The Hierarchie of the blessed Angells Their Names, orders and Offices; The fall of Lucifer with his Angells; Written by Thos. Heywood |
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Lib. 8. The Arch-Angell. |
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 | The Hierarchie of the blessed Angells |  |
495
Lib. 8. The Arch-Angell.
THE ARGVMENT of the eighth Tractat.
Of
Sathans Wiles and Feats præstigious,
Appeæring wondrous and prodigious,
Confirm'd by Histories far sought.
Of Novels by bad Dæmons wrought:
And first of such is made expression,
That still with Mankinde seeke congression,
(To whose Fall they themselues apply)
Call'd Succubæ and Incubi.
To finde those further we desire,
Of Water, Earth, the Aire, and Fire;
And what their workings be to know,
As well aboue, as here below.
How Authors 'mongst themselues agree,
What Genij and Spectars bee,
Faunes, Syluanes, and Alastores,
Satyres, with others like to these.
With Stories mixt, that grace may win
From such as are not verst therein.
Appeæring wondrous and prodigious,
Confirm'd by Histories far sought.
Of Novels by bad Dæmons wrought:
And first of such is made expression,
That still with Mankinde seeke congression,
(To whose Fall they themselues apply)
Call'd Succubæ and Incubi.
To finde those further we desire,
Of Water, Earth, the Aire, and Fire;
And what their workings be to know,
As well aboue, as here below.
How Authors 'mongst themselues agree,
What Genij and Spectars bee,
Faunes, Syluanes, and Alastores,
Satyres, with others like to these.
With Stories mixt, that grace may win
From such as are not verst therein.
The second Argument.
Michael, whom Sathan durst oppose,Can guard vs from inferior Foes.
Those Sp'rits call'd Dæmons, some haue apprehended,
Are with mens iniuries oft times offended;
And when againe they humbly shall submit,
They are soone pleas'd all quarrels to forget.
They after Diuine worship are ambitious,
And when fond Men grow vainly superstitious,
(As thereto by their ignorance accited)
In their idolatrous Rites th' are much delighted.
To them belongs the Augurs Diuination,
And such coniectures as by th' immolation
Of Beasts are made: whateuer did proceed
From Pythia's raptures, or hath been agreed
To issue from vaine Dreames; all Calculation
By such like signes, came first by th' instigation
Of Dæmons. Homer therefore gaue them stile
Of gods; nor doubted in the selfe same file
To number Iupiter. But we, whose faith
On Gods knowne workes more firme assurance hath,
By sacred Scriptures, title Dæmons those
Who (by him first created) dar'd t'oppose
His Diuine Will, and being ill affected,
Were for their Pride headlong from heav'n dejected.
Some in their fall still hanging in the aire,
And there imprison'd, till they make repaire
To the last dreadfull doome; and such await
Mans frailties hourely to insidiate:
Prone to his hurt, with tympanous pride inflam'd,
Burning with Enuy not to be reclaim'd;
Deceitfull, from bad purpose neuer chang'd,
Impious, and from all justice quite estrang'd;
And with th' inueterat malice in them bred,
Inuading Bodies both aliue and dead.
Are with mens iniuries oft times offended;
And when againe they humbly shall submit,
They are soone pleas'd all quarrels to forget.
496
And when fond Men grow vainly superstitious,
(As thereto by their ignorance accited)
In their idolatrous Rites th' are much delighted.
To them belongs the Augurs Diuination,
And such coniectures as by th' immolation
Of Beasts are made: whateuer did proceed
From Pythia's raptures, or hath been agreed
To issue from vaine Dreames; all Calculation
By such like signes, came first by th' instigation
Of Dæmons. Homer therefore gaue them stile
Of gods; nor doubted in the selfe same file
To number Iupiter. But we, whose faith
On Gods knowne workes more firme assurance hath,
By sacred Scriptures, title Dæmons those
Who (by him first created) dar'd t'oppose
His Diuine Will, and being ill affected,
Were for their Pride headlong from heav'n dejected.
Some in their fall still hanging in the aire,
And there imprison'd, till they make repaire
To the last dreadfull doome; and such await
Mans frailties hourely to insidiate:
Prone to his hurt, with tympanous pride inflam'd,
Burning with Enuy not to be reclaim'd;
Deceitfull, from bad purpose neuer chang'd,
Impious, and from all justice quite estrang'd;
And with th' inueterat malice in them bred,
Inuading Bodies both aliue and dead.
But whatsoeuer war they shall commence
Against vs, whether vnder faire pretence,
Or hostile menace, do well, and not feare;
He that the Soule created, will appeare
In it's defence, and if we boldly fight,
Put their strong forces and themselues to flight.
Against vs, whether vnder faire pretence,
Or hostile menace, do well, and not feare;
He that the Soule created, will appeare
In it's defence, and if we boldly fight,
Put their strong forces and themselues to flight.
Plato, acknowledged one God alone;
The rest, whom others in the heav'ns inthrone,
He Dæmons calls, and Angels. Thermegist
Doth likewise on one Deitie insist;
And him he names Great, beyond all extension,
Ineffable, not within comprehension.
The other Sp'rits lye vnder Statues hid,
And Images, whose worship is forbid:
And these the breasts of liuing Priests inspire,
And from the Intrals (e're they touch the fire)
Pronounce strange Omens. These the Birds flights guide,
And mannage such things as by Lots are tryde:
The doubtfull Oracles they lend a tongue,
Prounouncing Truths with Lies, Lies Truths among,
Confounding them: all things obvolved leaue,
(Deceiv'd themselues, they others would deceiue.)
They waking trouble vs, molest our sleepe;
And if vpon our selues no watch we keepe,
Our bodies enter, then distract our braine,
They crampe our members, make vs to complaine
Of sickenesse or disease, and in strange fashion
They cause vs to exceed in Ioy or Passion:
And making vs one vniuersall wound,
Pretend to loose what they before had bound;
When as the wonder-seeming remedie
Is onely their surcease from injurie.
For all their study, practise, and delight,
Is but to moue vs to proue opposite
To the Creator, as themselues haue bin,
That, guilty of the same rebellious sin,
By their accitements being made impure,
We with them might like punishment endure.
The rest, whom others in the heav'ns inthrone,
He Dæmons calls, and Angels. Thermegist
Doth likewise on one Deitie insist;
And him he names Great, beyond all extension,
Ineffable, not within comprehension.
The other Sp'rits lye vnder Statues hid,
And Images, whose worship is forbid:
And these the breasts of liuing Priests inspire,
And from the Intrals (e're they touch the fire)
497
And mannage such things as by Lots are tryde:
The doubtfull Oracles they lend a tongue,
Prounouncing Truths with Lies, Lies Truths among,
Confounding them: all things obvolved leaue,
(Deceiv'd themselues, they others would deceiue.)
They waking trouble vs, molest our sleepe;
And if vpon our selues no watch we keepe,
Our bodies enter, then distract our braine,
They crampe our members, make vs to complaine
Of sickenesse or disease, and in strange fashion
They cause vs to exceed in Ioy or Passion:
And making vs one vniuersall wound,
Pretend to loose what they before had bound;
When as the wonder-seeming remedie
Is onely their surcease from injurie.
For all their study, practise, and delight,
Is but to moue vs to proue opposite
To the Creator, as themselues haue bin,
That, guilty of the same rebellious sin,
By their accitements being made impure,
We with them might like punishment endure.
Let's heare how Apuleius doth define them;
(Saith he) these proper adjuncts we assigne them,
Of a thin Airy body they exist,
And therefore can shift places as they list;
Of rational apprehension, passiue minde,
Eternall, and no end can therefore finde.
Another writes, These Spirits are much joy'd
At Bloud-shed, when man is by man destroy'd.
At riotous Feasts they 'bout the tables stalke,
Prouoking to vaine words and obscene talke,
Persuading Man in his owne strength to trust;
Deuise Confections that stirre vp to lust:
And when their pow'r on any Wretch hath seis'd,
Persuade, That with the sin God's not displeas'd.
Th' assume the shape of such as are deceast,
And couet to be counted gods at least.
(Saith he) these proper adjuncts we assigne them,
Of a thin Airy body they exist,
And therefore can shift places as they list;
Of rational apprehension, passiue minde,
Eternall, and no end can therefore finde.
Another writes, These Spirits are much joy'd
At Bloud-shed, when man is by man destroy'd.
At riotous Feasts they 'bout the tables stalke,
Prouoking to vaine words and obscene talke,
Persuading Man in his owne strength to trust;
Deuise Confections that stirre vp to lust:
And when their pow'r on any Wretch hath seis'd,
Persuade, That with the sin God's not displeas'd.
Th' assume the shape of such as are deceast,
And couet to be counted gods at least.
Surcharg'd with joy these are not, to behold
When troubles and afflictions manifold
Pursue the Saints of God, and his Elect;
As hauing in themselues a cleare inspect,
By persecution, such, and tribulation,
Are lab'ring in the path to their saluation.
But when they finde our hearts obdure and hard,
To Pietie and Goodnesse vnprepar'd;
Or when they see vs deviat and erre,
And before Vertue, Vanitie preferre,
Then are they merry, they clap hands and shout,
As hauing then their purpose brought about.
The Hunter hauing caught vs in the Toile,
Seiseth his prey, and triumphs in the spoile.
We do not reade, That Sathan did once boast
When patient Iob had all his substance lost,
Nor seeing (by th' aduantage he had tane)
His Sonnes and Daughters by a Whirle-winde slaine;
When hauing lost all, he could lose no more,
And now from head to heele was but one fore:
Not all this mov'd him. Had he made reply
To her that bad him to curse God and dye,
By vtt'ring any syllable prophane,
Then he and his would haue rejoc'd amaine.
When troubles and afflictions manifold
Pursue the Saints of God, and his Elect;
As hauing in themselues a cleare inspect,
By persecution, such, and tribulation,
Are lab'ring in the path to their saluation.
498
To Pietie and Goodnesse vnprepar'd;
Or when they see vs deviat and erre,
And before Vertue, Vanitie preferre,
Then are they merry, they clap hands and shout,
As hauing then their purpose brought about.
The Hunter hauing caught vs in the Toile,
Seiseth his prey, and triumphs in the spoile.
We do not reade, That Sathan did once boast
When patient Iob had all his substance lost,
Nor seeing (by th' aduantage he had tane)
His Sonnes and Daughters by a Whirle-winde slaine;
When hauing lost all, he could lose no more,
And now from head to heele was but one fore:
Not all this mov'd him. Had he made reply
To her that bad him to curse God and dye,
By vtt'ring any syllable prophane,
Then he and his would haue rejoc'd amaine.
Nor in Pauls thirst or hunger was he pleas'd,
Nor when he was by cruell Lictors seis'd,
And hurry'd to the Gaole, (there gyv'd and bound)
Or shipwrackt, in great perill to be drown'd,
The Barke beneath him bee'ng in pieces torne;
Nor when the bloudy Iewes his death had sworne,
Scourg'd, buffetted, and bandied vp and downe:
They knew this was the way to gaine a Crowne;
To them 't was rather torment worse than Hell,
That in these conflicts he had fought so well.
