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.

• Po, Lat. Padus, Eridanus, a River in Italy, famous for the Fall of Phaeton, that runs from West to East, arising from the Alps, in Mount Visa, that lies between Dauphiné and the Marquisate of Saluces. It passeth near to the said City of Saluces; thence to Car∣magnole, Turin, and the Territories of the Duke of Savoy, where it receives into it several small Rivers; from thence it runs and watereth Montferrat, the Milanese; and passing by Cazal towards Valence and Pavia, thence goes to Placenza, Cremona, to the Countries of the Dukes of Parma and Mantua; and afterwards through the Lands of the Church, into the Dutchy of Ferrara; where it's divided into two Branches, which are again sub-divi∣ded into several other Branches, and discharge themselves almost all into the Venetian Sea. * This River receiveth into it the Ad∣da, the Tesin, &c. and is very dangerous in respect of its Inun∣dations, notwithstanding the Dikes made to keep it in. It re∣ceives about thirty other Rivers from the Alps and Apennine, and being much the greatest River in Italy, and highly magnified by the Latin Poets, who compare it with the Nile and Danube, call it the King of Rivers, and the greatest in the World. It is indeed a very noble River, and the Constellation Erida∣nus takes it's Name from it; but there are a great many greater Streams in Europe. Its principal Branches are, Il Po grando, Il Po di Ariano, Il Po di Valana, & Il Po d' Argenta. Strabo l. 5. Pli∣ny l. 3. c. 16. Solin Polyb. &c. quoted by Leander Alberti. Desc. Ital.
• * Pocalingron, a Market Town of Harthill Wapentake, in the East-riding of Yorkshire.
• Pocutia, a little Province in Poland, in Black-Russia, to∣wards Moldavia, and Transilvania, having no Towns of Conse∣quence in it.
• Podiebrack, or Poggebrach, (George) was Governor of Bo∣hemia, for young King Uladislaus, Posthumous Son to Albert of Austria, and made himself to be declared King in 1458. He won a Battle from the Moravians, and got himself to be crowned in 1461. But his Inclination to the Hussites lost him the Kingdom. The Popes were his Enemies, and his Subjects took Arms against him, and invited Matthias Corvinus to take Possession of the Crown, whom he was too weak to resist. He died afterwards of a Dropsie, the 22d. of March, in the Year 1461. Cochleus Hist. de Hussit. l. 12. Michovius l. 4. Dubrav. l. 30, 31. Hist. Bo∣hem. &c.
• * Podlassia, a Province of Poland, called by them Podlaske, is bounded on the East by Volhinia, on the North by Lithuania, on the. West by Massovia, and on the South by Russia Nigra. It was united to the Kingdom of Poland in 1569. It belonged formerly to Lithuania, and was dismembred from it. The prin∣cipal Place in it is Bielsko. It is called Podelassia. Next Bielsk are Tycokzyn and Augustow, two strong Places. The other Towns are Bransko, Suras, Knyssyn, Narew, Wasilkow and Augustow.
• Podolia, a great Province of Poland, in Lithuania, between Moldavia, Black-Russia and Volhinia. It's usually divided into the Higher-Podolia, that lies to the West, wherein are the Cities of Bar and Kaminieck; and into the Lower, which lies to the East; and has in it the City of Bracklaw. This Province is very fer∣tile, hath been often wasted by the Inroads of the Tartars and Cossacks, and is now the Theatre of the War between the Poles and the Turks, who have made themselves Masters of Caminieck.
• Poecile, a Gallery in Athens, enriched with curious Paintings, where Zeno read his Philosophick Lectures, and where his Fol∣lowers disputed, for which Reason they were called Stoicks; from the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signifies a Gallery. The word Poecile comes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, diversified, because of the variety of Pictures there.
• Pogge, Braciolin, or Brandolin, or Florentin, lived in the fif∣teenth Age, and was Secretary to the Popes Eugenius IVth. and Nicholas Vth. and to Six more, as himself witnesseth. He con∣tinued at Rome till he was seventy years old, when he was re∣called to Florence, to be Secretary to the Republick. He was a Man of Learning, but Satyrical, as appears by his Invectives a∣gainst Laurentius Valla. He writ several things as, De varietate fortunae, two Books of Epistles, one of Stories, wherein he ri∣dicules the Mysteries of the Romish Church, and an History of Florence looked upon not to be very candid and exact. He was at Constance in the time the Council was celebrated there, where he found the Works of Quintillian and Ausonius, and writ a Let∣ter to one of his Friends concerning the Martyrdom of John Huss and Jerom of Prague, wherein he gives a great Idea of their Constancy and Piety. He died in 1459. aged eighty years. Paulus Jovius in Elog. l. 10. Raphael de Volterra lib. 21. &c.
• ...

  Poictiers, upon the Clain, called anciently Augustoritum, Pi∣ctavium, Limonium, Pictava, Pictavorum Urbs. A City of France which has an University, and is a Bishop's-see. It's one of the greatest and ancientest in the Kingdom, situate upon a Plat∣form raised between the River of Clain and another small one, which there form a great Pond or Lake. These Rivers meet at one end of the City near unto a Gate called St. Lazarus, where is an old Castle, believed to be built by the Romans, who continued there a great while, and built an Amphitheatre, and several other Edifices, whereof there are yet some curious Re∣mains. In this City they have a Presidial and Seneschalship that appeal to the Parliament of Paris, with a Generality, Ex∣chequer-Office and Mint, which marks with the Letter G. The Parliament of Paris sat here for some years, while the English were Masters of the Capital of the Kingdom in the Reign of Charles VIIth. who erected an University here in 1431. Poi∣ctiers is governed by a Mayor, twelve Aldermen, and twelve sworn Councellors. Its Church is very famous. It has five Ab∣bies, twenty four Parishes, and several Monasteries. The Dio∣cess in general contains 722 Parishes, under 24 Arch-priests, with 30 Abbies, 25 Chapters, and a great many Priories. With∣in half a League of Poictiers may be seen a famous Stone upon the Way that leads to Bourgos. It's great and square, five and twenty foot long, and about seventeen broad, supported by four other Stones, concerning which the People have many fa∣bulous Stories, and whereon is engraven this Dystich.

  Hic Lapis ingentem superat gravitate Colossum; Ponderis & grandi sydera mole petit.

  There have been several. Councils held in this City, as one in 589. whereunto were summoned the Monks of that Place, to appear for some Disorder they had committed, but refu∣sed, whereupon ensued much trouble: and another in 1002, or 1010. &c. Strabo lib. 3. Ptolomy Geog. Caesar Comment. Ammi∣an. Marcellinus lib. 16. Peter. Roger. Pict. Desc. &c.

• Poictiers (Diana) Dutchess of Valentinois, famous in the Reign of Henry IId. was the Daughter of Lewis de Poictiers, Count of St. Vallier, and married to Lewis de Breze, Count of Malevrier, &c. Governor of Normandy, by whom she had two Daughters, Frances, Wife to the Duke of Bouillon, and Lovisa, married to the Duke of Aumaul, Diana's Father was accused of favouring the Designs of Charles, Constable de Bourbon, and so seized at Lyons, where Francis I. was, and condemned to die; the Fear whereof changed his Hair in one night to perfect Gray; so that the Gaoler, when he saw him in the morning, could hard∣ly be persuaded that he was his Prisoner; the Fear did also put him into a violent Fever, which gave occasion to the Proverb, The Fever of St. Valier. For his Daughter, notwithstanding she had got his Pardon, could not with all her Endeavours recover his Health. After this Henry IId. fell passionately in Love with her. For though she was 47 years of Age, she was still very beautifull. She degraded whom she pleased, and advanced her own Creatures. But after King Henry's Death, Queen Catharine de Medicis contented her self, for some particular Reasons, to banish this Rivaless the Court onely, and to take from her the richest Jewels she had in her Possession that belonged to the King. She died April 26. in the year 1566. De Thou Hist. lib. 2. & 23. Charier Hist. de Dauph. Mezeray, &c.
• Poictou, a Province of France, formerly part of Aquitain; being about sixty Leagues from East to West, having Berry, Li∣mosin, and Tourain to the East, Angoumois and Santonge to the South, Anjou and Britany to the North, and to the West, the British Sea. It's divided usually into the higher and lower Poi∣ctou. The higher, which is to the East, is much greater than the other, whose capital City is Poictiers, the other are Maille∣zais, formerly a Bishop's-see, but transferred since to Rochel, Fontenay le Comte, the Capital of the Lower-Poictou, Chatelle∣raud, Richelieu, Thouars, St. Maixant, Loudun, Partenay, là Gà∣nache, Monmorillon, Mirebeau, &c. The Country is watered with Rivers, fruitfull and abounding with Corn, Wine, Cat∣tle, &c. its Inhabitants Courageous, and Lovers of Learn∣ing. The Romans were Masters of this Province, by the Name of Aquitain. The Vandals, Huns or Germans, under the Con∣duct of their King Crocus, ruined it in the fifth Age, and plun∣dered Poictiers. The Romans quitted it in the Reign of Honori∣us to the Wisigoths, who were driven thence by Clovis the Great, about the year 510, after the Battle of Civeaux. Poictou was

• under Sovereign Counts of its own from Charlemaign's times till 1271, when upon the failure of the Line it was united to the Crown of France. It was much harassed during the Ci∣vil-wars, about Religion, in the 16th. Age. The Protestants possess'd themselves of Poictiers, but the Mareschal de St. An∣drew took and plundered it in 1562. The Battle of Poictiers was very fatal to France in 1356. King John being made a Priso∣ner there by the English. Peter Roger. Picton. Descrip.
• Poissi, Lat. Pisciacum, a little Town of France upon the Seine in the Isle of France. It's famous for the Birth of St. Lovis, stands within six Leagues of Paris, wherein are several Religi∣ous Houses and a fine Monastery of Dominicans founded by Phi∣lip the Fair. Here was that famous Conference held between four Cardinals, almost forty Bishops, and the ablest Divines of France of the Roman Catholick Persuasion, and twelve or thir∣teen Protestant Ministers, in 1561. But the Pope, fearing they might come to discuss Matters closely, dissolved the Assembly, of which Morery, as partial as he is, speaks thus: In the mean time, the Cardinal of Ferrara, Legate of the Holy See, arrived at Poissi accompanied with F. James Laynes, a Spaniard, General of the Jesuits, who refused to conferr with the Ministers whom he called Wolves, Apes and Serpents, and confidently remon∣strated to the Queen, that it belonged not to her to hold As∣semblies in Matters of Religion, especially when the Pope had called a General Council. The Disputes continued till their over-heated Spirits were capable to doe nothing but jangle, so that the Conference broke up November 25. Sponde An. Chr. 1561. & seq. Mezeray Hist. de Franc. Tom. 3. &c.
• Pola, Lat. Julia Pietas, an ancient City of Istria, belonging to the Venetians, situate upon the Adriatick-Sea, with a good Ha∣ven, between Parenzo, and the Gulf il Quarnero. It's preten∣ded to have been a Colony of the People of Colchos, who pursu∣ed the Argonauts, which has been described very wittily by the Poet Callimachus, but with little appearance of Truth. This City hath been without doubt a Roman Colony. There are di∣vers Instances of its Antiquity, as an Amphitheatre, called POrlandino, or Rouland's-House, a Triumphal-Arch, called the Gilded Gate, which serves for the Gate of the City, several In∣scriptions, &c. The Venetians send a Governor to Pola, that takes the Title of Count upon him. The Place is well peopled, and has a small Cittadel. In the year 1606, or thereabouts, Jurissa, a banished Corsaire, or Buccaneer, of Segna, with 150 U∣scochi (Pyrates) entered this City by night at one of the Po∣sterns, and plundered it of Money and Goods to a very great Value. The Inhabitants the next day took Arms, and drove out these Villains, recovering a good part of the Booty, but yet they carried off about 4000 Ducats. Hist. de gli Uscochi, p. 216. Pliny, Strabo, Pomponius Mela, mention it, &c.
• Poland (Amand) a Protestant Divine, was of Oppaw, in Silesia, where he was born, December 16. 1561. He studied at Breslaw, and elsewhere, and afterwards read Lectures in Divi∣nity, at the University of Bale, where he died, July 18. 1610. aged 49 years. He commented upon Daniel, writ de quatuor Monarchiis, Analysis Hoseae cum Orationibus Historicis, De Anno Jubelaei, De Morte Christi, &c. Mel. Adam. in Vita Theol. Germ.
• Poland, called by the Inhabitants Polska, from the word Pole or Pola, which in the Sclavonian Tongue signifies a Plain, is an Elective Kingdom of Europe, that comprehends the Anci∣ent German Sarmatia, and the Eastern part of Germany, towards the Vistula. It's now much greater than formerly, because Lithu∣ania, and several other Provinces are united to it. For before it was but barely what we call'd the Great and Little Poland. It has Muscovy and Tartary to the East, Transilvania and Moldavia to the South, Germany to the West, and to the North the Bal∣tic-sea, Livonia, part of White-Russia or Muscovy. This Coun∣try may be divided into Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland, which again is subdivided into the Greater and Lesser Poland, in which last stands Cracovia, the Capital of all the Kingdom. In Great Poland are the Cities of Posnan, Kalisch, Gnesna, &c. Besides which it comprehends the Provinces of Mazovia, where∣in are Warsaw and Ploczko, Cujavia wherein is Uladislaw, Royal Prussia that takes in Dantzick, Elbing, &c. and Russia Nigra, with the Cities of Leopold, and Prezmysi. Lithuania, wherein are the Cities of Wilna, Novogrodeck, Minks, &c. is divided into Volhinia, which takes in the Cities of Lucko, Kiow, &c. Podolia, where is Kaminieck, &c. Polesia, in which stands Bressici and Samogitia, whose Capital is Medniki. This Kingdom may moreover be divided into 34 Palatinates, each Palatinate having Castellans under them, that in the whole Country amount to the number of 87. There are in it two Archbishopricks, which are those of Gnesna and Leo∣pold, and fifteen Bishopricks, several Abbies and Universities as Cracovia, Royaumont, Konigsberg, Zamoski, &c. The Air of Po∣land is very good but piercing, the Soil very fertil but woody, especially in Great Poland. It has Silver and Iron Mines, Wine and excellent Fruits; abounds in Honey, Wax, Venison, Fowl, Wood for Building, Bevers, Otters, Elks and such other Wild-beasts, Copper, Lead, Iron, and especially fine Steel. The Gen∣try are Tall and Strong, manage their Fauchons with much Ad∣dress and Dexterity, and are both Learned and Liberal; but yet Fierce, Proud, Obstinate and Jealous of their Liberties. This Ob∣stinacy and Jealousie of their Liberty has often given the Tar∣tars and Muscovites an opportunity to over-run and destroy a great part of their Country, aed was the reason why the King of Sweedland, with an Army of forty thousand, reduced to the last Extremity, a Country whose least Armies generally surpassed 200000 Fighting Men. For their misunderstanding is such, and the Authority of their Prince so little, that before the Diet is assembled and the Gentry come to a Resolution, the Enemy have time to doe what they please, there being no Place of Strength to put a Stop to them until they come to Warsovia. The Polanders are good Soldiers, especially the Ca∣valry, being armed with a Carbine, two Pistols, an Hatchet at one Side and Fauchon at the other, with a Quiver full of Arrows, and a Bow behind their Backs, which they make use of after they have discharged their Fire-Arms, when the Enemy runs. They are great Travellers, faithfull, obliging, and civil to Strangers, magnificent in their Cloaths and Entertainments, which are frequent among them. They use a great quantity of Saffron, Spice and Sugar. In their Masses they pretend to a great deal of Devotion, fast Fridays and Saturdays, but will be drunk, and fight lustily on those days. The Peasants are the poorest Wretches in the World, having nothing in proper and being Subjects to Lords that treat them worse than Gally-slaves. The Noblemen have power of Life and Death over their Do∣mesticks and Peasants, and if a Neighbour kills a Boor, it's but paying the Price he is rated at, and the Business is made up. And whereas in other Countries a Nobleman is said to be worth so much a year, here he is said to be Master of so many Slaves, who work hard, live on little, and dwell in pitifull Cabins, dau∣bed with Mud and covered with Straw. Their Children play, eat and sleep with the Pigs, whilst the Father makes use of his Horse's Manger and Coris-stall for Table and Bed. There are no Inns in the Country. The Gentlemen, when they travel, lodging with their Friends, or being treated by the Boors, who are obliged to entertain them upon such occasions. If any of the Gentry happens to be taken Prisoner, the King is ob∣liged to ransome him. Their Drink is Beer and Metheglin. They drink no Water because it stinks in Poland where it stands in the Plains. Their Women are of short Stature, ve∣ry simple, yet want not good Manners. The Men are some∣what Jealous, and entrust them only with their nearest Kindred when they are in the Wars or absent from home. They speak there the Sclavonian Tongue. Besides which they all speak La∣tin. The first Duke of this Kingdom was Lechus, who began his Reign about 550. His Posterity continued in fourteen De∣scents, to Micislaus, or Miesko, who began to reign in 964, and who was the first Christian Duke. Boleslaus, the Son of Mici∣slaus, received the Title of King from Otho, Emperor of Germa∣ny, when that Prince visited the Tomb of St. Adelbert, who was killed by the Prussians. This King left Micislaus IId. the Father of Casimir Ist. to whom his Son Boleslaus IId. succeeded. This last, surnamed The Cruel, put to Death Stanislaus, Bishop of Cracovia, whereupon Poland was deprived of the Title of Kingdom until Primislaus was chosen King in 1295. Lewis, King of Hungary, chosen after Casimir the Second, left two Daughters, the youngest of which, called Heduvige, being de∣clared Queen, married Jagellon, Duke of Lithuania, who there∣upon became Christian, and took the Name of Ladislaus IVth. and united his Territories to Poland in 1386. He had for Suc∣cessors Ladislaus Vth. Casimir, John, Albert, Alexander, Sigis∣mond I. and Sigismond II. which last dying without Issue in 1572. the Polanders chose Henry Duke of Anjou, Son to King Henry II. of France, who was crowned there in 1574. but coming to France, to succeed his Father Charles IXth. in 1576. some of the Electors named Stephen Bathori Prince of Transilvania, and ano∣ther part Maximilian Archduke of Austria, which occasioned a War, wherein the first got the better; but dying without Chil∣dren in 1586, Sigismond IIId. Son of John, King of Sweedland, was put upon the Throne in 1587, and after his Father's death took Possession of the Crown of Sweedland; but the Sweeds re∣volted, and chose Charles Prince of Sudermania, Sigismond's Uncle, made War against Poland, and possessed themselves of Riga in 1625. Sigismond died in 1632. His Son Ladislaus succee∣ded, who dying in 1648, John Casimir was chosen to succeed him. He voluntarily abdicated the Crown, and was succeeded by Michael Koribut Wiesnoviski, who died in 1672, and has for his Successor John Sobieski, who is the XXXIId. King of Poland, renowned for his Relief of Vienna. As to Government, Poland is Monarchical and Aristocratical. Monarchical, because they have a King; but Aristocratical, because this Prince's Power is so limited that he cannot, without the Consent of the Senators, undertake any considerable Matters. Others add to the two former, a Democracy or Popular Government, which is that of the Nobles. The Archbishop of Gnesna, Primate of the King∣dom, has the Administration during the Interregnum. He as∣sembles the States for the Election of a new King, appoints the time and place for it. The King being chosen by the Plurali∣ty of Voices, this Prelate calls him into the middle of the As∣sembly, and then leads him to the Church, where he swears, he will preserve the Privileges of the Kingdom, and observe the established Laws, which oblige him to doe nothing without the Approbation of the States. In Business of Importance the King sends by his Chancellor Letters, which he calls Instructionis Lit∣terae, to the Palatines, to acquaint them with what he designs to propose to them, and the time that he would have them come to Court. Upon the Receipt of these Letters, each Senator ex∣amines in particular the Nature, Quality and Consequences of the Propositions, to which he has full liberty to make what

