THE DOCTORS PHYSICIAN: OR, DIALOGUES CONCERNING HEALTH.

Translated out of the Original French.

LONDON, Printed for Joseph Hindmarsh, Bookseller to His ROYAL HIGHNESS, at the Black Bull in Cornhill, 1685.

THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER.

WHen I observed that most Na­tions who pretend to the greatest Knowledge and Sense, and abound most in Wealth and Plenty, are strangely fond of Physic and Physitians; I could not but think that there must be a great deal of in­tegrity in the Professorss, and use­fulness in the Art: But meeting with this little Book, written by an unknown French Author; which en­deavours to confute these general opinions, as vulgar errours; I have thought fit to Translate the same, for the same reasons which the Author hath given for Composing it in this his following

PREFACE.

MY design at first in beginning this little work, was only to laugh at some, who eating and drinking to excess, did afterwards abandon themselves to Physic, for remedying the bad consequence that attended their intemperance: But it is so difficult to put a stop to the vein of rallery, when those who love it, have a knack that way; that I could not but make merry also with such as are sick, with the fear of Falling sick: Nay I have not spared the Doctors, who sooth up these fanciful Patients in their Visions and Whimsies. This hath insensibly led me to speak of Phy­sicians and their Art, that those do say who througly know, but never make use of them, Instead then of a [Page] simple touch that I intended to have with junketting and intemperance; I have engaged in a quarrel with the bad practice of Physic; yet all along with the Foil, and not at Sharps, for 'tis no more but an Assault in a Fencing School, and not a real Com­bat I engage in: Besides, I do confess that I should not have pursued my raillery so far, if I had been the first who had opened that career; but coming after a great many others, I must needs take all the liberty I have used, that I might give a new Face to so old and beaten a Subject. Never­theless all that is intended by it, is only to prove, that if a Man of a good constitution be any way Patient and Sober, he may without the help of Apothecary or Surgeon, enjoy perfect Health as long as he lives.

These Dialogues are not of the nature of those Plays, which for some years have pleased the Publick [Page] at the expence of Physicians. Here the Heart, Stomach, and other alle­gorical Persons speak; much after the rate as our old Romance-makers have brought the Virtues and Vices into play. Or, to say better, as the Fable feigns, that the several Mem­bers of the Body complain of the Head. Yet if the invention be not altogether new, the method however, and disposition is not common: For the Subject which links these Dia­logues to one another, makes them as so many Scenes in a Comedy. Now, though in the first, many times nothing is to be found but trifles, with­out Ornament or Life; yet they con­tain nothing but that agrees with him that speaks, and which tends to the mark aimed at, without losing the allegory. It will be easie likewise to observe, that the more the matter is sifted, the more also things are said which require some attention. So that the last Dialogues are pretty different [Page] from the first, which will not a little contribute, if I be not mistaken, to the rouzing of the Readers attention. The tenth is filled with new imagina­tions which require application, and the Eleventh drolls upon the bad practice of Physicians as much as ci­vility will allow. As for the last, I thought fit to raise it a little higher than any of the former, because in that, Nature was to speak of the most sublime parts of Natural Philoso­phy. Perhaps some Philosopher zealous for his opinion, having cen­sured this in equalitie of stile, will think it strange that I should as boldly pronounce concerning Philosophy, as concerning Physic. If it happen so, I shall be sorry for it; but I entreat him to call to mind, that in such occasions every one is free to take what part he pleases: Nor did I think my self ob­liged to betray my own Sentiments, to gratifie those whom I know not.

After all, if they may be believed who have read those Dialogues, I assert nothing contrary to good sense, and which may not be practised with­out scruple, or complaiance: Nay, they will have me to be a living in­stance of the maxims I propose for living in Health, and without any need of Physic. In fine, they conclude that this little Peece, has Life and Spirit enough in it to make way for it self in the world, and to gain credit there without the necessity of a Pro­tectour in the Front, or of an Apology in the Reer, because they are perswa­ded that whatsoever is said in jest, ought never to be taken in earnest.

DIALOGUES CONCERNING HEALTH.

First Dialogue. This Dialogue is supposed to begin at the end of a Plentiful Dinner.

The Heart. The Stomack.
Heart.

AWay, away! with this in­temperance and excess; I have told you an Hun­dred times I can no longer endure it: Under pretext of doing me service, you break all my measures; and so discom­pose [Page 2] the order and method of my aeconomie, that if you go on at this rate, I foresee what will become on't; nothing but qualms and dangerous fits; which being made worse by the unseasonable pre­scriptions of Physicians, will degenerate into insupportable pains, such as shall make us at every minute beg ease from Death; when to compleat our misery, Death will prove deaf to our cries.

Stomack.

Alas! I thought it had been my turn now to complain; for in such times of feasting, I have so little power to do as I would, that I am not so much as heard, though I exclaim and remon­strate till I'm sick again.

Heart.

When you have received as much as may satisfie us, why do'nt you Command the Appetite to shut the Gate? and bid him tell them, if they'l needs be importunate, that the passages are stopt; and that no more must enter. A Stomack that knows what's good for Life, should not, at Table; gage it self by the capacity of its Neighbour, but by its own.

Stomack.
[Page 3]

Ay! It might be so as you say, if the first thing they did were not to make the Porter drunk, before the first course be ended, he is already quite out of his course, and then I am no more the Master; he suffers himself to be tickled with strong ragou's; and what is worst of all, he lets every thing pass, upon assurance given him, that their business is only to chear up and fortify the Heart.

Heart.

And at that word I'le warrant, you yield, and are perswaded.

Stomack.

Sure enough. Can I with­stand any thing that's good for you? And what would you say of me, should I deny entrance to that which hath orders to go streight to the Heart? your own conduct confirms me in this; for on such occasions, you give me ground to think, that you are no enemy to good Wine, nor strong Liquors.

Heart.

I am not well known, I see; for were it not for some chearfulness that drink does inspire, I should not at [Page 4] all care for it; and if I sometimes bea [...] with the excess of Wine, it is beaus [...] it is not so dangerous for you to be full o [...] Liquor, as of solid Food.

Stomack.

Be it as it will, we are much to be pitied, and it were to be wishe [...] for both our sakes, that under colour or o [...] a civil Entertainment, they would not engage us into all the disorders of Drunkeness and Gluttony.

Heart.

And truly it is my intention, to take some course that these debauches may not hurt us, and therefore with­out more delay, we must resolve against those abuses that proceed from that quan­tity of meat and drink which they offer and force us to take. For excesses of this nature are grown so exorbitant, that all that the waters and soil of our Country produce fit for eating and drinking, are now adays jumbled to­gether upon one and the same Table, with the Spices and Sauces of both the East and West Indies.

Stomack.

Nay it is certain that the quantity and diversity of meats, jost le [Page 5] us quite out of the right way of Health.

Heart.

Do Men think, that because they outdoe that plain and simple way of feeding of our fore Fathers, they are therefore more skilfull in the dressing of Victuals, than Nature her self, which in the several times of the year gives all that is convenient for every Season; tem­pering the fruit with so just a proportion, that one may say, they are such as they ought to be, for those that need them, without any necessity of Addition or Sub­traction to make them better and more Healthful.

Stomack.

I am perswaded of the truth of what you say; but—

Heart.

Why, but? if Men think that Sugar is of great use for Northern people, they are much mistaken; and an ordinary Prune delights a Laplander more than the richest Conserve does a Genouese; nay Wine, Brandy, and Punch, would be useless within the Tro­picks, where it not that custom and intem­perance had made them necessary.

Stomack.
[Page 6]

If we pursue matters so far, we are like to launch out into a long and tedious Voyage: And therefore, though your sentiments be very just, as to the abuse of mustering together in one dish the productions of all the four parts of the world, and the swilling down in one and the same meal the most exquisite Liquors of all sorts; yet, be rul'd by me; let us attempt no more but some convenient moderation in the matter; for if it be observed that we skip from one extremity to another, we shall be but laughed at.

Heart.

Have Men then lost their Wits?

Stomack.

Quite contrary, they pretend to have enough and to spare, nay they main­tain that the first Men were but Beasts, if Nuts, Medlars, and such like Fruits served them for Food; so possessed are they that Nature does but rough-hew our Aliments, and that Art must bring them to perfection. Whence likewise they conclude, that nourishment being the fundamental Law of human Society, [Page 7] they cannot eat and drink too often, seeing all sorts of Animals are made tame with Food.

Heart

They ought in that, at least, to observe the Rules of Temperance.

Stomack.

Sure enough. But they fancy that to follow these Maxims, is not so much to Live, as to Languish; that if Novelty, and the good dressing of Victuals carry them beyond the bounds of Sobriety, they know how to remedy these little disorders by speedy di­gestions; which not only ease and comfort Nature; but enliven her, and make her stronger than she is wont to be, when she is forced to go by the poise and Ballance of Sobriety.

Heart.

Great Doctors indeed, that speak very boldly of what they do not at all understand.

Stomack.

However I should not com­plain of their ignorance, but be willing patiently to suffer, sometimes to be overcharged with meat and drink, under what shape or figure the whimsey of the [Page 8] Officer, at the desire of Gluttons and Parasites, might disguise them; provi­ded these Surfeitings were not so fre­quent, and that they were followed by abstinence and dyet, for by that means I might get clear of them, and come to my self again: But it puts me to despair when next day after a debauch, such as this, I am made the Store-house of Cassia and Sena, accompanied with Rubarb and Scammony; and if that operate not ac­cording as the faculty and Colledge expect, I am condemned to purging Wine, Chrocus, that is to say, to the ordinary and extraordinary Rack, which puts me within a fingers breadth of Death.

Heart.

It is not you that suffer alone, and complain of those ill-timed pre­scriptions; and therefore, that we may remedy the same, let us begin by decla­ring War against all those enemies of Health, who under pretext of coming to our assistance, drain us of our Forces and Spirits, so that a whole Age is hardly sufficient to retrieve us from the sad state we are in, when we get out of the hands of those Poisoners and Murderers, [Page 9] authorised by Luxury, and tolerated by the Government.

Stomack.

Nay, the truth is, when Phy­sicians cure a Disease, the Patient com­monly dies of the cure: You cannot think, how glad I am to hear the pro­position you make to me: But do you believe that you and I are strong enough to engage so powerful enemies.

Heart.

Never doubt it; let us but despise them, and we shall certainly get the Victory.

Stomack.

That will do well enough, for the enemy's without, but how shall we reduce those that are within?

Heart.

What you say wants not its difficulties, and I forsee, as well as you, that it will not be an easie matter to sur­mount Mrs. Prejudice, which besets our reason. For that fool hath made her declare so positively in favour of Epi­curism and Physic, that one would think that her design of destroying our Health, were only to enrich with our spoils the Traitor and the Physician.

Stomack.
[Page 10]

You speak of Reason as [...] you thought her capable to be impose upon: Before we proceed farther, [...] wish you might come to a clearing wit [...] her upon the whole matter.

Heart.

I am resolved to do so, but i [...] were to be wished that this clearin [...] might be made in presence of Reflection and seeing now adays they keep n [...] more company together; that is the thin [...] that puts me to a stand.

Stomack.

And that which at prese [...] puts me to another, is that I am ready t [...] burst, and can hold no more. In th [...] mean time I have advice from the Nos [...] that they threaten me with an od [...] Ragou; from another hand I understan [...] they are about to regale me with a lust [...] Brimmer, and then how to come of [...] unless I burst, I know not.

Heart.

That's a noble point of Honour, indeed, to drown one's self, when there is no necessity for it; do'nt you perceive that they are about to make you the re­ceptacle of all the Bottles that remain i [...] [Page 11] the Cistern? as if it were worth the [...]hile to know, how much exactly you [...]re able to hold.

Stomack.

I can no longer resist the evil that presses me. Help, help! I sink under the burden.

Heart.

Extream Evils must have ex­tream Remedies: An Insurrection on such occasions is a great secret; though I should even be reckoned the Author of it— Courage, we are now delivered from what lay heaviest upon us.

Stomack.

Ha! how much I am eased.

Heart.

In expectation of the return of the Appetite which is lost, I have just now given order to Mr. Crap-sick to keep the door, and suffer nothing to enter into your Quarters during the whole day. On my part I shall bravely second the head-strongness of that new Porter: I'le demand nothing at all, and refuse whatever may be offered me, in the mean time, to hinder the intrails from inter­rupting us, I have ordered the Gall, to make an entire evacuation of the place.

Stomack.
[Page 12]

Ha! make use of some othe [...] than of that blade; for if the Physi­cians, who pry into every thing, percei [...] that he is concerned in our affairs, they say I have got a Cholera Morbus, and that will be enough, to make me in a mo­ment become an Apothecaries-shop.

Heart.

Give your self no trouble [...] only take your rest. I am going t [...] recall the Spirits from the Organs, that [...] may recruit and temper them, during [...] long and quiet sleep: Afterward w [...] shall take the best measures we can, tha [...] we may not again Relapse into such [...] disorder.

Stomack.

I consent, and with pleasure betake my self to sleep: Alas, that the heart cannot as well as I tast of these pleasures! but why do I regret! whe [...] a Camp is beset with enemies, and the Souldiers must have rest, there is a ne­cessity that the General watch.

Heart.

Say rather, that in a Town Besieged, and on all sides open, it is only in the time of sleep, and during the darkness of the night, that the breaches can be repaired.

Second Dialogue. Reason refusing to answer the motions of the Heart, makes use of Prejudice to speak to him.

Prejudice. The Heart.
Prejudice.

TAlk no more of that? you shall never perswade me, that we are able to judg what is good for the Health of the Body, and far less that we know, what is to be done, to preserve, or to restore it, when it is out of order or lost.

Heart.

Were Reason here, we should hear another kind of Language.

Preju.

I question very much that: For if Physicians skillful and Learned as they are, call others to their assistance when they themselves are sick; how can silly Reason that never studied, nor took a [Page 14] Degree, understand Diseases, distingui [...] Symptomes, and proceed to a Cure.

Heart.

If the Degree made the Docto [...] Physicians of whom you speak, woul [...] know their own Diseases, and Cur [...] themselves. There can be no greate [...] sign of their ignorance, than the [...] begging assistance of others. Can [...] Lawyer know the matter of Fact bette [...] than the Party? on such occasions th [...] question is not, how to gild the Pil [...] but how to Plead the Cause; and that [...] a thing very well worth the labour. [...] is our Life that is concerned, and hav [...] we any thing more precious? Conclu [...] then with me, that the Body and Reaso [...] constituting but one and the same perso [...] there is a necessity that when tha [...] suffers, this should bestir it self for it [...] relief.

Preju.

These Chimerical unions wer [...] good in those days, when the Husban [...] and Wife were but one Body and on [...] Soul; that time's past, and Reason i [...] convinced that no Man knowing him self, we must wholly trust our Healt [...] to those who labour day and night t [...] [Page 15] find out a Specifick and proper Remedy for every Distemper.

Heart.

Ho, ho! where are the Physi­cians, that Study to find out Specificks for Diseases? They are Singing Birds whose skill consists only in a Note a Tone, or a Cant that signifies nothing at all.

Preju.

That Note or Cant hath such Charms though, that it may be said to be a Gold Chain which links the Patients Ear to the Physicians Mouth.

Heart.

What false steps do you cause Reason to make: How do you lead her out of the way that Nature hath pre­scribed for enjoying perfect Health? How dangerous is it to be possessed with Prejudice, and not to see but with another Mans eyes? what have you got by de­livering us over to the Colledge, is our Stomack the better for it? do I droop the less for it? Our feet are no longer able to carry us, and the nodes and knobs of our fingers deprive us of the use of our hands: See now, how the specific Bills of your Doctors, have compleated [Page 16] the ruine, which your debauches began with pleasure.

Prejudice.

We know your Distempers and the causes of them better than you do. They proceed only from the bad temper of your Constitution, and a com­plication of your Infirmities. Could one quench the burning heat of your Bowels, without overcooling your Stomack? or rectify the tone of this, without over­heating your upper Region?

Heart.

Nay, rather say, that all our mi­series proceed only from the draining of our Veins, and the diversity of poysons that hath been given us: And that's the reason that in the midst of our career we suffer all the pains and anxieties of the most decrepid and unfortunate Old Age.

Preju.

If you suffer, blame the bad influences of your Ascendant for it, and not your Physician, who hath always timed his Remedies by the most favourable Signs and Aspects. Hold your peace then, or talk more discreetly.

Heart.
[Page 17]

When Reason speaks, and gives me Counsel, I listen and obey. But so [...]ong as she will not speak to me but by [...]our Organ, and that in the Language of an Almanack too, I shall only consult Nature, Patience, and Sobriety, with the examples of those that live under their Laws; of them I shall make experiments, which agreeing with the Stomack, are much better than all the raveries of your Mountebank Astrologers.

Preju.

We are much agreed upon the matter; for what have we hitherto done, but followed the inclination of Nature, and gran [...]ed the Heart and Stomack whatever they were pleased to demand?

Heart.

You have not followed Nature, but your own Vicious inclinations; and all the complaisance you have had, has been for your own irregular Appetites, and not for the Stomack and me: This had never been, if you had not made Reason transgress its bounds; but since by so doing, she hath forgot her functions, it is my duty to tell you of it, that you make her reflect.

Preju.
[Page 18]

How now insolence? but let it pass; the Heart loves to comfort him­self.

Heart.

Know then that Nature so soon as a Child is Born, being willing to con­tinue her work and carry it on to the end, which she hath proposed to her self; gives the Stomack new Orders to demand Food, and the Intrails, to make good use of it. Now since Nature fore­sees that they will ask for more Materials than they know what to do with, without altering or disfiguring her work; she sets over them at the same time in quality of an Overseer or Conservatour, that which is called Reason, with power to moderate the Appetites, and gently to excite all the several parts of the Body, diligently to mind their functions, upon pain of suspension, nay, even of depri­vation of Health.

Preju.

What does all this tedious speculation drive at?

Heart.

To make yo [...] understand, that when Reason which wa [...] absolute and in­dependant [Page 19] becomes a slave, trusting others with the charge that was com­mitted to her, all things are presently out of order and in confusion. Health wherein consisted the beauty of Life then retiring, we become deformed; our well days are gone, and maugre all the vain efforts of Reason, that too late sees her errour, we are made a prey to Infirmities and Melancholy.

Prejudice.

Can Reason Remedy every thing? where she cannot be present in Person, her Lieutenants fight under her Banners; and in such engagements, she hath got the Victory ove [...] many Diseases under the conduct and command of Phy­sicians.

Heart.

If it be so, you are much in the wrong, that you have not erected a Trophie to the Colledge: That was an acknowledgment due to the efficacy of its Remedies, and to the [...]kill it hath [...]hown in doseing and dispencing them with so much exactness and circumspecti­on, that the blame was not to be laid at [...]ts door, nor yours, if we be not, as is [...]ommonly said, cured of all Diseases.

Preju.
[Page 20]

Come, come, let us not joke at this rate: It is certain, that had it not been for the luckey boldness of Physicians in draining all your corrupt Blood, and clearing you from the malignity of your Intrals, at the very nick of time prefixt by the Stars and Nature, you could no [...] at present brag that the Faculty hat [...] made you a new Body.

Heart.

A new Body of the Colledge [...] making, is not so good as an old one tha [...] never past through their hands: Yet I d [...] not deny, but that Physicians may b [...] chance, cure some slight Distemper [...] when they work upon a good Constitution, but it must be also acknowledge [...] that we pay dear enough for the Cure.

Preju.

What matters that, provide [...] ye live?

Heart.

Is that to [...]ve, when we com [...] out under the Doctor [...] h [...]nds, to leadi [...] brittle and lang [...]ishing l [...]fe, that f [...] the least deviation from the strict rule [...] they prescribe, and wh [...]ch they the [...] selves cannot observe, we fall into Relaps [...] worse than the Disease. To undeceiv [...] [Page 21] you then in one word, of the great opinion you have of the vast extent of their knowledge, and the infallibility of their Receipts. Know —

Preju.

What can you say as to that, which I do not know?

Heart.

That your Physicians, having consumed upon a poor Patient, the whole stock of their shallow Art and method, without being able to Kill or Cure him: It is not enough for them to lay the blame upon the occult malignities that Reign in the Elements; but they must likewise quarrel with the Heavens and Stars. At length, to slip the collar, they leave off Prescribing, and advise the Patient to a Milk diet, and if he find himself no better for it, they send him to Tunbridge or Epsom Wells, and then to his Native Air; for they are mighty glad that he should dy out of the reach of his acquain­tan [...]e. In the mean while the Patient gains by their Evasions, and recovering his liberty, gets into the way of Nature again, and by that means escapes their Tyranny.

Preju.
[Page 22]

I can no longer endure tho [...] frequent and injurious Jerks, against [...] faculty, to which the Heart that fin [...] fault with it, owes a particular oblig [...] tion.

Heart.

What pray, hath it done f [...] me then?

Preju.

Don't you as yet perceive, u [...] grateful Heart, that the Faculty hat [...] rejected the speculation of urines, an [...] trusts no more but to your motions [...] that they inspire into her all the Oracle [...] she pronounces; do ye reckon th [...] nothing?

Heart.

Nay if it were possible less tha [...] nothing.

Preju.

And yet it is really true, tha [...] Physicians now adays ground their co [...] jectures, only upon the consequence [...] that they draw from the march of th [...] Pulse, and prescribe nothing but according to the quality of the Blood whic [...] they draw from the Veins.

