GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS KING OF THE SWEDES, GOTHS, & VANDALS, GREAT PRINCE OF FINLAND & etc. Behold the beams of this bright Northern star Inflamed by Mars, but sweetened more by jove. He hands, and Lands subdues by dint of war▪ But far more hearts by goodness winning love. By both before he came, he overcame. Owing of Victory as swift, as Fame. Etiam juriusquam venj, vicjs MD sculpsit, Sold by R Mylbourne at the Greyhound in Paul's Church yard THE NEW STAR OF THE NORTH, SHINING UPON the Victorious King of SWEDEN. LONDON, Printed by AUGUSTINE MATHEWES for ROBERT MILBOURNE, and are to be sold at the Sign of the Greyhound in Paul's Churchyard. 1631. THE NEW STAR OF THE NORTH, Shining upon the Victorious King of Sweden. IN the year one thousand five hundred seventy two, there appeared in the heavens a new strange Light, exceeding in the apparent bigness thereof all the fixed Stars, and showing forth a bright and Majestical lustre, which was beheld, not only in the night time, but also by some at Noon day, and became at that time the gaze of the world, and task of all the Astronomers of Europe: many of them in diverse Countries publishing their Observations and Opinions concerning the nature of this Star, and future events fore-signified thereby: but none comparably with the most famous Astronomer of our time, called Tycho Brahe, a Nobleman of Denmark: who, by the advantage of his large and curious * By a strange instinct of providence were those admirable Instruments made and erected by Tycho a little before the appearing of this Star, as if either the star had stayed for his tools, or he had foreseen the birth of that star. Instruments, and uncessant pains in Astronomical Observations, more exactly than any other setteth down the true Place, Form, Motion, and Height of this wondrous heavenly Lamp. Whereunto he addeth also his judgement what events it portendeth, like to befall in the years near following the said Apparition. Accordingly he treateth of the said Star in above 500 pages of his Book called by the name of Astronomica Progymnasmata, which Book in the year 1593. was honoured by the Attestation of King james our late Sovereign of blessed memory, in manner following. James by the grace of God King of Scots, to the Noble Tycho Brahe, Lord of Knudstrup, the chief Astronomer of this age. WHereas We have understood as well by your letters written to Us, as also by Our servant * Sir Peter Young sometime Tutor to King james in his minority. Young, that you intent to publish those Works of yours, which with invincible pains, and manifold watchings have been composed by you, namely, those your excellent Astronomical Exercises, styled by you, Astronomica Progymnasmata: Towards the publishing whereof you have made suit unto Us, that We would vouchsafe thereunto our Commendation to be written by us in Verse, as also our Royal Privilege to the Impression of them. We have thought fit to afford both those favours to your singular good Deserts, and admirable Learning: whereof we are not now to take notice by other men's report, or by the only view of your Writings, having in presence with our own eyes and ears been made spectator and hearer, in that very * This house is situated in the Island called Huenna in Denmark & is furnished with exquisite Instruments and Engines for Astronomy, which King james did behold in his voyage into Denmark, when he went thither to bring home his Queen Anne. House or Tower erected and dedicated by you unto Urania the Heavenly Muse, where We received such content by that goodly spectacle, & by the learned conference which you had with us, that it is hard to determine whether be greater, the delight, or the admiration wherewith we now call the same to remembrance, etc. Then followeth the Tenor of the King's Privilege, that none for the space of thirty years, within the Dominions of Scotland, presume to Print the said Works, without the consent of the said Tycho, or his heirs. This Letter of Privilege is dated from his Majesty's Court in Halyroodhouse, that last of july, 1593., in the six and twentieth year of his Reign Then the Latin Verses, with this Title. The commendation of Tycho Brahe his Astronomical Treatises by james the 6. King of Scots. In which verses, after the description of the artificial model of the motion of the Planets, & fixed Stars represented in those incomparable engines erected in that house by Tycho Brahe, followeth also the intent of Astrological prediction in these words. Vt miti, aut torvo aspectu longe ante futura Praemonstrant, Regnisque Tonans quae fata volutet Tychonis pandunt operae. Lege, disce: videbis Mira: domi Mundum invenies, Caelumque libello. etc. jacobus Rex F. manuque propria scripsit. Great Tycho's labours also do foreshow Events, which shall befall on earth below, And by disastrous, or fair aspects What destinies on Kingdom's God directs. Read here, and learn. If you for wonders look, Lo here the world at hand, the heavens by book. Made by King james, and written with his own hand. Tycho in this his book after general observations of the motions of the heavens, treateth at large of this much admired new Star, (whereupon that whole Treatise is entitled De nova Stella anni 1572.) giving the description of the form, place, motion, and durance thereof, and demonstrating out of his own and other Astronomers experimental observations, that it was not seated in the air, but above in the throne of the highest Heavens, being fixed in the very chair of Cassiopeia (a figure of Stars so called) he very certainly concludeth that it could not possibly be any Comet supposed to arise out of the vapours of the Earth elevated into the upper Region of the