• Answer he thinks suits best with the publick and his own pri∣vate Interest. The King sends his Letters also into the Palati∣nates, to assemble the Gentry who chuse a Nuncio, that is, a Man of Parts and Capacity to appear for the Province; but they must all agree unanimously in their choice; for if but a pri∣vate Gentleman refuses his Suffrage, it hinders the Election, and the Province from having either Vote or Privilege in the States. When these Provincial Assemblies are ended the Sena∣tors and Nuncio's come to Court, where the King, attended by his Chancellor proposes the thing a-new, and hears their advices. If they all agree, nemine reclamante, nemine dissentien∣te, as they speak, things go well. If they differ, then the Diet breaks up, and each returns to his home. Among the Cities, none but Cracovia, Dantzick and Vilna have the privilege to send Deputies to the Diet that sit among the Nobles. Their Provin∣cial Assemblies being open to the meanest Peasant, the Enemies of the State never fail to know what is debated in them, to the great Disappointment of their Undertakings. The King's prin∣cipal Revenue consists in the Salt-pits near Cracovia, in the Copper, Lead and Silver Mines, and Tribute from the Jews. The Crown-General has great Incomes, and by virtue of his Office, is Grand-Master of the King's-Houshold, Grand-Master of the Ceremonies, Introductor of Embassadors, Lord High Steward, Sovereign Judge, &c. The Generals of the Kingdom and Lithu∣ania have a Sovereign and unlimited power in the Field. Be∣sides Palatines and Chatelains, the Towns have their Burgraves, Judges and Magistrates. As to their Religion, they were for∣merly Idolaters, and adored the same Divinities that the Greeks, Romans and Germans did. Tertullian affirms in his Treatise against the Jews, that the Gospel was preached in Sarmatia, but we know it was not received in that of Europe, which is Poland, till the tenth Age. The Reformation, about 1535, begun in these Countries, but was never generally embraced. The Greek Church has some footing here too. But the most general is the Roman Catholick. Gregory Pauli, Minister of Cracovia, preached Arianism there about the year 1566, but Sigis∣mund Augustus expelled him, together with George Blandrata, Le∣lio Socini, Valentin Gentil, and some others. Faustus Socini, who gave Name to the Socinians, came afterwards, and left his Dis∣ciples there; who continued till 1660, when they were banish∣ed by K. John Casimire.
• Polemarke, that is, Chief of the War, from the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, war, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to command; he commanded in the Athenian Army, and assisted the Kings with his Council. In the time of Peace he administred Justice to the Citizens and Stran∣gers, Jul. Paul. Amongst the Etolians he was called by this Name, who had the Care of the Gates of the City. Alex. de Alex. lib. 3. ch. 16.
• Polemius, a Grand Heretick, about 373. He drew his Errors from the Books of Apollinarius, the principal whereof was the mixture which he said there had been between the word and the flesh. Hi Disciples were called Polemians, and confounded with the Apollinarians. Theodoret. lib. 4. Haer. Fab. Epiphan. Haer. 77, & 78.
• Polemon, King of part of Pontus, in the time of the Empe∣ror Claudius, and mentioned by Josephus lib. 19. c. 7. His King∣dom was reduced into a Province. In the time of Nero it was called Pontus Polemoniacus, to distinguish it from another part of Pontus called Pontus Pelagonius. Suet. in Nerone, c. 18.
• Polemon, an Academick Philosopher, born at Oete, in the Territories of Athens, was very debauched in his youth. It's said also that, being half drunk, he came into the School of Xenocrates, and was so charmed with a Discourse of Tempe∣rance, which that Philosopher made, that he quite reformed his Life, and became the most moderate and reserved Man in the World, and applied himself forthwith to the Study of Philoso∣phy, wherein he made so wonderfull a Progress, that he me∣rited to succeed in the Chair of the same Xenocrates. He was much esteemed by the Athenians for his Probity, Affableness and Constancy. He died very aged, after having composed se∣ral Works, in the 127th. Olympiad, and the 484th. year of Rome. Diogenes Laertius l. 4. in Polemon, Eusebius in Chron.
• Polemon, a Sophist and Orator, lived in the time of Trajan. It's said he was a very talkative Person. And that at his Death he prayed his Friends to bury him with all speed, for fear lest the Sun should burst to see him have his Mouth shut. He writ some Treatises. Polystrates in vita Soph. & Suidas.
• Polemon, the Son of Euergetus, a Greek Historian, is Au∣thor of A Description of the Earth, and of several other Pieces quoted by the Ancients. Vossius de Hist. Graec. l. 1. cap. 18.
• Policastro, a City in the Kingdom of Naples, in the hither Principality, a Bishop's-see under Salerno, called in Latin Poli∣castrum, or Polaeocastrum, but not very considerable, standing upon the Gulf Lai, or the Gulf of Policastro.
• Polignano, Lat. Polinianum and Pulinianum, a little Town in the Kingdom of Naples, in the Province of Bari, a Bishop's-see under Bari.
• Polla (Argentaria) the Wife of Lucan the Poet, was fa∣mous for her Learning, Birth and Beauty. She writ good Verse, and after her Husband's Death revised & corrected his Pharsalia.
• * Pollentia, the Goodess of Power, worshipped by the Ro∣mans, as also a Town by the Alps, famous for white Wool.
• Polloezki, Lat. Polockska, and Polotium, a City of Poland, in Lithuania, formerly the Capital of a Dutchy of that Name; but now is no more than a Palatinate. It's large and well forti∣fied with two Castles upon two Rivers. It was taken in 1563 by the Muscovites, who used so many Machins against it, that they imployed 40000 Peasants to draw them, King Stephen beat them out in 1579; but they retook it again in this Age, but could never keep it.
• Poltrot (John) Sieur de Merey, was a Gentleman of Angou∣mois, who in 1563 being in the Service of Soubize, Chief of the Protestants, attempted to kill the Duke of Guize, who was then at the Siege of Orleans, and accomplished his Design; but having been taken and brought to Paris, he was drawn to Pie∣ces by four Horses, had his Head afterwards cut off, and the rest of his Body burnt and reduced to Ashes. John de Frere Histoire des Troubles.
• * Polwarth, the Name of a Baronie of Berwickshire in Scot∣land, and the Seat of an ancient Knight's Family, which accor∣ding to the Custom of those times, took the Name of the Baro∣nie for Surname. The Heiress of the Family, about the year of Christ 1400, married Sir Patrick Hume Knight, in whose race it continues. Sir Patrick Hume of Polwarth, Baronet, being for his vigorous opposing the Popish Designs forced to retire in∣to Holland, after several years returned into England, in the Ser∣vice of the Prince of Orange, in his Highness's glorious Under∣taking for the Deliverance of these Kingdoms Anno 1688. and was by their Majesties King William and Queen Mary created Lord Polwarth.
• Polyarchus, of Cyrene, in Africa, had so extraordinary a Love for Animals, that he caused the Dogs and Birds he loved to be publickly buried, and made them Funeral Solemnities, erecting also Pyramids in honour of them, with Epitaphs gra∣ven thereon. Polyaen. lib. 8.
• Polybius, a Greek Historian, born at Megalopolis, a City of Arcadia, Son to Lycortas, Chief of the Republick of the Achai∣ans, who sent them both Embassadors to Ptolomy Epiphanes, about the 556th. of Rome. The Son afterwards had the same Honour, as having been deputed to attend the Roman Consul that made War in Thessaly. He, after this, came to Rome, con∣tracted a strict Friendship with Scipio and Lelius. He writ his History in that City, having before made several Voyages in order to know the Places he was to treat of. This History took in all that had pass'd considerable from the beginning of the Punick War till the end of the Macedonian, for about fifty three years, divided into forty Books, but of all of them we have but five left entire. Brutus highly esteemed the Book, read it often, and made an Abridgment thereof for his own use, when he made War against Anthony and Augustus. Lucian says, he dyed aged 82 years. Vossius de Hist. Graec. l. 1. c. 19. Casaub. in not. in Polyb.
• Polybius, a Physician, Son-in-law and Successor of Hippo∣crates, lived in the 340 year of Rome, and left several Treatises which are still extant. He must not be confounded with Poly∣bius, King of Corinth, with whom Oedipus was brought up.
• Polycarp, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, much, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, fruit, is a Col∣lection of Canons, Constitutions and Ordinances referring to Church-affairs, composed by Gregory, a Spanish Priest, about 1120. Doujat. Hist. du droit. Canon.
• Polycarpus, Bishop of Smyrna, Disciple of St. John, the E∣vangelist; he took a Journey to Rome, in order to conferr with Anicetus, about the celebration of the Feast of Easter, concern∣ing which there was a Difference between the Eastern and We∣stern Churches. In this Journey he converted several Persons who had suffered themselves to be deluded with the Errors of Valentine and Marcion, who meeting him at Rome, and asking if he did not know him. He answered, Yes, I know you to be the eldest Child of the Devil. At his Return into Asia, he suffered Martyrdom, January 26th. 167, or 169. Eusebius relates the manner of his being martyred, as taken out of a Letter written by the Church or Smyrna. We have an Epistle of this holy Man which it's said he writ to the Philippians. Irenaeus l. 3. adv. Haer. c. 2. Tertullian. de Praescr. l. 32. Eusebius lib. 4. Hist. & in Chron. An. Chr. 157, & 167, &c.
• Polycletus, a famous Statuary, lived in the 87th. Olympiad, and was Native of Sicyon, in Peloponnesus, had Agelades for his Master, and several famous Statuaries for his Scholars, as Asopo∣dorus, Alexis, Aristides, Myron the Lycian, &c. He made se∣veral brazen Statues that were highly esteemed, and one re∣presenting a beautifull Youth crowned, which he sold for an hundred Talents. The Picture of the three naked Children playing together, which the Emperor Titus had in his Palace, and which pass'd for a Master-piece of Art, was of his doing, as was also the Hercules of Rome, represented lifting Anteus from the Earth. Pliny lib. 34.
• Polycrates, a Tyrant of Samos, lived in the 62d. Olympiad. It's said he was so fortunate, that all things succeeded accord∣ing to his Desires; and that having thrown a Ring of great Price into the Sea, he found it some time after in a Fish which his Cook dressed. But he was not so successfull at last, for Orontes, Governor of Sardis, having cunningly surprized him, put him to Death upon a Cross in the 64th. Olympiad.
• Polycrates, Bishop of Ephesus, lived about the end of the second Age. He had it resolved in an Assembly of Asiatick Bi∣shops, that Easter should be kept on the fourteenth day of the Moon, wherewith he acquainted Pope Victor by a Letter which he writ to him. Eusebius l. 5. Hist. cap. 23.

