Lastly, In this account of the Figg Tree, the mystery and symbolical

sense is chiefly to be looked upon. Our Saviour, therefore, taking a

hint from his hunger to go unto this specious Tree, and intending, by

this Tree, to declare a Judgment upon the Synagogue and people of the

Jews, he came unto the Tree, and, after the usual manner, inquired, and

looked about for some kind of Fruit, as he had done before in the Jews,

but found nothing but Leaves and specious outsides, as he had also found

in them; and when it bore no Fruit like them, when he expected it, and

came to look for it, though it were not the time of ordinary Fruit, yet

failing when he required it, in the mysterious sense, 'twas fruitless

longer to expect it. For he had come unto them, and they were nothing

fructified by it, his departure approached, and his time of preaching

was now at an end.

Now, in this account, besides the Miracle, some things are naturally

considerable. For it may be question'd how the Figg Tree, naturally a

fruitfull Plant, became barren, for it had no shew or so much as

rudiment of Fruit: And it was in old time, a signal Judgment of God,

that _the Figg Tree should bear no Fruit_: and therefore this Tree may

naturally be conceived to have been under some Disease indisposing it to

such fructification. And this, in the Pathology of Plants, may be the

Disease of +phyllomania emphyllismos+; or superfolliation mention'd by

_Theophrastus_; whereby the fructifying Juice is starved by the excess

of Leaves; which in this Tree were already so full spread, that it might

be known and distinguished a far off. And this was, also, a sharp

resemblance of the hypocrisie of the Rulers, made up of specious

outsides, and fruitless ostentation, contrary to the Fruit of the Figg

Tree, which, filled with a sweet and pleasant pulp, makes no shew

without, not so much as of any Flower.

Some naturals are also considerable from the propriety of this

punishment settled upon a Figg Tree: For infertility and barrenness

seems more intolerable in this Tree than in any, as being a Vegetable

singularly constituted for production; so far from bearing no Fruit that

it may be made to bear almost any. And therefore the Ancients singled

out this as the fittest Tree whereon to graft and propagate other

Fruits, as containing a plentifull and lively Sap, whereby other Cyons

would prosper: And, therefore, this Tree was also sacred unto the Deity

of Fertility: and the _Statua_ of _Priapus_ was made of the Figg Tree.

_Olim Truncus eram Ficulnus inutile Lignum._

It hath also a peculiar advantage to produce and maintain its Fruit

above all other Plants, as not subject to miscarry in Flowers and

Blossomes, from accidents of Wind and Weather. For it beareth no Flowers

outwardly, and such as it hath, are within the Coat, as the later

examination of Naturalists hath discovered.

Lastly, It was a Tree wholly constituted for Fruit, wherein if it

faileth, it is in a manner useless, the Wood thereof being of so little

use, that it affordeth proverbial expressions,

_Homo Ficulneus, argumentum Ficulneum_,

for things of no validity.

[Sidenote: _The Palm Tree, in_ Cant. 7. 8.]

44. _I said I will go up into the Palm Tree, and take hold of the Boughs

thereof._ This expression is more agreeable unto the Palm than is

commonly apprehended, for that it is a tall bare Tree bearing its Boughs

but at the top and upper part; so that it must be ascended before its

Boughs or Fruit can be attained: And the going, getting or climbing up,

may be Emphatical in this Tree; for the Trunk or Body thereof is

naturally contrived for ascension, and made with advantage for getting

up, as having many welts and eminencies, and so as it were a natural

Ladder, and Staves, by which it may be climbed, as _Pliny_[241]

observeth, _Palmæ teretes atque proceres, densis quadratisque pollicibus

faciles se ad scandendum præbent_, by this way men are able to get up

into it. And the Figures of Indians thus climbing the same are

graphically described in the Travels of _Linschoten_. This Tree is often

mentioned in Scripture, and was so remarkable in _Judæa_, that in

after-times it became the Emblem of that Country, as may be seen in that

Medal of the Emperour _Titus_, with a Captive Woman sitting under a

Palm, and the Inscription of _Judæa Capta_. And _Pliny_ confirmeth the

same when he saith, _Judæa Palmis inclyta_.

[241] Plin. 13. _cap. 4_.

[Sidenote: _Lilies, in_ Cant. 2. 1, 2, 16.]

45. Many things are mention'd in Scripture, which have an Emphasis from

this or the neighbour Countries: For besides the Cedars, the Syrian

Lilies are taken notice of by Writers. That expression in the

_Canticles_,[242] _Thou art fair, thou art fair, thou hast Doves eyes_,

receives a particular character, if we look not upon our common Pigeons,

but the beauteous and fine ey'd Doves of Syria.

[242] Cant. 4. 1.

When the Rump is so strictly taken notice of in the Sacrifice of the

Peace Offering, in these words,[243] _The whole Rump, it shall be taken

off hard by the Back-bone_, it becomes the more considerable in

reference to this Country, where Sheep had so large Tails; which,

according to _Aristotle_,[244] were a Cubit broad; and so they are

still, as _Bellonius_ hath delivered.

[243] Levit. 3. 9.

[244] Aristot. _Hist. Animal. lib. 8_.

When 'tis said in the _Canticles_,[245] _Thy Teeth are as a Flock of

Sheep, which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth Twins,

and there is not one barren among them_; it may seem hard unto us of

these parts to find whole Flocks bearing Twins, and not one barren among

them; yet may this be better conceived in the fertile Flocks of those

Countries, where Sheep have so often two, sometimes three, and sometimes

four, and which is so frequently observed by Writers of the neighbour

Country of _Ægypt_. And this fecundity, and fruitfulness of their

Flocks, is answerable unto the expression of the Psalmist,[246] _That

our Sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our Streets_.

And hereby, besides what was spent at their Tables, a good supply was

made for the great consumption of Sheep in their several kinds of

Sacrifices; and of so many thousand Male unblemished yearling Lambs,

which were required at their Passeovers.

[245] Cant. 4. 2.

[246] Psal. 144. 13.

Nor need we wonder to find so frequent mention both of Garden and Field

Plants; since _Syria_ was notable of old for this curiosity and variety,

according to _Pliny_, _Syria hortis operosissima_; and since _Bellonius_

hath so lately observed of _Jerusalem_, that its hilly parts did so

abound with Plants, that they might be compared unto Mount _Ida_ in

_Crete_ or _Candia_: which is the most noted place for noble Simples yet

known.

[Sidenote: _Trees and Herbs not expresly nam'd in Scripture._]

46. Though so many Plants have their express Names in Scripture, yet

others are implied in some Texts which are not explicitly mention'd. In

the Feast of _Tabernacles_ or _Booths_, the Law was this,[247] _Thou

shalt take unto thee Boughs of goodly Trees, Branches of the Palm, and

the Boughs of thick Trees, and Willows of the Brook_. Now though the

Text descendeth not unto particulars of the _goodly Trees_, and _thick

Trees_; yet _Maimonides_ will tell us that for a _goodly Tree_ they made

use of the Citron Tree, which is fair and goodly to the eye, and well

prospering in that Country: And that for the _thick Trees_ they used the

Myrtle, which was no rare or infrequent Plant among them. And though it

groweth but low in our Gardens, was not a little Tree in those parts; in

which Plant also the Leaves grew thick, and almost covered the Stalk.

And _Curtius[248] Symphorianus_ in his description of the _Exotick_

Myrtle, makes it, _Folio densissimo senis in ordinem versibus_. The

Paschal Lamb was to be eaten with bitterness or bitter Herbs, not

particularly set down in Scripture: but the Jewish Writers declare, that

they made use of Succory, and wild Lettuce, which Herbs while some

conceive they could not get down, as being very bitter, rough and

prickly, they may consider that the time of the Passeover was in the

Spring, when these Herbs are young and tender, and consequently less

unpleasant: besides, according to the Jewish custom, these Herbs were

dipped in the _Charoseth_ or Sawce made of Raisins stamped with Vinegar,

and were also eaten with Bread; and they had four Cups of Wine allowed

unto them; and it was sufficient to take but a pittance of Herbs, or the

quantity of an Olive.

[247] Levit. 23. 40.

[248] Curtius _de Hortis._

[Sidenote: _Reeds in Scripture._]

47. Though the famous paper Reed of _Ægypt_, be onely particularly named

in Scripture; yet when Reeds are so often mention'd, without special

name or distinction, we may conceive their differences may be

comprehended, and that they were not all of one kind, or that the common

Reed was onely implied. For mention is made in _Ezekiel_[249] of _a

measuring Reed of six Cubits_: we find that they smote our Saviour on

the Head with a Reed,[250] and put a Sponge with Vinegar on a Reed,

which was long enough to reach to his mouth, while he was upon the

Cross; And with such differences of Reeds, _Vallatory_, _Sagittary_,

_Scriptory_, and others, they might be furnished in _Judæa_: For we find

in the portion of _Ephraim_,[251] _Vallis arundineti_; and so set down

in the Mapps of _Adricomius_, and in our Translation the River _Kana_,

or Brook of _Canes_. And _Bellonius_ tells us that the River _Jordan_

affordeth plenty and variety of Reeds; out of some whereof the Arabs

make Darts, and light Lances, and out of others, Arrows; and withall

that there plentifully groweth the fine _Calamus, arundo Scriptoria_, or

writing Reed, which they gather with the greatest care, as being of

singular use and commodity at home and abroad; a hard Reed about the

compass of a Goose or Swans Quill, whereof I have seen some polished and

cut with a Webb; which is in common use for writing throughout the

Turkish Dominions, they using not the Quills of Birds.

[249] Ezek. 40. 5.

[250] _S._ Matt 27. 30, 48.

[251] Josh. 16. 17.

And whereas the same Authour with other describers of these parts

affirmeth, that the River _Jordan_ not far from _Jerico_, is but such a

Stream as a youth may throw a Stone over it, or about eight fathoms

broad, it doth not diminish the account and solemnity of the miraculous

passage of the Israelites under _Joshua_; For it must be considered,

that they passed it in the time of Harvest, when the River was high, and

the Grounds about it under Water, according to that pertinent

parenthesis, _As the Feet of the Priests, which carried the Ark, were

dipped in the brim of the Water, (for Jordan[252] overfloweth all its

Banks at the time of Harvest.)_ In this consideration it was well joined

with the great River _Euphrates_, in that expression in

_Ecclesiasticus_,[253] _God maketh the understanding to abound like

Euphrates, and as Jordan in the time of Harvest_.

[252] Josh. 3. 13.

[253] Ecclus. 24. 26.

[Sidenote: _Zizania, in S._ Matt. 13. 24, 25, etc.]

48. _The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good Seed

in his Field, but while men slept, his Enemy came and sowed Tares_ (or,

as the Greek, _Zizania_) _among the Wheat._

Now, how to render _Zizania_, and to what species of Plants to confine

it, there is no slender doubt; for the word is not mention'd in other

parts of Scripture, nor in any ancient Greek Writer: it is not to be

found in _Aristotle_, _Theophrastus_, or _Dioscorides_. Some Greek and

Latin Fathers have made use of the same, as also _Suidas_ and

_Phavorinus_; but probably they have all derived it from this Text.

And therefore this obscurity might easily occasion such variety in

Translations and Expositions. For some retain the word _Zizania_, as the

Vulgar, that of _Beza_, of _Junius_, and also the Italian and Spanish.

The Low Dutch renders it _Oncruidt_, the German _Oncraut_, or _Herba

Mala_, the French _Turoye_ or _Lolium_, and the English _Tares_.

Besides, this being conceived to be a Syriack word, it may still add

unto the uncertainty of the sense. For though this Gospel were first

written in Hebrew, or Syriack, yet it is not unquestionable whether the

true Original be any where extant: And that Syriack Copy which we now

have, is conceived to be of far later time than S. _Matthew_.

Expositours and Annotatours are also various. _Hugo Grotius_ hath passed

the word _Zizania_ without a Note. _Diodati_, retaining the word

_Zizania_, conceives that it was some peculiar Herb growing among the

Corn of those Countries, and not known in our Fields. But _Emanuel de

Sa_ interprets it, _Plantas semini noxias_, and so accordingly some

others.

_Buxtorfius_, in his Rabbinical Lexicon, gives divers interpretations,

sometimes for degenerated Corn, sometimes for the black Seeds in Wheat,

but withall concludes, _an hæc sit eadem vox aut species, cum Zizaniâ

apud Evangelistam, quærant alii_. But Lexicons and Dictionaries by

_Zizania_ do almost generally understand _Lolium_, which we call

_Darnel_, and commonly confine the signification to that Plant:

Notwithstanding, since _Lolium_ had a known and received Name in Greek,

some may be apt to doubt, why, if that Plant were particularly intended,

the proper Greek word was not used in the Text. For _Theophrastus_[254]

named _Lolium_ +Aira+, and hath often mentioned that Plant; and in one

place saith that Corn doth sometimes _Loliescere_ degenerate into

_Darnel_. _Dioscorides_, who travelled over _Judæa_, gives it the same

name, which is also to be found in _Galen_, _Ætius_ and _Ægineta_; and

_Pliny_ hath sometimes latinized that word into _Æra_.

[254] +exairêsthai+. Theophrast. _Hist. Plant. l. 8_.

Besides, _Lolium_ or Darnel shews it self in the Winter, growing up with

the Wheat; and _Theophrastus_ observed that it was no Vernal Plant, but

came up in the Winter; which will not well answer the expression of the

Text, _And when the Blade came up, and brought forth Fruit_, or gave

evidence of its Fruit, _the Zizania_ appeared. And if the Husbandry of

the Ancients were agreeable unto ours, they would not have been so

earnest to weed away the Darnel; for our Husbandmen do not commonly weed

it in the Field, but separate the Seeds after Thrashing. And therefore

_Galen_ delivereth, that in an unseasonable year, and great scarcity of

Corn, when they neglected to separate the Darnel, the Bread proved

generally unwholsome, and had evil effects on the Head.

Our old and later Translation render _Zizania_, _Tares_, which name our

English Botanists give unto _Aracus_, _Cracca_, _Vicia sylvestris_,

calling them Tares, and strangling Tares. And our Husbandmen by Tares

understand some sorts of wild Fitches, which grow amongst Corn, and

clasp upon it, according to the Latin Etymology, _Vicia à Vinciendo_.

Now in this uncertainty of the Original, Tares as well as some others,

may make out the sense, and be also more agreeable unto the

circumstances of the Parable. For they come up and appear what they are,

when the Blade of the Corn is come up, and also the Stalk and Fruit

discoverable. They have likewise little spreading Roots, which may

intangle or rob the good Roots, and they have also tendrils and

claspers, which lay hold of what grows near them, and so can hardly be

weeded without endangering the neighbour Corn.

However, if by _Zizania_ we understand _Herbas segeti noxias_, or _vitia

segetum_, as some Expositours have done, and take the word in a more

general sense, comprehending several Weeds and Vegetables offensive unto

Corn, according as the Greek word in the plural Number may imply, and as

the learned _Laurenbergius_[255] hath expressed, _Runcare quod apud

nostrates Weden dicitur, Zizanias inutiles est evellere_. If, I say, it

be thus taken, we shall not need to be definitive, or confine unto one

particular Plant, from a word which may comprehend divers: And this may

also prove a safer sense, in such obscurity of the Original.

[255] De Horticultura.

And therefore since in this Parable the sower of the _Zizania_ is the

Devil, and the _Zizania_ wicked persons; if any from this larger

acception, will take in Thistles, Darnel, Cockle, wild strangling

Fitches, Bindweed, _Tribulus_, Restharrow and other _Vitia Segetum_; he

may, both from the natural and symbolical qualities of those Vegetables,

have plenty of matter to illustrate the variety of his mischiefs, and of

the wicked of this world.

[Sidenote: _Cockle, in_ Job 31. 40.]

49. When 'tis said in _Job_, _Let Thistles grow up instead of Wheat, and

Cockle instead of Barley_, the words are intelligible, the sense

allowable and significant to this purpose: but whether the word _Cockle_

doth strictly conform unto the Original, some doubt may be made from the

different Translations of it; For the Vulgar renders it _Spina_,

_Tremelius Vitia Frugum_, and the _Geneva Turoye_ or Darnel. Besides,

whether Cockle were common in the ancient Agriculture of those parts, or

what word they used for it, is of great uncertainty. For the Elder

Botanical Writers have made no mention thereof, and the Moderns have

given it the Name of _Pseudomelanthium_, _Nigellastrum_, _Lychnoeides

Segetum_, names not known unto Antiquity: And therefore our Translation

hath warily set down [_noisome Weeds_] in the Margin.

OF GARLANDS

and Coronary or Garden-plants.