Who gladly had exulted in the aire,
If they could once haue brought him to despaire.
Nor when he was by cruell Lictors seis'd,
And hurry'd to the Gaole, (there gyv'd and bound)
Or shipwrackt, in great perill to be drown'd,
The Barke beneath him bee'ng in pieces torne;
Nor when the bloudy Iewes his death had sworne,
Scourg'd, buffetted, and bandied vp and downe:
They knew this was the way to gaine a Crowne;
To them 't was rather torment worse than Hell,
That in these conflicts he had fought so well.
Who gladly had exulted in the aire,
If they could once haue brought him to despaire.
Some Sophists held Dæmon the part to be
Of the Soules intellectuall Facultie.
Of the Soules intellectuall Facultie.
We reade th' Apostle thus: The Wisedome wee
Of God, speake to you in a Mysterie:
Ev'n the hid Wisedome which to our saluation
He did ordaine before the Worlds creation.
But to the Princes of this world not showne,
As left to them meere doubtfull and vnknowne:
Which had it been reueal'd to them, they than
Would not haue crucify'd that God and Man,
The Lord of Glory. Some this Text expound.
(Building it seemes on no vncertaine ground)
That by the Princes of this World, he meant
The Dæmons, who of th' Aire haue gouernment,
Call'd Pow'rs and Potestats. It cannot stand
With reason, That the Iewes (without command
Or pow'r within themselues) so styl'd should be,
Bee'ng subiects to the Roman Monarchie.
Neither can properly we make restriction
To Pilat, who had then the jurisdiction
Of Rome in his owne hand, because that hee
Labor'd in all he could to set him free;
Said, he could finde no fault with him. And when,
At th' instance of those bloudy minded men,
He spake that Sentence, (which he would haue stayd)
He call'd for water, and in washing said
Vnto all those that then about him stood,
Lo, I am guiltlesse of this iust. Mans blood.
Of God, speake to you in a Mysterie:
Ev'n the hid Wisedome which to our saluation
He did ordaine before the Worlds creation.
But to the Princes of this world not showne,
As left to them meere doubtfull and vnknowne:
Which had it been reueal'd to them, they than
Would not haue crucify'd that God and Man,
The Lord of Glory. Some this Text expound.
(Building it seemes on no vncertaine ground)
That by the Princes of this World, he meant
The Dæmons, who of th' Aire haue gouernment,
499
With reason, That the Iewes (without command
Or pow'r within themselues) so styl'd should be,
Bee'ng subiects to the Roman Monarchie.
Neither can properly we make restriction
To Pilat, who had then the jurisdiction
Of Rome in his owne hand, because that hee
Labor'd in all he could to set him free;
Said, he could finde no fault with him. And when,
At th' instance of those bloudy minded men,
He spake that Sentence, (which he would haue stayd)
He call'd for water, and in washing said
Vnto all those that then about him stood,
Lo, I am guiltlesse of this iust. Mans blood.
These were the Princes, by whose ignorant pride
The Lord of Glory was condemn'd, and dy'de.
They knew him to be Man, cleane, without spot;
But for the Sonne of God they knew him not.
Had they but knowne his innocent Bloud was shed
To revive those who in their Sinnes lay dead;
And ransome them from their insidiation,
(As being the sole meanes of our Saluation)
Sathan then durst not boldly to haue venter'd,
And into Iudas (call'd Iscariot) enter'd:
For he by finding that, might eas'ly know
'Twould be of his owne Kingdome th' ouerthrow.
The Lord of Glory was condemn'd, and dy'de.
They knew him to be Man, cleane, without spot;
But for the Sonne of God they knew him not.
Had they but knowne his innocent Bloud was shed
To revive those who in their Sinnes lay dead;
And ransome them from their insidiation,
(As being the sole meanes of our Saluation)
Sathan then durst not boldly to haue venter'd,
And into Iudas (call'd Iscariot) enter'd:
For he by finding that, might eas'ly know
'Twould be of his owne Kingdome th' ouerthrow.
Let's heare Prudentius: Of the sincere way,
We may presume God is the Guide and Stay:
There's but one path, through which, whom hee electeth,
(Lest they should wander) he himselfe directeth.
It lies vp a steepe hill that's hard to clime,
And the more difficult, the more sublime.
At the first entrance nothing doth appeare
But what is intricate, horrid, austere,
Sad, and still threatning danger: when thy feet
Hath measur'd it to the end, thou then shalt meet
With all things sweet and pleasant, sights excelling,
And pretious Riches with aboundance swelling.
All objects then shall shew both cleare and bright,
As being luster'd by eternall Light:
Then nothing shall seeme difficult or hard,
But of thy labor thou shalt reape reward.
We may presume God is the Guide and Stay:
There's but one path, through which, whom hee electeth,
(Lest they should wander) he himselfe directeth.
It lies vp a steepe hill that's hard to clime,
And the more difficult, the more sublime.
At the first entrance nothing doth appeare
But what is intricate, horrid, austere,
Sad, and still threatning danger: when thy feet
Hath measur'd it to the end, thou then shalt meet
With all things sweet and pleasant, sights excelling,
And pretious Riches with aboundance swelling.
All objects then shall shew both cleare and bright,
As being luster'd by eternall Light:
Then nothing shall seeme difficult or hard,
But of thy labor thou shalt reape reward.
Yet in thy trauell vp this craggy Hill
Thou shalt finde Sathan at thine elbow still,
Persuading thee a smoother Road to tread,
To which a thousand paths and by-wayes lead;
Through which the bearded Sophist he mis-guides:
The Vsurer there, with vnsuspected strides
Walks merrily; and he whom Honor blindes,
A pleasant journey to destruction findes.
Some by the tongues of Birds he doth allure,
And others by vaine Auguries assure,
By trusting too much to vaine Prophesies,
And the mad Sibils trifling Ambages.
Some he by Magicke spels doth headlong driue;
Others by Knowledge, though demonstratiue.
But take thou heed of this sweet erring way,
In which by thousand turnings thou mayst stray;
Hauing a Guide that teacheth Diuiation,
And turnes thee from the path of thy saluation.
Thou shalt finde Sathan at thine elbow still,
500
To which a thousand paths and by-wayes lead;
Through which the bearded Sophist he mis-guides:
The Vsurer there, with vnsuspected strides
Walks merrily; and he whom Honor blindes,
A pleasant journey to destruction findes.
Some by the tongues of Birds he doth allure,
And others by vaine Auguries assure,
By trusting too much to vaine Prophesies,
And the mad Sibils trifling Ambages.
Some he by Magicke spels doth headlong driue;
Others by Knowledge, though demonstratiue.
But take thou heed of this sweet erring way,
In which by thousand turnings thou mayst stray;
Hauing a Guide that teacheth Diuiation,
And turnes thee from the path of thy saluation.
Incredible it seemes, beleev'd by few,
And yet by antient Writers held for true,
That the bad Spirits at their pleasure can
Assume the shape of Woman or of Man,
And with each Sex carnall commixtion vse,
Fraile Mankinde to dishonor and abuse.
And yet by antient Writers held for true,
That the bad Spirits at their pleasure can
Assume the shape of Woman or of Man,
And with each Sex carnall commixtion vse,
Fraile Mankinde to dishonor and abuse.
Those that in masculine shape with women trade,
Call'd Incubi: the other that are said
To put on fœminine feature, and so lye
Prostrat to man, are called Succabæ.
Nor do they vse such damned copulation
Because in it they take least delectation:
But rather by such diuellish commission,
To draw men headlong with them to perdition.
The substance by the which they generat, and
How 't is transfus'd, whoso would vnderstand,
Let them the bookes of Scotus well peruse;
It is no subiect for my modest Muse.
Call'd Incubi: the other that are said
To put on fœminine feature, and so lye
Prostrat to man, are called Succabæ.
Nor do they vse such damned copulation
Because in it they take least delectation:
But rather by such diuellish commission,
To draw men headlong with them to perdition.
The substance by the which they generat, and
How 't is transfus'd, whoso would vnderstand,
Let them the bookes of Scotus well peruse;
It is no subiect for my modest Muse.
Yet that such are, (though I should silent be)
Heare what Saint Austin saith; 'T is told to me,
(By men of worth, whose faith I cannot blame,
And such as were eye-witnesse of the same)
The Faunes and other Sylvan beasts most rude,
Gotish in act, and by the multitude
Call'd Incubi, insidiat by the way
Women, to make of them their lustfull prey.
Heare what Saint Austin saith; 'T is told to me,
(By men of worth, whose faith I cannot blame,
And such as were eye-witnesse of the same)
The Faunes and other Sylvan beasts most rude,
Gotish in act, and by the multitude
Call'd Incubi, insidiat by the way
Women, to make of them their lustfull prey.
All Germany with Witches much annoyd,
Two graue and learned men, before employd
In many Causes both of depth and weight)
Were chosen by Pope Innocent the eight,
And a large Patent granted therewithall,
T'extirp the Witches thence in generall.
These two affirme, They oftentimes haue been
Where such old Crones and Beldams they haue seen
Flat on their backes, vsing th' immodest fashion,
As in the very act of generation,
Mouing their bodies; yet to th' outward eye
No Sp'rit perceiv'd of any stander by.
But the foule act imagin'd to be past,
A filthy noysome Vapor rose at last,
(In bignesse of a man) from her embrace,
And at the instant vanisht from the place.
Two graue and learned men, before employd
501
Were chosen by Pope Innocent the eight,
And a large Patent granted therewithall,
T'extirp the Witches thence in generall.
These two affirme, They oftentimes haue been
Where such old Crones and Beldams they haue seen
Flat on their backes, vsing th' immodest fashion,
As in the very act of generation,
Mouing their bodies; yet to th' outward eye
No Sp'rit perceiv'd of any stander by.
But the foule act imagin'd to be past,
A filthy noysome Vapor rose at last,
(In bignesse of a man) from her embrace,
And at the instant vanisht from the place.
In their large stories it is likewise read,
Husbands haue tooke these Incubi in bed
With their faire wiues, their figures by them stretcht:
Which seeing they haue run and weapons fetcht.
But th' one soone vanisht from their soft embraces;
Th' other call'd jealous fooles, vnto their faces.
Husbands haue tooke these Incubi in bed
With their faire wiues, their figures by them stretcht:
Which seeing they haue run and weapons fetcht.
But th' one soone vanisht from their soft embraces;
Th' other call'd jealous fooles, vnto their faces.
Not far from Rotemburch this chance befell:
One of these Sp'rits (it seemes new rais'd from Hell)
Makes himselfe suitor to a Maid, yong, faire,
Louely, wel featur'd, and a Great mans heire:
He haunts the house, makes shew of mighty treasure,
But, more than all, to loue her aboue measure:
Yet that his Liuing lies far off, pretends.
