Name: A Contemplation of Mysteries
Author: Thomas Hill

A contemplation of mysteries contayning the rare effectes and significations of certayne comets, and a briefe rehersall of sundrie hystoricall examples, as well diuine, as prophane, verie fruitfull to be reade in this our age: with matter delectable both for the sayler, and husbandman, yea and all traueylers by sea and lande, in knowing aforehande, howe daungerous a tempest will succeede by the sight of the clowd.... Imprinted at London, By Henry Denham, 1574.

A contemplation of Mysteries: contayning the rare effectes and significations of certayne Comets, and a briefe rehersall of sundrie Hystoricall examples, as well diuine, as prophane, verie fruitfull to be reade in this our age: with matter delectable both for the Sayler, and Husbandman, yea and all traueylers by Sea and lande, in knowing aforehande, howe daungerous a tempest will succeede, by the sight of the clowd coming ouer the head, and other matters fruitful to be read as shal appere in the Table next after the Preface.

Gathered and englished, by Thomas Hyll.

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

¶Imprinted at London by Henry Denham.

TH Aetatis svae 42

portrait of Thomas Hill [Image not included in the transcription.]

Virescit vulnere veritas.

To his singuler friend mayster Henrie Fynche Marchant, Thomas Hyll wisheth health and felicitie.

IF among friendes, there needes great and ample giftes, then will not my pouertie furnishe your expectation. Large giftes I haue none, the greatest I am able to shewe, is good will, the which is gift great ynough, among right friendes. Therefore forasmuch as I haue alwayes counted you, as one of my dearest friendes, and you likewise haue accepted mee among your friendly fraternitie (I thanke you therefore) I trust this my remembraunce, shall be a sufficient token and pledge of my good will. It is not long since I for want of better furniture, offred you the like token, the which was of you so gently receyued, as I am not able to tell well, whether I were more sorie I had no better gift to gratifie you withall, or wheather I more marueyled at your curtesie (in so well esteeming) so small a thing, If I had had better at that tyme, better would I haue bestowed, as nowe I would also, but as you receyued that simple and rude thing then in good part, at my handes, of I againe, trust you will doe nowe no lesse, at thys time, renuing that friendship, which vnequally of person, had almost seperated and losed, in so doing, I can but wishe you well, the which prayer as I am bounde I will alwayes bestow vpon you. Thus in few wordes I ende, committing you to God, who graunt you long health, and prosperitie in this life.

Yours most bounden Thomas Hill.

The Preface to the gentle Reader.

Thought it good (gentle Reader) to admonishe I thee in two or three lynes, what mine intent & meaning is, in renuing againe of this little Treatise: for although an indifferent reader may iudge therof, yet all mens natures not being a like to auoyde the cauils of busie heades, and the byting speaches of Zoylus broode, I am aduised to interpret mine owne meaning: My purpose according to my duetie is to doe good, nature bindeth, my countrie chalengeth, & euery good man according to his talent & power ought to fulfil the same. God thretneth: the deuine to such as will heare, cryeth repentaunce: to such as can not away wyth that kinde of speache, but desireth sweeter and more delectable geare, the Player with his stage matters, by an other kinde of more pleasant meanes admonisheth, and by a plaine demonstration putteth euery man in minde of his vocation. I professing no diuinitie, nor yet acquainted with playing inuention, haue by an other meanes (if it were possible) put thee in remembraunce of thy duetie to Godward: we see Gods mercifulnesse, hee seldome punisheth but sendeth before his messengers, tokens and wonders to forewarne vs, if we were not dulheades, we might perceyue the same, but if we had grace, we woulde indeuour our selues to amendment.

Before God destroyed his owne Citie Ierusalem, he caused to appeare in the element wonderfull and terrible visions. Before the imperiall seate of Constantine was translated, signes and tokens were seene in the ayre. God (as wee maye reade in Cronicles) seldome or neuer made alterations in kingdomes, but he before sent in Ambassage, his threatning Creatures. To seeke for olde and forraine examples we neede not, seeing we haue ynough of late dayes at home, freshe in our memories, as first he by burning his owne house, brought a present terrour into the mindes of many, and forced them to call on his name, and generally foreshewed, that as he spared not that place, wherein his name was dayly called on, no more would he spare the people, that despised his lawes and ordinaunces (and soone after) it came so to passe, for when the warnin[•] woould not be taken, he punished more seuerely: hee sent a gre[•] mortalitie, and sweeped or tooke away a great number.

God is iust and mercifull, for iust he is in punishing, and mercifull in forgiuing. The continual bearing of monsters, the troublesome Elements, these last two Summers, the vnseasonable weather: and last of all, the late straunge and wonderfull inun[•]ations, doe threaten Gods iustice, in punishing the offenders, and his clemencie and mercie, by fauouring vs so gently. God notwithstanding, that he threatned Niniuie, by the mouth of his Prophete, yet did hee mercifully forgiue them, vpon their repentance. God poure out hys spirite vpon vs, and giue vs his grace to acknowledge and bewaile our offences, so shall we be spared with Niniuie, and the Lorde will turne away all his threatnings, into forgiuenesse. It is high time we repent: God threatneth, we are in daunger, compassed on euery side, all things are readie, nothing wanteth but Gods permission.

I haue bene somewhat longer (gentle Reader) than at the beginning I promised or purposed: yet take this (for breuitie sake) but for an enteraunce, of a great deale more, that might aptly be here vttered: the rest vntouched, I commit to thy iudgement and vnderstanding. Thus resting, I craue none other than your friendly report, in furthering this Treatise.

Vale feliciter.

The Table.

THe sundrie definitions, effects, and significations of Comets. Fol. 1
The explication or plaine declaration of the definition. 1
Of the cōtinuance, & motiōs of Comets. 2
The place where Cometes often ingendreth. 2
How some interprete the motion of Comets. 3
The ende, effect, and significations of Comets. 3
Sundrie examples of Comets. 5
Other prodigious tokens. 7
Of the maruellous nature of Welles, Riuers, Lakes, and waters. &c. 15
Of certaine fierie impressions, and first of the same, named of most men the foolish fire. 21
The cause of Castor and Pollux, and where these ingendred. 24
Of the flying Dragon in the ayre, what the same is. 25
Of the fire cleauing and hanging on the partes of men, and beastes. 26
What is to be thought of the flame or fire, which cleaueth to the heares of the head and to the heares of beastes. 27
Of the feareful gaping, and deepe opening of the Elements. The definitions. 28
A difference betweene the gaping, and deepe opening. 29
What the efficient cause is. 29
What the matter and forme is. 29
What the ende of the gapings be. 30
How many rainebowes may be seene togither at one time. 31
Whereof many Rainebowes proceede. 31
That three Rainebowes maye appeare at one time. 32
In what time of the yeare, Rainebowes for the more part are caused. 32
Are not the Rainebowes caused through the beames of the other starres. 33
Of the windes. 34
Certaine properties of the windes. 34
Certaine obseruations of the windes. 37
Of the impressions, named Parelia, and Paraeselinae. The definitions. 48
The similitude. 42
The ende and effect of these. 42
Certaine examples of these. 43
Of thunder what the same is. 45
The kindes of thunder. 46
What the finall cause of the thunder. 48
What the coulours of the clowdes warne and foreshew in the thunders. 48
Certaine foreknowledges of thunder. 50
Of that lightning named Fulgur, what the same is, and of the others. 52
Of the fearefull and violent lightning. 54
What the lightning Dart is. 60
The manner of the ingendring of the Stone. 60
Of the maruellous force, nature, and miracles of the lightnings. 61
What an Earthquake is. 65
How manye kindes of Earthquakes there are. 66
What the ruine is. 66
What the Gaping is. 66
What the Pulsation is. 67
What the fourth kinde is. 67
What the materiall cause is. 68
What the formall cause is. 69
Which the obiect or place is of the Earthquake. 70
How the ingendring is, or of the maner of the ingendring of Earthquakes. 71
What the finall causes are. 72
What the effects are. 74
Which the signes be of an earthquake. 74

FINIS.

¶A briefe Catologue of rare wonders, and fearefull sightes, seene aswell on earth, as in the element.

The sundrie definitions, effects, and significations of Comets.

A Comet, after the opinion of Albertus, is an earthlye grosse vapour, whose partes much gather to it, ascending from the lowest parte of heat, vnto the vpper part of the same: where, ye fire that toucheth the holownesse, there shed forth and burning, so that it often sheweth long, & sheddeth out.

2. A Comet is a hote and drie matter, fatte, discous, and earthly, whose partes be thicke, drawne vp by vertue of the celestiall bodies, vnto the vpper regiō of the aire, where through the nearenesse of the fire, and might of the substaunce set on fire, and caried circularely with the motion of the vpper region of the aire, which drawne by that motion, is so caried about.

3. A Comet, after the opinion of Leopoldus, is an earthly vapour, hauing grosse partes mightily thickning togither, ascending by vertue of starres, vnto the vpper parte of heate, where being kindled, and caried circularely with the aire: signifieth the alteration of kingdomes, and other great matters in this worlde.

4. A Comet is an earthly exhalation, hote and drie, fatte and clammie, with the partes thicke gathered, by vertue of the starres, and drawne from the bowels of the earth by little and little, and perticularlye vnto the vpper region of the aire, where, nighest the fire, through the disposition and multitute of the matter is dilated, & being kindled burneth, & wyth a long tract shedde forth, is circularly moued, after the condition and maner of a starre, vnder which, it is gathered, or vnder the circulare motion of the vpper region of the aire.

The explication or plaine declaration of the definition.

THis larger definition and description, contayneth the causes and maner of the increasing of the Comet, and the same sufficient clearly: for it must nedes insue, that the substaunce of a Comet, to be an earthly and viscous exhalatiō, or otherwise it would soone be wasted, of the burning colour: and the space of time is most short, in which a Comet is séene, as not continuing aboue seuen dayes: yet a Comet appeareth, and is séene manye tymes for. 40. dayes togither, or somewhat longer, vntill all the substance of it in the burning, be in the end consumed, being also drawne with this circulare motion most swift. Although Plinie witnesseth, that Comets haue beene séene, which were as immooueable in the place.

Of the continuance, and motions of Comets.

CArdanus writeth, that the longest time of them (except by miracle) doth scarcely exceede six moneths, so that (for the most part) the substance of a Comet, is spent by the thirtie day, or sooner: but neuer ending before the seuenth day. The motion of a Comet, is thrée maner of wayes: the one from the Cast, into the West: the seconde from the West, into the East: and the thirde diuers, as from the West into the South, or from the North into the West: the excéeding greatnesse, and most spéedie increase of them is marueylous, in that appearing at the first, but a foote brode, doe after a fewe dayes, occupie a fourth part of the Zodiacke.

The place where a Comet often ingendreth.

A Comet (after the minde of Cardanus) is oftner engendred in the North, and especiallye (in that part of heauen) named the Milkie way, from the Tropickes without: yet are they gathered and caused, somtimes vnder the Equinoctiall, & somtimes nighe the Winter Tropicke, and else where: but oftner (as I haue sayde) about the North, in which part I obserued (sayth Cardanus) thrée Comets in thrée seuerall yeres. In the night, after the Euening, are Comets apparantly séene: yet not the like in the day, except by a mightie meanes and occasion. It is manifest, that many Comets may be séene togither: as in the age of Carolus Martellus, in the month of Ianuarie, were two Comets séene within fourtéene dayes togither, of which the one went before the Sunne, and the other folowed him, with the [•]ayles looking and stretched toward the North: and this hapned in the yeare of mans redemption, seuen hūdred twentie and sixe. Two other Comets appeared togither, in the yeare of mannes health, 1337. which not in a short time, in that as companions they ended togither after two monthes complete. And to the learned it is well knowne, that if they happen with an Eclips, then through the vertues doubled, they produce much more, and daungers long continuing.

How some interprete the motion of Comets.

THere be some (sayth Cardanus) which thus write of Comets: that if they tende toward the South, such signifie raine to insue: if vnto the North, then drought to follow, if vnto the East, then the pestilence, and other mightie daungers: if vnto the West, then the best or a happie yeare, and temperate. And the like Porphirius (that worthie Philosopher) wrote, but as I suppose deceyued in this, séeing a Comet procéeding against the order of the signes, doth signifie the mutation of lawes: for yt cause, the Comet which tendeth from the East into the West, signifieth the alteration of lawes, in that it is caried agaynst the order of the signes: so that when it may signifie the same alone, it happeneth that a temperate yeare followeth, yet doth it not signifie the temperament of the yeare. The kinds and sundrie formes of Comets, maye you learne in my booke of the Myrrour of time, with other profitable matters.

The ende, effect, and significations of Comets.

THe ende of Cometes, is to prepare drought, the Pestilence, hunger, battels, the alteration of kingdomes, and common weales, and the traditions of men. Also windes, earthquakes, dearth, land[•]louds, and great heate to follow. The sayde Comets portende, both many other harmes, and that mightie to men.

2 A Comet is the note of a great drougth in that a meane heate cannot resolue such [•] matter out of the earth, and draine th[•] same vp.

3 The second effect of a Comet is barrennesse of the earth, hunger, and the dearth of vittayles, in that the earth is caused barren through much drougth, and lack of moysture, for drougth is as the stepmother vnto all fruites, and corne of the earth[•] but moysture is the apt mother vnto all fruites, and crescent things on the earth. So that such a mightie heat, doth excéedinglye drie vp the earth, and consumeth the moysture in plantes, and trées, through which, they decay, and heare no yéelde, no[•]store of fruite. Or thus.

A Comet doth cause harrennesse of the earth, in that vnto a Comet, a great and much exhalation is required, by whose eleuation from the earth, the fatnesse of the earth is so drawne vp, which thus eleuated, the earth after becommeth harren of yéeld, and the moysture with which the earth ought to be battened, is then through the ouermuch drougth vtterly depriued. For whiche cause, a Comet is the fore note of hunger, and dearth in the same Realme: which it specially beholdeth or stretcheth the tayle towardes, and from whence it gathered and tooke his substance.

4 Comets doe portend the murraine of beastes, in that the ayre ensuing is infected and euill disposed, through the hote, grosse, and clowdy exhalations: which when beasts draw thereof, are then intoxicated and infected, and so die. Also for that the time then is excéeding hote, and the radicall moysture is on such wise drawne vp by the hote aire, from the bodies of men and beastes, in whō the naturall moysture is placed, as in the proper seate: of the same beastes, and other liuing creatures die: for which cause, it is the minde and councell of the learned Phisitions: to vse in the same time, moyst and colde meates, wherby the radicall moysture may so be increased and preserued.

5 Comets mooue battels and seditions, and alter Emperies, and kingdomes: for that in the time of a Comet, are many exhalations in the ayre, hote & drie, which doe drie men, and kindle heat in them, by which they are lightly prouoked to yre: after which yre ensueth variance, next of the same followeth battell, and after battell succéedeth the translation or alteration of gouernements, when as the Emperie ensueth the conquerour.

6 Comets do portend the death of princes, kings, gouernors, & other Magistrates of a cōmon weale: in that these leade a more daintie life, and féede on finer meates continuallye, through which they sooner be infected. The death besides of princes, and heade gouernors, through the difference of many, is of worthier report and fame, and for yt cause more obserued. To these I adde, that the Choloricke persons are then vehementer mooued, through which, the perturbations or troubles of mind ensue, that procure seditions and battels, after which procéede oftentimes the slaughter of many, and death of princes: for that these many tymes be present in battailes, and are lightly prouoked to yre, by which the battell ensueth the fiercer: and on such wise, many come to their death. Macrobius left in writing, that the death of Constantine, was indicated by a Bushie starre, of an excéeding bignesse, that appeared in the yeare after Christes birth. 304.

Sundrie examples of Comets.

THat singuler Philosopher Augustinus Niphus writeth, that after the appearing of a Comet, in the yeare 1506. there followed within two yeares, such a mightie drougth in Lumbardie, that from Ianuary vnto the moneth of Nouember, there fell no raine at all, in that Countrie.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1165. appeared a mightie Comet or blasing starre in Scotland, reaching & burning out with two most long beames or tayles: after which, (within .xiiij. dayes) Malcolmus the fourth king by name of the Scottes, dyed a mayden, as the Chronicle reporteth.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1214. in the moneth of March, appeared two fearefull Comets in Scotland, the one going before the Sunne, and the other following him: after which (the same yeare) when as that most happie and good king William had reigned. 49. yeares, he then dyed an olde man.

In the yeare, 1268. there appeared a Comet of a maruellous bignesse about the noonestéede, which was séene for manye dayes togither in Scotlande. And in the yeare of our Lorde. 1271. after: and in the ix. day of Ianuarie, there arose such a cruell winde, and mightie tempest withall, and hayle stones of such a bignesse, that through the same many houses in Scotlande were throwne down, & burned with fire, through the windes which kindled after the same, that they there kept in their houses, for the vse of fire: that the whole Country in a maner, was wasted by the fire.

In the yeare of our Lord. 1538, and in the eightéene day of Ianuarie: there appeared a Comet after the setting of the Sunne, which was placed in the signe Pisces, and the tayle looking or stretching towarde the East, after which, died immediately the Duke of Saronie.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1539. and the sixt daye of the moneth of Maye, appeared a Comet in the signe Taurus, not farre from the head of the Dragon, which indured burning, for thrée wéekes in a maner: after which died Isabell of Portugall, the wife of Charles the fift Emperor, in the trauaile of childe.

In that yeare died George Duke of Saronie, of an olde and crude rupture: before whose death, as some write, there appeared thrée Comets, after the appearaunce of which, died the Duke of Cleaue, the bishop of Trident, and diuers other noble persons and Capitaines.

In the yeare. 1540. began a great coniunction of Saturne and Mars, which hapned in Cancer: after which followed a marueilous drougth, aboue many sommers before, so that hay, corne, and all kinde of pulses, became very scarce.

And this drougth folowed rather (as some write) after the apperaunce of a Comet the same yeare, and great Eclips of the Sunne which happened the seuenth day of Aprill, whose beginning was before the Sunne rising, and endured in this Eclips two whole houres, after the Sunne was risen: vppon which followed at Prage (a noble Citie in the kingdome of Boheme) that the Castell with the Cathedrall Church, were burned with fire: and many fearefull fiers hapned often, in sundrie places, as the same had bene by a diuine punishment from heauen. And a Commotion hapned the same yeare, among the Citizens of Gaunt, which Charles the fift Emperour stayed by hys wisedome.

Many examples more of Comets, might here be vttered, which for breuitie in so smal a treatise omitted, and the rather, for that I haue at large written of them, and other weightie matters right necessarye, in my booke to come forth, named the Myrrour of tyme.