• Polycreta or Polycrita, a Damsel of Naxos taken by Diog∣netus General of the Erythraeans, who used her as his Wife. The Milesians on a time being overtaken with Sleep and Wine, she gave notice thereof to her Brethren, upon Leaden Tables sent in a Tart, who surpriz'd them, but spared Diognetus at her re∣quest. Polyaen.
• Polydamas, a famous Champion of Thessaly, who killed a Lyon upon Mount Olympus, lifted up a most furious Bull, and stopped a Chariot in its full career. He was crushed to pieces under a Rock, whither he had retired to shelter himself from a Tempest, and that misfortune befell him through his own In∣discretion, flattering himself that he could sustain that Rock, which began to fall when his Companions fled and so escaped. Pliny l. 7. c. 49.
• Polydore (Virgil) of Urbin in Italy, lived in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Ages. He published in 1499 a piece De Invento∣ribus Rerum, in eight Books. Going afterwards into England, in order to receive the Peter-pence, he acquired the Prince's fa∣vour and was made Archdeacon of Wells. In 1526 he printed at London his Treatise of Prodigies, and afterwards compleated the English History in 26 Books, which is not very faithfull. He died about 1555. Paulus Jovius in Elog. cap. 135. Henry Savil. in Edit. Script. Aug.
• Polydore de Caravaggio, a famous Painter in the Sixteenth Age. He wrought in the Vatican, and had the glory to have contributed much to the finishing of that Work. When Rome, in 1527, was besieged by the Spaniards, he went to Naples and thence to Sicily; and as he was well skill'd in Architecture, he was employ'd to prepare the Triumphal Arches erected against the Emperor Charles V's. arrival at Messina in his return from Tunis; afterwards intending to return to Rome, he was kill'd by his Man and his Associates, who had an intention to rob him, and his Body being carried by them and laid near unto the Door of a Woman whom he loved, in order to make Men believe that her Friends had made away with him; but the fact was dis∣covered, and his Servant punished. Vasari a Vit. de Pit. Felibi∣en entr. des Peint.
• * Polydorus, a King of Lacedaemon, who, to put an end to the 20 years War betwixt his Countrymen, and those of Messe∣na feign'd a quarrel with Theopompus King of the other Family, and made as if he retired from the Battle, whereupon the Messe∣nians advanced, and were encompassed and defeated by the E∣nemies. Hoffman.
• * Polygamists, Hereticks who said that it was lawfull for a Man to have as many Wives as he pleased, their Patron was Bernardin Ochus, at first General of the Capuchins, and af∣terwards professed himself to be a Protestant, but at last fell into this and divers other Errors. He lived in the last Century. Hoffman.
• Polyglott, the Bible in several Languages. Francis Ximenes de Sineros Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo was the first that published a Work of this nature, called the Bible of Complutum, where may be found the Hebrew Text as the Jews read it; the Greek Version of the Septuagint, the Latin Version of St. Jerom, which we call the Vulgar; and lastly, the Chaldee Paraphrase of Onkelas upon the Five Books of Moses only; to which is ad∣ded, a Dictionary of the Hebrew and Chaldee words in the Bible. It was printed in 1515, and what is most remarkable there∣in, is, that the Cardinal printed the Greek Text of the New Te∣stament without Accents or Spirits; for that the most ancient Manuscripts had none.
• The Jews have also Polyglotts; those of Constantinople have printed two Copies of the Pentateuch in the form of Tetrapla's, which are in four Languages; one of which contains the He∣brew Text of Moses; the Chaldee Paraphrase of Onkelas; the A∣rabick Translation of R. Sandias, and the Persian Version of a∣nother Jew: The other comprehends the Hebrew Text and Pa∣raphrase of Onkelas, as well as the first; and besides that, takes in the Version into the Vulgar Greek, and another into Spanish; but all of them writ in Hebrew Characters.
• The Polyglott of England, is the same with that of Paris (of which by and by) excepting some additions thereto. The English have judiciously preferr'd the Vatican Edition of the Septuagint before others, having also put in their Work the Vulgar according to the last Edition of Rome; besides the Syriack and Arabick up∣on some Books of the Bible, which were not printed in the Bible of M. le Jay. They take in moreover, the Jerusalem Tar∣gum, that of the false Jonathan, with a Persian Version of the Pen∣tateuch, another Persian one of the New Testament, and added what had been before printed in the Ethiopian Tongues of the Psalms, Canticles, and the New Testament.
• The Polyglott of Antwerp, or the Royal Bible of Philip II. was printed at Antwerp in 1572, by Arius Montanus, which contains, besides what is in the Complutensian, the Chaldee Paraphrase up∣on the other Books of the Old Testament, a Syriack Translation of the New Testament, with the Latin Interpretation of the Sy∣riack, and the Latin Version of Pagnina, which he corrected in several places with several Dictionaries for the understanding of the different Languages.
• The Polyglott of Paris, which far exceeds that of Complutum and of Philip II. was got printed some years agoe, at a vast ex∣pence by M. le Jay; who, not content with what had appear'd before, sent for some Maronites to Rome, for the management of the Syriack and Arabick, which are not in the two foremen∣tioned Polyglotts, and printed the Samaritan Pentateuch besides with a Samaritan Version never seen till then; but some learn∣ed Men say, He should have taken in the Vulgar instead of the Greek Version of the Septuagint printed in the Complutensian Bible and that of Montanus; for, that that Greek Edition is very im∣perfect; but this great Bible has no Preface nor Dictiona∣ry.
• Polygnotus, a Thasian, an ancient famous Painter, the first that drew Faces to the life; his principal delight was to draw Womens Pictures, and having found out the use of lively co∣lours, he clad them in shining and neat Habits. This way of working advanced the Art and gained him great Reputation, who after he had finished several pieces at Delphos and Athens was honoured by the Council of the Amphyctions or general Diet of Greece, with the solemn thanks of all Greece, with an order, that all the Cities within their Jurisdiction, should en∣tertain him at the publick charge, while he staid in them, because he would take no payment for the Works he had done at Delphos and Athens. Felibien Entretiens sur les vies des Peintres.
• Polyhistor (Alexander) a Greek Historian and Philologist, was in esteem in Sylla's time, said by Suidas to be of Miletum, but by Stephanus, to be of Cotyaeum, which we call now Cataye or Cai∣tage, which is the Residence of the Beglerbeg of Natolia; he was surnamed Cornelius, because, that having been made a Prisoner, he was sold to Cornelius Lentulus, who coming to know his Me∣rit, would be his Disciple. He was by that means made free, married at Rome, and perished in the fire of Laurentium, his Wife hanging her self in despair about the 173d Olympiad, 86 years before the birth of Christ. He composed several pieces relating to History, Grammar and Philology, which Authors speak of with commendation. Josephus l. 1. Ant. Jud. c. 15. Clem. Alexand. l. Strom. Cyril. &c.
• Polyhymnia, one of the nine Muses. They feign'd she took care of History; others say, she presided over Rhetorick; and for that reason it is that she has been pictured with a Crown of Pearls, a white Robe, and her right hand moving, as if she harangued, and holding in her left, a Scrowl of Paper, where was written the word Suadere. Plutarch in Sympos.
• Polynicus. Vid. Eteocles.
• Polyperchon, a Captain to Alexander the Great, who gave frequent proofs of his Conduct and Valour. After that King's death Antipater made him Tutor to the Princes. He made the Greek Cities free, and himself potent in Macedonia, whither he brought in 444 a Son of Alexander's named Hercules, and then put him to death. He was some time after kill'd in Bat∣tle, having lost one of his Sons named Alexander before. Quin∣tus Curtius lib. 4, & 5 & seq. Diod. Siculus lib. 10 & 20, &c.
• Polyphemus, feigned by the Poets to be the Son of Neptune, was a Cyclops that devoured four of Ulysses's Companions, but Ulysses having made him Drunk, overcame him. * He was the greatest of all the Cyclops, and some say he had but one, others two, and a third sort, that he had three Eyes; the whole is fabu∣lous; and by the one Eye which they fansie he had near his Brain, is meant his extraordinary Prudence; but however he was out∣witted by Ulysses, who is therefore said to have made him blind. Hygin. Homer. Ovid, &c.
• Polystrates, was the faithfullest Officer of Darius King of Persia, when Bassus Governour of Bactriana had assassinated that Prince after the Battle of Arbella, Polystrates forsook him not to the last, but as he desired, gave him a Glass of cold Wa∣ter a little before he expired. Darius told him he was not in a condition to reward his Services, but promised that Alexander would, which that King did accordingly. Plutarch.
• Polyxena, the Daughter of Priamus and Hecuba; she was to be married to Achilles whom Paris slew in the Temple of Apol∣lo, where they were assembled to consummate that Marriage. After the taking of Troy Pyrrhus the Son of Achilles sacrificed Polyxena upon his Father's Tomb, willing thereby to appease his injured Ghost. Ovid lib. 13. Met.
• Pomerania, a Country in Germany with the Title of a Dutchy, called by the Inhabitants Pommern. It hath on the N. the Baltick Sea, along which it is extended for near 80 Leagues with several Havens belonging to it; Prussia to the E. the Marquisate of Brandenburg and Lower Poland to the S. and the Dutchy of Meckleburg to the W. It hath had formerly very potent Dukes of its own, whereof Bogoslaus was the last. Those of that House had made an agreement with the Princes of Bran∣denburg, that if they died without Issue, Pomerania should be united to that Marquisate; in the mean time, after the death of Bogeslaus, this Dutchy became the subject of the War be∣tween the Swedes and House of Brandenburg, but by the Peace of Osnabrug and Munster in 1648, it was divided between both, the River Oder being made the boundary. Pomerania is usu∣ally divided into two parts, whereof that to the West of the Oder is called the Higher, and the other to the East, the Lower Pome∣rania. It's subdivided by others into ten parts, to wit, the Dutchy of Stetin, Principality of Rugen, Earldom of Garskon and the Seigniories of Bardi and Wolgast, which belong to the Swedes; the other five belong to Brandenburg; to wit, the Dutchies of Pomerania, Cassubia, and Wenden or Wandalia; with the Lordships of Butow and Lawenborch, which have been granted him by the King of Poland. Stetin upon the Oder is the Capital City of the Country, which is fruitfull and plea∣sant.

• The others are Gartz, Auklam, Guskow, Wolgast, Stral∣sund, Cammin, which is a Bishoprick, secularized by the Peace of Munster, Stargard, Colberg, &c. The Isles of Rugen, Wolin and Usedom depend also upon Pomerania. It's a cold Country, but the Sea and Rivers make it a place for Traffick. It was first inhabited by the Swedes, and afterwards by the Vandals. Some Geographers call it the Farther Pomerania to distinguish it from Prussia, which they named the Hither Pomerania. The Protestant Religion prevails there since 1573. * Before this Country em∣braced Christianity they used the Language of the Vandals, but since 1120, that they were brought to embrace the Chri∣stian Religion by Boleslaus of Poland, they have used the Saxon Tongue. The Country is very fertil, well watered, abound∣ing with Lakes and Havens. It is excellent for Arable Land, Pastures, Fruit, Wood, Hunting and Fishing; abounds with Cattle, Corn, Butter, Honey, Wax, and other such Commo∣dities. It hath also great numbers of Cities, Towns, Ca∣stles and Villages. Cluverius. Bertius de rebus German. Cra∣men, &c.
• Pomerus (Julian) a Native of Mauritania in Africa, lived in the Fifth Age, and passing into France, was there ordain'd a Priest. It's said he lived along time at Arles; 'tis he whom Gennadius and Isidorus of Sevil acknowledge to be the Author of the Contemplative Life, or of Vertues and Vices, which was so ex∣cellent, as to be thought worthy to be attributed to S. Prosper. He was living still about 496, when Gennadius writ his Book. Isi∣dorus c. 12. Bellarmin, &c. Julian of Toledo had also the name of Pomerus, which gave occasion to Trithemius and some other Writers, to confound these two Authors, but there is this di∣stinction, that the first lived in the Fifth Age, and the other flourished about 200 years after, about the end of the Seventh Age. Gennad de Script. Illust.
• Pomona, feigned by the Ancients to be the Goddess of Gar∣dens and Fruits, was beloved by Vertumnus, who after several sorts of Transformations, had the good fortune to please her; for one while he turned himself into a Reaper, another while into a Fisherman, then into an Artificer, Soldier, and last of all to an Old Man; under which form he obliged her to love him, by what he said unto her. Ovid fai h. Pomona lived in the time of Procas King of the Latins. See Vertumnus.
• * Pomona, the greatest of the Orkney Islands, commonly called the Mainland, being, according to Buchanan, 30 miles in length, contains the Town of Kirkwall, and many Villages and Gentlemens Houses, there being in all 12 Parish Churches in the Island, which is about 24 miles from Caithmesse. This Island runs out into abundance of Promontories, which afford convenient Harbours for Ships. There are also Mines of as good white and black Lead here as are to be found any where in Britain. This Island is more fruitfull than any of the rest, and abounds with Provisions and other Necessaries. Buchan. Gordon. Theat. Scotiae.
• Q. Pompeia, the third Wife of Julius Caesar, was Daughter to Q. Pompeius. Caesar married her after Cornelia, but quickly di∣vorced her upon suspicion that she had committed Adultery with Clodius the report being that he came to meet her in Woman's Apparel during the Ceremonies of the Feast of Bona Dea. They would have obliged Caesar to bear Witness against her, but he refused, saying, That he did not believe her faulty, but that Caesar's Wife ought not only to be void of fault but sus∣picion. Suetonius & Plutarch in Julio.
• Pompciopolis, a City of Cilicia, called Soli, untill it took this name from Pompey upon the defeat of the Pyrates, and af∣terwards that of Trajanopolis from the Emperor Trajanus; since which it has been a Bishoprick under Seleucia, but is now a miserable Town, called Palesali, according to some modern Authors. There was in Paphlagonia another City, called Eu∣patoria, to which Pompey gave his name also, after he had van∣quish'd Mithridates, which was afterwards a Metropolitan Ci∣ty in the Patriarchship of Constantinople, but is now entirely ruin'd. Pliny. Ptolomy. Solinus. Pomponius Mela. &c.
• Cn. Pompeius Sixtus, Consul of Rome and Captain, was Father to Pompey the Great. He served the Republick very faithfully in the Social War of the Marsians, was Consul in 665, with Portius Cato; and being dissatisfied that he was not continued in the same charge, he declar'd against Cinna. It's said that he regulated all his Actions according to his Interest, and that being at the head of an Army, he did nought but seek opportunities to make himself strong; at last he fought a great and bloody Battle against Cinna before the Walls of Rome; af∣ter which the Plague infested both Armies, and Pompey died at the same time; others say he was killed with a Thunderbolt in 667. The joy for his death in Rome seem'd, saith Velleius Pa∣terculus, to have been balanced by the loss of their Citizens by Sword and Sickness. The Romans exercised upon his Body after his death, the resentments they had against him when a∣live. Plutarch in Vit. Pomp. Velleius Paterculus l. 2. Cicero in Pison & Phil. 8. &c.
• ...

  Q. Pompcius, surnamed the Great, was Son to the foresaid Pompey and Lucilia descended from a Noble Family, of consi∣derable Rank among the Senators, and born September 30, in the 648th of Rome, being the same year that Cicero was born. Paterculus saith, He was free from most sorts of Vices, were it not that in a free City, and Mistress of the Universe, where the right of Citizens ought to be equal, he was concerned to see any in the same degree of Reputation and Power. He applied himself to the Wars when but very young, with his Father, who was a good and experienced Commander. At the age of 23 he rais'd of his own accord, and without any publick Authority, for the defence and re-establishing the Honour of his Country, three Legions, which he carried to Sylla; and three years after me∣rited the honours of Triumph, which could not be refused to his Valour, whereof he had given sufficient proofs in retaking Sicily and Africa from the Proscripts. Some time after Sylla dying, he drove Lepidus out of Rome, because he would abro∣gate all that Sylla had done, and in 677 overcame him in Bat∣tle, whereupon he got a Commission to carry the War against Sertorius into Spain, which he happily terminated in 681, and triumphed a second time, some days before he enter'd upon the Office of Consul, being no more than a bare Roman Knight, which never happened to any person before him. During his Consulship he re-established the power of the Tribunes of the People; and after this overcame the Pirates in a Sea-fight, and cleared the Seas; to which advantages were added those which he obtained against Tigranes and Mithridates. He pursued his Victories into Media, Albania, and Hiberia, and then turned his Arms against the people that lay to the right of the Euxine Sea, the Colchians, Achaeans, Jews, Parthians, &c. and having done all this he returned into Italy, being now greater than the Ro∣mans, or himself had dared to wish. He was received with great joy, because that having disbanded his Troops, he came to the City like a private Citizen. His Triumph lasted two days, and was very magnificent by the great number of van∣quish'd Princes which were led in it. He brought a greater quantity of Money into the publick Treasury than any Gene∣ral that ever was before him. It was at this time, says Velleius Paterculus, that Fortune rais'd his Glory by degrees to the very height, having made him triumph over Africa, Europe and A∣sia. But in the mean time Caesar's Glory seem'd to obscure his; the one could not endure an Equal, nor the other a Su∣perior; but Julia, Caesar's Daughter, whom Pompey had mar∣ried, kept up Friendship betwixt them for some time, and to∣gether with Crassus, they made a Triumvirate, but this Concord was soon broken after the death of Julia and Crassus. Pompey had the Government of Spain conferr'd on him, and Caesar was ordered to quit the Command of the Armies he had for ten years in Gaul, and come to Rome as a private person, to demand the Consulate that he desired, but he refused; and so the War was declared, Caesar came to Rome in 705, which Pompey with the Consuls and Senate had quitted, as they did also Italy, and went to Epirus; whither Caesar went also after having defeated Pompey's Lieutenants in Spain; and in the year 706 overthrew him in the Battle of Pharsalia. Pompey. fled into Egypt, where, by the advice of Theodotus and Achillas, Ptolomy ordered Pho∣tinus, a Slave, to kill him the Eve of his Birth-day, after he had been three times Consul, triumphed thrice, and had sub∣dued a great part of the World, at the age of 58. The Romans had before this erected him a Statue with this Inscription, P. urb. R. S. P. ••. R. Pompeius Magnus imp. Bello XXX. Ann. confecto, fusis, fugatis, occisis, in deditionem acceptis hominum centies vicies; semel lxxxiii M. depressis aut captis navibus, Dcccxlvi oppidis, Ca∣stellis M. D. xxxviii in fidem acceptis, terris à Moeoti ad Rubrune mare subactis; quum oram Maritimam praedonibus liberasset & Imperium Maris Pop. Rom. restituisset, ex Asia, Ponto, Armenia; Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, Cilicia, Syria, Scythis, Judaeis, Albanis, Iberis, Insula Creta, Basternis, & super haec de Regibus Mithri∣date & Tigrane triumphasset. The Emperor Adrian when in Egypt Ann. 132, honoured his Memory with this line upon his Tomb.

  Ossa viri magni tenui quam clausa Sepulchro.

  Tully gives him this Character, That he was a personage born for great things, and capable of attaining the height of Elo∣quence, but he chose rather to follow his Military Inclinations: He could express himself with great Variety, weighed Affairs with great Judgment, his Deportment was fine, his Voice high, and his Motions grave. He left two Sons, the eldest Cn. Pompeius, got a potent Army together, and became formi∣dable, but Caesar defeated him at the Battle of Munda in Spain, and being unable to make his escape, because of his Wounds, as his Brother did, he was kill'd there. The younger Pompey go•• an Army of Slaves together, and made himself Master of Si∣cily. Paterculus saith, He m••de a Peace with Augustus and An∣tony, and had Sicily and Greece assigned him, but he quickly re∣newed the War, was beaten at Sea by Augustus; and endea∣vouring to make his escape to Antony was killed by the way; so that it may be truly said, These two young Men were Heirs both of the Valour and Misfortune of their Father. * Authors add concerning Cn. Pompeius; the elder of the Great Pompey's Sons, That having feasted Augustus and M. Anthony a∣board his Ship, he told them jestingly, That he entertain'd them in Carinis, which was the name of his Father's House then possessed by M. Anthony at Rome; and being advised by one of his Friends, To cut them both off, and render himself Master of the World, now when he had them in his power, he gallantly rejected the Proposition, as being contrary to his Faith which he had given them. Florus. Dion. Plutarch.

