Signification .

HIs sitting in Throne , betokeneth his Kingdome to be durable , his three Eyes signifieth his merueilous Wysdome , by which hee ruleth Heauen , Sea , and Earth : his want of Eares declare him to be indifferent vnto all , not barkening more to one , then to an other . The nakednesse of his vpper partes , and couerture of the nether , did purport him to be inuisible vnto men , which dwel beelow , but visible to the heauenly myndes , whch are aboue . Hys womanly looke and full Breastes , intimate al thinges to be made & nourished by him . His Lightening in dis right hand , dooth signifie his power , which lyke to Lightening pearceth through all : his Scepter betokeneth his prouidence , by which , as by a Scepter hee disposeth with hys creatures , as he thinketh best . His treading vpon Giauntes doth declare him to be a punisher of them , which are at destiaunce with him : by the Eagle is vnderstode the Soule : for as the Eagle surmounteth all other Birdes , and is swiftest , so much doth the minde surpasse the Bodye : by the Page , the simplicity therof : intimating thereby , that if the Soule of Man , be free from the querkes of dissembling phantasie , and as the Eagle soareth aloft , so if the Soule of Man , shal be occupied with heauenlye cogitations , that then shal bee enioyed , the Cup of golde , whereby is signified the rewarde of Uertue , in the presence of Iupiter .

By the Angell is signified the swiftnesse of well doing . By the Globe vnder his feete , the small regarde of worldlye Uanitie . By the Garlande , the endlesse crowne of Immortalitie . The auncient Romans entituled him Optimus Maximus , because in very dede it is better , and more acceptable , to profite many , than to possesse great Wealth and reuenue .

Signification .

BY Iuno is mente the Ayre , the Raynbowe betokeneth Rayne , whereof it is a token . Her Crowne of Lyllies , signifieth the cause to bee in the Ayre , that the Earth doth yelde foorth sweete Flowers : her Scepter is a representation of the power that is geeuen to the Ayre , aswel for preseruation , as encreasing of natural thinges . Her Sheares in her left hand sheweth Hotenesse and Moystnesse of the Ayre , into which two qualities it is sundered and parted . The two Peacockes are added , because theyr cry doth prognosticate chaunge of Weather . The Lyon is a figure of the Sunne , and the Lawne , of thynne Uapours : for the force and vertue of the Sunne is greatest , when hee entreth into Leo : hereby aduertising , that the heate of the Sunne draweth thyn vapors into the Ayre , where beeing congealed , by the extreeme colde of the middle Region , they are agayne by the scortchinge heate of the Sunne resolued into droppes .

The Poetes feigne this Iuno , to be sister and wyfe to Iupiter . I thinke because Iupiter beinge taken pro Aethere , and Iuno pro Aëre , they haue most semdlable qualities and dispositions .

Iupiter and Iuno , are sayd to bee at variaunce , because Iupiter being hoat and drye , not hauing his heat repressed with moystnesse , all thinges are burned and pa●●●ed : agayn , when Iunos moystnesse is not qualified with Iupiters heate , all thinges are drowned and ouerflowed : but when their qualities are with equal temperaunce combyned together , then the Earthe doth yelde her fruites with greate plentye and abundaunce .

Signifycation .

