Gregorii posthuma, or, Certain learned tracts written by John Gregorie. Together with a short account of the author's life and elegies on his much-lamented death published by J.G.

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

VIA VNA COR VNVM

THE ASSYRIAN MONARCHIE, BEEING A short Description of it's Rise and Fall.

A Monarchie, as the Philosopher discourseth in his Politicks, is the government of one man over manie. According to the degrees of this Principalitie, the word Monarchie, is equivo∣cal; in the prime meaning intending The Lawful Absolute Rule of som Prince, either Elected or Succeeding, exercising Dominion corresponding with the Law of Nature, and the Right of Nations. Thus His Sa∣cred Majestie is a Monarch or sole Governor within these his Realms.

In a wider and unjuster sens, A Monarchie is taken for The Peremptorie Autoritie of som Mightie Potentate, whose Right and Title for the most part is his Sword; or, if hee hee Succeed, 'tis in the Ambition and Tyrannie of his Pro∣genitors, by which hee usurpeth power where hee pleaseth,

striking into the hearts of Men rather the fear then the love of him, whereby hee enforceth his unwilling Vassals to an unnatural Obedience. Thus the great Turk may bee cal∣led a Monarch; for in this sens, though it seem to secure it self under the protection of an acceptable name; yet a Mo∣narchie thus taken,* 1.1 differeth little from that which Aristotle calleth the (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,) vice of a Monarchie, to wit, a Ty∣rannie.

Historians take more notice of this later, becaus the more notorious: of this kinde were those 4 great Monarchies unto whose Kings, as to famous Epoches, the stragling and unbounded affairs of the World are orderly reduced.

In this number the Kingdom of Ashur beareth a place, and the first; the Description whereof wee have here underta∣ken. In the consideration of this, wee shall observ in it a tre∣ble Vicissitude, which the Babylonians and Assyrians under∣went, in the continuance of this Government. The first from Nimrod to Ninus, in which time the seat of the King∣dom was at Babel: The second from Ninus to Asarhaddon, and in this interim the Assyrians prevailed at Ninivie; The third and last, from Merodac to Belshazar; in which again Babel got the better, which it held till all was lost to the Medes and Persians.

And for the greater illustration, to all this wee will pro∣mise the Description of the Land of Ashur; as knowing this full well that the circumstance of Place as well as Time addeth much to the understanding of the Storie.

אשור

THe Land of Ashur was so called, from him that first planted a Colonie from Babel in those parts, whose name was Ashur the Son of Sem. It is the opinion of that learned Rabbin Don Isaac Abarbinel, in his Commentaries upon the first Book of Moses, called Bereshith in Parasha No∣ach, fol. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, Assur the son of Sem dwelt in Assyria, and from his name it was so called. To this opinion among the Antient Greeks, onely Eratosthenes attain'd, as hee is in∣troduced by the Scholiast of Dionysius the Alexandrian, a Geographical Poet, his words are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Among the Modern Suidas hath embra∣ced this conceit there, where hee pleaseth to retract his own, in the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. So also amongst manie others, Gem∣ma Frisius for the Latine Writers, in his 22 Chapter of the Division of the Earth: from the Jew Josephus, who also fa∣voureth this Assertion. The Etymologist therefore, who ever hee were, hath deceived himself in assigning the Ety∣mon of this word Assyria,* 1.2 while hee forgeth this distincti∣on between it and Syria; that Syria should bee that part of Asia which was overwhelmed in the Deluge, and was there∣fore so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (which also are the words of Hesychius) but Assyria, saith hee, was that part which having escaped the Flood was so called from α the Particle Privative, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But this is a Fable befitting the Greeks, whose Nation hath been seriously taxed by its own Autors, for their luxurie of invention in fabulous discourses.

In the next place wee are to free the Description insuing from the equivocation and ambiguitie of the word Assyria, which is somtimes taken for it self, at other times for the whole Region of Syria; in that sens comprehending in it more then it self, to wit Palestine, Syrophoenicia, Syria, Damascena, Arabia, Mesopotamia, Babylonia, Chaldoea, somtimes more, som∣times less, according to Strabo & Plinie, and manie others. But our Master Ptolomie to deliver the delineations of the world from the Ataxie and confusions of the Antients, dealt more accurately in his observations.* 1.3 Hee therefore in his first Chapter of the fifth Table of Asia, describeth our Countrie in this manner, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.* 1.4 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. In

which description Ptolomie hath vindicated this Countrie to her proper limits; aptly sequestring Assyria from the rest, comprehending the Countrie within the confines of the great America upon the North, Mesopotamia upon the West, Susian upon the South, and Media towards the Sun rising. The chief of Ptolomie's followers in this are Dominicus Ma∣rius Niger, in his Geographical Commentarie upon Asia; whose words I forbear to insert, becaus they are but the meer Metaphrase of the description alreadie given. Besides him * 1.5 Vadian hath don the like in the Chapter which treat∣eth of the Situation of Assyria. So also Gemma Frisius in his 22 Chapter of the Division of the Earth, and Mar∣cianus Heracleotes, who in the description of Susian the Pro∣vince,* 1.6 thus writeth; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hee saith that the North limit of Susian is Assyria: and Pto∣lomie had said before, That the South limit of Assyria was Susian. The agreement of these Autors I oppose to the di∣straction of others, in reading whereof diligent heed would bee taken of the ambiguitie of the word Assyria, lest the Reader not beeing sufficiently cautelous, might happi∣ly bee then least acquainted with the Countrie, when hee hath travelled most about it.

* 1.7The Latitude of Assyria is Northern, cutting off from the Equinoctial towards the Pole Arctick an Arch of a greater Circle, containing about 5 degrees and ⅓ from the 34 de∣gree to the 39 and 20 scruples. The Longitude accounted in the middle Line, from the great * 1.8 Meridian of the World, is from the 78 degree to the 84. In assigning this Position, wee wee have rather inclined to Ptolomie, then the modern conjectures of later Writers; for though instruments bee more exact, and men's experience more universal, yet what shall all that do, cùm jam Seges ubi Troia fuit & Ninus in ipsa Nino requiratur: when 'tis brought to such ruine, that if the founder himself should rise again, Ninus would scarce

finde Ninive, through hee sought it in it self. According therefore to the Longitude and Latitude assigned, The site of this Countrie is in the North part above the Torrid Zone, between the Tropick of Cancer, and the Arctick Circle, under and about the fourth Clime: the longest daie beeing som 14 hours, and one second part. This Situation is ap∣proved by Rabbi Abraham in his description of the Climes, his words are these, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, The fourth Clime begineth at the end of the third, to the Latitude of 36 degrees of the equal line in the North portion, and his daie is fourteen hours and one second, and passeth through Assur. So far the Rabbin. Wee conclude therefore, That the position of this Region is an Oblique Sphear, whose Phaenomena are these: They enjoie, as wee do, both a Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, the Sun beeing in Aries and Libra. Their site is in the South part of the North temperate Zone, therefore their air is pleasant.* 1.9 The Sun never culmi∣nate's in their Senith point, that beeing placed beyond the Tropick of Cancer, which is the extremest circle of the Sun's Motion in his Northern declination. And becaus the Opticks teach, that everie Opacous bodie projecteth his Shadow to a part directly opposite to the bodie luminous, therefore the Sun beeing either in the Northern or Sou∣thern Signes, their shadowes are never directed to the South, but contrariwise: therefore they are Heteroscii. Lastly, they have the Pole Artick alwaies elevated, and the Antarctick alwaies hid.

For the Astrological site of this place, it is comprehen∣ded within the first Quadrant, in the part Oriental and Me∣ridional, and is therefore subject to the second Triangle under the Dominion Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, the Pla∣netarie Lords beeing Saturn and Venus Oriental: in regard of whose rule in that earthly Triplicitie, the inhabitants must needs bee of a disposition wanton and lascivious, in apparel gorgeous, in Religion Idolaters: And becaus the Assyrian in special is subjected to Virgo, and her influence

is Mercurial, therefore our inhabitants must bee great Astronomers. Thus Ptolomie, Cardan, &c. But whether it bee so or no, let their Ghosts dispute before Minos and Rha∣damanthus. Thus much is certain, That the manners of the Antient inhabitants most aptly corresponded with this Prognostication, and if anie urge the contrarie at this daie, these Autors may easily finde an answer; that besides the translation of the Perigaeum and Apogaeum of the Planets, the precession of the Equinox, and the Suns lesser Excen∣tricitie, 'tis apparent that the Signs in the eight Sphear have forsaken their places in the first Moover; Aries now beeing in the dωdecatemorie of Taurus; and Pisces in the place of Aries. And so much may suffice for the general applica∣tion of Theoretical Geographie, to the Practical descripti∣on of this Countrie. Before wee enter the particular parts, our discours shall tread awhile upon the Borders; Where first on the North part wee meet with the Armenian Moun∣tains, which might have been slightly passed over, but that they shew the place where once Noah's Ark rested. That it rested in Ararat, or Armenia, Moses beareth witness; that it rested in that part of Armenia, wherein wee have placed it, may bee a conjecture not without probabilitie, becaus Pto∣lomie placeth the Countrie Gordiena directly upon the North adjoining in Situation to these Mountains. Now that Countrie was so called from the Gordiaean Mountains, upon which the Ark rested, as is approved by a double Paraphrase of two Antient Chaldeans, Jonathan the son of Ʋziel, and Onkelos; the one translating that Text of Moses, to wit, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Mountain of Ararat by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cardu, the other by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cardon,* 1.10 both entending the Gordiaean Moun∣tains (whereof Strabo and Curtius discours) Elias also in his Methurgeman allowing their interpretation.

Of these Mountains Stephanus maketh mention in his Book De urbibus. So also Elmarinus the Arabian translated by Erpenius, and another of that Nation whose name is unknown, cited by Schickard in his Taric of the Kings of Persia. The later thus writeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, This is (Mount) Godius, upon which that Ship rested, that Ship of Noach, on whom be peace. But whereas this Autor calleth the Mountain Godius, Schickard admonisheth that it is an error of the Transcriber, who in stead of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gordi writ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gadi. It is apparant then that the Ark abode upon the Gordian Mountains; but where or upon which, that is yet doubtful.

Rabbi Benjamin Tudelensis who travelled through all parts, to visit his Countrie-men the ten Tribes dispersed,* 1.11 giveth notice in his Itinerarie, that the place where the Ark rested is four miles distant from Gezir Ben Omar, and that is an Isle Situate in the mid'st of Tigris, at the foot of the Mountains of Ararat. The Armenians also design the place, urging Tradition for a certain Mountain heretofore called Gordie, but now Gibel Noe, as Andrew Thevet intimateth in these words:

Au reste quelques Chrestiens Levantins, entre autres,* 1.12 les Ar∣meniens & Caspiens mainetiennent que ceste Arche s'arresta en la Montaígne que l'on nommoit jadis Gordie, à present dit par au∣cuns du païs, Gibel Noe.

Wee have also those among the Moderns, who have pla∣ced this Mount under a peremptorie Longitude and Lati∣tude as a thing ordinarily known: yet for ought I perceiv, Posteritie in this hath obteined of Antiquitie nothing more then the verie name, and that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by the Testi∣monie of Nicolas of Damascus, not Lobar, as Epiphanius:* 1.13 though Junius would correct the other by this. It was cal∣led 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 birath, which in the Armenian tongue signifieth properly anie stately Edifice, such as this vast Ves∣sel might seem to bee: In after times 'tis like they called their Ships by the same name, and thence the Greeks tra∣duc'd

the same signification: for so Suidas, Hesychius, and the Etymologist conceiv of this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that it often is ta∣ken for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and therefore Lycophron in his Cassandra cal∣leth the Argonavis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

In this conjecture that it may pass the better, know that great Scaliger hath born his part, as the Reader may finde in his notes upon the Greek fragments,* 1.14 added as an appen∣dix to his admired industrie in the Emendation of the Times. Thus much shall suffice for our abode in the North of this Countrie, where the Reader may pardon our long tarrying for Noah's sake.

Upon the East, as was said, this Region is bounded by the Medes, in special by the mountain Zagros, whereof a most Antient Geographer maketh this mention, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.* 1.15 Upon the South wee shall finde first Susian, the Pro∣vince so called from the Metropolitane Citie Susis; which the Etymologist saith, might bee derived from Susia, signifying in the Syrian tongue a Hors, for that this place afforded good Horses.* 1.16 Indeed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Syriack signi∣fieth so: but his other conceit is more probable, that it was so called from the Lilies which grew thereabout; as Ari∣stobulus and Chares most aptly determine in Athenaeus, this onely is their error, that they say 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth a Lilie in the Greek tongue, whereas they ought to have said in the Hebrew; for the Jews indeed call a Lilie 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Shusan: and therefore was this place so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the pleasure of the place, becaus of so manie Lilies wherewith it was most naturally and pleasantly beset.

Here the Kings of Persia kept their Courts in Winter, becaus the Region hereabouts was then most temperate, though in Summer it was so extremely hot, that when the Sun was in the Meridian, the Lizards and Serpents could not pass by the waie, but were strucken dead with the extra∣ordinarie fervor which the Sun beams projected,* 1.17 beeing mul∣tiplied

more strongly by the reflection of certain Moun∣tains not far from thence,* 1.18 as Strabo the Autor most proba∣bly persuadeth. Who also addeth, that for this cans the Inhabitants were forced to make earthen floors upon the tops of their Houses, the depth of two cubits, for no other reason, but to free themselvs from the intolerable heat. Strabo ibid.

By this Citie ran the River Vlai, as Daniel calleth it.* 1.19 Pto∣lomie and Plinie write Eulaeus; no great error: it was also called Choaspes, becaus that runneth into it. This River was venerable in the opinion of the Kings of Persia, who al∣waies drank of this water where-ever they were.* 1.20 Rabbi Ben∣jamin hath observed, that, in his time, among the ruines of Elam stood Susan the Castle, in time past the Palace of Aha∣sueros, having yet manie fair and goodly buildings from the daies of old. Hee noteth also, that hee found there 7000 Jews in 14 Synagogues, there beeing before one of them erected the Sepulcre of Daniel the Prophet. Thus Rabbi Benjamin; in whose daies it seemeth by what hee saith afterwards, that the River was built upon both sides, and the citie divided into two parts, that dissevering them both; whence it came to pass in after-times, that the one part by reason of commerce thriving more then the other, it was superstitiously imputed to Daniels Tomb, which the richer part then kept; this fond conceit once set abroach caussed great emulations, and in fine to compose the debate, Singar * 1.21 Shach commanded that the Tomb should bee dis∣placed and set upon the Bridg, in the midst of the River Vlai, that so both parties might enjoie their vanitie with an equal participation. Not far from Susis wee have placed the plain of Dura where Nebuchadnezar erected the golden

statue, that stately Trophie of his Idolatrous worship. Thus Junius hath noted upon that place in Daniel.* 1.22

Next unto Susian, also upon the South is placed the land of Nimrod,* 1.23 or Babylonia, and therein not far from Tigris the Citie Erce, which Ptolomie in a pardonable error, cal∣leth Aracca. From hence passing over the River, wee draw near to that pregnant Relique of the new world's ambition, Babel by name; so called from the event of that, becaus there their Language was confounded.* 1.24 For so the Hebrews intimate by the word Babel, a word which in our mother tongue wee yet retain from our Saxon Ancestors, as they from Askenaz; for when wee hear a man speak confusedly, wee saie hee bable's. The foundation of this Citie was laid in Nimrod's pride, and therefore must needs have a fall; and the fall thereof was great: upon these ruines King Ni∣nus built again, but with more humble intentions, and more happie proceedings. Semiramis continued the work, and enclosed all within a wall of that height and thickness, that wee shall hereafter in her life make bold to ask the question, whither 'twas hers or no; in the mean time, doubting lest it will prove too great a work for a woman.