air (according to the vulgar error of some Philosophers) but that it was a true and proper Star, made of heavenly matter, being none of the original first borne lights made by the hand of God in the Creation (which possess an indefeisible freehold of their station to the world's end) but a kind of adopted child of the heavens, admitted only for a Termer in that habitation, which he possessed about sixteen Months. This Star, as it was situated in that part of the heavens, which is called via lactea (the milk white way) so it is not unprobably supposed by Tycho to have been composed of the matter of that part of the heavens. Wherein Tycho avoweth that he beholdeth since the vanishing of that Star a kind of vacuity or diversity of colour in that very place where the Star stood, as showing the consumption and absence of so much white ethereal matter as was used to the composure of that Star. By some it was deemed to be the very same Star, which appeared unto the Sages of the East at the birth of our Saviour, and thereupon conjectured to be the neerefore-runner of the second coming of Christ, as that was the attendant of his first coming. Accordingly (as Tycho in this book recordeth) Vir admodum celebris, & de literis tam sacris, quam philosophicis praeclare meritus, de hac stella eleganti Epigrammate sic lusit. Theodore Beza a man famous in this age for his great abilities in learning both of Humanity and Divinity, made an elegant Epigram, which thus endeth. Et, qui nascenti praeluxit, nunciat idem Ecce redux reducem rursus adesse Deum. Hinc igitur felix ô turba applaude piorum Tu vero Herodes sanguinolente time. That lamp, which at our Saviour's birth did burn, By this returning light shows Christ's return. O therefore now rejoice ye sons of God: But bloody Herod tremble at this rod. As than Tycho, so much more we now may say that Master Beza herein did not so much intend Historical certainty, as moral application in this his pious Poetical rapture. And therefore well may we take up his conclusion, as appliable to the event of God's mercies to his Church, and judgements against the enemies thereof. Our learned and noble Tycho Brahe in the conclusion of this his work setting down his Astrological judgement professeth the same to be but conjectural, ascribing unto God only the certain foreknowledge of all such events upon earth, as are caused or intimated by extraordinary apparitions of Comets or new Stars in the Heavens. And in the leading motives to his opinion herein he proceedeth not boldly like a rash heathenish Stargazer, but modestly, warily and in general. First, he layeth this ground, most probable in itself, that, if there be any certain portending inclination in such rare and admirable apparitions, surely most in the most rare and extraordinary. But none like this (saith Tycho) was ever testified by any monument of antiquity to have been seen in the world, except that which Pliny avoweth to have been seen and observed by Hipparchus, who lived toward the end of the Grecian Monarchy about 120. years before the birth of our Saviour. Now if, by interpretation of event, & consent of the learned, that new star then appearing ●id foreshow the declining of the Greek Monarchy & the rise & strength of the Roman Empire, why may not this new Star being of the like kind, foreshow also rarissimos, ingentes, atque improvis●s ●ffectus, strange, great, and unexpected effects to come in the near succeeding times in the estate of Kingdoms or Commonweals Which what they will be in particular nulli mortalium satis perspectum iudico. Pag. 802. I think no mortal man is of counsel. Then stepping forwarder to the nearer view of the kind of effects to come, he gathereth out of the jovial lustre of it ending in a more fiery and Martial glaring redness that it promiseth prosperous success, Ibidem. but intermingled with violence and trouble: as also by the place of it in the Equinoctial Colour (ubi sacrorum indicatio) that some great alterations are like to befall in matter of Religion, Pag. 803. so that those devises, which by outward show and Pharisaical hypocrisy have long time bewitched ignorant people, shall come to their full point and end. And because the Star fixed near the Colour, yet possessed the first degree of Aries being the place of the Spring when the day getteth advantage of the night, thereby is portended some new light which shall abate and vanquish former darkness. Ibid. These generals lead but a little way unless some direction follow of quando and ubi by the main index of this Dial pointing unto time and place. As for the time, Quando. he proiecteth first by the direction of the Poles of the world, Pag. 804. Si ex Astrologicis temporum mensurationibus prima initia quando aliquatenus huius Stellae significata pullulabunt coniectare licebit ex directione Coniunctionis maximae (cui Stella haec Prodromus) etc. If we take leave by Astrological calculation of time, to make conjecture concerning the first beginning of that which is portended, we guess it will be in the bud about nine years after the great Conjunction following shortly after the appearing of this Star. And so in Computation with the place of the new Star, this designed time will fall out at the accomplishment of the third Septenary of years, (viz. the 21. year after the first appearing of the Star) being the year 1592. But if one and twenty years complete, (which Tycho seemeth to intend) be added, the time will reach rather to the year of our Lord, 1593. The second way of this Calculation of the time, Pag. 805. is by the Direction of the Zodiaque, from the place of that Great Conjunction by the Longitude of the new Star unto the seventh Degree of Taurus, which Conjunction happeneth near the end of the seventh Septenary, 48 years after the first appearing of the New Star, viz about the year, 1620. About that time, saith Tycho, in all probability will enure the vigour and operation of this new Star, Annis praesertim aliquot sequentibus, especially some years after that time, post, viz. completum a nato Christo annum. 