• Pomponacus (Peter) of Mantua, lived in the beginning of the Sixteenth Age. He was a great follower of the Doctrine of Aristotle; was Professor at Bolonia and elsewhere, and had Paulus Jovius for his Disciple. He was so bold as to maintain the Opinion of Aristotle, That the Soul died with the Body, and when he was reproved, said, He followed this Opinion as a Philosopher, but condemned it as a Christian; in the mean time he was neither the one nor the other, and his Doctrine was pernicious to many young people. He died of a stop∣page of Urine in 1512, aged 63 years. Paul. Jovius in Elog. Doct. l. 7. Sponde A. C. 1513. n. 20.
• * Pomponius Atticus, the famous Roman Knight, being ve∣ry rich, was also bountifull to his Friends; and tho' he kept fair with all Parties during the Civil War, yet he maintain'd Cicero during his Exile, and gave Brutus a great Sum when he fled from Rome. He was faithfull in observing his Promises, and could not endure to lye himself or that any body else should. Seneca says, That Cicero's Epistles do immortalize At∣ticus's name; so that his Brother-in-law, Cicero, having married his Sister, contributed more to his Honour than his Son-in-law Agrippa, or his Nephews Tiberius and Drusus Caesar. See At∣ticus.
• Pomponius Laetus (Julius) born in the Kingdom of Naples, is said to have been the natural Son of a Prince of Salerno, and was in esteem at Rome in the Fifteenth Age, in the time of Pius II. with Platina and Callimachus; but was not so in the time of Paul II. against whom it's not doubted, but he was one of them that conspired, and perhaps to avoid punishment, retired to Venice; but came afterwards to Rome, published an Abridgment of the Lives of the Caesars from the death of Gor∣dian to Justin III. a Book of Mahomet, and one concerning the Roman Magistrates. He died aged 70 years, in the time of Alexander VI. as it's said, in a very poor condition. Sabellicus, who was his Disciple writ his Life. Paulus Jovius in Elog. Doct. l. 40. Erasmus in Cicer. Lilio Giraldi in Hist. Poet.
• Pomponius Mela, a Spaniard, born at Mellaria, a ruined Ci∣ty in the Kingdom of Granada, where Begar de Melena stands now, according to the Testimony of Moralis and others of that Country. He lived in the First Age, writ a piece of Geo∣graphy, entitled, De situ Orbis, in three Books, which has the Notes of several Learned Men upon it. The best Editions are those of Holland with Vossius, and Gronovius's Notes. Alphonso Garcias. Mot amore de Doct. Hisp. viris, &c.
• Poncus de Santa Cruz (Antony) first Physician to Philip IV. King of Spain, who died about the year 1650, aged above 80 years. He writ several things, as, Opuscula Medica ac Philoso∣phica; In Avicennae primam Feu. 1. lib. Hippocratica Philosophia de Pulsibus; De impedimentis magnorum auxiliorum in morborum Curatione, in lib. Galen. de morbo & symptomate, &c. Nicholas Antonio Bibl. Script. Hisp.
• Poniatovia (Christina) was Daughter to Julian Poniatovius, a Noble Polander, who of a Monk turned Minister; coming to Bohemia when a Widower, he placed his Daughter Christi∣na, at the age of sixteen, with the Baronness of Engelburg of Zelking, of the House of Austria. She fell, in November 1627, into several ecstasies or fits, during which, she declared won∣derfull things in reference to the State of the Church, and fu∣ture re-establishment, by the destruction of her Enemies and Persecutors. She continued thus from time to time, during the years 1628 and 1629, and on January 27, in the last year, appearing as if she were dead, she suddenly starts up, and af∣terwards had no more Revelations. She was married in 1632 to Daniel Vetter of Moravia, who had been Tutor to Frederick Henry Son to Frederick V. King of Bohemia, then driven out of his Kingdom and lived with him till 1644, when she died of an Hectick Fever. Lux è tenebris.
• Pons, a City of France in Xantonge in the Diocess of Xaintes, stands upon the River Seugne that dischargeth it self into the Charant above Xaintes. The City is Ancient, it gives name to the noble House of Pons, famous for its Antiquity, Allian∣ces, and the great number of Illustrious Persons it has pro∣duced.
• Du Pont (Perrin) forty fourth Grand-master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, succeeded in August 1534, Philip de Villiers C. Isle-Adam; he was chosen when absent, being Bailiff of St. Euphemia of the Italian Language. Muly Assem King of Tunis unable to withstand the Forces of Barbarossa, sent an Em∣bassador to the Grand-Master, to desire him to intercede with the Emperor Charles V. to take him under his protection; which the Emperor granted, upon condition the Knights would join their Gallies with his Fleet to go to Barbary. The Knights had the honour of making 'emselves Masters of the Tower of Goletta, where they set up their Flag, and signaliz'd them∣selves no less at the taking of Tunis, which the Emperor deli∣vered to Muly Assem. The Grand-Master du Pont died a little time after, in November 1535, having reigned but about four∣teen Months, and was succeeded by Didier de Saint Jalle. Bosio, The Hist. of the Order of St. J. of Jerus. Naberat, &c.
• Pont de l' Arche, Lat. Pons Arcus, Pons Arcuensis, a strong place in Normandy upon the Seine, above which, this River re∣ceives into it the Eure and the Andela, and forms there an Island, to which there is a passage by two-Bridges. This Town stands three Leagues above Rhoan and is an important Pass, being the first place that surrender'd to King Henry IV. upon his coming to the Crown in 1589.
• Pont-Andemer, Lat. Pons Andemari, a small City in Nor∣mandy upon the River Rille, between Rhoan and Caen.
• Pont Beauvoisin, Lat. Pons Bellovicinus, a Town in Dauphi∣ny, which divides France from Savoy, and stands upon the Ri∣ver Guger.
• Pont-de-ce, Pons or Pontes Caesaris, a Town and Castle of France in Anjou, upon the Loire, within a League of Angers, and considerable for the Pass; for which reason there is a Gar∣rison in it. Here it was that the Troops of Lewis XIII. de∣feated in 1620, under the Command of the Mareschal de Cre∣qui, those of the Queen Mother, Mary de Medicis, who remo∣ved from the Court.
• Pont l'Eveque, Lat. Pons Episcopi, a City of France in Nor∣mandy, upon the little River Leson, three Leagues below Lisieux, and two from the Sea. It's a place famous for Cheese.
• Pont du Guard, Lat. Pons Vardonis or Gardonis, three Bridges built one over the other over the River Gardon, for the continuing an Aqueduct to Nismes, the lowest having six Arch∣es, the second twelve, and the highest thirty four; a thing of great Antiquity. It stands in the middle between Avignon to the E. and Nismes to the W. four Leagues from the latter. The learned Dr. Brown, in his Travels, gives the Figure of this wonderful Work, and assures us, That the top of it is 186 foot above the Water of the River.
• Pont de Lima, or Puenta de Lima, a City of Portugal, in the Province between Douro and Minho, upon the River Li∣ma. It's not doubted but that it is the Limia or Forum Limi∣corum of Antoninus, tho' others take it for S. Estevaon de Geras de Lima within two Leagues of the same.
• Pont au Mouson, upon the Moselle, Lat. Mussipons, a City of Lorrain, with an University. It gives Title to a Marquess, stands upon the brink of two Rivers, to which you must pass over a Bridge, from whence it has its name in part, that of Mouson be∣ing the name of a Castle standing upon a Hill there, and was formerly considerable. It's a pretty Town, has two Abbies in it, several Churches and curious places, but no Walls.
• Pont St. Esprit, Lat. Pons Sti. Spiritus, a City of France in the Lower Languedoc, which has a Castle, and a curious Stone-Bridge over the Rhosne; the Bridge is a thousand ordinary Paces long, and fifteen broad, supported by nineteen great Arches, and four lesser ones. The City is large enough, but ill built; the Streets being short and narrow, but there are some pretty places in it, several Churches and Monaste∣ries, &c.
• Pont St. Maixance, Lat. Pons S. Maxentiae, a Town of France in Valois, belonging to the Government of the Isle of France, standing upon the River Oise, to which you pass over a Bridge three Leagues from Senlis.
• Pontanus (John Isaac) originally of Haerlem, was born in Denmark, where his Parents then resided. He taught Physick and the Mathematicks at Harderwick in Guelderland, and died there in 1640. He was Historiographer to the King of Den∣mark and Province of Guelderland, and writ, Hist. Urbis & re∣rum Amstelodamensium; Itinerarium Gallicae Narbonensis; Rerum Danicarum Hist. lib. 10. Disceptationes Chronologicae, de Rheni di∣vortiis & accolis populis, adversus Philippum Cluverium; Dis∣cussionum Historicarum lib. 2. Historiae Geldricae lib. 14, &c. Va∣lerius Andreas Bibl. Belg. le Mire, &c.
• Pontanus (John Jovius and Jovianus) a Philosopher, Poet, Orator and Historian, was born at Cerreto, a little Town in Umbria, having lost his Father in a popular Sedition. He re∣tired to Naples, where he was chosen to be Tutor to the young Alphonso King of Naples, and after that made his Secretary and Councellor of State. He writ the History of the Wars of Fer∣dinand I. and John of Anjou, and several other things both in Prose and Verse, which we have in three Volumes, printed at Strasburg in 1515. He died in 1505, aged 78 years. * He ordered this Epitaph for himself, Sum Joannes Jovianus Pontanus, quem amaverunt bonae Musae, suspexerunt viri probi, honestaverunt Reges, Domini, scis jam quis sim, aut quis potius fuerim. Ego vero te, hospes, noscere in tenebris nequeo; sed, te ipsum ut noscas, rogo. Folib. Sandr. Felinus Sanderus Epit. de Reg. Sicil: Erasmus in Cicer. Lilio Giraldi dial. 1. de Poet. sui temp. Vossius, &c.
• Ponte Mole, Lat. Pons Milvius, is a Bridge upon the Tiber near Rome, very famous for the Victory got there by Constan∣tine the Great in 312, over the Tyrant Maxentius, who falling over that Bridge was drowned in the Tyber. Baudrand.
• * Pontefract, a Market and Burrough Town of Osgodcross Wapentake, in the West Riding of York-shire, seated in a dry spot of Ground, watered by a little Stream that runs into the Are, and of chief note for its strong and stately Castle, commonly called Pomfret Castle, ruin'd by the Civil Wars. 'Twas in this Castle that Richard II. was murthered after his Resignation of the Crown. This Borough has two Parliament Men. In this neighborhood groweth plenty of Liquorice and Skiriwort.
• Ponthieu, Lat. Ponticum and Pontinia, a little Country of France in Picardy, that lies all along the River Somme, which makes it very Marshy. Abbeville is the Capital City, the others are Cretoy, S. Valery a Sea-Port, Crecy, S. Riquier, Pont de Remi an important Pass upon the Somme, near unto which may be seen some remains of Caesar's Camp; Rue, Monstrevill, &c. The Counts of Ponthieu are very ancient: William lived in the Tenth Age; he took the Town of Guines from Artold the Old,

• Earl of Flanders, which Sifrid, a Danish Lord, took from him afterwards. Charles VIIth. after the Expulsion of the English from France, united Ponthieu to the Crown; yielded it after∣wards by the Treaty of Arras, in the year 1435, to the Duke of Burgundy; which Lewis IId. also did by the Treaty of Con∣flans, in 1465. The Right which the Emperor Charles Vth. pre∣tended to have to the Earldom of Ponthieu, as Heir to the House of Burgundy, was founded upon these Concessions; but he renounced it by the Treaty of Madrid, in 1526; by that of Cambray, in 1529; and by that of Crespy, in 1544. Ariusphus Chron. de S. Riquier, Oldric Vitalis l. 13. Hist. des Comtes Ponthieu.
• Pontia, a Roman Lady, with whom Octavius Sagitta, Tri∣bune of the People, fell desperately in Love, corrupted her with great Presents, and afterwards got her divorced from her Hus∣band, promising to marry her himself; but however it came a∣bout, when she became free, he delayed, and put it off from one time to another; excusing himself, that his Father was un∣willing; and as she had a prospect of a greater Fortune, she in her turn absolutely refused him; whereat he was so enraged, that he assassinated her; for which he was accused before the Consuls by her Father, and condemned for an Assassin. Tacitus l. 13. c. 15.
• Pontianus, a Roman by birth, was chosen Pope instead of Urban, about the end of June, in 231; but the Emperor Ale∣xander Severus banished him to the Island of Sardinia; and his Successor, who had raised a Persecution against the Christians, caused him to be so severely beaten with a Stick, that the poor Man died with the pain and agony of it, November 19. in the year 235. Euscbius in Chron. & lib. 6. Hist. Anastasius in vit. Pontif. Baronius in Annal.
• Ponticus (Virunius, or Virumnius) of Treviso, a City in the States of Venice, lived about 1490; writ An Abridgment of the English History, in favour of the Family of Badori of Venice, which came originally out of Great Britain, and commented upon Statius, Claudian, &c. besides several other things in Prose and Verse. Trithemius in Catal.
• Pontifices Romani, the Roman Pontiffs. were those who had the Care of all things, that regarded the Worship of the Gods, and the Ceremonies of Sacrifices. Varro saith, They were so called à Ponte faciendo; for that the first of them built the Wood∣en Bridge, called Pons sublicius; but it's likely this Name came from Potis and facere; so that Pontifex might be said for Potifex, and signified him that could sacrifice. Numa instituted four at first who were of the Patrician Order; but in 454 of Rome, there were eight created, four out of Patrician, and the rest out of Plebeian Families. This Number, in 673, was increased by L. Sylla, the Dictator, who made seven more. But the first eight retained the Name of Great Pontiffs, and the seven new ones of The Lesser; who nevertheless made but one College. After Nu∣ma's time this College made choice of Members to fill up the vacant Places. But about the year 654 it was ordered, That the People should chuse them in their Assemblies. When Sylla be∣came Dictator, he abrogated that Law. But Cicero, during his Consulship, restored it. At last the Emperor Augustus, having for some time permitted the College of Pontiffs to admit such as they judged capable, assumed afterwards that Power to him∣self, as also to create Pontiffs, and all sorts of Priests. The Dig∣nity of the Pontiffs was so great, that they were not obliged to give any manner of account of their Actions; and were Judges of all Matters that related to the Worship of the Gods and Sa∣crifices; making new Laws if they saw it convenient. To them belonged the Examination of the Magistrates, who had the Care of Sacred Things, of the Priests, and all the Officers that belonged to the Sacrifices. He that presided in the College was called Pontifex Maximus, and was chosen by the People in the Assembly of the Tribunes, being a Dignity that at first was be∣stowed on none but such as were Patricians. But in process of time, the People, being admitted to the Offices and Honours of the Republick, did often raise to this Dignity Persons that were not of a Noble Extract; till the time of Julius Caesar, who ha∣ving been created Pontifex Maximus, had Lepidus for his Succes∣sor, and then Augustus; and afterwards, all the Emperors took this Title upon them. Even Constantine, and some of his Suc∣cessors, continued it, though they were Christians, and hated Paganism; till Theodosius the Emperor entirely abolished this College. Zosimus observes, It was the Emperor Gratian that first by an Edict forbad this Title of Pontifex Maximus should be given him, and that Theodosius, his Successor, confiscated all the Revenues belonging to them and the Pagan Priests. The Name of Pontifex and Pontifex Maximus was given to Bishops afterwards; but the Popes have since usurped it. Rosin Roman Antiquities l. 3. cap. 22.
• * Pontinus, a Valiant Roman and Sharer with Cicero in all his Fortunes, subdued the Allobroges.
• Pontis (Lewis de) a Gentleman of Provence, born about 1578, was bred up to Arms in the Reign of Henry IVth. and Lewis XIIIth. who bestowed upon him a Command in his Guards, and the Charge of Commissary General of the Swissers. He died in 1670. the ninety second of his Age. We have under his Name very curious Memoirs, that contain all things of moment which happened in his time, with all the remarkable circum∣stances of War, Court, and the Government of the Princes un∣der whom he served
• Pontoise, Lat. Pontisara, Pontesium, Oetiae Pons, and Pons ad Oe∣tiam; a Town in the Isle of France, situated upon the Oyse, be∣tween Isle-Adam and the Confluence of that River with the Seine, within six Leagues of Paris, being a very Important Pass upon the Oyse. It was taken by the English in 1417; and reco∣vered by the French in 1442. It stands upon the side of an Hill, and reaches down to the banks of the River; has a Castle on the top of that Hill, which commands the Town, several Chur∣ches; whereof that of S. Melon is the principal; and diverse Mo∣nasteries. This Town has a Bailiwick, Provostship, &c. has had formerly its own Counts; and since 1240 belonged to the French Kings; the Revenue whereof St. Lovis bestowed upon Queen Blanch, his Mother. Du Chesn, Rech. des Ant. des Villes de Franc. John Chartier.
• * Pont-pool, a Market-town in Monmouth-shire, betwixt the Hills, of chief Note for Iron Mills.
• Pontus, a Province in Asia minor, between Bithynia and Pa∣phlagonia; thus called, because it lies all along the Euxine Sea, whose capital City was Heraclea. It must not be confounded with Pontus in Scythia in Europe, whither Ovid was banished. This Country had its particular Kings, whose Succession has been much interrupted, and very uncertain. It's pretended that Artabaxes was the first, who had five Successors of the Name of Mithridates that followed, and three called Pharnaces. After which at last is reckoned Mithridates the Great, who killed him∣self in the 691st. of Rome, after he had reigned 57 years, for grief his Son Pharnaces had revolted against him, and taken the Name of King upon him. Pharnaces had Darius for his Succes∣sor; and after him came two of the Name of Polemon, and ano∣ther Mithridates, Darius's Nephew. The Romans having before this reduced Pontus into a Province. Ptolomy l. 5. Geogr. Stra∣bo, Pliny, Appian & Riccioli Chron. Reform.
• Pontus (Euxinus) called by the Italians, Mare Maggiore, by the Greeks, Mauro Thalasson, by the Turks, Caradenisi, and by the Russians and Muscovites, Zorne-more; has Colchis to the East, Moldavia and Thracia to the West, Asia minor to the South, and Sarmatia of Europe and Asia to the North. Propontis, or the Sea of Marmora, is joined to it by the Thracian Bosphorus on the South-part. The Sea of Zabbachy, or the Palus Moeotis is al∣so united to it by the Cimmerian Bosphorus, on the North-side. The Danube dischargeth it self into the Black Sea. Pliny lib. 4. Strabo lib. 12. Sanson Geogr.
• * Pool (Reginald) or Cardinal Pool, was second Son unto Richard Pool, Knight of the Garrer, a near Kinsman to King Henry VIIth. by Margaret, Countess of Salisbury, Niece to King Edward IVth. and Daughter to George Duke of Clarence. This Reginald was bred in Corpus Christi College in Oxford, preferred afterward Dean of Exeter, and highly favoured by King Henry VIIIth. who sent him beyond the Seas, allowing him a large Pension to live in an Equipage suitable to his Birth and Alliance. He studied at Padua, where he conversed so much with the Patricians of Venice, that he seemed to have degenerated into a perfect Italian; for neither the Love of his Country, Gratitude to the King, nor Fear to lose his present, nor hopes to get fu∣ture Preferments, could persuade him to return into England. His Pensions being withdrawn, made him to apply his Studies the more privately in a Venetian Monastery, where he attained great Credit for his Eloquence, Learning and good Life; such Esteem foreign Grandees had of his great Judgment, that Cardinal Sado∣let, having written a large Book in the Praise of Philosophy, submitted it wholly to his Censure. Some time after this, he was made Deacon-Cardinal by the Title of St. Mary, in Cosmedin, by Pope Paul the IIId. who sent him on many dangerous Embassies to the Emperor and French King, to incite them to war against King Henry the VIII. Afterwards he retired to Viterbo in Italy, where his House was observed to be the Sanctuary of Lutherans. Being appointed one of the three Presidents of the Council of Trent, he endeavoured (but in vain) to have Justification de∣termined by Faith alone. During his living at Viterbo he carri∣ed not himself so cautiously, but that he was taxed for beget∣ting a base Child, which Pasquil published in Latin and Italian Verses. This Defamation made not such an Impression on the Cardinal's Credit, but that after the Death of Paul the IIId. he was at midnight in the Conclave chosen to succeed him. Pool refused it, because he would not have his Choice a Deed of Dark∣ness, which being interpreted a Piece of Dulness, as he expected a Re-election the next morning, he found Julius IIId. chosen in his place. But afterwards was made Archbishop of Canterbury by Queen Mary, after whom he died in few hours, in 1558. Fuller's Worthies.
• Pool, a Market and Borough Town, with a Harbour in the S.E. of Dorset-shire. It stands upon the Inlet of the Sea, inclosed on all sides with it, but on the North, where it admits En∣trance only by one Gate. This Town, from a mean Hamlet, consisting of a few Fishermens Houses, in the Reign of K. Ed∣ward IIId. grew to be a Town of good Trade, and throve to that degree, that Henry VIth. granted it the Privilege of an Ha∣ven, and licensed the Mayor to wall it in. Then began the Inhabitants to abound in Wealth, and purchased the Privilege of a County corporate. But it has lost much of its former Glo∣ry. Distant 110 m. from London.
• ...

