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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of William Lilly's History of His Life and
+Times, by William Lilly
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: William Lilly's History of His Life and Times
+       From the Year 1602 to 1681
+
+Author: William Lilly
+
+Editor: Elias Ashmole
+
+Release Date: May 16, 2005 [EBook #15835]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM LILLY'S HISTORY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven Gibbs, David King, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM LILLY'S
+
+HISTORY
+
+OF HIS
+
+LIFE AND TIMES,
+
+FROM THE YEAR 1602 TO 1681.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Written by Himself,
+
+IN THE SIXTY-SIXTH YEAR OF HIS AGE, TO HIS WORTHY FRIEND,
+
+ELIAS ASHMOLE, ESQ.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINAL MS.
+
+_LONDON_, 1715.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LONDON:
+
+RE-PRINTED FOR CHARLES BALDWYN,
+
+NEWGATE STREET.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M.DCCC.XXII.
+
+MAURICE, PRINTER, PENCHURCH-STREET.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF PLATES.
+
+William Lilly, (from Marshall's Print)
+
+Ditto (from the Picture)
+
+Dr. Simon Forman      34
+
+John Booker      68
+
+Charles the Second      95
+
+Charles the First      107
+
+Hugh Peters      134
+
+Speaker Lenthall      159
+
+Oliver Cromwell      175
+
+Dr. John Dee      223
+
+Edward Kelly      226
+
+Napier of Merchiston      236
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+PREFIXED TO THE LIVES OF ELIAS ASHMOLE & WILLIAM LILLY.
+
+In 1 vol. 8vo. 1772.
+
+
+_Although we cannot, with justice, compare Elias Ashmole to that
+excellent Antiquary John Leland, or William Lilly to the learned and
+indefatigable Thomas Hearne; yet I think we may fairly rank them with
+such writers as honest Anthony Wood, whose_ Diary _greatly resembles
+that of his cotemporary, and intimate friend, Elias Ashmole._
+
+_Some anecdotes, connected with affairs of state; many particulars
+relating to illustrious persons, and antient and noble families; several
+occurrences in which the Public is interested, and other matters of a
+more private nature, can only be found in works of this kind. History
+cannot stoop to the meanness of examining the materials of which_
+Memoirs _are generally composed._
+
+_And yet the pleasure and benefit resulting from such books are manifest
+to every reader._
+
+_I hope the admirers of the very laborious Thomas Hearne will pardon me,
+if I should venture to give it as my opinion, and with much deference to
+their judgment, that William Lilly's_ Life and Death of Charles the
+first _contains more useful matter of instruction, as well as more
+splendid and striking occurrences, than are to be found in several of
+those monkish volumes published by that learned Oxonian._
+
+_Lilly affords us many curious particulars relating to the life of that
+unfortunate Prince, which are no where else to be found. In delineating
+the character of Charles, he seems dispassionate and impartial, and
+indeed it agrees perfectly with the general portraiture of him, as it is
+drawn by our most authentic historians._
+
+The History of Lilly's Life and Times _is certainly one of the most
+entertaining narratives in our language. With respect to the science he
+professed of calculating nativities, casting figures, the prediction of
+events, and other appendages of astrology, he would fain make us think
+that he was a very solemn and serious believer. Indeed, such is the
+manner of telling his story, that sometimes the reader may possibly be
+induced to suppose Lilly rather an enthusiast than an impostor. He
+relates many anecdotes of the pretenders to foretell events, raise
+spirits, and other impostures, with such seeming candor, and with such
+an artless simplicity of style, that we are almost persuaded to take his
+word when he protests such an inviolable respect to truth and
+sincerity._
+
+_The powerful genius of Shakespeare could carry him triumphantly through
+subjects the most unpromising, and fables the most improbable: we
+therefore cannot wonder at the success of such of his plays, where the
+magic of witches and the incantation of spirits are described, or where
+the power of fairies is introduced; when such was the credulity of the
+times respecting these imaginary beings, and when that belief was made a
+science of, and kept alive by artful and superstitious, knavish, and
+enthusiastic teachers; what Lilly relates of these people, considered
+only as matter of fact, is surely very curious._
+
+_To conclude; I know no record but this where we can find so just and so
+entertaining a History of Doctor Dee, Doctor Forman, Booker, Winder,
+Kelly, Evans, (Lilly's Master,) the famous William Poole, and Captain
+Bubb Fiske, Sarah Shelborne, and many others._
+
+_To these we may add, the uncommon effects of the Crystal, the
+appearance of Queen Mabb, and other strange and miraculous operations,
+which owe their origin to folly, curiosity, superstition, bigotry, and
+imposture._
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+LIFE
+
+OF
+
+WILLIAM LILLY,
+
+STUDENT IN ASTROLOGY.
+
+    Wrote by himself in the 66th Year of his Age, at Hersham, in the
+    Parish of Walton-upon-Thames, in the County of Surry. _Propria
+    Manu._
+
+
+I[1] was born in the county of Leicester, in an obscure town, in the
+north-west borders thereof, called Diseworth, seven miles south of the
+town of Derby, one mile from Castle-Donnington, a town of great
+rudeness, wherein it is not remembered that any of the farmers thereof
+did ever educate any of their sons to learning, only my grandfather sent
+his younger son to Cambridge, whose name was Robert Lilly, and died
+Vicar of Cambden in Gloucestershire, about 1640.
+
+    [Footnote 1: "William Lilly was a prominent, and, in the opinion
+    of many of his cotemporaries, a very important personage in the
+    most eventful period of English history. He was a principal
+    actor in the farcical scenes which diversified the bloody
+    tragedy of civil war; and while the King and the Parliament were
+    striving for mastery in the field, he was deciding their
+    destinies in the closet. The weak and the credulous of both
+    parties, who sought to be instructed in 'destiny's dark
+    counsels,' flocked to consult the 'wily Archimage,' who, with
+    exemplary impartiality, meted out victory and good fortune to
+    his clients, according to the extent of their faith, and the
+    weight of their purses. A few profane Cavaliers might make his
+    name the burthen of their _malignant_ rhymes--a few of the more
+    scrupulous among the _Saints_ might keep aloof in sanctified
+    abhorrence of the 'Stygian sophister'--but the great majority of
+    the people lent a willing and reverential ear to his prophecies
+    and prognostications. Nothing was too high or too low--too
+    mighty or too insignificant, for the grasp of his genius. The
+    stars, his informants, were as communicative on the most trivial
+    as on the most important subjects. If a scheme was set on foot
+    to rescue the king, or to retrieve a stray trinket--to restore
+    the royal authority, or to make a frail damsel an honest
+    woman--to cure the nation of anarchy, or a lap-dog of a surfeit,
+    William Lilly was the oracle to be consulted. His _almanacks_
+    were spelled over in the tavern and quoted in the senate; they
+    nerved the arm of the soldier, and rounded the periods of the
+    orator. The fashionable beauty, dashing along in her calash from
+    St. James's or the Mall, and the prim, starched dame, from
+    Watling-street or Bucklersbury, with a staid foot-boy, in a
+    plush jerkin, plodding behind her--the reigning toast among 'the
+    men of wit about town,' and the leading groaner in a tabernacle
+    concert--glided alternately into the study of the trusty wizard,
+    and poured into his attentive ear strange tales of love, or
+    trade, or treason. The Roundhead stalked in at one door, whilst
+    the Cavalier was hurried out at the other.
+
+    "The _Confessions_ of a man so variously consulted and trusted,
+    if written with the candour of a Cardan or a Rousseau, would
+    indeed be invaluable. The _Memoirs of William Lilly_, though
+    deficient in this essential ingredient, yet contain a variety of
+    curious and interesting anecdotes of himself and his
+    cotemporaries, which, where the vanity of the writer, or the
+    truth of his art, is not concerned, may be received with
+    implicit credence.
+
+    "The simplicity and apparent candour of his narrative might
+    induce a hasty reader of this book to believe him a well-meaning
+    but somewhat silly personage, the dupe of his own
+    speculations--the deceiver of himself as well as of others. But
+    an attentive examination of the events of his life, even as
+    recorded by himself, will not warrant so favourable an
+    interpretation. His systematic and successful attention to his
+    own interest--his dexterity in keeping on 'the windy side of the
+    law'--his perfect political pliability--and his presence of mind
+    and fertility of resources when entangled in
+    difficulties--indicate an accomplished impostor, not a crazy
+    enthusiast. It is very possible and probable, that, at the
+    outset of his career, he was a real believer in the truth and
+    lawfulness of his art, and that he afterwards felt no
+    inclination to part with so pleasant and so profitable a
+    delusion: like his patron, Cromwell, whose early fanaticism
+    subsided into hypocrisy, he carefully retained his folly as a
+    cloak for his knavery. Of his success in deception, the present
+    narrative exhibits abundant proofs. The number of his dupes was
+    not confined to the vulgar and illiterate, but included
+    individuals of real worth and learning, of hostile parties and
+    sects, who courted his acquaintance and respected his
+    predictions. His proceedings were deemed of sufficient
+    importance to be twice made the subject of a parliamentary
+    inquiry; and even after the Restoration--when a little more
+    scepticism, if not more wisdom, might have been expected--we
+    find him examined by a Committee of the House of Commons,
+    respecting his fore-knowledge of the great fire of London. We
+    know not whether it 'should more move our anger or our mirth,'
+    to see an assemblage of British Senators--the cotemporaries of
+    Hampden and Falkland--of Milton and Clarendon--in an age which
+    roused into action so many and such mighty energies--gravely
+    engaged in ascertaining the causes of a great national calamity,
+    from the prescience of a knavish fortuneteller, and puzzling
+    their wisdoms to interpret the symbolical flames, which blazed
+    in the mis-shapen wood-cuts of his oracular publications.
+
+    "As a set-off against these honours may be mentioned, the
+    virulent and unceasing attacks of almost all the party
+    scribblers of the day; but their abuse he shared in common with
+    men, whose talents and virtues have outlived the malice of their
+    cotemporaries, and
+
+      'Whose honours with increase of ages grow,
+       As streams roll down, enlarging as they flow.'"
+
+    _Retrospective Review_, Vol. ii. p. 51.]
+
+The town of Diseworth did formerly belong long unto the Lord Seagrave,
+for there is one record in the hands of my cousin Melborn Williamson,
+which mentions one acre of land abutting north upon the gates of the
+Lord Seagrave; and there is one close, called Hall-close, wherein the
+ruins of some ancient buildings appear, and particularly where the
+dove-house stood; and there is also the ruins of decayed fish-ponds and
+other outhouses. This town came at length to be the inheritance of
+Margaret, Countess of Richmond, mother of Henry VII. which Margaret gave
+this town and lordship of Diseworth unto Christ's College in Cambridge,
+the Master and Fellows whereof have ever since, and at present, enjoy
+and possess it.
+
+In the church of this town there is but one monument, and that is a
+white marble stone, now almost broken to pieces, which was placed there
+by Robert Lilly, my grandfather, in memory of Jane his wife, the
+daughter of Mr. Poole of Dalby, in the same county, a family now quite
+extinguished. My grandmother's brother was Mr. Henry Poole, one of the
+Knights of Rhodes, or Templars, who being a soldier at Rhodes at the
+taking thereof by Solyman the Magnificent, and escaping with his life,
+came afterwards to England, and married the Lady Parron or Perham, of
+Oxfordshire, and was called, during his life, Sir Henry Poole. William
+Poole the Astrologer knew him very well, and remembers him to have been
+a very tall person, and reputed of great strength in his younger years.
+
+The impropriation of this town of Diseworth was formerly the inheritance
+of three sisters, whereof two became votaries; one in the nunnery of
+Langly in the parish of Diseworth, valued at the suppression, I mean the
+whole nunnery, at thirty-two pounds per annum, and this sister's part is
+yet enjoyed by the family of the Grayes, who now, and for some years
+past, have the enjoyment and possession of all the lands formerly
+belonging to the nunnery in the parish of Diseworth, and are at present
+of the yearly value of three hundred and fifty pounds per annum. One of
+the sisters gave her part of the great tithes unto a religious house in
+Bredon upon the Hill; and, as the inhabitants report, became a religious
+person afterwards.
+
+The third sister married, and her part of the tithes in succeeding ages
+became the Earl of Huntingdon's, who not many years since sold it to one
+of his servants.
+
+The donation of the vicarage is in the gift of the Grayes of Langley,
+unto whom they pay yearly, (I mean unto the Vicar) as I am informed, six
+pounds per annum. Very lately some charitable citizens have purchased
+one-third portion of the tithes, and given it for a maintenance of a
+preaching minister, and it is now of the value of about fifty pounds per
+annum.
+
+There have been two hermitages in this parish; the last hermit was well
+remembered by one Thomas Cooke, a very ancient inhabitant, who in my
+younger years acquainted me therewith.
+
+This town of Diseworth is divided into three parishes; one part belongs
+under Locington, in which part standeth my father's house, over-against
+the west end of the steeple, in which I was born: some other farms are
+in the parish of Bredon, the rest in the parish of Diseworth.
+
+In this town, but in the parish of Lockington, was I born, the first day
+of May 1602.
+
+My father's name was William Lilly, son of Robert, the son of Robert,
+the son of Rowland, &c. My mother was Alice, the daughter of Edward
+Barham, of Fiskerton Mills, in Nottinghamshire, two miles from Newark
+upon Trent: this Edward Barham was born in Norwich, and well remembered
+the rebellion of Kett the Tanner, in the days of Edward VI.
+
+Our family have continued many ages in this town as yeomen; besides the
+farm my father and his ancestors lived in, both my father and
+grandfather had much free land, and many houses in the town, not
+belonging to the college, as the farm wherein they were all born doth,
+and is now at this present of the value of forty pounds per annum, and
+in possession of my brother's son; but the freehold land and houses,
+formerly purchased by my ancestors, were all sold by my grandfather and
+father; so that now our family depend wholly upon a college lease. Of my
+infancy I can speak little, only I do remember that in the fourth year
+of my age I had the measles.
+
+I was, during my minority, put to learn at such schools, and of such
+masters, as the rudeness of the place and country afforded; my mother
+intending I should be a scholar from my infancy, seeing my father's
+back-slidings in the world, and no hopes by plain husbandry to recruit a
+decayed estate; therefore upon Trinity Tuesday, 1613, my father had me
+to Ashby de la Zouch, to be instructed by one Mr. John Brinsley; one, in
+those times, of great abilities for instruction of youth in the Latin
+and Greek tongues; he was very severe in his life and conversation, and
+did breed up many scholars for the universities: in religion he was a
+strict Puritan, not conformable wholly to the ceremonies of the Church
+of England. In this town of Ashby de la Zouch, for many years together,
+Mr. Arthur Hildersham exercised his ministry at my being there; and all
+the while I continued at Ashby, he was silenced. This is that famous
+Hildersham, who left behind him a commentary on the fifty-first psalm;
+as also many sermons upon the fourth of John, both which are printed; he
+was an excellent textuary, of exemplary life, pleasant in discourse, a
+strong enemy to the Brownists, and dissented not from the Church of
+England in any article of faith, but only about wearing the surplice,
+baptizing with the cross, and kneeling at the sacrament; most of the
+people in town were directed by his judgement, and so continued, and yet
+do continue presbyterianly affected; for when the Lord of Loughborough
+in 1642, 1643, 1644, and 1645, had his garrison in that town, if by
+chance at any time any troops of horse had lodged within the town,
+though they came late at night to their quarters; yet would one or other
+of the town presently give Sir John Gell of Derby notice, so that ere
+next morning most of his Majesty's troops were seized in their lodgings,
+which moved the Lord of Loughborough merrily to say, there was not a
+fart let in Ashby, but it was presently carried to Derby.
+
+The several authors I there learned were these, viz. _Sententi�
+Pueriles_, _Cato_, _Corderius_, _�sop's Fables_, _Tully's Offices_,
+_Ovid de Tristibus_; lastly, _Virgil_, then _Horace_; as also _Camden's
+Greek Grammar_, _Theognis_ and _Homer's Iliads_: I was only entered into
+_Udall's Hebrew Grammar_; he never taught logick, but often would say it
+was fit to be learned in the universities.
+
+In the fourteenth year of my age, by a fellow scholar of swarth, black
+complexion, I had like to have my right eye beaten out as we were at
+play; the same year, about Michaelmas, I got a surfeit, and thereupon a
+fever, by eating beech-nuts.
+
+In the sixteenth year of my age I was exceedingly troubled in my dreams
+concerning my salvation and damnation, and also concerning the safety
+and destruction of the souls of my father and mother; in the nights I
+frequently wept, prayed and mourned, for fear my sins might offend God.
+
+In the seventeenth year of my age my mother died.
+
+In the eighteenth year of my age my master Brinsley was enforced from
+keeping school, being persecuted by the Bishop's officers; he came to
+London, and then lectured in London, where he afterwards died. In this
+year, by reason of my father's poverty, I was also enforced to leave
+school, and so came to my father's house, where I lived in much penury
+for one year, and taught school one quarter of a year, until God's
+providence provided better for me.
+
+For the two last years of my being at school, I was of the highest form
+in the school, and chiefest of that form; I could then speak Latin as
+well as English; could make extempore verses upon any theme; all kinds
+of verses, hexameter, pentameter, phaleuciacks, iambicks, sapphicks, &c.
+so that if any scholars from remote schools came to dispute, I was
+ringleader to dispute with them; I could cap verses, &c. If any minister
+came to examine us, I was brought forth against him, nor would I argue
+with him unless in the Latin tongue, which I found few of them could
+well speak without breaking Priscian's head; which, if once they did, I
+would complain to my master, _Non bene intelligit linguam Latinam, nec
+prorsus loquitur_. In the derivation of words, I found most of them
+defective, nor indeed were any of them good grammarians: all and every
+of those scholars who were of my form and standing, went to Cambridge
+and proved excellent divines, only poor I, William Lilly, was not so
+happy; fortune then frowning upon father's present condition, he not in
+any capacity to maintain me at the university.
+
+
+OF THE MANNER HOW I CAME UNTO LONDON.
+
+
+Worthy sir, I take much delight to recount unto you, even all and every
+circumstance of my life, whether good, moderate, or evil; _Deo gloria_.
+
+My father had one Samuel Smatty for his Attorney, unto whom I went
+sundry times with letters, who perceiving I was a scholar, and that I
+lived miserably in the country, losing my time, nor any ways likely to
+do better, if I continued there; pitying my condition, he sent word for
+me to come and speak with him, and told me that he had lately been at
+London, where there was a gentleman wanted a youth, to attend him and
+his wife, who could write, &c.
+
+I acquainted my father with it, who was very willing to be rid of me,
+for I could not work, drive the plough, or endure any country labour; my
+father oft would say, I was good for nothing.
+
+I had only twenty shillings, and no more, to buy me a new suit, hose,
+doublet, &c. my doublet was fustian: I repaired to Mr. Smatty, when I
+was accoutred, for a letter to my master, which he gave me.
+
+Upon Monday, April 3, 1620, I departed from Diseworth, and came to
+Leicester: but I must acquaint you, that before I came away I visited my
+friends, amongst whom I had given me about ten shillings, which was a
+great comfort unto me. On Tuesday, April the 4th, I took leave of my
+father, then in Leicester gaol for debt, and came along with Bradshaw
+the carrier, the same person with whom many of the Duke of Buckingham's
+kindred had come up with. Hark how the waggons crack with their rich
+lading! It was a very stormy week, cold and uncomfortable: I footed it
+all along; we could not reach London until Palm-Sunday, the 9th of
+April, about half an hour after three in the afternoon, at which time we
+entered Smithfield. When I had gratified the carrier and his servants, I
+had seven shillings and sixpence left, and no more; one suit of cloaths
+upon my back, two shirts, three bands, one pair of shoes, and as many
+stockings. Upon the delivery of my letter my master entertained me, and
+next day bought me a new cloak, of which you may imagine (good Esquire)
+whether I was not proud of; besides, I saw and eat good white bread,
+contrary to our diet in Leicestershire. My master's name was Gilbert
+Wright, born at Market Bosworth in Leicestershire; my mistress was born
+at Ashby de la Zouch, in the same county, and in the town where I had
+gone to school. This Gilbert Wright could neither write nor read: he
+lived upon his annual rents, was of no calling or profession; he had for
+many years been servant to the Lady Pawlet in Hertfordshire; and when
+Serjeant Puckering was made Lord keeper, he made him keeper of his
+lodgings at Whitehall. When Sir Thomas Egerton was made Lord Chancellor,
+he entertained him in the same place; and when he married a widow in
+Newgate Market, the Lord Chancellor recommended him to the company of
+Salters, London, to admit him into their company, and so they did, and
+my master in 1624, was master of that company; he was a man of excellent
+natural parts, and would speak publickly upon any occasion very
+rationally and to the purpose. I write this, that the world may know he
+was no taylor, or myself of that or any other calling or profession: my
+work was to go before my master to church; to attend my master when he
+went abroad; to make clean his shoes; sweep the street; help to drive
+bucks when he washed; fetch water in a tub from the Thames: I have
+helped to carry eighteen tubs of water in one morning; weed the garden;
+all manner of drudgeries I willingly performed; scrape trenchers, &c. If
+I had any profession, it was of this nature: I should never have denied
+being a taylor, had I been one; for there is no calling so base, which
+by God's mercy may not afford a livelihood; and had not my master
+entertained me, I would have been of a very mean profession ere I would
+have returned into the country again; so here ends the actions of
+eighteen years of my life.
+
+My master married his second wife for her estate; she was competently
+rich; she married him for considerations he performed not, (nocturnal
+society) so that they lived very uncomfortably; she was about seventy
+years of age, he sixty-six or more; yet never was any woman more jealous
+of a husband than she; insomuch, that whensoever he went into London,
+she was confident of his going to women; by those means my life was the
+more uncomfortable, it being very difficult to please two such opposite
+natures: however, as to the things of this world I had enough, and
+endured their discontents with much sereneness. My mistress was very
+curious to know of such as were then called cunning or wise men, whether
+she should bury her husband? She frequently visited such persons, and
+this occasion begot in me a little desire to learn something that way,
+but wanting money to buy books, I laid aside these motions, and
+endeavoured to please both master and mistress.
+
+
+OF MY MISTRESS'S DEATH, AND OCCASION THEREOF BY MEANS OF A CANCER IN HER
+BREAST.
+
+
+In 1622 she complained of a pain in her left breast, whereon there
+appeared at first a hard knob no bigger than a small pea; it increased
+in a little time very much, was very hard, and sometimes would look very
+red; she took advice of surgeons, had oils, sear-cloths, plates of lead,
+and what not: in 1623 it grew very big, and spread all over her breast;
+then for many weeks poultices were applied to it, which in continuance
+of time broke the skin, and then abundance of watery thin stuff came
+from it, but nothing else; at length the matter came to suppuration, but
+never any great store issued forth; it was exceeding noisome and
+painful; from the beginning of it until she died, she would permit no
+surgeon to dress it but only myself; I applied every thing unto it, and
+her pains were so great the winter before she died, that I have been
+called out of my bed two or three times in one night to dress it and
+change plaisters. In 1624 by degrees, with scissars, I cut all the whole
+breast away, I mean the sinews, nerves, &c. In one fortnight, or little
+more, it appeared, as it were, mere flesh, all raw, so that she could
+scarce endure any unguent to be applied.
+
+I remember there was a great cleft through the middle of the breast,
+which when that fully appeared she died, which was in September 1624; my
+master being then in the country, his kindred in London would willingly
+have had mourning for her; but by advice of an especial friend of his I
+contradicted them; nor would I permit them to look into any chest or
+trunk in the house. She was decently buried, and so fond of me in the
+time of her sickness, she would never permit me out of her chamber, gave
+me five pounds in old gold, and sent me unto a private trunk of her's at
+a friend's house, where she had one hundred pounds in gold; she bid me
+bring it away and take it, but when I opened the trunk I found nothing
+therein; for a kinsman of hers had been there a few days before, and
+carried all away: she was in a great passion at my relating thereof,
+because she could not gratify my pains in all her sickness, advised me
+to help myself, when she was gone, out of my master's goods, which I
+never did.
+
+Courteous Esquire, be not weary of reading hereof, or what followeth.
+
+When my mistress died, she had under her arm-hole a small scarlet bag
+full of many things, which, one that was there delivered unto me. There
+was in this bag several sigils, some of Jupiter in Trine, others of the
+nature of Venus, some of iron, and one of gold, of pure angel-gold, of
+the bigness of a thirty-three shilling piece of King James's coin. In
+the circumference on one side was engraven, _Vicit Leo de tribu Jud�
+Tetragrammaton_ [symbol: cross], within the middle there was engraven a
+holy lamb. In the other circumference there was Amraphel and three
+[symbol: cross]. In the middle, _Sanctus Petrus_, _Alpha_ and _Omega_.
+
+The occasion of framing this sigil was thus; her former husband
+travelling into Sussex, happened to lodge in an inn, and to lie in a
+chamber thereof; wherein, not many months before, a country grazier had
+lain, and in the night cut his own throat; after this night's lodging,
+he was perpetually, and for many years, followed by a spirit, which
+vocally and articulately provoked him to cut his throat: he was used
+frequently to say, 'I defy thee, I defy thee,' and to spit at the
+spirit; this spirit followed him many years, he not making any body
+acquainted with it; at last he grew melancholy and discontented; which
+being carefully observed by his wife, she many times hearing him
+pronounce, 'I defy thee,' &c. she desired him to acquaint her with the
+cause of his distemper, which he then did. Away she went to Dr. Simon
+Forman, who lived then in Lambeth, and acquaints him with it; who having
+framed this sigil, and hanged it about his neck, he wearing it
+continually until he died, was never more molested by the spirit: I sold
+the sigil for thirty-two shillings, but transcribed the words _verbatim_
+as I have related. Sir, you shall now have a story of this Simon Forman,
+as his widow, whom I well knew, related it unto me. But before I relate
+his death, I shall acquaint you something of the man, as I have gathered
+them from some manuscripts of his own writing.
+
+
+OF DR. SIMON FORMAN
+
+
+He was a chandler's son in the city of Westminster. He travelled into
+Holland for a month, in 1580, purposely to be instructed in astrology,
+and other more occult sciences; as also in physick, taking his degree of
+Doctor beyond seas: being sufficiently furnished and instructed with
+what he desired, he returned into England, towards the latter end of the
+reign of Queen Elizabeth, and flourished until that year of King James,
+wherein the Countess of Essex, the Earl of Somerset, and Sir Thomas
+Overbury's matters were questioned. He lived in Lambeth, with a very
+good report of the neighbourhood, especially of the poor, unto whom he
+was very charitable. He was a person that in horary questions
+(especially thefts) was very judicious and fortunate; so also in
+sicknesses, which indeed was his master-piece. In resolving questions
+about marriage he had good success: in other questions very moderate. He
+was a person of indefatigable pains. I have seen sometimes half one
+sheet of paper wrote of his judgment upon one question; in writing
+whereof he used much tautology, as you may see yourself, (most excellent
+Esquire) if you read a great book of Dr. Flood's, which you have, who
+had all that book from the manuscripts of Forman; for I have seen the
+same word for word in an English manuscript formerly belonging to Doctor
+Willoughby of Gloucestershire. Had Forman lived to have methodized his
+own papers, I doubt not but he would have advanced the
+Jatro-mathematical part thereof very completely; for he was very
+observant, and kept notes of the success of his judgments, as in many of
+his figures I have observed. I very well remember to have read, in one
+of his manuscripts, what followeth.
+
+'Being in bed one morning,' (says he) 'I was desirous to know whether I
+should ever be a Lord, Earl, or Knight, &c. whereupon I set a figure;
+and thereupon my judgment:' by which he concluded, that within two years
+time he should be a Lord or great man: 'But,' says he, 'before the two
+years were expired, the Doctors put me in Newgate, and nothing came.'
+Not long after, he was desirous to know the same things concerning his
+honour or greatship. Another figure was set, and that promised him to be
+a great Lord within one year. But he sets down, that in that year he had
+no preferment at all; only 'I became acquainted with a merchant's wife,
+by whom I got well.' There is another figure concerning one Sir ----
+Ayre his going into Turkey, whether it would be a good voyage or not:
+the Doctor repeats all his astrological reasons and musters them
+together, and then gave his judgment it would be a fortunate voyage. But
+under this figure he concludes, 'this proved not so, for he was taken
+prisoner by pirates ere he arrived in Turkey, and lost all.' He set
+several questions to know if he should attain the philosophers' stone,
+and the figures, according to his straining, did seem to signify as
+much; and then he tuggs upon the aspects and configurations, and elected
+a fit time to begin his operation; but, by and by, in conclusion, he
+adds, 'so the work went very forward; but upon the [symbol: aspect
+"squares"] of [symbol: aspect "conjunctions"] the setting-glass broke,
+and I lost all my pains:' he sets down five or six such judgments, but
+still complains all came to nothing, upon the malignant aspects of
+[symbol: Saturn] and [symbol: Mars]. Although some of his astrological
+judgments did fail, more particularly those concerning himself, he being
+no way capable of such preferment as he ambitiously desired; yet I shall
+repeat some other of his judgments, which did not fail, being performed
+by conference with spirits. My mistress went once unto him, to know when
+her husband, then in Cumberland, would return, he having promised to be
+at home near the time of the question; after some consideration, he told
+her to this effect: 'Margery,' for so her name was, 'thy husband will
+not be at home these eighteen days; his kindred have vexed him, and he
+is come away from them in much anger: he is now in Carlisle, and hath
+but three-pence in his purse.' And when he came home he confessed all to
+be true, and that upon leaving his kindred he had but three-pence in his
+purse. I shall relate one story more, and then his death.
+
+One Coleman, clerk to Sir Thomas Beaumont of Leicestershire, having had
+some liberal favours both from his lady and her daughters, bragged of
+it, &c. The Knight brought him into the star-chamber, had his servant
+sentenced to be pilloried, whipped, and afterwards, during life, to be
+imprisoned. The sentence was executed in London, and was to be in
+Leicestershire: two keepers were to convey Coleman from the Fleet to
+Leicester. My mistress taking consideration of Coleman, and the miseries
+he was to suffer, went presently to Forman, acquainted him therewith;
+who, after consideration, swore Coleman had lain both with mother and
+daughters; and besides said, that the old Lady being afflicted with fits
+of the mother, called him into her chamber to hold down the fits with
+his hands; and that he holding his hands about the breast, she cried
+'Lower, lower,' and put his hands below her belly; and then--He also
+told my mistress in what posture he lay with the young ladies, &c. and
+said, 'they intend in Leicester to whip him to death; but I assure thee,
+Margery, he shall never come there; yet they set forward to-morrow,'
+says he; and so his two keepers did, Coleman's legs being locked with an
+iron chain under the horse's belly. In this nature they travelled the
+first and second day; on the third day the two keepers, seeing their
+prisoner's civility the two preceding days, did not lock his chain under
+the horse's belly as formerly, but locked it only to one side. In this
+posture they rode some miles beyond Northampton, when on a sudden, one
+of the keepers had a necessity to untruss, and so the other and Coleman
+stood still; by and by the other keeper desired Coleman to hold his
+horse, for he had occasion also: Coleman immediately took one of their
+swords, and ran through two of the horses, killing them stark dead; gets
+upon the other, with one of their swords; 'Farewell, gentlemen,' quoth
+he, 'tell my master I have no mind to be whipped in Leicestershire,' and
+so went his way. The two keepers in all haste went to a gentleman's
+house near at hand, complaining of their misfortune, and desired of him
+to pursue their prisoner, which he with much civility granted; but ere
+the horses could be got ready, the mistress of the house came down, and
+enquiring what the matter was, went to the stable, and commanded the
+horses to be unsaddled, with this sharp speech--'Let the Lady Beaumont
+and her daughters live honestly, none of my horses shall go forth upon
+this occasion.'
+
+I could relate many such stories of his performances; as also what he
+wrote in a book left behind him, _viz._ 'This I made the devil write
+with his own hand in Lambeth Fields 1596, in June or July, as I now
+remember.' He professed to his wife there would be much trouble about
+Carr and the Countess of Essex, who frequently resorted unto him, and
+from whose company he would sometimes lock himself in his study a whole
+day. Now we come to his death, which happened as follows: the Sunday
+night before he died, his wife and he being at supper in their
+garden-house, she being pleasant, told him, that she had been informed
+he could resolve, whether man or wife should die first; 'Whether shall
+I' (quoth she) 'bury you or no?' 'Oh Trunco,' for so he called her,
+'thou wilt bury me, but thou wilt much repent it.' 'Yea, but how long
+first?' 'I shall die,' said he, 'ere Thursday night.' Monday came, all
+was well. Tuesday came, he not sick. Wednesday came, and still he was
+well; with which his impertinent wife did much twit him in his teeth.
+Thursday came, and dinner was ended, he very well: he went down to the
+water-side, and took a pair of oars to go to some buildings he was in
+hand with in Puddle-dock. Being in the middle of the Thames, he
+presently fell down, only saying, 'An impost, an impost,' and so died. A
+most sad storm of wind immediately following. He died worth one thousand
+two hundred pounds, and left only one son called Clement. All his
+rarities, secret manuscripts, of what quality soever, Dr. Napper of
+Lindford in Buckinghamshire had, who had been a long time his scholar;
+and of whom Forman was used to say he would be a dunce: yet in
+continuance of time he proved a singular astrologer and physician. Sir
+Richard now living, I believe, has all those rarities in possession,
+which were Forman's, being kinsman and heir unto Dr. Napper. (His son
+Thomas Napper, Esq.; most generously gave most of these manuscripts to
+Elias Ashmole, Esq.;) I hope you will pardon this digression.
+
+After my mistress was dead, I lived most comfortably, my master having a
+great affection for me.
+
+The year 1625 now comes on, and the plague exceeding violent, I will
+relate what I observed the spring before it broke forth. Against our
+corner house every night there would come down, about five or six of the
+clock, sometime one hundred or more boys, some playing, others as if in
+serious discourse, and just as it grew dark would all be gone home; many
+succeeding years there was no such, or any concourse, usually no more
+than four or five in a company: In the spring of 1625, the boys and
+youths of several parishes in like number appeared again, which I
+beholding, called Thomas Sanders, my landlord, and told him, that the
+youth and young boys of several parishes did in that nature assemble and
+play, in the beginning of the year 1625. 'God bless us,' quoth I, 'from
+a plague this year;' but then there succeeded one, and the greatest that
+ever was in London. In 1625, the visitation encreasing, and my master
+having a great charge of money and plate, some of his own, some other
+men's, left me and a fellow-servant to keep the house, and himself in
+June went into Leicestershire. He was in that year feoffee collector for
+twelve poor alms-people living in Clement-Dane's Church-Yard; whose
+pensions I in his absence paid weekly, to his and the parish's great
+satisfaction. My master was no sooner gone down, but I bought a
+bass-viol, and got a master to instruct me; the intervals of time I
+spent in bowling in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, with Wat the cobler, Dick the
+blacksmith, and such like companions: We have sometimes been at our work
+at six in the morning, and so continued till three or four in the
+afternoon, many times without bread or drink all that while. Sometimes I
+went to church and heard funeral sermons, of which there was then great
+plenty. At other times I went early to St. Antholine's in London, where
+there was every morning a sermon. The most able people of the whole city
+and suburbs were out of town; if any remained, it were such as were
+engaged by parish-officers to remain; no habit of a gentleman or woman
+continued; the woeful calamity of that year was grievous, people dying
+in the open fields and in open streets. At last, in August, the bills of
+mortality so encreased, that very few people had thoughts of surviving
+the contagion: the Sunday before the great bill came forth, which was of
+five thousand and odd hundreds, there was appointed a sacrament at
+Clement Dane's; during the destributing whereof I do very well remember
+we sang thirteen parts of the one hundred and nineteenth Psalm. One
+Jacob, our minister (for we had three that day, the communion was so
+great) fell sick as he was giving the sacrament, went home, and was
+buried of the plague the Thursday following, Mr. James, another of the
+ministers, fell sick ere he had quite finished, had the plague, and was
+thirteen weeks ere he recovered. Mr. Whitacre, the last of the three,
+escaped not only then, but all the contagion following, without any
+sickness at all; though he officiated at every funeral, and buried all
+manner of people, whether they died of the plague or not. He was given
+to drink, seldom could preach more than one quarter of an hour at a
+time, &c. In November my master came home. My fellow-servant's and my
+diet came weekly to six shillings and sixpence, sometimes to seven
+shillings, so cheap was diet at that time.
+
+In February of that year, my master married again (one who after his
+death became my wife.) In the same year he settled upon me, during my
+life, twenty pounds per annum, which I have enjoyed ever since, even to
+the writing hereof.
+
+May 22, 1627, my master died at the corner house in the Strand, where I
+also lived so long. He died intestate; my mistress relinquishing the
+administration, it came to his elder brother, who assigned the estate
+over to me for payment of my master's debts; which being paid, I
+faithfully returned the remaining part unto his administrator; nor had
+one penny of the estate more than twenty pounds per annum, which was
+allowed me by contract, to undertake the payment of my master's debts.
+
+
+OF MY MARRIAGE THE FIRST TIME.
+
+
+My mistress, who had been twice married to old men, was now resolved to
+be couzened no more; she was of a brown ruddy complexion, corpulent, of
+but mean stature, plain, no education, yet a very provident person, and
+of good condition: she had many suitors, old men, whom she declined;
+some gentlemen of decayed fortunes, whom she liked not, for she was
+covetous and sparing: by my fellow-servant she was observed frequently
+to say, she cared not if she married a man that would love her, so that
+he had never a penny; and would ordinarily talk of me when she was in
+bed: this servant gave me encouragement to give the onset: I was much
+perplexed hereat, for should I attempt her, and be slighted, she would
+never care for me afterwards; but again, I considered that if I should
+attempt and fail, she would never speak of it; or would any believe I
+durst be so audacious as to propound such a question, the disproportion
+of years and fortune being so great betwixt us: however, all her talk
+was of husbands, and in my presence saying one day after dinner, she
+respected not wealth, but desired an honest man; I made answer, I
+thought I could fit her with such a husband; she asked me, where? I made
+no more ado, but presently saluted her, and told her myself was the man:
+she replied, I was too young; I said nay; what I had not in wealth, I
+would supply in love; and saluted her frequently, which she accepted
+lovingly; and next day at dinner made me sit down at dinner with my hat
+on my head, and said, she intended to make me her husband; for which I
+gave her many salutes, &c.
+
+I was very careful to keep all things secret, for I well knew, if she
+should take counsel of any friend, my hopes would be frustrated,
+therefore I suddenly procured her consent to marry, unto which she
+assented; so that upon the eighth day of September, 1627, at St.
+George's church in Southwark, I was married unto her, and for two whole
+years we kept it secret. When it was divulged, and some people blamed
+her for it, she constantly replied, that she had no kindred; if I proved
+kind, and a good husband, she would make me a man; if I proved
+otherwise, she only undid herself. In the third and fourth years after
+our marriage, we had strong suits of law with her first husband's
+kindred, but overthrew them in the end. During all the time of her life,
+which was until October, 1633, we lived very lovingly, I frequenting no
+company at all; my exercises were sometimes angling, in which I ever
+delighted: my companions, two aged men. I then frequented lectures, two
+or three in a week; I heard Mr. Sute in Lombard-Street, Mr. Gouge of
+Black-Fryars, Dr. Micklethwait of the Temple, Dr. Oldsworth, with
+others, the most learned men of these times, and leaned in judgment to
+Puritanism. In October, 1627, I was made free of the Salters' company in
+London.
+
+
+HOW I CAME TO STUDY ASTROLOGY.
+
+
+It happened on one Sunday, 1632, as myself and a Justice of Peace's
+clerk were, before service, discoursing of many things, he chanced to
+say, that such a person was a great scholar, nay, so learned, that his
+could make an Almanack, which to me then was strange: one speech begot
+another, till, at last, he said, he could bring me acquainted with one
+Evans in Gunpowder-Alley, who had formerly lived in Staffordshire, that
+was an excellent wise man, and studied the Black Art. The same week
+after we went to see Mr. Evans. When we came to his house, he, having
+been drunk the night before, was upon his bed, if it be lawful to call
+that a bed whereon he then lay; he roused up himself, and, after some
+compliments, he was content to instruct me in astrology; I attended his
+best opportunities for seven or eight weeks, in which time I could set a
+figure perfectly: books he had not any, except _Haly de judiciis
+Astrorum_, and _Orriganus's Ephemerides_; so that as often as I entered
+his house, I thought I was in the wilderness. Now something of the man:
+he was by birth a Welshman, a Master of Arts, and in sacred orders; he
+had formerly had a cure of souls in Staffordshire, but now was come to
+try his fortunes at London, being in a manner enforced to fly for some
+offences very scandalous, committed by him in these parts, where he had
+lately lived; for he gave judgment upon things lost, the only shame of
+astrology: he was the most saturnine person my eyes ever beheld, either
+before I practised or since; of a middle stature; broad forehead,
+beetle-browed, thick shoulders, flat nosed, full lips, down-looked,
+black curling stiff hair, splay-footed; to give him his right, he had
+the most piercing judgment naturally upon a figure of theft, and many
+other questions, that I ever met withal; yet for money he would
+willingly give contrary judgments, was much addicted to debauchery, and
+then very abusive and quarrelsome, seldom without a black eye, or one
+mischief of other: this is the same Evans who made so many antimornal
+cups, upon the sale whereof he principally subsisted; he understood
+Latin very well, the Greek tongue not at all: he had some arts above,
+and beyond astrology, for he was well versed in the nature of spirits,
+and had many times used the circular way of invocating, as in the time
+of our familiarity he told me. Two of his actions I will relate, as to
+me delivered. There was in Staffordshire a young gentlewoman that had,
+for her preferment, married an aged rich person, who was desirous to
+purchase some lands for his wife's maintenance; but this young
+gentlewoman, his wife, was desired to buy the land in the name of a
+gentleman, her very dear friend, but for her use: after the aged man was
+dead, the widow could by no means procure the deed of purchase from her
+friend; whereupon she applies herself to Evans, who, for a sum of money,
+promises to have her deed safely delivered into her own hands; the sum
+was forty pounds. Evans applies himself to the invocation of the angel
+Salmon, of the nature of Mars, reads his Litany in the
+_Common-Prayer-Book_ every day, at select hours, wears his surplice,
+lives orderly all that time; at the fortnight's end Salmon appeared, and
+having received his commands what to do, in a small time returns with
+the very deed desired, lays it down gently upon a table where a white
+cloth was spread, and then, being dismissed, vanished. The deed was, by
+the gentleman who formerly kept it, placed among many other of his
+evidences in a large wooden chest, and in a chamber at one end of the
+house; but upon Salmon's; removing and bringing away the deed, all that
+bay of building was quite blown down, and all his own proper evidences
+torn all to pieces. The second story followeth.
+
+Some time before I became acquainted with him, he then living in the
+Minories, was desired by the Lord Bothwell and Sir Kenelm Digby to show
+them a spirit. He promised so to do: the time came, and they were all in
+the body of the circle, when lo, upon a sudden, after some time of
+invocation, Evans was taken from out the room, and carried into the
+field near Battersea Causeway, close to the Thames. Next morning a
+countryman going by to his labour, and espying a man in black cloaths,
+came unto him and awaked him, and asked him how he came there? Evans by
+this understood his condition, enquired where he was, how far from
+London, and in what parish he was; which when he understood, he told the
+labourer he had been late at Battersea the night before, and by chance
+was left there by his friends. Sir Kenelm Digby and the Lord Bothwell
+went home without any harm, and came next day to hear what was become of
+him; just as they, in the afternoon, came into the house, a messenger
+came from Evans to his wife, to come to him at Battersea. I enquired
+upon what account the spirit carried him away: who said, he had not, at
+the time of invocation, made any suffumigation, at which the spirits
+were vexed. It happened, that after I discerned what astrology was, I
+went weekly into Little Britain, and bought many books of astrology, not
+acquainting Evans therewith. Mr. A. Bedwell, Minister of
+Tottenham-High-Cross near London, who had been many years chaplain to
+Sir Henry Wotton, whilst he was Ambassador at Venice, and assisted
+Pietro Soave Polano, in composing and writing the Council of Trent, was
+lately dead; and his library being sold into Little Britain, I bought
+amongst them my choicest books of astrology. The occasion of our falling
+out was thus: a woman demanded the resolution of a question, which when
+he had done, she went her way; I standing by all the while, and
+observing the figure, asked him why he gave the judgment he did, since
+the signification shewed quite the contrary, and gave him my reasons;
+which when he had pondered, he called me boy, and must he be
+contradicted by such a novice! But when his heat was over, he said, had
+he not so judged to please the woman, she would have given him nothing,
+and he had a wife and family to provide for; upon this we never came
+together after. Being now very meanly introduced, I applied myself to
+study those books I had obtained, many times twelve, or fifteen, or
+eighteen hours day and night; I was curious to discover, whether there
+was any verity in the art or not. Astrology in this time, viz. in 1633,
+was very rare in London, few professing it that understood any thing
+thereof. Let it not repent you (O noble Esquire) if now I make a short
+digression of such persons as then professed astrology, that posterity
+may understand in what condition I found it, and in whose hands that
+little that remained was lodged.
+
+There lived then in Houndsditch one Alexander Hart, who had been a
+soldier formerly, a comely old man, of good aspect; he professed
+questionary astrology, and a little of physick; his greatest skill was
+to elect young gentlemen fit times to play at dice, that they might win
+or get money. I went unto him for resolutions for three questions at
+several times, and he erred in every one. To speak soberly of him, he
+was but a cheat, as appeared suddenly after; for a rustical fellow of
+the city, desirous of knowledge, contracted with Hart to assist for a
+conference with a spirit, and paid him twenty pounds of thirty pounds
+the contract. At last, after many delays, and no spirit appearing, or
+money returned, the young man indicts him for a cheat at the Old Bailey
+in London; the Jury found the bill, and at the hearing of the cause this
+jest happened: some of the bench enquired what Hart did? 'He sat like an
+Alderman in his gown,' quoth the fellow; at which the court fell into a
+great laughter, most of the court being Aldermen. He was to have been
+set upon the pillory for this cheat; but John Taylour, the Water Poet,
+being his great friend, got the Lord Chief Justice Richardson to bail
+him, ere he stood upon the pillory, and so Hart fled presently into
+Holland, where he ended his days. It was my fortune, upon the sale of
+his books in 1634, to buy _Argoll's Primum Mobile_ for fourteen
+shillings, which I only wanted.
+
+In Lambeth Marsh at the same time lived one Captain Bubb, who resolved
+horary questions astrologically; a proper handsome man, well spoken, but
+withal covetous, and of no honesty, as will appear by this story, for
+which he stood upon the pillory. A certain butcher was robbed, going to
+a fair, of forty pounds; he goes to Bubb, who for ten pounds in hand
+paid, would help him to the thief; appoints the butcher such a night
+precisely, to watch at such a place, and the thief should come thither;
+commanded him by any means to stop him; the butcher attends according to
+direction. About twelve in the night there comes one riding very
+fiercely upon a full gallop, whom the butcher knocks down, and seized
+both upon man and horse: the butcher brings the man and horse to the
+next town, but then the person whom the butcher attacked was John the
+servant of Dr. Bubb; for which the Captain was indicted and suffered
+upon the pillory, and afterwards ended his days in great disgrace.
+
+There was also one Jeffry Neve, at this time a student in physic and
+astrology; he had formerly been a merchant in Yarmouth, and Mayor of the
+town, but failing in estate, went into the Low-Countries, and at
+Franecker took the degree, of doctor in Physick; he had some little
+smattering in astrology; could resolve a question of theft, or
+love-question, something of sickness; a very grave person, laborious and
+honest, of tall stature and comely feature; he died of late years,
+almost in the very street near Tower-Hill: he had a design of printing
+two hundred verified questions, and desired my approbation ere they went
+to press; that I first would see them, and then give testimony. When I
+had perused the first forty, I corrected thirty of them, would read over
+no more: I showed him how erroneous they were, desired his emendation of
+the rest, which he performed not. These were afterwards, in R.
+Saunders's custody, bought by him either of his son or of a
+stationer.[2]
+
+    [Footnote 2: But first offered to be sold to me for twenty
+    shillings. When Mr. Saunders died I bought them of his son for
+    less. E. A----.]
+
+There was then William Poole, a nibbler at astrology, sometimes a
+gardener, an apparitor, a drawer of linen; as quoifs, handkerchiefs; a
+plaisterer and a bricklayer; he would brag many times he had been of
+seventeen professions; was very good company for drolling, as you
+yourself very well remember (most honoured Sir);[3] he pretended to
+poetry; and that posterity may have a taste of it, you shall have here
+inserted two verses of his own making; the occasion of making them was
+thus. One Sir Thomas Jay, a Justice of the Peace in Rosemary-Lane,
+issued out his warrant for the apprehension of Poole, upon a pretended
+suggestion, that he was in company with some lewd people in a tavern,
+where a silver cup was lost, _Anglice_ stolen. Poole, hearing of the
+warrant, packs up his little trunk of books, being all his library, and
+runs to Westminster; but hearing some months after that the Justice was
+dead and buried, he came and enquired where the grave was; and after the
+discharge of his belly upon the grave, left these two verses upon it,
+which he swore he made himself.
+
+  Here lieth buried Sir Thomas Jay, Knight,
+  Who being dead, I upon his grave did shite.
+
+    [Footnote 3: December 17, this William Poole was married to
+    Alice How, at St. George's Church in Southwark. Mr. Lilly gave
+    her to him.]
+
+He died about 1651, or 1652, at St. Mary Overy's in Southwark; and this
+was part of his last will.
+
+'Item; I give to Dr. Ardee all my books, and one manuscript of my own,
+worth one hundred of Lilly's Introduction.'
+
+'Item; If Dr. Ardee give my wife any thing that is mine, I wish the
+devil may fetch him body and soul.' The Doctor, terrified with this
+curse, gave me all the books and his goods which I presently gave to his
+widow.---_Interdum seria jocis_.
+
+Now also lived this Dr. Ardee, but his true name was Richard Delahay,
+formerly an Attorney; he studied astrology and physick, being in
+necessity, and forced from Derbyshire, where he had lived, by the old
+Countess of Shrewsbury; he was of moderate judgment, both in astrology
+and physick. He had formerly been well acquainted with Charles Sledd,[4]
+an apothecary, who used the crystal, and had a very perfect sight. This
+Dr. Ardee hath many times affirmed unto me, (_esto fides_) that an
+angel, one time, appeared unto him, and offered him a lease of his life
+for one thousand years; he died about the age of fourscore years; left
+his widow, who married into Kent,[5] worth two or three thousand pounds,
+and William Poole's estate came to four or five pounds.
+
+    [Footnote 4: Of this Charles Sledd, there is mention made in Dr.
+    Dee's book of his discourse with spirits, set forth by Dr.
+    Casaubon.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: To one Moreland.]
+
+In the years 1632 and 1633, John Booker became famous for a prediction
+of his upon a solar eclipse in the 19th degree of Aries 1663, taken out
+of _Leovitius de magnis conjunctionibus_, viz. _Oh Reges et Principes
+&c._ Both the King of Bohemia, and Gustavus King of Sweden, dying during
+the effects of that eclipse.
+
+John Booker was born in Manchester, of good parentage, in the year 1601;
+was in his youth well instructed in the Latin tongue, which he
+understood very well. He seemed from his infancy to be designed for
+astrology; for from the time he had any understanding, he would be
+always poring on, and studying almanacks. He came to London at fitting
+years, and served an apprenticeship to an haberdasher in Laurence-Lane,
+London; but either wanting stock to setup, or disliking the calling, he
+left his trade, and taught to write at Hadley in Middlesex several
+scholars in that school: he wrote singularly well both Secretary and
+Roman. In process of time he served Sir Christopher Clethero, Knight,
+Alderman of London, as his clerk, being a city Justice of Peace: he also
+was clerk to Sir Hugh Hammersley, Alderman of London, both which he
+served with great credit and estimation; and by that means became not
+only well known, but as well respected of the most eminent citizens of
+London, even to his dying day.
+
+He was an excellent proficient in astrology, whose excellent verses upon
+the twelve months, framed according to the configurations of each month,
+being blessed with success according to his predictions, procured him
+much reputation all over England: he was a very honest man, abhorred any
+deceit in the art he studied; had a curious fancy in judging of thefts,
+and as successful in resolving love-questions: he was no mean proficient
+in astronomy; he understood much of physick; was a great admirer of the
+antimonial cup; not unlearned in chymistry, which he loved well, but did
+not practise. He was inclined to a diabetes; and in the last three years
+of his life was afflicted with a dysentery, which at last consumed him
+to nothing: he died of good fame in 1667. Since his decease I have seen
+one nativity of his performance exactly directed, and judged with as
+much learning as from astrology can be expected.
+
+His library of books came short of the world's approbation, and were by
+his widow sold to Elias Ashmole, Esq. who most generously gave her[6]
+far more money than they were worth; but out of his respects unto the
+deceased and his memory, he most willingly paid her the money. He left
+behind him two sons and two daughters. He left in writing very little
+but his annual prognostications. He began first to write about the year
+1630; he wrote _Bellum Hibernicale_, in the time of the long parliament,
+a very sober and judicious book: the epistle thereunto I gave him. He
+wrote lately a small treatise of Easter-Day, a very learned thing,
+wherein he shewed much learning and reading. To say no more of him, he
+lived an honest man, his fame not questioned at his death.
+
+    [Footnote 6: They cost me one hundred and forty pounds.]
+
+In this year 1633, I became acquainted with Nicholas Fiske, licentiate
+in physick, who was born in Suffolk, near Framingham[7] Castle, of very
+good parentage, who educated him at country schools, until he was fit
+for the university; but he went not to the academy, studying at home
+both astrology and physick, which he afterwards practised in Colchester;
+and there was well acquainted with Dr. Gilbert, who wrote _De Magnete_.
+He came afterwards unto London, and exercised his faculty in several
+places thereof. (For in his youth he would never stay long in one
+house.) In 1633 he was sent for out of Suffolk by Dr. Winston of Gresham
+College, to instruct the Lord Treasurer Weston's son in arithmetick,
+astronomy upon the globes, and their uses. He was a person very
+studious, laborious, of good apprehension, and had by his own industry
+obtained both in astrology, physick, arithmetick, astronomy, geometry
+and algebra, singular judgment: he would in astrology resolve horary
+questions very soundly; but was ever diffident of his own abilities: he
+was exquisitely skilful in the art of directions upon nativities, and
+had a good genius in performing judgment thereupon, but very unhappy he
+was, that he had no genius in teaching his scholars, for he never
+perfected any: his own son Matthew hath often told me, that where his
+father did teach any scholars in his time, they would principally learn
+of him; he had Scorpio ascending, and was secretly envious to those he
+thought had more parts than himself; however, I must be ingenuous, and
+do affirm, that by frequent conversation with him, I came to know which
+were the best authors, and much to enlarge my judgment, especially in
+the art of directions: he visited me most days once after I became
+acquainted with him, and would communicate his most doubtful questions
+unto me, and accept of my judgment therein rather than his own: he
+singularly well judged and directed Sir Robert Holborn's nativity, but
+desired me to adjudge the first house, seventh and tenth thereof, which
+I did, and which nativity (since Sir Robert gave it me) came to your
+hands, and remains in your library; [oh learned Esquire!] he died about
+the seventy-eighth year of his age, poor.
+
+    [Footnote 7: There is no such place in Suffolk, it being
+    mistaken for Framlingham in that county.]
+
+In this year also William Bredon, parson or vicar of Thornton in
+Buckinghamshire, was living, a profound divine, but absolutely the most
+polite person for nativities in that age, strictly adhering to Ptolemy,
+which he well understood; he had a hand in composing Sir Christopher
+Heydon's _Defence of Judicial Astrology_, being that time his chaplain;
+he was so given over to tobacco and drink, that when he had no tobacco,
+he would cut the bell-ropes and smoke them.
+
+I come now to continue the story of my own life, but thought it not
+inconvenient to commit unto memory something concerning those persons
+who practised when first I became a student in astrology; I have wrote
+nothing concerning any of them, which I myself do not either know, or
+believe to be true.
+
+In October 1633 my first wife died, and left me whatever was hers: it
+was considerable, very near to the value of one thousand pounds.
+
+One whole year and more I continued a widower, and followed my studies
+very hard; during which time a scholar pawned unto me, for forty
+shillings, _Ars Notoria_,[8] a large volume wrote in parchment, with the
+names of those angels, and their pictures, which are thought and
+believed by wise men, to teach and instruct in all the several liberal
+sciences, and is attained by observing elected times, and those prayers
+appropriated unto the several angels.
+
+    [Footnote 8: Among Dr. Napier's MSS. I had an _Ars Notoria_,
+    written by S. Forman in large vellum.]
+
+I do ingenuously acknowledge, I used those prayers according to the form
+and direction prescribed for some weeks, using the word _astrologia_ for
+_astronomia_; but of this no more: that _Ars Notoria_, inserted in the
+latter end of Cornelius Agrippa signifieth nothing; many of the prayers
+being not the same, nor is the direction to these prayers any thing
+considerable.
+
+In the year 1634, I taught Sir George Peckham, Knight, astrology, that
+part which concerns sickness, wherein he so profited, that in two or
+three months he would give a very true discovery of any disease, only by
+his figures. He practised in Nottingham, but unfortunately died in 1635,
+at St. Winifred's Well in Wales; in which well he continued so long
+mumbling his _Pater Nosters_ and _Sancta Winifrida ora pro me_, that the
+cold struck into his body; and, after his coming forth of that well,
+never spoke more.
+
+In this year 1634, I purchased the moiety of thirteen houses in the
+Strand for five hundred and thirty pounds.
+
+In November, the 18th day, I was again the second time married, and had
+five hundred pounds portion with that wife; she was of the nature of
+Mars.
+
+Two accidents happened to me in that year something memorable.
+
+Davy Ramsey, his Majesty's clock-maker, had been informed, that there
+was a great quantity of treasure buried in the cloyster of
+Westminster-Abbey; he acquaints Dean Williams therewith, who was also
+then Bishop of Lincoln; the Dean gave him liberty to search after it,
+with this proviso, that if any was discovered, his church should have a
+share of it. Davy Ramsey finds out one John Scott,[9] who pretended the
+use of the Mosaical rods, to assist him herein: I was desired to join
+with him, unto which I consented. One winter's night, Davy Ramsey, with
+several gentlemen, myself, and Scott, entered the cloysters; we played
+the hazel-rod round about the cloyster; upon the west-side of the
+cloysters the rods turned one over another, an argument that the
+treasure was there. The labourers digged at least six foot deep, and
+then we met with a coffin; but in regard it was not heavy, we did not
+open, which we afterwards much repented. From the cloysters we went into
+the Abbey church, where, upon a sudden, (there being no wind when we
+began) so fierce, so high, so blustering and loud a wind did rise, that
+we verily believed the west-end of the church would have fallen upon us;
+our rods would not move at all; the candles and torches, all but one,
+were extinguished, or burned very dimly.[10] John Scott, my partner, was
+amazed, looked pale, knew not what to think or do, until I gave
+directions and command to dismiss the d�mons; which when done, all was
+quiet again, and each man returned unto his lodging late, about twelve
+o'clock at night; I could never since be induced to join with any in
+such-like actions.
+
+    [Footnote 9: This Scott lived in Pudding-Lane, and had some time
+    been a page (or such like) to the Lord Norris.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: Davy Ramsey brought an half quartern sack to put
+    the treasure in.]
+
+The true miscarriage of the business, was by reason of so many people
+being present at the operation; for there was about thirty, some
+laughing, others deriding us; so that if we had not dismissed the
+d�mons, I believe most part of the Abbey church had been blown down;
+secrecy and intelligent operators, with a strong confidence and
+knowledge of what they are doing, are best for this work.
+
+In 1634, or 1635, a Lady living in Greenwich, who had tried all the
+known artists in London, but to no purpose, came weeping and lamenting
+her condition, which was this: she had permitted a young Lord to have
+the use of her body, till she was with child by him; after which time he
+could not or would not endure her sight, but commanded his lacquies and
+servants to keep his doors fast shut, lest she should get into his
+chamber; or if they chanced to see her near his lodging, to drive her
+away, which they several times had done. Her desire unto me was to
+assist her to see him, and then she should be content; whereupon I
+ordered, such a day, such an hour of that day, to try her fortune once
+more. She obeyed; and when she came to the King's Bench, where the Lord
+there was imprisoned, the outward door stood wide open: none speaking a
+word unto her, she went up stairs, no body molesting her; she found the
+Lord's chamber door wide open: he in bed, not a servant to be heard or
+seen, so she was pleased. Three days after she came to acquaint me with
+her success, and then drew out of her pocket a paper full of ratsbane,
+which, had she not had admission unto him that day I appointed, she
+would in a pint of white wine have drank at the stair's foot where the
+Lord lodged. The like misfortune befell her after that; when the Lord
+was out of prison: then I ordered her such a day to go and see a play at
+Salisbury-Court; which she did, and within one quarter of an hour the
+Lord came into the same box wherein she was. But I grew weary of such
+employments, and since have burned my books which instructed these
+curiosities: for after that I became melancholy, very much afflicted
+with the hypochondriack, growing lean and spare, and every day worse; so
+that in the year 1635 my infirmity continuing, and my acquaintance
+increasing, I resolved to live in the country, and in March and April
+1636 removed my goods unto Hersham, where I now live; and in May my
+person, where I continued until 1641, no notice being taken who, or what
+I was.
+
+In the years 1637 and 1638, I had great lawsuits both in the Exchequer
+and Chancery, about a lease I had of the annual value of eighty pounds:
+I got the victory.
+
+In the year 1640 I instructed John Humphreys, master of that art, in the
+study of astrology: upon this occasion, being at London, by accident in
+Fleet-Street, I met Dr. Percival Willoughby of Derby; we were of old
+acquaintance, and he but by great chance lately come to town, we went to
+the Mitre-Tavern in Fleet-Street, where I sent for old Will Poole the
+astrologer, living then in Ram-Alley: being come to us, the Doctor
+produced a bill, set forth by a master of arts in Cambridge, intimating
+his abilities for resolving of all manner of questions astrologically.
+The bill was shewed, and I wondering at it Poole made answer, he knew
+the man, and that he was a silly fool; 'I,' quoth he, 'can do more than
+he; he sees me every day, he will be here by and by;' and indeed he came
+into our room presently: Poole had, just as we came to him, set a
+figure, and then shewed it me, desiring my judgement; which I refused,
+but desired the master of arts to judge first; he denied, so I gave
+mine, to the very great liking of Humphreys, who presently enquired, if
+I would teach him, and for what? I told him I was willing to teach, but
+would have one hundred pounds. I heard Poole, whilst I was judging the
+figure, whisper in-Humphrey's ear, and swear I was the best in England.
+Staying three or four days in town, at last we contracted for forty
+pounds, for I could never be quiet from his solicitations; he invited me
+to supper, and before I had shewed him any thing, paid me thirty-five
+pounds. As we were at supper a client came to speak with him, and so up
+into his closet he went with his client; I called him in before he set
+his figure, or resolved the question, and instantly acquainted him how
+he should discover the moles or marks of his client: he set his figure,
+and presently discovers four moles the querent had; and was so overjoyed
+therewith, that he came tumbling down the stairs, crying, 'Four by
+G----, four by G----, I will not take one hundred pounds for this one
+rule.' In six weeks time, and tarrying with him three days in a week, he
+became a most judicious person.
+
+This Humphreys was a laborious person, vain-glorious, loquacious,
+fool-hardy, desirous of all secrets which he knew not, insomuch that he
+would have given me two hundred pounds to have instructed him in some
+curiosities he was persuaded I had knowledge of, but, _Artis est celare
+artem_, especially to those who live not in the fear of God, or can be
+masters of their own counsels: he was in person and condition such
+another as that monster of ingratitude my _quondam_ taylor, John
+Gadbury. After my refusal of teaching him, what he was not capable of,
+we grew strange, though I afforded him many civilities whenever he
+required it; for after the siege of Colchester he wrote a book against
+me, called _Anti Merlinus-Anglicus_, married a second wife, his first
+living in Cambridgeshire, then practised physick by a contrary name,
+having intentions to practise in Ireland; he went to Bristol, but there
+understanding the parliament's forces had reduced that kingdom, he came
+back to London, but durst not abide therein; but turning from his second
+wife, who also had another husband, he went to sea, with intention for
+Barbadoes, but died by the way in his voyage. I had never seen John
+Booker at that time; and telling him one day I had a desire to see him,
+but first, ere I would speak with him, I would fit myself with my old
+rules, and rub up my astrology; for at that time (and this was 1640) I
+thought John Booker the greatest and most complete astrologer in the
+world. My scholar Humphreys presently made answer, 'Tutor, you need not
+pump for any of your former knowledge, John Booker is no such pumper; we
+met,' saith he, 'the other day, and I was too hard for him myself, upon
+judgment of three or four questions.' If all the transactions happening
+unto that my scholar were in one volume, they would transcend either
+_Guzman_, _Don Quixote_, _Lazarillo de Tormes_, or any other of the like
+nature I ever did see.
+
+Having now in part recovered my health, being weary of the country, and
+perceiving there was money to be got in London, and thinking myself to
+be as sufficiently enabled in astrology as any I could meet with, I made
+it my business to repair thither; and so in September 1641 I did; where,
+in the years 1642 and 1643, I had great leisure to better my former
+knowledge: I then read over all my books of astrology, over and over;
+had very little or no practice at all: and whereas formerly I could
+never endure to read _Valentine Naibod's Commentary upon Alcabitius_,
+now having seriously studied him, I found him to be the profoundest
+author I ever met with; him I traversed over day and night, from whom I
+must acknowledge to have advanced my judgment and knowledge unto that
+height I soon after arrived at, or unto: a most rational author, and the
+sharpest expositor of _Ptolemy_ that hath yet appeared. To exercise my
+genius, I began to collect notes, and thought of writing some little
+thing upon the [symbol: aspect "conjunction"] of [symbol: Saturn] and
+[symbol: Jupiter] then approaching: I had not wrote above one sheet, and
+that very meanly, but James Lord Galloway came to see me; and, by
+chance, casting his eyes upon that rude collection, he read it over, and
+so approved of it, yea, so encouraged me to proceed farther, that then,
+and after that time, I spent most of my time in composing thereof, and
+bringing it, in the end, into that method wherein it was printed 1644. I
+do seriously now profess, I had not the assistance of any person living,
+in the writing or composing thereof. Mr. Fiske sent me a small
+manuscript, which had been Sir Christopher Heydon's, who had wrote
+something of the conjunction of [symbol: Saturn] and [symbol: Jupiter],
+1603; out of which, to bring my method in order, I transcribed, in the
+beginning, five or six lines, and not any more, though that graceless
+fellow Gadbury wrote the contrary: but, _Semel et semper nebulo et
+mendax_. I did formerly write one treatise, in the year 1639, upon the
+eclipse of the sun, in the eleventh degree of Gemini, May 22, 1639; it
+consisted of six sheets of paper. But that manuscript I gave unto my
+most munificent patron and ever bountiful friend, William Pennington, of
+Muncaster in Cumberland, Esq., a wise and excellently learned person;
+who, from the year 1634, even till he died, continued unto me the most
+grateful person I ever was acquainted with. I became acquainted with him
+by means of Davy Ramsey.
+
+Oh! most noble Esquire, let me now beg your pardon, if I digress for
+some small time, in commemorating his bounty unto me, and my requital of
+his friendship, by performing many things successfully for his
+advantage.
+
+In 1639 he was made captain, and served his Majesty in his then wars
+against the Scots; during which time a farmer's daughter being delivered
+of a bastard, and hearing, by report, that he was slain, fathered the
+child upon him. Shortly after he returned, most woefully vexed to be
+thus abused, when absent. The woman was countenanced by some gentlemen
+of Cumberland, in this her villany against him; so that, notwithstanding
+he had warrants to attach her body, he could never discover her: but
+yet, hunting her from one place to another, her friends thought it most
+convenient to send her to London, where she might be in most safety. She
+came up to the city, and immediately I had notice thereof, and the care
+of that matter was left unto me. I procured the Lord Chief Justice
+Bramston's warrant, and had it lying dormant by me. She had not been in
+the city above one fortnight, but that I, going casually to the clerk of
+the assizes' office for Cumberland, saw there an handsome woman; and
+hearing of her speak the northern tone, I concluded she was the party I
+did so want. I rounded the clerk in his ear, and told him I would give
+him five shillings to hold the woman in chat till I came again, for I
+had a writing concerned her. I hasted for my warrant, and a constable,
+and returned into the office, seized her person before the clerk of the
+assizes, who was very angry with me: it was then sessions at Old-Bayley,
+and neither Judge nor Justice to be found. At night we carried her
+before the Recorder, Gardner. It being Saturday at night, she, having no
+bail, was sent to Bridewell, where she remained till Monday. On Monday
+morning, at the Old-Bayley, she produced bail; but I desiring of the
+Recorder some time to enquire after the bail, whether they were
+sufficient, returned presently, and told him one of the bail was a
+prisoner in Ludgate, the other a very poor man. At which he was so
+vexed, that he sent her to Newgate, where she lay all that week, until
+she could please me with good sureties; which then she did, and so was
+bound over to appear at the next assizes in Cumberland; which she did,
+and was there sentenced to be whipped, and imprisoned one whole year.
+
+This action infinitely pleased Mr. Pennington, who thought I could do
+wonders; and I was most thankfully requited for it. All the while of
+this scandalous business, do what he could, he could not discover what
+persons they were that supported her; but the woman's father coming to
+town, I became acquainted with him, by the name of Mr. Sute, merchant;
+invited him to a dinner; got George Farmer with me; when we so plied him
+with wine, he could neither see or feel. I paid the reckoning,
+twenty-two shillings. But next morning the poor man had never a writing
+or letter in his pocket. I sent them down to my friend, who thereby
+discovered the plots of several gentlemen in the business; after which,
+Mr. Sute returned to his old name again.
+
+Mr. Pennington was a true royalist, whom Charles the Second made one of
+his Commissioners of Array for Cumberland. Having directions from me
+continually how matters did and would go betwixt the King and
+Parliament, he acted warily, and did but sign one only warrant of that
+nature, and then gave over. When the times of sequestrations came, one
+John Musgrave, the most bold and impudent fellow, and most active of all
+the north of England, and most malicious against my friend, had got this
+warrant under Mr. Pennington's hand into his custody; which affrighted
+my friend, and so it might, for it was cause enough of sequestration,
+and would have done it. Musgrave intending himself great matters out of
+his estate, I was made acquainted herewith. Musgrave being in London, by
+much ado, I got acquainted with him, pretending myself a bitter enemy
+against Pennington, whereat he very heartily rejoiced; and so we
+appointed one night to meet at the Five Bells, to compare notes; for I
+pretended much. We did meet, and he very suddenly produced upon the
+table all his papers, and withal, the warrant of array unto which my
+friend had set his hand; which when I saw, 'I marry,' said I, 'this is
+his hand I will swear; now have at all come, the other cup, this warrant
+shall pay for all.' I observed where the warrant lay upon the table,
+and, after some time took occasion ignorantly to let the candle fall
+out, which whilst he went to light again at the fire, I made sure of the
+warrant, and put it into my boot; he never missing it of eight or ten
+days; about which time, I believe, it was above half way towards
+Cumberland, for I instantly sent it by the post, with this friendly
+caveat, '_Sin no more_.' Musgrave durst not challenge me in those times,
+and so the business was ended very satisfactory to his friend, and no
+less to myself.
+
+He was, besides, extremely abused by one Isaac Antrobus, parson of
+Egremond, a most evil liver, bold, and very rich; at last he procured a
+minister of that country, in hope of the parsonage, to article against
+him in London, before the committee of plundered ministers. I was once
+more invited to solicit against Antrobus, which I did upon three or more
+articles.
+
+I. That Antrobus baptized a cock, and called him Peter.
+
+II. He had knowledge of such a woman and of her daughter, _viz._ of both
+their bodies, in as large a manner as ever of his own wife.
+
+III. Being drunk, a woman took a cord and tied it about his privy
+members unto a manger in a stable.
+
+IV. Being a continual drunkard.
+
+V. He never preached, &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Antrobus was now become a great champion for the Parliament; but, at the
+day of hearing, I had procured abundance of my friends to be there; for
+the godly, as they termed themselves, sided with him; the present Master
+of the Rolls was Chairman that day, Sir Harbottle Grimston.
+
+Who, hearing the foulness of the cause, was very much ashamed thereof. I
+remember Antrobus, being there, pleaded he was in his natural condition
+when he acted so ungraciously.
+
+'What condition were you in,' said the Chairman, 'when you lay with
+mother and daughter?'
+
+'There is no proof of that,' saith he.
+
+'None but your own confession,' said the Chairman, 'nor could any tell
+so well.'
+
+'I am not given to drunkenness,' quoth he. 'He was so drunk within this
+fortnight,' quoth I, 'he reeled from one side of the street to the
+other; here is the witness to prove it:' who, presently, before the
+committee, being sworn, made it good, and named the place and street
+where he was drunk. So he was adjudged scandalous, and outed of his
+benefice, and our minister had the parsonage.
+
+You cannot imagine how much the routing of this drunken parson pleased
+Mr. Pennington, who paid all charges munificently and thankfully.
+
+But now follows the last and greatest kindness I ever did him.
+Notwithstanding the committee for sequestrations in Cumberland were his
+very good friends, yet the sub-sequestrators, of their own heads, and
+without order, and by strength of arms, secured his irons, his wood, and
+so much of his personal estate as was valued at seven thousand pounds.
+Now had I complaint upon complaint: would I suffer my old friend to be
+thus abused? it was in my power to free him from these villains.
+
+I hereupon advised what was best to do, and was counselled to get Mr.
+Speaker Lenthall's letter to the sub-sequestrators, and command them to
+be obedient to the committee of the county.
+
+Whereupon, I framed a letter myself, unto the sub-sequestrators
+directed, and with it, myself and Mr. Laurence Maydwell (whom yourself
+well knew) went to Mr. Speaker, unto whom we sufficiently related the
+stubbornness of the officers of Cumberland; their disobedience to the
+committee; and then shewed him the letter, which when he had read over,
+he most courteously signed, adding withal, that if they proceeded
+further in sequestring Mr. Pennington, he would command a Serjeant at
+Arms to bring them up to answer their contempts: I immediately posted
+that letter to my friend, which when the absurd fellows received, they
+delivered him possession of his goods again; and, for my pains, when he
+came to London, gave me one hundred pounds; he died in 1652, of a
+violent fever. I did carefully, in 1642 and 1643, take notice of every
+grand action which happened betwixt King and Parliament, and did first
+then incline to believe, that as all sublunary affairs did depend upon
+superior causes, so there was a possibility of discovering them by the
+configurations of the superior bodies; in which way making some essays
+in those two years, I found encouragement to proceed further, which I
+did; I perused the writings of the ancients, but therein they were
+silent, or gave no satisfaction; at last, I framed unto myself that
+method, which then and since I follow, which, I hope, in time may be
+more perfected by a more penetrating person than myself.
