ΨΕΥΔΟ-ΑΣΤΡΟΛΘΓΟΣ. OR, THE SPURIOUS PROGNOSTICATOR UNMASKED.  
BEING A short EXAMEN of the manifold Errors and Fallacies, Falsehoods and Flatteries, Published by Mr. W. LILLY, In his MERLIN 1659.  
Wherein his Ignorance in Astrology is explained and exploded; His scandalous girdings at the King of Denmark, Duke of Brandenburg, and the States of Holland, Noted; his Nefarious dealing with the late Lord Protector of England, and the King of Sweden, discovered; His Impudent, Arrogant and Artless Assertions, Retorted and Refuted.  
By G. J. a Lover of Art and Honesty.  
Humanum est errare: Jacere belluinum: perseverare diabolicum.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year 1660.   

ΨΕΥΔΑΣΤΡΟ'ΓΟΣ. OR, The Spurious Prognosticator, etc.  

MAster William Lilly being a person (by the vulgar sort) believed to be the most famous ginger that ever yet appeared on the English Stage: In his Merlin, 1656. he witnesseth the same of himself, thus — We (saith he) have been a servant to the unthankful; we have shared in honour and dishonour: Notwithstanding all which— we have had all along since 1644. as general and full a Practice in all the known parts of Astrology, as ever any man of this Nation.  
I shall not Comment upon this his Notorious Boast, nor Question whether his deserts have been as worthy, as his Practice large. Neither shall I trouble myself with noting any of his former failings (unless Collaterally) which may (I question not, upon a strict examen) equal the hairs of his head for number; though I presume it would be not an affront, but favour unto Astrology so to do. Yet, Notwithstanding his great fame and [supposed] great skill, I may (I hope) be bold to retort the Errors of his this years Merlin upon him, because he hath therein so notoriously deviated from Art, and so prodigiously scandalised the same.  
If that Great Artists for to Sin be bold,  
I see no reason but they should be told.  
Now that I may proceed Methodically, I shall consider, (1.) This (supposed) Great Artist's Epistle. (2.) His General Judgements. (3.) His Monthly Fictions.   

Sect. 1. I shall begin with his Epistle. And would gladly be informed by what Authority, Astrological, or otherwise, he is so bold, as to Question or bespatter the Duke of Brandenburgh's Title? (2.) Out of what Record (setting aside Mother Shipton, and such like Authorities, he can prove the King of Swede not only a Northern Lion, but a Northern Lion Rampant? (3.) What Astrological Text favours him to predict — That Carolus Gustavus the great [if the God of Battles honour him with the Royalty of Denmark, and good footing in Elector William his Dominions] shall prove a sure sanctuary to the Protestants? And why either of the other (if the God of Battles prove adjuvant to them) shall not prove a Sanctuary as sure, and as great unto the Protestants, as Carolus Gustavus the great? they all being of one Faith or Religion. (4.) Whether there be a text in Christian Astrology to encourage Mr. L. to say so confidently — It is as true as truth itself— when the League betwixt England and Sweden is dissolved, then farewell the prosperity of the English Nation? (5.) Whether such Astrology (if Mr. L. will have it so baptised) be not more likely to sow the seeds of division among Princes and Nations, and set them sooner and surer together by the ears, than any way uphold the honour of that Art Mr. L. pretends to be so great a Proficient in?  
Had such Errors and Ignorances' (for such they must be, since the Art they are fathered on disclaims them) been Published by some Novice in Art, that had not been much known in the world, they had done the less mischief. But for one that looks upon himself as a famed Artist, and is commonly (though how much undeservedly, you plainly see) believed to be so; Nay, one that writes himself (though as fond as falsely,) — Christianae Astrologiae propagator fidissimus! for such a one, to be guilty of such gross juggling, and most apparent flatteries, it doth not only intolerably blemish the Art, but prejudices many honest Professors thereof,— as Mr. Booker, Wharton, Wing, Tanner, etc. who when they but hear those pitiful stories of their (pretended) foreman mentioned, it cannot but strike them into the thoughts of a just indignation against him.  

