Of the FIRE.

WHen a man Dreams he sees Fire, that sig­nifies the issue of his choler; and ordina­rily they that Dream of Fire, are active, cholerick, and furious. A Man that Dreams he is burnt by Fire, that prognosticates a violent Fever.

He that Dreams he sees a moderate Fire in his chimney, without smoak, or the crackling of sparks, it signifies that he which Dream'd is in perfect health, and that his inclination swayes him to that which is good and rational; some­times also it signifies riches: some are of opi­nion that it denotes a feast, or rejoycing among relations and friends.

On the contrary, when one Dreams that he sees a great sparkling Fire with much smoak, that signifies anger, debates, or some bad news, which he that Dreams will soon be sensible of.

When one Dreams of seeing a Fire extingui­shed, that signifies indigence, necessity, ill for­tune, and want of money: and if any distemper'd person Dreams that the Fire is put out, that prae­sageth his death.

When one Dreams that he sees a clear, shining, lighted candle upon a table or cabinet, that is a good signe to the Sick, it denotes recovery and health: and if he that Dreams be unmarried, it signifies that he will speedily marry, that he will have success, and prosper in his undertakings, and that he will gain credit: the same interpreta­tion may be made of a Lanthorn or flaming Torch.

He that Dreams he sees a Candle, Lanthorns or Torch extinguished or darkned; that signifies unto him sadness, sickness and poverty.

He that Dreams he is in a Ship, and sees a clear light afar off, shall be assured of a fai [...] wind, shall receive no dammage by tempests, and shall arrive happily at the Haven.

When one Dreams in the night, that he holds a burning Light or Torch in his hand, it is a good signe, and chiefly to those that are young; for it signifies that they shall enjoy their loves, ac­complish their designes, overcome their Enemies and gain honor and good-will from all persons.

To Dream you see a burning Light in th [...] hands of another, signifies that the mischief don [...] will be discovered, and the party punished, and that there will be no possibility of excusing o [...] concealing it. When the light is extinguished it signifies the contrary.

When one Dreams that he sees one or more houses burning with a clear pure Fire that is not violent, nor sparkling, and that those house [...] are neither consum'd nor destroy'd; that signifies to the necessitous, goods, riches, and Inheri­tances; to the rich it praesageth honors, charges and dignity: But if you spie them burning with a smoaky violent or sparkling Fire, and that they seem to fall and be consum'd; that denotes the contrary, viz. adversity, trouble, Law­suits, shame, misfortune and death to the Drea­mer. Queen Hecuba, wife to King Priam, being with child of her Son Paris, Dream'd that shee went with a burning Torch, that would con­sume the City or Troy; which was a prognostick [Page 13]of the ruine of her Empire; of her own, and the death of all her relations.

When a man Dreams that his bed is on Fire, and that he perisheth; that signifies dammage, sickness or death to his wife; and if the wife Dreams it, the same may happen to her Hus­band.

When one Dreams that he sees Tapestry or other moveables of a Hall burning, and that they are comsum'd; that prognosticates dammage or death to the Master of the House.

When one phancies in a Dream that he sees the Cabinet or Cupboard that belongs to the Mistris if the House burning, that signifies sickness or death to her.

If one Dreams that the Kitchen is one Fire, that denotes death to the Cook, the men or maid­servants, or one of them.

When a man beleeves the shop is on Fire, and that it is consum'd by the Fire, that signifies loss of Goods and Possessions.

If one Dreams, that he sees the out-windows of the fore-part of the house burning, and that they are consum'd, that signifies the death of Brethren; if they are those of the back-part, it is the death of Sisters, or of one of them.

When one Dreams that the Gates burn and are consum'd, that signifies death to the Mistris of the House, and somtimes to him that Dreams.

If one beleeves he sees the Bed-posts on Fire without being consum'd, that signifies good for­tune to the male-Children, as Euripides the Phi­losopher testifies.

To see the top of the House on Fire, and con­sum'd, [Page 14]denotes loss of Goods, Law-suits, o [...] the Master of the house his Friends.

If one Dreams that he kindles a Fire, and that it burns immediately without trouble, or a candle or Torch, that signifies that the Children begot­ten will be fortunate, and honor their Mother.

If a Woman Dreams that shee kindles or lights the Fire, it is a signe shee is with child, and that shee will be safely deliver'd of a fortunate child, whether it be a Boy or a Girl.

When one Dreams of kindling a Fire with much ado, and that it extinguisheth presently, it denotes dammage and dishonor to the wife, and he that Dreams, who often proves the cause of it.

He that Dreams he sees a Castle quite burn'd down and consum'd, it signifies damage, sickness or death to the Master thereof: and he tha [...] Dreams a City is on Fire and consum'd, that de­notes famine, war or pestilence to the said City.

He that Dreams he sees a man publickly burn'd, it signifies loss in merchandizing o [...] sickness.

He that Dreams he sees his cloathes burn'd and consum'd, it signifies vexation, injury, re­proach, overthrowing at Law, and loss of friends.

He that Dreams he sees a stack of corn burn'd and consum'd, it signifies famine and mortality but if it consumes not, it denotes fertility and great riches to him that Dreams.

He that Dreams he sees himself burning in the Fire, and suffers pain thereby, it signifies envy, displeasure, choler, and debates. He that Dreams he holds a Torch made of straw, and carries it [Page 15]in publick, it signifies joy, honor, and the safe management of Affairs.

He that Dreams he burns his finger, it signifies envy and sin.

Of the AIR.

THey that Dream they see the Air clear and serene, shall be belov'd and esteem' by all persons; and those that are their enemies, and envy them, shall be reconcil'd into them.

According to the observation of Physicians; they judge the person to be sanguine and full of blood, that is accustom'd to Dream of the Air. Some eniment Authors affirme, that to Dream of seeing the Air clear and free from clouds, it signifies that the theft or thing lost shall be discovered, and that one shall overcome his Enemies; that he shall overthrow at Law, be respected and esteem'd by all, and that he shall make a successful voyage or journy, if he be upon any such designe: in brief, all good things are denoted by a clear and serene Air.

But on the contrary, if one Dreams that the Airs is cloudy, dark and troubled, that signifies sadness, sickness, melancholy, and obstruction of business: in short, such a Dream signifies the con­trary of what is before signified by a pure and clear Air.

When one Dreams he is in a calme Air, that signifies that his life and manners shall be good, peaceable, and acceptable to all company; and [Page 16]that the businesses and voyages or journies he un­dertakes shall succeed according to his desire.

If one Dreams he sees a soft showre, without storme, tempest, or great winds, that signifies to Labourers gain and profit; and quite contrary, to Merchants it denotes obstruction, loss and spoile of their Merchandizes; and the same to Artisans and Mechanicks.

Dreams of great and long continuing rain, hail, tempests, and thunder, signifie afflictions, troubles, dangers, losses and peril: to the poorer sort, they signifie repose; for during the storme they are shut up, and at rest.

When one Dreames of Ice and Snow in winter, that hath no signification; for the spirit represents to the memory the cold of the praeceding day; but if it be in another season, that denotes a good Harvest to Husbandmen, and that the earth will abound in all things: To Merchants and other men of employment, it signifies hindrance in their negotiations and voyages; and to soldiers, that their designes will be frustrated.

To Dream of hail, signifies sorrow and trouble, Yet it signifies also, that the most hidden secrets shall be reveal'd and made known.

To Dream you see a thunderbolt fall near you without a tempest, signifies that he that Dreams shall be constrain'd to fly, or quit his country, and dwell elsewhere; and this is understood particu­larly of Grandees. If one Dreams that thunder falls upon his head, or on the houses, that sig­nifies loss of life and Goods.

Of the WATER.

THey that Dream they frequently see others, or do often dip themselves in the Water, according to the Naturalists, are of a phleg­matick constitution, and subject to defluxions and catarrhes.

To dream that you see River-water clear and calme, praesageth good to all persons, and prin­cipally to Travellers, Lawyers and Judges.

To Dream one sees River-water troubled, sig­nifies [Page 18]that one shall be threatned by some great Lord, or out of his Masters favor; and that Lawyers shall be in great trouble, and subject to censure.

To Dream of being in an impetuous River, and not to escape, signifies danger to the person of him that Dreams, sickness caused by defluxions, and delatory Law-suits.

To Dream of swimming in a great River, sig­nifies future peril and danger.

To Dream you see a clear River run by your Chamber, praesageth the arrival of some rich and liberal person, who will advantage the Dreamers; but if the Water be troubled, and that it seem'd to spoile the moveables of the Chamber, then that signifies to those of the family violence, quar­rels, and disorder occasioned by Enemies.

A rich man that Dreams he sees a rivulet of clear Water run by his house, will be suddenly chosen into some charge or office, in which he shall re­ceive honor, joy and profit, and will prove a refuge and Asylum to the oppressed.

To Dream you see a rivulet that is troubled, signifies loss and dammage by Fire, Law-suits and Enemies.

It is a good signe to dream you see a Pit full of fair Water in a field where there is none at all; for he that Dreams will be a thriving man, and suddenly married, if he be not so already, and will have good and obedient Children.

To Dream you see a Pit whose Water over­flowes the banks, that praedicts loss of substance, the death of Wife and Children; and if the Wife have the same Dream, that denotes her death, or the loss of her substance.

To Dream that you see a little Pond, signifies that you will enjoy the love of a beautiful wo­man; and the same if a woman Dreams it; shee shall have her desires accomplished.

To Dream that you are in Boat upon a River, Lake or Pond of clear Water, that is very good, and signifies joy, prosperity and success in af­faires.

If a sick Person Dreams that he sees a River or Fountain of clear running Water, that praesageth his recovery; but if the water be troubled and muddy, it signifies the contrary.

If a young Man Dreams he draws Water out of a clear Well, that signifies he will be speedily married to a fair Mayd, that will bring him a portion; if the Water be troubled, he will be disturb'd by her, and suddenly fall sick.

If he seems to give others clear Well-water to drink; by this Mayd's means he will enrich, or afflict them, if the Water be troubled.

If any one thinks that his River, Pond or Fountain is dried up, that signifies poverty; or death.

If any one Dreams that he sees Water flow from a place where there is no possibility it should come, that signifies care; torment and affliction. If he imagine that he hath taken up some of that Water, the mischief will be of a longer conti­nuance, according to the quantity he hath drawn; if it seems to him that it is dried up and gone, the misfortune will also be at an end.

He that Dreams he drinks warm Water, is in danger of receiving praejudice by an offended E­nemy, and the party will be afflicted more or less [Page 20]according to the degree of the heat of the Water; for as fresh Water is a good, so hot or boyling Water is a bad signe.

When one Dreams he sees a Bath, that signi­fies affliction or grief.

If a person Dreams he goes into a Bath, and that he finds it too hot, he will be troubled and afflicted by those that belong to his family; which trouble will be proportionable to the heat of the Water in the Bath, whether more or less.

If it seems to him that he hath only pul'd off hi [...] cloaths, without going into the Bath, he wil [...] have some disturbance, but of no long conti­nuance.

If one Dreams he goes into an extreme col [...] Bath, the same signification is to be given of it as when it is too hot.

But if it be temperate, and as it ought to be it is a good Dream, praesaging prosperity, plea­sure, joy and health.

If one Dreams he hath carried Water in a garment, linnen cloth, or any other thing, o [...] in a broken Vessel that could not hold Water, that denotes to the Party loss and dammage, and that he will be deceiv'd by those whom he hath intrusted with his Estate and Substance, or else that he will be rob'd by his domestique Servants.