  Pope, the word in Greek signifies Father. It's a Name that was given formerly to all Bishops, as appears by the Epistles of St. Augustin and St. Jerom; and by the Works of the ancient

• ...

  Ecclesiastical Writers. But about the End of the eleventh Age, Gregory VIIIth. in a Council held at Rome, ordered that the Name of Pope should peculiarly belong to the Bishop of Rome. When one of the Cardinals is chosen Pope, the Masters of the Ceremonies come to his Cell, to acquaint him with the News of his Promotion. Whereupon he is conducted to the Chapel, and clad in the Pontifical Habit, then receives the Adoration, that is, the Respects paid by the Cardinals to the Popes. After which he is carried to St. Peter's Church, and placed upon the Altar of the Holy Apostles, where the Cardinals come a second time to the Adoration; from thence he is conducted to his A∣partment, and some days after is performed the Ceremony of his Coronation, before the Door of St. Peter's Church, where is erected a Throne, upon which the New Pope ascends, has his Mitre put off, and a Crown put on his Head in presence of all the People. Afterwards is the Cavalcade, from St. Peter's Church to St. John de Lateran, whereat all the Embassadors, Prin∣ces and Lords assist, mounted on Horse-back and richly clad. Next before the Pope goes the two Cardinal-Deans with their red Caps, and the other Cardinals come after, two and two, followed by the Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops and Prothono∣taries. When the Pope is come to St. John de Lateran, the Archbishop of that Church presents him with two Keys, one of Gold, and the other of Silver; then all the Canons, paying their Obeysance, and kissing his Feet, he gives the general Benedi∣ction.

  * Maimburg, in his History of the Grand Schism of the West, says, That for the first five Centuries the People and Clergy together, and sometimes the Clergy alone, with Consent of the People, chose the Pope by Plurality of Voices; until after the Death of Pope Simplicius, in 483. Odoacer, King of the Herules and Italy, made a Law, That none should be chosen without first acquaint∣ing the Prince whom they had a mind to chuse. This Law was abolished about twenty years after, in the IVth. Council of Rome, under Pope Symmachus, by the Consent of King Theodo∣ric, in 502. But that Prince turning Arian, afterwards reassu∣med the Right, and did himself name Pope Foelix IV. The Go∣thick Princes followed his Example, only allowing the Clergy to chuse; but he was not to ascend the Chair till confirmed by them. Justinian, who overturned the Empire of the Goths, and also his Successors, retained the same Privilege, and demanded Money of the Pope elect to confirm his Election. But Constan∣tinus Pogonatus freed them from this Imposition in 681. Never∣theless the Emperors did still keep a share in the Election; so that the Popes were not consecrated without their Consent. Un∣til the French Emperor Louis le Debonnaire in 824, and his Suc∣cessors Lotharius I. and Louis II. in 864, restored the Popes to their former Liberty. In the Xth. Age, the Marquess of He∣truria and Count de Tuscanella, with the Grandees of Rome, chose and deposed Popes as they pleased, as did the Emperor Otho the Great, and his Son and Grand-son in that same Age. St. Henry, Duke of Bavaria, their Successor, restored the Popes to their privileges again in 1014, leaving the Election to the Clergy and People of Rome; but his Son and Grand-son, Henry III. and IV. reassumed the power of chusing or deposing the Popes, which occasioned Wars between them and the Emperors about the In∣vestitures, the Emperors setting up Anti-popes, which occasion∣ed a Schism in the Church of Rome. But after the time of In∣nocent II. and that the Controversie between Peter de Leon called Anaclete, and Victor IV. was extinguished, the Cardinals and principal of the Clergy of Rome, chose Pope Coelestine II. by their own Authority in 1143. and the rest of the Clergy ha∣ving parted with their pretensions, Honorius III. in 1216, or ac∣cording to others, Gregory X. in 1274, ordered that the Electi∣on should be made in the Conclave, since which time the Car∣dinals have still kept possession.

  * The manner of the Election is thus: Nine or ten days af∣ter the Funerals of the deceased Pope, the Cardinals enter the Conclave, which is generally held in the Vatican, in a long Gal∣lery, where Cells of Boards are erected, covered with purple Cloth, one for each Cardinal, who is during this time allowed only two Servants except in case of Sickness. They are guard∣ed by the Militia of Rome, who hinder all Intercourse of Let∣ters from without, and the Dishes also are inspected by a Ma∣ster of the Ceremonies, lest any Letters should be concealed in the Meat. Of late it hath obtained among them to premise certain Articles, which they think necessary for the better Go∣vernment of the Church, and every one swears to observe them if he should be chosen. The Election is made by Scrutiny, Access or Adoration. The first is, when the Cardinal writes the Name of him whom he votes for in a Scroll of five pages, on the first whereof he writes, Ego eligo in Summum Pontificem Reverendissimum Dominum meum Cardinalem— But this is writ by one of his Servants, that the Cardinal may not be discovered by his Hand. On this fold two others are doubled down and sealed with a private Seal. On the fourth the Cardinal writes his own Name, and covers it with the fifth folding. Then sit∣ting in order on Benches in the Chapel, with their Scrolls in their hands, they ascend to the Altar by turns; and after a short Prayer on their Knees, throw the Scroll into a Chalice upon the Table, by it the first cardinal Bishop sitting on the right, and the first cardinal Deacon on the left side, and the Car∣dinals being returned to their places, the cardinal Bishop turns out the Scrolls into a Plate, which he holds in his left-hand, and gives them as they come to the cardinal Deacon, who reads them with an audible Voice, while the Cardinals note down how many Voices every person hath; and then the Master of the Ceremonies burns the Scrolls in a Pan of Coals, that it may not be known for whom any one gives his Voice; and if two thirds of the number present agree, the Election is good; and he on whom the two thirds falls is declared Pope. When the Choice is made by Access, the Cardinals rise from their places, and going towards him whom they would have elected, each says, Ego accedo ad Reverendissimum Dominum—And the Adoration is much in the same manner, only the Cardinal approaches him whom he would have chosen with a profound Reverence, but both the one and the other must be confirmed by the Scruti∣ny. There was another way of chusing by Compromise, when the Differences rose so high that they could not be adjusted in the Conclave, they referred the Choice to three or five, giving them leave to elect any, whom all, or the majority, should chuse, provided it were determined within the time that a Candle lighted by common Consent should continue. There is yet a fifth way of Election called, By Inspiration, viz. When the first Cardinal arises in the Chapel, and after an Exhortation to chuse a capable person, names such an one, to which if two thirds a∣gree, he is reckoned legally chosen. Which being performed by any of these Methods, he is led into the Vestry cloathed in his Pontificalibus; then carried into the Chapel, seated on the Al∣tar, and the Cardinals performing the Ceremony of Adoration kiss his Feet, Hands and Mouth; after which all the Doors and Gates of the Conclave are opened, and the Pope, shewing him∣self to the People, blesses them; the cardinal Deacon p••oclaiming with a loud Voice to them in these words, Annuncio vobis Gau∣dium magnum, Papam habemus. Reverendissimus Dominus Cardi∣nalis—electus est in Summum Pontificem, & elegit sibi Nomen— This being done, he descends into St. Peter's Church, the Car∣dinals with a Cross going before him: and then coming to the high Altar, takes off his Mitre, kneels and prays a-while, and returns thanks to God and the blessed Apostles, &c. Sir Paul Rycaut's Introduction to Platina.

  Here it is fit to be noted, That though the Name of Pope is to be found in this Dictionary in the first Ages of Christianity, yet according to Spanheim, and other Learned Protestant Au∣thors, there was not so much as a Vestigium of Papacy to be found in the second Age; though the Name Papa was common then to all Ministers; but in time was appropriated by the Bi∣shop of Rome to himself. The Judicious and Learned Calvin ascribes the Rise of the Papacy to the granting the Title of First Patriarch by the Councils of Nice and Chalcedon to the Bishop of Rome, against the Mind of the other Bishops; which Authori∣ty they increased by protecting sometime spious, sometimes im∣pious Exiles; but at that time they had neither power to ordain, censure nor admonish other Bishops, nor yet that of calling Synods or hearing of Appeals, which was condemned by Pope Gregory as a profane Curiosity or meddling with other Men's matters. But this Usurpation of the Bishop of Rome was con∣firmed by the adulterous and rebellious Emperor Phocas, in the time of Boniface, Bishop of Rome, Anno 606, who assumed the Title of Universal Bishop, Head of all the Churches, which Gregory, his Predecessor, did in express terms note as the Cha∣racter of Anti-christ, in his Letter to Eulogius of Alexandria, and in another to all Bishops, inserted in Gratian's Decrees. Dist. 99.

  The Pope's Jurisdiction extends to all the Provinces called the Ecclesiastical Estate, which takes in Campagna di Roma, the Patrimony of St. Peter, Terra Sabina, Umbria or Dutchy of Spo∣leto, the Marquisate of Ancona, the Dutchy of Urbin, Romagnia, Boulonois, the Dutchy of Ferrara, the Territory of Perusa, le Contado de Citta Castello. In the Patrimony of St. Peter are, the Dutchy of Castro, the Cities of Caprarola, Ronciglione, &c. which belong to the Duke of Parma, and the Dutchy of Bracciano which has its particular Duke. Between Romagna and the Dut∣chy of Urbin is the little Republick of St. Marin. But to return to the Dominion of the Pope, la Campagna di Roma hath for principal Cities Rome, Ostia, Palestrina, Frescati, Albano, Tivoli, Terra∣cina, &c. The Patrimony of St. Peter, the Cities of Porto, Civita∣vecchia, Viterbo, &c. The principal Cities of Terra Sabina are, Magliano, Vescovio, &c. Umbria, in the Dutchy of Spoleto, has Spoleto, Apisa, Todi, &c. The Marquisate of Ancona contains the Cities of Ancona, Fermo, our Lady of Loretta, Ascoli, Jesi, &c. The Dutchy of Urbin hath four considerable Cities, Urbin, Seni∣gaglia, St. Leo, &c. La Romagnia hath Ravenna, Cervia, Faen∣za, &c. The principal City of the Boulonois is Bolonia la Grasse. The Dutchy of Ferrara comprehends Ferrara, Comachio, &c. The Territory of Orvietta hath Aquapendente, Orvietta, &c. and that of Perusia takes in Perugia, Citta de Pieve, &c. and in Con∣tado stands Citta di Castello.

  The Pope has a Vicar who is always a Cardinal. He that manageth that Charge has Jurisdiction over the Priests and Re∣gulars, over the Lay-Communities, Hospitals, Places of Pie∣ty and Jews. His Place may be worth to him two hundred Ducats per month. He has two Lieutenants, one for civil and the other for criminal Affairs, and a Vice-gerent, who is a Bi∣shop, for the exercise of Episcopal Functions.

  The Penitentiary has Jurisdiction in Cases reserved to the Pope; and gives to approved Confessors power to absolve. At solemn Feasts he goes into one of the Churches of Rome, where

• ...

  sitting in an high Chair, he has a Switch in his hand, and hears the Confessions of particular cases. This place is worth eight thousand Crowns a year.

  The Chancellor was properly Secretary to the Pope ab inti∣mis. This Charge is bestowed now upon none but a Cardinal; and it may be worth to him fifteen or sixteen thousand Crowns a year. His business is, to dispatch the Apostolick Letters, whose Petitions are sign'd by the Pope, except those which are dispatched by a Brief sub annulo piscatoris. He has under him a Regent, and twelve Abbreviators di Parco maggiore, which are all Prelates. The Regent has power to commit all Causes of Appeal to the Rota and Referendaries. The Abbreviators di Parco maggiore draw the Bulls, and send them when they are written. Besides which, there are Abbreviators di Parco minore, which are Scriveners, and other Officers of the Chancery, ap∣pointed to receive and sign Bulls. The Vice-chancellor keeps a Register of the Collation of Titles given to Cardinals, and of promotion to Bishopricks and Consistorial Abbies.

  The Chamberlain is always a Cardinal, and hath for Substi∣tutes the Clerks of the Apostolick Chamber, a Treasurer, and a President. This Office is worth to him fourteen thousand Crowns a year. He takes cognizance of all Causes within the verge of the Apostolick Chamber; and besides, judgeth of Ap∣peals from the Masters of the Streets, Bridges and Edifices. When the See is vacant the Chamberlain remains in the Palace, in the Pope's Apartment, goes through the Streets with the Swiss Guards attending him, coins money with his own Arms there∣on, and holds a Consistory. He is one of the three chief Trea∣surers of the Castle of St. Angelo, whereof the Dean is another, and the Pope the third.

  The Prefect of the Signature of Justice is also one of the Car∣dinals, and has two hundred Ducats in Gold per month. His business is to make Rescripts of all the Petitions and the Com∣missions of Causes which are delegated by the Court. Every Thursday the Signature of Justice is held in the Palace of the Cardinal Prefect, where assist twelve Prelates Referendaries, that have Vote, and all the other Referendaries, with power to pro∣pose each two Causes; as also an Auditor of the Rota, and the civil Auditor of the cardinal Vicar, having no Vote, but only to maintain their Jurisdiction in what relates to them. The Prefect of the Signature of Grace signs all the Petitions and Grants which the Pope bestows in the Congregations held in his own presence once a week. The Prefect of the Briefs is always a Cardinal; he reviseth and signs the Copies of the Briefs.

  The General of the Holy Church is created by a Brief of the Pope, who gives him the Staff himself in his Chamber, and takes his Oath. In time of peace he has allowed him a thou∣sand Crowns per month; and three thousand in time of war. He commands all the Troops and all the Governors in the Pla∣ces and Fortresses of the Ecclesiastical Estate. His Lieutenant has three thousand Crowns a year, and is made also by a Brief from the Pope; as is the General of the Artillery, who has twelve hundred Crowns per annum.

  The General of the Gallies has 3 hundred Crowns a month.

  The Governor of the Castle of St. Angelo has six thousand Crowns per annum, an hundred Soldiers for the Guard of it, with their Captain, Lieutenant and other Officers.

  The Chamberlain of the Sacred College is changed every year; which College consists of the Pope and Cardinals, who hold a Consistory upon important Affairs.

  The Pope has four Masters of Ceremonies, who are always clad in purple, and have great Authority in publick Affairs. Besides which there are other Masters of the Ceremonies, which are in the Congregations of Privileges, whereof one dischar∣ges the Office of Secretary, and the other dispatches Orders.

  The Master of the Sacred Palace is always a Dominican. He reviews and approves all the Books that are printed, being assisted by two Priests of the same Order. The Palace, besides a Table, allows him a Coach.

  The Vestry-keeper is an Augustin Monk, who hath the same allowance as the Master of the Palace. He takes care of all the Riches in the Pope's Vestry. He goes like a Prelate. And if he be a Titular Bishop, takes place among the assistant Bishops.