TRACT II

SIR,

The use of flowry Crowns and Garlands is of no slender Antiquity, and

higher than I conceive you apprehend it. For, besides the old Greeks and

Romans, the Ægyptians made use hereof; who, beside the bravery of their

Garlands, had little Birds upon them to peck their Heads and Brows, and

so to keep them sleeping at their Festival compotations. This practice

also extended as far as _India_: for at the Feast with the Indian King,

it is peculiarly observed by _Philostratus_ that their custom was to

wear Garlands, and come crowned with them unto their Feast.

The Crowns and Garlands of the Ancients were either Gestatory, such as

they wore about their Heads or Necks; Portatory, such as they carried at

solemn Festivals; Pensile or Suspensory, such as they hanged about the

Posts of their Houses in honour of their Gods, as of _Jupiter Thyræus_

or _Limeneus_; or else they were Depository, such as they laid upon the

Graves and Monuments of the dead. And these were made up after all ways

of Art, Compactile, Sutile, Plectile; for which Work there were

+stephanoplokoi+ or expert Persons to contrive them after the best grace

and property.

Though we yield not unto them in the beauty of flowry Garlands, yet some

of those of Antiquity were larger than any we lately meet with: for we

find in _Athenæus_ that a Myrtle Crown of one and twenty foot in compass

was solemnly carried about at the Hellotian Feast in _Corinth_, together

with the Bones of _Europa_.

And Garlands were surely of frequent use among them; for we reade in

_Galen_[256] that when _Hippocrates_ cured the great Plague of _Athens_

by Fires kindled in and about the City; the fuel thereof consisted much

of their Garlands. And they must needs be very frequent and of common

use, the ends thereof being many. For they were convivial, festival,

sacrificial, nuptial, honorary, funebrial. We who propose unto our

selves the pleasure of two Senses, and onely single out such as are of

Beauty and good Odour, cannot strictly confine our selves unto imitation

of them.

[256] _De Theriaca ad Pisonem._

For, in their convivial Garlands, they had respect unto Plants

preventing drunkenness, or discussing the exhalations from Wine;

wherein, beside Roses, taking in Ivy, Vervain, Melilote, _etc._ they

made use of divers of small Beauty or good Odour. The solemn festival

Garlands were made properly unto their Gods, and accordingly contrived

from Plants sacred unto such Deities; and their sacrificial ones were

selected under such considerations. Their honorary Crowns triumphal,

ovary, civical, obsidional, had little of Flowers in them: and their

funebrial Garlands had little of beauty in them beside Roses, while they

made them of Myrtle, Rosemary, Apium, _etc._ under symbolical

intimations: but our florid and purely ornamental Garlands, delightfull

unto sight and smell, nor framed according to mystical and symbolical

considerations, are of more free election, and so may be made to excell

those of the Ancients; we having _China_, _India_, and a new world to

supply us, beside the great distinction of Flowers unknown unto

Antiquity, and the varieties thereof arising from Art and Nature.

But, beside Vernal, Æstival and Autumnal made of Flowers, the Ancients

had also Hyemal Garlands; contenting themselves at first with such as

were made of Horn died into several Colours, and shaped into the Figures

of Flowers, and also of _Æs Coronarium_ or _Clincquant_ or Brass thinly

wrought out into Leaves commonly known among us. But the curiosity of

some Emperours for such intents had Roses brought from _Ægypt_ untill

they had found the art to produce late Roses in _Rome_, and to make them

grow in the Winter, as is delivered in that handsome Epigramme of

_Martial_,

_At tu Romanæ jussus jam cedere Brumæ

Mitte tuas messes, Accipe, Nile, Rosas._

Some American Nations, who do much excell in Garlands, content not

themselves onely with Flowers, but make elegant Crowns of Feathers,

whereof they have some of greater radiancy and lustre than their

Flowers: and since there is an Art to set into shapes, and curiously to

work in choicest Feathers, there could nothing answer the Crowns made of

the choicest Feathers of some _Tomineios_ and Sun Birds.

* * * * *

The Catalogue of Coronary Plants is not large in _Theophrastus_,

_Pliny_, _Pollux_, or _Athenæus_: but we may find a good enlargement in

the Accounts of Modern Botanists; and additions may still be made by

successive acquists of fair and specious Plants, not yet translated from

foreign Regions or little known unto our Gardens: he that would be

complete may take notice of these following,

_Flos Tigridis._

_Flos Lyncis._

_Pinea Indica Recchi, Talama Ouiedi._

_Herba Paradisea._

_Volubilis Mexicanus._

_Narcissus Indicus Serpentarius._

_Helichrysum Mexicanum._

_Xicama._

_Aquilegia novæ Hispaniæ Cacoxochitli Recchi._

_Aristochæa Mexicana._

_Camaratinga sive Caragunta quarta Pisonis._

_Maracuia Granadilla._

_Cambay sive Myrtus Americana._

_Flos Auriculæ Flor de la Oreia._

_Floripendio novæ Hispaniæ._

_Rosa Indica._

_Zilium Indicum._

_Fula Magori Garciæ._

_Champe Garciæ Champacca Bontii._

_Daullontas frutex odoratus seu Chamæmelum arborescens Bontii._

_Beidelsar Alpini._

_Sambuc._

_Amberboi Turcarum._

_Nuphar Ægyptium._

_Lilionarcissus Indicus._

_Bamma Ægyptiacum._

_Hiucca Canadensis horti Farnesiani._

_Bupthalmum novæ Hispaniæ Alepocapath._

_Valeriana seu Chrysanthemum Americanum Acocotlis._

_Flos Corvinus Coronarius Americanus._

_Capolin Cerasus dulcis Indicus Floribus racemosis._

_Asphodelus Americanus._

_Syringa Lutea Americana._

_Bulbus unifolius._

_Moly latifolium Flore luteo._

_Conyza Americana purpurea._

_Salvia Cretica pomifera Bellonii._

_Lausus Serrata Odora._

_Ornithogalus Promontorii Bonæ Spei._

_Fritallaria crassa Soldanica Promontorii Bonæ Spei._

_Sigillum Solomonis Indicum._

_Tulipa Promontorii Bonæ Spei._

_Iris Uvaria._

_Nopolxoch sedum elegans novæ Hispaniæ._

More might be added unto this List; and I have onely taken the pains to

give you a short Specimen of those many more which you may find in

respective Authours, and which time and future industry may make no

great strangers in _England_. The Inhabitants of _Nova Hispania_, and a

great part of _America_, Mahometans, Indians, Chineses, are eminent

promoters of these coronary and specious Plants: and the annual tribute

of the King of _Bisnaguer_ in _India_, arising out of Odours and

Flowers, amounts unto many thousands of Crowns.

Thus, in brief, of this matter. I am, _etc._

OF THE FISHES EATEN BY OUR SAVIOUR

with His Disciples after His Resurrection

from the Dead.

TRACT III

SIR,

I have thought, a little, upon the Question proposed by you [viz. _What

kind of Fishes those were of which our Saviour ate with his Disciples

after his Resurrection?_[257]] and I return you such an Answer, as, in

so short time for study, and in the midst of my occasions, occurs to me.

[257] _S._ Joh. 21. 9, 10, 11, 13.

The Books of Scripture (as also those which are Apocryphal) are often

silent, or very sparing, in the particular Names of Fishes; or in

setting them down in such manner as to leave the kinds of them without

all doubt and reason for farther inquiry. For, when it declareth what

Fishes were allowed the Israelites for their Food, they are onely set

down in general which have Finns and Scales; whereas, in the account of

_Quadrupeds_ and Birds, there is particular mention made of divers of

them. In the Book of _Tobit_ that Fish which he took out of the River is

onely named a great Fish, and so there remains much uncertainty to

determine the Species thereof. And even the Fish which swallowed

_Jonah_, and is called a _great Fish_, and commonly thought to be a

great Whale, is not received without all doubt; while some learned men

conceive it to have been none of our Whales, but a large kind of

_Lamia_.

And, in this narration of S. _John_, the Fishes are onely expressed by

their Bigness and Number, not their Names, and therefore it may seem

undeterminable what they were: notwithstanding, these Fishes being taken

in the great Lake or Sea of _Tiberias_, something may be probably stated

therein. For since _Bellonius_, that diligent and learned Traveller,

informeth us, that the Fishes of this Lake were Trouts, Pikes, Chevins

and Tenches; it may well be conceived that either all or some thereof

are to be understood in this Scripture. And these kind of Fishes become

large and of great growth, answerable unto the expression of Scripture,

_One hundred and fifty-three great Fishes_; that is, large in their own

kinds, and the largest kinds in this Lake and fresh Water, wherein no

great variety, and of the larger sort of Fishes, could be expected. For

the River _Jordan_, running through this Lake, falls into the Lake of

_Asphaltus_, and hath no mouth into the Sea, which might admit of great

Fishes or greater variety to come up into it.

And out of the mouth of some of these forementioned Fishes might the

_Tribute money_ be taken, when our Saviour, at _Capernaum_, seated upon

the same Lake, said unto _Peter_, _Go thou to the Sea, and cast an Hook,

and take up the Fish that first cometh; and when thou hast opened his

mouth thou shalt find a piece of money; that take and give them for thee

and me_.

And this makes void that common conceit and tradition of the Fish called

_Fabermarinus_, by some, a _Peter_ or _Penny Fish_; which having two

remarkable round spots upon either side, these are conceived to be the

marks of S. _Peter's_ Fingers or signatures of the Money: for though it

hath these marks, yet is there no probability that such a kind of Fish

was to be found in the Lake of _Tiberias_, _Geneserah_ or _Galilee_,

which is but sixteen miles long and six broad, and hath no communication

with the Sea; for this is a mere Fish of the Sea and salt Water, and

(though we meet with some thereof on our Coast) is not to be found in

many Seas.

Thus having returned no improbable Answer unto your Question, I shall

crave leave to ask another of your self concerning that Fish mentioned

by _Procopius_,[258] which brought the famous King _Theodorick_ to his

end: his words are to this effect: 'The manner of his Death was this,

_Symmachus_ and his Son-in-law _Boëthius_, just men and great relievers

of the poor, Senatours and Consuls, had many enemies, by whose false

accusations _Theodorick_ being perswaded that they plotted against him,

put them to death and confiscated their Estates. Not long after his

Waiters set before him at Supper a great Head of a Fish, which seemed to

him to be the Head of _Symmachus_ lately murthered; and with his Teeth

sticking out, and fierce glaring eyes to threaten him: being frighted,

he grew chill, went to Bed, lamenting what he had done to _Symmachus_

and _Boëthius_; and soon after died.' What Fish do you apprehend this to

have been? I would learn of you; give me your thoughts about it.

[258] _De Bello Gothico, lib. 1._

_I am_, etc.

AN ANSWER TO CERTAIN QUERIES

relating to Fishes, Birds, Insects.

TRACT IV

SIR,

I return the following Answers to your Queries which were these,

[1. What Fishes are meant by the Names, _Halec_ and _Mugil_?

2. What is the Bird which you will receive from the Bearer? and

what Birds are meant by the Names _Halcyon_, _Nysus_, _Ciris_,

_Nycticorax_?

3. What Insect is meant by the word _Cicada_?]

[Sidenote: _Answer to Query 1._]

The word _Halec_ we are taught to render an _Herring_, which, being an

ancient word, is not strictly appropriable unto a Fish not known or not

described by the Ancients; and which the modern Naturalists are fain to

name _Harengus_; the word _Halecula_ being applied unto such little Fish

out of which they were fain to make Pickle; and _Halec_ or _Alec_, taken

for the Liquamen or Liquor itself, according to that of the Poet,

----_Ego fæcem primus et Alec

Primus et inveni piper album_----

And was a conditure and Sawce much affected by Antiquity, as was also

_Muria_ and _Garum_.

* * * * *

In common constructions, _Mugil_ is rendred a _Mullet_, which,

notwithstanding, is a different Fish from the _Mugil_ described by

Authours; wherein, if we mistake, we cannot so closely apprehend the

expression of _Juvenal_,

----_Quosdam ventres et Mugilis intrat._

And misconceive the Fish, whereby Fornicatours were so opprobriously and

irksomely punished; for the _Mugil_ being somewhat rough and hard

skinned, did more exasperate the gutts of such offenders: whereas the

Mullet was a smooth Fish, and of too high esteem to be imployed in such

offices.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: _Answer to Query 2._]

I cannot but wonder that this Bird you sent should be a stranger unto

you, and unto those who had a sight thereof: for, though it be not seen

every day, yet we often meet with it in this Country. It is an elegant

Bird, which he that once beholdeth can hardly mistake any other for it.

From the proper Note it is called an _Hoopebird_ with us; in Greek

_Epops_, in Latin _Upupa_. We are little obliged unto our School

instruction, wherein we are taught to render _Upupa_, a _Lapwing_, which

Bird our natural Writers name _Vannellus_; for thereby we mistake this

remarkable Bird, and apprehend not rightly what is delivered of it.

We apprehend not the Hieroglyphical considerations which the old

Ægyptians made of this observable Bird; who considering therein the

order and variety of Colours, the twenty six or twenty eight Feathers in

its Crest, his latitancy, and mewing this handsome outside in the

Winter; they made it an Emblem of the varieties of the World, the

succession of Times and Seasons, and signal mutations in them. And

therefore _Orus_, the Hieroglyphick of the World, had the Head of an

Hoopebird upon the top of his Staff.

Hereby we may also mistake the _Duchiphath_, or Bird forbidden for Food

in _Leviticus_ [SN: Levit. 11. 19.]; and, not knowing the Bird, may the

less apprehend some reasons of that prohibition; that is, the magical

virtues ascribed unto it by the Ægyptians, and the superstitious

apprehensions which that Nation held of it, whilst they precisely

numbred the Feathers and Colours thereof, while they placed it on the

Heads of their Gods, and near their Mercurial Crosses, and so highly

magnified this Bird in their sacred Symbols.

Again, not knowing or mistaking this Bird, we may misapprehend, or not

closely apprehend, that handsome expression of _Ovid_, when _Tereus_ was

turned into an _Upupa_, or Hoopebird.

_Vertitur in volucrem cui sunt pro vertice Cristæ,

Protinus immodicum surgit pro cuspide rostrum

Nomen Epops volucri, facies armata videtur._

For, in this military shape, he is aptly phancied even still

revengefully to pursue his hated Wife _Progne_: in the propriety of his

Note crying out, _Pou, pou, ubi, ubi_, or _Where are you?_

Nor are we singly deceived in the nominal translation of this Bird: in

many other Animals we commit the like mistake. So _Gracculus_ is rendred

a _Jay_, which Bird notwithstanding must be of a dark colour according

to that of _Martial_,

_Sed quandam volo nocte nigriorem

Formica, pice, Gracculo, cicada._

_Halcyon_[259] is rendred a _King-fisher_, a Bird commonly known among

us, and by Zoographers and Naturals the same is named _Ispida_, a well

coloured Bird frequenting Streams and Rivers, building in holes of Pits,

like some Martins, about the end of the Spring; in whose Nests we have

found little else than innumerable small Fish Bones, and white round

Eggs of a smooth and polished surface, whereas the true _Alcyon_ is a

Sea Bird, makes an handsome Nest floating upon the Water, and breedeth

in the Winter.

[259] _See Vulg. Err. B. 3. c. 10._

That _Nysus_ should be rendred either an _Hobby_ or a _Sparrow Hawk_, in

the Fable of _Nysus_ and _Scylla_ in _Ovid_, because we are much to seek

in the distinction of Hawks according to their old denominations, we

shall not much contend, and may allow a favourable latitude therein: but

that the _Ciris_ or Bird into which _Scylla_ was turned should be

translated a _Lark_, it can hardly be made out agreeable unto the

description of _Virgil_ in his Poem of that name,

_Inde alias volucres mimóque infecta rubenti

Crura_----

But seems more agreeable unto some kind of _Hæmantopus_ or Redshank; and

so the _Nysus_ to have been some kind of Hawk, which delighteth about

the Sea and Marishes, where such prey most aboundeth, which sort of Hawk

while _Scaliger_ determineth to be a Merlin, the French Translatour

warily expoundeth it to be some kind of Hawk.

