The effects of the eclipse of the Sun, which will be visible in ENGLAND, 11. August. 1645. whose influence continues in force, from January, 1646 to Decemb. 1647. almost two whole years; and cannot but be the forerunner of some extraordinary mutation in most commonwealths of Europe, but principally in ENGLAND. With an Answer to an astrological Judgement. Printed at Oxford, upon his majesty's present March. By WILLIAM LILLY Student in astrology.  
LONDON, Printed for John Partridge and Humphrey Blunden, and are to be sold at the sign of the cock in Ludgate street, and the Castle in Cornhill, 1645.   

To his truly Honoured Friend, Master JOHN THOMPSON, of the City of LONDON Merchant.  
SIR,  
AS in those more painful employments you formerly underwent in Transmarine parts you did with great fidelity, courage, and industry for sundry years, manage the affairs of our English Merchants entrusted to your care and discretion: So now in this your present retirement, your continual Study makes it manifest, you act not the part of a young man (though your years speak you not aged) but like a wise man (that ever husband's Time with advantage) You every your mind with Knowledge, Converse amongst Studies, and with Authors of wisdom, that hereafter you may be more serviceable to your Country as opportunity shall present you with a fit occasion: I shall not need acquaint the World, that you have (as we say changed heaven) and lived not further than five degrees from the equinoctial; yet have you still remained yourself, and twice returned Statu quo, bettered by your travels.  
This little Treatise (of less worth than I wish it) I present unto you, and desire your perusal by way of Recreation, (I am not singular in Dedicating a small thing to a worthy Friend: John Dee a most Learned man Dedicated his aphorisms to Gerard Mercator a man famous, and they consisted of less than six sheets.)  
Wearied I say with more weighty Studies, run over this, and the rather, because its the first in this kind ever wrote by any: and you can judge whether 'tis well or ill done, and few else: yourself have seen it in loose papers, from the beginning, middle, and to the end of it, are able to testify its my own, I borrowed it from no man, (that impertinent Traveller spoke by Authority, who hoodwinked in judgement, bleated openly that others performed my work, yet he never saw me.)  
Sir, Favour me with as much love in Receiving it humanly, as I in Affection tender it unto You, and You engage me to rest,  
Your real Friend, WILLIAM LILLY.   

To the Reader.  
BEfore I speak any thing of that prodigious Apparition of the three Suns in the Elements, I will acquaint thee with as rare a prodigy which happened in Cheshire.  
When first our unnatural Wars began, and that it was apparent, war would be betwixt King and Parliament, Sir George Booth Knight and baronet of a Noble Family in Cheshire, and one excellently deserving of the whole kingdom for his fidelity to the Parliament, and without whose countenance our affairs in those parts could not so happily have succeeded: this gallant old Knight perceiving, that many of his tenants were necessarily to engage their persons, for better encouragement of them, he seriously professed unto them, that if any tenant or tenant's son of his, servant or any other that was any of the lives in any the Leases made by him or any of his Family, should casually be slain in this unnatural war in defence of the Parliament, Religion and Subjects Liberties, that then he would make a new Lease Gratis, and insert any younger life in Liew thereof, which thing he hath constantly and freely performed ever since to his eternal fame and honour, and if this be not worthy of especial taking notice of, I know nothing; Nor let us forget the singular valour of his Noble grandchild colonel Booth during the siege of Nantwich against the English Irish.  
But to our own Discourse.  
If there be any of so prevaricate a judgement, as to think that the apparition of these three Suns doth intimate no novel thing to happen in our own Climate, where they were manifestly visible, I shall lament their indisposition and conceive their brains to be shallow, and void of understanding, humanity, or notice of common History: For full satisfaction of such unbelieving Saints, I have produced precedents, not one or two, but many, and those recorded by men of unquestionable Credit. When was it known, that such like unusual sights appeared, and were not the forerunners of things to come, yet seldom regarded before the things they signified came to pass.  
I am of this opinion, the heavens never send forth any great signs, which have not a particular relation to some great personages: for doubtless they are the universal cause (God permitting) of all things; and whilst they produce effects; which seem to have relation to one only: if he be a Prince, it hath an universal operation, for people are partakers with their Princes, in their gains, losses, virtues and vices, and this is the reason why many times our predictions do not jump in that measure of time by us limited; for actions are not done by their Agents in an instant, dispositions precede them, &c. Besides, great alterations require great influences, which when they cause great diversity in their working, happen nor because the influences are divers, but because they are diverse that receive them.  
Read me with indifferency, and poise me with an equal judgement, I write with no prepared gall, no not against Master Noworth of Oxford, who borrows the gross of his judgement in his last almanac from my prophetic Merlin, nor am I angry, but pity that wooden doctor whether Atheist or Papist I know not, that swells with his own ignorant fancy, and saith, he can make it appear, what I speak in behalf of the Parliament, in point of Art ought to happen to their enemies; this is one of those purblind Prophets, that in corners vilify the Parliaments friends, and yet they uncontrolled harbour amidst us, &c. but this thing called a Galenist I let pass, until his capacity can erect a figure, &c. Many and great are the judgements ready to fall down upon some great Families of England and Europe, but unless an angel, nay if an angel from Heaven should report it, nothing will be believed: an Achan and an Achitophel, or faction equivalent, both covetous and irreligious, and countenancing for byerespects, unworthy men have wearied my Pen, disheartened the Gentry to our inevitable loss, and impoverishment of the poor commonalty, and destruction of those towns so unluckely committed to their charge: Let the town of Leicester be hereof an unlucky precedent, which hath been these three years fortifying, and now on the sudden transmitted to his majesty's forces. What became of the vast sums of money there raised? why the valiant Gentlemen displaced? and men of inferior rank exalted? who gives any reason? unless it was purposely done to betray the town to our enemies, or by loss of that to prolong the wars another year. You shall see if his majesty's Providence fortify not that town in less months than we in years; It must be discovered who, or whom have played the plain knaves with us, or else we shall never be at quiet. Many complain the taxes of that County have exceeded the Incombes of Rent. Thus Division, wilful Faction, a scabby Sect of covetous Sectaries undo us, and disparage our Parliaments proceedings; but let it be remembered, his majesty's Pressures first begot courage in us to resist him: I hope those devils that undo us will shortly be found out, till then, if we thrive its miraculous. God grant our Parliament in time may purge the Counties of all schismatical, who alone do them more mischief than his majesty's Army: Discontented that the Gentry are no more respected, I will engage no further at this time.  
It's true, we gained Shrewesbury, and when the eyes of all wellwishers looked upon colonel Mitton; a most beloved, active, and deserving Gentleman to be governor thereof, En & Ecce, no such thing; 
Sic vos non vobis.  
Sic vos non vobis.   
Time will make us see how we abuse and are abused, many can preach that cannot fight;  
WILLIAM LILLY. Without Temple Bar London, at the Corner House over against Stranbridge.   

An Interpretation, or Declaration, what manner of Accidents may ensue upon the three Suns which appeared in England the 19 of November, 1644, (it being his majesty's birthday) by William Lilly.  
IT's far from my intention, to make the signification of this extraordinary prodigy more ominous, because it had its appearance with us on the same day 44 year that his majesty was born, and ushers in, as it were, the actions of his 45 year. I humbly desire his majesty would be pleased to take some notice hereof; for I conceive he may be hereby much concerned; and the rather, as he is one of the prime Monarchs of Europe, and also in regard it was visible in England, a Kingdom of his own, and of which he is rightful Inheritor: For doubtless, over what City or country these unusual Apparitions are vertical, or where they do more manifestly show themselves, those countries, in a more sensible and perceptible manner, shall be capable of the effects attending those Apparitions. Nor am I clearly of that opinion many very judicious men, both of forepast and present times, are, That such like Prodigies, Comets, &c. do never show themselves, but as precursors of mischief. What greater benefit did ever happen to mankind, than the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ? and yet was his coming manifested to us by a Star or Comet, &c. the like whereof we have never read or heard of. And besides, we have seen in our Age, that if that Comet in 1618. did design out ill to the Austrian Family, as indeed it did; yet the Swedes did thereupon thrive; and, before them, Bethlem Gabor Prince of Transilvania, attained to great esteem in the world, and enlarged his Patrimony. I do willingly consent to those words of that learned physician of our times, Dr Brown, in the small, but unparalleled Piece of his, Relig. Med. fol. 70. That those noble essences in heaven, bear a friendly regard to their fellow-natures on earth; and that such like Prodigies as these, are the charitable Premonitions of good Angels, which more careless inquiries term but the effects of Chance and Nature.  
There be many now living, can hardly believe there was any such thing as three Suns appeared: and why? Because themselves had not the sight of them. Others will consent such like things might be seen; but what should be thereby signified, they conceive is beyond human Capacity.  
To the first sort of men, I say, That, as Christians, we ought to believe the report of one another, especially in a matter wherein there's no danger or prejudice can come either by crediting or not crediting the report, or wherein neither Religion or our neighbour suffer scandal or harm, &c. But I say, Many hundreds, of uncontradictible credit, did behold this: We have it also mentioned in many men's printed Pamphlets; amongst the rest, I hear the witty Aulicus hath glossed thereon. Sure I am, Britannicus promised some Conceptions, which yet are not come to public view, upon that very subject.  
The form of ●●e three Suns●●en in England●9. November 1644.  
I will endeavour to give a general satisfaction, and first will produce the years wherein formerly, long before our time, such Prodigies have been seen and recorded, and also what material Occurrences did immediately, or within one or two years, succeed: Which being performed, I shall, God willing, fall upon what effects I conceive shall be instantly subsequent to these three Suns, the now-subject of my Discourse.  
IT is recorded, that in the One and fiftieth year after Christ, there appeared three Suns at once, and forthwith they joined in one, &c. In that year, Clodomire King of France began to recover what his predecessors had lost. Saint Paul was converted. Luke writes the Gospel. Caractacus the valiant was led in triumph to Rome, where a great Famine was the same year.  
Anno 66. A Comet was seen, and also three Suns: In which year, Florus President of the Jews was by them slain. Paul writes to Timothy. The Christians are warned by a divine Oracle, and depart out of Jerusalem. Boadice a British Queen, killeth Seventy thousand Romans. The Nazareni, a scurvy Sect, begun, that boasted much of Revelations and Visions. About a year after, Nero was proclaimed enemy to the State of Rome.  
Anno 69. In the East and in the West two sons were seen, of the which one seemed weak and pale, the other strong and clear. In this year Jerusalem was taken by Titus, and Eleven hundred thousand Jews slain and made away in the Siege. Linus was this year first Bishop of Rome; where we may carefully note, a prodigy was the forerunner of episcopacy at Rome. This year Galba is slain by Otho, having reigned but three months. And men suppose, that in this year the Gospel of Saint John was written at Ephesus.  
From hence I pass until some later centuries of years: for from the year 69, to 1103, I find none recorded in those Authors I have read.  
In the year 1103, a Comet appeared in Normandy; and not long after, two full Moons, one in the East, the other in the West. The Effects that followed instantly, were these: The son of Henry the Emperor rebelleth against his father: A council was held in London for reformation of the clergy. (I think that Tribe is out of order in all Ages.) All married Priests were excommunicated by Anselm: (this was a strict Priest, certainly.) Lewis of France forceth a Restitution of Church-goods sacrilegiously taken. This year began the long and cruel War betwixt the Polonian and Russian. The Venetians obtain large privileges of the Emperor.  
Anno 1156, the first of October, for three hours, there was seen three Circles about the Sun; which at length vanishing, there was seen two Suns. The Pope, being an Englishman, is taken Prisoner. The Kingdom of Denmark is divided: And in the next year, the Pope and Emperor fall at variance.  
Anno 1157, in September, there were seen three Suns together, in as clear weather as could be: And a few days after, in the same month, three Moons, and, in the Moon that stood in the middle, a white cross. Sueno King of Denmark, at a great Feast, killeth Canutus: Sueno is himself slain, in pursuit of Waldemar. The Order of Eremites, according to the rule of Saint Augustine, begun this year; and in the next, the Pope submits to the Emperor: (was not this miraculous?) Lombary was also adjudged to the Emperor.  
Anno 1168, the first of September, there was seen at once in the West, three Suns: Two hours after, when two were gone, he in the middle went down alone. By mediation of the French King, Becket is restored to his archbishopric. Almaricus King of Jerusalem, calleth in the Turks to his aid, which was the ruin of that Kingdom; and, contrary to his Faith given, aids the Greeks against the Egyptians. A Conspiracy arose in Bohemia against the King.  
Anno 1169, three Moons appeared. The year succeeding, Becket the stiff Priest was slain in a Church in England, Catana a City in Sicily, is destroyed, with fifteen thousand people, as also the Bishop and clergy, by an Earthquake. A smith's son raised great troubles in Norway, pretending himself to be Harold's grandchild. The Romans raze the City of Alba: And in the next year, a great Inundation was in Freezland.  