This Citie hath been deservedly set forth by the indu∣strie of manie,* 1.25 and those most famous Writers; as Strabo, Diodorus, Herodotus, Solinus, Plinie, and Fustathius upon Dionysius Afer, &c. For the form of the Citie, it was four square, as Herodotus saith; the walls so thick that two Coaches might meet upon the breadth: for the Circuit, the Autors above mentioned agree not. The most exact Tra∣dition for this is that of Clitarchus, that the wall was 365 furlongs about, which divided by 8, set off for the Quotient 45 ⅝, the number of English miles in the whole compass, allowing eight furlongs for one mile. Clitarchus addeth, that the wall was finished in one year, each daie one furlong, till the 365 was compleatly ended, which is the just com∣plement

of the Julian Solar year in daies, not respecting that fraction of Hours and minutes, in which the Astrono∣mers agree no better then our Clocks and Dials,* 1.26 as the Pro∣verb is. The height of the wall was 200 Cubites, the To∣wers 10 foot higher then the Wall, To approve what hath been said concerning this spacious Citie, hear what the great philosopher discourseth in the third of his Politicks, that Babylon was so wide and ample, that three daies after it was taken, one part of the Citie knew nothing of it. The buildings in this place were not continued to the Walls, nor to themselvs, and if there had been no more societie among the inhabitants, then there was among their houses they had scarce ere com together; for their dwellings were all as∣sunder; but the reason was politick to avoid the furie of fire, and undergo a seige in war, for the wast which laie between the houses, in time of a siege was sowen and the increas suf∣ficient to maintein themselvs within themselvs: by reason whereof it was impossible to win this citie: for against a famine they had thus provided, and other waie there could bee none, for the wall of the citie was an impregnable fence against the strongest Rampiers; and hence it was that Darius could not attein to the conquest of Babylon, without a famous stratagem, as Justine relateth out of Trogus Pompey.* 1.27 This Citie opened it self at an hundred gates, and those all of brass. In the midst of the Citie upon the one side of Eu∣phrates stood the Kings palace, a statelie and sumptuous stru∣cture, on the other side of the river likewise in the midst stood the Temple of Jove Bell, and in the midst of that were erected 7 loftie towers upon the eighth, that beeing a fur∣long high, and as much in breadth, from the top of this Tower the Chaldeans made their Astronomical observations as the noble Tycho in his Vraniburgum.* 1.28 In ••his Temple was placed the golden Image of Jupiter, which was to bee seen in the daies of Diodorus the Sicilian, in height fourtie foot.

Wee have reserved for the last place, that bold attempt of Art in the Horti pensiles, that pleasant Paradise which the Syrian King planted upon the battlements of a Tower, the top whereof was the base of the whole work, the foundati∣on

of the garden was laid in stone, above that were placed Hurdles compacted together with slimie sulphur, these were covered over with brick, and that overlaied with Sheets of lead, upon which was cast abundance of earth manured with that dexteritie, that plants grew there as properly as in their native soil. Strange indeed it was to see a wood upon the top of an hous, and that trees rooted in stone should grow 50 foot in heighth; and yet the credit hereof hath an interest in the best Autors, both among the Greeks and Latines. And this was once the flourishing estate of Babylon, that fierie furnace in which it pleased God to dis∣solv the hardest hearts of the most refractarie Jews. But now Bel is bowed down and Nebo stoopeth, no Arabian pitcheth his tent there, nor Shepheard his fold: But Jiim crieth in the Palaces,* 1.29 and the Houses are full of Ohim; The Ostriches dwell there, and the Satyres dance there.

* 1.30Thus leaving Babylon the beautie and pride of the Chalde∣ans, wee com unto Mesopotamia, which bordereth upon this Countrie South and by west. This is called in Scripture Aram naharaim, that is Aram between the two Rivers, to wit, Tigris and Euphrates, here Abraham sojourned at Carras, famous for the sight of Crassus: this also was the Countrie of Laban the Syrian.* 1.31

Further West Tigris boundeth Ashur: Moses calleth it Hiddekel, which Rabbi Chimchi derive's from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, either saith hee, becaus the waters are of a sharp taste, or els becaus they are of a swift cours. The Chardeans call it dig∣lath 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Arabians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Aldiglath, all for the same reason: for the word Diglath or Diglito, as Plinie hath pre∣served it, is corrupted out of Hiddekel; or if Diglath bee a primitive, the reason is notwithstanding the same, for that also signifieth a thing narrow and swift.* 1.32 Let Josephus bee the interpreter. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. for this caus also it was called Tigris, though Ari∣stotle himself hath said otherwise, who, as hee is introduced by the Scholiast of Dionysius Afer, testifieth that in times past this river had been called Sulax, which, saith hee, signifi∣eth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 prone or precipitate (such indeed it is) and in

after times Tigris, from that Tiger which carried mad Bac∣chus, I know not whether. But the word it self discover∣eth its own Etymon, Tigris from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 gir, signifying in the Persian tongue an arrow: to which if wee add the Hemantick letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Tau, wee have the word entire 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Tiger or Ti∣gris, becaus the stream of this river ran so swift, that it was most like the projection of an Arrow out of a Bow. and this is the opinion of Quintus Curtius, and others. And well might notice bee taken of the swiftness of this River, the stream of whose current usually ran as fast in one daie,* 1.33 as the most nimble footman can do in seven, if Shichard hath not mistaken in his Taric of the Kings of Persia; where hee citeth Plinie and Solinus, but none could give him occasion so to saie, save onely Dionysius Afer in these words, where speaking of Tigris, hee thus setteth down

—〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Which words perhaps Shickard might understand in that sens, in which wee have cited him; but the Poëts intent is far otherwise, as hee may understand that readeth his Scho∣liast who best understood him; for Eustathius upon those words thus discourseth,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (id est Tigris & Euphrates) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.* 1.34

Wherefore, according to the judgement of the Scholiast, the meaning of his Poet is, that the distance of the two ri∣vers Tigris and Euphrates, is as much as the best fitted tra∣veller could go in seven daies; that is as much as if hee had said, Mesopotamia in breadth would prove to a good foot∣man seven daies journie. So though Tigris bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of all Rivers the swiftest, yet in this opinion hee hath made more haste then good speed. Wee have suffi∣ciently lingred upon the borders of Assyria, wee will now travel in the Countrie, begining first with Adiabene be∣caus

becaus as Plinie and Solinus testifie, Adiabene est Assyriorum initium. The begining of Ashur is that part which is cal∣led Adiabene, for here 'tis probable that the founder made the first plantation of his Assyrians, becaus the King Nim∣rod first conquered this place, and setled the Government in a Metropolis erected by himself.

It was called Adiabene, not as the Greeks have vainly con∣jectured from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, becaus this was a place of hard passage, as Strabo, Eustathius, and the rest; for this conceit is refuted by Marcellinus, a traveller in these parts, who witnesseth that hee passed over a certain River called Adiavas, from which the place was called first Adia∣vene,* 1.35 which word when it came among the Greeks, they changed, υ into β necessitie often urguing them to this, for want of that letter in their Alphabet, so where the Original readeth David, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Septuagint they read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Evangelists reteining the same.

* 1.36In Adiabene that which first and best deserv's our diligence is the thrice noble seat of Ninus. The Scripture Stile's it both in Moses and the Prophets, urbs magna Deo, and there∣fore seeing God himself hath taken notice of it, wee will take the more.

It was called Ninive from Ninus, quasi Nini, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Naveh, that is the habitation of Ninus, becaus Ninus set the last hand to the complement of this Citie, and there kept his Court.

But hee that laid the first foundation was the son of Cham, not Sem; though our English Metaphrase hath so transla∣ted. To decide the matter hear Moses himself: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In which words, our Translation taketh Assur for a person, which beyond all doubt should bee taken for a place, and then it run's thus: From that land (to wit Babylon) hee (that is Nimrod) went out into Ashur and builded Ninive. And this is the meaning of Moses in the minde of that most learned Jew Ramban, or R. Moses ben Nachman, as shall appear by his gloss upon the place, as hee is cited by Abarbinel in his Commentaries upon Bereshith.

Ramban saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ramban in Abarbinelis Commen. ad Bereshith. These words intend thus much. Out of that land went Nimrod to rule over the Countrie of Ashur and there hee built Ninivie, and the rest of that Province's great Cities, whereof (Moses) maketh mention, and this Text 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is all one as if it had been 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Thus Ramban, who also citeth a Con∣cordance necessarily requiring the like exposition in the like case, as saith hee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, must bee rendred as if it had been 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ramban in this is not singular, nor hath wanted his deserved approbation among our own most learned Writers. For thus readeth M. John Drusius, so Tremelius, judicious Calvin, and diligent Parae∣us: none without good reason, for what should Assur the son of Sem do among the children of Cham? And again, hee that built Babel, was as likely to build Ninive. The founder therefore of this Citie was Nimrod, for the situati∣on thereof, it was set upon the River Tigris. A late Writer of our own in his Microcosm hath made bold to displace it, affirming that it was built upon Euphrates, which if it do not otherwise appear, I will ingeniously repent the mention of him, whom notwithstanding I should also have spared in this place, had hee himself spared great Sca∣liger in a lesser matter: were it not that I count it frivolous to cite a modern Autor in a matter of Antiquitie; to this one I could oppose the Autoritie of manie, amongst whom Ninive upon Tigris is as ordinarie, as London upon Thames. But to fetch that situation upon this River, from the same fountain which they did, I appeal to the Antients.

Amongst the Latines Plinie is plain, that Ninus the Citie stood upon the River Tigris. Among the Greeks thus Hero∣dótus, speaking of a certain Trench, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: where out of all doubt, though the Text bee somthing cryptical, yet 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is not to bee referred to Euphrates, or the Trench, but to Tigris, as the same Autor expoundeth

himself in Euterp, where hee plainly saith, that Tigris run's by Ninive. Arrian in his book of the affairs of old India speaking of Tigris thus writeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. that is, Tigris runing out of Armenia antiently a great and famous Citie,* 1.37 &c. where a trustie and faithful Writer hath plainly set down our desire. To these wee add the last and greatest, our master Ptolomie, according to whom wee have placed this Citie upon this River towards the Sun rising.

Besides this consent of the Greeks, summ up the whole truth in the Autoritie of an Hebrew Geographer, and hee, testis oculatus, to wit, the forenamed Benjamin Tudelensis in his Itinerarie, where making mention of that Citie which the Arabians call,* 1.38 and others from them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Almozal, saith that Citie is built upon Hiddekel (that is Tigris) on the one side, over against Ninive, a bridg onely between it and Ninive; if therefore Mosal bee built upon Tigris, there beeing but a Bridg between it and Ninive, it is appa∣rent in the judgment of an eie-witness, that wee have pla∣ced it where it should bee. Onely Diodorus dissenteth whe∣ther by an error in the Text, or by misinformation, one or other it is likely: for wee must not forsake all these, to lean to one. The reason of his error might bee, becaus in sine these two Rivers meet and becom one and the same.

Ninus therefore was set upon Tigris, not as Diodorus up∣on Euphrates, nor upon the River Lycus, as M Nicolas Ful∣ler in his Miscellanea, who for that opinion citeth all those almost, whom wee have introduced for the contrarie, adding also Ammianus Marcellinus, an Autor as hee saith beyond all exception, which wee denie not; onely this wee have found, that both hee and the rest are by Fuller in this mat∣ter misinterpreted, as hee that diligently readeth shall bee readie to testifie. For the situation thus much. For the circuit and compass thereof, the Prophet Jonah describeth it to bee a great Citie,* 1.39 even in the eies of God, of three daies journie, Diodorus saith, that the sides thereof were inaequi∣later, the longest sides containing 150 furlongs in length,

the shortest 90. According to which dimension of the parts, the whole circuit must bee 480 furlongs, which divided by eight, set off for the Quotient 60, the number of English miles, measuring the compass of this citie. The words of Diodorus are these, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. where the Autor having discoursed upon the immens and ample circuit of Ninus, addeth, That the Founder fail∣ed not of his purpose: for after him (saith hee) never anie erected the like Citie, whether wee respect the greatness of the Compass, or the stateliness of the Walls: for the Walls were in height one hundred foot, and so thick that three Charriots might ride upon the breadth together. Hee addeth also, that the walls were beset with a thousand and five hundred Towers; each of them erected to the height of two hundred foot. So far Diodorus: whom after ages may for ever gratifie for this pretious monument of Antiquitie, (which hee alone seemeth to have preserved) for the illustrati∣on of that which the Holie Ghost in Scripture more then once inculcate's concerning this vast and mightie Ninive.

That Citie of Babel and this of Ninive by a fatal vicissitude held up the Assyrian Monarchie, till the time of Daziavesh the Mede, and Cyrus the Persian. It suffered manie over∣throws, before it received it's last: two famous, the one by the irruption of the River Tigris, which at an inundation broke out upon the w••ll, and threw down twentie furlongs thereof, which destruction, (notwithstanding the stream of Interpreters run's oth••rwise) yet let the Learned inquire whether it were not plainly foretold by the Prophet Na∣chum in those words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, And with an Inundation passing by, hee shall make a full end.* 1.40

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Septuag. Chro∣nologie seemeth to denie this interpretation; but each man must consider, that the time of this Prophet, or his Pro∣phecie is not determinate by anie autoritie of Antiquitie, and therefore in the Moderns can bee but conjectural. That the River made this ruine,* 1.41 Diodorus is a pregnant witness. The second destruction was undertaken and ended by Ne∣buchadonosor the King of Babel, as the Jews in their Chro∣nologie testifie: So Rabbi Saadias upon the Prophet Da∣niel. And indeed this Citie was too great to bee destroied at once, beeing as wee have said 60 miles in compass. The Reader at the first sight may judg it incredible,* 1.42 were not Alcaire in Egypt at this daie extant to correct his unbelief; a place, as Buntingius hath noted, no less in circuit; and so populous, that there once died of the Plague in one daie twentie thousand.

The Prophet Jonah writeth, that in the citie of Ninive, by the testimonie of God himself, were more then one hun∣dred and twentie thousand persons, which could not discern between their right hand and their left. If there were so manie children, then at the proportion, the inhabitants were almost innumerable.

The Tomb of Ninus was almost as admirable as the Citie; but of that in his Life.

It may now bee said of Ninive, which once was of a great Citie in Strabo, Magna Civitas magna Solitudo: The greater Ninive was, the greater are her ruines: for now, The rejoicing Citie that dwelt carelesly, that said in her heart I am, and there is none besides mee, how is shee becom a desolation? a place for beasts to lie down in; everie one that passeth by her shall hiss and wag his head. Zephan. 2.15. Against this Citie prophecied Jonah, Nachum, Zephanie, &c.

It is at this daie falsely called Mosall, and at that place Nestorius his Sectaries have taken their Shelter, that Heretick of Constantinople condemned by a Synod at Ephesus, &c.

* 1.43Next unto Adiabene is Arbelitis, so called from the most antient citie Arbela, which notwithstanding, what Strabo hath said of the son of Athmoneus, I would diligently de∣rive

of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ir Bel, that is the Citie of Belus, who was no doubt the first founder thereof, after the death of Nimrod. At Arbela was that bloodie battel between Dar∣javesh and the great Alexander for the Empire of the world, as the common tale goe's: but Arrian in the description of this expedition affirmeth the contrarie, from the testimonie of two eie-witnesses, Ptolemaeus and Aristobulus: adding that the battel was pitcht at Gaugamela; the same thing Plutarch hath observed. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Scaliger giveth the reason of this mistake, Becaus, saith hee, Arbela was famous, and therefore better deserved to car∣rie awaie the credit of such a victorie then Gaugamela, a poor obscure Village, which before him Arrian hath said,* 1.44 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Gaugamela (saith hee) is no citie, but a village, and but a little village, the place no waie fa∣mous, and bearing but a homely name. And therefore hee saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Whereas hee saith that Gaugamela is known but by a homely name, it deserv's further enquirie. Scaliger saith, that the word Gaugamela is in the language of the place as much as the inwards of a Camel, which signification the word indeed will bear in the Assyrian tongue, but for what reason? The learned Critick answer's, That som of the Antients have said that a Camel's Inwards were there in∣terred. Causabon in his notes upon Strabo, deriveth it from Geh and Gamal, Geh signifying an eminent high place; but Strabo himself hath given the best, and the most antient E∣tymon, who setteth down that it was called Gaugamela, that is, saith hee, the Hous of a Camel: and this will hold, for so Gaugamele might with a facile error bee written for Nau∣gamela, there beeing no difference between Gimel and Nun,* 1.45 but a smal apex or excrescence, which oft-times escape's the Printers diligence, and more often might the Transcriber's haste: and seeing it was Naugamela from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Nauh Gamal, it signifieth properly and aptly the hous or habita∣tio of a Camel. The reason of this imposition is well ren∣dred

by Strabo, becaus saith hee, Darius the son of Hystaspis bestowed that place of rest and food upon his wearie faint∣ing Camel, which had tired out himself in his hard service. At Gaugamela therefore, not at Arbele was fought that fa∣mous battel of the two mightie Monarchs for the Diademe of the world, which fortunate Alexander brought awaie, Heaven it self bearing witness thereto by an Eclips of the Moon.

