(1) Automedon in) an expert Charioteer, the Son of Diora and servant to Achilles. Virg. Ae­neid. 2.

(2) Typhis the Aemonian-ship) Typhis was Pilot to the first ship framed in Greece, called Argo, which transported the Princes Jason, Hercules, Theseus, Castor, Pollux, and the rest of the Miny's to Colchos to fetch the golden Fleece, called Aemonian, from Mount Haemus, which divideth Thessaly from Thrace, from which Mountain Thessaly is often called Ae­monia.

(3) Phillyrides to) Chiren the Centaur so called from his Mother Phillyra, hee (to omit the fable of his procreation) being grown up, retiring himself to the woods, to inquire into the nature of Herbs, be­came an excellent Physician; hee taught Aesculapius Physick, Hercules Astrology, and Achilles, besides many other things, to play on the Harp.

(4) Gods came) both Cupid and Achilles; Cupid from his Mother Venus, and Achilles from the God­desse Thetis.

(5) Clio nor) The Muses nine in number, begotten [Page 26]by Jupiter upon Mnemosyne, whence they are called Mnemosynides, we finde them mentioned by many other names, as Heliconides, Parnassides, Aoni­des, Citherides, Corycides, Pierides, Pegasides, Aganip­pides, Hippocrenides, I lissiades, Libethrides, Pimpleides, Castalides, Pateides, Ardalides, Maonides, and Sice­lides, all which names are attributed to them, either from their habitations, or from the places consecrate unto them. Their particular names are Calliope, a ra­vishing singer; Erato the Lovers Muse; Thalia from her flourishing Poetry; Melpomene from her delicate warbling, a Tragick Muse; Terpsicore from her de­light in dancing; Clio the celebrater of famous actions; Euterpe the inventress of the Mathematicks; Polyhymnia from her vast memory, the Muse of Hi­story; Ʋrania a heavenly singer, the Muse of Astro­nomy. Hesiod. degenerat. Deorum.

Which I english

(6) Ascrean Green) a Plain in Boeotia, neer Heli­con: such an expression hath Propertius in lib. 2. ad Musam.

Nondum etiam Ascreos norint mea carmina fontes.

(7) Vittae badge of modesty; and borders) a Lin­nen Band or Fillet which the Vestal Nuns tye up their hair with: Ovid speaking of Daphne's chastity. Met. 2. saith,

For the borders. I take them to be the nether end of the gown, which Sigonius calls Stola Cinctura a­strictior, denoting a modest woman.

(8) Perseus Andromade) Andromade was Daugh­ter to Cepheus, and Cassiope, who for her Mothers pride, comparing her beauty with the Sea-Nymphs Nereides, was by the Nymphs taken, bound to a Rock, and exposed to a merciless Sea-Monster, yet notwithstanding was delivered by Perseus, who slew the Monster, and afterwards married her by the consent of her Parents. Metam. 4.

Perseus was begot by Jupiter upon Danaë Daugh­ter to Acrisius King of the Argives, who being pre­monisht that his Grandchilde should kill him, shut his Daughter Danaë in a strong Tower, intending with her body to mure her womb up, and conse­quently avert his foredoomed fate, but when Jupiter in the form of a golden showre, had begotten Perse­us upon her, shee with her Infant being in a small boat, committed to the Sea in expectation of inevi­table destruction, were miraculously preserved; Per­seus grown up, returned, and unfortunately slew his Grandfather.

(9) From India brought) India tot a serme spectat O­rientem, [Page 28]minus in latitudinem, &c. India (saith Cur­tius, lib. 8.) lieth toward the East, containing more in longitude, than latitude; the North parts bee mountainous and hilly, but all the rest of the Land campain: It hath many famous Rivers, which de­scending down from Mount Caucasus, make a de­lightful progress thorow the Countries. Indus is more cold than any other of the Rivers, whose wa­ter resembles the colour of the Sea. Ganges is the greatest of all, which running thorow the Southern Country, until meeting with the opposition of ma­ny Rocks and Precipeeces, his course is turned Eastwards, where it is swallowed up of the Red Sea. When other Countries be burned with the Sun, In­dia is covered over with Snow; and when other places be frozen, the heat is there intolerable: for which appears no natural reason. The Elephants in this Country be bigger and stronger than those of Africk: The Rivers carry down Gold, and run smoothly along, and the Sea doth cast upon the shore both pearls and precious stones. Stephanus saith, the Trees are alwaies green, that the ground bears corn twice a year, that from hence comes Pep­per, Calamus Aromaticus, and Cynamon. Aelian lib. 1. Vari. saith, their Pigeons are of a yellow colour.

(10) Rome affords) Rome the Metropolis of Italy, and most celebrated City of the whole world, of which Virgil in his first Egloge makes Tytyrus speak thus,

It was called Rome from its founder Romulus, who built it on Mount Palatine, in a quadrangular form, which Mount hath ever since been the Seat of the Romane Emperors. It is called Urbs Septi-collis, from the seven hills on which it standeth, their names are these, the Mount Palatine, the Capitolian Mount, Quirinus Mount, the Caelian Mount, the Mount Esquilinus, the Mount Viminalis, and the Mount Aventine. Ovid. Trist. lib. 1.

(11) On Ida) a high Mountain that looks to­wards Troy, the North-side of it reaching from the Straits of Abidos, to the Cyzycene Fields in the Pro­pontis, the Weft-side looks over the Hellespont, the South makes a Promontory, and the Eastern parts decline towards Missia. Hom. lib. 8. Iliad. saith, that the top of it is called Gargarus, where there is a Temple consecrate to Jupiter, and that it hath many Springs, and multitudes of wilde-beasts.

(12) Lesbos found) in Methimna a Town of Lesbos, so called from Methymna, the daughter of Macharis, are abundance of Vines; in this place the famous Harper Orion was born.