If he Dreams that the Water he hath drawn into these things is not spilt, then he will prae­serve his Estate, though with much difficulty [...] but if the Water be spilt, he shall lose it.

If he phancies that he hath hid the Vessel and Water under ground, he will fall to decay, and will be in danger of being made a publique spe­ctacle, [Page 21]and of dying a shameful death.

If one Dreams that he hath a glass full of Wa­ter given him, that signifies his speedy marriage, and that he will have Children by his wife. For whatsoever is of glass, is applicable to the wife; and Water signifies abundance and fruitfulness.

If the Glass seems to be broken, and the Wa­ter unspilt, that signifies the death of the wife, but the life the Child; and so contrarywise.

If a Minister Dreams he gives his people clear Water to drink, it signifies that he will teach them the word of God faithfully, and will be In­strumental to their salvation; if the Water be troubled, he will teach them heretical and false doctrine.

If any one Dreams that he hath spilt Water in his House, that denotes care and affliction, ac­cording to the quantity of the Water.

Of the EARTH.

If any one Dreams that he hath good Lands well inclos'd bestowed upon him, with pleasant pastures, he will have a handsom Wife, accor­ding to the seeming goodness of the Land.

But if the Land seem'd spatious and not in­clos'd, that denotes pleasure; joy and riches, suitable to the extent of the Land.

If it seem'd that the said inclos'd Lands had fair gardens, Fountains, Fields, pleasant groves and Orchards adjoyning thereunto, that signifies, he will marry a discreet, chaste and beautiful [Page 23]Wife, and that shee will bear him very handsom Children.

If he saw the Land sown with wheat, that signifies money and profit with care and industry.

If he saw it sown with any kind of pulse, that denotes affliction and trouble.

If he saw it sown with Millet, that signifies vast riches to be gain'd with ease, and much delight.

If a Monk or Friar Dreams any such thing, then it is taken for the riches and contentment of the mind.

If you Dream you see the Earth black, that signifies sorrow, melancholy, and weakness of the brain.

To Dream that you see the Earth quake, sig­nifies that your affairs and life are in danger of being lost.

To Dream that the whole Earth quakes, sig­nifies an Edict from the King, that will astonish all the Inhabitants of the Kingdom.

If you Dream that the House shakes, it is an Edict simply against the House: it presageth also loss of Goods, and suits at Law.

If the walls, doors and top of the House fall by reason of the Earthquake, that denotes the destruction and death of the chief persons in the House.

If a King or any other Prince Dreams that his Palace or Throne is overturn'd and beaten down by an Earthquake, he will suddenly dy, or lose his Kingdom.

If any one Dreams that a mountain is fallen upon a Valley, that signifies that some great [Page 24]Lord will oppress and destroy Good men.

If any sees a Town that he knows, sunk by an Earthquake, that is a prognostick of famine. War and desolation, by the Indignation of the Prince; but if he knows not the Town, tha [...] signifies that the Nation at enmity with the King shall be destroy'd by the same means.

To Dream you see great Ditches or precipices, and that you fall into them, signifies that he that Dreams will suffer much injury, hazard his per­son, and his goods be in danger by fire.

To Dream of kissing the Earth, signifies sadness and humility.

To Dream of being in a meadow, is a good sign to Husbandmen and shepheards, and to others it denotes obstruction of business.

To Dream that you are in a fair, straight, level and pleasant way, signifies joy, prospe­rity and good success; and a bad way the quite contrary.

Under the vegetative Creature is compriz'd Trees, Plants, Flowers and Fruits, that receive their nourishment, vigor, growth and maturity from the Earth and the Sun.

To Dream of holding or smelling odoriferous flowers in their season, signifies joy, pleasure and consolation.

To Dream of seeing and smelling flowers out of season; if they are white, that signifies obstruction in business, and bad success in his en­terprizes; if yellow, the impediment will not be so considerable; and if they be red, the dif­ficulty and nusance will be extreme; and for the most part it signifies death.

To Dream of seeing and smelling Roses in the season of the year, is a good signe to all persons, except those that are distemper'd, and that through fear conceal themselves; for they are in danger of death or great sickness: and if the dream be when Roses are out of season, it sig­nifies the contrary.

To Dream that you smell of Marjoram, Hysop, Rosemary, Sage, and other herbs of the same na­ture, signifies labor, trouble, sadness and weak­ness; Physicians only excepted, to whom such Dreams are propitious.

If any one Dreams that he sees, holds, or smells of Lillies out of their season, it signifies the hope of the thing desir'd will be frustrated.

If one Dreams that he sees or smells upon Laurel, the Olive or Palme, if shee be a woman shee shall bear Children; if a Maid, shee will be suddenly married; if it be a man, it signifies amity, joy, prosperity, abundance, and good success in his enterprises.

Of the sensitive Creature, under which Birds, creeping things and fourfooted Beasts are com­pris'd.

TO Dream you see an Eagle in some hig [...] place, that is a good signe to those tha [...] undertake some weighty business, and especially to Soldiers.

If one Dreams that an Eagle lights upon hi [...] head, it signifies death to the Dreamer; and th [...] same, if he dreams he is carried into the air by an Eagle.

If a Woman Dreams that she brings forth an Eagle, that foretels that the Child she go [...] withall will be a great person, and that he will have many under his command.

If one Dreams he sees a dead Eagle, that sig­nifies death to great Peers, and profit to the poor.

To Dream you see Birds of prey or faulconry, to the rich it signifies increase, riches and honor; and to the poor, the quite contrary.

If any one Dreams he sees a Raven, it presages mischief, and chiefly to the Husband, who will be discontented by his adulterous Wife: and if the woman dreams, it prognosticates affliction occasion'd by the Husband, who will forsake her to Court others.

To Dream you see a Crow, signifies expedi­tion of business.

To Dream you see a Stare or Starling, signi­fies some small discontent.

To Dream you see Pigeons, is a good signe, to wit, that you shall have delight and content at home, and success in affairs abroad.

To Dream you see Cranes or Storks in flocks in the air, that foretels the approach of Enemies and Theeves. In winter it signifies bad weather.

To Dream you see two Storks together, sig­nifies marriage, and procreation of good and helpful Children to their parents.

To see a Swan, signifies joy, revealing of se­crets, and health to the Dreamer; but if it sings, it foretels death.

To Dream of a Swallow, signifies that a man shall have a discreet wife; and according to the opinion of some, good news, and good luck to the house wherein they build their nests. The Nightingale signifies the same thing.

To Dream of seeing Bees, signifies profit to [Page 32]Country-people, and trouble to the Rich: yet if they dream they make their honey in any part of the House or Tenement, that signifies dignity, eloquence, and good success in business.

If you Dream that you are stung by a Bee, and especially by Wasps, that signifies vexation and trouble occasion'd by envious persons.

To Dream you see many Birds, signifies As­semblies and suits at Law.

To see or hear a Cock crow, signifies joy and prosperity.

To see two Cocks fighting, denotes quarrels and fighting.

To Dream you see a Peacock, is a signe you marry a handsom wife, that you grow rich, be in great honor, and belov'd by the King and Grandees.

To Dream of a Hen and her Chickens, signi­fies loss and dammage.

To Dream that a Capon or Hen crows, sig­nifies sadness and trouble.

To see Patridges, is a signe that a man shall have to do with women that are malitious, in­grateful, and void of conscience.

Quailes signifie bad news at Sea, Debates, Quarrels, Pyracy, Ambuscadoes and Treachery.

All sorts of Grashoppers, signifie impertinent praters, bad Musicians, and also poor people that steal about the Country.

If a distempered person Dreams it, it foretels no good.

All sorts of Night-birds, as the Owlet, great Owle, Bittor and Bat, are a bad Omen, and those that dream of such Birds must undertake no business that day.

To Dream of Eggs, signifies gain and profit; but if there be a great number of them, it denotes care and Law-suits.

Of the Sun.

THe Sun is the most lively image of God a­mong inanimate creatures, and the holy Writ cals it the Throne or Palace of God; and as God is the principle of all foecundity, so is the Sun to this inferior World; which hath obliged some to bestow upon it the name of the Earths Husband, and Father of Gold, which is the most perfect thing that is found and drawn out of the bowels of the Earth, by reason of that well proportion'd temperament, which is known to Philosophers by the name of temperamentum ad pondus. The Sun hath been also call'd the Ey and Heart of Heaven, the Spirit and Reason of the ma­terial World, the eternal Animal, the Animated Star, the Ey that never sleeps, the Ey of Justice, Father of Light and Generation. The Sun re­presents unity, truth, light, fruitfulness, so­verain Majesty, heat, abundance and riches, because he is (as hath been said) the Father of Gold, and ripens all the Fruits of the Earth.

To Dream you see the Sun come out of the Sea, or rise in our Horizon, signifies good news, and success in your designes.

To Dream you see the Sun set, signifies the contrary: yet some beleeve that it denotes good [Page 85]fortune to the party that Dreams.

If a Woman hath such a dream, it signifies shee'l have a Son.

To Dream you see the Sun, signifies dispatch of business, and revelation of things secret; to the sick it denounceth health, to the prisoner li­berty, and a cure to him that is hurt in the Ey.

To Dream you see the Sun clouded, red or hot, signifies obstruction in business, death to your Children, or danger to your own person, or sore Eys; but such a dream is good to those that will conceal themselvs for some crimes, o [...] for fear of their Enemies.

To Dream that the Sun descends upon your House, signifies danger by fire.

To Dream you see the Sun-beams come into your bed, when in bed, that signifies sickness by a feavor; but to dream she intirely shines all over your Chamber, signifies gain, profit, felicity and honor: this presageth likewise to married people, that they will have a Son who will be ho­norable.

To Dream you see the Sun obscur'd, or disap­pear, is a very bad dream, unless it be to those that have a minde to be unknown by reason of their offences; for to others, for the most part, it signifies death, or at the least loss of sight by some accident, or by some defluxion.

To see the Sun shine about your head, signifies to malefactors grace and pardon; and to those that are at liberty, it denotes honor and glory among their acquaintance.

To Dream you enter a house where the Sun shines, signifies the getting an Estate.

Of the Moon.

IF any one Dreams he sees the Moon shine, that signifies his Wife loves him extremely, and that shee is well; it also denotes the getting of silver: for as the Sun represents gold, so the Moon doth silver; and as gold is taken for the heart of the world, so is silver for the brain.

To Dream you see the Moon darkned, signi­fies the death or sickness of ones Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, loss of mony, or danger in a voyage or journey, especially if it be by water; or else it signifies a distemper in the brain or Eys.

To Dream you see the Moon darkned, and grow clear and bright again, signifies profit to the Woman that dreams, and to the Man joy and prosperity: the Moon first clear and after­wards clouded, presageth the contrary.

To Dream you see the Moon in the form of a full and white face, that signifies to the Virgin speedy marriage; to the married Woman, that shee will have a handsom Daughter: If the Hus­band dreams it, it signifies that his Wife will have a Son. Such a dream is prosperous to Gold­smiths, Merchants, Jewellers and Banquers.

To Dream you see the Moon at full, is a good signe to handsome women of their being be­lo [...]'d by those that view them, but it is bad for such as conceal themselvs, as Theevs and Murderers, for they will be certainly discover'd; yet it signifies death to the sick, or to Mariners.

To Dream the Moon shines about your bed, signifies grace, pardon, and deliverance by means of some Woman.

Of the Stars.

TO Dream you see the sky serene, and the Stars clear and twinkling, signifies prosperity and advantage in a voyage or journy, good news and gain by all you do; and contrarily, to see them dusky and pale color'd, signifies all sorts of mischief.

