The great historical, geographical and poetical dictionary being a curious miscellany of sacred and prophane history : containing, in short, the lives and most remarkable actions of the patriarchs, judges, ... heresiarchs, ... emperors, ... and all those who have recommended themselves to the world ... together with the establishment and progress both of religious and military orders ... ; [with] The genealogy of several illustrious families in Europe ; The fabulous history of the heathen gods and heroes ; The description of empires, kingdoms ... / collected from the best historians, chronologers, and lexicographers ... but more especially out of Lewis Morery ... his sixth edition corrected and enlarged by Monsieur Le Clark ... now done into English ; to which are added by way of supplement ... the lives ... and writings of the illustrious families of our English, Scotch and Irish nobility ... clergy ; as also an exact description of these kingdoms ... by several learned men ; wherein are inserted the last five years historical and geographical collections of Edmond Bohun ... never extant till in this work.

• Meaco, a great Town of Japan, in the Island Niphon. It was formerly the Chief Town of the Country, and the Kings kept their Court there; but since Jedo or Vedo had this Advantage, it is not so considerable, tho' it be a Town of great Trade. It was almost quite burned down, during the Wars of Japan. It is divided into Two Parts, the Higher Town, in which is the Pa∣lace of the Emperors of Japan, and the Lower, where is the Ha∣ven with a Fort called Fuxime.
• Meander, a River of Phrygia, springing from the Fountain Aulocrene. The Ancients fansied him to be the Son of the Earth, and the Ocean, and the Father of Cyane, the Mother of Caunus and Biblis; his Course was so unequal and winding, that it gave Name to all intricate Designs. Ptolomy mentions a Mountain of that Name in the Indies. Strabo, Plinius, Ovid.
• * Meath, Lat, Media, a County in the Province of Leinster in Ireland, called by the Irish Midh, bounded on the E. by the County of Fyngal and Kildare (separated by the River Boyne) on the S. by Kildare and King's-County; on the W. by Roscommon and Longford, and on the N. by the County of Monaghen. 'Tis di∣vided into 2 Parts, by the Names of East and West Meath; 'tis very fruitful and pleasant to the Eye, well supplied with Cattle and Corn, and watered with Rivers that abound with very good Fish. In the 38th. of K. Henry VIII. this County being thought too big to be Governed by one Sheriff, was divided by Act of Parliament into Two.
• Meaux, a Town of France upon the River Marne, Capital of Brie, with a Bishop's See, Suffragan of Paris. It is called by the Latins, Meldorum Ʋrbs, Meldae, Meledis, Meldis, & Jasinum Meldarum, very Ancient, and hath the Title of a County. The City is divided into 2 Parts by a River; hath several Parish-Churches, besides a Cathedral, and Collegiat-Church, an Abby, several Monasteries, and 3 Suburbs. It had formerly Counts of

• its own, and suffered much by Civil Wars. The English besie∣ged, and took it by Capitulation, in 1421, in 3 Months, and are said, by French Authors, to have broke the same, by Impri∣prisoning the Garrison, and Executing 3 of their Officers. It was the first Town in France, where the Protestant Doctrine was preached, and several Martyrs suffered here on that Ac∣count. In 1563, the Protestants expelled the Romish Clergy thence, and it was taken by the Papists in Charles IX's time. It stands 10 Leagues from Paris to the N. E. 18 S. W. of Rheims, and 25 S. of Amiens. 'Tis now both Pleasant and Po∣pulous, tho' it has suffered much formerly, especially in 1358, when, during the Imprisonment of John, K. of France, it was Sacked, and almost quite burned, for Complotting with the Parisian Faction, against Charles the Dauphin, Regent of France.
• Mecaenas (C. Cilnius) a Roman Knight, Descended from the Knights of Hetruria. He was a Person of excellent Wit, extraordinary Diligent when his Affairs required it, and as much given to his Ease when otherwise, immersing himself in more than Womanly Pleasures. He was extream dear to Augustus, who, when indisposed, would be carried to his House, and spend his time in Raillery with him, comparing his polite Stile, to Hair curled and perfumed. Seneca says of him, That he would have added much to the Lustre of the Roman Eloquence, except he had drowned himself in Pleasures. He procured As∣sistance from Anthony against Pompey Junior, and made an ex∣cellent Harangue, advising Augustus to retain the Empire. The said Emperor being one Day at the Bar, where abundance of Criminals were Condemned, Mecaenas fearing that he would thence be esteemed Tyrannical, and not being able to get near to advise him, threw his Table Book to him with these Words on it, Rise up Hangman, and get you thence, which Augustus know∣ing Mecaenas's Affection, did not take ill in the least. Howe∣ver, 'tis said, that he was jealous of Augustus, and his Wife, yet at his death, which was An. Rom. 746. 8 Years before Christ, he left him his Heir; and the Emperor on the other hand, did much regret the loss of him. He was a great Patron of Learned Men, which gave occasion to Virgil and Horace to E∣ternize his Fame. Pliny mentions another Mecaenas, who could be Three Years without speaking a Word. Macrob. Sueton.
• Mecca; a City of Arabia Foelix, which Bellon thinks to be the Petra of the Ancients, and others think it to be Marraba. It is situated on the River Betius, called Chaibar by those of the Country, one Days Journey from the Red Sea, in a Valley sur∣rounded with Mountains, through which there are 4 small Pas∣sages, which serve for Avenues. The City is large, well Pa∣ved, and famous amongst the Turks, for the Birth or Burial of Mahomet, but which, their Authors do not agree. The Soil hereabouts is very Barren, without Herb, Corn, Trees, or Flow∣ers, such of the latter as are found here, are brought from a far, as is also their Water, which is sold very dear; but all those Inconveniences are surmounted, by the Superstitious Zeal of the Mahometans, which brings abundance of Pilgrims thi∣ther from all Parts, and also store of Provisions. The constant Inhabitants make up about 6000 Families. Most of the Houses are built with Brick, and Terrassed on the top. The famousest Mahometan Mosque, and the best frequented in the Universe, is situated in the midst of the City. It is Conspicuous at a great distance by its Roof, which is raised in fashion of a Dome, with 2 Towers of extraordinary Height and Architecture. It has above a hundred Gates, each having a Window over them. The Plan of the Mosque is low, and has a Descent of 12 Steps. The Ma∣hometans account this holy Ground, because they Alledge that Abraham built his first House, and that Mahomet was born here. This Mosque is Adorned with rich Tapistry and Gildings, and more especially a certain Place which hath no Roof, and is al∣ledged to enclose the Space where Abraham's House stood. The Entrance into it, is by a Door of Silver of a Man's height; and on one side there is a Fountain, whose Water is salt, and belie∣ved by the Mahometans, to have the Virtue of washing away their Sins; and they solemnize a Festival once a Year, when they throw this Water upon the Mahometans, at the time when the Caravans come thither. The Vaults under this Mosque, and the Shops about it are full of rich Merchandize, precious Stones, and Aromatick Powders, which send forth a most ad∣mirable Scent. Davity.
• Mechoacan, a Town and Province of Northern America, in new Spain or Mexico. It reaches about 80 Leagues in length, along the Pacifick Sea. The Land is fruitful. The Towns are Valladolid of Mechoacan, called by the Inhabitants Guiangarco, with a Bishop's See, St. Miguel, St. Philip, the Conception of Salla, Leon, Zamora, Zacatute, and Colima. * The Air of this Pro∣vince is so Cool, Clear and Pleasant, that many sick People re∣sort thither for their Health. There are many Lakes and Rivers in it, and Innumerable Fountains, some of which are Natural Baths, and flow with hot Waters. The Earth is also very fruit∣ful, consisting in pleasant Vales, Hills and Mountains, covered with high Trees. When the Spaniards came hither, it was an Independant Kingdom. The Principal City was called Taxima∣roc, and Submitted freely to the Spaniards, in 1522. Yet the Governor murdered the King, when a Christian, under the Pre∣tence of Treason. The Spaniards now call the City Valladolid, Lat. 20. 00. The Bishop's See was first settled here, in 1544. The Lake by it, is said to be greater than that by Mexico; sub∣ject to be very much Agitated by Tempests, full of Fish, which being taken here, are sold to the Provinces near the Lake, to the great inriching the Inhabitants. Laet p. 268.
• Mecklebourg, or Mekelbourg, a Province of Germany, with the Title of Dutchy in the Lower Saxony, between the Baltick Sea, Pomerania, Holsatia and Brandenburg. The Family of Mec∣klebourg, is one of the most ancient Families of Germany, and Descended from the Kings of the Heruli and Obotriti. Pribi∣slaus II. was the first Christian Prince of this Family, and was slain in a Tournament, in 1215. He married first the D. of Po∣land's, and afterwards the K. of Norway's Daughter. The Dukes of this Family, have been several times chosen Kings of Sweden, and married with the Daughters of Denmark, Sweden, Branden∣burg, Saxony, Hess, and other Princes of the Empire. Henry IV. of this Family was, for his good Services in the Holy Land, named Henry of Jerusalem, and kept Prisoner by the Saracens 28 Years, and died in 1302. Henry V. embraced the Reforma∣tion, and died in 1552. John Frederick was the Founder of the present Line of Swerin, and he, and his Brother proscribed for Adherence to Christian IV. K. of Denmark, but restored by the Victorious Arms of Gustavus Adolphus, K. of Sweden. Christian Lewis, the present Prince Regent of this Family, turned Papist in 1663, got himself Divorced from Christina Margaret of Gu∣strow, his Cousin German, was made Knight of the Holy Ghost by the French King, and married to Isabel Angela de Montmoren∣cy, the D. of Chastillon's Widow, but is like to have no Issue by her. The Line of Gustrow begun in John Albert II. who Em∣braced the Reformation, and died in 1636, and Gustavus Adol∣phus, the present Prince, married Magdalen Sibil, Daughter of Frederick, D. of Sleswick, Nov. 28. 1654.
• * Mecnase, a great, strong, beautiful City, in the Kingdom of Fez to the S. 50 from Sale to the S. E. and 15 from the Atlas to the W. consisting of about 6000 Families, and seated in a fruitful Plain, upon a small River. It has great plenty of Fruits, exceeding Cheap, and drives a considerable Trade for them, and their Manufactures at Fez, and at Home, with the wande∣ring Arabs for Flesh Meat. This City has been frequently be∣sieged by the Kings of Fez, and has ever been reduced with great Difficulty; in one of which Sieges it resisted 7 Years, and in another 2 Months. Leo Africanus p. 120.
• * Medaba, or Madaba, i. e. The Waters of Sorrow, a Town up∣on the Brook Arnon, in the East Borders in the Tribe of Ruben, belonging first to the Ammonites, and after to the Amorites. The Inhabitants of this City slew Johannes Macchabaeus, whose death was revenged by Jonathan, his Brother, with the Slaughter of a great number of them. Hircanus took this City by a Siege of 6 Months duration.
• Medals, Pieces of Metal, representing the Faces of Prin∣ces, and Illustrious Persons, on one side, and some Figures or Emblems, on the other, called The Reverse. Those who value Antiquity, have always had a great Esteem for such Pieces, be∣cause they teach many things which are not to be found in Books. Among the Romans, Varro sought out the Portraictures of all the Illustrious Persons, who had signalized themselves, from the Foundation of the City, till his Time. Cicero sought after Medals with great earnestness, and Julius Caesar took much delight in them. The Emperor Severus was so passionate a Lover of them, that he sought for those of Jesus Christ, and Abraham. The learned Spanheim treats at large of the Utility of Medals; but those who would judge of the Physiognomy of Persons by Medals, must only take notice of such as are done by excellent Gravers, and in the Time when the Persons them∣selves were alive. For the Roman Emperors; those made in Ita∣ly, and particularly at Rome, are the best; for those made in France, Spain and Greece, are not so Natural. Those who un∣derstand Medals, can easily distinguish the one from the other; for the Grecian Medals, and those made in other Provinces, have generally some Hieroglyphick, or Name, importing where they were made, and they are mostly of a different make; the Egyptian Medals are easily known by their peculiar Edges, the Syrian by their Thickness, and the Spanish by their small Re∣lief. Moreover, Strangers were not allowed to coin Golden Medals of the Emperor; so that those of Gold are of Italy, and most of those in Silver, or large Copper, with S. C. upon them, i. e. Senatus Consulto, were by Order of the Senate. No∣thing certain can be determined, concerning the Physiognomy of the Roman Consuls, or the Hero's of Antiquity from Medals, because the Consuls were not permitted to represent their Heads upon Money, so that their Medals were Coined by their De∣scendants, and those of the Hero's were Stamped after their Death. Spanheim of Medals. Spon. Recherch. Cur. d'Anti∣quite.
• Medea, Daughter to Aetas, King of Colchis, who possessed the Golden Fleece. She lived about An. Mun. 2824, and is repre∣sented as a Magician. She fell in Love with Jason, King of Thes∣saly, Chief of the Argonauts, who came to conquer the Golden Fleece, which she taught him how to come by, and then went away with him; but fearing that her Father would pursue, she killed her young Brother Absyrus, and strowed the Way with his dissected Members, to retard her Father. Arriving in Thes∣saly, she restored the Age of Eson, Jason's Father. To be re∣venged

