The quantity of lines must be wisely observed, that is, the length and
depth, so likewise their quality, that is, their complexion and shape,
whether they are crooked or straight; next their action, which is to touch
or cut other lines. Their passion to be touched or cut of others; and
lastly, their place and position.
We must know that the lines are sometimes prolonged until certain years of
our age, otherwise shortened; now they wax pale, then they become plain
and strong, and as it were luxuriate with a kind of redness, and this as
well in the principal as less principal lines. Again, as touching the less
principal, and such as are found in the tubercula of the planets, it is
most certain that some do at one time quite vanish, and that at another
time others arise of a different shape and complexion; the cause of which
is supposed to be no other than the various progressions of the
alphabetical places in their nativities; that is, fortunate and
unfortunate to the influence whereof man himself is wonderfully subject.
The signs of his hands are presented at different times with different
faces. _Such a virtue, such a love resideth in the imagination of the
greater world towards the lesser._ And, therefore, the most studious in
chiromancy cannot attain the knowledge of particulars by one inspection
only, made to a certain year of the person’s age; things that worthily
merit our observations, yet known or approved of by a few.