Omne Animi vitium tanto conspectius in se  
Crimen habet, quanto major qui peccat habetur.   

The Eminenter he that doth amiss,  
So much his sin, the more notorious is.   
But cui fini? to what end do I turn Questionist to Mr. L. when all that know him, know it is not his guise to satisfy any? Let their demands be what they will, he is not concerned, though his reputation lie at the stake never so much — Tell not me (saith he) of every Dogs barking at me; I have a salve to cure all again. Let Mr. L. go on, and tell the world that he hath begun a new manner of Astrology amongst us, and that he walks in those uncouth ways that no former Author found; And crack with lying Lucretius at large, viz.  

A via Signorum peragro loca nullius ante 
See his Merlin's, 1648. 1649. 1650. 1651.   
Trita Solo;—   

In th' midst of Heavens Signs, I trace a way,  
That no man found before me to this day.   
Nay, if he invade the World with a Million more of such like hyperbolical fictions and fooleries, ought he not to be believed? When Delphos was in fashion, were any so bold, or foolhardy as to urge a reason from their Oracle? And must it not (in Mr. L's thoughts) be unjust for any to urge him to a reason of what he writes or obtrudes upon the World? In his thoughts, did I say? Nay, in his Merlin, 1655. he plainly tells his Readers — That he will from thenceforth give no Astrological Reason's [when, or where, I pray Sir, did you ever give any?] he having been too Copious unto an unthankful Generation of men; who might have been everlastingly in their A. B. C. without his assistance. (— Proprio laus sordet in ore.) Certainly such boasts could not but much persuade with many people, that Mr. L. is every whit as able as he proclaims himself, did they not surely know it to be the property of empty Hogsheads to sound the loudest. I see not in reason how he can be said to bring others out of their A. B. C. whose only skill is not removed a hairs breadth beyond great F. viz. Flatteries. And so I pass from his Epistle to his Book.   