Other prodigious tokens.

IN the yeare. 1542. were many straunge children, and monstruous beastes séene: and in that yeare it rayned bloud at Sassen burge in Germanie. And in Phriseland that yeare, arose a certaine Prophet, named George Dauid, declaring himselfe to bée Gods nere kinsman, and one that coulde counterfaite the speach of beasts, and birds, affirming also heauen to be empty, and many other blasphemies he vttered besides.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1545. and in the seuenth day of August, about .xi. of the clock in the morning, happened such a fearfull tempest at Machlin, as the like was neuer heard of: for a mightie thunder came, which shooke the earth, in such maner, that the people of that Citie, thought Doomes day at hande, or ruine of the Citie present: In that after the same was heard, a horrible cracke in the cloudes, and a darcke lightning, very sore stinking of Brimstone hapned, which so feared them, that no[••]e knew[••] what to thinke or doe, nor what succéeded of the same (saue onely such, which the tempest had striken) vntill the brute and noyse ra[•] in the Citie, that the lightning had smitte[••] the Sandgate, in which lay aboue .viij. hundreth Barrelles of Gunpowder, whose sodaine bursting forth, caused such a mightie confusion in the Citie, that no man euer sawe the like destruction in that Countrie: for the Sandgate was blowne vp, at the turning of a hande, into very small partes: and not onely the foundation of the same sorent, but the stones of the walles fast by, likewise blowne vp, and scattered abrode: yea, the pittes, & welles with water there about, through the mightie heate of the powder set on fire, were sodenly dryed vp. And on the next morrow folowing, vewing the harmes about the Citie, there were found about the compasse of the scattering of the Tower, of dead bodyes, vnto the number of thrée hundred: and halfe a hundred grieuously wounded. Besides these, a womā minding at that instaunt, to that the leafe wyndowes of hir Hall or Parlour, for the great feare of the tempest, had hir head pittifully smitten off And in a certaine Inne, were at that time, a certaine companye playing at Cardes, which altogither were founde stricken in péeces, and all the other parsons of the house pyttifully dead, except the good wyfe, which went at that instaunt, to drawe drinke for them, in a déepe seller, who by that meanes was preserued. And many other grieuous sightes happened in that fearefull tempest. To conclude, the Citie was maruellouslye spoyled thorow out, and no Church in that Citie, but grieuously shaken with this tempest, yea whole stréetes subuerted.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1547. at Heluetia in Germany, were séene in the ayre, two hostes of men of warre, and two mightie Lyons gréeuously and terribly fighting togither so long, vntill it séemed that the one byt of the others head quite. And in ye twelfe day of Aprill, the Sunne appeared at after noone, for thrée dayes togyther, lyke a fyrie Globe, in such manner, that the Starres, were then séene: after which, folowed a grieuous battle, betwéene Charles the fift Emperour, and the Duke of Saxonie, betwéene Mulberge, and Wyteberge: at the ende of which battell, Iohn Frederick Electour, became prisoner vnto the Emperour.

At that tyme also was séene in another place, in a cleare day, a whyte Crosse, with a rodde by it, in the skie.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1548. and in the tenth day of Februarie, was séene in Saxonie (a countrie of Germanie) a fyre from heauen, that fell on certaine cities.

Also two Hostes of men of warre, were séene in Saxonie in the ayre, running and skirmishing togyther, and dyuers other straunge sightes besides, were séene in the ayre, in that yeare.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1551. and in the .xiij. day of Ianuary, arose a mightie tempest in sundry places of Germanie, with many showers of rayne, lightnings, and thunders, in so much that the men of that countrie, thought Domes day at hande, yea to be present.

And in the .xxviij. daye of Ianuary, at Lysebone, in the chiefe citie of Portugall, appeared a bloudie rodde, and sundrie fearefull fyres séene in the aire, and rayned there bloud, after which followed such a fearefull earthquake, that about two hundred houses were grieuously shaken & throwne downe, through the fall of which, about a thousand persons were lamentably slayne.

And in the .xxi. day of March, at Magdeburge in Germanie, about seauen of the clocke in the morning, were seauen Raynebowes, and thrée Sunnes séene: and in the euening (the same day) thrée Moones, of which the first, and perfiter Moone, was séene towardes the citie of Magdeburge: but the second as bloudie, towardes Pago Desdorf: and the thirde shyned bloudie, towardes the newe citie (so named) in Germanie.

And in the .xxj. day of Aprill, appeared agayne at Magdeburge, thrée Sunnes, and thrée Rainebowes: after which, by the commaundement of Charles the fift Emperor, was this citie besieged, by the Duke of Saxonie, and Albert of Brandenburge, for fiftene Moneths: and at the length a peace concluded, by wicked conditions. For after the peace stablished, certayne of the gouernours and Capitaines drewe togither a battle against Charles Emperour, vpon that tytle, for the defence of the Germayne libertie.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1553. was heard a wofull crye, saying woe, woe, twise togither: there was heard also the sounde of Belles, and the noyse of Trumpets: and the same tyme there happened at Duringia, that the trées, & herbes, sweate bloud, and fearefull noyses heard besides, sundrie nightes: after which Mauricius Duke of Saxonie, fought in battle with Albert of Brandenburge, at which season Mauricius smitten with the pellet of a Gunne, dyed the thirde day after the battle.

In the yere of our Lord. 1554. and in the first day of Februarie, in the Citie of Cathalane in Fraunce, and after the great goodly shewe and muster of souldiours, by the commaundement of the French king: there appéered a maruellous sight, about the Moone, like vnto a great fyre, arysing from the East part, and stretching, or declyning toward the west: and the Moone shewed like to a most great fyrebrande: and this fyre in the ayre, burned with a great noyse and often casting forth flames, and sparkes of fire, in the lyke maner as a hote burning yroi[•]barre, beaten on an handueale by a Smith.

The .xxvj. day of May, it rayned bloude, not farre from the towne of Dunckelspull in Germanie.

And there were séene thrée faire Rainebowes, and so many Sunnes, and Moones, and two bloudie crosses.

In another place also were séene sixe, & the sunne then appéering feareful in the rising, as one daye gréene of colour, another day blackish or swart in colour, ye third morning red, and at the setting bloudy: & in other places apéered black round bodies, both reddish and firie of colour, as they were beating the sunne, and séemed fighting with him: and it rayned besides bloud, in many places.

In the .xj. day of Iune, fiue Myles from Noriberge in Germanie, was séene in the sunne, a bloudie rodde, and many companies of horsemen dashing togither in the ayre: which so contynued for two howres, that it caused men greatly to feare, that Domes day was at hand: after which died the same yere, Frederick Duke of Saxonie: & after the same, was a notable towne in Germanie pittifully wasted by fyre.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1555. were séene in the citie of Duringia, thrée sunnes, the tenth day of February, in the same Duringia, was a gaping open of the earth, out of which came a mightie stinck, which verie much molested the lookers on, wyth the beating paines of the head: yet certaine further examining the place, obserued and sawe wythin that great clift, straunge formes in the night, and many great matters besides heard.

At Luneberge, was séene this straunge sight in the ayre, a great company of Souldiars: at the right hande of which company, stoode by an Aungell holding a fyrie sworde in his hande: and a childe was there in presence among ye people by a sodaine meanes, who did earnestly exhort euery one, to harty repentance: affirming Gods iudgement at hand, and to be the day of yre, and the day of calamitie & misery, and that the same to be a verie great and bitter daye: when he had thus exhorted the people, he vanished sodainly awaye, and out of sight: so that no man after, could tell where he became.

In this yeare hapned at Duringia, the harde and daungerous birth of a woman who had a sore trauaile in the birth of hir childe: for after long trauayles, the chyld[•] brast forth with a great crack and noyse and deade borne: after which issued great plentie of fyre, which so harmed the yongling in the neather partes, that blisters arose on the skinne, so bigge swollen, as an Egge in sight, and hir owne face harmed with the fyre: that fyre besides issuing forth of hir body, infected the proper place, with a Brimstony stinck.

In the Dukedome of Brunswike, was a marueylous and straunge sight, marked of many there, which was on this wise. A certaine husbandman, which accustomed daylie to go vnto the wood (to fetch wood home) and drawing néere to the accustomed place of the wood (at a certaine time) sawe a farre off, a great companie of horsemen, which séemed to come ryding in great haste towarde the village. This seing, the husbandman returned for the great feare, hastily backward againe: and being come home so amased, was demaunded the cause of hys hastie returning, who answered, that there were certaine companies of horsemen néere the towne approched: but from whence they came, or whether they would, he could not say: therfore greatly to be doubted (said he) that these newe guestes will set vpon vs in the night time. Which tale so amazed the elders of the towne, that for the great feare, they tooke councell togither, what was best to doe in the matter: after the well debating on the fearefull newes, they issued altogither out of the towne, to knowe and vnderstande further the intent of these newe guestes, what they were, from whence they came, and whether they purposed to go: and being thus come forth togither out of the towne, founde and sawe a like company of horsemen (as the husbande man had before reported) drawing towards them, which séemed to their sight, to be in number foure hundred horsemen, ryding and comming towardes them in due order: after which, they sawe the fore frunt turned, and readie prest to fight, and the other company comming ryding a farre off, addressed in like order: which companies thus preparing forwarde to come togither, and standing yet in a readinesse to fight: two black men (to their sight) alighted from their horses, which séemed to be Captaines: and eche appéered valyauntly to encourage his companye to fight: they thus boldened to fight, behelde one the other, as readie prest, and in a readinesse: after which, the two Capitaynes againe lept on horseback. Whiles these two companies yet stoode in a readinesse, a marueylous darknesse hastily came in the place, that it séemed farre in the night: by which these husbandmen perceyued, (y• this sight of the horsemen) was none other, then a deuillish illusion, or méere falsehood of spirites.

In the bownds of Polonia were séene a marueylous company of Dogs, barcking, and fighting togither, insomuch that manye were torne in that broyle to péeces. After which folowed, great warres, and slaughter: betwéene them of Polonia, and the Muscouites.

In Duringia, being a bright day, there appéered in the ayre, a bright and glittering sworde, much like to a Fauchine or Turkie blade: directing the point toward the South, and the edge toward the East.

And in Cleuelande, fell so great aboundance of fyre from heauen into the Rhene, that the Riuer began to swell, as though it had boyled.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1557. and in the ninth daye of March: there were séene thrée sunnes, and a verie faire Rainebow.

In the .xvij. daye of March, there fell fyre from heauen: and in an other place, a fyrie Globe was séene: it rayned also bloud, and lumpes of bloud, vnto the bignesse of ones hande, dropped from heauen, vnto the sight of many: and in all the drops were séene, like to mens faces. And on saint Laurence daye, the Sunne appeared wholy bloudy: after which, ye French king fought a great battaile, wt Philip king of Spaine, and after that, S. Quintins takē by king Philip.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1558. appeared a Comete verie fearefull, which continued burning manye wéekes: after which, was séene a straunge sight, fearefull to beholde. For in the .xxj. day of August, the day being cleare and caulme weather, and sufficient temperate, two houres before noone, and a quarter: the Sunne very cleare shyning, was then séene inclosed about, with a great circle, which appéered of many colours, like to the Rainebow, and continued in like condition, for foure howers, and a halfe, vnto the great feare, and amazement of all such, which regarded the same sight: for it is written, that such straunge sightes, haue in times past béene séene, which alwayes were foreshewers of fearefull daungers at hande: as appéered by the same, which Plutarche writeth, that such a fearefull sight foreshewed the death of the mightie Cesar, and the great scarcitie and dearth of all fruites of the earth, that insued the same yere: and euen the like hapned, when Octauius abode at Rome, that the Sunne was compassed with suche a cyrcle, after which often commosions and tumults, & the lamentable harmes of lyghtnings ensued.

Such a Rainebow also appéered timely in the morning about the Sunne, in the sixt Calendes of February, & in the yere of our Lorde. 1074. after which folowed the great conspiracie of Princes, against Henry the fourth of ye name, Emperor of ye Germains.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1107. a lyke cyrcle about the Sunne was séene: after which insued, the great dissention among christian Princes.

In the yere also of our Lord. 1157. on the thirde Calendes of Iune, about noone, such a straunge shew was séene: after which, the euersion or destruction of many cities, & the scarcitie of fruites of the earth, through the great distemperance of the ayre insued.

Many cities also were pittifully burned in Suetia, after the appearance of such a sight, hapning in the yeare of our Lord. 1322.

In the yere of our Sauiour Christ. 1387. such a cyrcle about the Sunne, foreshewed battayles, hunger, fyres, and pittifull landfloodes.

A like cyrcle to Halo appéered, before the battayle with the Turks, in the yere. 1532. by which is manifest, that such sightes are foreshewers of euils to come.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1559. with the great tempest risen at Fryburge, certaine fyrie Globes fell out of the clowds not farre from the Citie, & much or often lightnings with thunder, which lamentably burnt the grasse, hops, herbes, and leaues of trées: the tempest increased, a hande was séene stretched in the aire, for an hower in a maner, which at length by drawing and folding the fingers togither (in grinding it selfe) was turned into powder, which powder falling to the earth, vanished away.

In the yeare. 1560. waters brake in, and ouer ranne much grounde, in sundrie places, to the great hurt and losses of manye men, in that their closes and Medowes were much harmed, with the clamminesse of the waters bursting in. The same yeare dyed that singular, learned, and godly man (worthy memorie) Philip Melanchtone, who lefte behinde hym these comfortable verses, that he made a little before the agonie of death, which he still repeated, vntill life left him.

Cur mortem metuā: mors non est, mortis imago est.

Sed merito vitor Christe benigne tuo.

Vermis adhuc spiro moriturus forte sub horam

Mors etenim certa est, funeris hora later.

Ergo Gnate Dei iam me tibi porrigo totum,

Viuam seu moriar, sanguine viuo tuo.

In the yeare of mans redemption. 1561. manye Gunnes through Germanie were séene in the ayre, shooting of pellets into the Sunne.

In the .xvij. daye of December, fower sunnes were séene in the East, casting forth gréene roddes on euerie side, to the great feare and amazement of the beholders.

Heauen séemed to burne, & a fyrie Globe shyned from the North part, with a mighty light in heauen.

In the kingdome of Naples, were fiue Castels, and a Byshoprick suncke with an Earthquake, and a water nauigable vanished the whole, in such maner, that no monument or part at all is left to be séene: yea a whole citie so sunck into the earth, that no perseuerance of it at all remayning at this day.

From the .xvj. vnto the .xviij. day of Nouember, the riuer Tyber cast vp a mighty number of dead fishes.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1562. Heauen séemed to burne, to the sight of much people, in many places of Germany. And a celestiall fyrehrande stretched from the North into the South, shyned by night in heauen. A mightie company of armed men or souldiours, were séene in the ayre, which as some affirme, séemed in the ayre to shed downe much bloude from heauen. And the Sunne in the Moneth of Aprill, séene marueylous bloudy, as well at the rysing, as at the setting, for thrée dayes togither. The ymage also of our Redéemer crucified, was séene sprinckled all ouer with bloud, in the Moneth of Aprill.

Whilst the mightie Emperour Ferdinandus kept his royall Court at Prage, the chiefe citie in Bohemia, it hapned that Peason were miraculously chaunged into stones, after this manner. A certaine husbandman, had brought certaine sackes of Peason to the citie, to be solde: to whom a Citizen for the penurie of victuals came, and required him to sell better cheape, then he had accustomed to doe: who that was a cruell and couetous man, prayed to God, that his Peason rather might be chaunged into stones, then he woulde sell them one mite better cheape: incontinent after the Citizen departing from him, the Peason were al miraculously chaunged into stones: a marueylous spectacle in déede of Gods wrath and due punishment, for his canckred and wicked stomack.

To conclude, we may by these fearefull, wonderous, and straunge sightes, as well on earth, as in the ayre, learne that God by them doth marueylously foreshewe, his blessed will, and condigne punishment, for the sinnes of the people: and that in such sort to declare, the calamities to come vpon vs: by shewing aforehande, such straunge sightes, and fearefull threatnings in the ayre: vnto the admonishment of vs, for the correcting of sinne, if by these and such lyke, we wyll be warned at all.

Of the maruellous nature of Welles, Riuers, Lakes, and waters: to which the Phisitions denie, a reason to be assigned.

DIuers are the natures, and miracles of Welles, Ryuers, Lakes, and waters: the cause of which, is eyther hid wholy from vs, or in search verie harde to be vnderstanded: as by Examples here vnder, shall plainer appéere.

1. First there is a swéete running ryuer in the Countrie of Italie: which by his propertie, causeth the Oxen drinking thereof, to become through whyte of heare, all the body ouer. Propert. lib. 3.

2. In Boetia, there is a ryuer named Melas, being of such a propertie, that shéepe drinking of ye water of that ryuer, chaunge and beare after black woole.

3. Seneca wryteth of a Well, of such a propertie, that what person drinketh thereof, the heare of the head shall after become yealow of colour.

4. In Libia there is a Well, which at the rysing, and setting of the Sunne, is founde hote: but at noone this Well, is tried most colde, and at midnight verie hote.

5. Seneca wryteth of certayne Welles, being of straunge properties: of which the one and first, is a Well of such a propertie, that who drinketh of the same, doth dye through the mightie poysoning thereof.

The other is a Well of such a propertie, that throwing péeces of woode into the same Well, they after were turned into stones.

He wryteth of an other Well, being of such a propertie, that what persons drink of the water of the same, shall after become starke mad.

An other Well there is, of suche a propertie, that what parsons drinke thereof, it giueth them memorie.

He witnesseth also of an other Well, of such a condition, that by drinking therof, it procureth forgetfulnesse.

6. There is another Well of such a nature, that what persons drinke thereof, become soone after frantick.

7. An other Well there is, of a maruelous propertie, that what persons drinke of the water, it sodainely moueth and stirreth forward, the lust of the body: of which condition, the Well of Salmacis in Caria, is misreported to be: the causes of which are the Herbes, Stones, and Mynes, by which these passe: in which such a hid propertie procured, of so marueylous effects, consisteth.

8. In Egypt, there is a Well of such a propertie, that quencheth light fyrebrands in the same (as reporteth Augustus) they forthwith are put forth: and those quenched, are by the water of the same well kindled.

9. With the black Moores (named Garamantes) is a Well of suche condition, which in the daye time is knowne to bée so colde, that no person can drinke therof: and in the night time, it is founde so hot, that no creature is able to beare or abide the heat o[•] the same.

