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last all these glories were overcast with calamity, for when it seemed impossible to suppress him,
he fell into the hands of his enemies at a battle in the Country of Mediolanensi apud Cassianum,
and died wretched, and all his posterity was destroyed, not one of them remaining. In the same
manner there was in the Kingdom of Apulias of base descent, called Peter de Vinea: who when he
was a scholar at Bononia was forces to beg for his living, and had not bread to eat, yet was made a
notary, and after that Protonotary of the Court of the Emperor Frederick the Second; he became a
Judge and climbed to such grandeur, that he was happy that could obtain the least of his favour, for
whatever he did the Emperor would confirm; but himself would often set aside what had been
established by the Emperor, who made him Lord of Apulin; whereby he grew so rich, that he had
10,000 pounds of Gold besides other Treasures almost inestimable; yet in the end he fell, and was
reduced to such misery, that the Emperor ordered his eyes to be put out; enraged at which out of
mere indignation he struck out his own against a wall, as it was then commonly reported. Another
was at Pysa called Smerolus one of the drefs of the vulgar, who came to be, as it is said, Lord of
that Province: nor durst any of the nobility for a while contend with him; yet at last he came to
36
nothing. After whom one Gualduzius, a mean fellow, tapered up so high that he did as it were,
sway the whole city and none would contradict him, till Galyver, a Judge, caused him to be
chopped all to pieces. The same happened at Florylyciurn. One called Simon Mustaguere the son of
obscure Parents, who mounted so high that all the people adored him: nor durst any oppose him,
save only myself, who knew him thoroughly: and what mischief he could, he did at his pleasure for
three years space: but at last down he came being banished from the City which happened for the
odiousness of his person and cowardice. Another being a Friar of the Preaching Order, by name
John, by Nation Vicentinus, was admired as a Saint by all the Italians that acknowledged the
Roman Church; but I ever thought him an Hypocrite; he grew so high that he was reported to have
raised 18 from the Dead (though never one of them could be seem), and to cure all diseases, fright
Devils, etc., yet could I not perceive anybody freed by him, though I made much enquiry into his
miracles; however, the whole world seemed to run after him, and he thought himself happy that
could get a thread of his Cap. Which they esteemed equal with the relics of the Saints; and in his
preaching he would publicly boast, that he had Converse with Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and
Angels when he list. By which tricks, the Friars of his order at Sononia got more than 20,000
marks. And his power was so great that by his own will he released a Soldier as he was going to
Execution for Murder; Nor durst the Magistrates deny him, not speak ill of him but myself, who
knew all his wheadles and cozenages: for which the rabble, merely out of fear of him, reported me
an Heretic. In which esteem and pomp he continued above a hear, but at last went out like the snuff
of a candle, with a stink, his devices and hypocrisie being discovered, so that he became as
generally: and everybody was ashamed to be seen in his company.
142. l42nd Consideration is, To observe in Nativities and general questions, the gifts and good
advantages bestowed on men by the Planets: because those are applied more easily to them, and
continue longer extended to their successors, according as they are well disposed in the Radicas of
their Nativities; but they are seldom exceeding great, unless when applied by fortunate fixed Stars;
because being of a more swift mutability they have ca closer affinity with them, especially if
proceeding from the inferior Planets; for their conformity with men, their correlative subjects.
Those of the Superiors last not so long with men but in building of houses they are much better
than the other. 6
6
NOTE BY LILLY : Of the Good given by Saturn and Other Planets, etc. ---Saturn Oriental and well disposed, that is
strong and in Reception, gives great fortune in building, planting trees requiring a long growth, in manuring ground,
erecting waterworks and the like. Jupiter gives good luck in Sciences such as the Law; and Dignities, being made a
Bishop, a Judge, or the like. Mars in leading forth of Armies, etc. Sol in Lay Preferments, as Kingdoms, Governments,
etc. But the Lower Planets bestow their gifts inherent to men and more durable: as Venus, in the attempts of women,
their ornaments, courting them, etc. Mercury in trading, writing, etc. The Moon in navigation, planting vines, using
drinks, selling wine, etc. All these, I say are excellently well bestowed by the Planets advantageously posited, and
endure longer, that is to say, The prosperities given by the Moon may continue to the 7th year or generation, because
she is the 7th planet reckoning downwards: and if they pass the 7th age or generation they cannot exceed the 8th as
suppose from the 42nd year to the 45th year including those of Mercury may endure to the 6th age, being the 6th from
Saturn, but will scare hold out of the 7th. Those of Venus to the 5th age, she being the 5th Planet from Saturn: but will
not exceed the 6th. Those of the Sun to the 4th age. Those of Mars to the 3rd age. Those of Jupiter to the 2nd age.
Those of Saturn only for one age, and cannot transcend; nay seldom reach the 3rd. And though I say they may continue
so long, yet do I not say they shall not be finished before, for as Aristotle says, There are terms that cannot be passed
over: yet he does not say but that they may be prevented and come short off so in these cases; and further, when I say
that they cannot continue longer, I mean without vanishing wholly, or so depressed, that it will be no more like what
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