❧ The first Chapiter of the distinction of the hand.

THE auncient Grekes, who (as it may ap­pere by y^t long and old vse of the word) did vse this sorte and kinde of Diuinatyon, whiche is ga­thered by the beholdynge of manne his hande, called it by this propre name of Chyromancia. Wherfore I intendynge to write the rules & obseruations therof, do thinke it necessarye and mete first of al to discribe the hand of man, and point out & set forthe his partes, whereby such rules and preceptes as shall be geuen v­pon this manuell diuination, maye the more easily be vnderstand and knowen. The hand therfore being extent or ope­ned [Page]abroade, the playne within is called the palme, in the middest whereof there is a certaine space called the concaue or holownesse, oute of the whiche the fiue fingers haue their originall and begin­ning. Amongst the which, the first being the strongest and mooste grosse, is called the Thombe: the next is called the index or forfinger, because in shewing or poin­ting to any thing, we do commonly vse that finger. The next that foloweth and is in the middest of the fiue, is by the same name called the middle finger: next after this, is the ringe finger: so called, because it is commonly to weare a ring of golde vpon it, and speciallye that on the lefthand, for because as learned men hold opinion, there dothe passe a certain small sinnowe from that finger to the heart of man: wherefore it semed good in times paste to the antiquitie, to wear a ringe as a crowne vppon that finger, or els as some do suppose, that goulds by nature doth comforte the heart. The laste finger and leaste of all, is called [Page]the eare finger, because it is commonly vsed to make cleane the eares. And thus farre concernynge the fingers. More o­uer, the hand beyng closed or shut wyth the fingers turned in, we call the fiste, the nether parte wherof (amongest such as vse this Arte,) is commonlye called the percussiō or stroke of the hand. Thē the place where the hand is drawen and gathered in, & ioyned to the arme, is also called the wreste. Furthermore, euerye finger hath his proper rising or swelling of the fleshe, whiche doth rise at the rote or nether parte of the saide fingers, and of some is called hylles, and are attribu­ted vnto the names of the Planets. A­mong the whiche is reckened the risyng or hyll in the nether parte of the fist, cal­led the percussion of the hande, so that in the hande are limitted and appoynted seuerall places vnto euerye of the Pla­nettes, whereby iudgemente maye be gathered. For the risynge or hyll of the thombe is assigned vnto Venus, and marked with this carecter ♀, the hyll [Page]of the fore finger to Iupiter, and is thus noted ♃, the middle finger is attribute to Saturne, with this note ♄, the ringe finger to the Sunne, with this character ☉, the hill of the little or eare finger is vnder Mercury, with this marke ☿, the risyng or hill which is in the percussion, the Mone doth possesse, and is thus figu­red ☽. Now what place Mars shal haue we will shew you hereafter, but first we will make discription of the incisions & diuisions of the hand, which we call the lines. Amongest the which there be two chiefe and principall, which be these: the wrest which diuideth the hand from the arme, and is almost ioyned to the line of life, or of the hart, the whiche beginueth vnder the hill of the forefinger, as it wer betwene the forefinger and the thombe, and dothe deuide the hande stretchinge downeward towarde the wrest. In the same side of the hande at the hyll of the forefinger, beginneth a line whiche pas­seth ouerthwart the hande to the hyll of the Moone, and is called the middle cri­nean naturall. And these two lines thus [Page]beginning and passyng sundry wayes, make the forme and shape of a triangle. To the whiche [...], if the line of the Liuer or stomacke, whiche beginneth ouer a­gainste the wreste, and passeth vnder the hil of the thombe, to the hil of the Mone, by the end of the meane natural line, do apere, as in some it doth not, it finisheth the triangle. And the space conteyned within these lines, is attribute and geuē vnto Mars, and is called the triangle of Mars, noted wyth this figure ♂.

There is also an other line called the ta­ble line, beginninge vnder the eare fin­ger, at the ende of the hyll of the Mone, and runneth to the forefinger, and is so called, because the space betwene it and the middle or meane natural doth argue or shewe the fashion of a table, and that space is alwayes called the table or qua­drangle of the hande, and the line is also called the lyne of fortune. And these be almost the chiefe diuisions or lines of the hand, to the which all other lesse & smal­ler incisions and lines are referred. But nowe as neare as we can wee wyll dis­cribe [Page]them all, and as farre as partey­neth to this Arte, shew their nature and signification. And first I thinke mete to speake of those lines, whiche take their denomination or name of the three prin­cipall membres of mans bodie, that is of the hart, the brain, and the liuer. For as in those parts, whatsoeuer is in mā is altered & chaūged: so bi those thre incisions and lines, a man may foresee & pronosti­cate what soeuer shall happen, touching health, or aduersitie, or other thinges na­turall. The which if any man thinke to be vaine and triflying: let him call to re­membraunce the auncient Philosophers of Pythagoras secte, who chieflye by the proporcion and liniaments of mans bo­dye, did declare and pronosticate the ma­ners, state, and ende of man his life. For what is saide of Socrates, when that a certain man professying the Arte of Phi­siognomye, or speculation: beholdynge Socrates, iudged hym by his outwarde habyte to be a verye euyll manne, of vncleane lyfe, libidinous, and geuen to [Page]all euil, was therefore wonderfullye re­buked of his scholers, as thoughe he had shamefullye flaundered hym. Socrates aunswered, that in dede naturallye he felte suche mocions and inclinations, so that if he hadde not corrected the vyces, his nature by the rules of reason, he had bene suche a one as he hadde pronoun­ced hym to bee: meanynge thereby all those vices, whiche nature and destenye hath planted in vs, maye easilye by rea­son and custome be amended, if we wyll striue agaynste destinye. And the prince of the Paripetecians Aristotle, saide, the hande of manne to be made of Nature, the principall organe and instrument in mannes bodye. For sithens it is his of­fice to minister and serue all other partes of the bodye, and that in humaine gene­ration, the vertues, powers, and strēgth, of all membres do come together. It is verye consequente and agreable, some certaine signes and tokens of the quali­tie and complexion of man, to be knowen and perceiued by the hande.

Suche is the proporcion of membres a­mong them selues, that they do partake one wyth another in all thynges. And further, that this arte of Chyromancie was vsed in the time of Plinie, he him selfe dothe affirme. Wherefore I take it to be my dutie to admonyshe you what you ought to attribute to this arte, and what is els to be ioyned wyth it, lest a­ny man should thinke to include or shut vp the knowledge of so highe and great thinges into so straight and narow cor­ners. Wherfore what I thinke herein I thinke good to shewe. As often as I must answere to any that enquireth, by and by as is accustomed, I loke vpon the hand, and therwithal beholde the whole bodye with the lineamentes, and pro­porcion of the same, whiche is called his Physiognomie, (whereof in the boke fo­lowing I will intreate,) then I cast my minde to the hour of Natiuitie, moneth, daye, or yere: the whiche knowen, I re­ferre strait to the rules of natural Astro­logye hereafter by mee written, then plainely iudgyng none of these by them [Page]selues sufficient. And thinking it better to iudge them foles in geuyng light cre­dite, then I to be counted rashe and fo­lishe hastye in geuyng sentence. So that when I haue gathered all these thinges together, and taken holde of that which I thinke meete for my vse, I vtter my iudgment, estemyng the point of a mad manne by lokyng onely in the hande, to geue iudgemente of the life and all the states of mans bodye. And nowe I returne to the rules of Chyromancie.

The seconde Chapiter of the line of life, or of the heart.

