The starry messenger; or an interpretation of that strange apparition of three suns seene in London, 19. Novemb. 1644. being the birth day of King Charles. The effects of the eclips of the sun, which will be visible in England, 11. August 1645. whose influence continues in force, from January, 1646 to Decemb. 1647. almost two whole yeares; and cannot but be the fore-runner of some extraordinary mutation in most common-wealths of Europe, but principally in England. With an answer to An astrologicall judgement. Printed at Oxford, upon his Majesties present martch. / By William Lilly student in astrologie.

The starry messenger; or an interpretation of that strange apparition of three suns seene in London, 19. Novemb. 1644. being the birth day of King Charles. The effects of the eclips of the sun, which will be visible in England, 11. August 1645. whose influence continues in force, from January, 1646 to Decemb. 1647. almost two whole yeares; and cannot but be the fore-runner of some extraordinary mutation in most common-wealths of Europe, but principally in England. With an answer to An astrologicall judgement. Printed at Oxford, upon his Majesties present martch. / By William Lilly student in astrologie.

The starry messenger; or an interpretation of that strange apparition of three suns seene in London, 19. Novemb. 1644. being the birth day of King Charles. The effects of the eclips of the sun, which will be visible in England, 11. August 1645. whose influence continues in force, from January, 1646 to Decemb. 1647. almost two whole yeares; and cannot but be the fore-runner of some extraordinary mutation in most common-wealths of Europe, but principally in England. With an answer to An astrologicall judgement. Printed at Oxford, upon his Majesties present martch. / By William Lilly student in astrologie.

Table of contents

Title page

To his truly Honoured Friend, Master JOHN THOMPSON, of the City of LONDON Merchant.

To the Reader.

An Interpretation, or Declaration, what manner of Accidents may ensue upon the three Suns which appeared in England the 19 of November, 1644, (it being his Majesties Birth-day) by William Lilly.

An Astrologicall-Judgement concerning the Effects probably like to succeed the Eclipse of the Sun upon the eleventh day of August, 1645, being Munday.

A short Historicall Narration of some preceding Eclipses, and the Effects that thereupon ensued.

The Effects of the present Eclipse prosecuted.

The second thing considerable, is, De genere Effectum: viz. Of the kindes of the Effects.

The third thing considerable, is, Whether the Events of this Eclipse shall intend good or ill.

§

POSTSCRIPT. Since the Impression of the Starry Messenger, and before its Publishing, I received an Oxford Pamphlet, to which I returne this Answer, and so send them both into the world together. An Examination of an Astrologicall Judgement upon His Majesties present Martch, begun from Oxford, 7. May. 1645. Set forth purposely by G. WHARTON to advance their declining condition, to impedite the Parliaments, and dishearten the City and Citizens of LONDON.

His Majesties Martch (as is suggested) began Wednesday 7. May. 1645. 10. 32. A. M.

§

§

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THE STARRY MESSENGER; OR, An Interpretation of that strange Apparition of three Suns seene in London, 19. Novemb. 1644. being the Birth Day of King CHARLES.

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The effects of the Eclips of the Sun, which will be visible in ENGLAND, 11. August. 1645. whose influence continues in force, from January, 1646 to Decemb. 1647. almost two whole yeares; and cannot but be the fore-runner of some extraordinary mutation in most Common-wealths of Europe, but principally in ENGLAND. With an Answer to an Astrologicall Judgement. Printed at Oxford, upon his Majesties present Martch. By WILLIAM LILLY Student in Astrologie.

LONDON, Printed for John Partridge and Humphry Blunden, and are to be sold at the Signe of the Cocke in Ludgate Streete, and the Castle in Cornehill, 1645.

To his truly Honoured Friend, Master JOHN THOMPSON, of the City of LONDON Merchant.

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SIR,

AS in those more painfull imployments you formerly underwent in Transmarine parts you did with great fidelitie, courage, and industry for sundry yeers, mannage the affaires of our English Merchants intrusted to your care and discretion: So now in this your present retirement, your continuall Study makes it manifest, you act not the part of a young man (though your yeeres speake you not aged) but like a wise man (that ever husbands Time with advantage) You enrich your minde with Knowledge, Converse amongst Studies, and with Authors of wisedome, that hereafter you may be more serviceable to your Country as opportunitie shall present you with a fit occasion: I shall not neede acquaint the World, that you have (as we say changed heaven) and lived not further then five [Page] degrees from the Aequinoctiall; yet have you still remained your selfe, and twice returned Statu quo, bettered by your travells.

This little Treatise (of lesse worth then I wish it) I present unto you, and desire your perusall by way of Recreation, (I am not singular in Dedicating a small thing to a worthy Friend: Iohn Dee a most Learned man Dedicated his Aphorismes to Gerard Mercator a man famous, and they consisted of lesse then sixe sheets.)

Wearied I say with more weighty Studies, run over this, and the rather, because its the first in this kinde ever wrote by any: and you can judge whether 'tis well or ill done, and few else: Your selfe have seene it in loose papers, from the beginning, middle, and to the end of it, are able to testifie its my owne, I borrowed it from no man, (that impertinent Traveller spoake by Authority, who hoodwinked in judgement, bleated openly that others performed my Worke, yet he never saw me.)

Sir, Favour me with as much love in Receiving it humanely, as I in Affection tender it unto You, and You engage me to rest,

Your Reall Friend, WILLIAM LILLY.

To the Reader.

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BEfore I speake any thing of that prodigious Apparition of the three Suns in the Elements, I will acquaint thee with as rare a Progedy which happened in Cheshire.

When first our unnaturall Wars began, and that it was apparent, Warre would be betwixt King and Parliament, Sir George Booth Knight and Barronet of a Noble Family in Cheshire, and one excellently deserving of the whole Kingdome for his fidelity to the Parliament, and without whose countenance our affaires in those parts could not so happily have succeeded: this gallant old Knight perceiving, that many of his Tennants were necessarily to engage their persons, for better incouragement of them, he seriously professed unto them, that if any Tennant or Tennants sonne of his, servant or any other that was any of the lives in any the Leases made by him or any of his Family, should casually be slaine in this unnaturall warre in defence of the Parliament, Religion and Subjects Liberties, that then he would make a new Lease Gratis, and insert any younger life in Liew thereof, which thing he hath constantly and freely performed ever since to his eternall fame and honour, and if this be not worthy of especiall taking notice of, I know nothing; Nor let us forget the singular valour of his [Page] Noble Grandchilde Collonell Booth during the siege of Nantwich against the English Irish.

But to our owne Discourse.

If there be any of so preuaricate a judgement, as to thinke that the apparition of these three Suns doth intimate no Novell thing to happen in our owne Climate, where they were manifestly visible, I shall lament their indisposition and conceiue their braines to be shallow, and voyde of understanding, humanity, or notice of common History: For full satisfaction of such unbeleeuing Saints, I haue produced presidents, not one or two, but many, and those recorded by men of unquestionable Credit. When was it knowne, that such like unusuall sights appeared, and were not the fore-runners of things to come, yet seldome regarded before the things they signifyed came to passe.

I am of this opinion, the Heauens neuer send forth any great signes, which haue not a particular relation to some great personages: for doubtlesse they are the Vniuersall cause (God permitting) of all things; and whilest they produce effects; which seeme to haue relation to one onely: if he be a Prince, it hath an Vniuersall operation, for people are partakers with their Princes, in their gaines, losses, vertues and vices, and this is the reason why many times our predictions doe not jumpe in that measure of time by us limited; for actions are not done by their Agents in an instant, dispositions precede them, &c. Besides, great alterations require great influences, which when they cause great diuersity in their [Page] working, happen nor because the influences are diuers, but because they are diuerse that receiue them.

Read me with indifferency, and poyse me with an equall judgement, I write with no prepared gall, no not against Master Noworth of Oxford, who borrowes the grosse of his judgement in his last Almanack from my Prophetick Merlin, nor am I angrie, but pitty that woodden Doctour whether Atheist or Papist I know not, that swells with his owne ignorant fancy, and sayth, he can make it appeare, what I speake in behalfe of the Parliament, in point of Art ought to happen to their enemies; this is one of those purblind Prophets, that in corners villifie the Parliaments Freinds, and yet they uncontrolled harbour amidst us, &c. but this thing called a Galenist I let passe, untill his capacity can erect a figure, &c. Many and great are the judgements ready to fall downe upon some great Families of England and Europe, but unlesse an Angell, nay if an Angell from Heaven should report it, nothing will be beleeved: an Achan and an Achitophell, or faction equivalent, both covetous and irreligious, and countenancing for byerespects, unworthy men have wearied my Pen, disheartned the Gentry to our inevitable losse, and impoverishment of the poore Commonallty, and destruction of those townes so unluckely committed to their charge: Let the towne of Leicester be hereof an unlucky president, which hath beene these three yeares fortifying, and now on the suddain transmitted to his Majesties forces. What became of the vast summes of money there raysed? why the valiant Gentlemen displaced? and men of inferiour ranke [Page] exalted? who gives any reason? unlesse it was purposely done to betray the Towne to our enemies, or by losse of that to prolong the warres another yeare. You shall see if his Majesties Providence fortifie not that towne in lesse monthes then we in years; It must be discovered who, or whom have played the plaine knaves with us, or else we shall never be at quiet. Many complaine the taxes of that County have exceeded the Incombes of Rent. Thus Division, willfull Faction, a scabbie Sect of covetous Sectaries undoe us, and disparage our Parliaments proceedings; but let it be remembred, his Majesties Pressures first begot courage in us to resist him: I hope those Divells that undo us will shortly be found out, till then, if we thrive its miraculous. God grant our Parliament in time may purge the Counties of all Schismaticall, who alone doe them more mischiefe then his Majesties Army: Discontented that the Gentry are no more respected, I will ingage no further at this time.

Its true, we gained Shrewesbury, and when the eyes of all Well-wishers looked upon Colonell Mitton; a most beloved, active, and deserving Gentleman to be Governour thereof, En & Ecce, no such thing;

Sic vos non vobis.

Sic vos non vobis.

Time will make us see how we abuse and are abused, many can preach that connot fight;

WILLIAM LILLY.

Without Temple Bar London, at the Corner House over against Stranbridge.

An Interpretation, or Declaration, what manner of Accidents may ensue upon the three Suns which appeared in England the 19 of November, 1644, (it being his Majesties Birth-day) by William Lilly.

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IT's far from my intention, to make the signification of this extraordinary Prodigie more ominous, because it had its appearance with us on the same day 44 yeer that his Majestie was born, and ushers in, as it were, the actions of his 45 yeer. I humbly desire his Majestie would be pleased to take some notice hereof; for I conceive he may be hereby much concerned; and the rather, as he is one of the prime Monarchs of Europe, and also in regard it was visible in England, a Kingdom of his own, and of which he is rightfull Inheritor: For doubtlesse, over what City or Countrey these unusuall Apparitions are verticall, or where they do more manifestly shew themselves, those Countreys, in a more sensible and perceptible manner, shall be capable of the effects attending those Apparitions. Nor am I clearly of that opinion many very judicious men, both of forepast and present times, are, That such like Prodigies, Comets, &c. do never shew themselves, but as precursors of mischief. What greater benefit did ever happen to mankinde, then the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ? and yet was his coming manifested to us by a Star or Comet, &c. the like whereof we have never read or heard of. And besides, we have seen in our Age, that if that Comet in 1618 did designe out ill to the Austrian Family, as indeed it did; yet the Swedes did thereupon thrive; and, before them, Bethlem Gabor Prince of Transilvania, attained to great esteem in the world, and enlarged his Patrimony. I do willingly consent to those words of that learned Physitian of our times, Dr Brown, in the small, but unparallel'd Piece of his, Relig. Med. fol. 70. That those noble essences in heaven, bear a friendly regard to their fellow-natures on earth; and that such like Prodigies as these, are the charitable Premonitions of good Angels, which more carelesse Enquiries term but the effects of Chance and Nature.

[Page] There be many now living, can hardly believe there was any such thing as three Suns appeared: and why? Because themselves had not the sight of them. Others will consent such like things might be seen; but what should be thereby signified, they conceive is beyond Humane Capacity.

To the first sort of men, I say, That, as Christians, we ought to believe the report of one another, especially in a matter wherein there's no danger or prejudice can come either by crediting or not crediting the report, or wherein neither Religion or our neighbour suffer scandall or harm, &c. But I say, Many hundreds, of uncontradictible credit, did behold this: We have it also mentioned in many mens printed Pamphlets; amongst the rest, I hear the witty Aulicus hath glossed thereon. Sure I am, Britannicus promised some Conceptions, which yet are not come to publike view, upon that very subject.

I here represent the form of it, as it appeared in the Element, and was carefully taken and observed by one Master Heylet, who courteously communicated it unto me.

The forme of [...]e three Suns [...]en in England [...]9. November 1644.

[Page] I will endeavour to give a generall satisfaction, and first will produce the yeers wherein formerly, long before our time, such Prodigies have been seen and recorded, and also what materiall Occurrences did immediately, or within one or two yeers, succeed: Which being performed, I shall, God willing, fall upon what effects I conceive shall be instantly subsequent to these three Suns, the now-subject of my Discourse.

IT is recorded, that in the One and fiftieth yeer after Christ, there appeared three Suns at once, and forthwith they joyned in one, &c. In that yeer, Clodomire King of France began to recover what his predecessors had lost. Saint Paul was converted. Luke writes the Gospel. Caractacus the valiant was led in triumph to Rome, where a great Famine was the same yeer.

Anno 66. A Comet was seen, and also three Suns: In which yeer, Florus President of the Jews was by them slain. Paul writes to Timothy. The Christians are warned by a divine Oracle, and depart out of Jerusalem. Boadice a British Queen, killeth Seventy thousand Romanes. The Nazareni, a scurvie Sect, begun, that boasted much of Revelations and Visions. About a yeer after, Nero was proclaimed enemy to the State of Rome.

