ASTROSCOPIUM: OR TWO Hemispheres, Containing all the Northern and Southern CONSTELLATIONS, Projected upon the Poles of the Word. According to the Observations of Mr. Halley, Which (by the help of a Movable Horizon) are rendered Serviceable in any Latitude. The Uses of which Hemispheres are Illustrated by Variety of Examples. Whereunto is added, the Ancient Poetical Stories of the Stars; Showing Reasons why the several Shapes and Forms are Pictured on the Coelestical Globes. The Second Edition Corrected By Philip Lea. The HeavensHeavens a Book, the Stars are Letters fair, God is the Writer, Men the Readers are. Globes, Spheres, Maps, Mathematical Projections, Books and Instruments are made and Sold, by Philip Lea, at the Atlas and Hercules in Cheapside, near the Corner of Friday street, London. 1700. THE DESCRIPTION AND USES OF THE HEMISPHERES. EAch of the Hemispheres consisteth of three Parson, one whereof is Fixed, and the other two are Movable. I. Of the Fixed Part The Fixed Circle is the Hour Circle which is divided into 24 equal Parts or Hours, and numbered from XII. on either side, towards the East and West, by I. II. III, etc. to XII. on the contrary side. And again, each of these Hours is subdivided into 12 equal Parts, each Part containing 5 minutes of Time. Without this Circle of Hours, is another Circle, divided into 32 equal Parts, and Denominated by the names of the 32 Points of the Mariner's Compass, discovering the Position of the Stars in the Heavens at any time. And of these two Circles, do the Fixed Parts of the Hemispheres consist. II. Of the Movable Parts. 1. Within these Fixed Circles move the two Hemispheres, which are limited within two other Circles called Equinoctials, which move (with them) upon the Poles of the World, as their Centre. The innermost of which two Circles is divided into 360 equal parts, or degrees, and in a narrow Margin so numbered, from the East, by the South, West, and North, to the East again, by 10. 20. 30, etc. to 360— And this Circle, or Equinoctial, is again subdivided into 12 equal Parts, each Part containing 30 deg. or one Sign of the Zodiac, and Named by the Names, and Charactered by the Characters, of the Twelve Signs, thus ARIES 10. 20. Aries 30, etc. The outermost of these two Circles is a Circle of Months, and is divided into 12 unequal Parts or Months, each Month having its Proper Name, and its due number of Days, and are thus named and numbered JANUARY 10. 20, 30, etc. Between the Centre of the Hemispheres (which are the two Poles of the World) and the Equinoctials, are inserted the several Stars according to their Right Ascensions, Declinations & Magnitudes, the Northern Stars upon the Northern, and the Southern upon the Southern Hemisphere: All which Stars are drawn into such Constellations as (by the Poets) have been Feigned, or Attributed to them; and such Stars as are In formis, are there placed, according to their Right Ascensions, Declinations, and Magnitudes also. From the Centre (or Pole) of each Hemisphere, to the beginning of the 360 degrees, which is at the beginning (or first deg. of Aries, is drawn a Semidiameter, which contains one Quarter of the Equinoctial Colour (and therefore I shall so call it) which is divided into 90 un-equal degrees, and is numbered from the beginning of Aries upwards towards the Pole, by 10. 20. 30. 40, etc. to 90 at the Pole itself. Again, from the first degree (or beginning) of Aries, to the beginning of Libra, in both Hemispheres, there is drawn an obliqne Arch of a Circle, which is divided into six unequal Parts or Signs, and each Sign is subdivided into 30 unequal Parts, of which the Northern Hemisphere contains the six Northern, and the Southern the six Southern Signs, each Sign being numbered and Charactered thus: Aries 10. 20. 30. Taurus' 10. 20. 30, etc. This Circle is the Ecliptic, and cutteth the Solsticial Colour in the Points Cancer and Capricorn, which are 23 degrees 30 minutes distance from the Equinoctial on each Hemisphere. There is also upon the Pole, or Centre of each Hemisphere, two Circles described, the one passing through 23 degrees 30 min. and the other through 66 degrees 30 minutes; that which passeth through 23 deg. 30 min. in the Northern Hemisphere is the Tropic of Cancer, Southern Hemisphere is the Tropic of Capricorn, and that which passeth through 23 degrees 30 minutes of the Northern Hemisphere is the Arctic Southern Hemisphere is the Antarctic Circle— None of these Circles have any divisions at all upon them, neither is there any need; but ' by them you may discover what Stars are bounded and limited by them. All these parts of the Hemispheres hitherto described, are general, and are of the same use in all Latitudes: But to make the uses of these Hemispheres the more ample, there is. 2. Another Movable Part added, which is an Horizon, which Horizon must be peculiar to some certain Horizon, or part of the World, (and although a General or Universal Horizon might easily be contrived, yet the conveniences thereof would not be equivolent to the inconveniences.) And how to make such an Horizon for any assigned Place or Latitude, and how to divide the same; as also to divide the Equinoctial Colour and the Ecliptic, shall be showed at the end of this Tracture. In the mean while take notice, that one of the Semidiameters of this particular Horizon (as this is here made for the Latitude of London 51 degrees 30 minutes) is divided and numbered in all respects, and with the same divisions as is the Equinoctial Colour. But the Arch of the Horizon is divided, first into two equal parts, and each of those numbered by 10. 20. 30. etc. to 90, from the East and West Points thereof, to the North and South, and is again divided into 16 un-equal parts, and named backwards and forwads, from East and West, by the Denominations of the Points of the Compass— This Horizon is to be applied to, and to move upon the Pole, or the Centre, of either Hemisphere; and so renders the Uses of the Hemispheres general for that Latitude— Note here, that I call the strait part of the Horizon the Diameter, and the Circular part, the Arch of the Horizon. And thus have you an account of the several parts of these Hemispheres; it resteth now, that we say something of the Uses of them. THE USES OF THE HEMISPHERES. Probl. 1. The day of the Month being given to find the Sun's Place. SEek the day of the Month in the Movable Circle of Months, and thereto bring the Diameter of the Horizon; so shall it cut in the Equinoctial, the Sign, Degree, and Minute, that the Sun is then in at Noon, that day. Example, Let the day be the 20th. of April, and let the Suns Place be required— Lay the Diameter of the Horizon, upon the 20th. of April, and at the same time it will cut the 10th degree of Taurus, which is the Suns Place that day. And so upon the 8 of August the Sun's Place will be found to be in 25 deg. and an half of Leo. And the 15th of Novemb. in 3 deg. 30 min. of Sagittarius. Probl. 2. The Sun's Place in the Zodiac being given, to find the day of Month. BRring the Diameter of the Horizon to the Sun's Place, and at the same time it will the day of the Month. So the Diameter (or a Third) being laid to the 10th deg. of Taurus, it will then cut the 20th day of April: And laid to 29 deg. and an half of Leo, it will cut the 8th day of August. And again laid to 3 deg. 30 min. of Sagittarius, it will cut upon the 15th of November. Probl. 3. The Place of the Sun in the Ecliptic being known, to find his Declination. Found the degree of the Sun's Place in the Ecliptic, in either of the Hemispheres, & bring the divided parts of the Diameter of the Horizon thereto; so shall the degrees of the Diameter of the Horizon, which are intercepted by the Sun's Place in the Ecliptic, be the degrees of the Sun's Declination. So if the Sun be in 17 deg. of Taurus, the divided part of the Diameter of the Horizon being brought thereto, there will be cut upon the Diameter 17 deg. and that is the Sun's Declination— Also if the Sun be in 10 deg. of Sagittarius, the Declination will be found to be 22 deg.— And in the beginning of Pisces, it will be found 11 deg. and an half. And here note, if the Suns Place be found in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun's Declination is Northward: But if in the Southern Hemisphere, the Declination is South also. Probl. 4. The Sun's Declination being given, to find his Place in the Ecliptic. IF the Sun hath North or South Declination, make use of the North or South Hemisphere— Then upon the Diameter of the Horizon, count the degrees of the Sun's Declination, and turn the Diameter about till the deg. of the Sun's Declination do cross the Ecliptic, and where it so crosseth the Ecliptic, there is the Place of the Sun. So the Sun's Declination being 10 deg. North, than 10 deg. of the Diameter of the Horizon, will cut 25 deg. 55 min. of Aries, or 4 deg. 5 min. of Virgo in the Northern Hemisphere— And if the Sun have 10 deg. of South Declination, it will then cut the Ecliptic in 25 deg. 55 min. of Libya, or in 4 deg. 5 min. of Pisces in the Southern Hemisphere. For the Sun makes four Gradations of Declination in a Year, in the several Quarters of the Ecliptic contained between Colour and Colour. Probl. 5. The Place of the Sun being known, to find his Right Ascension. BRing the Diameter of the Horizon to the Sun's Place in the Ecliptic, then will the Diameter of the Horizon cut also the Circle which is divided into 360 deg. in the degrees of the Sun's Right Ascension. So the Sun being 29 deg. of Taurus, if you bring the Diameter of the Horizon to that deg. counted in the Ecliptic, it will cut the Circle which is divided into 360 deg. in 56 deg. 50 min. And such is the Sun's Right Ascension at that time— But if the Sun's Place had been in 92 deg. of Scirpio, than his Right Ascension (in the Southern Himisphere (would be found to be 236 deg. 50 min. Probl. 