ALthough the dire influence, of that prodigious Comer, in 16.18 (so fatall to Germany, Spaine, Ireland, England, and most Kingdomes in Europe) be now by the divine permission of Al­mighty God, transmitted, beyond our English Horizon, to go visit some remoter clymates, yet we have still (saith Mr. Lilly) the distempered effects of the parelij or 3 Suns visible in Lanca­shire, Aprill the 3d. 1647/8 forcibly operating and not determined. We are subject I am sure at present to the influence of the square of Sa­turn and Iupiter imminent the 29 or March last, upon the 9 of March last, the sun entred Aries: Upon the 10th. of June last, the sun entred can­cer, Upon the 28 of June, there hapned a con­junction of Saturne and Mars: Upon the 12th. of September, the sun encred Libra: Upon the 20 of November there hapneth an Eclipse of the Moone, and upon the 11. of December, the Sun enters Capricorne. The 3. foremost. and only those Mr. Lilly makes use of, in his Ephimeris for this yeare, but in his book called an astrologi­all prediction, of the occurrences of England, [Page 2]he adds the Conjunction of Saturn and Mars, from these as from his basis, he extracts his Iudg. ment for this yeare he considers not at all, the suns ingresse into Cancer, Libra and Capricorne notwithstanding the ascendant of the Suns ingress into Aries, be a moveable signe, yea, and the lat­ter degrees thereof, and therefore cannot possi­bly signifie the actions, of above one quarter of a yeare, as most, (and let him produce any good Author to the contrary, I will yeeld him the bucklers without further dispute) Nor yetdoth he consider, the eclipse of the Moon, I shall from the ail as for my basis, and ground worke, extract my Judgment of thi [...] y [...]r; And so Mr. Lily ought to have done, had he desired to have enformed either himselfe, or his Reader right. Nay Mr. Lilly himselfe imputes this as a fault to M. Whar­ton, upbraiding him, that he fetcht his hotch­potch Oracles, with which he so deluded the people, meerly from the Coniunction of Saturn and Mars, whereas every one ought he saith to consider the suns ingresse, into the 4. Cardinall points, with all the remarkable conjunctions, and aspects of the year, the most materiall whereof, he himselfe omitteth, and so becomes guilty of that himselfe which he so much taxeth in others: I desire therefore, it may be put to the vote, whe­ther he deservs not to be lasht with the self same whip, which he prepared for them.

There is hardly any one thing amrmed, by any Author, de parelijs, which is not again contradi­cted, by some other author: it will be a matter therefore of great difficulty for me, or any man else, amongst so many different opinions to distin­guish truth from falshood, and consequently to give any certaine judgmement, of these parelij or false Suns, seen in Lancashire as Mr. Lilly repor­teth: I saw them not my selfe, but doubtlesse such mock. Suns do sometimes appeare; though there are some that will hardly grant it, yea, do stoutly [Page 4]deny it, whither they proceed from a natural cause, or whether they be miraculous, I will not dispute: nor what the matter is, of which they are made; but it is a very materiall quaere, and worthy to be resolved, whether they proceed from naturall causes, or be miraculously framed by Angells, as Mr. Lilly asserteth. For if they proceed from naturall causes, 'tis then probable, that they signifie nothing but weather, if other. wise, then doubtles their signisication is great, and of a much larger extent.

I will not contend with Mr. Lilly in this que­stion, because tis disputable: It shall be my care, not to justle with him, till I be sure to foile him. These parelij, appeare most in Northren clymats, commonly in the morning, the Son being neare the horizon; their motion is alwayes with the Sun, and they ever keep the same distance from him: their continuance is very short, seldome a bove an houre and a quarter at most.

Many Authors do [...]isly deny these parelij, to have any other signification, then upon weather: some contend stoutly that they have: Amongst so many different, and indeed contrary opinions, it will be dub ous what to affirme: but doubt, lesse the best way will be, to imitate nature, in re­solving such Riddles: I will therefore cull out, from Mr. Lillies collections, such aphorismes, as are likest to be true; and then from them all ex­tract a judgement.

1. Parelij sunt monitores de insidij, et consilije clandestinis, quae ineuntur adversus eos, qui in magno splendore dignitatis rerum potiuntur. Thus in English; parelij or mock Suns do admo­nish of treacheries, and Clandestine counsells a­gainst men of great dignity: had it said thus, I should have lik't it better, and questionlesse it had bin truer: they are Monitors of treacherous plots, and Clandestine counsells, against some King, or Prince, by such as would dethrone him, or make him away, for without doubt a true Sun, signifies a lawfull King, a mock Sun, an usurper. and this will clearly appear by the second.

2. Diversa parelia Regni eiusdem guberna­tores fere diverses, aut viros fere Principes re­presentant; circulus autem regni partes, aut ci­vitates: verus ille Sol circuli medio, personan [...] regiam, apta similitudine monstrat Gem: Divers or many parelij, represent the Governours of the same Kingdome, to be many: or they personate men of almost princely rank, or like Princes: the true sun in the midd le of the circle, declares byan apt comparison, a regall person, of the same King­dome: the Circle about the suns shew the parts or Cities of [...]at Kingdome.

3. Cum fictisoles, veluti satellites, verum so­lem cingunt, tunc in captivit atem cadunt summi Reges. When mock suns like Yeomen of the Gard, do encompasse the true Sun, then greatest Princes, shall fall into captivity.

4. Tres soles, triumvir at us esse signa, et suo tempore significasse imperia, Caroli quinti Cae­saris, Henrici secundi Gallorum Regis, et Soli­mani Turcarum Sultani asserit Cardanus 3. Suns Signifie honour to be conferred on three, or ma­ny deserving men, and in his time did signifie, the Emperour Charles the 5th. Henry the 2d. King of France, and of Solimon Sultan, or Emperour of Turkie. But I like very little of this Apho­risme, nor is it likely to be true: for the mock. suns cannot signifie deserving men, nor shall such ever possesse that Kingdome they expect, because they quickly vanish, and leave the true Sun in possession: though they besiege him, and imprison him for a time.

Hi statum mundi sibi subiectum indicaus, non in futurum, sed de die presente: indicant autens schismata, et similia, resque ad [...]irandas, et rare sier [...] solitas: praecipue autens evidentia deliria ac indicantur, et conatus stulti superiorum, it a­que sicut Duos soles existere superfluum est, it a superfluum est quod illi indicant.

These parelij, intimate the state of the world, subject unto them, what shall presently, not long after succeed: they foreshew Schismes &c. won­derfull matters, and such as are seldome used to be done, especially evident madnesse, and the foo­lish endeavours of great men: so that as there is no necessity of 3 Suns so there is no need of such things as they signifie,

6. Parelius aquas, aut ventos promittit, saith Paulus the Minerva a mock Sun signifies, raine or a tempest.

The signisication of the Parelij, seemes there­fore to be this. A sun whither true or false signi­fies a King: a true Sun, a lawfull King: a mock­sun, an usurper, or one that would be a King: here are two mock suns. there are therefore two that would be Kings, perhaps Fairfax, and Cromwell, false suns, admonish, of Treason, and treachery to be performed by the mock-suns a­gainst their lawfull Soveraign, whom they would either dethrone, or make away, have already imprisoned, as appears by the mock suns encom­passing the true. Certainly these mock. suns which inviron the true sun, must signifie the Parliament and army, or if you will the Presbyterian and the Independent: These mock suns, signifie Treasons Treacheries. Schismes, Heresies, and clandestine councells, then acting against the true Sun.

But as it is a superfluous thing to have two or 3 suns: so is that wich they go about, that is, play­ing King Catchers. Though they so much de­sire it, yet shall they never come to be Kings [to the Halter they may] for the mock Sunnes suddainly vanish, leaving the true sun shining in the firmament, & at last free from confinement, whence I gather, that his Majesty shall com at length out of prison, and that whosoever desires to weare his Diadem, shall go without it: for [Page 8]the mock suns quickly vanished, they shall never therefore obtain their aime.

The Eclipse of the Moon, in November next in Gemini will soon after without all question, banish the Parelij, or mock suns into the land of darknesse, What think you Mr Lilly, is not this the naturall explication of our parelij?