1632. aut circiter, namely after the year of Christ 1632. or thereabouts. As for the designing of the place where the influence of this Star shall work, Vbi. first in general it must needs concern the Northern part of the World on this side of the Aequator, because the Star appeared and dwelled in this Hemisphere: and consequently must be held to have most operation where it was most vertical; that is on those parts where the Star was most direct over the head, and sent forth the beams of his influence most perpendicular. Not that mutations must needs happen in those places only, or necessarily in those very places, but (as may well be noted out of the words of Tycho) prae caeteris aliquid ominis those parts are ominous above the rest: Pag. 808. insomuch as IND mutationum tantarum occasio atque author expectanda: from thence are to be expected the occasion and author of so great alterations. Which much conduceth to the interpretation hereafter following. Now because the fixed seat of the new Star was in distance from the Aequator Northward about 62. degrees, that tract of the earth which lieth in the Northern latitude of 62. is to be taken as principally intended: which in our part of the known world rangeth along from the West through Norvegia, Swedia, Finlandia, Livonia, Moscovia, and Tartary. In all which Countries those parcels which lie under the forenamed latitude, had once every day that new Star in their Zenith, that is just over the head. But in this Diurnal motion how and upon what point of this circle to fix the dint of the influence, Hic labour, hoc opus est. There lies the business. Learned Tycho guided his Contemplation by the very first New Moon after the first appearing of the Star: which New Moon fell upon the fifteenth of November, seven hours thirteen minutes ⅔ in the afternoon, accounting the time by the Meridian of Tycho's Island: at which instant the new Star was in the Meridian of 53 Degrees from the West, and so became in that instant vertical and highest to that place of the earth, which lieth in the longitude of 53, and latitude of 62: being situated in respect of the City of London twenty Degrees more Easterly, and about ten Degrees more Northerly. So now, in regard of the aim of this ejaculation of prediction, the parallel of 62 may be called the Butt, & the Meridian of 53, (where it cutteth that parallel) the white, or mark designed. For the finding whereof, and touching it with the finger of Evidence, we need no other guidance, then Cogimur è tabula pictos ediscere Mundos. Of all the world the several parts by name, We cannot choose but learn by tabled frame. View we therefore our most approved and current Maps, whether Universal, or national and particular, wherein the several Countries are Geographically distinguished by the regular lines of latitude (which is the situation from South to North) and of longitude (being the respect unto West and East) and therein shall we find, that the very place of this forenamed posture is either a part of Finicus Sinus, the Bay or Gulf of Finland, or some border of the Land and Townes seated upon that Gulf. If we take counsel of Gerad Mercator in his Atlas Major either by viewing his Maps or reading the numbers designed in his Alphabetical tables, he affordeth us at least 4 degrees to spare, whereby the verge of Finland is extended Eastward in the parallel of 62. beyond the Meridian of 53. as evidently appeareth by the situation of Kinaveb Egrepe, jegaborg, and other Towns near bordering. Some other Maps draw those parts a little more to the West: which is not to be accounted strange, when as in many parts of the world (especially those that are less frequented by travellers, or less furnished with inhabitant Astronomers) the true longitude is not so certainly known, as the latitude. And therefore a small diversity of this kind occurring in variouse maps is not much to be stood upon. True it is that our Tycho expresseth that designed concurrence of longitude and latitude, as lighting upon Illam Moscoviae plagam, qua cum Boreali & ortum simul respiciente Finlandiae parte coniu●gitur: That coast of Muscovy, which bordereth upon the Northerly and Easterly part of Finland. Whether led thereto by the composure of Maps in his time, pulling Moscovy more West: or thinking that huge continent of Moscovy and other Eastern parts more fit for the title of Magna septentrionis domus, The great house of the North hereafter mentioned in Sibyl's prophecy: or lastly (which is most likely) for that diverse distastes and quarrels happening between his Sovereign the King of Denmark, Tycho once was fain to hide his head for bringing too ne'er home a predication, which afterward proved true. & the neighbouring King of Sweden, it had been over open to envy and jealousies to have devoted in direct terms any part of the Dominions of the Sw●de for the seminary of great and violent alterations: and so he chose rather to express the place by the phrase of Russia bordering upon Finland, then of Finland bordering upon Russia. Suitable hereunto is that his modest or cautelouse demur, wherewith the events of this sign are by his pen tenderly tacked upon the designed place, with submission to other men's judgements, in these words. An igitur HINC tantarum turbarum & mutationum, Pag. 810. quae per hoc insolens ostentum innuebantur, primae occasiones