1.30 substance within them, but this pearle so conceiued of dew how doth the race of this shell-fish maintaine it selfe? Moreouer in the west Indian seas, where abundance of these pearles are found, it cannot be seene how their generation may bee iudged by the cleere or obscure disposition of the weather, for if that were so, there is no doubt, but that all the pearles, which were found in one shell, should bee all of one manner: whereas the contrary is seene. that within one shell are found some darke pearles, others drawing to a tawny, some pale, some greenish, and some againe blewish, and very few there are, which haue the perfection required in a faire pearle.

Thereupon he concludeth, that this pearled fish maintaineth the kinde thereof by the egges which it breedeth: and that the pearles come out of the sand and grauell wherin they breede and are hidden: because that by little and little this grauell refineth it selfe, and groweth into these shels, or oisters, till such time as it hath attained to an entire and perfect forme, remaining still soft, for so long time as the oister is within the water, but being out, it presently hardneth, and becommeth such pearle as we see. But without much disputing hereupon, euery man is of opinion, that these pearles are bredde in the shelles of fishes. And the experience hereof is not onely seene in the Indian sea, but also in the British seas, yea in all seas, and fresh waters: because that such oisters do swimme as well as fishes: of which there haue beene some fished vp in the riuer Garronne. But the industry of such as fish for them in the bottome of the sea is wonderfull? for from thence they fetch their best mother of pearle, Which lie within, and vpon rockes hidden in the waters.

They which are appointed to such fishing, enter into boates, and afterwards (leauing some within to gouerne them, and to helpe themselues also vp, when they haue done their fishing) they cast themselues into the water, diuing downe to the bottome, where they sometimes remaine for the space of halfe an hower, and with nettes catch these shelles: hauing taken some, they returne againe to the toppe of the water, and are re∣ceiued by those in the vessell, where refreshing themselues with meate, and drinke, and hauing fitted on that, which they put before their face. which is, as of little peeces of seare cloath very fine like a thinne bladder, made that they may see cleerely through with∣in the water; they leape in fiue, or sixe times a day, These oisters are also found fastned vpon rockes, which appeare aboue water, from whence they are fetched with paine, and beeing catched, the pearles are straight waies taken out, which otherwise would consume and lofe their fresh colour: and in one shell there are sometimes thirty, or forty small and meane ones, but few great ones, to witte, one, or two. They were, doubtlesse, wonderfull faire, which were giuen to Ferdinand Magellano, in a certaine isle of the Moluc∣caes, which were fowre in number, each one of the bignes of a pigeons egge, esteemed to be worth fiue and twenty thousand crownes a peece.

But this was a very small matter in comparison to the two vnions of Cleopatra Queene of Egypt, esteemed woorth fifteene hundred thousand crownes: one whereof shee * 1.31 dissolued in very strong vineger, and drank it vp at a banket, because it might be said, that shee had surpassed in sumptuousnesse of cost, the feast which Anthony had made her. Now for the vertues of pearles, they are very good for passions, and faintnesse of heart, and purge the blood, and beeing put into medicines, they take away clowdes, and dimmenesse from before the eies, and dry vp the moisture that runnes from them.

Corall is likewise fished for in the sea, and put into the number of stones, although * 1.32 indeed it is a plant, or shrubbe, which being drawne out of the Mediterranean sea, and fee∣ling the aire, doth waxe hard by the power thereof. And there is found, white, redde and blacke, in one selfe same plant, which groweth amongst stones and rocks in the bottome of the water: but the best coral is the red if it be euenly congealed: for the white is not so mas∣siue nor heauy: but is light, rare, and full of holes like a spunge. When it is fished for, it is all couered with mosse, and hath no signe or apparition of rednesse. But beeing clensed, it

