A strange metamorphosis of man, transformed into a vvildernesse Deciphered in characters. 1634 Approx. 98 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 98 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-07 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A16681 STC 3587 ESTC S106111 99841836 99841836 6450 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A16681) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 6450) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1128:16) A strange metamorphosis of man, transformed into a vvildernesse Deciphered in characters. Brathwaite, Richard, 1588?-1673, attributed name. [202] p. Printed by Thomas Harper, and are to be sold by Lawrence Chapman at his shop in Holborne, London : 1634. Sometimes attributed to Richard Brathwait. Signatures: A⁶ B-I¹² (-A1). The last two leaves are blank. Running title reads: Characters. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Characters and characteristics -- Early works to 1800. Nature -- Early works to 1800. 2003-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-03 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-05 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2003-05 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-06 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A STRANGE Metamorphosis of MAN , transformed into a VVildernesse . Deciphered in CHARACTERS . LONDON , Printed by Thomas Harper , and are to be sold by Lawrence Chapman at his shop in Holborne . 1634. The Preface to the Reader . THe world is a Wildernesse , Man apilgrime lost in the desert ; or rather Man is the Desert , not to be found , but in the Wildernesse . A Desert who leaving the path of Rectitude , hath plunged himselfe into the thicket of worldly Appetites ; to seeke him in the Citie were in vaine , who leaving Ierusalem , entred into the Desert the way of Iericho . To finde him then , we must leave the Citie , and seeke him in the Wildernesse . Where behold a strange Metamorphosis ! Wee finde him not in his owne similitude , but like Vlissis Crew , transformed into the shape of everie thing we meete with . We then take him as we finde him , and deliver you his Character in those borrowed shapes , not to put him to the blush . But lest of a Wildernesse of things , I make a Wildernesse of words , and loose my selfe in my owne Wildernesse : Or labouring in a Maze as Pasiphae in A strange Metamorphosis of Man , transformed into a Wildernesse . 1. The Lyon KIng of Beasts is a right tyrant among Beasts , Nature it seemes hath made him for terror , for when he roares his Subiects tremble at his voyce . Instead of Ermins like Hercules hee weares a Lyons skinne ; which robe though hee had not on yet would he be knowne by his clawes . He is alwayes seene in his Parliament robes , but carries up his owne traine himselfe . He hath an Antipathy with the Cocke , especially of the Game . One reason is , because he sees him commonly with his Crowne on his head , while Princes commonly are iealous of each other . Some say because he presumes to come into his presence booted & spur'd , contrary to the Law in Court. But I thinke rather because hee meetes with a Lyons heart in so weake a body . He is of a generous & noble dispositiō , offend him not , & he is a lambe , touch him never so little , and hee is a Lyon right : He is exceeding iealous of his Lionesse especially of the Parde ; not without good cause , since they often meet by stealth , and he inforced ful sore against his will to father the Leopard though a Bastard , and none of his . He is so hot of Nature that he is never without a burning feaver , but is faine to recover himselfe ; for in his raging fits , no one of his Physitians dares approach to feele his pulse . He dreads the fire hee sees without , because he feeles so great a heat within , which euen glowes againe at the windowes of his eyes . His children are no crying Puppies , but whelpes rather , that come at last to be roaring boyes ; Yet they cannot a letter of the booke , not so much as the Christ-crosse Row. Onely in the Greeke Alphabet their memorie serues but to carry away the last letter ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) which they will tone foorth with such a throat as no cryer in Westminster-hall can put you forth such a one . And no maruell they can reade no better , since they hate the vowels ; the A because it is too childish , the E too feminine , the I stands not with their maiestie , for the O they are too stout to blinch or say oh at any thing , and for the V they hold it rusticitie . If hee chance to flye out at any time or be unruly , whereas Mad-men are put into Bedlam , Rogues into Bridwell , Beggers into the Stocks , Night-walkers into the Counter , he for his Nobilitie is clapt into the Tower , where he is never like to come forth , till instead of stripping his Collar , he be stript of his skin . 2. The Squirill IS that nimble Reueller of the Forrest who is alwaies set vpon a merrie pin . It is the innocencie of his gentle breast , that makes his heart so light , and the bodie so naturally actiue . He keepes Holiday euerie day , and is neuer without his pumps on , to be readie to dance . For he will daunce you beyond measure , and yet be neuer out of his dance . He is verie desperate in his tricks , so that if he chance to fall , he ventures his necke , life , and all . He is no Carpet-knight that danceth on strewed tapestries , for he will daunce upon a tree without any musicke , But this in the Forrest onely , for in the Citie he hath another manner with him , where it is ridiculous to daunce without musicke , and therefore gets him a dauncing schoole with a chime of little Bels at least . He is a foure-footed bird that is kept in a cage , not to sing , for hee hath no voice that is worth the hearing , but to dance onely . One would wonder to see him so well breathed who will hold out so long and yet not be tyred , especially considering the diet he uses being commonly nuts , so apt with us to breed obstructions , and the tisicke . With an apple and a nut or two hee will make himselfe not onely an handsome collation but a royall feast . It is verie strange what teeth the thiefe hath , for he wil pare you a wallnut as bigge as his head , much sooner than we an apple , yea and devoure the kernell and all ere you would imagine . He hath a good face , and he knowes it well , & some beautie withall , whereof he is exceeding choice and tender , while hee never goes especially in the Sun , but he carries his Vmbrella about him , which serves him likewise for a cloake in a showre of raine . Hee that should marke him well , would thinke him a puppet made in fashion of a Squiril , that by engines were made so to mount up and downe , and that either he had no ioynt at all , or all were nothing else but ioynts , for he moves not his head so much as his whole bodie when hee moves . Hee is very neat , for hee washes his face at every bit he eats , & should be a Iew in that , but in other things hath no Religion in him at all . In a word , I told him to have a good nature with him , and a pretty wit , & though hee seeme to have a cunning head , yet stayed enough from any debauchments . 3. The Bramble IS that little great Competitour of Regall dignitie upon trees , who carried it away from the rest . He is the right Agathocles raised from dust to supreme authoritie , to weild the Scepter in our wildernesse of Plants . The Dionisius Tyrant of Sicilie , who rules rather with the prickie thornes of severitie , than with the Roses and sweets of lenitie . Had he the Muskes of the Eglantine to temper his thornes , his Empire would be more tolerable . It is a tree indeed without a trunke , a trunke without boughes , boughes fuller of prickes than leaves , of leaves than fruits . He proclaimes his shadow to be a protection to all ; but who is hee would chuse such a harbour to pay for his lodging with a scracht face ? To retaine the maiestie of a Prince he hath alwayes a Corps-de Guard about him , armed with Holbe●ts never from his side . He is greedie and having , because tenacious and a notable griper of all who have any thing to do with him : And for his fees ( as he calls them ) he will pull the cloathes from your backe by hooke or crooke . It is a woodden Saw full of teeth , which needs no whetting , as being alwayes on edge , but without handles , because not to bee handled , yet yeelds no dust as it goes , like other Sawes , but in lieu thereof makes the bloud to follow . He is a Schoolemaster right , who is never without a sharpe rod in his hand , and his Schollars are certaine blacke boyes that board in his house . He is as good as a Sergeant at Mace , for if he catch a debter by the cloake as he goes along , he would make him beleeve he were arrested , and looking backe to bee readie to aske at whose suite . Howsoever hee is a right Catch pole , that will go neare to catch one by the pole indeed . He is no swearer , but will rend and teare like an arrant Turk . In fine , being of the familie of the Bushes , he is raised to have a place in the Moone ; for if it bee true that there is a man in the Moone with his dogge , he is not without his bush with him which is our Bramble . 4. The Stagge IS a stately Beast to behold , you would say he were some Coriphaeus of the Lyons Court. He is tall enough of stature of himselfe , but affects a portlinesse so much , that as others helpe themselves with Corkes and Cheppeens , hee hath his Stilts upon his head , to make him seeme much higher then he is . His coat is faire and beautifull , powdered here and there with certaine spots which make a handsome shew , and were it not his owne , would be thought a rich weare , and little inferiour to the Martin furrs or the Ermins of Russia . He hath long and slender legges , like a Redshanke , or Irish Kern , which makes him so tall a footman as he is . He hath foure of them , or else it were impossible so great a bulke could be held up by so weake pillars . Hee flies like a Parthian Archer , with his face turned backwards , not to shoote his enemies , but to shew them a faire paire of heels . Before he fights he whets his horne , as a Mower doth his Sithe , but uses them rather as a Pitchforke in harvest to tosse the hounds with , like hey-cocks in the Meadowes . Hee is much delighted with Musicke , I may say much taken with it , for he is often caught of the Hunters by that meanes ; As the Horse by his teeth is knowne how old he is , if the marke be not out of his mouth ; so hee by his hornes , if he have not cast them in some bush . The Heralds call his hornes his Thiara or dresse , and say hee is not fully attired till he have them absolute and compleate : this I am sure of , that when they have them not on , they are ashamed , and hide themselves , as Maids that are unreadie . Hence it is perhaps that tyers and hornes are held Synonimas . Hee is very constant in his fashion , for he changes his attire but once a yeare , and then never al●ers it a whit . Hee beares his yeares very well , as one that takes no care , while all the care and paine is rather had how to take him . When he is hunted by a Prince , he is ever after termed a Hart. In fine , had he but valour to his strength , and not such wings at his feet , I see not why but for his goodly head hee might make a noble Standard in our Wildernesse . 