(13) Of her Son) of her Son Aeneas, who with [Page 30]some Sea-beaten Trojans arrived in Italy, where hee van quished Turnus, and married Lavinia,

(14) Leo move) the Sun doth annually move, through the twelve signs of the Zodiack, whereof Leo is the fifth sign: in the celestial Globe represented by a Lion, into the first degree of which, the Sun enters on or about the twelfth of July, which then bears twenty degrees eleven minutes North decli­nation from the Aequinexial line. It is never seen of us here in England, but is fixt in that part of the E­cliptick; which extends it self over the Islands Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola in America. It is often cal­led the Nemean and Herculean Lion, because Her­cules slew a Lion in the Nemean Forrest of an im­mense and prodigious greatness, which the Poets feign to be translated into the sign Leo.

(15) Livies Porch) the Romans had certain walks on the side of their Delubrum which they called Por­ticus, and in these places it was lawful to trade and confer of worldly occasions, amongst which was Livia Porticus, or Livies Porch, so called from Ti­tus Livius, the most famous of all the Roman Histo­riographers.

(16) Where Belides) the fifty daughters of Danaus so called from their Grandfather Belus: with whom Aegistus the Brother to Danaus, desired to marry his fifty Sons, but Danaus understanding by Oracle that hee should bee slain by his Son-in-law, refused, yet in the end being compelled thereto by Aegistus, hee consummates their marriages, but privately plots with his daughters to murder their fifty husbands well steept with Wine in their marriage-beds: all which too too obedient to paternal authority, cruel­ly butchered their wretched busbands, except Hy­permnestra, [Page 31]who out of compassion spared her Husband Lynceus, who seeing his Brothers mise­rable destinies, slew Danaus, and invaded the King­dome of the Argives.

(17) Bewais'd Adonis) the Son of Cynira, King of Crprus, and his daughter Myrrha, the darling of Venus, who whilst he was hunting in the Idalian For­rest, was slain by a Boar, Bion. Idylium 1.

Which I English,

And a little after.

Whom Venus is said (Metam. 10.) to have turn­ed into the flower called an Emony.

(18) Niles Heifer) Jupiter being in love with Io the daughter of Anachus, ravisht her, but being surprized by Juno to conceal his theft, turned Io in­to a white Cow, which Juno begged and commit­ted to the custody of Argus, who being slain by Jove's command, poor Io by Juno frighted, ran to the banks of the River Nole, where Jove commise­rating her mis-hap, importuning Juno, returned her to her former shape. Metam. lib. 1.

Shee after changed her name to Isis, and married Osiris in Aegypt, where shee was honoured for a God­desse, and after that was deified at Rome. Lucan. lib. 8.

Nos in Templa tuam Romana recipimus I sim.

Into Romes Temples wee thy Isis took.

Where shee had a Temple built her in Campo Martio, the cause of whose ruine was this. A young Gentleman called Mundus, when hee could by no means entice the chaste Paulina to satisfie his lust, perswaded the Priests of Isis to say that they were warned by Oracle, that Anubius the God of Aegypt desired the company of the said Paulina, she think­ing the Priests would not lye, and it being accounted an honour to have to do with a God, was stuprated by Mundus in the Temple of Isis, under the name of Anubius, which hee after confessing, the Priests were put to death, the Temple beaten down, and the Image of Isis thrown into Tyber. Lang. Chron. page 250.

(19) The Forums) there were many Forums in Rome, of which chiefly three, Forum Romanum, Fo­rum Julium, and Forum Augustum, which first was chief of all, and by way of excellency called the Fo­rum, as if there were no other Forum: Round a­bout this Forum Romanum were built Trades-mens shops, here was the Comitium, or Hall of Justice, the Oratours Pulpit, the Sanctuary, and several o­ther stately Edifices.

(20) Appias plac'd) here Pallas is meant by Appias, but Venus and Pallas are both called Appiades, they had a Temple erected to them upon the Appian wa­ters, neer to Forum Caesaris.

(21) Curved Theatres) places where Plaies and [Page 33]other Shews were publickly acted, in form of a half Moon or Semicircle. Martial. Spect.

There were also places called Amphitheatres, which were in form of two Theatres joyned toge­ther in a full circle; upon this Amphitheatre did Fencers play their prizes, wilde-beasts were baited, and the Gladiators to exhilerate the Citizens, were miserably forced to butcher one another.

(22) Romulus devisedst) Numitor King of the Al­banes in Italy, was expelled his Kingdome by his younger Brother Amulius, his Son Lausus slain, and his Daughter Sylvia to prevent all hopes of off-spring to Numitor, consecrate by Amulius a Priest of Vesta, but being comprest by Mars, shee brought forth Romulus and Remus, which were by Amulius command, together with their Mother thrown in­to [...]yber, but being found by the Shepherd Faustulus, were preserved, and nursed by his wife Laurentia; being grown up, they slew Amulius, and restored their Grandfather Numitor to his government; af­ter whose death the brothers disagreeing, fell to arms, by which Renaus was slain, and Romulus alone obtained the Kingdome. Plut. in Rom.

Rome (saith Aelian lib. 7. var.) was built by Re­mus and Romulus: but Florus lib. 1. cap. 1. calls Romulus onely the builder of it, hee marked the foundation of the City wall with a plough, drawn by four white horses, according to Propert. lib. 4. de Urbe Rom.

The City being built, Senatus centum seniorum, qui patres dicti sunt, constituitur, saith Just. lib. 43. Hee constituted a Senate, being a hundred of the Elder Citizens, which were called Fathers. Having thus stated his Government, hee desired that his souldiers might marry with the Sabines, bordering upon them, but was by the Sabines resused, where­upon, saith Florus, lib. 1. Simulatis equestribus, vir­gines, quae ad spectaculum venerant, praeda fuere; hee devised certain shows, which when the Virgins came to behold, they were made a prey, and seized upon by the souldiers.