To Dream you see the Stars disappear, signi­fies loss, and great vexation and cares to those that are rich, and death to those that are poor, such a dream is only good to those, that have committed some hainous offence, or study to commit it; for they may do it without any fear.

To Dream you see the Stars fall athwart the top of the House, signifies sickness, or that the House will be uninhabited, or burn'd by acci­dent.

If one Dreams he sees the Sars shining into the House, it signifies that the chief person of the family will be in danger of death.

To Dream you see several happy Comets, or other Stars with streaming tails, signifies future evils by War, Pestilence and Famine, with are the scourges wherewith God chastiseth mortals.

Of the Rain-bow.

TO Dream you see the Rain-bow in the East, is a good omen to the poor and sick; for the former will recover their estates, and the later their health: and if you dream you see it in the West, to the rich it is a good, to the poor a bad signe.

To Dream you see the Rain-bow directly over your head, or near you, signifies change of for­tune, and most commonly the death of the Dreamer, and ruine of his family.

Of the Nature and constitution of the Southern People.

AS to their bodies, they are cold and dry, of a small or middle stature, their eyes black, and like the Northern people, are strong and stout, so that the weak constitution of these is sup­plied by the extraordinary indowments of the mind. They are taxed with cruelty: peruse the History of Africa, Leo Afer, and the dissentions of the Carthaginians; for to give them their due, all tortures had their originall from them, as Impa­ling, Exoculations, Excoriation, breaking upon the Wheel alive (which the French ever detested; but by reason of horrid treasons committed a­mong them, they borrowed these punishments of their Neighbours) and to the end that no per­son should imagine that this cruelty is the pro­duct of their education, which nearly approach­eth to the nature of the Americans, who banquet it among the dead carkasses of their enemies, and quaffe their blood. If any person objects, that the same or like cruelty is committed by the people of the North; I will intreat him to take it in­to his consideration with this difference, which is, that the Northern people are transpor­ted to fury by the heat of their courage, and openly pursue their revenge, where being provok'd; and their passion allay'd, they are easily appeas'd; but those of the South are not suddenly mov'd, but being once urg'd, they are not without difficulty reconcil'd. In their exploits of war, they always [Page 117]ground their hope upon Policies and Stratagems, [...]orment their conquer'd enemies with great in­dignity and cruelty, even in cold blood; a bru­tish and sordid temper, which partly proceeds from an instinct of fury, that bad education and the inveterate desire of revenge creates in their nature; but to speak more properly, augmented by the inequal distribution of humors, and those humors by the inequality of the Elements: those elements are ballanced by a coelestial influence, and the bodies of men transported by those Elements; the Blood infus'd into the Body, the Life into the Blood, the Soul into the Life, and the Understan­ding into the Soul; which though freed from pas­sion, yet through her proximity, she cannot but participate of her Neighbours imperfection; this people having many of their humors exhal'd by the heat of the Sun, melancholy, which is most predominant in them, remains, and like the sedi­ment or lees of wine, is the more exasperated by their perverse disposition; men of this constitu­tion are altogether implacable. For, this people is addicted to study and contemplation (which suits well with their melancholique humour;) They have afforded excellent Authors and In­ventors of many Noble Sciences, as Natural Hi­story, the Mathematicks, Religion, the Influ­ence of the Planets, and other things.

Of the Northern People.

THey are tall of Stature, big, phlegmatique, sanguine white, and flaxen-hair'd, sociable, of a strong voice, the skin hairy, great eaters and drinkers, and less inclin'd to contemplation, by reason of the abundance of humors which di­stemper their spirits, and obstruct their faculties. Yet they have invented, though uninstructed, some famous Arts, as Printing, Artillery, the casting of Metalls, and other Mechanique Arts; and being the Sons of Mars, they always lov'd Armes, the levelling of Mountains, turning the Currents of Rivers; wholly addicting themselves to Hunting, Husbandry, and other labouring exercises; so that it may very well be said, that their spirit consists in their hands; yet are they easie to be wrought upon, fickle and inconstant, not very religious, yet free from jealousie: their eyes are for the most part grey, or red, which according to Aristotle denotes a good quality; the red, cruelty and auste­rity, as Pliny and Plutarch observe of Silla, Plato and Augustus.

Their blood is full of slender filaments, which signifies strength and courage. The Southern people have a more fluid blood, like the Hare, which signifies fear. They are hot and moist, and very [...]it for procreation. Of all Nations, they have e­ver been most populous, as you may observe in History by their Colonies. They are apt for ge­neration, but not to carnal concupiscence, as those of the South: which different qualifications [Page 119]saith du Laurens) hath by prudent Nature been [...]stowed upon every Climate, that those who [...]re capable of generation, should not be over-ad­dicted to pleasures, and others that want inter­ [...]al heat and moisture, delight in wantonness, to [...]ir up their desire, without which they could ne­ver continue humane society.

Of the People of the Middle Re­gion.

THose of the North are not Politique, but ve­ry valiant; those of the South, on the contra­ry, are weak, but Politique; but these of the mid­dle Region, are adorned with a thousand quali­ties fit for society; who understanding throughly the limits prescribed to subjection and authority, are able to frustrate the policies of the Meridional, and to oppose the fury of the Septentrional people. Vitruvius is of opinion, that a Commander ought to be made choice of among these people. The Northern do not much phancy the pen, and the Southern hate the Pike; those of the middle tem­per affect both the one and the other. They learn of the Switzers to give downright blowes, and of the Spaniard the Estocado; are temperate, or like Neuters doe in some measure participate of both these two extreams, retaining most of the na­ture of the neighbouring people. This is sufficient for a general observation of these Nations: where­fore since all Nations have their vices as well as virtues, let us not reproach those of the South with their sobriety, nor blame the licentiousness [Page 120]of drinking in those of the North; they are facul­ties peculiar to these people, and that not with­out reason; for if the Southern people should feed high, wanting internal heat to procure di­gestion, they would fall into dangerous distem­pers; and the Northern could not possibly live so soberly, by reason of the continual thirst proceed­ing from their inward heat: and this should have been ruminated upon by many Authors, be­fore they had proceeded to their condemna­tion.

Farther; if the Graecians, Ægyptians, Arabi­ans, or Chaldeans, are accus'd of Superstition, Sorcery, Cowardize, or Uncleanness; yet let them not be so far rejected, as to be altogether despis'd▪ for they have also somewhat that may beget in them an esteem; as Learning, the Arts, Know­ledge, Philosophy, Religion, Precepts for humane Society to walk by, with which they have furni­shed the habitable World.

Nor ought we to detract from the industry of the Northern, any more then the frailty of those of the Middle Region; for every single person among them is sufficiently stor'd with good qualities to ballance his Vices. Now let us enter up­on the discourse of the practice and custom of those Nations we most frequently converse with.

Of the French.

THe French intirely affect, and with patience obey their Superiors; and France is the Country where Monarchy is truly exercised; nay, it is a Crime there to question the latitude of the Regal authority. They are a Nation valiant in Arms; but the Cavalry are better then the In­fantry: they understand not the Intrigues of Treachery, chiefly in the general: shee is in­vincible when she is united, and when she is to engage with Forrainers. Their first impetuousness is soon calmed, which is the reason shee could never keep a strange Countrey any continuance of time, and is only able to destroy her self; by this means they have been conquered by those over whom they have triumphed. The end of their War hath little dependance upon the be­ginning of it. There are no Men in the World that have a more gentile behaviour, a more manly deportment, a fixed look, motions and gestures agreable to the whole body: this com­liness is an ornament to the virtue of their Gran­dees, and shrouds the imperfections of the mea­ner sort: Let them attire themselves, or salute after what manner they please, nothing in na­ture seems better or more gracefully perform'd. The Neighbouring Nations ridiculously deceive themselves in their endeavours to Ape them in their Mode; by the same variety of garments and positure, not knowing, that there are some Men, who by reason of their complaisant and [Page 122]good carriage, are pleasing in all things the [...] undertake, and that others, upon whom Natu [...] hath not bestowed the variety of those habits, render themselves unpleasant and ridiculous, by endeavouring to imitate them: for Virtues▪ Vices, and all other secret motions of the mind▪ may be easily represented; but because our sense are hid in such deep cells, it is a piece of diffi­culty to discover whether we are mov'd by rea [...] affections, or we only suit our selves to the times.

