Meteors, Book 3
THE THIRD BOOK.
Of Airy Impressions.
UNder the name of Airy Impressions, be comprehended such Meteors, whose matter is most of the Air. Of this sort be Winds, Earthquakes, Thunder, Lightnings, Storme-Winds, Whirlwinds, Circles, Rainbowes, The White Circle, called of some WATLING street, many Suns, many Moons.
Of Winds.
THe Wind is an Exhalation hot and dry,Winds. drawn up into the Air by the power of the Sun, and by reason of the weight thereof being driven down, is laterally or sidelong carried about the Earth. And this Definition is not to be understood of general Winds that blow over all the Earth, or else some great Regions; but besides these there be particular Winds which are known but only in some Countries, and them not very large. These Winds oftentimes have another manner of generation, and that is on this manner;
It must needs be confessed,The second kind of winds. that within the globe of the Earth be wonderfull great holes, caves or dungeons, in which when Air aboundeth (as it may by divers Causes) this Air that cannot abide to be penned in, findeth a little hole in or about those Countries as it were a mouth to break out of, and by this meanes bloweth vehemently: yet that force and vehemency extendeth not far; but as the wind that commeth forth of bellows, neer the comming forth is strong, but far off is not perceived: so this Particular Wind, in that particular Country where it breaketh forth, is very violent and strong, in so much that it overthroweth both trees and houses, yet in other Countries not very far distant, no part of that boysterous blast is felt. Wherefore this Wind differeth from the general Winds both in Qualities and Substance or Matter: for the Matter of them is an Exhalation, and the Qualities such as the nature of the Exhalation is, very Airy, but not Air indeed: but of this particular Wind the Matter and Substance is most commonly Air.
There is yet a third kinde of Wind,The third kind of Winde. which is but a soft, gentle and cool moving of the Air, and commeth from no certain place (as the general Wind doth) yea it is felt in the shadow under trees, when in the hot light and shining of the Sun it is not perceived. It commeth whisking suddenly, very pleasant in the heat of Summer, and ceaseth by and by; this properly is no Wind, but a moving of the Air by some occasion.
As for the general Winds, they blow out of divers Quarters of the Air now East, now West, now South, now North, or else inclining to one of the same Quarters: Among which the East-wind following the nature of the Fire is hot and dry; the South-wind expressing the quality of the Air is hot and moyst;The qualities of the winds and the four quarters of the world. the Western blast agreeing with the Waters property, is cold and moyst; the North that never was warmed with the heat of the Sun, being cold and dry partaketh the condition of the Earth.The quality of middle wind. The middle Winds have middle and mixed qualities, after the nature of those Four principal Winds, more or less, as they incline toward them more or less.
Generally the profit of all Winds,The profit of wind. by the wonderfull wisdom of the Eternal God, is very great unto his Creatures. For besides that these Winds alter the Weather. some of them bringing rain, some driness, some frost and snow, which all are necessary; there is yet an universal Commodity that riseth by the only moving of the Air, which were it not continually stirred as it is, would soon putrify, and being putrified would be a deadly infection to all that hath breath upon the Earth.Joh. 3. Wherefore this wind whose sound we hear, and know not from whence it commeth nor whither it goeth (for who can affirm from whence it was raised, or where it is laid down?) as all other Creatures beside, does teach us the wonderfull and wise providence of God, that we may worthily cry out with the Psalmist and say,Psal. 104. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdome hast thou made them all &c. Let this be sufficient to have shewed the generation of the Winds.
Of Earthquakes,
AN Earthquake,Earthquakes. is a shaking of the Earth which is caused by meanes of wind and Exhalations, that be enclosed within the caves of the Earth, and can find …o passage to break forth, or else so narrow a way that it cannot soon enough be dilivered.
Wherefore, with great force and violence it breaketh out: and one while shaketh the Earth, another while rendeth and cleaveth the same: somtime it casteth up the Earth a great hight into the Air, and somtime it causeth the same to sink a great depth down, swallowing both Cities and Townes, yea and also mighty great Mountaines, leaving in the place where they stood, nothing but great holes of an unknown depth, or else great lakes of Waters.
Of divers kinds of Earthquakes.
DIvers Authors write diversly of the kinds of Earthquakes,Divers kinds of Earthquakes. some making more and some less, but we shall be content at this time to comprehend them in four sorts.
The first kind is when the Earth is shaken laterally, to one side, which is when the whole force of the wind driveth to one place, and there is no other contrary motion to let it. This wind, if it be not great, shaketh the Earth, that it trembleth as a man that hath a fit of an ague, and doth no more harme: but if it be great and violent, it looseth the foundations of all buildings, be they never so strong, and overthroweth whole Cities, but especially the great buildings, and not only such buildings, but somtimes also casteth down great Hilles, that cover and overwhelm all the valleys under them. Many noble and great Cities have been overthrown by this kind of Earthquake.Twelve Cities overthrown with one Earthquake. It is written, that twelve of the most beautifull Cities, and most sumptuous buildings in all Asia, were overthrown and utterly destroyed with an Earthquake. How often Antiochia, yea within short time was destroyed, they which have read the Histories, can testifie.
How terrible was the Earthquake that shook Constantinople a whole year together,Constantinople the chiefest City of Greece, now the Turks Palace. that the Emperour and all the people, were fain to dwell abroad in the fields under tents and pavilions, for fear their houses would fall on their heads, it is recorded in the Chronicles, and worthy to be remembered.
The second kind is,The second kind. when the Earth with great violence is lifted up, so that the buildings are like to fall, and by and by sinketh down again: this is, when all the force of the winds striveth to get upward, after the nature of gunpowder, and finding some way to be delivered out of bondage, the Earth that was hoysied up, returneth to his old place.
The third kind is a gaping,The third kind. rending, or cleaving of the Earth, when the Earth sinketh down, and swalloweth up Cities,Earthquake on the Sea. and Townes, with Castles, and Towers, Hilles and Rocks, Rivers, and Floods, so that they be never seen again.
Yea the Sea in some places hath been drunk up, so that men might have gone over on foot, untill the time of tide or flood returning covered the place with Waters again. But in the land, where this Earthquake swalloweth up any City, or Country, there appeareth nothing in the place thereof,Aristot. but a marvellous wide and deep gulfe, or hole. Aristotle maketh mention of divers places, and regions that were overthrown with this kind of Earthquake.
The fourth kind,The fourth kind. is when great mountaines are cast up out of the Earth, or else when some part of the land sinketh down, and in stead thereof arise Rivers, Lakes, or Fires breaking out with smoake and Ashes. It causeth also overflowings of the Sea, when the Sea bottome is lifted up,New Islands in the Sea. and by this means arise many Islands in the Sea, that never were seen before. These and other such miracles, are often found In the Writers of Histories, also in the Philosophers, as Aristotle, Aristot.Seneca, Seneca.and Plinius.Plinius.
