DAT GRATIAM HUMILIBUS 
God hates the proud, the humble are his care  
Hence hills are barren. Valleys fruitful are,   
THE VALLEY OF VARIETY: OR, Discourse fitting for the Times, Containing very Learned and rare Passages out of Antiquity, Philosophy, and History.  
Collected for the use of all ingenious spirits, and true lovers of learning.  
By Henry Peacham Mr. of Arts, sometime of Trinity College in CAMBRIDGE.  

— inutilis olim  
Ne videar vixisse—  Palingen.  
LONDON, Printed by M. P. for james Becket, at his Shop at the Inner-Temple Gate in Fleetstreet. 1638.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, And truly Noble, HENRY Earl of DOVER, etc.  
MY LORD,  
I Have been heretofore very much engaged to your Honour, aswell for many noble Courtesies conferred upon me, as your respect, and ever well-wishing towards me, altogether unworthy, I confess, so great a favour. I must hereunto add that Duty, wherein I stand obliged unto your Religious and Honourable COUNTESS, since my last being at your house in Broad-street, for her really expressed favour to me and mine: As also, to my Lord of Rochfort, the hope of your ancient and renowned Family.  
But since I am not able, 
In Farrag. Epistol●●  Cum tota mea suppellex sit Chartacea, as Erasmus saith of himself, To requite you with any thing but Paper; I offer unto your Honour, these selected Collections of mine, not altogether (at your hours of leisure) unworthy your view and perusal, since for aught I know, not any one of them hath spoken English before: beside, they are compact of Rarities, to enable Ingenious and Schollerly Discourse. But howsoever, such as they are, I humbly present them to your Honour's Patronage (whom I know (as many more bebeside) to be a true lover of the Church of God, as also of Learning, and all virtuous Parts:) And with them, my service to your Honour, and my most Noble Lady; who shall ever be  
Devoted unto you both, HENRY PEACHAM.   

To the Ingenious and Learned READER.  
READER whosoever, these are Collections which I have, at leasureable hours, collected out of Pancirolla and other Authors, having intended a good while since, to have wholly translated that Book into English; but having little leisure, and expecting less gain for so great a labour, in these unthankful times; wherein to be ignorant, is accounted by too many, to be a Gentlemanlike Quality. I resolved to give the world a taste of the Fruit, before I opened the Basket; and if what I have done shall not dislike thee, I will proceed, and go on with the Remainder: which doubtless cannot but (as all Variety doth) please thee, since thou shalt see what the Ancients had, which are lost and unknown of us; and what we have which they never knew. Although I confess, in this Book I have intermixed many other things for Variety, and pleasures sake, which hereafter may be Methodically disposed; but as I find this accepted, so will I proceed.  Thine, H. P.  

The Contents of the CHAPTERS.  

Chap. I.  
WHat to think of the which length of Age, Men lived in former Times, and shortly after the Creation. Fol. 1.   

Chap. II.  
Of the Dead Sea. 9   

Chap. III.  
Of that admirable Alteration or Change, which is every five hundred years, as well in the Church, as in every Commonwealth: As also of the contrary Fortunes of certain Kingdoms under Princes of the same Name. 18   

Chap. IU  
Of those Locusts, which the Scripture saith John Baptist did eat: where beside, many admirable things are reported of strange and unaccustomed meats. 26   

Chap. V.  
Of many who having received Poison, have not only miraculously escaped, but been thereby cured of (else) incurable Diseases. 37   

Chap. VI  
Of that Fire which perpetually burneth in ancient Monuments. 49   

Chap. VII.  
Of the strange mixture of Virtue and Vice, in the Natures and Dispositions of many men. 54   

Chap. VIII.  
The Vanity of some men's Ambition, in Titles and Honours. 65   

Chap. IX.  
Of the ancient Triumphs among the Romans. 74   

Chap. X.  
The extreme Madness, and vain Pride of some great Persons informer Ages. 86   

Chap. XI.  
Of Cinnamome. 97   

Chap. XII.  
Of Balsamum. 101   

Chap. XIII.  
What Studies and Exercises best become Princes. 107   

Chap. XIV.  
Of incombustible Flax, or which will not consume by Fire. 129   

Chap. XV.  
Of an artificial kind of guilding amongst the Romans, which they called Pyropus, as also of Electrum. 133   

Chap. XVI.  
Of Margaret the Wife of Herman, Earl of Henneberge. 140   

Chap. XVII.  
Of Glass made Malleable, to be beaten forth every way. 144   

Chap. XVIII.  
Of Bells. 151   

Chap. XIX.  
The occasion of the alteration of the Arms of Bohemia. 158   

Chap. XX.  
A most ancient and pleasant manner of Choosing their Prince in Carinthia. 162   

Chap. XXI.  
The marvellous simplicity of a Monk, fetched out of his Monastery, to be crowned a King. 168   

Chap. XXII.  
A witty, but a ridiculous reply, and vindication of a disgrace. 172    

MARCH 10. 1637.  
IMPRIMATUR,  GVIL: BRAY.  

THE VALLEY OF VARIETY.  

CHAP. I.  
What to think of the length of Age, which men lived in former times, and shortly after the Creation.  
IT hath been a question, What manner of years those were, our Forefathers (in the holy Scriptures) are said to have lived; as some, seven hundred, others, eight hundred, and some, nine hundred; as Methuselah; since, years have been taken diversely. Some have imagined they could not be our Anni solares, as we account years by the course of the Sun, as being a thing incredible, that the date of a man's life should extend itself to that length, far beyond the age of the eldest Oaks that may be found. Some accounted every Summer a year, (as Pliny reporteth) & Winter another; 
Histor. lib. 7. cap. 48.  as also the Arcadians counted their year by three Months; others again, according to the age of the Moon, as the Egyptians: so some amongst them are reported to have lived a thousand years. Thus far Pliny.  
There are therefore that imagine, Gen. 5. those years are to be understood, 
Consisting of 36 days.  that exceed not the (forenamed) Lunary years, ten whereof make but one of our Solar years; hereby reckoning, that who are in the Scripture said to have lived nine hundred years, lived of our years but ninety, every hundred of those monthly years amounting but to ten of ours. So they believed all that space of time which is contained in one year, to have been anciently divided into ten parts, 
Six times six, or 36.  and every part taken for a year, and every one of these ten parts to have had, Senarium quadratum, because in six days God finished his work of the Creation; all which number multiplied by ten, make just twelve Months.  
But these conclusions which they think witty, fall out to be most absurd, they not observing what followeth hereupon; for than should Canan, who begat children when he was aged 70 years, have begotten them when he was but seven years old. Beside, if we make a year but of six and thirty days, of what length must the Month be? surely, no more than three days: And how may that place in Genesis be reconciled, 
Genes. 6.  where it is said, The flood began the seven and twentieth day of the second Month? and how will it agree, where it is said, The Ark rested upon the mountains of A●arat, the seven and twentieth day of the seventh Month.  
Let us therefore certainly believe the years then to have been all one with ours, and that which is spoken of the great Age of those Fathers, not much to differ from the computation, according to our years. It is again said, that The Mountains appeared upon the first day of the eleventh Month; therefore the year consisted of many Months: and that we may not think the Month then consisted of no more than three days, or thereabouts, observe the seven and twentieth day is named.  
Now, if you would happily know the reason why the Fathers than lived so long, know there were two causes; first, the Final; then, the Efficient: the Final causes were; First, increasing the World with people, whereby it might be replenished, which they could not do, but by living a long time. Secondly, Arts were to be invented, for they are not found, but by long Experience. Thirdly, the Worship of God was to be delivered by Tradition, for as yet the written Word was not. But that could not be in such a variety of people, except those who received it from God, had been long lived.  
The Efficient causes of this their length of life, were I. The singular Blessings of God, Deuter. 30. I am thy life, and the length of thy days. II. The nearness in time to the Creation, when the bodies of men were of a singular, and a most perfect constitution and soundness, and state of Health. III. The Diet and feeding was far more wholesome before the Flood, than since. IV. The wits and invention were more accurate and subtle, in searching and finding out the nature and qualities of all things whereof they had need, to the sustenance of life, then ours are in these days. For these reasons, I suppose their lives were of that length.  
Neither may we wonder at it, since Heathen Writers testify, That even in their Times, some thousands of years after the Flood, many lived two hundred, others three hundred years. Hellanic●● (cited by Pliny) reporteth, That in Aetolia, 
Plin. Hist. lib. 7. cap. 4●.  many lived till they were two hundred years of age: which Damastes confirmeth, while he maketh mention of one Pictoreus amongst them, who lived strong and able of body, till he had fulfilled three hundred years; this saith Pliny.   

CHAP. II.  
Of the Dead Sea.  
THe Sacred Scriptures so sufficiently show us the fearful punishment, and vengeance of God upon Sodom and Gomorrah, that we need look no farther. But what the estate of that place (where those famous and noble Cities stood) at this day is not commonly known, wherefore my intent is, to make Relation of what we find, aswell in Monuments of venerable Antiquity, as by the Report of Travellers, who in these last times have seen those places.  
Then first know, that the whole Tract, 
The valley of Siddim.  or Country wherein those Cities stood, was called The valley of Siddim, which was exceedingly fruitful and fertile, insomuch, that it was compared to the earthly Paradise; and to Egypt, of Countries the most delicate and plentiful. But this place, so beautified and adorned with such a wonderful richness of Soil, and all pleasures whatsoever might make glad the heart of man; through the wickedness of the sinful Inhabitants, is so changed, that after those Cities and Fields about, were destroyed by fire and brimstone from heaven, the whole Country (sometime the pleasantest, and most fertile place of the world) was turned into a most horrid, stinking, and infectious Lake, called even at this day, Mare mortuum, or The Dead Sea.  
The Water hereof is thick, filthy, stinking, most bitter, and salt beyond anya Sea water whatsoever, wherein no creature liveth, or can live; wherefore this Lake is called, The Dead Sea. The famous River jordan runneth into this Lake, and is infected, or corrupted by it, insomuch as the Fish of that River shun this Lake as a deadly poison, and if through the swiftness of the stream, they are forcibly carried thereinto, they die presently. No quick or living thing can be drowned in the same; which Vespasian being desirous to make trial of, who came purposely in person to see this Lake, he caused some, altogether unskilful in swimming, to be bound with their hands behind them, and to be thrown into the Lake, but as it were, repulsed by a certain Spirit of the water, like fishes, they floated aloft the superficies of the water.  
Every fair and Sun-shinie day, it changeth the colour thrice, and that by means of the Sunbeams, falling either rightly, or obliquely upon the same, as at Morning, Noon, and Sunset, according to which, it varieth the colour.  
It yields a certain pitchy substance, called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin, Bitumen, (whence it is called, Lacus Asphaltites) which swims upon the top of the Lake in great abundance, some pieces being in bigness, as great as the body of an Ox; and it is of such a nature, as if any small Ships come near the place to fetch part of it away, they are caught, and drawn away by the tenacity, or limie catching hold thereof, and not to be loosened or freed again, but by application of Urine. Cui menses muliebres permixti sunt, saith mine Author; and with this only, the Bitumen is dissolved.  
It sendeth up a most Pestilent Air, in so much, you would think the steam of Hell-fire were underneath it, casting up most poisonous and harmful vapours; hereupon the Banks, and the neighbour Mountains are quite barren: if but an Apple groweth thereby, it is by nature such, that it speaks the Anger of God, and the burning of the place; for without, it is beautiful and red; but within, nothing but dusty smoke and cinders. A thing to be admired at, whereof, not only Christians, as Tertullian and Augustine, but also Heathen Authors make mention of; for thus writeth Solinus upon Polyb: (speaking of the place: There are, saith he, two Towns, one called Sodom, another Gomorrah, where grow Apples, although they carry a show of ripeness, yet can they not be eaten, for the cover of the outermost rind containeth within, an mashie sooty substance, which being touched, though but lightly, yield nothing but smoke and dust. Also Tacitus in his last book, saith, Not far from this place (or Lake) there are Fields, which they say in times past to have been wonderfully fruitful, and inhabited with many Cities, but to have been burned by lightning from Heaven, the marks whereof still remain, and the earth all scorched, to have utterly lost her natural strength of yielding fruit. For if any thing there groweth of the own accord, or be set, or sown with the hand, and they grow up into herbs or flowers, still keeping their own forms, yet are they black, without sap and substance, turning presently, as into ashes. This saith Tacitus.  
All which things are so to be weighed and considered of us, that we have always in remembrance the just judgements of God, and take heed of committing those sins which drew down the vengeance of God upon Sodom and Gomorrha. Behold, (saith the Prophet Ezechiel) this was the sin of Sodom thy sister, 
Eezec. 18.  Pride, Fullness of Bread, Abundance of Idleness; beside, she stretched not out her hand to the poor and needy. The like in Saint Peter, 
2 Pet 2.  God condemned the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrha, and turned them into ashes, and hath set them up as an example to those who shall live wickedly. Let me moreover add how josephus 
josephus' Antiq. c. 12.  testifieth, that in his time the Pillar of Salt, (into which Lots Wife was turned) was still remaining, and that he saw the same himself. Read the tenth Chapter of the Book of Wisdom; and for a Conclusion, take this of Prudentius: 
Nemo memor Sodomae, quae mundi forma cremandi est  
Vt semel è muris gressum promoverit, ore  
Post tergum verso, respecte● funera rerum.    