BY Apollo is ment the Sunne , and being wythoute a Beard , Lustines of youth , which for the tyme is likened to the Sunne , whose beauty or pulchritude , is alwayes one : and standing by a Baye Tree , alwayes greene , Figureth the freshnesse of lustye Youthe : the Bay tree was first found , growinge on the Hyll Parnassus consecrated to Apollo , whose Uertue is not to be subiected neither to Beastes , nor Lightenings , as Authors haue reported . Tiberius , as often as it thundered , for his better preseruation against the same , was crowned with the Baye , called among the Latines , Laurus . By the Crowne is signified Uigilancie to ouerlooke all things betime , as also the Crowe when hee is sicke , remedieth his disease by eating the leaues : Apollo hys treading vpon the Dragon , betokneth the crooked course of the Sunne , into the twelue Signes of the Zodiake : the three heads of the Dragon , whereof the one is a Lyons , the other a Wolfes , the thirde the head of a Dogge , generally doth represent tyme : and particularlye , by the head of the Lyon , tyme present , the head of the Wolfe tyme paste , as it were sodenlye snatched from vs : by the head of the Dogge is signified , tyme future or to come , because hoped tyme flattreth ech estate accordyng to ech vocation , to gayn , or to reuenge : his burning Lampes in his crown resemble his diuers Beames , which geeue lighte to the earth : His Harpe in his left hand . betokneth the harmonie of the celestial Spheres : & his Bow in his right hand , signifieth his wasting of some part of the Earth , by the Arrowe of extreeme and intemperate heate .

The Poets feygn , that Oenomaus , a king of Arcadia , counsayled by the Oracle , learned that he shoulde dye , when his daughter called Hyppodamia , shoulde take an Husbande ( because of a Sonne which shoulde dispossesse him of his Kingdome ) wherefore hee instituted and ordained a Game called the Runninge of the Chariotts , that who soeuer ouercame him by ouer swyftnesse , shoulde haue his Daughter , and whom be ouercame to be presentlye slayne . Hauing by his pollicy , subdued many , he hoped so to daunt the courage of the rest , to be aduised of buyinge loue so deare , and thereby to stretch and lengthen his dayes to Nestors yeares : But Pelops far enamoured on Hyppodamia , by the helpe of swyfte Coursers , ouerran Oenomaus Chariotts , and wan his Loue , or best beloued . Apollo for ioye of his Uictorye gaue hym to his Mariage , his thre footed stoole , wrought out of fyne Gold , by Vulcan the Smyth : the Legs of the Stoole were Luste , Beautie , Strength . The Seate to sitte vppon , Ryches .

Signification .

BY Diana is ment the Moone , her Garde of Satyres , Gods , and Nymphes , be token all forces of p●ople vnder her Gouernment : and also her lighte ouer Woods , Seas , & Fountaines : her iii. heades : the change of euery Moone into Calends , Nones , & Ides . Her winges betoken her swifte motion , because she finisheth her course twelue tymes in euery yeare . Her bow & arrowes , represent the lyuelye effect & operation of her beames , aswel in quickning , as filling of mortal creatures . She hath a Panther on the one fide , because the spots of that beast when it is yong , are horned as the Moone in her first quarter , & in her ryper yeares , her spots waxe round as the Moone in her ful : on the other side a Lyon which resembleth the Sunne , because the Moone hath no light of herselfe , but that which shee boroweth of the Sunne . The Ship warneth Mariners in their courses to haue a special regard to the Mone , to the tydes and Flouds guyded by her : who when the Seas in the night sparkle like Quickesiluer , it betokeneth tempeste to folow , geeuing Saylers warning to prepare for Weather .

The Poetes faygne that Actaeon , a man seekinge more for vaine pleasure and iolitye , then Uertue , and of the progenie of Cadinus , after much wearynesse in folowing his houndes , sodainly espied Diana with her Dryades & Nymphes bathing , was for his vnmanernerly viewing , transformed into an Hart , & so deuoured of his owne Dogs . Diana appellata est quod diem noctu efficiat , vel quasi Duana , quod duobus temporibus maxime compareat , die ac nocte .

Prudentius because he allowed the Goddesse Diana to be gouerner of both the Lightes , he being also a valiaunt & liberal Capitayne , esteeming Men before Money , and Ualiauncie before Bryberye : and being fallen into great pouertie , not able to haue the funerall , of vayne brauerye , with more mourning Weedes , than mourning myndes , was neuerthelesse , by the earneste prayers of his Souldiers , by Titan and Cynthia caryed into Coelum Empyreum , for an immortall rewarde among the Gods for euer .