Anno 69. In the East and in the West two sons were seen, of the which one seemed weak and pale, the other strong and clear. In this yeer Jerusalem was taken by Titus, and Eleven hundred thousand Jews slain and made away in the Siege. Linus was this yeer first Bishop of Rome; where we may carefully note, a Prodigie was the forerunner of Episcopacie at Rome. This yeer Galba is slain by Otho, having reigned but three moneths. And men suppose, that in this yeer the Gospel of Saint John was written at Ephesus.

From hence I passe untill some later Genturies of yeers: for from the yeer 69, to 1103, I finde none recorded in those Authors I have read.

In the yeer 1103, a Comet appeared in Normandy; and not long after, two full Moons, one in the East, the other in the West. The Effects that followed instantly, were these: The son of Henry the Emperour rebelleth against his father: A Councell was held in London for reformation of the Clergie. (I think [Page] that Tribe is out of order in all Ages.) All married Priests were excommunicated by Anselme: (this was a strict Priest, certainly.) Lewis of France forceth a Restitution of Church-goods sacrilegiously taken. This yeer began the long and cruell War betwixt the Polonian and Russian. The Venetians obtain large Priviledges of the Emperour.

Anno 1156, the first of October, for three hours, there was seen three Circles about the Sun; which at length vanishing, there was seen two Suns. The Pope, being an English-man, is taken Prisoner. The Kingdom of Denmark is divided: And in the next yeer, the Pope and Emperour fall at variance.

Anno 1157, in September, there were seen three Suns together, in as clear weather as could be: And a few days after, in the same moneth, three Moons, and, in the Moon that stood in the middle, a white Crosse. Sueno King of Denmark, at a great Feast, killeth Canutus: Sueno is himself slain, in pursuit of Waldemar. The Order of Eremites, according to the rule of Saint Augustine, begun this yeer; and in the next, the Pope submits to the Emperour: (was not this miraculous?) Lumbardy was also adjudged to the Emperour.

Anno 1168, the first of September, there was seen at once in the West, three Suns: Two hours after, when two were gone, he in the middle went down alone. By mediation of the French King, Becket is restored to his Archbishoprick. Almaricus King of Jerusalem, calleth in the Turks to his aid, which was the ruine of that Kingdom; and, contrary to his Faith given, aids the Greeks against the Egyptians. A Conspiracy arose in Bohemia against the King.

Anno 1169, three Moons appeared. The yeer succeeding, Becket the stiff Priest was slain in a Church in England, Catana a City in Sicily, is destroyed, with fifteen thousand people, as also the Bishop and Clergie, by an Earthquake. A Smiths son raised great troubles in Norway, pretending himself to be Harolds Grandchilde. The Romanes raze the City of Alba: And in the next yeer, a great Inundation was in Freezland.

Anno 1314, three Moons appeared. Lewis was Crowned Emperour by some Electors, Frederick by the rest. A Councell was at Ravenna for Reformation, &c. Note the instability of [Page] the Clergie. The Pope dieth, and the See is void two yeers and four moneths. The English, under a simple and wilfull King, Edward the second, are overthrown by the Scots, and to purpose. Lewis Hutine comes to the Crown of France, hangs his Treasurer, &c. The Queen of Castile dieth. The Genowayes rob the Venetian Merchants, and invade their Territories.

Anno 1372, the first of July, and some days after, a strange Circle was seen about the Sun, over which appeared two Crosses of a red colour, neer Basill. The French besiege Rochell, and the English defend it. The yeer after, the Order of Nuns of Saint Katharine was founded. Robert Stuart King of Scotland marrieth his Concubine; and John Duke of Lancaster the King of Castiles daughter. The King of Portingall refuseth a Match in Castile, and takes a Noble-mans wife from him, having banished her husband; at which his people are discontented. Shortly after, the Venetians restore Paleologus, being expelled by his son Andronicus.

Anno 1460, the second of February, three Suns appeared, every one shewing a severall light, which again closed all together in one. The Duke of York is attainted of Treason. Henry the sixth is taken Prisoner at Northampton. Civill War in France, called, The Weal-publike, caused by the Kings Covetousnesse. The King of France dieth, having, upon a foolish Conceit, forborn his meat so long, that when after he would eat, he could not. A Rebellion in Spain against the Queen, for death of the Prince. James the third came to the Crown of Scotland. The Duke of York is slain in York-shire. David Emperour of Trapezond, and his two sons, taken and slain by Mahomet the Turk, In the next yeer after, Edward the fourth came to the Crown of England, and poor innocent Henry the sixth sent to the Tower, &c.

Anno 1466, three Suns were seen at Rome; in which yeer Erasmus was born. The King of Denmark is excommunicated by the Pope. Warwick and Edward the fourth fall out. John King of Spain is deposed, and Alfonsus crowned. The King of Hungaria's brother is taken by the Turks, and beheaded at Constantinople. Gerard the King of Denmark's brother, is imprisoned for aspiring. Matthias of Hungaria is set up against the lawfull [Page] King thereof. Scanderbeg a most valiant Captain against the Turk, dieth. The French King takes from his brother the Dutchy of Normandy.

Anno 1492, the fifteenth of December, three Suns were seen in Poland at noon. The Jews are expelled Spain. Alexander the sixth plays the ungratefull fellow with his Gardinalls. Towards the later end of the yeer, the Emperour of Germany dies; and John Albert succeeds Casimire in the Kingdom of Polonia. The Ganthois in Flanders rebell.

Anno 1514, in January, three Suns were seen in the Dutchy of Wittenberge, the middlemost surpassed the rest in greatnesse: In every of these, there appeared the form of a bloody and fiery sword. The same yeer, in March, three Moons were seen. It was in that yeer some parts of Sussex were burned and spoiled by the Rhodians, in behalf of the French. An Interview follows, betwixt the Emperour, King of Polonia, and Bohemia. The French King and Pope meet. The Queen of Scotland fleeth into England. The French King dieth, and Francis the first succeeds, and recovers Millan.

Anno 1515, Queen Mary, the scourge of Protestants, is born in England. Wolsey a proud Priest begins to rise at Court. The Pope falls out with the Venetians.

Anno 1520, the fifth of January, about Sun-rising, three Suns appeared, with a Rainbowe of divers colours, at Vienna. The seventh of January, there were three Suns also seen. After Charles the fifth was Crowned, there was seen a circle about the Sun, with a Rainbowe. The Pope, he spues out his Excommunications against Luther, who as stoutly burns his foolish Bulls. The Pope executes the Tyrant of Perugia. The Duke of Buckingham is in England beheaded for Treason. The French detain our Merchants goods: we imprison the French. Solyman the Magnificent comes to be Emperour of Turkie. The Geldrois rebell. The next yeer after the French War began, which continued thirty and eight yeers, troubles arise in Scotland. Many rich Cities taken by the Turk in Hungary.

Anno 1523, in Switzerland, there was seen three Suns at once, and also divers Circles in the Element. At Norimberge, in a Diet there held, grievances are exhibited against the Pope. [Page] The Peasants rebell against the Nobles in Germany. Both the French and Swedes are defeated by the Imperialls. The Earl of Surrey burns thirty seven Towns in Scotland. The Duke of Holsten is chosen King of Denmark, and the former King expelled for his Cruelty. The Janizaries mutiny at Constantinople.

Anno 1525, there was seen in Hungaria five Suns, two on either side the right Sun. The Duke of Luneburg becomes Lutherane. The Order of Capuchines is erected. The French King is released out of prison. Fifty thousand Clowns are slain. Henry the eighth falls off from the Emperour. The women of Hague rise against their Customers, upon their exactions: and the Swedes become Lutheranes.

Anno 1526, in Sweden three Suns were seen, with divers circles in the Elements. The Emperour abolisheth the Popes Authority in Spain. The Tartarian invades the Polonian, and is defeated and taken. Rome is wasted by the Columnenses, and besiege the Pope in S. Angelo. A Sedition arose in Suffolk. The holy League made by the French King, Pope, Duke of Millan, and Venetian, against the Emperour. Now was the Battel of Mohatz, where the whole Nobility of Hungary was slain, and the King in flight drowned in a ditch. Bud [...] a chief Citie of Hungary, is yeelded to Solyman. The next yeer, the Duke of Burbon takes Rome, sacks it ten moneths. Sweating sicknesse in London, continuing two yeers.

Anno 1528, in Switzerland, and moneth of June, many Suns were seen at once, and about them three circles. A Councell was then held at Sena for Reformation. Images and Popish trumperies abolished at Perne and Strasburg. A Rebellion at Dansk. Some mutinous Ʋtrechters executed by the Bishop. Sharp Differences betwixt Henry the eighth and Queen Katharine. The next yeer, Solyman invades Hungary with One hundred and fifty thousand men. Vienna is besieged, but not taken. The Ransome of the French King is paid.

Anno 1532, the eleventh of April, at Venice, Cardanus saw three fair and bright Suns, with two Rainbowes, not with points descending, but opposite to the Sun. Vienna is relieved by the Emperour. Henry the eighth is divorced from Queen Katherine. 1533, Qveen Elizabeth was born. Sedition [Page] raised by the Anabaptists and strange Factions in Hungary.

Anno 1541, there appeared three Suns; the usuall Sun stood in the Centre, and two bright Circles did environ it. Katherine Queen of England is beheaded. The Rochellers rebell. Charles the fifth maketh an unfortunate Voyage to Algiers. The Germane Forces are foiled by the Turks, onely by the cowardise of the Leaders. The yeer after, the Scots were beat at Solwy Moss: and their King dies of Melancholly. Transilvania is subdued by Solyman, and given to John. Popery rejected in the Palatinate.

Anno 1550, neer Brunswick, three Suns appeared. Now great troubles arise at Antwerp, and the Inquisition opposed in the Netherlands. Difference betwixt the Emperour and Ferdinand, about succession in the Empire: Some of the Electors arm against the Emperour. The Thames ebbed and flowed three times in nine hours. Peace with Scotland.

Anno 1551, in March, at Magdeburg, about seven in the morning, seven Rainbowes were seen; and in the evening, three Moons. In April, at Wittenberg, three Suns were seen, with various Circles in the Element. There was seen the same yeer at Antwerp, three Suns, with divers Circles. The same yeer there was seen two mock-Moons twice. In England, the Duke of Somerset is beheaded. A world of Disputes in Germany, about Religion. The French make War with the Emperour.

Anno 1553, three Suns appeared; the middle of a bright colour, but the Parclii or mock-Suns red and bloody. The same day, after Sun-set, three Moons appeared. The Papist and Protestant in England dispute. The King of England dieth. A tumult in Brussels, between the insolent Spaniard and the townsmen. Now Persecution in England for being Protestants. Queen Mary comes to the Crown; usher'd into the world by a Prodigie, and to the Crown with the like ominous Portent.

Anno 1554, in Bavaria divers kindes of Suns were seen; but especially the sixth of March, two Suns were seen, with a Rainbowe. In May the same yeer, two more Suns were seen, the Sun as it were environed all about with a Rainbowe. Wyat riseth in Kent. Philip and Mary married. Sena betrayed to the Emperour by the Pope. Henalt in Arthoys wasted by the French.

[Page] Anno 1556, in Saxony two mock-Suns appeared. Charles the Emperour entreth the Monastery of S. Justus, in the confines of Castile. The Lord Sturton is hanged in England for a Murder. Transilvania revolts. Nineteen thousand people at Brussels, die of Cold and Famine. The next yeer, the War is begun betwixt the King of Spain and the Pope. A generall Pestilence happens in England. Calais is lost to the French: and the Scots invade the English. Treasons and Uproars are frequent in Turkie.

Anno 1622, three Suns appeared at Heidelberg. The wofull Calamities that have ever since fallen upon the Palatinate, we are all sensible of, and of the losse of it, for any thing I see, for ever, from the right Heir. Osman the great Turk is strangled that yeer: and Spinola besiegeth Bergen up Zoom, &c.

I have heard it credibly reported, that there were seen, about twelve yeers since, many Suns at one time in Cornwall: and in March 1639, towards Sun-set, three Suns were seen in the West, not far from Oxford.

I have not seen any of these Suns I mention, my self; onely in those six yeers in which I lived in the Countrey, viz. 1636, 1637, 1638, 1639, 1640, &c. many evenings I observed a strange fiery skie, and unusuall forms in the Elements, towards that part of the heaven where Oxford stands, and towards Bark-shire, Hamp-shire, and so also towards Buckingham-shire, &c.

I have the rather repeated these things, that the incredulous of the times might not be wavering, or a party now upon earth too confident that these prodigious Sights have no signification upon Mundane affairs. The Historicall part is now ended, and my own Judgement upon those three Suns apparent the nineteenth of November, 1644, followeth: Wherein, if oft repetitions of the same thing trouble thee, with modesty or courtesie passe them by; for in Astrologie it cannot be avoided: Nor do thou expect an exact Method from me, sith it was no part of my meaning, or could I conveniently do it: Onely this I must tell thee, that the Interpretation I write, is, I conceive, grounded upon probable foundations; and who lives to see a few yeers over his head, will easily perceive I have unfolded as much as [Page] was fit to discover, and that my Judgement is not a mile and a half from truth.

A Figure of the 3 Sonns appearan̄ ♂. 19 Nouember 1644. 9:45. A.M. ab ☍ ♃ in ☌ ☉ ad △ ♄.

♀ 21 ♎ ♍ 28

☊ 2.38 ♌ 4

♂ 2.56 ♋ R ♊ 26.5

♊ 5.34

♃ 24:47 R

♉ 2.0 ♉ 1.0

♈ ♄ 14.32 R ♓ 28

☋ 2.38 ♒ 4

♑ ♐ 26.5

☉☽. 7.51

♐ [...].34 ♏ 20

☿ 18 ♏ 1.0

A Figure erected for the middle time of the three Suns appearance the 19 of November, 1644. 9 hor. 45 min. A. M.