6. The Sun's Diclination being given, to find his Amplitude. IN resolving many Problems, it will be requisite to have a Third Fixed in the Centre of the Hemispheres; with a small Bead to move upon it, as in this, and some other Problems which follow. First, lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon the two Six; and set the Bead which is upon the third to the Sun's Declination, counted upon the Diameter of the Horizon: Then move the Third along till the Bead do just touch the Arch of the Horizon, and what degrees of the Arch the Horizon the Bead chanceth to fall upon, those degrees (or that Point of the Compass) counted from the East and West Points of the Horizon, are the degrees of the Sun's Amplitude or Distance of his Rising or his Setting, from the true East or West Point. So the Sun having 23 deg. 30 min. of North Declination, set the Bead thereto; and (the Diameter of the Horizon lying just upon VI and VI) move the Thread till the Bead upon it do just touch the Arch of the Horizon; which it will do at 40 deg. (or within 6 deg. and a Quarter of the North-East or North-West Points of the Compass) which is the Sun's Amplitude— But if the Sun's Declination had been 20 deg. the Bead set thereto, and moved to the Arch of the Horizon, it would then cut 33 deg. 20 min. (or 25 min. short of the North-East by East, or South-West by South Points of the Compass) for the Amplitude. Probl. 7. The Sun's Declination given, to find the time of the Suns Rising and Setting. Rectify the Bead to the Declination, and lay the Horizon to the two Six, as before; then move the Thread till the Bead touch the Arch of the Horizon; and then shall the Thread show upon the Hour Circle, the Hout and minute of the Suns Rising or Setting. So the Declination being 23 deg. 30 min. the Bead rectified, and brought to the Arch of the Horizon, the Thread will then cut the Hour Circle at 47 min. after III in the Morning, at which time the Sun Riseth; and if you carry the String yet on, till the Bead touch the Arch of the Horizon in the other side of XII. the Thread will then fall upon 13 min. after VIII. at Night; at which time the Sun Setteth— But if the Sun have 20 deg. of North Declination, you shall find that he will Rise 11 min. after IV and Set at 49 min. after VII. Probl. 8. How to find the Right Ascension of any Star. MOve the Diameter of the Horizon about, till it lie upon the Centre of the Star; and upon the Circle of 360 deg. the Diameter of the Horizon shall there show the degrees of Right Ascension. So the Diameter being laid upon Cor Leonis, shall cut 147 deg. 17 min.— And laid upon the Bulls-Eye, it shall cut 64 deg. 17 min. which are the Right Ascensions of those Stars. Probl. 9 To find the Declination of a Star. MOve the Graduated Part of the Diameter of the Horizon about, till it cut the Star desired, and count what degrees of the Diameter are cut by the Star, for those are the degrees of the Stars Declinaon. So if the Diameter of the Horizon be brought about till it touch Cor Leonis, that Star shall be cut by 13 deg. 33 min. which is that Stars Declination— And the Diameter being turned about to the Bulls-Eye, that Star shall be cut by 15 deg. 46 min. and that is his Declination Probl. 10. To find what Stars do never Set, but are always above the Horizon in any Latitude. Count your Latitude upon the Graduated Diameter of the Horizon, from the Pole or Centre down wards, (calling 80 deg. 10 deg. and 70 deg. 20 deg. etc. (So keeping your Finger, ot setting a Pin, in that Point, turn the Horizon round about, and all those Stars which are between your Finger and the Pole, do never Rise nor Set, but are always above that Horizon— And all such Stars whose Declination are greater than the Compliment of any Latitude, do never Rise or Set in that Latitude— And all such Stars in the contrary Hemisphere; whose Declination do exceed the Latitude, those Stars do never Rise, or appear in that Latitude. And thus, if you lay the Diameter to Lucida Lyra, you shall find that Star to lie just under 51 deg. 30 min. (if you count the degrees from the Pole downwards) so that in the Latitude of 51 deg. 30 min. when that Star is to the Westward of the South part of the Meridian, it continually Descends Lower and Lower, till being Arrived to the North part of the Meridian; and than it immediately gins to Ascend, till it Arrives to the Southern part of the Meridian again. Probl. 11. To find the Longitude of any Star, or any Stars Place in the Ecliptic, LAy a String, or Rule, from the Pole of the Ecliptic, (which is marked in each Hemisphere die the Character ☉, and is at the Intersections of the Solsticial Colours, with the Arctic and Antarctic Circles) to the Centre of the Star whose Longitude is required; and so shall the String or Ruler cut in the Ecliptic Line, and also in the Equinoctial, the Sign and degree of the Stars Longitude. So a Ruler laid from ☉ (the Pole of the Eclptick) to Aldebaron, or the Bulls-Eye it will cut both the Eqinoctial and Ecliptick-Circles in 5 deg. 31 min. of Gemini, or in 65 deg. 12 min. of the Circle of 360 deg.— And laid from the Pole of the Ecliptic ☉, to the Lion's Tail, it shall cut the Ecliptic and Equinoctial, both of them in 19 deg. of Virgo, or in 169 deg. of the Circle of 360 deg. Probl. 12. To know what Stars shall be upon the Meridian at any Hour of the Night throughout the Year. LAy the Diameter of the Horizon upon XII. and XII. and move the Hemisphere about, till you bring the Day of the Month just against the proposed Hour, so shall all those Stars which lie under the Diameter of the Horizon, be upon the Meridian at that Hour of the Night. Thus, if it were required to know what Stars shall be upon the Meridian upon the 14th. of January, at 8 of the Clock. Lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon XII. and XII. then turn the Hemisphere about, till you bring the 14th. day of January to lie just against VIII. in the Hour Circle; then will all those Stars which lie just under the Diameter of the Horizon, be upon the Meridian at VIII. of the Clock that Night, of which you shall find Aldebaron, or the Bulls-Eye to be the Principal.— And at 4 minutes after XI. that Night will the Little Dog be upon the Meridian. Probl. 13. To know what Stars will be upon the Meridian at Midnight, any Night in the Year. LAy the Diameter of the Horizon upon the Day of the Month, so shall all the Stars which lie under the Diameter be upon the Meridian at XII. of the Clock.— This needeth no Example, but you may find, that upon Feb. 6. the Lion's Heart Feb. 16. the Lions Back March 3. the Lion's Tail March 27. the Virgin's Spike will be upon the Meridian at XII. at Night, etc. Probl. 14. To know at what Hour of the Night any Star will be upon the Meridian. LAy the Diameter of the Horizon upon XII. and move the Hemisphere about, till the Bulls-Eye lies just under the Diameter, then just against the first day of January in the Circle of Months you shall find 55 Minutes past VIII. in the Hour Circle, which shows, that at that time the Bulls-Eye will be upon the Meridian. Probl. 15. To find the difference of Longitude, or the Horary Distance of any two Stars. BRing one of the Stars against XII. in the Hour Circle, then lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon the other Star; and what Hour that cuts (counted from XII.) upon the Hour Circle, is the Distance of Longitude, or Horary Distance of these two Stars. Thus, Let the two Stars be the Bulls-Eye, and the Lions Tail. Bring the Lion's Tail to XII. and then if you lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon the Bulls-Eye, you shall find it to cut 7 Hours and 15 minutes, which is 109 degrees; and such is the difference of Longitude of these two Stars, or their Horary Distance. Probl. 16. To find the Hour of the Night by the Stars. SEE what Star you find to be either upon the North, or South part of the Meridian; and accordingly bring the same Star to the like Meridian in the Hemisphere: Then look the day of the Month in the Circle of Months, right against which you have the true Hour of the Night. Thus, if upon the 20th. of January you should find Aldebaron, or the Bulls-Eye to be upon the South part of the Meridian; bring Aldebaron just against XII. in the Hemisphere, then against the 20th. of January you shall find 22 Minutes before 8. or 38 Minutes after 7. which is the true Hour of the Night on the 20th. of January, when Aldebaron will be upon the Meridian. Probl. 17. To find the Semidiurnal, or Seminocturnal Arch of any Star. LAy the Diameter of the Horizon upon VI and bring the Star justly to touch the Arch of the Horizon: Then lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon the Star, and count how many Hours are contained between either of the XIIs. for the one is the Semidiurnal, and the other the Seminocturnal Arch of that Star. Thus, if you lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon VI and bring Aldebaron to touch the Arch of the Hoizon; and then lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon Aldebaron, you shall find it to cut upon 36 minutes after FOUR if you count the Hours from XII. so that the Seminocturnal Arch of that Star is 4 Hours 36 minutes: And if you counr the Hours from the other XII. you shall find them to be 7 Hours 24 minutes, which is the Semidiurnal Arch of that Star, it being a Star having North Declination. Probl. 18. To find the Amplitude, or the Point of the Compass upon which any Star Riseth or Setteth. LAy the Diameter of the Horizon upon VI and bring the Star to touch the Arch of the Horizon, so shall the degrees of the Arch of the Horizon contained between the East or West Points of the Horizon, show the Amplitude of that Stars Rising and Setting, from the East or West, towards the North or South. Thus, If you lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon VI and bring the Bulls-Eye to the Arch therefore, you shall find it to lie under 26 degrees of the Horizon; and so many degrees doth that Star Rise distance from the true East Point towards the North, and Sets so many degrees distance from the West Northward also, (because the Star hath North Declination) and so his Amplitude of Rising is North-East by East 8 degrees Easterly. And his Amplitude of Setting is North-West by West 8 degrees Westerly. Probl. 