10. In a certaine learned worke of Cos[•]mographye, is reported, that in the Countrie of Sicilia, was in time past a Well of such a nature: of which when Théeues o[•] robbers had dronke, they immediatly became blinde.

11 In Idumea a region in Siria, ioy[•]ning to Egypt, was a Well in tyme past[•] of such a propertie, that would for thrée Moneths togither appeare troubled, other thrée Moneths founde bloudie, other thrée Moneths séene gréene, and other thrée Moneths knowne and tryed cléere.

10. There was a Well knowne, of such condition, that for sixe howres the same was found full of water, and running ouer, and other sixe howres séene quite empty and dry: the cause of which (as Seneca wytnesseth) is the proportion of the vapour eleuating the waters: and the ebbing and flowing also of the Sea neare by.

11. In the hill named Anthracius, is a Well reported to be, which is noted of such a propertie: that when ye same is found full of water to the brim, that then it pronounceth a firtill yere to insue: but when the same Well is séene verie lowe, and in a maner emptie of water, then foloweth a dearth the same yeare.

12 In Hungarie, is a certaine little riuer or brooke affirmed to be, which is noted of such a propertie, that who casteth yron into the same, it will in short tyme after be chaunged into Copper.

13. Seneca affirmeth, that such a propertie to be in certaine ryuers, which alter flockes of shéepe by drinking thereof, within a short time, in causing those which before bare a black woole, to possesse a whyte, and that those which came thither with a whyte woole, departed after with a black woole on their backes.

14. Theophrastus reporteth, that in Macedonia to be a ryuer of such condition, vnto which, those which be minded to haue their shéepe beare a white woole, bring them to that ryuer, which by that reason, the longer the shéepe drinke thereof, none otherwise, than as they were infected, are they after chaunged.

15. Capadocia is a aryuer of such a propertie, that what beastes drinke sundrie times of the water, the heares of their skirt, become wholy whyte.

16. In Archadia (as Vitruuius reporteth) is a water named Nonacris, which is founde on the hilles, sweating or distilling most colde humours out of the rocke stone, this water gathered, is named also Stygis hydor, which (as by experience the same is founde) neyther a Siluer nor Copper, nor yron vessell can retayne the same, but that this leaketh and soketh through it, so that for his straunge qualitie it is founde by triall, that none other vessell will retaine or kéepe the same water, sauing the hoofe of a Mule.

17. In the Countrie of Sclauonie, is a Well knowne to be of such a propertie, that clothes spreade ouer the Well (being as some report most colde) are burned.

18. In the Iland named Andro, and in the temple of Liberi patris, is a Well of such a propertie, that out of the same in the Nonis of Ianuary, runneth water lyke to Wine in taste.

19. In the hill named Berosus Taurorum, be thrée Welles of such condition, which are without remedie, and without paine of deadly griefe.

20. Isydore affirmeth in his .xiij. Booke, that in Italie is the Well of Cycero, being of such a propertie, that it healeth the clefts and chaps, or other hurts of the eyes.

21. In the Iland named Chio, is there a Well of such condition, that the persons drinking of the water of the same, become soone after, dull of memorie. And the Well of Circus, is noted to be of such a propertie, that such drinking thereof, are after bereft of the desire, of the veneriall act, as certaine wryte.

22. In Aethiopia there is a Well red, the propertie of which, is, that who drinketh of the same, shall soone after become madde.

23. In Archadia there is a Well named Lechnus, the propertie of which is knowne to be, that what person o[•] woman with childe shall drinke of the same, shall not after be delyuered before hir tyme.

24. In the Countrie of Sicilia, are two Welles, of which the one by propertie doth make fruitfull, the barraine: and the other causeth the fruitfull barraine: and these by sundry times drinking of eyther.

25. In the Iland named Sardinia, are hote Welles of that propertie, which perfitely helpe the eyes: yet doe those trie out Théeues, in that their faces be bewrayed, through a blindnesse, caused by them.

26. It is manifest (sayth Seneca) in his booke of the properties of things: that common Welles there be, of such propertie, which chaunge péeces of woode into a ston[•] substaunce: and of such stones (by report[•] are the best whetstones made.

27. In the ryuer of the Countrye of Thrace, and in the Lake Velino, it is reported, that wood throwne into eyther, is soone after couered with a stonie barck.

28. Plynie wryteth, that in the ryuer of Silarus, being a ryuer of Lucania, not only the braunches of trées, but the leaues also throwne into it, are chaunged into stones: but otherwise, is the water wholesome to be drunke.

29. In the Iland named Pontus, there is a riuer that watereth the fertill groundes; in which the shéepe féeding, doe yéelde and féede the people there, with a black milke.

30. In Aethiopia is a Lake, in which bodyes rubbed ouer with it, shine as they were done with Oyle.

31. Of Clitorio (being a Lake in Italie) is such a propertie knowne, that what persons drinke of the water of the Lake, abhorre wine after, by report.

32. In Cappadocia (as reporteth Vitruuius) there is a Lake, into which, if part of a réede shall be put, and the next day taken forth, shall be founde so harde as a stone, but the other part remayning without the water of the Lake, contynuing in his proper estate and condition.

33. Seneca in his seauenth booke wryteth, that there be certaine Lakes, of such condition, which are able to beare vp men, not skilfull in swymming.

34. In Syria also is there a standing water, into which if Tyles be throwne, they doe not sinke, but rather swim aboue, although they be heauier.

35. The Rhene Belgas, deuideth it selfe from the Germaines, and marueylous is the same, which is reported to be wrytten of this ryuer: for they affirme (of the due proofe made) that the Infants of the French women (named Celtoe) dwelling fast by this ryuer, throwne into it, if so be those yonglings were vnlawfully gotten, thys ryuer then would swalowe and let them sincke, as a due reuengement, for the polluting of the chaste bed: but such Infantes in wedlock gotten, and by lawfull order, thys bare to shore in safetie, to the wonder of the beholders: This is reported to be written, in a certaine Epistle of Politianus, vnto Iacobe Cardynall.

36. There is a ryuer in Seythia, running from a great Maryse: which bringeth forth certaine huskes, greater than anye common kernell, out of which doe byrdes with foure féete issue or he hatched, which increasing and waxing strong, doe flie about vntill the after noone: for after the sunne declyning lowe into the West, these byrdes then Waxe leane and féeble, and after the Sunne setting, are they all dead, so that these by due proofe are knowne, not to lyue aboue a day.

37. The ryuer Matronas Celtas, deuydeth it selfe from that riuer Belgas: which for the straunge propertie, greatly to be wondred at, in that ye common sort affirme, that this riuer to be as a destinie, or mighty hazarde of lyfe to manye, for so much thys ryuer daylie purchaseth to it some pray, as hath bene noted of a long tyme, by those dwelling fast by.

38. In the Mountaynes of Modena in Lumbardie, in a place named Mount Zibbius, is there a Well, out of which runneth a lyuely and singuler water, in thys doe men (at this day) gather a mightie quantitie of Oyle, which is knowne of many to be of a miraculous vertue, in that the same worketh so maruailous effects on mans bodye, as in healing al aches, the most griefes and diseases of the body: and in the healing also of woundes and sores, not inferiour to the artificiall Baulme: this of most men named the true Oyle of Peter.

39. In the Countrie of Burgony, there is a certaine burning Lake: in which if a flaming or burning fyrebrande be quenched, the same immediately goeth out, or is quenched, through the moysture consisting in it: and a fyrebrand readie quenched, dipped in this, doth immediatly kindle & burne, through the fierie Brimstonie heate, consisting also in it, which is found hote, and dry, in the fourth degrée.

40. There be certaine waters knowne at this day, which haue the taste of Wine: in that they runne by some swéete iuyce in the earth. As by a like in Paphlagonia, is reported to be a Well of a wynie taste: which causeth the persons drinking of the water, to become soone after dronke. The cause of which dronkennesse is, that the same containeth much of the spirites, of the Brimstonie passages, which on such wise fill the braine of the creatures with sumes▪ And a like to this is reported, that the ryue[•] Lincestius, to haue waters comming to it of such a propertie, that they make persons dronke, euen like Wine.

41. In the Countrie of Boëmia, is a Well of sharpe tast, neare that Citie which they name Bilen, the water of which (the inhabiters thereabout) vse in the morning, in the stéede of burning Wyne, or Aqua vitae.

42. Aristotle also wryteth, that in the Countrie of Sicilia, to be a soower Well, which the poore people vse, in the stéede of Vinigar: as others wytnesse, of the same.

43. In Scythia also some report, that there to be a bitter Well, the water of which running into the ryuer, not farre distaunte, causeth it to taste bitter.

44. Certaine Welles and riuers there be, excéeding hote, especiallye those which issue and runne out, by Brimstonie veynes of the earth, and other hote places: the waters of which, are much pierceing and drying, by reason of the propertie: through which these profite, vnto the drying vp of corrupt and rotten humours, in diseased bodies. And such hote or bathwaters, are at certaine times dronke: that they may supply euacuations and clensings of the body, and reduce it vnto a suit temperatnesse.

Of certaine fyerie impressions, and first of the same, named of most men, the foolish fyre.

THe light going before, and folowing after men in the ayre, especially in the night, doe later wryters report to be the foolishe fyre, in that the same often appéereth to saylers, and men traueyling by lande, as eyther going before, or following them, and maketh a man a foole, by seducing him. This light also is named Helena, when it (as one Candle) is séene or appeareth alone: which besids is reported to be the fyrebrand and pestilence of Saylers: For as Helena brought destruction on Asia and Greece, euen so hath it bene obserued, that when this light hath bene séene alone, to haue caused great daunger to saylers. Yet such fyres oftentimes, are but fantasticall sightes, and méere illusions of spirites, as the Author prooueth, by sundry reasons.

The double light or fyre, appearing lyke two burning Candels, named Castor and Pollux: did the auncient perswade and beléeue, that these promised good luck and a

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

happie iourney to the Saylers, when they appéered togither. And these appeare after the kinde of a fyre, cleauing to the top of the Maste, or on the ends of the Crosse yarde. And the people in auncient tyme thought and accounted these for Gods, if two of them togither, or one alone were séene, of which like, mention is made in the last Chapiter of the Actes of the Apostles. The foolishe fyre, or burning Candell, is an exhalation eleuated vnto the lowest region of the aire, and by the heat there kindled, which whilst it after séeketh to ascend vpward, it is in the meane time depressed, through the colde of the middle region, and appeareth as it were skipping or dauncing, séeking then to fall to lower places: so that of this, it appeareth folowing on waters. In great tempestes also, this eyther cleaueth to the Sayles, or goeth before, or foloweth the ship.

And this is not named the foolishe fyre, of the burning onely, but for the longer continuing, going before, and folowing any person in the ayre. For those two Candels or lightes, are often tymes séene to go before, or to follow men, walking or ryding, especially in the night, and such trauayling on the Sea, not without some terrour or feare.

The foolishe fyre is ingendred of a vapour conglutinated or compact togither in hys partes, which then are kindled: so that not of the clowde méeting it, but of ye vehement beating or smyting togyther of the partes in themselues. And these two Castor and Pollux be ingendred in the lowest region of the ayre, of a fatter fume, vnctuous and inflammable: which through the coldnesse of the night ayre, is so dryuen togither & thickned. The place where the foolishe fyre, doth appéere: is knowne to be oftner (by the report of wryters) in hote places, and Countries. Yet some agrée that this light, is oftner séene in moyst places, and regions. In that out of Marishe, and fumous places, or out of a clammy grounde, the thick and fat exhalation is eleuated, being soone kindled: and according to the proportion of the heat, doth it ascende eyther more or lesse.

Or thus, out of a clammye earth, as in Churchyardes, Kitchines and low valleys, the thicke and fatte substaunce is eleuated, which may soone be kindled: and according to the proportion of the heate, doth this eyther more or lesse ascende.

The substaunce is kindled, through the concourse of two contrarie qualities, which contende in themselues: for the vapour is hote, and the night ayre colde.

The reason why this light or fyre, doth often beguile men, is for that men suppose the same to go before them ryding, or walking on foote: and that it appéereth but a Myle or two distaunte from the walkers on foote: which when the walkers seing, the nighnesse of the light or fyre, and directing their iourney towardes it, not regarding their

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

proper waye, doe manye tymes, by going out of their way, fall into dytches, waters, or déepe pittes, to their great hazard of lyfe: doe perswade and affirme themselues, to be seduced and led out of their way, by the wylie craft and subtiltie of the Deuill.

The reason also why this light, doth both folow, and flie from men, is through the motion of the ayre, which by the walking or running is forced. So that the faster the man runneth towarde it, so much the faster both ye same impression flie from him: but if he runneth from it, then doth it follow him: in that the ayre moued, doth force the same substaunce. An Hystoricall example of this Meteorū, may a man read in Plutarchus, which he affirmeth in the life of Lysander.

The cause of Castor and Pollux, and where these engendred.

THese two Castor and Pollux, appéers like a double fyre, in forme of two burning Candels, caused of the exhalation, or fatter vapour and vnctuous, raysed vnto the lowest region of the ayre in the night, which contending with the night colde, is so kindled, that cleaueth sometimes to the crosse yardes of shippēs, and continuing so long burning, through the thicknesse and fatnesse of it, vntill the substaunce shall be spent. And by a peculiar and vayne superstition, the people in auncient time, supposed and ascribed Castor and Pollux, to be the brethren of Helena: in that when the Saylers and Maryners had obserued these sitting on both the crosse yardes, they supposed and hoped that a more happie course and fortunate successe of the ship to insue, through the help (as they thought) of the two brethren, which they beléeued to delyuer them from perill, and hazard of perishing, and for the same accompted them among the number of the Gods. So that these two appearing togither, were euermore foreshewers of a safe and prosperous course of the ship: in that by the comming of them, they supposed that other threatning impression appéering alone (named Helena) to be driuen awaye. And for the same, they assigned that power to Castor and Pollux: and named them, the Gods of the Sea.

For that impression appéering alone, is knowne to threaten euermore daunger: in that the exhalation as yet compact, can not immediatly be scattered and spent, whereof through the long tariance in sight, and thick substaunce of burning, is the great hazarde of perishing at hande.

But the two lights or candels appéering, doe contrariwise signifie, in that these declare that the thicke substaunce to be in a maner spent, and the tempest which began to aryse broken and quyeted, or brought caulme. So that after the appéeraunce of them, no daunger at all remayneth, but a quiet or caulme Sea rather to ensue.

To conclude, the solitarie lights doe note matter to abound in the ayre, of which the tempests are ingendred. For when ye thick substaunce of the exhalations, and cause of the vntemperatnesse is in a maner spent, then caulmnesse of the Sea insueth. But where the exhalation is ouermuch compact, which immediatly is not scattered, through the long continuance, and the grosse substaunce of burning, there doth it declare a perillous tempest. Wherof Seneca writeth that when in a great tempest, Starres or lightes appeared, as they were cleauing to the Sayle, the Maryners in ieopardie, thought and affirmed themselues then to be holpen, by the power of Castor & Pollux. But the cause of a better hope is, it appéereth euen then that the tempest to be broken, and the winds to cease.

Of the flying Dragon in the ayre, what the same is.

THe flying Dragon, is when a fume kinled appéereth bended, and is in the middle wrythed like the belly of a Dragon: but in the fore part for the narrownesse, it representeth the figure of the neck, from whence the sparkes are breathed or forced

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

forth with the same breathing.

Or thus, the vapour on such wise kindled expelled from a cold clowde, is in the middle bended like the belly of a Dragon, but in the forepart, is the vapor stretched narrow, & representeth the figure of the neck, & from it do sparks as it were by brething issue forth.

The flying Dragon is ingendred of a vapour, not vehemently hote, drawne vp, mightely coagulated, and pressed togither, and placed betwéene a colde & hote clowde: Or thus, this great impression of the ayre, is wrought and caused beneath the middle region, when the exhalation drawne vp, vnequall, not vehemently hote, and stronglye coniealed, the two contrarie clowdes place betwéene: the one a colde clowde expelling the vapour, as contrarie to it, from whence the belly of the Dragon beginneth, the other a hote clowde receyuing it, and through the smalenesse, this expresseth the forme of the neck, and the vttermost or furthest part, nere the colde clowde, appéereth as a taile drawne narrow togither. For the propertie of colde, is to gather or binde hard and narrow togyther. To conclude, the two clowdes doe here concurre, as the hote and cold clowde. For that cause, the exhalation placed in the middle, inclyneth it selfe vnto the hote clowde for the plentie of fyre, and doth in the middle concurre, and is there bended. For the beginning and ende, are néere matched or ioyned to the cold clowde. So that it séemeth in ye beginning to breath smoke forth, through the nighnesse of the moyst clowde. The first part séemeth the grosser or bigger, in that the same is newe kindled, but the furthest part or ende appeareth the straighter or smaller, in that the same is nighe to the quenching out, through which is this bended.

And the reason why, at the vanishing of the Dragon, a smoke is scattered abrode: is for that the hote and burning clowde, contrarie to the colde, procureth a smoke, as the like appéereth in gréene woode burning: or for that the matter scattered, through the colde clowde smoketh. Of the Dragon inuented of the wicked, which they vse in dyuers maners, to purchase them vnlawfull gayne: Phisick of the same, doth here vtter no reason, as that the same is prepared and made of a vapour and exhalation. For well knowne it is, yt their Dragon to be wrought by the pollicie of Deuils, and inchantments of the wicked, as sundrie examples lamentable, doe make manifest at this day. As the like, in the yere. 1532. in manye Countries, were Dragons crowned, séene flying by flocks or companies in the ayre, hauing Swines snowtes: & sometimes were there séene, foure hundred flying togither in a companie.

Of the fire cleauing and hanging on the partes of men, and beastes.

THis impression for troth is prodigious without any Phisicke cause expressing the same, when as the flame or fire compasseth about anye persons heade. And this straunge woonder and sight, doth signifie the royall assaultes of mightie Monarchies, and kinges, the gouernmentes of the Emperie, and other matters worthie memory, of which the Phisicke causes, sufficient can not be demonstrated. Seing then, such fyers or lightes are, as they were counterfets or figures of matters to come: it sufficiently appeareth, that those not rashely to appeare or showe, but by Gods holy will and pleasure sent, that they maye signifie some rare matter to men.

This light doth Virgill write of in the seconde booke of Aeneados, of Ascanius: which had a like flame burning without harme, on his heade. Also Liuius in his first booke, and Valerius Maxi. reporte, of Tullius Seruius a childe, who sléeping on bedde, such a flame appeared on his heade, and burned rounde about the heade without harme, to the woonder of the beholders: which sight pronounced after his ripe age, the comming vnto royall estate.