Not far from Arbela is the Mountain Nicatorium 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Strabo cal's it (for in Ptolemie wee finde it not) A∣lexander the Great gave it that name from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.46 vinco, that it might bee, as to this daie it is, a constant Trophie of that famous victorie which this King atcheiv'd at Gaugamela.

In this Countrie of Arbelitis, Strabo also placeth the Ci∣tie Demetrias, as also the Temple of Aeneas, and the Palace of the King of Persia, with the bituminous Fountain, all which wee have set down according to his description.

Upon the River Caprus standeth Oroba; which Junius well conjectureth to bee no other, then that which Moses in Genesis calleth Rehoboth. In the South coast of Arbelitis, be∣tween Caprus and Gorgus, Ptolomie placeth Thelbe, which perhaps was so called from Tubal, as also another Citie pla∣ced by the same Ptolomie in Babylonia without our Chart, so called out of doubt from Tubalcain, for hee writeth Thelbe∣cain with no great error.

* 1.47Next to Arbel••tis is Arrhapachitis, so called from Arrhapa, a Citie lying in this coast East and South upon the limits of Apolloniatis. This Arrhapachitis, Junius had once conceived to bee no other but Arpatis, and the chief citie thereof to have been that Arpad, which is spoken of in the Kings, and elswhere: but this Learned Commentator correcteth him∣self in the 49 of the Prophet Jeremie, vers. the 23. This Coast doubtless took it's name Arpachetis, from Arphacsad, the son of Sem, and brother to the founder Assur. Here lieth Darna, Obana and the rest, places better known by their names then ought els. Next them the Sambatae, and below Appolloniatis, famous for the Metropolis from whence it had it's name. These names are reckoned up by

Vadian, Glarean, Volateran, and Niger; men who altogether followed Ptolomie in their Chronographie of the Land of Ashur: more then the names will hardly bee found either in them or elswhere, onely Apollonia, nor much of that. But 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 deserv's our consideration, for which wee gra∣tifie old Isidore the Characenian cited by Athenaeus, for other∣wise wee had never attained to the knowledg of that place which Moses calleth Calanne in the land of Singar, for that Calanne without question is the Metropolis of this Countrie Calonitis which our Autor old Isidore calleth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as wee have placed it. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 saith hee, lieth so,* 1.48 that it is separated from the Medes by the Mountain 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as wee have said.

Thus wee have indeavoured the delineation of the fa∣mous frontiers of old Ashur, which the reader if hee pleas may behold in our Chart; alwaies provided that hee bee not offended at this, that wee have drawen the lowest paral∣lel equal to the highest of that Latitude; for 'tis easily known to my slender skil, that seeing Topographical plains are all portions cut out of the entire Sphears, there∣fore the Parallels as they increas in Latitude ought to bear a different proportion to their Meridians: yet this curious cours wee took not in a matter that needeth it not, but projected the Chart upon a Parallelogram, becaus in a di∣stance no greater, for a purpose of no greater moment, the disproportion can nothing prejudice the Description.

THe State-Government of Assyria was Regal, it began in Tyrannie,* 1.49 which Aristotle cal's the Vice of a Mo∣narchie: it continued under the succession of absolute Princes from Jove Bel to Belshazar. The policie which this Countrie did enjoie was as in all other Kingdoms, Ecclesi∣astical and Civil. In their Ecclesiastical policie wee consi∣der their Religion. God they served, but not the true; nor one, but manie and fals. their Deities, for the most part, were placed in Heaven; the Sun, Moon and Stars; and in∣deed,

were men allowed to chuse themselvs a God: this was somwhat a tolerable impietie, for such great Astronomers to adore the Host of Heaven.

The Manner how they worshiped the Sun is set down by Macrobius,* 1.50 who describeth the Image under which this Pla∣net was adored, adding unto his description a Symbolical interpretation. To the Sun they sacrificed Horses, and the * 1.51 reason was, becaus they judged it convenient, that the most nimble God should bee served with the swiftest Obla∣tions. The Altars whereupon these Sacrifices were offered, they erected either in open Courts, as 2 Reg. Chap. 21. vers 5. or els upon the tops of their Houses, as Zeph. 1.5.

* 1.52Tremelius supposeth that the Prophet intendeth this God of the Sun by that which hee calleth Nebo, but that deserv∣eth further enquirie: Doubtless Nebo was som notable Sta∣tue among the Teraphins, and what they were wee will now strive to discover. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Taraph the root and singular of Teraphim seemeth properly to have signified anie dishonest disgraceful matter,* 1.53 as Elias Tisbites intimateth in the word Taraph; where also hee insinuate's both the affinitie and Etymologie of the Latine word turpitudo, from this Hebrew word Taraph. For so saith hee the Latines call, id quod turpe est 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Turpitudo.* 1.54 And for this caus the Hebrews called that Magical divination of their Heathen neighbours which was made by inchanted Heads and Statues Turpah, and those Images so charmed Teraphim:* 1.55 for the Teraphim were certain Lares or houshold-Gods in which the Divel made answer to the simple Heathen; their making is thus set forth by Tisbites out of Rabbi Eliezer. in the 36 Chapter

whose words wee may render in this manner, speaking of those Idols, I have found (saith hee) that the Teraphim are thus contrived. They cut the throat of a first born male, they pul off his head and powder it with salt and odors, (Then) they write upon a plate of Gold the name of an unclean Spirit putting that under the head, then place they this head upon som wall, set∣ing burning Lamps before it, and so worship in the presence thereof, and of these Laban asked counsel, &c. as wee have set down in the margine foregoing. So the Chaldee Paraphrast in Hosee rendreth Teraphim by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mechauvi, Indicans, shew∣ing or declaring: For that was the condition of these Te∣raphim, as Rabbi Chimchi also approveth in the Root Taraph and Delrio an expert Magician in his Animadversions upon the words of Laban.

The like is set down in the Book of R. Simeon Ben Jo∣chai which is called Zohar. fol. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 upon the words of Mo∣ses, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 And Laban went, &c. It is therefore manifest,* 1.56 that the Teraphim were nothing els but the heads of first born males, made and erected under the influence of som certain Planet under whom som certain Spirit (as Orifieb over Sa∣turn was predominant, whose name must bee ingraven in som thin plate, and placed ceremoniously under the Head, this don, Lamps must bee solemnly burned before it, and then after som diabolical Exorcisms, Necromantically per∣formed the head shall prove vocal. The tale goe's current amongst us, that our Countrieman Roger Bacon once framed such a kinde of Magical Machination in Brass. Doubtless Albert the Great spent thirtie years to frame out a statue like a man, and in the end by the apt composure of certain en∣gines and manie moovable machinations,* 1.57 taught the Image to speak; but 'twas much, if not Magick: for speak it did and that so Articulately, that it well nigh frighted a great Schoolman out of his wits, even Thomas Aquinas himself, as Boterus relateth.

That which persuadeth us that the Idol Nebo was one of the Teraphim, is the Etymon of the name; for Nebo is deri∣ved from a root, which signifieth to Prophecie or Divine, as they did by the Teraphim, for that reason of the word is ren∣dred

by the Jews.* 1.58 So Abarbines upon that place in Isaiah, Nebo stoopeth.) That the Assyrians used Teraphim is mani∣fest by the Storie of Laban. That they were noted Magiti∣ans and Astrologers, Simoetha the Witch in Theocritus doth manifestly declare, where speaking of her Veneficial Philtra, shee confesseth to the Moon in the Dorick Language that shee learned those tricks of a Traveller that came from the Land of Ashur, that is, (saith the Scholiast) from a friend of hers that was an Assyrian. Who also addeth, that the Assyrians were a Nation in Magick most exact. And therefore seeing it cannot bee determined for certain what this Nebo should bee, I know not why this conjecture may not with others have it's pardon, seeing it hath brought som probabilitie.

That therefore the Assyrians worshiped the Sun, 'tis manifest: as also that they worshiped him not under the name of Nabo; this Nabo beeing, as wee have conjectured, som one more noted then the rest among the Teraphim, but if anie pleas to ask Antiquitie for the name of this great God the Sun, hee shall finde his Answer in Macrobius, who tel∣eth us that the great God of Ashur was the Sun, and that his name was Adad; which, saith hee, by Interpretation signifi∣eth (one) so indeed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ada in the Assyrian tongue doth signifie from the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Achad, unus. A grea∣ter testimonie of this Idolatrie then Macrobius, wee finde in the Prophet Esay in the last Chapter, where God threatneth to confound those that purifie themselvs in Gardens (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 saith the Text) Achar Achad, behind Achad that is ei∣ther the Temple, or rather sim Idol erected to the honor of the Sun, not unhappily placed in the midst of their Gardens, where each spectator might dailie behold and admire the pregnant effects of the Sun's vigorous in∣fluence, and powerful operation. 'Tis the accurate inter∣pretation of the learned Scaliger, in his notes upon the Greek Fragments, page 35, approved also by another Sca∣liger of our own, M. John Selden in that choice work of his upon the Syrian Gods. Both these consent that the Ido∣latrous Rites spoken of in the same vers, make but up a su∣perstitious

kinde of Lustration. The former part of their gloss is undoubtedly true, the later whether it bee or no, it is no waie necessarie for this place, nor (since they have saied it) these years to determine. If wee nothing help, it shall nothing hinder that wee add thereunto; that in the vers, as wee have set down, mention is made of Mice which bear their share in the Abomination, for so saith the Text. They that purifie themselvs in Gardens behinde Achad, in the mid∣dle, eating Abominable flesh, as of Swine and Mice, &c.

Alexander ab Alexandro relateth the most of the Antient kindes of Lustrations, but maketh no mention of Mice. yet it is to bee noted, that manie rites performed in these Exercises, were altogether Magical; in that sens the Mice may take place, and com within the verge of their Gloss: for a Mous is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an Elf which Conjurers are not unacquainted with. Hear what they say.

Take the liver of a Mous and give it in a Fig to the Swine and they shall follow the doner which waie or whither hee listeth.* 1.59 Pierius in his admirable discours upon the Aegy∣ptian Hieroglyphicks introduceth an experiment to prove this Charm, which himself saw at Patavium.

All this is the more probable, becaus as wee have alrea∣die prooved, our Assyrians were greatly given to exorcisms.

And so wee have don with their Idolatrie to the Sun.

Herodotus telleth further, that these Assyrians also wor∣shiped the Moon, and good reason, or els they had no God all night, a time as I suppose, wherein they had most need. They worshiped the Moon under the name of My∣litta, which word Scaliger hath well noted,* 1.60 in their Language signifieth Genetricem, in which sens it may not unaptly bee applied to the Moon, whose power though ordinarie, Philosophie supposeth to bee meerly passive, yet not without a Contradiction, the same Philoso∣phie allowing the light of the Sun to have a sensible and necessarie activitie upon the inferior bodies, allowing al∣so the light of the Moon to bee borrowed from the Sun, and 'twere a notable incongruitie, that the same light should bee active in the Sun, and passive in the Moon; but if the

Moon did nothing help the second causses in Generation, yet in the bringing forth 'tis evident, for this is most cer∣tain, though everie Midwife hath not observed so much, that the most easie deliverie a woman can have, is alwaies in the increas, toward and in the full of the Moon, and the hardest labors in the new and silent Moon; which Astrono∣mers call the Synode or Conjunction, which was the reason that the Midwives heretofore did alwaies in such a case im∣plore the aide of this Planet, for the safe and easie deliverie of their Infants.* 1.61 An Example hereof wee may have one a∣mong manie in the Comedie, where the woman in the ex∣tremitie of her travel, crie's out to the Moon, O Juno Luci∣na fer opem. And this amongst others must needs bee a rea∣son why our Assyrian worshipped the Moon, and why they worshiped her under that name. The Prophet Jeremie maketh mention of this worship in the 7 Chapter, where hee calleth the Moon the Queen of Heaven, as our English Translation hath verie well rendred.* 1.62 The Prophet addeth that the Women made Cakes to this Queen; And why the Women? First becaus the Moon was a Queen. 2. Be∣caus the Women at their labor were most beholding to the Moon, who by her great moisture mollifie's the Secundine and make's the passage easie for the deliverie of their chil∣dren. This Custom of offering Cakes to the Moon our Ancestors may seem not to have been ignorant of; to this daie our women make Cakes at such times, yea the childe it self is no sooner born, but 'tis baptized into the names of these Cakes; for so the women call their babes Cake-bread. Add hereunto that the Saxons did Adore the the Moon, to whom they set a daie apart, which to this daie wee call Moon-daie.

And thus wee have run through the chiefest Idolatries of this Nation: much more might bee said, and perhaps hereafter shall bee: in the mean time wee will onely add a Conjecture concerning Nisroc. Sennacherib, as hee worship∣ed in the hous of Nisroc, was slain by his two sons; who or what this Nisroc should bee, is so doutbtful, that Peter Mar∣tyr could finde nothing in all the Antient Writers to ex∣plain

the matter, his own opinion dependeth upon the E∣tymon of the word Nesrac which signifieth (as hee saith) Deum fugae mollis, a God or a Jove 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, whither as to a Sanctuarie Sennacherib might betake himself, it may bee so, I rather suppose, if I may bee so bold, that rac in this place signifie's the Sun; for so this people somtimes cal∣led the Sun, as Francis Junius hath noted upon Shad∣rac in the Prophet Daniel. So then this Temple was an Asylum built in Ninive, to the Honor and under the pro∣tection of the Sun, who was therefore called Nesrac, that is the Sun of flight, for the reason given.

It might bee added how these Nations applyed their de∣votion to the rest of the Planets, as to Venus that is Shar: in the honor of whom their Feasts were celebrated by the same rites that the Romane Saturnalia, the servants sitting down, and their masters attending: So also wee might put in Chiun, whom som cal Saturn, but of these,* 1.63 for ought I finde the matter is not so manifest; 'tis onely apparent that they worshiped the Sun and Moon chiefly: and the rest of the Host of Heaven in their order: but of that order and manner wee have nothing certain yet to saie, time may perhaps favor our industrie, and make us acquainted here∣after with that, which now wee must not bee ashamed to confess our selvs ignorant of. In the interim, wee must content our selvs with what hath been said, briefly con∣cerning their religious politie. Their Civil customs shall now take their places.

The King of Ashur was assisted in the Civil Government by a trebble Magistracie, chosen all out of the gravest and most noble within the Realm; The first sort were to look to the placing of their Virgins according to that manner which shall hereafter bee declared: as also to give judgment in Matters of Adulterie, &c. The second in matters of Theft: The third in the rest.

Physitians these people have none, they being such who cannot save anie man by their profession, till they have lost som by their practice. The custom here was, that all disea∣sed persons should bee conducted to the Market-place, con∣venient

provision beeing made for their safetie there. The reason was, that all passengers by should visit them, by in∣quiring out the nature of their diseas, and giving counsel for the remedie out of profitable experience made by them∣selvs, either in themselvs or som others, upon the like occa∣sion. And to this purpose it was provided by a perempto∣rie Statute, that no man should dare to pass by the Market-place, till hee had made such inquisition as is aforesaid. He∣rod. in Clio. Strab. lib. 16.