Heart.
[Page 23]

It is in vain for the Physician to consult me, if he understand not my L [...]nguage. Can he draw good conse­quences from my motions, if he be ignorant of the cause of them? does he know that at every turn I receive unex­pected Orders, which make me change and alter my gate? do they know that Nature would have me march slowly in good way, that is to say, when the Blood is thin and subtle, and that when it is thick I should double my pace. In a word, it is with my motions as with faces, which are all alike and all unlike one another. After all, what judgment can a Physician make of Blood exposed to the Air, which by being let out, loses what was essential to it with that which remains in the Veins? and then, because he has seen my Blood look sometimes one way, and sometimes another, can he tell the better for that, what Nature intends to do with it.

Preju.

Yes, he must needs know the better, seeing he rectifies Nature, and turns her as he pleases.

Heart.
[Page 24]

That is easily said, but h [...]rd to be proved; take my word for it, a Phy­sician can better irritate Nature than rectifie her: But it is a comfort for those who have no commerce with him, that he cannot spoil the intentions of a good Mother towards her Children, who takes pleasure to rectifie their errours, when they trust to her.

Preju.

Who doubts but that Nature is helpful, and infallible in her opera­tions, and that she must be observed, and nothing done but in conjunction with her? but when there is need of Reme­dies, to whom can we better apply our selves than to Physicians who are her Children?

Heart.

To Nature, I tell you, wh [...] suggests what Remedies are fit for those whom she governs, which are so much the better and more pleasant, that they are earnestly desired, and prepared by her own hand. It' [...] by that means alon [...] that we procure a setled Health, which lasts 'till Nature untwisting the threa [...] of Life, makes Death as soft to us as [Page 25] our Sleep. Whereas your Physicians, having rent and torn us during the course of a long disease, deliver us up to Death amidst a Thousand pains and tortures.

Preju.

Will you never let those Gentlemen alone, whom you cannot reverence too much? could you without them, enjoy that pure and fresh Blood, which they have the goodness to renew every New Moon? without that preven­tion, you would be furnished with nothing but adust Blood, which would raise your choller every hour of the day. In fine, had it not been for them, you had long agoe been swallowed up by the vapours of your Spleen and Misentery.

Heart.

O Heavens! what gibberish is this I hear?

Preju.

Nay, what Language is this I hear? once for all hold your peace, and remember that it belongs to Reason whom I represent to Command, and that it is your part to obey.

Heart.

Alass! what conduct is this! what will become of us.

Third Dialogue. The Heart dissatisfied with Pre­judice, confederates with the Stomack, for returning under the Laws of Nature.

The Stomack. The Heart.
Stomack.

FRom whence come all these sighs and sobs? what's the cause of so great dejection? what is i [...] that troubles you? is there no way left to comfort you? I have discharg'd my functions: I am free, out of all hurry, and though weak, yet in a condition to perform all that you can desire of me [...] Command then, what you would have done: Speak I pray: It seems you have forgot that sadness is the Poyson of the Heart. I must, cost what it will, cheer you up.

Heart.
[Page 27]

Ah! I burst for anger, I'm un­done, and e'ne reduced to despair. Shall it be said, that the Heart must depend so long as it lives, upon a Reason that say's and does nothing but by the intervention of a headstrong and extravagant Fool? no! she must of necessity either turn away that same Prejudice, or I must shake off the yoke of her Empire. Ha! Prejudice, how much mischief hast thou done us? and how much art thou still like to do?

Stomack.

You have already spoken to me of that Mrs. Prejudice, tell me, if you can, who she is?

Heart.

Why, she is the Daughter of that famous Glutton who hath endea­voured a thousand times to make you burst at Table.

Stomack.

What of that Parasite, whose approbation on a dish, Epicures more eagerly court than a Glory-starved Poet does the permission of bringing into the World the ridiculous Brats of his Muse.

Heart.
[Page 28]

Of the very same.

Stomack.

But still; by whom hath your Debauchee had that foolish Girl?

Heart.

By the eldest Daughter of the Colledge.

Stomack.

What by that stinking nasty Pharmacy, Twin-Sister to pale Phlebotomy, who by her old Husbands hath had Epi­lipsy, Palsy, and Apoplxey; not to mention Consumpsion, Dropsy, and Jaundice, the best of which six is not worth a louse?

Heart.

By the very same, and that by this good token too, that she went but Three Months with her, which was the cause that she was called Prejudice or Prevention.

Stomack.

How Three Months! that's a thing unheard, it cannot be: Or else she must have thought that a big belly was just like some kinds of Physick that she gives, which comes away as soon as they are taken.

Heart.
[Page 29]

Faith I ca'nt tell. But it is certain that before that, Physicians thought it enough to say, that a Child of Seven Months might live, and by a Miracle one of five. At present for kindred sake, they have concluded that this might live at three Months, founding their judgment on this, that it was but so long since the Marriage was Cele­brated.

Stomack.

Can you desire a more con­vincing argument? According to that Aphorism, a Child of Eight days might live, as well as a Child of Nine Months: But tell me what course has been taken to bring up that pre tended Abortive?

Heart.

So soon as it was born, the Colledge took care of it.

Stomack.

Nay, that is not to be won­dered at, for it is not of yesterday that Grandfathers and Grandmothers dote upon their Grand-Children.

Heart.

The first Nourishment they gave it was Physick, under colour of [Page 30] purging it from a venom that we bring into the world with us, which, as the Doctors say, early or late puts us in danger of Death. But all this precaution hath not hindred, but that Prejudice is at present grown alittle vain glorious Rattle-head, in a word, a giddy-brain'd thing, that takes pleasure to speak sopperies, and to maintain them. Nevertheless, seeing she takes it of her Father to be pleasant Company at Table, and of her Mother, to cajole and flatter in sickness; she hath managed those little talents so well, that Reason hath made her her Favourite.

Stomack.

Her Favourite?

Heart.

Yes, her Favourite, and so much her Favourite, that I can no ways come to the knowledge of the sentiments of Reason, but by her means.

Stomack.

We were so well governed without the help of Reason, during the first years of our Life; that one would think we might still go on, and fulfill our course without her enterfering.

Heart.
[Page 31]

We must not flatter our selves, if in our young and tender Age we tasted the cream of a perfect Health; for Nature at that time took care of us, and was our guide in the Infancy of Reason: And seeing we are not as yet come to that Age, wherein Reason and Nature must give way to habit and custom, we ought of necessity to obey Reason, provided she act fairly with us, and would listen favourably to our grie­vances: But perceiving that she is obsti­nately resolved not to unmask Prejudice, nor to govern us without disguise; I am resolved at the Peril of my Life and Fortune, to acknowledge her no more; could I be but assured of you, as I am already of a considerable number of the members of our Empire.

Stomack.

You may rely upon me, as much, if not more, than upon any other whosoever.

Heart.

But before you declare your self openly against the Faculty, consider with your self if you be able, all of a sudden, to shake off the habit of taking [Page 32] Physick; for I know very well you will be plyed first with Purgative-preser­vatives, then with corroborative-di­gestives, and lastly with carminitive-aperitives.

Stomack.

The truth is, this poor Body thinks it self very happy, when it misses a day without Blood letting, or a lusty Dose of Physick; and that it is excused for the Evening and Morning Service; that is to say, for a couple of Glysters, with some usual Pills for a prelude to Dinner and Supper, without which, they pretend we cannot live. Think what joy it would be, if we could free our selves from this slavery?

Heart.

They pretend very ill, and all these panick fears do scare none but little Children: Wee'l remedy all these apprehensions, meerly by laying a [...] Embargo upon the mouth. But there is no time to be lost, we must speedily put our selves in a condition to baffle the attempts, that Prejudice will surely make to bring us under, so soon as ever she comes to understand that we are Revolted against her.

Stomack.
[Page 33]

What hinders you from telling me what your thoughts are as to that?

Heart.

That we may not be inter­rupted in the discovery of the secret that I intend to impart to you, and in the measures that we are to take; hinder your Appetite from making a noise, and shut all the doors so fast, that nothing may be able to interrupt us. Above all things, let us have a care that the Liver suspect nothing. I have some cause to mistrust him.

Stomack.

And I to complain of him. However the orders are given, you may say all you please; I listen.

Heart.

Know then that I have had a long conference with Prejudice, and got so little satisfaction therein, that I have resolved no longer to submit to the Government of that Favourite: That is not all; I have engaged the noble parts in our concerns, and generally all that live in the Region of circulation. Besides, I have so well managed the Senses, by [Page 34] the mediation of Common Sense, that they are resolved no more to hear not see Physicians, and far less to smell, touch or taste any the least thing that comes from them, so that they are all declared in our favours.

Stomack.

A fair Progress, indeed.

Heart.

That is not all neither, I have so far prevailed with the Brain, who is pro­voked at the irregularities that Prejudice causes there, that he will follow all my motions. And I have pusht on the matter so far, that Sleep, which by turns disposes of the whole Body as well as Reason; and if one dare say so, more absolutely than she; hath promised me, for facilitating of our enterprise, to anticipate as much as may be, upon the time allotted to Reason, thereby to shorten the duration of her Reign: I tell you nothing of Dreams, though I make great esteem of them: For you know they desire as much as we, the return of the Golden-Age, of which they still retain all the ways of acting.

Stomack.
[Page 35]

But suppose every one do what they have promised; who is to be entrusted with the management of the whole.

Heart.

Nature, from whom we must all take orders.

Stomack.

That's well: But consider that Nature is a very simple kind o thing, for the people who, as it is said, would see the Gods March before them And therefore it would be convenient besides that Pilot, to give the people also an Anchor, to which they might fasten their hopes, during the Tempest of Diseases.

Heart.

That I intend to do hereafter, for I purpose to retrieve the honour of Experiments, the name whereof is renderedEmpirick. odious by our enemies. By that means medicine will be brought back to its original, and become so familiar and natural, that no body will need any other Physician than himself, for applying what he shall find proper for his Distemper.

Stomack.
[Page 36]

The Scheme is good, and the design pleases me very well. But seeing States pass not from one kind o [...] Government to another without danger▪ would it not be convenient to appoin [...] some substitute to Nature, who might be acceptable to her, and take the conduc [...] and Government of us in our firs [...] essay?

Heart.

Nature hath provided for that by suggesting to me to make use of Sobriety and Patience, who understand th [...] conduct of the Body perfectly well: Fo [...] if they be not the Mothers, they are a [...] least the Nurses and Governants o [...] Health; and besides that, I'll pass m [...] word for them, they are the declare [...] Enemies of indispositions, nay and o [...] most part of Diseases too.

Stomack.

I know it, and willingl [...] submit to their Discipline: To let yo [...] see how much I am perswaded by wha [...] you say, I desire a favour of you▪ [...]h [...] Sobriety would presently come and est [...] blish the Seat of her Empire with me [...] You know, as I ly most open, so I a [...] the most convenient post for our enemies [Page 37] and therefore I cannot be too well Forti­fied, nor too soon put into a posture of defence: With her assistance I shall bridle Appetite, and perform my functions at more leisure, and more to the ad­vantage of those who are concerned.

Heart.

I am overjoyed to find that you have prevented me. Since then Reason neglects to possess the Posts of the Stomack when Men eat, and to go to the Heart, when she would put in execution her great thoughts in the head: I think it convenient that Sobriety take up her Quarters with you, and that Patience have the charge to make head against Reason, to what side soever Prejudice may turn her; considering the frequent Recruits and Assistances that we shall send to Patience, it will be no easy matter to baffle her.

Stomack.

If Patience be as well secon­ded by others, as Sobriety shall be by me, make account that we shall obtain the Victory.

Fourth Dialogue. The Stomack prest with Hunger, talks of good cheer, Sobriety suffers it, the better to compass its ends.

Sobriety. The Stomack.
Sob [...]ie y.

I Hear, as well as you, the grumbl [...]ng of your Guts, and I am very sensible of the importunities of your Appetite: But you must be firm and resist their griping sollicitations, till the hour when you used to gratifie them be past: They'l trouble you no more after. Come, courage; let us talk of the pleasures that accompany Health,

Stomack.

You say well: But consider likewise that a hungrey Belly has no ears: The hour of eating is, when one is a hungrey: I am torn to pieces, I cannot hold out, I dy.

Sobriety.
[Page 39]

Are not you ashamed, to cry out for Hunger like a Child?

Stomack.

Consider, I pray, that my Liver is so great and so hot, that he can­not be put off with the amusements and excuses that abstinence makes use of, to beguile that canine hunger which devours me. A crust of Bread and a Glass of Wine, or I'm dead.

Sobriety.

You'l revive that famous Glutton of Antiquity again, who finding no one Body to stand by him for the space of a whole day, in eating and drinking, made his four Meals, with four different clubs of Epicures.

Stomack.

I do not talk of four Meals, but of one which may last as long as my Appetite: Suffer not, I beg of you, that Fasting over heat my Choller any more, unless you desire to see me fall into a rage or a fainting fit.

Sobriety.

Is this the effect of all the fair promises you just now made to the Heart? but I am not startled at those mean weaknesses: My orders must be [Page 40] put in execution; and all the ways yo [...] take to perswade me, are so many motive [...] that incline me to do nothing at all: [...] you be hot take a little water.

Stomack.

What! water?

Sobriety.

Yes, water.

Stomack.

If you had said Strong waters it had been somewhat, but meer Element common water; how is it possible I ca [...] taste it, and not expire?

Sobriety.

You shall taste it, and no [...] expire for all that It is far better for yo [...] in the condition you are in, than the Oy [...] that you would pour upon the fire, whic [...] would consume you for good and all.

Stomack.

Alass! where is now th [...] time, when I began my day with a lust [...] dish of Chocolate, or a mess of heart [...] jelly-broath; whi [...]h, some hours afte [...] was followed by an Embassie of Pottage consisting of a dozen of plump young Pigeons, swimming in Gravy, or othe [...] convenient liquor, and attended with forced meats, cockscombs, palats, mush­rooms, [Page 41] and the rest of that savory train; which as Deputies from their principals come to complement the Taste and adver­tise me, that whole Nations were upon their march to submit themselves entirely to the absolute disposal of the Appetite?

Sobriety.

How, do you still look back again? have you forgot, that you re­gret the want of that, which has been the cause of all your evils? that the least punishment which the excess of good chear inflicts upon those who give themselves over to it, is to be loaded with an hundred weight of useless fat? These surfeitings are no ways excusable put in an old Scythian who desires to be fat, that his Kindred may feed upon him with pleasure.

Stomack.

If you draw these conse­quences from a mess of Broth, and a Potage, what would you say, if you saw the same Potage flanked with all the dishes that the four Elements and Season of the year afford as proper for the first course.

Sobriety.
[Page 42]

I would say that all th [...] Dishes and Plates, are but so many sna [...] laid for Health, and I should long [...] those delicious repasts, which consist o [...] in one dish furnished with one sort [...] meat, of which every one takes as mu [...] as he hath need: For I am not sor [...] viving the custom of tying people up [...] commons. I would have judgment [...] not necessity to be the carver for t [...] Appetite.

Stomack.

There are a great many, w [...] care as little as you do for these prelud [...] and who never fall to feeding in go [...] earnest, till they see a jolly quak [...] Pudding, or a trembling Mountain [...] dainty well drest Beef appear.

Sobriety.

In such dangerous occasio [...] I commend those who begin and e [...] with the Beef.

Stomack.

How is it possible to st [...] there; for seeing these are served in h [...] concocted, if they be but in the le [...] moistned with Wine cooled in Ice, th [...] do no more but pass through us witho [...] any stay. And it's well it is so; for ro [...] [Page 43] meat and salads, crowned with flowers [...]nd green leaves, present themselves [...]fterward with so palitable a meen, and [...]o well disposed to follow that which [...]ent before, that it is hard to determine [...]hich of these meats ought to be allowed [...]e favour of entering first. That is then [...]e occasion when it may be said, that [...]ell cooked meats invite the Stomack.

Sobriety.

You make them say and do whatever you please. Seeing you covet [...]hem, you are before hand with them, and [...]efore they present themselves to the [...]outh, the eyes have already made way [...]or them to the Stomack.

Stomack.

That may be; though I am not always in a condition to admit of all that the eyes devour.

Sobriety.

For my part, I cannot com­prehend how so much Victuals can find room in so small a place.

Stomack.

It would not be without [...]ifficulty, were they not ushered in by a [...]avishing steam which the smell devours; [...]nd if they came not afterward armed [...]t Sharps, with Lemons and Oranges, [Page 44] seconded by the acrimony of Salt, and fir [...] of Spices; being in that Equipage, yo [...] see how easie it is for them, to force a [...] that stands in their way, either to giv [...] place, or to fly for it.

Sobriety.

I very well conceive, th [...] the last comers chase the former; b [...] seeing that is not done in an instant, ho [...] do you reconcile the roast with the raw [...] the burning hot. with the Ice-cold, th [...] Pepper with the Sugar? for it is imposs [...] ble so many different Guests can cotto [...] together.

Stomack.

Nothing truer, these differe [...] aliments brought from opposite Climat [...] and contrary Elements, impatient [...] suffer the constraint to which they ar [...] reduced. Judg then, what torment I a [...] in, when that grows to excess, as it h [...] pens almost daily, because the Laws [...] the Table slight all my grievances.

Sobriety.

In the manner you speak [...] them, I fancy I see within you an Ar [...] of different Nations, more enclined [...] mutiny and Revolt, than to the goo [...] of the service.

Stomack.
[Page 45]

That's well said, but in that sad condition, were I to compare my self to any thing, it should be to Charons Boat, after a bloody Battle, because all those d fferent people you speak of, pour in upon me, maimed, torn, hasht and cut, having endured all the rigour of Fire and Sword.

Sobriety.

Does not drink make them friends?

Stomack.

Not altogether, though all of them earnestly desire to be moistned, and look upon drink as the solace of their pains. And thence it is that the more one drinks, the more one desires pure Wine without water.

Sobriety.

Whence comes that greedy desire of drinking without thirst, and without water, seeing the civil debauchês heretofore, would not have Bacchus go without his Nymph, what does one get by being drunk?

Stomack.

Why, it's because no drink but that which intoxicates, can ease the [Page 46] troubles and miseries of Life: And th [...] though Wine doth not wholely dissipa [...] the anxieties of the unfortunate, yet [...] suspends them at least; for if Wi [...] discharge not the Debtor, it gives hi [...] Letters of License: Nay it is even [...] insolent as to set upon Reason and va [...] quish her: And of its own plenary pow [...] without Commission, it enslaves the Mast [...] and sets free the slave.

Sobriety.

Wine, by what I hear fro [...] you, is a Sword in the hand of a m [...] Man.

Stomack.

It is nevertheless a sure mea [...] to discover the make of Mens tempe [...] and to pump out the secrets of t [...] Heart.

Sobriety.

Wine ought either to be pr [...] hibited, or reduced within the bounds [...] cheerfullness and pleasure.

Stomack.

Men are so satisfied of [...] truth of what you say of the fury [...] Wine, and the moderation there oug [...] to be observed in it, that it is put i [...] the keeping of the Servants, duri [...] [Page 47] the time of meal, with orders not to [...]ll any unless it be demanded; in so much, [...]hat there is no excess committed so long [...]s the Masters are retained by shame, [...]nd the Lacquies by fear; but if the wine be served with so much circumspection, [...]t is not so with the Mushroms, Caviare, Botargo, and Bolonia Sausages, with the Tarts, Creams, Custards, and in general, all that the Season affords to delight and tickle the Palate.

Sobriety.

Why don't they banish from the Table all that neeessity does not require, as coming uncalled to the Feast?

Stomack.

They are so far from rejecting what offers, that they find out things which ought never to be served up, as Shallot, Rocambole, and mouldy stinking old Cheese, that offend the smell, and please nothing but a jaded and stupified Palate.

Sobriety.

It's a thing I cannot conceive, how that you not having the talent of ruminating, can dishinguish one thing from another, in the disorder and con­fusion [Page 48] they are sent to you, and I cannot imagine what course you can take in that deplorable condition, for your ease and comfort.

Stomack.

I have instantly recourse to Ice of all colours, and to the Rose-water and other Sweet-waters, that are served up with the Fruit, the humidity and cold whereof temper and allay the heat of the Wine, and the fire of the Spices. I sip also of Rosa Solis, or some other pleasant Water, perhaps of my Lady's own preparing, which bringing up the Rear, forces the straglers to double their pace; but seeing these amusements rather soften and qualifie the evil than cure it, there is a necessity of using powerful Remedies, I mean, that I am fain to comply with the Tea, and those boyling hot drinks, that have been invented by strangers, which piercing through that great body of meat, breaks dissolves and hurries it away into those places where I pretend not to take cog­nisance.

Sobriety.

What, don't you fear to pre­cipitate your digestion?

Stomack.
[Page 49]

No, I can not moisten too soon, nor too warmly nor even too abundantly; for the most liquid of my Cargo passing through at first; I have often found by experience, that if I moisten not with those hot drinks, the rest remains in a manner stranded, as a Ship upon the Sand when the Sea is out.

Sobriety.

When that happens, why do not you expect the next tide, to get your Vessel a Float again?

Stomack.

It would be too long for me to suffer; for that heavy and undigested Mass, consisting only of what I de­voured to stay my craving hunger, one may still hear the Bellowing of the Ox and the grunting of the Pig, these Bodies never, being so divided or discomposed, but that they retain the qualities of their last specification.

Sobriety.

At that noise, do'nt your N [...]ighbours come to your assistance?

Stomack.