(23) Circus of a large) the Romans had many pla­ces where they exhibited their plaies unto the peo­ple, the most remarkable was a great Circus, or Shew-place, called Circus Maximus, it was a large peece of ground lying neer that part of the A­ventine Mount, where Diana's Temple stood. It was built by Tarquinius Priscus, with divers Galleries called Fori round about it, from whence the Sena­tors and Gentlemen of the City did behold the run­ning with great horses at the lists, the fire-works, tumbling, baiting, and chasing of wilde-beasts. The seats about this Circus were able to contain one hundred and fifty thousand persons. There was also another Circus upon the Hill called Collis Hortulo­rum, and this was the Circus or Shew-place of the Strumpet Flora, who made the people of Rome heir to those goods shee had gotten by prostituting her body to young Gentlemen. God. lib. 1. Rom. Hist.

(24) Arena sought) the Amphitheatre, called A­rena, [Page 35]from its being scattered over with Sand [...]o Gravel, that the blood of such as were slain in the place, might not make it too slippery for the comba­tants. Martial. Spec.

(25) Utmost Bounds) the Eastern Countries sub­jected to the Romanes. Propert. lib. 3. to Augustus.

(26) Crassus rejoyce) Marcus Crassus a wealthy Roman, who being sent with an Army against the Parthians, himself, his Son, with eleven Roman Le­gions, were cut off and slain, and all their ensigns taken by Surena General of the Parthian Army, whose deaths were fully revenged by Ventidius, of whom Corn. Gall.

(27) Tyrinthius did) Hercules so called from the City Tyrinthia, where hee was brought up, hee was the Son of Jupiter, begotten on Al [...]mena, whilst hee was in his Cradle, Juno sent two Snakes to destroy him, both which hee slew: hee was famous for per­forming many dangerous and Heroick enterprizes; amongst whose many labours I shall only mention this, that hee as yet but a youth, comprest the fifty Daughters of Th [...]spius in one night, of whom he got filty Sons called Thespiades.

(28) Thyrsis fear) a Spear or Javelin bound about with Ivy, which was carried by the Manades or [Page 36]Priests of Bacchus at their Sacrifices which were per­formed every third year, in remembrance of his triennial expedition into India.

(29) Countries Fathers) the Senators which were called Patres or Fathers, Cicero calls them Patres con­scripti, quia Romulus, qui Senatores centum, quos ab honore patres appellavit, conscripsit.

(30) Backward fling) the Parthians who were most excellent at the use of darts, with which they would seem to flye back on purpose to prejudice their enemies.

(31) Euphrates, Tygris) Inter Tygrim & Euphra­tem tam uber & pinguis soli, &c. betwixt Tygris and Euphrates (saith Curtius lib. 5.) the Land is so fat and fertil, that the Inhabitants are fain to drive their cattel from pasture for fear they should surfeit. Sa­lust saith, they both uno fonte manare in Armenia, flow from one fountain in Armenia: but Curtius going on, saith, These two Rivers have their begin­nings in the Armenian Mountains, where they bee distant two thousand five hundred furlongs, and so run forwards, keeping their distance till they ap­proach the confines of Media and Gordia, where they come more neer together, they compass round the Country called Mesopotamia, and so run through the confines of Babylon, into the Red-Sea.

(32) Paris the Goddesses) the three Goddesses Juno, Pallas and Venus, contending for priority of beauty (occasioned by a golden Apple, with this in­scription upon it, This for the fairest) meeting with Paris upon Mount Ida, chose him for the decider of their controversie, who gave his vote for Venus.

(33) Menalian Hound) Arcadian Hound, Mena­lus being a very high Hill in that Country.

[Page 37] (34) Biblis who) shee fell in love with her own brother Caunus, whom shee so much importuned, that to avoid her, hee fled his Country, whom shee pursuing, was by the wood Nymphs turned into a fountain. Met. lib. 9.

(35) Myrrha) the Daughter of Cyniras King of Cyprus, who being enamoured on her Father, and by the assistance of her Nurse, obtaining the satis­faction of her lust, conceived and brought forth A­donis, for which shee was turned into a Tree, from whence distils a gum called Myrrh. Metam. lib. 10.

(36) Gnossos and Cydon) the two most famous Cities in Creet.

(37) Pasiphae' [...] was the Daughter to Sol, and Wife to Minos King of Creet, who falling in love with a Bull, was by the art of Daedalus inclosed in a woodden Cow, covered with a Cow's skin, by which means shee injoyed her Bull, betwixt whom was begotten that monster called the Minotaure, which Daedalus inclosed in the Labyrinth where hee was slain by Theseus.

(38) Hundred Cities) Creet is said to have a hun­dred Cities in it, whence it had the Epithet of He­catompolis.

[Page 38] (39) Now Io) the daughter of Inachus whom Ju­piter turned into a Heifer. Vide supra.

(40) Then Europa) shee was the daughter of Age­nor; with whom Jove being in love, transformed himself into the shape of a Bull, and carried her on his back through the Sea to Creet, where resuming his former shape, hee ravished her.

(41) Had Cressa to) Aerope called Cressa from Creet, who committing adultery with Thyestes her Husband Atrens brother, the children which were born to her by Thyestes, were slain by Atreus, and given to their Father to eat, at which horrid wicked­ness the Sun is said to have gone back to the morn­ing. lib. 2. de Trist.

(42) Nisus daughter) Scylla, who stole her Fathers purple hair, upon which the fate both of himself and Kingdome did depend, and carried it to his e­nemy Minos, who besieged him, and after whom shee lusted, but being by him contemned, shee at his departure hung on the keel of his ship, where she was turned into a Lark, her Father Nisus was also turned into a Hobby betwixt whom hath ever since continued enmity.

(43) One Scylla Circes) the daughter of Phorcus, whose nether parts the Witch Circe changed into grinning doggs, which shee not knowing how to restore, casting her self from a precipeece, was turn­ed into a Rock in the Mamertine-Sea, betwixt Scicily and Italy, destructive to Mariners.

(44) Atrides from all) Agamemnon, so called from [Page 39]his Father Atreus, who having by Land avoided a thousand dangers in that long and desperate Siege at Troy; and afterwards escaping a threatning Ship­wrack, the Sea being perturbed by an angry Nep­tune, returning safe home was slain at a Banquet by his wife Clitemnestra, and her Adulterer Aegistus.

