THis dayes exceeding heate hath distempered mee in such sort , that it causeth mee to doubt with my selfe , whether of the two extremities were easier to bee endured , the violent sharpnes of the colde Winter , or the fierie raging of the hote Sommer .

On this question there are so many and sundry opinions & of each side so manie reasons , that I dare not vndertake to determine thereof , though in my slender iudgement , the cold ( how sharpe soeuer The colde more tolerable then the heate . in the deepest furie of the Winter ) is far easier to be suffred , then these feruent and contagious heates of the Dogge-dayes in the Sommer . But to heare this of both sides debated with reasons and proofes that may be alledged , it is doubtfull to whether to encline . Leauing therfore euery man to thinke herein what pleaseth him , let vs in the meane time not lose the freshnes of this pleasant euening , which after the great heate , is now turned into an ayre most sweete and comfortable , and seeing wee haue nothing to doe , let vs walke a while by the streames of this running Riuer , & passe our time in some honest conuersation .

It happeneth better then we looked , for see where Anthonio commeth , whose wisedome , behauiour and discreete discourse is such ; that you would neuer be weary of his company .

It is true indeede , I know him well to be a man both curtious , learned and wise , I would we could set him in some good vaine , to the ende wee might heare him discourse .

I will doe my best to make him walke along with vs .

God saue you Gentlemen .

And you Sir are most welcom , & in the fittest time that may be , vnlesse you haue some busines which may hinder vs from enioying your company vnder this tuffet of trees , where if it please you now after this excessiue heate , we may awhile refresh our selues with the mildnes of this sweet ayre , and the delightfull coolenes of thys fresh riuer .

Truly Gentlemen nothing can let me in any thing , wherin I may doe you seruice , for my will is fully bent to follow yours , and therefore without any excuse I will obey you in what soeuer it shall please you to commaund me .

This curtesie of yours is so great , that I know not by what meanes we shal be able to deserue it , to the ende therefore that wee may the better enioy the desired fruite of your conuersation , let vs if it please you repose our selues vnder this shadow , where couered from the sunne , what with the pleasing sound of this clere streame , trickling along the peble stones , and the sweete murmurings of the greene leaues gently mooued with a soft and delicate winde , we shal receiue double delight .

It is true , but not if wee remaine standing , you hauing taken vp the best place .

Indeed I might haue offered you the place , but mee thinkes you are not much amisse , especially because heere is roome in the middest between vs both for Signior Anthonio , who how neer soeuer he be vnto me , me thinks is neuer neere enough .

All this Signior Bernardo , is but to increase the desire I haue to do you seruice , for in truth such is the reputation of your wisedom , that wheresoeuer you are , we ought to seeke you out , to th' end to be participant of your vertue and knowledge .

Let vs lay apart these friendly ceremonies , and busie our selues in contemplating the diuersity of those things which we see round about this place where we repose , that we may be thankfull to the Creator and Maker of them . In trueth so great is the varietie of flowers & Roses which are in thys Medowe , that beholding narrowly euery one apart , me thinkes I neuer saw any of them before , so many manners are there of them , theyr shapes and formes so sundry and diuers , theyr colours so rare and daintie , their branches & flowers placed in such excellent order , that it seemeth that Nature hath endeuoured with her vttermost industry to frame , paint , and enamell each of them .

You wonder at a little , in respect of the much we haue to wonder at , I would to God it had been your hap to haue beene where I was yesterday , in the company of ten or twelue Gentlemen , where discoursing of the strange and meruailous effects wrought by Nature in the world , they were so amazed at some ( to the common sort vnknowne ) which I told them , as though I had come out of the other world , and told them stories of such things as I there had seene .

I pray you tell vs some of them , that we may know what reason of amazement they had .

I could tell you many , but that which they least beleeued and iested at as a fable , was because I said there was a part of the earth inhabited , where the day dureth the full space of a whole halfe yeare , and the night in like sort as much .

And meruaile you if they wondred heereat ? It is true indeede that I haue sometimes my selfe hearde as much , but I giue as litle credite thervnto as these gentlemen did .

I perceiue wel that signior Anthonio vnderstandeth this matter better then either of vs , because I see him smile , ask him therfore what his opinion is hereof .

I am glad gentlemen , to see that in so few reasons you fal vpon a matter so high , that to declare it wel , other things of necessity must first be touched , so strange , that vnlesse it be amongst men wise & of deep vnderstanding , it were better to passe them ouer with silence , according to the saying of the Marquesse of Santillana . Neuer report wonders , for in so doing , of the greatest part thou art sure not to be beleeued , but to be laughed at , as was signior Bernardo amongst those gentlemen .