Anno 1314, three Moons appeared. Lewis was Crowned Emperor by some Electors, Frederick by the rest. A council was at Ravenna for Reformation, &c. Note the instability of the clergy. The Pope dieth, and the See is void two years and four months. The English, under a simple and wilful King, Edward the second, are overthrown by the Scots, and to purpose. Lewis Hutine comes to the Crown of France, hangs his Treasurer, &c. The Queen of Castille dieth. The Genoese rob the Venetian Merchants, and invade their Territories.  
Anno 1372, the first of July, and some days after, a strange Circle was seen about the Sun, over which appeared two Crosses of a red colour, near Basill. The French besiege Rochel, and the English defend it. The year after, the Order of Nuns of Saint Katherine was founded. Robert Stuart King of Scotland marrieth his Concubine; and John Duke of Lancaster the King of Castile's daughter. The King of Portugal refuseth a Match in Castille, and takes a nobleman's wife from him, having banished her husband; at which his people are discontented. Shortly after, the Venetians restore Paleologus, being expelled by his son Andronicus.  
Anno 1460, the second of February, three Suns appeared, every one showing a several light, which again closed all together in one. The Duke of York is attainted of Treason. Henry the sixth is taken Prisoner at Northampton. civil War in France, called, The weal-public, caused by the King's covetousness. The King of France dieth, having, upon a foolish Conceit, forborn his meat so long, that when after he would eat, he could not. A Rebellion in Spain against the Queen, for death of the Prince. James the third came to the Crown of Scotland. The Duke of York is slain in Yorkshire. David Emperor of Trapezond, and his two sons, taken and slain by Mahomet the Turk, In the next year after, Edward the fourth came to the Crown of England, and poor innocent Henry the sixth sent to the Tower, &c.  
Anno 1466, three Suns were seen at Rome; in which year Erasmus was born. The King of Denmark is excommunicated by the Pope. Warwick and Edward the fourth fall out. John King of Spain is deposed, and Alfonsus crowned. The King of Hungaria's brother is taken by the Turks, and beheaded at Constantinople. Gerard the King of Denmark's brother, is imprisoned for aspiring. Mathias of Hungaria is set up against the lawful King thereof. Scanderbag a most valiant Captain against the Turk, dieth. The French King takes from his brother the duchy of Normandy.  
Anno 1492, the fifteenth of December, three Suns were seen in Poland at noon. The Jews are expelled Spain. Alexander the sixth plays the ungrateful fellow with his Gardinalls. Towards the later end of the year, the Emperor of Germany dies; and John Albert succeeds Casimire in the Kingdom of Polonia. The Ganthois in Flanders rebel.  
Anno 1514, in January, three Suns were seen in the duchy of Wittenberg, the middlemost surpassed the rest in greatness: In every of these, there appeared the form of a bloody and fiery sword. The same year, in March, three Moons were seen. It was in that year some parts of Sussex were burned and spoiled by the Rhodians, in behalf of the French. An Interview follows, betwixt the Emperor, King of Polonia, and Bohemia. The French King and Pope meet. The Queen of Scotland fleeth into England. The French King dieth, and Francis the first succeeds, and recovers Milan.  
Anno 1515, Queen Mary, the scourge of Protestants, is born in England. Wolsey a proud Priest begins to rise at Court. The Pope falls out with the Venetians.  
Anno 1520, the fifth of January, about sunrising, three Suns appeared, with a rainbow of divers colours, at Vienna. The seventh of January, there were three Suns also seen. After Charles the fifth was Crowned, there was seen a circle about the Sun, with a rainbow. The Pope, he spews out his Excommunications against Luther, who as stoutly burns his foolish Bulls. The Pope executes the Tyrant of Perugia. The Duke of Buckingham is in England beheaded for Treason. The French detain our merchant's goods: we imprison the French. Solyman the Magnificent comes to be Emperor of Turkey. The Geldrois rebel. The next year after the French War began, which continued thirty and eight years, troubles arise in Scotland. Many rich Cities taken by the Turk in Hungary.  
Anno 1523, in Switzerland, there was seen three Suns at once, and also divers Circles in the Element. At Norimberge, in a Diet there held, grievances are exhibited against the Pope. The peasant's rebel against the Nobles in Germany. Both the French and Swedes are defeated by the imperials. The Earl of Surrey burns thirty seven Towns in Scotland. The Duke of Holsten is chosen King of Denmark, and the former King expelled for his Cruelty. The janissaries mutiny at Constantinople.  
Anno 1525, there was seen in Hungaria five Suns, two on either side the right Sun. The Duke of Luneburg becomes Lutheran. The Order of Capuchins is erected. The French King is released out of prison. Fifty thousand Clowns are slain. Henry the eighth falls off from the Emperor. The women of Hague rise against their Customers, upon their exactions: and the Swedes become Lutherans.  
Anno 1526, in Sweden three Suns were seen, with divers circles in the Elements. The Emperor abolisheth the Pope's Authority in Spain. The Tartarian invades the Polonian, and is defeated and taken. Rome is wasted by the Columnenses, and besiege the Pope in S. Angelo. A Sedition arose in Suffolk. The holy League made by the French King, Pope, Duke of Milan, and Venetian, against the Emperor. Now was the battle of Mohatz, where the whole Nobility of Hungary was slain, and the King in flight drowned in a ditch. Bud● a chief city of Hungary, is yielded to Solyman. The next year, the Duke of Bourbon takes Rome, sacks it ten months. Sweating sickness in London, continuing two years.  
Anno 1528, in Switzerland, and month of June, many Suns were seen at once, and about them three circles. A council was then held at Sena for Reformation. Images and Popish trumperies abolished at Perne and Strasburg. A Rebellion at Dansk. Some mutinous Vtrechters executed by the Bishop. Sharp Differences betwixt Henry the eighth and Queen Katherine. The next year, Solyman invades Hungary with One hundred and fifty thousand men. Vienna is besieged, but not taken. The ransom of the French King is paid.  
Anno 1532, the eleventh of April, at Venice, Cardanus saw three fair and bright Suns, with two rainbows, not with points descending, but opposite to the Sun. Vienna is relieved by the Emperor. Henry the eighth is divorced from Queen Katherine. 1533, Qveen Elizabeth was born. Sedition raised by the Anabaptiss and strange Factions in Hungary.  
Anno 1541, there appeared three Suns; the usual Sun stood in the Centre, and two bright Circles did environ it. Katherine Queen of England is beheaded. The Rochellers rebel. Charles the fifth maketh an unfortunate Voyage to Algiers. The German Forces are foiled by the Turks, only by the cowardice of the Leaders. The year after, the Scots were beat at Solwy Moss: and their King dies of melancholy. Transilvania is subdued by Solyman, and given to John. Popery rejected in the Palatinate.  
Anno 1550, near Brunswick, three Suns appeared. Now great troubles arise at Antwerp, and the Inquisition opposed in the Netherlands. Difference betwixt the Emperor and Ferdinand, about succession in the Empire: Some of the Electors arm against the Emperor. The Thames ebbed and flowed three times in nine hours. Peace with Scotland.  
Anno 1551, in March, at Magdeburg, about seven in the morning, seven rainbows were seen; and in the evening, three Moons. In April, at Wittenberg, three Suns were seen, with various Circles in the Element. There was seen the same year at Antwerp, three Suns, with divers Circles. The same year there was seen two mock-Moons twice. In England, the Duke of Somerset is beheaded. A world of Disputes in Germany, about Religion. The French make War with the Emperor.  
Anno 1553, three Suns appeared; the middle of a bright colour, but the Parclii or mock-Suns red and bloody. The same day, after sunset, three Moons appeared. The Papist and Protestant in England dispute. The King of England dieth. A tumult in Brussels, between the insolent Spaniard and the townsmen. Now Persecution in England for being Protestants. Queen Mary comes to the Crown; ushered into the world by a prodigy, and to the Crown with the like ominous Portent.  
Anno 1554, in Bavaria divers kinds of Suns were seen; but especially the sixth of March, two Suns were seen, with a rainbow. In May the same year, two more Suns were seen, the Sun as it were environed all about with a rainbow. Wyatt riseth in Kent. Philip and Mary married. Sena betrayed to the Emperor by the Pope. Henalt in Arthoys wasted by the French.  
Anno 1556, in Saxony two mock-Suns appeared. Charles the Emperor entreth the Monastery of S. Justus, in the confines of Castille. The Lord Sturton is hanged in England for a Murder. Transilvania revolts. Nineteen thousand people at Brussels, die of Cold and Famine. The next year, the War is begun betwixt the King of Spain and the Pope. A general Pestilence happens in England. Calais is lost to the French: and the Scots invade the English. Treasons and Uproars are frequent in Turkey.  
Anno 1622, three Suns appeared at Heidelberg. The woeful Calamities that have ever since fallen upon the Palatinate, we are all sensible of, and of the loss of it, for any thing I see, for ever, from the right Heir. Osman the great Turk is strangled that year: and Spinola besiegeth Bergen up Zoom, &c.  
I have heard it credibly reported, that there were seen, about twelve years since, many Suns at one time in Cornwall: and in March 1639, towards sunset, three Suns were seen in the West, not far from Oxford.  
I have not seen any of these Suns I mention, myself; only in those six years in which I lived in the country, viz. 1636, 1637, 1638, 1639, 1640, &c. many evenings I observed a strange fiery sky, and unusual forms in the Elements, towards that part of the heaven where Oxford stands, and towards Bark-shire, Hampshire, and so also towards Buckinghamshire, &c.  
I have the rather repeated these things, that the incredulous of the times might not be wavering, or a party now upon earth too confident that these prodigious Sights have no signification upon Mundane affairs. The historical part is now ended, and my own Judgement upon those three Suns apparent the nineteenth of November, 1644, followeth: Wherein, if oft repetitions of the same thing trouble thee, with modesty or courtesy pass them by; for in astrology it cannot be avoided: Nor do thou expect an exact Method from me, sith it was no part of my meaning, or could I conveniently do it: only this I must tell thee, that the Interpretation I write, is, I conceive, grounded upon probable foundations; and who lives to see a few years over his head, will easily perceive I have unfolded as much as was fit to discover, and that my Judgement is not a mile and a half from truth.  


A Figure of the 3 sons appearan ♂. 19 November 1644. 9: 45. A.M. ab ☍ ♃ in ☌ ☉ ad △ ♄.  
♀ 21 ♎ ♍ 28  
☊ 2.38 ♌ 4  
♂ 2.56 ♋ R ♊ 26.5  
♊ 5.34  
♃ 24: 47 R  
♉ 2.0 ♉ 1.0  
♈ ♄ 14.32 R ♓ 28  
☋ 2.38 ♒ 4  
♑ ♐ 26.5  
☉ ☽. 7.51  
♐ ●. 34 ♏ 20  
☿ 18 ♏ 1.0    
Londinum Angliae.  
MAny Philosophers are of opinion, that these false Suns, amongst the learned called Parelii, do especially appear, when many subtle moist clouds are betwixt us and the Sun. Others, that they are round clouds shining like the Sun; or that they are images of the Sun in a thick and neighbouring cloud in the form of a Mirror. But if that collected clouds, or multitude of vapours, or any natural cause, produced such rare and unusual Apparitions; Why have we not such Sights oft? It's well known, such are not usually seen, although once in a month we do not want plenty of Vapours, which, if they were so produced, might cause monthly, or oftener, such like Apparitions. And besides, when these three Suns were seen, it was a very fair Sunshine-day, a very clear day, no Clouds, Vapours, fogs or Mists appearing. Indeed for seven or eight days before, we at London had extreme stormy Weather, cloudy, windy, rainy, and what not? I did not observe, for a long time, such variety of blustering and unnatural Weather, which I conceive was occasioned by the late Opposition of Saturn and Venus, and the matutine setting of the Virgiliae, and other most violent fixed Stars, which, according to Stadius, Hiemem pluviosam denuntiant. It is also the opinion of Pliny, Succularum & Pleiadum, occasus Terra Marique turbidum esse. Nor may we forget the access of the Sun to Cor Scorpii, to lessen any ill Weather the days precedent, &c.  
Here's natural causes for the ill Weather preceding, so many days together; but no cause in nature to induce a belief that the three Suns were occasioned from Nature.  
I am clearly of opinion, These Sights, as well as many others, were caused by those tutelary Angels, who, by God's permission, and under him, have the Government of the English commonwealth. They are sensible of those many impending Miseries now too plentifully amongst us. Their conference with man now, as in the days of old, very few attain unto, it being a blessing sought after by many, attained unto by few: And yet there are some of opinion, There lives in the world some, and of those some, a small Party in England, that know more than they utter, and, either by Vision, or verbal colloquy, have the knowledge of future events, yea, even from the blessed Angels.  
