registered by [3145]Hector Boethius
and [3146]Cardan, to be of fair complexion, long-lived, most healthful,
free from all manner of infirmities of body and mind, by reason of a sharp
purifying air, which comes from the sea. The Boeotians in Greece were dull
and heavy, _crassi Boeoti_, by reason of a foggy air in which they lived,
[3147]_Boeotum in crasso jurares aere natum_, Attica most acute, pleasant,
and refined. The clime changes not so much customs, manners, wits (as
Aristotle _Polit. lib. 6. cap. 4._ Vegetius, Plato, Bodine, _method. hist.
cap. 5._ hath proved at large) as constitutions of their bodies, and
temperature itself. In all particular provinces we see it confirmed by
experience, as the air is, so are the inhabitants, dull, heavy, witty,
subtle, neat, cleanly, clownish, sick, and sound. In [3148]Perigord in
France the air is subtle, healthful, seldom any plague or contagious
disease, but hilly and barren: the men sound, nimble, and lusty; but in
some parts of Guienne, full of moors and marshes, the people dull, heavy,
and subject to many infirmities. Who sees not a great difference between
Surrey, Sussex, and Romney Marsh, the wolds in Lincolnshire and the fens.
He therefore that loves his health, if his ability will give him leave,
must often shift places, and make choice of such as are wholesome,
pleasant, and convenient: there is nothing better than change of air in
this malady, and generally for health to wander up and down, as those
[3149]_Tartari Zamolhenses_, that live in hordes, and take opportunity of
times, places, seasons. The kings of Persia had their summer and winter
houses; in winter at Sardis, in summer at Susa; now at Persepolis, then at
Pasargada. Cyrus lived seven cold months at Babylon, three at Susa, two at
Ecbatana, saith [3150]Xenophon, and had by that means a perpetual spring.
The great Turk sojourns sometimes at Constantinople, sometimes at
Adrianople, &c. The kings of Spain have their Escurial in heat of summer,
[3151]Madrid for a wholesome seat, Valladolid a pleasant site, &c., variety
of _secessus_ as all princes and great men have, and their several
progresses to this purpose. Lucullus the Roman had his house at Rome, at
Baiae, &c. [3152]When Cn. Pompeius, Marcus Cicero (saith Plutarch) and many
noble men in the summer came to see him, at supper Pompeius jested with
him, that it was an elegant and pleasant village, full of windows,
galleries, and all offices fit for a summer hous