Nevertheless,Plato. the effects of some as most notable, it shall not be unprofitable to recite.A wonderfull Earthquake. Plato in his Dialogue intituled Timeus, maketh mention by the way of a wonderfull Earthquake,Africa, Europe, Asia, the three parts of the earth Maremediterraneum, because it goeth thorow the midst of the earth. whereby not only Africa was rent asunder from Europe and Asia (as it is indeed at this day, except a little neck by the red Sea) the Sea entring between them that now is called Mare Mediterraneum: but also a wonderfull great Island, which he affirmeth, was greater then Africa and Asia both, called Atlantis, was swallowed up, and covered by the Waters,Atlantis an Island. in so much, that on the Sea called Atlanticum, for a great while after, no Ship could sayl, by reason that the same huge Sea, by resolution of the Earth of that mighty Iland, was all turned into mudde.
The famous Ile of Sicilia was also somtime a part of Italy, and by Earthquake rent asunder from it… Seneca maketh mention of two Ilands, Theron and Therea, Senecca. Theron & Therea. Arist. Herodotus. Egypt sometime a gulph of the Sea.that in his time first appeared. It should seeme both by Aristotle, and also by Herodotus, that Egypt, in ancient time, was a gulph of the Sea, and by Earthquake made a drie land. During the reign… of Tiberius the Emperor, twelve notable Cities of Asia were overthrown in one night, &c.
How so great VVinds come to be under the Earth.
THe great Caves and Dennes of the Earth, must needs be full of Ayr continually: but when by the heat of the Sunne, the moysture of the Earth is resolved, many Exhalations are generated as well within the Earth as without; and whereas the places were full before so that they could receive no more, except part of that which was in them, were let out in such countries where the Earth hath few pores, or else where they are stopped with moysture, it must needs follow, that these Exhalations striving to get out, must needs rend the Earth in some place, or lift it up, so that either they may have free passage, or else room enough to abide in.
Of signes and tokens that go before an Earthquake most commonly.
THe first,The signes of an earthquake. is the raging of the Sea, when there are no tempestuous Winds to stirre it, yea, when the Ayr is most calme without Wind.
The caus why the Sea then rageth, is, that the wind beginneth to labour for passage that way, and finding none, is sent back, and soon after shaketh the land.
The second signe is calmness of the Ayr, and cold, which commeth to pass by reason that the Exhalation that should be abroad, is within the Earth.
The third signe, is said to be a long thinne strake of cloud seen, when the skie is clear; after the setting of the Sun. This (say they) is caused, by reason that the Exhalation or Vapor, which is the matter of clouds, is gone into the Earth.
Others affirm, that it is the Exhalation that breaketh out of some narrow hole of the Earth, out of which the rest of the wind cannot issue, neither will it waite the time: wherefore within a while after, it seeketh and maketh it self by sudden eruption a broader way to be delivered out of prison.
Also the Sunne, certaine daies before it appeareth dimme, because the Winds that should have purged and dissolved the grosse Ayr, that causeth this dimness to our eyes, is enclosed within the bowels of the Earth.
The Water in the bottome of deepe wells is troubled, and the savour thereof infected, because the pestilent Exhalations that have been long inclosed within the Earth, doe then beginne a little to be sent abroad. For thereof cometh it, that in many places where Earthquakes have been, great abundance of smoak, flame, and ashes is cast out, when the abundance of brimstone that is under the ground, through violent motion is set on fire and breaketh forth. Finally, who knoweth not, what stinking Minerals and other poysonous stuff doe grow under the Earth? wherefore it is no wonder, if Well-water, before an Earthquake, be infected: but rather it is to be marvelled, if after an Earthquake there follow not a grievous Pestilence, when the whole mass of infection is blown abroad.
Last of all, there is heard before it in the time of it,Thundering under the earth. and after it, a great noise and sound under the Earth, a terrible groaning, and a very Thundring, yea, somtimes when there followeth no Earthquake at all, when as the wind, without shaking of the Earth, findeth a way to passe out at. And these for the most part, or at least some of them, are forewarnings, that the most fearfull Earthquake will follow, then the which there is no naturall thing that bringeth men into a greater feare.Cato. Cato was very curious to confesse himselfe, that he repented that ever he went by water, when as he might have gone by land. But what land can be sure, if it be the Lords will by this work of his to shake it? what building so strong, that can defend us, when the more strong, the more danger, the higher, the greater fall?
Of Thunder.
THunder is a sound caused in the clouds by the breaking out of a hot and dry Exhalation beating against the edges of the cloud.Thunder. It is often heard in Spring and Summer by reason that the heat of the Sun then draweth up many Exhalations, which meeting in the middle region of the Air with moyst and cold Vapors, are together with them inclosed in a hollow cloud: but when the hot Exhalation cannot agree with the coldness of the place; by this strife being driven together made stronger and kindled, it will straight break out, which sudden and violent eruption causeth the noyse which we call Thunder. A Similitude is put by great Authors, of moist wood that cracketh in the fire:A similitude. we may adde hereunto the breaking of an egge in the fire, of an apple or any like thing; for whatsover holdeth and withholdeth inclosed any hot wind, so that it can have no vent, it will seek it self a way by breaking the skin, shell or case. It were no ill comparison to liken Thunder to the sound of a gun, which be both caused of the same or very like causes.
The sound of Thunder is divers; after which men have divided the Thunder into divers kinds,Divers kinds of Thunders. making first two sorts, that is, smal Thunder and great. But as for the diversity of sounds, generally it comes of the divers disposition of the clouds, one while having more holes then at another; somtime thicker in one place then in another.
The smal or little Thunder is when the Exhalation is driven from side to side of that cloud making a noise, and either for the smal quantity and less forcibleness,Small Thunder, and the kinds thereof. or else for the thickness of the clouds walls, is not able to break them, but rumbleth up and down within the cloud, whose sides be stronger then the force of the Exhalation is able to break, it runneth up and down within, and striking against the cloud and moist sides, maketh a noise not unlike the quenching of hot i…on in cold water.
And if the Exhalation be meanly strong, and the cloud not in all places or like thickness, it breaketh out at those thin places with such a buzzing as wind maketh blowing out of narrow holes.
But if the cloud be so thin that it cannot keep in the Exhalation, although it be not kindled, then it bloweth o…t with like puffing as wind commeth out of a pair of bellowes.
A great Thunder is when the Exhalation is much in quantity,Great thunder and the kinds whereof. and very hot and dry in quality; the clouds also very thick and strong, that easily will not give place to the wind to escape out.
