A treatise against iudicial astrologie Dedicated to the right Honorable Sir Thomas Egerton Knight, Lord Keeper of the great Seale, and one of her Maiesties most honorable priuie Councell. VVritten by Iohn Chamber, one of the prebendaries of her Maiesties free Chappell of VVindsor, and fellow of Eaton College.

CAP. XV.

The Astrologers wresting a place of Aristotle to their purpose.

BBut whereas before we alleaged Ari∣stotle against these figureflingers, it may be they wil thinke, that we haue offered them great wrong, for they are wont to take sore hold of a place Polit. lib. 1. cap. 7. where it is repor∣ted of Thales, that he by Astrologie foreseeing how the yeares were like to proue, bought all the Oliues in the country, whereby he did won∣derfully enrich himselfe. To this authoritie first we say, that Aristotle doth not report this of Thales, as of his own knowledge, but rather as a tradition by heare∣say, as may very sufficiently appeare by those words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Againe by Astrology in that place is meant the obseruation of rising and setting of certaine stars, as

Arcturus, Vergiliae, and so forth, by which men were wont to direct their husbandrie: for that in this sence of foretelling, the starres were to great purpose, may appear by Clem. Alex. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pa. 345. lin. 49. where he saith that the stars are not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to foretell the chaunges of the aire, plentie, dearth, plagues, drouth and such like. With which also a gre∣eth that which hee hath 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. lib. 6. pag. 279. lin. 35. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. If here they vrge that the name of Astrology is vsed in that place, they shall but bewray their owne ignorance: for in A∣ristotle, and other good writers, the words, Astronomie, and Astrologie were all one; neither were they seuered, till this counterfeit diuination came vp. If then they will know of vs by what name their mystery, and art hath passed in the world, we must tell thē that though it deserued to passe like a rogue with a bored eare, yet, contrarie to desert, as being well descended, it hath passed with this difference, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Of some it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and of Clement. Alexand. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not being called euer Astronomie sim∣ply, but with these additions. But that Astronomy and Astrologie signified euer in good Authours all one thing, may appeare by Tully, lib. 2. de Diuinat. where it is said of Anchialus & Cassander, that although they were excellent in other parts of Astrologie, yet they neuer vsed these predictions. In the same place is the same word diuerse times vsed: but what would we speake of one place, when in all his workes you shall neuer find the other word Astronomie, but still Astrologie: whereby is meant notwithstanding, the same as others meane by the word Astronomy. Yet I am not ignorant

that Clem. Alexand. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pag. 26. calleth the lawful 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & that other in derision 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Base & vile though it be, yet in the end it so preuailed, that it did outface the lawfull Astronomie, by which it was at first countenanced, and brought into credite. It plaid with Astronomie as the Cuckow is said to play with other birdes, tumbling their egs out of their nests that she may put in her owne. And as in this point A∣strologie resembleth the old Cuckow; so in another sort she resembleth the young Cuckow, who in the end is wont to deuoure the bird that fed her. Verie fit∣ly also may it be compared to the snake in Aesop, who being refreshed a little with heat, began to annoye and trouble all the house with hissing. Of this encro∣ching, and insinuating counterfait, may Astronomy well complaine in this maner:

—eiectam, laris egentem Accepi, nostraque amens in sede locaui: When I thee found, and tooke thee vp, at first thou wast an else, Yet like a foole I set thee vp, as high as was my selfe.

If there be any similitude in these 2. arts, it is but such a countefeit resemblance as is mētioned by Tully, lib. 3. de Orat. By scraping with the foot, & certaine termes of arte, wherein they bleare the eyes of them that can∣not see into them. When Astronomie is compared to such a mishapen monster, may it not well disdaine the parison in these words?

Simia quam similis turpissima bestia nobis? I must needs wonder when I see A pouchmouth'd Ape so like to me.

But to returne to Thales, it is not to be thought, but that he was very raw, & far to seeke in these vaine spe∣culations, for in those daies Greece was scarse acquain∣ted with the first principles of Astronomy, so far were they from Astrologicall toies.