5 The Golden Myne IS the Basiliske of Metals , for the Regall Crowne he weares upon his head . Nature it seems hath layd him out of sight in the bowels of the earth for feare of killing with his lookes . It is either the Sulphure it selfe or the boyling froth of Hell , and eternall flames , it is the selfe same colour , and the cause of so many damnable actions . It is now through wantonnes made potable , and for its sake wee swallow all things . And if they could , I verily think they would have it respirable , which they do pretty well , when they can breathe and speake of nothing else . He is the Orpheus who with his lookes only , without setting his hand to the Lyre , enchants and ravishes the most savadge of our wildernesse . He hath a key that opens all locks , will prostitute Widdowes , and corrupt Virgins . Hee will enter into all mens counsels , yea , insinuates himselfe into Princes Cabinets . It is the Sunne that dispels all clouds of melancholy from the heart , and makes one , of a Saturne a Iupiter , because joviall . Hee is capable but of two sinnes , Basenesse and Levity , which in him are held for mortall . He loves not to bee cut or barbed , nor washed in his trimming , for thereby he loses much of credit and estimation with men . Hee is very charitable , for he will waste and spend himselfe and substance to make a sick man well , or to comfort his heart . He hath no good voyce , but a kinde of hoarsenesse with him , which yet is twenty times more gracefull than the best musick the silver makes . Hee seemes to have the yellow Iaundies , it is but his naturall complexion , which in the eyes of men makes him the more amiable , nor have ever heard him to bee thrust into the Pesthouse for his looke : If he looke pale now and then , it is for feare of falling in th● Coyners or Clipper● hands , his chiefest ene●mies . Hee feares no● theeves so much as Vsu●rers , while the first giv● him liberty , and let him go currant where he will the other thrust him up in some hole or dun●geon , where hee sees no light . Though hee bee heavy in himselfe , yet is hee lighter and fitter for travell than Silver is : in fine hee is good if not abused . 6. The Hedgehog IS a right Vrchin and a peevish Elfe , that cannot bee medled with at no hand . He is a whole fort in himselfe , hee the Governor , his skin the wals , his prickles the Corpes de guard . He is very jealous and suspitious by nature , so that he never takes his rest , till hee have set the watch . He hath a draw-bridge to collect himselfe with at his pleasure , especially when he stands upon his guard , so as it were impossible to make any breach into him . Hee is a great enemy to the winds , principally the North and South ; and therefore having but two gates to the City where he keepes his hold , hee hath barricadoes for them both to shut them out . There are two sorts of them , one for land , who never put to sea , the other seafaring men , that never come to land : who as they differ in trade of life , so do their manners : yet both are weather wise alike , and both crafty enough it seemes to provide for themselves . For if the one have his fort , the other his ship to trust to : and if the one keepe out the wind at his doores , the other in a storme will stick to his tackling , and take in stones for his Ballice , or if need bee , cleave to an anchor ; and therefore should be politick as they all likely are , who are so . Hee is all comb , though not to kemb with , which hath no teeth but to mischiefe with , and therefore is no friend from the teeth outward , while every tooth is a very sting . He is but a milksop yet , and a very suckling , who will hang on the speens of every Cow , which therefore makes him cry so like a child . He cannot brag much of his gentry , whose father was a Boare , his mother a Sow , himselfe a Pigge , and all begot under a hedge . If there bee any such place as Hoggs Norton is , where Piggs play on the Organs , it is surely with them ; who have such a squeeking cry with their wind instruments . What his flesh is to eat , I know not , but I should think , hee that should eat him whole , were as good have a burre in his throat . They say his flesh is as good and as tender as a Rabbet , but this I am sure , their furre is nothing neere so gentle . As the Fox hath his hole , so hath he his bush , from whence there is no getting him forth , till he be fired out . Hee is no great medler himselfe , nor loves to bee medled with , nor any that is wise , I think , will teyze with him , who knowes how touchy hee is . For my part , if I stumble not on him , I will have nothing to do with him . 7. The Pike IS the Pirat of the Lake , that roves and preyes upon the little Fishermen of that sea , who is so covetous and cruell , that he gives no quarter to any ; when hee takes his prize , hee goes not to the shore to make his market , but greedily devoures it himselfe ; yea , is such a Cormorant , that hee will not stay the dressing of it . He is called the Wolfe of the water , but is indeed a monster of nature ; for the Wolfe spares his kinde , but hee will devoure his owne nephewes ere they come to full growth . He is very gallant in apparrell , and seemes to affect to go rather in silver than in gold , wherein he spares for no cost ▪ for his habit is all layd with silver plate downe to the foot in scallop wise . Hee is a right man of warre , and is so slender built , and drawes so little water , as hee will land at pleasure , and take his prey where he list , no shallop shall follow where hee will lead . The Pikes themselves are the taller ships , the Pickerels , of a middle sort , and the Iacks , the Pinnaces amongst them , which are all armed according to their burden . The The master or Pilot sits at the prore , yet hath the rudder so at command , that hee can winde and turne the vessell which way he will , in the twinckling of an eye . He sets up but little sayles , because he would not bee discovered who he is , yea many times no sayle at all , but trusts to the finnes , his Oares . The youthfuller sorts of Pikes , whom through familiarity they call Iacks , are notable Laddes indeed , and so their strength and bignesse will fish as their fathers 〈◊〉 . In a word , a man would easily bee mistaken in him in beholding him so handsome and gentle a creature , and never imagin him to bee halfe so ravenous as he is ; but Fronti nulla fides . 8. The Rock IS the huge and vast Whale in the sea of the desert , which spouts his water by the springs that shout from him ; and in the time of tempests , by his open jawes receives the amazed beasts as Ionas into his belly , and so shelters them till the storme blow over . Hee is so unweildy and stiffe in all his joynts , as he never moves but in Earthquakes , and then rocks like himselfe . It is the pallace of the king of beasts , where hee keepes his Court , well founded , walled , and vaulted over with a stony roofe ; no windowes there , but the open doores or mouth thereof , unlesse you will say the eyes of every creature there , are the glasse windowes , which being within , doe serve them well enough to see with . He is even as old as the world , and hath seene many centuries of yeeres to passe over his head . Hee could speake perhaps of the Deluge of Noah , as it had been but yesterday , were hee well put to it . This I can tell you , that being so long under water , hee still keeps his breath to the end , as well as at the first , and came forth of the waters as fresh as ever . There is no Tortoyse could beare so great a load , yea , if the whole world were laid on his back , he would not shrink an inch under it , unlesse the foundation or center should faile . It is well that God and nature hath made him inanimate , for were he sensible as the beasts of the Forrests are , and should but walk therein , hee would shoulder every thing out of his place . Hee is nothing so bad as those of the sea are , which lie lurking in wait over head and eares to work mischiefe , while this of the wildernesse is very curteous , and doth many good offices for his neighbours , the inhabitants round about him . He is very valiant , for if he have any quarrels with any , hee will never budge a foot from the place hee is in . In fine , though he be a Rock , hee is no scandall of offence to any , but a faire example and pattern to us of constancy and perseverance in vertue and a good life . 9 The Goat IS a right Worcestershire man , bred on Mauburne hills , which hee takes for an honour , and therefore stands so much upon his tiptoes . He is high fed , but is but leane , because leaving the fat of the earth , he picks his hungrie salets from the bush tops . He is a very churle , who is never good to any til he be dead , for then you may have his skinne , a good commoditie , nor ever comes to any honour till then , when he hath the priviledge to kisse the best mans hand . If hee come from Spaine , he is allied to the chiefest houses there , and derives himselfe from that of the Corduas , and will be called by no other name . Yet howsoever he is but a Sloven in his clothes , which hang so like ragges about him as his knees appeare not . It should seeme of himselfe he hath but an ill breath , who is likely never without his perfumes , and is not so neat as hee should bee . Hee is very grave as appeares well by his long beard , but not trim'd after the Persian manner , with faire Mustacho's , while his haire growes all beneath his chinne ; whereof hee is so proud , that if you take him by it , they all take it for a common affront to the illustrious familie of the Goats , and wil either hang downe the head , or make it a quarrell . He glories of I know not what , and despiseth the innocencie of the sheepe for his simplicitie , and wanting the garbe of a compleate Gallant as he takes himselfe to be . But the great Shepherd as the onely King Herald of Armes , hath decided alreadie which is the better man , and put him on the left hand . While they are kids they are innocent enough , but being elder grow debauched to all lasciviousnesse . They are very amorous , and therefore their milke is cordiall , for love flows from the heart . He is a notable Physitian , but deales by restoratives onely , and therein hath excellent medicines many wayes . He should be curst , who hath so harsh a haire which perhaps is the cause he is never trim'd . He is quicke of hearing , but not so quicke as to heare any good of himselfe , for they all crie out upon him , fie , fie , how he stinks ; which he neither regards , nor yet beleeves ; so good a conceit hee hath of himselfe . He hath an excellent eare , and loves Musicke beyond measure , but not out of measure , for that would argue he had no eare . But he hath no Nose to smell with , that makes his eares so good , Quia pluribus intentus : the Fawnes and Satyrs take it for a grace to put on his dresse , who are no small ones in this wildernesse . Nor hath he lived so ill a life on earth , but hee hath deserved to have his place there in the heavens , as well as the rest , where I leave him . 