l e m e . l i b r a r y . u t o r o n t o . c a

s t c 1 7 2 9 6

v e r . 1 . 0  ( 2 0 1 9 )




A greene Forest, 
or a naturall Historie, 
Wherein may bee 
seene first the most 
sufferaigne Vertues 
in all the whole kinde 
of Stones & Mettals: 
next of Plants, as of 
Herbes, Trees, 
& Shrubs, 
Lastly of Brute Beastes, Foules, 
Fishes, creeping wormes & 
Serpents, and that Alpha­
betically: so that a Table 
shall not neede. 
Compiled by Iohn Maplet, M. 
of Arte, and student in Cambridge: 
entending hereby that God might 
especially be glorified: and 
the people furdered. 
Anno. 1567.

Imprinted at London, 
by Henry Denham.











To the Right Honourable, 
Lord, Lord Thomas, Earle of Sus­
sex, Viscont Fitzwalter Lorde of Egre­
mont, and of Burnell, Knight of the most 
Noble order of the 
Garter, Iustice of the Forrestes & Chases, from Trent 
Southward, and Captaine of the Gentle­
men Pensioners, of the house of the 
Queene our Soueraigne 
Ladie, 

BAthyllus, he of 
Samos (moste 
honorable Lord) 
was one whiche 
the Poet Ana­
creon sang alwayes of, minding 
him in euery song for a certaine 
conceipt of worthinesse which he 
thought was in him: Likewise 
Ligurinus was alwayes one at 




the ende of Horace his pen and 
mouth. And as a report goeth 
(and many Romaine Histories 
shew the same) Numa & Ser­
uius are by Poets commended, 
vp to the Orbes of the Firma­
ment or Skie: where they saye 
they liue as they list: whose bread 
is Nectar, and drink Ambro­
sia, a sugred and confect kinde of 
Wine, which is serued oute in a faire Goblet or Cuppe by a faire 
waiting Boy named Ganime­
des. These Poets figured here­
by (most Honorable Lord) that any of the nine Muses, whatso­
euer 




kinde of Harpe they vsed, 
it should be strung and tuned so 
that it mought reach to Diates­
seron, the onely note of Noble mens commendation. And so doe 
I gather, it is best vsed. I here­
vpon nowe wishe that although 
Anacreon be gone, I had yet his 
Harpe: for then would I now set 
and tune it many Notes higher 
than euer could he in the prayse 
of Bathyllus, or Horace in the 
testimonie of Ligurius: For I 
would vse it to recognize and re­
gester the memoriall of Yours such absolute Vertues. But sith 




this Harpe is denied me: and the 
verie Instrument which I nowe 
sound of, is not as I would it were, 
my intent notwithstanding and 
not my possibilitie is to be consi­
dered. Yet rather then I should 
haue shewed nothing at al of bet­
ter testomonie of my good will to­
wards your Honor, this shall suf­
fise me (vntill hereafter I may do 
better) to vse so simple a sound. 
And if so be I could worthilye com­
mende you (as those Poets did 
Numa and Seruius) to highe 
Olympus: you should surely by 
such our meanes come by some of 





their Iuncketts that they haue: 
But this would I rather be done, 
by message had to and fro from 
these (which way Hercules v­
sed with Hyla Thiodamant 
his Sonne: Apollo with Hya­
cinth: Diana with Hyppoli­
tus:) then that you enioying the 
presence of those, our Countrie 
should lacke you, such hir orna­
ment and beautifying. Therfore 
for their better remembrance of 
you, I will do so much at the least 
as to signifie vnto them your cog­
nisance the faire bright Starre: 
which besides that, hath his hid 




signification. But to leaue these: 
and although Typhis and Ia­
son be bolde: yet I hope (moste 
Honourable Lorde) I haue not theirs, 
but Vatienus his face. 
Whose simple Treatise of mine, 
when I was excited to bestow it of 
your Lordship, I straight wayes 
gathered with my selfe that you 
were not Licinius the Empe­
rour which was malicious toward 
the learned: neither yet Britan­
nion, an vtter enimie to the mo­
ther Science, and hir daughter 
Discipline: neyther yet Va­
lentinian: but rather contrari­
wise 




Iulius Caesar, excelling 
both in Martiall prowesse, and 
also serious after the inquisi­
tion of good Discipline: or else 
Iulianus: or Marcus Aure­
lius. Which small gift of mine, if 
your Lordshippe take in good 
worth: I shall be encouraged af­
ter a while to enrich these: and 
to attempt muche greater and 
better hereafter, so soone as I 
shall attain to a little more ripe­
nesse. And thus ceasing to trou­
ble your Lordshippe any more I 
make an end: desiring GOD to 
blesse you in all his giftes, both 




ghostly and bodilye: and to con­
tinue you in long life and true 
Honour, to his glory: the helpe 
and assistance of others: and your owne, and
endlesse comfort. Amen. 

Your Honors humble Orator, 
Iohn Maplet. 






The Preface to the Reader.  

WHatsoeuer things (sayth 
Cardane) are of Natures 
tempering and dighting, ei­
ther in the earth his closet 
or entrayles, or within the 
water (being all voide of fe­
ling and mouing) may well 
bee deuided and sorted into 
these foure kinds: Earthes 
Liquors or Iuices, Sto­
nes, Mettalles. Earthes, 
saith Diascorides in his fift booke (as also the same 
Author abouesaide) haue their difference eyther in 
colour, in smell, in sauour, or else otherwise in other 
their vse & purposes. Proper or pertinent to earths 
are many & sundrie kindes and sorts, as those which 
either are in house with them, and fare as they 
fare, as Sande, which Isidore nameth the lightest 
earth, as others: or those which are neuer absent
from the earth but are intermedled with the water, 
as Alume, which of some is called the 
earth his salt, as salt it selfe and such like. In earthes are diuers 
dispositions and farre diuers effects (which thing 
Diascorides pursueth aboundantly) there are also 
reckned diuers names of diuers kindes: as that of 
Eretria a famous Citie in the Ile of Eubea, hath 
his sett and disposition of colour and shew ashie like, 
and is in his kinde in operation a sore binder, besides 
this marueilously colde. And that that is plentifull 
in Chium in Eubea also (for there is of this name 
besides this, two more, one a Citie of Caria, and an­
other in Rhodes by Triopia) in effect and working 




is farre otherwise, which being aplied or vsed in me­
dicine, drieth vp and burneth. The like dissent is in 
porcions of ground with diuers Inhabitants of op­
posite quarters & Climates, which by common name 
they cal earthes, as in Samia is a most tough earth 
like to that natural Lime which is called Bitumen. 
But let vs come to Brimstone which is the father of 
Mettals: as Mercurie or Quicksiluer their Mo­
ther. Brimstone saith Harmolaus in Greeke is cal­
led Theion. Isidore will haue it called Sulphur, for 
that it soone renneth on fire. It groweth (as they both agree) in the 
yles of Aeolia betweene Sicilie & 
Italie: that is best that groweth in Melus a towne 
of Thessalie which Nicius the Althenien captaine, 
wanne by famishing the inhabitaunts: Further, it 
groweth within the Hilles of Neopolitane, compa­
nions of those which be called Leucogei. Harmolous 
saith, that there be foure kindes heareof. The first 
which is called Apuron liue Alume, & this is solide 
and most massey: almost on clottes, which kind one­
ly Phisicions vse. The second which is called Bo­
lus a lumpe like mettall. The third is called Egula 
vsed commonly of Fullers to make their wull and 
yarne whight. The fourth which is called Cauton 
which they vse in the wicke of Lampes of Oyle & 
Candels. Thus much of this. 

Quicksiluer in Greeke is called ydrargyros, it is 
as Cardane saith, a certaine water made thick not by 
heate, bycause it is not hardened, neither by colde, 
for then should it be eyther in the stone his kinde or 
else in the mettals: but with most thinne and pure 
yearthy parte. Whereby it commeth to passe, that it 
is so heauie, so cold, so bright and cleare, so liquide or 
renning. It is rather mingled or tempered after a 
certaine sorte, & that his owne, then congeled or com­
pound, for as much as it is both liquide and fluxible. 
The reason he sheweth why this kinde, (as is also 
the water) are in figure round: for that they refuse 




in their felowship drought or any mixture of yearth. 
It sercheth & seketh to the very bottom of ech thing. 
It is for his rawe mixture, of some called metal In­
concret. And as it is with yse which dissolueth, then 
when it vanisheth away, and doth not vanish till it 
be dissolued: in like sorte doth this (but more princi­
pally, all metalles) which doe endure well till that 
they be molten. Dioscorides saith, that this Quick­
siluer is most found in siluer quarries or mines: & is 
then found when Siluer is digged vp: some wil haue 
it founde in Mines by it selfe. It is best of all pre­
serued and kept in those vessels that be of Glasse, of 
Leade, or of Tin and Siluer. All other matter of 
whatsoeuer kinde it is of, it eateth through & flow­
eth forth. It is a deadly drincke ouerlading & brea­
king in sunder the inwarde partes with his waight, 
in remedie wherof many haue taken forthwith Wine 
and Wormewood, and haue bene holpen. 

But nowe to the second part of our first & former 
deuision. Liquores or Iuices be Oyles, Wines, and 
whatsoeuer else is watrie or of the water & aire. They 
be called Liquores, for eyther being actually moiste­
ned, or else by powre & possibilitie. ¶ But now let vs 
speake somewhat ingenerallye (as we haue of the o­
ther two) of stones, which supplied in our first deui­
sion, the third rometh. Of Stones some be more base 
and common: other some more Precious and rare: 
but the common Stone hath his name and vocable 
(if I may so say) hurtfoote, for that it is in mouing 
from place to place & iourneying the footes pain and 
griefe. The common stone hath almost infinit kinds 
which offer themselues euerie where, and therefore 
to speake of them particularly, or in seuerall sort, 
it were both tedious and without delight: We 
mought therefore so haue sorted Stones that wee 
mought haue made some of them both base, and com­
mon: other some base, but not yet common: lastly of 
all some neither base nor common but altogither rare 




and precious. Of the first sort are all these that are so 
plentifull with vs and without estimation: of the 
seconde sort is the Pumelse concrete of froth as I­
sidore witnesseth, verie colde of nature and in wor­
king so colde as he sayeth, that it beeing cast into a 
Hoggeshead of Wine and continuing there a while 
taketh from the Wine his natural heate. Of the last 
and chiefest sorte are all such as are of greatest price, 
& for mens estimation spent on them, called Gems or 
Iewels: as is that which they call Dionysius stone 
in spots ruddie: and be speckled round about, as that 
of Phrygia, in colour wanne: in waight heauie: in 
vertue hid and secret: as that of Arabie, as white 
as Iuorie: without spot or specke: as likewise the 
Sanguinarie which in Greeke is called Amatites 
which being well chafed and rubbed, bleedeth. After 
this sort it hath pleased Dame Nature thus to dal­
ly in eche kinde, thereby to shewe hir cunning. But 
now let vs go to the last part of our deuision. Met­
talles and those of the mettalick sort, sayth Cardane 
lie close for the most parte in Mountaines, in maner 
like to the braunch or body of a tree: and are nothing 
else but the earths hid & occult Plants, hauing their 
roote, their stock or body, their bough & leaues, & be 
in all these partes proportionally dispersed: further 
he sayth, that both Stones and Mettals haue these 
foure partes as those that be necessarie to their vee­
ing and increase: a Roote, Barcke, substance, and 
vaines. The Stone his Roote sayeth he, is eyther 
some other Stone out of the which it groweth, or 
else the earth: the Mettals Roote is eyther Mettal, 
or some thing Metallick. Their rinde or barck saith 
he, doth differ manifestly from the rest of their substance, 
both in outward place and hardnesse. Their vaines 
doe appeare manifestly. But thus much shall suffise 
vs to haue spoken of the whole as concerning diuisi­
on. Now let vs come nigh eche of them, and especi­
ally touch the best of them, leauing the rest, foras­
much 




as it is our purpose not to seeke in all things 
what may be saide of all, but espeically and princi­
pallye to see what is in them especiall and princi­
pall. And therefore we were about to haue named 
this our Booke the Aegemonie, of Natures three 
middle Daughters: For that in them all, that is 
sought forth, than the which there is nothing better, 
nothing more excellent in all the whole kinde: For 
such is the Greeke word, Aegemonia, as if you would
say Principatus: The best and chiefest of the whole. 
Those other two, that is yearthes and Liquores, 
we purposedly omit: onely couetouse to bestowe and 
employ in this first Booke (but as briefly as we can, 
and in order as chaunceth) our trauaile and diligence 
in inquisition after Stones and Mettals: not that 
which I would, but that which I may for my poore 
skill & knowledge: not to teach or shew the learned, 
howe in this point Nature hath wrought (for that 
were as the prouerb is, the Sow to Minerua:) But 
to record & repeate in maner of Storie, with the resi­
due of men simple & plaine: And I cannot tell how 
it may somewhat helpe those that be learned also, If 
they shall espie and consider but the effect and proofe 
of these. I therefore desire a Reader not learned, but 
vnskilfull: yet rather learned then immoderate. 
For the one wilbe an impudent rayler: the 
other although hee findeth fault, yet 
shal a man haue him reasonable able 
herein to stay himselfe. Thus 
much of this Preface, 
nowe to the residue 
of our matter. 

Farewell. 






Our Chiefest Authors herein. 

Aelianus. 
Agricola. 
Aristotle. 
Albertus Magnus. 
Auicen. 
Ausonius. 
Cardane. 
Cicero. 
Diascorides. 
Harmolaus Barbarus. 
Isidore. 
Iorach. 
Laurentius Lippius. 
Lonicer. 
Lucane. 
Mantuan. 
Oppian. 
Ouid. 
Plinte. 
Ruellius. 
Remigius. 
Solinus. 
Theophrast. 
Volateranus with 
others. 

Epigraph: Psalme. 104. 
 
O Lord howe meruellous are thy 
woorkes: in wisedome hast thou 
made them all, the earth is full 
of thy riches.







A pleasaunt Discourse with 
the chiefe kindes particu­
larlye of Precious Stones, 
Plants, Beastes, & Foules, 
after the order of the Alpha­
bet, neuer heretofore 
in Print. 

The first Booke. 

Of the Adamant Stone.  

THe Adamant is a Stone of Inde, 
small and rare, in colour like to Iron; 
but in cleare reflection and representa­
tion of image more Christall like: It 
is founde in bignesse of a Walnut, and neuer 
aboue: It yeeldeth or giueth place to nothing, 
neither is it heat by yron or fire. Wherfore the 
Greekes call it Fickleforce, for that it can not be 
brought vnder. But whiles it is inuincible or 
can not be woonne that way: yet notwithstan­
ding with the warme and freshe bloud of the 
Goate, it breaketh and riueth in sunder. It dif­
fereth, from the Lode Stone for that the Ada­
mant placed neare any yron, will not suffer it 
to be drawen away of the Lode Stone. Dias­
corides saith that it is called the Stone of re­




consiliation and loue: for (saith he) that wo­
man that hath withdrawne hir loue from hir 
husband, by this, is brought to loue him anew: 
yea, it goeth furder: for it is said to giue proufe 
whether she be chast or no: for if she be say they, 
she shal whilest she is in sleepe imbrace hir hus­
band through the working of this stone, if not, 
she shall flie and go back from him. 

Of Alabaster.  

ALabaster, as saith Isidore, in his .xvj. booke 
and fift Chapter, is a white kinde of stone 
died, and bespotted among with diuers & sun­
drie colours. Hereof are made vessels to kéepe 
and containe all Ointments vncorrupt, wher­
in they be most purely and safely preserued. It 
groweth about Thebis and Damascum, and 
especiallye that which is whitest. But the 
best of this kinde is brought from Indie. It be­
ing borne about one, say some, kéepeth him in 
amitie and charitie with all men.

Of the Amitist:  

THe Amitist also groweth in Indie: It is 
Princes among those Gemmes that be Pur­
ple coloured. Diascorides sayth, that there be 
fiue kindes thereof: but that which is Purple 
coloured, hée reckeneth the chiefest. His force 




or vertue auaileth against drunkennesse, it ke­
peth a man waking, and driueth away ill cogi­
tations and thoughts, it sharpeth the vnder­
standing. And is also one of those sortes that is 
easie to engraue in. 

Of Achates.  

AChates is a kinde of Gemme, but black in 
colour, enterlined here & there with white 
vaines: and it is called Achates of a certaine 
floud of that name in Cicilie, about the which 
floud this Achates was first found. There is 
a certain kind hereof séene somtimes in Crete 
as Diascorides witnesseth, hauing strokes on 
eche side like to blew vaines. There is ano­
ther kinde in Indie bespotted on euerie parte 
with spottes like bloud. That of Crete is said 
to make a man gracious, and to bring him in 
fauour. That of Indie is good for the eiesight 
it remedieth venome, and being put into the 
fire is odoriferus.

Of the Stone Albeston.  

ALbeston is a stone of Archadie, in yron 
colour, hauing gotten his name of the fire, 
for that it being once set on fire, can neuer af­
ter be quenched or put out: Whereof in olde 
time was built that kind of worke Mechani­




call, whereas the Gentiles being once taken 
in sacriledge, dyed. Isidore sayth in his .xvj. 
booke, that in a certaine temple of Venus there 
was made and hoong vp such a Candlesticke, 
wherein was a light burning on that wise, 
that no tempest nor storme could put it out, & 
he beleueth that this Candlesticke had some­
what of Albeston beset within. 

Of the stone or Gem 
Alabandine.  

THe Gem Alabandine, as sayth Diascori­
des, had first his name of Alabanda, a coun­
trie in Asia, whose colour sayth he resembleth 
the Hearbe Calcedonie: but it is somewhat 
more rare and in colour cleare.

Of the precious stone Absistos.  

ABsistos is black, maruellous waightie, be­
stroked and beset with red vaines: This 
being once heate, kéepeth hote seauen whole 
dayes after, as Isidore recordeth.

Of Amatites.  

AMatites is that kinde of Gemme, that tou­
ching a mans Vesture or Garment, it ma­
keth it able to resist fire: so that it being after­
wards cast into the fire hath no power to burne, 




but through the fires brightnesse becommeth 
more bright it selfe. Thus saith Isidore in his 
xvj. booke. 

Of Argirites.  

ARgirites is a kinde of Gem, that in colour 
and shew is like to Siluer, giuing also ap­
parance of golden coloured Grauell, his figure 
or forme is foure square: his vertue such as the 
Adamants is. The Mages suppose that it had 
this name of his power or abilitie in brideling 
and kéeping in perturbations and troubles.
 "argirites(n) not found in OED. 

Of Asterites.  

ASterites is a Gem: but white, keping close 
within it selfe light, and sheweth it forth 
but little, euen as the Starre doth: but to hym 
that beholdeth it throughly, it sheweth him the 
Sunnes manifolde reflexions.

Of Astrion.  

AStrion is a Gem, founde first in Indie, of 
verie nigh consanguinitie with the Chris­
tall, in whose Centre or middle point: as saith 
Diascorides, a certaine light is seene shining, 
without reflexion much like to the Moone. The 
same Author also thinketh that this light that 
it hath; it taketh of the starres, against the which 




it is helden. 

Of the Berill.  

BErill is a Stone rare, but not so precious, 
for it alone groweth in Indie: it is founde 
greene like to the Smaradge. It is first found 
also raw and rude without eyther good looke or 
pleasant shewe, but afterwards it is better po­
lished of them of Indie, and they vse to polish 
it in maner and forme of Angle or Corner, to 
the intent that through the dulnesse of his owne 
colour, this maner might shew some glittring 
the light hauing his stay in euerie eche corner: 
Some say, they fashion it at the first, seauen 
cornered: and otherwise they say it shimmereth 
not. There is also another kinde of Berill, 
which of the Gréeke worde is called Golden Be­
rill, as sayth Diascorides, whose interchaunged 
gréene colour resembleth almost the wan and 
yelow colour of Golde. They say that this 
being borne aboute a man, and being put now 
and than to his eies, kepeth a man out of perill 
of his enimies.

Of Brasse.  

BRasse is a kind of mettal, one of those seauen
that are compounde of Brimstone & Quic­
siluer; and is called Es of the Ayres resplende­




shing: The Brimstone that is proportionally 
wrought in this (as in all other Metalles) is 
most earthie, nothing pure, hauing his colour 
red and as it were burned: Quicksiluer, it hath 
but meanely, grosse also and nothing subtile. 
Yet this kinde of Mettall being well purged & 
scoured, sodden also and washed from all his 
infections may be made regular, & brought to 
what point you will. Of all other Metalles, 
this is most soundable for his shrill and harde 
noise: With this therfore, as that which was 
most plentiful in the former time, they eared and 
tilled their ground, but after that Iron and the 
residue of Metalles by succession were found, 
this kind ceassed in that and such like vses. So 
euen as the yeares chaunge: so also doth things 
themselues chaunge, as well and wisely sang 
the Poet. 

Of Calcedon.  

CAlcedon, is a kind of stone pale and wan, 
of dull colour, almost a meane betweene 
the Berill and the Iacinct. It hath three one­
ly kinds: whereof euery one of them is almost 
impossible to be grauen in. It being well cha­
fed and warmed will draw to it, a strawe or a 
rushe. It is as they say, the Lawyers and O­
rators friend, and others who pleade causes.




Of Ceraunium.  

CEraunium is a stone like to the Christall, 
bespotted with blew, and is found in Ger­
manie: There is another of this founde in 
Spaine firelike and like to a flame: his suffe­
raigntie is, that being safely and chastly borne 
aboute a man, kepeth him safe and preserueth 
him from Thunder and Lightnings, likewise 
the house wherin he is: and is otherwise effec­
tuous to bring a man in swéete sléepe.
 "ceraunium(n)" not found in OED. 

Of the Corall.  

THe Corall groweth in the red Sea, and so 
long as it is and hath his being in the wa­
ters, it is a kinde of Wood, but by and by after 
that it is taken forth of the water and commeth 
into the ayre (and his reach) it hardeneth, and 
becommeth a stone. His boughes vnder the 
water are espied white and tender: and being 
by chaunce through holdefast Nets in part or 
parcell brought to lande, chaunge also their co­
lour and become red, and for their feeling, are 
as hard stones. Isidore in his .xvj. booke. The 
Mages reporte that it resisteth Lightninges. 
Therefore euen as much worth and of estima­
tion as is the precious Margaret, that, that com­
meth from Indie, so much worth and in esti­




mation, likewise is the Coral with them of Indie. 
Hereof are said to be two onely kindes, the one 
red & the other white: this last is neuer found 
in bignesse & in length more than halfe a foote: 
that other often bigger and longer. They say 
that it is of power to rid vs from all diuelishe 
dreames and pieuish fantasies.

Of the Cornellis.  

THe Cornellis is one of those sortes 
that be somewhat rare also, but not so precious, 
and is in colour red almost like to the Corall. 
It being hoong about the neck, or worne vpon the finger, 
is said, in all kinds of reasoning and 
disputation, to appease the partie that weareth 
it, and to kéepe him from childish brawlings.

Of the Carbuncle.  

THe Carbuncle is a stone very precious, so 
called for that (like to a fierie cole) it giueth 
light, but especially in the night season: it so 
warreth with the pupill or the eiesight, that it 
sheweth manifolde reflexions. It hath as some 
say .xij. kindes: but those most precious that 
come nigh the Carbuncles nature: it is found 
in Libia.

Of the Cristall.  




THe Cristall is one of those stones that shy­
neth in euerie part, and is in colour warrie. 
Isidore saith, that it is nothing else then a com­
geled Ise by continuance frosen whole yeares. 
It groweth in Asia and Cyprus, and especially 
vpon the Alpes and highe Mountaines of the 
North Pole. It engendreth not so much of the 
waters coldenesse, as of the earthinesse mixt 
withall. His propertie is to abide nothing in 
qualitie contrarie to it selfe: therefore it is de­
lighted onely with colde. 

Of the Chrusopasse.  

THe Chrusopasse is a Stone of Ethiope, 
which in the day light shimmereth not, but 
in his qualitie lieth hid: In the night time when 
darcknesse ariseth, it then bewrayeth his owne 
and peculier qualitie. In the night time it is 
flamelike, in the day time yelow or wan.

Of the Diamond.  

THe Diamond is one of those that be coun­
ted something precious, it is in colour al­
most Christallike but somewhat more resplen­
dishing, and is as good (if it be of any bignesse) 
as a looking glasse. Iorach calleth it an other 
eie: such certaintie & truth giueth it in things 
done in his presence.




Of the Dionise.  

THe Dionise is black or rather browne, all 
bestrowed with bloudie strokes or vaines. 
It being put faith Isidore in Wines, maketh 
them fragrant, or wel smelling, and is thought 
with his smel or sauour to remedie dronkennesse.

Of Dracontides.  

DRacontides as his name also mentioneth, 
is plucked forth of the heade or braine of a 
Dragon, which onely is in bright and fierie 
colour (as sayth Isidore,) as long as, it is come 
by, the Dragon being aliue: wherfore the Ma­
ges skilled in this point, cut it forth out of the 
Dragon his braine, he being by meanes cast in 
to sleepe. The moste bolde and aduenterous 
men, are said, to seeke out the lurking holes of 
the Dragon, and whilest that the Dragon is 
from home, these men bestrew his Lodge with 
certaine Graine, which being receiued of the 
Dragon, bringeth him into a deade sleepe. And 
whilest they haue thus brought their purpose 
to passe they rippe in sunder the noddle of his 
head to take forth the Gem, and after that sow 
it vp againe and so depart.

Of Dradocos.  




DRadocos is a kinde of stone verie pale, yet 
as shimmering withall, as the Berill. It 
is saide to bring to a man feare of Diuels and 
other straunge thoughts fantasticall: It being 
applyed and layde vpon a dead man, looseth his 
operatiue vertue. Wherefore they call it, the 
holy stone, for that wheras Death frequenteth 
or taketh, it vtterly abhorreth. 
"dradocos(n)" not found in OED.

Of Echites.  

EChites is a stone both of Indie and Persia, 
which in the shore and Sea banckes of the 
Ocean, in the verie bosome of the Indian and 
Persian Sea, it is found: it is in colour Violet 
like: And there is a paire of them, Male & Fe­
male, and be most commonly found both togi­
ther in the Eagles nest, without the which the 
Eagle can not bring forth hir yong: and ther­
fore kepeth them, as most necessarie in this be­
halfe alwaies in hir Nest. These stones bound 
to a womans bodie, being with childe, do hasten 
childe birth. And Iorach saith, that if any man 
haue these or one of these, and put it vnder that 
mans meate or trencher that he suspecteth to 
be in fault of any thing: If that he be guiltie, 
he shall not be able through this to swallowe 
downe his meate: If not saith he, he may.




Of Efestides.  

EFestides is in colour and Phisiognomie 
verie shamefast and childish, which béeing 
had and caried about the stomack, or heart, ke­
peth a man safe from all perill and endama­
ging. Diascorides sayth, that if it be helden a­
gainst the Sunne beames, that then it is verie 
firie, but being throwne into the water, it lea­
ueth boyling, & by little and little waxeth very 
colde.

Of Elutropia.  

ELutropia is a Gemme, in colour gréene, or 
grassie, in part coloured and bespotted with 
Purple speckes & bloud coloured vaines. This 
is a maruellous Iugler, for it wil cause things 
obiect to be presented to our eies as it listeth. It 
being put into a Basan of water chaungeth 
to a mans eiesight the Sunne his beames, and 
giueth them a contrarie colour. Being also 
mooued and beaten in the ayre, maketh to ap­
peare a bloudie Sunne, and darkneth the ayre 
in maner of an Eclipse: and therefore it is cal­
led Eloutropia as you would say, the Sunne his 
enimie. There is of this name also a certaine 
Hearbe which Enchaunters & Witches haue 
oftentimes vsed, and doe vse, as also that aboue 




said, whereby they haue mocked and deluded 
many, which by meanes and working of en­
chauntment, haue so dazeled the beholders eies, 
that they haue gone by them inuisibly. 

Of Ematites.  

EMatites is a stone somewhat ruddie, some­
what sanguine, found both in Affrick, in 
Indie and in Arabie: so named for that it re­
solueth & chaungeth oft into a bloudie colour: 
and is called of some stench bloud, for that it 
stoppeth his vent or course of flowing.

Of Enidros.  

ENidros, is meane or small in bignesse, con­
tinually sweating or dropping, neither doth 
it for all this melt away or is lessened: of the 
which the Lapidare hath this note and tune 
as followeth.

Perpetui fletus lacrimis distillat Enidros 
qui velut ex pleni Fontis scaturigine manat.
 
Distilling drops and teares full oft 
That Enidros the Stone doth drop: 
Which as out of a Fountaine full, 
Doth alwayes runne and neuer stop.

And here question might be moued why it 
doth not vanish or wax lesse, through such day­
ly flowing. The aunswere is for that his ver­




tue or working doth bind and thicken the aire, 
that which is next to it, and so bringeth it to 
his owne nature, part by part in his order. 
 "enidros(n)" not found in OED. 

Of Gagates.  

GAgates is of the precious sort also, which 
was first found in Sicilie in a certain floud 
called Gagatus of the which it tooke his name: 
although that in Britannie, it is a good geast & 
somewhat common as Isidore saith: It hath 
two kindes, the one russet in colour, and the o­
ther black, this last easie to be fiered, and as 
smokie as Frankinsence. It being left in the 
place where Serpents bréede, driueth them 
cleane away. And Diascorides saith, that 
this being put into the drink of a Maide or Vir­
gin will easilye giue you iudgement whether 
that she be a true and right Mayde yea or no. 
For saith he, after that she hath drunke of this 
and doth not anone after make water, but can 
continue, then take hir and estéeme hir a pure 
Virgin, and contrariwise, if she doe not con­
tinue and stay herein some season, iudge of hir 
otherwise.

Of Galactites.  

GAlactites is a stone in colour ashie, in taste 
verie swéete & pleasant, which being pres­




sed or grouned, yeeldeth and giueth a certaine 
Milkie and watrish humor, as saith Isidore: 
This being kept in close, and shutte vp in the 
mouth, desturbeth and letteth the minde. Fur­
der, it being bound to a Womans thigh, cau­
seth easie deliuerance in childe bed. 

Of the Gem.  

I Must needes before I iourney any further 
or hasten to other, somewhat speake of the 
Gem: for that we haue beene occasioned and 
shall be hereafter to vse it as the generaltie or 
notion of the name and stock in these kindes. 
It is called a Gem saith Isid. for that it shy­
neth and is smooth as the Gum. This hath his 
best beautifying in the varietie and interpla­
cing of colours, & it is called precious, for that 
it is rare: all things that be rare are precious. 
Neither is it to be marueiled why eche Gem is 
precious, sith that al and singuler are not with­
out their diuine vertue. Of Gemmes, some 
are found in the earthes vaines, & are digged 
vp with Metalles: some are cast vp to lande 
and brought thither from the Sea his bottom, 
and their place of generation is vnknowen: 
other some are bred and found in the bodies & 
bellies of Foules, Fishes, Creatures & Beasts 
of the earth, Serpents and such as creepe my­




raculously by God & prouident nature in their 
maner of working tasked. But in this kinde 
as in al others we must take heed of Sophisti­
cation: for to discerne & iudge truely the right 
Gem from the counterfayted, is the significa­
tion of a most cunning man. It hath bene séene 
that in stead of a Smaragde some haue had so­
phistred and counterfayted Glasse: Wherfore 
let not colours deceiue thée: aswell gréene to 
eiesight is the Glasse as the Smaragde, thou 
must take héede as the Poet biddeth, much co­
louring is there and many deceites. 

Of Gelacia.  

GElacia is a Gem verie white, hauing the 
figure or shew, likewise the bignesse & quan­
titie of an Hailestone, and is of such excessiue 
coldenesse that by no meanes of fire had and 
applied thereto it becommeth whote.

Of Geratites.  

GEratites is a kinde of stone black, but his 
vertue excéedeth and is aboue his colour: 
If any man carrie this in his mouth close, he 
may tell what euerie man thinketh of him: as 
syth the Lapidare. It also maketh amiable 
and bringeth him into others fauour that hath 
it about him.
 "geratites(n)" not found in OED.  




Of Golde.  

GOlde is the heade of all other Mettalles, 
and is in the chiefest degrée that Nature in­
stituted Mettals by ripenesse and perfection at 
the last to come vnto: but euen as by stoppes 
and lets, partly by such imbecilitie as is with­
in vs, and about vs, partly by enuious & cleane 
contrarie disposition of the Ayre and Planets 
in their Orbes, fighting and striuing with vs 
somewhile, & anone against vs: we be many 
of vs cut off before we come to olde age, the last 
degrée of Nature, so that we can not attaine to 
this last, through such our hinderances and im­
pediments: so there is order and wayes to or­
der in al Mettals from the first to the last, from 
the most vile and base, to the most precious & 
richest: which kinde of order and degrée euerie 
Mettal although it were of the rawest and ba­
sest sort, should attain to in his due time, were 
it not for impediments and hinderances, either 
of colde and barraine ground, or for lack of the 
Sunne his purifying and ripening, or for in­
fection of rustie and copperous Mineralles be­
ing nigh neighbour to them: or for such other 
stoppes, whereby they stoppe and stay, and so 
become grosse for lacke of their naturall and 
first growth and tidinesse in ripening. Isido. 




sayth that it is called Golde of the Ayre for that 
that the Ayre being stroked shimmereth the 
more. It is naturall to all Mettalles that they 
shine and looke bright, especially being moued 
and helden in the light. The Hebrewes call 
this Mettall Ophar, the Gréekes Chrusos. Aristo­
tle sayth in his fourth booke of Meteores, that 
this kinde as all the rest procedeth and is com­
pound of Brimstone the verie subtillest and 
red, and Quicksiluer also as subtile, but white, 
and this last verie smallie and proportionally. 
Amongst al Mettals there is none more solide, 
more compact then this is: and therefore it be­
ing put into the fornace doth not euaporate (as 
other thinges doe) neyther doth it léese of hys 
waight. It is more ductile & easie to be brought 
to what poynt you will then any of the other. 
For vpon a Stith with a Mallet it is brought 
into most thin leafe or plate without rupture 
or breaking. There is nothing to looke to so 
beautifull as this, neyther is their any thing so 
pure. The Phisitions say that it comforteth 
and expelleth all superfluities in the bodie, and 
is effectuous against the Leprosie. Likewise 
his leafe buried in wine maketh it auaylable 
against diseases & consumption of the Splene, 
and other perturbations Melancholike. Like­
wise Incision or Adustion done with an In­




strument of Golde is better than of any other 
Mettal or matter, for it kepeth the place of vsti­
on, frée and cleare from yll smelling and ran­
coring. There is also a certaine vaine of the 
earth, or whether a man might call it a kinde 
of stone, easily digged vp and broken, hauing 
the verie looke and face of Golde, and of some 
is the stone Arsenick, & is wrought as I thinke 
of Arsenicum, which also they call the golden 
earth. But this Arsenicum is double, one 
ashie colour, and the other as we aboue saide, 
in colour like Golde. The first is vsed to me­
dicine, for it hath power to dissolue & to purge: 
And besides that, they say it is vsed to Oynt­
ments depilatiue. 