  The Pope's Secretary is always a Cardinal, and very often his Nephew. This place is united to that of Super-intendant of the Ecclesiastical Estate. He writes and subscribes all the Letters sent to the Princes and Nuncio's. All Embassadors and all Mi∣nisters at Rome, after having negotiated with the Pope, are ob∣liged to give him an account of their Negotiations. The Secre∣taries of State are subject to the Secretary Super-intendant, or Cardinal-patron, whose Orders they receive, and to whom they send their Letters to be subscribed. They live in the Palace, and are Prelates clad in purple.

  There are twenty four Secretaries of Briefs; the chief where∣of lives in the Palace. Their business is to subscribe and dis∣patch all the Briefs that are received by the Cardinal-prefect of the Briefs. The Secretary of the secret Briefs takes care to pre∣pare them when the Cardinal-patron or some one of the Se∣cretaries of State commands him. These Briefs are shewed to no body, nor signed by the Prefect of the Briefs, but when they are sealed sub annulo Piscatoris and accompanied with a Letter from the Cardinal-patron. The Copies of these Briefs are care∣fully kept; and when the Pope is dead they are carried to the Castle of St. Angelo.

  The Major-domo, or Steward of the Houshold to the Pope, is always a Prelate. The Chamberlains of Honour are Persons of Quality, who come not to the Palace but when they please.

  The Master of the Stables is a Gentleman, who has the Office of Master of the Horse, without the Title of it, for the Pope bestows no such upon any person. He is Sword-bearer, and sometimes one of the greatest Lords in Rome, as was Pompey Frangipani under Leo IId.

  The General of the Pope's Guards has under him two Troops of Horse, and a Company of three hundred Swissers, with their Officers.

  As to the Officers of the Datary, Prothonotaries, Participants and Auditors of the Rota, vide Datary, Prothonotary, Rota.

  The Pope has established an Apostolical Chamber, which consists of the Cardinal-chamberlain, the Governors of Rome, as Vice-chamberlain, the Treasurer-general, the Auditor and Pre∣sident of the Chamber, the Attorney-general of Rome, and seve∣ral other Officers, for to judge of Matters that concern the Re∣venues of the Provinces of the Ecclesiastical Estate; the Moneys, Impositions, Gabels, &c.

  The Governor of Rome takes cognizance in a special manner of civil and criminal Matters, and hath power to stop the pro∣ceedings of other Courts of the City in case of default.

  The Treasurer-general looks over the Accounts of the Reve∣nues of the Chamber. This place is worth seventy thousand Crowns, and brings in yearly twelve thousand.

  The Auditor of the Chamber has as great a Revenue. He is the ordinary Judge of the Court of Rome, of the C••urtesans, Barons, Princes, Bishops, and other Prelates, and of all the Ap∣peals in the Ecclesiastical Estate. He has two Lieutenants, one for civil, and one for criminal Matters.

  The President of the Chamber looks over the Accounts of the Moneys of the Chamber and Apostolick See.

  The Attorney-general maintains the Interest of the publick before all the Courts of Judicature, and the Sollicitor-general prosecutes it in writing.

  The Mareschal of Rome has under him two civil Judges, one whereof is called the first collateral Judge, and the other the se∣cond collateral, with a Judge for criminal Affairs. He, toge∣ther with these Judges, takes cognizance of Matters between the Citizens and Inhabitants of Rome. He is always a Foreigner, and lives in the Capitol; while at the discharge of his Office, he appears clad like an old Senator, having a Robe of Cloth of Gold that hangs down to the Earth, with large Sleeves to it; lined with red Taffety. He has a Seat in the Pope's Chapel, near unto the Emperor's Embassador.

  As to the Government of the Pope's Dominion. He governs the Province of Rome himself; but all the other Provinces are governed by Legates or Vice-legates. Besides which every Pro∣vince has a General, which commands the Soldier••, and each City a Governor, chosen by the Pope. But the Podesta's and other Officers are chosen by the Inhabitants; except the Forts, Castles and Ports, whose Officers as well as Governors depend up∣on the Pope's choice. Onuphr. Passevin.

• Popiel, King of Poland, was Son to Leschus IVth. and suc∣ceeded him about 816. He died five years after, and left a Son of the same Name with himself. Authors say, he and his Fa∣mily were devoured by Rats. Piast was put upon the Throne after him, about 242. Chron. Hist. Polon.
• Popilius, called Laenas, Consul of Rome, was chosen from among the People, exercised that Charge four times, and in 404 routed the Gauls several times. This was an illustrious Fa∣mily in Rome, whereof there were several great Men, and a∣mongst the rest, that Popilius who was sent to Antiochus, King of Syria, to hinder him from attacking Ptolomy, King of Egypt, the Romans Ally. Antiochus would have evaded his Proposals, but Popilius understanding his Intentions, made a Circle round about the King, and prayed him not to go out of it till he gave positive Answer of Peace or War. I know not whether that Popilius Laenas that killed Cicero, was of this Family. If he was, he dishonoured it by his wickedness and ungratitude, in depri∣ving that Man of his Life, who had preserved his, by his Elo∣quence. Livy, Valerius Maximus, Velleius Paterculus, &c.
• Popmen, or A Popma, (Ausonius de) a Native of Ilst, a lit∣tle Town in Friezland, lived about 1610, was famous for his Learning, and had three Brothers, who were all Writers. He himself was a Learned Grammarian and a famous Lawyer; and writ several things; published Notes upon Varro, Paterculus, &c. De differentia verborum, De ordine & non Judiciorum, &c. Va∣ler. Andreas Bibl. Belg. Suffridus Petri de Script. Fris.
• * Popayan, Lat. Popaiana, a great Province in South Ameri∣ca, in the firm Land, towards the Mountains, is bounded on the West by the South Sea, on the South by Peru, on the East by New-Granada, and on the North by New-Carthagena. Its greatest extent is from North to South. Its capital City is Popayan, situ∣tuate near the Rise of the River St. Martha, 140 miles East of the South Sea. This City and Province took its Name from a King that reigned here when the Spaniards, about the year 1537, conquered this Province. The City stands 2 deg. 30 min. from the Line to the North, 72. 30 from Toledo West, on both Sides of a fine River, which by the accession of others, before it falls into the Atlantick Ocean, becomes one of the biggest Rivers in America. The Air is temperate and healthfull, but too much subject to Rain, Thunder and Lightnings. It has plenty of

• Corn, Cattle, Fruits and Herbs, and a double Harvest every year. These Indians are more Civil, Industrious and Ingenious than most of the other Indians:
• Poppea Sabina, Nero's second Wife, was the Daughter of Titus Ollius, but she took the name of her Uncle by the Mo∣ther's side Poppeus Sabinus, as being more renowned because a Consul, and honoured with a Triumph. She had been mar∣ried to a Roman Knight named Rufus Crispinus, and had a Son by him, when Otho, who was afterwards Emperor, debauched her, but he afterwards married her; and whether it were through excess of love, or to preserve thereby his Credit, ne∣ver ceased praising her to Nero, who, when he saw her, was immediately smitten with her Beauty; and she by her cunning management wrought so, that he divorced Octavia, who was barren, and afterwards made her away, removed Otho far from Rome, under the specious pretence of giving him the Government of Portugal, and married her. Some time after she bore him a Daughter, whereat Nero was so transported with joy, that he gave her the name of Augusta as well as the Mother. Authors speak much of the Beauty and Magnificence of Poppea, who to preserve her Beauty, washed her self every day in Asses Milk. She died of a kick Nero gave her in his Passion, when she was big with Child. This happen'd A. C. 65. Tacitus lib. 13, 14, 15 & 16. Annal. Suetonius in Nerone & Othone. Dion & Xiphilin in Nerone. Pliny l. 28. c. 12.
• Populonia, a Goddess worshipped by the ancient Romans, who implored her help to secure their Country from Plunder, Inundations, Hail, Insects, &c. St. Aug. de Civit. Dei.
• Porc Espic, Porcupine, an Order of the Knights of Orleans instituted by Lewis second Son to Charles V. Duke of Orleans, as 'tis said, upon the birth of his Son Charles in 1394. It con∣sisted of twenty five Knights, whereof the Duke was chief: They were to be of Noble Extraction, and to wear a Mantle of Ermine, over which was a Gold Chain, at the end whereof hung upon the Breast a Golden Porcupine, with this devise, Cominus & Eminus, which King Lewis II. took afterwards for himself. It appears also, that this Order has been called by the name of The Order of the Agate, because the Duke of Orleans gave, together with the Collars, a Gold Ring adorned with an Agate, whereon was engraven a Porcupine; but King Lewis XII. abo∣lished this Order upon his coming to the Crown. St. Martha, l. 15. de Hist. Geneal. Favin. Theat. d' Hon. & de Cheval.
• Porchetus (Salvaticus) of Genoa, lived about 1315. He was a Carthusian and led a solitary life: He composed a Piece against the Jews, wherein he proves, both by Scripture, and Talmud, and Cabalist writers, the truth of the Christian Reli∣gion, which was printed at Paris in 1520, by the title of Victo∣ria Porcheti adversus impios Judaeos. Bartholomew Pascheti nelle bell. de Genoa. Gesner in Bibl. Possevin in app.
• Porcia, Daughter of Cato Uticensis and Wife to Brutus, at∣tained to a great knowledge of Philosophy, was a lover of Learning, and her Wit as well as Courage made her appear to be above her Sex. When Brutus was about to execute the Conspiracy against Caesar, she gave her self a very large wound, and seeing her Husband concern'd at it; I have wounded my self, said she, to give you a proof of my love, and to let you know, with what Constancy I could die, if the business you undertake com∣ing to miscarry, should cause your ruine. Coming afterwards to understand the defeat and death of Brutus, which happened in 712 of Rome, she resolved to die: Her Friends opposed that fatal design, and deprived her of all the Weapons she could use for her destruction; but she had the courage to swallow red hot Coals. Plutarch in Bruto. Valerius Maximus, lib. 3. c. 2. ex 16. & lib. 4. c. 6. ex 6. Bocace de clar. Mulier. l. 8.
• M. Porcius Latro, a famous Orator, was a great friend of Seneca, and said to be originally of Cordova in Spain, who having been for a long time troubled with a Quartan Ague, kill'd himself to be out of that misery in the 750th year of Rome. There is a Declamation that goes under his name against Cataline, but those that know it confess it not worthy of so great a Man. Seneca in Praef. Contr. l. 1. Vossius de Rhet. Nat. N. 15. &c.
• Porcius Licinius, a Latin Poet, lived in the beginning of the second Punick War, in the time that Poetry was not come to any considerable perfection, being the 536 year of Rome. The Family of the Porcii, Gens Porcia, was illustrious at Rome among the Plebeians, whereof there was Porcius Cato, whose Sons were Cato the Censor, and Poricus Licinius Consul in 570. The first of these two Brothers had two Sons also, to wit, M. Porcius, and Porcius Cato Salonianus, who died when Pretor. Some Authors speak of him as Father to M. Porcius, who was Consul in 640, and banished from Rome for his Misgovernment in Macedonia, and retired to Tarragon in Spain. He had a Son of the same name, who was Father to Cato of Utica; and this same was the Father of Porcius Cato, who was kill'd at the Battle of Philippi in 712. Porcius Cato, the Censor's eldest Son, died before his Father. He had married Fertia Daughter to Paulus Aemilius, and left some excellent Books concerning Law, according to Pomponius. This famous Lawyer had a Son that died in Africa, the Father of L. Porcius Cato. Titus Livius lib. 33, 34 & 39. Velleius Paterculus lib. 2. Pomponius lib. 2. de Orig. Jur. Cicero Dion. &c.
• * Porlock, a Market and Sea Town of Carhampton Hun∣dred in the West of Somersetshire. It has a good Harbour on the Western point of the Country 136 miles from London.
• Porphyrius, Bishop of Antioch, was notorious for his Vices. He succeeded Flavian in 404, but was put upon the See irregu∣larly, by the order of Severian and Antiochus, the Church Doors being shut, and the people not called together. He corrupted the Soldiers, and used all sorts of violences to constrain the people to communicate with him. He died in 408, and was succeeded by Alexander. Theodoret lib. 5. Baronius in Annal.
• Porphyrius, a Platonick Philosopher, lived about the end of the Third Age, in the Reign of Dioclesian. St. Jerom makes him to be a Jew, but Eunapius affirms he was of Tyre, that his first name was Malchus, which in the Syrian Tongue signifies a King, and that the Sophist Longinus, his Master in the Art of Rhetorick, called him Porphyrius, in allusion to the purple which Kings wear. His Masters in Philosophy were Plotinus and Amelius. He writ a piece of the Lives of Philosophers, of Ab∣stinence from Flesh; an Explication of the Categories of Ari∣stotle, &c. He died, it's likely, towards the end of Dioclesian's Reign. He writ also a piece in fifteen Books against the Chri∣stian Religion, which he once professed, according to St. Au∣gustin, Socrates, and some others, and was answered by Metho∣dius Bishop of Tyre, and Eusebius afterwards, and had his Books burnt in 388. St. Jerom in Praef. Catal. Script. Eccl. St. Aug. de Civitat. Dei. Cyril. l. 1. Cont. Julian. Eunapius in Vit. Phil.
• Porphyrogeneti or Porphyrogenites, a name given to the Emperors of Constantinople's Children, because that the Em∣presses were wont to lie in in an Appartment called the Por∣phyrie, that stood at the entry into the Palace towards the Pro∣pontis, which place was built by Constantine the Great, and de∣sign'd for the Birth and Education of the Princes descended from him; but Nicetas says, This place was so called from the Princes who were named Porphyrogenites, because they were re∣ceived into the World in a purple Cloth, whereof he gives a particular instance in the birth of Emanuel Comnenus. Nicetas l. 5. Luitprand l. 2. &c.
• Porreta (Margaret) a certain Woman of Hainault that lived in the Thirteenth Age, and writ a very erroneous Book at Pa∣ris, whither she went, saying, That a Man wholly devoted to the love of his Creator, can freely satisfie all the desires of Nature without fear of offending God; which Doctrine she maintain∣ed. She was burnt for this false Doctrine in 1210. Guicard de Cressonnesart published his Errors at the same time, calling himself The Angel of Philadelphia; but he recanted, and came off with a perpetual Imprisonment. Spond. A. C. 1210. n. 6.
• Porsenna, a King of Hetruscia, whose Capital was Clusium, now Chiusi in Tuscany. He besieged Rome in 247, in order to re∣store Tarquinius Superbus to the Throne, which Siege lasted a long while, and reduced the Romans to great extremity; but the Courage of Clelius, Horatius Cocles, and Mutius Scaevola chiefly contributed to the saving of the City, so that Porsenna was forc'd to raise his Siege and depart home. Livy l. 2. Dionys. Halicar. l. 5. Florus l. 1. c. 10.
• Port Porto, Lat. Portus Augusti and Portus Romanus, a City in Italy, at the Mouth of the Tyber in the Ecclesiastical State, a Bishop's See, whose Haven was built by Claudius, repair'd by Trajan, and was very considerable, but now there are scarce any remains of it. The Town is also ruinated and thin of people, because of the badness of the Air, but it gives Title to one of the six ancient Cardinals.
• Port Alegre, Lat. Portus Alacris, formerly Ancaea, a City of Portugal, a Bishop's See under Bragua, is in the Province of Alen∣tejo, towards the Frontiers of Estremadura, and stands upon a River being very well fortified. It's an Earldom belonging to the House of Silva.
• Port au Prime, a City in the Southern part of the Island of Cuba, one of the Antilles in America, whose Haven is cal∣led Port S. Mary. This City stands in a great Plain, where the Spaniards have many Hato's or Parks for the breeding of Cattle to get Tallow and Leather. Thence comes that Leather called Havana Leather, so much esteemed throughout Europe. They carry it from this City to that of Havana, which is the Capi∣tal of the Isle, in order to imbark it for Spain, whence 'tis transmitted to all the other Kingdoms of Europe. Oexmelin Hist. of the West Ind.
• Port aux Prunes, a Country in the Northern part of the Island of Madagascar, extends it self from the Port of Tame∣tavi to the Bay of Antongil, and is bounded on the West with the Mountains of Vohits-Anghombes, and Ansianach. It's a good Country, abounding in Rice and excellent Forage, and its In∣habitants are laborious, who will rather die of hunger than eat of any Beast that has been killed by a Christian. They pre∣tend they are descended from Abraham, know nothing of Ma∣homet, and call those of that Sect Cafres. They honour the Patriarchs, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Da∣vid, but know nothing of the other Prophets, nor of Christ. They Circumcise, and do not work upon the Sabbath no more than the Jews. They neither fast nor pray publickly, but on∣ly sacrifice Bulls, Cows, Hens, &c. In every Village they have a Philoubei, who administers Justice; all which Philoubei's obey an Elder who is Judge of all Controversies. Their Wo∣men plant the Rice, making a hole in the Earth with a sharp pointed Staff, and throw in two grains of Rice, which they cover with their Feet dancing and singing over it; which is performed in one day by all the Women and Maidens of