In this Countrie, it was not in the power of a private man to bestow his daughter in Mariage, but this was don by a publick Officer appointed for that purpose. The manner was thus.

Once everie year, all mariageable Virgins were brought by that officer into the Market-place, and there set to Sale; if they were beautiful, the fairest to those that gave most: when all the best were thus bestowed, the Monie which was paied in for them, was given to the rest which were not so comelie and meritorious in their beautie; everie one beeing supplied with a dowrie pro∣portioned to her want: By this means it came to pass, that still the Gentrie and most wealthie amongst the Men had the fairest among the Women, they beeing best a∣ble both to buie them and to keep them. Contrarily, the Commons and poorer people,* 1.64 who had not means to compass the best, had means given them to bee content with the worst. A Law not so provident as plausible, and however it fitted their Common wealth, it would bee ve∣rie unapt for ours.

Here followeth a Custom most detestable and unfit for anie. Everie woman throughout all the Countrie, was bound once in their lives to repair to the Temple of Ve∣nus, and there to prostitute their bodies to whomsoever, that would but throw down a certain piece of monie, were it less, or more; which monie was given to the Temple, and to the honor of the Goddess. Their man∣ner was thus. The Women sate down in the Temple, di∣stinguished one from another by little lines of Cord, which

hee that would might take awaie, or break, if the Woman seem'd to bee coie; and so take their Strumpet out of the Temple into a by-corner, &c.

The Epistle of Hieremie, (if that bee his which wee finde annexed to the Apocryphal Baruch) maketh mention of this horrible and impious practice.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

And the women encompassed with lines, sit down in he Allies, burning Bran for perfume: but if anie of them drawn by som that passeth by lie with him, shee reprocheth her fellow that shee was not thought as worthie as her self, nor her Cord broken.

This Venus also they called Mylitta, as they might for as good reason as they did the Moon: but as in their Gods so in the names of their Gods, hee that readeth shall finde notable confusion. Master Selden understandeth by Suc∣coth Benoth, nothing els but this Temple or Tabernacle of Venus: from Benoth also hee deriveth her name. Let the Learned examine it. Bee the conceit true or fals, it is attended with an egregious dexteritie in the cariage, and probabilitie in the conjecture.

The Assyrians burie their dead Corps in Honie, for the most part, and cover over the bodies with the Wax, their manner of Lamentations for the Dead, is to beat their breasts, and to besmear their faces with dirt not un∣like in this to the Egyptians,* 1.65 of whom, see what Herodotus writeth in Euterpe.

Arrian maketh mention of certain Sepulcres of the Kings of Ashur found by Alexander amongst the Fenns in Babilonia:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.* 1.66 A like place to this I have not as yet found, &c.

Their Habite in Apparel was to wear long garments, one without of Woollen, another under that of Linnen, wee may

call the first a Goat, the other a shirt; they had without these a white Mantle. They alwaies wore rings upon their fingers not without a seal, they never walked without a staff, and their staves had knobs carved with a Rose, or Lilie, or such like. Herod. Strabo. ibid,

Against Ashur prophecied Balaam the Magician, Esaie, Je∣remie, Zephanie, Nahum, and others.

And this was the State of antient Ashur, in her flo∣rishing times, under the famous Rulers of the first Mo∣narchie.

In this Countrie these Kings acted their parts, especi∣ally at Babel and Ninive; the Assyrian one while bearing Rule, otherwhile the Babylonian: as hereafter shall ap∣pear.

Having thus briefly and rudely surveied the position and disposition of the Land of Ashur, peculiarly and pro∣perly taken, especially the two famous and Royall Seats of the Assyrian Monarchie, Ninive in Ashur, and Babel in her borders: it remaineth that wee address our selvs to di∣scours the succession of her Kings, which Chronological∣ly undertaken, ought according to the rules of that Art, to proceed either per 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as the master Chronologer Eusebius hath don in his first books; or els per annos expansos, as the same hath don in his second. Upon which see Scaliger's most learned Animadversions, and his Notes upon the first.

But the injuries of time have so far prevailed against the Method of this Monarchie, that wee cannot make use of anie of these artificial waies, the wounds in our golden head beeing so near to mortal, that no Principle or Rule in Art may touch them to the quick; and therefore our in∣dustrie must attemper it self to the necessitie of this Ataxie and confusion, which the neglect of Ages past hath breed in this unfortunate portion of Historie.

The first therefore and most Antient Description of this Kingdom of Ashur was performed by God himself, who upon a time discovered to the King of Babel, in the night Visions, the State and nature of this Monarchie under

the form and figure of a golden Head: under the form of a Head, becaus it bare the first and chiefest place among those Governments which were eminent in the World. A Head of Gold; First, becaus it was the most renowned among the Monarchies, as Gold among the Metals. 2. For it's great and admired Strength; Gold beeing the strongest of all Metals, becaus best and most neerly compacted. And for this caus also, this Kingdom in another Dream of the Prophet's own, is compared to a Lion. 3. For it's Perpe∣tuitie; Gold beeing the most durable Metal; and this Mo∣narchie of the longest continuance, which also seemeth to bee intended by the Eagle's wings upon the Lion; for the Eagle is observed to bee of a lasting constitution, as King David intimateth in the 5. vers of the 103 Psalm, and not∣withstanding this bird continued long, yet shee might live much longer, but that her upper beak crooketh in time over the lower, and so shee faileth, not with age, but hunger.

See here the Prophets own Monument, as it is preserved unto us in the tongue of the Chaldeans.

דניאל

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

Nehuchadnezar's Vision.

Thou O King, art this Head of Gold.	This Images Head was of fine Gold.
After thee shall arise ano∣ther Kingdom inferior to thee.	His Brest and his Arms of Silver.
And a third Kingdom of Brass.	His Bellie and his Thighs of Brass.
And the fourth Kingdom shall bee hard as Iron.	His Legs of Iron.
And whereas thou sawest the feet part of Iron, and part of Claie; the Kingdom shall bee divided, partly strong, and partly broken.	His Feet part of Iron, and part of Claie.

In this choice Lecture of Antiquitie, which the Antient of daies vouchsafed to read to his Prophet Daniel, to illustrate the night and darkness of the King of Babel's dream; wee finde the vast affairs of the wider World, summ'd up into a Microcosm, a stately statue of Heterogeneous structure, indigitates the various passages and different occurrences, which had been, or were to bee in the world; and all this in a Dream, becaus all these things should pass awaie like a Vision of the night.

In the Golden Head, behold pourtraied, as it were, the face of the first Monarchie. In the breast of Silver, be∣hold the second, stretching out her two arms over the two mightie Kingdoms of Media and Persia. The brasen paunch swels out in the ambition of proud Alexander. The thighs of the same Metal, but weakned by division, represent the Successors of that great Captain, in special the 2 more noted Rulers of the North and South. The Iron-leggs light∣ing upon an Age like themselvs, stand out for the * 2.1 Romane furie, whose Martial presumption, under the protection of their Grandsire the God of Battel, crusht the rest of the World in pieces like a Potter's Vessel. In the heat of these Commotions, behold a Stone cut out of the Mountain without hands, and falling upon the Statue grind's it to powder. This Stone the builders refused, but is now be∣com the head of the corner. 'Tis that Rock Christ, who in∣stead of all these petit Dynastie's, hath introduced an ever∣lasting kingdom, but his Kingdom is not of this World. In the continuance and encreas of this spiritual Dominion, the strong union of the Iron legs devide's it self, and be∣com's partly Claie, whilest the Romane Eagle displaied with two Heads, declare's that the power of Rome is impart∣ed to Constantinople, and the Western Empire fallen under the rising of the Eastern.

Letting pass the rest of the members, onely the head is that which wee intend to discours of.

A golden Head, this Prophet stile's it, bee it so: but it is now so far distempered with the drossie injuries of time, that the greatest Alchimist in Historie can scarce extract one

dram of the pure and primigenious metal. Annius a Dutch Monk undertook the cure of this broken Head, thinking to salv up the matter, by stuffing up the wound with forged fragments, obtruded to the World under the securitie of old promissing names of undoubted Grandies in Antiquitie; Egyptian, as Manetho; Chaldeän, as Berosus; Persian, as Megasthenes, whom hee falsly calleth Metasthenes. Munster undertook the defence of this Annius his Countrie∣man, but without caus or Commendation, hee that would hear his reasons let him repair to his Cosmographie;* 2.2 and read the begining of his discours concerning Germanie: manie a creadulous Reader hath been deceived, by giving too much reverence to naked names for Berosus his sake, be∣lieving Annius in that of Berosus, which Berosus never drea∣med of.

Scaliger therefore upon better consideration and stricter examination, seriously abhor's him. Calvisius both re∣fute's him and condemn's him: No master in Historie, but denie's him: wee may conclude him therefore Adulterine, and yet not indictâ caussâ: for in the continuance of this discours, wee shall be disturbed with unhappie opportunities to prove him so to bee. In the mean time, this supposititious crew shall nothing prejudice those precious relicks of lawful Antiquitie, though they bear the same name with the Autor of these spurious pieces: for to refuse the good becaus the bad have usurped their names, were a consequence most prepo∣sterous, best fitting the stubborn Logick of a Jew, who therefore abhorred the true Christ when hee came, becaus there had been before him a fals Messias called by the name of Jesus of Nazaret.

Leaving therefore this faithless Monk to his unadvised admirers, wee will follow the steps of sacred Moses, and the best of those Jewish glosses, whose Autors have sate in Moses's seat; where these fail us, wee shall have recours to the better Berosus of the two, to the true Manetho, Mega∣sthenes, Alexander Polyhistor, Diodarus, Herodotus, and Di∣onysius of Halicarnassus, &c. adding conjectures where ne∣cessitie enforceth, but with that moderation that shall best

becom our Minoritie. In the later part of the Monarchie, the sacred style of the Holie Ghost will help us in the high Priest's Annals or Chronicles, in the Prophets Esaie, and Daniel and els-where. Had the entire works of Berosus the Chaldean Priest remained perfect to these daies, or those two Volumes which Juba wrote concerning the state of Ashur, this labor might have had better success: wee should also have been much enformed by Abydenus, had not hee suffered wrack with the rest under the injurious behaviour of a care∣less age: however wee will make the more of those chois remainders which are yet left; out of which wee will endea∣vour tenderly and carefully to gather together the decaied pieces of this maimed Monarchie.

Though this Historical work in hand bee in nature pra∣ctick, yet it must bee indebted to the Theorie of this Art, for som certain terms, as Aera's or Epoches, Characters of the Sun and Moon's Circle, the Eclipses, and the Letters Dominical. First of all an Aera in Theorical Historie, is a certain bound or Terminus à quo, whereby they restrain the infinitie and indifferencie of Computation. It was called Aera from an indifferent error which escaped the Transcri∣bers of the Spanish Computation.* 2.3 So Sepulveda (and hee a Spaniard) conceiveth in his book of the Correction of the Romane Year, where hee saith that His antient Countrie∣men for the great respect they bear to Augustus Caesar, thought nothing more worthie then his Name, from whence mat∣ters Noteable might bear their Date; and therefore when they would point out a Time wherein such or such a thing was don; they said, Annus erat Augusti, it was such a year of Augustus: that form in time began to bee contracted when men wrote in haste, so that instead of Annus erat Au∣gusti, they set A. er. A. and after a little more negligence put this together and spelt it into a word of Art; so that now Aera in Historie signifieth a determinate and set time from whence Chronologers account their years, as each man dateth his Letter in the Aera of our Lord, when hee setteth down (as wee do at this time) dated the 20 of De∣cember, in the Year, that is, in the Aera of Christ, 1630.

Scaliger lighting upon this Conjecture of Sepulveda, re∣prehend's both the Conceit, and the Autor;* 2.4 the Conceit becaus fals, as hee intimateth in the Chap. De Aera Hispanica, mainteining that the word Aera signified as much with the Antient Latines, as Summa, and that in old Spanish Mo∣numents, it was not set Aera, but Era, and therefore could not bee corrupted out of A. er. A. The Autor hee repre∣hendeth, becaus hee seemeth to bee so far in love with this new Conceit, that for no other reason hee writ the whole Book of the correction of the Romane Year, onely to ac∣quaint the World with this plausible devise. A hard cen∣sure from a matchless man, for whom it had been happie that hee had been ignorant but of this one thing, that hee knew so much. James Christman, Keckerman's most learned Master, fetcheth this word out of his Arabi••k. It was cal∣led Aera saith hee, from Arah; which in the Arabians tongue signifieth computare, to reckon.* 2.5 The Reader may enjoie the priviledg of this varietie, and take his Chois, if hee take them all, hee may perchance lack the right, and hee shall not take much amiss if hee take anie; by either, and by that wee have said hee may easily understand in what manner the word is used in Historie.

In stead of Aera which the Latines used, the Greeks write Epoche, the same in effect; it beeing derived from the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; signifying inhibere, becaus an Aera or Epoche doth restrain matters noted in Antiquitie to that certain time which is so called. Concerning the Circle of the Sun and Moon each Almanack can tell; as for Eclipses,* 2.6 the Ba∣bylonians beeing great Astronomers observed the most that were visible in the Horizon of Ashur during the space of this Monarchie, as Misthenes searched out in the Chaldean Ar∣chives, at the request of Aristotle in the time of Alexander; but these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 came not to our hands, where anie such observation shall bee found to bee, wee will make use of that which is left, and griev for what is lost.

That which first require's our diligence, is to finde out whither this Monarchie were the first; which will prove a question, though it is not ordinarily doubted of. The rea∣son

of the Question is the account of Affricanus; which Scaliger following findeth it to reach backward beyond the Flood, and therefore hee setteth down according to Julius Affricanus, two Dynastics before this of the Assyrians; the first of the Chaldeans whose State was overthrown by the Arabians,* 2.7 and then theirs by the Babylonians. The Scripture maketh no mention of anie King before Nimrod, and this Monarchie of Syria is amongst all the Greeks and Latines accounted the most antient; yet if it were as Julius saith, then were they but som petit governments, or els, which is most true, this Assyrian Monarchie was the first after the Flood,* 2.8 which also is the verie minde and speech of a great Doctor among the Jews.

The second thing to bee don, is to finde out the Aera of this Monarchie, when it first began; which that it may bee the better performed, wee must first make sure of the great and grand Epoche of the World's Creätion, unto which the most of Nations direct their Chronologies. Supposing therefore out of Christian Philosophie, that this World had a begining, 'tis most probable that it began in som Car∣dinal point of the Celestial Motions, either in the Solstice, or in the Equinox. Gerard Mercator supposeth the Worlds Creätion to have been about the Summer Solstice, the Sun beeing in Aries, but the Contrarie will appear. The greatest controversie hold's to the Equinoxes, the most holding that the Creätion was in the Vernal Equinox; the best, in the Autumnal. The Saeder Olam or Jewish Chronologie re∣lates, that there was a great disputation between Rabbi Jo∣sue and Rabbi Eliezer concerning this Aera: Rabbi Josue striving for the Vernal, Eliezer for the Autumnal: The Latter will bee found to bee the most Orthodox in the opi∣nion, as shall thus appear.

And first no man can Question, but that the world be∣gan in that Period, from whence the old world reckoned their years, which hee that maketh trial, shall finde to bee from the Autumnal intersection, as is most apparant in ac∣counting the time of the Flood. Scaliger in Cap. de Cond. Mundi.

This manner of Computation Abraham taught the Egy∣ptians, as an Antient Autor Alexander Polyhistor testifieth.* 2.9 This Custom the Egyptians long reteined, the Opinion al∣waies: for so, according to their minde, Julius Firmicus the great Astrologer reporteth that this was current, that the World was Creäted in posterioribus Librae: as wee finde, saith hee, in the Barbarian Sphear. Hee spake with a respect had to the Phaenomena of his time; but it appeareth plainly what the Egyptian Sphear, which hee calleth Barbarian,* 2.10 had de∣termined for the Epoche of the World's Creätion.

The like Attestation may bee observed in the Antient Hetrurians, whose custom was at the begining of everie Year, in stead of other Kalendars, to fix a Nail in their great Temple, which Festus Rufus and Livie witness to have been don in the Autumn.