Wherefore if the Exhalation do vehemently shake the cloud, though it do not at the first disperse it, it maketh a long and fearfull rumbling against the sides of the cloud, untill at the last being made stronger by swifter motion, it dissolveth the cloud, and hath liberty to pass out into the open Air; the cloud dissolved droppeth down, and then followeth a showre of Rain.
Otherwhiles it shaketh the cloud not long, but straight way rendeth it a long space and time, whose sound is like the rending of a Broad-cloth, which noyse continueth a pretty while.
And sometime it discusseth the cloud at once, making a vehement and terrible crack like a gun, sometime with great force casting out stones, but most commonly fire which setteth many high places on fire. As in the year of our Lord 1561. the Fourth day of June, the steeple of Saint Pauls Church in London was set on fire, as it hath been once or twice before, and burned.
The noyse of Thunder though it be great in such places over which it is made,How far thunder is heard. yet is not hard far off, especial-against the wind; Whereof we had experience also in the Year of our Lord, 1561. on Saint Matthias day in February, at the evening, when there was a great flash of Lightning and a very ter…ible crack of Thunder following; they that were but 15 Miles from London Westward heard no noise nor sound thereof; the Wind that time was Western.
The effect of Thunder is profitable to men,The profit of thunder both for that the sweet showre doth follow it, and also for that it purgeth and purifieth the Air by the swift moving of the Exhalation that breaketh forth, as also by the sound which dividing and peircing the Air, causeth it to be much thinner: which may be verified by an History that Plutarch in the life of Quincius Flaminius reporteth,Plutarchus T. Quincius Flaminius. that there was such a noyse made by the Grecians, after their Liberty was restored, that the Birds of the Air that flew over them were seen fall down by reason that the Air divided by their Cry, was made so thin, tha… there was no firmity or strength in i… to bear them u…. And let this suffice for Thunder, which Lightning succeedeth in treaty, that seldom is from it in nature.
Of Lightning.
AMong the divers kinds of Lightnings which Writers in this knowledg do number,Lightning. we shall treat only of four kinds; yet so, that under these Four all the rest may be comprehended.Fulgetrū. Coruscatio. Fulgur▪ Fulmen. The names we must borrow of the Latine Tongue; the first is Fulgetrum, the second Coruscatio, the third Fulgur, the fourth Fulmen.
Of Fulgetrum.
FUlgetrum we call that kinde of Lightning which is seen on Summer nights and evenings after a hot day.Fulgetrum. The generation hereof is such; when many thin, light and hot Exhalations by the immoderate heat have been drawn up from the Earth, and by the absence of the Sun be destitute of the force whereby they should have been drawn further upward; yet something ascending by their own nature, in that they be light and hot, they meet with the cold either of the night in the lowest region, or else of the Air in the middle region; and so by resistance of contraries (as it hath been oft before rehearsed) they are beaten back, and with vehement moving set on fire. This Lightning commonly goeth out in the Air terrible to behold, not hurtfull to anything, except sometime when the matter is earthy and gross, being stricken down to the earth, it blasteth corn and grass with other smal hurt. Sometime it setteth a barn or thatched house on fire.
The Colour of this Lightning as of all other,The colour of this Lightning. is divers, partly according to the matter, and partly according to the light. If the matter be thin, it is white; if the substance be gross, it is ruddy, like flames of fire. In great light as in the day, it appeareth white; in the night, ruddy: yet sometime in the day time we may see it yellow, wich is a token that the matter is wonderfull thick and gross. Old Wives are wont to say that no night in the year except one, passeth without Lightning, but that is true as the rest of their Tales, whereof they have great store.
Of Coruscation.
Coruscation is a glistering of fire, rather then fire indeed;Coruscation. and a glimering of Lightning, rather then Lightning itself: which is two manner of ways: One way, when clouds that be lower then the upper part of the Earth, without the compass of our fight are enflamed, and the reflection of that flame is cast up into our sight, appearing in all points like Lightning, saving that the Air where it appeareth, is so clear, that we are perswaded, no Lightning can be there caused. Another way is, when there be thick clouds over us, and commonly a double order of clouds, one above another: if Lightning or any other Inflammation be in the upper part of these clouds, the light of them peirceth thorow the lower parts as thorow a glass, and so appeareth as though it Lightned, when perhaps it did Lighten indeed, yet that which we saw, was but the shadow thereof: and this is often without Thunder.
Of Fulgur.
FUlgur Fulgur.is that kinde of Lightning which followeth Thunder, whereof we have spoken before. For when that violent Exhalation breaks forth, making a noyse as it beateth against the sides of the cloud, with the same violence it is set on fire,The lightning is not before the thunder, though it seeme so. and casteth a great light, which is seen far and neer. And although the Lightning appear unto us a good pretty while before the Thunder-clap be heard, yet it is not caused before the noyse, if any Thunder at all follow, but either is after it or with it. Wherefore that we see it before we hear the Thunder, may be ascribed either to the quickness of our Sight that preventeth the Hearing, or else to the swift moving of the fire and the light thereof to our eyes,Sight preventeth hearing. and the slow motion of the Sound unto our ears and Hearing.
These three kindes of Lightnings are more fearfull then hurtfull, but the fourth seldom passeth without some dammage doing.
Of the fourth kind, called Fulmen.
THe most dangerous, violent and hurtfull kind of lightning is called Fulmen, whose generation is such as followeth: What time a hot Exhalation is enclosed in a cloud and breaking the same, bur…reth forth, it is set on fire and with wonderfull great force stricken down toward the Earth.
The crack of thunder that is made when this Lightning breaketh out, is sudden, short, and great, like the sound of a Gunne. And oftentimes a great stone is blowne out with it, which they call the Thunder-bolt, which is made on this maner.
In the Exhalation which is gathered out of the Earth, is much Earthly matter,The thunder-bolt cast out of the clouds. which clortering together by moysture, being clammy by nature, consisting of brimstone, and other metalick substance by the excessive heat, is hardened as a brick is in the fire, and with the mighty force of the Exhalation strongly cast toward the Earth, and striketh down steeples, and high buildings of stone, and of wood, passeth thorow them, and setteth them on fire; it cleaveth trees and setteth them on fire:Strongest things are most hurt of lightning. and the stronger the thing is that resisteth it, the more harme it doth to it. It is sharp-poynted at one end, and thick at the other end, which is caused by reason that the moyster part, as heavier, goeth to the bottome of it; so is the top small, and the bottome thick.
Men write,How deep a thunder-bolt goeth into the earth. that the thunder-bolt goeth never above five foot deep, when it falleth upon the Earth: which standeth with reason, both because the strength of it is weakned before it come so neer the ground, and also because the continual thicknesse of the Earth breaketh the force, were it never so great.