Of the Iasper.  

THe Iaspar is a Gem verie gréene, like to 
the Smaragde, but of a litle more grosse co­
lour. Isid. saith that this hath. xvij. seuerall 
kinds and he calleth it the gréene stone. That 
of Cypria, (saith Harmolaus) is more duskie 
coloured and grosse: That of Persia is like to 
the Ayre, for the which it is called Aerizula: 
That of Phrygia is purple coloured: There 
hath bene in auncient time séene a Iaspar 
in waight .xj. Ounces. There is also in the 
heade of the Serpent Aspis found a little stone 




much like to the Iasper of maruailous vertue, 
which some by cutting away the first letter, 
haue called Aspis. It is thought to haue so ma­
ny wayes in working as it hath kindes. 

Of the Iacinct.  

THe Iacinct is blew, and of nigh neighbor­
hoode with the Saphire. This is a maruel­
lous turncote, for that it doth conforme it self 
to all settes and dispositions of the Ayre, for 
being helde in the cloudie and darke Ayre, be­
commeth also cloudie and darke: and béeing 
in the bright and cleare Ayre, becommeth also 
both bright and cleare. It is taken to be medi­
cinable, to giue vigor and strength to the lims, 
to encrease the sinewes, and to prouoke quiet 
and sound sléepe.

Of Iris.  

IRis is a kinde of Stone Mathematicallye 
wrought, as being digged vp in forme sixe 
cornered, which at the first was found nigh the 
red Sea: but is now found in many places, as 
in Germanie, in Irelande, and in the North 
parts and quarters, and is of colour as cleare 
as the Cristall. It is called Iris for likeloode to 
the Rainebow, which being touched & stricken 
of the Sunne his beames, vnder any couert, 




doth represent and shewe both the figure and 
colours of the Rainebow vpon the wall next 
to it, and that oppositely as Diascorides saith. 
It hath the same force and working that the 
Berill hath, but is not in quantitie so great. 

Of Iron.  

IRon in Latin is called à feriendo Ferrum, 
for that through his hardnesse it stryketh, 
molifieth, and bringeth vnder all kind of met­
tals. This kinde according to the manifolde 
difference of earthes and quarters of the earth. 
is diuersly called. It is engendred (as Aristotle 
sayth) of Quicksiluer verie grosse, nothing 
pure, vncleane and earthie: and of Brimstone 
also as grosse, as vnpure, as earthie. In com­
position whereof there is more of the Brim­
stone: so that through the temperature of cold 
which is in the Quicksiluer, of the drought and 
earth, which is in the other, it is so wrought & 
compact on that wise. Iron through bloud tou­
ching waxeth rustie, and getting within him, 
can scarcely, or not at al, be rid of it, corrupting 
within otherwise. Rust therefore is nothing 
else but a defaulte and an offence in the vn­
cleannesse and impurenesse of any substaunce, 
whether it commeth eyther by fellowship and 
placing next to the earth, or through any yll 




qualitie of mans bloud, or of moyst and infec­
tuous vapour. As Isidore recordeth. Of Iron 
Mans bloud is soonest reuenged, for that by 
nothing so soone, Iron is brought to his corrup­
tion. It hath a naturall amitie with the Ada­
mant, which Adamant (as we before men­
tioned) draweth it to it, and this last followeth 
and obeyeth. Iron being polished is very like 
to Brasse. There is a certaine Iron which is 
for the most part white, which if it be buried a 
certaine space in a Vessell eyther of Wine or 
of Milke, remedieth diseases in the Splene, & 
is otherwise auaileable. If you go to vse and 
wade no further, this kinde of Mettall is prin­
cipall amongst the rest, which thing necessitie 
teacheth, and is the best proufe: which we also 
doe approue then, when as we are constrayned 
and driuen to Weapon and Armourie: for 
without thys coulde wée neyther be quiet at 
home amongst our selues, neyther could we 
kéepe off, from our Countrie borders and li­
mits, other our outward enimies. Further (to 
stay our selues in things at home and not to 
seeke other) there could be no mans Arte prac­
tised, no commoditie had by occupation & sci­
ence: further, not so much as the earth could 
be either sowen or reaped to any increase with­
out this. Therefore in this behalfe it mought 




be called all graine and fruites Nurse. 

Of the stone Kaman.  

KAman the stone may well be called a turn­
cote, for that it is now blacke, now white, 
now shamefast & blushing. And is in colours 
very diuerse, and therefore it is called Kama, 
as you would say in Greeke Kauma soone kind­
led. It is found in hote places, and especially in 
those that haue good store of Brimstone and be 
Sulphureous: as Diascorides reporteth. It 
helpeth sayth he the drop sie: and is easie to be 
engrauen and carued in.
 "kaman(n)" not found in OED.  

Of Kabiates.  

KAbiates is cleare coloured, very lyke to the 
Cristall. It is thought being borne about 
one to make a man eloquent, to make him ho­
nourable, and to get and win him fauour. It 
preserueth one also from hurtfull and vene­
mous Serpents, and cureth paine and griefe 
in the Maw and Splene.

Of Kalpophanus.  

KAlpophanus is a kinde of stone black, yet 
be painted with other colours, which being 
caried in the month is saide to clarifie the voice, 
and to helpe them that be hoarse, as the Lapi­ 




dare witnesseth. 
 "kabiates(n)" not found in OED.  

Of Lead.  

LEad saith Aristotle, commeth and ariseth 
of Brimstone, both grosse, vnpure, & full of 
dregges: and of Quicsiluer also, waterie, and 
in maner like to an humor. Isidore sayth, it 
was called Lead at the first for that at the be­
ginning with it was found forth and tried the 
Sea, his deapth and bottome. There are two 
sortes of Lead, the one white, & the other black: 
but the whitest is best, which kindes was first 
found in the Iles of the Sea Atlantike. But 
is now found in Lusitania and in Gallicia, & 
in many other places. It is found also in Mi­
neries in maner like to Grauell and Sande, 
which afterwardes is sodden and molten to 
greater quantitie in fire and fornace. That 
other black Lead is found most in Cantabrie, 
whose origine or being is after two sortes, for 
eyther it proceedeth of a vaine by it selfe, or else 
it groweth next by siluer, and ouercrosseth his 
vaines with it. Therfore his first lyquor run­
ning when as it is molten is almost Tin: the 
second, in a maner Siluer: that which is then 
left and remaineth (adding also to it his vaine 
and so entermedled) becommeth black Lead. 
In Indie saith Isidore, there is neyther Lead 




nor Brasse of his owne, therefore it chaungeth 
for his owne Marchandise (as with Gemmes 
and Margarets) wherein it is most plentifull. 
In Spaine and Fraunce it is verie hardly he­
wen out: In Britannie with verie much ease. 
Hermes sayth, that Lead being boyled, loose­
neth al other sound bodies and weakneth their 
hardnesse, as also it enfeebleth the Adamant. 

Of the stone Ligurius.  

LIgurius, is a stone in colour lyke to Tin. 
It is engendred in the entrailes and priui­
ties of Lynx the wilde Beast, and is of that 
vertue that it draweth to it any offall of chaffe 
or straw. It also helpeth paine in the stomack, 
and bewrayeth Venome or Poyson.

Of Lipparia.  

LIpparia is a Gem brought from the Syr­
tes, sandie places and grauelled in the bor­
ders of Affrick, next towards Aegypt, whose 
propertie is to delight and inamour all kinde 
of beastes, with his looke or shew, vnto the sight 
whereof they all hastily runne. Therefore the 
Huntesmen for those that they can not get by 
course of Greyhounde, or other kinde of Dog, 
they vse onely to come by them by meanes of 
looking in this stone, with the which sight they 




bring them to them, as the Lapidare reporteth. 
 "lipparia(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Lodestone.  

THe Lodestone commeth from Indie, and 
is almost Iron colour like. It is founde 
most rife amongest the Trogloditas people, 
in the furthest part of Affrick, beyond Aethi­
opia, who are saide to dwell in Caues, and to 
eate Serpents flesh. It draweth Iron to it, e­
uen as one Louer coueteth and desireth an o­
ther. The common people therefore hauing 
sometime seene this so done by secret and vn­
knowne working, haue iudged and reputed 
the Iron liuely. There is another kind of Lode­
stone in Thessalie, that is of contrarie set and 
disposition, which will haue none of Iron, nor 
will meddle with it. But for the other that is 
reckned principall and best, which in colour is 
blew. Saint Augustine saith, that if any man 
put vnder any vessel eyther golden or of brasse, 
or holde vnder these any péece of Iron, and lay 
aboue the vessels or vpon them this Lodestone, 
that euen through the verie motion or mouing 
of the stone vnderneath, the Iron shall moue 
vp and meete with it as nigh as the vessell wil 
suffer at the verie top.

Of the Margaret.  




THe Margaret of all Gemmes, those which 
be in their kindes white, is estéemed the 
chiefest: as Isidore consenteth, with others 
herein. Which kinde he will also haue thus 
named, for that it is founde growing in the 
meate of certaine shell fishes, and those of the 
Sea, as in the Sea Snaile, and in the greatest 
Oyster, and such like as haue their shell. It is 
engendred of a certaine heauenly dewe, which 
in a certaine time of the yeare, both the Sea 
Snaile and the Cockle doe take and drinck vp. 
Of the which kinde of stone certaine are cal­
led Vnions, for that by one and one, they be 
founde, and neuer aboue one: there be some of 
these also séene somtimes yellow, but the other 
are theverie best. 

Of the Mede.  

THe Mede is a precious kinde of stone only 
found amongst the Medes, whereof it is 
so named, which stone in some places there, is 
seene greene, in some other, black. It helpeth 
the Goute, mingled among with the Milke 
of a woman, new bearing a Sonne, and re­
medieth the Phrensie.
 Sense of "mede(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Melanite.  




THe Melanite is a Stone, which distilleth & 
droppeth that iuice which is verie swéete 
and honie like: wherfore it may well be called 
Melanite as you would say Honistone, and it 
is double coloured, on the one side it is gréene, 
on the other side yellow. 

Of the Mirrite.  

THe Mirrite is a Gem, both in taste and co­
lour like to Myrrhe, which being wroong & 
pressed hard, giueth as pleasant a smel as Nar­
dus or Spikenarde.

Of the Marble.  

THe Marble by Greeke worde and name is 
interpreted gréene. There are Marbles in 
great and huge bignesse, and length: which 
are of many esteemed and had in reputation for 
their spottes and colours. The sorts and kinds 
of Marble are infinite: for not euery of them 
are hewen forth out of Rockes: but many be 
dispersed vnder the earth, as the Marble with 
the Lacedemonians, which is both grene and 
precious: So likewise that kinde of Marble 
which is called Ophites, which hath spottes 
like a Serpent, is much estéemed. Of Ophites 
two sortes are mentioned: the first white and 
soft, the other black and hard. There is ano­




ther kinde almost Corall like, found in Asia,
hauing certaine blottes besprent vpon it and 
about it proporcionally. There is also a The­
bane Marble dipped here and there, and dyed 
like in maner to golden droppes, and is found 
in a part of Aegypt. There are other kindes 
also which bréede and haue the very rocks to 
be their shop houses, as the Marble in Corinth, 
wherof whole Pillars and great Beames are 
made. And there is another Marble called Ca­
risteum verie gréene, hauing his name of his 
good looke, for that it is auayleable to their eie­
sight that engraue therein. The gréene colour 
hereof refresheth the eies. Marble therefore is 
more sounde, more faire, more profitable than 
any other stones are, with Lead and not with 
Iron (contrarie to all others wont) all stones 
of Marble are hewen and cut, which thing is 
marueilous. For neyther with Steele nor yet 
with Iron, neyther with Mallet nor cutting 
Sheares, neyther with Sawe by any force or 
striuing withall, it is subdued. 

Of the Melochite.  

THe Melochite is a gréene Gem, much like 
to the Smaradge, his gréene colour not­
withstanding is somwhat more thick & grosse: 
wherfore for his onely colour, of some it is cal­
led 




gréene Malue. It groweth in Arabia, and 
is to feele to verie softe, and in effect verie me­
dicinable. 

Of Nesorpora or Todes stone.  

NEsorpora is a stone of Pontus, verie pre­
cious, marueilous white, and as they say, 
it is found in a Todes heade, out of the which 
it is plucked and taken forth, and is purified by 
lying a certaine space stéeping in strong wines 
and running water, as Diascorides beareth 
witnesse. In this stone is apparantly seene ve­
rie often the verie forme of a Tode, with be­
spotted and coloured féete, but those vglye and 
defusedly. It is auailable against invenoming.

Of Nitrum.  

NItrum (as sayth Diascorides,) is a stone 
but nothing precious or Gem like: it is 
also verie white, easie to be riuen, and to looke 
to, it is cleare also. It is called Nitrum of Ni­
trea, a Region or Countrie in Aegypt. Of this 
stone many Medicines are made and are digh­
ted therewithall, as one principally to take, 
and rid out of the bodie all filth and annoyan­
ces. The dust hereof also wrought with hony 
doth clarifie and beautifie the face.




Of Onix or Onichus.  

ONix of some Onichus, is a stone of Indie 
and Arabie, hauing colours all aboute it 
intermedled verie like to a mans naile: wher­
vpon the Greekes call our naile Onikin. That of 
Indie hath a colour like to fire, & is dyed with 
white Vaines or Zones. That of Arabie is 
black, yet died with white Lines or Zones. It 
hath many kindes as Sardonix, so called for 
that by commixture of the Onix which is white 
and Sardus which is red, it becommeth but one 
of them both. It being borne about one, rid­
deth him of feare: and in maner of a Glasse it 
sheweth a mans visage, as saith Diascorides.

Of Oppalus.  

OPpalus (as saith Diascorides) is a stone in 
colour like to vecie many, and those cleane 
contrarie Gems. For it representeth in some 
part as good a greene colour as the Smaragde: 
in some other part it looketh like Purple, and 
in another part like to a whote Cole as the 
Carbuncle doth.

Of Orites.  

ORites is a Gem black, and in figure round. 
It hath diuers kinds, wherof one is greene 




hauing white spottes. This being worne and 
hung about the neck of any woman, prohibi­
teth and letteth conception, or, and if she haue 
before conceyued, it hasteneth hir deliuerie, and 
maketh the birth vntimely and vnperfect. 
 "orites(n)" not found in OED.  

Of Parius.  

THe stone Parius is a kinde of the finest and 
most excellent Marble. This is founde in 
Para the Iland, wherefore it is called Parius, 
it is verie profitable and good to kéepe and pre­
serue all kinde of Oyntments.

Of Prassius.  

PRassius, is in maner of an Onyon or Leeke 
verie greene, and comforteth a weake and 
feeble eiesight. It is found sometime with bloudie 
drops, and sometime with drops that be white. 
It is nothing precious, neither in any laudable 
sort effectuous, but onely for a shew to the eies. 
Whereof the Lapidare hath this Verse.

Vtile nil affert nisi qui viret & decet Aurum.
To no purpose or kinde of good 
Prassius the stone doth serue 
But onely that with fresh greene looke, 
it from offence th'eine doth preserue. 
 
Of Pirrites.  




PIrrites is a kinde of stone, yealow, like to 
the fire his flame, and in qualitie almost 
all one with the fire: for the which I suppose 
it tooke his name, it is soone kindled and set on 
fire. It also sparckleth, and being hardly hol­
den & pressed in any mans hande burneth him 
sore or he perceiueth it. Whervpon the Lapi­
dare hath these two Verses. 

Tangi vult leuiter blandaque manuque teneri 
nam pressus nimium digitos tangentes adurit.
The Pirrite must with easie hand 
And maruellous soft enholden be: 
For being prest and helde to hard 
Doth burne thy flesh or ere thou se. 

Of the Pionite.  

THe Pionite is a stone thought to be onely 
a Female, for in very short time and full 
quickly it conceyueth & bringeth forth his like, 
and is an helpe also to such as be pregnant and 
big with childe.
 "pionite(n)" not found in OED.  

Of Panteron.  

PAnteron is a stone of all colours, or at the 
least of the most part of them, wherevpon it 
is so named: for it is in some part black, in o­
ther part gréene, in other part purple, and so 
forth. This is saide to bolden a man, and to 




make him inuincible. 
 "panteron(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Quiren.  

THe Quiren is a stone which is found in I­
landes and Fennes, most commonly in 
Lapwings Nestes: this is a betrayer of drea­
mes, and of a mans secrets when as he is in 
sléepe. It being put vnder his head the sleepeth, 
causeth him to speake out all that he hath in 
his minde in secret wise, and to himselfe onely 
purposed.
 "quiren(n)" not found in OED.  

Of Quandias.  

QVandias is a stone very vile in colour, but 
of much vertue as saith Diascorides. 
It is found in the Vulture his heade, and is 
mans friend, for it driueth from him al things 
that be hurtfull.
 "quandias(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Rubie.  

THe Rubie is a stone which of some is sup­
posed to be found in the Crabs heade, most 
commonly red, yet notwithstanding somtimes 
found in yealow colour. It auaileth against 
the biting of the Scorpion and Weasell, if it 
be applied thereto plaister like.

Of Rhombites.  




RHombites is of two sortes, the one which 
consisteth of Scales, hauing the likenesse of 
Rhombus, a figure with the Mathematicians 
foure square: hauing the sides equall, the cor­
ners crooked, whereof commeth Rhombites, 
This is very white as Cardane reporteth: 
there is another of this which hath the figure of 
narrow Rowler, but coloured and dyed with­
in and without, so that it likewise represen­
teth the figure of Rhombus. 

Of the Sapphir.  

THe Sapphir is Skie coloured or blew, like 
to the Skie in the most faire weather. It is 
one of the Noblest and royall sorts amongst al 
Gemmes, and most méete to be worne onely 
vpon Kings and Princes fingers. This for his 
soueraigntie of the Lapidare, is called the Gem
of Gemmes. It is found most especially in In­
die, although that sometimes, otherwhere. 
Cardane sayth, that it is next and aboue the 
Adamant in reputation: fift or last in the de­
grée of those Gemmes that be noble and pre­
cious: he sayth also, it is good (if it be not o­
therwise ouerlaide) to the eiesight, and that no­
thing in the whole worlde, doth more recreate 
or delight the eies than the Smaradge & Sap­
phir doe. Albartus Magnus saith, that he 




hath proued it twise, that with the onely tou­
ching of this precious stone, the partie so disea­
sed, hath bene rid of the grieuous sore the Car­
buncle. It is meruelously effectuous against al 
venome. Wherefore, if thou put a Spider into 
a Box, and vpon the mouth of the Box, being 
shut thou layest the true Sapphir and kéepe 
the Spyder but a verie shorte time within the 
same, the Spider being vanquished and ouer­
come by such mean of close vertue dieth sodain­
ly. In olde time it was consecrated onelye to Apollo: 
for the which they thought their bu­
sinesse in Warres and affaires at home might 
be the sooner ended, if through such meanes 
they had enriched and honoured him, who by 
Oracle in all things those which were waigh­
tiest made onely the aunswere. 

Of the Sardye.  

THe Sardye is a kind of Gemme red colou­
red: so called for that it was first founde in 
Sardys, (whose kindes) those especially which 
are more thin and cleare (for this is something 
grosse) haue other names: as when it is most 
pure and cleane, it is called Carneolus, of 
some (certain letters being chaunged) the Cor­
nelles. Cardane sayth, that this of all other 
stones is most méete to engraue in, & to make 




Seales thereof, and he giueth these thrée rea­
sons: First, for that it cleaueth not or doth not 
holde fast to the Waxe: secondarily, for that it 
is easily carued, for it is but of meane hardnes. 
Thirdly, for that through cleare humor or va­
por it is not so soone dulled or duskied as ma­
ny other be. 

Of Sardonix.  

SArdonix, as the Lapidare saith, is bred and 
borne of the Sardye, which is the father to 
him, & Onix, which we before mentioned, in 
maner his mother. Isidore sayth, it is thrée co­
loured, black about the bottom, white in the 
midst, & red at the top: It is as fit for Seales 
as the Sardye. There be fiue kindes hereof 
séene in Indie. This in working maketh a 
man lowly and shamefast in his doings.

Of Silonite.  

SIlonite the stone is séene in Persia, in co­
lour like to the Iasper, or like to a fresh and 
flourishing greene Herbe. It encreaseth and 
decreaseth euen as the Moone, taking the Moone 
herein to be his paterne or example, belike for 
that it consisteth of humor abundantly.

Of Siluer.  




SYluer in Gréeke is called Argurion, not far 
from the Latine name and appellation. It 
is compound of the best and purest Quicksil­
uer, and of the most white Brimstone, and that 
which in their mixture and composition, by no 
meanes is burnt to red or black, as Aristotle 
rehearseth. Quicksiluer therefore hath this 
proper and peculiar to it selfe, that it doth not 
gather togither in maner of curd, or waxeth 
thick vnlesse it be intermedled with his fellow 
like acquaintaunce, Brimstone. Therevpon 
Aristotle proueth that Quicksiluer & Brim­
stone are the Elements, that is to say, the Ma­
tere and cause of beginning in all thinges li­
quable or those which melt, which are comonly 
called Mettals. Quicksiluer doth much breath 
forth and euaporate, whose breath or fume doth 
greatly hurt those, whome it apprehendeth. 
For it bringeth to a man the Palsie, and vn­
doeth and looseneth within him his Sinewes 
and Ioyntes. Without this notwithstanding, 
there could be no mixture, neyther in Golde, 
in Siluer, nor yet in any other Mettall. Siluer 
therefore hath these qualities peculiarly. It is 
cleare, it is shrill of sound, easily ductile, a mar­
ueilous preseruer of swéete balmes, the Iaspers 
friend, and with whome the Iasper better a­
greeth than with Gold. It is also medicinable, 




for his offall or dust remedieth wounds. Fur­
ther, it taking earth, rustieth: but being newe 
rubbed ouer with Sande and Salte, commeth 
to his olde colour againe. Isidore saith, that 
there is thrée kinds of Siluer, Golde & Brasse:
and of other Mettals. That which is grauen 
or by any wyse seased vppon: that which is 
wrought, and that which is not wrought: that 
which is sealed or coyned, as is Money, or goth 
for Money: that which is wrought and made 
otherwise, as is Vessell or Plate: that which 
is vnwrought is called a lumpe or bar of raw 
Mettall, of some a wedge of Mettall. 

Of the Smaradge.  

THe Smaradge hath his name of his excel­
lent and fresh gréene colour. For euerye 
thing that is grassie gréene, is properly called 
in Gréeke Smaron. It passeth both the leafe and 
bough of any Trée or plant in this his colour, 
and in this poynt alone triumpheth, neyther 
is the Sunne by his Sunne beames, any let or 
hinderance to this his shew. There is no grea­
ter refection to the eies than the sight of this. 
It being polished and dressed, sheweth a man 
his liuely Image, wherevpon the valiant Cae­
sar had no greater delight, than in looking on 
this, to sée his Warriours fight, and to behold 




in the Smaragde which of them went best to 
worke, and was moste actiue. Isidore sayth, 
that there be .xij. kindes hereof, but the moste 
noble is found in Scithia, the next in Bactria. 
This stone sayth Cardane, serueth to deuina­
tion, and to tell of a certaintie, things to come, 
or otherwise. For that that shall come to passe, 
it will neuer let it sincke or slip out of minde, 
and that that shall not, it easily suffereth the 
minde to forget. 

Of Sol.  

SOL the Precious stone, is in colour like 
to the Sunne, and is called Sol, for that it 
giueth reflexions of Sunne beames, euen as 
the Sunne doth.
 Sense of "sol(n)" not found in OED.  

Of Tin.  

TIn after his Greeke name, is called a deui­
der and distinguisher of one thing from an­
other, for all adulterous and counterfayted 
Mettals it doth betray, and setteth them seue­
rally asunder. It also discerneth Brasse & Lead 
from Gold & Siluer. Tin being rarely powred 
vppon Brasen Vesselles, maketh their sauour 
more pleasant, and bridleth & kepeth vnder the 
poysonous rust. Aristotle sayth, in his fourth 
booke of Meteores, that it is compound of Quick­ 




siluer indifferent good, but of very base Brim­
stone, and therfore this kinde of Mettall is no­
thing proporcionably mixt, but al out of square 
compound, for the which it looketh so raw, and 
hath Siluer his verie colour, but not his good­
nesse. Cardane saith, that Tin descrieth and 
reueleth if any poyson be hid, for both it hisseth 
and cracketh if it be so, and also sheweth thin 
stripes in maner like to a bow. I haue séene it 
my selfe when as this kinde of Mettall being 
molten in the pit and but a sponefull of water 
being cast into, it hath floushed and leapt vp to 
the top of the house: but a whole Potfull of 
Béere or Ale being cast in, it hath not once 
moued, but laughed by and by. The cause I 
may giue that, that Cardane doth, applying it 
to all Mettals onely Golde excepted: for sayth 
he all other (onely Golde excepted) are fertile 
and fat. And being thus, laffe at their like, and 
refuse the residue. And thus much of Tin. 


Of Talchum.  

TAlchum the stone is like to Glasse, hauing 
as it were about it Hilles and Edges na­
turally set in it. This being dronken (sayth 
Cardane) in quantitie as big as a Walnut, 
doth marueylously ease and remedie paynes in 
the bowels.




Of Taraxippus.  

TAraxippus the stone as the name giueth, 
doth signifie the Horse his trouble and dis­
quietnesse. It is in colour verie fierie, and it so 
shimmereth especially by night, that the horse 
casting his eyes that way, espieth his like with 
a fearefull looke: whereat he stampeth and sta­
reth. Cardane him selfe recordeth, what as 
concerning this purpose, befell in his presence 
and companie, three yeares before he wrote 
his booke de Subtilitate. I was sayth he, in 
Ianua, whereas I supped with the worthie 
and renowmed man Francis Duarde the Em­
perours Lieutenaunt: when as I had sup­
ped it rayned great showres, I was readie 
to put on my Cloke, my Hat and such Vestu­
res, so to defend me from these showres. This 
Duarde perceyuing I should be wet or I got 
home (as he is verie ciuile and curteous) lent 
me certaine of the best Horse he had, and of his 
men as many, to accompanie me. There was 
also present with me, and who should also go 
my way Lodwick Ferrare. Preparance was 
made: we tooke our Horse and so departed. As 
we should go by a certaine way hard by a cer­
taine fornace, we saw in the verie walles therof 
a fierie colour, as it were of quick and burning 




Coales, which thing the Horse hauing espied, 
would no furder, but drew backward, & wrast­
led with vs to haue gone back, so that we could 
not rule them. We at the length fearing dis­
pleasure such as might befall to vs, for feare of 
more daunger alighted, & hauing some there 
to stay them, went our selues nighe & appro­
ched to the Fornace, whither when we came, 
we might espie a fierie colour, but nothing 
burning or on fire, which also considering what 
this should be, at the last perceiued wel inough 
that it was this Taraxippe, that had so fea­
red vs and our Horse, and so departing, being 
thus deceyued, we rid another way. 
 "taraxippus(n)" not found in OED as a headword but quoted in "give," 3, 36.  

Of the Topaze.  

THe Topaze as Plinie sayth, is a Gem of 
grassie colour: although that in Germanie 
it is found like to Golde. It was first found in 
Arabie, in a certaine Ilande there: whereas 
the people Troglodite such as liue by Snakes 
flesh and other Serpents, being compelled tho­
row verie extreeme hunger: and they also bee­
ing on the water or Sea, driuen thither by tem­
pest, and so both weared and hungrie, digging 
vp the Rootes of certaine Hearbes, by hap and 
chaunce pulled vp this. This Iland afterwards 
was sought of Mariners and Marchants, and 




was ransaked where as they founde (hauing 
had of them knowledge hereof) their best Mar­
chandise. After that, for those peoples sake, by 
whome they had so wonne and done so well, 
they would neuer chaunge the name hereof, 
but after their proper and peculiar speach cal­
led it a Topaze. For Topazein in Greeke is as 
much, as to finde by seeking. Plinie sayth, that 
it hath bene found of that bignesse and quanti­
tie that Philadelphus is saide to haue framed, 
and made thereof a statue or Image in length 
of foure Cubits. 

Of the Turches.  

THe Turches or Turcois, is of the common 
sort called Eranus. It is in colour airelike 
or like to the Heauens, and looketh cleare also 
as sayth Cardane. It is called a Turches for 
that it is onely found in Turkland or amongst 
the Turkes. This hath such vertue and hid 
maner in working, that it supporteth and sus­
taineth, being worne in a ring, a man from fal­
ling of his horse, and is saide of the aboue saide 
Author to receyue the daunger of the fal it self, 
and to breake and burst in sunder, rather than 
the man should fall and miscarie.

The Conclusion.




OF Ydachides I néede not to write, for that 
I finde nothing of his prayse in other Au­
thors but this: that in manner Spherelike 
it hath one within an other. Neither néede I 
write of Zeblicum, which is found in Misaena, 
whereof I finde nothing else, but that it auai­
leth against venome. Neither néede I speake of 
Zinguites, the ashie coloured stone, which be­
ing worne about the neck, stencheth bloud: last­
ly of all, I haue not much to entreate of Zeni­
eth, which of some is called and reckned the 
stone Lazulus, whose onelye commendation 
is for that it purgeth Melancholy passions, 
and stoppeth them. But these which I haue 
before entreated of, I therefore entreated of, 
and so far forth I spake of them, as it mought 
somewhat moue men not to be dull or slack in 
the searching out of these: for that much pro­
fite cometh to man by them. If I should haue 
spoken of all kinde of stones, as well Gems as 
other: I suppose it would haue required large 
and infinite volumes. For the kinde of stones 
as Isidore sayth, are infinite. But these haue 
I gathered with good wil, and briefely. Wher­
fore gentle Reader fauour vs, and beare with 
vs now; as thou wilt haue vs hereafter perad­
uenture to enrich these. 

FINIS. 




The second Booke of 
the Aegemonie or chiefest 
vertues in all the whole 
kinde of Plants, and 
of his parts, as of Herbs, 
Trees, & Shrubs, 
after the order of the 
Alphabet.

Psal. 135. 

Whatsoeuer the Lord pleased, that did 
he in Heauen and in Earth. &c.








The Preface to the 
seconde Booke. 