Sect. 2. In his General Judgements, pag. 2. he acquaints us — That now the effects of the Comet 1572. draw near to a manifestation upon what Kingdom or Country of Europe they will pour down their Influence— The consideration of which, hath occasioned him to wander more than he intended concerning the Swedish King and his Achievements, etc.— I shall not much Question the sense of the former part of these words, although they sound very Anti-Grammatically, Yet methinks if Comets have effects (which some very learned deny, and Mr. L. cannot prove, unless we will be contented with his Assertives for Probatives,) they should not continue 87. years; but like those of Eclipses or great Conjunctions, only remain until another of the same kind come, and put a period unto its threatened Effects.  
According to which Doctrine, this Comet (which hath caused Mr. L. to wander so much from the Art he pretends to) should have ended its Effects in 1618. for then there appeared another. But to make sense of Mr. L's words, he took not the Comet, but K. of Sweden, etc. to be the cause of his wand'ring. And then the Antecedent to the Relative [wand'ring] stands in the place of the Consequent; and so he becomes (nevertheless) Guilty, of an Irrhetorical 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. but it matters not much for sense, Art, or Scholarship; so we find but feign and flatteries good store in Mr. L. his learned works, we have what we can thence rationally expect.  
But he goes on and predicts further — That the work designed by that Comet, he finds is great, and such, that neither one man or age, shall scarcely afford matter plentiful to begin its operation.— A second John Baptist is required. He finds the work, etc. is great. He can find any thing to be small or great at his pleasure; he can make a Mountain of a Molehill, and a Molehill of a Mountain again; he can Magnify, and diminish, without the assistance of the Optics, ad libitum; so excellent a workman is learned Mr. Lily! But doth Mr. L. hope to gain Credit among Ingenious men for such Astrology as this? A Comet (by his own confession) that stirred up the K. of Swede against the Dane, etc. And yet now he finds (after a second staring, it seems,) that neither a Man or Age, shall afford plentiful matter to begin its operation! Risum teneatis amici? Nay, doth not Mr. L. like a sullen Cow kick down (with his disdainful heel) all the good Meal of Milk, that before he produced for the K. of Swede? I hope Mr. L. when he complains of a paucity of plentiful Matter, doth not mean, but that the K. of Swede had reason in abundance to Invade the Polander and Dane! And being stirred up against them by the influence of this Comet twatled of, I see no reason Mr. L. hath to complain for want of plentiful matter to begin its operations. And if they be already begun, I would demand of Mr. L. what need we have of a second John Baptist to expound the Riddle? I have heard a story of a Soldier with a wooden-leg? who being supposed to have a good one shot off, his friends seeing him fall, called out presently for a Chirurgeon. Oh! quoth the Soldier (being better acquainted with his want) 'tis not matter for a Chirurgeon, a Carpenter may serve the turn. All the use that I shall make of it here, is this,— that to expound those forged effects of Comets, and their tedious duration, requires not a second John Baptist,— A Lily or Mother Shipton may do it. And so I proceed to his next contradiction. — We cannot or dare we (still you see, he hath Pigs in his belly) positively determine this present Magnanimous K. of Sweden, to be that very Person, or that so great Northern Lion, who shall do such wonders as have been of old Prophesied. And why not Sir? as well, as to maintain him to be, A Northern Lion Rampant? But Mr. L. since the relieving Copenhagen hath changed his Opinion; for in his Merlin, 1657. he positively affirmed this K. of Sweden was the man Prophesied of, by (those Divinely illuminated Cheatees,) the Sibyls. Yet here he dareth not do it. Thus you see Mr. L. may affirm, and not affirm, or dare so to do, etc. he may indeed do any thing, by Privilege. But yet it is a very raw and silly conceit of Mr. L. to think to write such notorious contradictions, and not to be noted and esteemed for them, as he deserves. Shall we believe him to be an Artist, that changes his humour just as the Times turn? or shall we not rather take him for an Arch-Temporizer? and one that makes use of an Art to cover and cloak his ignorance and flatteries? Had Mr. L. believed his Art to be indubitably real, we should have found him certain somewhere; but he poor man! Lysps and Jabbers, Shuffles and Cuts, after so ridiculous a manner, as if he were as little acquainted with Art as honesty.  
But it is not against Reason (sure) for a man to demand of Mr. L. his reason for not positively affirming here, the same thing, that (with as great confidence as ignorance) he did two years since. Doth the M. C. add▪ ♄ in the K. of Swede's Nativity deter him? Or hath he all the reward he expects? If the first, 'tis but finding a transit (in his Astrology) to rancounter that, as in 1658. he did, in these words — Live most valiant Swedish King, thy Generals, etc. and be as successful as Anglicus desires; And than you are promised two several Victories near this Month.— Non obstante Medium (Medio, it should rather have been, but that his Astrology and Latin are both of a stamp) Coeli ad Corpus Saturni, etc. If the later, cannot you send to him for the other Gold Chain, and acquaint his Majesty, — That it is beneath the dignity of your high-famed Pen, to spend its precious Ink Sine pretio, or for a mean reward; and one Gold Chain is too little for a Person of your fame to be guilty of so great Imposturism, as to forfeit (as much as in you lies) the honour and future glory of so splendid an Art, that you by profession pretend unto?  
Well, to pass this,— Let us trace Mr. L. a little further, and we shall find,— Though he dare not positively affirm this K. of Sweden to be the man or Conqueror, etc. yet, that his own Motto — Sero sapit ingratus, may not by't too hard upon his reputation, and he be noted to do nothing for so worthy a present, as the Gold Chain he received; In his confident ignorant Dialect, he runs on, — Thus much we affirmatively say— That the present Carolus Gustavus shall prepare much matter towards the advancement of his Successors, for so great Achievements in all parts of Europe, And that the name of this Conqueror shall be, Charles, and of the Swedish Nation, and offspring of this Carolus Gustavus, etc.  