(45) The bloody Mother) Medea, who by her charms furnishing Jason with the golden Fleece, was by him afterward married, to whom shee bore two Sons: but hee forsaking her, and marrying Crëusa, daughter to Creon King of Corinth, the inraged Medea consumed Crëusa in her Pallace with in­chanted fire, of which fact Jason coming to take vengeance, shee before his face strangled her two Sons, her self flying to Athens.

(46) Phaenix Amintors Son) who by his Mothers advice having to do with his Fathers Concubine, was haunted by the Furies, and flying from his Fa­thers presence, and coming into Thessalie, was made Achilles Tutor.

(47) Hippolitus mad horses) the Son of Theseus and Hippolita the Amazon, who constantly resolving to live a single life, in his Fathers absence, was soli­cited by his Mother-in-law Phaedra, whose lust he repudiating, was by her accused to his Father, from whose anger flying, hee was torn to peeces by the horses that drew his Chariot, and was buried in Diana's grove. Fast. lib. 3.

(48) Doting Phineus) the Father of Orythus, and Crambus, whose eyes hee put out; perswaded there­to [Page 40]by his second wife Idaea, for which his own eyes were after pluckt out by the Furies.

(49) [...]ion when sad) Troy so called from Ilus the soin of Iros, which being begirt with Graecian soul­diers, and by them reduced to extremities, did ren­der them more sorrowful, and consequently much more watchful and vigilant; but the Greeks feigning a departure, left a wooden-horse, of an immense and prodigious greatness, whose belly was lined with souldiers: the Trojans joyful of their depar­ture, and beleeving this to be the gift of Minerva, with Ropes drew the vast bulk into the City. Virg. Aeneid. 2.

In the night the souldiers coming out of the horse, opened the gates to their confederates, which were then returned, slew the Trojans, and set the City on fire.

(50) And Pleiades) the seven stars feigned to be the seven daughters of Atlas, their names are, E­lectra, Alcione, Celaeno, Maia, Asterope, Taygete, and Merope, which last is hardly to be discerned, the reason is, because six of them married each one a God, but Merope married a Mortal, for which shee hath ever since absconded her self; they are placed betwixt the mouth of Taurus, and the tail of Aries, and cause Snow in Winter, according to Lucan. l. 5.

[Page 41] (51) Goat is swallowed) Capricornus or the Goat is one of the twelve sings, and the watery Tropick, be­ing the farthest limit of the Sun's course South­ward, the Aequator; which entring makes the Winter quarter, and turns his course again to the Aequi­noxial.

(52) Allia before) a River flowing from the Cru­ctumentan Mountains in Hetruria, where the Romans were overthrown and slain by Brennus, Captain of the Gauls: hence they used to call an unlucky day dies alliensis.

(53) Feast begin) the Feast of the Passcover which the Jews kept on the fourteenth of the month Ni­san, which month containeth part of March, and part of April, by us now called Easter.

(54) Man of Palestina) Moses, by whose mouth the Lord commanded the Feast of Passeover should be kept in remembrance of his passing over the houses of Israel, and destroying the first-born of Aegypt; Ovid calls him the man of Palestina, because hee died on Mount Abarim, which is a Hill, (saith Josephus. lib. 4. cap. 8. Antiq.) neer Jericho, Pale­stina containeth Judea, Samaria, and Gali [...]ea.

(55) Kings request) Achilles at the humble request of King Priam, did restore the dead body of Hector whom hee had slain, and dragged his coarse in Tri­umph. Hom. Iliad. 24.

(56) A Letter won) Cydippe, a noble young La­dy of transcendent beauty, whom young Acontius being in love with, and fearing a repulse, because hee both in birth and fortune was inferiour to her, devised this means to obtain her; as shee sate in Diana's Temple, hee threw an Apple with this In­scription. Aristaen. lib. 1.

Which shee taking up and reading, at unawares promised her self to him, after which time whenso­ever shee went about to marry another, shee was cast into a dangerous disease by the offended God­dess Diana, which her friends at last understanding, married her to Acontius.

(57) Pergamus late) a high Tower in Troy from which the whole City is called Pergamus, which City (saith Dares de excidio Tro.) after ten years, eight months, and twelve daies siege was taken by the Grecians.

(58) Which Cybil did) There were (saith Aelian. lib. 12. Nar.) ten Cybils, one of which was Phrygian Cybil, shee first invented the Tabor and Pipe, the Cymbal and Timbrel: shee was called Mater Deo­rum, or the Mother of the Gods, and was worship­ped at Berecynthia, a Town in Phrygia, of which Catul. 64.

Her Priests were enjoyned to geld themselves with a Fish-shell, whose manner of worship was thus: A Phrygian man and woman apparrelled in particoloured garments after the manner of their Country, carried their Goddess Picture about, beat­ing their breasts, and miserably howling, after whom followed others playing on Tabors, Pipes, and Cymbals.

[Page 43] (59) Liber stiles mee) Bacchus so called, either be­cause (as Plutarch saies) pro Boeotiae libertate pugna­vit, hee fought for the liberty of Boeotia, or because with Wine hee exhilerates men, and frees them from solicitous cares.

(60) Poor Ariadne) the daughter of Minos and Pasiphae whom Theseus taking out of Creet forsook: leaving her disconsolate on the shoar of Dia, an Island in the Aegean-Sea, one of the Cyclades, up­on whom being gone, shee thus complains in Ca­tullus;

(61) Loe Mimalonides) the Menades, or furious Priests of Bacchus.

(62) Old Silenns) the Foster Father to Bacchus, who was alwaies wont to ride upon an Ass.

(63) The God) Bacchus, the inventer of Wine, who by the Thracians was worshipped for a God, it being the custome of old amongst the Heathens to deifie the inventers of things.

[Page 44] (64) Others Evohe sed) an exclamatory noise which the Menades were wont to use in praise of Bacchus.

(65) Nyctelius) Bacchus, so called from his seasts, which were performed in the night. Aeneid. 4.

(66) Juno's Bird) the Peacock, whose train shee beautified with her heardsman Argus his hundred eyes. Metam. lib. 1.