Londinum Angliae.

MAny Philosophers are of opinion, that these false Suns, amongst the learned called Parelii, do especially appear, when many subtill moist clouds are betwixt us and the Sun. Others, that they are round clouds shining like the Sun; or that they are images of the Sun in a thick and neighbouring cloud in the form of a Mirror. But if that collected clouds, or multitude of vapours, or any Naturall cause, produced such rare and unusuall Apparitions; Why have we not such Sights oft? Its well known, such are not usually seen, although once in a moneth we do not want plenty of Vapours, which, if they were so produced, might cause monethly, or oftner, such like Apparitions. And besides, when these three Suns were seen, it was a very fair Sunshine-day, a very clear day, no Clouds, Vapours, Foggs or Mists appearing. Indeed for seven or eight days before, we at London had extreme stormy Weather, cloudy, windy, rainy, and what not? I did not observe, for a long time, such variety of blustring and unnaturall Weather, which I conceive was occasioned by the late Opposition of Saturn and Venus, and the matutine setting of the Virgiliae, and other most violent fixed [Page] Stars, which, according to Stadius, Hiemem pluviosam denuntiant. It is also the opinion of Plinie, Succularum & Pleiadum, occasus Terra Mari (que) turbidum esse. Nor may we forget the accesse of the Sun to Cor Scorpii, to lessen any ill Weather the days precedent, &c.

Here's Naturall causes for the ill Weather preceding, so many days together; but no cause in Natvre to induce a belief that the three Suns were occasioned from Nature.

I am clearly of opinion, These Sights, as well as many others, were caused by those tutelary Angels, who, by Gods permission, and under him, have the Government of the English Common-wealth. They are sensible of those many impending Miseries now too plentifully amongst us. Their conference with man now, as in the days of old, very few attain unto, it being a blessing sought after by many, attained unto by few: And yet there are some of opinion, There lives in the world some, and of those some, a small Party in England, that know more then they utter, and, either by Vision, or verball Colloquie, have the knowledge of future events, yea, even from the blessed Angels.

But alas, these are Riddles; I must adhere unto my Astrologie; and yet wish all happinesse to those good souls that either confer with their own Genius, whom some call, A good Angel; or with such other of those heavenly Ministers whom God in mercy affordeth them. And herein let no Reader mistake me; for I abhor Witches, or those Necromancers that raise the deceased out of their graves, or those Circular Priests now almost worn out of the world: My meaning is this, That I do believe there are many now living, to whom God, by his Angels, gives Revelation of things to come: And where and to whom God gives such a blessing, I believe that Saint may lawfully use the Talent God hath enabled him with.

But I leave this obsolete, though excellent Learning, to another Discourse, and come to the Text it self.

I do somewhat adhere to Cardan, Seg. 4. Apho. 94. Signa circa Solem, in Luna vel Stellis, aut circa eas, tum in Coelo valdè aliena a naturali cursu; si locum ubi apparent, & figuram Coeli cum hoc, ea hora ab initio in finem observabis, intellegere possis quid significent: Viz. If you observe any strange forms or signes about the [Page]Sun, or in the Moon or Stars, or neer unto them, and those unusuall signes are strange, or contrary to a naturall course; consider the place where they appear, and compare the Figure of heaven with it, set to the beginning of their appearance, and considered untill its end, and then you may understand the signification thereof.

The better to direct me in my Judgement, I have erected three Scheams of heaven, and, according to my mean Capacity, judged thereupon of the effects of these three Suns.

Neither indeed is Cardanus single in his Judgement; for Ludovicus de Rigiis, Apho. 88. lib. 2. saith, Monstruosa corpora & portenta, quando ultra modum acciderint, hora ipsorum consideranda est, nihil accidit, quin a corporibus supercoelestibus designetur effectus. Monstrous bodies, and seldome seen, when beyond nature they chance to shew themselves; the hour of their first being is to be considered: there's no such things happen; but the effects thereof are designed from the supercelestiall bodies.

And though this may seem strange to most men that shall read this Discourse; yet I hope the Judgement following shall, in some measure, better satisfie them, if they will have patience first to read it warily, and then to observe the generall Affairs of England, and all or the most part of Christendom, presently, or within a little compasse of time subsequent. Nor let any humorist presse me too hard for reason in every thing falls from my Pen: Multa res sunt quae non videntur ratione naturali esse, effectus quidem earum per formas superiorum corporum considerare possumus habere (que) eas, si in tempore proprio investigatae quaesitae (que) sunt. Rigel. Lib. 2. Apho. 77. Many things do come to passe, for which we can give no naturall reason: we may attain to discern the effects by the forms of superiour Bodies, and exactly▪ to know them, if we search and look after them in their proper times. By which this learned Grecian intends, that the true notion of what may be signified by these late disastrous three Suns, or any other unnaturall Apparition, is most easily attained, by taking the exact time of their first appearance, and then the erection of a Scheam of heaven.

And this I finde further confirmed by Cardanus, Apho. 95. Seg. 40. Monstra verò & portenta clades & mortes hominum, sed [Page]non eodem modo neque statim significant, oportet autem & exortus eorum considerare, sed illorum casus▪ & vis non est praesentis contemplationis. The meaning whereof is to inform you, that upon any generall Misfortune happening, or any sudden Calamity chancing amongst men, you are to observe the first time of its motion, and thereby frame your Astrologicall Judgement upon the Accidents subsequent.

Its first considerable, in what nature, kinde, or thing, this prodigious Appearance shall manifest it self in, and upon what kindes of▪ Men, People, Kingdoms, or Countreys; and lastly, its Determination, &c.

Of all which I will treat, but not methodically, for some reasons best known to my self, &c. For let it be considered, how dangerous it is to speak truth in significant Language, in this Age, and at this time, when Opinion is more prevalent then sober Judgement, and when a word modestly misplaced, may more puzzle me by information of some seeming-Saint Coxcomb, then either reall Treason against my Prince, or Blasphemy in Religion, &c. But I slight these pedantick Informers.

BE it known then unto all men by these Presents, That Hujusmodi imagines & figurae multa minantur, frequenter enim aut Civitati ali [...]ui, aut Regioni, aut Regno, vel Principi, Regi, Caesarivè, quae expressis alias verbis sibi dici non tolerarent. Such Sights as these three Suns, or other Images or terrible Figures appearing in the heavens, do threaten many things frequently either to some City, Region, Kingdom, Prince, or Emperour: and further, these are manifested in such extraordinary manner in the heaven by Signes, because such persons as above named, will never suffer any man in plain words to acquaint them with so much.

The Apparition being visible in England, the whole Kingdom is concerned more or lesse.

The Lord of the tenth in the seventh House, Retrograde: our prime men, of all Qualities, are intended to share in the Mischief hereby portended.

Kings, Princes, Nobility, &c. of which anon.

I particular out no one; Quis enim prudens id periculi subiret? [Page] What man would run such a hazard of danger? Licet Astronomiae & Magiae pertissimus, ut Principi alicui aut Regi Caesarivè in os diceret▪ tibi hoc accidet, tu occideris, glande trajicieris, subditi tui te Regno exuunt, & ejicient, in exilium agent, subditi tui dat [...] fide violata & rebellione facta te repudiabunt, & Domino alio jurabunt? What an Asse were the Astrologian, or skilfull Magician, saith Paracelsus, if upon the appearance of a Prodigious Sight in the Elements, he should say, to the face of a Prince, King, or Emperour▪ Such a thing shall happen unto thee, Thou shalt be slain, knockt in the head with a Bullet, Thy Subjects shall spoil thee, and cast thee out of thy Kingdom, Thou shalt live a banished man in another Countrey, Thy own Subjects or People, notwithstanding their Fealty or Homage done, shall violate their Faith given, raise Rebellion, repudiate and scorn thy Acts and Person, and perform Service to some other Lord. This is a pretty piece of Stuff.

If we believe the sayings of the wise, that were curious in search after such like Prodigies; you that are Emperours, Kings, Princes, Dukes, or the principall Rulers of all Common-wealths in Europe, have reason to be carefull of your selves, and to thank me for putting you in minde of such things as these: Be angry, and you please, I care not; I must discharge my Conscience.

Its not unknown to the Learned, that Europe is now at this time under the last Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, in the Watry Trygon, and signe of Pisces. Its not unknown, as I may say, how preposterously and irregularly that Conjunction slips in betwixt two Conjunctions of the Fiery Triplicity, the first entrance whereof was in 1603, and their Conjunction in the eighth degree of Sagittarius, the very self-same signe, degree, and quarter of heaven the Sun and Moon are in upon this present Apparition.

King James came to be our English King that yeer.

In the full-Moon postventionall to the Comet, 1618, the Sun was in the tenth degree of Sagittarius. In the second Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, 1623, the almost degree of this present Lunation did mediate heaven. King Charles went into Spain that yeer.

[Page] In the yeer 1642/3, when Saturn and Jupiter made their last Conjunction, the place of the Luminaries at this time was then the Cusp of the tenth house: and the Sun now in Partill square to his then-place, the Moon at this present, her Latitude considered, is in almost Partill Opposition to the place of Mars then: The Scheam of heaven then and now, differ very little or nothing at all. This is written, to satisfie Artists: He that would know more, let him repair to the Tract I wrote, called Englands propheticall Merlin.

These are all Arguments, and not mean ones, of premonition to a Family, and that no mean one, That a storm, and that also a furious one, is ready to rush down upon their heads. Doubtlesse this Prodigie is a more neer and significant Interpreter then any hath been this half Century of yeers, of that fatall Doom hanging at this time as it were in the Air by a twine threed, over some obstinate and sinking Progenies in Europe. These three Suns shew acceleration of what hath mercifully a long time been forborn, and that now, after so many Warnings, divine Providence will not be deluded by the strugling or frail and brittle policie of man.

Cardan hath such words as these, Seg. 5. Apho. 67. Cum (que) tres Soles eodem modo, & in ambitu medii Circulus completus ac permanens ad modum Iridis, eo anno in Civitate libera nascetur ex Civibus Rex, quod si cum hoc, Stella apparuerit in die lucida, erit in eadem hora. When three Suns appear, and in the compassing round of the middle one a complete Circle is permanent, in manner of a Rainbowe; in that yeer, in a free Citie (or Common-wealth) there's born of some Citizen one that shall be a King: But if upon the time of such an appearance, some glorious Star shew it self in the day-time, the Infant is born the same hour, mutatis mutandis. The words of this learned Philosopher stretch to this sense, That when such a Prodigie as he speaks of appears, it shews, or is the antecedent of some new Principality, or some notable Priviledges to be obtained, or the birth or rise of some man or Common-wealth to Sovereignty, and to that supreme Command which was not before. Believe me, O all you great ones, there's some such Monster in hatching, as the depriving of many of you of that Freedom your Ancestours left you, &c.

[Page] If we take signification from the predominant Planet, we shall acquaint you in plain English, That Religion shall be a strong Pretender, and a painfull Stickler in most Common-wealths, for some yeers. Venus, as now posited, tells you how much some sober and modest Judgements endeavour to settle things purely, soberly, and legally: But if you look into the third house, you shall finde Saturn Retrograde, and in opposition to her. Master Booker saith, Saturn signifies Tom Jew and Jack Jesuite: Bona fide, I say, That we are hereby premonished of men in our Common-wealth that are as superstitious as the Jew, and malicious as the Jesuite; and that these hodge-podge mixture of shallow-brains shall disturb all our proceedings. Good God! that so much deceit and hypocrisie should be veiled, and we continue ignorant of the Plot thereby intended.

What incongruous and inconsistent Opinions, even to reason it self, do I foresee by this froward and malicious Aspect of Saturn, shall appear in the world, vex all or most Nations, undo almost every State and Common-wealth.

Methinks here's to be plenty of Ambassadours severally employed: What Conclusion they shall make, the Retrogradation of Jupiter in the fifth tells you, Worse and worse, Tinker-like, mend one hole, and make two; or, if you will, Salve up a little Breach, and not long after make one five times greater.

Mutuall Assistance shall be pretended, and one Nation or Common-wealth leagues with another; but to what purpose? That Policie which in the conception of the wisest Statist is held most convenient for his Prince and Countrey, even in that very point shall his King or State suffer most detriment. Can we delude God? or have the Stars no Influence? or can we by Art or Nature make the two unnecessary invironing Suns, which are no better then Scar-crows or outward appearances, to be reall, proper and materiall ones? I must deal plainly, that we in England, (for Saturn is in Aries, the Ascendant of England) under pretence of a glorious shew for Reformation in divine matters, intend deceitfully; and that mischievous Intentions, under religious Pretensions, are most viperously cloked.

But upon maturer Consideration, while I see the hand of the Almighty deading and dulling our understandings, I apprehend [Page] the Stars as directory-Messengers of some such things, but in my solid Judgement conclude it the All-seeing providence of God. God is angry we will see nothing; but more angry, because, though some do see and perceive, and know to what Ruine we are hastening; yet, like mute Statu's, they are silent in this great necessity of the State, and close up their mouthes, lest they should utter Verity.

My Genius, if it be lawfull to say so, dictates unto me nothing but Fraud, Cozenage, Dissimulation, Hypocrisie, will be used amongst some pretended-Reformers both of Church and Common-wealth.

If I understand any thing, scandalous aspersions shall, without number or just cause, be fathered upon our Parliament and their Proceedings: hainous and formidable Informations against the Nobility and Gentry. Seurrilous Reproaches from all parts shall fall upon our Senior and Orthodox Clergie-men, from a Junior sort of Rabbies, a Serpentine people not heretofore visible or known in the world, lately elapsed by chance, not from heaven, (where Goodnesse it self dwells) but from the Moon, (which Galileus saith is habitable) in some terrible Thunderclap: for I believe they were so terrified and stupified in their hearings, by their so violent descent in that storm, that not any sense could ever since pop into their Noddles.

