A nevv, and merrie prognostication: deuised, after the finest fashion. Made and written for this present yeare, by foure witty doctors as shall appeare, Spendall, Whoball, and Doctor Dews-ace, with them Will Sommer takes his place, they haue consulted all in deede, to solace them, that this shall reede

A NEW , AND MERRIE Prognostication : Deuised , After the final fashion

Made and written for this present yeare , By foure witty Doctors as shall appeare , Spendall , Wh●ball and Doctor Dews 〈◊〉 With them Will Sommer takes his place , They haue consulted all in deede , To solace them , that this shall reede .

AT LONDON Printed by Edward All-de , and are to be sold by Iohn Tapp at his Shop at Saint Magnus Corner ▪ 1623

A Prognostication . OF Hoball , Spendall , Will Sommer , and Dews-ace , I studying in my sicknesse space : Did peruse their skill made of Astronomie , Of which hereafter followeth the certaintie . As well of euery season this yeare , As all other likelies that are like to appeare . In reading of this memorie , Omit to iudge the certaintie . Herein we haue nothing resited , But as by learned proofe vnited . Deuised is this merrie Toy , Euen for to make some merry ioy . Reporting what shall hap this yeere , Not often wont so to appeare . Except some strange Astronomie , Like this may hap as diuersly .

The Author to the Reader . A True and perfect Prognostication , For the yeere of Christes incarnation . Sixteene hundred twenty and three so true , The old yeere is gone when there commeth a new . Made by foure Doctors of great reputation , Which altogether haue had consultation : In prouing their cunning of very great skill , To tell you of Planets both good and ill . And to shew of the signes as neere as they can , Of dearth and of plenty , of newes , and what than ? Yet peraduenture , ere the yeare come about , Some of them may chaunce , without any doubt . The first and principallest Maister of all , Is named the learned Sir Doctor Hoball . The second of them , where so euer he came , Was Sir Iohn Spendall so called by name . The third hath to name , good Doctor Dews-ace , The excellentest Doctor that euer was . The fourth and last , is Will Summer in deede , A very good man , and proued at neede .

The Preface . BEcause it becommeth not Daucocke fooles . Newly start vp in Choplogicke Schooles , To take vpon them , the Knowledge mysticall , Of our high Science Astrologicall . And to Prognosticate this and that , As though they sate , in God Almighties lap : We commit the matter , to some other man , That is better learned , then we by Saint Anne . To such as in Astronomy haue good skill , For naturall fooles , will be fooles still : But all things be heere declared and tolde , To heare it againe , you may be bolde . It is written behinde secundam Lucam , In the torne leafe , Capitulo nusquam , Therefore what I say on warrantise , You shall finde all true , or otherwise . This worke haue we , with good deliberation , Studied the rather for mans recreation : Therefore I will tell you , of this Prognostication , How and in what manner , he takes his operation . This Prognostication , vprightly said , Is to deeme thinges , before they be made : By Constellation and Astrouomy , Of Planets and Starres fixt in the sky . Because therein we know our part , As very studious in that goodly Art : Secret with God , familiar aboue , And to our Brethren of very perfect loue . We haue compast this Prognostication , That doth extend to euery other Nation : Yet wish wee good and euer shall , Vnto this Real me and in especiall , The natiue Countrey and breeder of our blood , Doth cause vs still to wish it more good : But certainely this is sure for euer , Which shall last , three dayes after neuer . Yet is it not Euangely ▪ nor Bible , Nor other thing impossible : And when you haue the matter examined , If yee beleeue it not , yee shall not be damned , W. W.

Concerning the Eclipse . PErusing the olde and auncient Doctors , I speake neither of Pedlers nor Proctors : This yeare shall be a kinde of Eclips , Because the Carters doe occupy Whips . Yet an aspect there shal be that men shall sure dye , The Deafe shall not heare , nor the Blinde see : But when it shall bee in all or in part , If I can tell , I beshrew my heart . Albeit in some place it may be totall , For they that are starke blinde shall not see at all . Yet for all that by Albumazare : My Lord Maiors Horse is not Iohn Cookes Mare . But , what is Iohn Cookes Mare e're the warse , If yee take vp her tayle and kisse her ( - ) This Aspect I tell you doth signifie plaine That the 9th. of Aprill it may chance to raine : And therefore Shrouetide doth also show , That by the colde of the ayre it is like to Snow . So that many shall wish and also desire , To warme them if they could get any Fire . For Aries and Taurus haue hurt their knees , With the push of their Hornes , in the midst of the Skies . And Virgo waxt wanton for ioy of Gemini , Swearing and staring , that she incontinently , Will married be to the man in the Moone : Without delay , the next day after-noone . Then Sagitarius , with his bowe bent : Thought in his anger , to make some shent , Drew foorth a shaft , and shor so neere the marke , That he gaue the end of February such a yarke , So that he was glad , to leape ouer one , For else if he had stood , thousands had bin gone , And thus by the discord and disdaine , That is among them , we finde it plaine . Whereby we note , many great wonders , That may hap this yeare , by tempest and Thunders ▪ Yet shall not fiers be great this yeare : By reason that Billets and Coles be so deare . Notwithstanding , I intend as neere as I can : To tell you of thinges that shall hap now and than , Which surely yet , ere the yeare haue his race , Yee shall see some of them hap and take place . By this yee may see , the change of the Moone : Shall change before , after , or iust at Noone . As for other Coniunctions they shall bee , Euen when it pleaseth the Trinitie .