Mira canunt, sed non credenda Poetae.   

Things wonderful to sing is Lily 's Guise;  
But Credit none of them, if you be wise.   
In his Merlin 1657. he affirmed Carolus Gustavus now Reigning, to be the Northern Lion or Conqueror, etc. And yet here he affirms, That not this, but another of his race, shall be the man. Let him but reconcile these dislocated Predictions, and I shall believe him able also, to make good this Position.  

Nilintrà est oleam; nihil extrà est in nuce duri.   

Within the Olive ['tis beyond all doubt,]  
There's nothing hard, Nor of the Nut without.   
The most Chimerical Fancy or Fiction in the World, is every whit worthy as much Credit, as so notorious and broad-faced a Contradiction. If Mr. L. from his great Patronesses the Sibyls, in 1657. spoke truth,— Then this present Charles, and not another, must be the man. If Mr. L. speak truth now, than the Sibyls and he were besides the truth in 1657. And is not this most excellent Christian Astrology! The K. of Swede, shall be, and yet he shall not be the Conqueror!  

Dic quibus in terris, & eris mihi magnus Apollo.   

Great Sir! but tell me, how both may be true,  
And take Apollo's Bays to be your due.   
When Mr. L. can make the two Members of a contradiction accord, he may (I suppose) make good these his wild and extravagant Assertions. Howbeit Mr. L. deems it but Reasonable, that he be believed in what he says, let it be never so contrary to truth, or contradictious in itself; he being (as he supposes) Princeps Astrologorum. And what is he that shall dare to do the contrary? however, I shall run the hazard of Mr. L's Censure in this kind for once; and demand by what Authority Sybillical, Cabalistcal or other, he is warranted to design the name of this great Conqueror to be Charles, etc.  
The Stars name none, and surely Mr. Lily,  
In saying they do, proclaims himself most Silly.  
The Names of Persons are such contingent things, that it were (considering their dependence upon the humours of conceited Gossips, whose wills and fancies are the sole and alone disposers thereof) a reasonless thing to force Astrology to father them. But I the less wonder at his refusing to render Reasons of what he Annually obtrudes upon the understandings of men; because he cannot but be sensible that his Merlin's or Almanacs, are only as Shops or Warehouses furnished with the worse sort of Drugs, and Rif-raff; himself standing in the midst of them, just as Horace describes his Petty-Chapman.  

Vilia vendentem tunicato Serula popello.   

Active in selling, to the vulgar man,  
His trash [for truth,] at small Price (if he can.)   
The learned I am out of doubt know Mr. L's shifts, and pitiful effeminate evasions; the Ignorant in time may discover them.  
In pag. 8. Mr. L. tells us, — This vernal Figure of Heaven promiseth the Lord Protector of England very fair, from his Allies beyond Sea. But how dares Mr. L. (unless he dare do any thing) raise a judgement either upon the Lord P. or any else, from a Scheme so notoriously untrue? Nothing less than 41●. of time distant from the truth; as is demonstrated by Mr. Wing in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the same year; with whom agree most others. And is it not a pretty Riddle, that Mr. L. which fails thus in the ordinary Principles of the Art [viz. 41 min. of time in such a Figure wherein an Artist cannot be too precise] should be accounted the only Father and Restorer of Astrology? But the Aenigma is explained; did not Mr. L. every year Claw the great Ones by the shoulders, his cunning would not by many degrees be so much in request above the ordinary Almanac-makers, as his skill is below them.  
But he, at his high-rated confidence goes on, predicting that — The Princes of the Earth are very fierce one against the other; Nothing but War, Destruction, Death, utter Ruin of one another, will give them satisfaction. And yet he Pipes out nothing but Honour, Renown, Conquest and Victory, to the L. P. of England, and K. of Sweden; as if they were quite out of the Number of the Princes of the Earth! And on the contrary, by the Princes of the Earth, he intends only the Kings of Denmark, and Poland, etc. Anglice, such as engage against the greatness of Sweden. But surely had any other ginger predicted prejudice, or aught else at so wild a rate, (as Mr. L. here doth) concerning Princes; Mr. L. would have been the first man that should have saluted him with,—  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   