IN value more, and in degrée 
of Nature higher: In Nobilitie 
aboue Stones and Mettals, are 
Plants, if thei had their iust repu­
tation & were valued as they should 
be. But herein is corrupt and de­
praued iudgement (I might call it 
abuse, but that this worde is not 
so fit and agreable in all poynts as that other:) and 
therfore it is true that the Poet Gualter saith: Whi­
lest that we being fastned and set vpon pleasures, do 
stray from the right rule of Reason, to satisfie oure 
mindes & to nourish corrupt iudgement, we set most 
by that that is lesse worth: we most esteeme where 
lesse estimation should be, and haue a preposterous 
maner in iudging, and an awke wit in many things, 
their preferment. But this he spake (as it semeth) 
most of all moued with the Vulgar and comon sort. 
For the other kinde of men (whome Tullie calleth 
polished and wel addighted in all things) which go­
uerne and stay themselues by wise & prudent mea­
nes, he sawe (vnlesse they were I can not tell, howe 
by some euill meanes bewitched) to reckon and es­
teeme of all things as they were: And therefore he 
may seeme with al intent of mind fully bent to check 
and vpbraide the Multitude, and their basenesse in 
iudgement, whome the aforesaide Tullie trippeth 
eftsones, but especially in his Oration had for Cnei­
us Plancie, wheras he reckneth vp a heape of imbe­
cilities and wayes of halting in all office and duties, 
and first after this sort. In the common sort (saith he) 
is no perfect knowledge or skill, to select or choose 




forth amongst many things what is heade and prin­
cipall: there is no sound reason, there is no desart of 
hauing well, there is no industrie or diligence. And 
in his Oration for Quintus Roscius after this sort. 
Thus standeth it with the Commons. They esteeme 
many things by figure & fantacie, but few veritably 
and vprightly. Further, the selfe same Author in 
his Offices holdeth him not Heroicall or Prince­
like, which leaneth or hangeth vpon them. Wherfore 
let vs go on, and giue them their naturall, pristmate, 
and iust place and order in degree: forasmuch as in 
the other abouesaide, in Mettals & Stones, all is in 
their hid & secret vertue, there making abode & stay 
hereat: vnlesse peraduenture thou be moued wyth 
the goodly shew. Which with the Sunnes reflexions 
and light, moreouer the shimmering aire & the Met­
tall his purifying more or lesse, meeting all togither, 
one helpeth, coloureth & setteth out another: & thou 
being in loue with so goodly a shew, and brought to 
it by euill accustoming, giuest consent and so wonne 
dost becken at it, and wilt say that it is onely proper 
to the Mettall it selfe: but from that haue I brought 
thee, & set thee in another beliefe: whereas I spake 
particularly of Golde, Siluer, and such like, if thou 
wilt but onely waye of what stock or houshold they 
be of. But to returne to our purpose. In Plantes 
there is not onelye occult and hid vertue: further­
more, fresh & flourishing colours, wherewith I per­
ceiue thou wouldst be delighted: but there is in them 
that nature that commeth somwhat more neare (than 
those other doe) to the principall Creature man. For 
in them is the life vegetatiue or that life which nou­
risheth, augmenteth & bringeth forth his like, more 
apparant also, and in sight more than those other be, 
which lie shut vp in the earth as dead bodies with­
out life, and haue their maner of encrease or decrease 
therein, as all other things incensible haue, and are 
said to quicken or die but vnproperly: In the Plant 




it is spoken on that wise properly & after such sort, 
as mankind first next after his conception is saide to 
quicken and continue withall in reaching by meane 
of naturall order to his last kinde, vnperfect at the 
first, by this meane of vnperfection, in the which he 
lyeth and stayeth in after, his conception. 70. dayes, 
and so long is he plantlike: then the rest of time hath 
he in part and parcell like, so disposed and ordred of 
Nature to lay holde on, and to apprehende the other 
life aboue this, called sensitiue, in the which time so 
bespent; he seemeth of no greater accoumpt or force 
than other bruite beastes be, whose propertie is (as 
brute beastes is also the like) to feele griefe and plea­
sure, to moue, to haue sense, and that newly, then be­
gunne by Orgaine or Instrument diuersly framed. 
And then euen then it becommeth to haue an appi­
tite to that which it holdeth good and pleasant, and 
a recesse or lothsomnesse to that which maketh against 
it. All this at that time, (euen as bruite beasts haue) 
hath man in that not yet finished, & vnperfect shape 
or forme. But the other greater and that which is 
his owne, being once perfect, as to perceyue & iudge 
by sense both inward and outward, to stande in fan­
tasie, and to marke and obserue all ill deserts (wher­
at also brute beastes stay at:) but to leaue these, and 
to proceede further, to be mindfull of, & to haue in re­
membrance or recorde things past, to conferre and 
applie them with the present time, or adiudge there­
by what is in the time comming: to vnderstand, to vt­
ter the thought in way easie to be vnderstoode: this 
diuine power (that I may so say) hath man onely, 
& that man principally & aboue others that is a man 
in deede, and not by appellation or name, withal those 
other powers that be in the other two kinds aboue­
saide: but so proportionably wrought; & in such ma­
ner sorted and placed, as the thirde number is ouer 
the first & second, holding and contayning them both 
in his number and accoumpt, but of neyther of them 




reckeneth againe in making their accoumpt. The 
Plant therefore is of the Philosophers reckned in the 
number of those natures, that hath life: for in them 
as Aristotle sayth, is a portion of life, euen as in sa­
uage and brute beastes, sauing that in these last their 
maner of life by way of mouing from place to place, 
by gredie desire to feede and repast themselues, it is 
more manifest: in those other by reason of their a­
bode and continuance all in one place (as setled hard 
to the earth, by roote and moysture) and by their 
more hid receit of necessaries such as maintain them 
being also close and occult, haue giuen great causes 
of doubting. Anaxagoras being moued (I know not 
wherewith) affirmed that there was not onely a de­
sire in them to tarie and continue in their state, but 
also that they had and felt both sorrow and pleasure: 
and his reason he gathered of the distillation of hu­
mor in the Plant his Leaues, and of the Leaues in­
crease. Plato saith that they be moued and led by 
appetite for the necessitie of their prouision in nouri­
shing. But both of these Aristotle in his first booke 
de Plantis, refelleth and reproueth by argument: 
wherevpon we entende not to stande. Yet may it be 
doubted for asmuch as with Theophrast and such o­
thers, rather yea, than nay is aunswered. And they 
bid vs looke in eche their appearance. Doth not the 
Cucumber hate the Oliue, and where the one is, the 
other through a certaine malice prospereth not? Con­
trariewise, doth not the Vine loue and embrace the 
Elme, & prospereth the better, the nigher one is set 
by another? And as of these question is had, so may 
there also doubtes be made of the other. But let e­
uerie man iudge of these as they list. I had rather be 
still then haue a doe herein. Nowe to their partes 
and maner of diuision. 

Plants be sorted and deuided into three parts: 
the first is the Herbe: the seconde the Shrub: the 
third the Tres: there are which haue added hither 




a fourth kind which they cal Suffutrex a mean be­
twene the Herbe and the shrub: but it may better ei­
ther of the one or of the other of these two be called 
as they are called being greater or lesse, than to wan­
der so farre for so small aduantage in them by way 
of amplifying diuision. 

The Herbe is that sayth Theophrast in his first 
boke De Plantis and fift Chapter which springeth 
out of his roote well leaued without any body, and
beareth seede vpon his stalke or stemme as al herbs 
do, which are vsed to the Pot. The Shrub is that 
saieth he, which out of the roote commeth vp in ma­
nifold stocke or bodie and shouteth out armes in his 
meane kinde of growth, as the Brome and Brier. 
The tree is that saieth he, that from out of the roote 
ariseth in one onely stock or bodie, and groweth vp 
in manie kinds to great height: beside this it is full 
of boughes, it is full of knots: besides this it is full 
of slips and shootes as the Oliue, the Figge tree, 
the Vine. That other which they call Suffutrex 
and make it the fourth parte hath a certaine thinne 
and small stock: but such a one as excedeth not the 
thinne and small stalk of the herbe: as the Rose and 
such like. Therevpon we may easily perceiue that 
all these kindes aboue saide in that, that they liue 
through the life Vegetatiue and haue their place of 
growth in the earth, and in that, that they all liue 
by heate and humor whereof the first (as that which 
is not much spoken of) seemeth of some to be forgot­
ten in them: further in their leafe and braunches: 
and other outward dispositions herein they all agree 
and are alike. But herein they are saide to differ (as 
all things of sundrie sortes do) in these foure points: 
Whereof the chiefe and principall is their strength 
or vertue. The second their smell, which to the lear­
ned teacheth their contemperature: for the odor and 
smell of ech thing doth much bewraie the thing. The 
thirde difference is fetched from their tast or sauor: 




as the one sweete, the other sower, the one plea­
saunt, the other of sharpe tast & vnpleasaunt. More­
ouer as they haue those qualities which be proper 
and peculiar to the tast or want them. The fourth 
is (and that which is most infinite) of their figure 
and forme in leafe, of their owne figure, of their co­
lour, of their flower, of their fruite, of their stock, 
which is as it were the prop or staie of the Plant: 
of the bark, which is the defence (and as I mought 
so say) their house to lodge in: and to defend them­
selues from storme and tempest: further in the roote, 
difference is found, and to haue one worde for all, in 
all their whole composition and mixture. It is to be 
maruelled how Dame Nature hath vpon the face of 
the earth (as it were in hir Garden or Orchard of de­
light) for varietie sake so manifoldly varied & mul­
tiplied the kindes of colours either simply died, & stai­
ned: or else chaungably almost in euery plant or thing 
growing. But the greatest meruaile that outward­
ly appeareth (and that which the most cunning work­
man or Painter may follow, but not attaine to) is 
in the excellent shew and infinite their kinde of flo­
wers. Whereof some be Milke white, as the Lilie: 
some purple coloured as the Violet and Saffron 
flower: Some Scarlet red as the Aramanth: some 
Ocrie or yellow as the Mariegold: some grassie 
grene as the Primrose: some be speckled as the Car­
nation, some cole black but those (as Authors affirme 
verie rare) in so much that the sadde blew coloured 
flower, as is Calcedome, hath bene taken of some for 
black, onely for their most like kinde of apparailing. 
So that a man maye see howe Nature worketh in 
many, as in these and sixe hundred more like, after 
simple sort without any intermedling: In as many 
and rather mo as chaungablie. Wherein if I trauai­
led and did so largely run at roiar or lauished in see­
king out their especialties, as Nature moste libe­
rally and abundantly hath bestowed hir labour and 




wrought in them: I had neede of long time & grea­
ter studie herein to followe such exact discourse, but 
that I meane not, neither doe I purpose it. 

Plants may moreouer (to stay and continue yet 
a little in their deuision) so be deuided, that some shal 
be saide to be of the Garden: some of the Field: some 
that like well by the Sea and flouds: some by the 
Sea bancks: other some there be that onely growe 
in Fennes: some vpon rockes and stonie walles: 
some in the sands, and there are which are seene to 
grow in Wels as Liuerwort. Againe some be fruit­
ful, other some barren: some bearing braunches and 
leaues: some without al these: some of great growth: 
other of as small: some thicke and grosly set, as the 
Cyprusse: some as rarely and thinly disposed as the 
Beach: some full of knots as it were ioynted or de­
uided as the Reede: some without any such partici­
on, but all ouer plaine: as Hemp. Some which 
spring vp and increase by seede sowing: othersome 
which arise vp of their own accord not known how: 
some most holesome: othersome most hurtfull. And 
to twine vp this threde of deuision vpon some bot­
tome (for it were to long to vndoe the whole skaine) 
some seeme to haue both sexes and kindes: as the 
Oke, the Lawrell and such others: some without 
any such apperaunce but onely one in kinde, as the 
Palme and the like.

The Plant therefore (for of that name we shall 
haue great vse) maye by Etimologie of worde so 
deriued, be so called, for that it is planted & graft in 
the earth, fostered vp by his roote and by that nou­
rishment that the roote taketh and feedeth on mini­
stred and put to it by his Nourse the earth, and of 
such daily foode getteth euerie day greater increase. 
Plants haue such nourishment through the earth 
and their roote naturally within, and be in euerie 
their chiefe part and all about a like Organick that 
being engraft whilst they be greene and not to farre 




gone through drought in any stocke (onlesse it hath 
another maner of difference or almost a contrarietie 
in his qualitie then that others, and thereby not a­
uailable) are able by secret force of Nature to take 
and resume againe like life and power, and do as wel 
in the last stocke as it did being a member or parte 
of the first & naturall bodie. And here vpon it is that 
whereas through any imbecillitie or let espied and 
gathered either inwardly or outwardly in the tree, 
so that it is thereby hindred of his liking and doing 
well, men in time of yere vse to cut them off, such as 
are thought to prosper better in another place, and 
graffe them into a new stock: and being so cut off, are 
of a greater continuance (but by resemblaunce to 
shewe thee howe alike) than those small and siely 
Wormes be, who haue imperfection in their Nature 
as Waspes, Bees, Emites and such like, which by 
Latin worde are called Insecta that is, in part and 
member distinct and seuered, hauing for all this life 
proportionably and equally besprent throughout the 
whole bodie. In so much that these for a time after 
that they be cut or plucked into pieces in euerie their 
parte so seuered, shewe both life, sense and mouing; 
but in this point comming behind them, for that being 
once so discerped can neuer after neither in applying 
their owne parts togither, neither yet in fastning or 
binding them to any body of any their like reuiue 
and quicken againe. But now let vs leaue this our 
straying abroad (which maner who so vseth in com­
mon conuersation & familiar talke is coumpted and 
reputed light and a talker: in stile and in endighting 
any thing a wanderer from the purpose) and come 
to our taske: that to which we before setled our selues 
to: herein requiring the Reader not to accuse vs 
lightly, and on a sodaine to check and reprehend vs 
as those which haue entered into that businesse which 
requireth long and exact discourse, and haue made 
a preface after that sort as though we would go a­




bout to extricate and weede out what might be said 
at auenture of all things, not onely intending an 
Aegemonie which we onely promised and is but the 
chiefest part, but an vniuersaltie which is the whole. 
Vnto whom I would that our sentence or meaning 
were well knowne: that therby they might vnder­
stand (perceiuing also what a preface is) that I had 
not greatly squared, if I had pursued many moe di­
uisions, for what is there so farre of (so that it belon­
geth to the thing wherof we intend to speake) that 
may not be added the thing it selfe being once had in 
hand. But nowe as hastily as we can and as briefe­
ly as we can, we minde to bring in other Authors 
thereby keeping our selues free from blame in this 
Aegemonie or Sufferaigntie of things growing vp­
on the earth: not absolutly or throughly (which thing 
I woulde to God it were in our skill and wit (nei­
ther do I meane to giue the cause why: which was 
inough for Theophrast (as we reade written) who 
hath laboured all his life time, and that sore labou­
red, and hath not yet giuen and founde an absolute 
& perfect end of such his knowledge, who although 
for his time he hath done well & brought great light 
and vndid or made naked many things in that his 
kinde of studie and trauaile, yet hath he gone and 
passed by manie things without either eiesight set 
vpon them or meane of acquaintance had: partly for 
that the mother of all such greene things as grewe 
vpon the earth multiplieth euerie ech day with in­
crease, and diuersitie of many kinds and playeth the 
prodigall his parte: and partly that although man 
mought by art and inquiraunce after these attaine or 
come vnto knowledge herein, yet the race of this life 
was so sodaine and short so often perilled and euery 
eche moment at death his nod and beck, which things 
all summined and accoumpted, & euery day the more 
he watched in these the more offer the had of them 
to be of his acquaintance, euen when as he was olde 




and lay vpon his deathes bed, now readie to make a 
farewell of the bodie and soule, began to accuse Na­
ture of Iniurie doing and offence, and fault in per­
cialtie for that she had so dealt with the Harte and 
Hinde, the Crow & night Rauen, in prolonging and 
giuing them so long life (which good gift on neyther 
ther partes was little or nothing considered) but to 
Mankind she had dealt so straightly, and no poynt 
according to equitie or right reason, in that that shee 
had giuen him such short terme of yeares, and not so 
short as vncertaine, and sodaine: wherein if she had 
dealt more equally and had bene mans friend (as she 
mought haue bene) it had come to passe that our ma­
ner of life had ben more profitable: science, or the Arts 
liberall, (whereas nowe they be rawe) should 
haue bene much more absolute: perseuerance 
of euery thing his cause (now small) should 
then haue bene more amplified. But now 
let vs heare in eche Plant his princi­
palitie, the mindes of other men, 
what is found in them wor­
thye marking: And the 
first in our Alphabet 
shall be the Al­
mond tree. 

Farewell. 




The seconde Booke of the 
Aegemonie treating of Plants 
as of Herbes, Trees, and 
Shrubs, perticulerly and 
Alphabetically. 

 
Of the Almond tree.  

THe Almonde tree in Greeke is 
called Amygdalè, in Latine Nux lon­
ga, a long and straight forth kinde of 
Nutte. Of this Aristotle hath these 
wordes. The Almond tree sayth he, requireth 
much attendance and diligence to be kept from 
endamaging and hurt, whilest it is tender and 
yong. It prospereth not vnlesse it be set in good 
ground, in the which it yeldeth much fruite. It 
dyeth and fadeth away, whereas ouermuch 
sold aboundeth. Wherefore his best liking is 
in those Countries whereas heate raigneth. 
It yéeldeth two seuerall kindes of fruite, the 
one vsed to meate, the other onely to medicine. 
Diascorides sayth, that if the Fox happeneth 
to eate and digest of this kinde of fruite, he by 
and by dyeth, except he licketh in water in 
the present place, and that immediatlye. It 




may peraduenture so be, for that which is hol­
some and good for one kind, oftetimes is hurt­
full for another. The same Author sayth also, 
that that Almond tree which is most swéete 
of taste, if it be once bitten or gnawen of Cat­
tell, it by and by looseth his goodnesse, and be­
commeth most bitter and sower. 

Of the Alder tree.  

THe Alder tree (which by corrupt and ac­
customed kinde of speaking they common­
ly call the Elder) is of verie barraine and vn­
fruitefull nature, as Theophrast witnesseth: 
this is his onelie best and the chiefest thing he 
hath, in that he groweth straight vp in bodie, 
and is in his Wood and inwarde Marie very 
soft. His growth sayth he, is in moyst and wa­
trie places, and else no where.

Of Aloes.  

ALoes, is a precious Wood which groweth 
in Indie, a Wood of most swéete smell, ve­
rie medicinable. Cardane saith, it hath a great 
leafe and grosse, verie fat, whereout distilleth 
that kinde of Gum that is most odoriferous. It 
is taken also with Phisitions for an Herbe 
which is most sharpe & bitter, which groweth 
in Indie and Persia.




Of Aegraton or good old Herb.  

AGeraton hath one and the selfe same name 
both with the Gréekes and Latines, and is 
a small shrub, verie full of yong shoutes and 
slips. It is like Origan or Marigolde, & hath 
his flower alike coloured as saith Diascorides 
It may be thought that it hath that name, for 
that it preserueth a great time without losse of 
his vertue, or not being otherwise hindered by 
sicknesse and age.

Of Agarick.  

AGarick, as sayth Diascorides, hath both 
Male and Female: and is in efficacie or 
effect such, that it maye be applyed to all sick­
nesses, such as the sick person must paciently a­
bide, whether that it be vsed with water or wine, 
in which sort it is most commonly ministred.

Of Agrimonie.  

AGrimonie, of Mesues, is named Maud­
len, the Latine worde is Eupatorium. It 
is a short shrub, & of no great or iust height. It 
hath his leafe parted as it were fiue portioned. 
The decoction hereof, saith Diascorides, or his 
poulder dried is an excellent remedie against 
the oppilacion of the Liuer & Splene, by reason 




of fleume, and is taken either the Herbe it selfe 
alone, or else sodden among with Wine. 

Of Annet or Dill.  

ANnet or Dill is an Herbe whose seede as 
Diascorides sayth, may be kept by the space 
of thrée whole yeares next after it is gathered, 
without losse in any point of his operation.

Of Anise.  

ANise hath the like vertue that Dill hath, 
but in sauour and tast, it is more pleasant 
and sweete. It commendeth vnto vs the good 
breath and swéete, and bewraieth the contrarie.

Of the Apple tree.  

THe Apple tree is of good sounde bodie, of 
wrinckled barck, and in outward Cote ve­
ry full of knots. In flowers at the spring time 
verie beautifull, in swéetenesse of fruite in the 
Autumne almost not comparable, in fruit and 
encrease verie wonderfull, and vnder this one 
name it hath infinite kindes. Plinie sayth, that 
vnlesse it be often cropped, and rid of superflu­
ous and troublesome boughes, it will soone 
war barraine, and leaue off fruit bearing. The 
same Author sayth also, that the fruites hereof 
must be gathered in faire weather, vnlesse that 




they being laid vp with outward plentie of ac­
cidentall and airie humor, doe by and by rot: 
he monisheth also that they be gathered before 
they be full ripe, for their better goodnesse than 
being preserued. 

Of Artichoke.  

ARtichoke the wilde, most commenly cal­
led the Thistle, is an Herbe wrought and 
fashioned on euerie side in maner of a sting, or 
Spearelike, and hath in the top of his stalke 
or stem, a certaine heade wherein his seede ly­
eth. It flourisheth and liketh best, in those 
places that be least frequented or nothing loo­
ked to.

Of the Balme tree.  

THe Balme tree is rather a kinde of shrub, 
then a Trée, and may well be counted of 
that house for his lowe and humile kinde of 
growth: for it heightneth neuer aboue two cu­
bites. The Timber hereof is called in Gréeke 
Xulobalsamon, his fruite or séede Karpobalsamon, 
the iuice is called Vpobalsamon, bicause the bark 
of this Tree must first be stricken and hewen 
with Iron wedges, before it yeeldeth any fruit, 
whereby it being so wounded, by and by drop­
peth and distilleth a certaine humor, in a ma­ 




ner tearlike, which humor thus issued through 
the coldenesse or other affection of the Aire a­
bout it, drieth to a kinde of Gum. Plinie pre­
ferreth this his smell before all smelles. But 
herein good heed must be taken, least we match 
and march with the greeke Sophister. And the 
same Plinie sayth (as also Theophrast doth) 
that it onely groweth in a certaine Dale and 
Valie of Siria, which Valie hath his whole 
compasse in a maner in two onely Groaues, 
and hath bene the possession of long time of two 
sundrie and seuerall Princes. Whereof the 
greater was supposed to be in contents .xx. A­
kers: and the other lesse. 

Of Barley.  

BArley, in his excessiue Drought differreth 
from all other our kindes of graine, and is 
called in Latine Hordium, as if you would say 
Aridum, hard and drie. It is neuer sowen but 
vpon such kind of earth, as is drie. Plinie saith, 
that amongst all other kindes of corne this is 
last sowne, & with the first reaped: that which 
also experience with vs here at home teacheth.

Of the Beach tree.  

THe Beach, saith Theophrast, groweth on­
ly in rough places, and most commonly v­




pon hilles. It hath many and sundrie kinds, of 
some accoumpted foure, of othersome fiue. In 
name all one, but in fruit bearing euerie one 
disagréeing. One of his kinds beareth a swéete 
Mast or Acorne (as the Oke or Chestnut doth) 
and of some is taken for the Oke. It is called 
of the Greekes Phage, bycause in the former time 
men liued herewith, & had it in stead of breade. 
This kinde as Plinie sayth, is after a sort hai­
rie Lockt, almost growing out of fashion. It 
is nothing solide or massie, but much porouse: 
and therfore of the lesse endurance, as saith the 
same Author. Of this kinde of Wood being 
brent to Asshes is made Glasse, Arte, herein 
playing the workesman. 

Of Beete.  

BEete, is a Gardain Herbe, and in good plen­
tie with vs. Therof are said to be two kinds 
the one white, and the other black: both medi­
cinable. Aristotle saith that vpon his roote (as vpon 
any stock) any yong set or slip maye be set and 
graft, and through the roote his good liking in 
growth, may be brought from his owne na­
ture into naturall parentage with the Trée.

Of Bearefoote.  




BEarefoote, is an Herbe whote and moyst, 
in the first degree, as the Phisitions say: 
and is vsed of them as a remedie to the Splene, and 
to giue the vitall and liuing sprites more easie 
and loose passage. 

Of the Beane.  

THe Beane sayth Theophrast hast his ma­
ner of growth thus. His roote is thick and 
grosse: somewhat more déepely set than the 
Réede his is. In the length it is indifferent, 
somtime foure Cubites high. It giueth fruite 
by maner of Celler: one onely in one part of 
his Huske. It is in his chiefest brauerie, and li­
keth best being sowne in moyst grounds, and 
especially in the Fennes and such like. It is al­
so said somtime through the rancour of grounds 
to come vp vnsowne. The Pithagorians con­
demned it, as that which was not méete to meat. 
For sayd they, it dulleth and maketh grosse ech 
sense and spirite. It also causeth and exciteth vp 
in sléepe horrible dreames. Varro thought it 
was forbid for that as he sayd, the soules of the 
deade were therein placed.

Of Betonie.  

BEtonie is a water Herbe which for his sin­
gular colde worcking and growth also, in 




colde Countries and places is called in Greeke 
Psikotrophae. It remedieth sayth Diascorides the 
consumed Gall. 

Of Birdes tongue.  

BIrdes tongue, is an Herbe whose chiefest 
working is to prouoke Venerie, and cau­
seth most ranck séede. It figureth the tongue 
of a Birde, whereof it hath his name.

Of Borage.  
(here)
BOrage, the best that it hath, as Isid. sayth, 
is as I finde to engender good bloud, eyther 
sodden among other things, or else taken raw 
by it selfe.

Of Bindweede  

BIndweede, of some Withweede, is an herb 
verie noysome or hurtfull to the other fruits 
of the Gardaine. It hindreth their growth, and 
troubleth them with the inwrapping and cir­
cumplication about the 
other their stem or stalk.

Of the Blackberie tree.  

THe Blackberie tree, is after his sort bushy, 
bearing that fruite that eftsoones refresheth 
the shepheirde, he being in the field, and often 
contenteth his lust. This his Leafe or coue­ 




ring is said of Diascorides to destroy and kill 
Serpents. 

Of the Bremble.  

THe Bremble, of some is called Bucepha­
lus, of other some the water Bremble. It 
is of two sortes: one the field Bremble, which 
most commonly groweth in waters: and the 
other Gardaine Bremble, or swéete Bremble, 
which hath a verie good smell. They of Thrace 
and those which dwell about the floud Stri­
mon, féede their horse with the greene growing 
Herbe or Leafe of the Bremble, and are said to 
be marueylous fat therewith.

Of Britannick or English Herb.  

BRitannick or English Herbe, hath the very 
looke of the greatest Sorrell, but in colour a 
little more black, somewhat Mossie or Mealie. 
The best saith Diascorides, that is founde in 
this Herbe, is his iuice, verie wholesome and 
profitable to many things.

Of Brome.  

BRome is a Shrub, which of some is called 
Mirica for the bitternesse of his tast. It 
groweth in stonie and barraine ground, and in 
such places wheras no culture or care of ground 




tilling is had. And his onely presence is a tho­
row signe or euident token of barraine and dry 
ground. It hath his boughes flourishing as 
well in the Winter tide as in the Sommer. 
His flower yealow, and Cod blacke, both of 
noysome smell, and of bitter taste. Yet in wor­
king, sayth Diascorides, it is verie wonder­
full. For his Leafe or flower being sodden and 
boyled among with running water, brideleth 
and kepeth away swelling of the Splene. It 
helpeth the tothache, and stencheth the flowing 
of the bloudie Flix. 

Of the Bulrush.  

THe Bulrush hath one kinde, which of some 
is called Sonnes brow: The Romaynes 
call it Sea Bulrish or Manuad: And it hath 
two kindes: one which hath a square top or 
crowne verie blunt withall: and the other is 
rather Spearelike and sharpe topped. This 
last saith Diascor. intermedled with drinke, 
bringeth on fast and sound sleepe.

Of the Burre.  

THe Burre of the Gréekes is called Philan­
thros, mannes friend, for that it coueteth to 
catch holde and to cleaue vpon man his Gar­
ment holding fast by such kinde of roughnesse 




as it hath. 

Of Cammock.  

CAmmock sayth Theophrast is an Herbe 
throughly beset with Prickle, and is one of 
those that continue but for one yeare, or for the 
Spring time, Sommer and Autumne: and so 
fade away. His leafe is like Rue. It groweth 
in such ground as is tilled, & especially where 
as Corne or such like graine is most rancke. It 
is plucked vp by his roote, then when as the 
earth through the Sunne beames is feruently 
hote, or else not. In some place for hindring & 
staying the Husbandman it is called Rest har­
row: in Cambredge shire Whine.

Of Cammomill.  

CAmmomill, is an Herbe vsed of Phisiti­
ons to purge the head, and to emptie it of 
superfluous humor and other grosse matter. 
Auicen sayth, that there is three kindes hereof. 
One which hath a Saffron flower: another 
whose flower is as it were Purple coloured: 
the thirde is white. This hath that laudable 
preheminence for that the more it is trod and 
kept vnder, the more a great deale and the bet­
ter it commeth vp and prospereth.




Of Capers.  

CApers or the fruit which is called Cappa­
ris, is so deriued from the Gréeke name, 
for that it hath a round head in the top of his 
stem. His best liking is in dry & stonie grounds, 
and is called of the Phisitions the purging 
Herbe, of some it is called Doggues Bremble, 
of other some Doggues Apple, of other Hares 
heart. The Mages call it Pentheron.

Of Casia.  

CAsia, is one of those sorts which haue their 
preheminence and are had in price for their 
odoriferous and pleasant smell. Which (sayth 
Plinie) hath thrée kindes, in no point one co­
loured like to another. For the first is white, 
the seconde red, the thirde almost blacke. The 
first is of least value, for that it soone rotteth, 
and is consumed and eaten of Wormes. The 
best is tried thus: by sauour or smell, tast and 
colour. It groweth in Arabia. His stalke or 
bodie sayth Theophrast, is somewhat grosse 
or superfluous, representing therein strikes, 
small and long, not much vnlike to Sinewes. 
It hath a barke and rinde but most difficult to 
be pared away. It is cut in the bignesse and 
length of two fingers, or a little more: and 




that onely about the vppermost and most ten­
der twigges, and is after sowed vp being so cut 
whilest it is fresh and greene with some strong 
binding, the binding most commonly being of 
an Oxe his hide. The true Casia we haue not, 
neyther the true Cynamon. 

Of the Cedar tree.  

THe Cedar tree is in Leafe like to the Cy­
prouse: his Wood is counted precious, and 
is long endurable for that it neyther harboreth 
Moth nor Worme. Wherof (for this such his 
goodnesse) the Pillars and Beames of Prin­
ces Houses and Pallaces, likewise of Tem­
ples are made hereof. It groweth in Affrick, 
Crete, & Siria, and especially vpon the Mount 
Libanus. Rabanus sayth, that it is the verie 
Ladie and Queene of Trées. Theophrast 
sayth, that it is of marueilous highe growth, 
verie light, straight vp, about the bodie with­
out wem or knot. And aboue al places saith he, 
that beareth the freshest, and is of gréenest leaf 
that is in Corsica. From thence is brought 
that swéete Poulder which is called Cedria, 
which they vse to bestrewe vpon Garments, 
vpon bookes & such like to preserue them from 
worme eating.




Of Cerfolie.  

CErfolie, is an Herbe in operation and 
working in a maner fiery. His best is, saith 
Diascorides in that that it being wrought & 
tempered with Virgins Waxe, remedieth all 
kinde of swelling.

Of Cetewale.  

CEtewale, is an Herbe whose roote the Phi­
sitions vse to gather in Sommer, and bée­
ing then dried indureth in good case thre whole 
yeares next after.

Of Centorie.  

CEntorie, is called the bitter Herbe, for that 
it is most bitter in tast: some call it the gal 
of the earth: his working was first knowne 
by Chiron the Centaure, who vsed it first in 
Medicine.

Of Celedonie.  

CEledonie, is an Herbe which beareth a 
Saffron coloured flower, whose flower 
also gathered and helde in the hande dyeth, 
and stayneth the gatherers hande. Plinie 
sayth, it is then in his best lust, when as the 
Swallow abydeth and buildeth amongst vs, 




and serueth the Swallow (as the same Plinie 
and Aristotle also doe witnesse) to great vse 
and purpose. For say they, if at any time by a­
ny mischaunce or fortune, hir yong be hurt or 
perilled in their eiesight, the dam goeth to this Herbe, 
& presseth forth his iuice, which being so 
done, she annoynteth it about their eyes, and 
so restoreth them to the better and their former 
state and case againe. 

Of the Cherie tree.  

THe Cherie tree sayth Theophrast, height­
neth and matcheth with any in that poynt 
what so euer. It somtime reacheth sayth he, to 
24. Cubites, his leafe is like to the Medlar, sa­
uing that in handling of it, it is somewhat 
more rough. His flower is white, which ha­
uing gotten full ripenesse becommeth bloud red.

Of the Cinamon.  

THe Cinamon shouteth forth out of a yong 
set or spring in bignesse about two Cubits. 
It groweth in Indie and Arabia, as Theo­
phrast mentioneth, and is called Cinamon, 
for that it hath his top as it were folded or plai­
ted. It is of ashie and duskie colour: his Leafe 
is like to wilde Maioram. It neuer smelleth 
till it be throughly drie. It groweth amongst 




Briers and verie hard Rocks, and is gathered 
with much paine and difficultie. In Fables 
we find that this fruit is found in the Phoenix 
Nest. Theophrast sayth, that is of the best 
goodnesse which is next to the twiggs and top, 
and that is lesse good, which is next to the roote. 

Of the Ciprous tree.  

THe Ciprous tree is so named of the Gréekes 
as Isidore saith, for that in his growth and 
especially beneath about his roote, it figureth 
the Pine Apple tree, or that figure which the 
Geomitricians call Conus. It is singuler in 
swéete smell. And for this purpose they were 
wont in olde time to burie their dead with the 
Wood hereof, hereby thinking to kéepe vnder, 
and to suppresse all ill smelles and sauours of 
dead Carcasses.

Of Cokkell.  

COkkell is an vnprofitable Herbe or rather 
(to giue him his right name) a hurtfull 
wéede which will alwayes be medling with 
the pure Wheate, and doeth often choke it vp, 
and hindreth his growth: So that the old Pro­
uerbe is herein verified: the ill wéede ouercrop­
peth the good corne.




Of Coltes foote.  

COltes foote of some is called Bethicon, 
of the Egyptians Suartha. His leaf is like 
to the I uie leafe. It ariseth from the roote di­
rect and straight vp.

Of Coriander.  

COriander hath his name common with 
vs and the Gréekes. For it séemeth to be 
so called Apo tou koriou, of plentie of séede. 
Which séede being taken in sweete wine, pro­
uoketh a man to much venerie. But this being 
after this sort drunke without moderation or 
reason in so taking it, causeth Phrensie and 
madnesse.

Of the Chestnut tree.  

THe Chestnut tree is a verie tough wood, 
and so massie or sound, that it maye be the 
principall Beame in all buildings. It is so fer­
tile and ranke in yong shoote and slippe, besides 
this in budding and giuing of flowre, that be­
ing once cut or hacked in pieces, will be the 
better for that, and bud so much the more. It is 
called Castanea in Latine quasi Castraria à 
Castrando bicause it is so often lopped or gelt, 
or bicause it is first opened before it is rosted in 




the fier. Some saye that those kinde of Coles 
wherewith the Smith mollifieth and worketh 
his Iron are made with this. 

Of Chastlambe.  