(67) Phoebe and her) Phoebe and her sister Elaira the daughters of Leucippus, ravished by Castor and Pollux.

(68) The Aemonian) Achilles so called from his Country of Thessaly: the Scyrian is meant by Dei­damia daughter to Lycomedes King of Scyros, an Isle in the Aegean-Sea, on whom Achilles habited in womens apparel, begot Pyrrhus.

(69) Promise gave) Hellen the fairest of all Greece, whom Venus promised to Paris, which being given, was the ruine of not onely himself, but all Troy.

(70) Daphnis lookt) a youth of Sicily, the inventer of Bucolick verse, in love with the Nymph Nais.

(71) Pirithous from) the son of Ixiox joyned in a firm league of friendship with Theseus, whose wife Phaedra soliciting him to lust, hee refused out of re­spect to his friend.

(72) Hermione Pylades) Pylades was so faithful a friend to Orestes, that when Theas King of Taurica had designed to sacrifice Orestes, hee affirmed him­self to be Orestes, that hee might dye for his friend: [Page 45]whose wife Hermione hee entirely loved, because she so nearly related to his friend.

(73) Proteus used) a Sea-deity, the Son of Ocea­nus and Thetis, the Poets feign that hee could trans­form himself into what shape hee pleased. Me­tam. 8.

Which I english,

(1) IO Paean) Iô is an exclamation expressing joy and satisfaction at any thing: the Romans used it in their solemn Triumphs, where the souldiers following, cried out, Iô Triumphe. Hor. Car. 4. Ode. 2.

Quae vox exultantium prae gandio est (saith Ascensius upon the place) whence to sing Iô Paean, is to praise or sing hymns to Apollo.

(2) Maeonian man) Homer, called also Maeonides from his Father Maeon.

(3) The Priameian) Paris, so called from his Fa­ther Priam, who sailed from Amyclae, a City in Pelo­ponnesus, with his fair prize Hellen, that exquisite piece of beauty, of whom Dares Phr. describing Castor and Pollux, fuerunt alter alteri similis, capillo flavo, &c. Castor and Pollux were like each other, having yellow hair, great eyes, clear complexions, slender, and extreamly handsome: Hellen was like them, beautiful, of a winning nature, courteous, &c.

[Page 70] (4) Hippodamia) the daughter of Oenomaus King of Elis, who proposing her a prize to him that could overcome him in a Chariot-race, was at last, by Pe­lops (who bribed his Charioteer Myrtylus) out-run, who together with his course won the fair Hippoda­mia for his Bride.

(5) Minos doth all means of) a King of Crete by whom Daedalus was imprisoned in the Labyrinth which himself had built, for assisting his Queen Pa­siphae in the satisfaction of her lust. Vide supra.

(6) Boôtes nor Orion) Boôtes, Orion, and the Te­gean Maid are three of the celestial constellations, the first of which is placed neer ursa Minor, the second under the head of Taurus; the laft is the sign Virgo, by the Poets feigned to be Erigone, who was born in Tegea, a City of Arcadia, a Country in Peloponne­sus, whereof her Grandfather Oebalus was King, after her death translated into the sign Virgo, placed in the Zodiack between Leo and Libra.

(7) Samos and Naxos) Samos (for its neer site to Thracia, called Samothrace) Naxos, Paros, and Delos are Islands in the Aegean Sea.

(8) The Clarians love) Apollo called Clarius from Clarus a City in Ionia, where he had a Temple.

(9) Lebinthus and) Lebinthus, Calydna, and Asti­palaea, are three Islands of the Sporades in the Medi­terranean, neer Crete.

(10) Aemonian Arts) Witchcrafts from the ma­ny Witches that in antient time practised in Aemo­nia, here dwelt the dire Witch Erictho, and here grew all sorts of herbs that were advantagious to their hellish incantations. Lucan. lib. 6.

Englished by Mr. May.

(11) With Circe) an Inchantresse living at Cir­ceum, a Promontory in Italy, whither Ulysses com­panions being driven by a storm at Sea, were by the Witch transformed into Swine; whom Ulysses by his policy perswaded to restore to their pristine forms, which she no sooner had done, but with them he came away, leaving the loathsome habitation of that accursed Inchantresse. Hom. Odys. 10. Meta. 14.

(12) Hylas ravisht) the Son of Theodamas King of Scythia, who going with Hercules out of the Ship Argo, to get an Oar in the Woods of Mysia, and lying down to drink on the bank of the River Aska­nius, hee was by the Water-Nymphs called Naides pluckt in and ravished.

(13) Calypso waile) Daughter to Oceanus and Thetys, shee governed the Isle Ogygia, betwixt the Seas Phoenicium and Syriacum, whither the Sea­beaten Ulysses by a storm being driven, was by her entertained, whom shee falling in love with, admit­ted to her bed, and detained the space of seven years, till hee was by the destinies commanded thence. Hom. Odys. 1.

(14) Simois) a River in Asia rising out of the Mount Ida, and running all along by Troy, after which meeting with the River Xanthus, they toge­ther make a great Fen or Marish, whence they ex­patiate [Page 72]themselves into the Hellespont neer the Pro­montory Sygaeum. So in Epist. 1. ad Ulyssem.

(15) Dolon's Death) a Trojan of admirable celeri­ty, who being sent a spy into the Grecian Camp, was taken by Ulysses, to whom in hope of pardon hee revealed the Trojan Counsels, and betrayed Rhe­sus King of Thrace, who was then journeying to Troy, with the white horses, whereon depended the Trojan fate, after all which hee was slain by Ulysses. Hom. Iliad. 40.

(16) Atalanta shun) a Lady of superlative beauty, averse to Venus, but being daily solicited with the many importunities of divers Lovers, she promised her self to him that could over-run her in a foot­race; which Hippomanes (after the vain assaies of ma­ny) undertaking, by casting in her way three golden Apples which shee staid to take up, overcame and married her. Metam. lib. 10.

(17) Melanion cause) Hippomanes, so called [...], from his throwing Apples out of his hand.

