CHAP. I. Of MAN.

IN the Creation of the World, and the ad­mirable composition and frame thereof, with the diversityand distinction of all the creatures therein, and the severall formes, shapes, dispositions, and Na­tures there [...]of: although the least of them in co [...]ation, may take us [Page 2] up with wonder and astonishment perpetually, yet to his Omnipotency and Power that created them, they were facile and easie: For he spake but the Word, and they were made; Fiat Lux, & facta est Lux: Let there be Light, and there was Light: and so of the rest. But when Man was to be made, as Lord and Ruler o­ver all the rest, there was a conjun­ction of the Trinity, and consultation of the God-head, about the produce­ment of so excellent a creature: Fa­ciamus, Let us make man according to our Image; Indue him with soule and bodie, capability, and reason, gi­ving him dominion over the Fowles of the ayre, the Fishes of the Sea, and all the creatures of the Earth. Therfore Man thus highly honoured, thus deliberately made, endued with a forme so Angelicall, prerogatives so royall; Status corporis celsus, ere­ctus in Coelum; a stature of body as­cendant, and lifted up towards Hea­ven: a minde so delate and ample, a­ble to comprehend the height and depth of mysteries, asuring the [Page 3] World in a moment; yet not con­tained in the world, as one writeth Mens D [...] simulac [...] very pithily of this speedy messen­ger:

The contemplation whereof, made King David, being stirred up with the wonder and love of such a work­man, to breake forth into this 138. Psalme of passion, I will magnifie thy Name, O Lord; how wonderfully am I made? All the workes of thy hands are wonderfull, as my souie hath ta­sted, and knoweth right well; my mouth was not hid from thee, being made in darkenesse; How wonder­fully was I fashioned in the wombe of my mother? Thine eyes saw me arude and indigested he aps, and all my mem­bers to thee were as written in a booke, [Page 4] which afterwards were not perfitted, but in many dayes. And this little, concerning this little world, Man, especially for a draught of the out­ward shape and lineaments: his ho­nor, his excellency, his majesty, his discourse and reason, his beauty, his Angelicall faculties. Now let us a little Anatomise in our considerati­on of the inward part of this work­manship, and how each article and member in his function and office is [...]mployed; in the which, the very tract of the feet, and print of the fin­gers of that Divine worke-man, that thus wonderfully hath formed them, doth most evidently appeare; the which the more we meditate of, the more we shall admire.

CHAP. II.

A division of the body of Man, and of the use and office of the inward members thereof.

CHAP. III. How to chuse out a place fitting for the erecting of a convenient habitation for the Pleasure, Rest, and solace of Man, and the exercise of this his admirable composition and Fa­cultie.

FIrst, single out a convenient place or soyle, where you meane to e­rect your Edifice or building, not farre distant from some running River, Fountaine, or other water, and bor­dering neare some Thicket or Grove; or shadowed with Elmes, or other Trees, for they are a very delectable object to the Eye; for they many times besides, breake the heat of the Sunne, and the rage of the winds, and are convenient both for shelter and sight. And likewise as in these, so you must be regardfull, that the ayre [Page 9] wherein your scituation should be, be not corrupt and damped by the Exhalation of Fogges, and other va­pours suckt up by the Sunne from Fennes and Marishes, and other low and rotten grounds there neare-unto neighbouring. For the ayre is a great preserver, or drawer-on of health or sicknesse, and hath a powerfull hand in the state of every mans bodie; and is the originall cause of many dange­rous diseases, and much continued health.

And for the Foundation thereof, it is necessary and convenient, that it be placed upon a dry and sandy ground, of some fit height and elevation, with the windowes towards the Sunne­rising, except the prospect otherwise perswade you.

All these things being thus consi­dered and effected, compasse in a plot of ground convenient for a Gar­den, which stored with variety of sweet hearbs and flowers, yeelds much content and profit, both for the pleasure and health of man. To the which, not impertinent, wrote that [Page 10] Doctor, who thus versified his Dire­ction:

Which is thus Englished.

And as for the scituation to the former directions, I adde, that a care be had that the wayes be good, and faire; and that there bee convenient woods, waters, and such like; not be­ing ore-topt with too high hils to hin­der prospect, or to pen in too much heat, or cold; causing thereby too sudden changes: after this, for the building I thus advise briefly, Let it be rather usefull then sumptuous, like inchanted Castles built in the ayre; [Page 11] out of which Knights errant were wont to rescue captiu'd Ladies: thus furnished with a convenient seat and building, then let the studious of health be observant what meats and drinkes are most nutritiue, and what time most convenient to be taken as they hereafter follow.

CHAP. IIII, Of the houres of Eating, and of the times appointed for that service: of which one saith: Horacibiest qvando stomachus desided rat escam.

THat there are dietary times and houres appointed for mans Re­past and Refection, as decency and order requires, is not unknowne un­to any, yet we though allowing they may be observed at all times for civi­lity and fashion, conclude, wee may not sometimes partake of them without satiety and danger. For con­cerning our times of eating, Rasis saith, it is then most convenient to [Page 12] eat (not at the times appointed) un­lesse it so happen that the substance and weight of our meats before ta­ken are decocted and descended to the inferiour parts of the Belly; and those parts are become light and easie in themselves, in the which no ex­tention or crudity remaineth: con­venient exercise having proceeded thereupon. For indeed to prescribe against the strictnesse of rule, when­soever the appetite best serves, then it is thought most wholesome and convenient to eat. For as saith Rasis, wee must be wary wee dull not the edge thereof by over-long fasting and breaking of houres, unlesse it prove false unto us, as it doth most usuall with Drunkards, and such like unor­dered and ill Dieted persons: but af­ter that a man of good observation and Dyet shall desire to eat, and the nourishment taken before was nei­ther grosse nor much, and which hee finds now well digested, let him then Dyet himselfe an [...]w without delay; for if he deferre so long that hee lose his appetite and stomacke which be­fore [Page 13] served him well, then is hee ei­ther to take the sirrup of violets, vi­neger, or warme water, and then to keepe fasting, till by vomit his appe­tite be renewed againe.

And furthermore, it is to be obser­ved, that every man take those meats that stand best with the state and dis­position of his Body, and doe eat as often as before hee hath beene most accustomed unto; for use and custome being once associates of long familia­rity, doe so incorporate and colleague withus, that they become part of our selves; unlesse hee haue growne upon an ill ordered custome, which is altogether to be taken heed of and avoyded, though not suddenly, as at once, yet by little and little; For, Consuetudo est altera natura; Cu­stome is another Nature, and will not easily forsake us hastily: And for our times of repast, they should bee so ordered, that at least we should eat once in one day, and at most not a­bove twice: or that which is more temperate, to eat thrice in two daies. For as it is good for them to eat twice [Page 14] in one day, that have weak and moist bodies, so it is hurtfull for them that have bodies fat and grosse; but to those that use much exercise or la­bour, greater quantities, and grosser meats may be lesse offensive. But to other of studious, nicer, and sick­lyer constitutions, & contrary dispo­sitions, contrary observation is to be regarded.

Averrois, the Comment [...]r upon A­vicens Canticles, saith, It is a more commendable manner to eat thrise in two dayes, then twice in one day: because it is thought, that the act di­gestive is finished in the third dige­stion, in 18 houres; for the which, when there shal be taken three meals in two dayes, the digestion shall bee perfected in this time throughout all the members, or very neare: where­upon we conclude, that our repast is then to be taken, and our bodies fed, which is the peremptory rule not limited to time or order, either long or short, when a perfect digestion is made throughout the body of that taken before.

[Page 15] Diogenes being asked what was the best dining time, answered, For a rich man when he could get a stomacke, and for a poore man when he could get meat.

CHAP. V. Of the order of our eating and re­fection.

THe Reason oftentimes that ous digestion becommeth slow and evill, ariseth for the most part out of the diversity of meats of divers natures and qua­lities, taken at once, without di­stinction or order; preferring grosse before subtle, and light be­fore heavy, and dry before moyst; and that we eat much, and exce [...]d, when wee should take little, and forbeare; and because of the te­dious delay, and long interposing betwixt the beginning and the en­ding of our meales. And there­fore to help digestion, hindered by [Page 16] these or any other occasion, it is prescribed, that our meat should be prepared and fitted according to the seasons of the yeare, and to the Temper of our bodies, (that is to say) hot in the winter, and cold in the summer; yet not in ex­treames in either: For wee must abstaine from those Sorbilia, sup­ping meats, but immediately re­moved from the Fier, as from those that are so cold, that they are kept as under the snow, other Countries presidenting us in the example.

Avicen in his Canticles saith, that in our meales and repastures, we should so farre become Physi­cians over our owne bodies, as to mingle those that are moyst and soluble, with others that are stip­tike and binding, so allaying the violence in both, by the mutuall moderation of eithers quality, that we may enioy the temperature of them, to our health and pleasure, by this mixitive application of vi­ands [Page 17] sweet and delicious, with those that are tart and more eager; dry with moyst, and liquid with dry. And this our Commenter holds to bee both a precept and Cannon, in this golden rule or go­vernment of dyet: being so ne­cessarily required in the preserua­tion of our health: and that all things should bee measured in quality, in quantity, in time and order, according to this meet and convenient direction, whereby our bodies may be preserved in health, which otherwise will fall upon disorder and ruine.

A little pausing after withall, both for physicke and fashion, though a full stomacke would rise, and an empty would sit down: unto which, that Poet was witty that thus prettily compared Mar­riage to a Feast:

CHAP. VI. Of the natures and qualities of the most usuall meats and drinkes that are taken at our Tables, the more rarelier omitted.

TO distinguish of the severall natures of all kindes of meats and drinkes, were, I take it, a worke to guild gold, though per­adventure it might be satisfactory to some that have more wealth then health, and more curiosity then wisdome; for it hath beene a question disputable, whether there be any perfect health or no, but a dependance or neutrality be­tweene sicknesse and health; like Hypocrates twins, alwayes toge­ther: and siuce I know the grea­test part of the world, rather takes [Page 19] care to compasse and possesse them, then like Physicall Natu­ralists to picke holes in their whol­somenesse: as if God, that made all things good, had made nothing perfectly wholesome. And first of Bread, the Staffe of life.

Of all other kindes of Bread that are, Rasis saith, that bread that is made of wheat is most conveni­ent for all men: because being well salted, leavened, and baked, it is found more subtile and dige­stable, and more long [...]r comfor­teth the stomacke, th [...]n bread of any other kinde.

Averrois, upon Avicens Canti­cles, gives a reason here of, saying, It is of better digestion, for the well sifting and seperatiou of it from the Branne, but it is fiower of digestion therefore, Branne being a sudden preparativ [...] there­unto. And that Bread is accoun­ted the best, which is baked in a Furnace of Iron or Brasle, tempe­rately [Page 20] salted, and leavened, and made light like a spunge.

Rasis as afore, saith, that Bread unleavened, is hardly digested, and slowly departeth the stomack, causeth paine in the belly, a stop­ping in the Liver, and the stone in Reines. Rasis further saith, that Barley bread is colder then Wheat, and of smaller nourish­ment, Barley Bread. and ingenders windinesse and Choller, and other cold infir­mities, hardening the belly, and binding it.

Bread of all other graine, is ac­cording to the nature of the grain. And Avicen further addeth, that no Bread is to be eaten, untill it be one night old.

CHAP. VII. Of Wine, and the qualities there­of.

VVIne, as saith Isacke, in his third bcoke of Dyets yeelds good nourishment, keepes the body in health: neither is there any meat or drinke found so comfortable unro it, for the na­turall heat and familiarity it hath therewithall; exceedingly streng­thening digestion, the heat there­of being like unto our naturall heat; and therefore soone conver­ted into pure and perfect blood: Moreover, it clarifies all thicke, grosle, and corrupt blood, and o­pens and cleares the entrances and passages throughout the whole body; especially the Veines, for passage thereof: opening the stop­pings likewise in the pores and pipes of the body, driving away the darke mists, fumes and follies begotten of sorrow betweene the [Page 22] fancy and the braine; strength­ning all the members of the body, ch [...]aring the heart, and making the minde forgetfull of sorrow; causing mirth, audacity, and sharp­nesse of wit, inlightning the un­derstanding: but all these with moderation, preserving somtimes even in extremities. And there­fore (saith Salomon) Give strong drinke to him that is ready to pe­rish; and therefore with these and the like arguments to be gi­ven, we conclude in the genera­lity, of the v [...]rtue and praise thereof, That the use is excellent, the abuse set aside.

Some ancient Writers have re­ported, that the wine of great Tyria hath this effect, that it will heat cold bodies, and coole hot bodies; moysten dry, and dry up moyst: and oftentimes so, that the thirst is hereby more suppres­sed then by any other thing. Rasis saith, that wine generally infla­meth the Liver, and heateth the [Page 23] stomacke, yet prepareth a passage to our better digestions, increa­sing blood, fattening the body, and augmenting naturall heat, and helping nature in her owne proper acts: strengthening digestion, ex­pelling super [...]uity of humours, with case and facility. Health and strength being encreased there­by, and old Age retarded and kept backe: and last of all, comforting the heart, and chearing the coun­tenance. But if it be taken super­ [...]uously, it hurteth the braine, dry­eth the sinewes, sometimes cau­sing Cramps, Appoplexies, and sudden death to ensue. And fur­ther thus one writes thereof,

CHAP. VIII. Of Meath, and the properties thereof.

DRinke made of Hony, accor­ding to Rasis, is exceeding hot, and caus [...]th a rednesse in the face, and is very hurtfull to those of hot complexions, but for those of phlegmatike more convenient: And therefore the Commenter upon Avicens Canticles, saith, that this Honey-water is better then wine to those of cold bodies, and weake sinewes.

CHAP. IX. Of strong Ale.

ALe (as saith Rasis) especially made of Barley, weakens the Nerues and sinewes, causeth dulnesse and head-ache, yet pro­uoketh Vrine, and represseth the heat of Drunkennesse.

That which is made of Wheat, mixed with Parsley and other hearbs, is adjudged best of all men, as that which is onely puft up with forcible ingredients, to shew a strength in weaknesse, wherein no vertue or goodnesse remaineth else, is accounted worst. Of which one writeth,

CHAP. X. Hereafter followeth a discourse of the natures of all kindes of flesh.

FLesh (as saith Isacke) is of great nourishment, fatt [...]ning the body, and making it strong and lusty; and those that use it conti­nually, and in ample manner, are so replenished therewith, that they find a fulnesse of blood and strength in nature, and need often Phlebotomy, and especially the more, if they adde wine thereun­to.

Commonly all Flesh much heats, and therefore is not held [Page 27] convenient for those that have a­gues or fulnesse of blood, or any other diseases that are nourished thereby. That flesh that is red without fatnesse, is of greater nou­rishment than that which is fat; and engenders lesse superfluities, and more strengthens the sto­macke: We divide all manner of Flesh into these two kinds, grosse and fine; those which are grosse, are convenient for men of labour and exercise: those which are more subtile and easie, to those of contrary dispositions, yet not ut­terly abandoning the former, lest thereby they abandon their strength: to which effect one writeth merrily, and may bee thought on seriously, as followeth,

CHAP. XI. Of wild flesh.

EVery living creature general­ly, according to Isacke, in his [Page 29] tstird booke of Dyets, is either wilde or tame; the flesh of all wilde Beasts is (for the most part) more dry, and of harder digestion, then of the tame, and yeelds a worse nourishment to the body, by reason of their much motion & labour, and heat of the ayre, and Sunne wherein they live without shelter or shade, by which they are so parched and dryed up, that they are scarce manducable; at least little nourishing, excepting onely the wilde Goat, whose na­turall coldnesse and humidity, by heat and labour, is both allayed and tempered: as also through their much motion, and agitation, the sauour and ranknesse of their flesh is taken away; and so becoms a fit helpe to digestion. The flesh of all beasts that are tame, are ae­qnivalent with this one of the wilde, and of greater nourishment then any other, by reason of their shadowed and temperate ayres, yet something grosse and hard of [Page 30] digestion they are, but the Male more light and easie then the Fe­mole, being of more calidity and moystnesse, and therefore more laudable: But the gelded hold the meane betwixt both.