• each Village, who meet together for that purpose. The River of Manaugouron, which dischargeth it self into the Sea about the Isle of St. Mary, is very large, but so rapid, that it's scarcely Navigable. There are to be seen, all along this River, Chry∣stal Stones, some whereof are four foot thick. It's said also, that there are found in the Isle of Amboulnosis, which is in this River, many precious Stones. Flacourt Hist. de Mada∣gascar.
• * Port Conquet, a Town in the Point of Bretaigne in France, five French Leagues from Brest to the West. It was taken and burnt by the English in 1558, in revenge for the taking Calais, but the Country coming down upon them, they were driven to their Ships with the loss of 600 Men.
• Port Desire, a Port in South America upon the East of Mare Magellanicum, called formerly Baya de los Trabajos, the Mouth whereof is about half a League broad, with two little Islands and two Rocks adjoining that cannot be seen when the Tide is in. The neighbouring Country is covered with white Sand, and has no Trees, yet there is sweet Water, which the Ships that come towards the Streight usually take in.
• Port Hercole, Lat. Portus Herculis, a City and Sea-port of Italy in Tuscany, belonging to the Spaniards, lying to the East of Orbitello, towards the Mountain Argentara.
• * Port Lewis, a new built Town in the Lower Languedoc on the Mediterranean Sea near Mount de Sefe. This Haven and Port was made by a vast Artificial Mount, rais'd out of the Sea with mighty expence. It stands two Leagues from Frontignan to the South, and 5. E. from Agde.
• Port Lovis, or Blavet, a strong Town of Bretaigne in France, at the Mouth of the River Blane, which has a large Haven. It stands twelve Leagues W. of Vannes, and fifteen E. from Quim∣per.
• Port Royal, a famous Nunnery near unto Chevreuse, with∣in six Leagues of Paris Note, that some have erroneously con∣founded this place with the Abby of Gif, whence the famous Jansenists have taken their name. Le Mire, &c.
• Port Royal, a Town and Sea-port in North America in A∣cadia, a Province of New France, being one of the safest and most considerable in the Country. It was taken by the English and restored to the French by the Treaty of Breda in 1667. The Port in the Turkish Language signifies the Court of the Grand Signior.
• * Port Royal, a Port on the South of Jamaica in the hands of the English, by whom the Town was built, which, before the late dreadfull Earthquake in 1692 ruin'd the greatest part of it, had above 1500 Houses, and extended twelve miles in length, extreamly populous, as being the scale of trade in that Island. It is seated at the end of a long point of Land, which makes the Harbour on the N. The Harbour is about three Leagues broad, and in most places so deep, that a Ship of 1000 Tuns may lay her sides to the Shoar of the Point, load and un∣load at pleasure; and it affords good Ancorage all over. For its security there is a very strong Castle, always well garrison'd, and having sixty pieces of Canon well mounted. The Town stands upon a loose Sand, which affords neither Grass, Stone, Fresh-water, Trees, nor any thing else that could encourage the building of a Town besides the goodness and conveniency of the Harbour.
• Port (Baptista de la) known by the name of Giovan Bap∣tista de la Port of Naples, lived about the end of the sixteenth Age and the beginning of the Seventeenth. He understood Philosophy, Mathematick••, Physick, Judicial Astrology, and Natural Magick, upon which he writ much. He had a great hand in establishing the Academy of Gli Ozioni, and had ano∣ther in his House called de Secreti, whereunto none was admit∣ted but such as had made some new di••covery in Nature. He died in 1615. We have of his composing, Magia Naturalis, Elementa Curvilinea; de Distillatione; de Ziferis; de Occultis li∣terarum notis; de refractione Optices; de Aris transmutationibus; de Munitione; Della Fisonomia; some Plays, &c. Imperialis in Musaeo Hist. Lorenzo Crasso Elog. d' Huom. Letter. Ghilini. Theat d' Huom. Letter.
• Port (Simon) a Neopolitan, who had been the Scholar of Pomponacus of Mantua, and suspected to be of his Opinion; who held, That the Soul died with the Body. He taught Phi∣losophy a long time at Pisa, and afterwards began to write the History of Fishes, when upon sight of William Rondelet's Book he gave it over. He died at Naples in 1553, aged 57 years. He writ several things, as, De Mente humana: Dictionarium Lati∣num Graeco barbarum & literale; De dolore liber; De coloribus oculorum; De Rerum Naturalium principiis; De fato, &c. Thu∣an. Hist. Gesner in Bibl.
• * Portland Castle stands on the North-side of the Isle of Portland belonging to Dorsetshire.
• * Portland, Lat. Vindelis, a noted Island, or rather, a Pe∣ninsula belonging to Dorsetshire. It lies three miles from Wey∣mouth South Eastward, and is about seven miles in compass, all surrounded with Rocks, except at Portland Castle, which is the only Landing-place. Here the Soil is very good for Corn, and indifferent for Pasture, but so destitute of Wood and other Fewel, that the Inhabitants are fain to dry their Cow-dung and burn it. For building we have no Stone like that of this Island, which has great Quarries of it. By Portland Race is meant the meeting of the two Tides there. This Peninsula has has been dignified with the Title of an Earldom; first in the person of Richard Weston, created Earl of Portland by King Charles I. An. 1632, in whose Family the Title being extinct at the death of his Son Thomas; it was revived again since the late Revolution, upon the Right Honourable Myn Heer Benting, the present Earl of Portland, and Groom of the Stole to King William. This Island belongs to the Church of Winchester by the gift of Edward the Confessor; and hath one Church on the South-side near the Sea; to preserve it from the fury of the Waves, they have walled the Church-yard Banks to an incredible height.
• Porto, Lat. Portus Calensis, or Cindad de Puerto, a great Ci∣ty and considerable Mart in the Kingdom of Portugal at the Mouth of the Douro, a Bishop's See under Braga, and gave name to the Kingdom of Portugal. Those of the Low-Countries call it Port-a-Port. It stands within a League of the Ocean, and is one of the chief and most frequented Ports in that Kingdom. Rosendius in Antiq. Lusitaniae.
• Porto Belo, a new City in South America, on the North side of the Isthmus of Panama, within eighteen Leagues of the City of Panama, situate upon a Bay, at the mouth of which are two very strong Castles, called St. James and St. Philip, be∣sides a Fort upon an advanced ground that commands the Town. The Galleons of the King of Spain come thither every year to take in the Gold and Silver brought from Peru to Panama, which are carried by Land upon two thousand Mules from Panama to Porto Belo, in order to imbark it for Spain. All the Merchandizes that come from Peru are also unladen at Porto Belo, and carried in the same manner on Mules to Panama, to be put on board the Galleons in the South-Sea. Porto Belo is an unhealthy place because of the Mountains round it that exclude the Sun, and hinder it to purifie the Air, so that 'tis thinly peopled, having no more than about four hundred Men able to bear Arms in it, besides the Garrison, which consists of as many Soldiers. There is a Governour of the City, and two Castellans, that is, Governours of Castles. This City was taken and plundered by the Buccaniers. Oexmelin Hist. des Ind. Occid.
• Porto Fino, Lat. Portus Delphini, a City in Italy to the East of Genoa, with a small Haven belonging to it, about twenty miles from Genoa towards the Gulf of Ripallo.
• Porto Longone, Lat. Portus Longus, a Fortress and Sea-Port in the Island of Elca in the Tuscan Sea, with a Spanish Garrison in it. The French took it in 1646, under the command of the Mareschal de Meilleray, but was retaken by the Spaniards in 1650. It stands 12 males to the S. of Piombino, 54 from Li∣gorne, 37 from the Isle of Corsica to the E.
• Porto Rico, or St. John de Porto Rico, an Island situated in the North Sea, towards America, at the entrance into the Gulf of Mexico, and to the East of the Isle of San-domingo or Hispa∣niola, called anciently Boriquen, discovered first by Columbus in 1493. This Island is thirty Leagues in length from East to West, and twenty broad. Its Air very temperate save in De∣cember and January, when it is very cold; and from the end of May till September, when 'tis extraordinary hot. The Soil is fertil, and affords good Grass, but the abundance of Trees called Guajabes, which cover the Earth with their shadow, make part of it unfruitfull The Cows also, and other Dome∣stick Animals grow so wild here, that there is no taming of them, which is a great inconveniency. There are several Ri∣vers in this Island, some whereof have commodious Havens for Ships of Burthen; besides which, they have Brooks where∣in Gold is found. Amongst the Trees there, the most remark∣able are the Tabernaculo or Taborum, from whence proceeds whitish Bitumen, very good for Painters, to pitch Ships, and has an excellent virtue for the curing of wounds, and pains caused by cold. In this Island, moreover, grows a Tree call'd Sant-Bois, very different from the Gajac, but has the same pro∣perties; besides several other Shrubs upon the Sea side, whose Apples kill Fishes when they fall into the Water, and whose shadow has the same effect upon Men in the night time that sleep under their Branches. The Salvages prepare a poison of the Fruit of it that kills without remedy. The principal Com∣modities of the Island of Porto Rico, are Sugar-Canes, Ginger, Cassia, &c. The Spaniards began to dwell here in 1510, and in 1514 began to lay the Foundations of their chief Town, called by them now Porto Rico. In a little Town joined to the great one by a Causey made cross the Haven, resides the Governour; where they have a Cathedral Church, with a Bishop under the Archbishop of San-domingo. The Haven is large, and safe from Winds, and the Incursions of Enemies, being guarded by a well-fortify'd Castle. Sir Francis Drake at∣tacked this Town in 1595, but could not succeed, only burnt some Ships that rode at Anchor there; but in 1598 the Earl of Cumberland made himself Master of it, but soon quitted it to save his Men who died there apace. Baldwin Henry, Comman∣der of the Dutch West-India Fleet, being sent into Brasil, entred in 1615 into Porto Rico; but despairing to take the Fortress, re∣tir'd with a considerable Booty. De Laet.
• Porto de Primaro, a Port in Italy in the Dutchy of Ferrara, where one Branch of the River Po, called Po di Primaro dis∣chargeth it self into the Adriatick Sea or Gulf of Venice. This Haven is guarded by Gregory's Tower, and the Town that stands there is very good.

• Porto Santo, Ilha de Puerta Santo, an Island in the Atlan∣tick Sea belonging to Portugal, to the West of Barbary, disco∣vered by the Portuguese in 1428, not far from the Madera's, and about eight Leagues in circumference.
• Porto Seguro, a City and Country of Brasil, in South A∣merica. The Prefecture or Government which is as it were a Province, lies between that of St. Esprit, which is to the South of it; and that of the Islands to the North, upon the Sea of Brasil, and is possessed by the Portuguese.
• Porto Vendres, Lat. Portus Veneris, a Haven in Roussillon upon the Mediterranean, near unto Collioure, and towards Cape de Creuz. It's a famous Port, and has adjoining to it the City of Vendres, near unto Castel S. Elme, which the French took in 1641. See de Marca in his Book entituled Marca Hispanica.
• Porto Penere, Lat. Portus Veneris, a Town in the States of Genoa, which has an Haven and Castle, seated over against the Island of Palmaria, sixty miles from Genoa, and three from the Gulf del Spezza to the East.
• * Portsey, an Island on the Coast of Hampshire, so called from Portsey, a Town therein, and of chief note, for Ports∣mouth, the strongest place of England, seated here.
• * Portsmouth, Lat. Portus Magnus, a famous Sea-Town up∣on the Channel in the South parts of Hamshire, almost on the South Point of Portsey Island, which has a Communication North∣ward with the main Land by a Bridge. This place is both a good Harbour for Ships, and by its strong Fortifications, a shelter to Hampshire. Here are Docks and Store-houses for the King to build and equip Men of War; and for its defence such Fortifications as make it almost impregnable, the best part whereof were chiefly raised by the late King Charles, who bestowed great Sums upon it; but when all is done it's but an unhealthy place. It is noted of late for giving the Title of Dutchess to Loviso de Querovaille, created Baroness of Petersfield, Countess of Farnham, and Dutchess of Portsmouth by Ch. II. whose chief Mistress she was. About this Town is bred a race of small Dogs like Beagles, which hunt Moles as their natural Game. Portsmouth is 73 miles from. London.
• Portugal, an Hereditary Kingdom of Europe, in the Western part of Spain, comprehending part of the ancient Lusitania, and part of the ancient Callaicans, Callaici Braccarii that dwelt in the Province called now Tra los Montes. It's one of the least Kingdoms in Europe, but considerable for its Wealth and Fer∣tility; being about an hundred and ten French Leagues in length, and about fifty over where 'tis broadest; has Gallicia to the North, from which 'tis separated by the River Minho, to the South and West, the Sea, Castile, Leo, Estremadura and Anda∣luzia to the East. It's divided into five parts or Provinces, which are, Entre-Doura and Minho beyond the Mountains; Piera, Estremadura, or Estremadura Portughesa, and Alentejo or Entre Tejo and Guadiana; to which appertains also the little Kingdom of Algarva that gives Title to the eldest Sons of the Kings of Portugal. This Country is watered with a great ma∣ny curious Rivers, whereof there are four very considerable ones, to wit, the Minho, the Douro, the Tagus, and the Guadia∣na. The Portuguese are strong in the East Indies, &c. are pos∣sest also of Brasil in America, the Molucca's, several places in the Gulf of Bengala; the Azores, Madera's, the Islands of Cape Verd Ceuta; and Mazagan in Africa, the Fortresses of Mina and Arquin upon the Coasts of Guinee, with some others along the Coasts of Congo and Angola, Sofala and Mozambequet beyond the Cape of good hope. The Kingdom of Portugal has very good Ports, abounds with excellent Wine, Fruit, Fish, Game, Salt, Horses, &c. There are also some Mines, for it's certain, that the Romans came for∣merly for Gold to Portugal, as the Portuguese now seek it in the Indies. It's very well peopled, especially towards the Coasts, there being above 600 Towns and privileged Boroughs which contain 4000 Parishes; Lisbonne is the chief Town, the other, which are most considerable, are Evora, Braga, Coimbra, Elvas, Be∣ja, Porto, Bragance, Portalegre, Visieu, Guarda, Miranda de Douro, with a great many other. Of these Lisbonne, Bragua and Evora are Archbishops Sees which have ten Bishopricks under 'em. It's a very populous Kingdom, especially towards the Sea-side, the Capital City whereof is Lisbonne. The Moors were Ma∣sters of it a long time; but Henry of Burgundy took it from them, and by his marriage with Tersa, the natural Daughter of Alphonso VI. King of Castile, became peaceable possessor of it. There is a Law in this Country that excludes all Foreign Prin∣ces from the Crown, which Law they would have once dis∣pensed with in behalf of a marriage to be consummated between the Infanta Elizabeth Maria Lovisa with Victor Amadeus Francis Duke of Savoy; but Bastard Sons are capable of succeeding. Philip II. King of Spain in the year 1580, finding the Portuguese uneasie under the Government of Don Antonio, who had taken the Quality of King upon him, because of his mean descent by his Mother's side, was unwilling to neglect so favourable an opportunity of usurping Portugal, and so sent thither the Duke of Alva with a powerfull Army, who defeated Antonio at the Battle of Alcantara; but the Portuguese shook off the Spanish Yoke in 1640, and chose John Duke of Braganza for their King, which Revolution was so well managed, and with so much secrecy, that all the places which the Portuguese had in all the four quarters of the Earth, shook off the Dominion of Spain in one day, except the little Town of Ceura in Afri∣ca alone. The chief motives of the great Revolution were, That the King of Spain allowed other People to trade to the East Indies as well as the Portuguese; his Exactions and the Tax of five per cent. which he imposed upon all the Merchandises of the Kingdom. The Portuguese are proud, haughty, good Soldiers, great lovers of their King; the Roman Catholick Re∣ligion is only tolerated in their Dominion. They have In∣quisitions at Lisbonne, Coimbra and Evora, Parliaments at Lis∣bonne and Porto, Generalities called Comarques, and Almaxari∣fats in 27 other places. Besides the Royal Council the Portu∣gueses have other Tribunals, as that of the Finances, La Mesada Conscientia or Council of Conscience, Council of War, &c. King John IV. established a Tribunal against those that should be accused of discovering the Secrets of the State to Enemies, or that in any other way should assist their undertakings. The Kings of Portugal are great Masters of the Order of Christ that reside at Tomar, of that of Avis and St. James, which have their Residence at Palmella near Setuval. They take these Titles, King of Portugal, of the Algarves, of both sides of the Sea of Africa, Lord of Guinee, Master of the Navigation and Com∣merce of Aethiopia, Arabia, Persia and the Indies. * When the Portuguese discovered the Passage into the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope, tho' the Venetians sent their Ship-Carpenters to the Sultan of Egypt with all things that were necessary to build a Fleet of Ships on the Red Sea, to out 'em of the Trade of the Indies, yet they engrossed it, that the Spices, Jewels, Gold, Callico's, Silks and Druggs of that Country pass'd by Portugal into Europe, which made it the richest traded Kingdom in that part of the World: Being beat out of this by the English and Hollanders, they supported themselves by the Sugar and Taba∣co trade of Brasil, but the Dutch having ruin'd the Sugar Plan∣tations in the tedious War that begun in 1640, and the English raised theirs in Barbado's and Jamaica to perfection, and the Tabaco Trade in Virginia, Portugal lost all hers, and is be∣come the weakest and poorest Kingdom in all Europe. Resend. Ant. Lusit. Antonio de Sousa. Excellent. de Portug. Bernardin S. An∣tonio. Descript. Portug. Gaspard Estazo. Antiq. de Portug. &c.
• Porus, King of the Indies, was great in Body and Courage, and valiantly withstood Alexander the Great, but Alexander de∣feated him in Battle in the 427th year of Rome. It's said, That when this victorious Prince had bid Porus ask of him what∣ever he desired, that Porus made answer, I desire only to be treat∣ed like a King; which so charm'd Alexander, that he gave him all his Country again. Quintus Curtius l. 8. Arian l. 5. Plutarch in the life of Alexander.
• Posega, the Capital City of Sclavonia, is a place of great Commerce, and has depending upon it, almost four hundred Villages. It stands 8 miles N. of the Save, 30 E. from Gra∣disca, consists of about 1000 Houses. The Country about is very fruitfull, producing Fruits of all sorts of a more than ordinary size. It fell into the hands of the Turks under Soliman the Magnificent about 1544, together with Walpo, and Quinque Ecclesiae. It's 7 miles from Gnesna to the W. and 20 E. from Franck∣fort upon the Oder. It was taken from the Turks by the Impe∣rialists October 12, 1687. The Bey made at first some resistance, but after having fired some Canon, he abandoned the place; part of the Garrison retired to the Mountains, and the rest into different places upon the Save. The Germans found in it a great quantity of Amunition and Provision, with five pieces of Canon.
• * Posna or Posnam, Lat. Posnania, the Capital City of the Lower Poland, gives its name to a Palatinate, is a Bishop's See under Gnesna, and stands upon the Wart, with a Cittadel belonging to it. It's 7 miles from Gnesna to the W. 20 E. from Franckfort upon the Oder. The Palatinate of Posnanskie is bounded on the W. by the Marquisate of Brandenburg, on the N. by the Further Pomerania, on the E. by the Palatinate of Ka∣liski, and on the S. by Misnia. It's environed with two Walls and a deep Ditch, and defended besides by a strong Castle. It has three great fair Fairs every year.
• Possidius, called by Honorius d' Autun and some others erro∣neously Possidonius, Bishop of Calama in Africa, was in esteem in the Fifth Age in 430, having been the Disciple of St. Au∣gustin, whose Life he writ, and gave us a Catalogue of the real Works of that great Man, which he had seen himself, and so could not be suspected. Isidorus & Sigibert de illust. Script. Ho∣norius d' Autun de Lumin. Eccl.
• Possidonius of Alexandria, a famous Mathematician, who measured the Circumference of the Earth, and found it to be thirty thousand Furlongs. Eratosthenes, who lived 500 years after the building of Rome had before made an observation up∣on the same subject, and found it to be two hundred and fifty thousand Furlongs; and Ptolemy after Possidonius found it no more than twenty two thousand and five hundred; but this great difference proceeds from the different measure. About 150 years ago people applyed themselves to make new obser∣vations; John Fernel, chief Physician to King Henry II. has found 68096 Geometrical paces for every Degree. P. Riccioli makes each 64363 Paces of Bolonia, which make 62900 Fa∣thom, but the Mathematicians of the Royal Academy of Sci∣ences allow a Degree 57060 Braces, that is, 28 Leagues and a half and 60 Braces, and according to this Computation 10270 Leagues 1600 toises for the 360. Perrault.
• Possidonius, a famous Architect and Engineer that lived in the year of Rome 433. Biton, a skilfull Mathematician, and

