¶ A manifest and apparent confutation of an Astrological discourse, lately published to the discomfort (without cause) of the weak and simple sort, as will by the sequel of that which followeth, evidently appear.  
With a brief Prognostication, or Astrological prediction, of the conjunction of the two Superior planets, Saturn and jupiter: which shallbe in the year of our Lord God 1583 the 29. of April, at three of the clock in the morning.  
Written the 25. of March by THOMAS HETH, Master of Art.  
GOD IS MY DEFENDER.  
Printed by Robert waldgrave dwelling, in Foster Lane, over against goldsmiths Hall, at the sign of the George.  
By the assent of RICHARD WATKINS.   

The Epistle to the Reader.  
GENTLE READER, IT may seem a thing somewhat more than needful to write of that, whereof another hath written so lately, yea and as the most think, so largely and learnedly, as is possible in that behalf, and nothing omitted therein that might any way tend to the declaration thereof. The consideration whereof caused me at the first to pause at the matter, and in so doing, found them that had hitherto written thereof, to have mistaken the ground of all their judgement, presupposing a wrong and untrue time of the conjunction of the said Planets, whereupon they seem to ground the principles of all their judgements, and therefore I could not but certify you thereof, and with the best of my endeavour, seeking to satisfy you with the truth, have enterprised to write this treatise following, in humble wise praying you well to accept the plainness and simpleness of the style, as of one, not so well exercised in the eloquent penning or the rethorical flourishing of any piece of work (though the same be a thing very commendable and requisite) as in the contemplation and practice of the art, chiefest to be expected herein, hoping that no indifferent person will think the worse of so excellent a science, for that the students in the same profession, seem to write the one directly contrary to the other: the first, threatening great harm to the whole world, the second, promising good hap to the same, the rather, because that contrariety in writing, is a thing not only incident to this profession, but also unto sundry other studies wherein the learned in each faculty are to consider and judge; who in his profession writeth most learnedly and substantially, unto whose censure I submit myself, and this my travel, wishing that as well the unskilful Astronomer, which takes upon him the Art without knowledge thereof, making mountains of Molhills, and miracles of mere trifles, might be better advised ere he publish his doings to the view of the world, discrediting himself and the Art thereby, as also that the unlearned & ignorant sort, which injuriously upbraid and defame the same, through their despiteful and malicious speeches (for that the predictions which the unskilful in this science prognosticat, answer not their expectation to the full, either to suspend their judgements (for that the blind are not able to judge or discern colours) either else to impute the fault, where of right it ought, unto the artist and not unto the Art Which doing, their credit would be the more, and the commendation of the Art no less than in truth it doth deserve; and otherwise their rash and indiscreet judgement, will no less appear herein, then in the condemnation of the common laws without cause, when as their humour is not pleased, and their cause justly condemned. But the Godly and learned through their example admonished, whose judgement is more, and meaning better, will I hope well conceive of my simple & plain meaning herein, to whose good consideration I refer the declaration of that which followeth.   

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Sir George Carey, Knight, and Knight MARTIAL OF HER majesties most Honourable household: THOMAS HETH wisheth long life with much felicity.  
RIght worshipful, according to my duty unto your worship, and my native Country, (though somewhat prevented by the hasty and rash atemptes of other some). I have at this present published that, whereof I hope your worship will accept, which is my censure and opinion (according to the grounds of Art) of the conjunction of the two superior planets, happening in this year of our Lord, a thousand five hundred eighty three, the twenty eight day of April, about the fifteenth hour of the Astronomical day. The which reduced to our vulgar accountp, is the twenty ninth day, at three of the clock in the morning, or near about the same, as I am able to prove by plain Demonstration, though Leovitius and an imitator of him, Francis Liberati, an Italian Doctor, Vir equidem ab omni liberatus judicio, affirm the same to be the second day of May, at three of the clock, fifteen Minutes in the morning, under such a Celestial Scheme as followeth, erected for the Meridian of Paris. But how far he erreth from the truth, the thing itself will sufficiently show.  
Likewise Stadius somewhat nearer to the truth, though far different, putteth it the twenty eight day of April, just at noon to them of Antwerp, under such a figure as followeth.  
The same by some reduced to London very slightly. Wherefore before I can come to say any thing thereof. I am driven to disprove many of their mistaken Axioms. Wherewith they seem to bring the world into such admiration, that they of the better sort, know not what to think thereof, and the rest more simple, brought into no small fear and discomfort thereby. As touching the first, who yieldeth no reason of his predictions, I boldly say, they are mere immaginary and altogether frivolous. For if he judge by the conjunction, he seemeth to leap over the style before he come at it. For that a great Conjunction, Eclipse, Comet, or Revolution can not work any matter that should come to effect before the same first appear unto the world, and therefore were it, so that his estimate of the Conjunction were any thing near unto the truth, yet he could not prognosticate thereby anything to fall out before the time of the said Conjunction (the same being the efficient occasion thereof) as he doth in the beginning of this year 1583. the 26. day of February two months before the conjunction, amongs a great many of other strange matters. His words be these preparation de guerre en Angliterre etc. non obstant les iours quaresme. Likewise the thirteenth day of March Division in Angliteire couriers en Flanders & en almain. etc. Which saying because it touched our native Country. I thought good to recite as also for that (God be praised therefore) it came nothing so to pass. Nor nothing near the truth, for as all men know there was no cause of preparation to war or likelihood thereof: much less any preparation at all. But it is an ancient saying, and not so old as true, written by Ptholomi in his Cen●iloquio propositione 12. Amor odiumque ne vera eveniant judicia probibent, s●quidem minuunt maxima, augent minima: and therefore my trust and confidence is, that the rest of his predictions, wherewith he threateneth us shall hurt us no more than the former hath hitherto done. Si deus enim nobiscum quis contra nos, if God be on cure side, who can be against us. Again, if he had judged by the revolution (as it should rather seem he did) where he putteth the ingress of the sun into the first minute of Aries, to be the tenth day of March at 8. a clock thirty two minutes at night, The twenty eight degree of Libra ascending, and Mars in Cancer in the ninth house, if that position had been true, as it is nothing so, yet Mars can not be Lord of the year by any reason Astrological, being neither strong in himself, nor well placed in the figure, for he is both in his fall, and in a cadent house, far unfit for that function, after the mind of any learned writer in this science. And yet this is his opinion. Mars plus puissant en la figure & am de ciel, de tous les autres Planets sera seigneur & le dispositeur de le an 1583. And therefore with very good reason I conclude against him with the saying of Schoner, vomodo e●iahit Astrologus errorem, si capue anni (radicem predictionis suae) prors●s ignoraverit. That is to say how shall the ginger avoid an error in judgement, if he be utterly ignorant of the true beginning of the year the very ground of his prediction.  
