r Humphreys's words to be true
concerning John Booker, whom at that time I found but moderately versed
in astrology; nor could he take the circles of position of the planets,
until in that year I instructed him. After my _Introduction_ in 1647
became publick, he amended beyond measure, by study partly, and partly
upon emulation to keep up his fame and reputation; so that since 1647, I
have seen some nativities by him very judiciously performed. When the
printer presented him with an _Introduction_ of mine, as soon as they
were forth of the press; 'I wish,' saith he, 'there was never another
but this in England, conditionally I gave one hundred pounds for this.'
After that time we were very great friends to his dying day.

In June, 1644, I published _Supernatural Sight_; and, indeed, if I could
have procured the dull stationer to have been at charges to have cut the
_icon_ or form of that prodigious apparition, as I had drawn it forth,
it would have given great satisfaction; however, the astrological
judgment thereupon had its full event in every particular.

That year also I published the _White King's Prophecy_, of which there
were sold in three days eighteen hundred, so that it was oft reprinted:
I then made no commentary upon it.

In that year I printed the _Prophetical Merlin_, and had eight pounds
for the copy.

I had then no farther intention to trouble the press any more, but Sir
Richard Napper having received one of Captain Wharton's _Almanacks_ for
1645, under the name Naworth, he came unto me: 'Now, Lilly, you are met
withal, see here what Naworth writes.' The words were, he called me 'an
impudent senseless fellow, and by name William Lilly.'

Before that time, I was more Cavalier than Roundhead, and so taken
notice of; but after that I engaged body and soul in the cause of
Parliament, but still with much affection to his Majesty's person and
unto monarchy, which I ever loved and approved beyond any government
whatsoever; and you will find in this story many passages of civility
which I did, and endeavoured to do, with the hazard of my life, for his
Majesty: but God had ordered all his affairs and counsels to have no
successes; as in the sequel will appear.

To vindicate my reputation, and to cry quittance with Naworth, against
whom I was highly incensed, to work I went again for _Anglicus_, 1645;
which as soon as finished I got to the press, thinking every day one
month till it was publick: I therein ma