taketh colour, and appeereth fairely polished: now those graines of round corall, which are put in bracelets and collers, are not found so in the shrubbe: but it consisteth of many little branches, whereof these graines are made with a wheele, and files, and are afterwards po∣lished with vermilion, and with a certaine earth which is brought from Tripoly in Africa. The properties which are attributed to Coral, are maruailous: for some say, that being han∣ged about the necke, or taken in drinke, it is good for them that haue the falling euill, for bloody flixes, and loosenes of the belly, to fasten the teeth, to heale sorenes in the mouth: to prouoke sleepe in such as haue feuers, to diminish the spleene, for those that vomite and spit blood. Auicen placeth it amongst those medicines that comfort the heart, & Pliny saith that being burnt and puluerized, and so drunke with water, it is good for them that haue wring∣ing in their belly, and the stone in the bladder. The ashes therof also are put into medicines for the eies: it thickneth, refrigerateth, and doth incarnate hollow vlcers, and maketh skars smooth. But amongst other properties this is most admirable and true, that red Coral, which is pure and fulgent like the carbuncle, being tied about ones necke so that it touch the skin when that person is sicke, or shall be in short space after, or hath drunke any venim, which he yet feeleth not, the corall doth wax pale and lose the splendor thereof, which Cardanus hath often testified to haue prooued by experience.

I will hereto adde some short discourse concerning Chrystall: because that as it is engen∣dred in the veines of the earth, of the same humour that the Diamond is, which opened the * 1.33 entrance of this discourse concerning precous stones; so now this speech of Chrystall may shut it vp againe. Pliny and many others haue supposed that it was made of yce or snow, in a word, that it was water congealed through great cold. But it appeereth that christall is engendred of some very well purified humour, in that it is the cleerest of all stones. Againe, if the oldest yce in the world be put into an hot place, it doth presently melt, which chry∣stall doth not. Moreouer, it is most certaine that it is not found on the tops of mountaines, where there is continuall snow and extreame coldnes: but in quarries of marble & of other stones, yea and in mines of diuers mettals. This also is another reason, that yce doth alwaies swimme aboue water, but chrystall sinketh to the bottome. That christal is best, which is white and cleere as water, It melteth with very great fire, & doth conuert into glasse, wher∣of there are very faire vessels made. In vertue it is restringent, and is therefore good for such as are sicke of Dysenterias to drinke, in good sharpe wine, after it is well and subtilly beaten to powder. The ancients made a bowle of chrystall, wherwith phisitions cauterized those which feared the fire, and common searing iron: to doe which, they laide the same bowle directly toward the beames of the sunne: by the reuerberation whereof they did their surge∣ry work vpon the grieued part. Now in this litle which (we cōpanions) haue declared cōcer∣ning mettals and precious stones, we may imagine, that if there be sufficient matter to ad∣mire the effects of nature, ordained by the diuine prouidence, what might we thinke, if we should enterprise to speak of fiue hundred kindes of mettals, earths, and precious stones which the earth hideth within her bowels? But sith that we haue attained to the end of our discourse, which is to glorifie God in the knowledge and contemplation of his most noble creatures: let vs aduise our selues how to giue some good instructions vpon that which hath beene deliuered concerning minerals and stones hidden vnder ground, as (ARAM) you can declare vnto vs:

Of the instructions that men must take, in that gold and siluer are hidden vnder the ground, and of their vse and abuse, as also of precious stones. Chap. 99.

ARAM.

AS God declareth a great and maruellous prouidence in all his creatures (as we haue discoursed intreating vpon them) so also doth he manifest it vnto vs in the creation of mettals, and especially of gold and siluer, which are estee∣med for the most precious. For we see how he hath hidden them in the most deepe places of the earth, and hath couered them with great and high mountaines: so that to dig & draw them out of their profound caues, men must therein so trauell, as if they had enterprised to ouerturne and to transport these lofty hils from one place to another, and to search and