But Mr. Lilly would have the true sun to sig­nifie the Parliament, and the mock suns their op­posers, and his reason ['tis judicium sine judici [...]] is because these was at the time of the appearance or the pare [...]j, [...]oe vi [...] face of authority, but what was in them, what then? the authority is the Kings, de jure, though theirs de facto. The Parliament was not imprisoned, the true Son was invironed by the mock suns, ergo the true sun signifies the King, a the Parliament is excellent [...] and most significantly represented by the mock suns invironing the true, for they keep him priso­ner &c, that they might make use or his power, and Authority. Let any indifferent man judge between us,Here should have bin inferred a Scheame for the time of the appearance of the Pare [...]lij and let the Golden ball be give to him who hits the truth.

This Scheme which was set at the the time of the appearance of the parelij, were it exactly don as I much doubt it was not: it were superfluous to judge it; but yet let Mr Lilly say what he will, this very Scheme is ten times more for the King then for the Parliament, nay Mr. Lilly himself though at unawares confesseth as much in these, [Page 9]words: Yet this of necessity will follow, either an amendment, or a complyance, of the Mem­bers themselves, or a finall revolt of the People from them. Testimonium tunm quod in aliena re leve est hoc contrate grave est. The Moone who signifies the people, opposeth both the As­cendant, and the Sun their significator, and after her separation from the opposition of Sol, snee applyes forcibly to the trine of Saturn, Lord of the 11. in the 2. and this must needes signifie, victory to the King, although the tayle of the Dragon, be in the 10th. house: for that signifies only scandalls, falls, and some danger by poyson to the King, Jupiter Lord of the ascendant re­trograde, hurts the Parliament more, then the King, for he oposes the ascendant, there are many therefore of the Parliament men, who will be for the King against the Parliament. The Moone in opposition to the sun, both well fortified in angles, argues a defection of most of the king­dome, from them, and their adherance to the King, in regard the Moone applyes immediately after her separation, to Saturn our freind in the second.

But Mr. Lilly affirmeth, that the King decli­ned in honour, even since the appearance of the mock-suns in 1644. and doubtlesse he would have him decline worse still upon the appearance of these new mock-suns: but see how ridiculous he makes himselse: there is no Artist but knowes [Page 10]that it was the Comet in 1618. and the great conjunction of Saturne and Iupiter, and the Ec­lipse of the Sun in 1639. which brought his Majesty so low. And the conjunction of Saturn and Mars in Gemini, in the 8th. house, near Ocu­lus Tauri, and the Moon Eclipsed in the 7th. and the 8th. houses, in Gemini, near the body of Saturne, will bring the Parliament lower.

The figure of the Suns ingresse into Aries for the Meridian of London, Here are 3. Shemes wanting the first; for the Suns in­gresse into Aries 9. Martij, the second for the square of Saturne and Jupi­ter, 29 Martij, the third for the Con­junction of th Sun and Sa­rne, 16. Maij. hath 26. degrees and 50. minuts, of Libra ascending which signe in regard it is moveable, causeth, that this Scheme, shall signifie unto us, the actions but of one quar­ter of this yeare, especially there being so few degrees thereof in the Ascendent, and this is the unanimous opinion, of all the learned in this art, although Mr. Lilly, thinking it fittest for his purpose, would needs perswade us to the contra­ry, and would have it serve for the whole yeare: but even reason it selfe would perswade us. (had the learned bin silent herein) that the fag end of a moveable sign ascending, there is no great heed or trust to be had to such a figure: and yet for this quarter, it must direct us. viz. Vntill the Sun enrers the signe Cancer.

For as much as the ascending signe is moveable, doubtlesse a great change, of humane affaires ap­proacheth, concerning the Rites. Priviledges, Lawes, and Customes, of this Kingdome, si cute­ra concenserint, as here they do.

Venus is Lady of the asccnding signe, but Sa­turne hath more dignities therein, viz. his exal­tation, and triplicity, neither of them have much to do in the Ascendent, as the case stands; for in regard there are so sew degree, of Libra in the ascendent, they quickly leave their rule to Mars, and then the dominion of the succeeding part of the year, is in a manner wholly committed unto Mars; not so much because he governs the signe Scorpio, intercepted in the ascendent, at the time of the vernal-ingres, (as Mr. Lilly would have it) but because he is the principall Planet, in most of the lunations, and remarkable Aspects, happening this year. Clandestine practises shall therefore now faile, and deeds of Armes be very frequent, in many parts of this Kingdome. Mr. Lilly cryes peace; but to our costs we have, and shall find, that we shall not enjoy the settled conditon, he promiseth; this year will not produce it.

Si Mars fuerit Dominus anni, directus et non aspexerit Ascendentem, fignificat plurimas com­bustiones et nocumentum ab ignibus, et agritu­dines, quae advenient hominibus causa sangninis et destructionem vegitabilium, causa valetudi­uis ventorum. If Mars be Lord of the year, di­rect, and behold not the ascendent, it signifies much burnings, and hurts by fire, many diseases in men, caused by peccant blood: and destruction of vegitables, by the grcatnesse of winds.

In the Plenilunium preventionall he is in the [Page 12]11th. house, in conjunction with Mer. in oppo­sition to the Moone, this signifies great enmity amongst freinds, Consumption of much treasure, his posation in the revelation in the fifth, denoun­ceth much Fornication, Adultery, and Mortality in the Southren parts.

Saturn in the 8. house signifies much detriment, and losse to the place, which is subject to that signe he is in, tribulation, anguish, and many contentions.

Saturn is in porigeo, as near the earth as he can be, and meets with Mars in Gemini, where there are many stars of contrary nature; this, but not only this, was the cause of the wetnesse and cold­nesse of the yeare. The Parelij also, did pro­mise, and foreshew the same, for Parelius ventos aut pluvias promittit, there are also some o­ther reasons in art therefore, as you shall heare anon.

Luna in quartain signo infor tunato, erit populu [...] fortiter obsessus, et accident ei carceres, et anxi­etates graves, The Moon in the 4th. house, in an unfortunate sign, signifies that the people shall be strongly beseiged, and divers shall be impriso­ned, and great and heavy Calamities shal happen. Shee is in this Scheme in Aquary, the house of Saturn, in conjunction with Venus, lady of the eighth house; both of them aspected by the late full square of Saturn, in the eight, the greatest infortune, and in the worst of houses, but if wee [Page 13]beleive Mr. Lilly, be tells us, that the Moon is fortunate, because conjoyned to Venus, but Venus her selfe here is Lady of th house of Death, and consequently as bad as any Planet in the figure, except Saturn, who is locally in that house, how­sowever, she could never take off the malici­ous in fluence of Saturn, who squares them both from the 8. for this is a rule which no Artist will deny: si times Saturnum, oppone Iovem, si Mar­tem oppone Uenerem. The truth of the former rule, though he denyeth not, yet he cruelly tax­eth Mr. Wharton for his application of it, to the Moon in that figure, but the event has answered his prediction, cont radicted Mr. Lillyes calum­nies, and this, and his other, almost infinite, and grosse mistakes this yeare, in point of Art, will chronicle him a dotard to all posterity.

Especially this which followes which he stands so stiffly to maintain. Venus, saith he, is Lady of the Ascendant, Mars Lord also thereof, is in the house of Inpiter, and Iupiter himselfe, in the 10. the Moone also who hath usually representa­tion, of the common condition of mankind, being not unfortunate, but applying to the conjunction of venus, gives us great reason, sayth he, to hope well, and to live in assurance, that the common­wealth of England, shall not this yeare be mo­lested with warre; That every man shall live at his own house. and in his owne Vocation, and Calling, quietly and securely, Countreymen, [Page 14]What say you to this? Certainly 'tis a faire pro mise, but is it true? is he master of his word? no thing lesse. We all know tis absolutely false, yet everie man is not sensible, for all this of the greatnesse and grossenesse of this mistake.

It must not be understood barely, as an asser­tion of Mr. Lillyes, but as a confutation of Mr. Wharton, who predicted war, as he had good reason to doe, as God-willing. I shall shew a­non, but that I may goe throughly, and soundly to work with him, I will first confute his mista­ken grounds.

