The Preface to the Reader.  
GENTLE READER, WE may see with deep considerations the merciful work of the Lord from time to time, showing unto us many strange Signs and tokens, forewarning us unto repentance: But such is the corruption and hardness of this our age, that we contemn and neclect all tokens in the Heavens, by respecting our own security for the time present, and yet if any man would reckon the course of this life past, he should see in himself great cause to tremble at these things: And also if we do consider what great rout of evils doth beset us, and how many hath been destroyed, or what hurts hath been by Lightnings, Earthquakes, Ground-opening, Floods, Tempests of the Sea, great Winds, Infections, Air, Wars, Mortality's, Plagues, strange diseases and such like, which things, Comets doth commonly Prognosticate to ensue. I suppose that the remembrance of such dangers, should make us not to be altogether careless of these tokens, threatening unto us calamities for our unthankfulness, and therefore whosoever doth make light account of Earthquakes and gleaming Stars: and is not moved with the sight thereof with the fear of God's heavy displeasure: the same people do also as lightly and as little regard their own consciences and amendment of life. And now let us bear in mind the fourth Star, that was seen in Calabria, which signifieth great alteration this year. 1587. and that the world will not long endure, God make us all ready against the day of the Lord. This Star Master john Doleta, a learned Astronomer doth write, and with him also do agree, in writing all the learned men in Grecia, Alexandria, Spain, and Italy, That is to say, in the year aforesaid, the Sun shallbe covered with a Dragon, in the Morning from five a Clock until nine, and will show forth as fire, and in this year is thought to be great Floods, Winds; Tempests and Earthquakes. I pray God defend and keep us from the same, and give us grace to repent, and bear in mind the fearful signs and tokens. For as before the destruction of the first World, like signs and tokens appeared, & yet they would not turn from their wickedness, and so were drowned in the Flood. And as before the destructions of Sodom and Gomorra, appeared like wonders, but they would not call to God for mercy, and so were consumed with Fire and Brimstone. And that goodly City jerusalem, for their abomination was made desolate, and not one stone left upon an other. Yet now let all these signs and tokens cause speedy repentance, and amendment of life, and then no doubt the wrath of God, which is now kindled against thee, will be turned to his wont mercy: and then possess that place of felicity, which is prepared for all those that fear and tremble at the threatening of our GOD: to which place of perfect rest, I beseech God to grant his Spirit of lively repentance, in the hearts of all true believers. Amen.   

¶ Strange News out of Calabria: Prognosticated in the year 1586. upon the year 87. and what shall happen in the said year: Praying the Lord to be merciful unto us.  
The Interpretation of the fourth Star which was seen in Calabria: being written for a warning unto all faithful Christians, as followeth.  
BE it known unto all men, that in the year 87. when as the Moon is in the watery sign, the world is like to be in great danger: For a learned man, named master john Doleta, who is very well seen in Astronomy, doth write, and with him also doth agree in writing the chiefest men in Grecia, Alexandria, Spain, and Italy: that is to say, that in the foresaid year, the Sun shall be covered with the Dragon, in the morning from five a clock until nine, and will appear like fire: therefore it is not good that any man do behold the same: for by the beholding thereof you may lose your sight.  
SEcondly, there shall come a marvelous great water Flood upon our Lady day in Lent, being upon the 25. day of March, and by reason of the fearfulness thereof many people may die.  
THirdly, there shall arise a marvelous great wind, and for great fear thereof many people shall be consumed, or distraughted of their wits.  
FOurthly, the same year, upon the 12. day of may, will arise an other wonderful great water Flood, and so great as no man hath seen, since Noyes Flood, and will continue three days and three nights, and many Cities & Towns which standeth upon sandy ground will be in great danger.  
FIftly, Infidels and Heretics through great fear and dread, will fly and gather together, and a great part of christendom, shall be in danger to be overthrown, which God defend.  
SIxtly, in the said year, after the great waters be past. upon S. Margaret's day, being in the Dog days, will be a great and fearful Death: for the Pestilence willbe in such force that it is to be feared that few places in Christendom, will be free: which the Lord defend and preserve us from the same.  
Seavently, there will be throughout the world great change, and alteration in Religion, and wonderful strange news unto all people as concerning the same.  
EIghtly, the Turk with his God Mahomet shall lose his Sceptre, and a great change and alteration; in his Regiment, through hunger and wars, so that the most part of them will rather seek for relief by the Christians then at his hands.  
NInthly, there will also arise great Earthquakes, and the fruit of Trees will be very strange to be seen, and hollow within.  
LAstly, upon S. Bartholmewe day willbe great movings of the earth, both on Hills and Valleys, so that for fear thereof, few people will remain alive, God be merciful unto us. Therefore it behoveth all good Christians, for to call earnestly unto almighty God in hearty prayer, to turn all these Plagues from us, which he through his wrath will lay upon us for our wicked living.  
He which hath no misfortune in the year 85.  
And in Anno. 86. Doth remain alive.  
He being in 87. unhurt and unslain,  
And in 88 Alive doth remain.  
And living until the year 89.  
He may then speak of a joyful tyme.