CHastlambe or Agnus castus hath the flowre 
and séede that being digested of vs, openeth 
forthwith the poores of the bodie: consumeth 
and drieth vp that naturall moysture within. 
Diascorides sayeth that with so working, it 
maketh men chaste.

Of Crowtoe.  

CRowtoe of some is called Vacinium, in 
Greeke Iacynthos. It hath a leaf like to Por­
ret, a handfull in height, in bredth it is lesse or 
more small than a Maidens finger. His colour 
is greene as the 
precious stone is of the name: his 
top is full of Purple flowers. His roote circle­
like or round. It being drunken saith Diasco. 
with Wine purgeth the Gall of his superflu­
ousnesse. Of this Herbe .ij. sundrie fables haue 
sprong vp with the Poets. One that it was first 
a Boy entierly beloued of Apollo, whome he 
at a time by a certaine mischaunce slew, which 
thing done in his furie (lesse that with his 
death his memorie should also die) he turned 
him into this kind of Herbe or Plant. Another 




is, that it sprang vp of Aiax bloud the most va­
liant Captain that euer the Greekes had. And 
for the remembraunce of so worthie a Knight 
or rather Princelie and Heroicall person, the 
Gods are said to haue giuen to this Herbe two 
vaynes, figuring and euidently shewing these 
two Letters A. and I. with vs it is commonly 
named as we said before, Crowtoe. 

Of Crowfoote.  

CRowfoote of some is called Astrion. The 
Romanes in their phrase of speach call it 
bloudie leafe. It spreadeth sayth Diascorides, 
all abrode vpon the earth, rather than by anye 
meanes it should heighthen. His leafe is cut a­
bout or bepinked. It beareth yelowe flowers, 
called Goldknops, and wheresoeuer it grow­
eth (whosoeuer list to dig vnder and about it) 
shall neuer finde his roote without great store 
of humor and water, like as in Camomill.

Of Cresses.  

CResses wyth the Egyptians are called 
Moth. The Romanes call them Nasturcia 
This kinde being drunken sayeth Dias. much 
auaileth and is a certaine remedie against ser­
pents. The Persians vsed it as the best Sallet 
that they had in al their feasting and banquet­
ting. 




It auaileth much to memory, whereof a­
riseth this Prouerbe: Eate wel of the Cresses. 

Of the Cucumber.  

THe Cucumber after Plinie groweth both 
in the Gardaine and in the fielde. It is of 
those sort sayeth Isidore as also Theophrast, 
that chaunge their leafe and stalke often.

Of Cinkfolie.  

CInkfolie or fiue leaued grasse of some is 
called Pentadactylon, or Asphalton. The Ma­
ges call it Ibis claw or naile: some cal it Mer­
curies fingar. His leafe is like to Mynt, and 
hewen or hacked toothlike, in maner of Saw. 
His flowre is yelow and somwhat pale with­
all. It groweth in moyst and watrie places. It 
is ministred often of the Phisitions with Lu­
sters and Purgations.

Of Daffadill.  

DAffadill, some call Anthericon, the Ro­
manes Kings spare. It is in his stalke ve­
rie thinne and light, and beareth his flower in 
his top: it is of plentifull roote. It being mini­
stred medicine like, remedieth the Serpentes 
sting.




Of Dictamus.  

DIctamus is an Herbe which groweth in 
Crete and is very wonderfull in losening 
& vnbinding the straights of the bodie. Tullie 
gathereth this to be true by the maner of the 
Deare or Harte, who being stricken in the rib 
with anye Dart or Arrowe, so that it sticketh 
hard fast: they streight wayes hunt after and 
hasten to the water bankes of the Fen where 
this Herbe groweth, and finding this, eateth 
it as a present remedie to haue thereby helpe in 
such a distresse: which Herbe being once eaten, 
they shake out the Dart or Arrow out of their 
ribbes as they list.

Of Dill.  

DIll some call Anis. The Egyptians Ara­
chis. The Mages after their tongue, Dogs 
head or Houndes locke. The Arabians Mer­
curies broode. The Romanes as before Anis. 
Diascorides saith, that it hindreth and hurteth 
the good eiesight being often taken, and is a 
hinderance to issue.

Of Dragaunce.  

DRagaunce is an Herbe so called for that it 
is bespotted and is specked in his colour 




much like to a Snake: representing the verie 
Viper or Dragon, which Herbe the Viper 
it selfe standeth in dreade of. Of some it is 
called Colubyne, for it hath hys flower 
Purple coloured: it is also clouen and sharpe 
as the Serpents tongue is. It is blacke in the 
midst of his flower. This sayth Diascorides, 
hauing his roote dried and beaten all to pou­
der & confect also with water of Roses beau­
tifieth and cleareth the foule face, as being 
with other things handled helpeth otherwise. 

Of Dragon.  

DRagon the greater and the lesse. The grea­
ter of some is called Aron, Isaron, Iaron. 
&c. The Romanes call it Serpentarie. Thys 
groweth only in shadowie places, and such as 
be hedged, so kept away from the Sunnes heate, 
which thing it cannot abide. The lesser hath 
white spots, and those little, his stalke straight 
vp: and his length about .ij. Cubits.

Of Dwale.  

DWale is called in Gréek Struchnon Ypnoticon 
in English sléeple Dwale. It is a kinde of 
shrub sayth Diase. which groweth nigh to the 
Sea, verie abundant and plentifull in yong 
shootes. It is maruellously effectuous to bring 




a man on sound and fast sléepe. There is ano­
ther kind of the self same name which is called 
mad Dwale. Which being drunken sheweth won­
ders by a certaine false shewe of imagination. 

Of the Elme.  

THe Elme is a trée whose wood or timber is 
yelow, verie sinowie & strong. It is called 
of some all heart. It is vsed and occupied prin­
cipally about magnificall or beautifull gates. 
It is then best of all riuen, clouen and cut in 
sunder when it is moyst and gréene, and wyth 
more difficultie being once drie. Theophrast 
sayth, that it is in his kinde verie barraine. It 
only beareth a certaine Grape, but nothing 
else. It is one of those kinds that putrifie and 
bréede wormes.

Of Esele.  

ESele of some is taken for Eiebright: this 
hath his leafe verie thinne and plaine. It is 
not of so fresh a groene colour, or of like looke, 
as many other Plants be: but this it hath a­
boue them, for it being pressed, doth giue a very 
daintie and most medicinable iuice or humor, 
not much vnlike to milke. Diascor. sayth, it 
purgeth fleume and other such superfluities of 
like nature.




Of the Elder tree.  

THe Elder, saith Isid. is verie soft in hand­
ling, and of verie small heigth or growth. 
Hereof are made certain kinds of instruments 
and especially a kinde of Symphonie whiche 
the common sort call a Pipe: the learned and 
more ciuil kinde of men name it a Dulcimer. 
As the abouesaid Author, witnesseth, in that 
his tractate of Musicall instrumentes. It hath 
boughes thicke and grosse, verie plaine and 
well compact with all in his outward appea­
rance. But within they are verie hollow, and 
haue nothing else but a soft Marie, which is 
commonly called their pith. Plinie sayth, that 
if the middle Barke or Rinde be pared or cut 
somewhat more toward the vpper part of his 
stocke or bodie, than towards the nether part, 
or contrariwise, so it will afterwards augment 
either vpward or downeward, with spreading 
forth of his armes or braunches after that sort.

Of Fenkell.  

FEnkell is an Herbe of the Gardaine and 
fielde common to them both, but not so con­
mon, as effectuous. The Latine worde signi­
fieth, that it should be sharper of the eiesight, & 
Diascorides also sayth, that the iuice of this 




Herbes roote quickneth the eyes. It is called of 
the Gréekes Marathron. Plinie (as also Isidore 
in his .xvij. booke saith) that the verie Serpents 
(if nothing else did) were sufficient to Noble & 
to cause this kinde to be well reckened of, for 
that through the onely taste or eating hereof, 
they shake off many sicknesses, and thereby 
keepe away, or of from them weake & olde age. 

Of the Fig tree.  

THe Fig tree, is of no high growth, neither 
nice in bodie, but grossely set and thick, all 
his Wood not so plaine, as wrethed & wrinck­
led: the colour of his Leafe and Rinde some­
what more wan or pale: his flower Medler­
like. It is called Ficus in Latine à fecunditate 
as some say, for such fertilitie as it hath and in­
crease: for so soone as his fruites, those that be 
all of one time in growth begin once to ripen 
and are pulled or plucked therefro, it straight 
wayes with no lesse aboundance shooteth forth 
other. It hath that humor (as it is said) 
that is like womans milke. It hath also that vnctu­
ous and Oylie nature in tast and smell, so vn­
pleasant to the Bull, that there is no better bit 
or Bridle to stay and quiet him, then to bring 
him to the Fig tree, whereas he may haue but 
onely sent and smell hereof, and being neuer 




so fierce, is forthwith tamed. It hath diuerse 
appellations and names of diuers Regions & 
Countreys. There is one kinde saith Theo­
phrast in Indie, which euen from his boughes 
or braunches giueth yearely roote. There is a­
nother Fig tree called Aegiptiaca, which in 
Wood and fruit bearing, is like the other: but 
in effect and manner of working is contrarie 
both to this kind and to all other: for it being 
throwen into the water, it straight waye dis­
cendeth and séeketh to the bottom (and that 
which is most to be maruelled at) after that it 
hath bene so a long time drowned, and hath e­
uerie parte or poore full of water (at which it 
should séeme to be more ponderous) it then a­
riseth vp againe to the waters top, and so kée­
peth auerlie and aboue the waters highest su­
perficie, and swimmeth as Saint Augustine 
sayth; as all other kinds of Timber do, aboue. 

Of the Fir tree.  

THe Fir tree sayth Theophrast, hath this 
one maner and custome peculiarly to him­
selfe, that being cut, eyther hindred or hurt, by 
any storme or tempest in the left side of his stalk 
(which kinde of stalke it hath both light and 
smooth) it by and by taketh hart a grasse, and 
groweth round about and garland like, a little 




beneath his top: which some call leaping a­
bout: other some the daunsing of the rounde. 
It is in colour somewhat black, to féele to hard 
aboue measure. Whereof the standing Cups 
of Arcadie were wont to be made. And this 
furder it hath peculiarly, that cutting the bough­
es without shill, or hurting the toppe, it forth­
with dyeth. 

Of Firse.  

FIrse or Gorse, is a most sharpe and thornie 
kinde of Herbe, growing in Woodes, For­
rests, Desarts and in such grounds as be most 
weedie. It is saide to prick and wound the féete 
of him that passeth by, and catching holde of 
some part of a man, soone pierceth to the quick. 
The common sort call this daungerous herbe.

Of the Frankinsence tree.  

THe Frankinsence tree is verie plentifull 
in boughes giuing. In leafe it is like to our 
Peare. Sauing that it is much more small. It is 
in colour as gréene as Rue, in rinde & barke as 
soft as Laurell. The trée it selfe hath ere nowe 
bene called Libanos, & in Gréeke Dendrilibanos 
his Gum or teare. Libanotos of Galen. Euri­
pedes again contrariwise vsed Libanon for the 
teare: and Libanotos for the tree. It is so fabled 




with the Gréekes that it had his name of a yong 
man, and the same an Assirian, whose name 
was Libanos, who afterward was turned in­
to this kinde of trée, whome certaine enuious 
persons slue perceiuing him so serious in wor­
shipping the Gods. (For the which their ma­
lice being not long after acquited and reuen­
ged) it was afterwards and hitherto is holden 
in opinion that there was no better nor more 
acceptable sacrifice to the Gods than Frankin­
sence offered vp. There is a certaine Manna 
of this Frankinsence, which Plinie will haue 
to be the purest of this his humors drops wrung 
forth by great pressing. There is also a certain 
smoke in this, swéete and pleasant, after that 
it be burned, as there is also of Mirrhe. 

Of Fumitorie.  

FVmitorie of the Epyptians is called Lynx 
of the Gréekes Kapnos, with the Latines Fu­
mus terre, the earth his fume or smell. It is a 
bushie or shrublike Herbe like to Coreander 
his flower, white or more like Ashie colour. 
Diascorides sayth, it letteth the hayres of the 
eye liddes, being pluckt away to grow again, 
annointed and layde with Gum. It is in his 
best working, then, when as it is greene.




Of Garlick.  

GArlick, hath his name of his strong and 
vnpleasant smell: bicause it smelleth saith 
Isidore so strongly, and with that so lothsom­
ly, that it taketh away, & bereaueth for a time 
the good and swéete smell of all other things. 
The best that it hath, is that it is good of en­
crease. For euerie and eche coate of his (those I 
call coates which are as it were on both their 
sides behemmed and parted, and are as it were 
in seuerall corners of the house, but yet in house 
and so by that meanes all one) set in the Gar­
daine or otherwhere, will soone come vp and 
much prosper. Which thing the Onyon as 
Aristotle sayth, halteth in: for that is set onely 
by whole heades, & so commeth vp or else not.

Of Ginger.  

GInger, in Gréeke is called Zingiberis, it gro­
weth in Arabic, his growth is by manye 
and infinite small rootes: in smell and flauour 
not much vnlyke to Pepper. Choose sayth Di­
oscorides of the rootes hereof thus. Take them 
for the best and principal, which haue not bene 
eaton, neither gnawen with wormes: for they haue 
their wormes also as al other rootes haue.




Of Gladiolus or Sworde herbe.  

GLadiolus, his form and proportion of leafe 
is like to Sedge, his flower yealow in a 
maner like to the flower Deluce: some call it 
Arion, some Sword point or edge toole: other 
some cuttle haft. The Romaynes as before. 
It groweth for the most part in the fielde. 
It hath a double roote one placed & setled within 
an another. This his roote sayth Diascorides, 
being taken in wine prouoketh and stirreth vp 
to Venerie.

Of Grasse.  

GRasse of some is called Asyphylion. They 
of Affrick call it Eball, the Egyptians A­
nuphi, the Romaines Cattailes meate. His 
growth (as what it is also) is verie wel knowen 
of all men. Herein lurcketh the Serpent, and 
hydeth him selfe safely. With this all beastes 
and Cattell of the field do liue. It helpeth and 
remedieth, saith Diascorides all hinderances 
and stops to vrine. There is a kinde of grasse 
in Babilon, whiche is like Cane or Reede, 
which being tasted or eaten of, killeth the Cat­
taile, and it groweth by the highe way sides 
on euerie side as they iourney. In the Hill 
Parnasus, there groweth another kinde of 




grasse more thicke and ranke than the other, 
& of better size: for it beareth a leafe like Iuie. 
In Cilicia there is a kinde of Grasse which is 
called Heracha, and of the Egiptians Apap, 
which groweth in hedges about walles and 
Vines: whose leafe is like Mercuries Herbe, 
and as full of Briestles. 

Of Grunswell.  

GRunswell in Gréeke Ereigeton, it groweth 
vpon walles and Tileshads, and is hoare­
like to an olde mans bearde. It hath a duskie 
flower. Diascorides sayth, that his stalke be­
ing boyled in water, and afterwards druncke 
with wine, doth ease the sore grief of the stomack.

Of the Gilofer.  

THe Gilofer is called Gariophilus, hys 
flower of al other flowers is most swéete in 
smell. There be many kinds of Gilofers, al­
though but one name for them all. There is also 
a tree of the name called Geun of othersome Be­
net, which hath fruit in tast like the Peppercorn.

Of Hares foote.  

HAres foote, of some Hares commyn. It 
groweth in Gardaine Alyes. And is as 
Diascorides saith, a singular Medicine to kepe 




and defend the inward bowels from swelling.

Of Henbane.  

HEnbane, hath the name to be a cause of 
madnesse or furie: Isidore sayth, that it 
killeth and bindeth the spirites: The Herbe it 
selfe hath a top or small heade. In olde time, 
vpon the Crowne or Myter of the high Priest 
stoode a flower right vp on the top, not much 
vnlike this Hearbe, about a finger in heigth, 
supereminent, & vnderneath this, in the lower 
part of the garland or Myter, round about his 
Temple or Forehed, there was a golden circle 
in thrée sortes ordered, and set vpon, the which 
stoode with yealow flowers from one side to a­
nother. We must gather that something was 
figured hereby, and that the high Priest or Bi­
shops were not on this wise ordred for nought

Of Horse taile.  

HOrsetaile but more commonlye with vs 
called Cattes taile, of the Greekes Hippyris 
of the Mages Saturnes foode. It groweth in 
waterie places and those softlye dighted and 
banked about. It creepeth vp by stalke aloft, 
and reacheth ouer his neighbours head, coue­
ting and preasing as much as it may to be the 
higher. In his top it figureth a taile to looke to. 




And thereof had it his name. His roote is tough 
and verie harde. Diasc. sayeth, that it is a sore 
hinder, and that it stencheth eruption of bloud. 

Of Houselike.  

HOuselike in Gréeke is called Acizoon, as 
you would say, always aliue. It is alwaies 
gréene and well liking, and for his endurance 
is resembled to Ambrosia: for his colour to 
the Marigolde, for his roundset or figure to the 
Bullocks eie: Insomuch that the Romaines 
call it Iupiters eie. It hath a fruitfull leafe in 
the bignes of a mans thumbe: in the end ther­
of it is sharpe or like a tongue. It is giuen to 
drinke sayth Diascorides against the biting of 
the greatest kinde of Spider, and that kinde 
principallye which hath the moste iointes, as 
some be thrise iointed. There is another of this 
name, but it is lesse, and is called Acizoon to 
Mikron, or with the Romanes Vitalis herba, 
or Semperuiua. Semgréene. It groweth vpon 
Walles and tiled housen and is many wayes 
medicinable. Diascorides.

Of Humlocke.  

HVmlock in Gréeke is called Koneion. With 
the Egyptians Apemphi, in Latine Ci­
cura. It hath his stalk and stem like Fennell. 




His flower is white. His séede like Anise 
seede, but more white. It is one of those kinds 
of Plantes which destroye and kill as soone al­
most as it is taken. Wherewith as we reade 
Socrates the good Philosopher died forthwith, 
after that he had bene once caused and compel­
led of malicious Iudges to take the Cup wher­
in the iuice hereof was poured, and so to drink 
it off. Diascorides sayth it killeth through ex­
tréeme colde, vanquishing and extinguishing 
all naturall heate. 

Of the Herbe Iacinct.  

IAcinct is an Herbe hauing a purple flowre. 
It tooke his name of a certaine noble childe, 
which among the Syrtes in a Pasture there 
was found dead. So the child his funeral gaue 
name to this Herbe. His colour is properlye 
Aerie, bespotted among with Purple and red. 
It hath a certaine flaxe lyke Snowe. Of these 
iij. colours were the Priestes robes of, as we 
read in the old law.

Of Isope.  

ISope is an Herbe of meane growth, but of 
much vertue, and principallye in purging 
the Lungs. Wherefore in the olde law sayeth 




Isidor, by a bunch of Isope, they would be be­
sprinkled with the bloude of Lambes, which 
would be counted and reckened cleane. 

Of the Iuniper tree.  

THe Iuniper tree is so called of similitude 
and likenesse to the fire. Pyr in Gréeke sig­
nifieth the fire: or as some thinke it is so called 
for that in his maner of growing it is like that 
figure which the Geometricians cal Pyramis, 
we may say sharpely topped. Or as other some 
say, it is so named for his good and long maner 
of retayning and keeping fier, insomuche that 
if Coales of fire be raked vp, and inwrapped 
with the Ashes hereof, they continue as they 
saye, vnextinguished by the space of a whole 
yeare. It groweth sayth Diascorides, in stony 
and desart places. Plinic sayth, that the onely 
shadow of this sleath and killeth Serpents: 
and therefore his fruit is reckned to be a reme­
die against poyson.

Of Iupiters beard.  

IVpiters Beard, called of the Gréekes Chry­
sokome, as you would say Goldilocks. It is 
hairie like Isope. Diascorides sayth, it is ta­
ken in Wine eftsoones to purge.




Of Iuie.  

IVie sayth Isidore, is so called, for that it 
créepeth all about, and cleaueth fast to the 
trée, some say (as it may be also) that it was so 
called, for that at the first it was giuen to the 
Kid and Déere as nourishment & meate. For 
Haedera is the Latine word, and we may fetch 
it as it were word out of word, Haedera quasi 
Haedis data. It is plentifull in giuing Milke, 
wherewith the Kids were more full of Milke. 
It is a token and signe with the Philosophers 
of colde and moyst earth.

Of the Kastainy.  

THe Kastainy is a tree of good high growth, 
so called as Isidore witnesseth, for that it 
must be often lopped or gelt. For this so soone 
as it is cut downe, by and by (as it were a faire 
greene groue) spreadeth abrode and beareth in­
finite blossomes, and buddeth wonderfullye. 
His fruite hangeth betwéene leafe and leafe, 
and that double or by couples, in maner of a 
man his priuities.

Of the Laurell tree.  

THe Laurell tree hath bene from the begin­
ning, the verie seignorie and badge of all 




such as haue gotten amongst men the name of 
honor, dignitie and praise. Insomuch that in 
olde time (as also in many places now or not 
long since) the Garlands & Crownes of Em­
perours, hardie Captaines, valiant Souldiers 
and such like, were made hereof. With them 
of the olde time it was called Laudea, after­
wardes the letter d through an other custome 
had his chaunge into the letter r, and is nowe 
called Laurea, (as many other wordes of like 
sorte) of the which is Meridies for Medidies 
and the like. The Gréekes named it Daphnis, 
for that it is alwayes freshe and neuer leaseth 
his groene colour. Aristotle sayeth that this 
kinde of trée (whereas other and those infinite 
are) is neuer hurt by thunder and lightning. 

Of Laus tibi.  

LAus tibi or white Daffadill in Greeke is 
called Narkissos. It hath his leafe like an 
Onyon. His stalke yelow within his skinne, 
and hollow. Diascorides sayth, that it ioyneth 
togither those sinewes which are cut, being ad­
hibited and vsed plaister like.

Of Lettice.  

LEttice sayeth Isidor, is so sayde for that it 
being eaten, hath that humor which is soone 




conuerted into milke: and to the woman it 
encreaseth milke abundantlye. To the man he 
sayth, it is cause or prouokement to Venerie. 
There is both field Lettise and Gardain Let­
tise. Diascorides sayth, that it putteth away 
all hinderances of sound sléepe. 

Of the Leeke.  

THe Leeke hath his time of lustinesse and 
youth, and his time also of age, euen as 
man hath. For the first yeare it bestoweth all 
care and trauell in growth and nourishment 
to his owne perfection and ripening: then the 
next yeare following, that that he can he reser­
ueth and bestoweth vpon séede, to the preser­
uation of his kinde.

Of Laburnum.  

LAburnum is a tree growing vppon the 
Mountaines called the Alpes, whose wood 
is white & hard: and hath his flower one Cu­
bite in length, so noysome that no Bée will 
touch it. This groweth in hard and drie places 
and hateth moysture or water.

Of Libardbaine.  

LIbardbaine of the Gréekes is called Ako­
niton, it hath leaues like the Cucumber, but 




somewhat more lesse and rough. His roote is 
like the Scorpions taile. In colour it is as white 
as the Alabaster. They say that if the roote her­
of be shewed or offered to the Scorpion, that it 
enféebleth him, and bereaueth him for a while 
of his liuely powers, & of both his inward and 
outward senses. But contrariwise if you shew 
him Barefoote or Terworte, he by and by lea­
peth, and is aloft. Diascorides sayth, that this 
roote being stamped to poulder, and being be­
spiced or bestrewed vpon their meate, as flesh, 
and such other things wherwith they liue, de­
stroyeth and killeth the Panther, the Libard, 
the Wolfe, and all other beastes, those especi­
ally which liue by rauening, and that whilst 
their meate so ordred is in their mouth. There 
is another of this name, englished Wolfbane: 
whose leafe is like the Plane tree, which hath 
iij. kindes. The one which the Huntesman v­
seth: which groweth for the most part in Ita­
lie, with the which after their addighting they 
destroy Wolues, as Diascorides sayth: the o­
ther which serue the Phisition to good vse and 
purpose. 

Of Liricumfancie.  

LIricumfancie, or as other iudge May Li­
lie, for resemblance alike: It hath his flowre 




verie white. In Gréeke it is called Ephemeron, 
for his short continuance and daylie dying. As 
also there is a little kinde of beast in the Riuer 
Hipanis of that name, as Aristotle recordeth, 
which liueth but onely one daye, and dieth at 
night: so ordained of God and prouided of Na­
ture: herein to learne and teache vs that all 
things created & made, haue their ende: some 
with long looking for it, other some haue it as 
sodenly, and as short: And to enforme vs fur­
ther, that euerie thing hath not a like end. No, 
infinite things there are, that haue no propor­
tion, or séeme not to be (although they be) con­
ference & comparison being once had, the one 
with the other. 

Of Licorise.  

LYcorise, is so saide especially through the 
Greeke word for that it hath a sweete roote. 
Gluen in Greeke is interpreted swéete. It is not 
onelye swéete, but it is also moyst, insomuch 
that if slaketh the thirst.

Of the Malew.  

THe Malew hath that preheminence, that it 
molifieth, and loseneth all hardnesse of the 
inward parts & bowels of the belly: as Isidor 
sheweth, whose lyquor or iuice sayth he, being 




contempered with any clammy Oyle, and be­
ing annoynted vpon any mans body, he can­
not be stung with Bées. 

Of the Mandrake.  

THe Mandrake sayth Diascorides, of some 
is called Circea. For that the Poets faig­
ned, that Circe the Witch or Sorceresse vsed it 
in hir amorous and delicious drincks. It bea­
reth sayth Isidore, an Apple of swéete smell, 
which of some is called the Apple of the earth. 
The Poets call it Anthropomorpheos, for that it 
hath his roote in the earth in figure like to a man. 
Whose roote being boyled with wine, and gi­
uen the pacient to drinke, the Surgion forth­
with casteth the Pacient into a dead sléepe. 
There is of this both Male and Female. The 
Male is of like leaf to the Béete. The Female 
to the Lettise.

Of Maioram.  

MAioram sweete, or Maioram gentle, tooke 
his name of a certaine Kinges wayting 
Boy, which in fetching his Lord certain oynt­
ments at the Apothecaries, by chaunce (whilest 
he bare them) had a fall, & so by the spilling of 
euerie eche of them (meeting togither by their 
flowing, and by such confusion) a meruellous 




swéete smell was made, which as they say, this 
Maioram representeth. 

Of the Mastick tree.  

THe Mastick tree, distilleth and droppeth a 
certaine teare or Gum: and that kinde of 
gum which is in working very dry, & emptieth 
the head of all moysture, and al other superflui­
ties, as Diascorides sayth.

Of the Marigolde.  

THe Marigolde of Manardus is called Ly­
simachia. Ruellius calleth it Woodwaxen, 
it groweth in Medowes and Pastures like to 
Brome, so bitter that no beast liuing will eate 
thereof. Other will haue it called Lostriffe or 
Herbe Willow. It beareth a red flower: It 
being put saith Diascorides into the fire, sen­
deth forth that kinde of smoke that is noysome 
to Serpents, and driueth away Flies.

Of Molin or Longwort.  

MOlin or Longwort, is one kinde of that 
Herbe, which in Greeke is called Phlamos, 
another of that is the Primrose. Of some it is 
taken for the Rosecampin. It hath a long roote, 
a white flower, & somewhat wanne. Aristotle 
sayth, that this is the fishes deadly destruction, 




or they coueting to taste hereof, by the power 
of his working, are weakned and brought low 
insomuch that they thereby for the most part, 
léese their life. 

Of the Mulberie tree.  

THe Mulberie tree hath a soueraigne red 
colour in fruit bearing: whervpon in Gréeke 
it is called Moros, which signifieth red or ruddie 
coloured. There is saith Theophrast the Egyp­
tian Mulberie tree that is not much vnlike 
ours in the Gardaine: but it hath a singular 
maner by it selfe in fruite bearing, for neyther 
vpon his bough, neyther yet vpon his leafe, it 
beareth fruit but onely beneath out at his bo­
die, in the bignesse of our Fig. But forasmuch 
as it lacketh his inward Karnell (which other 
fruites haue) it is somewhat slack in hastning 
toward ripenesse, and is neuer mature or mel­
low, vntill such time as it be pressed and chafed 
with Iron Instruments, such as they haue in 
Aegypt. Which kinde of fruit being on this 
wise vsed as it were the space of foure dayes, it 
wareth ripe by and by, and in the eating is ve­
rie pleasant.

Of the Mushrom.  




THe Mushrom or Toadstoole, in Gréeke is 
called Mokéton, in Latine Fungus. It hath 
two sundrie kinds, and they both differ in good­
nesse, for the one may be eaten: the other is not 
to be eaten, but is deadly to eate. The first also 
eftsoones by other meanes, not of himselfe, but 
taking it of another, becommeth poysonous or 
deadly. Diascorides saith, that this thing som­
time commeth to passe through neighborhoode 
and feloship either of rustie Iron, or Nayles: 
or else sometime by rotten and filthie Ragges 
cast among them, and consumed to dust: some­
time also by harbouring Serpents, such as are 
all venemous: somtime also through the next 
neighbourhoode of venemous and infectuous 
Plants, and so forth. 

Of Mint.  

MInt is an Herbe of sweete smell and is of 
two sorts the one of the Gardaine, the other 
of the field. The Latines cal it Calaminthus. 
Isaac sayth, that it stoppeth and stencheth all 
kinde of swellings.

Of Milfoile.  

MYlfoile of some Yarrow or Nosebleede, is 
a small and short set or shrub. It hath his 
leafe like to the Birdes feathers. They are de­
uided 




by cuttes, and are sharpe also like the 
Cummin. Diascorides sayth, it is profitable 
to stay eruption of bloud. 

Of the Mirhe tree.  

THe Mirhe tree sayth Plinie, groweth in 
the pastures and woods of Arabia, whose 
leafe is much like to the Oliue, but more sharp 
and thornie. It hath boughes like to the Iuni­
per. It is in his growth aboute fiue Cubittes 
high. It distilleth drops out of his side, or body, 
both bitter & gréene, which some cal sweating. 
Isidore saith, that the best of it commeth by re­
solution and loose giuing within it selfe. And 
that he sayth is a great deale more precious, 
which commeth forth and issueth of his owne 
accorde, than that which commeth by stroke and 
Iron Instrument violentlye brought forth. 
Dead bodies annointed with this distillation, 
are sayde to be preserued from corruption or 
rottennesse.

Of the Myrt tree.  

THe Myrt tree sayth Isid. was first called 
Myrtus, for that it groweth most commonly 
nigh to the Sea shore. It is one of the odori­
ferous kind, or sort, those I meane which haue 
swéete sent or smell. Diascorides sayth that it 




repaireth and refresheth anewe olde wearied 
members. 

Of the Nettle.  

THe Nettle is a burner, & is called Vrtica, 
of the actiue verbe Vro: as Isid. saith. It is 
of firie and extreme hote burning nature, bur­
ning with handling of it onely. And when as 
it hath once done with burning as much as it 
will: it straight wayes causeth ytching, to the 
intent that the place being scratched might 
swell the more. Which ill wéede is not through 
this his dealing one waies hurtfull to a man, 
but many waies. Yet it hath in it saith Dias­
corides somewhat praise worthy: for it is sin­
guler (so as it may be vsed) to stench bloud.

Of Nightshade.  

NIghtshade of the Egyptians is called Alle­
to in Greke Struchnos, the Romaines cal it 
Batrachium some other Solanum. His leafe 
is somewhat like Percelie. Diascorides saith 
it helpeth the burning and inflation of the sto­
mack. With this the valiaunt Beggers and 
moste cunning in that their daylie craft, (craft 
it maye be well called and taken in the worst 
part) doe make their flesh séeme rawe and ran­
cored, as often as they will, to the intent men 




may pittie them the more, and giue them 
the sooner their Almes: whereas peraduenture, 
they be as whole & as lustie as those that haue 
pittie of them in verie déede. But here we may 
perceiue there is a counterfayting almost in e­
uerie thing. They therefore to beguile men, 
thus vse it. With this they chafe their legges, 
their armes and other partes also where they 
will, till it blister and breake the shinne, & ha­
uing so done for a time it sheweth a meruelous 
ill looke. And so I warrent you to that looke 
they, for their partes, can counterfaite as good. 
In most places in England it is called Gold­
knappe or yelowe Crace, for the golden colour 
of his frute, 

Of the Nut tree  

THe Nut tree may be called & that very apt­
lie, an iniurious & vnquiet neighbour. It 
hurteth the fruits next to him by all meanes, 
both with his shadow, with dropping ill teares 
or humors from out his leaues vpon them and 
also with his roote. Insomuch that by al waies 
it vexeth and hindreth the next to him. Isidore 
saith they may all generally and with one and 
the same name be called Nuts, whose fruite is 
hid and kept vp in huske or shale: As the wal­
nut, the Chestnut, the Almond and the like.




Of the Nimphes tree  

THe Nymphes tree of the Gréekes is called 
Lotos, it is of excéeding gret height, very soft 
& tender in barke. In fruit it is like the Che­
rie, as swéete and as smal also. Cardane saith, 
that Neptunes Daughter a Nymph, fléeing 
from Priapus, was turned into this trée, and 
therevpon it had first his name. There is an 
Herbe also of this name, which the Poets ima­
gin and faigne, that whosoeuer eateth thereof 
shall so be in attendance vpon Venus and vp­
pon hir Court Ladies, that he shall not be able 
to moue from the place where he so tarieth or 
resteth in.
 "nymph's tree(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Oliue tree.  