+
+In 1643, I became familiarly known to Sir Bulstrode Whitlocke, a member
+of the House of Commons; he being sick, his urine was brought unto me by
+Mrs. Lisle,[11] wife to John Lisle, afterwards one of the keepers of the
+Great Seal; having set my figure, I returned answer, the sick for that
+time would recover, but by means of a surfeit would dangerously relapse
+within one month; which he did, by eating of trouts at Mr. Sand's house,
+near Leatherhead in Surrey. Then I went daily to visit him, Dr. Prideau
+despairing of his life; but I said there was no danger thereof, and that
+he would be sufficiently well in five or six weeks; and so he was.
+
+    [Footnote 11: She was afterwards beheaded at Winchester, for
+    harbouring one Nelthrop, a rebel in the Duke of Monmouth's army
+    1685. She had made herself remarkable, by saying at the
+    martyrdom of King Charles I, 1648, 'that her blood leaped within
+    her to see the tyrant fall;' for this, when she fell into the
+    state trap, she neither did nor could expect favour from any of
+    that martyr's family.]
+
+In 1644, I published _Merlinus Anglicus Junior_ about April. I had given
+one day the copy thereof unto the then Mr. Whitlocke, who by accident
+was reading thereof in the House of Commons: ere the Speaker took the
+chair, one looked upon it, and so did many, and got copies thereof;
+which when I heard, I applied myself to John Booker to license it, for
+then he was licenser of all mathematical books; I had, to my knowledge,
+never seen him before; he wondered at the book, made many impertinent
+obliterations, framed many objections, swore it was not possible to
+distinguish betwixt King and Parliament; at last licensed it according
+to his own fancy; I delivered it unto the printer, who being an arch
+Presbyterian, had five of the ministry to inspect it, who could make
+nothing of it, but said it might be printed, for in that I meddled not
+with their Dagon. The first impression was sold in less than one week;
+when I presented some to the members of Parliament, I complained of John
+Booker the licenser, who had defaced my book; they gave me order
+forthwith to reprint it as I would, and let them know if any durst
+resist me in the reprinting, or adding what I thought fit; so the second
+time it came forth as I would have it.
+
+I must confess, I now found my scholar Humphreys's words to be true
+concerning John Booker, whom at that time I found but moderately versed
+in astrology; nor could he take the circles of position of the planets,
+until in that year I instructed him. After my _Introduction_ in 1647
+became publick, he amended beyond measure, by study partly, and partly
+upon emulation to keep up his fame and reputation; so that since 1647, I
+have seen some nativities by him very judiciously performed. When the
+printer presented him with an _Introduction_ of mine, as soon as they
+were forth of the press; 'I wish,' saith he, 'there was never another
+but this in England, conditionally I gave one hundred pounds for this.'
+After that time we were very great friends to his dying day.
+
+In June, 1644, I published _Supernatural Sight_; and, indeed, if I could
+have procured the dull stationer to have been at charges to have cut the
+_icon_ or form of that prodigious apparition, as I had drawn it forth,
+it would have given great satisfaction; however, the astrological
+judgment thereupon had its full event in every particular.
+
+That year also I published the _White King's Prophecy_, of which there
+were sold in three days eighteen hundred, so that it was oft reprinted:
+I then made no commentary upon it.
+
+In that year I printed the _Prophetical Merlin_, and had eight pounds
+for the copy.
+
+I had then no farther intention to trouble the press any more, but Sir
+Richard Napper having received one of Captain Wharton's _Almanacks_ for
+1645, under the name Naworth, he came unto me: 'Now, Lilly, you are met
+withal, see here what Naworth writes.' The words were, he called me 'an
+impudent senseless fellow, and by name William Lilly.'
+
+Before that time, I was more Cavalier than Roundhead, and so taken
+notice of; but after that I engaged body and soul in the cause of
+Parliament, but still with much affection to his Majesty's person and
+unto monarchy, which I ever loved and approved beyond any government
+whatsoever; and you will find in this story many passages of civility
+which I did, and endeavoured to do, with the hazard of my life, for his
+Majesty: but God had ordered all his affairs and counsels to have no
+successes; as in the sequel will appear.
+
+To vindicate my reputation, and to cry quittance with Naworth, against
+whom I was highly incensed, to work I went again for _Anglicus_, 1645;
+which as soon as finished I got to the press, thinking every day one
+month till it was publick: I therein made use of the King's nativity,
+and finding that his ascendant was approaching to the quadrature of
+Mars, about June, 1645, I gave this unlucky judgment; 'If now we fight,
+a victory stealeth upon us;' and so it did in June, 1645, at Naseby, the
+most fatal overthrow he ever had.
+
+In this year, 1645, I published a treatise called the _Starry
+Messenger_, with an interpretation of three suns seen in London, 29th
+May, 1644, being Charles the Second's birthday: in that book I also put
+forth an astrological judgment concerning the effects of a solar
+eclipse, visible the 11th of August, 1645. Two days before its
+publishing, my antagonist, Captain Wharton, having given his
+astronomical judgment upon his Majesty's present march from Oxford;
+therein again fell foul against me and John Booker: Sir Samuel Luke,
+Governor of Newportpagnel, had the thing came to his garrison from
+Oxford, which presently was presented unto my view. I had but twelve
+hours, or thereabout, to answer it, which I did with such success as is
+incredible; and the printer printed both the _March_ and my answer unto
+it, and produced it to sight, with my _Starry Messenger_, which came
+forth and was made publick the very day of the Parliament's great
+victory obtained against his Majesty in person at Naseby, under the
+conduct of the Lord Thomas Fairfax.
+
+That book no sooner appeared, but within fourteen days complaint was
+made to the committee of examinations, Miles Corbet then being Chairman,
+my mortal enemy, he who after was hanged, drawn, and quartered, for
+being one of the King's Judges; he grants his warrant, and a messenger
+to the Serjeant at Arms seizeth my person. As I was going to Westminster
+with the messenger, I met Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Christopher Wray,
+Mr. Denzil Hollis, Mr. Robert Reynolds, who, by great fortune, had the
+_Starry Messenger_ sheet by sheet from me as it came from the press.
+They presently fell a smiling at me; 'Miles Corbet, Lilly, will punish
+thee soundly; but fear nothing, we will dine, and make haste to be at
+the committee time enough to do the business;' and so they most
+honourably performed; for they, as soon as they came, sat down, and put
+Mr. Reynolds purposely into the chair, and I was called in; but Corbet
+being not there, they bid me withdraw until he came; which when he did,
+I was commanded to appear, and Corbet desired to give the cause of my
+being in restraint, and of the committee's order. Mr. Reynolds was
+purposely put into the chair, and continued till my business was over.
+
+Corbet produced my _Anglicus_ of 1645, and said there were many
+scandalous passages therein against the Commissioners of Excise in
+London. He produced one passage, which being openly read by himself, the
+whole committee adjudged it to signify the errors of sub-officers, but
+had no relation to the Commissioners themselves, which I affirmatively
+maintained to be the true meaning as the committee declared.
+
+Then Corbet found out another dangerous place, as he thought, and the
+words were thus in the printed book--'In the name of the Father, Son,
+and Holy Ghost, will not the Excise pay the soldiers?'
+
+Corbet very ignorantly read, 'will not the Eclipse pay soldiers?' at
+which the Committee fell heartily to laugh at him, and so he became
+silent.
+
+There was a great many Parliament men there; the chamber was full. 'Have
+you any more against Mr. Lilly?' cried the chairman.
+
+'Yes,' saith the Sollicitor for the Excise, 'since his _Starry
+Messenger_ came forth we had our house burnt, and the Commissioners
+pulled by their cloaks in the Exchange.' 'Pray, sir, when was this,'
+asked old Sir Robert Pye, 'that the house was burnt, and the Aldermen
+abused?' 'It was in such a week,' saith he. 'Mr. Lilly, when came the
+book forth?' 'The very day of Naseby fight,' answered Mr. Reynolds, 'nor
+needs he be ashamed of writing it: I had it daily as it came forth of
+the press: it was then found the house to be burnt, and the Aldermen
+abused, twelve days before the _Starry Messenger_ came forth.' 'What a
+lying fellow art thou,' saith Sir Robert Pye, 'to abuse us so!' This he
+spoke to the Sollicitor. Then stood up one Bassell, a merchant: he
+inveighed bitterly against me, being a Presbyterian, and would have had
+my books burnt. 'You smell more of a citizen than a scholar,' replied
+Mr. Francis Drake. I was ordered to withdraw, and by and by was called
+in, and acquainted the committee did discharge me. But I cried with a
+loud voice, 'I was under a messenger;' whereupon the committee ordered
+him or the Serjeant at Arms not to take any fees; Mr. Reynolds saying,
+'Literate men never pay any fees.'
+
+But within one week after, I was likely to have had worse success, but
+that the before-named gentlemen stoutly befriended me. In my Epistle of
+the _Starry Messenger_, I had been a little too plain with the committee
+of Leicestershire; who thereof made complaint unto Sir Arthur Hazelrigg,
+Knight for that county; he was a furious person, and made a motion in
+the House of Commons against me, and the business was committed to that
+committee, whereof Baron Rigby was chairman. A day was assigned to hear
+the matter; in the morning whereof, as I passed by Mr. Pullen's shop in
+St. Paul's Church-yard, Pullen bad 'God be with you,' and named me by
+name. Mr. Selden being there, and hearing my name, gave direction to
+call me unto him, where he acquaints me with Hazelrigg's humour and
+malice towards me, called for the _Starry Messenger_, and having read
+over the words mentioning that committee, he asked me how I would answer
+them? I related what I would have said, but he contradicted me, and
+acquainted me what to say, and how to answer. In the afternoon I went to
+appear, but there was no committee set, or would sit; for both Mr.
+Reynolds and Sir Philip Stapleton, and my other friends, had fully
+acquainted Baron Rigby with the business, and desired him not to call
+upon me until they appeared; for the matter and charge intended against
+me was very frivolous, and only presented by a cholerick person to
+please a company of clowns, meaning the committee of Leicester. Baron
+Rigby said, if it were so he would not meddle with the matter, but
+exceedingly desired to see me. Not long after he met Sir Arthur, and
+acquainting him what friends appeared for me, said, 'I will then
+prosecute him no further.'
+
+All the ancient astrologers of England were much startled and confounded
+at my manner of writing, especially old Mr. William Hodges, who lived
+near Wolverhampton in Staffordshire, and many others who understood
+astrology competently well, as they thought. Hodges swore I did more by
+astrology than he could by the crystal, and use thereof, which indeed he
+understood as perfectly as any one in England. He was a great royalist,
+but could never hit any thing right for that party, though he much
+desired it: he resolved questions astrologically; nativities he meddled
+not with; in things of other nature, which required more curiosity, he
+repaired to the crystal: his angels were Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel:
+his life answered not in holiness and sanctity to what it should, having
+to deal with those holy angels. Being contemporary with me, I shall
+relate what my partner John Scott, the same Scott as is
+before-mentioned, affirmed of him. John Scott was a little skilful in
+surgery and physick, so was Will Hodges, and had formerly been a
+school-master. Scott having some occasions into Staffordshire, addressed
+himself for a month or six weeks to Hodges, assisted him to dress his
+patients, let blood, &c. Being to return to London, he desired Hodges to
+shew him the person and feature of the woman he should marry. Hodges
+carries him into a field not far from his house, pulls out his crystal,
+bids Scott set his foot to his, and, after a while, wishes him to
+inspect the crystal, and observe what he saw there. 'I see,' saith
+Scott, 'a ruddy complexioned wench in a red waistcoat, drawing a can of
+beer.' 'She must be your wife,' said Hodges. 'You are mistaken, Sir,'
+said Scott. 'I am, so soon as I come to London, to marry a tall
+gentlewoman in the Old Bailey.' 'You must marry the red waistcoat,' said
+Hodges. Scott leaves the country, comes up to London, finds his
+gentlewoman married: two years after going into Dover, in his return, he
+refreshed himself at an inn in Canterbury, and as he came into the hall,
+or first room thereof, he mistook the room, and went into the buttery,
+where he espied a maid, described by Hodges, as before said, drawing a
+can of beer, &c. He then more narrowly viewing her person and habit,
+found her, in all parts, to be the same Hodges had described; after
+which he became a suitor unto her, and was married unto her; which woman
+I have often seen. This Scott related unto me several times, being a
+very honest person, and made great conscience of what he spoke. Another
+story of him is as followeth, which I had related from a person which
+well knew the truth of it.
+
+A neighbour gentleman of Hodges lost his horse; who having Hodges's
+advice for recovery of him, did again obtain him. Some years after, in a
+frolick, he thought to abuse him, acquainting a neighbour therewith,
+viz., that he had formerly lost a horse, went to Hodges, recovered him
+again, but saith it was by chance; I might have had him without going
+unto him: 'Come, let's go, I will now put a trick upon him; I will leave
+some boy or other at the town's-end with my horse, and then go to Hodges
+and enquire for him.' He did so, gave his horse to a youth, with orders
+to walk him till he returned. Away he goes with his friend, salutes Mr.
+Hodges, thanks him for his former courtesy, and now desires the like,
+having lost a horse very lately. Hodges, after some time of pausing,
+said; 'Sir, your horse is lost, and never to be recovered.' 'I thought
+what skill you had,' replies the gallant, 'my horse is walking in a lane
+at the town's-end.' With that Hodges swore (as he was too much given
+unto that vice) 'your horse is gone, and you will never have him again.'
+The gentleman departed in great derision of Hodges, and went where he
+left his horse: when he came there, he found the boy fast asleep upon
+the ground, the horse gone, the boy's arm in the bridle.
+
+He returns again to Hodges, desiring his aid, being sorry for his former
+abuse. Old Will swore like a devil, 'be gone, be gone; go look for your
+horse.' This business ended not so; for the malicious man brought Hodges
+into the star-chamber, bound him over to the assizes, put Hodges to
+great expences: but, by means of the Lord Dudley, if I remember aright,
+or some other person thereabouts, he overcame the gentleman, and was
+acquitted.
+
+Besides this, a gentlewoman of my acquaintance, and of credit, in
+Leicestershire, having lost a pillion-cloth, a very new one, went to
+desire his judgment. He ordered her such a day to attend at Mountsorrel
+in Leicestershire, and about twelve o'clock she should see her
+pillion-cloth upon a horse, and a woman upon it. My friend attended the
+hour and place; it being told, she must needs warm herself well, and
+then enquired if any passengers had lately gone by the inn? Unto whom
+answer was made, there passed by whilst she was at the fire, about half
+an hour before, a man, and a woman behind him, on horse-back. Inquiring
+of what colour the pillion-cloth was of; it was answered, directly of
+the colour my friend's was: they pursued, but too late.
+
+In those times, there lived one William Marsh in Dunstable, a man of
+godly life and upright conversation, a Recusant. By astrology he
+resolved thievish questions with great success; that was his utmost sole
+practice. He was many times in trouble; but by Dr. Napper's interest
+with the Earl of Bolingbroke, Lord Wentworth, after Earl of Cleveland,
+he still continued his practice, the said Earl not permitting any
+Justice of Peace to vex him.
+
+This man had only two books, _Guido_ and _Haly_ bound together; he had
+so mumbled and tumbled the leaves of both, that half one side of every
+leaf was torn even to the middle. I was familiar with him for many
+years: he died about 1647.
+
+A word or two of Dr. Napper, who lived at Great Lindford in
+Buckinghamshire, was parson, and had the advowson thereof. He descended
+of worshipful parents, and this you must believe; for when Dr. Napper's
+brother, Sir Robert Napper, a Turkey merchant, was to be made a Baronet
+in King James's reign, there was some dispute whether he could prove
+himself a gentleman for three or more descents. 'By my saul,' saith King
+James, 'I will certify for Napper, that he is of above three hundred
+years standing in his family, all of them, by my saul, gentlemen,' &c.
+However, their family came into England in King Henry the Eighth's time.
+The parson was Master of Arts; but whether doctorated by degree or
+courtesy, because of his profession, I know not. Miscarrying one day in
+the pulpit, he never after used it, but all his life-time kept in his
+house some excellent scholar or other to officiate for him, with
+allowance of a good salary: he out-went Forman in physick and holiness
+of life; cured the falling-sickness perfectly by constellated rings,
+some diseases by amulets, &c.
+
+A maid was much afflicted with the falling sickness, whose parents
+applied themselves unto him for cure: he framed her a constellated ring,
+upon wearing whereof, she recovered perfectly. Her parents acquainted
+some scrupulous divines with the cure of their daughter: 'The cure is
+done by inchantment,' say they. 'Cast away the ring, it's diabolical;
+God cannot bless you, if you do not cast the ring away.' The ring was
+cast into the well, whereupon the maid became epileptical as formerly,
+and endured much misery for a long time. At last her parents cleansed
+the well, and recovered the ring again; the maid wore it, and her fits
+took her no more. In this condition she was one year or two; which the
+Puritan ministers there adjoining hearing, never left off, till they
+procured her parents to cast the ring quite away; which done, the fits
+returned in such violence, that they were enforced to apply to the
+Doctor again, relating at large the whole story, humbly imploring his
+once more assistance; but he could not be procured to do any thing, only
+said, those who despised God's mercies, were not capable or worthy of
+enjoying them.
+
+I was with him in 1632, or 1633, upon occasion. He had me up into his
+library, being excellently furnished with very choice books: there he
+prayed almost one hour; he invocated several angels in his prayer,
+viz.[12] Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, &c. We parted.
+
+    [Footnote 12: The collect read on Michaelmas-day, seems to allow
+    of praying to angels. At some times, upon great occasions, he
+    had conference with Michael, but very rarely.]
+
+He instructed many ministers in astrology, would lend them whole
+cloak-bags of books; protected them from harm and violence, by means of
+his power with the Earl of Bolingbroke.[13] He would confess my master
+Evans knew more than himself in some things: and some time before he
+died, he got his cousin Sir Richard to set a figure to see when he
+should die. Being brought him; 'Well,' he said, 'the old man will live
+this winter, but in the spring he will die; welcome Lord Jesus, thy will
+be done.' He had many enemies: Cotta, Doctor of physick in Northampton,
+wrote a sharp book of witchcraft, wherein, obliquely, he bitterly
+inveighed against the Doctor.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Lord Wentworth, after Earl of Cleveland.]
+
+In 1646, I printed a collection of Prophecies, with the explanation and
+verification of Aquila, or the _White King's Prophecy_; as also the
+nativities of Bishop Laud and Thomas Earl of Strafford, and a most
+learned speech by him intended to have been spoke upon the scaffold. In
+this year 1646, after a great consideration, and many importunities, I
+began to fix upon thoughts of an _Introduction unto Astrology_, which
+was very much wanting, and as earnestly longed for by many persons of
+quality. Something also much occasioned and hastened the impression,
+viz. the malevolent barking of Presbyterian ministers in their weekly
+sermons, reviling the professors thereof, and myself particularly by
+name.
+
+Secondly, I thought it a duty incumbent upon me, to satisfy the whole
+kingdom of the lawfulness thereof, by framing a plain and easy method
+for any person but of indifferent capacity to learn the art, and
+instruct himself therein, without any other master than my
+_Introduction_; by which means, when many understood it, I should have
+more partners and assistants to contradict all and every antagonist.
+
+Thirdly, I found it best as unto point of time, because many of the
+soldiers were wholly for it, and many of the Independant party; and I
+had abundance of worthy men in the House of Commons, my assured friends,
+no lovers of Presbytery, which then were in great esteem, and able to
+protect the art; for should the Presbyterian party have prevailed, as
+they thought of nothing less than to be Lords of all, I knew well they
+would have silenced my pen annually, and committed the _Introduction_
+unto everlasting silence.
+
+Fourthly, I had something of conscience touched my spirit, and much
+elevated my conceptions, believing God had not bestowed those abilities
+upon me, to bury them under a bushel; for though my education was very
+mean, yet, by my continual industry, and God's great mercy, I found
+myself capable to go forward with the work, and to commit the issue
+thereof unto Divine Providence.
+
+I had a hard task in hand to begin the first part hereof, and much
+labour I underwent to methodize it as it is.
+
+I ingenuously confess unto you (Arts' great Mec�nas, noble Esquire
+Ashmole,) no mortal man had any share in the composition or ordering of
+the first part thereof, but my only self. You are a person of great
+reading, yet I well know you never found the least trace thereof in any
+author yet extant.
+
+In composing, contriving, ordering, and framing thereof (viz. the first
+part) a great part of that year was spent. I again perused all, or most,
+authors I had, sometimes adding, at other times diminishing, until at
+last I thought it worthy of the press. When I came to frame the second
+part thereof, having formerly collected out of many manuscripts, and
+exchanged rules with the most able professors I had acquaintance with,
+in transcribing those papers for impression, I found, upon a strict
+inquisition, those rules were, for the most part, defective; so that
+once more I had now a difficult labour to correct their deficiency, to
+new rectify them according to art; and lastly, considering the
+multiplicity of daily questions propounded unto me, it was as hard a
+labour as might be to transcribe the papers themselves with my own hand.
+The desire I had to benefit posterity and my country, at last overcame
+all difficulties; so that what I could not do in one year, I perfected
+early the next year, 1647; and then in that year, viz. 1647, I finished
+the third book of[14] nativities,[15] during the composing whereof, for
+seven whole weeks, I was shut up of the plague, burying in that time two
+maid-servants thereof; yet towards November that year, the Introduction,
+called by the name of _Christian Astrology_, was made publick. There
+being, in those times, some smart difference between the army and the
+Parliament, the head-quarters of the army were at Windsor, whither I was
+carried with a coach and four horses, and John Booker with me. We were
+welcome thither, and feasted in a garden where General Fairfax lodged.
+We were brought to the General, who bid us kindly welcome to Windsor;
+and, in effect, said thus much:
+
+    [Footnote 14: The name of the person whose nativity is directed
+    and judged, is Mr. Thompson, whose father had been some time an
+    inn-keeper at the White-Hart in Newark.]
+
+    [Footnote 15: I devised the forms and fashions of the several
+    schemes. E.A.]
+
+'That God had blessed the army with many signal victories, and yet their
+work was not finished. He hoped God would go along with them until his
+work was done. They sought not themselves, but the welfare and
+tranquillity of the good people, and whole nation; and, for that end,
+were resolved to sacrifice both their lives and their own fortunes. As
+for the art we studied, he hoped it was lawful and agreeable to God's
+word: he understood it not; but doubted not but we both feared God; and
+therefore had a good opinion of us both.' Unto his speech I presently
+made this reply:
+
+'My Lord, I am glad to see you here at this time.
+
+'Certainly, both the people of God, and all others of this nation, are
+very sensible of God's mercy, love, and favour unto them, in directing
+the Parliament to nominate and elect you General of their armies, a
+person so religious, so valiant.
+
+'The several unexpected victories obtained under your Excellency's
+conduct, will eternize the same unto all posterity.
+
+'We are confident of God's going along with you and your army, until the
+great work for which he ordained you both, is fully perfected; which we
+hope will be the conquering and subversion of your's and the
+Parliament's enemies, and then a quiet settlement and firm peace over
+all the nation, unto God's glory, and full satisfaction of tender
+consciences.
+
+'Sir, as for ourselves, we trust in God; and, as Christians, believe in
+him. We do not study any art but what is lawful, and consonant to the
+scriptures, fathers, and antiquity; which we humbly desire you to
+believe,' &c.
+
+This ended, we departed, and went to visit Mr. Peters the minister, who
+lodged in the castle, whom we found reading an idle pamphlet come from
+London that morning. 'Lilly, thou art herein,' says he. 'Are not you
+there also?' I replied. 'Yes, that I am,' quoth he.--The words
+concerning me were these:
+
+  From th' oracles of the Sibyls so silly,
+  The curst predictions of William Lilly,
+  And Dr. Sybbald's Shoe-lane Philly,
+                  Good Lord, deliver me.
+
+After much conference with Hugh Peters, and some private discourse
+betwixt us two, not to be divulged, we parted, and so came back to
+London.
+
+King Charles the First, in the year 1646, April 27, went unto the Scots,
+then in this nation. Many desired my judgment, in time of his absence,
+to discover the way he might be taken: which I would never be drawn
+unto, or give any direction concerning his person.
+
+There were many lewd Mercuries printed both in London and Oxford,
+wherein I was sufficiently abused, in this year, 1646. I had then my
+ascendant _ad_ [symbol: Gemini] [symbol: aspect "conjunction"], and
+[symbol: Moon] _ad propriun_. The Presbyterians were, in their pulpits,
+as merciless as the Cavaliers in their pamphlets.
+
+About this time, the most famous mathematician of all Europe,[16] Mr.
+William Oughtred, parson of Aldbury in Surry, was in danger of
+sequestration by the Committee of or for plundered ministers;
+(_Ambo-dexters_ they were;) several inconsiderable articles were deposed
+and sworn against him, material enough to have sequestered him, but
+that, upon his day of hearing, I applied myself to Sir Bolstrode
+Whitlock, and all my own old friends, who in such numbers appeared in
+his behalf, that though the chairman and many other Presbyterian members
+were stiff against him, yet he was cleared by the major number. The
+truth is, he had a considerable parsonage, and that only was enough to
+sequester any moderate judgment: he was also well known to affect his
+Majesty. In these times many worthy ministers lost their livings or
+benefices, for not complying with the _Three-penny Directory_. Had you
+seen (O noble Esquire) what pitiful ideots were prefered into
+sequestrated church-benefices, you would have been grieved in your soul;
+but when they came before the classis of divines, could those simpletons
+but only say, they were converted by hearing such a sermon, such a
+lecture, of that godly man Hugh Peters, Stephen Marshall, or any of that
+gang, he was presently admitted.
+
+    [Footnote 16: This gentleman I was very well acquainted with,
+    having lived at the house over-against his, at Aldbury in
+    Surrey, three or four years. E.A.]
+
+In 1647, I published the _World's Catastrophe_, the _Prophecies of
+Ambrose Merlin_, with the _Key_ wherewith to unlock those obstruse
+Prophecies; also _Trithemius of the Government of the World by the
+presiding Angels_; these came forth all in one book.
+
+The two first were exquisitely translated by yourself, (most learned
+Sir) as I do ingenuously acknowledge in my _Epistle unto the Reader_,
+with a true character of the worth and admirable parts, unto which I
+refer any that do desire to read you perfectly delineated. I was once
+resolved to have continued _Trithemius_ for some succeeding years, but
+multiplicity of employment impeded me. The study required, in that kind
+of learning, must be sedentary, of great reading, sound judgment, which
+no man can accomplish except he wholly retire, use prayer, and accompany
+himself with angelical consorts.
+
+His Majesty Charles the First, having entrusted the Scots with his
+person, was, for money, delivered into the hands of the English
+Parliament, and, by several removals, was had to Hampton-Court, about
+July or August 1647; for he was there, and at that time when my house
+was visited with the plague. He was desirous to escape from the
+soldiery, and to obscure himself for some time near London, the citizens
+whereof began now to be unruly, and alienated in affection from the
+Parliament, inclining wholly to his Majesty, and very averse to the
+army. His Majesty was well informed of all this, and thought to make
+good use hereof; besides, the army and Parliament were at some odds, who
+should be masters. Upon the King's intention to escape, and with his
+consent, Madam Whorewood (whom you knew very well, worthy Esquire) came
+to receive my judgment, viz. In what quarter of this nation he might be
+most safe, and not to be discovered until himself pleased.
+
+When she came to my door, I told her I would not let her come into my
+house for I buried a maid-servant of the plague very lately. 'I fear not
+the plague, but the pox,' quoth she; so up we went. After erection of my
+figure, I told her about twenty miles (or thereabouts) from London, and
+in Essex, I was certain he might continue undiscovered. She liked my
+judgment very well; and, being herself of a sharp judgment, remembered a
+place in Essex about that distance, where was an excellent house, and
+all conveniences for his reception. Away she went, early next morning,
+unto Hampton-Court, to acquaint his Majesty; but see the misfortune: He,
+either guided by his own approaching hard fate, or misguided by
+Ashburnham,[17] went away in the night-time westward, and surrendered
+himself to Hammond, in the Isle of Wight.
+
+    [Footnote 17: This Ashburnham was turned out of the House of
+    Commons the 3d of November, 1667, for taking a bribe of five
+    hundred pounds of the merchants. I was informed hereof 26th
+    November, 1667.]
+
+Whilst his Majesty was at Hampton-Court Alderman Adams sent his Majesty
+one thousand pounds in gold, five hundred whereof he gave Madam
+Whorewood. I believe I had twenty pieces of that very gold for my share.
+
+I have something more to write of Charles the First's misfortunes,
+wherein I was concerned; the matter happened in 1648, but I thought good
+to insert it here, having after this no more occasion to mention him.
+
+His Majesty being in Carisbrook-Castle in the Isle of Wight, the Kentish
+men, in great numbers, rose in arms, and joined with the Lord Goring; a
+considerable number of the best ships revolted from the Parliament; the
+citizens of London were forward to rise against the Parliament; his
+Majesty laid his design to escape out of prison, by sawing the iron bars
+of his chamber window; a small ship was provided, and anchored not far
+from the castle to bring him into Sussex; horses were provided ready to
+carry him through Sussex into Kent, so that he might be at the head of
+the army in Kent, and from thence to march immediately to London, where
+thousands then would have armed for him. The Lady Whorewood came to me,
+acquaints me herewith. I got G. Farmer (who was a most ingenious
+lock-smith, and dwelt in Bowlane) to make a saw to cut the iron bars in
+sunder, I mean to saw them, and aqua fortis besides. His Majesty in a
+small time did his work; the bars gave liberty for him to go out; he was
+out with his body till he came to his breast; but then his heart
+failing, he proceeded no farther: when this was discovered, as soon
+after it was, he was narrowly looked after, and no opportunity after
+that could be devised to enlarge him. About September the Parliament
+sent their Commissioners with propositions unto him into the Isle of
+Wight, the Lord William Sea being one; the Lady Whorewood comes again
+unto me from him or by his consent, to be directed: After perusal of my
+figure, I told her the Commissioners would be there such a day; I
+elected a day and hour when to receive the Commissioners and
+propositions; and as soon as the propositions were read, to sign them,
+and make haste with all speed to come up with the Commissioners to
+London. The army being then far distant from London, and the city
+enraged stoutly against them, he promised he would do so. That night the
+Commissioners came, and old Sea and his Majesty had private conference
+till one in the morning: the King acquaints Sea with his intention, who
+clearly dissuaded him from signing the propositions, telling him they
+were not fit for him to sign; that he had many friends in the House of
+Lords, and some in the House of Commons; that he would procure more, and
+then they would frame more easy propositions. This flattery of this
+unfortunate Lord occasioned his Majesty to wave the advice I and some
+others that wished his prosperity had given, in expectation of that
+which afterwards could never be gained. The army having some notice
+hereof from one of the Commissioners, who had an eye upon old Sea,
+hasted unto London, and made the citizens very quiet; and besides, the
+Parliament and army kept a better correspondency afterwards with each
+other.
+
+Whilst the King was at Windsor-Castle, once walking upon the leads
+there, he looked upon Captain Wharton's _Almanack_: 'My book,' saith he,
+'speaks well as to the weather:' One William Allen standing by; 'what,'
+saith he, 'saith his antagonist, Mr. Lilly?' 'I do not care for Lilly,'
+said his Majesty, 'he hath been always against me,' and became a little
+bitter in his expressions. 'Sir,' saith Allen, 'the man is an honest
+man, and writes but what his art informs him.' 'I believe it,' said his
+Majesty, 'and that Lilly understands astrology as well as any man in
+Europe.' _Exit Rex Carolus._
+
+In 1648 I published a _Treatise of the Three Suns_, seen the winter
+preceding; as also an Astrological Judgment upon a Conjunction of Saturn
+and Mars 28 June, in 11 degrees 8 minutes of Gemini.
+
+I commend unto your perusal that book and the _Prophetical Merlin_,
+which, seriously considered, (Oh worthy Esquire) will more instruct your
+judgement (_De generalibus contingentibus Mundi_) than all the authors
+you yet ever met with.
+
+In this year, for very great considerations, the Council of State gave
+me in money fifty pounds, and a pension of one hundred pounds _per
+Annum_, which for two years I received, but no more: upon some
+discontents I after would not or did require it. The cause moving them
+was this; they could get no intelligence out of France, although they
+had several agents there for that purpose. I had formerly acquaintance
+with a secular priest, at this time confessor to one of the Secretaries;
+unto him I wrote, and by that means had perfect knowledge of the
+chiefest concernments of France, at which they admired; but I never yet,
+until this day, revealed the name of the person.
+
+One occasion why I deserted that employment was, because Scott, who had
+eight hundred pounds _per Annum_ for intelligence, would not contribute
+any occasion to gratify my friend: And another thing was, I received
+some affront from Gualter Frost their Secretary, one that was a
+principal minister belonging to the Council of State. Scott was ever my
+enemy, the other knave died of a gangrene in his arm suddenly after.
+
+In 1648 and 1649, that I might encourage young students in astrology, I
+publickly read over the first part of my _Introduction_, wherein there
+are many things contained, not easily to be understood.
+
+And now we are entered into the year 1649: his Majesty being at St.
+James's House, in January of that year, I begun its observations thus:
+
+'I am serious, I beg and expect justice; either fear or shame begins to
+question offenders.
+
+'The lofty cedars begin to divine a thundering hurricane is at hand; God
+elevates men contemptible.
+
+'Our demigods are sensible we begin to dislike their actions very much
+in London, more in the country.
+
+'Blessed be God, who encourages his servants, makes them valiant, and of
+undaunted spirits, to go on with his decrees: upon a sudden, great
+expectations arise, and men generally believe a quiet and calm time
+draws nigh.'
+
+In Christmas holidays, the Lord Gray of Grooby and Hugh Peters sent for
+me to Somerset-House, with directions to bring them two of my
+Almanacks.--I did so; Peters and he read January's Observations.
+
+'If we are not fools and knaves,' saith he, 'we shall do justice:' then
+they whispered. I understood not their meaning till his Majesty was
+beheaded. They applied what I wrote of justice, to be understood of his
+Majesty, which was contrary to my intention; for Jupiter, the first day
+of January, became direct; and Libra is a sign signifying Justice; I
+implored for justice generally upon such as had cheated in their places,
+being treasurers, and such like officers. I had not then heard the least
+intimation of bringing the King unto trial, and yet the first day
+thereof I was casually there, it being upon a Saturday; for going to
+Westminster every Saturday in the afternoon, in these times, at
+White-hall I casually met Peters; 'Come, Lilly, wilt thou go hear the
+King tried?' 'When?' said I. 'Now, just now; go with me.' I did so, and
+was permitted by the guard of soldiers to pass up to the King's-Bench.
+Within one quarter of an hour came the Judges, presently his Majesty,
+who spoke excellently well, and majestically, without impediment in the
+least when he spoke. I saw the silver top of his staff unexpectedly fall
+to the ground, which was took up by Mr. Rushworth: and then I heard
+Bradshaw the Judge say to his Majesty,
+
+'Sir, instead of answering the court, you interrogate their power, which
+becomes not one in your condition'--
+
+These words pierced my heart and soul, to hear a subject thus
+audaciously to reprehend his Sovereign, who ever and anon replied with
+great magnanimity and prudence.
+
+After that his Majesty was beheaded, the Parliament for some years
+effected nothing either for the publick peace or tranquillity of the
+nation, or settling religion as they had formerly promised. The interval
+of time betwixt his Majesty's death and Oliver Cromwel's displacing
+them, was wholly consumed in voting for themselves, and bringing their
+own relations to be members of Parliament, thinking to make a trade
+thereof.
+
+The week, or three or four days before his Majesty's beheading, one
+Major Sydenham, who had commands in Scotland, came to take his leave of
+me, and told me the King was to be put to death, which I was not willing
+to believe, and said, 'I could not be persuaded the Parliament could
+find any Englishman so barbarous, that would do that foul action.'
+'Rather,' saith he, 'than they should want such a man, these arms of
+mine should do it.' He went presently after into Scotland, and upon the
+first engagement against them, was slain, and his body miserably cut and
+mangled.
+
+In 1651 I published _Monarchy or no Monarchy_, and in the latter end
+thereof some hieroglyphics of my own, composed, at spare time, by the
+occult learning, many of those types having representations of what
+should from thence succeed in England, and have since had verification.
+
+I had not that learning from books, or any manuscript I ever yet met
+withal, it is reduced from a cabal lodging in astrology, but so
+mysterious and difficult to be attained, that I have not yet been
+acquainted with any who had that knowledge. I will say no more thereof,
+but that the asterisms and signs and constellations give greatest light
+thereunto.
+
+During Bradshaw's being President of the Council of State, it was my
+happiness to procure Captain Wharton his liberty, which when Bradshaw
+understood, said, 'I will be an enemy to Lilly, if ever he come before
+me.' Sir Bolstrode Whitlock broke the ice first of all on behalf of
+Captain Wharton: after him the Committee, unto whom his offence had been
+committed, spoke for him, and said he might well be bailed or enlarged:
+I had spoken to the Committee the morning of his delivery, who thereupon
+were so civil unto him, especially Sir William Ermin of Lincolnshire,
+who at first wondered I appeared not against him; but upon my humble
+request, my long continued antagonist was enlarged and had his liberty.
+
+In 1651 I purchased one hundred and ten pounds _per Annum_ in fee-farm
+rents for one thousand and thirty pounds. I paid all in ready money; but
+when his Majesty King Charles the Second, 1660, was restored, I lost it
+all again, and it returned to the right owner; the loss thereof never
+afflicted me, for I have ever reduced my mind according to my fortune. I
+was drawn in by several persons to make that simple purchase. The year I
+bought it, I had my ascendant directed into a Trine of Jupiter first,
+and in the same year into the _Cauda Draconis_--my fortune into a
+quadrant of Mercury. When Colchester was besieged, John Booker and
+myself were sent for, where we encouraged the soldiers, assuring them
+the town would very shortly be surrendered, as indeed it was: I would
+willingly have obtained leave to enter the town, to have informed Sir
+Charles Lucas, whom I well knew, with the condition of affairs as they
+then stood, he being deluded by false intelligence: at that time my
+scholar Humphreys was therein, who many times deluded the Governor with
+expectation of relief; but failing very many times with his lies, at
+last he had the bastinado, was put in prison, and inforced to become a
+soldier; and well it was he escaped so.--During my being there, the
+steeple of St. Mary's Church was much battered by two cannons purposely
+placed: I was there one day about three of the clock in the afternoon,
+talking with the cannoneer, when presently he desired us to look to
+ourselves, for he perceived by his perspective glass there was a piece
+charged in the castle against his work, and ready to be discharged. I
+ran for haste under an old ash-tree, and immediately the cannon-bullet
+came hissing quite over us. 'No danger now,' saith the gunner, 'but
+begone, for there are five more charging,' which was true; for two hours
+after those cannons were discharged, and unluckily killed our cannoneer
+and matross. I came the next morning and saw the blood of the two poor
+men lie upon the planks: we were well entertained at the head-quarters,
+and after two whole days abiding there, came for London.
+
+But we prosecute our story again, and say that in the year 1652 I
+purchased my house and some lands in Hersham, in the parish of Walton
+upon Thames, in the county of Surrey, where I now live; intending by the
+blessing of God, when I found it convenient, to retire into the country,
+there to end my days in peace and tranquillity; for in London my
+practice was such, I had none or very little time afforded me to serve
+God, who had been so gracious unto me. The purchase of the house and
+lands, and buildings, stood me in nine hundred and fifty pounds
+sterling, which I have very much augmented.
+
+The Parliament now grows odious unto all good men, the members whereof
+became insufferable in their pride, covetousness, self-ends, laziness,
+minding nothing but how to enrich themselves. Much heart-burning now
+arose betwixt the Presbyterian and Independant, the latter siding with
+the army, betwixt whose two judgments there was no medium. Now came up,
+or first appeared, that monstrous people called Ranters: and many other
+novel opinions, in themselves heretical and scandalous, were
+countenanced by members of Parliament, many whereof were of the same
+judgment. Justice was neglected, vice countenanced, and all care of the
+common good laid aside. Every judgment almost groaned under the heavy
+burthen they then suffered; the army neglected; the city of London
+scorned; the ministry, especially those who were orthodox and serious,
+honest or virtuous, had no countenance; my soul began to loath the very
+name of a Parliament, or Parliament-men. There yet remained in the House
+very able, judicious, and worthy patriots; but they, by their silence,
+only served themselves: all was carried on by a rabble of dunces, who
+being the greater number, voted what seemed best to their
+non-intelligent fancies.
+
+In this year I published _Annas Tenebrosus_, which book I did not so
+entitle, because of the great obscurity of the solar eclipse, by so many
+prattled of to no purpose, but because of those underhand and
+clandestine counsels held in England by the soldiery, of which I would
+never, but in generals, give any knowledge unto any Parliament man. I
+had wrote publickly in 1650, that the Parliament should not continue,
+but a new government should arise, &c.
+
+In my next year's _Anglicus_, upon rational grounds in astrology, I was
+so bold as to aver therein, that the Parliament stood upon a tottering
+foundation, and that the commonalty and soldiery would join together
+against them.
+
+My _Anglicus_ was for a whole week every day in the Parliament House,
+peeped into by the Presbyterians, one disliking this sentence, another
+finds another fault, others misliked the whole; so in the end a motion
+was made, that _Anglicus_ should be inspected by the Committee for
+plundered ministers; which being done, they were to return them to the
+House, viz. report its errors.
+
+A messenger attached me by a warrant from that Committee; I had private
+notice ere the messenger came, and hasted unto Mr. Speaker Lenthall,
+ever my friend. He was exceeding glad to see me, told me what was done;
+called for _Anglicus_, marked the passages which tormented the
+Presbyterians so highly. I presently sent for Mr. Warren the printer, an
+assured Cavalier, obliterated what was most offensive, put in other more
+significant words, and desired only to have six amended against next
+morning, which very honestly he brought me. I told him my design was to
+deny the book found fault with, to own only the six books. I told him, I
+doubted he would be examined. 'Hang them,' said he, 'they are all
+rogues. I'll swear myself to the devil ere they shall have an advantage
+against you by my oath.'
+
+The day after, I appeared before the Committee, being thirty-six in
+number that day; whereas it was observed, at other times, it was very
+difficult to get five of them together. At first they shewed me the true
+_Anglicus_, and asked if I wrote and printed it. I took the book and
+inspected it very heedfully; and when I had done so, said thus:
+
+'This is none of my book, some malicious Presbyterian hath wrote it, who
+are my mortal enemies; I disown it.' The Committee looked upon one
+another like distracted men, not imagining what I presently did; for I
+presently pulled out of my pocket six books, and said, 'These I own, the
+others are counterfeits, published purposely to ruin me.' The Committee
+were now more vexed than before: not one word was spoke a good while; at
+last, many of them, or the greatest number of them, were of opinion to
+imprison me. Some were for Newgate, others for the Gate-House; but then
+one Brown of Sussex, called the Presbyterian beadle, whom the Company of
+Stationers had bribed to be my friend, by giving him a new _Book of
+Martyrs_; he, I say, preached unto the Committee this doctrine, that
+neither Newgate or the Gate-House were prisons unto which at any time
+the Parliament sent their prisoners: it was most convenient for the
+Serjeant at Arms to take me in custody.
+
+Mr. Strickland, who had for many years been the Parliament's Ambassador
+or Agent in Holland, when he saw how they inclined, spoke thus:
+
+'I came purposely into the Committee this day to see the man who is so
+famous in those parts where I have so long continued: I assure you his
+name is famous all over Europe: I come to do him justice. A book is
+produced by us, and said to be his; he denies it; we have not proved it,
+yet will commit him. Truly this is great injustice. It is likely he will
+write next year, and acquaint the whole world with our injustice; and so
+well he may. It is my opinion, first to prove the book to be his, ere he
+be committed.'
+
+Another old friend of mine, Mr. R. spoke thus:
+
+'You do not know the many services this man hath done for the Parliament
+these many years, or how many times, in our greatest distresses, we
+applying unto him, he hath refreshed our languishing expectations; he
+never failed us of comfort in our most unhappy distresses. I assure you
+his writings have kept up the spirits both of the soldiery, the honest
+people of this nation, and many of us Parliament men; and now at last,
+for a slip of his pen (if it were his) to be thus violent against him: I
+must tell you, I fear the consequence urged out of the book will prove
+effectually true. It is my counsel, to admonish him hereafter to be more
+wary, and for the present to dismiss him.'
+
+Notwithstanding any thing that was spoken on my behalf, I was ordered to
+stand committed to the Serjeant at Arms. The messenger attached my
+person, said I was his prisoner. As he was carrying me away, he was
+called to bring me again. Oliver Cromwell, Lieutenant-General of the
+army, having never seen me, caused me to be produced again, where he
+stedfastly beheld me for a good space, and then I went with the
+messenger; but instantly a young clerk of that Committee asks the
+messenger what he did with me, where's the warrant? until that is signed
+you cannot seize Mr. Lilly, or shall. Will you have an action of false
+imprisonment against you? So I escaped that night, but next day obeyed
+the warrant. That night Oliver Cromwell went to Mr. R. my friend, and
+said, 'What never a man to take Lilly's cause in hand but yourself? None
+to take his part but you? He shall not be long there.' Hugh Peters spoke
+much in my behalf to the Committee; but they were resolved to lodge me
+in the Serjeant's custody. One Millington, a drunken member, was much my
+enemy; and so was Cawley and Chichester, a deformed fellow, unto whom I
+had done several courtesies.
+
+First thirteen days I was a prisoner; and though every day of the
+Committee's sitting I had a petition to deliver, yet so many churlish
+Presbyterians still appeared, I could not get it accepted. The last day
+of the thirteen, Mr. Joseph Ash was made Chairman, unto whom my cause
+being related, he took my petition, and said I should be bailed in
+despite of them all, but desired I would procure as many friends as I
+could to be there. Sir Arthur Hazelrigg, and Major Salloway, a person of
+excellent parts, appeared for me, and many now of my old friends came
+in. After two whole hours arguing of my cause by Sir Arthur and Major
+Salloway, and other friends, the matter came to this point; I should be
+bailed, and a Committee nominated to examine the printer. The order of
+the Committee being brought afterwards to him who should be Chairman, he
+sent me word, do what I would, he would see all the knaves hanged, ere
+he would examine the printer. This is the truth of the story.
+
+The 16th of February 1655, my second wife died; for whose death I shed
+no tears. I had five hundred pounds with her as a portion, but she and
+her poor relations spent me one thousand pounds. _Gloria Patri, & Filio,
+& Spiritui Sancto: sicut erat in principio & nunc, & semper, & in s�cula
+s�culorum_: for the 20th of April 1655, these enemies of mine, viz.
+Parliament men, were turned out of doors by Oliver Cromwell. A German
+doctor of physick being then in London, sent me this paper:
+
+_Strophe Alcaica: Generoso Domino Gulielmo Lillio Astrologo, de
+dissoluto nuper Parliamento_.
+
+  Quod calculasti Sydere pr�vio,
+  Miles peregit numine conscio;
+  Gentis videmus nunc Senatum
+  Marte togaque gravi levatum.
+
+In the time of my imprisonment, Mr. Rushworth came to visit me, and told
+me, the army would do as much as I had predicted unto the Parliament.
+
+In October 1654, I married the third wife, who is signified in my
+nativity by _Jupiter in Libra_; and she is so totally in her conditions,
+to my great comfort.
+
+In 1655, I was indicted at Hicks's-Hall by a half-witted young woman.
+Three several sessions she was neglected, and the Jury cast forth her
+bill; but the fourth time, they found it against me: I put in bail to
+traverse the indictment. The cause of the indictment was, for that I had
+given judgment upon stolen goods, and received two shillings and
+six-pence.--And this was said to be contrary unto an Act in King James's
+time made.
+
+This mad woman was put upon this action against me by two ministers, who
+had framed for her a very ingenious speech, which she could speak
+without book, as she did the day of hearing the traverse. She produced
+one woman, who told the court, a son of her's was run from her; that
+being in much affliction of mind for her loss, she repaired unto me to
+know what was become of him; that I told her he was gone for the
+Barbadoes, and she would hear of him within thirteen days; which, she
+said, she did.
+
+A second woman made oath, that her husband being wanting two years, she
+repaired to me for advice: that I told her he was in Ireland, and would
+be at home such a time; and, said she, he did come home accordingly.
+
+I owned the taking of half a crown for my judgment of the theft; but
+said, I gave no other judgment, but that the goods would not be
+recovered, being that was all which was required of me: the party,
+before that, having been with several astrologers, some affirming she
+should have her goods again, others gave contrary judgment, which made
+her come unto me for a final resolution.
+
+At last my enemy began her before-made speech, and, without the least
+stumbling, pronounced it before the court; which ended, she had some
+queries put unto her, and then I spoke for myself, and produced my own
+_Introduction_ into court, saying, that I had some years before emitted
+that book for the benefit of this and other nations; that it was allowed
+by authority, and had found good acceptance in both universities; that
+the study of astrology was lawful, and not contradicted by any
+scripture; that I neither had, or ever did, use any charms, sorceries,
+or inchantments related in the bill of indictment, &c.
+
+She then related, that she had been several times with me, and that
+afterwards she could not rest a-nights, but was troubled with bears,
+lions, and tygers, &c. My counsel was the Recorder Green, who after he
+had answered all objections, concluded astrology was a lawful art.
+
+'Mistress,' said he, 'what colour was those beasts that you were so
+terrified with?'
+
+'I never saw any,' said she.
+
+'How do you then know they were lions, tygers, or bears?' replied
+he.--'This is an idle person, only fit for Bedlam.' The Jury who went
+not from the bar, brought in, No true Bill.
+
+There were many Presbyterian Justices much for her, and especially one
+Roberts, a busy fellow for the Parliament, who after his Majesty came
+in, had like to have lost life and fortune.
+
+I had procured Justice Hooker to be there, who was the oracle of all the
+Justices of Peace in Middlesex.
+
+There was nothing memorable after that happened unto me, until 1650, and
+the month of October, at what time Captain Owen Cox brought me over from
+his Majesty of Sweden, a gold chain and medal, worth about fifty pounds;
+the cause whereof was, that in the year 1657 and 1658, I had made
+honourable mention of him: the _Anglicus_ of 1658 being translated into
+the language spoke at Hamburgh, printed and cried about the streets, as
+it is in London.
+
+The occasion of my writing so honourably of his Majesty of Sweden was
+this: Sir Bolstrode Whitlock, Knight, upon the very time of Oliver's
+being made Protector, having made very noble articles betwixt Christina
+then Queen of Sweden, and the English nation, was in his being at
+Stockholm visited frequently by Charles Gustavus, unto whom Christina
+resigned during his abode, and used with all manner of civility by him,
+insomuch as some other Ambassadors took it ill, that they had not so
+much respect or equal: unto which he would reply, he would be kind where
+himself did find just cause of merit unto any. He were a great lover of
+our nation; but there were some other causes also moving my pen to be so
+liberal, viz. The great hopes I had of his prevailing, and of taking
+Copenhagen and Elsinore, which, if he had lived, was hoped he might have
+accomplished; and had assuredly done, if Oliver the Protector had not so
+untimely died ere our fleet of ships returned; for Oliver sent the fleet
+on purpose to fight the Dutch; but dying, and the Parliament being
+restored, Sir Henry Vane, who afterwards was beheaded, had order from
+the Council of State to give order to the fleet what to do now Oliver
+was dead, and themselves restored. Vane, out of state-policy, gave the
+Earl of Sandwich direction not to fight the Dutch. Captain Symons, who
+carried those letters, swore unto me, had he known the letters he
+carried had contained any such prohibition, he would have sunk both ship
+and letters. Oliver said, when the fleet was to go forth, 'That if God
+blessed his Majesty of Sweden with Copenhagen, the English were to have
+Elsinore as their share; which if once I have,' saith Oliver, 'the
+English shall have the whole trade of the Baltick Sea: I will make the
+Dutch find another passage, except they will pay such customs as I shall
+impose.' Considering the advantages this would have been to our English,
+who can blame my pen for being liberal, thereby to have encouraged our
+famous and noble seamen, or for writing so honourably of the Swedish
+nation, who had most courteously treated my best of friends, Sir
+Bolstrode Whitlock, and by whose means, had the design taken effect, the
+English nation had been made happy with the most beneficial concern of
+all Christendom. I shall conclude about Oliver the then Protector, with
+whom obliquely I had transactions by his son-in-law, Mr. Cleypool; and
+to speak truly of him, he sent one that waited upon him in his chamber,
+once in two or three days, to hear how it fared with me in my sessions
+business; but I never had of him, directly or indirectly, either
+pension, or any the least sum of money, or any gratuity during his whole
+Protectorship; this I protest to be true, by the name and in the name of
+the most holy God.
+
+In 1653, before the dissolution of the Parliament, and that ere they had
+chosen any for their Ambassador into Sweden, Mr. Cleypool came unto me,
+demanding of me whom I thought fittest to send upon that embassy into
+Sweden: I nominated Sir B. Whitlock, who was chosen, and two or three
+days after Mr. Cleypool came again: 'I hope, Mr. Lilly, my father hath
+now pleased you: Your friend Sir B. Whitlock is to go for Sweden.' But
+since I have mentioned Oliver Cromwell, I will relate something of him,
+which perhaps no other pen can, or will mention. He was born of generous
+parents in Huntingdonshire, educated some time at the university of
+Cambridge: in his youth was wholly given to debauchery, quarrelling,
+drinking, &c. _quid non_; having by those means wasted his patrimony, he
+was enforced to bethink himself of leaving England, and go to
+New-England: he had hired a passage in a ship, but ere she launched out
+for her voyage, a kinsman dieth, leaving him a considerable fortune;
+upon which he returns, pays his debts, became affected to religion; is
+elected in 1640 a member of Parliament, in 1642 made a Captain of horse
+under Sir Philip Stapleton, fought at Edge-Hill; after he was made a
+Colonel, then Lieutenant-General to the Earl of Manchester, who was one
+of the three Generals to fight the Earl of Newcastle and Prince Rupert
+at York: Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, and Earl Leven the Scot, were the
+other two for the Parliament: the last two thinking all had been lost at
+Marston-Moor fight, Fairfax went into Cawood Castle, giving all for
+lost: at twelve at night there came word of the Parliament's victory;
+Fairfax being then laid down upon a bed, there was not a candle in the
+castle, nor any fire: up riseth Lord Fairfax, procures after some time,
+paper, ink, and candle, writes to Hull, and other garrisons of the
+Parliament's, of the success, and then slept.
+
+Leven the Scot asked the way to Tweed: the honour of that day's fight
+was given to Manchester, Sir Thomas Fairfax's brigade of horse, and
+Oliver Cromwell's iron sides; for Cromwell's horse, in those times,
+usually wore head-pieces, back and breast-plates of iron. After this
+victory Cromwell became gracious with the House of Commons, especially
+the Zealots, or Presbyterians, with whom at that time he especially
+joined; the name Independent, at that time, viz. 1644, being not so much
+spoken of.
+
+There was some animosity at or before the fight, betwixt the Earl of
+Newcastle and Prince Rupert; for Newcastle being General of his
+Majesty's forces in the North, a person of valour, and well esteemed in
+those parts, took it not well to have a competitor in his concernments;
+for if the victory should fall on his Majesty's side, Prince Rupert's
+forces would attribute it unto their own General, viz. Rupert, and give
+him the glory thereof: but that it happened, Prince Rupert, in that
+day's fight, engaged the Parliament's forces too soon, and before the
+Earl of Newcastle could well come out of York with his army; by reason
+whereof, though Rupert had absolutely routed the Scots and the Lord
+Fairfax's forces; yet ere timely assistance could second his army, Sir
+Thomas Fairfax and Cromwell had put him to flight, and not long after
+all Newcastle's army. A most memorable action happened on that day.
+There was one entire regiment of foot belonging to Newcastle, called the
+Lambs, because they were all new cloathed in white woollen cloth, two or
+three days before the fight. This sole regiment, after the day was lost,
+having got into a small parcel of ground ditched in, and not of easy
+access of horse, would take no quarter; and by mere valour, for one
+whole hour, kept the troops of horse from entering amongst them at near
+push of pike: when the horse did enter, they would have no quarter, but
+fought it out till there was not thirty of them living; those whose hap
+it was to be beaten down upon the ground as the troopers came near them,
+though they could not rise for their wounds, yet were so desperate as to
+get either a pike or sword, or piece of them, and to gore the troopers'
+horses as they came over them, or passed by them. Captain Camby, then a
+trooper under Cromwell, and an actor, who was the third or fourth man
+that entered amongst them, protested, he never in all the fights he was
+in, met with such resolute brave fellows, or whom he pitied so much, and
+said, 'he saved two or three against their wills.'
+
+After the fight, Manchester marched slowly southward, &c. but at last
+came with his army to Newbury fight; which ended, he came for London,
+and there he accuseth Cromwell, being his Lieutenant, to the Parliament,
+of disobedience, and not obeying his orders.
+
+The House of Commons acquaint Cromwell herewith, and charge him, as he
+would answer it before God, that the day following he should give them a
+full account of Manchester's proceedings, and the cause and occasion of
+their difference, and of the reasons why Manchester did not timely move
+westward for the relief of Essex, then in the west, who was absolutely
+routed, inforced to fly, all his foot taken, and all his ordnance and
+train of artillery, only the horse escaping. Cromwell the next day gave
+this account to Mr. Speaker in the House of Commons--by way of
+recrimination.
+
+That after God had given them a successful victory at Marston over the
+King's forces, and that they had well refreshed their army, Manchester,
+by their order, did move southward, but with such slowness, that
+sometimes he would not march for three days together; sometimes he would
+lie still one day, then two days; whereupon he said, considering the
+Earl of Essex was in the west, with what success he then knew not, he
+moved Manchester several times to quicken his march to the west, for
+relief of Essex, if he were beaten, or to divert the King's forces from
+following of Essex; but he said Manchester still refused to make any
+haste; and that one day he said, 'If any man but yourself, Lieutenant,
+should so frequently trouble me, I would call him before a Council of
+War. We have beaten the King's forces in the north; if we should do so
+in the west, his Majesty is then undone: he hath many sons living; if
+any of them come to the Crown, as they well may, they will never forget
+us.' This Major Hammond, a man of honour, will justify as well as
+myself. After which he marched not at all, until he had order from the
+Committee to hasten westward, by reason of Essex's being lost in
+Cornwall, which then he did; and at Newbury fight, it is true, I refused
+to obey his directions and order: for this it was; his Majesty's horse
+being betwixt four and five thousand in a large common, in good order,
+he commands me, Mr. Speaker, to charge them; we having no way to come at
+them but through a narrow lane, where not above three horse could march
+abreast; whereby had I followed his order, we had been all cut off ere
+we could have got into any order. Mr. Speaker, (and then he wept; which
+he could do _toties quoties_) I, considering that all the visible army
+you then had, was by this counsel in danger to be lost, refused thus to
+endanger the main strength, which now most of all consisted of those
+horse under my command, &c.--This his recrimination was well accepted by
+the House of Commons, who thereupon, and from that time, thought there
+was none of the House of Lords very fit to be entrusted with their
+future armies, but had then thoughts of making a commoner their General;
+which afterwards they did, and elected Sir Thomas Fairfax their General,
+and Cromwell Lieutenant-General; but it was next spring first. Upon
+Essex's being lost in Cornwall, I heard Serjeant Maynard say, 'If now
+the King haste to London we are undone, having no army to resist him.'
+
+His Majesty had many misfortunes ever attending him, during his abode at
+Oxford; some by reason of that great animosity betwixt Prince Rupert and
+the Lord Digby, each endeavouring to cross one another; but the worst of
+all was by treachery of several officers under his command, and in his
+service; for the Parliament had in continual pay one Colonel of the
+King's Council of War; one Lieutenant-Colonel; one Captain; one Ensign;
+one or two Serjeants; several Corporals, who had constant pay, and duly
+paid them every month, according to the capacity of their officers and
+places, and yet none of these knew any thing of each other's being so
+employed. There were several well-wishers unto the Parliament in Oxford,
+where each left his letter, putting it in at the hole of a glass-window,
+as he made water in the street. What was put in at the window in any of
+those houses, was the same day conveyed two miles off by some in the
+habit of town-gardeners, to the side of a ditch, where one or more were
+ever ready to give the intelligence to the next Parliament garrison: I
+was then familiar with all the spies that constantly went in and out to
+Oxford.
+
+But once more to my own actions. I had, in 1652 and 1653 and 1654, much
+contention with Mr. Gatacre of Rotherhithe, a man endued with all kind
+of learning, and the ablest man of the whole synod of divines in the
+Oriental tongues.
+
+The synod had concluded to make an exposition upon the bible; some
+undertook one book, some another. Gatacre fell upon _Jeremy_. Upon
+making his exposition on the 2d verse of the 10th chapter,
+
+'Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of
+heaven, for the heathen are dismayed at them.'
+
+In his _Annotations_ thereupon, he makes a scandalous exposition; and in
+express terms, hints at me, repeating _verbatim_, ten or twelve times,
+an _Epistle_ of mine in one of my former _Anglicus_.
+
+The substance of my _Epistle_ was, that I did conceive the good angels
+of God did first reveal astrology unto mankind, &c. but he in his
+_Annotations_ calls me blind buzzard, &c.
+
+Having now liberty of the press, and hearing the old man was very
+cholerick, I thought fit to raise it up--and only wrote--I referred my
+discourse then in hand to the discussion and judgment of sober persons,
+but not unto Thomas Wiseacre, for _Senes bis pueri_: These very words
+begot the writing of forty-two sheets against myself and astrology. The
+next year I quibbled again in three or four lines against him, then he
+printed twenty-two sheets against me. I was persuaded by Dr. Gauden,
+late Bishop of Exeter, to let him alone; but in my next year's
+_Anglicus_, in August observations, I wrote, _H�c in tumb� jacet
+Presbyter & Nebulo_, in which very month he died.
+
+Several divines applied themselves unto me, desiring me to forbear any
+further vexing of Mr. Gatacre; but all of them did as much condemn him
+of indiscretion, that in so sober a piece of work as that was, viz. in
+an _Annotation_ upon a sacred text of scripture to particularize me and
+in that dirty language: they pitied him, that he had not better
+considered with himself ere he published it.
+
+Dean Owen of Christ's-Church in Oxford, also in his sermons had sharp
+invectives against me and astrology; I cried quittance with him, by
+urging Abbot Panormitan's judgment of astrology contrary to Owen's, and
+concluded, 'An Abbot was an ace above a Dean.'
+
+One Mr. Nye of the assembly of divines, a Jesuitical Presbyterian,
+bleated forth his judgment publickly against me and astrology: to be
+quit with him, I urged Causinus the Jesuit's approbation of astrology,
+and concluded, _Sic canibus catulos, &c_.
+
+In some time after the Dutch Ambassador being offended with some things
+in _Anglicus_, presented a memorial to the Council of State, that
+_Merlinus Anglicus_ might be considered, and the abuses against their
+nation examined; but his paper was not accepted of, or I any way
+molested.
+
+In Oliver's Protectorship, I wrote freely and satyrical enough: he was
+now become Independant, and all the soldiery my friends; for when he was
+in Scotland, the day of one of their fights, a soldier stood with
+_Anglicus_ in his hand; and as the several troops passed by him, 'Lo,
+hear what Lilly saith; you are in this month promised victory, fight it
+out, brave boys;' and then read that month's prediction.
+
+I had long before predicted the downfall of Presbytery, as you (most
+honoured Sir) in the figure thereof, in my _Introduction_, may observe;
+and it was upon this occasion. Sir Thomas Middleton of Chark Castle,
+enemy to Presbytery, seeing they much prevailed, being a member of the
+House, seriously demanded my judgment, if Presbytery should prevail, or
+not, in England? The figure printed in my _Introduction_, will best give
+you an account, long before it happened, of the sinking and failing of
+Presbytery; so will the second page of my _Hieroglyphicks_. Those men,
+to be serious, would preach well; but they were more lordly than
+Bishops, and usually, in their parishes, more tyrannical than the Great
+Turk.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+OF THE YEAR 1660; THE ACTIONS WHEREOF, AS THEY WERE REMARKABLE IN
+ENGLAND, SO WERE THEY NO LESS MEMORABLE AS TO MY PARTICULAR FORTUNE AND
+PERSON.
+
+
+Upon the Lord General Monk's returning from Scotland with his army into
+England, suddenly after his coming to London, Richard Cromwell, the then
+Protector's, authority was laid aside, and the old Parliament restored;
+the Council of State sat as formerly. The first act they put the General
+upon was, to take down the city gates and portcullisses, an act which,
+the General said, was fitter for a Janizary to do than for a General;
+yet he effected the commands received, and then lodged in the city with
+his army. The citizens took this pulling down of their gates so
+heinously, that one night the ruder sort of them procured all the rumps
+of beef, and other baggage, and publickly burnt them in the streets, in
+derision of the then Parliament, calling them that now sat, The Rump.
+This hurly-burly was managed as well by the General's soldiers as the
+citizens. The King's health was publickly drank all over the city, to
+the confusion of the Parliament. The matter continued until midnight, or
+longer. The Council of State, sitting at White-Hall, had hereof no
+knowledge, until Sir Martin Noell, a discreet citizen, came about nine
+at night, and then first informed them thereof. The Council could not
+believe it, until they had sent some ministers of their own, who
+affirmed the verity thereof. They were at a stand, and could not resolve
+what to do; at last Nevil Smith came, being one of them, and publickly
+protested there was but one way to regain their authority, and to be
+revenged of this affront, and to overthrow the Lord General Monk, whom
+they now perceived intended otherways than he had pretended; his council
+was, to take away Monk's commission, and to give a present commission to
+Major-General Lambert to be their General; which counsel of his, if they
+would take and put it speedily in execution, would put an end unto all
+the present mischiefs. The Council in general did all very well approve
+Nevil Smith's judgment; but presently up starts Sir Arthur Hazellrigg,
+and makes a sharp invective against Lambert, and concluded, he would
+rather perish under the King of Scot's power, than that Lambert should
+ever any more have command under the Parliament.
+
+The Lord General suddenly after brings in the long excluded Members to
+sit in Parliament, being persons of great judgment, and formerly
+enforced from sitting therein by the soldiery, and connivance of those
+who stiled themselves the godly part of the Parliament. These honourable
+patriots presently voted his Majesty's coming into England, and so he
+did in May 1660. But because Charles the Second, now (1667) King of
+England, Son of Charles the First, grandchild to James the First, King
+of Great Britany, was so miraculously restored, and so many hundreds of
+years since prophesied of by Ambrose Merlin, it will not be impertinent
+to mention the prophecies themselves, the rather because we have seen
+their verification.
+
+
+AMBROSE MERLIN'S PROPHECY WROTE ABOUT 990 YEARS SINCE.
+
+
+He calls King James, The Lion of Righteousness; and saith, when he died,
+or was dead, there would reign a noble White King; this was Charles the
+First. The prophet discovers all his troubles, his flying up and down,
+his imprisonment, his death; and calls him Aquila. What concerns Charles
+the Second, is the subject of our discourse: in the Latin copy it is
+thus:
+
+_Deinde ab Austro veniet cum Sole super ligneos equos, & super spumantem
+inundationem maris, Pullus Aquil� navigans in Britanniam._
+
+_Et applicans statim tunc altam domum Aquil� sitiens, & cito aliam
+sitiet._
+
+_Deinde Pullus Aquil� nidificabit in summa rupe totius Britanni�: nec
+juvenis occidet, nec ad senem vivet._
+
+This, in an old copy, is Englished thus:
+
+'After then, shall come through the south with the sun, on horse of
+tree, and upon all waves of the sea, the Chicken of the Eagle, sailing
+into Britain, and arriving anon to the house of the Eagle, he shall shew
+fellowship to them beasts.
+
+'After, the Chicken of the Eagle shall nestle in the highest rock of all
+Britain: nay, he shall nought be slain young; nay, he nought come old.'
+
+Another Latin copy renders the last verse thus:
+
+_Deind� pullus Aquil� nidificabit in summo rupium, nec juvenis
+occidetur, nec ad senium perveniet._ There is after this, _percificato
+regno omnes occidet_; which is intended of those persons put to death,
+that sat as Judges upon his father's death.
+
+
+THE VERIFICATION.
+
+
+His Majesty being in the Low-Countries when the Lord General had
+restored the secluded Members, the Parliament sent part of the Royal
+Navy to bring him for England, which they did in May 1660. Holland is
+East from England, so he came with the sun; but he landed at Dover, a
+port in the south part of England. Wooden-horses, are the English ships.
+
+_Tunc nidificabit in summo rupium._
+
+The Lord General, and most of the gentry in England, met him in Kent,
+and brought him unto London, then to White-hall.
+
+Here, by the highest Rooch, (some write Rock,) is intended London, being
+the metropolis of all England.
+
+Since which time, unto this very day I write this story, he hath reigned
+in England, and long may he do hereafter. 10th December, 1667.
+
+Had I leisure, I might verify the whole preceding part concerning King
+Charles. Much of the verification thereof is mentioned in my _Collection
+of Prophecies_, printed 1645. But his Majesty being then alive, I
+forbore much of that subject, not willing to give offence. I dedicated
+that book unto him; and, in the conclusion thereof, I advised his return
+unto Parliament, with these words, _Fac hoc & vives_.
+
+There was also a _Prophecy_ printed 1588, in Greek characters, exactly
+decyphering the long troubles the English nation had from 1641 until
+1660; and then it ended thus:
+
+'And after that shall come a dreadful dead man, and with him a Royal G.'
+[it is Gamma in the Greek, intending C. in the Latin, being the third
+letter in the alphabet,] 'of the best blood in the world, and he shall
+have the Crown, and shall set England on the right way, and put out all
+heresies.'
+
+Monkery being extinguished above eighty or ninety years, and the Lord
+General's name being Monk, is the Dead Man. The Royal G. or C. is
+Charles the Second, who, for his extraction, may be said to be of the
+best blood in the world.
+
+These two prophecies were not given vocally by the angels, but by
+inspection of the crystal in types and figures, or by apparition the
+circular way, where, at some distance, the angels appear, representing
+by forms, shapes, and creatures, what is demanded. It is very rare, yea,
+even in our days, for any operator or master to have the angels speak
+articulately; when they do speak, it is like the Irish, much in the
+throat.
+
+What further concerns his Majesty, will more fully be evident about 1672
+or 1674, or, at farthest, in 1676. And now unto my own actions in 1660.
+
+In the first place, my fee-farm rents, being of the yearly value of one
+hundred and twenty pounds, were all lost by his Majesty's coming to his
+restoration: but I do say truly, the loss thereof did never trouble me,
+or did I repine thereat.
+
+In June of that year, a new Parliament was called, whereunto I was
+unwillingly invited by two messengers of the Serjeant at Arms. The
+matter whereupon I was taken into custody was, to examine me concerning
+the person who cut off the King's head, viz. the late King's.
+
+Sir Daniel Harvey, of Surry, got the business moved against me in great
+displeasure, because, at the election of new knights for Surrey, I
+procured the whole town of Walton to stand, and give their voices for
+Sir Richard Onslow. The Committee to examine me, were Mr. Prinn, one
+Colonel King, and Mr. Richard Weston of Gray's-Inn.
+
+God's providence appeared very much for me that day, for walking in
+Westminster-Hall, Mr. Richard Pennington, son to my old friend Mr.
+William Pennington, met me, and enquiring the cause of my being there,
+said no more, but walked up and down the hall, and related my kindness
+to his father unto very many Parliament men of Cheshire and Lancashire,
+Yorkshire, Cumberland, and those northern countries, who numerously came
+up into the Speaker's chamber, and bade me be of good comfort: at last
+he meets Mr. Weston, one of the three unto whom my matter was referred
+for examination, who told Mr. Pennington, that he came purposely to
+punish me; and would be bitter against me; but hearing it related, viz.
+my singular kindness and preservation of old Mr. Pennington's estate to
+the value of six or seven thousand pounds, 'I will do him all the good I
+can,' says he. 'I thought he had never done any good; let me see him,
+and let him stand behind me where I sit:' I did so. At my first
+appearance, many of the young members affronted me highly, and demanded
+several scurrilous questions. Mr. Weston held a paper before his mouth;
+bade me answer nobody but Mr. Prinn; I obeyed his command, and saved
+myself much trouble thereby; and when Mr. Prinn put any difficult or
+doubtful query unto me, Mr. Weston prompted me with a fit answer. At
+last, after almost one hour's tugging, I desired to be fully heard what
+I could say as to the person who cut Charles the First's head off.
+Liberty being given me to speak, I related what follows, viz.
+
+That the next Sunday but one after Charles the First was beheaded,
+Robert Spavin, Secretary unto Lieutenant-General Cromwell at that time,
+invited himself to dine with me, and brought Anthony Peirson, and
+several others, along with him to dinner: that their principal discourse
+all dinner-time was only, who it was that beheaded the King; one said it
+was the common hangman; another, Hugh Peters; others also were
+nominated, but none concluded. Robert Spavin, so soon as dinner was
+done, took me by the hand, and carried me to the south window: saith he,
+'These are all mistaken, they have not named the man that did the fact:
+it was Lieutenant-Colonel JOICE; I was in the room when he fitted
+himself for the work, stood behind him when he did it; when done, went
+in again with him: there is no man knows this but my master, viz.
+Cromwell, Commissary Ireton, and myself.' 'Doth not Mr. Rushworth know
+it?' said I. 'No, he doth not know it,' saith Spavin. The same thing
+Spavin since had often related unto me when we were alone. Mr. Prinn
+did, with much civility, make a report hereof in the House; yet Norfolk
+the Serjeant, after my discharge, kept me two days longer in arrest,
+purposely to get money of me. He had six pounds, and his Messenger forty
+shillings; and yet I was attached but upon Sunday, examined on Tuesday,
+and then discharged, though the covetous Serjeant detained me until
+Thursday. By means of a friend, I cried quittance with Norfolk, which
+friend was to pay him his salary at that time, and abated Norfolk three
+pounds, which we spent every penny at one dinner, without inviting the
+wretched Serjeant: but in the latter end of the year, when the King's
+Judges were arraigned at the Old-Bailey, Norfolk warned me to attend,
+believing I could give information concerning Hugh Peters. At the
+sessions I attended during its continuance, but was never called or
+examined. There I heard Harrison, Scott, Clement, Peters, Hacker,
+Scroop, and others of the King's Judges, and Cook the Sollicitor, who
+excellently defended himself; I say, I did hear what they could say for
+themselves, and after heard the sentence of condemnation pronounced
+against them by the incomparably modest and learned Judge Bridgman, now
+Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England.
+
+One would think my troubles for that year had been ended; but in January
+1662, one Everard, a Justice of Peace in Westminster, ere I was
+stirring, sent a Serjeant and thirty four musqueteers for me to
+White-Hall: he had twice that night seized about sixty persons, supposed
+fanaticks, very despicable persons, many whereof were aged, some were
+water-bearers, and had been Parliament-soldiers; others, of ordinary
+callings: all these were guarded unto White-Hall, into a large room,
+until day-light, and then committed to the Gate-House; I was had into
+the guard-room, which I thought to be hell; some therein were sleeping,
+others swearing, others smoaking tobacco. In the chimney of the room I
+believe there was two bushels of broken tobacco-pipes, almost half one
+load of ashes. Everard, about nine in the morning, comes, writes my
+mittimus for the Gate-House, then shews it me: I must be contented. I
+desired no other courtesy, but that I might be privately carried unto
+the Gate-House by two soldiers; that was denied. Among the miserable
+crew of people, with a whole company of soldiers, I marched to prison,
+and there for three hours was in the open air upon the ground, where the
+common house of office came down. After three hours, I was advanced from
+this stinking place up the stairs, where there was on one side a company
+of rude swearing persons; on the other side many Quakers, who lovingly
+entertained me. As soon as I was fixed, I wrote to my old friend Sir
+Edward Walker, Garter King at Arms, who presently went to Mr. Secretary
+Nicholas, and acquainted him with my condition. He ordered Sir Edward to
+write to Everard to release me, unless he had any particular information
+against me, which he had not. He further said, it was not his Majesty's
+pleasure that any of his subjects should be thus had to prison without
+good cause shewed before. Upon receipt of Sir Edward's letter, Everard
+discharged me, I taking the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. This
+day's work cost me thirty-seven shillings. Afterwards Everard stood to
+be Burgess for Westminster; sent me to procure him voices. I returned
+answer, that of all men living he deserved no courtesy from me, nor
+should have any.