• of he•• Uncle Pelias, she made his Daughter boil him to pieces, on pretence of restoring his Age. After this, Jason espoused Creusa, Daughter to Creon, King of Corinth, which so enraged Medea, that she slew both Father, Daughter, and the 2 Children which Jason had by her; and afterwards being car∣ried by winged Dragons to Athens, she married Egeus, but was banished some time after. Ovid. Natal. Comes.
• Medenblick, a Town in West Frezeland, one of the United Provinces of the Low-Countries, seated upon the Zuyder-Zee, where it has a large and secure Haven, 2 Miles and a half from Horn, and 8 from Amsterdam to the N.
• Media, an ancient Kingdom of Asia, very famous in old Authors. It contained most of the Country, where now are the Provinces of Servan, Gilon, Yerach, Agemi and Mazandorum, or Dilemon in Persia. The first Inhabitants are agreed, to have Descended from Madai, one of Japhet's Sons. Their Country was bounded by Armenia Major, Hircania, the Caspian-Sea, As∣syria, Susiana, &c. and the Metropolis was Ecbatan. Other Towns of Note were, Arsace now Casbin, Cyropolis, &c. The Medes were formerly subject to the Assyrians, until the time of Arbaces, who being Governor thereof for Sardanapalus, and not able to endure the Effeminacy of that Prince, he shook off his Yoke, and ruined Nineve, An. Mun. 3171, 100 Years before the 1st. Olympiad, and 876 before Christ. This Monarchy la∣sted 317 Years under 9 Kings, from Arbaces to Astyages, De∣throned by Cyrus, An. Mun. 3495. The Proverb Mensa Medica, came from Astyages making Harpagus eat his own Son. See Harpagus.
• Medicis, the Surname of the Grand D. of Tuscany. The Sen∣timents of Authors are various, as to the Original of this Fami∣ly, some deriving it, but without any good Foundation, from one Everard de Medicis, a Domestick of Charlemaign. Other Au∣thors say, That they were Men of Note, in 1168, and that their Descent is well enough known since 1250, that Philip de Me∣dicis was the Grand Patron of the Guelphs of Florence, and brought his Family back thither in Triumph, they having been Expelled by the Gibellins, and advanced them to the Princi∣pal Charges of the Republick. The Poet Verinus says of their Original,

  Ex Appenino, celsaque ex arce Magelli Nobilitas Medicum Thuscam descendit in Ʋrbem.

  There have been several Popes, and divers Cardinals of this Family.
• * Schowart speaking of the Original of the Family of Tusca∣ny says, That his Ancestors were Merchants, but that Cosmo de Medicis was Elected Prince by the Populace, in 1434, but Peter de Medicis, his Grandson, having entered a League with the French K. without the Senates knowledge, was Ejected by the Florentines, so that they remained under their ancient Liberty, till 1512, that Ferdinand, King of Spain, restored the Family of Medicis, which was Expelled again by the Florentines, in 1529. The Emperor Charles V. having seized on that City, and made Alexander de Medicis, who married his Natural Daughter Mar∣garet, their Governor; he was slain, and the Populace made Choice of his Kinsman Cosmo de Medicis. Who was declared K. of Tuscany by Pope Paul V. in 1569; but upon the Emp. Maxi∣milian II's opposing it, he laid a-side the Title of King, and contented himself with that of Great Duke. His Son Francis married the Emperor Ferdinand I's Daughter, whose Grandson is Cosmo III. the present Grand Duke, born in 1642, who by Margaret Louise, Daughter of Gaston, D. of Orleans, has a Son, viz. Gaston, who, in 1688, married Violanta Beatrix, Daughter of Ferdinand Maria, and Sister to the present Elector of Ba∣varia.
• Medicis (Cosmo) called The Great, Son to John, lived in th XV^th. Century. He Governed the Republick of Florence with admirable Conduct, and amassed a vast Treasure by his Tra∣ding every where, which procured him E••••••••es, so that he, and his Brother, were Banished. He retired to Venice, where his Merit procured him the Esteem of a Sovereign Prince. He was afterwards re-called by the Florentines, with great Glory and Applause, being called The Deliverer of the People, and Fa∣ther of the Country. He was a great Lover of learned Men, and had many of them about him, who immortalized his Fame. He Collected a famous Library, which Catharine de Medicis par∣ted afterwards, with her Brother, and brought her Share to France, being very considerable for Greek Manuscripts. Cosmo after a Long and Glorious Reign, died in 1464, Aged 75 Years.
• Medicis (Hippolyte de) Cardinal, Administrator of the Arch∣bishoprick of Avignon, was Natural Son to Julian de Medicis, his Mother being ashamed of her Fault, Ordered him to be Murthered, to conceal it; but they to whom the Charge was given, brought him up in Secret, and, at last, carried him to his Father, who owned him, and took care of his Education. He had no Inclination to Learning, but applied himself to Mu∣sick and Poesie. His Cousin Pope Clement VII. Created him Cardinal in 1529, and afterwards made him Administrator of the Archbishoprick of Avignon, and Vice-Chancellor of the Church. Those Preferments were contrary to his Inclinations, yet he accepted them, and was afterwards sent Legate to the Emp. Charles V. on Account of the War with Solyman; at which time, he raised 8000 Hungarians at his own Charge, which, toge∣ther with some Troops of Light-horse, composed of his own Reti∣nue, behaved themselves so well, that they contributed much to the Chasing of the Infidels out of Austria. After this, Charles V. going into Italy, our Cardinal Equipped himself like a General, and marched with his Retinue in a Warlike manner before the Emperor, who being jealous that he had a Design to make a Difference betwixt him and the Pope, sent after him, and put him in Arrest; but understanding that it was only the Cardinal's Humour, he set him at liberty again. In short, Hippolyte was oftener in a Martial than Ecclesiastical Habit, which he never wore, but when obliged to assist at a Consistory. He was more at Court, and a Hunting, than at the Church, or in his Closet. He was also a Night-walker, and frequented the Streets of Rome with lewd Company at unseasonable Hours. He was also extreamly Ambitious, and mightily enraged, that Pope Cle∣ment VII. had preferred Lawrence Medicis, Natural Son to the D. of Ʋrbin, to the Principality of Florence, before himself, and therefore Conspired against him; but it was discovered, and some of the Cardinal's Guards Arrested upon it, which obliged himself to retire to the Castle of Tivoli, and he died of a Fever, or Poison, as some think, August 13. 1535. Amongst his bad Qualities he is said to have had some good Ones, viz. That he was Liberal; Made his Palace a Sanctuary, to those who were affli∣cted; and kept an Open-house for all Strangers, so that 25 dif∣ferent Languges have been sometimes spoken in his House at one time. Paul. Jov. Onuphr.
• Medicis (John de) Cardinal, Son to Cosmo I. of that Name, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Pope Pius IV. made him Cardinal in 1560, tho' he was then but 17 Years old. He had a Brother na∣med Garcias, of a wild Disposition, who had a Natural Aversion to him; and as they were one Day a Hunting, quarrelled with him, and killed him; whereupon Cosmo, their Father, stabbed Garcias with his own hand, and to cover the Matter, gave out that they both died of the Plague. Thus Thuanus. But Moreri questions the truth of it, alledging it was added after Thuanus's death.
• Medicis (Lawrence de) Surnamed The Great, and the Father of Learning, was Son to Peter, and Brother to Julian de Medicis, who was murthered by the Pazzi, in 1478, who also had a De∣sign against him, but he escaped to a Church, and with the As∣sistance of the Florentines, repulsed his Enemies; after which, he was declared Chief of the Republick, and much Esteemed both by his own Subjects, and Foreign Princes, who chose him as Umpire of their Differences. Bajazet, Emperor of the Turks, had so great a Respect for him, that he sent him one of those who Assassinated his Brother from Constantinople. He was very Studious, and loved Learned Men, diverse of whom he Enter∣tained, and did also protect the Greek Exiles. He sent John Lascaris into Greece to recover Manuscripts, with which he en∣riched his Library. He was a Magnificent, Liberal, Generous Prince, and true Friend; but, according to Moreri, neither Re∣ligious, nor of good Morals. He subdued Volterra, and had some Controversies with Pope Sixtus IV. whence he extricated himself with dexterity enough. He died in 1492. Aged 44. leaving two Sons, Peter who succeeded him, and John, after∣wards Pope, under the Name of Leo X. All Europe bewailed the death of this Prince, and the Florentines especially were un∣consolable, and so much concerned, That they are said to have thrown his Physician into a Well, for neglecting his Duty to∣wards him. Angel. Polit. Machiavel.
• Medicis, another Family in Milan, which some Authors will have to be of the same Original with the former; and o∣thers say, That Cosmo de Medicis, Great D. of Florence, did only say so, to Complement John Angelo of this Family, who was cho∣sen Pope. However that is
• Medicis, or Mediquin, John James Chatelan of Mussa, and Marquiss of Marignan, of this Family, was one of the grea∣test Captains of his Time. He was Son to Bernardin of Milan, who farmed the Duke's Revenues. John James was very ser∣viceable to Duke Francis Sforza II. and some say, imployed by him to Assassinate Monsignorino Visconti, of whom he was jealous, because of his Merit and Popularity; but the Duke having made away with Ponzin the other Assassinate, intended the like to Medicis, who suspecting it, seized the Castle of Mussa. In 1526, he entered into a League with the Pope, French King, and Vene∣tians against Charles V. and made himself redoubtable by several Victories; whereupon the Emperor thought it worth his while, to gain him to his Party, which he accomplished, and Medicis served him with great Success and Honour against the Turks, whom he Defeated; and was Colonel General to that Emperor, against the Duke of Cleve, at the taking of Luxemburg, St. Dizier, and the Siege of Metz. He was also General for him after∣wards in Italy, where he Defeated Strozzi, took Sienna, and di∣ed at Milan, in 1555. Aged 58. His Brother John Angelo was chosen Pope in 1559, by the Name of Pius IV. and was so sensi∣ble of the loss of his Brother, who had contributed much to his Promotion, that in the midst of the Ceremony, he sighed and said, Alas! Where is now the Marquiss de Marignan? Impor∣ting his Sorrow, that his Brother could not partake of the Joy of his Election. Paul. Jov.