THe Oliue is a kinde of tree had in muche 
price amongest the Auncients for his pea­
sible and concordant nature. Insomuch that 
the olde Romaines (as in their Histories and 
Chronicles doth appeare) were neuer woont to 
send their Legates or Embassadours eyther to 
aske and require peace: or else to offer and pro­
claime peace with their outward enimies, with­
out smal braunches hereof borne in their hands. 
Remigius saith, it is for a token of signe or at­
tonement and couenant made betweene God 




and man. As then especially when as the Doue 
fléeing forth of Noe his Arke, fetched first and 
formost to him a small twig hereof. Plinie 
sayth, in his .xv. booke, that the valiant and no­
blest vanquishers in the Citie of Athens in 
olde time were honoured and crowned with 
the Oliue. The same Authour also recordeth, 
that there be diuers kindes hereof. There is al­
so a certaine iuice of this Oliue, as Isidore 
saith, which the more new and fresh that it is, 
the better it is. There is also the wilde Oliue 
like to the other, but that it hath a more broade 
Leafe. 

Of the Oke.  

THe Oke is called the sound bodied tree, and 
his principalitie is in long life & endurance. 
It is sayd that Mambra that trée, was a kinde 
of Oke, vnder which Abraham dwelt which 
continued and endured many hundred yeares, 
euen from his time to Constantines the king 
and Emperour. His fruite is commonly cal­
led the Acorne.

Of the Oleander.  

OLeander, in Gréeke Naerion the Latines call 
it Rhododendrum. It is thought to be a 
trée inleaf like to the Almond trée, but at the end 




somewhat more sharpe. In flower it is like 
the Rose, and beareth fruite with shale, as the 
Almonde: within his shale are fat and full 
seedes, as soft to féele to as purple silk. His leaf 
or lint of flower being eaten of cattaile is their 
cause of death. 

Of the Onyon.  

THe Onyon hath al his strenght and man­
ner of working in his roote or head, & there­
fore it is called Cepa in Latin, for that all his 
profit is placed in the head. At one yeres growth 
it taketh no great proufe, neither doth it séeme 
to ryot vntill suche time as it is plentifull in 
yéelding séede.

Of Orchanet or wilde Buglosse  

ORchanet, of the Romaines & Gréekes is 
called Anchusa. Some of our countriemen 
translate it wilde Buglosse. It hath his leafe 
sharp set and thornie. This roote saith Diasco. 
hath that kind of iuice, that being wroong out, 
dieth in a manner a sanguine colour.

Of the Orenge tree.  

THe Orenge tree wherof Mantuan so much 
maketh mention of, in his Eglogs: is first 
reported to be brought from the Medes, wher­
of 




is thought to arise this Latine worde Ma­
lus Medica. The Gréekes call it Kédromela, for 
that his fruite is in smell, not much vnlike to 
the Ceder. The Orenge sayth Diascorides, 
helpeth and remedieth all venome. And so the 
Poet meaneth, whereas he sayth: And hereof 
is the soules best nourishment. This trée is 
at all seasons of the yeare fruit bearing or fruit­
full: insomuch that it is neuer found without 
fruit, but after a diuers sort in their dualitie & 
maner: for when the first of their fruit is mel­
low, and readie ripe: then the second you shall 
espie gréene and sower: and the thirde newe 
blosoming and in flower. So that as the first 
is plucked off: the residue one after another 
hasten to rypenesse, the first to the thirde hys 
poynt: the thirde to the seconde, and that, that 
is not (but in possibilitie and power is) then 
springing forth. 

Of Organnye.  

ORgannye of some wilde Maioram. His 
roote is like the Rape, ruddie within, and 
without verie blacke. Diascorides sayth, that 
if his roote be stamped and mixt with Viniger, 
that it is a singuler Medicine, and remedieth 
the bighting and eating of Spiders.




Of the Palme tree.  

THe Palme tree, is bespred with boughes 
plentifullye, and the same in a maner re­
sembling the small lynes in our hande. It is of 
indifferent heigth, swift in shooting forth, and 
in his growth, kéeping and retayning still his 
Leafe without fall (which thing the most of 
all other kindes doe not) but haue yearely at 
one time of the yeare the fall of their leafe. The 
Greekes in their language call it Phoenix, fet­
ched & borrowed as I think, from Phoenix the 
Birde of Arabie, which is said to be of so long 
life or continuance. Plinie sayth, that there is 
hereof both Male and Female.

Of Papirus or the Rushe 
of Aegypt.  

PApirus or the Rush of Aegypt, and Siria, 
in length is reported to be ten Cubits. It 
groweth in the Fen and Marshie groundes. 
Of this was Paper at the first made, as hys 
name yet seemeth to testifie. This kinde of 
Rush being well dryed, is the fire his best nou­
rishment: with this also in Aegypt and Siria, 
they make Candelles and Torches (euen as 
we) with out wicke and cotton.




Of the Peare tree.  

THe Peare tree as Isidore witnesseth, is cal­
led Pyrus, for that it is in his fashion and 
kinde of growth, Piramidall or firelike, brode 
aboute the middle of the bodie, but at the top 
Arrow headed, or Pinnaclelike. It hath but 
one name, for many and sundrie his kindes. 
There is in a certaine Towne in Italie called 
Crustiminium that kinde of Peare, which is 
as red as bloud in one of his sides, and in the 
reasidue otherwise.

Of Pearserthnut.  

PEarserthnut of many in english, in Gréeke 
in called Astragalos. The Romaines call it 
Ficus terrae, the Fig of the earth. In maner of 
growth it séemeth to be but a small and verie 
short shrub. It is in leafe and braunch bearing 
like to Cicer his roote: of the Phisitions it is 
sayde to be by many wayes medicinable, as to 
stay and stench bloud, & the like. But it is very 
hard and scarcely able to be beaten to poulder.

Of Penroyall.  

PEnroyall of some Chrusitis of others Iu­
piters beard: of others it is thought to be a 
kind of Calamint. It hath lockes verie like I­
sope: 




The Gréekes amongest them by their 
maner of name and worde giuing (as we may 
interpret) séeme to call it golden Hearbe. His 
roote is a great binder, & causeth excessiue heate. 
Plinie commendeth it for this one thing aboue 
all other herbs: For that it being hung vp in the 
larderhouse, either by braunch, or otherwise, in 
the midst and depth of Winter, yet for all that 
buddeth forth his yelow and golden Flower. 

Of the Pine tree.  

The Pine tree is called holdfast or pitchie tre. 
It is sayde to sweate, and to droppe forth 
Pitch. Theophrast saith, that this kind of tree 
furdereth and agreeeth with al other their na­
tures whatsoeuer, as also the Fig tree doth the 
contrarie. It beareth that fruite which we call 
the Pine Apple. At the first it is very raw and 
grene, but being ripened, it commeth most nigh 
to the Chesnut his colour.

Of the Pionie.  

THe Pionie had his name first of a certaine 
Phisicion whose name was Peon as Isid 
reporteth. Some call it Penterobina for his 
number of graynes. Other some call it fiuefin­
gred leafe, for the fingers likenes. Auicen saith, 
that there is of this both Male & Female. The 




Male saith he, druncken in Wine helpeth the Opilacion of the Splene. 

Of the Pepper tree.  

THe Pepper tree groweth in Indie, and 
vpon the side of the hill Caucasus right op­
posit to the Sunne. His leafe is much like the 
Iunipers leafe. It groweth amongst the Gro­
ues and Woods, such as the Serpents inhabit: 
But to be frée from any their kinde of enda­
maging, the inhabitants of that countrie saith 
Isidore, when the fruites hereof ripen, doe set 
the whole Groue on fire, and by that meanes 
the deadly Serpents flie, and are driuen away. 
So that the sire hath two effectes in so wor­
king: the one to their terrour and feare: the 
other to make black and becolour the Carnels 
as it were most browne: when as both they 
and the residue of their fruit by naturall growth 
and proper colour are all white. It taketh also 
of this fiering, not onely blacke colours, but 
wrinckles also, as we may sée vpon his vpper 
skin. They that will be Craftes maysters in 
this marchandise, haue proufe of both olde and 
new thus. If it be light, they iudge it olde: if 
more weightie, then take they it to be newe. 
But herein sometime the Merchants play the 
verie Marchants. For they intermeddle now 




and then amongst their olde Pepper the froth 
or sinders of Siluer or Leade, and such like, to 
make it waye heauie. 

Of Phleum.  

PHleum sayth Theophrast, is in his leafe 
verie fertile, and in a maner fleshly. It is of 
great stocke, and as small of heigth. It hath a 
certaine influence and more plentifull meane 
of encrease of the Stars which be called Plea­
des: And therefore it may be said that it is cal­
led Phleum It giueth orderly leafe after leafe 
as they fall away.
 Sense of "phleum(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Plane tree.  

THe Plane tree in Gréeke is called Platos, for 
his bredth and plainenesse of leafe. Zerxes 
the King of moste mightie power had this in 
admiration aboue al other trees, insomuch that 
he fell in loue with it, and at such time as other 
hastned him, & made preparance through him 
to battaile, yet he would somwhile slack vnder 
this tree, and spende there the most parte of the 
day. He departing also from thence by motion 
and trauaise of bodie (yet still permanent there 
in his minde) would leaue behind him pledges 
and tokens of his loue: Armelets, Chaynes, 
embrodered aray, which he for testimonie one­ 




ly of his loue, hoong vp vpon the Boughes. 

Of Piperitis.  

PIperitis the Herbe of Castor the Phisition, 
was saide to be effectuous in remedying and 
helping the falling sicknesse.
 "piperitis(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Pomegranet.  

THe Pomegranet, is of some called the good 
kernell Aple. It hath in his round set and 
proportion of skin, a multitude of small kernels. 
Isaac saith, that this being immoderatly taken 
engendreth vexations & griefes, inwardly and 
outwardly.

Of Persely.  

PErsely, is a Gardaine herbe and vsed much 
with Cookes in dighting & setting out their 
meates, as often also to farce and stuffe here 
withall. It had his name as the Latin word gi­
ueth for growing on stony & rocky places. Di­
asco. saith that his séede may be kept ten yeres 
without losse of operation. There are diuers 
kinds hereof: but that of Macedony is coun­
ted the best.

Of Plantaine.  

PLantaine of some is called Lammes tongue: 
his leafe is verye plaine but sinowie, after 




the likenesse of this Herbe was once the attire 
of the high Priest made. It remedieth and hel­
peth the byting and swelling of mad Dogges. 

Of Popie.  

POpie or Chesboule is in one sorte, of the 
gardaine, in another of the fielde. This of 
many is taken in Bread, for better healths sake. 
It causeth slepe: and driueth away watchings, 
as sayth Diascorides. Therfore Diagoras the 
Philosopher, a man most vigilaunt and studi­
ous, when as other vsed it, he would not take 
it, no not then, when as he had taken to much 
vpon him by studie & watching: least he there­
by should accustome him selfe to fall from his old 
woont: yet Mnesidemus another Philosopher, 
woulde eftsoones vse to smell hereof, and to re­
ceiue of the iuice purposedly to prouoke sléepe.

Of the Plumb tree.  

THe Plumb tre, hath many & diuers kindes, 
although but one name for all. But his 
chiefest and principall kinde is the Damascen, 
brought forth first oute of a certaine place or 
towne called Damascum, where it first grew.

Of Polipodecke or Okeferne.  




POlipodecke or Okeferne, groweth on the 
toppes of Okes and walles. It being rost 
in the Carcasse of an Hen saith Auicen, reme­
dieth the griefe of the guttes. 

Of Purslane.  

PVrslane, is an Herbe in colour very fresh, 
and gréene. Plinie sayth, that it being chawed 
and kept a while betwene the téeth, doth make 
the loose teeth hard, and setteth them fast again.

Of the Quince tree.  

THe Quince tree is in Latin called Cydo­
nia Malus of Cydon a certaine towne in 
Crete. Cato was the first that called it Co­
tonea, for that his Apple or fruite is all o­
uer apparailed with a certaine kinde of wooll 
called Coton. With the Germaines it is cal­
led Quittenbaum. Amongst the Germaines 
it is most rife, and groweth in colde and moyst 
places. Manye thinke that this is that fruit 
which the Poets call golden Apple: in Gréeke 
Chrusomela. Lonicer sayth, that the iuyce of 
the raw Quince helpeth them that haue their 
winde or breath stopped: and which haue no 
good digestion in meate taking.

Of Reede.  




REede is halfe take with the Herbe and trée, 
but in force or growth, aboue the Herbe. 
And nothing in strength to the trée his compa­
rison: It is all without very smooth and plain, 
within like an emptie vessell. It is caried and 
bent on euery side with the wind. Isidor saith, 
that it tooke his name of soone & sodain chaunge 
in his aray. Arundo sayth he is deriued out of 
the Adiectiue Aridum, for that it so spedily dri­
eth and withereth. 

Of the Rose.  

THe Rose sayth Theophrast, (although it 
hath but one name for so sundrie kindes) 
yet it is knowen well inough in his kindes, ei­
ther by number and accoumpt of leafe, either 
else by sharpenesse, lightnesse, colour, or smell. 
They of this kinde for the most part haue fiue 
leaues: there are some found that haue .xij. o­
ther some .xx. other some haue farre many mo. 
There be also sayth he, which bene called hun­
dreth Leaues. Whereof many came from Phi­
lippos, which being first brought from Pan­
geus the verie armehole or elbow of Thrace, 
are now set and do grow in many other places 
Those be saith he of most swéete smell, which 
growe in Cyrena: and hereof is made with 
the Apothicaries a moste swéete confection or 




Ointment. In Cyrena also there is the best 
Violet, and that which is of pure smell. 

Of Rosemarie.  

ROsemarie by his Latin name, should seme 
to haue bene called in the former time, whol­
some Herbe. His leafe is somwhat like Fenel, 
but more sharpely ended, and grosse about. It 
can not be soone reckened, to howe many & sun­
drie vses and purposes it serueth to.

Of Rue.  

RVe is called the Medicinable Herbe: and 
especially there where as excessiue heate is 
found. For it is sayd to be most whote. There 
is hereof both that of the Gardaine, and of the 
field. They say that in this Herbe it is taught 
vs, how the enuenoming of Serpents may be 
holpen: for that such things liuing as haue a 
doe with Serpents, doe first arme themselues 
with this Herbe, before they encounter wyth 
them. Plinie sayth, that the Weasell hauing 
well knowen the effect and sorce of this Herbe, 
at the meeting of the Cockatrice (hauing first 
eaten hereof) goeth forth quietly, and encoun­
treth with him, and so vanquisheth him.

Of Saffron.  




Saffron saith Isidore, was first named in 
Latin Crocus, of a certain town in Cicilie 
called Coritium, wheras it is especially most 
aboundant, although plentifull in many other 
places. Many things saith he tooke their name 
of the first place wheras thy grew. It hath this 
soueraigntie or best goodnesse, in that that by 
whole winters long, it kéepeth his gréene co­
lour, & leaseth it not, whatsoeuer cold nipping 
wether, or tempest can do to appall it. In sum­
mer it suffereth the leafe to wither, & in midde 
Autumne it taketh it freshly againe: and gi­
ueth then his fruit in a soft and tender heade. 

Of Sauin.  

SAuin, is one of those kindes which all the 
whole winter time weareth his greene cote, 
and beareth leafe all seasons of the yeare. It is 
often vsed of Phisicions to fomentacion, and 
especiallie to remedie and help all griefs in the 
inward partes and bowels.

Of Saxifrage.  

SAxifrage is called the stone killing herb for 
that his operation is such, that it dissolueth 
and weareth away all sand and grauell which 
taketh roote in the bladder.

Of Scammony.  




SCammony of the Latins Colophonia, in 
Gréeke Skammonia: it hath a leafe like I­
uie, but softer and in figure and shewe most 
like to the Triangle: It beareth a white flow­
er. Diascorides saith, that it is giuen to purge 
and deliuer from colour, and saith he so it doth 
but it commonlye leaueth a worse matter be­
hind it. 

Of Saint Iohnes seale.  

SAaint Iohnes seale, of Ruellius Salomons 
seale: of Manardus, Saint Maries seale: of 
Iohn Agricola fraxinella or scala Caeli, in 
looke & appearance is like the Laurel: in tast like 
the Quince. Diascorides saith that there 
groweth betwene euerie leafe many flowers 
of white colour, and in great number.

Of Spikenarde.  

SPikenarde sayth Plinie, giueth name to 
many kinds. Spica nardi or Spikenarde, 
is onely supposed to come out of Indie. It is so 
called saith Isidor, for that his leaf is gathered 
swimming aloft in the flouds, and streames of 
Indie, without eyther roote or stalke. Which 
leafe they finding, doe pierce and prick it, and 
do lay it vp to drie. They say that there is a leaf 
in Paradice much like to this Mardus. There 




is one growing also in Indie, another in Si­
ria. This last being kept awhile in the mouth 
dryeth vp the tongue and saliuous humor. 

Of stonie Sage or Wall sage.  

STony Sage or Wall sage, which most com­
monly groweth vpon the Tyles of housen, 
or vpon the top of Walles, of some is called 
Heraclea. The Mages after their language 
call it Titans bloud, or the Scorpions taile. 
Some call it Oxes eie. It hath a Leafe like 
Sage: and groweth plentifully amongst the 
Sandes. The best vertue of this is sayth Di­
ascorides, to séeke and search to the bottom of 
all maymes and woundes.

Of Sycomore.  

SYcomore or foolish Fig trée, in leafe is like 
the Mulberie tree: In other poynts, it is 
the selfe same with the Fig. It hath a milkie 
kinde of iuyce or humor, many a time séene at 
the Leafe his ende. It hath Graines within 
his fruite as the Fig trée hath: But this to be 
most merueiled at, for that it neuer ripeneth 
vntill it be stroken with an Iron instrument.

Of the Thorne tree.  




THe Thorn tree is armed about with Dart 
and sting. And therefore Isidore will haue 
it named Spina, quasi speculis septa: as you 
would say, befenced with sting. It is vsed with 
vs as for his best worthinesse to enclose, and to 
be a defence and a partour of our neighbour 
his ground and ours. 

Of Terebull.  

TErebull, is the Leafe of an Herb in Indie, 
which swimmeth about in Pooles & Dit­
ches, without any roote that is séene. Those of 
Mauritania and of Greece call it Malaba­
thrum. Whereof commeth a most precious, 
and swéete Oyle. Cardane sayth, that it so com­
forteth a man, that the verie Leafe being taken 
then, when as a man is in griefe and vexation 
either of minde or of bodie, it staieth or quieteth 
him, yea although he be in a swoune or dying.
 "terebull(n)" not found in OED.  

Of Tragion.  

TRagion saith Diascorides, onely Crete & Cicilie bringeth forth. It hath his bough, séede and leafe like to the Mastix tree, but not altogither so great. It floweth and distilleth that humor that is like gumme. With this as with Dictamus (whereof we spake before) the Goates 
& Deere of Crete being once woun­




ded, helpe and remedie themselues, and then 
especially, if it be by Arrowe or Dart, sticking 
fast in their Ribs, they so loosen it by this harts 
tongue or Cetract. And Diascorides sayth, 
that al haruest time his leaues smel rammish­
ly, in maner like the Goate, and this groweth 
vpon the hilles and loftie places. There is an 
herbe also of this name which some call Scor­
pion, the Romaines and Gréekes Tragos. 

Of the tree of Paradise.  

THe trée of Paradise saith Cardane, is of 
short life, for the second yeare his bodie dri­
eth vp and waxeth barraine: It beareth fruit 
like a cluster of Grapes, but in bignesse of an 
Apple. It is couered with a yelow coate, & his 
leafe is very long & broad, for the which it is of 
so short life, for that which is great and grosse 
hath néede of great humour, & that also which 
goeth to much at riot: or else it by and by di­
eth.

Of Trifolie.  

TRifolie, or three leaued Herbe, as the word 
or name may be general to all such as haue 
onely but three Leaues: so is there a certaine 
fruit or Herbe so properly called. Of some it 
is called short vine, of the Egyptians Epaphu. 




It is of swéete smell. It groweth sayth Dias­
corides, in a shadowie and darke place: His 
flower is purpled & Circlelike, his séede dronc­
ken in Wine is much medicinable. 

Of Turbit.  

TVrbit whose Leafe is like the Laurell, 
groweth in Aegypt, and is not the same 
which men think, they receyue at the Apothe­
caries hands: It is giuen to purge fleume. It 
is said (being drunken in Viniger) to remedie 
the byting and stinging of the Aspis: for the 
which there are but fewe remedies.

Of Wake Robin.  

WAke Robin the Syrians call Lupha. It 
is leaued in figure like the Dragon: In 
his stalke it is purpled. It giueth a sharpe set 
stomacke inough to digest, and to satisfie Na­
tures desire, being once taken.

Of Walwort.  

Walwort the Gréekes cal Symphyton whose 
heygth is commonly two cubites: his 
leafe is rifted like Buglosse, his roote and ne­
ther shewe black: but within very white and 
oylie: It helpeth and putteth away bloud spit­
ting.




Of wild borage.  

WIlde Borage or Alcibiadion is that herb 
that Alcibiades vsed to paint his face 
with. The Latins cal it Alcibiacum, it hath his 
leafe, white, & is wrought like Orchanet: his 
best is sayth Diascorides, for that it helpeth 
ach and anguish of the Lungs.

Of wilde Rue.  

WIlde Rue or woodsage in Latine Poli­
monion. It hath smal stalkes saith Di­
ascorides in a maner like a birdes Fether: 
his leafe is a little bigger than our Rue. It 
hath a tuft which is full of black séedes. They 
say, that if it be applied to any part of a man, 
No Scorpion can sting or wounde him: or if 
she doth, it can not hurt him.

Of Veruen.  

VEruen, of some after their language is 
called Holy Herbe. The Mages call it Iu­
noes teare, or Mercuries moyste bloud. The 
Romaines Cockes combe. It groweth only in 
the waters, and is thought to be that Herbe 
which in Greeke is called Peristeon, bicause the 
Doues being in companie and in their flight, 
séeke after their foode at this Herbe.




Of the Violet.  

THe Violet is in two kindes: white & pur­
pled. His best goodnesse is in a sweete kind of smel, & especially that Violet which grow­
eth (as we saide before) in Cirena. Some say that there is a kinde of Violet lyke Honie. Looke howe much the more effectuous or good in working this his flowre is: so much the more it is saide to holde downe his head, and to bow and bende his bodie downward, to the earth.

Of Wintergreene.  

WIntergreene of the Mages is called 
Wolues heart, so to translate it. The 
Sirians call it Merida. The Frenchmen Iu­
niper. The Latines after their language, 
black Lingwort or the earths leafe, it is like 
to our Béete. His seede sayth Diasc. taken in 
wine, helpeth the grief of the inward bowels.

Of Woodbinde.  

WOodbinde of the Mages is called Ve­
nus haire. Of the Egyptians Tucon. 
It is a humile and weake kinde of shrub, and 
hath his leafe sayeth Diascorides, one set a 
good way off from another. It twineth like a 
thréede or line, about other herbes and fruits, 




and is a hinderaunce to their prosperitie and 
growth. They say that if it be drunken .xxxvj. 
dayes togither, it causeth a barraine and vn­
fruitfull nature: further it helpeth the Feuer 
intermedled with Oyle. 

Of Woodherbe.  

WOodherbe after the Latin translating, 
in Greeke Kaetaphysis, it hath a leafe lyke 
Crowfoote and groweth about in the groaues 
and fieldes as plentifully & as thick as grasse. 
It being stamped saith Diascorides, and mixt 
with the brawne of anie thing liuing, remedieth 
& cureth Vlcers and Biles. It is also said, that 
if it be brought home whilest it is fresh, and 
bestrewed about the house, to prohibit and let 
the Flées of their engendring.
 "woodherb(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Willow tree.  

THe Willow tree in Latin is called Salix 
a Saliendo, for his swift skipping and com­
ming vp. The best prayse that it hath giuen 
him is, for that the more he is powled and cut 
downe, the better a greate deale he prospereth. 
His second praise is for ministring oftentimes 
meate to the Cattaile.

Of the Yewe tree.  




THe Yewe tree in Greke is called Smilax, the 
Romaines call it Taxus. It is in bignesse 
of leafe like the Firre trée. Diascorides saieth, 
that it first grue in Carbonia a part of Italie 
and Spaine. It hath that secret maner of wor­
king, that whosoeuer sitteth or lyeth on sleepe 
vnder it, keatcheth no good thereby: for often­
times hurt hath come thereby, and somtimes 
also death. It was tolde vs of it saith Diasco­
rides, that we should auoide it by a certaine 
friende of ours, for feare of greater daunger. 
And Virgil in his Bucolickes warneth and 
chargeth the shepeherds of his time, that they 
should not suffer their shéepe to féede neyther 
vnder this, neyther vnder the Iuniper tree, 
neyther vnder those trees whose shadowe is 
hurtfull. As in his Georgickes he warneth 
also, how the swarmes of Bees should be kept 
away in any case from the Yewes of the Isle 
of Cirse or Corsica in this verse and the like. 

Et tua Cyrneas fugiant examina Taxos. 
If that thou wilt thy Bees to be 
in weale and in good case 
Take heede of Cirsies Yewes I say 
and of that daungerous place.
 
And Plinie also in his naturall Historie and 
xvj. booke recordeth of this, that in Arcadie the 
Yewes are of that force to weaken and enfeble 




the vitall powers in any man sléeping vnder 
them, that sometime he forthwith and present­
ly dieth. And Plutarch in his Sympose ren­
dreth the reason, for that the Braine being dis­
tempered with so noisome and deadly a sent 
or smell, causeth the rest of the head not to be 
well, but vndoeth his good setling, and all at 
once bereueth him of all. Thus saith Plinie it 
doth, whensoeuer any long tariance is made 
vnder it. But then doeth it especially cum­
ber and hurt, yea, most often kill, 
when as it newlye shooteth 
out and buddeth forth 
flowers. 

FINIS. 




The thirde Booke of 
the Aegemonie or chiefest 
vertues in all the whole 
kind of bruite Bea­
stes, Foules, Fishes, 
creping wormes 
and Serpentes, 
with the Al­
phabetical 
order.

Psalm. 148. 

Praise the Lord of Heauen, ye beasts and 
all cattell: wormes and fethered Foules.




The Preface to the 
thirde Booke. 

THe deuision of Sauage and 
brute Beastes, roueth somewhat more 
at large: And may more plentifullye 
be sorted and seuered into their bran­
ches, then those other two more base 
Daughters and of lesser price, which 
we next before & immediatly in their 
order shewed off, what was their best 
and soueraigne goodnesse. For this is 
the close and wise working of Dame 
Nature, that the further and in degree the more high, she la­
boureth in hirs to haue them reach to the chiefest perfection 
in whome are all things absolute, full and without any point 
of lacke or imperfection, she giueth to eche of them in their 
kinde a seuerall gift. And whereas all of them can not be a­
like, neyther is there in them equall condition, yet for the best 
she prouideth for them in that that may be: alwayes foreseing 
to auoyde impossibilitie. I mought here therefore set these two 
last Daughters, the plant and eke the brute Beast, the one 
from the other by this note and difference (for many men haue 
children alike, and yet they are knowne and haue their diffe­
rence by one marke or other) First and formost in mouing 
from place to place, with an appetite to repast themselues: and 
this is the chiefest, vsed and sought forth of Philosophers: the 
next in feeling and sense, perceiuing griefe and paine, good 
and euill. And herein and in these, they chiefely dissent. In­
somuch that the Plant is only portioned with the life vegetatiue, 
and therein in euery eche power fully & aboundantly. This 
other last steppeth vp a Stayer higher, layth holde and ap­
prehendeth another kinde of life in degree more Princely, 
and in force or large power most manifolde: for with this, it 
hath might to moue, to haue lust or appetite: to haue and hunt 
after what it will, and to wander and straye therefore whe­
ther it will, neyther ought that to be reckned ought which A­
naxagoras and Empedocles, men partiall in this poynt 
reasoned: Whereas they spake of that other the Plant his 
prayse. Insomuch, that they would perswade others of theyr 
time, that in that kinde there was both mouing abroade and 
appetite to that which it perceiueth to be best: but they are re­




futed of Aristotle by sundrie and sufficient reasons whereof 
we entend not to speake: onely feeling our selues to gainesay 
them herein, with this one reason chosen forth of the rest, that 
Aristotle vseth. If they haue sense and appetite, they muste 
needes haue feeling: if they haue feeling, they must needes 
haue organe, & parts instrumentall for the maner of feeling. 
But in the Plant there is none such perceyued: Therefore 
with so little a trip they are cleane cast downe. Further some 
of them ad (but that which may be the more borne withal) that 
many of the kindes of Plants haue both Male and Female, 
As Empedocles and his like: of whome I demaund whether 
that they haue coniunction yea or no? or whether they haue those 
parts which be destined to procreation yea or no? and lastly, 
whether they conieyne eche other with their like? for the Male 
sayth Aristotle is that which the coniunction begetteth his like 
in another. The female that which likewise doth euen so 
with another. But in this last they may be the more suffered, 
for that Aristotle himselfe in the conclusion and winding vp 
of his former booke De Plantis, doth as it were distinguish 
those of the same kindes, although they haue a nighe resem­
blance and are taken of some for all one. And thus sayth he, 
you shall know the Male from the Female. The Male is of 
more spisse or tough braunches: of leafe and boughe, more a­
boundaunt: of lesse humor or moysture than the Female: yet 
more forwarde in ripening. And hath his leafe and slippes 
also differing. The Female hath all these, but nothing like 
in number, affection and qualitie. But we minde not thus to 
giue back or to slip aside with any more conference or compa­
rison had. Let vs fall now to euery thing liuing and Crea­
ture of life his accustomed deuision. All liuing Creatures 
therefore (I do here necessarily but vnwillingly comprehend 
man not meaning to speake what his soueraigntie is nor what 
is in him best, but purposed to stay before I come at him, who 
standeth on the stayer a step higher than we meane to climbe: 
but speaking of liuing Creatures, my meaning is of brute 
Beastes, the worde restrayned and cut a little short.) First to 
go to their place where they accustome to liue, differ thus. For 
one part of them liueth vpon the earth, another in the Sea & 
Waters, the thirde part in both doubtfully: so that one while 
they keepe in the brode ayre: anotherwhile in the water, and 
earth as the Crocodile. Those of the earth some of them haue 
feete to go with: some creepe: some swim: some flie. The next 
difference is noted and perceyued in their maner and kinde 
of liuing, as Aristotle witnesseth; in his bookes De animali­ 




bus very often. Some sayth he, be as it were milde, hurtfull 
to no bodie, as the Bullock, the Goate, the poore and sielye 
Sheepe: other of such fiercenesse, and so wilde that they can 
not be tamed, as the Tyger, the wilde Boare, and other of 
haughtie stomacke as the Lyon: other some of increadible 
might or strength, as is the Elephant, the Cammell, and such 
like: other after a sort subtile and why, working man much e­
uill and displeasure, as the craftie Fox, the deuouring Wolfe 
and so forth. Plinie as concerning this matter hath this di­
uision. All Beastes sayth he, or Creatures liuing, hath this 
difference: some be full of bloud, whereby they be long liued, 
as the Hart, the Hinde, the Roe, other are without bloud: 
but in stead thereof haue their naturall humor: as the Bee, 
the Waspe, the Betle, the Flie. All which are of wrethed & 
parted bodie. Againe he sayth, some difference is in them for 
their foode: for that the most part to accoumpt of, of all maner 
Beastes, liue by flesh, and be called in Greeke Cinophagai: 
other are indifferent for that matter, and eate that, as other 
things, when they may come by it: as the Dogge, the fleeing 
Eagle, and the like. Some againe, which will none of it: as 
for the most part all Foules of the Ayre, and Fishes of the 
Sea. Further, some be of good memorie, or retaine for a time 
in their head a good turne done to them or an euill as the Dog,
the Lion, the Cammell: Other as forgetfull of such kinde of 
deseruing, and vnmindefull as the Ostrich, the Doue. And 
there is in some a certaine kinde of perceiueraunce and ad­
iudging or esteeming what is what (but the same spoken of vs 
by resemblance and vnproperly) which we may perceiue they 
haue through their care in bringing vp & tendring their yong: 
as also in artificiall maner of building their Nest, in hunting 
and seeking after their pray, in remedying and curing woun­
des: in espying what shall hurt them: And further in some 
through foreknowledge and skill to prognosticate what shall 
afterwards happen by storme & tempest: as is the Swallow 
by his departure, when colde and Winter begin to come in. 
As is the wilde Crane, which also sheweth vs through hir 
flight from place to place, wheras exceeding Frosts shall be: 
And there is not this onely in the Crane, laudable or prayse 
worthy, but that which requireth farre greater praise and long 
time to admiration. Aristotle sayth, that he hath marked this 
that when the Cranes by companie, flie ouer the broad Sea 
(which is large, wide, and infinite) to continue in that their 
passage the better without rescue, and to endure to the ende, 
they vse this knack or practise. Their companie then is brought 




into fiues, and so they flie two a breast, and the fift or odde 
Crane in maner of a persiue sterne, to make the other way in 
the Ayre, flieth all alone before, till he be wearie so doing: 
when he is wearie, another goeth and taketh vpon him his of­
fice and painetaking, and that other commeth to their place 
which be of breast, and in like sort doe all the other by course, 
till their iourney be at an end: and so their flight is like a 
Triangle, sharpe at the ende, and broade about, and easied 
therewithall by one another his helping. Againe (to leaue 
their entrailes and inward parts so to come by deuision) they 
are sayde to differ in outwarde attire and kinde of aray: for 
some haue haire for their vpper Garment: some haue onely 
their bare skin: other haue feathers: other haue hide: other 
haue their skin full of prickles and briestles: and (to speake 
of their maner of defending themselues) som haue sting, some 
haue tuskes, some haue hornes: othersome helpe themselues 
by flyght and lightnesse of wings: and as for their voice, some 
haue soft voice: some as loud and shrill. The Cow saith Ari­
stotle, is in voyce more loud than the mightie Bull. I coulde 
gather also differences in shewing how euerie part is placed 
both within and without, not all alike: moreouer, of their vse 
and purpose, of their affection also, of their settes and dispo­
sition in life: but I had rather (as they say lose the Hare) then 
to take such infinite paines as to hunt so farre for hir. I will 
therefore now make hast home againe, peraduenture the num­
ber of companie of Myles going, in taking such paynes, would 
wearie vs: It is counted wisedome not to take to much 
vpon a man, neither more than he can well suffer. 
But now to euery liuing thing or Creature his 
soueraigntie, so farre forth as we can, our 
Pen and Hande shall hasten. And 
first let vs begin Alphabetically 
(as in the residue of our 
work before) with 
the Adder. 