His noble Host inuites him, with his friends,
To diuers feasts and banquets. My braue Wooer
Before he comes, rich Presents sends vnto her:
To make his way, the Seruants he bribes round,
Bespeakes the rarest musicke can be found;
The night he reuels, and he sports the day,
And all in hope to beare the Wench away:
His prodigall expences grow so hye,
His Host suspects whence he should haue supply,
Especially his land lying so remote.
Meane time the Maid from liking growes to doat,
Thinking to haue her fortunes much encreast,
And she be made a Princesse at the least.
One of these Sp'rits (it seemes new rais'd from Hell)
Makes himselfe suitor to a Maid, yong, faire,
Louely, wel featur'd, and a Great mans heire:
He haunts the house, makes shew of mighty treasure,
But, more than all, to loue her aboue measure:
Yet that his Liuing lies far off, pretends.
His noble Host inuites him, with his friends,
To diuers feasts and banquets. My braue Wooer
Before he comes, rich Presents sends vnto her:
To make his way, the Seruants he bribes round,
Bespeakes the rarest musicke can be found;
The night he reuels, and he sports the day,
And all in hope to beare the Wench away:
His prodigall expences grow so hye,
His Host suspects whence he should haue supply,
Especially his land lying so remote.
Meane time the Maid from liking growes to doat,
Thinking to haue her fortunes much encreast,
And she be made a Princesse at the least.
But e're the Contract, the good man in feare
He might be other than he did appeare,
Inuites one day, together with his Ghest,
A retyr'd man that deuout life profest,
And was of most religious conuersation.
He at the table frames a disputation
Concerning Sanctity and holy things,
And still for euery proofe he Scripture brings.
At which my lusty Louer alters face,
And saith, That a full table is no place
For such discourse, but sportiue jests are best,
And pleasant talke, to make the meat disgest.
The good old man perceiuing by his looke
And change of cheare, he Gospell could not brooke,
Rose at the table, and cry'd out amaine,
Auaunt thou Fiend, with thy infernall traine;
Thou hast no pow'r (howeuer thus disguis'd)
O're them who in Christs name haue beene baptis'd:
The roaring Lion shall not vs deuour,
That in his bloud are ransom'd from thy pow'r.
These words, with such like, were no sooner spoke,
But he with all his traine vanisht like smoke,
And of his people they no more could finde,
Sauing three ougly bodies left behinde,
(With a soule stench) and they were knowne to bee
Felons before-time strangled on a tree.
He might be other than he did appeare,
Inuites one day, together with his Ghest,
A retyr'd man that deuout life profest,
502
He at the table frames a disputation
Concerning Sanctity and holy things,
And still for euery proofe he Scripture brings.
At which my lusty Louer alters face,
And saith, That a full table is no place
For such discourse, but sportiue jests are best,
And pleasant talke, to make the meat disgest.
The good old man perceiuing by his looke
And change of cheare, he Gospell could not brooke,
Rose at the table, and cry'd out amaine,
Auaunt thou Fiend, with thy infernall traine;
Thou hast no pow'r (howeuer thus disguis'd)
O're them who in Christs name haue beene baptis'd:
The roaring Lion shall not vs deuour,
That in his bloud are ransom'd from thy pow'r.
These words, with such like, were no sooner spoke,
But he with all his traine vanisht like smoke,
And of his people they no more could finde,
Sauing three ougly bodies left behinde,
(With a soule stench) and they were knowne to bee
Felons before-time strangled on a tree.
Now of those Sp'rits whom Succubæ we call,
I reade what in Sicilia did befall:
Rogero reigning there, a yong man much
Practis'd in swimming (for his skill was such
That few could equall him,) one night bee'ng late
Sporting i'th sea, and thinking then his Mate
Had been before him, catcht him by the haire,
To drag him to the shore; when one most faire
Appear'd to him, of a most sweet aspect,
Such, a censorious Cynicke might affect,
Though he had promis'd abstinence. Her head
Seem'd as in golden wires apparelled;
And lo, quite naked shee's before him found,
Saue that her modest haire doth cloath her round.
Astonisht first to see so rare a Creature,
Richly accomplisht both in face and feature,
He viewes her still, and is surpris'd at last;
And ouer her his vpper garment cast,
So, closely brought her home, and then conueyd
Her to his priuat chamber, where she stayd
So long with him, that he with her had won
Such grace, she was deliuer'd of a Son
Within some forty weekes. But all this while,
Though she had lent him many a pleasant smile,
(Not making anything betwixt them strange,
That wife might with her husband interchange)
She neuer spake, nor one word could he heare
Proceed from her; which did to him appeare
Something prodigious. Besides, it being knowne
How this faire sea-borne Venus first was growne
In his acquaintance: Next, how his strange sute
Came first, and that she still continu'd mute;
A friend of his that had a seeming care
Both of his bodie and his soules welfare,
Told him in plaine termes, he was much mis-led,
To entertaine a Spectar in his bed.
At which words both affrighted and inrag'd,
To thinke how desp'ratly he had ingag'd
Both soule and body; home he posts with speed,
And hauing something in himselfe decreed,
First mildely treats with her, and after breakes
Into loud termes, yet still she nothing speakes.
At this more angry, to haue no reply,
He takes his sword, and sonne, (then standing by)
And vowes by all the oathes a man can sweare,
Vnlesse she instantly deliuer there,
Both what she is? how bred? and whence she came?
And vnto these, particular answer frame;
His purpose is (receiue it how she will)
The pretty Babe (betwixt them got) to kill.
I reade what in Sicilia did befall:
Rogero reigning there, a yong man much
Practis'd in swimming (for his skill was such
That few could equall him,) one night bee'ng late
Sporting i'th sea, and thinking then his Mate
Had been before him, catcht him by the haire,
To drag him to the shore; when one most faire
Appear'd to him, of a most sweet aspect,
Such, a censorious Cynicke might affect,
Though he had promis'd abstinence. Her head
Seem'd as in golden wires apparelled;
And lo, quite naked shee's before him found,
Saue that her modest haire doth cloath her round.
Astonisht first to see so rare a Creature,
Richly accomplisht both in face and feature,
He viewes her still, and is surpris'd at last;
And ouer her his vpper garment cast,
So, closely brought her home, and then conueyd
Her to his priuat chamber, where she stayd
So long with him, that he with her had won
Such grace, she was deliuer'd of a Son
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Though she had lent him many a pleasant smile,
(Not making anything betwixt them strange,
That wife might with her husband interchange)
She neuer spake, nor one word could he heare
Proceed from her; which did to him appeare
Something prodigious. Besides, it being knowne
How this faire sea-borne Venus first was growne
In his acquaintance: Next, how his strange sute
Came first, and that she still continu'd mute;
A friend of his that had a seeming care
Both of his bodie and his soules welfare,
Told him in plaine termes, he was much mis-led,
To entertaine a Spectar in his bed.
At which words both affrighted and inrag'd,
To thinke how desp'ratly he had ingag'd
Both soule and body; home he posts with speed,
And hauing something in himselfe decreed,
First mildely treats with her, and after breakes
Into loud termes, yet still she nothing speakes.
At this more angry, to haue no reply,
He takes his sword, and sonne, (then standing by)
And vowes by all the oathes a man can sweare,
Vnlesse she instantly deliuer there,
Both what she is? how bred? and whence she came?
And vnto these, particular answer frame;
His purpose is (receiue it how she will)
The pretty Babe (betwixt them got) to kill.
After some pause, the Succubus reply'd,
Thou onely seek'st to know what I would hide:
Neuer did Husband to himselfe more wrong,
Than thou in this, to make me vse my tongue.
After which words she vanisht, and no more
Was thenceforth seene. The childe (threatned before)
Some few yeares after swimming in the place
Where first the father saw the mothers face,
Was from his fellowes snatcht away and drown'd
By the same Sp'rit; his body no where found.
Thou onely seek'st to know what I would hide:
Neuer did Husband to himselfe more wrong,
Than thou in this, to make me vse my tongue.
After which words she vanisht, and no more
Was thenceforth seene. The childe (threatned before)
Some few yeares after swimming in the place
Where first the father saw the mothers face,
Was from his fellowes snatcht away and drown'd
By the same Sp'rit; his body no where found.
Besides these, Marcus vpon Psellius, findes
To be of maligne Spirits sundry kindes,
That beare in the foure elements chiefe sway:
Some Fiery, and Ætherial are, and they
Haue the first place. Next, Spectars of the Aire,
Water, and Earth, (but none of them that dare
Beyond their bounds) Others that all light fly,
And call'd Subterren, or Lucifugi.
To be of maligne Spirits sundry kindes,
That beare in the foure elements chiefe sway:
Some Fiery, and Ætherial are, and they
Haue the first place. Next, Spectars of the Aire,
Water, and Earth, (but none of them that dare
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And call'd Subterren, or Lucifugi.
Vnto the first, those prodigies of Fire
Falling from heav'n (which men so much admire)
The Learn'd ascribe: As when a burning stone
Dropt from the Sky into swift Ægion.
A Floud in Persia, in Darius dayes:
As when three Moones at once in splendant rayes
(With a huge bearded Comet) did appeare
To all mens wonder, in the selfe same yeare
Pope Iohn, the two and twentieth, by his pow'r
Curst Lewis Bavarus then Emperour,
Because he cherisht in litigious hope,
Petrus Carbariensis, Anti-Pope.
As when three Sunnes at once shon in the Sky,
Of equall sise, to all apparantly.
Falling from heav'n (which men so much admire)
The Learn'd ascribe: As when a burning stone
Dropt from the Sky into swift Ægion.
A Floud in Persia, in Darius dayes:
As when three Moones at once in splendant rayes
(With a huge bearded Comet) did appeare
To all mens wonder, in the selfe same yeare
Pope Iohn, the two and twentieth, by his pow'r
Curst Lewis Bavarus then Emperour,
Because he cherisht in litigious hope,
Petrus Carbariensis, Anti-Pope.
As when three Sunnes at once shon in the Sky,
Of equall sise, to all apparantly.
Neere to the Village cal'd Taurometane
In Sicily, a Merchant bred in Spaine,
Coasting that way, sees where before him stand
Ten Smiths, and each a hammer in his hand,
About them leatherne aprons: and before
He can aduise well, he espies ten more;
And one aboue them all (like Vulcan) lame,
So shapt, that you would take him for the same
Describ'd in Homer. Him the Merchant asks,
To what place they were bound? About ont tasks,
Vulcan replies: Is it to thee vnknowne,
How famous we are late in Ætna growne?
Which if it be, lag but a while behinde,
And see what thou with thousands more shalt finde.
To whom the Merchant; What worke can there bee
For men of your profession, where we see
Nothing but drifts of snow, the mountaines clad
In Winters cold, where no fire can be had?
That shall be try'd (said Vulcan once againe)
And with that word he vanisht with his traine.
At which the Merchant with such feare was strooke,
That all his limbes and joints were Ague-shooke:
To the next house his faint steps he applies,
And had no sooner told this but he dies.