(18) Dice) Players at Dice both by the Elibertine and Constantinopolitan Council under Justinian were punished with Excommunication, and Horatius (lib. 3. Carm. Ode. 24.) saith it was by Law then for­bidden.

But yet Xenophon (lib. 3. de dictis Socratis) advi­seth to play at Tables or Dice, to divert from idle­ness.

(19) Foe of Glass) this game of Chess invented (say some) by Pyrrhus, or, as others, by Palamedes at the siege of Troy, was much practised amongst the Romans; their men they made sometimes of Wax, but most commonly of Glass. Martial. lib. 7. Epig. 71.

(20) Her bed) The Romans chief time of enter­tainment was at supper, their Tables were round, a­bout which were placed three beds, whereon the guests did not sit, but lye along, three usually on a bed, each of their feet behinde the others back, where they put off their shooes because they would not foul the beds, for the most part richly covered. Ter­rent. Heautont.

[Page 74] (21) He before did) Hercules whom the Poets feign to sustain Heaven upon his shoulder, it be­ing too ponderous for Atlas, hee being enamoured on Omphale, Queen of Lydia, casting away his Club, and Lions skin, to obtain her love, did not refuse to take a basket of wooll, and a distaff into his hand, which made his wife Deianira cry out. Epist. 9.

(22) Phyllacides Laodamia) Protesilaus, called Phyllacides from Phyllace a Town in Thessaly, hee was the first of the Grecians slain by Hector; his wife Laodamia so firmly loved him, that requesting the Gods but to see the shadow of her slain husband, and obtaining, expires in the imbracing of it.

(23) A well-bred stranger) Paris, on whom Das Phry. gives this character, Paridem candidum, lon­gum, fortem, oculis pulcherrimis, capillo molli & fla­vo, ore venusto, voce suavi. Paris was courteous, tall, valiant, hee had fair eyes, soft yellow hair, a pleasing countenance, and an enticing voice.

(24) Aonian Bow) Apollo's Bow with which hee slew the Monster Python. Metam. lib. 1.

(25) Phasias most barbarously) Medea, who slew her two Sons that shee bore to Jason before his face, because hee forsook her, and married Creüsa. Vide supra.

(26) Yon Swallow) Progne, who slew her Son Itys, to revenge the rape committed by her husband Tereus, upon her Sister Philomela, for which bloody murther shee was turned into a Swallow, whose breast is still stained with her Sons blood. Metam. lib. 6.

(27) Stoln delights) the strict Reader may, cen­suring this place, as judging it too light and wanton to bee inserted by a Christian, detract from the whole; but I hope he will acquiesce with satisfaction, when I shall tell him I intended to have slipt this and some other excrescents from the body of the tree; but considering without declining my resolutions of rendring it an exact translation, without preju­dice to the Author, and censure to my self, I could not do it, I offer them to modest eyes to be lookt upon, as indeed they are, the documents of a Hea­then.

(28) Chrysis) the Daughter of Apollo's Priest, and Agamemnon's Mistress, who being forced to restore her to her Father, did in her room ravish Briseis from Achilles.

(29) Lyrnesis) Briscis, called Lyrnesis from the place where shee was born, whom A [...]rides after the departure of Chrysis, seiz [...]d or, which [...] great contentions betwixt him and Achiller. [...]. lib. 1. Iliad.

(30) Biting Nettle-seed) the [...] of the [...]: Romant, which hath of all other the [...] [...] stinging quality, and stirreth up [...].

(31) Yellow Pellitory) not that the [...] or flower [...] be yellow, but hee calls it [...] the yellow bunch, or knob in the mid [...] [...] the frow [...] like that of a Daisie.

(32) Of Eryx dwell.) E [...]yx is a M [...] [...] cily, [...] (saith Aelian lik. 1. [...] [Page 76] [...], where stands a Temple dedicate to Venus.

(33) Pelasgis) Arcadia, so called from Pelasgus, sometimes King thereof, who planted many herbs, and made food of the roots of them.

(34) To Lemnos) an Isle in the Aegean Sea, fa­mous for the reception of Vulcan, who for his de­formity, being ejected Heaven by the gods, fell up­on this Isle, where, being lamed by the fall, hee for­ged Thunderbolts for Jupiter.

(35) Ceres rites) Ceres Daughter to Saturn and Ops (the first that devised the manner of sowing Wheat and Barly, for which shee was deified) had her rites, which (saith Cicero) longe maximis & oc­cultissimis Ceremoniis continentur, were contained in great and hidden mysteries, which it was death for any of her Priests to disclose.

(36) Censor gave) the Censors were officers in Rome, to whom every one gave in their names, with the full value of their estates: these took notice of all such as were ill husbands, neglected their Farms, or left their Vines untilled.

(37) Seven Lustras) a Lustrum is the space of five years, every fifth year the Censors purging the Ro­man Army with Sacrifice; so that seven Lustras is the space of thirty five years.

(38) Nestors breast) the Son of Neleus and Cloris, hee excelled for wisdome and cloquence, by which hee so much advantaged the Grecians, that Agamem­non said hee doubted not, if hee had but ten Nestors, suddenly to vanquish and overcome the Trojans.

(39) Chalcas) a Greeian Augure, the Son of The­stor: hee accompanied the Grecians in the Trojan expedition, where because hee much excelled in the [Page 77]Art of divining, many great things were swayed by his Counsel.

(40) T' Achilles) Vulcan at the request of Thetys, forged a sute of Arms for Achilles, the shield was beautified with most excellent workmanship; for in it hee presented the Earth, the Sea, and Heaven, with the Sun, Moon, Planets, and other Constellations, two exquisite Cities, a field of Corn, a golden Vine, and several other admirable curiosities. Hom. Iliad. 18. lib.