The thirde Booke of the 
Aegemonie treating of 
brute Beastes, Foules, 
Fishes, creping Wormes 
& Serpents, perticularly 
and Alphabetically. 

Of the Adder.  

THe Adder is called by Etimo­
logie of Latin name shadowy Snake. 
Coluber sayth Isidore, is so fetched 
worde for worde, and deriued thus, as 
if you would say Vmbras colens, lurking or 
liuing in darke places and black shadowes. It 
is reported to enuie and hate the Hart, to kill 
the Lyon. And by all maner of meanes to flée 
from the Herbe Rue. It casteth off yearely his 
vppermost skin or coate. It loueth to liue a­
mong hollow trées, to séeke his food in Pasture 
and Groaue: to set muche store by Milke: to 
hurt both with tooth and mouth, and also with 
his hinder part or taile: to suck fleshe: to eate 
Flies, and now & then among to eate crum­
mie and dry earth. Plinie saith in his. 30. booke 
and .4. Chapter, that the fat or brawne of the 
Adder, especially the water Adder, remedieth 




the stinging and byting of the Crocodile. And 
againe, if thou haue about thée but the Gall of 
an Adder, no other Adder will touch or hurt 
thée, but flie from thée: the scent or smell ther­
of doth so annoy him. 

Of the Ape.  

THe Ape in Gréeke is called Simeas, of hys 
flat nose and filthie face, on eche side therof 
plated or wrinckled. Some will haue him so 
called for counterfeyting of the like, or for imi­
tation, and deriue Simia the Nowne substan­
tiue out of the Adiectiue Simile, the like: For 
that he would be like in playing and toying. 
But I doe not greatly gainesay them herein. 
Isidore sayth in his .xij. booke, that when he 
is angrie he frowneth: In the newe Moone he 
is pleasant, and for that time very iocund: but 
when he waxeth olde, he sorroweth, and is of 
sad looke. When he hath two yong ones at one 
brode, that of them both which he most intierly 
loueth, he alwayes beareth in his armes, the 
other (as not much passing of it) he whurleth 
vpon his shoulders. Isidore reckneth vp fiue 
kindes of Apes: One which is not much vn­
like our Dog in figure or shew: another that 
hath a taile standing vp in good length & thick­
nesse like a Foxe: another kinde is saide to be 




of soft & silkie haire: there are the fourth kinde 
called Satyri. The fift are said to haue a hairie 
beard & a square visage withall. Plinie saith, 
that the fierce Lion is very desirous of the Ape 
his flesh: and with hungrie eating thereof he 
riddeth himselfe of many infirmities. 

Of the Aspis.  

THe Aspis is a kinde of deadly Snake, of 
most perilous bite or sting: some say it is 
called Aspis ab aspergendo, of besprinckling 
and casting about venome. There are diuers 
kinds hereof. Plinie in his .viij. booke and .xxiij. 
Chapter sayth, that there is a principall and 
pure loue betweene the Male and the Female, 
after that they be once knit togither, and haue 
(as all Mates haue) house and home, and all 
things necessarie common to them both alike. 
Insomuch that they liue alwayes, and go togi­
ther to séeke their foode, and such like. So that 
if it be by any meanes, that any man kill either 
of these by any mishap, or by good will: the o­
ther left aliue pursueth after the slear with in­
credible care and couetise to reuenge. And kil­
leth him in whatsoeuer thorow fare or throng 
of people he can finde him, vnlesse he hastneth 
the sooner away, & escapeth by straigts of nar­
row rowme, or by often turning and ouercros­ 




sing the way, or by passage had ouer Flouds 
and Riuers. But Nature hath yet for all this 
bene mans friend, for wheras if with hir flight 
and swift glauncing vppon the earth, she had 
eiesight alike to it, she would soone be requited, 
and woulde soone come by him: she is herein 
somewhat behind, and hindred, and is saide to 
pursue him onely by hearing, whereas he is, 
and by sharpe smell. There is as Isidore re­
porteth fiue kindes of Aspis. The first named 
Dipsas in Gréeke, in Latine Situla Thristie 
Snake. It is of white colour, clouen in the 
taile, and beset with black spots or strikes. He 
that is stung with this Snake or Worme, 
shall féele such excessiue heate & vnquenchable 
thirst in himselfe, that by no meanes he can 
quench his thirst, neyther by Wine, by Milke, 
by Beare or Ale, or by cleare water. But the 
more he drinketh the more he may. Insomuch 
that through thirst at the last he dieth, as Isidor 
witnesseth. The second Aspis is called Hyp­
nalis, which killeth a man as he is in sléepe. 
Which kinde of Snake Cleopatra vsed, and 
therewithall died in his bed with very much 
ease. The thirde is called Emorrois, which 
whome soeuer it byteth, he shall sweate forth 
bloud. It so loseneth the Vaynes and openeth 
verie wide the poores of the bodie. The fourth 




is called Prester, which alwayes runneth to­
wards a man with open mouth, and hath a ve­
rie lothsome and ill smelling breath. The fift 
is called Septabificus, which by bit and sting­
ing, causeth a man to consume away, and gi­
ueth him so, a deadly deathes wound. 

Of the Asse.  

THe Asse is named after Etimologie of La­
tine worde Rescuy beast, for that men at 
the firste were saine to rescue them selues in 
iourneying, by setting thereon, or as some say, 
for that it is a beast of dull wit, & grosse sense. 
Senos in Gréeke say some is Sensus, and Ase­
nos insensible or slow. It is of verie heauie and 
dul nature. His chiefest foode saith Auicen, are 
Briers and Brembles. And Aristotle semeth 
to becken to him, for that he sayth thus. The 
Asse by briestling amongest the Bushes and 
Briers hindreth the small Birdes in bringing 
vp their yong, and in their Nest building. And 
therefore the little Sparrowes doe him all the 
mischiefe that they can. And will often peck at 
him with their Bill. And especially then when 
as the Asse by rubbing himselfe against the 
Thornes or Briers, causeth their Nest to goe 
to wrack. Therefore when as the Asse braieth 
(which is a horrible & fearefull kinde of noise) 




to them, they al then flie away for a good time. 
And comming againe afterwarde to the place 
where he is, and espying him prickled in any 
place by rubbing him amongst the Briers, in 
the place so raw and hurt, they neuer leaue off 
pecking, til they haue made it very sore, & haue 
eaten it in verie déepely: by this meanes hun­
ting him and compelling him to go awaye as 
fast as he can from their nestes. Here we sée 
that a smal sillie Bird knoweth how to match 
with so great a Beast. Auicen sayth, that the 
Crowe and the Asse are at naturall enmitie. 
For so soone as the Crow espieth the Asse, she 
flieth and flacketh about his eies & face, & pec­
keth and scratcheth out his eien. But it is very 
seldome that she pecketh them cleane out, he 
hath suche a deepe settling of his eien. Plinie 
saith, that he loueth his yong so tenderly that 
he runneth through fier and water to saue them: 
Although it be most against his will to aduen­
ture in the waters. 

Of the Ant or Emote.  

THe Ant is called in Latine Formica, 
quasi micas ferens, carying hir meate by 
crummes into hir Lodge. Solinus sayth, that 
they be but of small bignesse, but of great dis­
cipline or skill in prouision for them & theirs. 




Plinie in his .ix. Booke and .xxxj. chapter, saith, 
that they are all busied alike, and be about the 
like businesse dailie, and by companies hunt a­
bout to finde victualles. They haue amongst 
them a Publicke weale, euerie one for his po­
wer tendring & maintaining it. Their sorest 
labour is, when the Moone is at the full, and rest 
then when as the Moone is at the chaunge. A­
ristotle in his 8. Booke de animalibus sayth, 
that they haue a very perfite sense of smelling, 
hating all strong and noysome smelles, as 
suffumigation of Brimstone, or Harts horne 
being beaten to pouder. Plinie saith in his. S. 
booke, that when the Beare sickneth or feeleth 
hir selfe not well at ease, that then she scrapeth 
in the earth with hir Pawes entending to find 
of these, which being found and presently eaten 
of hir, she recouereth hir selfe and is well. 

Of the Bee.  

THe Bee sayeth Plinie in his .xij. Booke, is 
one of those kindes that be cut and girdled 
about in their parts, which although it be but 
little, yet is verie fruitfull. Isidor sayth that it 
is called in Latin Apes for that it is first born 
without any feete. Aristotle sayth, that it is 
engendred of the deade bodie or carcasse of the 
Bullock. It is one of those that tender common 




profite. And hath within the Hiue (as it were 
within the Citie) his tentes & Courts of very 
good workmanship. Of some they are reputed 
ciuill, for that they haue their King & Guides, 
and euerie one also distinct and seueral offices. 
So that some are onely set ouer the residue to 
sée that euery one laboureth in his calling. O­
ther some labour themselues, part by going a­
brode to bring home sweete Hony, part by stan­
ding at the Hiue doore (as it were at receipt of 
such as the other bring home) part playe the 
workmen within, and amende or make vp a 
newe all such things as are amisse: and euery 
one of them knoweth his dutie. At that time 
that their King is present with them, they liue 
euen as they will: but he being once absent, 
the whole swarme is disturbed, and fléeth wan­
dring by companies, it cannot tell whither. 
Such safegarde haue they by their King, that 
they cannot be well without him. So that if 
he happeneth eyther through casuall or natu­
rall death to die, they mourne for him a long 
time after, & carie him to sepulture, as solemly 
after their sorte as our mourners doe. 

Of the Beare.  

THe Beare with hir mouth & licking, brin­
geth hir yong which be at the first without al 




fashion, to that forme which they haue: and is 
called Vrsus as Isidor reporteth, quod ortos 
digerat lanbendo, for that by often licking, 
she bringeth euerie parte in them to an order. 
The best in all the whole kinde is as we find, 
for that she can play the Phisition for hir selfe: 
for she being crased and distempered within 
hir bodie, vseth hir claw for a spade, and dig­
geth vp Emmets or Ants out of the ground, 
which being taken, she immediatlye recoue­
reth. 

Of the Beuer.  

THe Beuer saith Plinie, liueth and is found 
in the Ile of Pontus, and is one of those 
sorts which are called doubtfull, for often ex­
chaunge had in place where they liue: for they 
liue one while altogither vpon the earth, and 
do accompanie other brute beasts, those which 
stray abrode & are foure footed: another while, 
they are conuersant in the waters, and liue the 
fishes and serpents life. When they are hunted, 
they espying the Huntesman earnestly pursu­
ing them (least through such occasion they 
should be letted in their flight) the Male is re­
ported to bite off his owne stones and to gelde 
himselfe, and by that meanes becommeth very 
swift. He hath his taile not much vnlike the 




fishe, and the residue of his bodie not much vn­
like to the Otter. 

Of the Boare.  

THe Boare saith Isidore, in Latine vocable 
or word, is called Aper a feritate of fierce­
nesse or wildenesse (chaunge of the Letter. P. 
had into the letter. F.) of the Latines he is eftsoo­
nes called Verres for his great strength. He be­
ing gelt sayth Plinie, & Auicen, becommeth so 
much the more fierce and wilde, whereas all 
other Creatures liuing waxe thereby the more 
milde. His armourie is a sort of strong rushes 
or tuskes and sharpe. His vse is, to kéepe a good 
while in his mouth the stalke or sedge of Bar­
ley, such as is sharpe, to enter to the skin: kée­
ping it of purpose to file & sharpen his tushes, 
which if it will not, he hunteth after the Herbe 
Organnie, of some called wilde Maioram, 
which he vseth as a Whetstone to whet his 
téeth withall. Aristotle in his sixt booke de A­
nimalibus sayth, that the Boare at such time 
as he hath yong is most cruell and fierce, inso­
much that he can not abide any man to come 
nigh him, but is maruellously vexed with him.

Of the Bull.  




THe Bull is the hée Bullock, not gelt or ha­
uing lost his parts to generation. Plinie 
sayth in his .viij. booke, that his noble courage 
is in his looke, & in his frowning countnance 
or forehead. Aristo. sayth, that he hath his Liuer round, 
in a maner like to a man his liuer. And is fed alone before such time as the Male & Fe­
male doe conioyne: but afterward at that time 
he feedeth and associateth in selfe him pasture 
with the Bullock. They are said to striue one 
with another for the Female which they best 
like: and after much strife and warring had, 
who so first tireth and is wearie, is counted 
vanquished, & the other the vanquisher forth­
with runneth to the Female, and leapeth vp 
vpon hir back, and so satisfieth his desired lust. 

Of the Bugle or wilde Oxe.  

THe Bugle or the wilde Oxe, is said to be so 
wilde, that his necke by no meanes can be brought vnder the yoke. And is called Buba­
lus for nigh resemblance to our Oxe. In Af­
frick they are verie plentifull: he is of great 
strength and force, almost not to be tamed: but 
only with an Iron ring put through his Nos­
trils or Snowte, wherewith they leade him 
whither they list. There is another kinde of 
wilde Oxe, which the Philosophers call Ap­




taleo, but nothing so huge or great, but hath 
hornes much greater, very sharpe also where­
with he heweth downe trées, and thrusting vp 
his hornes sometimes vp to the boughes of the 
Trées, entending to reach foode thereby, doth 
now & then with force of his hornes had, sticke 
fast by them in the Tree, wherewith he being 
chafed and vexed, howleth out aloude, whose 
horrible crie the Huntesman hauing once hard 
runneth with fast foote thither, whereas he is 
snared, and so commeth by him, and else by no 
other meanes, and so sleaeth him. There is al­
so another kinde of wilde Oxe or Bull, called 
of Aristotle & Plinie Bonasus, a little shorter 
than our Bull, but more thickly set, and hath 
his Mane like to our Horse. His flesh is Vene­
sonlike: for the which he is so often hunted. And 
in the game time he vseth this knack or pro­
pertie: he runneth vntill he be wearie, and in 
his flight taking and course, he flingeth forth 
and befowleth behinde both of his vrine and 
dung, euen whole furlongs long after him, 
and with such annoiance wearieth the Cour­
ser or Huntesman. 

Of Barbell the fish.  

BArbill, is called the beard fish, for that on 
both sides of hir Mouth she hath finnes like 




to a hairie beard. In Greeke she is called Tri­
gla: with the Germanes Ein Berb. Of this 
kinde Oppiane singeth thus. 

Accipiunt Triglae trino cognomina partu. 
The Barbill for hir oft increase 
Trigla by name is called: 
Thrise in the yeare she giueth yong 
herein all kindes excelled. 

Aristotle in his fift Booke de Historia ani­
malia affirmeth that this kinde bringeth forth 
yong thrise in the yeare. 

Of Calamarie the fish.  

CAlamarie the fish, of many Authors cal­
led Loligo hath his head betwene his hin­
der parts, and his bellie: and hath two bones 
the one like to a knife, the other like to a quill: 
she is like the Cuttle, but that she is a little 
longer: and in that they differ also, for that the 
Cuttle sheweth and poureth out a black kinde 
of bloud in all hir feare and disturbance: this 
Calamarie vomiteth a good red & pure bloud.

Of the Cammell.  

THe Cammell by Gréeke word is called Ka­
m&ecedil;, his signification for the moste part is 
lowlinesse and submission. And well had the 
Cammell this name, for that at euery burthen 




laide vpon him (to ease the labourer) he lyeth 
downe, suffering him to lay it on, euen as he 
will. There are two kindes of Cammels, one 
which is onely in Arabie, which hath two ki­
bes in his back: the other in many other coun­
tries, al plain in his back. His vse is to iourney 
no further at one time than he hath bene before 
vsed & accustomed to at another, neither to cary 
heauier burthen at another time then he before 
hath carried. They liue some of them .50. yeres 
and some of them .100. They can be without 
water the space of foure whole dayes, and haue 
their best delight in drinking then when as by 
foote they trouble the water. Aristotle sayth, that 
there is in the Cammels a certaine honest care 
to kéepe themselues within their boundes. For 
they thinke it vnnaturall and a most haynous 
offence to haue adoe with their Dam. There 
was in a certaine Citie saith he, the Mother or 
Dam of a yong and lustie Cammell, all co­
uered ouer with a cloth, with whome the yong 
one being incensed, vnwittingly attempted 
and assayed generation: who, or it were long, 
through ruffling of the cloth, by certaine notes 
espying that it was his Dam, came down and 
ceased therein before he had his full lust, and 
biting hir most cruelly, through extreeme an­
ger slue hir. The like example of honestie ob­




seruing, he rendreth there of a certaine mans 
Horse. 

Of the Cameloparde.  

THe Cameloparde hath the very head of a 
Cammell: the necke like our Horse, and 
feete like the Bugle or wilde Oxe. He breedeth 
in Ethiope: he is bespotted & stayned dyuerse­
ly with diuers colours in a maner like the Libard.

Of the Cameleon.  

TThe Cameleon is a small kinde of beast, 
whose bodie is such that with easie conuer­
sion it chaungeth into all colours, a few onely 
excepted. Auicen sayth, that it is all one with 
Stellio or Cosin germane to the Lysarde, for 
that he hath on his backe light spots like stars. 
And for that feare that it is naturally in, and 
the paucitie or rarenesse of bloud, he hath so 
often and so diuers transfiguration in colour. 
It is verie commonly sayd with the olde versi­
fiers, and those also which would be estéemed 
Philosophers, that the Cameleon liueth onely 
by ayre, as the Moule doth by the earth alone: 
The Héering by the water: the Salamander 
by the fire. And these be their verses wherein 
they shew this purpose.

Quatuor ex Puris vitam ducunt Elementis, 




Cameleon, Talpa, Maris Halec, & Salamandra. 
Terra cibat Talpam, flamme Pascunt Salamandram, 
Vnda fit Halecibus cibus, aer Cameleonti. 

These fower Elements giue foode 
to fower things, eche other 
The Herring, Moule and Cameleon 
and eke the Salamander. 
With earth the Moule is said to feede, 
with flame the Salamander: 
And water is the Herrings meate 
the Cameleons the ayer.

Of the bird Caladrius.  

THe Caladrius sayth Aristotle is of milkie 
colour, without any black spot, whose na­
turall propertie is this, that when as any man 
is grieuously payned with sicknesse or disease, 
if there be any hope of recouerie in the partie so 
diseased, she hath alwayes a cheerefull looke to­
wardes him, if there be no amendment that it 
can perceiue, it is of very sad looke and counte­
naunce, neuer giuing him cherefull looke, or 
once looking at all that way.

Of the Carpe.  

THe Carpe is a kinde of fish well knowne 
of vs: she is arayed in all hir whole bodie 
with hir coate of fence that is stiffe seales of 




meane & indifferent bignesse: insomuch that 
there hath bene found of this kinde some way­
ing ten pound: she is of very soft flesh & phleg­
matike: with the Germanes it is called Karpff. 
Erasmus called it in Latine Carpa, when as 
other called it Carpio. 

Of the Cat.  

THe Cat in Latin is called Catus, as if you 
woulde say Cautus, warie or wise. In 
Gréeke she is named Galiootes, with the Ger­
maines Kaiz. She is to the Mouse a continu­
all enimie: verie like to the Lyon in tooth and 
clawe: and vseth to pastime or play with the 
Mouse ere she deuoureth hir. She is in hir 
trade and maner of liuing very shamefast: al­
wayes louing clenlinesse. There is also a kind 
hereof called the wild Cat, which of all things 
is annoyed with the smell of Rue, and the Al­
mond leafe, and is driuen away with that soo­
ner then with any other thing.

Of the Crab.  

THe Crab in Gréeke is called Kakrinos, in the 
Germanes language Krebs: with the 
Frenchmen Crabe. Plinie vsed this Latine 
worde Cancer, for a generall or common name 
for all such as haue, & weare shaled garments. 




The Crabs saith Lonicer haue a porcion of 
venome and that occult or hid comming from 
their taile in the middle of their backes by line 
or thréede which kinde of matter pulled out be­
fore they are sodden, leaueth the whole altogi­
ther pure and without corrupting. 

Of the Serpent Cerastes.  

CErastes the Serpent hath on both sides of 
his heade, as it were the hornes of a Ram, 
bending vpward and wreathen all about. He 
lurketh sayth Isidore in the high grasse, wher­
in nothing can be espied of him sauing onelye 
his hornes, which thing the small Birdes of 
the field espying, wéening to find (as in all other 
dead bodies their hornes, wormes meate alone 
for their appetite and desire) they being busie 
and pickling on them not knowing this Ser­
pent his deceipt hid, are caught of him with a 
sodaine twining of himselfe about them, and 
are so sodainely snared. The like wiles he v­
seth with horse and man, to lie as though he 
were deade, or secretlye as though there were 
none such, yet whilest they vnawares tread 
vpon him, he twineth about either them, and 
so stingeth them.

Of the Coccatrise.  




THe Coccatrise by his Gréeke name should 
séeme to haue bene sometime reckened the 
Prince in his kinde, for he is reported to be the 
king of all other Serpents. For al things ly­
uing whatsoeuer they be, comming into fight 
with him, flie back. He is so poysonous that 
he killeth with his breath. There is no birde 
that escapeth him that commeth in his dent, 
but she is his owne: yet Nature for this thing 
hath well prouided. For they vse to seeke for 
the Weasell which will haue this kind of ser­
pent tamed. The greatest stature that it is of, 
is not aboue .xij. inches or there about. 

Of the Crocodile.  

THe Crocodile is called yelow Snake for 
that he is in colour most Saffron like. Isi­
dore in his .xij. booke. He is one of those kinds 
which alwayes keepe not in one and the same 
place, or which are not pleased long with Ele­
ments alike. One while he is conuersant vpon 
the earth, another while in the waters. He is 
of such hard skin, that being stroke in the back 
or bodie with violent stroke of stone or Iron 
sling, estéemeth it not a Rush. In the night 
time he harboureth in the waters, in the day 
time he liueth vpon the earth. Aristotle sayth, 
that the Crocodile alone amongst all other 




Creatures liuing moueth the vpper lip, and 
keepeth the neather lip vnmoueable, contrarie 
to all other herein. It is a most glotonous ser­
pent, and a verie rauener, who when he is far­
ced full, lyeth all long by the Banckes side 
belching and panting as though he woulde 
burst. Wherevpon saith Tullie, when he is in 
this case, and so farre gone, a certaine little 
small birde called of vs the Wren or Kinges 
birde, of the Gréekes Trochylos, flieth towarde 
him, and often assayeth or he can come by his 
purpose, to go into his throte or intrailes: but 
is repelled so long as he is awake: but falling 
once on sléepe and opening his iawes as he v­
seth being on sleepe, the Wren goeth into his 
throte, and being within there a certaine time 
by flickring and mouing, causeth his throte to 
itche, wherewith he being delighted, at the 
last falleth on sound sléepe. The Bird percey­
uing this, goeth further to his heart, and pec­
keth at it with hir bill, and at the last gnaweth 
it out, and so féedeth hir selfe full and escapeth 
away. The like thing is read of Enidros the 
Serpent, which creepeth in the grasse of Nilus 
who being eaten downe quicke of the Croco­
dile, gnaweth his heart out in sunder within, 
and so killeth him. 




Of Chelidros the Serpent.  

CHelidros the Serpent or of some in Gréek 
Chersidros, is in placebeing, one of those 
kindes which be doubtfull. For it is now abi­
ding vpon the earth now in the waters. This 
saith Isidore, maketh the earth smell well, or 
to haue good breathing there where as it crée­
peth as Virgill describeth in these verses. 

Seu terga expirant spumantia virus 
Seu terra fumat teter quá labitur anguis. 
In question is it whether that 
The fomie flesh and rancored Sell 
Of Chelidros that poysonous Snake, 
Should giue such odoriferous smell. 
Or that the earth by which this Snake 
Doth slide and glaunce along, 
Should giue to the nose obiect so swete 
Or minister scent so strong. 

Isidore sayth, that it goeth straight out in lim, 
and bodie, and findeth thereby a maruellous 
great ease: whereas if he should bowe hym­
selfe he should straine and hurt him selfe. 

Of Cencris.  

THe very like in this behalfe, that Cheli­
dros doth, the same doth Cencris, as Lu­
cane reporteth of him thus.




Et semper recto lapsurus limite Cencris. 
As Chelidros so Cencris doth 
in eake alike their sort, 
By stretching forth their bodie, both 
in gliding finde comfort.

Of the Caddesse or Choffe.  

THe Caddesse was first called Monecula, 
and is now called Monedula, bicause it in 
finding money and golde hideth it. And vpon this 
Tullie in his Oration had for Valerius 
Flaccus hitteth him home with the like. 
Non tibi plus pecuniae est committendum 
quam Monedulae. I would commit mony to thy 
custodie no more than I would to a Dawes.

Of the Crane.  

THe Crane by proper name should be cal­
led whisperer, or flackerer, as Lucane hath 
of hir thus. 

Et turbata petit dispersis litora pennis. 
In raging waues of the Seas streame 
the Crane by flacking wings, 
Hath pleasure passing all delight 
in this than in all things.

Their flight is on highe, espying therby what 
land they were best to take: by his voyce they 
are all ruled which is their guide or leader, 




whose voyce waxing hoarse, another straight 
wayes taketh his rowme. In the night time 
they haue their watch, euerie one of them night­
ly by course, and whosoeuer playeth the watch 
man least he should sleepe, hath a prouiso: he 
holdeth fast in his clawes little stones, which 
in their falling from him straight wayes awa­
keth him. The other by his paine taking, sléepe 
quietly and take their rest. Aristotle by obser­
uauncy had, much commendeth their flight be­
yond the Sea: It is done with such cunning 
and ease. 

Of the Cokow.  

THe Cokow in Greke is called Kokkux, with 
the Germanes, Gauch, in the French tong 
Cocou, and is of ashie colour, and in bignesse 
as big as our Doue, building hir nest most of­
ten in the Sallowes. In the spring time she 
commeth abrode: and or ere Dog dayes arise 
she is gone and hidden. Aelianus calleth hir 
the wilie bird or aduouteresse, for that she most 
commonlye hatcheth hir yong in the Larkes 
Nest or Siskins, which Siskin is not much 
vnlike to the Goldfinch: whose yong or broode 
she knoweth to be bred and borne in colour & 
bignesse most like to hir owne, and therefore 
she is the bolder so to presume: whose Nestes 




if she séeth good store or plentie of Egges, she 
destroyeth certaine of them, and in their place 
and number recompenseth and maketh them 
good with hir owne. 

Of the Cuttle.  

THe Cuttle is in colour verie white, but she 
hath hir finne black: she is called Sepia of 
a certaine rotten humor that she hath: of the 
Gréekes she is called Saepedoon, for that she a­
boundeth in black bloud as it were ynck, with 
the which when as she perceyueth any deceites 
wrought, she defendeth hir self with dispersing 
it abroade in all the whole waters. And the 
water being so fouled, she goeth and hydeth 
hir selfe. The Germanes call this Ein Black­
fisch: the Frenchmen Seche.

Of the Deere.  

THe Deere the Latines call Dama: of some 
the fallow Deere is called Damula: Isi­
dore thinketh, that it is so called (as by deriuing 
it also we may knowe) for that it fléeth from 
our hands not knowing how to defend it selfe, 
but onely through flight. In stead of his wea­
pon he sheweth vs his héeles as Marciall in a 
maner witnesseth, thus reporting of the Dere, 
the Bore and the Hart.




Dente tenet Aper defendunt cornua Ceruum 
Profugit é medio Damula. &c. 
By tooth and tuske the Bore catch holde 
and hornes defend the Hart: 
The Deere being chaste all about 
with this hath his hearts smart.
 
Of the Dragon.  

THe Dragon is the heade and chiefest of all 
other Serpents, and flieth from his Den or 
Caue in the earth his holownesse vp to the 
top of the brode ayre, and of Drágon in Gréeke, 
is englished flight. Plinie saith, that betweene 
the Dragon and the Elephant there is a na­
turall warre. Insomuch that the Dragon en­
rowleth & twineth about the Elephant with 
his taile, and the Elephant againe with his 
Snoute vsed as his hande, supplanteth & bea­
reth downe the Dragon: The Dragon with 
twining about him holdeth fast, and with his 
might somewhat bendeth backwarde the head 
and shoulders of the Elephant, which being so 
sore grieued with such waight, falleth downe 
to the ground, and in the fal the Dragon hath 
the worse, for that he falleth to the ground first, 
and is therewithall slaine: but that other sca­
peth not scotfrée, for with one anothers holde 
and rushing to the ground the Elephant also 




is broused, and often withall slaine. Againe 
they striue togither after this sort. The Ele­
phant espying him sitting on the loft of a trée, 
runneth as fast as he can with full but to that 
trée, hoping thereby to shake downe the Dra­
gon, and to giue him a deadly fall: but in that 
he doth not after the wyseft sort for him selfe. 
For the Dragon so falling, oftentimes ligh­
teth on his necke or shoulders, and agrieueth 
him as with byting at his Nostrelles, and pec­
king at his eies, and somtime he dazeleth him, 
and goeth behinde at his back and sucketh out 
of his bloud, so that if he shaketh him not off 
betimes by suche wasting of bloud as he will 
make, thereby he is quickly enféebled: he fal­
leth downe heauily with the Dragon also hol­
ding aboute him, and are killed both with so 
heauie and burdenous a fall. 

Of the Dromedarie.  

THe Dromedarie or that other kind of Cam­
mell, that hath two Kybes or Bunches on 
his back, is of lesse stature then the other Cam­
mell is: but more swift in passage, of the which 
propertie he borowed his name. Dromos in 
Gréeke is swift in course or running. He will 
go 100. Myles and mo in one day. They are 
gelt sayth Auicen, in their youth, least they 




should be therby more slow or hindered in their 
iourneying: and also least they should (being 
at ripe age, prouoked to Venerie as they iour­
ney) slack it oftentimes & draw backwarde, till 
that they haue had their lust. It is such a kinde 
saith Plinie, as is not couetouse of varietie or 
dainties. For after that it hath had neuer so 
long a iourney, it is well content with grasse 
and the Herbe Dactylus, or the Pionie. 

Of the Dolphin.  

THe Dolphin saith Isidore, hath a fit name 
or vocable, fetched from a man his speach or sound, or 
for that they cluster togither, and are 
all in one companie, hearing the swéete sound 
of any Instrument. There is no Fish in the 
whole Sea so swift as this is: for oftentimes 
through that light and nimble leaping that they 
haue they mount ouer the tops of Ships. Tul­
lie saith, that they are so much delighted with 
Musicke, that they haue taken and caried the 
Musitian from out of the perill of the Sea to 
the Sea Bancks. As when Arion Methim­
naeus was throwen out of the Ship into the 
Sea, the Dolphins being their readie, tooke 
him on their backs and caried him to land.

Of the Dog.  




THe Dogge in the Latine hath almost the 
same name that he hath in Greeke. Kunos in 
Gréeke signifieth a shrill noyse or sound, after 
a maner like to song. There is saith Tullie, 
in the Dogge a merueylous perceiuerance 
and sharpe sense to know who doth him good 
or who doth him the contrarie: who maketh 
much of him, and who hurteth him. Therfore 
vpon his Mayster he commonly fawneth: to 
straungers he is eger and curst. In histories 
there is such recorde & testimonie of their loue 
had and borne to their Maisters, that the Mai­
ster by chaunce or casualtie, or else by crueltie 
miscarying, the Dog also euen with his Mai­
ster hath miscaried. Insomuch that we read of 
some, who hauing had but the sight of the dead 
Corps of their Maister, by lamentation, and 
by bewayling at his side neuer ioyed after, but 
perished and famished with long howling & 
mourning. Plinie remembreth of a Dogge 
which in Epiro a countrey in Grece, so assaul­
ted the murderer of his Mayster in a greate 
throng and assembly of people, that with fierce 
barcking and byting, at the last he compelled 
him to confesse his fault. In like sort did the 
Dog of one Iason in Cicilie who being slaine 
the Dog for sorrow would neuer eate meate af­
ter. The like loue or gratitude (and somwhat 




more to be merueyled at) is red of Titus Gabi­
nius and his companie, whereof one of them 
named Titius a Sabine, had a Dog (he being 
in Prison) that would neuer go further from 
him then to the ward or Prison Gate: whose 
Maister a little while after, being condemned, 
and put to death or execution, and the dead bo­
die anone taken downe from the Gallowes, 
and lying deade there, the Dog sorrowed and 
howled most lamentably, and being compas­
sed and hedged in with a great multitude of 
people, wherof one of them casting him meate 
thus howling to make him holde his peace, he 
caried it forthwith and put it to the mouth of 
his Maister their lying dead, whose dead corps 
anone after being throwne into Tyber the 
déepe floud or Riuer, the Dogge swam after it 
hastily with entent to vpholde and sustaine it, 
with merueylous astonying and wonder of 
the people had, that such a kinde of faith should 
be in a dumbe beast. And so with heauing vp 
his Mayster so long as he could, when as tho­
row wearinesse he could do so no more, they 
both drowned togither and sanke in the place 
alike. Plinie sayth in his .viij. booke and .41. 
Chapter, that of all beastes liuing with vs and 
amongst vs, of most assurance, trust and faith, 
is the Dog, and next after him the Horse. For 




better proufe hereof we will adioyne one or 
two examples more. Celius a Senatour in 
Placence a Citie of Ligurie, being on a time 
besieged and assaulted sore of his enimies, and 
wist not how to be kept from their hands, was 
kept off from them all by a Dog, neuer woun­
ded or hurte till that the Dog in his Maisters 
quarrell was slaine. We reade also of Gara­
mante the King, who being banished some­
time from his Countrie, returned back home 
againe, and brought with him .200. Dogges, 
which he vsed in warring against those that 
resisted him, and so conquered them. Amongst 
all kinde of Dogges there are some so eger 
and stout stomaked that they haue Maystred and 
bene good inough for the Lyon and Elephant. 
There was a Dog as we reade sent as a pre­
sent to the noble and great king Alexander, 
from the King of Albanie, which at the first 
dash or onset giuen in the King his presence, 
daunted and toused the Lyon. 