CHAP. XII. Of Kiddes Flesh.

KIddes flesh, according to [...] ­sacke, is very temperate, ha­uing in it no admixture of evill, no separation of good, yet though it beget so temperate a blood, it is seldome without some apperti­nent cause prescribed to men of labour, or grosse constitutions, which prosper better upon stron­ger substances; but men of easier exercises and deuotions, a meat better than this is not to be found, being not so weake, but that it may well nourish the body; nor so strong as to fill it with repletion and grosse humours, but yeelding [Page 31] a well mixt blood and substance, betwixt grosse and subtile, be­twixt hot and cold. And hee fur­ther saith, that those that are milch are better then the other, both in nourishment, savour, and digestion; and breed better blood, for the milke betters the naturall humidity.

CHHP. XIII. Of Lambes flesh.

LAmbes flesh, according to I­sacke, is not good, although sucking, by reason of the abun­dance of humour, slyminesle, and Phlegme that it engenders, wher­by being taken, it slippes out of the stomacke before it bee dige­sted. Averrois is of opinion, it re­ceives some better temper from the earth.

CHAP. XIIII. Of Rammes-flesh.

RAmmes-flesh, according to Rasis, is more grosser then Kidde, and doth more increase strength and humors, and in some degrees equals the Kidde; the younger are the best for food, but the old for the flocke: the flesh of either being well digested, yeelds much and good blood, but especi­ally the Weather, or gelded, be­cause the heat and moysture thereby is tempered, whereby they yeeld a good savour and tast: yet Galen exceedingly disables the Flesh of Rammes in every de­gree, and commends the flesh of Calves.

CHAP. XV. Of Calves flesh, and Oxe flesh. (vulgo) Beefe and Veale.

CAlves-flesh, according to A­verrois, is exceeding good and commendable, not having in it that Skinny coldnesse that Oxe flesh hath; and for the excellent taste and rellish it hath, come se­cond to none; aequivalent herein with the Kidde, whom hitherto we have preferred before others; yet failing in other his vertues, engendring not so good humors.

Bullockes-flesh, according to Bullockes flesh. Isacke, engendreth a grosle, thick, and melancholy blood, giving much nourishment to the body, yrt is hard of digestion, and slowly departeth the stomacke, dispear­sing itselfe into all the members, and exceedingly stuffing the bel­ly; so that if melancholike per­sons shall much feede thereon, it will procure unto them the rising [Page 34] of the Spleene, Quartane Agues, Leprosies, Cancers, and many o­ther diseases, according to the complexion; which whosoever experienceth shall finde most ge­nerally true.

CHAP. XVI. Of the divers kinds of Hogges­flesh.

HOgges-flesh (according to Avicen) is more naturall to the constitution of Man then ma­ny other creatures, being more cold and moist, especially the tame and home-bred; but the wilde are contrary, being hot and dry, and of lesse nourishment.

The best are not to be taken of­ten, but sometimes, and the best parts thereof are those least ac­counted of; as the feet, eares and cheekes: these being exceeding nourishable, and yeelding a good [Page 35] digestion; easing, and making so­luble the belly, by reason of the much moisture and humidity they have yet provoking not vrine, as some hold the contrary, & to those of weake Dyets not so com­mendable: the yong are the best, best nourish, and ingender best bloud.

CHAP. XVII. Of Harts-flesh and Hares-flesh.

HArts-flesh is melancholy and hard of digestion: the yong are best, the middle age not so good, the old worst of all, but the gelded-yong have a degree of goodnesse above the rest, because their heat and drinesse is best tem­pered. Yet Avicen saith, notwith­standing Thi Harts taile, so [...] part is poyson. their grosenesse, they are swift of desention, and engender quartane Fevers. The utmost of the taile is poison.

[Page 36] The Hare especially (saith I­sacke) engenders melancholly blood, because the creature it selfe, and the flesh thereof are ex­ceedingly melancholly. Yet I­sacke Hares flesh. saith, The Flesh thereof be­commeth something more ten­der being hunted, and killed in chase. Therefore saith one.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Members of Beasts.

THe Head is grosse and much nourishing, heats the body, and therefore is not to be eaten but in cold seasons; out of which unfit application is the Collicke often ingendred. Whereas taken in fit seasons, it much comforteth [Page 37] the blood, and augmenteth spern. But the braine therein being cold, Breeds a loathing, and hurts the stomacke, and is when to be ea­ten, first of other meates, yet with regard, being good for those of hot complexions, as enemy to the contrary: those afflicted with a­ny cold diseases. In some it strengthens nature, and mollifies the stomacke: in others, not de­pending much upon the constitu­tion.

The Vdder is cold and grosse, The Ud­der. and although it nourish much, yet is it slowly digested.

The Liver is hot and moist, and hard of digestion, and slowly hath Lver. egression: yet I sacke saith, it in­genders good blood: but the Li­vers of those that give sucke are H [...]rt best: yet the Liver of a Hen is bet­ter then any other.

The Heart is of a hard sub­stance, slow of digesticn, but be­ing well digested, nourisheth much.

[Page 38] The Lungs are easie of dige­stion, and quickly passe the sto­make, Lungs. for the lightnesse and rare­nesse of the substance.

Tho Raines are illaudable in two things: One for the grosse­nesse and hardnesse of the sub­stance; Raines. the other, because it re­ceives the nourishment from the fatnesse of the urine: whereby they engender grosie and thicke blood.

Rasis saith, that red flesh with­out fatnesse, engendreth a thicke blood, with few superfluities; but the fat nourisheth more, yet en­genders a moyst blood sikewise, with more superfluity of humors, but of more nourishment.

But that which is betwixt both, engenders a temperate blood, and is best.

The Feet engenders a slymie Yeet. blood, yet the former are more light and hot: the hinder, more heavy and cold.

CHAP. XIX. Of flesh in peeces.

FLesh boyled in peeces (as saith Rasis) is the worse therefore, and nourisheth little, in respect of that which hath the true use, which is boyled whole: yet it is good for those that abound with raw humors, drying them vp, and being very assistfull that way. Flesh baked.

Flesh that is baked, is grosse, and yeelds much nourishment, yet is hardly digested, unlesse it finde a strong hot stomacke, it bindeth the belly most properly, especially when no fat or oylie thing is eaten with it.

Flesh boyled with pepper and egges, is ever hot, and therefore French mans diet best manducable in cold seasons; being a meat which strengthens the body, and nourisheth more than any other meat. Besides, it encreaseth sperme and blood, ma­king the body strong, beautifull, [Page 40] and able, and inciting to lust: yet in some it breeds a loathing, heats and ingenders the stone.

CHAP. XX. Of all kinds of Wild-Fowle.

VVIlde-fowle (as saith I­sacke) are generally mote light and subtile then others: All Fowle doe little nourish or streng­then the body; yet the wild more than the tame, having both a ten­derer skinne, and easier substance: the cause of their rerenesse is pro­cured by their much motion, and drynesse of the ayre.

The tame likewise in some per­sons, ingenders good blood, and are more temperate in one degree then the other, by reason of their moderation of labour, and humi­dity.

Of all other Birds, the Stare is the most subtile, the young Par­tridges, [Page 41] Chickens, the Pheasant and the Henne, and the young more light then the other, bree­ding a better blood, and more strengthening the appetite: the male being best, by reason of the temperate fatnesse.

But the best of all tame Fowle He [...]es flesh. is Hens flesh, being an excellent preservative against the Leprosie: And it is said that the braine of the Hen augments the substance of the matter of the Braine, and sharpens the wit: which in this manner wee finde further com­mended.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Henne.

THe Henne (according to I­sack,) is lesse humid then her Henne. Chicken, and therefore hardly to bee compared to the Chicken for temperatenesse in digestion: yet being well digested, yeelds better nourishment.

Rasis saith, that the Stares flesh Star [...]. of all other is best.

The Quailes flesh next unto [...]uaile. that, adiudged not over-hot in di­gestion, because it engenders lit­tle of superfluous humours. After Partridg these, the flesh of young Partrid­ges, yet something grosser are they, they are stringent, yet of much nourishment.

CHAP. XXII. Of young Pigeons.

YOung are of a vehement heat, inflames the blood, and ingen­der Pigeon [...]. Fevers. Isacke saith, young Pigeons are very hot, copious, and moyst, wherefore yeeld grosse nourishment, which is witnessed by their tardinesse and slownesse of wing: but being fledged, and put to flight, become more light and easie of digestion; they are good for the Phlegmaticke, but hurtfull to the Chollericke.

Duckes, saith Isacke, are worst of all Water-fowles: and their Duskes. flesh (as Rasis saith) engendreth much superfluities, and breeds a loathing in the stomacke, yeel­ding little sustentation to the bo­dy, and some are of a ranke sauor, which addes to their ill.

CHAP. XXIII. What parts of Fowles are best.

THe belly of all Fowles accor­ding Belly. to Isacke, is griesly and hard of digestion, but being dige­sted, yeelds much nourishment: yet of all other, the Gooses is best: for her store of moysture in her wings, after that the Chickens. And likewise the Lyuer, more nourishable then the other: yet the wing of every Fowle more commendable then both, because of the labour and motion thereof, whereby all superfluous humours are dissolved.

The necke of the Goose and Necke. Hen, are better than those parts in any other fowle: likewise those that are cut, are better than the rest.

Chickens are better then any other, because they yeeld better nourishment, and purer blood.

[Page 45] Likewise commendable are the parts of Stares, Partridges, Hens, and Cockes.

CHAP. XXIV. Of Egges, and the properties thereof.

EGges, as Isacke aforesaith, yeeld much nourishment, be­cause Egges. the whole substance there­of, especially the yolke, for the vicinity it hath with mans nature, is easily thereunto conuerted.

The Egges of Hennes and Par­tridges, Partri [...]g Egges, are better then any other: both which much augment sperm and incite to lust. After those the Duck-egge taketh place, al­though Duck-egs it yeeld but euill nourish­ment. But Goose-egges are loa­thing; Goose-egs yeelding an evill taste and savour. The yolks of all Egges are hot, and easie of digestion, the white is cold and viscous, and not [Page 46] so easie. And concerning the yolke of the Egge, some writers are of Yolke. opinion that it converts into as White. much blood and nature, as it is in waight and quantity it selfe.

Rasis saith, that Egges fryed hard, are hard of digestion, and Egges fryed. slowly depart the stomacke: but the soft are otherwayes, being ea­sie and light; but those which are trembling, neither hard nor soft, are in the best measure handled.

CHAP. XXV. Of Milke.

MIlke, saith Isacke, is a neare neighbour to blood. For it is [Page 47] nothing else but blood concocted in the vdders in the second course for it receiues the whitenesse and taste from thence.

Rasis saith, that new milke is a neighbour to Temperatenesse; and although it be cold and moist, yet doth it fatten and strenthen the body, helpes those that are in Consumptions, restores the Lungs wasted, cures the dry Cough, and asswageth the heat of the Vrine: yeelds a good nourishment and moisture to dry bodies, and redu­ceth the blood to a good temper; Likewise augmenteth sperme, yet the conversion thereof is swift, and therefore not to bee u­sed of those that haue Feavers, nor of those that have any paine in the head, through any disease. Those that are troubled with Collickes, or any other the like, Cowes milke,

Cowes milke of any other, is accounted most grosse, and is good for all those that would fat­ten their bodies.

[Page 48] Asses milke, for all those that Asses milk would macerate themselues, and make leane their bodies, being moyst, subtile, and piercing, and naturally good against the Con­sumption of the Lungs.

Goats milke, betwixt both these, Goats milke. holds a temper, but Sheeps milke above all other engendreth super­fluities.

Isacke saith, that milke being used of those that are in health, so Sheepes milke, not often in time, nor much in quantity, ingenders good blood, moystens the belly, helpes the brest, the Consumption of the Lungs, and the paine in the blad­der, especially if it have lost the watrishnesse thereof, being com­pounded and thickned with some other thing, as Rise, or such like.

Rasis saith, that the milke of Butter helps the flux of the belly, Butter­milke. the red choller, and those that have leane and weake bodies: And the better doth it those things, if some hot Iron shall be oftentimes [Page 49] quenched therein.

Whey likewise hath his ver­tue Whey. cleansing the Scab, the Iaun­dise, and pushes of the skinne, and the red Choller, and cooleth the stomacke, heated by inflamation of Wines, or other hot drinks.

Fresh-Butter, skinnes the raw­nesse [...] of the throat, destroies Ring­wormes and Tetters, and abateth the rednesse of the face, taking a­way the wheales and pimples thereon, and so cleareth the skin, and beautifieth the Complexion: yet doth it ascend the top of the stomacke, and there breeds a kind of loathing.

Butter sod weakens the sto­macke, but mollifies hard impo­stumes; Butter Codde. and being applied in plai­sters, helpes the byting of Vipers, or other venemous beasts: yet the continuall eating thereof, breeds Phlegmaticke diseases; yet not­withstanding more soluble and nourishable it is and of greater vertue then many other things.

CHAP. XXVI. Of Cheese.

NEw Cheese is of nature cold and grosse, neither can be said to be simply good, being so cold and heavy of it selfe, but being old it varies therein according to the antiquity: that which is of a salt sharpe taste, is both hot and bur­ning, causing thirst, drying-up the body, and little nourishing; yet that which is old and fresh, being taken in a small quantity after meat, closeth the mouth of the stomacke, taking away the sacie­ty, fulnesse, and loathing from thence, which may be caused by excesse of sweet meat taken be­fore.

Isacke saith further, that Cheese for the most part is bad for the heavinesse, it over-loads the sto­macke withall, and the hardnesse of digestion in it; and thereby the [Page 51] often users thereof are incident to the Chollicke and stone in the Reines, yet measurably taken, the lesse it offends; Of which one thus merrily jests:

CHAP. XXVII. Of Fishes.

FIshes (as saith Isacke) are ge­nerally cold, and doe engen­der Phlegme, and are fit and con­venient to be eaten hot, and of those of dry complexions, and e­specially in the Summer time, and in hot Countries: for very unfit they are for cold and moyst com­plexions, especially, in cold sea­sons and Countries.

There are diuersity of Fishes, [Page 52] as Sea-fishes, and Riuer-fishes: The Sea-fishes are those that are Sea fishes River-fi­shes. bred in the Sea, but those that are bred in the Banks, and stony and sandy places, are more subtile and laudable, and more easie of dige­stion then other of the Sea-fishes are, and doe engender more and better blood, yet slowly passe out of the stomacke, by reason of their le [...]e moysture.

But Fishes of sweet-waters, are for the most part grosse and slymie and harder of Digestion; yet they more easily passe the stomacke; but though they are lesse nourish­able then the Sea-Fish are, yet these are best, and thereby bette­red, that are bred in running-wa­ters, being stony at the bottome, and farre from the anncyance of Cities, or any other filth.

But Fishes in abiding Ditches, and standing-waters, are worse then the rest, for the harshnesse of their taste, and hardnesse of Dige­stion: and especially the worse, if [Page 53] they be farre from the Sea, or o­ther Riuers, whereunto no Fresh­waters have recourse.

Rasis saith, that all Fishes are hard of digestion, staying long in the stomacke, causing drynesse and thirst; and from those that are fresh, is engendred a Phlegmati­call blood, which doth breed an ill slyme in the body, out of which springs many infirmities.

Therefore those Fishes are to be chosen and reputed best, whose substance is not slymie, nor very grosse, nor hath any euill smell, or d [...]e soone putrifie; nor are such that remaine in Lakes & Marishes nor stinking-waters, nor standing­pooles, or in a place where they have ill meat, nor those that re­maine amongst weeds.

Salt-Fishes are by no meanes to Salt-fishe be eaten, vnlesse at such a time as one would Physicke himselfe to vomit thereupon; If any man de­sire them, let him take a small quantity thereof, and let him take [Page 54] it with some oylie or soluble meat.

The River-Crabs, according to Auicen, are very good for those [...]rabbes. that have weak bodies; and being eaten with Asses-milke, are good against the Consumption of the Lungs. Likewise the broth made thereof, will dissolue the hardest impostume ingendred in the body if it may have accesse thereunto.