CHAP. III.  
Of that admirable Alteration or Change, which is every five hundred years, as well in the Church, as in every Commonwealth: As also of the contrary Fortunes of certain Kingdoms under Princes of the same Name.  
IT is marvellous, and a remarkable thing in Histories, that at the end of every five hundred years, there are great Changes and Alterations in States, whereof I bring you these examples:  
The Assyrians possessed Asia five hundred years; afterwards the Assyrians being driven out, the Medes possessed the same. The Kingdom of Athens continued four hundred ninety years, from Cecrops unto Codrus; from that time, of a Monarchy, it became a Democracie. As many years flourished the Commonwealth of the Lacedæmonians, which being brought to a form by Lycurgus, fell to ruin under Alexander the Great. Five hundred years passed from the expulsion of the Roman Kings, unto the time of Augustus the Emperor, under whom was a Monarchy established, when formerly the Roman Common wealth was mixed of an Aristocracy, and a Democracie. It was about five hundred years, from the time that Constantine the Great translated the seat of the Empire to Constantinople, to the time of Charles the Great, under whom the Empire was divided; and the Roman Eagle, which formerly had but one head, now was allowed two, and so became a Monster. From the battle of Actium, which assured to Augustus the Empire of the West, unto Valentinian the last of the Roman Emperors, are likewise numbered, five hundred years. This was Valentinian the third, and last Emperor of the West, until Charles the Great, although after him, many would be called Emperors, albeit they possessed scarce a very small part of Italy.  
Moreover, the Church of God under the Gospel every five hundred years, hath found a great change and alteration. In the first five hundred years, from the birth of our Saviour Christ, the Church shone in her purity, and Discipline severely exacted, albeit toward the end of this Period, it grew more remiss. In the next following five hundred years, Falsehood so contended with Truth, Superstition with sincerity of the Faith, Ambition in the Clergy, with Christian Humility; that by degrees crept in, and gathered head, the Invocation of the Dead, Worshipping of Images, Adoration of the Eucharist, those dreams of Purgatory, and the Primacy of the Roman Bishops, with the like.  
Then came the third Period, wherein those named abuses and errors, that before did bud, now grew ripe, yielding unsavoury and bitter fruit; the Authority of the Emperors abated and vilified, Pardons established and confirmed. The Apostolical Doctrine of the saving Grace of God, and the Merit of Christ Jesus little valued; in the room whereof, crept in the Merits of Saints, Works of Supererogation, Cowles, Rosaries, Beads, Holy water, and other such like, which were defended and maintained by the Monks, with no less impudency than impiety; and in this Period the Papacy was at the height.  
But in the fourth Period of five hundred years, God respecting, and in mercy looking down upon his Church, he raised up learned and godly men, who reducing the Church to her former purity, overthrew the Romish Idolatry, and bridel●d the Pope's Tyranny, as all the world knoweth.  
Thus we see, every five hundred years there hath been a change in the outward, or visible Church of God, although the Elect in all Ages of the Church, have evermore laid fast hold upon the Rock whereupon they were built, and founded.  
But observe another thing no less wonderful, that is, under Kings and Princes of the same name, how the fortune and estate of their Kingdoms hath fallen out to have been quite contrary. The Kingdom of the Persians grew up, and increased under one Darius, under another Darius it was ruined. The Kingdom of Macedonia was greatly augmented, and indeed grew first famous, under Philip the Father of Alexander: the same Kingdom under Philip the Father of Perseus came to decay. The Eastern Empire began with Constantine, and ended with Constantine Palaeologus; that it was truly said, a Constantine was to that famous and renowned Empire, the Rise, and the Ruin. I could here allege examples of nearer, and our own times, but it would not be so pleasing.  
Surely, the Providence of God governing all things, hath set certain bounds and limits to worldly promotions, and will have nothing to be certain upon earth; that mindful of our mortal and uncertain estates, we should not be proud, but always aspire, and seek after that certain Good, wherein is no mutability, which is God himself.   

CHAP. IU.  
Of those Locusts, which the Scripture saith John Baptist did eat: where beside, many admirable things are reported of strange and unaccustomed meats.  
MAny do wonder what ●he Evangelist S. Matthew might mean, where he saith, Saint John's meat (in the Wilderness) were Locusts; supposing it to have been a most absurd thing, and in a manner impossible: withal taking the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which the Evangelist useth, either for the tender tops of Herbs, Crabs, or wild Pears, but by their leaves they are far deceived. For no Greek Author hath said, or example can be brought, that ever 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was taken for any thing else then a Locust, and so named, as Grammarians and Etymologists say; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
But some may say, the nature of man abhorreth from the eating of Locusts; indeed no, if the Taste may be judge: but it may be (as also all other meats) they may be loathed of some; be it so. In the Law of Moses, 
Levit. 11. 22.  Locusts were allowed of to be eaten, which surely had not been done, except they had been good, and fitting for meat. The Parthians (as Pliny tells us) fed upon them, as dainties among their other meats. Also Strabo affirmeth, 
Strabo, lib. 16.  That the Aethiopians lived most upon Locusts. And our Countryman, venerable Bede, 
Bede de locis Santis. c. 24.  tells us out of Archulphus, who had traveled all Palaestina over, That Locusts were most common there, being in shape of body small and short, not much unlike to a man's little finger, which being taken and found among Herbs, and boiled in Oil, proved excellent meat among the poorer sort.  
And they that doubt hereof, will less wonder, when they shall know that the Egyptians did eat Vipers and Adders, as familiarly as we now adays eat Ecles. If any make question hereof, let him read Galen, lib. 3. de aliment. facultat. The like do our Travellers testify of the Indians at this day. Beside, Saint Hierome 
Hieron. Contra ●ovinianum. lib. 2.  affirmeth, That in Pontus and Phrygia, they usually eat those white Worms with black heads, that lie in wood, and between the bark of Trees; and that by Tenants they were presented to the Landlords, as especial dainties, and some took them in lieu of Rent. And as among us the Pheasant, Moor-cock, Finch, Mullet, and Rochet, etc. are accounted for delicate dishes; so were these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Wood-worms among them. He addeth moreover, The Syrians were wont to eat land Crocodiles; and the Africans, green Lizards. Pliny 
Plin. l. 17. cap. 24.  in like manner affirmeth, That the aforesaid Wood, Maggots or Worms grew to be the principal Dish at every riotous and luxurious Feast; and those which bred in Oaks of the bigger sort, to be the best and daintiest: moreover, saith he, They were kept in Meal to be fed, until such time as they were to be used. Among others, Dormice were accounted the daintiest meat; here the Laws of the Censors took order they should not be admitted any ordinary Table, 
Plin. l. 8. cap. 57  no more than shall Fish, or Birds transported out of another Country. Some liquorish Belly-gods in France, eat of them continually; and rather than they will want them, they will (saith mine Author) throw down Cottages, 
●oding. in Theatro Natura. lib. 3.  and poor men's houses, to make search for them. In Cozumella and jucatana, 
Scaliger Exerci●. 202.  Lands of the East Indies, and other places thereabouts, they fat a kind of Dogs (which cannot bark) as we do Swine, and eat them. The Ancients also supposed sucking Whelps to be so clean and pure, that they offered them their Gods in their sacrifices; and in the Feasts of the Gods, Whelps flesh was highly esteemed of. 
Benzo de novo orbe. lib. 1. c. 3.  The Parian Indians did not only eat man's flesh, but also (as Apes do) Lice, Frogs, Worms, and such filthy things. In the country of Mango there are red Ants (which as we do Crefish, 
Scaliger Exer. 196.  or the like) so they eat with Pepper.  
The Tartarians eat the Carrion, carcases of Horses, of Camels, Asses, Cats, Dogs, 
Vadianu● in Mela●. lib. 3.  yea when they stink, and are full of Maggots; and hold them as dainty, as we do Venison.  
Surely, the reason why we loathe many kinds of Food eaten by others, is nothing else but our opinion, thinking them not fit to be eaten; as we see in our Europe, certain Countries to affect the eating of Periwinkles, Frogs, fat Cats, which others cannot abide. The Germans loathe to eat of a Slink (or young Calf, cut out of the Cow's belly before it be calved;) but in Prince's Courts, both in Italy and Spain, it is accounted one of the daintiest dishes. And there are again, that account young Rabbits, before they be kindled, and out of the dams belly; (as also young sucking ones, the intrals never taken out) to be of as great esteem: these are called Haurices.  
Pliny in his 19 book, c. 36. speaking of Thistles, 
He meanech Artichokes.  which began then to be eaten, finds great fault, that the strangest things growing out of the Earth, should serve our riot and gluttony; yea such as fourfooted Beasts refuse to touch; yet now, these in most placcs, are usual dishes, pleasing to the taste, and very wholesome. I omit, how above all meats, the Matrix of a Sow after her pigging, was commended among the old Romans, as Horace and Martial testify. See further hereof in Pliny, lib. 11. cap. 37.  
There are diverse other things from which we abstain, not because they are not good to be eaten, but because the commodity we receive by them, and the rarity of them in diet withholds us. Of which sort you may reckon Horses and Ass' flesh, which our common people do loath, as if Nature herself abhorred them; yet being well dressed and prepared, they oft times prove better than many other meats we commonly feed upon. The Arabians (as also jews) eat no Swine's flesh, but the flesh of Camels is their ordinary food. And in some places (as Saint Hierome testifieth) it was esteemed a most heinous offence to kill a Calf, not for that it was not allowed for good meat, but because when it was grown great, it was so many ways useful to man.  
What should I say now, of those things which men may be by necessity compelled to feed upon? Surely, that extreme hunger those of Sancerro felt, when that Town was besieged, constrained the miserable Inhabitants to eat, not only Mice and Cats, (which above the rest were dainties) but which is horrible to relate, they were driven to eat all manner of Leather, as upper Leathers of Shoes, Gloves, Purses and Girdles, etc. Beast's horns, and Horses hooves boiled in water, Straw, that stone which they call in France, Ardes; and even Man's dung. See the History of this Siege, Anno 1573. In a word, the Stomach of Man is a monster, which being contained in so little a bulk as his Body, is able to consume and devour all things.   

