¶ The tokens and Sygnes which dooe Pronostyque the Plage or Pestilence to come are seuen .

i. The fyrst token is , when the day in somer often dooeth chaunge : as in the morning inclinyng to rayne , after to darkenes and after to winde , specially windes commynge fourth of the Southe .

ij . The seconde when the daies in somer are darke , and like often to rayne and doo not rayne .

iij. The thirde , when vpon the grounde are many Flies fliynge nere the grounde , that is a token that the ayre is corrupte .

iiij . The fourth , when the starres are like ofte to fall or slippe , this is a token that the ayre is inflamed , and full of venimous vapours .

v. The fifte , when there doth appere in the ayre a Comete or a slidyng Starre , as Aristotle saieth in Mytauris . It signifieth greate warre , sheddinge of bloud , and the death of a greate multitude of people , the destruction of many Townes , drownynge of shippes thorow greate tempestes of the Sea . And the darkenesse of the Sunne , signifieth chaunging of Regions . And that the common people shall haue dearth and Pestilence .

vi . The sixte figure is , when it dooeth often lighten and thundre , and specially when it commeth out of the South .

vij . The seuenth , when many windes blowe or come forth of the South , for they corrupt the ayre .

When these for sayde signes doo appere , then it is to be feared of a greate Plage , or Pestilence for to come , without the greate mercy of almightie God doo it withstande .

¶ The cause of the Pestilence . ¶ The cause of Pestilence are three maners .

i. Sometimes it doeth ingender thorow the vapors and corruptions vpon the earth .

ii . Sometimes it doth ingender thorow the vapors and corruption of the Skie and Elementes , or bodies aboue .

iii. Sometimes it doth ingender throw the mixting of them bothe .

i. The plage is somtime ingendered , thorowe the vapours and corruptions coming of the earth , as we doo dayly se out of Priues , Dikes , filthy Canels , standinge muddy waters , being neare the place where the people doth rest and sleape a nightes , & thorow this the ayre becometh infect in hir substance and qualitie , and that onely in some places . And this particuler corruption commeth euery day . And thorow the same commeth often Pestilente Feuers , whiche often doo deceyue the Physicion , which doo not take them for to be the feuer pestilenticall . The Plage or Pestilence commeth likewise sometimes thorow the stinke of deade bodies , aswell of mankinde as of beastes . Also it commeth thorow standing Mudde , stinking Pooles and waters , and this dooeth corrupt the ayre , and this pestilence is somtimes vniuersall , and somtimes perticular .

ij . Secondarely , the Plage is somtime ingendred thorowe the vapoures and corruptions of the Skies and Elementes or Bodies aboue , and that thorow the vertues of the Sterres and Bodies aboue , and thorow the same the spirituall liuinge spirites and bodies beneth are infecte . And of the same Auicen saith in his fourth booke sayinge : that the bodies are often inflamed & corrupt thorow the infections of the bodies aboue , for the corrupte ayre doth infect the sprites beneth , and so the liuing spirites in mankinde is often infecte .

iij. Thirdly , the Plage doth ingender thorow the mixynge of them both : that is when thorowe the impression or influence of the bodyes aboue , the ayre being corrupt , and thorow the putrefaction of caryon liynge vpon the earth and stinking ayre , a syckenesse is ingendred in mankind . And the same sicknesse is often caled Febris Pestilenci alis and somtimes & often an apostemacion , for sumtimes the ayre that we do draw in our bodyes is corrupt and venemous . And so infecteth the hart , wher thorow it is agrauate strongly , in so much that she doth eate & gnaw filthy infection : & then the vryne & the disgestion is then often like for to be good , notwithstanding that the pacyent is still declining toward death . And thorow the same many Phisycions are often deceuid . And therfore it is nedefull that euery body prouide him selfe of a good and expert Phisicion : not onely seen in learning , but also well and better in practyse , concerning the premisses .

¶ The remedies against the Pestilence .

Here shal be sayd how euery body shal preserue & keepe him from the infection of the plage or Pestilence .

i. And first for the same euery christian creature shal be aduertised by the word of Ieremy the prophet , which commaundeth that euery creature shall eschewe the euil and folowe the good waies , and that he repentantly with a meke harte shal confesse him of his offences and this is the most surest medecine in the plage time .

ii . The second , that euery person flie the places infect if it be possible . And they that can not avoide the place , let them abstain of all thynges causing putrefaction , asmuch as is possible , like as is ouermuch copulacion between man & woman , and the south winde whiche naturally is infectiue . And therefore shall euery person kepe the windowes locked in the morninge till eyght of the clocke standing against the southe .

