d, and
preaching of the starres: Which is deuided in two partes: The first by
knowing thereby the powers of simples, and sickenesses, the course of the
seasons and the weather, being ruled by their influence; which part
depending vpon the former, although it be not of it selfe a parte of
_Mathematicques_: yet it is not vnlawful, being moderatlie vsed, suppose
not so necessarie and commendable as the former. The second part is to
truste so much to their influences, as thereby to fore-tell what
common-weales shall florish or decay: what persones shall be fortunate or
vnfortunate: what side shall winne in anie battell: What man shall obteine
victorie at singular combate: What way, and of what age shall men die:
What horse shall winne at matche-running; and diuerse such like incredible
things, wherein _Cardanus_, _Cornelius Agrippa_, and diuerse others haue
more curiouslie then profitably written at large. Of this roote last
spoken of, springs innumerable branches; such as the knowledge by the
natiuities; the _Cheiromancie_, _Geomantie_, _Hydromantie_, _Arithmantie_,
_Physiognomie_: & a thousand others: which were much practised, & holden
in great reuerence by the _Gentles_ of olde. And this last part of
_Astrologie_ whereof I haue spoken, which is the root of their branches,
was called by them _pars fortunae_. This parte now is vtterlie vnlawful to
be trusted in, or practized amongst christians, as leaning to no ground of
natural reason: & it is this part which I called before the deuils schole.

PHI. But yet manie of the learned are of the contrarie opinion.

EPI. I grant, yet I could giue my reasons to fortifie & maintaine my
opinion, if to enter into this disputation it wold not draw me quite off
the ground of our discours; besides the mis-spending of the whole daie
thereupon: One word onely I will answet to them, & that in the Scriptures
(which must be an infallible ground to all true Christians) That in the
Prophet _Ieremie_ (M12) it is plainelie forbidden, to beleeue or hearken
vnto them that Prophecies & fore-speakes by the course of the Planets &
Starres.

Chap. V.

ARGVMENT.

_How farre the vsing of Charmes is lawfull or vnlawfull: The description
of the formes of Circkles and Coniurationes. And what causeth the_
Magicianes _themselues to wearie thereof_.

PHILOMATHES.

Wel, Ye haue said far inough in that argument. But how prooue ye now that
these charmes or vnnaturall practicques are vnlawfull: F