pullulabunt, atque postmodum in alias Mundi Plagas late magna & diuturna vi disseminabuntur, aliis expendendum decidendumque relinquo. I leave it to be weighed and determined by other men's judgements, whether or no the first occasions of those great turmoils & alterations employed by this extraordinary wondrous Star, shall bud forth out of this place designed by me, and shortly after be shed abroad thence into other Regions of the world far and wide, with great and durable forces. Thus Tycho Brahe. It is a true saying, that in predictions (especially humane, and conjectural) event, and experience is the best Comment. If therefore about a place and time thus deciphered there now appear evidence of unexpected immutations, being the streams issuing from a fountain lately breaking forth and getting more strength with full Tide of prosperous success, why may not we acknowledge herein God's extraordinary handiwork as performed in the event, so also fore-described in the heavenly Characters of such miraculous signs? If Eclipses of the two great lights, and conjunction of Planets under some portions of fixed star, have at any time, or may portend events upon earth, much more may new Stars moulded by the hand of God in the highest heavens challenge the like prophetical language. Those Eclipses and conjunctions are merely natural, and have their certain revolution, and concurrence, which many years before their apparition may be infallably set down by the observation of God's ordinary Power in the motion of the creature: but this admirable Sarr in the essence, and place thereof showeth the finger of God, reaching higher than to the support of Natural agents: and therefore much more probably may be presumed to be an object, not only of the eye by beauty and lustre, but also of the understanding, in being a messenger of Divine future operation. In the times now mentioned by the learned Tycho, and in and about the places, whereupon he especially fixeth the influence of this new Herald of Heaven, we can find no other fit subject of application than the new risen Star radiant in virtue and goodness, sparkling with the beams of Martial Valour, the prosperous and admired Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden, who by his manifold and sudden Conquests is now made the spectacle of the Christian World, beheld and spoken of with no less admiration, than that new Star of the North, which seemeth to be his forerunner. As for the time, the three terms of revolution intended by Tycho, viz. the years 1593. 1620. 1632. or thereabouts may decipher him, the first (well near) his Birth, the second his Ingress, the third his Progress in successful Conquests. Then likewise the place pointed at by the Heavens, or rather appointed by the God of heaven to be the Seminary or Nest, which shall send forth the Author of great alterations is found to be the Country of Finland, a part of his Dominions belonging to the Kingdom of Sweden, and recited in his Title, Great Prince of Finland Seeing that time and place so conveniently concur with incomparable success in his Victories, (wherein he deporteth himself so admirably, that it is hard to say, whether be greater his Valour in subduing, or his justice in the undertaking, and well using his Victories to the relief of the oppressed we shall not need here to describe the particulars of his Atchivements blown abroad by the Trumpet of public Fame, and echoed unto us by the weekly tell-tale Corantoes Such clear beams of Virtue and Glory Envy itself can neither outface nor suppress. Yet to set under one view some part of that, which otherwise may dispersedly be gathered by certain Information, we will take leave to shadow out some few lineaments of his worth and happiness. Gustavus Ericus King of Sweden (the first crowned Protestant of our Age) was his Grandfather: to whom that Kingdom oweth their liberty from the yoke of the Danes: whose son Charles likewise freed them from the pressures of the Polacks. This Charles married the daughter of Adolph Duke of Holstein, and by her begat this Gustavus Adolphus, borne at Stockholm the last of November 1594, stilo vet. Who thus by two descents is in blood and generous disposition qualified to be a Restorer of Liberties. About the seventeenth year of his age, Anno 1611, he was by his Father Charles made Colonel of a Troop of Horse in the Wars against Denmark. When he had settled Peace in his own Country, by composing of differences and quarrels risen between him and the King of Denmark, about the year 1614, upon refusal made unto him of reimbursement of l●rge sums of money laid out by the State and Subjects of his Kingdom, and lent to the Emp●rour of Muscovy, he undertook upon that just quarrel to make an Inroad upon the adjacent Dominions of that potent Emperor, and taking his March from Finland with prosperous success he in a short time conquered the mighty Province of Ingria, or Ingerland: and among the rest he took the famous strong ●ort of Kexholm, and shortly after by the mediation of King james our late Sovereign concluded a Peace between himself and the Emperor of Muscovy upon very good and honourable Conditions: whereby he not only held that Country which he had seized on, but also received of the Moscovite a great sum of money for his expense in that war. So that now he is possessed of some part of that vast Continent of Moscovia, whitherward our Tycho Brahe (as before is noted) would seem to extend more Easterly the point designed by this Calculation. And consequently if (supposing, but not granting) we should stretch the foreinstanced longitude of 53▪ into this border of Muscovy, then may we thus understand these words of Tycho, inde initia mutationum, thence or