_Nycticorax_ we may leave unto the common and verbal translation of a

_Night Raven_, but we know no proper kind of Raven unto which to confine

the same, and therefore some take the liberty to ascribe it unto some

sort of Owls, and others unto the Bittern; which Bird in its common

Note, which he useth out of the time of coupling and upon the Wing, so

well resembleth the croaking of a Raven that I have been deceived by it.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: _Answer to Query 3._]

While _Cicada_ is rendred a _Grashopper_, we commonly think that which

is so called among us to be the true _Cicada_; wherein, as we have

elsewhere declared,[260] there is a great mistake: for we have not the

_Cicada_ in _England_, and indeed no proper word for that Animal, which

the French nameth _Cigale_. That which we commonly call a Grashopper,

and the French _Saulterelle_ being one kind of Locust, so rendred in the

Plague of _Ægypt_, and, in old Saxon named _Gersthop_.

[260] _Vulg. Err. B. 5. c. 3._

* * * * *

I have been the less accurate in these Answers, because the Queries are

not of difficult Resolution, or of great moment: however, I would not

wholly neglect them or your satisfaction, as being, Sir,

_Yours_, etc.

OF HAWKS AND FALCONRY

Ancient and Modern.

TRACT V

SIR,

In vain you expect much information, _de Re Accipitraria_, of Falconry,

Hawks or Hawking, from very ancient Greek or Latin Authours; that Art

being either unknown or so little advanced among them, that it seems to

have proceeded no higher than the daring of Birds: which makes so little

thereof to be found in _Aristotle_, who onely mentions some rude

practice thereof in _Thracia_; as also in _Ælian_, who speaks something

of Hawks and Crows among the Indians; little or nothing of true Falconry

being mention'd before _Julius Firmicus_, in the days of _Constantius_,

Son to _Constantine_ the Great.

Yet if you consult the accounts of later Antiquity left by _Demetrius_

the Greek, by _Symmachus_ and _Theodosius_, and by _Albertus Magnus_,

about five hundred years ago, you, who have been so long acquainted with

this noble Recreation, may better compare the ancient and modern

practice, and rightly observe how many things in that Art are added,

varied, disused or retained in the practice of these days.

In the Diet of Hawks, they allowed of divers Meats which we should

hardly commend. For beside the Flesh of Beef, they admitted of Goat,

Hog, Deer, Whelp and Bear. And how you will approve the quantity and

measure thereof, I make some doubt; while by weight they allowed half a

pound of Beef, seven ounces of Swines Flesh, five of Hare, eight ounces

of Whelp, as much of Deer, and ten ounces of He-Goats Flesh.

In the time of _Demetrius_ they were not without the practice of

Phlebotomy or Bleeding, which they used in the Thigh and Pounces; they

plucked away the Feathers on the Thigh, and rubbed the part, but if the

Vein appeared not in that part, they opened the Vein of the fore Talon.

In the days of _Albertus_, they made use of Cauteries in divers places:

to advantage their sight they seared them under the inward angle of the

eye; above the eye in distillations and diseases of the Head; in upward

pains they seared above the Joint of the Wing, and at the bottom of the

Foot, against the Gout; and the chief time for these cauteries they made

to be the month of _March_.

In great coldness of Hawks they made use of Fomentations, some of the

steam or vapour of artificial and natural Baths, some wrapt them up in

hot Blankets, giving them Nettle Seeds and Butter.

No Clysters are mention'd, nor can they be so profitably used; but they

made use of many purging Medicines. They purged with Aloe, which, unto

larger Hawks, they gave in the bigness of a Great Bean; unto less, in

the quantity of a _Cicer_, which notwithstanding I should rather give

washed, and with a few drops of Oil of Almonds: for the Guts of flying

Fowls are tender and easily scratched by it; and upon the use of Aloe

both in Hawks and Cormorants I have sometimes observed bloody

excretions.

In phlegmatick causes they seldom omitted _Stave-saker_, but they purged

sometimes with a Mouse, and the Food of boiled Chickens, sometimes with

good Oil and Honey.

They used also the Ink of Cuttle Fishes, with Smallage, Betony, Wine and

Honey. They made use of stronger Medicines than present practice doth

allow. For they were not afraid to give _Coccus Baphicus_; beating up

eleven of its Grains unto a Lentor, which they made up into five Pills

wrapt up with Honey and Pepper: and, in some of their old Medicines, we

meet with Scammony and _Euphorbium_. Whether, in the tender Bowels of

Birds, infusions of Rhubarb, Agaric and Mechoachan be not of safer use,

as to take of Agary two Drachms, of Cinnamon half a Drachm, of Liquorish

a Scruple, and, infusing them in Wine, to express a part into the mouth

of the Hawk, may be considered by present practice.

Few Mineral Medicines were of inward use among them: yet sometimes we

observe they gave filings of Iron in the straitness of the Chest, as

also Lime in some of their pectoral Medicines.

But they commended Unguents of Quick-silver against the Scab: and I have

safely given six or eight Grains of _Mercurius Dulcis_ unto Kestrils and

Owls, as also crude and current Quick-silver, giving the next day small

Pellets of Silver or Lead till they came away uncoloured: and this, if

any, may probably destroy that obstinate Disease of the _Filander_ or

Back-worm.

A peculiar remedy they had against the Consumption of Hawks. For,

filling a Chicken with Vinegar, they closed up the Bill, and hanging it

up untill the Flesh grew tender, they fed the Hawk therewith: and to

restore and well Flesh them, they commonly gave them Hogs Flesh, with

Oil, Butter and Honey; and a decoction of Cumfory to bouze.

They disallowed of salt Meats and Fat; but highly esteemed of Mice in

most indispositions; and in the falling Sickness had great esteem of

boiled Batts: and in many Diseases, of the Flesh of Owls which feed upon

those Animals. In Epilepsies they also gave the Brain of a Kid drawn

thorough a gold Ring; and, in Convulsions, made use of a mixture of Musk

and _Stercus humanum aridum_.

For the better preservation of their Health they strowed Mint and Sage

about them; and for the speedier mewing of their Feathers, they gave

them the Slough of a Snake, or a Tortoise out of the Shell, or a green

Lizard cut in pieces.

If a Hawk were unquiet, they hooded him, and placed him in a Smith's

Shop for some time, where, accustomed to the continual noise of

hammering, he became more gentle and tractable.

They used few terms of Art, plainly and intelligibly expressing the

parts affected, their Diseases and Remedies. This heap of artificial

terms first entring with the French Artists: who seem to have been the

first and noblest Falconers in the Western part of _Europe_; although,

in their Language, they have no word which in general expresseth an

Hawk.

They carried their Hawks in the left hand, and let them flie from the

right. They used a Bell, and took great care that their Jesses should

not be red, lest Eagles should flie at them. Though they used Hoods, we

have no clear description of them, and little account of their Lures.

The ancient Writers left no account of the swiftness of Hawks or measure

of their flight: but _Heresbachius_[261] delivers that _William_ Duke of

_Cleve_ had an Hawk which, in one day, made a flight out of _Westphalia_

into _Prussia_. And, upon good account, an Hawk in this Country of

_Norfolk_, made a flight at a Woodcock near thirty miles in one hour.

How far the Hawks, Merlins and wild Fowl which come unto us with a

North-west wind in the Autumn, flie in a day, there is no clear account;

but coming over Sea their flight hath been long, or very speedy. For I

have known them to light so weary on the coast, that many have been

taken with Dogs, and some knock'd down with Staves and Stones.

[261] _De Re Accipitraria, in 3 Books._

Their Perches seem not so large as ours; for they made them of such a

bigness that their Talons might almost meet: and they chose to make them

of Sallow, Poplar or Lime Tree.

They used great clamours and hollowing in their flight, which they made

by these words, _ou loi, la, la, la_; and to raise the Fowls, made use

of the sound of a Cymbal.

Their recreation seemed more sober and solemn than ours at present, so

improperly attended with Oaths and Imprecations. For they called on God

at their setting out, according to the account of _Demetrius_, +ton Theon

epikalesantes+, _in the first place calling upon God_.

The learned _Rigaltius_ thinketh, that if the Romans had well known this

airy Chase, they would have left or less regarded their Circensial

Recreations. The Greeks understood Hunting early, but little or nothing

of our Falconry. If _Alexander_ had known it, we might have found

something of it and more of Hawks in _Aristotle_; who was so

unacquainted with that way, that he thought that Hawks would not feed

upon the Heart of Birds. Though he hath mention'd divers Hawks, yet

_Julius Scaliger_, an expert Falconer, despaired to reconcile them unto

ours. And 'tis well if, among them, you can clearly make out a Lanner, a

Sparrow Hawk and a Kestril, but must not hope to find your Gier Falcon

there, which is the noble Hawk; and I wish you one no worse than that of

_Henry_ King of _Navarre_; which, _Scaliger_ saith, he saw strike down a

Buzzard, two wild Geese, divers Kites, a Crane and a Swan.

Nor must you expect from high Antiquity the distinctions of Eyess and

Ramage Hawks, of Sores and Entermewers, of Hawks of the Lure and the

Fist; nor that material distinction into short and long winged Hawks;

from whence arise such differences in their taking down of Stones; in

their flight, their striking down or seizing of their Prey, in the

strength of their Talons, either in the Heel and fore-Talon, or the

middle and the Heel: nor yet what Eggs produce the different Hawks, or

when they lay three Eggs, that the first produceth a Female and large

Hawk, the second of a midler sort, and the third a smaller Bird

Tercellene or Tassel of the Masle Sex; which Hawks being onely observed

abroad by the Ancients, were looked upon as Hawks of different kinds and

not of the same Eyrie or Nest. As for what _Aristotle_ affirmeth that

Hawks and Birds of prey drink not; although you know that it will not

strictly hold, yet I kept an Eagle two years, which fed upon Kats,

Kittlings, Whelps and Ratts, without one drop of Water.

If any thing may add unto your knowledge in this noble Art, you must

pick it out of later Writers than those you enquire of. You may peruse

the two Books of Falconry writ by that renowned Emperour _Frederick_ the

Second; as also the Works of the noble Duke _Belisarius_, of _Tardiffe_,

_Francherius_, of _Francisco Sforzino_ of _Vicensa_; and may not a

little inform or recreate your self with that elegant Poem of

_Thuanus_.[262] I leave you to divert your self by the perusal of it,

having, at present, no more to say but that I am, _etc._

[262] _De Re Rustica._

OF CYMBALS, Etc.

TRACT VI

SIR,

With what difficulty, if possibility, you may expect satisfaction

concerning the Musick, or Musical Instruments of the Hebrews, you will

easily discover if you consult the attempts of learned men upon that

Subject: but for Cymbals, of whose Figure you enquire, you may find some

described in _Bayfius_, in the Comment of _Rhodius_ upon _Scribonius

Largus_, and others.

As for +Kymbalon alalazon+ mentioned by S. _Paul_,[263] and rendred a

_Tinckling Cymbal_, whether the translation be not too soft and

diminutive some question may be made: for the word +alalazon+ implieth

no small sound, but a strained and lofty vociferation, or some kind of

hollowing sound, according to the Exposition of _Hesychius_, +Alalaxate

enypsôsate tên phônên+. A word drawn from the lusty shout of Souldiers,

crying +Alala+ at the first charge upon their Enemies, according to the

custom of Eastern Nations, and used by Trojans in _Homer_; and is also

the Note of the Chorus in _Aristophanes_ +Alalai iê paiôn+. In other

parts of Scripture we reade of loud and high sounding Cymbals; and in

_Clemens Alexandrinus_ that the Arabians made use of Cymbals in their

Wars instead of other military Musick; and _Polyænus_ in his

_Stratagemes_ affirmeth that _Bacchus_ gave the signal of Battel unto

his numerous Army not with Trumpets but with Tympans and Cymbals.

[263] Cor. 13. 1

And now I take the opportunity to thank you for the new Book sent me

containing the Anthems sung in our Cathedral and Collegiate Churches:

'tis probable there will be additions, the Masters of Musick being now

active in that affair. Beside my naked thanks I have yet nothing to

return you but this enclosed, which may be somewhat rare unto you, and

that is a Turkish Hymn translated into French out of the Turkish Metre,

which I thus render unto you.

_O what praise doth he deserve, and how great is that Lord, all

whose Slaves are as so many Kings!_

_Whosoever shall rub his Eyes with the dust of his Feet, shall

behold such admirable things that he shall fall into an ecstasie._

_He that shall drink one drop of his Beverage, shall have his

Bosome like the Ocean filled with Gems and pretious Liquours._

_Let not loose the Reins unto thy Passions in this world: he that

represseth them shall become a true Solomon in the Faith._

_Amuse not thy self to adore Riches, nor to build great Houses and

Palaces._

_The end of what thou shall build is but ruine._

_Pamper not thy Body with delicacies and dainties; it may come to

pass one day that this Body may be in Hell._

_Imagine not that he who findeth Riches findeth Happiness; he that

findeth Happiness is he that findeth God._

_All who prostrating themselves in humility shall this day believe

in_ Velè,[264] _if they were Poor shall be Rich, and if Rich shall

become Kings._

[264] Velè _the Founder of the Convent_.

After the Sermon ended which was made upon a Verse in the Alcoran

containing much Morality, the _Deruices_ in a Gallery apart sung this

Hymn, accompanied with Instrumental Musick, which so affected the Ears

of Monsieur _du Loyr_, that he would not omit to set it down, together

with the Musical Notes, to be found in his first Letter unto Monsieur

_Bouliau_, Prior of _Magny_.

* * * * *

Excuse my brevity: I can say but little where I understand but little.

_I am_, etc.

OF ROPALIC

or Gradual Verses, Etc.

_Mens mea sublimes rationes præmeditatur._

TRACT VII

SIR,

Though I may justly allow a good intention in this Poem presented unto

you, yet I must needs confess, I have no affection for it; as being

utterly averse from all affectation in Poetry, which either restrains

the phancy, or fetters the invention to any strict disposure of words. A

poem of this nature is to be found in _Ausonius_ beginning thus,

_Spes Deus æternæ stationis conciliator._

These are Verses _Ropalici_ or _Clavales_, arising gradually like the

Knots in a +Rhopalê+ or Clubb; named also _Fistulares_ by _Priscianus_,

as _Elias Vinetus_[265] hath noted. They consist properly of five

words, each thereof encreasing by one syllable. They admit not of a

_Spondee_ in the fifth place, nor can a Golden or Silver Verse be made

this way. They run smoothly both in Latin and Greek, and some are

scatteringly to be found in _Homer_; as,

+Ô makar Atreidê moirêgenes olbiodaimon+,

_Liberè dicam sed in aurem, ego versibus hujusmodi Ropalicis, longo

syrmate protractis, Ceraunium affigo._

[265] El Vinet. _in_ Auson.

He that affecteth such restrained Poetry, may peruse the Long Poem of

_Hugbaldus_ the Monk, wherein every word beginneth with a C penned in

the praise of _Calvities_ or Baldness, to the honour of _Carolus Calvus_

King of _France_,

_Carmina clarisonæ calvis cantate Camænæ._

The rest may be seen at large in the _adversaria_ of _Barthius_: or if

he delighteth in odd contrived phancies may he please himself with

_Antistrophes_, _Counterpetories_, _Retrogrades_, _Rebusses_, _Leonine_

Verses, etc. to be found in _Sieur des Accords_. But these and the like

are to be look'd upon, not pursued, odd works might be made by such

ways; and for your recreation I propose these few lines unto you,

_Arcu paratur quod arcui sufficit._

_Misellorum clamoribus accurrere non tam humanum quam sulphureum est._

_Asino teratur quæ Asino teritur._

_Ne Asphodelos comedas, phoenices manduca._

_Coelum aliquid potest, sed quæ mira præstat Papilio est._

Not to put you unto endless amusement, the Key hereof is the homonomy of

the Greek made use of in the Latin words, which rendreth all plain. More

ænigmatical and dark expressions might be made if any one would speak or

compose them out of the numerical Characters or characteristical Numbers

set down by _Robertus de Fluctibus_.[266]

[266] _Tract 2. Part lib. 1._

As for your question concerning the contrary expressions of the Italian

and Spaniards in their common affirmative answers, the Spaniard

answering _cy Sennor_, the Italian _Signior cy_, you must be content

with this Distich,

_Why saith the Italian Signior cy, the Spaniard cy Sennor?

Because the one puts that behind, the other puts before._

And because you are so happy in some Translations, I pray return me

these two verses in English,

_Occidit heu tandem multos quæ occidit amantes,

Et cinis est hodie quæ fuit ignis heri._

My occasions make me to take off my Pen. I am, _etc._

OF LANGUAGES

And particularly of the Saxon Tongue.