And now to return to the other, who seemeth to write more learnedly and more amply of the same matter, though not upon the same ground. Wherein verily he shows himself a toward scholar, though not so perfect an ginger, in that he leaneth somewhat too much, (without cause) to the works of other writers, as shall be declared hereafter, not examining whether there hath been any error or oversight committed, either by the author or printer of the same. For in one of them there must of necessity some negligence appear As for example ●eouitius, who was excellently well learned, and daily exercised in the Mathematicals, putteth the conjunction to be the second day of May, at three of the clock in the morning? Who as it is well known, followed the Alphonsine account, which at this day & long since is found (by the best learned) to halt, & proved insufficient, exactly to account any apparent motion by. Wherefore no doubt (if he were living at this present) he would not let, (after proof made) to say with othersome, Errare po●um bereticus essenolo. And Stadius of like credit, and no less experience than the former, affirmeth it to be the twenty eight day of April exactly at noon, under the constitution that goeth before, which is more than four days different, and therefore must needs breed great alteration in judgement.  
Lastly, Moestlin who endevoresh himself to win no less acceptatton and credit then the rest, whereof there is no doubt but he will if he persever, (as he hath already begun) putteth it to be the same day, but sixteen hours from noon, or at four of the clock the next day in the morning, and nearest to the truth for certain. And though these writers do write for sundry meridians, as Augusta, Antwerp, and Tubing, yet can not any reduction bring them all to be united or agreeable to any one of the said three Cities, or any other meridian else, that one may safely say, this is the true hour and minute of the conjunction. For neither Stadius (if he had been willed) or Moestlin (if he should be required) to put it down to the view of the world, would trust to his own Ephemerides, much less to any others, but rather would vouchsafe the supputation of the same out of the grounds thereof. For although et be thought sufficient, in the supputation of an Ephemerides to come, within a minute, two, or three of the true place of the Plar et at noon, yet is it to be otherwise required in this behalf. For not only to know the degree and minute is requisite herein, but also the second, wherein the said conjunction shall at any time happen. For as much as they may be both conjoined together in one degree, and same minute, the space of five hours at least, before the true conjunction, or no less time after the same, through the slowness of their motions. All which considered, I have here set down according to my simple skill, the figure thereof, so near the truth as I possibly could. Which though I dare not warrant the exact minute of time, yet of the hour, I am well assured that no way I am deceived, for as much as it hath been supputated out of the grounds, esteeming the same to be with us at London, the twenty ninth day of April, at three a clock in the morning, under such a position as followeth.  
THis conjunction happeneth in the fift minute of the 22. degree of Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, and in the latter part of the twelve house, which is termed of the Astronomers. Domus tristitiae, laboris, aerumnae, maeroris, inimicitiarum, invidiae, susurrationis, carceris, servorum, deceptorum, animalium magnorum. etc. And whether it ought to seem so fearful and terrible unto us, as it is thought by some, we are to examine. And for as much as it is a conjunction of the very best and worst of all the Planets: we ought well to consider, whether Saturn in his malice and mischief, be able and of sufficient power to subdue the influence of jupiter, and those good haps by him signified. And in as much as they twain, are not all in all, having to do wholly in all causes, it is therefore requisite and needful, jointly io consider with them, the Dominion and authority of the rest in order, as followeth.  
♄ est 

FORTITUDINES.  
Liber directus, velox, orientalis, auctus lumine & numero, receptus a jove in domum, coniunctus lovi, in domo gaudij, in quarta conformi, in gra du lucido.  
DEBILITATES.  
Peregrinus, in 12, desc. in eccent, epicicio, & in meridiem, in gradu vacuo & in contrarietate haiz.   ♃ est 

Directus, velox, auctus lumine & numero in domo propria, in conformi quarta, gradu lucido, coniunctus cum stella fixa de natura fortunae, orientalis, liber.  
Desc. in epiciclo, eccentrico, & in meridiem, coniunctus saturno, in 12. in gradu vacuo, in contrarietate haiz.   ♂ est 
Directus, asc. in epici, & eccē●, in comformitate sexus & quartae, in gradu augente fortunam, liber a combustione. Tardus, minutus lumine & numero peregrinus, in sexta, in contrarietate haiz occidentalis.  ☉ est 

Asc. in eccent auctus numero, in suo haiz, in conformi quarta, in lextili iovis, in horoscopo.  
Tardus, peregimus.   ♀ est 

Directa, velox, asc. in eccent, aucta lumine & numero, occidentalis, in 2. domo, in conformi quarta, gradu lucido, lib. a combustion.  
Desc. in epici, in contrarietate haiz, peregrina.   ☿ est 

Liber, directus, velox, asc. in epici, in horoscopo.  
Desc in eccent, & in metid, perigrinus, in gradu vacuo.   ☽ est 

Lib●ra a combus. in fancy propria, recepta, in suo haiz, in conformi quarta, gradu lucido & augente fortunam.  
Tarda, desc. in epici, & eccent, minuta lumine & numero, in 8. domo, in quadrato saturni.    
And now to come to the purpose, these former considerations weighed, if we compare the fortituds of Saturn with his debilities, we shall then find that he is strong (proportione sesquialtera) his strengths being above thirty, his debilities, only 20. wherefore I may safely say, he is well affected, well situate, and very well configurate: no less may he thought of jupiter, though not having the same fortitudes and debilities in all points, yet the like in number, and same proportion, and are both as witnesseth Cardan. In primo & optimo statu, robustissimi, quia orientales, veloces & aparentes. Wherefore it were very gross to conclude that Saturn should be so hateful so hurtful, so despiteful, or so malicious by his force and authority, to overcome and subdue the good nature, the sweet influence, and prosperous irradiation of the benevolent and friendly Planet jupiter. Upon his trial, who is found in all respects to be as strong, as able, as manlike, and as mighty as himself, and having him at home in his own house, he may either entreat him as a friend, or else (de iure) command him as a guest to be ruled, and be of good behaviour, yielding the superiority unto his Host, without causing great abundance of waters, cold weather, unwonted mischiefs, sorrow, envy, debate, quarreling, hate, strife, lawing for the goods of the dead, reconinges, accounts, or such like, the rather because he is neither in the eight, neither hath any dominion therein, nor beholdeth Mars the Lord of the cusp of the same: for Leo and Pisces no way behold the one the other. And whereas he threateneth thorough the influence of Saturn, uproars, tumults, manifold troubles, violence and oppression, he greatly mistaketh the matter, for that they are rather the effects of the outrageous, fell, and furious Planet Mars, who in the conjunction hath little or nothing to do. But if thereupon he had threatened hunger, want, penury, and poverty unto the poor and indigent, his prediction had not been unlike to have taken effect, for that their estate is never better, and why he should discomfort the Clergy or Ecclesiastical estate, I see no cause considering that jupiter their general significator (as also Dominus 9 of the figure) is so strong and well affected, both in himself and his essential dignities, elevated above the rest, and also small reason he hath, to move him to pronounce the ruin and overthrow of Noble men, great personages and gentlemen, though some and sundry from time to time fall into like extremities, and be overthrown with the loss of estimation, goods and life, by the secret working of their own private nativities, without any general constitution. But were it so, that Saturn (as he saith he is) were disposed to work strange feats, or to