+
+In this year 1660, I sued out my pardon under the Broad Seal of England,
+being so advised by good counsel, because there should be no
+obstruction; I passed as William Lilly, Citizen and Salter of London; it
+cost me thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence.
+
+There happened a verification of an astrological judgment of mine in
+this year, 1660, which, because it was predicted sixteen years before it
+came to pass, and the year expressly nominated, I thought fit to
+mention.
+
+In page 111 of my _Prophetical Merlin_, upon three sextile Aspects of
+Saturn and Jupiter, made in 1659 and 1660, I wrote thus--
+
+'This their friendly salutation comforts us in England, every man now
+possesses his own vineyard; our young youth grow up unto man's estate,
+and our old men live their full years; our nobles and gentlemen root
+again; our yeomanry, many years disconsolated, now take pleasure in
+their husbandry. The merchant sends out ships, and hath prosperous
+returns; the mechanick hath quick trading: here is almost a new world;
+new laws, new Lords. Now my country of England shall shed no more tears,
+but rejoice with, and in the many blessings God gives or affords her
+annually.'
+
+And in the same book, page 118, over-against the year 1660, you shall
+find, A bonny Scot acts his part.
+
+The long Parliament would give Charles the Second no other title than
+King of Scots.
+
+I also wrote to Sir Edward Walker, Kt. Garter King at Arms in 1659, he
+then being in Holland--
+
+_Tu, Dominusque vester videbitis Angliam, infra duos annos_.--For in
+1662, his moon came by direction to the body of the sun.
+
+But he came in upon the ascendant directed unto the trine of Sol and
+antiscion of Jupiter.
+
+And happy it was for the nation he did come in, and long and
+prosperously may he reign amongst us.
+
+In 1663 and 1664, I had along and tedious law-suit in Chancery, M.C.
+coming to quartile of Saturn; and the occasion of that suit, was
+concerning houses; and my enemy, though aged, had no beard, was really
+saturnine. We came unto a hearing Feb. 1664, before the Master of the
+Rolls, Sir Harbottle Grimston, where I had the victory, but no costs
+given me.
+
+My adversary, not satisfied with that judgment, petitioned that most
+just and honourable man, the Lord Chancellor Hyde, for a re-hearing his
+cause before him.
+
+It was granted, and the 13th June, 1664, my M.C. then directed to
+quartile of Venus and Sol. His Lordship most judiciously heard it with
+much attention, and when my adversary's counsel had urged those
+depositions which they had against me, his Lordship stood up, and said,
+
+'Here is not one word against Mr. Lilly.'--
+
+I replied, 'My Lord, I hope I shall have costs.'
+
+'Very good reason,' saith he; and so I had: and, at my departure out of
+court, put off his hat, and bid 'God be with you.'
+
+This is the month of Dec. 1667, wherein, by misfortune, he is much
+traduced and highly persecuted by his enemies: is also retired, however
+not in the least questioned for any indirect judgment as Chancellor, in
+the Chancery; [but in other things he hath been very foul, as in the
+articles drawn up by the Parliament against him, it appears. Which
+articles I presume you have not seen, otherwise you would have been of
+another mind, A W] for there was never any person sat in that place, who
+executed justice with more uprightness, or judgment, or quickness for
+dispatch, than this very noble Lord. God, I hope, in mercy will preserve
+his person from his enemies, and in good time restore him unto all his
+honours again: from my soul I wish it, and hope I shall live to see it.
+Amen: _Fiat oh tu Deus justiti�_.
+
+In 1663 and 1664, I was made churchwarden of Walton upon Thames,
+settling as well as I could the affairs of that distracted parish, upon
+my own charges; and upon my leaving the place, forgave them seven pounds
+odd money due unto me.
+
+In 1664, I had another law-suit with Captain Colborn, Lord of the manor
+of Esher, concerning the rights of the parish of Walton. He had newly
+purchased that manor, and having one hundred and fifty acres of ground,
+formerly park and wood ground lying in our parish, conceived, he had
+right of common in our parish of Walton: thereupon, he puts three
+hundred sheep upon the common; part whereof I impounded: he replevins
+them, and gave me a declaration. I answered it. The trial was to be at
+the Assizes at Kingston in April 1664. When the day of trial came, he
+had not one witness in his cause, I had many; whereupon upon conference,
+and by mediation, he gave me eleven pounds for my charges sustained in
+that suit, whereof I returned him back again fifty shillings: forty
+shillings for himself, and ten shillings for the poor of the parish he
+lived in.
+
+This I did at my own cost and charges, not one parishioner joining with
+me. I had now M.C. under quartile of Venus and Sol--both in my second,
+ergo, I got money by this thing, or suit. Sir Bolstrode Whitlock gave me
+counsel.
+
+Now I come unto the year 1665, wherein that horrible and devouring
+plague so extreamly raged in the city of London. 27th of June 1665, I
+retired into the country to my wife and family, where since I have
+wholly continued, and so intend by permission of God. I had, before I
+came away, very many people of the poorer sort frequented my lodging,
+many whereof were so civil, as when they brought waters, viz. urines,
+from infected people, they would stand purposely at a distance. I
+ordered those infected, and not like to die, cordials, and caused them
+to sweat, whereby many recovered. My landlord of the house was afraid of
+those poor people, I nothing at all. He was desirous I should be gone.
+He had four children: I took them with me into the country and provided
+for them. Six weeks after I departed, he, his wife, and man-servant died
+of the plague.
+
+In _Monarchy or no Monarchy_, printed 1651, I had framed an
+Hieroglyphick, which you may see in page the 7th, representing a great
+sickness and mortality; wherein you may see the representation of people
+in their winding-sheets, persons digging graves and sepultures, coffins,
+&c. All this was performed by the more secret _Key of Astrology_, or
+_Prophetical Astrology_.
+
+In 1666, happened that miraculous conflagration in the city of London,
+whereby in four days, the most part thereof was consumed by fire. In my
+_Monarchy or no Monarchy_, the next side after the coffins and pickaxes,
+there is a representation of a great city all in flames of fire. The
+memorial whereof some Parliament men remembering, thought fit to send
+for me before that Committee which then did sit, for examination of the
+causes of the fire; and whether there was no treachery or design in the
+business, his Majesty being then in war both with the French and Dutch.
+The summons to appear before that Committee was as followeth.
+
+    '_Monday, 22d October_, 1666.
+
+    'At the Committee appointed to enquire after the causes of the
+    late fires:
+
+    'ORDERED,
+
+    'That Mr. Lilly do attend this Committee on Friday next, being
+    the 25th of October, 1666, at two of the clock in the afternoon,
+    in the Speaker's chamber; to answer such questions as shall be
+    then and there asked him.
+
+    'ROBERT BROOKE.'
+
+By accident I was then in London, when the summons came unto me. I was
+timorous of Committees, being ever by some of them calumniated,
+upbraided, scorned, and derided. However I must and did appear; and let
+me never forget that great affection and care yourself (Oh most
+excellent and learned Esquire Ashmole) shewed unto me at that time.
+First, your affection in going along with me all that day; secondly,
+your great pains and care, in speaking unto many worthy Members of that
+Committee your acquaintance, that they should befriend me, and not
+permit me to be affronted, or have any disgraceful language cast upon
+me. I must seriously acknowledge the persuasions so prevailed with those
+generous souls, that I conceive there was never more civility used unto
+any than unto myself; and you know, there were no small number of
+Parliament men appeared, when they heard I was to be there.
+
+Sir Robert Brooke spoke to this purpose:
+
+'Mr. Lilly, This Committee thought fit to summon you to appear before
+them this day, to know, if you can say any thing as to the cause of the
+late fire, or whether there might be any design therein. You are called
+the rather hither, because in a book of your's, long since printed, you
+hinted some such thing by one of your hieroglyphics.' Unto which I
+replied,
+
+'May it please your Honours,
+
+'After the beheading of the late King, considering that in the three
+subsequent years the Parliament acted nothing which concerned the
+settlement of the nation in peace; and seeing the generality of people
+dissatisfied, the citizens of London discontented, the soldiery prone to
+mutiny, I was desirous, according to the best knowledge God had given
+me, to make enquiry by the art I studied, what might from that time
+happen unto the Parliament and nation in general. At last, having
+satisfied myself as well as I could, and perfected my judgment therein,
+I thought it most convenient to signify my intentions and conceptions
+thereof, in Forms, Shapes, Types, Hieroglyphicks, &c. without any
+commentary, that so my judgment might be concealed from the vulgar, and
+made manifest only unto the wise. I herein imitating the examples of
+many wise philosophers who had done the like.'
+
+'Sir Robert,' saith one, 'Lilly is yet _sub vestibulo_.'
+
+I proceeded further. Said I, 'Having found, Sir, that the city of London
+should be sadly afflicted with a great plague, and not long after with
+an exorbitant fire, I framed these two hieroglyphics as represented in
+the book, which in effect have proved very true.'
+
+'Did you foresee the year?' said one.
+
+'I did not,' said I, 'or was desirous: of that I made no scrutiny.' I
+proceeded--
+
+'Now, Sir, whether there was any design of burning the city, or any
+employed to that purpose, I must deal ingenuously with you, that since
+the fire, I have taken much pains in the search thereof, but cannot or
+could not give myself any the least satisfaction therein. I conclude,
+that it was the only finger of God; but what instruments he used
+thereunto, I am ignorant.'
+
+The Committee seemed well pleased with what I spoke, and dismissed me
+with great civility.
+
+Since which time no memorable action hath happened unto me, my
+retirement impeding all concourse unto me.
+
+I have many things more to communicate, which I shall do, as they offer
+themselves to memory.
+
+In anno 1634, and 1635, I had much familiarity with John Hegenius,
+Doctor of Physick, a Dutchman, an excellent scholar and an able
+physician, not meanly versed in astrology. Unto him, for his great
+civility, I communicated the art of framing Sigils, Lamens, &c. and the
+use of the Mosaical Rods:--and we did create several Sigils to very good
+purpose. I gave him, the true key thereof, _viz._ instructed him of
+their forms, characters, words, and last of all, how to give them
+vivification, and what number or numbers were appropriated to every
+planet: _Cum multis aliis in libris veterum latentibus; aut perspicu�
+non intellectis_.
+
+I was well acquainted with the Speculator of John a Windor, a scrivener,
+sometimes living in Newbury. This Windor was club-fisted, wrote with a
+pen betwixt both his hands. I have seen many bonds and bills wrote by
+him. He was much given to debauchery, so that at some times the Daemons
+would not appear to the Speculator; he would then suffumigate:
+sometimes, to vex the spirits, he would curse them, fumigate with
+contraries. Upon his examination before Sir Henry Wallop, Kt. which I
+have seen, he said, he once visited Dr. Dee in Mortlack; and out of a
+book that lay in the window, he copied out that call which he used, when
+he invocated--
+
+It was that--which near the beginning of it hath these words,
+
+  _Per virtutem illorum qui invocant nomen tuum_,
+  Hermeli--_mitte nobis tres Angelos, &c_.
+
+Windor had many good parts, but was a most lewd person: My master Wright
+knew him well, and having dealing in those parts, made use of him as a
+scrivener.
+
+Oliver Withers, servant to Sir H. Wallop, brought up John a Windor's
+examination unto London, purposely for me to peruse. This Withers was
+Mr. Fiske's scholar three years more or less, to learn astrology of him;
+but being never the wiser, Fiske brought him unto me: by shewing him but
+how to judge one figure, his eyes were opened: He made the Epistle
+before Dr. Neve's book, now in Mr. Sander's hands, was very learned in
+the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew tongues.
+
+Having mentioned Dr. John Dee, I hold it not impertinent to speak
+something of him; but more especially of Edward Kelly's Speculator.
+
+Dr. Dee himself was a Cambro Briton, educated in the university of
+Oxford, there took his degree of Doctor; afterwards for many years in
+search of the profounder studies, travelled into foreign parts: to be
+serious, he was Queen Elizabeth's intelligencer, and had a salary for
+his maintenance from the Secretaries of State. He was a ready witted
+man, quick of apprehension, very learned, and of great judgment in the
+Latin and Greek tongues. He was a very great investigator of the more
+secret Hermetical learning, a perfect astronomer, a curious astrologer,
+a serious geometrician; to speak truth, he was excellent in all kinds of
+learning.
+
+With all this, he was the most ambitious person living, and most
+desirous of fame and renown, and was never so well pleased as when he
+heard himself stiled Most Excellent.
+
+He was studious in chymistry, and attained to good perfection therein;
+but his servant, or rather companion, Kelly, out-went him, _viz._ about
+the Elixir or Philosopher's Stone; which neither Kelly or Dee attained
+by their own labour and industry. It was in this manner Kelly obtained
+it, as I had it related from an ancient minister, who knew the certainty
+thereof from an old English merchant, resident in Germany, at what time
+both Kelly and Dee were there.
+
+Dee and Kelly being in the confines of the Emperor's dominions, in a
+city where resided many English merchants, with whom they had much
+familiarity, there happened an old Friar to come to Dr. Dee's lodging.
+Knocking at the door, Dee peeped down the stairs. 'Kelly,' says he,
+'tell the old man I am not at home.' Kelly did so. The Friar said, 'I
+will take another time to wait on him.' Some few days after, he came
+again. Dee ordered Kelly, if it were the same person, to deny him again.
+He did so; at which the Friar was very angry. 'Tell thy master I came to
+speak with him and to do him good, because he is a great scholar and
+famous; but now tell him, he put forth a book, and dedicated it to the
+Emperor: it is called _Monas Hierogliphicas_. He understands it not. I
+wrote it myself, I came to instruct him therein, and in some other more
+profound things. Do thou, Kelly, come along with me, I will make thee
+more famous than thy master Dee.'
+
+Kelly was very apprehensive of what the Friar delivered, and thereupon
+suddenly retired from Dee, and wholly applied unto the Friar; and of him
+either had the Elixir ready made, or the perfect method of its
+preparation and making. The poor Friar lived a very short time after:
+whether he died a natural death, or was otherwise poisoned or made away
+by Kelly, the merchant, who related this, did not certainly know.
+
+How Kelly died afterwards at Prague, you well know: he was born at
+Worcester, had been an apothecary. Not above thirty years since he had a
+sister lived in Worcester, who had some gold made by her brother's
+projection.
+
+Dr. Dee died at Mortlack in Surrey, very poor, enforced many times to
+sell some book or other to buy his dinner with, as Dr. Napier of
+Linford, in Buckinghamshire, oft related, who knew him very well.
+
+I have read over his book of _Conference with Spirits_, and thereby
+perceive many weaknesses in the manage of that way of Mosaical learning:
+but I conceive, the reason why he had not more plain resolutions, and
+more to the purpose, was, because Kelly was very vicious, unto whom the
+angels were not obedient, or willingly did declare the questions
+propounded; but I could give other reasons, but those are not for paper.
+
+I was very familiar with one Sarah Skelhorn, who had been Speculatrix
+unto one Arthur Gauntlet about Gray's-Inn-Lane, a very lewd fellow,
+professing physick. This Sarah had a perfect sight, and indeed the best
+eyes for that purpose I ever yet did see. Gauntlet's books, after he was
+dead, were sold, after I had perused them, to my scholar Humphreys:
+there were rare notions in them. This Sarah lived a long time, even
+until her death, with one Mrs. Stockman in the Isle of Purbeck, and died
+about sixteen years since. Her mistress one time being desirous to
+accompany her mother, the Lady Beconsfield, unto London, who lived
+twelve miles from her habitation, caused Sarah to inspect her crystal,
+to see if she, viz. her mother, was gone, yea or not: the angels
+appeared, and shewed her mother opening a trunk, and taking out a red
+waistcoat, whereby she perceived she was not gone. Next day she went to
+her mother's, and there, as she entered the chamber, she was opening a
+trunk, and had a red waistcoat in her hand. Sarah told me oft, the
+angels would for some years follow her, and appear in every room of the
+house, until she was weary of them.
+
+This Sarah Skelhorn, her call unto the crystal began,
+
+'_Oh ye good angels, only and only_,' &c.
+
+Ellen Evans, daughter of my tutor Evans, her call unto the crystal was
+this:
+
+'_O Micol, O tu Micol, regina pigmeorum veni, &c_.'
+
+Since I have related of the Queen of Fairies, I shall acquaint you, that
+it is not for every one, or every person, that these angelical creatures
+will appear unto, though they may say over the call, over and over, or
+indeed is it given to very many persons to endure their glorious
+aspects; even very many have failed just at that present when they are
+ready to manifest themselves; even persons otherwise of undaunted
+spirits and firm resolution, are herewith astonished, and tremble; as it
+happened not many years since with us. A very sober discreet person, of
+virtuous life and conversation, was beyond measure desirous to see
+something in this nature. He went with a friend into my Hurst Wood: the
+Queen of Fairies was invocated, a gentle murmuring wind came first;
+after that, amongst the hedges, a smart whirlwind; by and by a strong
+blast of wind blew upon the face of the friend,--and the Queen appearing
+in a most illustrious glory, 'No more, I beseech you,' (quoth the
+friend:) 'My heart fails; I am not able to endure longer.' Nor was he:
+his black curling hair rose up, and I believe a bullrush would have beat
+him to the ground: he was soundly laughed at, &c.
+
+Sir Robert Holborn, Knight, brought once unto me Gladwell[18] of
+Suffolk, who had formerly had sight and conference with Uriel and
+Raphael, but lost them both by carelessness; so that neither of them
+both would but rarely appear, and then presently be gone, resolving
+nothing. He would have given me two hundred pounds to have assisted him
+for their recovery, but I am no such man.--Those glorious creatures, if
+well commanded, and well observed, do teach the master any thing he
+desires; _Amant secreta, fugiunt aperta_. The Fairies love the southern
+side of hills, mountains, groves.--Neatness and cleanliness in apparel,
+a strict diet, and upright life, fervent prayers unto God, conduce much
+to the assistance of those who are curious these ways.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Mr. Gilbert Wakering gave him his berril when he
+    died; it was of the largeness of a good big orange, set in
+    silver, with a cross on the top, and another on the handle; and
+    round about engraved the names of these angels, Raphael,
+    Gabriel, Uriel.]
+
+It hath been my happiness to meet with many rarities in my time
+unexpectedly. I had a sister lived in the Minories, in that very house
+where formerly had lived one Evans, not my tutor, but another far
+exceeding him in astrology, and all other occult learning, questioned
+for his life about 1612. I am sure it was when the present Earl of
+Manchester's father was Lord Chief Justice of England. He was found
+guilty by a peevish Jury: but petitioning King James by a Greek
+petition, as indeed he was an excellent Grecian; 'By my saul,' said King
+James, 'this man shall not die; I think he is a better Grecian than any
+of my Bishops:' so his life was spared, &c. My sister's master when new
+modelling the house, broke up a window, under which were Evans's secret
+manuscripts,[19] and two moulds in brass; one of a man, the other of a
+woman. I bought the moulds and book for five shillings; the secrets were
+wrote in an imperfect Greek character; but after I found the vowels, all
+the rest were presently clear enough.
+
+    [Footnote 19: From these manuscripts he gained his first
+    knowledge.]
+
+You see, most worthy Sir, I write freely; it is out of the sincerity of
+my affection, many things wrote by me having been more fit for a
+sepulture than a book: But,
+
+_Quo major est virorum pr�stantium, tui similium inopia; eo mihi charior
+est, & esse debet & amicitia tua: quam quidem omnibus officiis, &
+studiis, qu� a summa benevolentia possunt, perpetu� colam_: However, who
+study the curiosities before-named, if they are not very well versed in
+astrology, they shall rarely attain their desired ends. There was, in
+the late times of troubles, one Mortlack, who pretended unto
+Speculations, had a crystal, a call of Queen Mab, one of the Queen of
+Fairies; he deluded many thereby: at last I was brought into his
+company; he was desired to make invocation, he did so; nothing appeared,
+or would: three or four times in my company he was put upon to do the
+work, but could not; at last he said he could do nothing as long as I
+was in presence. I at last shewed him his error, but left him as I found
+him, a pretending ignoramus.
+
+I may seem to some to write incredibilia; be it so, but knowing unto
+whom, and for whose only sake, I do write them, I am much comforted
+therewith, well knowing you are the most knowing man in these
+curiosities of any now living in England; and therefore it is my hope,
+these will be a present well-becoming you to accept.
+
+_Pr�clara omnia quam difficilia sint, his pr�sertim temporibus.
+(Celeberrim� Armiger,) non te fugit_; and therefore I will acquaint you
+with one memorable story related unto me by Mr. John Marr, an excellent
+mathematican and geometrician, whom I conceive you remember: he was
+servant to King James and Charles the First.
+
+At first, when the Lord Napier, or Marchiston, made publick his
+Logarithms, Mr. Briggs, then reader of the astronomy lecture at
+Gresham-College in London, was so surprized with admiration of them,
+that he could have no quietness in himself, until he had seen that noble
+person the Lord Marchiston, whose only invention they were: he acquaints
+John Marr herewith, who went into Scotland before Mr. Briggs, purposely
+to be there when these two so learned persons should meet. Mr. Briggs
+appoints a certain day when to meet at Edinburgh: but failing thereof,
+the Lord Napier was doubtful he would not come. It happened one day as
+John Marr and the Lord Napier were speaking of Mr. Briggs; 'Ah, John,'
+saith Marchiston, 'Mr. Briggs will not now come:' at the very instant
+one knocks at the gate; John Marr hasted down, and it proved Mr. Briggs,
+to his great contentment. He brings Mr. Briggs up into my Lord's
+chamber, where almost one quarter of an hour was spent, each beholding
+the other almost with admiration, before one word was spoke: at last Mr.
+Briggs began.
+
+'My Lord, I have undertaken this long journey purposely to see your
+person, and to know by what engine of wit or ingenuity you came first to
+think of this most excellent help unto astronomy, viz. the Logarithms;
+but, my Lord, being by you found out, I wonder no body else found it out
+before, when, now known, it is so easy.' He was nobly entertained by the
+Lord Napier, and every summer after that, during the Lord's being alive,
+this venerable man, Mr. Briggs, went purposely into Scotland to visit
+him; _Tempora nunc mutantur_.
+
+These two persons were worthy men in their time; and yet the one, viz.
+Lord Marchiston, was a great lover of astrology, but Briggs the most
+satirical man against it that hath been known: but the reason hereof I
+conceive was, that Briggs was a severe Presbyterian, and wholly
+conversant with persons of that judgment; whereas the Lord Marchiston
+was a general scholar, and deeply read in all divine and human
+histories: it is the same Marchiston who made that most serious and
+learned exposition upon the _Revelation of St. John_; which is the best
+that ever yet appeared in the world.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus far proceeded Mr. William Lilly in setting down the account of his
+life, with some other things of note. Now shall be added something more
+which afterwards happened during his retirement at his house at Hersham,
+until his death.
+
+He left London in the year 1665, (as he hath before noted) and betook
+himself to the study of physick; in which, having arrived at a competent
+degree of knowledge, assisted by diligent observation and practice, he
+desired his old friend, Mr. Ashmole, to obtain of his Grace Dr. Sheldon,
+then Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, a license for the practice of
+physick; which upon application to his Grace, and producing a
+testimonial (October 8, 1670,) under the hands of two physicians of the
+college in London, on Mr. Lilly's behalf, he most readily granted, in
+the manner following, viz.
+
+'GILBERTUS providentia divina Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus totius Angli�
+Primas & Metropolitanus, dilecto nobis in Christo GULIELMO LILLY in
+Medicinis Professori, salutem, gratiam, & benedictionem. Cum ex fide
+digna relatione acceperimus Te in arte sive facultate Medicin� per non
+modicum tempus versatum fuisse, multisque de salute & sanitate corporis
+ver� desperatis (Deo Omnipotente adjuvante) subvenisse, eosque sanasse,
+nec non in arte predicta multorum peritorum laudabili testimonio pro
+experientia, fidelitate, diligentia & industria tuis circa curas quas
+susceperis peragendas in hujusmodi Arte Medicin� merit� commendatum
+esse, ad practicandum igitur & exercendum dictam Artem Medicin� in, &
+per totam Provinciam nostram Cant' (Civitate Lond' & circuitu septem
+milliarum eidem prox' adjacen' tantummodo exceptis) ex causis pr�dictis
+& aliis nos in hac per te just� moventibus, pr�stito primitus per te
+juramento de agnoscendo Regiam suprema potestatem in causis
+ecclesiasticis & temporalibus ac de renunciando, refutando, & recusando
+omni, & omnimod� jurisdictioni potestati, authoritati & superioritati
+foraneis juxta vim formam & effectum statui Parliamenti hujus inclyti
+Regni Angli� in ea parte editi & provisi quantum nobis per statuta hujus
+Regni Angli� liceat & non aliter neque alio modo te admittimus &
+approbamus, tibique Licentiam & Facultatem nostras in h�c parte, tenore
+pr�sentium quamdiu te ben� & laudabiliter gesseris benign� concedimus &
+elargimur. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum (quo in h�c parte utimur)
+praesentibus apponi fecimus. Dat. undecimo die mensis Octobris, Anno
+Domini 1670. Nostr�que translationis Anno Octavo.
+
+Sigillum
+
+    Radulph. Snowe    }
+    ET                }   Registrarii.
+    Edm. Sherman      }
+
+    S. Rich. Lloyd, Sur.
+
+'Vicarii in Spiritualibus Generalis per Provinciam Cantuariensem.'
+
+
+Hereupon he began to practise more openly, and with good success; and
+every Saturday rode to Kingston, where the poorer sort flocked to him
+from several parts, and received much benefit by his advice and
+prescriptions, which he gave them freely, and without money. From those
+that were more able, he now and then received a shilling, and sometimes
+an half crown, if they offered it to him, otherwise he demanded nothing;
+and, in truth, his charity towards poor people was very great, no less
+than the care and pains he took in considering and weighing their
+particular cases, and applying proper remedies to their infirmities,
+which gained him extraordinary credit and estimation.
+
+He was of a strong constitution, and continued generally in good health,
+till the 16th of August 1674, when a violent humour discovered itself in
+red spots all over his body, with little pushes in his head. This, in
+the winter (18 December) following, was seconded by a distemper whereof
+he fell sick, and was let blood in the left foot, a little above the
+ancle.
+
+The 20th of December following, a humour descended from his head to his
+left side, from eight o'clock at night till the next morning; and then
+staying a while in the calf of his leg, at length descended towards his
+toes, the anguish whereof put him into a fever. This humour fixed in two
+places on the top of his left foot (one in that where he was let blood
+two days before) which (upon application of pledgets) growing ripe, they
+were (28 Dec.) lanced by Mr. Agar of Kingston, his apothecary (and no
+less a skilful Surgeon:) after which he began to be at ease, his fever
+abated, and within five months the cure was perfected.
+
+The 7th of November 1675, he was taken with a violent fit of vomiting
+for some hours, to which a fever succeeded, that continued four months:
+this brought his body exceeding low, together with a dimness in his
+eyes, which after occasioned him to make use of Mr. Henry Coley, as his
+amanuensis, to transcribe (from his dictates) his astrological judgments
+for the year 1677; but the monthly observations for that year, were
+written with his own hand some time before, though by this time he was
+grown very dim-sighted. His judgments and observations for the
+succeeding years, till his death, (so also for the year 1682,) were all
+composed by his directions, Mr. Coley coming to Hersham the beginning of
+every summer, and stayed there, till, by conference with him, he had
+dispatched them for the press; to whom, at these opportunities, he
+communicated his way of judgment, and other astrological arcanas.
+
+In the beginning of the year 1681, he had a flux, which weakened him
+much, yet after some time his strength encreased; but now his sight was
+wholly taken from him, not having any glimmering as formerly.
+
+He had dwelt many years at Hersham, where his charity and kindness to
+his poor neighbours was always great and hearty; and the 30th of May
+1681, towards the evening, a dead palsy began to seize his left side.
+The second of June, towards evening, he took his bed, and then his
+tongue began to falter. The next day he became very dull and heavy:
+sometimes his senses began to fail him. Henceforward he took little or
+nothing, for his larinx swelled, and that impeded his swallowing.
+
+The fourth of June, Mr. Ashmole went to visit him, and found he knew
+him, but spake little, and some of that scarce intelligible; for the
+palsy began now to seize upon his tongue.
+
+The eighth of June he lay in a great agony, insomuch that the sweat
+followed drop after drop, which he bore with wonderful courage and
+patience (as indeed he did all his sickness) without complaint; and
+about three o'clock the next morning, he died, without any shew of
+trouble or pangs. Immediately before his breath went from him, he
+sneezed three times.
+
+He had often, in his life-time, desired Mr. Ashmole to take care of his
+funeral, and now his widow desired the same: whereupon Mr. Ashmole
+obtained leave from Sir Mathew Andrews (who had the parsonage of Walton)
+to bury him in the chancel of that church.
+
+The 10th of June, his corse was brought thither, and received by the
+minister (in his surplice) at the Litch Gates, who, passing before the
+body into the church, read the first part of the _Office for the Burial
+of the Dead_. In the reading desk he said all the evening service, and
+after performed the rest of the office (as established by law) in the
+chancel, at the interment, which was about eight o'clock in the evening,
+on the left side of the communion table, Mr. Ashmole assisting at the
+laying him in his grave; whereupon afterwards (9 July 1681) he placed a
+fair black marble stone, (which cost him six pounds four shillings and
+six-pence) with this inscription following:
+
+    Ne Oblivione conteretur Urna
+
+    GULIELMI LILLII
+
+    ASTROLOGI PERITISSIMI,
+
+    QUI FATIS CESSIT
+
+    Quinto Idus Junii Anno Christi Juliano
+
+    M DC LXXXI.
+
+    Hoc Illi posuit amoris Monumentum
+
+    ELIAS ASHMOLE,
+
+    ARMIGER.
+
+Shortly after his death, Mr. Ashmole bought his library of books of Mrs.
+Ruth Lilly, (his widow and executrix) for fifty pounds: he oft times, in
+his life-time, expressed, that if Mr. Ashmole would give that sum, he
+should have them.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following Epitaphs (Latin and English) were made by George
+Smalridge, then a scholar at Westminster, after Student of Christ-Church
+in Oxford.
+
+  _In Mortem Viri Doctissimi Domini_ GULIELMI
+  LILLY, _Astrologi, nuper defuncti_.
+
+  Occidit atque suis annalibus addidit atram
+    Astrologus, qu� non tristior ulla, diem
+  Pone triumphales, lugubris Luna, quadrigas;
+    Sol m�stum pice� nube reconde caput.
+  Illum, qui Phoebi scripsit, Phoebesq; labores
+    Eclipsin docuit Stella maligna pati.
+  Invidia Astrorum cecidit, qui Sidera rexit
+    Tanta erat in notas scandere cura domos.
+  Quod vidit, visum cupiit, potiturq; cupito
+    C[oe]lo, & Sidereo fulget in orbe decus.
+  Scilicet hoc nobis pr�dixit ab ane Cometa,
+    Et fati emicuit nuncia Stella tui
+  Fallentem vidi faciem gemuiq; videndo
+    Illa fuit vati mortis imago suo,
+  Civilis timuere alii primordia belli
+    Jejunam metuit plebs stupefata faniem
+  Non tantos tulerat bellumve famesve dolores:
+    Auspiciis essent h�c relevanda tuis.
+  In cautam subitus plebem nunc opprimat ensis,
+    Securos fati mors violenta trahat.
+  Nemo est qui videat moneatq; avertere fatum,
+    Ars jacet in Domini funera mersa sui
+  Solus natur� reservare arcana solebat,
+    Solus & ambigui solvere jura poti.
+  Lustr�sti erantes ben� fin� mente Planeta
+    Conspectum latuit stellata nulla tuum
+  Defessos oculos pens�runt lumina mentis
+    Firesias oculis, mentibus Argus eras.
+  Cernere, Firesia, poteras ventura, sed, Arge,
+    In fatum haud poteras sat vigil esse tuum
+  Sed vivit nomen semper cum sole vigebit,
+    Immemor Astrologi non erit ulla dies
+  S�cla canent laudes, quas si percurrere cones,
+    Arte opus est, Stellas qu� numerare soles
+  H�reat hoc carmen cinerum custodibus urnis,
+    Hospes quod spargens marmora rore legat.
+  "Hic situs est, dignus nunquam cecidisse Propheta;
+    Fatorum interpres fata inopina subit.
+  Versari �thereo dum vixit in orbe solebat:
+    Nunc humilem jactat Terra superba virum.
+  Sed Coelum metitur adhuc resupinus in urn�
+    Vertitur in solitos palpebra clausa polos.
+  Huic busto invigilant solenni lampade Musa�
+    Perpetuo nubes imbre sepulchra rigant.
+  Ille oculis movit distantia Sidera nostris,
+    Illam amota oculis traxit ad astra Deus."
+
+_An_ ELEGY _upon the Death of_ WILLIAM LILLY, _the Astrologer_.
+
+  Our Prophet's gone; no longer may our ears
+  Be charm'd with musick of th' harmonious spheres.
+  Let sun and moon withdraw, leave gloomy night
+  To shew their NUNCIO'S fate, who gave more light
+  To th' erring world, than all the feeble rays
+  Of sun or moon; taught us to know those days
+  Bright TITAN makes; follow'd the hasty sun
+  Through all his circuits; knew th' unconstant moon,
+  And more unconstant ebbings of the flood;
+  And what is most uncertain, th' factious brood,
+  Flowing in civil broils: by the heavens could date
+  The flux and reflux of our dubious state.
+  He saw the eclipse of sun, and change of moon
+  He saw, but seeing would not shun his own:
+  Eclips'd he was, that he might shine more bright,
+  And only chang'd to give a fuller light.
+  He having view'd the sky, and glorious train
+  Of gilded stars, scorn'd longer to remain
+  In earthly prisons: could he a village love,
+  Whom the twelve houses waited for above?
+  The grateful stars a heavenly mansion gave
+  T' his heavenly soul, nor could he live a slave
+  To mortal passions, whose immortal mind,
+  Whilst here on earth, was not to earth confin'd.
+  He must be gone, the stars had so decreed;
+  As he of them, so they of him, had need.
+  This message 'twas the blazing comet brought;
+  I saw the pale-fac'd star, and seeing thought
+  (For we could guess, but only LILLY knew)
+  It did some glorious hero's fall foreshew:
+  A hero's fall'n, whose death, more than a war,
+  Or fire, deserv'd a comet: th' obsequious star
+  Could do no less than his sad fate unfold,
+  Who had their risings, and their settings told.
+  Some thought a plague, and some a famine near;
+  Some wars from France, some fires at home did fear:
+  Nor did they fear too much: scarce kinder fate,
+  But plague of plagues befell th' unhappy state
+  When LILLY died. Now swords may safely come
+  From France or Rome, fanaticks plot at home.
+  Now an unseen, and unexpected hand,
+  By guidance of ill stars, may hurt our land;
+  Unsafe, because secure, there's none to show
+  How England may avert the fatal blow.
+  He's dead, whose death the weeping clouds deplore,
+  I wish we did not owe to him that show'r
+  Which long expected was, and might have still
+  Expected been, had not our nation's ill
+  Drawn from the heavens a sympathetic tear:
+  England hath cause a second drought to fear.
+  We have no second LILLY, who may die,
+  And by his death may make the heavens cry.
+  Then let your annals, Coley, want this day,
+  Think every year leap-year; or if't must stay,
+  Cloath it in black; let a sad note stand by,
+  And stigmatize it to posterity.
+
+_Here follows the Copy of an Indictment filed against Mr. Lilly, for
+which see page 167 of his Life_.
+
+The jurors for the Lord Protector of the commonwealth of England,
+Scotland, and Ireland, &c. upon their oaths do present, that William
+Lilly, late of the Parish of St. Clements Danes, in the County of
+Middlesex, Gent. not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being
+moved and seduced by the instigation of the devil, the 10th day of July,
+in the Year of our Lord, 1654, at the Parish aforesaid, in the County
+aforesaid, wickedly, unlawfully, and deceitfully, did take upon him, the
+said William Lilly, by inchantment, charm, and sorcery, to tell and
+declare to one Anne East, the wife of Alexander East, where ten
+waistcoats, of the value of five pounds, of the goods and chattels of
+the said Alexander East, then lately before lost and stolen from the
+said Alexander East, should be found and become; and two shilling and
+sixpence in monies numbred, of the monies of the said Alexander, from
+the said Anne East, then and and there unlawfully and deceitfully, he,
+the said William Lilly, did take, receive, and had, to tell and declare
+to her the said Anne, where the said goods, so lost and stolen as
+aforesaid, should be found and become: And also that he, the said
+William Lilly, on the said tenth day of July, in the Year of our Lord,
+1654, and divers other days and times, as well before as afterwards, at
+the said Parish aforesaid, in the County aforesaid, unlawfully and
+deceitfully did take upon him, the said William Lilly, by inchantment,
+charm, and sorcery, to tell and declare to divers other persons, to the
+said jurors, yet unknown, where divers goods, chattels, and things of
+the said persons yet unknown, there lately before lost and stolen from
+the said persons yet unknown, should be found and become; and divers
+sums of monies of the said persons yet unknown, then and there
+unlawfully and deceitfully, he the said William Lilly did take, receive,
+and had, to tell and declare to the said persons yet unknown, where
+their goods, chattels, and things, so lost and stolen, as aforesaid,
+should be found and become, in contempt of the laws of England, to the
+great damage and deceit of the said Alexander and Anne, and of the said
+other persons yet unknown, to the evil and pernicious example of all
+others in the like case offending, against the form of the statute in
+this case made and provided, and against the publick peace, &c.
+
+    _Anne East,
+    Emme Spencer,
+    Jane Gold,
+    Katherme Roberts,
+    Susannah Hulinge_.
+
+
+
+
+_Butler's Character of_ WILLIAM LILLY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  "A cunning man[20], hight SIDROPHEL.
+  That deals in destiny's dark counsels,
+  And sage opinions of the moon sells;
+  To whom all people, far and near,
+  On deep importances repair;
+  When brass and pewter hap to stray,
+  And linen slinks out of the way:
+
+    [Footnote 20: _A cunning man, hight_ Sidrophel. 'William Lilly,
+    the famous astrologer of those times, who in his yearly
+    almanacks foretold victories for the parliament with as much
+    certainty as the Preachers did in their sermons; and all or most
+    part of what is ascribed to him by the Poet, the reader will
+    find verified in his "Letter," (if we may believe it) wrote by
+    himself to Elias Ashmole, Esq.' For further curious information
+    respecting William Lilly, the reader may consult _Dr. Grey's
+    Notes to Hudibras_, vol. ii. page 163, &c. Edition 1819, in 3
+    vols, 8vo.]
+
+  When geese and pullen are seduc'd,
+  And sows of sucking pigs are chous'd:
+  When cattle feel indisposition,
+  And need th' opinion of physician;
+  When murrain reigns in hogs or sheep,
+  And chickens languish of the pip;
+  When yeast and outward means do fail,
+  And have no power to work on ale;
+  When butter does refuse to come,
+  And love proves cross and humoursome;
+  To him with questions and with urine,
+  They for discov'ry flock, or curing.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  He had been long t'wards mathematics,
+  Opticks, philosophy, and staticks,
+  Magick, horoscopy, astrology,
+  And was old dog at physiology:
+  But, as a dog that turns the spit,
+  Bestirs himself, and plies his feet
+  To climb the wheel, but all in vain,
+  His own weight brings him down again;
+  And still he's in the self-same place,
+  Where at his setting out he was:
+  So, in the circle of the arts,
+  Did he advance his nat'ral parts:
+  Till falling back still, for retreat,
+  He fell to juggle, cant, and cheat:
+  For as those fowls that live in water
+  Are never wet, he did but smatter:
+  Whate'er he labour'd to appear,
+  His understanding still was clear,
+  Yet none a deeper knowledge boasted,
+  Since old Hodge Bacon, and Bob Grosted,
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  Do not our great _Reformers_ use
+  This SIDROPHEL to forebode news?
+  To write of victories next year,
+  And castles taken yet i'th' air?
+  Of battles fought at sea, and ships
+  Sunk, two years hence, the last eclipse?
+  A total o'er throw giv'n the KING
+  In Cornwall, horse and foot, next spring?
+  And has not he point-blank foretold
+  Whatso'er the _Close Committee_ would?
+  Made Mars and Saturn for the _cause_,
+  The Moon for _fundamental laws_;
+  The Ram, the Bull, the Goat, declare
+  Against the _Book of Common Prayer_;
+  The Scorpion take the _Protestation_,
+  And Bear engage for Reformation;
+  Made all the _royal stars_ recant,
+  Compound, and take the covenant."
+
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MAURICE, PRINTER, FENCHURCH STREET.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of William Lilly's History of His Life
+and Times, by William Lilly
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of William Lilly's History of His Life and
+Times, by William Lilly
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: William Lilly's History of His Life and Times
+       From the Year 1602 to 1681
+
+Author: William Lilly
+
+Editor: Elias Ashmole
+
+Release Date: May 16, 2005 [EBook #15835]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM LILLY'S HISTORY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven Gibbs, David King, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+<h1>WILLIAM LILLY'S HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIMES, FROM THE YEAR
+1602 TO 1681.</h1>
+<hr />
+<h3>Written by Himself, in the sixty-sixth year of his Age, to His
+Worthy Friend, Elias Ashmole, Esq.</h3>
+<hr />
+<h3>PUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINAL MS.</h3>
+<h3><i>LONDON</i>, 1715.</h3>
+<hr />
+<h3>LONDON:</h3>
+<h3>RE-PRINTED FOR CHARLES BALDWYN,</h3>
+<h3>NEWGATE STREET.</h3>
+<hr />
+<h3>M.DCCC.XXII.</h3>
+<h3>MAURICE, PRINTER, PENCHURCH-STREET.</h3>
+<hr />
+<h2>LIST OF PLATES.</h2>
+<p>William Lilly, (from Marshall's Print)</p>
+<p>Ditto (from the Picture)</p>
+<p>Dr. Simon Forman 34</p>
+<p>John Booker 68</p>
+<p>Charles the Second 95</p>
+<p>Charles the First 107</p>
+<p>Hugh Peters 134</p>
+<p>Speaker Lenthall 159</p>
+<p>Oliver Cromwell 175</p>
+<p>Dr. John Dee 223</p>
+<p>Edward Kelly 226</p>
+<p>Napier of Merchiston 236</p>
+<hr />
+<h2>ADVERTISEMENT.</h2>
+<h3>PREFIXED TO THE LIVES OF ELIAS ASHMOLE &amp; WILLIAM
+LILLY.</h3>
+<h4>In 1 vol. 8vo. 1772.</h4>
+<p><i>Although we cannot, with justice, compare Elias Ashmole to
+that excellent Antiquary John Leland, or William Lilly to the
+learned and indefatigable Thomas Hearne; yet I think we may fairly
+rank them with such writers as honest Anthony Wood, whose</i> Diary
+<i>greatly resembles that of his cotemporary, and intimate friend,
+Elias Ashmole.</i></p>
+<p><i>Some anecdotes, connected with affairs of state; many
+particulars relating to illustrious persons, and antient and noble
+families; several occurrences in which the Public is interested,
+and other matters of a more private nature, can only be found in
+works of this kind. History cannot stoop to the meanness of
+examining the materials of which</i> Memoirs <i>are generally
+composed.</i></p>
+<p><i>And yet the pleasure and benefit resulting from such books
+are manifest to every reader.</i></p>
+<p><i>I hope the admirers of the very laborious Thomas Hearne will
+pardon me, if I should venture to give it as my opinion, and with
+much deference to their judgment, that William Lilly's</i> Life and
+Death of Charles the first <i>contains more useful matter of
+instruction, as well as more splendid and striking occurrences,
+than are to be found in several of those monkish volumes published
+by that learned Oxonian.</i></p>
+<p><i>Lilly affords us many curious particulars relating to the
+life of that unfortunate Prince, which are no where else to be
+found. In delineating the character of Charles, he seems
+dispassionate and impartial, and indeed it agrees perfectly with
+the general portraiture of him, as it is drawn by our most
+authentic historians.</i></p>
+<p>The History of Lilly's Life and Times <i>is certainly one of the
+most entertaining narratives in our language. With respect to the
+science he professed of calculating nativities, casting figures,
+the prediction of events, and other appendages of astrology, he
+would fain make us think that he was a very solemn and serious
+believer. Indeed, such is the manner of telling his story, that
+sometimes the reader may possibly be induced to suppose Lilly
+rather an enthusiast than an impostor. He relates many anecdotes of
+the pretenders to foretell events, raise spirits, and other
+impostures, with such seeming candor, and with such an artless
+simplicity of style, that we are almost persuaded to take his word
+when he protests such an inviolable respect to truth and
+sincerity.</i></p>
+<p><i>The powerful genius of Shakespeare could carry him
+triumphantly through subjects the most unpromising, and fables the
+most improbable: we therefore cannot wonder at the success of such
+of his plays, where the magic of witches and the incantation of
+spirits are described, or where the power of fairies is introduced;
+when such was the credulity of the times respecting these imaginary
+beings, and when that belief was made a science of, and kept alive
+by artful and superstitious, knavish, and enthusiastic teachers;
+what Lilly relates of these people, considered only as matter of
+fact, is surely very curious.</i></p>
+<p><i>To conclude; I know no record but this where we can find so
+just and so entertaining a History of Doctor Dee, Doctor Forman,
+Booker, Winder, Kelly, Evans, (Lilly's Master,) the famous William
+Poole, and Captain Bubb Fiske, Sarah Shelborne, and many
+others.</i></p>
+<p><i>To these we may add, the uncommon effects of the Crystal, the
+appearance of Queen Mabb, and other strange and miraculous
+operations, which owe their origin to folly, curiosity,
+superstition, bigotry, and imposture.</i> <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page7" id="page7"></a>{7}</span></p>
+<hr />
+<h1>THE LIFE OF WILLIAM LILLY, STUDENT IN ASTROLOGY.</h1>
+<blockquote>
+<p>Wrote by himself in the 66th Year of his Age, at Hersham, in the
+Parish of Walton-upon-Thames, in the County of Surry. <i>Propria
+Manu.</i></p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>I<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href=
+"#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> was born in the county of Leicester,
+in an obscure town, in the north-west borders thereof, called
+Diseworth, seven miles south of the town of Derby, one mile from
+Castle-Donnington, a town of great rudeness, wherein it is not
+remembered that any of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page8" id=
+"page8"></a>{8}</span> the farmers thereof did ever educate any of
+their sons to learning, only my grandfather sent his younger son to
+Cambridge, whose <span class="pagenum"><a name="page9" id=
+"page9"></a>{9}</span> name was Robert Lilly, and died Vicar of
+Cambden in Gloucestershire, about 1640.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote1" name=
+"footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag1">(return)</a>
+<p>"William Lilly was a prominent, and, in the opinion of many of
+his cotemporaries, a very important personage in the most eventful
+period of English history. He was a principal actor in the farcical
+scenes which diversified the bloody tragedy of civil war; and while
+the King and the Parliament were striving for mastery in the field,
+he was deciding their destinies in the closet. The weak and the
+credulous of both parties, who sought to be instructed in
+'destiny's dark counsels,' flocked to consult the 'wily Archimage,'
+who, with exemplary impartiality, meted out victory and good
+fortune to his clients, according to the extent of their faith, and
+the weight of their purses. A few profane Cavaliers might make his
+name the burthen of their <i>malignant</i> rhymes&mdash;a few of
+the more scrupulous among the <i>Saints</i> might keep aloof in
+sanctified abhorrence of the 'Stygian sophister'&mdash;but the
+great majority of the people lent a willing and reverential ear to
+his prophecies and prognostications. Nothing was too high or too
+low&mdash;too mighty or too insignificant, for the grasp of his
+genius. The stars, his informants, were as communicative on the
+most trivial as on the most important subjects. If a scheme was set
+on foot to rescue the king, or to retrieve a stray trinket&mdash;to
+restore the royal authority, or to make a frail damsel an honest
+woman&mdash;to cure the nation of anarchy, or a lap-dog of a
+surfeit, William Lilly was the oracle to be consulted. His
+<i>almanacks</i> were spelled over in the tavern and quoted in the
+senate; they nerved the arm of the soldier, and rounded the periods
+of the orator. The fashionable beauty, dashing along in her calash
+from St. James's or the Mall, and the prim, starched dame, from
+Watling-street or Bucklersbury, with a staid foot-boy, in a plush
+jerkin, plodding behind her&mdash;the reigning toast among 'the men
+of wit about town,' and the leading groaner in a tabernacle
+concert&mdash;glided alternately into the study of the trusty
+wizard, and poured into his attentive ear strange tales of love, or
+trade, or treason. The Roundhead stalked in at one door, whilst the
+Cavalier was hurried out at the other.</p>
+<p>"The <i>Confessions</i> of a man so variously consulted and
+trusted, if written with the candour of a Cardan or a Rousseau,
+would indeed be invaluable. The <i>Memoirs of William Lilly</i>,
+though deficient in this essential ingredient, yet contain a
+variety of curious and interesting anecdotes of himself and his
+cotemporaries, which, where the vanity of the writer, or the truth
+of his art, is not concerned, may be received with implicit
+credence.</p>
+<p>"The simplicity and apparent candour of his narrative might
+induce a hasty reader of this book to believe him a well-meaning
+but somewhat silly personage, the dupe of his own
+speculations&mdash;the deceiver of himself as well as of others.
+But an attentive examination of the events of his life, even as
+recorded by himself, will not warrant so favourable an
+interpretation. His systematic and successful attention to his own
+interest&mdash;his dexterity in keeping on 'the windy side of the
+law'&mdash;his perfect political pliability&mdash;and his presence
+of mind and fertility of resources when entangled in
+difficulties&mdash;indicate an accomplished impostor, not a crazy
+enthusiast. It is very possible and probable, that, at the outset
+of his career, he was a real believer in the truth and lawfulness
+of his art, and that he afterwards felt no inclination to part with
+so pleasant and so profitable a delusion: like his patron,
+Cromwell, whose early fanaticism subsided into hypocrisy, he
+carefully retained his folly as a cloak for his knavery. Of his
+success in deception, the present narrative exhibits abundant
+proofs. The number of his dupes was not confined to the vulgar and
+illiterate, but included individuals of real worth and learning, of
+hostile parties and sects, who courted his acquaintance and
+respected his predictions. His proceedings were deemed of
+sufficient importance to be twice made the subject of a
+parliamentary inquiry; and even after the Restoration&mdash;when a
+little more scepticism, if not more wisdom, might have been
+expected&mdash;we find him examined by a Committee of the House of
+Commons, respecting his fore-knowledge of the great fire of London.
+We know not whether it 'should more move our anger or our mirth,'
+to see an assemblage of British Senators&mdash;the cotemporaries of
+Hampden and Falkland&mdash;of Milton and Clarendon&mdash;in an age
+which roused into action so many and such mighty
+energies&mdash;gravely engaged in ascertaining the causes of a
+great national calamity, from the prescience of a knavish
+fortuneteller, and puzzling their wisdoms to interpret the
+symbolical flames, which blazed in the mis-shapen wood-cuts of his
+oracular publications.</p>
+<p>"As a set-off against these honours may be mentioned, the
+virulent and unceasing attacks of almost all the party scribblers
+of the day; but their abuse he shared in common with men, whose
+talents and virtues have outlived the malice of their
+cotemporaries, and</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>'Whose honours with increase of ages grow,</p>
+<p>As streams roll down, enlarging as they flow.'"</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p><i>Retrospective Review</i>, Vol. ii. p. 51.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>The town of Diseworth did formerly belong <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page10" id="page10"></a>{10}</span> long unto
+the Lord Seagrave, for there is one record in the hands of my
+cousin Melborn Williamson, which mentions one acre of land
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page11" id="page11"></a>{11}</span>
+abutting north upon the gates of the Lord Seagrave; and there is
+one close, called Hall-close, wherein the ruins of some ancient
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page12" id="page12"></a>{12}</span>
+buildings appear, and particularly where the dove-house stood; and
+there is also the ruins of decayed fish-ponds and other outhouses.
+This town came at length to be the inheritance of Margaret,
+Countess of Richmond, mother of Henry VII. which <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page13" id="page13"></a>{13}</span> Margaret
+gave this town and lordship of Diseworth unto Christ's College in
+Cambridge, the Master and Fellows whereof have ever since, and at
+present, enjoy and possess it.</p>
+<p>In the church of this town there is but one monument, and that
+is a white marble stone, now almost broken to pieces, which was
+placed there by Robert Lilly, my grandfather, in memory of Jane his
+wife, the daughter of Mr. Poole of Dalby, in the same county, a
+family now quite extinguished. My grandmother's brother was Mr.
+Henry Poole, one of the Knights of Rhodes, or Templars, who being a
+soldier at Rhodes at the taking thereof by Solyman the Magnificent,
+and escaping with his life, came afterwards to England, and married
+the Lady Parron or Perham, of Oxfordshire, and was called, during
+his life, Sir Henry Poole. William <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page14" id="page14"></a>{14}</span> Poole the Astrologer knew him
+very well, and remembers him to have been a very tall person, and
+reputed of great strength in his younger years.</p>
+<p>The impropriation of this town of Diseworth was formerly the
+inheritance of three sisters, whereof two became votaries; one in
+the nunnery of Langly in the parish of Diseworth, valued at the
+suppression, I mean the whole nunnery, at thirty-two pounds per
+annum, and this sister's part is yet enjoyed by the family of the
+Grayes, who now, and for some years past, have the enjoyment and
+possession of all the lands formerly belonging to the nunnery in
+the parish of Diseworth, and are at present of the yearly value of
+three hundred and fifty pounds per annum. One of the sisters gave
+her part of the great tithes unto a religious house in Bredon upon
+the Hill; and, as the inhabitants <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page15" id="page15"></a>{15}</span> report, became a religious
+person afterwards.</p>
+<p>The third sister married, and her part of the tithes in
+succeeding ages became the Earl of Huntingdon's, who not many years
+since sold it to one of his servants.</p>
+<p>The donation of the vicarage is in the gift of the Grayes of
+Langley, unto whom they pay yearly, (I mean unto the Vicar) as I am
+informed, six pounds per annum. Very lately some charitable
+citizens have purchased one-third portion of the tithes, and given
+it for a maintenance of a preaching minister, and it is now of the
+value of about fifty pounds per annum.</p>
+<p>There have been two hermitages in this parish; the last hermit
+was well remembered by one Thomas Cooke, a very ancient inhabitant,
+who in my younger years acquainted me therewith.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page16" id="page16"></a>{16}</span>
+<p>This town of Diseworth is divided into three parishes; one part
+belongs under Locington, in which part standeth my father's house,
+over-against the west end of the steeple, in which I was born: some
+other farms are in the parish of Bredon, the rest in the parish of
+Diseworth.</p>
+<p>In this town, but in the parish of Lockington, was I born, the
+first day of May 1602.</p>
+<p>My father's name was William Lilly, son of Robert, the son of
+Robert, the son of Rowland, &amp;c. My mother was Alice, the
+daughter of Edward Barham, of Fiskerton Mills, in Nottinghamshire,
+two miles from Newark upon Trent: this Edward Barham was born in
+Norwich, and well remembered the rebellion of Kett the Tanner, in
+the days of Edward VI.</p>
+<p>Our family have continued many ages in this town as yeomen;
+besides the farm my <span class="pagenum"><a name="page17" id=
+"page17"></a>{17}</span> father and his ancestors lived in, both my
+father and grandfather had much free land, and many houses in the
+town, not belonging to the college, as the farm wherein they were
+all born doth, and is now at this present of the value of forty
+pounds per annum, and in possession of my brother's son; but the
+freehold land and houses, formerly purchased by my ancestors, were
+all sold by my grandfather and father; so that now our family
+depend wholly upon a college lease. Of my infancy I can speak
+little, only I do remember that in the fourth year of my age I had
+the measles.</p>
+<p>I was, during my minority, put to learn at such schools, and of
+such masters, as the rudeness of the place and country afforded; my
+mother intending I should be a scholar from my infancy, seeing my
+father's back-slidings in the world, and no hopes by plain
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page18" id="page18"></a>{18}</span>
+husbandry to recruit a decayed estate; therefore upon Trinity
+Tuesday, 1613, my father had me to Ashby de la Zouch, to be
+instructed by one Mr. John Brinsley; one, in those times, of great
+abilities for instruction of youth in the Latin and Greek tongues;
+he was very severe in his life and conversation, and did breed up
+many scholars for the universities: in religion he was a strict
+Puritan, not conformable wholly to the ceremonies of the Church of
+England. In this town of Ashby de la Zouch, for many years
+together, Mr. Arthur Hildersham exercised his ministry at my being
+there; and all the while I continued at Ashby, he was silenced.
+This is that famous Hildersham, who left behind him a commentary on
+the fifty-first psalm; as also many sermons upon the fourth of
+John, both which are printed; he was an excellent textuary, of
+exemplary life, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page19" id=
+"page19"></a>{19}</span> pleasant in discourse, a strong enemy to
+the Brownists, and dissented not from the Church of England in any
+article of faith, but only about wearing the surplice, baptizing
+with the cross, and kneeling at the sacrament; most of the people
+in town were directed by his judgement, and so continued, and yet
+do continue presbyterianly affected; for when the Lord of
+Loughborough in 1642, 1643, 1644, and 1645, had his garrison in
+that town, if by chance at any time any troops of horse had lodged
+within the town, though they came late at night to their quarters;
+yet would one or other of the town presently give Sir John Gell of
+Derby notice, so that ere next morning most of his Majesty's troops
+were seized in their lodgings, which moved the Lord of Loughborough
+merrily to say, there was not a fart let in Ashby, but it was
+presently carried to Derby.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page20" id="page20"></a>{20}</span>
+<p>The several authors I there learned were these, viz.
+<i>Sententi&aelig; Pueriles</i>, <i>Cato</i>, <i>Corderius</i>,
+<i>&AElig;sop's Fables</i>, <i>Tully's Offices</i>, <i>Ovid de
+Tristibus</i>; lastly, <i>Virgil</i>, then <i>Horace</i>; as also
+<i>Camden's Greek Grammar</i>, <i>Theognis</i> and <i>Homer's
+Iliads</i>: I was only entered into <i>Udall's Hebrew Grammar</i>;
+he never taught logick, but often would say it was fit to be
+learned in the universities.</p>
+<p>In the fourteenth year of my age, by a fellow scholar of swarth,
+black complexion, I had like to have my right eye beaten out as we
+were at play; the same year, about Michaelmas, I got a surfeit, and
+thereupon a fever, by eating beech-nuts.</p>
+<p>In the sixteenth year of my age I was exceedingly troubled in my
+dreams concerning my salvation and damnation, and also concerning
+the safety and destruction of the souls of my father and mother; in
+the nights <span class="pagenum"><a name="page21" id=
+"page21"></a>{21}</span> I frequently wept, prayed and mourned, for
+fear my sins might offend God.</p>
+<p>In the seventeenth year of my age my mother died.</p>
+<p>In the eighteenth year of my age my master Brinsley was enforced
+from keeping school, being persecuted by the Bishop's officers; he
+came to London, and then lectured in London, where he afterwards
+died. In this year, by reason of my father's poverty, I was also
+enforced to leave school, and so came to my father's house, where I
+lived in much penury for one year, and taught school one quarter of
+a year, until God's providence provided better for me.</p>
+<p>For the two last years of my being at school, I was of the
+highest form in the school, and chiefest of that form; I could then
+speak Latin as well as English; could make extempore verses upon
+any theme; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page22" id=
+"page22"></a>{22}</span> all kinds of verses, hexameter,
+pentameter, phaleuciacks, iambicks, sapphicks, &amp;c. so that if
+any scholars from remote schools came to dispute, I was ringleader
+to dispute with them; I could cap verses, &amp;c. If any minister
+came to examine us, I was brought forth against him, nor would I
+argue with him unless in the Latin tongue, which I found few of
+them could well speak without breaking Priscian's head; which, if
+once they did, I would complain to my master, <i>Non bene
+intelligit linguam Latinam, nec prorsus loquitur</i>. In the
+derivation of words, I found most of them defective, nor indeed
+were any of them good grammarians: all and every of those scholars
+who were of my form and standing, went to Cambridge and proved
+excellent divines, only poor I, William Lilly, was not so happy;
+fortune then frowning upon father's present condition, he
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page23" id="page23"></a>{23}</span>
+not in any capacity to maintain me at the university.</p>
+<h3>OF THE MANNER HOW I CAME UNTO LONDON.</h3>
+<p>Worthy sir, I take much delight to recount unto you, even all
+and every circumstance of my life, whether good, moderate, or evil;
+<i>Deo gloria</i>.</p>
+<p>My father had one Samuel Smatty for his Attorney, unto whom I
+went sundry times with letters, who perceiving I was a scholar, and
+that I lived miserably in the country, losing my time, nor any ways
+likely to do better, if I continued there; pitying my condition, he
+sent word for me to come and speak with him, and told me that he
+had lately been at London, where there was a gentleman wanted a
+youth, to attend him and his wife, who could write, &amp;c.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page24" id="page24"></a>{24}</span>
+<p>I acquainted my father with it, who was very willing to be rid
+of me, for I could not work, drive the plough, or endure any
+country labour; my father oft would say, I was good for
+nothing.</p>
+<p>I had only twenty shillings, and no more, to buy me a new suit,
+hose, doublet, &amp;c. my doublet was fustian: I repaired to Mr.
+Smatty, when I was accoutred, for a letter to my master, which he
+gave me.</p>
+<p>Upon Monday, April 3, 1620, I departed from Diseworth, and came
+to Leicester: but I must acquaint you, that before I came away I
+visited my friends, amongst whom I had given me about ten
+shillings, which was a great comfort unto me. On Tuesday, April the
+4th, I took leave of my father, then in Leicester gaol for debt,
+and came along with Bradshaw the carrier, the same person with whom
+many of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page25" id=
+"page25"></a>{25}</span> Duke of Buckingham's kindred had come up
+with. Hark how the waggons crack with their rich lading! It was a
+very stormy week, cold and uncomfortable: I footed it all along; we
+could not reach London until Palm-Sunday, the 9th of April, about
+half an hour after three in the afternoon, at which time we entered
+Smithfield. When I had gratified the carrier and his servants, I
+had seven shillings and sixpence left, and no more; one suit of
+cloaths upon my back, two shirts, three bands, one pair of shoes,
+and as many stockings. Upon the delivery of my letter my master
+entertained me, and next day bought me a new cloak, of which you
+may imagine (good Esquire) whether I was not proud of; besides, I
+saw and eat good white bread, contrary to our diet in
+Leicestershire. My master's name was Gilbert Wright, born at
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page26" id="page26"></a>{26}</span>
+Market Bosworth in Leicestershire; my mistress was born at Ashby de
+la Zouch, in the same county, and in the town where I had gone to
+school. This Gilbert Wright could neither write nor read: he lived
+upon his annual rents, was of no calling or profession; he had for
+many years been servant to the Lady Pawlet in Hertfordshire; and
+when Serjeant Puckering was made Lord keeper, he made him keeper of
+his lodgings at Whitehall. When Sir Thomas Egerton was made Lord
+Chancellor, he entertained him in the same place; and when he
+married a widow in Newgate Market, the Lord Chancellor recommended
+him to the company of Salters, London, to admit him into their
+company, and so they did, and my master in 1624, was master of that
+company; he was a man of excellent natural parts, and would
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page27" id="page27"></a>{27}</span>
+speak publickly upon any occasion very rationally and to the
+purpose. I write this, that the world may know he was no taylor, or
+myself of that or any other calling or profession: my work was to
+go before my master to church; to attend my master when he went
+abroad; to make clean his shoes; sweep the street; help to drive
+bucks when he washed; fetch water in a tub from the Thames: I have
+helped to carry eighteen tubs of water in one morning; weed the
+garden; all manner of drudgeries I willingly performed; scrape
+trenchers, &amp;c. If I had any profession, it was of this nature:
+I should never have denied being a taylor, had I been one; for
+there is no calling so base, which by God's mercy may not afford a
+livelihood; and had not my master entertained me, I would have been
+of a very mean profession ere I would have <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page28" id="page28"></a>{28}</span> returned
+into the country again; so here ends the actions of eighteen years
+of my life.</p>
+<p>My master married his second wife for her estate; she was
+competently rich; she married him for considerations he performed
+not, (nocturnal society) so that they lived very uncomfortably; she
+was about seventy years of age, he sixty-six or more; yet never was
+any woman more jealous of a husband than she; insomuch, that
+whensoever he went into London, she was confident of his going to
+women; by those means my life was the more uncomfortable, it being
+very difficult to please two such opposite natures: however, as to
+the things of this world I had enough, and endured their
+discontents with much sereneness. My mistress was very curious to
+know of such as were then called cunning or wise <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page29" id="page29"></a>{29}</span> men, whether
+she should bury her husband? She frequently visited such persons,
+and this occasion begot in me a little desire to learn something
+that way, but wanting money to buy books, I laid aside these
+motions, and endeavoured to please both master and mistress.</p>
+<h3>OF MY MISTRESS'S DEATH, AND OCCASION THEREOF BY MEANS OF A
+CANCER IN HER BREAST.</h3>
+<p>In 1622 she complained of a pain in her left breast, whereon
+there appeared at first a hard knob no bigger than a small pea; it
+increased in a little time very much, was very hard, and sometimes
+would look very red; she took advice of surgeons, had oils,
+sear-cloths, plates of lead, and what not: in 1623 it grew very
+big, and spread all <span class="pagenum"><a name="page30" id=
+"page30"></a>{30}</span> over her breast; then for many weeks
+poultices were applied to it, which in continuance of time broke
+the skin, and then abundance of watery thin stuff came from it, but
+nothing else; at length the matter came to suppuration, but never
+any great store issued forth; it was exceeding noisome and painful;
+from the beginning of it until she died, she would permit no
+surgeon to dress it but only myself; I applied every thing unto it,
+and her pains were so great the winter before she died, that I have
+been called out of my bed two or three times in one night to dress
+it and change plaisters. In 1624 by degrees, with scissars, I cut
+all the whole breast away, I mean the sinews, nerves, &amp;c. In
+one fortnight, or little more, it appeared, as it were, mere flesh,
+all raw, so that she could scarce endure any unguent to be
+applied.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page31" id="page31"></a>{31}</span>
+<p>I remember there was a great cleft through the middle of the
+breast, which when that fully appeared she died, which was in
+September 1624; my master being then in the country, his kindred in
+London would willingly have had mourning for her; but by advice of
+an especial friend of his I contradicted them; nor would I permit
+them to look into any chest or trunk in the house. She was decently
+buried, and so fond of me in the time of her sickness, she would
+never permit me out of her chamber, gave me five pounds in old
+gold, and sent me unto a private trunk of her's at a friend's
+house, where she had one hundred pounds in gold; she bid me bring
+it away and take it, but when I opened the trunk I found nothing
+therein; for a kinsman of hers had been there a few days before,
+and carried all away: she was in a great passion at my relating
+thereof, because <span class="pagenum"><a name="page32" id=
+"page32"></a>{32}</span> she could not gratify my pains in all her
+sickness, advised me to help myself, when she was gone, out of my
+master's goods, which I never did.</p>
+<p>Courteous Esquire, be not weary of reading hereof, or what
+followeth.</p>
+<p>When my mistress died, she had under her arm-hole a small
+scarlet bag full of many things, which, one that was there
+delivered unto me. There was in this bag several sigils, some of
+Jupiter in Trine, others of the nature of Venus, some of iron, and
+one of gold, of pure angel-gold, of the bigness of a thirty-three
+shilling piece of King James's coin. In the circumference on one
+side was engraven, <i>Vicit Leo de tribu Jud&aelig;
+Tetragrammaton</i> [symbol: cross], within the middle there was
+engraven a holy lamb. In the other circumference there was Amraphel
+and three [symbol: cross]. In the middle, <i>Sanctus Petrus</i>,
+<i>Alpha</i> and <i>Omega</i>.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page33" id="page33"></a>{33}</span>
+<p>The occasion of framing this sigil was thus; her former husband
+travelling into Sussex, happened to lodge in an inn, and to lie in
+a chamber thereof; wherein, not many months before, a country
+grazier had lain, and in the night cut his own throat; after this
+night's lodging, he was perpetually, and for many years, followed
+by a spirit, which vocally and articulately provoked him to cut his
+throat: he was used frequently to say, 'I defy thee, I defy thee,'
+and to spit at the spirit; this spirit followed him many years, he
+not making any body acquainted with it; at last he grew melancholy
+and discontented; which being carefully observed by his wife, she
+many times hearing him pronounce, 'I defy thee,' &amp;c. she
+desired him to acquaint her with the cause of his distemper, which
+he then did. Away she went to Dr. Simon Forman, who lived then in
+Lambeth, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page34" id=
+"page34"></a>{34}</span> acquaints him with it; who having framed
+this sigil, and hanged it about his neck, he wearing it continually
+until he died, was never more molested by the spirit: I sold the
+sigil for thirty-two shillings, but transcribed the words
+<i>verbatim</i> as I have related. Sir, you shall now have a story
+of this Simon Forman, as his widow, whom I well knew, related it
+unto me. But before I relate his death, I shall acquaint you
+something of the man, as I have gathered them from some manuscripts
+of his own writing.</p>
+<h3>OF DR. SIMON FORMAN</h3>
+<p>He was a chandler's son in the city of Westminster. He travelled
+into Holland for a month, in 1580, purposely to be instructed in
+astrology, and other more occult sciences; as also in physick,
+taking his degree of Doctor beyond seas: being sufficiently
+furnished <span class="pagenum"><a name="page35" id=
+"page35"></a>{35}</span> and instructed with what he desired, he
+returned into England, towards the latter end of the reign of Queen
+Elizabeth, and flourished until that year of King James, wherein
+the Countess of Essex, the Earl of Somerset, and Sir Thomas
+Overbury's matters were questioned. He lived in Lambeth, with a
+very good report of the neighbourhood, especially of the poor, unto
+whom he was very charitable. He was a person that in horary
+questions (especially thefts) was very judicious and fortunate; so
+also in sicknesses, which indeed was his master-piece. In resolving
+questions about marriage he had good success: in other questions
+very moderate. He was a person of indefatigable pains. I have seen
+sometimes half one sheet of paper wrote of his judgment upon one
+question; in writing whereof he used much tautology, as you may see
+yourself, (most excellent Esquire) <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page36" id="page36"></a>{36}</span> if you read a great book of
+Dr. Flood's, which you have, who had all that book from the
+manuscripts of Forman; for I have seen the same word for word in an
+English manuscript formerly belonging to Doctor Willoughby of
+Gloucestershire. Had Forman lived to have methodized his own
+papers, I doubt not but he would have advanced the
+Jatro-mathematical part thereof very completely; for he was very
+observant, and kept notes of the success of his judgments, as in
+many of his figures I have observed. I very well remember to have
+read, in one of his manuscripts, what followeth.</p>
+<p>'Being in bed one morning,' (says he) 'I was desirous to know
+whether I should ever be a Lord, Earl, or Knight, &amp;c. whereupon
+I set a figure; and thereupon my judgment:' by which he concluded,
+that within two years time he should be a Lord or great man:
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page37" id="page37"></a>{37}</span>
+'But,' says he, 'before the two years were expired, the Doctors put
+me in Newgate, and nothing came.' Not long after, he was desirous
+to know the same things concerning his honour or greatship. Another
+figure was set, and that promised him to be a great Lord within one
+year. But he sets down, that in that year he had no preferment at
+all; only 'I became acquainted with a merchant's wife, by whom I
+got well.' There is another figure concerning one Sir
+&mdash;&mdash; Ayre his going into Turkey, whether it would be a
+good voyage or not: the Doctor repeats all his astrological reasons
+and musters them together, and then gave his judgment it would be a
+fortunate voyage. But under this figure he concludes, 'this proved
+not so, for he was taken prisoner by pirates ere he arrived in
+Turkey, and lost all.' He set several questions to know if he
+should attain the philosophers' <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page38" id="page38"></a>{38}</span> stone, and the figures,
+according to his straining, did seem to signify as much; and then
+he tuggs upon the aspects and configurations, and elected a fit
+time to begin his operation; but, by and by, in conclusion, he
+adds, 'so the work went very forward; but upon the [symbol: aspect
+"squares"] of [symbol: aspect "conjunctions"] the setting-glass
+broke, and I lost all my pains:' he sets down five or six such
+judgments, but still complains all came to nothing, upon the
+malignant aspects of [symbol: Saturn] and [symbol: Mars]. Although
+some of his astrological judgments did fail, more particularly
+those concerning himself, he being no way capable of such
+preferment as he ambitiously desired; yet I shall repeat some other
+of his judgments, which did not fail, being performed by conference
+with spirits. My mistress went once unto him, to know when her
+husband, then in Cumberland, would return, he having promised to be
+at home <span class="pagenum"><a name="page39" id=
+"page39"></a>{39}</span> near the time of the question; after some
+consideration, he told her to this effect: 'Margery,' for so her
+name was, 'thy husband will not be at home these eighteen days; his
+kindred have vexed him, and he is come away from them in much
+anger: he is now in Carlisle, and hath but three-pence in his
+purse.' And when he came home he confessed all to be true, and that
+upon leaving his kindred he had but three-pence in his purse. I
+shall relate one story more, and then his death.</p>
+<p>One Coleman, clerk to Sir Thomas Beaumont of Leicestershire,
+having had some liberal favours both from his lady and her
+daughters, bragged of it, &amp;c. The Knight brought him into the
+star-chamber, had his servant sentenced to be pilloried, whipped,
+and afterwards, during life, to be imprisoned. The sentence was
+executed in London, and was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page40"
+id="page40"></a>{40}</span> to be in Leicestershire: two keepers
+were to convey Coleman from the Fleet to Leicester. My mistress
+taking consideration of Coleman, and the miseries he was to suffer,
+went presently to Forman, acquainted him therewith; who, after
+consideration, swore Coleman had lain both with mother and
+daughters; and besides said, that the old Lady being afflicted with
+fits of the mother, called him into her chamber to hold down the
+fits with his hands; and that he holding his hands about the
+breast, she cried 'Lower, lower,' and put his hands below her
+belly; and then&mdash;He also told my mistress in what posture he
+lay with the young ladies, &amp;c. and said, 'they intend in
+Leicester to whip him to death; but I assure thee, Margery, he
+shall never come there; yet they set forward to-morrow,' says he;
+and so his two keepers did, Coleman's legs being locked
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page41" id="page41"></a>{41}</span>
+with an iron chain under the horse's belly. In this nature they
+travelled the first and second day; on the third day the two
+keepers, seeing their prisoner's civility the two preceding days,
+did not lock his chain under the horse's belly as formerly, but
+locked it only to one side. In this posture they rode some miles
+beyond Northampton, when on a sudden, one of the keepers had a
+necessity to untruss, and so the other and Coleman stood still; by
+and by the other keeper desired Coleman to hold his horse, for he
+had occasion also: Coleman immediately took one of their swords,
+and ran through two of the horses, killing them stark dead; gets
+upon the other, with one of their swords; 'Farewell, gentlemen,'
+quoth he, 'tell my master I have no mind to be whipped in
+Leicestershire,' and so went his way. The two keepers in all haste
+went to a gentleman's <span class="pagenum"><a name="page42" id=
+"page42"></a>{42}</span> house near at hand, complaining of their
+misfortune, and desired of him to pursue their prisoner, which he
+with much civility granted; but ere the horses could be got ready,
+the mistress of the house came down, and enquiring what the matter
+was, went to the stable, and commanded the horses to be unsaddled,
+with this sharp speech&mdash;'Let the Lady Beaumont and her
+daughters live honestly, none of my horses shall go forth upon this
+occasion.'</p>
+<p>I could relate many such stories of his performances; as also
+what he wrote in a book left behind him, <i>viz.</i> 'This I made
+the devil write with his own hand in Lambeth Fields 1596, in June
+or July, as I now remember.' He professed to his wife there would
+be much trouble about Carr and the Countess of Essex, who
+frequently resorted unto him, and from whose company he would
+sometimes <span class="pagenum"><a name="page43" id=
+"page43"></a>{43}</span> lock himself in his study a whole day. Now
+we come to his death, which happened as follows: the Sunday night
+before he died, his wife and he being at supper in their
+garden-house, she being pleasant, told him, that she had been
+informed he could resolve, whether man or wife should die first;
+'Whether shall I' (quoth she) 'bury you or no?' 'Oh Trunco,' for so
+he called her, 'thou wilt bury me, but thou wilt much repent it.'