Verily saith he, this is no fiction of ours but the opinion of those reverend professors, who studi­ed this science, long before us: From whom O­riganus he sayth drawes this inference, fol. 5.22. In anni et quartarum revolutionibus, ant the­matibus lunationum, si luna sive firma ct potens, sit in angulo velsuccedente dom [...], in dignittiabus suis sive debilis, et cadens, extra dignitates, ap­plicueri beneficeo alicui planetae, Jovi aut Vene­ri, significat status populi fortunatins, quo lucrd eidem accrescent, et abundnbunt necessaria; et si applicuerit Veneri, erit bilaritas, gaudiums, et frequentia connubiorum, which he thus translates In the revolution of a yeare, and the severall schemes of lunations, if the Moon, whether she be strong and powerfull, in an angle or a succe­dent house, in her own dignity, or admit she be weak and cadent, yet if she apply to any benevo­lent [Page 15]planet, as Iupiter or Venus, the state or con­dition of the people, shall be signified successefull and fortunate. in which yeare they shall encrease their estates, and abound in all manner of ne­cessarie provisions; and if that fortune to whom the Moone shall apply be Venus, (as now) the common people shall much rejoyce, be frolick, and very cheerfull. That these words are in Ori­gamus, I will not deny, nor that they be rightly rendered by him in English, but that he mis-un­derstands, and mis-applyes Origamns, is plaine to a novice in this Art; for admit the moon to be so and so posited, yea and so and so applying also [which is more then the rule requires,] and some other planet or planets in the scheme con­tradicting, ORIGANUS will not then affirme, that she, so and so posited, so and so applying, shall take off the significations, of the other planets: for if this had bin his meaning, that the Moon should rule all the Rost, in that businesse; the rules which Mr. Lilly soone after tites out of Haly. had bin to no purpose: and his very quoting of Haly against Mr. Wharton, makes for me, against himselfe. Againe Origanus speaks, of Iupiter and Venu's when they are for­tunes, they are not alwayes so, viz. when they are in the sixth, eighth, tenth or twelfth, houses. or are Lords of those houses: as here, Venus is Lady of the 8th. and the Moone her selfe, hath great dominion therein: and both Venus, and [Page 16]the Moone are disposed off by Saturne, who is locally in the 8th. in square to them both: an ill aspect, the worst of houses, and the greatest in for­tune. He does but trifle therefore, and abuse Origanus, and che ancients, to affirme of them, which they never meant, nor did any man, that ever I saw, heard, or read of, ever understand him so he must therefore ba [...]lk the authority of Orig.

But Haly fits him to a haire, his authority shall carry it, if he puts his words, into true English He saith, Semper in revolutione, cave et respi­ce Martem, quia si bonus fuerit, et in bono statu, melius succedit negotium, vassalorum regis, et exercituum. which he thus translates into Eng­lish. In every revolution be well advised, in gi­ving judgement: and have respect to the place of Mars, for if he be well posited, and in a good state, the businesse of the Kings Subjects, and their Armies, shall the better succeed. No Sir, this the businesse of the Kings Subjects, and his Armies, shall the better succeed. He hath produced Haly, absolutly against himselfe: yet he saith, that this is an assured testimony, that the Common wealth of England, shall nor this year, be molested with Warr, or much troubled, and offended with the Souldier. Good Mr. Lilly, does exercitus in your Dictionary, signifie peace? if it signifies an Army, as mine saith it does, why then it is quite against you, not for you; he saith the King's Armies shall thrive, and you say we shall have peace. [Page 17]Peace is the end of War indeed, but the Souldier is armed to fight. But he will be sure, to make it for his parpole, one way or other: of it does speak of War, it shall say, (or Mr. Lilly will make it) that the Parliament shall beat the King; but Latine Haly Saith, that exercitus regis shall thrive: not the people, and their Armies. If the King's Armies thrive, the Parliaments must sing Lacrymae: woe is me, well a day. But to be serious, Halyes meaning is, that when Mars is strong, he does the lesse mischiefe: (the word is melius not bene) yet Mr. Lilly and all men must grant, that Mars is semper in fortuna. Well Haly hath hitherto deceived him also: and yet he is resolved, to try him once againe: pro­duce him, let him speak, but know, that is you traduce him againe, his action of scandall against you, will be doubtlesse, far more valid and vigo­rous. He quotes him, fol. 364. and tells us tru­ly that be saith. Nota quod planeta, qui est de­min [...], et significator anni, quando invenitur, in aliquo signorum, significat, secundum proprieta­tem ip fius planetae, et secundum ipsius proprieta­tem loci, in quo versatur, de domibus figurae: et se­cundum statum, et ejus fortunam, et infortunia: quia per fortunam, et bonuns statum fignificat be­num, et meliorem sucessum et gaudium, et si Mars fuerit, significat, quod homines vincent homines inimicos suos, &c Which he translates into English thus. Observe that planet, who is signi­ficator [Page 18]of the year, & in which of the 12. signs he is found; be assured, he shall signifie, according to theproperty of the Planer, Sign, & house, of Hea­ven, in which he is posited, and according to his state, for tune, or unfortunatnesse, for that pla­net well fortified, shall signifie good successe, joy, gladnesse, &c. And if Mars shall at any time be so qualified, in a revolution, it imports the com. monaity shall overcome their Enemies. That Haly speaks heere manifestly for Warr, he him­selfe confesseth: for so his owne English renders him: but when he would insinuate, that the Par­liament or their army, shall overcome the King, (which if you observe he does) he shewes him. selfe a dotard, and no Scholler. It seemes he would if it were possible, make Haly, as guilty of treason, as himselfe; but he saith, homines vincent homines: men shall overcome men: and J say, Haly was a loyall Subject, but Merlius Angli­cus a Rebell.

But Mr. Lilly himselfe confesseth, that Mars is the most consicerable planer, not only in the ver­nallingresse, but also, in all other quarters and lunations of the yeare, and therefore he rightly judges, that some will object, (I my selfe am one of that number) that he might justly have beene suspected, the forerunner of more Warte, and bloodshed. Nor can the potency of Mars, in the vernall ingresse, hinder; for he is semper in fortuna. He is strong I confesse in the vernall [Page 19]ingresse, and at the time of the square aspect, of Saturne and Inpiter, but weak enough, all the year after. I hope Mr. Lilly will not brag of his potency, at the Sans entring Cancer: at the con, junction of Saturne ond Mars: at the Eclipse of the Moone, nor in many other not able aspects, bap­pening this yeare. I wonder therefore, that, Mr. Lilly should in such plaine tearmes, assume (he useth to speak Riddles commonly so darke, [...] ­requires an Oedipus to unfold them) that it is be. yond his knowledge, if the devouring Sword, harme us this years: but especially, that he should be so confident, as to affirme, that it is positive in Astrology, that there will be this yeare, noe such notorious distractions, to engage the King, dome in blood, or the City of London to a fury. We all know, Merlivus Anglicus, to be a lying Phophet its this, and that art was plaine for War, is manifest: not only from the reasons before set downe, but also from the conjunction of Saturne and Mars in Gemini, the signe intercepted in the ascendent, of the profectionall revolution, of Sa­turne and lupiter: Which makes Mr. Lilly to cry out, ab hinc lacbrymae nostra Anglicanae, non a revolntione hu, us anni, vel ab has tam dira, et formidabili conjunctione, infortunarum pro­cedunt: this indeed signifies Warre, buy by Mr. Lillies favour, the former reasons, are far stron­ger for Warre, then this: and if this had been the only cause of our sufferings: there could not have [Page 20]been a blow struck till the latter end of Iune, for this hapned not till then. I confesse this coniunction hapning in the signe intercepted in the As­cendent of the profectionall revolution, of Sa­turn and Iupiter, and an Eclipse also, in that ve­ry signe both of them in the 8th house, and neer Oculus Tauri, a most dismall fixed Starre, will plague London, and Mr. Lillyes beloved Parlia­ment, to purpose, and will bring so many, and so great calamities upon them, as would move even stones to pity, unlesse God, the maker and dis­poser of all things, be overcome by their peni­tence. to over rule the influence, of these heaven­ly bodyes.