Both Aristotle, Aristot. Seneca. Plinius.Seneca, and Plinius divide this lightning into three kinds.
Of the first.
THe first is drie,Day lightning. which burneth not to be felt, but divideth and appeareth with wonderful swiftnesse: For being subtil and pure, it passeth thorow the pores of any thing, be they never so small; and such thing… as give place unto it, it hurteth not; but such things …s resist, it divideth and peirceth. For …t will melt money in mens purses,Money melted in mens Purses, and swords in Scabberds. the purses being whole and unharmed. Yea, …t will melt a sword in the scabberd, and not hurt the scabberd at all. A wine …essell it will cleave, and yet the wine shall be so dull that by the space of three dayes, it will not runne out. It will hurt a mans hand, and not his glove. It will burne a mans bones within him …o ashes, and yet his skinne and flesh shall appearefaire, as though nothing had come to him. Yet otherwise the whole man in the moment of an houre shall be burned to ashes, whereas his clothes shall not seeme to have been touched. It will also kill the childe in the mothers belly, and not hurt the mother: And all because the matter is very subtill, and thinne, burning, and passing thorow whatsoever it be, that will not give it free passage.
Of the second kind.
The Second kinde is moyst:Moyst lightning. and because it is very thin, it burneth not to ashes, but only it blasteth or scorcheth trees, corn and grass: and by reason of the moystness it maketh all things black that it commeth neer, as moyst wood burning is smoaky,Why it maketh black. and maketh things neer it to be black and smoaky.
Of the Third kinde.
THe Third kinde is most like our common fire that wee have here on the earth of gross and earthly substance;Grosse lightning. wherefore it leaveth a print where it hath been, or else consumeth it into ashes, if it be such a body as will be burned with fire.
Of the Marvels of Lightning, and their causes.
BEside the wonderful effects of lightning,The mmrvell of lightning. that have been already remembred, there be many other which hereafter ensue, with the reason and causes unto them belonging; as thus:
The nature of Lightning is, to poyson beasts that are stricken therewith,Lightning poysoneth. as though they had been bit by a Serpent. The cause of this is that the matter of Lightning is much infected with Brimstone & other poysonous metallike substance, because it is thin, and giveth them passage into every part of the body.
It is notable that Seneca writeth how winevessels of wood being burned with lightning,Seneca. Wine not running, the Vessels being broken. the wine would stand still, and not run out: the reason hereof, is, the swift alteration and change, whereby also all the clamminesse of the wine is drawne to the outward most part, and so keepeth in the wine as in a skin, that by the space of three days it will not run. It will also poyson wine, insomuch that they which drink thereof shall either be mad or dye of it: the cause hereof was set… forth before.
Lightning that striketh a poysonous beast,Lightning pur…eth a poysonous beast. purgeth it from the poyson, in so much that it causeth a Serpent or Snake which it killeth, to breed worms, which otherwise it would not do:A Snake breedeth no Worms but being purged from the natural poyson by the swift peircing of the Lightning, nothing letteth but that it may breed wormes as all other corrupt flesh will doe.
If Lightning strike one that sleepeth, it openeth his eyes;Lightning openeth his eyes that sleepeth, and closeth his that waketh. and of one that waketh, it shutteth the eyes. The cause is this, that it waketh him that sleepeth, and killeth him, before he can close his eyes againe. And him that waketh it so amazeth, that he winketh, as he will doe at any sudden chance: so he dyeth, before he can open his eyes againe.
All living things turne their face toward the stroke of the lightning,Living things turn their face toward lightning. because it is their nature, to turne their head if any thing come suddenly behind them. The rest that have their face toward it when it commeth, never turn before they be killed.
The Reason why it killeth the child in the mothers womb, not hurting the mother, is the tenderness of the one and the strength of the other, when the lightning is not vehement; otherwise both should dye together.
Sometime Lightning burneth onelyonly the garments, shooes or hair of men, not hurting their bodies, and then the Exhalation is nothing vehement.
Sometime it killeth a man, and there appeareth no wound without,Garments burnt, the body unhurt. neither any hurt within, no not so much as any sign of burning: for then the Exhalation which being kindled is called Lightning, is wonderfull subtil and thin, so swiftly passing thorow, that it leaveth no mark or token behind it.
They that behold the Lightning,Lightning causeth blindnesse, swelling or Leprosie. are either made blind, or their face swelleth, or they become Lepers; for that Fiery Exhalation received into the pores of their face and eyes, maketh their face to swell and break out into a Leprosy, and also dryeth up the Chrystalline humour of their Eyes, so that consequently they must needs be blind.
Eutropius sheweth that the same day in which Marcus Tullius Cicero was born,Eutropius, Marcus Tullius Cicero. Apulia. a certain Virgin of Rome riding into Apulia, was stricken with Lightning, so that all her garments being taken from her without any rending, she lay starke naked, the lasing of her breast being undone, and her hose-garters untyed, yea her bracelets, collars, and rings being all loosed from her: Likewise her horse lay dead, with his bridle and girts untyed.
The places of them that are burnt with Lightning,The wounds of Lighting cold. are colder then the rest of their bodyes, either because the greater heat draweth away the lesser, or else because that by the great violence the vital heat is quite extinguished in that place.
The Sea-Calf is never hurt with Lightning:Sea Calfe not hurt with lightning. wherefore the Emperours Tents were wont to be covered with their skins.
The Bay Trees and Box Trees are never,Bayes and Box Trees seldome hurt with Lightning. or seldom stricken with Lightning; The Cause of these may be, the Hardness of their Skinne, which hath so few Pore-holes, that the Exhalation cannot enter into them.The Eagle Jupiters harnesse-bearer.
The Eagle also among Fouls, is not stricken with Lightning; Wherefore the Poets feigne, that the Eagle carrieth Jupiters Armour, which is Lightning. The Reason may be the thickness and dryness of her feathers, which will not be kindled with so swift a fire.
Of Storme Winds.
A Storme Wind is a thick Exhalation, violently moved out of a Cloud,Storm winds. without inflammation or burning.
The Matter of this Storme is all one with the Matter of Lightning, that hath been spoken of: namely, it is an Exhalation very hot and dry, and also gross, and thick, so that it will easily be set on fire; but then it hath another name and other Effects.
The Form or Manner of the generation is such;
When abundance of that kinde of Exhalation is gathered together within a Cloud, which needs will have one way out or other, it breaketh the cloud and causeth Thunder, as it hath been taught before: but if the matter be very thick, and the Cloud somewhat thin, then doth it not rend the Cloud, but falling down, beateth the Cloud before it, and so is carried as an arrow out of a bowe.