In like manner it is an easy matter to coun­terfeit Humility, Hatred, Love and Piety; but those things that are acted no more by the agita­tion of the mind, then the outward use and abi­lity of the body, it is impossible for you ever per­fectly to imitate them, it being contrary to Na­ture. How gentile and active is the grace of the body in her motions? a pleasant facility in dis­course, an Harangue that proceeds not from the heart, but only sallies out at the Lips? How all these things being most excellent qualifications in the French conversation, you cannot without much difficulty do as they do, unless your Genius naturally inclines you to it. Finally, the World can never return France what shee deserves, for her Hospitality; for shee seems to set open a Temple of Humanity for all strangers, to shelter them in their misfortunes: shee respects not the Country, but the spirit of the Man; nor do they suffer themselves to be transported with the vulgar error of other Provinces; they do not punish strangers for the accidental fortune of their education, they being also mov'd by the impuls [...] [Page 321]of a candid and simple love to vertue; they ad­mire them without envy, and afford them means [...] enrich themselves, especially men of excellent [...]arts, from what quarter of the world soever they [...]ome. And also by way of retaliation for so great [...]ivility, she hath that commendation which the whole Universe bestows upon her, as also the for­tune and renown of those she hath advantagious­ly receiv'd as Members of her Body. Nor is there a necessity here that Forrainers should un­learn the customes of their Native Country, or constrain themselves to imitate the French, pro­vided they be not proud, savage, nor barbarous; nay, shewing some stranger carriage in your con­versation, they become so curious, that they be­gin to devote themselves to it, stamping a greater esteem upon what is Forrain, then that which is Native; nay, sometimes commending some mis­carriage in life or body, provided it be of forraign extract: for it is often seen, that the discourse of a stranger, through the mistake of his language, hath merited favor, and acquir'd the opinion of great knowledge, because it is unintelligible. The populace really reverence those that are fortunes favourites, not through fear, custome, or instru­ction: on the other hand, those that are placed in the highest Sphere of Grandeur, are in the same manner honoured by their inferiours in favour or race; but they cannot endure pride and arro­gancy; if you seem to Lord it over them, they blush at obedience. That affability that attracts men by the artifice of the Aspect, the sweetness of looks, and familiar discourse, wins the Grandees more affectionate Servants, then the greatness of [Page 124]their power, wealth, and the blood it self is more vile in their esteem then honor; the ambition of the Nobility in particular, frequently redounds to their own or their Countreys injury; being not to be perswaded by penury to embrace merchan­dizing, or any other profitable vocation. They will imitate the Grandeur of their Ancestors by an irregular ambition, and think it a dishonour to the Nobleness of their blood, to descend to a popular way of living: So that the empty name of Nobility, and an opinionative appearance of living splendidly without business, makes them patiently beare the greatest anxieties of body and mind, which are coextensive with their life; and this great courage, though it flatters it self, and seems to be a degree remov'd from any thing that is disgraceful, doth often through necessity suffer it self to be transported to sordid actions; either by the ill-management of domestique affairs, o [...] doing some publick violence, or letting themselves loose to act publick crimes, only to repulse their poverty. Merchandize is of less esteem then it deserves, considering the great advantage that accrews thereby. Other Nations are not of this temper: Nay, in England they are not of this o­pinion, that Nobility is hereby dishonour'd; but in France, not only the antient families contemn it, but the Merchants themselves, when they are inricht, as if asham'd of themselves, prefer their issue to a more noble employment, and a more e­levated degree of honor then that of their Pa­rents. Now the greatness of the French courage is not more evidently apparent in any thing, then when they labor under-hand for an Office, wher [...] [Page 125]the poor; though never so virtuous, have for a dug time been repuls'd; they glory in the impo­verishment of their families, becoming indebted, and impairing their Estates, provided they raise themselves above their equals, either by a disad­vantagious honor, or a present gain surreptitiously obtain'd, that may re-establish their decay'd fa­mily; and without doubt this unlimited desire of honor, unless it destroys it self, will in the end tend to the dishonour of Courts, Tribunals, and Seneschalships of men of low condition, and mean and abject spirits: For many persons sooner gain vast heaps of wealth by vile and mechanick Arts, then those that are remarkable for the antiquity of their race, and that inherit the Estate of their Parents, according to the quality of their Ance­stors. So in the private pursuit after honor, they that are the meanest both in extract and spirit, oftner carry it then those that are of a more an­tient house, who do not consume their wealth in the purchasing of dignity with that obstinacy, as those that are upstarts do, who being rich, hasten to procure that Nobility for their Heirs, which others have by inheritance. Now as the most generous wine when new, is most frothy; so the Infantry and Young men of this Nation, being solely addicted to civility, and when they are more mature, to prudence, is ordinarily accom­panied with an indiscreet boyling, and over-bear­ing impetuousness; in this age they affect a vain licentiousness, sometimes of Raillery, sometimes of scoffing at those they are unacquainted with, and in all things would appear with a boldness and courage that stands in awe of no person: [Page 126]their spirits are airy, and hurried along with the slightest rumor that is whispered; now impati­ent at the tranquility of peace, and as soon di­sturb'd with war: they make a ridiculous appear­ance, and exceed the very impulse of their natural galliardise in relation to women; they laugh with­out cause, and spare no person; their spirits are never at rest, and this discovers their discontent in their various agitations. yet there are some who in the beginning of all business palliate them­selves with a kind of prudence, that is not real, which for that reason carries a fairer shew and appearance, as if they were men of mature dis­cretion: they hear one another discourse with a modest look, seeming to interweave subtilty with courtesie, which is the reason they call it by the name of coldness; but then also their counter­feit and dissatisfying virtue, and their impatience is such, that cannot long bear that sail. Now those that are equally temper'd, of which persons France is no ways destitute, that can rejoyce and bridle their mirth by the reins of true prudence; men of this temper cannot be sufficiently esteem'd, because they represent unto us the lively image of chearfulness. But this is as it were fatally linked to the French humor; they are very affable to strangers in their own Country, but▪ elsewhere they can scarce demean themselves with that mu­tual civility one to another: and is it not almost an incredible thing, that so affable and courteous a Nation cannot agree among themselves in for­rain Countries? In what place soever the French are, out of their Native Country, especially if in a despicable condition, and that they stand in need [Page 127]of the assistance of others, they are most cruelly envious one towards another; they privately de­ [...]ract one from another, and at length proceed to a publick hatred, and go to Law before for­rain Judges, who deride them for their malice, and somtimes by a few of this temper, judge of all, as if they were altogether restless, and desti­tute of that love which commonly unites together the Natives of the same Country: but they do yet worse, when in the very bowels of France, for private grudges, which are disallowed by the Ma­gistrates, they use one another as Gladiators; so that it is in vain for France to be at peace, since she draws as much noble blood then, as the war it self exhausts. Yet these mischiefs, and if there be any more in the customs of the French, ought to be silently passed over, in consideration of the vertue of those who are so well regulated, either by their maturity of age or wisdom, that they permit not themselves to swim down the Torrent of the vices of their own Country. In such may be seen an admirable affability, which is not disguiz'd, nor lies in ambush to ensnare those with whom they are conversant: they do not give up themselves to any deceit or secret en­mity; they entertain all persons honourably that have access unto them, or seek their acquain­tance, and treat them according to their merit or quality. When a Stranger is received as an Associate, it is sufficient if he manifest himself not openly scandalous, or too ill-advis'd; nor should you, as in other places, observe the customes and modes of other persons, lest they offend you, but the wit: you must be studious to render your self [Page 128]worthy the French Conversation, who have a rip [...] and refined wit: now there is nothing in human society more acceptable or delightful, then th [...] generous candor (worthy a man that is well born of so civiliz'd and polite a conversation.

Of the Qualifications of the Eng­lish.

ENgland, as if shee made up another World in the Ocean, contains all sorts of humor in the whole Universe; shee being heretofore very. Valiant in Military exploits, hath afforded matter for many Fables publish't in divers Lan­guages, as if nothing that was excellent, and could enter into the imagination, but might b [...] attributed to the Inhabitants of Great Britain▪ It is a most fertile Isle, which is the reason that the vulgar live free from care; in so much that being strangers to the customs of other Nations she hath not that bashful modesty which doth ag­grandize the Nobility, and sweetens the humors of the people: Nay, their very Manufactures, by reason of so much wealth, and so great ease, re­main rude and imperfect; for those that are to exercise any Art, Trade, or Vocation, ought ac­cording to the usual custom, to be bound Ap­prentice for seven years; and when they become Masters, as if they were never to work more, they take other Apprentices under them, upon whom they bestow some slight instructions, and then put them in their shops. As for their own part, they recreate themselves in the Neighbour­ing [Page 129]fields, if it be fair, as well on ordinary as fe­stival days; and if it be foul weather, they di­ [...]ert themselves in Taverns: Hence it is that their Manufactures are not so well made, as they might and ought to be, because they are left to [...]heir Apprentices, and that those that employ them press them to hasten their work. Yet there are industrious Artificers to be found among them, that work so artificially and exactly, that it is a sufficient testimony they are not dull spi­rited, but that they are grown careless through too much ease. The common people are not less haughty and untractable towards strangers then towards their own Nobility, who are punished for the plenty of their Country, by their contempt of them; and for this reason, sometimes hate and detest the fertility of their Land. Neverthe­less, for the generality, they behave themselves with great reverence towards the Nobility, whom they inclose in a small number, which they call lords. It is no disparagement to render all the services imaginable to these Grandees; and they themselves are sufficiently sensible of their own power; and look not upon others, but as from an high and elevated place. The English are usually of a grave temper, retir'd within them­selves, as if they were to take advice: they singu­larly admire the manners, spirit, inclinations, [...]ay, the common actions of their own Nation, insomuch that they despise all others. But assure your self, they will not be injurious to you; for they are a very compassionate people, and can­not endure to see a man suffer. In their saluta­tions or letters, they never stoop so low as the [Page 130]usual terms of the civility and courtesie of thi [...] age, unless they have had their education in for­rain Countries.

The people are much addicted to maritime af­fairs, and are good Souldiers, both by Sea and Land: but gluttony, which is usual, especially among the common sort, hath sometimes de­stroy'd whole armies. They despise all dangers, nay, death it self, but with more impetuousness then judgment. They are much addicted to the subtilty of litigiousness and Law-suits, retain­ing still as it were a smack of their first originall from the Normans, whence they issued. They maintain their antient Laws so strictly, that they make a conscience of altering or abolishing those that ought to be altered. As for Philosophy, the Mathematiques, Geometry, and Astrology, there is no opinion in those Sciences, how prodigious soever it be, but hath found one or more Patrons among the English. As for Religion, the ap­prehension whereof is most powerful among them, they hurry themselves herein with so much passion and obstinacy, that they defend the opi­nion they have once embraced, be it good or bad, maugre the infliction of the most rigorous pu­nishments. Now those that are strangers among them, ought to be careful that they judge not of the whole Nation, by some few persons only, and those possibly of the vulgar; nor must a man always steer the same course to fashion himself to such variety of humors; the rude populace being once warm'd with anger or wine, proudly insults over strangers; and then 'twere more then folly to imagine you can resist them with equal force [Page 131]and arrogancy: there is no safety in such pro­ [...]edings, and it is to little purpose to defend your cause with confidence, before an incensed multitude; and worse, to make a shew of the greatness of your courage: you may better appease them by a mild and peaceable complaint, and in­treaties will allay their fury. This course must be taken in Cities, and in a rabble; but if you are single with equall strength, you must in appear­ance make a shew, at least, of the heighth of your courage, which cannot put up affronts. But the Magistrates, Nobles, and Judges, are so fa­vourable to strangers, that they suffer no outrages done to them to go unpunished, provided the whole multitude be not guilty, whom it is easie to accuse, but for the most part difficult and in­convenient to punish. Nay, strangers are so much favoured, that sometimes they will execute the Natives, and only banish strangers who are guilty of the same crime. The Nobility are also naturally inclinable to a courteous reception of strangers, and endeavour by an honest ambition to have the reputation of their affability; so that no person can repent he travel'd into England, unless he be altogether barbarous, brutish, and unworthy the society of Great men. Yet when you meet with those that Lord it too much in their behaviour or insulting Language, it be­hoves you also to be high, lest peradventure they entertain mean thoughts of you through their own greatness, or the submissiveness of your dis­course, which must not run so low a pitch as is u­sual in Italy or France, for then they will slight you, being unaccustomed to such kind of civility.

Of the Constitution of the Scots.

THe Temper of the Scots is such, that they are easily inclinable to an affable and cour­teous Conversation: As for the stature of their body, they exceed many Nations, and enjoy all things in common with the French, the fertility of their Country excepted. There is no people more mindfull of their race, in so much that sometimes they will rather disgrace their family by their poverty, then be silent of it, and for a small time conceale their parentage and quality, though it be unseasonable to discover it.

For in a Region more fertile in Men then fruit, there is a necessity that many should be im­poverished, that are descended of a very noble family, who wandring up and down the World, and conceitedly boasting of the Nobleness of their Blood, do move the Hearers more to Laughter and Pitty, then beleef. Nay in their own Country they are very inhumane one towards another, and proceed with such animosity, that many times they come to blows in multitudes, and transmit their mortal hatred to their Heirs. They make no scrupse of revenging murder by murder, and burning by burning; and that not only by open force, but by ambushes and fraud. In brief, they count nothing dishonest or misbecoming, pro­vided thereby they glut their sight with behol­ding the misery of their Enemies; and that hath been more deplorable formerly, then it is at pre­sent; for though their antient Kings could not pre­vent [Page 133]this disorder, yet the most Serene King of Great Britain, Charles the Second, that now swayes the Scepter, hath brought it to passe, by his wisdom, prudence, justice, and other vir­tues. The Scots easily beleeve whatsoever their hope prompts them to; they are soon provok'd, and as soon appeas'd. They are better at gaining then keeping; whether it be that their minds being too large for their fortunes, they let them­selves loose to too great liberality, and take de­light in shewing their wealth; or whether being deceiv'd by the Custome of their Country, when they have gain'd a sufficient competencie to maintain them in Scotland, they never more fear poverty; not considering that expence, and the price of commodities, is proportionable to the quantity of gold and silver in every Country. They have a strange kind of prodigious success in all their Enterprises, in so much that no Men can endure more in War, or behave themselves more couragiously in battle. The Muses are never better treated, nor with more tenderness, then when they fall into the hands of the Scots, they being capable of City-business. Their industry adapts them to any fortune or course of life what­soever. As for those that wander about here and there, and travel without honorable employ­ments, having no other advantage but what they extort from their own Nation, and have scrap'd some means in a strange Country, they are the proudest beggars in the World.

Of the Manners of the Irish.