Reason in Astrologie must be given, and so it shall. Mercury generally signifieth in Man, Youth: his Orientality of the Sun, and in the Figure, addes more Youth: But now in the sense I speak it, it tells the whole World, the Novelty of what now most afflicts us. Jupiter is generally a Significator of Nobility, and by position of the Clergie, he is under the earth, and in the descending part of heaven: we hear of things now, that did not appear before, &c. From whence I frame this Judgement, That Youth, or young novell Opinions or Disputations, shall deceitfully prejudice maturer Judgements, with Lyes, Hypocrisie, Calumny, Impudence, &c. And I say again, Because Mars that is Lord of the tenth House, disposeth of Mercury, and he is Retrograde in the seventh House, and mansion of the Moon, and opposite to the Ascendant; I deliver ingeniously this freehearted Judgement, That if his Majestie give protection to such [Page] upstart pretended-Saints, he shall run Retrograde, that is, he shall receive infinite Dishonour by it. And to our Parliament I say, If Connivance be had, under their Protection, with these superlative assuming Zelotes, (for my heart will not suffer me to abuse Religion so much, as to call them Religious) the Parliament shall more suffer in the conclusion, even by them, then either by the Turk, were he armed against us, or all the Forces of any potent Enemy. I cannot call them by any certain name, that so they might be distinguished: do but observe their actions, and it best informs you: they absolutely studie nothing but Division, &c. and suppression of Monarchy.

The very true meaning of these three Suns, is to inform every Common-wealth of Europe, that they are hastening to either their Confusions, or unavoidable Dangers: The Counsels of the most aged shall be despicable, the Projections of the younger men shall cause Insurrections, Slaughters, Murders; the Advice of the most wise shall be innocently slighted. A great Work is in hand.

Both Sun and Moon are ill placed. Both Kings and People, and all Common-wealths, are in their Councels now to seek. They have cunningly, as long as they could, carried their Devices secretly: This Prodigie speaks, as if we shall discover more then is wished, and yet conceal enough to undo us.

Three Suns have been seen many times, and severall Circles, sometimes over, sometimes under the true and proper Sun: Seditiones inter mortales manifestas ostendunt, & ab omni concensu concordia (que) alienationem: Junct. 312. Here's a strange thing, that they do manifest publike and eminent Seditions amongst mortall men, and a generall alienation or aversnesse to any Peace, Agreement, or Unity. Infinite Divisions these three Suns are the Forerunners of; of sturdie Disturbances to Emperours, Kings, Princes, and all manner of Principalities: and they do usually shew a generall Calamity at hand; they declare Schisms and Rents in the Church, Disorder amongst the Religious, the brooding or upstarting of some cragged or rugged Tenents in Divinity, some admirable, miraculous, and unexpected passages amongst men, a generall Delirium or madnesse, or Confusion in Opinions reigning and raging, and to domineer in most parts of [Page] those Countreys adjacent to the place of appearance. All manner of inferiour people threatning their Superiours and Commanders, grumbling, repining, whispering out revenge against them: No union in Counsel, or constancy in Opinion: Nothing is thought on, but how to bring the whole Fabrick of every Common-wealth out of frame: Not a man appears, but he is more judicious in State-affairs then Ahithophel: Each Cobler in Divinity assures himself of more knowledge then Calvin, Luther or Melancton were acquainted with, poor Ideots: The acts of the most Reverend men preceding such times, are called in question, the validity of their Judgement undervalued, and a Rabble of Saturnine people fill the Times with Ignorance, the Church with Sects, the Common-wealth with Beggery, and their own Coffers, tantum quantum, with as much Money as they can theevishly cozen the King, Kingdom and State of.

Is there need of more Suns then one in the day? or of more then one Moon in the night? or of one King in a Kingdom? one entire Government in a Common-wealth? one uniformity in the Affairs of the Church? Verily I think that man out of his wits, that would affirm a positive necessity of more: and yet usually, after the appearing of such Prodigies, such lawlesse and and unaccustomed Monsters appear: and even such most irregular Attempts are to be prosecuted by people of as great antiquity as the two mock-Suns, which appeared at an instant, but vanished not away in a moment.

When God Almighty had drowned the world, in confirmation he would do so no more, he produced the Rainbowe, and made it appear at all times and seasons in a constant and naturall form and manner, ever opposite to the Sun; and this was out of his great love to Mankinde: But while in anger he permits his ministring Angels (as now he did) to manifest to our eyes a Rainbowe (and that such a one as no Age hath absolutely recorded the like) to appear with the Bend of it downward, just over the naturall Sun. The Prognostick part hereof may gravell an assured Judgement. Reader, pity the weaknesse of Humane understanding, and let thy love appear, in charitably passing by my failings.

The Portent of this Prodigie is very great: The Angels are [Page] willing we should discern something, else why was it made visible? There was no necessity of it.

O All you Emperors, Kings, Princes, Rulers and Magistrates of Europe, this unaccustomed Apparition is like the Handwriting in Daniel to some of you; it premonisheth you, above all other People, to make your peace with God in time: You shall every one of you smart, and every one of you taste (none excepted) the heavie hand of God, who will strengthen your Subjects with invincible Courage to suppresse your Misgovernments and Oppressions in Church or Common-wealth: Nor shall War cease, or the Sword of God leave persecuting you and your Off-springs, untill this great Work is perfectly done. What will you say, if the Almighty is ready to let fall from heauen a new Government, quite contrary to any hath hitherto been in the world? Here's threatned an universall Insurrection against you by your oppressed People. Here's either the Deposing, Flight, or finall Extirpation of some of you, at hand: Your Viceroys, Lieutenant-Generalls, shall quake and tremble, and prove men of no Courage▪ shall shrink from you in your greatest necessity: Your Confederates shall fail in reall Performances, and do you more mischief then a professed enemy: Your Children shall wander as banished People all over the world, die unlamented in strange Countreys, while some of your own Generation, of set purpose, shall bring you in dislike of your vassails.

Those words are generall: A word to my own Countrey of England. Verily I am doubtfull there's now as great Treason in hatching against England, as either the Armado in 1588, or furious Gunpowder-Plot in 1605. I am scrupulous, for the love I bear to my native Soil, whilest I conceive there's a second Massacre in agitation; and yet I faithfully believe we shall really overcome it, and maturely, and in good sadnesse, take lusty Vengeance on the Contrivers, &c.

Are not both the Lights, in our Scheam, with or neer Cor Scorpii, a most violent fixed Star? which usually (if we believe Antiquity or Experience) threatens sudden and violent death; else why have we this Aphorism? Cor Scorpii cum Luminaribus cruentam mortem, aut ex veneno repentinam denuntiat. He or she [Page] of any great Family, that hath either the Sun or Moon, or both, with this Star, in the Radix of their Nativities, are threatned hereby, either to die some violent death by casualty, Sword, Gun, or Poison. Look to your selves; here's some monstrous death towards you. But to whom? wilt thou say. Herein we consider the Signe, Lord thereof, and the House: The Sun signifies in that Royall Signe, great ones; the House signifies Captivity, Poison, Treachery: From which is derived thus much, That some very great man, what King, Prince, Duke, or the like, I really affirm I perfectly know not, shall, I say, come to some such untimely end.

What Magistrate soever of Europe hath the Sun or Moon in the place now afflicted, his person and estate will be in danger: Where the 6, 7 or 8 of Sagittarius do culminate, he loses his Sovereignty: where the same degrees arise in the Horoscope, it threatens his life; witnesse the King of Sweden, &c.

Great men may, and I know will, despise these favourable Admonitions. Let them so do, and afterwards cry, Had I wist.

Here in our Figure we have all the superiour Planets Retrograde, as if all the Grandees of the world, and every principall man in his kinde, should finde vexation enough; or as if every State and Common-wealth, or Society of men, were declining, and ready to suffer in one kinde or other. Significat etiam morbos populares, & mortalitates & quod ibi morietur Rex: Haly▪ Popular Diseases, that is, abundance of the common people shall die by the Sword, Mortality, &c. And where these afflictions are in most force, there, and in that Land, shall the King or principall Officer die.

What successe shall follow of Treaties, or from or by means of Messengers, Commissioners, Ambassadours, Nuntio's, Generall or Provinciall Councels, you may read by the positure of Mercury in Scorpio, hastening to Opposition of Jupiter. The Significator in fixed Signes, shew the tediousnesse of such like matters, the length of time shall be spent in Embassages, Treaties, Counsels: but was there ever (without the immediate finger of God) any good Conclusion, when the Significators applied by opposition? Long, deceitfull and painfull Debates, slender and impertinent Conclusions.

[Page] Men are employed by some, to good intents and purposes; but one dash of a Pen, one simple underhand-missive of or from a guilty Secretary, or male-contented States-man, or one scrupulous Tenent of or from an unsetled Separatist, hinders and makes void all conclusion of difference by Negotiations and Treaties. Whereas formerly Commissioners from Prince to Prince have determined the greatest Controversies ever happened; there's now in the Figure of heaven no apparance of such blessings, the Sword being onely intended to decide these consuming Plagues and inveterate Quarrels that either have or shall, for some yeers, rise amongst the European Common-wealths.

Blinded shall be the eyes of the wisest discerning men, curbed and disheartned shall be the intentions of the cordiall, slandered shall be the well-wishes of innocent and harmlesse souls, who are not so verball, to no purpose, as some airy spirits.

Wars shall be prolonged, beyond either the reason or judgement of the wisest States-man now living, nay, untill the furious Souldier himself is weary.

The Rainbowe seemed occularly to be amongst the Northern Constellations, above the Aequator, in that space of heaven where the learned place Serpentarius, or the form of a Serpent, his mouth gaping wide open, and a Crown ready to fall into the Serpents mouth.

This is the second time, within one yeers space, that some Princes of Europe have been threatned with Ruine and Destruction; (if they repent not) for the last of June, 1644, there were strange Apparitions in the heavens, in this very Constellation; and now again this unusuall Rainbowe extending it self over the proper Sun, and quite thorow the body of the Serpent. Let me adde to this, The subsequent Eclipse I shall write of, hath no little signification in the fortune and persons of Kings and great men.

Was not our mother Eve deceived by ill counsel given unto her by the devil in form of a Serpent? and was not Adam thereby himself mistaken, and so his whole Posterity made capable of that punishment he for that suffered, and we all by his act?

It was not Adam, it was not Eve, but the Serpent: Its not Kings or Princes, its not their Queens or Ladies, that invent [Page] those execrable Counsels so totally destructive; no, it's the Serpent, it's, in plain language, such destructive Counsel as is put into them by Serpents, that is, ill Counsellors. Its Mercury in Scorpio, its religious men in habit, but devils in conditions; its men of great Conformity outwardly, that deceitfully hatch these hellish Advices.

I wish, in time, great men to become themselves; for if some good Angel hath hitherto seemed to keep their Crowns, their Dominions, their Authority, from dropping into the Serpents mouth, that is, from Ruine, Approach of forreign Power, or Incursion, &c. yet now, as in a little time this Rainbowe vanished, and so left the true Sun naked, and to recive any impression; so questionlesse, in a short time, shall Princes, after an unwonted manner, be deprived of Friends, Rule and Dominion, by people formerly contemptible, scarce dreamed of, and which themselves, within lesse then a few yeers, aimed at no such thing.

The most Ancient and Noble Families of Europe are declining; but especially here not far remote, or in England: And this Saturn by Retrogradation doth easily declare.

The Nobility and Gentry who have continued many Generations are now sinking▪ and an inferiour sort of people, by plain Legerdemain, are ascending; but whether to heaven, or worldly preferment, sub judice lis est.

The Souldier, whom I most honour, shall tremble, and yet fight for he knows not whom or what: as Mars in the seventh House doth manifestly declare.

Germany that part thereof

Some parts of France, and my own dear Countrey of England, and therein especially Kent, Sussex, Surrey, part of Essex, Suffolk and Lincoln, and parts adjacent.

Oxford shall suffer both with Sword, Sicknesse, Famine, Plague, if not finall Subversion.

Shall the City of Rome escape? No, nor Pamfilio the now present Pope shall continue scarce six yeers, without Poison, or Opposition; I will not say, Deposition.

I omit some Countreys purposely; for Infidelity and Ingratitude [Page] is to be requited with Blood; the sword, and not words. Some shall, notwithstanding their prudence, be ensnared, without caution.

I wish cordially all happinesse to the Kingdom of Scotland: Nor shall some waspish Antagonists of that Nation against Astrologie, cause me to love the Kingdom the worse. There's not yet any probability of a constant Settlement in that Common-wealth.

Let us expect to hear of some mutiny amongst the Turks, and in Constantinople: and Faction amongst the Nobles in Polonia.

I cannot predicate good to the barbarous Irish.

I am doubtfull Denmark is appointed for a Patern either of Vengeance or Mercy: it is, it must suffer more and more.

This prodigious Apparition foreshews to all England a generall Infelicity, perhaps to all Europe, I mean, to the North-East part thereof, so situate from London in England.

A Famine, Scarcity of bread and provision for Man, is like to be subsequent; the Murrain of Cattel, infectious and pestiferous Diseases, as well in man as in beast; and full Plague and half a Plague, this yeer and the next, not in Villages onely, but almost in every great Town of England. Horrible persecution of the Nobility and Gentry; and indeed the Runaways from our Parliament deserve no lesse, and some besides. Some superlative Discord with and concerning Religion, and Controversies therein.

Incursions of forreign Princes into their Neighbours Territories, Friends and Allies. No belief upon earth amongst men.