• Medina, a Town of Arabia Foelix, very considerable among the Mahometans, because the Body of their Prophet Mahomet is deposited there; which some say, was removed hither from Mecca, after Albuquerque, General of the King of Portugal, At∣tempted to take it thence, and Surprize the Town of Gide, to favour his Retreat. But the common Opinion is, That Maho∣met himself desired to be buried there, to be revenged of the Inhabitants of Mecca, his Birth-place, for Banishing and Con∣temning him when he began to set up for a Prophet, and Le∣gislator. This Town is 4 days journey from Mecca, situate near the River Laakie. The Houses are but one Story high, except those inhabited by the Dervises, Ebruhars and Kadi's, who are Religious Mahometans, much esteemed by the Turks for their pretended Holiness, and Skill in the Alcoran. The chief Mosque of the Town called Mos a kiba, or Most Holy, is supported by 400 Pillars, charged with 3000 silver Lamps; herein a small Tower adorned with Plates of Silver, and covered with Cloth of Gold, lies Mahomet's Coffin, under a Canopy of Cloth of Silver, em∣broidered with Gold, which the Bassa of Egypt renews yearly by the Grand Signior's Orders. The common Opinion, that this Coffin was Iron, and that it hung suspended in the Air be∣tween 2 Load-stones is false; for the Turkish Pilgrims that be∣come Christians say, 'tis supported by small Marble Pillars, and environed with a Ballister of Silver, on which hang a great number of Lamps, whose Smoke renders the place somewhat obscure. The Turks are obliged, by a Principle of their Reli∣gion, to Visit this Place once in their life time; but few go thi∣ther, besides the common People, the Mufti, Absolving the richer Sort from the Obligation; upon that they hire others to go for them, and bestow somewhat upon the Poor. The Chri∣stians are forbid, upon Pain of death, to come within 15 Leagues of this Place. See Mecca. Davity.
• Mediterranean Sea, called by the Italians and Spaniards Mar Mediterraneo, lies between Europe, Asia and Africa. It is divided from the Western or Atlantick Ocean, by the Straight of Gibraltar, has Europe to the N. Asia to the E. and on the S. Afri∣ca. 'Tis called by different Names, as to its Parts; that Branch of it between Spain, France and Italy is called the Tyrrhenian Sea, that between Italy to the W. Greece and Dalmatia the Adria∣tick (now the Gulph of Venice) and the Ionian Sea; that which parts Greece from Asia to the Dardanells, formerly called the Egean Sea, is now called the Archipelago; that which expands it self between Greece and Asia as far as Constantinople, between Eu∣rope to the N. and W. Asia to the E. and Anatolia to the S. is cal∣led the Euxine, or Black Sea.
• Meditrina, a Pagan Goddess, whom the Ancients believed to preside over Medicaments, and appointed Festivals to her Honour called Meditrinalia, in which they offered her New and Old Wine, drinking a little of the one and the other, in man∣ner of a Medicine; looking upon Wine, moderately taken, as a special Remedy and Preservative against most Diseases. It was also an ancient Custom amongst the Latins, that when they drunk New Wine in the beginning of the Year, they pro∣nounced the following Words, as a good Augur, Vetus novum Vinum bibo, Veteri novo morbo Medeor. Festus, Varro.
• Medniki, a Town of Poland, in the Province of Samogitia. Some call it Wornia, and the Latins, Mednicia. It is towards the Spring of the River Wirwitz. Here is a Bishop's See, Founded by Venceslaus, K. of Poland, in 1413.
• Medoc, a Country in France in Guienne, between the Ocean and the River Garonne. It is the Country of the ancient Medulians. Meduli.
• Medua, a Town in the Kingdom of Tremisen in Barbary, 180 Miles from the Mediterranean Sea, on the Borders of Numidia, 5 of Serzelli, seated in a pleasant, fruitful Plain, environed with sweet Rivers, and beautiful Gardens, and the Inhabitants Rich and Curious in all things, and drive a great Trade with those of Biledulgerid, Numidia. Leo Africanus was so taken with the Plea∣santness and Civility of this City, that he was well inclined to have lived and died in it, p. 231.
• Medusa, one of the Three Gorgons, Daughters of Ceto, and of a Sea God called Phorcus. She was the Eldest, and her Hair was so extraordinary fair, that Neptune falling in love with her, forced her in the Temple of Minerva. The Goddess changed her Hairs into Serpents, and put the Picture of that horrid Monster upon her Shield to frighten her Enemies, the Spe∣ctacle being so very dreadful, that it changed the Beholders in∣to Stones; but Perseus being armed with Mercury's Ax, with which he killed Argus, cut off Medusa's head, from whose Blood sprung Pegasus and Chrysaor. Ovid.
• * Medway, Lat. Vaga, a River of Kent, which riseth in the Weald, or Wild, in the S. W. part of the County; at Penhurst it receives the River Eten out of Surrey, and dividing it self into 5 Streams surrounds Tunbridge, from whence passing N. E. to Maidstone, and thence to Rochester; it receives a great number of lesser Rivers below Rochester-bridge; 'tis capable of the grea∣test Ships, the Royal Fleet riding in it in Time of Peace, and forms the Isle of Shepey, one of its Mouths entring the Ocean at Sherness, and the other at Stelness, above 8 Miles from each other. In 1667, the Dutch Fleet entered this River, June 22. having, with their Cannon, battered down the Fort of Sherness, carried of•• the Royal Charles, and burnt and spoiled 4 or 5 other Ships.
• Megabyzes, General to Darius, K. of Persia, who gave him 80000 Men to Subdue Europe, with which he did very consider∣able Exploits; for he overcame the Perinthians in the Hellespont, Reduced Thrace, Subdued the Panonians, and Conquered the Macedonians in the LXIX^th. Olympiad. Darius had so much E∣steem for him, that one Day cutting a Pomegranate, and Arta∣banus asking him what sort of things they were, of which he would desire as great a number, as there were Grains in the same, he answered, So many Megabyzes.
• Megabyzes, a great Persian L^d in the time of Artaxerxes Lon∣gimanus, who gave him great Imployments. He Defeated Inarus; K. of Lydia, in a Battle, and obliged him to come in Person to Artaxerxes his Court, and desire Peace, Assuring him of Safe Conduct; but Artaxerxes his Wife, to revenge the Death of her Son, whom Inarus had killed, caused this Unfortunate K. to be Crucified; at which, Megabyzes was so much incensed, that he Revolted, and Artaxerxes finding it hard to reduce this brave Captain by force, did it by fair means: But not long after he Banished him again, for killing a Lion, which was about to as∣sault the King as a Hunting. Artaxerxes being willing thereby to insinuate that he had no need of his help, as having Courage enough to defend himself; but he re-called him afterwards, honoured him with his Table, and the Marriage of his Daughter, by whom he had Zopyrus. Ctesias.
• Megacles, Descended from Nestor, K. of Pylos, and one of the Annual Archons of Athens, knowing the Design of Cylon to Usurp that Government, he pursued him to the Temple of Mi∣nerva, Cylon came out thence with a linen Cloth on his Head, Consecrated to that Goddess; but Megacles without regar∣ding the same, caused him to be cut off, whence he had the Reputation of a Cruel and Sacrilegious Person. Plu∣tarch.
• Megaera, one of the Three Furies, which the Poets feigned to be the Daughter of Acheron, and of the Night. They gave her the Name from the Greek Word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifieth to hate, and to envy. Servius the Grammarian.
• Megalesian Games, Celebrated at Rome in the honour of Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, kept upon the 12th. of April. The City of Pestinus in Phrygia, being taken then by Scipio Na∣sica, who was esteemed the Valiantest Man of the whole Repub∣lick. Florus.
• Megalopolis, called now Leondari, or Leontari, a Town of Arcadia near the River Alpheus. It was famous for the Birth of Polybius, and some other Learned Men. It became so Desolate, that it gave rise to the Proverb, Magna Civitas, Magna Soli∣tudo.
• Megara, a Town of Achaia, sometimes a famous Republick, and had Wars with Athens. It was the Birth-place of Euclides. It is, at this day, but a poor Village called Megra, under the Turk. Megara was anciently built upon 2 Rocks, but now one is Desolate, and the other has but about 3 or 400 pitiful Cotta∣ges, built one Story high, and close together, the Walls of which are but the Ruins of the former Houses, or a few Fag∣gots covered with Clay. They have no Chimnies, except it be a hole in the top of the House, or the Door. A Place, at first, Capital of a Monarchy, under the Reign of 12 Kings, then a Republick, which maintained divers Wars with the Athenians, and others, and also Established a Colony in the Island of Sicily.
• Meghen, a Town and County in Brabant. It is upon the left of Meuse within 3 Leagues from Boisleduc.
• Megole (de Lescar) a Genoua Merchant, Descended from a Noble and Ancient Family in that City, he made himself famous in 1380. Thus following his Traffick in the Levant, he became so great a Favourite to the Emperor of Trebizonde in Asia Minor, that his Courtiers, being jealous, attempted his Ruine by all means possible; whereupon one of them gave him a Blow, as playing one day at Chess, for which the Emperor, not having done him Justice, he retired into his own Country, and Equip∣ping 2 Gallies, did Infest his Coasts, and being Attacked by 4 of the Emperor's Gallies, took two, and put the rest to flight, and cutting off th•• Noses and Ears of the Prisoners, sent them to the Emperor, with Word, That if he did not send him that Man, who gave him the Affront, he would continually Ravage his Coasts, the Man being accordingly sent. Megole seeing him in his Power, returned him again, only bidding him tell the Em∣peror, That if he would build a House at Trebizonde for the Ge∣noua Merchants, and Paint this History upon the Walls of it, he would never Commit any Hostilities against him, which was accordingly done; for which Noble Exploits, Megole was Rewarded with Honours and Riches, by the Senate and People. Henning's Ge∣neal. Lescar.
• Mehedrates, K. of the Persians, the Son of Vonones, had been given in Hostage to the Emperor Augustus, by Phraates III. his Grandfather, and was sent back with the Title of King, by Claudius. He was made Prisoner by Gotazar, the Son of Arta∣ban, who caused his Ears to be cut off, and then put him to death to Usurp his Crown. So ended the House of the Arsacides, after 130 Years Reign. Tacitus lib. 6.
• Mehemet, Bassa of Negropont, was taken at the Battle of Le∣panto, by the Christians, and sent to Rome. He understood the Customs of the Europeans, and the Italian Language very well; speaking of the Battle of Lepanto, he named those 2 things, as contributing much to the Victory of the Christians, viz. Their great number of Musqueteers, who were much better than Ar∣chers,