CHAP. XXVIII. Of Pulses.

NExt are we to speak of some kinds of Pulses, and first of Rice. Rice: Isacke saith in his third booke of Dyets, thar Rice is dry in the fourth degree, and hot in the first; and being boyled with water, helpeth the chollicke, and being boyled with Almonds, be­commeth soluble and laxative, nourishing well, begetting good [Page 55] blood, and augmenting sperme; and the water thereof taketh a­way pimples from the face, and clarifies the skinne; but the Rind Rice-wa­ter. or Pils thereof are reputed poyson as saith Avicen, yet being taken in drinke, doe extenuate paine in the mouth, and breake the impo­stume upon the tongue.

Beanes, according to Isacke, are Beane [...] either greene or dry. The greene are cold and moyst in the first de­gree, and nourish little, but beget grosse and raw humors, and cause a windinesse in the belly: but the old are cold and dry in the first de­gree, and begets a windinesse and grosnesse in the uppermost part of the belly: from whence ariseth a fume that hurts the braine, where­upon ensue idle Fancies and dreames; they are of much dige­stion, but are retained long in the stomacke.

The great white Beane being White Beanes not old, is the better; and being boyled with water, loseth much [Page 56] of his grosnesse and windinesse; especially if the first water shall be taken away, and a second added thereto, and so after well boyled, and eaten with Mints, Origan, Ci­namon, and such like. And they that would be cleare of complexi­on, and mundifie their skinne and bodies, let them use to wash them with the flower thereof.

Rasis saith, that greene Beanes beget raw humours in the sto­macke, A receit for women and procure Phlegme in the entrailes, and a windinesse in the guts.

Lentils, according to Rasis, are cold and dry, and engender me­lancholy L [...]tils, blood, dry the body, dim the sight, and engender many o­ther diseases, being often used.

And Isacke further saith, that they fill the brainewith grosse and heavy fumes, from whence pro­ceeds a paine in the Head, and fearefull dreames thereupon.

Ciches (as saith Isacke) are Ciches. both white and blacke; the white [Page 57] are hot in the first degree, and moyst in the middle, and are hard to digest, causing inflamation and windinesse; insomuch that the flesh is extended and puffed up thereby: whence it comes, that the eaters thereos are of cleare skinne: For the Flesh being puf­fed up, becomes thereby the more white and cleare.

The blacke are hotter then the white, and lesse moyst; and helpe the opilation of the Liver, being boyled with Parsley, and Liquo­rish, and the broth thereof drunk, increaseth milke and sperme, and provokes Vrine.

Pease, as saith Arnold de Villa­nova, in his Tract of the Govern­ment Pease. of health, are of this nature; that if they are moystened with Ciches a whole Night in sweet­water, and the day following boi­led with two or three heats, and then strained, and being strained, kept, and at meat, being heat a­gaine with a littlewhite-wine, and [Page 58] a little of the dust of Spike-nard and Saffron, and a little salt, and supped at the Table, or taken with a piece of bread, clenseth the veines of the Head, and the passa­ges of the water: and the more efiectually doth it, being boyled with Parsley and Alisanders.

But the vulgar are too much deceived, that thinke they should be softened againe in Lee, because by that second softening, all the thinne substance and appetite is added, which by the first mollify­ing was separate and lost.

CHAP. XXIX. Of Pot-hearbs.

NOw according to our Me­thod, are we to speake of Pot-hearbs, that their effects may be the better knowne.

Garlicke, according to Rasis, is hot and dry, causing thirst, and [Page 59] provoking lust, expelling windi­nesse, and heating the body; yet is not to be eaten of persons of hot complexions, neither in hot coun­tryes, nor seasons. Galen calleth it the Countrey-mans Treakle; and the stench thereof, Beanes or Lentils being roasted and eaten after, will take away. Likewise▪ Rue being chewed, and a little of it swallowed into the throat, hath the same effect. Also worme­wood, Mynts, or wild-mynts be­ing chewed, and a little vinegar taken after them, are likewise adiuvant therein. The like doth the root of Beets, being eaten, as Pliny noteth: though the old verse seemeth to import other­wise, which saith,

Sorrell, according to Rasis, is Sorrell. hot and dry, and the vertues thereof are to binde the belly, sharpen the stomacke, helpe Red choller, and quench thirst. And Avicen saith, that the mouth be­ing rubbed with the iuyce there­of, is a present remedy for the Tooth-ache.

Dyll, according to Isacke, in Dyll. his second booke, is hot and dry; and being taken in wine, dissolveth windinesse and Tumors, and the leaves thereof sod in oyle, have the like effect: And further, re­fresh after labour, and provoke sleepe, as the seed being drunke doth Vrine; increasing milke, and clensing the belly from putrifacti­on of humors.

[Page 61] Auicen likewise noteth, that it causeth sleepe; and further, that it helpes the bulking in the sto­macke, caused through the opera­tion of meats: but the often ea­ting thereof, weakens the sight, though it lengthens the shortnesse of the winde, caused through Phlegme, and stuffing in the Lungs. Likewise it expelleth wormes in the body, and helpeth a bad digestion.

The Garden Lectuice (accor­ding Lectuice. to Isacke) is better than any other hearbs, for the engendring of a good blood, and is the bet­ter, not being washed in water; howsoever it is easie of Digesti­on, a procurer of Vrine, and good against the red choller, cooles the boyling of the blood in the sto­macke, causing sleepe, and aug­menting sperme and milke.

The Mynt (saith Isacke) is hot Mynts. and dry in the second degree; provokes an Appetite, takes away all putrifying humors, supples the [Page 62] Sharpn [...]sse of the Tongue, being rubbed therewith, and the mouth being washed with the Decocti­on thereof; and the powder of the dryed Mynt, is sweetened a­gainst the putrifaction of the Gummes, and rottennesse of the Teeth.

Cresses (saith Isacke) doth heat the stomacke and the Liver, mol­lifie Cresses. the belly, provoke Lust, scowre the Lungs, helpe the shortnesse of winde, and theri­sing of the spleene: and taken of women with child, doth cause ab­ortions and untimely births.

Poppey (saith Isadke) is white Poppey. Opium takē, cau­seth sl [...]e­ping to death. and blacke; Of the blacke is made Opium, but the white is more laudable, and of better disposition: Of both which Dioscorides saith, that the eaters thereof shall be subject to much sleep and sorget­fulnesse.

Rasis saith, that the seed of the white Poppey is cold; and ea­seth Whiee Poppoy. both the throat and the brest, [Page 63] and augmenteth sleepe.

Alisanders, or wild Parsley, as saith Serapion, being made into Alisander a Plaister, and applyed unto either Pushes, Morphew, or Scab; doe cleanse it exceedingly. Likewise ease the paines of the Bladder, and the Reines, opening the pores of the body, and scouring the pas­sages of the urine, and expelling fweat: Likewise cleanseth the Liuer, and dissolveth windynesse and chollicke.

And further, Rasis saith, it is hot and dry, and although it much helpe the Appetite, yet causeth it head-ache, and other paines therein: whence proceeds fan­tasies and ill dreames, much hur­ting those that are troubled with heat, and therefore after it should be eaten Purslane and Endive, to ullay the heat thereof; yet being eaten raw, it cleares the conduits of the Lungs from grosse humors, opens the opilations of the Liver, & asswageth the pain in the throat

[Page 64] Purslane, according to Rasis, doth quench the heat, drynesse, Purslane. and thirst in the body, bindeth the belly, and easeth the paine in the Teeth, and helpeth those that are troubled with the Fluxe, caused through rednesse of Choller: Like­wise it diminisheth sperme. Avi­cen saith, Let Warts be rubbed To take a­waywarts therewith, and they are taken a­way.

The Raddish, saith Rasis, is hot and dry, and stayeth long in the Raddish [...]aves. stomacke; withall, it diminisheth Phlegme, but elevates the meat to the mouth of the stomacke, and causeth vomiting: the leaves thereof further digestion, and help the Appetite, taken in a small quantity before meat. Isacke saith, being taken after meat, they allay the windinesse thereof, cau­sing it to descend with the owne substance.

Dioscorides saith, the Root be­ing taken with salt, breeds store of milke, provokerh Vrine, and [Page 65] womens monthly Termes; and being put into a hollow Tooth, with a little Ginger, the Gumme being rubbed therwithall, it allaies the paine exceedingly.

Rapes, according to Isacke, are Rapes. hot in the second degree, and moyst in the first, and of more nourishment then other herbs, yet are hard at first to digest: They do dillicate and mollifie the flesh, and prouoke lust, and aug­ment sperme. Pliny saith, that the Rape being boyled and appli­ed, drives the cold from the feet, and hath a marvellous vertue to inlighten the understanding.

Rue, according to Isacke, helps the Digestion, and hath a vertue Rue. to expell all grosse and slymie hu­mours, to dissolve windinesse in the stomacke, and moysten the belly.

Avicen saith, that it takes away the smell of Garlicke and Onions, sharpens the sight, and abateth lust.

[Page 66] Sage, according to Dioscorides, represseth the menstrues in wo­men, Sage. causing abortions, and un­timely births: and the leaves and branches thereof, being fryed, stay the itching or tickling of nature: The Iuyce of the leaves thereof, being rubbed upon haire of any colour, turneth it to blacke, like­wise helpeth the byting of vene­mous beasts.

Spinage is good for the Lungs, Spinage. the Throat, and the Stomacke, making soluble the belly, and gi­ving good nourishment.

Sow-beard, or Mushrome, ac­cording to Rasis, is cold and grosse, Mushrom and being taken raw, ingenders Phlegmes, the Chollicke, and windinesse in the guts: neither is it to be eaten but with hot saw­ces, and meats, but the red is not to be eaten at all. Toad-stoole.

The Toad-stoole is much worse then the Mushrome; for it hath choaked and killed many that have taken it; and the best that it [Page 67] doth, is but to breed Phlegme in the body in abundance.

And these are signes of the deadly nature and disposition of it; the softnesse, slyminesse, and grosnesse: and which being cut in the middle, and but set out of hand, it doth instantly putrisie and corrupt.

CHAP. XXX. Of Fruits.

GAlen my Father, because he eat no Fruit in all his life, li­ued long, and in health: whose example in his life, I imitated, but then being dead, my example lost, I began to eat fruits, whereupon insued unto me many infirmities: Afterwards I abstained from all greene fruits, and was free from many infirmities which before I was incident unto; and all indeed, unlesse a dayes Fever, or sudden [Page 68] passion, and my Friends which were counselled by me, and ab­stained likewise, in their whole lives, were not troubled with ma­ny diseases.

Figges, according to Rasis, doe Figges. cleanse the Reines from the Gra­vell and stone; but being new, they are windy, though otherwise they breed little of ill humour, especi­ally if they finde the stomacke cleane: But if not, they putrifie Figsbreed Lice. therein, and corrupt, and the of­ten eating thereofbreeds Lice.

Datet are hot, and give a nou­rishment to the body, thickning Dates. the grosse blood, and polluting it, especially if taken often at meat: likewise they hurt the Teeth, and increase Phlegme.

Dioscorides saith, Dates are hot and moyst in the second degree, and easier digested then Figges, and more provoke Vrine, but those that use them, shall be inci­dent to the swelling of the splene and Lyver.

[Page 69] Grapes, as saith Rasis, being Grapes. ripe and sweet, are hot in them­selves, yet of lesse heat then Dates, neither doe they cause opi­lations as Dates doe: yet are they windy, and some degree more hurtfull; they fatten the body much, and cause erection of the yard; but those of the slenderest skinne, doe the soonest descend, and are lest windy. Those which are sowre and tart, are of lesse heat than the sweet; and these being washed in cold water, and eaten before meat, doe quench the heat in the stomacke and Ly­ver.

Bitter Grapes are cold and strin­gent, Bitter Grapes. and represse the red choller and superfluity of blood: but those that are dry and temperate in heat and nourish well, make no opila­tions as the Date doth, although they are stronger, and nourish more.

Pomegranats, that are sweet, Pomegra­nates. saith Rasis, in stead of cooling the [Page 70] body, ingender a heat and windi­nesse therein: yet they supple the throat, as the sowre doe cause a sharpnesse and gnawing in the stomacke, and ingender wind in the Heart and Lyver; yet saith Avicen, they allay the red chol­ler, and heat of the blood, represse Fevers, and vomiting.

Isacke saith, that the P [...]me­granate apples are more usuali for Medicine, than meat, for they give but small nourishment: al­though it be good, yet, saith he, they doe quench the sharpnesse of humors, comfort the stomacke, and the juyce thereof, being drop­ped into the eyes of the sicke of Areceit for the Iaundise. the Iaundise, takes away the yel­lown [...]sse from thence.

Citrons, saith Rasis, whether they be sweet or sowre, do streng­then Citrons. the stomacke, but especially the sowre: They bind the belly, being taken before meat, but ta­ken after, dissolve it; but the sowre are ever the most potent in the [Page 71] operation thereof.

Peares, according to Galen, being taken before meat, do bind, Peares▪ but after meat are laxatiue. Isacke saith, that sweet Peares are tem­perate, especially if they be eaten with the Toad-stoole, it takes a­way the toughnesse, and makes them of a lighter digestion.

The wild Apples, according Apples▪ to Rasis, as aforesaid, are cold; and the more sowre they are, the more stringent they be, much de­riving their effects from thence; and withall, ingendring a slymie substance in the mouth of the sto­macke.

Avicen saith, that Sweet-Apples naturally do strengthen the heart; Sweet Apples. and baked, helpe the appetite but little, though some affirme the contrary: the daily eating thereof fils the veines with heat.

Peaches, according to Avicen, Peaches. if they be ripe, are plersant in the stomacke, and cause an appetite to meat, and therefore are not to [Page 72] be eaten after other meat, but to goe before, and especially those meats that are dry, because other­wise they corrupt the same: They are slow of digestion, and are not perfectly good, though of much nourishment.

Isacke saith, that the great Peaches, (if they be ripe) doe mollifie and loosen the belly, but the unripe doe binde it. The les­ser Peaches are good for the sto­macke, and doe abstract from thence all satieties and loathing.

Medlers, according to Isacke, are cold and dry in the first degree Medlers. strengthen the stomacke, and ex­pell chollericke digestion, provo­king vomits and urine: but those are most directory, that are taken before meat, and doe most com­fort the stomack, least hurting the sinewes thereof; which if after­wards they doe, Dioscorides saith, there are many that imagine they helpe the loathing of the stomack [...]ing taken in the instaht thereof.

[Page 73] Of Cytron-Apples, Avicen saith that the Rind thereof being held Cytron Apples. in the mouth, yeeldeth a good sa­vour; the juyce thereof killeth Ring-wormes, the Decoction thereof causeth a good colour in the Face, and fattens the Bo­dy.

Mulberries ripe and sweet, ac­cording Mulber­ries. to Isacke, doe moysten the belly, and provoke Vrine, but soone depart the stomacke: but being taken fasting, in cold water, are very cooling, quench the thirst and extinguish heat.

Plummes, saith Isacke, are of two sorts, white and red: The Plummes white are hard of digestion, and hurtfull to the stomacke; the red are moyst and soluble by nature, and much mollifie the belly, and helpe the red choller; yet being tak [...]n often, hurt the stomacke; but before meat ever the lesse.

Cherries, according to Isacke, are very convertible, but ingen­der a Cherries. gross [...]Phlegme and slymin [...]s [Page 74] in the concave places of the Lyver and splene, and therefore often­times ingender Fevers, and are bad all manner of wayes, but best if taken before meat: for other­wise they swimme on the top of the stomacke being full, and there are soone turned into rottennesse.

The Almond, according to Almonds. Rasis, is temperate and hot; and although it supples the throat, yet it is heavy to the stomacke, and there doth remaine long, opening the opilations of the splene, and allaying the heat of the urine, and being eaten with Sugar, doe in­crease sperme.

Garden-Parsley, saith Isacke, eaten, opens opilations, provokes Parsley. Vrine, binds the belly, hurts the diseased of the Falling-sicknesse, and is especially bad for women with child, breeding ulcers and Pushes upon the body thereof: neither can we commend the ver­tue thereof to any, because it con­tracts all the humours in euery [Page 75] member together in the stomock, whence proceeds vomiting, the Seed and branches, both provoke Vrine, yet the seed more then the branches.