They are in no small trouble, especially the Liver; but if through weakness or any other accident, he per­forms [Page 50] not all he ought upon my account, the Gall or Spleen supply his defect; after all I must confess that in my greatest pressures, the Heart of all others is the readiest to bring me case.

Sobriety.

Can it be taken ill then, that knowing all these disorders, I avoid junketting where Health is in greater danger, than the forlorn hope in the day of Battle: These Relations fill me with horrour; However I excuse what you have alleadged; for it is natural when one is hungry to speak of good cheer. I am therefore more than ever confirmed in my Maxims, and once again I beg of you to take no more to day but a little Roast-meat, and some Glasses of small Beer, or water coloured red.

Stomack.

I could not have believed not long since, that I could have so easily obeyed you, I was so urged by Parasites that eat commonly at my Table; but now that they are gone, I want nothing; I am out of humour; and perceive that it is more by custom than necessity, that people eat to excess.

Fifth Dialogue. Prejudice that loves junketting, can­not endure Sobriety.

Sobriety. Prejudice.
Sobriety.

I'M either mistaken, or there comes our enemy? let all be upon their Guard.

Prejudice.

What, have you the in­solence to take upon you, as if you were a Soveraign? wretched spawn of fasting and abstinence, who dares neither eat nor drink but by weight and measure; do you pretend to give Laws where I am?

Sobriety.

Who are you?

Prejudice.

Who am I? it is enough that I have authority from Reason, to make you acknowledge and obey me.

Sobriety.
[Page 52]

I make it my Honour to ac­knowledge and obey Reason; but if she hath invested you with her Authority, give me a proof of it, by ordaining in favours of a Body overcharged with fat, a suspension of strong food, and much Physick; for that in the sequel, cannot but produce good effects: In the first place—

Prejudice.

In the first place, hold you your peace: In the next place get you gone: I neither love Speeches nor Speech-makers. Ho there! Appetite awake, Senses bestir your selves, and Body pre­pare every part of thee for a rouzing meal.

Sobriety.

Nay, say rather, prepare for Death.

Prejudice.

What, do I hear thee still walking Skeleton, do you forget you have been Banished out of all such Houses a [...] this, where joy and wealth abound? get ye hence instantly, or I'll send you packing with a Volley of Glass Bottles about your ears. None but such as tho [...] [Page 53] art, who lead'st a wretched life, ought to think of Death: Learn to reverence and Honour Reason in my Person.

Sobriety.

You may have the power, but you want the Language of Reason, or you make her act the part of Gluttony and Drunkenness: Never was their a Drunken Fish-wench transported with more violent passions, nor more extra­vagant Freaks.

Prejudice.

What won't you hold your peace yet?

Sobriety.

No. On the contrary, listen rather to me, than to intemperance that poysons your ears. Consider how little Health we have remaining, and put us not in danger of losing that: It is im­possible to reconcile voluptuous irregu­larity with sound Health.

Prejudice.

It is in vain for you to hold forth, no body will hear you It is my pleasure, that forthwith, nay instantly, the Stomack prepare it self with these nourishing Broaths, that the Tongue taste lickerishly of all these various [Page 54] dishes, and that the Palate perfume it self with these delicious Wines. Courage, my Senses, these exquisite dainties are so many Sacrifices which I consecrate to your desires.

Sobriety.

Had you to do with a Child whose Nurse you were, I should not think it strange, that you made it your business to cram it with meat, that so you might have time to take your pleasure whilst it slept. But what can Reason do in a Body overcharged with meat and drink?

Prejudice.

She triumphs over our mor­tal enemy Emptiness.

Sobriety.

Strange depravation! the consequences of this must be prevented, if it be possible I have taken care for all.

Prejudice.

Whence is it that no body obeys me? why does the Stomack resist my orders? and what can have made the Heart rise against Victuals?

Sobriety.
[Page 55]

That's well.

Prejudice.

A Physician, quickly call a Doctor; we must prevent the Distemper: These are the fine effects of the ridi­culous sufficiency of Sobriety.

Sobriety.

You may speak as much ill of me as you please, but why must this poor Body, having by a Miracle escaped out of the hands of the Cook and Butler, be now delivered up to the Surgeon and Apothecary; do you think that it is with Life, as with a Torrent, which as soon as it gets over a precipice scatters and loses its self by its diffusion.

Prejudice.

If a Body 'le take your word for it, fair Mistress Prate-a-Pace, I should be like one of your Rope-dancers without a Pole, that cannot make one step without being in danger of breaking his neck. I renounce all these circum­spections; a short and sweet life is better, than, like Tantalus, to languish without eating or drinking, in the midst of plen­ty and abundance.

Sobriety.
[Page 56]

However, they that Sup [...] with me have no Headake next Morning You cannot go out of the right way without ruine. It is not my design t [...] deprive [...] of Food, but to put i [...] in the [...] make the right use o [...] it; for [...] [...]gnorant that there i [...] more danger [...] long fasting, than in much eating; Reason taught me these Maxims, at that time when she put the Appetite under my Government.

Prejudice.

That time is past; Reason was then well served, now adays she is betrayed; but soon or late she'll revenge herself: For being Mistress of the Head, she will reduce the Rebells when she has a mind to it, and perhaps sooner than they think, to a true animal way of Living.

Sobriety.

In a good time be it so, we'll willingly submit; and are so far from looking on that as an injury, that we accept of it as a favour. Nay I can assure you that we desire nothing more than that Reason were always in the Head; for we shall thereby better dispose all that is necessary for the Organs of [Page 57] Reason, and it shall be none of our fault, if she discharge not her functions plea­santly.

Prejudice.

You have the wrong Sow by the ear, if we willingly [...] [...]nch our selves in the Head, [...] we shall caution our selves against the rhumes and distillations that might overwhelm us in that redout: And if Betony be not sufficient to guard us against them, we shall have recourse to Tobaco, nay and to Euphorbium. In a word, we shall leave no means unessayed to secure us from your attempts.

Sobriety.

Do you consider well what you say? your needless precautions move me to pity. To avoid a natural dependance that hath no bad conse­quences, you are running into mortal slavery, which will drag you through a thousand corruptions into horrours that I dare not name.

Prejudice.

I scorn your Prognosticks.

Sobriety.

I cannot tell if you'll scorn them always; but do not you imagine [Page 58] that Nature will suffer you to pollute the seat of her Empire, by a shameful commerce that you intend to have with those drugs.

Prejudice

You are mighty knowing; like enough it's to you that Nature reveals her intentions.

Sobri.

I know enough to let you know, that it is the intention of Nature, that the seat where she hath placed Reason, should neither be hot nor cold, neither dry nor moist, but that all these qua­lities should meet there, without the Predominance of one above another. Now, if you pretend to trouble that dis­position, I declare to ye, in the name of Nature, and of all the parts of the Body, that they'll employ all their Forces to hinder it; and that so long as they have one drop of humidity left, they'll make it mount from the Heel to the Head, rather than fail to purifie it from your snush.

Prejudice.

There is nothing that I more passionately desire, than to see her make that career. As it is my whole [Page 59] business to drain the water out of the Body, if I can but compass my ends by the vertue of Tobaco, we shall see what Nature 'll do to get more.

Sobriety.

Know that there is nothing impossible to Nature, when she endea­vours our preservation. If any internal impediment interrupt the course of our Health, and that for reparation thereof, Nature stands in need of Water or Air, she calls for it; and if she be denyed it, she converts the food we take into that which is proper for her. If the malig­nant humour be in any part of the Body, where the Air, the humidity and ordi­nary transpiration are not effectual enough; Nature forces these impuri­ties to muster together in some place, where being wisely disposed and ripened, the same Nature commands the skin to open a Passage by which they are sent forth. And this is the way how she deli­vers us from bad humours, in what Region soever of the Body they occur.

Prejudice.

Well then! let's imitate Nature. Come dear Tobaco, come, and by reiterated sneezings, open a [Page 60] Passage to the Torrent of defluxions▪ wherewith they would drown the Brain [...] dear Tobaco, is there any living without thee? and were it not for thee, could our Life be happy?

Sobriety.

That course you take doe not ease but destroy the Body. It's a changing the order of Nature, to void the excrements by the Mouth and Nose: Having giving you this advice, I have no more to say; but remember, if any bad accident happen, which I do but too certainly foresee, you alone must answer for it.

Prejudice.

All in good time.

Sobriety.

Farewell. I'll take a long with me what remains of Health and chearfulness, with the approbation of Men of breeding; and leave with you nothing but nastiness and stink, with the aversion of civil people. You will regrate the want of us when we are gone; for the value of a good thing is not known, till it once it be lost.

Sixth Dialogue. Prejudice uses all her endeavours, to take off the Stomack and the Heart from the Party of So­briety.

Prejudice. The Heart. The Stomack.
Prejudice.

TELL me I pray, both of you, what's the meaning on't that you do no more obey the orders of Reason? have you forgot what she hath done for you? answer me plainly.

Heart.

Since I never dissemble, I'll tell you frankly, that we have no cause to brag of the conduct of Reason, since she hath given her self over to the ex­cesses of the Mouth and of Physick.

Prejudice.

Physick is not the point in hand, though both of you stand much [Page 62] in need of it, the question is, what ground ye have to refuse your Victuals; is it that the Stomack pretends to digest no more, that it may give cause to those who wait for its concoctions or digestions, to put all into trouble and combustion?

Stomack.

Do you your self think that a Stomack is like a Market, which is only valued according to the quantity of goods that are carried thither and brought from thence?

Heart.

Hath abstinence made us neglect our functions, or fail in our duty?

Prejudice.

No: But both of you set about them so faintly, that if you persist a little longer in your carelesness, I will not give much for our Life. Is that the way to set the Belly and Reins to rights again, which for a long time have done nothing without the help of Physick; what can the Stomack say to that?

Stomack.

I blame my self for nothing, but that I was too late in opposing your irregularities. Are not you ashamed to [Page 63] have made so bad use of your Authority? you are the cause of debauching the Ap­petite, and of rendring that blind buzzard independant of the Heart and me, which ought to have been obedient to our orders.

Prejudice.

Speak more civilly of the Appetite, without it what would become of you?

Stomack.

For my share, I pay very dear for the effects of his fickleness and inconstancy; is he mad for some new object? hardly hath he touched it, but that he forsakes it for another; in the mean time I bear the but then of all.

Prejudice.

You are very bold in daring to controul his actions, he is not to give account of them to you; but you are to give me an account of yours: Answer then precisely to what I ask you.

Stomack.

I know no obligation that lyes upon me to you, nay nor Reason her self when she rambles out of the Maxims of Nature, and acts not according to her orders. So that, look to it, it is Reason and you that are in the fault, and [Page 64] not I. For satisfying that unruly Appetite, which you foolishly justifie, you have made me devour and consume more meat within these Ten years, than would have served a sober Man for a whole Age; and as often as I show'd any re­luctancy against that excess, presently I must be condemned to Physick.

Prejudice.

How many lies now, do you pile up one upon another?

Stomack

Nay, it is but too true, that I have taken so many Medicines and it so many different ways, that it's a Mi­racle they did not kill me. For there is not a Receipt in all the dispensatory, that to woful experience has not been tried upon me; and as if it were not enough for meriting the glorious Title of the Martyr of the Faculty; that I have been a Thousand and a Thousand times drenched and soaked with bitter drinks, and as often let Blood; they have glutted us in Summer with hot water, and in the Winter with cold. They have—

Prejudice.
[Page 65]

They have ordered nothing for you in those Two Seasons, but upon very good indications: Would you have such knowing and disinterested Men as Physicians are, see ones Health in danger, and not reach it a hand; that civil and officious way of acting hath by my means so wrought upon Reason, that it hath conquered that Natural aversion which till then she always had for Physick.

Heart.

How can it be that Reason hath had so great an aversion to Physick and yet have Sacrificed us to Physicians?

Prejudice.

Had it not been for me, she had hardly resolved upon it, for in her own Nature she is very irresolute; and you know that irresolution is not a Disease to be cured by Age.

Heart.

To be cured of that, the best Remedy is experience; and indeed few are made wise by the experience of others.

Prejudice.

Of what use can experiments be, when Two things never happen all­together [Page 66] one way? what did hur [...] yesterday, does good to day. One thing is Healthful in infancy, which in Old Age is mortal; every thing in this World is singular: So that consequences draw [...] from the past, signifie nothing for th [...] future.

Heart.

These experiments however are less faulty than conjectures, because one may far better judge of a Distempe [...] by the effect of a Remedy, than o [...] Diseases by their causes, which ar [...] unknown to us.

Prejudice.

I see what you drive at; a [...] that an able Physician says, though fou [...] ded on good sense, and immemori [...] practice, is with you no more than [...] Remedy prescribed at a venture, and pr [...] paired by a blockhead; from which o [...] can promise himself nothing but prese [...] pain and certain Death. Whereas, [...] you may be credited, an odd Recei [...] given by the first we meet, is in yo [...] opinion an infallible Specifick [...], an [...] Universal Remedy: But these ordinar [...] Specificks and Universal Doctors, ar [...] much like a flash of Lightning in a dar [...] [Page 67] Night, which having given us a glance [...] objects, leaves in us a greater obscu­ [...]ty than before.

Heart.

Do'nt take me up before I'm own, I can make good what I say with­ [...]ut your help; know then that by [...]he word experience or experiment, [...] only mean Natural and agreeable ways [...]f living, which are followed by whole Nations, and that successfully.

Prejudice.

That's to say, that accor­ding to these aphorisms, you would in the Morning drink Coffee with the Turks, and with the Chinesses Tea after Dinner, Chocolate in the Evening with the Mexicans, and Wine all the rest of the day with some people of Europe.

Heart.

Why do'nt you add to com­pleat the round of the known World, that I would drink Mil [...] with the Tartars and Affricans, Mead with the Mosco­vites, and Sherbet with the Turks; but [...]ince it is not necessary for one Man to make use of all the productions of Nature, [...]or of all the emprovements of Art, it is enough that every one in particular [Page 68] make some little experiments of wha [...] agrees with himself; there is nothing more easie than that: For it is not wi [...] the Stomack as with a Painters Pale [...] which ought to be furnished with [...] the chief Colours, if they intend to re­present all sorts of objects to the Life seeing of one simple kind of Food Nature maketh flesh and bones, and Pain [...] the Lillies and Roses of the Complectio [...] as well as the Or and Azure of the Eye and hair.

Prejudice.

These Poetical flourishe [...] are wide of the subject. The questio [...] is to know, if that be the way to redu [...] the Stomack to the Animal Life whic [...] you affect, by making it renounce [...] the preparations of Art, and only receiv [...] from the hands of Nature Herbs and r [...] meat, and eat Rice and Corn as the [...] come out of the Ear.

Stomack.

In the sad state to which [...] constitution, that was once very go [...] is now reduced, I could not witho [...] difficulty leap from one extremity to [...] nother; but yet allowing some e [...] qualification, I could with pleasure ta [...] [Page 69] the part of Nature; for the most simple [...]ood is easiest to be found, and soonest [...]igested: To what end such Massacres of Oxen, Sheep, Foul, and wild Beasts, [...]hat croud of Officers, that number of Engines and dresses to disguise them [...]nto a Thousand shapes? when our Gardens furnish us with Strawberries, Melons, Figs, and Grapes: However, [...] am still perswaded, that one may keep his Health very well though he Taste of all, but not surfet on any.

Heart.

I should be of the same opi­nion, provided they would not oblige us to take Physick, and would suffer us to renounce Ptisan and Barley-water.

Prejudice.

You make me sick, both of you, by this groundless aversion you have for Physick: Reason wo'nt learn of you the way how to live, and if she have occasion to change her course, she'l consult those who are more knowing and less headstrong than you.

Heart.

So long as Reason acts by your whimsey, she'l never bring us to a re­conciliation; that is too weighty an affair [Page 70] to be managed by so light a head a [...] yours is.

Prejudice.

As light as it is, if the Gut [...] will be perswaded by me, it shall no [...] be long before you repent that yo [...] have offended me.

Seventh Dialogue. Prejudice proposes to the Intestine to enter into a combination again the Party of the Heart.

Prejudice. The Intestines.
Prejudice.

YE are very still and quie [...] below there, my Master [...] de'ye fear nothing that this calm thre [...] tens ye with a sudden storm?

Intestines.

What are the three orde [...] of Medicine at a consultation abou [...] then?

Prejudice.
[Page 71]

You have hit it, and it is already concluded, to make you in the first place serve for the Funnel of a Chimney; for that end they are en­joyning the Mouth and Lungs to fill you with the* smoak of Tobaco, and if that do not work, the fear that it will put you in, will make you purge at least.

Intestines.

You are about to tell us a tale of a(2) stork; who ever heard of washing the Guts with a Glister of smoak?

Prejudice.

It'll be well for you if you escape so; there are other geats matters a hatching.

Intestines.

What can befall us worse?

Prejudice.
[Page 72]

What, have ye not [...]s yet perceived, that the Heart and Stomack are Revolted against Reason, with a design to render themselves Masters of the Body, that they may govern it according to their fancy?

Intestines.

You mean that manifests that was Published some years agoe, with the title of§ The complaints and re­proaches of the Stomack.

Prejudice.

No, no, this is a new War, and of far greater consequence than that you speak of.

Intestines.

It's then that other, called Every Man his own Physician, or to say better, Every Man his own Murderer, since that ventures upon Physick as well as the Colledge.

Prejudice.

You think you know every thing, and ye know just nothing at all. These Two Books I tell you are not the question in hand, but the Revolt of the Heart and Stomack against Reason.

Intestines.
[Page 73]

What, do they complain that they have not Victuals enough?

Prejudice.

On the contrary, they com­plain that they are too much pampered; and is not that d'ye think, a rare good cause of War: Nevertheless if they go on as they have begun, the Body within a very little, will be no more but a bag full of Bones and a living Carcass.

Intestines

What'll they get by starving the Body? they'l be the first that suffer. There must be more or less in this matter; to judge well of it we must give them a hearing.

Prejudice.

Were they both here to speak for themselves, they would but confirm you, that they are entered into a League with Sobriety and Patience, to turn Appetite out of his place, and to discharge the Mouth to take any thing without express orders from them. Nay they are grown so insolent as to have Published, that whoever will joyn with them in the cause, shall have Health bestowed upon him for a Reward. Con­sider how extravagant they are, to pro­mise [Page 74] what they have not: And indeed, they had as good say nothing, as to tell us that they have the Heart upon the Lips, and that they speak with an open Heart no body will believe them upon their word.

Intestines.

A strange disorder, indeed, and may be of dangerous consequence.

Prejudice.

There is not the least danger for you, however, though our enemies were even become Masters of the Mouth; for Physicians are not without expedients to make the Body subsist without it.

Intestines.

How without the Mouth?

Prejudice.

Yes, without the Mouth: For by the help of the smell alone they can make us live like Gods, upon the scent and steam of Perfumes and Sacri­fices.

Intestines.

That 'll do well enough, for those that live on Smoak. But it must be somewhat more solid, that will do our business.

Prejudice.
[Page 75]

Besides that expedient, the Faculty hath also the Navil and pores of the Skin, for putting relief into the place on all sides, by way of Humecta­tions, Frictions, Epithems, and Imbro­cations; and though all these ways should fail, you know, she has the command of a Passage, by which she can send in Pro­visions for a long Seige; nor are ye ignorant that the Body may be fed by as many avenues as it is purged.

Intestines.

All that you say is but a tale of a Tub. There is nothing that does the Body good, but what the Stomack receives by the Mouth: But do not you admire, how b [...]isk and quick these grave Doctors are upon the mat­ter? hardly is the War declared but they begin to talk of coming to extre­mities. We therefore co [...]clude that if the Heart and Stomack require no more of us, but a little Fasting, and will give us now and then somewhat to keep us from being idle, we are resolved to be on their side.

Prejudice.

What do you think that ye can hold out long, without solid Food [Page 76] twice a day, and that in abundance too?

Intestines.

There is nothing more com­mon for Beasts of Prey such as we are, than to spend whole days without eating.

Prejudice.

A very Honourable thing, indeed, for a River of a long course to run dry.

Intestines.

To run dry, is not the thing that troubles us; if they were not more disturbed above, than we are here below, we should not have the violent Tides of the Ebbs and Flowings of the Ocean of Medicine to stemm twice a day, which much interrupts the course of our Navigation.

Prejudice.

Are these the thanks that are due for the Refreshments that are sent you? You set up for Informers upon account of the Commerce ye have with the missentery, by means of a great many little Vessels; but we'l quickly see if with Pinchgut you can make as much noise, as with full allowance.

Intestines.
[Page 77]

You are too happy aloft, if ye knew it, that we carry so fair with your irregularities; and that by our continual application to separate the pure from the impure, we lay up store for your plumpness and the fresh colours that beautify your complection.

Prejudice.

If you do us a great kindness that way, we are not unthankful for it; for there is ne're an one of us all, but makes a God of his Belly.

Intestines.

If upon that consideration you have offered us any Sacrifice, it is you that have all the pleasure and we all the pain. Nay you have found it to be so, for we have not suffered without grumbling.

Prejudice.

Do'nt repine at your condition; there is none amongst us more to be envied; your Dominion reaches from one end to the other of our Empire. You command the inlets and most frequent outlets of the Kingdom. The whole Members of the State labour for you: So that in Justice and gratitude, ye ought to de­clare [Page 78] in favour of Reason whom I represent. The Reins, Liver, Pancreas, and many others are on our side; and we have already, according to the o­pinion of the Ancients, acknowledged the Liver for the Original of the Blood, and by consequence, of life: In so much that it hath been resolved, that in that quality he shall bear rule over the Body, next and immediately under Reason.