19 To find at what Hour any Star Riseth or Setteth. LAy the Diameter of the Horizon upon VI and bring the Star to lie just under the Arch of the Horizon on the East side. Then seek the day of the Month in the Circle of Months, and the Hour which standeth against it, is the Hour of the Stars Rising: And if you bring the Star to lie under the Arch of the Horizon on the West side against the day of the Month, you shall have the time of the Stars Setting. Thus, upon the 25th. of December, if you would know at what Hour the Bulls-Eye Riseth and Sets. Lay the Diameter of the Horizon upon VI and bring the Bulls-Eye just under the Arch of the Horizon on the East side, and against the day of the Month you shall find TWO Hours from the Meridian, which is 2 of the Clock in the Afternoon for the time of that Stars Rising. And the Star being brought under the West part of the Horizon, the day of the Month shall be against IIII Hours 46 minutes, which is 46 minutes after 4 in the Morning, at which Hour Aldebaron, or the Bulls-Eye Setteth. Probl. 20. To know what time of the Year any Star in the Hemisphere will be upon the Meridian at 12 a Clock at Night. BRing the Star to XII on the South part of the Meridian, then upon that day of the Month which standeth against the North XII. shall that Star be upon the Meridian at Midnight. Example. I would know upon what Night in the Year the Bulls-Eye will be upon the Meridian at 12 at Night: Bring the Bulls-Eye against the South XII. and against the North XII. you shall find the 16th. of November, upon which Night at 12 of the Clock Aldebaron (or the Bulls-Eye) will be upon the Meridian. Here follows the ANCIENT STORIES Of the several Stars and Constellations. Showing the Poetical Reasons why such Various FIGURES are placed in HEAVEN. Collected from Dr. HOOD. And First, Of the Northern Constellations. URSA MINOR, This Constellation hath the pre-eminence, because it is nearest of all the rest unto the North Pole; and is called of the Greeks Arctos, whereupon the Pole is called the Pole Arctic, for that it is near unto this Constellation. It is also called Helice minor, because of the small Revolution which it maketh round about the Pole: or rather of Elice, a Town in Arcadia, wherein Calisto the great Bear, and Mother to the less, was bred. It is called Cynosura, because this Constellation, though it carry the name of a Bear, yet it hath the tail of a Dog: Last of all, it is termed Phoenicia, because that Thales, who first gave the name to this Constellation, was a Phoenician: And therefore the Phoenicians being taught how to use it in their Navigations, did call it by the name of the Country wherein Thales was born: It consisteth of Seven Stars, which the Latins call Septentriones, because by their continual motions those Seven Stars do as it were wear the Heaven. The Spaniards do call them all Bosina, that is an Horn; because they may be very well brought into that form; whereof that which is the end of the Tail is called the Polestar, by reason of the nearness thereof unto the Pole of the World; for it is distant (according to the opinion of most) from the true Pole, but 3 degrees 30 minutes. The Arabians call it Alrukaba. And of the Scythians it is said to be an Iron nail, and is worshipped by them as a God. The two Stars that are in the shoulders of the Bear, are called the Guards, of the Spanish word Guardare, which is to behold; because they are diligently to be looked unto, in regard of their singular use which they have in Navigation. The reason why this Constellation was brought into the Heavens is diversely set down, and first in this manner; Saturn having received of the Oracle that one of his Sons should banish him out of his Kingdom, determined with himself to kill all the Man-children that he should beget; whereupon he gave command to Ops his Wife, being then great, that she should show him the Child so soon as ever it was born: But she bringing forth Jupiter, and being greatly delighted with his hair, gave the Child unto two Nymphs of Crect, dwelling in the Mount Dicte, whereof this was one, and was called Cynosura, the other was Helice. Jupiter, after that (according to the Oracle) he had bereft his Father of his Kingdom, in recompense of their pains and courtesy, translated them both into the Heavens, and made of them two Constellations, the lesser Bear, and the greater Bear. Othersome say, that it was Arcas the son of Calisto, and they tell the Tale on this manner; Calisto a Nymph of singular Beauty, Daughter to Lycaon King of Arcadia, induced by the great desire she had of hunting, became a follower of the Goddess Diana. After this, Jupiter being enamoured with her Beauty, and out of hope, by reason of her profession, to win her love, in his own person, counterfeited the shape of Diana, lay with Calista, and got her with Child, of whom was born a Son which was called Arcas. Diana, or rather Juno, being very much offended herewith, turned Calisto into a Bear. Arcas her Son at the age of fifteen, hunting in the Woods, by chance lighted on his Mother in the shape of a Bear, who knowing her Son Arcas, stood still that he might come near unto her, and not be afraid: but he fearing the shape of so cruel a Beast, bend his Bow of purpose to have slain her: whereupon Jupiter to prevent the mischief, translated them both into Heaven, and of them made two several Constellations: unto the Lesser Bear there belongs but one Star unformed. 2. VRSA MAJOR, the Greater Bear, called also of the Greeks Arctos, and Helice, consisteth of 27 Stars; Among the which, those seven that are in the hinder part and tail of the Bear are most observed; the Latins call them Plaustrum, and of our men they are called Charles Wain; because the Stars do stand in such sort, that the three which are in the tail resemble the Horses, and the other four which are in the flank of the Bear, stand (after a manner) like the Wheels of a waggon, or Chariot; and they are supposed by some to be greater than the Sun. The reason of the translation of this Constellation into the Heaven, is at large set down in the other Constellation, and therefore needs not here to be repeated. This Constellation was first invented by Nauplius, the Father of Palamedes the Greek; and in great use among the Grecians; and this is to be noted both in this and the former Constellation, that they never set under the Horizon in any part of Europe: which though it fall out by reason of their situation in the Heavens; Yet the Poets say, that it came to pass through the displeasure and hatred of Juno, who for that she was by Calisto made a Cuckquean, and they notwithstanding (as she took it) in despite of her were Translated into Heaven, requested her brother Neptune, that he should never suffer those Stars to set within his Kingdom, To which request Neptune condescended; so that in all Europe they never come near unto the Sea, or touch the Horizon. If any one marvel, that (seeing she hath the form of a Bear) she should have a tail so long; imagine that Jupiter fearing to come too nigh unto her teeth, laid hold on her tail, and thereby drew her up into Heaven; so that she of herself being very weighty, and the distance from the Earth to the Heaven very great, there was great likelihood that her tail must stretch. The Unformed Stars belonging to this Constellation are Eight. 3. DRACO, the Dragon, of some named the Serpent; of others the Snake, by the Arabians, Aben, and by Junctinus Florentinus, Vrago; because he windeth his tail round about the Ecliptic Pole; it containeth 31 Stars. This was the Dragon that kept the Golden Apples in the Orchard of the Hesperides, (now thought to be the Islands of Cape de Virde) and for his diligence and watchfulness, was afterwards Translated into Heaven: Yet others say that he came into Heaven by this occasion; when Minerva withstood the Giants fight against the Gods; they to terrify her, threw at her a mighty Dragon, but she catching him in her hands, threw him presently up into Heaven, and placed him there, as a memorial of that her resistance. Others would have it to be the Serpent Python, whom Apollo slew, after the Deluge. 