It doth always goe before a great sodain showre: For when the Cloud is broken, the water must needs fall down. Also it is so gross and so thick, that it darkneth the Air and maketh all the Lowest Region of the Air to be in a manner as a dark Smoaky Cloud.
It causeth Tempests in the Sea, and Wonderfull great Danger to them that bear Sayle; whom if it overtake, it bringeth to utter destruction.
So sodain is this kinde, that it cannot be resisted with sodain helpe: so violent it is, that seeble force cannot withstand it.
Finally, It is so Troublesome with Thunder, Lightning, Rayne, and Beasts: besides these, Darkness and Cold, that it would make men at so neer a Pinch, to be at their Wits End if they were not accustomed to such Tumultuous Tempests.
Wherefore it were profitable to declare the Signes that goe before it, to the End Men might beware of it.
But they are so common to other Tempests, that either they are known well enough, or else being never so well known, in a Seldom Calamity they would little be feared.
The Sea-ships subject to more Danger, have more Helpe, if it be used in Time: But no Signes foreknowne can profit the Dweller of the Land to keep his House from Ruine, except it were to save his Life from the fall of his Mansion.
The sudden violence of this Tempest to him is more seldome times, but more incurable when it commeth then to the Mariner who hath some Ayd to look for by his comming▪ the other if he escape with his life, may comfort himself that he was neer a great danger, and cast with himself to build up his House again.
Of Whirlwinds.
A Whirlwind, is a Wind breaking out of a Cloud,Whirlewinds. Rouling or Winding round about, overthrowing that which standeth neer it, and that which commeth before it, carrying it with him aloft in the Air.
It differeth from a Stormy Wind in three points.
First, in the Matter which is less in Quantity, and of thinner Substance.
Secondly, in the Moving, which is Circular, Winding about: whereas the Storme bloweth Aslope and Sidelongs. Also a Whirlwind, in the Moving divideth not it self abroad and bloweth Directly, as the Storme doth.
And Thirdly, in the manner of the generation; for a Storme doth always come out of one Cloud; but a Whirlwind sometime is Caused by means of two Contrary Winds that meet toether.
In like manner, as we see in the streets of Cities, where the wind is beaten back from two walles, meeting in the middest of the street, there is made a little whirle-wind, which whisking round about, taketh up the dust, or strawes, and bloweth it about, after the very similitude of the great and fearefull whirlewind.
The reason of the going about is this, that when the walls beat back the wind from them, which aboundeth in that place, and those winds when they meet, by reason of equall force on both sides, can neither drive one the other back againe, nor yet passe thorrow one the other; it must needs be, that they must both seek a way on the side at once, and consequently be carried round about, the one as it were pursuing the other, untill there be space enough in the aire, that they may be parted asunder.
The matter of a whirlewind, is not much differing from the matter of storme and lightning, that is, an Exhalation hote and drie, breaking out of a cloud in divers partes of it, which causeth the blowing about. Also it is caused, as it hath been said, by two, or more windes, blowing from divers places, which may be of particular causes, that have been shewed before in the Chapter of windes; this tempest is noysome to man and beast, Sea and Land, things living,The troubles of whirlewinds. and life lacking: For it will take up both men and beasts, stones and clods of earth: which when it hath borne a great way, will not be so curteous as to set them downe againe, but negligently letteth them fall from a great height, or else violently throweth them downe to the earth.
It breaketh Trees, winding them about, and pulling them up by the roots. It turneth about a Ship, and bruiseth it in peeces with other mischiefes besides.
Of fired Whrlewinds.
SOmetime a whirlewind is set on fire within the cloud,Fired whirlewinds. and then breaking forth, flyeth round like a great cartwheele, terriblie to behold, turning and over browing all drie things that it commeth neer, as Houses, Woods, Corn, Grasse, and what soever else standeth in the way.
It differeth not from a whirlewind, saving that it is kindled and set on fire, so appearing, else the generation of both is called one.
Of Circles.
THe Circle called Halon is a garland of divers colours that is seen about the Sunne,Circles about the Sunne, the Moone, and other Starres, Jupiter & Venus Planets. the Moon, or any other Star, especially about Jupiter or Venus, for their great brightnesse. It is called of the Greeks a compassed plat, of the Latines, a Crown or Garland.
The matter wherein it is made, is a cloud of equall thickness, or thinnesse, comming directly under the body of the Sunne, the Moone, or other Starres, into which the light of the heavenly body is received & so appeareth round, because the Starre is round:Circles in the water. as a stone cast into the water, maketh many round circels, dilating in breadth, untill the violence of the moving is ended; so is it in the aire; the light beames peircing it, cause broad circles to be dilated, which appeare white,The colours of circles. purple, black, red, green, blew, and other colours, according to the disposition of the clouds matter. The cause of such colours, is shewed before in the peculiar treaty of colours.
This circle is oftner seene about the Moone, then about the Sunne, because the heate of the Sunne draweth the vapors too high, where it cannot be made. Also, because the night is a more quiet time then the day from wind, it is more often in the night, then in the day. Seldome, about other Starres, because their light beames, are too weake often to pierce a cloud: yet oftner about smal stars then the Sunne, because the light of the Sunne pierceth the cloud more forcibly, than that this Halon can many times be cause.
Otherwhiles it is seen about a candle,Circles at bout a candle. which must be in a very thicke and grosse aire of such proportionate thickness, that it may receive the light as the cloud doth from the starres, as in the smoaky places, or hot houses.
This kinde of circle is sometimes like a Rainebow, saving that it is a whole circle unlesse the starre under which it is caused, be not all risen, or else the cloud, in which it is seen,The fignes of these circles. be not all come under the Star, or after it hath come under some part therof, be dissolved from the rest.
These Circles be sings of tempests and windes,Virgilius, Aratus, Poets. as witnesse both Virgil, and Aratus.
The Wind shal blow from that quarter, where the Circle first beginneth to break. The cause whereof is this, that the Circle is broken by the Winde that is above which is not yet come down towards us, but by this effect above; we may gather, both that it will come, and also from what quarter.
A great Circle about the Moon,Signe of Frost. betokeneth great cold and frost to follow after.
But if it vanish away and be dissolved altogether,Signe of faite weather. it is a signe of faire weather.
If it be broken in many parts,Signe of tempest. it signifieth tempest.
If it wax altogether thicker and darker,Signe of raine. it is a forewarning of raine.
One alone,Ptolomeus Sign of faire weather. after Ptolomee, pure and white, vanishing away by little and little, is a token of faire weather.
Two or three at once, portendeth tempest: if they be …uddy, they shew wind to come;Signe of Snow. and toward snow, they seem as it were broken and rocky.
Being darke or dimme, they signifie all these foresaid events, with more force and abundance: it is oftner caused in Autumne and Spring, then in Winter or Summer: the cause is the temperatenesse of the time.