Of the foure Quarters of the Yeare . NOW if we may be so bolde with the Carters , This yeare doubtlesse shall haue foure Quarters . Prime time , Sommer , Haruest , and Winter , And thereto hath granted Master Iohn Spinter . We finde by the calculation of the Sphaere : That you shall haue foure Termes this yeare . Two in Winter , and two in Sommer , Wherein many honest men haue great comber . If our diuination seeme not worth a straw : Then aske our Masters , the men at the Law . Which had rather heare of Westminster Hall : Then to reade the Pistles of Saint Paul . These Quarters in deed , shall make such variety : Some Drunken men , wot not where they be . As for the Weather , it shall be mutable , And Womens mindes much variable . Winter colde , and Sommer hot : Sometimes it shall raine , and sometimes not . Sometimes Snowe , except great maruaile : Sometimes Mist , and sometimes Haile . Yea , and the Planets shall cause such weather , That it shall shine , and raine altogether : But where , and when , and how it shall be , In what part and Coast of each Countrey : By Taurus and Pisces , I finde it perfectly , When it comes you shall know as well as I.

Of the Spring . YEt in some part of the Spring season , Folkes will make pottage , as I thinke with Peason Whereupon Virgo , as Clerkes doe finde : Shall be much giuen , to Thunder and winde . One reason is , which Doctors doe marke well , Milke shall not be so deare as Muskadell . Venus shall haue so strong a regiment , That some shall need to be shriuen in Lent . Notwithstanding I feele , some Doctors doe vary Vpon this Text , Nihil argent marie . How if that Aprill had hapt in May , Ostlers should make but small bottles of Hay . Also it had beene a hot yeare for Bees , For then had the Moone been like a greene Cheese .

Of Sommer . AFter the Spring-time Sommer comes in , And long before Winter it doth begin . This yeare they say it will begin in Iune , Then shall they goe barefoot , that doe lack shoone . Be it moyst or dry , it proceeds of the ayre , But if it be not soule it shall be faire . In Sommer the Sunne such heate shall giue , That none may take vp water with a Siue . Yet if the Moone keepe her course aright : The Sunne with vs shall not shine at midnight . For Mars is rough , and Venus is milde , And therefore an olde Knaue is no Childe . When the Sunne and Moone are in Coniunction , Hard hearted folkes shall want compunction . But when the Sunne is in opposition , Many shall be full of bad condition , Diuers of the Planets are inclined to heate , Men shall not be colde as long as they sweate . For diuers Planets raigneth in this place and that , Which I would tell you , if I knew where or what . And though Cancer be crooked , yet as I weene , In most parts Sommer shall be greene . But considering the heate , some will not shrinke , To spend the most part of their thrist in drinke , For Cancer and Leo by my Calculation , Be great signes of inebriation .

Of Haruest . SVch as play good husbands in the Prime , I trust shall haue Corne in Haruest time . There shall be more Corne I put you out of doubt , Vnthresht , and growing the Fields throughout : Then all the Bakers in London haue In their possession , so God me saue . There shall be such plenty , thankes be to God , Of Corne and Straw full many a lode : That all the men which be liuing this day , ( In London ) shall not eate it I say . But if Palme Sunday should fall in Haruest , Then were a blacke Sheepe a perilous beast . Therefore Aquarius must take some paine : Still in the Firmament to remaine . For if it should chance the Skies to fall , We should haue Larkes , the Diuell and all . Wherefore both by reason and by Law : A sore scabd tayle , is shrewd to claw . And by Libra I finde , that about Haruest : The Sunnes going downe , shall be in the West . And as you may say , on Ptolomeus mouth : That the North Pole , is not in the S outh , And by Mars it appeareth , I may tell you : That an Ape is no Owle , nor an Oxe a Cow . So when the Cat is gone , the Mouse may goe play : And if they did not well , I pray God we may .

Of Winter . WHen Sommer and Autumne are both gone , Then will the Winter be heere anon : So doe I thinke , yee are like to finde , In this Winter some rayne , some snow , and some winde . For such is the coniecture of Doctors olde , How that naked people , are like to be a colde : But Ptolome of all men , hath good opinion , That rosted Mutton is good meate with an Onion . Yet as Libra and Scorpio doth passe , All-Hallowtide shall be after Michaelmasse . Well nigh fiue weekes master Iohn Spooner , Hath made it sure , it shall be no sooner . So when Scorpio hath once begun , It may fortune to Snow , ere the Winter be don . And when Sol is entred into Capricorne , I doubt not , but some Children shall be borne , Most maruailously , with guts in their wombes , And most of them all , shall haue two thumbes : For if the Sextile proceed & reliqua , Then take heed of seque altra , But say Prolomeus what him lust , You shall finde it true , durt is no dust . How be it , all may not haue their wills , For the Moone is higher then Maluerne hills ▪ Yet by reason of the strong effect , Of Saturne and Mars , in their trine Aspect . Many a blast shall blow , of full sower winde , For both men and women haue holes behinde : How be it , that is not so great a matter , For men when they pisse , must needs make water . So that to conclude , of the whole yeare , There be foure Quarters in the fallow Deere . As Michaelmas , Christmas , and our Lady in Lent , And welcome home at Midsommer . A yeare well spent .