Of the Eagle.  

THe Eagle of his eiesight most sharpe and 
prest tooke first his name. Isidore saith, that 
he is of such sharpe eiesight that he flying a­
bout in the top of the ayer in such heigth as he 
can not be seene ouer the Sea and waters, 




yet for all that, through his cleare eyen, there is 
none so little a fishe that swimmeth so nighe 
the waters top, but he séeth and espyeth it, and 
thinking he may come by it, flyeth swiftlye 
downe to the water where as she is, and duc­
king a little, doth so sodainlye catch hir, as 
Gonshot that is shot off, or that that is more 
swift. The chiefest propertie also that he hath 
else, is that he is good in finding out false play 
or adulterie done: And this is his triall. Hée 
taketh his yong when as they be yong & ten­
der, and haue not ful stedfastnesse in their eies, 
and holdeth them with there eies right oppo­
site to the sunne beames. Those that haue con­
stant and stedfast looke not dazeled by such ex­
periment, he holdeth legitimate and truly be­
gotten, and hath euer good care after to them & 
their bringing vp. The other that haue their 
eyne twincle in their head, or which be dazeled 
at such proofe had, he counteth them Bastardes 
and misbegotten, and neuer after regardeth 
them, but repelleth them. 

Of Echeneis the fish.  

THe Fish Echeneis or Remora, staiship, a­
mazeth also (euen as the Lodestone doth) 
the beholder by his hid and occult naturall set 
or vertue. She coueteth the Shipbord euen as 




the Lodestone doth Iron, he is said to be a good 
stay to the Ship, when as tempests arise: and 
with cleauing fast, do staye the Ship be it neuer 
so great. Plinie saith, in his .9. Booke and .25. 
Chapter that it is a very small Fish alwaies 
accustoming and lyuing amongest the rockes. 
Aristotle thincketh that this kind hath fat, pla­
ced in a maner like a birdes winges. 

Of the Ele.  

THe Ele in Latin is called Anguilla. Isidor 
giueth the reason that it should be called so, 
for like figure saith he, to the Snake. Aristotle 
saith that it ingendreth of the Mud: the chiefest 
that is marked in the Ele is that it is slipperie, 
neuer the nerer katching or in assuraunce of hir 
when thou hast hir most fast in thy hand, but 
the harder that thou holdest hir, the sooner she 
slippeth and escapeth out of thy handes. The 
floud Ganges hath Eles some .30. Foote long. 
They say, that the Ele being killed & addressed 
in wine whosoeuer chaunceth to drinke of that 
wine so vsed, shall euer after lothe wine.

Of the Elephant.  

THe Elephant came first by his name of the 
Greeke verbe Eléphio which signifieth huge 
or like a hill. He is of excéeding great body, his 




tushes are of Iuerie: his becke is holpen with 
that snowt that helpeth him euen as our hand 
doth. The Medes and Persians vse to carie in 
their warfare their Casteles and other prepa­
raunce on the Elephants backe: he is of good 
memorie and long mindfull of a good tourne. 
Plinie saith, that amongest all the beastes  
of the wild forrest, he is most mans frind. In­
somuch that if a mans iourney lieth so, that he 
must nedes through the Forrest, (least he him­
self so monstrous & huge) should first feare him, 
he goeth a little a side out of his way: furder if 
the Dragon should assault the man, he goeth 
forwith and warreth with the Dragon & kée­
peth him off from the man: so that whilst these 
two be at strife, the man passeth away. Aristo­
tle saith, that this kind is without his Gall; & 
therefore it may be that he is so quiet and pea­
sible. Solinus saith, that they séeme to haue 
some skill in the art of Astronomie, and play 
the Phisicion his part euerie moneth in pur­
gation taking & purging themselues: for af­
ter euery new Moone they hauke after the cleare 
riuers, & so wash off all filthinesse, such as may 
cumber the body. After that they bathe them, & 
this being so done, they go again al frollike to 
their woonted pastures. And to the intent that 
their youth should kéepe good rule and not go 




at royat, they haue them with them: such care 
haue they ouer them. They haue a meruelous 
and most honest shamefastnesse in the acte of 
generation. Therfore when the time commeth 
that this must nedes be done, the Female wit­
ting the Male his pleasure, goeth straying be­
fore towardes the deserts of the East, & seketh 
the most secret place where that their intent 
may be done and ended closely. The Male he a­
none hasteneth after & before their méeting or 
coniunction had togither, they are busied a­
while in seking out the herb Mandrage, which 
the Female taketh and receiueth to make hir 
of more fertill nature and pregnant: and the 
Male also eateth of it to procure a more earnest 
desire. Of al things that it standeth in feare of 
it is most afraide of the sily Mouse, which fret­
teth him then most when as hée is tied to the 
Maunger and cannot away. 

Of Ephemera the fish.  

EPhemera is a fish which ariseth in the Sea 
water euen as the Bubble doth, where as 
much raine is. Whome Iorach in his Booke 
de Animalibus reporteth after thrée houres 
of the day to die.

Of the Falcon.  




THe Falcon, is a bird of haughtie stomacke 
matching with birdes a great deale bigger 
and mightier then him selfe, stryking at them 
both with foote and breast. 

Of the Faune.  

THe Faune, or Hind Calf is called Hinnu­
lus, for that at his Dammes becke or nod, 
they are ready to come home from straying & 
riotting abrode in the Parckes or Groaues.

Of the Fesaunt.  

THe Fesaunt hath yet no other name then 
it had first of the place whereas it was first 
founde: and that is reported to be an Iland in 
Grece, called Phasea from whence it was first 
fetched, as this Distichon sheweth.

Argiua primo sum transportata carina 
ante mihi notum nil nisi phasis erat. 
By Argolike ship I first was brought 
and shewde to other landes 
Before that time I knewe no place 
but the Iland Phasis sandes. 

Of the Flecke.  

THe Fleck saith Isidore, goeth with row­
ling foote, and hath often anfractes or tur­
nings. He is naturally subtile, and hath ma­




ny fetches to deceiue one. For when he lacketh 
meate and wote not how to come by it, he hath 
this craft or wile. He lyeth all along with eue­
rie lim of bodie stretched out, very quietly euen 
as though he were deade. The sielye Birdes 
espying this, and weening thereby to haue a 
great pray, flie to his Carcasse, and are verie 
busie about repasting. He, as they are vnawa­
res of him, sodainely snatcheth vp with his 
Pawes certaine of them, and so pleasureth 
himselfe, and stencheth his hunger. 

Of the Frog.  

THe Frog saith Aristotle liueth quietly all 
the time of cold weather, and neuer stirreth 
abrode, vntil time of coite or coniunction. And 
then by croking voice he allureth the Female 
& stirreth hir to Venerie. There are Frogs cal­
led Seafrogs, of whome Tullie speaketh after 
this sort. They ouercouer themselues wyth 
sand, a knack vsed of them to beguile the little 
Fishes, and as they come by them, they step 
out, and catch them and so swallow them vp.

Of the Flie.  

THe Flie in Latine is called Musca. It 
hath his name of the earth, euen as the 
Mouse hath. This kinde saith Isidore being 




drowned in the water, after one houres space 
quickneth and reuiueth. Aristotle sayth, that 
they are engendred of the earthes dung pro­
porcionably digested and ordered. There meat 
and drinke is filth, and they of themselues are 
nothing else but filth. 

Of the Gnat.  

THe Gnat was firste called Culex of hir 
sting, wherewith she sucketh out bloud: she 
hath in hir mouth a Cundite or pype in a ma­
ner like a thorne or prick: wherewith she soone 
pierceth to the flesh, & commeth by our bloud.

Of the Gylthead.  

THe Gylthead is a noble kinde of fish, and 
onely for a Gentlemans tooth. The La­
tines call it after their vocable or word golden 
fish, as also the Gréekes, Chrusophrus, say they is 
the golden fishe, so called for that his head re­
presenteth the right colour of Gold. The Ger­
manes call it Ein Gold forn: the Frenchmen 
Truitte. Aelianus sayth that it is at continu­
all strife with the Dolphin.

Of the Goshauke.  

THe Goshauke is a Birde of farre better 
stomack than claw: and is called Accipi­
ter 




of a certaine greedie desire, she hath to catch 
the other small Birdes. She is verie extreme 
and sore towards hir yong. For after that they 
be once feathered, and are able to flie abroade, 
she hath them forth with hir, and beateth them 
in the ayre with hir winges, and is somewhat 
rigorous to make them séeke their meat alone. 
And so by sharpe vsage they haue no ioy to ta­
rie with their Dam, but euerie one goeth his 
way, and prouideth best for himselfe. 

Of the Grashopper.  

THe Grashopper of some is called the Cric­
ket, it hath his name of his shrill & sharpe 
voice. He vseth to go backward, and loueth to 
dig and bore in the harde earth and mortered 
places. He is heard most in the night time. 
Isidore sayth, that the little Aunt or Emite 
hunteth him, he not séeing it for his long haire 
hanging downe: which followeth him into 
his Lodge and to espie him the more clearely, 
bloweth away the dust as he goeth, & so com­
ming neare him, claspeth him aboute in his 
armes, and at the last stingeth him to death, 
and so commeth by his pray.

Of the Gotebuck.  




THe Gotebucke is verie wanton or lasciui­
ous, verye much giuen to Venerie, and al­
waies prone to it minding coniunction: whose 
eyes for insaciate lust thereof, turneth in his 
head and lie as it were but in one onely angle 
or corner of his browe. Hée is of such excessiue 
whose nature that his onely bloud being kept 
warme suppleth the Adamantstone, and dissol­
ueth it whereas no fire is able to doe it. 

Of the Griphin.  

THe Griphin is a Foule of plentifull and 
thicke fether, & foure footed withall. This 
kinde of Foule is saide to liue in the Hilles or 
Mountaines, called Hiperborei, which be 
as some say, set in the fardest part of the North 
right vnder the Northpole. In their head they 
be like the Lion, in wing & flight like the Ea­
gle. It is saide to be enuious both to Horse and 
Man. Some say that they are set to kéepe the 
Precious stones as the Smarage, the Iasper 
and so forth of such as grow there. And to looke 
to them.

Of the Hare.  

THe Hare is called lightfoote after the Gréek worde 
Ptox is a swift runner. It hath no de­
fence for it selfe, but onely swift flight. Where­




with it eftsoones escapeth. They sléepe not as 
others doe their eielids being shut. Aristotle 
saith in his third booke de Historia amimalium, 
that his feete is hairie beneath towardes his 
paw, (which thing in others is neuer espied.) 

Of the Hearon or Hernsew.  

THe Hearon or Hearnsew is called Ardea 
for mounting aloft. It can not abide showers 
of raine, but to be out of their dent, she flieth 
farre aboue the clowdie Region of the Ayre, 
there where as raine is ingendred. With this 
hir high flight, she serueth some to prognasti­
cate ill weather.

Of the Hercynie Birdes.  

HErcynie Birdes take their name of the 
place where they breede, the place is called 
Hercinia, a Wood in Germanie, béeing in 
breadth .xi. dayes iourney: in length .xl. whose 
feathers shine so by night, & when as the Ayre 
is shut in, that although the night be neuer so 
darcke and close, yet they giue then their best 
light: so that to a man iourneying they are to 
his great furderance, being cast before him in 
the way whereas he goeth.

Of the Hedgehog.  




THe Hedgehog hath a sharp and quickthor­
ned garment on his backe: He presageth 
by such skil as he hath, what blastes of winds, 
what tempestes will follow. Plinie sayth, that 
he hath good knowledge in the difference of the 
Northren and Southren windes, wherevpon 
he saith; that on a time a certaine man in the 
Citie Constantinople kept a Hedgehog in 
his Gardaine, by which he would alwayes 
know whether of these two winds blew, true­
ly and infallibly. He is as good a meates man 
and Catour for him selfe, as any thing liuing 
is. For when his vittayles be scant or nighe 
well spent, he getteth abrode to Orchards and 
Groaues, where he hunteth after Vines and 
other the best fruite. At the Vine (as likewise 
at the Apple tree) he playeth his part thus: He 
goeth vp to the boughes & shaketh them downe 
When he hath perceiued he hath shaken downe 
inough, he commeth apace downe, and gathe­
reth the Grapes or Apples dispersed abrode to­
gither: and when he hath done, he falleth hea­
uily vpon the heape, and so almost on euerie 
prickle or brestle he getteth an Apple or Grape 
and home he goeth. 

Of the Horse.  




HOrses at the first were called Equi, as they 
be yet, for that they were coupled by paire 
and Mates, and were so vsed to the Chariote 
or Wagon. Of some they are called Sonipe­
des, for noyse making with their feete. They 
be of that sort that are well stomaked: their 
pastime is by coursing and running in the 
fieldes. They know well and are acquainted 
with the sound of the Trumpet, and therewith 
haue the better will to warre. It is a griefe to 
them to be conquered, and they are as ioconde 
if they win. Some of them haue such memorie 
that they know their Aduersarie, & wil (when 
it shal happen) waite them a good turne. Some 
will not suffer no other man to come on their 
backe saue onely their Maister, as Bucepha­
lus King Alexander the great his Horse. Pli­
nie saith, that there is a certaine obseruancie in 
kinred and bloud with these. Aristotle in his 
8. booke de animalibus, recordeth of a King in 
the North, which had a very faire Mare, who 
brought forth a very faire Fole or yong horse. 
and within fewe yeares after (estéeming so 
much this kinde) was verie desirous to haue 
more of the same broode. Insomuch that he shut 
them vp alwayes in Stable togither. This 
done of a long time, and espying them nothing 
forward in this point, thought he would work 




a pollicie with them, as he did. For after that, 
he seperated them the one from the other: Inso­
much that the one mought forget the other. And 
after such time had, and the Dam so attired & 
vsed, that the Colt should espie no apparant 
signe that she should be his Dam, was brought 
to the Mare thus vsed, frollick and lustie, and 
he not knowing of this, and vnwitting, fell a­
none to coniunction, and ere he had ended (the 
Dams face by chaunce discouered) he was by 
and by at this daunted, departing as it were 
in a frensie, and running vp vppon a certaine 
Mountaine, threw downe himselfe headlong, 
and dyed. 

Of the Iay.  

THe Iay by that onely propertie that is ap­
plied to him, is called the chatting Birde. 
Whereof arose first this Prouerbe, bestowed 
vpon such men as be neuer wel, but when they 
be pratling: Graculus graculo assidet: One 
knaue or pratler will alwayes accompanie a­
nother. And againe: Graculo cum fidibus 
nihil. And toucheth them that lacketh both 
eloquence and learning, scorne at them which 
haue both.

Of Ibis the Bird.  




IBis the Bird of the floud Nilus purgeth hir 
selfe with pouring in with hir bill, water in­
to hir fundament as Isidore witnesseth: she li­
ueth by the egges of Serpentes, & carieth them 
to hir nest: & fedeth thereof, as of the best meate 
that she is delighted with. This bird profiteth 
Aegipt verie much, and is the best riddance or 
conueiaunce that they haue, of such discommo­
dities as be brought by Serpentes out from Li­
bia to Aegypt by the Southrene winds. Plinie 
in his .viij. Booke. 

Of the Lapwing.  

THe Lapwings name is borowed Apo tou o­
loluzeìn, that is, of sorowing and heauy note 
or crie: for when he crieth, he mourneth & la­
menteth, wherfore in olde time the Soothsaiers 
& Augurers tooke heede to his crie, & did prog­
nosticate therby ill wether to come. And when 
as this kind lamented, they sayde it betokened 
heauie tidings to come, when she flew quietly, 
they professed prosperitie thereby and good luck 
for to come.

Of the Larke.  
THe Larke of many is called Woodlarke. 
He foresheweth with his pleasant note (as al­
so the Nightingale doth) the day his comming 




& appéering, as Cicero sheweth in his Prog­
nostickes. 

Et matutinos exercet acredula voces. 
The wodlarke as the Nightingale 
that houre and tune doth keepe 
And sheweth by hir pleasant note 
when men should rise from sleepe. 


Of the Leach or Bloudsucker.  

THe Leach or Bloudsucker is a worme of 
the water, verie desirous of bloudsucking. 
She lyeth in waite for such kinde of cattaile as 
come to the water to drinke, and cleaueth fast 
& twineth about their hooues, & drincketh bloud 
hir fill: when she hath so done she vomiteth it 
forth againe, and falleth to fresh bloud anew.

Of the fish Lucius.  

LVcius of many men is called the Macrell. 
The Germaines call it Ein Macrell. The 
Latins Lucius, by the figure Antiphrasis, which 
is when a word hath a contrarie signification. 
They say that this fish kéepeth alwaies at the 
verie bottome of the waters, so auoyding as it 
were all cleare light, whither when as the fi­
shermen by night saile with firebrand & torch, 
so that they espie it, they amazed there at and 
astonyed in their flight are so caught.
 "lucius(n)" not found in OED.  




Of the Lamprey.  

THe Lamprey in Gréeke is called Muraina, 
with the Germanes Ein Bricken: there 
is of this kinde two sorts, both differing in co­
lour. For the one is blacke in colour, died a­
mong with ashie spots: the other is white ha­
uing black spots. She swimmeth all whole in 
flexible sort, and all alike bending hir bodie: 
aboue the land she creepeth no other wise then 
our serpents doe. The best of this stock or kind 
are those that be called Flutae, in Greke Plootai, 
good saylers or fluites, for that they kéeping al­
wayes at the waters highest can not be drow­
ned. Antonia, Drusus wife had such delight 
in a Lamprey that she dressed and arayed hir 
all ouer with golde Ringes, and the same be­
set aboute with precious Stones. Likewise 
Crassus by surname the rich, so loued a Lam­
prey of his owne bringing vp, that when she 
dyed he lamented sore, and bestowed also great 
cost of hir burying. And when as he was laugh­
ed to scorne of Lucius Domitius for so doing, 
he gaue him this aunswere. Thou marueylest 
sayth he, why I so bewaile this Fishes death. 
But I marueile more at him that hauing had 
the losse of thrée Wyues, neuer yet for ought 
that I could sée, bewayled it. This Domitius 




is reported to haue poysoned thrée Wiues for 
hope that he had of rewarde or greater riches 
thereby. 

Of the Leoparde.  

THe Leoparde is a very tiraunte & aduoute­
rous also in his kinde: as saith Plinie. The 
Lionnesse and Leoparde hauing coniunction 
togither, or the Lion and Libardesse, bring 
forth a third kinde, euen as the Horse and Asse, 
or hée Horse and Mare doe. The Female saith 
Aristotle, is more cruell than the Male, his 
colour is bespotted about: his vpper parte of 
bodie, and his féete also, and taile are all alike 
to the Lion in outwarde shew. But in the head 
they haue their difference: In bodye he is lesse 
than the Lion. And by that meanes he is euen 
with the Lion, and not behinde him in reuen­
ging as Homer witnesseth. He hath his cab­
bage in the yearth with two contrary wayes 
vndermined to enter into it, or to run out of it 
at his pleasure: verie wide at the comming in, 
but as narrow and straight about the mid cab­
bage: whether his enimie the Lion running 
sometimes after him, and a pace, at the first com­
ming in thither is narrowly pent: Insomuch 
that he cannot neyther get forward, nor back­
warde. That seing the Leoparde, he running 




a pace out at the furder hole, and commeth to 
that wheras the Lion first ran in, and hauing 
him hard pent, & his back towardes him, bigh­
teth & scratchet him with tooth and Nayle. And 
so by art the Leoparde getteth the victory, and 
not by strength. The same Leopard also saith 
Plinie, séeketh after the broode of the wild gote 
entending therewith to recouer his health. 

Of Lynx the beast.  

LYnx in face is like to the Lion, in bodie be­
spotted like the Panther, his vrine is of that 
set or nature, that it turneth by and by into a pre­
cious stone, which we before called Ligurius. 
He so enuieth man, and would that he should 
not be the better for this, that he hideth and co­
uereth his vrine with dust & yearth, to the in­
tent that no man should find it, but Plinie saith 
it is so much the better in his effect & working.

Of the Lyon.  

THe Lyon in his greeke vocable and worde 
is interpreted King: he is reported to be the 
King ouer all other beastes. There are diuers 
of this kind; they only differing in their Mane 
eyther long or short. His strength is in his hed. 
His vertue in his heart, he sléepeth (as the Hare 
doth) with eielids vnshut. When he awaketh 




forth out of sléepe, he rubbeth out the print of 
his bodie and steps, least the huntesman espy­
ing them, should easily finde him out. He is 
verie gentle to man & neuer hurteth him vn­
lesse he be greatly iniuried by him, or that he 
is throughly an hungry. He knoweth sayth Pli­
nie, when the Lyonesse hath played him false 
play, and hath played the Aduoutresse with the 
Libard, by a certaine rammish smel or sweate 
which ariseth of them both. Yet if she washeth 
hir selfe throughly, she may deceyue him. Ari­
stotle sayth, that the Lionesse at the first birth 
or broode bringeth forth most of hir yong: then 
after that, she lesseneth euerie broode one. For 
at the first, she bringeth forth fiue: at the second 
time, foure: at the thirde time, thrée: at the 
fourth time, two: at the fift, one: and euer after 
that, she is sterill and barraine. Of their re­
membrance of a good turne I néede not speake, 
or howe they haue done man a good turne one 
for another. As that which had a thorne in hir 
Claw being holpen of one named Androdus, 
& eased thereof: euen when as he through en­
uie was deliuered vp to be punished, & throwen 
into hir Denne, that Lionesse that he eased so 
before, did then well remember him. As also I 
néede not to speak how God oftentimes bride­
leth in all beastes deuouring whatsoeuer, to 




shew his pleasure and possibilitie what he can 
doe and worke by meanes of these. There was 
a fierce & hungrie Lyon let loose to Darius the 
Martyr, which not onely hurt him not, but also 
preserued him from the crueltie of other brute 
beastes. As likewise Daniell scaped scotchfrée 
by Gods prouidence, turning the fierce coun­
tenaunce of that Lion that his enimies had 
thought would haue soone deuoured him into 
a fawning and chearefull looke, not once ha­
uing power to hurt him. Hamo a Carthagien 
borne, is first reported to haue tamed the Lion. 

Memnonides or the Birdes of Aegypt.  

MEmnonides or the Birdes of Aegypt are 
named of the place where Memnon the 
Sonne of Thiton which came to the aide and 
rescewing of the Troians died, and is buried. 
They are saide to flie by companies out of Ae­
gypt to olde Troie, to Memnon his Sepul­
chre, and to be onely his memoriall: and are 
therefore called of some the Troian Memno­
nides, as Isidore recordeth in his .xij. Booke. 
Euerie fift yeare they flie to Troie, and flie a­
bout Priam his Pallace, and that two whole 
dayes space, the thirde day they make battaile 
betwene themselues, and doe torment and slea 




one another with their sharpe nayles & beck. 
 "memnonides(n)" not found in OED."  

Of the Moth.  

THe Moth is our Garment worme, and by 
his latine worde is called Tinea holdefast, 
for it biding in one place in the Garment ne­
uer leaueth it, til it be gnawen and eaten forth 
thorow. Isidore saith, it mought be named 
Pertinax, peruerse, for that it vrgeth alwayes 
vpon one and the same place. Aristotle saith, 
that the Moth sucketh out of the Garment all 
humor, and leaueth it marueilously drie.

Of the Mouse.  

THe Mouse after Isid. is counted the smal­
lest liuing beast, and is named Mus quasi 
humus, earth or earthie. It hath his growth 
at the full Moone, as other and sundrie kindes 
haue. It is for his bignes a verie rauenour or 
gréedigut, and for a little meate is often soone 
entrapped. It smelleth his vittailes a farre off, 
and commeth the sooner to them by smell.

Of the Mule.  

THe Mule of the Latine word Mola, which 
signifieth grinding at the Mill, tooke his 
first name. For he being put into the Mill, 
is there, where he should be. He is engendred 




of a Mare and an Asse (as of an Horse and 
an Asse also) is engendred the Mulet. Plinie 
sayth, that the Asse and the Mare doe neuer co­
uet copulation together, except they haue bene 
from their youth forth accustomed and brought 
vp togither: And be fed with the selfe same 
meate, as Milke and such others. Aristotle 
sayth, that the more the Mule drinketh water, 
the more his meate doth him good. 

Of the Nightrauen or 
Nightcrow.  

THe Nightrauen or Crowe is of the same 
maner of life that the Owle is, for that she 
onely commeth abrode in the darke night, fle­
ing the daylight and Sunne. There is a cer­
taine Shrickowle or Owlet which when she 
crieth, she shricketh and is thought to be one of 
this kinde. Whereof Lucane speaketh thus.

Quodque strepens Bubo quod Strix nocturna queruntur. 
That that the Owle by noyse doth make 
and howling voice doth feare: 
That doth the shricking Strix and shrill 
with note vnpleasant to heare. 
 
Of the Nightingale.  

THe Nightingale was named first, of good 
melodie louing, or for hauing delight to 




frame and sing a pleasaunt and swéete note. 
With hir pleasaunt tune she playeth euery day 
before the Sunne his arising a fit of mirth, and 
is verie melodious to welcome the sunne as it 
were a Bridegrome comming. She is called in 
Gréeke Aaedoon of aei and adoo, which is to sing 
continually: she is one of those also which doe 
prognosticate as Aratus saith. In histories we 
read that many Caesars or Emperours, especi­
ally those which were of the yongest sort, haue 
had Nightingales & Starlings or Stares that 
haue béene well instructed and taught both in 
the Gréeke & Latine tongue. As there was also 
a Crowe in Rome, which being framed and 
taught to that purpose, euerie morning would 
flie to the Court Hostilia ouer the riuer Ty­
beris to salute Garmanicus Caligula the Em­
perour his Father, and Drusus, Emperour 
also, & then next after the whole body of Rome. 
This Crow is saide to be Apolloes bird: As 
the Eagle Iupiters: the Crane, Palamedes: 
the Kings fisher, Thetis the mother of Achil­
lis. Merthes also the King of Egypt hadde a 
Crow so taught and instructed, that whither 
soeuer he had bidden him go, eyther to carie or 
to fetch letters, he was not ignorant whither 
to flie, & by that meanes did his maisters mes­
sage spéedily. But to retourne to the Nightin­
gale 




from whence we first came. Plinie saith, 
that in the spring time she most commonly brin­
geth forth sixt egges, and to the intent that hir 
griefe in traueiling should not be sore or great, 
she passeth awaie most of the night with plea­
sant songs. Whole fiftene dayes at the spring 
time or at the budding forth of leaues, she con­
tinually singeth. This kinde doth often striue 
betwene themselues, and being almost dead, 
yet to the verie ende he will rather want of his 
breath, then leaue off his song. This bird sang 
as Histories make mention in Stesichorus 
mouth, he being an Infant or child: euen as 
Bées flue aboute Platoes mouth he being on 
sléepe in the Cradell, and left there some part 
of there Hony: and as the selfe same kind also 
sat without hurting him, vpon Ambrose hys 
mouth, he being a child. And as vpon rich Mi­
das the Phrigian, he being yong, Pismiers fil­
led his mouth with wheat, whereof euery one 
of these, & such like haue their hid signification. 

Of the Onocentaure.  

THe Onocentaure is a Beast monstrous, 
halfe a Bull & halfe an Asse. Onos in Gréeke 
is translated into our speache, an Asse. But 
some Philosophers thinke that he is in bodie 
halfe a man and halfe an Asse. For from the 




Nauell vpward say they, it hath the figure of a 
Man, and downewarde to the foote it resem­
bleth an Asse. Of this opinion is Plinie. 
These and such like monsters are nothing else 
but Natures dalying, and shewing howe she 
can varie and alter things in their kind, as we 
may plainely sée in the Hippocentaure, in the 
Faune & Satire, which Indie bréedeth. It is 
fabled with the Poets, that Ixion, Iunoes Se­
cretary, prouoked hir to Venery, which thing 
Iupiter vnderstanding, made by and by a cer­
taine Cloud to appeare like Iuno to his eyes, 
with whom he being incensed, & in lecherous 
loue (nothing supposing but that it was Iu­
no) bespent his séede vpon the Cloude, and 
therevpon were ingendred those Monsters 
which are called Centauri; otherwise Geni­
tauri, quod ex aura sint geniti. 

Of Orix.  

ORix is a small beast and watrie, of that 
Nature that the Dormouse is, for he ly­
keth the better through good nourishment and 
long sléepe. All winter long he snorteth, and is 
as he were deade, but in Sommer awaketh 
and taketh life againe.

Of the Owle.  




THe Owle is called the dastardly Bird: she 
is of such slouth and sluggishnesse, she hath 
feathers inough to flie abrode day and night: 
But the sluggarde sleepeth all day long, most 
commonly, it liueth in olde Sepulchres, and in 
Housen or Barnes not often frequented, and 
in cauernes or holes of stone walles, of which 
thing Ouid hath these verses. 

Faedaque sic volucris venturi nuncia luctus, 
Ignauus Bubo dirum mortalibas omen. 
That filthie Birde and Messenger 
of sorrowes ill to come: 
The sluggish Owle hath bene to man 
most often daunger some. 

For if in the Citie in the daytime they had 
espied hir, they gathered hereof some sorrow to 
come. The Ile of Crete is voyde of this kinde. 
They are dedicated to Minerua. There is also 
a Shrickowle which is alwayes helden vn­
luckie. Of this kinde one sat vpon Pyrrhus his 
Speare he marching forward in battaile ray 
toward the Grecians armie, & portended and 
foreshewed sinister and yll fortune. This kind, 
as the abouesaide, is hated of all other birdes, 
against whome she vseth a verie craftie kinde 
of warring. For if the companie of small birds 
be manie, she lieth groueling & fighteth with 
hir feete: and couereth hir selfe all ouer with 




hir Bill and Clawes. Plinie saith that the 
Bussard or Kite rescueth him oftentimes tho­
rowe a certaine naturall agréement or truice 
had betwéene them. Nigidius witnesseth with 
Plinie, that this kinde lurcketh and sléepeth 
lx. dayes throughout Winter, and hath nine 
voices or soundes. These be verie plentifull 
in Athens: Insomuch that they haue brought 
forth their Prouerbe. Noctuas Athenas mit­
tere: In Grammaticall sense: to sende ouer 
Owles to Athens In Tropicall sense, ment 
of such as bestow largely vpon them that haue 
no néede: and much after that that we say, to 
cast water into the Tems. 

Of the Panther.  

THe Panther is euerie liuing Creatures 
friend, except onely the Dragon, whome he 
hateth deadly. He is in his colour bespotted 
and in euerie part of his skin or hide, he shew­
eth as it were eies. He loueth excéedingly all 
other kindes, such as be like him, as the Leo­
pard. &c. The Female neuer beareth yong but 
once in hir time for all. The reason is for that 
she neuer ioieth at the first birth or brood, wher­
of she being mindefull euer after with what 
paine she brought forth, neuer séeketh more af­
ter it. Plinie to this giueth another reason, all 




beastes saith he of sharpe Clawes or Nayles, 
doe neuer bring forth often. The Panther his 
smell or breath, to all things liuing except the 
Dragon, is most delectable and pleasant. Inso­
much that all the other follow after hir, moued 
with that hir scent. So that by that meanes 
when as she is throughly hungrie she commeth 
by some of them to hir pray. The Dragon fli­
eth back and can not away with hir smell. Pli­
nie writeth that a Panther fawned vpon the 
father of one Philenus a Philosopher, that he 
should helpe hir out with hir yong that were 
fallen into a mirie Lake or Pit. In the former 
féete they haue fiue toes: but in their hinder 
féete foure onely. 

Of the Partrich.  

THe Partrich is called the fleting birde, neuer
setled or stayed vpon one thing: Therefore 
oftentimes in that which he goeth about he lo­
seth his labour. For he taking away other 
Birdes their Egges, and bringing them vp as 
his owne, doth not for all this greatly profite 
himselfe thereby, for so soone as those yong can 
heare but their owne and Natiue Dams note, 
they leaue their Stepmother or Nurses foode 
by and by. The Male destroyeth his owne 
Egges often: least that the Females care in 




hatching them vp or sitting on them shoulde 
hinder him from Venerie vsing: he is so lasci­
uious. The seauenth day also after their hat­
ching, he banisheth them and thrusteth them 
out of his Nest. He is consecrated to Iupiter & 
the Goddesse Latona, and Appollo his father. 
He purgeth himselfe with Lawrell. Beotia is 
without these. 

Of the Parret.  

THe Parret hath all hir whole bodie gréene, 
sauing that onely about hir necke she hath 
a Coller or Chaine naturally wrought like to 
Sinople or Vermelon. Indie hath of this 
kinde such as will counterfaite redily a mans 
speach: what wordes they heare, those com­
monly they pronounce. There haue bene found 
of these that haue saluted Emperours: giue 
them Wine and they will be wanton inough: 
they are as hard in their head as in their Beak 
or Bill: When they learne to speak they must 
be beaten with an Iron Rod, or else they feele 
it not: Plinie saith that in a certaine Wood 
called Gagandes this kinde was first founde: 
of all other Foules she and the Turtle Doue 
haue greatest friendship.