Add hereunto, that Moses calleth that the seventh Moneth, which in som part answereth to the Autumnal Equinox: This Moneth was called Aethanim, which the Chaldie Paraphrast expounding, confirmeth all that hath been said in these words.

The Moneth Aethanim, which is now the seventh, was an∣tiently called the first Moneth. Wherefore the Almightie God layed the foundations of this greater World in the first daie of the Week at Even, begining the 26 of October. the first portion of Aries beeing in the first Hous, and the first of Capricorn in the tenth, Libra, in the seventh, and Cancer in the fourth. The Sun, if then hee had been, should have entred the first degree of Libra, Mercurie the twelfth, and Venus the fourteenth: The Moon at the Conjunction: Saturn in the first of Aries, Jupiter in Virgo, Mars in Leo, and the Dragons-head in Pisces.

This was the figure of the Heavens when they were first formed, the same beeing Astronomically calculated and erected according to Tycho's Tables. See Calvisius.

The Aera of the Deluge reckoned from hence will easily appear out of Moses, who listeth to search his Genealogies of the old World, shall finde the summ to bee 1656 years, with a fraction of 46 daies.

The Septuagint accounteth more, the Samaritans less: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Computus Sa∣mariticus ad Scaligerum, id est, Min Adam el Mocho Meeth Sha∣nah, &c, from Adam to his death are 130 years, &c.

* 2.11That which wee have set down is the account of the Hebrews both in their great Chronologie and the less, and is most agreeable to their great Prophet Moses. These things beeing don; wee shall the better finde out to what Aera our Kingdom of Ashur must bee referred, which shall bee found out in this manner.

A priori this cannot bee, but à posteriori thus. It must bee observed in what year the Citie of Babylon was taken in the time of Alexander the Great, and that may easily bee accomplished by the help of the Olympiads, and Nabonassar's Aera. Calvisius, with others, hath don it to our hands, and it is exact. It was saith hee in the 3619 year of the World. This year of the World was the 1902 year of the Babylonish Monarchie, as the Chaldeans themselvs de∣clared to Calisthenes the Philosopher who was imploied in this search, at the intreatie of his Tutor Aristotle, the latter summ beeing deducted from the former,* 2.12 there remain∣eth 1717 the Epoche or Aera which wee sought for within a smal matter. And for this wee are greatly engaged to the dextrous care of our great Philosopher, whose dili∣gence if it had not here also helped us, the begining of this Kingdom had put Chronologers to an endlels labor. And now wee dare believe Diodorus; hee saith that the state of Ashur stood from the first to the death of Sardanapalus 1360 years, from thence to the taking of Astyages by Cy∣rus, Clesius a Physitian of Cnidus accounteth 313 years, which thing happened in the year of the world 3391, in the first year of the 55 Olympiad: so 313 added 1360 make up the Sum of 1673, which deducted out of 3391 the year of the destruction of the Medes, there remaineth for the Epoche of this Babylonish Monarchie 1718. Wherefore from hence wee must begin to reckon the Acts, Lives, and Successions of these Kings of Ashur: wee begin therefore with the first; to wit, Nimrod.

NIMROD. Annus Mundi 1718. Ante Christ. Nat. 2230. Cycle of the Sun 18. Cycle of the Moon 12.

Nimrod.

NImrod was the son of Chus, and hee the son of Cham, for so saith Moses. And Chus begat Nim∣rod; and going forward, describeth the Man to bee a Mightie Hunter, so fa∣mous, that it became a Proverb to saie, Even as Nimrod a mightie Hunter before the Lord. The Text plainly sheweth that this Nimrod was a King, when it saith, That the begining of his Kingdom was Ba∣bel; the same also in the same words declareth, that hee was a Babylonish King; So that our Mo∣narchie was begun at Ba∣bel by Nimrod. In that hee was called a Mightie Hunter, Aben Ezra ex∣poundeth it in the bet∣ter part; but for that hee is reprehended by Ram∣ban, who affirmeth that hee was indeed a Hunter, but not to procure Gods

Altars, Offerings, as the other supposeth, becaus it is said hee was a Hun∣ter, mightie before the Lord; but hee was called a Hunter, becaus hee was so indeed; but not so one∣ly, but an oppressor too: his continual conversati∣on with bruit beasts chan∣ged his humane disposi∣tion into a barbarous and agrestick behaviour, and the privilege of Do∣minion which hee had long used over the beasts, hee began to usurp over Men. So Ralbag expoun∣deth, Hee began, saith hee, to bee Mightie; that is, (saith the Rabbin) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 parash. Noach. becaus hee began to hunt after Domination or Principalitie.* 2.13 The same Rabbi in the same place saith, that hee was called a mightie Hunter, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 be∣caus hee was mightie to hunt men, and to subdue them under him. Don Isa∣ac Abarbinel intimateth a reason of mens subjection to him. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, Becaus hee made himself a mightie Hun∣ter of Beasts and subdued them, the sons of men seeing that Bears and Li∣ons were subdued before him with all their might, they also for fear of him submitted to him.

It appeareth therefore by the general consent of the Hebrews, that this Nimrod was the founder of the Babylonish King∣dom, and that by a Ty∣rannical kinde of abso∣lute power, hee subdued the world to this new kinde of Government.

Among the Greeks, hear what Epiphanius hath said, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Others have said as much.

Som have thought this Nimrod to bee Ninus, o∣thers to bee Belus, both

unadvisedly; for that Nimrod was not Ninus, Justin approve's out of his Autor Trogus Pompie; for it was, saith hee, from the begining of this Monar∣chie till the time of Sar∣danapalus 1300 years, but hee reckon's that begin∣ing from Ninus: but wee have proved before, that the Epoche of this King∣dom comprehendeth 60 years more, and therefore cannot begin in the reign of Ninus, but 60 years be∣fore; which 60 years must bee restored to som King before Ninus, either to Nimrod or Belus, or els divided between them both, and that is most likely; becaus Eupolemon an antient Autor maketh mention of Belus the se∣cond, which could not bee without som reference to a Predecessor of the same name; and this without all question was our mightie Hunter, who after hee had possessed a World of degenerate mindes with the opinion of his greatness, easily wrought the unsetled fancies of the Vulgar sort

into a necessarie and un∣doubted superstition. The true God they had for∣gotten, or els they never knew him; a God they must have, quia nulla gens tam barbara, &c. Nimrod opposeth the fortitude and felicitie of his de∣signs, and easily intrap∣peth a multitude to wor∣ship him, who must needs worship som one, and be∣sides him knew not whom: therefore instant∣ly they call him Baal; or as wee corruptly write Bel; which in our lan∣guage signifieth a Lord: and becaus after his death another succeeded, both in his Place and Name, hee was called Bel from his Dominion, and Bel the second becaus Nimrod had reigned before him. This conjecture can pro∣duce a Patron to inforce the probabilitie. 'Tis Abarbinel upon that place in Esaie▪ Bel is bowed down and Neho stoopeth. His words are these, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 read the rest in that place.

The Rabbin saith that the Latine Scribes have written that this Nimrod, who raigned first in Ba∣bel, made himself a God, and commanded that they should serv him, be∣caus 'twas hee that first had builded Babel, &c. after this hee made an Idol after his own Image and called it Bel.

To this purpose the Rabbin concerning the Sta∣ture of Nimrod: I had saied nothing, had not Me∣thodius said too much; who affirmeth, and from him Luca Tudensis, that this Nimrod was no less then ten Cubits high, believ this that will; if it were, or could bee so, the Seventie Interpreters did well to call him a Giant.

Of the manner of his death, Annius hath made Berosus lie, Spirits took him awaie; and Funccius will needs believ this, as appeareth by his Gloss upon the Fiction, that is (saith hee) The Divels took him awaie for his grand Impietie, &c.

Cedrene saith, that Nimrod was called Evechous▪ this hee took from an Antient Autor Estiaeus of Mi∣letum whose words are these.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which either are the words of the Autor wee have said, or els Eusebius. Vide Eusebium Scaligerianum. pag. 14.

I finde in one of those Manuscripts which were transported from Baroeïus his most famous Librarie to the Universitie of Oxford, an observable abstract of Chronologie deduced from Adam, thence I tran∣scribed what I found most convenient, for the illu∣stration

of that which wee have now in hand. First therefore for the life of Nimrod, the Abstract saith thus.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 2.14 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & paulò post. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 rurfus. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

The Autor wee see giveth a pregnant testimonie to what wee have said,* 2.15 adding also one thing more then wee knew before that this Nimrod at his death was Deified, as in his life wee have proved, so that hee seemeth to bee a God of som note, but if wee mark, wee shall finde that his divinitie transcend's not the eight sphear.

As his place was changed, so his name, that from Earth to Heaven, this from Nimrod to Orion: The Greek Poets would laugh at this, as wee will now at them, having undoubtedly found the truest mean∣ing of this Constellation. I will not burden the discours nor imploie the page with their vain Ficti∣ons; who list elswhere to see them, let him repair to Higinus, Aratus, Manilius, Stoffler upon the Sphear of Proclus, and the nameless Scholiast upon Cesar Ger∣manicus that was found in Sicile. This onely I may saie that, the Conceit was truely Poëtical; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, meerly made, not told, as having no foot∣step in Storie, nor foundation in Veritie, save onely their misconceit of the name Orion, quasi Vrion: This infirm Gloss upon that word, however at the best not able to stand by it self, was after made far more impotent by their halting between two opini∣ons; one while conceiving Orion to bee that hee is; another while to bee Arctophylax: far widely guessing,

the one beeing in the North, the other in the South. See Hesychius in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ But how well our Autor accordeth with the truth, wee shall see and greatly approve. That Orion was a Hunter, the Greeks themselvs con••ess. So Theon upon Aratus his Phaeno∣mena page 539 of that which was printed in quarto at Paris.

Moses recordeth the like of this Nimrod; the Fa∣bles also saie hee was a King; and in Jansson's Globes hee is called Bellator fortissimus. The Astronomers of Arabia call him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Algebar, that is as the Lxx doth, the Giant. All this agree's. Add hereun∣to his posture in the Heavens, highly becoming his profession, to shew hee was a Souldier, hee is placed with sword and Buckler, and is therefore called by the sweetest Poët 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.* 2.16 To beetoken his Huntsmanship hee holdeth in his hand the skin of a wilde Beast, and in the Asterisms of Cesar Germani∣cus, hee hath a Bowe readie drawn: besides this hee hath a Hare at his Feet, and the two Dogs behinde.* 2.17 Let now the Reader judg: nay Homer saith, That is Orion's dog, in these words:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

to which Theon in Aratus addeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. becaus Orion beeing a hunter must have his Dog to follow him. Of this Orion Moses maketh mention, if hee wrote the Book of Job, Chap. 9. and 9. yea God himself in the 38 of that Book, becaus hee had to deal with an Arabian, questioneth him in his own Astrologie, Canst thou binde (saith hee) the swift influence of the Pleiades, or loos the bands of Orion? The Original in both pla∣ces, as also in Amos, who had it from hence, is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cesil, so called from the inconstancie of the weather at the Astronomical Asscension of this Constellation: from whence also their Moneth Cisleu.

That this Cesil here signifieth a Star all agree, the difference is amongst them, which of all those innumerable Lights, this Cesil should bee. Hierome by the instruction of his Jew no doubt, translate's it Orion. Rab Jonah in M. Kimchi saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that by this Cesil is meant that great Star which the Arabians cal Sohel:* 2.18 this Sohel is not Orion, but Cano∣pus a bright Star that strike's the Horizon of Rhodes, and is placed in the Argonavis, as James Christman most truly collecteth out of the Arabian Alfraganus; and for this caus the learned Linguist turn's head up∣on the whole strein of Interpreters who translate's (with a general consent) Orion. I will not bee so bold, becaus I am not so well able: yet I should ask his leav to follow the old interpretation for one rea∣son of my own, becaus I see the Chaldee Paraphrast render's that word Cesil by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signifieth a Giant; and therefore in all probabilitie intended this mightie Hunter great Nimrod, bold Orion.

The Reader may perchance ask one question, why Nimrods name should bee changed into Orion. I an∣swer as near as I can conjecture, that this is the rea∣son: Beeing upon the earth as hee was, hee was fitly called Nimrod, which signifieth a Tyrant; but when hee began to bee numbred among the Stars of Hea∣ven, hee was not unaptly termed Orion, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or which signifieth the Sun, in the plu∣ral in Chaldee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Orin, which signifieth the con∣spicuous Lights of Heaven, as these Stars in Orion rise to the elevation of Chaldea, glittering * 2.19 upon the Equinoctial in the North and South part of Heaven.

Synchronism.

The Language is Con∣founded, and the Earth divided.

And therefore a man of note born at that time was called Peleg, that is Division, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, divi∣dere.

In Nimrod's time Serug deserveth to bee remem∣bred, if that bee true which Suidas writeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

The Autor saith, hee was a Carver of Images, nay hee addeth, that hee was a teacher of Idola∣trie. If so, then this might bee the man that made Nimrod God; see Suidas in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the same in Estiaeus of Miletum, whence Suidas had it. Eusebii Scaliger, pag. 13.

Nahor is born in the thirtieth year of Serug, hee lived one hundred

and fortie eight years; and was Abraham's grand∣father.

Nimrod teacheth the worship of the Host of Heaven, maketh the Sun the greatest God above, and himself below. See Abarbinel, upon Genesis at these words: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Abarb. in par. Noach.

Of the worship of the Sun wee have alreadie discoursed in the Man∣ners of the Assyrians; from these the Idolatrie spread it self to the Egyptians, Persians, Medes, and throughout the whole world: No Nation but worshipped the Host of Heaven. The Scythians worshipped the North Star, and called it the I∣ron immoveable Nail. As for the Planets they were the constant Gods of all Countries, to whom the verie Week-daies have been by the most Antient Nations religiously dedi∣cated. Wee will instance onely in our own, Sun-daie

and Moon-daie from the Sun and Moon; Tuesdaie from Tuisco, Mercurie; wednesdaie, from Woden, Mars; Thursdaie from Thor, Jupiter; Fridaie from Friga, Venus; Satur∣daie from Seater, Saturn.

These were the first Gods the Greeks knew, and therefore they called from these all other; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because these kept their continual cours without interruption.

The Paeonians adored the Sun under the form of a Cup-dish. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Maximus the Tyrian, Serm. 38. Becaus the Sun seemeth to resemble that form, and therefore 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is somtimes taken for So∣lis Orbis.

The Reason that mo∣ved Nimrod to command the worship of the Sun, was first, the manifold benefits redounding to Men by this most glori∣ous Planet: Secondly, be∣caus the Sun was chief a∣mongst the Planets, which these Nations easily

knew by their great sear∣ches of Astrologie.

Nimrod teacheth the worship of fire, as seem∣ing to bear a great affini∣tie with the Sun; or els becaus it was the custom of Sem's God to answer by fire, as at Abraham's of∣fering when the birds were divided, and as som think, at Abel's offering; for this was a great argu∣ment of God's acce∣ptance if hee consumed the offering; which is the reason, that where the English Metaphrase rea∣deth, Thou shalt accept our offerings, Psal. 51. The Hebrew saith, Thou shalt consume &c. The like was don in the time of King Solomon, and in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes un∣der the Maccabees, where∣of see Josephus in his He∣brew Historie.

It might therefore com thus to pass, that these perceiving that there was a voice came in the fire, and the fire onely appear∣ed and consumed the of∣ferings, upon this con∣ceit they thought reve∣rently of the fire; This

Idolatrie also was not conteined within Vr of the Chaldees, but the Per∣sian had it in high estima∣tion. Herod. Diodor. Q Cur∣tius, Arrian, Strabo, &c. After these the Trojanes, then the Romanes.