Of the twelue Monthes . AS Astronomers doe conclude and say , In the reckoning the Night with the Day : Though there were xij . Months in the yeare before . Yet this yeare shall haue twice sixe , no more . And euery Month containeth foure Weekes , Because in Lent they make pottage with Leekes . By the house of Saturne which I haue cast , I tolde you before , that yesterday is past . And whether it chance to shine or to raine , It is too late to call yesterday againe . This yeare shall be some mystes in the Skyes , And Raisins sometimes shall be in Minc'd Pyes , Also come it late or come it soone : Euery Month once shall change the Moone . By Mars and Mercury sometime I finde , That there must be great store of winde : For men and women when they haue well dinde , Shall haue no power to holde fast behinde . The blast shall be boysterous , bigge and outragious : Whereby the ayre must needes be contagious , And except God worke by his great grace , The winde shall not alway stand still in one place . Sometimes the blasts shall be pretie and soft : And sometimes of force they shall come aloft . But if the blasts breake out beyond the brinke , The clouds cannot be cleansed but the ayre must stinke . But some at me might haue great wonder , Why I declare nothing of thunder . Of Haile , of Fire , of Lightning and Cloudes , Of great tempest and raging flouds . Ye shall perceiue and vnderstand : That it may hap to Thunder in the lowe land . Such claps , that he that by the way goes , Shall be constrained to stop his nose . And in some places , shall be such Haile , That the Colliers horse may lacke his taile . Some Doctors thinke , great fires shall not be , And I am of that opinion truly . My reason is , that fewell and Cole , Is not so lightly giuen by dole . Yet the weather may hap to be so warme , That a good fire cannot doe any harme . Yet the fire may be so hote in some house , That some shall be burnt with a Winchester Goose. As touching Lightning , who will wish worse , Of all mischiefes then an emptie Purse . Which where it dwelleth , is so light of thought , That he that lacketh money shall goe for nought : And touching tempests , it shall not be behinde , The Weather-cocke of Paules , had his nose in the winde . Marriners and Wherrie-men , that rowe on the Thames , Shall not be able to saue them from the Sunne beames . Theeues shall not be angrie , when the Dogge barkes : If the Element fall , we shall lacke no Larkes : Such shall be the tempest in many places , That men for debt , dare not shew their faces . By Venus and Virgo , it appeareth plaine , That enuious persons , shall be full of disdaine : Great trees shall fall downe out of doubt , If they be hewen downe , or pluckt vp by the roote . Corne shall not be reaped , but where it is sowne , Hay is no Hay , except it be mowne : Flowers on the earth , and fruit on the trees , Geese , Capons , Duckes , Hennes nor Bees . The tempest this yeere , may chaunce not bite ▪ If wiues keepe their Chickens from the Kite : But now the nature , of each moneth to showe , In a generall rule , here shall ye know . Sometime perchance the winde shall blow . Sometime it shall be calme and still , I trow : Sometime the Sunne shine , raine , haile and snow , And sometime in the Ayre , perchance a rainbowe . Sometime a cloud or mist , sometime cleare aire , Sometime foule weather , and sometime faire : In euery moneth of the yeare throughout , One or other of these , shall happen out of doubt . Sauing I gather , by one signe or other , Little Snow or none shall fall at Midsommer : Sauing also this yeere Capricorne , Biddeth some folkes to beware the horne : For if Mars and Taurus in one circle meete , The Moone may hap to shine in Watling streete . Then the Cocke crew , and then it was day , The Bullock broke loose , and the rope ranne away .