CHAP. V.  
Of many who having received Poison, have not only miraculousl●y escaped, but been thereby cured of (else) incurable Diseases.  
MAny things have been accidentally found out, which allowed of after by Use and Experience, have become infallible and constant Rules: Of this Galen 
Galen, lib. 11. Simpl. Med.  gives us an excellent Example, and most worthy admiration, which was this:  
A certain man (saith Galen) being extreme sick of a Disease which they call Elephantiasis, or Leprosy, kept company a good time with some Companions of his, until one above the rest was infected with the contagion of the Disease: for he was not to be endured, by reason of the most loathsome stench that proceeded from his unclean body: beside, he was grown monstrously deformed; wherefore a Cottage was built for him near the Town, upon a Hill remote from people, a fair Spring running hard by, and herein this Leper was placed, with a man attending to bring him victuals, and other necessaries every day.  
But about the beginning of the Dog-days, sweet Wine being brought in an earthen pitcher into the Field to the Mowers near the place, he that brought it, set it not far from them, and went his way. Being gone, and some of them being thirsty, and having occasion to drink, one takes up the Pitcher, to pour out the Wine into a great Bowl half full of water, which they mixed with their Wine, and out falls a drowned Viper from the pitcher into the bowl. Hereupon the Harvest-men being amazed, let the Wine alone, and drank and contented themselves with other water: But when they had finished their day's work, and were to go out of the Field, as it were out of pity, they gave to the poor Leprous man that Wine wherein the Viper was drowned, supposing it better for him to dye, than to live in that misery. But he, when he had drunk it, was as it were, miraculously cured: For all that thick and most loathsome scabby swelling of the Disease, that as a Coat covered him all over, fell away from him, like the hard outside of a Crabfish, or Lobster, new skin and flesh succeeding underneath in the place, not much unlike that soft and thin skin of Crab-fish, when the outward shell is taken away.  
Another Example hereof, though upon an unlike occasion, happened in Mysia, a Town of Asia, not far (saith Galen) from the City where I dwell: A certain man who was extremely leprous, went unto a hot Bath, hoping to find help thereby. This man had a very fair and handsome young wench to his servant, who was an arrant— This wench had many Suitors, some of whom she well affected: but these being gone, and she having occasion to use water in the house, went into an out place, or some ruinous shed near to the house, which was full of Vipers, by chance one of them fell into a pot of Wine, being somewhere carelessly set, and there was drowned: she thinking to make good use hereof for her own profit, fills her Master, at his return, a large Cup of this Wine, which he drank quite off, and hereby, (as the other before that lived in the Cottage) was perfectly cured. Hitherto Galen.  
Hereby it appeareth (●s I said before) most true, that many things have been found out by chance, which afterward being confirmed by Reason and Experience, have been received gladly into the closet of Aesculapius.  
And at this day there is nothing better to cure a Leprosy, than the drinking of that Wine wherein a Viper hath been drowned: If any make doubt hereof, out best and learnedst Physicians will soon resolve him.  
Moreover, I here observe two remarkable Arguments of Gods divine goodness; the one is, That there is nothing so ill created by God to punish sinful man withal, whereunto there is not some commodity adjoined. The Viper is the most venomous creature that is, but yet it is not only good against the Leprosy, but in Treacle, (which is made of the flesh of Vipers) it is the most excellent Receipt that is against all poisons. Hereof see Galen, lib. 1. de Antidote. The other is, (which is also observed by Galen) the Divine Providence oftentimes disposeth of things ill meant by malicious man, to wholesome and good ends; whereof Ausonius in elegant Verse gives us an excellent Example: 
Toxica Zelotyp●, dedit ●xor moecha marito;  
Nec satis ad mortem, credidit esse datum.  
Miscuit argenti, lethalia pondera, vivi,  
Congerat ut celerem, vis geminata necem.  
Dividat haec siquis, faciunt discreta venenum,  
Antidotum sumet, qui sociata bibet etc.  
Ergo inter sese dum noxia pocula certant,  
Cessit Lethalis n●xa salutiferae,  
Protinus & vacuos alvi petiêre recessus.  
Lubrica dejectis qui via nota cibis.  
Quam pia cura Deum? prodest crudelior uxor,  
Et cum fata volunt, bina venena juvant.   
That one poison expels and prevails against another, it is so well known that it were in vain here to go about to prove it. Cantharideses are a present remedy against the biting of a mad Dog; the Scorpion heals his own wounds, and the Viper (the head and tail being cut off) being beaten and applied, cures her own biting: insomuch, there is nothing, be it never so bad, but it contains some profitable goodness in it. Hemlock is a deadly Plant, yet the juice applied, heals Ignis Sacer, and hot corroding Ulcers, and much assuageth the Inflammation of the eyes. Nerium, or Rose-laurell, kills Asses, Mules, and Horses, which shall eat of it; yet being drunken in Wine, it cures those who are bitten of Serpents. Meconium, the juice and leaves of Poppy, brings the takers into an everlasting sleep; yet notwithstanding, it helps the most painful aching, or smarting Diseases. Here is now place and occasion offered, to show how some Diseases have been proper to some Countries; as the Elephantiasis unto Egypt, which Lucretius a most ancient Poet witnesseth, saying: 
Est Elephas morbus qui propt●r flumina Nili,  
Gignitur Aeg●pti in medio, neque praetereà usquam  
Hac suae tentatur gressus oculique trementes.   
Also the swelling in the Throat, or Mentagra, to Asia only; the Sweating-sickness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Inhabitants of the North: but now by the just judgement of God, that same main Leprosy, Elephantiasis, as many other before named, are common to all Countries in general. But for certain (if we may believe Pliny) 
Plin lib. 26.  this Elephantiasis was utterly unknown to Italy, before the time of Pompey the Great. I might here also speak of the diverse Species, or kinds of Leprosy which are curable, and which are not; according as Moses hath given in charge, 
Levit. 23.  to judge between Leprosy and Leprosy: what Lepers for a time were to be removed, and who were to be by themselves secluded for ever: but I shall find both place and occasion to speak hereof elsewhere.   

CHAP. VI  
Of that Fire which perpetually burneth in ancient Monuments.  
THere was found in the Territory of Patavium in Italy, 
In Athreste villula agri Patavini.  in the memory of our Fathers, a very ancient Monument, wherein were two Urns, a greater and a less, both made of Earth, the bigger contained the less; now in the lesser was found, a Lamp burning between two Viols, the one whereof was Gold, the other Silver, and either full of a most pure liquor; by the benefit of which, 
Bernardini Scardeo, lib. 1. Antiq. Patavin. in fine.  it was supposed to have burned many years. Surely the most learned, coming to the Monument, affirmed the same to be that Perpetual Fire, invented by the wonderful industry of the ancient Philosphers, which would endure so many years. In which opinion they were confirmed, by Verses written in either Urn, which seemed to be of great Antiquity, by their vain.  
These were in the bigger Urn: 
Plutoni sacrum munus, ne attingite fures;  
Ignotum est vobis, hoc quod in ●rbe late●.  
Namque elementa gravi, clausit digesta labour,  
Vase sub hoc modico, Maximus Olibius:  
Adsit faecundo, custos tibi copia cornu,  
Ne pretium tanti, depereat laticis.   
These were read in the lesser: 
Abite hinc pessimi fures,  
Vos, qui voltis vestris cum oculis emississii●s;  
Abite hinc, vestro cum Mercurio petasato, caduce atoque.  
Maximus, maximo donum Plutoni, hoc  
Sacrum facit.   
The like Ludovicus Vives (upon the twenty one book of Saint Augustine, De Civitate Dei) reports in his time, to have been found in ancient Graves, which by inscription had burned there, above fifteen hundred years. Moreover, Saint Augustine himself, in the said book affirmeth, That in the Temple of Venus, was a Lamp that never went out; which he supposeth to have been done, either by Art Magical, or by the industry of some man, who had put Lapidem Asbestum, or the unquenchable burning stone within the said Lamp.  
Concerning this Lamp, found burning in Graves, I wonder; First, how by the help of Art (for they say this Oil is made of Gold) Gold may be resolved into a fatty substance? Secondly, how the flame should endure so many years? Thirdly, how within the ground, all Air being excluded? And for a certain, in our Age, in the time of Pope Paul the third, 
Pancirol. in libr: rerum deperditarum.  the Grave of Tullia, Cicero's Daughter was found, wherein was the like Lamp burning, but as soon as the Air came to it, it presently went out: this Lamp had there burned, one thousand five hundred years. The like also was found with us at York●, 
Some say Constantiu●.  in the Monument, either of Severus the Emperor, or some other of the Ancients there buried. See Master Camden in his Britannia.   

CHAP. VII.  
Of the strange mixture of Virtue and Vice, in the Natures and Dispositions of many men.  
THat saying of Plato is most true; Heroical Natures, as they are renowned for many excellent and commendable Virtues, so are they subject, for the most part, to as many, and as great Vices. And as Egypt affordeth as deadly poisons, together with as excellent Antidotes as any place of the world beside; so, both much good, and as much evil hang over the heads of the greatest Common wealths, from these Heroic great ones: although many heretofore have proved the same by many examples, it shall not be amiss to acquaint you with some choice ones, out of the best Historians.  
Velleius Paterculus saith of Maecenas, That he was wakeful, provident, and able to manage his weightiest Affairs: but again, when he got any leisure from business, he affected his ease, and all manner of loose effeminacy, beyond any Woman.  
Xiphilinus writes of Tiberius, That he was a man endued with many and great virtues, and (as it were) overwhelmed with vice and villainies, as if alike he had exercised himself to either. Again, the same Author reporteth of the Emperor Otho, where all his life long he had lived wickedly and dissolutely, he died most honestly, and resigned up his Empire (which he had gotten by Tyranny and wicked means) in a most glorious and honest manner. And the Emperor julian, as Ammianus Marcellinus 
Ammian. Marcell. lib. 22.  saith, By his vicious errors: Obnubilasse gloriae multiplices cursus. Victor writing of Dioclesian, saith, He was a man greatly esteemed, but thus conditioned; for he was the first that ever aware cloth of Gold, used to tread upon Silk and Purple, embellished with Pearl and Precious stone: which, though it were more than did become him, and argued in him a lofty and a proud Spirit; yet this was nothing in respect of his other carriage: for (next after Caligula) he was the first that allowed himself to be called, (ridiculously) Lord and God, and to be adored and sued unto, as unto God himself: (but by and by, this followeth in the same Author) though he was so called, he carried and bore himself rather like a Father, than a Lordly Tyrant.  
And of Theodosius thus writes Suidas, Indeed I admire the inclinations, to bend so much either way. For when he was void of care and business, he gave himself up to all manner of pleasures; but when necessity compelled him, and fear of bondage and subjection possessed him, he took courage, cast of sloth, and bad adieu to all delights, and underwent all manner of labour, and used his best diligence; but shortly after, when all danger was past, and he saw himself free, he followed his pleasure and dissolute living, as before. And of Tribonianus, saith Procopius, He was second to none in the knowledge of all Sciences and Learning, being of a most sweet and excellent disposition: which vert●●s, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the disease of Covetousness very much obscured.  
Guicciardine also in the life of Pope Leo the tenth, 
Lib. 14.  writes thus: There were in that great Prelate, many things, both praiseworthy, and to be condemned; for having obtained the Papacy, he deceived mightily the expectation of a great number: for there was in him great wisdom, but he fell far short of that honesty which all men expected to be in him.  
Of King Henry the eight, saith Master Cambden; Fuerunt quidem in illo Rege magnae virtutes, nec minora vitia, confuso quaedam Temporamento mixta. There were in King Henry the eight, surely great and many virtues, 
Arnoldus Ferronus in Franc. Valesio.  neither fewer vices confusedly mixed each with other.  
It is also reported of john de Medicis, that he was a good Soldier, very venturous in greatest dangers, and of great industry: but great and horrible vices overclouded those virtues, because he was an horrible, and with unheard of Oaths, a blasphemer of God and his Saints: and being given to the dishonest and filthy love of boys, he was set on fire with the flames of Lust; and often he was heard to break into Atheistical speeches, not fit to be named amongst Christians.  
Folieta Galeazo reporteth in like manner of Sfortia, 
Lib. 11. ●. 247. ●.  Duke of Milan, that he was a very Monster, made up and compact of Virtue and Vice: for he was eminent and honoured for his Magnificence, Liberality, and Bounty, as well towards his own people, as to Strangers: for the various and stately Furniture of his House or Court, he exceeded all the Princes of his time: for he had abundance of massy Plate of every fashion, and for all uses, as well of Gold as Silver, as Basins, Ewers, drinking Bowls, etc. infinite store of the best Horses he could come by out of all Nations; all provision for Huntsmen, and Hounds, which yearly stood him in six hundred thousand Crowns, a great sum at that time. For, besides his large Kennels of Dogs, there were great open Galleries, wherein, in long ranks, stood all kinds of Falcons, and other Hawks upon their perches: and a wonder it was to see the state and riches of his costly hangings of Gold, Silk and Silver, embroidered with the Needle, by cunning hand, with devices, and Pictures of the most cunning Masters. All men, who excelled in Learning or Eloquence, he held in great esteem, and procured them unto him, from all parts, by large and honourable stipends. Moreover, he honoured and loved all honest men, who were upright, and of good life; on the contrary, he hated and punished all bad livers, oppressors, blasphemers, etc. he was easy of access, for any might come freely unto him, & declare their mind: he was very courteous in his speech and discourse, & a true payer to all men their stipends or wages, for they never twice demanded the same, but it was ever as sure unto them, as under lock in their chest, (saith Galeazzo.) But alas, fearful vices disgraced and sullied the face and beauty of these excellent virtues; as beastly lusts, in deflowering of honest Maids and Matrons, afterwards causing them to be prostituted unto his friends, or followers: his inhuman Cruelty, his insatiable Covetousness, and Rapine, ever oppressing his people with new Levies and payments; which vices drowning his other virtues, brought him into deadly hatred and contempt among his people. But the cause of this strange distemperature in the Nature and Dispositions of men, I leave as a depth not now to be searched into.   