4. CEPHEUS, containeth in him 11 Stars, and hath two unformed. This was a King of the Aethiopians, and Husband unto Cassiopeia, and Father of Andromeda, whom Perseus married: He was taken up into Heaven, with his Wife and Daughter, for the good Deeds of Perseus his Son in Law, that he and his whole stock might be had in remembrance for ever. The Star which is in his right shoulder is called by the Arabians Alderahiemin (i e.) his right Arm. 5. BOÖTES, the driver of the Oxen (for so I suppose the name to signify, rather than an Herdsman, for he hath not his name because he hath the care of any , but only because he is supposed to drive Charles his Wain, which is drawn by 3 Oxen) he is also called Arctophilax, the keeper of the Bear, as tho' the care of her were committed to him: This Constellation consisteth of 22 Stars. Some will have Boötes to be Arcas, the Son of her who before was turned into the Great Bear; and they tell the Tale thus: Lycaon the Father of Calisto, receiving Jupiter into his house as a Guest, took Arcas his Daughter's Son, and cut him in pieces; and among other Services, set him before Jupiter to be eaten; for by this means he thought to prove if his Guest were a God, as he pretended to be Jupiter perceiving this heinous fact, overthrew the Table, fired the house with lightning, and turned Lycaon into a Wolf: but gathering, & setting together again the limbs of the child, he committed him to a Nymph of Aetolia to be kept: Arcas afterwards coming to man's estate, and hunting in the Woods, lighted at un-awares upon his Mother, transformed by Juno into the shape of a Bear, whom he pursued into the Temple of Jupiter Lycaeus, whereunto by the Law of the Arcadians, it was death for any man to come. For as much therefore as they must of likelihood be both slain, Calisto by her Son, and he by the Law, Jupiter to avoid this mischief, of mere pity took them both up into Heaven. Unto this Constellation belongeth but one Star unformed, and it is between the legs of Boötes, and by the Grecians it is called Arcturus, because of all the stars near the great Bear named Arctos, this star is first seen near her tail in the evening. The Poetical invention is thus. Icarus the Father of Erigone, having received of the God Bacchus a Flagon of Wine, to declare how good it was for mortal men, traveled therewith into the Territoires of Athens, and there began to carouse with certain shepherds, they being greatly delighted with the pleasantness of the wine, being a new kind of Liquor, began to draw so hard at it, that ere they left off, they were past one and thirty; and in the end, were fain to lay their heads to rest. But coming unto themselves again, and finding their brains scarce in good temper, they killed Icarus, thinking indeed that he had either poisoned them, or at the leastwise made their brains intoxicate. Erigone was ready to die for grief, and so was Mera her little dog. But Jupiter to allay their grief, placed her Father in Heaven, between the legs of Arctophilax. 6. CORONA BOREA, the Northern Garland, consisteth of Eight Stars; yet Ovid saith, that it hath nine. This was the Garland that Venus gave unto Ariadne, when she was Married unto Bacchus, in the Isle Naxus, after that Theseus had forsaken her: which garland Bacchus placed in the Heaven; as a token of his love. Novidius will have it to be the Crown of the Virgin Mary. 7. ENGONASIS; This Constellation hath the name, because it is expressed under the shape of a man kneeling upon the one knee, and is therefore by the Latines called Ingeniculum It containeth 29 Stars and wanteth a proper Name, because of the great diversity of Opinions concerning the same. For some will have it to be Hercules, that mighty Conqueror who for his 12 Labours was thought worthy to be placed in the Heaven, and nigh unto the Dragon whom he overcame. Others tell the tale thus: That when the Tytans fought against the Gods, they for fear of the Giants, ran all unto the one side of the Heaven: whereupon the Heaven was ready to have fallen, had not Hercules together with Atlas, set his neck unto it, and stayed the fall: and for his Desert he was placed in Heaven. 8. LYRA, the Harp, it containeth 10 Stars, whereof thus goeth the Fable. The River Nilus swelling above his banks, over-flowed the Country of Egypt; after the fall whereof there were left in the fields divers kinds of living things, and amongst the rest a Tortoise; Mercury, after the flesh thereof was consumed, the sinews still remaining, found the same, and striking it, he made it yield a certain sound; whereupon he made an Harp like unto it, having Three strings, and gave it unto Orpheus the Son of Cassiopea. This Harp was of such excellent sound, that Trees, Stones, Fowls, and Wild Beasts are said to follow the sound thereof. After such time therefore that Orpheus was slain by the Women of Thrace the Muses by the good leave of Jupiter, and at the request of Apollo, placed this Harp in Heaven▪ Novidius will have it to be the Harp of David, whereby he pacified the Evil spirit of Saul. This Constellation was afterwards called Vultur Cadens, the falling Gripe: and Falco the Falcon; or Timpanum the Timbrel. 9 OLOR, or Cygnus the Swan, called of the Chaldaeans Adigege, it hath 17 Stars: of this Constellation the Poet's Fable in this manner. Jupiter being overtaken with the love of Leda the wife of Tyndarus King of Oebalia, and knowing no honester way to accomplish his desire, procured Venus to turn herself into an Eagle, and himself he turned into the shape of a Swan. Flying therefore from the Eagle, as from his natural Enemy that earnestly pursued him he lighted of purpose in the lap of Leda, and as it were, for his more safety crept into her bosom, The Woman not knowing who it was under that shape, but holding (as she thought) the Swan fast in her arms, fell asleep. In the mean while Jupiter enjoyed his pleasure, and having obtained that he came for, betook him again unto his wings; and in memorial of his purpose (attained under that form) he placed the Swan among the Stars. Ovid calleth this Constellation Milvius, the Kite and telleth the Tale thus. The Earth being greatly offended with Jupiter, because he had driven Saturn his Father out of his kingdom, brought forth a monstrous Bull, which in his hinder parts was like a Serpent; and was afterwards called the Fatal Bull, because the Destinies had thus decreed, that whosoever could slay him and offer up his Entrails upon an Altar, should overcome the eternal Gods, Briareus that mighty Giant, and ancient enemy of the Gods, overcame the Bull, and was ready to have offered up his Entrails according to the decree of the Destinies: but Jupiter fearing the event, commanded the Fowls of the Air to snatch them away: which although to their power they endeavoured, yet there was none of them found so forward and apt to that action as the Kite, and for that cause he was accordingly rewarded with a place in Heaven. Some call this Constellation Orvis, that is the Bird: others call it Vulture Volans, the Flying Gripe: It is called Gallina, the Hen. Unto this Constellation do belong two unformed Stars. 10. CASSIOPEIA, She consisteth of 13 Stars. This was the Wife of Cepheus, and the mother of Andromeda, whom Perseus married, and for his sake was translated into Heaven, as some writ. others say that her beauty being singular she waxed so proud, that she preferred herself before the Nereids, which were the Nymphs of the Sea: for which cause, unto her disgrace, & the example of all others that in Pride of their hearts would advance themselves above their betters, she was placed in the Heaven with her head as it were downwards; so that in the revolution the Heavens she seemeth to be carried headlong. 11. PERSEUS, he hath 26 Stars. This was the Son of Jupiter, whom he in the likeness of a Golden-shower begat upon Danae, the daughter of Acrisius. This Perseus coming unto man's estate, and being furnished with the Sword, Hat, and Wings of his brother Mercury, and the Shield of his Sister Minerva, was sent by his Foster-father Polidectes, to kill the Monster Medusa, whom he slew; and cutting off her head, carried it away with him: But as he was hasting homewards, flying in the Air, he espied Andromeda the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopea, for the pride of her mother, bound with a Chain unto a Rock, by the Sea side, there to be devoured by a Whale: Perseus taking notice and pity of the case undertook to fight with the Monster, upon condition that Andromeda might be his Wife, to be short, he delivered Andromeda, married her, and returning homeward unto the Isle Seriphus, he found there his Grandfather Acrifius, whom by mischance and unadvisedly he slew with a quoit: (or as Ovid reporteth) with the terrible sight the horrible head of Medusa not knowing that it was his Grandfather: but afterwards understanding whom he had slain, he pined away through extreme sorrow whereupon Jupiter his father pitying his grief took him up into Heaven: and there placed him in that form wherein he overcame Medusa with the Sword in one hand, and the head of Medusa in the other, and the wings of Mercury at his Heels. This Constellation because of the unluckiness thereof, is called by Astrologers Cacodaemon (i. e.) Unlucky, and Unfortunate. For (as they say) they have observed it that whatsoever is born under this Constellation, having an evil aspect, shall be stricken with Sword, or loaf his Head. Novidius saith that it is David with Goliath his head in one hand, and his Sword in the other. The unformed Stars belonging unto this Constellation, are three. 12. AURIGA, the Wagoner, or Carter: he consisteth of 14 Stars: the Arabians call him Alaiot; the Greeks Hemochus, (i. e.) a man holding a bridle in his hand and so is he pictured. Eratostenes affirmeth him to be Ericthonius' King of Athens, the son of Vulcan: who having most deformed feet, devised first the use of the Wagon or Chariot, and joined horses together to draw the same, to the end that he fitting therein might the better conceal his deformities. For which invention, Jupiter translated him into the Heavens. In this Constellation there are two other particular Constellations to be noted; whereof the one consisteth but of one Star alone, which is in the left-shoulder of Auriga, and is called Hircus, or Capra the Goat; the Arabians call it Alhajoth: The other consisteth of 2 little Stars a little beneath the others, standing as it were in the hand of Auriga; this Constellation is called Haedi, the Kids. The tale is thus; Saturn (as you heard before) had received of the Oracle, that one of his Sons should put him out of his Kingdom, whereupon he determined to devour them all: Ops by stealth conveyed away Jupiter, and sent him to Melissus King of Crete, to be nourished. Melissus having 2 daughters, Amalthaea, and Melissa, committed Jupiter unto their Nursery; Amalthaea had a Goat that gave suck unto 2 Kids, so that by the milk of this Goat, she nourished Jupiter very well: To requite this her care and courtesy, Jupiter (after he had put his Father out of his Kingdom) translated her Goat and her two Kids into Heaven, and in remembrance of the Nurse, the Goat is called Capra Amalthaea. Novidius saith, that when Christ was born and his birth made manifest by the Angels unto the Shepherds, one of them brought with him for a Present, a Goat and two young Kids; which in token of his good will, were placed in Heaven. 