May, 1690.
In May he tells us what no Man could ever do, without his Inspired Genius, viz. That Ireland is Impoverished and Ruin'd by the Ruinous Courses it hath long lain under. A notable Prediction! He saw that Kingdom labouring under the Burthen of War, and pretends from the Stars to Predict its Ruin. But his Phrase of Ruinous Courses, is somewhat ob∣scure; and I would fain be informed, what Ruinous Courses he means, this being another Ignote term of Art, like that of the Planets Giv∣ing. Sure he can't mean Physical Courses, for such well-directed, Cure, and not Destroy. Nor yet, Courses after an Hare or Buck, Hunt∣ing being a great advantage to Human Life. But, be they what Courses he please, I am sure he paums Course English and Art upon us.
And see now how he goes about to requite us. ☿ By Position in the Figure. (What Figure Sir? You have named none:) hath parti∣cular Signification of the Affairs of France and Ireland; and the Tyrant is ill and out of Order; partly with Melancholy and Vexing, &c. This ☿ is a notable Spark when he sets on it, and can as easily constrain our Merlin to utter Lyes, as compel the Tyrant to Vex, &c. But since he mentions no Figure, let us (in imitation of Capt. Bessus, suppose a Sword.) Suppose one. I then desire to know, how he would place ☿ herein to signifie the Affairs of France and Ireland? For ☿ at the New ☽ is in ♊ and so most of the Month; tho some days hereof in