Maximus Tyrius verie elegantly reprehendeth this kinde of Idolatrie in his Sermon aforesaid. Suidas and Ruffinus tell a Storie of our Chaldeäns concerning their God Fire. Suidas thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

The summ is, that the Chaldeäns once upon a time carried their God about to trie the masterie amongst all others, so it came to pass that the fire consumed all Gods that were made, of brass, gold, silver, wood or stone: but when they came to Egypt, Canopus the Priest work't wililie, and to save the credit of the old Gods, make's a new in this man∣ner: Hee takes an old wa∣ter vessel full of holes, stopt up with wax, and upon this hee set's the head of an old Idol, in

coms the fire, and beeing placed under the God, the wax melt's, and the fire was extinguished: from henceforth the Fire lost it's credit among all Nations, as it is at this daie.

Belus 2.

THis Belus whether hee were this Son or Nephew of Nimrod, or what affinitie to him hee might have, Antiquitie discovereth not. Reynecci∣us is bold to conceiv, that this was Arphaxat; if yee ask the reason, hee answe∣reth, Becaus S. Cyril cal∣leth this Belus Arbelus, which hee indeavoureth to wring out of Arphaxat; the conceit as I conceiv is slender, though this Au∣tor deserveth well of all Historians.

Sanchuniathen, an anti∣ent Autor among the Phoenicians, affirmeth that this Belus was the Son of Saturn: This was Nimrod so called by the profane Autors, as manie have conceived: if so, then Nimrod is hee of whom Ovid speak's, that in his time the Golden age flou∣rished, So Eupolemon.

Certainly that Conceit of the Poëts, in compa∣ring the Ages of the World to Metals, seemeth to have sprung from Da∣niel's own Comparison, which hee relateth out of the Kings dream concern∣ing

the Head of Gold, the Arms and Shoulders of Silver, &c. In that sens, Nimrod might bee Saturn; & Belus might bee his suc∣cessor, to wit, Jove; for so this Bel was called: And thus, forgiving Ovid the fable, this is nothing els, but what hee hath said, That the golden Age, that is, the Age designed by the head of Gold, was in the daies of Saturn, that is, Nimrod. 'Tis ordina∣rily granted, that Ovid had seen the books of Moses, and under the same privilege hee might also read the Prophet Daniel, fetching his golden daies from hence, and Saturn from thence.

Whereas this Bel was called Jove, it is to bee un∣derstood, that as Bel was a name proper, first to the true God (for so hee is called in Osee,) so Jehovah also was a sacred expression of the Trinitie in Ʋnitie at the first, and afterwards by the Sacrilege of a croo∣ked generation unaptly given to these arrogant Kings. Belus perhaps first called the Sun so, and himself afterwards; as Nimrod did the Sun by the name of Bel: which name the Sun still kept in Phae∣nicia long after these times, for there they called the S••n Baalsemen, that is the Lord of Heaven. And that the Sun was called Jove, the Devil confesseth in the Oracle of Apollo Clarius.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

When or where this Bel died it is unknown; and how manie years hee lived, is altogether as uncer∣tain: this onely is true, that 60 years must bee distributed between him and his predecessor, but at what proportion this distribution should bee made is no waie manifest.

Synchronismi.

OF the Sicyonians. See Pausanias, Suidas, Homer remembreth them. Iliad β.

The Kingdom of the Sicyonians was founded in the Reign of Belus in Pe∣loponnesus.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The same see also in the successions of Affri∣canus. both saie that this Kingdom was first foun∣ded by Aegialeus, from whom Peloponnesus was first called Aegialia. Note the Antiquitie of the Greeks, whose first be∣ginings were founded in Sicyonia: which place was so called from Javan, who first pitcht his Tent there, For Sicyon is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Succoth Javan, or it may bee set Succah Jon, the dwelling of Javon, by

whom throughout the whole Scripture the Hebrews understood the Greeks: hence Iönes, and the Iönick tongue, in which the most antient Poëts are exstant.

Terah the Father of A∣braham is born.

Ninus.

THis Ninus was the Son of Belus, so all profane Historie affirm∣eth by a common consent, Justine, Diodorus, and the rest.

The brief discours of this Kings life, see in Ju∣stin. Ctesias of Cnidas wrote the better part of his more noble expediti∣ons, but Diodorus con∣fesseth that none ever writ them all. Diodorus ex Ctesia. Hee made war with manie Nations, and was the first as these Au∣tors think that violated that communitie which men formerly enjoyed. It seem's hee was the first that they knew; but Mo∣ses telleth us of one before him, and Eupolemon of another.

Ninus made war with

the King of the Bactrians, in which war his Captain Menon fell in love with Semiramis in which suit Ninus was corrival and got the Gentlewoman; not her good will; doing not what shee would, but what hee listed; for that, Menon becom's desperate, and for the loss of his Love cast's away himself. Ctesias.

Colophonius Phaenix a Poët, hath thus set forth the life of this Prince.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

Ninus vir quidam fuit, ut audio, Assyrius, qui auri Mare possidebat: Et alia,

copiosius quàm arena est Caspia.

Astra nunquam vidit, nec forsitan id optavit.

Ignem apud Magos Sa∣crum non excitavit.

Et lege Statutum est: De∣um nec Virgis attigit.

Sacrificiis, Deos non est veneratus: jura non red∣didit.

Subjectos sibi populos af∣fari non didicit: ac nè nu∣merare quidem.

Verùm ad edendum, ac bibendum strenuissimus.

Vinúmque miscens, caetera in Saxa amandabat.

Vir ille ut Mortuus est, hoc de se testimonium reli∣quit omnibus.

Sepulchrum hoc conspica∣tus, nunc ubi Ninus sit, Audi.

Sive sis Assyrius, sive Medus, sive Coraxus, sive à supervis Indus capillatus; frivola non denuncio.

Quondam ego Ninus fui, Spiritumque vitalem, hausi: Nunc verò aliud nihil, quàm serra factus sum.

Quicquid comedi, habeo; quicquid volupe mihi fuit.

Et quiquid pulcharum foe∣minarum in amore lascivii.

Opes, quibus eram beatus; inimici coeuntes.

Auferent, hoedum ut cru∣dum quae bacchantur Thy∣ades.

Ad inferos cùm descendi, nec aurum, nec equum.

Nec argenteum currum egi.

Cinis jam multus, qui olim Mitram gestavi.

Athenaeus lib. 12.

Diodorus speaking of this Ninus giveth another report, for hee saith this Man was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, born to bee Martial, and valorous even to emulation.

Ninus made war with the Armenians in which case their King Barzanes perceiving himself too weak, conquered his ene∣mie by his submission: which Ninus ingeniously apprehending, as gene∣rously rewarded, and re∣stored the Kingdom to the King again.Diodor. lib. 2.

Ninus dyeth, and was buried in the Palace, in memorial of whom was erected a most stately Monument in Height nine furlongs, and in breadth ten: a wonderful sumptuous Tomb, if Ctesias saie true. But Scaliger saith, that hee was Scri∣ptor Nugacissimus; If hee were, I wonder much that Diodorus should so often use his Autoritie, as is most certain that hee doth.

Concerning the Citie which Ninus builded, the Autor of the Chronological Abstract before cited, saith thus,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Synchronismi.

FRom Ninus to Sarda∣napalus is 1300 years. Justin out of Trogus Pompeie.

Zoroastres reigned in Bactria, Justin.

Farnus in Media. Diod.

Ariaeus in Arabia. Diod,

Barzanes in Armenia. Diodorus.

In the time of Ninus also Vexores was King of Egypt. Tanaïs of Scythia. Justine ex Trogo.

Salian thinketh it ab∣surd that there should bee anie King before the di∣vision of the World, and therefore condemneth Ju∣lius Affricanus for his Dynasties of the Arabians, and reprehendeth Justine for these Kings of Egypt and Scythia, which are set down by Trogus Pompeie. So, as if the succession had

been long. But Justine, and these Autors deserv our credit: for the Aera of the Egyptian Dynastie, or the Scythian, I finde in the fals Berosus too much, elswhere too little, Diodo∣rus is best, but with him the first Kings of Egypt were all Gods. See fur∣ther, Diod. Lib. 1.

In the Reign of Ninus great Abraham was born.

Becaus the Nativi∣vitie of this famous Pa∣triarch Abraham is of special note and use in Histo∣rie, it seemeth to deserv more at our hands, then to bee carelesly committed to the protection of a bare Assertion; meriting rather som peremptorie proof, especially since learned Scaliger hath conceived the contrarie. Rather therefore then wee will doubt of his credit, wee will for his sake call the truth in Question, doubtingly demanding

Whether Abraham were born in the 43 year of King Ninus, yea or no?

A great Master in Historie, and our onely guide in Chronologie affirmeth, Eusebius Pamphilus, and hee out of the reverend reliques of old Castor, Thallus, &c. first in his first Book, and again in his second, which hee calleth his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. In both hee useth these and the same words.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. the same Au∣tor pleasing himself in the veritie of this persuasion, repeat's the same again in his Evangelical Prepa∣rative, where hee beareth witness to himself, and to what hee had said elsewhere,—〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.* 3.1 The Reader may bee pleased to note his confidence in these words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and his great industrie herein, in those 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. George Cedren and Epiphani∣us, no waie mistrusting such elaborate Canons,* 3.2 take it for granted; proposing and approving the Autoritie of this great Chronologer. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Wonder wee then what should moov great Scaliger to set down Abraham born in the year of Beluchus, long after Ninus. His follower and admirer Helvicus hath no other reason but the autoritie of his great example. The truth is Scali∣ger confesseth that his forerunner in this conceit was George Syncellus, a Monk. This George was learned but (in the opinion of Scaliger) a most severe Cri∣tick, and Censorious judg of Fusebius Pamphilus, whose Chronologie hee transcribed and examined. In his Examination, hee found that Eusebius under∣taking to follow Affricanus, yet when hee com's to the Trojan times, forsaketh him, interrupting the suc∣cession by rasing out four Kings at once. Thus in∣deed Eusebius hath don. Salian a diligent Writer among the Moderns,* 3.3 excuseth the error of his Hi∣storie, by the Heresie of his profession: as if an Ar∣rian (if hee were one) might not bee a good Histo∣rian. Wee shall forbear to seek to save his credit, by discovering so much of his infamie: but the rea∣son why hee thus did, was to rectifie the errors of Affricanus, whose Chronologie though it will no waies hold in all points, yet it best agreeth this

waies; for if wee restore him his four Kings again hee himself will bee found subject to greater incon∣veniences, and more abound in Anachronisms, then before. This I then rather incline to, for my own particular, becaus I have considered, that though George Cedren professeth himself in the first page of his work, constantly to follow the aforenamed Syn∣cellus, yet in this matter hee refuseth him: at once acknowledging and leaving his error, for Cedren plainly setteth down our Patriarch born in the 43 of Ninus as aforesaid. Thus to the probable falshood of renowned Scaliger,* 3.4 wee have set down the probabi∣litie of the contrarie; to his greatness wee oppose three to one, and those all great, who cannot but demerit our belief, becaus their process is Astro∣nomical, and their Chronologies faithfully contra∣cted out of the larger Volumes of Celestial Revo∣lutions and infallibly grounded upon the Laws of Heaven. These are Gerard, Merca••or, Cethus, Calvisius, and Capellus; who all consent in this, that Abraham was born in the 43 of Ninus, which was the thing to bee proved.

This Man for his Admirable skil in Celestial contemplations was noted by manie Autors among the Heathen. Herataeus of Abd••ra wrote whole Vo∣lumes of his Acts and Monuments. Berosus ob∣serveth that hee was a great Astronomer: and Josephus saith hee read this part of the Mathe∣maticks to the Egyptians.

Nicolas of Damascus re∣lateth a brief Storie of his life agreeable to Moses.

Alexander out of Eu∣polemon

maketh mention of this Abraham, testifying that hee was the inventer of Astrologie among the Chaldeans, they tell also of his Expedition, and Melchisedeth, &c. Euseb.

Artapanus recordeth, that the Jews were called Hebrews from Abraham; hee saith also that Abra∣ham went into Egypt and taught the King Astro∣nomie, the Kings name hee calleth Pharetho, his words are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: Hee would saie Pharaoh. Thus Artapanus in Euseb. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Melo in his Discours against the Jews writeth also of this Abraham, and saith that hee was so called, to express thus much in force, to wit his Father's Friend, one part of his name signifieth a Father indeed; and the other, according as it might bee written, might bee forced to signifie a Friend: but let that pass. This Melo telleth of his two wives, of his sons by both, and summeth up his whole Storie. Of

these testimonies: See more in Eusebius Pamp. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Concerning Abraham thus Eusebius.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. pag. 19.

See also what Julius Africanus hath storied of Abraham, and his Expe∣dition to Pentapolis. Eu∣seb. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, pag. 19.

Semiramis.

ALL Writer have shewed their good will to make the world acquainted with the re∣nown of this manly wo∣man, but in their discours there hath been as much deceit, as in her desert. Diodorus confesseth her pedigree to have no better Autoritie then from the Fables. The most saie shee was the Wife of Ni∣nus; so Ctesias and Diodo∣rus, and manie besides: but Conon in Photius saith, shee was the Mother of Ninus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, But the error of this antient Autor is most apparant, for by Ninus hee meaneth Ninias, who also was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Affricanus witnesseth: and so indeed shee was the Wife of Ninus, and the Mother of his son Ninias,

which Conon undoubted∣ly meant: for hee saith that the reason why shee was supposed to bee his wife was, becaus shee un∣wittingly laie with him. Justine expound's the Au∣tors mistake, who saith indeed that shee would have been incestuous with her Son; which fact her son by an unnatural kinde of pietie, punished with her life.

Becaus Diodorus saith, that when this Semiramis was exposed (according to the Antients) a Shep∣heard took her in, whose name was Simma. Reynec∣cius conjectures from hence, that shee was the Daughter of Sem. 'Tis uncertain who, or what shee was: Semiramis shee was called, which becaus it signifieth a Dove in their language, therefore it seem's her Subjects for the sacred memorie of her names sake worshiped the Pigeons ever after.

But Scaliger saith hee findeth no such word in Syriack in that sens; the Critick shall bee pardon∣ed for that, 'tis like there

is now no such world; However, there might Vetus verborum interit aetas, Et juvenum ritu, florent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 modò nata, vigéntque. So the Poët in his Arte Poëtica.

Words have their ages: the Obsolete die, and young Phrases grow up and thrive in their places. Hesychius emboldeneth us, for hee saith that,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. If Semiramis bee a Wood-Pigeon in Graece, it may perchance have been an Hous-Pigeon in the Countrie of Ashur.

Semiramis her exploit of the Elephants in the Bactrian and Indian war, see in Diodorus.

The German Writers saie, her son Trebeta built Trevers, which they pe∣remptorily conclude out of their own presumpti∣on upon the rotten repu∣tation of an old eaten Epitaph.

Of the great Stone which this Queen caussed to bee cut out of the Ar¦menian Mountains, see also Diodorus lib. 2.

Justin relateth out of Trogus Pompeie, that this Queen after her Husband's death, fearing in the sub∣jects hearts som disloial prejudice of her son's mi∣noritie, invested her Majestical spirit in her son's habite, and approved her self to bee by valiant acts, not what shee was, a woman; but what they thought her to bee; a Prince discreet, politick, and most fortunate.

This Queen built the walls of Babylon. So Ovid, as wee have said; so Dionysius Afer

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The Anonymus Scholiast upon Aristoph. saith, that shee builded the Citie.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

And so manie others have been deceived with her fame, and attributed to her name the building of the Citie, who had erected nothing but the walls, nor those walls whereof Diodorus speak's; for both those, and the Citie were builded by a Syrian King: as Di∣dorus confesseth of the Horti pensiles, and might have don of these also; however hee, and they that think otherwise, deceiv themselvs: for this was don by the King of Babel, as wee will prove out of Be∣rosus, in the life of Nebuchadonosor.

Semiramis reigned 42 years, Justine, Africanus.

Semiramis erected her self a Tomb, inscribed thus, What King soever wanteth monie, let him open this Monument, and take his desire. This Darius Hystaspis assaying to do, found a check within the Tomb, wherein the Queen had thus written, Nisi vir malus esses, haud sanè mortuorum loculos scrutâsses.

Synchronismi.