• and the Parapets raised a-board the Gallies, which de∣fended the Souldiers whilst they fired, and to those who said that the Grand Seignior had lost more by the Battle of Le∣panto, than taking the Kingdom of Cyprus, he answered, That it was true, they had cut the Turk's Beard, which would grow a∣gain, but the Venetians could not re-join that Member to their Body, which the Turks had cut off. General Colonna visiting the Priso∣ners, Ordered them to be civilly treated, and turning to Me∣hemet told him, That they ought to learn Humanity from them, and not carry it with so much Barbarity towards the Christians, to which he replied, Your Lordship will do well to excuse our Ignorance, for we have hitherto been accustomed to Take, but not to be Prisoners. Gratian's History of Cyprus.
• Mein, a River of Germany in Franconia. It springs near Cu∣lembach in the same Country. The Latins call it Maenus, and some Moganus. It waters, Bamberg, Surinford, Lisbourg, Verthaim, Duisburg and Frankford, and throws its self into the Rhine at Mentz, after having received the Regnits, Sala, &c. In the Itinerary lib. 4. a certain Poet speaks of it thus,

  Vitiferumque Cava trajecimus arbore Maenum Irriguas cujus Francia potat aequas.

• Meinard, or Mainard, the Name of several famous Men in France, who have born great Charges in that Kingdom, and were Members of the Royal Academy. John Mainard was the most famous of them, by his Learning and Poesie; he was Pre∣sident of Aurillac, and Councellor of State; he was also Secre∣tary to Q. Margaret, Friend to Desportes, Comrade to Regnier, and afterwards Scholar to Malherbe. In 1634, he went to Rome with Noailles, the French Ambassador, where he acquired the Friendship of Cardinal Bentivoglio, and Pope Ʋrban VIII. He was well known to all the Grandees of France, and a Member of the French Academy, but Cardinal Richlieu never did him any kindness; whereupon he presented him one day with an Epigram, complaining of his growing Years, and insinuating how that, in a little time, he should be with his Fore-fathers, and amongst the Followers of that good K. of France, who Pa∣tronized learned Men in an Ignorant Age, and give him an Ac∣count what great Things Richlieu had done, to abate the Pride of Spain, which would cure him of his Melancholy, for the ad∣verse Fortune of the Battle of Pavia; But, says he, if he ask what Imployment you gave me, What shall I answer? But the Car∣dinal was so far from being taken with that ingenious Poem, that he Answered him angrily; whereupon he employed his Pen a∣gainst Richlieu, during the Regency of Q. Anne of Austria. He died Dec. 28. 1646. Aged 64 Years, having placed over the Door of his Closet, some time before, an Inscription, witnes∣sing his Dissatisfaction with the Court, and the Age wherein he lived, and that there he waited for Death, without either Fearing, or Desiring it. Racan's Life of Malherbe.
• Meissen on the Elbe, a City of Misnia in Germany, formerly Capital of the Country, as is Dresden now. It was also a Bi∣shoprick, and Depended on the Bishop, but since the Reforma∣tion, it Depends on the Elector. It hath a fine wooden Bridge over the Elbe, and is situated in a pleasant and fruitful Coun∣try. Bertius.
• Melampus of Argos, a famous Graecian Physician, about A. M. 2705. he Cured the Sons of K. Praetus who were Mad, by giving them Hellebore, which from him was called Melampodi∣um. Herodotus says, that being sent for from Pisa, to cure the Women of Argos, who were taken with Madness, he Deman∣ded no less Reward than the Kingdom, and the Right of Bur∣gership. Herodotus.
• Melanchthon (Philip) was born at Brette, a Village of the Palatinat, Feb. 16. 1497. In his Youth, he made an admira∣ble Progress in Learning. In 1509, he was called by the Ele∣ctor Frederick to Wirtemberg, where he was Greek Professor, and published many things. He Founded many Schools, and was extraordinary well versed in Humane and Divine Litera∣ture. The University of Paris having Condemned Luther's O∣pinions, he wrote a Book against them Entituled, Adversus fu∣riosum Parisiensium Legastrorum Decretum, Published in 1521. He wrote also with Luther, against the Articles of the Boors, An. 1525, and Composed the Augsburg Confession, which was Exhi∣bited to the Emp. Charles V. in 1530. He wrote also an Apo∣logy for that Confession, which the Emperor would not ad∣mit. He had a Conference for 3 Days with Eckius at Worms, in 1541, about the remaining of Original Sin after Death; but the Conference was broke up by the Emperor's Command, and Adjourned to Ratisbone. He Refuted the Interim, but Flavius thinks he was not zealous enough against the Adiaphora. He denied Oral Manducation in the Lord's Supper, and was much of Zuinglius's Sentiments. He died at Wirtemberg, April 19. 1560. Aged 64 Years. He was of a sweet Temper, and high∣ly Esteemed, even by the greatest of his Enemies. Francis I. of France, had a great Desire to have seen him, on the Com∣mendation which his Sister, the Queen of Navarre, had given him; but the Cardinal de Tournon being affraid of the Conse∣quences, which might thence follow to the Popish Religion, did cunningly break off that Design. Melanchthon was also highly Commended by Erasmus, and the Emperor Ferdinand I. His Works were published in 5 Tomes in Folio at Basil, in 1544. The Character given him by Hoffman is, that he was the Phoe∣nix of Germany, and Restorer of the L beral Arts. Arrowsmith says, he was Vir in quo cum Doctrina pietas cum utraque Candor certavit. Lipsius says, he was Communis Germaniae Praeceptor. Ste∣phanus calls him Literarum & Literatorum decus. ••ontacute stiles him Theologiae Corculum Reformatae. Taubmannus writes of him.

  Heu quam multorum Lolio sterilesceret Arvum Ni bove solerti Melanchthonis illud arassent.

  He Composed his own Epitaph before his Death thus,

  Iste Brevis Tumulus miseri tenet Ossa Philippi Qui qualis fuerit nescio talis erat.

• Melania, a Roman Lady of an Illustrious Family, Daughter or Niece to the Consul Marcellinus. She was married very young, but her Husband, and 2 of her Sons, dying in one Year, she went in Pilgrimage to Jerusalem with one young One. She went for Egypt, and protected the Solitaries, who were Bani∣shed by the Arians, and reduced many of them, whom those Hereticks had perverted. She built a Monastery in Jerusalem, where she lived 25 Years in Religious Exercises. She was tain∣ted with Origen's Errours, but relinquished them. She visited St. Austin at Hippo, and died at Jerusalem, in 408. St. Aug. Ep. Baron.
• Melania the Younger, Niece or Grandchild to the former, was married to Pinienus, Son to Severus, and one of the grea∣test Noblemen of Rome, and fore-seeing the Destruction of that City, 2 Years before the taking of it by Alaric, in 409. she went with her Family to Carthage, and thence to see St. Augustin at Hippo. After which, her Husband, and she, lived Monastick Lives, and she retired into a Cell on Mount Olivet. Her Uncle Volusianus being at Constantinople, in 414, and desi∣rous to see her, she went to him, and was Instrumental in his Conversion from Paganism, as she was of several Nestorians from their Errours, and having animated the Emperor Theodo∣sius the Younger, and the Empress Eudoxia, to maintain the Truth, she returned to her Cell, and Died holily in 438. Ba∣ron. in Annal.
• Melanion, the Son of Amphidamas, and Grandson of Lycur∣gus, King of Arcadia, overcame the fair Atalanta, whom her Fa∣ther Jasius had promised in Marriage to the Man that should out-run her; by the three Golden Apples which Venus had gi∣ven him, which throwing down as he run, she hindered her Course by taking them up.
• Melas, a River of Thracia, the same which Xerxes dried up, by drinking out of it with his Army, according to Herodotus. Some call it La Mere, as Nardus, others, as Belon call it Larissa. There is another of this Name, which flows from Mount Par∣nassus, and makes the Sheep which feed on its Banks black.
• Melchiades, or Miltiades, Pope, was an African by Birth, and Succeeded Eusebius, Oct. 3. 311. He is Commended for having acquitted himself, as became his Charge. He Condem∣ned the Donatists by a Council of 19 Bishops at Rome, on Con∣stantine's Desire. He Ordered that no Fasts should be kept on Thursday nor Sunday, because the Pagans esteemed those Days Sacred, and after he had sat 2 Years, 2 Months, and 7 Days, in the Time of a most cruel Persecution, he died Dec. 10 313, and is reckoned among the Martyrs, according to the Custom of that Age, tho' he did not suffer a violent Death. Baron. * Platina says, he Governed 4 Years, 7 Months, and 9 Days, That he was Crown••d with Martyrdom, by Maximin's Order, and buried in the Via Appia.
• * ••elchior (Hoffman) a Skinner of Strasburg, about 1528. He was an Eloquent and Crafty Fellow, and deluded about 300 Men at Embden in Westfriezland into his Errours. He was a mighty Prop to John of Leyden's Reign, and looked upon as a great Prophet of the Party. He pretended that he should be Imprisoned 6 Months at Strasburg, and afterwards be set at li∣berty, and with his fellow Prophets, disperse their Opinions through the World; and arriving at Strasburg, he Challenged the Ministers to Dispute, but was Confounded, yet would he not acknowledge himself overcome. Others of his Party pro∣phesied. That after half a Years Imprisonment, he should go abroad with 144000 Prophets, and reduce the whole World to their Doctrine, without resistance; but, at last, he volunta∣rily pined himself to death. Prateole, Gautier.
• * Melchior (Rink) another of the same Kidney, was a mighty Promoter of those Enthusiastical Raptures, extolled Anabaptism, and was a mighty Interpreter of Dreams, giving out his Interpretations to be Heavenly Inspirations from God the Father. Thomas Stucker, one of his Disciples, in a full Coun∣cil of the Party at St. Gall in Swisserland, cut off his Brother's head, and was so much overcome with his Enthusiastical Con∣ceits, that he could not be beat out of it, but that he had therein Obeyed the Decrees of God. This happened in 1527.
• Melchisedeck, Priest of the Most High God, and King of Salem, met Abraham returning from the Victory over Chedor∣laomer, An. Mun. 2106. He blessed Abraham, and brought forth Bread and Wine, and Abraham gave him the Tithes of all that he had. 'Tis much Debated amongst the Learned, who this Mel∣chisedeck was; some Greek Fathers say he was a Pagan, Descen∣ded 〈1+ pages missing〉〈1+ pages missing〉