TRACT VIII

SIR,

The last Discourse we had of the Saxon Tongue recalled to my mind some

forgotten considerations. Though the Earth were widely peopled before

the Flood, (as many learned men conceive) yet whether after a large

dispersion, and the space of sixteen hundred years, men maintained so

uniform a Language in all parts, as to be strictly of one Tongue, and

readily to understand each other, may very well be doubted. For though

the World preserved in the Family of _Noah_ before the confusion of

Tongues might be said to be of one Lip, yet even permitted to themselves

their humours, inventions, necessities, and new objects, without the

miracle of Confusion at first, in so long a tract of time, there had

probably been a Babel. For whether _America_ were first peopled by one

or several Nations, yet cannot that number of different planting

Nations, answer the multiplicity of their present different Languages,

of no affinity unto each other; and even in their Northern Nations and

incommunicating Angles, their Languages are widely differing. A native

Interpreter brought from _California_ proved of no use unto the

Spaniards upon the neighbour Shore. From _Chiapa_, to _Guatemala_, _S.

Salvador_, _Honduras_, there are at least eighteen several languages;

and so numerous are they both in the Peruvian and Mexican Regions, that

the great Princes are fain to have one common Language, which besides

their vernaculous and Mother Tongues, may serve for commerce between

them.

And since the confusion of Tongues at first fell onely upon those which

were present in _Sinaar_ at the work of _Babel_, whether the primitive

Language from _Noah_ were onely preserved in the Family of _Heber_, and

not also in divers others, which might be absent at the same, whether

all came away and many might not be left behind in their first

Plantations about the foot of the Hills, whereabout the Ark rested and

_Noah_ became an Husbandman, is not absurdly doubted.

For so the primitive Tongue might in time branch out into several parts

of _Europe_ and _Asia_, and thereby the first or Hebrew Tongue which

seems to be ingredient into so many Languages, might have larger

originals and grounds of its communication and traduction than from the

Family of _Abraham_, the Country of _Canaan_ and words contained in the

Bible which come short of the full of that Language. And this would

become more probable from the Septuagint or Greek Chronology strenuously

asserted by _Vossius_; for making five hundred years between the Deluge

and the days of _Peleg_, there ariseth a large latitude of

multiplication and dispersion of People into several parts, before the

descent of that Body which followed _Nimrod_ unto _Sinaar_ from the

East.

They who derive the bulk of European Tongues from the Scythian and the

Greek, though they may speak probably in many points, yet must needs

allow vast difference or corruptions from so few originals, which

however might be tolerably made out in the old Saxon, yet hath time much

confounded the clearer derivations. And as the knowledge thereof now

stands in reference unto our selves, I find many words totally lost,

divers of harsh sound disused or refined in the pronunciation, and many

words we have also in common use not to be found in that Tongue, or

venially derivable from any other from whence we have largely borrowed,

and yet so much still remaineth with us that it maketh the gross of our

Language.

The religious obligation unto the Hebrew Language hath so notably

continued the same, that it might still be understood by _Abraham_,

whereas by the _Mazorite_ Points and Chaldee Character the old Letter

stands so transformed, that if _Moses_ were alive again, he must be

taught to reade his own Law.

The Chinoys, who live at the bounds of the Earth, who have admitted

little communication, and suffered successive incursions from one

Nation, may possibly give account of a very ancient Language; but

consisting of many Nations and Tongues; confusion, admixtion and

corruption in length of time might probably so have crept in as without

the virtue of a common Character, and lasting Letter of things, they

could never probably make out those strange memorials which they

pretend, while they still make use of the Works of their great

_Confutius_ many hundred years before Christ, and in a series ascend as

high as _Poncuus_, who is conceived our _Noah_.

The present Welch, and remnant of the old Britanes, hold so much of that

ancient Language, that they make a shift to understand the Poems of

_Merlin_, _Enerin_, _Telesin_, a thousand years ago, whereas the

Herulian _Pater Noster_, set down by _Wolfgangus Lazius_, is not without

much criticism made out, and but in some words; and the present

Parisians can hardly hack out those few lines of the League between

_Charles_ and _Lewis_, the Sons of _Ludovicus Pius_, yet remaining in

old French.

The Spaniards, in their corruptive traduction and Romance, have so

happily retained the terminations from the Latin, that notwithstanding

the Gothick and Moorish intrusion of words, they are able to make a

Discourse completely consisting of Grammatical Latin and Spanish,

wherein the Italians and French will be very much to seek.

The learned _Casaubon_ conceiveth that a Dialogue might be composed in

Saxon onely of such words as are derivable from the Greek, which surely

might be effected, and so as the learned might not uneasily find it out.

_Verstegan_ made no doubt that he could contrive a Letter which might be

understood by the English, Dutch and East Frislander, which, as the

present confusion standeth, might have proved no very clear Piece, and

hardly to be hammer'd out: yet so much of the Saxon still remaineth in

our English, as may admit an orderly discourse and series of good sense,

such as not onely the present English, but _Ælfric_, _Bede_ and _Alured_

might understand after so many hundred years.

Nations that live promiscuously, under the Power and Laws of Conquest,

do seldom escape the loss of their Language with their Liberties,

wherein the Romans were so strict that the Grecians were fain to conform

in their judicial Processes; which made the Jews loose more in seventy

years dispersion in the Provinces of _Babylon_, than in many hundred in

their distinct habitation in _Ægypt_; and the English which dwelt

dispersedly to loose their Language in _Ireland_, whereas more tolerable

reliques there are thereof in _Fingall_, where they were closely and

almost solely planted; and the Moors which were most huddled together

and united about _Granada_, have yet left their _Arvirage_ among the

Granadian Spaniards.

But shut up in Angles and inaccessible corners, divided by Laws and

Manners, they often continue long with little mixture, which hath

afforded that lasting life unto the Cantabrian and British Tongue,

wherein the Britanes are remarkable, who, having lived four hundred

years together with the Romans, retained so much of the British as it

may be esteemed a Language; which either they resolutely maintained in

their cohabitation with them in Britane, or retiring after in the time

of the Saxons into Countries and parts less civiliz'd and conversant

with the Romans, they found the People distinct, the Language more

intire, and so fell into it again.

But surely no Languages have been so straitly lock'd up as not to admit

of commixture. The Irish, although they retain a kind of a Saxon

Character, yet have admitted many words of Latin and English. In the

Welch are found many words from Latin, some from Greek and Saxon. In

what parity and incommixture the Language of that People stood which

were casually discovered in the heart of _Spain_, between the Mountains

of _Castile_, no longer ago than in the time of Duke _D' Alva_, we have

not met with a good account any farther than that their words were

Basquish or Cantabrian: but the present Basquensa one of the minor

Mother Tongues of _Europe_, is not without commixture of Latin and

Castilian, while we meet with _Santifica_, _tentationeten_, _Glaria_,

_puissanea_, and four more in the short Form of the Lord's Prayer, set

down by _Paulus Merula_: but although in this brief Form we may find

such commixture, yet the bulk of their Language seems more distinct,

consisting of words of no affinity unto others, of numerals totally

different, of differing Grammatical Rule, as may be observed in the

Dictionary and short _Basquensa_ Grammar, composed by _Raphael

Nicoleta_, a Priest of _Bilboa_.

And if they use the auxiliary Verbs of _Equin_ and _Ysan_, answerable

unto _Hazer_ and _Ser_, to Have, and Be, in the Spanish, which Forms

came in with the Northern Nations into the Italian, Spanish and French,

and if that Form were used by them before, and crept not in from

imitation of their neighbours, it may shew some ancienter traduction

from Northern Nations, or else must seem very strange; since the

Southern Nations had it not of old, and I know not whether any such mode

be found in the Languages of any part of _America_.

The Romans, who made the great commixture and alteration of Languages in

the World, effected the same, not onely by their proper Language, but

those also of their military Forces, employed in several Provinces, as

holding a standing _Militia_ in all Countries, and commonly of strange

Nations; so while the cohorts and Forces of the Britanes were quartered

in _Ægypt_, _Armenia_, _Spain_, _Illyria_, etc. the Stablæsians and

Dalmatians here, the Gauls, Spaniards and Germans in other Countries,

and other Nations in theirs, they could not but leave many words behind

them, and carry away many with them, which might make that in many words

of very distinct Nations some may still remain of very unknown and

doubtfull Genealogy.

And if, as the learned _Buxhornius_ contendeth, the Scythian Language as

the Mother Tongue runs through the Nations of _Europe_, and even as far

as _Persia_, the community in many words between so many Nations, hath a

more reasonable original traduction, and were rather derivable from the

common Tongue diffused through them all, than from any particular

Nation, which hath also borrowed and holdeth but at second hand.

The Saxons settling over all _England_, maintained an uniform Language,

onely diversified in Dialect, Idioms, and minor differences, according

to their different Nations which came in to the common Conquest, which

may yet be a cause of the variation in the speech and words of several

parts of _England_, where different Nations most abode or settled, and

having expelled the Britanes, their Wars were chiefly among themselves,

with little action with foreign Nations untill the union of the

Heptarchy under _Egbert_; after which time although the Danes infested

this Land and scarce left any part free, yet their incursions made more

havock in Buildings, Churches and Cities, than the Language of the

Country, because their Language was in effect the same, and such as

whereby they might easily understand one another.

And if the Normans, which came into _Neustria_ or _Normandy_ with

_Rollo_ the Dane, had preserved their Language in their new acquists,

the succeeding Conquest of _England_, by Duke _William_ of his race, had

not begot among us such notable alterations; but having lost their

Language in their abode in _Normandy_ before they adventured upon

_England_, they confounded the English with their French, and made the

grand mutation, which was successively encreased by our possessions in

_Normandy_, _Guien_ and _Aquitain_, by our long Wars in France, by

frequent resort of the French, who to the number of some thousands came

over with _Isabel_ Queen to _Edward_ the Second, and the several Matches

of _England_ with the Daughters of _France_ before and since that time.

But this commixture, though sufficient to confuse, proved not of ability

to abolish the Saxon words; for from the French we have borrowed many

Substantives, Adjectives and some Verbs, but the great Body of Numerals,

auxiliary Verbs, Articles, Pronouns, Adverbs, Conjunctions and

Prepositions, which are the distinguishing and lasting part of a

Language, remain with us from the Saxon, which, having suffered no great

alteration for many hundred years, may probably still remain, though the

English swell with the inmates of Italian, French and Latin. An Example

whereof may be observ'd in this following.

_English_ I.

The first and formost step to all good Works is the dread and fear

of the Lord of Heaven and Earth, which thorough the Holy Ghost

enlightneth the blindness of our sinfull hearts to tread the ways

of wisedom, and leads our feet into the Land of Blessing.

_Saxon_ I.

The erst and fyrmost stæp to eal gode Weorka is the dræd and feurt

of the Lauord of Heofan and Eorth, whilc thurh the Heilig Gast

onlihtneth the blindnesse of ure sinfull heorte to træd the wæg of

wisdome, and thone læd ure fet into the Land of Blessung.

_English_ II.

For to forget his Law is the Door, the Gate and Key to let in all

unrighteousness, making our Eyes, Ears and Mouths to answer the

lust of Sin, our Brains dull to good Thoughts, our Lips dumb to his

Praise, our Ears deaf to his Gospel, and our Eyes dim to behold his

Wonders, which witness against us that we have not well learned the

word of God, that we are the Children of wrath, unworthy of the

love and manifold gifts of God, greedily following after the ways

of the Devil and witchcraft of the World, doing nothing to free and

keep our selves from the burning fire of Hell, till we be buried in

Sin and swallowed in Death, not to arise again in any hope of

Christ's Kingdom.

_Saxon_ II.

For to fuorgytan his Laga is the Dure, the Gat and Cæg to let in

eal unrightwisnysse, makend ure Eyge, Eore and Muth to answare the

lust of Sin, ure Brægan dole to gode Theoht, ure Lippan dumb to his

Preys, ure Earen deaf to his Gospel, and ure Eyge dim to behealden

his Wundra, whilc ge witnysse ongen us that wee oef noht wel

gelæred the weord of God, that wee are the Cilda of ured, unwyrthe

of the lufe and mænigfeald gift of God, grediglice felygend æfter

the wægen of the Deoful and wiccraft of the Weorld, doend nothing

to fry and cæp ure saula from the byrnend fyr of Hell, till we be

geburied in Synne and swolgen in Death not to arise agen in ænig

hope of Christes Kynedome.

_English_ III.

Which draw from above the bitter doom of the Almighty of Hunger,

Sword, Sickness, and brings more sad plagues than those of Hail,

Storms, Thunder, Bloud, Frogs, swarms of Gnats and Grashoppers,

which ate the Corn, Grass and Leaves of the Trees in _Ægypt_.

_Saxon_ III.

Whilc drag from buf the bitter dome of the Almagan of Hunger,

Sweorde, Seoknesse, and bring mere sad plag, thone they of Hagal,

Storme, Thunner, Blode, Frog, swearme of Gnæt and Gærsupper, whilc

eaten the Corn, Gærs and Leaf of the Treowen in _Ægypt_.

_English_ IV.

If we reade his Book and holy Writ, these among many others, we

shall find to be the tokens of his hate, which gathered together

might mind us of his will, and teach us when his wrath beginneth,

which sometimes comes in open strength and full sail, oft steals

like a Thief in the night, like Shafts shot from a Bow at midnight,

before we think upon them.

_Saxon_ IV.

Gyf we ræd his Boc and heilig Gewrit, these gemong mænig othern, we

sceall findan the tacna of his hatung whilc gegatherod together

miht gemind us of his willan, and teac us whone his ured onginneth,

whilc sometima come in open strength and fill seyle, oft stæl gelyc

a Theof in the niht, gelyc Sceaft scoten fram a Boge at midneoht,

beforan we thinck uppen them.

_English_ V.

And though they were a deal less, and rather short than beyond our

sins, yet do we not a whit withstand or forbear them, we are wedded

to, not weary of our misdeeds, we seldom look upward, and are not

ashamed under sin, we cleanse not our selves from the blackness and

deep hue of our guilt; we want tears and sorrow, we weep not, fast

not, we crave not forgiveness from the mildness, sweetness and

goodness of God, and with all livelihood and stedfastness to our

uttermost will hunt after the evil of guile, pride, cursing,

swearing, drunkenness, overeating, uncleanness, all idle lust of

the flesh, yes many uncouth and nameless sins, hid in our inmost

Breast and Bosomes, which stand betwixt our forgiveness, and keep

God and Man asunder.

_Saxon_ V.

And theow they wære a dæl lesse, and reither scort thone begond

oure sinnan, get do we naht a whit withstand and forbeare them, we

eare bewudded to, noht werig of ure agen misdeed, we seldon loc

upweard, and ear not ofschæmod under sinne, we cleans noht ure

selvan from the blacnesse and dæp hue of ure guilt; we wan teare

and sara, we weope noht, fæst noht, we craf noht foregyfnesse fram

the mildnesse, sweetnesse and goodnesse of God, and mit eal

lifelyhood and stedfastnesse to ure uttermost witt hunt æfter the

ufel of guile, pride, cursung, swearung, druncennesse, overeat,

uncleannesse and eal idle lust of the flæsc, vis mænig uncuth and

nameleas sinnan, hid in ure inmæst Brist and Bosome, whilc stand

betwixt ure foregyfnesse, and cæp God and Man asynder.

_English_ VI.

Thus are we far beneath and also worse than the rest of God's

Works; for the Sun and Moon, the King and Queen of Stars, Snow,

Ice, Rain, Frost, Dew, Mist, Wind, fourfooted and creeping things,

Fishes and feathered Birds, and Fowls either of Sea or Land do all

hold the Laws of his will.

_Saxon_ VI.

Thus eare we far beneoth and ealso wyrse thone the rest of Gods

Weorka; for the Sune and Mone, the Cyng and Cquen of Stearran,

Snaw, Ise, Ren, Frost, Deaw, Miste, Wind, feower fet and crypend

dinga, Fix yefetherod Brid, and Fælan auther in Sæ or Land do eal

heold the Lag of his willan.

Thus have you seen in few words how near the Saxon and English meet.

* * * * *

Now of this account the French will be able to make nothing; the modern

Danes and Germans, though from several words they may conjecture at the

meaning, yet will they be much to seek in the orderly sense and

continued construction thereof, whether the Danes can continue such a

series of sense out of their present Language and the old Runick, as to

be intelligible unto present and ancient times, some doubt may well be

made; and if the present French would attempt a Discourse in words

common unto their present Tongue and the old _Romana Rustica_ spoken in

Elder times, or in the old Language of the Francks, which came to be in

use some successions after _Pharamond_, it might prove a Work of some

trouble to effect.