THe line of life, called also the line of the heart, beginneth as is saide before at the hyll of the forefinger, passing by the midst of the palme, goeth to the wrest. The whiche if it be long, straite, liuely coloured, bright and cleare, it betokeneth longe life, endoma­ged with fewe diseases or sickenesse. Plinie affirmyng the same, sayth: that it is token of longe life to haue vpryght shoulders, & two longe incisions or lines in one hand, the which are to be vnder­stande of the line of lyfe, and the meane natural line. If that the natural powers be weake, and that the line doe appeare short and of diuers colours, runnyng in & out, thinne or slender, and cut or par­ted in sunder, with manye ouerthwart riuels or small crestes, it dooeth declare shortnesse of life, muche sickenesse, small strength, and that he in whom this is so noted, shall seldome or neuer bringe any [Page]thing to a good end. So likewise, the line grose, long, and vndeuided, doth shew al the contraries to the same. Wherfore, if any man do requyre or aske a reason of this thing, we answer y^t the blud, which doth norish the hart, and is also thought to be the seat & resting place of y^e minde, to be the cause efficiēt of this thing. For it is most certain, that as y^e blud is pure, or vnpure: so the line shal be coloured, either cleare or dark: so as long as bloud dothe abounde, it sheweth reddye and brighte: and contrariwise, pale, & swart, when the bloude doth fail or war scarse. Wherby aswel the natural heate dimi­nished and the weake bodye, as also the strong & lusty body is shewed & declared. Thē if this line be narow, subtile, & wel colored, & stretch forth toward the mean natural: it signifieth a mā of good coun­sel, of subtile vnderstandinge, and of an high and princely minde and stomacke. And if it be broade, il coloured, and pale: it signifieth the cōtrary. This is always to be noted in all principal lines, that if they be straite, not deuided, neither [Page]cutte, and well coloured, it doth declare a good complexion: if they be contrari­wise disposed or set, if sheweth the con­trari: Also if y^e line of life be grose, depe, and diuersly coloured: that is to say: one place redde, another pale or swarte, is a signe of malice, craft, enuy, and the man to be a great talker, and boaster, and one that standeth much in his own conceit. If the line be grosse and very red, it be­tokeneth a crafty, a filthy, and an incon­stant man, but if it be pale, mixed wyth a certain rednesse: it signifieth an angry man, almoste mad with anger. And it be very red, mixed with palenes or swarth­nesse like leade: it sheweth an vncon­stant, vnshamfast, wauering, traitorous, and angry man, and delitinge to stir vp mischief, and sow discord. But if it be red in the part next the wreaste: it signifieth cruelty, and oftentimes it chaunceth to be forked in the vpper corner, which be­tokeneth an vnstable man, a runner a­boute countryes, and marueslous in all his doinges, the whiche if it be croked & writhen toward the mean natural line: [Page]if signifieth a craftye, disceitfull, wan­ton, and a manne of a peruerse and fro­ward minde: and if you happen to finde in the hande of a woman, a crosse, with three small lines at the vpper corner of the line of life: it signifieth an vnshame­faste, and vnhonest woman, but if that crosse be founde aboute the right corner in the line it selfe, and be depe in: it sig­nifieth an vngodlye and mischeuous woman, whiche shall suffer greate pu­nishemente for her mischiefe. For suche a crosse in that line, dothe alwaies beto­ken euel, bothe in man and woman. If that there be founde two lines in thend of the rising of the thumbe, nere the line of life, as they wer liyng on the one side: by y^e token I iudge the mā to die shortly. And if y^e line of life haue braūches stret­ched out toward the meane natural, in forme as you see in the margente: it is a sine of riches, honor, and perfection. But if y^e said braūches run dounward toward the wrest in this maner, it signifieth po­uerty & domage by houshold seruantes, through their vntruthe, and if the saide [Page]braunches do passe strait thorow the tri­angle to the meane natural: it signifieth a man, after diuerse and sondrye daun­gers and chaūges of fortune, to come to prosperity and riches. Moreouer, manye smal lines deuiding the left line, betoke­neth much sickenes: furder, if there be in the line of life certain points or graines scattering: it declareth a man vnshame­fast, a fornicator, and in ieoperdy of hys life for murder in a tumult, whereof he was auctor him self, and shalbe diuerse times sore wounded.

When in the beginninge of the lyne of lyfe be thre smal croked lines, deuidinge it in this maner: it is a token of a leprosy to come, for it doth declare the il disposi­tion of the liuer, whereupon this whych is already said maye be gathered, that if the line of life be long, and depe, wel co­loured, hauinge a good proportion with the meane naturall line, and the line of the liuer or stomacke, and that they two be of due quantity and length, and well coloured: it is a good signe of long life, good nature, wit, disposition, and com­plexion. [Page]And oftentimes there be found in the line of life one ☉ or ☉ ☉ of these notes, which do signify the losse either of one, or bothe eyes, the whiche although they be seldome found, yet in my selfe I haue had the experience, for in the same place of my hand is the same marke, the which whē I saw, I cald to remēbrance in what daunger I was of one of my eyes, for sitting by the fire in winter, I fell therein, and tumblinge in the flame with my left eye, I was vehemently tormented. Albeit I find that not only that did prognosticate that euel vnto me, but also the opposition of Mars, & the Mone in my natiuity. For I finde at the tyme of my birth, Mars to be in the eleuenthe house in a manlye signe, and the Mone likewise in the fyfthe house, whiche con­stellatiō, is obserued of the Astronomers to signifye some suche thynge. And in so muche as I haue found this true it doth so muche the more verify that whyche I sayd afore, that these artes were ioyned together, as it were by a certaine aly­aunce, or affinitie, and that thone wyth­out [Page]thother could very litle preuail. For it is most certaine, the inferior bodyes to be gouerned by them aboue, and as all power and strength haue their influence from those heauenly bodies: so like wise al lack and default to come by them, it is most sure. Wherfore we may wel consi­der, that nature was a careful workman about the creation of mans body, which hath geuen knowledge to man diuersiy and manifoldly, to iudge by these three most noble and principal partes.

In the other partes, she hathe not so done. For she hath set in the hand of mā certain signes and tokens of the heart, braine, and liuer, because that in them the life of man doth chiefly consist. But she hathe not likewise done of the eyes, eares, mouthe, handes, and fete, for be­cause those partes and members of the body, seme rather to be made for a come­linesse or beautye to the bodye, then for anye necessitye. Therefore all handes haue the thre lynes aforesayde, but the other incisions or lynes manye do wante or lacke. Husbandmen beinge [Page]also excluded frō hence for their continu­al labour. Wherefore, sithens these two sciences nede such a mutual help, one of the other: I wil declare vnto you oute of astrologye, the nature of the Erratical signes, whiche the Crekes cal Planets. Saturnus maketh sad, circumspect, coue­tous, slow, and litle speakers, and self lo­uers. Iupiter causeth pleasaunt, liberal, quiet, sobre. and eloquent persons, Con­trariwise, Mars causeth cruel, fiers, and liers. The Sonne maketh godly, wittye, happy, or fortunate, and coragious mē. Venus causeth incontinent, libidinouse, comely & faire. Mercury causeth subtile, craftye, learned in sciences, and nimble men. The Mone maketh quicke witted, and comly, but vnstable and slow. Now I haue spoken of the diuersitie of dispo­sitiōs and wits: I wil also shewe some­what of voice, and speche, wherby the di­uers effectes and workinge of the Pla­nettes amongest them selfes, maye the better be vnderstand and knowen. Saturnus doth cause a slow and scriking voice or speche, Mars a crashing voice, like the [Page]breaking of metals. Iupiter, a shril, soun­ding, and gentle voice. Venus maketh a weake, soft, pleasant, & effeminate voice. And so likewise doth the Sunne, & Mer­cury, The signes also haue their proper voices, for Virgo, Gemini, Libra, Aqua­rius, do make good voices or soundes. A­ries, Taurus, Leo, Capricorne, and the last part of Sagittary, cause meane voy­ces. Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, are ey­ther altogither dombe, & without sound: or els minister som great impedimēt in y^t speche, Ther be also certain signes, called fertile, because they do increase with Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces. And others be called barraine. as Gemini, Leo, Capri­corne. So that what so euer a man can do, may be applied to the signes, as fur­derers of the same. The which thing in that it canne not be denied, so muche the more are they to be counted slaūderers, which esteme & report Astrologye not as deuine, but as a vaine friuolous arte, or knowledge, whō in their places we wil set forth with their colours. But nowe to returne to our purpose.

If you find a crosse in this fort about the vpper corner, procedinge oute of the line of life, and on the nether side, three smal lines, and on thupper side two, as you may se by this figure, it signifieth a libidinouse and an vnshamfast woman. But if the thre lines be found in the ne­ther ende of the line of lyfe towarde the wrest, it betokeneth that the woman shall suffer greuous punishment for some mischief, or cuel doinge.

When that certain smal lines do de­uide or touche the line of life in the vp­per ende, in forme prescribed: it dothe de­clare the infirmitie and sicknes of y^t bo­dy. But if on thother parte of the meane natural line, there be incisions in this manner, liynge as it were direcily from the nether parte of the line, and risinge vpwarde: it betokeneth cuel, as paine in the heade, whiche commeth of exhalati­ons of the stomacke, or some suche other disease. And those thre lines on thend of that line, do betoken euel, as shal appere hereafter.