+'Yea, but how long first?' 'I shall die,' said he, 'ere Thursday
+night.' Monday came, all was well. Tuesday came, he not sick.
+Wednesday came, and still he was well; with which his impertinent
+wife did much twit him in his teeth. Thursday came, and dinner was
+ended, he very well: he went down to the water-side, and took a
+pair of oars to go to some buildings he was in hand with in
+Puddle-dock. Being in the middle <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page44" id="page44"></a>{44}</span> of the Thames, he presently
+fell down, only saying, 'An impost, an impost,' and so died. A most
+sad storm of wind immediately following. He died worth one thousand
+two hundred pounds, and left only one son called Clement. All his
+rarities, secret manuscripts, of what quality soever, Dr. Napper of
+Lindford in Buckinghamshire had, who had been a long time his
+scholar; and of whom Forman was used to say he would be a dunce:
+yet in continuance of time he proved a singular astrologer and
+physician. Sir Richard now living, I believe, has all those
+rarities in possession, which were Forman's, being kinsman and heir
+unto Dr. Napper. (His son Thomas Napper, Esq.; most generously gave
+most of these manuscripts to Elias Ashmole, Esq.;) I hope you will
+pardon this digression.</p>
+<p>After my mistress was dead, I lived most <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page45" id="page45"></a>{45}</span> comfortably,
+my master having a great affection for me.</p>
+<p>The year 1625 now comes on, and the plague exceeding violent, I
+will relate what I observed the spring before it broke forth.
+Against our corner house every night there would come down, about
+five or six of the clock, sometime one hundred or more boys, some
+playing, others as if in serious discourse, and just as it grew
+dark would all be gone home; many succeeding years there was no
+such, or any concourse, usually no more than four or five in a
+company: In the spring of 1625, the boys and youths of several
+parishes in like number appeared again, which I beholding, called
+Thomas Sanders, my landlord, and told him, that the youth and young
+boys of several parishes did in that nature assemble and play, in
+the beginning of the year 1625. 'God bless us,' quoth <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page46" id="page46"></a>{46}</span> I, 'from a
+plague this year;' but then there succeeded one, and the greatest
+that ever was in London. In 1625, the visitation encreasing, and my
+master having a great charge of money and plate, some of his own,
+some other men's, left me and a fellow-servant to keep the house,
+and himself in June went into Leicestershire. He was in that year
+feoffee collector for twelve poor alms-people living in
+Clement-Dane's Church-Yard; whose pensions I in his absence paid
+weekly, to his and the parish's great satisfaction. My master was
+no sooner gone down, but I bought a bass-viol, and got a master to
+instruct me; the intervals of time I spent in bowling in
+Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, with Wat the cobler, Dick the blacksmith, and
+such like companions: We have sometimes been at our work at six in
+the morning, and so continued till three or four in the afternoon,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page47" id="page47"></a>{47}</span>
+many times without bread or drink all that while. Sometimes I went
+to church and heard funeral sermons, of which there was then great
+plenty. At other times I went early to St. Antholine's in London,
+where there was every morning a sermon. The most able people of the
+whole city and suburbs were out of town; if any remained, it were
+such as were engaged by parish-officers to remain; no habit of a
+gentleman or woman continued; the woeful calamity of that year was
+grievous, people dying in the open fields and in open streets. At
+last, in August, the bills of mortality so encreased, that very few
+people had thoughts of surviving the contagion: the Sunday before
+the great bill came forth, which was of five thousand and odd
+hundreds, there was appointed a sacrament at Clement Dane's; during
+the destributing whereof I do very <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page48" id="page48"></a>{48}</span> well remember we sang thirteen
+parts of the one hundred and nineteenth Psalm. One Jacob, our
+minister (for we had three that day, the communion was so great)
+fell sick as he was giving the sacrament, went home, and was buried
+of the plague the Thursday following, Mr. James, another of the
+ministers, fell sick ere he had quite finished, had the plague, and
+was thirteen weeks ere he recovered. Mr. Whitacre, the last of the
+three, escaped not only then, but all the contagion following,
+without any sickness at all; though he officiated at every funeral,
+and buried all manner of people, whether they died of the plague or
+not. He was given to drink, seldom could preach more than one
+quarter of an hour at a time, &amp;c. In November my master came
+home. My fellow-servant's and my diet came weekly to six shillings
+and sixpence, sometimes <span class="pagenum"><a name="page49" id=
+"page49"></a>{49}</span> to seven shillings, so cheap was diet at
+that time.</p>
+<p>In February of that year, my master married again (one who after
+his death became my wife.) In the same year he settled upon me,
+during my life, twenty pounds per annum, which I have enjoyed ever
+since, even to the writing hereof.</p>
+<p>May 22, 1627, my master died at the corner house in the Strand,
+where I also lived so long. He died intestate; my mistress
+relinquishing the administration, it came to his elder brother, who
+assigned the estate over to me for payment of my master's debts;
+which being paid, I faithfully returned the remaining part unto his
+administrator; nor had one penny of the estate more than twenty
+pounds per annum, which was allowed me by contract, to undertake
+the payment of my master's debts.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page50" id="page50"></a>{50}</span>
+<h3>OF MY MARRIAGE THE FIRST TIME.</h3>
+<p>My mistress, who had been twice married to old men, was now
+resolved to be couzened no more; she was of a brown ruddy
+complexion, corpulent, of but mean stature, plain, no education,
+yet a very provident person, and of good condition: she had many
+suitors, old men, whom she declined; some gentlemen of decayed
+fortunes, whom she liked not, for she was covetous and sparing: by
+my fellow-servant she was observed frequently to say, she cared not
+if she married a man that would love her, so that he had never a
+penny; and would ordinarily talk of me when she was in bed: this
+servant gave me encouragement to give the onset: I was much
+perplexed hereat, for should I attempt her, and be slighted,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page51" id="page51"></a>{51}</span>
+she would never care for me afterwards; but again, I considered
+that if I should attempt and fail, she would never speak of it; or
+would any believe I durst be so audacious as to propound such a
+question, the disproportion of years and fortune being so great
+betwixt us: however, all her talk was of husbands, and in my
+presence saying one day after dinner, she respected not wealth, but
+desired an honest man; I made answer, I thought I could fit her
+with such a husband; she asked me, where? I made no more ado, but
+presently saluted her, and told her myself was the man: she
+replied, I was too young; I said nay; what I had not in wealth, I
+would supply in love; and saluted her frequently, which she
+accepted lovingly; and next day at dinner made me sit down at
+dinner with my hat on my head, and said, she intended to make me
+her husband; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page52" id=
+"page52"></a>{52}</span> for which I gave her many salutes,
+&amp;c.</p>
+<p>I was very careful to keep all things secret, for I well knew,
+if she should take counsel of any friend, my hopes would be
+frustrated, therefore I suddenly procured her consent to marry,
+unto which she assented; so that upon the eighth day of September,
+1627, at St. George's church in Southwark, I was married unto her,
+and for two whole years we kept it secret. When it was divulged,
+and some people blamed her for it, she constantly replied, that she
+had no kindred; if I proved kind, and a good husband, she would
+make me a man; if I proved otherwise, she only undid herself. In
+the third and fourth years after our marriage, we had strong suits
+of law with her first husband's kindred, but overthrew them in the
+end. During all the time of her life, which was <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page53" id="page53"></a>{53}</span> until
+October, 1633, we lived very lovingly, I frequenting no company at
+all; my exercises were sometimes angling, in which I ever
+delighted: my companions, two aged men. I then frequented lectures,
+two or three in a week; I heard Mr. Sute in Lombard-Street, Mr.
+Gouge of Black-Fryars, Dr. Micklethwait of the Temple, Dr.
+Oldsworth, with others, the most learned men of these times, and
+leaned in judgment to Puritanism. In October, 1627, I was made free
+of the Salters' company in London.</p>
+<h3>HOW I CAME TO STUDY ASTROLOGY.</h3>
+<p>It happened on one Sunday, 1632, as myself and a Justice of
+Peace's clerk were, before service, discoursing of many things, he
+chanced to say, that such a person was a great scholar, nay, so
+learned, that his could <span class="pagenum"><a name="page54" id=
+"page54"></a>{54}</span> make an Almanack, which to me then was
+strange: one speech begot another, till, at last, he said, he could
+bring me acquainted with one Evans in Gunpowder-Alley, who had
+formerly lived in Staffordshire, that was an excellent wise man,
+and studied the Black Art. The same week after we went to see Mr.
+Evans. When we came to his house, he, having been drunk the night
+before, was upon his bed, if it be lawful to call that a bed
+whereon he then lay; he roused up himself, and, after some
+compliments, he was content to instruct me in astrology; I attended
+his best opportunities for seven or eight weeks, in which time I
+could set a figure perfectly: books he had not any, except <i>Haly
+de judiciis Astrorum</i>, and <i>Orriganus's Ephemerides</i>; so
+that as often as I entered his house, I thought I was in the
+wilderness. Now something of the man: he <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page55" id="page55"></a>{55}</span> was by birth
+a Welshman, a Master of Arts, and in sacred orders; he had formerly
+had a cure of souls in Staffordshire, but now was come to try his
+fortunes at London, being in a manner enforced to fly for some
+offences very scandalous, committed by him in these parts, where he
+had lately lived; for he gave judgment upon things lost, the only
+shame of astrology: he was the most saturnine person my eyes ever
+beheld, either before I practised or since; of a middle stature;
+broad forehead, beetle-browed, thick shoulders, flat nosed, full
+lips, down-looked, black curling stiff hair, splay-footed; to give
+him his right, he had the most piercing judgment naturally upon a
+figure of theft, and many other questions, that I ever met withal;
+yet for money he would willingly give contrary judgments, was much
+addicted to debauchery, and then very abusive and quarrelsome,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page56" id="page56"></a>{56}</span>
+seldom without a black eye, or one mischief of other: this is the
+same Evans who made so many antimornal cups, upon the sale whereof
+he principally subsisted; he understood Latin very well, the Greek
+tongue not at all: he had some arts above, and beyond astrology,
+for he was well versed in the nature of spirits, and had many times
+used the circular way of invocating, as in the time of our
+familiarity he told me. Two of his actions I will relate, as to me
+delivered. There was in Staffordshire a young gentlewoman that had,
+for her preferment, married an aged rich person, who was desirous
+to purchase some lands for his wife's maintenance; but this young
+gentlewoman, his wife, was desired to buy the land in the name of a
+gentleman, her very dear friend, but for her use: after the aged
+man was dead, the widow could by no means procure <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page57" id="page57"></a>{57}</span> the deed of
+purchase from her friend; whereupon she applies herself to Evans,
+who, for a sum of money, promises to have her deed safely delivered
+into her own hands; the sum was forty pounds. Evans applies himself
+to the invocation of the angel Salmon, of the nature of Mars, reads
+his Litany in the <i>Common-Prayer-Book</i> every day, at select
+hours, wears his surplice, lives orderly all that time; at the
+fortnight's end Salmon appeared, and having received his commands
+what to do, in a small time returns with the very deed desired,
+lays it down gently upon a table where a white cloth was spread,
+and then, being dismissed, vanished. The deed was, by the gentleman
+who formerly kept it, placed among many other of his evidences in a
+large wooden chest, and in a chamber at one end of the house; but
+upon Salmon's; removing and bringing away the <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page58" id="page58"></a>{58}</span> deed, all
+that bay of building was quite blown down, and all his own proper
+evidences torn all to pieces. The second story followeth.</p>
+<p>Some time before I became acquainted with him, he then living in
+the Minories, was desired by the Lord Bothwell and Sir Kenelm Digby
+to show them a spirit. He promised so to do: the time came, and
+they were all in the body of the circle, when lo, upon a sudden,
+after some time of invocation, Evans was taken from out the room,
+and carried into the field near Battersea Causeway, close to the
+Thames. Next morning a countryman going by to his labour, and
+espying a man in black cloaths, came unto him and awaked him, and
+asked him how he came there? Evans by this understood his
+condition, enquired where he was, how far from London, and in what
+parish he was; which when he understood, he told the labourer he
+had been <span class="pagenum"><a name="page59" id=
+"page59"></a>{59}</span> late at Battersea the night before, and by
+chance was left there by his friends. Sir Kenelm Digby and the Lord
+Bothwell went home without any harm, and came next day to hear what
+was become of him; just as they, in the afternoon, came into the
+house, a messenger came from Evans to his wife, to come to him at
+Battersea. I enquired upon what account the spirit carried him
+away: who said, he had not, at the time of invocation, made any
+suffumigation, at which the spirits were vexed. It happened, that
+after I discerned what astrology was, I went weekly into Little
+Britain, and bought many books of astrology, not acquainting Evans
+therewith. Mr. A. Bedwell, Minister of Tottenham-High-Cross near
+London, who had been many years chaplain to Sir Henry Wotton,
+whilst he was Ambassador at Venice, and assisted Pietro Soave
+Polano, in composing <span class="pagenum"><a name="page60" id=
+"page60"></a>{60}</span> and writing the Council of Trent, was
+lately dead; and his library being sold into Little Britain, I
+bought amongst them my choicest books of astrology. The occasion of
+our falling out was thus: a woman demanded the resolution of a
+question, which when he had done, she went her way; I standing by
+all the while, and observing the figure, asked him why he gave the
+judgment he did, since the signification shewed quite the contrary,
+and gave him my reasons; which when he had pondered, he called me
+boy, and must he be contradicted by such a novice! But when his
+heat was over, he said, had he not so judged to please the woman,
+she would have given him nothing, and he had a wife and family to
+provide for; upon this we never came together after. Being now very
+meanly introduced, I applied myself to study those books I had
+obtained, many times twelve, or <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page61" id="page61"></a>{61}</span> fifteen, or eighteen hours day
+and night; I was curious to discover, whether there was any verity
+in the art or not. Astrology in this time, viz. in 1633, was very
+rare in London, few professing it that understood any thing
+thereof. Let it not repent you (O noble Esquire) if now I make a
+short digression of such persons as then professed astrology, that
+posterity may understand in what condition I found it, and in whose
+hands that little that remained was lodged.</p>
+<p>There lived then in Houndsditch one Alexander Hart, who had been
+a soldier formerly, a comely old man, of good aspect; he professed
+questionary astrology, and a little of physick; his greatest skill
+was to elect young gentlemen fit times to play at dice, that they
+might win or get money. I went unto him for resolutions for three
+questions at several times, and he erred in every one. <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page62" id="page62"></a>{62}</span> To speak
+soberly of him, he was but a cheat, as appeared suddenly after; for
+a rustical fellow of the city, desirous of knowledge, contracted
+with Hart to assist for a conference with a spirit, and paid him
+twenty pounds of thirty pounds the contract. At last, after many
+delays, and no spirit appearing, or money returned, the young man
+indicts him for a cheat at the Old Bailey in London; the Jury found
+the bill, and at the hearing of the cause this jest happened: some
+of the bench enquired what Hart did? 'He sat like an Alderman in
+his gown,' quoth the fellow; at which the court fell into a great
+laughter, most of the court being Aldermen. He was to have been set
+upon the pillory for this cheat; but John Taylour, the Water Poet,
+being his great friend, got the Lord Chief Justice Richardson to
+bail him, ere he stood upon the pillory, and so Hart fled presently
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page63" id="page63"></a>{63}</span>
+into Holland, where he ended his days. It was my fortune, upon the
+sale of his books in 1634, to buy <i>Argoll's Primum Mobile</i> for
+fourteen shillings, which I only wanted.</p>
+<p>In Lambeth Marsh at the same time lived one Captain Bubb, who
+resolved horary questions astrologically; a proper handsome man,
+well spoken, but withal covetous, and of no honesty, as will appear
+by this story, for which he stood upon the pillory. A certain
+butcher was robbed, going to a fair, of forty pounds; he goes to
+Bubb, who for ten pounds in hand paid, would help him to the thief;
+appoints the butcher such a night precisely, to watch at such a
+place, and the thief should come thither; commanded him by any
+means to stop him; the butcher attends according to direction.
+About twelve in the night there comes one riding very fiercely upon
+a full gallop, whom the butcher knocks <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page64" id="page64"></a>{64}</span> down, and
+seized both upon man and horse: the butcher brings the man and
+horse to the next town, but then the person whom the butcher
+attacked was John the servant of Dr. Bubb; for which the Captain
+was indicted and suffered upon the pillory, and afterwards ended
+his days in great disgrace.</p>
+<p>There was also one Jeffry Neve, at this time a student in physic
+and astrology; he had formerly been a merchant in Yarmouth, and
+Mayor of the town, but failing in estate, went into the
+Low-Countries, and at Franecker took the degree, of doctor in
+Physick; he had some little smattering in astrology; could resolve
+a question of theft, or love-question, something of sickness; a
+very grave person, laborious and honest, of tall stature and comely
+feature; he died of late years, almost in the very street near
+Tower-Hill: he had a design of printing two hundred <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page65" id="page65"></a>{65}</span> verified
+questions, and desired my approbation ere they went to press; that
+I first would see them, and then give testimony. When I had perused
+the first forty, I corrected thirty of them, would read over no
+more: I showed him how erroneous they were, desired his emendation
+of the rest, which he performed not. These were afterwards, in R.
+Saunders's custody, bought by him either of his son or of a
+stationer.<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href=
+"#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a></p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote2" name=
+"footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag2">(return)</a>
+<p>But first offered to be sold to me for twenty shillings. When
+Mr. Saunders died I bought them of his son for less. E.
+A&mdash;&mdash;.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>There was then William Poole, a nibbler at astrology, sometimes
+a gardener, an apparitor, a drawer of linen; as quoifs,
+handkerchiefs; a plaisterer and a bricklayer; he would brag many
+times he had been of seventeen professions; was very good company
+for drolling, as you yourself very well remember <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page66" id="page66"></a>{66}</span> (most
+honoured Sir);<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href=
+"#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> he pretended to poetry; and that
+posterity may have a taste of it, you shall have here inserted two
+verses of his own making; the occasion of making them was thus. One
+Sir Thomas Jay, a Justice of the Peace in Rosemary-Lane, issued out
+his warrant for the apprehension of Poole, upon a pretended
+suggestion, that he was in company with some lewd people in a
+tavern, where a silver cup was lost, <i>Anglice</i> stolen. Poole,
+hearing of the warrant, packs up his little trunk of books, being
+all his library, and runs to Westminster; but hearing some months
+after that the Justice was dead and buried, he came and enquired
+where the grave was; and after the discharge of his belly upon the
+grave, left <span class="pagenum"><a name="page67" id=
+"page67"></a>{67}</span> these two verses upon it, which he swore
+he made himself.</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Here lieth buried Sir Thomas Jay, Knight,</p>
+<p>Who being dead, I upon his grave did shite.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote3" name=
+"footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag3">(return)</a>
+<p>December 17, this William Poole was married to Alice How, at St.
+George's Church in Southwark. Mr. Lilly gave her to him.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>He died about 1651, or 1652, at St. Mary Overy's in Southwark;
+and this was part of his last will.</p>
+<p>'Item; I give to Dr. Ardee all my books, and one manuscript of
+my own, worth one hundred of Lilly's Introduction.'</p>
+<p>'Item; If Dr. Ardee give my wife any thing that is mine, I wish
+the devil may fetch him body and soul.' The Doctor, terrified with
+this curse, gave me all the books and his goods which I presently
+gave to his widow.&mdash;-<i>Interdum seria jocis</i>.</p>
+<p>Now also lived this Dr. Ardee, but his true name was Richard
+Delahay, formerly an Attorney; he studied astrology and physick,
+being in necessity, and forced from Derbyshire, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page68" id="page68"></a>{68}</span> where he had
+lived, by the old Countess of Shrewsbury; he was of moderate
+judgment, both in astrology and physick. He had formerly been well
+acquainted with Charles Sledd,<a id="footnotetag4" name=
+"footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> an
+apothecary, who used the crystal, and had a very perfect sight.
+This Dr. Ardee hath many times affirmed unto me, (<i>esto
+fides</i>) that an angel, one time, appeared unto him, and offered
+him a lease of his life for one thousand years; he died about the
+age of fourscore years; left his widow, who married into
+Kent,<a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href=
+"#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> worth two or three thousand pounds,
+and William Poole's estate came to four or five pounds.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote4" name=
+"footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag4">(return)</a>
+<p>Of this Charles Sledd, there is mention made in Dr. Dee's book
+of his discourse with spirits, set forth by Dr. Casaubon.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote5" name=
+"footnote5"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag5">(return)</a>
+<p>To one Moreland.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>In the years 1632 and 1633, John Booker became famous for a
+prediction of his upon a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page69" id=
+"page69"></a>{69}</span> solar eclipse in the 19th degree of Aries
+1663, taken out of <i>Leovitius de magnis conjunctionibus</i>, viz.
+<i>Oh Reges et Principes &amp;c.</i> Both the King of Bohemia, and
+Gustavus King of Sweden, dying during the effects of that
+eclipse.</p>
+<p>John Booker was born in Manchester, of good parentage, in the
+year 1601; was in his youth well instructed in the Latin tongue,
+which he understood very well. He seemed from his infancy to be
+designed for astrology; for from the time he had any understanding,
+he would be always poring on, and studying almanacks. He came to
+London at fitting years, and served an apprenticeship to an
+haberdasher in Laurence-Lane, London; but either wanting stock to
+setup, or disliking the calling, he left his trade, and taught to
+write at Hadley in Middlesex several scholars in that school: he
+wrote singularly well both <span class="pagenum"><a name="page70"
+id="page70"></a>{70}</span> Secretary and Roman. In process of time
+he served Sir Christopher Clethero, Knight, Alderman of London, as
+his clerk, being a city Justice of Peace: he also was clerk to Sir
+Hugh Hammersley, Alderman of London, both which he served with
+great credit and estimation; and by that means became not only well
+known, but as well respected of the most eminent citizens of
+London, even to his dying day.</p>
+<p>He was an excellent proficient in astrology, whose excellent
+verses upon the twelve months, framed according to the
+configurations of each month, being blessed with success according
+to his predictions, procured him much reputation all over England:
+he was a very honest man, abhorred any deceit in the art he
+studied; had a curious fancy in judging of thefts, and as
+successful in resolving love-questions: he was no mean proficient
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page71" id="page71"></a>{71}</span>
+in astronomy; he understood much of physick; was a great admirer of
+the antimonial cup; not unlearned in chymistry, which he loved
+well, but did not practise. He was inclined to a diabetes; and in
+the last three years of his life was afflicted with a dysentery,
+which at last consumed him to nothing: he died of good fame in
+1667. Since his decease I have seen one nativity of his performance
+exactly directed, and judged with as much learning as from
+astrology can be expected.</p>
+<p>His library of books came short of the world's approbation, and
+were by his widow sold to Elias Ashmole, Esq. who most generously
+gave her<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href=
+"#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> far more money than they were worth;
+but out of his respects unto the deceased and his memory, he most
+willingly <span class="pagenum"><a name="page72" id=
+"page72"></a>{72}</span> paid her the money. He left behind him two
+sons and two daughters. He left in writing very little but his
+annual prognostications. He began first to write about the year
+1630; he wrote <i>Bellum Hibernicale</i>, in the time of the long
+parliament, a very sober and judicious book: the epistle thereunto
+I gave him. He wrote lately a small treatise of Easter-Day, a very
+learned thing, wherein he shewed much learning and reading. To say
+no more of him, he lived an honest man, his fame not questioned at
+his death.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote6" name=
+"footnote6"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag6">(return)</a>
+<p>They cost me one hundred and forty pounds.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>In this year 1633, I became acquainted with Nicholas Fiske,
+licentiate in physick, who was born in Suffolk, near
+Framingham<a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href=
+"#footnote7"><sup>7</sup></a> Castle, of very good parentage, who
+educated him at country schools, until he was fit for the
+university; but he went not to the <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page73" id="page73"></a>{73}</span> academy, studying at home both
+astrology and physick, which he afterwards practised in Colchester;
+and there was well acquainted with Dr. Gilbert, who wrote <i>De
+Magnete</i>. He came afterwards unto London, and exercised his
+faculty in several places thereof. (For in his youth he would never
+stay long in one house.) In 1633 he was sent for out of Suffolk by
+Dr. Winston of Gresham College, to instruct the Lord Treasurer
+Weston's son in arithmetick, astronomy upon the globes, and their
+uses. He was a person very studious, laborious, of good
+apprehension, and had by his own industry obtained both in
+astrology, physick, arithmetick, astronomy, geometry and algebra,
+singular judgment: he would in astrology resolve horary questions
+very soundly; but was ever diffident of his own abilities: he was
+exquisitely skilful in the art of directions upon <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page74" id="page74"></a>{74}</span> nativities,
+and had a good genius in performing judgment thereupon, but very
+unhappy he was, that he had no genius in teaching his scholars, for
+he never perfected any: his own son Matthew hath often told me,
+that where his father did teach any scholars in his time, they
+would principally learn of him; he had Scorpio ascending, and was
+secretly envious to those he thought had more parts than himself;
+however, I must be ingenuous, and do affirm, that by frequent
+conversation with him, I came to know which were the best authors,
+and much to enlarge my judgment, especially in the art of
+directions: he visited me most days once after I became acquainted
+with him, and would communicate his most doubtful questions unto
+me, and accept of my judgment therein rather than his own: he
+singularly well judged and directed Sir Robert Holborn's
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page75" id="page75"></a>{75}</span>
+nativity, but desired me to adjudge the first house, seventh and
+tenth thereof, which I did, and which nativity (since Sir Robert
+gave it me) came to your hands, and remains in your library; [oh
+learned Esquire!] he died about the seventy-eighth year of his age,
+poor.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote7" name=
+"footnote7"></a><b>Footnote 7:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag7">(return)</a>
+<p>There is no such place in Suffolk, it being mistaken for
+Framlingham in that county.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>In this year also William Bredon, parson or vicar of Thornton in
+Buckinghamshire, was living, a profound divine, but absolutely the
+most polite person for nativities in that age, strictly adhering to
+Ptolemy, which he well understood; he had a hand in composing Sir
+Christopher Heydon's <i>Defence of Judicial Astrology</i>, being
+that time his chaplain; he was so given over to tobacco and drink,
+that when he had no tobacco, he would cut the bell-ropes and smoke
+them.</p>
+<p>I come now to continue the story of my own life, but thought it
+not inconvenient to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page76" id=
+"page76"></a>{76}</span> commit unto memory something concerning
+those persons who practised when first I became a student in
+astrology; I have wrote nothing concerning any of them, which I
+myself do not either know, or believe to be true.</p>
+<p>In October 1633 my first wife died, and left me whatever was
+hers: it was considerable, very near to the value of one thousand
+pounds.</p>
+<p>One whole year and more I continued a widower, and followed my
+studies very hard; during which time a scholar pawned unto me, for
+forty shillings, <i>Ars Notoria</i>,<a id="footnotetag8" name=
+"footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8"><sup>8</sup></a> a large
+volume wrote in parchment, with the names of those angels, and
+their pictures, which are thought and believed by wise men, to
+teach and instruct in all the several <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page77" id="page77"></a>{77}</span> liberal
+sciences, and is attained by observing elected times, and those
+prayers appropriated unto the several angels.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote8" name=
+"footnote8"></a><b>Footnote 8:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag8">(return)</a>
+<p>Among Dr. Napier's MSS. I had an <i>Ars Notoria</i>, written by
+S. Forman in large vellum.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>I do ingenuously acknowledge, I used those prayers according to
+the form and direction prescribed for some weeks, using the word
+<i>astrologia</i> for <i>astronomia</i>; but of this no more: that
+<i>Ars Notoria</i>, inserted in the latter end of Cornelius Agrippa
+signifieth nothing; many of the prayers being not the same, nor is
+the direction to these prayers any thing considerable.</p>
+<p>In the year 1634, I taught Sir George Peckham, Knight,
+astrology, that part which concerns sickness, wherein he so
+profited, that in two or three months he would give a very true
+discovery of any disease, only by his figures. He practised in
+Nottingham, but unfortunately died in 1635, at St. Winifred's Well
+in Wales; in which well he continued <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page78" id="page78"></a>{78}</span> so long mumbling his <i>Pater
+Nosters</i> and <i>Sancta Winifrida ora pro me</i>, that the cold
+struck into his body; and, after his coming forth of that well,
+never spoke more.</p>
+<p>In this year 1634, I purchased the moiety of thirteen houses in
+the Strand for five hundred and thirty pounds.</p>
+<p>In November, the 18th day, I was again the second time married,
+and had five hundred pounds portion with that wife; she was of the
+nature of Mars.</p>
+<p>Two accidents happened to me in that year something
+memorable.</p>
+<p>Davy Ramsey, his Majesty's clock-maker, had been informed, that
+there was a great quantity of treasure buried in the cloyster of
+Westminster-Abbey; he acquaints Dean Williams therewith, who was
+also then Bishop of Lincoln; the Dean gave him liberty to search
+after it, with this proviso, that if <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page79" id="page79"></a>{79}</span> any was discovered, his church
+should have a share of it. Davy Ramsey finds out one John
+Scott,<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href=
+"#footnote9"><sup>9</sup></a> who pretended the use of the Mosaical
+rods, to assist him herein: I was desired to join with him, unto
+which I consented. One winter's night, Davy Ramsey, with several
+gentlemen, myself, and Scott, entered the cloysters; we played the
+hazel-rod round about the cloyster; upon the west-side of the
+cloysters the rods turned one over another, an argument that the
+treasure was there. The labourers digged at least six foot deep,
+and then we met with a coffin; but in regard it was not heavy, we
+did not open, which we afterwards much repented. From the cloysters
+we went into the Abbey church, where, upon a sudden, (there being
+no wind when we began) so fierce, so high, so blustering
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page80" id="page80"></a>{80}</span>
+and loud a wind did rise, that we verily believed the west-end of
+the church would have fallen upon us; our rods would not move at
+all; the candles and torches, all but one, were extinguished, or
+burned very dimly.<a id="footnotetag10" name=
+"footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10"><sup>10</sup></a> John
+Scott, my partner, was amazed, looked pale, knew not what to think
+or do, until I gave directions and command to dismiss the
+d&aelig;mons; which when done, all was quiet again, and each man
+returned unto his lodging late, about twelve o'clock at night; I
+could never since be induced to join with any in such-like
+actions.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote9" name=
+"footnote9"></a><b>Footnote 9:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag9">(return)</a>
+<p>This Scott lived in Pudding-Lane, and had some time been a page
+(or such like) to the Lord Norris.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote10" name=
+"footnote10"></a><b>Footnote 10:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag10">(return)</a>
+<p>Davy Ramsey brought an half quartern sack to put the treasure
+in.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>The true miscarriage of the business, was by reason of so many
+people being present at the operation; for there was about thirty,
+some laughing, others deriding us; so that if we had not dismissed
+the d&aelig;mons, I believe <span class="pagenum"><a name="page81"
+id="page81"></a>{81}</span> most part of the Abbey church had been
+blown down; secrecy and intelligent operators, with a strong
+confidence and knowledge of what they are doing, are best for this
+work.</p>
+<p>In 1634, or 1635, a Lady living in Greenwich, who had tried all
+the known artists in London, but to no purpose, came weeping and
+lamenting her condition, which was this: she had permitted a young
+Lord to have the use of her body, till she was with child by him;
+after which time he could not or would not endure her sight, but
+commanded his lacquies and servants to keep his doors fast shut,
+lest she should get into his chamber; or if they chanced to see her
+near his lodging, to drive her away, which they several times had
+done. Her desire unto me was to assist her to see him, and then she
+should be content; whereupon I ordered, such <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page82" id="page82"></a>{82}</span> a day, such
+an hour of that day, to try her fortune once more. She obeyed; and
+when she came to the King's Bench, where the Lord there was
+imprisoned, the outward door stood wide open: none speaking a word
+unto her, she went up stairs, no body molesting her; she found the
+Lord's chamber door wide open: he in bed, not a servant to be heard
+or seen, so she was pleased. Three days after she came to acquaint
+me with her success, and then drew out of her pocket a paper full
+of ratsbane, which, had she not had admission unto him that day I
+appointed, she would in a pint of white wine have drank at the
+stair's foot where the Lord lodged. The like misfortune befell her
+after that; when the Lord was out of prison: then I ordered her
+such a day to go and see a play at Salisbury-Court; which she did,
+and within one quarter of an hour <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page83" id="page83"></a>{83}</span> the Lord came into the same
+box wherein she was. But I grew weary of such employments, and
+since have burned my books which instructed these curiosities: for
+after that I became melancholy, very much afflicted with the
+hypochondriack, growing lean and spare, and every day worse; so
+that in the year 1635 my infirmity continuing, and my acquaintance
+increasing, I resolved to live in the country, and in March and
+April 1636 removed my goods unto Hersham, where I now live; and in
+May my person, where I continued until 1641, no notice being taken
+who, or what I was.</p>
+<p>In the years 1637 and 1638, I had great lawsuits both in the
+Exchequer and Chancery, about a lease I had of the annual value of
+eighty pounds: I got the victory.</p>
+<p>In the year 1640 I instructed John Humphreys, master of that
+art, in the study of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page84" id=
+"page84"></a>{84}</span> astrology: upon this occasion, being at
+London, by accident in Fleet-Street, I met Dr. Percival Willoughby
+of Derby; we were of old acquaintance, and he but by great chance
+lately come to town, we went to the Mitre-Tavern in Fleet-Street,
+where I sent for old Will Poole the astrologer, living then in
+Ram-Alley: being come to us, the Doctor produced a bill, set forth
+by a master of arts in Cambridge, intimating his abilities for
+resolving of all manner of questions astrologically. The bill was
+shewed, and I wondering at it Poole made answer, he knew the man,
+and that he was a silly fool; 'I,' quoth he, 'can do more than he;
+he sees me every day, he will be here by and by;' and indeed he
+came into our room presently: Poole had, just as we came to him,
+set a figure, and then shewed it me, desiring my judgement; which I
+refused, but desired the master of arts to <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page85" id="page85"></a>{85}</span> judge first;
+he denied, so I gave mine, to the very great liking of Humphreys,
+who presently enquired, if I would teach him, and for what? I told
+him I was willing to teach, but would have one hundred pounds. I
+heard Poole, whilst I was judging the figure, whisper in-Humphrey's
+ear, and swear I was the best in England. Staying three or four
+days in town, at last we contracted for forty pounds, for I could
+never be quiet from his solicitations; he invited me to supper, and
+before I had shewed him any thing, paid me thirty-five pounds. As
+we were at supper a client came to speak with him, and so up into
+his closet he went with his client; I called him in before he set
+his figure, or resolved the question, and instantly acquainted him
+how he should discover the moles or marks of his client: he set his
+figure, and presently discovers four moles the querent <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page86" id="page86"></a>{86}</span> had; and was
+so overjoyed therewith, that he came tumbling down the stairs,
+crying, 'Four by G&mdash;&mdash;, four by G&mdash;&mdash;, I will
+not take one hundred pounds for this one rule.' In six weeks time,
+and tarrying with him three days in a week, he became a most
+judicious person.</p>
+<p>This Humphreys was a laborious person, vain-glorious,
+loquacious, fool-hardy, desirous of all secrets which he knew not,
+insomuch that he would have given me two hundred pounds to have
+instructed him in some curiosities he was persuaded I had knowledge
+of, but, <i>Artis est celare artem</i>, especially to those who
+live not in the fear of God, or can be masters of their own
+counsels: he was in person and condition such another as that
+monster of ingratitude my <i>quondam</i> taylor, John Gadbury.
+After my refusal of teaching him, what he was not capable of, we
+grew strange, though I afforded him many civilities <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page87" id="page87"></a>{87}</span> whenever he
+required it; for after the siege of Colchester he wrote a book
+against me, called <i>Anti Merlinus-Anglicus</i>, married a second
+wife, his first living in Cambridgeshire, then practised physick by
+a contrary name, having intentions to practise in Ireland; he went
+to Bristol, but there understanding the parliament's forces had
+reduced that kingdom, he came back to London, but durst not abide
+therein; but turning from his second wife, who also had another
+husband, he went to sea, with intention for Barbadoes, but died by
+the way in his voyage. I had never seen John Booker at that time;
+and telling him one day I had a desire to see him, but first, ere I
+would speak with him, I would fit myself with my old rules, and rub
+up my astrology; for at that time (and this was 1640) I thought
+John Booker the greatest and most complete astrologer in the world.
+My scholar <span class="pagenum"><a name="page88" id=
+"page88"></a>{88}</span> Humphreys presently made answer, 'Tutor,
+you need not pump for any of your former knowledge, John Booker is
+no such pumper; we met,' saith he, 'the other day, and I was too
+hard for him myself, upon judgment of three or four questions.' If
+all the transactions happening unto that my scholar were in one
+volume, they would transcend either <i>Guzman</i>, <i>Don
+Quixote</i>, <i>Lazarillo de Tormes</i>, or any other of the like
+nature I ever did see.</p>
+<p>Having now in part recovered my health, being weary of the
+country, and perceiving there was money to be got in London, and
+thinking myself to be as sufficiently enabled in astrology as any I
+could meet with, I made it my business to repair thither; and so in
+September 1641 I did; where, in the years 1642 and 1643, I had
+great leisure to better my former knowledge: I then read over all
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page89" id="page89"></a>{89}</span>
+my books of astrology, over and over; had very little or no
+practice at all: and whereas formerly I could never endure to read
+<i>Valentine Naibod's Commentary upon Alcabitius</i>, now having
+seriously studied him, I found him to be the profoundest author I
+ever met with; him I traversed over day and night, from whom I must
+acknowledge to have advanced my judgment and knowledge unto that
+height I soon after arrived at, or unto: a most rational author,
+and the sharpest expositor of <i>Ptolemy</i> that hath yet
+appeared. To exercise my genius, I began to collect notes, and
+thought of writing some little thing upon the [symbol: aspect
+"conjunction"] of [symbol: Saturn] and [symbol: Jupiter] then
+approaching: I had not wrote above one sheet, and that very meanly,
+but James Lord Galloway came to see me; and, by chance, casting his
+eyes upon that rude collection, he read it over, and so approved
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page90" id="page90"></a>{90}</span>
+of it, yea, so encouraged me to proceed farther, that then, and
+after that time, I spent most of my time in composing thereof, and
+bringing it, in the end, into that method wherein it was printed
+1644. I do seriously now profess, I had not the assistance of any
+person living, in the writing or composing thereof. Mr. Fiske sent
+me a small manuscript, which had been Sir Christopher Heydon's, who
+had wrote something of the conjunction of [symbol: Saturn] and
+[symbol: Jupiter], 1603; out of which, to bring my method in order,
+I transcribed, in the beginning, five or six lines, and not any
+more, though that graceless fellow Gadbury wrote the contrary: but,
+<i>Semel et semper nebulo et mendax</i>. I did formerly write one
+treatise, in the year 1639, upon the eclipse of the sun, in the
+eleventh degree of Gemini, May 22, 1639; it consisted of six sheets
+of paper. But that manuscript I gave <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page91" id="page91"></a>{91}</span> unto my most munificent patron
+and ever bountiful friend, William Pennington, of Muncaster in
+Cumberland, Esq., a wise and excellently learned person; who, from
+the year 1634, even till he died, continued unto me the most
+grateful person I ever was acquainted with. I became acquainted
+with him by means of Davy Ramsey.</p>
+<p>Oh! most noble Esquire, let me now beg your pardon, if I digress
+for some small time, in commemorating his bounty unto me, and my
+requital of his friendship, by performing many things successfully
+for his advantage.</p>
+<p>In 1639 he was made captain, and served his Majesty in his then
+wars against the Scots; during which time a farmer's daughter being
+delivered of a bastard, and hearing, by report, that he was slain,
+fathered the child upon him. Shortly after he returned, most
+woefully vexed to be thus abused, when <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page92" id="page92"></a>{92}</span> absent. The
+woman was countenanced by some gentlemen of Cumberland, in this her
+villany against him; so that, notwithstanding he had warrants to
+attach her body, he could never discover her: but yet, hunting her
+from one place to another, her friends thought it most convenient
+to send her to London, where she might be in most safety. She came
+up to the city, and immediately I had notice thereof, and the care
+of that matter was left unto me. I procured the Lord Chief Justice
+Bramston's warrant, and had it lying dormant by me. She had not
+been in the city above one fortnight, but that I, going casually to
+the clerk of the assizes' office for Cumberland, saw there an
+handsome woman; and hearing of her speak the northern tone, I
+concluded she was the party I did so want. I rounded the clerk in
+his ear, and told him I would give him five shillings to hold the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page93" id="page93"></a>{93}</span>
+woman in chat till I came again, for I had a writing concerned her.
+I hasted for my warrant, and a constable, and returned into the
+office, seized her person before the clerk of the assizes, who was
+very angry with me: it was then sessions at Old-Bayley, and neither
+Judge nor Justice to be found. At night we carried her before the
+Recorder, Gardner. It being Saturday at night, she, having no bail,
+was sent to Bridewell, where she remained till Monday. On Monday
+morning, at the Old-Bayley, she produced bail; but I desiring of
+the Recorder some time to enquire after the bail, whether they were
+sufficient, returned presently, and told him one of the bail was a
+prisoner in Ludgate, the other a very poor man. At which he was so
+vexed, that he sent her to Newgate, where she lay all that week,
+until she could please me with good sureties; which then
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page94" id="page94"></a>{94}</span>
+she did, and so was bound over to appear at the next assizes in
+Cumberland; which she did, and was there sentenced to be whipped,
+and imprisoned one whole year.</p>
+<p>This action infinitely pleased Mr. Pennington, who thought I
+could do wonders; and I was most thankfully requited for it. All
+the while of this scandalous business, do what he could, he could
+not discover what persons they were that supported her; but the
+woman's father coming to town, I became acquainted with him, by the
+name of Mr. Sute, merchant; invited him to a dinner; got George
+Farmer with me; when we so plied him with wine, he could neither
+see or feel. I paid the reckoning, twenty-two shillings. But next
+morning the poor man had never a writing or letter in his pocket. I
+sent them down to my friend, who thereby discovered the plots of
+several gentlemen in the business; <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page95" id="page95"></a>{95}</span> after which, Mr. Sute returned
+to his old name again.</p>
+<p>Mr. Pennington was a true royalist, whom Charles the Second made
+one of his Commissioners of Array for Cumberland. Having directions
+from me continually how matters did and would go betwixt the King
+and Parliament, he acted warily, and did but sign one only warrant
+of that nature, and then gave over. When the times of
+sequestrations came, one John Musgrave, the most bold and impudent
+fellow, and most active of all the north of England, and most
+malicious against my friend, had got this warrant under Mr.
+Pennington's hand into his custody; which affrighted my friend, and
+so it might, for it was cause enough of sequestration, and would
+have done it. Musgrave intending himself great matters out of his
+estate, I was made acquainted herewith. Musgrave <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page96" id="page96"></a>{96}</span> being in
+London, by much ado, I got acquainted with him, pretending myself a
+bitter enemy against Pennington, whereat he very heartily rejoiced;
+and so we appointed one night to meet at the Five Bells, to compare
+notes; for I pretended much. We did meet, and he very suddenly
+produced upon the table all his papers, and withal, the warrant of
+array unto which my friend had set his hand; which when I saw, 'I
+marry,' said I, 'this is his hand I will swear; now have at all
+come, the other cup, this warrant shall pay for all.' I observed
+where the warrant lay upon the table, and, after some time took
+occasion ignorantly to let the candle fall out, which whilst he
+went to light again at the fire, I made sure of the warrant, and
+put it into my boot; he never missing it of eight or ten days;
+about which time, I believe, it was above half way towards
+Cumberland, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page97" id=
+"page97"></a>{97}</span> for I instantly sent it by the post, with
+this friendly caveat, '<i>Sin no more</i>.' Musgrave durst not
+challenge me in those times, and so the business was ended very
+satisfactory to his friend, and no less to myself.</p>
+<p>He was, besides, extremely abused by one Isaac Antrobus, parson
+of Egremond, a most evil liver, bold, and very rich; at last he
+procured a minister of that country, in hope of the parsonage, to
+article against him in London, before the committee of plundered
+ministers. I was once more invited to solicit against Antrobus,
+which I did upon three or more articles.</p>
+<p>I. That Antrobus baptized a cock, and called him Peter.</p>
+<p>II. He had knowledge of such a woman and of her daughter,
+<i>viz.</i> of both their bodies, <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page98" id="page98"></a>{98}</span> in as large a manner as ever
+of his own wife.</p>
+<p>III. Being drunk, a woman took a cord and tied it about his
+privy members unto a manger in a stable.</p>
+<p>IV. Being a continual drunkard.</p>
+<p>V. He never preached, &amp;c.</p>
+<hr />
+<p>Antrobus was now become a great champion for the Parliament;
+but, at the day of hearing, I had procured abundance of my friends
+to be there; for the godly, as they termed themselves, sided with
+him; the present Master of the Rolls was Chairman that day, Sir
+Harbottle Grimston.</p>
+<p>Who, hearing the foulness of the cause, was very much ashamed
+thereof. I remember Antrobus, being there, pleaded he was in his
+natural condition when he acted so ungraciously.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page99" id="page99"></a>{99}</span>
+<p>'What condition were you in,' said the Chairman, 'when you lay
+with mother and daughter?'</p>
+<p>'There is no proof of that,' saith he.</p>
+<p>'None but your own confession,' said the Chairman, 'nor could
+any tell so well.'</p>
+<p>'I am not given to drunkenness,' quoth he. 'He was so drunk
+within this fortnight,' quoth I, 'he reeled from one side of the
+street to the other; here is the witness to prove it:' who,
+presently, before the committee, being sworn, made it good, and
+named the place and street where he was drunk. So he was adjudged
+scandalous, and outed of his benefice, and our minister had the
+parsonage.</p>
+<p>You cannot imagine how much the routing of this drunken parson
+pleased Mr. Pennington, who paid all charges munificently and
+thankfully.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page100" id=
+"page100"></a>{100}</span>
+<p>But now follows the last and greatest kindness I ever did him.
+Notwithstanding the committee for sequestrations in Cumberland were
+his very good friends, yet the sub-sequestrators, of their own
+heads, and without order, and by strength of arms, secured his
+irons, his wood, and so much of his personal estate as was valued
+at seven thousand pounds. Now had I complaint upon complaint: would
+I suffer my old friend to be thus abused? it was in my power to
+free him from these villains.</p>
+<p>I hereupon advised what was best to do, and was counselled to
+get Mr. Speaker Lenthall's letter to the sub-sequestrators, and
+command them to be obedient to the committee of the county.</p>
+<p>Whereupon, I framed a letter myself, unto the sub-sequestrators
+directed, and with it, myself and Mr. Laurence Maydwell (whom
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page101" id=
+"page101"></a>{101}</span> yourself well knew) went to Mr. Speaker,
+unto whom we sufficiently related the stubbornness of the officers
+of Cumberland; their disobedience to the committee; and then shewed
+him the letter, which when he had read over, he most courteously
+signed, adding withal, that if they proceeded further in
+sequestring Mr. Pennington, he would command a Serjeant at Arms to
+bring them up to answer their contempts: I immediately posted that
+letter to my friend, which when the absurd fellows received, they
+delivered him possession of his goods again; and, for my pains,
+when he came to London, gave me one hundred pounds; he died in
+1652, of a violent fever. I did carefully, in 1642 and 1643, take
+notice of every grand action which happened betwixt King and
+Parliament, and did first then incline to believe, that as all
+sublunary affairs did depend upon superior <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page102" id="page102"></a>{102}</span> causes,
+so there was a possibility of discovering them by the
+configurations of the superior bodies; in which way making some
+essays in those two years, I found encouragement to proceed
+further, which I did; I perused the writings of the ancients, but
+therein they were silent, or gave no satisfaction; at last, I
+framed unto myself that method, which then and since I follow,
+which, I hope, in time may be more perfected by a more penetrating
+person than myself.</p>
+<p>In 1643, I became familiarly known to Sir Bulstrode Whitlocke, a
+member of the House of Commons; he being sick, his urine was
+brought unto me by Mrs. Lisle,<a id="footnotetag11" name=
+"footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11"><sup>11</sup></a> wife to
+John <span class="pagenum"><a name="page103" id=
+"page103"></a>{103}</span> Lisle, afterwards one of the keepers of
+the Great Seal; having set my figure, I returned answer, the sick
+for that time would recover, but by means of a surfeit would
+dangerously relapse within one month; which he did, by eating of
+trouts at Mr. Sand's house, near Leatherhead in Surrey. Then I went
+daily to visit him, Dr. Prideau despairing of his life; but I said
+there was no danger thereof, and that he would be sufficiently well
+in five or six weeks; and so he was.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote11" name=
+"footnote11"></a><b>Footnote 11:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag11">(return)</a>
+<p>She was afterwards beheaded at Winchester, for harbouring one
+Nelthrop, a rebel in the Duke of Monmouth's army 1685. She had made
+herself remarkable, by saying at the martyrdom of King Charles I,
+1648, 'that her blood leaped within her to see the tyrant fall;'
+for this, when she fell into the state trap, she neither did nor
+could expect favour from any of that martyr's family.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>In 1644, I published <i>Merlinus Anglicus Junior</i> about
+April. I had given one day the copy thereof unto the then Mr.
+Whitlocke, who by accident was reading thereof in the House of
+Commons: ere the Speaker took <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page104" id="page104"></a>{104}</span> the chair, one looked upon
+it, and so did many, and got copies thereof; which when I heard, I
+applied myself to John Booker to license it, for then he was
+licenser of all mathematical books; I had, to my knowledge, never
+seen him before; he wondered at the book, made many impertinent
+obliterations, framed many objections, swore it was not possible to
+distinguish betwixt King and Parliament; at last licensed it
+according to his own fancy; I delivered it unto the printer, who
+being an arch Presbyterian, had five of the ministry to inspect it,
+who could make nothing of it, but said it might be printed, for in
+that I meddled not with their Dagon. The first impression was sold
+in less than one week; when I presented some to the members of
+Parliament, I complained of John Booker the licenser, who had
+defaced my book; they gave me order forthwith to reprint
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page105" id=
+"page105"></a>{105}</span> it as I would, and let them know if any
+durst resist me in the reprinting, or adding what I thought fit; so
+the second time it came forth as I would have it.</p>
+<p>I must confess, I now found my scholar Humphreys's words to be
+true concerning John Booker, whom at that time I found but
+moderately versed in astrology; nor could he take the circles of
+position of the planets, until in that year I instructed him. After
+my <i>Introduction</i> in 1647 became publick, he amended beyond
+measure, by study partly, and partly upon emulation to keep up his
+fame and reputation; so that since 1647, I have seen some
+nativities by him very judiciously performed. When the printer
+presented him with an <i>Introduction</i> of mine, as soon as they
+were forth of the press; 'I wish,' saith he, 'there was never
+another but this in England, conditionally I gave one hundred
+pounds for <span class="pagenum"><a name="page106" id=
+"page106"></a>{106}</span> this.' After that time we were very
+great friends to his dying day.</p>
+<p>In June, 1644, I published <i>Supernatural Sight</i>; and,
+indeed, if I could have procured the dull stationer to have been at
+charges to have cut the <i>icon</i> or form of that prodigious
+apparition, as I had drawn it forth, it would have given great
+satisfaction; however, the astrological judgment thereupon had its
+full event in every particular.</p>
+<p>That year also I published the <i>White King's Prophecy</i>, of
+which there were sold in three days eighteen hundred, so that it
+was oft reprinted: I then made no commentary upon it.</p>
+<p>In that year I printed the <i>Prophetical Merlin</i>, and had
+eight pounds for the copy.</p>
+<p>I had then no farther intention to trouble the press any more,
+but Sir Richard Napper having received one of Captain Wharton's
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page107" id=
+"page107"></a>{107}</span> <i>Almanacks</i> for 1645, under the
+name Naworth, he came unto me: 'Now, Lilly, you are met withal, see
+here what Naworth writes.' The words were, he called me 'an
+impudent senseless fellow, and by name William Lilly.'</p>
+<p>Before that time, I was more Cavalier than Roundhead, and so
+taken notice of; but after that I engaged body and soul in the
+cause of Parliament, but still with much affection to his Majesty's
+person and unto monarchy, which I ever loved and approved beyond
+any government whatsoever; and you will find in this story many
+passages of civility which I did, and endeavoured to do, with the
+hazard of my life, for his Majesty: but God had ordered all his
+affairs and counsels to have no successes; as in the sequel will
+appear.</p>
+<p>To vindicate my reputation, and to cry quittance with Naworth,
+against whom I was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page108" id=
+"page108"></a>{108}</span> highly incensed, to work I went again
+for <i>Anglicus</i>, 1645; which as soon as finished I got to the
+press, thinking every day one month till it was publick: I therein
+made use of the King's nativity, and finding that his ascendant was
+approaching to the quadrature of Mars, about June, 1645, I gave
+this unlucky judgment; 'If now we fight, a victory stealeth upon
+us;' and so it did in June, 1645, at Naseby, the most fatal
+overthrow he ever had.</p>
+<p>In this year, 1645, I published a treatise called the <i>Starry
+Messenger</i>, with an interpretation of three suns seen in London,
+29th May, 1644, being Charles the Second's birthday: in that book I
+also put forth an astrological judgment concerning the effects of a
+solar eclipse, visible the 11th of August, 1645. Two days before
+its publishing, my antagonist, Captain Wharton, having given
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page109" id=
+"page109"></a>{109}</span> his astronomical judgment upon his
+Majesty's present march from Oxford; therein again fell foul
+against me and John Booker: Sir Samuel Luke, Governor of
+Newportpagnel, had the thing came to his garrison from Oxford,
+which presently was presented unto my view. I had but twelve hours,
+or thereabout, to answer it, which I did with such success as is
+incredible; and the printer printed both the <i>March</i> and my
+answer unto it, and produced it to sight, with my <i>Starry
+Messenger</i>, which came forth and was made publick the very day
+of the Parliament's great victory obtained against his Majesty in
+person at Naseby, under the conduct of the Lord Thomas Fairfax.</p>
+<p>That book no sooner appeared, but within fourteen days complaint
+was made to the committee of examinations, Miles Corbet then being
+Chairman, my mortal enemy, he <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page110" id="page110"></a>{110}</span> who after was hanged,
+drawn, and quartered, for being one of the King's Judges; he grants
+his warrant, and a messenger to the Serjeant at Arms seizeth my
+person. As I was going to Westminster with the messenger, I met Sir
+Philip Stapleton, Sir Christopher Wray, Mr. Denzil Hollis, Mr.
+Robert Reynolds, who, by great fortune, had the <i>Starry
+Messenger</i> sheet by sheet from me as it came from the press.
+They presently fell a smiling at me; 'Miles Corbet, Lilly, will
+punish thee soundly; but fear nothing, we will dine, and make haste
+to be at the committee time enough to do the business;' and so they
+most honourably performed; for they, as soon as they came, sat
+down, and put Mr. Reynolds purposely into the chair, and I was
+called in; but Corbet being not there, they bid me withdraw until
+he came; which when he did, I was commanded to appear, and Corbet
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page111" id=
+"page111"></a>{111}</span> desired to give the cause of my being in
+restraint, and of the committee's order. Mr. Reynolds was purposely
+put into the chair, and continued till my business was over.</p>
+<p>Corbet produced my <i>Anglicus</i> of 1645, and said there were
+many scandalous passages therein against the Commissioners of
+Excise in London. He produced one passage, which being openly read
+by himself, the whole committee adjudged it to signify the errors
+of sub-officers, but had no relation to the Commissioners
+themselves, which I affirmatively maintained to be the true meaning
+as the committee declared.</p>
+<p>Then Corbet found out another dangerous place, as he thought,
+and the words were thus in the printed book&mdash;'In the name of
+the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, will not the Excise pay the
+soldiers?'</p>
+<p>Corbet very ignorantly read, 'will not the <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page112" id="page112"></a>{112}</span> Eclipse
+pay soldiers?' at which the Committee fell heartily to laugh at
+him, and so he became silent.</p>
+<p>There was a great many Parliament men there; the chamber was
+full. 'Have you any more against Mr. Lilly?' cried the
+chairman.</p>
+<p>'Yes,' saith the Sollicitor for the Excise, 'since his <i>Starry
+Messenger</i> came forth we had our house burnt, and the
+Commissioners pulled by their cloaks in the Exchange.' 'Pray, sir,
+when was this,' asked old Sir Robert Pye, 'that the house was
+burnt, and the Aldermen abused?' 'It was in such a week,' saith he.
+'Mr. Lilly, when came the book forth?' 'The very day of Naseby
+fight,' answered Mr. Reynolds, 'nor needs he be ashamed of writing
+it: I had it daily as it came forth of the press: it was then found
+the house to be burnt, and the Aldermen <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page113" id="page113"></a>{113}</span> abused,
+twelve days before the <i>Starry Messenger</i> came forth.' 'What a
+lying fellow art thou,' saith Sir Robert Pye, 'to abuse us so!'
+This he spoke to the Sollicitor. Then stood up one Bassell, a
+merchant: he inveighed bitterly against me, being a Presbyterian,
+and would have had my books burnt. 'You smell more of a citizen
+than a scholar,' replied Mr. Francis Drake. I was ordered to
+withdraw, and by and by was called in, and acquainted the committee
+did discharge me. But I cried with a loud voice, 'I was under a
+messenger;' whereupon the committee ordered him or the Serjeant at
+Arms not to take any fees; Mr. Reynolds saying, 'Literate men never
+pay any fees.'</p>
+<p>But within one week after, I was likely to have had worse
+success, but that the before-named gentlemen stoutly befriended me.
+In my Epistle of the <i>Starry Messenger</i>, I had <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page114" id="page114"></a>{114}</span> been a
+little too plain with the committee of Leicestershire; who thereof
+made complaint unto Sir Arthur Hazelrigg, Knight for that county;
+he was a furious person, and made a motion in the House of Commons
+against me, and the business was committed to that committee,
+whereof Baron Rigby was chairman. A day was assigned to hear the
+matter; in the morning whereof, as I passed by Mr. Pullen's shop in
+St. Paul's Church-yard, Pullen bad 'God be with you,' and named me
+by name. Mr. Selden being there, and hearing my name, gave
+direction to call me unto him, where he acquaints me with
+Hazelrigg's humour and malice towards me, called for the <i>Starry
+Messenger</i>, and having read over the words mentioning that
+committee, he asked me how I would answer them? I related what I
+would have said, but he contradicted me, and acquainted me
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page115" id=
+"page115"></a>{115}</span> what to say, and how to answer. In the
+afternoon I went to appear, but there was no committee set, or
+would sit; for both Mr. Reynolds and Sir Philip Stapleton, and my
+other friends, had fully acquainted Baron Rigby with the business,
+and desired him not to call upon me until they appeared; for the
+matter and charge intended against me was very frivolous, and only
+presented by a cholerick person to please a company of clowns,
+meaning the committee of Leicester. Baron Rigby said, if it were so
+he would not meddle with the matter, but exceedingly desired to see
+me. Not long after he met Sir Arthur, and acquainting him what
+friends appeared for me, said, 'I will then prosecute him no
+further.'</p>
+<p>All the ancient astrologers of England were much startled and
+confounded at my manner of writing, especially old Mr. William
+Hodges, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page116" id=
+"page116"></a>{116}</span> who lived near Wolverhampton in
+Staffordshire, and many others who understood astrology competently
+well, as they thought. Hodges swore I did more by astrology than he
+could by the crystal, and use thereof, which indeed he understood
+as perfectly as any one in England. He was a great royalist, but
+could never hit any thing right for that party, though he much
+desired it: he resolved questions astrologically; nativities he
+meddled not with; in things of other nature, which required more
+curiosity, he repaired to the crystal: his angels were Raphael,
+Gabriel, and Uriel: his life answered not in holiness and sanctity
+to what it should, having to deal with those holy angels. Being
+contemporary with me, I shall relate what my partner John Scott,
+the same Scott as is before-mentioned, affirmed of him. John Scott
+was a little skilful in surgery and physick, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page117" id="page117"></a>{117}</span> so was
+Will Hodges, and had formerly been a school-master. Scott having
+some occasions into Staffordshire, addressed himself for a month or
+six weeks to Hodges, assisted him to dress his patients, let blood,
+&amp;c. Being to return to London, he desired Hodges to shew him
+the person and feature of the woman he should marry. Hodges carries
+him into a field not far from his house, pulls out his crystal,
+bids Scott set his foot to his, and, after a while, wishes him to
+inspect the crystal, and observe what he saw there. 'I see,' saith
+Scott, 'a ruddy complexioned wench in a red waistcoat, drawing a
+can of beer.' 'She must be your wife,' said Hodges. 'You are
+mistaken, Sir,' said Scott. 'I am, so soon as I come to London, to
+marry a tall gentlewoman in the Old Bailey.' 'You must marry the
+red waistcoat,' said Hodges. Scott leaves the country, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page118" id="page118"></a>{118}</span> comes up
+to London, finds his gentlewoman married: two years after going
+into Dover, in his return, he refreshed himself at an inn in
+Canterbury, and as he came into the hall, or first room thereof, he
+mistook the room, and went into the buttery, where he espied a
+maid, described by Hodges, as before said, drawing a can of beer,
+&amp;c. He then more narrowly viewing her person and habit, found
+her, in all parts, to be the same Hodges had described; after which
+he became a suitor unto her, and was married unto her; which woman
+I have often seen. This Scott related unto me several times, being
+a very honest person, and made great conscience of what he spoke.
+Another story of him is as followeth, which I had related from a
+person which well knew the truth of it.</p>
+<p>A neighbour gentleman of Hodges lost his <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page119" id="page119"></a>{119}</span> horse;
+who having Hodges's advice for recovery of him, did again obtain
+him. Some years after, in a frolick, he thought to abuse him,
+acquainting a neighbour therewith, viz., that he had formerly lost
+a horse, went to Hodges, recovered him again, but saith it was by
+chance; I might have had him without going unto him: 'Come, let's
+go, I will now put a trick upon him; I will leave some boy or other
+at the town's-end with my horse, and then go to Hodges and enquire
+for him.' He did so, gave his horse to a youth, with orders to walk
+him till he returned. Away he goes with his friend, salutes Mr.
+Hodges, thanks him for his former courtesy, and now desires the
+like, having lost a horse very lately. Hodges, after some time of
+pausing, said; 'Sir, your horse is lost, and never to be
+recovered.' 'I thought what skill you had,' replies the gallant,
+'my horse is walking <span class="pagenum"><a name="page120" id=
+"page120"></a>{120}</span> in a lane at the town's-end.' With that
+Hodges swore (as he was too much given unto that vice) 'your horse
+is gone, and you will never have him again.' The gentleman departed
+in great derision of Hodges, and went where he left his horse: when
+he came there, he found the boy fast asleep upon the ground, the
+horse gone, the boy's arm in the bridle.</p>
+<p>He returns again to Hodges, desiring his aid, being sorry for
+his former abuse. Old Will swore like a devil, 'be gone, be gone;
+go look for your horse.' This business ended not so; for the
+malicious man brought Hodges into the star-chamber, bound him over
+to the assizes, put Hodges to great expences: but, by means of the
+Lord Dudley, if I remember aright, or some other person
+thereabouts, he overcame the gentleman, and was acquitted.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page121" id=
+"page121"></a>{121}</span>
+<p>Besides this, a gentlewoman of my acquaintance, and of credit,
+in Leicestershire, having lost a pillion-cloth, a very new one,
+went to desire his judgment. He ordered her such a day to attend at
+Mountsorrel in Leicestershire, and about twelve o'clock she should
+see her pillion-cloth upon a horse, and a woman upon it. My friend
+attended the hour and place; it being told, she must needs warm
+herself well, and then enquired if any passengers had lately gone
+by the inn? Unto whom answer was made, there passed by whilst she
+was at the fire, about half an hour before, a man, and a woman
+behind him, on horse-back. Inquiring of what colour the
+pillion-cloth was of; it was answered, directly of the colour my
+friend's was: they pursued, but too late.</p>
+<p>In those times, there lived one William Marsh in Dunstable, a
+man of godly life and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page122" id=
+"page122"></a>{122}</span> upright conversation, a Recusant. By
+astrology he resolved thievish questions with great success; that
+was his utmost sole practice. He was many times in trouble; but by
+Dr. Napper's interest with the Earl of Bolingbroke, Lord Wentworth,
+after Earl of Cleveland, he still continued his practice, the said
+Earl not permitting any Justice of Peace to vex him.</p>
+<p>This man had only two books, <i>Guido</i> and <i>Haly</i> bound
+together; he had so mumbled and tumbled the leaves of both, that
+half one side of every leaf was torn even to the middle. I was
+familiar with him for many years: he died about 1647.</p>
+<p>A word or two of Dr. Napper, who lived at Great Lindford in
+Buckinghamshire, was parson, and had the advowson thereof. He
+descended of worshipful parents, and this you must believe; for
+when Dr. Napper's <span class="pagenum"><a name="page123" id=
+"page123"></a>{123}</span> brother, Sir Robert Napper, a Turkey
+merchant, was to be made a Baronet in King James's reign, there was
+some dispute whether he could prove himself a gentleman for three
+or more descents. 'By my saul,' saith King James, 'I will certify
+for Napper, that he is of above three hundred years standing in his
+family, all of them, by my saul, gentlemen,' &amp;c. However, their
+family came into England in King Henry the Eighth's time. The
+parson was Master of Arts; but whether doctorated by degree or
+courtesy, because of his profession, I know not. Miscarrying one
+day in the pulpit, he never after used it, but all his life-time
+kept in his house some excellent scholar or other to officiate for
+him, with allowance of a good salary: he out-went Forman in physick
+and holiness of life; cured the falling-sickness <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page124" id="page124"></a>{124}</span> perfectly
+by constellated rings, some diseases by amulets, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>A maid was much afflicted with the falling sickness, whose
+parents applied themselves unto him for cure: he framed her a
+constellated ring, upon wearing whereof, she recovered perfectly.
+Her parents acquainted some scrupulous divines with the cure of
+their daughter: 'The cure is done by inchantment,' say they. 'Cast
+away the ring, it's diabolical; God cannot bless you, if you do not
+cast the ring away.' The ring was cast into the well, whereupon the
+maid became epileptical as formerly, and endured much misery for a
+long time. At last her parents cleansed the well, and recovered the
+ring again; the maid wore it, and her fits took her no more. In
+this condition she was one year or two; which the Puritan ministers
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page125" id=
+"page125"></a>{125}</span> there adjoining hearing, never left off,
+till they procured her parents to cast the ring quite away; which
+done, the fits returned in such violence, that they were enforced
+to apply to the Doctor again, relating at large the whole story,
+humbly imploring his once more assistance; but he could not be
+procured to do any thing, only said, those who despised God's
+mercies, were not capable or worthy of enjoying them.</p>
+<p>I was with him in 1632, or 1633, upon occasion. He had me up
+into his library, being excellently furnished with very choice
+books: there he prayed almost one hour; he invocated several angels
+in his prayer, viz.<a id="footnotetag12" name=
+"footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12"><sup>12</sup></a>
+Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, &amp;c. We parted.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote12" name=
+"footnote12"></a><b>Footnote 12:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag12">(return)</a>
+<p>The collect read on Michaelmas-day, seems to allow of praying to
+angels. At some times, upon great occasions, he had conference with
+Michael, but very rarely.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page126" id=
+"page126"></a>{126}</span>
+<p>He instructed many ministers in astrology, would lend them whole
+cloak-bags of books; protected them from harm and violence, by
+means of his power with the Earl of Bolingbroke.<a id=
+"footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href=
+"#footnote13"><sup>13</sup></a> He would confess my master Evans
+knew more than himself in some things: and some time before he
+died, he got his cousin Sir Richard to set a figure to see when he
+should die. Being brought him; 'Well,' he said, 'the old man will
+live this winter, but in the spring he will die; welcome Lord
+Jesus, thy will be done.' He had many enemies: Cotta, Doctor of
+physick in Northampton, wrote a sharp book of witchcraft, wherein,
+obliquely, he bitterly inveighed against the Doctor.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote13" name=
+"footnote13"></a><b>Footnote 13:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag13">(return)</a>
+<p>Lord Wentworth, after Earl of Cleveland.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>In 1646, I printed a collection of Prophecies, with the
+explanation and verification of <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page127" id="page127"></a>{127}</span> Aquila, or the <i>White
+King's Prophecy</i>; as also the nativities of Bishop Laud and
+Thomas Earl of Strafford, and a most learned speech by him intended
+to have been spoke upon the scaffold. In this year 1646, after a
+great consideration, and many importunities, I began to fix upon
+thoughts of an <i>Introduction unto Astrology</i>, which was very
+much wanting, and as earnestly longed for by many persons of
+quality. Something also much occasioned and hastened the
+impression, viz. the malevolent barking of Presbyterian ministers
+in their weekly sermons, reviling the professors thereof, and
+myself particularly by name.</p>
+<p>Secondly, I thought it a duty incumbent upon me, to satisfy the
+whole kingdom of the lawfulness thereof, by framing a plain and
+easy method for any person but of indifferent capacity to learn the
+art, and instruct himself <span class="pagenum"><a name="page128"
+id="page128"></a>{128}</span> therein, without any other master
+than my <i>Introduction</i>; by which means, when many understood
+it, I should have more partners and assistants to contradict all
+and every antagonist.</p>
+<p>Thirdly, I found it best as unto point of time, because many of
+the soldiers were wholly for it, and many of the Independant party;
+and I had abundance of worthy men in the House of Commons, my
+assured friends, no lovers of Presbytery, which then were in great
+esteem, and able to protect the art; for should the Presbyterian
+party have prevailed, as they thought of nothing less than to be
+Lords of all, I knew well they would have silenced my pen annually,
+and committed the <i>Introduction</i> unto everlasting silence.</p>
+<p>Fourthly, I had something of conscience touched my spirit, and
+much elevated my conceptions, believing God had not bestowed
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page129" id=
+"page129"></a>{129}</span> those abilities upon me, to bury them
+under a bushel; for though my education was very mean, yet, by my
+continual industry, and God's great mercy, I found myself capable
+to go forward with the work, and to commit the issue thereof unto
+Divine Providence.</p>
+<p>I had a hard task in hand to begin the first part hereof, and
+much labour I underwent to methodize it as it is.</p>
+<p>I ingenuously confess unto you (Arts' great Mec&aelig;nas, noble
+Esquire Ashmole,) no mortal man had any share in the composition or
+ordering of the first part thereof, but my only self. You are a
+person of great reading, yet I well know you never found the least
+trace thereof in any author yet extant.</p>
+<p>In composing, contriving, ordering, and framing thereof (viz.
+the first part) a great part of that year was spent. I again
+perused all, or most, authors I had, sometimes adding, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page130" id="page130"></a>{130}</span> at other
+times diminishing, until at last I thought it worthy of the press.
+When I came to frame the second part thereof, having formerly
+collected out of many manuscripts, and exchanged rules with the
+most able professors I had acquaintance with, in transcribing those
+papers for impression, I found, upon a strict inquisition, those
+rules were, for the most part, defective; so that once more I had
+now a difficult labour to correct their deficiency, to new rectify
+them according to art; and lastly, considering the multiplicity of
+daily questions propounded unto me, it was as hard a labour as
+might be to transcribe the papers themselves with my own hand. The
+desire I had to benefit posterity and my country, at last overcame
+all difficulties; so that what I could not do in one year, I
+perfected early the next year, 1647; and then in that year, viz.
+1647, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="page131" id=
+"page131"></a>{131}</span> finished the third book of<a id=
+"footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href=
+"#footnote14"><sup>14</sup></a> nativities,<a id="footnotetag15"
+name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15"><sup>15</sup></a>
+during the composing whereof, for seven whole weeks, I was shut up
+of the plague, burying in that time two maid-servants thereof; yet
+towards November that year, the Introduction, called by the name of
+<i>Christian Astrology</i>, was made publick. There being, in those
+times, some smart difference between the army and the Parliament,
+the head-quarters of the army were at Windsor, whither I was
+carried with a coach and four horses, and John Booker with me. We
+were welcome thither, and feasted in a garden where General Fairfax
+lodged. We were brought <span class="pagenum"><a name="page132" id=
+"page132"></a>{132}</span> to the General, who bid us kindly
+welcome to Windsor; and, in effect, said thus much:</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote14" name=
+"footnote14"></a><b>Footnote 14:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag14">(return)</a>
+<p>The name of the person whose nativity is directed and judged, is
+Mr. Thompson, whose father had been some time an inn-keeper at the
+White-Hart in Newark.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote15" name=
+"footnote15"></a><b>Footnote 15:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag15">(return)</a>
+<p>I devised the forms and fashions of the several schemes.
+E.A.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>'That God had blessed the army with many signal victories, and
+yet their work was not finished. He hoped God would go along with
+them until his work was done. They sought not themselves, but the
+welfare and tranquillity of the good people, and whole nation; and,
+for that end, were resolved to sacrifice both their lives and their
+own fortunes. As for the art we studied, he hoped it was lawful and
+agreeable to God's word: he understood it not; but doubted not but
+we both feared God; and therefore had a good opinion of us both.'