But alas, these are Riddles; I must adhere unto my astrology; and yet wish all happiness to those good souls that either confer with their own Genius, whom some call, A good Angel; or with such other of those heavenly Ministers whom God in mercy affordeth them. And herein let no Reader mistake me; for I abhor Witches, or those Necromancers that raise the deceased out of their graves, or those Circular Priests now almost worn out of the world: My meaning is this, That I do believe there are many now living, to whom God, by his Angels, gives Revelation of things to come: And where and to whom God gives such a blessing, I believe that Saint may lawfully use the talon God hath enabled him with.  
But I leave this obsolete, though excellent Learning, to another Discourse, and come to the Text itself.  
I do somewhat adhere to Cardan, Seg. 4. Apho. 94. Signa circa Solem, in Luna vel Stellis, aut circa eas, tum in Coelo valdè aliena a naturali cursu; si locum ubi apparent, & figuram Coeli cum hoc, ea hora ab initio in finem observabis, intellegere possis quid significent: Viz. If you observe any strange forms or signs about the Sun, or in the Moon or Stars, or near unto them, and those unusual signs are strange, or contrary to a natural course; consider the place where they appear, and compare the Figure of heaven with it, set to the beginning of their appearance, and considered until its end, and then you may understand the signification thereof.  
The better to direct me in my Judgement, I have erected three schemes of heaven, and, according to my mean Capacity, judged thereupon of the effects of these three Suns.  
Neither indeed is Cardanus single in his Judgement; for Ludovicus de Rigiis, Apho. 88 lib. 2. saith, Monstruosa corpora & portenta, quando ultra modum acciderint, hora ipsorum consideranda est, nihil accidit, quin a corporibus supercoelestibus designetur effectus. Monstrous bodies, and seldom seen, when beyond nature they chance to show themselves; the hour of their first being is to be considered: there's no such things happen; but the effects thereof are designed from the supercelestial bodies.  
And though this may seem strange to most men that shall read this Discourse; yet I hope the Judgement following shall, in some measure, better satisfy them, if they will have patience first to read it warily, and then to observe the general Affairs of England, and all or the most part of Christendom, presently, or within a little compass of time subsequent. Nor let any humorist press me too hard for reason in every thing falls from my Pen: Multa res sunt quae non videntur ratione naturali esse, effectus quidem earum per formas superiorum corporum considerare possumus habereque eas, si in tempore proprio investigatae quaesitaeque sunt. Rigel. Lib. 2. Apho. 77. Many things do come to pass, for which we can give no natural reason: we may attain to discern the effects by the forms of superior Bodies, and exactly▪ to know them, if we search and look after them in their proper times. By which this learned Grecian intends, that the true notion of what may be signified by these late disastrous three Suns, or any other unnatural Apparition, is most easily attained, by taking the exact time of their first appearance, and then the erection of a scheme of heaven.  
And this I find further confirmed by Cardanus, Apho. 95. Seg. 40. Monstra verò & portenta clades & mortes hominum, sed non eodem modo neque statim significant, oportet autem & exortus eorum considerare, sed illorum casus▪ & vis non est praesentis contemplationis. The meaning whereof is to inform you, that upon any general Misfortune happening, or any sudden Calamity chancing amongst men, you are to observe the first time of its motion, and thereby frame your astrological Judgement upon the Accidents subsequent.  
Its first considerable, in what nature, kind, or thing, this prodigious Appearance shall manifest itself in, and upon what kinds of▪ Men, People, Kingdoms, or countries; and lastly, its Determination, &c.  
Of all which I will treat, but not methodically, for some reasons best known to myself, &c. For let it be considered, how dangerous it is to speak truth in significant Language, in this Age, and at this time, when Opinion is more prevalent than sober Judgement, and when a word modestly misplaced, may more puzzle me by information of some seeming-Saint Coxcomb, than either real Treason against my Prince, or Blasphemy in Religion, &c. But I slight these pedantic Informers.  
BE it known then unto all men by these Presents, That Hujusmodi imagines & figurae multa minantur, frequenter enim aut Civitati ali●ui, aut Regioni, aut Regno, vel Principi, Regi, caesariuè, quae expressis alias verbis sibi dici non tolerarent. Such Sights as these three Suns, or other Images or terrible Figures appearing in the heavens, do threaten many things frequently either to some City, Region, Kingdom, Prince, or Emperor: and further, these are manifested in such extraordinary manner in the heaven by signs, because such persons as above named, will never suffer any man in plain words to acquaint them with so much.  
The Apparition being visible in England, the whole Kingdom is concerned more or less.  
The Lord of the tenth in the seventh House, Retrograde: our prime men, of all Qualities, are intended to share in the Mischief hereby portended.  
Kings, Princes, Nobility, &c. of which anon.  
I particular out no one; Quis enim prudens id periculi subiret? What man would run such a hazard of danger? Licet Astronomiae & Magiae pertissimus, ut Principi alicui aut Regi caesariuè in os diceret▪ tibi hoc accidet, tu occideris, gland trajicieris, subditi tui te Regno exuunt, & ejicient, in exilium agent, subditi tui dat● fide violata & rebellione facta te repudiabunt, & Domino alio jurabunt? What an ass were the Astrologian, or skilful Magician, saith Paracelsus, if upon the appearance of a Prodigious Sight in the Elements, he should say, to the face of a Prince, King, or Emperor▪ Such a thing shall happen unto thee, Thou shalt be slain, knocked in the head with a Bullet, Thy Subjects shall spoil thee, and cast thee out of thy Kingdom, Thou shalt live a banished man in another country, Thy own Subjects or People, notwithstanding their Fealty or Homage done, shall violate their Faith given, raise Rebellion, repudiate and scorn thy Acts and Person, and perform Service to some other Lord. This is a pretty piece of Stuff.  
If we believe the sayings of the wise, that were curious in search after such like Prodigies; you that are Emperors, Kings, Princes, Dukes, or the principal Rulers of all commonwealths in Europe, have reason to be careful of yourselves, and to thank me for putting you in mind of such things as these: Be angry, and you please, I care not; I must discharge my Conscience.  
It's not unknown to the Learned, that Europe is now at this time under the last Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, in the watery Trygon, and sign of Pisces. It's not unknown, as I may say, how preposterously and irregularly that Conjunction slips in betwixt two Conjunctions of the Fiery Triplicity, the first entrance whereof was in 1603, and their Conjunction in the eighth degree of Sagittarius, the very selfsame sign, degree, and quarter of heaven the Sun and Moon are in upon this present Apparition.  
King James came to be our English King that year.  
In the full-Moon postventionall to the Comet, 1618., the Sun was in the tenth degree of Sagittarius. In the second Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, 1623., the almost degree of this present Lunation did mediate heaven. King Charles went into Spain that year.  
In the year 1642/3, when Saturn and Jupiter made their last Conjunction, the place of the Luminaries at this time was then the Cusp of the tenth house: and the Sun now in partile square to his then-place, the Moon at this present, her Latitude considered, is in almost partile Opposition to the place of Mars then: The scheme of heaven then and now, differ very little or nothing at all. This is written, to satisfy Artists: He that would know more, let him repair to the Tract I wrote, called England's prophetical Merlin.  
These are all Arguments, and not mean ones, of premonition to a Family, and that no mean one, That a storm, and that also a furious one, is ready to rush down upon their heads. Doubtless this prodigy is a more near and significant Interpreter than any hath been this half Century of years, of that fatal Doom hanging at this time as it were in the Air by a twine thread, over some obstinate and sinking Progenies in Europe. These three Suns show acceleration of what hath mercifully a long time been forborn, and that now, after so many Warnings, divine Providence will not be deluded by the struggling or frail and brittle policy of man.  
Cardan hath such words as these, Seg. 5. Apho. 67. Cumque tres Soles eodem modo, & in ambitu medii Circulus completus ac permanens ad modum Iridis, eo anno in Civitate libera nascetur ex Civibus Rex, quod si cum hoc, Stella apparuerit in die lucida, erit in eadem hora. When three Suns appear, and in the compassing round of the middle one a complete Circle is permanent, in manner of a rainbow; in that year, in a free city (or commonwealth) there's born of some Citizen one that shall be a King: But if upon the time of such an appearance, some glorious Star show itself in the daytime, the Infant is born the same hour, mutatis mutandis. The words of this learned Philosopher stretch to this sense, That when such a prodigy as he speaks of appears, it shows, or is the antecedent of some new Principality, or some notable privileges to be obtained, or the birth or rise of some man or commonwealth to Sovereignty, and to that supreme Command which was not before. Believe me, O all you great ones, there's some such Monster in hatching, as the depriving of many of you of that Freedom your ancestors left you, &c.  
If we take signification from the predominant Planet, we shall acquaint you in plain English, That Religion shall be a strong Pretender, and a painful Stickler in most commonwealths, for some years. Venus, as now posited, tells you how much some sober and modest Judgements endeavour to settle things purely, soberly, and legally: But if you look into the third house, you shall find Saturn Retrograde, and in opposition to her. Master Booker saith, Saturn signifies Tom Jew and Jack Jesuit: Bona fide, I say, That we are hereby premonished of men in our commonwealth that are as superstitious as the Jew, and malicious as the Jesuit; and that these hodgepodge mixture of shallow-brains shall disturb all our proceedings. Good God that so much deceit and hypocrisy should be veiled, and we continue ignorant of the Plot thereby intended.  
What incongruous and inconsistent Opinions, even to reason itself, do I foresee by this froward and malicious Aspect of Saturn, shall appear in the world, vex all or most Nations, undo almost every State and commonwealth.  
Methinks here's to be plenty of ambassadors severally employed: What Conclusion they shall make, the Retrogradation of Jupiter in the fifth tells you, Worse and worse, Tinker-like, mend one hole, and make two; or, if you will, Salve up a little Breach, and not long after make one five times greater.  
Mutual Assistance shall be pretended, and one Nation or commonwealth leagues with another; but to what purpose? That policy which in the conception of the wisest Statist is held most convenient for his Prince and country, even in that very point shall his King or State suffer most detriment. Can we delude God? or have the Stars no Influence? or can we by Art or Nature make the two unnecessary environing Suns, which are no better than scarecrows or outward appearances, to be real, proper and material ones? I must deal plainly, that we in England, (for Saturn is in Aries, the Ascendant of England) under pretence of a glorious show for Reformation in divine matters, intend deceitfully; and that mischievous Intentions, under religious Pretensions, are most viperously cloaked.  
But upon maturer Consideration, while I see the hand of the Almighty deading and dulling our understandings, I apprehend the Stars as directory-Messengers of some such things, but in my solid Judgement conclude it the All-seeing providence of God. God is angry we will see nothing; but more angry, because, though some do see and perceive, and know to what ruin we are hastening; yet, like mute statues, they are silent in this great necessity of the State, and close up their mouths, lest they should utter Verity.  
My Genius, if it be lawful to say so, dictates unto me nothing but Fraud, Cozenage, Dissimulation, hypocrisy, will be used amongst some pretended-Reformers both of Church and commonwealth.  
If I understand any thing, scandalous aspersions shall, without number or just cause, be fathered upon our Parliament and their Proceedings: heinous and formidable Informations against the Nobility and Gentry. Seurrilous Reproaches from all parts shall fall upon our Senior and Orthodox clergymen, from a Junior sort of rabbis, a Serpentine people not heretofore visible or known in the world, lately elapsed by chance, not from heaven, (where goodness itself dwells) but from the Moon, (which Galileus saith is habitable) in some terrible thunderclap: for I believe they were so terrified and stupefied in their hearings, by their so violent descent in that storm, that not any sense could ever since pop into their Noddles.  
Reason in astrology must be given, and so it shall. Mercury generally signifieth in Man, Youth: his Orientality of the Sun, and in the Figure, adds more Youth: But now in the sense I speak it, it tells the whole World, the Novelty of what now most afflicts us. Jupiter is generally a Significator of Nobility, and by position of the clergy, he is under the earth, and in the descending part of heaven: we hear of things now, that did not appear before, &c. From whence I frame this Judgement, That Youth, or young novel Opinions or Disputations, shall deceitfully prejudice maturer Judgements, with lies, hypocrisy, Calumny, Impudence, &c. And I say again, Because Mars that is Lord of the tenth House, disposeth of Mercury, and he is Retrograde in the seventh House, and mansion of the Moon, and opposite to the Ascendant; I deliver ingeniously this free-hearted Judgement, That if his majesty give protection to such upstart pretended-Saints, he shall run Retrograde, that is, he shall receive infinite Dishonour by it. And to our Parliament I say, If Connivance be had, under their Protection, with these superlative assuming zealots, (for my heart will not suffer me to abuse Religion so much, as to call them Religious) the Parliament shall more suffer in the conclusion, even by them, then either by the Turk, were he armed against us, or all the Forces of any potent Enemy. I cannot call them by any certain name, that so they might be distinguished: do but observe their actions, and it best informs you: they absolutely study nothing but Division, &c. and suppression of Monarchy.  