The cause why it appeareth sometime greater, and sometime lesser, is in the quality of the matter, which as it is grosse or thinne, will more or lesse be dilated and stretched abroad, & also as some will have it, of the weakenesse of mans sight. Of which, Aristotle Aristotle.bringeth an example in one Antipho, Antipho.which did alwayes see his owne image before him in the ayre, as in a glasse: which he affirmeth to have been for the weaknesse of his sight-beames that could not peirce the aire, so that they were reflected again to himself.
And thus much for Halon, and the causes, signes, or toke…s of it.
Of the Rainebow
THe Rainebow,Raynebow is the apparition of certaine colours in a cloud, opposite against the Sunne, in fashion of half a Circle. Possidonius said, it was the Sunnes looking glasse,Possidonius wherein his image was represented, and that the blue colour was the proper colour of the cloud; red of the Sunne; all the other colours of commixtion.
It differeth manifoldly from Halon: for the Raynebow is alwayes opposite against the Sunne: but Halon is directly under it.
They differ not onelyonly in place, but also in fashion: the Raynebow is but halfe a Circle: the Halon is a whole Circle.
Likewise they vary in colour: for the Raynebow is more dimme, and of purple colour; the Halon, whiter and brighter.
Also, in continance; for the Rainbow may continue longer then Halon.
The image of the Rainebow may be seen on a wall,A … stone … the Sunne striking thorow a fix poynted stone, called Iris, or any other Christall of the same fashon; also thorow some glasse window.
Halon is seen about Candles, in smokie places, as are baths and kitchings.
The manner of the generation of the Rainebow is such: There is opposite against the Sunne, a thick watery cloud, which is already resolved into dewy drops of raine,A similitude. is (for a grosse similitude) is seene on the potlid, when the Water in the Vessell hath sodden, or is very hot, the lid will be all full of small drops of water, which come from the water in the Vessell; first, by heat resolved into smoake; after, when it cannot goe at large, it is resolved again. Wherefore upon such a cloud, the Sunne beams striking, as upon a smooth glasse, do expresse the image of the Sun unperfectly, for the great distance. Or else the Sunne beames striking into a hollow cloud, where they are refracted or broken, and so come to the eyes of him that beholdeth the Rainbow.
The similitude thereof is seen, when men sayle or row in Boats,The similitude of the Rainebow. the Sunne shineth upon the water, which casteth on the vessels side, the colours and image of the Rainbow.
Lifewise, water in an urinall holden against the Sunne, receiveth the light, and sheweth colours on the wall.
There be two kinds of Rainbows, one of the Sun,Rainbow of the Sun. another of the Moon; the one by day, the other by night: the Rainebow of the Sun often,Rainbow of the Moone. but of the Moon very seldome, in so much that it can be but twice in fifty yeeres, and that when the Moon is in the East or West, full in perfect opposition.
It hath not been many times seene since the writing of Histories, yet sometimes, and for the rarenesse, is taken for a great wonder. Yet is it in colour nothing so beautiful as the sunnes, but for the most part white as milke: other diversities of colours are scant perceived. When it appeareth, it is said to signifie tempest.
The time of the Rainbow is often after the point of Autumne, both for the placing of the Sunne in competent lownesse, and also for abundance of matter, seldom or never is the Rainebow see about the midst of Summer.
There may be many Rainebows at one time, yet commonly but one principall, of which the rest are but shaddows and images; the second shaddow of the first, the third of the second, as appeares by placing of their colours.
It remaineth to shew why it is but halfe a circle, or lesse, and never more; and why the whole cloud receiveth not the same colours that the Raynebow hath. The cause of the first is, because the center or middle part of the Raynebow, that is Diametrally opposite to the center of the same, is alwayes either in the Horizon (that is, the circle cutting off our fight of Heaven by the earth) or under it. The cause why the whole cloud is not coloured, is, because that in the middest, the beames as strong, peirce thorow, but on the edges where they are weaker, they are reflected or refracted.
Now for so much as GOD made the Raynebow a sign and Sacrament of the promise, some think it was never seene before the flood: their reason may be this, that the earth, after the first creation was then so fruitfull, that it needed hone or very little Raine, so that such dark clouds were not often gathered, the fruitfull ground not so easily remitted his moysture, that then was fat and clammy, hard to be drawne up: so it might be, that there was no Rainebow before, as we cannot find that ever, it rained before. But whether it were or not, it is certaine, that then it became a Sacrament, whereas it was none before which when we behold, it behoveth us to remember the truth of God in all his promises, to his glory and our comfort.
The milke way, called of some the way to S. James, and Watling Streete.
THe milke way is a white circle seen in a cleare night,The white circle seed in the night as it were in the firmament, passing by the sings of Sagittarius and Gemini.
The cause thereof is not agreed upon among Philosophers, whose opinons I thought best to report, before I come to the most probable causes.
First of all, Pythagoras is charged with a Poeticall fable,pythagoras as though it had been caused by reason that the Sun did once run out of his path way, and burned this part, whereof it looketh white.
Others, as Anaxagoras and Democritus sayd,Anaxagoras Democri… that it was the light of certaine Starres, shining by themselves, of their owne light, which in the absence of the Sun might be seene. But this opinion is also false; for the Starres have no light of themselves, but of the Sun: also if it were so, it should appear about other Starres.
Democritus is also reported to have said, that it was nothing else but innumerable little Starres, which with their confuse light, caused that whitenesse: to this opinion,Cardanus. Cardane seemeth to subscribe.
The Poets have foure fables of it: one of Phaeton, Phaeton.which on a time guided the Chariot of the Sunne, and wandring out of the way, did burne that place, wherefore of Jupiter he was striken downe with lightning.
The second, That it is the high street in Heaven,Ovid. Me…a. that goeth streight to Jupiters palace, and both sides of it the common sort of gods doe dwell.
The third,Hebe. that Hebe, one which was Jupiters Cupbearer, on a time stumbled at a straw, and shed the Wine or Milke that was in the Cup, which coloured that part of Heaven to this day: wherefore she was put out of her office.
The fourth,Apollo. That Apollo stood there to fight against the Giants, which Jupiter made to appear, for a perpetual memory.
Theophrastus, Theophrastus.a Philosopher, affirmed, That it was the joyning together, or came of the 2 half Globes, which made …t appeare more light in that place then anothers.
Others said, it was the reflexion of the shining light of fire or starre light, …s it is seen in a glasse, but then it should …e moveable.
Diodorus affirmed,Diodorus. that it was Heavenly fire, condensed or made thick into a circle, and so became visible, whereas the rest, for the pureness, clearnesse, and thinnesse, could not be seen.