In Sicily, a Merchant bred in Spaine,
Coasting that way, sees where before him stand
Ten Smiths, and each a hammer in his hand,
About them leatherne aprons: and before
He can aduise well, he espies ten more;
And one aboue them all (like Vulcan) lame,
So shapt, that you would take him for the same
Describ'd in Homer. Him the Merchant asks,
To what place they were bound? About ont tasks,
Vulcan replies: Is it to thee vnknowne,
How famous we are late in Ætna growne?
Which if it be, lag but a while behinde,
And see what thou with thousands more shalt finde.
To whom the Merchant; What worke can there bee
For men of your profession, where we see
Nothing but drifts of snow, the mountaines clad
In Winters cold, where no fire can be had?
That shall be try'd (said Vulcan once againe)
And with that word he vanisht with his traine.
At which the Merchant with such feare was strooke,
That all his limbes and joints were Ague-shooke:
To the next house his faint steps he applies,
And had no sooner told this but he dies.
His life set with the Sun. E're mid-night came,
The vast Sicilian Mount was all on flame,
Belching forth fire and cinders, and withall,
Such horrid cracks as if the rocks would fall,
And tumble from their height, into the Plaine,
Mixt with such tempests both of Haile and Raine,
Such bellowing shriekes, and such a sulphur smell,
As had it been the locall place of Hell.
This dismall night so dreadfull did appeare
Vnto all such as did inhabit neere,
They left their houses, to seeke dens and caues,
Thinking no place so safe then as their graues.
The vast Sicilian Mount was all on flame,
Belching forth fire and cinders, and withall,
Such horrid cracks as if the rocks would fall,
505
Mixt with such tempests both of Haile and Raine,
Such bellowing shriekes, and such a sulphur smell,
As had it been the locall place of Hell.
This dismall night so dreadfull did appeare
Vnto all such as did inhabit neere,
They left their houses, to seeke dens and caues,
Thinking no place so safe then as their graues.
And of this nature are those fires oft seene
Neere Sepulchres, by which many haue beene
Deluded much, in Church-yards and such places,
Where the faint-hearted scarce dare shew their faces.
Such are the Ignes Fatui that appeare
To skip and dance before vs ev'ry where.
Some call them Ambulones, for they walke
Sometimes before vs, and then after stalke.
Some call them leaping Goats; and these we finde
All to be most malicious in their kinde,
By leading Trauellers out of their way,
Else causing them mongst theeues or pit-falls stray;
And such are Sulphur-colour'd: others, white,
And these haunt ships and Sea-men in the night,
And that most frequent when a tempest's past,
And then they cleaue and cling close to the mast.
They call it Helena if one appeare,
And then presage there's some disaster neere.
If they spie two, they iudge good shall befall them,
And these (thus seene) Castor and Pollux call them.
Neere Sepulchres, by which many haue beene
Deluded much, in Church-yards and such places,
Where the faint-hearted scarce dare shew their faces.
Such are the Ignes Fatui that appeare
To skip and dance before vs ev'ry where.
Some call them Ambulones, for they walke
Sometimes before vs, and then after stalke.
Some call them leaping Goats; and these we finde
All to be most malicious in their kinde,
By leading Trauellers out of their way,
Else causing them mongst theeues or pit-falls stray;
And such are Sulphur-colour'd: others, white,
And these haunt ships and Sea-men in the night,
And that most frequent when a tempest's past,
And then they cleaue and cling close to the mast.
They call it Helena if one appeare,
And then presage there's some disaster neere.
If they spie two, they iudge good shall befall them,
And these (thus seene) Castor and Pollux call them.
And from that kinde of Sp'rits the Diuination
Held in fore-times in such great adoration,
Okumanteia call'd, seemes to haue sprung;
As likewise those by th' antient Magi sung,
Onichomanteia, Libonomantia,
Capnomantia, Piromantia,
And Thurifumia. But I cannot dwell
On circumstance, their sev'rall Rites to tell.
Held in fore-times in such great adoration,
Okumanteia call'd, seemes to haue sprung;
As likewise those by th' antient Magi sung,
Onichomanteia, Libonomantia,
Capnomantia, Piromantia,
And Thurifumia. But I cannot dwell
On circumstance, their sev'rall Rites to tell.
Spirits of th' Aire are bold, proud, and ambitious,
Envious tow'rd Mankinde, Spleenfull, and malicious:
And these (by Gods permission) not alone
Haue the cleare subtill aire to worke vpon,
By causing thunders and tempestuous showr's,
With harmefull windes: 'tis also in their pow'rs
T'affright the earth with strange prodigious things,
And what's our hurt, to them great pleasure brings.
Envious tow'rd Mankinde, Spleenfull, and malicious:
And these (by Gods permission) not alone
Haue the cleare subtill aire to worke vpon,
By causing thunders and tempestuous showr's,
With harmefull windes: 'tis also in their pow'rs
T'affright the earth with strange prodigious things,
And what's our hurt, to them great pleasure brings.
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Of their so rare effects Stories are full;
Amongst the Attribates, it rained wooll.
In good Saint Ambrose time two armies fought
In the aires Region, and great terror brought
Vnto all France; Hugh Capet making claime
Vnto the Crowne, (if we may credit Fame,
And Histories, which are not writ in vaine)
There fell from heav'n great store of Fish and Graine.
Amongst the Attribates, it rained wooll.
In good Saint Ambrose time two armies fought
In the aires Region, and great terror brought
Vnto all France; Hugh Capet making claime
Vnto the Crowne, (if we may credit Fame,
And Histories, which are not writ in vaine)
There fell from heav'n great store of Fish and Graine.
Philostratus (in whom was found no flaw)
Writes, Apollonius 'mongst the Brachmans saw
Two Tombes, which opened, windes disturb'd the aire;
But shut, the sky was calme, the season farre.
Writes, Apollonius 'mongst the Brachmans saw
Two Tombes, which opened, windes disturb'd the aire;
But shut, the sky was calme, the season farre.
Eunapius and Suidas both record,
How Sopater could with one Magicke word
Command the Windes; and was adiudg'd to dye,
Because he kept them fast, when as supplye
Of corne vnto Byzantium should be brought.
But (to spare these) had we no further sought
Than sacred Historie; In Iob we finde,
How Sathan did stir vp a mighty winde,
Which where his sonnes and daughters feasting were,
Did the whole house demolish, rend and teare.
How Sopater could with one Magicke word
Command the Windes; and was adiudg'd to dye,
Because he kept them fast, when as supplye
Of corne vnto Byzantium should be brought.
But (to spare these) had we no further sought
Than sacred Historie; In Iob we finde,
How Sathan did stir vp a mighty winde,
Which where his sonnes and daughters feasting were,
Did the whole house demolish, rend and teare.
The Finnes and Laplands are acquainted well
With such like Sp'rits, and Windes to Merchants fell,
Making their cov'nant, When and how they please
They may with prosp'rous weather crosse the seas.
As thus; They in an hand-kerchiefe fast ty
Three knots: vnloose the first, and by and by
You finde a gentle gale blow from the shore.
Open the second, it encreaseth more,
Fo fill your sailes. When you the third vntye,
Th' intemperat gusts grow vehement and hye.
Of Ericus the King of Goths 'tis said,
That as he turn'd his hat, the winde he stayd:
Nor did there euer any neere him know
The piercing aire vpon his face to blow.
With such like Sp'rits, and Windes to Merchants fell,
Making their cov'nant, When and how they please
They may with prosp'rous weather crosse the seas.
As thus; They in an hand-kerchiefe fast ty
Three knots: vnloose the first, and by and by
You finde a gentle gale blow from the shore.
Open the second, it encreaseth more,
Fo fill your sailes. When you the third vntye,
Th' intemperat gusts grow vehement and hye.
Of Ericus the King of Goths 'tis said,
That as he turn'd his hat, the winde he stayd:
Nor did there euer any neere him know
The piercing aire vpon his face to blow.
It is reported of learn'd Zoroaster,
(Who of art Magicke was the first Art-master)
That by such Spirits, in a stormy day,
And mighte whirle-winde, he was borne away.
And from this kinde that diuination springs
Call'd Æromantia; by which thousand things
Haue been conjectur'd from the conjur'd Aire.
(Who of art Magicke was the first Art-master)
That by such Spirits, in a stormy day,
And mighte whirle-winde, he was borne away.
And from this kinde that diuination springs
Call'd Æromantia; by which thousand things
Haue been conjectur'd from the conjur'd Aire.
When mustring Armies in the clouds repaire.
Chariots, and such; to iudge what shall befall
From them, they Terotoscopcia call.
A third there is, (I almost had forgot)
Ornithomanteia, when by Birds they wot.
507
From them, they Terotoscopcia call.
A third there is, (I almost had forgot)
Ornithomanteia, when by Birds they wot.
Spirits that haue o're Water gouernment,
Are to Mankinde alike maleuolent:
They trouble Seas, Flouds, Riuers, Brookes, and Wels,
Meeres, Lakes, and loue t'enhabit watry Cels;
Thence noisome and pestiferous vapors raise.
Besides, they Man encounter diuers wayes;
At wrackes some present are; another sort
Ready to crampe their joints that swim for sport.
One kinde of these th' Italians Fatæ name;
Fee the French; We, Sibils; and the same
Others, White Nymphs; and those that haue them seen,
Night-Ladies, some, of which Habundia Queene.
And of this sort are those of which discusse
Plutarch and (out of him) Sabellicus.
Are to Mankinde alike maleuolent:
They trouble Seas, Flouds, Riuers, Brookes, and Wels,
Meeres, Lakes, and loue t'enhabit watry Cels;
Thence noisome and pestiferous vapors raise.
Besides, they Man encounter diuers wayes;
At wrackes some present are; another sort
Ready to crampe their joints that swim for sport.
One kinde of these th' Italians Fatæ name;
Fee the French; We, Sibils; and the same
Others, White Nymphs; and those that haue them seen,
Night-Ladies, some, of which Habundia Queene.
And of this sort are those of which discusse
Plutarch and (out of him) Sabellicus.
Numa Pompilius, who did oft inuite
The best of Rome to feast with him by night,
Neuer made vse of market to afford
Rich choice of dainties to his sumptuous bord;
Each tastefull Delicat that could be thought,
Without all cat'ring, or prouiding ought,
Did of their owne accord themselues present,
To giue th' invited ghests their full content,
To all their admiration: Which is said
Was onely by the Nymph Egeria's aid,
With whom he had conuerse; and she we finde,
Of force must be a Spirit of this kinde.
The best of Rome to feast with him by night,
Neuer made vse of market to afford
Rich choice of dainties to his sumptuous bord;
Each tastefull Delicat that could be thought,
Without all cat'ring, or prouiding ought,
Did of their owne accord themselues present,
To giue th' invited ghests their full content,
To all their admiration: Which is said
Was onely by the Nymph Egeria's aid,
With whom he had conuerse; and she we finde,
Of force must be a Spirit of this kinde.