Intestines.

It is n [...]t the first time a Log has been made a King.

Prejudice.

That Log however will not suffer a contempt from the Frogs: Seeing punishment and reward, are the great hinges on which the most flourishing States turn, the Liver hath resolved to feed and water the part that discharge their functions well, with pure Bl [...]od, and pour out upon the Lazy, and the Rebels the fury of his choler, which is a terrible Thunderbolt that Nature hath put into his hands.

Intestines.

What will become of the Heart, in the mean time?

Prejudice.
[Page 79]

We'l keep him to his old task of labouring Night and Day, to rack the Blood as Coopers do Wine, pouring it out of one Vessel into ano­ther.

Intestines.

Confess the truth, there is a great deal of gall in your Party; and you'l be sensible e're it be long that your General uses mortal rigours.

Prejudice.

And is the Heart without them? that's a thing in a manner, inse­parable from Government. If the Heart hath no gall, he hath his melancholy and anxieties, which are full as bad. Delay no longer then, to list your self for the Good Old Cause; if ye make but the least hesitation ye are undone.

Intestines.

We are not affraid of you; all that we can do for you is to stand neuter, giving free passage to both Parties; if you expect more of us, we declare that we'l stick by the Heart, who labours Day and Night to animate and cherish all our Low-Countreys.

Prejudice.
[Page 80]

I know the Heart better than ye do: He is a braggadocio who trusting to the advantageous Post wherein Nature hath placed him, thinks he may from thence huff and threaten all the World; but do but scratch him and he is dead: Say but an angry word to him and he is all in a rage: Let him but see his own Blood and he saints: Does he but pass his usual hour of eating and he falls into fits: The least surprize puts him into a palpitiation: Has he a mind to any thing, he puts all into trouble and confusion, without listning to Reason, and even then too when he has not the least cause of complaining, nay quite forgetting himself either gl [...]ts his brutish Appetite, to the ruine of the Body, or he gives himself over as a Prey to his own Passions, which rend and consume him: In fine he is a fool, and so great an enemy to repose, that he'l neither rest himself, nor suffer others to do so, and has so many odd and capri­cious Freaks, that to teach him better manners, we'l have him as well as the Stomack to submit to the Liver.

Intestines.
[Page 81]

You think you have said wonders now, but to be free with you, you are neither pleasant enough to make us merry, nor learned enough to make us change our sentiment.

Preju.

If I have not Rhetorick enough to perswade, I have power to make me be obeyed: With the Rabble force must stand in the stead of Eloquence. Resolve then instantly to follow the Party I propose, or I'll use you like miserable crawling Insects, whosea vermiculary motions I know how to put a stop to, when ever I think fit.

Intestines.

We fear you not, we areb Six Brethren, invincible because inse­parable.

Prejudice.
[Page 82]

Is not this insolence in the dregs of the People, to be wondred at? it will not be long before I see them re­duced to a* miserere; for they are so sullen and hypochondriacal that they strangle themselves.

Intestines.

If we strangle our-selves, you'l suffer as much as we. And as to the positive resolution you demand, know that your being on the one side, is enough to make us of the other.

Prejudice.

Ye imagine that it will be mighty convenient for you to have your Channels contracted, and Sluces made in them, because ye fancy that ye'l have the liberty to open and shut them when you have a mind: But deceive not your selves, ye can never pass these Bars, whatever Abstinence and Diet may pro­mise you, without the assistance of the Faculty. Therefore stand no longer at SHALL I, SHALL I; but spe­dily joyn in interest with her; ye know [Page 83] that she hath always looked upon you as the Basis and Foundation of her Art; if ye refuse, she'l rather suffer you to burst a Thousand times, than to give you a minutes ease.

Intestines.

What can she do to us in time of open War, when she uses Fire and Sword against us in the midst of secure peace. And therefore, That for both your threatnings, there's Wind for ye.

Prejudice.

What, do ye grumble, and have ye the insolence to mock the Thun­der: I wonder no more that you are in bad odure in the World. But it will be to much purpose for you to hide your selves; we know how to find you out in the obscuritie of your lurking hole, and we shall see how ye'l behave your selves at sight of Canon, and when the Petard is fastened to the Gate.

Eighth Dialogue. Prejudice is supposed to be coming out of the House of a Physician whom we do not see, and that at the door she says to him.

Prejudice. Patience.
Prejudice.

YOu may rely upon me; all shall be punctually done according as you have ordered: but fail not to come to Morrow Morning and see the effects of what you have pro­mised me: In the mean time accept of this token of my Gratitude. Above all things — ho, ho; so soon as ever they have fingered our Money, they shut the door, and will hear us no more: My comfort is, he has put somewhat into my hands that will revenge me on my Enemies. Without loss of time, let us run then and put the Irons into the fire—But [Page 85] here comes Patience; we must carry it as if she were on our side, for fear she escape us.

Patience.

You go in great haste. Tell me pray whither do you run? who Presses you?

Prejudice.

Not you Lazy Lowt, who would have every Body go like a Tortoise as you do.

Patience.

But still, what Paper is that you hug in your Bosome, with so much gladness?

Prejudice.

It's a Paper of great vertue, for it's going to restore the lost Appetite and vigour to a sick Person that is in a desperate condition, and in short to bring one from Death to Life again, who at pre­sent has neither Hands nor Feet to help himself. If you are not satisfied, read it.

Patience.

That is sooner said than done; ha! what is this? the oddest kind of Writing, and most extravagant Hyeroglyphicks that I ever saw: There must be something of the Black Art in this: It's a Charm or Spell; and if it [Page 86] produce the effect you expect from it, the Devil must be in it.

Prejudice.

Well, well; the Charms and compacts you speak of, are only practised by Outlandish Doctors,§ who for the discovery of a Specifick which they have brought over to us, have not only given themselves to the Devil, but also covenanted to deliver up to him, all those that make use of it. Now, I think you are satisfied that the Doctors of the Colledge would not make use of a Medicine till first they had stript it of all its Charms, and transformed it after their way.

Patience.

What, do your Doctors fear Spells and Charms? they must be sent then to Mr. Webster to be cured of the fear of Witches; but to come to this Paper again, wherein I cannot understand a Letter, tell me who scribled it, for I cannot perswade my self that it is the Hand-Writing of a Man in his Senses.

Prejudice.
[Page 87]

And yet it is the Writing of so wise a Man, that he deserves to be adored.

Patience.

Pray, what is there in him that is adorable.

Prejudice.

Can there be any thing more Divine, than by the means of this Bill, to see five or six Specificks made up into a little Pill; which without nauseousness or pain entering into the Stomack, begin their work by quenching a burning heat; which by intervals sent up thicker Smoak and Vapours than a Glass-house; having scoured and well corroborated the ventricle, * they march out and divide themselves, some this way, some that way, for putting their different Orders in Execution. One of them joyns the Chile; and following it through its long windings and meanders, accompa­nies it along the Milky Veins till it arrive at the Heart; which it comforts and refreshes so benignly, that the circula­tion [Page 88] thereby is rendered more quick and better: Coming out from thence, it divides it self into an infinite number of Particles, and following the fortune of the Arteries, it leaves behind it to the disposition of the Glandules, all the Se­rosities from which it hath purified the Blood: This being done, it rejoyns the Brain, where it Refines the Blood in such a manner, that it Transforms the same into a Nervous Juice, and then into Animal Spirits, which dissipate and drive away those mists that causes Vertigo's and Dilirium's. In the mean time the other Specificks are not asleep. One takes the charge of emptying the Gall, and leaves no more choler in it, than what is enough from Hand to Mouth, to serve for ferment and vehicle for the march of Aliments. From thence it passes through the lobs of the Liver, where it visits and repairs the Percolatoreis and Strainers of the Blood, in the Neighbourhood of this, one reso­lutely makes head against the Misentery, there to quench another fire compos [...]d of Sulphur and Pitch, the malignity whereof makes people Hyphocondriacal. Another labours in cleansing the Spleen, [Page 89] and allaying its humours, dextrously facilitating the course of the pancreatick juyce, which had been corrupted by an inveterate obstruction. Having thus all of them with emulation forced the gross humours to flight by the common rode of the Guts, and thereby subdued the In­temperaries of the Intralls, they muster altogether in the Region of the Reins: But before they enter them, they sport a little, in draining the A [...]rabiliarious Cap­sules of a melancholy humour. In fine, traversing the Reins, where they leave not the least impurity, by the way of the Ʋretors they descend into the Bladder, from whence they victoriously Sally forth in a full stream, leading with them in Triumph whatever opposed the course of their Victory.

Patience.

What a deal of ground have you beat, and how many dis­coveries have you made? how skillful are you in the Geography of the little World? and how nobly do you relate the exploits of your Hero's? An Histo­rian that had your Talents might impose what he would upon credulous minds: Nevertheless none but Patience could [Page 90] have heard so many absurdities, without interrupting you. Is it possible that one can invent such gross Fables, and dare to give them out for truths.

Prejudice.

I say nothing but what I know to be true, having seen it a Hundred and a Hundred times. You ought there­fore to believe me.

Patience.

Since you are so very serious in your answer, I must be so too. I sup­pose that for attaining to the knowledge you brag of, you have with singular ap­plication, dissected in presence of your Doctors, a great number of dead Bodies, and living Creatures. What have you discovered in all that labour? the situation and conformity of the most apparent parts: What have you learnt by seeing them? The simple Letters of the Al­phabet of a true Anatomy: By con­sequent, you are very far from being able to understand any thing in the Book of the Body of M [...]n. For the proof of this, open that Book in what part you please, and you'll find that Nature who hath Composed it, divides and subdivides it self at first into so many little Parti­cles, [Page 91] and so imperceptible, that they im­mediately escape the nimblest fingers, and most piercing sight: So that your adorable Doctors ought to be tossed in a Blanket, if they maintain that one can attain to a certain knowledge of things, by means of those minute Particles.

Prejudice.

We do'nt talk of Anatomy but of Specificks, of whose virtues and effects I brag, because I know them.

Patience.

How can you know the Nature of Specificks, when your Doctors know not to this day, why Sene purges Choller, or Chervill purifies the Blood? but suppose you knew the virtue of Simples and of Drogues: Who hath assured you, that when they are mixed and blended together, their different virtues do not destroy one another: And though they should not destroy one ano­ther in the Pill, what is it that separates and disentangles them in the Stomack? who guides them into the different Re­gions of the Body, where the Faculty hath assigned them their Province, whither you follow them step by step, [Page 92] and from whence you return with them in Triumph?

Prejudice.

You would not start so many difficulties, if you knew as well as I do, that Nature does with extream joy receive all that her dear Daughter the Faculty sends her. It is that good Mother who releases the Specificks from the constraint, to which the narrow passage of the Heart had reduced them, and sets them at liberty to produce their several effects, as I have just now told you.

Patience.

I imagined, that having found you so serious before, you would not have spoken any thing more but what was real and solid; nevertheless you relapse again into the Romance, not to say the foppery of Medicine: Have you forgot that it is the part of an able Phy­sician to assist Nature, and not of Nature to second the whimseys and capries of an ignorant? he that would be of your opinion, must renounce common sense, and confess that Nature dotes.

Prejudice.
[Page 93]

I shall not examine whi­ther Nature dote or not; but I maintain that Physicians are never out in the pro­ceedings they have with her.

Patience.

How could your Masters have fully instructed you in all those par­ticularites of Nature; when they them­selves are not as yet certain, whither the Blood be made in the Liver or in the Heart: Who call the Spleen a useless part, and who cannot conjecture what can be the use and function of the Pancreas.

Prejudice.

What matters it, in effect where the Blood be made, and what need we care for knowing the necessity and use of the parts you speak of? It's our part to look when the House is foull, how we are to set about the cleaning of it. Pro­vided one ease your shoulders of a Burden, what's that to you, how or by whom it is done; it is enough you are discharged of it.

Patience.

Pardon me there; it con­cerns me very much to know what course [Page 94] you take to make clean my House: Fo [...] the furniture must not be thrown out [...] Window with the filth, as it daily hap­pens to you; and far less with the burde [...] must the Skin be pulled off of our Shoul­ders, as your pretended Specificks dis­guised into Physick do.

Prejudice.

I do'nt understand what yo [...] mean, speak more intelligibly, if you expect an answer.

Patience.

Well, I'll explain my self; take it then thus: No sooner has the Stomack notice that it must take Physic [...] to Morrow, but the whole Body is seized with sadness and horrour, so that i [...] enjoys no more pleasure nor repose. Is the hour come when the Cup is to be drunk, hardly hath Reluctancy giv' [...] a minutes respite to the Mouth to take the Physick, but that the Heart rises i [...] favour of the Stomack, to de iver it from the same; and when the Heart succeeds not, all is in a stir and commotion, and the Hickock Rings the Alarm Bell.

Prejudice.
[Page 95]

There's ridiculous stuff indeed.

Patience.

In that trouble and agitation the good humours that are irritated, move, and march to the place where the enemy appears, with design to stop that Poyson at the Fountain head, and make it turn back the same way it came. But when Vomiting has missed its blow, and the main Body of the Medicine hath unhappily got into the Guts, the humours change their Battery, drive the Physick before them, and pursue it downward with so much eagerness that most part of them are lost with it. In the mean time the Doctor accustomed to impose upon Nature, though he see by what is done, the mischief he hath caused; Proclames his Victory, whil'st the Patient deplores his losses, though he hath vanquished the Poyson.

Prejudice.

You talk of humours and Physick, as a blind Man does of Colours.

Patience.
[Page 96]

However, I know by ex­perience, that Physick serves not so much to drive out the bad humours as to cor­rupt the good; for a Purge produces the same effects in a sound Body, as in a sick.

Prejudice.

Say whatever you can, I maintain that it is the Physick that drives the bad humours out of the Body; and not the good humours that drive out the Physick.

Patience.

There is no talking of different humours, when one hath Physick in his Body, for it makes them all bad: Physick then in the Body is like dust thrown upon a crawling Snail: The poor creature to deliver it self from that unexpected obstacle, presently retreats within its shell, and with the loss of its sweat comes out again delivered from the impediment that hindered it from continuing its Journey.

Prejudice.

You may say all that you please, but you cannot deny that Physick restores the Patient to his lost Appetite.

Patience.
[Page 97]

If the Patient recover his Appetite, he is not to thank the Physick for that, but Nature, which perceiving after the fight that I was just now discri­bing, that the Patients Forces have been much weakned, orders the Taste, the Smell, and the Appetite, to take whatever shall be offered them, for recruiting, with all expedition, the losses sustained, that so, what the Poyson of the Physik hath discomposed, may be instantly put into order and frame again.

Prejudice.

Your fictions are fully as Romantick as mine, and all that can be said is, that such Rebells as you are can­not abide Physicians.

Patience.

On the contrary, we would have every Man to be his own: But our Physicians are not like yours, who make both the foul and fair Weather, in your Diseases. We would have our Physi­cians in all things, and at all times, referr themselves to Nature, and make it their chief business to lay up a stock of chear­fulness and delight, whereby we might season every thing: For we neither take [Page 98] nor do any thing, if there be not somewhat of content and satisfaction in it, so that we live, nay, and I dare say, that we dy with delight. Delight is a Coyn that passes as currant with us as it did in the Golden-Age: For we esteem things no otherways but according to the measure of delight that they afford us. In fine delight is a quintessence without which no enjoyment of Life seems good to us, and we hold it for a maxim that chearfulness and delight refresh the mind, encrease the vigour of Body, preserve Youth, and prolong Life.

Prejudice.

No Body doubts but that delight and chearfulness have all the Virtues you name; the difficulty is only where it is to be had and how prepared.

Pati.

You may easily believe that it is not to be found at the Droguists, nor prepared in the shops of Apothecaries. But inform your self of all the in­nocent pleasures that are in the World; in these pure sources, Nature would have us look for delight, which every one of us according to our Palate should accommodate to our own necessi­ties,

Prejudice.
[Page 99]

If your Health be not more solid than your Physick, I shall believe you to be in great danger when you are sick, for my part I'll stick by the Main-Mast, I find that the Faculty governs so well this Machine of Man, that I think it cannot be committed to the care of better hands

Patience.

So much and no more would a skillful Watch maker say of a Watch, when he had examined all the pieces of it: But can a Physician do the same with your pretended Machine of the Body? having taken it to peeces, can he set it again in Motion?

Prejudice.

You would not be much out of the way, if the Machine we speak of, were made up like a Watch: It is enough that our Doctors have the Key of our Machine, that opens and shuts the door to Health and Diseases.

Patience.

Nay, truly I believe your Doctors have a Key that opens the door to Diseases, and with a grim look, shuts it upon Health.

Patience.
[Page 100]

What d'ye say of a grim look? is there any thing so refreshing to a sick person as the sight of a Phy­sician?

Physician.

A Patient that rejoyceth at the sight of a Physician, is sicker in mind than in Body: And every Patient that willingly takes what his Physician pre­scribes to him, if he be not his own Murderer, he is at least accessory to his own Death.

Prejudice.

He! who can oblige a sick person to take any thing against his will?

Patience.

A Mother, a Wife, a Child, an old Servant, who being seduced or frightened by a croud of Physicians, change their love and friendship into Persecution and Tyranny, all declaring for the Physicians whom they love not, against a dying person whom they adore: So that striving to save the Patient, they kill him; giving him no rest, till he be delivered up bound hand and foot, to the Surgeon, and till he hath [Page 101] swallowed down the quid pro quo, of the Apothecary; for all know the Doctors hand, but no Body can read it.

Prejudice.

You put me now in mind of my Bill, give it me again, I pray, that I may put it into the hands of those who can make better use of it than you.

Patience.

Take it, I know nothing it is good for; but I cannot conceive, how a Man, that dares not trust his Purse to his friend, commits his Life to a Phy­sician whom he knows not.

Preju.

I'll answer you another time. I have lost but too much time with you already; farewell enemy of Physicians.

Patience.

You'r mistaken, I'm only an enemy to their bad practice.

Prejudice.

And for my part, such as it is, I reverence it, and am perswaded it works good effects, let me then fly away with my dear Bill, and hear you no more.

Patience.
[Page 102]

She is already got so far, that she cannot hear me; I must make the best of her absence, and of a meeting that I am to have with Reflection, for en­deavouring the re-establishment of our little Empire. If this misunderstanding continue any longer, It 'll undo us, and involve us all in the common mi [...]fortune.

Ninth Dialogue. Reflection reconciles Reason with the Heart and Stomack; and they resolve unanimously to re­nounce Physick.

Reflection. The Heart.
Reason. The Stomack.
Reflection.

LEt not the Heart and Stomack any longer blame the conduct Reason has for some time [Page 103] followed. She hath been Prejudiced, it is true, but as it is great wisdome to forget a fault, so let us speak no more of what is past; and let there be no more rancour and animosity amongst us.

Heart.

Reason then, does at length confess that she is not infallible.

Reflection.

Neither is she so guilty as you take her to be. Consider that it was impossible for her to have acted otherways than she hath done, du­ring the impetuositie of hot headed Youth; she was alone, and had none to stand by her, without Experience, en­compassed with bad examples, sollicited by Appetites, authorised by custom, and flattered by the Senses, how could she resist so many powers?

Heart.

Had that been all, she had been in some measure excusable; bu [...] so soon as she gets out of one Gulph, must she throw herself headlong into ano­ther?

Reflection.

I am of the same opinion as you are of, that to remedy the ex­cesses [Page 104] of the Mouth, she had better hav consulted Nature than Physicians: But there are some things which appear so charming at first sight, that we embrace them with pleasure; thinking our selves sure that the sequel will answer the beginning.

Heart.

That's the case with those who are Prejudiced; they imagine that the beaten Road is the safest way.

Reflection.

Who can be armed against that, Reason gliding along with the stream of Medicine; hath been as a great many more, carried out into the open Sea, contrary to her expectation and desire.

Heart.

She who suggests to the wise, not to Sail but along the Coast, why did not she put in to shoar again.

Reflection.

What can one do, the first time that he is tossed with Winds and Tempests? so that it is no wonder, if in that confusion she abandoned the Helm.

Heart.
[Page 105]

But to whom did she abandon it?

Reflection.

To those whom she took to be sincere and able persons, because with extream confidence they offered themselves in time of danger; but time hath made her but too sensible since, that all they sought for was to make advantage of her misfortune, and to be instructed at her cost.

Heart.

Nay, so far were they from serving her, that I know their doubts and irresolutions have represented Death to her, nearer than the Winds and Waves in the height of their rage have done.

Reflection.

The truth is, these ignorant Pilots have put her into greater danger by their bad working of the Vessel, than if she had only had the Storm and foul weather to struggle with.

Heart.

It could not otherways be.

Reflection.

Be it as it will, all of them being now at their wits end, and knowing [Page 106] no more what to do, they left them­selves to the mercy of the Winds and Sea, which having long tossed their Vessel, cast it at length shattered and weather beaten upon the shoar; so that they who were still alive, were not to be known, they looked so like dead Men.

Heart.

What said Prejudice to that?

Reflection.

I forgot to tell you, that in the height of the Storm, a gust of Wind carried her over-board, and she perished in the Sea, to the great content of all: Insomuch that she hath not been lamen­ted by any.

Heart.

That's the fate of bad Fa­vourites, who are not so much as pitied by those whom they have obliged; Reason ought to be very well satisfied, in that she is at the same time delivered of an unworthy Favourite, and Cured of the malady of Physicians.

Reflection.