❧ The third Chapter, of the meane naturall line.

THe line whiche beginneth at the roote of the line of life, and pas­seth through [...] the Palme of the hande, towarde the hyll of the Moone, or pommel of the hande: is pro­perli called the meane natural line. The whiche if it be straite, and vndeuided [Page]with ani smal ouerthwart lines, it shew­eth good health, a sound brayn, a quicke & liuely wit, and also a good memorye. If it be long, stretched oute to the hill of the mone, it doth declare a stout stomack and long life, which if it be shorte, that it passe not the holownes of the hand: it betokeneth a feareful, couetous, vnwise, & vnfaithful man, and if the saide line do not stretch out to the hill of the Moone, but end euer against the space, which is betwene the middle finger, and the ring finger: it betokeneth a mā of il maners, and that shal not liue long. Then if the same line run out beyond the hill of the Mone, and turne in again in forme of a halfe compasse: the farther it stretcheth, the longer life it betokeneth, but in age pouerty. But if the same line at the vp­per end do rise toward the fingers, it signifieth an vnshamefaste and malicious man, the which if it rise verye muche to­ward the fingers, it doth declare him to be verye folyshe, and vnwise. Contrari­wise, if it tourne down warde almoste to the palme of the hand, it is a token of a [Page]couetous and vncleane man. On the o­ther part, if it turne vpwarde, touch the table line: it signifieth some great [...]osse, and aduerse or euell fortune: and if the same line be writhen, vnequal, and of di­uers coulours: it is a token of an il dis­posed mind, and oftentimes of theft. The line being straite, equal, and bright co­loured: betokeneth a good consciēce, and iustice. But when the meane naturall line is brode and grosse, with a certaine rednesse intermedled: it signifieth a rude disposicion and lacke of wit. And if it be nether to straight, nor to large, and wel coloured: it betokeneth a mery, chereful, and a fortunate man, but if it be subtile, and slender, swarte, or pale: it declareth weaknes of the braine, and vapores ri­sing from the stomacke into the heade. And if the line appere grosse, & very depe & hath a certaine smal line nere to it, red coloured: it sheweth an angry and fury­ous man. Again if it haue certain knot­ty spaces in this maner o, so many knots as there be, it doth declare so many mur­ders, ether al ready cōmitted, or hereafter [Page]to be done. The which knottes if they be not fully closed or shutte, they are a tokē of a great quareller, whiche shal beate & wounde, but not kill outright. If there be in the same line certain grosse pricks, or pointes: it sheweth an vnmanerly, fo­lish, and vnpleasant manne, the whiche pointes if they be verye redde: it betoke­neth a very cruel and fierce man. If the same line be croked, makyng halfe a cir­cle, with a certaine obscure or darke co­loure: it signifieth daunger by foure fo­ted beast, or els to be slain of wild beast. And oftentimes, nye the same line there be two smal lines ioyned together (as in the figure of the hande folowynge you shal see) which signifie wounds, but not with weapon. More ouer, if there be a crosse in the same line, ouer againste the middle finger: it betokeneth that the man shal dye within a yere. If any man haue this line forked toward the wrest, with smal diuisions: he semeth to set al his minde on mischiefe, and neither to feare God nor man.

This figure of the hande here descri­bed with the meane natural line, begin­ning at the rote of the line of life, & pas­sing directly through the middest of the hand, withoute any incisions: signifieth the good state of the body, and health of the braine. And when it maketh a sharp corner, with the line of life: it declareth a quickenesse of memorye, and vpright­nes of minde. But if it be (as is rehersed in the cannon before) vnequal, not stret­ching past the pit or caue of the hand: it betokeneth a fearfull, coue­tous, and a forgetfull persone.

If the meane naturall line aboue fi­gured, make as it were a halfe Circle, with a certain obscure colour: it threate­neth hurte by beastes, and oftentymes death. But if at the ende of this line on eche side do appeare two small lines: it signifieth woundes by Weapons. If there appere ouer against the middle fin­ger a little Crosse deuided with small lines, it doth demonstrate the weakenes of the bodye, and breuitie of life: and so muche the rather if the square or quadrangle be lackyng in the hand.

If the hande before portured, haue in the meane naturall line certaine pale knottes: howe manye knottes there be, so many murders it doth declare alredy committed: if they be red, they do pro­nounce the persone to be hereafter bothe a murderer and thiefe. If there be croked incisions in the said natural line: I iudge him to be a verye vnhappye and vnfor­tunate manne. And by the crosse there, I suppose him to be ful of strife and debate, and desirous of discord.

When this meane natural line stret­cheth to the table line, and is croked in the ende in forme prescribed: it decla­reth a noughty euil tonged man, a shea­der of bloud, and shall often be in daun­ger for the same, & at the lengthe perad­uenture suffer condigne punishment. If the same line haue priuy incisiōs: it doth denounce a proude, bablyng, and angrye man. But if there be a crosse in the vp­per corner, right against the risyng or hil of the thombe: it sheweth an honest mā, and apt and disposed to all kinde of goodnesse, and so likewise on the contrary.

The fourth Chapter of the table line.

THis line is called the table line, be­cause it maketh the fashion of a table in the hande, for so wee do call the space remainynge betwene it and the meane naturall line. It is also called the qua­drāgle or square line, because that wyth [Page]the mean natural line, it maketh almost a quadrangle or square. If this lyne be equal, long inoughe, depe, and straite: it is a token of a good nature and strength of the principal membres of man, of mo­desty, temperance, and a constant minde in al good workes. If it stretche past the hill of the forefinger, and touch the hyll of Iupiter: it is a signe of vehement an­ger and crueltie, beinge redde aboue, is a signe of a promoter, and enuiynge an­other mans felicitie or welfare. And ha­uynge braunches risynge straite to the finger of Iupiter: it dothe promisse pro­mocion, encrease of riches: and that be­inge poore, shal come by little and little to honoure and worshippe. But if the line be naked without anye braunches stretchyng toward the roote of the fore­finger: it betokeneth an vnfortunat and poore manne. If it haue in the end three smal lines or braunches aboute the hyll of Iupiter, runnynge straite forthe to the vpper corner: it signifieth a fortu­nate, liberall, merye, modest, and noble manne, whiche deliteth in all kinde of [Page]comely and cleanlye apparel, and swets smelles and sauoures. In whose byrthe who doth consider the Horoscope, (whe­ther he finde Taurus or Libra, whome Venus dothe rule: or Sagittarius & Pisces, vpon whome Iupiter hath dominion: or what planet els there be) shal easily per­ceiue and finde the cause and reason of this matter: a crosse stāding in the same place, doth signify a liberal man, a louer of truth, benigne, gentle to be spoken to, and in a maner one indued wyth al kind of vertue. But if this line do finishe or ende ouer againste the hil of the middle finger: it betokeneth a lier, a selfe louer, inconstante, disceitful, vnshamfast man, and a sower of strife and debate. When this line is ioyned with the mean natu­ral, so that they both make a sharpe cor­ner: the same man shalbe in many daū ­gers bothe of bodye and minde, that he shall be euen wearye of his life. And if he lacke the meane natural line, that the table line ioyninge to the line of life do make a sharp corner or point, I iudge that that manne shall lose hys heade, or [Page]bee deadlye wounded, and shall neuer bringe nothinge to passe. If this line be deuided, that one part loke towarde the meane natural, thother towarde the hil of Saturne: it is a token that he shall be often in daunger of his life, and yet es­cape. The same line beinge subtile and straite at the ende vnder the hil of Iupi­ter: it signifieth a gouernor of houshold: and promotiō or rule ouer his brethren, kindred, and equalles. If it hathe incisi­ons ouer againste the middle finger: it betokeneth a flatterer, and a double ton­ged manne, whome fewe menne shall loue. If a line comminge directlye from the quadrangle to the hil of Saturne, de­uidinge the table line, do make a little crosse there: it threateneth violent death. For as this line is a token of greate fe­licitie and good fortune, if it passe by the hill of the middle finger, and stretche be­yonde the hill of the forefinger: so like­wise, not touchinge the middle finger, and endinge vnder the hil thereof, is a signe of extreme pouerty, and many ca­lamities and daungers.