Ah! Flattering Knave! Clad with high Impudence.   
But I spare Mr. L. although his Presages hang together, velut aegri somnia,— like sick men's dreams, and are not by the wisest head to be reconciled.  
Now Mr. L. having spent his pains (to as little purpose as you have heard) in predicting things to depend on the Figure of the Sun's Ingress; is come to the Moon's Eclipse in April.— And tells us — That it gins at 6 h. 22 min. P. M. and ends at 9 h. 20m. whence (saith he) the duration thereof, is 3 h. 15 min. But had Mr. L. been pleased to have proved his operations, he might have found, that from such a beginning and end as he assigns, such a duration could not possibly Emerge; But on the contrary, 2 h. 58 min. Which gross Ignorance in so ordinary and common a piece of Art, proclaims his whole skill to be but weak and worthless, and his Judgement insipid and unsavoury. Thus you see, that he who boasts that all others might have been in their A. B. C. without his assistance, is himself ignorant of the first Principles of the Science he pretends to. And without doubt had Mr. L. but presented us with the Figure of this Eclipse, we should have found it as true, as the other but lately noted.  
But be his Figures right or wrong, Mr. L proceeds to judgement (his name I think should properly have been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) according to his preceding Method (and he propounded none at all) and rufflingly acquaints us — That this Eclipse will cause a great ruffling both of the Dane and Dutch to regain the Sound; but they will sooner overthrow the great Mogul, or Grand Signior, then reconquer the Sound, out of his possession that now hath it in keeping, viz. Charles Gustavus K. of Sweden, etc. I would gladly demand, how it is possible for such particular Actions and Accidents of Princes to be spelt, or smelled out of Eclipses of the Moon; since the Effects thereof are not by many able Artists received for certain, but remain disputable? Is it not therefore, Interest rather than Art, that causeth him thus to write? certain it is, Astrologers agree — An Artist may be enabled to Predict much good, or prejudice, to happen to Persons from their Nativities truly known: But they conclude it altogether impossible for the best of Artists to point at the particular Persons, or Places, by whom, or where, they shall receive the same. And that is the meaning of Ptol. Cent. Aphor. 1. How then dares Mr. L. (without all Authority or Reason) prate in so high a strain, that is (questionless) incompetent to any, except God himself? But to follow Mr. L. a little further; if we shall consider the force of the M. C. add▪ ♄. in the K. of Swedes Nativity, there was a great deal more Reason for Mr. L. to have judged, that he should rather lose the Sound, then keep it. And had not Mr. L. endeavoured to appear Anti-Astrological in his writings, he could not but know, that that had been (by far) the more Art-like Prediction. Albeit, Mr. L. goes on, and saith — For whom Heavens have ordained Rampant and Victorious, In vain it is for man, or men, to withstand his rising. But (saith he) since we may seem to speak in clouds, we intent in this discourse only the Victorious Armies of his Majesty of Sweden to be the Person so powerful, etc. If Mr. L. in all Farnabees Rhetoric, can but find a figure that doth in the least favour so strange a passage as this before us, I shall acknowledge him better read therein then I am. He intends only the Victorious Armies of his Majesty of Sweden, to be the Person, etc. May not a man (that is not encompassed with Mr. L's Clouds) as reasonably, and with as good sense, and propriety of speech, in commendation of Mr. L. say — By such a Discourse, we only intent the many unparallelled Proselytes of Mr. L. to be the Person so learned in Astrology among us? I appeal to the Judgements of all understanding men, whether Mr. L. be guilty of more sense in the passage urged before, than this amounts to. If Mr. L. ever went to School, he cannot but remember that Boys have been whipped for far smaller faults. But these are only slight dashes of his He-Sparrow's quill, as one of his Antagonists, once (in vain) minded him of. But,  