Also they shall auoyde all maner of stinkyng sauours , as of stables , stréetes , kanels welles , standing mudde waters , and specially of all maner of foule stinking carion , or dead bodies . And most of all of all maner of olde stinking Vrines and waters , for in some houses , they doo keepe it two or thrée dayes longe , and in some houses are some kanels running vnder or aboue the grounde : where greate stinke ingendreth & remayneth , and all this doeth ingendre great putrefaction . And that is the cause that more people be infected & diseased more in those places where suche are , then in other places where none suche is . Likewise do the people more die and be infecte where places are where they doo sell cabushe & wurtes , for that ingendreth a daungerous humour which doth infecte mankinde , when they be rotten or perished . And as thorow odours aromaticke or good sauours are the hertes and other the spiritual partes recreated , renued , comforted and strengthened : Likewise thorow euell foule sauours , are they debelitated and infected .

Therefore euery person shal so vse their houses , that no suche ayre or sauour come in beyng corrupte as is aforesayde , for the corrupt ayre is moyst , and ingendreth thorow his owne nature a putrifaction in the house and in the places wher they do slepe . And therefore shal you ayre and clense the houses and chaumbers with light flames of fyre , beyng made with Oken wood . Also you shall after that perfume the place with these herbes folowynge , as Bayes , Iuniper buries , Organum , wormewood , Ysope , Rue , and Moogworte . Lignum Aloes perfumed is best of all , were it not so costly or dere . Al these ayres and perfumes conforte and strengthen the inward parte of the body , when the ayre entreth thorow the mouth or nosethrilles .

You shall also clense and abstayne of all maner of fulsumnesse or replecion of humors . For the bodies that are replete with humors are sone infected and inflamed . For Auicen saieth in quarto canone . That people whiche will be often filled with meate and drinke doo shorten their life . Also you shall avoide muche bathinge or sweating in baumes or hote houses . Also for to be conuersant emong great congregacion of people to the intent other being corrupt and infecte : doo not corrupte and infecte you , you being cleane . And when you come not emong the congregacion or company of people , then shall you vse this followinge .

i. Firste in the morning , when you doo rise , you shall eate a quantitie of hearbe-grace or rue , well washed with a litle salte and one or two cornels of nuttes wel clensed . And when you can get none of this , then shall you take a crumme of bread depped in good vineagre and eate nexte your hert , and specially when the aire is darke , misty and not clere . And it is not good in the plage time for to walke in the townes or vilages , but rather to tary at home with in the house , then to goo forthe .

ii . Secondarelye , you shal spreade or sprinkle the house ( and specialy in sommer ) with vinegre , with roses , with vine leues . And it is good that you dooe often washe your handes in water and vineagre , and then often to smel the handes when they be dried . Also al soure and sharpe sauoures are then holsome for to be smelled on , as well in winter as in sommer . And it was for bodden me to shew it vnto the commons in Rome , where I was constrayned for to go from house to house I beyng a studient and prentes there , where I went dayly to minister and dresse the people , and tooke but onely a crumme of bread , or a pece of a spounge beyng depped in strong vyneagre and the same helde I before my mouth & nose for to smel . For all soure sauours stop the fluxe of humours , and dooe not suffre the venemosite or corrupcion to entre the bodye . And this dooyng I was ( thorow the helpe of God ) & the premisses , saued from the sayde infection , at whiche my companions did maruaile .

All these premisses haue I my selfe experimented and founde true , in diuers regions and countrees , as in Rome , Italie , Lumbardye , Naples , Poyelles , Calabers , Almanye , Flaunders , and likewise in Englande this .xvij. yeares . I beynge sworne vnto the noble late Frenche Quenes grace my Ladie Mary , and my Lorde of Suffolke his grace .

¶ Here foloweth of the confortinge and strengthening of the herte , and the other spirituall and speciall members of the bodie .

THe comforters of the Herte are Safferon , Camphir , and Plantaine with other herbes , which do clense the liuinge spirites within , and conforte . And these are good for the common people , which are lightly infected one of an other . And therfore shall euery one beware that they doo not receue the breath comming out of the mouth or nosethrilles of an other , Also the sight is darkened thorow the infecte ayre , when they do not beare such like hearbes in their handes .