The very true meaning of these three Suns, is to inform every commonwealth of Europe, that they are hastening to either their Confusions, or unavoidable Dangers: The Counsels of the most aged shall be despicable, the Projections of the younger men shall cause Insurrections, Slaughters, Murders; the Advice of the most wise shall be innocently slighted. A great Work is in hand.  
Both Sun and Moon are ill placed. Both Kings and People, and all commonwealths, are in their counsels now to seek. They have cunningly, as long as they could, carried their Devices secretly: This prodigy speaks, as if we shall discover more than is wished, and yet conceal enough to undo us.  
Three Suns have been seen many times, and several Circles, sometimes over, sometimes under the true and proper Sun: Seditiones inter mortales manifestas ostendunt, & ab omni concensu concordiaque alienationem: Junct. 312. Here's a strange thing, that they do manifest public and eminent Seditions amongst mortal men, and a general alienation or averseness to any Peace, Agreement, or Unity. Infinite Divisions these three Suns are the Forerunners of; of sturdy Disturbances to Emperors, Kings, Princes, and all manner of Principalities: and they do usually show a general Calamity at hand; they declare Schisms and Rents in the Church, Disorder amongst the Religious, the brooding or upstarting of some cragged or rugged tenants in Divinity, some admirable, miraculous, and unexpected passages amongst men, a general Delirium or madness, or Confusion in Opinions reigning and raging, and to domineer in most parts of those country's adjacent to the place of appearance. All manner of inferior people threatening their superiors and Commanders, grumbling, repining, whispering out revenge against them: No union in Counsel, or constancy in Opinion: Nothing is thought on, but how to bring the whole fabric of every commonwealth out of frame: Not a man appears, but he is more judicious in State-affairs than Ahithophel: Each cobbler in Divinity assures himself of more knowledge than Calvin, Luther or Melancton were acquainted with, poor idiots: The acts of the most Reverend men preceding such times, are called in question, the validity of their Judgement undervalued, and a Rabble of Saturnine people fill the Times with Ignorance, the Church with Sects, the commonwealth with beggary, and their own Coffers, tantum quantum, with as much Money as they can theevishly cozen the King, Kingdom and State of.  
Is there need of more Suns than one in the day? or of more than one Moon in the night? or of one King in a Kingdom? one entire Government in a commonwealth? one uniformity in the Affairs of the Church? Verily I think that man out of his wits, that would affirm a positive necessity of more: and yet usually, after the appearing of such Prodigies, such lawless and and unaccustomed Monsters appear: and even such most irregular Attempts are to be prosecuted by people of as great antiquity as the two mock-Suns, which appeared at an instant, but vanished not away in a moment.  
When God Almighty had drowned the world, in confirmation he would do so no more, he produced the rainbow, and made it appear at all times and seasons in a constant and natural form and manner, ever opposite to the Sun; and this was out of his great love to mankind: But while in anger he permits his ministering Angels (as now he did) to manifest to our eyes a rainbow (and that such a one as no Age hath absolutely recorded the like) to appear with the Bend of it downward, just over the natural Sun. The prognostic part hereof may gravel an assured Judgement. Reader, pity the weakness of human understanding, and let thy love appear, in charitably passing by my failings.  
The Portent of this prodigy is very great: The Angels are willing we should discern something, else why was it made visible? There was no necessity of it.  
O All you Emperors, Kings, Princes, Rulers and Magistrates of Europe, this unaccustomed Apparition is like the handwriting in Daniel to some of you; it premonisheth you, above all other People, to make your peace with God in time: You shall every one of you smart, and every one of you taste (none excepted) the heavy hand of God, who will strengthen your Subjects with invincible Courage to suppress your Misgovernments and Oppressions in Church or commonwealth: Nor shall War cease, or the Sword of God leave persecuting you and your offsprings, until this great Work is perfectly done. What will you say, if the Almighty is ready to let fall from heaven a new Government, quite contrary to any hath hitherto been in the world? Here's threatened an universal Insurrection against you by your oppressed People. Here's either the Deposing, Flight, or final Extirpation of some of you, at hand: Your Viceroys, lieutenant-general's, shall quake and tremble, and prove men of no Courage▪ shall shrink from you in your greatest necessity: Your Confederates shall fail in real Performances, and do you more mischief than a professed enemy: Your Children shall wander as banished People all over the world, die unlamented in strange countries, while some of your own Generation, of set purpose, shall bring you in dislike of your vassals.  
Those words are general: A word to my own country of England. Verily I am doubtful there's now as great Treason in hatching against England, as either the Armado in 1588., or furious Gunpowder-Plot in 1605. I am scrupulous, for the love I bear to my native Soil, whilst I conceive there's a second Massacre in agitation; and yet I faithfully believe we shall really overcome it, and maturely, and in good sadness, take lusty Vengeance on the Contrivers, &c.  
Are not both the Lights, in our scheme, with or near Cor Scorpii, a most violent fixed Star? which usually (if we believe Antiquity or Experience) threatens sudden and violent death; else why have we this Aphorism? Cor Scorpii cum Luminaribus cruentam mortem, aut ex veneno repentinam denuntiat. He or she of any great Family, that hath either the Sun or Moon, or both, with this Star, in the Radix of their Nativities, are threatened hereby, either to die some violent death by casualty, Sword, Gun, or Poison. Look to yourselves; here's some monstrous death towards you. But to whom? wilt thou say. Herein we consider the sign, Lord thereof, and the House: The Sun signifies in that royal sign, great ones; the House signifies Captivity, Poison, Treachery: From which is derived thus much, That some very great man, what King, Prince, Duke, or the like, I really affirm I perfectly know not, shall, I say, come to some such untimely end.  
What Magistrate soever of Europe hath the Sun or Moon in the place now afflicted, his person and estate will be in danger: Where the 6, 7 or 8 of Sagittarius do culminate, he loses his Sovereignty: where the same degrees arise in the Horoscope, it threatens his life; witness the King of Sweden, &c.  
Great men may, and I know will, despise these favourable Admonitions. Let them so do, and afterwards cry, Had I wist.  
Here in our Figure we have all the superior Planets Retrograde, as if all the Grandees of the world, and every principal man in his kind, should find vexation enough; or as if every State and commonwealth, or Society of men, were declining, and ready to suffer in one kind or other. Significat etiam morbos populares, & mortalitates & quod ibi morietur Rex: Haly▪ Popular Diseases, that is, abundance of the common people shall die by the Sword, Mortality, &c. And where these afflictions are in most force, there, and in that Land, shall the King or principal Officer die.  
What success shall follow of Treaties, or from or by means of Messengers, Commissioners, ambassadors, nuntios, general or provincial counsels, you may read by the positure of Mercury in Scorpio, hastening to Opposition of Jupiter. The Significator in fixed signs, show the tediousness of such like matters, the length of time shall be spent in Embassages, Treaties, Counsels: but was there ever (without the immediate finger of God) any good Conclusion, when the Significators applied by opposition? Long, deceitful and painful Debates, slender and impertinent Conclusions.  
Men are employed by some, to good intents and purposes; but one dash of a Pen, one simple underhand-missive of or from a guilty Secretary, or malcontented statesman, or one scrupulous Tenent of or from an unsettled Separatist, hinders and makes void all conclusion of difference by Negotiations and Treaties. Whereas formerly Commissioners from Prince to Prince have determined the greatest Controversies ever happened; there's now in the Figure of heaven no appearance of such blessings, the Sword being only intended to decide these consuming Plagues and inveterate Quarrels that either have or shall, for some years, rise amongst the European commonwealths.  
Blinded shall be the eyes of the wisest discerning men, curbed and disheartened shall be the intentions of the cordial, slandered shall be the well-wishes of innocent and harmless souls, who are not so verbal, to no purpose, as some airy spirits.  
Wars shall be prolonged, beyond either the reason or judgement of the wisest statesman now living, nay, until the furious soldier himself is weary.  
The rainbow seemed occularly to be amongst the Northern Constellations, above the Aequator, in that space of heaven where the learned place Serpentarius, or the form of a Serpent, his mouth gaping wide open, and a Crown ready to fall into the serpent's mouth.  
This is the second time, within one years' space, that some Princes of Europe have been threatened with ruin and Destruction; (if they repent not) for the last of June, 1644, there were strange Apparitions in the heavens, in this very Constellation; and now again this unusual rainbow extending itself over the proper Sun, and quite thorough the body of the Serpent. Let me add to this, The subsequent Eclipse I shall write of, hath no little signification in the fortune and persons of Kings and great men.  
Was not our mother Eve deceived by ill counsel given unto her by the devil in form of a Serpent? and was not Adam thereby himself mistaken, and so his whole Posterity made capable of that punishment he for that suffered, and we all by his act?  
It was not Adam, it was not Eve, but the Serpent: It's not Kings or Princes, it's not their Queens or Ladies, that invent those execrable Counsels so totally destructive; no, it's the Serpent, its, in plain language, such destructive Counsel as is put into them by Serpents, that is, ill Counsellors. It's Mercury in Scorpio, its religious men in habit, but devils in conditions; its men of great Conformity outwardly, that deceitfully hatch these hellish Advices.  
I wish, in time, great men to become themselves; for if some good Angel hath hitherto seemed to keep their Crowns, their Dominions, their Authority, from dropping into the serpent's mouth, that is, from ruin, Approach of foreign Power, or Incursion, &c. yet now, as in a little time this rainbow vanished, and so left the true Sun naked, and to receive any impression; so questionless, in a short time, shall Princes, after an unwonted manner, be deprived of Friends, Rule and Dominion, by people formerly contemptible, scarce dreamed of, and which themselves, within less than a few years, aimed at no such thing.  
The most Ancient and Noble Families of Europe are declining; but especially here not far remote, or in England: And this Saturn by Retrogradation doth easily declare.  
The Nobility and Gentry who have continued many Generations are now sinking▪ and an inferior sort of people, by plain Legerdemain, are ascending; but whether to heaven, or worldly preferment, sub judice lis est.  
The soldier, whom I most honour, shall tremble, and yet fight for he knows not whom or what: as Mars in the seventh House doth manifestly declare.  
Germany that part thereof  
Some parts of France, and my own dear country of England, and therein especially Kent, Sussex, Surrey, part of Essex, Suffolk and Lincoln, and parts adjacent.  
Oxford shall suffer both with Sword, sickness, Famine, Plague, if not final Subversion.  
Shall the City of Rome escape? No, nor Pamfilio the now present Pope shall continue scarce six years, without Poison, or Opposition; I will not say, Deposition.  
I omit some countries purposely; for Infidelity and Ingratitude is to be requited with Blood; the sword, and not words. Some shall, notwithstanding their prudence, be ensnared, without caution.  
I wish cordially all happiness to the Kingdom of Scotland: Nor shall some waspish Antagonists of that Nation against astrology, cause me to love the Kingdom the worse. There's not yet any probability of a constant Settlement in that commonwealth.  
Let us expect to hear of some mutiny amongst the Turks, and in Constantinople: and Faction amongst the Nobles in Polonia.  
I cannot predicate good to the barbarous Irish.  
I am doubtful Denmark is appointed for a pattern either of Vengeance or Mercy: it is, it must suffer more and more.  
This prodigious Apparition foreshows to all England a general Infelicity, perhaps to all Europe, I mean, to the North-East part thereof, so situate from London in England.  
A Famine, Scarcity of bread and provision for Man, is like to be subsequent; the Murrain of cattle, infectious and pestiferous Diseases, as well in man as in beast; and full Plague and half a Plague, this year and the next, not in Villages only, but almost in every great Town of England. Horrible persecution of the Nobility and Gentry; and indeed the Runaways from our Parliament deserve no less, and some besides. Some superlative Discord with and concerning Religion, and Controversies therein.  
Incursions of foreign Princes into their neighbour's Territories, Friends and Allies. No belief upon earth amongst men.  
Surely the world is not yet at an end: But whosoever shall see, or have the unhappiness to survive the two or three years' next succeeding, will wonder at the strange Metamorphosis and Catastrophe of human Chances in Christian commonwealths, where Jesus Christ is professed with so much pretended-Zeal, but his Doctrine practised with so slender Devotion.  
Nor shall many, and those not the least Cities and Towns of England, suffer in their private commonwealths, less than a new moulding of their present Government.  
Did the wit of man of set purpose study it, he could not find out so many unnecessary Inventions for present and future destruction, as we ourselves, with premeditated wisdom, find out, with intention to salve up all our sores.  
We beggar ourselves with Wit, and destroy mankind with Discretion.  