Surely the world is not yet at an end: But whosoever shall see, or have the unhappinesse to survive the two or three yeers next succeeding, will wonder at the strange Metamorphosis and Catastrophe of Humane Chances in Christian Common-wealths, where Jesus Christ is professed with so much pretended-Zeal, but his Doctrine practised with so slender Devotion.

Nor shall many, and those not the least Cities and Towns of England, suffer in their private Common-wealths, lesse then a new moulding of their present Government.

Did the wit of man of set purpose studie it, he could not finde out so many unnecessary Inventions for present and future destruction, as we our selves, with premeditated wisedom, [Page] finde out, with intention to salve up all our sores.

We begger our selves with Wit, and destroy Mankinde with Discretion.

In good truth, the City of London is like to be afflicted (and now simple George at Oxford holds his mouth wide open) with the Plague, and some other Pestilentiall or Purse-Diseases, &c. Do not I see both the Sun and Moon in Opposition to Gemini? Their Ships are like to suffer by Fire and Pyracie, &c. Is not Gemini the Signe descending on the Cusp of the sixth and seventh? God blesse their Ships from Sea-fights and Shipwracks.

And yet methinks there's one in the world looks high, born, and in being, that would, but shall not, exalt himself to a Crown. Quicun (que) fuerit ex stirpe Regali, si in ejus Radice Nativitatis fuerint duo Soles, erit Regibus contrarius, &c.

My friend, be quiet, thou art not the man, thy time is short; the Chicken of the West shall prevail: Return in peace, if thou canst, to the Sepulchre of thy not-Kingly Ancestours, &c.

This is part of the little I am able at present to put forth, concerning the Signification of the three Suns; whose Effects cooperating with the immediate subsequent Eclipse in August, shall not determine in lesse time then three whole yeers. Dixi.

An Astrologicall-Judgement concerning the Effects probably like to succeed the Eclipse of the Sun upon the eleventh day of August, 1645, being Munday.

[Page]

[figure]

THe Eclipse is in 28 d. 28 m. Leo.

Its beginning is at 10 ho. 17 min. before noon.

Its Middle is at 11 ho. 14 min.

It Endeth, eleven minutes after 12.

The Digits eclipsed are six.

The Duration of the Eclipse is, One hour, fifty four minutes.

To finde when it shall begin to operate, and how long the Effects shall continue, you must consider

The Elevation of the Pole at London, which is 51 deg. 32 min.

The Semidiurnall time, which is 7 hor. 3 min.

The time of rising of the Sun the day of the Eclipse, 4 h. 57 m.

The length of the day is, 14 hours, 6 minutes.

The Interval of time from Sun-rise to the time of the Eclipse, is 6 ho. 17 min.

Now I say, If 14 hours and 6 minutes give 365 days; What will 6 hours and 17 minutes? If you work it by proportion, it will give you 162 days; which added to the 11 of August, point out the 20 of January, 164 5/6, for a Beginning to the Effects depending on this Eclipse.

[Page] The Dignities and Debilities of the Planets stand thus:

Saturn hath one Debility.

Jupiter hath Fortitudes—20

Mars,—13

Venus,—4

Mercury,—12

The Duration being 1 hor. 54 min. the Effects shall continue almost two whole yeers, viz. untill the 16 of December, 1647.

A short Historicall Narration of some preceding Eclipses, and the Effects that thereupon ensued.

TThe first Eclipse we finde recorded to Posterity, is by Dion. Hal. and it was in the yeer of the world 3180, about 767 yeers before Christ. Its noted by Historians, that Romulus was that yeer conceived, and the Kingdom of Israel began to decline.

Many were the Eclipses which Antiquity took notice of, and after most of them some memorable Actions to have succeeded: As, that in anno Mundi 3235, and 26 of May, the Sun suffered a fearfull Eclipse; and it was in that yeer Sennacherib King of Assyria departed from the Siege of Jerusalem, and had One hundred and fourscore thousand men slain in his Army. You may read what succeeded after, 2 Kings cap. 19.

Anno mundi 3470, and 19 of April, the Sun was eclipsed; at what time Xerxes went with his innumerable Army against the Greeks, and was as valiantly beaten at Thermopylas and Salamine.

Anno mundi 3621, there was a totall Eclipse of the Moon; and it was onely twelve days before the great Fight betwixt Darius and Alexander; and this was upon Saturday the 20 of September. The Monarchy of Persia, by the overthrow of this Battel, vanished, after it had ruled Asia 200 yeers.

Anno mundi 3733, there was an horrible Eclipse of the Sun, the 11 of February. Who is conversant in History, may finde, that not long after Hannibal slew fifteen thousand Romanes, and Ptolomeus Philopater King of Egypt overthrew Antiochus; after which Victory, the proud King, being insolent, entred the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Jews, for which he was punished by God, and so returned into Egypt.

Anno Christi 45, some say, 47, the Sun suffered an Eclipse the first of August; after which followed that sad Famine universall [Page] to all the world, prophesied of by Agabus, Act. 11. But I hasten.

Anno Christi 807, the Sun was eclipsed once, and the Moon twice: there succeeded instantly very great Division in the Empire under Charles the Great.

Anno Christi 813, an Eclipse of the Sun preceded the death of Carolus Magnus.

Anno Christi 891, after an Eclipse of the Sun, the Emperour and Princes of Italy fell at variance, and mutually invaded each other; by which means Italy was fearfully afflicted for many yeers.

I finde some remarkable Observations in Plutarch after Eclipses; as these: At what time Pericles armed 150 Ships, and was ready to set sail, an Eclipse of the Sun happened, which being conceived to be ominous by some, Pericles derided the Prognostick: But see the words following, But Pericles hoysing Sail notwithstanding, did no notable or speciall Service answerable to so great an Army or Preparation; for which he was deprived of his Charge of Generall, &c. and fined at fifteen Talents.

In the Life of Pelopidas you shall read, that upon his second Journey against the Tyrant Alexander of Pheres, a great Eclipse of the Sun was, causing great darknesse at noon-day. You may read, fol. 303 in Plutarch, that Pelopidas wilfulnesse, contrary to the advice of some in the Army, cost him his life: for not onely those that were then versed in Soothsaying, but his own Citizens, told him, That this Eclipse did threaten the death of some great Person like himself, &c. which his death exactly verified.

You shall also read in the Life of Nicias, That instantly after an Eclipse of the Moon, the Syracusians overthrew the whole Power of the Athenians by Sea; and he himself, and Demosthenes, were taken Prisoners, and not long after lost their lives.

During the Effects of a Lunar Eclipse, and upon some prodigious Sights in the air, Dyonisius Tyrant of Syracusa was enforced to flee, and that City, after 48 yeers, restored to liberty. That was no weak Judgement therefore that Mil [...]as the Soothsayer resolutely delivered, upon sight thereof: My good friends, be of good chear, and assure your selves that we shall prosper; for God doth foreshew us, by this Sight we see, that some one of the [Page]chiefest things now in highest place and dignity shall be eclipsed.

He that shall please but to peruse Leovitius de Conjunctionibus & Eclipsibus, may be more fully satisfied.

And yet if examples of late yeers work any thing in us, we cannot forget that eminent Eclipse in 1639, and in the moneth of May: I am sure we were never quiet since: It was fully visible in our Horizon. We may not forget the overthrow of the Spanish Fleet upon our English Coasts, within four moneths after, &c.

In all my reading, I finde Solar Eclipses are most ominous to Princes, to Authority, Magistracy, &c. and that Eclipses of the Moon do both afflict King and People; but most properly incite and excite the Subjects to Arms, and the vulgar against his Lord and Master.

For whereas the Solar Eclipse puts difference betwixt one Prince and another, betwixt one State & another, one Noble-man and another, each Common-wealth against his next neighbour; a Lunar Eclipse, on the contrary, stirs up people of more ignoble Condition, to strive against their Ministers that have power over them, &c.

The Effects of the present Eclipse prosecuted.

IF that Sentence of Ptolomey be admitted for truth, Lib. 2. c. 7. Quaecun (que) Stella erratica pluribus dignitatibus utri (que) loco, id est deliquii ipsius, & hoc sequentis cardinis associabitur, Sola dominabitur: Which in English runs thus: That Planet which hath most Dignities in the degree or place eclipsed, and angle succeeding, shall be ruler of the Eclipse: that is, Consider his nature and position, how he is well or ill affected, and how and by whom aspected, and accordingly judge of the Events.

By which Doctrine we may be bold to affirm, that Mars shall principally rule the effects of this Eclipse, as having most dominion in the place of the defect, and solely ruling the angle subsequent, which is the Ascendant. If I deviate an hairs breadth from truth, I must expect some dirty fool to throw out non-sense in Print against me: therefore observe if Cardan confirm not my words, Lib. 20. fol. 258. Cum enim idem fuerit Dominus loci deliquii,[Page]& loci sequentis anguli, ille prorsus erit Dominus & Principalis: When the same Planet is Lord of the place eclipsed, and of the sequent angle, he shall be altogether or especially Lord of the Eclipse. To which Judgement Campanella, fol. 84▪ consenteth, while he delivers, Validior est, qui deliquii loco & cardinis plus potest. And yet in designing the effects of the Eclipse, we are to consider the Predominancy and Fortitudes of the rest of the Planets, and their mutuall Aspects each to other, their position in the heaven, signe and quarter; for they will challenge something in the Effects, as Ptolomey, lib. 2. cap. 8, saith, Hoc sumitur a natura dominantium Stellarum, quae sunt in praecipuis locis, & earum commixtione inter sese, & cum iis locis in quibus esse conspiciuntur. We ought (saith he) to take signification of the Eclipse, from those Stars that are most powerfull in the chiefest places of heaven, and their commixtion one with another, together in those places in which they are posited.

But sith Ptolomey delivers us a kinde of Method, we shall willingly follow it, in manifestation of the Effects now subsequent.

Wherein we first consider,

The Kingdoms, Cities, or Common-wealths of Europe likely to suffer; as also, what manner of men be most probably to smart by the Effects.

In our Figure, because the Eclipse is in a fiery Signe, the fiery Triplicity is passive, viz. Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

In defectibus Solis & Lunae maximè insignibus, considerabimus locum Zodiaci, in quo fuit luminum defectus, & ei loco juxta Trigonorum distributionem familiares, & quae Ʋrbes propter Horoscopum in exstructione, aut propter locum quem eo tempore tenuerunt, aut propter medium-Coeli in Nativitatibus Principum earum regionum familiaritatem habent cum loco defectus: Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 5. In Eclipses of the Sun and Moon, we consider the place of the Zodiak, and those Regions familiar to that place, according to the distribution of Triplicities, and what Cities at their Foundation had their Horoscope either the place of the Signe eclipsed, or wherein either of the Lights at that time were in the degree defective: and we also consider if the medium-Coeli of the Princes Nativity then governing, be the Signe and Degree of the Eclipse.

[Page] Of all which, we shall make good use in its proper time.

We must also consider those Countreys which are under, or properly belong to the second Quadrangle; viz. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius; so that upon the matter, any Prince or great person that hath his Ascendant, Mid-heaven, or place of the Sun or Moon in or about the 26, 27, 28, or 29 of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius, is made capable of receiving good or ill by this present Eclipse.

Germany, France, England, Denmark, Italy, Turkie, Bohemia, Spain, Hungaria, Moravia, stand all subject to the frown of this Eclipse.

Part of Swedland, Polonia, Russia, Valachia, Westphalia, Bavaria, to all these Kingdoms and Countreys the Eclipse will be visible, and these Countreys Ascendants having affinity either in Triplicity, or being of the second Quadrangle, must participate of the actions, more or lesse, which may be expected from this Eclipse.

As to men, the fiery Trygon represents men of great Quality, of highest Command. Remember, you great ones, that in January last, the same Decanate of Leo, or the ten last degrees of this present Signe of Leo was afflicted, and now the same face of the Signe again the second time, all in one yeer. Sed quae non prosunt singula, multa juvant. Its not true in Eclipses, as in other things, The more, the merrier: The fewer Eclipses, the least hurt. More fully of this in the sequele.

The second thing considerable, is, De genere Effectum: viz. Of the kindes of the Effects.

IN what manner and kinde the Effects of the Eclipse shall manifest themselves, we cannot discern, unlesse we know what Planet principally rules the place defective. Nam qui Planeta pluribus modis congruit, ad utrum (que) locum defectus, & ad cardinem qui sequitur hic Solus dominabitur; Ptol. cap. 7. lib. 2. What Planet hath most Dignities in the place of both the Lights (this is when there's an Eclipse of the Moon) and the Angle subsequent, he onely shall rule the Effects, or demonstrate the quality of them; as, whether War, Famine, Plague, &c.

[Page] In our Scheam, Mars rules, without any contradiction, both the defective place, and the Angle following: he is neer some fixed Stars of his own nature, and is in a semi-Sextill, if that Aspect be considerable to the place afflicted, by which he is the more fortified, and made more significant in the Effects.

Although the Sun and Moon are powerfull in this Position, yet (consideratis considerandis) they are at no time admitted to signifie the quality of the Effects. Nam Sol & Luna aliarum Stellarum sunt & praecipuae causae eventuum, & Regunt Stellarum dominia & dominantium vires aut confirmant aut languefaciunt: Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 8. The Sun and Moon are Governours of other Stars, and are principall causes of the Effects, and sway the rule of the Stars, and either strengthen or weaken their forces.

I may well say▪ Mars is in Libra; however, he is in a humane Signe, if he be in Virgo.

Figurae adspiciantur in quibus sit defectus, & in quibus sunt Stellae dominantes, unde genus eventuum judicari poterit: Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 7. Consider the form of the Signe in which the Eclipse is, and wherein especially the Planets having any predominancy are, and by that you may judge of the kindes of the effects.