pierce through the earth from one side to another. For how is it searched by such as worke in mines? It is a maruell that they are not already come vnto the Antipodes, considering the deepe pits, gulfes and holes whereinto they are descended. Iob hauing spoken of golde and siluer, doth presently make mention of the bounds of darkenesse and shadow of death. * 1.34 And in very truth they are things which doe fitly agree with these two minerals: For they are hidden in very obscure and darke places, and couered with a very thicke shadow: yet cannot this limit the couetousnes and auarice of men, notwithstanding that God hath sufficiently admonished them to moderate themselues, seeing that he hath so hidden the gold and siluer, which prouoketh their auarice, making them so furious and insatiable. And therefore I might very well compare them to bruite beasts, yea to a flocke of sheepe For although that they daily behold by many experiences, the calamities which fall vpon * 1.35 the world through auarice, and especially vpon those, which are entangled with this vice, yet cannot one take example by another, but doe all follow one by one like poore bruit beasts and sheepe, following one another when they are leade to the slaughter house, or when there is some one amongst them that hath lead the way to the rest, and hath made the first leape. For what daunger soeuer there bee, yea though it were to tumble headlong downewards, into some bottomelesse pit, it is sufficient if one begin the daunce for he shall presently haue good company; yea such, as there is not one of the whole troupe, but will lustily rush after without thinking vpon any daunger. Who doth not see that it is euen so in mans life? For according as some haue wickedly begunne, o∣thers pursue them, and the latter cannot discouer their owne follie by that of the former, nor yet correct it by so many examples as they haue of euill ends, and pernicious euents, which haue willingly fallen vpon the couetous. For this cause the Prophet hauing descri∣bed the folly and presumption of men, which thinke to build an eternitie vnto themselues with temporall riches; hee addeth [Their way vttereth their foolishnesse, yet their posteri∣tie delight in their talke: like sheepe they lie in the graue, death deuoureth them. See there * 1.36 the shepheard and the flocke of the couetous, death, and the sepulchre,

Now our meaning is not here to blame the vse of golde and siluer: but onely the abuse. * 1.37 For we behold the great commodities that men haue by communicating one with ano∣ther, and mutually aiding one another in all that which is rare and exquisite amongst them, and that by meanes of those mettals and mony that is coined thereof. For so may they furnish themselues of all things necessary for their vse, for their life, and according to their wish, not onely from one countrey to another, but (as wee may well say) from one end of the world to another. And if by their auarice they abuse not this great commoditie, it will bee much more profitable to all. But their vnsatiable couetousnesse of gaine is cause that the amiable communication, and the good desire of one neighbour to profit another, which should be by meanes of gold and siluer, is conuerted oftentimes into plaine robbery. For their hearts are so set on fire with loue of riches, that they propose no other determina∣tion vnto themselues, saue to heape vp treasures by a deceitfull meanes, which neuerthe∣lesse they doe neuer enioy in peace and content, beeing no more able to settle their coue∣tousnesse, and asswage their appetite, then to quench a great fire with laying dry wood vpon it: but that it will alwaies encrease and enflame the more. And to speake truth, what is this gold and siluer but a little yealow and white earth? And if there be any difference, it is onely, in that the substance is more hardned: and what doe they differ therein from the basest and hard stones? It is onely in colour. Why then doe men trauaile and take great care to heape vp gold and siluer, rather then to heape vp dust, earth, and stones? But indeede this is much worse; for they heape vp an vnhappy treasure, when for earth and clay, they gaine vnto themselues the treasure of the curse of God. For it is written [Cursed be hee that * 1.38 heapeth vp that which is not his: how long will hee lade himselfe with thicke clay.] But what? This clay so yealow and white, firme and exquisite, doth dazzle their eies more then any thing else: and yet for all that, it is but earth. And therefore it is but opinion that cau∣seth one thing to be esteemed more then an other. For if men had giuen that value to other mettals, which they haue appointed to gold and siluer, there would be almost no difference of the one from the other. I say moreouer that if they had but equall regard to the vtility & nature of things, according to the profit which they receiue thereby, and the neede which they haue therof, they should more esteeme of iron, brasse and copper, then of gold & siluer: considering that by iron, the earth which nourisheth vs is plowed, & arts and occupations maintained, and that by it we defend ourselues from the furie of beasts and enemies: and

of tinne and copper we make the most principall vtensils and tooles in our houses to boyle our victuals in, and for other infinite vses. In all these things then wee acknowledge the folly and want of iudgement in men, who gouerne themselues more by opinion then by reason.