Orage or Attriplex, as saith Orage, or Artiplex Rasis, is cold and moyst, doth mol­lifie the belly, and nourish well, and is good for those that have hot Lyvers: Yet Pliny saith, that by them many diseases are ingendred as wheales, and pushes, and such like.

Red-Carrots, according to Ra­sis, Red Car­rots. are hot and windy, and hard of digestion, and doe adde a sharp­nesse vnto the sperme; withall, provoking urine and lust, as beget­ting ill blood and humours.

Beets, according to Pliny, are Beets. of two kinds, white and blacke ▪ The blacke being sodden in wa­ter, doe cure the Itch, and the juyce thereof doth helpe the gid­dinesse in the Head, and allayes the singing in the Eares; and like­wise as it provokes urine, and [Page 76] helpeth the paine in the Teeth, it stirreth lust, and excites: It is al­wayes good against poyson.

Borage, a [...]cording to Constan­tine, is hot and moyst in the first Borage. degree, and naturally purgeth the red choller, and easeth the Heart­ache. The herbe eaten raw, ac­cording to Platea, begets good blood. The stalke, as saith Rasis, ingenders the blacke choller, and begets fantasies and dreames, yet doth lenifie the breast, and throat, and aslwageth drunken­nesse.

The broth thereof drunke without the hearbe, loseth the belly, but the hearbe eaten with the broth, hindeth it, by the strange contrariety it hath: And therefore that the extremity may be tempered, let the first broth be cast away, and after boyle it, with something that is fat.

Onyons, as saith Avicen, being Onyons. eaten with vinegar, doe neither coole nor heat, cause Thirst, nor [Page 77] suppresse it. For these vertues it is most commended, as saith Diossorides, that it helpeth the appatite being eaten, as the juyce thereof dropped into the nose, purgeth the Head. The juyce whereof, rubbed with vinegar up­on the Face, taketh away spots: the much eating thereof molifieth the belly, and provoketh to sleepe.

Gourds, saith Avicen, much prevaile against choller, yet are Gourds. hurtfull for mellancholy and phlegmatike persons, the juyce Receit for tooth-ach thereof held long in the mouth, as­swageth Tooch-ache.

Cummin is hot and dry, accor­ding to Rasis, and much helpeth Cummi [...] digestion, dissolveth windinesse; Taken with vinegar, stay the monthly termes of women, and being taken in drinke, or annoin­ted thereon, stoppeth the blee­ding of the nose, and often used, it causeth palenesse, and abateth colour: as the seed thereof being [Page 78] mingled with water or drinke, al­layes the windinesse and griping of meats boyled with them, and being seuerally taken, kils worms in the maw.

Fennell, as saith Isacke, and the seed thereof, augmenteth milke, Fennell. helpeth the opilation of the lyver, purgeth the raines, and bladder, and breaketh the stone, and is forcible against Quotidian-agues, and taken with meat, helpes the running of the eyes.

Isope (as saith Rasis) is very hot, Isope. and being much eaten, dims the sight.

Bitter-Almonds, according to Bieter Almonds'. Isacke, are hot and dry in the end of the second digestion, doe both extenuate and strengthen the stomacke, and dissolve all slymie and grosse humours: Likewise cleares the brest and the Lungs from Phlegme, and opens the opi­lations of the Lyver and splene.

Nuts, according to Rasis, doe Nuts. turne all chollericke thicke hu­mours [Page 79] that they find in the sto­macke, into choller it selfe; and doe cause an aching and giddinesse in the head; but that this hurtfull and ill nature may be taken from them (saith one) they ought to be layd a whole night in warme wa­t [...]r, and so to be cleansed and moi­stened.

Dioscorides saith, two Nuts, with two dry Figges, and twenty Rue leaves, with a graine of salt, Pr [...]ser­uatiue a­gainst posson. being all beaten together, and ea­ten fasting, make a speciall pre­servative against all poyson.

Filbers, according to Rasis, are lesse hot than small-nuts, but more Filberds. heavy; and they are vertuous in Medicine, against the prickings of Scorpions. Serapion saith, that Filberds being roasted, and eaten with a little Pepper, doe exsiccate and dry up Rhumes.

Chesnuts, according to Constan­tine, Chesnuts. are windy, and provoke lust, ye [...]lding much nourishment, yet are hard of digestion, but being [Page 80] roasted (saith he) become more easie and behoveful, both in good­nesse and taste.

The Wall-nut (saith Isacke) is Walnut. unobedient to Digestion, and much hinders egestion, though it pro­cure Vrine: and the cating there­of (saith he) are commonly more for pleasure than profit, since they little nourish the body, but much offend it.

CHHP. XXXI. Of sundry kinds of Spices.

PEpper (according to Isacke) as aforesaid, well digesteth our Pèpper. meat, allaying the windinesse therein, yet being a spice very hot, much heats the stomacke and the Lyver, hurting those exceedingly that have hot bodies, especially much used in the summer.

Ginger is hot and moyst, and a Ginger. Digester of meat likewise, and is [Page 81] good for those of cold Lyvers and stomacks, as otherwise much be­neficiall to the body; besides, hel­ping the Rhumes in the Eyes, like­wise drying up al superfluous moi­stures in the Head, the decayers both of memory and wit.

Setwell, according to Avicen, Setwell. is the Triacle and Quintestence of all poyson, yet saith Constan­tine, being well compounded, it dissolves all windinesse in the bo­dy, and strengthens the stomacke, provokes an appetite, takes away the stinch of Garlicke, being put into the mouth: And Macrobius saith, it allayes the heat and infla­mation of winds.

Galingale (according to Rasis) resolves windinesse, breedeth a Galingala good smell in the mouth, pleaseth the stomacke, and is a Digester of meats. And Auicen saith fur­ther, it asswageth the chollicke passion, provokes lust, and miti­gates the paine in the reines.

Cloves, according to Avicen, are [Page 82] hot and dry in the third degree, and well relish the body, sharpens Clou [...]s. the sight, helps the paine in the stomacke and Lyver.

Cynamon, according to Rasis, is hot and dry, and strengthens the stomacke and the Lyver, helpeth [...]namen digestion, expels windinesse, ope­neth opilations, provokes the Menstrues and urine.

Saffron, according to Isacke, is hot and dry in the first degree, Saffron. strengthens the stomacke and Ly­ver, and is good against the short­nesse of the wind, and likewise for women làbouring with child. Rasis speaking of himselfe, saith; There was a woman in travell long, and could not be delivered, and I gave unto her 3. 1 of saf­fron, and she was presently deli­vered: and likewise of others have I often tryed it, and found it unfallible: And further in the A receit against drunken­nesse. commendations thereof (saith he) it being put into a cup of wine, and drunken therein, much exhil­lerateth [Page 83] the heat, and cheareth the countenance.

Pliny, in his second booke saith, that he that first drinkes Saffron in the morning, may drinke all day after with what company soever, and never be offended therewith.

Carawayes, according to Con­stantine, Carawais are hot and dry in the third degree, and dissolve windi­nesse, strengthen the stomack, and kill wormes in the belly, further digestion, and provoke urine.

CHAP. XXXII. Of Sawces; as Mustard, Salt, Vi­negar, Honey, and Oyle.

MVstard is hot and dry, in the middle of the fourth degree: and thereby dryes up the Mustard moysture of the head and the sto­macke: And some say, that being drunke in the Morning fasting, it cleares the humours of the head, [Page 84] and much helpeth the understan­ding. Pliny saith in his second booke, being taken in Vinegar, it breaketh the stone.

Salt, according to Rasis, is hot Salt. and dry, abstracting all hurtfull and moyst humours from our meats, relisheth the tast thereof, and sharpens the Appetite; but being over-much taken, dryes the body, and hardens the bloo [...], wea­kens the sight, and dlminisheth Sperme, and breedeth the itch.

Vinegar is cold and dry, and ma­cerates Uinegar. the body, diminisheth strength, strengthens the blacke choller, and dryes up sperme, but weakens the red choller & blood, makes subtile, and piercing the meats wherewith it is mingled.

Honey, as saith Isacke in his Honey. second booke, is hot and dry in the second degree, and through the pores of the body emptieth all ill humour, caused through any ind [...]gestion or Distemperature thereof, and much cleanseth the [Page 85] veines, and therefore is good for those that are cold and moyst by nature, and especially for old men; but ill for those of hot bodies and complexions, because thereby it is changed into chollericke hu­mors, especially by the heat of the blood.

And further Avicen writes thereof, that being raw, it ingen­ders windinesse in the stomacke, and a bitternesse in the brest, and a sharpnesse at the Heart, procu­ring also vomits and egestions.

The Oyle of Olives, (saith Oyle of Olives. Plynie in his fourth booke, descri­bing the nature thereof,) is to soften the belly, cleare the Face, expell poyson from the Heart, al­lay windinesse, helpe the Eye­sight, asswage the paine of the head, and all burning Fevers.

The Oyle of Nuts (saith Rasis) Oyle of Nuts. is very hot and binding, and accor­ding to Avicen, helps the shin­gles, S. Anthonies fire, and the Fi­stula in the corners of the eyes.

[Page 86] The Oyle of Almonds, accor­ding to Rasis, is very temperate, O [...]le of Almonds and easeth the brest and the Lungs of many infirmities, as also the Bladder and the Reines; yet breeds a loathing in the stomacke and slowly descendeth: Accor­ding to Dioscorides, it taketh a­way the spots in the Face, and healeth and closeth up all skarres, and grounds of wounds that usu­ally remaine after the cure, helps the dimnesse of the Eyes, and takes away the scurfe from the Head.

The Oyle of Poppey is ad­judged to the nature of Poppey it selfe.

Thus having discoursed of the nature and qualities of the most principall meats and drinkes usu­all amongst us, we come now to set downe as a necessary addition to the first booke, a short directi­on and rule for preservation and continuance of Health.

CHAP. I. Of Emperours.

SVetonius, in his booke of the twelve Caesars, thus writeth Iul. Caesar of Iulius Caesar, That hee was of Wine very sparing, as his very e­nemies have not denyed; about his meat indifferent, as appeareth in his travell, where he came into an Inne to eat, and finding nothing but greene herbs and oyle, he fell to them, not disdainfully, when [Page 98] others neglected the same; to shew that he neither despised the simplicity of the man, nor the homelinesse of the cates.

And thus further Suetonius addes, that he was of very small dyet for meat, and very sparing in wine: drinking neuer at Supper above thrice, as at no other time, but for necessity: And sometimes for his drinke would he take Bread sop­ped into water, or the fruit or juyce of Cowcumbers, or of Apples.

Haelimandus, of the Institution of Princes, saith further, that Iu­lius Iullus Caesar. Caesar cast his Baker into pri­son, because he made him better bread then the rest of his souldi­ers: And concerning his resoluti­on, the successe of his warres, and the dangers of his enterprises well witnesse the same. As that when upon a time being committed to the Sea, in a little bottome, and a great tempest; the Marriner [...] hopelesse of helpe, as fearefull of [Page 99] danger, cryed out, We shall pe­rish; Feare not (saith he) you car­ry Caesar. And for his sobriety, it was so much, that when Pompo­nius Caesar [...], vehi [...]. Flaccus, and Piso, his two fa­miliar Friends, had continued Banquetting two dayes, and one night, in the excesse and gluttony both of meats and drinkes, hee tooke from the one, the Province of Syria, whereof he was Gover­nour; and from the other, the ste­wardship of his house, for the hate he bare thereunto.

It is alwayes set downe in the acts of the Romans, that Augustus Caesar was a man of small Dyet, Augustus Caesar. whom a little Bread, or a few small Fishes, or a few greene figs, or a little Cheese would suffice; and where it is further added, that he would feed in any place, or at any time when his stomacke best served him.

Suctonius reporteth, that Tybe­ [...]ius Tyberius Ner [...]. the Emperour was at first ve­ry Regular and civill, tracing the [Page 100] steps of his father, but afterwards became so debauched, and exor­bitant a person, so exceeding in drunkennesse and gluttony, that of Tyberius he was called Biberi­us; of Claudius, Caldius; of Ne­ro, Mero: and so proceeded from one bad, to another worse; that at last he might be superlative in e­vill, eternally famous for his infa­my. He caused the City of Rome to be set on fire in foure seuerall places at once, and whilst it bur­ned, rejoycing in some sort with Heliogabulus, to be heire to him­selfe; he played upon his Lute, reciting certaine verses out o [...] Homer: Yet as if this were not enough (saith the same Author) that he might be unparalleld for ever, he afterwards caused the belly of his owne Mother to bee ripped, to see the place wherein he was bred, and once lay. He cau­sed Senica his Schoole master to be set in warme bath, all his veines being cut, that he might bleed to [Page 101] death; as you may see in his Effi­gies before his booke.

Domitian the Emperour, excel­ling in pride, amongst many other Domitian of his abominations, gave com­mand to his Subjects to call him Saint [...] ban [...]ed to Pathmos god: In his time Saint Iohn was banished to Pathmos.

This Emperour, for his cruelty afterwards, was murdered by his owne wife: an unnaturall death, for an abominable life.

Hegysippus reporteth of Vitelli­us the Emperour, in his fourth Vitellius the [...] rour. booke of the destruction of Ieru­salem, that when the City was besieged, and he enuiron'd round with his enemies, yet that still he continued in his riotous excesse of gluttony and drunkennesse, even to the very last houre, lest hee should lose the glory of his for­mer shame; when in the end he was pulled from his Banquet, dragged into the very midst of the City, and there slaine; at once [...]uing and bleeding, powring out [Page 102] his blood, and casting up his gall; which if he had long lived, what with his various luxury, and copi­ous gluttony, he had wasted and consumed the whole Roman Em­pire. To conclude, he was slaine when hee had reigned eight months, and five dayes, the price of which time, Rome hath long felt to lye heavy upon her.

Of Adrian the Emperour, I find nothing greatly strange nor admi­rable, Adrian. but that he was so excee­dingly inclined to Dogges and Hunting, that he erected for his Spaniels and Grey-hounds, sepul­chers and tombes wherein he bu­ried them. He ended his life by bleeding at nose.

CHAP. II. Of Kings.

FRontins Stratagemater in his Alexan­der. fourth booke, and third Chap­ter, [Page 103] reporteth of Alexander the King, that in his journeying and travell, he would content himselfe with a little bread, or cold water. Againe, in his fourth booke, and seventh Chapter, hee reporteth, that in his tedious and hot jour­nies, through the Desarts of Afri­ca, being with his whole Army oppressed with thirst, yet when one of his souldiers brought him his helmet full of water, he pow­red it forth in the sight of them all, to shew that hee would suffer and endure it for them. Heliman­dus, as aforesaid, reporteth, that when Piso had invited Romulus to Romulus [...] Supper, where noting his sobriety in refusing of Wines, said unto him, O Romulus▪ if all men would or could imitate thee in thy condition, Wine would be cheap: but it would be deare (saith hee) if every man might drink as free­ly as I may: that is, if every man might drink as much as he would, for I have drunke as much as I could.

[Page 104] Valerius reporteth in his fifth booke, and sixt Chapter, that A­lexander the King, being driven on a time by Tempestin in the win­ter Alexander. season, happened to come un­to the house of an old Macedoni­an souldier of his, who was now growne crooked, and furrowed with age, hauing taken his seat hard by the fire side; O saith he, behold the subduing power of age: This body have I knowne able to withstand the greatest violence of weathers, or persecutions that might fall upon man: These hands have beene able to weeld the sword, and could have made a way through the thickest, with their unresistable potency, and they are now palsied, and unable to gripe, scarce to lift food to the Head, (shall I live to be so?) The old man rising from his seat, to do his duty to the King, with his own hands he set him downe againe, full of compassion and commise­ration.

[Page 105] It was then no maruell if they counted it pleasure to serve so many yeares under such a Cap­taine, whose care extended even to the meanest in his Campe, with as full regard as to himselfe.