bring great matters about: yea, and that his might were so much, and his malice so great, as to show the full force of his mischievous and malicious nature, seeking to bring upon the world, Plague, pestilence, famine, and other calamities whatsoever, which have at any time since the creation thereof, happened for the punishment of sin: yet could he not at this present play these pageants, being otherwise bridled and restrained of his will, for that he is neither Lord of the conjunction, neither hath dominion in the revolution of the year, nor aught to do in the government of the great Orb, or any commertion with those who have authority therein. Therefore if any alteration extraordinary happen in the years following, different from the others past, it must of necessity rise and proceed of some more farther cause, than any alleged in all the whole Astrological discourse: for as much as there is not any one Maxim therein alleged, that may not seem. Puerile quiddam, not worth the hazarding of any small credit in Astrology, that hath been already purchased (else how can one lose that he never had). And for the better proof of these my speeches, consider what is by him alleged. jupiter on whom some part of the charge is laid, shall begin to shrink the tenth of july, and go backward, whereby his influence should be hindered, which is nothing material. For why the combat (the conjunction I mean) being fought & passed long before, it is requisite that the combatants do retire and repose themselves in array, returning back from whence they came, which well they may do without any kind of impeachment or discredit in this respect. Besides it is a passion which happeneth unto them every year once, which they can not possibly avoid. Then to think, or be persuaded that Saturn, jupiter, or any other of the Errones can be or shall be, these five or six years next ensuing, either oftener retrograde than heretofore they have been, or than commonly they use to be, is most absurd & chieldish, and argueth that whosoever is of that opinion can be but a simple Astrologian, not seen at all in the Theory of the planets, nor well acquainted with Copernicus his Hypotheses, Rein●olts observations, or Pe●rbachius. Forasmuch as it is a position or rule infallible that a Planet cannot pass by his first station above once, while he maketh his revolution in his epicicle, & by it he must of necessity once pass, and the tempus periodicum of his revolution is certain, constant, and without alteration. Wherefore, if he ever see Saturn oftener retrograde, then once in twelve months and eighteen days (menses solares I mean) or jupiter in 13. months and 9 days, Mars, in 3. years and 2. months, Venus in one year 7. months and 14. days, Mercury in 3. months & 26. days, or if he can find that they escape retrogradation in any of those prescribed times, then let me lose the credit of mine Astrology, unless it please the almighty to work miracles more in these 6. years following, than in 1600. years heretofore: and were his meaning no less, yet were it doubtful, whether the author of the Astrological discourse. were a consilijs illius, and privy to his intent. But admit it were as he saith, that they were oftener retro grave then in times past, and that which is more than so, that the sun stood still, or went backward, contrary to his natural motion: yet were it no argument thereupon to infer the dissolution of the world, or end of the same: considering that in the time of josua, the Sun stood still: and in the time of Ezechias, the Sun went back: and the world notwithstanding continuing after the space of sixteen hundred years, and not so little. And whereas he also saith, that the 26. day of October they are almost in conjunction again. I answer that almost never won the game, nor almost did never hit the nail on the head, & although they be in application, yet is the same but aplicatio aversa, and is prevented by refranation, afore they come to the full conjunction and as for their situation in the 10. house, at the Sun his entrance into Libra, in the third part of the Astronomical year: it cannot any way increase the hurt, sith they have no dominion in the said year, for how can he govern a part, that is excluded from the whole. And to return to the constitution of the other Planets, which are supposed to help forward this cause, & play their parts in this tragedy. Mars is the man most suspected herein: who though he be peregrine, yet by his dignities coequal with his debilities, and therefore become indifferent and of a mean disposition, who although he be in Leo, yet is he not in Cacodaemon, neither is he any way so greatly disgraced or evil affected, whereby it should be thought to pretend any such wonderful contention, sedition, treason, rebellion, wars, tumults, mutines or uproars, with horrible slaughter and bloodshed, but rather warranteth thereby, this his terrible prediction and fearful prognostication to pass like a shadow, or vanish like a smoke, not unlike quicksilver melted at the fire, or as the crack of a Cannon charged without a bullet, only making a fearful noise, and causing no further harm. He saith also thereupon, that great multitudes shallbe spoiled, subdued, destroyed & murdered, by the enemy that should oppress them with the sword & fire, and other tragical mischiefs & notorious calamities, to be presaged to some mighty ruler or governor, appointed in high dignity or supreme authority. Mars being neither in the 10. nor having dominion therein. Furthermore, he supposing Mars to be Lord of the 9 house, inferreth thereupon evil success to the clergy, whereas in truth Mars hath nothing to do in the same, neither is Mercury there unluckily appointed, or lately of him discomforted or discouraged with a hateful square aspect," but rather received with a trine into his house, which can by no means" foreshow any persecution of the Clergy, or any disquiet thereby, what soever is signified otherwise. Likewise Mars in Leo, not in the 12. house from the ascendent (as he would have him) can not threaten loss or destruction in those kinds of beasts that have hooves, horns, and fleeces, nor hinder the increase of Wasps, Pismires, Caterpillars, cormorants, and vermin: but that they should abound to much (if it pleased not God otherwise to hinder the same) who because he is not seated in the eight house from the Moon, Ipse non significat interfectiones & infirmitates magnai in hominibus. Moreover, the Sun being not Lord of the Ascendent, nor resident in the 10. house but Lord of the sixth, and situate in the ascendent, showeth that he should employ his influence far otherwise then to busy himself, with causing much trouble, vexation or sorrow, to Noble men, or Honourable personages: much less to thrust any Magistrates out of Office, deprive them of their dignities, or place other in their rooms: though some may feel these inconveniences threatened unto them, but by some particular and private cause, as is before mentioned. Likewise, Venus no Lady of the 10. house, though peregrine, not combust, and in the 2. house, meaneth to be no partaker with the Sun herein, though he be in her house: yet is she from home, minding to visit her old friend Mars with a sextile aspect, intending to make some banquett or good cheer, whereby to help away with the substance that else would rust, rather than to foreshow the bad estate not only to Princes, but of their subjects likewise: which bad estate saith he, shall be found in the Countries that be situate between the East and the West, a sentence worthy the noting: for it containeth much matter, and is most like to be truest of all his predictions: for if any such thing happen in any place of the whole world, he thereby hits it. For what place is there under the Sun, which is not between the East and the West, and if he had likewise said between the north and the South, or between the Earth & the Sky, he should have left no place of the world unconsidered: for within the two extremes, of either these three even distances, not only the universal earth, but the whole is comprised, and by including the whole he can not lightly miss a part. And Venus, if she were in the 11. house, as she is in the 2. is not there weakened, or unluckily affected, for that she hath 23. strengths to help herself withal, only 9 debilities to be deducted: and if it may