from that place shall issue out the beginnings of alterations, namely, that other alterations shall be produced in other places and regions, but by him, who shall very there in Russia make the Commencement of his exploits and Conquests. For that footing and ground gained there may well be accounted the first step to his greatness, In this construction Finland may be the place a quo whence, and Russia the place both in quo and a quo where, and whence great alterations may be said to have their cruption. and foundation of his other conquests, not only in order of time, but also in the inhabling him and fleshing his hardy Finlanders for further undertake. About the beginning of the year 1618. he entered Livonia against the Polonian, and proceeded in that invasion so prosperously by several conquests, in diverse places, that by the year 1624. that whole country was made subject unto him. About the year 1626. he entered Prussia, and surprised the Fort of Pelavia, at once making himself Master of all the trade of the rich Cities of Coningsberg and Elbing: The Finlanders and other Swedes are his toughest helps, being best able to endure the cold and hardship of Winter-warfare. which enterprise he undertaken with his own native Swedes & Finlanders (who in that employment did not exceed the number of 9000. men) but with so wonderful success, that this achievement may rightly be counted the rise and growth of his greatness. With this small force he marched towards Elbing, and whilst the Burghers of that Town were treating a neutrality with his Counsel in the Tents, he, with some few Musketers attending him, boldly entered the city, which with fear and amazement admitted him upon the only command of his word, and confident Majesty of his countenance: the walls thereof being at that instant laden with armed men well apppointed for defence against him, who then beholding his entrance durst not discharge a bullet, or make any other resistance against him. This City he made his Magazine for the war, and departing thence he took the great Castle of Mariburg, being the seat of the Teutonique Order of Knighthood. Where not having eight thousand foot he entrenched himself, fight in the face of forty thousand Polonians, and ten thousand imperials: and so tired and wore out the great army of the enemy, that they not only by the mediation of our dread Sovereign King Charles, in the year 1629, submitted unto his conditions of Peace very honourable on his part, but also yielded unto him a great part of that Territory of Prussia. The Emperor having thus made war against him in Prussia, and oppressed the King of Denmark, the Duke of Pomerania, & Mechlenburg, and the King of Swedes enemies being likely to make themselves Master of the Baltique Sea, not only to his ruin, but also to the endangering of Denmark, and endamaging of Great Britain and Holland, the King of Swedens' subjects being unjustly spoiled of their goods, and forbid coming on the Germane shore to trade, the Town of Stralsond having formerly grievously complained unto him of the wrongs and danger wherewith they were encompassed; upon these and other necessary causes (as by his published Manifesto may appear) he entered Germany in the year 1630, and took from the invading Imperials the Isle of Rugia, a place of great importance, which serveth him for a safe station for his shipping. And then winning a strong Fort on the main land (on purpose by the oppressors of the liberties of Germany then built against him,) himself landed at Stralsond in june, 1630. In December following he took the Towns of Griffenhagen, and the Fort of Gartz in the face of the enemy's Army, and following the Victory chased the Army of Walensteine Duke of Frieland, which having possessed the City of Frankford on the Oder, and Lantzbergh, he took the one by assault in the open day, when it had 6000 old Soldiers in Garrison, and the King not above seven thousand to attempt it. From thence marching without delay the very next day to Lantzbergh with two thousand foot and a thousand horse he took that strong pass by composition yielding to him upon the only motive of his reputation, out of which Marched four thousand foot, with shame and astonishment beholding so small a number, to whom they had yielded themselves. In this present year 1631. the defeat given by him (joining with the Duke of Saxony) in open field and pitched Camp, may be called the down weight of his valour, casting on his side the balance of predominant success: which was achieved upon the seventh of September last near Lipsich in Saxony, in a field called Godsacre, being the self same plot of ground wherein the Emperor Charles 5. taken Frederick Duke of Saxony, and Philip Landgrave of Hessen prisoners in battle, divesting thereupon the Duke of Sax. of his Duchy and Electorat; which is now by revolution of Time repaid by this Defeat upon the very same place. Tilly's Army consisting of 44000 fight men, the King of Swedens' and the Duke of Saxonies' Army in all of 38000. In which battle the Duke of Holstein leading the left wing of Tillyes' Army, gave the onset upon the King's Army, and was taken prisoner within short time; the Duke of Sax. being hotly charged by Tilly, left him elbowroom in the field together with three of the Saxon Regiments that stood to it. And so the King having now not above 18000 fight men, set courageously upon Tilly, putting him to flight, entered upon his Ordnance, Wagons, and Tents as they stood furnished with meat upon the Tables prepared by them, who now had no list to return to that Supper, but rather left it to those for whom God had provided it. The flying enemy was shrouded by the black mantle of the night, so that the conquering