(1) PEnthisilia and) a Queen of the Amazones, Post Orythiam Penthisilea regno potita est, cujus Trojano bello inter fortissimos viros, &c. (saith Justin. lib. 2.) After Orythia Penthisilia obtained the govern­Trojano bello inter fortissimos viros, &c. (saith Justin. lib. 2.) After Orythia Penthisilia obtained the govern­ment, who amongst the most couragious Captains in the Trojan war, made large proof of her valour a­gainst the Grecians. Shee was slain before Troy, but by whom it is uncertain. Dyctis Cretensis lib. 4. saith, Achilles inter equitum turmas Penthisiliam nactus, hast a petit, &c. Achilles amongst the troops of horse finding Penthisilia wounded her with his spear; and dragging her miserably by the hair, slew her. But Dares Phrygius saith, Penthisilia Neoptolemum sauciat, ille dolore accepto, amazonum ductricem Penthisiliam obtruncat.

Now such as shall desire to know what these A­mazons were, I shall indeavour to satisfie out of Justin. lib. 2. Ulinos & Scolopitus per factionem Opti­matum, dome pulsi, &c. The two young Princes, Uli­nos and Scolopitus being by the Primates of Scythia, expelled their Country, drew along with them a considerable company of young men, who seating themselves in Capadocia neer the River Thermodon, occupied the fields of the Themiscyrians, whom they [Page 104]had subjected, and for many years accustoming themselves to rob and spoil their neighbouring con­fines, were at last set upon and slain by the people. The wives of these men perceiving all hopes of po­sterity were in their husbands cut off, fall to arms; first defending themselves at home, afterwards transmitting the war to their neighbours: with whom they disdained to marry, calling it slavery, not matrimony, have dared, a singular example of all ages, to inlarge without the assistance of hus­bands, the bounds of their republick. Now incou­raging themselves in the contempt of husbands, that some might not seem more happy than others, they slew those men that remained amongst them, and with the daily slaughter of their neighbours, they prosecute the revenge of their murthered husbands, At length by war obtaining peace to preserve the state of their Government, they prostitute their bo­dies to men of neighbouring Countries: their male­children they destroyed; but the Girls they careful­ly brought up, instructing them in the exercise of fencing, riding, hunting, and the like: They were called Amazons ab [...] & [...], from the burning of their breast, that it might not impede their shooting.

(2) Oiclides fell) Amphiaraus, called Oiclides from his Father Oicleus; a Grecian Prophet, the husband of Eriphiles, whom King Adrastus would take with him to the war of Thebes, but hee foreseeing hee should never return, concealing himself, was at last discovered by his wife Eriphiles to Adrastus for a chain of gold: with whom going to Thebes, an Eagle at feast stooping, snatcht Amphiaraus dart, and soaring up with it, let it fall; which fixing in [Page 105]the ground, became a Lawrel: Amphiaraus going to cut it down, was by a sudden rupture of the earth swallowed up together with his Chariot and horses; which Themis foretold in Metam. 9.

(3) Wife they say) Laodamia, who died imbracing the shadow of her slain husband. vide supra.

(4) Iphias cries) called also Evadne, the wife of Capaneus, whom she loved so intirely, that when he was slain by a Thunderbolt at Thebes, and his Fu­neral solemnized, shee cast her self into the fire to be consumed with him.

(5) Rogus dies) It was antiently a custome not to bury the dead bodies in the ground, but to burn them with fire, to prevent the Tyrannous abuse of their enemies, who were wont to take up, after their conquests, the dead corps, and execute their malice upon them. This fire being made in a dead pile, was called Pyra, when burning, it was called Rogus. When the dead body was laid upon the Pyra, his eyes were again opened, to shew him Heaven if it were possible, and a half-penny put in his mouth, which they supposed to be the wages of Charon, for ferrying him over the Stygian Lake.

(6) Theseus Ariadne) Vide supra, in Not. ad lib. 1.

(7) Phyl [...]is went) the Daughter to Licurgus King of Thrace, who prostituted her body to Demophoon, upon promise of marriage, after the composing of those differences that his absence had incurred at [Page 106]home: but hee by the weight of his Country af­fairs, being detained after the limit of his promised time, gave her leisure to suspect her self despised, and despairing of the performance of his promise, hanging her self, was turned into an Almond-tree without leaves, after which Demophoon returning and imbracing the naked trunk, it presently budded and put forth.

(8) Guest did) Aeneas, who (saith Virg. lib. 4.) by the commands of the gods leaving Carthage; Di­do, who was passionately in love with him, after his departure, slew her self with the Trojans sword which hee had forgot behinde him; yet in truth Dido lived (according to the best Chronologers) eighty odd years after the Trojan, though the Poet in his Romantick Poem take the liberty to make them contemporaries.

(9) Therapnean Bride) Laeda the wife of Tyndarus, who at Therapnae, a Village of Laconia, brought forth the Tyndarides.

(10) Endimion doth not) a Shepherd whom Jove received into Heaven, but ambitioning the love of Juno, was first deceived with a cloud, and after for his pride ejected the caelestial habitations, and doom­ed to perpetual sleep, whom Luna falling in love with, concealed in a Grott on Latmus a Mountain of Caria.

(11) Cephalus) a young man, the husband of Pro­cris, with whom Aurora falling in love, when shee could by no means make him decline his chastity, ravished him by force.

(12) Capitol) a famous Tower in Rome, built by Tarquinius Superbus, on the Tarpeian Mount, after called Mons Saturnius, or Saturns Mount, where [Page 107]the glorious spoils of the Roman Conquerers were hung up. It was called the Capitol, because when the foundation was laid, a mans head was digged up fresh and lively, as if it had been newly buried, it being supposed the head of one Tolus long before deceased, whence from Caput and Tolus it was called Capitolium.

(13) Curia worthy) There were in Rome several Curia's, of which chiefly one built by Tullus Hostili­us, thence called Curia Hostilia, which was the chief Councel-house, whither the Roman Senators as­sembled themselves for the determining of state­matters.

(14) Forsaken Gnossis) Ariadne, whom Theseus forsaking, Bacchus found and took to wife, bestow­ing on her the Cnossian Crown, beautified with se­ven stars, which hee before received of Venus.