Pyrrhus the King, being at a certaine Banquet amongst the Ta­rentines, K. [...], as he passed from thence through the streets, a drunken man lay fast asleepe in his way, whom by some he was instigated to punish, which he refused to doe; intending to use him other­wise for his pleasure, and there­fore commanded him to be taken up, and brought unto his Pallace, there layed on a bed of Downe, in a Chamber roofed with gold, and hangd with silke of costly co­lours; when he should waken, his seruants to attend him, and invest him in rich Robes prepared for the purpose, with a Table furni­shed with all varieties of dainties, or cates; as copiousn [...]sse of wines, which was executed accordingly: [Page 106] when he, after his bestiall manner, having surfetted in excesse of meats, powred downe his cuppes in abundance, his servants still at­tending and supplying their emp­tinesse, yet making no answer to any thing he questioned, being so commanded, applied so long, un­till at last hee fell againe fast a­sleepe: which seeing, the King commanded him to be stript a­gaine into his owne Ragges, and from thence carried to the place where before he lay, which was accordingly done.

The next day, when he awaked againe, he reported that he had the most glorious dreame that ever deluded the sense of man, relating, as fantastically conceiving, what was substantially done, being sory that he ever waked againe; thin­king it better (as he said) to be a sleeping King in conceit, than a waking beggar. By the which, the King thus morald, He was unfit to governe others, that could [Page 107] not gouerne himselfe.

Pontus, King of India, as Quin­tus Pontus, King of India. Curtius mentioneth, was of that resolution and valour, that when Alexander the Great, by whom he was afterwards subdu­ed, came against him with a great and populous Army: One of his souldiers deserying them march­ing a farre off, told the King that the pikes and launces of the ene­my were so infinite in their num­ber, that they darkened the Sun: who answered, The better for us, then we shall fight in the shade.

And in the skirmi [...] and joyning of the Battels afterwards, when K Pirr [...]us pressing foremost himselfe, and in greatest danger, his Souldiers dropping downe at his heeles as they followed him, he turned a­bout, and told them, You must not adventure so farre as I doe:

Habent enim Principes peenlia [...] [...] quond [...] Fori [...] s [...]am; For Kings hauce a certaine Lucke of their owne: though afterwards [Page 108] it fell out that he was slaine in that batteli himselfe.

CHAP. III. Of Princes.

PLutarch to Tyrianus, of the institution of Princes, saith, Plato affirmes, that when Gover­nours oppresse their Subjects, it is as if the Head should oppresse the members of the Body, whereof it partakes it selfe. But when Sub­jects oppresse their superiours, it is as if the Pupill should assault his Tutor, or should kill him with thatweapon he gives unto him for his owne def [...]nce.

Haelimandus, of the institution of Princes, saith, That Princes should be like Physicians, which never use sharpe medicines, but when the case is so desperate, that things of easier nature benifit not at all.

[Page 109] Whereupon Lucius saith, that a Prince should be old in learning manners and wisdome: though otherwise young in yeares, as in vanities; and in many things should imitate the practice of the learned Physicians, which some­times cure our diseases by the contraries of their accidents, as surfets by abstinence; abstinence by repletion; sometimes by cau­terising and incision; otherwhile by unguents, and lenitive Appli­cations; according to which, Plu­tarch versifieth.

Which is thus Englished:

[Page 110] Of which mind was a vertuous Princesse in the land (and no Q. Eliz. doubt is a Prince at this day) who would oftentimes say in griefe of mind, and passion of spirit, when she was to signe any warrant for the Execution of any condemned offendor,

Which well witnessed her to be, as our gracious King now is, K. Charls according to this Rule, Princep [...] ad poenam piger, ad proemium velox.

Aristotle in his third booke of Politiques, thus further writeth, concerning Princes: That Prince (saith he) that doth to his under­standing and knowledge, beare rule over me and my subjects seemes to referre his governmen [...] and theirs to the subjection [...] God and his Lawes. But he [...] [...]ith to his natural man, beare [...] [Page 111] over me, subjects himselfe to the dominion of a beast.

For when Rage and Concupi­scency beare rule in a Prince, himselfe (many times) as good men are slaine therewith: for which cause it is said, The under­standing is a Law, setting the Ap­petite aside.

Vegetius de Remilitari, in his first booke and first Chapter, saith, that the Prince, of all others, should be learned and vertuous, upon whose good parts or defects, the eyes of whole kingdomes are fixed and bent, either to admire or dislike: and as he may doe most good with his learning and vertue, [...] so most danger depends upon his ignorance and vice.

For how can he give every man his owne, that wants this Rule and measure whereby to dis­cerne it?

And therefore saith Heliman­ [...]us, writing to the like [...] [...]rinces should wholly [...] [Page 112] themselves to the study of Wise­dome, and practise of Vertue. For as the least sparke or scruple of merit in them, is more spread and blowne by the breath of Rumor, then whole flames, whole ounces, in persons of lesser eminency.

So likewise their errours and corruptions: To which effect these seeme to accord, as with their Author;

CHAP. IIII. Of the Bishops of the Gentiles.

VAlerius in his fift booke, and Oratius Pulnellus fift Chapter, reporteth of one Oratius Pulnellus, a Gentile Bi­shop, that had built and consecra­ted a goodly and famous house to the honour of Iupiter; when in the pronunciation of their solemn Ceremonies, holding his hand upon a post, he heard that his son was slaine dead, yet notwithstan­ding, as wholly possest with the zeale of his offering and devotion, never removed his hand from the post, nor changed his counte­nance, nor cea [...]ed from his exer­cise; lest thereby he should passi­nate in the nature of a father, then [...]rdent in the duty of his calling.

[Page 114] In like manner, Zenophon be­ing to celebrate the sol [...]mne sa­crisice, Zenophon. and having finished it, newes was brought him that his eldest sonne was slaine in the warres: which hearing, immedi­ately he takes the crowne from his head, and sets it by; then fur­ther demanding how he dyed, it was told him, fighting valiantly: then tooke he the Crowne againe and put it on his head, more re­joycing (as it seemed) at the he­roicall valour and manhood of his scnne, then by his death discom­forted, or perplext.

Hieron. contra Iovinian, lib. 2. introduceth one Hoemon a Stoick, setting downe the liues and orders of the ancient Priests of Aegypt, that they alwayes remained in the Temple, all worldly cares and bu­sinesses set aside, in contemplating the natures and causes of things, the motions of the Orbes of Pla­nets, that they never married, or saw their Children or Kindred, [Page 115] from the time that they entred into that divine Order, they ab­stained from all flesh and wines, especially to mortifie appetite and lust, which from thence chief­ly ariseth; nay, so strict they were, they seldome eat Bread, yet the oyle of Olives they knew, yet frequented it sparingly. What should I speake of Fowles or flesh, when the Egge and the milke for their nearenesse to ei­ther.

Of which, one was (as they said) but a jelly of the Flesh, and the other blood, onely changed in colour: A Foot-stoole served them for a Pillo [...]v for their heads: Bedding as coursely, as faring hardly.

Aristotle, in his tenth booke of his pollitiques, writeth of the care of these Priests about their gods, and the curiosity of their Buil­dings wherein they remained, their diligence and circumspecti­ [...]n, that nothing decayed that was [Page 116] about them, which was so much, that nothing could be more. Some were called Princely Priests, some Kingly, some provosts, and some Masters.

Behold then, if the Bishops and Admoniti­ [...]. Priests of the Gentiles, were so austere in their Religion, of so great abstinence and sanctity in their kinds, what should be the de­votion and fervency of Christians? not to come short of them that come short of heaven.

CHAP. V. Of the true Nobleman.

TVlly, that famous Orator, (whom the displesure of An­tonius T [...]lly [...] by one of A [...]. s. ul. diers for a [...] ora­ [...]on made against him for his [...] bere [...]t both of head an [...] hand, the publishers of so many famous workes,) in his booke D [...] Senectute, reporteth of one Syre­sius, a Noble-man of Athens, tha [...] repr [...]hended the Avarice, and pri­vate [Page 117] respects of many great per­sonages in that kingdome: still [...]rging un o them, that no man was borne for himselfe, so much as for the good and profit of his Coun­trey and others; and therefore concluded against them, that the rule, and sentence, and even na­ture it selfe was pe [...]verted in those which so much derogated from t [...]ence.

Cicïli [...]s Baldus, in his Booke, De [...]ag is Philosophi, reporteth of one [...]mundas, who being raised by his [...]ferts and valour, into pla­ces of ho [...]our and dignity, was up­braided of some for his ignobility and basenesse of birth: who an­swered?

I rejoyce the more that I have Ingenui [...] non rec [...]pit [...]. risen of my selfe, but they may grieve, and not the lesse, that they have fallen by their selves; both us being the authors of our owne honours, and dishonours. See fur­ther (quoth he) how unjust you are, that being vicious of your [Page 118] selves, yet would attra [...]t the ver­tues of others in your behalfes: yet will not yeeld me the desert of mine owne. You enuy my honour, my labour, innocency, my dangers, because through these I have obtained it: I derive not my pedigree from farre, neither are my honours hereditary by suc­cession. The Ensignes and badges ther [...]of, are my quiver, my pike my helmet, and banner, wor [...]e and borne, with the Characters and skars ins [...]ulpt and carv [...] up­on my flesh in manly victories.

To which purpose sait [...] Iuve­nall wit [...]ily, Malo pater; I had rather thy Father were Thersites, thou his sonne being like to Achyl­les, taking the armes of Vulcan, then Achylles thy father, thou but proving a faint-hearted Thersites.

Albertus, upon the first booke of Ethicks, reporteth, that Dio­clesian the Emperour that so well governed the Common-wealth▪ a [...] f [...]st was a shepheard, and ele­cted [Page 119] even from the flocke. And therefore he is the truly generous man, saith Seneca, that is natural­ly inclinde to vertue, not hee that is borne great without it.

CHAP. VI. Of Souldiers.

VAlerius in his third booke and second Chapter, rela [...]th of a famous souldier of Augustus Cae­sar's band, and one that had beene in many battailes against Antho­ny, at last betrayed by a wile, was taken by his enemies, and sent to Anthony in Alexandria: where brought before this King, his ene­my, he asked whose Souldier hee was now? whom this noble Cap­tain [...] answered, None but Caesars: then being asked what hee would doe to save his life, answered, That he would draw his sword; being asked if he would forsake [Page 120] his master Caesar, answered, he would dye thereon rather. The King noting his valour, constancy, and resolution, sent him backe a­gaine ransomelesse and freed to his Master, wishing that all his Souldiers had the like resolution: so he saved his life, in seeking to lose it; whereas otherwise he had lost it, if he had sought to save it.

Frontinus Strag. lib. 4. cap. 1. saith, that Flacco and Varrone, Consuls, were the first that dis­posed of Souldiers; for before they were governed by Tribunes: Their Oath was, that they should never forsake their stations er Rankes, by diflike or feare, or any other occasion, unlesse by fetching of weapons, or pursuing the Ene­mie, or for some cause to serve the City; yet not those but by per­mission.

Helimandus, as aforesaid, spea­king of the resolution of Souldi­ers in their times, thus commen­d [...]th them: Our [...] Souldiers are so [Page 121] bent, that they goe as willingly to their Graues, as to their Beds: to the Field, as to a Feast: For in their Banquets they discourse of Armes; and in their Tents they discourse of Banquets: Death they feare not, Honour they seeke for.

Vaierius saith, the first begin­ning of warres was from the Ro­mans; the motives thereof, am­bition, largenesse of Empire, dis­daine of corrivalry, avarice, con­tempt, popularity; the decyding of these short Mono-sillables, Mine and Thine; These (saith he) and their regards, have layd a­side softnesse ofraym [...]nt, taught Smiths to become Taylors, cloa­thed the backe in Iron and Steele; These have changed soft musicks into shrill sounds, devised those Artificial Thunder-claps that have cost so deare a [...]price: These have ploughed the Seas, mangled the earth, and raked whole mi [...]lions in their timelesse ashes: Vpon which [Page 122] light adventure, and easie expo­sure of life, a learned Gentleman of our times, and not unfitly, draws an argument from thence of the S. L. D. Immortality of the soule: hereun­to so vehemently inducing us, which if she were not as she is, (faith he) Immortall,

Valerius writeth of a Souldier in his time, so cowardly, that to make himselfe unfit for the wars, [Page 123] maymed his hand by cutting off two of his fingers: which the Se­nate and people understanding, seized upon his goods, and cast his body into perpetuall prison; that so he that would not adventure his life in the field valiantly, should certainely lose it in the dungill shamefully.

CHAP. VII. Of Mustar-masters, or Electors of Souldiers.

VEgetius saith, he would have none to the warres, but such as were resolute and valorous, carelesse of life, and fearelesse of death; or such as tooke pleasure therein: and withall, were inur'd to sorrow, travell, and labour. Of which, none (saith hee) having spirit, seemes more fit than the [...]usticke fwaine, nurst up to labour and toyle, which to digge breath [Page 124] out of the earth, and bread out of the stones, hath indured the vio­lence and persecution of the Ayre in the sundriest kinds of extremi­ties, which knowes not what life [...]escio quo­modo nimis [...]tem ti [...]es quimi­nus [...] nouis [...] is, that never tasted of delecacie in Dyet, the ease of rest, the plea­sure of pleasures; that knowes not what it is to stretch his limbs upon beds of Downe, to Fare de­liciously, to Cloath sumptuously; and in a word, which knowes no more of true life, then the beast in the Wildernesse: hee who stretcheth out his houres in stret­ching forth his sinewes, constant to endure all labours: hee which beares off the heat, and beares out the cold: Such (saith he) stand in my Election.

For heart and hand, valour and labour must conjoyne, and those where pollicy leadeth forth, suc­cesse attends thereupon, as the ex­amples of the Romans manifest: which no other way, but by the Discipline of their Camps, and ex­ercise [Page 125] of their Armes, and reso­lutenesse of their men, over-ranne the whole world. And as we of­tentimes see an expert and sele­cted band of men, though small in number, put a multitude undisci­plined and ignorant to the slaugh­ter.

Frontinus in his fourth booke, and second chapter, relateth of A­lexander, King of Macedon, sent out by Philip his father, with a small Army of expert Esquires, and Gentlemen, overcame many kingdomes, and slew infinite num­bers of his enemies. And it was the saying of a worthy Captaine, and successefull in Armes, that he ever steeled the forefront of his army with men of highest spirit and resolution: alleaging that an Army of Lyons, led by a Hart as their Captaine, would be put to flight by an Army of Harts, led forth by a Lyon as their Governor: So much in such a kinde, is of force, an exemplary feare or va­lour, [Page 126] as therupon oftentimes may depend the advantage or loste of a whole Army or victory: which if once lost, like a marriage ill made, undone for ever.

CHAP. VIII. Of Philosophers and Orators.

ARchiterentinus, lib. 6. repor­teth of one Aristippus, a fa­mous [...]ippus, Philosopher, when being Ship-wracked on the Sea, with the rest of his company, the wa­ters devouring all the Substance they had, themselves very hard­ly escaping, were afterwards cast ashore on the Island of Rhodes, where finding some geometricall figures carved on the side of a tree Aristippus cryed out to his fel­lowes with joy, Let us hope well, for I have traced out the footsteps of men: Afterwards going to the Towne of Rhodes, he there dispu­ted [Page 127] in the Vniversities with the Philosophers, and the learned in Arts, of whom he was inriched of by many gifts, whereby he did not onely helpe himselfe, but also the rest of his fellowes, both with cloathing, and other necessaries of life.

Now when they were to depart into their Countryes, they asked him what they should report at home? To whom he answered, That Possessions, Riches, and all outward things must give place to Liberall Sciences: for when these are throwne into the Sea, destroy­ed by the sword, devoured by the enemy, subject to all kind of de­vastation and ruine that remaines in the bosome, and will bring to the Grave; and nothing is our owne truly, that we may be dis­possessed of. Plotynus, a famous Philosopher, was so addicted to the contemplation hereof, that he chose out a solitary seat for him­selfe, seperate from the conuersa­tion [Page 128] of men, despising all worldly Riches, sought after these true Riches indeed [...]