Possidonious, Possidonius.whose mind to many seemeth very reasonable, said, it is the …nfusion of she hea… of the Stars, which therefore is in a Circle, contrary to the Zodiake,Zodiake. (out of which the Sun never wandereth) because it might temp… the whole compass with vital and livel…hea, Although in my mind he hath rather expressed the finall cause, then th… efficient.
Aristotles opinion is,Aristotle. that it should be the beames of a great Circle which … caused by a cloud or Exhalation draw… up by those Starres, which be calle… Sporades. Sporades.This opinion of Aristotles … misliked of most men that have travailed in this science; and worthil… ▪ For if it were of the nature of elements as Exhalations are, it would be at length consumed. But this circl… never corrupteth, therefore it is not … Exhalations. Also it neither increase… nor diminisheth, which is a plain pro… that it consisteth not of elemental matter, although Aristotle seem to make double circle, one celestiall, another elemental.
The last opinion is, of them that … it is the nature of heaven, thicker … substance, then other parts of Heaven be, having some likenesse to the substance of the Moon, which being light …ed by the same as all the Starres b… appeareth white. And this opinion I take to be most probable, because that sentence of Starre light seemeth not so reasonably, to be only in that place, and not elsewhere.
The finall cause of this Milke-white circle, hath beene already touched in the opinion of Possidonius, Possidoniuswhereunto also Plinius in the 18. Book,Plinius and 29. Chapter of his natural History agreeth, affirming, that it is very profitable for the generation and fruitfull increase of things that grow on the ear…h.
The Mathematitians that have measured the breadth thereof, affirme,The breadth of this circles that toward the north it passeth over the Ecliptical line of the ninth spheare, from the 18. degree of Gemini, unto 2 degrees of Cancer, which is 13. degrees and toward the South, from the 8 degree of Sagittarius, to the 13 degree of the same signe: and because it is there divided into two branches (as may easily be seen in a cleare night) it reacheth from 24 of Sagittarius, to the 2 degree of Capricorne.
This circle, if it be of the nature of Heaven, is unproperly placed among Meteors or impressions: but because of Aristotles mind, who will have it to be an impression kindled, and their opinion which think it proceedeth of the light of Starres, it is not without good cause in this place treated of.
Of beames, or streames of light, appearing thorow a Cloud.
THere is yet another kind of impression caused by the beames of the Sunne,Beames or streames. stricken through a watery cloud, being of unequall thinnesse, and is thinner in one part then in another, so that it cannot receive the beames in any other forme, then that they appeare direct or slope downeward of divers colours; and the same that are the colours of the Rainebow, though not so evident, because the reflexion is not so strong. They vary in colours: some are more urple or ruddy, when the cloud is thicker; some yellow and whitish, when the cloud is thinner, and so other colours are caused likewise, whereof you may read the proper cause in the colours of clouds and other like parts of this Treatise.
The common people call it the descending of the holy Ghost, or our Ladies Assumption, because these things are painted after such a … Others say that it is raine, striking down in another place, as though they … see the drops falling. And they are … altogether deceived, but in the time; for soon after it will raine, because this impression appeareth out of a watry cloud. They are called by divers names, as Rods, Wands, Cords of Tents, unto which they are not touch unlike staves and little pillars, when they seeme greater and thicker, many being ioyned together.
The Rainebow, the Circles, and these light Beams, are all of one manner of generation, in so much that if you divide the Circle, it shall be a Rainbow; if you draw it streight in length, it maketh streames or beames. Herein they agree, namely, in forme and matter, but they differ in outward form, which we may call fashion, as the one is round, the other halfe round, and the third direct, straight or falling aslope. Also they differ in place about which they stand: for streames are onelyonly about the Sunne; Rainebowes about the Sunne often, and seldome about the Moon; but circles both about the Sunne and the Moon, and also about any other of … the Starres, yet rather and oftner about bright Starres.
To make an end of these streams, they appear diversly, after the fashion and place wherin the cloud hangeth, in respect of the sunne; for sometimes they are seen only in the edge of a cloud, all the breadth of that cloud: sometime thorow the midst of a cloud, being thinner … then in other parts, and then they are spred round about like a tent or pavillion used in War. They are most commonly seen in such times as there … abundancee of raine, which they by their apparition do signifie not yet to be ended.
And thus much concerning direct light beames, called Roddes, &c.
Of many Sunnes.Many Sunnes at once.
IT is strange and marvelous to behold the likelyhood of that which Alexander the Great,Alexander the great. sending word to Darius, Darius.said to be impossible, that Two Sunnes should rule the World. But oftentimes, men have seen, as they thought in the firmament, not only two Sunnes, but oftener three Sunnes, and many more in number thought not so often appearing. These, how wonderfull soever they appear, proceed of a natural cause, which we will endevour to expresse. They are nothing else but Idols or Images of the Sun, represented in an equall, smooth, and watery cloud placed on the side of the Sunne, and somtimes one both sides, into which the Sunne beams being received, as in a glasse, expresse the likenesse of fashion and light that is in the Sunne appearing as though there were many Sunnes▪ whereas indeed there is but one, and all the rest are images.
This thick and watery cloud, is not said to be under the Sunne; for then it would make the Circles, called crowns or garlands: it is not opposite to the Sunne, for then would it make the Rainbow: but it is said to be on the side where the image may be best represented. Also it may not be too far off, for then the beams will be too feeble to be reflected: neither yet too neer; for if it so be, the Sunne will disperse it: but in a competent and middle distance: for so representation of many Sunnes is caused.
They are most often seene in the morning and evening, about the rising or going down of the Sunne, seldome at noone time, or about the midst of the day, because the heat will soone dissolve them: yet have there been some seen, which began in the morning, and continnued all the day long, unto the evening.Many sm…l Sunnes like stars. Similitude. Somtimes there appeare many little Suns, like unto little starres, which are caused after the same sort as we do see a mans face to be expressed in all the pieces of a broken glasse. So when the cloud hath many separations, there appeare many Sunnes, on one, side of the true Sun, somtimes great and somtimes little, as the parts of the cloud separated are in quantity.
They do naturally betoken tempest and rayne to follow,The signification of many Sunnes. because they cannot appeare but in a watery disposition of the Ayre.
Also, if they appeare on the Southside of the Sunne, they signifie a greater tempest, then if they appeare on the North-side. The reason is alleadged, because the Southerne Vapor is sooner resolved into Water then is the Northerne.
For a supernaturall signification, they have oftentimes been noted to have portended the contention of Princes of kingdomes: As not long before the Contention of Galba, Otho, Galba, Otho, and Vitellius.and Vitellius for the Empire of Rome, there appeared three Sun. Also of late, toward the slaughter of Lewis King of Hungary, were seen three Suns, betokening three Princes that contended for the kingdome, namely Ferdinnando since Emperour, John Vayvode, and the great Turke.