Of dearth and scarcity . BY the operation of them before said , The diligent working of the starres well wayed : This yeere shall be plenty , and good cheape of Flies , Of trifles for women , of gaudes and of lyes . Also great plenty of hunger and colde , Nakednesse , wearinesse , small thrift of olde : Harbourlesse , Idlenesse , Pride and Nicenesse , Shall be seene in many , that vse much precisenesse . Little worke , losse of time , scoffing and mocking : Plenty of quarrelling , and of Gamesters flocking ; Purse-picking , robbing , murther and hanging : Debt and slow payment , pledging and selling : Little trust , ill will , vsurie and pilling : With dispossessing , briberie and polling , Shall raigne this yeare in euery quarter : He shall know more , that comes hereafter , Also by the enticement , and working of Sathan , This yeare shall be scarcenesse , deny this who can , The want of good liuing , grace and mercy , Of loue and true faith , of peace and of pitty . Of friendship , of ioy , of truth and of concords : Of neighbourhood , wealth of good works in Landlords : Of visiting the sicke , the prisoner and lame , The blinde , deafe and dumb , and the Lepers by name : Of fatherlesse and strangers , small hospitality , Of almes , of good counsell , of iustice and equality : Of newnesse of life , and reconciliation , Of holinesse , forgiuing , and restauration : Of righteousnesse , and the true seruing of God , I doubt all vertues , and these are all odd . Money with many , this yeare shall be dainty , But they shall lack nothing , that haue great plenty . Therefore who so hath spent their thrift in waste , By the course of stars , they shall haue leaue to fast . For Iupiter shewes in the ascendent , That nought is left , when all is spent : Yet is not that much against Ptolomea , That there shall be store of water in the Sea . And I finde by Ptolomeus Almegests , That many loue well to goe to good feasts : But such as can get , neither bread nor meate , Shall be full hungry , when they would faine eate . Yet some through hunger , shall not looke so pale , But others shall looke as red with good Ale : Now because rich men haue store of money , Gall is not all thing so sweet as Honey . Good sayings and doings shall be deere , For charity is laid vp , till another yeere : And if it be true , that I haue heard tolde , Malice is feruent , and charity colde . But there shall be plenty , I dare well say , Of showers in Aprill , and flowers in May : Yet Libra in her Equilibri pendent , Sheweth , that for default of Argent , Many will be slacke to pay their rent , Wherefore of their Landlords they shall be shent : Some-where there shall be so hote rost , That such as come late , must kisse the post . And some-wher e shall be such plenty of Fish , That some shall be faine to licke the dish : Priests of their Tithes , shall be loath to want , And Latine among them , shall be very scant . For scarce one among tenne on a cluster , Shall be able to conster their Pater noster . Such as haue enough , shall haue more still , And such as nought haue , shall want their will . As for Corne and victuall , I put no doubt , Shall be plenty and good , all England throughout : Except the great Snudges cause a dearth , For neuer was there fairer seene on earth . And because that Fishmongers pare their Fish , Ye shall haue of Gubbins a plentifull dish . Fruit enough scant , ye shall haue this yeare , That is to say , Plums , Apples and Peare . Walnuts , small Nuts of all sorts , Because Boyes will haue them , for their comforts : Corne shall be scant , if that it lacke price , And Cattell shall be deare , if the Market arise . Because greedinesse with many doth grudge , Neuer ruled with reason , like a couetous Saudge : Not caring if thousands doe perish with paine , So all things proceede , to his owne priuate gaine . Beefe , Mutton , Veale , Capon , and Coney , This yeare get ye none , except ye haue money : All other things shall be at the same price , Except onely Cats , Rats and Mice . Ye shall haue plenty of Brawne and of Sowce , For euery good Taylor shall kill a great Lowse . Though Monkes and Friers be not in Cloysters , Yet may there be at Belingsgate plenty of Oysters . In Lent shall be larges of red Herrings and Sprats , But without money ye get neither Caps nor Hats . So shall be Mackrels and Playse , if the winde serue , Soone set and sharpe teeth , both they quickly carue : This yeare shall youth loue Apples and Peares , So shall some loue to goe together by the eares : Which is by reason , the Doctors strongly admit , That fooles this yeare shall haue but little wit : Yet fooles haue good fortune , I cannot denie , Though they haue no more wit then they occupie , And though Quailes this yeare be very dainty , Yet it is to be thought , we shall haue Woodcocks plenty : And rifer then either Capon or Goose , For some shall haue Woodcocks at home in their house . Wherefore I say some shall want , and some haue , And all because some will spend , and some will saue . But he that hath all thing , nothing shall lacke , And he that hath nothing , shall goe to wracke : In the heat of Sommer , many shall thinke , That Claret wine with Borage , is a cup of good drinke . Reapers and Rakers , of Corne and of Hay , Shall haue but little to doe , betweene this and May : In Haruest poore men may chance to lacke Sithes , But this yeare Priests must haue plenty of Tithes .

Of the Complexions . OF Complexions truly to speake , Some be strong , and some be weake : Some be in a meane , betweene them both , Some to doe well , are very loth . Some men that shall be brought vp in Schooles , Shall in conclusion be starke fooles : For Saturne , Mercurie , Sol and Venus , Iupiter , Pisces , and Aquarius : Declare by seuerall constellations , That naughty knaues will vse naughty fashions : If any of the starres breake their olde rate , Then God giue you good morrow at Algate . If cholloricke this yeere will not be irefull , Hasty , ambicious , and desirefull : Then shall the complexion Melancholick , Neuer be disposed to be frantick . Nor the Sanguine lusty , ioyous and pleasant , But the Phlegmatick , actiue , fresh and pregnant : This yeare through celestiall influence , A good halfe groat shall be worth two pence . One thing there is that maketh me sad , All cunning Cutpurses shall be starke mad : This yeare their Science shall sore decay , And all their liberties taken away . For where they were wont to be burnt in the hand , Being taken now , they must be hang'd . Fooles this yeare shall not be wise , But yet faire Maydens will be nice : Wiues to their husbands shall be obedient , In all things that doe themselues content . Nor will giue them an ill word without doubt , At least-wise if their tongues be cut out : Otherwise of the matter I take no charge , For Ptolomie speaketh of starres at large .

