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rality; for that kind of Providence, which like a Shield avoids the force of Blows, is not alone needful, but that also by which the Strength and Motions, and Counsels of the Enemy are defcried, as in the Looking-Glass of Pallas.

But Perfeus, albeit he were sufficiently furnished with Aid and Courage, yet was he to do one Thing of special Importance before he entered the Lifts with this Monster, and that was to have fome Intelligence with the Grea. Thefe Grea are Treafons which may be termed the Sisters of War not descended of the fame Stock, but far unlike in Nobility of Birth; for Wars are generous and heroical, but Treasons are base and ignoble. Their Description is elegant, for they are said to be Grayheaded, and like old Women from their Birth; by reason that Traitors are continually vexed with Cares and Trepidations. But all their Strength (before they break out into open Rebellions) confifts either in an Eye or in a Tooth; for every Faction alienated from any State, contemplates and bites. Befides, this Eye and Tooth is as it were common; for whatsoever they can learn and know, is delivered and carried from one to another by the hands of Faction. And as concerning the Tooth, they do all bite alike, and fing the fame Song; so that hear one, and you hear all. Perfeus therefore was to deal with these Grea for the love of their Eye and Tooth. Their Eye to discover, their Tooth to fow Rumours and ftir up Envy, and to moleft and trouble the Minds of Men. These Things therefore being thus difpofed and

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prepared, he addresses himself to the Action of War, and sets upon Medusa as she slept; for a wife Captain will ever affault his Enemy, when he is unprepared and most secure; and then is there good ufe of Pallas her Glafs: For moft Men, before it come to the Pufh, can acutely pry into and difcern their Enemies' Eftate; but the best use of this Glass is in the very point of danger, that the manner of it may be fo confidered, as that the Terror may not discourage, which is fignified by that looking into this Glass with the Face turned from Medusa.

The Monster's Head being cut off, there follow two Effects. The firft was, the procreation and raifing of Pegafus, by which may be evidently underftood Fame, that (flying through the World) proclaims Victory. The fecond is the bearing of Medufa's Head in his Shield; to which there is no kind of defence for Excellency comparable; for the one famous and memorable Act profperously effected and brought to pass, doth restrain the Motions and Infolencies of Enemies, and makes Envy herself filent and amazed,

VIII. Endymion, or a Favourite.

T is faid, That Luna was in Love with the Shepherd Endymion, and in a ftrange and unwonted manner bewrayed her Affection: For he lying in a Cave framed by Nature under the Mountain Latmus, fhe oftentimes descended from her Sphere to enjoy his Company as he flept; and after fhe had kiffed him, afcended up again. Yet notwithstanding this his Idleness, and fleepy Security, did not any way impair his Eftate or Fortune; for Luna brought it so to pass, that he alone (of all the reft of the Shepherds) had his Flock in beft Plight, and moft Fruitful.

This Fable may have reference to the Nature and Difpofitions of Princes; for they being full of Doubts, and prone to Jealoufy, do not easily acquaint Men of prying and curious Eyes, and as it were of vigilant and wakeful Difpofitions, with the fecret Humours and Manners of their Life; but fuch rather as are of quiet and obfervant Natures, fuffering them to do what they lift without further Scanting, making as if they were Ignorant, and perceiving nothing but of a stupid Disposition, and poffeft with Sleep, yielding unto them fimple Obedience, rather than fly Compliments; For it pleaseth Princes now and then to defcend from their Thrones or Majefty (like Luna from the fu

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perior Orb) and laying afide their Robes of Dignity (which always to be cumbered with, would seem a kind of Burthen) familiarly to Converse with Men of this Condition, which they think may be done without Danger; a Quality chiefly noted in Tiberius Cæfar, who (of all others) was a Prince most severe; yet fuch only were gracious in his Favour, as being well acquainted with his Difpofition, did yet conftantly Diffemble, as if they knew nothing. This was the Cuftom alfo of Lewis the Eleventh, King of France, a cautious and wily Prince.

Neither is it without Elegancy, that the cause of Endymion is mentioned in the Fable, because that it is a Thing usual with such as are the Favourites of Princes, to have certain pleasant retiring Places, whither to invite them for Recreation both of Body and Mind, and that without hurt or prejudice to their Fortunes alfo. And indeed these kind of Favourites are Men commonly well to pass; for Princes, although peradventure they promote them not ever to Places of Honour, yet do they advance them fufficiently by their Favour and Countenance: Neither do they affect them thus, only to serve their own turn; but are wont to enrich them now and then with great Dignities, and Bounties.

Ix. The Sifter of the Giants, or Fame.

Tis a Poetical Relation, that the Giants begotten of the Earth, made War upon Jupiter, and the other Gods;

and by the force of Lightning, they

were refifted and overthrown. Whereat the Earth being excitated to Wrath, in Revenge of her Children brought forth Fame, the youngest Sister of the Giants.

Illam terra parens ira irritata Deorum,

Extremam (ut prohibent) Cao Enceladoque fororem Progenuit

Provoked by wrathful Gods, the Mother Earth Gives Fame, the Giants' youngest Sister, Birth.

The meaning of the Fable feems to be thus: By the Earth is fignified the Nature of the Vulgar, always fwoln and malignant, and still broaching new Scandals against Superiors, and having gotten fit Opportunity, ftirs up Rebels and Seditious Perfons, that with impious Outrage do moleft Princes, and endeavour to fubvert their Eftates; but being fuppreft, the fame natural Difpofition of the People ftill leaning to the viler fort, (being impatient of Peace and Tranquillity,) fpread Rumours, raise malicious Slanders, repining Whisperings, infamous

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