These doubtlesse were the reasons, which mo­ved Mr. Wharton and Mr. Booker, this yeare, to predict Warr. I wonder infinitely at Mr Lillyes brazen impudence, in abusing all such as dissent from his opinion, with such ignominious epithits writing far truer then himselfe: but much more that he should bragg, that he hath found out a new manner of Astrology, heretofore either not knowne to the Antients, or else evillingly omit­ted in their writings, and would have us take it as a favour from him, for leaving us the Key of Astrology: poor simple animall, begot betweene a bitch wolfe, and an Incubus, neither by Mer­lin nor Mercury. I am confident posterity will never expresse any gratitude, for such a key, as would lead them, if they follow it, into a maze, [Page 21]and laberynth of endelesse errors. Me thinks that if this had slipt him, yet being premonisht by Mr, Wharton, his old Antagonist, that this would be a year of martiall exployts in this Kingdom e it should have made him pump hard, to have searcht the very entralls of Astrology, and if that would not have done it, then to have called to counsell, (as his manner is,) the Angell protector, or the guardian Angell of this Kingdome: for, flectere si nequeat superos Acharonta movebit. What Mr Lilly, could not they informe you better? We use to say praemonitns, praemunitus, he that is forewarn'd is forearm'd; but it is not so with M. Lilly. he cannot plead ignorance, of what Mr. Wharton would have taught him, for 'tis certain that he saw his book, before his own was printed or else he could not, have called him foole there­fore, or have christned him with so many con­tumelious epithites.

Mars I confesse as posited in our Revolution, doth nor, during the vernall quarter, premon­strate such Warrs, slaughters, or such grand com­motions, as our eyes have beheld, both before, and since, yet that he heer signifies slaughters, burnings, and mischiefs, by fire, iron, pouder, and other things, subiect to the influence of Mars is plain and the event confirmes it, that Mars, as posited in the vernall ingresse, threaten us with saddiscontents, backslidings in Religi­ous matters, great disconsolation to the Clergy [Page 22]and high demands, or results, amongst the Schis­matic all (take notice he calls the Army Schis­maticks) he himselfe confesseth as also that it sig nifies a strong endeavour, to settle the Just lawes of the Land, proceedings and customes of the people, and in regard that Mars was so potent, it ingaged most of the principall Gentry, and greatest men in the Kingdome, to Deeds of Arms.

His Majesties significator in this Scheme, is very properly the Sun, posited in the 5 t. house: for he is over the naturall significator of Kings. (nam Sol pro Magistratu, luna pro subditis) and here he is the accidentall also; being Lord of the 10th.

The Moone and Mars are for the Patliament: Mars and the Moone are both stronger, then the Sun, in this Scheme: this quarter therefore, the King shall rather loose, then get: Iupiter retro­grade, in the signe upon the 11th. house: signifies that the Kings friends, for a time, shall loose themselves, for want of Counsell, and mature ad­vice.

Mercury is combust, the Kings friends shail therefore be betraid: and for a time grow wea­ker and weaker: not stronger.

And yet notwithstanding this is an excellent Scheme, for his Majesty, if it be rightly judged: for the part of fortune is with Iupiter, in the very cuspe of the 11th. And Mercury their dispositor, [Page 23]applying to the friendly trine of Iupiter: The Kings friends shall therefore at last be able to procure his re-establishment, and that by deeds of Armes; for Mercury and the Sun too, are both in Aries, the house of Mars.

Iupiter is a slow ponderous planet, and besides that retrograde in this figure: which will retard the businesse, longer far then waa expected.

If wee consider the Parliaments significators in this Scheme: They are the Moone, Venus, Sa­turne, and Mars: the Moone is strong in the fourth house, in conjunction with Venus, Lady of the Ascendent: this makes Mr. Lilly cry out oh happy Parliament, thon shalt stand for ever. and never be enforced, so much as to stoope. But who disposes of the Moone and Venus? Does not Sa­turne? What is he, almuten of the ascendent, one of the Parliaments significators, but the greatest infortune, where is he? in the 8. house most in­fortunate, for it is the house of Death: who dis­poses of him? The Moone and Venus, where are they? in the 4th. house: what is the signification of that house? The end of all things.

Why then by Mr. Lilles favour, this very Scheme, shall signifie: that notwithstanding the Parliament, shall flourish yet a while, yet in the end, they shall be conquered, and brought low, yea many of them shall dye a death, shamefull, and ignominious: nor can the double mutuall re­ception [Page 24]of Saturne and Venus by house, of Saturn and the Moone by triplicity hinder: for Satuone almuten of the Parliaments ascendent, Their house of life, is in the house of death, extreamely, unfortunate, and beholds their other significators viz. both the Moone and Venus, with a hatefull square, in the fourth house, the end of all things, What think you Mr. Lilly? does not this signifie unto them death? or at leaft dishonour?

If we consider, the square of Saturne and Iu­piter, the 29 of March soon following the suns ingresse into Aries, about 26 of Leo is in the cuspe of the Ascendent, and Iupiter retrograde very neer the cusp; who yet comes to be direct, before he comes to the degree of the ascendent.

Jupiter therefore & the Sun are in this scheme the Parliaments significators but principally Iupiter, for plus valet plenota, corporali praesentia quam dominio absentriae.

Jupiter is a very good planet (Mr. Lilly) and to speake truth he is the best, and most benevo­lent of the seaven: but is he not retrogade Mr Lilly? that signifies, that though Iupiter, wil support the parliament for a time, yet they shall grow weaker and weaker, run backwards, loose, but not suddainly, in regard the Sun, is so strong in the very degree of his exaltation: and from thence beholding the Ascendent and Iupiter with a freindly trine. But Good Mr Lilly, let me aske you one question more, what houses are [Page 25] Iubiter Lord of the 8. and the fourth? Death therefore and dishonour, shall be their guerdon at last, for as Iupiter is Lord of the fourth, he sig­fies the end, and as he is Lord of the 8. he signi­fies death, especially being in the ascendent, the house of life, as he is retrograde and 2 slow. Planet, so he signifies that they shall go by De­grees. Leo is a regall signe the sun also is in a nother, this intimates their ambition, That they would be Kings, but Iupitor retrograde in le­one, spoyles their Maiesty, dethrones them quite especially if you consider, that Saturn in the 10. sends his square to Iupiter in the Ascendent. be­leieve it Mr. Lilly they must fall, and have a rou­sing knock. His maiesties Signisicators in this Scheme are Saturn, the Moon, and Mercury, Saturn is by nature an inforrune. yea the greatest of all, out what houses is he Lord of? the 8.9. and 10. from the 10 pray God there were not, nor yet be some treachery to take away his Maiesties life. I am much aff [...]aid that lurida terribiles miscent aconita noverca. But in regard that Venus his dispositrix is so strong, I hope providence wil preserve him and will help him to evade their malice.

Saturn as he is Lord of the 10 from the 10th. will restore him, though with much dissiculty for Saturn retards all chings, and gives what soever he gives, with labour & difficulty. Saturn in the 10. in square to the ascendent, and to Iu­piter [Page 26]retrograde therein, signifyes that the par­liamentshall be forced, though unwillingly, to restore unto the King, his Rights and dignityes, which Mercury lord of the second, in the cuspe of the tenth plainly also denotes.

Mercury is Lord of the Parliaments house of substance, and of the Kings too: now not farre from the cuspe of the 10th. therefore his Maie­sties estate is not farre from regaining.

The Dragous tayle in the culpe of the 11th. signifies many false friends to his Majesty, who will not long from this time appeare, pretending faire meaning hollowly; doubtlesse they will buy him, and fell him, once againe, and slander him what they can it impedites also the actions of his truest friends, for his succour, but dabit Deus his quoque finem. The Prince will bring them on their knees, for Saturne is Lord of the 5 t. and the case will be much altered anon I doubt not.

In May last, there hapned a conjunction of the Royall Sun and Sullen Saturne, in the 10 house: which did much impedite his Majestyes Actions, a long time: and put his very life in danger [...]: but caput Draconis being there it could not hurt his life.

Mercury is both for the King. and parliament but he disposeth of the Sun. and Saturne, and is conjoyned to Mars, the King could not there. [Page 27]fore, as long as the fury of this conjunction lasted, thrive in Military affaires, nor the City of London rise to help him: it will do something one day: Oh London take heed, many remarkable Aspects have and shall happen this yeare in Gemini.

Summer begins the 10th. of Iune, Here should been in­serted 2. Schemes one for the Sun's ingresse into can­cer, the o­ther for the Con­junction of Saturn & Iupiter. The first ha [...]ning IYNE the 10. the o­ther the 10 of IVNE 10. minuts past 11. a Clock at night: at which time, the glorious Sun, enters Cancer: The Moone, within 3. quarters of an houre, being in conjunction with him: obscuring his bright body, and causing a great and fearfull Eclipse: but not visible to us: all the planets being at that time, subterranean, in this Iupiter and the Moon are for the Parliament Iupiter and the Sun for the King: for Iupiter is Lord of the first, and tenth.