THe Irish that are remote from Cities and Civility, being for a long time accustomed to poverty, endure all sorts of air and food with an admirable patience. They satisfy their hunger with victuals easily procur'd, or with beef half raw; and that which is prodigious in this Na­tion, is, that the love of ease, which renders Nations effoeminate, hath hardned the Irish, and made them fit for War. For through Idleness they scarcely understand what belongs to manuring or sowing the ground; they content themselves with pasturage, and that which the Earth freely yields them to feed their flocks. They exercise no Art, nor Trade, judging it a derogation to their nobility, of which they make a great shew: and thus they passe away their days in a villanous idleness, and had rather resist those many dis­commodities which proceed from their barbar­ousness by patience then laboriousness; and un­derstand so little of pleasure, that they are in­sensible of misery. They defend themselves against the injury of the rain and cold with a single mantle, and being addicted to hunting, grow as swiftfooted as wild Beasts. If they are weary or benighted, they are content to make the Earth their bed, where they will take out their usual nap, and not be wakened by the in­jury of the weather, though covered all over with snow, or dropping wet with rain. They are obstinate in their Vices, hating labor, and there­fore [Page 135]incapable of any good thing. Given to theft, and all sorts of toile that resembles hunting. These are the defects of the Common people: as for the Grandees, many of them are excellently qualified in mind, and are sincerely faithfull, which they enrich with Virtues worthy Persons of their quality; and they that live in Cities, and pleasant places, are of a most affable and sweet disposition: which makes it apparent, that the barbarity of these savages proceeds not from the quality of the Isle, but of their own proper nature.

Of the Customes of the Germans.

THe Germans are great Drinkers, as appears by their own confession; and they incline not to this Vice out of delight only, but beleeve it a point of civility and affability; in so much that there are some Princes among them, with whom you have no shorter nor better way to ingratiate your selves: for the Germans think they cannot entertain a stranger more nobly, then when they treat him with a banquet, where they fit a long time eating and drinking: and assure themselves of the favor of those Guests that refuse not to be drunk with them. They phancie a clear disposition, and a simplicity of na­ture; and on the contrary, hate all those that seem to practise subtilty; whether it be that they cannot keep their own secrets, by reason of the wine they drink, or because that their spirits are as it were choaked up in their bodies, they [Page 136]suspect the subtilty of other Persons. The Ci­tizens are made choice of for Magistrates, and they promote not persons of a refined understan­ding to the Tribunal; but use great diligence to discharge themselves of their Office, and pre­serve the Laws of their Ancestors. As for the people, they are so obedient to their Superiors, that even in matters of Religion they referre themselves wholly unto them, and it seldom falls out other ways. As to Learning, they seem to be more defirous to teach then learn, and write more then they read; for it is part of their Creed, that their fame increaseth by the num­ber of the Books they publish. They are of a dull temper, but able to undergo labor: so that others understand better, but the Germans more. Their speech relisheth of the antient simplicity, and they set no value upon our modern Learning▪ They are great Travellers, and when return'd, retaine the customes they have learn'd abroad, or at least seem to do so. It is very rare for a stranger to reside long there, or to gain any honor; it is a kind of injurious name, to be call'd stranger among them. They understand not what perfidiousness is, no, not they that are hir'd Soldiers. They are a simple people that cannot conceal their hate; free from fraudulence, and all kind of capital crimes. uncleanness is rare, and secretly carried, not as in other plac [...]s where they boast of it; for these Men, like the most continent Women, detest this Vice. Pru­dence is not frequently found among them, yet sometimes you may meet with such solid and mature judgements, that they easily cabinet their [Page 137]own faults within their breast, and smile at the miscarriages of others. There are also among them high and lofty souls, in whom the dulness of the Country is moderated by a lively and active spirit, especially those that have had much Commerce will Forraingers. They are a valiant warlike Nation, yet not altogether in­compatible with Peace. They wage War slowly, and with great deliberation; but having entred upon it, it continues long. They are dextrous in handling all sorts of metals, and industrious in a thousand kind of Arts, as having Invented Prin­ting and Artillerie. They are of a sincere and candid disposition, who being free from envy, really commend the actions or inventions of other persons, even to excess; especially in their absence. The Nobility are very studious to con­serve the Grandeur of their Lineage, and beleeve they degenerate and taint their blood, if they match with a family inferior to their own.

Of the Low Countries.

THe People of the Low Countries are very like the Germans in their manners, of whon they also are a part. There is no Nation in the World more industrious in Mechanique Arts; Shee hath a strange aversion for Idleness, which is the reason shee observes so good a Decorum in the Education of her Children. They are in­capable of deceit, and make their own fidelity the Standard to judge others by; but once de­ceiv'd, never more trust the Deceiver. There [Page 138]are always among them some Eniment persons for Learning and State-Politie; for where the People are gentile and lively spirited, you meet with few that exceed the ordinary mediocrity; as on the contrary, among those that are na­turally heavy, there are sometimes found such strong testimonies, and such elevated Souls, that they subscribe to no other whatsoever. The Chiefest among the Hollanders in that Govern­ment of the Republique which they themselves have set up, do in all things follow the consti­tution and inclinations of the People; induced thereunto, either by a natural propensity, or a cunning piece of prudence; but those that are under the Subjection of Spain, behave themselves more haughtily; by reason whereof, this Nation may be said to have as it were a double Nature. Yet this they have in common among them, they infinitely affect honor, and there is no shorter Cut to their favor, then to respect and reverence them. They are very tractable to those that flatter them, and are not very much grasping at distinctions, because they expect greater from you; But it often happens that in the twinkling of an eye they change their love into hatred. The vulgar sort in all the Provinces have a very great esteem of the outward appearance of li­berty, and the fruitless testimonies of the une­quality of Liberty it self; so that they are easily won to you, if you cherish their rude and rustical jests, conforming your self to them in all things, and associating with them as equals, though you are their Superiors by many degrees.

Of the Customs of the Italians.

THe Italians have a spirit capable of all things, and are addicted to Vice or Virtue not through any inconsiderate violence, but with election and judgement; they are very courteous in their Entertainment, and make use of all ge­stures of the body and persuasive expressions, to give you an assurance of their affection. They are not easily wrought upon to dissolve the bond of friendship; and when they have contracted it, there is no danger but they will expose them­selves to, rather then violate it: but if they once hate, their enmity is the more dangerous, be­cause they can craftily conceal it, and yet retain the remembrance of an injury receiv'd deeply engraven in their mind: when offended, then are they most serviceable to you, to the end that they may the better prosecute their revenge un­der the masque of friendship, when occasion is offered: nay, their hatred is long-liv'd, and lasts for a continuance, and oftentimes they are with as much facility provok'd, as with diffi­culty appeas'd. Their tempers are attended with a severe and melancholique prudence; so that it is a hard matter for them to support the chearfulnes and gayety of others; and being un­accustomed to do or say any thing at random, and without designe, they censure others by their own custome, and by a superfluous kind of nicety, observe the meanest gestures in the eyes and discourse of others, thereby judging of their [Page 140]temper; so that their constant agitation with suspicion and care, is a sufficient Punishment for their fineness: nay farther, this is observable a­mong them, that they being reputed too vain, their company is unpleasant; for a man can never enter into an intimacy and freedom of familiarity with them, because he always thinks they al­ways stand sentinel, and like vigilant Spies set over the actions of others intend to make an in­spection into them. Poysoning and Incontinencie of all sorts is very common in this Nation; but above all, they are inhumane in their revenge, and the Highwaymen among them spare very few that they rob. There is nothing so sublime, but the Italian will attain to, through the sharpness of his wit; hence it frequently happens, that many of them raise themselves by their Industry from the lowest degree of Poverty to the highest dignity of honor and riches: for the obtaining whereof, they spare no pains, toile, nor submission it self. They have a spatious soul, capacitated for State-affaires, and sit for all sorts of fortune. They are great Husbands, that foresee events afar off. They subscribe to no Nations for Lear­ning; and in general it may be affirm'd, that you cannot find elsewhere greater or more san­ctified Virtues, nor more Villanous and horrid Vices.

Of the Disposition of the Spaniard.

THe Spaniards always and constantly retain the habits and disposition of their Ancestors; they are robust, and patiently undergo labor; not that laboriousness that is exercis'd in Husbandry, nor in Arts or Trades; but that which is pro­per in War, as Vigilancy, Hunger, Thirst, Cold, Heat, in a word, the observation of Military Discipline: for they being conceited with what they once have in expectancie, judge that the chiefest part of Virtue consists in the flighting evil and danger. They are proud and ambitious, nor are they hurried on to several designes with violence, and know as well how to overcome, as improve a victory. They being also opiniona­tive in all sorts of danger, neither the Time nor Enemy can overcome them; and it is a business of no small difficulty to stagger their resolution, to which they seem to be suited both by nature and discourse: but the words with which they magnify themselves and their own Nation, nay their very countenance, which agrees with their swelling expressions, are unwelcome to the Hearers; and their conversation is odious to those that are of an ingenuous temper. They are better in company then single: They love to be well accoutred, and boast of their Apparel; being very niggardly in other things, and absti­nent in eating and drinking: full of Rodomon­tado's, especially to those that either stand in awe of them, or indulge their humor. Their fruga­lity [Page 142]and sobriety is wonderful, not only in Spain, where it is extreme hot, but in all parts where they live at their own proper expense; then a small quantity of bread and a little salad will sa­tisfie them; but when they are at another mans Table, they feed as if they had a Legion in their belly, ravenously and gluttonously. Besides, In­digencie is no Allay to their Pride; for you may find among them some rascally Coblers, that bear as much saile, and are bladder'd up more then Persons in the highest degree of honor among other Nations. Nevertheless many of them have more ostentation then reality; They for the ge­nerality contenting themselves with pitiful pay in some Garrison, where they miserably pass away their days. They are inwardly close, and move slowly in all business: are fit to attend upon and execute long-winded designes. They can suit themselves either to Peace or War, as the times require, and usually overcome by the Assistance of their silver; by which means they have triumph'd over the most invincible Nations: and it is very customary with them to make use of the pretext of Religion to promote what they undertake, or procure reverence to themselves: They Cloak their avarice with the veil of God's Worship, and yet have such prodigious success in all their attempts, as if they only fought the Battels of the Almighty. Now that which is most commendable in this Nation is, that in so great a scarcity of Men, they yet keep under their Subjection, by their great prudence, so many large Provinces that are so far distant one from another. There is nothing idle or imper­timent [Page 143]in their discourse, but a conversation a­greeable to ingenious spirits, that are capable of all things. When they begin to treat or enter into friendship with a person, there is nothing so charming, and you must entertain them at the same rate; but if they once, through Pride, come to extol themselves, it lies on your part to give them an equal return. If fortune hath subjected you to their discretion, you must be humble and submissive, and prodigal in commendation of them and their Country; and as they are liberal in their promises, so you must not scruple to give them a verbal engagement, though beyond your ability, to get out of their custody.

Of the Melancholique Constitu­tion.

THe Melancholique are for the major part black, cold, dry, rough-skin'd, with thin, harsh and curled hair, meagre in body, great eaters, have the joynts of their body outwardly visible; are slow, backward in their resolutions, Dreamers, Diffident, Suspicious, Ingenious, and generally malitious; persons of few words, which they put forward with a designe to sound those that approach them; They are Close, Hy­pocritical, [Page 148]Conceited, Enemies to all Drolleri [...] and Privacie, Retir'd within themselves, and Lovers of Solitude, not very accostable or Com­municative; affect but few persons, and those coldly too; soon mov'd to anger, though upon small grounds; and Covetous, by reason of that Diffidence which ever accompaines them, fear­ful that their Estate will decay; Enemies to those they have offended, as well as those they offend, Vindicative, Irreconciliable, or at least you must not too much depend upon their Reconciliation; In a word, they are extraordinary virtuous or vicious.