help, rather she is in optimo statu, quia apparens in ortu vespertino, & velox cursu, far enough from the Moon Catabibazon: and therefore can not signify that subtle dissembling & false packing amongst men, or want of faithful and sound friendship, or much counterfeit and feigned amity, uncourteous dealing, falsehood, breach of friendship, hate, discord, strife, division or factions, etc. Nor after Haly, Destructionem futuram in mulieribus, neque presagit leguminum caritatem: because she not infortunate in the 11. house. And as for Mercury, as he is not near his 2. station by 25. degrees, so is he not in the house of Religion, or long journeys, though peregrine in Aries, his place is in the Ascendent, and hath not to signify much journeying or removing: for although he be Conuertibilis & mobilis, yet he is slow of course, and therefore by that Arologicall reason, can not signify travelling or journeying. Also Mercury having nothing to do in the 7. house, nor aspecting the cusp of the same, cannot infer sundry grievances, violent Robberies, Spoils, wilful Murders, and cruel man slaughters. For Mercury his influence, when he hath to do therein, is rather to incline the evil disposed to secret filching, privy picking, purloining, pilfery, and petty lasseny, then unto forcible breaches, riots, or violent Robberies. And that the same configuration, should" cause irreligious, impious, obstinate" wicked, stubborn, & disorderly persons to abound: the marvel were not great, considering the world lacketh them not at this present, nor hath not wanted them in former ages: howbeit Mercury (who is Conuertibilis naturae) changing himself into the nature and disposition of him whom he most pertily aspecteth, who is the Moon, in this behalf, can produce no such effect, no more than any other kind of infortune unto the estate of Ambassadors, Secretaries, Notaries, Registers, Clerks, Scriveners, Mercers, and those especially of the learneder sort, which is no way to be feared, considering that Mercury their Significator, is both strong in himself, and in the position of the Figure: and as for busy" minded fellows, and factious heads" wedded to their own conceits, I have no doubt, but that they are likewise wedded to their own sorrows and harms, for that the busy man never wanteth woe. But to come now to the Moon, who being neither peregrine, for that she is in suo Decano, neither in opposition with Venus, but separating from the trine of Mars: neither she being Lady of the tenth house, but of the second: it were against reason to think, that she should in that constellation show any heavy calamities, imprisonmentes, disturbances, tribulations, thought, anguish, and sorrow unto the common people: so that in very truth, there is not one Aphorism in the whole tract, that agreeth with the figure of the true Conjunction: then how is it possible to pronounce ex faelsis verum. Neither is it hereby to be thought, that the Commons shall carry either disloyal, bisobedient, or rebellious hearts towards their governors. And though the world be wickedly given, yet it is not like that any should be so unfaithful to their Prince, or unnatural to their Country, as to disquiet the common wealth thereof, unless it be some such, whose significatours of their Nativities be infortunately situate, in signis odiose obedientibus, which from the beginning, as they have unhappily begun their Insurrections and Rebellions, so have they unfortunately proceeded, and miserably ended the same. I pray GOD with my whole heart, that all so minded and disposed, may come to the like success in the end, as no doubt they shall through GOD his justice, had this Conjunction never been. And for as much as the Sun, being Anima Mundi, is not become Maleficus, neither the Fiery triplicity infortunate, neither the Sign of the eleventh and fift house, wherein the Moon can no way be placed, neither Saturn in the eight, nor Lord of the sixth and seventh house, his judgement depending thereupon, together with other incidentes of that Figure by him erected, are willingly (as unneedful) for brevity sake omitted, and had been here unto" small purpose recited, but as he is verily persuaded that there is no Country, or Nation, shall behold the same Conjunction unpunished: so am I certainly assured, that he is greatly deceived: and were it so, that it extended the force and signification thereof, unto the first and second Climate (which is Per Meroen Aethopiae, & per Syenen Aegipti sub Tropico Cancri) it is no doubt far different from the 8. Climate, and 18.19. and 20. Parallel, wherein this our Country lieth, neither are Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittary, signs that ascendent, or horoscopical unto all the Countries and Cities of the whole world: neither Saturn or jupiter, Dij topici omnibus gentibus: and therefore the influence of this Conjunction not to stretch over all the world, nor upon all sorts of people in the same: For the omnipotent and almighty jehovah, who sitteth above both planets and Starry Firmament, and rules them at his will and pleasure, hath ordained them as well to be signs and tokens of his mercy and love towards us his chosen and elected, as of his wrath and justice toward the wicked & reprobate, upon whom he never brought any just scourge or punishment for their sins and wickedness, but he first called them to repentance, by some such fearful signs and tokens: if the same might have pierced their obstinate and stony hearts. But to come to the Author his particular judgements, as touching weathers, and such like accidents. Nothing there is therein contained more praise worthy, than the rest before mentioned. And whereas upon the convent and assembly of the planets, happening in the month of April, in the year of our Lord 1584. in the Sign of Aries, at what time Saturn and jupiter shall forsake the Sign Pisces, is promised a Comet immediately to ensue. I plainly say, it is a very weak argument whereupon to infer such a great matter and accident by, as by the induction of Histories will be proved. In the year of our Lord GOD 1505. in the latter end of july, there was assembled the Son, the Moon, Saturn, jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, in Leo, a fiery sign: after which there followed no Comet. Again, in the year of our Lord God 1544. in the midst of November: there was Saturn, jupiter, Sol, Venus, Mercury, Luna, all convented in sagittary, a fiery sign as the former, after which there followed no Comet at all. Likewise in the year of our Lord God 1564. in the end of june there was Saturn, jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury, assembled in Leo a fiery sign, and the first before mentioned: After the which there followed no Comette, Drought, or Heat, but rather great floods and inundations, increasing the River of Thames in such sort, that it overflowed the marshes, and drowned much cattle: and also the same year there ensued a very cold and hard Winter in so much that the river of Thames was frozen over, the like whereof hath not been seen at any time since nor in many years before. As also Owse bridge at York, carried away with the force of the Ice at the same time: Howbeit, Leovitius promised a Comet, and the contrary weather, who was therein deceived, & so may" other presuming no less. And as" for the Comette, which appeared " in the year of our Lord 1556. in the beginning of March, it could not any way be signified or forshewed by that assembly, that then was in Aries: for that the said Comett appeared before there was any more entered into Aries then three, who were Saturn, Mars, and Venus: and therefore I may safely conclude, that the said blazing star or Comet, was no more caused thereby, then that which happened after the meeting in Leo, in the year 1434. or the which happened before the death of Charlemagne Anno domini, 814. after their concourse in Sagittary. Wherefore, when a Comet is to be presaged, debet aliunde peti, & therefore dare I not give any consent, to think that we shall have a Comet 1584. upon that Astrological conclusion, and slender reason before mentioned. For why, I am certainly persuaded, that they are engendered upon some other farther cause: for that in the year of our Lord God 1572. when there was no concourse of planets in fiery signs, there appeared a strange Comet in the Asterisme of Cassiopeia, toward