Signification .

BY Mercurie Marchauntes be ment . His wynges at head & feete betoken the expedition of Marchantes , which to gett worldly pelfe , post through all corners of the World : the whyte & blacke coloured Hat , signifieth their subtilty , which for greedines of gaine , spare not to face white for blacke , & blacke for white . By his Fawlchon is signified , goodes gotten by violence , when subtiltie cannot comprehend . His Mace is a token of peace , but the knot with two serpentes , clasping ech other aboute the sayde Scepter , doth intimate that no promise must be broken .

Hys Pype resembleth Eloquence , which refresheth the mynde , as Harmony doth the eares .

The Cocke is sayde to be the best obseruer of tymes and seasons , warning Marchantes and trauelers , to forsake no opportunity . The Ramme is a resemblaunce of hys offyce , because the Poets fayne Mercurie , to be Embassadoure of the Gods : all are obedient to hym , as the Flockes of shepe , are to the Ramme : the figured Cutpurse , is a proofe that Mercurie was a thiefe : and Headlesse Argus , is a witnesse , that one Plague , bewrayes a thousand euilles . The Poets feigne that Argus the Sonne of Aristor , had an hundred eyes , of al which , only two did sleepe by course , so that he was not to be taken with al a sleepe : So subtil was Argus , that what fraude soeuer was imagined , hee had policie to defende it . Wherefore Iuno enuyinge Io ( her brother and husband Iupiters Harlot ) committed the keping of Io to Argus , supposing so to be most assured from euermore the hauing of Iupiters company . Iupiter to acquite Iunos practise , commaundeth Mercurye to take him to his Pype , and with melodious soundes , brought Argus Eyes a sleepe : by which is signified , what is hee that is so circumspect or aduised , but that Flattrye or counterfeited perswasion , at one time , or other may deceiue ? which worke being accomplished , hee stryketh of Argus head , and setteth Io , the transformed Cow , at liberty . Iuno seeing this hap , in token of her good wyll , sets Argus eyes into the Peacockes tayle , for a perpetual remembraunce of his trusty seruice . A manifest showe how vayne a thinge rewarde is , when it dyeth wyth the partie , from the posteritie . As when Carnalia had slayne his freend Obliuios enemye , thereby receiuing his deathes wounde for his laboure was rewarded with a Million of Gold : what pleasure had hee thereof , beeinge preuented from the vse by death , and not geeuen to his familye .

Signification .

BY Minerua is signified Wisdome , ioyned to Force , to qualifie extremities . Pallas Armature doeth purporte , that it concerneth a wyse man to be fenced , aswell against frowarde affections , as the outward enemie : Her fierce Looke or Countenaunce doth admonish vs , not to beholde sinne , with gentill and amiable Countenaunce , but menacinge , and as it were with a Speare , to bydde and wage Battayle against it . Her Cloake of Whyte , Golden , & Purple , colours , setteth foorthe Wysdome to the viewe of the eye . For the Whyte , betokeneth Simplicitie : the Golde , the glitteringe force of Prudence , & the Purple the pearcing brightnesse of modest Gouernment . By the long speare is also signified , the foresight of things to come . The Christalline Target , betokneth the warynesse of the wyse , in which as in a Glasse , he seeth to the bottome , the subtiltie of others : The Gorgons head warneth to vse Martiall Lawe , not in fostering , but in killing them at the firste , whiche are knowen to be wylfull , and manyfest offendours . By the Oliue tree is signified peace , intimating that warre must neuer bee raysed , but when peace cannot otherwise bee maynteyned . The Dragon carieth a resemblaunce of prudence , for as hee , amonge all other Serpentes is most waking . so the Prudent is circumspect in al hys doinges .

The Owle representeth warynesse , because when all other sleepe , she waketh , and flying beholdeth that , which the common sort , neither do , nor can .