+Unto his speech I presently made this reply:</p>
+<p>'My Lord, I am glad to see you here at this time.</p>
+<p>'Certainly, both the people of God, and all others of this
+nation, are very sensible of <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page133" id="page133"></a>{133}</span> God's mercy, love, and
+favour unto them, in directing the Parliament to nominate and elect
+you General of their armies, a person so religious, so valiant.</p>
+<p>'The several unexpected victories obtained under your
+Excellency's conduct, will eternize the same unto all
+posterity.</p>
+<p>'We are confident of God's going along with you and your army,
+until the great work for which he ordained you both, is fully
+perfected; which we hope will be the conquering and subversion of
+your's and the Parliament's enemies, and then a quiet settlement
+and firm peace over all the nation, unto God's glory, and full
+satisfaction of tender consciences.</p>
+<p>'Sir, as for ourselves, we trust in God; and, as Christians,
+believe in him. We do not study any art but what is lawful, and
+consonant to the scriptures, fathers, and antiquity; <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page134" id="page134"></a>{134}</span> which we
+humbly desire you to believe,' &amp;c.</p>
+<p>This ended, we departed, and went to visit Mr. Peters the
+minister, who lodged in the castle, whom we found reading an idle
+pamphlet come from London that morning. 'Lilly, thou art herein,'
+says he. 'Are not you there also?' I replied. 'Yes, that I am,'
+quoth he.&mdash;The words concerning me were these:</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>From th' oracles of the Sibyls so silly,</p>
+<p>The curst predictions of William Lilly,</p>
+<p>And Dr. Sybbald's Shoe-lane Philly,</p>
+<p class="i10">Good Lord, deliver me.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>After much conference with Hugh Peters, and some private
+discourse betwixt us two, not to be divulged, we parted, and so
+came back to London.</p>
+<p>King Charles the First, in the year 1646, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page135" id="page135"></a>{135}</span> April 27,
+went unto the Scots, then in this nation. Many desired my judgment,
+in time of his absence, to discover the way he might be taken:
+which I would never be drawn unto, or give any direction concerning
+his person.</p>
+<p>There were many lewd Mercuries printed both in London and
+Oxford, wherein I was sufficiently abused, in this year, 1646. I
+had then my ascendant <i>ad</i> [symbol: Gemini] [symbol: aspect
+"conjunction"], and [symbol: Moon] <i>ad propriun</i>. The
+Presbyterians were, in their pulpits, as merciless as the Cavaliers
+in their pamphlets.</p>
+<p>About this time, the most famous mathematician of all
+Europe,<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href=
+"#footnote16"><sup>16</sup></a> Mr. William Oughtred, parson of
+Aldbury in Surry, was in danger <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page136" id="page136"></a>{136}</span> of sequestration by the
+Committee of or for plundered ministers; (<i>Ambo-dexters</i> they
+were;) several inconsiderable articles were deposed and sworn
+against him, material enough to have sequestered him, but that,
+upon his day of hearing, I applied myself to Sir Bolstrode
+Whitlock, and all my own old friends, who in such numbers appeared
+in his behalf, that though the chairman and many other Presbyterian
+members were stiff against him, yet he was cleared by the major
+number. The truth is, he had a considerable parsonage, and that
+only was enough to sequester any moderate judgment: he was also
+well known to affect his Majesty. In these times many worthy
+ministers lost their livings or benefices, for not complying with
+the <i>Three-penny Directory</i>. Had you seen (O noble Esquire)
+what pitiful ideots were prefered into sequestrated
+church-benefices, you <span class="pagenum"><a name="page137" id=
+"page137"></a>{137}</span> would have been grieved in your soul;
+but when they came before the classis of divines, could those
+simpletons but only say, they were converted by hearing such a
+sermon, such a lecture, of that godly man Hugh Peters, Stephen
+Marshall, or any of that gang, he was presently admitted.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote16" name=
+"footnote16"></a><b>Footnote 16:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag16">(return)</a>
+<p>This gentleman I was very well acquainted with, having lived at
+the house over-against his, at Aldbury in Surrey, three or four
+years. E.A.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>In 1647, I published the <i>World's Catastrophe</i>, the
+<i>Prophecies of Ambrose Merlin</i>, with the <i>Key</i> wherewith
+to unlock those obstruse Prophecies; also <i>Trithemius of the
+Government of the World by the presiding Angels</i>; these came
+forth all in one book.</p>
+<p>The two first were exquisitely translated by yourself, (most
+learned Sir) as I do ingenuously acknowledge in my <i>Epistle unto
+the Reader</i>, with a true character of the worth and admirable
+parts, unto which I refer any that do desire to read you perfectly
+delineated. I was once resolved to have continued <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page138" id="page138"></a>{138}</span>
+<i>Trithemius</i> for some succeeding years, but multiplicity of
+employment impeded me. The study required, in that kind of
+learning, must be sedentary, of great reading, sound judgment,
+which no man can accomplish except he wholly retire, use prayer,
+and accompany himself with angelical consorts.</p>
+<p>His Majesty Charles the First, having entrusted the Scots with
+his person, was, for money, delivered into the hands of the English
+Parliament, and, by several removals, was had to Hampton-Court,
+about July or August 1647; for he was there, and at that time when
+my house was visited with the plague. He was desirous to escape
+from the soldiery, and to obscure himself for some time near
+London, the citizens whereof began now to be unruly, and alienated
+in affection from the Parliament, inclining wholly to his Majesty,
+and very averse to the army. His <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page139" id="page139"></a>{139}</span> Majesty was well informed
+of all this, and thought to make good use hereof; besides, the army
+and Parliament were at some odds, who should be masters. Upon the
+King's intention to escape, and with his consent, Madam Whorewood
+(whom you knew very well, worthy Esquire) came to receive my
+judgment, viz. In what quarter of this nation he might be most
+safe, and not to be discovered until himself pleased.</p>
+<p>When she came to my door, I told her I would not let her come
+into my house for I buried a maid-servant of the plague very
+lately. 'I fear not the plague, but the pox,' quoth she; so up we
+went. After erection of my figure, I told her about twenty miles
+(or thereabouts) from London, and in Essex, I was certain he might
+continue undiscovered. She liked my judgment very well; and, being
+herself of a sharp judgment, remembered <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page140" id="page140"></a>{140}</span> a place
+in Essex about that distance, where was an excellent house, and all
+conveniences for his reception. Away she went, early next morning,
+unto Hampton-Court, to acquaint his Majesty; but see the
+misfortune: He, either guided by his own approaching hard fate, or
+misguided by Ashburnham,<a id="footnotetag17" name=
+"footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17"><sup>17</sup></a> went
+away in the night-time westward, and surrendered himself to
+Hammond, in the Isle of Wight.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote17" name=
+"footnote17"></a><b>Footnote 17:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag17">(return)</a>
+<p>This Ashburnham was turned out of the House of Commons the 3d of
+November, 1667, for taking a bribe of five hundred pounds of the
+merchants. I was informed hereof 26th November, 1667.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>Whilst his Majesty was at Hampton-Court Alderman Adams sent his
+Majesty one thousand pounds in gold, five hundred whereof he gave
+Madam Whorewood. I believe I had twenty pieces of that very gold
+for my share.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page141" id=
+"page141"></a>{141}</span>
+<p>I have something more to write of Charles the First's
+misfortunes, wherein I was concerned; the matter happened in 1648,
+but I thought good to insert it here, having after this no more
+occasion to mention him.</p>
+<p>His Majesty being in Carisbrook-Castle in the Isle of Wight, the
+Kentish men, in great numbers, rose in arms, and joined with the
+Lord Goring; a considerable number of the best ships revolted from
+the Parliament; the citizens of London were forward to rise against
+the Parliament; his Majesty laid his design to escape out of
+prison, by sawing the iron bars of his chamber window; a small ship
+was provided, and anchored not far from the castle to bring him
+into Sussex; horses were provided ready to carry him through Sussex
+into Kent, so that he might be at the head of the army in Kent, and
+from thence to march immediately to London, where <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page142" id="page142"></a>{142}</span> thousands
+then would have armed for him. The Lady Whorewood came to me,
+acquaints me herewith. I got G. Farmer (who was a most ingenious
+lock-smith, and dwelt in Bowlane) to make a saw to cut the iron
+bars in sunder, I mean to saw them, and aqua fortis besides. His
+Majesty in a small time did his work; the bars gave liberty for him
+to go out; he was out with his body till he came to his breast; but
+then his heart failing, he proceeded no farther: when this was
+discovered, as soon after it was, he was narrowly looked after, and
+no opportunity after that could be devised to enlarge him. About
+September the Parliament sent their Commissioners with propositions
+unto him into the Isle of Wight, the Lord William Sea being one;
+the Lady Whorewood comes again unto me from him or by his consent,
+to be directed: After perusal of my figure, I told her the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page143" id=
+"page143"></a>{143}</span> Commissioners would be there such a day;
+I elected a day and hour when to receive the Commissioners and
+propositions; and as soon as the propositions were read, to sign
+them, and make haste with all speed to come up with the
+Commissioners to London. The army being then far distant from
+London, and the city enraged stoutly against them, he promised he
+would do so. That night the Commissioners came, and old Sea and his
+Majesty had private conference till one in the morning: the King
+acquaints Sea with his intention, who clearly dissuaded him from
+signing the propositions, telling him they were not fit for him to
+sign; that he had many friends in the House of Lords, and some in
+the House of Commons; that he would procure more, and then they
+would frame more easy propositions. This flattery of this
+unfortunate Lord occasioned his Majesty to <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page144" id="page144"></a>{144}</span> wave the
+advice I and some others that wished his prosperity had given, in
+expectation of that which afterwards could never be gained. The
+army having some notice hereof from one of the Commissioners, who
+had an eye upon old Sea, hasted unto London, and made the citizens
+very quiet; and besides, the Parliament and army kept a better
+correspondency afterwards with each other.</p>
+<p>Whilst the King was at Windsor-Castle, once walking upon the
+leads there, he looked upon Captain Wharton's <i>Almanack</i>: 'My
+book,' saith he, 'speaks well as to the weather:' One William Allen
+standing by; 'what,' saith he, 'saith his antagonist, Mr. Lilly?'
+'I do not care for Lilly,' said his Majesty, 'he hath been always
+against me,' and became a little bitter in his expressions. 'Sir,'
+saith Allen, 'the man is an honest man, and writes but what his art
+informs <span class="pagenum"><a name="page145" id=
+"page145"></a>{145}</span> him.' 'I believe it,' said his Majesty,
+'and that Lilly understands astrology as well as any man in
+Europe.' <i>Exit Rex Carolus.</i></p>
+<p>In 1648 I published a <i>Treatise of the Three Suns</i>, seen
+the winter preceding; as also an Astrological Judgment upon a
+Conjunction of Saturn and Mars 28 June, in 11 degrees 8 minutes of
+Gemini.</p>
+<p>I commend unto your perusal that book and the <i>Prophetical
+Merlin</i>, which, seriously considered, (Oh worthy Esquire) will
+more instruct your judgement (<i>De generalibus contingentibus
+Mundi</i>) than all the authors you yet ever met with.</p>
+<p>In this year, for very great considerations, the Council of
+State gave me in money fifty pounds, and a pension of one hundred
+pounds <i>per Annum</i>, which for two years I received, but no
+more: upon some discontents I after would not or did require it.
+The cause moving <span class="pagenum"><a name="page146" id=
+"page146"></a>{146}</span> them was this; they could get no
+intelligence out of France, although they had several agents there
+for that purpose. I had formerly acquaintance with a secular
+priest, at this time confessor to one of the Secretaries; unto him
+I wrote, and by that means had perfect knowledge of the chiefest
+concernments of France, at which they admired; but I never yet,
+until this day, revealed the name of the person.</p>
+<p>One occasion why I deserted that employment was, because Scott,
+who had eight hundred pounds <i>per Annum</i> for intelligence,
+would not contribute any occasion to gratify my friend: And another
+thing was, I received some affront from Gualter Frost their
+Secretary, one that was a principal minister belonging to the
+Council of State. Scott was ever my enemy, the other knave died of
+a gangrene in his arm suddenly after.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page147" id=
+"page147"></a>{147}</span>
+<p>In 1648 and 1649, that I might encourage young students in
+astrology, I publickly read over the first part of my
+<i>Introduction</i>, wherein there are many things contained, not
+easily to be understood.</p>
+<p>And now we are entered into the year 1649: his Majesty being at
+St. James's House, in January of that year, I begun its
+observations thus:</p>
+<p>'I am serious, I beg and expect justice; either fear or shame
+begins to question offenders.</p>
+<p>'The lofty cedars begin to divine a thundering hurricane is at
+hand; God elevates men contemptible.</p>
+<p>'Our demigods are sensible we begin to dislike their actions
+very much in London, more in the country.</p>
+<p>'Blessed be God, who encourages his servants, makes them
+valiant, and of undaunted <span class="pagenum"><a name="page148"
+id="page148"></a>{148}</span> spirits, to go on with his decrees:
+upon a sudden, great expectations arise, and men generally believe
+a quiet and calm time draws nigh.'</p>
+<p>In Christmas holidays, the Lord Gray of Grooby and Hugh Peters
+sent for me to Somerset-House, with directions to bring them two of
+my Almanacks.&mdash;I did so; Peters and he read January's
+Observations.</p>
+<p>'If we are not fools and knaves,' saith he, 'we shall do
+justice:' then they whispered. I understood not their meaning till
+his Majesty was beheaded. They applied what I wrote of justice, to
+be understood of his Majesty, which was contrary to my intention;
+for Jupiter, the first day of January, became direct; and Libra is
+a sign signifying Justice; I implored for justice generally upon
+such as had cheated in their places, being treasurers, and such
+like officers. I had not then heard the <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page149" id="page149"></a>{149}</span> least
+intimation of bringing the King unto trial, and yet the first day
+thereof I was casually there, it being upon a Saturday; for going
+to Westminster every Saturday in the afternoon, in these times, at
+White-hall I casually met Peters; 'Come, Lilly, wilt thou go hear
+the King tried?' 'When?' said I. 'Now, just now; go with me.' I did
+so, and was permitted by the guard of soldiers to pass up to the
+King's-Bench. Within one quarter of an hour came the Judges,
+presently his Majesty, who spoke excellently well, and
+majestically, without impediment in the least when he spoke. I saw
+the silver top of his staff unexpectedly fall to the ground, which
+was took up by Mr. Rushworth: and then I heard Bradshaw the Judge
+say to his Majesty,</p>
+<p>'Sir, instead of answering the court, you <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page150" id="page150"></a>{150}</span>
+interrogate their power, which becomes not one in your
+condition'&mdash;</p>
+<p>These words pierced my heart and soul, to hear a subject thus
+audaciously to reprehend his Sovereign, who ever and anon replied
+with great magnanimity and prudence.</p>
+<p>After that his Majesty was beheaded, the Parliament for some
+years effected nothing either for the publick peace or tranquillity
+of the nation, or settling religion as they had formerly promised.
+The interval of time betwixt his Majesty's death and Oliver
+Cromwel's displacing them, was wholly consumed in voting for
+themselves, and bringing their own relations to be members of
+Parliament, thinking to make a trade thereof.</p>
+<p>The week, or three or four days before his Majesty's beheading,
+one Major Sydenham, who had commands in Scotland, came to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page151" id=
+"page151"></a>{151}</span> take his leave of me, and told me the
+King was to be put to death, which I was not willing to believe,
+and said, 'I could not be persuaded the Parliament could find any
+Englishman so barbarous, that would do that foul action.' 'Rather,'
+saith he, 'than they should want such a man, these arms of mine
+should do it.' He went presently after into Scotland, and upon the
+first engagement against them, was slain, and his body miserably
+cut and mangled.</p>
+<p>In 1651 I published <i>Monarchy or no Monarchy</i>, and in the
+latter end thereof some hieroglyphics of my own, composed, at spare
+time, by the occult learning, many of those types having
+representations of what should from thence succeed in England, and
+have since had verification.</p>
+<p>I had not that learning from books, or any manuscript I ever yet
+met withal, it is reduced <span class="pagenum"><a name="page152"
+id="page152"></a>{152}</span> from a cabal lodging in astrology,
+but so mysterious and difficult to be attained, that I have not yet
+been acquainted with any who had that knowledge. I will say no more
+thereof, but that the asterisms and signs and constellations give
+greatest light thereunto.</p>
+<p>During Bradshaw's being President of the Council of State, it
+was my happiness to procure Captain Wharton his liberty, which when
+Bradshaw understood, said, 'I will be an enemy to Lilly, if ever he
+come before me.' Sir Bolstrode Whitlock broke the ice first of all
+on behalf of Captain Wharton: after him the Committee, unto whom
+his offence had been committed, spoke for him, and said he might
+well be bailed or enlarged: I had spoken to the Committee the
+morning of his delivery, who thereupon were so civil unto him,
+especially Sir William Ermin of Lincolnshire, who at first wondered
+I appeared not against <span class="pagenum"><a name="page153" id=
+"page153"></a>{153}</span> him; but upon my humble request, my long
+continued antagonist was enlarged and had his liberty.</p>
+<p>In 1651 I purchased one hundred and ten pounds <i>per Annum</i>
+in fee-farm rents for one thousand and thirty pounds. I paid all in
+ready money; but when his Majesty King Charles the Second, 1660,
+was restored, I lost it all again, and it returned to the right
+owner; the loss thereof never afflicted me, for I have ever reduced
+my mind according to my fortune. I was drawn in by several persons
+to make that simple purchase. The year I bought it, I had my
+ascendant directed into a Trine of Jupiter first, and in the same
+year into the <i>Cauda Draconis</i>&mdash;my fortune into a
+quadrant of Mercury. When Colchester was besieged, John Booker and
+myself were sent for, where we encouraged the soldiers, assuring
+them the town would very shortly be surrendered, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page154" id="page154"></a>{154}</span> as indeed
+it was: I would willingly have obtained leave to enter the town, to
+have informed Sir Charles Lucas, whom I well knew, with the
+condition of affairs as they then stood, he being deluded by false
+intelligence: at that time my scholar Humphreys was therein, who
+many times deluded the Governor with expectation of relief; but
+failing very many times with his lies, at last he had the
+bastinado, was put in prison, and inforced to become a soldier; and
+well it was he escaped so.&mdash;During my being there, the steeple
+of St. Mary's Church was much battered by two cannons purposely
+placed: I was there one day about three of the clock in the
+afternoon, talking with the cannoneer, when presently he desired us
+to look to ourselves, for he perceived by his perspective glass
+there was a piece charged in the castle against his work, and ready
+to be discharged. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page155" id=
+"page155"></a>{155}</span> I ran for haste under an old ash-tree,
+and immediately the cannon-bullet came hissing quite over us. 'No
+danger now,' saith the gunner, 'but begone, for there are five more
+charging,' which was true; for two hours after those cannons were
+discharged, and unluckily killed our cannoneer and matross. I came
+the next morning and saw the blood of the two poor men lie upon the
+planks: we were well entertained at the head-quarters, and after
+two whole days abiding there, came for London.</p>
+<p>But we prosecute our story again, and say that in the year 1652
+I purchased my house and some lands in Hersham, in the parish of
+Walton upon Thames, in the county of Surrey, where I now live;
+intending by the blessing of God, when I found it convenient, to
+retire into the country, there to end my days in peace and
+tranquillity; for in <span class="pagenum"><a name="page156" id=
+"page156"></a>{156}</span> London my practice was such, I had none
+or very little time afforded me to serve God, who had been so
+gracious unto me. The purchase of the house and lands, and
+buildings, stood me in nine hundred and fifty pounds sterling,
+which I have very much augmented.</p>
+<p>The Parliament now grows odious unto all good men, the members
+whereof became insufferable in their pride, covetousness,
+self-ends, laziness, minding nothing but how to enrich themselves.
+Much heart-burning now arose betwixt the Presbyterian and
+Independant, the latter siding with the army, betwixt whose two
+judgments there was no medium. Now came up, or first appeared, that
+monstrous people called Ranters: and many other novel opinions, in
+themselves heretical and scandalous, were countenanced by members
+of Parliament, many whereof <span class="pagenum"><a name="page157"
+id="page157"></a>{157}</span> were of the same judgment. Justice
+was neglected, vice countenanced, and all care of the common good
+laid aside. Every judgment almost groaned under the heavy burthen
+they then suffered; the army neglected; the city of London scorned;
+the ministry, especially those who were orthodox and serious,
+honest or virtuous, had no countenance; my soul began to loath the
+very name of a Parliament, or Parliament-men. There yet remained in
+the House very able, judicious, and worthy patriots; but they, by
+their silence, only served themselves: all was carried on by a
+rabble of dunces, who being the greater number, voted what seemed
+best to their non-intelligent fancies.</p>
+<p>In this year I published <i>Annas Tenebrosus</i>, which book I
+did not so entitle, because of the great obscurity of the solar
+eclipse, by so many prattled of to no purpose, but because
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page158" id=
+"page158"></a>{158}</span> of those underhand and clandestine
+counsels held in England by the soldiery, of which I would never,
+but in generals, give any knowledge unto any Parliament man. I had
+wrote publickly in 1650, that the Parliament should not continue,
+but a new government should arise, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>In my next year's <i>Anglicus</i>, upon rational grounds in
+astrology, I was so bold as to aver therein, that the Parliament
+stood upon a tottering foundation, and that the commonalty and
+soldiery would join together against them.</p>
+<p>My <i>Anglicus</i> was for a whole week every day in the
+Parliament House, peeped into by the Presbyterians, one disliking
+this sentence, another finds another fault, others misliked the
+whole; so in the end a motion was made, that <i>Anglicus</i> should
+be inspected by the Committee for plundered ministers; <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page159" id="page159"></a>{159}</span> which
+being done, they were to return them to the House, viz. report its
+errors.</p>
+<p>A messenger attached me by a warrant from that Committee; I had
+private notice ere the messenger came, and hasted unto Mr. Speaker
+Lenthall, ever my friend. He was exceeding glad to see me, told me
+what was done; called for <i>Anglicus</i>, marked the passages
+which tormented the Presbyterians so highly. I presently sent for
+Mr. Warren the printer, an assured Cavalier, obliterated what was
+most offensive, put in other more significant words, and desired
+only to have six amended against next morning, which very honestly
+he brought me. I told him my design was to deny the book found
+fault with, to own only the six books. I told him, I doubted he
+would be examined. 'Hang them,' said he, 'they are all rogues. I'll
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page160" id=
+"page160"></a>{160}</span> swear myself to the devil ere they shall
+have an advantage against you by my oath.'</p>
+<p>The day after, I appeared before the Committee, being thirty-six
+in number that day; whereas it was observed, at other times, it was
+very difficult to get five of them together. At first they shewed
+me the true <i>Anglicus</i>, and asked if I wrote and printed it. I
+took the book and inspected it very heedfully; and when I had done
+so, said thus:</p>
+<p>'This is none of my book, some malicious Presbyterian hath wrote
+it, who are my mortal enemies; I disown it.' The Committee looked
+upon one another like distracted men, not imagining what I
+presently did; for I presently pulled out of my pocket six books,
+and said, 'These I own, the others are counterfeits, published
+purposely to ruin me.' The Committee were now more vexed than
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page161" id=
+"page161"></a>{161}</span> before: not one word was spoke a good
+while; at last, many of them, or the greatest number of them, were
+of opinion to imprison me. Some were for Newgate, others for the
+Gate-House; but then one Brown of Sussex, called the Presbyterian
+beadle, whom the Company of Stationers had bribed to be my friend,
+by giving him a new <i>Book of Martyrs</i>; he, I say, preached
+unto the Committee this doctrine, that neither Newgate or the
+Gate-House were prisons unto which at any time the Parliament sent
+their prisoners: it was most convenient for the Serjeant at Arms to
+take me in custody.</p>
+<p>Mr. Strickland, who had for many years been the Parliament's
+Ambassador or Agent in Holland, when he saw how they inclined,
+spoke thus:</p>
+<p>'I came purposely into the Committee this day to see the man who
+is so famous in <span class="pagenum"><a name="page162" id=
+"page162"></a>{162}</span> those parts where I have so long
+continued: I assure you his name is famous all over Europe: I come
+to do him justice. A book is produced by us, and said to be his; he
+denies it; we have not proved it, yet will commit him. Truly this
+is great injustice. It is likely he will write next year, and
+acquaint the whole world with our injustice; and so well he may. It
+is my opinion, first to prove the book to be his, ere he be
+committed.'</p>
+<p>Another old friend of mine, Mr. R. spoke thus:</p>
+<p>'You do not know the many services this man hath done for the
+Parliament these many years, or how many times, in our greatest
+distresses, we applying unto him, he hath refreshed our languishing
+expectations; he never failed us of comfort in our most unhappy
+distresses. I assure you his writings <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page163" id="page163"></a>{163}</span> have kept
+up the spirits both of the soldiery, the honest people of this
+nation, and many of us Parliament men; and now at last, for a slip
+of his pen (if it were his) to be thus violent against him: I must
+tell you, I fear the consequence urged out of the book will prove
+effectually true. It is my counsel, to admonish him hereafter to be
+more wary, and for the present to dismiss him.'</p>
+<p>Notwithstanding any thing that was spoken on my behalf, I was
+ordered to stand committed to the Serjeant at Arms. The messenger
+attached my person, said I was his prisoner. As he was carrying me
+away, he was called to bring me again. Oliver Cromwell,
+Lieutenant-General of the army, having never seen me, caused me to
+be produced again, where he stedfastly beheld me for a good space,
+and then I went with the messenger; but instantly a young clerk of
+that <span class="pagenum"><a name="page164" id=
+"page164"></a>{164}</span> Committee asks the messenger what he did
+with me, where's the warrant? until that is signed you cannot seize
+Mr. Lilly, or shall. Will you have an action of false imprisonment
+against you? So I escaped that night, but next day obeyed the
+warrant. That night Oliver Cromwell went to Mr. R. my friend, and
+said, 'What never a man to take Lilly's cause in hand but yourself?
+None to take his part but you? He shall not be long there.' Hugh
+Peters spoke much in my behalf to the Committee; but they were
+resolved to lodge me in the Serjeant's custody. One Millington, a
+drunken member, was much my enemy; and so was Cawley and
+Chichester, a deformed fellow, unto whom I had done several
+courtesies.</p>
+<p>First thirteen days I was a prisoner; and though every day of
+the Committee's sitting I had a petition to deliver, yet so many
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page165" id=
+"page165"></a>{165}</span> churlish Presbyterians still appeared, I
+could not get it accepted. The last day of the thirteen, Mr. Joseph
+Ash was made Chairman, unto whom my cause being related, he took my
+petition, and said I should be bailed in despite of them all, but
+desired I would procure as many friends as I could to be there. Sir
+Arthur Hazelrigg, and Major Salloway, a person of excellent parts,
+appeared for me, and many now of my old friends came in. After two
+whole hours arguing of my cause by Sir Arthur and Major Salloway,
+and other friends, the matter came to this point; I should be
+bailed, and a Committee nominated to examine the printer. The order
+of the Committee being brought afterwards to him who should be
+Chairman, he sent me word, do what I would, he would see all the
+knaves hanged, ere he would examine the printer. This is the truth
+of the story.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page166" id=
+"page166"></a>{166}</span>
+<p>The 16th of February 1655, my second wife died; for whose death
+I shed no tears. I had five hundred pounds with her as a portion,
+but she and her poor relations spent me one thousand pounds.
+<i>Gloria Patri, &amp; Filio, &amp; Spiritui Sancto: sicut erat in
+principio &amp; nunc, &amp; semper, &amp; in s&aelig;cula
+s&aelig;culorum</i>: for the 20th of April 1655, these enemies of
+mine, viz. Parliament men, were turned out of doors by Oliver
+Cromwell. A German doctor of physick being then in London, sent me
+this paper:</p>
+<p><i>Strophe Alcaica: Generoso Domino Gulielmo Lillio Astrologo,
+de dissoluto nuper Parliamento</i>.</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Quod calculasti Sydere pr&aelig;vio,</p>
+<p>Miles peregit numine conscio;</p>
+<p>Gentis videmus nunc Senatum</p>
+<p>Marte togaque gravi levatum.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page167" id=
+"page167"></a>{167}</span>
+<p>In the time of my imprisonment, Mr. Rushworth came to visit me,
+and told me, the army would do as much as I had predicted unto the
+Parliament.</p>
+<p>In October 1654, I married the third wife, who is signified in
+my nativity by <i>Jupiter in Libra</i>; and she is so totally in
+her conditions, to my great comfort.</p>
+<p>In 1655, I was indicted at Hicks's-Hall by a half-witted young
+woman. Three several sessions she was neglected, and the Jury cast
+forth her bill; but the fourth time, they found it against me: I
+put in bail to traverse the indictment. The cause of the indictment
+was, for that I had given judgment upon stolen goods, and received
+two shillings and six-pence.&mdash;And this was said to be contrary
+unto an Act in King James's time made.</p>
+<p>This mad woman was put upon this action against me by two
+ministers, who had framed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page168"
+id="page168"></a>{168}</span> for her a very ingenious speech,
+which she could speak without book, as she did the day of hearing
+the traverse. She produced one woman, who told the court, a son of
+her's was run from her; that being in much affliction of mind for
+her loss, she repaired unto me to know what was become of him; that
+I told her he was gone for the Barbadoes, and she would hear of him
+within thirteen days; which, she said, she did.</p>
+<p>A second woman made oath, that her husband being wanting two
+years, she repaired to me for advice: that I told her he was in
+Ireland, and would be at home such a time; and, said she, he did
+come home accordingly.</p>
+<p>I owned the taking of half a crown for my judgment of the theft;
+but said, I gave no other judgment, but that the goods would not be
+recovered, being that was all which was required of me: the party,
+before that, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page169" id=
+"page169"></a>{169}</span> having been with several astrologers,
+some affirming she should have her goods again, others gave
+contrary judgment, which made her come unto me for a final
+resolution.</p>
+<p>At last my enemy began her before-made speech, and, without the
+least stumbling, pronounced it before the court; which ended, she
+had some queries put unto her, and then I spoke for myself, and
+produced my own <i>Introduction</i> into court, saying, that I had
+some years before emitted that book for the benefit of this and
+other nations; that it was allowed by authority, and had found good
+acceptance in both universities; that the study of astrology was
+lawful, and not contradicted by any scripture; that I neither had,
+or ever did, use any charms, sorceries, or inchantments related in
+the bill of indictment, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>She then related, that she had been several <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page170" id="page170"></a>{170}</span> times
+with me, and that afterwards she could not rest a-nights, but was
+troubled with bears, lions, and tygers, &amp;c. My counsel was the
+Recorder Green, who after he had answered all objections, concluded
+astrology was a lawful art.</p>
+<p>'Mistress,' said he, 'what colour was those beasts that you were
+so terrified with?'</p>
+<p>'I never saw any,' said she.</p>
+<p>'How do you then know they were lions, tygers, or bears?'
+replied he.&mdash;'This is an idle person, only fit for Bedlam.'
+The Jury who went not from the bar, brought in, No true Bill.</p>
+<p>There were many Presbyterian Justices much for her, and
+especially one Roberts, a busy fellow for the Parliament, who after
+his Majesty came in, had like to have lost life and fortune.</p>
+<p>I had procured Justice Hooker to be there, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page171" id="page171"></a>{171}</span> who was
+the oracle of all the Justices of Peace in Middlesex.</p>
+<p>There was nothing memorable after that happened unto me, until
+1650, and the month of October, at what time Captain Owen Cox
+brought me over from his Majesty of Sweden, a gold chain and medal,
+worth about fifty pounds; the cause whereof was, that in the year
+1657 and 1658, I had made honourable mention of him: the
+<i>Anglicus</i> of 1658 being translated into the language spoke at
+Hamburgh, printed and cried about the streets, as it is in
+London.</p>
+<p>The occasion of my writing so honourably of his Majesty of
+Sweden was this: Sir Bolstrode Whitlock, Knight, upon the very time
+of Oliver's being made Protector, having made very noble articles
+betwixt Christina then Queen of Sweden, and the English nation, was
+in his being at Stockholm visited <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page172" id="page172"></a>{172}</span> frequently by Charles
+Gustavus, unto whom Christina resigned during his abode, and used
+with all manner of civility by him, insomuch as some other
+Ambassadors took it ill, that they had not so much respect or
+equal: unto which he would reply, he would be kind where himself
+did find just cause of merit unto any. He were a great lover of our
+nation; but there were some other causes also moving my pen to be
+so liberal, viz. The great hopes I had of his prevailing, and of
+taking Copenhagen and Elsinore, which, if he had lived, was hoped
+he might have accomplished; and had assuredly done, if Oliver the
+Protector had not so untimely died ere our fleet of ships returned;
+for Oliver sent the fleet on purpose to fight the Dutch; but dying,
+and the Parliament being restored, Sir Henry Vane, who afterwards
+was beheaded, had order from the Council of State to <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page173" id="page173"></a>{173}</span> give
+order to the fleet what to do now Oliver was dead, and themselves
+restored. Vane, out of state-policy, gave the Earl of Sandwich
+direction not to fight the Dutch. Captain Symons, who carried those
+letters, swore unto me, had he known the letters he carried had
+contained any such prohibition, he would have sunk both ship and
+letters. Oliver said, when the fleet was to go forth, 'That if God
+blessed his Majesty of Sweden with Copenhagen, the English were to
+have Elsinore as their share; which if once I have,' saith Oliver,
+'the English shall have the whole trade of the Baltick Sea: I will
+make the Dutch find another passage, except they will pay such
+customs as I shall impose.' Considering the advantages this would
+have been to our English, who can blame my pen for being liberal,
+thereby to have encouraged our famous and noble seamen, or for
+writing <span class="pagenum"><a name="page174" id=
+"page174"></a>{174}</span> so honourably of the Swedish nation, who
+had most courteously treated my best of friends, Sir Bolstrode
+Whitlock, and by whose means, had the design taken effect, the
+English nation had been made happy with the most beneficial concern
+of all Christendom. I shall conclude about Oliver the then
+Protector, with whom obliquely I had transactions by his
+son-in-law, Mr. Cleypool; and to speak truly of him, he sent one
+that waited upon him in his chamber, once in two or three days, to
+hear how it fared with me in my sessions business; but I never had
+of him, directly or indirectly, either pension, or any the least
+sum of money, or any gratuity during his whole Protectorship; this
+I protest to be true, by the name and in the name of the most holy
+God.</p>
+<p>In 1653, before the dissolution of the Parliament, and that ere
+they had chosen any for <span class="pagenum"><a name="page175" id=
+"page175"></a>{175}</span> their Ambassador into Sweden, Mr.
+Cleypool came unto me, demanding of me whom I thought fittest to
+send upon that embassy into Sweden: I nominated Sir B. Whitlock,
+who was chosen, and two or three days after Mr. Cleypool came
+again: 'I hope, Mr. Lilly, my father hath now pleased you: Your
+friend Sir B. Whitlock is to go for Sweden.' But since I have
+mentioned Oliver Cromwell, I will relate something of him, which
+perhaps no other pen can, or will mention. He was born of generous
+parents in Huntingdonshire, educated some time at the university of
+Cambridge: in his youth was wholly given to debauchery,
+quarrelling, drinking, &amp;c. <i>quid non</i>; having by those
+means wasted his patrimony, he was enforced to bethink himself of
+leaving England, and go to New-England: he had hired a passage in a
+ship, but ere she launched <span class="pagenum"><a name="page176"
+id="page176"></a>{176}</span> out for her voyage, a kinsman dieth,
+leaving him a considerable fortune; upon which he returns, pays his
+debts, became affected to religion; is elected in 1640 a member of
+Parliament, in 1642 made a Captain of horse under Sir Philip
+Stapleton, fought at Edge-Hill; after he was made a Colonel, then
+Lieutenant-General to the Earl of Manchester, who was one of the
+three Generals to fight the Earl of Newcastle and Prince Rupert at
+York: Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, and Earl Leven the Scot, were the
+other two for the Parliament: the last two thinking all had been
+lost at Marston-Moor fight, Fairfax went into Cawood Castle, giving
+all for lost: at twelve at night there came word of the
+Parliament's victory; Fairfax being then laid down upon a bed,
+there was not a candle in the castle, nor any fire: up riseth Lord
+Fairfax, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page177" id=
+"page177"></a>{177}</span> procures after some time, paper, ink,
+and candle, writes to Hull, and other garrisons of the
+Parliament's, of the success, and then slept.</p>
+<p>Leven the Scot asked the way to Tweed: the honour of that day's
+fight was given to Manchester, Sir Thomas Fairfax's brigade of
+horse, and Oliver Cromwell's iron sides; for Cromwell's horse, in
+those times, usually wore head-pieces, back and breast-plates of
+iron. After this victory Cromwell became gracious with the House of
+Commons, especially the Zealots, or Presbyterians, with whom at
+that time he especially joined; the name Independent, at that time,
+viz. 1644, being not so much spoken of.</p>
+<p>There was some animosity at or before the fight, betwixt the
+Earl of Newcastle and Prince Rupert; for Newcastle being General of
+his Majesty's forces in the North, a person <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page178" id="page178"></a>{178}</span> of
+valour, and well esteemed in those parts, took it not well to have
+a competitor in his concernments; for if the victory should fall on
+his Majesty's side, Prince Rupert's forces would attribute it unto
+their own General, viz. Rupert, and give him the glory thereof: but
+that it happened, Prince Rupert, in that day's fight, engaged the
+Parliament's forces too soon, and before the Earl of Newcastle
+could well come out of York with his army; by reason whereof,
+though Rupert had absolutely routed the Scots and the Lord
+Fairfax's forces; yet ere timely assistance could second his army,
+Sir Thomas Fairfax and Cromwell had put him to flight, and not long
+after all Newcastle's army. A most memorable action happened on
+that day. There was one entire regiment of foot belonging to
+Newcastle, called the Lambs, because they were all new cloathed in
+white woollen cloth, two or three days before the fight. This sole
+regiment, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page179" id=
+"page179"></a>{179}</span> after the day was lost, having got into
+a small parcel of ground ditched in, and not of easy access of
+horse, would take no quarter; and by mere valour, for one whole
+hour, kept the troops of horse from entering amongst them at near
+push of pike: when the horse did enter, they would have no quarter,
+but fought it out till there was not thirty of them living; those
+whose hap it was to be beaten down upon the ground as the troopers
+came near them, though they could not rise for their wounds, yet
+were so desperate as to get either a pike or sword, or piece of
+them, and to gore the troopers' horses as they came over them, or
+passed by them. Captain Camby, then a trooper under Cromwell, and
+an actor, who was the third or fourth man that entered amongst
+them, protested, he never in all the fights he was in, met with
+such resolute brave fellows, or whom he <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page180" id="page180"></a>{180}</span> pitied so
+much, and said, 'he saved two or three against their wills.'</p>
+<p>After the fight, Manchester marched slowly southward, &amp;c.
+but at last came with his army to Newbury fight; which ended, he
+came for London, and there he accuseth Cromwell, being his
+Lieutenant, to the Parliament, of disobedience, and not obeying his
+orders.</p>
+<p>The House of Commons acquaint Cromwell herewith, and charge him,
+as he would answer it before God, that the day following he should
+give them a full account of Manchester's proceedings, and the cause
+and occasion of their difference, and of the reasons why Manchester
+did not timely move westward for the relief of Essex, then in the
+west, who was absolutely routed, inforced to fly, all his foot
+taken, and all his ordnance and train of artillery, only the horse
+escaping. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page181" id=
+"page181"></a>{181}</span> Cromwell the next day gave this account
+to Mr. Speaker in the House of Commons&mdash;by way of
+recrimination.</p>
+<p>That after God had given them a successful victory at Marston
+over the King's forces, and that they had well refreshed their
+army, Manchester, by their order, did move southward, but with such
+slowness, that sometimes he would not march for three days
+together; sometimes he would lie still one day, then two days;
+whereupon he said, considering the Earl of Essex was in the west,
+with what success he then knew not, he moved Manchester several
+times to quicken his march to the west, for relief of Essex, if he
+were beaten, or to divert the King's forces from following of
+Essex; but he said Manchester still refused to make any haste; and
+that one day he said, 'If any man but yourself, Lieutenant, should
+so frequently trouble me, I would call <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page182" id="page182"></a>{182}</span> him
+before a Council of War. We have beaten the King's forces in the
+north; if we should do so in the west, his Majesty is then undone:
+he hath many sons living; if any of them come to the Crown, as they
+well may, they will never forget us.' This Major Hammond, a man of
+honour, will justify as well as myself. After which he marched not
+at all, until he had order from the Committee to hasten westward,
+by reason of Essex's being lost in Cornwall, which then he did; and
+at Newbury fight, it is true, I refused to obey his directions and
+order: for this it was; his Majesty's horse being betwixt four and
+five thousand in a large common, in good order, he commands me, Mr.
+Speaker, to charge them; we having no way to come at them but
+through a narrow lane, where not above three horse could march
+abreast; whereby had I followed his order, we had been all cut
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page183" id=
+"page183"></a>{183}</span> off ere we could have got into any
+order. Mr. Speaker, (and then he wept; which he could do <i>toties
+quoties</i>) I, considering that all the visible army you then had,
+was by this counsel in danger to be lost, refused thus to endanger
+the main strength, which now most of all consisted of those horse
+under my command, &amp;c.&mdash;This his recrimination was well
+accepted by the House of Commons, who thereupon, and from that
+time, thought there was none of the House of Lords very fit to be
+entrusted with their future armies, but had then thoughts of making
+a commoner their General; which afterwards they did, and elected
+Sir Thomas Fairfax their General, and Cromwell Lieutenant-General;
+but it was next spring first. Upon Essex's being lost in Cornwall,
+I heard Serjeant Maynard say, 'If now the King haste to London we
+are undone, having no army to resist him.'</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page184" id=
+"page184"></a>{184}</span>
+<p>His Majesty had many misfortunes ever attending him, during his
+abode at Oxford; some by reason of that great animosity betwixt
+Prince Rupert and the Lord Digby, each endeavouring to cross one
+another; but the worst of all was by treachery of several officers
+under his command, and in his service; for the Parliament had in
+continual pay one Colonel of the King's Council of War; one
+Lieutenant-Colonel; one Captain; one Ensign; one or two Serjeants;
+several Corporals, who had constant pay, and duly paid them every
+month, according to the capacity of their officers and places, and
+yet none of these knew any thing of each other's being so employed.
+There were several well-wishers unto the Parliament in Oxford,
+where each left his letter, putting it in at the hole of a
+glass-window, as he made water in the street. What was put in at
+the window in any of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page185" id=
+"page185"></a>{185}</span> those houses, was the same day conveyed
+two miles off by some in the habit of town-gardeners, to the side
+of a ditch, where one or more were ever ready to give the
+intelligence to the next Parliament garrison: I was then familiar
+with all the spies that constantly went in and out to Oxford.</p>
+<p>But once more to my own actions. I had, in 1652 and 1653 and
+1654, much contention with Mr. Gatacre of Rotherhithe, a man endued
+with all kind of learning, and the ablest man of the whole synod of
+divines in the Oriental tongues.</p>
+<p>The synod had concluded to make an exposition upon the bible;
+some undertook one book, some another. Gatacre fell upon
+<i>Jeremy</i>. Upon making his exposition on the 2d verse of the
+10th chapter,</p>
+<p>'Learn not the way of the heathen, and <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page186" id="page186"></a>{186}</span> be not
+dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the heathen are dismayed at
+them.'</p>
+<p>In his <i>Annotations</i> thereupon, he makes a scandalous
+exposition; and in express terms, hints at me, repeating
+<i>verbatim</i>, ten or twelve times, an <i>Epistle</i> of mine in
+one of my former <i>Anglicus</i>.</p>
+<p>The substance of my <i>Epistle</i> was, that I did conceive the
+good angels of God did first reveal astrology unto mankind, &amp;c.
+but he in his <i>Annotations</i> calls me blind buzzard,
+&amp;c.</p>
+<p>Having now liberty of the press, and hearing the old man was
+very cholerick, I thought fit to raise it up&mdash;and only
+wrote&mdash;I referred my discourse then in hand to the discussion
+and judgment of sober persons, but not unto Thomas Wiseacre, for
+<i>Senes bis pueri</i>: These very words begot the writing of
+forty-two sheets against myself and astrology. The <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page187" id="page187"></a>{187}</span> next year
+I quibbled again in three or four lines against him, then he
+printed twenty-two sheets against me. I was persuaded by Dr.
+Gauden, late Bishop of Exeter, to let him alone; but in my next
+year's <i>Anglicus</i>, in August observations, I wrote,
+<i>H&acirc;c in tumb&acirc; jacet Presbyter &amp; Nebulo</i>, in
+which very month he died.</p>
+<p>Several divines applied themselves unto me, desiring me to
+forbear any further vexing of Mr. Gatacre; but all of them did as
+much condemn him of indiscretion, that in so sober a piece of work
+as that was, viz. in an <i>Annotation</i> upon a sacred text of
+scripture to particularize me and in that dirty language: they
+pitied him, that he had not better considered with himself ere he
+published it.</p>
+<p>Dean Owen of Christ's-Church in Oxford, also in his sermons had
+sharp invectives <span class="pagenum"><a name="page188" id=
+"page188"></a>{188}</span> against me and astrology; I cried
+quittance with him, by urging Abbot Panormitan's judgment of
+astrology contrary to Owen's, and concluded, 'An Abbot was an ace
+above a Dean.'</p>
+<p>One Mr. Nye of the assembly of divines, a Jesuitical
+Presbyterian, bleated forth his judgment publickly against me and
+astrology: to be quit with him, I urged Causinus the Jesuit's
+approbation of astrology, and concluded, <i>Sic canibus catulos,
+&amp;c</i>.</p>
+<p>In some time after the Dutch Ambassador being offended with some
+things in <i>Anglicus</i>, presented a memorial to the Council of
+State, that <i>Merlinus Anglicus</i> might be considered, and the
+abuses against their nation examined; but his paper was not
+accepted of, or I any way molested.</p>
+<p>In Oliver's Protectorship, I wrote freely and satyrical enough:
+he was now become <span class="pagenum"><a name="page189" id=
+"page189"></a>{189}</span> Independant, and all the soldiery my
+friends; for when he was in Scotland, the day of one of their
+fights, a soldier stood with <i>Anglicus</i> in his hand; and as
+the several troops passed by him, 'Lo, hear what Lilly saith; you
+are in this month promised victory, fight it out, brave boys;' and
+then read that month's prediction.</p>
+<p>I had long before predicted the downfall of Presbytery, as you
+(most honoured Sir) in the figure thereof, in my
+<i>Introduction</i>, may observe; and it was upon this occasion.
+Sir Thomas Middleton of Chark Castle, enemy to Presbytery, seeing
+they much prevailed, being a member of the House, seriously
+demanded my judgment, if Presbytery should prevail, or not, in
+England? The figure printed in my <i>Introduction</i>, will best
+give you an account, long before it happened, of the sinking and
+failing of Presbytery; so <span class="pagenum"><a name="page190"
+id="page190"></a>{190}</span> will the second page of my
+<i>Hieroglyphicks</i>. Those men, to be serious, would preach well;
+but they were more lordly than Bishops, and usually, in their
+parishes, more tyrannical than the Great Turk.</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>OF THE YEAR 1660; THE ACTIONS WHEREOF, AS THEY WERE REMARKABLE
+IN ENGLAND, SO WERE THEY NO LESS MEMORABLE AS TO MY PARTICULAR
+FORTUNE AND PERSON.</h3>
+<p>Upon the Lord General Monk's returning from Scotland with his
+army into England, suddenly after his coming to London, Richard
+Cromwell, the then Protector's, authority was laid aside, and the
+old Parliament restored; the Council of State sat as formerly. The
+first act they put the General upon was, to <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page191" id="page191"></a>{191}</span> take down
+the city gates and portcullisses, an act which, the General said,
+was fitter for a Janizary to do than for a General; yet he effected
+the commands received, and then lodged in the city with his army.
+The citizens took this pulling down of their gates so heinously,
+that one night the ruder sort of them procured all the rumps of
+beef, and other baggage, and publickly burnt them in the streets,
+in derision of the then Parliament, calling them that now sat, The
+Rump. This hurly-burly was managed as well by the General's
+soldiers as the citizens. The King's health was publickly drank all
+over the city, to the confusion of the Parliament. The matter
+continued until midnight, or longer. The Council of State, sitting
+at White-Hall, had hereof no knowledge, until Sir Martin Noell, a
+discreet citizen, came about nine at night, and then first informed
+them thereof. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page192" id=
+"page192"></a>{192}</span> The Council could not believe it, until
+they had sent some ministers of their own, who affirmed the verity
+thereof. They were at a stand, and could not resolve what to do; at
+last Nevil Smith came, being one of them, and publickly protested
+there was but one way to regain their authority, and to be revenged
+of this affront, and to overthrow the Lord General Monk, whom they
+now perceived intended otherways than he had pretended; his council
+was, to take away Monk's commission, and to give a present
+commission to Major-General Lambert to be their General; which
+counsel of his, if they would take and put it speedily in
+execution, would put an end unto all the present mischiefs. The
+Council in general did all very well approve Nevil Smith's
+judgment; but presently up starts Sir Arthur Hazellrigg, and makes
+a sharp invective against Lambert, and concluded, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page193" id="page193"></a>{193}</span> he would
+rather perish under the King of Scot's power, than that Lambert
+should ever any more have command under the Parliament.</p>
+<p>The Lord General suddenly after brings in the long excluded
+Members to sit in Parliament, being persons of great judgment, and
+formerly enforced from sitting therein by the soldiery, and
+connivance of those who stiled themselves the godly part of the
+Parliament. These honourable patriots presently voted his Majesty's
+coming into England, and so he did in May 1660. But because Charles
+the Second, now (1667) King of England, Son of Charles the First,
+grandchild to James the First, King of Great Britany, was so
+miraculously restored, and so many hundreds of years since
+prophesied of by Ambrose Merlin, it will not be impertinent to
+mention the prophecies <span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" id=
+"page194"></a>{194}</span> themselves, the rather because we have
+seen their verification.</p>
+<h3>AMBROSE MERLIN'S PROPHECY WROTE ABOUT 990 YEARS SINCE.</h3>
+<p>He calls King James, The Lion of Righteousness; and saith, when
+he died, or was dead, there would reign a noble White King; this
+was Charles the First. The prophet discovers all his troubles, his
+flying up and down, his imprisonment, his death; and calls him
+Aquila. What concerns Charles the Second, is the subject of our
+discourse: in the Latin copy it is thus:</p>
+<p><i>Deinde ab Austro veniet cum Sole super ligneos equos, &amp;
+super spumantem inundationem maris, Pullus Aquil&aelig; navigans in
+Britanniam.</i></p>
+<p><i>Et applicans statim tunc altam domum Aquil&aelig; sitiens,
+&amp; cito aliam sitiet.</i></p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page195" id=
+"page195"></a>{195}</span>
+<p><i>Deinde Pullus Aquil&aelig; nidificabit in summa rupe totius
+Britanni&aelig;: nec juvenis occidet, nec ad senem vivet.</i></p>
+<p>This, in an old copy, is Englished thus:</p>
+<p>'After then, shall come through the south with the sun, on horse
+of tree, and upon all waves of the sea, the Chicken of the Eagle,
+sailing into Britain, and arriving anon to the house of the Eagle,
+he shall shew fellowship to them beasts.</p>
+<p>'After, the Chicken of the Eagle shall nestle in the highest
+rock of all Britain: nay, he shall nought be slain young; nay, he
+nought come old.'</p>
+<p>Another Latin copy renders the last verse thus:</p>
+<p><i>Deind&egrave; pullus Aquil&aelig; nidificabit in summo
+rupium, nec juvenis occidetur, nec ad senium perveniet.</i> There
+is after this, <i>percificato regno omnes occidet</i>; which is
+intended of those persons <span class="pagenum"><a name="page196"
+id="page196"></a>{196}</span> put to death, that sat as Judges upon
+his father's death.</p>
+<h3>THE VERIFICATION.</h3>
+<p>His Majesty being in the Low-Countries when the Lord General had
+restored the secluded Members, the Parliament sent part of the
+Royal Navy to bring him for England, which they did in May 1660.
+Holland is East from England, so he came with the sun; but he
+landed at Dover, a port in the south part of England.
+Wooden-horses, are the English ships.</p>
+<p><i>Tunc nidificabit in summo rupium.</i></p>
+<p>The Lord General, and most of the gentry in England, met him in
+Kent, and brought him unto London, then to White-hall.</p>
+<p>Here, by the highest Rooch, (some write Rock,) is intended
+London, being the metropolis of all England.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" id=
+"page197"></a>{197}</span>
+<p>Since which time, unto this very day I write this story, he hath
+reigned in England, and long may he do hereafter. 10th December,
+1667.</p>
+<p>Had I leisure, I might verify the whole preceding part
+concerning King Charles. Much of the verification thereof is
+mentioned in my <i>Collection of Prophecies</i>, printed 1645. But
+his Majesty being then alive, I forbore much of that subject, not
+willing to give offence. I dedicated that book unto him; and, in
+the conclusion thereof, I advised his return unto Parliament, with
+these words, <i>Fac hoc &amp; vives</i>.</p>
+<p>There was also a <i>Prophecy</i> printed 1588, in Greek
+characters, exactly decyphering the long troubles the English
+nation had from 1641 until 1660; and then it ended thus:</p>
+<p>'And after that shall come a dreadful dead <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page198" id="page198"></a>{198}</span> man, and
+with him a Royal G.' [it is Gamma in the Greek, intending C. in the
+Latin, being the third letter in the alphabet,] 'of the best blood
+in the world, and he shall have the Crown, and shall set England on
+the right way, and put out all heresies.'</p>
+<p>Monkery being extinguished above eighty or ninety years, and the
+Lord General's name being Monk, is the Dead Man. The Royal G. or C.
+is Charles the Second, who, for his extraction, may be said to be
+of the best blood in the world.</p>
+<p>These two prophecies were not given vocally by the angels, but
+by inspection of the crystal in types and figures, or by apparition
+the circular way, where, at some distance, the angels appear,
+representing by forms, shapes, and creatures, what is demanded. It
+is very rare, yea, even in our days, for any operator <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page199" id="page199"></a>{199}</span> or master
+to have the angels speak articulately; when they do speak, it is
+like the Irish, much in the throat.</p>
+<p>What further concerns his Majesty, will more fully be evident
+about 1672 or 1674, or, at farthest, in 1676. And now unto my own
+actions in 1660.</p>
+<p>In the first place, my fee-farm rents, being of the yearly value
+of one hundred and twenty pounds, were all lost by his Majesty's
+coming to his restoration: but I do say truly, the loss thereof did
+never trouble me, or did I repine thereat.</p>
+<p>In June of that year, a new Parliament was called, whereunto I
+was unwillingly invited by two messengers of the Serjeant at Arms.
+The matter whereupon I was taken into custody was, to examine me
+concerning the person who cut off the King's head, viz. the late
+King's.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page200" id=
+"page200"></a>{200}</span>
+<p>Sir Daniel Harvey, of Surry, got the business moved against me
+in great displeasure, because, at the election of new knights for
+Surrey, I procured the whole town of Walton to stand, and give
+their voices for Sir Richard Onslow. The Committee to examine me,
+were Mr. Prinn, one Colonel King, and Mr. Richard Weston of
+Gray's-Inn.</p>
+<p>God's providence appeared very much for me that day, for walking
+in Westminster-Hall, Mr. Richard Pennington, son to my old friend
+Mr. William Pennington, met me, and enquiring the cause of my being
+there, said no more, but walked up and down the hall, and related
+my kindness to his father unto very many Parliament men of Cheshire
+and Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumberland, and those northern
+countries, who numerously came up into the Speaker's chamber, and
+bade me be of good comfort: at last he <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page201" id="page201"></a>{201}</span> meets Mr.
+Weston, one of the three unto whom my matter was referred for
+examination, who told Mr. Pennington, that he came purposely to
+punish me; and would be bitter against me; but hearing it related,
+viz. my singular kindness and preservation of old Mr. Pennington's
+estate to the value of six or seven thousand pounds, 'I will do him
+all the good I can,' says he. 'I thought he had never done any
+good; let me see him, and let him stand behind me where I sit:' I
+did so. At my first appearance, many of the young members affronted
+me highly, and demanded several scurrilous questions. Mr. Weston
+held a paper before his mouth; bade me answer nobody but Mr. Prinn;
+I obeyed his command, and saved myself much trouble thereby; and
+when Mr. Prinn put any difficult or doubtful query unto me, Mr.
+Weston prompted me with a fit answer. At last, <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page202" id="page202"></a>{202}</span> after
+almost one hour's tugging, I desired to be fully heard what I could
+say as to the person who cut Charles the First's head off. Liberty
+being given me to speak, I related what follows, viz.</p>
+<p>That the next Sunday but one after Charles the First was
+beheaded, Robert Spavin, Secretary unto Lieutenant-General Cromwell
+at that time, invited himself to dine with me, and brought Anthony
+Peirson, and several others, along with him to dinner: that their
+principal discourse all dinner-time was only, who it was that
+beheaded the King; one said it was the common hangman; another,
+Hugh Peters; others also were nominated, but none concluded. Robert
+Spavin, so soon as dinner was done, took me by the hand, and
+carried me to the south window: saith he, 'These are all mistaken,
+they have not named the man that did the fact: it was
+Lieutenant-Colonel <span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" id=
+"page203"></a>{203}</span> <b>Joice</b>; I was in the room when he
+fitted himself for the work, stood behind him when he did it; when
+done, went in again with him: there is no man knows this but my
+master, viz. Cromwell, Commissary Ireton, and myself.' 'Doth not
+Mr. Rushworth know it?' said I. 'No, he doth not know it,' saith
+Spavin. The same thing Spavin since had often related unto me when
+we were alone. Mr. Prinn did, with much civility, make a report
+hereof in the House; yet Norfolk the Serjeant, after my discharge,
+kept me two days longer in arrest, purposely to get money of me. He
+had six pounds, and his Messenger forty shillings; and yet I was
+attached but upon Sunday, examined on Tuesday, and then discharged,
+though the covetous Serjeant detained me until Thursday. By means
+of a friend, I cried quittance with Norfolk, which friend was to
+pay him <span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" id=
+"page204"></a>{204}</span> his salary at that time, and abated
+Norfolk three pounds, which we spent every penny at one dinner,
+without inviting the wretched Serjeant: but in the latter end of
+the year, when the King's Judges were arraigned at the Old-Bailey,
+Norfolk warned me to attend, believing I could give information
+concerning Hugh Peters. At the sessions I attended during its
+continuance, but was never called or examined. There I heard
+Harrison, Scott, Clement, Peters, Hacker, Scroop, and others of the
+King's Judges, and Cook the Sollicitor, who excellently defended
+himself; I say, I did hear what they could say for themselves, and
+after heard the sentence of condemnation pronounced against them by
+the incomparably modest and learned Judge Bridgman, now Lord Keeper
+of the Great Seal of England.</p>
+<p>One would think my troubles for that year <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page205" id="page205"></a>{205}</span> had been
+ended; but in January 1662, one Everard, a Justice of Peace in
+Westminster, ere I was stirring, sent a Serjeant and thirty four
+musqueteers for me to White-Hall: he had twice that night seized
+about sixty persons, supposed fanaticks, very despicable persons,
+many whereof were aged, some were water-bearers, and had been
+Parliament-soldiers; others, of ordinary callings: all these were
+guarded unto White-Hall, into a large room, until day-light, and
+then committed to the Gate-House; I was had into the guard-room,
+which I thought to be hell; some therein were sleeping, others
+swearing, others smoaking tobacco. In the chimney of the room I
+believe there was two bushels of broken tobacco-pipes, almost half
+one load of ashes. Everard, about nine in the morning, comes,
+writes my mittimus for the Gate-House, then shews it me: I must be
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page206" id=
+"page206"></a>{206}</span> contented. I desired no other courtesy,
+but that I might be privately carried unto the Gate-House by two
+soldiers; that was denied. Among the miserable crew of people, with
+a whole company of soldiers, I marched to prison, and there for
+three hours was in the open air upon the ground, where the common
+house of office came down. After three hours, I was advanced from
+this stinking place up the stairs, where there was on one side a
+company of rude swearing persons; on the other side many Quakers,
+who lovingly entertained me. As soon as I was fixed, I wrote to my
+old friend Sir Edward Walker, Garter King at Arms, who presently
+went to Mr. Secretary Nicholas, and acquainted him with my
+condition. He ordered Sir Edward to write to Everard to release me,
+unless he had any particular information against me, which he had
+not. He further said, it was <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page207" id="page207"></a>{207}</span> not his Majesty's pleasure
+that any of his subjects should be thus had to prison without good
+cause shewed before. Upon receipt of Sir Edward's letter, Everard
+discharged me, I taking the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. This
+day's work cost me thirty-seven shillings. Afterwards Everard stood
+to be Burgess for Westminster; sent me to procure him voices. I
+returned answer, that of all men living he deserved no courtesy
+from me, nor should have any.</p>
+<p>In this year 1660, I sued out my pardon under the Broad Seal of
+England, being so advised by good counsel, because there should be
+no obstruction; I passed as William Lilly, Citizen and Salter of
+London; it cost me thirteen pounds six shillings and eight
+pence.</p>
+<p>There happened a verification of an astrological <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page208" id="page208"></a>{208}</span> judgment
+of mine in this year, 1660, which, because it was predicted sixteen
+years before it came to pass, and the year expressly nominated, I
+thought fit to mention.</p>
+<p>In page 111 of my <i>Prophetical Merlin</i>, upon three sextile
+Aspects of Saturn and Jupiter, made in 1659 and 1660, I wrote
+thus&mdash;</p>
+<p>'This their friendly salutation comforts us in England, every
+man now possesses his own vineyard; our young youth grow up unto
+man's estate, and our old men live their full years; our nobles and
+gentlemen root again; our yeomanry, many years disconsolated, now
+take pleasure in their husbandry. The merchant sends out ships, and
+hath prosperous returns; the mechanick hath quick trading: here is
+almost a new world; new laws, new Lords. Now my country of England
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page209" id=
+"page209"></a>{209}</span> shall shed no more tears, but rejoice
+with, and in the many blessings God gives or affords her
+annually.'</p>
+<p>And in the same book, page 118, over-against the year 1660, you
+shall find, A bonny Scot acts his part.</p>
+<p>The long Parliament would give Charles the Second no other title
+than King of Scots.</p>
+<p>I also wrote to Sir Edward Walker, Kt. Garter King at Arms in
+1659, he then being in Holland&mdash;</p>
+<p><i>Tu, Dominusque vester videbitis Angliam, infra duos
+annos</i>.&mdash;For in 1662, his moon came by direction to the
+body of the sun.</p>
+<p>But he came in upon the ascendant directed unto the trine of Sol
+and antiscion of Jupiter.</p>
+<p>And happy it was for the nation he did come in, and long and
+prosperously may he reign amongst us.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page210" id=
+"page210"></a>{210}</span>
+<p>In 1663 and 1664, I had along and tedious law-suit in Chancery,
+M.C. coming to quartile of Saturn; and the occasion of that suit,
+was concerning houses; and my enemy, though aged, had no beard, was
+really saturnine. We came unto a hearing Feb. 1664, before the
+Master of the Rolls, Sir Harbottle Grimston, where I had the
+victory, but no costs given me.</p>
+<p>My adversary, not satisfied with that judgment, petitioned that
+most just and honourable man, the Lord Chancellor Hyde, for a
+re-hearing his cause before him.</p>
+<p>It was granted, and the 13th June, 1664, my M.C. then directed
+to quartile of Venus and Sol. His Lordship most judiciously heard
+it with much attention, and when my adversary's counsel had urged
+those depositions which they had against me, his Lordship stood up,
+and said,</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page211" id=
+"page211"></a>{211}</span>
+<p>'Here is not one word against Mr. Lilly.'&mdash;</p>
+<p>I replied, 'My Lord, I hope I shall have costs.'</p>
+<p>'Very good reason,' saith he; and so I had: and, at my departure
+out of court, put off his hat, and bid 'God be with you.'</p>
+<p>This is the month of Dec. 1667, wherein, by misfortune, he is
+much traduced and highly persecuted by his enemies: is also
+retired, however not in the least questioned for any indirect
+judgment as Chancellor, in the Chancery; [but in other things he
+hath been very foul, as in the articles drawn up by the Parliament
+against him, it appears. Which articles I presume you have not
+seen, otherwise you would have been of another mind, A W] for there
+was never any person sat in that place, who executed justice with
+more uprightness, or judgment, or quickness for dispatch, than this
+very noble Lord. God, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="page212" id=
+"page212"></a>{212}</span> hope, in mercy will preserve his person
+from his enemies, and in good time restore him unto all his honours
+again: from my soul I wish it, and hope I shall live to see it.
+Amen: <i>Fiat oh tu Deus justiti&aelig;</i>.</p>
+<p>In 1663 and 1664, I was made churchwarden of Walton upon Thames,
+settling as well as I could the affairs of that distracted parish,
+upon my own charges; and upon my leaving the place, forgave them
+seven pounds odd money due unto me.</p>
+<p>In 1664, I had another law-suit with Captain Colborn, Lord of
+the manor of Esher, concerning the rights of the parish of Walton.
+He had newly purchased that manor, and having one hundred and fifty
+acres of ground, formerly park and wood ground lying in our parish,
+conceived, he had right of common in our parish of Walton:
+thereupon, he puts three hundred sheep upon the common; part
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page213" id=
+"page213"></a>{213}</span> whereof I impounded: he replevins them,
+and gave me a declaration. I answered it. The trial was to be at
+the Assizes at Kingston in April 1664. When the day of trial came,
+he had not one witness in his cause, I had many; whereupon upon
+conference, and by mediation, he gave me eleven pounds for my
+charges sustained in that suit, whereof I returned him back again
+fifty shillings: forty shillings for himself, and ten shillings for
+the poor of the parish he lived in.</p>
+<p>This I did at my own cost and charges, not one parishioner
+joining with me. I had now M.C. under quartile of Venus and
+Sol&mdash;both in my second, ergo, I got money by this thing, or
+suit. Sir Bolstrode Whitlock gave me counsel.</p>
+<p>Now I come unto the year 1665, wherein that horrible and
+devouring plague so extreamly raged in the city of London. 27th
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page214" id=
+"page214"></a>{214}</span> of June 1665, I retired into the country
+to my wife and family, where since I have wholly continued, and so
+intend by permission of God. I had, before I came away, very many
+people of the poorer sort frequented my lodging, many whereof were
+so civil, as when they brought waters, viz. urines, from infected
+people, they would stand purposely at a distance. I ordered those
+infected, and not like to die, cordials, and caused them to sweat,
+whereby many recovered. My landlord of the house was afraid of
+those poor people, I nothing at all. He was desirous I should be
+gone. He had four children: I took them with me into the country
+and provided for them. Six weeks after I departed, he, his wife,
+and man-servant died of the plague.</p>
+<p>In <i>Monarchy or no Monarchy</i>, printed 1651, I had framed an
+Hieroglyphick, which you <span class="pagenum"><a name="page215"
+id="page215"></a>{215}</span> may see in page the 7th, representing
+a great sickness and mortality; wherein you may see the
+representation of people in their winding-sheets, persons digging
+graves and sepultures, coffins, &amp;c. All this was performed by
+the more secret <i>Key of Astrology</i>, or <i>Prophetical
+Astrology</i>.</p>
+<p>In 1666, happened that miraculous conflagration in the city of
+London, whereby in four days, the most part thereof was consumed by
+fire. In my <i>Monarchy or no Monarchy</i>, the next side after the
+coffins and pickaxes, there is a representation of a great city all
+in flames of fire. The memorial whereof some Parliament men
+remembering, thought fit to send for me before that Committee which
+then did sit, for examination of the causes of the fire; and
+whether there was no treachery or design in the business, his
+Majesty being then in war both with the French and Dutch.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page216" id=
+"page216"></a>{216}</span> The summons to appear before that
+Committee was as followeth.</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p>'<i>Monday, 22d October</i>, 1666.</p>
+<p>'At the Committee appointed to enquire after the causes of the
+late fires:</p>
+<p>'ORDERED,</p>
+<p>'That Mr. Lilly do attend this Committee on Friday next, being
+the 25th of October, 1666, at two of the clock in the afternoon, in
+the Speaker's chamber; to answer such questions as shall be then
+and there asked him.</p>
+<p>'ROBERT BROOKE.'</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>By accident I was then in London, when the summons came unto me.
+I was timorous of Committees, being ever by some of them
+calumniated, upbraided, scorned, and derided. However I must and
+did appear; and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page217" id=
+"page217"></a>{217}</span> let me never forget that great affection
+and care yourself (Oh most excellent and learned Esquire Ashmole)
+shewed unto me at that time. First, your affection in going along
+with me all that day; secondly, your great pains and care, in
+speaking unto many worthy Members of that Committee your
+acquaintance, that they should befriend me, and not permit me to be
+affronted, or have any disgraceful language cast upon me. I must
+seriously acknowledge the persuasions so prevailed with those
+generous souls, that I conceive there was never more civility used
+unto any than unto myself; and you know, there were no small number
+of Parliament men appeared, when they heard I was to be there.</p>
+<p>Sir Robert Brooke spoke to this purpose:</p>
+<p>'Mr. Lilly, This Committee thought fit to summon you to appear
+before them this day, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page218" id=
+"page218"></a>{218}</span> to know, if you can say any thing as to
+the cause of the late fire, or whether there might be any design
+therein. You are called the rather hither, because in a book of
+your's, long since printed, you hinted some such thing by one of
+your hieroglyphics.' Unto which I replied,</p>
+<p>'May it please your Honours,</p>
+<p>'After the beheading of the late King, considering that in the
+three subsequent years the Parliament acted nothing which concerned
+the settlement of the nation in peace; and seeing the generality of
+people dissatisfied, the citizens of London discontented, the
+soldiery prone to mutiny, I was desirous, according to the best
+knowledge God had given me, to make enquiry by the art I studied,
+what might from that time happen unto the Parliament and nation in
+general. At last, having <span class="pagenum"><a name="page219"
+id="page219"></a>{219}</span> satisfied myself as well as I could,
+and perfected my judgment therein, I thought it most convenient to
+signify my intentions and conceptions thereof, in Forms, Shapes,
+Types, Hieroglyphicks, &amp;c. without any commentary, that so my
+judgment might be concealed from the vulgar, and made manifest only
+unto the wise. I herein imitating the examples of many wise
+philosophers who had done the like.'</p>
+<p>'Sir Robert,' saith one, 'Lilly is yet <i>sub
+vestibulo</i>.'</p>
+<p>I proceeded further. Said I, 'Having found, Sir, that the city
+of London should be sadly afflicted with a great plague, and not
+long after with an exorbitant fire, I framed these two
+hieroglyphics as represented in the book, which in effect have
+proved very true.'</p>
+<p>'Did you foresee the year?' said one.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page220" id=
+"page220"></a>{220}</span>
+<p>'I did not,' said I, 'or was desirous: of that I made no
+scrutiny.' I proceeded&mdash;</p>
+<p>'Now, Sir, whether there was any design of burning the city, or
+any employed to that purpose, I must deal ingenuously with you,
+that since the fire, I have taken much pains in the search thereof,
+but cannot or could not give myself any the least satisfaction
+therein. I conclude, that it was the only finger of God; but what
+instruments he used thereunto, I am ignorant.'</p>
+<p>The Committee seemed well pleased with what I spoke, and
+dismissed me with great civility.</p>
+<p>Since which time no memorable action hath happened unto me, my
+retirement impeding all concourse unto me.</p>
+<p>I have many things more to communicate, which I shall do, as
+they offer themselves to memory.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page221" id=
+"page221"></a>{221}</span>
+<p>In anno 1634, and 1635, I had much familiarity with John
+Hegenius, Doctor of Physick, a Dutchman, an excellent scholar and
+an able physician, not meanly versed in astrology. Unto him, for
+his great civility, I communicated the art of framing Sigils,
+Lamens, &amp;c. and the use of the Mosaical Rods:&mdash;and we did
+create several Sigils to very good purpose. I gave him, the true
+key thereof, <i>viz.</i> instructed him of their forms, characters,
+words, and last of all, how to give them vivification, and what
+number or numbers were appropriated to every planet: <i>Cum multis
+aliis in libris veterum latentibus; aut perspicu&egrave; non
+intellectis</i>.</p>
+<p>I was well acquainted with the Speculator of John a Windor, a
+scrivener, sometimes living in Newbury. This Windor was
+club-fisted, wrote with a pen betwixt both his hands. I have seen
+many bonds and bills <span class="pagenum"><a name="page222" id=
+"page222"></a>{222}</span> wrote by him. He was much given to
+debauchery, so that at some times the Daemons would not appear to
+the Speculator; he would then suffumigate: sometimes, to vex the
+spirits, he would curse them, fumigate with contraries. Upon his
+examination before Sir Henry Wallop, Kt. which I have seen, he
+said, he once visited Dr. Dee in Mortlack; and out of a book that
+lay in the window, he copied out that call which he used, when he
+invocated&mdash;</p>
+<p>It was that&mdash;which near the beginning of it hath these
+words,</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p><i>Per virtutem illorum qui invocant nomen tuum</i>,</p>
+<p>Hermeli&mdash;<i>mitte nobis tres Angelos, &amp;c</i>.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>Windor had many good parts, but was a most lewd person: My
+master Wright knew him well, and having dealing in those parts,
+made use of him as a scrivener.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page223" id=
+"page223"></a>{223}</span>
+<p>Oliver Withers, servant to Sir H. Wallop, brought up John a
+Windor's examination unto London, purposely for me to peruse. This
+Withers was Mr. Fiske's scholar three years more or less, to learn
+astrology of him; but being never the wiser, Fiske brought him unto
+me: by shewing him but how to judge one figure, his eyes were
+opened: He made the Epistle before Dr. Neve's book, now in Mr.
+Sander's hands, was very learned in the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew
+tongues.</p>
+<p>Having mentioned Dr. John Dee, I hold it not impertinent to
+speak something of him; but more especially of Edward Kelly's
+Speculator.</p>
+<p>Dr. Dee himself was a Cambro Briton, educated in the university
+of Oxford, there took his degree of Doctor; afterwards for many
+years in search of the profounder studies, travelled into foreign
+parts: to be serious, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page224" id=
+"page224"></a>{224}</span> he was Queen Elizabeth's intelligencer,
+and had a salary for his maintenance from the Secretaries of State.