In this maner though you may ( my ignorance considered ) pretende great reason to holde your peace , yet I beseech you , let nothing with-hold you from explaining vnto me thys doubt and some other , which I haue about the sesecret hidden misteries of Nature .

I know that in the fountaine of your brest there is not so little water , but that it may suffise throughly to asswage & satisfie our thirst , least therefore the time passe away in superfluous reasons , seeing we are to intreate of the wonders & meruailous workes of Nature , I beseech you begin with her definition , that wee may thereafter the better vnderstand her effects .

Aristotle saith , that Nature is the beginning of Motion , and rest of the selfe same thing in which it is principall , The Philosophers definition of Nature . and by it selfe alone & not by any accident , but I will not spende the time in alledging the definitions and opinions of ancient Philosophers , seeing they are so far different from those of later time , and because this our discourse shall be altogether Christianlike , leauing out all those Authors & Philosophers which were Gentiles , I will onely followe those which were Christians , of the which he that went neerest to the marke in my iudgement was Leuinus Lemnius , which following Saint Thomas , leauing ancient opinions like a Christian in the beginning Leuinus Lennius definition of Nature . of his Booke of the Meruailous secretes of Nature , sayth , That Nature is nothing else then a will or reason deuine causer of all things that are engendred , and conseruer of them after they are ingendred , according to the qualitie of euerie one of them . This word therefore & Name of Nature , serueth not for other , then to represent vnto vs the will and minde of God , by which all things are made and created , and in theyr times and seasons vnmade and dissolued , and therefore it is said , that the leafe of a tree cannot wagge without the will and ordinaunce of God : from whom as the very onelie foundation and beginning , proceed & depend all creatures reasonable and vnreasonable , euen to the very least . Yet , I know , there want not Philosophers which hearing these definitions , will say , that there is Natura naturans , which is God himselfe , and Natura naturata , which is the effect which by Natura naturans , Natura naturata . his deuine will hee worketh in creatures . But let vs not stay here , but behold the foundation , whence al proceedeth , which is God indeed : which if we well contemplate this aboundant and plentifull spring , wee shall finde that those which are so astonished & hold for miracles some new things , aboue their capacity , which happen in the worlde , haue small reason of their so great amazement . For what can be more worthy of admiration to men vertuous and of cleare iudgement , then the wonderfull machine and composition of this world , the mouing of the heauens in order so iust and due , the admirable effects of the Sunne , the Moone , and of the other Planets : the strange influences of the Starres , the exceeding strength of the Poles , vpon whom all these things not straying one iote out of compasse , are moued with a Harmony so meruailous : the reason , wherewith the foure Elements stand and containe them selues , in their places appointed them , each of them affording vnto vs that part of himselfe of which we haue neede : the cloudes forming and thickning them selues in the region of the ayre : the raine , haile , snow , and ice , the vehement force and terrible violence of the winds , thunders , lightnings , and blazing-starres . Besides these , the world daily bringeth foorth and yeeldeth to our view so many thinges new , rare , and full of wonder , that if we would busie our selues to admire and contemplate the variety & strangenes of each of them , we should haue leasure to doe nothing else . For how wonderfull is it to see that amongst so many men as are in the world , and daily are borne of new , though they beare all one proportion and shape , of eyes , mouth , nose , forehead , lippes , cheekes , eares , &c. Yet it is almost impossible to finde one like another , and though it happen somtimes that one resemble another : yet there neuer wanteth some difference of diuersity . Besides this , behold the difference of trees , plants , hearbs , and flowers , which in each Countrey groweth , with such diuersity of colour , tast , smell , property , and vertue : and if these things , because we see them daily with our eyes , and handle them with our hands as thinges common , doe not amaze vs , why should wee then so much wonder in seeing some things , which passe this common agreement and order of nature . Which for all that doe not exceede nature , neither are vnnaturall : though the conceite thereof , passe the grosnes of our reach and vnderstanding . To see a dead man raysed , a dumb man made speake , or a man borne blind restored to sight , such a thing we may well terme vnnatural & miraculous : But as for things monstrous , of which som we see , some are out of vse , & some vtterly vnknowne , me thinks in a wise man they should work no alteration , nor breed any astonishment at all . Look amongst the green plants & hearbs , & you shall there somtimes find litle creepers & worms , some of one sort , some of another , painted with sundry colours , some with many feet , some with great hornes in the forehead , some with wings , some with 2. heads , one before , and another behind , & that they go & moue as well of the one side as the other , & if we should see these great & huge , how would they then wonder & be amazed that are ignorant of their causes . But perchance , he that created al things aboue & vnder the heauens , in the aire , the earth , & the Sea of nothing , with his only wil , hath lost his force : or his hand is become vnable , to doe all the rest , which in respect therof is nothing . No no , without dout , now is the selfe same God which than our soueraigne Lord & maker , which as he easily without any trauaile , by his only will of nothing made all things : so can he when it pleaseth him by the selfe same wil only , turne to vndoe them , & make of all things nothing , as they were before .