The Poetes faygne , Pallas to haue proceeded of Iupiters brayne , and neuer to haue had any mother , because the Athenians supposed the first sorts of men geuen to politike gouernmente , and wyse in foreseeinge Daungers to come , allowed the Lawes , and Statutes of Iupiter , calling them by the name of his daughter : the purpose of the Poete is , that for asmuch as Iuno , the wife of Iupiter was barren , for verye griefe shooke his head encountringe the wall , whence issued Pallas , & after gathering some courage to her self like Virago , steppeth foorth all armed , that which Lawe cannot wynne by lenitye : it must compel by force .

Signifycation .

HYs Chariot , Horses , and Armour , betoken War , because they be the chiefest furniture thereof . The names of the two Horses are Feare , & Terrour , because where Mars inuadeth , all thinges are lefte desolate , & destroyed . The Wolfe with the Sheepe in his mouth representeth Mars , whose Souldiers are as great raueners of other mens goodes , as the wolfe is of seely sheepe . The Cocke followeth Mars , eyther because he is a warlike Byrde , or ells that hee is messenger of the Sunnes approach , to the which Souldiers must haue a vigilant respect : vnlesse they mynd to let passe , sundrye and many good opportunities .

The Poetes faygne that Mars neuer had father , because he hated peace . Loquar requesting of Mars the Countrye of the Pauperculans , hee asked howe they should then lyue , he sayde by labour , then quoth Mars it is as fyt for thee , so to do , and get that thou hast not , and they shall possesse that which they haue : hee not contented , by the determination of the Goddes , it was agreed , A good warning to beggers of statutes penall : where by the commons are greatly impouerished , & their good kinges , neuer the better enriched . thot hee shoulde not onely feede of the earthes encrease , but also that earth , should so possesse him , as hee desired : Loquax supposing the Pauperculans disherited : hasted the possession , where hee beinge tyed lyke a Dog , was forced for hunger to eate the grasse and in the same earth to be buryed , that hee so greedelye had coueted .

Signification .

BY Vulcan is ment Fier , & by his blew hat the ayry firmament , by his limping , the Reuolucions of the Heauens , which when it descendeth to vs , looseth much of his former strength . By Vulcan is signified labor by his hatte of blew , true dealing , by his Hammer , or Sledge , the continuall toyle of Husbandrye , aswel by the Plough in earing the tough earth : as by the Hammer in forging of Mettall , whose force must bee prepared aswell to the mayntenaunce of the Prince , as the enriching of the subiect .

The Poetes faigne that Iupiter iarring with Iuno his wyfe , fell from wordes to blowes . Vulcan comming to the reskue of Iuno , Iupiter waxed so angrye that hee tooke Vulcan by the Legges , and flange him into Lemnos , whom the Inhabitants receiued as sent from Heauen and learned of him , to prepare Iron for necessary vses .

Signification .

BY VEsta ( Vas ) the vessel of Uirginitie is signified : the Fyer resembleth the Sunne which maketh the Earth a mother of manye goodly Creatures .

In the Honour of Vesta , were ordayned sixe Uyrgins of her name , called Vestales , their office was to looke that the Fyer in the Temple neuer went out , so that , when so euer by their negligence it was extinguished , they endured such punishment , as the hye Priest awarded : But if so it happened that anye of theym , did suffer themselues to be spoyled of their Uirginity , it was ordayned they shoulde bee burned quicke . So zealous were the Romans not onlye of the honour of their Godds , but also they helde Uirginitie , for an exceeding Uertue . The Uirgins were chosen to serue this Goddesse betweene the sixte and tenth yeares of their age , from which tyme tyl after the expiration of 30. yeares , it was not permitted as lawfull to mary .

Signification .