• 〈1+ pages missing〉〈1+ pages missing〉 would send him Leo the Philosopher, Bishop of Thessalonica, to teach him Mathematicks; but the Emperor refused to comply, tho' Memon promised to live in Peace with him, and pay him a considerable Summ of Gold, to help to defray the Charges of the fore-going War. This disappointment angered him so much, that he Invaded the Provinces of the Empire, but lost the Bat∣tel, and his Life, in 865. 'Tis said, that the two Armies being in sight the one of the other, he asked a Christian, whom he had taken Prisoner, the Name of that Place, who told him the Country was called Lalaceon, the Place of Battle Eptosante, and the River Hire, which he interpreted to portend bad Suc∣cess; because Lalaceon signifies Affliction of the People, Epto∣sante, Banished, and Hire, Trod under the Enemies Feet. Marmol.
• * Memphis, Heb. Odoph, an Ancient, Great and Populous City of Egypt, built above the Division of the Nile into 2 great Branches, but near it, and in the form of a Tube. Joseph. 8. Ant. 6. Minos, K. of Egypt, built this City, which, next to A∣lexandria, was the greatest of the old Cities, being 150 Stadia in Compass. It was, a long time, the Royal City of the Kings of Egypt, as appeareth by the Pyramids, and other ancient Mo∣numents about it. The Priests of this Place were so much Ce∣lebrated for their Learning, that Plato and Pythagoras went to hear them; yet they were noted to be excessive Superstitious. In St. Hierom's Time, they Worshipped here a brass Bull, as a God. This was also the Place where Apis, or Serapis, (the Living Bull) had his Temple, and the Devils gave out their O∣racles. Antipater, the Father of Herod, took this City, which was afterwards called Babylon, and now Cairo, or Grand Cairo, and of whose Greatness, strange, incredible Stories are related in our Times; as, that it is twice as big as Paris, but, in truth, it is equal to Rome (11 Miles in Compass) and much more Popu∣lous, as Lend. Romanus de Navigatione lib. 1. cap. 1. saith, Selim took this City, and added it to his Dominions, in 1515. Pto∣lomy. Long. 50. 00. Lat. 29. 50. See Grand Cairo.
• Memphitae, the Name of the Kings of Egypt that Reigned at Memphis, between the Lower Egypt, and Thebais. The first K. was Menes, who gave the beginning to the Empire of Egypt, and Foun∣ded the 3 Dynasties of This, Thebes, and Memphis. See Dynastie.
• Menades, Women transported with Fury, who Worshipped Bacchus. They were also called Bacchantes. They killed Or∣pheus, as Ovid feigns it, in the 11th. Book of his Metam. See Bacchantes.
• Menahem (de Lonzano) a Rabbi, composed a Book, Intitu∣led Secte Jadoth, wherein he Treats of divers things; the 1st. Part, Ortora, The Light of the Law, is the most considerable, for here the Author examines the Hebrew Text of the Pentateuch, and compares it with a great number of Manuscript Copies, the exacter to mark the different Readings, even to the very Niceties of Accent. It was printed at Venice in 1618. Some of the Copies may be had now of the Jews of Amsterdam. M. Simon.
• Menan, a River of the Indies in the Peninsula, beyond Gan∣ges. It is said to spring out of the Lake of Chiamai, in the Ter∣ritories of the K. of Ava. It over-flows every 6 Months. The Name Menan, in the Indian Language, signifieth The Mother of Rivers.
• Menandre, a Disciple of Simon Magus, and his Country∣man. He taught the same Errours with his Master in the Ist. Century, but preferred himself to him saying, He was sent to save Mankind, That his Disciples should never die. Basilides and Saturninus were his Scholars. St. Epiph. Baron.
• Menapians, a People of the Belgick Gaul, which Caesar, Pli∣nius and Tacitus mention. P. Briet and Sanson say, these People inhabited the Country that lies between the Scheld, and the Meuse, now the Dutchy of Brabant. Their chief Town was Kes∣sel upon the Meuse.
• Menasseh (Ben Israel) a Jew of the Spanish Synagogue of Amsterdam, has rendred himself famous amongst Christians, by the several Works which he composed in Latin, Spanish and Portuguese. In his Conciliador printed at Francfort, in 1632, he endeavours to reconcile the seeming Contradictions of Scripture. The Method he follows is altogether the Jewish, making use of the Testimony of ancient and late Rabbi's. He also acts the Philosopher, and Cabbalist, in some Places, and in other, keeps close to the Letter. They that are curious of Jewish Litera∣ture, may satisfie themselves in this Work, which is full of it. The Author takes this Quality, Theologoy Philosopho Hebraeo, and says in the Preface, That none of his Nation wrote on this Sub∣ject before him. M. Simon.
• Mencrates, a Physician of Syracusa, lived in the CVth. Olym∣piad, in the time of Artaxerxes Ochus. He was much esteemed for his Skill, but was far more notorious for his Vanity. He led such as he Cured along with him, dressing one like Apollo, a 2d. like Aesculapius, and a 3d. like Hercules, and he himself took the Crown, Scepter and Name of Jupiter, as having given life to others. He directed a Letter to Philip, the Father of Alexander the Great thus, Mencrates Jupiter Philippo regi salutem, K. Philip Subscribed his Answer to him thus, Philippus Mencrati 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Philip wishes Mencrates good Sense. Suidas, Aelian.
• Mende near Lot, a Town and Bishoprick of France, in the Province of Givaudan, of the Government of Languedoc, in the Cevennes. The Latins call it Mimatum Gabalorum, or Mirnata. 'Tis situate in a Valley surrounded with Hills. It suffered much in the Civil Wars, but is still considerable, and very pleasant, ha∣ving many fine Churches, and other sumptuous Buildings, as the Bishop's Palace, &c. This Prelate had Privilege formerly to coin Money.
• Mendecians, the Name of the Kings of Egypt, that Reigned at Mendes, in the middle of Delta, in the Lower Egypt. He that Founded that Dynasty, was called Nepheritus, or Nephreeus. His Successors were Acoris, Psammuthis, and Nepheritus II. who Reigned in all but 32 Years. Paulus Pezron, Antiquité des Temps.
• Mene, a Goddess, formerly Worshipped by the Roman Wo∣men, and Maidens, as curing them of their Monthly Issue. She hath the Name from the Greek Word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Month, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Moon; and some have taken her for the very Moon. St. Au∣gustinus lib. 4. de Civit. Dei cap. 4.
• Menedeme, a Philosopher, Son of Phedon, Native of Erythre∣um, lived in the CXXth. Olympiad, and An. Rom. 454, in great Esteem, and high Employments in his own Country. K. Anti∣gonus sending to him to come to Carouse with him, he desired to be Excused, and returned him this Answer, Remember thou art a King's Son, and ought not to do any thing unworthy thy self. To one that ask'd him, Whether a wise Man should Marry? He made Answer, Do not you know I have a Wife. Another tel∣ling him, That it was a great Happiness to have what we desire: He said, It was a greater not to desire but what we have. 'Tis said, he was very serviceable to his Country, and that he star∣ved himself to death, because he could not prevail with Anti∣gonus, to defist from oppressing it. Strabo.
• Menedemus, a Cynick Philosopher, Disciple of Colote of Lam∣saque, was so extravagantly Superstitious, that he pretended he was come out of Hell, to examine Men's Actions, in order to give the God's an Account of them. He wore a long, tawny-coloured Robe, which hung down to his Heels, a red Sash a∣bout him, a kind of Turban on his Head, marked with 12 Let∣ters, Buskins on his Feet, wore his Beard long, and carried a Stick, on which he rested himself from time to time. Dioge∣nes Laertius.
• Menelaus, the Brother of Agamemnon, King of the Myceni, married Helena, whom Paris run away with; which occasio∣ned the Trojan War, as I observe elsewhere. See Helena.
• Menes, born at This, a Town of Thebais, in the Upper E∣gypt, was the Founder of the Egyptian Empire. He is said to have had 3 Sons, that divided his Empire among themselves. The First was named Athotis, who Commanded after him at This and Thebes. The Second was Curudes, who had for his Por∣tion all Lower Egypt, where he Established the Kingdom of He∣liopoli, which afterwards was the Kingdom of Diospoli. The Third was Necherophes, who Reigned at Memphis, between the Lower and Higher Egypt. Some Authors are of Opinion, That this Menes sat upon the Throne, 117 Years after the Birth of Phaleg, the Son of Heber, which was the very Year of the Dis∣persion of the People throughout the whole Earth. He is said to have built Memphis, and, that by a wonderful Invention, he stopped the Nile near this Town, viz. by a Causey a 100 Fur∣longs broad, and caused it to take another Course through the Mountains, through which it now runs. This Causey was kept with great care, by the Kings of Egypt, and they used to keep Guards upon it, least it should be spoiled. P. Pezron's Anti∣quity of Times, Marmol of Africk lib. 11.
• Menesarchus, the Son of Pythagoras, kept his Father's School for a while, with his Brother Telauges. It is the Opinion of Eusebius in his Chronicles. But Diogenes Laertius saith, That Pythagoras had but one Son, who was this same Telauges. Dio∣genes Laërtius in vita Pythagorae.
• Menestheus, or Mnestheus, the Son of Peteos. He was K. of Athens, and Conquered that Kingdom by the help of Castor and Pollux, who forced Theseus out of it, An. Mun. 2864. He died in the Island Meloz, returning from the Trojan War, An. Mun. 2871. having Reigned 7 Years. Plutarch. in Thes. Euse∣bius in Chron.
• Mengrelia: See Mingrelia.
• Menippus, a Cynick Philosopher, was born a Slave in Phoenicia. He got, in a little time, wherewithal to purchase his liberty, and to make himself a Citizen of Thebes. From that time he became an Usurer, for which infamous Trade, being laugh'd at and scorned by every body, out of shame and despair, hanged himself. He compo∣sed 13 Books full of Railery and Satyr; though others affirm, that these Books were none of his, but writ by Dionysius and Zopyrus. Diogenes Laertius mentions several Greek Authors of that Name. The first had writ the History of the Lydians, and abbreviated the Works of Xanthus; the second was a Sophist of Caria; ano∣ther was a Graver, and two were Painters.
• Menippus of Stratonica, a Town of Caria, was a famous O∣rator in his time. Plutarch and Strabo mention him with Com∣mendation, as likewise Cicero, who owns Menippus for the first Man, and the most Eloquent of his Age; and, in a word, a true Attick Orator. Strabo lib. 14. Cicero in Bruto.
• Mennas, Patriarch of Constantinople in the VIth. Centu∣ry, succeeded Anthymus in 536. He was Chief of the great Mo∣nastery, or Hospital of that City called Samson, and Pope Aga∣pet Ordained him, at the Request of the Emperor Justinian. He called a Synod against the Origenists, in 536, and another in 538. But afterwards, his excessive Complaisance with the Court, engaged him in the Sentiments of the Emperor, who pub∣lished an Edict against the 3 Chapters, and Pope Vigilius blaming his Weakness, Excommunicated him. Memnas indeed owned his