— Plus foetent Stercora mota. (i)   

Dunghills the more you stir, the more they stink.   
Mr. L. after long flattering the K. of Swede, and sore threatening the Dane, Hollander, etc. if they engage against that Victorious Prince whom the Heavens (in his flattering Dialect) have ordained Rampant, betakes himself to a very convenient starting-hole, If in case it should so fall out, that the K. of Swede do not prosper so well, as he Prophecies, etc. And (like a good Christian ginger, maintains) The best Army, or longest sword, hath tho best Cause. By which it appears, that Mr. L's Religion is as rotten and corrupted, as his Astrology and Theurgy unsound.  
But to follow Mr. L. a little further yet.— (though not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) doth he not insinuate the Hollander, and Dane, to have the best cause, in case the God of Battles give them the Victory over the K. of Sweden? Nay, may we not estimate Mr. L's Conscience to be of so large a size, that if the Dane or Hollander would but Grease him, as the K. of Swede hath done, or but a little more, Mr. L. as the Proverb is, would Claw them again; and in his next Merlin would appear as confident on the side of the Magnanimous K. of Denmark, and the High and Mighty States of Holland, as now he hath for the Victorious and Rampant K. of Sweden.  
But surely Mr. L. cannot be of so unstable a judgement, nor doth he mean, or insinuate any such thing, as that the Hollander or Dane, can be thought to have the best cause, although they should fortune to have the longest Sword, or best Army. And that you may know him to be of a quite contrary Opinion, to what his now cited words import, he bursts into a flattery of the first Magnitude for the Swede, to the absolute ruin of the Hollander, etc. in these words. — Beware Hollanders of affronting his Majesty of sweden Navy, or Sea-Forces, or his most certain Friend the present English L. P. any of his Navy, or particular Ships: His Majesty of Swede, and our Protector have the most masculine spirited Seamen of the whole World, and a gracious Guardian Angel (therein is Mr. Lilies greatest skill) for to protect both their persons and forces, etc. — This Eclipse threatens breach of Peace between England and Holland [how know you that Sir? ♂ and▪ are therein in Δ; and can Δs in your Astrology produce Breaches?] and from thence a War, and that so great, as the former may be thought a trifle. Our Noble Seamen are promised Victory, [what, before they have an Enemy to engage against?] for in Waters upon the waters, upon people who live like Fishes, wholly upon the waters, and subsist by Seas and waters [Tautology is no sin with Mr. L.] will the Influence of this Eclipse take place; therefore our Swedish Sea-Forces, shall transmit thousands of the Dutch Seamen unto the Fishes for their better Nutriment.  

Quid dignum tanto feret hic promissor hiatu?   

Would you the truth of such great Victory?  
'Tis Lily 's Guise to promise his Friends high.   
I might demand of Mr. L. (in relation to this his Notorious Nonsequitur, wherefore he brings his strange therefore? And whether the consequence would not as roundly have followed, had the premises been turned the contrary way? But let Mr. L. go on, and chant forth (yet further) his Siren Songs of flattery to the K. of Sweden, and tell him — That he shall be as great as Charles the great, etc. the M. C. to the body of Saturn, will prove him to be a person that keeps Mendacium as a Page to his Pen and Tongue.  
But notwithstanding this so insolent threat of his to the poor Hollander, If he have but the good hap to get the longest Sword, and the best Army, (they are Mr. L's own words) he hath the best Cause; And then (if Mr. L. say sooth) he may by this Eclipse be impowered to transmit thousands of the Swedes Seamen to feed the Fishes; as likely as the Swedes theirs. But I hope both those Nations will be more prudent, then adhere to any such reasonless Flatteries and Threats, as Mr. L's Silly Pamphlets are constantly stuffed with. So I proceed from his Annual Judgements, to his Mensurnal Fopperies.   