the North part of the world, in the month of October, which was of long continuance. And again, in the year 1580. in the month of November, there appeared an other toward the south-west, which lasted the space of a fortnight, & appeared very great when as there was no meeting of the planets in any of the fiery signs, at, or immediately before the same. Furthermore, it is said by him, that in the month of April, 1584. there should be excessive cold, and extreme heat, caused by the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars in Pisces, and jupiter and Mars in Aries, which is a thing very absurd: for all men know, that two extremes do make a mean, and two contrary causes the one consumes the other, and they both bring forth a third: as scalding hot water, and extreme cold, do make lukewarm. As concerning the judgement " of the year 1585. it is not to be thought, that the assembly in Aries, should pull on the effect of a Conjunction that was before in Pisces, a watery sign, and of a contrary Element, and fire & water so hardly agreeing, as also, for that Transitus (as the Astronomers term it) is the least of all the influences. Again, where as it is said, that they which have in their Nativities the Ascendent, the Sun, the two superious Planets, or the Lord of the Ascendent or Nativity in Aries, Inprimis, ad choreas caelestes invitabuntur, aliquidque novi molientur: and that Germany & Italy, with other Country's subject to Aries, should beware of grievous calamities, chances and changes: it is far against reason to think that any Constellation should foreshow general calamities to whole Countries, and particular preferments to private persons, both being under the government of one and the same sign. As touching the continuance of the former effects, even as the conjectures of them are very slender, so is the text of Cardane very weak to this purpose: Effectus durant usque ad reditum, ut pote coniunctio Saturni & iovis, usque ad aliam coniunctionem: whereby his meaning is, that it should last the term & space of 20. years following, whereas it is recorded among them of no small credit in this science, that the significations upon the change of a Trigon, hath been sometimes deferred until the 3. or 4. Conjunction following, which is a 60. or 80. years from the same, or it take effect, and hath not lasted above 7. or 8. years in effect. But to come to the comparison of this Conjunction with others heretofore. The Conjunction which was in Cancer in November, that showed the general Deluge, called Nohae flood, had other accidents concurring with the same, which did aggravate the force thereof, as these. The Conjunction was in Cancer, which then likewise was the sign of the great Orb, & Saturn was then lord of the great Orb, and was there far worse disposed then at at this present, forasmuch as then he was Tardus motu, prope stationem, in detrimento, aswell as Peregrine, etc. & being so many ways lord and governor of the whole, and so diversly feebled and weakened, no marvel though so great effect did then follow, such as the world shall never see again: neither the like constellation in all respects. As for the Roman Monarchy, & his beginning, which happened after a conjunction in Scorpie, (but forty year before the beginning of the fiery Trigon at the least) which Conjunction of itself could as then have done nought, had there not been a little before, a concourse of Orbs, that head of Aries, octavi orbis, being in longitude with Aries noni orbis, and beginning as then to make a new revolution, which is Res magnaincaelo, as witnesseth Cardane. Furthermore, the sign of the great Orb at the same time was aquary which Orb was as then newly begun, and Saturn Lord of the said Orb, who did by a square aspect, behold the sign of the great Orb ex siguis se odiose intuentibus. All which considered, there is more cause to think that then there should follow some notable subversion, rather than now, when as none of the like accidents do any way concur, again it is no reason to think that the watery Trygon, which began the fourth Monarchy, should likewise finish the same: Quia idem non potest esse causa generationis & corruptionis. And as touching the conjunction, which was six years before the blessed and happy birth of our saviour Christ, the which Leovitius putteth in Pisces, Cardane affirmeth the same to be in the third degree of Aries, and the fiery Trygon already begun, which controversy of theirs (being men excellently read and learned) I refer to my betters to decide. Lastly in the time of Carolus magnus, the Trygon changing into Aries, came as then into the sign of the great Orb and Dominion of Mars. And sith that by process of time, we are now come again to the end of the watery Trigon, and beginning of the fiery, it is requisite before we shall presume by Astrological conjecture, to affirm that the end and consummation of the world, should be in the year of our Lord 1588. We should first consider whether there happen any change of the great Orb, or concourse of the eight and ninth Orb, either else the change of any Absit out of one sign into an other. All which, as Cardane witnesseth. Sunt res magnae in Coelo. If so be that there be any such cause concurrent, then is somewhat to be spoken thereof, otherwise little to be expected. The prophecies of the sacred Scriptures first most reverenced and best considered about the same, and then the Astrological conjectures compared therewithal, and carefully foreseeing that we allege not, Non causam pro causa, some reasonable estimate may be made thereof. But the day and hour is unknown to the angels of heaven, And so to return to the last notable matter by him specified, which is, that there shall not appear unto us in our Horizon, any Eclipse, of the Sun, or moon this year. But how great or how notable a thing, that is to be considered, I leave to those that are meanly exercised in Astronomy. But as touching the influence of the Eclipse of the Sun, that was in Cancer, the last year 1582, whereof there is wonders promised, we are to examine. And first the cause of an Eclipse well known, we are to consider the quantity of the Eclipse, and the continuance of the same. Leovitius at Augusta, putteth it to be the twentieth of june, at four of the clock, fifty three minutes in the morning, and three points seven minutes darkened, and continued an hour & twenty two minutes. Maestlin for Tubing, affirmeth it to be at four of the clock fifty minutes, and but two points four minutes darkened, and lasted an hour and fourtéen minutes. And Stadius for Antwerp hath it at four of the clock forty two minutes: But not so much as one sixth part of one point darkened, nor of any continuance at all, but only a touch as it were.  
Wherefore if they which dwell in longitude, thirty degrees, and have the pole elevated forty eight degrees, had it three points darkened, & they in longitude thirty one degrees, under the elevation of forty nine degrees, had but two points darkened. Likewise they that dwell in longitude twenty six degrees under the elevation of fifty one degrees, saw nothing at all. How is it possible that they which are in longitude nintéene degrees, under the elevation of fifty two degrees, should see any thing. And for because the surreption of light is the ground whereby to judge of the events: I thought good to take the pains, to prove by the principles of the Art, whether there were any surreption in our Horizon or no, with the rest of the circumstances thereunto apertayning. Whereby it may appear to any that is studious or desirous to come to the truth thereof, in manner as followeth.  
 die. Ho. mi. ●. Visibilis coniunctio solis & Lunae. 19 16. 30. 11. Distantia verae coniunctionis a visa. 0. 0. 59 8. Còn iunctio vera. 19 17. 30. 0. Anomalia solis annua. sex. 5. 58. 39 39 Anomalia lunae Coaequata. 4. 5. 8. 19 Motus verus latitudinis. 1. 27. 13. 20. Distantia solis ac lunae a vertice. gra. 86. 26. 0. Paralaxis Lunae ad . 0. 0. 55. 23 Paralaxis Longitudinis lunae ad . 0. 0. 33. 54 Paralaxis Latitudinis lunae ad . 0. 0. 46 47.    mi 6 Latitudo lunae vera. bor. 0. 14. 13. Latitudo lunae visa. Aust. 0. 32. 16. Semidia metre solis visualis. 0. 0. 15. 49. Semidia metre lunae visualis. 0. 0. 16. 53. Congeries semidia metrorum. 0. 0. 32. 42. Digiti ecliptici. digit. 0. 9 32. Tempus insidentiae. ho. 0. 5. 0.  