Wee may say as much concerning precious stones, which they haue esteemed at a more high price then gold and siluer. For how many crownes doe they oftentimes giue for one pearle, or for a diamond, or for some other stone? If the fancie take them, and that they * 1.39 doe but onely like some small precious stone, then doe they spare gold, and siluer no more then if they were dust and clay: then that which they so much delight in, and for to obtaine which, they direct and gouerne their whole course of life; yea and put it into all confusion, is nothing with them in respect of a small iewell. And what profit can re∣dound vnto them by all this? Nothing else, but a vaine perswasion that induceth them to obtaine a stone of such and such woorth, as it pleaseth them to esteeme it at. If they would thinke as much of a flint, a flint would no lesse content them. If it bee for the beau∣ty and colour that they so account of this merchandize: is there any thing fairer, cleerer, or cleaner then glasse? nay then christall? likewise the marble, alablaster, iasper, and such like matters, do they giue much place in beauty or hardnesse, to the most excellent pre∣cious stones? If for their vertues and properties in phisicke they are so much respected; why then they should buy nothing more deere, nor esteeme of any thing more then of herbes and plants? I speake not this to despise or condemne the vse of precious stones, no more then of gold and siluer. For God did not create them, but for the seruice of man, and that * 1.40 hee might please himselfe with them, as with all his other creatures. For it was his will that his temple and the vessels therein, the garments of the high priest, and the seruice by him ordayned in the church of Israel, should be adorned and enriched with gold, siluer, and with precious stones. Againe, Dauid and Salomon, and the other kings of Israel were neuer reprehended nor cōdemned because they did abound in such riches. We doe not than con∣demne the vse, but the abuse. For God requireth that his creatures may be vsed according to his ordinance, and so moderated, that there be no excesse, whereby he may be dishono∣red and offended, or our neighbour endomaged. But it is an hard matter to heape vp great store of gold and siluer, and to dispend so much vpon precious stones, and other the pomps of the world, but that great wrong must needs be done to many persons, or at least∣wise that the deeds of charitie, for which wee were borne, must needs waxe very slacke. Loe then, that which I haue thought worthy to instruct our selues in vpon our discourse this day concerning the riches hidden within the earth. And sith that wee haue in the twelue dayes of our meeting entreated of the principall parts of all this visible world, and of the creatures contained therein, let vs now, to conclude our discourse, draw all these parts into one body, to the ende that we may shew in this masse of the Vniuers, and pro∣pose as it were before our eies, the image of the greatnesse, puissance, and maiesty of God by the which men may in contemplation, and consideration of his workes, learne to feare, honor, and put their whole trust and confidence in him, as they ought: which (ACHITOB) let vs heare you discourse vpon.

Of the doctrine and profit which euery one must and may reape out of the totall workes of God in heauen and in earth, to ac∣knowledge and glorifie him. Chap. 100

ACHITOB.

IF wee doe well consider vpon those goodly matters, which we haue here∣to fore entreated of touching the creation of the world, and adorning ther∣of in euery part: wee shall without doubt feele our selues as it were lifted vp vpon an high scaffold, where wee may behold and contemplate God our creator in the excellent workes of his hands, and in the maruailous effects of his prouidence, in such sort as if all this visible Vniuers were a shop, wherein we doe see him worke before our eies; or else as if he were seated in a stately roiall palace, wherein wee behold him reigne vpon his celestiall throne ouer euery liuing soule: or as in a goodly temple wherin the glory of his Maiesty shineth on euery side, yea in euery creature, which is therein

as an image, or mirrour to shew and manifest the creator and moderator of all things.