Thē this line hauing any interruptiōs or incisions liyng scattered, it signifieth a folish, and an vnconstant man, whose study or desire is to be in contētion with women, as now to loue, now to hate, & oftentimes to chide & fighte with them. And this line being depe, subtile, & pale, at the end aforesaid: declareth an honest chaste man, but weake, & much troubled with sicknesse and diseases. But it is an ill signe, and specially in a woman, whē the line beginninge at the meane natu­ral, going to the hil of the middle finger, doth both deuide the table, and the table line, and is forked in the ende. And that woman whiche hathe a line comminge from the line of life, to the hil aforsaide: it signifieth that woman to haue killed her owne childe. The whiche line if it turne backeward to the hil of Iupiter: it betokeneth that woman shal haue great inheritaunce, if that line be redder then the other: it betokeneth pain in the bow­els, & knawing about the nauel. Again, if that line be double, cuttinge the table line: it sheweth that the man shal dye a [Page]miserable death. For bothe in man and woman, it is a tokē of an il end. And of­ten the table line towarde the hill of Sa­turne or Iupiter, is sene forked: whiche doth note the man shal suffer many we­ry laboures and trauailes in his life, the whiche the redder it is, it sheweth him y^e more inclined to anger. When there ap­peareth in the same line, certaine small lines risinge one by another: the more there be, the more honorable thei declare him to be, & to haue the greater power and rule. But in whose hande there is no table line at all, I coniecture them to be of both kinds, il willing, contentious, angry, vnfaithful, vnconstant, & ready to al mischief. More ouer, if there appeare a line, cōming from the table line toward the little finger, it is obserued, that man neither to be good nor fortunate: but co­uetous, angry, and horribly sad, and al­so filthie, enuioue, and a companion of mischief, if there apere any lines red, be­twene the table line, & the eare finger: it betokeneth so many mariages as thei be in nomber, but if they be croked and [Page]pale, thei be already past. Again, if there be found vnder the roote of the table line certaine croked crosses, so many as there bee, so many deadly enemies do they be­token. When that a line comming from the table to the hyl of Saturne, deuide the table line, and make a crosse on the ende therof: it is saide to be a token of a vio­lent death. And certaine wise menne in this science saie, that if there be small in­cisions about the vpper end of the same line: it betokeneth sickenes in youth. If they be in the middest, in middle age: if at the other ende, in age: and if the same lines runne downeward, the discase shal be of cholore, if they ascend, of fleume: if they rise out of the midst vpward, it shal be of bloude: and if contrariwise thei turne downewarde, it shall be of melan­cholye, after as his coloure is brighte or darcke. Here is to be vnderstande, that Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, do rule the salt fleume, and Saturne causeth all dis­eases that come of a viscouse or slimye fleume, as the morphew, leprosy, canker & goute. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorne, [Page]are of like nature, colde, and drye, and rule the melancoly. And therfore Venus dothe cause colde and moiste diseases in the throte and priuy membres. Likewise the Moone causeth the dropsye, fallynge sickenes, and appopleri. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, haue dominion of the cholere & agues, and biles, which come of bloud. Likewise Mars dothe rule hote agues, fronsies, and the worme in the head: vn­to Iupiter we attribute the cōbust bloud, vnto Mercury is applied the diseases of the minde, bitter, and heauy thoughtes, & troubled conscience. The Sonne brin­geth hote & drye diseases. Al which thin­ges shal appeare more plaine hereafter, wher the nature of the planets & signes shalbe spokē of, wherfore note always y^t the rednesse of the lines or incisiōs come of the heat of Mars. Therefore in all the iudgements of this manuel diuinatiō, I wil you to haue respect to the nature of y^t planets & signes, wherin the sunne was the time of natiuity or birth. And so like­wise the Phisiognomy must be taken hede of, & by that meane the wise iudge shal get both profite & praise.

If there be founde in the line of for­tune (called also the line of prosperitie) thre smal braunches and be ioyned with the line of life, and therwith deuide the wreast: it betokeneth a good and quicke witte, but if it ioyne to those lines, as it is here described, with a certaine wri­thinge or crokednesse: it signifieth an euel, peruerse, wicked, and a malitious slaunderer, and one whiche coueteth al­waie to shede bloude. For when so euer you shal see these maner of lines, straite remember and haue re­course to the nature of Mars.

The table line thus disposed that it begin and ende in his due places, do de­clare the good state of the body, & strēgth of the members of generation. But con­trariwise, if there be no table line at all, or that it be withoute braunches shorte and grosse, stretchinge oute beyonde the hill of the forefinger: it signifieth a mischeuous persone, and hard of learninge or vnder­standinge.

¶ These three Braunches in the ende about the hyll of the forefinger, a­gaynste the vpper corner: is a good sygne bothe in manne and woman. Also a little Crosse in the same place, betokeneth good likewyse. If the saide table line haue manye incisions: it sig­nifieth hatred of Princes, and of greate menne: but if the incisions be vnequall and dispersed, you shall vnder­stande the varietye of Fortune.

If that the table line be lackinge in the hande of manne or woman: it is a verye euill signe. For it sheweth a man prompte to all mischiefe, which also shal die an euil death. There must also be re­spect to the lines aboute the hill of Mer­cury, for there is the signes of ma­riage, and the iudgemente of suche thinges as pertaine to the planet of Mercury.

Againe, if the table lyne do through­lye touche the natural line, that it make a sharpe angle as you maye see: it beto­keneth ill, for so many perils shal hange ouer his heade, that he maye iustelye re­pent that euer he was borne. But if the naturall line be lackynge, and the table line touch the line of the heart: (except I be vtterlye disceiued) that man shall lose his head, or dye some yll death. When a certaine line (as here you may see) doths deuide the table line, and make a smal crosse in the vpper ende: it doth betoken a violent death. The which line, if it rise straite vpright in the hand of a woman, and deuide the table line: it is an euil to­ken, for the whiche seke the cannon or rule afore. If there be a smal crosse in the end of the table line: it betokeneth spiri­tual dignities, and the rather, if there be two crosses (as I haue often pro­ued:) it signifieth ecclesiastical promotions.

❧ The fifth Chapter of the wrest.

THe space which as is aforesaid ap­pering in the ioyning of y^e hand to the arme, is called the wreaste, the whiche if it be pure, and of a good liuely colour: it declareth the good estate of the body, and cōtrariwise the euil. And note, that for the most part there be two lines which as it wer deuide y^e hand frō the arme. If there be two lines, then if that next the hande be equal, straite, and wel coloured, stretching vpwarde: it pro­miseth riches, yea, although he be very pore, it promiseth encrease and felicitie, and so much the rather, if there be strait braūches and not ouerthwart. If that a line rising at the rote of the arm, do run vp to the rote of the middle finger: it sig­nifieth good successe and prosperous for­tune. But if ther be in the space or ioynt foure equal lines wel ioyned, deuidinge the arme ouerthwart, beholde great ho­nor and dignitie, succession, and heritage of thy kinred. And if there be founde in [Page]the rote of the arme, neare the hil of the thombe, nigh the line of life (if it descend so lowe) thre lines or starres or more: it signifieth that persone to be accused and betraied by women, and to suffre slaun­der bi them. Further, if a line beginning in the midle of the wrest, go toward the hil of the Mone: it doth pronosticate ma­ny stormes and troubles of fortune, and priuy enmitie and hatred. The whiche line if it be croked & vnequal: it is a to­ken of continual bondage, and that that person shal neuer come to promotiō nor riches. If there be many lines scatred in the wrest, & rise to the hill of the thōbe: he that hath that signe, is in daunger to be afflicted, wounded, spoiled, or caste in prison by his kinred, or by those whō he most loued. If there begin certaine lines in the arme, and deuide the wreaste, and ioyne together in the vpper parie: that man without doubte, shal die in exile or banishment. The which lines if they do not fully close, but be somwhat distant a sonder: he shal end his life amongst for­rein nations, far from his own country. [Page]The same lines tendynge to the pomell of the hande, do for shew long nauigati­ons and iourneyes by sea, & an vnstable life to be spent in such sea perigrinatiōs. Further, if there go a line directly frō y^e wreste, to the hyl of the forefinger: it sig­nifieth a longe iourney, and a difficult or doubtful returne. Also, if there rise a line at the wrest, and runne into the caue of the hande, and be very redde: it declareth the weakenes and diseases of the bodye to come. But if it be pale: they be al rea­dye past, & no more to be feared. If there be founde in the hande of a womanne a triangle, tendyng from the wreste to the hyl of the Moone: it sheweth her to haue ben corrupt, defiled, and defloured in her first youth and floure of her age. Moreo­uer, if there be about the wrest of a wo­man a little crosse: I iudge her thereby both honest, wise, and chaste. Behold the the signes of the good estate of the body, when the space in the wrest next the hād at the other next the ioynte of the arme, be both of good & liuely colour, hauynge the foure incisions aforesaide: it betoke­neth [Page]al goodnesse. Againe, howe hateful are the three Starres, whiche threaten daunger by accusation and slaunder. Marke also going from the wrest to the pomel of the hand, how manifest an ar­gument of infelicitie and euil fortune it is. Thē that cōming from the wrest to y^e hil of Iupiter, how it signifieth a forain, & far distant life to be led. Another rising vpright, dothe promisse riches & fauora­ble fortune. Moreouer, the signes which are in the hil of Iupiter: betoken riches, honor, & dignitie. Also four lines almost cōpassing the arm (as you may se in the hand folowing,) are tokens of long life, and certain lines going from the rote of the arme, making a sharp angle or cor­ner, and a smal crosse by thē: do promisse greate quietnesse of life, and to passe his time merilye with promotion. But the crosse be away: it doth only promisse suc­cession and heritage of manye. If the crosse or certaine litle starres be there: that man shal lacke nothing necessary to his life.