+He was a ready witted man, quick of apprehension, very learned, and
+of great judgment in the Latin and Greek tongues. He was a very
+great investigator of the more secret Hermetical learning, a
+perfect astronomer, a curious astrologer, a serious geometrician;
+to speak truth, he was excellent in all kinds of learning.</p>
+<p>With all this, he was the most ambitious person living, and most
+desirous of fame and renown, and was never so well pleased as when
+he heard himself stiled Most Excellent.</p>
+<p>He was studious in chymistry, and attained to good perfection
+therein; but his servant, or rather companion, Kelly, out-went him,
+<i>viz.</i> about the Elixir or Philosopher's Stone; which neither
+Kelly or Dee attained by their <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page225" id="page225"></a>{225}</span> own labour and industry. It
+was in this manner Kelly obtained it, as I had it related from an
+ancient minister, who knew the certainty thereof from an old
+English merchant, resident in Germany, at what time both Kelly and
+Dee were there.</p>
+<p>Dee and Kelly being in the confines of the Emperor's dominions,
+in a city where resided many English merchants, with whom they had
+much familiarity, there happened an old Friar to come to Dr. Dee's
+lodging. Knocking at the door, Dee peeped down the stairs. 'Kelly,'
+says he, 'tell the old man I am not at home.' Kelly did so. The
+Friar said, 'I will take another time to wait on him.' Some few
+days after, he came again. Dee ordered Kelly, if it were the same
+person, to deny him again. He did so; at which the Friar was very
+angry. 'Tell thy master I came to speak with him and to do him
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page226" id=
+"page226"></a>{226}</span> good, because he is a great scholar and
+famous; but now tell him, he put forth a book, and dedicated it to
+the Emperor: it is called <i>Monas Hierogliphicas</i>. He
+understands it not. I wrote it myself, I came to instruct him
+therein, and in some other more profound things. Do thou, Kelly,
+come along with me, I will make thee more famous than thy master
+Dee.'</p>
+<p>Kelly was very apprehensive of what the Friar delivered, and
+thereupon suddenly retired from Dee, and wholly applied unto the
+Friar; and of him either had the Elixir ready made, or the perfect
+method of its preparation and making. The poor Friar lived a very
+short time after: whether he died a natural death, or was otherwise
+poisoned or made away by Kelly, the merchant, who related this, did
+not certainly know.</p>
+<p>How Kelly died afterwards at Prague, you <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page227" id="page227"></a>{227}</span> well
+know: he was born at Worcester, had been an apothecary. Not above
+thirty years since he had a sister lived in Worcester, who had some
+gold made by her brother's projection.</p>
+<p>Dr. Dee died at Mortlack in Surrey, very poor, enforced many
+times to sell some book or other to buy his dinner with, as Dr.
+Napier of Linford, in Buckinghamshire, oft related, who knew him
+very well.</p>
+<p>I have read over his book of <i>Conference with Spirits</i>, and
+thereby perceive many weaknesses in the manage of that way of
+Mosaical learning: but I conceive, the reason why he had not more
+plain resolutions, and more to the purpose, was, because Kelly was
+very vicious, unto whom the angels were not obedient, or willingly
+did declare the questions propounded; but I could give other
+reasons, but those are not for paper.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page228" id=
+"page228"></a>{228}</span>
+<p>I was very familiar with one Sarah Skelhorn, who had been
+Speculatrix unto one Arthur Gauntlet about Gray's-Inn-Lane, a very
+lewd fellow, professing physick. This Sarah had a perfect sight,
+and indeed the best eyes for that purpose I ever yet did see.
+Gauntlet's books, after he was dead, were sold, after I had perused
+them, to my scholar Humphreys: there were rare notions in them.
+This Sarah lived a long time, even until her death, with one Mrs.
+Stockman in the Isle of Purbeck, and died about sixteen years
+since. Her mistress one time being desirous to accompany her
+mother, the Lady Beconsfield, unto London, who lived twelve miles
+from her habitation, caused Sarah to inspect her crystal, to see if
+she, viz. her mother, was gone, yea or not: the angels appeared,
+and shewed her mother opening a trunk, and taking out a red
+waistcoat, whereby she perceived <span class="pagenum"><a name=
+"page229" id="page229"></a>{229}</span> she was not gone. Next day
+she went to her mother's, and there, as she entered the chamber,
+she was opening a trunk, and had a red waistcoat in her hand. Sarah
+told me oft, the angels would for some years follow her, and appear
+in every room of the house, until she was weary of them.</p>
+<p>This Sarah Skelhorn, her call unto the crystal began,</p>
+<p>'<i>Oh ye good angels, only and only</i>,' &amp;c.</p>
+<p>Ellen Evans, daughter of my tutor Evans, her call unto the
+crystal was this:</p>
+<p>'<i>O Micol, O tu Micol, regina pigmeorum veni, &amp;c</i>.'</p>
+<p>Since I have related of the Queen of Fairies, I shall acquaint
+you, that it is not for every one, or every person, that these
+angelical creatures will appear unto, though they may say over the
+call, over and over, or indeed is it given to very many persons to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page230" id=
+"page230"></a>{230}</span> endure their glorious aspects; even very
+many have failed just at that present when they are ready to
+manifest themselves; even persons otherwise of undaunted spirits
+and firm resolution, are herewith astonished, and tremble; as it
+happened not many years since with us. A very sober discreet
+person, of virtuous life and conversation, was beyond measure
+desirous to see something in this nature. He went with a friend
+into my Hurst Wood: the Queen of Fairies was invocated, a gentle
+murmuring wind came first; after that, amongst the hedges, a smart
+whirlwind; by and by a strong blast of wind blew upon the face of
+the friend,&mdash;and the Queen appearing in a most illustrious
+glory, 'No more, I beseech you,' (quoth the friend:) 'My heart
+fails; I am not able to endure longer.' Nor was he: his black
+curling hair rose up, and I believe a bullrush would <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page231" id="page231"></a>{231}</span> have beat
+him to the ground: he was soundly laughed at, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>Sir Robert Holborn, Knight, brought once unto me Gladwell<a id=
+"footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href=
+"#footnote18"><sup>18</sup></a> of Suffolk, who had formerly had
+sight and conference with Uriel and Raphael, but lost them both by
+carelessness; so that neither of them both would but rarely appear,
+and then presently be gone, resolving nothing. He would have given
+me two hundred pounds to have assisted him for their recovery, but
+I am no such man.&mdash;Those glorious creatures, if well
+commanded, and well observed, do teach the master any thing he
+desires; <i>Amant secreta, fugiunt aperta</i>. The Fairies love the
+southern side <span class="pagenum"><a name="page232" id=
+"page232"></a>{232}</span> of hills, mountains,
+groves.&mdash;Neatness and cleanliness in apparel, a strict diet,
+and upright life, fervent prayers unto God, conduce much to the
+assistance of those who are curious these ways.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote18" name=
+"footnote18"></a><b>Footnote 18:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag18">(return)</a>
+<p>Mr. Gilbert Wakering gave him his berril when he died; it was of
+the largeness of a good big orange, set in silver, with a cross on
+the top, and another on the handle; and round about engraved the
+names of these angels, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>It hath been my happiness to meet with many rarities in my time
+unexpectedly. I had a sister lived in the Minories, in that very
+house where formerly had lived one Evans, not my tutor, but another
+far exceeding him in astrology, and all other occult learning,
+questioned for his life about 1612. I am sure it was when the
+present Earl of Manchester's father was Lord Chief Justice of
+England. He was found guilty by a peevish Jury: but petitioning
+King James by a Greek petition, as indeed he was an excellent
+Grecian; 'By my saul,' said King James, 'this man shall not die; I
+think he is a better Grecian than any of my Bishops:' so his life
+was spared, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page233" id=
+"page233"></a>{233}</span> &amp;c. My sister's master when new
+modelling the house, broke up a window, under which were Evans's
+secret manuscripts,<a id="footnotetag19" name=
+"footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19"><sup>19</sup></a> and two
+moulds in brass; one of a man, the other of a woman. I bought the
+moulds and book for five shillings; the secrets were wrote in an
+imperfect Greek character; but after I found the vowels, all the
+rest were presently clear enough.</p>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote19" name=
+"footnote19"></a><b>Footnote 19:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag19">(return)</a>
+<p>From these manuscripts he gained his first knowledge.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>You see, most worthy Sir, I write freely; it is out of the
+sincerity of my affection, many things wrote by me having been more
+fit for a sepulture than a book: But,</p>
+<p><i>Quo major est virorum pr&aelig;stantium, tui similium inopia;
+eo mihi charior est, &amp; esse debet &amp; amicitia tua: quam
+quidem omnibus officiis, &amp; studiis, qu&aelig; a summa
+benevolentia possunt, perpetu&ograve; colam</i>: However, who study
+the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page234" id=
+"page234"></a>{234}</span> curiosities before-named, if they are
+not very well versed in astrology, they shall rarely attain their
+desired ends. There was, in the late times of troubles, one
+Mortlack, who pretended unto Speculations, had a crystal, a call of
+Queen Mab, one of the Queen of Fairies; he deluded many thereby: at
+last I was brought into his company; he was desired to make
+invocation, he did so; nothing appeared, or would: three or four
+times in my company he was put upon to do the work, but could not;
+at last he said he could do nothing as long as I was in presence. I
+at last shewed him his error, but left him as I found him, a
+pretending ignoramus.</p>
+<p>I may seem to some to write incredibilia; be it so, but knowing
+unto whom, and for whose only sake, I do write them, I am much
+comforted therewith, well knowing you are the most knowing man in
+these curiosities of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page235" id=
+"page235"></a>{235}</span> any now living in England; and therefore
+it is my hope, these will be a present well-becoming you to
+accept.</p>
+<p><i>Pr&aelig;clara omnia quam difficilia sint, his
+pr&aelig;sertim temporibus. (Celeberrim&egrave; Armiger,) non te
+fugit</i>; and therefore I will acquaint you with one memorable
+story related unto me by Mr. John Marr, an excellent mathematican
+and geometrician, whom I conceive you remember: he was servant to
+King James and Charles the First.</p>
+<p>At first, when the Lord Napier, or Marchiston, made publick his
+Logarithms, Mr. Briggs, then reader of the astronomy lecture at
+Gresham-College in London, was so surprized with admiration of
+them, that he could have no quietness in himself, until he had seen
+that noble person the Lord Marchiston, whose only invention they
+were: he acquaints John Marr herewith, who went into <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page236" id="page236"></a>{236}</span> Scotland
+before Mr. Briggs, purposely to be there when these two so learned
+persons should meet. Mr. Briggs appoints a certain day when to meet
+at Edinburgh: but failing thereof, the Lord Napier was doubtful he
+would not come. It happened one day as John Marr and the Lord
+Napier were speaking of Mr. Briggs; 'Ah, John,' saith Marchiston,
+'Mr. Briggs will not now come:' at the very instant one knocks at
+the gate; John Marr hasted down, and it proved Mr. Briggs, to his
+great contentment. He brings Mr. Briggs up into my Lord's chamber,
+where almost one quarter of an hour was spent, each beholding the
+other almost with admiration, before one word was spoke: at last
+Mr. Briggs began.</p>
+<p>'My Lord, I have undertaken this long journey purposely to see
+your person, and to know by what engine of wit or ingenuity
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page237" id=
+"page237"></a>{237}</span> you came first to think of this most
+excellent help unto astronomy, viz. the Logarithms; but, my Lord,
+being by you found out, I wonder no body else found it out before,
+when, now known, it is so easy.' He was nobly entertained by the
+Lord Napier, and every summer after that, during the Lord's being
+alive, this venerable man, Mr. Briggs, went purposely into Scotland
+to visit him; <i>Tempora nunc mutantur</i>.</p>
+<p>These two persons were worthy men in their time; and yet the
+one, viz. Lord Marchiston, was a great lover of astrology, but
+Briggs the most satirical man against it that hath been known: but
+the reason hereof I conceive was, that Briggs was a severe
+Presbyterian, and wholly conversant with persons of that judgment;
+whereas the Lord Marchiston was a general scholar, and deeply read
+in all divine and human histories: it is <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page238" id="page238"></a>{238}</span> the same
+Marchiston who made that most serious and learned exposition upon
+the <i>Revelation of St. John</i>; which is the best that ever yet
+appeared in the world.</p>
+<hr />
+<p>Thus far proceeded Mr. William Lilly in setting down the account
+of his life, with some other things of note. Now shall be added
+something more which afterwards happened during his retirement at
+his house at Hersham, until his death.</p>
+<p>He left London in the year 1665, (as he hath before noted) and
+betook himself to the study of physick; in which, having arrived at
+a competent degree of knowledge, assisted by diligent observation
+and practice, he desired his old friend, Mr. Ashmole, to obtain of
+his Grace Dr. Sheldon, then Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, a
+license for the practice of physick; which upon application to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page239" id=
+"page239"></a>{239}</span> his Grace, and producing a testimonial
+(October 8, 1670,) under the hands of two physicians of the college
+in London, on Mr. Lilly's behalf, he most readily granted, in the
+manner following, viz.</p>
+<p>'<b>Gilbertus</b> providentia divina Cantuariensis
+Archiepiscopus totius Angli&aelig; Primas &amp; Metropolitanus,
+dilecto nobis in Christo <b>Gulielmo Lilly</b> in Medicinis
+Professori, salutem, gratiam, &amp; benedictionem. Cum ex fide
+digna relatione acceperimus Te in arte sive facultate
+Medicin&aelig; per non modicum tempus versatum fuisse, multisque de
+salute &amp; sanitate corporis ver&egrave; desperatis (Deo
+Omnipotente adjuvante) subvenisse, eosque sanasse, nec non in arte
+predicta multorum peritorum laudabili testimonio pro experientia,
+fidelitate, diligentia &amp; industria tuis circa curas quas
+susceperis peragendas in hujusmodi Arte Medicin&aelig;
+merit&ograve; commendatum <span class="pagenum"><a name="page240"
+id="page240"></a>{240}</span> esse, ad practicandum igitur &amp;
+exercendum dictam Artem Medicin&aelig; in, &amp; per totam
+Provinciam nostram Cant' (Civitate Lond' &amp; circuitu septem
+milliarum eidem prox' adjacen' tantummodo exceptis) ex causis
+pr&aelig;dictis &amp; aliis nos in hac per te just&egrave;
+moventibus, pr&aelig;stito primitus per te juramento de agnoscendo
+Regiam suprema potestatem in causis ecclesiasticis &amp;
+temporalibus ac de renunciando, refutando, &amp; recusando omni,
+&amp; omnimod&aelig; jurisdictioni potestati, authoritati &amp;
+superioritati foraneis juxta vim formam &amp; effectum statui
+Parliamenti hujus inclyti Regni Angli&aelig; in ea parte editi
+&amp; provisi quantum nobis per statuta hujus Regni Angli&aelig;
+liceat &amp; non aliter neque alio modo te admittimus &amp;
+approbamus, tibique Licentiam &amp; Facultatem nostras in h&acirc;c
+parte, tenore pr&aelig;sentium quamdiu te ben&egrave; &amp;
+laudabiliter gesseris benign&egrave; concedimus &amp; elargimur.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page241" id=
+"page241"></a>{241}</span> In cujus rei testimonium sigillum (quo
+in h&acirc;c parte utimur) praesentibus apponi fecimus. Dat.
+undecimo die mensis Octobris, Anno Domini 1670. Nostr&aelig;que
+translationis Anno Octavo.</p>
+<p>Sigillum</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p>Radulph. Snowe<br />
+ET<br />
+Edm. Sherman</p>
+<p>S. Rich. Lloyd, Sur.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>'Vicarii in Spiritualibus Generalis per Provinciam
+Cantuariensem.'</p>
+<p>Hereupon he began to practise more openly, and with good
+success; and every Saturday rode to Kingston, where the poorer sort
+flocked to him from several parts, and received much benefit by his
+advice and prescriptions, which he gave them freely, and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" id=
+"page242"></a>{242}</span> without money. From those that were more
+able, he now and then received a shilling, and sometimes an half
+crown, if they offered it to him, otherwise he demanded nothing;
+and, in truth, his charity towards poor people was very great, no
+less than the care and pains he took in considering and weighing
+their particular cases, and applying proper remedies to their
+infirmities, which gained him extraordinary credit and
+estimation.</p>
+<p>He was of a strong constitution, and continued generally in good
+health, till the 16th of August 1674, when a violent humour
+discovered itself in red spots all over his body, with little
+pushes in his head. This, in the winter (18 December) following,
+was seconded by a distemper whereof he fell sick, and was let blood
+in the left foot, a little above the ancle.</p>
+<p>The 20th of December following, a humour <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page243" id="page243"></a>{243}</span> descended
+from his head to his left side, from eight o'clock at night till
+the next morning; and then staying a while in the calf of his leg,
+at length descended towards his toes, the anguish whereof put him
+into a fever. This humour fixed in two places on the top of his
+left foot (one in that where he was let blood two days before)
+which (upon application of pledgets) growing ripe, they were (28
+Dec.) lanced by Mr. Agar of Kingston, his apothecary (and no less a
+skilful Surgeon:) after which he began to be at ease, his fever
+abated, and within five months the cure was perfected.</p>
+<p>The 7th of November 1675, he was taken with a violent fit of
+vomiting for some hours, to which a fever succeeded, that continued
+four months: this brought his body exceeding low, together with a
+dimness in his eyes, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page244" id=
+"page244"></a>{244}</span> which after occasioned him to make use
+of Mr. Henry Coley, as his amanuensis, to transcribe (from his
+dictates) his astrological judgments for the year 1677; but the
+monthly observations for that year, were written with his own hand
+some time before, though by this time he was grown very
+dim-sighted. His judgments and observations for the succeeding
+years, till his death, (so also for the year 1682,) were all
+composed by his directions, Mr. Coley coming to Hersham the
+beginning of every summer, and stayed there, till, by conference
+with him, he had dispatched them for the press; to whom, at these
+opportunities, he communicated his way of judgment, and other
+astrological arcanas.</p>
+<p>In the beginning of the year 1681, he had a flux, which weakened
+him much, yet after <span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" id=
+"page245"></a>{245}</span> some time his strength encreased; but
+now his sight was wholly taken from him, not having any glimmering
+as formerly.</p>
+<p>He had dwelt many years at Hersham, where his charity and
+kindness to his poor neighbours was always great and hearty; and
+the 30th of May 1681, towards the evening, a dead palsy began to
+seize his left side. The second of June, towards evening, he took
+his bed, and then his tongue began to falter. The next day he
+became very dull and heavy: sometimes his senses began to fail him.
+Henceforward he took little or nothing, for his larinx swelled, and
+that impeded his swallowing.</p>
+<p>The fourth of June, Mr. Ashmole went to visit him, and found he
+knew him, but spake little, and some of that scarce intelligible;
+for the palsy began now to seize upon his tongue.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" id=
+"page246"></a>{246}</span>
+<p>The eighth of June he lay in a great agony, insomuch that the
+sweat followed drop after drop, which he bore with wonderful
+courage and patience (as indeed he did all his sickness) without
+complaint; and about three o'clock the next morning, he died,
+without any shew of trouble or pangs. Immediately before his breath
+went from him, he sneezed three times.</p>
+<p>He had often, in his life-time, desired Mr. Ashmole to take care
+of his funeral, and now his widow desired the same: whereupon Mr.
+Ashmole obtained leave from Sir Mathew Andrews (who had the
+parsonage of Walton) to bury him in the chancel of that church.</p>
+<p>The 10th of June, his corse was brought thither, and received by
+the minister (in his surplice) at the Litch Gates, who, passing
+before the body into the church, read the first part of the
+<i>Office for the Burial of the Dead</i>. <span class=
+"pagenum"><a name="page247" id="page247"></a>{247}</span> In the
+reading desk he said all the evening service, and after performed
+the rest of the office (as established by law) in the chancel, at
+the interment, which was about eight o'clock in the evening, on the
+left side of the communion table, Mr. Ashmole assisting at the
+laying him in his grave; whereupon afterwards (9 July 1681) he
+placed a fair black marble stone, (which cost him six pounds four
+shillings and six-pence) with this inscription following:</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p>Ne Oblivione conteretur Urna</p>
+<p>GULIELMI LILLII</p>
+<p>ASTROLOGI PERITISSIMI,</p>
+<p>QUI FATIS CESSIT</p>
+<p>Quinto Idus Junii Anno Christi Juliano</p>
+<p>M DC LXXXI.</p>
+<p>Hoc Illi posuit amoris Monumentum</p>
+<p>ELIAS ASHMOLE,</p>
+<p>ARMIGER.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page248" id=
+"page248"></a>{248}</span>
+<p>Shortly after his death, Mr. Ashmole bought his library of books
+of Mrs. Ruth Lilly, (his widow and executrix) for fifty pounds: he
+oft times, in his life-time, expressed, that if Mr. Ashmole would
+give that sum, he should have them.</p>
+<hr />
+<p>The following Epitaphs (Latin and English) were made by George
+Smalridge, then a scholar at Westminster, after Student of
+Christ-Church in Oxford.</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p><i>In Mortem Viri Doctissimi Domini</i> <b>Gulielmi</b></p>
+<p><b>Lilly</b>, <i>Astrologi, nuper defuncti</i>.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Occidit atque suis annalibus addidit atram</p>
+<p class="i2">Astrologus, qu&acirc; non tristior ulla, diem</p>
+<p>Pone triumphales, lugubris Luna, quadrigas;</p>
+<p class="i2">Sol m&aelig;stum pice&acirc; nube reconde caput.</p>
+<p>Illum, qui Phoebi scripsit, Phoebesq; labores</p>
+<p class="i2">Eclipsin docuit Stella maligna pati.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page249" id=
+"page249"></a>{249}</span>
+<p>Invidia Astrorum cecidit, qui Sidera rexit</p>
+<p class="i2">Tanta erat in notas scandere cura domos.</p>
+<p>Quod vidit, visum cupiit, potiturq; cupito</p>
+<p class="i2">C[oe]lo, &amp; Sidereo fulget in orbe decus.</p>
+<p>Scilicet hoc nobis pr&aelig;dixit ab ane Cometa,</p>
+<p class="i2">Et fati emicuit nuncia Stella tui</p>
+<p>Fallentem vidi faciem gemuiq; videndo</p>
+<p class="i2">Illa fuit vati mortis imago suo,</p>
+<p>Civilis timuere alii primordia belli</p>
+<p class="i2">Jejunam metuit plebs stupefata faniem</p>
+<p>Non tantos tulerat bellumve famesve dolores:</p>
+<p class="i2">Auspiciis essent h&aelig;c relevanda tuis.</p>
+<p>In cautam subitus plebem nunc opprimat ensis,</p>
+<p class="i2">Securos fati mors violenta trahat.</p>
+<p>Nemo est qui videat moneatq; avertere fatum,</p>
+<p class="i2">Ars jacet in Domini funera mersa sui</p>
+<p>Solus natur&aelig; reservare arcana solebat,</p>
+<p class="i2">Solus &amp; ambigui solvere jura poti.</p>
+<p>Lustr&acirc;sti erantes ben&egrave; fin&acirc; mente Planeta</p>
+<p class="i2">Conspectum latuit stellata nulla tuum</p>
+<p>Defessos oculos pens&acirc;runt lumina mentis</p>
+<p class="i2">Firesias oculis, mentibus Argus eras.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page250" id=
+"page250"></a>{250}</span>
+<p>Cernere, Firesia, poteras ventura, sed, Arge,</p>
+<p class="i2">In fatum haud poteras sat vigil esse tuum</p>
+<p>Sed vivit nomen semper cum sole vigebit,</p>
+<p class="i2">Immemor Astrologi non erit ulla dies</p>
+<p>S&aelig;cla canent laudes, quas si percurrere cones,</p>
+<p class="i2">Arte opus est, Stellas qu&acirc; numerare soles</p>
+<p>H&aelig;reat hoc carmen cinerum custodibus urnis,</p>
+<p class="i2">Hospes quod spargens marmora rore legat.</p>
+<p>"Hic situs est, dignus nunquam cecidisse Propheta;</p>
+<p class="i2">Fatorum interpres fata inopina subit.</p>
+<p>Versari &aelig;thereo dum vixit in orbe solebat:</p>
+<p class="i2">Nunc humilem jactat Terra superba virum.</p>
+<p>Sed Coelum metitur adhuc resupinus in urn&aelig;</p>
+<p class="i2">Vertitur in solitos palpebra clausa polos.</p>
+<p>Huic busto invigilant solenni lampade Musa&aelig;</p>
+<p class="i2">Perpetuo nubes imbre sepulchra rigant.</p>
+<p>Ille oculis movit distantia Sidera nostris,</p>
+<p class="i2">Illam amota oculis traxit ad astra Deus."</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p><i>An</i> <b>Elegy</b> <i>upon the Death of</i> <b>William
+Lilly</b>, <i>the Astrologer</i>.</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Our Prophet's gone; no longer may our ears</p>
+<p>Be charm'd with musick of th' harmonious spheres.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" id=
+"page251"></a>{251}</span>
+<p>Let sun and moon withdraw, leave gloomy night</p>
+<p>To shew their <b>nuncio's</b> fate, who gave more light</p>
+<p>To th' erring world, than all the feeble rays</p>
+<p>Of sun or moon; taught us to know those days</p>
+<p>Bright <b>Titan</b> makes; follow'd the hasty sun</p>
+<p>Through all his circuits; knew th' unconstant moon,</p>
+<p>And more unconstant ebbings of the flood;</p>
+<p>And what is most uncertain, th' factious brood,</p>
+<p>Flowing in civil broils: by the heavens could date</p>
+<p>The flux and reflux of our dubious state.</p>
+<p>He saw the eclipse of sun, and change of moon</p>
+<p>He saw, but seeing would not shun his own:</p>
+<p>Eclips'd he was, that he might shine more bright,</p>
+<p>And only chang'd to give a fuller light.</p>
+<p>He having view'd the sky, and glorious train</p>
+<p>Of gilded stars, scorn'd longer to remain</p>
+<p>In earthly prisons: could he a village love,</p>
+<p>Whom the twelve houses waited for above?</p>
+<p>The grateful stars a heavenly mansion gave</p>
+<p>T' his heavenly soul, nor could he live a slave</p>
+<p>To mortal passions, whose immortal mind,</p>
+<p>Whilst here on earth, was not to earth confin'd.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page252" id=
+"page252"></a>{252}</span>
+<p>He must be gone, the stars had so decreed;</p>
+<p>As he of them, so they of him, had need.</p>
+<p>This message 'twas the blazing comet brought;</p>
+<p>I saw the pale-fac'd star, and seeing thought</p>
+<p>(For we could guess, but only <b>Lilly</b> knew)</p>
+<p>It did some glorious hero's fall foreshew:</p>
+<p>A hero's fall'n, whose death, more than a war,</p>
+<p>Or fire, deserv'd a comet: th' obsequious star</p>
+<p>Could do no less than his sad fate unfold,</p>
+<p>Who had their risings, and their settings told.</p>
+<p>Some thought a plague, and some a famine near;</p>
+<p>Some wars from France, some fires at home did fear:</p>
+<p>Nor did they fear too much: scarce kinder fate,</p>
+<p>But plague of plagues befell th' unhappy state</p>
+<p>When <b>Lilly</b> died. Now swords may safely come</p>
+<p>From France or Rome, fanaticks plot at home.</p>
+<p>Now an unseen, and unexpected hand,</p>
+<p>By guidance of ill stars, may hurt our land;</p>
+<p>Unsafe, because secure, there's none to show</p>
+<p>How England may avert the fatal blow.</p>
+<p>He's dead, whose death the weeping clouds deplore,</p>
+<p>I wish we did not owe to him that show'r</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page253" id=
+"page253"></a>{253}</span>
+<p>Which long expected was, and might have still</p>
+<p>Expected been, had not our nation's ill</p>
+<p>Drawn from the heavens a sympathetic tear:</p>
+<p>England hath cause a second drought to fear.</p>
+<p>We have no second <b>Lilly</b>, who may die,</p>
+<p>And by his death may make the heavens cry.</p>
+<p>Then let your annals, Coley, want this day,</p>
+<p>Think every year leap-year; or if't must stay,</p>
+<p>Cloath it in black; let a sad note stand by,</p>
+<p>And stigmatize it to posterity.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p><i>Here follows the Copy of an Indictment filed against Mr.
+Lilly, for which see page 167 of his Life</i>.</p>
+<p>The jurors for the Lord Protector of the commonwealth of
+England, Scotland, and Ireland, &amp;c. upon their oaths do
+present, that William Lilly, late of the Parish of St. Clements
+Danes, in the County of Middlesex, Gent. not having the fear of God
+before his eyes, but being moved and seduced by the instigation
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page254" id=
+"page254"></a>{254}</span> of the devil, the 10th day of July, in
+the Year of our Lord, 1654, at the Parish aforesaid, in the County
+aforesaid, wickedly, unlawfully, and deceitfully, did take upon
+him, the said William Lilly, by inchantment, charm, and sorcery, to
+tell and declare to one Anne East, the wife of Alexander East,
+where ten waistcoats, of the value of five pounds, of the goods and
+chattels of the said Alexander East, then lately before lost and
+stolen from the said Alexander East, should be found and become;
+and two shilling and sixpence in monies numbred, of the monies of
+the said Alexander, from the said Anne East, then and and there
+unlawfully and deceitfully, he, the said William Lilly, did take,
+receive, and had, to tell and declare to her the said Anne, where
+the said goods, so lost and stolen as aforesaid, should be found
+and become: And also that he, the said William Lilly, on
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page255" id=
+"page255"></a>{255}</span> the said tenth day of July, in the Year
+of our Lord, 1654, and divers other days and times, as well before
+as afterwards, at the said Parish aforesaid, in the County
+aforesaid, unlawfully and deceitfully did take upon him, the said
+William Lilly, by inchantment, charm, and sorcery, to tell and
+declare to divers other persons, to the said jurors, yet unknown,
+where divers goods, chattels, and things of the said persons yet
+unknown, there lately before lost and stolen from the said persons
+yet unknown, should be found and become; and divers sums of monies
+of the said persons yet unknown, then and there unlawfully and
+deceitfully, he the said William Lilly did take, receive, and had,
+to tell and declare to the said persons yet unknown, where their
+goods, chattels, and things, so lost and stolen, as aforesaid,
+should be found and become, in contempt of the laws of England, to
+the great <span class="pagenum"><a name="page256" id=
+"page256"></a>{256}</span> damage and deceit of the said Alexander
+and Anne, and of the said other persons yet unknown, to the evil
+and pernicious example of all others in the like case offending,
+against the form of the statute in this case made and provided, and
+against the publick peace, &amp;c.</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p><i>Anne East, Emme Spencer, Jane Gold, Katherme Roberts,
+Susannah Hulinge</i>.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page257" id=
+"page257"></a>{257}</span>
+<p><i>Butler's Character of</i> <b>William Lilly</b>.</p>
+<hr />
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>"A cunning man<a id="footnotetag20" name=
+"footnotetag20"></a><a href="#footnote20"><sup>20</sup></a>, hight
+<b>Sidrophel</b>.</p>
+<p>That deals in destiny's dark counsels,</p>
+<p>And sage opinions of the moon sells;</p>
+<p>To whom all people, far and near,</p>
+<p>On deep importances repair;</p>
+<p>When brass and pewter hap to stray,</p>
+<p>And linen slinks out of the way:</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote20" name=
+"footnote20"></a><b>Footnote 20:</b><a href=
+"#footnotetag20">(return)</a>
+<p><i>A cunning man, hight</i> Sidrophel. 'William Lilly, the
+famous astrologer of those times, who in his yearly almanacks
+foretold victories for the parliament with as much certainty as the
+Preachers did in their sermons; and all or most part of what is
+ascribed to him by the Poet, the reader will find verified in his
+"Letter," (if we may believe it) wrote by himself to Elias Ashmole,
+Esq.' For further curious information respecting William Lilly, the
+reader may consult <i>Dr. Grey's Notes to Hudibras</i>, vol. ii.
+page 163, &amp;c. Edition 1819, in 3 vols, 8vo.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page258" id=
+"page258"></a>{258}</span>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>When geese and pullen are seduc'd,</p>
+<p>And sows of sucking pigs are chous'd:</p>
+<p>When cattle feel indisposition,</p>
+<p>And need th' opinion of physician;</p>
+<p>When murrain reigns in hogs or sheep,</p>
+<p>And chickens languish of the pip;</p>
+<p>When yeast and outward means do fail,</p>
+<p>And have no power to work on ale;</p>
+<p>When butter does refuse to come,</p>
+<p>And love proves cross and humoursome;</p>
+<p>To him with questions and with urine,</p>
+<p>They for discov'ry flock, or curing.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<hr /></div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>He had been long t'wards mathematics,</p>
+<p>Opticks, philosophy, and staticks,</p>
+<p>Magick, horoscopy, astrology,</p>
+<p>And was old dog at physiology:</p>
+<p>But, as a dog that turns the spit,</p>
+<p>Bestirs himself, and plies his feet</p>
+<p>To climb the wheel, but all in vain,</p>
+<p>His own weight brings him down again;</p>
+<p>And still he's in the self-same place,</p>
+<p>Where at his setting out he was:</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page259" id=
+"page259"></a>{259}</span>
+<p>So, in the circle of the arts,</p>
+<p>Did he advance his nat'ral parts:</p>
+<p>Till falling back still, for retreat,</p>
+<p>He fell to juggle, cant, and cheat:</p>
+<p>For as those fowls that live in water</p>
+<p>Are never wet, he did but smatter:</p>
+<p>Whate'er he labour'd to appear,</p>
+<p>His understanding still was clear,</p>
+<p>Yet none a deeper knowledge boasted,</p>
+<p>Since old Hodge Bacon, and Bob Grosted,</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<hr /></div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Do not our great <i>Reformers</i> use</p>
+<p>This <b>Sidrophel</b> to forebode news?</p>
+<p>To write of victories next year,</p>
+<p>And castles taken yet i'th' air?</p>
+<p>Of battles fought at sea, and ships</p>
+<p>Sunk, two years hence, the last eclipse?</p>
+<p>A total o'er throw giv'n the <b>King</b></p>
+<p>In Cornwall, horse and foot, next spring?</p>
+<p>And has not he point-blank foretold</p>
+<p>Whatso'er the <i>Close Committee</i> would?</p>
+<p>Made Mars and Saturn for the <i>cause</i>,</p>
+<p>The Moon for <i>fundamental laws</i>;</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page260" id=
+"page260"></a>{260}</span>
+<p>The Ram, the Bull, the Goat, declare</p>
+<p>Against the <i>Book of Common Prayer</i>;</p>
+<p>The Scorpion take the <i>Protestation</i>,</p>
+<p>And Bear engage for Reformation;</p>
+<p>Made all the <i>royal stars</i> recant,</p>
+<p>Compound, and take the covenant."</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>THE END.</p>
+<hr />
+<p>MAURICE, PRINTER, FENCHURCH STREET.</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of William Lilly's History of His Life
+and Times, by William Lilly
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diff --git a/15835.txt b/15835.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b88e0d8
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+++ b/15835.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4237 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of William Lilly's History of His Life and
+Times, by William Lilly
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: William Lilly's History of His Life and Times
+       From the Year 1602 to 1681
+
+Author: William Lilly
+
+Editor: Elias Ashmole
+
+Release Date: May 16, 2005 [EBook #15835]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WILLIAM LILLY'S HISTORY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven Gibbs, David King, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM LILLY'S
+
+HISTORY
+
+OF HIS
+
+LIFE AND TIMES,
+
+FROM THE YEAR 1602 TO 1681.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Written by Himself,
+
+IN THE SIXTY-SIXTH YEAR OF HIS AGE, TO HIS WORTHY FRIEND,
+
+ELIAS ASHMOLE, ESQ.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINAL MS.
+
+_LONDON_, 1715.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LONDON:
+
+RE-PRINTED FOR CHARLES BALDWYN,
+
+NEWGATE STREET.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M.DCCC.XXII.
+
+MAURICE, PRINTER, PENCHURCH-STREET.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF PLATES.
+
+William Lilly, (from Marshall's Print)
+
+Ditto (from the Picture)
+
+Dr. Simon Forman      34
+
+John Booker      68
+
+Charles the Second      95
+
+Charles the First      107
+
+Hugh Peters      134
+
+Speaker Lenthall      159
+
+Oliver Cromwell      175
+
+Dr. John Dee      223
+
+Edward Kelly      226
+
+Napier of Merchiston      236
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT.
+
+PREFIXED TO THE LIVES OF ELIAS ASHMOLE & WILLIAM LILLY.
+
+In 1 vol. 8vo. 1772.
+
+
+_Although we cannot, with justice, compare Elias Ashmole to that
+excellent Antiquary John Leland, or William Lilly to the learned and
+indefatigable Thomas Hearne; yet I think we may fairly rank them with
+such writers as honest Anthony Wood, whose_ Diary _greatly resembles
+that of his cotemporary, and intimate friend, Elias Ashmole._
+
+_Some anecdotes, connected with affairs of state; many particulars
+relating to illustrious persons, and antient and noble families; several
+occurrences in which the Public is interested, and other matters of a
+more private nature, can only be found in works of this kind. History
+cannot stoop to the meanness of examining the materials of which_
+Memoirs _are generally composed._
+
+_And yet the pleasure and benefit resulting from such books are manifest
+to every reader._
+
+_I hope the admirers of the very laborious Thomas Hearne will pardon me,
+if I should venture to give it as my opinion, and with much deference to
+their judgment, that William Lilly's_ Life and Death of Charles the
+first _contains more useful matter of instruction, as well as more
+splendid and striking occurrences, than are to be found in several of
+those monkish volumes published by that learned Oxonian._
+
+_Lilly affords us many curious particulars relating to the life of that
+unfortunate Prince, which are no where else to be found. In delineating
+the character of Charles, he seems dispassionate and impartial, and
+indeed it agrees perfectly with the general portraiture of him, as it is
+drawn by our most authentic historians._
+
+The History of Lilly's Life and Times _is certainly one of the most
+entertaining narratives in our language. With respect to the science he
+professed of calculating nativities, casting figures, the prediction of
+events, and other appendages of astrology, he would fain make us think
+that he was a very solemn and serious believer. Indeed, such is the
+manner of telling his story, that sometimes the reader may possibly be
+induced to suppose Lilly rather an enthusiast than an impostor. He
+relates many anecdotes of the pretenders to foretell events, raise
+spirits, and other impostures, with such seeming candor, and with such
+an artless simplicity of style, that we are almost persuaded to take his
+word when he protests such an inviolable respect to truth and
+sincerity._
+
+_The powerful genius of Shakespeare could carry him triumphantly through
+subjects the most unpromising, and fables the most improbable: we
+therefore cannot wonder at the success of such of his plays, where the
+magic of witches and the incantation of spirits are described, or where
+the power of fairies is introduced; when such was the credulity of the
+times respecting these imaginary beings, and when that belief was made a
+science of, and kept alive by artful and superstitious, knavish, and
+enthusiastic teachers; what Lilly relates of these people, considered
+only as matter of fact, is surely very curious._
+
+_To conclude; I know no record but this where we can find so just and so
+entertaining a History of Doctor Dee, Doctor Forman, Booker, Winder,
+Kelly, Evans, (Lilly's Master,) the famous William Poole, and Captain
+Bubb Fiske, Sarah Shelborne, and many others._
+
+_To these we may add, the uncommon effects of the Crystal, the
+appearance of Queen Mabb, and other strange and miraculous operations,
+which owe their origin to folly, curiosity, superstition, bigotry, and
+imposture._
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+LIFE
+
+OF
+
+WILLIAM LILLY,
+
+STUDENT IN ASTROLOGY.
+
+    Wrote by himself in the 66th Year of his Age, at Hersham, in the
+    Parish of Walton-upon-Thames, in the County of Surry. _Propria
+    Manu._
+
+
+I[1] was born in the county of Leicester, in an obscure town, in the
+north-west borders thereof, called Diseworth, seven miles south of the
+town of Derby, one mile from Castle-Donnington, a town of great
+rudeness, wherein it is not remembered that any of the farmers thereof
+did ever educate any of their sons to learning, only my grandfather sent
+his younger son to Cambridge, whose name was Robert Lilly, and died
+Vicar of Cambden in Gloucestershire, about 1640.
+
+    [Footnote 1: "William Lilly was a prominent, and, in the opinion
+    of many of his cotemporaries, a very important personage in the
+    most eventful period of English history. He was a principal
+    actor in the farcical scenes which diversified the bloody
+    tragedy of civil war; and while the King and the Parliament were
+    striving for mastery in the field, he was deciding their
+    destinies in the closet. The weak and the credulous of both
+    parties, who sought to be instructed in 'destiny's dark
+    counsels,' flocked to consult the 'wily Archimage,' who, with
+    exemplary impartiality, meted out victory and good fortune to
+    his clients, according to the extent of their faith, and the
+    weight of their purses. A few profane Cavaliers might make his
+    name the burthen of their _malignant_ rhymes--a few of the more
+    scrupulous among the _Saints_ might keep aloof in sanctified
+    abhorrence of the 'Stygian sophister'--but the great majority of
+    the people lent a willing and reverential ear to his prophecies
+    and prognostications. Nothing was too high or too low--too
+    mighty or too insignificant, for the grasp of his genius. The
+    stars, his informants, were as communicative on the most trivial
+    as on the most important subjects. If a scheme was set on foot
+    to rescue the king, or to retrieve a stray trinket--to restore
+    the royal authority, or to make a frail damsel an honest
+    woman--to cure the nation of anarchy, or a lap-dog of a surfeit,
+    William Lilly was the oracle to be consulted. His _almanacks_
+    were spelled over in the tavern and quoted in the senate; they
+    nerved the arm of the soldier, and rounded the periods of the
+    orator. The fashionable beauty, dashing along in her calash from
+    St. James's or the Mall, and the prim, starched dame, from
+    Watling-street or Bucklersbury, with a staid foot-boy, in a
+    plush jerkin, plodding behind her--the reigning toast among 'the
+    men of wit about town,' and the leading groaner in a tabernacle
+    concert--glided alternately into the study of the trusty wizard,
+    and poured into his attentive ear strange tales of love, or
+    trade, or treason. The Roundhead stalked in at one door, whilst
+    the Cavalier was hurried out at the other.
+
+    "The _Confessions_ of a man so variously consulted and trusted,
+    if written with the candour of a Cardan or a Rousseau, would
+    indeed be invaluable. The _Memoirs of William Lilly_, though
+    deficient in this essential ingredient, yet contain a variety of
+    curious and interesting anecdotes of himself and his
+    cotemporaries, which, where the vanity of the writer, or the
+    truth of his art, is not concerned, may be received with
+    implicit credence.
+
+    "The simplicity and apparent candour of his narrative might
+    induce a hasty reader of this book to believe him a well-meaning
+    but somewhat silly personage, the dupe of his own
+    speculations--the deceiver of himself as well as of others. But
+    an attentive examination of the events of his life, even as
+    recorded by himself, will not warrant so favourable an
+    interpretation. His systematic and successful attention to his
+    own interest--his dexterity in keeping on 'the windy side of the
+    law'--his perfect political pliability--and his presence of mind
+    and fertility of resources when entangled in
+    difficulties--indicate an accomplished impostor, not a crazy
+    enthusiast. It is very possible and probable, that, at the
+    outset of his career, he was a real believer in the truth and
+    lawfulness of his art, and that he afterwards felt no
+    inclination to part with so pleasant and so profitable a
+    delusion: like his patron, Cromwell, whose early fanaticism
+    subsided into hypocrisy, he carefully retained his folly as a
+    cloak for his knavery. Of his success in deception, the present
+    narrative exhibits abundant proofs. The number of his dupes was
+    not confined to the vulgar and illiterate, but included
+    individuals of real worth and learning, of hostile parties and
+    sects, who courted his acquaintance and respected his
+    predictions. His proceedings were deemed of sufficient
+    importance to be twice made the subject of a parliamentary
+    inquiry; and even after the Restoration--when a little more
+    scepticism, if not more wisdom, might have been expected--we
+    find him examined by a Committee of the House of Commons,
+    respecting his fore-knowledge of the great fire of London. We
+    know not whether it 'should more move our anger or our mirth,'
+    to see an assemblage of British Senators--the cotemporaries of
+    Hampden and Falkland--of Milton and Clarendon--in an age which
+    roused into action so many and such mighty energies--gravely
+    engaged in ascertaining the causes of a great national calamity,
+    from the prescience of a knavish fortuneteller, and puzzling
+    their wisdoms to interpret the symbolical flames, which blazed
+    in the mis-shapen wood-cuts of his oracular publications.
+
+    "As a set-off against these honours may be mentioned, the
+    virulent and unceasing attacks of almost all the party
+    scribblers of the day; but their abuse he shared in common with
+    men, whose talents and virtues have outlived the malice of their
+    cotemporaries, and
+
+      'Whose honours with increase of ages grow,
+       As streams roll down, enlarging as they flow.'"
+
+    _Retrospective Review_, Vol. ii. p. 51.]
+
+The town of Diseworth did formerly belong long unto the Lord Seagrave,
+for there is one record in the hands of my cousin Melborn Williamson,
+which mentions one acre of land abutting north upon the gates of the
+Lord Seagrave; and there is one close, called Hall-close, wherein the
+ruins of some ancient buildings appear, and particularly where the
+dove-house stood; and there is also the ruins of decayed fish-ponds and
+other outhouses. This town came at length to be the inheritance of
+Margaret, Countess of Richmond, mother of Henry VII. which Margaret gave
+this town and lordship of Diseworth unto Christ's College in Cambridge,
+the Master and Fellows whereof have ever since, and at present, enjoy
+and possess it.
+
+In the church of this town there is but one monument, and that is a
+white marble stone, now almost broken to pieces, which was placed there
+by Robert Lilly, my grandfather, in memory of Jane his wife, the
+daughter of Mr. Poole of Dalby, in the same county, a family now quite
+extinguished. My grandmother's brother was Mr. Henry Poole, one of the
+Knights of Rhodes, or Templars, who being a soldier at Rhodes at the
+taking thereof by Solyman the Magnificent, and escaping with his life,
+came afterwards to England, and married the Lady Parron or Perham, of
+Oxfordshire, and was called, during his life, Sir Henry Poole. William
+Poole the Astrologer knew him very well, and remembers him to have been
+a very tall person, and reputed of great strength in his younger years.
+
+The impropriation of this town of Diseworth was formerly the inheritance
+of three sisters, whereof two became votaries; one in the nunnery of
+Langly in the parish of Diseworth, valued at the suppression, I mean the
+whole nunnery, at thirty-two pounds per annum, and this sister's part is
+yet enjoyed by the family of the Grayes, who now, and for some years
+past, have the enjoyment and possession of all the lands formerly
+belonging to the nunnery in the parish of Diseworth, and are at present
+of the yearly value of three hundred and fifty pounds per annum. One of
+the sisters gave her part of the great tithes unto a religious house in
+Bredon upon the Hill; and, as the inhabitants report, became a religious
+person afterwards.
+
+The third sister married, and her part of the tithes in succeeding ages
+became the Earl of Huntingdon's, who not many years since sold it to one
+of his servants.
+
+The donation of the vicarage is in the gift of the Grayes of Langley,
+unto whom they pay yearly, (I mean unto the Vicar) as I am informed, six
+pounds per annum. Very lately some charitable citizens have purchased
+one-third portion of the tithes, and given it for a maintenance of a
+preaching minister, and it is now of the value of about fifty pounds per
+annum.
+
+There have been two hermitages in this parish; the last hermit was well
+remembered by one Thomas Cooke, a very ancient inhabitant, who in my
+younger years acquainted me therewith.
+
+This town of Diseworth is divided into three parishes; one part belongs
+under Locington, in which part standeth my father's house, over-against
+the west end of the steeple, in which I was born: some other farms are
+in the parish of Bredon, the rest in the parish of Diseworth.
+
+In this town, but in the parish of Lockington, was I born, the first day
+of May 1602.
+
+My father's name was William Lilly, son of Robert, the son of Robert,
+the son of Rowland, &c. My mother was Alice, the daughter of Edward
+Barham, of Fiskerton Mills, in Nottinghamshire, two miles from Newark
+upon Trent: this Edward Barham was born in Norwich, and well remembered
+the rebellion of Kett the Tanner, in the days of Edward VI.
+
+Our family have continued many ages in this town as yeomen; besides the
+farm my father and his ancestors lived in, both my father and
+grandfather had much free land, and many houses in the town, not
+belonging to the college, as the farm wherein they were all born doth,
+and is now at this present of the value of forty pounds per annum, and
+in possession of my brother's son; but the freehold land and houses,
+formerly purchased by my ancestors, were all sold by my grandfather and
+father; so that now our family depend wholly upon a college lease. Of my
+infancy I can speak little, only I do remember that in the fourth year
+of my age I had the measles.
+
+I was, during my minority, put to learn at such schools, and of such
+masters, as the rudeness of the place and country afforded; my mother
+intending I should be a scholar from my infancy, seeing my father's
+back-slidings in the world, and no hopes by plain husbandry to recruit a
+decayed estate; therefore upon Trinity Tuesday, 1613, my father had me
+to Ashby de la Zouch, to be instructed by one Mr. John Brinsley; one, in
+those times, of great abilities for instruction of youth in the Latin
+and Greek tongues; he was very severe in his life and conversation, and
+did breed up many scholars for the universities: in religion he was a
+strict Puritan, not conformable wholly to the ceremonies of the Church
+of England. In this town of Ashby de la Zouch, for many years together,
+Mr. Arthur Hildersham exercised his ministry at my being there; and all
+the while I continued at Ashby, he was silenced. This is that famous
+Hildersham, who left behind him a commentary on the fifty-first psalm;
+as also many sermons upon the fourth of John, both which are printed; he
+was an excellent textuary, of exemplary life, pleasant in discourse, a
+strong enemy to the Brownists, and dissented not from the Church of
+England in any article of faith, but only about wearing the surplice,
+baptizing with the cross, and kneeling at the sacrament; most of the
+people in town were directed by his judgement, and so continued, and yet
+do continue presbyterianly affected; for when the Lord of Loughborough
+in 1642, 1643, 1644, and 1645, had his garrison in that town, if by
+chance at any time any troops of horse had lodged within the town,
+though they came late at night to their quarters; yet would one or other
+of the town presently give Sir John Gell of Derby notice, so that ere
+next morning most of his Majesty's troops were seized in their lodgings,
+which moved the Lord of Loughborough merrily to say, there was not a
+fart let in Ashby, but it was presently carried to Derby.
+
+The several authors I there learned were these, viz. _Sententiae
+Pueriles_, _Cato_, _Corderius_, _AEsop's Fables_, _Tully's Offices_,
+_Ovid de Tristibus_; lastly, _Virgil_, then _Horace_; as also _Camden's
+Greek Grammar_, _Theognis_ and _Homer's Iliads_: I was only entered into
+_Udall's Hebrew Grammar_; he never taught logick, but often would say it
+was fit to be learned in the universities.
+
+In the fourteenth year of my age, by a fellow scholar of swarth, black
+complexion, I had like to have my right eye beaten out as we were at
+play; the same year, about Michaelmas, I got a surfeit, and thereupon a
+fever, by eating beech-nuts.
+
+In the sixteenth year of my age I was exceedingly troubled in my dreams
+concerning my salvation and damnation, and also concerning the safety
+and destruction of the souls of my father and mother; in the nights I
+frequently wept, prayed and mourned, for fear my sins might offend God.
+
+In the seventeenth year of my age my mother died.
+
+In the eighteenth year of my age my master Brinsley was enforced from
+keeping school, being persecuted by the Bishop's officers; he came to
+London, and then lectured in London, where he afterwards died. In this
+year, by reason of my father's poverty, I was also enforced to leave
+school, and so came to my father's house, where I lived in much penury
+for one year, and taught school one quarter of a year, until God's
+providence provided better for me.
+
+For the two last years of my being at school, I was of the highest form
+in the school, and chiefest of that form; I could then speak Latin as
+well as English; could make extempore verses upon any theme; all kinds
+of verses, hexameter, pentameter, phaleuciacks, iambicks, sapphicks, &c.
+so that if any scholars from remote schools came to dispute, I was
+ringleader to dispute with them; I could cap verses, &c. If any minister
+came to examine us, I was brought forth against him, nor would I argue
+with him unless in the Latin tongue, which I found few of them could
+well speak without breaking Priscian's head; which, if once they did, I
+would complain to my master, _Non bene intelligit linguam Latinam, nec
+prorsus loquitur_. In the derivation of words, I found most of them
+defective, nor indeed were any of them good grammarians: all and every
+of those scholars who were of my form and standing, went to Cambridge
+and proved excellent divines, only poor I, William Lilly, was not so
+happy; fortune then frowning upon father's present condition, he not in
+any capacity to maintain me at the university.
+
+
+OF THE MANNER HOW I CAME UNTO LONDON.
+
+
+Worthy sir, I take much delight to recount unto you, even all and every
+circumstance of my life, whether good, moderate, or evil; _Deo gloria_.
+
+My father had one Samuel Smatty for his Attorney, unto whom I went
+sundry times with letters, who perceiving I was a scholar, and that I
+lived miserably in the country, losing my time, nor any ways likely to
+do better, if I continued there; pitying my condition, he sent word for
+me to come and speak with him, and told me that he had lately been at
+London, where there was a gentleman wanted a youth, to attend him and
+his wife, who could write, &c.
+
+I acquainted my father with it, who was very willing to be rid of me,
+for I could not work, drive the plough, or endure any country labour; my
+father oft would say, I was good for nothing.
+
+I had only twenty shillings, and no more, to buy me a new suit, hose,
+doublet, &c. my doublet was fustian: I repaired to Mr. Smatty, when I
+was accoutred, for a letter to my master, which he gave me.
+
+Upon Monday, April 3, 1620, I departed from Diseworth, and came to
+Leicester: but I must acquaint you, that before I came away I visited my
+friends, amongst whom I had given me about ten shillings, which was a
+great comfort unto me. On Tuesday, April the 4th, I took leave of my
+father, then in Leicester gaol for debt, and came along with Bradshaw
+the carrier, the same person with whom many of the Duke of Buckingham's
+kindred had come up with. Hark how the waggons crack with their rich
+lading! It was a very stormy week, cold and uncomfortable: I footed it
+all along; we could not reach London until Palm-Sunday, the 9th of
+April, about half an hour after three in the afternoon, at which time we
+entered Smithfield. When I had gratified the carrier and his servants, I
+had seven shillings and sixpence left, and no more; one suit of cloaths
+upon my back, two shirts, three bands, one pair of shoes, and as many
+stockings. Upon the delivery of my letter my master entertained me, and
+next day bought me a new cloak, of which you may imagine (good Esquire)
+whether I was not proud of; besides, I saw and eat good white bread,
+contrary to our diet in Leicestershire. My master's name was Gilbert
+Wright, born at Market Bosworth in Leicestershire; my mistress was born
+at Ashby de la Zouch, in the same county, and in the town where I had
+gone to school. This Gilbert Wright could neither write nor read: he
+lived upon his annual rents, was of no calling or profession; he had for
+many years been servant to the Lady Pawlet in Hertfordshire; and when
+Serjeant Puckering was made Lord keeper, he made him keeper of his
+lodgings at Whitehall. When Sir Thomas Egerton was made Lord Chancellor,
+he entertained him in the same place; and when he married a widow in
+Newgate Market, the Lord Chancellor recommended him to the company of
+Salters, London, to admit him into their company, and so they did, and
+my master in 1624, was master of that company; he was a man of excellent
+natural parts, and would speak publickly upon any occasion very
+rationally and to the purpose. I write this, that the world may know he
+was no taylor, or myself of that or any other calling or profession: my
+work was to go before my master to church; to attend my master when he
+went abroad; to make clean his shoes; sweep the street; help to drive
+bucks when he washed; fetch water in a tub from the Thames: I have
+helped to carry eighteen tubs of water in one morning; weed the garden;
+all manner of drudgeries I willingly performed; scrape trenchers, &c. If
+I had any profession, it was of this nature: I should never have denied
+being a taylor, had I been one; for there is no calling so base, which
+by God's mercy may not afford a livelihood; and had not my master
+entertained me, I would have been of a very mean profession ere I would
+have returned into the country again; so here ends the actions of
+eighteen years of my life.
+
+My master married his second wife for her estate; she was competently
+rich; she married him for considerations he performed not, (nocturnal
+society) so that they lived very uncomfortably; she was about seventy
+years of age, he sixty-six or more; yet never was any woman more jealous
+of a husband than she; insomuch, that whensoever he went into London,
+she was confident of his going to women; by those means my life was the
+more uncomfortable, it being very difficult to please two such opposite
+natures: however, as to the things of this world I had enough, and
+endured their discontents with much sereneness. My mistress was very
+curious to know of such as were then called cunning or wise men, whether
+she should bury her husband? She frequently visited such persons, and
+this occasion begot in me a little desire to learn something that way,
+but wanting money to buy books, I laid aside these motions, and
+endeavoured to please both master and mistress.
+
+
+OF MY MISTRESS'S DEATH, AND OCCASION THEREOF BY MEANS OF A CANCER IN HER
+BREAST.
+
+
+In 1622 she complained of a pain in her left breast, whereon there
+appeared at first a hard knob no bigger than a small pea; it increased
+in a little time very much, was very hard, and sometimes would look very
+red; she took advice of surgeons, had oils, sear-cloths, plates of lead,
+and what not: in 1623 it grew very big, and spread all over her breast;
+then for many weeks poultices were applied to it, which in continuance
+of time broke the skin, and then abundance of watery thin stuff came
+from it, but nothing else; at length the matter came to suppuration, but
+never any great store issued forth; it was exceeding noisome and
+painful; from the beginning of it until she died, she would permit no
+surgeon to dress it but only myself; I applied every thing unto it, and
+her pains were so great the winter before she died, that I have been
+called out of my bed two or three times in one night to dress it and
+change plaisters. In 1624 by degrees, with scissars, I cut all the whole
+breast away, I mean the sinews, nerves, &c. In one fortnight, or little
+more, it appeared, as it were, mere flesh, all raw, so that she could
+scarce endure any unguent to be applied.
+
+I remember there was a great cleft through the middle of the breast,
+which when that fully appeared she died, which was in September 1624; my
+master being then in the country, his kindred in London would willingly
+have had mourning for her; but by advice of an especial friend of his I
+contradicted them; nor would I permit them to look into any chest or
+trunk in the house. She was decently buried, and so fond of me in the
+time of her sickness, she would never permit me out of her chamber, gave
+me five pounds in old gold, and sent me unto a private trunk of her's at
+a friend's house, where she had one hundred pounds in gold; she bid me
+bring it away and take it, but when I opened the trunk I found nothing
+therein; for a kinsman of hers had been there a few days before, and
+carried all away: she was in a great passion at my relating thereof,
+because she could not gratify my pains in all her sickness, advised me
+to help myself, when she was gone, out of my master's goods, which I
+never did.
+
+Courteous Esquire, be not weary of reading hereof, or what followeth.
+
+When my mistress died, she had under her arm-hole a small scarlet bag
+full of many things, which, one that was there delivered unto me. There
+was in this bag several sigils, some of Jupiter in Trine, others of the
+nature of Venus, some of iron, and one of gold, of pure angel-gold, of
+the bigness of a thirty-three shilling piece of King James's coin. In
+the circumference on one side was engraven, _Vicit Leo de tribu Judae
+Tetragrammaton_ [symbol: cross], within the middle there was engraven a
+holy lamb. In the other circumference there was Amraphel and three
+[symbol: cross]. In the middle, _Sanctus Petrus_, _Alpha_ and _Omega_.
+
+The occasion of framing this sigil was thus; her former husband
+travelling into Sussex, happened to lodge in an inn, and to lie in a
+chamber thereof; wherein, not many months before, a country grazier had
+lain, and in the night cut his own throat; after this night's lodging,
+he was perpetually, and for many years, followed by a spirit, which
+vocally and articulately provoked him to cut his throat: he was used
+frequently to say, 'I defy thee, I defy thee,' and to spit at the
+spirit; this spirit followed him many years, he not making any body
+acquainted with it; at last he grew melancholy and discontented; which
+being carefully observed by his wife, she many times hearing him
+pronounce, 'I defy thee,' &c. she desired him to acquaint her with the
+cause of his distemper, which he then did. Away she went to Dr. Simon
+Forman, who lived then in Lambeth, and acquaints him with it; who having
+framed this sigil, and hanged it about his neck, he wearing it
+continually until he died, was never more molested by the spirit: I sold
+the sigil for thirty-two shillings, but transcribed the words _verbatim_
+as I have related. Sir, you shall now have a story of this Simon Forman,
+as his widow, whom I well knew, related it unto me. But before I relate
+his death, I shall acquaint you something of the man, as I have gathered
+them from some manuscripts of his own writing.
+
+
+OF DR. SIMON FORMAN
+
+
+He was a chandler's son in the city of Westminster. He travelled into
+Holland for a month, in 1580, purposely to be instructed in astrology,
+and other more occult sciences; as also in physick, taking his degree of
+Doctor beyond seas: being sufficiently furnished and instructed with
+what he desired, he returned into England, towards the latter end of the
+reign of Queen Elizabeth, and flourished until that year of King James,
+wherein the Countess of Essex, the Earl of Somerset, and Sir Thomas
+Overbury's matters were questioned. He lived in Lambeth, with a very
+good report of the neighbourhood, especially of the poor, unto whom he
+was very charitable. He was a person that in horary questions
+(especially thefts) was very judicious and fortunate; so also in
+sicknesses, which indeed was his master-piece. In resolving questions
+about marriage he had good success: in other questions very moderate. He
+was a person of indefatigable pains. I have seen sometimes half one
+sheet of paper wrote of his judgment upon one question; in writing
+whereof he used much tautology, as you may see yourself, (most excellent
+Esquire) if you read a great book of Dr. Flood's, which you have, who
+had all that book from the manuscripts of Forman; for I have seen the
+same word for word in an English manuscript formerly belonging to Doctor
+Willoughby of Gloucestershire. Had Forman lived to have methodized his
+own papers, I doubt not but he would have advanced the
+Jatro-mathematical part thereof very completely; for he was very
+observant, and kept notes of the success of his judgments, as in many of
+his figures I have observed. I very well remember to have read, in one
+of his manuscripts, what followeth.
+
+'Being in bed one morning,' (says he) 'I was desirous to know whether I
+should ever be a Lord, Earl, or Knight, &c. whereupon I set a figure;
+and thereupon my judgment:' by which he concluded, that within two years
+time he should be a Lord or great man: 'But,' says he, 'before the two
+years were expired, the Doctors put me in Newgate, and nothing came.'
+Not long after, he was desirous to know the same things concerning his
+honour or greatship. Another figure was set, and that promised him to be
+a great Lord within one year. But he sets down, that in that year he had
+no preferment at all; only 'I became acquainted with a merchant's wife,
+by whom I got well.' There is another figure concerning one Sir ----
+Ayre his going into Turkey, whether it would be a good voyage or not:
+the Doctor repeats all his astrological reasons and musters them
+together, and then gave his judgment it would be a fortunate voyage. But
+under this figure he concludes, 'this proved not so, for he was taken
+prisoner by pirates ere he arrived in Turkey, and lost all.' He set
+several questions to know if he should attain the philosophers' stone,
+and the figures, according to his straining, did seem to signify as
+much; and then he tuggs upon the aspects and configurations, and elected
+a fit time to begin his operation; but, by and by, in conclusion, he
+adds, 'so the work went very forward; but upon the [symbol: aspect
+"squares"] of [symbol: aspect "conjunctions"] the setting-glass broke,
+and I lost all my pains:' he sets down five or six such judgments, but
+still complains all came to nothing, upon the malignant aspects of
+[symbol: Saturn] and [symbol: Mars]. Although some of his astrological
+judgments did fail, more particularly those concerning himself, he being
+no way capable of such preferment as he ambitiously desired; yet I shall
+repeat some other of his judgments, which did not fail, being performed
+by conference with spirits. My mistress went once unto him, to know when
+her husband, then in Cumberland, would return, he having promised to be
+at home near the time of the question; after some consideration, he told
+her to this effect: 'Margery,' for so her name was, 'thy husband will
+not be at home these eighteen days; his kindred have vexed him, and he
+is come away from them in much anger: he is now in Carlisle, and hath
+but three-pence in his purse.' And when he came home he confessed all to
+be true, and that upon leaving his kindred he had but three-pence in his
+purse. I shall relate one story more, and then his death.
+
+One Coleman, clerk to Sir Thomas Beaumont of Leicestershire, having had
+some liberal favours both from his lady and her daughters, bragged of
+it, &c. The Knight brought him into the star-chamber, had his servant
+sentenced to be pilloried, whipped, and afterwards, during life, to be
+imprisoned. The sentence was executed in London, and was to be in
+Leicestershire: two keepers were to convey Coleman from the Fleet to
+Leicester. My mistress taking consideration of Coleman, and the miseries
+he was to suffer, went presently to Forman, acquainted him therewith;
+who, after consideration, swore Coleman had lain both with mother and
+daughters; and besides said, that the old Lady being afflicted with fits
+of the mother, called him into her chamber to hold down the fits with
+his hands; and that he holding his hands about the breast, she cried
+'Lower, lower,' and put his hands below her belly; and then--He also
+told my mistress in what posture he lay with the young ladies, &c. and
+said, 'they intend in Leicester to whip him to death; but I assure thee,
+Margery, he shall never come there; yet they set forward to-morrow,'
+says he; and so his two keepers did, Coleman's legs being locked with an
+iron chain under the horse's belly. In this nature they travelled the
+first and second day; on the third day the two keepers, seeing their
+prisoner's civility the two preceding days, did not lock his chain under
+the horse's belly as formerly, but locked it only to one side. In this
+posture they rode some miles beyond Northampton, when on a sudden, one
+of the keepers had a necessity to untruss, and so the other and Coleman
+stood still; by and by the other keeper desired Coleman to hold his
+horse, for he had occasion also: Coleman immediately took one of their
+swords, and ran through two of the horses, killing them stark dead; gets
+upon the other, with one of their swords; 'Farewell, gentlemen,' quoth
+he, 'tell my master I have no mind to be whipped in Leicestershire,' and
+so went his way. The two keepers in all haste went to a gentleman's
+house near at hand, complaining of their misfortune, and desired of him
+to pursue their prisoner, which he with much civility granted; but ere
+the horses could be got ready, the mistress of the house came down, and
+enquiring what the matter was, went to the stable, and commanded the
+horses to be unsaddled, with this sharp speech--'Let the Lady Beaumont
+and her daughters live honestly, none of my horses shall go forth upon
+this occasion.'
+
+I could relate many such stories of his performances; as also what he
+wrote in a book left behind him, _viz._ 'This I made the devil write
+with his own hand in Lambeth Fields 1596, in June or July, as I now
+remember.' He professed to his wife there would be much trouble about
+Carr and the Countess of Essex, who frequently resorted unto him, and
+from whose company he would sometimes lock himself in his study a whole
+day. Now we come to his death, which happened as follows: the Sunday
+night before he died, his wife and he being at supper in their
+garden-house, she being pleasant, told him, that she had been informed
+he could resolve, whether man or wife should die first; 'Whether shall
+I' (quoth she) 'bury you or no?' 'Oh Trunco,' for so he called her,
+'thou wilt bury me, but thou wilt much repent it.' 'Yea, but how long
+first?' 'I shall die,' said he, 'ere Thursday night.' Monday came, all
+was well. Tuesday came, he not sick. Wednesday came, and still he was
+well; with which his impertinent wife did much twit him in his teeth.
+Thursday came, and dinner was ended, he very well: he went down to the
+water-side, and took a pair of oars to go to some buildings he was in
+hand with in Puddle-dock. Being in the middle of the Thames, he
+presently fell down, only saying, 'An impost, an impost,' and so died. A
+most sad storm of wind immediately following. He died worth one thousand
+two hundred pounds, and left only one son called Clement. All his
+rarities, secret manuscripts, of what quality soever, Dr. Napper of
+Lindford in Buckinghamshire had, who had been a long time his scholar;
+and of whom Forman was used to say he would be a dunce: yet in
+continuance of time he proved a singular astrologer and physician. Sir
+Richard now living, I believe, has all those rarities in possession,
+which were Forman's, being kinsman and heir unto Dr. Napper. (His son
+Thomas Napper, Esq.; most generously gave most of these manuscripts to
+Elias Ashmole, Esq.;) I hope you will pardon this digression.
+
+After my mistress was dead, I lived most comfortably, my master having a
+great affection for me.
+
+The year 1625 now comes on, and the plague exceeding violent, I will
+relate what I observed the spring before it broke forth. Against our
+corner house every night there would come down, about five or six of the
+clock, sometime one hundred or more boys, some playing, others as if in
+serious discourse, and just as it grew dark would all be gone home; many
+succeeding years there was no such, or any concourse, usually no more
+than four or five in a company: In the spring of 1625, the boys and
+youths of several parishes in like number appeared again, which I
+beholding, called Thomas Sanders, my landlord, and told him, that the
+youth and young boys of several parishes did in that nature assemble and
+play, in the beginning of the year 1625. 'God bless us,' quoth I, 'from
+a plague this year;' but then there succeeded one, and the greatest that
+ever was in London. In 1625, the visitation encreasing, and my master
+having a great charge of money and plate, some of his own, some other
+men's, left me and a fellow-servant to keep the house, and himself in
+June went into Leicestershire. He was in that year feoffee collector for
+twelve poor alms-people living in Clement-Dane's Church-Yard; whose
+pensions I in his absence paid weekly, to his and the parish's great
+satisfaction. My master was no sooner gone down, but I bought a
+bass-viol, and got a master to instruct me; the intervals of time I
+spent in bowling in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, with Wat the cobler, Dick the
+blacksmith, and such like companions: We have sometimes been at our work
+at six in the morning, and so continued till three or four in the
+afternoon, many times without bread or drink all that while. Sometimes I
+went to church and heard funeral sermons, of which there was then great
+plenty. At other times I went early to St. Antholine's in London, where
+there was every morning a sermon. The most able people of the whole city
+and suburbs were out of town; if any remained, it were such as were
+engaged by parish-officers to remain; no habit of a gentleman or woman
+continued; the woeful calamity of that year was grievous, people dying
+in the open fields and in open streets. At last, in August, the bills of
+mortality so encreased, that very few people had thoughts of surviving
+the contagion: the Sunday before the great bill came forth, which was of
+five thousand and odd hundreds, there was appointed a sacrament at
+Clement Dane's; during the destributing whereof I do very well remember
+we sang thirteen parts of the one hundred and nineteenth Psalm. One
+Jacob, our minister (for we had three that day, the communion was so
+great) fell sick as he was giving the sacrament, went home, and was
+buried of the plague the Thursday following, Mr. James, another of the
+ministers, fell sick ere he had quite finished, had the plague, and was
+thirteen weeks ere he recovered. Mr. Whitacre, the last of the three,
+escaped not only then, but all the contagion following, without any
+sickness at all; though he officiated at every funeral, and buried all
+manner of people, whether they died of the plague or not. He was given
+to drink, seldom could preach more than one quarter of an hour at a
+time, &c. In November my master came home. My fellow-servant's and my
+diet came weekly to six shillings and sixpence, sometimes to seven
+shillings, so cheap was diet at that time.
+
+In February of that year, my master married again (one who after his
+death became my wife.) In the same year he settled upon me, during my
+life, twenty pounds per annum, which I have enjoyed ever since, even to
+the writing hereof.
+
+May 22, 1627, my master died at the corner house in the Strand, where I
+also lived so long. He died intestate; my mistress relinquishing the
+administration, it came to his elder brother, who assigned the estate
+over to me for payment of my master's debts; which being paid, I
+faithfully returned the remaining part unto his administrator; nor had
+one penny of the estate more than twenty pounds per annum, which was
+allowed me by contract, to undertake the payment of my master's debts.
+
+
+OF MY MARRIAGE THE FIRST TIME.
+
+
+My mistress, who had been twice married to old men, was now resolved to
+be couzened no more; she was of a brown ruddy complexion, corpulent, of
+but mean stature, plain, no education, yet a very provident person, and
+of good condition: she had many suitors, old men, whom she declined;
+some gentlemen of decayed fortunes, whom she liked not, for she was
+covetous and sparing: by my fellow-servant she was observed frequently
+to say, she cared not if she married a man that would love her, so that
+he had never a penny; and would ordinarily talk of me when she was in
+bed: this servant gave me encouragement to give the onset: I was much
+perplexed hereat, for should I attempt her, and be slighted, she would
+never care for me afterwards; but again, I considered that if I should
+attempt and fail, she would never speak of it; or would any believe I
+durst be so audacious as to propound such a question, the disproportion
+of years and fortune being so great betwixt us: however, all her talk
+was of husbands, and in my presence saying one day after dinner, she
+respected not wealth, but desired an honest man; I made answer, I
+thought I could fit her with such a husband; she asked me, where? I made
+no more ado, but presently saluted her, and told her myself was the man:
+she replied, I was too young; I said nay; what I had not in wealth, I
+would supply in love; and saluted her frequently, which she accepted
+lovingly; and next day at dinner made me sit down at dinner with my hat
+on my head, and said, she intended to make me her husband; for which I
+gave her many salutes, &c.
+
+I was very careful to keep all things secret, for I well knew, if she
+should take counsel of any friend, my hopes would be frustrated,
+therefore I suddenly procured her consent to marry, unto which she
+assented; so that upon the eighth day of September, 1627, at St.
+George's church in Southwark, I was married unto her, and for two whole
+years we kept it secret. When it was divulged, and some people blamed
+her for it, she constantly replied, that she had no kindred; if I proved
+kind, and a good husband, she would make me a man; if I proved
+otherwise, she only undid herself. In the third and fourth years after
+our marriage, we had strong suits of law with her first husband's
+kindred, but overthrew them in the end. During all the time of her life,
+which was until October, 1633, we lived very lovingly, I frequenting no
+company at all; my exercises were sometimes angling, in which I ever
+delighted: my companions, two aged men. I then frequented lectures, two
+or three in a week; I heard Mr. Sute in Lombard-Street, Mr. Gouge of
+Black-Fryars, Dr. Micklethwait of the Temple, Dr. Oldsworth, with
+others, the most learned men of these times, and leaned in judgment to
+Puritanism. In October, 1627, I was made free of the Salters' company in
+London.
+
+
+HOW I CAME TO STUDY ASTROLOGY.
+
+
+It happened on one Sunday, 1632, as myself and a Justice of Peace's
+clerk were, before service, discoursing of many things, he chanced to
+say, that such a person was a great scholar, nay, so learned, that his
+could make an Almanack, which to me then was strange: one speech begot
+another, till, at last, he said, he could bring me acquainted with one
+Evans in Gunpowder-Alley, who had formerly lived in Staffordshire, that
+was an excellent wise man, and studied the Black Art. The same week
+after we went to see Mr. Evans. When we came to his house, he, having
+been drunk the night before, was upon his bed, if it be lawful to call
+that a bed whereon he then lay; he roused up himself, and, after some
+compliments, he was content to instruct me in astrology; I attended his
+best opportunities for seven or eight weeks, in which time I could set a
+figure perfectly: books he had not any, except _Haly de judiciis
+Astrorum_, and _Orriganus's Ephemerides_; so that as often as I entered
+his house, I thought I was in the wilderness. Now something of the man:
+he was by birth a Welshman, a Master of Arts, and in sacred orders; he
+had formerly had a cure of souls in Staffordshire, but now was come to
+try his fortunes at London, being in a manner enforced to fly for some
+offences very scandalous, committed by him in these parts, where he had
+lately lived; for he gave judgment upon things lost, the only shame of
+astrology: he was the most saturnine person my eyes ever beheld, either
+before I practised or since; of a middle stature; broad forehead,
+beetle-browed, thick shoulders, flat nosed, full lips, down-looked,
+black curling stiff hair, splay-footed; to give him his right, he had
+the most piercing judgment naturally upon a figure of theft, and many
+other questions, that I ever met withal; yet for money he would
+willingly give contrary judgments, was much addicted to debauchery, and
+then very abusive and quarrelsome, seldom without a black eye, or one
+mischief of other: this is the same Evans who made so many antimornal
+cups, upon the sale whereof he principally subsisted; he understood
+Latin very well, the Greek tongue not at all: he had some arts above,
+and beyond astrology, for he was well versed in the nature of spirits,
+and had many times used the circular way of invocating, as in the time
+of our familiarity he told me. Two of his actions I will relate, as to
+me delivered. There was in Staffordshire a young gentlewoman that had,
+for her preferment, married an aged rich person, who was desirous to
+purchase some lands for his wife's maintenance; but this young
+gentlewoman, his wife, was desired to buy the land in the name of a
+gentleman, her very dear friend, but for her use: after the aged man was
+dead, the widow could by no means procure the deed of purchase from her
+friend; whereupon she applies herself to Evans, who, for a sum of money,
+promises to have her deed safely delivered into her own hands; the sum
+was forty pounds. Evans applies himself to the invocation of the angel
+Salmon, of the nature of Mars, reads his Litany in the
+_Common-Prayer-Book_ every day, at select hours, wears his surplice,
+lives orderly all that time; at the fortnight's end Salmon appeared, and
+having received his commands what to do, in a small time returns with
+the very deed desired, lays it down gently upon a table where a white
+cloth was spread, and then, being dismissed, vanished. The deed was, by
+the gentleman who formerly kept it, placed among many other of his
+evidences in a large wooden chest, and in a chamber at one end of the
+house; but upon Salmon's; removing and bringing away the deed, all that
+bay of building was quite blown down, and all his own proper evidences
+torn all to pieces. The second story followeth.