Of sicknesse and diseases . THis yeare , such as be sicke in deede , Of good Physitians shall haue neede : Therefore of all aspects , let folkes take heede , For many shall drinke , more then they shall bleede , And some through Mercurie without doubt , Shall lye in Newgate , that would faine be out . And most part of folkes shall haue such qualmes , That very few shall lust to giue any almes : Some shall wish to haue againe that they haue spent , Few this yeare with pouerty will be content : Yet this disease is like to raigne so sore , That Beggers shall goe from dore to dore : Some wanting money , shall both ban and curse , That the deuill hath roome to dance in their purse : Such as can the Cardes and Dice well handle , When their money is lost , may hold the Candle . Some shall be driuen through ache in their heads , To lye on Benches , for lacke of beds . This Sommer ensuing shall raigne such a disease , That many shall not sleepe in their beds for Fleas . Many shall be sicke , and brought so bare , They shall grope in their purses , and finde nothing there : Some doe beleeue that in one moneth or other , One man will not stick to deceiue his brother . Such a common disease in Towne and Citie , Shall raigne this yeare , the more is the pitie : That some shall be brought solowe and downe , They shall not be able to change a crowne . Other shall sing such a wofull note , They shall not be able to change a groat : Yet shall some of them be out-craked , But for their cloathes they might goe naked . For many that dwell in a poore Cottage , For lacke of meate , would eate good Pottage : And all is by reason that this yeare , All things shall be cheape , but money shall be deare . Butchers shall haue great paine and griefe , Because they cannot sell dearer their Biefe : Which makes many for lack of brawne and mustard , To abhorre the eating of Tart and Custard . Some say it is by reason of the Moone , Many shall sup their Pottage , for lacke of a spoone , Others say , because the signes be in such heat , The people would fare well , if they could get meat . Some shall say truth , and some shall goe by gesse : And other some shall goe to bed supperlesse . After their first sleepe , they shall be striken with hunger , They would refuse neither Capon or Cunger . Some ere they be wise , will needes be wed , And some wiues shall leade their Mates drunke to bed : Other some shall be so sore agast , They shall be faine for lacke of meate to fast . Some shall fast , and some shall pray , And some surely cannot tell what to say . Some shall be vp , and some shall be downe , Some shall dwell in the Countrey , and some in the Towne . Some shall haue an horrible colde , That with other mens wiues they will be bolde . This yeare shall be many builders , So shall some father , other mens childers : In some place there shall be some folke , That with their wiues kindnesse their shoulders shall smoke , Remedie none , but patience perforce , The gray Mare sometime is the better Horse , As for the Frensie , Pockes , Iaunders and Piles , Many shall haue sore Kibes in their heeles : Little money , lesse meate , nakednesse and such , Is thought by the Doctors , shall raigne too much . The Gout , the Grauell , and the greene sicknesse , The Morphew , the Measels , and other madnesse : As aches and Agues , and all other disease , Shall raigne no more , then God doth please , This yeare in Rome shall be great mone , That Monkes and Friers , in England shall be none : And the Papists they shall sigh and grone , That Gogmagog their Grandsire thus is gone . Soules in Purgatorie shall meruaile much , Why Pardons doe not better keepe touch : They shall feare least Lobcock their Pope be dead , For lacke of his Bulles , vnder Waxe and Lead . Iesu Christi Amen Aue Italia de malo pena , Papa noster qui es in Roma , Malo diciter tuum nomen . Some wiues with Agues shall shake so sore , That their husbands are like to smart therefore : And some wiues for the Eclipse that last was , Will make their husbands heads ring to Masse . Schollers also shall haue sheepe-biters lookes , With taking surfeit at their bookes : Maydens also if they chance to doe ill , Will say it was against their will . But Venus will neuer let them alone , Vntill she haue brought them in case to grone : Therefore Libra ( when women looke sickly ) Must way the matter somewhat likely . For Aries , Taurus , and Capricorne , Wil make them cry alas , that euer they were borne . Likewise through small wit , and feeble braine , This yeare strange and wilde sicknesse shall raigne . Among the people that is phrenzie , This disease shall be in the head perdie : Another sicknesse goeth therewith among , Called quicke Palsie , that visiteth the tongue : And the property of this Palsie is such , It maketh the tongue to shake and wagge much . To babble , to prattle , to flout , and such like , The body thereby is made hanging ripe : As farre as I vnderstand by this Art , It shall raigne in women for the most part . Many that ouer-night haue drunke ouer deepe , Shall be so dry after their first sleepe : That in the morning as soone as they be vp , They will get betweene the wall and the cup. Some shall haue so great a desire , That they shall be cold for lacke of fire . Some in their Kitchin shall haue such smoke , That their eyes shall water of their Wiues stroke : As for other sicknes , that God doth send , When it pleaseth him , shall both begin and end .

Of Peace and Warre . COncerning Peace , yee shall vnderstand , It shall be kept , by Sea and by Land : Betweene those bodies , that now be dead And them yet aliue , shall striue for no bread . Also it shall rayne this yeare I doe trust With all quiet people , whose liuing is iust . As touching Warres , contention and strife , This yeare indeed shall be very rife . The greatest Combate that is like to be , Is betwixt the Flesh and the Spirit truely : This battaile so sore , shall be fought indeed , That hard it will be , to know who shall speed . Another there is , much like to the same , Betwixt the vngodly , in liuing past shame : This battaile and strife , shall rise by three , By Enuy , Iealousie , and ill Husbandry . These be the Captaines , that shall cause the fighting Brawling , quarrelling , scratching and biting : But in the end , by Sathan the Deuill , Women shall haue the victory with the foule euill .