It were not impossible to make an Original reduction of many words of no

general reception in _England_ but of common use in _Norfolk_, or

peculiar to the East Angle Countries; as, _Bawnd_, _Bunny_, _Thurck_,

_Enemmis_, _Sammodithee_, _Mawther_, _Kedge_, _Seele_, _Straft_,

_Clever_, _Matchly_, _Dere_, _Nicked_, _Stingy_, _Noneare_, _Feft_,

_Thepes_, _Gosgood_, _Kamp_, _Sibrit_, _Fangast_, _Sap_, _Cothish_,

_Thokish_, _Bide owe_, _Paxwax_: of these and some others of no easie

originals, when time will permit, the resolution may be attempted; which

to effect, the Danish Language new and more ancient may prove of good

advantage: which Nation remained here fifty years upon agreement, and

have left many Families in it, and the Language of these parts had

surely been more commixed and perplex, if the Fleet of _Hugo de Bones_

had not been cast away, wherein threescore thousand Souldiers out of

_Britany_ and _Flanders_ were to be wafted over, and were by King

_John's_ appointment to have a settled habitation in the Counties of

_Norfolk_ and _Suffolk_.

But beside your laudable endeavours in the Saxon, you are not like to

repent you of your studies in the other European and Western Languages,

for therein are delivered many excellent Historical, Moral and

Philosophical Discourses, wherein men merely versed in the learned

Languages are often at a loss: but although you are so well accomplished

in the French, you will not surely conceive that you are master of all

the Languages in _France_, for to omit the Briton, Britonant or old

British, yet retained in some part of _Britany_, I shall onely propose

this unto your construction.

* * * * *

_Chavalisco d' aquestes Boemes chems an freitado lou cap cun taules

Jargonades, ero necy chi voluiget bouta sin tens embè aquelles. Anin à

lous occells, che dizen tat prou ben en ein voz L' ome nosap

comochodochi yen ay jes de plazer, d' ausir la mitat de paraulles en el

mon._

This is a part of that Language which _Scaliger_ nameth _Idiotismus

Tectosagicus_, or _Langue d' oc_, counterdistinguishing it unto the

_Idiotismus Francicus_, or _Langue d'ouy_, not understood in a petty

corner or between a few Mountains, but in parts of early civility, in

_Languedoc_, _Provence_ and _Catalonia_, which put together will make

little less than _England_.

Without some knowledge herein you cannot exactly understand the Works of

_Rablais_: by this the French themselves are fain to make out that

preserved relique of old French, containing the League between _Charles_

and _Lewis_ the Sons of _Ludovicus Pius_. Hereby may tolerably be

understood the several Tracts written in the Catalonian Tongue; and in

this is published the Tract of Falconry written by _Theodosius_ and

_Symmachus_: in this is yet conserved the Poem _Vilhuardine_ concerning

the French expedition in the Holy War, and the taking of

_Constantinople_, among the Works of _Marius Æquicola_ an Italian Poet.

You may find, in this Language, a pleasant Dialogue of Love: this,

about an hundred years ago, was in high esteem, when many Italian Wits

flocked into _Provence_; and the famous _Petrarcha_ wrote many of his

Poems in _Vaucluse_ in that Country.

* * * * *

For the word [_Dread_] in the Royal Title [_Dread Sovereign_] of which

you desire to know the meaning, I return answer unto your question

briefly thus.

* * * * *

Most men do vulgarly understand this word _Dread_ after the common and

English acception, as implying _Fear_, _Awe_ or _Dread_.

Others may think to expound it from the French word _Droit_ or _Droyt_.

For, whereas in elder times, the _Presidents_ and _Supremes_ of Courts

were termed _Sovereigns_, men might conceive this a distinctive Title

and proper unto the King as eminently and by right the Sovereign.

A third exposition may be made from some Saxon Original, particularly

from _Driht_, _Domine_, or _Drihten_, _Dominus_, in the Saxon Language,

the word for _Dominus_ throughout the Saxon Psalms, and used in the

expression of the year of our Lord in the Decretal Epistle of Pope

_Agatho_ unto _Athelred_ King of the Mercians, _Anno_, 680.

_Verstegan_ would have this term _Drihten_ appropriate unto God. Yet, in

the Constitutions of _Withred[267] King of Kent_, we find the same word

used for a Lord or Master, _Si in vesperâ præcedente solem servus ex

mandato Domini aliquod opus servile egerit, Dominus (Drihten) 80 solidis

luito_. However therefore, though _Driht_, _Domine_, might be most

eminently applied unto the Lord of Heaven, yet might it be also

transferred unto Potentates and Gods on Earth, unto whom fealty is given

or due, according unto the Feudist term _Ligeus à Ligando_ unto whom

they were bound in fealty. And therefore from _Driht_, _Domine_, _Dread

Sovereign_, may, probably, owe its Original.

[267] V. Cl. Spelmanni _Concil._

* * * * *

I have not time to enlarge upon this Subject: 'Pray let this pass,

as it is, for a Letter and not for a Treatise. I am

_Yours_, etc.

OF ARTIFICIAL HILLS, MOUNTS OR BURROWS

In many parts of England.

What they are, to what end raised, and by what Nations.

TRACT IX

My honoured Friend Mr. _E. D._[268] his _Quære_.

'In my last Summer's Journey through _Marshland_, _Holland_ and a great

part of the _Fenns_, I observed divers artificial heaps of Earth of a

very large magnitude, and I hear of many others which are in other parts

of those Countries, some of them are at least twenty foot in direct

height from the level whereon they stand. I would gladly know your

opinion of them, and whether you think not that they were raised by the

Romans or Saxons to cover the Bones or Ashes of some eminent persons?'

[268] [Sir William Dugdale.--ED.]

My Answer.

_Worthy Sir_,

Concerning artificial Mounts and Hills, raised without Fortifications

attending them, in most parts of _England_, the most considerable

thereof I conceive to be of two kinds; that is, either Signal Boundaries

and Land-Marks, or else sepulchral Monuments or Hills of Interrment for

remarkable and eminent persons, especially such as died in the Wars.

As for such which are sepulchral Monuments, upon bare and naked view

they are not appropriable unto any of the three Nations of the Romans,

Saxons or Danes, who, after the Britaines, have possessed this Land;

because upon strict account, they may be appliable unto them all.

For that the Romans used such hilly Sepultures, beside many other

testimonies, seems confirmable from the practice of _Germanicus_, who

thus interred the unburied Bones of the slain Souldiers of _Varus_; and

that expression of _Virgil_, of high antiquity among the Latins,

--_facit ingens monte sub alto_

_Regis Dercenni terreno ex aggere Bustum._

That the Saxons made use of this way is collectible from several

Records, and that pertinent expression of _Lelandus_,[269] _Saxones gens

Christi ignara, in hortis amoenis, si domi forte ægroti moriebantur;

sin foris et bello occisi, in egestis per campos terræ tumulis (quos

Burgos appellabant) sepulti sunt_.

[269] Leland. _in Assertione Regis_ Arthuri.

That the Danes observed this practice, their own Antiquities do

frequently confirm, and it stands precisely delivered by _Adolphus

Cyprius_, as the learned _Wormius_[270] hath observed. _Dani olim in

memoriam Regum et Heroum, ex terra coacervata ingentes moles, Montium

instar eminentes, erexisse, credibile omnino ac probabile est, atque

illis in locis ut plurimum, quo sæpe homines commearent, atque iter

haberent, ut in viis publicis posteritati memoriam consecrarent, et

quodammodo immortalitati mandarent._ And the like Monuments are yet to

be observed in _Norway_ and _Denmark_ in no small numbers.

[270] Wormius _in Monumentis Danicis_.

So that upon a single view and outward observation they may be the

Monuments of any of these three Nations: Although the greatest number,

not improbably, of the Saxons; who fought many Battels with the

Britaines and Danes, and also between their own Nations, and left the

proper name of Burrows for these Hills still retained in many of them,

as the seven Burrows upon _Salisbury_ Plain, and in many other parts of

_England_.

But of these and the like Hills there can be no clear and assured

decision without an ocular exploration, and subterraneous enquiry by

cutting through one of them either directly or crosswise. For so with

lesser charge discovery may be made what is under them, and consequently

the intention of their erection.

For if they were raised for remarkable and eminent Boundaries, then

about their bottom will be found the lasting substances of burnt Bones

of Beasts, of Ashes, Bricks, Lime or Coals.

If Urns be found, they might be erected by the Romans before the term of

Urn-burying or custom of burning the dead expired: but if raised by the

Romans after that period; Inscriptions, Swords, Shields, and Arms after

the Roman mode, may afford a good distinction.

But if these Hills were made by Saxons or Danes, discovery may be made

from the fashion of their Arms, Bones of their Horses, and other

distinguishing substances buried with them.

And for such an attempt there wanteth not encouragement. For a like

Mount or Burrow was opened in the days of King _Henry_ the Eighth upon

_Barham_ Down in _Kent_, by the care of Mr. _Thomas Digges_ and charge

of Sir _Christopher Hales_; and a large Urn with Ashes was found under

it, as is delivered by _Thomas Twinus De Rebus Albionicis_, a learned

Man of that Country, _Sub incredibili Terræ acervo, Urna cinere ossium

magnorum fragmentis plena, cùm galeis, clypeis æneis et ferreis rubigine

ferè consumptis, inusitatæ magnitudinis, eruta est: sed nulla inscriptio

nomen, nullum testimonium tempus, aut fortunam exponebant_: and not very

long ago, as _Cambden_[271] delivereth, in one of the Mounts of

_Barklow_ Hills in _Essex_, being levelled there were found three

Troughs, containing broken Bones, conceived to have been of Danes: and

in later time we find, that a Burrow was opened in the Isle of _Man_,

wherein fourteen Urns were found with burnt Bones in them; and one more

neat than the rest, placed in a Bed of fine white Sand, containing

nothing but a few brittle Bones, as having passed the Fire; according to

the particular account thereof in the description[272] of the Isle of

_Man_. Surely many noble Bones and Ashes have been contented with such

hilly Tombs; which neither admitting Ornament, Epitaph or Inscription,

may, if Earthquakes spare them, out last all other Monuments. _Suæ sunt

Metis metæ._ Obelisks have their term, and Pyramids will tumble, but

these mountainous Monuments may stand, and are like to have the same

period with the Earth.

[271] Cambd. Brit. _p. 326_.

[272] _Published_ 1656, by Dan. King.

* * * * *

More might be said, but my business, of another nature, makes me take

off my hand. I am

_Yours_, etc.

OF TROAS

What place is meant by that Name.

Also, of the situations of _Sodom_, _Gomorrha_,

_Admah_, _Zeboim_, in the dead Sea.

TRACT X

SIR,

_To your Geographical Queries, I answer as follows._

In sundry passages of the new Testament, in the _Acts of the Apostles_,

and Epistles of S. _Paul_, we meet with the word _Troas_; how he went

from _Troas_ to _Philippi_ in _Macedonia_, from thence unto _Troas_

again: how he remained seven days in that place; from thence on foot to

_Assos_, whither the Disciples had sailed from _Troas_, and there,

taking him in, made their Voyage unto _Cæsarea_.

Now, whether this _Troas_ be the name of a City or a certain Region

seems no groundless doubt of yours: for that 'twas sometimes taken in

the signification of some Country, is acknowledged by _Ortelius_,

_Stephanus_ and _Grotius_; and it is plainly set down by _Strabo_, that

a Region of _Phrygia_ in _Asia minor_ was so taken in ancient times; and

that, at the Trojan War, all the Territory which comprehended the nine

Principalities subject unto the King of _Ilium_, +Troiê legomenê+, was

called by the name of _Troja_. And this might seem sufficiently to salve

the intention of the description, when he came or went from _Troas_,

that is, some part of that Region; and will otherwise seem strange unto

many how he should be said to go or come from that City which all

Writers had laid in the Ashes about a thousand years before.

All which notwithstanding, since we reade in the Text a particular abode

of seven days, and such particulars as leaving of his Cloak, Books and

Parchments at _Troas_: And that S. _Luke_ seems to have been taken in to

the Travels of S. _Paul_ in this place, where he begins in the _Acts_ to

write in the first person, this may rather seem to have been some City

or special Habitation, than any Province or Region without such

limitation.

Now that such a City there was, and that of no mean note, is easily

verified from historical observation. For though old _Ilium_ was

anciently destroyed, yet was there another raised by the relicts of that

people, not in the same place, but about thirty Furlongs westward, as is

to be learned from _Strabo_.

Of this place _Alexander_ in his expedition against _Darius_ took

especial notice, endowing it with sundry Immunities, with promise of

greater matters at his return from _Persia_; inclined hereunto from the

honour he bore unto _Homer_, whose earnest Reader he was, and upon whose

Poems, by the help of _Anaxarchus_ and _Callisthenes_, he made some

observations. As also much moved hereto upon the account of his

cognation with the _Æacides_ and Kings of _Molossus_, whereof

_Andromache_ the Wife of _Hector_ was Queen. After the death of

_Alexander_, _Lysimachus_ surrounded it with a Wall, and brought the

inhabitants of the neighbour Towns unto it, and so it bore the name of

_Alexandria_; which, from _Antigonus_, was also called _Antigonia_,

according to the inscription of that famous Medal in _Goltsius_,

_Colonia Troas Antigonia Alexandrea, Legio vicesima prima_.

When the Romans first went into _Asia_ against _Antiochus_ 'twas but a

+Kômopolis+ and no great City; but, upon the Peace concluded, the

Romans much advanced the same. _Fimbria_, the rebellious Roman, spoiled

it in the Mithridatick War, boasting that he had subdued _Troy_ in

eleven days which the Grecians could not take in almost as many years.

But it was again rebuilt and countenanced by the Romans, and became a

Roman Colony, with great immunities conferred on it; and accordingly it

is so set down by _Ptolomy_. For the Romans, deriving themselves from

the Trojans, thought no favour too great for it; especially _Julius

Cæsar_, who, both in imitation of _Alexander_, and for his own descent

from _Julus_, of the posterity of _Æneas_, with much passion affected

it, and, in a discontented humour,[273] was once in mind to translate

the Roman wealth unto it; so that it became a very remarkable place, and

was, in _Strabo's_ time, +ellogimôn poleôn+, one of the noble

Cities of _Asia_.

[273] Sueton.

And, if they understood the prediction of _Homer_ in reference unto the

Romans, as some expound it in _Strabo_, it might much promote their

affection unto that place; which being a remarkable prophecy, and scarce

to be parallel'd in Pagan story, made before _Rome_ was built, and

concerning the lasting Reign of the progeny of _Æneas_, they could not

but take especial notice of it. For thus is _Neptune_ made to speak,

when he saved _Æneas_ from the fury of _Achilles_.

_Verum agite hunc subito præsenti à morte trahamus

Ne Cronides ira flammet si fortis Achilles

Hunc mactet, fati quem Lex evadere jussit.

Ne genus intereat de læto semine totum

Dardani ab excelso præ cunctis prolibus olim,

Dilecti quos è mortali stirpe creavit,

Nunc etiam Priami stirpem Saturnius odit,

Trojugenum posthæc Æneas sceptra tenebit

Et nati natorum et qui nascentur ab illis._

The Roman favours were also continued unto S. _Paul's_ days; for

_Claudius_,[274] producing an ancient Letter of the Romans unto King

_Seleucus_ concerning the Trojan Privileges, made a Release of their

Tributes; and _Nero_ [SN: Tacit. _l. 13_.] elegantly pleaded for their

Immunities, and remitted all Tributes unto them.

[274] Sueton.

And, therefore, there being so remarkable a City in this Territory, it

may seem too hard to loose the same in the general name of the Country;

and since it was so eminently favoured by Emperours, enjoying so many

Immunities, and full of Roman Privileges, it was probably very populous,

and a fit abode for S. _Paul_, who being a Roman Citizen, might live

more quietly himself, and have no small number of faithfull well-wishers

in it.

Yet must we not conceive that this was the old _Troy_, or re-built in

the same place with it: for _Troas_ was placed about thirty Furlongs

West, and upon the Sea shore; so that, to hold a clearer apprehension

hereof than is commonly delivered in the Discourses of the Ruines of

_Troy_, we may consider one Inland _Troy_ or old _Ilium_, which was

built farther within the Land, and so was removed from the Port where

the Grecian Fleet lay in _Homer_; and another Maritime _Troy_, which was

upon the Sea Coast placed in the Maps of _Ptolomy_, between _Lectum_ and

_Sigæum_ or Port _Janizam_, Southwest from the old City, which was this

of S. _Paul_, and whereunto are appliable the particular accounts of

_Bellonius_, when, not an hundred years ago, he described the Ruines of

_Troy_ with their Baths, Aqueducts, Walls and Towers, to be seen from

the Sea as he sailed between it and _Tenedos_; and where, upon nearer

view, he observed some signs and impressions of his conversion in the

ruines of Churches, Crosses, and Inscriptions upon Stones.