King could not further pursue his Victory till the next morning, when drawing out a thousand horse he in person followed them eight Dutch miles, cutting off 1000 of the foot, and taking prisoners 3000 more. The loss on Tyllies part is esteemed at 18000, whereof slain 8000, and taken prisoners 10000 The loss on the other part not above 1200 men as by the more strange & truer Computation is avowed. The King's Motto or Word was Deus nobiscum, God on our side. Tilly's Word, Sancta Maria, Saint Marie. I think more foreboading conjecture might have been made out of the unequal counterpoise between these two tutelary Patrons or protectors, than out of the auspicious flying of a great troop of birds in that field, by some observed upon that very morning, instantly before the Armies set up their rest in the place, namely overflying the place of Tillyes' army, and lighting in the place of the King of Swedens' army. The ancient Latins called that augustum, which was bonis avibus gestum, acheived according to the foresignification made by the lucky and prosperous flying of birds, and in that sense may this victory be called augusta, though contra ipsum Augustum in his principal commander of his forces defeated, and ruined. Some have observed the symbolising and easy transmutation between the names Augustus and Gustavus, inferring thence that whereby his friends would heap upon him more glory, and perhaps his enemies more envy. But those that look up higher to read Characters written in the Heavens, and guilded with the beams of new Stars, will not so low, and upon so light ground, as Anagrams are, lay the foundation of predictions: and therefore neither will we insist upon that menacing sentence, Te debellabit aversus DEUS, denoting the SVED. And because the late conjunction and association between him and the Duke of Saxony, hath been & is a strong means of the late further growth of his strength and progress in Victories, it is here to be observed and accounted no small part of the fore-spoken alterations, that the said Duke, (formerly being a kind of dormant Neutral, & thereby giving way to the encroachments of the enemy) is now awaked, & not only seeth the danger whereunto the Liberties of Germany were cast, but also reacheth forth his helping hand and engageth his strength toward the recovery of the ancient & just Liberties, therein commenting by action upon the prognostical speculations written about sixty years ago by Paulus Grebnerus, a man of the same Astronomical profession with our Tycho Brah●; but what authority or reputation his writings deserve, I leave to the judgement of others Penes authorem esto fides This Grebner wrote a l●rge book of predictions which he is said to have given to Queen Elizabeth, our late Sovereign of blessed memory. The original whereof written by the hand of the Author, was by the worthy and Reverend Doctor Nevil given and put into the Library of trinity College in Cambridge, whereof he was Master, and a most generous and edifying Benefactor unto it. In the 261 page of that Book he thus, Bohemia Tumultus et bellicosos strepitus magna cum defectione suorum sentit. Tempore ill Caesar Electoris Saxoniae naso Hispanica, fraudulenta, dolosa, blanda, insidiosa imponit conspicilla, quorum naturam tandem ipse pern●scit, proprioque edocetur experimento, quod haec Austriaca conspicilla poppysmata et phalerata verba sceleratae et proditoriae sint practicae: quibus si ultra fidem habere duceret, seipsum, conjugem, natos, & universos Christianismi confederatos in perniciosum praecipita et exitium. What revolt of Bohemia may here be intended, let others make construction: but sure this present Duke of Saxony being now himself a grand agent both in opposing Tilly, and also since that in unyoaking the chief City Prague, with other Towns in Bohemia, demonstrateth that he hath recovered the right use of his eyes, by casting away those false Spectacles, which were put upon his nose by some cunning hand. Out of this Grebner divers other parcels have been transcribed and much enquired after, as appliable to these times and to the mutations present or probably expected in Germany and other country's. But I forbear inserting them, because they contain confused and ambiguous matter, and may happily seem as well to point at other times, Greb. Pag. 173. as this, in which S●ecus felicisimo successu class & suo populo terra marique in hostem utetur, The Swed shall with most happy success employ his Navy and people by sea and land against the enemy. Yet verily the attribute of felicissimus successus may by this Gustavus, for the unmatchable prosperity of his attempts, be challenged as a proper Character, in which neither any other Swed, nor man for many ages can pretend partnership with him, much less eminency above him. Whilst these things are under the pen, the further process of his victories comes to our ears, and, among the rest, his entering of Franc●ford upon the Mein being the chiefest Mart-town of Europe, and the seat of the Crown of the Emperor. Which Town he rather won by love, and respect to his honour, then subdued by force; The gates whereof willingly opening to admit him, he made entrance thereinto the seventeeths of November, Through which Town he passed with all his army in array; but with so good order and discipline, without violence or wrong to any of the inhabitants, that it seemed rather a pomp of a native King, than an enforcement by a foreiner. Of this, and the like his seizures, or entries into the many other yielding cities and towns it may be said, that he speaketh by action, what formerly was uttered by the pen of one of his predecessors, Theoderick King of the Goths (& sharer in Roman Empire with justinian) He