SEmiramis fenceth in Ba∣bylon the Head-Citie with a famous wall,

Coctilibus muris cinxisse Semiramis urbem.Ovid. Metamorph.

Shee builded a Wall, but not that famous Wall which the Greeks tell of, but for that are reprooved by the true Berosus.

In the time, and by the appointment of Se∣miramis the first Eunuchs were instituted: This the Queen did for necessitie, but the Kings after her used it amongst their roy∣all superfluities: a thing ordinarie in the Persian and Babylonish Court.

That this Queen was the first appointer of this chaste attendance for her Bed-cham•••••• Ammianus testifiet••.

In honor of Semiramis the Kingdom of Ashur bare the Dove in their Coat armour; but it is out of my element to bla∣zon it, either by Planets or otherwise: for this Coat-armour is scarcely found among the He∣ralds: nor can it bee certain what the Field was, though the charge is known to bee a Dove, yet becaus 'tis a Princes, one thing is undoubted, that Emperors and Kings ought to bear Gold in their Arms, and then it might bee thus;

The Field is Sol, a Dove volant proper, &c.

Learned Pierius endea∣vouring as near as hee can to read all things in Egyptian Characters, sup∣poseth the Storie of Se∣miramis her Dove, to bee Hieroglyphical, noting out her notable lascivi∣ousness; for so hee saith, that this Queen was ve∣nereous.

Autors indeed are di∣vers; but the most are of a contrarie opinion. Manie suppose that place in the Prophet Hieremie,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mip∣pene hreu haiônah, fugite à facie Columbae, to bee un∣derstood of the Assyrians, becaus as wee said, they bare the Dove in their Warlike ensigns. So Cor∣nelius à Lapide, and manie others, following the In∣terpretation of Hierome, who at the 13 of Esaie writeth, that God cal∣leth Nebuchadnezar, Colum∣bam. So a most Antient Saxon Translation in the Librarie of Christ-Church in Oxford, from the face of the sword of the Kul∣ver. If the Interpretati∣on pass, as it may, that which hath been said may make for the illustration: for then 'tis thus, Flee from the Sword of the Dove, that is, from their sword who displaie their Banners in the field with the Ensign of a Dove.

Heralds may here take notice of the Antiquitie of their Art, and for their greater credit, bla∣zon abroad this pretious piece of Antientrie; for before the time of Semi∣ramis wee hear no news of Coats or Crests.

Zames sive Ninias.

OF this King see Ju∣stine out of Trogus Pompeie.

A fragment out of Cte∣sias in Athenaeus relateth, that hee was a Luxurious Prince.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Sic Ctesias.

Diodorus also maketh mention of this Zames Ninias, in whom see fur∣ther.

That this Ninias spent his time otherwise then became a Prince, Trogus relateth in Justine in these words.

Filius ejus Ninus con∣tentus elaborato à parentibus imperio, belli studia deposuit & veluti sexum cum matre mutâsset, rarò à viris visus in foeminarum turba conse∣nuit. Posteri quoque, ejus exempla sequuti, respon∣sa gentibus per internuncios dabant.

Synchronismi.

ABout the time of this Ninias, hap∣pened that remarkable Judgment of God upon Pentapolis, or the five Cities, to wit, Sodome, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboïm and Segor; which deserv's to bee remembred as well by us, as a profane Hi∣storian Cornelias Tacitus; whose attestation to Mo∣ses in this matter is well worth our consideration.

The Autor having de∣scribed the Lake of Sodom, addeth as followeth,

Haud procul indè campi, quos olim uberes magnísque urbibus habitatos, fulminum jactu arsisse, & manere ve∣stigia, terrámque specie tor∣ridam vim frugiferam per∣didisse. Nam cuncta sponte edita, aut manu sata sive herbâ tenus aut flore, seu so∣litam in speciem adolevere, atra & inania velut in ci∣neres evanescunt. Ego sicut Judaïcas quondam urbes igne coelesti flagrâsse conces∣serim, ità halitu lacûs in∣fici terram, corrumpi super∣fusum spiritum eóque foetus segetum & Autumni putre∣scere

reor, Solo, caelóque juxtà gravi. Tacitus Hist. lib. 4. pag. 619. Lipsianae editionis in octavo.

The Autor of the Abstract before mentioned, when hee cometh to Ninus, setteth down to succeed him one Thourias, who was called Ares, to whom hee saith they made the first Statue, and called it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (that is Lord God:) of which saith hee the Prophet Daniel hath made mention. Suidas either had this from this Autor, or hee from Suidas, who hath written the same; for as I know not the Au∣tor, so neither his time. It was after Eusebius; how long, I yet cannot tell, whereas they cite Daniel, wee are to understand, not that Man of desires, but his name's sake, intitled to the Storie of Bell and the Dragon, which who will may read more at large in Hebrew, then 'tis found in Greek, if they will patiently revolv the Stories of Josippus the Jew, called also Gorionides. After Thourias the Abstract pla∣ceth Lames, then Sardanapalus; omitting that whole succession of Affricanus without recompens, more then of Thourias and Lames, neither of which are known.

Thus far the better hand of pure Antiquitie hath helped us.

Julius Affricanus reckoneth up ••he Kings from Zames to Sardanapalus; and after him Eusebius: and amongst the Moderns, Funccius, Angelocrator, Henningius, Reyneccius, and divers others. Those that deserv greatest commendation, are first and chiefly Sethus Calvisius in his judicious Chronolo∣gie: After him Salian in his Annals; so Joseph Scaliger in his Isagogical Canons.

However I might have both their help and Auto∣ritie, yet I forbear so to fill up the great Chasm in this part of our Monarchie: yet it shall not bee said that I refus'd to follow such great Leaders, for a little reason.

Amongst others, these two have principally per∣suaded.

First becaus the Account of Africanus, reckoned per 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, summing up the years of each King together, agreeth not with the Com∣putation of the years in general.

Secondly, becaus wee finde in Autors of un∣doubted Credit, som Kings of Ashur, whom not∣withstanding wee finde not in the succession of A∣fricanus: as for Example, Moses maketh mention of Amraphel, whom the Hebrews would have to bee Nimrod: grounding their conceit upon a fabulous Etymologie; becaus they say Abraham was brought before Nimrod for burning his Father Terah's Idols, and beeing then but three years old, discoursed be∣fore the Tyrant concerning the Creätor of Heaven and Earth: Nimrod proudly replied, that it was hee that made the Heavens and the host of Heaven; if so said Abram, then say thou to thy Sun, that hee should rise in the West, and set in the East, and I will believ thee; Nimrod thus exasperated with the childes audacitie and discretion, command's that hee should bee cast into the fire; therefore the Jews saie, that hee was called Amraphel from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 amar and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 phul that is dixit descende, hee said to Abraham, go, go down into the fire, and this saie they is Vr of the Chaldees, out of which God brought Abraham. This Storie is in the Book of Maase Torah 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & postea. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 See Munster's Anno∣tations upon Genesis where these words and the en∣tire Storie is set down out of the aforesaid Book▪ but this discours is idle.

Again Suidas maketh mention of one 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who rained after Ninus; and Macrobius of one De∣leboris: but of these or either of them, Africanus saith nothing. Som would have that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

in Suidas to bee Arius in Affricanus: their reason is a Conjecture from another name, which this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 had: for which see Suidas, in this word Thurias.

Besides all this, Diodorus reckoneth but thirti•• Kings from Ninias to Sardanapalus; But Affricanus accounteth more. This disorder and disagreement in the matter hath mooved us to break of the Suc∣cession in this place from Ninias to Sardanapalus, in∣terposing one onely Prince, of whom Diodorus maketh mention, that in his time happened the Noble Expedition of the Argonautes, and the wars of Troie. The King's name was Teutames; but in what place to rank him, I finde not, not following Affricanus.

So doth the Abstract, leaving out all those Kings which in Affricanus and the fals Berosus were suspected adulterine: a thing in this nameless Autor much to bee regarded; for certainly he took it for granted, that this part of the Succession was meerely lost, and with∣out hope of recoverie. I will add one reason more, which at this instant take's mee up, that the main¦tainers of these Kings, reciting their names, put's the Readers off so slenderly, that wee cannot but suspect them; for of each King they still disgracefully report that hee did nothing worthie of memorie: a likely matter, that all those Kings were idle.

The Trojan war is famous, and a great part there∣of Fabulous.

For the Historie, see Dictys the Cretian, and Dares the Trojan; translated, the one out of the Phoenician Language,* 3.5 the other out of the Greek tongue by Cornelius Nepos; though som have called in question the credit of both these.

See also Valerius Flaccus in Latine, and Apollonius in Greek for these Argonautes.

The last King therefore of the first state of this Monarchie was Sardanapalus; as Diodorus and Trogus make mention. Diodor. lib. 2. Justin ex Trogo libro. 1.

Sardanapalus.

HEe was the son of Anacyndraxis. A most obscene and most lascivi∣ous Prince, set forth not onely in his nature, but his name also, as Cicero hath observed.

Justine relateth his wanton and enormous practices; so Diodorus, and Athenaeus, Suidas, and ma∣nie more: scarce an Autor that past by his infamie, without a reprehension and reproch.

An Antient Autor, Duris in Athenaeus deserv∣eth to bee read concern∣ing the manners of this womanly and effeminate Prince: Hoc solo imitatus virum, (saith Justine) in this onely hee was like a man, in that hee burned himself. Of the manner how, read Athenaeus; and of the reason why, see Causabon's discours upon that place.

The most renowned Atchievment that ere this Prince brought to pass was, that hee built two Cities in one daie, Tarsus and Anchialus: as the Epi∣taphsi

make mention in the Autors aforenamed.

For so Aristobulus report's, that his Tomb was set at Anchialus thus inscribed,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. that is, Sardanapalus, Anacyndraxi filius, Tarsum & Anchialum eodem die condidit. Ede, bibe, lude: nam caetera omnia nec hujus sunt: that is, not worth a sillip. For so his Statue was carved, as if his hands had given a fillip, and his mouth had spoken those words.

The like Epitaph was inscribed upon a statelie Monument in Ninive, in the Chaldee tongue, which the Greek Poët Chaerilus thus translated:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Caetera vide apud Amyntam 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Athenaeus.

The like was at Tarsus, where S. Paul was born: at which this Apostle without question alluding to that place. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Let us eat and drink, for to morrow wee shall die.

The great Enormities of this King brought forth the Confusion of the Kingdom, the instrument whereof, was the Rebellion of his Captain Arba∣ces Governor of the Medes, with whom Sardanapa∣lus fought for the Monarchie, and got the victorie once, and the second time: upon which success the effeminate Prince presuming, the third time in a se∣cure disdain went not in person, becaus also the Oracle had undoubted∣ly fore-told, that the State of Ninive should never totter, till the River Tigris proved ho∣stile; which in the Kings judgment could never bee. But it fell out

otherwise; for in this third Skirmish, Tigris swelling over his bounds, by the vantage of a grea∣ter flood then ordinarie, plaied an unneighbourly part, and battered down his own borders; at whose irruption a great part of the impregnable wall was laid level with the ground, the citie it self opening to her adversa∣ries, to check the vice of her Governors.

Synchronismi.

Tarsus and Auchialus founded by Sardanapalus in one daie.

In the time of Sarda∣napalus, Arbaces was Go∣vernor of the Medes, and Belochus of the Babyloni∣ans. Much question might bee made in this place, what King continued the

Monarchie; whether Be∣lochus were Phul, or no: or if not, who this Phul might bee. A question to this purpose is largely discussed in Sir Walter Raleigh's Historie; yet notwithstanding that, and what hath been els∣where said of that, I in∣geniously profess that I am ignorant at this time where to place this Phul: yet for the present, I ob∣serv the common order.

PHUL. Circa Annum Mundi 3182.

Phul

IS an Assyrian name, as Scaliger witnesseth: somtimes used alone, as here; elswhere in Com∣position, as in this Kings Successor, Tiglath Phul A¦fer.

Synchronismi.

IN the time of Phul, Menabem was King in Israël; 2 Kings 15. Jo∣sephus, Sed. Olam.

In Egypt reigned My∣cerinus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: whose Life and Acts are recorded by Herodotus in Euterpe.

The Oracle brought word to this King that hee should from thence∣forth live but six years, and die in the seventh. The King hearing this, commanded that certain Lamps should bee made for the night time, which hee had purposed to spend in jovialtie, whilest others slept; that so hee might delude the Oracle, and live twice the longer by taking so much more notice of his daies.

See Herodotus in Euterpe, pag. 140. circa ista verba.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.

About this time Nabonassar lived; of whom see Ptolomie, but hee was not yet King.

Ʋzias was now King of Juda: in whose daies hapned that notable Earthquake, of which Josephus relate's, that in the horror thereof, a Mountain toward the West cleft in sunder, and removed from it's proper place the space of four Furlongs, or half a mile; and further it had proceeded, had not a greater Mountain toward the East staied it's Cours.

Of this Earthquake the Prophet Amos maketh mention: by occasion whereof, see what Aben

Ezra saith upon that place, page 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and also what Kimchi saith in the next side, in that Edition which Robert Stephanus put forth.

Tiglath Philassar.

THis King subdued Galilee.

Hee also carried the Tribe of Napthali into Captivitie.

Synchronismi.

IN the time of Tiglath Philassar, Achaz reign∣ed in Judah: 2 Chron. 28.

This King had a fa∣mous Dial: and there∣fore the invention of the Sciateries is more Anti∣ent then Anaximenes. This Dial was a South Vertical, placed upon the wall of the Kings Palace: So à Lapide: and it stand's well with the explication of the Phaenomenon of the Sun's Retrocession. And that it was a Dial, see Peter Novius, and Clavius, two incomparable Mathematicians, the one in his second Book of Na∣vigation; the other, in the first of his Gnomonicks.

Salmanassar.

ORdinarie Chrono∣logers commonly conceived this Salmanas∣sar to bee Nabonassar, of whom Ptolomie speak's: But Scaliger dispute's the point against all. Cal∣visius also; but this last, especially against Func∣cius.

Both agree, that this Salmanassar was not that Nabonassar. Scaliger gi∣veth the reason, both from the name, time, and other Circumstances: which though Sir Walter Raleigh admire's, yet hee condemn's. Time now giveth not leav to en∣quire, much less to deter∣mine the differences. Se∣thus Calvisius placeth the Prince about that time wee have set him. His time is much to bee en∣quired after, it beeing a most famous Epoche, from whose time Chronolo∣gie can demonstrate by the aid of Astronomie, that the Affairs passed since that time, are registred in Heaven.

Who so saith that Salmanassar was Nabonassar, is deceived; as afterwards shall appear: neither is hee anie other but himself, and none otherwise called. Scaliger was bold to call him Merodac; but hee repented of that in his Canons Isagogical.

Synchronismi.

HEre begineth, or not far of, that Nabo∣nassar's famous Aera, from whence Ptolomie in his Almagest accounteth the Celestial motions.

Hee ruled in Babylonia, in the year of the world. 3203, the Circle of the

Sun beeing 19, and the Circle of the Moon 15, the Dominical Letter E. Upon the 26 of Februa∣rie at Noon, the Sun's mean motion beeing 45 Minutes in Pisces, the Moon in the eleven de∣gree of Taurus, and 22 Scruples.

The Original of the Samaritans, out of a Co∣lonie transplanted by the King of Ashur, they were called Cuthaei, becaus there came most from Cuth, as Elias Tisbites in voce 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cuth.

Sennacherib.

OF his behaviour to King Hezechiah, see the Prophet Esaie, and the High Priest's Annals or Chronicles.

The Egyptians in Herodo∣tus tell a most memorable storie of this King: That going forth with his Ar∣mie against Egypt, it came to pass that one night a Plague of Mice came up∣on him, and unweaponed his souldiers, by devour∣ing their Harness-ties of Leather. In memorie whereof the Priests pro∣vided a statue like this Prince in stone, holding a Mous in his hand, with this Inscription;

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Who▪ ere beholdeth mee, let him learn to bee religious; Herodot. in Euterp.

Som suppose, that this intend's that great foil of this kings Armie by the hand of an Angel. An Angel might do both.