10. The Eccho IS the Iris of the eare , as the Iris is the Eccho of the eyes . She is the true Camelion of the Aire that changes into every colourable sense . The Proteus that transformes her selfe to every shape of words . She is the Inamourado of the Forrest that will be taken with every ones love , and as Narcissus with his own beauty , be enamoured with her owne tongue , and take delight to heare her selfe speake . Yea she is a thing or nothing , a ratling Gossip , a meere babler , a teller of tales . One that hath no substance in her , but is a meere accident , in that she comes suddenly upon you unlooked for . She is of a strange qualitie , who takes delight to affright the ignorant and simple : will play the Hobgoblin , the Fairie of the woods , least in sight , or wholly out of sight . Though shee bee a talker , and full of her tongue , yet she hath no invention with her , nor can contrive any thing of her owne , for she speakes but by heare-say , onely all shee utters , and that upon trust of another , nor can tell you the Author , unlesse he discover it himselfe . She hath no memorie at all , and therefore can remember but the last words shee heares , which she will do very faithfully indeed , and not leave you out a tittle . She hath no certaine tone of her owne , but as she is taught , immediately before which she will exactly imitate , if her master bee present , else not , for shee cannot retaine her lessen long , but must instantly recite it , or else shee is no bodie . She will keepe her key well if she sing , and never misse it , if he that is the Rector Chori , guides the Quire , mistake it not . And when shee sings at anytime ; she sings no distinct part from her fellow , or the rest of the parts ; for she hath no skill at all to compose or set a whit , or to runne descant on a ground , but sings the very same the others do . She dares not stand to any thing she saith , but goes her wayes presently , and never yet durst shew her face . She is a very Monster and a Prodigie of Nature , having no body to speake of , at least as small and slender as the Ayre , and yet hath a mouth as wide as the valleyes . She hath no proper tongue of her own , but what she borrowes . If the Lyon roare , she roares likewise ; if the Heyfer lowe , she lowes as loud ; if the Wolfe but howle , she howles for company ; yea rather then stand out , she will bray with the verie Asse ; but is never better in her Q indeed then when she apes the Nightingale especially in their fughes , for then you would thinke them both starke madde , while they follow one another so close at the heeles , and yet can never overtake each other . She is a right woman , that can keepe no counsell , and yet will bee readie to intrude her selfe into everie ones counsell , but as soone as shee hath it , out it goes straight , life or death , all is one to her . She were good to make a Player of the Stage , for she would take her cues excellently well . She is no Ciceronian , nor apt for fluent stiles ; but a Lipsian right , and fitter for a briefe manner of speech Dialogue wise . All her Poetry is chiefly in Saphicks or Iambicks at most , for she cannot abide the examiter or heroical verse , because too long for her . In fine , though shee bee a common speaker and teller of newes ( as I said ) yet makes she a conscience to devise any of her selfe , and therefore would hardly serve to be the Secretarie of false fame , but being once broached , let her alone to blaze it abroad through all the Wildernesse . 11. The Lake IS Dian's Glasse , or common mirrour of the rest of Nimphs , wherewith they dresse themselves . It is a liquid christall , whose Ice the crust thereof makes the perfect Christal , while the Sands in the bottome as the blacke of the mirrour , makes the foile that causeth the reflection . It is more properly a sea , than the sea it selfe , because indeed a true congregation of waters , so gathered into the stonie cesterne of the Rocks . He is no flatterer , but a true tell-troth , for he will shew the Stagge his braunchy hornes , the Asse his prodigious eares , and discover the Satyr to bee a beast as he is by his attire . He is very liberall of his liquids to all the Forrest , for let them provide meat elsewhere , and hee will finde them drinke enough : exceedingly blessed of God for this his hospitalitie , for though he have given drinke to all our Desert from the time of Noe , his store is never a whit the lesse . He is verie patient , who will suffer any reasonable burden to be layed on his backe , and beare it ; willingly , if it sink not of it selfe , or bee not perhaps stirred up and set on by the malitious blasts of the calumnious winds : for thē he wil so lash forth with his waves like so many kicks of the heele , that twentie to one he unhorseth whatsoever is on his backe , unlesse such as through a priviledge of Nature are so good horsemen as to keepe the saddle and ride it out in spight of Aeolus and him . He is not hot , but yet of that qualitie , that he will beare no coa●es , especially if active and lively . As great as hee is , there is no Snake shall creepe in at a lesser hole then he ; and like him where he gets but his head in once , with time enough hee will draw his whole bodie after him . He is free to lend what hee hath , as appeares by the Sunne who is alwayes borrowing of his store , which he fetches and drawes with his exhalation , but lookes to be repaide againe with interest . He loves to keepe company with the nobler sort , who are truly generous and better then himselfe , and will beare with them , especially the more airy they be , as come from a higher familie . But for the ignobler multitude , as the earth and earthly things , he contemnes thē , and sets them at his foot . He is so pittifull that hee will communicate himselfe to any that stands in need of him , & will even spend and exhaust himselfe to do them good , being never more troubled then when he findes himselfe so limited that he cannot go forth to help his neighbour . He is cold of constitution , and will congeale through feare with the least frost , and then the very boyes may triumph over him , and even ride upon him at their pleasure . He is stable and constant , and not so fleeting as the Sea which hath his Ebbes and flowes , while being contented with his owne estate , he lives most happy in his solitude , remaining so private in the Wildernesse , where like a true Hermite he keepes an exact and endlesse silence in his cell assigned him by nature . 12. The Coalepit IS the Shop of Mulciber , or Vulcan's Forge , where Neptune's Trident , Iove's Thunderbolts , and Mars his Sword and Target were first forged . If Pluto's treasury be golden Mynes in the bowels of the earth , this is his Kitchin , seated in his cellars there , or his Coalehouse rather , where hee stores his fuell for his rosts . It is the right downe staire-case that from the face of the earth , leades into his Pallaces beneath , whose staires are no more than a wicker basket , and a rope , not to hold , but to hang by rather . It is a chimny , whose tunnell casts no smoake , but damps , yet able to make all the chimnies of the world to smoake . It is the Peru of Newcastle Merchants . The Havana where they make their randevouz for their black and sable gold . It is the Mare mortuum , or black sea , where they dive for Pearles , a Pearlelike treasure hidden in the scallop of coale , through its inestimable riches . It seems to bee no other mould than ordinary , a little blacker than the richer sort of our best soyle . If the wildernesse bee sicke or distempered with some melancholy , or choler adust ; it is the opening of the veine to let out that coaly and black stuffe , true melancholy indeed : while the Anger is the lancet that pierceth it , the Buckets the sawcers which receive the corrupt bloud . Hee is very charitable , who hath not only an ardent heat and foruour in himselfe , but is euer ready to communicate the same to others , especially if they approach unto him , and bee but conversant and familiar with him : it being not possible for one to keepe him company for any time , and not enflamed , though of iron , or harder hearted than a very stone . He is a right Salamander that lives in the fire , but yet for want of fresh company , will even die in the fire it selfe , and , as all things else , at last bee brought to ashes . The truth is , hee is not a master cooke , but a scullion , and therefore meddles no higher than with making the fire only . He is fitter indeed for the Kitchin than the Parlour , for his ill complexion he gives to others ; especially Ladyes , and the finer sort , who therefore casheere him thence , and shut him out for a rude companion . Hee is but of meane and base condition , and hath his extraction from the earth only , both by father and mother , whereas Seignior Charcoale is of a better descent , and comes perhaps from the loynes of stately Ash , Oak , or Beech. Hee is good to approach to , but not too neere , for so hee will anger you , and put you into a heat , but if you keepe your distance with him , hee is a very good companion in the winter . And to tell you truth , hee is a good plaine fellow , and an honest Blacksmith , and in the forge will take his liquor as well as his master , if hee take not too much . 13. The Beare IS a clumzy fisted fellow come from Greenland , who goes in a Rugge-gown , for the coldnesse of that climate , which here also hee cannot leave off , out of custome . Hee is a true savage , who hath no more civility with him than that place can afford him : By his gate you wold take him to bee a right cripple , who goes on his hands , while his forefeet are much shorter than his hinder . Hee is no witch though hee border upon Lapland , and bee tied to a stake , for hee burnes not there , though he bee hot , and put into a chafe by the Mastive dogs . He is pestilence kind where hee takes , for if hee chance to catch a dog in his armes , hee so hugges him , as hee will even breake his back withall . Hee is very licorish , which makes him love hony so much , that costs him many a scratcht face by those peevish Elfs who have the keeping of it ; but he cares not , so he may lick his lips after it . What his tallents are otherwise , I know not , but I am sure , hee hath good tallons of his owne that take such hold of one ▪ Some call them clawes , but they do him wrong , for he cannot flatter . But I should take them for pawes rather , which will make you pause ere you get out of them . If he be a man of warre , he is a tall one , for hee fights high , and is nothing snugge as the Bull is , who fights so low ; but high or low , when he fights , he will be sure to roare full loud with his cannon voyce , if hee bee put to it . Hee is very unthrum at every thing he goes about , and brings his work but rawly forth , till with the fyling of the tongue with much adoe , he brings them at last to some perfection . He is a good Trencherman , for hee will eat soundly at an other mans cost . But if he be at his own finding , hee will dine you sometimes with Duke Humphrey , and keepe his chamber like one with never a peny in his purse . They have their Seniors with them , it should seem , who have their Majorities and Minorities amongst them : but fall not out about precedence , because in the heavens there is no strife at all ; the truth is , hee would make at least a good Groome in the Lyons Court , especially the Porter there , for his grim looke and the habit hee weares . 14. The Mustard-seed SEemes to be a thing of nothing . It is even the dwarfe among the rest of seeds ; and yet is a Giant if you deale with him . Hee is very snappish , for if you meddle with him , he will strait take you by the nose . He is full of his jests , which are so quick and sharpe , as you will not know how to relish them , for they bite shrewdly . Hee hath a strange manner with him , while hee will touch you by the tongue , and tickle you in the nose , and so tyrannize upon you , as he will make you put finger in the eye . He is alone but a common souldier , but if they gather together , and make a muster , there is no hoe with them , especially when they take their liquor well , for then they will assault the stoutest man of the guard . Poore Iohn were but a poore thing , were it not for him , and a Ioule of Ling , a fit companion for the best mans table , will blush to appeare without his company , when they will never lin calling for him , where is the Mustard ? yea , a Surloyn of Beefe , as surly as he lookes , after he hath bin well soused in a brinish sea , and come safely off with a powder , and be never so well larded within with fat on his sides , yet if he have not this case of Pistols by his side , no man will reguard him . Hee is hot and firy of nature , which makes him mount up to the brain , as to his proper element , where he keepes such a bustling , as hee turnes all the liquors thence out of the glasse windowes . He is very saucy wheresoever hee comes to any mans table , for he will take upon him to season every dish , so much sometimes as he mars all , till hee take his sugar with him , for then hee hath no fellow . He is but little in himselfe , but growes to be an Oak among the rest of herbs ; upon whose boughes , the chanting birds take pleasure to warble out their descants , and who knows whether to the honour of this miracle of seeds . He feares not the Muster master so much , who but layes him forth to take view of them and no more , as the Mustard maker , who puts him into Bridewell , as it were , to pound in a Morter . If he be of the right stamp , and a true Tewxbury man , he is a cholericke gentleman , and will beare no coales ; but will himselfe strike any man into a heat that takes him into his roofe ; though indeed he will easily bee pacified againe with a crust of bread , and so long I hold him to bee no such perillous Companion . 