Nor was this onely a famous City in the days of S. _Paul_, but

considerable long after. For, upon the Letter of _Adrianus_ [SN:

Philostrat. _in Vita_ Herodis Attici.], _Herodes Atticus_, at a great

charge, repaired their Baths, contrived Aqueducts and noble

Water-courses in it. As is also collectible from the Medals of

_Caracalla_, of _Severus_, and _Crispina_; with Inscriptions, _Colonia

Alexandria Troas_, bearing on the Reverse either an Horse, a Temple, or

a Woman; denoting their destruction by an Horse, their prayers for the

Emperour's safety, and, as some conjecture, the memory of _Sibylla_,

_Phrygia_ or _Hellespontica_.

Nor wanted this City the favour of Christian Princes, but was made a

Bishop's See under the Archbishop of _Cyzicum_; but in succeeding

discords was destroyed and ruined, and the nobler Stones translated to

_Constantinople_ by the Turks to beautifie their Mosques and other

Buildings.

_Concerning the Dead Sea, accept of these few Remarks._

In the Map of the Dead Sea we meet with the Figure of the Cities which

were destroyed: of _Sodom_, _Gomorrha_, _Admah_ and _Zeboim_; but with

no uniformity; men placing them variously, and, from the uncertainty of

their situation, taking a fair liberty to set them where they please.

For _Admah_, _Zeboim_ and _Gomorrha_, there is no light from the Text to

define their situation. But, that _Sodom_ could not be far from _Segor_

which was seated under the Mountains near the side of the Lake, seems

inferrible from the sudden arrival of _Lot_, who, coming from _Sodom_ at

day break, attained to _Segor_ at Sun rising; and therefore _Sodom_ is

to be placed not many miles from it, not in the middle of the Lake,

which against that place is about eighteen miles over, and so will leave

nine miles to be gone in so small a space of time.

The Valley being large, the Lake now in length about seventy English

miles, the River _Jordan_ and divers others running over the Plain, 'tis

probable the best Cities were seated upon those Streams: but how the

_Jordan_ passed or winded, or where it took in the other Streams, is a

point too old for Geography to determine.

For, that the River gave the fruitfulness unto this Valley by over

watring that low Region, seems plain from that expression in the

Text,[275] that it was watered, _sicut Paradisus et Ægyptus_, like

_Eden_ and the Plains of _Mesopotamia_, where _Euphrates_ yearly

overfloweth; or like _Ægypt_ where _Nilus_ doth the like: and seems

probable also from the same course of the River not far above this

Valley where the Israelites passed _Jordan_, where 'tis said that

_Jordan overfloweth its Banks in the time of Harvest_.

[275] Gen. 13. 10.

That it must have had some passage under ground in the compass of this

Valley before the creation of this Lake, seems necessary from the great

current of _Jordan_, and from the Rivers _Arnon_, _Cedron_, _Zaeth_,

which empty into this Valley; but where to place that concurrence of

Waters or place of its absorbition, there is no authentick decision.

The probablest place may be set somewhat Southward, below the Rivers

that run into it on the East or Western Shore: and somewhat agreeable

unto the account which _Brocardus_ received from the Sarazens which

lived near it, _Jordanem ingredi Mare Mortuum et rursum egredi, sed post

exiguum intervallum à Terra absorberi_.

_Strabo_ speaks naturally of this Lake, that it was first caused by

Earthquakes, by sulphureous and bituminous eruptions, arising from the

Earth. But the Scripture makes it plain to have been from a miraculous

hand, and by a remarkable expression, _pluit Dominus ignem et Sulphur à

Domino_. See also _Deut. 29. in ardore Salis_: burning the Cities and

destroying all things about the Plain, destroying the vegetable nature

of Plants and all living things, salting and making barren the whole

Soil, and, by these fiery Showers, kindling and setting loose the body

of the bituminous Mines, which shewed their lower Veins before but in

some few Pits and openings, swallowing up the Foundation of their

Cities; opening the bituminous Treasures below, and making a smoak like

a Furnace able to be discerned by _Abraham_ at a good distance from it.

* * * * *

If this little may give you satisfaction, I shall be glad, as being,

Sir,

_Yours_, etc.

OF THE ANSWERS

of the Oracle of Apollo at Delphos to

Croesus King of Lydia

TRACT XI

SIR,

Among the Oracles[276] of _Appollo_ there are none more celebrated than

those which he delivered unto _Croesus_ King of _Lydia_,[277] who

seems of all Princes to have held the greatest dependence on them. But

most considerable are his plain and intelligible replies which he made

unto the same King, when he sent his Chains of Captivity unto _Delphos_,

after his overthrow by _Cyrus_, with sad expostulations why he

encouraged him unto that fatal War by his Oracle, saying,[278]

Croesus, _if he Wars against the Persians, shall dissolve a great

Empire_. Why, at least, he prevented not that sad infelicity of his

devoted and bountifull Servant, and whether it were fair or honourable

for the Gods of _Greece_ to be ingratefull: which being a plain and open

delivery of _Delphos_, and scarce to be parallel'd in any ancient story,

it may well deserve your farther consideration.

[276] _See_ Vulg. Err. _l._ 7. c. 12.

[277] Herod. _l._ 1. 46, 47, etc. 90, 91.

[278] +Prolegousai Kroisô, ên strateuêtai epi Persas, megalên archên

min katalysein.+ Herod. _Ibid._ 54.

1. His first reply was, _That_ Croesus _suffered not for himself_;

but paid the transgression of his fifth predecessour, who kill'd his

Master and usurp'd the dignity unto which he held no title.

Now whether _Croesus_ suffered upon this account or not, hereby he

plainly betrayed his insufficiency to protect him; and also obliquely

discovered he had a knowledge of his misfortune; for knowing that wicked

act lay yet unpunished, he might well divine some of his successours

might smart for it: and also understanding he was like to be the last of

that race, he might justly fear and conclude this infelicity upon him.

Hereby he also acknowledged the inevitable justice of God; that though

Revenge lay dormant, it would not always sleep; and consequently

confessed the just hand of God punishing unto the third and fourth

generation, nor suffering such iniquities to pass for ever unrevenged.

Hereby he flatteringly encouraged him in the opinion of his own merits,

and that he onely suffered for other mens transgressions: mean while he

concealed _Croesus_ his pride, elation of mind and secure conceit of

his own unparallel'd felicity, together with the vanity, pride and

height of luxury of the Lydian Nation, which the Spirit of _Delphos_

knew well to be ripe and ready for destruction.

2. A Second excuse was, _That it is not in the power of God to hinder

the Decree of Fate_. A general evasion for any falsified prediction

founded upon the common opinion of Fate, which impiously subjecteth the

power of Heaven unto it; widely discovering the folly of such as repair

unto him concerning future events: which, according unto this rule, must

go on as the Fates have ordered, beyond his power to prevent or theirs

to avoid; and consequently teaching that his Oracles had onely this use

to render men more miserable by foreknowing their misfortunes; whereof

_Croesus_ himself had a sensible experience in that Dæmoniacal Dream

concerning his eldest Son, _That he should be killed by a Spear_, which,

after all care and caution, he found inevitably to befall him.

3. In his Third Apology he assured him that he endeavoured to transfer

the evil Fate and to pass it upon his Children; and did however

procrastinate his infelicity, and deferred the destruction of _Sardis_

and his own Captivity three years longer than was fatally decreed upon

it.

Wherein while he wipes off the stain of Ingratitude, he leaves no small

doubt whether, it being out of his power to contradict or transfer the

Fates of his Servants, it be not also beyond it to defer such signal

events, and whereon the Fates of whole Nations do depend.

As also, whether he intended or endeavoured to bring to pass what he

pretended, some question might be made. For that he should attempt or

think he could translate his infelicity upon his Sons, it could not

consist with his judgment, which attempts not impossibles or things

beyond his power; nor with his knowledge of future things, and the Fates

of succeeding Generations: for he understood that Monarchy was to expire

in himself, and could particularly foretell the infelicity of his Sons,

and hath also made remote predictions unto others concerning the

fortunes of many succeeding descents; as appears in that answer unto

_Attalus_,

_Be of good courage,_ Attalus, _thou shalt reign

And thy Sons Sons, but not their Sons again._

As also unto _Cypselus_ King of Corinth.

_Happy is the Man who at my Altar stands,

Great_ Cypselus _who_ Corinth _now commands.

Happy is he, his Sons shall happy be,

But for their Sons, unhappy days they'll see._

Now, being able to have so large a prospect of future things, and of the

fate of many Generations, it might well be granted he was not ignorant

of the Fate of _Croesus_ his Sons, and well understood it was in vain

to think to translate his misery upon them.

4. In the Fourth part of his reply, he clears himself of Ingratitude

which Hell it self cannot hear of; alledging that he had saved his life

when he was ready to be burnt, by sending a mighty Showre, in a fair and

cloudless day, to quench the Fire already kindled, which all the

Servants of _Cyrus_ could not doe. Though this Shower might well be

granted, as much concerning his honour, and not beyond his power; yet

whether this mercifull Showre fell not out contingently or were not

contrived by an higher power, which hath often pity upon Pagans, and

rewardeth their vertues sometimes with extraordinary temporal favours;

also, in no unlike case, who was the authour of those few fair minutes,

which, in a showry day, gave onely time enough for the burning of

_Sylla's_ Body, some question might be made.

5. The last excuse devolveth the errour and miscarriage of the business

upon _Croesus_, and that he deceived himself by an inconsiderate

misconstruction of his Oracle, that if he had doubted, he should not

have passed it over in silence, but consulted again for an exposition of

it. Besides, he had neither discussed, nor well perpended his Oracle

concerning _Cyrus_, whereby he might have understood not to engage

against him.

Wherein, to speak indifferently, the deception and miscarriage seems

chiefly to lie at _Croesus_ his door, who, if not infatuated with

confidence and security, might justly have doubted the construction:

besides, he had received two Oracles before, which clearly hinted an

unhappy time unto him: the first concerning _Cyrus_.

_When ever a Mule shall o'er the Medians reign,

Stay not, but unto_ Hermus _fly amain._

Herein though he understood not the _Median Mule_ of _Cyrus_, that is,

of his mixed descent, and from Assyrian and Median Parents, yet he could

not but apprehend some misfortune from that quarter.

Though this prediction seemed a notable piece of Divination, yet did it

not so highly magnifie his natural sagacity or knowledge of future

events as was by many esteemed; he having no small assistance herein

from the Prophecy of _Daniel_ concerning the Persian Monarchy, and the

Prophecy of _Jeremiah_ and _Isaiah_, wherein he might reade the name of

_Cyrus_ who should restore the Captivity of the Jews, and must,

therefore, be the great Monarch and Lord of all those Nations.

The same misfortune was also foretold when he demanded of _Apollo_ if

ever he should hear his dumb Son speak.

_O foolish_ Croesus _who hast made this choice,

To know when thou shalt hear thy dumb Son's voice;

Better he still were mute, would nothing say,

When he first speaks, look for a dismal day._

This, if he contrived not the time and the means of his recovery, was no

ordinary divination: yet how to make out the verity of the story some

doubt may yet remain. For though the causes of deafness and dumbness

were removed, yet since words are attained by hearing, and men speak not

without instruction, how he should be able immediately to utter such apt

and significant words, as +Anthrôpe, mê kteine Kroison+,[279]

_O Man slay not_ Croesus, it cannot escape some doubt, since the Story

also delivers, that he was deaf and dumb, that he then first began to

speak, and spake all his life after.

[279] Herod. _l._ 1. 85.

Now, if _Croesus_ had consulted again for a clearer exposition of what

was doubtfully delivered, whether the Oracle would have spake out the

second time or afforded a clearer answer, some question might be made

from the examples of his practice upon the like demands.

So when the Spartans had often fought with ill success against the

_Tegeates_, they consulted the Oracle what God they should appease, to

become victorious over them. The answer was, _that they should remove

the Bones of_ Orestes. Though the words were plain, yet the thing was

obscure, and like finding out the Body of _Moses_. And therefore they

once more demanded in what place they should find the same; unto whom he

returned this answer,

_When in the Tegean Plains a place thou find'st

Where blasts are made by two impetuous Winds,

Where that that strikes is struck, blows follow blows,

There doth the Earth_ Orestes _Bones enclose._

Which obscure reply the wisest of _Sparta_ could not make out, and was

casually unriddled by one talking with a Smith who had found large Bones

of a Man buried about his House; the Oracle importing no more than a

Smith's Forge, expressed by a Double Bellows, the Hammer and Anvil

therein.

Now, why the Oracle should place such consideration upon the Bones of

_Orestes_ the Son of _Agamemnon_, a mad man and a murtherer, if not to

promote the idolatry of the Heathens, and maintain a superstitious

veneration of things of no activity, it may leave no small obscurity.

Or why, in a business so clear in his knowledge, he should affect so

obscure expressions it may also be wondred; if it were not to maintain

the wary and evasive method in his answers: for, speaking obscurely in

things beyond doubt within his knowledge, he might be more tolerably

dark in matters beyond his prescience.

Though =EI= were inscribed over the Gate of _Delphos_, yet was there no

uniformity in his deliveries. Sometimes with that _obscurity_ as argued

a fearfull prophecy; sometimes so _plainly_ as might confirm a spirit

of divinity; sometimes _morally_, deterring from vice and villany;

another time _vitiously_, and in the spirit of bloud and cruelty:

observably modest in his civil enigma and periphrasis of that part which

old _Numa_ would plainly name,[280] and _Medea_ would not understand,

when he advised _Ægeus_ not to draw out his foot before, untill he

arriv'd upon the Athenian ground; whereas another time he seemed too

literal in that unseemly epithet unto _Cyanus_ King of _Cyprus_,[281]

and put a beastly trouble upon all _Ægypt_ to find out the Urine of a

true Virgin. Sometimes, more beholding unto memory than invention, he

delighted to express himself in the bare Verses of _Homer_. But that he

principally affected Poetry, and that the Priest not onely or always

composed his prosal raptures into Verse, seems plain from his

necromantical Prophecies, whilst the dead Head in _Phlegon_ delivers a

long Prediction in Verse; and at the raising of the Ghost of _Commodus_

unto _Caracalla_, when none of his Ancestours would speak, the divining

Spirit versified his infelicities; corresponding herein to the

apprehensions of elder times, who conceived not onely a Majesty but

something of Divinity in Poetry, and as in ancient times the old

Theologians delivered their inventions.

[280] Plut. _in_ Thes.

[281] _V._ Herod.

Some critical Readers might expect in his oraculous Poems a more than

ordinary strain and true spirit of _Apollo_; not contented to find that

Spirits make Verses like Men, beating upon the filling Epithet, and

taking the licence of dialects and lower helps, common to humane Poetry;

wherein, since _Scaliger_, who hath spared none of the Greeks, hath

thought it wisedom to be silent, we shall make no excursion.

Others may wonder how the curiosity of elder times, having this

opportunity of his Answers, omitted Natural Questions; or how the old

Magicians discovered no more Philosophy; and if they had the assistance

of Spirits, could rest content with the bare assertions of things,

without the knowledge of their causes; whereby they had made their Acts

iterable by sober hands, and a standing part of Philosophy. Many wise

Divines hold a reality in the wonders of the Ægyptian Magicians, and

that those _magnalia_ which they performed before _Pharaoh_ were not

mere delusions of Sense. Rightly to understand how they made Serpents

out of Rods; Froggs and Bloud of Water, were worth half _Porta's_

Magick.

_Hermolaus Barbarus_ was scarce in his wits, when, upon conference with

a Spirit, he would demand no other question than the explication of

_Aristotle's Entelecheia_. _Appion_ the Grammarian, that would raise the

Ghost of _Homer_ to decide the Controversie of his Country, made a

frivolous and pedantick use of Necromancy. _Philostratus_ did as little,

that call'd up the Ghost of _Achilles_ for a particular of the Story of

_Troy_. Smarter curiosities would have been at the great Elixir, the

Flux and Reflux of the Sea, with other noble obscurities in Nature; but

probably all in vain: in matters cognoscible and framed for our

disquisition, our Industry must be our Oracle, and Reason our _Apollo_.