Of Inundations and Floods . YEE shall vnderstand , by Couetous deuise , Water shall breake their bounds and arise Into many Ale-fats , and Beere-fats indeed , Besides Tunnes and Tubs , and Barrels for need . And into Milke-pots , Creame-pots , and other , Wine-pots nor pottage-pots , shall escape neither , Except good Conscience put in his foote , We may curse Couetous , to the heart roote . We are like to haue , this yeare for a truth , Small drinke and watry , which is great ruth : Thin Milke , thin Creame , and thin pottage thereto , If all Bookes agree , as some other doe . The rayne in like manner , shall keepe him aloft , The winde is not able , to bid him soft : So that there shall raine , in very great routs , Many Beggers , and Bawdes , Sluts , Slouins , and Louts , Whoores , Thieues and sluggerds , proude Parrats and pyes , With a sort of fine shrewes , or else the booke lyes . Beside the twenty fiue orders of Knaues , Rogues and Ruffians , and paliardly slaues .

Of them that be borne vnder the Planets . BVt now to treate of the Planets seauen , I finde not by them , what is done in Heauen : The most that I know , of them in this case , Is , that they neuer stand still in one place . But vnder them many mad thinges be wrought , And God aboue knowes , euery mans thought . By Aquarius I finde this yeere , Brewers shall put too much liquor in their Beere : And Vintners also will not swerue in fine , For mingling and mixing , water 'mongst Wine : Couetous men shall be in such a fury , That he that lacketh money , can not be merry . Which shall engender , such a burning heate , That many shall couet thinges , they cannot get : Vsurers shall be in such a rage , That olde people shall dote for age . Therefore when the Sunne is in Capricorne , Then shall not the Euentide be the Morne : But when into Aries , entred is the Moone , Then iust at midday , shall be high Noone : Whereby it appeareth , as a plaine matter , Most men thinkes , wine is better then water : But the foure windes neuer agreed worse , For except each body shut well his Purse . One shall not afore blowe such a blast , But another behinde shall blowe out as fast : Thus Touche la maine & fait a bon chere , When ye are gone , then are ye not here . Now that ye may know them in especiall , We will speake of them in generall .

Of the Saturnistes .

WHere Saturnus is chiefe dominator , No foole this yeare shall be a good Orator . Mercurie combust , sheweth a cause why : A foole he was borne , and a foole he shall dye . It should seeme also by Ptolomeus text : Such as dye this yeare , shall not dye the next . For the Coniunction of Luna and Sol , Will make in England many a drunken noll. If Venus to Mercurie make her aspect , Many sicke folke will be infect . That people shall dote for age that be olde , And such as be burned , shall not die for colde : But whether the people doe better or worse , Saturne I suppose , will keepe his owne course . And he would men should rather ride then goe , But I say hastie men shall neuer want woe : For if that all men did vse for to ride , It should greatly hinder Graues-end tide . If the Sunne be vp . men shall see it shine , In all quarters , except they be blinde : And although that Cloudes doe couer his beates , Yet may Oyster-boates come vpon Thames .

Of the Iouistes .

BEcause of Iupiter , it doth appeare , That each man would gladly prosper this yeare : But Saturne and Pisces declareth againe , That some shall attempt , many things in vaine . Church-men shall prosper and haue good lucke , Because they are willing to goe to their booke , Whose good deuotion shall be so seruent , They shall haue no power , to refuse preferment . Bishops and Prelates shall doe very well , If they take paines to preach the Gospell . And if they truly declare the letter , I trust they shall prosper much the better , As for Archdeacon , Prouost and Deane : Will take fat Benefices rather then leane . But as for other Priests euery one , Will take three Benefices rather then none . Sauing that Aries putteth out of doubt , That such as can get none , must goe without . And after they haue this life once forsake , They will no more worldly promotion take . Iudges , and Lawyers , and other Officers , Shall doe as they haue done other yeeres : Except they feede them with gold and groates , The men of Law shall haue sore throates . And their tongues I warrant you , shall be lame , Wherefore Libra must your matter frame .

Of the Marcialists .

MARS is the God of battaile and strife : That doth he feele , that hath a curst wife . Therefore good Warriers that to the field doe goe , Shall giue or take blowes , if they come thereto . They shall not shrinke for winde and raine , But for the Princes cause gladly take paine , To doe their King and Countrey good , They will be ready to spend their heart blood . Schollers with their Maisters will make many a fray But the Boyes will beare the stripes away . I finde by the aspect of Mars and Virgo , Some Dames shall worke their Maydens woe . For Sol and Luna shall shine so bright , That they shall finde faults both day and night . And Saturne in his sircle sheweth plaine , That Maydes ere they mend one fault will make twaine , Great death of Innocents Mars doth intend , That neuer did speake ill word or offend . Which is to declare without long preambles , I doe remit you to the Shambles .

Of the Solistes .

ALL matters that are wrought vnder the Sunne , Shall end the better if they be well begun . For the Sunne this yeare by Gods might and grace Shall shine and giue light in many a place . The day shall be longer , if men be in heale : In Sommer , then in Winter by a great deale . Yet Albumazar saith full like a Clarke , When the Sunne is gone downe , it will be darke . The blinde men this yeare by helpe of the Moone , Shall see as well at midnight as at noone . Kings , Princes , and Lords of might , This yeare shall see the Sunne giue light . Except the Cloudes couer his beames , Or else it shall shine in all Christian Realmes .