〈1+ pages missing〉〈1+ pages missing〉

• Fault, and died in the Communion of the Church, in 552. Evagrius lib. 4. Anastasius, in vit. Pontif. Baronius in Annal.
• Mennonites, a certain Sect of Anabaptists in Holland, so cal∣led from one Mennon Simonis of Frisia, who lived in the XVIth. Century. The Protestants, as well as the Roman Catholicks, confuted them. Several Socinians joined with them. M. Stoupp explains their Doctrine thus, Mennon is not the first of the Ana∣baptists, but having rejected the Enthusiasms and Revelations of the first Anabaptists, and their Opinions, touching the New King∣dom of Jesus Christ, he set up other Tenets, which his Secta∣tors hold to this time. They Believe, That the New Testament is the only Rule of our Faith, That the Terms of Person and Trinity are not to be used, in speaking of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, That the first Men were not Created Just, That there is no Original Sin, That Jesus Christ had not his Flesh from the Substance of his Mother Mary, but from the Essence of his Father, That it is not lawful for Christians to Swear, or Exercise any Office of Magistracy, nor use the Sword to punish Evil-Doers, nor to wage War upon any Terms, That a Christi∣an may attain to the height of Perfection in this Life, That the Ministers of the Gospel ought to receive no Salary, That Chil∣dren are not to be Baptized, That the Souls of Men, after Death, rest in an unknown place. In the mean time, these Mennonites are broken into several Divisions, for very inconsi∣derable Reasons. Many amongst them have embraced the O∣pinions of the Socinians, or rather of Arians, touching the God∣head of Jesus Christ, and they are all for Toleration in Reli∣gion; not thinking that they may lawfully debar from their As∣semblies, any Man that leads a pious Life, and that owns the Scriptures for the Word of God. These are called Galenites, and borrow their Name from a Physician of Amsterdam, called Galen. Some of them are called in Holland, Collegiates, because they meet privately, and every one in their Assembly hath the Liberty to Speak, to Expound the Scriptures, to Pray, and to Sing. They that are truly Collegiates, are Ʋnitarians. They ne∣ver receive the Communion in their College, but they meet twice every Year, from all Parts of Holland at Rhynsbourg, a Village, about 2 Leagues off Leiden, where they receive the Sacraments; the first that sits at the Table, may distribute it to the rest, and all Sects are admitted, even the Roman Catholicks, if they would come. Stoupp's Religion of the Hollanders. See Anabaptists.
• Menochius, vulgarly called Menochio (James) a famous Lawyer, born at Pavia. He was of a mean Family, but he made it Illustrious by his Merit and Learning; for he became so Skil∣ful in the Law, that he was commonly called the Baldus, and Bartholus of his Age. All the Princes of Italy, endeavoured to get him to read in their Universities. He read in Piedmont, then at Pisa, then at Padua, where he lived 23 Years together; but at last, the love of his Country brought him to Pavia, where he got the Professor's Chair of Nicholas Gratiani, dead a little before. Philip II. K. of Spain, shewed, on several Occa∣sions, the great Esteem he had for Menochio, by making him first Councellor, then President of the Council at Milan. He hath got an Immortal Fame by his Works; the most considerable are these, De recuperanda possessione, De adipiscenda possessione, De praesumptionibus, De arbitrariis Judicum quaestionibus & Causis Con∣siliorum, Tom. XIII. &c. James Menochio died August 10. 1607. Aged 75 Years. Thomasini in Elog. Illust. P. 1. Lorenzo Crasso, Elog. d'Huom. Letter. Ghilini, Thuanus, Riccioli, &c.
• Menology, that is, A Greek Calendar, which answers to a Mar∣tyrology, wherein the Lives of the Saints in short, or their Names only, are cited; and is different from what they call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Menaion; which is like the Papists's Breviary. Leo Al∣lat. 1. Dissert. de lib. Eccles.
• Mentel (John) a German Gentleman, born at Strasbourg, Invented the Art of Printing, about 1440, or 42, and at first made the Letters of Box, or Pear-tree, afterwards of Pewter, and, at last, of Lead, Pewter, Brass and Antimony mixed toge∣ther. Gensfleich, his Servant, revealed his Master's Art to a Goldsmith named Guttemberg; but the Emperor Frederick III. by Patent in 1466, declared Mentel the only Inventer of the Art, and permitted him to Crown the Lion in his Coat of Arms with Gold, and to add a golden Crown, surmounted with a Bunch of streight Feathers, to the Lion on the Crest, which may be seen still in his Posterity's Coat of Arms. Jam. Mentel de vera Typographiae origine 1650. Parisiis.
• Mentz, Lat. Moguntia, Magontiacum, a City of Germany of great Antiquity, situate upon the Rhine, 6 German Miles from Frankfort on the Main to the W. 18 from Treves, and 15 from Spire to the N. It derived its Name from the River Main, or Moin, which falls into the Rhine over against it. The ancientest City in that part of Germany, as having been certainly built before the Birth of our Saviour, being a City in the Times of Drusus, General of Augustus. In 745, it was made an Archbi∣shop's See, instead of Worms, to which it was Suffragan before. It was very severely treated by Frederick Aenobarbus, the Empe∣ror, in 1158, but re-built, and restored by Otho IV. In 1462, it was taken by Adolphus of Nassaw, its Bishop. Its University was opened in 1461. Gustavus Adolphus entered it in Triumph in 1631. It was re-taken from the Swedes in 1635, but they took it the next Year after, and kept it till the Peace of Munster. It claims the Invention of Printing, about 1430. Dr. Brown says, 'tis a strong and guarded Place, adorned with Churches, Mo∣nasteries, and other fair Buildings; but the narrowness of its Streets, and many old Houses, takes away from its beauty. 'Tis most extended towards the River, and that part excels the o∣ther also towards the Land, as being more populous, and bet∣ter built. Its Archbishop, is Arch-Chancellor of the Empire, and the first of the Electoral College in all publick Conven∣tions, he sits at the right hand of the Emperor. This City re∣ceived a French Garrison in 1688, but being besieged by the Confederate Forces, under the Duke of Lorrain, it was Surren∣dered September 11. 1689, after Six or Seven Weeks resistance.
• Mephitis, a Goddess presiding over Sinks, and stinking Places, from the Greek Mephitis infection. Some say, she's the same with Juno, the Goddess of the Air, from the Corruption whereof all Stinks proceed. Servius in Virgil. Aen. lib. 7.
• Meppen, a fortified Town of Westphalia, on the little Ri∣ver Hase, between M••nster and Embden, belonging to the B^p of Munster.
• * Mercado, called Mercatus (Lewis) Philip II's Physician, born at Valladolid in Spain, flourished in 1580, and 90. All his Works were printed at Frankfort in 5 Volumes in Folio. Castel∣lan in vita Illust. Medic.
• Mercator (Gerard) one of the most famous Geographers of his time, born in 1512 at Ruremonde in the Low-Countries, so de∣lighted in Mathematicks, that he neglected Eating and Sleeping. He composed a Chronology, some Geographical Tables, an At∣las, &c. besides Divinity and Philosophy Books. He engraved and coloured his Maps himself. He died in 1594. Vossius de Scient. Math Valer. Andr. Bibl. Belg.
• Mercatrude, or Marcatrude, Gontran, King of Orleans's 2d. Wife, who being jealous of Venerande, poisoned her Son Gom∣baut by Gontran; but soon after, by a just Judgment of God, lost her own Son, and was Divorced. She died about 566, or 67. Gregor. Tur. lib. 4. cap. 24.
• Mercava, a Word famous amongst the Jews, to signify deep Speculations on the Nature of God and Spiritual Beings. It sig∣nifieth properly a Chariot, and has been taken out of Ezekiel's Vision, where Chariots are often mentioned. Rabbi Juda, sur∣named The Holy, Author of the Misna, comprehends under the Name of the Work of Mercava, the 3 Visions, viz. That of the Wheels, Of the Beasts, and, Of the Man, according as they are written in Ezekiel. R. Moses also understands by Mercava, the high Mysteries of the Creation, understood only by wise Men, and not to be expounded to common People. M. Simon.
• * Mercer, an Anabaptist in the XVIIth. Century, kept Prisoner in England, for publishing his Errours, viz. That Baptism is a Pro∣phane Invention; That Regeneration is to be received by the Adult only. Galter. Chron. S. 17. cap. 20.
• * Mercia, the Name of a large Kingdom of Britain, in the time of the Heptarchy; large in comparison to the rest, for it con∣tained no less than 16 Counties, besides part of Hartfordshire, as may be seen under the Word Heptarchy. It took the Name of Mercia, from the Word Meare, signifying a Bound, or Limit; this Kingdom being, in a manner, bounded by all the rest of the Saxon Kingdoms.
• Mercier, Lat. Mercerus (John le) born at Ʋzez in Languedoc. Died in 1570. Thuanus saith, That he was the most Learned in Hebrew, that ever was amongst the Christians. His Comments on many Books of the Bible, are much esteemed. Josias le Mer∣cier, his Son, was famous also for his Learning and Works. St. Marth. in Elog. Doct. Gall. lib. 2. Thuan. hist. lib. 3. Le Mire, &c.
• Mercocur, a little Town of Auvergne in France, honoured with the Title of Dukedom. K. Charles IX. erected it into a Principality in 1563, and afterwards into a Dukedom and Peer∣dom in 1569, and it gave its Name to the Ancient and Noble House of Mercoeur, or Mercueil. M. M. Justel, S. Marthe, Du Chesne, Du Bouchet, Du Puy, &c.
• Mercuriale, the Name of an Assembly of the Parliament of Paris, held the first Wednesday after St. Martin's Holy-day, and the first Wednesday after Easter-Week; where the first Presi∣dent, and one of the Attorneys-General, speak against the Cheats and Disorders in the Administring of Justice. This Word is also taken for the Discourse, made that Day on that Subject. Thence Mercuriale is taken for a publick Reprimand. Memoirs du Temps.
• Mercury, a Heathen God, Son of Jupiter by Maia. They commonly distinguish 3 other Mercury's; but they are not dif∣ferent from Maia's Son. He was the God's Messenger, having Wings at his Heels, and a Caduceum in his hand. He condu∣cted the Souls of the Deceased into Hell, and had Power to take them out again. He was the God of Eloquence and Mer∣chandice. Mercury is also one of the 7 Planets. Ovid. Metam. Hesiod. Homer. Natal. Comes, &c.
• Mercury, Named by the Graecians Trismegista, that is, Three Times Great, because Priest, King and Philosopher, was an E∣gyptian, lived after Moses, and invented divers Arts. Cicero and Lactantius say, That there were 5 great Men of that Name, and that this was the last. Marsilius Ficinus makes him Atlas's Ne∣phew; and, according to St. Austin, he was a Magician. His Works are lost, and the 2 Dialogues attributed unto him, are not his. St. Austin. l. 8. c. 23. De Civit. Dei. Strabo l. ib. Causa∣bon. Marsil. Ficin. Genebrard. Chron. &c.
• * Mere, a Market-Town in Wiltshire, the Capital of its Hun∣dred.