Of many Moones.
AFter the treaty of many Suns, it were not hard for any man without farther instruction to know the natural Cause of many Moons;Many Moones. For they are likewise Images of the Moon, represented in an equal Cloud, which is watry, smooth and polished, even like a glass.
Some call them (as Plinius saith) night-Suns;Plinius. because they, joined with the light of the true Moon, give a great shining light, to drive away the shadow and darkness of the night.
It were superfluous to write more of their Causes or Effects, which are all one with those that have been declared of the Suns.
It may be doubted,Why other stars are not so represented. why the other stars do not likewise expness their image in watry Clouds; and so the number of them, as to our sight, should be multiplyed.
It may be Answered that their light or beams are too feeble and weak to express any such Similitude or likeness in the watry Clouds. For although they have garlands or circles about them, that are caused in a Vapour that is under them, yet it is manifest that this Apparition hath not need of so strong a light as is required to print the images of them in the Clouds. Again, the Garlands are direct under, and therefore apter to receive such Apparition.
It may be again Objected that the Stars have their Image perfectly and sufficiently expressed in glasses here on the Earth;Objection. yea and at the day-time, when their light is either none, or most feeble and weak: as we see it is used at Midsummer to behold that great star called Syrius in a glass even at Noondays.Syrius a great Star seen at noone in Summer.
Also we see every night the image of the Stars in calm and quiet standing waters: then what should let but that their images might also be expressed in watry Clouds?
Hereto may be answered that the Let is in the Cloud,An answer. which is neither so hard as is the glass, nor yet so continual as is the water, but consisteth of innumerable smal drops: so that except the light of the stars were stronger, it can in them express no uniform images of them, as it doth in glasses and in the water. Notwithstanding, in Writers of Wonders we read some such likething sometime to have chanced.
There hath been often seen many Suns in the day-time and after the Sun setting: at the rising of the full Moon there have appeared many Moons, which was by this means, that the same Cloud that received the Sun-beams in the morning, tarried in the same place, and at the Moons rising was ready also to receive her image.
Of Wonderfull Apparitions.
WE will close this Book with a brief declaration of the natural Causes of many things that are seen in the Air,Wonderfull apparitions. very wonderfull and strange to behold, which in these latter Years have been often seen and beheld to the great admiration of all men, not without the singular providence of God, to forewarne us of many dangers that hang over us in these most Perillous Times.
The apparitions of which, as it is most wonderfull, so the searching of the Cause to us is most difficult: a great deal the rather, because no man hath hitherto enterprised (to my knowledge) to seek out any cause of them, but all men have taken them as immediate miracles, without any natural meane or cause to procure them.
And I truly do acknowledge that they are sent of God as wonderfull signs to declare his Power, and move us to amendment of life; indeed miraculous, but not yet so that they want a natural cause; for if they be well weighed and considered, it is not hard to find that they differ much from such Miracles as are recorded in the Scripture and admitted of Divines. So that as I abhorre the Opinion of Epicurus to think that such things come by Chance, but rather by the determined purpose of Gods providence: so I consent not with them that suppose when any thing is derived from any natural caus, God the chief and best Cause of all things is excluded.
Some of these Wonderfull Apparitions consist of Circles and Rainbowes of divers fashions and placings, as one within another, the edge of one touching another, one dividing or going thorow another, with like placing of small Circles about great Circles or parts of small Circles, some with the ends upward, some downward; some aside, and some across; but all for the most part in uniform order constituted or placed for the order of them pleasant to behold, but for the strangness somwhat fearfull. Such a like Apparition is made with the Suns or Moons images joined unto these Circles set also in good and uniform order.
The cause of all these is the meeting together of all those several Causes that make the Circles, Rainbowes, Streames and Images of the Sun or Moon, which joined all together, make the wonderfull sight of Rainbowes, positions of Circles,Optice. Catoptrice Crosses and divers Lights which pertain to the knowledg of Optice and Catoptrice that teach how by divers refractions and reflects, ons of beams such visions are caused. So that he which will know how they are generated, must return into the several Treatises of Rainbowes, Circles, Streams & Images of the Sun or Moons and if in them he find not knowledg sufficient to instruct him, I must send him to the Demonstrations of Perspective, where he shall want nothing.
Another sort of them, no less often beheld within these few years then the former, but a great deal more strange and wonderfull to look upon, are the Sights of Armies fighting in the Air, of Castles, Cities and Towns, with whole Countries, having in them Hils, Vallies, Rivers, Woods, also Beasts, Men and Fouls, Monsters of which there are no such kindes on the Earth, and finally all manner of things and actions that are on the Earth, as Burials, Processions, Judgments, Combates, Men, Women, Children, Horses, Crowns, Armes of certain Noble men and Countries, Weapons of all sorts, somtimes Stars…, Angels as they are painted with the Image of Christ crucified, beseiging of Castles and Townes, many things and gestures done by men or beasts, thevery Similitude of Persons known to the Beholders; as of late was seen the very Image of the Emperour Charles, insomuch that they which beheld it, put off their Caps, thinking verily it had been he: and of John Frederick Prince Elector of Saxony, who that time was Prisoner with the Emperour: Also the Image of smal Crosses, which hath been not only in the Air, but also on the Earth, on mens apparell, on dishes, platters, pots, and all other things, so that the Jewes have been full angry that they could neither wash nor rub them out of their apparell. In Germany also Fires and many such things as it were long stories seen in the Air.
All these wonderfull Apparitions may be caused two manner of ways; the one Artificially, the other Naturally.
Artificially, by certain glasses and Instruments made according to a secret part of that knowledg which is called Catoptrice; Catoptrice.and so peradventure some of them have been caused; but
The most part (doubtless) Naturally, when the disposition of the Air hath been such, that it hath received the image of many things placed and done on Earth.
And because it is apt to receive divers images, as well in one place as in another, these monstrous forms and strange actions or stories proceed of the joining of divers forms and actions: as if two Histories were confusedly painted in one, the whole Picture would be strange: or (as the Poet saith) if a Painter,Horarius. to a mans head, should sett a horses neck, and after, divers feathers. Sometimes also one image is multiplyed in the Air into many or infinite, as are letters and crosses which fill the Air, even beneath: And the light of the Sun received into little parts, maketh to appear as it were many smal stars.
Let this suffice concerning these wonderfull Apparitions: once again admonishing the Reader, though I have enterprised to declare these by natural Reason, yet verily believing that not so much as one Sparrow falleth to the ground without Gods providence. I do also ackowledg Gods providence bringeth these to pass, to such ends as before I have shewed, using these causes as meanes and instruments to do them.