What is to be thought of the flame or fyre, which cleaueth to the heares of the heade, and to the heares of Beastes.

EXperience witnesseth, that the fyre to cleaue manye times to the heades and eares of beastes, and often times also to the heades, and shoulders of men ryding, and going on Foote. For the exhalations dispearsed by the ayre, cleaue to the heares of horses, and garments of men: which of the lightnesse doe so ascend, and by the heate kindled. Also this is often caused when men and other beastes by a vehemēt and swift motion wax very hote, that the sweate fattie and clammye, is sent forth, which kindled yeldeth this forme. And the like maner in all places (as afore vttered) as eyther in moyst and clammie places, and marishes, in Churchyards, Cloysters, Kitchins, vnder Galosses, valleys, and other places, where many deade bodies are laide, doe such burnings lightes often appeare. The reason is, in that these places, the earth continually breatheth forth fatte flumes, grosse and clammy, which come forth of dead bodyes: and when the fume doth thus continually issue forth: then is the same kindled by the labouring heate or by the smiting togither: euen as out of two flint stones smitten togither, fyre is gotten.

Cardanus in his .14. booke, and .69. Chapter of the varietie of things reporteth, that a certaine friende of his, after his comming home, about an houre past in the night, put of the cloake that he customably ware, from whose backe behinde, sprang sparckes scatteringly, and whiles he remooued, and layde the cloake downe againe, such sparckles lept forth, as before. Who at the sight of these, was stricken with a double feare: and by good reason, for within fiftéene dayes after, was he accused of enimies for the detestable practise of poysoning, and for the same earnestly layde in wayght, to be slaine.

To conclude, it appeareth that such fyres are séene in moyst Kitchins, Sinckes, or Guttours, and where the Orfall of beastes killed are throwne: or in such places, most commonly are woont to be séene. Such fires cleauing, doe marueylously amase the f[•]arfull, Yet not all fires which are séene in the night, are perfite fiers: in that many haue a kinde without a substaunce and heate, as those which are the delusions of the Deuill, well knowne to be the Prince of the world, and flyeth about in the ayre.

Of the fearefull gaping, and deepe opening of the Elements. The definitions.

THis gaping, or large opening of the aire is: when heauen, by a sodaine light of the great exhalation kindeled vnder the Clowdes, is as it were opened.

2 The gaping, is when any space of heauen descendeth, and by a sodaine light of the great exhalation kindeled vnder the Clowdes, as if heauen were opened, appeareth (or that heauen parted a sunder without crack or noise gapeth) and the same part séemeth to throwe or cast forth fire, which sheweth as it were the mightie burning of some place, to the great terror and feare of the beholders: this at the appearaunce, pronounceth drye tempestes to follow.

3 The gaping, is when fyre, as out of heauen parted a sunder, séemeth to fall, cast forth through a thicke clowde.

4 The gaping or wide opening, is when fire out of heauen parted a sunder, séemeth as it were to fall forth of a holow Caue.

A difference betweene the gaping, and deepe opening.

MAny Philosophers doe briefely distinguishe them, on this wise: when the partyng a sunder in heauen is but small, then is the same named a déepe opening. But when the parting in heauen is large, and the déepenesse of the Clowdes great, then is the same named a gaping. So that this Clowde, comming in the middle betwéene, if it shall be small, then is the same named the opening: if great, then the same named the large or wyde gaping.

What the efficient cause is.

THe efficient cause of this gaping is, the onely beames of the Sunne, and the other starres: for it hath drawne to the ayre a light and rare fume, which through his tenuitie or thinnesse, or for the heate forcing within the clowde, or for the agitation of the Clowde néere, is it kindled: euen as the Gunpowder made of brimstone and Nyter, that lighlye taketh, and forciblie burneth.

What the matter, and forme is.

THe matter is an exhalation, thinne and light: which as it is sodainely kindled, euen so doth it sodainely burne. This fume doth lightly take fire, and is scattered.

The formall cause, is that agitation of the fume in the aire, which kindleth it. Although this fume maye heate, by the owne accorde: yet heateth it more when the same flyeth vp vnto the vpper region of the ayre, where lightly it is kindled.

This forme is diuers, according to the diuersity of the matter and place. For when the exhalatiō falleth thorow a thick clowde, the déepenesse in heauen appéereth greater, and the greater truely, when the middle partes of the exhalation are thick, and in the compasse about thin. And lesser it appeareth, when the thicknesse of the middle clowdes is not so much.

Or thus the forme, is an agitation of the exhalation kindeled, which if it fall thorow a thicke clowde, the déepenesse in heauen appéereth the greater. Yea greater, when the middle partes of the exhalation, thicke, and in the compasse about shall be thin: Or otherwise by a thick clowde, the colour black, the gaping shall appéere purple or bloudie. As the lyke purple colour is séene, when the black shall be mixed with a whyte clowde: Or as the sunne sometimes at his rysing is séene, or the fyre in a grosse smoke. Otherwise, the cause of the white colour, is the clearenesse of the ayre, through which the light is séene: for when through a cleare, and not so black a clowde it is fallen, the light then is named, as a flame shyning: Of these may you reade more in Seneca.

What the ende, of the gapings be.

PLynie wryteth, that the Gapings to be foreshewers of mightie perils, not that as causes go before, but for the same go before, that these euils may inuade and come, that is, happen certaine, and for the more part: as be battels, seditions, and infinite like calamities. And such rare sights of the Gapings, and others, often are shewed to vs, yea without Phisick causes, that these may moue christian mindes to repentance. Yet doe many Physically denote at the appearaunce, drie tempests to insue: And this is worthie to be noted, that the Astrologians pronounce battels to arise and come out of the same place, where this gaping is séene. Certaine examples of lyke effect, hapned in our time: as first in the yere. 1529. and in the ninth day of Ianuary, betwéene the hower of nine, & ten of the night, a mighty Gaping was séene throughe Germany, reaching from the East into the North, vnto ye Sommer setting in the West. After which, in the same yere, insued that violent breaking in of the Turkes into Germany.

And the Nystoriographers haue noted the same, that in the time of Tiberius Caesar, a mightie Gaping was séene: after which such a fyre fell to the earth, when Phili[•] king of Macedonie brought Greece in subiection.

Virgill doth account this large Gaping[•] to be among the number of the feareful, to[•]kens: in that the death of the valiant Tur[•]nus, slayne by Aeneas, was by the same foreshewed. The Commentatour vpon th[•] second booke of Plynie wryteth, that an other fearefull Gaping was séene in the yer[•] 1536. and in the sixtene day of December betwéene sixe and seauen of the clock in the night, stretching from the North into the Winter West setting: after which, within a short time ensued but a small lightning, with thunder: so that little harme, succéeded at that time. The Author sawe a terrible Gaping in the East, in the yere .1565. and in the .26. daye of Nöuember, after fiue of the clock in the morning.

How many Rainebowes may be sene togither at one time.

ARistotle, whom Plynie followeth, supposeth that thrée Rainebowes can hardlye be caused, nor more then thrée at anye time, bicause the one is euermore darcker than the other, in suche manner that the thirde reflection is caused the weakest, that it cannot attaine or reach vnto the Sunne. But experience reproueth both Aristotle and Plynie, in that thrée Rainebowes may well appéere or be séene togither: yea more sometimes in this our age haue bene séene, but such accounted for woonders, by which God sheweth to men matters to come, as maye rightly be gessed. And that the same may be, Vitellio also witnesseth: although he may denie any more Rainebowes than two (in speaking Physicallie) that may be séene, differing in the standing of the colours. That is, although thrée Rainebowes shall sometimes appeare, yet more differ not in the standing of the coulours, than two, or two onely haue the extreme colours transposed, in such maner that the vttermost of the inner Rainebow, and the innermost of the outwarder Rainebow, is of a red colour. And contrariwise, the innermost of the inner, and the vttermost of the outwarder, is of a purple colour, the gréene colour alwayes possessing his proper place, that is, the middle.

Whereof many Rainebowes proceede.

THey are caused of the refraction or breaking againe of the Sunne beames, from the clowde made bright and couloured by the first, that is, the inner Rainebow into the néerer clowde. And the beames conioyned with the beames, from the Sunne into the same place falling, doe so imprint or forme newe colours of the Rainebow, in the same maner as the colours are caused in the inner Rainebow. So that this is the cause, why of the outwarder Rainebow, the innermost colour is red, in that the same is nighest to the sight: and for the same cause, that light is sent or appeareth to our eye the clearer. The other colours are caused by a light imprinted or formed in the déeper partes of the Clowde, and so much the more is it mixed of the shadowes, and waterie darknesse. For which cause these doe a little decline vnto a blacknesse.

That three Rainbowes may appeare at one time.

THe first Rainebow is caused, through the refraction of the sunne beames, and [•]his is brightest of all the others.

2 The seconde Rainebow, is the ymage [•]nely of the first, for which cause also it is [•]he weaker: in that the same is caused tho[•]ow the refraction of the beames of the first Rainebow. So that the colours of thys Rainebow appeare in the opposite, or order [••]ght against, vnto the colours of the first [•]ainebow.

3 The third Rainebow is the figure and [•]mage of the second, and this can scarcely be séene, in that the same is caused through the refraction of the second Rainebow. So that the colours of this Rainebow doe appeare in the opposite order vnto the colours of the second Rainebow, and in the lyke order by which the colours of the first Rainebow are séene, for the aboue sayde reason.

Thus in breuitie, thrée Rainebowes may appéere at one time, in that the clowde may be so thicke, that the reflection of beames may the larger stretch forth it selfe.

In what time of the yeare, Rainebow [〈◊〉] for the more part are caused.

PLynie reporteth in his second booke, an[•] 59. Chapiter, that in the Sommer on th[•] South part they are not séene, after th[•] Equinoctiall haruest, at anye hower. I[•] the haruest and Winter, are they especiall[•] engendred vnder the East and West part[•] through the abounding or mightie substanc[•] of the rayne, which the Sunne from ou[•] highest noonestéede descending, occupyin[•] then the Sowtherly halfe of the Zodiak[•] runneth lower, wherby it cannot consu[••] by the proper heate. Contrariwise, in th[•] Sommer are the seldome séene, when as is of lesser substance, then that which may be scattered by the heate of the Sunne, and the Sunne also at that time ascendeth vnto the highest ouer our heads: for which cause the Rainebowe in the Southquarter cannot be séene, as aboue vttered.

Are not the Rainebowes caused through the beames of the other starres.

OF the Moone we haue said, that through hir beames, especiallye of the full, a Rainebow may be caused. And euen lyke in our remembraunce or tyme, as in the yeare of Christ .1523. a night Rainebowe was séene. After which incontinent folowed a conspiracie of the rusticall sort in Alsatia against the Magistrates. In the yere folowing, a commotion of the rusticall sort, in the Dukedome of the noble Prince of Wirterbergensis: An other night Rainbow was séene in the yere .1524. (in which yere) folowed sone after, a most raging and [•]ruell sedition, which grieuously afflicted and spoyled manye partes of Germany: And in the yeare .37. about the ninth houre, [•]n Paulme Sunday at night, being the [•]ext day before the full of the Moone, a like night Rainebowe was obserued and séene of manye. That the Rainebowes are not ingendred, through the beames of the other starres: may apeare, in that such a distance there is of the starres from the earth, that no impression of light can be brought to this dewie vapour. Or thus, their beames through the greatest or furthest distaunce be weaker, then that they maye imprint his light with the small bodyes of the dewie vapour.

Here note, that by the beames of the Moone, especially at the full, a Rainebow[•] may and is wont to be caused, hauing like colours in a maner (as the Sunnes) sauin[•] that the night Rainebow draweth néere[•] vnto a whitenesse, as with intensed colours[•] bicause the darkenesse of the night increa[•]seth the darkenesse of the clowde, throug[•] which the increased light appéereth the wh[••]ter, euen as a fyre or light that is furthe[•] séene in the night tyme, than in the da[•] So that of this Moones Rainebow, is o[•] onely colour, as the whyte, not vnlyke [〈◊〉] mylke, when as the clowde of the nig[••] colde may be ioyned togither, heaped a[•] thickned more, than that the Moones lig[••] can pierce: for which cause, a whytenesse appeareth on the hyghest playnnesse of the same.

Of the windes.

THe winde is an exhalation hote and dry, moued thwartly or laterally about the earth, which for the grauitie of the exhalation can not be caried upwarde, it therefore falleth downewarde, & is ouerthwartly caried. Or the winde is an agitation of a drie vapour, drawne vp into the ayre, by the vertue of the Sunne beames. Or the winde is a thwart agitation of the ayre, through a hote and drie exhalation, which drawne vp by the vertue of the starres, is sent backe and downewarde, through the colde of the middle region, ordeyned by na[•]ure, that through the same motion the ayre may be dryuen, and cleane or pure purged [•]n the breathing: the corne also by it rype[•]ed, and the Arte besides of sayling exer[•]ised amongst men. The matter or sub[•]taunce of the windes, is a hote and dry ex[•]alation, grosse and earthly, forced downe[•]arde through the coldnesse of the middle [•]egion of the ayre, whose note is, in that the winde dryeth.

Certaine properties of the windes.

THe cause why any beast, at the South winde blowing, lesser hungereth: is for that the heate then openeth the powers of the skinne, that the inner hote spirite maye breath forth and be dissolued. Whereof digestion and naturall strength is caused the weaker, and by it bodies filled with a superfluous earthly moysture. And ye cause why the Southwinde, is woont to be vehementer in the night time, than in the daye: is for that the exhalation of thys wynde is so hote, that through the coldnesse of the night, it can not be depressed. So that by the proper heate drawne vp, it ryseth and rageth the vehementer. But in ye day time through the Sunnes heate thinned, and sometimes spent: whereof with such a force, as in the night it can not blowe. The Haruest and Spring, are the aptest tymes of the yeare for the wyndes, seing in those partes of the yeare, manye exhalations are drawne vp, which when of the Sunne beames they can not be spent, through his absence, they then gyue matter to the winds. But in the Sommer and Winter, doe the windes lesser blow: For in the Sommer time, the exhalations are burned by the Sunnes heate, and in the Winter tyme, the powers of the earth, are shut so close or hard togither, thorowe the intensed colde, that no matter can breath forth. And this worthie to be noted and marueyled at, that at the blowing of the North winde, Welles and deepe pittes of water, sende vp more fumes, then at the blowing of the South winde. The cause why the Northerly windes and Southerly doe oftner blowe, but the Easterly and Westerly sildomer: is for that the exhalations drawne vp by the Sunne, and flying the heate of the Sunne, fall vnto the sides. Or otherwise, that in these places they finde a space, and are not consumed or spent by the heate of the Sunne, which is caused in the East and Weast, which places the Sunne occupyeth twise in the daye, and consumeth there the vapours. After when the Sunne departeth into the Northerly signes, he is then higher, than that he can let or hinder the ascending of the exhalations. But when he departeth into the Southerly signes, through his néerenesse vnto the earth, the beames then stretch thwarte, and through this thwartnesse, they be so weake, that they can not waste or spende the exhalations. The cause why the windes at the beginning arise softer, and blow weaker, is for that (as we haue afore taught) of the causes of the thwarte course of the windes. Aristotle vttereth the cause, of the circulare motion of the ayre. For the ayre togither with the swift motion of heauen, is drawen about. So that it is manifest, that all thinges to bée moued togither, which be in it. Seing the exhalation is hote and dry, and through his lightnesse drawne vpwarde, and by the cold of the middle region (so letting) depressed, it can not of this, discende downe right. For thys through his lightnesse, alwayes ascendeth. And caried by a thwart maner, that it can not of the same, descende downe right. For which cause, it must néedes insue, that the winds are caried by a thwart course. The cause of the vehemencie of the windes, is that the breath or winde forced, through the fortitude of the colde, sendeth forth the exhalation. For how mightier the same depresseth the exhalation ascending, so much the stronger doth the same mooue forewarde the ayre. The windes also are caused the vehementer, through the multitude of the exhalation ascending, which with the same descending, is matched or ioyned. For on such wise, the strengthes are increased: and of the same, it muste néedes force the ayre the mightier. The cause why in the great heate, and extreme colde, little winde bloweth: is for that in the same Sea soone the exhalation (the foode of the winds) is then spent by the Sunne: but in this the earth shut with the colde, can not then breath forth fumes. Or playner to wryte, the intensed or mightie heate of the Summer, burneth and wasteth the vapour or exhalation drawne vp, before it may giue or yéelde, matter for the windes. And in the time of the cold winter, through the contrarie cause: the windes lesse blow. For the extreame colde of the winter, shutteth the poores of the earth, that nothing can then breath forth: the cause that winds cease after showers of raine, is for that before the raine, the powers of the earth are opened, out of which, the matter of the windes issueth, which of the raine, especially of the more aboundaunt showers, are then shut togither & stopped, that nothing may more breath forth, wherof the winde must néedes cease. The cause that after the blowing of the North winde, the other windes ceasse: is for that the same winde is colde and drye, which then shutteth the powers of the earth, and letteth the breathing forth, except in the spring tyme. For in the same time, through the order of nature, and the Sunne comming then vnto vs, the earth opening it selfe, subdueth the matter for the more part, with the Northerly winds. And why the windes be oftner colde, is for that the windes, although they be ingendred and procéede of a hote and drie vapour: yet doe they breath colde. The same hapneth or is caused through the farre motion of the ayre, by colde places: euen as by the mouth, the winde or hote breath, farre of moued or extended, cooleth. Why the West winde blowing, the Dogs then euill hunt: is for that it especially confoundeth the ayre, and of all the windes it is the most contynuall or longest lasting, and toucheth especially the earth.

Certaine obseruations of the windes.

MOst marueylous is the highest God, which alone made all thinges, both in heauen and earth, and in the vse of the winds, he would in many maners that the testimonies of his prouidence to be known to vs. For when the earth néedeth watering, it onely not vseth and needeth raine; but the windes to helpe: so that the winde ariseth, by which the clowdes are gathered, that showers may shed, and be sprinckled on the earth, and the earth sufficiently fed. Further that the strengths of the earth quayle not through the raynie superfluousnesse, it needeth with the drying, the Sunne beames, and wyndes agréeable, which taketh vp the vnprofitable moysture, that the same may be dried vp, & that like a spunge (the earth) may soke, drinke in, and digest the raine.