In good truth, the City of London is like to be afflicted (and now simple George at Oxford holds his mouth wide open) with the Plague, and some other pestilential or Purse-Diseases, &c. Do not I see both the Sun and Moon in Opposition to Gemini? Their Ships are like to suffer by Fire and piracy, &c. Is not Gemini the sign descending on the Cusp of the sixth and seventh? God bless their Ships from Sea-fights and shipwrecks.  
And yet methinks there's one in the world looks high, born, and in being, that would, but shall not, exalt himself to a Crown. Quicunque fuerit ex stirpe Regali, si in ejus Radice Nativitatis fuerint duo Soles, erit Regibus contrarius, &c.  
My friend, be quiet, thou art not the man, thy time is short; the Chicken of the West shall prevail: Return in peace, if thou canst, to the Sepulchre of thy not-Kingly ancestors, &c.  
This is part of the little I am able at present to put forth, concerning the Signification of the three Suns; whose Effects cooperating with the immediate subsequent Eclipse in August, shall not determine in less time than three whole years. Dixi.   

An astrological-judgement concerning the Effects probably like to succeed the Eclipse of the Sun upon the eleventh day of August, 1645, being Monday.  
It's beginning is at 10 ho. 17 min. before noon.  
Its Middle is at 11 ho. 14 min.  
It Endeth, eleven minutes after 12.  
The Digits eclipsed are six.  
The Duration of the Eclipse is, One hour, fifty four minutes.  
To find when it shall begin to operate, and how long the Effects shall continue, you must consider  
The Elevation of the Pole at London, which is 51 deg. 32 min.  
The semidiurnal time, which is 7 hor. 3 min.  
The time of rising of the Sun the day of the Eclipse, 4 h. 57 m.  
The length of the day is, 14 hours, 6 minutes.  
The Interval of time from Sun-rise to the time of the Eclipse, is 6 ho. 17 min.  
Now I say, If 14 hours and 6 minutes give 365 days; What will 6 hours and 17 minutes? If you work it by proportion, it will give you 162 days; which added to the 11 of August, point out the 20 of January, 164 5/6, for a Beginning to the Effects depending on this Eclipse.  
The Dignities and Debilities of the Planets stand thus:  

Saturn hath one Debility.  
Jupiter hath Fortitudes— 20  
Mars,— 13  
Venus,— 4  
Mercury,— 12  
The Duration being 1 hor. 54 min. the Effects shall continue almost two whole years, viz. until the 16 of December, 1647.   

A short historical Narration of some preceding Eclipses, and the Effects that thereupon ensued.  
The first Eclipse we find recorded to Posterity, is by Dion. Hal. and it was in the year of the world 3180, about 767 years before Christ. It's noted by Historians, that Romulus was that year conceived, and the Kingdom of Israel began to decline.  
Many were the Eclipses which Antiquity took notice of, and after most of them some memorable Actions to have succeeded: As, that in anno Mundi 3235, and 26 of May, the Sun suffered a fearful Eclipse; and it was in that year Sennacherib King of Assyria departed from the Siege of Jerusalem, and had One hundred and fourscore thousand men slain in his Army. You may read what succeeded after, 2 Kings cap. 19  
Anno mundi 3470, and 19 of April, the Sun was eclipsed; at what time Xerxes went with his innumerable Army against the Greeks, and was as valiantly beaten at Thermopylas and Salamine.  
Anno mundi 3621, there was a total Eclipse of the Moon; and it was only twelve days before the great Fight betwixt Darius and Alexander; and this was upon Saturday the 20 of September. The Monarchy of Persia, by the overthrow of this battle, vanished, after it had ruled Asia 200 years.  
Anno mundi 3733, there was an horrible Eclipse of the Sun, the 11 of February. Who is conversant in History, may find, that not long after Hannibal slew fifteen thousand Romans, and Ptolomeus Philopater King of Egypt overthrew Antiochus; after which Victory, the proud King, being insolent, entered the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Jews, for which he was punished by God, and so returned into Egypt.  
Anno Christi 45, some say, 47, the Sun suffered an Eclipse the first of August; after which followed that sad Famine universal to all the world, prophesied of by Agabus, Act. 11. But I hasten.  
Anno Christi 807, the Sun was eclipsed once, and the Moon twice: there succeeded instantly very great Division in the Empire under Charles the Great.  
Anno Christi 813, an Eclipse of the Sun preceded the death of Carolus Magnus.  
Anno Christi 891, after an Eclipse of the Sun, the Emperor and Princes of Italy fell at variance, and mutually invaded each other; by which means Italy was fearfully afflicted for many years.  
I find some remarkable Observations in Plutarch after Eclipses; as these: At what time Pericles armed 150 Ships, and was ready to set sail, an Eclipse of the Sun happened, which being conceived to be ominous by some, Pericles derided the prognostic: But see the words following, But Pericles hoisting Sail notwithstanding, did no notable or special Service answerable to so great an Army or Preparation; for which he was deprived of his Charge of general, &c. and fined at fifteen Talents.  
In the Life of Pelopidas you shall read, that upon his second Journey against the Tyrant Alexander of Pheres, a great Eclipse of the Sun was, causing great darkness at noonday. You may read, fol. 303 in Plutarch, that Pelopidas wilfulness, contrary to the advice of some in the Army, cost him his life: for not only those that were then versed in Soothsaying, but his own Citizens, told him, That this Eclipse did threaten the death of some great Person like himself, &c. which his death exactly verified.  
You shall also read in the Life of Nicias, That instantly after an Eclipse of the Moon, the Syracusians overthrew the whole Power of the Athenians by Sea; and he himself, and Demosthenes, were taken Prisoners, and not long after lost their lives.  
During the Effects of a Lunar Eclipse, and upon some prodigious Sights in the air, Dyonisius Tyrant of Syracuse was enforced to flee, and that City, after 48 years, restored to liberty. That was no weak Judgement therefore that Mil●as the Soothsayer resolutely delivered, upon sight thereof: My good friends, be of good cheer, and assure yourselves that we shall prosper; for God doth foreshow us, by this Sight we see, that some one of the chiefest things now in highest place and dignity shall be eclipsed.  
He that shall please but to peruse Leovitius de Conjunctionibus & Eclipsibus, may be more fully satisfied.  
And yet if examples of late years work any thing in us, we cannot forget that eminent Eclipse in 1639, and in the month of May: I am sure we were never quiet since: It was fully visible in our Horizon. We may not forget the overthrow of the Spanish Fleet upon our English Coasts, within four months after, &c.  
In all my reading, I find Solar Eclipses are most ominous to Princes, to Authority, Magistracy, &c. and that Eclipses of the Moon do both afflict King and People; but most properly incite and excite the Subjects to Arms, and the vulgar against his Lord and Master.  
For whereas the Solar Eclipse puts difference betwixt one Prince and another, betwixt one State & another, one nobleman and another, each commonwealth against his next neighbour; a Lunar Eclipse, on the contrary, stirs up people of more ignoble Condition, to strive against their Ministers that have power over them, &c.   

The Effects of the present Eclipse prosecuted.  
IF that Sentence of Ptolomey be admitted for truth, Lib. 2. c. 7. Quaecunque Stella erratica pluribus dignitatibus utrique loco, id est deliquii ipsius, & hoc sequentis cardinis associabitur, Sola dominabitur: Which in English runs thus: That Planet which hath most Dignities in the degree or place eclipsed, and angle succeeding, shall be ruler of the Eclipse: that is, Consider his nature and position, how he is well or ill affected, and how and by whom aspected, and accordingly judge of the Events.  
By which Doctrine we may be bold to affirm, that Mars shall principally rule the effects of this Eclipse, as having most dominion in the place of the defect, and solely ruling the angle subsequent, which is the Ascendant. If I deviate an hair's breadth from truth, I must expect some dirty fool to throw out nonsense in Print against me: therefore observe if Cardan confirm not my words, Lib. 20. fol. 258. Cum enim idem fuerit Dominus loci deliquii, & loci sequentis anguli, ille prorsus erit Dominus & Principalis: When the same Planet is Lord of the place eclipsed, and of the sequent angle, he shall be altogether or especially Lord of the Eclipse. To which Judgement Campanella, fol. 84▪ consenteth, while he delivers, Validior est, qui deliquii loco & cardinis plus potest. And yet in designing the effects of the Eclipse, we are to consider the Predominancy and Fortitudes of the rest of the Planets, and their mutual Aspects each to other, their position in the heaven, sign and quarter; for they will challenge something in the Effects, as Ptolomey, lib. 2. cap. 8, saith, Hoc sumitur a natura dominantium Stellarum, quae sunt in praecipuis locis, & earum commixtione inter sese, & cum iis locis in quibus esse conspiciuntur. We ought (saith he) to take signification of the Eclipse, from those Stars that are most powerful in the chiefest places of heaven, and their commixtion one with another, together in those places in which they are posited.  
But sith Ptolomey delivers us a kind of Method, we shall willingly follow it, in manifestation of the Effects now subsequent.  
Wherein we first consider,  
The Kingdoms, Cities, or commonwealths of Europe likely to suffer; as also, what manner of men be most probably to smart by the Effects.  
In our Figure, because the Eclipse is in a fiery sign, the fiery Triplicity is passive, viz. Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.  
In defectibus Solis & Lunae maximè insignibus, considerabimus locum Zodiaci, in quo fuit luminum defectus, & ei loco juxta Trigonorum distributionem familiares, & quae Vrbes propter Horoscopum in exstructione, aut propter locum quem eo tempore tenuerunt, aut propter medium-Coeli in Nativitatibus Principum earum regionum familiaritatem habent cum loco defectus: Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 5. In Eclipses of the Sun and Moon, we consider the place of the zodiac, and those Regions familiar to that place, according to the distribution of Triplicities, and what Cities at their Foundation had their Horoscope either the place of the sign eclipsed, or wherein either of the Lights at that time were in the degree defective: and we also consider if the medium-Coeli of the Prince's Nativity then governing, be the sign and Degree of the Eclipse.  
Of all which, we shall make good use in its proper time.  
We must also consider those countries which are under, or properly belong to the second Quadrangle; viz. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius; so that upon the matter, any Prince or great person that hath his Ascendant, Mid-heaven, or place of the Sun or Moon in or about the 26, 27, 28, or 29 of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius, is made capable of receiving good or ill by this present Eclipse.  
Germany, France, England, Denmark, Italy, Turkey, Bohemia, Spain, Hungaria, Moravia, stand all subject to the frown of this Eclipse.  
Part of Swedland, Polonia, Russia, Valachia, Westphalia, Bavaria, to all these Kingdoms and countries the Eclipse will be visible, and these country's Ascendants having affinity either in Triplicity, or being of the second Quadrangle, must participate of the actions, more or less, which may be expected from this Eclipse.  
As to men, the fiery Trygon represents men of great Quality, of highest Command. Remember, you great ones, that in January last, the same Decanate of Leo, or the ten last degrees of this present sign of Leo was afflicted, and now the same face of the sign again the second time, all in one year. Sed quae non prosunt singula, multa juvant. It's not true in Eclipses, as in other things, The more, the merrier: The fewer Eclipses, the least hurt. More fully of this in the sequel.   

The second thing considerable, is, De genere Effectum: viz. Of the kinds of the Effects.  
IN what manner and kind the Effects of the Eclipse shall manifest themselves, we cannot discern, unless we know what Planet principally rules the place defective. Nam qui Planeta pluribus modis congruit, ad utrumque locum defectus, & ad cardinem qui sequitur hic Solus dominabitur; Ptol. cap. 7. lib. 2. What Planet hath most Dignities in the place of both the Lights (this is when there's an Eclipse of the Moon) and the Angle subsequent, he only shall rule the Effects, or demonstrate the quality of them; as, whether War, Famine, Plague, &c.  
In our scheme, Mars rules, without any contradiction, both the defective place, and the Angle following: he is near some fixed Stars of his own nature, and is in a semi-Sextill, if that Aspect be considerable to the place afflicted, by which he is the more fortified, and made more significant in the Effects.  
Although the Sun and Moon are powerful in this Position, yet (consideratis considerandis) they are at no time admitted to signify the quality of the Effects. Nam Sol & Luna aliarum Stellarum sunt & praecipuae causae eventuum, & Regunt Stellarum dominia & dominantium vires aut confirmant aut languefaciunt: Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 8. The Sun and Moon are governors of other Stars, and are principal causes of the Effects, and sway the rule of the Stars, and either strengthen or weaken their forces.  
I may well say▪ Mars is in Libra; however, he is in a human sign, if he be in Virgo.  
Figurae adspiciantur in quibus sit defectus, & in quibus sunt Stellae dominantes, unde genus eventuum judicari poterit: Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 7. Consider the form of the sign in which the Eclipse is, and wherein especially the Planets having any predominancy are, and by that you may judge of the kinds of the effects.  