The pleasure of a past danger is only sweet to those, who are no more in fear of falling into another. All Reasons care at present is, how to [Page 107] find means of giving vigour to a decayed Body, and of recovering Health at any rate.

Heart.

Probably, she is in discourse with the Stomack, since neither of them have come to our conference.

Reflection

It may be so. However tell me I pray you, what you think of this change.

Heart.

Seeing, we are in my opinion, more obliged to you than to Reason, for the resolution she hath taken, it's you whom we ought chiefly to thank for it; but since they who most deserve praises, desire least to hear them, I shall only tell you, that our Counsels tend to nothing else, but to beseech Reason that she would preserve the Body from sick­ness, and the Mind from trouble and anxiety.

Reflection.

What must be done for com­passing of that? for you have cut out a great deal of work in a very few words.

Heart.
[Page 108]

Let her try all ways to re­concile us perfectly to Nature; engage her to restore us to Health, and suffer us to enjoy it so long as we live; for we do not live, if we be no [...] well: For that end, let us by the media­tion of Patience and Sobriety, begin to Sacrifice to her that excess of flesh and fat, wherewith the parts of the Body are overcharged, accompanying these Sa­crifices with some§ libations; lest the fire should with what is superfluous, consume also what is necessary.

Reflection.

What must Reason, in the mean time, do for seconding of Nature?

Heart.

Let her give orders that we be treated like Children, I mean, that we be fed with Bread, Milk, Fru [...]t, and all that Nature produces of her own dressing, or that Art pr [...]pa e [...] without much labour and pain: Imposing a Law [Page 109] upon us to use them moderately, but with intention still, to allow us afterward stronger and more nourishing Food, if need require.

Reflection.

I doubt not but that is a good way of living, especially when we have recovered our Health; for I am convinced, that a regular Diet, with a constant and uniform way of Living, is the best means to settle our Health, and avoid Diseases.

Heart.

How? Suppose in sickness, Nature seemed to press you with an earnest inclination, to commit some little excess, would not ye hearken to her and satisfie her?

Reflection.

Although these longings must be som [...]times hearkened to and gratified, yet we should not give way to them so much, as not to be always upon our Guard, and use a great deal of circumspection; for Nature being soli­citous for our relief, puts us incessantly upon the execution of what she suggests to us, trusting to our own discretion, as to the moderation that is to be observed, [Page 110] and the use that we ought to make of her motions.

Reason.

Nothing can be better said; I agree wholly in opinion with Reflection and the Heart, and am resolved so to confide in their conduct, that I will apply my self entirely to the functions of the Mind: And therefore I'll only make use of Sight and Hearing, and leave it to the Heart to do as he thinks fit with the Taste and Smell, for the service of the Body.

Reflection.

If you behave your self so, it will be said that you pass from one weakness to another; you have not forgot sure, that Reason hath not been given to the Body only to do what pleases it self, but to serve for a counterpoise to that? though at present it seems to you to be in an even Ballance, yet how can it resist the continual temptations to which it is exposed, if you watch not constantly over its conduct.

Heart.

To this you may add, that if Reason take no other care but to study [Page 111] and exercise the Mind, the Body in a [...]rice will languish and decay.

Reflection.

This obliges me to tell you, that ye ought to act alltogether in confort; carefully to study Nature, and confine your pleasure to a submission to her Laws. Let not Reason then, be any more seduced as to that particular, by those who 'll come and rattle News to her, as if they were better informed than she: They are fawning flatterers, who endeavour to tickle the Ear, that they may become Masters of the Heart, let her above all things call to mind that Health is free and independant; and that ye ought to use your utmost endea­vours, to maintain it in those priviledges, when once ye enjoy it.

Reason.

How blind was I, when I ima­gined that Reflection took pleasure to mingle sower with our sweet; that we could not be happy when we listned to her, and that to follow her Counsels was to be her Martyr? How do I regrate my folly, in that I have so long acquiesced to what an ill-grounded Prejudice sug­gested to me in favour of Surfetting and Physick. [Page 112] For repairing of all these abuses, and so extinguishing that misunderstanding tha [...] hath but too long Reigned among us [...] let us, I beseech you, be more closel [...] linked together, for our own satisfaction [...] than we are by the bonds of Nature, for our Interests. Seeing we have but one Heart and one Mouth, let us have also but one will and one desire, that we may never be heard nor seen any more, but alltogether in a Body. The better to perswade you to this, I am resolved that as often as Sleep shall seize the Eyes, and Dreams the Head, I will retire into the Heart, whilst all the Body but he takes their rest, to the end I may remedy the alterations and discomposures of the Body, which happen during the day.

Reflection.

That's a thought and reso­lution worthy your self, by that means you'l cut off all these disp [...]tes, which from time to time arise about the pre-eminence of the Heart or Brain; and under the cover of Sleep you will in that new place, make good use of the leisure it bestows upon you.

Reason.
[Page 113]

I tell ye once more, I'll allot the Night to all that concerns the inside of the Body, and employ the day about the matters without. I hope the Heart will not disapprove this regulation?

Heart.

I approve and consent to all, but I dy.

Reflection.

What makes the Heart to Sigh so, whence proceed those long gapings and yawnings?

Heart.

The reason is, because some angry Spirits stir within me, and the advices that are brought me from the Regions of the L [...]ver and Spleen, assure me that others of the same temper kindle combustions in all parts; and seeing they have ma [...]e the Diaphragm also to rise, I can expect nothing but Death.

Reason.

Alas! we are undone, the Heart is without motion.

Reflection.

I know the cause of that disorder, it's no more but the remains of an old quarrel against Sobriety: Let [Page 114] us not be Allarmed at it, all will do well. Though these mutineers should pursue their rage even to a fainting of the Heart, we must not be startled at it; in all great changes we are ever to expect some small mortification, before things be set to rights.

Stomack.

If I may have my will, none can calm that Storm sooner than my self. I have just now received a supply suffi­cient to quell and subdue all these mu­tineers, who have a design to mount to the Head, under the conduct of Restless­ness, to hinder Sleep from entring the place.

Reason.

I know the Commander of that Party, he is a Debauchee, whom Prejudice and Intemperance have introduced a­mongst us, and who is the cause of most of our troubles. At first he is agreeable to Youth, who love mirth and pleasure; but it is dangerous to suffer him to usurp too much Authority, because his Ambi­tion thursts after every thing, and if the Stomack can fairly rid us of him, it will be no inconsiderable service.

Stomack.
[Page 115]

The business is done, the heat of these Spirits relents, and Sleep that advances apace will quickly reduce them to Reason, that it may entertain you with a diversion, equivalent to all the pleasures that are to be desired in Life. Let it but be represented in Co­medy, and that's enough to ravish you with admiration.

Reflection.

I know what the matter is, I have been just now told it: And you may give Reason a little hint of it, since she is not to be present at the Play.

Stomack.

My M [...]mory hath given the argument to Fancy, which will have the Play to be acted by the Company of Dreams: If we'l believe the Imagination, she never Invented so surprizing Scenes and Machines before, and all with design to Represent our perfect and happy Re­conciliation. Let Reason then, if she please, that she may not disturb the Play, descend into the Heart, to the end that the Senses being excused from acting abroad in her service, Silence and Tranquility may favour the design.

Reason.
[Page 116]

Along dear Reflection; let's go and take up our Quarters in the Heart, let us, in the mean time, give way to the Imagination and Dreams to delight the publick, and let us leave the conduct of their Eyes to Fancy. When the Galley hath Row'd all Day long, it's but reasonable the Slaves should take their rest in the Night, if one would have them tug at the Oar, and do their duty next day.

Reflection.

I like the thought of letting the Slaves take Breath, and suffering Sleep and Dreams to sweeten their pains, I likewise commend you for giving the Imagination liberty to do what she pleases; she has been long in possession of the right of Banishing Judgment out of the Dominion of Dreams: And indeed, there is nothing more inconsistent than Judgment and Dreams.

Heart.

What need all this talk? what are we concerned, let them do wh [...]t they will, provided Sleep allay our evils, and confirm our re-union? The Stomack [Page 117] promises us, that; he knows how far Sleep is engaged to restore the Body to Health, and since Morpheus is already upon our Eye-lids, let him do his duty: It is no small affair to give us Health. Let us quietly expect the effect of these pro­mises. The secret of our Medicine is, to put the Patient in the same state he was in before he was sick.

Reflection.

Be it known to all the In­habitants of the little world, that they instantly submit to the Laws of Sleep; to the end, that next Morning they may be all in a condition to return to the di­version of their ordinary employments, and so to continue, untill the Muses come in the Evening, and mingle their consort with the pleasures and liberty of a civil and sober Entertainment.

Tenth Dialogue. Sleep renders Health to the Body.

Sleep. Health.
Sleep.

WHat desire soever I have to acquaint you of what passes, yet you should still be in the Company of Dreams, if the urgent and reiterated Orders of Reason and the Heart, had not forced me to call you from these diversions, and to propose to you in their name, something that's more solid.

Health.

Why do you listen to that ambitious couple? if you do but in the least comply with their judgment, they'l disturb the quiet of our retreat, and banish you, as they have done formerly, out of the extent of your own Domi­nion. You know when that happens, [Page 119] that I can have no pleasure in staying here without you.

Sleep.

But if there be an indispen­sable necessity of listning to the senti­ments of Reason, and following the motions of the Heart; how can one refuse to answer them?

Health.

Well then, if they must be answered, let us plainly tell them, that since we pretend not to the Honours and Glory which they so fondly possess, we pray them not to disturb the innocent Pleasures which we enjoy: For it is no less the happiness of Life to slight what one has not, than to know the right use of what one enjoys. Alas! could one be more happy than I was without them, when you began to speak to me in their name?

Sleep.

Without doubt you were wholly taken up in Dreams; what pleasant piece, pray, did they represent to ye?

Health.

It's very true, I thought my self to be an Amazon Queen, who re­turned Victorious from her Enemies; but [Page 120] just as I was about to enter in Triumph, amidst shouts and acclamations, unto a Palace of Rubies hanging in the Air, and gently moved by the Wind, I was seized with fear; and though I was encompassed with Mirth, Musick and Dancing, yet nothing but Sleep could re-assure me. That you may know what kind of plea­sure it was, I thought that I Cloathed you in my Garments, and that at the same time we were closely linked together by Chains and Flowers. Now though I was exceedingly delighted at this, yet for all that it broke my Dream. What d [...]ye imagine to be the signification of it?

Sleep.

That's easily interpreted. The Amazon is Health, the Enemies of whom she Triumphed, are Physicians and In­temperance. The Palace of Rubies moved by the Winds, is the Heart, where Reason would have me carry you, and the Chains that bound us so fast toge­ther, are our embraces at parting.

Health.

Nay, now I perceive you are fonder of Reason, than she was of her Favourite; and I foresee that it will be none of your fault, if both of us re­nounce [Page 121] not our Independance, and wholly submit to our pleasure.

Sleep.

Not so neither, I'm only soli­citous to inform you, what share you are to have in that reconciliation, and to put you in possession of it.

Health.

I believe I know as much of that as you do: Be ruled by me, let us let Reason and the Heart alone to torment themselves as much as they please, in finding out measures to repair the dis­orders of their dissentions, and let us take our rest.

Sleep.

That would do well enough, if without you they could put in execu­tion, what they are resolving betwixt themselves. They are so convinced of the necessity of having you, that they cease not to send me one Courier at the heels of another, praying me to restore Health to the Body. Will ye refuse me the sa­tisfaction of conducting you to the Heart, and of seeing you triumph there, as you do in all other places where you take delight?

Health.
[Page 122]

Why should I any more ap­pear in those places where I have received so bad usage? have you forgot, that if it had not been for your Protection, I had been long agoe out of the World? why then will you undo, what you have so kindly preserved?

Sleep.

No, I wo'nt undo you, nor so much as expose you to the least danger: We are not now, about to conduct you to the Heart as heretofore, accompanied with the sparks of Youth, which might, in effect, cause your destruction, or at least disturb your tranquility: You are expected there, without ostentation and magnificence, we are only to acquaint you that Reason is no longer Prejudiced against you, and to give you all manner of assurance that she'll de­termine nothing concerning you for the future, till first she have consulted Re­flection and the Heart about it.

Health

But if she consult not you also, I shall be in no less danger. No, I wont part f [...]om you; I cannot be secure without you. Why have you so many [Page 123] Charms? Why does one taste so many pleasures in your Company? Having accustomed me to a still and solitary Life, would you now again Embark me in trouble and confusion?

Sleep.

You have no cause any more to apprehend these agitations; they have separated pain from them, and left you only the pleasure: Nay, and if that pleasure work in you but the least disgust, give me but a wink, and I shall presently come flying to your assistance: And though nothing should happen that may p [...]t you out of humour, my tender care of you shall not suffer me to delay till Night, the paying of you a visit; I'll come and steal some moments for you even in the middle of the day: If the Feasting and Plays that they are pre­pairing for your Entertainment, hinder me not from approaching you.

Health.

The preparations you speak of, instead of obstructing your design, will facilitate the means of your putting it in execution. I shall even prevent them, if I can, for I have no pleasure but in your Company, and especially at that [Page 124] time of Day, Physicians may say what they will.

Sleep.

You are then resolved to grant Reason what she desires of you?

Health.

When Reason formed the design of alluring me to the Heart, it ought to have been represented to her how changeable and fickle he is How that after the first congress he'll take no more notice of me. The truth is, he passio­nately desires what he wants, and sets no value upon what he enjoys. In a word, he is in all things so much upon extreams, that what he'll do to chear me, will only serve to alter, and perhaps to undo me.

Sleep.

That diffidence will Vanish, when I have told you what hath been done as to that, for your security and Glory.

Health.

I desire to know no more; well since you will deliver me up to the Heart, I condescen [...]. Only tell me how I can be able to bear the grief of our parting.

Sleep.
[Page 125]

Could I, as well as you, appear abroad in the day time, we should be inseparable, but being destin'd to be sometimes asunder, do'nt fear that a few hours absence can have any bad influence upon so strict a friendship as ours. Con­sider that it would be a shame for us to mind only our own repose and pleasure; that's a thought not to be pardoned but in a foolish Love. What trouble soever then, our separation may cause us, let us support it constantly; and let us do so much good to all, that all may love us as much as we do one another.

Health.

Well to compleat what you have begun, let's go to the Heart.

Sleep.

You do me a singular kindness, but let me tell yo [...], th t [...]n the reconci­liation that Reason hath just now made with all the part [...] of the Body, it hath among other things, been [...]greed upon: That so soon as Sleep all seize the Eye­lids, Reason shall leave the Head and descend into the Heart, there to labour in concert with him, about what con­cerns [Page 126] the Domestick and internal affairs of the Kingdom.

Health.

hy hath she chosen that time and place?

Sleep.

Because the Night gives Council, and all that is done in the Heart is kept more secret than what is acted else­where.

Health.

That ought to bring down the pride of the Brain, who bragg'd that he alone had the Honour of being the Seat of Reason.

Sleep.

Ay, and it ought to vex him somewhat more, that they talk of trea­ting of nothing in his Apartment, but of Foreign Affairs: But, what solely concerns you, so soon as Vigilance hath guided Reason from the Heart to the Head, Gladness is to put you in possession of the Heart, where joyning your Ta­lents together, you'll have liberty to make your self desired and cherished of all.

Health.
[Page 127]

Notwithstanding that I have wholly resigned my self to your will, give me leave to tell you once for all, that I cannot conceive how you can love me, and yet bestow me upon another?

Sleep.

I have said nothing of giving you to another; that word would wound our friendship: I have only engaged my self to leave you in the Heart, so long as Reason shall be in the Head: For when Reason descends from the Head into the Heart, my design is to bring you thence; and not to leave you, so long as she is there. Consider what pleasure we are like to have, in discoursing at leisure of our impatiencies and disquiets: What felicity in visiting the Bounds of our Empire, in scattering our favours in all pl [...]ces, giving to those you have a kindness for, full Brimmers of Sleep, which drives weariness out of the Tra­vellers Foot, and out of the Trades­mans Hand: Which strips the Heart of his Passions, and the Mind of its most cutting cares. When I endea­vour to asswage the sharpness of pains, you shall pour a healing Balsam upon [Page 128] the most desperate Wounds: And whilst I release Slaves from their Chains, you shall give them vigour to carry them when they awake. In fine, if there be any thing wanting to those whose trou­bles and miseries we would sweeten; we shall order Dreams to afford by Night, what their adverse Fortune denys them by Day.

Health.

So that leaving every where tokens of our beneficent inclination, we cannot be upbraided, that any are sick and unfortunate in our Empi [...]e: Since they shall never suffer, so long as they are under our jurisdiction. But that I may fully understand all these regu­lations, inform me what Reason is doing with the Heart.

Sleep.

They are making no new Laws, but are reviving those which were in a m [...]nner extinct; they have already en­acted that if the Health be in the least out of or [...]er, the Stomack shall demand nothing; that all the parts of the Body shall listen carefully to hear what the Voice of Nature prescribes; and whilst they wait for her suggestions, the parts [Page 129] that are overcharged, may ease them­selves.

Health.

Now that it is day, and the Sun is going to appear, what does Reason do to prepare for her depart.

Sleep.

She sollicites the Spirits that are dispersed over the Body, to betake them­selves to their duty, and with pleasure considers how busie they are to fill the Or­gans of the Senses, and all the Faculties of the Body, to perform their functions: Just as a General delights to see, how at the first sign given, his Well-Disciplined Souldiers run from all parts to their Arms, and draw up under their Colours, ready to fall on at the least Signal.

Health.

When all these Spirits are drawn up in Rank and File, as they ought to be, what does Reason then do?

Sleep.

She leaves the Heart, attended with the Virtues and an infinite number of Spirits, judgment ushering the way; just so, as in the Spring, we see a swarm of young Bees fly confusedly about their new Queen.

Health.
[Page 130]

You give me the description of a very Charming Court.

Sleep.

That's not all, Reason entering the Head, finds presently all the Idea's which are the Inhabitants of that Empire, Ranked and Drawn up, as Reflection thinks fit to Command; and as exactly as such an innumerable Multitude, with so vast a Train, can allow of in so small a Plot of Ground as the Memory is.

Health.

You fill me with curiosity.

Sleep.

All these Idea's march in little Bodies, like the cluster of a swarm of Bees. Each little Body consists of Idea's of the same kind, or near to it, and all­together muster in the Air in form of a Rainbow, which yields the loveliest Prospect in the World. As all these Idea's are overjoyed to see their Queen, so they strive to get to the outside of their Companies, and the motions they make for coming thither, makes a very pleasant variety.

Health.
[Page 131]

Has it only been since Reason retired into the Heart, that she is re­ceived in the Head, in the manner you tell me? for I was Banished from thence so young, that all is News to me.

Sleep.

It hath been so in all times.

Health.

Whither went Reason then, whilst the Dreams under your Gover­ment, possessed the Head, and disposed of the Body?

Sleep.

Opinions are divided as to that: Some thought she slept; and others that she left the Body to go visit the Place of her Original; for my part, I am in a manner assured that she shut her self up in the understanding, that she might have no hand in the disorders which the Ani­mal part, in conjunction of Dreams, sometimes committed during the time of my Reign.

Health.

Let's return I pray, to our Idea's; what do these little Mirmidons do, when they perceive their Soveraign?

Sleep.
[Page 132]

They make it their business to observe her, and according as she is me­lancholy or merry, they cloath them­selves with joy or sadness, and that hap­pens as often as Reason changes her coun­tenance: So that more diligent Cour­tiers are no where to be seen.

Health.

What does Reason do upon her Arrival?

Sleep.

Sometimes she makes a review of her Troops, commonly she does but consider the new comers; but one thing, which I cannot very well express to ye, and which requires your best attention; scarcely is Reason seated in her Throne, environed with the Virtues, but they become all so resplendent, that it is difficult to behold their Luster.

Health.

I very well conceive that the rays and light of the Mind, supply he place of the Sun in this little world, which being reflected upon that nume­rous Court, renders it so Majestick: But how does Reason act in ordinary Affairs?

Sleep.
[Page 133]

Whether Reason think within herself, or that she make [...] apparent abroad what is doing within at home, she makes use of two Ministers. The Will is one, which governs the Original of the Nerves, like one that plays upon the Virginals: And the other is Memory, which with unconceiveable swiftness mov [...]s the Idea's that are in little Bodies. This being supposed, when Reason acts, she is to be considered as reciting a Lesson of Musick, whereof the Will and Memory make the parts: By that means, whatever Reason intimates, the part of the Body which hath the greatest Rela­tion to that Thought, is presently acquain­ted with it by the Will, which touches its Nerves. And if there be any thing past that quadrats to that thought, the Memory presents the Idea's of it, which the Virtues turn into all views, to set them off in their lively Colours. So that every one has a share in the spectacle, and there is nothing better connected.

Health.

But how can Memory bring forth an Idea that is confounded with a million of others?

Sleep.
[Page 134]

In the same manner as in an Army drawn up in Battalia, no Soldier answers, but he that is called, or his next Neighbour for him.

Health.

You describe to me a very singular Harmony.

Sleep.

But a very just one too: For judgment which beats time, mark the determination of Reason, that are like the Periods of the Cadence in ordinary Musick, to which the Organ of the Voice beneath from Time to Time makes answer, accompanied with the gesture of the Hands, and motion of the Eyes; all which together supply the place of the Chorus, in that kind of Natural Opera.

Health.

That sure requires a great deal of time.

Sleep.