CHAP. VIII.  
The Vanity of some men's Ambition, in Titles and Honours.  
WHen Seneca saw the excess, 
Epist. ●6.  and abuse of Baths in Rome, no less witty than truly, he complained, saying, Postquam munda Balnea inventa sunt, spurciores sunt qui lavant. Since clean and scouring Baths were invented, they that wash themselves are become fouler, 
Vide Decret. part. 3. de Consecrat. distinct. 1. Canon 44.  and more filthy. Not much unlike was that saying of Pope Boniface; When we used wooden Chalices, we had golden Priests; but now having golden Chalices, we have wooden Priests. May not the like be truly said of the Ambition of some men, concerning their foolish thirsting after Names, Honours and Titles? The time was, when virtuous, men laboured to excel each other by Merit, and deserving well of their Countries or Common wealths. The Emperor Trajan (otherwise a good Prince) was sick of this Disease; who, upon whatsoever he builded or repaired, would set up a glorious superscription in Honour of himself; whereupon (saith Aurelius Victor) Constantine the Emperor was wont to call him, Herbam Parietariam, for his so many Titles upon every Wall, 
Walwort or Pellitory upon the Wall.  and new houses. Ammianus Marcellinus also compareth with Trajan, one Lampadius, a great person also, who (saith Marcellinus) took it ill at any man's hand, if he did not commend him every time he spit upon the ground; adding this also, Another Example of his Vanity. Per omnia enim civitatis membra, etc. In every part of the City, where other great men had bestowed cost in building, he would set up his own Name, not as a repairer of the work, but as the chief builder, Quo vitio dicitur laborasse Trajanus, unde herbam parietinam jocando cognominarunt.  
Somewhat a kin to these former follies was that of the Emperor Constantius, 
Lib. 16.  reported by the said Author, who many times would send his Letters unto the Senate, interwoven, and dressed up with Laurel, concerning his notable Victories, egregiously belying himself, with an hateful bragging (of that he never did) how he was among the foremost in the battle, how he had obtained the victory, and taken Captive, Kings kneeling unto him, and craving his mercy, when he never came at the battle, or durst venture himself there.  
Hereunto belong those foolish attributes, the Turks, Persians, and other Barbarians take unto themselves, who call themselves, Brothers of the Son, borne before Lucifer; King of Kings, the Scourges of God, as Tamberlane, in a wicked and frantic kind of Blasphemy. Which kind of madness in Arsaces' the Persian, Fl. Vespasian heartily laughed at (as Xiphilinus mentioneth) It was a great sign that Darius his ruin to be at hand, in his proud Embassy unto Alexander, when by his Ambassador he called himself, The King of Kings, and Cousin of the Gods, but for Alexander, he called him, his Servant.  
Paulus jovius writing of Pompeio Colonna, Bishop of Reatino, saith, That when the said Bishop, by the means of many great personages, was reconciled again, and brought into favour with the said Pope, whom he had formerly offended: and that, when they signified so much unto him in a short Letter, in whose superscription (Bishop of Reatino by chance was left out) he receiving the Letter, threw it away, and bad the Messenger go seek some other Pompeio, to whom that Letter was directed.  
Very sarcastical and bitter was that which we read of Francis, the first King of France, returned to that magnanimous Emperor, and of famous memory, Charles the fifth; at what time they being at war each with other, when the Emperor, according to his greatness, writing to the said King, and having filled up a large space of the Paper with his long style, and imperial Titles of his Dominions and Territories, belonging to the house of Austria: the French King very bitingly filled up in answer, as large a space in his Letter, by the often repetition of France, as Francis the first, King of France, of France of France, etc. adding withal, That his Kingdom of France was sufficient to encounter with, and subdue, if need were, all the Emperor's Kingdoms and Provinces: for in times past, petty Kingdoms carried large Titles; as at this day, how are those Kingdoms esteemed, of Sicily, Naples, Toledo, Granado, Sclavonia, Dalmatia, Sardinia, Corsica, Croatia? Many petty Princes have larger Territories.  
To conclude, it was excellently answered, and to be imitated of all moderate Princes, Aelius Lampridius hath left recorded, of Alexander Severus, whom, when all Titles of Honour and Dignity were heaped upon him, after the Roman Custom, aswell by the Senate as the people; it is reported, that he answered most modestly, It displeaseth me much, to assume unto myself, that which belongeth unto others: again, I find myself to be over-laden with your love and goodwills, for these glorious Names are very burdensome unto me. Whereupon, the Historian addeth his own censure; The Emperor got more Honour, in not receiving Titles appertaining to others, then if he had taken them upon him; and hereby, for ever after he gained to himself the reputation, not only of a grave and moderate, but of a wise man.   

CHAP. IX.  
Of the ancient Triumphs among the Romans.  
THe first who is reported, ever to have rode in Triumph, was Bacchus, after him in Rome, Romulus, who sending his Captives before him, followed himself after on foot, after him his whole Army. Tullus Hostilus road on Horseback; L: Tarqvinius Priscus road in a Chariot of four wheels; M. Curius Camillus was drawn with four white Horses, whom all after him imitated: The day appointed for the solemnity of a Triumph, was kept Festival through the whole City, all the Temples being set wide open, and all the Nobility providing in their houses the greatest Cheer they could make, insomuch as the whole Army was abundantly feasted. The whole Senate went unto the gate Capena, in their Robes, to meet, and entertain the Triumpher, by which Port or Gate, he was to enter in: afterwards they went together into the Capitol, than followed all the Trumpeters, sounding to the Charge, as if they were presently to fall on upon the Enemy: after came Chariots laden with the Spoils of the conquered Enemies; there followed then goodly Statues, and curious Tables of Brass, or Ivory. Also Towers, and forms of such Cities as they had taken; also, a representation of the form, and manner of their fight with their Enemy. Afterwards followed, all the Silver, Brass and Gold, together with Statues, Tables, Candlesticks, Platters, Dishes, Trenchers, Basins of Gold and Silver taken from the Enemy. Likewise, Jewels, Purple, costly Garments of cloth of Gold, with Crowns of Silver and Gold, which were given to the Victor: then all sorts of Arms taken from the Enemy, as Swords, Spears, Pole-axes, Bucklers, Brest-plates, Helmets, Tasses, and the like. After were brought the Gifts bestowed upon the Triumpher, as Gold and Silver brought by some thousands of people: then came other Trumpeters, whom followed fifty, or about an hundred Oxen to be sacrificed, with their horns gilded, and Garlands upon their heads; these Oxen were accompanied by Boys, who carried vessels of Gold and Silver to be used in the Sacrifice, all the Attendants were clad in Garments of Gold and Purple, interwoven; then came along the Chariots, laden with the Diadems, and Arms of those Kings and Princes which were taken Captives. After followed the Kings and Princes themselves, with their Wives, Children, Brethren, and other of their kindred and friends. Moreover, others of the Enemies, with their hands bound behind them, and these being of the Nobler, or better sort, were many thousands. Then followed the Triumpher himself, sitting in a golden Chariot, made in the form of a Tower, who was drawn with four white Horses, and clad in a Robe of Gold and Purple; in his right hand he carried a Laurel bough, in his left, an Ivory Sceptre; next before him, the Lictors or Marshals, with bundles of Rods and Axes; on every side of him the Trumpets sounded, and Musicians sang sweetly to their Harps, clad in Purple, and wearing Coronets of Gold upon their heads; amongst whom, one clad in a Garment of Gold reaching to his feet, breaking scurrilous and bitter jests upon the distressed Prisoners, made sport to the people.  
Many sweet Odours and Perfumes were kindled, and carried about, whilst a public Officer bearing up in his hands, a Crown of pure Gold, beset with many rare and precious Gems, ever and anon uttered this before the Victor; Respice futura, & hominem te esse c●gita: Consider what will follow, and think how you are but a man. Wherefore, in the chariot of the Triumpher, there hung up a little Bell and a Whip, to put him in mind he might one day fall upon such times, wherein (like a Slave) he might be whipped, or as an Offender, lose his head; for those who were to be beheaded, had always a little tingling Bell borne before them, lest, as one polluted and cursed, he might be touched of the people. Sometimes the Sons and Daughters of the Triumpher road with their Father in his Chariot, but the next of his kindred went close by his Horse's sides, and sometimes got up (as if also they would ride in Triumph) upon their backs.  
When Augustus road in Triumph, Marcellus road upon the foremost Horse on the right hand, and Tiberius on the left: the Triumphers Followers, and the Shieldbearers followed his Chariot; after all the Captains, with the whole Army in their order, carried Laurel branches in their hands, and Crowns of Laurel on their heads; and if any of them had purchased any notable rewards, 〈◊〉 Crowns of Gold, Bracelets, Spears, Shields, and the like, they bore them in their hands, singing Paeans, or Songs of Praise, in honour of the Triumpher, adding hereto, many ri●●iculous passages.  
After that in this pomp they came into the Forum, or the spacious place of the City, he chose out one Captive, especially, whom destinated to death, he presently sent to prison. After this, he went up into the Capitol, the whole Senate, and all the Magistrates accompanying him. Then the execution of the said Captive being publicly proclaimed, they sacrificed their Bulls, consecrating certain Spoils unto jupiter. Afterward they feasted without the Galleries, or Walks of the Capitol, sitting until the evening: then with Sagbuts and other Musical Instruments, they accompanied the Triumpher home to his house, and so they ended this Festival Solemnity. This Triumph lasted two or three days, especially, if they had gotten many and large Spoils. And thus we read Titus Flaminius, L: Paulus, C●: Pompeius, and Augustus to have triumphed. None were allowed this Triumph, except they had put to slight, or slain five thousand Enemies, and had beside, enlarged the bounds of the Roman Empire. This Pomp and Solemnity is collected out of Dyonisius Halicarnasseus, lib. 2. & 5. Valerïus Maximus, lib. 2. cap. 8. josephus de Bello judaico, lib. 7. cap. 24. Plutarch in the life of Paulus Aemilius, Appian, and others. Those also triumphed, who had won any notable victory by Sea, the Beakes and Anchors of Ships and ●allies being brought to Rome before. Now all this Gold, Silver, and other booty gotten in the War, belonged to the Citizens, and was laid up in the Treasury, only the charges of the Triumph deducted.  
Again, those who had put their Enemies to flight without effusion of blood, or had overcome Inferiors, as Servants, they had a kind of a boasting Solemnity; for they road into the City of Romo on Horsbacke, accompanied with the Knights, their friends, and the Army, being clad in Gowns of cloth of Gold, and Purple, sacrificing Sheep only in the Capitol; and this was called, The lesser Triumph.  
Three hundred and fifty Triumphs are reckoned from Romulus unto Bellisarius, who was the last that triumphed under justinian, Emperor of Constantinople.  
But this custom of riding in Triumph, was allowed but under very few Emperors, although Triumphal Ornaments were kept for them, as the Laurel, their Robe, and Ivory Sceptre, which they used when they went abroad in public.   