Of the Phlegmatique Constitution.

THe Phlegmatique are naturally moist, white and soft-skin'd, their joynts are hid, they cannot endure labor, are Timorous, sleep well, and are often provok'd to Leachery; their Eyes running; are indifferently capacitated for Lear­ning, when they abound not with phlegme, but otherways they are of a dull capacity; their hair and nails grow much, their mouths always wa­ter; if it be white and fluid, it is a good signe, if viscous, they contrary: are seldom thirsty, drink very rarely, unless it be at meales; their urine is white, their eyes heavy, have but little appetite, a slow digestive faculty; where their complexion is pale without a mixture of red, they are laxe in body; as for the temper of the mind, they have much of the dulness and slowness, but neither the spirit nor malice of the Melancholique; that [Page 149]coldness that freezeth their heart, makes them more distrustful of themselves then others; They are fearful of undertaking, and losing their de­signes: and it often happens, through their ig­norance of the means, they are irresolute in their Counsels, timorous in the Execution of them; are not extraordinary inveterate in their hatred, nor very fervent in their Love.

Of the Cholerique Constitution.

THe Cholerique are lean, of a pale yellowish complexion; have bitterness in their mouth, and roughness in the throat; are very thirsty, little spittle, often troubled with the head-ach, vomit green or yellow stuffe that is very bitter; their Ordure is hard, almost burnt up; they sleep little, their urine is clear, almost of the color of fire. As to their minde, they are Dex­terous in all things, Proud, Haughty, Desirous that all persons should obey their Commands, Enemies to the least disobedience, Impatient in the Execution of their Enterprises, Rash in their Counsels, little minding the Advice of others, unless it be to find a person that is of their own temper, and undertakes the performance of their Wills; Injurious, not very Offensive; but soon pacified, unless you seem to bear in your memory the offence they have given, otherwise they study revenge, and mortally hate those they have of­fended.

Of the Sanguine Complexion.

THose that are Sanguine are generally very strong and courageous, and when the bloo [...] abounds have a tickling or sharp itching all ove [...] the body; their mouth is full of bladders, thei [...] urine red: as to the qualifications of their mind, they are Jovial, Lovers of Recreations, Enemies to sadness and vexation, avoyding disturbing and thorny businesses and Contests, Desirous of Peace; freely committing the Management of their Affaires to others, referring themselves wholly to them, loving those that discharge them without any occasion of Complaint; are Cour­teous and Gratious; nor are they soon mov'd to injure any person; or if they are constrain'd to it, 'tis in words, rather then otherways, and soon bury in oblivion the injury done to them: Take delight to please others, and are generally Li­beral.

Of the manner of Discourse.

SOme persons are very talkative, and they are accus'd as well by the prophane, as sacred pa­ges, of imprudence or folly; which made Solo­ [...]on say, Totum spiritum suum profert stultus, but, Sapiens differt & reservat in posterum; and a little [...]ower, Vidisti hominem velocem ad loquendum? [...]ultitia magis speranda est, quam illius correctio; Have you seen a man full of words? Folly is soon­ [...] expected, then his amendment; which is the [...]eason why fools carry their hearts in their [...]ouths, but the wise their mouths in their [...]earts: for fools first speak, and then consider; [...]ut those that are wise consult first with reason, [...]nd then speak with circumspection. By this you may gather the reason why Bablers should be [...]egistred in the Catalogue of Fools; for they con­ceive folly in their mind, and immediately bring [...] forth: and you may be satisfied in this, that whosoever divulgeth all his conceptions, will broach store of Lees with some good Wine. And [...]s most men are better vers'd in the knowledge of folly them wisdom; so he that declares whatsoe­ver he knows and understands, hath more froth in him then good liquor: therefore many and quick expressions proceed from much folly; which passion generally over-rules your men, women, and boasting old men; which made Theocritus say, that Anaximenes had a Torrent of words, and but one drop of reason; for if you hear them in a prolix discourse, you will finde them as de­stitute [Page 156]of matter, as profuse in words; the re [...] ­son whereof is (in my opinion) want of judge­ment: whatsoever their phancy leads them to concerning any subject, they thing those con­ceptions are new to others, because they are so [...] them. Thus you may see, that the leaves of lo­quacity group up from the root of a shallow un­derstanding.

Of Taciturnity.

SOme men on the contrary speak too little; which kind of silence, though it be repug­nant to the moderation that consists between both these extreams, yet the wiser sort judge this extream to be the most secure; for multi­plicity of words prove oftentimes offensive, but silence rarely: Wherefore Philosophers say, that he that will learn how to speak, must first know how to be silent. Silence may also sometimes proceed from stupidity, because a man knows not how to raise an argument, as may be seen i [...] Rustical dull fellows, who are unfit for discourse in civil society. I once was acquainted with a Rhetorician, that was excellent at the pen, but inexpert in discourse; for the presence of his au­ditory did extreamly amaze him. Others do it out of prudence and policie, because that when men in society would conceal their own, or dis­cover the affection of others, prudence and po­licie requires some silent intervals; and the wi­sest man in the world, if he be tedious and spends much time in his discourse without pre-medita­tion, [Page 157]cannot easily hide his passion from discreet Auditors.

Of Deliberation in Speech.

THere are another sort of men that draw out their speech so deliberately and slowly, that a Pater noster might be said between every word; and this way of speaking is very distaste­ful to the Hearers, and it is most insufferable, e­specially to those of a quick apprehension. This may proceed from some defects in the Organs of the speech, the difficulty of conception, or else from a certain weak conceit that men have of their own wisdom, which they distill before o­thers guttatim, as the water drops from an A­lembick; for they are of this persuasion, that if they should be more deliberate in their delivery, they should forfeit part of their prudence: and really among persons of an ordinary capacity and dull apprehension, it were well if they were not so prolix; for oftentimes before they bring their dis­course to a period, they forget the beginning; but with ingenious men, it is an affront to their rea­son, nor can it be but very incommodious to them; like a man that hath drink given him drop by drop, when he is extream thirsty; which could not chuse but offend him, though the liquor were never so good; so a man of a quick wit and rea­dy understanding, desires present satisfaction; and this is the cause why men of slow speech are ve­ry much against his inclination. Yet for all this, I must confess that this way of speech agrees very [Page 158]well with some Majestique and grave persons; who are much admir'd for their prudence and wisdome; for few words well and deliberately delivered, are the Insignia of wisdome and gravity.

Of Rash and Precipitate discourse.

SUch persons may very fitly be compar'd to new Wine, which if it wants vent, breaks the Cask; they carry their words in their mouths, as a dog doth a shaft in his body; for they disturb and torment themselves, till they cast them out: in like manner the temerarious have an arrow in their Tongues, and are never at rest, till they have darted it out: such persons are generally big with their own conceits, and they must be delivered of them, or else dye in labor. Some of these men are very ingenious, but of no solid judgement; they excell in appre­hension, but are defective in discretion; if they could check themselves a little, and moderate their natural promptitude, they would become men of incomparable parts: but those that are of this constitution, follow for the most part their naturall inclination, and oftentimes deliver many commendable things promiscuously with those that are very bad and pernicious; because that as they apprehend all things, and therein surpass the vulgar, so they divulge their conceptions with­out judgement, cause, reason, or respect to good or evil, right or wrong, to that which is of dan­gerous consequence, or the contrary; wherefore such men may well be termed cunning, but not [Page 159]wise: they are apt to despise others, are hot & quick of apprehension, & wedded to their own opinion. The cause of this is want of judgement, a daring, hot, and precipitate affection; in fine, they often change their minds, and alter their resolutions.

Of Affectation in Discourse.

SOme have a particular way of speech, they discourse in print, hunt after Metaphors, New Phrases, and are very industrious to make their words relish of Ingenuity; and such kind of people leave nothing undiscovered, but belch forth their sottish, affected and vain-glorious manner of speech. They may well be compa­red to certain birds that sing charmingly, but have no flesh on their bodies; they resemble su­perannuated Courtizans, who shroud their foul diseas'd and fleshless carkasses under rich robes. You will scarce find one among a thousand of them, whose conceptions are attended by solid judgement. These men trifle away their time, and study inquest of bombast terms; and that which they conceive not without great pains, they deliver not without much toile; They are guilty of many misdemeanors, and are often troubled with haesitation: If their discourse be long-winded, the Epilogue is generally a stran­ger to the Prologue: If they write any thing that is to be expos'd to publique view, you always meet with some new-coin'd word forg'd in the Mint of their own Brain, and that becomes them as well, as the giddy feather in a Fools [Page 160]Cap. This affection owes its birth to most ap­parent vain-glory, which few or none of their Society will gainsay: for if you propose this que­stion to any of their acquaintance, and aske them, what is their opinion of such a Person, he will return you no other answer but this, that his words have too strong a savor of Presumption and Arrogance.

This idle way of Discourse was first invented to tickle the ears of females, that so they might gain reputation among the ignorant, who look upon them as very Ingenious. Such Disputants, for the major part, condemne all others as bar­barous and ignorant, because they mold not their words according to their humors; nay they proceed farther, and blame all Authors that use not affectation in writing, as they do, and do not diligently search after this effoeminate mode of speaking.

Of Drollerie.

MAny People continually entertain their Companie with Drollery or Noise, per­suading themselves they have gain'd a great Victory, if they can but discover the defects of other Persons. I have been in the Company of many of this humor; they make a shew of good entertainment, but their Caresses are like the foldings of the Scorpion, whose taile is very dangerous: such raillerie proceeds from some persons out of simplicity and folly, which is the reason sober Men disesteem it: Others use it for [Page 161]diversion only, and mirth is their sole designe: but they that a Man ought to have a special care of, and avoyd their society as dangerous, are those who pretend to defame or render them [...]odious they play upon, and that kind of Jesting is very malitious, and proceeds from vainglory and envy, because they aim at nothing but the contempt of other persons, or at least endeavour in some measure to make them lose the good opinion that they had formerly: and this is suffi­cient for the manner of discourse, now we pro­ceed to the matter or subject of Discourse.

Of the Subject of Discourse.