And indeed without this contemplation and knowledge for which wee are borne, and endued with reason, let vs not thinke but that bruite beasts haue more whereof to bragge in regard of the world, and of the beautie and commoditie thereof, and that they receiue more rest, pleasure, and profit thereby then men. For they content themselues with that which they haue, and care not for that, which they cannot attaine vnto: enioying all that which is needefull for them, and that with pleasure, and without excesse, superfluitie, or any hurt. But men are to the contrarie, neuer content with their conditon, aspire euer∣more to that which they enioy not, and which they might well let passe: haue many times need of that, which is necessarie for them, and receiue no pleasure, but that which is mix∣ed with some griefe and bitternesse: neither yet can they content themselues, but that they must run into excesse to their great detriment.

This is that which hath enflamed vs with desire, in the progresse of our worke, to dis∣course vpon heauen and earth. And hauing brought our intention to a desired end: we will here represent (for the last point of our speech, as wee did in the beginning thereof) all the parts of the word in one body, to declare in this great body of all the Vniuers, and to propose, as it were before our eyes the image of the greatnesse of the power, and of the Maiestie of God, and of his infinitenesse: to the end that we may all learne by the contem∣plation, and consideration of this Image, to honour him, and to put all our trust & confi∣dence in him, as we ought to do. For this is the true doctrine, & the great profit, that euery one must, and may reape by the grace of God, of this total worke in heauen, and in earth, to the end to acknowledge and to glorifie him. First, then wee are to consider, that not onely all that which we haue declared concerning the workes of God in this great Vniuers, but also all that, which the most learned euer could heretofore, or hereafter euer may com∣prehend and describe, is nothing else but as a very light demonstration of some draught of his worke, or of some corner of his magnificent pallace, or of some small iewell of his inestimable treasures. For sith he hath created all these things, and that the heauen is his * 1.41 seat, and the earth his footstoole (as Isay speaketh) what may then bee the full perfection, height, and greatnes of himselfe? It is (as Iob saith) in the highnes of the heauen; it is deeper then hell: the measure thereof is longer then the earth, and broader then the sea. It is hee (saith I say againe) who hath measured the waters with his hand, and hath compassed the heauens with his plame, and hath comprehended the dust of the earth with three fingers, * 1.42 and hath poised the hanging of the mountaines. Thereby then wee must learne that God is infinite, and in comprehensible and so high, and so great that all this visible world is no∣thing in comparison to him, and that he doth containe, and confine, and surpasse it in eue∣ry side, both aboue and below, before and behinde, on the right hand, and on the left. And that because we cannot comprehend, nor vnderstand what he is, the image of him was set before our eies in the heauens, and in the earth, and as in a glasse to represent vnto our vn∣derstandings, him, whom we neither behold, nor know, except so far, as it pleaseth him to represent himselfe vnto vs in his workes.

Lastly, we must learne, that from the verie first howre of our entrance into this world, wee haue beene placed therein, as in the Temple of God to adore, and praise him therein. And in verie truth, whosoeuer shall consider of, and know God, as he hath manifested him∣selfe in the creation of the world, shall not hee haue good and iust occasion to feare, and stand in awe of him? For as we reade in the Booke of Iob, [If God cut off, and shut vp or * 1.43 gather together, who can turne him?] And straight [in his hand is the soule of euery li∣uing thing, and the breath of all mankinde.] On the other side, shall not wee bee indu∣ced to haue recourse vnto him, and to put our trust in him, as in the Almightie, who can saue and defend those, whom hee will take into his custodie, and whom hee will accept for his people, and for his seruants and children? Who so dwelleth in the secret of the most high (saith the Prophet) shall abide in the shadowe of the Almightie. I will say vnto the * 1.44 Lord, Oh mine hope and my fortresse: in my God will I trust: who will deliuer vs out of all trouble. And to conclude, we shall haue goodly matter, whereby to giue him glorie, and laude all the dayes of our life, by seruing him according to his holy will. Wee shall be I say, verie blinde and sencelesse, if wee doe not humble our selues vnder the greatnesse of the puissance of God: if we haue recourse vnto, or put our confidence in any other, but in him alone: and if wee doe not acknowledge his great prouidence, wisedome, and bountie,