15. The Goose IS the trustie Centinel of the Romane Capitol , whom Heliogabolus hated and the Romanes honoured so much . She hath but a simple looke with her , but hath a great deale more matter in her , then you would take her to have . Yet shee hath no good way to bring up her children , for she still keeps them at home shee is so fond of them ; nor ever sends them abroad to see fashions , whereby they prove to bee arrand guls , and know not how to looke a man in the face . She maintains them handsome enough in apparell , if not too richly for her calling , while they go in Plush every day , assoone as they come out of their cradle , but of a colour as makes them to bee right guls indeed . There is no deceit in them , but are honest swizers all , as bred in Lucerna Lake . They hate the Laurell , which is the reason they have no Poets amongst them ; so as if there be any that seeme to have a smatch in that generous Science , he arrives no higher then the stile of a Ballet , wherin they have a reasonable facultie ; especially at a Wake , when they assemble themselves together at a Towne-greene , for then they sing their Ballets , and lay out such throats as the countrey Fidlers cannot bee heard . They are good pen-men , though no good Clarks , but yet excellent Scribes , who copie forth all the Books that are . But for the Gander hee is so curst , and is so full of teeth , that hee even sputters againe , and hath no good utterance with him , and therefore by all Scribes is thrust out for a wrangler , being good for nothing but to sweepe houses , which hee will do very neatly ▪ She is good for bed and boord , for bed while there is no Feather-bed or Pillow likely without her ; & for the boord , there is no Feast if she be not there . She is able to furnish a whole table her selfe ; if Pudding , Pottage , Rost , and baked , make but a feast . She is very hot of nature , which makes her bathe so much , and go barefoot , Winter and Summer . She is no Witch or Astrologer to divine by the Starres , but yet hath a shrewd guesse of rainie weather being as good as an Almanack to some that beleeve in her . She hath a great opinion of her owne stature , especially if she be in company of the rest of her Neighbours and fellow ghossips the Duckes and the Hennes at a Harvest-feast : for then if she enter into the Hall there , as high and wide as the doore is , she will stoop for feare of breaking her head ; And is so full of tongue the while , as she takes up the whole discourse of the Table , which makes her so much noted for it : She hath but a hoarse voyce when she sings forth ; because shee straines it so much , whereas if shee would sing but somewhat lower , her voyce perhaps would be more gratefull ; but as it is , I know not a worse . She lisps not when she speakes , but pronounces her s s very perfectly , in so much as she hisses againe , the reason may be , because her Organ-pipe is made in forme of an S. In fine , I could wish there were none that had more malice in them . 16. The Horse IS a creature made as it were in waxe . When nature first framed him , she took a secret complacence in her worke . He is even her master-peece in irracionall things , borrowing somewhat of all things to set him forth . For example his slicke bay Coat , hee tooke from the Chesnut , his Necke from the Rainbow , which perhaps make him rain so wel ; his Maine belike he tooke from Pegasus , making him a Hobbie to make this a compleat Gennet , which Main he weares so curld , much after the womens fashions now adayes , this I am sure of , howsoever it becomes them : It sets forth our Gennet well , his legges , he borrowed of the Hart with his swiftnesse , which makes him a true courser indeed . The Starres in his forehead hee fetcht from heaven , which will not be much mist , there being so many . The little head he hath , broad breast , fat buttocke , and thicke tayle , are properly his owne ; for he knew not where to get him better . If you tell him of the hornes he wants to make him most compleat , he scornes the motion , and sets them at his heele . He is well shod especially in the upper leather , for as for his soles , they are much at reparation , and often faine to be removed . Nature seemes to have spent an Apprentiship of yeares to make you such a one , for it is full seven yeares ere hee comes to this perfection , and be fit for the Sadle : for then ( as we ) he seemes to come to the yeares of discretion , when he will shew a kinde of rationall judgement with him , and if you set an expert Rider on his backe , you shall see how sensiblie they will talke together as Master and Scholler . When he shall be no sooner mounted and planted in the seat with the reins in one hand , a switch in the other , and speaking with his spurres in the Horses flankes , a language he wel understands , but he shall pronce , curvet , and dance the Canaries halfe an houre together in compasse of a bushell , and yet still as he thinkes get some ground , shaking the goodly plume on his head with a comely pride . This will our Bucephalus do in the lists . But when hee comes abroad into the fields hee will play the countrey Gentleman as truly as before the Knight in Turnament . If the game be up once , and the hounds in chase , you shall see how he will pricke up his eares streight , & tickle at the sport as much as his Rider shall , and laugh so loud , that if there be many of them , they will even drowne the rurall harmony of the dogges . When he travels , of all Innes he loves best the signe of the silver bell , because likely there he fares best , especially if hee come the first , and get the prize . He carries his eares upright , nor seldome ever lets them fall till they be cropt off , and after that as in despight will never weare them more . His taile is so essentiall to him , that if he loose it once hee is no longer an Horse , but ever stiled a Curtall . To conclude , he is a blade of Vulcans forging , made for Mars of the best metall , and the Post of Fame to carrie her tidings through the world , who if he knew his own strength would shrewdly put for the Monarchie of our wildernesse . 17. The Hawk IS a noble Bird , and if the Eagle be royally descended , and of the bloud , hee is one of the Peeres of that Monarchy , that would put in for the Crown , if that line failed . The truth is , he is a companion for a Prince , who will not stick sometimes as a favour to take him by the hand , yea ' that hand which every one strives to kisse , will not disdaine to kisse his foot , and bee his footstoole . He is such a Courtier , that a Clown will commit you a thousand absurdities in his language , but only to speake of him , much lesse know how to demeane himselfe in his presence , and to give him his dues . He is so punctuall and precise in all things , as he hath a peculiar language , as it were , to himselfe , so as hardly hee hath a feather about him , that hath not his proper appellation . There is a world of distinct families sprung from the ancient stock of the Hawkes , while there are no yeomen amongst them , being all daintily bred . The femals , which are the wives with them , do weare the breeches , the Males having yeelded up the right of superiority to them , as being the true Amazons of that species . They are chast and loyall enough to their mates , nor will easily stain the marriage bed ; but the male is fain to play the cocquain at home to look to the house , while the goodwife her selfe will go to the market to seeke provision , or hunt for the purpose . They go in severall habits , some with long sleeves , they call wings , other shorter , and so are stiled short or long wing'd Hawes , according to their habits , but so , as constant ever in the fashion they once take up . They have excellent Taylors when need is to mend their cloathes , who will put you peeces so cunningly in , that they shall not be perceived . Hoods are a great fashion with them , which terme they keepe common with us ; but for their bootes , they call them Gesses , to distinguish them from ours . They are very forgetfull , for being tied so fast by the heeles , they never think of it , but will offer to fly away an hundred times an houre . She hath so curious a pallat of her owne , as she will not trust any cooke to dresse her fowle for her , but will plume and pick it her selfe with an admirable dexterity . If she bee high with too much ease , and grow pursie , shee will physick her selfe , and take a vomit , and thereby come as sound as a Bell. She hath a piercing and rowling eye in her head , but no wanton , being so honest : otherwise shee were like enough to have many paramours , who goes so much abroad at her owne pleasure . When she goes a hunting , shee is well attended with many that go with chaines about their necks , by two and two , which they call couples , where they doe nothing but serve her , and put up her game ; yea , the best man in the company will not refuse to toyle and sweat to shew her sport , and of all they take , she is first serv'd . They are somewhat fantasticall , and as their manner is , will take a toy now and then , and go strait beyond seas without a licence , or taking leaue of their friends ere they go , where when they come , or returne againe , they are held as passengers and great travellers , and happy he who can get them into his service : they never stirre no way but the bels ring . They are watcht sometimes , they are so unhappy , especially when they have not sowed all their wilde Oats . If they bee once reclaimed from their debauchments , they prove notable convertyts , and very obedient to the cure . 18. The Elephant IS a huge Colossus or Mausoleon of flesh and bloud to bury quicke in , a certain thing they call life , which like an Artificiall engine within , gives it a motion , and makes it a kind of a moving Pageant in the form of an Elephant . He is the vast Poliphemus or Gogmagog of the Wildernesse , but without a Clubbe , while his owne bulke is Club enough to terrifie withall . It is a hulk at land of such a burden , that when it moves it is hard to say , whether the trees passe by it , or it saile by the trees . He is as the Whale amongst Beasts that might well have wafted Ionas through the Desert had it beene his way to Ninive . The Trojan Horse was not so handsome and commodious to lodge the Grecian Ambuscado , as he had been within his flanks . It is a living house not tyled without , but pentised rather with oakē boords , not thatch'd because he hath no haire on his backe . He hath no manners at all in him , for he will still be leaning on some tree or other , and is so heavie and lubberly , that sometimes the tree will fall , and he lye sprawling on the ground . He is so stiffe in the hammes , as he cannot make you a handsome legge , nor so much as kneele to his own Father to aske him blessing . He can yet make shift to dance if he list , but that so unhandsomely , as for shame of other witnesses hee practises by Moone-light . Hee hath no loftie Galiards with him , but all his revelling is with ground tricks , and then especially when hee falls downe flat , as hee often doth . He is very religious , I should say superstitious rather , for they will flocke in sholes to worship the Moone at full , and the Sunne at his arise . He is a sturdie Porter that will carry you a whole Tower on his backe , and yet will not sweat you a haire for it . He is a good Sword-man , and layes about him in the warres , but cannot weild the two hand-sword nor is any Fencer at all for want of a Dagger hand toward withall . He is a notable Birder too , for he is never without his trunke in his mouth . But no Rat-catcher , while every mouse will be ready to take him by the Nose , and make him roare like himselfe . They are not fruitfull , for they breed but once in all their life , and then bring forth but one at once : whence it is they have no Gavelkin tenour amongst them , the occasion of much strife , but every one is heire apparent to his father , but living as they do three hundred yeares ( as they say ) they are faine to stay long ere they enter into their lands . In a word , he is so intelligent , and hath so good a memorie and judgement with him , that were he not where I finde him amongst Beasts in our Wildernesse , I should thinke hee were some one of Vlisses crew transformed into that shape . 