I Acquainted you in our entrance into this Treatise, that the things Men most affect is asually the subject of their discourse: but because some people governe themselves with more dis­cretion then others, we must take them into a more strict examination. You will find many that discourse of matters beyond their sphere, as the Cobler of Cavalry, the Taylor of Theologie, the Farmer of Physique, and the Cossin-maker of the Philosopher's Stone: in short, a great number of Men will intermeddle with matters that trans­cend their capacitie, for want of Exercise, Study, or Practice. I have sometimes heard such kind of Quacks discourse in Philosophie so soberly, yet with so much obstinacie, that they have run into the grossest errors that can enter into the Imagination of Man. I am of opinion that every honest Man that hears them, will place them in [Page 162]the Predicament of Fools; and you must know, that if any Lord or Gentleman is so simple as to pin his faith upon the sleeves of such kind of per­sons, then they conceit that they can with ease practise those Arts and Sciences which they judge themselves capable to dispute of; which is never done without prejudice to many poor people, who are of this beleef, that their Lord is infallible in things of this nature. There are more of these Doctors in England, then in any other place, that I know of. In the years 1622 & 1623, I was con­versant with a certain Lord, who was one of the highest quality in that Kingdom, who having heard the discourse of one of your pretended Doctors concerning Alchimy, he instantly com­manded that the Chambers should be made ready, the Fornaces fitted for so noble an Exer­cise, and that Alembicks, Glasse-bottles, Stills, Lamps, Fornaces, Stillatories, Phials, Circu­latories, Pellicans, Crucibles, Vessels, Bellows, Coles & such other Instruments should be bought forthwith: the designe of this Nobleman was no other, then that this Laboratorie should be a place where all his Inferiors, as well poor as rich, should have access to disburthen them­selves of their misfortunes: but all these reme­dies are reduced to one, which is Aqua vitae; into which he sometimes puts a flower, at other times Cinamone; sometimes pepper, ginger, fennil, anise-seeds, and many others, and so be­stowes new names on them according to the di­versity of the seed which he intermixeth with it. The vulgar, who judge only by outward ap­pearance, and relie upon the authority of other [Page 163]persons, without examining things by particular discourse or argumentation, are shamefully de­ceiv'd in these matters; and so for the future commit the cure of their bodies to such Ignaro's as do very much injure them. I have met with one, that had an indifferent stock of discretion, who knowing it was a piece of greater difficulty to do then say a thing, he did avoyd, as much as in him lay, those that were sick, and pre­scrib'd physique to none but those that were in health; or if to others, he so ordered it, that it was not known. He gave a Dose of his Chimical preparations to a friends Wife of mine who was with Child, which wrought with her so vio­lently upward and downward, for the space of four days, that she was every day given over for a dead Woman. He gave a poor Maid that was troubled with a Catarrhe, such violent vomitive potions, that shee became impotent ever after. I could recite you a score of such examples. But to returne to the matter in hand, I say there­fore that this kind of discourse or disputation is the effect of much ignorance and arrogancy; no wise Man ever enters upon a dispute he under­stands not; whence came that common Proverb, Ne sutor ultra crepidam, let not the Cobler go beyond his Last: for confirmation of this, I shall bring no better an argument, then every mans own experience. There are few (if I mistake not) but what employ themselves in one profession or other, either in this science, or that kind of practice; e. g. a Printer or Goldsmith being Master of his Trade, if a person altogether ig­norant in his Art should come to engage in dis­course [Page 164]with him and condemne him, because he makes use of such and such Instruments, of this or that way of working, would not he smile at him, and take him to be an ignorant Man, that adventures to speak of what he understands not? So certainly let men be assur'd, that if they dis­pute of a thing they are ignorant in, they must of necessity be accounted presumptuous. Yet we do not disallow some ingenious Persons to pro­pose their doubts in matters which they are not exercised in, as Lawyers to dispute in Divinity, the Physician of Law, the Divine of Physick, and especially with them that have the repute of Masters in these faculties: this rule admits of an Exception; for there are some Divines that are very able Physicians, and Lawyers that are not ignorant in Divinity, Nay Physicians that un­derstand both these sciences; in such cases those of one profession may be excellent in the profes­sion of another; but this is very rare, because that he that labors in the pursuit of divers sciences, can­not easily excel in any. This is the reason that those that are illiterate, if discreet, will pro­pose no question above the reach of their capacity; or if they do, it is in such a way, as if they in­tended to learn, rather then argue. But how shall a Man behave himself, if he fall into the Companie of such Disputants, that are neither capable of making any intricate proposition, nor of returning any grounded or solid answer? In­disputably 'tis a vexations thing to associate with such Idiots; yet the best way I know to deal with them, is to detect their Notorious ignorance by some palpable absurdity.

Of persons that are inclinable to Contradiction.

SOme mens discourse is continually stufft with contradiction and opposition; and they have a mind to shew themselves able to controle and surpass all others; they think they are victori­ous, if they can but out-noise their companions: such society cannot be agreeable to their associ­ates; they are like a burthen upon the shoulders of those which whom they converse: for as every one applauds his own opinion, and would have it approv'd; so all men disrelish those that con­tradict them, and judge that to be erroneous which they deliver as an absolute truth. These contradictions are rooted and lodged in an ex­ceeding vainglorious mind. I think there can be no better way to reforme this sort of people, then to interrupt their discourse, and leave them to the enjoyment of their own conceits, without any farther trouble. They oftentimes meet with as good head-pi [...]s as their own, and as ready to contradict them as they to question. It were well for those of this temper to endeavour to shake off this kind of ill humor, as well for their own credit, as that by addicting themselves so frequently to contradictions, they may under­take the defence of many fooleries and absur­dities; and so consequently being too pertina­cious, and destitute of reason withall, they ship­wrack their reputation. It is certain, that among the Nobility and lofty wits, there may happen [Page 166]to be variety of opinions, and so the judgement of one must run against the stream of the others; therefore in such Cases, he that is opponent, ought to produce his reason in such termes, as if he were more desirous of Learning, then Triumphing and Insulting over his Companion; which he may do with ease, if he be not con­tumelious in words, or too vehement or violent in actions.

Of special Matters.

THe manner of discourse contributes much to the discovery of the passions or inclina­tions of other persons; but the matter is more effectual: for the affection a man hath to any thing, if vehement, will discover it self. The ordinary sort of men, according to their usual custome, talk of mean frivolous things; the vi­tious, of one kind of vice or other; the wise, of grave and profound subjects; and if they des­cend to inferior matters, they passe over them cursorily, or touch some one [...]oint so subtilely, that ex unguibus you may discover them, as a Lion by his paw. Some men talk much of them­selves, and level at nothing but their own praise, and by degrees steal gently into their own commendation; or if you applaud them, imme­diately they are pufft up with an imaginary de­light which they take in themselves: but by the way, it is probable you may aske me, What if a man commends me or any of my qualifications; how shall I deport my self? if I own his commen­dations, [Page 167]I shall be accounted conceited and proud, if I disown them; it looks as if I did undervalue the person, and accuse him of flattery. In a Case of this nature, which may often fall out, it were well to be furnished with a ready retort, as Alphonsus King of Arragon did reply to an Orator that recited a long Oration in his praise; The King saith, If what you say be truth, I thank God for it; if not, I pray God give me the grace to deserve it: Or a discreet Person may say, I deserve not this applause, but your affection puts this gloss upon my actions, the better to set them off; or else you, out of your good dis­position and love to me only, take more notice of the little good I do, then the great evil I am guilty of: again, the affection you bear me, constrains you to make the best interpre­tation of all my actions. By this means you evade a vain complacencie in your affaires, that ministers occasion of offence to the censorions; nor must you be so rude as to deny what your Friend out of civility affirms to be really true.

Of concealing or revealing Secrets.

AS there are some Persons so close, that they will never discover any thing of business; so on the contrary there are others so foolish, that they will disclose their thoughts to any one, especially those that concern themselves. The former are crafty and subtile at first, because friendship requires some communication of se­crets, [Page 168]especially if he be a singular friend; and this offence may very well be tolerated in this dangerous age, where profit is diligently sought after, and friendship despis'd, or at least men affect one another more out of interest then for the love of virtue. Wherefore he that is wise will confide in no man, unless it be in matters pub­liquely to be known, or that he be a choice friend, of whose friendship you have had long expe­rience; but if he be vitious (if there can be any friendship between vitious persons) assure your self that if you acquaint him with halfe your mind, you have even publiquely discovered the whole: for such persons usually, if they be young Men or Women, or of no great credit, are litigious, and very indiscreet in their expres­sions. Besides, their friendship having no other Basis but their own Interest, as pleasure or profit; if either of these faile, then be confident that they will reveal all they know of you: because such imprudent persons as these imagine, that the friendship being once broken, they are no longer oblig'd to keep your secrets, or save your credit; and so in the turning of a hand, all is discover'd. Therefore I take it for a ge­neral rule, that a Man is bound to reserve his secrets of greatest importance within his own breast; or not to disclose them to any, but him that he knows to be a faithful prudent and vir­tuous friend.

There is another sort of Men, who very well deserve the name of Deceivers as well as friends: for in appearance they pretend friendship, but in effect 'tis nothing but flattery and dissimulation: [Page 169]they come to you very seriously, and tell you some story in private, conjure you not to divulge it upon any termes: you promise secrecie, and per­forme it; but this pretended friend himself will not keep it secret; for as soon as your back is turn'd he will do as much to another, it may be two or three more; and so you shall hear that published openly, which you thought a great se­cret. This kind of deceit is the Child of great craft, and a feigned friendship: for true amity admits not of plurality of persons in the commu­nicating of secrets. I have known many subject to this passion, but in process of time they have been much troubled at it: sober men smile at a person that they understand to be such a Revealer of secrets.

Of the Hair.

IF the Hair grow extraordinarily, the body is inclinable to siccity; the quantity speaks the Man of a hot constitution; and if they are harsh, he is furious. Full long Hair of white or flaxen colours, soft and fine, signifies that the Man is naturally timorous. Those, whose Hair in their youth grows white or gray, it signifies a luxu­rious, vain, lying, instable, talkative person. Those, whose Hair is of a moderate growth, both in quantity and colour, it is a signe that they are bent and more inclin'd to good then evil; loving a peaceable life, honesty, and are of a good temper. If they are compacted together, and visible on the forehead, it shews a strong and [Page 170]brutish courage; if they are wryth'd or turn'd inward toward the temples, it signifies the per­son is hot of constitution: to the Hair that is thin and lank, declares the Man to be of a cold and weak temper; but when they are very thick, it is a signe of whoredom. In Children, much Hair denotes future melancholy; short Hair staring up like bristles, signifies a strong, bold, vain person, very fallacious, desirous of beauty, and more foolish then wise. Those whose Hair is but moderately curl'd, it signifies the person to be of a dull nature, and ignorant. Those that have store of Hair, are voluptuous, and of good digestion, vain, and easily induc'd to be cruel; of a treacherous memory, and un­fortunate. Those that are red Hair'd, are usu­ally Envious, Boasting, Deceitfull, Proud and Reproachful. Those whose Hair is very fair, are complaisant in all things, amiable and honorable; but a little Vain-glorious. Those that are black Hair'd are studious, secret, faith­ful and fortunate.

Of the Forehead.

THe high round Forehead, signifies the per­son Liberal and Jovial, of a good In­tellect, tractable to all, and embellished with many Ornaments and Virtues. The full and smooth Forehead that is free from wrinkles, sig­nifies that the person is Litigious, vain, Falla­cious, and more fool then wise. He that hath a [Page 171]little Forehead everyway, signifies a simple person, subject to anger, desirous of those things that are handsome and curious. He that hath the corners of his Temples very round, so that the bones almost appear, and are not hairy; it signi­fies the Man is of a good nature and clear under­standing; audacious, desirous of handsome, neat and honorable things. Those whose Forehead is sharp at the corners of the Temples, so that the bones seem to start out, it signifies that they are vain and fickle in all things, simple, foolish, and of a weak capacity. Those that have a large Forehead, change their resolution at will; and if it be very large, they are foolish, and of little discretion. Those that have it small and narrow, are Devourers, Indocible, and slovenly like swine. Those that have it of a moderate length, are In­genious and Docible, but somewhat violent.

Of the Ey-brows.

WHen they are very hairy, it discovers the ineptitude of this Persons temper: those that are thick, and full of hair, joyning to the top of the nose, are ill-natur'd: when they grow down from the Temples to the root of the nose, heat and dryness is predominant: and such persons are crafty, subtile, evil-doers and insatiable. The thin and indifferently big, are high spirited; those that are long, denote the person to be arrogant; and if they are long and very hairy, such a person aims at great mat­ters. [Page 172]When they grow downward, and crooked on the side of the nose, the Man is ingenious in all sorts of mischief: If they are even, as if they were drawn by a line, it is a signe of an evil spirit, such persons are effoeminate: When the hair grows compacted, it denotes the Man to be melancholy and witless. The Ey-brows that hang over the Eyes, signifie Envy; those that have none at all, are Malitious.