The Signe wherein the Eclipse falls, is Leo, a ferall Signe. Damnum ex domesticis & mansuetis domesticis, & ad utilitates vitae accommodatis, viz. ex bobus, equis & aliis. Men shall receive damage by losse of their domestick tame beasts, viz. Horse, Ox, Sheep: so that I perceive here's like to be great scarcity of these creatures, after which, expect a direfull Famine.

Firma sive fixa signa significant fundamenta & aedificia. Fixed signes intimate, the Judgement of this Eclipse will in part fall upon things long since founded, and upon Buildings▪ Houses, Towers, Castles, Forts; the subversion of many ancient Seats, erecting many new Fortifications, &c.

As to men, the Defect is in the Mid-heaven, the Effects portend matter to Kingdoms, Kings, to men of middle-age, to all manner of men in Authority whatsoever: Ptol. cap. 7. lib. 2.

Indeed the House of heaven is extremely considerable; for it falling in the tenth, the Effects shall be glorious, famous, eminent, of mighty concernment, published all over the world.

Mars either in Libra or Virgo, must have judgement in this nature: [Page] Quae habent figuram humanam, significant eventus fore hominibus. The over-ruling Planets being in Humane Signes, Man and Makinde are concerned: All which shall be explicated by and by.

The third thing considerable, is, Whether the Events of this Eclipse shall intend good or ill.

COnsideratio vero Stellarum quae praecipuum jus in commixtione habent, indicat eventuum qualitatem: Which in effect tells you what I formerly repeated, viz. That those Planets which in their mixture one with another have most Dignities, do shew the quality of the Events.

It might be easily judged, that, sith Mars rules the Ascendant and place eclipsed, and is entring Libra his Detriment, and is naturally an enemy to all good, and to man, that we must expect but sad Times, and, in plain terms, that we must look for a wofull desolation and destruction of man: for the Ascendant signifieth in generall, Mankinde, or Commonalty of every Nation. So then, according to the Ptolomeian Doctrine, without any Comment, evil is to be looked for from the Effects of this Eclipse.

How to apply all preceding to the present Purpose, is now my Task.

NEc in mixtionibus tantum errantium congressus intelligo, sed aliarum, quo (que) similes naturas sive fixarum, sive locorum signiferi, vel familiaritates cum errantibus supra indicatae sunt.

Nor do I (saith Ptolomey) in the mixture of the Planets onely consider their Conjunctions or sole Aspects, of what nature soever they be; but also the nature as well of the fixed Stars, as places of heaven, if they consent with the nature and quality of the Planets.

Si Planeta vincens super Eclipsin sit maleficus, significat malum & detrimentum. An evil Planet ruling the Eclipse, he portends evil, &c. This is also the Opinion of Junctine.

When I see Aquarius descending in the fourth, and the Dragons tail so neer the Cusp of the House, and Saturn Retrograde in the seventh, a fixed Signe; What assurance have I that the [Page] most stately Buildings of this Kingdom shall escape ruine, or most ancient Cities and Towns desolation? I cannot shorten those Miseries I see depending on this Influence, or convert the Signes fixed into moveable: for the Evils portended, are to be maliciously permanent.

A crooked and perverse Generation of men, hath cunningly ensnared all or most part of Europe, in these preposterous Wars now on foot. Lord God of heaven, direct the heart of some wise man to salve these grievous Maladies.

We have already handled the Effects which may attend that unusuall Apparition of the three Suns; and now, leaving our former Method, undertook onely to benefit such as are not conversant in Judgement of Eclipses; we come more neerer to what we first intended.

§

THe Effects of this Eclipse shall not determine untill December, 1647; untill which time, we shall have eight Eclipses, but hardly any, but one, visible in England or Europe. There doth also in this interval of time happen about fifty Conjunctions of the Planets amongst themselves, which are materially considerable, and ought to be made use of: And herein I mention no Lunations, &c.

Scito, quod in Eclipsi Solis non potest fieri, quin significetur magnum aliquod accidens secundum quantitatem Eclipsis: Junctinus in Speculo, fol. 310. Whosoever thou art that readest these lines, I would have thee know, That no Eclipse of the Sun can be, but some grand matter is signified thereby, according to the quantity or greatnesse of the Eclipse. And if you will know more particularly, or something more neer the matter, Junctine tells us, Eclipses Luminarium in Triplicitate ignea, denuntiant armentorum, pecudum (que) interritus, magni Regis seu Principis exilium, carceres, aut internecionem. An Eclipse of the Lights in the fiery Triplicity, doth signifie and declare the destruction of whole Herds of Cattel, and their death: as also, some famous King or Prince his Exile or Banishment, his restraint of liberty, or Captivity, whether you will; as also, his Slaughter.

[Page] The Signe wherein this Eclipse is, all men know, is of the forementioned Triplicity: its warning enough to be thus plainly dealt withall. What Junctine saith of Kings, I say of Nobles, great Peers, Knights, &c. Inter plebeios & potentiores odia, mutuas simultates, dissidia, magni excercitus motum, Bella horrida, hominum strages, incendia, furta, rapinas & depopulationes. The Eclipse denounceth rancour and malice betwixt the vulgar person, or Commonalty and great persons, pretty dissembling with each other, disagreements in Opinion, the motion of some great Army, horrible Wars, multitudes of men slain, many curious Buildings burned to the ground, much Theevery, pillaging and plundering, many Towns, Villages and Countreys depopulated, or left naked of Inhabitants.

Shall our troubles be so great, we shall expect all those forenamed Miseries? I pray God divert his Judgements, and make us penitent, ere those threatned Mischiefs light on our heads.

Again, Praegnantium abortivos, acutas febres, epidemiam ob aëris uredinem & caumata, frugum sterilitatem, & annonae penuriam, in Regionibus praecipuè quae Eclipsis Signo subjiciuntur, excellentem mutationem. Women shall miscarry, men shall have sharp Feavers, in universall Plague and Pestilence caused by heats and blastings of the air, great scarcity of fruits, want of Provision for man, as Victuals, Corn, Provision, &c. These things are more vigorously to operate to those Kingdoms subject to the Signe of Leo, then to Aries and Sagittarius. Some famous Alteration.

It may be feared, that of Cardan will prove too true: Eclipsium Solis effectus potentes sunt, unde si in florentem messem inciderint, sterilitatem afferunt: Cardanus Seg. 2. Apho. 16. The operations of a Solar Eclipse are powerfull; which if they fall to be in the beginning of a flourishing Harvest, they shew a Barrennesse to follow.

Our Eclipse at this time is in August, when we in the South of England, and generally over all the Kingdom, are busie in getting it in. I pray God make our Harvest fruitfull, and blesse the Husbandman with a plentifull Crop, and a peaceable enjoying what he hath taken sore pains for. We may fear some Disaster amongst us at that time, and my Judgement may prove more reall then I wish.

[Page] But the decay of Tillage and Husbandry is the least thing (though very considerable) which is intended by the Eclipse: we must elevate our Conceptions; men of an higher strain and condition are aimed at. Doth the Eagle catch at Flyes? Shall an Eclipse in a Fiery Signe, and a Kingly House, principally intend the vulgar man, or private Countrey-Gentleman? No: Arma, Bella horrida, Virum (que) cano, &c. In truth, there's War, Famine, a grievous devouring and destructive Vengeance to be poured down upon some unthankfull Families of Europe, of which, without doubt, some live in our own Countrey of England, some in Scotland, many in Ireland: Upon what House, Man, or Family in particular, there I must be silent.

The Star in Cassiopeia, 1572, those many apparitions of Comets since, those unaccustomed Sights in the Air, greater and lesser Conjunctions of the Planets in the Fiery Trygon, multitude of Eclipses both Solar and Lunar, are the sad Messengers of the downfall of one, nay I say of many egregiosu Families of Europe.

Yet if my search into the most secret Cabinet of Astrologie doth not delude my impartiall Judgement, my more serious Conceptions tell me, There's a Man or a Family in Europe, is not far from attaining an excesse in Dominion and Soveraignty. The time of this Mans growth, or Families [...], to such an height, draws on and neer; the time is not mensurable in days, or moneths, nor in Centuries of yeers; the unnaturall War of every Countrey, helps forward and prepares the matter, whiles the good man (if he be born) sleeps quietly, untill that Angel appointed for his Guardian, excite him in a moment to rouze up his meditating thoughts, and to convert Consultation into Action.

As the State of France now stands, or Spain, or Italy, How incredible and improbable a thing do I speak of, or should do, if I should deliver, That a man not yet in Action, should turn the fate of those Kingdoms in a moment, and, like the Son of Thunder, in lesse weeks or moneths, not many yeers, in lesse then man can imagine, settle those vast Kingdoms as himself best likes, and then dispose of other Kingdoms then in Distraction by Missives rather then the Sword, &c.

But I forget my self, I see Saturn Lord of the third and fourth [Page] House, Retrograde in the seventh. Saturnus praeest plebi, sensibus, infirmis, ob hoc cum vitae inimicus sit facile tales omnés pereunt aggregatim. Saturn hath command, and represents old men, every common Clown or vulgar man, and every sick man, because he is enemy to Nature. Now such manner of men shall die and perish in whole companies or swarms.

Wo to the man that digs the ground, and thinks to enrich himself by turning up fat furrows, or in expectation of thriving Crops.

Wo to that aged man that wants strength to manage his feeble body in a time of so much sorrow as the Eclipse saith is approaching.

When the daring or cruell Enemy comes neer us, what shall the infirm man do? neither able to move or be moved: Perish he must, flee he cannot; there's no way assigned but death, yea, although he was the son of a father most eminent.

But again to the purpose. Si in Revolvendo anno, Regni Stella in signo depressionis inventa fuerit, magnus aliquis vir ex stellae ipsius natura morietur: Ptol. Apho. 31. In handling the Judgement or Revolution of a yeer, if a Planet that is usually taken for Lord of that Kingdom be in his depression, viz. either in his detriment or fall, some great person of the nature of that Planet will die that yeer.

This is like to be fatall to the Kingdom of England; for in Figura mundi, Saturn was in his fall.

In this present Eclipse, Mars, that hath sole dominion in the Ascendant and place eclipsed, is in his detriment.

It cannot be the death of any vulgar or ordinary man, that is hereby intended to be sent to another world.

Mars represents great persons, principall Commanders in our Armies as well as in his Majesties. Truely I fear an eminet Commander.

Cavete viri, qui sunt tanquam Princes.

You that are in esteem like Princes, and domineer like little Kings, beware every one of you, in every County and City; you are said to be gods, you shall die like other men, &c. disgraced, odious, &c.

Its not one onely man that is intended by the heavens to be [Page] the mock of Fortune, and scorn of Mankinde; there's a signification of many, that are to undergo a very hard and unpleasant Doom, ere the Influence of this Eclipse shall have period, or the Porrent of the three Suns be fully determined.

Obsecro, mi Domine mitt [...], qu [...]m missurus es.

I may be derided for predicting so much: but I rather laugh at their folly, that, having been oft premonished, amend not their lives, and endeavour Composition of these unhappie Dissentions now too prevalent all over Christendom.

What great one soever thou art of England, or of any Nation of Europe, that hast the 28 or 27 of Leo ascending at thy birth, or the same degree of Taurus, Scorpio or Aquarius, to thee I say, Thou art in great danger of death, or mighty disturbance in thy health, ere this Revolution of almost two yeers be compleated. I am not idle, but thou art mad, and out of thy wits, if thou doest not beware in time.

Let us admit thou hast the same degree culminating, look to thine Honour, Crown and Dignity, if thou art a King, thou shalt assuredly receive blemish in thy fame and estimation, nor shalt thou escape without hazarding thy Crown, or most fearfull scandals on thy Reputation.

Hast thou the same degrees ascending on the Cusp of the seventh? Art thou a King? thou shalt have War unlook'd for, enemies without number, domestick and forreign, shall invade thee; look to be plunged to purpose, and to suffer discontent without period: those as dear unto thee as thy wife in thy bosom, shall betray thee by indirect counsels.

Hast thou the said degree upon the Cusp of the fourth house? Art thou Emperour of Constantinople? Thy father left thee more Kingdoms then thou shalt leave thy son: Lose part of thy Dominions, I desire thee; the Fates will have it so. Art thou of the Noble Austrian Family? or art thou King of England, France, Spain, or Denmark? Be all or any of you assured to have a share in these Calamities: a part or parcell, an arm or a branch of your Kingdoms will be lopt off from you.

Is there any man hath the Sun or the Moon in the 28 degree of Leo or Aquarius at the time of his birth? let him ponder these words of Ptolomey, lib. 2. cap. 8. Sed periculosum in primis[Page]& inevitabile est, si ipsae Eclipticorum locorum partes aut oppositae, coinciderint cum gradibus alter utrius Luminum, quos geniturae tempore possederunt. The sense of which words run thus; That if an Eclipse happen in that Eclipticall degree in which at the time of birth either of the Lights, viz. Sun or Moon, were, its an argument (saith he) of some danger at hand hardly to be avoided.

We cannot forget that fearfull losse his Majestie of Spain suffered not long after the Eclipfe of the Sun in Geminis, 1639. Truely I fear that same potent Prince must have another such like Brush; for the three Suns doth in a manner deliver so much: and look carefully what Nation or Prince suffered upon the Influence of that Eclipse, shall again by these three Suns apparition, in a more then miraculous way, if it be possible, be loaded with misfortune.

Prodigies in heaven, of heaven, and from heaven, appear not in vain: Eclipses do ever foreshew some notorious and eminent matter neer hand, yea, in a most peaceable season.

The Courts of all Princes shall be stricken dead with fear, horrour and amazement; Privie Counsellours shall be trampled down like dirt under our feet.