It is very good that you do washe your face , mouth , eies , & handes with rosewater myxt with vyneagre . And when you haue none of the premysses , & muste nedes go emong the people , then take & vse good vineagre , & then boldly go emong the people . Also solubelnesse of the wombe is a greate helpe in this case . And when you can not haue by the waye of nature solubelnesse , then prouoke hym with suppositories : or after the counsayle of learned and experte Phisicions . And lykewyse shal you finde at the Apotecaries Pillule Pestilenci ales , which are very good . And you shall alwaies kepe your houses good fire , for that letteth the impression of the sky , & clarifieth the ayre ,

Item fine triacle is best for the same , as well for them that are in helth as for them that are infect , of this shall you take twise a daie in clere wine , or with rosewater , or with clere ale or bere . And euery time that you take Triacle , you shall not excede the quantite of a common pease at ones , and of the water ale or bere , the quantitee of two sponefulles . The Triacle shal be first dissolued in a cuppe with the wine , water , ale or bere , and then shal you not eate after by the space of foure or fiue houres , to the intent the Triacle may haue her due operacion within the body .

Then you shal eat good meates & drinke good drinkes , as good cleare Wine , Ale or Bere , and that shal be soberly , for superfluitie causeth corruption and putrefaction of the humours . Also you shall abstain from all maner of thinge ingendring heate , as Peper , Garlike . And yet notwithstanding that Peper doth pourge the flewme of the braynes , and the other membres of viscose humours , yet it doeth to much inflame and cause heate . And to muche heate gendreth putrefaction . And therefore is the bitternesse better then the heate , smellyng or sauoringe of the Peper , and Garlike pourgeth the Flegmata and euel humours , and prouoketh appetite to eate , and suffer not the drie ayre to entre into the body . Notwithstanding , because the Garlike perturbeth the eyes and the head with heate , to them that doo often eate or vse it , therfore it shall be in this time abhorred and abstayned .

¶ Here foloweth of the bloud letting in the Plage tyme .

ONes in a moneth you must be letten bloud , when age , strength , or any other cause doth not let , like pilgrims , sicke and extenuated people , and such as are verie solubel , or laxe . And the Fleobothomi should be doone in the lefte or right arme , in the Liuer vayne , Baselica , in the arme before meate . And when the Lyuer vayne is striken then shall you be mery , & drinke good drinke , as good Wyne , Bere or Ale , temperatly , and that same day shall you not sleape , and specially when the Liuer vayne is let bloud .

Item , when any doth feele himselfe infecte or any curnell or Apostumations appere or pricke , then shal he wholy abstaine from sleape . But goe walkinge abrode , for the sleape leadeth the venemous hotenesse to the hert : and to the other special members , in so muche that no Hearbes can resolue the same , and bringe it to the first estate , whiche woulde not be so , if the bodie were walking and sturring .

¶ Here foloweth a gouernaunce or preseruacion for all them that feare the Plage , in vsinge them selues in meates and drinkes .

FYrst , the substaunce of their breade shal be white , one or two dayes olde , well leauened , and of pure wheate , well bulted from the Branne . In this breade shal be baken the Annisseede & salt , and shal be well baken .

Your drinke shal be white Wine , cleare shininge , of good sauour , not to redde nor to hotte , nor to fumous , to the intent that the quicke spirites and the humours waxe not to hote , the wine likewise shall not be to small . And if it be possible , drinke olde Wine , for that is best , for he clenseth and drieth best . And is not so waterishe as the new wine is , and this wyne shal be mixte with sothen water , and that more in summer then in wynter .

Item it is good that you shall take and drinke a draught of Malmesey , or of other stronge Wine , before you go into the ayre for by the meane of this , many euell ayres & vapours be dried vp , the sprites be quickned and conforted .

Item your sothen water , shal be running water , or els that commeth from the rockes or sandy grounde , or Well water , and the sauour of this water shal be sweet .

¶ The gouernaunce of sauoures and sauces .

ALl maner of Sauces in this time shal be made with Lemans , Orynges , with soure garnate Appels , mixt with this pouder : Take the best Cynamon that can be had , Gynger , Cloues , of eche halfe a dagma , Bee white and redde of eche a dragma Corall white and redde of eche a dragma , Cardamomi two dragmas , Saffron halfe a dragma , and as much fine Suger , as of al the first , of al this shal you make a subtel pouder , and of this pouder shall you vse in your meates , and more in Summer then in Wynter .

And when there is no lettinge or impediment , that doo hyndre , as coldenesse of the stomacke , then shall you vse Orynges , Pomgranates , and Sitrins . And the seedes of the aforesayde haue a speciall propertie in the premisses . And therefore in the Pestilent time shall you often occupie the pouder of these séedes with Suger like a dredge , or els seeth the séedes with fleshe or other meate or suppynge , when the stomacke is not hindred by the same , thorow coldenesse .