The Moon is combust in the fourth House, which very thing would have absolutely destroy­ed the Parliament, at that time, or neere it; had not the Dragons head, bin so neere the Moone, and the Sun been Eclipsed; this therefore up holds for a while their drooping spirits, long it cannot. The Eclipse of the Sun, hurts not the King much, in regard it is not visiale, and con­sequently the effects of this Eclipse, will be ob­scure, to us: yet some mischiefe it doubtlesse did. The Dragons tayle in the roth. gives feare of poyson, or of hurt by a Horse, or by riding, or else some mischeise, by fire or Iron. God blesse his Majesty from danger of death, and from [Page 28]scandalls, and slanders, raised against him, by black mouth d Villaines.

Iupiter the other significator both of the King and Parliament, is in the 7th. house, oppo­sing the ascendent, the Parl. therefore will oppose the Parliament: and great dissension will doubt. lesse be amongst themselves, enough to have cau­sed their utter undoing, had not Mercury the dispositor of Iupiter, beheld the ascendent, by a trine espect, this will make them peece againe for a time, but Saturne and Mars in their second house, will signifie great expence of Treasure, and much losse by fire, and War, at least to some of them.

Iupiter as he is Lord of the 10th. is in the 10th. from the 10th. and beholds it, with a sextile aspect, and Saturne Lord of the 11th. in the se­cond, with a trine. This will doubtlesse signifie [...]e est [...], to his Maiesty and the recove­ry of his [...], yea and his pristine honour.

Not long after the Suns enterance into Cancer viz. about the 28 of Iune, there hapened a con­junction of Saturne and Mars the two malevo­sent and worst of planets, in Gemini, neere ocu­lus Tauri, in the 8th. house of Heaven: whose insluence will produce, wonderfull alterations, but not without other concurrent causes, as Mr. Lilly well observeth, but there are other con­current causes enough [ [...] too many, if it plea­sed [Page 29] God] to cooperate, with this conjunction, both before & subsequent, especially the eclipse of the moon within three degrees of the very Place of the conjunction it selfe: and it hapens also in the 7 and 8. houses of heaven, very neer unto o­culas tauri, and the very body of Saturne, and this Mr. Lilly himselfe, coufesseth, saying that this conjunction is neer oculus tauri, a most vi­olent fixed star, if we beleeve either our own ex­perience or that of the ancients, for there did ne­ver happen any Eclipse conjunction, or opposition of the Superiours neer that Part of Gemini, but it produced admirable and wonderfull effects: add to this that the first conjunction, of Saturn and Iupiter, in the fiery trigon, was in the yeare 603. in opposition, almost to the very degree of this coniunction. We have sad cause [I am sure, his Maiesty hath] to remember the effects of the Eclipse of the Sun in the tenth of Gemini anno [...] 1639. much more reason will the Parliament have to remember this coniunction, and the E­clipse of the Moon in that place.

Yea Mr. Lilly himselfe confesseth, this a very sad pofition of heaven for the Parliament, able utterly upon the first fight (yea and the second too) to puzzle a weak, (yea Mr. Lillyes strong) affection: for I doubt, he himself hath no more then humane principles; We have Mars saith he, [Page 30]their Significator (because Lord of the Ascendent in the 8th house, in conjunction with Saturn. neer Oculus Tauri, a sad Planet, and more dismall fixed star: The house he also confesseth, to be the worst of houses, and that it signifies to the Parli­ament, a sad and distracted condition, yea he him­selfe confesseth further, that it imports a parli­ment strugling and gasping for breath, and life and that London also is the most of any city in Europe concerned in this conjunction: as also that the least misehief, that thereupon can happen to that City, Will be sedition, uproares, famine, if not Gloudshed. And a little before, hee is yet more ingenious, confessing positively, thas (God out of his infinite mercy not preventing) war, and bloudshed will succeed in this very City Page 39. and I fear they will find all this, and much more true enough, which I shall anou disco­ver.

Mutantur regna, et dominia, et fides, sectaeque et opiniones hominum, dum mutantur auges pla­netaru, de figno in signum, dico illarum genti­um, quarum fignificator erit plaeneta, augi [...]s per­mntae: mutatioque; erit ad bonum, vel ad malum, secundum naturam significatorum superiorum conjunctionum illorum temporum, et secundum naturam signi permutationis. That is King­domes, and Governments, Leagues, Sects, and mens opinions, do change, and vary, when the [Page 31]anges of the planets move out of one figne into another: I say of these nations, whose signifi­cator, is the planet of the changed auges: And this alteration shall be for good or ill, according to the nature of the signisicators of the superior conjunctions of those times, and according to the nature of the signe of mutation. Mars is the ge­nerall significator of England, whose abssis or A­phelium, is at present in four signs, twenty nine de­grees, fifty two minutes, and one and twenty se­conds. that is 29. deg. 52. min. 21. of Leo: and sin the year 1656. this absis will remove into Virgo about which year M Lylly saith we must expect a strange Catastrophe in this Common wealth, and Monarchy of England, for Mars cannot protect Aries and Uirgo, whom he beholds not: all this is Mr. Lyllyes, I will not own it, nay I shall willingly and ingeniously confesse, that I understand not, why this should be so fatall to England, or to London, as he would make us be­leive: yet am I clear of his opinion, in that which followes, that a very sad disastre to the City is much to be feared, long before that time, Have a care London, thou art already strongely and strangely threatned, and wilt be suddainly more, have a care thou rebellest no longer against thy King, thou maist put an end to these Wars when thou pleasest, and thou hadst a principall stroake in beginning them: do what thou meanst to do, [Page 32]quickly, 'twill be else too late: Remember the old prophecy, part of which thou knowest to be already fulfilled. Lincoln was London is, and Yorke Chall be, the greatest City of the three.

Scorpio a fixed signe ascends, and I shall easily grant Mr. Lilly that all the angles of the figure, are also fixed and in trine to Pisces, the signe as­cending at the Parliaments first fitting, but that all or any of these, shall or can (rebus sic stanti­ [...]us) signifie that the Parliament shall stand firm and not be dissipated I absolutely deny and af­firme the contrary to be true, and evident in point of Art. And let him but produce good Au­thors to second his assertion, and I will willingly yeeld him the Bucklers in this case, I thinke any Artist will think him mad or worse to judg this a sufficient reason therefore the Lord of the As­cendent being with Saturn, and Oculus Tauri, he knowes [or at least should know] signum ut corpus Planetaut anima, there is little promi­sed by any signe of Heaven. which hath no pla­net in it, nor yet well aspecting it, he is almost ashamed I perceive of this reason by that which followes. for he confesseth that their unfaithfull branches, and rotten boughs, must be lopt off, We desire no more, there are for all this (I hope) di­verse honest men amongst them, who greive at the Kings, and Kingdoms sufferings, and would help it if they could.

When Mr. Lilly affirmeth, that this conjuncti­on signifieth good to the Parliament; quia ex duabus infortunis fit fortuna; he himself contra­dicts what he said before, and dotes most wick­edly, most miserably. I deny not the Aphorisme ('tis Ptolemies) but I deny this sence of it; ('tis Mr. Lillies) I doubt not indeed but it will pro­duce much good, to the Kingdome; none to the Parliament, or the City of London. Nor can the North node of Venus or caput draconis, save and defend them, (as he would have it) their signifi­cator is too far distant from caput draconis; and too much afflicted, to be holpen by him. I won­der he cries not out still, why cannot the Citizens thrive and be pleasant? a time is now approaching, which imports felicity unto them: this he said in Julyes observations, but they will curse him for lying before the end of Febr. next.

Saturne in the figure of the Suns ingresse into the vernall point Aries, in the eighth house, signifies a dearth of such creatures, as the signe represents wherein he is; the signe he is in at that time is Taurus; which signifies great cat­tle, oxen, horses, cowes; but this Conjunction of Saturne and Mars in the eighth house, is in Gemini, which will not onely cause many great, and grieveous sicknesses, yea very deadly ones, but many violent, and untimely deaths this year, by the sword, even in cold blood: Lucas and Lisle are not forgotten yet: this signifies the [Page 34]plague also, or some pestilentiall disease, in the City of London; great discontent, great scarcity of graine, and corne, though it will not be belee­ved as yet.