13. OPHIUCUS, or SERPENTARIUS, That is the Serpent bearer. This Constellation hath no proper name, but is thus entitled, because he holdeth a Serpent in his hands. It containeth 24 Stars. Some say that it is Hercules, and report the Tale on this manner. Juno being a great enemy to Hercules, sent two Snakes to kill him as he lay sleeping in his Cradle: but Hercules being a lusty Child (for Jupiter had spent two days in begetting him) without much ado strangled them both: In memorial of so strange an event, Jupiter placed him in the Heavens, with a Serpent in his hands. 14. SERPENS, the Serpent of Ophiuchus, which consisteth of 18 Stars. Some say that it is one of the Serpents that should have slain Hercules in his Cradle. Novidius saith, it is the Viper that bit Paul by the hand. Others deliver the Tale in these words; Glaucus the son of Minos' King of Crete, was by misfortune drowned in a Barrel of Honey: Minas his Father craved the help of Aesculapius the Physician: and that he might be driven perforce to help the Child, he shut him up in a secret place, together with the dead Carcase: whiles Esculapius stood in a great maze with himself what were best to be done, upon a sudden there came a Serpent creeping towards him, the which Serpent he slew with the Staff which he had in his hand. After this there came another Serpent in, bringing in his mouth a certain herb, which he laid upon the head of the dead Serpent, whereby he restored him unto life again. Esculapius using the same herb, wrought the same effect upon Glaucus. Whereupon (after that) Esculapius (whom some affirm to be Ophiucus) was placed in the Heaven and the Serpent with him. 15. SAGITA, or Telum; the Arrow or Dart. This was that Arrow wherewith Hercules slew the Eagle or Gripe that fed upon the Liver of Prometheus being tied with Chains to the top of Mount Caucasus, and in memorial of that deed, was translated into Heaven. Others will have it to be one of those Arrows which Hercules at his death gave unto Phyloctetes, upon which the Destiny of Troy did depend. The whole Constellation containeth five Stars. 16. AQVILA, the Eagle, which is called Vulture Volans, the flying Gripe. It hath in it 9 Stars. The Poetical reason of this Constellation, is this; Jupiter transforming himself into the form of an Eagle took Ganymedes the Trojan Boy, whom he greatly loved up into Heaven, and therefore in sign thereof: (because by that means he performed his purpose) he placed the figure of the Eagle in Heaven. There belong unto this Constellation 6 Stars (before time) unformed, but now brought into the Constellation of Antinous. But whereupon that name should come, I know not, except it were that some man devised it there to curry favour with the Emperor Adrian, who loved one Antinous Bithynicus so well, that he builded a Temple in his honour at Mantinaea. 17. DELPHINUS, the Dolphin: it containeth 10 Stars; yet Ovid in his second Book de Fastis, saith that it hath but nine. Neither did the ancient Astronomers attribute unto it any more, according to the number of the Muses; because of all other Fish's the Dolphin is said to be delighted with Music. The Tale goeth thus concerning this Constellation. When Neptune the God of the Sea greatly desired to match with Amphitrite, she being very modest and shamefaced, hid herself; whereupon he sent many messengers to seek her out, among whom, the Dolphin by his good hap, did first find her; and persuaded her also to match with Neptune: For which his good and trusty service, Neptune placed him in the Heavens. Others say, that when Baccchus had transformed the Mariners that would have betrayed him, into Dolphins, he placed one of them in Heaven, that it might be a lesson for others to take heed how they carried any one out of his way, contrary both to his desire, and their own promise. Novidius referreth this Constellation unto the Fish that saved Ionas from drowning. 18. EQVICULUS, is the little Horse, and it consisteth of 4 Stars. This Constellation is named almost of no Writer, saving Ptolomeus, and Alphonsus who followed Ptolemy, and therefore no certain Tale or History is delivered thereof by what means he came into Heaven. 19 EQUUS ALATUS, the Winged Horse, or Pegasus, it containeth 20 Stars. This Horse was bred of the blood of Medusa, after that Perseus had cut off her head, and was afterwards taken and tamed by Bellerophon, whiles he drank of the River Pirene by Corinth, and was used by him in the conquest of Chimaera; after which exploit Bellerophon being weary of the earthly affairs, endeavoured to fly up into Heaven. But being amazed in his flight, by looking down to the earth, he fell from his Horse, Pegasus notwithstanding continuing his course (as they feign) entered into Heaven, and there obtained a place among the other Constellations. 20. ANDROMEDA, She consteth of 23 Stars; but one of them is common both unto her and Pegasus. This was the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, and the Wife of Perseus; the reason why Minerva or Jupiter placed her in the Heavens, is before expressed. Novidius referreth this Constellation unto Alexandria the Virgin, whom S. George through the good help of his Horse delivered from the Dragon. 21. TRIANGULUM, the Triangle, called also Deltoton, because it is like the fourth Letter of the Greek Alphabet Δ, which they call Delta; it consisteth of four stars. They say it was placed in Heaven by Mercury, that thereby the head of the Ram might be the better known. Others say, that it was placed there in honour of the Geometricians, among whom, the Triangle is of no small importance. Others affirm, that Ceres in times past requested Jupiter that there might be placed in Heaven some Figure representing the form of Sicily an Island greatly beloved of Ceres for the fruitfulness thereof: now this Island being triangular (at her request) was represented in the Heaven under that form. Thus much concerning the Constellations of the Northern Hemisphere. Now follow the Poetical Stories of the Constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Secondly, Of the Southern Constellations. 1 CETUS, the Whale, it is also called the Lion, or Bear of the Sea. This is that monstrous Fish that should have devoured Andromeda, but being overcome by Perseus, was afterwards translated into Heaven by Jupiter, as well for a token of Perseus his manhood, as for the bigness of the Fish itself. This Constellation consisteth of 22 Stars. 2. ORION, this hath 38 Stars. The Poetical reason of his translation into the Heavens, shall be shown in the Scorpion amongst the Zodiacal Constellations. The Ancient Romans called this Constellation Jugala, because it is most pestiferous unto , and as it were the very cutthroat of them. There are bright Stars in his girdle, which we commonly call our Lady's yard, or wand. Novidius, applying this sword of Orion unto Scripture, will have it to be the Sword of Saul, afterwards called Paul, wherewith he persecuted the Members of Christ: which after his Conversion was placed in Heaven. In his left shoulder there is a very bright Star, which in Latin is called Bellatrix the Warrior, in the Feminine Gender. I cannot find the reason except it be this; that Women born under this Constellation shall have mighty tongues: the reason of the Ox hid which he hath in his hand, may be Gathered out of the next story. 3. FLUVIUS, the River; it comprehendeth 34 Stars. It is called by some Eridanus, or Pagus; they say that it was placed in Heaven in remembrance of Phaeton, who having set the whole Earth on fire by reason of misguiding his Father Phoebus his Chariot, was slain by Jupiter with a thunderbolt, and tumbling down from Heaven, fell into the River Eridanus, or Padus, which the Italians call Po. Others say that it is Nilus, and that that figure was placed in Heaven because of the excellency of that River, which by the Divines is called Gihen, and is one of the Rivers of Paradise. Others call it Flumen Orionis the flood of Orion; and say that it was placed there, to betoken the offspring from whence Orion came: for the tale is thus reported of him. Jupiter, Neptune, and Mercury, travelling upon the Earth in the likeness of Men, were requested by Hyerus to take a poor lodging at his house for a Night: they being overtaken with the evening, yielded unto his request; Hyreus made them good cheer, killing an Ox for their better entertainment: The Gods seeing the good heart of the old man, willed him to demand what he would in recompense of his so friendly cheer. Hyerus and his Wife being old, requested the Gods to gratify them with a Son. They to fulfil his desire, called for the hide of the Ox that was slain, and having received it, they put it into the Earth, and made water into it all three together, and covering it, willed Hyreus within ten months after to dig it out of the Earth again; which he did and found therein a Manchild; whom he called Ourion, ab Urania, of piss; although afterwards by leaving out the second letter, he was named Orion. At such time therefore as he was placed in Heaven, this flood was joined hard to his heels, and the Ox hid wherein the Gods did piss, was set in the left hand, in memorial of his Offspring. 