Not at all, the business is done in an in instant, and all these motions are quickes than Light'ning.

Health.
[Page 135]

Are these things always per­formed with that exactness and prompti­tude you say?

Sleep.

In such a great consort as this is, it can hardly be, but that there is something many times out of Tune: Nay and sometimes it all is false, even from Reason it self to the Organ of the Voice; but when the evil is of no long conti­nuance, it passes but for some little clashing, which great Courts are not Allarmed at, because they are subject to them.

Health.

But what when these jarrings continue?

Sleep.

Then all is out of order, and the State in danger.

Health.

What is the cause of these errours, and what course is taken to avoid them, and to stop the Progress?

Sleep.

Such great disorders never [...]appen, but when Reason is drawn away [...]y the violence of some predominant [Page 136] Passion, which usurping a share in he [...] Soveraign Authority, discomposes the State, and puts it often in danger, which you have seen, so long as Prejudice was in favour.

Health.

Why do not the Virtues stifie that disorder in the Birth? for it is for that end alone that they are given to Reason.

Sleep.

Is there any one that performs what is enjoyned him punctually? Though Wisdome hold the Virtues linked together, to oblige them neither to rise nor fa [...]l; it is hard however to be pre­vented, but that when some certain o [...]jects present, they will run Riot: And that's the reason that Libera [...]ity some­times breaks out into profusion, an [...] that Frugality so often borders upon Covetousness.

Health.

Who puts a stop then to thei [...] impetuous motions?

Sleep.

The great Virtues, which have the power of correcting one another [...] Prudence moderates Courage; and Reaso [...] [Page 137] herself takes Counsel from Reflection. Besides Modesty hath the Inspection over all the Virtues, with power to lay an Arrest upon those that Trangress, deli­vering them up to Confusion, which is a mercyless Jaylor, that exposes th [...]m to shame under a Purple Veil, which amongst the Virtues is a most severe Punishment.

Health.

What course ought Reason to follow, that she may not fall into such perplexities.

Sleep.

To remain indifferent, and rely only upon simplicity and sincerity; to take truth for her guide, and never to look back; that she may avoid the ghastly looks of Sorrow and Repentance. To speak always with the Heart upon the Lips, Integrity attending both, as a surety that answers for all, and justifies the demeanour.

Health.

I admire what you say, but cannot conceive who can have taught you so much?

Sleep.
[Page 138]

I am obliged to Reflection for this, whom I often assist in ordering the Acts of the Assemblies, whereof she keeps the Records. And therefore I lodg with her, untill Reason appear, and take Possession of the Head, with all the Train that I have just now described to you.

Health.

If I take it, I think I see a crowd of Actors, filling the Scene of a stately Theater, and impatiently ex­pecting the drawing up of the Cloth, that they may begin to Act.

Sleep.

It's exactly so, for so soon as the Eye lifts up the Eye Lid, they begin to Act and Vanish.

Health.

Though I believe all this to be literally true, yet I dare not brag of it; for what comes from you, passes commonly for raving amonst people that are awake.

Sleep.

Let them think what they please, what does that concern you? Truth needs no approvers; but in my [Page 139] turn, give me leave to tell you, that I cannot conceive neither, what can have moved you to have put so many questions to me; for I never took you to be very curious.

Health.

Wonder not at that; for so long as you did not talk of parting from me, you were to me instead of all things; but now that you turn me over to others, I would not have it said, that you had taught me nothing. The truth is, I am very ignorant; I love not that Learning which requires Study, and when I am not p [...]t to it, to defend my self against Intemperance an [...] Physicians, I mind nothing but chearfulness and pleasure. It shall not be so for the future; I have a Thousand Questions more to put to ye, concerning Reason and her Court, which I must be informed of.

Sleep.

You may to day satisfie your de­sire; I know you'l be call'd up, and Reason will enlarge in your Praises: Nay she hath resolved for your better Entertainment, to confute the Physicians before your face, that you may be revenged on them for all the mischief they have done you.

Health.
[Page 140]

If their defeat be worth the while, we shall Triumph over them at Night; but do'nt you perceive that we are entering into a very hot and sultry Air?

Sleep.

That's because we are hard by the Heart, nay I hear Reason speaking to him; but seeing I am prohibited to enter there, let us stop hear a little, I pray you, and listen to their discourse.

The Sequel of a DIALOGUE betwixt Reason and the Heart.

Reason.

THe truth is, we cannot be too sensible of the good office that Sleep has done us, in having protected Health at a time when I cruelly Persecuted her by Feasting and good Chear; and in that he is about to restore her to us, at present, when we want [Page 141] nothing but her Company to compleat our felicity, what can we do for Sleep, in acknowledgment for such a piece of good service?

Heart.

As Sleep hath given a place of retreat to Health, during the irregulari­ties of the Body, so let us propose it to Health, that she may do the like kind­ness to Sleep, when the Body flies it: As they love one another dearly, so I make no doubt but they will gladly embrace the offer.

Reason.

If it be so, let's Marry them together, that so they may be inseparable.

Heart.

That would be an admirable good Proposal, if the question were how to punish, and not how to reward them. Believe me, that is an insupportable Yoke: The Beautifullest Palace in the World, if we be confined to it, is a more dreadful Prison than a Dungeon, if the door be open. Love adm [...]ts of no other constraint but what it imposes upon it self.

Reason.

Well then! I give consent that Love may unite them by its [Page 142] strongest bonds, upon the conditions that Sleep and Health are willing themselves to prescribe. But if I may have my will, Sleep and Health shall be no more Two, but one and the same thing, which the Body is to Reverence under Two different Names.

Heart.

That is to say, that in the day time they shall appear under the name of Health, and in that quality be re­spected, so long as the eyes are open: But from the moment that the eye lids are shut, they shall be considered under no other notion but that of Sleep.

Reason.

Manage that as you please, I am pressed to be gone: I leave this door open to our Lovers, and will go out by the other; my presence suits not always With those who are desperately in Love, and therefore I'll lay no constraint upon them. Receive them as you use to receive those whom you respect most.

Health.

This is the true Interp [...]eta­tion of my Dream, that I should cover you with my Veil, that you may lack nothing on my part.

Sleep.
[Page 143]

Your Dream imports also that our Arms and Hands should be the Bonds and Chains that render us inse­parable.

Health.

Add for the compleating of our happiness, that the Heart receiving us, hugs and unites us closer together, than all the Bonds and Ties of Love can do.

Eleventh Dialogue. All the parts of the Body are here supposed to be joyned together, under the Name of a Patient; that is in conference with a Phy­sician, who does not think him Cured.

The Physician. The Patient.
Physician.

WHat's this I see in that Close-stool? ha! what a deal of filth and corruption? I know full well you should not escape me: I have caught you, at length, and now you are where I would have you.

Patient.

And where I would too.

Physician.

In troth you have reason, d'ye see that ferrugineous Orange-co­loured stuff, which I touch with the Point [Page 145] of my Wand, it's the very substance of the Vesicule of the Gall; and these streaks and lays of concocted black matter at the side of it, give us good assurance of the disopilation of the Spleen; ye must needs find your self much at ease?

Patient.

And so I am.

Physician.

And much refreshed?

Patient.

Sure enough.

Physician.

Having turned over and over again that vast mass of slimy, concocted, sanguilent and glutinous matter, I find, that it's no wonder your Reins and Bowels were so overcharged; but now, thanks to good Physick, we are in the right way to a speedy Cure; and three or four small subsequent Potions diversified according to the indications of time and of the Disease, will show us the bottom of the Bag, and make us Masters of the Ten [...]c [...]ty of that Mesentery: Well, poor unhealthy Creature, what d'ye say to it? would you have all that filth, and those Poysons in your Body again?

Patient.
[Page 146]

No I'll swear, and that's the very reason why I never took it.

Physician.

Did you not take the Physick which I orderd you last Night, to be taken this Morning?

Patient.

No.

Physician.

How no? what I see then is the effect of the Glyster you took in the Evening, and of the Julep, when you went to Bed; for this last finding Nature moved by the former, might very well have expelled these laudable mat­ters; in that case you did well to delay your Purge, though I find still great ple­nitude in this lower Region.

Patient.

Be satisfied, I have taken nothing at all, and all these Medicines, Glysters, and Juleps, you speak of, so soon as they came out of the Hands of the Apothecary, have been thrown into the Pan of that Closestool; it were to no purpose for me to tell you what effects they have wrought, since you your self have told that so particularly.

Physician.
[Page 147]

What do I hear? who can have so poisoned your mind, as to make you think of daring to disobey my di­rections?

Patient.

Nay, ask me rather, who hath given me an Antidote against your Poysons; for I would have you know that for the future, I intend not to charge de­sperately through Blood and Physick, without I well know the cause and quarrel.

Physician.

Ha! I begin to smell a Rat, there must be some Chymist, Empirick, and Mountebank in the case. Well, well, wee'l see what'll become on't in time, and when you have payed suffi­ciently for your experience, you'l be glad at your heart to have recourse to us, when these ignorant Rascals have brought you to the brink of the Grave.

Patient.

They say as much of you, and not without Reason too; for there is nothing more certain, than that since the Colledg has been convinced that these pretended Empiricks have absolved those [Page 148] whom ye condemned to Death, ye have gone to Law with them about it, and resolved amongst your selves no more to abandon your Patients, untill ye have cut and slashed, and as they say, given them an Hundred blows after they are dead; and what is cruellest of all, you put that charitable resolution in execu­tion.

Physician.

How come you to be in this merry humour I pray? doubtless you have held your Nose over the Books of some§ false Brethren, who have been so base as to Publish in English some Secrets of our Art. But Patience, you have not got your ends yet: If I have any Interest, the Colledge shall invent a new Gibberidge, which no body shall be able to understand, and then we'll find ways to revenge our selves, and our Enemies never be the wiser for it.

Patient.
[Page 149]

That 'll not do, unless ye add to that new way of Conjuring a Declaration, enjoyning all Men to make use of a Medicine that you alone can prepare and distribute. That ye may be surer also of your revenge, and at the same time, glut your Avarice, bring your Pharmacie in play: Insomuch that no Medicines may be bought but from Apothecaries, who are to have a Board hanging at their shop doors, with this Inscription in great Gold Letters.

‘THE OFFICE OF THE COLLEDGE OF PHYSICIANS, FOR The Dispensation and Sale of all sorts of Purgatives, Vomitives, Sudorificks, Diureticks, Anodines, &c.
Physician.
[Page 150]

Courage! when Children cannot reach the Nuts, they throw stones at them. I desire no more to put a stop to this tattle of yours, but a slight Cold, or the smallest fit of an Ague. Till that happen, Reform your Plea; if any other beside my self heard you, they'd Laugh at ye.

Pa.

I doubt that; but if it did happen so, I should pity those that might be in the same errour I have been in. Physi­cians have made a fool of me so long, that I think, by turn, I may also Laugh a little at them. The discoveries and demonstrations of the Close-stool have pleased me exceedingly; and indeed, when I see a Dozen of you at consulta­tion together, I fancy I see so many blind Men throwing at a Cock.

Physician.

Hold there, enough is enough; should I leave you now to your reprobate sense, what would become of you poor wretch, who know nei­ther the quality of Aliments, nor the quantity that is convenient [...]or you, nor the time when you ought to take them? [Page 151] who foresee, no more than a Beast, the Diseases [...]hat threaten you: And being ignorant of the way of prevention, that might divert them, you would at every turn be exposed to all kinds of Distem­pers, were it not for our provident care of you.

Patient.

How dare you boast of prog­nosticating the future, when you cannot tell what it is you see, touch, and smell? you had need speak of prevention indeed, you who render it so often dan­gerous and mortal.

Physician.

Enough is as good as a Feast, hold there, I say.

Patient.

No, the least Creature that is, knows more than you do, what be­longs to precaution and feeding; for without any other advice than that of the Smell and Taste, it avoids what is contrary to it, and sticks to that which is good: Nay, suppose it may perchance eat more at one time than another, for­bearing afterward its Food for some little time, sets it to rights again.

Physician.
[Page 152]

But what becom [...] of that Animal, if it fall sick? it dies like a Beast without any relief.

Patient.

On the contrary, if it be any ways indisposed, it lies still, and for­bearing (as I told you) to eat, commits it self to Nature, which not being thwarted by Physicians, nor interrupted by their Physick, Cures it without any sharp pains; and conducts it from youth to old age, free from any great infir­mity.

Physician.

I am glad to hear a Man Rank himself among the Beasts, and to submit his Reason to their instinct.

Patient.

Not so neither; I do not think my self more skillful for the Preservation of my Bodily Health than Beasts are for the Preservation of theirs. If their reasoning be short, it is solid, and if ours be large, it is the more wavering. Whence I conclude, that if there be fewer Wheels and Movements in their Clock than in ours, it is the truer for that; and all our strikings and Allarms, [Page 153] our Minutes and Seconds, with the Moon and Tide, serve only to put us the more out of order.

Physician.

I confess the Wheels of your noddle are a little too much out of order; you must of necessity be let Blood, and that quickly too, in the Foot, and in the Arm successively, without in­terruption.

Patient.

Nay, since the matter requires so much haste, you might have sooner said in all the four Limbs.

Physician.

You Laugh, but it is no Laughing matter; nay, if Blooding you in the Arm and Foot be not enough, we'll Blood you in the Neck, in the Tongue, and all over, if we have a mind to it.

Patient.

It is not said without ground, that it's far better to do as Physicians do, than to do as they bid you do.

Physician.

This Itch of tattling, shows a depravatian of the Organ, and a great tendency to a sudden Phrensie. To pre­vent [Page 154] this volubility of Tongue, an [...] swiftness of the Pulse, we must proceed by speedy and Specifick ways. Quickl [...] then, go call the first Surgeon, warm some water, make ready bands, bu [...] chiefly let us raise this Head, and appl [...] a Live Pidgeon to it with all its Feathers, to fortify the weakness of the Brain.

Patient.

If the last Remedy you speak of be good, it's more proper for you than me: But it is strange that you forbid others to make any noise about sick people, and yet keep such a stamping with your Foot, and a bawling with your Directions, which will not be obeyed. I am so weary of hearing you give your Directions, and so sick of obeying them; that I'll have my turn of ordering too. Hold your Tongue then, I command you; or I'll make you be quiet, for I am Master here.

Physician.

Hey day, here's sawciness in­deed! The World's turned topsie turvie. Fire, fire, where shall's find enough of Nenuphar water, and of the Salt of Saturn to assist the Boyling and effer­vescence of a Blood and Choller, which send out Fire and Flames into all parts. [Page 155] Arides quickly, hey, to curb these Alcalis: And that we may joyn Topicks to internal Medicines, let a cooling bath of Frogs Spawn be forthwith made ready, but above all things let their be Calves and Lambs in readiness, for this will not be over without transfusion.

Patient.

Can there be more extrava­gancy said in fewer words?

Physician.

What a deal of Veal Broth, and Chicken Broth must pass through this Body? not to reckon the Emulsions, Apozems, and Soporificks, which go before the use of the juice of Chervil, and of Whey clarified with Fumetory.

Patient.

If we'll believe one Sect of Physicians, all Diseases proceed from heat, and stand in need only of Blood letting and cooling Medicines. Consult an other sort, and they'll tell ye that the same Diseases are caused only by the ex­tinction of the Spirits; and that, very far from Blood-letting, the Natural Heat is to be strengthned and increased. These Prescribe Wine, Cordials, Nourishing Food and open Air. Those again, at [Page 156] first cut you short of your commons [...] blash your Stomack with cold Liquors▪ and thin Broths, and choak you up in [...] close and stifling Air; as if outward cooling were more dangerous than those Drenches wherewith they inwardly chil [...] the Body: What is to be done in such [...] contrariety?

Physician.

You confound the offensive with the defensive. A Conquerour cannot signalize himself without effusion of Blood.

Patient.

The Question here is not of making Conquests. I pretend that every sick Person is upon the defensive, and that by consequent he ought to imitate the example of that great General* qui cunctando restituit rem. Besides, seeing Cold is the Symbol of Death, were it not better to quicken and encrease out Natural heat, than to diminish and ex­tinguish it? at least, I find my self so [Page 157] well with this Maxim, that I'll keep [...]s I am.

Physician.

In what condition then do you take your self to be?

Patient.

Nay I ask you that Question?

Physician.

How can I know if you do not tell me?

Patient.

You do'nt know then so much as a Farrier, that Cures Horses without making them tell him what they ayl.

Physician.

Fy, Fy, are not you ashamed to say such mean things, I should be madder than you, if I did take notice of that old impatience.

Patient.

Leave those slighting terms to your Physicians, from whom they have been borrowed. One should never say Fy, Fy, but of Physick, and all that belongs to it.

Physician.

Ha! spare your Quirks, I am not for idle quiddities, but solid [Page 158] Reasons. Tell me then seriously, if you can, you who talk so much of Nature and Sickness, what Nature and Sickness are: For I will so stop your Mouth, that you shall not have so much as a Pun or quibble to say.

Patient.

It's a very easie matter to satisfie you, as thus. Nature and Sickness are the heads of two contrary Parties: You are for Sickness, and I for Nature: You fight for Death, and I for Life.

Physician.

What do I take the part of Sickness, who make Medicine consist in waging War against it.

Patient.

Call you that to make War against Sickness, to pitch upon the time when Nature is engaged with it, to fall foul upon her, robbing her of her Blood when she requires strength, and giving her Poysons to fight with, when she is ready to succumb under her Adversary? to this you may add, that if in the heat of this War, Nature makes a Truce to take a little Breath; presently you Cupp, Scarifie, Probe, Glyster, and so alter the state of Affairs, that Victory which [Page 159] enclined to Nature, turns to the other [...]de, to Death.

Physician.

And ye pretended Cham­ [...]ions of Nature what do ye do?

Patient.

Seeing we have not the vanity [...]o Impose any orders upon her, we do [...]o more but send her the Assistance she demands, and without puzling our selves [...]o know if the Enemy be in the Blood or [...]n the Humours, when we have well re­ [...]ruited Nature, we are certain that she'll overcome the evil, because no force but that of Nature is able to subdue Diseases.

Physician.

Who doubts that? and therefore our whole intent is so to manage the strength of the Patient, that we may gradually bring him to Health again.

Patient.

Nevertheless your practice is quite contrary. Are Physicians called in the beginning of a Sickness; they come prepossessed, that the Town is full of none but Enemies; and in that per­swasion, as soon as they enter they Charge all they meet with, without [Page 160] distinguishing the good from the bad, [...] the innocent from the guilty. Seeing [...] they propose to themselves is the cle [...] evacuation of the place; when they hav [...] got their ends, they cry, The Town our own, imagining that it will be as eas [...] for them to re-people it with new Colonies, as it was to drive out the old Inhabitants. But the Land of Church yards rises in Judgment against thes [...] mortal practices.

Physician.

I see you know not wha [...] mettal Physicians are made of, if yo [...] knew them better, you would not speak of them as you do.

Patient.

I know them so well, that i [...] you please, I'll give you a Character of them in two words.

Physician.

Let's hear that.

Patient.

They are Blades fee'd to en­tertain the Patient with cramp words and flim-flams, untill Nature Cures him, or Physick kill him.

Physician.
[Page 161]

You are a fool in the highest degree, and nothing less than a Miracle can Cure you of your Phrensie.

Patient.

I am not at all afraid of my Distemper; but I should have cause enough to be afraid of Physicians, were I fool enough to trust them any more: call then what you please, the condition I am in, I am not resolved to change it.

Physician.

Keep in your fools Paradise. However tell me, why are ye so great an enemy to Physicians?

Patient.

I'm an enemy only to their practice. I cannot endure that they should insolently impose upon credulous minds; and that under the veil of Nature, they should follow a rotten method, which makes them prescribe the same things in all Diseases, without respect to Sex, Age, Constitution, Climat, or Season; And that trusting to their Pri­viledge, and that the Law obliges them not to take out a Pardon under the Great [Page 162] Seal, they kill all indifferently both Friends and Fee [...].

Physician.

You think then we have no conscience.

Patient.

Not so altogether; but i [...] may be with your Consciences, as with the Dogs to whom your Anatomists cu [...] the* recurvent Nerves to hinder them from Barking.

Physician.

And so you conclude that the Faculties is like the§ Old Man of the Mountains and his Asassins: I mean that she breeds her Sons, if not with design to dispatch all Men, yet at least with prospect of killing methodically all our Patients.

Patient.

No I do not think you kil [...] them deliberately and with design; no, [Page 163] your ignorance is more to be blamed [...]han your malice for such Murders; and we are perswaded that it is no fault of yours, if your Patients and their Infir­mities be not immortal.

Physician.

To hear you speak, a Body would think that Physicians never Cured any Man.

Patient.

Nor are they, indeed cut out for curing the sick, but for comfor­ting those who survive the dead.

Physician.

Nevertheless, were I to engage in open War against the Here­ticks of Medicine, such as you are, I should desire no other aid for over­throwing of them, than the assistance of those who owe their Life to my skill and labours.

Patient.

In that case, I should look upon you to be so ill accompanied, that I would make Conscience of bringing a second with me; because the Laws of Honour do not allow two to fight against one.

Physician.
[Page 164]

If all were of your mind, I perceive, we should be once more banished the Commonwealth.

Patient.

That would not be now to be done, if at present Men desired, as then they did, to have Families numerous in Children; but seeing now adays they are thought most happy who have none at all, and that ye contribute much to the attaining to that felicity; ye are looked upon as a necessary evil; nay it is the present mode too, that every one dy [...] after your way. And to compleat your good Fortune, the Dead who ought to call you to an account, are not revenge­full; and the Widow and Heir who ey [...] the Estate more than revenge, let you live in peace.