Jupiter and Mercury in this scheme, are the Kings friends; Jupiter is accidentally strong, Lord of the fifth, uponwhose cuspe a watery signe is placed, the Prince therefore & the King's friends shall prevaile at Sea. Soone after this conjuncti­on happened, the Prince appear'd with the Fleet, upon the Sea, and put forth a Declaration, that He was resolved to adventure His dearest life, to re-establish our Soveraigne, His Royall Father: which He will undoubtedly do; for Ju­piter lowres upon Saturne and Mars, with a hatefull Square. Never let Mr. Lilly say he can­not do it, in regard that Jupiter is not essentially dignified; but rather let him answer me this question: is not Jupiter much stronger, yea far more fortunate then Mars? is he not also posited in a better house? The Square betweene Jupiter, and the infortunes, will produce almost infinite disputes, about our Laws, Customes, and Priviledges, Religion, Covenants, &c.

Saturne better dignified then Mars, signifies scarcity of Provision for man. Mars more ele­vated, shewes that the sword will prevaile. Whose sword Mr. Lilly? pray speake the truth, in plaine English: why he confesseth, that it ar­gues the Souldier must doe strange things, or [Page 35]else we perish faith he; he meanes himselfe and the Army. Alas, alas, this is ill newes indeed, who can help it? God send us never worse. Oh, but Mr. Lilly even in his very Agony, hath one trick left; ('tis Treason I fear) let us hear it; he exhorts the whole Kingdome, yea most earnestly, to take the Parliaments part: Why so? what against their Soveraigne, thou Tray­tor? What then shall become of Jesus said Pi­late? what shall become of our Soveraigne then say I? the Jewes said, Crucifie him, crucifie him; and Lilly saith the like in effect, as you shall hear anon.

Venus applies to a sextile of Jupiter; he in Virgo, she in Cancer, at the time of the aspect: His Majesty therefore may expect assistance, from His friends in France, because Jupiter is in Virgo, the ascendent of Paris: much from Scot­land, because Venus is in Cancer; the royall Sun being at that time in Cancer, signifies that the Scots shall not regard their own profit so much, to neglect the restitution of His Majesty as M. Lilly would suggest, but without any grounds at all in art, for he gives this to be his reason, for this his prediction; the Moon, saith he, be­holds Cancer, and not the Sun at all, by any aspect: which is absolutely false, for the Moon beholds not Cancer at all, either in the radix of the Con­junction, or at the time of the aspect, betweene Jupiter and Venus; for in the radix she is in A­quary [Page 36]at the time of the aspect in Gemini; nei­ther of which signes, behold Cancer at all: be­sides the Sun is both in the radix, and also at the time of the aspect, in Cancer. which is far stron­ger; and much better, then any aspect to the Sun in this regard.

But that any or all of the Kings friends, shall ever be able to re-establish His Majesty, is nega­tive in Astrology (if we beleeve Mr. Lilly when he lieth) why so I pray Sir? surely because it is so often, doubly, trebly, yea doubly and trebly affirmed. And I call heaven and earth to wit­nesse, I for my part, cannot see, (nor can I hear of from him) any sufficient reason in Art, to the contrary; I know there are many for it, and very strong ones too: Two negatives make an affirmative, but two hundered affirmatives, can­not make a negative. The best and most valid reason, that Mr. Lilly gives against it, is this; that when King James came to the Crowne, Sa­turne and Jupiter were in Conjunction, in the eighth degree of Sagitarius, and this Conjunction is, faith he, almost in the very same degree, of the opposite signe: whereby he would faine insinu­ate, that this Conjunction imports destruction to His Majesty, and His family, but why so M. Lilly? neither Saturne nor Mars are His Majesties significators, and therefore have no­thing to doe with Him, or with His family; but Mars is Lord of the ascendent, and therefore [Page 37]imports destruction to the Parliament unavoi­dably, unlesse they in time compose the businesse.

Another of M. Lillies reasons, but more wide then the former, is this: Pisces, saith he, ascen­ded, when the Parliament began, and the twen­tieth degree of Sagitary culminated, and Mars saith he was in 10. degree of Sagitary, in Square dexter, to the place of this Conjunction; this still signifies destruction to them, not to him: for Mars has his triplicity in Pisces, & therefore signifies the Parliament, now he coming to the Conjunction of Saturne, in the eighth house, neere oculus tauri, and in the same place, which he afflicted, with his owne Square, at their first sitting: this must needs signifie, at least their dissolution, with in­famy, and dishonour; if not the block and gib­bet, for some of them.

To this give me leave to adde, the predicti­on of the dying Independent Priest, (I meane M. Saltmarsh) who is confidently reported, to have had the apparition of, and discourse with an Angel; who if sent from God, (as its verily beleeved) is an invincible argument, to warrant his prediction good. It seemes he told Fairfax to his face, that God had sent him to him, to let him understand, that he persecuted his Saints, had done many things amisse, and therefore that he and his Army both, should come to utter ru­iue, and that with speed. Saltmarsh was well, when he delivered this message, and gave Fair­fax [Page 38]a signe, for the truth of his prediction, that such a day and houre, he the messenger him­selfe should die, and so he did at the time ap­pointed. Most men in the Kingdome have heard of this, yea and many do verily beleeve it to be true; but very few ponder it as they ought: for my part, it sticks with me; and Ile assure M. Lilly, that I verily expect the accomplish­ment thereof.

The Sun in this scheme is the Kings significa­tor, saith M. Lilly, who is locally in the ninth, which is the twelfth from the tenth, Ergo saith he, the King is Captived. True, He is so; but woe be to them that did it: pray Sir what thinke you of those, that side with them, who have laid violent hands upon the Lords Anointed? Ile an­swer for you, for this once, he is a Rebell, and the worst of Traytors.

The motions of Saturne and Mars. are swift indeed, as M. Lilly observeth rightly. for they greatly exceed their meane motions; yet am I not of his opinion; that the actions, signified by the Conjunction of these two Planets, shall be carried on, and prosecuted, with so great speed, as he affirmeth, with great fury and vio­lence they will; for Saturne is the flowest of all the Planets, he is 30 years going about the Zodi­ack; & therefore his effects, wil not quicklycease; and yet much the sooner for his quick motion.

Doubtlesse the Conjunction of these two [Page 39]malevolent Planets, with oculus tauri, in the eighth house, and in Gemini, where Mars made his square, at the Parliaments first sitting; will signifie singular actions, and of very high con­cernement, especially to London, and the Parlia­ment at Westminster.

In Anno 1635. and 1636. Saturne transiting Sagitarius, London smarted with the Plague, how much more will he and Mars, afflict her now, they being conjoyn'd in Gemini, in the eight house, neere the Buls eye? O London, let me tell thee plainly, and seriously, and truly, that (if thou makest not an early peace, I meane a suddaine attonement, with thy angry God, and thy abused Soveraigne, his Anointed, and Vice­gerent here; against whom thou wert with the first, (nay the very first) that Rebell'd, and led'st divers Countries, by thy example, to drinke deepe of the poysonous cup of Rebellion, Schisme, Heresie, &c.) thou shalt soon match Jerusalem in accursednesse; thou shalt see no­thing, but frowning wrath in the clouds: but Lightning and Thunder, in the mouth of the foure winds: the heavens shall be an artillery house of haile-stones; No Planet shall revolve any thing, but vastation: Earthquakes shall dis­solve thy joynts: and all thy glorious buildings, shall but crush their owners, with their fals, af­fording them unasked tombes, and sepulchres: The damps of the earth, shall breed nothing but [Page 40]plagues; the clouds shall drop downe leannesse, on thy fields: the Sword, Famine, and Pestilence, (those dreadfull messengers of Gods vengeance) shall fall upon thee, till thou art quite consumed. Oh London, London, remember, remember, the man, who for a time, went night and day, cry­ing about thy streets, Woe, Woe, Woe. I speake a thing well knowne to thousands, yet inhabiting within thy Wals; who then saw him, and heard him too; yet neither they, nor any man else, that ever I could hear of yet, could (though some of them much desired it) ever learne, what, who, or whence he was. Beleeve it, the day of thy visitation is almost come, and will shortly present it selfe, to thy amazed eyes, in a dreadfull, crimson hiew; unlesse with Nine­veh thy sister City, thou doest suddainly wash away those crimson spots of innocent blood, which thou hast spilt, with thy penitent teares.

Here two schemes or figures of heaven should have been pla­ced,the first of the Suns entrance into Libra, the other of the Eclipse of the Moone, the first hapneth the 12. of September, the Eclipse the 29. of November.