Not to know things without the Arch of our intellectuals, or what

Spirits apprehend, is the imperfection of our nature not our knowledge,

and rather inscience than ignorance in man. Revelation might render a

great part of the Creation easie which now seems beyond the stretch of

humane indagation, and welcome no doubt from good hands might be a true

_Almagest_, and great celestial construction: a clear Systeme of the

planetical Bodies of the invisible and seeming useless Stars unto us, of

the many Suns in the eighth Sphere, what they are, what they contain and

to what more immediately those Stupendous Bodies are serviceable. But

being not hinted in the authentick Revelation of God, nor known how far

their discoveries are stinted; if they should come unto us from the

mouth of evil Spirits, the belief thereof might be as unsafe as the

enquiry.

* * * * *

This is a copious Subject; but, having exceeded the bounds of a letter,

I will not, now, pursue it farther. I am

_Yours_, etc.

A PROPHECY

Concerning the future state of several Nations,

In a Letter written upon occasion of an old

Prophecy sent to the Authour from a Friend,

with a Request that he would consider it.

TRACT XII

SIR,

I take no pleasure in Prophecies so hardly intelligible, and pointing at

future things from a pretended spirit of Divination; of which sort this

seems to be which came unto your hand, and you were pleased to send unto

me. And therefore, for your easier apprehension, divertisement and

consideration, I present you with a very different kind of prediction:

not positively or peremptorily telling you what shall come to pass; yet

pointing at things not without all reason or probability of their

events; not built upon fatal decrees, or inevitable designations, but

upon conjectural foundations, whereby things wished may be promoted, and

such as are feared, may more probably be prevented.

THE PROPHECY

_When_ New England _shall trouble_ New Spain.

_When_ Jamaica _shall be Lady of the Isles and the Main._

_When_ Spain _shall be in_ America _hid,_

_And_ Mexico _shall prove a_ Madrid._

_When_ Mahomet's _Ships on the_ Baltick _shall ride,_

_And Turks shall labour to have Ports on that side._

_When_ Africa _shall no more sell out their Blacks_

_To make Slaves and Drudges to the American Tracts_.

_When_ Batavia _the Old shall be contemn'd by the New_.

_When a new Drove of Tartars shall_ China _subdue._

_When_ America _shall cease to send out its Treasure,_

_But employ it at home in American Pleasure._

_When the new World shall the old invade,_

_Nor count them their Lords but their fellows in Trade._

_When Men shall almost pass to_ Venice _by Land,_

_Not in deep Water but from Sand to Sand._

_When_ Nova Zembla _shall be no stay_

_Unto those who pass to or from_ Cathay._

_Then think strange things are come to light,_

_Whereof but few have had a foresight._

THE EXPOSITION OF THE PROPHECY

_When_ New England _shall trouble_ New Spain.

That is, When that thriving Colony, which hath so much encreased in our

days, and in the space of about fifty years, that they can, as they

report, raise between twenty and thirty thousand men upon an exigency,

shall in process of time be so advanced, as to be able to send forth

Ships and Fleets, as to infest the American Spanish Ports and Maritime

Dominions by depredations or assaults; for which attempts they are not

like to be unprovided, as abounding in the Materials for Shipping, Oak

and Firre. And when length of time shall so far encrease that

industrious people, that the neighbouring Country will not contain them,

they will range still farther and be able, in time, to set forth great

Armies, seek for new possessions, or make considerable and conjoined

migrations, according to the custom of swarming Northern Nations;

wherein it is not likely that they will move Northward, but toward the

Southern and richer Countries, which are either in the Dominions or

Frontiers of the Spaniards: and may not improbably erect new Dominions

in places not yet thought of, and yet, for some Centuries, beyond their

power or Ambition.

_When_ Jamaica _shall be Lady of the Isles and the Main._

That is, When that advantageous Island shall be well peopled, it may

become so strong and potent as to over-power the neighbouring Isles, and

also a part of the main Land, especially the Maritime parts. And already

in their infancy they have given testimony of their power and courage in

their bold attempts upon _Campeche_ and _Santa Martha_; and in that

notable attempt upon _Panama_ on the Western side of _America_:

especially considering this Island is sufficiently large to contain a

numerous people, of a Northern and warlike descent, addicted to martial

affairs both by Sea and Land, and advantageously seated to infest their

neighbours both of the Isles and the Continent, and like to be a

receptacle for Colonies of the same originals from _Barbadoes_ and the

neighbour Isles.

_When_ Spain _shall be in_ America _hid;

And_ Mexico _shall prove a_ Madrid.

That is, When _Spain_, either by unexpected disasters, or continued

emissions of people into _America_, which have already thinned the

Country, shall be farther exhausted at home: or when, in process of

time, their Colonies shall grow by many accessions more than their

Originals, then _Mexico_ may become a _Madrid_, and as considerable in

people, wealth and splendour; wherein that place is already so well

advanced, that accounts scarce credible are given of it. And it is so

advantageously seated, that, by _Acapulco_ and other Ports on the South

Sea, they may maintain a communication and commerce with the Indian

Isles and Territories, and with _China_ and _Japan_, and on this side,

by _Porto Belo_ and others, hold correspondence with _Europe_ and

_Africa_.

_When_ Mahomet's _Ships in the Baltick shall ride._

Of this we cannot be out of all fear; for, if the Turk should master

_Poland_, he would be soon at this Sea. And from the odd constitution of

the Polish Government, the divisions among themselves, jealousies

between their Kingdom and Republick; vicinity of the Tartars, treachery

of the Cossacks, and the method of Turkish Policy, to be at Peace with

the Emperour of _Germany_ when he is at War with the Poles, there may be

cause to fear that this may come to pass. And then he would soon

endeavour to have Ports upon that Sea, as not wanting Materials for

Shipping. And, having a new acquist of stout and warlike men, may be a

terrour unto the confiners on that Sea, and to Nations which now

conceive themselves safe from such an Enemy.

_When_ Africa _shall no more sell out their Blacks._

That is, When African Countries shall no longer make it a common Trade

to sell away the people to serve in the drudgery of American

Plantations. And that may come to pass when ever they shall be well

civilized, and acquainted with Arts and Affairs sufficient to employ

people in their Countries: if also they should be converted to

Christianity, but especially unto Mahometism; for then they would never

sell those of their Religion to be Slaves unto Christians.

_When_ Batavia _the Old shall be contemn'd by the New._

When the Plantations of the Hollanders at _Batavia_ in the _East

Indies_, and other places in the _East Indies_, shall, by their

conquests and advancements, become so powerfull in the Indian

Territories; Then their Original Countries and States of _Holland_ are

like to be contemned by them, and obeyed onely as they please. And they

seem to be in a way unto it at present by their several Plantations, new

acquists and enlargements: and they have lately discovered a part of the

Southern Continent, and several places which may be serviceable unto

them, when ever time shall enlarge them unto such necessities.

_And a new Drove of Tartars shall_ China _subdue._

Which is no strange thing if we consult the Histories of _China_, and

successive Inundations made by Tartarian Nations. For when the Invaders,

in process of time, have degenerated into the effeminacy and softness of

the Chineses, then they themselves have suffered a new Tartarian

Conquest and Inundation. And this hath happened from time beyond our

Histories: for, according to their account, the famous Wall of _China_,

built against the irruptions of the Tartars, was begun above a hundred

years before the Incarnation.

_When_ America _shall cease to send forth its treasure,

But employ it at home for American Pleasure._

That is, When _America_ shall be better civilized, new policied and

divided between great Princes, it may come to pass that they will no

longer suffer their Treasure of Gold and Silver to be sent out to

maintain the Luxury of _Europe_ and other parts: but rather employ it to

their own advantages, in great Exploits and Undertakings, magnificent

Structures, Wars or Expeditions of their own.

_When the new World shall the old invade._

That is, When _America_ shall be so well peopled, civilized and divided

into Kingdoms, they are like to have so little regard of their

Originals, as to acknowledge no subjection unto them: they may also have

a distinct commerce between themselves, or but independently with those

of _Europe_, and may hostilely and pyratically assault them, even as the

Greek and Roman Colonies after a long time dealt with their Original

Countries.

_When Men shall almost pass to_ Venice _by Land,

Not in deep Waters but from Sand to Sand._

That is, When, in long process of time, the Silt and Sands shall so

choak and shallow the Sea in and about it. And this hath considerably

come to pass within these fourscore years; and is like to encrease from

several causes, especially by the turning of the River _Brenta_, as the

learned _Castelli_ hath declared.

_When_ Nova Zembla _shall be no stay

Unto those who pass to or from_ Cathay.

That is, When ever that often sought for Northeast passage unto _China_

and _Japan_ shall be discovered; the hindrance whereof was imputed to

_Nova Zembla_; for this was conceived to be an excursion of Land

shooting out directly, and so far Northward into the Sea that it

discouraged from all Navigation about it. And therefore Adventurers took

in at the Southern part at a strait by _Waygatz_ next the Tartarian

Shore: and, sailing forward they found that Sea frozen and full of Ice,

and so gave over the attempt. But of late years, by the diligent enquiry

of some Moscovites, a better discovery is made of these parts, and a Map

or Chart made of them. Thereby _Nova Zembla_ is found to be no Island

extending very far Northward; but, winding Eastward, it joineth to the

Tartarian Continent, and so makes a _Peninsula_: and the Sea between it

which they entred at _Waygatz_, is found to be but a large Bay, apt to

be frozen by reason of the great River of _Oby_, and other fresh Waters,

entring into it: whereas the main Sea doth not freez upon the North of

_Zembla_ except near unto Shores; so that if the Moscovites were

skilfull Navigatours they might, with less difficulties, discover this

passage unto _China_: but however the English, Dutch and Danes are now

like to attempt it again.

* * * * *

But this is Conjecture, and not Prophecy: and so (I know) you will take

it. I am,

_Sir_, etc.

MUSÆUM CLAUSUM

or

Bibliotheca Abscondita:

Containing some remarkable Books, Antiquities,

Pictures and Rarities of several kinds, scarce

or never seen by any man now living.

TRACT XIII

SIR,

With many thanks I return that noble Catalogue of Books, Rarities and

Singularities of Art and Nature, which you were pleased to communicate

unto me. There are many Collections of this kind in _Europe_. And,

besides the printed accounts of the _Musæum Aldrovandi_,

_Calceolarianum_, _Moscardi_, _Wormianum_; the _Casa Abbellitta_ at

_Loretto_, and _Threasor_ of S. _Dennis_, the _Repository_ of the Duke

of _Tuscany_, that of the Duke of _Saxony_, and that noble one of the

Emperour at _Vienna_, and many more are of singular note. Of what in

this kind I have by me I shall make no repetition, and you having

already had a view thereof, I am bold to present you with the List of a

Collection, which I may justly say you have not seen before.

The Title is, as above,

_Musæum Clausum_, or _Bibliotheca Abscondita: containing some remarkable

Books, Antiquities, Pictures and Rarities of several kinds, scarce or

never seen by any man now living_.

1. Rare and generally unknown Books.

A poem of _Ovidius Naso_, written in the Getick Language,[282] during

his exile at _Tomos_, found wrapt up in Wax at _Sabaria_, on the

Frontiers of _Hungary_, where there remains a tradition that he died, in

his return towards _Rome_ from _Tomos_, either after his pardon or the

death of _Augustus_.

[282] _Ah pudet et scripsi Getico sermone Libellum._

2. The Letter of _Quintus Cicero_, which he wrote in answer to that of

his Brother _Marcus Tullius_, desiring of him an account of _Britany_,

wherein are described the Country, State and Manners of the Britains of

that Age.

3. An Ancient British Herbal, or description of divers Plants of this

Island, observed by that famous Physician _Scribonius Largus_, when he

attended the Emperour _Claudius_ in his expedition into _Britany_.

4. An exact account of the Life and Death of _Avicenna_ confirming the

account of his Death by taking nine Clysters together in a fit of the

Colick; and not as _Marius_ the Italian Poet delivereth, by being broken

upon the Wheel; left with other Pieces by _Benjamin Tudelensis_, as he

travelled from _Saragossa_ to _Jerusalem_, in the hands of _Abraham

Jarchi_, a famous Rabbi of _Lunet_ near _Montpelier_, and found in a

Vault when the Walls of that City were demolished by _Lewis_ the

Thirteenth.

5. A punctual relation of _Hannibal's_ march out of _Spain_ into

_Italy_, and far more particular than that of _Livy_, where about he

passed the River _Rhodanus_ or _Rhosne_; at what place he crossed the

_Isura_ or _L'isere_; when he marched up toward the confluence of the

_Sone_ and the _Rhone_, or the place where the City _Lyons_ was

afterward built; how wisely he decided the difference between King

_Brancus_ and his Brother, at what place he passed the _Alpes_, what

Vinegar he used, and where he obtained such quantity to break and

calcine the Rocks made hot with Fire.

6. A learned Comment upon the _Periplus_ of _Hanno_ the Carthaginian, or

his Navigation upon the Western Coast of _Africa_, with the several

places he landed at; what Colonies he settled, what Ships were scattered

from his Fleet near the Æquinoctial Line, which were not afterward heard

of, and which probably fell into the Trade Winds, and were carried over

into the Coast of _America_.

7. A particular Narration of that famous Expedition of the English into

_Barbary_ in the ninety fourth year of the _Hegira_, so shortly touched

by _Leo Africanus_, whither called by the Goths they besieged, took and

burnt the City of _Arzilla_ possessed by the Mahometans, and lately the

seat of _Gayland_; with many other exploits delivered at large in

Arabick, lost in the Ship of Books and Rarities which the King of

_Spain_ took from _Siddy Hamet_ King of _Fez_, whereof a great part were

carried into the _Escurial_, and conceived to be gathered out of the

relations of _Hibnu Nachu_, the best Historian of the African Affairs.

8. A Fragment of _Pythæas_ that ancient Traveller of _Marseille_; which

we suspect not to be spurious, because, in the description of the

Northern Countries, we find that passage of _Pythæas_ mentioned by

_Strabo_, that all the Air beyond _Thule_ is thick, condensed and

gellied, looking just like Sea Lungs.

9. A _Sub Marine_ Herbal, describing the several Vegetables found on the

Rocks, Hills, Valleys, Meadows at the bottom of the Sea, with many sorts

of _Alga_, _Fucus_, _Quercus_, _Polygonum_, _Gramens_ and others not yet

described.

10. Some Manuscripts and Rarities brought from the Libraries of

_Æthiopia_, by _Zaga Zaba_, and afterward transported to _Rome_, and

scattered by the Souldiers of the Duke of _Bourbon_, when they

barbarously sacked that City.

11. Some Pieces of _Julius Scaliger_, which he complains to have been

stoln from him, sold to the Bishop of _Mende_ in _Languedock_, and

afterward taken away and sold in the Civil Wars under the Duke of

_Rohan_.

12. A Comment of _Dioscorides_ upon _Hyppocrates_, procured from

_Constantinople_ by _Amatus Lusitanus_, and left in the hands of a Jew

of _Ragusa_.

13. _Marcus Tullius Cicero_ his Geography; as also a part of that

magnified Piece of his _De Republica_, very little answering the great

expectation of it, and short of Pieces under the same name by _Bodinus_

and _Tholosanus_.

14. King _Mithridates_ his _Oneirocritica_.

Aristotle de _Precationibus_.

Democritus _de his quæ fiunt apud Orcum, et Oceani circumnavigatio_.

Epicurus _de Pietate_.

A Tragedy of _Thyestes_, and another of _Medea_, writ by _Diogenes_ the

Cynick.

King _Alfred_ upon _Aristotle de Plantis_.

_Seneca's_ Epistles to S. _Paul_.

King _Solomon de Umbris Idæarum_, which _Chicus Asculænus_, in his

Comment upon _Johannes de Sacrobosco_, would make us believe he saw in

the Library of the Duke of _Bavaria_.

15. Artemidori _Oneirocritici Geographia_.

Pythagoras _de Mari Rubro_.

The Works of _Confutius_ the famous Philosopher of _China_, translated

into Spanish.

16. _Josephus_ in Hebrew, written by himself.

17. The Commentaries of _Sylla_ the Dictatour.

18. A Commentary of _Galen_ upon the Plague of _Athens_ described by

_Thucydides_.

19. _Duo Cæsaris Anti-Catones_, or the two notable Books writ by _Julius

Cæsar_ against _Cato_; mentioned by _Livy_, _Salustius_ and _Juvenal_;

which the Cardinal of _Liege_ told _Ludovicus Vives_ were in an old

Library of that City.

_Mazhapha Einok_, or, the Prophecy of _Enoch_, which _Ægidius

Lochiensis_, a learned Eastern Traveller, told _Peireschius_ that he had

found in an old Library at _Alexandria_ containing eight thousand

Volumes.

20. A Collection of Hebrew Epistles, which passed between the two

learned Women of our age _Maria Molinea_ of _Sedan_, and _Maria

Schurman_ of _Utrecht_.