19. The Gnat IF you take him as he is indeed , is but a point , but an Atome , but a little nothing that flies in the aire : but otherwise is a vaste Amphitheater , wherein the divine wisedome takes pleasure to shew his omnipotence . He hath a curious pallet of his owne , which makes him so liquorish of humane bloud , which this little Caniball daily and nightly suckes at others costs . There is something doubtlesse in the fornace of the stomacke of this little piece of creature , which causeth such a raging thirst as cannot be satisfied . It is a pleasure to see him swim in the ayre , where he flies without flying , or rather the ayre flies for him , and serves him as a Coach to convey him at pleasure . They say he hath wings , but indeed he hath none , for that which is fastened to his backe so , and glued at it were unto his skinne , in forme of wings is no more then aire , and a wind wrought to a stuffe that hath no name , nor all Chyna affoords you any such , and that is it , they call his wings . And yet with them he will skimme and vault in the ayre , like a Mountebanke upon the Stage . He is a notable tilter , and with his launce , will not misse you his adversary , but smite him full on the face , and that so dexterously as you shall not know who did it , being the onely recreation he takes . This is admirable in him , that the Speare which is felt by night of such as sleep , cannot bee seene by day by such as wake . Hee never puts it in the rest in vaine ; for either he fetches bloud indeed , or leaves some marke of his valour and dexteritie behinde him . He is but a Pigmie or Dwarfe of himselfe , but being on his Stilts , he would make you beleeve he were some body , and so he is indeed , for he is all body and no legges . He hath a voyce notwithstanding like a Giant , and if he be disposed to put it in tune , hee sings you a deepe tenour ; and layes out such a throat withall , that shall drowne a Quire of better musicke . The harmony they make of many parts is none of the best , the reason is , because they have no Treble amongst them , but all trouble and confusion . When they go into the warres among themselves , they keepe no discipline at all , nor march all their troopes in files , but pelmel rush in one upon another , and every one sounds his owne Trumpet . When he sings he would make you beleeve he runs division , being no more then a shaking of the bodie , through a foolish tricke hee hath got , to dance when hee sings , or to sing when he dances . When he lists to taste a cup of wine , he hath his wimble to pierce the the vessell that holds his Hipocras , which is likewise his Quill to sup his Possets . He is an excellent Chirurgion , who with his lancet will not misse you a veine , though at midnight . He is no good Tobacconist , since what hee takes he lets down , which makes him dogge-sicke . Being bred in the marshes , hee is much subiect to rewmes and grievous defluxions of the eyes , and therefore cannot abide a smoakie roome , but will immediately avoid it , and bee readie to breake his necke out of the window for haste . They are notorious rebels , for if they rise once , they chiefly ayme at the head , witnesse the frequent ryots they make , especially about our heads and faces . Hee is a great whisperer , and teller of tales in our eares , but so as one is never the wiser for them . In fine , they are busie bodies where they have no thankes for their labours . 20. The Mole TAkes his name from his extraction the Mould , being of the ancient familie of Adam by the Mothers side . He hath no Armes at all , though he be so anciently descended , nor any legges that he can garter . For his square shoulders , he is an Atlas right , for as he shores up the heavens with his , this beares the earth on his backe . Hee is in truth an Engener , who is wholly occupied in Mines and Countermines . Hee is a great Lord , for he is master of many burrowes , which meeting together with Streets and Lanes , make up a goodly Citie of his owne , which is not paved , because the Citizens there go all bare-foot . He is a good Ferrier under ground , but bolts no Rabbets out , because they are Countrey men , and haile-fellowes well met . He hath no eyes that hee can see with , because the Sunne shines not in his Region , and as for Candle-light , he needs it not , because his chiefest trade consists in groping out his worke . The Waspes belike doe hire his vaults and Cellars to inhabite in , but what rent they pay him , or what Tenants they prove , I cannot tell : but I should think he were even as good to forgo his rent quite , as to demand it at their hands . He is the true Spirit of the earth , that causeth such Earthquakes , as would make a world of Ants beleeve that Doomes-day were come . He is an Outlaw , and a publicke Bando set forth against him , with a reward of fiftie Maravedes proposed to any , that shall bring him to the Lord of the Soile either dead or alive . Yea there are some Braves of purpose set a worke to cut them off , and yet as brave as they are , they dare not set upon them , but creeping by stealth , and armed with many Stillettoes at once . But yet for my part , I hold them good Swizzers that would live contented in their Stoves ; if they would let them alone : For alas ! what would they have them to do . To keepe in alwayes , and never to looke out of doores , were a hard case , while this is all the hurt I see they do . 20. The Peacocke IS the Paradise among Birds , but not the Bird of Paradise , because not so innocent . Hee is the heavenly Spheare in feathered things . For if the heavens have one Iris , he wil shew you many Irises at once . Hee is a whole Court in himselfe upon S. George his day , where all is nothing else but braverie . Or rather is the Knight who rides in pompe at his Installment , attended with an honorable traine so awfull and obsequious of him as they even tremble at every motion of his body . He is very circumspect , but t is but to see who notes him , and very carefull of his carriage , because he knows he hath many eyes upon him . Hee is no Mercer of Cheape-side who keepes a constant shop at home , but a Pedlar rather that carries his packe about him , which he will open every foot , but sells no ware , he sets so great a price upon them . If you looke on them , hee cares for no more ; but if you take off your eye once , he will bee in his dumpes straight , put up his packe , and go his wayes . Hee is no Goldsmith on the other side , who utters plate and that by weight , but a right Ieweller who deales with nothing else but jemmes , a commoditie more light , but yet of greater price . The truth is , rather , he is a true Feather-man of Blacke friers , but none buies at his shop but giddy heads ; for the Estrige is more in request , and puts him by his custome . It is a merry world with him , who alwayes carries his Spring about him , where every Feather is a rare Tulip . When he is disposed hee will keepe State , but it is in the Hall onely all for shew , for in the Dining roome there is but poore doings , because hee spends all on fine cloathes , and bestowes nothing on his belly . He hath a Turret to his Palace , where his head stands like a Weather-cocke as fickle as it : for it will turne and wind on this side and that side with everie puffe of vanitie . When he hath all his accoutrements about him , you would take him to be a tall ship well rig'd and deckt with streamers top and top gallant , but no Merchant man , because no substance in him . He is very spruce and neat , and can abide no sordities at all , and wil make you sport to see how gingerly he wil passe over a heape of dust . He is wise , but t is but in his owne opinion , for hee is such a prodigall that once a yeare he turns bankrupt ; and then shall you heare him cry a myle off as one that had lost all . Were it not yet for his pride , hee might be an Angel among Birds , whereas now he is a Lucifer , and altogether as proud as he : which may be the reason he hates the Serpent so much ; for proud folkes can never agree together , or else because hee borrowed his head of him , for where you borrow once , you lose your friend and turne enemy . 22. The Batte IS a right Amphibium ; with the Mice , hee is a Mouse , with Birds , a Bird ; complying so with both kindes to insinuate himselfe with either , and by the priviledge so of his double habit , makes an excellent intelligencer for either State. Hee loves not the Citie , as being , hee thinks , too full of tumults . The Country he likes better , and especially the Yeomens houses , where he findes his chiefest rost-meat . He is a great Student by day , but what hee studies I know not , unlesse it be the blacke Art , for hee loves darkenesse , and hates the light : Howsoever hee keepes within doores all the day , to what other purpose I know not . Hee is no great traveller , for hee loves not to goe farre from the smell of the smoake of that chimnie where hee was bred and borne . Hee is a notable good husband , who in an age will not spend you a penny in good fellowship . If he walke abroad at any time , it is towards the evening , where hee will fetch you a turne or two , till he can see no more , and then goes to bed to save candlelight , and perhaps supperlesse too , for I am not privie with his ordinarie diet . When they are Infants , and but newly weaned from the breast , they feede them with Gnats , a great Regalo with them . They are well toothed , for they bite shrewdly , the reason is , because they are not given to fruit , so as it is a rare matter to heare of a Barber sent for to them to draw a tooth . He that should see them but even now to walke on the ground like drowned Mice , and immediately got up a cocke-horse , not knowing the mistery of their wings , would wonder what upstart fellowes they were , so sodainly prickt up to honours . They see nothing by day , and it seems as little by night , for they will run full upon you , ere they or you bee aware . Though hee be no Phaeton , because his wings are not of feathers , nor a Magus because not borrowed , or any waies counterfeit or helpt by art Magicke , yet is he a very impostour , for who would imagine them to be made of leather ? They are most sacrilegious , for they will make no conscience to rob Churches , which they do as often as they come where Lampes are , for they love Oyle beyond measure . There is great aversions betweene them and the Ants , the reason therof I could never learn , unles it be for that they are both amphibiums alike , while Figulus figulum odit ; since the winged Ant is a mungrill between the Worme and the Flye , as he betweene the Bird and the Beast . In fine , though hee be a Batte , hee is no timber , especially of the Plane-tree , which he hates as he hates plaine dealings , which to the vertuous and good is a great jewell . 