Aristotle, in his booke of the Se­cret of Secrets, Asketh what so famoused and memorized the kingdomes of Greece, that their lives and Acts are so divulged tho­roughout the whole world? but the diligence of the studious men, and honesty of the Wise-men, and the Liberality of the Rich men, and the love to Wisedome and knowledge, above al other things:

Aulus Gellius? reporteth, a­mongst many other famous deeds and excellent qualities of Philip the father of Alexander, King of Macedon; that he was carefull to have his sonne well instructed in learning and knowledge: And therefore sent him to Aristotle the Philosopher, for that purpose to be instructed and taught.

CHAP. IX. Of Physicians.

ISidorus saith, that the Art of Physicke first sound out by A [...] pol [...]o. Physicke was first invented and found out by Apollo, and practised amongst tste Graecians, yet after­wards obscured and concealed; untill againe by Aesculapius his sonne it was revived and made manifest. For which presumption he was said to be slaine with a Thunderbolt, and so was the Art and Author destroyed at once: and from that time lay concealed for the space of 500. yeares, to the time of Anexersis, King of the Persians. At the end of which time, Hypocrates, the sonne of Aesculapius, reduced it to light: Since which time (saith one) it hath set up many, though over­throwne more; beene Mid-wife to many a secret birth, and heard many a blushing confession. I ne­ver [Page 130] read that it raised any since or before from death to life, but sure I am, since it hath transpor­ted many from life to death: and Physicians hold that there is no health, but a neurrali­ty between health and [...]. so busie besides hath it beene, for the enlargement of her Empery, that it hath found a defect in all health, and quarrelled with the best of all meats, and drinkes, and exercises: Whereunto he seemed to consent, that thus merrily Mee­ter'd:

'Tis said, the poore mans labor is his Physicke; th [...] rich mans Physicke is his labour.

Valerius reporteth of Alexan­der, King of Macedon, who sicke at Tharsus, had a potion tempe­red, and giuen into his hand by one Philip, which was under him both an Earle and a Physician; when at [Page 131] the instant of his taking, came cau­tionary Letters to the King to be­ware of Philips potion, for that he was corrupted by Darius to poyson him: which having read, without further delay or demand, he drunke up his potion, and then shewed Philip his Letters. For which constant resolution and o­pinion of his friend, he received an immortall reward from the gods, as a perpetuall love from his subjects.

Though afterwards, as Quin­tus Curtius writes, in his returne to Babylon, Dedicating some time to Banquetting and pleasure, solemnity, and triumph with his neighbour-Princes, and States, for Confirmation of Amity and League: which ended, as in re­quitall of such kindnesse of his, a Physician of Thessaly (so preten­ding) ordained another; To which the King was invited accordingly, with all his followers, though dearely to his cost: who even i [...] [Page 132] the middest of his Banquet, and King Alex­ander [...]. depth of his Bowels, having re­ceived his deadly potion, hee sud­denly groned, as if he had beene stabbed with Ponyards, and so fell downe to the ground sicke, that never after rose with life. And thus the end of this Banquet, was the death of the King.

The Author of this Treachery (though most by cunning sorrow, seeking to conceale it) was Anti­pater, one of his Captaines, who succeeded him in his kingdome. And thus Alexander ended his life by poysoning, in the twelfth yeare of his reigne.

CHAP. X. Of Young men.

MAcrobius relateth of papy­rius, a Boy that would of­tentimes, come to the Court with his Father a Senator.

[Page 133] Vpon a time returning home, his mother questioned him what his father had done there? The boy answered, hee must keepe counsell, or be excluded. where­upon, like a Woman, the more denied, the [...], threatned to [...] him with rods, or other­wise [...] him, unlesse he would [...] it [...] her.

The Boy willing to satisfie his mothe [...] yet to ke [...]pe the counsell of h [...] thef, told her sainedly, they were about a Decree in Court, that every husband should have two wives, or every wife two husbands, which the next sit­ting was to determine.

The mother thus possest by her sonne, immediately went and re­lated it to the rest of the wives and Ladies of the City; who with an unamine consent (as a matter meerely concerning them all) came to the Court the next day; craving that it would please them to Decree, that every woman [Page 134] might haue two husbands, rather than euery husband two wiues [...] laying the heaviest burden upo [...] the ablest bearers, by their wisest discretions,

The Senate wondering herea [...], (not knowing whence it procee­ded) vntiil the boy told them what hee had passed to his mother the day before, in the importuni­ty ofher unreasonable demands: which hearing, they commended his wit and discretion, gave him free admittance into the Court, but excluded all other of like yeares, as held not of his capa­bility.

Manlius Torquatus, at first was so dull and uncapable of under­standing, that he was reputed and adjudged by his father, as one that would be unserviceable to him, and unprofitable to the Common­wealth: and therefore sent him into the Countrey, to be trained up a domesticall life, severed from Court: who afterwards, became [Page 135] so pregnant and valorous, both in minde and body, that he delive­red his Father, and the whole Country from ruine and danger. Fortune, it seemed, willing to ob­seure his beginning, that his end and recovery might be the more glorious.

Scipio Africanus, hee which seemed to bee borne with the whole consent of the gods, as the man, for a patterne of vertue a­bove all other, yet in his youth was he accessary to the errour of his yeares, following the whole sway and stray of youth, on [...]ly setting luxury aside: yet after­wards, became a man of that Wis­dome, Excellency, and Vertue, that he was the wonder and admi­ration of his time. And therefore young yeares, though something they presage, yet they keepe not alwayes Leuell. For it is the Eue­ning that crownes the Day some­times, that the Moaning seemes not to point at.

CHAP. XI. Of Old men.

POmponius Trogus, lib. 2. rela­teth, when Alexander went to the warres, he chose not the youngest men, not the strongest men, but Old men, and such hee termed the Fathers of Warre: Affirming in the choyce of these, he chose not as hee thought, bare Souldiers, but Masters of Armes, men of Experience. And there­fore admitted no man Leader of a Company, that was not aged 60. No man Leader of a company [...] [...]o. And being so directed and furni­shed with the experience of age, and Armes, he hopefully expected victory.

Valerius writeth in histime, that youth gave so much reue­rence unto Age, as ours to their naturall Fathers. And further, in commendation of Age, Iosephus in his Antiquities, saith, No man [Page 137] makes seruple of those things which are stamped with the seale [...], of Antiquity. So God hath gi­ven a long life to Astronomy and Geometry, for the excellent uses they haue, which otherwise could not be obtained.

We read in the Chronicles, a­bout the yeare of our Lord, 1129. that Iohannes de Tempor [...]us, who liued 60. yeeres after the death of Charles the great, whose Esquire he was, and aged at his death, so honoured for his Antiquity and Gravity, that hee was almost a­mongst his people esteemed as a god: but now in these barren and declining times of ours, as our old men want their reverence, so are they shortned in their age; our young men soone ripe, conclude, our old men soone rotten. For as the earth decayes in her fert [...] and power, not yeelding that vi­gor, vertue, and strength that for­merly it hath to plants, hearbs, and vegetables, depriuing us thereby [Page 138] of many of our former benefits of health: all conspiring our brevity and ruine.

So likewise our statures, with their vertues, are suddenly shrunk up, and epitomised into lesser vo­lumes, conclude a defection in all things, not to ransacke former Antiquities, hold we but equiuo­lence with two or three hundred yeares passed: Then produce me such an Edward, as King Edward the third; the monument of K, Edw. 3. his sword at VVesim. Guy, E. of [...]. Ch. Bron­don. D. of suffulke. whose puissance yet remaines to this day: Such an Earle as Guy of Warwicke: Such a Duke as Charls Brandon: To which purpose hee well meditated, that thus pithily wrote to that effect.

Lastly, to conclude, we read in the beginning of the Roman hy­story, Romul [...]s, the first founder of the City of Rome. that Romulus, that built the City of Rome, and called it after his owne name, chose to his Sena­tors, an hundreth of the most grave in yeares and experience: by whose counsell he determined all things: which Senators for their Age and Gravity, hee called Fa­thers.

CHHP. XII. Of Cities, Merchants, and Mer­chandises.

A Ristotle, in his second booke of Politiques, saith; A City is a certaine unity of people, con­gregated and gathered together for a mutuall comfort and society of life: which City must be fur­nished with provision of Su [...] ­nance, with Arts Liberall and Me­chanicall; for the State thereof consists upon many Supporters. Thirdly, it must containe Rewar­ders of vertue, and punishers of vice. Fourthly, there must be a­ [...]bundance of Riches. Fifthly, (Divinorumturba) a convenient number of Divines: And if any of these want, it is not a perfect City. Likewise there must bee Civility and Concord: because, as saith Osorius, The wise Citi­zens of Athens, made wise by [Page 142] their owne harmes, have found, that by Concord, small things have increased; as by Discord, great things have diminished to no­thing.

A certaine Phiiosopher upbrai­ded by some with his poverty, and fruitlesnesse of his study, to shew (though he despised) yet that hee could, if he sought them, obtaine riches, foresaw by his Astronomy, a great scarcity of grapes would ensue the winter following, wher­of as yet there was plenty: where­fore hee bought of the Husband­m [...]n, unweeting hereof, at a rate exceeding smal, most of the grapes in Thyro and Myletus.

Now when the time came that a fruitfull Vintage was expected, to supply their store againe, which f [...]ll out otherwise; and many sought unto them for that which themselues were unfurnished of, he suddenly vented his [...] [...] [...] [Page 143] much money together, he shew­ed that it was easie for a Phyloso­pher to become rich if he would, but these are not the riches they study for.

In the like manner, wee read, how in the Siege of the Praene­stines, that by reason of a Famine which there happened, a Mouse was sold for two hundred pence: For the punishment of whose Co­vetousnesse, it pleased the gods, that the Extortor thereof dyed by Famine, that would not preserve another, but at so deare a rate.

CHAP. XIII. Of Handy-crafts.

ARistotle, in his booke of the Secret of Secrets, maketh mention of a King of the Indies, that had a Sonne, whom hee was most carefull to have instru [...]ted and brought up in Learning and [Page 144] Arts; and to that end sent him farre and neare with great pompe and magnificence, as was fit for the Sonne of such a Father: But his diligence profited him no­thing; for the Child could not bend to conforme himselfe to any thing, unlesse to some Mechani­call Art or Profession: About which, the King being troubled in minde, called together all the Sages of his kingdome, and they all agreed in this opinion and con­sent; That out of the wonderfull influence and operation of the Planets, the nature of the Childe was fashioned therunto, and could not be removed.

Contrary hereunto, was there a certaine Weaver who begot a sonne, which by divers pr [...]sage­ments forefhewed that hee was like to grow up to some wise Counsellor or States-man in the Kingdome: which his parents not considering, would have often instructed in their owne Art, [Page 145] which he resused, as also divers o­ther mechanicall professions, un­to which by no meanes he could be induced or drawne, ever addi­cting himselfe to the society of Philosophers, and other Learned men, as to the study of sundry Arts and Sciences, to understand the motions of the Orbs and Planets, the gouernment and affaires of Kingdomes and States, and such like: and in the end became a Counsellor to the King Augustus.

Returning from the wars with victory, a poore man met and presented a Crow unto him, which he had taught to speak and salute the King, with Hasle Caesar, noble Conquerour. A second pre­sented likewise a Parrat: A third, a Pye, and all saluted him in like manner, with Ave Caesar: which nov [...] the King affecting well, received, and rewarded their Tu­tors. This seeing, A poore Cob­ler, as ambitious, as covetous as [...]he rest, would needs take upon [Page 146] him to accomplish on a fourth Crow, which with the expence of much victuall and labour, was by no meanes capable as the rest: Therefore hee in despaire of suc­cesse, would o [...]tentimes say to his Wife, noting the unaptnesse of his Scholler, All our cost and labour is lost: Which words, with their often repetition, though not the other, shee learned to speake. Afterwards presenting her to the Emperour, as the rest, He answe­red, Friend, I have at home salu­ters enow of this kind already. The Crow being mindfull of her old garbe, presently replyed there un­to, (All our cost and labor is lost,) Whereat Caesar laughing, com­manded her to bee bought like­wise.

It is also read in the Chronicles, of the sonne of a certaine Carpen­ter, which being unlearned, car­ved these words upon a speare of his Fa [...]hers, Dominabor a mari, [...]; admarae; I shall rule from Sea [Page 147] to Sea. The which words a Priest happened ro read, and hearing that the Boy was unlearned, coun­selled his parents to send him to the Schoole, which they did, and hee afterwards became Pope of Rome.

CHAP. XIIII. Of Rish men.

FMilius Probus, in his booke de Duc [...]bus extrans gentium, there mentioneth the sonne of an Athenian Prince, so Heroically minded in his warres and travels, that having in many places gar­dens, and store-houses of provisi­on, set over them no Keepers; that every one that would, might without interruption make use thereof at his pleasure. Besides which, he had many Foot-men la­den with money, attending on his person where ever he came, that [Page 148] if any one wanted his helpe, hee might instantly supply them, lest by deferring hee should seeme to deny their requests.

At Supper, it was his custome to send forth to the Market, and o­ther open places, and Thorow­fares, to cal thereunto all destitute and indigent persons as could bee found. And this hee omitted not every day; he made many rich, he buried many poore men at his cost, and ha [...]h left to this day few Imitators behinde him. In like manner, wee read of Anectetus, King of Cecilia, that hee would say, a wise man would esteeme of Gold as Earth: For as the one covers him alive, so the other in­closeth him dead; and that it was farre more excellent to be rich in vertue then in substance: who when hee supped in vessels of Earth, which he esteemed as his richest plate, would thus answer to those that should object it, I am King of Cicilia, and a potters [Page 149] sonne: Esteeme reverently of thy Fortune, who-ever thou art; and suddenly being made rich, be not suddenly made proud. Marcus Curius, a King of like humility, carelesse of outward pompe and ceremony, [...]o affected poverty and low linesse, that when his Subjects mistaking the end of his thoughts, thinking to have elevated him vnto an higher pitch, sent him a great quantity of gold and silver, desiring him to mak [...] use thereof: which he [...], saying; Tell the Samnites, their King had rather rul [...] ouer rich men, than be a rich man: and tell withall, that Mar­cus Curius can neither be conque­red in warre, corrupted with mo­ney, or subdued by affection: without wealth being rich, with­out use, having money to attend him: For it is not the much ha­ving, but the little desiring, that maketh thee truly rich. As our Authour to that effect well im­plyes.

CHAP. XV. Of Poore men:

FRontinus, lib. 4. eap. 1. there mentioneth of one Scipio, a man of such willing poverty, that after his affaires and service, suc­cessefully ended in Spaine, with the preservation of a whole Pro­vince, he departed from thence in all his poverty; nor would accept or any recompence or reward for the same; nor had he that money left to give his Daughter in dow­ry, which the Senate afterwards supplyed, with his unwillingnesse. Dioclesian the Emperour, that ex­changed [Page 151] the government of a Kingdome, for the Tillage of a Garden, averred therein to have found more true delight and con­tent, then in all the false-Face of outward Pompe and glory in the World besides, confirmes our late sentence, That though hee was poore in having little, yet he was rich in desiring nothing. Photian an Athenian, lived alwayes poore, though hemight have beene often inriched by honour and rewards presented unto him by the peo­ple, which he ever refused; as that rich reward of Silver and Gold, sent to him by King Philip, with messengers exhorting him there­unto; urging withall, that though peraduenture hee himselfe could not want it, yet for his sonnes, that he should accept it. To which hee answered, That if they shall be like to mee, this Earth alone shall suffice them; if otherwise, I will not with my Cost their Lux­ury and Avarice should bee cheri­shed. [Page 152] In like manner, when Gy­ges, King of Lydia, puft up with youth, and strength, and riches, the whirlewinds of that vanity de­manded of Apollo, an ancient Priest of his, if hee thought any man more happy than hee? who preferred unto him, as one well knowing these maskes of vanity, Aglans a poore Arcadian, but something more Aged: one so free from Covetousnesse, that hee never passed over his owne fields; so exempt from Gluttony, as mo­derately contented with his owne store; from pride, as clothed with the Wooll of his owne flockes: where under his roofe of Thatch, with a small Retinue, (no vanities allure, no provocations incite, all which in thy glittering Pallaces, thronged with varieties of all kinds of objects, are resident,) where he drinkes his Cups with­out feare, eats his morsels with­out danger, breakes not his [...]um­bers with affrighting dreames, his [Page 153] braines with forraine and dome­sticall cares, lives to himselfe and his meditation, which is truly to live and not languish, these hap­pinesses attending his poverty and freedome, which thy bondaged Greatnesse is exempted from: and therefore more happy then thou. His being, as one well saith,

CHAP. XVI. Of Hunters.