WHereby it may evidently appear that there was scant the sixth part of one point of the suns body eclipsed, what soever was seen at Cambridge, before whom so ever, unless they had their Ossa iugalia nimium extensa. As Cornelius Gemma had, when he considered the Comet that was in Cassiopeia, which made them see the thing which was not, else had they not Neruum opticum bene dispositum, which made that small darkness to appear sixteen times bigger than it was, and the obscuration being but the sixth part of one point, is a thing of none account at all, as the sequel showed. For that small influence that it had, began the sixth day of july, lasted two months, and ended the seventh of September following in the same year. Wherefore the effects thereof can not by any Astrological reason be deferred till May 1583, and so continue a year. Thus is there neither good nor bad can be aspected from this Eclipse. As for the comparing with other Eclipses is needless. But one example must not be omitted. If this Eclipse had been darkened three points as it was not (though he so say thereof) In the year saith he, 1536. the 13. day of june, at one of the clock after noon was an eclipse of the Sun in the seventh degree of Cancer, the sun was darkened eight points almost, with them at Tubing, but much less with us at London, and from the beginning to the end, lasted two hours and six minutes. The effects whereof began in january following, the tenth day, and lasted two years, which declareth that this Eclipse could not foreshow the two great commotions, that were in Lyncolneshire and Yorkshire, which were both of them begun & ended in October before the influence of this eclipse took place, at least the space of 2. months. But for confirmation of Art, let us see what happened from january 1537 till january 1539. when as the influence of this Eclipse raged. In February there was stirred a rebellion, wherein Carlisle was besieged. In April after theridamas was a commotion in Sommersetshire, about taking up of Corn, and there was from the beginning to the end, above sixty persons executed and put to death for treason, rebellion, and denying the kings Supremacy: of which number there was a marquess, three Lords, six Knights, three Abbots and a Lady, that was brent in Smithfield (Quiae Eclipsis fuit in decima domo regis, & prope locum solis aphetae suae genesis) If we may give credit to Cardane, all so in the time there were sundry abbeys suppressed, the black Friars, the white Friars & the monks of Charterhouse, soon after all the rest, (Quia in nona domo quae est domus religionis) As for any dearth or scarcity, sickness or mortality, I read of none that followed, neither of inundations or floods but great hurt by fire was done in London amongst the basketmakers in Rood Lane, where twelve houses and nine persons were burnt in the space of three hours, besides friar Forest and other that were brent in Smithfield, and a great many of Images (for avoiding of Idolatry) were burnt at Chelsey (Mars feriebat gradum Eclipticu quadrato brevium) Likewise on a sunday at the sermon time, appeared at Paul's Cross the Rood of grace, and there moved the mouth and lips, very straunglie. But it was brought thither out of Kent, and with sundry devices made so to do. afterward by the same Preacher the Bishop of Rochester was showed the blood of Hales, and proved to be no blood, but clarified honey mixed with Saffron. And lastly, to conclude and to show, that some good as well as ill, may be foreshowed by an Eclipse, as well privately, as publicly, particularly, as generally. There were (during the influence of that Eclipse) 18. States created and advanced. Also the virtuous and Godly Prince Edward, afterwards king Edward the sixth was borne, a great joy to the whole Land. Also the Bible in english was set in every Church of the Realm for all men to read: And thus much for the confutation of the Astrological discourse and positions therein contained. And for as much as it is not thuoght sufficient for any one to reprehend or reprove the doings and procedings of other writers unless after confutation of their error made, he seemeth further to add of his own, somewhat either more Substantial in doctrine, reasonabler in hearing, or with the truth of the matter better agreeing. I have there upon thought it not amiss, to follow an order and plaltform of judgement in the declaration hereof used by Ptholomy, and other learned writers of later tyme. Wherein it is first requisite to understand, who at this present is Lord of the great Orb, what the sign of the same is, as also the degree profectionall, and the divisor thereof. Likewise the Ascendent of the conjunction, and revolution, and lastly, who hath the Dominion in the conjunction, or prevention next and immediately going before the same. All which, for the better understanding of that which followeth, I will briefly in order set down, thereby that it may appear, who of these twain thus conjoined hath most force and dominion in all or most, of the former considerations, for that the conjunction simply of itself, unless it hath a further consent of the premises, can not pretend or forshew any great matter worthy the penning. Much less the alteration of Kingdoms, the coming of Christ in judgement, or consummation of the world. For as much as it is a matter usually happening once in each twenty year, four times in every sign, and twelve times in every Trygon before they shift, or change the same. So that within the space of two hundred forty years, they are twelve times conjoined together, and not above.  
And what horrible matters about twenty years last passed, in respect of the former recited have happened, there are none of sufficient years, who are not able to testify. And therefore most strange it is, that the audacity of every slender student in this science, should be such as upon so small causes so certainly and peremptorily, to pronounce such great and wonderful effects, assuring the same upon his credit. But how so ever his credit be, certain I am, that thorough the like rash, and unlearned attempts the art itself, hath been greatly discredited. In so much as it is in a manner contemned of the common people: the which was in times past esteemed both of Prince and Potentate in such sort as they became earnest Students thereof. Wherefore, it were to be wished, that some of the chiefest Mathematicians of this Age, and of this our Country well learned, and long experienced, would undertake the writing of these, and the like cases, whereby other yunger Scholars might be the more benefited, and the common wealth the better profited. And were there any cause of fear by this Conjunction portended, it were more reasonable and convenient, that Liberati the Italian, should rather admonish the kingdom of France, and Italy his country, then threaten the realm of England thereby. For that in the year of our Lord 1524. after the like Conjunction in Pisces, the French king was taken prisoner, at the siege of Pavi, by the Duke of Bourbon: which in despite of the Cardinal Wolsey, went to Rome, besieged the City, his soldiers fact and spoiled it, the Pope driven to fly to the castle of S. Angelo, where he continued long in calamity. The second year after, was a peace concluded between England and France, the fift year following was the new Testament translated into English by William tindal, and printed: the sixth year following, the Pope was banished, and suit to the court of Rome forbidden, and the same year died Cardinal Wolsey, all which I am persuaded, was no loss to England, likewise the clergy was condemned in the praemunire. No other great matter happened in this land, by the space of 10. years after that Conjunction, except it were the loss of the holy maid of Kent: who with her complices, Monks, and Friars, were worthily executed and put to death, and certain houses of observant Friars put down. But to return from whence I first digressed, the sign of the great Orb at this present, is Gemini. The Lady and governess of the Orb, Venus. The degree of the profection the twenty eight of Libra, the divisor Mars, the ascendent of the conjunction, the twenty nine degree, and 51. minutes of Pisces. The Lady of the hour of the said conjunction Venus. The Lord and governor of the prevention, precéeding Venus. All which considered, it evidently appeareth that Saturn hath no Dominion in any of the premises, much less in all, or the most of them. And therefore were he Potentior Joue in loco coniunctionis, as some in considerately have supposed him, yet cold-he not at this present, work those effects by him signified, by reason of his dissent and disagreement otherwise. But according as jels where promised. I will first begin with the doctrine of Ptolemy, in the sixty three proposition of his Centiloquium, whose words are these. Cum Saturnus jupiterque cōiūgunter utrum eorum sublimior sit vide, & juxta illius naturam pronuntiato. The which proposition containeth much matter, and very difficult in few words. For by the word conjunction, as some of the learned have interpreted, he meaneth in the same place, Coniunctionem tam secundum latitudinem, quam longitudinem. Both which at this