• his Contemporary attributes to him the building of Heliopolis, on a kind of a rowling Tower, to approach near unto the Walls of a besieged Town, and saith, That Alexander the Great put him upon it. It's not known whether he be the same Pos∣sidonius of Rhodes, who writ a Treatise concerning the art of War, which is still extant. Vossius lib. de Univ. Mathes.
• Possidonius of Apamea, who called himself Native of Rhodes, a Stoical Philosopher, lived in the time of Pompey the Great, whose Life he writ: He is thought also to have writ an Hi∣story which was but a continuation of that of Polybius; tho' others would have it to be Possidonius of Alexandria. Vossius de Phil. Sect. l. 19. S. 12. & de Hist. Graec. c. 24.
• Possidonius of Olbiopolis, a City of Sarmatia Europaea, cal∣led Stapenor by le Noire, writ four Books of the Attick History, eleven of that of Libya, &c. Suidas in Possivin. Vossius, &c.
• Post, is usually taken for one that rides with full speed from one place to another. Herodotus informs us, That this way of riding upon the publick account, was first invented in Persia; and saith, That there were from the Egean Sea and the Propontis to the City Suza, the then Capital of the Kingdom of Persia, an hundred and eleven Stages upon the Road. Xenophon adds, That it was King Cyrus that first settled the Posts, causing places to be built upon the great Roads, on purpose, where both Men and Horses might be always ready; and this about five hundred years before Christ, when the said Cyrus un∣dertook his Expedition against the Scythians. As to the Romans, some think they had Couriers in the time of the Republick, and before Julius Caesar's time; that they called the places they stop'd at Stationes, and those that carried the Packets Statores; but others think that it was Augustus that instituted 'em: And Suetonius adds, That he built upon the High-way Stations at convenient distances, and made choice of young nimble Men, who ran and handed the Packets from one to the other, and af∣terwards set Horses and Chariots for greater expedition. There was something like this in France, Germany and Italy about 807 in Charlemaign's Reign; but People believe the custom was dis∣continued under his Successors, untill Lewis XI. renewed it in 1477. Bergier Hist. des grand Chemins de l' Empire.
• Postel (William) was born in 1477 in the Parish of Barenson in the Diocess of Auranches in Normandy. Francis I. sent him into the East, from whence he brought several Manuscripts. He was a Man of great Accomplishments, very well skill'd in the Oriental Languages, a skilfull Mathematician, and acquain∣ted with the secrets of the Rabbins and Cabbalists. Being at Ve∣nice, he fell in love with an old Maiden; which caused him to fall into that fantastical Error concerning the Redemption of Women-kind, and to assert it was not finished; and that that Ve∣netian Woman called Mother Mary by him in his Book entituled Virgo Veneta, was to accomplish that great Work. He died on the sixth or seventh of September 1581, aged near 100 years, having never been sick in all his life-time. Florimond de Rai∣mond holds, That his sole design was to praise this Wo∣man, who had been very kind to him in his Travels; but this was not the only error that was imputed to him, for it was said, That he pretended that the Angel Raziel declared several Mysteries to him. He writ, De orbis Concordia; Clavis recondito∣rum; De Constitutione mundi; De Magistratibus Atheniensibus; De Hetruriae Origine; De Candelabro Mosis, &c. Prateolus V. Post. Bellarm. lib. 2. de scr. c. 22. Orlandin lib. 5. Hist. Soc. num. 3. &c.
• Posthumius (M. Cassius Latienius) a valiant Man of the Gauls, who rose up against Salonius the Son of Gallian, about the year 260, put him and his Governour Albinus to death, and caused himself to be proclaimed Emperor, and maintained himself in the Post for the space of ten years, building several Forts upon the Rhine, and keeping good Order and Discipline; insomuch, that he was styled The Restorer of the Gauls; but he was at last kill'd by his own Soldiers, because he would not suffer them to plunder Mayence that held out for Lollian who re∣bell'd against him. His Son Cajus Junius Cassius Latienus Posthumus, who had been declared Augustus, died with him; or according to some, before him. Trebellius Pollio vie des 30 Tyr. Aurelius Victor. Orosius, &c.
• Postumius, surnamed Tubertus, was Consul in the 251st year of Rome, with Agrippa Menenius Lanatus; he made his en∣try into that City crowned with Myrtle when he returned victorious over the Sabines; and hence came the custom of O∣vations, or little Triumphs. In 258 he defeated the Latins that favoured Tarquin at the Lake of Regillus, who lost one of his Sons there, and despairing of ever being able to mount the Throne, retired to Cumae, where he spent the remainder of his days. Livie l. 2. Vid. Albinus Posthumius.
• Postvorta, a Goddess adored by the Pagans, and said to fore∣see what was to come to pass, and prevent the evil that might happen. Antevorta was another Goddess, which had, according to their Sentiments, power over what was past, and which they invoked, to be rid of the evils they had already felt. These two Goddesses being regarded by them as the Councellors of Providence. The Women in their lying-in joined these two also to the rest of their Deities. Antevorta made the Child come forth aright, that is, with his Head fore∣most, and the other put him out when his Feet appeared first. Postvorta allayed the Pains of Child-bearing, and Antevorta quick∣ly cured Women after lying-in. Macrob. Saturn. lib. 1. Caelius. Rhod. Varro apud Gell.
• Potamon, an Orator of Lesbos and Mitylene, flourished in the time of Tiberius, was the Son of Lesbonacte a Philosopher, famous for his Writings, as Suidas says. This Emperor, who highly esteemed Potamon, gave him his Letters of Recom∣mendation in these terms; Potamonem Lesbonactis filium si quis offendere ei{que} incommodare ausus fuerit, consideret secum an mecum bellum gerere valeat. He taught at Rome, and published an Elo∣gy upon the same Tiberius, with an History of Alexander the Great, the Limits of the Samians, a Panegyrick on Brutus, and a Treatise of a compleat Orator. Strabo lib. 13. Hesychius. Sui∣das. Vossius de Hist. Graec. l. 2. Gesner in Bibl. Possevin. in ap∣par. &c.
• Potamus, an Arian Bishop of Lisbon, lived in the Fourth Age, and at first defended the Catholick Faith, but the Empe∣ror Constantius made him forsake it for Temporal Interest. He writ a Letter full of Blasphemies, which he dispersed every where, but Osius of Corduba having discovered his Prevaricati∣on, writ to all the Churches of Spain, and treated him as a wicked Man and an Heretick. Potamus, to be reveng'd on him, prevail'd with the Emperor to make him come to Sir∣mich in 357, and it's believ'd, Potamus was the Author of the Confession of Faith made there. Marcel. in libell. S. Hilarius ad∣vers. Arian.
• Potenza, a City in the Kingdom of Naples in the Basilicate, and a Bishop's See under Matera.
• Pothereus, a River in the Isle of Creet, upon the Banks of which were formerly seen several sorts of Animals; but it is ob∣served, That those that fed near to Gnossus had a Spleen, but that those that were on the other side, near unto Cortyna, had none; the reason whereof being enquired into by the Ancients, they found the Herb Asplenon, that had the virtue to lessen the Spleen grew there in abundance, and indeed it was the occasion thereof.
• Potiphar, Captain of the Guard to Pharoah, bought Joseph An. Mund. 2306, and being satisfy'd with his Prudence and Mo∣desty, entrusted him with all the concerns of his House; but Potiphar's Wife, in 2316, proved troublesome to Joseph by her detestable Passion, and the credulity of that Man made him so unjust and cruel towards Joseph, that he put him into Pri∣son. Some Authors are of opinion, That this Potiphar was that Priest of Heliopolis whose Daughter Aseneth Joseph married in 2329. Gen. 37, & 39. St. Jerom in Gen. c. 41, 37. de tradit. Haebr. Torniel. A. M. 2306 & 2319. n. 16.
• Potitians and Pinarians, the names of two Families in Rome, who were imploy'd in Sacrifices, the chief whereof, cal∣led Potitius and Pinarius, were chosen by Evander King of Italy to order the Sacrifices to be offered to Hercules. It's said, That at first the Potitians drunk only the Liquors which they present∣ed to the Gods, their name coming from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to Drink; and did besides eat all the Victims that were sacrificed, leaving no share to the Pinarians, which word seems to come from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to be hungry, or not to eat; but these Families grow∣ing great, despised this imploy, and bestowed it upon the pub∣lick Slaves, by the Counsel of Appius Claudius. Titus Livi∣us.
• Potniades, Goddesses that inspired with Rage and Fury, and to whom were sacrificed Pigs for the appeasing of them, as be∣lieving that these Goddesses came to eat those Victims left upon the Altar when sacrificed. The name comes from Potnia a City of Boeotia, where Glaucus the Son of Sisyphus fed his Horses with Man's flesh, to the end, they might in Battle fall with the more eagerness upon the Enemy. The Greeks express'd Drunkards and Furies also by this name. Pausanias.
• Potosi, a City of Peru in the Province of Charcas towards the Tropick of Capricorn, situate at the foot of the Mountain Arazasson, and divided by a little River that comes from a Lake inclosed with Walls, about a quarter of a League above the Town. It's one of the richest and most populous Cities in America, being peopled by Spaniards, Strangers, original Na∣tives, whom the Spaniards call Indio's, Negroes, Metis and Mou∣lates; the Metis are born of a Spaniard and a Salvage, the Mou∣lates of a Spaniard and a Negro. This City is governed by 24 Magistrates, besides the Corregidor and President of Charcas, who manage Affairs as in Spain. The best Silver in all the Indies is that of Potosi; for besides the Mines of the Mountain of Arazasson very near Potosi, there are several others thereabouts that are very rich, but those of Ouroures, which have been discovered some years ago, are yet much better. The King of Spain gives all the Mines to particular persons that have discovered them, who remain Masters and Proprietors, he only reserving the fifth part to himself, and the general direction of the Mines which he commits to Officers, who oblige all the Couracas, or Heads of the Salvages to furnish a certain number of Labourers for to work there. The Monasteries are numerous and very rich; the Fields about it are cold, barren, and bear nothing but Oats, which scarce ever ripen, but are cut up and given for Forage in the Blade. The City is two Leagues in compass, and is by far the greatest City in Peru. Voyage du Peron in 1655 dans le Recueil de M. Thevenot au 4 Volume.
• * Potton, a Market-Town of Biglesworth Hundred in the E. parts of Bedforshire, three miles N. of Biglesworth, 37 from London.
• Poverty, a Goddess adored by the Pagans, but such adora∣tion as manifestly discovered more fear than love; and tho' she

• was believed to be the Mother of Industry and good Arts; yet they represented her like unto a Fury, pale, fierce, famished, and ready to despair. Plautus and Claudian make her to be the Daughter of Luxury and Idleness, as well as Riches; is usually made the Daughter of Labour and Thriftiness. But it must be observed, that as there is one sort of Riches that is the Daughter of Good-fortune only, so there is also a Poverty that is purely the Daughter of Misfortune.
• Pougues, a Village in Nivernois, between Nevers and la Charite, famous for two Fountains called S. Legier and S. Mar∣ceau, whose Waters have been in esteem a long time for their virtue to cure the Dropsie. Though they are not distant from one another above one foot, yet there is a remarkable Diffe∣rence in the Taste of their Waters.
• Pouhatan, a Kingdom in Virginia in North America, with a River of the same Name. The City of Pomesok, standing up∣on the Sea-side, was the most considerable place in this Coun∣try. Upon the first Discovery of it; when Captain Smith came to the King of Pouhatan, that Prince had no other Palace but a little Hut, made of the Branches of Trees, and plaistered over. Biart of America.
• La Pouilla, La Puglia, Appulia, a Province of Italy in the Kingdom of Naples, and a very delightfull place, that compre∣hends the Cities of Luceria, Gravina, Manfredonia, Andria, Pari, Ascoli, Venosa, &c. Collenucio & Summontus Hist. Napol.
• * Poulton, a Market Town of Amounderness, in the County of Lancashire, from London 168 m.
• Pouzol, or Pozzuolo, Lat. Puteoli, a City of Italy, within 8 miles of Naples, and a Bishop's-see, famous for the Baths there, and a Bridge of 3900 paces in length projected by the Roman Emperors. It stands upon a Hill near the Tyrrhenian Sea, up∣on which it has a large Haven; wherein may be seen, besides a Temple dedicated by the Ancients to Augustus, and by the Chri∣stians to S. Proclus, the Remains of a Theatre, and a Fort, wherein is a Spanish Garrison.
• * Powisland, or Powysland, a part of Wales, given by Roderick the last King of Wales, to Mervin his youngest Son. It con∣tained the whole Counties of Montgomery and Radnor, all Shrop∣shire beyond the Severn, with the Town of Shrewsbury, and part of Denbighshire and Flintshire; which Estate continued entire in the Race of Mervin, till Meredith-ap-Blethyn, following the ill Example of Roderick, divided it between Madoc and Gryffith his two Sons. Madoc dying at Winchester, Anno 1160, Gryffith was by King Henry II. made Lord of Powis, the Title of Prince be∣ing laid aside. In the Reign of King Edward I. Owen ap Gryf∣fith, the fifth from the said Gryffith, surrendred both his Place and Title to the King at a Parliament held at Shrewsbury, and received them of him again, to be holden in free Baronage ac∣cording to the custom of England. Owen left but one Daughter, who being married to one John Charleton, a Gentleman of the Privy-chamber to King Edward II. he was in right of his Wife made Lord Powis. From the House of Charleton, the Estate and Title went to the Family of the Greys, upon the Marriage of Jane, Daughter and Heir of Edward, the last of the Charletons. It continued in the House of Grey through five Generations, and Edward Grey was the last Lord of the Line or Race of Mer∣vin. After whose Death the Title lay extinct till revived again in the person of Sir William Herbert of Red-Castle, descended from the Herberts, Earls of Pembroke, who was created Lord Powis, by K. Charles I. in 1629.
• * Poynings (Sir Edward) of Kent, a great Soldier and good Statesman, having feretted Perkin Warbeck out of Ireland, seri∣ously set himself to reclaim that Nation to civility. In order whereunto he pass'd an Act in Parliament, whereby all the Sta∣tutes made in England before that time were enacted, established and made of force in Ireland. And caused another Law to be made, That no Act should be propounded in any Parliament in Ireland till it had been first transmitted into England, appro∣ved there by the King, and returned thence under his Broad-seal; which though it seemed at first sight prejudicial to the Liberty of the Irish Subjects, yet it was made at the request of the Commons, who chose rather to referr themselves to the King's mercy, than continue under the oppression of their pri∣vate Laws. And to conform Ireland still the more to England, he procured the passing of an Act. That the Irish Barons should appear in Parliament in their Robes, which put a face of Gran∣deur and State on their Convention. Having ordered things thus, he was recalled into England, and created Baron, but died without legitimate Issue. Fuller's Worthies.