Scotus Parmensis but few yeares ago,
(As some report) his Magicke Art to show,
Practis'd the like, inuited mighty States,
And feasted them with princely Delicates:
And yet these seeming viands were of all
That tasted them, merely phantasticall.
Though they rose sated, yet no sooner thence
Departed, but they had no feeling sence
Of feeding Hunger, or of quenching thirst,
But found themselues more empty than at first.
(As some report) his Magicke Art to show,
Practis'd the like, inuited mighty States,
And feasted them with princely Delicates:
And yet these seeming viands were of all
That tasted them, merely phantasticall.
Though they rose sated, yet no sooner thence
Departed, but they had no feeling sence
Of feeding Hunger, or of quenching thirst,
But found themselues more empty than at first.
And with such banquets (as Philostratus
Writes) was Apollonius Tyanæus
Receiued by the Brachmans. With like cheare,
Petrus Albanus and Pasætis were
Custom'd to feast their Ghests. And of this sort
(Namely White Nymphs) Boëthius makes report,
In his Scotch Historie: Two Noblemen,
Mackbeth and Banco-Stuart, passing then
Vnto the Pallace where King Duncan lay;
Riding alone, encountred on the way
(In a darke Groue) three Virgins wondrous faire,
As well in habit as in feature rare.
Writes) was Apollonius Tyanæus
Receiued by the Brachmans. With like cheare,
Petrus Albanus and Pasætis were
508
(Namely White Nymphs) Boëthius makes report,
In his Scotch Historie: Two Noblemen,
Mackbeth and Banco-Stuart, passing then
Vnto the Pallace where King Duncan lay;
Riding alone, encountred on the way
(In a darke Groue) three Virgins wondrous faire,
As well in habit as in feature rare.
The first of them did curtsie low, her vaile
Vnpinn'd, and with obeisance said, All haile
Mackbeth Thane Glavius. The next said,
All haile Caldarius Thane. The third Maid,
Not the least honor vnto thee I bring,
Mackbeth all haile, that shortly must be King.
These spake no more. When Banco thus reply'de,
Ill haue ye done, faire Ladies, to diuide
Me from all honors: How comes he thus growne
In your great grace, to promise him a Crowne?
And I his sole companion, as you see,
Yet you in nothing daigne to guerdon mee.
Vnpinn'd, and with obeisance said, All haile
Mackbeth Thane Glavius. The next said,
All haile Caldarius Thane. The third Maid,
Not the least honor vnto thee I bring,
Mackbeth all haile, that shortly must be King.
These spake no more. When Banco thus reply'de,
Ill haue ye done, faire Ladies, to diuide
Me from all honors: How comes he thus growne
In your great grace, to promise him a Crowne?
And I his sole companion, as you see,
Yet you in nothing daigne to guerdon mee.
To whom the first made answer, Yes, we bring
To thee much happier Fate; for though a King
Mackbeth shall be, yet shall he reigne alone,
And leaue no issue to succeed his Throne.
But thou ô Banco, though thou dost not sway
Thy selfe a Scepter, yet thine Issue may,
And so it shall; thine Issue (do not feare)
Shall gouerne Scotland many an happy yeare.
To thee much happier Fate; for though a King
Mackbeth shall be, yet shall he reigne alone,
And leaue no issue to succeed his Throne.
But thou ô Banco, though thou dost not sway
Thy selfe a Scepter, yet thine Issue may,
And so it shall; thine Issue (do not feare)
Shall gouerne Scotland many an happy yeare.
This spoke, all vanisht. They at first amas'd
At the strange Nouell, each on other gas'd;
Then on they road, accounting all meere fictions,
And they vaine Spectars, false in their predictions:
And sporting by the way, one jeasted thus,
Haile King of Scotland, that must gouerne vs.
To whom the other, Like salutes to thee,
Who must of many Kings the Grand sire bee.
At the strange Nouell, each on other gas'd;
Then on they road, accounting all meere fictions,
And they vaine Spectars, false in their predictions:
And sporting by the way, one jeasted thus,
Haile King of Scotland, that must gouerne vs.
To whom the other, Like salutes to thee,
Who must of many Kings the Grand sire bee.
Yet thus it happen'd after; Duncan slaine
By Mackbeth, he vsurpt and 'gan to raigne,
Though the dead King had left two sonnes behinde.
More seriously then pondring in his minde
The former apparition, casts about,
How Banco (of the Scotch Peeres the most stout)
Might be cut off, doth solemnely inuite
Him and his sonne Fleanchus one sad night
Vnto a banquet, where the Father dies;
But shadow'd by the darknesse, the Sonne flies.
Now the small sand of Mackbeths glasse bee'ng run,
(For he was slaine by Malcolme, Duncans son)
In processe, the Crowne lineally descended
To Banco's Issue; and is yet extended
In ample genealogie, remaining
In most renowned CHARLES, amongst vs reigning.
By Mackbeth, he vsurpt and 'gan to raigne,
Though the dead King had left two sonnes behinde.
More seriously then pondring in his minde
The former apparition, casts about,
How Banco (of the Scotch Peeres the most stout)
Might be cut off, doth solemnely inuite
Him and his sonne Fleanchus one sad night
509
But shadow'd by the darknesse, the Sonne flies.
Now the small sand of Mackbeths glasse bee'ng run,
(For he was slaine by Malcolme, Duncans son)
In processe, the Crowne lineally descended
To Banco's Issue; and is yet extended
In ample genealogie, remaining
In most renowned CHARLES, amongst vs reigning.
My promis'd brevitie be mine excuse,
Else many stories I could here produce
Of the like nature, purport, and condition.
For we may reade Ollarus the Magition
Commanded like Familiars; who 'tis sed,
With his inchanted shooes could water tred,
And neuer hasard drowning. The like fame
Another, that Othimius had to name,
Behinde him left. Hadingus King of Danes,
Mounted vpon a good Steed, by the raines
Th' Inchanter tooke, and crosse the main sea brought him
Safe, whilest in vaine the hot pursuer sought him.
Else many stories I could here produce
Of the like nature, purport, and condition.
For we may reade Ollarus the Magition
Commanded like Familiars; who 'tis sed,
With his inchanted shooes could water tred,
And neuer hasard drowning. The like fame
Another, that Othimius had to name,
Behinde him left. Hadingus King of Danes,
Mounted vpon a good Steed, by the raines
Th' Inchanter tooke, and crosse the main sea brought him
Safe, whilest in vaine the hot pursuer sought him.
Oddo the Danish Pyrat, by the aid
Of the like Sp'rits, whole Nauies durst inuade,
And with his Magicke Charmes could when he please
Raise mighty stormes, and drowne them in the seas.
At length by one of greater practise found,
Aiming at others Wracke, himselfe was drown'd.
Of the like Sp'rits, whole Nauies durst inuade,
And with his Magicke Charmes could when he please
Raise mighty stormes, and drowne them in the seas.
At length by one of greater practise found,
Aiming at others Wracke, himselfe was drown'd.
Some Authors, vnto this accursed Tribe
Of watry Dæmons, Deluges ascribe,
And flux of waters. Such we reade were knowne
Whilest Damasus was Pope, when ouerthrowne
Were many cities in Sicilia. And
By Historiographers we vnderstand,
The like chanc'd in Pope Alexanders dayes
In Italy, afflicting diuers wayes.
Of watry Dæmons, Deluges ascribe,
And flux of waters. Such we reade were knowne
Whilest Damasus was Pope, when ouerthrowne
Were many cities in Sicilia. And
By Historiographers we vnderstand,
The like chanc'd in Pope Alexanders dayes
In Italy, afflicting diuers wayes.
Both losse of beasts, and great depopulation
In Charles the fifts time, by an Inundation
Happend in Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, these
Had their maritime shores drown'd by the seas.
In Charles the fifts time, by an Inundation
Happend in Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, these
Had their maritime shores drown'd by the seas.
In Poland, neere Cracovia, chanc'd the same:
And in one yeare (if we may credit Fame)
In Europ, besides Townes and Cities, then
Perisht aboue fiue hundred thousand men.
And in one yeare (if we may credit Fame)
In Europ, besides Townes and Cities, then
Perisht aboue fiue hundred thousand men.
To these belong what we call Hydromantia,
Gastromantia, Lacomantia, Pagomantia.
Gastromantia, Lacomantia, Pagomantia.
510
Touching the Spirits of the Earth, there bee
Of diuers sorts, each knowne in his degree,
As Genij, the Domesticke gods, and those
They Lares call, Spectars, Alastores,
Larvæ, Noone-Diuels, Syluanes, Satyrs, Fawnes,
And they frequent the Forrests, Groues, and Lawnes.
Others, th' Italians F'oletti call.
Paredrij there are too; yet these not all.
Of diuers sorts, each knowne in his degree,
As Genij, the Domesticke gods, and those
They Lares call, Spectars, Alastores,
Larvæ, Noone-Diuels, Syluanes, Satyrs, Fawnes,
And they frequent the Forrests, Groues, and Lawnes.
Others, th' Italians F'oletti call.
Paredrij there are too; yet these not all.
Now what these Genij are, Philostratus,
Eunapius, Athenæus, Maximus,
With all the other Platonicks, profest
Them to be Sp'rits of men before deceast;
Who had they liv'd a good life, and vnstain'd,
By licence of th' Infernall Pow'rs obtain'd,
In their owne houses to inhabit still,
And their posteritie to guard from ill;
Such they call'd Lares. But all those that lead
Liues wicked and debosht, they being dead,
Wandred about the earth as Ghosts exil'd,
Doing all mischiefe: such they Larva stil'd.
Eunapius, Athenæus, Maximus,
With all the other Platonicks, profest
Them to be Sp'rits of men before deceast;
Who had they liv'd a good life, and vnstain'd,
By licence of th' Infernall Pow'rs obtain'd,
In their owne houses to inhabit still,
And their posteritie to guard from ill;
Such they call'd Lares. But all those that lead
Liues wicked and debosht, they being dead,
Wandred about the earth as Ghosts exil'd,
Doing all mischiefe: such they Larva stil'd.
And of this kinde, that Spirit we may guesse
Remembred in the booke of Socrates;
Who in the shape of Moses did appeare
The space together of one compleat yeare
I'th Isle of Creet; persuading with the Iewes
There liuing, That he such a meanes would vse,
That if they met at a fixt day, with ease
He would traject them dry-foot through the seas.
To which they trusting, by appointment meet,
All, who that time were resident in Creet,
And follow their false Captaine, lesse and more,
Ev'n to the very margent of the shore.
Then turning tow'rds them, in a short oration
Bespeakes them thus; O you the chosen nation,
Behold as great a wonder from my hand,
As your fore-fathers did from Moses Wand.
Then with his finger points vnto a place
'Twixt them and which a Creeke ran, (no great space,
And seeming shallow) All of you now fling
Your selues (saith he) and follow me your King,
Into this sea; swim but to yonder strand,
And you shall then arriue vpon a land,
From whence I will conduct you ev'ry man
Dry-foot into a second Canaan.