2. It much auayleth the Phisition to cōsider and foreknowe the approching tempestes and windes, the natures and workings of them, agréeable vnto eche places, that he may hereof foresee the sicknesses or disseases publikely kylling in haste, how by Arte he may eyther let and remoue them, or if he can not stay them by his skil, then maye he [•]éeke an apt waye and order for the curing of such sicknesses. Of which matter, maye you reade a like instruction, vttered of Hypocrates, in the tyme of the pestilence.

3. A rednesse about the Sunne & Moone, is a note of windes to insue.

4. Where in the Sommer time, lightnings and thunder happen, there a strong winde shortly after bloweth.

5. In the Haruest and Winter, lightnings doe cease winds: and how mightier the lightnings and thunder are, so much the more doe they cease the windes.

6. Any dreaming of byrdes, the nexte day winde to follow, as some report.

7. In the Wynter, windes about the the morning blow[•] but in the Sommer, about the Euening. In the winter, from the East part, but in the Sommer, from the West.

8. Those temporall North windes in the Sommer, when they shal blow a long tyme togither, and the Haruest is windie, doe declare a caulme Winter to insue.

9. If the Haruest be caulme, the Winter folowing shall be windie.

10. The South winde bloweth, when Virgiliae aryse, that is in the Moneth of May.

11. The North winde bloweth, at the rysing of Orion, which is, the day folowing, after the Dogge starre risen.

12. The South west winde bloweth in the Moneth of February, when that named Fidicula, beginneth to set, and it is confirmed by the rysing of Cinguli Orionis: for after this the earth openeth, and beginneth to sende vp plants.

13. When the Moone is ioyned to Iupiter, as the Astrologians affirme, newe winds are caused: Euen so the Moone running in Cancer, procureth windes. When the Moone commeth vnto Iupiter in Cancer, you shall sée windes to arise without doubt.

14. The Sunne in Capricorno, the Moone in eyther Scorpio, Capricorno, Tauro or Virgine, doe cause most colde windes. The same doth the Sunne moue in Aquarius, when Saturne shall be right against, & that the Moone beholdeth eyther of these. Saturne also retrograde in an earthly signe, seaseth windes. The selfe same, causeth Mars.

15. Windes are wont to blowe for the more part, at the morning and euening: But at noone, for the greater heate of the Sunne, the winds then cease. And lyke at midnight are extinguished, through the extreme coldnesse.

16. When the windes begin from the morning to blow, then doe the windes longer continue.

17. The South winde not beginning, but leauing or ceasing, bringeth a showre. For when out of a hote place the wynde bloweth, the selfe same ayre at the winde beginning, is yet hote.

18. One and the selfe same winde may cause contrarie effectes, as both chiefe and weake, and by it selfe one, and an other by accidence. Euen the like, the East winde from the beginning is drie, but the ending of it is waterie. The North winde by it selfe cooleth: yet by accidence, may it heat▪

19. All mightie windes coole and drie, and procure or cause fayre weather: but th[•] weake windes heate and moystine, and ingender rayne.

20. The longer contynuing and stronger windes are caused, which begin from the daye, than those which beginne in the night.

21. When the North wynde blowing, moueth many clowds, signifieth a drought to folow, or great heate.

22. The Easterly windes be drie, thorow the combustion of ye vapours wrought by the sunne: for which cause, they produce and cause a drougth.

23. The Westerly windes doe moystine, through the grosse vapours, left behinde of the Sunne in the night time.

24. Raine hastily comming, is foreknowne by a great clowde, arysing from that part of the worlde, from which the windes arise or come. And howe much the thicker and greater the clowde shall be, so much the sooner and certayner shall it gyue the testimony of a boysterous raine soone after to follow.

25. The South winde when it bloweth fiercely or sturdilye, and the North winde after beginneth to blowe, is a note of a most great tempest, especially on the Sea.

26. Lightnings with a Northerly wind, doe signifie raine to folow.

27. Thunder with an Easterly or Westerly winde, declare raine, or a mightie tempest to follow.

28. A Northerly yeare (after the minde of the auncient obseruers) is farre better then a Southerly.

29. It is good and profitable, to take a purgation, at the blowing of the South, and East winde. For then are the members soluble and lose, and giue place to medicine: but the North winde blowing, doth then mightily stop, and let the working of a purgation.

30. The auncient in times past, haue obserued the first night of Ianuary, which i[•] the same were cleare wythout rayne, and caulme without winde, promised a fruitfull and prosperous yere to follow. If with an Easterly winde, then was the yeare to come, daungerous to cattle. If wyth a Westerly winde, then was the yere folowing deadly to kings. If with a Southerlye winde, the people dyed that yere folowing. If with a Northerly winde, the yeare to come was knowne barraine, with the scarcitie of victuals.

Of the impressions, named Parelia, and Paraeselinae. The definitions.

PArelius is a thick impression in a clowde, caused at the one side of the Sunne, thorowe the refraction of the Sunne beames, which then representeth the sunnes ymage.

2. Parelius is a dewie clowdie, thicke, whole, placed vnto the one side of the sunne, and representing his similitude and figure. For the clowde nere to the Sunne, and turned into water, in which the Sunne by the broken beame for the dewe thicknesse, and his wholenesse, frameth then a similitude, euen the lyke in a cleare ayre, as the same in a polished Glasse: which ymage thus appearing at the one side, named Parelius.

3. Parelius is an ymage and figure of the Sunne, expressed in a dewie clowde and bright, when the subtill moysture betwéene our sight and the Sunne concurreth, into one bodye of a round equall clowde, and the like fashyoned, standing right afore the sunne, from which the sunne beames are broken open, as from a Glasse vnto the eye: So that these then frame and cause a lyke figure to the sunne.

4. Parelius is an ymage of the sunne, placed by the side in an equal clowde, eyther of the East or West, which is ye cause, why many sunnes sometimes are séene: which truely are caused when a thicker clowde shalbe drawne vnto ye one side of the sunne, in which the Sunne beames broken open, doe leaue the kinde & forme of a true lyght. So that the first figure is, a representation of the perfite and true sunne. But the seconde and thirde is, through the breaking open of the sunne beames, placed in ye clowde on the one side.

5. Parelius is (as affirmed Seneca) a rounde clowde and bright, and lyke to the sunne.

6. Parelia are named to be those, when manye Sunnes are séene to shyne in the clowds, vnder ye East or West: & Parelius is then caused, when a clowde of y• one side of the Sunne, shall be placed eyther of the East, or West, especially equall, and a like thicke, which as a Glasse receaueth and expresseth the ymage or fygure of the sunne. For we sée both in the water, and in a thicker ayre, and in other bodyes, which consist with a light vpper face, and equall, that the matters placed by a iust proportion, to be expressed vnto them, as in a Glasse.

7. Paraselinae be ymages of the Moone, caused by ye refractiō of the Moones beames, in a moyst clowde néere to a light, & equally thick, in which the bodye of the first or true Moone, is the lyke séene, as any other body [•]n a Glasse.

8. Paraselinai are named many Moones, [•]f which onely one is true, the others be [•]ut figures and ymages of the Moone, cau[•]ed by the refraction of the Moones beames [•]n the clowde. For these reflexions are one[•]y caused of the effectuous beame, lyke as is [〈◊〉] the Sunne or Moone.

The efficient cause is the celestiall vertue, [•]nd starrie propertie, that is, the Sunnes [•]nd Moones beames, drawing vp and pre[•]aring a matter, vnto such a figure, that re[••]esented the forme and ymage of the sunne [•]nd Moone. The materiall cause is a thicke [•]owde, equall and regulare, which is pla[••]d by a thwarte maner of the sunne, so that [•]yther aboue, nor beneath him, nor right before him it standeth, but placed at the one side. And this matter thicke and waterie, that the refraction may be caused the better, and this regulare also, that it may the more giue and shewe an vniforme ymage of the sunne. And waterie, that the Sunne may the commodiouser be represented, euen as the like is caused in water. So that ye clowde prudently is placed on the one side, and not vnder the Sunne, nor right against: for if right against, then woulde the same be a Rainebow: if vnder the sunne, then would Halo be caused. And this for the more part is caused, in the East or West, through the disposition of the clowde.

The formall cause, is the refraction of the sunne beames in the clowde, being at the one side, which altogyther as a Glasse receyueth the sunnes beame, and the colour which then is in the sunne, it causeth euen the like to appéere, as when of a light ayre, through his thicknesse, the sight is broken. For the beames falling vnto ye same clowde thus fashioned, and of the same broken vnto the sight, especiallye in that clowde not being ouer thicke, thinne or blacke, doe expresse the ymage of the sunne.

To conclude, when a dewie clowde, or vapourous, is in anye part pierced, then are the Sunne beames gathered in that hole, and by the refraction shed vnto the sight: so that such a brightnesse appéereth, as if the sunne it selfe where séene. For thys Parelius is, as the ymage of the sunne, appearing in a great looking Glasse. And hereof it is, that manye sunnes sometimes are sayde to appeare togither, as two or thrée. So that the first is the figure of the sunne it selfe; the second and third consisteth through the breaking of the sunne beames, in the clowde placed on the one side: by which, thrée sunnes or more, are oftentimes séene. As the like by experience was obserued, that the king of Polelande sawe togyther sixe sunnes, after which folowed, that Fraunces the French king was taken prisoner for the tyme.

The similitude.

AS the drie exhalation, and that vehemently hote, in pierting the vpper region of the kindled starre, doth represent a [•]orme and sphericall figure, through the farlesse: euen so a strong and mightie vapour flying into the highest of the middle ayre, giueth the forme of the sunne, and causeth a circle to appéere.

The ende and effect of these.

THe finall cause Phisick, or the materiall effect of Pareliorum, is the foreshewing, signifying, and pronouncing of rayne to come, abounding of a moyst matter. For they signifie that the ayre to contayne much matter or substaunce of showers, especially if Parelia shall be placed in the South region of heauen. For the greatest clowds hereof waxe ouercharged, in that the South ayre is better and sooner chaunged into water, than the North ayre.

But to the Diuines or Theologically, these many tymes por[•]ende and foreshewe feareful and straunge matters, so that they be often in doubt, what will follow, except anye by hap woulde make a coniecture of them. For as all celestiall impressions in a maner, haue a certaine hid or secret signification in nature, which is not materiall euen so doe Parelij alwayes portende som[•] singuler will and effect deuine, to be looked for: so that many sunnes are sildome séene but that eyther conspiracies be attempted, or the alteration of kingdomes, or some new matters laboured about the subuersion, and dispos[•]ng in religion.

To conclude, the cause of these is so secret and diuine, that the great conspiracies of Monarchies, the dissentions of Kings and Princes, and the fearefull vprores and commotions of other Empyries, ciuill battels, and other lamentable matters to men, are wreshewed by such impressions.

Certaine examples of these.

IN the yeare of our Lorde. 1157. in the Moneth of September, were thrée sunnes togyther séene, the skie then being verie cléere, and within a fewe dayes after of the same moneth, thrée Moones were séene, and in that moone also possessing ye middle place, a whyte crosse was séene. After which a great discorde folowed among the Cardynals, in the election of their highe Byshop, and a lyke controuersie among the Princes electours, in the election of the Emperour of Rome.

In the reigne of Henry the seconde king of Englande, and in the Calends of October, for thrée howres almost, were séene thrée circles about the Sunne, after which, vanished awaye, two sunnes séemed to appeere. After this sight insued a discorde, betweene the king and the Archebishop of Caunterburie. And Frederick Emperour besseged Mylayne, for seauen yeres almost, and in the ende sacked and spoyled the Citie lamentably.

In the yere. 1169. thrée sunnes were séene in the West, in the Nonis of September, and after two houres, two of them vanished, the same which possessed the middle, did set alone in the Weste, and in the lyke maner, ye next yere folowing, thrée Moones appeared.

In the yere. 1314. before the ciuill battle of Lewys of Bauare, and Frederick of Austrige, which contended and fought for the Empyrie, thrée [•]unnes were séene in heauen, and a discention also of the electours▪ and other attempts folowed.

In the yere of our Lord. 1469. at Rome were thrée sunnes séene, after which an vprore of the Citizens folowed. And the sam[•] yeare a battle fought in Italie, Frannce[•] Duke of Mylayne dyed, and for the segni[•]ritie many contended by great conspiracies.

In the yeare. 1492. after the middle of December, in Polelande were thrée sunnes séene at noone: after which Vladislaus king of Hungarie, ouercame Maximilian: and Casimirus king of Polelande, left his lyfe or dyed thys yeare: before whose death a Comete went, which appéered for two Moneths togither after the sunne setting.

In the yeare. 1514. in the tenth day of Ianuarye, and seauentéene of March, thrée sunnes were séene in heauen, of which the middle was greatest, and in the eleuenth of Ianuary and seauentéenth of March, thrée Moones were like séene: in the same yeare the Sweueland men stirred an vprore, agaynst the Duke of Wirtenbergensis, which much vexed hym. And aboue. 40. thousande Moscouites, were slayne of the Polanes, by the ryuer Boristhenes.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1523. at Tigurie in Helueria, in the sixt Nonas of May, thrée sunnes were séene togyther, and sundrie circles séene togither in heauen: after which in the same yeare, folowed a reformation of Churches, with the casting forth of Idols, instituted and stablyshed at Tigurie. In Holland the same yeare, a great commotion attempted.

In the yere. 1525. before the death of Lewes king of Hungarie, in Hungarie were séene thrée sunnes, which without doubt signified, y• thrée kings should contende for the Emperie, as Ferdinandus, Duke Iohn of Saxonie, and the great Lurke.

In the yeare. 1527. in Sweueland, thrée sunnes, and sundrie celestiall circles were séene.

In the yere. 1528. and in the seauentéene day of Iune, at Tigurie manye sunnes were séene, and about them thrée circles: in the next yere folowing, a cruel battle fought within the Countrie of Heluetia.

In the yere. 1532. and in the eleuenth day of Aprill, in the seconde houre of the daye, thrée perfite sunnes and bright, with two Rainebowes, were séene to many.

In the yere of our Lorde. 1551. about the Calends of Aprill, in the famous Vniuersitie of Witebergensis, thrée Sunnes wyth sundrie celestiall circles were séene. And in the same yeare, in the. 28. day of February thrée sunnes with diuers circles were séen[•] at Antwarpe.

In the yeare of our Lorde. 1553. on the Saterday before Palme Sunday, in the morning betweene seauen and eyght, thrée sunnes appeared, of which the middle shyned the brighter, and the other two of eyther side, red and bloudie. These being set, and in the night tyme, thrée Moones were séene.

In the yeare. 1554. in Bauaria, and in the borders of the same Countrie, in the Moneth of March, sundrie maner Sunnes were séene, with certaine celestiall circles. At Ingolstadie in Germany, in the sixt day of March, two Sunnes with a Rainebow, betwéene eyght and nine in the forenoone. At Norenberge, in the 23. day of March, about one at after noone, both Sunnes and Arckes appeared togither included wyth christalline circles, for thrée houres togither, with a beame into a iust length extensed.

In the yere. 1555. the tenth day of Februarie, thrée Sunnes were séene, in the yeare 1556. in the thirde Caldends of August, nere Basill, the firmament being cléere, thrée Sunnes were séene togither. In the same yeare, in the sixt daye of December, the singuler learned of the Vniuersitie of Witebergensis, obserued thrée sunnes in the Firmament.

In the yere. 1567. on saint Steuens day, in the tenth houre before noone at Francoforde were thrée sunnes verie bright séene, for an houre and a halfe: of which the one towarde the East, the other towarde the West placed, and a celestiall Bowe in the top of heauen, that turned againe the backe to the thrée sunnes. And in the same yeare were séene againe thrée sunnes, in the fourth daye of Maye, about the seauenth houre at euening.

Of thunder, what the [•]ame is.

THunder is a fearefull noyse in a thicke clowde, which is forced by an exhalation hote and drie, included wythin a clowde, which with a rumbling séeking issue forth, brasteth out b[•] great violence, and on eche side beateth and shaketh the clowde. Plynie reporteth, that it is a noyse caused through the quarter of the compact fyre breaking out of the clowde. Or it may thus be defined, that the thunder is a noyse caused in the clowdes, through the dryuing and smyting of the exhalation vnto the sides of the clowde. Albertus wryteth, that it is the crack and noyse of a drie vapour, issuing forth of a moyst clowde. Seneca in his second booke, of naturall questions, thus defineth thunder: it is a spirite or breath (sayth he) running in the clowdes that causeth the thunder: and after it hath contended wyth the resistant matter brasteth out, which in that running awaye kindleth the fyre. And the variety of the noyses or rumbling of the thunder: is caused of the same: that the clowdes be vnequall, and that they haue as it were certayne hollow places, and are no where whole togither.

The kindes of thunder.

THe thunder is, after two maner or wayes: For the thunder is eyther vehement or great: or else weake or small.

The thunder weake or small, is when an exhalation runneth forth in the clowde[•] and is driuen from side to side without rupture and breaking of the clowde. And this is, after thrée wayes, as crashing, whistling, and blowing.

1. The same crashing, or making a noyse like to the rubbing of a coarde, is caused through the smyting of clowds, which euen then are chaunged into water: and it is like to the noyse, which is heard, in the quenching of a hote burning yron in colde water.

2. The same whistling is, when the exhalation is not yet kindled, nor forted forth, and that the clowdes in thicknesse are not a like equall: so that in diuers partes of them, especially in the thinner, doth the exhalation brast forth. Of which, this whisteling thunder is the like noyse, as is of the winds blowing stronglye through narrow holes: where the vapour not yet forced forwarde by dyuers partes of the clowde, breaketh in the ende through the thinner.

3. The blowing thunder is, when the clowde is so weake, that it can not keepe the exhalation kindled. So that before the vapour is kindled, the same issueth forth without anye vehement noyse, euen lyke the noyse that the Smithes Bellowes cause or make.

The vehement or great thunder is, when the exhalation strongly and vehemently cutteth or breaketh the clowde, through which a fearefull noyse is caused, euen like to the tearing of a broade cloth. And this is, fower maner of wayes: as eyther it is rumbling, eyther breaking or tearing a sunder, eyther violent, or cracking.

1. The same rumbling or making a hydeous noyse is, when the vapour or exhalation shaketh the clowde with a certain rumbling, but medleth not togither. The thunder also is a sounding which maketh a noise▪ lyke to the humming of many men talking in a Cloyster or such like vaulted place: as when the vapour doth so much smite the sides of the clowde, but not cleaueth, and that flame then appeareth, as it were thorow a clothe torne a sunder.