EVsebius in his Chronologies, mentioneth of Philometer, King of Gothes, who expulsing certaine Women out of his Ar­my, for their Adultery, wandring through the Woods, were by certaine Fawnes, or Wilde men, as is supposed, impregned, or got with childe, as Munks, and Fawns, [Page 154] & Divels, haue desired & accōpli­shed the act with their kind, from whēce proceeded these deformed births of men. Eusta [...]hius the Ty­rant, Eu [...]ach, Emp. in his hunting, had a vision of Christ upon the Crosse, appea­ring unto himbetweene the horn [...] of a Stagge; who immediately af­ter, as the Chronicles mention, was baptized with his wife and family, as Christ had foretold him; and afterwards for the Name of Christ, sustained many af [...]ictions, with his whole Family there­fore.

CHAP. XVII. Of Iudges.

CAmbyses the King, as Valerius mentioneth, caused the skin Cambyses, King. of a certaine Iudge of his to bee pulled off; and his sonne to bee placed therein to give Iudgment; by which cruell and new kinde of [Page 155] punishment, hee so provided that none should afterwards bee cor­rupted.

Seleucas made a Law, that who­soever Seleucas, should be taken in Adulte­ry, should have both his eyes pul­led out. Into which, it so unhap­pily happened, that his owne son was the first that incurr'd the pe­nalty thereof: for whom the whole City, in love to his Father, for the remitting of his punish­ment became Mediators; which hee long withstood, till at last (as appeased with the prayers of the people in some measure) he loo­ked thus mercifully upon his son, as to take from him but one of his eyes, and satisfie the rest with pul­ling out another of his owne. So remaining a mercifull father, and a just Iudge: For as one saith Iustissime sequitur severitas Iudi­ [...] ubi procedit Iniquitas pecca [...] ­tis.

In like manner, a certaine con­stroversie arising betwixt Alexan­der [Page 156] the King, and some of his soul­diers; where, by a judgement in the Campe, the King was con­demned: which he very willing­ly accepted, and patiently under­went, giving his Iudges thankes: whose fidelity he had tryed, in that they preferred Iustice before Greatnesse.

CHAP. XVIII. Of Stewards, or Bailiffs of Lords.

IOsephus recites of Tyberi [...] the Emperour, that though he [...] was wavering in many things, ye in this was he ever constant, the having once appointed Proçura­tors over any of his Provinces, he seldome or never changed them, [Page 157] The reason where of he thus gave, being demanded, that it was to spare his poore, knowing that if he reserved them but for a while to that purpose, they would Ty­rannize in their times with more bitternesse, which hee shewed by the example of one wounded, ly­ing in the way, yet not removing a multitude of Flyes from his sore, which another comming by (imagining that he suffered them through weaknesse) drave away: To whom he answered, Thou hast done ill in so doing, because they were full of blood, and suckt but sparingly, wheras those that come fresh, wil sting me more grievous­ly: Sic & novi Praefides & Balius.

CHAP. XIX. Of Lawyers, or the Advocates of Judges.

HElimandus, of the institution of Princes, there inferreth, [Page 158] Demosthenes demanding of Ari­stiodes what Fee he had for plea­ding his cause; who answered, a Talent. To whom Demosthenes replied, I had more for holding my peace: To which one allu­deth well, that a Lawyers tongue is a precious peece; that's payd both for speech and silence, Vale­rius reporteth of a certaine wo­man (an Inne-keeper) who recei­ved money into her custody from two of her Guests, with this Cau­tion, that she should deliver it to neither alone, but to them both together. A certaine time after, comes the one to receive it, pre­tending the other to be dead, and to take it away: shortly after comes the other to demand the same, in manner of the former, which the woman refused to de­liver: hee called her before the Judge, for whom Demosthenes there pleaded, saying, The woman is here ready to discharge he [...] [...]rust, which without thy partner [Page 159] absent, she cannot doe, either by law or conscience: For as thou thy selfe confesseth, it was so de­livered unto her, that shee should not deliver it to the one without the other, which thou peradven­ture deceitfully claymest alone, So by this wisdome she acquitted her former folly; for the other having all, was never found by his fellow to demand in part. In like manner, a certaine old-Souldier, having a sute in Iudgement, asked Caesar to bee present in Court, to favour him: to whom Caesar gave a good Advocate: which seeing, hee thus bespake him: O Caesar! thou indangered in the Asian wars I fought no Advocate, but fought for thee my selfe, witnesse the skarres of these speaking wounds. Which Caesar so hearing, went forth, and came to Court in per­son; not fearing so much to be ac­counted proud, as to bed thought ungratefull.

CHAP. XX. Of Friends, and true friendship.

VAlerius, in his fourth booke, and fourth Chapter, relateth of Hamm [...]n and Syncias, two Friends, so combined in League and Amity, that when Dyonifius the Tyrant would execute the one of them, who betwixt his sen­tence and death, had obtained at his hands, that hee might visit his friends, and order his Estate, for whom the other was content to be ingaged: Now the day assigned being come, yet the party not re­turning, every one condemned the folly of his Surety, though he nothing dismayed thereat, nor mi­strusting the Loyalty of his Friend, which now at the very houre en­joyned, contrary to the expectati­on of all men, returned; preparing himselfe to dye; which the Ty­rant here a [...] amazed; as the rest, [Page 161] not onely acquitted from death, but withall, desired to bee admit­ted as a third, into their bond and society. Tarquinius, for the ra­vishment of Lucrece, being dri­ven out of his Countrey, first cal­led to minde the remembrance of his friends and foes, saying, he was most sorry therefore, that hee should never bee able to requite the one, nor reuenge the other. Seneca in his booke De Clemen­tia, mentioneth one Arthesius, a Philosopher, that had a Friend both poore and sicke, yet one that through shamefastnesse concealed both; which this friendly Philo­sopher noting, tooke a bagge of money and put it under his pillow, the other not knowing thereof, that unprofitable shamefastnesse set aside, it should rather bee thought hee had found what hee wanted, then received what hee required, from another.

CHAP. XXI. Of Kins-folke.

VAlerius in his first Booke, and first Chapter, setteth downe an ancient custome amongst the Heathen, once a yeare to cele­brate a feast, to which were invi­ted, nor any suffered to come, but the Kindred and Alliance of one generation, or stocke: where (a­mongst themselves) a [...]l Contro­versies and wrongs whatsoever were decided and heard, to the perpetuall preservation of their a­mity and friendship.

In like manner, in his eighth booke, when Decius the Empe­rour would have resigned to his sonne his Empereall Diad [...]m, he refused it, saying, I feare, [...] be­ing made Emperour, I shal [...] for­get to be a Sonne: ther [...] let my Father still governe with that, and let it be my part to submit my [Page 163] selfe to his government.

A certaine woman condemned to death, was by the Praetor cast into Prison, by a murtherer there to be slaughtered: who touched (as it seemed) with some huma­nity, deferring her present execu­tion, thinking it better shee dyed by Famine than by his hand; and to that end suffered none to come to her, but her owne onely daugh­ter; at whose arrivall, he searched that she brought unto her no food, or other manner of sustenance, Now many dayes being passed, and he wondring shee lived so long, at last found out that by the sucking of her Daughters brests, at her comming unto her, her life was prolonged and lengthened: which newes and strangenesse of fact, and naturall unnaturall pre­servation, being certified to the Iudges, was not onely admired, but pittied, and she pardoned of her life. Now what doth not zeale undertake? or what so un­accustomed, [Page 164] as the Mother to be nourished by the breasts of her Daughter? One would thinke this to be against the law of Na­ture: but that indeed it is nature it selfe, that bindsvs to the love of our Parents.

CHAP. XXII. Of good Women.

A Good Woman must first of all despise vaine-glory and ostentation, the Ornaments of Pride, and bayts of luxury, and devote her selfe to the education of her Children, and wel ordering of her Family: after the example of C [...]rnelia, the wife of Gracchus, who would say, A good Woman must rather strive to bee adorned with the inward beauty of the minde, wherewith God and good men may be affected, than with the outward Blush and Glosse of [Page 165] the body, whereby the divell and his saints may be allured; accor­ding to the Poet:

Valerius, in his fourth book [...], and fourth Chapter, relateth, how when the Lacedemonians were imprisoned by the Spartans, and there reserved in durance for ca­pitall punishments, their wives of noble blood and spirit obtaining leave of their keepers to visit them, by changed attires set them at liberty, they themselves pos­sessing their roomes, as willing to undergoe their punishments: and afterward of Noble resolutions admired and pardoned: admired [Page 166] for their love, pardoned for their Noble attempt, that held life in­feriour to love.

Seneca likewise in his sixt booke de Clement. there mentioneth, how when Augustus the Empe­rour was debating with himselfe how hee might be best revenged of one that had plotted his death, asked counsell of his wife, who thus advised him; Doe (quoth she) as the Physicians doe, who when usuall remedies profit not, assay the contrary: so thou having not prevailed by seuerity, assaie what may be done by clemency. Which saying he so well liked of, that he imbraced it, and after winked at the fault, to punish it upon this resolution:

This fact will onely make thee lov'd for feare, But happy Mo­narchs still are fear'd for love.

CHAP. XXIII. Of Wicked Women.

AFter the death of Ninus, Ninus, Ki [...]g of Assri. some sup­pose the builder of Ninivy. King of Assiria, Semiramis his wife succeeded in his stead, suppressing 24. yeares that king­dome with slaughter, incest, and luxury: this woman burning in lust, and thirsting after blood, a­mongst many of her incestuous acts and slaughters, when she had tyred others, and wearied her selfe, she committed incest with her ownesonne, as wickedly con­ceived, as shamefully brought forth: and seeking to cover her private ignominy with a generall wickednesse and refuge, shee or­dained, that betweene parents and children no reverence nor ceremony was to be used; that marriage should bee unnecessary, for that every one should take whom he best liked, freely to use [Page 168] or dismisse at his pleasure. The wi [...]e of Scylla was openly unchast: Pompey the Great, Conquerour of the whole world, had a woman Pompey. Scylla. Cato. infected with that sinne. Cato the Censor, had a wife but of meane birth, yet incontinent and proud, which no man would have thought could happen to Cato.

Agrippa writeth of one Messe­lina, a woman so incontinent, that shee prostituted her selfe in 24. houres, to 22. severall men at the common Stewes: at last wasted in body, but not satissied in minde, she returned.

Iustine likewise mentioneth, how Grippus, the sonne of De­metrius, having with great dan­ger & perill delivered & freed his Country & kingdome, & escaped dangers abroad, was sought to be in trapped by his mother at home; who for her ambition and unnatu­rall desire to reigne, had most un­womanly, for that end prepared a cup of poyson to present him in [Page 169] recompence of all his travels; as having likewise, in his absence, made away his brother; which Grippus suspecting, distrusting the impiety of his mother, comman­ded her to drinke, which she not refusing, dranke, and was poy­soned.

CHAP. XXIV. Of Married Women.

Ivli [...] the wife of Pompey the Great, and daughter of Caesar, when she beheld her husband re­turne from the field with his gar­ments all besmeared with blood, such an instant terror possest her, that shee presently fell in labour, and was untimely delivered of her conception, with her griefe and sorrow. and the losse of the whole world, When Hamelius was upbraided of some women that hee kissed, for his stinking [Page 170] breath, he asked his wife why she told him not of it. She answered, I should so have done, but that I imagined all mens breath of that favour: therefore it was very like her mouth ne're came so neare a­ny other as to discerne it.

En [...]ylia the wife of Africanus, was of so great charity and pati­ence, that when shee knew her husband had offended with her maid, yet she contained her selfe beyond measure unto him, both in fidelity and love; not answering his expectation with fury or fro­ [...]ardnesle, but jealous to wrong so great a husband as Affricanus, either in word or action; as fur­ther, not to shew her selfe hate­full where her husband had loved: after his death shee gave her in marriage, and continued faithfull to the end. When Sulpitia was with-held by her mother Maria, [...]est she should follow her husband Lentulus being banished into Ita­lie, notwithstanding she could not [Page 171] be retained, but that shee got out in an unusuall attire with two of her maids, and two servants, and came unto him secretly, refusing not to banish her selfe, to enjoy his presence, without which, where-ever, she lived in banish­ment.

CHAP. XXV. Of good Widdowes.

MAcrobius saith, that the word Vidua a Widdow, comes of Divisa: or as one would more properly say, a viro divisa, divided, or divided from a man. Amongst the ancient women of elder times that were contented with single marriages, it was their glory to bee honoured with the crowne of chastity, but the expe­rience of many marriages hath much increased the suspition of intemperance and inconstancy. [Page 172] The daughter of Marcus Cato, when she had bewailed the death of her husband a month together, the longest date of our times: she was asked of some of her friends which day should have her last teare, shee answered, the day of her death.

And when some of her kins­folkes perswaded her to marry a [...] other husband, in regard shee was young and beautifull; she utterly denyed, saying, If I should meet with a good husband as I had be­fore, I shall ever feare to lose him: If I shall meet with a bad one, [Page 173] what need I such a sorrow after such a griefe. In like manner, Portia was perswaded, after the death of her husband, to marry a­gaine, she answered, A happy and chaste Matron never marries but once. In like manner, Valeria having lost her husband, would marry no other; and being asked her reason, answered, that her husband lived alwayes to her. In like manner, of Arthemesia, the wife of Mausoll, King of Carnith, that amongst many of her com­mendations The Tomb of Mauso [...] this is a principall, That after the death of her hus­band, she still remembred him as if alive, and built for his honour and memory a Sepulcher of won­drous beauty and cost, the like whereof was not to be found: of which woman my Authour thus comparatively concludeth:

CHAP. XXVI. Of Virgins.

HIeron. contr. Iovin. in his booke so called, there men­tioneth what honour and respect the ancient Romans ever attribu­ted to their Virgins. In that their Consuls and Emperours, such that triumphed in state after their vi­ctories, yeelded as every degre [...] and dignity, reverence to them.

Nyeanor having atchieved th [...] victory of Thebes, was so over­come with the love of a captive Virgine, whose nuptiall volunta­ry [Page 175] imbraces he so desired, which of few would have beene refused, though in her found no admission; which forced him to complaine, that hee found more captivity in the eyes of such a Virgin, then in the strength of a kingdome, when hee, her lover and a King, wept and lamented over her selfe­slaughtered body.

Turcya, a Vestall Virgin, defa­med with the losse of her Virgi­nity, in manifestation of her inno­cency, tooke a Riddle, beseeching the goddesse, that if shee touched her sacrifices with a chast hand, to make it possible that shee might fetch water out of Tyber with that sieve, and carry it to her house, which was effected accor­dingly, and she cleared of her sus­pition.

Claudia, a Vestall Virgin, had in suspition likewise of dishonor, Aug. de ci [...] dei, lib. 10. having fastened an Image in the house of Mars, neare unto Tyber, to prove her chastity, with her [Page 176] girdle she drew a ship that many milions of men could not remove from the place. Likewise Augu­stine in his 39. booke, speaking of an ancient custome the Romans had to this purpose, which was to bury alive the corrupted Priests of their Vestall goddesse.

CHAP. I. Of things hurtfull after Meat.

1. AMongst those things that are hurtfull after Meat, it is first demanded, From whence ariseth the eructation or belching [Page 199] of the Stomacke? To the which is answered (according to Galen) that the bitternesse and belching thereof, is principally caused by the shutting up of the heat in the body, and straightning of the nar­row passages that should bring in the Ayre to coole it, whereby it is the more increased, which of it selfe is the originall ground of all bitternesse in the Stomacke, and the more especially so, if begin­ning to Digest it, it be afterwards hindered by excluding this cold.