in one of his Rescripts, or letters Missive thus, Vide Aurel. Cassiodorum variarum lib. 3. Ep. 43. Aliorum forte Regum praelia captarum civitatum aut praedas appetunt, aut ruinas: nobis propositum est (Deo iuvante) sic vincere, ut subiecti se doleant nostrum dominium tardius acquisisse Wars undertaken by other Kings for the most part tend to the destruction, or sackage of those cities, whereof they get the mastery: but our purpose is, by God's assistance, to conquer in that manner, that the subdued may think themselves ill apayed, that they did no sooner cast themselves into our hands. Add we hereunto, for conclusion of this present application, the happy protection which hath accompanied him in the midds of extreme dangers, which argueth that the hand of God's providence hath both appointed & safe conducted him to become an instrument of great mutations in melius for the bettering the estate of some parts of Christendom. Warfare is to all militant men a perpetual contexture of the nets of danger, but most to Princes undertaking in person: With this enemy hath this King often grappled. First in the rudiments of his prowess, and bud of his strength, when he was but seventeen years old, in the wars between his father and the King of Denmark he was hard put to it, fight upon the ice, when he very hardly escaped drowning: and being then put to the worse, hath made good that observation of an ancient warrior, that none can be a good leader in the wars that hath not sometime been well beaten by the enemy. This handsel therefore may well be accounted the apprentisage of hardship to him. Some of the Indian people distinguish their Noble from the Vulgar by razed marks and figures imprinted in the skin; Surely more proper marks of nobleness in warriors are the scars of wounds casually inscribed on the body. Namque Sidonius Apollinaris Carm 23. in corpore fortium virorum Laus est amplior amplior cicatrix. The sum of honour in the Wars Is scored by characters of Scars. The badge of this acquired honour this King beareth in his Royal limbs, pierced with shot more than once: such rude messengers from the enemy having dared to make forcible entry in his belly, and shoulder, where they yet continue their lodging, and have the honour to enter with him into many a surprised or yielding City and Castle, like the dull bittle, that mounted high by cleaving to the Eagles wing. These uneasy guests cannot by their gravity slack his Martial motion, but rather by the sense of them add a spur to his valour, and more force to the bullets, which he sendeth back in requital. In his wars in Prussia at Darsaw he was surprised by some that issued out from an ambuscado, and so twice within a few hours fell into the hand of the enemy: and was again as often rescued by his own, partly valour, partly ingenious and nimble sleight, as also by the casual approach & assistance of one of his soldiers, by whom, for concealment of his person, he was in the action called Brother. And this soldier presently after being himself taken by the enemy, was by the Kings own hand mutually rescued: who thereupon by the rescuing King was saluted in these friendly words, Quit brother, now you and I are even. Of which accident may be made this typical construction, that he is ordained to relieve those that defend and assist him: and that his abiding the adventure of captivity, tendeth to the redeeming of others out of bondage. Moreover, in this or some other conflict audacious danger aspired so high, as to strike at his head: but missing the aim it hit his Hat: which being stricken off it came into the hand of the enemy, and being known, was afterward sent to Vienna the chief City in Austria, and received there with joy and congratulation, as a Trophy of victory against him, and pledge of fu●ure getting the head that wore it. Quo nunc Turnus ovat spolio, gaudetque potitus. When Turnus got young Pallas in his power, Virg. Aeneid. 10. He from him hent the b●…ssed belt he wore. And thus possess of that hostile spoil In triumph beareth it about a while. But what followeth hereupon? Turno tempus erit etc. The time will come, when he shall curse the day Wherein he took and bore that spoil away. That Hat is like to be purchased at a dearer rate, than some Kings have sold their Crowns. Ille oculis postquam saevi monumenta doloris Exuviasque Aeneid. 12. ad finem. hausit, surijs accensus, & ira Terribilis, Tune hinc spolijs indute meorum Eripiare mihi? Aeneas, when he spied that well known Belt, Revived grief, and anger inly felt: And flaming with revenge, Shalt thou (quoth he Clad with my friend's array escape from me? The blood of heroical Aeneas boiled at the triumphant possession of a piece of furniture surprised from, not himself, but his friend; not living, but slain; How much more may a generous victorious Spirit resolute by strong hand and Martial inroad to recover that upper coverture of his own head? It hath been reported that thence it is transported into Italy, and bestowed on the wooden Lady of Loretto, for whose wear it is as fit, as the Gown bequeathed to her by that Father of Critics, of whom it is fitly said, that Criticus virilem Virgini togam legans In morte fecit Lipsius soloecismum. A dying Latinist of great renown Unto the Virgin Mary gave his Gown. And was not this false Latin so to join With Female gender that case Masculine? But now leaving this digression concerning his Hat, and returning to the Crowned head that wore it, we refer to the contemplation of judicious men, whether a man thus armed with protection for escape of many more capital hazards, than here are, or can be, recited, admired unto astonishment for his great & sudden Victories beloved for his virtues both