+
+Some time before I became acquainted with him, he then living in the
+Minories, was desired by the Lord Bothwell and Sir Kenelm Digby to show
+them a spirit. He promised so to do: the time came, and they were all in
+the body of the circle, when lo, upon a sudden, after some time of
+invocation, Evans was taken from out the room, and carried into the
+field near Battersea Causeway, close to the Thames. Next morning a
+countryman going by to his labour, and espying a man in black cloaths,
+came unto him and awaked him, and asked him how he came there? Evans by
+this understood his condition, enquired where he was, how far from
+London, and in what parish he was; which when he understood, he told the
+labourer he had been late at Battersea the night before, and by chance
+was left there by his friends. Sir Kenelm Digby and the Lord Bothwell
+went home without any harm, and came next day to hear what was become of
+him; just as they, in the afternoon, came into the house, a messenger
+came from Evans to his wife, to come to him at Battersea. I enquired
+upon what account the spirit carried him away: who said, he had not, at
+the time of invocation, made any suffumigation, at which the spirits
+were vexed. It happened, that after I discerned what astrology was, I
+went weekly into Little Britain, and bought many books of astrology, not
+acquainting Evans therewith. Mr. A. Bedwell, Minister of
+Tottenham-High-Cross near London, who had been many years chaplain to
+Sir Henry Wotton, whilst he was Ambassador at Venice, and assisted
+Pietro Soave Polano, in composing and writing the Council of Trent, was
+lately dead; and his library being sold into Little Britain, I bought
+amongst them my choicest books of astrology. The occasion of our falling
+out was thus: a woman demanded the resolution of a question, which when
+he had done, she went her way; I standing by all the while, and
+observing the figure, asked him why he gave the judgment he did, since
+the signification shewed quite the contrary, and gave him my reasons;
+which when he had pondered, he called me boy, and must he be
+contradicted by such a novice! But when his heat was over, he said, had
+he not so judged to please the woman, she would have given him nothing,
+and he had a wife and family to provide for; upon this we never came
+together after. Being now very meanly introduced, I applied myself to
+study those books I had obtained, many times twelve, or fifteen, or
+eighteen hours day and night; I was curious to discover, whether there
+was any verity in the art or not. Astrology in this time, viz. in 1633,
+was very rare in London, few professing it that understood any thing
+thereof. Let it not repent you (O noble Esquire) if now I make a short
+digression of such persons as then professed astrology, that posterity
+may understand in what condition I found it, and in whose hands that
+little that remained was lodged.
+
+There lived then in Houndsditch one Alexander Hart, who had been a
+soldier formerly, a comely old man, of good aspect; he professed
+questionary astrology, and a little of physick; his greatest skill was
+to elect young gentlemen fit times to play at dice, that they might win
+or get money. I went unto him for resolutions for three questions at
+several times, and he erred in every one. To speak soberly of him, he
+was but a cheat, as appeared suddenly after; for a rustical fellow of
+the city, desirous of knowledge, contracted with Hart to assist for a
+conference with a spirit, and paid him twenty pounds of thirty pounds
+the contract. At last, after many delays, and no spirit appearing, or
+money returned, the young man indicts him for a cheat at the Old Bailey
+in London; the Jury found the bill, and at the hearing of the cause this
+jest happened: some of the bench enquired what Hart did? 'He sat like an
+Alderman in his gown,' quoth the fellow; at which the court fell into a
+great laughter, most of the court being Aldermen. He was to have been
+set upon the pillory for this cheat; but John Taylour, the Water Poet,
+being his great friend, got the Lord Chief Justice Richardson to bail
+him, ere he stood upon the pillory, and so Hart fled presently into
+Holland, where he ended his days. It was my fortune, upon the sale of
+his books in 1634, to buy _Argoll's Primum Mobile_ for fourteen
+shillings, which I only wanted.
+
+In Lambeth Marsh at the same time lived one Captain Bubb, who resolved
+horary questions astrologically; a proper handsome man, well spoken, but
+withal covetous, and of no honesty, as will appear by this story, for
+which he stood upon the pillory. A certain butcher was robbed, going to
+a fair, of forty pounds; he goes to Bubb, who for ten pounds in hand
+paid, would help him to the thief; appoints the butcher such a night
+precisely, to watch at such a place, and the thief should come thither;
+commanded him by any means to stop him; the butcher attends according to
+direction. About twelve in the night there comes one riding very
+fiercely upon a full gallop, whom the butcher knocks down, and seized
+both upon man and horse: the butcher brings the man and horse to the
+next town, but then the person whom the butcher attacked was John the
+servant of Dr. Bubb; for which the Captain was indicted and suffered
+upon the pillory, and afterwards ended his days in great disgrace.
+
+There was also one Jeffry Neve, at this time a student in physic and
+astrology; he had formerly been a merchant in Yarmouth, and Mayor of the
+town, but failing in estate, went into the Low-Countries, and at
+Franecker took the degree, of doctor in Physick; he had some little
+smattering in astrology; could resolve a question of theft, or
+love-question, something of sickness; a very grave person, laborious and
+honest, of tall stature and comely feature; he died of late years,
+almost in the very street near Tower-Hill: he had a design of printing
+two hundred verified questions, and desired my approbation ere they went
+to press; that I first would see them, and then give testimony. When I
+had perused the first forty, I corrected thirty of them, would read over
+no more: I showed him how erroneous they were, desired his emendation of
+the rest, which he performed not. These were afterwards, in R.
+Saunders's custody, bought by him either of his son or of a
+stationer.[2]
+
+    [Footnote 2: But first offered to be sold to me for twenty
+    shillings. When Mr. Saunders died I bought them of his son for
+    less. E. A----.]
+
+There was then William Poole, a nibbler at astrology, sometimes a
+gardener, an apparitor, a drawer of linen; as quoifs, handkerchiefs; a
+plaisterer and a bricklayer; he would brag many times he had been of
+seventeen professions; was very good company for drolling, as you
+yourself very well remember (most honoured Sir);[3] he pretended to
+poetry; and that posterity may have a taste of it, you shall have here
+inserted two verses of his own making; the occasion of making them was
+thus. One Sir Thomas Jay, a Justice of the Peace in Rosemary-Lane,
+issued out his warrant for the apprehension of Poole, upon a pretended
+suggestion, that he was in company with some lewd people in a tavern,
+where a silver cup was lost, _Anglice_ stolen. Poole, hearing of the
+warrant, packs up his little trunk of books, being all his library, and
+runs to Westminster; but hearing some months after that the Justice was
+dead and buried, he came and enquired where the grave was; and after the
+discharge of his belly upon the grave, left these two verses upon it,
+which he swore he made himself.
+
+  Here lieth buried Sir Thomas Jay, Knight,
+  Who being dead, I upon his grave did shite.
+
+    [Footnote 3: December 17, this William Poole was married to
+    Alice How, at St. George's Church in Southwark. Mr. Lilly gave
+    her to him.]
+
+He died about 1651, or 1652, at St. Mary Overy's in Southwark; and this
+was part of his last will.
+
+'Item; I give to Dr. Ardee all my books, and one manuscript of my own,
+worth one hundred of Lilly's Introduction.'
+
+'Item; If Dr. Ardee give my wife any thing that is mine, I wish the
+devil may fetch him body and soul.' The Doctor, terrified with this
+curse, gave me all the books and his goods which I presently gave to his
+widow.---_Interdum seria jocis_.
+
+Now also lived this Dr. Ardee, but his true name was Richard Delahay,
+formerly an Attorney; he studied astrology and physick, being in
+necessity, and forced from Derbyshire, where he had lived, by the old
+Countess of Shrewsbury; he was of moderate judgment, both in astrology
+and physick. He had formerly been well acquainted with Charles Sledd,[4]
+an apothecary, who used the crystal, and had a very perfect sight. This
+Dr. Ardee hath many times affirmed unto me, (_esto fides_) that an
+angel, one time, appeared unto him, and offered him a lease of his life
+for one thousand years; he died about the age of fourscore years; left
+his widow, who married into Kent,[5] worth two or three thousand pounds,
+and William Poole's estate came to four or five pounds.
+
+    [Footnote 4: Of this Charles Sledd, there is mention made in Dr.
+    Dee's book of his discourse with spirits, set forth by Dr.
+    Casaubon.]
+
+    [Footnote 5: To one Moreland.]
+
+In the years 1632 and 1633, John Booker became famous for a prediction
+of his upon a solar eclipse in the 19th degree of Aries 1663, taken out
+of _Leovitius de magnis conjunctionibus_, viz. _Oh Reges et Principes
+&c._ Both the King of Bohemia, and Gustavus King of Sweden, dying during
+the effects of that eclipse.
+
+John Booker was born in Manchester, of good parentage, in the year 1601;
+was in his youth well instructed in the Latin tongue, which he
+understood very well. He seemed from his infancy to be designed for
+astrology; for from the time he had any understanding, he would be
+always poring on, and studying almanacks. He came to London at fitting
+years, and served an apprenticeship to an haberdasher in Laurence-Lane,
+London; but either wanting stock to setup, or disliking the calling, he
+left his trade, and taught to write at Hadley in Middlesex several
+scholars in that school: he wrote singularly well both Secretary and
+Roman. In process of time he served Sir Christopher Clethero, Knight,
+Alderman of London, as his clerk, being a city Justice of Peace: he also
+was clerk to Sir Hugh Hammersley, Alderman of London, both which he
+served with great credit and estimation; and by that means became not
+only well known, but as well respected of the most eminent citizens of
+London, even to his dying day.
+
+He was an excellent proficient in astrology, whose excellent verses upon
+the twelve months, framed according to the configurations of each month,
+being blessed with success according to his predictions, procured him
+much reputation all over England: he was a very honest man, abhorred any
+deceit in the art he studied; had a curious fancy in judging of thefts,
+and as successful in resolving love-questions: he was no mean proficient
+in astronomy; he understood much of physick; was a great admirer of the
+antimonial cup; not unlearned in chymistry, which he loved well, but did
+not practise. He was inclined to a diabetes; and in the last three years
+of his life was afflicted with a dysentery, which at last consumed him
+to nothing: he died of good fame in 1667. Since his decease I have seen
+one nativity of his performance exactly directed, and judged with as
+much learning as from astrology can be expected.
+
+His library of books came short of the world's approbation, and were by
+his widow sold to Elias Ashmole, Esq. who most generously gave her[6]
+far more money than they were worth; but out of his respects unto the
+deceased and his memory, he most willingly paid her the money. He left
+behind him two sons and two daughters. He left in writing very little
+but his annual prognostications. He began first to write about the year
+1630; he wrote _Bellum Hibernicale_, in the time of the long parliament,
+a very sober and judicious book: the epistle thereunto I gave him. He
+wrote lately a small treatise of Easter-Day, a very learned thing,
+wherein he shewed much learning and reading. To say no more of him, he
+lived an honest man, his fame not questioned at his death.
+
+    [Footnote 6: They cost me one hundred and forty pounds.]
+
+In this year 1633, I became acquainted with Nicholas Fiske, licentiate
+in physick, who was born in Suffolk, near Framingham[7] Castle, of very
+good parentage, who educated him at country schools, until he was fit
+for the university; but he went not to the academy, studying at home
+both astrology and physick, which he afterwards practised in Colchester;
+and there was well acquainted with Dr. Gilbert, who wrote _De Magnete_.
+He came afterwards unto London, and exercised his faculty in several
+places thereof. (For in his youth he would never stay long in one
+house.) In 1633 he was sent for out of Suffolk by Dr. Winston of Gresham
+College, to instruct the Lord Treasurer Weston's son in arithmetick,
+astronomy upon the globes, and their uses. He was a person very
+studious, laborious, of good apprehension, and had by his own industry
+obtained both in astrology, physick, arithmetick, astronomy, geometry
+and algebra, singular judgment: he would in astrology resolve horary
+questions very soundly; but was ever diffident of his own abilities: he
+was exquisitely skilful in the art of directions upon nativities, and
+had a good genius in performing judgment thereupon, but very unhappy he
+was, that he had no genius in teaching his scholars, for he never
+perfected any: his own son Matthew hath often told me, that where his
+father did teach any scholars in his time, they would principally learn
+of him; he had Scorpio ascending, and was secretly envious to those he
+thought had more parts than himself; however, I must be ingenuous, and
+do affirm, that by frequent conversation with him, I came to know which
+were the best authors, and much to enlarge my judgment, especially in
+the art of directions: he visited me most days once after I became
+acquainted with him, and would communicate his most doubtful questions
+unto me, and accept of my judgment therein rather than his own: he
+singularly well judged and directed Sir Robert Holborn's nativity, but
+desired me to adjudge the first house, seventh and tenth thereof, which
+I did, and which nativity (since Sir Robert gave it me) came to your
+hands, and remains in your library; [oh learned Esquire!] he died about
+the seventy-eighth year of his age, poor.
+
+    [Footnote 7: There is no such place in Suffolk, it being
+    mistaken for Framlingham in that county.]
+
+In this year also William Bredon, parson or vicar of Thornton in
+Buckinghamshire, was living, a profound divine, but absolutely the most
+polite person for nativities in that age, strictly adhering to Ptolemy,
+which he well understood; he had a hand in composing Sir Christopher
+Heydon's _Defence of Judicial Astrology_, being that time his chaplain;
+he was so given over to tobacco and drink, that when he had no tobacco,
+he would cut the bell-ropes and smoke them.
+
+I come now to continue the story of my own life, but thought it not
+inconvenient to commit unto memory something concerning those persons
+who practised when first I became a student in astrology; I have wrote
+nothing concerning any of them, which I myself do not either know, or
+believe to be true.
+
+In October 1633 my first wife died, and left me whatever was hers: it
+was considerable, very near to the value of one thousand pounds.
+
+One whole year and more I continued a widower, and followed my studies
+very hard; during which time a scholar pawned unto me, for forty
+shillings, _Ars Notoria_,[8] a large volume wrote in parchment, with the
+names of those angels, and their pictures, which are thought and
+believed by wise men, to teach and instruct in all the several liberal
+sciences, and is attained by observing elected times, and those prayers
+appropriated unto the several angels.
+
+    [Footnote 8: Among Dr. Napier's MSS. I had an _Ars Notoria_,
+    written by S. Forman in large vellum.]
+
+I do ingenuously acknowledge, I used those prayers according to the form
+and direction prescribed for some weeks, using the word _astrologia_ for
+_astronomia_; but of this no more: that _Ars Notoria_, inserted in the
+latter end of Cornelius Agrippa signifieth nothing; many of the prayers
+being not the same, nor is the direction to these prayers any thing
+considerable.
+
+In the year 1634, I taught Sir George Peckham, Knight, astrology, that
+part which concerns sickness, wherein he so profited, that in two or
+three months he would give a very true discovery of any disease, only by
+his figures. He practised in Nottingham, but unfortunately died in 1635,
+at St. Winifred's Well in Wales; in which well he continued so long
+mumbling his _Pater Nosters_ and _Sancta Winifrida ora pro me_, that the
+cold struck into his body; and, after his coming forth of that well,
+never spoke more.
+
+In this year 1634, I purchased the moiety of thirteen houses in the
+Strand for five hundred and thirty pounds.
+
+In November, the 18th day, I was again the second time married, and had
+five hundred pounds portion with that wife; she was of the nature of
+Mars.
+
+Two accidents happened to me in that year something memorable.
+
+Davy Ramsey, his Majesty's clock-maker, had been informed, that there
+was a great quantity of treasure buried in the cloyster of
+Westminster-Abbey; he acquaints Dean Williams therewith, who was also
+then Bishop of Lincoln; the Dean gave him liberty to search after it,
+with this proviso, that if any was discovered, his church should have a
+share of it. Davy Ramsey finds out one John Scott,[9] who pretended the
+use of the Mosaical rods, to assist him herein: I was desired to join
+with him, unto which I consented. One winter's night, Davy Ramsey, with
+several gentlemen, myself, and Scott, entered the cloysters; we played
+the hazel-rod round about the cloyster; upon the west-side of the
+cloysters the rods turned one over another, an argument that the
+treasure was there. The labourers digged at least six foot deep, and
+then we met with a coffin; but in regard it was not heavy, we did not
+open, which we afterwards much repented. From the cloysters we went into
+the Abbey church, where, upon a sudden, (there being no wind when we
+began) so fierce, so high, so blustering and loud a wind did rise, that
+we verily believed the west-end of the church would have fallen upon us;
+our rods would not move at all; the candles and torches, all but one,
+were extinguished, or burned very dimly.[10] John Scott, my partner, was
+amazed, looked pale, knew not what to think or do, until I gave
+directions and command to dismiss the daemons; which when done, all was
+quiet again, and each man returned unto his lodging late, about twelve
+o'clock at night; I could never since be induced to join with any in
+such-like actions.
+
+    [Footnote 9: This Scott lived in Pudding-Lane, and had some time
+    been a page (or such like) to the Lord Norris.]
+
+    [Footnote 10: Davy Ramsey brought an half quartern sack to put
+    the treasure in.]
+
+The true miscarriage of the business, was by reason of so many people
+being present at the operation; for there was about thirty, some
+laughing, others deriding us; so that if we had not dismissed the
+daemons, I believe most part of the Abbey church had been blown down;
+secrecy and intelligent operators, with a strong confidence and
+knowledge of what they are doing, are best for this work.
+
+In 1634, or 1635, a Lady living in Greenwich, who had tried all the
+known artists in London, but to no purpose, came weeping and lamenting
+her condition, which was this: she had permitted a young Lord to have
+the use of her body, till she was with child by him; after which time he
+could not or would not endure her sight, but commanded his lacquies and
+servants to keep his doors fast shut, lest she should get into his
+chamber; or if they chanced to see her near his lodging, to drive her
+away, which they several times had done. Her desire unto me was to
+assist her to see him, and then she should be content; whereupon I
+ordered, such a day, such an hour of that day, to try her fortune once
+more. She obeyed; and when she came to the King's Bench, where the Lord
+there was imprisoned, the outward door stood wide open: none speaking a
+word unto her, she went up stairs, no body molesting her; she found the
+Lord's chamber door wide open: he in bed, not a servant to be heard or
+seen, so she was pleased. Three days after she came to acquaint me with
+her success, and then drew out of her pocket a paper full of ratsbane,
+which, had she not had admission unto him that day I appointed, she
+would in a pint of white wine have drank at the stair's foot where the
+Lord lodged. The like misfortune befell her after that; when the Lord
+was out of prison: then I ordered her such a day to go and see a play at
+Salisbury-Court; which she did, and within one quarter of an hour the
+Lord came into the same box wherein she was. But I grew weary of such
+employments, and since have burned my books which instructed these
+curiosities: for after that I became melancholy, very much afflicted
+with the hypochondriack, growing lean and spare, and every day worse; so
+that in the year 1635 my infirmity continuing, and my acquaintance
+increasing, I resolved to live in the country, and in March and April
+1636 removed my goods unto Hersham, where I now live; and in May my
+person, where I continued until 1641, no notice being taken who, or what
+I was.
+
+In the years 1637 and 1638, I had great lawsuits both in the Exchequer
+and Chancery, about a lease I had of the annual value of eighty pounds:
+I got the victory.
+
+In the year 1640 I instructed John Humphreys, master of that art, in the
+study of astrology: upon this occasion, being at London, by accident in
+Fleet-Street, I met Dr. Percival Willoughby of Derby; we were of old
+acquaintance, and he but by great chance lately come to town, we went to
+the Mitre-Tavern in Fleet-Street, where I sent for old Will Poole the
+astrologer, living then in Ram-Alley: being come to us, the Doctor
+produced a bill, set forth by a master of arts in Cambridge, intimating
+his abilities for resolving of all manner of questions astrologically.
+The bill was shewed, and I wondering at it Poole made answer, he knew
+the man, and that he was a silly fool; 'I,' quoth he, 'can do more than
+he; he sees me every day, he will be here by and by;' and indeed he came
+into our room presently: Poole had, just as we came to him, set a
+figure, and then shewed it me, desiring my judgement; which I refused,
+but desired the master of arts to judge first; he denied, so I gave
+mine, to the very great liking of Humphreys, who presently enquired, if
+I would teach him, and for what? I told him I was willing to teach, but
+would have one hundred pounds. I heard Poole, whilst I was judging the
+figure, whisper in-Humphrey's ear, and swear I was the best in England.
+Staying three or four days in town, at last we contracted for forty
+pounds, for I could never be quiet from his solicitations; he invited me
+to supper, and before I had shewed him any thing, paid me thirty-five
+pounds. As we were at supper a client came to speak with him, and so up
+into his closet he went with his client; I called him in before he set
+his figure, or resolved the question, and instantly acquainted him how
+he should discover the moles or marks of his client: he set his figure,
+and presently discovers four moles the querent had; and was so overjoyed
+therewith, that he came tumbling down the stairs, crying, 'Four by
+G----, four by G----, I will not take one hundred pounds for this one
+rule.' In six weeks time, and tarrying with him three days in a week, he
+became a most judicious person.
+
+This Humphreys was a laborious person, vain-glorious, loquacious,
+fool-hardy, desirous of all secrets which he knew not, insomuch that he
+would have given me two hundred pounds to have instructed him in some
+curiosities he was persuaded I had knowledge of, but, _Artis est celare
+artem_, especially to those who live not in the fear of God, or can be
+masters of their own counsels: he was in person and condition such
+another as that monster of ingratitude my _quondam_ taylor, John
+Gadbury. After my refusal of teaching him, what he was not capable of,
+we grew strange, though I afforded him many civilities whenever he
+required it; for after the siege of Colchester he wrote a book against
+me, called _Anti Merlinus-Anglicus_, married a second wife, his first
+living in Cambridgeshire, then practised physick by a contrary name,
+having intentions to practise in Ireland; he went to Bristol, but there
+understanding the parliament's forces had reduced that kingdom, he came
+back to London, but durst not abide therein; but turning from his second
+wife, who also had another husband, he went to sea, with intention for
+Barbadoes, but died by the way in his voyage. I had never seen John
+Booker at that time; and telling him one day I had a desire to see him,
+but first, ere I would speak with him, I would fit myself with my old
+rules, and rub up my astrology; for at that time (and this was 1640) I
+thought John Booker the greatest and most complete astrologer in the
+world. My scholar Humphreys presently made answer, 'Tutor, you need not
+pump for any of your former knowledge, John Booker is no such pumper; we
+met,' saith he, 'the other day, and I was too hard for him myself, upon
+judgment of three or four questions.' If all the transactions happening
+unto that my scholar were in one volume, they would transcend either
+_Guzman_, _Don Quixote_, _Lazarillo de Tormes_, or any other of the like
+nature I ever did see.
+
+Having now in part recovered my health, being weary of the country, and
+perceiving there was money to be got in London, and thinking myself to
+be as sufficiently enabled in astrology as any I could meet with, I made
+it my business to repair thither; and so in September 1641 I did; where,
+in the years 1642 and 1643, I had great leisure to better my former
+knowledge: I then read over all my books of astrology, over and over;
+had very little or no practice at all: and whereas formerly I could
+never endure to read _Valentine Naibod's Commentary upon Alcabitius_,
+now having seriously studied him, I found him to be the profoundest
+author I ever met with; him I traversed over day and night, from whom I
+must acknowledge to have advanced my judgment and knowledge unto that
+height I soon after arrived at, or unto: a most rational author, and the
+sharpest expositor of _Ptolemy_ that hath yet appeared. To exercise my
+genius, I began to collect notes, and thought of writing some little
+thing upon the [symbol: aspect "conjunction"] of [symbol: Saturn] and
+[symbol: Jupiter] then approaching: I had not wrote above one sheet, and
+that very meanly, but James Lord Galloway came to see me; and, by
+chance, casting his eyes upon that rude collection, he read it over, and
+so approved of it, yea, so encouraged me to proceed farther, that then,
+and after that time, I spent most of my time in composing thereof, and
+bringing it, in the end, into that method wherein it was printed 1644. I
+do seriously now profess, I had not the assistance of any person living,
+in the writing or composing thereof. Mr. Fiske sent me a small
+manuscript, which had been Sir Christopher Heydon's, who had wrote
+something of the conjunction of [symbol: Saturn] and [symbol: Jupiter],
+1603; out of which, to bring my method in order, I transcribed, in the
+beginning, five or six lines, and not any more, though that graceless
+fellow Gadbury wrote the contrary: but, _Semel et semper nebulo et
+mendax_. I did formerly write one treatise, in the year 1639, upon the
+eclipse of the sun, in the eleventh degree of Gemini, May 22, 1639; it
+consisted of six sheets of paper. But that manuscript I gave unto my
+most munificent patron and ever bountiful friend, William Pennington, of
+Muncaster in Cumberland, Esq., a wise and excellently learned person;
+who, from the year 1634, even till he died, continued unto me the most
+grateful person I ever was acquainted with. I became acquainted with him
+by means of Davy Ramsey.
+
+Oh! most noble Esquire, let me now beg your pardon, if I digress for
+some small time, in commemorating his bounty unto me, and my requital of
+his friendship, by performing many things successfully for his
+advantage.
+
+In 1639 he was made captain, and served his Majesty in his then wars
+against the Scots; during which time a farmer's daughter being delivered
+of a bastard, and hearing, by report, that he was slain, fathered the
+child upon him. Shortly after he returned, most woefully vexed to be
+thus abused, when absent. The woman was countenanced by some gentlemen
+of Cumberland, in this her villany against him; so that, notwithstanding
+he had warrants to attach her body, he could never discover her: but
+yet, hunting her from one place to another, her friends thought it most
+convenient to send her to London, where she might be in most safety. She
+came up to the city, and immediately I had notice thereof, and the care
+of that matter was left unto me. I procured the Lord Chief Justice
+Bramston's warrant, and had it lying dormant by me. She had not been in
+the city above one fortnight, but that I, going casually to the clerk of
+the assizes' office for Cumberland, saw there an handsome woman; and
+hearing of her speak the northern tone, I concluded she was the party I
+did so want. I rounded the clerk in his ear, and told him I would give
+him five shillings to hold the woman in chat till I came again, for I
+had a writing concerned her. I hasted for my warrant, and a constable,
+and returned into the office, seized her person before the clerk of the
+assizes, who was very angry with me: it was then sessions at Old-Bayley,
+and neither Judge nor Justice to be found. At night we carried her
+before the Recorder, Gardner. It being Saturday at night, she, having no
+bail, was sent to Bridewell, where she remained till Monday. On Monday
+morning, at the Old-Bayley, she produced bail; but I desiring of the
+Recorder some time to enquire after the bail, whether they were
+sufficient, returned presently, and told him one of the bail was a
+prisoner in Ludgate, the other a very poor man. At which he was so
+vexed, that he sent her to Newgate, where she lay all that week, until
+she could please me with good sureties; which then she did, and so was
+bound over to appear at the next assizes in Cumberland; which she did,
+and was there sentenced to be whipped, and imprisoned one whole year.
+
+This action infinitely pleased Mr. Pennington, who thought I could do
+wonders; and I was most thankfully requited for it. All the while of
+this scandalous business, do what he could, he could not discover what
+persons they were that supported her; but the woman's father coming to
+town, I became acquainted with him, by the name of Mr. Sute, merchant;
+invited him to a dinner; got George Farmer with me; when we so plied him
+with wine, he could neither see or feel. I paid the reckoning,
+twenty-two shillings. But next morning the poor man had never a writing
+or letter in his pocket. I sent them down to my friend, who thereby
+discovered the plots of several gentlemen in the business; after which,
+Mr. Sute returned to his old name again.
+
+Mr. Pennington was a true royalist, whom Charles the Second made one of
+his Commissioners of Array for Cumberland. Having directions from me
+continually how matters did and would go betwixt the King and
+Parliament, he acted warily, and did but sign one only warrant of that
+nature, and then gave over. When the times of sequestrations came, one
+John Musgrave, the most bold and impudent fellow, and most active of all
+the north of England, and most malicious against my friend, had got this
+warrant under Mr. Pennington's hand into his custody; which affrighted
+my friend, and so it might, for it was cause enough of sequestration,
+and would have done it. Musgrave intending himself great matters out of
+his estate, I was made acquainted herewith. Musgrave being in London, by
+much ado, I got acquainted with him, pretending myself a bitter enemy
+against Pennington, whereat he very heartily rejoiced; and so we
+appointed one night to meet at the Five Bells, to compare notes; for I
+pretended much. We did meet, and he very suddenly produced upon the
+table all his papers, and withal, the warrant of array unto which my
+friend had set his hand; which when I saw, 'I marry,' said I, 'this is
+his hand I will swear; now have at all come, the other cup, this warrant
+shall pay for all.' I observed where the warrant lay upon the table,
+and, after some time took occasion ignorantly to let the candle fall
+out, which whilst he went to light again at the fire, I made sure of the
+warrant, and put it into my boot; he never missing it of eight or ten
+days; about which time, I believe, it was above half way towards
+Cumberland, for I instantly sent it by the post, with this friendly
+caveat, '_Sin no more_.' Musgrave durst not challenge me in those times,
+and so the business was ended very satisfactory to his friend, and no
+less to myself.
+
+He was, besides, extremely abused by one Isaac Antrobus, parson of
+Egremond, a most evil liver, bold, and very rich; at last he procured a
+minister of that country, in hope of the parsonage, to article against
+him in London, before the committee of plundered ministers. I was once
+more invited to solicit against Antrobus, which I did upon three or more
+articles.
+
+I. That Antrobus baptized a cock, and called him Peter.
+
+II. He had knowledge of such a woman and of her daughter, _viz._ of both
+their bodies, in as large a manner as ever of his own wife.
+
+III. Being drunk, a woman took a cord and tied it about his privy
+members unto a manger in a stable.
+
+IV. Being a continual drunkard.
+
+V. He never preached, &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Antrobus was now become a great champion for the Parliament; but, at the
+day of hearing, I had procured abundance of my friends to be there; for
+the godly, as they termed themselves, sided with him; the present Master
+of the Rolls was Chairman that day, Sir Harbottle Grimston.
+
+Who, hearing the foulness of the cause, was very much ashamed thereof. I
+remember Antrobus, being there, pleaded he was in his natural condition
+when he acted so ungraciously.
+
+'What condition were you in,' said the Chairman, 'when you lay with
+mother and daughter?'
+
+'There is no proof of that,' saith he.
+
+'None but your own confession,' said the Chairman, 'nor could any tell
+so well.'
+
+'I am not given to drunkenness,' quoth he. 'He was so drunk within this
+fortnight,' quoth I, 'he reeled from one side of the street to the
+other; here is the witness to prove it:' who, presently, before the
+committee, being sworn, made it good, and named the place and street
+where he was drunk. So he was adjudged scandalous, and outed of his
+benefice, and our minister had the parsonage.
+
+You cannot imagine how much the routing of this drunken parson pleased
+Mr. Pennington, who paid all charges munificently and thankfully.
+
+But now follows the last and greatest kindness I ever did him.
+Notwithstanding the committee for sequestrations in Cumberland were his
+very good friends, yet the sub-sequestrators, of their own heads, and
+without order, and by strength of arms, secured his irons, his wood, and
+so much of his personal estate as was valued at seven thousand pounds.
+Now had I complaint upon complaint: would I suffer my old friend to be
+thus abused? it was in my power to free him from these villains.
+
+I hereupon advised what was best to do, and was counselled to get Mr.
+Speaker Lenthall's letter to the sub-sequestrators, and command them to
+be obedient to the committee of the county.
+
+Whereupon, I framed a letter myself, unto the sub-sequestrators
+directed, and with it, myself and Mr. Laurence Maydwell (whom yourself
+well knew) went to Mr. Speaker, unto whom we sufficiently related the
+stubbornness of the officers of Cumberland; their disobedience to the
+committee; and then shewed him the letter, which when he had read over,
+he most courteously signed, adding withal, that if they proceeded
+further in sequestring Mr. Pennington, he would command a Serjeant at
+Arms to bring them up to answer their contempts: I immediately posted
+that letter to my friend, which when the absurd fellows received, they
+delivered him possession of his goods again; and, for my pains, when he
+came to London, gave me one hundred pounds; he died in 1652, of a
+violent fever. I did carefully, in 1642 and 1643, take notice of every
+grand action which happened betwixt King and Parliament, and did first
+then incline to believe, that as all sublunary affairs did depend upon
+superior causes, so there was a possibility of discovering them by the
+configurations of the superior bodies; in which way making some essays
+in those two years, I found encouragement to proceed further, which I
+did; I perused the writings of the ancients, but therein they were
+silent, or gave no satisfaction; at last, I framed unto myself that
+method, which then and since I follow, which, I hope, in time may be
+more perfected by a more penetrating person than myself.
+
+In 1643, I became familiarly known to Sir Bulstrode Whitlocke, a member
+of the House of Commons; he being sick, his urine was brought unto me by
+Mrs. Lisle,[11] wife to John Lisle, afterwards one of the keepers of the
+Great Seal; having set my figure, I returned answer, the sick for that
+time would recover, but by means of a surfeit would dangerously relapse
+within one month; which he did, by eating of trouts at Mr. Sand's house,
+near Leatherhead in Surrey. Then I went daily to visit him, Dr. Prideau
+despairing of his life; but I said there was no danger thereof, and that
+he would be sufficiently well in five or six weeks; and so he was.
+
+    [Footnote 11: She was afterwards beheaded at Winchester, for
+    harbouring one Nelthrop, a rebel in the Duke of Monmouth's army
+    1685. She had made herself remarkable, by saying at the
+    martyrdom of King Charles I, 1648, 'that her blood leaped within
+    her to see the tyrant fall;' for this, when she fell into the
+    state trap, she neither did nor could expect favour from any of
+    that martyr's family.]
+
+In 1644, I published _Merlinus Anglicus Junior_ about April. I had given
+one day the copy thereof unto the then Mr. Whitlocke, who by accident
+was reading thereof in the House of Commons: ere the Speaker took the
+chair, one looked upon it, and so did many, and got copies thereof;
+which when I heard, I applied myself to John Booker to license it, for
+then he was licenser of all mathematical books; I had, to my knowledge,
+never seen him before; he wondered at the book, made many impertinent
+obliterations, framed many objections, swore it was not possible to
+distinguish betwixt King and Parliament; at last licensed it according
+to his own fancy; I delivered it unto the printer, who being an arch
+Presbyterian, had five of the ministry to inspect it, who could make
+nothing of it, but said it might be printed, for in that I meddled not
+with their Dagon. The first impression was sold in less than one week;
+when I presented some to the members of Parliament, I complained of John
+Booker the licenser, who had defaced my book; they gave me order
+forthwith to reprint it as I would, and let them know if any durst
+resist me in the reprinting, or adding what I thought fit; so the second
+time it came forth as I would have it.
+
+I must confess, I now found my scholar Humphreys's words to be true
+concerning John Booker, whom at that time I found but moderately versed
+in astrology; nor could he take the circles of position of the planets,
+until in that year I instructed him. After my _Introduction_ in 1647
+became publick, he amended beyond measure, by study partly, and partly
+upon emulation to keep up his fame and reputation; so that since 1647, I
+have seen some nativities by him very judiciously performed. When the
+printer presented him with an _Introduction_ of mine, as soon as they
+were forth of the press; 'I wish,' saith he, 'there was never another
+but this in England, conditionally I gave one hundred pounds for this.'
+After that time we were very great friends to his dying day.
+
+In June, 1644, I published _Supernatural Sight_; and, indeed, if I could
+have procured the dull stationer to have been at charges to have cut the
+_icon_ or form of that prodigious apparition, as I had drawn it forth,
+it would have given great satisfaction; however, the astrological
+judgment thereupon had its full event in every particular.
+
+That year also I published the _White King's Prophecy_, of which there
+were sold in three days eighteen hundred, so that it was oft reprinted:
+I then made no commentary upon it.
+
+In that year I printed the _Prophetical Merlin_, and had eight pounds
+for the copy.
+
+I had then no farther intention to trouble the press any more, but Sir
+Richard Napper having received one of Captain Wharton's _Almanacks_ for
+1645, under the name Naworth, he came unto me: 'Now, Lilly, you are met
+withal, see here what Naworth writes.' The words were, he called me 'an
+impudent senseless fellow, and by name William Lilly.'
+
+Before that time, I was more Cavalier than Roundhead, and so taken
+notice of; but after that I engaged body and soul in the cause of
+Parliament, but still with much affection to his Majesty's person and
+unto monarchy, which I ever loved and approved beyond any government
+whatsoever; and you will find in this story many passages of civility
+which I did, and endeavoured to do, with the hazard of my life, for his
+Majesty: but God had ordered all his affairs and counsels to have no
+successes; as in the sequel will appear.
+
+To vindicate my reputation, and to cry quittance with Naworth, against
+whom I was highly incensed, to work I went again for _Anglicus_, 1645;
+which as soon as finished I got to the press, thinking every day one
+month till it was publick: I therein made use of the King's nativity,
+and finding that his ascendant was approaching to the quadrature of
+Mars, about June, 1645, I gave this unlucky judgment; 'If now we fight,
+a victory stealeth upon us;' and so it did in June, 1645, at Naseby, the
+most fatal overthrow he ever had.
+
+In this year, 1645, I published a treatise called the _Starry
+Messenger_, with an interpretation of three suns seen in London, 29th
+May, 1644, being Charles the Second's birthday: in that book I also put
+forth an astrological judgment concerning the effects of a solar
+eclipse, visible the 11th of August, 1645. Two days before its
+publishing, my antagonist, Captain Wharton, having given his
+astronomical judgment upon his Majesty's present march from Oxford;
+therein again fell foul against me and John Booker: Sir Samuel Luke,
+Governor of Newportpagnel, had the thing came to his garrison from
+Oxford, which presently was presented unto my view. I had but twelve
+hours, or thereabout, to answer it, which I did with such success as is
+incredible; and the printer printed both the _March_ and my answer unto
+it, and produced it to sight, with my _Starry Messenger_, which came
+forth and was made publick the very day of the Parliament's great
+victory obtained against his Majesty in person at Naseby, under the
+conduct of the Lord Thomas Fairfax.
+
+That book no sooner appeared, but within fourteen days complaint was
+made to the committee of examinations, Miles Corbet then being Chairman,
+my mortal enemy, he who after was hanged, drawn, and quartered, for
+being one of the King's Judges; he grants his warrant, and a messenger
+to the Serjeant at Arms seizeth my person. As I was going to Westminster
+with the messenger, I met Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Christopher Wray,
+Mr. Denzil Hollis, Mr. Robert Reynolds, who, by great fortune, had the
+_Starry Messenger_ sheet by sheet from me as it came from the press.
+They presently fell a smiling at me; 'Miles Corbet, Lilly, will punish
+thee soundly; but fear nothing, we will dine, and make haste to be at
+the committee time enough to do the business;' and so they most
+honourably performed; for they, as soon as they came, sat down, and put
+Mr. Reynolds purposely into the chair, and I was called in; but Corbet
+being not there, they bid me withdraw until he came; which when he did,
+I was commanded to appear, and Corbet desired to give the cause of my
+being in restraint, and of the committee's order. Mr. Reynolds was
+purposely put into the chair, and continued till my business was over.
+
+Corbet produced my _Anglicus_ of 1645, and said there were many
+scandalous passages therein against the Commissioners of Excise in
+London. He produced one passage, which being openly read by himself, the
+whole committee adjudged it to signify the errors of sub-officers, but
+had no relation to the Commissioners themselves, which I affirmatively
+maintained to be the true meaning as the committee declared.
+
+Then Corbet found out another dangerous place, as he thought, and the
+words were thus in the printed book--'In the name of the Father, Son,
+and Holy Ghost, will not the Excise pay the soldiers?'
+
+Corbet very ignorantly read, 'will not the Eclipse pay soldiers?' at
+which the Committee fell heartily to laugh at him, and so he became
+silent.
+
+There was a great many Parliament men there; the chamber was full. 'Have
+you any more against Mr. Lilly?' cried the chairman.
+
+'Yes,' saith the Sollicitor for the Excise, 'since his _Starry
+Messenger_ came forth we had our house burnt, and the Commissioners
+pulled by their cloaks in the Exchange.' 'Pray, sir, when was this,'
+asked old Sir Robert Pye, 'that the house was burnt, and the Aldermen
+abused?' 'It was in such a week,' saith he. 'Mr. Lilly, when came the
+book forth?' 'The very day of Naseby fight,' answered Mr. Reynolds, 'nor
+needs he be ashamed of writing it: I had it daily as it came forth of
+the press: it was then found the house to be burnt, and the Aldermen
+abused, twelve days before the _Starry Messenger_ came forth.' 'What a
+lying fellow art thou,' saith Sir Robert Pye, 'to abuse us so!' This he
+spoke to the Sollicitor. Then stood up one Bassell, a merchant: he
+inveighed bitterly against me, being a Presbyterian, and would have had
+my books burnt. 'You smell more of a citizen than a scholar,' replied
+Mr. Francis Drake. I was ordered to withdraw, and by and by was called
+in, and acquainted the committee did discharge me. But I cried with a
+loud voice, 'I was under a messenger;' whereupon the committee ordered
+him or the Serjeant at Arms not to take any fees; Mr. Reynolds saying,
+'Literate men never pay any fees.'
+
+But within one week after, I was likely to have had worse success, but
+that the before-named gentlemen stoutly befriended me. In my Epistle of
+the _Starry Messenger_, I had been a little too plain with the committee
+of Leicestershire; who thereof made complaint unto Sir Arthur Hazelrigg,
+Knight for that county; he was a furious person, and made a motion in
+the House of Commons against me, and the business was committed to that
+committee, whereof Baron Rigby was chairman. A day was assigned to hear
+the matter; in the morning whereof, as I passed by Mr. Pullen's shop in
+St. Paul's Church-yard, Pullen bad 'God be with you,' and named me by
+name. Mr. Selden being there, and hearing my name, gave direction to
+call me unto him, where he acquaints me with Hazelrigg's humour and
+malice towards me, called for the _Starry Messenger_, and having read
+over the words mentioning that committee, he asked me how I would answer
+them? I related what I would have said, but he contradicted me, and
+acquainted me what to say, and how to answer. In the afternoon I went to
+appear, but there was no committee set, or would sit; for both Mr.
+Reynolds and Sir Philip Stapleton, and my other friends, had fully
+acquainted Baron Rigby with the business, and desired him not to call
+upon me until they appeared; for the matter and charge intended against
+me was very frivolous, and only presented by a cholerick person to
+please a company of clowns, meaning the committee of Leicester. Baron
+Rigby said, if it were so he would not meddle with the matter, but
+exceedingly desired to see me. Not long after he met Sir Arthur, and
+acquainting him what friends appeared for me, said, 'I will then
+prosecute him no further.'
+
+All the ancient astrologers of England were much startled and confounded
+at my manner of writing, especially old Mr. William Hodges, who lived
+near Wolverhampton in Staffordshire, and many others who understood
+astrology competently well, as they thought. Hodges swore I did more by
+astrology than he could by the crystal, and use thereof, which indeed he
+understood as perfectly as any one in England. He was a great royalist,
+but could never hit any thing right for that party, though he much
+desired it: he resolved questions astrologically; nativities he meddled
+not with; in things of other nature, which required more curiosity, he
+repaired to the crystal: his angels were Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel:
+his life answered not in holiness and sanctity to what it should, having
+to deal with those holy angels. Being contemporary with me, I shall
+relate what my partner John Scott, the same Scott as is
+before-mentioned, affirmed of him. John Scott was a little skilful in
+surgery and physick, so was Will Hodges, and had formerly been a
+school-master. Scott having some occasions into Staffordshire, addressed
+himself for a month or six weeks to Hodges, assisted him to dress his
+patients, let blood, &c. Being to return to London, he desired Hodges to
+shew him the person and feature of the woman he should marry. Hodges
+carries him into a field not far from his house, pulls out his crystal,
+bids Scott set his foot to his, and, after a while, wishes him to
+inspect the crystal, and observe what he saw there. 'I see,' saith
+Scott, 'a ruddy complexioned wench in a red waistcoat, drawing a can of
+beer.' 'She must be your wife,' said Hodges. 'You are mistaken, Sir,'
+said Scott. 'I am, so soon as I come to London, to marry a tall
+gentlewoman in the Old Bailey.' 'You must marry the red waistcoat,' said
+Hodges. Scott leaves the country, comes up to London, finds his
+gentlewoman married: two years after going into Dover, in his return, he
+refreshed himself at an inn in Canterbury, and as he came into the hall,
+or first room thereof, he mistook the room, and went into the buttery,
+where he espied a maid, described by Hodges, as before said, drawing a
+can of beer, &c. He then more narrowly viewing her person and habit,
+found her, in all parts, to be the same Hodges had described; after
+which he became a suitor unto her, and was married unto her; which woman
+I have often seen. This Scott related unto me several times, being a
+very honest person, and made great conscience of what he spoke. Another
+story of him is as followeth, which I had related from a person which
+well knew the truth of it.
+
+A neighbour gentleman of Hodges lost his horse; who having Hodges's
+advice for recovery of him, did again obtain him. Some years after, in a
+frolick, he thought to abuse him, acquainting a neighbour therewith,
+viz., that he had formerly lost a horse, went to Hodges, recovered him
+again, but saith it was by chance; I might have had him without going
+unto him: 'Come, let's go, I will now put a trick upon him; I will leave
+some boy or other at the town's-end with my horse, and then go to Hodges
+and enquire for him.' He did so, gave his horse to a youth, with orders
+to walk him till he returned. Away he goes with his friend, salutes Mr.
+Hodges, thanks him for his former courtesy, and now desires the like,
+having lost a horse very lately. Hodges, after some time of pausing,
+said; 'Sir, your horse is lost, and never to be recovered.' 'I thought
+what skill you had,' replies the gallant, 'my horse is walking in a lane
+at the town's-end.' With that Hodges swore (as he was too much given
+unto that vice) 'your horse is gone, and you will never have him again.'
+The gentleman departed in great derision of Hodges, and went where he
+left his horse: when he came there, he found the boy fast asleep upon
+the ground, the horse gone, the boy's arm in the bridle.
+
+He returns again to Hodges, desiring his aid, being sorry for his former
+abuse. Old Will swore like a devil, 'be gone, be gone; go look for your
+horse.' This business ended not so; for the malicious man brought Hodges
+into the star-chamber, bound him over to the assizes, put Hodges to
+great expences: but, by means of the Lord Dudley, if I remember aright,
+or some other person thereabouts, he overcame the gentleman, and was
+acquitted.
+
+Besides this, a gentlewoman of my acquaintance, and of credit, in
+Leicestershire, having lost a pillion-cloth, a very new one, went to
+desire his judgment. He ordered her such a day to attend at Mountsorrel
+in Leicestershire, and about twelve o'clock she should see her
+pillion-cloth upon a horse, and a woman upon it. My friend attended the
+hour and place; it being told, she must needs warm herself well, and
+then enquired if any passengers had lately gone by the inn? Unto whom
+answer was made, there passed by whilst she was at the fire, about half
+an hour before, a man, and a woman behind him, on horse-back. Inquiring
+of what colour the pillion-cloth was of; it was answered, directly of
+the colour my friend's was: they pursued, but too late.
+
+In those times, there lived one William Marsh in Dunstable, a man of
+godly life and upright conversation, a Recusant. By astrology he
+resolved thievish questions with great success; that was his utmost sole
+practice. He was many times in trouble; but by Dr. Napper's interest
+with the Earl of Bolingbroke, Lord Wentworth, after Earl of Cleveland,
+he still continued his practice, the said Earl not permitting any
+Justice of Peace to vex him.
+
+This man had only two books, _Guido_ and _Haly_ bound together; he had
+so mumbled and tumbled the leaves of both, that half one side of every
+leaf was torn even to the middle. I was familiar with him for many
+years: he died about 1647.
+
+A word or two of Dr. Napper, who lived at Great Lindford in
+Buckinghamshire, was parson, and had the advowson thereof. He descended
+of worshipful parents, and this you must believe; for when Dr. Napper's
+brother, Sir Robert Napper, a Turkey merchant, was to be made a Baronet
+in King James's reign, there was some dispute whether he could prove
+himself a gentleman for three or more descents. 'By my saul,' saith King
+James, 'I will certify for Napper, that he is of above three hundred
+years standing in his family, all of them, by my saul, gentlemen,' &c.
+However, their family came into England in King Henry the Eighth's time.
+The parson was Master of Arts; but whether doctorated by degree or
+courtesy, because of his profession, I know not. Miscarrying one day in
+the pulpit, he never after used it, but all his life-time kept in his
+house some excellent scholar or other to officiate for him, with
+allowance of a good salary: he out-went Forman in physick and holiness
+of life; cured the falling-sickness perfectly by constellated rings,
+some diseases by amulets, &c.
+
+A maid was much afflicted with the falling sickness, whose parents
+applied themselves unto him for cure: he framed her a constellated ring,
+upon wearing whereof, she recovered perfectly. Her parents acquainted
+some scrupulous divines with the cure of their daughter: 'The cure is
+done by inchantment,' say they. 'Cast away the ring, it's diabolical;
+God cannot bless you, if you do not cast the ring away.' The ring was
+cast into the well, whereupon the maid became epileptical as formerly,
+and endured much misery for a long time. At last her parents cleansed
+the well, and recovered the ring again; the maid wore it, and her fits
+took her no more. In this condition she was one year or two; which the
+Puritan ministers there adjoining hearing, never left off, till they
+procured her parents to cast the ring quite away; which done, the fits
+returned in such violence, that they were enforced to apply to the
+Doctor again, relating at large the whole story, humbly imploring his
+once more assistance; but he could not be procured to do any thing, only
+said, those who despised God's mercies, were not capable or worthy of
+enjoying them.
+
+I was with him in 1632, or 1633, upon occasion. He had me up into his
+library, being excellently furnished with very choice books: there he
+prayed almost one hour; he invocated several angels in his prayer,
+viz.[12] Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, &c. We parted.
+
+    [Footnote 12: The collect read on Michaelmas-day, seems to allow
+    of praying to angels. At some times, upon great occasions, he
+    had conference with Michael, but very rarely.]
+
+He instructed many ministers in astrology, would lend them whole
+cloak-bags of books; protected them from harm and violence, by means of
+his power with the Earl of Bolingbroke.[13] He would confess my master
+Evans knew more than himself in some things: and some time before he
+died, he got his cousin Sir Richard to set a figure to see when he
+should die. Being brought him; 'Well,' he said, 'the old man will live
+this winter, but in the spring he will die; welcome Lord Jesus, thy will
+be done.' He had many enemies: Cotta, Doctor of physick in Northampton,
+wrote a sharp book of witchcraft, wherein, obliquely, he bitterly
+inveighed against the Doctor.
+
+    [Footnote 13: Lord Wentworth, after Earl of Cleveland.]
+
+In 1646, I printed a collection of Prophecies, with the explanation and
+verification of Aquila, or the _White King's Prophecy_; as also the
+nativities of Bishop Laud and Thomas Earl of Strafford, and a most
+learned speech by him intended to have been spoke upon the scaffold. In
+this year 1646, after a great consideration, and many importunities, I
+began to fix upon thoughts of an _Introduction unto Astrology_, which
+was very much wanting, and as earnestly longed for by many persons of
+quality. Something also much occasioned and hastened the impression,
+viz. the malevolent barking of Presbyterian ministers in their weekly
+sermons, reviling the professors thereof, and myself particularly by
+name.
+
+Secondly, I thought it a duty incumbent upon me, to satisfy the whole
+kingdom of the lawfulness thereof, by framing a plain and easy method
+for any person but of indifferent capacity to learn the art, and
+instruct himself therein, without any other master than my
+_Introduction_; by which means, when many understood it, I should have
+more partners and assistants to contradict all and every antagonist.
+
+Thirdly, I found it best as unto point of time, because many of the
+soldiers were wholly for it, and many of the Independant party; and I
+had abundance of worthy men in the House of Commons, my assured friends,
+no lovers of Presbytery, which then were in great esteem, and able to
+protect the art; for should the Presbyterian party have prevailed, as
+they thought of nothing less than to be Lords of all, I knew well they
+would have silenced my pen annually, and committed the _Introduction_
+unto everlasting silence.
+
+Fourthly, I had something of conscience touched my spirit, and much
+elevated my conceptions, believing God had not bestowed those abilities
+upon me, to bury them under a bushel; for though my education was very
+mean, yet, by my continual industry, and God's great mercy, I found
+myself capable to go forward with the work, and to commit the issue
+thereof unto Divine Providence.
+
+I had a hard task in hand to begin the first part hereof, and much
+labour I underwent to methodize it as it is.
+
+I ingenuously confess unto you (Arts' great Mecaenas, noble Esquire
+Ashmole,) no mortal man had any share in the composition or ordering of
+the first part thereof, but my only self. You are a person of great
+reading, yet I well know you never found the least trace thereof in any
+author yet extant.
+
+In composing, contriving, ordering, and framing thereof (viz. the first
+part) a great part of that year was spent. I again perused all, or most,
+authors I had, sometimes adding, at other times diminishing, until at
+last I thought it worthy of the press. When I came to frame the second
+part thereof, having formerly collected out of many manuscripts, and
+exchanged rules with the most able professors I had acquaintance with,
+in transcribing those papers for impression, I found, upon a strict
+inquisition, those rules were, for the most part, defective; so that
+once more I had now a difficult labour to correct their deficiency, to
+new rectify them according to art; and lastly, considering the
+multiplicity of daily questions propounded unto me, it was as hard a
+labour as might be to transcribe the papers themselves with my own hand.
+The desire I had to benefit posterity and my country, at last overcame
+all difficulties; so that what I could not do in one year, I perfected
+early the next year, 1647; and then in that year, viz. 1647, I finished
+the third book of[14] nativities,[15] during the composing whereof, for
+seven whole weeks, I was shut up of the plague, burying in that time two
+maid-servants thereof; yet towards November that year, the Introduction,
+called by the name of _Christian Astrology_, was made publick. There
+being, in those times, some smart difference between the army and the
+Parliament, the head-quarters of the army were at Windsor, whither I was
+carried with a coach and four horses, and John Booker with me. We were
+welcome thither, and feasted in a garden where General Fairfax lodged.
+We were brought to the General, who bid us kindly welcome to Windsor;
+and, in effect, said thus much:
+
+    [Footnote 14: The name of the person whose nativity is directed
+    and judged, is Mr. Thompson, whose father had been some time an
+    inn-keeper at the White-Hart in Newark.]
+
+    [Footnote 15: I devised the forms and fashions of the several
+    schemes. E.A.]
+
+'That God had blessed the army with many signal victories, and yet their
+work was not finished. He hoped God would go along with them until his
+work was done. They sought not themselves, but the welfare and
+tranquillity of the good people, and whole nation; and, for that end,
+were resolved to sacrifice both their lives and their own fortunes. As
+for the art we studied, he hoped it was lawful and agreeable to God's
+word: he understood it not; but doubted not but we both feared God; and
+therefore had a good opinion of us both.' Unto his speech I presently
+made this reply:
+
+'My Lord, I am glad to see you here at this time.
+
+'Certainly, both the people of God, and all others of this nation, are
+very sensible of God's mercy, love, and favour unto them, in directing
+the Parliament to nominate and elect you General of their armies, a
+person so religious, so valiant.
+
+'The several unexpected victories obtained under your Excellency's
+conduct, will eternize the same unto all posterity.
+
+'We are confident of God's going along with you and your army, until the
+great work for which he ordained you both, is fully perfected; which we
+hope will be the conquering and subversion of your's and the
+Parliament's enemies, and then a quiet settlement and firm peace over
+all the nation, unto God's glory, and full satisfaction of tender
+consciences.
+
+'Sir, as for ourselves, we trust in God; and, as Christians, believe in
+him. We do not study any art but what is lawful, and consonant to the
+scriptures, fathers, and antiquity; which we humbly desire you to
+believe,' &c.
+
+This ended, we departed, and went to visit Mr. Peters the minister, who
+lodged in the castle, whom we found reading an idle pamphlet come from
+London that morning. 'Lilly, thou art herein,' says he. 'Are not you
+there also?' I replied. 'Yes, that I am,' quoth he.--The words
+concerning me were these:
+
+  From th' oracles of the Sibyls so silly,
+  The curst predictions of William Lilly,
+  And Dr. Sybbald's Shoe-lane Philly,
+                  Good Lord, deliver me.
+
+After much conference with Hugh Peters, and some private discourse
+betwixt us two, not to be divulged, we parted, and so came back to
+London.
+
+King Charles the First, in the year 1646, April 27, went unto the Scots,
+then in this nation. Many desired my judgment, in time of his absence,
+to discover the way he might be taken: which I would never be drawn
+unto, or give any direction concerning his person.
+
+There were many lewd Mercuries printed both in London and Oxford,
+wherein I was sufficiently abused, in this year, 1646. I had then my
+ascendant _ad_ [symbol: Gemini] [symbol: aspect "conjunction"], and
+[symbol: Moon] _ad propriun_. The Presbyterians were, in their pulpits,
+as merciless as the Cavaliers in their pamphlets.
+
+About this time, the most famous mathematician of all Europe,[16] Mr.
+William Oughtred, parson of Aldbury in Surry, was in danger of
+sequestration by the Committee of or for plundered ministers;
+(_Ambo-dexters_ they were;) several inconsiderable articles were deposed
+and sworn against him, material enough to have sequestered him, but
+that, upon his day of hearing, I applied myself to Sir Bolstrode
+Whitlock, and all my own old friends, who in such numbers appeared in
+his behalf, that though the chairman and many other Presbyterian members
+were stiff against him, yet he was cleared by the major number. The
+truth is, he had a considerable parsonage, and that only was enough to
+sequester any moderate judgment: he was also well known to affect his
+Majesty. In these times many worthy ministers lost their livings or
+benefices, for not complying with the _Three-penny Directory_. Had you
+seen (O noble Esquire) what pitiful ideots were prefered into
+sequestrated church-benefices, you would have been grieved in your soul;
+but when they came before the classis of divines, could those simpletons
+but only say, they were converted by hearing such a sermon, such a
+lecture, of that godly man Hugh Peters, Stephen Marshall, or any of that
+gang, he was presently admitted.
+
+    [Footnote 16: This gentleman I was very well acquainted with,
+    having lived at the house over-against his, at Aldbury in
+    Surrey, three or four years. E.A.]
+
+In 1647, I published the _World's Catastrophe_, the _Prophecies of
+Ambrose Merlin_, with the _Key_ wherewith to unlock those obstruse
+Prophecies; also _Trithemius of the Government of the World by the
+presiding Angels_; these came forth all in one book.
+
+The two first were exquisitely translated by yourself, (most learned
+Sir) as I do ingenuously acknowledge in my _Epistle unto the Reader_,
+with a true character of the worth and admirable parts, unto which I
+refer any that do desire to read you perfectly delineated. I was once
+resolved to have continued _Trithemius_ for some succeeding years, but
+multiplicity of employment impeded me. The study required, in that kind
+of learning, must be sedentary, of great reading, sound judgment, which
+no man can accomplish except he wholly retire, use prayer, and accompany
+himself with angelical consorts.
+
+His Majesty Charles the First, having entrusted the Scots with his
+person, was, for money, delivered into the hands of the English
+Parliament, and, by several removals, was had to Hampton-Court, about
+July or August 1647; for he was there, and at that time when my house
+was visited with the plague. He was desirous to escape from the
+soldiery, and to obscure himself for some time near London, the citizens
+whereof began now to be unruly, and alienated in affection from the
+Parliament, inclining wholly to his Majesty, and very averse to the
+army. His Majesty was well informed of all this, and thought to make
+good use hereof; besides, the army and Parliament were at some odds, who
+should be masters. Upon the King's intention to escape, and with his
+consent, Madam Whorewood (whom you knew very well, worthy Esquire) came
+to receive my judgment, viz. In what quarter of this nation he might be
+most safe, and not to be discovered until himself pleased.
+
+When she came to my door, I told her I would not let her come into my
+house for I buried a maid-servant of the plague very lately. 'I fear not
+the plague, but the pox,' quoth she; so up we went. After erection of my
+figure, I told her about twenty miles (or thereabouts) from London, and
+in Essex, I was certain he might continue undiscovered. She liked my
+judgment very well; and, being herself of a sharp judgment, remembered a
+place in Essex about that distance, where was an excellent house, and
+all conveniences for his reception. Away she went, early next morning,
+unto Hampton-Court, to acquaint his Majesty; but see the misfortune: He,
+either guided by his own approaching hard fate, or misguided by
+Ashburnham,[17] went away in the night-time westward, and surrendered
+himself to Hammond, in the Isle of Wight.
+
+    [Footnote 17: This Ashburnham was turned out of the House of
+    Commons the 3d of November, 1667, for taking a bribe of five
+    hundred pounds of the merchants. I was informed hereof 26th
+    November, 1667.]
+
+Whilst his Majesty was at Hampton-Court Alderman Adams sent his Majesty
+one thousand pounds in gold, five hundred whereof he gave Madam
+Whorewood. I believe I had twenty pieces of that very gold for my share.
+
+I have something more to write of Charles the First's misfortunes,
+wherein I was concerned; the matter happened in 1648, but I thought good
+to insert it here, having after this no more occasion to mention him.
+
+His Majesty being in Carisbrook-Castle in the Isle of Wight, the Kentish
+men, in great numbers, rose in arms, and joined with the Lord Goring; a
+considerable number of the best ships revolted from the Parliament; the
+citizens of London were forward to rise against the Parliament; his
+Majesty laid his design to escape out of prison, by sawing the iron bars
+of his chamber window; a small ship was provided, and anchored not far
+from the castle to bring him into Sussex; horses were provided ready to
+carry him through Sussex into Kent, so that he might be at the head of
+the army in Kent, and from thence to march immediately to London, where
+thousands then would have armed for him. The Lady Whorewood came to me,
+acquaints me herewith. I got G. Farmer (who was a most ingenious
+lock-smith, and dwelt in Bowlane) to make a saw to cut the iron bars in
+sunder, I mean to saw them, and aqua fortis besides. His Majesty in a
+small time did his work; the bars gave liberty for him to go out; he was
+out with his body till he came to his breast; but then his heart
+failing, he proceeded no farther: when this was discovered, as soon
+after it was, he was narrowly looked after, and no opportunity after
+that could be devised to enlarge him. About September the Parliament
+sent their Commissioners with propositions unto him into the Isle of
+Wight, the Lord William Sea being one; the Lady Whorewood comes again
+unto me from him or by his consent, to be directed: After perusal of my
+figure, I told her the Commissioners would be there such a day; I
+elected a day and hour when to receive the Commissioners and
+propositions; and as soon as the propositions were read, to sign them,
+and make haste with all speed to come up with the Commissioners to
+London. The army being then far distant from London, and the city
+enraged stoutly against them, he promised he would do so. That night the
+Commissioners came, and old Sea and his Majesty had private conference
+till one in the morning: the King acquaints Sea with his intention, who
+clearly dissuaded him from signing the propositions, telling him they
+were not fit for him to sign; that he had many friends in the House of
+Lords, and some in the House of Commons; that he would procure more, and
+then they would frame more easy propositions. This flattery of this
+unfortunate Lord occasioned his Majesty to wave the advice I and some
+others that wished his prosperity had given, in expectation of that
+which afterwards could never be gained. The army having some notice
+hereof from one of the Commissioners, who had an eye upon old Sea,
+hasted unto London, and made the citizens very quiet; and besides, the
+Parliament and army kept a better correspondency afterwards with each
+other.
+
+Whilst the King was at Windsor-Castle, once walking upon the leads
+there, he looked upon Captain Wharton's _Almanack_: 'My book,' saith he,
+'speaks well as to the weather:' One William Allen standing by; 'what,'
+saith he, 'saith his antagonist, Mr. Lilly?' 'I do not care for Lilly,'
+said his Majesty, 'he hath been always against me,' and became a little
+bitter in his expressions. 'Sir,' saith Allen, 'the man is an honest
+man, and writes but what his art informs him.' 'I believe it,' said his
+Majesty, 'and that Lilly understands astrology as well as any man in
+Europe.' _Exit Rex Carolus._
+
+In 1648 I published a _Treatise of the Three Suns_, seen the winter
+preceding; as also an Astrological Judgment upon a Conjunction of Saturn
+and Mars 28 June, in 11 degrees 8 minutes of Gemini.
+
+I commend unto your perusal that book and the _Prophetical Merlin_,
+which, seriously considered, (Oh worthy Esquire) will more instruct your
+judgement (_De generalibus contingentibus Mundi_) than all the authors
+you yet ever met with.
+
+In this year, for very great considerations, the Council of State gave
+me in money fifty pounds, and a pension of one hundred pounds _per
+Annum_, which for two years I received, but no more: upon some
+discontents I after would not or did require it. The cause moving them
+was this; they could get no intelligence out of France, although they
+had several agents there for that purpose. I had formerly acquaintance
+with a secular priest, at this time confessor to one of the Secretaries;
+unto him I wrote, and by that means had perfect knowledge of the
+chiefest concernments of France, at which they admired; but I never yet,
+until this day, revealed the name of the person.
+
+One occasion why I deserted that employment was, because Scott, who had
+eight hundred pounds _per Annum_ for intelligence, would not contribute
+any occasion to gratify my friend: And another thing was, I received
+some affront from Gualter Frost their Secretary, one that was a
+principal minister belonging to the Council of State. Scott was ever my
+enemy, the other knave died of a gangrene in his arm suddenly after.
+
+In 1648 and 1649, that I might encourage young students in astrology, I
+publickly read over the first part of my _Introduction_, wherein there
+are many things contained, not easily to be understood.
+
+And now we are entered into the year 1649: his Majesty being at St.
+James's House, in January of that year, I begun its observations thus:
+
+'I am serious, I beg and expect justice; either fear or shame begins to
+question offenders.
+
+'The lofty cedars begin to divine a thundering hurricane is at hand; God
+elevates men contemptible.
+
+'Our demigods are sensible we begin to dislike their actions very much
+in London, more in the country.
+
+'Blessed be God, who encourages his servants, makes them valiant, and of
+undaunted spirits, to go on with his decrees: upon a sudden, great
+expectations arise, and men generally believe a quiet and calm time
+draws nigh.'
+
+In Christmas holidays, the Lord Gray of Grooby and Hugh Peters sent for
+me to Somerset-House, with directions to bring them two of my
+Almanacks.--I did so; Peters and he read January's Observations.
+
+'If we are not fools and knaves,' saith he, 'we shall do justice:' then
+they whispered. I understood not their meaning till his Majesty was
+beheaded. They applied what I wrote of justice, to be understood of his
+Majesty, which was contrary to my intention; for Jupiter, the first day
+of January, became direct; and Libra is a sign signifying Justice; I
+implored for justice generally upon such as had cheated in their places,
+being treasurers, and such like officers. I had not then heard the least
+intimation of bringing the King unto trial, and yet the first day
+thereof I was casually there, it being upon a Saturday; for going to
+Westminster every Saturday in the afternoon, in these times, at
+White-hall I casually met Peters; 'Come, Lilly, wilt thou go hear the
+King tried?' 'When?' said I. 'Now, just now; go with me.' I did so, and
+was permitted by the guard of soldiers to pass up to the King's-Bench.
+Within one quarter of an hour came the Judges, presently his Majesty,
+who spoke excellently well, and majestically, without impediment in the
+least when he spoke. I saw the silver top of his staff unexpectedly fall
+to the ground, which was took up by Mr. Rushworth: and then I heard
+Bradshaw the Judge say to his Majesty,
+
+'Sir, instead of answering the court, you interrogate their power, which
+becomes not one in your condition'--
+
+These words pierced my heart and soul, to hear a subject thus
+audaciously to reprehend his Sovereign, who ever and anon replied with
+great magnanimity and prudence.
+
+After that his Majesty was beheaded, the Parliament for some years
+effected nothing either for the publick peace or tranquillity of the
+nation, or settling religion as they had formerly promised. The interval
+of time betwixt his Majesty's death and Oliver Cromwel's displacing
+them, was wholly consumed in voting for themselves, and bringing their
+own relations to be members of Parliament, thinking to make a trade
+thereof.
+
+The week, or three or four days before his Majesty's beheading, one
+Major Sydenham, who had commands in Scotland, came to take his leave of
+me, and told me the King was to be put to death, which I was not willing
+to believe, and said, 'I could not be persuaded the Parliament could
+find any Englishman so barbarous, that would do that foul action.'
+'Rather,' saith he, 'than they should want such a man, these arms of
+mine should do it.' He went presently after into Scotland, and upon the
+first engagement against them, was slain, and his body miserably cut and
+mangled.
+
+In 1651 I published _Monarchy or no Monarchy_, and in the latter end
+thereof some hieroglyphics of my own, composed, at spare time, by the
+occult learning, many of those types having representations of what
+should from thence succeed in England, and have since had verification.
+
+I had not that learning from books, or any manuscript I ever yet met
+withal, it is reduced from a cabal lodging in astrology, but so
+mysterious and difficult to be attained, that I have not yet been
+acquainted with any who had that knowledge. I will say no more thereof,
+but that the asterisms and signs and constellations give greatest light
+thereunto.
+
+During Bradshaw's being President of the Council of State, it was my
+happiness to procure Captain Wharton his liberty, which when Bradshaw
+understood, said, 'I will be an enemy to Lilly, if ever he come before
+me.' Sir Bolstrode Whitlock broke the ice first of all on behalf of
+Captain Wharton: after him the Committee, unto whom his offence had been
+committed, spoke for him, and said he might well be bailed or enlarged:
+I had spoken to the Committee the morning of his delivery, who thereupon
+were so civil unto him, especially Sir William Ermin of Lincolnshire,
+who at first wondered I appeared not against him; but upon my humble
+request, my long continued antagonist was enlarged and had his liberty.
+
+In 1651 I purchased one hundred and ten pounds _per Annum_ in fee-farm
+rents for one thousand and thirty pounds. I paid all in ready money; but
+when his Majesty King Charles the Second, 1660, was restored, I lost it
+all again, and it returned to the right owner; the loss thereof never
+afflicted me, for I have ever reduced my mind according to my fortune. I
+was drawn in by several persons to make that simple purchase. The year I
+bought it, I had my ascendant directed into a Trine of Jupiter first,
+and in the same year into the _Cauda Draconis_--my fortune into a
+quadrant of Mercury. When Colchester was besieged, John Booker and
+myself were sent for, where we encouraged the soldiers, assuring them
+the town would very shortly be surrendered, as indeed it was: I would
+willingly have obtained leave to enter the town, to have informed Sir
+Charles Lucas, whom I well knew, with the condition of affairs as they
+then stood, he being deluded by false intelligence: at that time my
+scholar Humphreys was therein, who many times deluded the Governor with
+expectation of relief; but failing very many times with his lies, at
+last he had the bastinado, was put in prison, and inforced to become a
+soldier; and well it was he escaped so.--During my being there, the
+steeple of St. Mary's Church was much battered by two cannons purposely
+placed: I was there one day about three of the clock in the afternoon,
+talking with the cannoneer, when presently he desired us to look to
+ourselves, for he perceived by his perspective glass there was a piece
+charged in the castle against his work, and ready to be discharged. I
+ran for haste under an old ash-tree, and immediately the cannon-bullet
+came hissing quite over us. 'No danger now,' saith the gunner, 'but
+begone, for there are five more charging,' which was true; for two hours
+after those cannons were discharged, and unluckily killed our cannoneer
+and matross. I came the next morning and saw the blood of the two poor
+men lie upon the planks: we were well entertained at the head-quarters,
+and after two whole days abiding there, came for London.
+
+But we prosecute our story again, and say that in the year 1652 I
+purchased my house and some lands in Hersham, in the parish of Walton
+upon Thames, in the county of Surrey, where I now live; intending by the
+blessing of God, when I found it convenient, to retire into the country,
+there to end my days in peace and tranquillity; for in London my
+practice was such, I had none or very little time afforded me to serve
+God, who had been so gracious unto me. The purchase of the house and
+lands, and buildings, stood me in nine hundred and fifty pounds
+sterling, which I have very much augmented.
+
+The Parliament now grows odious unto all good men, the members whereof
+became insufferable in their pride, covetousness, self-ends, laziness,
+minding nothing but how to enrich themselves. Much heart-burning now
+arose betwixt the Presbyterian and Independant, the latter siding with
+the army, betwixt whose two judgments there was no medium. Now came up,
+or first appeared, that monstrous people called Ranters: and many other
+novel opinions, in themselves heretical and scandalous, were
+countenanced by members of Parliament, many whereof were of the same
+judgment. Justice was neglected, vice countenanced, and all care of the
+common good laid aside. Every judgment almost groaned under the heavy
+burthen they then suffered; the army neglected; the city of London
+scorned; the ministry, especially those who were orthodox and serious,
+honest or virtuous, had no countenance; my soul began to loath the very
+name of a Parliament, or Parliament-men. There yet remained in the House
+very able, judicious, and worthy patriots; but they, by their silence,
+only served themselves: all was carried on by a rabble of dunces, who
+being the greater number, voted what seemed best to their
+non-intelligent fancies.
+
+In this year I published _Annas Tenebrosus_, which book I did not so
+entitle, because of the great obscurity of the solar eclipse, by so many
+prattled of to no purpose, but because of those underhand and
+clandestine counsels held in England by the soldiery, of which I would
+never, but in generals, give any knowledge unto any Parliament man. I
+had wrote publickly in 1650, that the Parliament should not continue,
+but a new government should arise, &c.
+
+In my next year's _Anglicus_, upon rational grounds in astrology, I was
+so bold as to aver therein, that the Parliament stood upon a tottering
+foundation, and that the commonalty and soldiery would join together
+against them.
+
+My _Anglicus_ was for a whole week every day in the Parliament House,
+peeped into by the Presbyterians, one disliking this sentence, another
+finds another fault, others misliked the whole; so in the end a motion
+was made, that _Anglicus_ should be inspected by the Committee for
+plundered ministers; which being done, they were to return them to the
+House, viz. report its errors.