Of the Peacock.  




THe Pecock, had his name first with vs, of 
the selfsame note that he himselfe singeth 
dayly, whose flesh is so hard that it cannot ea­
sily be sod or rosted: His iolly brauerie in him 
selfe is through setting vp his fethers aloft, and 
at his espying in himself so many gaie colours: 
but hauing his fill at the length with so goodly 
a shew, in his vpper partes, & casting his looke 
towardes his base feete, seing himselfe therein 
deformed, forgetteth by and by all the former 
conceite of pride, and thereby is brought to ac­
knowledge himselfe. He is saide to be Iunoes 
birde. The Female conceiueth not vntill she be 
thrée yeares olde: at what time she then begin­
neth to be so araied in colours: There is noted 
in this kind both selfloue; as in hir former pro­
pertie: & enuie also, for that she will rather hide 
away hir dung, than that man should haue 
profit thereby, being many waies medicinable. 
Hortentius the Orator killed first the Pecocke 
that was tasted whither that he was meate meete 
for a man, yea or no. And there is also a report 
that Alexander the great, seing once a Pecock 
in Indie so meruailed at that sight that by a 
commaundement giuen, he charged that no man 
in paine of death, shoulde slea or kill so faire a 
bird. The Doue and the Pecocke are verye 
great friendes. 




Of the Perwincle.  

THe Perwincles in Gréeke are called Kokliai, 
wherof some be of the Sea: other of flouds, 
others of the yearth. They are alwaies clothed 
with one and the same shale. The Poets call 
this and the Snaile also, Domiporte, that is 
their house cariour. And this is the fable that 
they father vpon them. When Iupiter hadde 
bidden all creatures & thinges liuing to a feast 
or banquet: these kindes of all other made no 
apperaunce: Iupiter therfore demaundeth the 
cause or reason of their absence, who gaue him 
this aunswere. Quae domus cara, eadem do­
mus optima. Which is, that house or manti­
on place which is most estemed that we recken 
the best. At the which aunswere, Iupiter be­
ing stirred, he commaunded them to their owne 
house or lodge as to perpetuall prison, and that 
whither soeuer they went, they shoulde carye 
their House and Home with them vpon their 
backes.

Of Phaenix the bird.  

Phaenix is a bird of Arabie, of marueilous 
long life, she liueth aboue six hundereth and 
sixtie yeares, and at the last being werie of hir 
life, goeth to the groaues there, and gathereth 




small slippes and twigs of such kinde of trées 
as be both extreme whot & odoriferous withal 
as is Cinomon and such like: and so bestrew­
eth hir nest, commonly made in the highest firre 
trées, & next to the Sunne: and flying thither 
lieth voluntarily in hir nest, abiding both the 
burning of the spice & Sunne, and therewith 
is consumed to ashes. And of those ashes ani­
mated by the Sunne, and other Planets, ari­
seth another Phaenix, which maintaineth and 
continueth the kind from time to time. Some 
haue the opinion that no man euer saw hir eate. 
She is consecrated to Sol: Plinie sayth that 
there was one of these brought into the Citye 
of Rome when Claudius was Censor. The 
yeare of the Citie .800. 

Of the Pellican.  

THe Pellican is a bird in Egypt, dwelling 
amongst the deserts of Nilus. She is saide 
of Ierome, to reuiue those of hir yong which in 
hir absence haue had their bloud sucked of Ser­
pentes, whervpon they died. And she reuiueth 
them by wounding hir selfe, and pouring into 
them certaine of hir owne bloud, and so within 
thrée dayes, they which were so dead, reuiue & 
quicken againe. Volateranus saith that that 
is the Pellicane which Pline calleth Platea, 




commonly the Shoueler: but other do not here­
in agrée. This Platea is a birde which flieth 
to the shelfishes of the water, and eateth hir fill 
of them, which being made verie tender through 
heate in hir belly: she vomiteth them vp againe 
that after the shell being once opened she may 
come by their meate with more ease. 

Of the Pearch.  

THe Pearch in Gréeke is called Perkae: with 
the Germanes Ein Bersig with the French­
men Perche: some think that it is called Par­
ca by Antiphrasis, signifying another thing 
then the worde sheweth. For with whome so­
euer she is angrie, she woundeth him with hir 
finnes, or if she can not come by him, they are 
sure to haue it that are next to hir. There is 
hereof both Male and Female. But they haue 
their difference: for the Male hath his finnes 
red, the Female hath not so. Lonicer sayth 
that when as the fish Lucius is hurte or sore 
wounded of any other kinde, and can not helpe 
hir selfe, she seeketh out the Pearch, which so 
soone as she sées him, she toucheth and suppleth 
his woundes: and so is she healed. It is a fishe 
of verie tender meate or flesh. As Ausonius re­
cordeth of hir thus.

Nec te delitias mensarum Parca silébo. 




Amongst the kindes of delicate meates, 
the Perch I would haue spred: 
Whose flesh so soft and morsell sweete 
in all feastes is the hed.

Of the Puttock.  

THe Puttock sayth Isidore, got his name 
of his soft flight. Miluus sayth he, is, quasi 
mollis, soft of flight. It is one of the rauenous 
sort, making hauock of the small birds. Tullie 
in his second booke De natura Deorum saith, 
that the Puttock and the Rauen or Crowe be 
at naturall enmitie togither. Insomuch that 
one of them (when they may come by them) 
breaketh anothers Egges. Aelianus thinketh 
that the Male in this kinde is seldome or neuer 
séene. Insomuch that the Female stretching 
hirselfe along and conuersant toward the East 
and south, conceiueth so & bringeth forth yong. 
They also beare a continuall hatred to the Fox.

Of the Pye.  

THe Pie is reckned Mars his bird. It had his 
Latin name first of Pycus Saturnes sonne 
which in his prophesying and soothsaying vsed 
this birde: as Ouid witnesseth. By Gréeke 
name he is called the Okes griefe, for that with 
his Bill he pecketh & maketh hollow the Oke 




with such daylie accustoming. In one and the 
selfe same day he chaungeth his tune. 

Of Rhinoceros.  

RHinoceros in Gréeke is interpreted hor­
ned beast or Monoceron, and is englished the 
Vnicorne. Plinie in his .viij. booke saith, that 
his Horne is set aboue his nostrils. His con­
tinuall strife is with the Elephant, & vseth to 
defend himself thus. When he seeith his enimie 
come, he whetteth his Horne against sharpe 
stones, & then setteth on: and in his fight war­
deth and foyneth at the Elephant his bellye, 
the most tender part that he hath, and so rid­
deth him.

Of Rinatrix the Serpent.  

RInatrix is a Serpent which with enueno­
ming poysoneth the water, so that into what 
cleare Fountaine or Riuer he swimmeth, he 
infecteth it, as Lucane witnesseth.

Rinatrix violator Aquae. &c. 
The Rinatrix of Serpents kinde 
and the poysonous Snake: 
With intermedling doth infect 
eche Pond and euerie Lake. 

Of the Salamander.  




THe Salamander as Plinie saith, is like the 
Lyzard in face and countenaunce. He in­
fecteth the fruites of Trees, and corrupteth the 
waters so that whosoeuer drinketh thereof dy­
eth by and by. He liueth onely in the fire and is 
nothing hurt through the fire his flame. 

Of the Salmon.  

THe Riuer Rhenus and Rhodanus in this 
kinde doe alone excell. The fishe it selfe is 
big and fat. His meate or flesh is red: in tast 
verie swéete: the Germanes call it Ein Sal­
men. The Frenchmen Saulmon. Plinie in 
his .ix. booke and .xviij. Chapter, preferreth hir 
before all those Sea fishes, which accustome to 
Aquitania the floud, which are many and 
great, and reckned daintie.

Of the Scorpion.  

THe Scorpion is a Serpent of the earth, 
stinging deadly with his taile and of some 
is called flatering worme, for faire face shewed 
and friendly countenaunce. But if any man 
come neare hir behinde she payéth him home. 
Plinie sayth that it bringeth forth yong some­
time seauen at once, whereof, the Dam eateth 
vp fiue of them, but the other the wisest of them, 
get about their Mothers backe and buttocks, 




and so bite hir. This kind sleaeth his parents, 
and hath onelye care to reuenge their Bro­
thers quarrell: and in that point Nature well 
prouided that their should be no great multi­
plying in so perilous a stocke and kind. Orion 
when as he had made that boast that the earth 
shoulde bring forth no suche Monster but he 
would kill it: the earth it selfe cast vp such a 
Scorpion as slue him in the presence of the peo­
ple with most sharpe sting. 

Of the Silkeworme.  

THe Silkeworme is the Trée or his braun­
ches worme, by whose web weauing silkes 
are made. She is called Bombix, for that she 
leaueth nothing in hir bellie but emptie ayer 
whilest she is about spinning of hir thréede.

Of the Sole.  

THe Sole Varro calleth Lingulaca, for his 
great sound. The Frenchemen Sole: It is 
a kinde of fish all plaine: of verie soft meate or 
flesh, and easie to digest.
 Sense of "sole(n)" not found in OED.  

Of the Sow.  

THe Sow is called Sus, of wrooting vp the 
clots of the yearth with hir beake or snoute. 
She beareth saith Plinie, somtime foure, som­




time fiue at once, sometime moe, but cannot 
bring them all wel vp, and therefore eateth vp 
some of them: & it hath bene sene, that she hath 
eaten vp all hir broode, saue onely the oldest, 
whome she most entierly loueth, and him shée 
féedeth most often, & giueth him or hir the best 
teate. As Aristotle saith. 

Of the Shoueler.  

THe Shoueler is called Platalea sayth Tul­
lie, he getteth his meate with flight had to 
those birds that déeuing downe to the waters 
to ketch fish, drowne themselues, or if any come 
out with any pray, he méeteth them & presseth 
their heades, till they let go that which they 
haue caught.

Of the Sparrow.  

THe Sparrow is called Passer a Paruitate, 
of small or little quantitie. Tullie in his 
Diuination saith, that they should be in those 
kindes that are noted to prognosticate: for saith 
he, that kinde of diuination which is marked 
by euent, or animaduersion, is not naturall 
but artificiall: & of these some be perceiued to be 
done by sodain coniecture, as Calcas with Ho­
mer, which through a certaine number of smal 
Sparrowes, prophesied and diuined before of 




the Citie of Troie his siege. It is in his kinde 
very lasciuious and rioting. It flieth in his ex­
tremity alwaies to man for helpe. Seuerus the 
Abbat had a Sparrow, that for feare came fly­
ing to rescue him into his handes, & was glad 
to take meate at his hands, he reaching it him. 

Of Stellio.  

STellio the starred and speckled beast saith 
Plinie, liueth most by the dew of Heauen, 
and spirite of the earth. And all his best iolytie 
is in counterfayting colours, & yet for all that 
is venemous.

Of the Swallow.  

THe Swallow, saith Aristo. in his sixe booke 
de Animalibus, maketh hir nest & bréedeth 
twise in the yeare, and that is done so artifici­
ally, as man cannot deuise to better it. Isidore 
saith, that he is so named for eating his meate 
as he flieth about in the ayre, or for often tur­
ning and retire had to one and the same place. 
Aristotle saith in the same booke that the eyen 
of his yong whilest they be tender, being hurt, 
he fecheth straight waies medicine at the herb 
Calcedonies hande. She is one of those kinds 
also that foretell things afterwardes to come. 
Cecinna a Volateran & Knight in Pompeis 




campe when as he had come by certaine Swal­
lous he sent them as messengers before of vic­
torie woon to all his friends, & that was doone 
with letters tyed about their féete which they 
caried speedily and roundly. 

Of the Swanne.  

THe Swanne is called the swéete singing 
Birde, for that (as it were in footed verse) 
before hir death she ioyeth. In the Shipmens 
note or rule, the Swan prophecieth lucre & good 
lucke, as these verses seme to declare.

Cygnus in auspicijs semper laetissimus ales 
Hunc optant nautae quia se non mergit in vndis.
A token of good lucke it is 
the ioyfull Swan to see 
Which hideth not hir selfe in sea 
but will with Shipmen bee. 

She is fairely fethered & whight, but in flesh 
most blacke. She is one of those that knowing 
what vncleanesse commeth by venerie, before 
she goeth to foode, will to the waters to purge 
and make cleane hir selfe. This is Apolloes 
birde. There is a fable with the Poets that this 
Swan was altogither Phaetons loue, & that 
after the fall of his proud and presumptuous re­
quest, he was turned into this kinde of Birde. 
Pythagoras thought that the soule or spirite of 




the Swan was immortall, and therfore said he 
it is, that she ioyeth so when as death calleth 
for hir. 

Of the Storke.  

THere is in the Storke a marueylous pietie 
or gratitude, which for such paynes taking 
as there parents had with their yong, when 
they could not shift for themselues, the yong 
promise (as in déede they doe) to acquite and re­
compence the same when their Parents wax 
féeble and can not helpe themselues. Those of 
Thessalie nourish and maintaine this kind to 
be rid of Serpents wherewith they be greatly 
annoyed. Aelianus saith that through the be­
nefite of the Goddes perceyuing them to be so 
kinde as we abouesaide, this kinde in certaine 
Ilands, were translated into Mankinde. The 
Image of the Storke in olde time was woont 
to be printed and grauen in the Kings Scep­
ter & Diademe, to the intent that men should 
haue eiesight of pietye or gratitude in their 
Prince so figured and painted. Their chiefest 
foode is the Herbe Origanum or Origan.

Of Stockfish.  

STockfish in Gréeke is called Salpae, with the 
Germaines Stockfish. Aristotle saith that 




it is a verie myrie fishe: and which can neuer 
be well sodden vnlesse it be beaten with a rod 
or wand. Amongst the Germanes it hath raised 
a Prouerbe, which is, Salpa pelutantior aut 
lasciuior: More foolish or wanton than a Stock­
fish: applied to such as haue their mindes set 
vpon wantonnesse: and which will doe no­
thing of their owne will vnlesse they be com­
pelled to it. With the Germanes it is after 
this sort. Er fantasiert ein Stockfish. In the 
person of this Laurentius Lippius dalied with 
a Distich or double verse on this wise. 

Salpa, obscenus ego dicor, nec decoquor vnquàm 
Ni ferula caedens verbera multa dabis. 
As a muddie Stocfish I am 
which neuer will be sod, 
Vnlesse she hath good store of stripes 
and be beaten with Rod. 

Of Taxus or the Badger.  

TAxus, of some Melus, of Melos one of the 
Iles called Ciclades, which for full & plen­
tifull fléese of wooll, is called Melota. This 
saith Plinie, hath a certaine wilie heade to de­
ceiue, and daunt his enimies, the Spannell, & 
Fox, for béeing in daunger to be taken in hun­
ting, kéepeth in his breath with constraint had 
thereof, and in so doing, his flesh and skin puf­ 




feth vp, and swelleth so, that he being thereby bitten, 
féeleth no sore. He is a good prouider for 
himself also, and hath a forecast in time & wea­
ther. His house is some hollow Caue in the 
earth, in diuers sorts diuersly wrought: so that 
on whatsoeuer side thereof the winde is blus­
tring, he turneth his taile and kéepeth off cold, 
so from the rest of his bodie, and at the other 
contrarie hole, he taketh both ayre and breath. 
It is also carefull in laying vp store for Win­
ter, both the Hee and Shee: Insomuch that 
when the nipping cold Frosts come (at which 
time al liuing things are most hungrie) he fea­
ring the Female to lauish and to be no sparer 
of such vittailes as they haue, and fearing least 
(if they should so be spent) they should both fa­
mish, stenteth the Female, and giueth hir hir 
task, wherewith she being moued and as craf­
tie as he, espying hir time when and how she 
may come to the Lawder or Vittailehouse, he 
not espieng hir, finding such opportunitie as 
she looketh for, goeth another way to the Vi­
ander and vittailes, and there eateth hir fyll, 
and commeth againe stealing and slinketh in­
to his companie without any surmise or sus­
pect had of his part of any such kind of deceipt. 
The craftie Foxe also is his naturall enimie, 
who espying him to come forth of his Den or 




Cabbadge, hasteneth thither and annoieth the 
place with filthie excrements. 

Of the Tench.  

THe Tench liueth whereas much Mud and 
Mire is. The Germaines call it Ein Sch­
lein, which kind of fish vnlesse it be well clen­
sed from such infections as it hath, is very hurt­
full. Ausonius calleth it the poore mans dishe, 
for that in the olde time it was onely the poore 
mans meate or dishe: of the welthiest men 
little set by. And in this sentence or verse he see­
meth to shew the same.

Quis non & virides vulgi solatia, 
Tincas norit? 
Who doth not know the Tench to be 
the poore mans meate or fish 
Which to him once bequethed was 
to be his chiefest dish.

Of the Tiger.  

THe Tiger is a beast of most swift foote, or 
flight, and of all beastes most fierce, named 
of the Persians arrowe, which they call Tiger, 
in their phrase of speche. Peraduenture for re­
semblaunce herein, their flight may be thought 
to be both a like. There is a certaine riuer also 
of that name, one of those foure riuers which 




flowe forth out of Paradise called Gion, and 
passeth through Armenie & Mede. The best 
increase of the Tiger is in Hircanie & Indie. 
He is not onely of most swift pace, but also of 
smell. Wherefore saith Plinie, if that at anie 
time hir broode or litter (which is numerouse or 
many) be stolen away in hir absence (as then 
is the time when as the Huntesmen commeth 
by them) the hunter carying them neuer so fast 
away by horseback, & with neuer so much hast, 
yet at hir returning to hir Nest, when as shée 
espieth falshoode plaide, she flieth and strayeth 
abrode fiercely as she were mad, and with hir 
swifte pace and good Smell, she hitteth at the 
length into that waye that the Hunter betooke 
him, whome he hearing, not farre off, broyling 
fiercely, maketh awaye as hastilye as he can, 
he letteth one fall downe, and hastineth yet for 
all that away as fast as he can. The Dam in 
the way finding one of hir Litter, and broode, 
goeth with that one home backe againe, and 
conueyeth hir to the Nest: that being done, yet 
she leaueth not but pursueth after, & commeth 
by a nother after the same sorte, & like wise ta­
keth paines with that one home againe. And 
so likewise is the huntesman faine to do so more 
often, except he be past hir reach or out of perill 
of hir, as by ship taking, & the like. The Male 




saith Plinie, hath no regard of his yong. And 
the same saith also, that there is another waye 
that some huntesmen beguile hir with, as so 
bestrew & spréede in the way Glasse, by the which 
she comming and espying there hir owne sha­
dowe represented, weneth through such sight, 
that there were of hir yong, and whilst she here 
thus tacieth long time, deceiuing hir selfe, the 
Huntesman hieth him away & so escapeth. Yet 
to speake a little of hir mildenesse sometime 
shewen, Diuus Augustus is reported to haue 
shewen in Rome a Tiger very well tamed 
and kept in a Caue or Cabbadge. 

Of the Tortesse.  

THe Tortesse is reckned one amongst the 
Snaile or Wormes. Aristotle saith that he 
hath such harde chaps and iawes that he brea­
keth stones in sunder, being put in his mouth.

Of the Turtle Doue.  

THe Turtle doue of al foules is most honest 
and shamefast. She liueth in the toppes of 
mountaines and in the deserts. She is not fel­
lowlike with man, & conuersant with him as 
the other kind of doues are. Yet the other doues 
haue their praise of gratitude & remembraunce 
of a good turne shewed, & are called after their 




Epithete simple or mild. The reason why they 
be so is, for that they lacke their bitternesse of 
gall. Aristo as concerning this last kind saith, 
that they bring forth .xj. times in the yere. There 
is another kind called the Kingdoue very chast and 
temperate. And as for the Turtle Doue, 
hir best praise is in keeping vndefiled wedlock 
(and lesing hir Mate) for hir constant widow­
hoode. The other Doues also haue bene mans 
messenger soomtimes to & fro, as at the besieging 
of Mutina, where they caried Letters tyed to 
their feete to the Consuls tents through De­
cius Brutus. 

Of the Viper.  

THe Viper is a kind of most venimous ser­
pent, so named by the Latin word, for that 
she bringeth forth & deliuereth hir yong with 
much paine and griefe. For when as hir belly 
is big, and hir yong ripened, she desiring to be 
deliuered, (as they also couet to be out of so 
straight a place) gnawe and eate a way out 
of their Mothers side, & so with both their great 
griefe, and most often their Dams destruction, 
they come out & are borne. I sid. saith that their 
maner of coniunction is not as others is. But 
the Male being in time of yeare plentifull, & full 
of séede, to be rid thereof, after their owne and 




natural maner, the Male putteth his head into 
hir mouth, and casteth vp of his seede into hir 
throte: With the which the Female by excee­
ding great pleasure taken therein, and almost 
wood or mad therwith, with holding fast, bigh­
teth of the Males heade, and so it commeth to 
passe that all the whole kind is in all their do­
ings most sharpely and painefullye agrieued. 
This kind saith Plinie, liueth in the earths or 
deepe Crannies, wheras the most part of Ser­
pents liue in rockes of stone, other in the hol­
lownesse of trees. Al winter time it lurcketh & 
is hyd, but as soone as the Sunbeames warme 
the yearth, she breaketh out, and being dazeled 
in the eyes through accustoming in the blacke 
yearth, she by and by seketh after the herbe Fe­
nell, and anoynteth them and so séeth clearly. 
This kinde is moste daungerous to aduen­
ture vpon. Politianus saith that Ampicides 
was killed with the byt of a Viper in Lybia: 
and with that his so deadly a byt, died oute of 
hande. Likewise is Orestes reported to haue 
had the same death, after that he came to him­
selfe againe. 

Of the Vulture.  

THe Vulture saith Aristotle, buildeth hir 
nest in most high Rockes, so that very seel­




dome or neuer hir yong are sene. For the which 
thing a reporte went that Herodotus, Bri­
sons the Rhetoricians Father, thought that this 
kind came from another world. And his rea­
son was, for that no man could sée the Vultur 
his nest: & yet when they were sene flying, they 
flewe alwaies by many and great companies. 
This coueteth and hawketh after dead carcas­
ses, & hath a maruilous good smel. Their chie­
fest dainties are fitches. Hermodorus ponti­
cus witnesseth, that the Vultur of al other foules 
is the simplest, for that that he neuer raueneth 
or destroieth any such kinds of graine as man­
kinde soweth to nourish him and his. Their 
smell is so wonderfull, that they will smell (as 
is reported) any dead carcasse fiue hundred miles 
off. 

Of the Weasell.  

THe Weasel in Gréeke is called Gal&ecedil;: with 
the Germanes ein Wesil. This is the sub­
tillest amongest the residue of beastes which 
are by naturall grouth small or little: And it 
hath a wonderfull care to kéepe and preserue 
his yong without harme taking and endama­
ging: Insomuch that he nourseth them whi­
lest they be sucklings, in the neathermost and 
most hid Crannies or Dens of the earth. Of 




this sort thrée kindes are mentioned: one long 
like a Lamprey: the other called a Ferret, 
the thirde called Meles, of some englished 
the Powlcat. This is the greatest and the 
chiefest enimie that Serpents haue: with whom 
when he encountreth or maketh battaile, he 
goeth and armeth himselfe with the Herbe 
Rue, the scent whereof, he knoweth to be most 
offensiue or annoious vnto them. They of the 
Cine Thebes haue worshipped and done ho­
nour to this kinde. This kinde and the Crow 
heare a naturall grudge the one to the other: 
as doth the Eagle and the Kings Fisher: the 
Owle and the lesser sorte of Birdes: as also 
the For and Putrocke: the Horse and the Gri­
phin: the Dolphin & Whirlepoole: the Lam­
prey, and Conger: the Elephant and little 
Mouse: the Elephant again and Rhinoceros 
with his snout so crooked: the Scorpion and 
Stellio which is so bespeckled: the Salaman­
der and the Snaile: the Frog and the Bée: 
the Bée and the Betell: the Bée also and the 
Swallow: as also againe the Weasell is the 
chiefest enimie that the Cockatrise hath: the 
Rat of Indie the greatest enimie that the As­
pis hath. And as there is such naturall strife 
betwéene these and such like: so is there againe 
(in as many kindes as we before made men­




tion of a naturall agréement or loue made by 
confederacie of like kindes, or else those that 
are not greatly disagreeing or differing. The 
Turtle Doue and Parret or Popiniay take 
parts and holde togither: as also the Choffe 
and Woodlarcke: the ring Doue & Partrich: 
the Peacocke and the other common Doues: 
the sielie Sheepe and the hee Gote: the Iay and 
Sterne or Seamew: and many other doe the 
same, which to rehearse woulde require large 
volumes. 

Of the Whirlepoole.  

THe Whirlepoole in French is called Ba­
lene. She is a fish of the Sea like a beast: 
for whome many striue to haue hir called the 
Whale: other are at variance to haue hir na­
med Pristix of the infinitiue moode of the Gréek 
verbe Prizein, which is to cut or seuer, as this 
is reported to cut the waues of the Sea as she 
swimmeth: she is of wonderful length. Plinie 
sayth, as also Aristotle, that she breatheth in 
the water: which thing they two striue at to 
be done in the residue of fishes. She giueth hir 
yong milke by Teate: which thing verie fewe 
other fishes do. She is often dulled in the water: 
for the which she often coueteth the Sands to re­
fresh hir spirites, and wil there somtimes play: 




sometimes also sléepe a while. 

Of the Whale.  

THe Whale with the Germanes is called 
the Wallfiche: many of the Latine wry­
ters are at strife to haue hir and Balena al one. 
Aristo. as likewise Plinie, will haue all those 
fishes called Caete which are of the greatest sort: 
and which bring forth yong, and that a perfect 
and liuing thing so soone as they are deliuered: 
To speake of the hugenesse or vastnesse of this 
I néede not: for that euerie traueiler knoweth 
it. Of hir loue towards hir yong I must som­
what speake. This is the report that goeth of 
hir: at one time she bringeth forth many: and 
ouer those many as though they were but one, 
she is all alike vigilant. The greatest perils 
that most endamage them are the Sea stormes 
or tempestes: at these therefore she vseth this 
knack. She is saide to encompasse them all 
round about with hir bending bodie, and so as 
in a Parlour house safely to defende them: of 
other she is saide to swallow them vp into hir 
entrayles or belly for a time: and there to kepe 
them safely: after the broyling of the Sea be­
ing once ended she poureth them out againe, 
and so by this meanes they are without their 
perill.




Of ihe Woulfe.  

THe Woulfe is called Lupus saith Isidore, 
as if you would say Leopos, footed like the 
Lyon. It is a most rauinous kinde of Beast, 
terrible, and astonying a man at his first sight: 
whereof arose an olde Prouerbe, Lupus in fa­
bula. Signifieng, that there it was best to stay, 
and to haue no more such talke of him as was 
talked of before. Aristotle saith, that in time 
of coniunction they be most fierce, alwaies wood 
so long as they haue yong. And the same Au­
thor also saith, that when they are hunted and 
put to flight, they cary their yong with them, & 
in their iourneying they eate of Origan, to 
sharpe their teeth, which are in a maner like to 
our Saw. They being in extreme hunger (ra­
ther than they should famish) féede hartily vp­
on yearth and such like grosse matter. Ouid 
recordeth of a pleasure done or of well deser­
uing in this kind to two brethren, Romulus & 
Remus, whome Amulius their Graundfather 
sought to haue destroyed. And thus he shew­
eth the same.

Venit ad expositos (mirum) Lupae faeta gemellos, 
quis credat pueris non nocuisse faeram. 
A Woulfe with belly big with yong 
to two twinnes abiect came 




who in the world would not haue thought 
that these should haue had harme 

Likewise a hée Woulfe of wonderfull crueltie 
is reported at the beheading of Edmond King 
of England to haue taken away from the com­
pany his heade, and to haue preserued it long 
time without hurt or blemish. 

Of the Worme.  

THe Worme is called Vermis, quasi Ver­
tens, for complication or folding had in hir 
body as it crepeth, some wil haue it called Ver­
mis, for shewing hirself first in the springtime 
at what time, the whole kinde commeth forth. 
As they haue diuers kinds, (although but one 
common name) so haue they diuers meanes to 
engender. For some arise of rottennes of flesh, 
some of corrupt humors, some by drie rotten­
nesse: Againe some by méeting had of both 
kinds. Wormes are verie wonderfull in their 
kinde. One kind which is called the Panlmer 
that that maketh hauocke of our fruite in the 
Garden or field: another which breedeth in the 
toppes of Ashes and Oliues, and is in colour 
gréene: in humor or iuice verie poysonous, 
and is called Cantharis, another which is cal­
led the Cauler, which eateth out the sides of the 
leaues of many herbes and especially of Basel. 




Another which is named Cnips, which eateth 
through Timber and hauing eaten it through 
neuer resteth in al one place: wherfore he hath 
his Prouerb. Cnips in loco stare non potest. 
And is properlie applied to men, that be waue­
ring and inconstant. And there is a Worme 
called Cerastes, which when she hath had hir 
belly full and eaten inough, engendreth ano­
ther. And there is another which is called the 
fier Worme, & semeth as it were to be a kinde 
of Spider: which flyeth by night to the candle­
light or flame of the fier, and hath hir pastime 
so a while, till hir winges be singed or brent: & 
after that she hirselfe also lacking these, cannot 
escape, but is also brent: whose follie hath also 
raysed vp a Prouerb Pyraustae gaudere gau­
dium. The fire worme hath ioyed his ioy: foo­
lish men pleasure is little and short. The Be­
tle also is of the same linage and stock that the 
Worme is: likewise the Spider both that of the 
yearth, and that also of the water. This laste 
is of such nimblenesse that running vpon the 
water neuer drowneth nor deaueth, like­
wise the Butterflie: out of whose 
dung Mothes are said to bréede, 
with many moe else, which do 
require longer discourse. 

FINIS. 






The Conclusion. 

AS Vatinius Seruilius in his life time was 
hated & approchfully spoken of for that he like a 
Snaile spent all his life time in ease and ydlenesse, 
without any fruite that he gathered either to better 
himselfe or others: so contrariwise could Cleanthes 
the Philosopher well away with labour and paine­
taking in writing after his sort: & was glad to vtter 
abrode that that was in him best to doe. And as Cle­
anthes is yet spoken of, not for any great workes of 
his, or for that he in stile and inditing excelled other: 
but for that he employed all his endeuour to the com­
moditie of others: so haue I (gentle Reader) one 
as farre behinde Cleanthes, as he was the sect and 
Geneologie of the Peripaticians, somewhat vnlaced 
or vnripped, some of the Seames of the thirde quar­
ter of Philosophies attire or aray: (for hir whole 
coate as we reade, hath but three quarters: the one 
called Dialectike: the other Morall or Ciuill: the 
thirde naturall or wonderfull.) Although I haue 
not shewed thee hir altogither naked which thing 
Aristotle & others of his sect, as also Albert & Pli­
nie haue done: the sight or shew whereof if thou co­
uerest, I would wish thee to resort to these: For 
theirs is the Fountaine: and mine a small Arme 
thereof. Yet had I rather be an arme eyther of these 
or of some other as Cleanthes was, then to be no­
thing at all as was Vatinius. And yet for all this 
when I had enterprised this, I was not ignorant 
that Sicconius that ment so wel, had his Catullus: 
euerie Turnus had his Drances: euerie Cicero had 
his Salust: & for such his malice is now called Cice­
romastix Ciceros whip. Likewise euerie Plato hath 
his Xenophon. Varro hath his Palemon, yea & this 
Liuer is so whote on fire that the witch and Sor­
ceresse Cyrce enuieth that Scilla so amorous a Nimph 




should haue a do with Glaucus or haue his loue: in­
somuch that she hath infected that Fountaine wher­
in Scylla was woont to wash hir selfe. But let the 
Queane take heede least she at the request of Scylla 
be not turned into a Sea monster. And let muttring 
Mutius take heede least he be serued with the same 
sawce. Virgil requited Bauius and Meuius. Fur­
ther, let these vnderstande that euerie man is not at 
Corinth. Neither can euerie man carrie a Palme or 
Lawrel Cheeke by Cheeke with Orpheus or Dor­
ceus: neyther yet hath euerye man Harmogenes 
Harpe. Tell me, canst thou play after Tellens tune, 
or haue this to be thy peculiar Prouerbe? Cane ea 
que sunt Tellenis. Sing after Tellens sort: that 
is to say, sing sweetly, or let vs heare a heauenly noise. 
No. Let not euery man looke to play and striue with 
Tellen or with Agathon. It shall suffice vs to haue 
Philomelus his cunning. And ye Hellyconians, al­
though that Babys come in in place amongst you: 
as he did when as Minerua played so sweetely, yet 
if he shall disquiet you (as Babys did Minerua) 
shame him not with ieasting or iarring (no more then 
Minerua did) but thinke that his shame is great y­
nough (whatsoeuer he be) if that he playeth & har­
peth ylfauouredly. If God giue him life he may 
haue better perfection and ripenesse. And thus much 
I had to the learned sort. The other I doe not mis­
trust: for whom principally I was couetous to be­
stowe this such my trauaile, and will (if I shall see 
them thankefull hereafter) more aboundantlye to 
their delectation and profite. So that if they haue 
any consideration at all, they may be moued at 
this the working of God in these such his 
inferiour Creatures: who is to 
be praysed for euer and 
euer. Amen. 







Imprinted at London 
by Henry Denham, 
dwelling in Pater­
noster Rovve at 
the Starre

Anno Domini. 
1567. 
Iune. 3.

Cum Priuilegio.