Of the Children of Venus .

VEnus in the Eclips declareth newes : That few honest women shall dwell in the Stewes . Therefore who this yeare loueth in hast , May hap to repent , ere the yeare be past . For Venus and Sol are inclined to heate : So Stockfish is not toothsome except it be beate . Crafty men this yeare shall be very subtill , And so shall many women be fraile and brittle . Louers shall burne in heate for Larkes , But one thing shall happen whosoeuer markes . That men in many places if they hit rightly , Shall fall in fauour with some women quickly . And women shall loue more then their bellies will hold , But hot loue this yeare will be soone cold . The children of Venus shall prosper but little , Because that Lazars shall be in the Spittle . Some children of Venus shall burne in such loue , For euery hand they will haue a fit Gloue . Some will loue more then a thousand fold , And some if they might haue more they would . Yet some by Venus promoted shall bee , To haue a roome at three cranes in the Vintree . And because some folke loue so hot , Fooles bolts this yeare will be soone shot .

Of the Marcurialistes .

MErcurie is patron of buyers and sellers : Pillers , Bribers , lyers and Tale-tellers . Some shall be no gladder , tales to beare : Then other shall be to giue them care . But such as can vse the same thing well : Shall surely to Heauen if they scape Hell . Aduocates , Orators , Proctors and Scribes , Shall be sore tempted to take bribes . Albeit the Eclipse past declareth plaine , Where ye suspect them of one they will take twaine . Physitians this yeare great cures shall haue , And such shall escape as pleaseth God to saue . Surgeons , Poticaries , and other such : Shall gaine by selling little for much . For some of them will sell for a pound , That cost them nought but taking from the ground . Men shall sell wares at sundry prices : And some Grocers I thinke shall sell Spices . Mercers shall vtter Sattin , and other silke , Bucause the Wiues of I slington sell Milke . And because therewith they make Furmenty . Lice with Beggers shall not be dainty . And because they make their Cheese with Curdes , Women this yeare will be full of wordes : Painters this yeare ( if they lift ) may goe play , Women can paint and make themselues gay . Caruers , Goldsmithes , Taylers and Glasiers , Broderers , Painters , Writers and deuisers : By force of Mercury in the last Eclipsall , Shall this yeare be very fantasticall . Aduocates , as Sergeants at the Law , Shall say nothing for loue nor for awe . Except they be waged for Siluer and Golde , They will for sake neither new nor olde . In each other Science I dare well say , Many will be doing speed as they may .

Of the Lunatistes .

BEcause the Moone is moyst and colde , They that dye young , shall neuer be olde . Some men this yeare , shall sayle into Spaine And some perchance , neuer returne againe . The Eclips in this case , puts out of doubt : That some fresh beggers will play banckrout . They that spend great sommes shal be at great cost : And Neptune shall cause some Ships to be lost . As touching the Eclips past we cannot see , How an Owle should a Nightingale be . Therefore we will not our braines breake , Of thinges we know not any more to speake . For though our learning be not small , Yet we Prognosticators know not all . Wherefore with vs no rare thing it is , Now and then to lye and say amisse . I finde by the Moone and the seauen Starres , That Porters in London shall lacke no Carres . They that be Lunaticke shall be in a mad case , And they that be vnthrifty shall sure want grace . In nights by Moonshine men shall goe aright , If they lacke not their limbes , nor their eye-sight . Martiners shall be lucky to sayle into all-Lands , If their Ships chance not , to sticke in the sands . The Moone as no maruaile shall seeme very greene , To them that the Moone before hath not seene . Some shall goe drunke to bed , before the Moone be vp , And some shall not loue to drinke of a dry Cup. Messengers wits shall be so farre spent , They sometimes shall forget wherfore they be sent . If mad-men this yeare be as mad as Hartes , Then mad-men shall surely play mad-mens partes . To declare any further the Eclips of the Moone , We can doe no more then we haue done . The fashions of vs Prognosticators euer was , To speake of some things that neuer come to passe , Therefore when you shall our falshood espy , Doe no more but giue vs a little leaue to lye .