If there be founde in the wreste two large lines, and the nether line be subtil: it signifieth riches vntil the midle age, and after worship, but decrease & decay euerye day more and more. If there rise out of the same lines two smal lines, as it were supporting and holdinge vp one another, and certaine other lines rise vp directly through the palme to the natu­ral line: it is a token of great integritie, and declareth that man to be of a good conscience, the which through his beha­uiour shal come to great riches and pro­speritie, and also come to a good end: but yet it will be the lenger or theese thinges happen, if the line as­cendinge be croked and writhen.

If that two lines beginninge at the wreaste, do rise throughe the Paime to the hil of the Sunne or ringe finger, and the same hil be deuided with two lines ouerthwart: it signifieth a compasser or doer of greate thinges, which shal haue rule and aucthoritie in kinges businesse and af­fairs, and therby get both great honor and richesse.

If in the wrest there be sene a certain grose line, and then an other subtiller and slenderer, and the thirde grosser and deper then the other: it preposeth abun­dance of richesse in the first age or youth, infelicitie & pouertie at the middle age: and in the thirde and last age, recouerys of al before loste, with increase of riches, and a quiet life vnto the laste ende. If there be two croked lines ascendyng to the hyll of Iupiter, and vppon the first ioynte of the same appere two lines go­ing ouerthwart: it signifieth increase of substaunce, by longe iourneys and tra­uailes. The same lines goynge to the hyll of Mercury: betokeneth a man apte to manye thinges, but not fortunate to great richesse. But if they runne to the finger of Saturne: there can be no worse signe, for he will al couetousnesse, and immoderate desire, enuye, and disdaine at an other mannes felicitie and welfare, and a minde geuen to al euil.

The sixte Chapiter of the Triangle.

THe triangle in the hande is three lines, (that is to sa [...]e) the line of life, the meane natural line, and the line of the liuer or stomack: which are so dispo­sed and set, that they make the forme of a triāgle. And the space inclosed within those lines, is deuided into thre partes or corners: wherof the firste is made by the line of life, and the natural line, and is called the vpper angle. Thother which is formed by the line of life, and the vt­ter part of the triangle: is called the sini­ster or lifte angle. The triangle being [...] of equal angles, hauinge lines faire, wel coloured, and straite: doth represent the good qualitie of nature, and of the bo­die, wyth healthe and securitye of the minde, with fame and renoume, and al­so longe lyfe. And contrariwise, the lines beinge darcke, vnequal, no ma­kinge a playne triangle: dothe derlare the contrarye. Further, if the space of the Triangle bee wide and broade, [Page]it doth argue a stoute, liberal, and bold stomacke. Againe, if it be strait & shorte, it betokeneth nigardy, couetousnes, and fearfulnes. If the plain within be pale, declininge to swarthnesse: it signifieth an angry and disceitful persone. Also, if it be cut and deuided with many wrin­kels: it she weth the ill disposicion of the body. Moreouer, the vpper angle is clo­sed by the line of lyfe, and the natural line thre maner of waies: first of al, if it close in the caue of the hād ouer against the valley: betwene the forefinger and the middle finger: we iudge thereby a miserable life, endaungered with cala­mities and captiuitie, and a minde ful of anxietie and care, and oftentimes as it were drowned and ouercome, and speci­ally for the desire of mony. Secondlye, if it be wel closed with a sharpe corner vn­der the midst of the hil of the forefinger: it declareth a good nature, a quick wit, and good disposition, happy and prospe­rous successe, with integrite of maners. And all these thinges are so muche the perfecter if the angle be wel and sharply [Page]closed. Thirdly, the lines not ioyning together, but hauinge a certaine space left betwene: is an argumente of an ambi­tious man, a selfe louer, vnpure, and vn­mannerly, a slaunderer, and cruel, a lier, & liuing withoute praise or good name. The whiche man if he happen to come in captiuitie or bondage: he shall neuer recouer againe his libertye. And if he be fre, yet he shal die miserablye. The space within the triangle roughe and harde: is a signe of anger, and crafte, and subtili­tie, if it be roughe with wrinkles: it sig­nifieth enuy, hatred, & slaunders. When there doth appere a certain line betwene the two lines so nere, that it touch either of thē: it signifieth that man shal either be poisoned, or haue some mortal woūd. When there appeare in the vpper space foure lines deuidinge one another like crosses: it sheweth enuie, backebitinge, with studye and desire to oppresse o­thers. For the two lines ioyning sharp­lye together, dothe declare the goodnesse of the hole body, but if they ende in the caue or pitte of the hande precisely ouer [Page]againste the finger of Saturne, makinge an angle: it betokeneth bloudsheadinge diuerse and sondry waies: as woundes of the head, fluxe of the belly, and if this signe be in women it signifieth the in­cessant fluxe of the menstrue, and daun­ger in childbearinge. If there be in the triangle a figure like a starre: it shew­eth and aduoutrous woman, & past shame and furious, which throughe her irrefre­nable anger, shal fal into suche a frensye and madnesse of minde, that she shal co­uet and go about to cut her own throte. When so euer you perceiue in the hand of a woman in the place aforesaid, a cer­taine starre puttinge forthe a long role: iudge that womā to haue four husbāds. If in the same space ther be a crosse with out any incision: it betokeneth good both in man & woman. For in those whiche haue that signe, it betokeneth a life wel passed, and to ende with good name and fame. The right angle being veri sharp, doth shewe a circumspect, witty, and spa­ring man: the same beinge obscure and grosse: is a signe of rudenesse, slouth, and [Page]much geuē to slep [...]. The left angle sharp, betokeneth a babler and crafty man, not withstanding witty and painful: but if the vpper corne [...] be not sharpe, and ha­uinge as it were the ca [...]acter of Saturn: it is a token of an euel and plaine Satur­nine nature. And he whose fingers are so set, that there be in euerye [...]oynte as it were certaine spaces or risinges croked and vnequal: it betokeneth him to be­come very pore, & to liue miserablye. If there be in the vpper parte that is in the third ioynt, an euident writhing or cro­kednesse: it is a signe of enuye, disceite, malice, and altogether of an euel disposed minde, which man also shal leade a life ful of mise­ry and calamitie.

The Triangle bothe in the hande of man and woman, dothe signifie muche goodnesse. But if there be founde in the hande of a woman within the triangle, the similitude of a starre: it betokeneth an vnchaste woman, and geuen ouer to the lust of the fleshe. Also, in a manne it is a signe of euill. Further, if there be in the hande of a manne abouie the right angle, an expresse playne starre: it dothe plainly declare an vntrusty, troublesome disceitfull, and slaunderous persone: Also a thiefe and robber, doinge al thing be it right or wronge, by violence, in­clined & also instructed in al euil, who at the length shal dye an euil death. Smal braunches in the beginnyng of the line of lyfe, or table line: dothe betoken abounn­dance and encrease of houshold.