CHAP. X.  
The extreme Madness, and vain Pride of some great Persons in former Ages.  
WEll known is that sentence of Plautus, Decent secundas fortunas superbiae; Pride becometh a prosperous Fortune. But many, the more mighty and potent they are, so much the more basely and foolishly they abuse their greatness; whereof I will give you some examples; as Xerxes that most famous Monarch of the Persians, was in his time, the greatest Prince in the world; so for his ridiculous folly, he surpassed, and bare away the Palm from all other. Of whom, thus writeth Herodotus: 
Herodot. lib. 7.  When he heard that the Hellespont from Asia, joined itself to Europe, taking it in a high disdain, he commanded three hundred blows to be given (by striking) to the Hellespont, and a pair of Fetters to be cast down into the bottom of that Sea. And I have heard (saith Herodotus) that he sent to brand, or burn the said Sea with a hot iron; but most true it is, he caused it to be sound boxed and beaten, uttering these barbarous and frantic words; Oh bitter Water, thy King and Lord inflicts this punishment upon thee, because thou hast wronged him who never deserved ill at thy hands: but K. Xerxes in despite of thee, 
Libello de cohibenda ●ra●  will turn thee another way; thou seest no man sacrificeth unto thee, because thou art a deceitful and bitter stream. Whereto agreeth Plutarch, saying, Xerxes branded the Sea, and extremely beat the same. Moreover, he sent this Letter and Message to the great Mountain Atho; Divine Atho, thou that touchest Heaven with thy top, see that thou yieldest no huge and intractable stones to hinder my works; ●f thou dost, I will dig thee up, and throw thee into the Sea.  
The like madness among the Romans, possessed Lucullus, who cast huge stones into the Sea, and by undermining Mountains, let it into the main Land: whereupon, very wittily, Pompey called him, Xerxes togatus. C. Caligula grew very angry with Heaven, because it blew, and stormed upon certain Stage-players (whom himself rather imitated, than beheld) and because at a Feast, he was affrighted with Lightning, he challenged the field of jupiter, to fight with him hand to hand, uttering aloud (beholding heaven) that verse of Homer, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Take my life, or else I will have thine. Afterward, when he saw he could do jupiter no harm, he would himself jupiter (as Dio and Suetonius write in his life) and imitated him in all his lustful actions; for first he committed Incest with his own Sisters, as did jupiter with juno, who being his Sister, he kept as his Wife: then he followed him in all other his adulteries and whoredoms, imitating him only in his vices, since he could not in his virtues; so that truly it may be said of him, as juvenal (and I suppose of him) speaketh: 
— nihil est quod ●redere de se, 
satyra 4.   
Non possit, si conlubeat Dîs aequa potestas.   
This same Monster of Nature also feigned, that he was crowned by the hands of Victory herself; and that he did court and kiss the Moon, embracing her at his pleasure; and one day in the presence of Vitellius, he affirmed that he had carnal knowledge of her: withal asked Vitellius, if he saw him not when he committed the act? Vitellius wittily and pleasantly replied, No indeed Sir, you Gods do all within yourselves, without the knowledge of Mortals. This reporteth Xiphilinus; adding beside, That he made artificial engines to resemble Thunder, and to cast out fire, that he might in all things resemble jupiter. And this History following, Athenaeus, lib. 12. recordeth out of Theopompus. Cotys, a certain King of Thracia, who for a dissolute life, and Epicurism, gave place to no man alive; one time he thought himself worthy, in marriage to match with Minerva, and was verily persuaded, that the Goddess would yield unto his lustful desire: there having made a most sumptuous Banquet, and prepared a most delicate bed in a goodly Chamber, richly furnished with whatsoever appertaining to State, being well gone in drink, he waited for the coming of Minerva; but having stayed long for her, and she not appearing, he sent one of his Guard to see whether she were come into the Chamber, or no: when he told the King, she was not yet come, the King shot him to death with Arrows: then sent he another, who brought the same Message, and him he slew in like manner: then a third went, who being terrified by the example of his fellows, brought word the Goddess was there, and expected him. Rhianus a Greek Poet, very ingeniously scoffed this his folly, translated since by Henricus Stephanus, that famous Scholar and Printer, into Latin, which were too long to recite.  
Lopez de Gomara saith, that the Kings of Mexico, when they were consecrated, or crowned, used to take their Oath after this manner: I swear that the Sun, during my life, shall hold on his course, shall keep his wont glory and brightness, that the Clouds shall send down Rain, the Rivers shall run, and the Earth shall bring forth all manner of Fruit. These proud Princes should have done better, and wiser, if they had imitated the example of King Canutus, the Dane, sometime King of England, as it is reported by Henry of Huntingdon: who, took off a flattering Pargasite (when he told him, all things through his Dominions, were at his beck and command) after this manner, Canutus causing a Chair to be set upon the Sea shore, wherein being set, he said to the Sea, flowing fast towards him, Thou belongest unto me, and the Land, upon which I now sit, is mine own; neither is there any whosoever that obeys me not, shall escape unpunished: I command thee therefore (thou Sea) that thou comest up no higher into my Land, nor that thou presumest once to wet thy Master's Legs, or Garments. But the Sea, keeping his ordinary course, without duty or reverence, washed both his Legs and Gown. He then leaping back, said, Let all the Inhabitants of the world know, that the power of Kings is frivolous and vain; neither is there any mortal man worthy the name of a King, but he to whose beck, Heaven, Earth and Sea, by his laws eternal, are obedient. Neither did Canutus, after this time, wear a crown.  
Extreme was the madness of Attil●s, King of the Goths, (as Olatus writes in his life) who, after he had overcome Aetius and Thrasimundus his enemies, uttered this proud saying, That now the Stars were ready to fall before him; now the earth trembled, and that himself was the Maule, or Hammer of the whole World: and after he grew to that arrogancy, that he commanded The Scourge of God to be added to his Title, himself to be so called, and written in all his Letters and Proclamations whatsoever.   

CHAP. XI.  
Of Cinnamome.  
GAlen writes, lib. 1. Antidote. that in his time., Cinnamome was very rare, and hard to be found, except in the Storehouses of great Emperors and Princes. And Pliny reporteth, That a pound of Cinnamome was worth a thousand Denarii, which is answerable to the value of one hundred and fifty Crowns of our money. Afterwards, when the Woods of Arabia and India were set on fire, and consumed, it was a great deal dearer. That which the Latins call Cassia lignea, it is comparable but to the worst sort of Cinnamome, which in Italy they call Cannella. For indeed, the true Cinnamome is utterly unknown of us; as also of Xylocinnamome, which is only the Wood of the Cinnamome Tree, but the true Cinnamome, the Bark thereof.  
Of this Cinnamome, you shall find a large description in Pliny, lib. 12. cap. 19 but Solinus more briefly, thus: This shrub groweth in a short time, with low branches, bending downward; it is never above two els in height; if it grow up small and slender, it is esteemed the better, that which is thick is the worse. It is gathered by the Indian Priests, they having first slain certain beasts for a Sacrifice, which when they have offered, they observe, that their harvest of this Cinnamome, shall not be before the Sunrising, nor endure after the Sunsetting. Whosoever is Lord of the Soil, or the principal man, he divideth the heaps of the branches, or sticks of the same, gathered with a Spear, which is consecrated for the same purpose: and a portion of some handfuls is dedicated to the Sun, which, if it be equally divided, enkindled by his beams, it presently taketh fire, and burneth. Thus far Solinus, in his description of Africa, cap. 39 & 42. Of this Cinnamome, Solomon maketh mention, Proverbs 7. & 17. also Marcian the Civilian, in l. Caesar 16. §. Species. ff: de public. & Vectigal, where he notes out of Pliny and Dioscorides, that the virtue of this Plant was in the Bark of the Tree; and that in Galens' time it was most rare, and not to be found, but in the Closets of Emperors: hereof is a very precious unguent made, cal●ed Cinnami●um, being in substance very thick, whose chief commendation is, that the smell hereof (if you carry it about you) draws any Woman, though passing by you, and minding other things, to draw near unto you, saith Philip Beroaldus upon Apul●ius, lib. 2. Milesiac. and which is affirmed also by many others.   

CHAP. XII.  
Of Balsamum.  
BAlsamum being more famous by Report, then known, is the juice of a certain Tree growing in jury, in the valley of jericho, like unto a Vine: these Plants (except counterseit) are not now any where to be found; they say the Turk hath some few in Egypt, from which every year he receiveth only some few drops of the Liquor; else are they to be found in no part of the World. For when the Turks, enemies of all goodness and civility, destroyed all the Vineyards in and about jericho, withal, they cut down these Plants; for since, they were never found in that Country, and therefore no true Balsam is brought into Europe: if happily some there be, it is not worth the speaking of. Yet I have heard some affirm, there have been some of these Balsam Plants found in the West Indies, but I much doubt of that: it may be some other Tree, affording a medicinable Liquor (as there are many) like unto the other. For this aforenamed true Balsamum, grew no where but in jury, in the valley of jericho, in two large Gardens which belonged only unto the King: as it was like a Vine, so it was planted like unto our Vines, by setting the slippings into the Earth: but whereas the Vine had props to guide it, the Balsamum had none. Within three years after the planting, it brought forth the fruit; the height of it, being grown, was not fully two Cubits: among all other unguents, for goodness, Balsamum hath the pre-eminence, because also it excels all other for sweetness of smell; the juice or liquor, is called Opobalsamum.  — Her suto spirant Opobalsamo collo; saith juvenal. 
Xylobalsamum is the Wood of the body, or of the branch, which the Shops sometimes substituted for the liquor; the chief virtue is attributed to the Juice; the next, to the Seed; the third, to the Bark; the least of all, to the Wood The trial of true Balsam, is to put it into Milk, which it will presently turn to a curd; and if any drop chanceth to fall upon a Garment, it will leave no spot or stain behind. Dioscorides saith, When the Liquor was to be drawn forth, the body was cut with small claws of iron. Which Claudian also affirmeth in Epithal: Palladii; 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1. Far is ungìb●● Dioscor. lib. 1. ●. 18.  
Gemmatis alii per totum Balsama tectum  
Effudêre cadis, duro quae saucius ungue  
Niliacus pingui desudat vulnere cortex.   
Pliny, Solinus and Tacitus, rather affirm the veins of the Tree to be opened with Glass, a sharp Stone, or with Knives of Bone; averring, the nature of the Tree cannot abide iron, but presently dieth, if you cut it never so small a depth.  
Strabo also affirmeth this Plant to have been peculiar to the Land of jury only: it hath the name, 
Whence Balsamum hath the name.  Balsamum, from the Arabian word, Balsamin; that is, The Lord, or Prince of Oils. And we find it in Exodus, 
Exod. 30. 23.  to be Aromatum praestantissimum; by this, the jews gained to themselves great riches; 
Lib. 36. de Opobalsamo.  as justine, the Epitomiser of Trogus affirmeth. The place where it grew, was but two hundred acres of ground, which was with Mountains, like the walls of a Castle, enclosed round; they sweat out their Balsam but at one certain time of the year: and one thing is to be admired of the place where these Trees grow, when all the Country round about (by reason of the nearness of the Sun) was extremely hot, in this Vale only, the Air was ever temperate and refreshing, with a shady coolness.   