2. The thunder cutting is the same, which first smiteth it, but after cutteth out the clowde, which noyse immediatly sheweth the thwart lightning brasting forth. The violent thunder is the same, which by one inforcement cleaueth the clowde.

3. The thunder cracking or shaking is, when the exhalation kindled, deuydeth the clowde, of which certayne partes issue. This kinde of thunder maketh the lyke noyse, as the cracking of wet woode, burning in the fyre. For it is a vapour kindled and dry, which in the issuing breaketh a sunder the clowde, euen like as air Egge layed on coales that brasteth.

The efficient cause of the thunder, is the sunne working with the other hote starres, as the Astrologians report. For when the Sunne, Iupiter, Mars, and Mercurie, are placed in hote signes, and fete places, especially when Iupiter is ioyned to Mars, by any condition of beames, are woont to cause thunder, and to prepare the matter of them.

The matter of the thunder is a compounde vapour, or an exhalation very hote and drie, conioyned with a moyst vapour. This matter is drawne up by the heate of the sunne, vnto the middle region of the ayre, where it chaungeth into a moyste clowde, or is togyther eleuated wyth a moyst vapour, as affirmeth Aristotle, by which compa[•]ed and thrust togither, in the ende brasteth forth. A question might here be moued, how it hapneth, that thunder is sometimes heard in the ayre, and no clowds appearing. The aunswere is, that the same hap[•]eth, when the exhalation is beaten back[••] by the middle region of the ayre, and kind[••]d, for so much it cleaueth then the aire méeting it, and breaketh open the same, through which it causeth a little or low noise of thunder: euen like the noyse that are heard sometimes in the ayre, after the maner of armed horsemen swift ryding.

What the finall cause of the thunder.

THe finall causes and effects of the thunder, are well wayed and knowne in that the ayre first by the thunder is purged, and the euill vapours consumed, yea the pestilence and other contagiousnesse often clensed and put away.

In the seconde, for that the thunders doe often bring showres with them, through which the earth plentifully yéeldeth.

In the thirde, the almightie God thundereth in the clowdes, to the ende that men may be procured vnto a due reuerence and feare towardes him: and they abashed, and warned of the deuine yre, may heartily repent them, as it is written in the .104. Psalme: at the voyce of the thunder shall the people be afrayde.

In the fourth, that the wicked, obstinàte, and impenitent, which euen like Gyaunts wage battle against heauen, maye be destroyed eyther with lightning, Thunder, Hayle, and such darts of God, as the Historie mencioneth of the people in Egipt, vnto the Mount Synay.

What the colours of the clowdes warne and foreshew in the thunders.

THe clowde in the thunder being whyte, is little or nothing to be feared. For it signifieth the exhalation to be weake, and the great abundance of vapours.

2 The clowde in the thunder being very blacke, pressing the vapour strongly togyther through his thicknesse, sendeth a noyse lightly forth very feareful: especially when the inner fume copious and thicker, can not be broken or deuided a sunder, wythout a great inforcement.

3. The clowde from black waxing red, or being red, procureth a mightier cracke and noyse, than the black clowde. For thys is verie thick, and hath or contayneth much of the fyrie vapour.

4. The clowde with a blackish rednesse waxing gréene, or appearing gréene, is the most perillous of all, and verie much to be feared, if the same consisteth or abydeth directly ouer any Citte or house. This clowde for the rednesse, hath many fyrie vapours: For the blacknesse, an aboundant vapour thickned togither: For the gréenenesse, the mightie aboundance of water. Of these, a mightie and fearefull rumbling, is to be looked for in the ayre.

5. The same clowde, often sheddeth and sendeth downe mightie hayle, and prodigious stories in the lightnings, not wythout most grieuous losse and destruction, both of men, beasts, Cities, and other matters.

The cause why before, and after the thunder, mightie or stormy windes arise, is forhat the hotter and drier part of the exhala[••]n pressed togither of the colde clowde compassing about, which through his drynesse [•]iercing the clowde, and issuing forth, doth [•]ooue the ayre, and causeth the winde. So [•]hat after the clowde broken, and the vapour driuen or sent forth in the ayre: expe[••]ence teacheth, that the windes by a great [••]forcement to be mooued or driuen for[•]arde.

The cause why the verie often thunde[••]gs, threaten the Pestilence most grieuous, and murrayne to beastes, and the corruption also to crescent things which we féede vpon: is for that the corrupt vapours, grosse and clammy, drawne vp with the vapour and exhalation, corrupting the lowest region of the ayre, are shed againe, and infect the ayre.

Cardanus writeth, that those thundrings be daungerous, which contynue about an houre, and they foreshew to that region in which they happen, battailes, and seditions for the more part, and a most great desolation to come.

The daylie experience instructeth vs, that through the thunder vehemently rumbling, and the lightning: both Wyne, and Beere sellars are greatly harmed. For ye Wines lose their colour, and naturall tast, through the fyrie heate, and vertue pierceing, and burning. The Béere, or Ale, also through the mightie noyse, and violent motion, purchaseth an egernesse: by which it is caused lesse apt to be drunke. And although the Sommer heate be the especiall cause, that drinkes, and liquors sowre or be eager: ye the thunder and lightning, procure a sodaine alteration, yea in the Winter Moneths, when the heate by little and little causeth the same. The drinkes and Wines layde in a déepe seller vaulted, receyue lesser harme of the thunder, than those layde a highe in a bourded seller. The Vinters vse plates of yron with salt, or with Flintstones, or with the braunches of the Bay or Walnut trée, and put them on the vessels: when the béere or Ale hath lost the naturall taste, or waxeth sowre, you maye help eche with Phisick and swéete smelling things, & purchase the proper taste of these, as with the roote of the Flower de Luce, the Ginger, the Nutmegge, the Cloues, the Bay berries, and the drie leaues of the same, the Calamus odoratus, the Organy, the Béetes. &c. The Wines sowred, and hauing lost the naturall colour, through the mightie noyse of the thunder, may be recouered both of the colour and proper tast: if [•]o be the Wines shifted into other vessels being well washed, and this decoction, that is, of the Bay leaues, the Myrtill tree, the Fennell, the Iuniper berries, and Orminium, infused before for a tyme in the vessels, and after the drying, the Wines ponred in.

Certaine foreknowledges of thunder.

THe prognosticatings of tempestes, are not onely pleasaunt to be knowne, but right profitable to be learned: as well of husbandmen, as of those trauelling by sea and lande. Of which, onely certayne generall of Thunders, shall here briefely be vttered, that may rightly be applyed.

1. The Sunne in the morning, or at Euening in the Sommer tyme, and vnto these (the haruest beginning, and the spring quite gone) with an accustomed heate shyning: séene also in a hollow and bigge or verie thick clowde, threatneth great thunder to follow.

2. The shootings in the night, out of the foure quarters of the world (a black clowde arysing out of the South) wastingly running, doe eyther foreshew thunder & lightnings to followe, or a mightie comming of windes verie tempestious blowing in that region, and these according to the season of the yere.

3. If a boysterous whirle winde, vehemently blowing, hapneth eyther in the Sommer, the spring, or haruest, that shall lift or take vp strawes, dust, & other things by a sodaine, and the element spred or couered with black clowdes: doth portend thunder, and showres of raine to be at hande.

4. If the Sommer and hote dayes, and those which went before them of the spring, and the haruest dayes that folow, waxe and be hote aboue the season of the yeare: and a Rainebow sheweth it selfe at the Weste (in the going downe of the Sunne) pronosticateth fearefull thunder, & lightnings greatly to be doubted.

5. The morning thunder, and in the Winter time, doth pronounce winde and showers of raine: but the noone tyme thunders, especially foreshew great showers.

6. Thunderings moued and heard in the last houre of the daye (as at Euening) doe eyther demonstrate a mightie tempest of the Sea, or the celestiall yre.

7. In the Sommer, if it lesse thundreth, than lightneth, signifieth raine to insue.

8. The Sommer thundrings, hapning at noone, and at Euening, is a note of raine to folow.

9. If mightily thundring, it then rayneth not, yet doth it shewe raine comming for the more part: and this hapneth according to the condition of the ayre, and season of the yeare.

10. Plynie affirmeth, that if it shal thunder, when Hennes doe sit, that the Egges to perishe: but this generally, doe women (of experience) denie.

11. Hermes, an obseruer of celestiall matters wryteth: that the thunders of Ianuarie, to promise mightie windes, and the aboundaunce of corne. The thundring in February, threatneth the death of manye, and especially of the riche. The thundring in the Moneth of March, portendeth mightie windes, firtylitie, and populare battels. The thunders of Aprill, promise a good and ioyous yere. The thundering in May, thretneth famine and scarcitie. The thunders of Iune, signifie a fruitfull yéelde, and the plentie of victuals. The thunders of Iuly, promise a plentifull increase of victuals, but the scarcitie of fruites. The thundring in August, portendeth a prosperous estate of the common welth, but many diseases and sicknesses. The thunders of September, signifieth firtilitie, but the death of the Nobilitie. The thundring in October, pronounceth mightie windes, with the scarcitie of fruites and victuals. The thunders of Nouember, promise the large increase of corne, and ioy to men. The thunders of December, declare the aboundance of victuals, and agréement of the people. The learned Beda wryteth, that if thunder be first heard, comming out of the East quarter, the same foresheweth before the yere go about or be ended, the great effusion of bloud.

That if thunder first heard out of the West quarter, then mortalitie, and a grieuous plague to insue.

That if thunder be first heard out of the South quarter, threatneth the death of many by shipwrack.

That if thunder be first heard out of the North quarter, doth then portend the death of wicked persons, and the ouerthrowe of many.

Other obseruations of the auncient, that may be vsed of any that will, without superstition, as touching the thunder, may a man further reade, in my booke of the Myrrour of time.

Of that lightning named Fulgur what the same is, and of the others.

IT is an exhalation kindled through the often agitation, like to towe, by which the matter séeketh issue, which yet to the earth falleth not: or the same is, when the onely fyre sheweth: So that the same is caused, when the clowde is thinne, and yéeldeth to the breaking forth of the fyre without noyse. The lyke is that named Fulgetrum, sauing that it sheweth weaker, and of lesser light: although many name the Fulgetrum, to be the often repeatings togither of the fyre, which the lyke are vsuall in Haruest. That flashing much lyke a glistring light, is the same which out of the kindled exhalation aryseth, which by the sides of the clowde is forced and driuen forth. Or it is the sodaine appearance through time, of the subtill vapour and kindled, running along by the ayre, which is discerned, before the thunder be heard: and no marueyle, in that the light is farre swifter than the noyse, and the sight alwayes goeth before the hearing, as by a like in the cutting of timber: yet after nature, is the light the later. For the exhalation hote and drie, is caried into the middle region of the ayre, and before it higher assendeth, of the vapour togither eleuated, and forced into a thick clowde, is the same compassed and included: and when it can delate it selfe no more, through the waterie and colde clowde, it then wandreth about the whole clowde, and séeketh issue forth, which when it findeth not, as disdayning breaketh then the clowde, through which violent breaking forth, is that noyse caused, which we name the thunder: and togither with that motion, in which it wandred by the clowde, and claue the clowde, is the same kindled: and when this sparseth the flame as it were abroad in the ayre, then is it named Fulgur. The difference betwéene the thunder and broade lightning is, that the thunder is the selfe same noyse in the ayre, which the vapour causeth running in the clowde, and séeking issue forth: But the broade lightning is the selfe same fyerie brightnesse, which aryseth of the vapour issued and kindled. For when it contended through the resistaunce, and brake forth, that flying away kindled the fyre. The flashing lightning properly is none other, than a brightnesse of the exhalation kindled, and breaking forth of the clowde, which shyneth abroade in the ayre. But that named Fulgetrum, is a lesser lightning, and darcker flame in the aire. So that the same is named Fulmen or the perillousser lightning, when the whole exhalation kindled is sent downewarde. But that weaker lightning named Fulgur, is when the brightnesse onely of that exhalation kindled, shyneth in the aire. Thus Seneca reporteth, in the first booke of naturall questions. That the clowdes meanely smyting togyther, cause the weake lightnings: but the clowdes smyting togyther by a greater force, cause the violent lightnings. The diuersitie of colours in the lightning, procéedeth of the diuersitie of matter, in that one whiles whyte and cléere, an other whyles yealow and darke, and other whiles red, and fumous or darke it appeareth: euen as the dyuers colours, that are discerned in the clowdes. The whyte and cléere lightning, procéedeth of the subtill and thinne vapour: or of a thinne exhalation, in a clowde ouer waterie, whereof it sustaineth not a vehement heate and burning. Hereof the bodyes, which this toucheth, doth it little or nothing burne, so that more by beame, than by the fyre, doth it harme. This sometymes is profitable to fruites, and a little to the leaues of Trées, if it hapneth in an apt place, and time. The darcke yealow lightning, procéedeth of a thinne and somewhat clammye fume, in which the flame is shyning, and portendeth a vehement heate and perillous fyre, if the same especially be sent downewarde. The red lightning is caused, through a thicke clowde, and the exhalation well fermented or mixed togither, which brasteth forth with a terrible noyse in the swelling ayre. The grosser vapour of this hardly kindled, procureth a verie daungerous flame, which euen through the middle of the raine forceth and worketh his fearefull properties. This lightning many times, setteth cities on fire, and burneth euen into the earth, water not preuayling or able to resist it (such is the mightie force of this celestiall fyre) that so violently and grieuously destroyeth. The fumous and somewhat black lightning, procéedeth of a verie earthly and obscure, yet a matter mightily burning, whose clowde, in that it containeth very much of the viscous moysture, is woont to fabricate or forme a black or yronnie stone, which in ye shot sent forth, burneth hastilye mightie bodyes of trées, and sundrie other most solide matters, without shewe or signe left behinde: yea, these and other matters this cleaueth, destroyeth, and vtterly wasteth. The lightnings in the night, are playner and more apparant, then in the day time, through the Sunnes presence, by whose beames and light aboue the earth, euen great lightnings are hidden in the ayre to be séene. Here note, that many persons are often made blynde, or euer after molested with a dimnesse of sight, which doe looke but with winking eies on the lightnings: much more daungerous thought, to looke on it with open eyes. The fishes, and any maner cattle, smitten with the mightier lightning, is daungerous to eate, in that the fleshe and meate of such are infected with a venimous qualitye, as by triall hath bene obserued.

Of the fearefull and violent lightning.

THis that the Phisitions properly name lightning, is a common name, which is referred and applied vnto euery exhalation, which burning brasteth forth of the clowds. So that the lightning is referred vnto the same exhalation, which thickned and gathered rounde in the middle of the clowde, smyteth or beateth the clowde by a longer space, and through the motion kindled, it at the last cleaueth & breaketh through the clowde, and is sent violently to the earth. For the fyre forced of the clowde, is cast to the earth: euen as the motion caused, in the burning of gréene wood. For that cause is this rightly named lightning, when the fire sent forth of the clowdes, is caried euen vnto the earth, and eyther doth it burne, eyther breake, or hurt somewhat on the earth. The flashing light, and the lightning, doe not differ in the substance, but rather in the forme and maner: for the flashing light is a fyre lightlier kindled, which sparsed vnder the clowdes, higher shyneth in the aire. But the lightning is that exhalation, which when the same is sent forth of the clowde, falleth to the earth. The engendring of the lightning, thus appeareth: that when the vapour driuen or moued in ye clowde is kindled and brasteth out of the moyst clowde, then moystened agayne and gathered togyther, as it were into a certain Masse, which stirred and moued agayne is so hardened, euen as clay dryed and hardned by the heate of fyre. This Masse on thys wise baked and hardned, is named the lightning. So that the same is ingendred of a thicke vapour, dry and viscouse, which is gathered rounde togyther of the colde vapours, and breaking forth by great force and noyse, and discending euen to the earth, cleaueth, ouerthroweth, windeth about, scattereth into manye partes, yea destroyeth and consumeth by diuers meanes, bodyes there found hard and solyde, through the motion, light, and blast. Howe many kindes of lightning there are, can hardly be vttered, in that the nature of the lightning is so dyuers and marueylous, through which a sufficient reason of the same can scarcely be giuen. Yet marueylous are the workes of lightnings, if a man well consider them: and nothing to be doubted at, but that a secret and diuine power consisteth in them. Also certaine it is, that the lightnings not to procéede or come by hap, nor onely caused through the motion of the matter, in that these sometimes are caused and sent downe by the almightie God gouerning, nor such can be applyed vnto natural causes, in that they often foreshew some euill, and cal men to repentaunce. Yet is their studie to be commended, which (after the possibilitie of mans nature) haue diligently sought out, the causes of these matters. To be briefe, Aristotle, Plynie, Seneca, and others, doe make thrée differences of lightnings, and these, according to the diuersitie of the matter and effect, vnto which al the other kinds may be referred and reduced. For the one kinde is cutting a sunder, an other making swartishe, and the thirde burning: or there is one astonishing or causing stiffe, an other blacke burning or fumous, and an other cléere or flaming.

1. The lightnings cutting, are those: which doe not burne, but doe pierce and part in sunder things resisting, through the qualitie of the matter, of which consist, the great drowte and plentie of windes and spirites, which they violently take wyth them. For these breake and part into small péeces the obiect matter, before that it can be burned of the lightning. In that the vapour is swifter then the lightning. Otherwise is the same named astonishing, not burning, but pierceing and parting into small péeces. For such is the purenesse and thinnesse of the flame, that it maye pierce through most straight places, and for the mightie sturdinesse of the matter, maye especially part into peeces. For the spirite or drie vapour is carted forth of the clowde, with a most swift motion, and thus entred into bodies full of poores and penetrable, it parteth them in péeces. So that this kinde of lyghtning, is named the astonishing lightning, throughe the colde expelled by heat: for that it consisteth of the mightiest vertues, and is of a marueylous nature, and by a most swifte motion also doth the spirite or drie vapour consume all thinges. This burneth man inwarde, and consumeth the bodie to ashes, without harming the garments, it slayeth the yongling in the wombe, without harme to the mother, it consumeth money, the purses remayning whole, it melteth the sworde the sheath being whole, it harmeth the hande the gloue not perished, and the vessell broken, it so astonisheth the wine, that for thrée dayes after, the wine sheddeth or runneth not forth. For the matter of this lightning, is verie subtill, and lightly pierceing the thing striken: so that it burneth those matters which resist it, as stones, yron, and such like. Here note an example, of one Martia an honorable woman of Rome, who being with child, had the yongling striken and kylled of the lightning in hir wombe, and she abode without harme: and if the hystories be true, she escaped after without harme. Eutropius reporteth, that a marueylous kinde of lightning, hapned on the birth day of Cicero, which was on this wise: a certayne Mayden of Rome iourneying into Apulia, was smitten by the way with the stroke of lightning, all the garments shifted from hir body without cutting a sunder, and both the Tyre and knittings on the breast, legges, and féete consumed, the Bracelets, Kings, and other ornamentes molten, so that shée lay naked on the grounde, the body not harmed. And the horse with the same slayne, lay bare, hauing neyther brydle, saddle, nor no furnyture on hym. &c.