Sest. 3. In January he Prophecies — That some peremptory Spirits divulge frivolous Tenants, and their Crabby opinions, to the disturbance of the Magistrate in several places. But there hath as little success answered this whimsical Presage, as he had ground in Art to Predict it, the first part only excepted, which he (it may be) foresaw his own ridiculous scribbling to make good. He proceeds, and tattles of An eminent person to suffer disgrace. Which he may possibly interpret to some one of the Ladies (for the Sex he mentions not) who were carried to Bridewell upon suspicion of dishonesty about the beginning of February; for you must know his Predictions emit Rays.  
In February, he talks of a Storm to happen to those persons near the Seashore, that are Enemies to the greatness of Sweden. But were there any truth in Monthly Predictions (a work at which Mr. L. is old excellent!) how came he to Miss so grossly in this? There was a storm 'tis true, but the heat thereof fell upon the Swedes; which Mr. L. no more foresaw, than the creeping of the Scotch K. into England. But that you may know him to be the all-sufficient ginger of England, he goes on — Some Plot once more in contrivance, to make division, etc. But,— There was no Plot, save that which keeps us poor; as Mr. Wharton wittily Noted in his Cal. Eccl. 1659. Unless to that we add Mr. L is design to disgrace Astrology.  
In March Mr. L. Cants after his wont rate, of England's Guardian Angel. In such whimsies he should have the right hand of Jo. Blagrave; yet they are confidents of a stamp; And God knows, a Guardian Angel may be somewhat to Eat, for any knowledge either of them have thereof. But to keep in with the K. of Swede, Mr. L. tells the World, That he is, and will be sole Master of the Sound. But (a little after saith he) we arrive not yet with our pen to the Baltique Sea, etc. As if the Sound were at some considerable distance from the Baltique Sea. I see by this, his good Genius doth now and then deceive him. Toward the Month's end, he writes — Some now flatter our Nation. Which is admirably well verified by his own clawing the late Protector. And is not that a rare Artist, that can so order his matter, let things fall out which way they will, his Predictions (like a Cat) shall still happen right upon their Legs?  
In April (as if he were ashamed of his former clawing humour) he tells us — That there are several confederacies made against the Swede. But how should we credit Mr. L. in this? who are they that dare Confederate against him, whom heavens have ordained Rampant and Victorious? Or what success in such undertaking can they hope for? When they, not only fight against heaven, but must grapple also with the dire Amulet of a Guardian Angel, and Mr. L 's sour Predictions. But he goes on — A Plague or new Disease, and Piracy from the Western parts, division, uncertain Rumours and fears, threaten us.— And yet (saith he) The Month in general promiseth fair to City and Country. I confess myself ignorant in the Cabal of such a Canting strain. 'Tis just like that of the Satirists Tiresias— Quicquid dicam, aut erit, aut non. Whatsoever he saith, shall either be, or not be.  
In May his Ignorance and slattery is so obvious, that each boy in the street is able to lend him a squib for it. Hear him a little: The English L. P. now enters upon action, and manifests himself to the whole World, that he hath great abilities to govern, etc. And a little after, R. L. P. stoops not, is not terrified with words, provides for all occasions— is made happy with several most welcome News unto him. And behold! The very same time that he had Calculated this auspicious Prediction for, the Protector mildly made a resignation of his Power, Protectorship and all! which Mr. L. being twitted with, in a scurrile base manner called him fool! But 'tis one of the least of his Insolences; for so he abused the present Parliament when turned out by the Protector Oliver; though to the skies he had magnified them before. As I may hereafter more largely inform the World of.  