Christian, Moral, & Military, justly styled the releever of the wronged, and restorer of oppressed Princes & Liberties, concurring so near in time and place with this fore-described Celestial calculation, be not to be accounted that Stellae filius, & aureus Coeli partus, the child of that privileged Star, and the golden issue of Heaven, glittering with the beams of high attempts & matchless Honour. Do not these present alterations make way to a fuller accomplishment in the time now by computation approaching, namely the year 1632. and the years instantly following after the same? wherein may be made good not only the general predictions of our Astronomer, but also in particular (among other redresses befitting this Conqueror's greatness, and goodness) the restitution of some other devested and dejected Princes to their native dignity, and undoubted inheritance. But (may some say) do all the hopes or fears of the future success of these great alterations depend upon the weak string of such Apparitions, whose activity in such events perhaps is either none at all, or utterly unsearchable by the wit of man? And if searchable, why not rather fetched from some later Comets or pretending Stars, which since this have appeared within our Horizon? Respon. 1. Not merely on such farfetched and conjectural premises relieth the expectation of the consequents betyding these times. For if, abstracting all conjectures from above, and supposing there were no such fore-significations, we confine our thoughts only to the consideration of near by-passed, and now present events, and thereby in the balance of humane probability weight out the expectation of the future, we shall need none other bond of assurance than the pledge of God's providence, whereon we are to rely: and whereunto all forenamed conjectures are but accessary and supernumerary. As for the operation, or portending signification of superior lights, (whatsoever doubt may be made of the ordinary lamps of heaven, and the aspects resulting out of their regular motions) it cannot be denied but that extraordinary wondrous visibles may have, and have had their attendant significations. joel 2. 30. In which sense it is no impiety literally to interpret those words I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, partly of that flaming sword-like Comet, that appeared, as a forewarner of the destruction of jerusalem. Suitably hereto why may not some significant power be granted to this high heavenly, more than ordinary, spectacle? Why not thence modest, and sober collection, and probable inference be made? The principles whereof, and manner of deduction from them are not here suppressed, but, according to our author's process, laid out fairly above board: To which way of inference the Christian Reader may afford what parcel of credit he shall think fit to meat out by the rule of piety, and liberty of opinion. Valeat ut valere poterit. Let it float as far as this water will bear it. Lastly concerning other later Comets, or appearing stars, it may truly be avowed, that among them all none was so remarkable for height, bigness, and lustre, all concurring, as this the elder brother and Captain of them: in comparison whereto they may be content to be called, as puisnees, and afterlings, so also minorum gentium, petits of a lower form. Divers of them were observed by our Tycho in his life time, and surnamed by him rather Comets, than stars. But this especially he judged to be forespoken of by one of the Sibylls' in that prediction, Sibylla Tiburtina. which in the year 1520. was found under ground in Suitzerland engraven in a marble stone in very ancient latin characters, Vide Cornel. Gemmam de divinis characterismis. in this manner of Orthography Orietour sydous in Europa soupra Yberos ad magnam septentrionis domum: colus radii orbem terrarum ex impreviso illoustrabunt: etc. A star shall arise in Europe over the Iberi at the great house of the North: whose beams shall suddenly (or unexpectedly) enlighten the whole world. In regard of the heavens the seat of this admirable star (whereof we have treated) is evidently domus Septentrionis, being in Cassiopeia, not above eighteen degrees distant from the North-pole: to which nearness none of the later did approach: and in respect of the subject place in the earth, correspondent thereto, that tract, whereof formerly we have discoursed, is by as good right magna domus Septentrionis, the great house of the North. It befits not (nor is it easy) to determine who are these Iberi, and accordingly how supra may be diversely construed, nor what is meant by the other words of Sibyl, Eodem fere tempore, hoc demorso sydere, coaevum quoddam eious loumen long ardentioribous Mavortis ignibus exardescens Antipodum finibus occludet Imperium. But undoubtedly in this Sibylline prediction must be intended (as the following parts show) not so much (or not only) portentum coeleste, a bright visible in the heaven, as Stella Moralis a radiant, admirable, potent atcheiver on the earth. Which who, what, when, or where he is, or shallbe is certainly known only Stellarum domino, stellificique Deo. to him that framed this new great light in the heavens, and ordained the same unto ends best known to his heavenly Wisdom. Prase him all ye Stars, Psal. 148. 3. and Light. Theodahadus Rex. COgnoscite arma nostra pro salute vestrâ destinata, Cassiodorus Variarum. lib. 13. ep. 18. ut, qui vos tentaverint appetere, divino auxilio manus eye Gothorum-debeat obviare. Be it known to you, that our Army is ordained for your safety: So that whosoever shall be so bold as to set upon you, shall find that the warlike troops of the Goths are pressed and ready by God's help to encounter them. FINIS.