Physician.

And so at one clap we are both accused and Sentenced, and may a next step be hanged up too, if any Body will be at the charge of it. But hav [...] you forgot that golden Sentence* Honora medicum propter necessitatem.

Patient.
[Page 165]

No I ha'nt; and for proof of that, Honour the Physician in Greek, sig­nifies pay him his Fee, which I never failed to do, that I might confirm you in your Aphorism,§ Dat Galenus Opes. But have not you likewise observed in the same place were you had your Golden Sen­tence, that the Lord having promised long Life to those whom he Loves, adds that to be avenged on him that offends, [...]he will make him fall into the hands of Physicians?

Physician.

Sure enough, to the end the Physician may render him good for evil.

Patient.

However, if you'l believe a great(1) Commentatour upon the pass [...]ge, he'll make it out to ye, that a sikness is like a criminel procass; that the Patient on that occasion is the Prisoner, [Page 166] the Instruments of Chirurgery, and the Potions of the Apothecary, the Engines of the Rack and Torture; the Lord, the Judge, and the Physician, the Execu­tioner.

Physician.

These Doctors fancy that the Books which they comment, are like the Ringing of Bells; and it's an old saying ye know, As the Fool thinks, the Bell clinks.

Patient.

To justify these Authors, I could load you with an infinite number of uncontroverted instances, but I shall content my self with these Two Verses.

(2)Carnificum periere manu Rex Anglus & Ʋxor,
Sustulit hunc Cromwel, sustulit hanc Medicus.
Physician.
[Page 167]

These Citations suit very well with your temper; Physicians are certainly much to be pitied! what Mi­racles soever they may work, they still procure more blame than praise, so un­just and unth [...]nkful is Man naturally. Does any one fall sick? we are sent for in all haste, and received in Triumph. Is the Party Cured? they send us back, and avoid our Company as if we were miserable wretches; and many times cheat us of our Fees. So that having in the beginning of the Sickness reve­renced us like Demi-Gods, in the Re­covery from it, they look upon us as Devils.

Patient.

I am not of the mind that ye are so much to be pitied as you pretend. On the contrary, I know no Profession more happy than that of Physicians. Is any killed by them? the Earth presently Buries their Crime; does Nature save a Patient out of their hands? they claim the Honour of it; and the Sun illustrates their pretended Victory.

Physician.
[Page 168]

Oh, injustice! can we Cure all the World? are Men immor­tal? are there not incurable Diseases, sudden Deaths, where we cannot come in time, and far less foresee them? what shall I say,* Contra vim m [...]rtis non est Medicamen in horts.

Patient.

It's your negligence and not the Disease that's incurable; had you throughly studied the Ancients▪ and Modern, who have searched Nature, to her very Center, you might have pre­served those in Health, whom you have deprived of Life; but ye are so headstrong and opinionative, that ye had rather dy, than suffer the use of a Medicine, which Hippocrates and Gallen have not recommended to practice.

Physician.

These searchers of Nature are silly blockheads. Not one of these Bellows-blowers but has a Million in his head for a Penny in his Purse. They never see a Patient, but that they imagine [Page 169] his Body to be a Furnace; his Heart a Crucible, his Blood and Humours, Sulphur and Mercury; and making use on all occasions of the Lungs for Bellows; they pretend by the force of bubble, and that to perswade you, that there is no­thing more easie to be sound than the Phylosophers Stone; and if you will not believe them, they desire a Crown of you to buy Bread. I am so tired out with their impertin [...]nces and your follies, that I'll hear no more. Besides my other Patients want the time that I loose here. Especially I am concerned for the hungry Convalescents, whose greedy Appetite may serve us an ugly trick. Relapses are worse than the first evil

Patient.

Never vex your self upon that account, your Patients suffer less in your absence, then when you make them loll out a Foot of Tongue, and squeze and press their hypochondres. As for your Convalescents, you'll be with them soon enough, to assure them, as most im­portant News, that they shall have the little Chicken Broath, which you pro­mised them last Night for Dinner; to which you'll add as a singular favour, the permission of [Page 170] sucking and chewing the little bones of the Boiled Chicken and Veal. And as a transcendent kindness, they shall have for desert, the half of a little roasted Apple, or a little of the liquor of stewed Prunes, with a little piece of Bisket. All this delivered in a coaxing tone, and with a smirkling Mouth, which is not to be endured but in a Nurse that looks bonny upon her Babe, when she has a mind to play and fool with it.

Physician.

I would willingly know of you who pretend to so great skill, what you would Prescribe to one upon a Re­covery from a sickness?

Patient.

To eat while he is a hungry, and to drink while he is a dry, of what he has most mind to, allowing him for company at Table Taste, Appetite, nay and the Fever it self.

Physician.

A fair way to dispatch more, than we kill according to your own reckoning.

Patient.

Pardon me there: For I would not keep a sick Person in a slip [Page 171] during the whole course of his sickness, seeing I'de give him leave to eat and drink, he would not fall into that canine hunger, which devours your Conva­lescents, and if by chance, he commit­ted some little excess, it would be an easie matter to make amends for it by Pa­tience, Experience, and Abstinence.

Physician.

Ho, ho, do ye speak of Patience and Abstinence, that is* Secretum non Revelandum.

Patient.

And why is not that Secret to be revealed, if it be good? Be ruled by me, shut up your Physick Schools, or modell your Faculty after a Parliamen­tary manner; let it have an upper house to punish the Rich Nobles, who have eat but too much, when they were well, with hunger and fasting; and a lower house appointed for the inferiour peo­ple, to oblige them to eat and drink of what is good; making the Rich Mans Ordinary, the Poor Mans Physi­cian; and the Labour and Abstinence of [Page 172] the Poor, the Rich Mans rule of Diet. That's the only way to work good Cures, and to regain your Reputation.

Physician.

We are not to be advised what to do by such an empty skull as thine. Consider a little, that you cannot be without us; and that if you do not instantly make me satisfaction, I'll have an Action of Scandalum against you.

Patient.

Of what use d'ye take your selves to be to a sick Person? you are just to him wh [...]t a Pass-port is to a Merchant Travelling upon the Frontiers of an Eni­mies Country; if he meet with no body, his Pass-port is of no use to him, and if he fall upon a Party of the Enemy, trust­ing to his Pass-port, he runs headlong into the Ambush, and is killed, before ever he be asked who comes there. In the mean time they come off with, it's pity he's Dead, but his Pass-port was up ra­nuated, and he ought not to have trusted to it rashly, as he did.

Physician.

And what d'ye conclude from this extravagancy.

Patient.
[Page 1]

That Physicians are like Rails on Bridges, which are useless to Passen­gers, who have the wit to keep from the sides.

Physician.

There is no end of your insulting calumnies. However your Frensie hath such singular Symptoms, that I'll observe it to the end, that I may be able to entertain the Publick with an Idea of perfect folly.

Patient.

I should willingly also make a Collection of the Impertinences of the Colledge; if Tyranny went not so far as to force those who in their Writings speak of Physick, to bear the marks of the Faculty.

Physician.

Could it do less for putting a stop to the insolence of those who Publish, that we do no more but let Blood, Purge and give Glysters.

Patient.

Yet for all your defences, you are daily exposed on the Stage with the Habit, Look, Tone, and Gate, which ye affect most.

Physician.
[Page 174]

What you say of the Stage, we'll give for a Song; we our selves have furnished the matter; and though you should publish all that you have said, it would no more move us than the jangling of Bells. Nothing but Truth gives offence, Invectives and Satyrs can­not annoy Learning and Wisdom: Farewell. We must do good for evil, I am going to prepare for you, an Elixer of the five Hellebores, with Agarick; and all to p [...]t a stop to the Distemper of that rackt Brain. If that opperate not what I expect from it, I'll go hire you a Lodging in Bedlam, for I pity your condition.

Patient.

Keep your Hellebores and Bedlams for those that trust in you: You know that Physick is Mortal to a Body that is in Health, and though I were as much disturbed, as you would have me to be, the best Remedy still would be Rest. I order it then, and I'll take it. As for you, it is my advice, that you would renounce the Art you profess; because it is not lawfull to follow a Trade that one understands not, and give your self wholly to the [Page 175] study of Nature; that's a better Advice than I ever had from you. However I am obliged to you for your Compassion; for it's a rare thing to be pitied by a Physician, Adieu. If you come in my way again you shall not escape so well.

Twelfth Dialogue. The Physician spoken of in the fore­going Dialogue, having been long in search of Nature, at length finds her among Savages, he speaks to her, and submits to her Laws.

The Savage. The Physician. Nature.
Savage.

AS I take it, that which you call Nature, is the same that we call The Soul of the World. But if you have rambled and wandered long without finding her, tha [...]'s nothing to me; because I am some [...]imes admitted into her presence, must I therefore have power to make her do what you w ul [...]? you have desired me to guid [...] you into those places where we use to s [...]eak with h r, and consult her; and there we are: If Nature have an aversion either to your [Page 177] Person or Profession, can I force her to answer you?

Physician.

No. But if perchance my Profession displease her, which I do not believe, I am willing to lay it aside. Take, there's my Gown, Cap, and Diploma of Doctor, wherein consist all my Lear­ning, Dignity, and Estate; I make a vo­luntary Sacrifice of them to her, and shall think to have got by the bargain, if she'll vouchsafe to speak to me, after that she hath Triumphed over my Trophies.

Savage.

Lord! how light and super­ficial is this pompious Attire that rendred you so venerable. Men are very short sighted, that cannot perceive through this outside of Fur and Scarlet, the emp­tiness that's underneath.

Physician.

Such as these Trophies are, I freely part from them, and joyfully Dedicate them to Nature; having done so, I can see no reason why she should not comply with my desire; for we are not so empty and unprofitable as you would have us to be, we are courted by [Page 178] the greatest Kings, and at every turn give them our advice.

Savage.

Like enough; but by your discourse, I find that the first thing I have to do, is to give you a prick with a pin in the Head, to let out the presumption and vanity that it is full of. Stand fast.

Phsician.

Ouf. Ye hurt me.

Savage.

Hark, how violently the Wind comes out! observe how the Air is darkened with the vapours that exhale from you: Keep off your hand till all these malignant blasts be out.

Physician.

Alas! I am all in a surprize. I thought I had a head, and I find it is but a Bladder. Stop the orifice, I pray you, least I should turn all into Smoak.

Savage

No, I shall not do so, would you be like most Men that carry puff-paste for Heads?

Phisician.

By no means. Indeed I did not perceive that I stood in need of that Opperation; but I know some that need it more than my self.

Sav.
[Page 179]

We'll teach you how to do it, not only in the Head, but also in the Tongue, Heart, and elsewhere; for all Men have not their wind in the same place.

Physician.

I am surprised to hear you, I thought I had understood every thing, and I perceive I understand nothing at all.

Savage.

You may expect praise for that sincere confession, when you have set that left Arm and right Leg at liberty. You conceal gulfs under these bands and clouts, where a vast number of Spirits are corrupted and lost. In this place, all things must be free, and without con­straint.

Physician.

If these Fountains must be dry, I shall be instantly choaked and overwhelmed with humours.

Savage.

What nonsense is this? have not you holes and Emunctories enough, without encreasing the number of them? what must run in the Channel of our Rivers, that are so necessary for the [Page 180] commerce of Life, if you divert the rivulets? Away, away, also with these stomagers and girdles that you use for fortifying your Stomack, and cooling your Reins, and throw your self Naked into this well.

Physician.

How, stark Naked.

Savage.

What are ye affraid off? here's a great deal a-do indeed. Courage. Now that I have dipt you, and made you drink of those waters, and eat of those fruits, tell me how you find your self? I am much mistaken, if you talk not in another strain.

Physician.

Ha! where am I? I am overjoyed, my Heart's as light as a Feather; but what do I see? my old skin fall off, my wrinkles are gone, and my flesh is as plump and smooth as that of a young Child; my grey ha [...] fall off and black [...]ome in their place: What Vigour! what Strength! O, how glad and pleased I am. I always thought that the fountain of youth was but a Chimaera, nevertheless I have found it, who could have believed it? but now who can [Page 181] doubt of it, when they see me so fresh and young?

Savage.

Besides, all these wonderful advantages, have not cost one drop of Blood, nor any thing that looks like Physick.

Physician.

On the contrary, I have taken nothing that hath not seemed to me more delightful than Healthfull.

Savage.

Seeing you are perswaded of the truth of these things, where can you better erect a Trophie of your spoils, than upon this Mountain, from whence the whole World may be seen? for that end make use of that lovely Tree, which is as an umbrello to those healing waters, that shading us on all sides, makes us enjoy the pleasure of that agreeable verdure which crowns the Banks.

Physician.

With all my heart. For I make no doubt but that of all places where Nature delights herself, this is the chief because of the variety of wonders that occur here. The Plants do not only croud together, to rob us of the sight of [Page 182] the Earth; but by sending out flowers strive to outvie one another in the Glory of pleasing the eyes, and perfuming the Air. What charming consorts do the gentle breezes and little Birds which sport in the Bushes make? I am trans­ported with joy, ravished with delight, and nothing can match my felicity.

Savage.

The more you express your extasie, the more do I joyn with you in admiration of the virtue of our waters, and the excellence of our Fruits. I am hopefull also that you shall not rest there, and I foresee that after this first transport, which you could not hinder, you shall obtain what you have so long wished for.

Physician.

There my Trophy is hung up; will this way I have placed them in do? and d'ye approve of these few words which I have put upon the Branch that carries them.

[Page 183]‘THE TROPHIES OF VANITY, DEDICATED TO THE SOUL of the WORLD.’
Savage.

Of Vanity, that's not enough; for seeing you told me at your first coming, that you were one of the Colledge of Physicians that must be put into the Inscription in Greek and Latin; for it's said, that your excellency consists only in that.

Phy.

Will you now put me to despair, after you have given much cause [Page 184] to boast of your civility. Vanity and the Faculty or Colledge, is here but one and the same thing: And then to what end Greek and Latin, if no body in this Countrey understand them?

Nature.

Make no alteration in the In­scription; I am satisfied with it.

Physician.

Who is this I hear?

Nature.

Thou hearest her whom thou callest The Soul of the World, who touched at thy Confession, am resolved to answer thy demands: Speak only in a few words, without Ceremony or preamble.

Physician.

What's the reason, that of late Men have so little regard to Life, that they'll make no more use of Physi­cians.

Nature.

Because Men love to live, and Physicians kill them.

Physician.

I am very well satisfied that a Man of Sense, who hath studied his constitution, may during the whole course of his Life be without Physicians; [Page 185] for if one turn but in the least in the little Circle of our ways of acting, it is easie to observe, that the revolutions are always the same.

Nature.

If Life consisted only in making several turns in one and the same Circle, it would happen that instead of turning Children, Men would turn young again: Life is not what you take it to be. When I light a Lamp, I fill it with Oyl, and leave the conduct of it to Reason, which preserves it from the accidents to which it is obnoxious: Nay I suffer her to dispose of her match as she thinks fit; and thence it is, that they who double it, consume it sooner, than they who divide it into small threads.

Physician.

We say the same also, that Men cannot husband too well the radi­cal moisture you speak of, as of an Oyl or Balsam, and therefore I think that in all thinks we agree with you.

Nature

And for my part, I think by your discourse, that we agree in nothing at all. Give him the other prick with a Pin, to let out the rest of his vanity.

Physician.
[Page 186]

At least, this is common to us both, that we Cure the Patient who calls for our help.

Nature.

Make a sieve of his Skull, if he still persist in these foolish presumpti­ons. Art thou ignorant that I abhor Blood, and hast thou forgot that Phy­sicians thirst after it, who never enter the House of a Patient but by force of Arms, Terror going before, and Death following them at the heels?

Physician.

And how do you enter there?

Nature.

I am there before the sick Person, who calls me, perceives it; of my self I dart a beam of hope and glad­ness into his Heart: And if the desire which I suggest to the Patient he not thwarted, I shew him in my train Health conducted by Patience.

Physician.

Who dares to thwart you?

N [...]ture.

Such a Physician as thee, who neither understanding the Disease, [Page 187] nor the Remedies that are proper for it; busies thy self about the Patient, in doing the Office of an ordinary Cook, ordering Broaths, Jellies, and Barley-water, as if thou laboured to increase the sickness, by what the sick person has the greatest aversion to.

Physician.

Can one do better at first, than to use light Food, and benign Me­dicines, expecting the Critical d [...]ys, that we may observe what course you are about to take. Afterwards, following your foot steps, we proceed to Purga­tives: For it is prudent not to hasten any thing in the beginning.

Nature.

When one falls, can he be too soon raised up again? Acknowledge frankly, if thou would'st be instructed by me, that it's thy Ignorance, and not the Disease, which makes thee tempo­rize.

Physician.

I confes [...], that in the be­ginning of a Distemper, we have but very confused Notions of the evil, and of the Remedies that are proper for it; so that you would do me a matchless [Page 188] favour, if you would have the goodness to inform me in what manner Creature [...] act, from their Birth, to the time o [...] their Death.

Nature.

For that end, thou must ad­dress thy self to the Agent which I have in every Creature. He it is that di­rects it to the end which I have propo­sed to it, and disposes so absolutely o [...] it, that through him onely it subsists.

Physician.

What you call Agent, i [...] that which we call Reason in Man; In­stinct in Beasts, and Vertues in Plants.

Nature.

What I call Agent, is my self; I animate and dispose the Matter according to the intentions and Idea's that are unknown to thee. So that one Spirit moves all the different specifications in the World; as the same Wind makes all the different Pipes of an Or­gan to play.

Physician.

Till now I always thought that an Animal was nothing but a Ma­chine of parts, all the Art of which con­sisted onely in some certain Springs [Page 189] which made it move, without being sus­ [...]eptible of pain or pleasure.

Nature.

Supposing it to be so, tell me who made that Machine of parts? And who puts it in motion? For there is no effect without a cause, nor any motion without a mover. If thou answer, that [...]it is I; who hath revealed to thee that I am made up of pointed, globular, and chamfered Particles? And who hath gi­ven thee the power to measure me by Circles and Squares, as if I were a pro­perty of Mathematicks? I, who inform all that is contained in the Elements.

Physician.

Instruct me then, how I am to speak, that I may not displease you; for I will exactly perform all that lies in me, that I may come to the knowledge of you.

Nature.

If thou studiest me, thou shalt know me as much as man is capable of, and as is needful for him. But ne­ver expect to attain to it, so long as thou seest not by the Eyes of the Mind, what the Elements contain; for the Elements which thou seest are, to speak properly, [Page 190] but the bark of the Elements, which I use in the Composition of Creatures. Hast thou never observed, that so soon as a Creature is dead, if the Fire be suf­fered to send back the parts whereof it was composed, unto their several places, there will remain no more but a few ashes, all the rest, escaping thy sight, en­ter again into the bosom of the Elements from whence I took them.

Physician.

The Notion that I have of the Elements, is, that they are in con­tinual War one with another, whether they act of themselves, or by means of that universal Spirit you speak of, which inspires the same dissention into all Crea­tures.

Nature.

That Spirit is so great an Enemy of Disorder and Destruction, that so soon as ever it is united to a new Creature, it conceives so violent a love for it, that it applyes it self solely to the con­ducting of that Creature to the end, which I have proposed to it. And though for the perfecting, preserving, and [...]e­fending the same, it must use a great many different means, nay, even wiles, [Page 191] and new stratagems, yet it omits nothing that is to be done in p [...]rforming what is prescribed to it, because nothing can di­vert it from its Duty. But seeing self-love might render the Creature so wil [...], as to become independent on Soci [...]ty I impose a necessity upon it of having [...]eed of another to perpetuate it self.

Physician.

I cannot comprehend how one Spirit can at the same t [...]me act in so many different and contrary ma [...]ners; and a [...] little conceive wh [...]t mat [...]er th [...]t is, which escapes our sight, and whereof you make use, in the Composition of all Creatures.

Nature.

For unde [...]standing of both, consi [...]er those Vapours [...]hat rise o t of the Sea, a [...]m [...]re the b [...]auty [...]f the Clouds which the [...] [...]e, w [...]i [...]h having lo g hovere [...] [...] [...]r and [...]een dri [...]e [...] to and [...]ro [...] [...] [...]sts, that they may be the [...] a [...]d impregnated by the beams of [...] [...]ng, [...] length, unable to bear any lo [...] [...] of the rich spoils where [...] [...]e loaded, you see how they f l [...] [...] thirsty Earth in gentle showers, [...] [Page 192] in gratitude for that kindness, sends forth a perfume more delightful than the odour of Flowers. Scarcely have these so much wished-for showers refreshed the Fields and Gardens, but they produce almost as many different effects, as the Clouds contained drops of Water. In the mean time, these drops of Water meeting to­gether, gather themselves into a body, return to the Sea, and laying aside their mud, recover their saltness again. If then by means of the grossest parts of the Elements, I can produce so many wonders, judge what that Spirit must be, that animates and keeps them in mo­tion.

Physician.

I fancy that these showers and dews onely refresh and moisten the Earth, without contributing any thing else to the productions you speak of.

Nature.