Of Earthquakes and Thunder . THis yeare because some vnthrifts lacke grace , A meruailous thing is a wonderous case . If Venus doe raigne , except great wonder , Some Maydes will be afraid of Thunder . For if such a toy come in their heads , They will lye on the ground for lacke of beds . Also now and then , for Mars and Venus sake , In some Countries may happen an Earthquake . This yeare shall befall a wonderous case , Saint Stephens day shall fall in Christmas . And except the greater hast be made , Newyeares day shall keepe his olde trade . Then shall rich men haue presents and guifts : Where the poore shall be put to their olde shifts . Wherefore this yeare take heed to your Bees , For Peares and Apples shall growe on Trees . The Moone when it hath made a course , Shall change ere Forty dayes ye passe . Or else we shall be all the worse , That are already in an euill case : If your intent be spirituall , Begin to flatter and lye apace . The Court of Rome I haue heard say , Is not corrupt with Simony : But if that men list to assay ; There is nothing too deare for money . Of Benefices shall fall this yeare , In many places and not to be solde : But I am sure they shall be deare , And changed for no worse then golde . Certaine Bishops in commandement , Shall counsaile Priests to leaue their sinne : Men shall maruaile what they ment , And say that they did first begin . Pheachers of Gods Lawes , Shall rebuke our negligence : We shall say they be Dawes , What auailes such audience ? These fat Monckes , and rich Abbies , Men shall make of them great wonder : But when good House-keeping decayes , How many men shall sterue for hunger ? Fryers and Nunnes shall ioyne in one , It is no maruaile what I say : For it is hard to liue alone , If they can finde another way . Of Abstinence we must speake a little , And of Obedience ( Nihil : ) For Chastity hath lost her stile , And Vertue driuen to exile . Now of the Temporall I say , A Stella Cometa shall raigne : And cause them wander euery day , And know not how to ease the paine . Mars menaceth great debate , If Venus bring this geere to passe : I haue not seene such sodaine hate , Where so much loue before time was . There is like to be maruailes , Who liues shall see the same : But if you aske , I know not yet , It is good to be out of blame . Poore folke that haue nothing , God shall giue them leaue to fast : As I finde by writing , Because they haue spent much in wast . Physitions great Cures shall haue , And wisely looke them vpon : For golde and siluer they will men saue , But very few shall scape or none . Pothicaries shall be very rich , By Sirrups , Oyles , and Confections : And cause poore men to pay too much , For that , that shall cause infections . All Handy-crafts I tell you sure , Shall counterfeit , and marre it cleane : That was before good to endure , Shall now be scantly worth a Beane . May dens shall be very nice , But secretly if I shall speake : The greater part shall all be vice , It is a purpose hard to breake . Wiues shall be obedient , As any Waspe I dare well say : And neuer easie to content , Except their tongues be cut away . And because some on the Sea haue had losse , This yeare shall be Sermons at Pauls Crosse. And if it happen the Curlue to be a Quaile , Then shall the greene Mare haue a blew taile . Many great workes shall be taken in hand , In Italy and each other land . And women therein shall take great paine , As much for pleasure as for gaine . Yea many gorgious and gallant Girles , And lusty women set with Pearles . Shall put their body in a readinesse , To labour in vile businesse , They shall desire aboue all things , That they might be mens vnderlings . But because men cut their meate with kniues , Some shall haue much a-doe to rule their wiues . For Saturne and Venus such course haue taken , That most part of women shall be shrew shaken , Yet for that good Housewiues doe spin Flax , Many this yeare shall shite worse then wax . And because the singing men deuide their notes , Many a good Horse shall be fed with Oates . And what though a Noble be woorth xx groates , Yet euery man shall not haue two coates . Black cloath this yeare shall be so deere , Throughout all England , as shall appeare , That as you walke through euery streete , You shall be sure not to meete Two women cloathed in a gowne , Of colour black , or colour browne , Although sicke folkes heads doe ake , Yet you shall see few dead men quake . Some shall be sick neuer the latter , With biles and botches , and there riseth the matter . But whose eyes will serue him to looke so hie , In a cleare night , shall see starres in the skie .

Of Kings and Princes . WHat Kings and Princes shall doe this yeare , By processe of things , it shall appeare : If we could tell , it were much meruaile , For with none of them , we are of counsaile . But our assured trust and confidence is , That nothing in this Realme shall be amis : What else they shall doe this yeare , we cannot tell , For in Gods secrets , we were neuer seene so well . This Realme we trust , shall prosper and flourish , As well as wit can deuise , our hearts to nourish : In hope hereof , all true English men , With whole heart and minde , hereto say Amen ▪ To declare any further of their inclination , The nature , quality and operation : That the planets , signes , vertues , and of the Element , Are most inclined to this yeare present . We are not able further to say , But we beseech all men , feruently to pray : That all things may abound in the Common-wealth , And at our last ending , euerlasting health .

A Song . Kyrieeleyson sing wee , now merrily euery one , that honest mirth , is more worth , Then Siluer , Golde , or precious Stone , taking thought who list , for I will take none . ALL yee which be heere ▪ Vnto vs now draw neere : Drinke good Wine Ale , and Beere , Care not though Mault be deere . Learne this lesson at me first , He that drinketh well shall neuer dye for thirst . Kyrieeleyson sing we , &c. He that will not be glad , We count him worse then mad : As long liueth a merry lad , As he that will be sad . A light heart is the best Iewell , As Holy writ doth plainely tell . He is a Churle by kinde , That loueth no mirth to finde : And Death shall stop his winde , For all his subtill minde . Marke well and you shall see , That a Churle by kinde will neuer be free . Beggers loue brawling , And wretches loue wrawling : Cowards loue lawling , And grutchers still hawling . But they that loue their honesty , Will spend their money neighbourly . Therfore fill Glasse and Cup , And drinke them friendly vp : Drinke not a Niggards sup , Care not for worldly mucke . For this is true and euer shall , The longest liuer shall haue all . Therefore we count him wise , That will not make it nice : As soone as he doth rise , To take his Ale with Spice . As Ginger is wholsome and good , So good liquor nourisheth the blood . Once againe fill the Pot , And drinke we at the Let : And he that maketh the shot , Without a full good Pot. Be he neuer so deare a friend , Let him pay for all and there an end . FINIS .