It is all as you haue saide Signior Anthonio , & your definition of nature is true , & agreing to our Christian beleefe , according to the which all things may be termed naturall but yet I remaine in dout of som part of that which you haue said , & therfore I pray you , before you passe any farther , declare it better vnto me . First , making all things so easie in the hand & wil of God , which you term nature it self , when it commeth by the same to work great & meruailous things , as raising of the dead , you say they are supernaturall & miraculous , in the which , vnder correction , me thinks you contrary your selfe , seeing the one is as naturall to God as the other .

This commeth & proceedeth not from God , but from the things themselues , which being so ful of difficulty , & neuer before seen of vs , for their great strangenes we cal them miracles , which is as much to say as meruailous & supernaturall . Because nature , or rather to speak more properly , God is not wont often to work them , & therefore not finding any other word or maner to expresse them , we say they are miracles & supernaturalli & so you must vnderstand it , & not that it is to God any more difficulty to worke the one then the other .

You haue satisfied me in this point , but withall you said , that the shapes of men being al one , their countenances & gestures are so diuers , that it is vnpossible to finde one like another in all points . Wheras I haue heard & read of many that were so like in resemblance the one vnto the other , that there was no difference at all to be found between them . Your selfe I know , must needs haue better knowledge hereof then I , because you haue read Pliny & other authors , which treat therof : and Pedro Mexia hath copied out many examples of them in his forrest of collections , besides all the which I wil alledge some notable examples . The first , is of two striplings which one Toranius sold to Mark Anthonio , saying , they were two Many examples of men like one to the other . brothers , when in truth the one was born in Europe , & the other in Asia , whose likenes was such , that there was not in any one point , difference between them : And when Anthonio finding himselfe deceaued , began to be angry , Toranius satisfied him in saying , that there was greater cause of wonder in the diuersity of their Nations , then if as he first had sayd , they had ben both begotten & horn of one father & mother . I am sure you haue read what many authors write of K. Antiochus , who The likenes of Artemon to Antiochus . being murdered by the means of his wife Laodice , she placed in his steed , & clothed with his rich habiliaments & regall ornaments one Artemon of Siria , who resembled him in such sort , that he raigned two yeres , without being known or discouered of any man . In Rome there was a man called Caius Bibius , so : like to Pompey , that he could be discerned from him by no Caius Bibius like to Pompey . other means , then by the diuersity of his apparell Cassius Seucrus , & Mirmilus , Lucius Pancus , & Rubus Estrius , Marcus Messala , Diuers Romaines one like to another . & Menogenes , were by couples one so like another , that they were with much adoe to be knowne of theyr familier friends , such as were well acquainted with them ; and haunted daily their company . But leauing the auncient Romaines , we haue the like examples enough amongst our selues . Don Rodrigo Don Rodrigo Girdon and his brother . Girdon , and his brother the Count of Vruenna were so like , that vnlesse it were by their attire & habiliments , their very Seruants knew them not apart , in so much that I haue heard it affirmed , ( which if it be true , is passing strange ) that being children & sleeping both in one bed , in touching their legs or armes together , the flesh of the one did so cleaue to the other , that they could not without difficulty be sundred : But what should we passe heerein any farther , when euery day we see and heare the like .

I can be a witnesse of two which I haue seene my selfe , no lesse meruailous then these which you haue rehearsed , The strange likenes of two men . of the one there are witnesses enough in this house of Beneuenta , for it is yet not much aboue twenty yeares , that the Earle had a Lacky , whom another man came to seeke , saying , that he was his brother , and that he had runne away from his Parents being young , they were so like , that there was not betweene them any iote of difference at all , vnlesse it were that he that came was somwhat more in yeeres , but which is strangest , though the Lacky were sent for to take possession of some goods left him by his Father : yet did he constantly deny the other to be his brother , affirming with oathes , that he was not borne in that Village nor Country by many miles , the other still remaining obstinate in challenging him for his brother , where-vpon the Earle commaunded them both to goe to the same Village for to satisfie an old woman there , which said , she was mother to them both . The Lacky comming thither , could not perswade them but that he was the selfe same whom they supposed , in the end , the old woman looking fixedly vpon him , for better assurance , ( quoth she ) if thou art my sonne , thou hast in such a place of thy legge a marke , which when thou wert a child was burned . The Lacky with wonderfull astonishment confessed that he had such a marke indeede , though still perseuering with oaths to affirme that he knew them not , and that hee neuer in his life before had beene in that Village , as the truth indeede was , for afterward it was proued , that he was borne farre from that place , and it was well knowne who were his Parents . Besides A thing notable of two daughters and a sonne , borne all at a burthen . this , it was my hap being but a stripling , to see an other the like , very strange , in a Village hard by the Citty of Segouia , where I remained foure or fiue dayes , in the house of a very honest & substantiall man , which had by his wife two daughters , so strangely like , that in turning your eyes once of them , it was vnpossible to know which was the one and which was the other , they were about 13. or 14. yeres olde , I asking the mother which was the elder , shee pointed to the one , saying , that she was borne halfe an houre before the other , for she had at one burden both them and a sonne , which she told me was with an vnkle of his in Segouia , so resembling in all points to his sisters , that being one day apparelled in one of theyr garments , and brought before her husband and her , neyther hee nor shee did the whole day till night that hee was vnclothed , finde , know , or perceaue any difference at all betweene him and his sister .