present by great good hap, in a manner concur, though the same by the Author be neglected and omitted. A farther consideration than the which notwithstanding of other some there is required herein, the uniting and contaction of their bodies, the which (for that the difference of their Latitudes is more than the Semidiameters of their bodies) can not be: for as much as the Semidiameter of the body of Saturn is but 4. minutes, and the Semidiameter of the body of jupiter is 6. minutes, both which added together maketh 10. minutes, and the difference of their Latitudes is 26. minutes: Ergo, it appeareth as is said: and how requisite this third consideration is in the judgement of corporal Conjunctions: say they, the Eclipse of the Sun and the Moon doth evidently declare. For that when as the Latitude of the Moon exceedeth the Semidiameter of both their bodies, there happeneth no Eclipse, be the Conjunction otherwise never so partile, the which opinion although it be very reasonable and probatle, yet will I not much stand thereupon, for that it seldom happeneth to concur with the two former considerations, and yet the Conjunction pretending matter to ensue: how be it it must of necessity be granted when it so happeneth, to be the more significative, and of greater effect Ceteris paribus. The second point contained in the former proposition, is to consider in this Conjunction Quis elevatur super alterum, the which word elevatio, for that it is somewhat ambiguous, is therefore diversly understood of sundry Writers, some taking it in one sense and some in other, as Trapezuntius commenting upon the same proposition understandeth Per elevationem altitudinem planetae in epiciclo, affirming that when soever two Planets are conjoined together, he that is nearest of the twain unto the Apogeon of his Epicicle, dicitur elevatus super alterum, & when they are of like distance from the former Apogeon: Quod nullus elevatur supra alterum: And some there are, as Guido, and such like, who refer the same unto the latitudes of the planets so conjoined thus saying thereof, that if it happen their Latitudes to be both one way and into the North, he whose Latitude is greater to be elevated above the other, but if both their Latitudes be into the South, them he to be elevated whose latitude is least of the twain: If the latitude of the one be into the North, and the Latitude of the other into the South, than he whose Latitude is into the North, is elevated above the other in to the South: but if their Latitudes be both one way and like much, than he who is ascendent to be elevated above the other descendent in the same, and when as neither of them have any Latitude from the Ecliptic, then none to be elevated above the other, and a third sort there are who consider Per elevationem, declinationem ab Equatore: saying, that in this and the like Conjunctions, it is to be considered, Quis planetarum habet maiorem declinationem, which if they happen to be both into the North, than he who hath the greatest declination of the twain is thought to be elevated above the other: but if their declination be into the south, he whose declination is less of the twain: but if so be that the declination of the one be into the North, and the declination of the other into the south, than he who hath his declination in to the North: but if their declinations be both one way, and equidistaunt from the Equator, than none to be elevated above other, and they seem to yield this reason of their opinion, that he who hath the greater declination of the twain both being into the North, hath likewise the greater altitude Meridian, and therefore cometh of the twain nearest unto our Zenith or Vertical, the highest and nearest point of our Country, but when as their declinations are both into the South, the reason is contrary, for that he whose declination is then most, hath the least altitude Meridian of the twain, and when their declinations are both one way and like much, then is the altitude Meridian one and the same, and none cometh nearer to our Vertical than the other. A fourth sort likewise there are, and they no small number, who understand Per elevationem, the distance of a Planett from the Apogeon of his Eccentriciti, so that he who cometh nearest unto the same, is by them elevated above the other, and if they be both equidistaunt from the same, than he who is ascendent in his Eccentriciti above the other descending: but if both ascending or both descending and equidistaunt from the same, than none elevated above other, who think themselves to have great reason of their opinion, because it is daily seen by the Son and other planets, the nearer they come unto the same, the more they are elevated above the earth, and higher and further from us. A fift sort there are, who understand elevationem after a far other manner, referring the same unto the essential dignities of the planets, pronounsing that Planet in any Conjunction to be elevated above the other, who hath Plures dignitates in loco coniunctionis: saying, that he in reason ought to have the superiority in any such case, who hath most to do therein: alleging Pthol. in his third book in the tract de animae facultatibus for their warrant in this behalf, whose words are these: Magna autem est vis planetarum potentiorum, & elevatorum super mercurium & lunam, where it is evident by that which goeth before the same, as thus: Quum autem sunt in proprijs, & familiaribus locis, & dignitatibus planetae gubernantes animi inclinationes etc. And Cardane commenting upon the said tract, affirmeth no less. A sixth and last sort understand Per elevationem altitudinem planetae super Horizontem, accounting that Planett to be elevated above the other, who is nearest to the Meridian of the twain: As the Planet in the 12. house above an other in the ascendent, and one in the 11. above the same in the 12. and one in the 10. above the same in the 11. For as much say they as it is daily seen, that as the sun passeth these positions and houses, he ascendeth higher and higher until he come unto the highest point thereof, and his heat and force in each of the said points more and more increasing, until he come at the full Meridian and highest point from the Horizon. And of this opinion is the learned Leonitius in his judgement de nativitatibus in the chapter de coniugio, his words being these: Saturnus proxime supra utrumque significatricem coniugij, stellam (lunam ac venerem) elevatus, ita ut nullus, prorsus, planeta interueniat, & ex loco maxim sublimisz. medij coeli apice utrunque velu● deprimens, coniugium huic nato denegat: & other late Writers for the better maintaining of this opinion, allege the authority of Pthol. in the third Book in the tract de lesionibus, & morbis corporis. Whose words are these: Rursus quando venus est in cardinibus dictis maxim in occid. juncta Saturno, aut eum aspiciens, aut domicilia mutarunt, Mars super cum elevatur etc. And in the fourth Book in the Chapter de facultatibus, alleging these words following: Considerentur alij fausti planetarum aspectus ad hos & illi qui elevantur super hos ex eadem vel contraria qualitate. And again in the same Book in the tract de magisterio as followeth: & cum beneficae stella sunt elevati super dominantes, faciunt magnos gloriosoes etc. Econtra cum malefici elevantur super dominatores, faciunt submissos ignobiles, nihil lucrantes etc. In all which places alleged it is evident say they that the authors understand, Per elevationem, altitudinem planetae quoad mundum vel Horizontem, by reason of which diversity and contrariety of opinions, it is not a little difficult to determine the elevation or superiority of these twain thus conjoined: but for as much as the proposition before recited is taken out of Pthol I think it most reasonable to confirm his meaning herein by himself, and the like words used of him else where, taking elevationem in this place in both the senses by him alleged, according unto both which it will appear that jupiter is Sublimior of the twain. First, for that he is in domo propria & dominus coniunctionis, & Saturn having no one dignity therein, nor aught to do in the same. Secondly, because he is Saturno elevatior quo ad mundum vel Horizontem, whereof there may be some doubt, considering that they are both in one degree and minute very partilly conjoined, which not withstanding because jupiter his latitude is least of the twain, his distance therefore a Meridie must be least of them both, and therefore his altitude above the Horizon most, Et ergo sublimior Saturno: What then followeth in the former proposition, juxta illius naturam pronunciaeto, where by it is manifest that this said Conjunction of the two superior followeth the influence, operation, and property of the most happy, prosperous and benevolent Planette jupiter, whose influence and irradiation is not at any time to work hurt to any, much less when as he is strong in himself, well affected, and disposed, and having the prorogatiue and pre-eminence above the rest, for when at any time he hath the Dominion and government of an Eclipse, a matter far more significative than this silly and simple Conjunction, considering that the said jupiter the