This Sennacherib was slain by his Sons in the Temple of Jupiter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Nisroc. See the reason in Rabbi Solomon upon that place. See also the Hebrew Edition of Apocryphal Tobit the first Chapter.

Synchronismi.

HEzechiah, King of Judah.

In his time hapned, that strange Phenomenon when the Sun went ten degrees back. Peter Noni∣us the Portugal discourseth of this wonder and proveth it to bee a Mira∣cle, becaus it was don in the temperate Zone: for (as hee proveth) Jerusa∣lem is so situate. This hee conceiveth had been no wonder between the Tro∣picks: but hee is twice deceived; first becaus the Sciatericks teach, that if in the Temperate Zone a Plain bee elevated less then the Sun's declinati∣on, the same would com to pass. 2. Hee supposeth the wonder to bee in the Shadow's going back, which was not; but in the Regress of the Sun it self; for the Shadow might have gon back na∣turally.

Asarhaddon.

HEE reigned after the death of his Father, and after this King wee read of no successor hee had; and therefore Histo∣rie guided by the Circum∣stances of time, conclude's that this was the next vi∣cissitude, wherein the As∣syrians again lose their Power; and the Babylo∣nians continue, and end this first Monarchie.

Som have thought that the Kings of Babel onely in this last succession were set forth by the Golden Head: So Hugh Broughton, a most learned man: but there is nothing to defend his Tenet, but his Auto∣ritie: and that hee shall have in som other thing.

The better to under∣stand the Babylonish Mo∣narchie, wee will set down their Succession, which Ptolomie hath re∣corded from Nabonassar, to the end of this King∣dom. Scaliger made much of this rare Canon, but obtained it not in the perfection: Sethus Calvisius hath the right which hee hee obtained of an English man, the then Dean of Paul's.

Κανων Βασιλεων.

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This I transcribed out of the Greek Manuscript which wee have extant in the Archive of our Pub∣lick Librarie; and a most pretious Monument it is, as Sethus Calvisius truly conceived of it.

The First King in this last Dynastie of Ashur was

Nebuchadnezar.

FOr the Composition of his Name, see what Scaliger saith, where hee setteth down the Simples of the Babylonish names.

The Canon cal's him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and there hee succeedeth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so Nabopolassar was the Father of Nebu∣chadnezar. Hee is called somtimes Nebuchadonosor; That hee was the son of Nabopolassar, this Canon in Eusebius page 38 saith plainly in these words.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This was put in by Eusebius, or els left out of that Ca∣non which wee have in the Archives.

Funccius therefore doth ill to make Nebuchadne∣zar to bee the same with Nabopolassar, which Cal∣visius hath observed, and for other, and better rea∣sons refuted.

Megasthenes the Persi∣an thus writeth of this King.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Euseb p 41. &c. i.e. That this Nebuchadnezar was more famous then great Hercules, and that hee sub∣dued Lybia, Asia. &c.

The same Autor re∣porteth, that the Chalde∣ans relate, that this King returning home, fell mad: and beeing in a Fanatick vein, foretold the destru∣ction of Babel,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. that is, I Nebuchadonosor, O Babilonians, foretell your ruine, which neither Belus our Progenitor, nor our Goddess Beltis shall bee able to persuade the fates to re∣move awaie. There shall com a Persian Mule, &c. mean∣ing Cyrus. Caetera vide pag. 41 Eusebil scaligeriani.

The Autor intendeth that storie of this King, recorded by Daniel, that hee was among the beasts, &c.

Thus Megasthenes hath storied.

Berosus the Chaldean relateth also the notable ex∣peditions

of this famous Prince, and of his sum∣ptuous buildings; and to him hee attributeth the walls of Babylon, the Temple of Belus, the Horti pen∣siles: and reproveth the Greeks for their vanitie, in making Semiramis the Founder of that famous Ci∣tie; which also is the conceit of Annius in the life of Semiramis, where hee introduceth his Berosus to averr that Semiramis built this place from a Town to a Ci∣tie; where the Monk, by a necessarie and egregious oblivion, forgot his Method, and made a match∣less Autor contradict him self. Were there no other reason to disprove this fals Berosus, but this one, it alone were sufficient: when wee finde, that Annius his Berosus setteth peremptorily down, that Semira∣mis built Babylon; and yet Berosus in Joseph and Eu∣sebius Pamphilus setteth down the quite contrarie, and reprehendeth the Greeks for their vanitie in af∣firming that which the other Berosus doth. For the building of Babylon, notwithstanding it is certain that Nimrod began, Belus continued, and Semiramis enclosed it with a wall: but not that great and mightie wall; for this was the work of our King; as also the Horti pensiles, which Curtius and Diodorus witness to have been don by a Prince of Syria, at the request of his wife the Queen; whom Herodotus cal∣leth Nitocris, as Scaliger conceiveth.

Nebuchadnezar also built the Temple of ••el, and in fine, set his last hand to the entice consummation of a sumptuous Citie; which make's him crie out in the height of his ambition 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Is not this great Babel which I have built? &c. Dan. 4.

This Nebuchadnezar after hee ruled over Babel 43 years, hee fell into a diseas and died. Berosus in Josepho adversùs Ptol. Appion. Canon. His death was sudden according to Megasthenes: for hee saith, that when hee made an Oration to the Babylonians, hee suddenly vanished. See the fragment in Josephus, Africanus, or Scaliger.

Synchronismi.

JUdah carried Captive the first and second time.

In his time flourished the Prophet Daniel, the most learned among the Captives.

Daniel built a stately Tower at Ecbatane in Me∣dia, which Josephus saith, was to bee seen in his daies, no waie diminish∣ed by age, but remaining in the same fresh and sum∣ptuous manner, wherein it was first erected. Joseph. lib. 9. c. 12.

After the Captivitie of Jehojakim, Nebuchadnezar came up also against Je∣hojakin, and carried him also awaie Captive; for saith hee, thou Jehojakin art no better then thy Father: and taunted the King with a Proverb of those daies.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

Which in plain terms is, From a bad Dog will never com good Puppies; which is all one with that of

the Greeks, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

For this, see the Jews Chronologie, or the Sae∣der Olam Rabba.

Nebuchadnezar maketh war with Pharaoh Neco, for his pride, which hee conceived out of the vi∣ctorie which hee had got∣ten of King Josias.

Of this Neco, Herodotus maketh mention; and of a great Battel which hee fought with the Syrians at Magdol.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

Nebuchadnezar destroi∣eth the State of Tyre, in the reign of Ithobalus. Phi∣lastratus apud Josephum in historiis Phaenicum. Saedar Olam Rabba in the Acts of Nebuchadnezar.

Nebuchadnezar is driven from Men, and falling mad, liveth no other life then a beast. This hee did till seven times had passed over him. Daniel. Saedar Olam Rabba, Jose∣phus.

Hevil Merodac

SUcceeded after Nebu∣chadnezar; so saith the afore-named Berosus, and Megasthenes: they saie al∣so, for his libidinous courses hee was slain by his Sister's husband, Neri∣glosoroor, who reigned after him in his stead. This Neriglosoroor must bee hee whom Daniel cal's Belshazar.

Synchronismi.

JEhojakin restored to his Libertie. 2 Chron. Saeder Olam Rabba.

Belshazar.

THis was the last King of this Monarchie. Why the Canon, and Be∣rosus, with Megasthenes should call him as they do, the reason may bee, Becaus these Kings had new names when they came to the Crown, and those were named from their Gods. So this King beeing a private man, might bee called Neriglis∣soroor; but when hee had the Kingdom, hee was honored with the name of Bel, and called Bel∣shazar.

This King maketh an impious Feast, and pro∣fane's the Vessels of God's Hous, to quaff in to the honor of Shac: for so these Feast daies were cal∣led, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and they were like the Romane Saturnalia, as wee have said, and as Berosus ex∣poundeth in Athenaeus; and Causaubon out of him. Scaliger also in his Notes upon the Greek Frag∣ments.

In this Feast the King's heart was verie merrie: the manner is exprest by the Prophet Daniel. In the

midst of this profuse Jovialtie God interposeth his Doom: His Fate is written in Chaldee upon the Wall,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

And now 'tis plain to read.

Meneh.	For God hath numbred this Kingdom, and finished it.
Tekel.	God hath weighed this Golden Head in the balance, and found it wanting.
Perez.	This Kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

In the same night was Belshazar the King of the Chaldeans slain.

Synchronismi.

JOsephus interposeth som Kings in this last Suc∣cession, more then what the Scripture maketh mention of; and therefore must herein bee negle∣cted, and left to the frui∣tion of his proper sens. The truest opinion is grounded upon God's own Prophecie to the Jews, that they should serv Nebuchadnezar, his son, and his son's son; that was Evilmerodac, and Belshazar, and it is ob∣servable, that the Abstract afore-mentioned setteth down the Succession, though not in the same order, yet at the same number: His words are —〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Hee invert's the order, which might not bee his error, but the Scribes: 'twas facile, and more likely.

This order and num∣ber also the Saedar Olam exactly retains.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. vide Etymo∣logicum ma∣gnum in vo∣ce 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hesychium in voce 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.3

  Ptolemaeus Asiae tab. 5. cap. 1.
• * 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.5

  Pag. 159. Tigurinae e∣ditionis.
• * 1.6

  Marcianus Heracleωtes in cap. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.7

  Longitudo & Latitudo Assyriae.
• * 1.8

  In the as∣signing Ge∣ographical Longitude, wee finde an observa∣ble diffe∣rence. The Moderns accounting from the Isles called Azores, guided by the variation of their compass: the Arabians account from the Pillars of Hercules, or the Streights of Gebaltarck, corruptly cal∣led Gibralter; Titus-Abelfeldea, Som also from Arius under the Line, and others o∣therwise: but Ptolomie from the fortunate Isles, and him here wee follow.
• * 1.9

  Vitello Al∣hazen.
• * 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elias in Me∣thurgeman.
• * 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rab. Benjamin in Itinerario. citante Schicha••do.
• * 1.12

  La Cosmo∣graphie U∣niverselle Livre. 8. Chap. 15.
• * 1.13

  Josephus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. à c. 4.
• * 1.14

  Scaliger in Notis ad Fragmenta. pag. 40.
• * 1.15

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.16

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Etymolo. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Athenaeus.
• * 1.17

  Strabo lib. 15. Geog.
• * 1.18

  Strabo. lib. 15. Geog.
• * 1.19

  Plinie. Herodotus. Maximus Tyrius.
• * 1.20

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Benjamin in Itinerario fol. 20.
• * 1.21

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Shach with the Persians and Arabians and the neighboring inhabitants, signifieth a King: from whence is derived that form of Speech which wee use at the Chess-game, when the King is taken: to wit of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Shach Mat, commonly Check-Mate which in this language signifi••th, The King is dead. Shichard in Taris Regum Persar.
• * 1.22

  Dan. 3.1.
• * 1.23

  Babylon.
• * 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.25

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Herodotus saith, the wall was 52 of the Kings cubits in thickness, Q. Curtius 32 foot in thickness. Quintus Curtius lib. 5.
• * 1.26

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.27

  Justin. lib. 1
• * 1.28

  See in Ty∣cho's Astro∣nomical Epist. the discription 〈◊〉〈◊〉 th••s V∣raniburgu.
• * 1.29

  Isa. 13.19.
• * 1.30

  Ibid. Mesopota∣mia.
• * 1.31

  L. Florus.
• * 1.32

  Aristoteles ad Scholiast. Dionys. Af. Alexand.
• * 1.33

  Shickard Taric Re∣gum Pers. p. 206.
• * 1.34

  Eustath. in Dion. Afr. &c.
• * 1.35

  Ammianus Marcellinus in vita Juli∣ani. pag 302 edit. Lugdun
• * 1.36

  Ninive vrbs.
• * 1.37

  Arrian. re∣rum Indie.
• * 1.38

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Benjamin. Itinerar. fol.
• * 1.39

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Jonae. 3.
• * 1.40

  Nachum c. 1 versu.
• * 1.41

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.42

  Hee should saie twelve thousand. See Joha Leo Affrica∣nus.
• * 1.43

  Arbelitis. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ir. Bel.
• * 1.44

  Solinus. Arrianus in expeditione Alexandri. Strabo lib. 16. Geog. Scaliger in lib. de emen∣datione tem∣porum. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Gaugamela intestina Ca∣meli signifi∣cans.
• * 1.45

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.46

  Ptolomaeus lib. Gaeog.
• * 1.47

  Arrapachiti∣dis regio.
• * 1.48

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c.
• * 1.49

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 contra∣rium quod▪ Imperio reg. id est, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.50

  Macrobius Saturna pri∣mo. Cap. 17 et 23.
• * 1.51

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Herodot. lib. secundo De Mapogetis loquens. idem etiam Xenophon de Armeniis scribit, eandem etiam caussam reddens lib. quarto, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.52

  Isaiah.
• * 1.53

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.54

  Turpitudo Tesbites in Taraph.
• * 1.55

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ex Pirke R. Eliazer perec. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.56

  See M. Sel∣den De Diis Syris.
• * 1.57

  Aquinas hearing the statue speak brake it to pieces.
• * 1.58

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cae••era lege in loco Citato 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. The••c. in pharma∣ceutria. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Scholiast 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Scholiastes ibidem. Qui sese pu∣rificant in hortis po∣nè Achad in medio, come∣dentes car∣nem porci, Abeminatio∣nis, & mu∣ris, confun∣dentur unà dictum Je∣hovae. Isa. cap. ultimo.
• * 1.59

  Pierius de Mure.
• * 1.60

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mylitta, Mylitta, sig. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In Notis ad fragmenta Vet. Graeco∣rum, &c.
• * 1.61

  Terent. An∣dria.
• * 1.62

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Reginae Coe∣terum.
• * 1.63

  See M. Sel∣den.
• * 1.64

  Strabo. Herod. ibid.
• * 1.65

  Strabo. Herod.
• * 1.66

  Lib. 7. expe∣dit. Alex.
• * 2.1

  So most of the Writers determine though I will not as yet, but in the mean time I have set down the most or∣dinarie.
• * 2.2

  Munsteri Cosmograph. l. 3. c. 8. pag. 362.
• * 2.3

  In Libro de correctione Anni.
• * 2.4

  Lib. de E∣mendatione temporum.
• * 2.5

  Ch••istm. i•• lib. de conne∣xione Anno∣rum.
• * 2.6

  Simplicius in Secun•• lib. de Coelo.
• * 2.7

  In libello Ca∣nonum Isa∣gogic.
• * 2.8

  R. Aben Ez∣ra.
• * 2.9

  Euseb. l 9. de praep.
• * 2.10

  See for the reason the great Cri∣tick upon the Sphoera Barbarica of Manilius.
• * 2.11

  Saeder Olam, Rabba & Z••tah.
• * 2.12

  Simplicius in Secund. lib. de Coelo.
• * 2.13

  fol. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 2.14

  Tale ali∣quod ad Cedrenum Lego & ad Chro∣nicon A∣lexandri∣num, ubi vide.
• * 2.15

  See also Cedren for this of O∣rion, and the Chro∣nicon Alexandri∣num.
• * 2.16

  Musaeus in Her. & Leandro. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 2.17

  Cisleu f••om Cesil becaus of the in∣constant weather which is caussed at the rising of this Star; for Cesil si∣gnifieth inconstan∣cie;, of this see R. Benja∣min in his Itinerarie.
• * 2.18

  Rab. Jonah in Rab. K••mchi.
• * 2.19

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hip∣parchus of Bythinia in his Asterismes.
• * 3.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. ità Epi∣phanius lib 1. pa∣gina 10. edit Basili∣ensis.
• * 3.2

  Ced••enus in, Com∣pendio Hi∣stor.
• * 3.3

  Animad. version. Scalig. ad Eusebium, pagin. 15. & in No tis.
• * 3.4

  Thus al∣so Salian, Funccius, Angelocra∣tor, Alapi∣de, Nar∣clerus: but this later desscen∣teth one year, or els the the Prin∣ter was too blame
• * 3.5

  Or rather our own Josephus Iscanus.