Truely this is very strange , and the like hath sildom happened in Spaine , especially in our time . Macrobius writeth in the second booke of his Saturnals , that there came a young man to Rome so resembling Aug. Caesar , that standing before him , it seemed that hee beheld as in a glasse the figure of himselfe , whereupon Caesar asked him if euer his mother had beene at Rome , meaning thereby that perchance his The answer of a young man to Augustus Caesar . father might haue had acquaintance with her , which the young man perceiuing , answered him redily , that his mother had neuer been there , but his father oftentimes : though thys history be common & rehearsed of many , yet I could not let it passe , because it serueth so fitly to the purpose of which wee entreat .

I deny not , but that this may be true , and that there are many the like things hapned in the worlde , but according to the old prouerbe , One Swallow maketh no Sommer , neyther doth the whole field leaue to be cald greene for two or three hearbes or leaues that are withered and of a dead colour within it : these are things which happen sildome , and therefore refute not a generalitie so great as is the diuersity & common difference of the countenaunces and gestures of all the men and women in the whole world .

I confesse that you haue great reason , but let vs not so passe ouer Signior Bernards tale of the woman with three children borne at one burden , all liuing and brought vp to that age , which truly seemeth to me so strange , that me thinks in my life I neuer heard the like , especially in this our Country .

I wonder not a little thereat my selfe : yet Aristotle writeth that the women of Egipt are so fruitefull , that they haue often 3. or 4. children at a burden , and though he expresseth not so much , The women of Egipt meruailous fruitfull . yet we must imagine that many of them liue and doe well , or otherwise hee would neuer make so often mention of them . In this our Spayne , we haue often seene a woman deliuered of three children at once , and one in a Village not far hence of 4. and in Medina del campo , some yeres passed , it was publiquely reported , that a certain principal woman was brought a bed of 7. at once , and it is said , that a Bookebinders wife of Salamanca , was deliuered of 9. and we must thinke that in other A woman deliuered of 7. children at once . another of 9. Countries haue hapned the like of as great , & greater admiration , though we , ( as they say ) being in one ende of the world haue had no notice nor knowledge of them .

Plinie saith , it is certaine that sixe children may be borne at one birth , which is most strange , vnlesse it be in Egypt , where the women bring sildome one alone into the worlde . In Ostia there was a woman that had at one burden two sonnes and two daughters , all liuing and doing well . Besides , in Peloponeso , a woman was 4 times deliuered each time of 5. sonnes , A woman deliuered of 4. children all liuing . the most part of which liued . Trogus Pompeius writing of the Egiptian women , saith , that they are often deliuered of 7. sons at once , of which some are Hermophrodits . Also Paulus the Lawyer writeth , that there was brought from Alexandria Hermophrodites . to Adrian the Emperor , a woman to be seene which had fiue liuing children , 4. of the which were borne in one day , & the 5. foure daies after the deliuery of the first . Iulius Capitolinus Two women deliuered at once of fiue sons a peece . writeth the like of a woman deliuered of 5. sons in the time of Anth. Pius , so that the matter which signior Bernardo rehersed of the woman with 3. liuing children , is not so newe nor strange . Besides , it is confirmed with the publique fame of that which hapned to a lady one of the greatest of this land , which being in trauaile it was told her husband that she was deliuered A Lady of Spaine deliuered of six sonnes . of one son , & within a little space of one more , & within few houres , they told him that shee had brought him forth 4. more , which were 6. in all : who answered merily to those that brought him the newes , if you can wring her well , I warrant you , ( qd hee ) you shal get more out of her . This is no fable , but a matter known to be true .