annot quite cure it, but it will return again more violent and sharp than
at first, and that upon every small occasion or error:" as in Mercury's
weather-beaten statue, that was once all over gilt, the open parts were
clean, yet there was _in fimbriis aurum_, in the chinks a remnant of gold:
there will be some relics of melancholy left in the purest bodies (if once
tainted) not so easily to be rooted out. [2728] Oftentimes it degenerates
into epilepsy, apoplexy, convulsions, and blindness: by the authority of
Hippocrates and Galen, [2729]all aver, if once it possess the ventricles of
the brain, Frambesarius, and Salust. Salvianus adds, if it get into the
optic nerves, blindness. Mercurialis, _consil. 20_, had a woman to his
patient, that from melancholy became epileptic and blind. [2730]If it come
from a cold cause, or so continue cold, or increase, epilepsy; convulsions
follow, and blindness, or else in the end they are moped, sottish, and in
all their actions, speeches, and gestures, ridiculous. [2731]If it come
from a hot cause, they are more furious, and boisterous, and in conclusion
mad. _Calescentem melancholiam saepius sequitur mania_. [2732]If it heat
and increase, that is the common event, [2733]_per circuitus, aut semper
insanit_, he is mad by fits, or altogether. For as [2734]Sennertus contends
out of Crato, there is _seminarius ignis_ in this humour, the very seeds of
fire. If it come from melancholy natural adust, and in excess, they are
often demoniacal, Montanus.

[2735]Seldom this malady procures death, except (which is the greatest,
most grievous calamity, and the misery of all miseries,) they make away
themselves, which is a frequent thing, and familiar amongst them. 'Tis
[2736]Hippocrates' observation, Galen's sentence, _Etsi mortem timent,
tamen plerumque sibi ipsis mortem consciscunt_, _l. 3. de locis affec. cap.
7._ The doom of all physicians. 'Tis [2737]Rabbi Moses' Aphorism, the
prognosticon of Avicenna, Rhasis, Aetius, Gordonius, Valescus, Altomarus,
Salust. Salvianus, Capivaccius, Mercatus, Hercules de Saxonia, Piso, Bruel,
Fuchsius, all, &c.

[2738] "Et saepe usque adeo mortis formidine vitae
Percipit infelix odium lucisque videndae,
Ut sibi consciscat maerenti pectore lethum."

"And so far forth death's terror doth affright,
He makes away himself, and hates the light
To make an end of fear and grief of heart,
He voluntary dies to ease his smart