2. Secondly, it is demanded, why presently after our meats re­ceived, this bitternesse is not felt in the Stomacke? To the which is answered, that meats newly re­ceived, some little time doe re­maine in the stomacke, in their owne nature, as if they were without us: and therefore as yet cannot this bitternesse be ingen­dred by them. But when as the naturall heat beginneth to digest, and is by some accident or other [Page 200] hindered, whereupon followeth an indigestion: from whence a­riseth this bitternesse, and there­fore is not presently perceived.

3. Thirdly, it is demanded why this bitternesse more often hap­peneth to them that sleepe, then to those that wake? To which is answered, That by sleepe the sto­macke is closed up; that the meats received cannot descend into the bottome thereof, where the Di­gestion is made, but remaine in the upper part; where swimming, they putrifie and corrupt, and cause a windinesse and belching therein, which otherwayes would be avoyded.

4. Why Wine being hot in na­ture, should not produce diseases of like kinde, but contrary, such as are cold? To the which is an­swered, that Wine causeth not the disease, unlesse by over-char­ging the braine and nerves; but repletions follow indigestions, and indigestions cause cold diseases: [Page 201] and therefore Wine produceth no other but cold diseases.

5. Next is demanded whether sicke persons may eat much, as they were accustomed when they were well? It is answered there­to, that Custome is another Na­ture; and therefore he which hath accustomed to eat much in Health, must have some relation thereto in his sicknesse, eating oftner (ac­cording to Rasis) then he which in health was but of spare Diet.

6. Next is demanded whether for sicke persons, having lately re­covered their health, bread or flesh be more convenient? To the which we answer with Rasis, that flesh: and because amongst all o­ther meats Hogges-flesh is most nourishing, therefore that flesh is Hogs-flesh of al other most nou­rishing, most convenient for them, being most easie of Digestion.

7. Next is demanded whether flesh or bread be most convenient to those that are troubled with Agues? It is answered, that two [Page 202] things are to be respected there­in: first, flesh is of an easie dige­stion, and therefore thought more convenient: fecondly, Bread is easie conversion, and therefore more convenient then Flesh, and because flesh by the fatnesse, doth more easily inflame.

8. Next is demanded whether Flesh or Wine are to be prefer­red to those that have newly re­covered their Healths? To the which is answered, that Flesh; and therfore the vulgar are much deceived that thinke Wine, be­cause amongst all other things it is the most easie converted into blood, spirituall and naturall heat, and therefore to be taken after Flesh.

10. Next is demanded whether he that is lately recovered from his sicknesse, must for some cer­taine dayes observe theOrder and Diet that he used in his sicknesse, or not? To the which is answe­red, that so; and that for three [Page 203] reasons: First, for the weaknesse of Nature, Secondly, for the not breach of Custome. Thirdly, for the imbecility [...]d state of his bo­dy, after his si [...]knesse, and this reason alone is sufficient: because from [...] we are not to make [...] [...]ure, but by little and [...] th [...]refore we conclude t [...]e [...]ment or Government whic [...] [...]as used in sicknesse, is to be [...] for a time in Health, and n [...]t presently to be forsaken or left off.

CHHP. II. Questions of Bread.

FIrst, It is demanded why Bread of Wheat doth more nourish than of Barley? To the which is answered, according to Aristotle in his Problemes, because of the moderate viscosity and moysture, most requisite therein, [Page 204] for the better conglutination and fastning thereof to the body, which the other wanting, is not therefore held so convenient.

2. Next is demanded where­fore bread that is stale, is either more whiter than that which is new? To the which we answer, the cause of the blacknesse is the water therein, which in bread that is stale is dried up, and therefore the more white.

3. Next is demanded why bread unsalted is more heavy than that which is salted? To the which it is answered, that salt dryeth up the moysture therein, for which reason likewise it becommeth more light and white.

4. Next is demanded why bread of Wheat becommeth not hard, being old, as other bread doth? To the which is answered, that the Wheat hath in it a certaine sweet and humane moysture, which is as it were the life there­of, that suffereth it not to be hard­ed

[Page 205] 5. Wherefore Bread that is made of new corne, is no so good as that which is made of the old; the reason is, that new graine hath in it too great a moysture and wa­trishnesse than is commendable, and therefore Bread made there­of is not so good as of the old.

CHAP. III. Questions of Wine. Whether it be Physieal to be drunk once a month with wine.

1. FIrst, it is demanded whe­ther, according to Avi­een in his Canticles, and Rasis like­wise, it be physicall to be drunke with Wine once a month? To the which is answered, with the Commenter upon the Canticles, that their opinion is erroneous which so affirme: for although Wine, according to Galen, is the [Page 206] most agreeable to mans nature, in respect of the naturall heat, and nearnesse it hath with our bloods, being in degree thereto, as Oyle to the light or fire: yet as much and superf [...]s Oyle puts out the fire and light, [...]o much wine our natura [...] heat; and as it is more a­greeable to our natures being thinn [...] and cleare, so notwithstan­ding, it is more hurtfull to the ani­mall and sensible heat, and the or­gans thereof; that is, to the braine and sinewes: and therefore Galen concludeth, that water is better than wine, especially for those that have weake nerves.

2. Next is demanded why chil­dren being hot in nature, are not lovers of Wine, but old men? To the which is answered, that old men are hot and dry, but children hot and moyst.

3. Next is demanded what hu­mour is most ingendred of wine, whether Phlegme or blood? To the which is answered, that be­cause [Page 207] wine breeds cold diseases, as formerly we have proved, therefore doth it more ingender phlegmaticall humours than any other; and the renson is, because when much Wine is taken, it is not fully digested, and whatsoever remaines in the body indigested, is converted into phlegme, and therefore of wine, by reason of the often exceeding therein, is more ingendred than of any other thing. But wine being moderate­ly taken, is more converted into blood than phlegme.

4. Next is demanded why strong wine comforteth the sto­macke, and hurteth the braine; but weake wine effecteth the contrary? It is answered, the sto­macke doth digest, and digestion commeth of heat, therefore it seemeth to helpe the stomacke in digestion, because it addeth to the heat, which the weaker doth not. But wine the stronger it is, from it doe the more vapours arise into [Page 208] the head, and so much more hur­teth the braine.

5. Next is demanded whether wine or meat are the greatest comforters of naturall heat? To the which is answered, according to Isacke, that wine: and the rea­son is, because it more easily and swiftly converteth into naturall­heat, and doth more strengthen than meats doe. But meat, being couerted, is of longer durance, and greater restauration.

6. Next is demanded whether if wine be to be given to one that is weake, new or old be the more commended? To the which we answer, against the opinion of the vulgar, that in this case the new is better than the old: and the reason is, because Wine, by how much more it is new, by so much lesse it inflameth, and there­fore in this respect better than the old.

7. Next is demanded why Wine purged from his lees, is of [Page 209] greater strength and force, but lesse lasting? It is answered, be­cause relying upon no other E­lement, it is every way expo­sed to ruine; for the Lees by su­staining and nourishing, is as it were the root.

8. Lastly, it is demanded whe­ther Wine hurt the braine? To the which is answered, according to Isacke, that it doth: and Galen likewise affirmeth the same, though it strengtheneth the sto­macke (when first received) and heat the blood, yet through the vapour it hurts the braine, especi­ally by replenishing them, but the veines in drinking it.

CHAP. IIII. Questions of Flesh.

1. NExt is demanded whe­ther Flesh rosted or boy­led be more moyst? To the which [Page 210] is answered the rosted, that by the heat of the fire is hardned and rosted on the outward parts, whereby the humidity and moy­sture is shut up and retained with­in, that it cannot goe forth. But in that which is boyled, the outmost parts become softned and tender by the moderate heat of the li­quor, that the moysture therein hath the freer vent and issue forth, and therefore meats rosted, al­though they seeme more dryer without, yet within they are more moyst, and the boyled more dry.

2. Next is demanded why the Moóne-light doth more putrifie flesh that is killed, than the heat of the Sunne? It is answered, that there can be no putrifaction unlesse heat and moysture con­joyne together. Now the putri­faction of Cattell is nothing ell [...] than a certaine defluxion lying h [...] in the body, converting the soli­dity of flesh into humour; for heat [Page 211] is it be temperate and meane, nou­risheth humours; otherwise more violent, it extenuateth and dryeth them up: therefore of such flesh, the Sunne as it is more hotter, ex­tracteth all the moysture, and so dryeth them up, and corrup [...]eth them. But the Moone-light, in which there is no manifest heat, but a kind of luke-warme influ­ence increasing the humour, doth the more and more suddenly the same.

CHAP. V. Qu [...]stions of Egges.

1. COncerning Egges, it is firs [...] demanded whether the yolke or the white be of more heat? It is answered, that amongst all the humours of the body, the blood is the hottest, yet most tem­perate in heat: and therefore that which comes nearest to the nature [Page 212] of blood, is nearest of the quality, of which is the yolke, and therfore the more hotter.

2. Next it is demanded, why the yolke being put into water, immediately descends to the bot­tome, but the white contrariwise swimmes on the top? It is answe­red, that the white of the Egge is siymy and viscous, and cleaves unto that whereunto it is put, and therefore put into water, swims on the top; but the yolke descends with its owne weight.

3. Next is demanded why Egges in birds are of a more harder shell than those of Fishes? To the which is answered, that Fishes ex­pose their Egges in watry and moyst places, and therefore need but soft shels. But fals contrari­wise in more hard and dangerous places, as upon Rockes, and Hils, and such like; and therefore na­ture hath more warily provided for them, and for their withstan­ding hurt and danger, untill their [Page 213] young ones come to perfection.

4. Next is demanded, why Egges in birds are of greater quantities, though fewer in num­ber than those of Fishes? To the which is answered, that Birds are of greater heat than Fishes, which is the cause of the great­nesse of their Egges; but the mul­titude out of the matter which is the principle of division, and therefore because Fowles have more heat than Fishes, therefore the Egges are greater in substance but few in number; and so contra­riwise of Fishes.

5. Next is demanded, why Egges in Birds are of divers co­lours, and those of Fishes not? It is answered, because the heat in Birds is more strong, which doth separate those things which are of adverse nature, as the yolke from the white, &c. but in Fishes the heat is more weake; and ther­fore cannot separate.

6. Next is demanded why the [Page 214] Egges of Fishes are round, and the Egges of Fowles are of a longer figure? It is answered, that heat moves to his centor, especially to a piramidall figure, as appeares in a flame of fire that ever ascends upward, & ends stil in a point. And therefore because heat is more strong in Fowles than in Fishes, the Egges of Fowles are longer, the Fishes more round, because their heat being weak, dispearseth it selfe thereinto.

7. Next is demanded why some Egges cracke in the fire, and o­th [...]rs not? It is answered, that those most cracke in the fire which are of most windinesse, from the which when the shell is broken in the fire, out comes the wind with violence and noyse, and this most happens when the out­ward heat is strong; whereupon if the Egge of any Fowle be put into such a fire, the shell is quickly broken, and the windinesse comes out with great violence and noyse [Page 215] which yet it doth n [...]t, if the heat or fire be but small. But in Egges of Fishes, [...]here is proportionably the great windinesse, and there­for [...] they cracke much in the fire, as we have experience by the Her­ring, &c.

CHAP. VI. Of Fishes.

1. FIrst, it is demanded whe­ther Fishes eat their owne spawne or not? It is answered, that they doe. First, because they are greedy and ravenous through the coldnesse of their stomackes: and next, because they are dull of sense, and discerne not betwixt their owne and others, and there­fore most greedily devoure their owne with others.

2. Next is demanded whether Fishes chew their meat? It is an­swered, not: the reason is, First, [Page 216] because if they should chew it, they should superfluously swallow the water, to the suffocation of themselves: Secondly, because they are gluttenous, and doe [...]t greedily, they swallow it whole undivided.

3. Thirdly, it is demanded why raine is convenient to Fishes, and hurtfull to Birds? It is answered, that to Fishes raine-water is very convenient, because it washeth in the sweet of the soyle, which be­ing mingled in the waters, the Fi­shes much feed upon, & grow fat. But Birds are of another nature, living in the ayre, and supporting their bodies by the wing, which hereby their feathers being fast­ned together, their flight is hin­dred, and th [...]ir use and living ta­ken away, and therfore more hurt­full for them than Fishes?

CHAP. VII. Hereafter followeth the Resolution of certaine mixt questions.

1. FIrst, it is demanded why the Gout happeneth to them most commonly that eat many kinds of pulses. It is answe­red out of Galen, because they are hard and windy, and not easily di­gested, by reason of which indi­gestion [...]egme the origi­nall of the gout. they are turned into Phlegme from whence the gout most usually hath her originall.

2. N [...]xt is demanded, why Beanes being that they are windy by decoction, lose not their win­dinesse as Barley doth? To which is answered, that Beanes are of nature more windy than Barley, and because they are of a more grosse and compact substance, therefore more hardly altered, than Barley which is more thinne and easie. Wherefore saith Isacke, [Page 218] according to Galen, by decocting of Beanes we lose not their win­dinesse, but by strong seething, we something diminish it.

3. Next is demanded why the eating of Figges breedeth Lice? Why the ea [...]ng of figs breed Lice. To the which is answered, that al­though figges of themselves soone putrifie and corrupt, yet have they a property to present all in­ward corrupt humours they find in the body, to the uppermost part of the skinne; and out of such hu­mors are Lice ingendred, although otherwise sometimes by sweaty and unshifted linnen betweene the skinne and that alone, as the two parents without any other materials ingendred; to which ef­fect one merrily jesteth upon a lousie shifter in this Epigram, as followeth:

Yet Auicen thus farre commen­deth figges, that they cause a good colour in the face, by driving the blood to the outermost part of the skinne.

4. Next is demanded, why wine being drunke after any rot­ten fruit tasteth bitter? To the which is answered, that from the fruit is derived a certaine bitter­nesse which remaineth upon the tongue, which being mixed with Wine maketh it of a bitter tast.

Next is demanded whether new Hony be better than old? To the which is answered, that it is other­wise with Hony than with Wine, because the newest Hony and the oldest Wine is ever the best: and the reason is, because the nature of Wine is moyst, but the nature of Hony dry: the experience [Page 220] whereof may be taken in medi­cine, where those having dry bo­dies are moystned with Wine, as those that are moyst and phleg­maticke are dryed with Honey.

5. Next is demanded why oyle in the top, wine in the middle, and hony in the bottome is ever best to begin with the last first? It is answered, because that honey which is best, is waightier than the other, and so sinketh downe to the bottome, and therefore in a vessell of honey, that in the bot­tome To chuse Honey. is ever the best.

6. But in a vessell of wine the middle, because the bottome thereof is thickned with Lees, and the top is troubled with ayre; whereupon the husbandmen knowing it not sufficient to keep it in a close house, mine and digge deepe to lay it in the ground, so to remove it from the ayre as much as they can, by which it is so manifestly hurt, that it is scarce conserved in a vessell halfe full; [Page 221] and therefore that in the middle removed from these inconveni­ences is the best.

7. But that oyle which remai­neth in the top of the vessell, or in a vessell halfe full, is both the best, and bettered thereby, be­cause the ayre entring into it, dries up the vacuous and superfluous humour wherein it lyes, so ma­king it both of better taste and quality.

8. Next is demanded, why oyle sometimes is frozen, but wine more seldome? it is answered, that in oile there is a cause of con­gelation being glutenous and thicke, which in wine there is not being of a more liquid and strong vertue.

9. Next is demanded, why Vinegar being that it is most cold, is never frozen, seeing that the coldest things are most apt there­unto? It is answered, because Vi­negar is the most liquid amongst all other humours, and the most [Page 222] piercing and tart, which like the sea being alwayes respersed with his owne bitternesse, doth never freeze.

Next is demanded why pepper and mustard doe gnaw the out­ward skin, and hurt the stomacke? To the which is answered, being opposed unto the outward skin, it worketh thereupon in his full vertue and nature, which is to corrode and gnaw; but being de­scended into the stomacke, the force thereof is abated through the quality and nature thereof, and so ceaseth in that effect.