In the East, from the East, or somewhat South-east, shall the beginnings of some miraculous Accidents have some first life, motion and beginning. But this is quite out of the Text.

If, as the wisest men conceive, the Sun and Moon do govern our body and spirit, and so moderate the Elements, that all men, even every vulgar person understands it; what shall we then think to be more admired or formidable, then when we, upon a sudden, see these most glorious Bodies obscured, and their light taken from our present sight? We may from thence imagine, Somewhat more then ordinary is drawing on.

It was therefore well and rightly said of Ptolomey: Cardinales Eclipses sunt pollentiores, ac vehementius afficiunt, quipp [...] quum cardines sint mundi prima loca in quibus cum Planetae collocati, cum Majestate praesideant. Eclipses that are in Angles are more prevalent, and more fiercely afflict; for Angles are the chiefest places of the Figure, wherein when Planets are posited, they rule as it were with Majestie.

[Page] Our Eclipse begins in the tenth, its middle and end is there also. How wonderfull and eminent Designes, Changes of Fortunes in the states of great persons is hereby to be expected, and these all over Europe, doubtlesse such things shall hereby come to passe, as this Generation now living hath scarce been acquainted with the like.

Here's mad work in hand: Kings and Lords clouded; Clowns and silly fellows climbing aloft: The world is almost turning Topsie-turvey.

What is the matter, that a sudden Affright shall amaze the Italian Princes? They that er [...]-w [...]ile thought of no such thing, shall now tremble for fear: So shall Pamphilio the Pope fume to no purpose, and be in as much danger by a Conspiracy at home, as if he were a road, [...]nd amidst a rude sort of enemies. But whether this Eclipse shall point out his death within the compasse of two yeers, it little concerns me; nor if he be presented with a Spanish Fig, and die thereof, shall my conscience be any thing troubled.

I finde, upon the last Restauration of Rome, 1506, that both Mars, Saturn, and the Dragons tail, were in Leone, in the second House. We have, in the moneth of August, a totall Eclipse of the Moon, though not visible in Europe, in the 15 of Aquarius. I admonish the Prelaticall Tribe of Cardinals to provide good store of Money, and the Citizens of Rome to be no niggards of their purses: A Famine is threatned to them, and some parts of It [...]ly; and a sudden fire is like to descend, to the consuming of many stately houses: Neither do I positively affirm, that a strong Intruder shall waste part of Italy, or supplant some very good Families therein. I see plenty of Consults amongst the Princes, fruitlesse Embassages, variance upon Niceties, even to wearinesse, a giddinesse amongst wise people. Worthy men, you have most admirable men amongst you, that yet keep a Traditionall learning amongst you, as ancient as Hermes, whereby you may be better provided, Quid agendum. I love Italy, and am no Mahometan.

But I passe by Italy, sith her Princes in a moment may confer with men as deserving as any in Europe.

Constantinople is like to grone under the Pressures of some [Page] mercilesse fires, and extravagant commanding Souldiers: A Plague will wander thorow that spacious City, to the consumption of some scores of thousands.

Nor is any great successe to attend the Emperours of Greece, whom we call The great Turk: An inferiour People shall give him a Baffle, and he contented with a Flea in his ear.

If thou art English, and disaffected to our present Parliament and City of London, thou expectest I should speak somewhat of this famous Citie, so terrible to our now-mischievous enemies. The exact Scheam thereof thou gettest not from me, no not with large promise of money or reward: for, have not I read some Treatises called T & Z?

Countrey-men, I tell you, Gemini is in the eighth House of this Eclipticall Figure; but Mercury, that is Lord thereof, is in Virgo, his own house, angular, and departing from the Sunbeams. Wilt thou have me speak plain English? This very Citie must suffer a share in the effects of this Eclipse, it were a wonder else, the times considered: I fear not the Plague very much; I rather fear hurt unto us by Pyracy, losse of Ships, and the death of many poor Creditors abroad, and from thence a generall Damage to the Citizens.

Indeed, courteous George Naworth, I would not reside in London, were I as doubtfull of its safety, as I am confident of some Calamity to Oxford. Our Citie must stand yet, to day, and to morrow, this moneth and one more, this yeer and the next, and 52 besides. He that understands this Riddle, shall know more then a little: he that takes it to the letter, mistakes my meaning: he that would know the truth, viz. when, and how long, he must first know the Astrologicall way of numbers, and what doth mean 1732, then he may give a moderate sense, and yet come short of the Authors meaning, and of truth it self; yet shall he come to a knowledge not despicable, nor repent that he spent some time in the disquisition hereof.

Magnorum facias Principum significatorem Solem, vel aliquem de superioribus: Herm. Apho. 7. Make the Sun, or some of the Superiours, significator of great Princes. It is so; the heavens doubly and trebly give that warning which I have set down unto Kings, Princes, &c.

[Page] But why, or wherefore, will some busie-body say? I answer with Hermes, In Revolutione annorum mundi multae difficultates erunt & praelia, cum in exaltationibus fuerint Jupiter & Saturnus. In the Revolution of one of the yeers of the world, you shall judge many difficulties and Battels, when Saturn or Jupiter are in their Exaltations. If this hold true in a Figure of the Suns entrance into Aries, much more in an eminent Eclipse. We have onely Jupiter of those two Planets exalted in our Scheam, he doth by his now-position signifie unto us things concerning Religion, Laws, Leagues, Covenants, all manner of Association, either of one Prince with another, or man with man generally: as here posited, now he prenotes high points to be in handling, in things Divine. Jove is but entring his exaltation: Shall a people begin, with great ardour and vigour, to contrive new Tenents in Religion, and not live to see them confirmed?

Is there no stability in this world? One Sect to day, another to morrow. Shall lesse then a Sabbath of yeers blot almost out of remembrance many fruitlesse Niceties in Doctrine? Why the Clergie of Europe, in a time so troublesome, should invent so many new Opinions, to be permanent so little a while, I know not.

What shall we do? or whither do we arrive with these generall Disputes? I see Jupiter direct at the time of the Eclipse, but Retrograde two moneths after. We have a Proverb in English doth well expresse that sense, viz. He was turned out of his place, before he was warm in his Gears: The assured sense hereof is this, That when the world thinks Religion setled, its then furthest off from a sollid confirmation. One Generation comes, and another passeth away; the later usually corrects and refines the former: So will it be, even till man, as well as Religion, in this world have no more being.

In person I am not more remote from Ʋtopia, then my judgement from finding the year of the world when unity in Doctrinall or Ceremoniall points shall be.

Conjunctiones totius anni Oppositiones (que) & Quadraturas necesse est ut consideres, per has causantur diversaetransmutationes temporum. Consider the severall Conjunctions, Oppositions, Quadratures [Page] of the whole yeer, for divers and sundry transmutations of the yeer are caused from thence, &c. Wherefore, finding a dangerous Opposition of Saturn and Mars, Saturn in 2 deg. 19 min. Taurus, and Mars in 2 deg. 19 min. Scorpio, the later end of September; I was doubtfull what it might in generall signifie, sith the Aspect happens so neer the Cusps of the East angle and seventh house, in the Figure of the Eclipse: For, Oppositiones infortunarum in diversis latitudinibus terribilem habebunt effectum, demonstrabunt, inducent (que) effectus velociter interficientes & auferentes vitam. An Opposition of the two Infortunes, having divers Latitudes, (as now they have) hath most terrible effects, they will demonstrate and induce their effects furiously, and such as shall kill and take away the life of man: But upon which side, or on what party these foreseen slaughters shall fall, you must give me leave to expatiate my self, and so I will.

Nor let that vain and enforced Opinion, without sense, honesty, or art, in that purblinde-Prognostication (printed at Oxford by his Majesties Command) any thing move those that stand well-affected to the Parliament, upon this direfull forenamed Opposition. The words of that wrangling fellow called Naworth, or Wharton, or a man of a double name, in the Prognostication of September, are these: At Michaelmas there's an hatefull Opposition of Saturn and Mars: something of great consequence will be done about that time, prejudicious to the Rebels. The Parliament, Citizens of London, and all those naturall English that adhere unto them, are called Rebels by that ungodly Tribe of scornfull Monsters at Oxford, and this scurrilous Language printed by command. Vix credo.

But why this Opposition should prejudice the Parliament, I see not: It promiseth them such a Victory over their enemies, as they yet never had. And I will refer the reason of the Judgement to any moderate Artist. In this Eclipse, Mars is Lord of the Ascendant, and so hath signification of our Parliaments affairs; Saturn therein is their enemy, because placed in the seventh house: Now when Mars in his own house comes to Opposition of Saturn, having no Fortitudes, if we knock not our our enemies soundly, I say then God is angry with us. It points out something else, &c.

[Page] But let this man of errour consider the Figure of the Suns entrance into Libra, the 12 of September next, and he shall finde, to his grief, the Dragons tail in the tenth house, and Saturn Lord of the tenth, in the twelfth, Retrograde: let him boast, if he can, of that position, and see if such a glorious Conquest be thereby signified to chance to the Kingdoms Vipers, as he Trayterously prophesieth. Nothing troubles me more, then in unfolding the truth I must instruct this Changling, that pretends himself a Regall Prog-man (for Astrologer he is none.) But to save me a labour, I finde in the Judgement of my loving friend Master Booker upon the Autumnall Quarter, these words, which clearly end the Controversie, out of such Authors as the Highway-finder G. W. sometimes to little purpose doth mention.

There can be nothing worse (saith Master Booker) then the Dragons tail in the tenth: for Guido, fol. 595, saith, Significat impedimentum Regum atque Nobilium, & Magnatum, & diminutionem honoris eorum seu dignitatum. Kings, Nobles, and great persons, shall have many impediments, and their honour and dignity blasted. The losse of Honour is a signall of Victory, in Naworths opinion. Albumazar dixit, significat depositionem, & pericula, & peregrinationem seu casum. Albumazar saith, When the Dragons tail is in the tenth, it signifieth the deposing, danger, or oft running up and down, or some Fall, to chance to Kings, Princes, great Nobles, &c. Some might have Englished the Latine, and it would bear the sense well, as if such persons-should be enforced to flee away, &c.

O what cause of insulting here is on Naworths side! when its almost conspicuous, in that Naturall way we both judge by, George his best friends must be utterly routed, trudge & run away with such trinkets as they can get; and amongst the rest, I know George himself, Budget, Almanack, some say a Gown, I hear of no Cloke, will not be the last man that runs, for fear of being taken prisoner, and delivered over to Master Booker, with whom I promise to intercede for good Quarter, because George pretends to the Mathematicks.

But letting this Quibling Novice alone till he is better literated, I shall do well to inform the world what the greatest Actions of this Eclipse may be.

[Page] In a word, they are like to be of divers kindes; but those of most eminency signified by Mars, who tells you of most unnaturall Wars, of unusuall Treachery in the Courts of Princes; he tells you a Famine shall follow the effects of the Eclipse; he tells you of the losse and drowning of men in Ships, Pyracies, Shipwracks, whole Cities, Countreys, Towns, wasted, consumed, depopulated, burned down to ashes, shot down to the ground, and made Rubbish of; fearfull and horrible Insurrections, Discontents, of Rapine, Murder, Thefts, Plunder, Pillaging, death of severall young Nobles and Princes, or men of Princely Progenie: he threatens Poison to great ones, unusuall Feavers, multiplicity of Sea-fights, infinite Losses at Sea, multitudes of Pyrats, a Plague amongst men, Murrain amongst Cattel, Mutinies of servants against Masters, destruction of Sheep and little Cattel, &c.

Kings shall hazard their Scepters by Wars, Subjects their Liberties, Cities and Towns their Priviledges: He threatens a generall confusion and madnesse upon the face of the earth; and that Europe is totally out of the right way; that the Emperour of Germany, the later end of this yeer, will run a great hazard with the Swedes; that France is not many yeers to continue in that Peace the Cardinall left it; and that the Spaniard shall have one lustie day over the French.

If we credit the principall Signification of the Eclipse, with its Appurtenances, Consequences, Configuration by it self, and compared with preceding Conjunctions of the superiour Planets, and with subsequent Aspects for some yeers succeding, it doth whisper as if some Designe were in hand, or minting, to make 0000 Master of Europe, and possessed of more ground then his Ancestors left him or them.

We see Jupiter in Cancer: Here's like to be tugging to settle some scrupulous Tenents, be they right or wrong, its no matter, say some. Zizania cum tritico us (que) ad diem messis crescunt. Tares grow up with the wheat till Harvest, but then, &c. I will pray for Peace, though, being a great sinner, I despair of obtaining it.

This Eclipse is the Forerunner or Messenger of the death of some of the most eminent persons of Europe: As the Eclipse [Page] falls out in the later degrees of a Signe, it prenotes the death of some aged person, and he a King, or not much lesse.

Eastward ho!

Ego duorum Principum vel magnatum genituras novi, quibus haec Eclipsis exitium aut graves aliquas calamitates aut difficultates denuntiat, nomina eorum tuto nominari non possunt. I know the Nativities of two Princes or great persons, to whom this Eclipse portends either Destruction, or many fearfull Calamities: Their names I hold fit to be concealed, &c. O tis like to be a sickly time with some, a bloody and treacherous one with others.

The Eclipse in a Kingly Signe and house, and accompanied with a Kingly fixed Star: It must, according to the course of Nature, be the Forerunner of some more then usuall accident to Emperours, Kings, Queens, Princes, and the chiefest Potentates of Europe. Non enim Sol in Leone aliis rebus prae est nisi sublimibus & altis, item Regibus, Princibus, Generosis viris, & qui ad Gubernacula Reipublicae sedent. The Sun in Leo, signifieth nothing but what is of an high nature, and Kings, Princes, Gentlemen, and such as sit and govern the Common-wealth.