governor and disposer thereof is neither dominus ascendentis coniunctionis, because the ascendent is the last degree & almost last minute of the sign Pisces: neither dominus ascendentis revolutionis: neither dominus orbis magni, nor preventionis prox. precedentis. For Pthol. writing and declaring the natural causes of general calamities, ascribeth more unto the Eclipses then unto any other: thus saying of them, Prima & efficacissima talium eventuum causa, est copulatio solis & lunae in defectibus: And next after Eclipses, he affirmeth Comets and blazing Stars to have a great affect and signification, whereof he thus testifieth in the 28. proposition of his Centiloquium. Tratectiones atque crinitae secunda parts in judicijs ferunt, and yet whensoever this Planette jupiter or Venus have the whole dominion in either of the said places, as they have in this Conjunction, they turn the significations thereof, unto much good prosperous hap and effect, as appeareth by the said Pthol. Thus writing of the said jupiter in the second Book in his tract de eclipsibus there enquiring, Quales futuri sunt eventus boni vel mali. Thus much affirming of the said Planette jupiter cum solus dominatur, incrementa efficit, cumque eventus ad homines pertinent, gloriam, fertilitatem, tranquillitatem, & pacem significat etc. And no less signification hath the said jupiter and Venus, and either of them in the dominion of Comettes and Meteors, as witnesseth Mizaldus and others, who have written de Cometographiae and were this not so, Comets and Eclipses could not at any time signify and pretend good hap and effect to follow and ensue: the contrary whereof experience doth testify: for as much as after the appearance of the Comette in Libra the Diurnal house of Venus, and under the beams and irradiation of the most prosperous and benevolent Planett jupiter, in the Nativity of our Saviour, there followed great joy, peace and comfort unto the whole world, and what good effects have ensued of Eclipses in particular Countries, each mean Chronographer is able to testify. If then in such great matters as Eclipses and Comettes, the force of these planets be such, upon their dominion there, I see no cause but to hope and expect the like hereafter, the power and authority of jupiter and Venus being no less in this Conjunction, the one quia dominus, the other quia Almuten, and the same so much the rather for that the said jupiter hath none elevated above him thereby to let and inhibit his influence, but is both the highest and the strongest in the figure, and therefore the good effects promised thereby so much the more, as witnesseth Pthol. in his second Book de predictionibus Astronomicis: His words being these: Etenim beneficae stell● & locis eventui obnoxijs cognatione aliqua iunctae, si non superentur ab alijs contrariae sectae stellis, efficatius quod policentur naturae suae bonitate absoluunt: Wherefore it is requisite to show and declare to whom and what Countries this said good by this Conjunction promised is especially portended: for as much as it were absurd in reason to think this same to be prefigured unto the whole, or unto these to whom the same in the Exact time of the Conjunction doth not appear: For as a Comett signifieth not but unto those to whom the same doth first show and appear: or an Eclipse, but unto such as see and behold the same, their revolutions notwithstanding about the whole within the space of four and twenty hours: the like consideration therefore of this Conjunction not without cause at this present in this behalf, according to the which time and position it seemeth most reasonable to think the good effects by this Conjunction promised and presaged, especially to touch such Regions and Countries, as lie under the influence thereof, and as have the said jupiter their patron and significator, as also unto those Countries that are subject unto the sign of the Conjunction, or sign ascendent of the same, or sign wherein the Almuten of the Conjunction is as then seated and placed: And for as much as the sign wherein the Conjunction will happen is known to be of the fourth and last triplicity, it hath his signification in the Countries, lying in respect of the whole south-west, and those especially of the same situate on the Sea cost, and certain Islands lying in the said point, as also other Countries in the like position environed with many Rivers or great waters, and to descend more particularly, unto Normandy, Portugal, and Compestella in spain, and no less good hap promised likewise unto the Country's lying and situate in respect of us Southeast, adjoining and bounding upon the North Seas, Quia jupiter huius boni author & significator orientalis a sole, & in latitudine australi, ac in piscibus, signo aqueo ac septentrionali. And the sign Gemini wherein the Almuten of the said Conjunction moveth, somewhat confirmeth the same: Habet enim signum geminorun, ex regionibus Flandriam, Brabantiaen etc. Et quia jupiter huius rei dominator fortis est per se, & erga , & in domo pavoris, tristiciae, meroris, captivorum, ac incarceratorum sit us, ac supra saturnum eiusdem domus dominum exaltatus, eumque de primens, exilij, inopiae, angustiarum, luctus, pavoris, interitus, vastitatis, caritatis ac penuriae dominum, ac significatorem maxime necessariorum ad victum. What is hereby to be thought? but that the imprisoned in the said places to be released, & the captives set at liberty, their dearth & penury turned into more abundance & plenty, their fear to joy, their thraldom to liberty, their sorrow to comfort, & their long war to sudden and short peace, & the same so much the rather, if other more forcible & effectual causes concur with the same as the two eclipses hereafter following, the one lighting near unto the degree of the said conjunction, & the other not far from the degree opposite to the same, but the good before promised is not like presently to take effect, but after certain small treasons, treacheries, secret conspirasies, & a few like troubles before going: for although jupiter have héerin the victory & superiority, disposing for the most part the conjunction after his own inclination & disposition: yet can it not be denied, but the Saturn worketh therein some little and small effect, though nothing in respect of the former good, & far less than otherwise he would, had he had the superiority and supremacy therein. And it may seem somewhat strange thus to think, considering that the said Saturn is in this conjunction peregrine, weak, & without dignity, as also in domo cadente, a weak place of the figure, where unto I answer, which Haly, Abenragell, & other, that although he be without dignity, yet is he not void of influence, as also that the malefici being peregrine, are then readier & apt to mischief then otherwise: howbeit their force & ability, as than not answerable to their will, as appeareth in the direction of an Aphaeta, unto a weak & peregrine Anaraeta, and although Saturn be in Cadente, yet must it be considered with all, that he is in domo in qua gaudet. And therefore it is not any way to be intended, that the dominion and superiority of the one, can quite & wholly extinguish the influence & operation of the other, but rather causeth it to appear mild, weak, feeble, and very remiss,  rerum umbrae potius, quam res ipsae videantur, that otherwise would appear, In intenciori ac summo gradu. And for as much as Cardane in his first comment upon the second book of Pthol. his quadrupartite, there speaking somewhat of the conjunction of the second superior planets, Saturn & jupiter, thus saith of them. Hi tamen effectus ut dictum est, ab eclipsibus augentur vel minuantur, vel etiam ad effectum ducuntur. And therefore I will here after (when as I have occasion to write of those two eclipses before mentioned) diligently consider what consent, or descent they have with the same, & accordingly to yield my censure & opinion thereof, knowing not what should move the author of the late Astrological discourse, without the consent of any of the former considerations, so much to ascribe unto the said conjunction, unless the remembrance of the fifty proposition Centiloquij Ptho. the words being these. Ne prete●mittas centum & decem novem coniunctiones, in his enim posita est vis eorum quae fiunt in mundo, & generationis & corruptionis. The which words, if he simply understand, without any further respect (as I am certainly persuaded of no less), than see I no cause but that he may upon the same ground take no less occasion to pronounce the like marvels & miracles, upon the conjunction of the two luminaries, the Sun & the Moon, a matter happening once every month, the same being one of the Centum & decem novem coniunctiones there specified. But for that I purposed not to be over tedious and troublesome unto your worship in this behalf, I will at this present cease the further examination & declaration hereof, hoping that your worship will accept in good part, my simple and true meaning herein, until such time as it may please the Almighty, to endue me with a farther knowledge in this science, worthy the better liking and contentation of your worship.  
Your worships to command, Thomas Heth.