Remembred in the booke of Socrates;
Who in the shape of Moses did appeare
The space together of one compleat yeare
I'th Isle of Creet; persuading with the Iewes
There liuing, That he such a meanes would vse,
That if they met at a fixt day, with ease
He would traject them dry-foot through the seas.
To which they trusting, by appointment meet,
All, who that time were resident in Creet,
And follow their false Captaine, lesse and more,
Ev'n to the very margent of the shore.
Then turning tow'rds them, in a short oration
Bespeakes them thus; O you the chosen nation,
Behold as great a wonder from my hand,
As your fore-fathers did from Moses Wand.
Then with his finger points vnto a place
'Twixt them and which a Creeke ran, (no great space,
And seeming shallow) All of you now fling
Your selues (saith he) and follow me your King,
Into this sea; swim but to yonder strand,
And you shall then arriue vpon a land,
From whence I will conduct you ev'ry man
Dry-foot into a second Canaan.
511
He plungeth first, they follow with one minde,
In hope a second Palestine to finde.
But hauing past their depths, the rough windes blew,
When this Seducer straight himselfe withdrew,
Leaues them to ruin, most of them bee'ng drown'd,
Some few by fish-boats sav'd, he no where found.
In hope a second Palestine to finde.
But hauing past their depths, the rough windes blew,
When this Seducer straight himselfe withdrew,
Leaues them to ruin, most of them bee'ng drown'd,
Some few by fish-boats sav'd, he no where found.
With these the Spectars in some points assent,
Bee'ng tow'rds Mankinde alike maleuolent:
Whose in-nate malice nothing can asswage,
Authors of death, depopulation, strage.
By Origen they are Alastores nam'd:
By Zoroaster, bloudy, and vntam'd.
Concerning which, the learned mens opinion
Is, That Abaddon hath of them dominion.
Bee'ng tow'rds Mankinde alike maleuolent:
Whose in-nate malice nothing can asswage,
Authors of death, depopulation, strage.
By Origen they are Alastores nam'd:
By Zoroaster, bloudy, and vntam'd.
Concerning which, the learned mens opinion
Is, That Abaddon hath of them dominion.
What time Iustinian did the Empire sway,
Many of these did shew themselues by day,
To sundry men both of good braine and sence;
After which follow'd a great Pestilence,
For to all such those Spectars did appeare,
It was a certaine signe their death drew neare.
Many of these did shew themselues by day,
To sundry men both of good braine and sence;
After which follow'd a great Pestilence,
For to all such those Spectars did appeare,
It was a certaine signe their death drew neare.
King Alexander, of that name the third
That reign'd in Scotland (if Boethius word
May be beleev'd) by match himselfe ally'de
With England, tooke Ioanna to his Bride,
Sister to the third Henry. She bee'ng dead,
(And issuelesse) he after married
Marg'ret his daughter; Did on her beget
Prince Alexander, David, Margaret.
These dying in their nonage, and she too,
(With sorrow as most thinke) the King doth woo
Iolanta the faire daughter (as some say)
Vnto the great Earle of Campania:
Being (as 't seemes) most ardently inclin'd,
After his death to leaue some heire behind.
That reign'd in Scotland (if Boethius word
May be beleev'd) by match himselfe ally'de
With England, tooke Ioanna to his Bride,
Sister to the third Henry. She bee'ng dead,
(And issuelesse) he after married
Marg'ret his daughter; Did on her beget
Prince Alexander, David, Margaret.
These dying in their nonage, and she too,
(With sorrow as most thinke) the King doth woo
Iolanta the faire daughter (as some say)
Vnto the great Earle of Campania:
Being (as 't seemes) most ardently inclin'd,
After his death to leaue some heire behind.
In the mid Reuels the first ominous night
Of their espousals, when the roome shone bright
With lighted tapers; the King and the Queene leading
The curious Measures, Lords and Ladies treading
The selfe-same straines; the King looks backe by chance,
And spies a strange intruder fill the dance;
Namely a meere Anatomy quite bare,
His naked limbes both without flesh and haire,
(As we decipher Death) who stalks about,
Keeping true measure till the dance was out.
The King with all the rest afrighted stand;
The Spectar vanisht, and then strict command
Was giv'n to breake vp reuels, each 'gan feare
This Omen, and presage disaster neere.
If any aske, What did of this succeed?
The King soone after falling from his Steed,
Vnhappily dy'de. After whose death, ensuing
Was to the land sedition, wracke, and ruin.
Of their espousals, when the roome shone bright
With lighted tapers; the King and the Queene leading
The curious Measures, Lords and Ladies treading
The selfe-same straines; the King looks backe by chance,
And spies a strange intruder fill the dance;
Namely a meere Anatomy quite bare,
His naked limbes both without flesh and haire,
(As we decipher Death) who stalks about,
Keeping true measure till the dance was out.
512
The Spectar vanisht, and then strict command
Was giv'n to breake vp reuels, each 'gan feare
This Omen, and presage disaster neere.
If any aske, What did of this succeed?
The King soone after falling from his Steed,
Vnhappily dy'de. After whose death, ensuing
Was to the land sedition, wracke, and ruin.
The Syluanes, Fawnes, and Satyrs are the same
The Greekes Paredrij call, the Latines name
Familiar Spirits; who though in outward shew
They threat no harme, but seeme all good to owe
Poore ambusht mankinde; though their crafty Mines
And snares do not appeare by ev'dent signes,
Yet with malicious hate they are infected,
And all their deeds and counsels are directed
To make a faire and flatt'ring preparation
Vnto the bodies death, and soules damnation.
And of these Spirits (as Macrobius saith)
The mount Pernassus in aboundance hath,
Neere to mount Hecta. And Olaus writes,
The like appeare most frequently by nights,
And verbally deliuer kinde commends
To men, from their deceast and shipwrackt friends.
The Greekes Paredrij call, the Latines name
Familiar Spirits; who though in outward shew
They threat no harme, but seeme all good to owe
Poore ambusht mankinde; though their crafty Mines
And snares do not appeare by ev'dent signes,
Yet with malicious hate they are infected,
And all their deeds and counsels are directed
To make a faire and flatt'ring preparation
Vnto the bodies death, and soules damnation.
And of these Spirits (as Macrobius saith)
The mount Pernassus in aboundance hath,
Neere to mount Hecta. And Olaus writes,
The like appeare most frequently by nights,
And verbally deliuer kinde commends
To men, from their deceast and shipwrackt friends.
Vsing their helpe, one Iohn Teutonicus
By Acromaticke Magicke sported thus.
This Iohn was knowne a bastard, and yet had
Great fame for learning: who in Halberstad
Had for his worth admittance to a place
Where none but the Nobilitie had grace
To be in Commons; yet it seemes, so great
Was his repute, with them he sate and eat.
But yet with small content; the yong men proud
Of their high noble births, much disallow'd
His company, and tooke it in great scorne
To sit with one, though learn'd, yet basely borne;
And whether they were serv'd with flesh of fish,
His bastardy was sauce still in his dish.
By Acromaticke Magicke sported thus.
This Iohn was knowne a bastard, and yet had
Great fame for learning: who in Halberstad
Had for his worth admittance to a place
Where none but the Nobilitie had grace
To be in Commons; yet it seemes, so great
Was his repute, with them he sate and eat.
But yet with small content; the yong men proud
Of their high noble births, much disallow'd
His company, and tooke it in great scorne
To sit with one, though learn'd, yet basely borne;
And whether they were serv'd with flesh of fish,
His bastardy was sauce still in his dish.
But skil'd in hidden Arts, I will (thought he)
Some sudden means deuise, henceforth to free
My selfe from all their scoffes and taunts. Hee then
Inuites vnto his chamber those yong men
Who most seem'd to oppose him; feasts them there,
Where seemes no want of welcome or of cheare.
The table drawne, and their discourse now free,
Iohn asks of them, if they could wish to see
Their fathers present, they desire him too't,
Prouing to finde if he by Art can doo't.
Some sudden means deuise, henceforth to free
My selfe from all their scoffes and taunts. Hee then
Inuites vnto his chamber those yong men
Who most seem'd to oppose him; feasts them there,
Where seemes no want of welcome or of cheare.
513
Iohn asks of them, if they could wish to see
Their fathers present, they desire him too't,
Prouing to finde if he by Art can doo't.
He bids them to sit silent: all are mute,
When suddenly one enters in a sute
Greasie, before him a white apron tyde,
His linnen sleeues tuckt vp, both elbowes hide;
He stands and eyes them round, and by his looke
None there but needs must guesse him for a Cooke.
Which of you know this fellow now? (saith Iohn)
What say you Sir, whom he so gaseth on?
He soone reply'de on whom he fixt his eye,
Aske you who knowes him? Mary that do I,
Hee's of my fathers kitchen. Nay Sir rather
(Iohn answer'd him) this is your owne deare father:
For when that noble Sir whose name you beare,
Was trauel'd on some great affaire else-where.
This well fed Groome, to whom you ought to kneele,
Begot you then all ouer, head to heele.
It seemes your mother knew not drosse from Bullion,
That in a great Lords stead embrac'd a Scullion.
When suddenly one enters in a sute
Greasie, before him a white apron tyde,
His linnen sleeues tuckt vp, both elbowes hide;
He stands and eyes them round, and by his looke
None there but needs must guesse him for a Cooke.
Which of you know this fellow now? (saith Iohn)
What say you Sir, whom he so gaseth on?
He soone reply'de on whom he fixt his eye,
Aske you who knowes him? Mary that do I,
Hee's of my fathers kitchen. Nay Sir rather
(Iohn answer'd him) this is your owne deare father:
For when that noble Sir whose name you beare,
Was trauel'd on some great affaire else-where.
This well fed Groome, to whom you ought to kneele,
Begot you then all ouer, head to heele.
It seemes your mother knew not drosse from Bullion,
That in a great Lords stead embrac'd a Scullion.
He chases, the Sp'rit doth vanish in the while;
The rest seeme pleas'd, and in the interim smile.
When suddenly in middle of the roome
Is seene a tall and lusty stable-Groome.
A frocke vpon him, and in his left hand
A Curri-combe, the other grasps a wand,
And lookes vpon a second. Here I show him
Amongst you all (saith Iohn) doth any know him?
I must (saith one) acknowledge him of force,
His name is Ralfe, and keepes my fathers horse.
And kept your mother warme too, doubt it not,
The very morning that you were begot,
Her husband bee'ng a hunting. The Youth blusht.
The rest (afraid now) were with silence husht.
Then to the third he brought a Butler in,
And prov'd him guilty of his mothers sin.
A Tailor to the fourth. So of the rest,
Till all of them were with like shame opprest.
The rest seeme pleas'd, and in the interim smile.
When suddenly in middle of the roome
Is seene a tall and lusty stable-Groome.
A frocke vpon him, and in his left hand
A Curri-combe, the other grasps a wand,
And lookes vpon a second. Here I show him
Amongst you all (saith Iohn) doth any know him?