• Sicily, An. Rom. 84. and settled at Zancle, which they called Messenia. Others relate this differently, The Mamertines con∣quered Messina, and being attacked by the Carthaginians, were Assisted by the Romans, which was the beginning of the first Punick War, that continued 24 Years to An. Rom. 513. This Town became afterwards a Roman Colony; the Saracen•• took it in 1058. Messina was always the most famous Town of Sicily. Its situation is Pleasant, partly on Hills, and partly in the Plain, representing an Amphitheater, in the middle of which is the Port, 1000 Paces long, bordered with a Key, built with Free∣stones, and Adorned with fine Houses. The Trade, chiefly of Silks, inricheth the Town. Its Fare and Canal is the Passage for all Ships coming from the East. The Town is strong, A∣dorned with stately Churches and Houses. St. Mary the New, whose Porch and Pavement are of Marble of different Colours, where are 14 Marble Statues, a Vault painted, and the Taber∣nacle of Gold, &c. challenges a Visit. The Spaniard's severe Government made them Rebel, in 1671. Messina has produ∣ced many great Men, as Dicearcus, Symmachus, Ibicus, Lycus, &c. Antonello da Messina, a Painter in XVth. Century, who having learn'd of John de Bruges in Flanders to paint in Oil, carried the Receipt into Italy, where it was unknown before. Strabo l. 6. Pliny l. 6. c. 8. Placido Rayna Memor. Hist. della Cita de Mess. Solin. c. 11. Polyb. &c.
• Metamorphists, or Transformers, a Name given in the XVI^th. Century to those Sacramentarians, who affirmed, That the Body of Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven, is wholly Deified. Pra∣teole, or du Preau.
• Metangismonites, Hereticks so named from the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, A Vessel, who say, that the Word is in his Fa∣ther, as one Vessel in another. The Author of this Opinion is unknown. St. Austin haer. 58. Castrodeus haer. 6. Prateol. 5. Me∣tangism.
• ... Metaphrastes: See Simon Metaphrastes.
• Metelino, an Island of the Aegaean Sea in Asia, the Lesbos of the Ancients. The Name of its Chief Town was given unto it. There are 2 considerable Ports. Formerly it was under the Venetians, but now under the Turks, to whom it payeth a Tribute of 18000 Piastres. Its Revenue consists in Corn, Fruit and Cheese.
• Methodius I. Patriarch of Constantinople in the IXth. Centu∣ry, a zealous Defender of Images, by the Emperor Theophilus's Orders was beaten, and shut up in a Well, where he was al∣lowed nothing but Bread and Water to live upon. Theophilus being dead, Michael III. succeeded him, whose Mother and Guardianess restored Methodius to his Patriarchate, in 842. And soon after he called a Council to restore Images. He was Charged by his Enemies, with having debauch'd a Woman; but he shewed his Inability, and died in 847. Cedren. Hincmar, Baronius, &c.
• Methodius, a Greek, religious and good Painter, who im∣ployed by Bogoris, King of Bulgaria, to draw terrible Objects, which he loved to behold, represented the last Judgment so terrible, that Bogoris being frighted, resolved to imbrace Chri∣stianity, and was Christned in 845. Maimbourg hist. des Icono∣clastes.
• Metius (Adrian) a Mathematician, born at Alcmaër in Hol∣land, famous for his Works in the XVIth. and XVIIth. Centu∣ry. His Brother James Metius invented the Prospective Glas∣ses, or Telescopes, which made Objects at a distance appear near. He presented one of them to the General States in 1608. Valer. Andr. Bibl. Belg. Vossius de Mathem. &c. Cartes in Dioptr.
• Metius (Suffetius) General, or Dictator of the Town of Al∣ba, in Tullus Hostilius's Reign. In his time, the Fight was pro∣posed between the 3 Horaces, against the 3 Curiaces, and Alba was subdued. But afterwards, Suffetius betraying the Romans in their War against the Veians, and Tullus Hostilius having got the Victory, caused Suffetius, as breaker of the Treaty, to be tied between 2 Chariots, and drawn by 2 strong Horses, that tore him in pieces in the sight of the Army. Tit. Liv. l. 2. Flo∣rus l. 1. c. 3. Dion. Halicarn. &c.
• Metochites (Theodorus) Logothetes, one of the most learned Men of Greece in the XIVth. Century, called A Living Library, because of his extraordinary Memory, wrote many Histories, and other Books, and died in 1332. Vossius de Hist. Lat. &c. Meursius in Not. ad Matoch. &c.
• Meion of Athens, a famous Mathematician, published about An. Rom. 321. his Enneadecaëteride, that is, his Circle of Nine∣teen Years, to add the Course of the Sun, to that of the Moon, and make the Solar and Lunar Years begin at the same Point. The Learned agree not about the beginning of Meton's Period. Ptolom. l. 3. Almagesti. Aelian. l. 10. c. 7. div. hist. Scalig. de emend. Temp. Vossius de Mat. c. 33. &c.
• Metra, Daughter of Erysichthon, a Thessalian Lord, prostitu∣ted her self to satisfy her Father's prodigious hunger, and there being no Gold nor Silver then, she received of her Lovers, an Ox, an Horse, a Sheep, or some other Beasts, which made the Poets say, she took several Shapes, and that being loved by Neptune, he had given her the Faculty to Transfo••m her self as she pleased. Ovid lib. 8. Metamorph.
• Metrodorus, a famous Architect, about An. Ch. 327. He was born in Persia, and imbraced Christianity. He went to the Indies, where he got a great Name, and considerable Riches. Cedrenu•• observes, That he persuaded the Emperor Constantine, to make War with the King of Persia, that he might deli∣ver the Christians there from Persecution. Cedrenus histor. compend.
• Metrophanes (Critopulus) the Author of the Greek Church's Creed, sent into England by Cyril Lucar, Patriarch of Constanti∣nople, for a perfect Knowledge of the Condition of the Pro∣testant Churches in Europe, landing at Hamburgh, went through Germany, where he Composed the said Creed. M. Si∣mon.
• Metropolitan. This Word comes from the Metropolitan Towns, the Capital, or Mother Cities, out of which Colonies were sent. This Name was also given afterwards to Cities, which Commanded a Province, and this Title and Rights of Metropolis, were given by the Emperours. The Church knew no such Name, before the Council of Nice, the Name of Bishop being only used then. The Name of Archbishop and Me∣tropolitan, are very promiscuously used; nevertheless it ap∣pears, by the ancient Notitia's of Churches, that the Metro∣politan was above the Archbishop, and below the Patriarch. But Archbishops now, and Metropolitans, are reciprocal Terms. In the Notitia's of the Greek Churches it is plain, that some Bi∣shops were erected into Metropolitans, by the Emperors; but it was only a Titular Honour, those Titular Metropolitans being always under the true Metropoli••an. M. Simon.
• Metz, on the Influx of the River Seille into the Moselle, a Bi∣shoprick and Chief Town of the Messin-Country in France, na∣med in Latin Metae, or Mediomatricum, or Divodurum Medioma∣tricorum. It is very ancient, and was the Chief Town of the Kingdom of Austrasia. The Princes of Germany in 1551. put themselves under the Protection of Henry II. K. of France, and in a Treaty, acknowledged him for the Restorer and Defender of the German Liberty. According to this Treaty, he went to∣wards the Rhine, at the Head of a powerful Army, and seized upon these 3 Towns Metz, Toul and Verdun, formerly belonging to him, but usurped afterwards by the Emperors. Charles V. endeavoured, in vain, to take Metz; and by the Peace of Cha∣teau Cambresis, in 1559, those 3 Towns were left in the Power of the French. Henry II. dying in 1560, the Emp. Ferdinand I. demanded them again, to no purpose; so this Matter rested, till the settling of a Parliament at Metz in 1633. Then the Em∣peror's Commissioners complained, That the King of France, who had been only considered as Protector of those Towns, and their Territories, was going to Abolish the ordinary Ju∣risdictions, and the Inhabitant's Right of Appealing to the Im∣perial Chamber, making himself absolute alone. At last, those Complaints ended by the Peace of Munster, in 1648, by the 44th. Article, the Sovereign Power of those 3 Towns, being to remain to the Crown of France, reserving only the Right of Metropolitan to the Archbishop of Triers. Metz is a large and populous Town, pleasantly situated. Henry II. fortified it with a Cittadel. Its Bishop Suffragan to Triers, takes the Title of a Prince of the Empire. The Cathedral is famous for its Anti∣quity, Prerogatives, and many Curiosities, as a Font of one piece of Porphyry 10 Foot long. There are 4 Arch-Deacon∣ries in the Diocess, 623 Parishes, 16 of them in Metz, 4 Abbies of Men, and 3 of Women, several Religious Houses, &c. Tradi∣tion saith, that Clement, St. Peter's Disciple, was their first Pre∣late, which is very uncertain. Thuan. hist. St. Marthe Gall. Christ. Du Chesne antiq. des villes. Fabert's Descript. du Pais Messin. &c.
• COƲNCILS of Metz. The first Synod was held there in 590, where Giles, Bishop of Rheims, was Deposed and Banished, for Conspiring against the King's Life. Another was called by Pepin in 753. Another was held in 835. where Lewis the Merciful, Deposed before, was Crowned again. Another in 859. Another in 863. Another in 888, or 889. Another in 1272. &c.
• Meun, or Mehun, a little Town of Berry in France, on the River Yevre, which is not the Mediolanum Aulercorum of Anto∣nine; for the Aulerques were in Le Maine, Perche, and the Diocess of Eureux; neither is it the Megledunum of Gregory de Tours, as Ortelius thought. However there is another Borough on the River Inde in Berry, named ••eun.
• Meurs, a well fortified Town in the Low Country of the Rhine in Germany. Some place it in the Dukedom of Cleves, tho' it be in the Diocess of Cologne. It had particular Earls for∣merly, but now belongs to the Princes of Orange, and Earls of Nassaw.
• Meursius (John) a Dutch-man, so naturally inclined to Lear∣ning, that being but 12 or 13 Years of Age, he was chosen' History-Professor in the University of Leyden, and afterwards Professor of the Greek Tongue, and in 1625, Christiern IV. King of Denmark, invited him to his new University of Sora, to teach History and Politicks. Here he died in 1641, after he had Published, Corrected, and Enriched with his Notes, several Latin and Greek Authors.
• La Meuse, in Latin, Mosa, in Italian, La Mosa, in German, Die Mase, in Dutch, Bas Maas, a River of Europe, whose Head is in Champagne, near a Village called Meuse, and Montigni le Roy; thence it runs through Lorrain; begins to be Navigable at St. Thibaud; receives the Sambre near Namur; joins with the Ri∣ver