2. The lightning making swartishe, is the same which burneth not, but for the paucytie and thinnesse of matter onely maketh swartishe or darke browne the resistaunt matters, euen like the smoked partes couloured of fyre, that can not burne. Otherwise is the same named blackishe to smoke: in that all thinges which this smyteth both wythin and without, it maketh blackishe, euen like soote of a small time made, and leaueth behinde a shew & note of a fyrie smoke, and for the ouermuch subtilnesse and thynnesse, it flyeth out and pierceth, before that it can burne the resistaunt matter. As may euidently appéere by the vines, trées, corne, and herbes, blasted with this lightning.

3. The lightning burning, is the same which hauing much of the earthly matter, when it is sent downe, striketh and entreth into the thinner bodyes, and smyting into solyde bodyes forthwith dissolueth, destroyeth and wasteth, whose force for troth is to be marueyled at. Otherwise is the same reported to be cléere and flaming. This lightning is diuersly caused: For the matter otherwise of the lightning, hath verie much of the earthly and viscous matter. For which cause it burneth the resistaunt matters, especially if of the same substaunce, which may be burned, they consist, and imprinteth or sheweth the notes of burning: yet the matter sometimes of the lightning, consisteth of the vapours, verie subtill and impure. Hereof the bodyes thinne and hauing poores, this entereth without any note or shewe of hurte, and corrupteth the inner members: and the solyde bodyes resisting, doth it part into péeces, & consumeth them. So that this slayeth a man, or anye lyuing beast, wythout any wounde appearing, or note of hurt. And this also melteth the golde or siluer in mens purses, the purses remayning vnperished. Albertus magnus applyeth vnto the lightnings of this kinde, the depriuing of sight, and the swelling of the face. For so much as we often sée men beholding the lightnings become blynde: yea and the face by that meanes so swollen, that a man can hardly knowe after the person. The same is caused through the thinnesse, and porositie of our skinne and eyes, which lightly receiue the subtil vapour, so that this corrupteth the radicall moysture of the face, and swelleth the face, and dryeth also the radicall moysture of the eyes, through which dryed, blindnesse of necessitie must insue.

In what time of the yere, the lightnings oftner happen, is here vttered: For the sightnings in Winter sildome appeare to vs, and the reason (as Plynie reporteth) is in that the materiall cause is not so copious, as in other times the same is woont to be: for in the Winter tyme the exhalation is onely moyst and colde, which gathered into the clowdes, receyueth a verie hote force, and although the same shall not be perceyued, yet is it sodainely extinguished through the force of the colde. Further, euery vapour of the earth, is stiffe and verie colde: For which cause in Scythia, and in the Countries farther North (it is to be supposed) that it sildome lightneth. And in Sommer, in the hotter Countries, fewe lightnings are cau[•]sed: for that in the Sommer, the exhalatio[•] is onely hote and dry, which in no maner (o[•] verie hardly) can be gathered and thickne[•] into a clowde. Whereof in Aethiopia, [••]gypt, and in the Countries vnder the Tr[••]pick of Cancer, for the excéeding heat, ligh[••]ning doe sildome happen. But with vs i[•] the Sommer time, dwelling Northward[•] lightnings are oftner caused, in that the heate of sommer is not so great, that it can consume all the matter or substaunce of the clowdes. Euen so in the meane seasons of the yere, as in the spring time, and haruest, lightnings are oftner caused: in that the constitution of these seasons, ministreth to the ayre much matter, as wel dry, as moyst.

The cause why man or beast is so slayne, that no token of the hurt or wounde appeareth: is for that the force and subtilnesse of the kindled vapour, by which at a [〈◊〉] pierceth through the skinne, and penetrable fleshe, through out porouse, and blasteth the vitall members with a pestilent poyson, and wyth the venymous qualitie and vertue (which all lightnings are named to haue) it slayeth. The same may verie well be applyed vnto the foote hurt, and the shooe not perished, and to the sap of trées corrupted, the trée remayning whole, without any corruption of the woode.

The cause why money is so molten with the lightning, the purse or money bagge remayning whole, and the sworde in like maner, the sheath abyding vnperished: is for that these bodies are porouse, which lightly yéelde to the mighty spirite, and subtill lightning vapour, in which if such a mighty force of striking be, through the great violence, it then parteth into small péeces the resistaunt and harde bodyes: if such a force of burning, it then melteth. Such is the violence of this, that it throweth downe pinnacles of stone, yea Towers most stronglye wrought, and other buyldings, mightie stones also it parteth in péeces, & such matters which haue anye resistaunce and hardnesse in them, this ouerthroweth.

The cause why lightnings often smyte most highe places, as stéeples, towers, and among trées, the high Oke in especiall, and highe Mountaynes: is for that such which be the higher, are the more open to iniuries of the clowdes in the ayre, and by the course running here and there, these bodies in the waye resisting, happen to be striken and spoyled. And euerye agent mightier worketh néere hand, then that which by a great space is distaunt. The other cause deuine is, in that euill spirits dwelling in the ayre, doe often stirre vp and cause (through Gods suffraunce) cruell tempestes, and spoyle lyke places, by Gods due vengeaunce.

The cause why nettes lying in the water, may be burned of the lightning: is for that the flame of the same, hath much of the Brimstonie and viscous matter, so that fallen into water it may burne, the same hauing attayned the due matter. And the same doe our Artificers proue in Gunpowder, of which the whole Arte insueth the celestiall lightnings. And the lyke in a maner, may a man sée in lyme, which through the powring vpon of water, waxeth hote and is kindled.

The cause why the lightning cutteth or parteth a vessell in péeces, or is burnt with the lightning, the Wyne remayning whole togither for a certaine space, as if the same were coagulated: is through the lightning, which hath verye much of the Brimstonie substance and viscositie in it, which by piercing into the whole substance of the Wine is sparsed: hereof through the heate, what soeuer is fast holding, is forced and sent into the furthest extending of the Wine, & both dryed and boyled agayne, through the fyrie spirite of the lightning, that worketh a certaine skinne, which stayeth the Wine from running forth, for a certaine time, and the same as it were with a skinne compassed about retayneth. So that these miraculously are caused by one inforcement, and as it were in a moment. The same iudgement, may be vttered of the others lyke.

What the lightning Dart is.

THe same is the stone of the lightning, as the later wryters report, which sometimes in wedge forine, sometimes rounde, and sometimes in piller forme, falleth with a mightie force into the earth, and both cleaueth, scattreth, destroyeth, and burneth the resistaunt bodyes and matters.

The manner of the ingendring of the Stone.

THe vapour of the lightning is drye, and sometimes somewhat clammy, of a certayne Metallyne matter, earthly and thick, which through the much motion and diuers agitation falling into a moyst clowde, is conglutynated (euen like meale tempered with water, and baked) and in the ende hardned into a solyde yronnie, or stonnie Masse, euen lyke potters clay, baked into a stone.

This exhalation aswell flashing forth of the clowdes, as the lightning, consisting for the more part in a gréene or black clowde bigge swollen, with a certayne clammye matter, gathered rounde through the colde moysture shed about of the clowde, and a most sharpe heate folowing, procured of the Sunne and starres, also through the motion and colde expelled, is the same hardned into a solyde and stonie bodye, in the lyke order as the baked Tyles, which framed before of moyst and soft clay, are after through dryed and baked harde as a stone of the burning fyre, in the proper Tyle fornace. And the same Darte of the lightning is sharpned at the neather ende, in that the moysture mixed with the dryeth, searching to issue tendeth downewarde, and of the same is there formed sharpe, but the dry substaunce is in the vpper part gathered and framed rounde, as the thicker in forme. And this darte oftentimes in the lightnings, worketh heauy and lamentable haps on the earth. The thinges which sildome or neuer, are striken wyth lightning, be the Egle, the Bay trée, and Seale, insomuch that a Garland of the Bay trée worne, defendeth the person from lightning, as the auncient report. The Sellers, vaultes, or the verie déepe places vnder the earth, are thought to auayle against the lightning. In that the auncient affirme, that the lightnings enter not aboue fiue foote into the earth. Of this (Augustus Caesar) as Hystories report, when a tempest of thunder, and lightning hapned, he then hasted into a déepe vault vnder the earth. Here note, that no lightning is wyth out fyre. For fyrie it is named, in that the same imprinteth and sheweth manifest signes of fire in the burning, scorching, & making swart. Also a venymous beast striken with the lightning, they saye to lose the poyson, or to be purged of the poyson: but the lightning stryking a beast not venymous, poysoneth the same, and this hapneth, in that of the same doing, dyuers effectes are sometimes caused, by reason of the matter otherwise disposed. Euen as it appeareth of a certaine winde, putting out one Candell, and kindling or lightning an other.

Of the marueylous force, nature, and miracles, of the lightnings.

THe lightning receaueth and hath a dyuers nature and effect, in that it cutteth, cleaueth, burneth, and s[•]ayeth beastes with the touching, it sometymes hapning venymous, burneth the hard, and pierceth the thinke bodyes, if it shall be without burning, it ingendreth a violent and tempestious winde, in which storme, trées are winded about, houses and other strong buyldings throwne downe, and the Sea mightilye tossed.

2. Certayne is the same, by the report o[•] wryters, that euery thing to be shaken and blasted: before the lightning smyte it, and that no person to be touched, which eyther afore shall sée the lightning, or heare the thunder.

3. When a beast waking is striken with the lightning, being dead hath the eyes fast shut, but striken sléeping, hath the eyes open: and lying on the ground, is turned by it of the other side.

4. The lightning consumeth the sword or meate knife in the sheath, without harme of the sheath. It melteth the money in the purse, as afore vttred: it perisheth the foote, without harme of the shooe. In that it entreth the same, being full of poores, without resistaunce: but about solyde and resisting bodyes, it longer stayeth in consuming them. It sometimes like hurteth the bones, without spot appearing on the fleshe, in that through the weake resistaunce and spéedie pierceing of the fyre, the fleshe is not harmed of it: as maye appeare of the hande, spéedily thrust in and handling the burning flame.

5. The lightning sometimes parteth asunder trées, as if those were clouen with a wedge, without burning, and sometimes staineth and blacketh by the touching, without burning, and sometimes burneth both houses and barnes: the cause of the first, is the vehemencie of the stroke: the cause of the second is the thinnesse, and weakenesse of the exhalation: the cause of the thirde, is the thicknesse of the matter of the exhalation, for that the fyre in the substaunce more thick, doth stronger burne: euen as it may appéere in the yron red hote: but in the matter lesser or not so thicke, it lesser burneth, as may appeare in the Towe.

6. The lightning poysoneth beasts striken, euen like the bit of a Serpent, and mad Dogge: in that the matter of ye same lightning, is Brimstonie and venimous.

7. The same is to be marueyled at, which Seneca reporteth, as that wine vessels to be burned with the lightning (as afore vttered) the wine remayning whole, and not shedding: the wine the whiles, not contayned in any bodye. Also the lightning doth so intoxicate the Wine striken, that the drinkers of it eyther die, or become franticke and madde.

The same is caused, through the infectiue nature of the lightning: and the reason of the astonishing of the Wine, is the hastie alteration, by which the whole clammynesse of the Wine, is drawne forth into the outward vpper face, where, like a thin skin about retayneth the Wine, that the same shed or runne not abroade, for thrée dayes.

8. The lightning striking a person sléeping, doth open the eyes of the sléeper: but of ye person then waking or awake, it shutteth the eyes. The cause of which is, in that the lightning causeth the sléeper to awake, but the person awake, it astonisheth in such maner, that he shall sooner dye, then that he can open the eyes againe for the tyme, as the auncient report.

9. The person stricken and touched with the lightning, doth after turne the head and face towarde the stroke, from whence the lightning came. The cause of this, doth Albertus Magnus here shewe: in that the force of the stroke comming, conuerteth or tourneth the striken bodyes towarde the stroke, and naturall is the same to euerye creature, to turne it selfe toward the harme sodaynely comming, in holding the face towarde it.

10. The lightning sometimes harmeth the yongling in the mothers wombe, the mother remayning vnharmed: the cause of which is the tendernesse of the yongling, and strength of the mother: as by a lyke example afore vttered, of the noble woman Martia of Rome.

11. A dead Serpent stricken wyth lightning becommeth full of wormes, which otherwise hapneth not to it aliue. The cause is, in that through the lightning it is purged of the proper poyson, which also is of an other nature, than the lightning, so that the same then hindereth not the procreation of wormes.

12. The lightning sometymes burneth and consumeth the garments on the bodye, yea the shooes on the féete, manye tymes it onely burneth the heares on the head, without harme of the body, which is caused thorow the weakenesse of the exhalation: But this sometymes killeth a man, without any hurt or marke appearing, or anye signe of burning. The same caused through the subtilnesse of the exhalation, which if the same shall be grosse, leaueth a note of the burning.

13. Such which long looke vp at the lightning, and hold their faces against the lightning, are eyther caused blynde, or swollen in the face, or procured leprous. The same hapneth thorowe the fyre receyued by the poores of the countenaunce and eyes, which like swelleth the face, and dryeth vp the christaline humour, that is cause of the blindnesse.

14. The places of such which are striken and burnt with the lightnings, are caused colder than the other partes of the body: eyther for that the greater heate, draweth away with it the lesser, or else in that by the great violence, the vitall heate is so extinguished quite in those places, by report.

15. Such bodyes striken with the lightning, haue or possesse after a Brimstonie sauour: in that the matter of the lightning is Brimstonie, as the Philosopher Niphus reporteth.

16. This Niphus vttreth that the lightning spéedier burneth solyde and harde bodyes, than the soft: as the same of skill knowne, and many tymes obserued.

17. The thunderbolt sent forth with the lightning, neuer déeper runneth or entreth into the earth than fiue foote, after the opinion of sundrie obseruers.

18. In the yeare. 1553. in the Month of Iuly, in a towne of Germany named Smelunicensis, whyle the people before dinner were at deuine seruice, a mightie light sodaynedly shyned, and a lightning in the same killed two persons, and about thirtie other persons with his force and vehemencie of the exhalation, threwe to the earth, which yet through the goodnesse of God, contrarie to mans iudgement and estimation, were yet preserued aliue: of which also certaine had their garmentes burnt, yet their bodyes vnharmed, by a myracle of God.

19. The Romaynes in times past, diuined and iudged of the lightnings: which if those came from the left part or side of heauen, and returned into the same agayne, they pronounced those to be happy and prosperous. For on such wise Anchyses (after the Romayne maner) prognosticated good luck, if the lightning hapned on the left side. And Cicero in his second booke de Diuinatione, reporteth the same to be good luck in al matters traueyled about, if the lightning shall happen on the left side. But ye Gréekes and Barbarians, iudged the lightninges prosperous, that came on the right side. The Baye trée is sildome harmed with the lightning: which rather of practise, than by reason alowed: for so much as it hath thys repulsiue vertue of the lightning through the inner cause, or of heauen. Of which Tiberius Caesar was woont, in the tempest of lightning, to weare on his head a Garlād of Bayes, supposing hymselfe to be defended thereby.

20. In the yeare. 1551. at Crutzburge a Citie in Germany, a certaine honest man, hauing his house stricken with lightning, sitting then at table eating, perished wyth his Dogge, lying flat at his féete: but an Infant sitting or being néere to the father, nothing at all harmed. The mother of Hieronymus Fracastorius, going with chylde with him, dyed with the stroke of lightning the Infant remayning vnharmed: which wonderfully foreshewed by it, the singular fame of that childe to come.

What an Earthquake is.

AN Earthquake, is a passion or affection of the earth, a breaking forth or trembling, a smyting or agitation, when an exhalation is included in the bowels of the same, séeking a violent issuing forth: in the which, this so smyteth & shaketh the earth. And of the same smiting, is the Earthquake named. Or it is a certaine working, by which the earth is moued, caused especially of winde or drie vapours, inclosed within the hollownesse of the earth, and through the heate of the sunne, and other starres heated and enforced, by which motion and enforcement, this so shaketh, that oftentymes houses, yea whole Cities, and townes, are throwne downe, and suncke with the same, that the sinnes of men may be punished, and others called vnto repentaunce.

How many kindes of Earthquakes there are.

OF the earthquake, whether the same maye happen or no (I beleue no man doubteth) seing Hystories report so manye examples: and experience of late yeares, hath made the same knowne sufficiently to vs. The kindes (to come to the matter) are knowne to be fower principally, which are vttered of Plynie in his second Booke, and 82. Chapiter. Some report more, and some vtter fewer kindes, which through the dyuersitie, the plentie or paucytie of the exhalations, and force of the qualities aryse and are caused. The first kinde is named the falling or shaking downe, the seconde the gaping open, the thirde the trembling, beating or shaking, the fourth the casting vp.

What the ruine is.

THe ruine, falling, or shaking downe, is when much and great store of drye vapour or winde, applying and dryuing by great force into one place, forceth it selfe, and turneth the same sodainly vpsydowne, except the motion spéedily runneth on the other side, which fallen, no more harme insueth. With thys was Smyrna the most noble Citie of the lesser Asia shaken & throwne downe, as appeareth in the Apocalipse, in the first and second Chapiter. And the sonne of God commaunded the Church of Smyrna to wryte this notable comfort: Retayne fayth, and beleeue stedfastlye vnto death, and I shall giue to thee a crowne of lyfe. Seneca nameth it an inclynation, in that the earth leaneth to one side, like a ship. For as a ship leaning vnto one side, is drowned through the mightie waight in it, vnlesse the same waight spéedilye be turned vnto the other side, through which the ship is so restored, & recouered as it were. Euen so with ye great plenty of spirites or winde, it applyeth and driueth vnto one side of the earth, doth in a maner ouerthrowe the same, vnlesse the contrarie part restoreth the part inclyned. Reade Liuius lib. 2. tertia Decadis.

What the Gaping is.