I must (saith one) acknowledge him of force,
His name is Ralfe, and keepes my fathers horse.
And kept your mother warme too, doubt it not,
The very morning that you were begot,
Her husband bee'ng a hunting. The Youth blusht.
The rest (afraid now) were with silence husht.
Then to the third he brought a Butler in,
And prov'd him guilty of his mothers sin.
A Tailor to the fourth. So of the rest,
Till all of them were with like shame opprest.
Teutonicus this seeing; Nay, (quoth hee)
Since I am likewise stain'd with bastardie,
You shall behold my father. Soone appeares
A well-flesht man, aged some forty yeares,
Of graue aspect, in a long Church-man's gowne,
Red cheekt, and shauen both his beard and crowne:
By his formalities it might be guest
He must be a Lord Abbot at the least.
Who disappearing; This man (I confesse)
Begot me of his smooth fac'd Landeresse,
(Saith Iohn) and somewhat to abate your pride,
Iudge now who's best man by the fathers side.
Some vext, and other turn'd the jest to laughter;
But with his birth did neuer taunt him after.
Since I am likewise stain'd with bastardie,
You shall behold my father. Soone appeares
A well-flesht man, aged some forty yeares,
514
Red cheekt, and shauen both his beard and crowne:
By his formalities it might be guest
He must be a Lord Abbot at the least.
Who disappearing; This man (I confesse)
Begot me of his smooth fac'd Landeresse,
(Saith Iohn) and somewhat to abate your pride,
Iudge now who's best man by the fathers side.
Some vext, and other turn'd the jest to laughter;
But with his birth did neuer taunt him after.
Of many such like things Authors discusse,
Not only sportiue but miraculous.
We reade of one in Creucemacon dwelling,
In this prestigious kinde of Art excelling:
Who by such Spirits helpe could in the aire
Appeare an Huntsman, and there chase the Hare
With a full packe of dogs. Meaning to dine,
A teeme of horse, and cart laden with wine
He eat vp at one meale; and hauing fed,
With a sharpe sword cut off his seruants head;
Then set it on his shoulders firme, and so
As he was no whit dammag'd by the blow.
Not only sportiue but miraculous.
We reade of one in Creucemacon dwelling,
In this prestigious kinde of Art excelling:
Who by such Spirits helpe could in the aire
Appeare an Huntsman, and there chase the Hare
With a full packe of dogs. Meaning to dine,
A teeme of horse, and cart laden with wine
He eat vp at one meale; and hauing fed,
With a sharpe sword cut off his seruants head;
Then set it on his shoulders firme, and so
As he was no whit dammag'd by the blow.
In Saxonie, not from Torgauia far,
A Nobleman for raising ciuill war
Had been confin'd, and forfeiting his wealth,
Was forc'd to liue by rapine and by stealth.
He riding on the way, doth meet by chance
One of these Sp'rits, submisse in countenance,
In habit of a Groome; who much desires
T'attend his Lordship. Who againe requires,
What seruice he can do? I can (quoth he)
Keepe an horse well, nothing doth want in me
Belonging to a stable: I for need
Can play the Farrier too. So both agreed;
And as they rode together, 'boue the rest,
His Lord giues him great charge of one choice beast,
To tender him as th' apple of his eye:
He vowes to doo't, or else bids let him dye.
Next day his Lord rides forth on some affaire;
His new-come seruant then to shew his care,
This much lov'd Iennet from the stable shifts,
And to a roome foure stories high him lifts;
There leaues him safe. The Lord comes home at night;
The Horse of his knowne Master hauing sight,
Neighs from aboue: The Owner much amas'd,
Knowing the sound, vp tow'rd the casement gas'd,
Calls his new seruant, and with lookes austere
Asks him, by what means his good Steed came there?
Who answers, Bee'ng your seruant, I at large
Desirous was to execute your charge,
Touching your horse; for since you so well like him,
Loth any of the rest should kicke or strike him,
I yonder lodg'd him safe. But little said
The Nobleman; and by his neighbours aid
(For to his house he now must ioyne the towne)
With cords and pullies he conuey'd him downe.
A Nobleman for raising ciuill war
Had been confin'd, and forfeiting his wealth,
Was forc'd to liue by rapine and by stealth.
He riding on the way, doth meet by chance
One of these Sp'rits, submisse in countenance,
In habit of a Groome; who much desires
T'attend his Lordship. Who againe requires,
What seruice he can do? I can (quoth he)
Keepe an horse well, nothing doth want in me
Belonging to a stable: I for need
Can play the Farrier too. So both agreed;
And as they rode together, 'boue the rest,
His Lord giues him great charge of one choice beast,
To tender him as th' apple of his eye:
He vowes to doo't, or else bids let him dye.
Next day his Lord rides forth on some affaire;
His new-come seruant then to shew his care,
This much lov'd Iennet from the stable shifts,
And to a roome foure stories high him lifts;
There leaues him safe. The Lord comes home at night;
The Horse of his knowne Master hauing sight,
515
Knowing the sound, vp tow'rd the casement gas'd,
Calls his new seruant, and with lookes austere
Asks him, by what means his good Steed came there?
Who answers, Bee'ng your seruant, I at large
Desirous was to execute your charge,
Touching your horse; for since you so well like him,
Loth any of the rest should kicke or strike him,
I yonder lodg'd him safe. But little said
The Nobleman; and by his neighbours aid
(For to his house he now must ioyne the towne)
With cords and pullies he conuey'd him downe.
This Lord for some direptions being cast
Into close prison, and with gyues bound fast;
In (vnexpected) comes his Groome to see him,
And on condition promiseth to free him,
If he forbeare to signe him with the Crosse,
Which can (saith he) be to you no great losse:
Likewise refraine t'inuoke the name of God,
And you shall here no longer make aboad.
This bee'ng agreed, he takes vpon his backe,
(Gyv'd as he was, and chain'd, nothing doth lacke)
His noble master, beares him through the aire:
Who terrify'de, and almost in despaire,
Cries out, Good God, ô whether am I bound.
Which spoke, he dropt the pris'ner to the ground,
Ev'n in an instant: but by Gods good grace
He light vpon a soft and sedgy place,
And broke no limbe. Home straight the seruant hyes,
And tells them in what place his Master lies:
They to his Castle beare him thence forth-right,
Which done, this seruant bids them all Good night.
Into close prison, and with gyues bound fast;
In (vnexpected) comes his Groome to see him,
And on condition promiseth to free him,
If he forbeare to signe him with the Crosse,
Which can (saith he) be to you no great losse:
Likewise refraine t'inuoke the name of God,
And you shall here no longer make aboad.
This bee'ng agreed, he takes vpon his backe,
(Gyv'd as he was, and chain'd, nothing doth lacke)
His noble master, beares him through the aire:
Who terrify'de, and almost in despaire,
Cries out, Good God, ô whether am I bound.
Which spoke, he dropt the pris'ner to the ground,
Ev'n in an instant: but by Gods good grace
He light vpon a soft and sedgy place,
And broke no limbe. Home straight the seruant hyes,
And tells them in what place his Master lies:
They to his Castle beare him thence forth-right,
Which done, this seruant bids them all Good night.
Arlunus a more serious tale relates;
Two noble Merchants, both of great estates,
From Italy tow'rd France riding in post,
Obserue a sterne blacke man them to accost,
Of more than common stature; who thus spake,
If to Mediolanum you your journey take,
Vnto my brother Lewis Sforza go,
And vnto him from me this Letter show.
They, terror'd with these words, demand his name,
Both what to call him, and from whence he came.
I Galeatius Sforza am, (saith hee)
And to the Duke deliuer this from mee.
So vanisht. They accordingly present
The Letter to the Prince. The argument
Was this; O Lewis, of thy selfe haue care,
The French and the Venetian both prepare
T'inuade thy Dukedome, and within short space,
From Millan to extirpe thee and thy Race.
But to my charge deliuer, truly told,
Three thousand Florens of good currant gold,
I'le try if I the Spirits can attone,
To keepe thee still invested in thy Throne.
Farewell. The Letter was subscribed thus,
The Ghost of thy brother Galeatius.
This, though it seem'd a phantasie vnminded,
With selfe-conceit Prince Lewis Sforza blinded,
Soone after was by all his friends forsaken,
His City spoil'd, himselfe surpris'd and taken.
Two noble Merchants, both of great estates,
From Italy tow'rd France riding in post,
Obserue a sterne blacke man them to accost,
Of more than common stature; who thus spake,
If to Mediolanum you your journey take,
Vnto my brother Lewis Sforza go,
And vnto him from me this Letter show.
They, terror'd with these words, demand his name,
Both what to call him, and from whence he came.
I Galeatius Sforza am, (saith hee)
And to the Duke deliuer this from mee.
516
The Letter to the Prince. The argument
Was this; O Lewis, of thy selfe haue care,
The French and the Venetian both prepare
T'inuade thy Dukedome, and within short space,
From Millan to extirpe thee and thy Race.
But to my charge deliuer, truly told,
Three thousand Florens of good currant gold,
I'le try if I the Spirits can attone,
To keepe thee still invested in thy Throne.
Farewell. The Letter was subscribed thus,
The Ghost of thy brother Galeatius.
This, though it seem'd a phantasie vnminded,
With selfe-conceit Prince Lewis Sforza blinded,
Soone after was by all his friends forsaken,
His City spoil'd, himselfe surpris'd and taken.
One other to your patience I commend,
And with the close thereof this Tractar end.
And with the close thereof this Tractar end.
A Youth of Lotharinge, not meanly bred,
Who was by too much liberty mis-led,
His boundlesse prodigalitie was such,
His exhibition he exceeded much:
And when his money was exhausted cleane,
His credit flaw'd, and there remain'd no meane
Either to score or pawne; he walks alone,
And fetching many a deepe suspire and grone,
His melanch'ly grew almost to despaire:
Now, as we finde, the Diuels ready are
And prest at such occasions; ev'n so than
One of these Sp'rits in semblance of a man
Appeares, and of his sadnesse doth demand
The cause: Which when he seem'd to vnderstand,
He makes free protestation, That with ease
He can supply him with what Coine he please.
Then from his bosome drawes a Booke, and it
Presents the Youth, and saith, If all that's writ
Within these leaues thou giv'st beleefe to, I
Will furnish all thy wants, and instantly;
Vpon condition thou shalt neuer looke
On any page, or once vnclaspe the booke.
Who was by too much liberty mis-led,
His boundlesse prodigalitie was such,
His exhibition he exceeded much:
And when his money was exhausted cleane,
His credit flaw'd, and there remain'd no meane
Either to score or pawne; he walks alone,
And fetching many a deepe suspire and grone,
His melanch'ly grew almost to despaire:
Now, as we finde, the Diuels ready are
And prest at such occasions; ev'n so than
One of these Sp'rits in semblance of a man
Appeares, and of his sadnesse doth demand
The cause: Which when he seem'd to vnderstand,
He makes free protestation, That with ease
He can supply him with what Coine he please.