CHAP. XIII.  
What Studies and Exercises best become Princes.  
AN ancient Historian, writing the life of Galienus the Emperor, saith, He excelled in Poetry, Oratory, and in all Arts, and it were an hard matter to collect all his works; which made him famous in his time, as well among Poets as Rhetoricians. But one thing must be expected from an Emperor, another from a Poet and an Orator: which passage when I well considered, and having perused many Histories, I quickly found what Studies concerned Princes, and what vulgar persons. And first, I met with that of Livy, concerning Servius Tullius, writing thus; Ind puerum liberûm loco caeptum haberi erudirique artibus, quibus ingenia ad magna fortunae cultum excitantur● After that, from a Boy, he began to be accounted in the rank of his children, and to be instructed in those Arts, by which good Wits are excited, to be made capable of a great fortune. And another writes thus of Augustus; He was first exercised in the way of speaking Greek and Latin, he did endure the travel and labour which belonged unto service in the War, he learned whatsoever appertained to the Rule of a Common wealth, or a Kingdom. The like did Agrippina in the education of Nero her Son. For as we read, she persuaded Claudius to adopt Domitius Nero her Son; which when she had done, she procured Seneca (who had, 
Seneca possessed Land in Essex.  about that time, a great quantity of Land given him, amongst us, lying in Essex) to teach and instruct him, and to make him fit for Imperial Government.  
Now what are these Studies? I will show you in few words. I speak nothing of Piety and Religion, which the meanest knoweth to be the Basis, and foundation of all Princely Education; and without which, all other parts, be they never so excellent, do but totter and reel: he therefore being first grounded in the true knowledge of God, and the purity of Christian Religion; I first bring him to the Rhetoric School, and to learn to be Eloquent: being admonished hereunto by Lucian, who in his Dialogue, (which he entitleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) doth fain Hercules Ogrisius to draw a mighty company of the common people unto him, fastened by the cares, unto little Chains which proceeded from his mouth. By which fiction he meaneth, that a good Prince, by the benefit of Eloquence, may easily keep his subjects in awe, and order. Musonius in Stobaeus, also saith, It is a most Kingly thing for a Prince, not to be outgone in ability of an Eloquent tongue. Neither do I desire, that a Prince (as King james said) should be a passe-master in Rhetoric and Eloquence, or to sift all Oratory for style and figures; it is enough if he but have a proper and ready sweetness of utterance, lest perhaps, if any should persuade him to be excellent herein, he might answer his Tutor, as a certain Prince in Euripides, answered his, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Princes are not to be instructed concerning light matters, but in those things which especially concern the Common wealth.  
From Eloquence, I would lead a Prince to the study of Philosophy, not to those subtle Quiddits, and deep Theorems, which may make one learned, but seldom better, and oftentimes worse: For, how many hath the subtleties hereof made plain Atheists; and a Prince ought not to study to be eminent in a School, but learn to know what may concern the life and safety of his subjects; wherefore the Theoric part of Philosophy for Recreation sake may be tasted of, according to that of Neoptolemus, Philosophandum paucis, nam omnino non placere. And as much is confessed by Apollonius in Philostratus, where he sayeth: The study of Philosophy in a King or Prince, if it be with moderation, worketh in him an admirable Temperature: but overmuch toiling in the same study, is odious and troublesome, and more sordid than may suit with the State of a King. Marcus Antoninus Emperor, though he gave himself but moderately to this study, yet the Name of Antoninus the Philosopher stuck by him all his life af●er. julian the Emperor also was taxed of his best friends, 
Ammian. Marcell.  quod nimius circa Philosophorum disputationes esset. But I would have him versed and well acquainted with those Theorical Studies which concern the Mathematics, after the Example of many great Princes and Monarches, who have made singular use hereof: For it is a most fitting and necessary thing, that a Prince should know the Situation of Countries, people, and their manners; Kingdoms, and their form of government; Passages, Havens, and to bear them in memory: and withal, not to be altogether ignorant in Astronomy, concerning the Heavens and their Motions, Constellations, their names, with their arising, descending, and the like. This was the study of julius Caesar in his Camp, as Lucan testifieth: 
— Media inter praelia semper,  
Stellarum, coelíque plagis, supèrisque vacare,  
Soleba●.   
Alphonsus the tenth King of Spain, was so given to the study of the Mathematics, that he was termed the ginger, and from his Name, those Mathematical Tables, so well known, are called to this day, Alphonsus his Tables.  
Likewise that famous Emperor, whom for his merits of Christendom, may be justly called a Second Charles the Great, he took such delight in the Study of the Mathematics, that even in the midst of his whole Army in his Tent, sat close at this study, having for that purpose as his Instructor, Turrianus of Cremona evermore with him. I mean not that I would have Princes, under the colour of Astronomy, give themselves to Astrology, that Fortune-telling, and groundless profession of Almanac-makers, and quacksalving Emperiques, which casteth Nativities, and necessitates the actions of men, (more than God himself ever did:) this study is to be avoided of Princes especially, because it is impious, and will both make them superstitious and cowards. This deceived Alexander, who when hereby (being both sick in body and mind, vexed with many cares) he thought to have prevented death, he drew it upon him. And of this Disease also laboured Lewis the Eleventh, as you shall find it recorded by Philip Commines. To conclude in a word, how far we should wade in this knowledge, I will make Tully's words mine own; Didici ego (saith he) compertumque habeo Reges & Principes ab Theoreticae Philosophiae subtiliori studio laudari non solere.  
After this first part of Philosophy, I persuade a Prince to the other Practical, which is Political, or concerning Policy, which to say truth, aught to be his only study: For this Political part is most employed in directing Princes in their manner of living, and all those things which concern the good of the Commonwealth, saith a learned Geographer.  
I presuppose every Prince to be by Nature apt to take advice and wholesome counsel: And a Prince being ingenious, and by Nature apt and capable of understanding, he is to be first grounded in the Rules and Instructions of the best Politicians that have written, whose Books teach him without affection, fear, or flattery. Excellent was that saying of Alphonsus King of Arragon, That his dead Counsellors (meaning books) were to him better than his living, who neither moved by fear, shame, favour, hatred, or any other affection, would tell him the truth sincerely and plainly. Hereupon the best Authors in this kind are to be enquired for, and read, after the Example of the most able, and who ever were famous either in peace or war. Marcus Varro gave to C. Pompeie when he was first elected Consul, for his instruction, Isagogicum commentarium de Officio Senatus habendi, as saith Agellius. 
Agell. lib. 14. cap. 7.   
Demetrius Phaleraeus, (as Plutarch saith) earnestly persuaded Ptolemy that he should provide himself of those Books entitled, Commentar●j de Regno. So Livy, from the first foundation of Rome, maketh mention of the Commentaries of Numa. Xiphilinus of Caesar's Commentaries. Tacitus, of the Register or Account Book of Augustus. Soranzo, of the Commentaries of Amurath, Emperor of the Turks. Many Princes left behind them in writing to their Heirs politic observations, and their Experience for their use and instruction. Read Xiphilinus, of Augustus Caesar his Will and his wise & thrifty Counsel to Tiberius and the people of Rome, which were too tedious to insert here; though one thing herein I will not overpasse: Augustus herein charged them to be content with what they had already, & by no means they should strive to enlarge the Bounds of their Empire: for it was both hard getting more; and gotten, it might endanger the losing of that w c● they now possessed quietly.  
Xiphilinus writeth also, that Nero had books, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Ammianus Marcellinus testifieth, That julian read continually a certain Book, which Constantius wrote with his own hand, when he sent him to study in the University of Paris. And these kind of Books were called, either Commentarii, Breviaria, Raetionaria, Instrumenta Imperii; the Grecians call, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. In these and the like Books, concerning the Government of a Common wealth, as of Plato, Aristotle, and Plutarch, left to Posterity; if a Prince be well exercised, he shall have herein understanding enough.  
But I would have him withal, converse with learned men well skilled in this kind. For (as Seneca saith) as those who walk in the Sun (though they go not out for that purpose) cannot choose but be Sunburned; so he, who is delighted in the company, and acquaintance of Wise men, and makes use of the same, cannot choose but partake of some Wisdom. So Scipio Africanus and Polybius and Panaetius evermore with him; Lucullus had Antiochus, the younger Scipio, either Laelius; Augustus, Agrippa; and Statilius, Taurus; Nero (as long as he continued honest) Seneca; Themistocles, Mnesiphilus; Themistocles, Anaxagoras; Dio, Plato; Philip of Macedon, and Epiman●ndas, Lysias of Tarentum; Alexander, Aristotle; Cicero, Nigidius; and so of others.  
These of the Latins, were called Monitores; of the Grecians, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Remembrancers.  
Besides, a Prince is not only to have about him, such as are skilled in humane Learning, but also such as have knowledge in Military Affairs; for a Prince must be fitted, not only for times of Peace, but of War.  
Severus is commended of Capitolinus in these words; It was his custom, if he was to deal in serious business, and matters of Law, and State, to make learned, wise, and understanding men of his Counsel, if of matters concerning War, ancient Soldiers, such as had deserved well, and had experience; who were skilful of Countries and places, and of fortifications, but especially of either, who were best read in History: for History and Policy go hand in hand with either; History declares what hath been done, Policy, how justly. But some Courtier may say, Will you have a Prince to be always poring upon his Book, and allow him no exercise? Honest and seasonable exercise ought never to be denied to a Prince. Which Exercises I reckon, to ride and manage a great Horse, to exercise his Arms, to leap, to hunt, to play at Tennis, and the like, which may further and confirm his strength.  
Sometimes Princes, if they be so pleased, may exercise Mechanical Arts, if they be not illiberal or base; wherefore Domitian is justly taxed by Historians, that he took pleasure in killing of Flies, with a small sharp stick. Moreover, Comm●dus is blamed by Lampridius, because he was skilful in those things which became not his Imperial dignity, as making of Wooden Cups, Dancing, Singing, playing the Fool, and using himself to Fencing. Neither are those Exercises to be allowed of in a Prince, which draw blood, as playing the Butcher, and to kill Beasts for his recreation, which are Arguments of a cruel and a bloody mind.  
There are certain Mechanical Arts, near a kin to the Liberal, wherein a Prince may take his pleasure, as Painting, wherein Alexander Serverus, and Alexander (by the relation of Histories) were excellent. Belonging to this, is Statuary or Carving, wherein, Xiphiline and Spartianus report the same Adrian to have been most skilful. Turning hath a share with the other, an Art lately found out, yet much commended, and allowed of, for Sigismond, that most valiant and wise K. of Poland is said to have exercised himself much herein.  
We read also of many Princes, who have been excellent Goldsmiths; Collenutius reports, That Manfred of Naples, made a most curious Eagle of silver, which he ware upon his Helmet. Alphonsus, Duke of Ferrara, could cast great Pieces of Ordnance, whereof, two he made in the Venetian War, one he called the Earthquake, th'other, Grandiabolo, or the great devil.  
Of james the 4th K. of Scots, Buchanan writes, lib. 13. That he had learned, and studiously practised, how to cure all manner of wounds perfectly; which skill was common to most of the Nobility of Scotland, as men accustomed to War and wounds. Collenutius again reporteth, That Ferdinand the second, K. of Naples, was skilful in all Mechanical Arts; neither skilful only, but an excellent Master in all whatsoever. Rodulph the last Emperor, was a rare Jeweller, and had great skill in making of Clocks and Watches. Neither in our days are examples wanting of great Princes and persons, who delight themselves in these & the like. These be those short Rules which I have out of others, I confess, prescribed out of many Examples unto Princes; which if they shall observe, there is no doubt but they shall give their Subjects great hope of their just and moderate government, and draw their eyes as glorious Mirrors to admire them; Provided their Teachers, and Counselors be learned & just. For as Lampridius saith, Tantum valet aut ingenii vis, aut eorum qui in Aula institutores habentur.   