Hercle restat regnum aliud piis, Coelo sub amplo, bestia cum cadot Dandum, potostatis (que) sumoe Jus, pede sub dominante Christi Stratis Tyrannum verticibus.

These Verses M. Lilly placed under the scheme of the Suns ingresse into Aries, but I have trans­fferred them hither, and much more properly, [Page 41]they are left by him un-Englished, I shall there­fore paraphrase them thus:

Harvest begins the 12 of September, 28 min: past two a clock, in the afternoone: at which time Capricorne ascends. Capricorne is the house of Saturne, whom I find in the fixth house, op­pos'd by the Moone in the twelfth; both being the Parliaments significators; looke to it Parlia­ment, this is a nipping scheame, & will assuredly squeeze those spunges, which have suckt up His Majesties, and the Kingdomes rights, and reve­nues, especially fith the Moone is with the Dragons taile in Sagitarius; the opposite signe [Page 43]to Gemini. Looke to thy selfe London, Saturne is in Gemini, in the sixth house, in perfect oppositi­on to the Moone: the Kings significators, are now indifferent well posited, infinitely stronger then his adversaries, and in better houses, me thinkes this should make M. Lilly, to shrug his shoulders; and the Parliament to gaspe, both for breath, and life. I confesse this is but a sick­nesse yet, though very grieveous, and not cura­ble, by any other Physick, then by the Personall Treaty; which they will scarce take long enough to doe them good; if they will not, I must tell them, that their criticall day, of their great cly­mactericall year approacheth, and is hard at hand: I meane the Eclipse of the Moone, the 20 of November, and that will doubtlesse make impatient death presse out their few remain­ing spirits.

The Sun, The Ec­clipse of the Moon. the Moone, and Mars, are for the Parlirment: mercury is the Kings significator, the Moon is Eclip­sed in Gemini, in the seventh and eighth hou­ses of heaven; death therefore, ignominy, and reproach, are all falling upon the heads of some great ones, at Westmiuster. Farewell Command at Sea; the Ships must be some sanke, some ta­ken, some will revolt, none will remaine: the Sun is in their ascendent with the Dragons taile; beware a horses night-cap; scape it if you can, 'tis ill physick, what thinke you Mr. Lilly? will not [Page 44]this crop away the superfluous branches, you talke of? It will make the people revolt. You remember that the Eclise of the Sun in 1639. was a very great cause of the Kings sorrow; how much greater sorrow will this cause to those, who have thus long sed him, with the bred of bitternesse, and water of affliction? for if you marke it, it happens in the same signe, house, and almost degree of the signe, that the Conjunction of Saturne and Mars did: and cooperates there­with. This indeed will worke suddainly, will divide betweene the very bones, and marrow. His Majesties significator Mercury, is singularly posited in the second house in Conjunction with Venus, who is in reception by house with Jupiter. What thinke you Sir, will this restore His Maje­sty or not? Take heed, if it does, as assuredly it will, you know who has Gemini ascending at his nativity, a halter stretch him. Let me tell you Sir, this wil restore His Majesty, (unlesse He be made away by poyson) and I hope betweene this and Febr: next; I beseech God protect Him, and my hopes are strong he will.

This Eclipse also signifies death, at least great danger of death, to a Lady of very great fame and worth.

Mr. Booker saith well, that it is much to be doubted, whether the aire will be cleare enough, to have the Eclipse visible; because of the near­nesse of the Eclipsed luminary, to the body of [Page 45] Saturne, and the opposition of the Sun, causing a very great apertio portarum; to raine, winds, and a great distemper in the aire, much about that time; but certaine I am, it will be felt, and so smartly, that diverse will curse the very day of their births, and the wombe that brought them forth. Looke to't Mr. Lilly, you and all your friends.

Eclipsis Lunae in primis decem gradibus Gemi­norum, sacerdotibus, & in quovis ordine sacris ini­tiatis; dissentionem, lites, & seditiones aggerit; odia infanda, legum cotemptum, & pietatis etiam neg­lectum concitat; & in cursiones, & rapinas hosti­um minatur. The Moone Eclipsed in the first ten degrees of Gemini, stirs up amongst and a­gainst the Clergy, dissentions, strifes, seditions; it signifies also hatred, contempt of the Laws, the neglect of piety, and the incursions, and ra­pines of enemies.

Haly saith, that quando Luna Eclipsi obruit sa­turnum, & cooperit eum, morietur Rex Clarus, & magni nominis, in terra occidentis, but I see no reason for it: an Eclipse of the Sun would in­deed have signified such a thing, and it is to be feared even in this scheame I confesse, because the Sun is something near the Dragons taile.

Another saith, destructionem vini, & multas infirmitates in hominibus, & egritudines, & bu­bones significat: magnum caedem inter regem, & vulgus; & multum malum, multas angustias, ad [Page 46]venientes regibus, propter inobedentiam militum corum eis. Thus in English it signifies an ill vin­tage, many diseases, and infirmities, and buboes; (that is, pestilentiall or veneriall botches) it signi­fies a great slaughter between the King, and Commons, and many straits to Kings, by reason of the disobedience of their Souldiers; but M. Lil­ly himselfe acknowledgeth that the Moone sig­nifies the Parliament; those Westminsterian or mock-sun Kings, not true Kings; those that would be Kings, but are not so, nor ever shall be.

This Eclipse happeneth in the seventh and eighth houses of heaven; quarum significationes sunt multae interfectiones, & infirmitates, multa bella, & rumores; legum, institutionum, sectarum (que) mutationes, multa concupiscentia in mulieribus miptis, & impregnatio multa. It signifies many slaughters, and infirmities, much Wars, and ru­mours; the changing of Institutions, Lawes, Sects, much concupiscence in married women, and many great bellies this year.

This Eclipse indeed will spare none, from the King to the beggar, (especially of the Lon­doners, or the inhabitants of that City) who have the Sun, Moone, mid heaven, or part of fortune, in their nativities, or revolution thereof, or any direction of their principall significators, from 4. degrees to 13. of Gemini, Sagitarius, Virgo, or Pisces; for it will afflict them one way or other. [Page 47]Let London and Mr. Lilly beware, for as I am credibly informed, he hath Gemini ascending in his nativity.

Mr. Lilly would not have this Eclipse to o­perate till five moneths after it happeneth; but Origanus a very good author (one whom I had much rather confide in, then in M. Lilly) is of a quite contrary opinion: viz. that Eclipses operate presently, and M. Booker in his Alma­nack for this year, cites him to prove it: Consen­taneum nam (que) est Eclipses statim operari, saith he, from Origanus. If Origanus saith true (as I beleeve he doth) then am I confident, that be­fore five moneths from the time of the Eclipse, be run about; Mr. Lilly himself and most of that fraternity, must prove wandering Planets, some to the block, some to the gibbet, some beyond Sea; and then I hope, if not before, he will be so ingenuous as to confesse, the present working of the influence, of that dire Eclipse. But sup­pose Mr. Lilly to be right in this, that the Eclipse of the Moone workes not till five moneths after the time of the Eclipse, as I know some very good authors are of that opinion; it gives them but a little more liberty to repent; it will surely fall upon them within nine moneths after the time of the Eclipse, viz. by the end of August next.

I have finished my judgement of this year: but before I conclude, I must needs shew you [Page 48]some more of Mr. Lillies feinings, and failings; that you may evidently see, his Oracles are not of equall authority, with Sibils, or old Merlins; whose son he would counterfeit himselfe; which I might (if I would carpe at very thing he hath done amisse) justly reckon amongst his feigh­nings and saylings; but if he be Merlins son, he is doubtlesse of a bastard brood.