23. The Mosse IS properly the mantle of the Wildernesse ; a Stuffe that is either Tapistrie , Valence , Velvet , or Plush , or rather is all of them , according to the use it is put to . It is ordinarily a winter weare , and then is most in fashion . It is wrought truely not of Silke , nor woven with Threed or Cruell , but is rather a downy stuffe as will never be thred-bare , though it be worne winter & summer , or whole ages . It is commonly betweene an Olive colour , and a Beazar , curiously mingled in the stuffe ; not died , but naturall , and so good the colours , that they never fade or change the hew . The Birds make good use of it , who hang their houses with that Dornix , and make it serve for flock beds under their feather beds . The very rocks and stones of the desart are glad sometimes to put on Ierkins of that Freeze , to defend them from the cold . It is a wooll that if it could spin and hold out a threed as well as ours , it would sell as well as Cotsall wooll , and make as good as any Kentish cloath . It were excellent to make Felts with , as I should thinke as good as any Beaver , if wee had but the art to dresse and handle it as it should be . Hee will sometimes seeme to perke up to honours , while he gets him on the tops of houses , but I dare say of no pride , but charity to defend them better from the raine and weather when they waxe old . He is no greatfeeder , for he will live in the barren'st places , and sterve the whole wildernesse besides , ere he pinch a whit . Hee is never young , or very old , but still keepes the same complexion he had at first , and beares his yeeres excellent well ; a good Spring helpes him nothing , nor a hard winter empaires him a whit . He is ever in good state for soule and body no doubt , who seemes to bee so mortified a creature , as to be alwaies ready for the tomb , and yet never comes there , but lives for ever , as one may say , in this very life , enjoying an endlesse rest . He is most constant in himselfe , and hates inconstancie in all others , so as by his will hee will have nothing to doe with any such , as appeares by the saying , that a rowling stone gathers no Mosse . To conclude , he hath a good nature with him , and truely loves where he takes . 24. The Ant IS a kinde of Serpent , a Serpendo , not on his belly , as pleading not guilty to that curse , but with his feet , and therfore a footman right . They are great theeves , and live upon rapine , especially in filching of corne , and if they lived in any other well governed Common-wealth then theirs , they should be sure to be laid in the Iayle for it : but with them all is fish that comes to the net . They haue no King , because they will have none , and that is all the reason they will yeeld for it . They like better of the Republiques , then of Monarchies , for so they may come happily to shuffle their owne cards themselves . They have no gentry among them , they live like Switzers lazing in their Stoves or Caves under ground . They are true Netherlanders indeed , because their Country lyes under the ground , and somewhat northerly , because likely they see not the sunne for halfe a yeere together . In stead of Embassadors , they have their agents abroad , true agents indeed as full of action . Their Common-wealth is not governed by the prescripts of Solon , or those of Lycurgus , whose lawes were civill , but rather by the lawes of their corrupt nature . For though they live now in the time of grace , yet have they no benefit thereof , being Atheists all . And if there be any that have any feeling of God , it is but while the judgements of God light on him . They scarcely heed any of his precepts , more then crescite & multiplicamini , which they truely observe to the letter . Whence it is their common-wealth is so populous , that if they were not very industrious , they might starve for ought I know . They have no state houses amongst them , because no buildings there but caves in the ground , according to the fashion of that Country . The Boores will assemble together to betake themselves to severall offices for the publicke good ; some to carry corne to their granaries , where a single grain is accounted a load for a sturdy Ant , and he shall brag as much of it , as ours shall do for the carrying halfe a seame of wheat , and if one cannot , two will joyne together , and carry it between them . They go somtimes to the warres , but gaine more by craft then downe right blowes . They have no flying armies , because they are foot all , and have no wings , but they have their running Armies , and then it is when they shew their heeles . In fine , they have many enemies , but like the Foxe , fare best when they are most curst . 25. The Ivie , WHether a tree , or what it is I know not , at least hath great alliance with them , and some affinitie , as having often matched with many of their stockes : but is indeed it selfe a fatall and unlucky family to joyne with , as being the ruine of many of them . Hee hath great ambition to linck himselfe with the ancientest houses hee can get into , and so kinde where hee takes , as hee kils with kindnesse . He is a sure friend , for hee never leaves one , till hee hath brought him to the last cast . He shewes himselfe to bee very amorous , as being full of his embraces , but they are trayterous complements . Hee reverenceth Antiquity much , and will be alwayes in the gravest company . He hath the honour to be joyned with the Bayes in Poets wreathes , in their laureat acts . He is a right Noune Adjective , that cannot stand without his Substantive ; but yet makes a foule Solecisme , that never agrees with him in Case , because without ; nor in Gender , because of a different kinde ; nor Number , because the one is singular , the other plurall , being twenty to one . Hee is a very Leech , that sucks the bloud out of the veines , and sokes up the sap and humour so , as the party growes old , and will decay in a short time . There are some Martialists amongst them , as appeareth by their valour , who are so warlike , as to assault Castles , scale the wals , and mount the battlements thereof . There is great contestation between him and the Holly , and much part-taking on both sides about precedence , and taking the upper place , which no Herald will or can , I thinke , take up . Hee is all heart , you would thinke , that makes him so kinde as hee seemes to be , where every leafe is a token thereof ; yet he is indeed a very dissembler , and a right parasite , who can sooth and claw so for his owne ends , using a dumbe Eloquence , and expressing with signes and tokens onely , what his tongue , if he had it , would do . 26. The Daw IS a pert companion , and a right pedant , because hee goes in blacke , and wants the gravitie that coat requires . He is a Linguist because a man of his tongue , but no Latinist , because his K is no letter in that Alphabet . He is a very spalt , that carries his head so like a shittlecocke , and no marvell , who hath such a shittle braine of his owne . Hee will stalke you up and downe as he were some bodie , and so he is , for hee hath a bodie , and that is all . He seemes to be a proud Iacke , for what , I know not , unlesse for his Buckram jacket , which he takes perhaps to be right Satin . He goes very spruce , in his Spanish leather boots , but blacke , because suitable he thinkes ; and is so neat , that hee weares gamashes over them , of what colour he cares not , though they be red , for so he shall bee more conspicuous . Hee hath none of the Dove in him , for though he be simple , he is not innocent , nor is a Serpent , because he hath no malice in him , and yet of the two , is more knave than foole . He is very ambitious , who alwayes aymes at the soveraigntie of the highest Steeples , which he uses for Towres to looke about him : But is base in other things , who for his Tabernacle , is content to put his head in a hole . The bels he cares not for a whit , who hath a bell of his owne , which when he list to ring out indeed , they will rattle such a peale , that will even drown the bels of Osney . They say he is no Gentleman borne , but a yeoman , and therefore is called plaine Iacke , but they do him wrong , for he will be very tame & gentle ; while it is onely his much familiaritie with us , that makes him called so : For the truth is , the Chaugh , the Rookes , and they were all of a familie once ; but now are three distinct houses , giving the Bill for Armes , but with some difference , whereby the Daw appeares to be of the elder house who hath his without any difference at all . In fine , I hold him a good companion , and as the world goes now adayes , an honest knave . 7. The Snake OR Serpent , is that creature that deceived our first Parent Eve. For his skin , he is a right Panther , but yet hath nothing neare so sweete a breath that ever I could heare of . He seemes to carrie a whole heaven upon his backe , it being so variously distinguished here and there with little speckled clouds , dispersed all over in a s●ren night . Hee hath an ill tongue , that cannot speak a good word of any one , and a shrewd wit with his ill tongue , for betweene jest and earnest , hee will sting one to the quicke , and the worst is , they are such cruell jests he breakes , that they even fester where , they light . He is a right Forrester , for he never goes without his forked Arrow in a readinesse , to shoot and wound whom he list , and is so churlish in his office , as it is but a word and a blow with him ; and is so full of his windings and turnings to this side and that side , as one knows not where to have him . Hee is some great malefactour belike , for hee lurkes continually in holes , as if he durst not show his face : but it is indeed to worke some mischiefe when hee sees his time . He is neat in his habit , & when it is a twelve-moneth old , changeth it for a new . Hee hath no sleeves to his coat , and yet is streightly put to it , while he gets it off ; but he cares not what paines he takes , so he may be fine , & have a new one . He is esteemed to bee devour , while hee mortifies his body so much , for hee cares not what they do with it , so they spare his head , the better part , where chiefly his Soule resides . Hee is cold of complexion , but not good of condition , who spits poyson . It is true hee hath an ill name , whereas , were it not for his sting which hath made him to loose his credit so , I see not but for his silver Coat and other habiliments he hath , he might bee received into Ladies laps , and be hang'd about their neckes instead of a Carkanet . 