In June he saith — Some dangerous design is now prepared against his Highness. But here he is proved a lying Prophet; for his Highness was laid by the last month. In July, he Temporises, but not fitly, that — the wisdom of our Protector and Council, gives the whole world occasion to know, that the present affairs of England are in a good posture. But had we had then a Protector, his Prediction nevertheless had proved a lie. For at the same time, our affairs were like to have been blown up by the Enemies then among us; witness the Cheshire Insurrection. But Mr. L. will say perhaps that he was to be understood by an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. His Readers ought to be so understood indeed, when they report him an ginger.  
In August he feigns — That some Churchmen, etc. obtain more than vulgar preferment (that they must do sure, if they obtain any at all) yet toward the end he Predicts — That Friars and Monks suffer every where. Now let them either obtain preferment or suffer, you see Mr. L. hath hit it to a hair; and will speak truth still (in despite of the father of Lies) though at a most horrible lying rate.  
In September, he acquaints the world — That the death of many Commanders may be feared. But this Prediction (if Mr. L. could have hit so right) might better have fitted February, at what time so many were slain at the Storming Copenhagen. He goes on — A sad doom is preparing and ready to fall upon some Northern people; a judgement it is like to be of continuance ('tis no matter, so it never come to execution!) not easily removable; it smells of servitude and bondage. Now let the K of Swede be routed, or Rout the Dane, etc. here's a Presage to fit the foot of either, and Mr. L's credit secure. If Captivity overtake him whom Heaven fights for, 'tis no fault of Mr. L's; for he hath discharged the part of a good ginger in this very Prediction. In October, he twattles at the same rate. And should it so happen that Mr. L's; Lion Rampant be overcome, he is not the first (may Mr. L say) that hath been so: did not Samson slay a Lion?  
In November Mr. L. talks as confidently, as vainly — The Swedes are not retired to their Winter Quarters, having some honourable work to perform. He had done the K. of Swede more service (and the Art he professeth more honour,) to have acquainted him, that then the Sun will be Eclipsed in Scorpio, near his Radical place in that K's Nativity. But Merlinus Verax hath done that for him.  
To end his Notorious piece of Flattery— In December he concludes Hypothetically — If Carolus Gustave the Great K. of Swede, writ himself Rex Danae, possessor of Copenhagen, make W. of Brandenburg repent in Sackcloth and Ashes, Kick and Cuff the hogen's of Holland out of the Baltique Sea, and Petition his Majesty (I spare the Nonsense hereof) in Quality of distressed States; Let them hereafter beware of fight against Providence. Thus ends this Metropolitan Artist! and to make an end of following him, I will only demand of him what reason be hath (besides the Gold Chain) to insiavate the loss of the K. of Denmark's Crown? did ever any man that had any thing of Art in him, before, conclude it possible for that K to lose his Kingdom, that had the Sun in Aries in the mid-heaven, in Trine to the Ascendent of which he is Lord? Let Mr. L produce but one Astrological reason or experiment, and — Erit mihi Magnus Apollo. Nay, he shall be (by me) honoured as the second John Baptist, which he saith is required. But if he cannot, Let him blush at his ill-tempered confidence, for broaching such broad-faced Barbarisms for Art. By which Penitency, he may obtain a better Opinion of all those, whose understandings he hath for many years together most grossly deluded.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
IF Mr. L. this next year, writ his recantation-Almanack, Let him for his Credit's sake acquit himself (if so be he be able) of the several Errors and Ignorances' charged upon him in this Discourse: If he refuse this advice, and publish another Mess of Flatteries, Falsities, and Nonsense, in the form of an Almanac; he will then only put me to the trouble of another Examen; and suffer his Reputation to run into the Quicksands of a far greater hazard and Danger.   
FINIS.   

Hereunto is annexed, The NATIVITY of the King of SWEDEN.