He feigneth that he is a perfct lover of Mo­narchy, and of His Majesty as his Soveraigne; yea he saith that it will be a cordiall to his con­science when he dies, that he loved Monarchy: he now expresseth himselfe to the quick: I hope you doe not thinke that he useth to dissem­ble, at least not now: but why then doth he affirme, that if the King signes the Propositions, which went to Him about February last (as I re­member) he is mortalium prudentissimus? I doubt not indeed but he wil appeare so, and that really to all the world: but how? in not granting them; for if He give away His Kingdome, over whom shall He Reigne, over Canibals or Crowes? If he loves His Majesty as he pretendeth, why doth he so earnestly desire the whole Kingdome as one man, to engage against all that rise against the Parliament, during the Treaties continuance, yea and after? oh brave Subject! who would thinke indeed but that he loves His Majesty, sith he is so zealous for His yet captivity? no man can serve two masters (Mr. Lilly) comman­ding [Page 49]two contrary things; if the King therefore command the Kingdome, (His Kingdome 'tis not the Parliaments) to rise for His enlarge­ment, and the restoring unto Him His Crowne, and Dignity, which they violently, and un­justly detaine; if you not onely forbid them so to doe, but encourage them to rise in their be­halfes, who have done all this and much more against Him, who do you then account your Soveraigne? Surely the Parliament, or Army, one of those hopefull soules, whom you dubbe with the glorious names, of Senators, States, Cedars, &c. it cannot be King Charles you meane, and this will further yet appear: for speaking of the Treaty, he saith, that he hopes that His Majesty now wearied, with the sad conditions of life, attending Him, and His whole family; and well perceiving the fruitlesse successe of Armes, en­tended for His enlargement, by His friends; will wave such strict Propositions, as in former Treaties He might have insisted upon; That is in plaine English, that he will give away unto the Parlia­ment, His Crowne and Dignity, all but the Ti­tle, for His enlargement: Oh Traytor, how ma­ny ropes doest thou deserve? he hopes that His Soveraigne, to whom but now he professed so great love, so much Allegeance, will un-King Himselfe, make His adversaries His Lords, and Soveraignes. This indeed might perhaps pro­cure His enlargement, bring Him, His Queene [Page 50]and Progeny, to see each other; but how He, She, or They, should ever rejoyce after such an Act, as would absolutely undoc them all; for my part I can by no meanes imagine. I am sure and certaine, that His Majesty hath ever showne Himselfe most inclinable to Peace; yea, hath of­fered to buy it, and at a very deare rate: but should a man lay out all his estate upon one bar­gaine, it had need have be a good peny-worth, or he is quite undone; small hopes of recovery being to be expected from a bankerupt fortune. If Mr. Lilly had loved His Majesty, (as he pre­tends) he would never have inserted into his Booke this following wish; I pray God (saith he) that His Majesty stands not too much upon His pun­ctoes of Honour, and that safe and sure Propositions may proceed from the Parliament, for the good of us all. His Majesty must not stand upon such pun­ctoes of Honour, as to have His just rights; He must be surely bound, and is not fit to be trusted; for this is clearly the sence of his villanous wish. Hath not Mr. Lilly now shewne himselfe, the most notorious feighner, and failer, that ever yet set pen to paper?

He feigneth that the Army is composed of more civill and Religious men then ever any Ar­my was: & dareth any man to contradict if they can, any thing said in their behalf; but he faileth in this also, for this is undoubtedly a good axiome, no Independent is, or can be an upright man: [Page 51]for therein they imitate the Devil, the first Inde­pendent that ever was; and consequently the fa­ther of that faction, for he would not depend upon Almighty God, & was therefore throwne downe from heaven to hell, whither all his progeny must undoubtedly follow him, if they turne not and repent not in time. I feare Fair­fax, and the rest of that crew, will hardly be one day able to pleade his, or their uprightnesse before God, where (let them be assured) they must come to a strict account, to answer for their great and grosse abuses of their Soveraigne his Anointed, contrary to their Allegeance, yea his plighted faith. Oh England, if thou well be­think'st thy selfe, thou hast great cause to love these men: be sure if thou takest their part, thou must partake in their sufferings. Mr. Lilly is so impudent, as to thinke that no man dares speake against them, though they have commit­ted ('tis evident to every eye) the greatest vil­lanies, the grossest impieties, that ever were set downe in story: how many widdowes have they made? how many Orphans have they slaine? how many Virgins have they deflowred? Oh Godly generation! they cannot erre; else I should affirme, that if Mr. Lilly should rake hell, and skum the Devill seaven years together, he could never finde a more cursed crew: would they not have levelled the estates of all men? have they not been, and yet are the locusts and [Page 52]caterpillers that have eat up, and devoured the good things of this Land, and brought it almost to an utter desolation? Mr. Lilly they that really are hereticks, and schismatickes, must looke to be called so to their brazen faces, in spight of you copper nose. Doe you thinke that God delive­red Colchester to Fairfax, or subdued the Scots by Cromwell, for their uprightnesse? Away you counterfeit, the Scots (feare nothing) will sub­due Cromwell, Argile and their confederates, but if need be, the English and Irish too will helpe them.

Another of his saylings is this which follow­eth: I did ever (saith he) honour those of the Scots, who stood for a pacification without bloud-shed, who were willing to compose our differences without an Army: the others he cals despicable fellowes: A brave time when true subjects are accounted despicable, and Traytors reveren'st, and ho­nour'd as Gods darlings. Mr. Lilly did not ac­count it an Invasion, when the Scots came against the King; now he saith concerning Scotland, had not a Divine providence over-powred the Stars, we had not been invaded: thus to excuse his owne lying Oracles, he makes himselfe of Gods coun­sell, and ransacks the very Cabinet of Divinity; Oh how he clawed the Scots, when they came for the Prrliament, now he wishes, that those who pleade the Scottish civility, or call them Brethren to affront the Parliament; he wisheth [Page 53] Jockey, and Moggie, and all their beggerly brats quartering upon them; but wishes are but wind Mr. Lilly. 'tis money that buies Land: you could call them Brethren, and give them greater and nobler appellations, when they came of your side in affront to the King: they quartered then upon our etates, and I wish heartily, and 'tis but lex talionis, that they were now quartered upon your estate, and upon the estates of such as you are: Their good Angel hath not yet for­saken them I perceive, as Mr. Lilly feighneth, how came then Argile to be so beaten? I per­ceive Mr. Lilly that you would, but cannot rob them of their good Angel; he refuseth to heare the voice of the charmer, charme he never so wisely.

I wonder Mr. Lilly in his Ephemeris, should highly commend our friends Valliant Inchequin, and honourable Iones (as he cals them) men in­finitely deserving: but I am confident, that had he but misdoubted, that ever they would have declared for the King, he would have called them Traytors; Traytors to whom? to those Kingly Rebels, at Westminster.

But will some say, is there not truth at all in neither of Mr. Lillies bookes? yes, one thing I remember he speakes very truely, for which I hope his great Masters at Westminster, will soundly lash their Prophet, and that is this: the Country-man hath great cause (saith he) to repine and grumble, having a hard cruell Landlord, Wh [...] [Page 54]grindes them to powder: but that you may set how loath he is to speake any one truth, except it be at unawares against his will; he in the same page contradicts it againe: I say (saith he) we must adhere to the Parliament and not affront them us of late: what to such hard cruell Landlords, as grindes them to powder? yes, what though? they are Gods instruments; but let me tell you Mr. Lilly, it is an ill cause which hath nothing to maintaine it, but lies, forgeries, and personall aspersions.

There is another thing in his last booke, which may be true, but I much fear it; I pray God that the Kingdom may see that verified, & then we are happy yet: it is that the Parliament will willingly condiscend, to all such things as were for­merly controverted, and thereby manifest to the peo­ple, their willingnesse to compose differences by a Treaty: Heavens grant him a true Prophet in this, but if he be I have lost my marke.

Thus every judicious man perceives, how mi­serably Mr. Lilly hath deluded the Kingdome, with his false Oracles, and lying predictions: and yet who bragges so much? he boasts that the Parliament being in low condition, that he peept out the very day of Nazeby fight, in his starry messenger, and promised the routing of His Ma­jesties Armies, and their fight into the West; he oraggs that he predicted, the integrity of the Scotch Nation, in words of length, when the [Page 55]whole Kingdome was much amazed, doubting their integrity: and saith, that to their everlasting honour, they verified his predictions: I beleeve, both these are but cracks, some of his old feigh­nings, and failings; but certaine I am, that to his own everlasting infamy, & some of their immor­tall honours, they have falsified his predictions this year, although he would very gladly put it off, in his last booke, for in that he saith, that he was very doubtfull of them; but I am certaine, that his booke spake this year as confidently for them, as any he wrote, or can possibly write: but however, if we grant him to have hit right in these predictions; yet qui inter multa falsa, pauca miscet vera, non est ei in recitando dicta ejus, quic quam tribuendum: He that amongst so ma­ny lies, tels but now and then a truth, is neither to be regarded, nor beleeved.