4. LEPUS, the Hare, which consisteth of 12 Stars. This Constellation was placed in Heaven between the legs of Orion, to signify the great delight in hunting which he had in his life time: but others think it was a frivolous thing, to say that so notable a fellow as Orion would trouble himself with so small and timorous a Beast as the Hare; and therefore they tell the tale thus. In times passed there was not a Hare left in the Isle Leros; a certain youth therefore of that Island, being very desirous of that kind of beast, brought with him from another Country thereabout, an Hare great with young which when she had brought forth, they in time became so acceptable unto the other Country men, that every one almost desired to have and keep a Hare. By reason whereof, the number of them grew to be so great, within a short space after, that the whole Island became full of Hares, so that their Masters were not able to find them meat: whereupon the Hares breaking forth into the fields, devoured their Corn. Wherefore the Inhabitants being bitten with hunger; joined together with one consent, and (though with much ado) destroyed the Hares. Jupiter therefore placed this Constellation in the Heavens; as well to express the exceeding fearfulness of the Beast, as also to teach men this lesson; that there is nothing so much to be desired in this life, but that at one time or another bringeth with it more grief than pleasure. Some say, that it was placed in Heaven at the request of Ganymedes, who was greatly delighted with hunting the Hare. 5. CANIS MAJOR, the Great Dog, it consisteth of 18 Stars. It is called Sirius Canis, because he causeth a mighty drought by reason of his heat. This is the Constellation that giveth name unto the Canical or Dog days; whose beginning and end is not alike in all places, but hath a difference according to the Country and time: as in the Time of Hypocrates the Physician, who lived before the time of Christ 400 years, the Canicular days began 13 or 14 of July. In the time of Avicenna, the Spaniard, who lived in the year of Lord 1100. the Canicular days began the 15, 16, or 17 of July. In our Country; they begin about St. J●●es-tide, but we use to account from the 6 of July, to the 17 of August; which is the time when the Sun beginneth to come near unto and to departed from this Constellation. Novidius will have it to be referred to Tobias Dog which may very well be, because he hath a tail; Tobias Dog had one; as a certain fellow once concluded, because it is written that Tobias his Dog fawned upon his Master, therefore it is to be noted (said he) that he had a tail. The Poets say, that this is the Dog whom Jupiter set to keep Europa, after he had stolen her away, and conveyed her into Crect, and for his good service was placed in Heaven. Others say, that it was one of Orion his Dogs. There belong unto this Constellation 11 Stars unformed. 6. CANIS MINOR, the Lesser Dog; this of the Greeks is called protion, of the Latins Antecanis; it containeth but two Stars. Some say, that this was also one of Orion's Dogs. Others rather affirm it to be Mera the Dog of Origone, or rather of Icarius her Father, of whom mention is made in the Constellation of Boötes and Virgo. This Dog of mere love to his Master, being slain, as aforesaid, threw himself into the River Anygrus, but was afterward translated into Heaven, with Origone. Among the Poets there is great dissension which of the two should be the Dog of Origone, some saying one, and some the other, and therefore they do many times take the one for the other. 7. ARGO NAVIS, the Ship Argo which comprehendeth 41 Stars; this is the Ship wherein Jason did fetch the golden fleece from Colchis, which was afterward placed in Heaven as a memorial, not only because of the great Voyage, but also, because (as some will have it) it was the first Ship wherein any man sailed. Their reason why this Ship is not made whole is that thereby men might be put in mind not to despair, albeit that their Ship miscarried in some part now and then: some avouch it to be the Ark of Noah. Novidius saith it is the Ship wherein the Apostles were, when Christ appeared unto them walking on the Sea. In one of the Oars of this Ship there is a great Star, called Canopus, or Canobus, which the Arabians called Shuel, as it were a bonfire, because of the greatness thereof. It is not seen in Italy, nor in any Country on this side of Italy: Some say that Canobus the Master of Menelaus, his Ship was transformed into this Star. 8. HYDRA, the Hydra, that hath 25 Stars and two unformed. 9 CRATER, the Cup, or Standing-piece; that hath seven Stars, some say that this was the Cup where in Tagathon, that is the chief God, mingled the Stuff whereof he made the Souls of Men. 10. CORVUS, the Crow; this hath seven Stars. These 3 Constellations are to be joined together, because they depend upon one History, which is this. Upon a time Apollo made a solemn feast to Jupiter, and wanting water to serve his turn, he delivered a Cup to the Crow (the bird wherein he chief delighted) and sent him to fetch water therein. The Crow flying towards the River, espied a Figtree, fell in hand with the Figs, and abode there till they were ripe: In the end when, he had fed his fill of them, and satisfied his longing, he bethought himself of his errand, and by reason of his long delay, fearing a Check, he caught up a snake in his bill, brought it to Apollo, and told him that the snake would not let him fill the Cup with water, Apollo seeing the impudence of the bird, gave him this gift, that as long as the Figs were not ripe upon the Tree so long he should never drink: and for a memorial of the silly excuse that she made, he placed both the Crow, Cup, and Snake, in Heaven. 11. CENTAURUS, the Centaur, which comprehendeth 37 Stars. Some say, that this is Typhon, others call him Chiron, the Schoolmaster of those three excellent men, Hercules, Achilles, and Esculapius: unto Hercules he read Astronomy, he trained Achilles in Music, and Aesculapius, in Physic: and for his upright life he was turned into this Constellation, Yet Virgil calleth Sagittarius by the name of Chiron. In the hinder feet of this Constellaton, those Stars are set which are called the Crosiers, appearing to the Mariners as they sail towards the South Sea, in the form of a Cross, whereupon they have their name. The four Stars which are in the Garnish of the Centauris Spear, are accounted by Proclus as a peculiar Constellation, and are called by him Thyrsilochus which was a Spear compassed about with vine leaves: but they are called by Copernicus, and Clavius, and other Astronomers, the Stars of his Target. It should seem that they were deceived by the old translation of Ptolemy, wherein Scutum is put for Hasta (i.e.) the Target, for the Spear, as it is well noted by our Countryman Mr. R. Record, in his Book entitled The Castle of Knowledge. 12. LUPUS, the Wolf, or the beast which the Centaur holdeth in his hand, contaneth 19 Stars; the Poetical reason is this, Chiron the Centaur being a just man, was greatly given to the worship of the Gods: for which thing, that it might be notified to all posterity, they placed him by this beast, which he seemeth to stick and thrust through with his Spear (as it were) ready to kill for Sacrifice. 13. ARA, the Altar, it is also called Lar, or Thuribulum (i e.) a Chimney with the fire, or a Censor. It consisteth of seven Stars, and is affirmed of some Poets to be the Altar whereon the Centaur was wont to offer up his sacrifice. But others tell the tale thus. When as the great Giants called the Tytans laboured as much as might be to pull Jupiter out of Heaven, the Gods thought it good to lay their heads together, to advise what was best to be done: Their conclusion was, that they should all with one consent join hands together to keep out such fellows, and that this their league might be confirmed, and throughly ratified, they caused the Cyclops (which were workmen of Vulcan) to make them an Altar: about this Altar all the Gods assembled, and there swore, that with one consent they would withstand their enemies; afterwards, having gotten the Victory it pleased them to place this Altar in Heaven as a memorial of their League, and a token of that good which unity doth breed. 14. CORONA AUSTRINA, the South Garland, it hath 13 Stars. Some say that it is some trifling Garland which Sagittarius was wont to wear, but he cast it away from him in jest, and therefore it was placed between his legs; others call it the Wheel of Ixon, whereupon he was tormented for that great discourtesy he would have offered unto Juno, thinking indeed to have gotten up her Belly: but Jupiter seeing the impudence of the man, tumbled him out of Heaven (where by the licence of the gods he was sometimes admitted as a guest) into Hell there to be continually tormented upon a Wheel: The Figure of which Wheel was afterwards placed in Heaven, to teach men to take heed how they be too saucy to make such courteous proffers unto other men's wives. The Greeks call this Constellation by the name of Vraniscus, because of the Figure thereof: For it representeth the palate or roof of the mouth, which they call Vraniscus. 15. The last is PISCIS AUSTRINUS, or Notius, the South Fish, which comprehendeth 11 Stars, besides that which is in the mouth thereof, belonging to the water, which runneth from Aquarius, and is called by the Arabians Fomahant. The reason why this Fish was placed in the Heaven, is uncertain: yet some affirm, that the daughter of Venus going into a water to wash herself, was suddenly transformed into a Fish the which Fish was afterwards translated into Heaven. The unformed Stars belonging unto this Constellation are six. Thus much concerning the Constellation of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres; now follow the Poetical Stories of the Zodiacal Constellations. Thirdly, Of the Zodiacal Constellations. 