Of the Ey-lids.

THose that have little hair on their Ey-lids, are Malicious, Vitious and Cholerique; and when they are more fleshy then ordinary, it is a signe they are mischievously subtle. When the hair of the Ey-lids turns downward, or is natu­rally crooked, or turn'd inward, it is a signe of Lying and Subtilty. If the corners of the Eys seem fleshy, they signifie drunkenness; they that often move their Ey-lids are timorous.

Of the Eys.

THe full Ey denotes pusillanimity; those that are sunk in the head, malicious craftiness. When the Eys have misbecoming motion, so that now they are quick, and by and by at rest, such persons are full of bad thoughts. Those that move them but little, with a sharp look, are [Page 173]Thievish and very fraudulent persons. The stedfast look proceeds from thoughtfulness, and a desire to deceive; those that have Eys like Wo­men, are Incontinent and shameless.

When a Person hath a Childish look, it is a signe that he will lead a merry long life; the fair smiling Eye, and countenance, signifies adula­tion, riot and detraction: The yellow signifies deceipt, as is apparent in Men-bawds and Mur­therers. Little Eys signifie the Man to be malicious and cowardly: those that are extended, fignifie goodness; if they are red and large, drunkenness, mischief and folly. Eyes hid and sunk into the head, denote malice and pernicious anger, ill qualities, a tenacious memory, especially, of in­juries. When the Eys are sometimes clos'd and sometimes open, such persons have not as yet been guilty of notorious crimes, but they have them in their thoughts. Eys red as coals of fire, signifie wickedness and obstinacie. Large Eys and long ey-brows, signifie shortness of life. Those that have the Eys and ey-brows long, are apt to learne, but short liv'd. When they cast a strong lustre without any blemish, it is a signe of goodness: if they are nimble in their glances and sharp, it signifies Thest. Great and smiling Eys, are a signe of a stupid voluptuous person, that foresees not events. Smiling Eys sunk in the head, denote evil thoughts. The heavy Ey sig­nifies studiousness; those that are blear-eyd are inclinable to love wine: the full Ey signifies flowness: if the apple of the Ey be black, it is a signe of a slothful dull person. When the apple [Page 174]of the Ey hath perles round about it, it signifies that the Man is Envious, Talkative, Timorous, and a very Dangerous person. The Ey that is very black, denotes an earnest desire of heaping up wealth; and if they are not very black, but appear somewhat yellow, it is a signe of a virtuous courage. The fair white Ey, signifies timo­rousness; Eys full of veins, signifies foolish per­sons.

Of the Face.

HE that hath a very full Face, is Importunate, a Lyer, and Imprudent; the plump Face, speaks a Man to be provident, and denotes a sharp wit; that which is large, signifies Idleness; that which is very little, illiberality and mischie­vous subtilty: they that have a wryth'd coun­tenance, are of an ill complexion; the oval visage signifies the person is shameless and injuri­ous. The Face that sweats much, signifies Gour­mandize and Luxurie; such persons are subject to grievous distempers: the Face that in shape re­sembles a valley, denotes the Man to be injurious and a Lyer; but then it must be rather thin then plump. Every fat and full Face, denotes the Man to be ignorant and voluptuous: a little Face is a signe of little wit.

Of the Nose.

THe Nose that stretcheth out to the mouth, signifies goodness and audacity. If the [Page 175]Nose-thrils be wide and large, it is a signe the [...]esticles are of a great size; that the person is [...]ncontinent, Treacherous, False, Bold, and of dull capacity. The small, long, and lean feet, [...]ive testimony of the Womans Matrix; the measure of halfe the foot being bare, is the pro­ [...]ortion of the Womans womb. Those that have [...] sharp aquiline Nose, are soon angry, and very [...]indicative. The flat nose signifies Impetuosity, Incontinency, and yet Pusillanimity. When the Nose is large in the middle upwards, it is a signe the person is addicted to superfluous Romantick stories. The bottle-nose denotes avariciousness, such persons covet all they see; that which is [...]ound and blunt at the end, denotes magnani­mity: The wry-nose signifies hurt by blows. The Nose that is naturally somewhat flat, de­notes Liberality. If a person of small stature have a great large red Nose, it denotes Excess and Drunkenness; little nose-thrils are attributed to those that are of a servile cowardly spirit. Those that are long, signifie chearfulness. The hair of a Mans Nose-thrils being harsh, denotes the Man to be of a settled and resolute temper: if they are few, it signfies the person is docible.

Of the Ears.

GReat Ears signifie that the party is addicted to passion, and impatient; being large and [Page 176]upright, it is a signe of superfluity of words, an [...] long life; large and hanging down, signifies [...] ­ches: if they are thin and dry, they denote I [...] constancie: Little Ears signifie fraud and mali [...] ­nity: The long and narrow, signifie that t [...] Party is Envious. Those that are little, short life the round, shew the Man to be indocible. Tho [...] that are fastned very close to the head, demor­strate goodness of nature. The Ears that a [...] sunk and fixed in the head, signifies Idlenes [...] Those that are hairy, signifie long life, a quid hearing, and voluptuousness.

Of the Jaws.

THe Jaws that stand out in the upper part, a [...] a certain signe of Malice; those that are re [...] at top, denote drunkenness; the fleshy, a Ma [...] ­artless, and without spirit; those that are extra [...] ­ordinary lean jaw'd, it signifies malignity an [...] Envie; the round, deceit; those that have the [...] hairy, are stupid and brutish.

Of the Mouth.

AN extraordinary wide mouth, signifies great Talker, Impiety, and a Man of man­tial spirit, a Lyer, replete with folly and a [...] [Page 177]things disadvantageous. The mouth that is little, [...]gnisies that the Party is fearful, peaceable, and [...]faithful. That which is very wide and round, [...]gnifies uncleanness and cruelty. A long chin, [...]gnifies the Party little addicted to anger; yet he [...] somewhat litigious, and conceited of him [...]elf. Those that have a little chin, are to bee [...]eatly avoyded; for they are very wicked, and [...]ies: the round chin is an effoeminate signe.

Of the Lips.

THose that are thick-lip'd, are foolish and stupid; the nether Lip flagging and very [...]ed, signifies a Woman much addicted to sen­ [...]ality and immodesty; the soft and smiling, de­ [...]ote carnality: Those that are big, stupidity; [...]hey are under the Planet Mars. Those whose [...]ips are not red inwardly, are distemper'd, or [...]ddenly like to be so. The moist Lips and mouth [...]enote malignity and timorousness: the upper­ [...]p that is small and somewhat rais'd, shews the Party to be full of tongue, very envious, and gi­ [...]en to accusation.

Of the Teeth.

WHen they are long and strong outwardly, it is a signe of a Glutton, subject to ma­licious [Page 178]anger; weak, thin and small Teeth, sig­nifie shortness of days; great Teeth in a Man signifie Idleness, Vanity, Simplicity, and a goo [...] temper; when they are very dry, they signifi [...] some approaching disease.

Of the Tongue.

THose that stammer, are subject to the flux those that repeat the first syllable, that de­notes approaching melancholy; a white Tongu [...] is a signe of poverty and misery: all stammere [...] are rough-hewn and haughty.

Of the Voice.

THose that have a slow and lisping speech are of a good Behaviour; The Men tha [...] have a big Voice are injurious and strong; th [...] shrill Voice, signifies timorousness; the soft scarce heard, denotes Meekness; those that spea [...] lispingly and loosely, are very angry, but soo [...] appeased; those that have a harsh Voice, are fools those that are nimble-tongu'd, if their Voice b [...] slender, are Mischievous, Importunate, and Ly­ing persons; if the Voice be loud, such a person is prone to anger, and ill-natur'd; those that ar [...] often mov'd to speak, are unclean persons; they that speak through the nose, are Lyers, and gi­ven to Envy.

The Judgement of the other parts of the Body.

THose that have a thin long Neck, are fearful and malicious; those that have a short one, are very deceitful; those that have a bull-neck, are great Trenchermen; short Armes signifie that the party loves dissention, and is Ignorant, long hands and fingers, denote a Man to be a lover of all Arts; the largeness of the fingers signifie folly and imprudence; the feet that are over-long, shew the person to be a cunning Cheat; those that are much discolour'd and short, denote malig­nity: to have short feet, and the soles of them contracted, is a bad signe; those that take large steps when they walk, are magnanimous, and ac­complish all their designes. Those that in wal­king take little narrow steps, have little courage. Soft fingers are a signe of a docible person, and those that are hard, the contrary; when the hands are short, and the fingers strong, it is a very good signe; a large or small hand, with extraordinary short fingers, they denote a per­son to be a Coward and a Thief; slender and bo­wed hands, a Babler.

The Nails that are white, large, and somewhat reddish, signifie a very solid judgement: but when they are narrow and very long, it is a signe of Cruelty and Folly; those that are bent and crooked, signifie the Impudence and Capacity of [Page 180]the person; the nails that are deep set in the flesh cleaving thereunto, signifie excessive cruelty, and extraordinary folly; those that are too short whitish, or dusky color, declare the person to b [...] Malicious; fingers that are very round, denot [...] Malice, Craft, Avarice and Incontinence; th [...] short and thick, audacity and cruelty; and wher [...] they are very long, such a person is far from be­ing wise; if there be too great a distance between them, it is a signe of Inconstancie and Loquacity those that have the paps hanging down, and [...] soft breast, are immoderately given to wine and excess.

Those that often move their whole body, ar [...] Effoeminate; those that have a big belly, are In­discreet, Foolish, Haughty and Unchast; the smalness of the Legs demonstrates Ignorance, the largeness of them, Boldness; those that walk slowly and take large steps, are usually successful; those that take little steps, are Im­petuous, Infirme, and go about business with an ill will; those that have their Toes more closely then ordinary joyned together, are fearful; those that have the Ball of the Foot even without any hollowness, are wary and mischievous; those that are often hungry, have a cold stomack not able to digest; they that sweat excessively in their sleep, stand in need of purging; saith Hippocrates, or their nutri­ment is too hasty; they that are round-shoul­der'd, have short fingers: the lines of the hands not intersected, and many teeth, such persons are long-liv'd; a quick pulse, freedom [...] [Page 181]of respiration, promptitude in actions, with much choler, are marques of vivacity, and greatness of courage; the largeness of the veins, hair growing upon the Belly, a dry and harsh skin, is a signe of the heat of the Liver; on the contrary, those that have large buttocks are remiss, of a cold constitution, and timo­rous; those that are naturally corpulent, and big-belly'd, are shorter liv'd then those that are lean; those that are hairy in the body, and lean, and have a redhairy Face, they are of a hotter temper then others, and contrarywise the con­trary: the sanguine live longer then those that are of other constitutions; the chast, then those that are incontinent; the sober, then the Glutton; the Males, then the Females: if you would know whether a Man be left-handed, observe when he walks whether be leans to the left side, for such persons for the most part are left-handed; and so on the contrary. Those that have a soft skin, are gifted with exquisite reason, and have a more refined wit then those that have it harsh.

We are now come to the last part, which in the practise of Physiognomie ought to be the first: for oftentimes it falls out, that a Man knows not what Countryman he speaks to; either his color is chang'd by some accident, or by drinking and discoursing with persons that you have not seen, or he may be poor or rich, noble or mechanique which things make a great alteration in the be­haviour; so that I find a Man cannot so readily judge of the temper by particular marques, as [Page 182]when there are many concurrent, which lay open to us a Mans Inclination to some particular Vice or Virtue.