which hee hath vsed euer since the beginning towards vs, and the regard and care which hee hath daily had of vs, and how that hee entreateth vs so benignely, so tenderly, and with such fatherly affection, to the ende that wee may render thankes vnto him. For as wee haue seene, before that hee created man, hee would prepare his lodging for him: the which hee did adorne with all beautie, and with all riches, and did afterwards place him in this world, as in a most delectable palace, and made him Lord and Master ouer all his creatures, of whom hee hath prouided him such aboundance, and in such varietie, that it is impossible to comprehend these, or to desire more. As it were then rauished in the consideration of so great bountie and liberalitie of God, let vs crie out with the * 1.45 Prophet, [Oh Lord our God, how excellent is thy name in all the world! What is man that thou art mindfull of him, and the Sonne of man, that thou shewest him so much grace as to visite him, and to take care of him?] And so giuing glorie vnto his name, for so many benefits, and particularly for that it hath pleased him to graunt vs this grace, as to reduce to a desired ende our Academicall discourses, concerning his workes in the Vniuerse, let vs pronounce this goodly Canticle of the Angels. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hostes, all the earth is full of thy glorie.

The ende of the twelfth dayes worke, and of all the third Tome of the French Academie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  What mettall is, and of the kindes therof.
• * 1.2

  How gold is found.
• * 1.3

  How gold is taken out of mines.
• * 1.4

  Of siluer.
• * 1.5

  Of litharge. Of quick siluer
• * 1.6

  of amber.
• * 1.7

  Of iron.
• * 1.8

  Of Steele.
• * 1.9

  Of Lead.
• * 1.10

  Of Tinne.
• * 1.11

  Of Brasse and Copper.
• * 1.12

  Of the origi∣nall and sub∣stance of stones.
• * 1.13

  Of the splen∣dor and light in stones.
• * 1.14

  Of the prin∣cipall stones, and of their proper praises
• * 1.15

  Of the Dia∣mond.
• * 1.16

  Of the Eme∣raud.
• * 1.17

  Of the Car∣buncle called the rubie.
• * 1.18

  Of the Sa∣phir.
• * 1.19

  Good reasons of the vertue of stones.
• * 1.20

  Of the Ame∣thyst.
• * 1.21

  Of the Chri∣folite.
• * 1.22

  Hist. nat lib. cap. 8.
• * 1.23

  Of the To∣paze.
• * 1.24

  De subt. lib. 7.
• * 1.25

  Of the Opall.
• * 1.26

  Hist. nat. lib. 37. c. 6. & 9.
• * 1.27

  Of the agath
• * 1.28

  Lib. 7. de sub.
• * 1.29

  Of pearle.
• * 1.30

  Lib. 10. de cosm. c. 4.
• * 1.31

  Pearles of great price.
• * 1.32

  Of Corall.
• * 1.33

  Of Chrystall.
• * 1.34

  Ioh. 28.
• * 1.35

  Men compa∣red to a flocke of sheepe.
• * 1.36

  Psal. 49.
• * 1.37

  Of the right vse of gold, and siluer.
• * 1.38

  Abac. 2.
• * 1.39

  Of the vse, and abuse of precious stones
• * 1.40

  Exod. 25. 26. 27. 28.
• * 1.41

  Isay 66.
• * 1.42

  Iob 11.
• * 1.43

  Iob. 12. and 12.
• * 1.44

  Psal. 91.
• * 1.45

  Psal. 8.