1. ARIES, the Ram, it is called by the Greeks Crios', it containeth in it 13 Stars, which were brought into this Constellation by Thyestes, the son of Pelops, and brother of Acreus. This is the Ram, upon which Phrixus, and Helle his sister, the children of Athamas did sit, when they fled from their stepmother Ino, over the Sea of Hellespont: which Ram was afterwards for his good service, translated to Heaven ven by Jupiter Others say, that it was that Ram which brought Bacchus unto the spring of water, when through drought he was likely to have perished in the desert of Lybia. Novidius will have this to be the Ram, which Abraham offered up instead of his Son Isaac. The Star that is first in the head of the Ram, is that from whence our later Astronomers do account the Longitude of all the rest, and it is distant from the head of Aries, in the tenth Sphere, 27 degrees 53 minutes. The unformed Stars belonging unto this Constellation, are five. 2. TAURUS, the Bull, which consisteth of 23 Stars. This was translated into Heaven in memorial of the Rape committed by Jupiter on Europa the daughter of Agenor, King of Sidon; whom Jupiter in the likeness of a white Bull stole away, and transported into Candia. Others say, That it was Io the daughter of Inacus, whom Jupiter loved, and turned into the form of a Cow, to the intent that Juno coming at unawares, should not perceive what a part he had played: Jupiter afterward in memorial of that crafty conveyance, placed that Figure in Heaven; The reason why the Poets name not certainly whether it be a Cow or a Bull, is because it wanteth the hinder parts; yet of the most of them it is called a Bull. In the Neck of the Bull there are certain Stars standing together in a cluster, which are commonly called the seven Stars; although there can hardly be discerned any more than six, these are reported to be the seven daughters of Atlas, called Atlantiades, whereof 6 had company with the immortal Gods, but the 7th. (whose name was Merope) being married unto Sisyphus a mortal man, did therefore withdraw and hid herself, as being ashamed that she was not so fortunate in matching herself as her sisters were. Some say that that star which is wanting is Electra, eldest Daughter of Atlas, and that therefore it is so dim, because she could not abide to behold the destruction of Troy; but at that time and ever since, she hide her face. The reason why they were taken up into Heaven, was their great pity towards their Father, whose mishap they bewailed with continual tears. Others say, that whereas they had vowed perpetual Virginity, and were in danger to lose it, by reason of Orion, who greatly assailed them, being overtaken with their love; they requested Jupiter to stand their friend; who translated them into Stars, and placed them in that part of Heaven. The Poets call them Pleiades, because when they rise with the Sun, the Mariners may commit themselves to the Sea. Others will have them to be so termed a pluendo, because they procure rain. Others give them this name, of the Greek word Cleiones, because they be many in number; they be also called Virgiliae, because they rise with the Sun in the Spring time: likewise Athoraiae, because they stand so thick together. Our men call them by the name of the seven Stars, or Brood Hen. The Astronomers note this as a special thing concerning these stars, that when the Moon and these Stars do meet together, the eyes are not to be meddled withal, or cured if they before: their reason is, because they be of the nature of Mars and the Moon. Moreover, there be five stars in the face of the Bull, representing the form of the Roman letter V, whereof one (which is the greatest) is called the Bull's Eye, They be called Hyades, and were also the daughters of Atlas, who so long bewailed the death of Hyas their Brother, slain by a Lion, that they died for sorrow, and were afterwards placed in Heaven, for a memorial of that great love they bore to their Brother. The ancient Romans call the Bull's Eye Parilicium, or Palelicium; of Pales their goddess, whose feast they celebrated after the conjunction of this Star and the Sun. The unformed Stars belonging unto this Constellation, are eleven. 3. GEMINI, the Twins consisteth of 18 stars. The Poets say, they are Castor and Pollux, the sons of Leda, brethren most loving, whom therefore Jupiter translated into Heaven. Some say that one of them is Apollo, and the other Hercules: but the most affirm the former. The unformed Stars of this Constellation are seven, whereof one is called Tropus, because it is placed next before the foot of Castor. 4. CANCER, the Crab, it hath 9 Stars. This is that Crab which bitten Hercules by the heel as he fought with the Serpent Hydra in the Fen Lerna, and for his forward service, was placed in Heaven by Juno, the utter enemy of Hercules. In this Constellation there are Stars much spoken of by the Poets; although they be but small, whereof one is called the Crib, other two are the two Asses, whereof one was the Ass of Bacchus, the other of Vulcan, whereon they road to Battle, when as the Giants made War with the Gods; with whose braying and strange noise, the Giants were so scared upon the sudden, that they forsook the field, and fled. The Gods getting the Victory, in triumphing manner translated both the Asses, and their manger into Heaven. The unformed Stars of this Constellation are four. It is called animal Retrogradum, for when the Sun cometh into this Sign, he maketh Retrogradation. 5. LEO, the Lion; it hath 27 Stars, this is that Lion which Hercules overcame in the wood Nemaea, and was placed in Heaven in remembrance of so notable a deed. Novidius saith, this was one of the Lions that were in the den into which Daniel was cast, and was therefore placed in Heaven, because of all other he was most friendly unto Daniel. In the breast of this Constellation is that notable great Star, the light whereof is such, as that therefore it is called by Astronomers Bazileus or Regulus (i e.) the Viceroy or little King among the rest: The unformed Stars belonging to the Lion are eight, whereof three make the Constellation which is now called Coma Berenice's that is, the hair of Berenice. This Constellation was first found out and invented by Canon the Mathematician, but described by Calimachus the Poet. The occasion of the story was this. Ptolomeus Euergetes having married his sister Berenice, was shortly after enforced to departed from her, by reason of the Wars he had begun in Asia: whereupon Berenice made this Vow, that if he returned home again in safety, she would offer up her hair in Venus' Temple. Ptolemy returned safe; and Berenice, according to her Vow, cut off her hair and hung it up. After certain days, the hair was not to be found; whereupon Ptolemy the King was greatly displeased; but Canon, to please the humour of the King, and to curry favour with him, persuaded him that Venus had conveyed the Hair into Heaven. Canon attributeth seven Stars unto it, but Ptolemy allotteth it but three, because the other be insensible. 6. VIRGO, the Virgin, it hath 26 Stars. This is affirmed to be Justice, which among all the Gods sometime living upon the Earth, did last of all forsake the same, because of the wickedness that began to multiply therein, and chose this place for her seat in Heaven. Others say, that it was Astrea, the daughter of Astreus, one of the Giants that were called Titans, who fight against the Gods, Astraea took their parts against her own Father, and was therefore after her death commended unto the Heavens, and made one of the 12 Signs. Others say, that it was Origone, the daughter of Icarius, who for that her Father was slain by certain drunken men, for very grief thereof hanged herself: but Jupiter taking pity of the Virgin for her natural affection, translated her into Heaven. In her right wing there is one Star of special note, which by the Astronomers is called Vindemiaetor, (i.e.) the gatherer of Grapes. This was Ampulos the son of a satire and a Nymph, and greatly beloved of Bacchus unto whom in token of his love, Bacchus gave a singular fair Vine, planted at the foot of an Elm (as the manner was in old time.) But Ampelos in Harvest gathering Grapes, and taking little heed to his footing, fell down out of the Vine, and broke his neck. Bacchus in memorial of his former affection, translated him into Heaven, and made him one of the principal Stars in this Constellation. There is another great Star in the hand of the Virgin, called of the Latins Spica, of the Greeks Stachus, of the Arabians Azimech (i.e.) the Ear of Corn: whereby they signify, that when the Sun cometh to this Sign, the Corn waxeth ripe. Albumazar the Arabian, and Novidius, take this Constellation for the Virgin Mary. The unformed Stars in this Constellation are six. 7. LIBRA the Balance, it containeth eight Stars, Cicero calleth Jugum the Yoke, and here it is to be noted, that the ancient Astronomers that first set down the number of the Constellations contained in the Zodiac, did account but eleven therein, so that the Sign, which now is called Libra, was heretofore called Chelai, that is to say, the Claws of the Scorpion, which possesseth the space of two whole Signs. But the latter Astronomers, being desirous to have 12 Signs in the Zodiac, called those eight, whereof the Claws of the Scorpion do consist, by the name of Libra, not that there was any Poetical Fiction to induce them thereto, but only moved by this reason, because the Sun joining with this Constellation, the Day and the Night are of an equal length, and are (as it were) equally poized in a pair of Balances. Yet (as I remember) some will have this to be the Balance, wherein Justice, called also Astraea, weighed the deeds of mortal men, and therein presented them unto Jupiter. It hath 9 unformed Stars appertaining unto it. 8. SCORPIO, the Scorpion, called of the Arabians, Alatrab; of Cicero, Nepa. It consisteth of 21 Stars. The Fiction is thus; Orion the son of Hyreus greatly beloved of Diana, was wont to make his boast: that he was able to overcome what Beast soever was bred upon the Earth: the Earth being moved with this speech brought forth the Scorpion, whereby Orion was stung to death. Jupiter thereupon (at the request of the Earth) translated both the Scorpion and Orion into Heaven; to make it a lesson for ever, for mortal men not to trust too much unto their own strength; and to the end he might signify the great enmity between them, he placed them so in Heaven, that whensoever the one ariseth, the other setteth; and they are never both of them seen together above the Horizon at once: Gulielmus Postellus will have it to be the Serpent which beguiled Eve in Paradise. The unformed Stars about this Scorpion are three. 