If a starre hauinge a longe stalke or braunch going from it, be founde in the hande of a woman: it do the declare that she shal haue many husbandes, as often as the two lines of the vpper corner be distante a sunder with a space betwene them, it is an euil signe. Also, foure lines deuidinge them selues in the vpper cor­ner in maner of a crosse: do demonstrate an enuious detractor, and a man of euel fame and name. Thē a figure as it wer the caracter of Saturne, dothe pronounce an euel end: the table line also fashioned as you may se, doth betoken an infortu­nate man, and geuē to the belly, if there be the figure of a forke either vpward or downward in the said triangle: it shew­eth an inconstant and libidinous man.

The seuenth Chapter of the Quadrangle.

THe quadrangle is called that space which is betwene y^t line & the meane naturall. Then if the incisions of thys quadrangle be of a bright and liuely co­loure, [Page]it dothe promisse the equitie and vprightnesse of life: and contrariwise, it doth declare a wicked & naughtye man. The same space ample, & large: betoke­neth liberalitie and stou [...]nes of stomack. A crosse also in y^t same place of the hād, signifieth good successe in ecclesiastical ministrations, and is so muche the more fortunate, if the figure be doubled or tri­pled like vnto a lattise: but if the same crosse be croked or vndeuided with ouer­thwart incisions, it doth pronosticate the contrary to al that is aforesaide. Moreo­uer, an euident starre in the same place, dothe demonstrate a stoute manne, vp­righte, true, and of a good conscience. The whiche manne although throughe aduersitie and misfortune he fal into po­uertie, yet he shal rise againe by his own vertue and goodnes: Yet notwithstan­ding, it sheweth him to be a femi­nine man, which also shal suf­fer some aduersitie and trouble for women.

Oftentimes also the hole table is lac­king: then if the table line ioyne with the natural line, and beginne a triangle: it sheweth that man to be in daūger to be slaine by many that shal lye in wait for him. But if in the end of the table about the pommel of the hande there be a ma­nifest crosse: iudge therby many perigri­nations, longe iourneis, and often chaū ­ging of place, but therby good fortune. When the two lines whiche make the table be far distant, with a greate space betwene them: it is a token of superflu­ous heate, and vntemperate humoures in the body. Contrariwise, the plaine or table of the hande beinge narowe and straight: betokeneth a couetous mā, care­ful to get goodes, and therwithal dead­lye cruell. And this is sufficientlye spo­ken of the principall incisions or lines whiche are within the hande. And con­sequentlye wee will intreate of the ri­singes or hilles of the fingers, and also of the fingers them selues, with the sta­tions of the planettes, and what so euer els shal remain nedeful to be spoken of.

You haue heard before declared what these characters, lines, & crosses in the ta­ble of y^t hād, do signifie & foreshew. The starre also in the middest of the Table, doth shew a louer, and mainteyner of all honestie & goodnesse, and therfore had in reuerence, & aspiringe to great dignitie. And let this be a general rule, for al those whose handes doe quiuer and shake by nature, (for vnto many it happeneth by chaunce, and to other some by sicknesse and diseases,) to iudge them as angrye, scolders, and braulers, vnclene men, and dronkerds.

❧ The .viii. Chapter of the hilles of the fingers, and first of the hill of the thombe, called also amongst aunciēt writers, the hill of Venus.

NOwe that there is sufficientlye en­treated of the principall lines of the hande: we will also write of the parti­culer incisiōs of the fingers, and of their hilles: laiyng before your eyes their sig­nificatiōs, [Page]with the natures of the seue [...] planets, wherby you may know what is agreable among them, and contrariwise what doth hurt. The rising or swellyng of the flesh, beginnyng at the line of life, descēdyng straite to the wrest is called y^e hill of the thōb: it is also called the hil of Venus, because it is soft and plain with very few or no wrinkcles or incisions, & being ruddy and liuely coloured: it sheweth the good quality & estate of the body, also a louer of women, & one delityng in cleanely and fine appare [...]. But if there appere in the same place a certaine short line going down ward by the line of life, (& therfore called the sister of the line of life:) it signifieth a man delitynge in ve­nerye. Notwithstanding, the same line being long, not broken of, wholy accom­paniyng y^e line of life thorow: doth pro­misse continual richesse. But if it begin not in the vpper ende of the hill, but per­aduēture in the midst, or not farre from the nether ende: it betokeneth lacke and penury in youth, but after abundaunce & plenty. Often also there be foure lines [Page]equally distant, cōminge from the top of the hil to the wrest, whiche do promesse richesse and honoure euen in the firste age, the which lines if they begin not at the verie, top but at the ioynt of y^e thōbe: they do promisse the same successe, but lōger and latter to come to passe, euen in the extreme age. If the same foure lines do deuide the vpper ioynt of the thombe a litle within the naile, or be very neare the same ioynt, and be long, brighte shi­ning: they betoke present honour and ri­ches. And also ruie and dominion if the same foure lines be deuided or cut, with other smal lines going ouerthwart. Ma­ny times there is a subtile incsiō begin­ning at the top of the hil of the thombe, going toward the line of life: which sig­nifieth that man shal die by some stroke of weapon. Also, many brighte lines ri­singe ouer againste the fore finger, and deuidinge the line of life, are tokens of manye perigrinations and longe ioure­neis into diuers places. The same lines deuiding the line of life in y^e vpper part or beginninge: sheweth a boaster and [Page]an ambitious manne, riotous, and denē ­rous. In some also a red line wandringe vp and downe the hil of the thombe: be­tokeneth incest, and carnal companye with his kinred. Albeit, I wold not haue suche credite geuen to this science, that this shoulde straite be iudged true, the hande beinge loked vppon, for when we speake of accompaniynge with kinred, we woulde haue it vnderstande that man to be so enflamed with fleshly luste and appetite, that there is but little hope that he wil abstain from them. To the whiche thinge it behoueth muche to be­hold the face and hole bodye of the man, whiche dothe declare the state of life to come. For they which be pleasaunt ma­nered, leadinge a mery and ioconde life, beinge conuersaunte and reioysinge in plaies and daunses, haue smal starres in their hil, for this is the whole studye of Venus: and suche menne haue theyr hil commonlye deuided with many smal and brighte incisions, whome if you do wel behold, you shal see his face wel co­loured, his body decently cōpact, his eyes [Page]blacke and cleare, a pleasaunte counte­naunce & honest gesture, and altogether [...]enerous, and therefore wanton, rio­tous, lecherous, delitinge in dise playe, daunsing, and other pastimes, hauinge pleasure in flours, roses, and swete smels costly apparel, desirous of golde and sil­uer, often laughing, conuersant amōgst women, desirous and apte to learne all sciences of this sort and nature, and of a dul wit and vnderstanding to lerne any other thing. Also light of belief, easye to be deceiued, liberal, gentle, iust & faithful, deliting in painted tables & pictures, & al so desirous to learn to paint him self, ha­uing good fortune in al thinges of that sort, in the contraries not so fortunate: Whose life shalbe pleasaunt with mean substance, not couetous of lucre & gain, beloued of manye, geuen to all kinde of pleasure, not easilye moued with anger, not careful about hard & doutful busines, but content with his present estate, set­ting al anxiety & trouble of minde apart, & so liuing to his last end. For likewise as in this, so in all other is the nature of [Page]man to be considered, aswel by the habit and proportion of the body, as by loking in the hand, wherfore that which is here expressed, let it be an example to be fol­lowed in al others. Further, they which haue the hil of the thombe deuided with many smal wrinkles not equally distāt, but scattering and out of order: are to be counted fleshli, vnpure, froward, & braw­ling, delitinge to be in contention with women, burninge so much in lust that they be neuer satisfied but seke straunge and vnaccustomed kindes of vse like vn­to monsters & beastes, howe be it they be of an vnplesant conuersation & life, deli­ting in no kind of wisdō or learning, ne­ther profiting any thing at al therin, but very apt to learne al handye craftes, and to deuise and inuente al thinges pertai­ning vnto riot. The cause of this I as­signe to Venus beinge in the .vi. or .viii. house in the birth of such men. Wherby you may perceiue how Astrology & Chi­romācy do mutually embrase thone tho­ther, so that one without thother can not wel be vnderstand, as shalbe shewed hereafter more at large.