• ... Vahal near Hervoerden, where it takes the Name of Merwe; and having formed an Island called Ysselmonde near Dordrecht, runs into the Ocean.
• Mexia, or Messia (Peter) born at Sevil in Spain, Charles V's Chronographer, Author of divers Works, died in 1552. An∣drew Matamore de Doct. Hisp. viris blames him, for introducing some Latin Words into the Spanish Tongue. Le Mire de Script. saec. 16.
• Mexico, or New Spain, a large Country of the Northern America, so denominated from its Chief City, called also New Spain, since the Spaniards settling there. It is 600 Leagues long, from the River Chagre in the Isthmus of Panama, to that of del Norte de la mer Vermeille. Its Breadth is irregular. It has the Mexick Sea on the East, its Gulph, Florida, and New Mexico on the North, and the Southern Sea on the West and South. All the Country is divided into 3 Chief Audiences, or Govern∣ments, viz. Mexico, Guada la java, or New Galicia, and Guati∣mala; the First contains 7 Provinces, Mexico, Mechoachan, Pa∣nuco, Jucatan, Los Angelos, Guaxaca and Tabasco. I name the rest in the Article of New Spain. It is a fruitful and healthful Country. There the Kine, She-goats, Sheep, &c. bear twice a Year. Gold and Silver Mines are common, nevertheless Cacao-Nuts serve for Money. Their Muguey, or Maquey is an admi∣rable Plant, furnishing Small Wine, Vinegar, Honey, Needles, Thred, Stuffs and Timber. All European Commodities, except Oil and Wine, are to be found there. The chief Rivers are Pa∣nuco, Equitalan, Les Yopes and Mexico. Nicaragua and Mexico are the chief Lakes. The Inhabitants are of a good, faithful, free-born Spirit, but naturally lazy. Their miraculous Bird Cincon, less than a May-bug, covered with wonderful Feathers, feeds, as they say, upon Dew, and the Smell of Flowers, and fastening it self to a Bough in October, sleeps there till April. The last Kings were Motecuma, who ended so tragically and shamefully, and Quahutimoc, or Quicuxtenoc, Elected in his place. Ferdi∣nand Cortez Conquered it in 3 Years time, from 1518, to 1521. The noise of his Artillery made them believe him a God; but the Spaniard's Cruelty soon shewed that they were scarce Men.
• The Archbishoprick of Mexico is 135 Leagues long from S. to North, and 60 from East to West, contains many little Pro∣vinces. Above 4000 Spaniards work, with a great number of Slaves, in the Silver Mines; and some Jasper, almost like Por∣phyry, is also taken out of a Mountain there.
• ...

  Mexico, Lat. Mexicum, the chief City of the Archbishop∣rick, and of the vast Country of that Name, 20 Degrees off from the Equinoxial Line, is situated near a Lake of the same Name, whose Water is salt, because of the Niter at the bot∣tom; this Lake joining another, both are above 30 Leagues about. It produceth a kind of Fishes without Scales, having 4 Feet, and privy Parts much like Women's, as also their Month∣ly Flowers, the Natives call them Axolotl, and the Spaniards Juguete de agua. There are now 4000 Spaniards in Mexico, and about 30000 Natives. It is the Residence of the Vice-Roy, and Archbishop, and was built, as the Natives say, in 1322, all along the Lake, and not upon it, as Venice on the Sea. The Spaniards took it in 1519. It was almost drowned in 1629, but soon repaired. A Modern Author affirms, That there were 30 or 40000 Spaniards here in 1635, whereof many had rich and stately Coaches, drawn by fine Horses shod with Silver Shooes. Men and Women wear commonly silk Cloths, and rich Jewels, and even Slaves never go without Pearls, golden Bracelets, Necklaces, Buckles, Rings, &c. with precious Stones, which shews the Wealth of Mexico. Herriera, Linschot, Sanson, Duval, Robbe, Ovied. l. 17. A. Costa l. 7. Henry Martinez, &c.

  COƲNCILS of Mexico. The Missionary's called a Synod in 1524, and Condemned the Plurality of Wives. Another was held there 1585, to reform Manners.

• Mexico, or New Mexico, a Country in Northern Ame∣rica, divided by high Mountains from Canada and Florida on the East, has Mexico on the South, the Sea of California on the West, but its Bounds and Extent are not well known on the North. Some say it was the Country of the ancient Nava∣telcas, who settled in Mexico. Antonio d'Epeio discovered it about 1583, and named it New Mexico; the chief Provinces whereof are Anien, Quivira and Cibola, and Santa fe the chief Town. The Air is good and sweet, and the Land, tho' Moun∣tainous, fruitful. There are some Silver Mines, Turquoises, E∣meralds, Crystal, &c. The Natives are naturally good and ci∣vil, Governed by a Captain named Casick, whom they chuse themselves; many of them were Converted by the Spaniards, who have a Governor at Santa Fe, but the rest are given to Idolatry.
• Meyne, a Place 200 Paces off from Arles in Provence, where there is a Spring of Mineral Water, good for the Gravel and Dropsy, Obstructions and Impurity of Blood. Its Vertue was found out 1680. Memoirs du Temps.
• Mezeray (Francis Eudes de) Historiographer of France, and the French Academy's Secretary, named Eudes, which was the Name of his Family, and Mezeray, from the Village Mezeray, near Argentan in the Lower Normandy. Being acquainted at Paris with John Baudouin, Member of the Academy, who had undertaken to write a general History of France, he helped him to seek and dispose the Memoirs, concerning the First Race of the Kings of France; and after Baudouin's death, he was chosen to continue the Work; then he took the Name of Mezeray, and afterwards of de Mezeray, and had an Allowance from the Chancellor Seguier, another from the King, and a third from Cardinal Mazarin. He put out 3 Volumes in Folio, of the General History of France to Henry IV. and Abridged it in 8 Volumes in Twelves. This Work acquired him the Name of the most Faithful and Learned Historian, that ever was in France. He died in 1683. Memoires du Temps.
• Mezieres, on the Meuse, a Town of Champagne in France, with a doubly fortified Cittadel, Lat. Maderiacum, and Maceriae, between Sedan and Charleville, partly on the Hill, and partly in the Valley. Near this City Arionistus, King of the Germans, gave the Gauls a great Defeat, before the coming of Julius Caesar into Gallia; after which, he treated the Gauls with so much Severity, that they begged the Assistance of the Romans, for the Expulsion of the Germans, which occasioned the Con∣quest of Gallia by Julius Caesar. Com. lib. 1.
• Mezorotta (Lewis) of Padua, a Cardinal, Archbishop of Florence, afterwards Patriarch of Aquileia, left the Name of his Family which was Arena, to take that of his Mother. He had a warlike Inclination, and was imployed by Pope Eugenius IV. in several Wars against Milan and Naples. Under Calixtus III. he was declared General of a Croisade against the Infidels, whose Gallies he scattered, and took Lemnos, and other Islands of the Archipelago, and so got a great Name, but had better Qualities for a Soldier than a Churchman. He died in 1465. Platina, Spond. Auberi. Thomasin. in Elog. &c.
• Mezzavacca (Bartholomew) a Cardinal, Bishop of Rieti, born at Bologne, being unwilling to comply with the unreason∣able Designs of Ʋrban VI. for the advancement of his Nephew, lost his Cardinal's Cap, which Boniface IX. restored to him a∣gain. He died in 1396. Sigonius dé Epist. Bonon. l. 3. Ciaco∣nius, Auberi. &c.