The sign wherein the Eclipse falls, is Leo, a feral sign. Damnum ex domesticis & mansuetis domesticis, & ad utilitates vitae accommodatis, viz. ex bobus, equis & aliis. Men shall receive damage by loss of their domestic tame beasts, viz. Horse, Ox, Sheep: so that I perceive here's like to be great scarcity of these creatures, after which, expect a direful Famine.  
Firma sive fixa signa significant fundamenta & aedificia. Fixed signs intimate, the Judgement of this Eclipse will in part fall upon things long since founded, and upon Buildings▪ Houses, Towers, Castles, Forts; the subversion of many ancient Seats, erecting many new Fortifications, &c.  
As to men, the Defect is in the Mid-heaven, the Effects portend matter to Kingdoms, Kings, to men of middle-age, to all manner of men in Authority whatsoever: Ptol. cap. 7. lib. 2.  
Indeed the House of heaven is extremely considerable; for it falling in the tenth, the Effects shall be glorious, famous, eminent, of mighty concernment, published all over the world.  
Mars either in Libra or Virgo, must have judgement in this nature: Quae habent figuram humanam, significant eventus fore hominibus. The overruling Planets being in human signs, Man and Makinde are concerned: All which shall be explicated by and by.   

The third thing considerable, is, Whether the Events of this Eclipse shall intend good or ill.  
COnsideratio vero Stellarum quae praecipuum jus in commixtione habent, indicat eventuum qualitatem: Which in effect tells you what I formerly repeated, viz. That those Planets which in their mixture one with another have most Dignities, do show the quality of the Events.  
It might be easily judged, that, sith Mars rules the Ascendant and place eclipsed, and is entering Libra his Detriment, and is naturally an enemy to all good, and to man, that we must expect but sad Times, and, in plain terms, that we must look for a woeful desolation and destruction of man: for the Ascendant signifieth in general, mankind, or Commonalty of every Nation. So then, according to the Ptolomeian Doctrine, without any Comment, evil is to be looked for from the Effects of this Eclipse.  
How to apply all preceding to the present Purpose, is now my Task.  
NEc in mixtionibus tantum errantium congressus intelligo, sed aliarum, quoque similes naturas sive fixarum, sive locorum signiferi, vel familiaritates cum errantibus supra indicatae sunt.  
Nor do I (saith Ptolomey) in the mixture of the Planets only consider their Conjunctions or sole Aspects, of what nature soever they be; but also the nature as well of the fixed Stars, as places of heaven, if they consent with the nature and quality of the Planets.  
Si Planeta vincens super Eclipsin sit maleficus, significat malum & detrimentum. An evil Planet ruling the Eclipse, he portends evil, &c. This is also the Opinion of Junctine.  
When I see Aquarius descending in the fourth, and the dragon's tail so near the Cusp of the House, and Saturn Retrograde in the seventh, a fixed sign; What assurance have I that the most stately Buildings of this Kingdom shall escape ruin, or most ancient Cities and Towns desolation? I cannot shorten those Miseries I see depending on this Influence, or convert the signs fixed into movable: for the Evils portended, are to be maliciously permanent.  
A crooked and perverse Generation of men, hath cunningly ensnared all or most part of Europe, in these preposterous Wars now on foot. Lord God of heaven, direct the heart of some wise man to salve these grievous Maladies.  
We have already handled the Effects which may attend that unusual Apparition of the three Suns; and now, leaving our former Method, undertook only to benefit such as are not conversant in Judgement of Eclipses; we come more nearer to what we first intended.   

THe Effects of this Eclipse shall not determine until December, 1647; until which time, we shall have eight Eclipses, but hardly any, but one, visible in England or Europe. There doth also in this interval of time happen about fifty Conjunctions of the Planets amongst themselves, which are materially considerable, and aught to be made use of: And herein I mention no Lunations, &c.  
Scito, quod in Eclipsi Solis non potest fieri, quin significetur magnum aliquod accidens secundum quantitatem Eclipsis: Junctinus in Speculo, fol. 310. Whosoever thou art that readest these lines, I would have thee know, That no Eclipse of the Sun can be, but some grand matter is signified thereby, according to the quantity or greatness of the Eclipse. And if you will know more particularly, or something more near the matter, Junctine tells us, Eclipses Luminarium in Triplicitate ignea, denuntiant armentorum, pecudumque interritus, magni Regis seu Principis exilium, carceres, aut internecionem. An Eclipse of the Lights in the fiery Triplicity, doth signify and declare the destruction of whole Herds of cattle, and their death: as also, some famous King or Prince his Exile or Banishment, his restraint of liberty, or Captivity, whether you will; as also, his Slaughter.  
The sign wherein this Eclipse is, all men know, is of the forementioned Triplicity: its warning enough to be thus plainly dealt withal. What Junctine saith of Kings, I say of Nobles, great Peers, Knights, &c. Inter plebeios & potentiores odia, mutuas simultates, dissidia, magni excercitus motum, Bella horrida, hominum strages, incendia, furta, rapinas & depopulationes. The Eclipse denounceth rancour and malice betwixt the vulgar person, or Commonalty and great persons, pretty dissembling with each other, disagreements in Opinion, the motion of some great Army, horrible Wars, multitudes of men slain, many curious Buildings burned to the ground, much thievery, pillaging and plundering, many Towns, Villages and countries depopulated, or left naked of Inhabitants.  
Shall our troubles be so great, we shall expect all those forenamed Miseries? I pray God divert his Judgements, and make us penitent, ere those threatened Mischiefs light on our heads.  
Again, Praegnantium abortivos, acutas febres, epidemiam ob aëris uredinem & caumata, frugum sterilitatem, & annonae penuriam, in Regionibus praecipuè quae Eclipsis Signo subjiciuntur, excellentem mutationem. Women shall miscarry, men shall have sharp fevers, in universal Plague and Pestilence caused by heats and blastings of the air, great scarcity of fruits, want of Provision for man, as Victuals, Corn, Provision, &c. These things are more vigorously to operate to those Kingdoms subject to the sign of Leo, then to Aries and Sagittarius. Some famous Alteration.  
It may be feared, that of Cardan will prove too true: Eclipsium Solis effectus potentes sunt, unde si in florentem messem inciderint, sterilitatem afferunt: Cardanus Seg. 2. Apho. 16. The operations of a Solar Eclipse are powerful; which if they fall to be in the beginning of a flourishing Harvest, they show a barrenness to follow.  
Our Eclipse at this time is in August, when we in the South of England, and generally over all the Kingdom, are busy in getting it in. I pray God make our Harvest fruitful, and bless the Husbandman with a plentiful Crop, and a peaceable enjoying what he hath taken sore pains for. We may fear some Disaster amongst us at that time, and my Judgement may prove more real than I wish.  
But the decay of Tillage and Husbandry is the least thing (though very considerable) which is intended by the Eclipse: we must elevate our Conceptions; men of an higher strain and condition are aimed at. Doth the Eagle catch at flies? Shall an Eclipse in a Fiery sign, and a Kingly House, principally intend the vulgar man, or private country-gentleman? No: Arma, Bella horrida, Virumque cano, &c. In truth, there's War, Famine, a grievous devouring and destructive Vengeance to be poured down upon some unthankful Families of Europe, of which, without doubt, some live in our own country of England, some in Scotland, many in Ireland: Upon what House, Man, or Family in particular, there I must be silent.  
The Star in Cassiopeia, 1572, those many apparitions of Comets since, those unaccustomed Sights in the Air, greater and lesser Conjunctions of the Planets in the Fiery Trygon, multitude of Eclipses both Solar and Lunar, are the sad Messengers of the downfall of one, nay I say of many egregiosu Families of Europe.  
Yet if my search into the most secret Cabinet of astrology doth not delude my impartial Judgement, my more serious Conceptions tell me, There's a Man or a Family in Europe, is not far from attaining an excess in Dominion and sovereignty. The time of this man's growth, or Families●, to such an height, draws on and near; the time is not mensurable in days, or months, nor in Centuries of years; the unnatural War of every country, helps forward and prepares the matter, whiles the good man (if he be born) sleeps quietly, until that Angel appointed for his Guardian, excite him in a moment to rouse up his meditating thoughts, and to convert Consultation into Action.  
As the State of France now stands, or Spain, or Italy, How incredible and improbable a thing do I speak of, or should do, if I should deliver, That a man not yet in Action, should turn the fate of those Kingdoms in a moment, and, like the Son of Thunder, in less weeks or months, not many years, in less than man can imagine, settle those vast Kingdoms as himself best likes, and then dispose of other Kingdoms then in Distraction by Missives rather than the Sword, &c.  
But I forget myself, I see Saturn Lord of the third and fourth House, Retrograde in the seventh. Saturnus praeest plebi, sensibus, infirmis, ob hoc cum vitae inimicus sit facile tales omnés pereunt aggregatim. Saturn hath command, and represents old men, every common Clown or vulgar man, and every sick man, because he is enemy to Nature. Now such manner of men shall die and perish in whole companies or swarms.  
Woe to the man that digs the ground, and thinks to enrich himself by turning up fat furrows, or in expectation of thriving Crops.  
Woe to that aged man that wants strength to manage his feeble body in a time of so much sorrow as the Eclipse saith is approaching.  
When the daring or cruel Enemy comes near us, what shall the infirm man do? neither able to move or be moved: Perish he must, flee he cannot; there's no way assigned but death, yea, although he was the son of a father most eminent.  
But again to the purpose. Si in Revolvendo anno, Regni Stella in signo depressionis inventa fuerit, magnus aliquis vir ex stellae ipsius natura morietur: Ptol. Apho. 31. In handling the Judgement or Revolution of a year, if a Planet that is usually taken for Lord of that Kingdom be in his depression, viz. either in his detriment or fall, some great person of the nature of that Planet will die that year.  
This is like to be fatal to the Kingdom of England; for in Figura mundi, Saturn was in his fall.  
In this present Eclipse, Mars, that hath sole dominion in the Ascendant and place eclipsed, is in his detriment.  
It cannot be the death of any vulgar or ordinary man, that is hereby intended to be sent to another world.  
Mars represents great persons, principal Commanders in our Armies as well as in his Majesties. Truly I fear an eminet Commander.  
Cavete viri, qui sunt tanquam Princes.  
You that are in esteem like Princes, and domineer like little Kings, beware every one of you, in every County and City; you are said to be gods, you shall die like other men, &c. disgraced, odious, &c.  
It's not one only man that is intended by the heavens to be the mock of Fortune, and scorn of mankind; there's a signification of many, that are to undergo a very hard and unpleasant Doom, ere the Influence of this Eclipse shall have period, or the Porrent of the three Suns be fully determined.  
Obsecro, mi Domine mitt●, qu●m missurus es.  
I may be derided for predicting so much: but I rather laugh at their folly, that, having been oft premonished, amend not their lives, and endeavour Composition of these unhappy dissensions now too prevalent all over Christendom.  
What great one soever thou art of England, or of any Nation of Europe, that hast the 28 or 27 of Leo ascending at thy birth, or the same degree of Taurus, Scorpio or Aquarius, to thee I say, Thou art in great danger of death, or mighty disturbance in thy health, ere this Revolution of almost two years be completed. I am not idle, but thou art mad, and out of thy wits, if thou dost not beware in time.  
Let us admit thou hast the same degree culminating, look to thine Honour, Crown and Dignity, if thou art a King, thou shalt assuredly receive blemish in thy fame and estimation, nor shalt thou escape without hazarding thy Crown, or most fearful scandals on thy Reputation.  
Hast thou the same degrees ascending on the Cusp of the seventh? Art thou a King? thou shalt have War unlooked for, enemies without number, domestic and foreign, shall invade thee; look to be plunged to purpose, and to suffer discontent without period: those as dear unto thee as thy wife in thy bosom, shall betray thee by indirect counsels.  
Hast thou the said degree upon the Cusp of the fourth house? Art thou Emperor of Constantinople? Thy father left thee more Kingdoms than thou shalt leave thy son: Lose part of thy Dominions, I desire thee; the Fates will have it so. Art thou of the Noble Austrian Family? or art thou King of England, France, Spain, or Denmark? Be all or any of you assured to have a share in these Calamities: a part or parcel, an arm or a branch of your Kingdoms will be lopped off from you.  
Is there any man hath the Sun or the Moon in the 28 degree of Leo or Aquarius at the time of his birth? let him ponder these words of Ptolomey, lib. 2. cap. 8. Sed periculosum in primis & inevitabile est, si ipsae Eclipticorum locorum partes aut oppositae, coinciderint cum gradibus alter utrius Luminum, quos geniturae tempore possederunt. The sense of which words run thus; That if an Eclipse happen in that Eclipticall degree in which at the time of birth either of the Lights, viz. Sun or Moon, were, it's an argument (saith he) of some danger at hand hardly to be avoided.  