A wondrous Collection of some Writings of _Ludovica Saracenica_,

Daughter of _Philibertus Saracenicus_ a Physician of _Lyons_, who at

eight years of age had made a good progress in the Hebrew, Greek and

Latin Tongues.

2. Rarities in Pictures.

1. A picture of the three remarkable Steeples or Towers in _Europe_

built purposely awry and so as they seem falling. _Torre Pisana_ at

_Pisa_, _Torre Garisenda_ in _Bononia_, and that other in the City of

_Colein_.

2. A Draught of all sorts of Sistrums, Crotaloes, Cymbals, Tympans,

_etc._ in use among the Ancients.

3. Large _Submarine_ Pieces, well delineating the bottom of the

Mediterranean Sea, the Prerie or large Sea-meadow upon the Coast of

_Provence_, the Coral Fishing, the gathering of Sponges, the Mountains,

Valleys and Desarts, the Subterraneous Vents and Passages at the bottom

of that Sea. Together with a lively Draught of _Cola Pesce_, or the

famous Sicilian Swimmer, diving into the _Voragos_ and broken Rocks by

_Charybdis_, to fetch up the Golden Cup, which _Frederick_, King of

_Sicily_, had purposely thrown into that Sea.

4. A Moon Piece, describing that notable Battel between _Axalla_,

General of _Tamerlane_, and _Camares_ the Persian, fought by the light

of the Moon.

5. Another remarkable Fight of _Inghimmi_ the Florentine with the

Turkish Galleys by Moon-light, who being for three hours grappled with

the _Basha_ Galley, concluded with a signal Victory.

6. A delineation of the great Fair of _Almachara_ in _Arabia_, which, to

avoid the great heat of the Sun, is kept in the Night, and by the light

of the Moon.

7. A Snow Piece, of Land and Trees covered with Snow and Ice, and

Mountains of Ice floating in the Sea, with Bears, Seals, Foxes, and

variety of rare Fowls upon them.

8. An Ice Piece describing the notable Battel between the Jaziges and

the Romans, fought upon the frozen _Danubius_, the Romans settling one

foot upon their Targets to hinder them from slipping, their fighting

with the Jaziges when they were fallen, and their advantages therein by

their art in volutation and rolling contention or wrastling, according

to the description of _Dion_.

9. _Socia_, or a Draught of three persons notably resembling each other.

Of King _Henry_ the Fourth of _France_, and a Miller of _Languedock_; of

_Sforza_ Duke of _Milain_ and a Souldier; of _Malatesta_ Duke of

_Rimini_ and _Marchesinus_ the Jester.

10. A Picture of the great Fire which happened at _Constantinople_ in

the Reign of _Sultan Achmet_. The Janizaries in the mean time plundring

the best Houses, _Nassa Bassa_ the Vizier riding about with a Cimetre in

one hand and a Janizary's Head in the other to deter them; and the

Priests attempting to quench the Fire, by Pieces of _Mahomet's_ Shirt

dipped in holy Water and thrown into it.

11. A Night Piece of the dismal Supper and strange Entertain of the

Senatours by _Domitian_, according to the description of _Dion_.

12. A Vestal Sinner in the Cave with a Table and a Candle.

13. An Elephant dancing upon the Ropes with a _Negro_ Dwarf upon his

Back.

14. Another describing the mighty Stone falling from the Clouds into

_Ægospotamos_ or the Goats River in _Greece_, which Antiquity could

believe that _Anaxagoras_ was able to foretell half a year before.

15. Three noble Pieces; of _Vercingetorix_ the Gaul submitting his

person unto _Julius Cæsar_; of _Tigranes_ King of _Armenia_ humbly

presenting himself unto _Pompey_; and of _Tamerlane_ ascending his

Horse from the Neck of _Bajazet_.

16. Draughts of three passionate Looks; of _Thyestes_ when he was told

at the Table that he had eaten a piece of his own Son; of _Bajazet_ when

he went into the Iron Cage; of _Oedipus_ when he first came to know that

he had killed his Father, and married his own Mother.

17. Of the Cymbrian Mother in _Plutarch_ who, after the overthrow by

_Marius_, hanged her self and her two Children at her feet.

18. Some Pieces delineating singular inhumanities in Tortures. The

_Scaphismus_ of the Persians. The living truncation of the Turks. The

hanging Sport at the Feasts of the Thracians. The exact method of

flaying men alive, beginning between the Shoulders, according to the

description of _Thomas Minadoi_, in his Persian War. Together with the

studied tortures of the French Traitours at _Pappa_ in _Hungaria_: as

also the wild and enormous torment invented by _Tiberius_, designed

according unto the description of _Suetonius_. _Excogitaverunt inter

genera cruciatûs, ut largâ meri potione per fallaciam oneratos repentè

veretris deligatis fidicularum simul urinæque tormento distenderet._

19. A Picture describing how _Hannibal_ forced his passage over the

River _Rhosne_ with his Elephants, Baggage and mixed Army; with the Army

of the Gauls opposing him on the contrary Shore, and _Hanno_ passing

over with his Horse much above to fall upon the Rere of the Gauls.

20. A neat Piece describing the Sack of _Fundi_ by the Fleet and

Souldiers of _Barbarossa_ the Turkish Admiral, the confusion of the

people and their flying up to the Mountains, and _Julia Gonzaga_ the

beauty of _Italy_ flying away with her Ladies half naked on Horseback

over the Hills.

21. A noble Head of _Franciscus Gonzaga_, who, being imprisoned for

Treason, grew grey in one night, with this Inscription,

_O nox quam longa est quæ facit una senem._

22. A large Picture describing the Siege of _Vienna_ by _Solyman_ the

Magnificent, and at the same time the Siege of _Florence_ by the

Emperour _Charles_ the Fifth and Pope _Clement_ the Seventh, with this

Subscription,

_Tum vacui capitis populum_ Phæaca _putares?_

23. An exquisite Piece properly delineating the first course of

_Metellus_ his Pontificial Supper, according to the description of

_Macrobius_; together with a Dish of _Pisces Fossiles_, garnished about

with the little Eels taken out of the backs of Cods and Perches; as also

with the Shell Fishes found in Stones about _Ancona_.

24. A Picture of the noble Entertain and Feast of the Duke of _Chausue_

at the Treaty of _Collen_, 1673, when in a very large Room, with all the

Windows open, and at a very large Table he sate himself, with many great

persons and Ladies; next about the Table stood a row of Waiters, then a

row of Musicians, then a row of Musketiers.

25. _Miltiades_, who overthrew the Persians at the Battel of _Marathon_

and delivered _Greece_, looking out of a Prison Grate in _Athens_,

wherein he died, with this Inscription,

_Non hoc terribiles Cymbri non Britones unquam,

Sauromatæve truces aut immanes Agathyrsi._

26. A fair English Lady drawn _Al Negro_, or in the Æthiopian hue

excelling the original White and Red Beauty, with this Subscription,

_Sed quondam volo nocte Nigriorem._

27. Pieces and Draughts in _Caricatura_, of Princes, Cardinals and

famous men; wherein, among others, the Painter hath singularly hit the

signatures of a Lion and a Fox in the face of Pope _Leo_ the Tenth.

28. Some Pieces _A la ventura_, or Rare Chance Pieces, either drawn at

random, and happening to be like some person, or drawn for some and

happening to be more like another; while the Face, mistaken by the

Painter, proves a tolerable Picture of one he never saw.

29. A Draught of famous Dwarfs with this Inscription,

_Nos facimus Bruti puerum nos Lagona vivum._

30. An exact and proper delineation of all sorts of Dogs upon occasion

of the practice of _Sultan Achmet_; who in a great Plague at

_Constantinople_ transported all the Dogs therein unto _Pera_, and from

thence into a little Island, where they perished at last by Famine: as

also the manner of the Priests curing of mad Dogs by burning them in the

forehead with Saint _Bellin's Key_.

31. A noble Picture of _Thorismund_ King of the Goths as he was killed

in his Palace at _Tholouze_, who being let bloud by a Surgeon, while he

was bleeding, a stander by took the advantage to stab him.

32. A Picture of rare Fruits with this Inscription,

_Credere quæ possis surrepta sororibus Afris._

33. An handsome Piece of Deformity expressed in a notable hard Face,

with this Inscription,

----_Ora

Julius in Satyris qualia Rufus habet._

34. A noble Picture of the famous Duel between _Paul Manessi_ and

_Caragusa_ the Turk in the time of _Amurath_ the Second; the Turkish

Army and that of _Scanderbeg_ looking on; wherein _Manessi_ slew the

Turk, cut off his Head and carried away the Spoils of his Body.

3. Antiquities and Rarities of several sorts.

1. Certain ancient Medals with Greek and Roman Inscriptions, found about

_Crim Tartary_; conceived to be left in those parts by the Souldiers of

_Mithridates_, when overcome by _Pompey_, he marched round about the

North of the _Euxine_ to come about into _Thracia_.

2. Some ancient Ivory and Copper Crosses found with many others in

_China_; conceived to have been brought and left there by the Greek

Souldiers who served under _Tamerlane_ in his Expedition and Conquest of

that Country.

3. Stones of strange and illegible Inscriptions, found about the great

ruines which _Vincent le Blanc_ describeth about _Cephala_ in _Africa_,

where he opinion'd that the Hebrews raised some Buildings of old, and

that _Solomon_ brought from thereabout a good part of his Gold.

4. Some handsome Engraveries and Medals, of _Justinus_ and

_Justinianus_, found in the custody of a Bannyan in the remote parts of

_India_, conjectured to have been left there by the Friers mentioned in

_Procopius_, who travelled those parts in the reign of _Justinianus_,

and brought back into _Europe_ the discovery of Silk and Silk Worms.

5. An original Medal of _Petrus Aretinus_, who was called _Flagellum

Principum_, wherein he made his own Figure on the Obverse part with this

Inscription,

_Il Divino Aretino._

On the Reverse sitting on a Throne, and at his Feet Ambassadours of

Kings and Princes bringing presents unto him, with this Inscription,

_I Principi tributati da i Popoli tributano il Servitor loro._

6. _Mummia Tholosana_; or, The complete Head and Body of Father

_Crispin_, buried long ago in the Vault of the Cordeliers at _Tholouse_,

where the Skins of the dead so drie and parch up without corrupting that

their persons may be known very long after, with this Inscription,

_Ecce iterum Crispinus._

7. A noble _Quandros_ or Stone taken out of a Vulture's Head.

8. A large _Ostridges_ Egg, whereon is neatly and fully wrought that

famous Battel of _Alcazar_, in which three Kings lost their lives.

9. An _Etiudros Alberti_ or Stone that is apt to be always moist:

usefull unto drie tempers, and to be held in the hand in Fevers instead

of Crystal, Eggs, Limmons, Cucumbers.

10. A small Viol of Water taken out of the Stones therefore called

_Enhydri_, which naturally include a little Water in them, in like

manner as the _Ætites_ or _Aëgle_ Stone doth another Stone.

11. A neat painted and gilded Cup made out of the _Confiti di Tivoli_

and formed up with powder'd Egg-shells; as _Nero_ is conceived to have

made his _Piscina admirabilis_, singular against Fluxes to drink often

therein.

12. The Skin of a Snake bred out of the Spinal Marrow of a Man.

13. Vegetable Horns mentioned by _Linschoten_, which set in the ground

grow up like Plants about _Goa_.

14. An extract of the Inck of Cuttle Fishes reviving the old remedy of

_Hippocrates_ in Hysterical Passions.

15. Spirits and Salt of _Sargasso_ made in the Western Ocean covered

with that Vegetable; excellent against the Scurvy.

16. An extract of _Cachundè_ or _Liberans_ that famous and highly

magnified Composition in the _East Indies_ against Melancholy.

17. _Diarhizon mirificum_; or an unparallel'd Composition of the most

effectual and wonderfull Roots in Nature.

Rx _Rad. Butuæ Cuamensis.

Rad. Moniche Cuamensis.

Rad. Mongus Bazainensis.

Rad. Casei Baizanensis.

Rad. Columbæ Mozambiguensis.

Gim Sem Sinicæ.

Fo Lim lac Tigridis dictæ.

Fo seu.

Cort. Rad. Soldæ.

Rad. Ligni Solorani.

Rad. Malacensis madrededios dictæ an._ [-3]ij.

_M. fiat pulvis, qui cum gelatinâ Cornu cervi Moschati Chinensis

formetur in massas oviformes._

18. A transcendent Perfume made of the richest Odorates of both the

_Indies_, kept in a Box made of the Muschie Stone of _Niarienburg_, with

this Inscription,

----_Deos rogato

Totum ut te faciant, Fabulle, Nasum._

19. A _Clepselæa_, or Oil Hour-glass, as the Ancients used those of

Water.

20. A Ring found in a Fishes Belly taken about _Gorro_; conceived to be

the same wherewith the Duke of _Venice_ had wedded the Sea.

21. A neat Crucifix made out of the cross Bone of a Frogs Head.

22. A large Agath containing a various and careless Figure, which looked

upon by a Cylinder representeth a perfect Centaur. By some such

advantages King _Pyrrhus_ might find out _Apollo_ and the nine Muses in

those Agaths of his whereof _Pliny_ maketh mention.

23. _Batrachomyomachia_, or the Homerican Battel between Frogs and Mice,

neatly described upon the Chizel Bone of a large Pike's Jaw.

24. _Pyxis Pandoræ_, or a Box which held the _Unguentum Pestiferum_,

which by anointing the Garments of several persons begat the great and

horrible Plague of _Milan_.

25. A Glass of Spirits made of Æthereal Salt, Hermetically sealed up,

kept continually in Quick-silver; of so volatile a nature that it will

scarce endure the Light, and therefore onely to be shown in Winter, or

by the light of a Carbuncle, or Bononian Stone.

* * * * *

He who knows where all this Treasure now is, is a great _Apollo_. I'm

sure I am not He. However, I am,

_Sir, Yours_, etc.

A

LETTER

to a

FRIEND

upon occasion of the

DEATH

OF HIS

Intimate Friend

1690

A LETTER TO A FRIEND,

Upon Occasion of the

Death of his Intimate Friend.

Give me leave to wonder that News of this Nature should have such heavy

Wings that you should hear so little concerning your dearest Friend, and

that I must make that unwilling Repetition to tell you, _Ad portam

rigidos calces extendit_, that he is Dead and Buried, and by this time

no Puny among the mighty Nations of the Dead; for tho' he left this

World not very many Days past, yet every Hour you know largely addeth

unto that dark Society; and considering the incessant Mortality of

Mankind, you cannot conceive there dieth in the whole Earth so few as a

thousand an Hour.

Altho' at this distance you had no early Account or Particular of his

Death; yet your Affection may cease to wonder that you had not some

secret Sense or Intimation thereof by Dreams, thoughtful Whisperings,

Mercurisms, Airy Nuncio's, or sympathetical Insinuations, which many

seem to have had at the Death of their dearest Friends: for since we

find in that famous Story, that Spirits themselves were fain to tell

their Fellows at a distance, that the great _Antonio_ was dead; we have

a sufficient Excuse for our Ignorance in such Particulars, and must rest

content with the common Road, and _Appian_ way of Knowledge by

Information. Tho' the uncertainty of the End of this World hath

confounded all Human Predictions; yet they who shall live to see the Sun

and Moon darkned, and the Stars to fall from Heaven, will hardly be

deceiv'd in the Advent of the last Day; and therefore strange it is,

that the common Fallacy of consumptive Persons, who feel not themselves

dying, and therefore still hope to live, should also reach their Friends

in perfect Health and Judgment. That you should be so little acquainted

with _Plautus's_ sick Complexion, or that almost an _Hippocratical_ Face

should not alarum you to higher fears, or rather despair of his

Continuation in such an emaciated State, wherein medical Predictions

fail not, as sometimes in acute Diseases, and wherein 'tis as dangerous

to be sentenc'd by a Physician as a Judge.

Upon my first Visit I was bold to tell them who had not let fall all

Hopes of his Recovery, that in my sad Opinion he was not like to behold

a Grashopper, much less to pluck another Fig; and in no long time after

seem'd to discover that odd mortal Symptom in him not mention'd by

_Hippocrates_, that is, to lose his own Face, and look like some of his

near Relations; for he maintain'd not his proper Countenance, but look'd

like his Uncle, the Lines of whose Face lay deep and invisible in his

healthful Visage before: For as from our beginning we run through

Variety of Looks, before we come to consistent and setled Faces; so

before our End, by sick and languishing alterations, we put on new

Visages: and in our Retreat to Earth, may fall upon such Looks which

from Community of seminal Originals were before latent in us.