(15) Phryxus colour) Phryxus the Son of Atha­mas, King of Thebes, who with his Sister Helle, to escape the cruelty of their Stepmother Ino, mounted on the back of a golden Ramm, crossing over the Pontick Streights, Helle fell off and was drowned in the Sea, which from her name was called Helle­spont. But Phryxus arriving in safety at Colchos, sa­crificed his Ramm to Jupiter, hanging up his golden fleece in the Temple, whence it was afterwards ta­ken by Jason, and the rest of the Argonantes. The Ramm in his pristine form was placed among the Stars, and is known by the Vernal Equinoxial Sign Aries.

[Page 108] (16) Th' light bringing horses) the four horses of the Sun brought out by Aurora, the goddess of the morning, their names are Pyrois, Eous, Aethon and Phlegon, according to Metam. lib. 2.

(17) Shee whom a feigned) Europa whom Jove carried in the shape of a Bull.

(18) As when at the Mill) I may well expect some Ladies frowns at the translation of this rude Simile, but I hope they will vanish into smiles, when they shall know I acknowledge it to be so.

(19) Friends ears) Ulysses premonisht by Circe of the inchanting melody of the Syrens; with soft wax closed up the ears of all his companions, and cansed himself to be fast bound to the Mast, that hee might hear them, but though never so much attracted, not be able to get loose, by which means hee escaped their allurements, though at the air of their bewitch­ing voices bee called upon his friends to unbinde him, indeavouring to unloose himself. Hom. Odyss. lib. 12.

(20) Learn to sing) musick) dancing) here gentle Reader, give mee leave out of Lucian. de saltatione to answer those censorious and Eschilean pated (for I cannot term them hairbrain'd) men, that go about to vilifie those princely recreations, Scio vos illecebris hisce, &c. I know if you did but hear them play, you would bee so ravished with the sense of them, that you would (let mee add, if your corporeal de­lapidations have not rendred you incapable of such exercises) dance for company your selves. Yea [Page 109] Scaliger himself so famed by all the Criticks, saith, in musicis supra omnem fidem capior & oblector, &c. I am extraordinarily taken and delighted with mu­sick; I am hugely detained with the grace and beau­ty of women; I do gladly behold them dance, and am pleased to be idle amongst them. And Epicurus used these as means to recover his sick patients; hee laid them on a down-bed, [...]rowned with a Garland of sweet smelling flowers, in a perfumed closet, deli­cately set out, and after a potion or two of cordial drink, hee brought in a beautiful young Maid to play on a Lute, sing and dance.

(21) Orpheus) an excellent Poet and Musician of Thrace, who made the barbarous people, yea the ve­ry trees and stones to dance after his Harp. Met. lib. 11.

Having lost his wife Euridice, hee descended to Hell to seek her, where with his Harp hee so charm­ed Cerberus, Pluto, and Proserpine, that hee had his wife restored to him, but looking back before hee was got out (the thing only excepted in the restaura­tion) shee was again taken away. martial. lib. 14. Epig. 165.

(22) Balls must) Ludum parvae pilae is commended [Page 110]by Gallen, whether with the hand or racket; it was of great request amongst the antient Greeks, mention­ed by Homer, and was first invented by Aganella, a Maid of Corcyra, who presented the first Ball ever made to Alcinous his Daughter, and taught her the use of it.

(23) Arena sprinkled) the Amphitheater, a shew­place in Rome, where the Gladiatours were wont to fight, all sorts of wilde beasts were brought to tear one another in peeces. Aulus Gellius in his fifth book de Atticis Noct. affirms that a certain slave being brought hither to be an Actor in these beastly Tra­gedies, a Lion of immense greatness came from a­mongst the rest, and fawned upon him, not suffer­ing any other of the wilde beasts to injure or mo­lest him; at which the Citizens wondring, inquired the cause, to whom the wretch told, that flying from his Master into a certain desert, hee concealed him­self in a great cave, where hee had not long abode before a mighty Lion came halting in, with a legg bloody, and deeply wounded; the Lion instead of devouring (which hee only expected) came for­ward, looking pitifully, as though hee would com­plain to him of his pain, at which, taking courage, hee applied some herbs to the sore, binding it up as well as hee could, which hee had no sooner done, but the Lion made out for his prey, and brought in certain peeces of raw flesh, which hee made his dai­ly food of. At length, wearied with this savage life, left the desert, and betaking him to his travels, was caught by his old Master, and brought from Aegypt hither to be a Gladiator; since whose de­parture it seemed the Lion was also taken and brought to Rome. At which the people gave him [Page 111]the Lion to lead through the streets, as a Miracle. de Arena, vide supra.

(24) Vestas fire) the Nunnery of Vesta stood neer to Castors Temple, to which belonged six Virgins or Votaries, whose office was chiefly to keep the sacred fire, for the extinction of which, they were had into a dark corner, stript naked, and scourged by the chief Pontifex.

(25) Vittae do not) a filler with which the Vestals bound their hair. Vide supra.

(26) Sharp pointed Arrows) If any shall wonder at this adjective to Arrows, concluding them all to be sharp pointed, I shall satisfie him out of Metam. lib. 1. that Cupid had of two sorts.

(27) Barriers left) the Romans had at the end of their Circus, certain Barriers called Carceres, that is places railed in, from which the horses began their Races.

(28) Waters at fit time) waters to write with, as the water of Chalchantum, Alum, or Sal Armonia­cum, with the two first, what ever you shall write on Paper cannot be read, till held in water, the last, betwixt you and the fire.

[Page 112] (29) Milk you write) the Milk of a Figg-tree, with which you may write upon any part of your body, being dry, it will not be read till rubbed over with a Charcoal.

(30) Pharian Isis) Aegyptian Isis, to whom there was consecrate a Temple in Rome.

(31) Hymettus) a Mountain of Athens abounding with Bees, and plenty of honey.

(32) Thebais being tall) Audromache, the wife of Hector, and daughter to Aetion King of Thebes, whence shee is called Thebais. Dares Phrygins gives us this character of her, Andromacham oculis claris, candidam, longam, &c. Andromache was fair eyed, courteous, tall, lovely, modest, affable and discreet; which vertues may be truly asserted inherent to the Major part of her glorious sex, which gives mee oc­casion to conclude with that of my Author. lib. 3.