9 SAGITTARIUS, the Archer. It hath 31 Stars. Touching this Sign, there are among the Poets many and sundry opinions. Some say that it is Crocus, the son of Paphene, that was Nurse unto the Muses. This Crocus was so forward in learning of the Liberal Sciences, and in the practice of feats of Activity, that the Muses entreated Jupiter that he might have a place in Heaven. To whose request Jupiter inclining, made him one of the 12 Signs: And to the end that he might express the excellent qualities of the Man; he made his hinder parts like unto a Horse, thereby to signify his singular knowledge in Horsemanship: and by his Bow and Arrow, he declared the sharpness of his Wit. Whereupon the Astrologers have this conceit, that he that is born under Sagittarius, shall attain to the knowledge of many Arts, and be of prompt wit, and great courage. Virgil affirmeth this to be Chiron the Centaur, who for his singular Learning and Justice was made the Master of Achilles. At which time Hercules coming to visit him (for he had heard both of the worthiness of the Schoolmaster, and of the great hopes of the Scholar) brought with him his quiver of Arrows dipped in the blood of the Serpent Hydra; but Chiron being desirous to see his shafts, and not taking heed of them being in his hand, let one of them fall upon his foot, and being greatly tormented, not only by the anguish of the Poison working in the Wound, but much more because he knew himself to be immortal, and his wound not to be recovered by Medicine, he was enforced to make request unto the Gods, that he might be taken out of the World, who pitying his case, took him up into Heaven, and made him one of the 12 Signs. 10. CAPRICORNUS, the Goat, it consisteth of 28 Stars. The Poets say, that this was Pan the God of the Shepherds, of whom they feign in this manner: The Gods having War with the Giants, gathered themselves together into Egypt, Typhon the Giant pursued them thither, whereby the Gods were brought into a quandary, that well was he that by changing his shape might shift for himself. Jupiter turned himself into a Ram: Apollo became a Crow: Bacchus a Goat: Diana lurked under the form of a Cat: Juno transformed herself into a Cow: Venus into a Fish: Pan leaping into the River Nilus, turneth the upper part of his body into a Goat, and the lower part into a Fish. Jupiter wondering at the strange device, would needs have that Image and Picture translated into Heaven, and made one of the 12 Signs. In that the hinder part of this Sign is like a Fish. It betokeneth that the latter part of the month wherein the Sun possesseth this Sign, inclineth unto Rain. 11. AQVARIUS, the Waterman: it hath 42 Stars, whereof some make the Figure of the Man: othersome the Waterpot; and some, the stream of water that runneth out of the pot. This is feigned to be Ganymedes the Trojan, the son of Oros and Callirhoe, whom Jupiter did greatly love for his excellent favour and beauty, and by the service of his Eagle carried him up into Heaven, where he made him his Cupbearer, and called him Aquarius. Others notwithstanding think it to be Deucalion the son of Prometheus whom the Gods translated into Heaven, in remembrance of that mighty deluge which happened in his time; whereby mankind was almost utterly taken away from the face of the earth. The unformed stars belonging unto this Sign are three. 12. PISCES, the Fishes: these together with the line that knitteth them together, contain 24 Stars. The Poets say, that Venus and Cupid her son coming upon a certain time unto the River Euphrates, and sitting upon the bank thereof, upon a sudden espied Typhon the Giant, that mighty and fearful enemy of the gods coming towards them; upon whose sight, they being stricken with exceeding fear, leapt into the River, where they were received by two Fishes, and by them saved from drowning. Venus for this good turn, translated them into Heaven. Gulielmus Postellus would have them to be the two Fishes wherewith Christ fed the 5000 Men. The unformed Stars of this Constellation are four. Thus have I briefly run over the Poetical reasons of the Constellations: It remains now that I speak of the Milky Way. VIA LACTEA, or Circulus Lacteus; by the Latins so called; and by the Greeks Galaxia; and by the English the Milky Way. It is a broad white Circle that is seen in the Heaven: In the North Hemisphere, it beginneth at Cancer, on each side the head thereof, and passeth by Auriga, Perseus, Cassiopeia, the Swan, and the head of Capricorn, the tail of Scorpio, the feet of Centaeur, Argo the Ship, and so to the head of Cancer. Some in a sporting manner do call it Watling-street, but why they call it so, I cannot tell; except it be in regard of the narrowness that it seemeth to have; or else in respect of that great high way that lieth between Dover and St. Albon, which is called by our men Watling-street. Ovid saith, it is the great Causey, and Highway that leadeth unto the Palace of Jupiter, but he allegeth not the cause of the whiteness; belike he would have us imagine that it is made of White Marble. Others therefore allege these causes: Jupiter having begotten Mercury of Maia the daughter of Atlas, brought the child when he was born, to the breast of Juno lying asleep: But Juno awaking threw the child out of her lap, and let the milk run out of her breast in such abundance, that (spreading itself about the Heaven) it made that Circle which we see. Others say, that it was not Mercury, but Hercules; and that Juno did not let the milk run out of her breast, but that Hercules sucked them so earnestly, that his mouth run over, and so this Circle was made. Others say, that Saturn being desirous to devour his children, his wife Ops presented him with a stone wrapped in a clout, instead of his Child: This stone stuck so fast in Saturn's Throat as he would have swallowed it, that without doubt he had therewith been choked, had he not been relieved by his wife: who by pressing the milk out of her breasts saved his life: the milk that miss his mouth (whereof you must suppose some sufficient quantity) fell on the Heavens, and running along made this Circle. Dr. Hood Commenting upon Constellations saith; the Stars are brought into Constellations, for Instruction sake, things cannot be taught without names; to give a name to every Star had been troublesome to the Master, and for the Scholar; for the Master to devise, and for the Scholar to remember; and therefore the Astronomers have reduced many Stars into one Constellation; that thereby they may tell the better where to seek them; and being sought, how to express them. Now the Astronomers did bring them into these Figures, and not into other, being moved thereto by these three reasons: first, these Figures express some properties of the Stars that are in them; as those in the Ram to be hot and dry; Andromeda chained betokeneth imprisonment, the head of Medusa cut off signifieth the loss of that part: Orion with his terrible and threatening gesture, importeth tempest and terrible effects. The Serpent, the Scorpion, and the Dragon, signify Poison: The Bull insinuateth a melancholy passion: The Bear inferreth cruelty, etc. Secondly, the Stars (if not precisely, yet after a sort) do represent such a Figure, and therefore that Figure was assigned them, as for example, the Crown, both North and South, the Scorpion and Triangle, represent the figures which they have. The third cause was the continuance of the memory of some notable Men, who either in regard of their singular pains taken in Astronomy, or in regard of some other notable deed, had well deserved of Mankind. The first Author of every particular Constellation is uncertain; yet are they of great antiquity; we receive them from Ptolemy, and he followed the Platonics; so that their antiquity is great. Moreover, we may perceive them to be ancient by the Scriptures, and by the Poets. In the 38 Chapter of Job there is mention made of the Pleyades, Orion, and Arcturus, & Mazzaroth, which some interpret the 12 Signs: Job lived in the time of Abraham, as Syderocrates maketh mention in his Book de Commensurandis locorum distantiis. Now besides all this, touching the reason of invention of these Constellations, the Poets in setting forth those Stories, had this purpose, to make men fall in love with Astronomy: When Demosthenes could not get the people of Athens to hear him in a matter of great moment, and profitable to the Commonwealth he began to tell them a Tale of a fellow that sold an Ass; by which Tale he so wrought on the Athenians, that they were both willing to hear his whole Oration, and to put in practice that whereunto he exhorted them. The like intent had the Poets in these Stories: They saw that Astronomy being for commodity singular in the life of Man, was almost of all men utterly neglected: Hereupon they began to set forth that Art under these Fictions; that thereby such as could not be persuaded by commodity, might by the Pleasure be induced to take a view of these matters, and thereby at length fall in love with them. For commonly note this, that he that is ready to read the Stories, cannot content himself therewith, but desireth also to know the Constellations, or at least wise some principal Star therein. FINIS. At the place aforesaid, you may also have all manner of Maps, Sea-Plats, Drafts, Mathematical Books, Instruments, etc. at the lowest Prizes. FINIS.