THe gaping, is when the earth rendeth with a large opening, and that a déepe hollownesse appeareth, and the breath or winde mighty and vehement, breaking violently forth, doth on such wise sinke downe, and swallowe vp Townes, and Cities. Or thus, this gaping, is a rending or cleauing of the earth, when the earth sinketh downe, and swaloweth vp Cities, houses, townes, and Castels, yea, great hilles, and mightie rockes, with great ryuers, and mightie lakes of water, in such maner, that these are neuer after séene. Where this swalloweth vp any buildings, fortresses, or townes, in the places appéere none other, than large and déepe holes or goulfes.

What the Pulsation is.

THe Pulsation, is when the earth (as the same swelling vp) aryseth by force of the windes, that the buildings (in that time) leane from one side to the other (as a Ship on the Sea) and sinketh soone after downe againe: which Aristotle nameth a beating or dryuing vp. Otherwise, is the same named an agitation, shaking, or trembling. Or this otherwise, when with great violence the earth is lifted vp, in such maner that Castels and buyldings through their shaking, appere ready to fall: and the same doth immediatly sinke, and settle downe agayne. Which maner is procured, when the whole force of the spirits laboureth and séeketh an issue vpwards: euen as the kindled Gunpowder, that searcheth way to brast forth: which at the last finding issue to passe causeth the earth swelled vp, to fal and settle agayne in the proper place.

What the fourth kinde is.

THe same is, when a mightie and huge substance of earth (like to a Mountaine) is throwne out of the earth: or when anye part of the earth sincketh déepe downe, thorowe which eyther floodes, lakes, or riuers, or else fires brast forth. This kinde doth Aristotle verie well open, where he vttereth: that the motion of the earth now caused in certaine places, doth not cease, before that winde, which had moued forwarde, to cast vp the earth on a great heigth aboue grounde, and lyke a storme of smoke and ashes issued forth: which like lately hapned by the Sea Heraclea, and before néere the Iland Hiera, which is one of them, which at this day they name Aeolias. For in this, a part of the earth swelled and rose vp with a noyse, into the kinde of a light hill: which at the last breaking a sunder, much winde issued, that sent vp fyre and ashes. This also procureth the ouerflowings of the Sea, when the bottome of the same is raysed and swollen vp, through which, manye Ilandes appeare, that were neuer seene before. The learned Aristotle reporteth, that the Countrie Egypt in time past, was a great Goulfe of the Sea, which through an Earthquake (as it shoulde séeme) procured to be drye lande: and remayning in the same maner, vnto this day: a like reporteth Herodotus.

What the materiall cause is.

THe materiall or effectiue cause neare to the Earthquake, is the exhalation hote and drie, or the winde, engendred and included within the caues or dennes of the earth, which séeking a violent issue, at hys naturall places, breaketh forth of the earth, and causeth in this maner, a violent shaking of the earth. And that the earth of hys proper nature is drie, and prepareth vapours and exhalations, the same in a maner at this day, séemeth a maruell to fewe of any knowledge. For the same is sufficiently knowne, that it is caused by accidence. Yet further, the true cause of the earthquake or trembling of the earth, is the winde or drie vapour, grosse and earthly, included of the earth, and otherwise sent in, or there ingendred: so that manifest it is that such spirites or winde to be ingendred in the earth. For well knowne is this, that the earth of it selfe is drye, but the same moystened with daylie showers of rayne, and the poores shut harde togither, that the exhalation ingendred or conceyued brasteth not forth: and salt or sea waters cause the like, in that these through the saltnesse close or shut the poores of the earth, with which the same is on euerye side compassed, and in a maner swimmeth or runneth ouer it: and after with the beames of the sunne heating, doth ingender a great aboundance of exhalations, which not so much breaketh vp into the ayre, but that within it selfe often retayneth drye spirites or vapours, both grosse and earthly, which cause the Earthquake. This sentence of Plynie of the materiall cause, doe the Philosophers affirme and prooue, that the same through the gathering of the spirites is ingendred, and Aristotle in these coniectures, proueth by a lyke reason, that the Earthquake may so be caused.

The first reason is taken of mans body, in which windy spirites, when in it they are included, are woont to cause a trembling or shaking, where the venting forth could not be caused.

A second reason he gathereth and taketh of the condition of a quyet or caulme ayre and season, when as the tyme is cléere, and a great stilnesse in the night, and at Noone. Here or at that time, the spirites included in the earth, can not breath forth.

A thirde reason, through the plentye of matter, which caused greater in the spring and haruest, than in the other quarters or partes of the yere. Of which, in those tymes for the more part, are Earthquakes caused.

A fourth reason he vttreth of experience, for so much as the same by vse is found, that the agitation not to cease, vntill the whole force of spirites shall haue breathed forth.

The fift and last of the precedent sounde: for the earth causeth a roring or sounde, thorowe the windie spirite met: before the same be smytten & resisted. The selfe same confirmeth the reason of the tyme, and places. For these are caused a little before the Sunne rysing, at what tyme the windes are woont for the more part to arise. In the Equinoctials also, when the greater force of vapours consisteth, than in the Solstices, and through the straight or narrow places, of the Sea, in which straight places, the winde is included: is wont there to be violenter, and séeking the caues or hollow places, doth so smite and shake the earth.

What the formall cause is.

THe formall cause, is the agitation and smyting of the earth: for the drie vapours and windes there included by hys vertue, are lifted or forced vp, séeking issue forth, but when this is no where open, thorowe the passages of the earth stopped, are driuen and sent back warde, with no meane force, through which stryuing the earth in the ende is smitten and shaked. For by the ouermuch heate or colde, is the issue of vapours procured, of which the smyting is caused. A sure & an euident note of this, are the windes in mans bodye included. For those shake euen the whole body, when by force at the last they breake forth: and the lyke is caused in the belching and refting, and in all other agitations of the bodye: of what condition soeuer they be. So that the same, which procureth the winde aboue the earth, and in the clowds thunder: the same causeth a trembling or shaking in the passages of the earth.

Which the obiect or place is of the Earthquake.

THe great Earthquakes are caused in the Sea coastes, where many exhalations may be included. For the Sea entreth into the earth as it were by certayne pypes, and holloweth the same, where after the spirites or windes are ingendred, which when they contende to issue forth, are repelled or driuen back of the Sea floodes, and are on such wise hid againe in the bowels of the earth, which after increased, nor with those séeketh issue, doe then smite against the sides of the earth.

Aristotle reporteth, that the most mightie Earthquakes to be there caused, where the Sea daylie floweth, or the Countrie is spungeous, or the same aboundeth wyth hollow places, caues and déepe dennes. For which cause, he affirmeth that such tremblings to happen oftner about Hellespontus, Achaia, Sicilia, and Euboea, through the Sea running neare by, which as by certaine pypes entreth into these places, and through his coldenesse dryueth inwarde the exhalations. The Countrie of Hollande, and other hollow places, through the multitude of caues, and inwarde holes, rightlye named Holeland, which both the same, and others like, are subiect to this euill.

In places farre from the Sea, are fewer Earthquakes caused: in that ye earth there, is not so hollowed, and the Sea causeth not clifts, nor beating or shaking with the great floods of waters, yet the sounder and faster any grounde of the earth is, so much the more harmed at the shaking: for so much it mightier shutteth in the exhalations, and compelleth an inforcement in the cause.

The Ilands, and the valleys, are sildome molested with the Earthquake: for so much as the partes of the earth in themselfe are pressed togither, and are but a little porouse, so that these cannot enter in.

An earthquake is sildome caused in moyst places, for so much as the moysture hindreth or letteth the exhalation to come vnto strength, of which, the Philosopher reporteth, that in the floodes of the Sea Pontus, a lesse Earthquake to be caused: for so much as the huge sea about, cooleth the exhalations and on such wise letteth them.

In the sandie and grauily places, as are the places Northerly, farre sildomer is an Earthquake caused, yea scarcely any Earthquake at all caused in those places: for so much as the same grounde is a thinner earth, and lesser solyde, nor so thicke compact, and that the fumes ascend by little and little, without force.

How the ingendring is, or of the maner of the ingendring of Earthquakes.

THe Earthquake is caused when the exhalations and vapours included in the caues, and hollowe places or passages of the earth contende togither, and by his nature séeke on highe to breake forth: but through the earth close stopped, not finding way by force shake the same, and cause it to tremble, and in the ende breake forth: so that the earth oftentimes causeth eyther a gaping, or déepe caue, or goulfe, or the same throwne vp on heigth after the maner of a hill or Mountayne: of which great Mountayne[•] happen to be suncke and swallowed vp in a Goulfe: as sundrie lyke we reade in the Hystories: yea great waters and ryuers drunke vp, and the course of waters chaunged, and lande floodes caused in the mayne lande. Or thus, the earth contayneth in it selfe a much exhalation, which it heating conceaueth, through the fierie efficacie and vertue of the Sunne, the Planets, and fixed starres. This spirite, for that the same is subtill, is most apt to be inforced. So that when by it this drie spirite runneth, included within the earth, séeking issue, is so by his force lifted vp, and driuen from one hollownesse into another. Of which this when for the solyde nature of the earth, and stopped passages of the earth, can not issue or passe forth, procureth lightly and soone a trembling in it selfe caused through the beating and driuing back: so that retayned, this strongly moueth and shaketh the earth, or séeking his waye, and the spirite driuen by a narrow body of the earth, laboreth with a most strong contention. For into the proper and naturall place this contendeth to flie, which through the mightie stopping letted of the compact earth, is the same driuen backe into the earth: which at the length laboureth to issue, causing the same to tremble: and casteth vp the earth▪ (in the breaking forth) like to a hill, vntil it be issued: yea this sometimes cleaueth the same, and openeth it in the issuing forth at two sides. Aristotle vttereth other notes, for after the earth beaten vp, he reporteth that great windes to breath and flie vp, and that fyre and ashes to be cast forth. So that water not to be the special cause of the earthquake: for the water should otherwise be still, if the same were not blowne and driuen. Nor such a swiftnesse or hastinesse of the trembling coulde be caused, if so much could be procured in the waters swelling, and that the earth could very often breake. But it often breaketh not in the tremblings & shakings of the earth. Yet doth this pronounce the great plentie of vapours included in the caues of the earth, driuen like windes by their force, and agitation sparsed by certain places, which when the same is caused, it instructeth that those places to tremble, thorowe the might of the vapours forced. For it is manifest, that the earth to be full of vapours, & the thundring or rumbling which is heard in the shaking of the earth, is a note of the flying vapours. And for so much as the vapours open the passages of the earth, a water sometimes is shed out of the earth: of which, no such plentie consisteth, or is in the great Mountaynes, that might like smite them.

Howe so great a heape of earth, of so thinne and light a body as the winde, may be cast vp, doth the Philosopher Aristotle here vtter by a similitude, as in our bodies spirites included, are cause of the tremblings or shakings and beating of the pulses: euen so hapneth in the same earth, when a great force of the vapours gathered, mooue and shake it wyth their force.

What the finall causes are.

THe finall cause of an Earthquake, is the signification verie sad & heauie, of matters and haps to come, as of battels, landfloodes, mutation of Emperies, the dearth of victuals. &c. For the Earthquakes alwayes pronounce great calamities, as Plynie witnesseth, where he reporteth, that the Citie of Rome neuer trembled, but that the same was a foreshewe of some happe to come or insue: so that the Romanes curiously obserued the Earthquakes: as ye same is manifest, in their Hystories. Of the earthquake Cardanus reporteth, that the earth to be cleaued through a vapoure, and not to be doubted, but that the same to prognosticate great sedicions. Yea the great earthquakes denounce eyther a Battayle, or the Plague, or a Tirannicall oppression: these also cause a dearth of corne, and famine. Yet the earthquakes somtimes threaten no other euils, than the ouerthow (of proper Cities and Townes) and destruction or mortalitie of those persons, which dwell in them. These hitherto Cardanus.

The holy Scriptures vtter the same, that in these motions the Lorde God exerciseth, and sheweth his most seuere ire, punishing with these the peoples sinnes, by a iust iudgment, vnlesse they spéedily repent. For it is written in the seconde booke of Kinges, and xxij. Chapter, that the ire of God was mooued, and the earth trembled: for so much as the Lorde God was angrie with them. Euen so before the Turckes tooke Gréece, for thrée, whole dayes togither, the Earthquake shooke the borders néere, bounding, and many buildings fell downe. Before the Peloponesian Battayle, the countrie of Laconia was so fearefully shaken with an Earthquake, that whole townes fell, and much people destroyed, and ouerwhelmed in the fall of them. Eutropius writeth, that in the next yeare after the death of Paule the Apostle, Laodicoea and Colossa were suncke with an Earthquake, in which example both a punishment of the wicked was séene, which contemned Paules doctrine, and a signyfication of calamities to come on Asia bordering néere by, and of the crueltie, which Domitianus exercysed in the same part of the worlde, when he compelled. S. Iohn the Apostle to liue in exile. The like hapned an Earthquake before the death of Theodosius the second, which endured for sixe monethes, and shooke Constantinople, and many other places of Asia. The earth gaping, manye Townes were suncke. The Sca one where flying the gaping suncke and running an other waye on the earth, ouerwhelmed & drowned many townes. These later yeares, were lyke examples seéne in Germanie, after which lamentable alterations insued in the Romaine Empire.

What the effects are.

THese are most lamentable, that through an Earthquake both the sincking and ouerthrow of howses and Cities are caused, as in the time of Tiberius Coesare hapned, where in one night twelue Cities fell with an earthquake. Also perticuler lande floods. For in this agitation of the earth, doth much water sometimes breake forth, when the exhalation being déepe is driuen foorth by a great force: for in that motion is the earth oftentimes dylated, and oftentimes Ilands Cities, and mightie mountaynes, by a mightie gaping suncke and swalowed: and a Region (through the shaking of an Earthquake) be spoyled. Forsomuche as Ilandes Countries, and Hilles, are driuen vp, and caused to appeare, through an earthquake. Yea a gréeuous pestilence, many times ensueth an Earthquake. For so muche as fumes, and venimous vapors, putrified in the bowels of the earth, doe infect the ayre with their rottennesse. And this putrified exhalaion, they name Memphitis, that is, a putried vapour.

Which the signes be of an earthquake.

THe first note, the learned vtter of the Eclipsis, for the region or countrie, vnto which the shadow of the Eclips of the lights (as of the Sunne and Moone) is conuerted or extendeth, is woonte for the more parte, to be subiect to the harme of the earthquake & the same the certayner, if the Eclipse happen in the tayle of the Dragon: which howe muche the greater, and generaller the same shall be, so muche the mightier shall the shaking of the earthquake be: but howe much the smaller, so much the weaker. &c.

2 The second note, doth the Sunne offer and shewe: when for certaine dayes, the Sunne shineth dimme and darcke, without any clowde couering him: and a meruellous calmenesse, with a couldenesse in the morning: and after the Sunne setting (the element being cléere) a thinne clowde is stretched narrowe and a longe by the ayre: hath béene obserued, that an earthquake often to followe.

3 The thirde, a firie clowde, expressing the kinde and forme of a burning piller in the ayre, yeldeth a most true and sure note (as Calistines the Philsopher reporteth) of an Earthquake to ensue.

4 In the fourth, the water in déepe pits and welles, before an Earthquake, is without a manifest cause troubled, and infected with a saltie sauour, or with some other vngratefull smell and taste not naturall, and this through the pestilent exhalations, which long within the earth, haue beene inclosed, and begin somewhat to be sent abroade, as vttered first Pherecides, the instructer of the wise Pythagoras, of whom the learned Plinie mentioneth in his second booke, and 79. Chapter. And the like Cicero, in hys fift booke de Diuinatione.

5 In the fift a marueylous quietnesse and stilnesse of the windes silent in the region of of the earth, subiect to the motion and earthquake, shutte in and inclosed for certayne Monethes afore, as the same obserued by the auncient.

6 In the sixt, by the seas and waues surging, a note may be gathered and learned, which the saylers perceyue vndoubted to insue, when as the sea rageth and beateth without mightie windes procuring the like swelling. And the partes and things within shippes like shake, as buildings on the earth and with a noyse hard vnder the earth, that foreshewe that motion or the earthquake.

7 In the seuenth, a thinne clowde after the maner of a strake or line, very small towarde the setting in the West, long and white, is séene (for the more part) to go before an agitation or trembling of the earth, by which note Anaximander confirmed sometymes to the Lacedemonians for truth their predictions of these matters.

8 In the eight, that Birdes, with many foure footed beastes leaue or forsake the apt places redy to ye shaking of the earth, séeking and abiding in newe places, by which these may so defende them, from the iniurie nere hande, and this so well proued and knowne by obseruations, as witnessed in the bookes of the auncient.

9 In the ninth, the earth neuer trembleth or no earthquake is caused, but when the sea is calme and still, and the ayre so maruellous still that the Foules flying haue not breath nor ayre to beare them in their flight, nor neuer haue, but after windes breathed forth of hollowe vaynes and Ca[•]es of the earth, included before in the same.

10 In the tenth, a fearefull roring, thundring, and hideous sounde like to the crie of men, and a noyse sometimes like to the clittring of harnest men heard in the earth before the earthquake commeth. But it sometimes hapneth, that this great roring or thundring is heard in the earth, & no earthquake at all ensueth, as when the winde without beating and trembling of the earth findeth issue to passe.

11 In the eleuenth, that the Sunne is séene of many, for certaine dayes before, very mistie and dimme of light, as though hée lost his light, or appéered as he were bloudie: which dymnes or lyke sight to our eyes is caused, through lacke of the wind to dissolue and purge this thick and grosse ayre, which at that tyme is inclosed within the bowels of the earth.

12 To these may be added a twelfth note, which is the appearing of a Comet or blasing starre, a tyme before. In these if many notes concurre, the signification is the more certaine. For none of these notes alone is to be considered and taken, that the same may bée sufficient vnto the signifying or foreshewing of an earthquake.

Let this suffise (gentle reader) as touching the marueylous force, and miracles of the lightnings, with the other wonderfull apparitions in the ayre, concluding that these are vttered, part for mans instruction and comfort, and part as warnings, to all christians for the amendment of lyfe, by the fearefull examples manifested in this treatise, not wythout the singular prouidence of God, in the forewarning vs in such maner, of the manye daungers hanging ouer our heades, in these perillous dayes. Thus my intent brought to an ende, in most brie[••] maner, I ende this treatise.

FINIS.

Cite this text

A Contemplation of Mysteries. Imprinted at London, 1574. Hermetic Cloud, https://hermeticcloud.com/library/hill-contemplation-of-mysteries/. Public-domain edition reproduced from the TCP transcription; its gaps and missing figures are marked.

Transcription

Text Creation Partnership, TCP A03363, released under CC0 1.0. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Unreadable characters, unavailable passages and figures absent from the transcription remain marked.