That's because your mind reaches no farther than your sight. Con­sider that the Virtues of the Sun-beams, though they be conveyed under ground by the Rains, yet lose not the disposition they have of returning to the place from whence they came. As these Waters [Page 193] then are filtrated in passing through the Earth, so those Spirits disengage them­selves, and are detached. Now, if in mounting upwards again, they meet with any Seed, or young Root, they cleave to it, as a ready way to facilitate their ascent to the Region of the Air. But their motions and agitations in these Seeds and Roots, instead of opening their Prisons, lengthen onely their Chains, and serve to make the different extensions and growth of Plants, Trees, and, in a word, of all Creatures.

Physician.

I admire what you say, though I do not fully understand it.

Nature.

Wonder not at that, the Bo­dy of Man is not a Vessel solid enough to confine a mind capable of knowledge. Thou canst onely receive a slight tincture of it, because Men are filled onely with Opinions.

Physician.

But is there no Knowledge mingled with Opinions?

Nature.

If mens Opinions contain any Knowledge, that Knowledge is like Willy [Page 194] with the wisp in a dark Night, whose light is more apt to make Travellers lose their way, than to set those right who have gone astray: Whereas the Knowledge I speak of is like the Sun-beams, which burn every thing they touch, if they be in the least contracted.

Physician.

Our Opinions however are founded on Reason that springs from our Understanding.

Nature.

If Man had Understanding, Reason would be of no use to him. Man is blind, and makes use of the Art of Reasoning as of a staff to grope the way with. Hence it is that he does but nibble and feel so long as he lives, without be­ing assured of any thing.

Physician.

What judgment is then to be made of all those great Men, who have left us Books full of so profound knowl [...]dge, that no new thing c [...]n be discovered in the Theory or Practice of our P [...]ofession, which may not be found in these Works, provided one do but dive into them.

Nature.
[Page 195]

The Learning of the Doctors which thou esteemest so much, is but as Perspective in Painting; the nearer we approach the Picture, the more we are undeceived; let us touch it, and there is nothing of those gr [...]at distances that reached out of sight. Would you wholly b eak the Charm, scratch but the Cloath, and thou shalt find by discovering the thread, that that which thou takest for a depth, has not so much as an appear­ance of it.

Physician.

But to return to our Know­ledge; could you not so temper the beams of it, that I might feel some sweet influence of the same?

Nature.

That is not to be done in the sense you imagine, which is to know a thing by it self.

Physician.

What can you then do for me?

Nature.

To inform thee that I have enclosed in every kind of Creature a simple Reason, or Art of Living, which [Page 196] stands it instead of a Knowledge how to subsist. Now I have diversified that Ta­lent in such a manner, that not one way of living is like another; nay, even so far, that the same way of living, in one and the same kind of Creature, hath its diff [...]rent practises, according to Coun­treys, Seasons, and Chances that happen. Nevertheless, all these ways of living proceed from the same source, and cen­ter there again.

Physician.

I have always been told, that Nature was simple, and without Art.

Nature.

I am not without Art, but without Artifice: For I call the Art or way of Living, that Natural Light which I give to every Creature to be governed and conducted by whilest it remains in being.

Physician.

That's to say, that you di­stribute more or less of that Light to every kind of Creature, according to the inclination that you have for it; and that the irregularity which is observed in them proceeds from that.

Nature.
[Page 197]

I love all my Productions a­like, and the Virtues and Wonders which they contain within, and exert without, though they be different and opposite, yet yield to one another in no­thing. For instance, is there any thing more precious and less corruptible than Gold? Nevertheless the great need that Men have of Iron, makes this as useful to them as the other. Is there any thing upon Earth endowed with more incomprehensible Virtues than the Load­stone? And yet the smallest Seed that springs, grows, and returns again to Seed, is a subject more worthy of Ad­miration. For I would have thee know, that the Plants thou treadest upon, are so many precious Boxes, variously painted and figured, which contain as many dif­ferent Treasures.

Physician.

What! make you no diffe­rence betwixt an Insect that is produced of corrupt matter, and a Perfect Ani­mal, the Fruit of Generation?

Nature.

Thou talkest of Corruption, and knowest not what it is. All are pro­duced [Page 198] after the same manner; and in that, one Creature has nothing to boast of more than another. As to Insects, which thou slightest without Reason, my Art of Living appears in them better concerted and followed, than in Creatures of a bigger Volumn. For all Creatures, which cannot without the assistance of their fellows, provide for their necessities and security, unite together, labour in Society, and live in Common; and that's the reason why a Company of Bees or Ants, nay, and of Beavers or Badgers, effect things of greater Admiration, than all that can be done by a Stag or Wild Boa [...], a Tyger or a Lion, which lead a lazy and solitary Life in the obscurity of Dens and Woods; without building Pa­laces divided into several Apartments, without providing those Victuals which are the delights of an innocent Life; and in fine, without employing the stratagems that the greatest Generals practice for the Defence of their Countrey. Thus a single spark is nothing, but when many joyn together, they make a flame.

Physician.

You conclude then, that the Reason of Man is but a bare Art of [Page 199] Living, just so as Beasts have theirs.

Nature.

I thought I had made thee sufficiently to understand by what I have said, that in all this Discourse I onely speak of the Animal part of Man, for that's the onely thing here in Question. Thou knowest by thine own Experience, that in thee I discharge the functions of the Body, and never perform them bet­ter, than when thou medlest least in them. So every Man that's wise trusts me with all the little Offices of the Organs. See­ing he cannot comprehend the structure and perfect Harmony of the Body, he thinks it enough to give Praises to him who hath made him the Keeper of so precious a Master-piece. But since that is not the precise point in hand, let us return to the Arts of Living, wherewith I gratifie living Creatures.

Physician.

Well then, tell me, I pray, what is the end you propose to your self in all these different Arts?

Nature.

The conservation and propa­gation of Kinds. I stamp that Impression upon all that hath Life, and even upon [Page 200] things which to thee seem destitute of sentiment. But I inform them in dif­ferent manners, and by ways that thou knowest but little.

Physician.

Either that impression wears out, or you are not obeyed; because your Creatures destroy one another, and seem to acknowledge no Law, but that of the stronger.

Nature.

I have already told thee, that that which thou callest destruction, is but the execution of the different ways of Living amongst Creatures: For there is not one of them which for preservation of its Life, does not stand in need of a peculiar Food; now, when it finds it, it takes it, even to that degree, that in case of need, it devours Creatures of its own kind, and in an urgent necessity, feeds on part of it self.

Physician.

To prevent such cruel ex­tremities, could you not make your Creatures subsist on Air, Water, and Earth, without being obliged to de­stroy your Master-pieces, for Life's sake?

Nature.
[Page 201]

I do so, in regard of some Animals, which live meerly on what they draw from the Water and Air; but see­ing others want more solid Nourishment than respiration, I diversifie the Food I prepare for them a hundred, and a hun­dred ways; yet still with that care, that the more of this Food is consumed, the more it increases and multiplies. Now, I allow not Plants, Insects, and desence­less Animals the Priviledge of a speedy growth, and excessive multiplication, but on condition they should imitate Fountains, Brooks, and Rivers, which so soon as they come out of the Earth, run all over the World, to quench the thirsty; according to these Orders, Ali­ments thus specified present themselves to the Creature that needs them, to the end, that by eating of them, it may add to its Lamp the sparks of Life, contained in those little Productions.

Physician.

Man may justly then kill other Creatures for Food.

Nature.

If it were injustice to eat living Creatures, it would be no less to [Page 202] feed on the Seeds of Plants, Fruit of Trees, and Eggs of Fowls. Man may then, without scruple, make use of the Productions of the Earth and Water. That's to s [...]y, of Wild Beast [...] and Fish: For as to those wh [...]ch thou breedest at home, and h nourest with thy Protection, be satisfied that they re [...]ay with Interest the care and food thou b stowest upon them, seeing they strip them [...]elves to en­rich thee with their Feathers a [...]d Fleeces, and that they feed the with their Eggs, and quench thy thirst with their Milk. Not to mention the pain they suffer in labouring thy Land, and in carrying from one place to another the fruits of their labour: Not to mention neither the Pleasure they afford thee when they are Young; the eagerness wherewith they accompany thee to Game, and in all places, and their faithfulness towards thee even to their Death.

Physici [...]n.

Seeing you have said, that part of the Creature onely nourishes that other that feeds on it, what becomes of the rest? Is it lost?

Nature.
[Page 203]

There is nothing lost of that which is cont [...]ined in a Vessel that has no opening; though their parts change their place, their colour, and figure, yet they are not ann [...]hilated. [...]o [...]ped water blown upon with a gentle breath, produces an infinite number of bub [...]les, which successively [...]estroy one another. In the mean time, nothing is lost nor di­minished; what breaks off from the rest of the matter falls back into it again; and as it is the same Air that moves these babbles within, and environs them with­out; so the Spirit that animates Crea­tures, and that which is got loose from the shackles of Specification, is but one and the same Spirit.

Physician.

Suppose nothing of matter is lost, yet these various changes ought to alter it.

Nature.

If a piece of Earth or Clay may an innumerable many times come under the hands of the Potter, and come out again always in a new shape and fi­gure; by stronger reason the mass of the Elements is capable of all these transmu­tations [Page 204] without being altered. For my part, I sport and play in these vicissi­tudes.

Physician.

I believe so; but what's the reason that we see the Potter prepare the Earth, and that we perceive not what you are a doing, till your work be pretty far advanced?

Nature.

The Reason is, because the Artificer is without his Work, and I am within mine. Nor can he imitate more than the outside of the egg, to me onely it belongs, who am within, to form and animate the Chicken.

Physician.

Might not we see the dis­position of things at that time when you intend to specificate matter?

Nature.

Yes, by the Eyes of the Mind, but not of the Body, because I begin my work in an unperceptible point; and from thence, as from a center, I trace to my self a Circumference propor­tionate to that center, which I fill as I ought, under the cover of a Veil; for no man ever saw me openly at work, in­somuch, [Page 205] that my work is more than half done, when it begins to fall under thy Senses.

Physician.

What's the reason of that?

Nature.

Why, because the matter I make use of from first to last in the com­position of a mixt Body, cannot be per­ceived by bodily Eyes, though it be cloathed with the Elements. Now that matter is no where to be found in greater abundance, nor more within my reach, than in the Air: And therefore, it is the Store-house of that precious Treasure. Out of that vast Reservatory then, which is above thy Head, and without the reach of thy Senses, do I form the multitude of the Water-works which embellish the Grass-plot of the World, and which rise higher or lower, according as they draw their Influence from on High. For thou must know, that Life is but a gentle dropping of Living Waters, of which the Stars are as the sources, and which falling from Heaven upon Earth, spurt out in all places upon this Theater of the Universe.

Physician.
[Page 206]

I admire you, and am lost in the maze of thoughts which your O [...]acles suggest to me.

Nature.

Do'st thou begin to compre­hend any thing of this?

Physician.

I cannot tell. But thus much I'le say, if you'll give me leave, that at present I look upon you as an immense Spirit, to which the Elements which our Senses perceive not, are instead of a Body; that all Creatures are its anima­ted O [...]g [...]ns, and that it is onely by their Actions that we discover you.

Nature.

Thou conceivest then how I animate the Organ [...].

Physician.

Not fully, but making a judgment of you by these Actions of the Organs, I fancy that your Body Corpo­rifies your Spirit, and that your Spirit sp [...]ritualizes your Body: However it be, I am ravished to see with what dexterity you open the hardest stone of a Fruit, from whence, as from a point, you bring forth a Creature of a vast bulk and pro­digious [Page 207] weight, the Earth, in the mean time, which bears that Date-tree, or Oak, neither diminishing nor sinking under the burden. And, which is still to me more incomprehensible, with ad­mirable skill you bring ba [...]k and reduce the Essential parts of that production into as small a point as that from whence it sprung; with this astonishing Cir­cumstance, that it was single when first it grew, and that during whole Ages, it yearly produces innumerable numbers of Vegetables like it self.

Nature.

Could'st thou but penetrate into the secrets of that point, there thou would'st find in Abridgment thine Oak and Date-tree, with all their proportions. But I onely wish you were so sharp-sighted, as to discern the texture of the parts of Insects, that thou mightest judge of their true harmony when they are in motion. If thou could'st enter into that profound scrutiny, thou would'st confess that the meanest Particles of which thou art composed, cannot be more distant from what thou art at present, than thou in the state thou'rt in, art from that vast space contained within the Firma­ment.

Physician.
[Page 208]

I know enough, to make me adore the Hand, which in so small a compass, hath so skilfully fitted all things necessary for such strange perfor­mances, that Insects, almost impercepti­ble, can trace themselves ways in a hard skin; that others can skip and jump in the Air a thousand times higher than themselves are in bigness. And that there are some, who in the Night time sound a Charge, and fall cruelly upon Lions and the stoutest of Animals, inso­much, that I am convinced that you de­serve greater Admiration in your less Productions, than in your greater.

Nature.

You say too much.

Physician.

Alas! what would not I say of your inexhaustible fecundity and vast reach of fore-cast, if by letting me see you openly, you had taught me to praise you as you deserve. All that re­mains to me to be done, is to cry out in extasie, O the power and wisdom of that Spirit! which can dispose and shape so many different Bodies in the manner they ought to be, for the execution of so va­rious and opposite ends and desires.

Nature.
[Page 209]

These are praises which do'nt belong to me; the power which I exert is nothing in comparison of the Omnipotence of him who hath trusted me with it. If I dispose the Elements, it's by Orders from him. His Power is equal to his Will. Does he will a thing? It is. Does he call that which never was? It is present, and subsists so long as he pleases. No sooner did he say, let the World be, but the World started out of nothing. So also when he speaks, the Heavens hear, the Earth hearkens, the Winds stop their breath, the Sea smooths the swelling of its Waves, the Mountains shake to the very Foundation, and fear seizeth all living Creatures. I my self pressed in Duty, wait but the word of Command for Execution of his Orders: For it is with me, in respect of him, as with Lightning, which, though it seems to go before, yet indeed comes after the Thunder-clap.

Physician.

What! is there a Deity superiour to thine? Tell me, I pray you, where it is, what it does, and what it says.

Nature.
[Page 210]

Do'st not thou understand what the different Revolutions of the Stars, wherewith the Heavens are adorn­ed, speak of the Author of the Universe? See'st thou not how the Earth testifies its gratitude to him by the return of Seasons crowned with Flowers and Fruit? Does not the Majesty of the Sea imprint upon thee a respect towards him? What do'st thou think of the Regular Motions of the vast Ocean? What say'st thou of all the Creatures, which those great Bodies, either sustain or contain? Art thou deaf to all those Divine Lan­guages?

Physician.

No. I begin to distinguish what till now I always confounded. I am so Illuminated with this new Light, and so transported by these great truths, that now I am convinced that the mind of Man is not capable of Knowledge. I cannot hear nor retain any more, for now I am satisfied and contented.

Nature.

That's not enough. That I may fully Cure thee of thine Error, I will have thee precisely to know the [Page 211] difference betwixt the Soveraign Being and Nature. The Almighty Creates, and Nature produces. I animate Crea­tures, but it is he that gives the stock of Life, that takes it away, and restores it. And as Art strives to imitate Nature, so does Nature labour to attain to the perfection of the Creator. But it is in vain for me to torment my self, because I depend on Principles: All that I can do then, is to put the Creatures in mo­tion, and so to govern them, that, if it be possible, before they have finished their course, they may be in a condi­tion of leaving others after them that may trace the same footsteps. But see­ing these courses are unequal, hence it is, that it is to be observed in me, that at the same time, and in the same place some Creatures are born, and some die; that some corrupt, and others tend to perfection; to which, as I have just now said, they cannot attain; for my Power is no less stinted in the end than in the be­ginning of all my works.

Physician.

Now am I so well instruct­ed, that I perfectly conceive that it is with you as with the Sun, who in all [Page 212] the moments of his Course, rises and sets somewhere; so that your continual motion, as well as his, is a certain proof of your dependance and subordination.

Nature.

Thou hast hitherto said no­thing better, though the comparison of the Sun quadrate not exactly in all sen­ses: For to speak properly, that Lumi­nary never rises nor sets. He is a Foun­tain of Life, whom all the Planets, who stand in need of his fire, strive to wait on, that they may rejoyce in his Light; nor do they absent themselves, but with regrate from him.

Physician.

These things are a little too high for me: Have the goodness onely to tell me, if the defects that are to be seen in Creatures, be an effect of the limits that are set to your Power.

Nature.

The faults which thou ob­servest in Creatures, is never occasioned by me. The Order on my part is good, but the Matter cannot always answer what I demand from it. Nevertheless, however a Creature appear to thee in its imperfection, yet it still contains [Page 213] more wonders than thou art capable of comprehending so long as thou livest.

Physician.

Alas! our life is so short, that it is hardly sufficient to give us a glance of you; however, I heartily con­secrate to you the little remaining time I have to live, if you will but conde­scend to tell me, how I ought to employ it.

Nature.

As to thine Animal part, imitate the Animals, who learn by ob­serving what others do, and never trans­gress the bounds set to their kind.

Physician.

Do the Animals any thing worthy of Observation, or of the imi­tation of a rational Man?

Nature.

On the contrary, they do nothing but what deserves your best at­tention; study their fore cast, and the pains they take to gather and preserve their Provisions. Admire their skill in making their Nests, and placing them securely; the circumspection they use, and hazards they run to save their young ones; how neatly the Dam brings them [Page 214] up; how dextrous she is in finding them Food, in preparing and dividing it a­mongst them. In fine, observe the kind­ness that Animals have for those who do them good; the satisfaction they take of those who injure them; their Cou­rage, Generosity, and above all, their Constancy in one kind of Life, and thou'lt find in their conduct enough to rectifie thine own.

Physician.

For one Animal that does any thing regularly in appearance, or by chance, there are a thousand that live disorderly.

Nature.

No, I tell thee: Most part of Animals when they have eaten, if they be Young and at liberty, they play; if they be Old or weary, they take their Rest, and of Actors turn Spectators. When Hunger seizeth them again, they seek out how to satisfie it; and the Ex­ercise they perform for procuring their Food, seasons and makes it better for them. In fine, they lead a quiet and peaceable Life, and have no Quarrels one with another, unless sometimes du­ring the heat of their Amours.

Physician.
[Page 215]

Is it not so with Man, who is never more tractable, than when he is most Amorous?

Nature.

Give me not Man for an in­stance; he is, of all Creatures, in all things the most irregular, and especially in his Amours, in which he burns and consumes like the Phoenix, hoping to spring up again anew from his Ashes: Or otherways he is a Boulter, which be­ing continually tossed and shaken, re­tains nothing but the Bran.

Physician.

I perceive you would con­clude, that we ought to imitate Ani­mals in their Duties, their Plays, and above all, in their Moderation, and Uni­formity of Life.

Nature.

It is true. But I would that thy Reason, which is above the Elements, should act with that pre-eminence and excellence which is suitable to so exalted a condition as thine is, that surpasses all things visible in the Universe.

Physician.
[Page 216]

I know very well, that what you have told me of the Body, is ad­dressed to Reason; but what Road shall I follow to come to the knowledge of the Virtues which the Elements contain, and of the manner how you inform them? For what you told me of it by the by, makes deep impression upon me.

Nature.

To know how the Elements act, trust us with the Treasure of your Granaries, and observe the steps that we shall take, to render thee the hun­dred fold of it better and more lovely: If thou would'st see that Operation un­der other shapes, by your care and la­bours invite us into thy Vineyards and Gardens, and we will there entertain thee with Delights and Plenty, whence thou may'st draw found consequences for the most desperate Evils.

Physician.

Since you are willing to make me participant of your Riches, I heartily renounce all the Treasures of the World.

Nature.
[Page 217]

Thou shalt not be the poorer for that. I have furnished all the Coun­tries of the Earth with what is conve­nient for those that Inhabit them and love me. I give them the free enjoy­ment of every thing, which is all that I can do for Man, because he can possess nothing in proper. Farewel, make good use of the Acquaintance of that Savage; study his Conduct, and practice what be doth; that's the way to live long, and enjoy Health, without being burthen­some to ones self or to others. In fine, be persuaded that the way he takes, is that which I most approve. Adieu.

Physician.

What! must I hear you no more?

Savage.

How doth that agree with what you said not long ago, that you could not hear nor retain any more. Since that, have not you been told enough? You ought to be content.

Physician.

No, I am not. Confirm by one word, I beseech you, what now you have inspired into me. One word, [Page 218] I pray, after that, my desires and fears shall be at an end.

Nature.

Though thou should'st have no cause to be afraid of others, yet di­strust thy self; and that you may be above the reach of the injustice of Men, renounce thine own Will and Interest, lead an innocent and quiet Life, pity the Evils of others, without exaggera­ting thine own. In fine, do good to all Men, and always speak the truth.

Physician.

With all my Heart. Can any Man do better than what you sug­gest?

Savage.

At length now you are sa­tisfied.

Physician.

No Man can be more. But I am so afraid I shall forget what I have just now heard, that I am impatient till I write it.

Savage.

The onely Caution you should use, in respect of the Seeds wherewith the Soul of the World hath enriched yours, is to weed out of your Mind the [Page 219] bad Plants that the School hath raised in it, that they may not choak the Sim­ples of Nature.

Physician.

That's not enough: The Murders I have committed, and the precious Talents wherewith I am now entrusted, require that I should go and offer my Head to those whose Relati­ons and Friends I have killed, that by Discourse and Example I may perswade them to submit to the Laws of Nature: For I shall never die satisfied, until I have made my gratitude to her appear, by the pains that I will take in reclaim­ing Men from Surfeiting and Drunken­ness, and in Curing them of the Evil of Physicians, and of the Errors of Medi­cine.

FINIS.

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