Of Vyneager .

When there is no impediment , then shal you vse good vyneager , and with that season your meate . And this vyneager shal be best , when it is made of good white wyne or Malmesey . Saue those that haue impediment in the Brest , or Lunges , or Throte or Coughe , or shorte winde , and those that haue colde stomackes , shall not so much occupy of the vineager , but moderatly .

Of Potage in this time .

The Potage whiche shal be eaten in this time shal be made with wheat flower , or ryse , or of lenttes . Howbeit , the first water shal be cast away . Or els you shall eate aleberies made with bere & bread or with red Cicers with the shels . The root of Fenel of Smallach are good in pottage , & eaten , and all manner of meat made with egges , Saue potaige made with dough or other comon potaiges are not good , saue potaige of Spiniage , of Percele , of Burrage , harttestonge , ar very good . And all manner of herbes that haue a sondry vertue , as Rue , Scabiousse , Isop , Marubin , & suche lyke .

¶ Of Frutes and other meates that shal be eaten in the pestilent tyme .

Capers made with vineger , are good to eate at the beginning of the meale . But in winter shall you myxt to it some of the spices beforesaide . A small quantitie of Onions with vineger eaten likewise is very good , for the Onion doth ingender certen humores whiche dooe corrode the poison , & consume . Auicen saieth in secundo canone that all other scharp meates saue Onions in the pestilent time , shal be abhored , and forborne . The yolke of egges potched in faier water , are very good .

You shall abstaine from all maner of fishe thorowe their moystnesse , and speciallye those that haue greate scales . You may somtime vse small fishes of riuers , or smal sea fishes , how be it you must scrape of the scales and cast forthe their intraelles , and they shal be well washed , and rubbed with anisseed and vineger . And then shal they be rosted and not fried in butter or oyle , and and after that they shal be eaten with the foresayd spices , and in the winter shal be put more spices to it then in sommer . And when you haue eaten of this fishe , then shal you drinke therupon good strong wine , and like wise you shall eate with it almondes or hasell nuttes .

You shall abstine of all maner of mylke for thorowe her cometh soone corruption .

After the meat or drinke you may eate these , for he comforteth the disgestiue strength . All manner of fruites are euell that time & in the stead of fruite : it is good to to take confits of Coriander Auicen saieth in secundo canone , that this is specially good and profitable .

In the beginninge of the meale , that is to wete diner or supper , it is good to eate .iii. leaues of Rue two dry figges & one nutte together for this is a special medecine for the plage , and against al poison . And therfore all they that feare poison or pestilence let them vse it .

Of the superfluitie of meates and drynkes .

EVery one shal be ware of to much meat or drinke in the time of Plage , but shall be sober in meate or drinke , more then you be vsed vnto in other times , for many superfluities are ingendred thorowe muche eating and drinking .

Many and sundry meates in one meale is not good , euery one shal be content with one dishe . And if you be where many disshes are , yet feede vpon one which is light of digestion , you shall keepe your selfe solubel , when nature will not , with glisters Suppositories , or Pylles , which are sayde in this present booke . Also you shall holde open the vaines of vrine with drinkes or opening medecines .

Also you shall fastinig rubbe youre skin to open the sweate holes in the skinne , or with clawing .

Also you shall pourge your braines thorowe the nosethrilles and mouthe .

Also you shall pourge your body of all superfluitie , as farre as possible shal be .

Of the Fleobothomy .

When the bloud is superfluous in the body , then shall you be letten bloud , to the intent it be to the better complexion , and specially you shal be let bloud in the pestilent time once in a monethe , and that but litle , and that is good and helthfull . And when the other humours of the body are superfluous , like as is Melancholy adust of the color , whiche is mixte with the bloud . So shall you bee diligent in driynge , in euacuacion or pourginge the same , and all suche pacientes shall beware of suche thinges as dooe ingendre the same .

¶ The fyrst medecine .

THe fyrst shal be a certain of Pilles written by Auicen , in the fourth Canon de preseruatione a Pestilentia , and are made thus . Take Aloe Epitacum two dragmes , of Myrre and Saffron , of eche a dragma , and make of this foresayd Pilles with the iuce of Myntes .

Take of these pilles euery morning fasting , for they doo resolue and dry vp the euill humours , and letteth the putrifiyng .

Item when any that doth vse those pylles , is inclined or apte to take the syckenesse , in summer shall take and put to the sayde confection of pylles , sealed claye , called terra sigillata one dragma , and those Pilles shal be made with Rosewater .