CHAP. XIV.  
Of incombustible Flax, or which will not consume by Fire.  
THere was anciently a kind of Flax, which the Grecians called Asbestinum, the Latins, Linum vivum: Hereof were made whole pieces of Linen cloth, and garments, which were not only not consumed by any fire, but cast into the same, the soil and dirtinesse being consumed and burned away, taken out again, it became more white than any water could wash it. The bodies of Emperors and Kings were burned in sheets of this linen, lest the ashes of their Bodies burned, should mingle with the ashes of the wood. This Flax is esteemed above all other Flax in the world, 
Plin. lib. 19 cap. 1.  (saith Pliny;) it is hard to be found, and as difficult to be woven, by reason of the shortness thereof, and being found, in price it equalled the most excellent Pearls. Nero is reported to have had a linen garment of the same: but at this day it is not any where to be found; Yet I remember I had given me by an Arabian, when I lived in Saint Martin's Parish in the Fields, twenty years since, a pretty quantity of a Stuff like Flax, which he ●ad me put into the fire, but it consumed not; whether it were of this Plane or no, or that Fla●e of Cyprus, which 〈…〉 a Knight of Cyprus (who wrote an History of Cyprus, Ann● MDLXVI.) brought to 〈◊〉, and the fire could not consume it, I kno●● not. Now this Flax of Cyprus proceedeth from no plant, as our Flax, but from the stone Amiant●s, which being found in Cyprus, and broken with an hammer, the earthy dross purged from it, there remains fine hairy threads, like unto Flax, which are woven into cloth. This Flax was seen in the house of the said Podo●●●●● by many men of worth and credit, as Porcachio witnesseth, Tabula 2. Funeralium. Wherefore Line being made of this stone, and incombustible, Constantine the Emperor ordained that it should ever burn in lamps in his chapel at Rome: this reports Damasus in the life of Pope Sylvester. Moreover, Ludovicus Vives, in his Commentaries upon St Aug. de Civit. Dei. lib. 21. c. 6. saith, that he saw lamps at Paris, whose lights never consumed. Also at Louvain a Napkin taken from the table at a feast, and thrown into the fire, and being quite red as a coal, was taken out again, cooled, and restored to the owner more white than if it had been washed with all the water and soap in the town. But enough of this subject.   

CHAP. XV.  
Of an artificial kind of guilding amongst the Romans, which they called Pyropus, as also of Electrum.  
PYropus, is commonly taken for a bigger sort of Rubies, called a Carbuncle, from the resemblance of a burning coal, but falsely: for Pyropus was, as Pliny telleth us, lib. 34. cap. 8. a kind of Copper, to every ounce of which, ●ixe scruples of gold were added, and so beaten into thin leaves: tops of Pyramids, Towers, and the like, were guilded therewith, which when the beams of the Sun took hold of, it shone like fire; thence had it the name of Pyropus. But this Art of making it is utterly lost: so is that mettle called Electrum, which was a composition of gold with a fifth part of silver added thereunto; and herewith the Ancients beautified their beds, si●lings, and tables, as Homer testifieth. With Pyropus Stage-players used to gild their Coronets, being first drawn or beaten into thin sheets or leaves, and after steeped in the gall of a Bull saith Pliny: 
Plin. l 34. cap. 8.  wherefore our Schoolmasters, and ordinary Grammarians may see their error, in taking Pyropus in Ovid for a Carbuncle, wher● Ovid describing the house of the Sun, saith it was, 
— sublimibus alta columnis, 
Metam 2.   
Clara micanta auro, flammasque imitante Pyropo.   
And that it was no kind of mettle, but was to be laid on as we do our leafe-gold, Propertius will affirm, where he saith, Picta nec inducto fulgeb●t parma Pyropo.  
Isidore supposeth Electrum 
Electrum.  was so named, by reason of the brightness from the Sun, called by many Poets (as Pliny testifieth) Elector; whereof there are three kinds: 
Plin. l 37. cap. 2.  The first proceedeth from the fatty substance of a Tree, which is a kind of Been, and runneth down, as we see the Gum upon Cherry Trees, and is hardened with the coldness of the Air, or the working of the Sea; for when great Tides flow up into those Lands where it groweth, carrying it away, they cast it upon other Shores, giving the form of roundness thereunto, by often rolling the same. The Ancients called it, Succinum, quod ex arboris, succo distillante congelasceret. Now from what Tree it falleth, it is a question, Aristotle names not any Tree. Dioscorides saith, It is the tears, or distilled humour of Poplar Trees, growing near to the River Po in Italy; 
This Electrum is our Amber.  & being hardened in the Stream, becometh Electrum, which is no other than our Amber. 
Ambros: Hexameron. lib. 2. cap. 15.  S. Ambrose saith, It is the tear, or dropping of a little low shrub: and true it is, at the first it is liquid, and runneth down as tears from the eyes, since oftentimes many kinds of small creatures are found buried in Amber, as Flies, Bees, little Worms, etc. which were entangled in the same when it was liquid. Martial 
Marti. l. 4.  hath a most elegant Epigram 
Epigr. 32.  of a Bee enclosed within a piece of Amber: which is, 
Et latet, & lucet, Phaetontide condita gutta,  
Vt vidcatur Apis nectare clausa suo:  
Dignum tantorum, pretium tulit illa laborum;  
Credibile est ipsam, sic voluisse mori.   
The like, and altogether as good, or better, hath the same Poet of a Viper, buried in the same manner, where he willeth Cleopatra, not to esteem so highly of her royal and stately Monument, when the Viper found a more rich and magnificient Tomb then herself. I overpass that Poetical Fable of Phaethon, who by Li●ghtning, was cast down from his Chariot, into the River Po, or Eridanns; whose fall, when the Sisters Heliaedes continually wept & bewailed, they were turned into Poplar Trees: 
Vnde fluunt lachrymae, 
Ovid Mettm. 2. 4.  stillataque sole rigescunt;  
De ramis electra novis—   
A second sort of this Electrum, is a Mettle which anciently was digged out of Pits, and deep Ditches, as Isidore reporteth, perhaps out of Pliny, lib. 33. cap. 4.  
The 3d and last kind, is this artificial Electrum we spoke of, a quantity of Gold, mixed with five times as much silver. This Mettle, or matter for Gilding, was highly esteemed from all Antiquity. Homer reporteth, That the Palace of Menela●s shone, and glisteren with Gold Electrum, Silver and Ivory. And at Lindos, an Island belonging to Rhodes, was the Temple of Minerva; to which Temple, Helen of Troy consecrated, and gave a Cup or Bowl made of this Electrum, of the just bigness of one of her Paps or Breasts; say Trebellius, Pollio and Pomp●nius, of Electrum, money anciently was made and coined: so were also Rings to be worn in ●ares, and upon fingers, saith Savaro in Notis ad Appollinarem, carm. 24.   

CHAP. XVI.  
Of Margaret the Wife of Herman, Earl of Henneberge.  
THis Lady lived in the time of Henry the 3d Emperor, who brought forth at one birth 365 children, the just number of days in the year; in memory whereof, not far from Leiden in Holland, in a Village called Lausdunen, there is yet a fair Table of Marble, which containeth the whole History of this stupendious accident; which, as it there standeth engraven upon the Marble, I will truly relate: for I myself have twice or thrice, when I lived in Holland, seen the same: these two Verses are engraven uppermost, 
En tibi monstrosum nimis, 
The Epitaph of Margaret, Countess of Henneberge.  & memorabile factum,  
Quale ne● à mundi conditione datum.   
Margaret the wife of Herman, Earl of Henneberge, and daughter of Florence the 4 ʰ Earl of Holland and Zealand, sister of William King of the Romans, and after Caesar, or Governor of the Empire, and of Alithea, Countess of Henault, whose Uncle was the Bishop of Vtrecht, and Cousin to the Duke of Brabant, and the Earl of Thuringia, etc. This Noble Countess being about forty years of age, upon Easter day, and about nine of the clock in the year of our Lord, 1276. was brought to bed of three hundred sixty and five children, all which were baptised in two brazen Basins, by Guido the Suffragan of Vtrecht; the males, how many soever there were of them, were christened by the name of john, the daughters were all named Elizabeth, who all together with their mother died the same day, and with their mother lie buried in this Church of Losdunen. This happened by the means of a poor woman, who carried in her arms two children, who were twins, & both of them males, which the Countess admiring, said, That she could not have them by one father, and so shook her off in contempt and scorn. Whereupon this poor woman being much perplexed in her mind, presenly prayed to God to send her as many children as there were days in the whole year: which thing beside the course of Nature, in a stupendious and wonderful manner came to pass, as it is briefly set down and declared in this Table for a perpetual Memory, testified as well by ancient Manuscripts, as by many printed Chronicles. The Almighty and great GOD of Heaven hereupon be feared, honoured, and praised from this time forth for evermore.  
Amen.   