Then from his bosome drawes a Booke, and it
Presents the Youth, and saith, If all that's writ
Within these leaues thou giv'st beleefe to, I
Will furnish all thy wants, and instantly;
Vpon condition thou shalt neuer looke
On any page, or once vnclaspe the booke.
The yong man's pleas'd, the contract he allowes,
And punctually to keepe it sweates and vowes.
Now (saith the Spectar) note and vnderstand
What thou seest done: Then holds in his left hand
The fast-shut booke; his right he casts about,
Then with his thumbe and finger stretched out,
(Meaning the middle of that hand) holds fast
The charmed Volume, speaking thus at last,
Natat as saliat Aurum: and instantly
Six hundred Crownes into his pocket fly.
This shew'd and done, he stands himselfe aloofe,
Giues him the Booke, and bids the Youth make proofe
As he before did. The same order kept,
The selfe same summe into his bosome leapt.
They part; the youthfull Schollar is surpris'd
With ioyes incredible: and well advis'd
Within himselfe, thinks he, How should I curse,
To lose this, (more than Fortunatus Purse.)
Which to preuent, the surest way I'le chuse,
Transcribing it, lest I perchance might loose
Th' originalll copy. Then downe close he sits,
Shuts fast his dore, and summons all his wits,
From hand to hand the Booke he moues and heaues,
Weighing and poising the inchanted leaues;
Then layes it ope. But in the stead of Histories
Or Poëms, he spies nought saue Magicke mysteries.
First page by page he turnes it ouer all,
Saue Characters most diabolicall,
He nothing sees: then pausing a good space,
His eye by chance insists vpon a place,
At which he wonders; namely a circle that
Is fill'd with confus'd lines, he knowes not what
Their meaning is; and from the Center riseth
A Crucifix which the Crosse much disguiseth,
Clov'n through th' midst, and quite throughout dissect,
Aboue, an head of horrible aspect,
Resembling the great Diuels, ougly foule,
Which seemes on his rash enterprise to scoule.
On the right side two Crosses more appeare,
That after a strange guise conioyned were;
And these are interchangeably commixt,
And vpon each a Caca-Dæmon fixt.
Vpon the left, that part exposed wide,
Which modest women most desire to hide.
Oppos'd, as ev'n as iust proportion can,
Was plac'd th' erected virile part of man.
And punctually to keepe it sweates and vowes.
Now (saith the Spectar) note and vnderstand
What thou seest done: Then holds in his left hand
517
Then with his thumbe and finger stretched out,
(Meaning the middle of that hand) holds fast
The charmed Volume, speaking thus at last,
Natat as saliat Aurum: and instantly
Six hundred Crownes into his pocket fly.
This shew'd and done, he stands himselfe aloofe,
Giues him the Booke, and bids the Youth make proofe
As he before did. The same order kept,
The selfe same summe into his bosome leapt.
They part; the youthfull Schollar is surpris'd
With ioyes incredible: and well advis'd
Within himselfe, thinks he, How should I curse,
To lose this, (more than Fortunatus Purse.)
Which to preuent, the surest way I'le chuse,
Transcribing it, lest I perchance might loose
Th' originalll copy. Then downe close he sits,
Shuts fast his dore, and summons all his wits,
From hand to hand the Booke he moues and heaues,
Weighing and poising the inchanted leaues;
Then layes it ope. But in the stead of Histories
Or Poëms, he spies nought saue Magicke mysteries.
First page by page he turnes it ouer all,
Saue Characters most diabolicall,
He nothing sees: then pausing a good space,
His eye by chance insists vpon a place,
At which he wonders; namely a circle that
Is fill'd with confus'd lines, he knowes not what
Their meaning is; and from the Center riseth
A Crucifix which the Crosse much disguiseth,
Clov'n through th' midst, and quite throughout dissect,
Aboue, an head of horrible aspect,
Resembling the great Diuels, ougly foule,
Which seemes on his rash enterprise to scoule.
On the right side two Crosses more appeare,
That after a strange guise conioyned were;
And these are interchangeably commixt,
And vpon each a Caca-Dæmon fixt.
Vpon the left, that part exposed wide,
Which modest women most desire to hide.
Oppos'd, as ev'n as iust proportion can,
Was plac'd th' erected virile part of man.
At these much wondring, and asham'd withall,
He feeles a sudden feare vpon him fall,
Which Feuer shakes him, his eye's dull and dead,
And a strange megrim toxicates his head,
Imagining behinde him one to reach,
Ready t'arrest him for his promise-breach.
He feeles a sudden feare vpon him fall,
518
And a strange megrim toxicates his head,
Imagining behinde him one to reach,
Ready t'arrest him for his promise-breach.
He calls aloud, his Tutor is by chance
At hand, beats ope the dore, and halfe in dance
He findes his Pupill, and before him spies
This booke of most abhorrid blasphemies:
And questions, how it came there? He tells truth.
Then he in stead of chiding, cheares the Youth:
And hauing caus'd a great fire to be made,
Now sacrifice this cursed Booke, he said.
The Pupill yeelds, the flame about it flashes,
Yet scarse in a full houre 'tis burnt to ashes,
Though it were writ in paper. Thus we see,
Though these Familiar Spirits seeming bee
Mans profest friends, their loue's but an induction
Both to the Bodies and the Soules destruction.
At hand, beats ope the dore, and halfe in dance
He findes his Pupill, and before him spies
This booke of most abhorrid blasphemies:
And questions, how it came there? He tells truth.
Then he in stead of chiding, cheares the Youth:
And hauing caus'd a great fire to be made,
Now sacrifice this cursed Booke, he said.
The Pupill yeelds, the flame about it flashes,
Yet scarse in a full houre 'tis burnt to ashes,
Though it were writ in paper. Thus we see,
Though these Familiar Spirits seeming bee
Mans profest friends, their loue's but an induction
Both to the Bodies and the Soules destruction.
Explicit Metrum Tractatus octavi.
558
A Meditation vpon the former Tractate.
I
To rip vp Gods great Counsels who shall striue,Or search how far his hidden works extend?
Into the treasure of his wonders diue,
Or thinke his Maiestie to comprehend?
These things are granted vnto none aliue.
For how can such as know not their owne end,
Nor can of their beginning, reason show,
Presume his Pow'r and Might vnspeakable to know?
II
If He should say, Weigh me the weight of Fire?Or striue to call backe Yesterday that's past?
To measure out the Windes I thee desire,
Or search the dwellings of the Ocean Vast?
How the Seas flow, or how their Ebbes retyre,
Or in what moulds the Sun and Moone were cast?
Whence thou hadst life and fashion in the wombe,
Or wherfore (born thence) now to seek a second tomb?
III
Sure thou wouldst answer, Fire cannot be weigh'd.Or if? What ballance can the heat sustaine?
And of the Windes what measure can be made?
For I shall striue t'imprison them in vaine.
And how the chambers of the Depth are layd?
Which none hath seene that hath return'd againe.
Or who the Houres already past can summe?
Or by his art preuent those seasons are to come?
IV
How should I frame a Modell so capatious,In which to cast the body of the Sunne?
559
Or truly tell the courses that they run?
Neither can humane wit proue so audatious,
To question of his end e're he begun.
Neither with our weake sence doth it agree,
To find, how meere from nothing we first came to bee.
V
If of the Fire, which thou dost hourely try?If of the Winde, which blowes vpon thy face?
If of the Day, which dayly passeth by?
(And what is now, to morrow hath no place)
Or those bright Planets mouing in the sky,
Which haue Times Daughters in perpetuall chase.
Or if the Seas abisse thou canst not sound?
To search whose chanels yet there neuer line was found.
VI
If of thy selfe thou canst no reason show,By all the vnderstanding thou canst claime?
How in the wombe thou first beganst to grow?
Or how thy life into thy body came?
Yet all these things, to be, we see and know,
They lie before vs, and we giue them name.
But if we cannot show the reason why,
How can we search the mysteries of the most Hye?
VII
Number we may as well the things to come,Gather the scatter'd drops of the last raine,
The sands that are vpon the shore to summe,
Or make the wither'd Floures grow fresh againe;
Giue the Mole eyes, or speech vnto the Dumbe,
Or with small Vessels th' Ocean striue to draine:
Tell all the glorious stars that shine by night,
Or make a Sound or Voice apparant to the sight.
VIII
The Forrest of it's lofty Cedars prowd,Whose spatious boughes extended neere and far,
And from the earth the Sun did seeme to cloud.
560
His circumscribed limits; therefore vow'd
Against the mighty Ocean to make war,
Calling a Councell of each aged Tree,
Who with vnanimous consent thereto agree.
IX
Like counsell did the curled Ocean take,And said, Let vs rise vp against the Land;
Let's these our spatious borders larger make,
Nor suffer one tree in his place to stand:
The Earths foundations we haue pow'r to shake,
And all their lofty mountaines countermand.
Much honour by this conflict may be had,
If we to these our bounds can a new Countrey add.
X
Yet was the purpose of the Forrest vaine,For a Fire came, and all the Woods destroy'd:
And 'gainst the raging practise of the Maine,
Sands interpos'd, and it's swift course annoy'd.
Some Pow'r there was which did their spleens restrain:
For neither of them their intents enioy'd.
'Twixt these I make thee Vmpire, vse thy skill;
Which canst thou say did well, or which of the did ill?
XI
Both their intents were idle, thou wilt say,And against Nature that they did deuise:
The Woods were made within their bounds to stay,
And therefore to transgresse them were vnwise.
The Seas that quiet in their channels lay,
And would so proud an action enterprise:
Be thou the judge betweene each vndertaker,
Whether they both rebelled not 'gainst their Maker.
XII
For as the Earth is for the Woods ordain'd,Fixt there, not to remoue their setled station:
And as the Flouds are in their shores restrain'd,
But neither to exceed their ordination;
561
(For so it hath been from the first Creation)
And only the things heauenly vnderstand,
Who are in heav'n, and prest at Gods almighty hand.
XIII
If then things supernaturall we finde,The depth whereof we cannot well conceiue;
So abdite and retruse from Mans weake minde,
Them we into our frailty cannot weave:
(As what's aboue Capacitie assign'd)
Those to the first Disposer let vs leaue.
What's common amongst men is knowne to all;
But we may faile in those things metaphysicall.
XIV
But be it euer our deuout intention,To be so far remote from all ambition,
That whatsoeuer's aboue apprehension,
(If it be true, and of Diuine condition)
To quarrell with it in no vaine dissention,
But rather yeeld thereto with all submission.
Man, made of earth, to Earth God did confine;
Grace from aboue is the free gift of Pow'r Diuine.
XV
This Grace is the third Person in the Trinitie:The second, Wisedome; and the first, all Power.
To whom that we may haue more free affinitie,
Let vs submit vs henceforth from this hower:
And that we may attaine to true Diuinitie,
Pray, That they will their mercies on vs shower;
Here in this life, from Sathan vs defend,
And after bring vs to that joy which hath no end.
Crux pendentis est Cathedra docentis. S. Augustine.
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