28. The Crab IS an Apple as well as the rest , though for his sowre condition , he seems to be shut out for an harsh companion . This is the rurall Crab onely , whereas the Towne Crab is of better respect , as more civill , and knowne to bee of a sweeter nature . Hee is a right Forrester , who is never seene without a greene Suite , of so good a colour , as will hardly weare yellow . He is a Painter right , not the Apprentice that makes no faces , but the Master himselfe , who will make you make a face . He is very rich , who hath so good a stocke with him , whereof he is no niggard , that so freely communicates himself to every one , that will but joyne with him , nor shall they ever thrive indeed or fructifie well till then . He would faine turne Vintner , and utter Wine , Cider at least , but t is but Verges , and he no more then a plaine Chaundler . They should be Schollars , for they have great Seminaries amongst them , but have no severall classes , that makes them stand so without order , till they ascend to the Vniversities , and then as Graduats they take degrees , and keepe their ranks , according to their standing . He is a generall man , and will close in with everie man , but 't is for his ends onely to be respected , for of himselfe , hee knowes none will regard him . He is a very Hydra , for cut off his head , and he will have three for one , and those much better then the old : or take him for a Martialist standing in his file , he is a lame Souldier with stumpt Armes , wrapped up in searclothes , and this after a hot skirmish , when they are put to it , for then likely they are fetcht off . They are not strong , but yet great bearers ; for they will bring forth many children at a birth , but those so weake , as they never come to any growth . If hee take upon him to make a Tart , he will be as good as his word , for you shall be sure to have him tart enough , and so sterne that all the sugred speeches in the world will not qualifie him . Though the Pippin be held to be the king of Apples , yet is the Crab of an ancienter family then he ; as he from whence the Pippin fetches his chiefe bloud , and derives his family ; while the Crab is descended from Adams time , from father to sonne , linea recta , without any bastardy or attainder of bloud . He is a right Brittaine , and true native of this Land , and not a Gascoigne come in with the Conquerour ; which is the reason they desire to match into his stocke ; wheras the Gascoignes of curtisie onely made free denizons , are nothing so regarded for antiquity . He is a very Criticke , who sharply censures every thing , but it is no matter while no man regards what hee saith , being knowne to have no iudgement with him . In a word , though he hath lived thus long , he is a man of no experience , nor hath much knowledge in him , which is so much the better . 29. The Ape IS a Mimick made by nature to play the Ape for his owne ends : the truth is , hee is a true Buffon , as made for mirth . The sport is when he and his Couzin Monky meet together , for they are somewhat of kin , but now there having bin so many removes between them , their kindred is so worne out , as they are but quater Couzins . Hee is a Savadge in the Wildernesse , and in the City he is every thing . In the Wildernesse he contents himselfe with the Coat that Nature hath dressed him with ; in the City he will be , as occasion serves : He hath notable cheeks of his owne to make a Trumpeter , were it not for a great imperfection he hath , that he cannot hold his breath so long from chattering with his teeth . He is a very sloven , yet he never eates without his cut finger-gloves : He hath but an ill-favoured foot , and a worse legge . It is to be feared he is much troubled with the stone , for he is a great sitter . He would make a good horseman , for hee never gaules himselfe . He hath a good wit , but the great agility and dexterity of his fingers is beyond bounds . Wheras others have pockets in their slopps likely , he hath his in his Chops . He should bee a Poet , for he hath a running head of his owne , as appeares by the many pranks he plaies . He is no Musician , because he cannot keepe an even stroke ; and which is worse would breake all the strings , were it onely to heare them knap asunder : To conclude , his best trade is a true Comedian , to play a Zany or Pantalon on the Stage , which hee will doe very naturally , and to the life indeed . 30. The Owle DEare to Athens , sacred to Minerva , and the Muse as it were of nightly lucubrations , is yet to others in the day held to be a Prodigy in nature : but portends no more then a massacre of Mice . He is ever buckled as it were for a journey ; for hee hath alwaies his riding cloake on , his hood with glasses for his eyes to looke out at , in the spanish fashion . When he perches on a tree , hee sits like a Prince , in his chaire of estate , to give audience , which he doth full sore against his will , while every one hath his owne saying , and he without any other reply , faigne to consent with his nod . For he is a man of few words , and when he speakes , hee shewes to have a hollow voyce ; unlesse sometimes when he puts it forth , for then hee squeakes right out , and even screeches againe . Hee loves hunting well , and takes great pleasure to hallow to the hounds . But for hawking , he hath no maw to it ; nor will once come neere that sport , for feare hee prove an Acteon , and become the subject of the game . For quicknesse of sight , though hee yeeld to the Eagle in gazing on the sunne by day , without dazling his eyes , yet hee will chalenge him by moone-light . Hee would make a notable Watchman at midnight , as needing no other Bels alarum then his owne voyce , nor Mastiffe dogge then his owne gripe . Though most unfit for a Centinell in warres , because he cannot change his watch-word , while every one that could but hollow , might passe for him . But I should think him apter for a quiet life to pray his nocturnes in the night , leaving the prime and other houres to the Larke , and the rest of the quire of Birds , to sing their Benedicite omnes volucres coeli , to their common Creator . 31. The Snayle IS a Gentleman every inch of him ; as ancient surely as Adams time ; while for Armes , hee hath had a house for Coat ever since , which he bears to this day . He seemes very stately in the manner of his gate , but hee is not proud . He is cold of complexion , because flegmaticke , which makes him so slow of his pace . Hee is a Scholler , for he keepes his study , though he have no bookes . He is no Accademicke , though a Philosopher , because not sociable , but rather a Peripateticke , because a walker ; but especially a Stoicke , because he carries all whatsoever hee hath on his backe . If hee were confined to his five miles according to the statute , it would trouble him nothing , while hee would travaile where hee list , yet not incurre the forfeiture , or the penalty of the law . He hath indeed a certaine house of his owne , but no setled one , and a faire porch to it , but no doore . Hee is a free-holder , and no tenant at will , or for any terme that is lesse then his life . There is no covenant servants amongst them , but are housholders every one . They have no constant Cities of their owne , while their houses joyne not one to another , as others doe . Though they wander much , and gad abroad , yet they are not included in the Statute of rogues . The Snayle and the Periwincle are much alike , with this difference , that the Snayle with paines carries his house on his backe , and the Periwincle , house and all , is carried with the waves with ease , as held up by the chinne . In fine , they are at peace with all the world , and have no enimies at all ; and so like the Hamburgers , trade and travaile where they please ; unlesse in a time of famine , when perhaps for better food , they come to be snapt up , and made good prize . 32. The Swallow IS the little spirit of the ayre , who will bee here , and there , and every where , in the twinckling of an eye . Hee loves to dwell in the City for societies sake . His house is built in the manner of the Antipodes , in the vulgar opinion ; for as their feet are opposite to ours , of consequence their houses must needs bee turned upside downe ; and so are theirs . They have no windowes , or posterns behind their houses , but all their light , egresse , and regresse , is at the porch only , where they keep watch with their bils , both night and day , for feare of forreigne invasion . Their fare is light and easie of digestion , which makes them so active and nimble as they are ; not of worms , for that they hold too grosse and earthly : not of corn , not to put the world to so much cost : nor of flesh , for they cannot indure the flesh pots of Egypt . They hawke , hunt , and fish where they list , as being the Rangers of the Forrests , allowed by nature through the priviledge of their wing . Hee must needs fly well , that feeds on flyes , who is so fleet , that hee will stay by the way for no mans pleasure , for hee is alwayes set on the spurre , and , as it were , the Post of the Eagles Court. The difficulty is , he can hardly stay so long in a place , as to take his message ere hee goeth , so tickle he is . They are notable Physitians , or Chirurgians , which you will , for they will cure you the blinde , as readily with the herb Chelidonia , as cause it with their dung . In fine , they are welcome ghests when they come first , because they bring in the Summer with them ; and never depart without teares when Winter comes . 33. The Oak IS the Atlas of the forrest trees , for though the Pine and Cedar have a loftier crest , and beare the head more high , yet not so full a breast , nor with so square a paire of shoulders . Before Noahs time , it was a good provision for a frugall family . It is even a market of corne and fruit ; and a very prodigy among trees , for whereas some have leaves , and no fruit , some fruit and leaves ; the Oak hath both . If iron were to be sought for among trees , it would bee found in the heart of Oak . He is a tree more generous than the Walnut , while the Walnut will endure to be beaten by every boy , and his nuts to bee taken from him : but the Oake will not part with his , till hee let them goe of his owne accord : he beares his yeeres beyond measure , for let him alone , and hee will out passe Methusalems dayes , and oft times wears out many ages and generations of all his neighbours round about him . The Eagle willingly will perch upon no other tree then him . He is no Iew , for he loues Porke well , who feeds so many at his owne cost . He is very stout , that stands so lustily to all weathers , nor were it good to anger him , for as formicis sua bilis inest , he hath his gall , yet otherwise patient enough ; for if you make him a Mill-post , hee wil patiently beare all ; turne him to boards , and he wil humbly lye at your feet , and suffer himselfe to bee trampled on . And which is all that possibly can bee required , hee makes himselfe a very Holocaust , while hee is sacrificed in the fire , and turned to ashes . 34. The Dog IS a fit Groome for a Princes chamber , because loyall and trusty . He is a fit companion for a Lady , if hee can but creep into her glove , for then shall he bee taken up into her lap ; yea , her bosome too , and haply bee kissed , as a better thing . If hee be a right Island , and bee put into the Lyons cut , hee is then no more her servant , but her Guardian and Keeper rather ; at least he will be her Gentle man-usher , to lead her in and out . If shee haue no children to play with of her owne , hee is like to be her only sport , without the which shee were no Lady . As wee have our Vtopia , the Dogs have an I le likewise , but not set downe in Mercator ; therefore lost perhaps , or not yet discovered . Hee is a great harkner after newes , and therefore searches the privy pockets of all the Dogs hee meets with , perhaps to understand some tidings from the I le of Dogs . They had once a language sure , as well as Serpents , but lost their Alphabet as well as they ; save S and R , which still they keep . He is a slave by condition , and made for wayting , and not for rule and command ; for hee is most imperious and intolerable , where hee feeles any power and authority in himselfe , a great token of his basenesse . He is not for suits of law , because hee cannot attend a legall course , but will seeke to right himselfe out of hand . Hee never makes any set duels , or points any field , for all his valour is shewed in hot bloud ; they are frayes hee makes , not single combats : yet if they be set on by others , and have their Seconds , for so they must ; they are Tyrants for fiercenesse . They are very cholericke , and great swearers , but their oathes are peculiar to thēselves . In fine , I hold him a good house-keeper , though otherwise of no hospitalitie , that is so readie to shake up folkes that enter in . 