If there be about the first ioynt of the thombe a creste like a ring going round about, and deuiding the thombe: many do stifly iudge and say that that manne shalbe hanged. The which thing I haue proued true in one man, but because I haue sene many hanged which haue lac­ked that marke, I leaue it as vncertain. Also thre or foure incisions in breadth vnder the first ioynt: betokeneth richesse and honor in youth, if they be aboue that ioynt, it shalbe in the middle age, but if the same incisions be neare the seconde ioynt: it signifieth the same effecte, but in the extreame or laste age. If any wo­manne haue her thombe so marked (as is described in the second figure) I iudge her to be eschewed and auoided, as craf­tye and noughte. Also this marke ☉ in the midst of the hil of Venus: signifieth a libidinous, euel mannered, & an aduou­trous womā, willingly putting forth her selfe to hordome & vice, wonderful vntē ­perate, & vnsa [...]iable in copulation. Fur­der, what maried womā hath thre lines [Page]somwhat vnequally distant, deuidinge the first ioynte of the thombe: it sheweth her to be in daūger either of death, or of a wounde by her owne husbande. More [...]uer, many smal crosses vnder the second ioynt, declareth a verye holy woman, ge­uen to religion. Againe, onelye two of those markes dothe signifye an vnfaith­ful babbler, and a woman full of strife and discord. Also many smal braunches in the same place dothe betoken a wan­ton women, and one sone ripe.

❧ The .ix. Chapiter of the hil of the forefinger, and of the finger, with the nature of the Iouialles.

IVpiter the most benificial planet of al, hath his place in the hil whiche is vn­der the forefinger, the whiche hil beinge plaine and smoth, dothe shewe vnto the honesty of life and goodnes of nature. And so muche the rather, if there be cer­taine smal darke riules going out from the same finger, the whiche if they be [Page]not farre distant: it betokeneth honoure and dignity by princes. And some being bolder, do define and saye, that he shal attaine to so many degrees of honor, or ecclesiastical dignities, as there be suche incisions in his hande. It is also a token of magnitude and boldnesse, desire, and study to compasse greate thinges, as also a desire of renowme and glorye: when a strait cleare line beginning at the rote of the forefinger, almost at the mean na­tural line, doth turne backe again to the corner of the hil. A smal line also goinge from the table line to the hil of the fore­finger: doth signify the same aforesaide. If that certain ouerthwart riules do de­uide the lines aforesaide, they betoken wounds in y^e head. Also a grosse, bright, and ruddy line, deuidinge the forefinger from the middle finger in a man, dothe betoken the sickenesse of the intrailes or bowels, in a woman it signifieth daun­ger in childe bearinge, and so muche the more daunger, if it be very red. More o­uer, crosses in the hil of Iupiter, do signi­fy honoure and promotions in so manye [Page]degrees, as there be founde crosses, for it hath bene often sene, such men to haue gotten henefices and ecclesiasticall pro­mocions abundauntlye. And those men hauyng those markes, are chiefly called Iouials, or of the nature of Iupiter, ha­uyng for the most parte good successe in al affayres of that sorte or kinde, who for the most part are of a meane stature, and pleasant forme or shape, whitely co­loured, thicke heered, comely eyed, geuen to clenlines & mirth. They be naturally stout stomaked, & hie minded, hauyng to do in great & waighty affaires, liberall oftē times aboue their abilitie, coueting to rule and haue dominion ouer other, despisers of al mediocrite and meane e­state, honest, noble, couetous of glorye & renowne, ambicious, pleasant and me­rye, faythful and frendly, abhorrynge al fraud, and disceit, peaceable, apt and in­clined to al learnyng and wisedome, po­litique, and eloquente. The walkyng or goyng is meane, neither faste nor slow, betokenyng a great constancy of minde. No menne more fortunate then they, or [Page]that soner obteyne their desires. For the most part alwaies in fauour with prin­ces or gréate men, louyng dearely their wyfe and children. Also prosperous and happye in succession and posteritie. More ouer, they bee greate eaters, and therfore often diseased wyth the rawe­nesse of the stomack or liuer, or els long liued, hauynge a cleare and shril voyce, & the formost two vpper teeth stickinge oute. And thus muche of them on whose byrthe Iupiter is lorde, without coniun­ction of any euil wyth hym. Further­more, many lines goynge ouerthwarte in the vpper ioynte of the forefinger in the hand of a woman, do declare that she shal haue large inheritance by the death of her frendes and kinred. The same in the middle ioynt, do signify enuy, lying, and disceit, which signes if they be in the hil of Iupiter, do minister suspicion of an angry, testy, vnmanerly, and scolding woman.

And thus haue I also founde oute the number of children: If anye wo­man haue in the middle ioynte three bryght incisions runnyng lengthwaies, whereof the middlemost is shorte and blunte at the one ende, and an other bright line goyng ouerthwart, & two o­ther darke lynes whiche touche not the middle shorte lyne. Also wicked and noughtye women haue starres wyth a halfe compasse in the hyll of Iupiter.

The same also do declare thre crok [...]d lines almost equally distant within the vtter ioynt of the forefinger. Contrari­wise, it is a token of honestie and chasti­tie, when the middle ioynte is deuided with many lines going in length, with a starre in the middest. Also it promiseth great inheritance or riches to come (whether it be by order of inheritaunce, or of ecclesiasticall dignities or promocions) vnto hym that hath a cleare starre not interrupte with anye line or wrinkle in the hyl of Iupiter. A line going from the hil of the middle finger to the wreaste: sheweth fearful and weake harted men, but notwithstandyng enuious. Some also affirme, that those which haue that line, if they chaunce to be taken & caste in prison: either they shal dye there, or be greuously punished, or very hard­ly escape and be deli­uered.

The .x. Chapiter of the hill of the middle finger, appropriate to Saturnus of the finger it selfe with the nature of the Saturnines.

THe middle finger of the hande as is aforesaid in this science, is attribute vnto Saturne, and called by his name, & therfore the risynge vnderneth it, is also called the hill of Saturne. The which hil if it be plaine and smoth without wrin­kles or incisiōs: it declareth a simple mā, paineful, and without disceit. If that a riule cōmyng from the table line do cut the hyll of Saturne: it signifieth a care­ful man, disquieted and vexed with day­ly troubles and cares, alwayes studiyng and musyng on somthing, notwithstan­dyng seldome riche. Also many incisions in the same place, do declare an heauy & pensiful life, full of penurie & necessitie, prisonment, and tormentes. Likewise, a line bowyng from the rote of the rynge finger to the hyll of Saturne, sheweth a flouthful and sluggish man, folishe, and [Page]rashe, neuer doyng any thing wittely, albeit sometime folishe, bolde, of a folysh and rude minde and vnderstandynge. They saye also, that woman which hath more lines betwene the fingers of the Sunne and Saturne, then betwene the Sunne and Mercurye, there beinge some lines also: to be apt to generatiō, and spe­cially of men childrē. This also I know certaine, that if any smal lines go from the principal lines of the hande to the hil of Saturne: thei declare an euil dispo­sition, and not a verye honest life. It is also iudged a token of sterilitie and bar­rennes in a woman, to haue a crosse or a starre in the first ioint of y^e finger. And those whiche haue y^e hil diuersly deuided with riules, thother hil beinge smothe and plain, are to be iudged Saturnins, whose nature for the most parte is to be pale coloured, vncomelye vysaged, their eyes fixed downeward to the grounde, in goynge slowe, leane, and oftentimes croked backed, and for the most part euil manered. For Saturn maketh them ma­licious, disceitful, and craftye, delitinge [Page]

to be alone, regardyng no man, without al frendshippe. Not very curious aboute their meates, great drinkers, and often times great eaters, continually disquie­ted with cares and miseries, neuer free frō them, ful of heauy and fearful thou­ghtes and imaginations, louyng fennes [Page]and standyng waters, liuynge filthelye, slow and rare of speach, colde of nature, weake bodied, and sickly, of a low voice, hoorse, and sluttyng, lightly enuiyng o­ther, and whom thei hate, thei persecute continully without remission. Their de­lite is to buylde, to plante, plowe, and al thinge that will continue, hauyng no great pleasure in women, and therfore seldome hauynge children, but diynge without issue. Wonderful defēders and kepers of their libertie, iudgynge it ex­treme miserie and euil to serue and be in bōdage, deliting in blacke, & therfore clo­thing them selues therwith, ful of suspi­cion and feare, geuing great regard vn­to dreames: and thus far of Saturnins. That womanne that hathe fiue or syxe lines in the firste ioint of the middle fin­ger runnynge downewarde, shal beare a sonne which shal be a priest. Also that manne which hath a starre in the same iointe, shal either kil or be killed.