In other seasons the Pilles shal be made as is aforesayde .

The seconde medecine .

Shall be good and fine Triacle , at the leaste .x. yeares olde , of this shal be taken one dragma euery weeke in summer with Rose water , and in Wynter with good stronge Wyne , or with the iuce of Roses , or with water of Citrie . And this shal be doone syxe houres before meate fastynge in an emptie stomacke .

¶ The thirde medecine .

Shal be Mythridatum a confection so named and of this shal you take more in quantity then of the Triacle , & euery wéeke shal you take of it a dragma , howbeit you must fast after it fiue houres , and it must be taken in an empty stomacke , this Mithridatum or confection so called , must at the least be a yeare olde .

¶ The fourth medecine .

Shal be Coriander confittes , and of this shal be taken euery morning a small sponefull fasting , and thervpon , or after immediatly shal be dronken the thirde parte of a Goblet of good wyne . And also when any greate heate is or greate warme wether , then shall they take Suger of Roses .

¶ The fifte medecine .

Shal be against the wormes , wherfore al they that are inclined toward the breeding of wormes , shall séeth wormewood in good Wyne , till halfe be sothen in .

¶ The syxte medecine .

Shal be a precious syroupe , allowed and made by diuers Autors and experimenters in the sayde sickenesses , & I my selfe haue founde this true , for she doth clense the bodie of all superfluitee , and drieth likewyse the bodie , conforting the heart , the braines and liuer , and all other interior partes of the bodie , howbeit of this syrup shal be taken but an ounce and an halfe at ones .

And this is the syrup , and is made thus Recipe cortici citri , Radicum Caparis , Berbaris , Sandalorum vtriusque Spodij of eche two dragmus , Gariofilate Buglosse , Melisse , Boraginis , Cicorie , of eche one ownce Acetose , Epatice , Marubij , of eche halfe an ounce , Lactucesyluestris two dragmus , seminum Communim , Violarum , of eche .i. ounce , Thimi epithimi , Sene Polipodij , of eche a dragma , Succi Absinthij , succi Fumiterre , succi Rebulorū , of eche one ounce Diagredij , two dragmas , Succare albe .ii. pounde . Of this shall you make a Siroppe , and this shall you clense with the iuce Citoniorum or Quinshes til it be inough , and this shall you occupie .

¶ The vsyng of these foresaid sixe medecines .

The first day early in the morning shal you take of the Syrop , & after sleape vpon it one houre or twayne .

The second day shall you take a dragma of the Triacle .

The thirde day shall you take a sponeful of Corianders confite .

The fourth day , shall you take the decoction agaynst wormes .

The fift day shall you take a dragma of the Pylles .

The syxt day shall you rest .

The seuenth day shall you take any of these .

And it is very good , for to take ones in a weeke one dragma of these Pilles .

When soeuer you doo take any of these Pilles , that day you shall take none other medecine .

¶ Of sleaping and watching .

Beware of to muche sleape and specially in the day , also you shall not sleape immediatly after you haue taken your meate before the meate be digested , or before the fyrst digestion is doone or passed . It is very euell to sleape vpon your backe . In the first sleape lye vpon the right side , and there after two houres vpon the left side . And then agayne the whole night vpon the right side Also you shall lie hie with your head , and be well couered with clothes . It is good that you kéepe you waking two or thrée houres after your meate before you sleape .

¶ Of resting , or waking , or mouing .

When the pestilence strongly raigneth , then must you beware of greate trauayle and labour , and specially in the open ayre . And when you will labour , so shall you doo it fasting and in a close ayre . And in time of Pestilence shall you keepe you temporate in labour , for to much quietnesse , and to much labour is naught .

¶ Of the accidentes .

Euery man shal be ware of angre , of sorowfulnesse , of dredefulnesse , and of suche like , but you shal be mery , glad , & be emong mynstrels Harpes , Lutes , and other melodies , reade fonde and mery stories and songes .

A medecine of Kyng Henry for the Plage or Pestilence .

TAke Marigolds , Sorrel , and Burnet , of euery of them a handful , Rew and Fetherfew of euery of them an other halfe handfull , and of Dragons a quantite of the crop or of the roote , and wash them in running water all cleane , and seeth all them softly in a pot , with a pottell of runninge water , till it come to a quarte of licker , and then set it backe till it be colde , and then strayne it in a fayre linnen cloth , and then drinke it , if you cannot drinke it for bitternesse , put therto Suger Candy . And if this drinke be taken before the markes of God be vpon them , he shal be whole by the grace of God .

FJNIS .