We cannot forget that fearful loss his majesty of Spain suffered not long after the Eclipfe of the Sun in Geminis, 1639. Truly I fear that same potent Prince must have another such like Brush; for the three Suns doth in a manner deliver so much: and look carefully what Nation or Prince suffered upon the Influence of that Eclipse, shall again by these three sun's apparition, in a more than miraculous way, if it be possible, be loaded with misfortune.  
Prodigies in heaven, of heaven, and from heaven, appear not in vain: Eclipses do ever foreshow some notorious and eminent matter near hand, yea, in a most peaceable season.  
The Courts of all Princes shall be stricken dead with fear, horror and amazement; privy counsellors shall be trampled down like dirt under our feet.  
In the East, from the East, or somewhat southeast, shall the beginnings of some miraculous Accidents have some first life, motion and beginning. But this is quite out of the Text.  
If, as the wisest men conceive, the Sun and Moon do govern our body and spirit, and so moderate the Elements, that all men, even every vulgar person understands it; what shall we then think to be more admired or formidable, then when we, upon a sudden, see these most glorious Bodies obscured, and their light taken from our present sight? We may from thence imagine, Somewhat more than ordinary is drawing on.  
It was therefore well and rightly said of Ptolomey: Cardinals Eclipses sunt pollentiores, ac vehementius afficiunt, quipp● x cardines sint mundi prima loca in quibus cum Planetae collocati, cum Majestate praesideant. Eclipses that are in Angles are more prevalent, and more fiercely afflict; for Angles are the chiefest places of the Figure, wherein when Planets are posited, they rule as it were with majesty.  
Our Eclipse begins in the tenth, its middle and end is there also. How wonderful and eminent designs, Changes of Fortunes in the states of great persons is hereby to be expected, and these all over Europe, doubtless such things shall hereby come to pass, as this Generation now living hath scarce been acquainted with the like.  
Here's mad work in hand: Kings and Lords clouded; Clowns and silly fellows climbing aloft: The world is almost turning topsy-turvy.  
What is the matter, that a sudden Affright shall amaze the Italian Princes? They that er●-w●ile thought of no such thing, shall now tremble for fear: So shall Pamphilio the Pope fume to no purpose, and be in as much danger by a Conspiracy at home, as if he were a road, ●nd amidst a rude sort of enemies. But whether this Eclipse shall point out his death within the compass of two years, it little concerns me; nor if he be presented with a Spanish Fig, and die thereof, shall my conscience be any thing troubled.  
I find, upon the last Restauration of Rome, 1506, that both Mars, Saturn, and the dragon's tail, were in Leone, in the second House. We have, in the month of August, a total Eclipse of the Moon, though not visible in Europe, in the 15 of Aquarius. I admonish the prelatical Tribe of Cardinals to provide good store of Money, and the Citizens of Rome to be no niggards of their purses: A Famine is threatened to them, and some parts of It●ly; and a sudden fire is like to descend, to the consuming of many stately houses: Neither do I positively affirm, that a strong Intruder shall waste part of Italy, or supplant some very good Families therein. I see plenty of Consults amongst the Princes, fruitless Embassages, variance upon Niceties, even to weariness, a giddiness amongst wise people. Worthy men, you have most admirable men amongst you, that yet keep a traditional learning amongst you, as ancient as Hermes, whereby you may be better provided, Quid agendum. I love Italy, and am no Mahometan.  
But I pass by Italy, sith her Princes in a moment may confer with men as deserving as any in Europe.  
Constantinople is like to groan under the Pressures of some merciless fires, and extravagant commanding soldiers: A Plague will wander thorough that spacious City, to the consumption of some scores of thousands.  
Nor is any great success to attend the Emperors of Greece, whom we call The great Turk: An inferior People shall give him a Baffle, and he contented with a Flea in his ear.  
If thou art English, and disaffected to our present Parliament and City of London, thou expectest I should speak somewhat of this famous city, so terrible to our now-mischievous enemies. The exact scheme thereof thou gettest not from me, no not with large promise of money or reward: for, have not I read some Treatises called T & Z?  
Countrymen, I tell you, Gemini is in the eighth House of this Eclipticall Figure; but Mercury, that is Lord thereof, is in Virgo, his own house, angular, and departing from the sunbeams. Wilt thou have me speak plain English? This very city must suffer a share in the effects of this Eclipse, it were a wonder else, the times considered: I fear not the Plague very much; I rather fear hurt unto us by piracy, loss of Ships, and the death of many poor Creditors abroad, and from thence a general Damage to the Citizens.  
Indeed, courteous George Naworth, I would not reside in London, were I as doubtful of its safety, as I am confident of some Calamity to Oxford. Our city must stand yet, to day, and to morrow, this month and one more, this year and the next, and 52 besides. He that understands this Riddle, shall know more than a little: he that takes it to the letter, mistakes my meaning: he that would know the truth, viz. when, and how long, he must first know the astrological way of numbers, and what doth mean 1732, than he may give a moderate sense, and yet come short of the author's meaning, and of truth itself; yet shall he come to a knowledge not despicable, nor repent that he spent some time in the disquisition hereof.  
Magnorum facias Principum significatorem Solem, vel aliquem de superioribus: Herm. Apho. 7. Make the Sun, or some of the superiors, significator of great Princes. It is so; the heavens doubly and trebly give that warning which I have set down unto Kings, Princes, &c.  
But why, or wherefore, will some busybody say? I answer with Hermes, In Revolutione annorum mundi multae difficultates erunt & praelia, cum in exaltationibus fuerint Jupiter & Saturnus. In the Revolution of one of the years of the world, you shall judge many difficulties and battles, when Saturn or Jupiter are in their Exaltations. If this hold true in a Figure of the sun's entrance into Aries, much more in an eminent Eclipse. We have only Jupiter of those two Planets exalted in our scheme, he doth by his now-position signify unto us things concerning Religion, Laws, Leagues, Covenants, all manner of Association, either of one Prince with another, or man with man generally: as here posited, now he prenotes high points to be in handling, in things Divine. Jove is but entering his exaltation: Shall a people begin, with great ardour and vigour, to contrive new tenants in Religion, and not live to see them confirmed?  
Is there no stability in this world? One Sect to day, another to morrow. Shall less than a Sabbath of years blot almost out of remembrance many fruitless Niceties in Doctrine? Why the clergy of Europe, in a time so troublesome, should invent so many new Opinions, to be permanent so little a while, I know not.  
What shall we do? or whither do we arrive with these general Disputes? I see Jupiter direct at the time of the Eclipse, but Retrograde two months after. We have a Proverb in English doth well express that sense, viz. He was turned out of his place, before he was warm in his Gears: The assured sense hereof is this, That when the world thinks Religion settled, it's then furthest off from a solid confirmation. One Generation comes, and another passeth away; the later usually corrects and refines the former: So will it be, even till man, as well as Religion, in this world have no more being.  
In person I am not more remote from Utopia, than my judgement from finding the year of the world when unity in doctrinal or ceremonial points shall be.  
Conjunctiones totius anni Oppositionesque & Quadraturas necesse est ut consideres, per has causantur diversaetransmutationes temporum. Consider the several Conjunctions, Oppositions, Quadratures of the whole year, for divers and sundry transmutations of the year are caused from thence, &c. Wherefore, finding a dangerous Opposition of Saturn and Mars, Saturn in 2 deg. 19 min. Taurus, and Mars in 2 deg. 19 min. Scorpio, the later end of September; I was doubtful what it might in general signify, sith the Aspect happens so near the Cusps of the East angle and seventh house, in the Figure of the Eclipse: For, Oppositiones infortunarum in diversis latitudinibus terribilem habebunt effectum, demonstrabunt, inducentque effectus velociter interficientes & auferentes vitam. An Opposition of the two Infortunes, having divers Latitudes, (as now they have) hath most terrible effects, they will demonstrate and induce their effects furiously, and such as shall kill and take away the life of man: But upon which side, or on what party these foreseen slaughters shall fall, you must give me leave to expatiate myself, and so I will.  
Nor let that vain and enforced Opinion, without sense, honesty, or art, in that purblind-prognostication (printed at Oxford by his majesty's Command) any thing move those that stand well-affected to the Parliament, upon this direful forenamed Opposition. The words of that wrangling fellow called Naworth, or Wharton, or a man of a double name, in the Prognostication of September, are these: At Michaelmas there's an hateful Opposition of Saturn and Mars: something of great consequence will be done about that time, prejudicious to the Rebels. The Parliament, Citizens of London, and all those natural English that adhere unto them, are called Rebels by that ungodly Tribe of scornful Monsters at Oxford, and this scurrilous Language printed by command. Vix credo.  
But why this Opposition should prejudice the Parliament, I see not: It promiseth them such a Victory over their enemies, as they yet never had. And I will refer the reason of the Judgement to any moderate Artist. In this Eclipse, Mars is Lord of the Ascendant, and so hath signification of our Parliaments affairs; Saturn therein is their enemy, because placed in the seventh house: Now when Mars in his own house comes to Opposition of Saturn, having no Fortitudes, if we knock not our our enemies soundly, I say then God is angry with us. It points out something else, &c.  
But let this man of error consider the Figure of the sun's entrance into Libra, the 12 of September next, and he shall find, to his grief, the dragon's tail in the tenth house, and Saturn Lord of the tenth, in the twelfth, Retrograde: let him boast, if he can, of that position, and see if such a glorious Conquest be thereby signified to chance to the Kingdoms Vipers, as he traitorously prophesieth. Nothing troubles me more, then in unfolding the truth I must instruct this changeling, that pretends himself a regal Prog-man (for ginger he is none.) But to save me a labour, I find in the Judgement of my loving friend Master Booker upon the autumnal Quarter, these words, which clearly end the controversy, out of such Authors as the Highway-finder G. W. sometimes to little purpose doth mention.  
There can be nothing worse (saith Master Booker) than the dragon's tail in the tenth: for Guido, fol. 595, saith, Significat impedimentum Regum atque Nobilium, & Magnatum, & diminutionem honoris eorum seu dignitatum. Kings, Nobles, and great persons, shall have many impediments, and their honour and dignity blasted. The loss of Honour is a signal of Victory, in Naworth's opinion. Albumazar dixit, significat depositionem, & pericula, & peregrinationem seu casum. Albumazar saith, When the dragon's tail is in the tenth, it signifieth the deposing, danger, or oft running up and down, or some Fall, to chance to Kings, Princes, great Nobles, &c. Some might have Englished the Latin, and it would bear the sense well, as if such persons-should be enforced to flee away, &c.  
O what cause of insulting here is on Naworth's side! when it's almost conspicuous, in that natural way we both judge by, George his best friends must be utterly routed, trudge & run away with such trinkets as they can get; and amongst the rest, I know George himself, Budget, almanac, some say a Gown, I hear of no cloak, will not be the last man that runs, for fear of being taken prisoner, and delivered over to Master Booker, with whom I promise to intercede for good Quarter, because George pretends to the mathematics.  
But letting this quibbling Novice alone till he is better literated, I shall do well to inform the world what the greatest Actions of this Eclipse may be.  
In a word, they are like to be of divers kinds; but those of most eminency signified by Mars, who tells you of most unnatural Wars, of unusual Treachery in the Courts of Princes; he tells you a Famine shall follow the effects of the Eclipse; he tells you of the loss and drowning of men in Ships, piracies, shipwrecks, whole Cities, countries, Towns, wasted, consumed, depopulated, burned down to ashes, shot down to the ground, and made Rubbish of; fearful and horrible Insurrections, Discontents, of Rapine, Murder, Thefts, Plunder, Pillaging, death of several young Nobles and Princes, or men of Princely progeny: he threatens Poison to great ones, unusual fevers, multiplicity of Sea-fights, infinite Losses at Sea, multitudes of pirates, a Plague amongst men, Murrain amongst cattle, Mutinies of servants against Masters, destruction of Sheep and little cattle, &c.  
King's shall hazard their sceptres by Wars, Subjects their Liberties, Cities and Towns their privileges: He threatens a general confusion and madness upon the face of the earth; and that Europe is totally out of the right way; that the Emperor of Germany, the later end of this year, will run a great hazard with the Swedes; that France is not many years to continue in that Peace the Cardinal left it; and that the Spaniard shall have one lusty day over the French.  
If we credit the principal Signification of the Eclipse, with its Appurtenances, Consequences, Configuration by itself, and compared with preceding Conjunctions of the superior Planets, and with subsequent Aspects for some years succeeding, it doth whisper as if some design were in hand, or minting, to make 0000 Master of Europe, and possessed of more ground than his Ancestors left him or them.  
We see Jupiter in Cancer: Here's like to be tugging to settle some scrupulous tenants, be they right or wrong, it's no matter, say some. Zizania cum tritico usque ad diem messis crescunt. Tares grow up with the wheat till Harvest, but then, &c. I will pray for Peace, though, being a great sinner, I despair of obtaining it.  