Here's many old Laws and Customs to be abrogated; here's many ancient Families to be deprived of their Inheritances; here's erection of new Customs, Laws, perhaps a new Government: here's Nation against Nation, as much Plundering at Sea as at Land: here's one would rise to be greater then his forefathers; Ambition deludes him, and Death deprives him of all Monarchicall intents: Exit.

Here's a woman as like a Queen as can be, or of the Stock of Princes, probably like to suffer either death, or disgrace as terrible as death, ere the determination of the Effects of this Eclipse, and 1647: during which time, Ʋbi res ad Pacem inclinare videbitur, illico novis occasionibus, intollerantia puta, cupiditate vindictae, ambitione, avaritia, callidis consiliis, Bella & odia recrudescent, quae multis exitio erunt, multos etiam fortunis omnibus spoliatos extorres agent. When the difference is like to come to a Peace, by and by, what with new occasions, impatience, covetousnesse, desire of revenge, ambition, crafty Counsels, War and malice, shall wax worse and worse, even to the destruction [Page] of many people: many also shall live like banished men deprived of all Fortune and Means to relieve themselves.

The God of all Glory and Power, who hath created us, and given us now more War then we expected, He of his goodnesse send us Peace. (I hope this is no ill Wish) Amen.

FINIS.

POSTSCRIPT. Since the Impression of the Starry Messenger, and before its Publishing, I received an Oxford Pamphlet, to which I returne this Answer, and so send them both into the world together.
An Examination of an Astrologicall Judgement upon His Majesties present Martch, begun from Oxford, 7. May. 1645. Set forth purposely by G. WHARTON to advance their declining condition, to impedite the Parliaments, and dishearten the City and Citizens of LONDON.

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WHile we divide, the enemy unites; our factions proove their victories, Wharton in behalfe of our Enemies appears publikely, nay requested by personages of Honour (per fas aut nefas) whether he lie or not, so it advance, its no matter: are any so indulgent on our side? &c.

I must begin with his Epistle, wherein the Author prosesses to deliver his Judgement in generall termes, and yet, forgetfull, being not (Mendax memor) a lyer of a good memory, he goes on in the whole discourse, assigning and determining the successe of His Majesties martch and his Army in particular words and termes, as appears, Fol. 4. line 20. 21 Fol. 5. line 10. Fol. 6. line 10. In all which places he proclaimes victory, upon victory to His Majestie, and not so much as the losse of one lowse on their own party.

In the next place he soberly dehorts Master Booker and my selfe from adhearing to the Parliament, and tells a tale of a tubb, as of Gauricus, a certaine Priest, &c. That medled with the particular destiny of Princes, and were therefore well rewarded, and [Page] so would he have Master Booker and mee, for publishing pernicious Pamphlets, as this man calls them.

Were I commanded, I would make it apparant, the Parliaments cause shall not want a Champion in Astrology to confute any thing in point of Art that can bee alleadged from the greatest Clerks in Oxford.

God is on our side; the Constellations of Heaven after a while will totally appeare for the Parliament, and cast terrour, horrour, amazement, and frights on all those Dammee-Blades now in Armes against us, &c. But our Author in his Epistle goes on, and makes it evident, he hath read part of the last leafe in Cardan: whose words he recites, viz. Never tell 2 King of any danger neer unto him: then, its probable, we must say as Ahabs Prophets: Go to Ramoth Gilead and prosper: yes; so he did; for there the poor misled King was slaine: I am Master Wharton so farre from your mind, that did I know any suddain danger neer to His Majestie. I would adventure to the hazard of my life through both Armies to give him warning, and so would master Booker.

Doe you Master Wharton read Cardan on the same side, and thereby rectifie your partiall Judgement. In praedicendo, amoveas timorem, odium & amorem: when you take upon you to praedict to a Prince (as you now in particuler do) neither speak or write out of feare, hatred or love: and you might know what Ptolomey commands, viz: that in every Judgement we beware of flattery and hatred, for that renders the Art fallible and the Artist scandalous.

You are guilty in the breach of these Aphorismes, while you call our Parliament Rebels, and convert every Judgement to signifie victory to his Majesty: and leave the end of His martch untoucht because you love to speak Placentia: for in truth the scheame it self promises an unluckie end to your so fortunate and so much applauded martch. Doe but read Goclenius in discursu pro Astrolo. Fol. 11 [...] ▪ Scotie reges fere omnes: and a little further; Anglorum fere reges omnes; having perused those words, deal plainly with the world, and those Honourable personages at Oxford, which imploy you.

For his Majesties Nativity, I thinke Master Booker and I have some other better imployments, we love not to take paines for so slight a reward as followes the handling the Genesis of a Prince without His consent: but get me publike license, under His Majestie hand, and then George, have at any thing, else not.

His Majesties Martch (as is suggested) began Wednesday 7. May. 1645. 10. 32. A. M.

THe body of the discourse intends two things principally; threatnings against the City of London, victories to His Maiestie, or confusion to His Enemies, &c.

Not to play the Critick with this University Freshman, or Cavill at his ignorance in collecting the debilities of Venus which he makes more then they are by placing her, in Coniunction with Caput Algol, whose Longitude is 20. 54. Of Taurus, vide Orig. 175. Nor is Mercury debilitated by occidentallity: Orig. 540. Nor is Venus fortified by Orienlity, but debilitated: Honest George cannot yet get out of his Horn-book. I begin with his Astrologicall Judgement spued out against London, out of His▪ Maiesties Martching figure: Fol. 4. line 3. London is hereby forewarned of her misery, and deservedly hereby threatned.

Lilly. Well may George have a great Whetston, he well deserves it; out of his owne words its lawfull to beate him, and so I will.

[Page] That Gemini is the ascendant of the City of London all Authors agree, and George acknowledged in his first Progg.

That Mercury is Lord of that signe, and simply most strong in this present figure, its his owne words at this time.

Neither is the signe, or Lord thereof afflicted, but on the contrary the most Potent Planet in the figure, yea more dignifyed then Sol or Venus, he is in Conjunction with Jupiter, and in Trine with the Moone who translats the Light and Virtue of Venus to Mercury: now according to George his owne words, Fol. 3. These are undeniable testimonyes both of the safety and honour of this famous City and Citizens thereof, nor doth it in the least particle point out by this his Majestyes martch any danger, losse, misery, or accidents unto them; this Constellation foretells what fame and esteeme the Citizens hereof shall attaine, by being the Kingdomes Bulwarke against Tyranny and Oppression, by releeving the many thousands plundred and pillaged by his Majestyes forces: and that this city shall get into their power one time or other all their enemies, perhaps in a very short time, for we see Mercury disposeth of Jupiter: I seriously avow upon my reputation to the whole Kingdome, this Judgement I give, is, and will prove true according to the Scheame of heaven Wharton hath set, &c. Who prosecutes his story with many invectives alleadged without Art or Judgement, and last of all, invites me to the Combate, with these words, The Moone is in the 6, very sick (Master Lilly) and neere the Dragons taylae, this will teach the Citizens their Allegiance.

An Vtopian judgement Master Wharton, that the afflicted moone in the sixt should teach us slavery: Our obedience we well know, we have performed our Allegiance, untill necessity inforced us for the Defence of the Parliament and our owne greivances to stand in Armes, and ingage our persons for the Publique Good: but what is this to the thing in question. Master Wharton see to it, there hath beene one Eclips in Leo, there will be another the eleventh of August, Remember George. The last Vomit against the city is an imprecation, that unlesse they submit to their Princes mercy, he like one of Baalls Preists falsely prophesieth such things unto them as cannot be diverted. But in what Apocripha he learned this Astrology, it appeares not to mee; no not out of quarterly Ingresses, which are signifycantly all averse to his Majesty and that party.

Master Wharton, having left the City with a curse, begins with full Sayles to tell us: All the good our hearts can wish for is promised by this Scheame; Stay false prophet, your hearts wish every day for the City of London, and can never have it; he goes on, and tells how his Majesty shall pursue his enemies, besiege Townes, Castles, Forts, Ruine us, have great successe in all his Designes: Cum multis aljis, &c.

Lilly. This must needes be a happy election of time, or else George a stickling Prophet, for he pipes out nothing but victory for his Maiesty: Be it granted, that the storming of Leiceister hath in part verefied some part of this prediction, (and a little treason besides) yet I deny it was signifyed by this positure, or that the rest of this mans words shall have like successe: Nay, by position of Mars Lord of the fourth, in the twelfe, his Majesty shall not keepe that Town very long, or any else that he may take in this Prophetiek martch, without infinite losse on his party: Venus in her house, doth assuredly tell us we shall keepe Evesham taken by plaine valour, and were it not for that accursed Cauda in Aquarius we should seldome be loosers, but be gayners, but Division and Treason have got an habit and live with us, and are your freinds, yea your onely freinds.

The figure doth at the begining promise successe, but the end of this martch will be unlucky, and foreshew some willfull obstinate Commanders on his Maiestyes side, will [Page] afford us an absolute victory over you. George for pure love, I tell you, there is in the Army such as the trayterous Butcher in Leicester. But upon examination, I finde that the Sunne whom George magnifyes so much is in square to the Ascendant, in Coniunction with the Virgilliae, twas no such prime time, observe the end, waite a few monthes, and consider if the Astrologer that elected this time for his Maiesty deserves not more punishment then Master Booker or Lilly: Herein George I will make you Judge, an honour you were never troubled with, nor are capable now, but that the thing is easie. See Guido Fol. 480. Whose words are: When you will elect a fit time for a King, &c. Let not the Sunne or Moone be unfortunate or the Sun in a feminine signe▪ let him have dignity where he is, the Sun in this scheame is totally unfortunate, so is the Moon an ill Omen (George) to his Maiesty that he will hardly keepe any thing he gets; Oxford, being (Locus a quo) is like to be safe awhile and the Judgement therein good, but you expose his Maiesty to infinite danger. Againe, see in the same Folio these words; Consider saith Guido, if in the same yeare there had beene or will be an Eclips, and in all elections avoide that signe, and let the two Lights be in Trine or Sextill, the more fortunate the Lights are, so much the better, and so the Contrary.

It is knowne there was a Lunar Eclips in January in Leone, the effects thereof began in Aprill, Continue till the end of June, &c. That very Degree wherein the Eclips was, have you elected to be the Ascendant of his Maiestie and his Armyes martch: In August there is a Solar Eclips, &c. In this figure the Moone applyes to a square of the Sun in fixed signes: Beleeve mee, heare is no continuance of your successes, not the taking of so many Towns, Forts, or Castles, or such routing of our Armyes, as you Master VVhirton delude the world with. He was none of his Maiestyes Freinds, that gave Direction for this martch; the sequell will tell you so, ere you returne to your winter quarters if any be left for you, Keep Leicester if you can, July may give it us againe.

After some evacuated Chollar, VVharton bursts out for very ioy into these wordes, Oh what snuffling there will be amongst the Zelots, before the middle of November. He goes on and derides our humiliation, &c. Do so still and prosper; God will not be mocked, whose Cause we doe maintaine, though I confesse not as it ought to be.

But let me tell you, such shall be our victories before the time limited by you be halfe come, that me thinks I hear the many accursed oaths the dam-boyes spue out both against God and man. Oh what sculking, sneaking, running into Corners, mouse-holes, sawpits, Cunny berries, tossing and tumbling the ungodly out of one County into another, doe I foresee: face about Gentlemen sayes one for our honour, as you did at Newberry, that is with a good pair of heeles, or alls lost say I; Oh the way to Bristoll, from thence to Exceter, then into Cornewall, thence into a safe harbour, if any can bee found for Malignants, Now Master VVharton I leave you, till again provoked by a more able Astrologer, and I desire you to get into your Accidence against the publishing of the next Journall or else you will be stript out of the remainder of the Prerogative Astrology by Master Booker in his next Almanack, to the totall confusion, and dishonour of the Vniversity that suffer so weak an Artist to be their Standard-bearer; but money and Learning are equally plentifull in Oxford.

WILLIAM LILLY.

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Title statement

The starry messenger; or an interpretation of that strange apparition of three suns seene in London, 19. Novemb. 1644. being the birth day of King Charles. The effects of the eclips of the sun, which will be visible in England, 11. August 1645. whose influence continues in force, from January, 1646 to Decemb. 1647. almost two whole yeares; and cannot but be the fore-runner of some extraordinary mutation in most common-wealths of Europe, but principally in England. With an answer to An astrologicall judgement. Printed at Oxford, upon his Majesties present martch. / By William Lilly student in astrologie.

Lilly, William, 1602-1681.

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1645

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2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

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A88290

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Wing L2245

ID [STC]

Thomason E288_17

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ESTC R200103

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99860907

ID [PROQUEST]

99860907

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113034

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— The starry messenger; or an interpretation of that strange apparition of three suns seene in London, 19. Novemb. 1644. being the birth day of King Charles. The effects of the eclips of the sun, which will be visible in England, 11. August 1645. whose influence continues in force, from January, 1646 to Decemb. 1647. almost two whole yeares; and cannot but be the fore-runner of some extraordinary mutation in most common-wealths of Europe, but principally in England. With an answer to An astrologicall judgement. Printed at Oxford, upon his Majesties present martch. / By William Lilly student in astrologie., Lilly, William, 1602-1681., Wharton, George, 1617-1681. Astrologicall judgement upon His Majesties present martch..

Extent

[8], 47, [5] p. : ill.

Printed for John Partridge and Humphry Blunden, and are to be sold at the signe of the Cocke in Ludgate Streete, and the Castle in Cornhill,. London, :: 1645.. (Includes George Wharton's "An astrologicall judgement upon His Majesties present martch" (Wing W1540), and Lilly's reply.) (Annotation on Thomason copy: "June 14th".) (Reproduction of the original in the British Library.)

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Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.

Editorial practices

EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.

EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).

The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.

Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.

Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.

The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.

Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).

Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site.