CHAP. XVII.  
Of Glass made malleable, to be beaten forth every way.  
IT is reported, that in the time of Tiberius the Roman Emperor, there was invented Glass of that temper, that it would abide the hammer, and be beaten in length or breadth like lead, and pliable to bend every way like paper; and that the Inventor hereof was put to death, upon this occasion: When he had built a most magnificent Palace in Rome, which after the building began to ●inke, and was likely to fall, and Tiberius having paid him for his work, commanded him to depart, and never to look him in the face again. He shortly after having invented the way to make Glass Malleable, or to abide the Hammer, and came to show the same to Tiberius, expecting a reward (as Dio reports) for his Invention; 
Dio. l. 57  His whole Shop, saith Pliny, was pulled down, and laid waste, lest Brass, Gold and Silver should be undervalved in their price and esteem. Others report, That Tiberius did it out of malice and envy, because he naturally hated learned, virtuous, and all ingenious men.  
More at large, Petronius reporteth this matter after this manner, saying, There was a skilful Crafts-man, who made Cups, and vessels of Glass, of that strength and firmness, that they would no more break, than Pots of Silver and Gold.  
Now when he had made a Vial of this most pure and solid Glass, and thought the same a Gift worthy to be given to Caesar, (meaning Tiberius) he was brought with his present before Caesar, who much commended the manner of the making, and the skilful hand of the Workman; his gift was taken, and his goodwill accepted of.  
This Workman, more to amaze all the beholders by, and that he might make himself a farther way into the Emperor's favour, took the Glasse-viall again out of the Emperor's hand, and threw it down upon the Pavement, with so great a force, that had it been made of Gold or Silver, it had been either bruised or broken. Tiberius heereat, was not only astonished, but waxed very fearful. The Maker took up his Glass again, which was a little bruised, but no where broken; as if, saith Petronius, the substance of Brass had converted itself to Glass: then taking a Hammer out of his bosom, he beat out the bruise, and brought it again into fashion, as a Tinker should beat out a bruised Kettle.  
Which being done, he thought that he had purchased Heaven, gaining at once, Caesar's familiarity and admiration; but it fell out otherwise. For Caesar demanded, if any other knew the Art of making that kind of Glass, but himself? He answered, None that he knew. Whereupon Tiberius commanded, That he should be beheaded; for (quoth he) if this Art were publicly known, Gold and Silver would be no more esteemed of then Clay.  
Coelius Rhodoginus reports also this same History, taxing the vanity of Tiberius, who was of a crafty and a catching disposition, dissembling, and making the World believe he would do those things which he never meant, and what he meant to do, he would not; as seeming angry with those whom he meant to prefer, and friendly to others, whose throats he meant to cut.  
As this Glasse-maker, so all great Wits must be working upon new Inventions, one after another, which indeed is the fuel or food of Wit; which the same Rhodoginus doth elegantly express, l. 29. cap. 16. but as one saith, Rara ingeniorum praemia, rara item & merces. Eumolpus in Petronius, maketh also the same complaint: one ask him the question why he went so poorly apparelled? for this reason, quoth he, Amor ingenii, neminem unquam divitem fecit. The love of Wit, (or witty Inventions) never made any man rich. And afterward he addeth, Nescio quomodo bonae mentis soror est paupertas; I know not how it comes to pass, that Poverty is always the Sister of a virtuous, or honest mind. And true it is that Apuleius saith, 
In Apolog.  Paupertas est Philosophiae vernacula, Paupertas; or, Poverty is the mother tongue, or proper language of Philosophy.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
Of Bells.  
BElls are imagined to have been invented in the year of our Redemption, Four hundred, by Paulinus Bishop of Nola. Nola is a Town in Campania, where Augustus died: they were called Campanae, because they were invented in Campania: and the lesser Bells, Nolae, from the place where they were made.  
The use of Bells is very great; for by the benefit of them, the hours of the time of the day are heard a far off, whether we lie in our beds, or be abroad in the fields, or journeying on the way; they tell us the hour of the day, though we cannot see the clouded Sun. Before these Waterglasses, called Clepsidrae, were in use and request. Moreover, Bells call us to Divine Service; they call for help, when houses in Cities, and Towns are on fire; or when there is any mutiny or uproar; they call the Magistrates of Cities to their Halls, or common Counsel-house; Scholars in Universities, to Congregations, and Disputations; Judges to the Hall and Bench. And in a word, they serve, and help us in all public Actions, and without them, we knew not well what to do.  
But indeed Paulinus, that holy and religious Bishop, did rather reform the abuse of Bells, then invent them; and taught them to call Christians to the Church, and to serve God, whereas in former times, their chief use was (as they then imagined) to chase away Devils, and evil Spirits; they hindered also Magical Enchantments, as Tibullus, not obscurely notes, when he thus writes: 
Cantus & è curr●● Lunam deducere tentat,  
Et faceret si non a●ra repulsa sonen●.   
For they believed, that by the tingling of Brass, that the sound of Magical verses should be hindered from coming up to the Moon; and when she was moved with these Verses, this sound relieved her: in which sense I take that of Statius Papinius Thebay 6.  
— Attonitis quoties avellitur astris,  
Solis opaca soror, procul auxiliantia gentes  
Aura crepant, frustraque timent—  
Yet I must confess, as now, so in ancient times, when any one died, Bells did ring, and they made Brass to sound; but they did it to the end (as I said before) they might chase away Devils and Spirits from coming near them. Bells are rung many times in thunder, to reverberate the infectious Air, which I am persuaded they do. The like doth great Ordnance, shot off as well in Thunder, as in sultry and close hot weather.  
The Laconians, when their King died, used to beat upon Kettles, instead of ringing of Bells. The Africanes, especially those who are Prester john's Subjects, have Bells made of Stone. The jews at Funerals used playing upon Pipes, as it may be gathered out of Math●w 9 which Custom it seemed the Romans borrowed from the jews, as appeareth by Ovid. 1. Tristium.  Tibia funeribus convenit ista meis. 
The little Bell, which we commonly call, The Saint's Bell, john Pierius useth for an Hieroglyphic, teaching Preachers of God's Word, that to the sound of their voice, they should lead their lives according; else like the Bell, while they call upon others, themselves are deaf and stupid, alluding whereunto, Beza hath this excellent Epigram: 
Aera gravi ●unctos, veluti Campana sonore,  
Ipsa licet penitùs sint sibi surda, cient:  
Sic es recta docens alios, perversa secute,  
Quique aliis sapiens, non sapis ipse tibi.   
Thus much concerning Bells, and their use.   

CHAP. XIX.  
The occasion of the alteration of the Arms of Bohemia.  
WHen Vladislaus K. of Bohemia took part with Frederick Barbarossa, and very much assisted him with Men, Munition, and all things necessary for his Expedition against Milan: Milan being taken, the day after the Emperor had entered into the City, mounted upon a goodly Courser, in his Imperial Robes, wearing the Crown which the King of England had sent him, all beset with most resplendent and priceless Gems, he entered into the choice Church of the City, wherein the Arch bishop of Milan said Mass; there taking off his Crown, he presented it to the King of Bohemia in these words: Vladislaus, this Crown, and the Honour thereunto belonging, being the gift of my loving Friend the King of England, appertaineth by right unto yourself: for you have been both the head and foot of that Victory which now I have obtained. Moreover, as a perpetual Testimony and Monument of our mutual love and friendship unto all posterity, give me leave to change your Single black Eagle into a stern Lion: for a Lion in strength and courage far excelleth an Eagle. The King yielded unto him, giving him many thanks. Then by the Commandment of the Emperor a Painter was sent for, who should draw this Lion in an Ensign: but hear a merry jest which followed. The Painter by chance had so drawn him, that his Tail lay close between his legs, as if he had had none at all; which the Bohemians observing; and I pray you (quoth they to the Painter) Where is his tail? this is more like an ill-favoured Jack an apes, than a generous Lyon. Hereupon despising this cowardlike Lion, they desired (being much grieved) that they might have their old Eagle again. This when it was related unto the Emperor, he fell into a great laughter, saying, It is no hard matter to find a remedy for this, and to please the Bohemians. Wherefore he caused presently to be new painted, a white Lion, not with one tail only, but with two, and those fairly aloft, cast over his back: which remaineth the Arms of the Bohemians even to this day.   

CHAP. XX.  
A most ancient and pleasant manner of Choosing their Prince in Carinthia.  
IN Carinthia, as often as a new Prince is to be chosen, and to take the government upon him, they observe a Custom, the like whereof is not in the world. Not far from the Town of Saint Vitus, in a goodly Valley, are seen the ruins of an old City, the name whereof Antiquity of Time hath abolished. Not far off, among many large Meadows, is erected a Marble stone: on this stone a Peasant or Countryman gets up, (which office he hath hereditary, as belonging to him and his posterity) at whose right hand standeth a lean black Ox, and an ill-favoured Mare of Paramatiae; about this Mare stand a multitude of people, and all the Husbandmen of the Country.  
Then the Prince cometh on forward from the other part of the Meadow, all his Nobles in Purple accompanying him; the Earl of Goritia (who is Steward, and keeper of the Prince's Palace) carrieth the Banner and Arms of the Country, runneth before between twelve lesser Banners; the other Magistrates follow after. In all this company, every one goeth in an honourable and respectful fashion, saving the Prince himself: who goeth like a Clown or a Countryman, and apparelled accordingly; for he weareth an old side-coat, a Ploughman's cap, high shoes, and a Shepherd's hook in his hand; whom, as soon as the other Countryman upon the stone hath espied, he calls out aloud unto him in the Slavonian tongue, (for the Carinthians are all of them Slavonians) Who is this whom I espy coming in that state, and so proud a gate towards me? The standers by answer, That the Prince of the Country is come. He upon the stone then replies, What is he? Is he an upright Judge? And seeks the good and safety of the Country? Is he of a free condition, and worthy of Honour? Is he a professor and maintainer of the Christian Religion? and will he be a defender of the same? All then answer together, He is, and will be. I therefore demand, by what right he can dispossess and stir me from my seat, this same stone? The Earl of Goritia answers, This place shall be bought of you for threescore pence, these Cattle shall be yours, (showing him the Ox and the Mare) besides, you shall have also the Prince's apparel, which shortly he will leave off, your house shall be free, without paying Tribute. Which words being pronounced, the Countryman upon the stone, giveth the Prince a gentle box on the care, and bids him be a good Judge; then arising, and taking his goodly beasts with him, he yields his place to the Prince.  
The Prince getting up upon the Stone, turns himself round about toward the people, with his Sword drawn, which he flourisheth every way, and over his head, promising true Justice unto the people. Then they bring him fair water to drink out of a Countrey-mans Cap, meaning, that he should put down the drinking, and use of Wine. After this he goeth unto a Church dedicated unto the Blessed Virgin Marie, which standeth upon a little Mount not far off, where solemn Service being finished, he casteth off his Country habit, putting on a princely Robe, and having feasted royally with his Nobles, he goeth again into the aforesaid Meadow, and there sitting in a Chair of State, he administers Justice to all that ask it, and disposeth of houses and lands. The Duke of Carinthia had sometime the place of chief Huntsman of the Empire, before whom all Controversies amongst Hunters and Woodmen, were brought and decided.   

CHAP. XXI.  
The marvellous simplicity of a Monk, fetched out of his Monastery, to be Crowned a King.  
THe Arragonians, who inhabit between the River Iberus, & the kingdom of Valentia in Spain, who derive their name from the most ancient City Tarracona, built by Cn: Publius, Scipio's Brother, in the second Punic War, chose one Tarrensis, a Noble man for their King; who being possessed of his Regal Authority, and Dignity, began to abuse his government, and to grow proud and insolent: so incurring the hatred of his people, he was soon after by them deprived of his kingdom. Now being cast out of his Throne, when they could meet with none whom they thought worthy and able to take the charge of the Crown and government upon him, by the Pope's Authority, they took out of a Monastery, one Ranimiro, a Monk, (a Bastard son of Sanchio Maiors) and made him King of Arragon and Osea, as Colle●utius will have it; but (Roderig●es Sanchi● calleth it Osca) crowned in the year One thousand and seventeen.  
This Monk, not accustomed to the Wars, or Military Affairs (as it seemed) when he was to set forward in an Expedition against the Moors, he was by his Nobles set upon a goodly great horse in his complete Arms, giving him his Shield in his left hand, and his Lance in his right: then they gave him the Bridle; which when he considered, and utterly ignorant how he should use or carry them, he told them in these words, That both his hands were full, and desired them that he might take the Bridle in his mouth, which gaping wide he did: at which words all the Nobility fell on a laughter. But shortly after, having left off his Monastical simplicity, calling many of his Nobles unto him, he caused them to be beheaded, adding this witty, though bitter Sarcasme: Non sa ben la Volpegia, con quien tr●mpegia: The Fox knows no● with whom he plays.   

CHAP. XXII.  
A witty, but a ridiculous reply, and vindication of a disgrace●  
ROBERT Duke of Normandy, a witty Prince, and of a pleasant disposition, coming on a time to Constantinople, to visit Constantine: the Emperor to make trial of his wit, upon set purpose, commanded Stools to be set about the Table, when dinner was ready for him and his Company, not above one foot and an half high. It was done as the Emperor commanded. When the Norman Duke came to sit down, and found all the stools too low for him and his friends, suspecting that there was a trick put upon him; he (as he had a ready wit) purposed to be even with him: for when they were to ●it down, he took his Cloak, and wrapping it round, made it serve for a Cushion 〈◊〉 make his seat higher 〈◊〉 ●●st of his Normans im●●●●●● him: so than they sat all down; and having dined, and the Cloth being taken aways Duke Robert, leaving his cloak (whereon he fate) behind him, the other of his Nobility and followers did so likewise. Constantine wondered at it; and when he saw they would be gone in good earnest, I pray you (quoth 〈◊〉 Emperor) why do you not take your Cloaks along with you? Duke Robert● answered, It is not the fashion in our Country, when we are invited to a Feast, to carry away the Cushions we sa●e on●  
FINIS.