This Eclipse is the Forerunner or Messenger of the death of some of the most eminent persons of Europe: As the Eclipse falls out in the later degrees of a sign, it prenotes the death of some aged person, and he a King, or not much less.  
Eastward ho!  
Ego duorum Principum vel magnatum genituras novi, quibus haec Eclipsis exitium aut graves aliquas calamitates aut difficultates denuntiat, nomina eorum tuto nominari non possunt. I know the Nativities of two Princes or great persons, to whom this Eclipse portends either Destruction, or many fearful Calamities: Their names I hold fit to be concealed, &c. O 'tis like to be a sickly time with some, a bloody and treacherous one with others.  
The Eclipse in a Kingly sign and house, and accompanied with a Kingly fixed Star: It must, according to the course of Nature, be the Forerunner of some more than usual accident to Emperors, Kings, Queens, Princes, and the chiefest Potentates of Europe. Non enim Sol in Leone aliis rebus prae est nisi sublimibus & altis, item Regibus, Princibus, Generosis viris, & qui ad Gubernacula Reipublicae sedent. The Sun in Leo, signifieth nothing but what is of an high nature, and Kings, Princes, Gentlemen, and such as sit and govern the commonwealth.  
Here's many old Laws and Customs to be abrogated; here's many ancient Families to be deprived of their Inheritances; here's erection of new Customs, Laws, perhaps a new Government: here's Nation against Nation, as much Plundering at Sea as at Land: here's one would rise to be greater than his forefathers; Ambition deludes him, and Death deprives him of all monarchical intents: Exit.  
Here's a woman as like a Queen as can be, or of the Stock of Princes, probably like to suffer either death, or disgrace as terrible as death, ere the determination of the Effects of this Eclipse, and 1647: during which time, ubi res ad Pacem inclinare videbitur, illico novis occasionibus, intollerantia puta, cupiditate vindictae, ambitione, avaritia, callidis consiliis, Bella & odia recrudescent, quae multis exitio erunt, multos etiam fortunis omnibus spoliatos extorres agent. When the difference is like to come to a Peace, by and by, what with new occasions, impatience, covetousness, desire of revenge, ambition, crafty Counsels, War and malice, shall wax worse and worse, even to the destruction of many people: many also shall live like banished men deprived of all Fortune and Means to relieve themselves.  
The God of all Glory and Power, who hath created us, and given us now more War than we expected, He of his goodness send us Peace. (I hope this is no ill Wish) Amen.   
FINIS.   

POSTSCRIPT. Since the Impression of the Starry Messenger, and before its Publishing, I received an Oxford Pamphlet, to which I return this Answer, and so send them both into the world together.  
An Examination of an astrological Judgement upon His majesty's present March, begun from Oxford, 7. May. 1645. Set forth purposely by G. WHARTON to advance their declining condition, to impedite the Parliaments, and dishearten the City and Citizens of LONDON.  
WHile we divide, the enemy unites; our factions prove their victories, Wharton in behalf of our Enemies appears publicly, nay requested by personages of Honour (per fas aut nefas) whether he lie or not, so it advance, it's no matter: are any so indulgent on our side? &c.  
I must begin with his Epistle, wherein the Author professes to deliver his Judgement in general terms, and yet, forgetful, being not (Mendax memor) a liar of a good memory, he goes on in the whole discourse, assigning and determining the success of His majesty's March and his Army in particular words and terms, as appears, Fol. 4. line 20. 21 Fol. 5. line 10. Fol. 6. line 10. In all which places he proclaims victory, upon victory to His majesty, and not so much as the loss of one louse on their own party.  
In the next place he soberly dehorts Master Booker and myself from adhering to the Parliament, and tells a tale of a tub, as of Gauricus, a certain Priest, &c. That meddled with the particular destiny of Princes, and were therefore well rewarded, and so would he have Master Booker and me, for publishing pernicious Pamphlets, as this man calls them.  
Were I commanded, I would make it apparent, the Parliaments cause shall not want a Champion in Astrology to confute any thing in point of Art that can be alleged from the greatest Clerks in Oxford.  
God is on our side; the Constellations of Heaven after a while will totally appear for the Parliament, and cast terror, horror, amazement, and frights on all those Dammee-Blades now in arms against us, &c. But our Author in his Epistle goes on, and makes it evident, he hath read part of the last leaf in Cardan: whose words he recites, viz. Never tell 2 King of any danger near unto him: then, its probable, we must say as Ahab's Prophets: Go to Ramoth Gilead and prosper: yes; so he did; for there the poor misled King was slain: I am Master Wharton so far from your mind, that did I know any sudden danger near to His majesty. I would adventure to the hazard of my life through both Armies to give him warning, and so would master Booker.  
Do you Master Wharton read Cardan on the same side, and thereby rectify your partial Judgement. In praedicendo, amoveas timorem, odium & amorem: when you take upon you to predict to a Prince (as you now in particular do) neither speak or write out of fear, hatred or love: and you might know what Ptolomey commands, viz: that in every Judgement we beware of flattery and hatred, for that renders the Art fallible and the Artist scandalous.  
You are guilty in the breach of these aphorisms, while you call our Parliament Rebels, and convert every Judgement to signify victory to his Majesty: and leave the end of His March untouched because you love to speak Placentia: for in truth the scheme itself promises an unlucky end to your so fortunate and so much applauded March. Do but read Goclenius in discursu pro Astrolo. Fol. 11●▪ Scotie reges fere omnes: and a little further; Anglorum fere reges omnes; having perused those words, deal plainly with the world, and those Honourable personages at Oxford, which employ you.  
For his majesty's Nativity, I think Master Booker and I have some other better employments, we love not to take pains for so slight a reward as follows the handling the Genesis of a Prince without His consent: but get me public licence, under His majesty hand, and then George, have at any thing, else not.  

His Majesties March (as is suggested) began Wednesday 7. May. 1645. 10. 32. A. M.  
THe body of the discourse intends two things principally; threatenings against the City of London, victories to His majesty, or confusion to His Enemies, &c.  
Not to play the critic with this University Freshman, or cavil at his ignorance in collecting the debilities of Venus which he makes more than they are by placing her, in conjunction with Caput Algol, whose Longitude is 20. 54. Of Taurus, vide Orig. 175. Nor is Mercury debilitated by occidentallity: Orig. 540. Nor is Venus fortified by Orienlity, but debilitated: Honest George cannot yet get out of his hornbook. I begin with his astrological Judgement spewed out against London, out of His▪ majesties Marching figure: Fol. 4. line 3. London is hereby forewarned of her misery, and deservedly hereby threatened.  
Lilly. Well may George have a great Whetston, he well deserves it; out of his own words its lawful to beat him, and so I will.  
That Gemini is the ascendant of the City of London all Authors agree, and George acknowledged in his first Progg.  
That Mercury is Lord of that sign, and simply most strong in this present figure, it's his own words at this time.  
Neither is the sign, or Lord thereof afflicted, but on the contrary the most Potent Planet in the figure, yea more dignified than Sol or Venus, he is in Conjunction with Jupiter, and in Trine with the moon who translats the Light and Virtue of Venus to Mercury: now according to George his own words, Fol. 3. These are undeniable testimonies both of the safety and honour of this famous City and Citizens thereof, nor doth it in the least particle point out by this his majesty's March any danger, loss, misery, or accidents unto them; this Constellation foretells what fame and esteem the Citizens hereof shall attain, by being the kingdom's bulwark against Tyranny and Oppression, by relieving the many thousands plundered and pillaged by his majesty's forces: and that this city shall get into their power one time or other all their enemies, perhaps in a very short time, for we see Mercury disposeth of Jupiter: I seriously avow upon my reputation to the whole kingdom, this Judgement I give, is, and will prove true according to the scheme of heaven Wharton hath set, &c. Who prosecutes his story with many invectives alleged without Art or Judgement, and last of all, invites me to the combat, with these words, The moon is in the 6, very sick (Master Lily) and near the Dragons taylae, this will teach the Citizens their Allegiance.  
An Utopian judgement Master Wharton, that the afflicted moon in the sixt should teach us slavery: Our obedience we well know, we have performed our Allegiance, until necessity enforced us for the Defence of the Parliament and our own greivances to stand in arms, and engage our persons for the public Good: but what is this to the thing in question. Master Wharton see to it, there hath been one eclipse in Leo, there will be another the eleventh of August, Remember George. The last Vomit against the city is an imprecation, that unless they submit to their Prince's mercy, he like one of Baal's priests falsely prophesieth such things unto them as cannot be diverted. But in what apocrypha he learned this Astrology, it appears not to me; no not out of quarterly Ingresses, which are signifycantly all averse to his Majesty and that party.  
Master Wharton, having left the City with a curse, begins with full sails to tell us: All the good our hearts can wish for is promised by this scheme; Stay false prophet, your hearts wish every day for the City of London, and can never have it; he goes on, and tells how his Majesty shall pursue his enemies, besiege towns, Castles, Forts, ruin us, have great success in all his designs: Cum multis aljis, &c.  
Lilly. This must needs be a happy election of time, or else George a stickling Prophet, for he pipes out nothing but victory for his majesty: Be it granted, that the storming of Leiceister hath in part verified some part of this prediction, (and a little treason besides) yet I deny it was signified by this positure, or that the rest of this man's words shall have like success: Nay, by position of Mars Lord of the fourth, in the twelfe, his Majesty shall not keep that Town very long, or any else that he may take in this Prophetiek March, without infinite loss on his party: Venus in her house, doth assuredly tell us we shall keep Evesham taken by plain valour, and were it not for that accursed Cauda in Aquarius we should seldom be losers, but be gainers, but Division and Treason have got an habit and live with us, and are your friends, yea your only friends.  
The figure doth at the beginning promise success, but the end of this March will be unlucky, and foreshow some wilful obstinate Commanders on his majesty's side, will afford us an absolute victory over you. George for pure love, I tell you, there is in the Army such as the traitorous Butcher in Leicester. But upon examination, I find that the sun whom George magnifies so much is in square to the Ascendant, in conjunction with the Virgilliae, 'twas no such prime time, observe the end, wait a few months, and consider if the ginger that elected this time for his majesty deserves not more punishment than Master Booker or Lilly: Herein George I will make you Judge, an honour you were never troubled with, nor are capable now, but that the thing is easy. See Guido Fol. 480. Whose words are: When you will elect a fit time for a King, &c. Let not the sun or moon be unfortunate or the Sun in a feminine sign▪ let him have dignity where he is, the Sun in this scheme is totally unfortunate, so is the Moon an ill Omen (George) to his majesty that he will hardly keep any thing he gets; Oxford, being (Locus a quo) is like to be safe awhile and the Judgement therein good, but you expose his majesty to infinite danger. Again, see in the same Folio these words; Consider saith Guido, if in the same year there had been or will be an eclipse, and in all elections avoid that sign, and let the two Lights be in Trine or sextil, the more fortunate the Lights are, so much the better, and so the Contrary.  
It is known there was a Lunar eclipse in January in Leone, the effects thereof began in April, Continue till the end of June, &c. That very Degree wherein the eclipse was, have you elected to be the Ascendant of his majesty and his armies March: In August there is a Solar eclipse, &c. In this figure the moon applies to a square of the Sun in fixed signs: believe me, here is no continuance of your successes, not the taking of so many Towns, Forts, or Castles, or such routing of our armies, as you Master Whirton delude the world with. He was none of his majesty's friends, that gave Direction for this March; the sequel will tell you so, ere you return to your winter quarters if any be left for you, Keep Leicester if you can, July may give it us again.  
After some evacuated choler, Wharton bursts out for very joy into these words, Oh what snuffling there will be amongst the zealots, before the middle of November. He goes on and derides our humiliation, &c. Do so still and prosper; God will not be mocked, whose Cause we do maintain, though I confess not as it ought to be.  
But let me tell you, such shall be our victories before the time limited by you be half come, that methinks I hear the many accursed oaths the dam-boyes spew out both against God and man. Oh what skulking, sneaking, running into Corners, mouse-holes, sawpits, coney berries, tossing and tumbling the ungodly out of one County into another, do I foresee: face about Gentlemen says one for our honour, as you did at Newberry, that is with a good pair of heels, or all's lost say I; Oh the way to Bristol, from thence to Exeter, then into Cornwall, thence into a safe harbour, if any can be found for Malignants, Now Master Wharton I leave you, till again provoked by a more able ginger, and I desire you to get into your Accidence against the publishing of the next journal or else you will be stripped out of the remainder of the Prerogative Astrology by Master Booker in his next almanac, to the total confusion, and dishonour of the university that suffer so weak an Artist to be their Standard-bearer; but money and Learning are equally plentiful in Oxford.  
WILLIAM LILLY.