The .xi. Chapter of the ringe finger and hyll, and the nature of them borne vnder the Sunne.

THe hil of the ringe finger, called al­so of most learned men the hil of the Sunne, is that which riseth in a certayne space betwene the finger and the table line, if there procede from the rote ther­of to the table lyne, certaine smal lines: they worke the same effect that Mercury doth amongst the Astrologians, whiche maketh a man of a pregnant and quick wit, geuen to diuers kinde of learning, proude, and eloquent, also fortunate to promotions, as wel prophane as spiri­tual. But if there be other lines drawē ouerthwart thē, or that they deuide one [Page]another: it signifieth the clene contrary. But if the same lines do not touche or deuide the other: it is a good token that he shal ouercome & treade doune al his e­nemies. The which, if they neither touch y^e finger, neither be equally placed frō the table line, but be hangyng betwene, ac­cordynge to the alteration of the lynes: they note the chaunge of estate, and lyfe. Also, manye slender redde lynes in the same hil, do shew a wise and mery man, the which lines if thei be croked and red: betoken diseases wherewith a man is presently vexed and troubled. If they be pale, paines al ready past. Again, if they deuide thē selues like a saint And rewes crosse, stretched from the table line to the first ioynt: it signifieth a prouidente and circumspect man in doing his businesse. There is also another token pronoun­cing fortunate thinges, specially in get­ting of honour and dignity, and al thin­ges pertaininge to vertue, liberality, and wisdō: which are two croked lines, equally distant going from the wrest, as you may perceiue by this figure.

Also many lines in the hand of a wo­man about the vpper ioynt runninge to gether, do shew y^e same. And more ouer, that she shalbe had in reuerence & made rich by her husbandes, also they shewe her to be deuout, but not to lead no mo­nastical life. So likewise, if they be in [Page]the secōd ioynt, they declare that she shal alwaies be had in reputacion and honor but amongst them of her own stocke. Alwaies they signify riches, aswel in menne as in women. But they are euel if they stretche to the hil of the Sunne.

❧ The .xii. Chapter of the hil and finger of Mercurye, and of his nature.

THe hil of the eare finger or rather of Mercury, is betwene the little finger and the table line. It is greatlye materiall whether it be plaine withoute incisions or vaines.

For it being wel colored without wrin­kles, sheweth a constant mind in a man, in a maide integritie. A slender line ri­sing at the table to the rote of the hil: be­tokeneth liberality. Also mani such lines beginning betwene the table line, and the little finger: signifieth so many ma­riages as there be lines. Notwithstan­dinge, the lengthe, coloure, and slender­nes of them must be marked: for the pale lines signify mariages past, the long and wel coloured thē to come. It happeneth often some of them to be grosse and ve­ry red, wherby thou shalt iudge a lier, a these, and robber, and one defiled with al kinde of mischief. Now if there be a cro­ked line, as it were a circle goinge from that finger to the middle finger: it declareth an excellente wit and disposicion, in whome there is great hope, that he wil he apt and prompt to al kind of affaires. If there be smal croked lines in the vp­per part of the litle finger in the hand of a woman: it sheweth a condition propre to al women, which is pride, much talke and babling, with inconstancy. And this [Page]for the most part is the Phisiognomy of al the Mercurians, meane coloured be­tw [...]ne blacke and white, hie foreheade, round face, faire eyes like a cat, blacke and thin berd, slender body, comelye sta­ture, thin lips, sharp nose, shril voice and ready, a quicke motion and stirringe. If thou wilt for know this by the hil: if it be ful of strait lines, he is also of a pregnāt wit, bold, a horemonger, faithful, readye to lie, a louer of his owne sectes, a hater of superstition, not regardinge temples nor oracles, apt to al sciences Mathema­tical and Geometry. Finallye, a man fit for al assaies, a doctoure, a poete, endued with the knowledge of tonges, a sercher of secretes, a Philosopher, harty, modest, but ful of wordes, hurting no man, de­liting in the cleanest handye craftes, as in painting and such like. Albeit, he is more vexed with sickenesse and troubled with delusions of spirites, then other men.

There be also certaine tokens, wher­of the first in the first ioynt doth declare a man to be studious, chiefely of Retho­rike, arrogant, proude, and of a ripe wit. That in the second ioynt although it vary frō the first, yet hathe it the same effecte, it sheweth an excellente preacher or oratoure, if it stand ouerthwart: he is troubled with sondrye passions, horri­ble dreames, and euel fātasies. If in the thirde ioynt there be a crosse, it is a sure signe of pouertie and necessity. And this is sufficient of Mercury, although the fi­gure do not conteine al the signes, yet we haue described the chiefest and prin­cipal, for who can comprehende so ma­nye sortes of lines & tokens of so diuerse dispositions in so small a roume. Wee haue lefte nothinge oute in the cannon or rule, which might be to any effecte or purpose.

❧ The .xiii. Chapter of the vtter part of the Triangle, and of them ouer whom the mone hath power and dominion.

FIrste of al, I will declare what the Chiromanciers cal y^e vtter part of y^t Triangle, it is the same whiche by the cōmon name is called the line of the stomacke or liuer, with risinge at the tail of the line of life, touching the mean natural, maketh a triangle, if ther be no let in the natiuitye. Albeit, I knowe in some it doth not ioyne, yet it is not to be left out, for it is found to be of as muche force as al the other, for if it make a per­fite Triangle with the meane natural and line of life: it sheweth the florishing helth and prosperitie bothe of bodye and [Page]mind. If it happen to be darke coloured & ful of points: it sheweth the il digestion of the stomack, morphew, colick, flegme, bindinge of the bellye, paine of the sto­macke and ribbes, and specially if it be pale. But if it be wel drawen, ruddye, nearer the line of life then the midle na­tural: it betokeneth paine in the head, if contrariwise, it be nearer the middle na­tural, it signifieth the inflamation of the lungs, anexed w^t a feruēt ague, y^e kongh, and stinke of the mouth. Also, such a cir­cle in the place of the Mone, ☉ although it seme to be but a reft, yet it betokeneth the losse of one eye, if there be two ☉☉, the losse of bothe eyes, whiche thinge I haue proued true bi my own hurt. Like­wise a starre in the same place, signifieth a wicked and mischeuous man. If you desire to know y^e phisnamy of the luna­tickes, they be whitlye faced with some red, their browes ioyned together, their face and cheekes blowen, vnequal eyed, somwhat blacke, peraduenture marked in the face, vnthrifty, sickelye, vnstable, slow, folish, pore in youthe, in the seconde [Page]

age richer somwhat. But in thertreame age miserable again, dotinge, vnfortu­nate, and borne to trauail, geuen to the fallynge sickenesse and Palsye, to the flixe & blastyng, except the Moone in the rote of natiuitie haue the Sunne or Iupi­ter propice and in amitie with her.

The .xiiii. Chapter of the place of Mars, and the nature of the Martialistes.

VVe thought it mete before we spake of Mars, to place hī in the caue of the hād in the triangle, ouer against the na­tural line: in the which if there apere an­other perfit triangle according to al the natural properties of the Martialists: you may pronosticate, y^e by hew much y^e same is larger & bigger the man is to be iud­ged the more vicious. And specially if it be wel proportioned with the lines. The phisnamye herein is not to be dispised, which I haue therfore adioyned because it shuld helpe the Chiromancier the bet­ter in iudgemente, otherwise it can not be so exactly iudged. Thei be hie colored in the face, as burnte of the Sunne, thinne heered and curled, small eyes, somewhat croked bodied, with a sharpe and fiers aspecte, boulde, couetous, disceitful, a briber, vnfaithful, a iester, vnshamefast, lighte, vnconstant, angry, seditious, suspicious, impaciente, a mur­derer, a boaster, a mocker, periured, and a counterfaiter of all thinges, that maye be counterfaited.