BY Neptune is signified the swift passage of Ebbes & Flouds , the Manlye forme purporteth the rage of the bellowing Waues , and being naked the readinesse of Shyppes to be smothe , and wel garnished , ells is the swiftnesse stayde , when the outeside is not free from all annoyes : by the forcke is signified the furniture that good Shippes must haue , aswell in weapon as tacklinge , thereby to preuente both Bellona , & Cyclops Seas , and Theeues . By the Tritones , skilfull Maryners , Souldiers , and Munition .

The Poetes note that Neptune roade on an horse , because when Athens was erected , Pallas & Neptune were at stryfe aboute the naminge of the Cittie , after many Wordes , the discorde was put to arbitremente of the Gods : they awarded that which of theim coulde finde out the moste profitableste thinge for the life of manne , he onlye shoulde haue the aucthoritye to name the Cyttie . Neptune smote the ground with his Forke , and foorthwith leapt out an Horse : But Pallas smyting the Grounde with her Speare , sodeynlye sprong foorth a Oliue tree , which the Goddes iudged to bee more profitable to the vse of man . Pallas obteyninge victorye called the Cittie Athens .

It was more by the fauour of the Gods , so to iudge it , then it was to preferre the Oliue tree , before the Horse .

An Epitheton .

Except by the Oliue tree is signified Uertue and by by the horse vyce : Venusta Venus .

Signification .

CEres betokneth encrease of Grayne , because she is called Dea Frugum , of the frugalitie which commeth of Earthe and Seede . The Crowne of Corne Eares betokeneth the encrease : the Eares of Corne in her hand betokneth the reserued Seede , whereby doth follow the yeares encrease .

By the Poppie is signified the slouthfull or sleepye tyme to ensue , that ech laborer may take hede to neglect no tyme : for as the Poppye is a causer of sleepe : So Slouth is a vice that looseth gaine . The Poppye also called Papa-ver , Papa-ver , a frosen religion , springing to soone . with other weedes are suffered to grow among the Corne , which must be weeded foorth , for byndring the Cornes encrease .

The Poetes feigne that Saturne , Ceres father was a great deuourer of his Children : so sayde by the Fygure Antithesis , for that the Earthe , as shee yeldeth encrease , doth receiue all into her agayne .

Signification .

HIs two Faces on both sides , aswell beehynde as beefore , aduertiseth wiselye to consider thynges aswell past , as to come , & standinge vpon Twelue Alters , admonisheth Prynces , and Men of Honoure , to bee constant in all theyre doynges , but moste especiall in Religion , as was IANVS Kynge of Italye : so named of Italus , from whom proceded the name of the Countrye . The Keye in his ryghte hande is a resemblaunce of policie , to open and bringe to light , the treacherous deuises of diepe dissemblers . The Letters ξ. and ε. sygnyfye 55. The letter τ. on the barre three hundred , which Barre signified the Fortitude of a good prince in maynteyning Uertue & suppressing vyce : By the number 355. the dayes of one yeare , wherein no day ought to be ouerpassed , without some exploite or good act .

The Romans in honour of Ianus , erected a beautifull Temple , which in tyme of Warre stode wyde open , & in tyme of peace it was alwayes shutte .

Ianus is supposed the firste beginner of letters and skyll of the starres , taught the plantinge of the Uyne . Deuided the twelue Monethes , and sundrye Domesticall skilles , for a common wealth , therefore double faced , the Face of Gouernment , and the Face of Labour .

Signification .

BY Genius is signified , the towardnes of quicke wittes , whereby sundrye sortes of people are founde to exceede others : his Wings betoken the swiftnesse of the mynde , as also the readynesse , vpon whom he hath taken charge : he is sayed to bee the Sonne of the Immortall God , because hee is ioyned to humaine forme , called reasonable : His powring wyne on an Alter , signifieth the abundance of Ayry moysture , which doth force the barren earth , to yeld foorth ech creature and substaunce .