35. The Parat IS the Iew among Birds , because he hath no proper language of his owne , that hee can speake , but what he learnes where he is bred and borne . Yet India is his proper Palestin , that speakes the language he should speake , which because it is so hard , hee hath the lesser difficultie , to frame and accommodate himselfe to our Languages in Europe . He hath the bignesse of our Doves , but nothing neare the candour and simplicity of that bird : for if hee bee a foole , hee is also a knave , being waggish and unhappy enough sometimes . Hee is a companion for great personages , & therefore is taken up in Court , to bee the Princes jester : where he will be very gay in apparell . He weares about his necke a Collar not of S S , for that will not be allowed him , but rather a white silke Rope , which is the cause belike , the Pages so upbraid him for it , in saying , A rope for Parat . He loves all nuts , but Almonds beyonde measure : so as by his good will , hee will talke of nothing else : When hee awakes , he opens the windowes of his eyes , and begins to stretch himselfe , now one legge , and then another , like a dottrel , then quivering with his wings , and shrinking in his head into his shoulders in manner of an Italian shrugge , shake his eares ; and then is he up , for all that day . It is wel he hath such a thick short necke of his owne ; else you would verily beleeve , hee would breake it an hundred times a day , could he peece it together as often : For he will desperately cast himselfe from the upper Rope , and dexterously take hold of another beneath with foot or hand , and oftentimes with his very teeth . He is indeed the Ape of Birds , and with his tongue will counterfeit more London cryes , then any Ape shall play tricks . He hath a reasonable wit , and a better memorie , but cannot a word of the book ; for he is all by roat , and will con very well by heart . Finally , he is full of his wagers , that if he used the Cock-pit , he would be quickly beggered , for hee will lay twenty pound at every word , when he hath not a peny in his purse . 36. Tobacco . IS a soveraigne plant of an active spirit , which being set on fire , mounts to the upper region of the braine , and there playes Rex : Where like a Lord of Mis-rule , calling the whimsies round about him , they all play Revell rout together , and thence like a little Sathan , he sends them here and there , as spirits up and downe to work wonders . It is a spice that comes from India , now growne in more request then Pepper is ; but will bee sure to pepper them that take it over much . It makes a verie chimney of the body ; else why doe they wash the tonnell so with Sacke . He that useth it while hee playes at cards , shall bee sure to have a flush at all times . It is the very incense of Vulcan , fumed to his honour in a thurible of Cley . It is a Meteor , that being set on fire , makes the Ignis f●tuus in mens braines ; whereby they cannot finde sometimes the right way out of doores . It is the milke of Tellus , which suckles Mortals , with as many tears , as earthen Pipes . It is immortall in a sort , which lives so in his Ashes ; and which after death , is so beneficiall to man. The Physitians hold him an Empericke , and but that he finds many friends in Court , hee had beene exploded from the Colledge long since . They would faine put him out of practise , because they say hee is no Graduate , nor ever commenced in any Act of Physicke : but they strive in vaine ; for so long as he is so reasonable in his fees , hee will have more practice , though not so full of gain . In fine , had hee but discourse to set forth himselfe , and the infinite cures he workes , Galen and Hypocrates might break their Vrinals , and carry his after him . 37. The Bay-tree IS the Lawrel , so deare to Apollo , for his Daphney's sake ; so priviledged by nature , that even Thunder and lightning , are here even taxed of partiality , and will not touch him for respects sake , as a sacred thing . He is a Schollar , and studies standing , for I could not finde that ever he sat to his booke : And when we see them stand so thicke together in a knot or cluster , then it is they make their Repetitions of the Lessons of Apollo . He is an enemy to fire , because they both are hote and cholericke by nature . Hee is fit for Halls and stately roomes , where if there be a Wedding kept , or such like Feast , he will be sure to take a place more eminent then the rest . He is a notable smell-feast ▪ and is so good a fellow in them , that almost it is no feast without him . He is a great Companion with the Rosemary , who is as good a Gossip in all Feasts , as he a trencher-man . Hee is made , as it were , all of tongues , so as had he fit Organs to them , as teeth and lips , it is like with his eloquence , hee would change the whole world , and make them beleeve and do what he list . Of all Fish , hee is very much taken with the Spitch cock ; for then hee will bee his owne Cooke , and dresse it , and make the sawce himselfe . He is fresh and lively , for he is alwayes greene , and beares his yeares wel , for hee will looke you as fresh at sixtie years as at fifteen . He is a man of excellent example , who leaves so good an odour behinde him ; yet he is by Religion a Pagan ; addicted to the worshipping of the fained gods , and much versed in that Theology ; nor is he altogether free from superstition ; for he wil make you beleeve that if you put his leaves but under your pillow , you shall be sure to have true dreames . In fine , there is none without some faults ; but yet take him with all his faults , and in all the world for some things , you shall hardly finde his fellow . 38. The Vine IS that creeping worme , which with his liquours fils the head with spirits . It is a Lymbecke which distills sweet liquors into those little bottles hanging so in clusters . It is the Cloud that holds the showers which falls so plentiously in Poets braines . Bacchus makes him his bosomed friend , while he tenderly hugges him in his armes . Mars makes use of no other Squire then him , to put his sword into his hand , which hee readily doth , and works you wonders . He is witty and ingenious , and very learned , because well endowed with Sciences , who yearly turnes over many a leafe to good purpose . And though outwardly he shew to bee but a plaine fellow , hee is rich , because he hath his vintage every yeare , which puts many Crownes into his purse . He is a good storier in Winter , that hath his Vaults of Wine so under ground : But yet prodigall enough thereof in Summer , when like a good fellow , he brings his Hogs heads to light . When hee is in his Cups hee is verie brisk , and sparkles againe . He is the Master Scavenger of the Citie of mans bodie , and will scowre their gutters excellent well . There are many Counterfeits that passe for Wine , as Cider , Perry , and the like ; but are not right , because they derive not from the true ancient stocke of the Vines , who are a great family descended from the time of Noe : Who for Armes beare certaine branches , vert , pendent , charged with the leaves of the same , in a yard , instead of a field . Hee is not humble , for he cannot abide to be trampled under foot ; and yet is forced to indure it , that costs him his life ; but riseth again to have the honour to be brought to the Princes Table . 39. The Fox SEemes in the Senate of the rest of beasts to bee as grave as any of them : but is indeed a slye and crafty Merchant . Hee is the Davus in Esops Comedies , and the best jests in all those Interludes are fathered upon him . Hee hath the Monopoly of the best blades in his hands ; witnesse his figure ingraven thereon , forbidding all to sell them without his stampe . Hee is so crafty a companion , that he will not be drunke , because he will not be overtaken himselfe , but still lyes in wayte to catch others : and therefore when men are overtaken with drinke , they are said to be foxed . Hee is a true Purveyer , because he provides and takes , not for the King , but for himselfe , upon no price , and therefore is hated and cursed where he comes . Hee makes no conscience of any shifts ; & for a Goose , or a Ducke , or such a matter , it is but a Schollers tricke with him to amend his commons with , and so passes it over without any scruple at all , unlesse hee be taken in the manner , and then proues it a hanging matter , which halters the case quite . Hee is a great Lecturer , but reades to a company of Geese onely , when hee will bee sure to bee well paid for his paines , with a good supper , where some one of his Auditory are present . Hee is very neat in his habit , for he alwaies carries his brush with him , especially when hee rides , for then hee carries it not at his pommell , for that were not fightly , but carries it still at the Crupper . He hath a slye looke , and a notable leering eye of his owne ; and so good a mar-kman , as likely hee never misseth his ayme . For his eye , hee would make a notable Gunner , but that hee cannot away with a piece , especially if it lie in Ambascado , for that puts him quite out of his play . Hee cannot abide a packe of dogges , which if he should , would cost him his life . He hath his forts and holes to retire into , where he feares nothing but countermynes to oppose and confront his ; for then hee is brought to a parley with his enemies , and faine to yeeld to hard conditions : In fine , were the world turned honest againe , and all knavery banished thence , it would be found in a Foxe skinne . 40. The Primrose IS the principall of Roses , because the prime and first in her precedence ; as the Herbinger of Flora , the Queene of flowers . Shee is the true and proper rose of the Wildernesse , where shee is in her element the earth , as fishes in the sea , and fowles in the ayre . Shee is the lowly and humble flower , and if shee want the sweet perfumes and Civits the other Roses have , shee is supplied with a sweeter odour of meekenesse , which they want through the churlish guard about them . Shee is very courteous , and disdaines not the lappe of the Forrest Nymphs that greedily seeke after her , as the Primitias of the Spring . They make a dainty shew with them , when they sit familiarly together with their handmaids the leaves : But when they take their sister Violets into their company , then they make an admirable enamell . Shee is a common Prostitute to eyes , but no Strumper , because thereby she loseth no Virginity shee hath , but still remaineth humbly chaste in her mothers lap , till shee bee violently snatcht away , and ravished thence , keeping her integrity still , so long as forced against her will. Shee keepes willingly in the wildernesse , to shunne the company of men , but yet is no Anchoresse , because no recluse , but a right Hermitresse , inhabiting in the deserts . Their habit and dressing is sutable to the Spring , and the summers approach . In fine , I could wish the Primrose were restored to her former state againe ; for then I should hope the golden age wherein shee flourished in times past , would happily returne againe . FINIS . A TABLE Of the Contents of each severall Character contained in this Booke . 1 THe Lyon. 2 The Squirrill . 3 The Bramble . 4 The Stagge . 5 The Golden Mine . 6 The Hedge-hog . 7 The Pike . 8 The Rocke . 9 The Goat . 10 The Eccho . 11 The Lake . 12 The Cole-pit . 13 The Beare . 14 The Mustard-seed . 15 The Goose. 16 The Horse . 17 The Hawke . 18 The Elephant . 19 The Gnat. 20 The Mole . 21 The Peacocke . 22 The Bat. 23 The Mosse . 24 The Ant. 25 The Ivie . 26 The Daw. 27 The Snake . 28 The Crabbe . 29 The Ape . 30 The Owle . 31 The Snaile . 32 The Swallow . 33 The Oake . 34 The Dog. 35 The Parrat . 36 Tobacco . 37 The Bay tree . 38 The Vine ▪ 39 The Fox . 40 The Primrose . FINIS .