+
+A messenger attached me by a warrant from that Committee; I had private
+notice ere the messenger came, and hasted unto Mr. Speaker Lenthall,
+ever my friend. He was exceeding glad to see me, told me what was done;
+called for _Anglicus_, marked the passages which tormented the
+Presbyterians so highly. I presently sent for Mr. Warren the printer, an
+assured Cavalier, obliterated what was most offensive, put in other more
+significant words, and desired only to have six amended against next
+morning, which very honestly he brought me. I told him my design was to
+deny the book found fault with, to own only the six books. I told him, I
+doubted he would be examined. 'Hang them,' said he, 'they are all
+rogues. I'll swear myself to the devil ere they shall have an advantage
+against you by my oath.'
+
+The day after, I appeared before the Committee, being thirty-six in
+number that day; whereas it was observed, at other times, it was very
+difficult to get five of them together. At first they shewed me the true
+_Anglicus_, and asked if I wrote and printed it. I took the book and
+inspected it very heedfully; and when I had done so, said thus:
+
+'This is none of my book, some malicious Presbyterian hath wrote it, who
+are my mortal enemies; I disown it.' The Committee looked upon one
+another like distracted men, not imagining what I presently did; for I
+presently pulled out of my pocket six books, and said, 'These I own, the
+others are counterfeits, published purposely to ruin me.' The Committee
+were now more vexed than before: not one word was spoke a good while; at
+last, many of them, or the greatest number of them, were of opinion to
+imprison me. Some were for Newgate, others for the Gate-House; but then
+one Brown of Sussex, called the Presbyterian beadle, whom the Company of
+Stationers had bribed to be my friend, by giving him a new _Book of
+Martyrs_; he, I say, preached unto the Committee this doctrine, that
+neither Newgate or the Gate-House were prisons unto which at any time
+the Parliament sent their prisoners: it was most convenient for the
+Serjeant at Arms to take me in custody.
+
+Mr. Strickland, who had for many years been the Parliament's Ambassador
+or Agent in Holland, when he saw how they inclined, spoke thus:
+
+'I came purposely into the Committee this day to see the man who is so
+famous in those parts where I have so long continued: I assure you his
+name is famous all over Europe: I come to do him justice. A book is
+produced by us, and said to be his; he denies it; we have not proved it,
+yet will commit him. Truly this is great injustice. It is likely he will
+write next year, and acquaint the whole world with our injustice; and so
+well he may. It is my opinion, first to prove the book to be his, ere he
+be committed.'
+
+Another old friend of mine, Mr. R. spoke thus:
+
+'You do not know the many services this man hath done for the Parliament
+these many years, or how many times, in our greatest distresses, we
+applying unto him, he hath refreshed our languishing expectations; he
+never failed us of comfort in our most unhappy distresses. I assure you
+his writings have kept up the spirits both of the soldiery, the honest
+people of this nation, and many of us Parliament men; and now at last,
+for a slip of his pen (if it were his) to be thus violent against him: I
+must tell you, I fear the consequence urged out of the book will prove
+effectually true. It is my counsel, to admonish him hereafter to be more
+wary, and for the present to dismiss him.'
+
+Notwithstanding any thing that was spoken on my behalf, I was ordered to
+stand committed to the Serjeant at Arms. The messenger attached my
+person, said I was his prisoner. As he was carrying me away, he was
+called to bring me again. Oliver Cromwell, Lieutenant-General of the
+army, having never seen me, caused me to be produced again, where he
+stedfastly beheld me for a good space, and then I went with the
+messenger; but instantly a young clerk of that Committee asks the
+messenger what he did with me, where's the warrant? until that is signed
+you cannot seize Mr. Lilly, or shall. Will you have an action of false
+imprisonment against you? So I escaped that night, but next day obeyed
+the warrant. That night Oliver Cromwell went to Mr. R. my friend, and
+said, 'What never a man to take Lilly's cause in hand but yourself? None
+to take his part but you? He shall not be long there.' Hugh Peters spoke
+much in my behalf to the Committee; but they were resolved to lodge me
+in the Serjeant's custody. One Millington, a drunken member, was much my
+enemy; and so was Cawley and Chichester, a deformed fellow, unto whom I
+had done several courtesies.
+
+First thirteen days I was a prisoner; and though every day of the
+Committee's sitting I had a petition to deliver, yet so many churlish
+Presbyterians still appeared, I could not get it accepted. The last day
+of the thirteen, Mr. Joseph Ash was made Chairman, unto whom my cause
+being related, he took my petition, and said I should be bailed in
+despite of them all, but desired I would procure as many friends as I
+could to be there. Sir Arthur Hazelrigg, and Major Salloway, a person of
+excellent parts, appeared for me, and many now of my old friends came
+in. After two whole hours arguing of my cause by Sir Arthur and Major
+Salloway, and other friends, the matter came to this point; I should be
+bailed, and a Committee nominated to examine the printer. The order of
+the Committee being brought afterwards to him who should be Chairman, he
+sent me word, do what I would, he would see all the knaves hanged, ere
+he would examine the printer. This is the truth of the story.
+
+The 16th of February 1655, my second wife died; for whose death I shed
+no tears. I had five hundred pounds with her as a portion, but she and
+her poor relations spent me one thousand pounds. _Gloria Patri, & Filio,
+& Spiritui Sancto: sicut erat in principio & nunc, & semper, & in saecula
+saeculorum_: for the 20th of April 1655, these enemies of mine, viz.
+Parliament men, were turned out of doors by Oliver Cromwell. A German
+doctor of physick being then in London, sent me this paper:
+
+_Strophe Alcaica: Generoso Domino Gulielmo Lillio Astrologo, de
+dissoluto nuper Parliamento_.
+
+  Quod calculasti Sydere praevio,
+  Miles peregit numine conscio;
+  Gentis videmus nunc Senatum
+  Marte togaque gravi levatum.
+
+In the time of my imprisonment, Mr. Rushworth came to visit me, and told
+me, the army would do as much as I had predicted unto the Parliament.
+
+In October 1654, I married the third wife, who is signified in my
+nativity by _Jupiter in Libra_; and she is so totally in her conditions,
+to my great comfort.
+
+In 1655, I was indicted at Hicks's-Hall by a half-witted young woman.
+Three several sessions she was neglected, and the Jury cast forth her
+bill; but the fourth time, they found it against me: I put in bail to
+traverse the indictment. The cause of the indictment was, for that I had
+given judgment upon stolen goods, and received two shillings and
+six-pence.--And this was said to be contrary unto an Act in King James's
+time made.
+
+This mad woman was put upon this action against me by two ministers, who
+had framed for her a very ingenious speech, which she could speak
+without book, as she did the day of hearing the traverse. She produced
+one woman, who told the court, a son of her's was run from her; that
+being in much affliction of mind for her loss, she repaired unto me to
+know what was become of him; that I told her he was gone for the
+Barbadoes, and she would hear of him within thirteen days; which, she
+said, she did.
+
+A second woman made oath, that her husband being wanting two years, she
+repaired to me for advice: that I told her he was in Ireland, and would
+be at home such a time; and, said she, he did come home accordingly.
+
+I owned the taking of half a crown for my judgment of the theft; but
+said, I gave no other judgment, but that the goods would not be
+recovered, being that was all which was required of me: the party,
+before that, having been with several astrologers, some affirming she
+should have her goods again, others gave contrary judgment, which made
+her come unto me for a final resolution.
+
+At last my enemy began her before-made speech, and, without the least
+stumbling, pronounced it before the court; which ended, she had some
+queries put unto her, and then I spoke for myself, and produced my own
+_Introduction_ into court, saying, that I had some years before emitted
+that book for the benefit of this and other nations; that it was allowed
+by authority, and had found good acceptance in both universities; that
+the study of astrology was lawful, and not contradicted by any
+scripture; that I neither had, or ever did, use any charms, sorceries,
+or inchantments related in the bill of indictment, &c.
+
+She then related, that she had been several times with me, and that
+afterwards she could not rest a-nights, but was troubled with bears,
+lions, and tygers, &c. My counsel was the Recorder Green, who after he
+had answered all objections, concluded astrology was a lawful art.
+
+'Mistress,' said he, 'what colour was those beasts that you were so
+terrified with?'
+
+'I never saw any,' said she.
+
+'How do you then know they were lions, tygers, or bears?' replied
+he.--'This is an idle person, only fit for Bedlam.' The Jury who went
+not from the bar, brought in, No true Bill.
+
+There were many Presbyterian Justices much for her, and especially one
+Roberts, a busy fellow for the Parliament, who after his Majesty came
+in, had like to have lost life and fortune.
+
+I had procured Justice Hooker to be there, who was the oracle of all the
+Justices of Peace in Middlesex.
+
+There was nothing memorable after that happened unto me, until 1650, and
+the month of October, at what time Captain Owen Cox brought me over from
+his Majesty of Sweden, a gold chain and medal, worth about fifty pounds;
+the cause whereof was, that in the year 1657 and 1658, I had made
+honourable mention of him: the _Anglicus_ of 1658 being translated into
+the language spoke at Hamburgh, printed and cried about the streets, as
+it is in London.
+
+The occasion of my writing so honourably of his Majesty of Sweden was
+this: Sir Bolstrode Whitlock, Knight, upon the very time of Oliver's
+being made Protector, having made very noble articles betwixt Christina
+then Queen of Sweden, and the English nation, was in his being at
+Stockholm visited frequently by Charles Gustavus, unto whom Christina
+resigned during his abode, and used with all manner of civility by him,
+insomuch as some other Ambassadors took it ill, that they had not so
+much respect or equal: unto which he would reply, he would be kind where
+himself did find just cause of merit unto any. He were a great lover of
+our nation; but there were some other causes also moving my pen to be so
+liberal, viz. The great hopes I had of his prevailing, and of taking
+Copenhagen and Elsinore, which, if he had lived, was hoped he might have
+accomplished; and had assuredly done, if Oliver the Protector had not so
+untimely died ere our fleet of ships returned; for Oliver sent the fleet
+on purpose to fight the Dutch; but dying, and the Parliament being
+restored, Sir Henry Vane, who afterwards was beheaded, had order from
+the Council of State to give order to the fleet what to do now Oliver
+was dead, and themselves restored. Vane, out of state-policy, gave the
+Earl of Sandwich direction not to fight the Dutch. Captain Symons, who
+carried those letters, swore unto me, had he known the letters he
+carried had contained any such prohibition, he would have sunk both ship
+and letters. Oliver said, when the fleet was to go forth, 'That if God
+blessed his Majesty of Sweden with Copenhagen, the English were to have
+Elsinore as their share; which if once I have,' saith Oliver, 'the
+English shall have the whole trade of the Baltick Sea: I will make the
+Dutch find another passage, except they will pay such customs as I shall
+impose.' Considering the advantages this would have been to our English,
+who can blame my pen for being liberal, thereby to have encouraged our
+famous and noble seamen, or for writing so honourably of the Swedish
+nation, who had most courteously treated my best of friends, Sir
+Bolstrode Whitlock, and by whose means, had the design taken effect, the
+English nation had been made happy with the most beneficial concern of
+all Christendom. I shall conclude about Oliver the then Protector, with
+whom obliquely I had transactions by his son-in-law, Mr. Cleypool; and
+to speak truly of him, he sent one that waited upon him in his chamber,
+once in two or three days, to hear how it fared with me in my sessions
+business; but I never had of him, directly or indirectly, either
+pension, or any the least sum of money, or any gratuity during his whole
+Protectorship; this I protest to be true, by the name and in the name of
+the most holy God.
+
+In 1653, before the dissolution of the Parliament, and that ere they had
+chosen any for their Ambassador into Sweden, Mr. Cleypool came unto me,
+demanding of me whom I thought fittest to send upon that embassy into
+Sweden: I nominated Sir B. Whitlock, who was chosen, and two or three
+days after Mr. Cleypool came again: 'I hope, Mr. Lilly, my father hath
+now pleased you: Your friend Sir B. Whitlock is to go for Sweden.' But
+since I have mentioned Oliver Cromwell, I will relate something of him,
+which perhaps no other pen can, or will mention. He was born of generous
+parents in Huntingdonshire, educated some time at the university of
+Cambridge: in his youth was wholly given to debauchery, quarrelling,
+drinking, &c. _quid non_; having by those means wasted his patrimony, he
+was enforced to bethink himself of leaving England, and go to
+New-England: he had hired a passage in a ship, but ere she launched out
+for her voyage, a kinsman dieth, leaving him a considerable fortune;
+upon which he returns, pays his debts, became affected to religion; is
+elected in 1640 a member of Parliament, in 1642 made a Captain of horse
+under Sir Philip Stapleton, fought at Edge-Hill; after he was made a
+Colonel, then Lieutenant-General to the Earl of Manchester, who was one
+of the three Generals to fight the Earl of Newcastle and Prince Rupert
+at York: Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, and Earl Leven the Scot, were the
+other two for the Parliament: the last two thinking all had been lost at
+Marston-Moor fight, Fairfax went into Cawood Castle, giving all for
+lost: at twelve at night there came word of the Parliament's victory;
+Fairfax being then laid down upon a bed, there was not a candle in the
+castle, nor any fire: up riseth Lord Fairfax, procures after some time,
+paper, ink, and candle, writes to Hull, and other garrisons of the
+Parliament's, of the success, and then slept.
+
+Leven the Scot asked the way to Tweed: the honour of that day's fight
+was given to Manchester, Sir Thomas Fairfax's brigade of horse, and
+Oliver Cromwell's iron sides; for Cromwell's horse, in those times,
+usually wore head-pieces, back and breast-plates of iron. After this
+victory Cromwell became gracious with the House of Commons, especially
+the Zealots, or Presbyterians, with whom at that time he especially
+joined; the name Independent, at that time, viz. 1644, being not so much
+spoken of.
+
+There was some animosity at or before the fight, betwixt the Earl of
+Newcastle and Prince Rupert; for Newcastle being General of his
+Majesty's forces in the North, a person of valour, and well esteemed in
+those parts, took it not well to have a competitor in his concernments;
+for if the victory should fall on his Majesty's side, Prince Rupert's
+forces would attribute it unto their own General, viz. Rupert, and give
+him the glory thereof: but that it happened, Prince Rupert, in that
+day's fight, engaged the Parliament's forces too soon, and before the
+Earl of Newcastle could well come out of York with his army; by reason
+whereof, though Rupert had absolutely routed the Scots and the Lord
+Fairfax's forces; yet ere timely assistance could second his army, Sir
+Thomas Fairfax and Cromwell had put him to flight, and not long after
+all Newcastle's army. A most memorable action happened on that day.
+There was one entire regiment of foot belonging to Newcastle, called the
+Lambs, because they were all new cloathed in white woollen cloth, two or
+three days before the fight. This sole regiment, after the day was lost,
+having got into a small parcel of ground ditched in, and not of easy
+access of horse, would take no quarter; and by mere valour, for one
+whole hour, kept the troops of horse from entering amongst them at near
+push of pike: when the horse did enter, they would have no quarter, but
+fought it out till there was not thirty of them living; those whose hap
+it was to be beaten down upon the ground as the troopers came near them,
+though they could not rise for their wounds, yet were so desperate as to
+get either a pike or sword, or piece of them, and to gore the troopers'
+horses as they came over them, or passed by them. Captain Camby, then a
+trooper under Cromwell, and an actor, who was the third or fourth man
+that entered amongst them, protested, he never in all the fights he was
+in, met with such resolute brave fellows, or whom he pitied so much, and
+said, 'he saved two or three against their wills.'
+
+After the fight, Manchester marched slowly southward, &c. but at last
+came with his army to Newbury fight; which ended, he came for London,
+and there he accuseth Cromwell, being his Lieutenant, to the Parliament,
+of disobedience, and not obeying his orders.
+
+The House of Commons acquaint Cromwell herewith, and charge him, as he
+would answer it before God, that the day following he should give them a
+full account of Manchester's proceedings, and the cause and occasion of
+their difference, and of the reasons why Manchester did not timely move
+westward for the relief of Essex, then in the west, who was absolutely
+routed, inforced to fly, all his foot taken, and all his ordnance and
+train of artillery, only the horse escaping. Cromwell the next day gave
+this account to Mr. Speaker in the House of Commons--by way of
+recrimination.
+
+That after God had given them a successful victory at Marston over the
+King's forces, and that they had well refreshed their army, Manchester,
+by their order, did move southward, but with such slowness, that
+sometimes he would not march for three days together; sometimes he would
+lie still one day, then two days; whereupon he said, considering the
+Earl of Essex was in the west, with what success he then knew not, he
+moved Manchester several times to quicken his march to the west, for
+relief of Essex, if he were beaten, or to divert the King's forces from
+following of Essex; but he said Manchester still refused to make any
+haste; and that one day he said, 'If any man but yourself, Lieutenant,
+should so frequently trouble me, I would call him before a Council of
+War. We have beaten the King's forces in the north; if we should do so
+in the west, his Majesty is then undone: he hath many sons living; if
+any of them come to the Crown, as they well may, they will never forget
+us.' This Major Hammond, a man of honour, will justify as well as
+myself. After which he marched not at all, until he had order from the
+Committee to hasten westward, by reason of Essex's being lost in
+Cornwall, which then he did; and at Newbury fight, it is true, I refused
+to obey his directions and order: for this it was; his Majesty's horse
+being betwixt four and five thousand in a large common, in good order,
+he commands me, Mr. Speaker, to charge them; we having no way to come at
+them but through a narrow lane, where not above three horse could march
+abreast; whereby had I followed his order, we had been all cut off ere
+we could have got into any order. Mr. Speaker, (and then he wept; which
+he could do _toties quoties_) I, considering that all the visible army
+you then had, was by this counsel in danger to be lost, refused thus to
+endanger the main strength, which now most of all consisted of those
+horse under my command, &c.--This his recrimination was well accepted by
+the House of Commons, who thereupon, and from that time, thought there
+was none of the House of Lords very fit to be entrusted with their
+future armies, but had then thoughts of making a commoner their General;
+which afterwards they did, and elected Sir Thomas Fairfax their General,
+and Cromwell Lieutenant-General; but it was next spring first. Upon
+Essex's being lost in Cornwall, I heard Serjeant Maynard say, 'If now
+the King haste to London we are undone, having no army to resist him.'
+
+His Majesty had many misfortunes ever attending him, during his abode at
+Oxford; some by reason of that great animosity betwixt Prince Rupert and
+the Lord Digby, each endeavouring to cross one another; but the worst of
+all was by treachery of several officers under his command, and in his
+service; for the Parliament had in continual pay one Colonel of the
+King's Council of War; one Lieutenant-Colonel; one Captain; one Ensign;
+one or two Serjeants; several Corporals, who had constant pay, and duly
+paid them every month, according to the capacity of their officers and
+places, and yet none of these knew any thing of each other's being so
+employed. There were several well-wishers unto the Parliament in Oxford,
+where each left his letter, putting it in at the hole of a glass-window,
+as he made water in the street. What was put in at the window in any of
+those houses, was the same day conveyed two miles off by some in the
+habit of town-gardeners, to the side of a ditch, where one or more were
+ever ready to give the intelligence to the next Parliament garrison: I
+was then familiar with all the spies that constantly went in and out to
+Oxford.
+
+But once more to my own actions. I had, in 1652 and 1653 and 1654, much
+contention with Mr. Gatacre of Rotherhithe, a man endued with all kind
+of learning, and the ablest man of the whole synod of divines in the
+Oriental tongues.
+
+The synod had concluded to make an exposition upon the bible; some
+undertook one book, some another. Gatacre fell upon _Jeremy_. Upon
+making his exposition on the 2d verse of the 10th chapter,
+
+'Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of
+heaven, for the heathen are dismayed at them.'
+
+In his _Annotations_ thereupon, he makes a scandalous exposition; and in
+express terms, hints at me, repeating _verbatim_, ten or twelve times,
+an _Epistle_ of mine in one of my former _Anglicus_.
+
+The substance of my _Epistle_ was, that I did conceive the good angels
+of God did first reveal astrology unto mankind, &c. but he in his
+_Annotations_ calls me blind buzzard, &c.
+
+Having now liberty of the press, and hearing the old man was very
+cholerick, I thought fit to raise it up--and only wrote--I referred my
+discourse then in hand to the discussion and judgment of sober persons,
+but not unto Thomas Wiseacre, for _Senes bis pueri_: These very words
+begot the writing of forty-two sheets against myself and astrology. The
+next year I quibbled again in three or four lines against him, then he
+printed twenty-two sheets against me. I was persuaded by Dr. Gauden,
+late Bishop of Exeter, to let him alone; but in my next year's
+_Anglicus_, in August observations, I wrote, _Hac in tumba jacet
+Presbyter & Nebulo_, in which very month he died.
+
+Several divines applied themselves unto me, desiring me to forbear any
+further vexing of Mr. Gatacre; but all of them did as much condemn him
+of indiscretion, that in so sober a piece of work as that was, viz. in
+an _Annotation_ upon a sacred text of scripture to particularize me and
+in that dirty language: they pitied him, that he had not better
+considered with himself ere he published it.
+
+Dean Owen of Christ's-Church in Oxford, also in his sermons had sharp
+invectives against me and astrology; I cried quittance with him, by
+urging Abbot Panormitan's judgment of astrology contrary to Owen's, and
+concluded, 'An Abbot was an ace above a Dean.'
+
+One Mr. Nye of the assembly of divines, a Jesuitical Presbyterian,
+bleated forth his judgment publickly against me and astrology: to be
+quit with him, I urged Causinus the Jesuit's approbation of astrology,
+and concluded, _Sic canibus catulos, &c_.
+
+In some time after the Dutch Ambassador being offended with some things
+in _Anglicus_, presented a memorial to the Council of State, that
+_Merlinus Anglicus_ might be considered, and the abuses against their
+nation examined; but his paper was not accepted of, or I any way
+molested.
+
+In Oliver's Protectorship, I wrote freely and satyrical enough: he was
+now become Independant, and all the soldiery my friends; for when he was
+in Scotland, the day of one of their fights, a soldier stood with
+_Anglicus_ in his hand; and as the several troops passed by him, 'Lo,
+hear what Lilly saith; you are in this month promised victory, fight it
+out, brave boys;' and then read that month's prediction.
+
+I had long before predicted the downfall of Presbytery, as you (most
+honoured Sir) in the figure thereof, in my _Introduction_, may observe;
+and it was upon this occasion. Sir Thomas Middleton of Chark Castle,
+enemy to Presbytery, seeing they much prevailed, being a member of the
+House, seriously demanded my judgment, if Presbytery should prevail, or
+not, in England? The figure printed in my _Introduction_, will best give
+you an account, long before it happened, of the sinking and failing of
+Presbytery; so will the second page of my _Hieroglyphicks_. Those men,
+to be serious, would preach well; but they were more lordly than
+Bishops, and usually, in their parishes, more tyrannical than the Great
+Turk.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+OF THE YEAR 1660; THE ACTIONS WHEREOF, AS THEY WERE REMARKABLE IN
+ENGLAND, SO WERE THEY NO LESS MEMORABLE AS TO MY PARTICULAR FORTUNE AND
+PERSON.
+
+
+Upon the Lord General Monk's returning from Scotland with his army into
+England, suddenly after his coming to London, Richard Cromwell, the then
+Protector's, authority was laid aside, and the old Parliament restored;
+the Council of State sat as formerly. The first act they put the General
+upon was, to take down the city gates and portcullisses, an act which,
+the General said, was fitter for a Janizary to do than for a General;
+yet he effected the commands received, and then lodged in the city with
+his army. The citizens took this pulling down of their gates so
+heinously, that one night the ruder sort of them procured all the rumps
+of beef, and other baggage, and publickly burnt them in the streets, in
+derision of the then Parliament, calling them that now sat, The Rump.
+This hurly-burly was managed as well by the General's soldiers as the
+citizens. The King's health was publickly drank all over the city, to
+the confusion of the Parliament. The matter continued until midnight, or
+longer. The Council of State, sitting at White-Hall, had hereof no
+knowledge, until Sir Martin Noell, a discreet citizen, came about nine
+at night, and then first informed them thereof. The Council could not
+believe it, until they had sent some ministers of their own, who
+affirmed the verity thereof. They were at a stand, and could not resolve
+what to do; at last Nevil Smith came, being one of them, and publickly
+protested there was but one way to regain their authority, and to be
+revenged of this affront, and to overthrow the Lord General Monk, whom
+they now perceived intended otherways than he had pretended; his council
+was, to take away Monk's commission, and to give a present commission to
+Major-General Lambert to be their General; which counsel of his, if they
+would take and put it speedily in execution, would put an end unto all
+the present mischiefs. The Council in general did all very well approve
+Nevil Smith's judgment; but presently up starts Sir Arthur Hazellrigg,
+and makes a sharp invective against Lambert, and concluded, he would
+rather perish under the King of Scot's power, than that Lambert should
+ever any more have command under the Parliament.
+
+The Lord General suddenly after brings in the long excluded Members to
+sit in Parliament, being persons of great judgment, and formerly
+enforced from sitting therein by the soldiery, and connivance of those
+who stiled themselves the godly part of the Parliament. These honourable
+patriots presently voted his Majesty's coming into England, and so he
+did in May 1660. But because Charles the Second, now (1667) King of
+England, Son of Charles the First, grandchild to James the First, King
+of Great Britany, was so miraculously restored, and so many hundreds of
+years since prophesied of by Ambrose Merlin, it will not be impertinent
+to mention the prophecies themselves, the rather because we have seen
+their verification.
+
+
+AMBROSE MERLIN'S PROPHECY WROTE ABOUT 990 YEARS SINCE.
+
+
+He calls King James, The Lion of Righteousness; and saith, when he died,
+or was dead, there would reign a noble White King; this was Charles the
+First. The prophet discovers all his troubles, his flying up and down,
+his imprisonment, his death; and calls him Aquila. What concerns Charles
+the Second, is the subject of our discourse: in the Latin copy it is
+thus:
+
+_Deinde ab Austro veniet cum Sole super ligneos equos, & super spumantem
+inundationem maris, Pullus Aquilae navigans in Britanniam._
+
+_Et applicans statim tunc altam domum Aquilae sitiens, & cito aliam
+sitiet._
+
+_Deinde Pullus Aquilae nidificabit in summa rupe totius Britanniae: nec
+juvenis occidet, nec ad senem vivet._
+
+This, in an old copy, is Englished thus:
+
+'After then, shall come through the south with the sun, on horse of
+tree, and upon all waves of the sea, the Chicken of the Eagle, sailing
+into Britain, and arriving anon to the house of the Eagle, he shall shew
+fellowship to them beasts.
+
+'After, the Chicken of the Eagle shall nestle in the highest rock of all
+Britain: nay, he shall nought be slain young; nay, he nought come old.'
+
+Another Latin copy renders the last verse thus:
+
+_Deinde pullus Aquilae nidificabit in summo rupium, nec juvenis
+occidetur, nec ad senium perveniet._ There is after this, _percificato
+regno omnes occidet_; which is intended of those persons put to death,
+that sat as Judges upon his father's death.
+
+
+THE VERIFICATION.
+
+
+His Majesty being in the Low-Countries when the Lord General had
+restored the secluded Members, the Parliament sent part of the Royal
+Navy to bring him for England, which they did in May 1660. Holland is
+East from England, so he came with the sun; but he landed at Dover, a
+port in the south part of England. Wooden-horses, are the English ships.
+
+_Tunc nidificabit in summo rupium._
+
+The Lord General, and most of the gentry in England, met him in Kent,
+and brought him unto London, then to White-hall.
+
+Here, by the highest Rooch, (some write Rock,) is intended London, being
+the metropolis of all England.
+
+Since which time, unto this very day I write this story, he hath reigned
+in England, and long may he do hereafter. 10th December, 1667.
+
+Had I leisure, I might verify the whole preceding part concerning King
+Charles. Much of the verification thereof is mentioned in my _Collection
+of Prophecies_, printed 1645. But his Majesty being then alive, I
+forbore much of that subject, not willing to give offence. I dedicated
+that book unto him; and, in the conclusion thereof, I advised his return
+unto Parliament, with these words, _Fac hoc & vives_.
+
+There was also a _Prophecy_ printed 1588, in Greek characters, exactly
+decyphering the long troubles the English nation had from 1641 until
+1660; and then it ended thus:
+
+'And after that shall come a dreadful dead man, and with him a Royal G.'
+[it is Gamma in the Greek, intending C. in the Latin, being the third
+letter in the alphabet,] 'of the best blood in the world, and he shall
+have the Crown, and shall set England on the right way, and put out all
+heresies.'
+
+Monkery being extinguished above eighty or ninety years, and the Lord
+General's name being Monk, is the Dead Man. The Royal G. or C. is
+Charles the Second, who, for his extraction, may be said to be of the
+best blood in the world.
+
+These two prophecies were not given vocally by the angels, but by
+inspection of the crystal in types and figures, or by apparition the
+circular way, where, at some distance, the angels appear, representing
+by forms, shapes, and creatures, what is demanded. It is very rare, yea,
+even in our days, for any operator or master to have the angels speak
+articulately; when they do speak, it is like the Irish, much in the
+throat.
+
+What further concerns his Majesty, will more fully be evident about 1672
+or 1674, or, at farthest, in 1676. And now unto my own actions in 1660.
+
+In the first place, my fee-farm rents, being of the yearly value of one
+hundred and twenty pounds, were all lost by his Majesty's coming to his
+restoration: but I do say truly, the loss thereof did never trouble me,
+or did I repine thereat.
+
+In June of that year, a new Parliament was called, whereunto I was
+unwillingly invited by two messengers of the Serjeant at Arms. The
+matter whereupon I was taken into custody was, to examine me concerning
+the person who cut off the King's head, viz. the late King's.
+
+Sir Daniel Harvey, of Surry, got the business moved against me in great
+displeasure, because, at the election of new knights for Surrey, I
+procured the whole town of Walton to stand, and give their voices for
+Sir Richard Onslow. The Committee to examine me, were Mr. Prinn, one
+Colonel King, and Mr. Richard Weston of Gray's-Inn.
+
+God's providence appeared very much for me that day, for walking in
+Westminster-Hall, Mr. Richard Pennington, son to my old friend Mr.
+William Pennington, met me, and enquiring the cause of my being there,
+said no more, but walked up and down the hall, and related my kindness
+to his father unto very many Parliament men of Cheshire and Lancashire,
+Yorkshire, Cumberland, and those northern countries, who numerously came
+up into the Speaker's chamber, and bade me be of good comfort: at last
+he meets Mr. Weston, one of the three unto whom my matter was referred
+for examination, who told Mr. Pennington, that he came purposely to
+punish me; and would be bitter against me; but hearing it related, viz.
+my singular kindness and preservation of old Mr. Pennington's estate to
+the value of six or seven thousand pounds, 'I will do him all the good I
+can,' says he. 'I thought he had never done any good; let me see him,
+and let him stand behind me where I sit:' I did so. At my first
+appearance, many of the young members affronted me highly, and demanded
+several scurrilous questions. Mr. Weston held a paper before his mouth;
+bade me answer nobody but Mr. Prinn; I obeyed his command, and saved
+myself much trouble thereby; and when Mr. Prinn put any difficult or
+doubtful query unto me, Mr. Weston prompted me with a fit answer. At
+last, after almost one hour's tugging, I desired to be fully heard what
+I could say as to the person who cut Charles the First's head off.
+Liberty being given me to speak, I related what follows, viz.
+
+That the next Sunday but one after Charles the First was beheaded,
+Robert Spavin, Secretary unto Lieutenant-General Cromwell at that time,
+invited himself to dine with me, and brought Anthony Peirson, and
+several others, along with him to dinner: that their principal discourse
+all dinner-time was only, who it was that beheaded the King; one said it
+was the common hangman; another, Hugh Peters; others also were
+nominated, but none concluded. Robert Spavin, so soon as dinner was
+done, took me by the hand, and carried me to the south window: saith he,
+'These are all mistaken, they have not named the man that did the fact:
+it was Lieutenant-Colonel JOICE; I was in the room when he fitted
+himself for the work, stood behind him when he did it; when done, went
+in again with him: there is no man knows this but my master, viz.
+Cromwell, Commissary Ireton, and myself.' 'Doth not Mr. Rushworth know
+it?' said I. 'No, he doth not know it,' saith Spavin. The same thing
+Spavin since had often related unto me when we were alone. Mr. Prinn
+did, with much civility, make a report hereof in the House; yet Norfolk
+the Serjeant, after my discharge, kept me two days longer in arrest,
+purposely to get money of me. He had six pounds, and his Messenger forty
+shillings; and yet I was attached but upon Sunday, examined on Tuesday,
+and then discharged, though the covetous Serjeant detained me until
+Thursday. By means of a friend, I cried quittance with Norfolk, which
+friend was to pay him his salary at that time, and abated Norfolk three
+pounds, which we spent every penny at one dinner, without inviting the
+wretched Serjeant: but in the latter end of the year, when the King's
+Judges were arraigned at the Old-Bailey, Norfolk warned me to attend,
+believing I could give information concerning Hugh Peters. At the
+sessions I attended during its continuance, but was never called or
+examined. There I heard Harrison, Scott, Clement, Peters, Hacker,
+Scroop, and others of the King's Judges, and Cook the Sollicitor, who
+excellently defended himself; I say, I did hear what they could say for
+themselves, and after heard the sentence of condemnation pronounced
+against them by the incomparably modest and learned Judge Bridgman, now
+Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England.
+
+One would think my troubles for that year had been ended; but in January
+1662, one Everard, a Justice of Peace in Westminster, ere I was
+stirring, sent a Serjeant and thirty four musqueteers for me to
+White-Hall: he had twice that night seized about sixty persons, supposed
+fanaticks, very despicable persons, many whereof were aged, some were
+water-bearers, and had been Parliament-soldiers; others, of ordinary
+callings: all these were guarded unto White-Hall, into a large room,
+until day-light, and then committed to the Gate-House; I was had into
+the guard-room, which I thought to be hell; some therein were sleeping,
+others swearing, others smoaking tobacco. In the chimney of the room I
+believe there was two bushels of broken tobacco-pipes, almost half one
+load of ashes. Everard, about nine in the morning, comes, writes my
+mittimus for the Gate-House, then shews it me: I must be contented. I
+desired no other courtesy, but that I might be privately carried unto
+the Gate-House by two soldiers; that was denied. Among the miserable
+crew of people, with a whole company of soldiers, I marched to prison,
+and there for three hours was in the open air upon the ground, where the
+common house of office came down. After three hours, I was advanced from
+this stinking place up the stairs, where there was on one side a company
+of rude swearing persons; on the other side many Quakers, who lovingly
+entertained me. As soon as I was fixed, I wrote to my old friend Sir
+Edward Walker, Garter King at Arms, who presently went to Mr. Secretary
+Nicholas, and acquainted him with my condition. He ordered Sir Edward to
+write to Everard to release me, unless he had any particular information
+against me, which he had not. He further said, it was not his Majesty's
+pleasure that any of his subjects should be thus had to prison without
+good cause shewed before. Upon receipt of Sir Edward's letter, Everard
+discharged me, I taking the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. This
+day's work cost me thirty-seven shillings. Afterwards Everard stood to
+be Burgess for Westminster; sent me to procure him voices. I returned
+answer, that of all men living he deserved no courtesy from me, nor
+should have any.
+
+In this year 1660, I sued out my pardon under the Broad Seal of England,
+being so advised by good counsel, because there should be no
+obstruction; I passed as William Lilly, Citizen and Salter of London; it
+cost me thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence.
+
+There happened a verification of an astrological judgment of mine in
+this year, 1660, which, because it was predicted sixteen years before it
+came to pass, and the year expressly nominated, I thought fit to
+mention.
+
+In page 111 of my _Prophetical Merlin_, upon three sextile Aspects of
+Saturn and Jupiter, made in 1659 and 1660, I wrote thus--
+
+'This their friendly salutation comforts us in England, every man now
+possesses his own vineyard; our young youth grow up unto man's estate,
+and our old men live their full years; our nobles and gentlemen root
+again; our yeomanry, many years disconsolated, now take pleasure in
+their husbandry. The merchant sends out ships, and hath prosperous
+returns; the mechanick hath quick trading: here is almost a new world;
+new laws, new Lords. Now my country of England shall shed no more tears,
+but rejoice with, and in the many blessings God gives or affords her
+annually.'
+
+And in the same book, page 118, over-against the year 1660, you shall
+find, A bonny Scot acts his part.
+
+The long Parliament would give Charles the Second no other title than
+King of Scots.
+
+I also wrote to Sir Edward Walker, Kt. Garter King at Arms in 1659, he
+then being in Holland--
+
+_Tu, Dominusque vester videbitis Angliam, infra duos annos_.--For in
+1662, his moon came by direction to the body of the sun.
+
+But he came in upon the ascendant directed unto the trine of Sol and
+antiscion of Jupiter.
+
+And happy it was for the nation he did come in, and long and
+prosperously may he reign amongst us.
+
+In 1663 and 1664, I had along and tedious law-suit in Chancery, M.C.
+coming to quartile of Saturn; and the occasion of that suit, was
+concerning houses; and my enemy, though aged, had no beard, was really
+saturnine. We came unto a hearing Feb. 1664, before the Master of the
+Rolls, Sir Harbottle Grimston, where I had the victory, but no costs
+given me.
+
+My adversary, not satisfied with that judgment, petitioned that most
+just and honourable man, the Lord Chancellor Hyde, for a re-hearing his
+cause before him.
+
+It was granted, and the 13th June, 1664, my M.C. then directed to
+quartile of Venus and Sol. His Lordship most judiciously heard it with
+much attention, and when my adversary's counsel had urged those
+depositions which they had against me, his Lordship stood up, and said,
+
+'Here is not one word against Mr. Lilly.'--
+
+I replied, 'My Lord, I hope I shall have costs.'
+
+'Very good reason,' saith he; and so I had: and, at my departure out of
+court, put off his hat, and bid 'God be with you.'
+
+This is the month of Dec. 1667, wherein, by misfortune, he is much
+traduced and highly persecuted by his enemies: is also retired, however
+not in the least questioned for any indirect judgment as Chancellor, in
+the Chancery; [but in other things he hath been very foul, as in the
+articles drawn up by the Parliament against him, it appears. Which
+articles I presume you have not seen, otherwise you would have been of
+another mind, A W] for there was never any person sat in that place, who
+executed justice with more uprightness, or judgment, or quickness for
+dispatch, than this very noble Lord. God, I hope, in mercy will preserve
+his person from his enemies, and in good time restore him unto all his
+honours again: from my soul I wish it, and hope I shall live to see it.
+Amen: _Fiat oh tu Deus justitiae_.
+
+In 1663 and 1664, I was made churchwarden of Walton upon Thames,
+settling as well as I could the affairs of that distracted parish, upon
+my own charges; and upon my leaving the place, forgave them seven pounds
+odd money due unto me.
+
+In 1664, I had another law-suit with Captain Colborn, Lord of the manor
+of Esher, concerning the rights of the parish of Walton. He had newly
+purchased that manor, and having one hundred and fifty acres of ground,
+formerly park and wood ground lying in our parish, conceived, he had
+right of common in our parish of Walton: thereupon, he puts three
+hundred sheep upon the common; part whereof I impounded: he replevins
+them, and gave me a declaration. I answered it. The trial was to be at
+the Assizes at Kingston in April 1664. When the day of trial came, he
+had not one witness in his cause, I had many; whereupon upon conference,
+and by mediation, he gave me eleven pounds for my charges sustained in
+that suit, whereof I returned him back again fifty shillings: forty
+shillings for himself, and ten shillings for the poor of the parish he
+lived in.
+
+This I did at my own cost and charges, not one parishioner joining with
+me. I had now M.C. under quartile of Venus and Sol--both in my second,
+ergo, I got money by this thing, or suit. Sir Bolstrode Whitlock gave me
+counsel.
+
+Now I come unto the year 1665, wherein that horrible and devouring
+plague so extreamly raged in the city of London. 27th of June 1665, I
+retired into the country to my wife and family, where since I have
+wholly continued, and so intend by permission of God. I had, before I
+came away, very many people of the poorer sort frequented my lodging,
+many whereof were so civil, as when they brought waters, viz. urines,
+from infected people, they would stand purposely at a distance. I
+ordered those infected, and not like to die, cordials, and caused them
+to sweat, whereby many recovered. My landlord of the house was afraid of
+those poor people, I nothing at all. He was desirous I should be gone.
+He had four children: I took them with me into the country and provided
+for them. Six weeks after I departed, he, his wife, and man-servant died
+of the plague.
+
+In _Monarchy or no Monarchy_, printed 1651, I had framed an
+Hieroglyphick, which you may see in page the 7th, representing a great
+sickness and mortality; wherein you may see the representation of people
+in their winding-sheets, persons digging graves and sepultures, coffins,
+&c. All this was performed by the more secret _Key of Astrology_, or
+_Prophetical Astrology_.
+
+In 1666, happened that miraculous conflagration in the city of London,
+whereby in four days, the most part thereof was consumed by fire. In my
+_Monarchy or no Monarchy_, the next side after the coffins and pickaxes,
+there is a representation of a great city all in flames of fire. The
+memorial whereof some Parliament men remembering, thought fit to send
+for me before that Committee which then did sit, for examination of the
+causes of the fire; and whether there was no treachery or design in the
+business, his Majesty being then in war both with the French and Dutch.
+The summons to appear before that Committee was as followeth.
+
+    '_Monday, 22d October_, 1666.
+
+    'At the Committee appointed to enquire after the causes of the
+    late fires:
+
+    'ORDERED,
+
+    'That Mr. Lilly do attend this Committee on Friday next, being
+    the 25th of October, 1666, at two of the clock in the afternoon,
+    in the Speaker's chamber; to answer such questions as shall be
+    then and there asked him.
+
+    'ROBERT BROOKE.'
+
+By accident I was then in London, when the summons came unto me. I was
+timorous of Committees, being ever by some of them calumniated,
+upbraided, scorned, and derided. However I must and did appear; and let
+me never forget that great affection and care yourself (Oh most
+excellent and learned Esquire Ashmole) shewed unto me at that time.
+First, your affection in going along with me all that day; secondly,
+your great pains and care, in speaking unto many worthy Members of that
+Committee your acquaintance, that they should befriend me, and not
+permit me to be affronted, or have any disgraceful language cast upon
+me. I must seriously acknowledge the persuasions so prevailed with those
+generous souls, that I conceive there was never more civility used unto
+any than unto myself; and you know, there were no small number of
+Parliament men appeared, when they heard I was to be there.
+
+Sir Robert Brooke spoke to this purpose:
+
+'Mr. Lilly, This Committee thought fit to summon you to appear before
+them this day, to know, if you can say any thing as to the cause of the
+late fire, or whether there might be any design therein. You are called
+the rather hither, because in a book of your's, long since printed, you
+hinted some such thing by one of your hieroglyphics.' Unto which I
+replied,
+
+'May it please your Honours,
+
+'After the beheading of the late King, considering that in the three
+subsequent years the Parliament acted nothing which concerned the
+settlement of the nation in peace; and seeing the generality of people
+dissatisfied, the citizens of London discontented, the soldiery prone to
+mutiny, I was desirous, according to the best knowledge God had given
+me, to make enquiry by the art I studied, what might from that time
+happen unto the Parliament and nation in general. At last, having
+satisfied myself as well as I could, and perfected my judgment therein,
+I thought it most convenient to signify my intentions and conceptions
+thereof, in Forms, Shapes, Types, Hieroglyphicks, &c. without any
+commentary, that so my judgment might be concealed from the vulgar, and
+made manifest only unto the wise. I herein imitating the examples of
+many wise philosophers who had done the like.'
+
+'Sir Robert,' saith one, 'Lilly is yet _sub vestibulo_.'
+
+I proceeded further. Said I, 'Having found, Sir, that the city of London
+should be sadly afflicted with a great plague, and not long after with
+an exorbitant fire, I framed these two hieroglyphics as represented in
+the book, which in effect have proved very true.'
+
+'Did you foresee the year?' said one.
+
+'I did not,' said I, 'or was desirous: of that I made no scrutiny.' I
+proceeded--
+
+'Now, Sir, whether there was any design of burning the city, or any
+employed to that purpose, I must deal ingenuously with you, that since
+the fire, I have taken much pains in the search thereof, but cannot or
+could not give myself any the least satisfaction therein. I conclude,
+that it was the only finger of God; but what instruments he used
+thereunto, I am ignorant.'
+
+The Committee seemed well pleased with what I spoke, and dismissed me
+with great civility.
+
+Since which time no memorable action hath happened unto me, my
+retirement impeding all concourse unto me.
+
+I have many things more to communicate, which I shall do, as they offer
+themselves to memory.
+
+In anno 1634, and 1635, I had much familiarity with John Hegenius,
+Doctor of Physick, a Dutchman, an excellent scholar and an able
+physician, not meanly versed in astrology. Unto him, for his great
+civility, I communicated the art of framing Sigils, Lamens, &c. and the
+use of the Mosaical Rods:--and we did create several Sigils to very good
+purpose. I gave him, the true key thereof, _viz._ instructed him of
+their forms, characters, words, and last of all, how to give them
+vivification, and what number or numbers were appropriated to every
+planet: _Cum multis aliis in libris veterum latentibus; aut perspicue
+non intellectis_.
+
+I was well acquainted with the Speculator of John a Windor, a scrivener,
+sometimes living in Newbury. This Windor was club-fisted, wrote with a
+pen betwixt both his hands. I have seen many bonds and bills wrote by
+him. He was much given to debauchery, so that at some times the Daemons
+would not appear to the Speculator; he would then suffumigate:
+sometimes, to vex the spirits, he would curse them, fumigate with
+contraries. Upon his examination before Sir Henry Wallop, Kt. which I
+have seen, he said, he once visited Dr. Dee in Mortlack; and out of a
+book that lay in the window, he copied out that call which he used, when
+he invocated--
+
+It was that--which near the beginning of it hath these words,
+
+  _Per virtutem illorum qui invocant nomen tuum_,
+  Hermeli--_mitte nobis tres Angelos, &c_.
+
+Windor had many good parts, but was a most lewd person: My master Wright
+knew him well, and having dealing in those parts, made use of him as a
+scrivener.
+
+Oliver Withers, servant to Sir H. Wallop, brought up John a Windor's
+examination unto London, purposely for me to peruse. This Withers was
+Mr. Fiske's scholar three years more or less, to learn astrology of him;
+but being never the wiser, Fiske brought him unto me: by shewing him but
+how to judge one figure, his eyes were opened: He made the Epistle
+before Dr. Neve's book, now in Mr. Sander's hands, was very learned in
+the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew tongues.
+
+Having mentioned Dr. John Dee, I hold it not impertinent to speak
+something of him; but more especially of Edward Kelly's Speculator.
+
+Dr. Dee himself was a Cambro Briton, educated in the university of
+Oxford, there took his degree of Doctor; afterwards for many years in
+search of the profounder studies, travelled into foreign parts: to be
+serious, he was Queen Elizabeth's intelligencer, and had a salary for
+his maintenance from the Secretaries of State. He was a ready witted
+man, quick of apprehension, very learned, and of great judgment in the
+Latin and Greek tongues. He was a very great investigator of the more
+secret Hermetical learning, a perfect astronomer, a curious astrologer,
+a serious geometrician; to speak truth, he was excellent in all kinds of
+learning.
+
+With all this, he was the most ambitious person living, and most
+desirous of fame and renown, and was never so well pleased as when he
+heard himself stiled Most Excellent.
+
+He was studious in chymistry, and attained to good perfection therein;
+but his servant, or rather companion, Kelly, out-went him, _viz._ about
+the Elixir or Philosopher's Stone; which neither Kelly or Dee attained
+by their own labour and industry. It was in this manner Kelly obtained
+it, as I had it related from an ancient minister, who knew the certainty
+thereof from an old English merchant, resident in Germany, at what time
+both Kelly and Dee were there.
+
+Dee and Kelly being in the confines of the Emperor's dominions, in a
+city where resided many English merchants, with whom they had much
+familiarity, there happened an old Friar to come to Dr. Dee's lodging.
+Knocking at the door, Dee peeped down the stairs. 'Kelly,' says he,
+'tell the old man I am not at home.' Kelly did so. The Friar said, 'I
+will take another time to wait on him.' Some few days after, he came
+again. Dee ordered Kelly, if it were the same person, to deny him again.
+He did so; at which the Friar was very angry. 'Tell thy master I came to
+speak with him and to do him good, because he is a great scholar and
+famous; but now tell him, he put forth a book, and dedicated it to the
+Emperor: it is called _Monas Hierogliphicas_. He understands it not. I
+wrote it myself, I came to instruct him therein, and in some other more
+profound things. Do thou, Kelly, come along with me, I will make thee
+more famous than thy master Dee.'
+
+Kelly was very apprehensive of what the Friar delivered, and thereupon
+suddenly retired from Dee, and wholly applied unto the Friar; and of him
+either had the Elixir ready made, or the perfect method of its
+preparation and making. The poor Friar lived a very short time after:
+whether he died a natural death, or was otherwise poisoned or made away
+by Kelly, the merchant, who related this, did not certainly know.
+
+How Kelly died afterwards at Prague, you well know: he was born at
+Worcester, had been an apothecary. Not above thirty years since he had a
+sister lived in Worcester, who had some gold made by her brother's
+projection.
+
+Dr. Dee died at Mortlack in Surrey, very poor, enforced many times to
+sell some book or other to buy his dinner with, as Dr. Napier of
+Linford, in Buckinghamshire, oft related, who knew him very well.
+
+I have read over his book of _Conference with Spirits_, and thereby
+perceive many weaknesses in the manage of that way of Mosaical learning:
+but I conceive, the reason why he had not more plain resolutions, and
+more to the purpose, was, because Kelly was very vicious, unto whom the
+angels were not obedient, or willingly did declare the questions
+propounded; but I could give other reasons, but those are not for paper.
+
+I was very familiar with one Sarah Skelhorn, who had been Speculatrix
+unto one Arthur Gauntlet about Gray's-Inn-Lane, a very lewd fellow,
+professing physick. This Sarah had a perfect sight, and indeed the best
+eyes for that purpose I ever yet did see. Gauntlet's books, after he was
+dead, were sold, after I had perused them, to my scholar Humphreys:
+there were rare notions in them. This Sarah lived a long time, even
+until her death, with one Mrs. Stockman in the Isle of Purbeck, and died
+about sixteen years since. Her mistress one time being desirous to
+accompany her mother, the Lady Beconsfield, unto London, who lived
+twelve miles from her habitation, caused Sarah to inspect her crystal,
+to see if she, viz. her mother, was gone, yea or not: the angels
+appeared, and shewed her mother opening a trunk, and taking out a red
+waistcoat, whereby she perceived she was not gone. Next day she went to
+her mother's, and there, as she entered the chamber, she was opening a
+trunk, and had a red waistcoat in her hand. Sarah told me oft, the
+angels would for some years follow her, and appear in every room of the
+house, until she was weary of them.
+
+This Sarah Skelhorn, her call unto the crystal began,
+
+'_Oh ye good angels, only and only_,' &c.
+
+Ellen Evans, daughter of my tutor Evans, her call unto the crystal was
+this:
+
+'_O Micol, O tu Micol, regina pigmeorum veni, &c_.'
+
+Since I have related of the Queen of Fairies, I shall acquaint you, that
+it is not for every one, or every person, that these angelical creatures
+will appear unto, though they may say over the call, over and over, or
+indeed is it given to very many persons to endure their glorious
+aspects; even very many have failed just at that present when they are
+ready to manifest themselves; even persons otherwise of undaunted
+spirits and firm resolution, are herewith astonished, and tremble; as it
+happened not many years since with us. A very sober discreet person, of
+virtuous life and conversation, was beyond measure desirous to see
+something in this nature. He went with a friend into my Hurst Wood: the
+Queen of Fairies was invocated, a gentle murmuring wind came first;
+after that, amongst the hedges, a smart whirlwind; by and by a strong
+blast of wind blew upon the face of the friend,--and the Queen appearing
+in a most illustrious glory, 'No more, I beseech you,' (quoth the
+friend:) 'My heart fails; I am not able to endure longer.' Nor was he:
+his black curling hair rose up, and I believe a bullrush would have beat
+him to the ground: he was soundly laughed at, &c.
+
+Sir Robert Holborn, Knight, brought once unto me Gladwell[18] of
+Suffolk, who had formerly had sight and conference with Uriel and
+Raphael, but lost them both by carelessness; so that neither of them
+both would but rarely appear, and then presently be gone, resolving
+nothing. He would have given me two hundred pounds to have assisted him
+for their recovery, but I am no such man.--Those glorious creatures, if
+well commanded, and well observed, do teach the master any thing he
+desires; _Amant secreta, fugiunt aperta_. The Fairies love the southern
+side of hills, mountains, groves.--Neatness and cleanliness in apparel,
+a strict diet, and upright life, fervent prayers unto God, conduce much
+to the assistance of those who are curious these ways.
+
+    [Footnote 18: Mr. Gilbert Wakering gave him his berril when he
+    died; it was of the largeness of a good big orange, set in
+    silver, with a cross on the top, and another on the handle; and
+    round about engraved the names of these angels, Raphael,
+    Gabriel, Uriel.]
+
+It hath been my happiness to meet with many rarities in my time
+unexpectedly. I had a sister lived in the Minories, in that very house
+where formerly had lived one Evans, not my tutor, but another far
+exceeding him in astrology, and all other occult learning, questioned
+for his life about 1612. I am sure it was when the present Earl of
+Manchester's father was Lord Chief Justice of England. He was found
+guilty by a peevish Jury: but petitioning King James by a Greek
+petition, as indeed he was an excellent Grecian; 'By my saul,' said King
+James, 'this man shall not die; I think he is a better Grecian than any
+of my Bishops:' so his life was spared, &c. My sister's master when new
+modelling the house, broke up a window, under which were Evans's secret
+manuscripts,[19] and two moulds in brass; one of a man, the other of a
+woman. I bought the moulds and book for five shillings; the secrets were
+wrote in an imperfect Greek character; but after I found the vowels, all
+the rest were presently clear enough.
+
+    [Footnote 19: From these manuscripts he gained his first
+    knowledge.]
+
+You see, most worthy Sir, I write freely; it is out of the sincerity of
+my affection, many things wrote by me having been more fit for a
+sepulture than a book: But,
+
+_Quo major est virorum praestantium, tui similium inopia; eo mihi charior
+est, & esse debet & amicitia tua: quam quidem omnibus officiis, &
+studiis, quae a summa benevolentia possunt, perpetuo colam_: However, who
+study the curiosities before-named, if they are not very well versed in
+astrology, they shall rarely attain their desired ends. There was, in
+the late times of troubles, one Mortlack, who pretended unto
+Speculations, had a crystal, a call of Queen Mab, one of the Queen of
+Fairies; he deluded many thereby: at last I was brought into his
+company; he was desired to make invocation, he did so; nothing appeared,
+or would: three or four times in my company he was put upon to do the
+work, but could not; at last he said he could do nothing as long as I
+was in presence. I at last shewed him his error, but left him as I found
+him, a pretending ignoramus.
+
+I may seem to some to write incredibilia; be it so, but knowing unto
+whom, and for whose only sake, I do write them, I am much comforted
+therewith, well knowing you are the most knowing man in these
+curiosities of any now living in England; and therefore it is my hope,
+these will be a present well-becoming you to accept.
+
+_Praeclara omnia quam difficilia sint, his praesertim temporibus.
+(Celeberrime Armiger,) non te fugit_; and therefore I will acquaint you
+with one memorable story related unto me by Mr. John Marr, an excellent
+mathematican and geometrician, whom I conceive you remember: he was
+servant to King James and Charles the First.
+
+At first, when the Lord Napier, or Marchiston, made publick his
+Logarithms, Mr. Briggs, then reader of the astronomy lecture at
+Gresham-College in London, was so surprized with admiration of them,
+that he could have no quietness in himself, until he had seen that noble
+person the Lord Marchiston, whose only invention they were: he acquaints
+John Marr herewith, who went into Scotland before Mr. Briggs, purposely
+to be there when these two so learned persons should meet. Mr. Briggs
+appoints a certain day when to meet at Edinburgh: but failing thereof,
+the Lord Napier was doubtful he would not come. It happened one day as
+John Marr and the Lord Napier were speaking of Mr. Briggs; 'Ah, John,'
+saith Marchiston, 'Mr. Briggs will not now come:' at the very instant
+one knocks at the gate; John Marr hasted down, and it proved Mr. Briggs,
+to his great contentment. He brings Mr. Briggs up into my Lord's
+chamber, where almost one quarter of an hour was spent, each beholding
+the other almost with admiration, before one word was spoke: at last Mr.
+Briggs began.
+
+'My Lord, I have undertaken this long journey purposely to see your
+person, and to know by what engine of wit or ingenuity you came first to
+think of this most excellent help unto astronomy, viz. the Logarithms;
+but, my Lord, being by you found out, I wonder no body else found it out
+before, when, now known, it is so easy.' He was nobly entertained by the
+Lord Napier, and every summer after that, during the Lord's being alive,
+this venerable man, Mr. Briggs, went purposely into Scotland to visit
+him; _Tempora nunc mutantur_.
+
+These two persons were worthy men in their time; and yet the one, viz.
+Lord Marchiston, was a great lover of astrology, but Briggs the most
+satirical man against it that hath been known: but the reason hereof I
+conceive was, that Briggs was a severe Presbyterian, and wholly
+conversant with persons of that judgment; whereas the Lord Marchiston
+was a general scholar, and deeply read in all divine and human
+histories: it is the same Marchiston who made that most serious and
+learned exposition upon the _Revelation of St. John_; which is the best
+that ever yet appeared in the world.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus far proceeded Mr. William Lilly in setting down the account of his
+life, with some other things of note. Now shall be added something more
+which afterwards happened during his retirement at his house at Hersham,
+until his death.
+
+He left London in the year 1665, (as he hath before noted) and betook
+himself to the study of physick; in which, having arrived at a competent
+degree of knowledge, assisted by diligent observation and practice, he
+desired his old friend, Mr. Ashmole, to obtain of his Grace Dr. Sheldon,
+then Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, a license for the practice of
+physick; which upon application to his Grace, and producing a
+testimonial (October 8, 1670,) under the hands of two physicians of the
+college in London, on Mr. Lilly's behalf, he most readily granted, in
+the manner following, viz.
+
+'GILBERTUS providentia divina Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus totius Angliae
+Primas & Metropolitanus, dilecto nobis in Christo GULIELMO LILLY in
+Medicinis Professori, salutem, gratiam, & benedictionem. Cum ex fide
+digna relatione acceperimus Te in arte sive facultate Medicinae per non
+modicum tempus versatum fuisse, multisque de salute & sanitate corporis
+vere desperatis (Deo Omnipotente adjuvante) subvenisse, eosque sanasse,
+nec non in arte predicta multorum peritorum laudabili testimonio pro
+experientia, fidelitate, diligentia & industria tuis circa curas quas
+susceperis peragendas in hujusmodi Arte Medicinae merito commendatum
+esse, ad practicandum igitur & exercendum dictam Artem Medicinae in, &
+per totam Provinciam nostram Cant' (Civitate Lond' & circuitu septem
+milliarum eidem prox' adjacen' tantummodo exceptis) ex causis praedictis
+& aliis nos in hac per te juste moventibus, praestito primitus per te
+juramento de agnoscendo Regiam suprema potestatem in causis
+ecclesiasticis & temporalibus ac de renunciando, refutando, & recusando
+omni, & omnimodae jurisdictioni potestati, authoritati & superioritati
+foraneis juxta vim formam & effectum statui Parliamenti hujus inclyti
+Regni Angliae in ea parte editi & provisi quantum nobis per statuta hujus
+Regni Angliae liceat & non aliter neque alio modo te admittimus &
+approbamus, tibique Licentiam & Facultatem nostras in hac parte, tenore
+praesentium quamdiu te bene & laudabiliter gesseris benigne concedimus &
+elargimur. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum (quo in hac parte utimur)
+praesentibus apponi fecimus. Dat. undecimo die mensis Octobris, Anno
+Domini 1670. Nostraeque translationis Anno Octavo.
+
+Sigillum
+
+    Radulph. Snowe    }
+    ET                }   Registrarii.
+    Edm. Sherman      }
+
+    S. Rich. Lloyd, Sur.
+
+'Vicarii in Spiritualibus Generalis per Provinciam Cantuariensem.'
+
+
+Hereupon he began to practise more openly, and with good success; and
+every Saturday rode to Kingston, where the poorer sort flocked to him
+from several parts, and received much benefit by his advice and
+prescriptions, which he gave them freely, and without money. From those
+that were more able, he now and then received a shilling, and sometimes
+an half crown, if they offered it to him, otherwise he demanded nothing;
+and, in truth, his charity towards poor people was very great, no less
+than the care and pains he took in considering and weighing their
+particular cases, and applying proper remedies to their infirmities,
+which gained him extraordinary credit and estimation.
+
+He was of a strong constitution, and continued generally in good health,
+till the 16th of August 1674, when a violent humour discovered itself in
+red spots all over his body, with little pushes in his head. This, in
+the winter (18 December) following, was seconded by a distemper whereof
+he fell sick, and was let blood in the left foot, a little above the
+ancle.
+
+The 20th of December following, a humour descended from his head to his
+left side, from eight o'clock at night till the next morning; and then
+staying a while in the calf of his leg, at length descended towards his
+toes, the anguish whereof put him into a fever. This humour fixed in two
+places on the top of his left foot (one in that where he was let blood
+two days before) which (upon application of pledgets) growing ripe, they
+were (28 Dec.) lanced by Mr. Agar of Kingston, his apothecary (and no
+less a skilful Surgeon:) after which he began to be at ease, his fever
+abated, and within five months the cure was perfected.
+
+The 7th of November 1675, he was taken with a violent fit of vomiting
+for some hours, to which a fever succeeded, that continued four months:
+this brought his body exceeding low, together with a dimness in his
+eyes, which after occasioned him to make use of Mr. Henry Coley, as his
+amanuensis, to transcribe (from his dictates) his astrological judgments
+for the year 1677; but the monthly observations for that year, were
+written with his own hand some time before, though by this time he was
+grown very dim-sighted. His judgments and observations for the
+succeeding years, till his death, (so also for the year 1682,) were all
+composed by his directions, Mr. Coley coming to Hersham the beginning of
+every summer, and stayed there, till, by conference with him, he had
+dispatched them for the press; to whom, at these opportunities, he
+communicated his way of judgment, and other astrological arcanas.
+
+In the beginning of the year 1681, he had a flux, which weakened him
+much, yet after some time his strength encreased; but now his sight was
+wholly taken from him, not having any glimmering as formerly.
+
+He had dwelt many years at Hersham, where his charity and kindness to
+his poor neighbours was always great and hearty; and the 30th of May
+1681, towards the evening, a dead palsy began to seize his left side.
+The second of June, towards evening, he took his bed, and then his
+tongue began to falter. The next day he became very dull and heavy:
+sometimes his senses began to fail him. Henceforward he took little or
+nothing, for his larinx swelled, and that impeded his swallowing.
+
+The fourth of June, Mr. Ashmole went to visit him, and found he knew
+him, but spake little, and some of that scarce intelligible; for the
+palsy began now to seize upon his tongue.
+
+The eighth of June he lay in a great agony, insomuch that the sweat
+followed drop after drop, which he bore with wonderful courage and
+patience (as indeed he did all his sickness) without complaint; and
+about three o'clock the next morning, he died, without any shew of
+trouble or pangs. Immediately before his breath went from him, he
+sneezed three times.
+
+He had often, in his life-time, desired Mr. Ashmole to take care of his
+funeral, and now his widow desired the same: whereupon Mr. Ashmole
+obtained leave from Sir Mathew Andrews (who had the parsonage of Walton)
+to bury him in the chancel of that church.
+
+The 10th of June, his corse was brought thither, and received by the
+minister (in his surplice) at the Litch Gates, who, passing before the
+body into the church, read the first part of the _Office for the Burial
+of the Dead_. In the reading desk he said all the evening service, and
+after performed the rest of the office (as established by law) in the
+chancel, at the interment, which was about eight o'clock in the evening,
+on the left side of the communion table, Mr. Ashmole assisting at the
+laying him in his grave; whereupon afterwards (9 July 1681) he placed a
+fair black marble stone, (which cost him six pounds four shillings and
+six-pence) with this inscription following:
+
+    Ne Oblivione conteretur Urna
+
+    GULIELMI LILLII
+
+    ASTROLOGI PERITISSIMI,
+
+    QUI FATIS CESSIT
+
+    Quinto Idus Junii Anno Christi Juliano
+
+    M DC LXXXI.
+
+    Hoc Illi posuit amoris Monumentum
+
+    ELIAS ASHMOLE,
+
+    ARMIGER.
+
+Shortly after his death, Mr. Ashmole bought his library of books of Mrs.
+Ruth Lilly, (his widow and executrix) for fifty pounds: he oft times, in
+his life-time, expressed, that if Mr. Ashmole would give that sum, he
+should have them.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following Epitaphs (Latin and English) were made by George
+Smalridge, then a scholar at Westminster, after Student of Christ-Church
+in Oxford.
+
+  _In Mortem Viri Doctissimi Domini_ GULIELMI
+  LILLY, _Astrologi, nuper defuncti_.
+
+  Occidit atque suis annalibus addidit atram
+    Astrologus, qua non tristior ulla, diem
+  Pone triumphales, lugubris Luna, quadrigas;
+    Sol maestum picea nube reconde caput.
+  Illum, qui Phoebi scripsit, Phoebesq; labores
+    Eclipsin docuit Stella maligna pati.
+  Invidia Astrorum cecidit, qui Sidera rexit
+    Tanta erat in notas scandere cura domos.
+  Quod vidit, visum cupiit, potiturq; cupito
+    C[oe]lo, & Sidereo fulget in orbe decus.
+  Scilicet hoc nobis praedixit ab ane Cometa,
+    Et fati emicuit nuncia Stella tui
+  Fallentem vidi faciem gemuiq; videndo
+    Illa fuit vati mortis imago suo,
+  Civilis timuere alii primordia belli
+    Jejunam metuit plebs stupefata faniem
+  Non tantos tulerat bellumve famesve dolores:
+    Auspiciis essent haec relevanda tuis.
+  In cautam subitus plebem nunc opprimat ensis,
+    Securos fati mors violenta trahat.
+  Nemo est qui videat moneatq; avertere fatum,
+    Ars jacet in Domini funera mersa sui
+  Solus naturae reservare arcana solebat,
+    Solus & ambigui solvere jura poti.
+  Lustrasti erantes bene fina mente Planeta
+    Conspectum latuit stellata nulla tuum
+  Defessos oculos pensarunt lumina mentis
+    Firesias oculis, mentibus Argus eras.
+  Cernere, Firesia, poteras ventura, sed, Arge,
+    In fatum haud poteras sat vigil esse tuum
+  Sed vivit nomen semper cum sole vigebit,
+    Immemor Astrologi non erit ulla dies
+  Saecla canent laudes, quas si percurrere cones,
+    Arte opus est, Stellas qua numerare soles
+  Haereat hoc carmen cinerum custodibus urnis,
+    Hospes quod spargens marmora rore legat.
+  "Hic situs est, dignus nunquam cecidisse Propheta;
+    Fatorum interpres fata inopina subit.
+  Versari aethereo dum vixit in orbe solebat:
+    Nunc humilem jactat Terra superba virum.
+  Sed Coelum metitur adhuc resupinus in urnae
+    Vertitur in solitos palpebra clausa polos.
+  Huic busto invigilant solenni lampade Musaae
+    Perpetuo nubes imbre sepulchra rigant.
+  Ille oculis movit distantia Sidera nostris,
+    Illam amota oculis traxit ad astra Deus."
+
+_An_ ELEGY _upon the Death of_ WILLIAM LILLY, _the Astrologer_.
+
+  Our Prophet's gone; no longer may our ears
+  Be charm'd with musick of th' harmonious spheres.
+  Let sun and moon withdraw, leave gloomy night
+  To shew their NUNCIO'S fate, who gave more light
+  To th' erring world, than all the feeble rays
+  Of sun or moon; taught us to know those days
+  Bright TITAN makes; follow'd the hasty sun
+  Through all his circuits; knew th' unconstant moon,
+  And more unconstant ebbings of the flood;
+  And what is most uncertain, th' factious brood,
+  Flowing in civil broils: by the heavens could date
+  The flux and reflux of our dubious state.
+  He saw the eclipse of sun, and change of moon
+  He saw, but seeing would not shun his own:
+  Eclips'd he was, that he might shine more bright,
+  And only chang'd to give a fuller light.
+  He having view'd the sky, and glorious train
+  Of gilded stars, scorn'd longer to remain
+  In earthly prisons: could he a village love,
+  Whom the twelve houses waited for above?
+  The grateful stars a heavenly mansion gave
+  T' his heavenly soul, nor could he live a slave
+  To mortal passions, whose immortal mind,
+  Whilst here on earth, was not to earth confin'd.
+  He must be gone, the stars had so decreed;
+  As he of them, so they of him, had need.
+  This message 'twas the blazing comet brought;
+  I saw the pale-fac'd star, and seeing thought
+  (For we could guess, but only LILLY knew)
+  It did some glorious hero's fall foreshew:
+  A hero's fall'n, whose death, more than a war,
+  Or fire, deserv'd a comet: th' obsequious star
+  Could do no less than his sad fate unfold,
+  Who had their risings, and their settings told.
+  Some thought a plague, and some a famine near;
+  Some wars from France, some fires at home did fear:
+  Nor did they fear too much: scarce kinder fate,
+  But plague of plagues befell th' unhappy state
+  When LILLY died. Now swords may safely come
+  From France or Rome, fanaticks plot at home.
+  Now an unseen, and unexpected hand,
+  By guidance of ill stars, may hurt our land;
+  Unsafe, because secure, there's none to show
+  How England may avert the fatal blow.
+  He's dead, whose death the weeping clouds deplore,
+  I wish we did not owe to him that show'r
+  Which long expected was, and might have still
+  Expected been, had not our nation's ill
+  Drawn from the heavens a sympathetic tear:
+  England hath cause a second drought to fear.
+  We have no second LILLY, who may die,
+  And by his death may make the heavens cry.
+  Then let your annals, Coley, want this day,
+  Think every year leap-year; or if't must stay,
+  Cloath it in black; let a sad note stand by,
+  And stigmatize it to posterity.
+
+_Here follows the Copy of an Indictment filed against Mr. Lilly, for
+which see page 167 of his Life_.
+
+The jurors for the Lord Protector of the commonwealth of England,
+Scotland, and Ireland, &c. upon their oaths do present, that William
+Lilly, late of the Parish of St. Clements Danes, in the County of
+Middlesex, Gent. not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being
+moved and seduced by the instigation of the devil, the 10th day of July,
+in the Year of our Lord, 1654, at the Parish aforesaid, in the County
+aforesaid, wickedly, unlawfully, and deceitfully, did take upon him, the
+said William Lilly, by inchantment, charm, and sorcery, to tell and
+declare to one Anne East, the wife of Alexander East, where ten
+waistcoats, of the value of five pounds, of the goods and chattels of
+the said Alexander East, then lately before lost and stolen from the
+said Alexander East, should be found and become; and two shilling and
+sixpence in monies numbred, of the monies of the said Alexander, from
+the said Anne East, then and and there unlawfully and deceitfully, he,
+the said William Lilly, did take, receive, and had, to tell and declare
+to her the said Anne, where the said goods, so lost and stolen as
+aforesaid, should be found and become: And also that he, the said
+William Lilly, on the said tenth day of July, in the Year of our Lord,
+1654, and divers other days and times, as well before as afterwards, at
+the said Parish aforesaid, in the County aforesaid, unlawfully and
+deceitfully did take upon him, the said William Lilly, by inchantment,
+charm, and sorcery, to tell and declare to divers other persons, to the
+said jurors, yet unknown, where divers goods, chattels, and things of
+the said persons yet unknown, there lately before lost and stolen from
+the said persons yet unknown, should be found and become; and divers
+sums of monies of the said persons yet unknown, then and there
+unlawfully and deceitfully, he the said William Lilly did take, receive,
+and had, to tell and declare to the said persons yet unknown, where
+their goods, chattels, and things, so lost and stolen, as aforesaid,
+should be found and become, in contempt of the laws of England, to the
+great damage and deceit of the said Alexander and Anne, and of the said
+other persons yet unknown, to the evil and pernicious example of all
+others in the like case offending, against the form of the statute in
+this case made and provided, and against the publick peace, &c.
+
+    _Anne East,
+    Emme Spencer,
+    Jane Gold,
+    Katherme Roberts,
+    Susannah Hulinge_.
+
+
+
+
+_Butler's Character of_ WILLIAM LILLY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  "A cunning man[20], hight SIDROPHEL.
+  That deals in destiny's dark counsels,
+  And sage opinions of the moon sells;
+  To whom all people, far and near,
+  On deep importances repair;
+  When brass and pewter hap to stray,
+  And linen slinks out of the way:
+
+    [Footnote 20: _A cunning man, hight_ Sidrophel. 'William Lilly,
+    the famous astrologer of those times, who in his yearly
+    almanacks foretold victories for the parliament with as much
+    certainty as the Preachers did in their sermons; and all or most
+    part of what is ascribed to him by the Poet, the reader will
+    find verified in his "Letter," (if we may believe it) wrote by
+    himself to Elias Ashmole, Esq.' For further curious information
+    respecting William Lilly, the reader may consult _Dr. Grey's
+    Notes to Hudibras_, vol. ii. page 163, &c. Edition 1819, in 3
+    vols, 8vo.]
+
+  When geese and pullen are seduc'd,
+  And sows of sucking pigs are chous'd:
+  When cattle feel indisposition,
+  And need th' opinion of physician;
+  When murrain reigns in hogs or sheep,
+  And chickens languish of the pip;
+  When yeast and outward means do fail,
+  And have no power to work on ale;
+  When butter does refuse to come,
+  And love proves cross and humoursome;
+  To him with questions and with urine,
+  They for discov'ry flock, or curing.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  He had been long t'wards mathematics,
+  Opticks, philosophy, and staticks,
+  Magick, horoscopy, astrology,
+  And was old dog at physiology:
+  But, as a dog that turns the spit,
+  Bestirs himself, and plies his feet
+  To climb the wheel, but all in vain,
+  His own weight brings him down again;
+  And still he's in the self-same place,
+  Where at his setting out he was:
+  So, in the circle of the arts,
+  Did he advance his nat'ral parts:
+  Till falling back still, for retreat,
+  He fell to juggle, cant, and cheat:
+  For as those fowls that live in water
+  Are never wet, he did but smatter:
+  Whate'er he labour'd to appear,
+  His understanding still was clear,
+  Yet none a deeper knowledge boasted,
+  Since old Hodge Bacon, and Bob Grosted,
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  Do not our great _Reformers_ use
+  This SIDROPHEL to forebode news?
+  To write of victories next year,
+  And castles taken yet i'th' air?
+  Of battles fought at sea, and ships
+  Sunk, two years hence, the last eclipse?
+  A total o'er throw giv'n the KING
+  In Cornwall, horse and foot, next spring?
+  And has not he point-blank foretold
+  Whatso'er the _Close Committee_ would?
+  Made Mars and Saturn for the _cause_,
+  The Moon for _fundamental laws_;
+  The Ram, the Bull, the Goat, declare
+  Against the _Book of Common Prayer_;
+  The Scorpion take the _Protestation_,
+  And Bear engage for Reformation;
+  Made all the _royal stars_ recant,
+  Compound, and take the covenant."
+
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MAURICE, PRINTER, FENCHURCH STREET.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of William Lilly's History of His Life
+and Times, by William Lilly
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