Plutarch wryteth that Iulius Caesar had a mighty Genius alotted vnto him , by whose helpe , he not onlie atchieued great Uictories in his lyfe , but was also reuenged on his murderers after his death : for his Genius , so pursued his conspiratours at the verye heeles , both by Sea , and Lande , that hee suffered not one to remayne on lyue , which eyther was a doer , or a conspirour of the fact : so likewise , after the fact of Robbers and wilful Murderers , in flyinge from place to place , they haue neuer beene at quiet , til death hath finished they deserued course .

Signification .

BY Pluto is mente , the vnsaciable gotten ryches that force possesseth , his Statelye countenaunce declareth , that worldlye Goodes make men proude , arrogant , and ambicious : His fiery Seate , betokeneth the violence of the Ryche : His Scepter signifieth Welthye menns rule , ouer the Poore . The Soule which he claspeth with his left hande , declareth , that vnsaciable desire oppresseth the poore vnto Death , and by the Furies are mente , the cares which Ryches brynge with them . By Cerberus , the three mischiefes whych do oppresse the simple , Flatterye , Hypocrisie and Opression : fayre woordes to allure , Hipocrisie to dissemble , Oppression to take by vyolence , is signified .

The Poetes faygne Cerberus , to be Plutos Porter , of the Citty Dolor , who receiueth all those that Charon bringeth , hauing three heades , the one of a Goate , the seconde of a Beare , the thirde of a Tyger , whereby is also signified , Lechery , Gourmandise , and Murder : dyuers haue framed diuers shapes , onely to paint forth the filthines of vice , the more to terrify the folowinge Age . Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum .

Signification .

BAcchus Was the first that in Grece found the manner of planting Uines , & the secret of pressinge Wines , called Liber Pater , by an Adage , the father of liberty . In vino veritas . When men bee dronken , they disclose all , as when the Wine is in , the witte is out : al superfluous banquetinges , and Riotous excesse are called Conuiuia Bacchanalia , dronken feastes .

The Feastes of diuers spottes and colours , as is the Ounce , & Tigre , signifie the sundry affections of the dronken , and the desperate madnes that suche possesseth by outragious deedes , in dronkennes , his hornes portrait the customes of the Auncients , whiche vsed hornes to drinke in , in steade of Pottes , his strayghte garlande of Iuye resembleth the kerchefes of the dronken , for they were accustomed to bind their head the harder , therby to stoppe the vapors from ascending into their brayne . The Ape , the Hogge , and the Lyon , the Woolfe , and Dolphin , bewray the affections of the Dronken : for some playe the Ape in imitating euery thyng , some the Hog in returning to accustomed dronkennes , as filthy affections : some the Lyon in executing of cruelty : some the Wolfe in rauening and spoyling : some the Dolphin ouerwhelmed in Bacchus seas : the Ape looking in a glasse , they vaine flattery of deceiuable folly .

The Poets sayne that Semele , Bacchus mother , was a woman very bewtiful , beloued of Iupiter . But Iealous Iuno impacient thereof , deuised with her selfe Semeles destruction , and taking to her the shape of Semeles Nurse , she telleth her that it is greatly to be doubted whether hee whom she toke for her Paramour & best beloued , wer Iupiter in dede or no : wherfore her aduise was that Semele should desire of Iupiter , that hee woulde company with her in suche & so great a maiestye , as hee was accustomed to vse with Iuno , called the Quene of Heauen . Shortly after , Iupiter resortinge to her , shee desired of him to graunte her one request , who promised by an oth that shee shoulde bee satisfied . Iupiters othe was by the Riuer Styx , Semele supposinge not to bee cyrcumuented by Iuno , and chargynge Iupiter with hys Othe to accompanye with her in all his Maiestye : but shee by reason that shee was Mortall , not able to sustayne his presence , died at the first sight thereof , and being younge with chyld at that instante through the clemency of the Gods , it was batched , tyl it grew to a graunde paunch called Bacchus , wherby is also signified that corruption lyketh all thynges that are filthye .