In like manner our author labours through the remaining colours, ascribing to each some wonderful virtue. The irrelevant nature of the observations introduced is occasionally highly diverting. Nature, art, metaphysics, religion, history, are all in turn made to contribute something towards the illustration of the armilogist's theories. In his disquisition on Argent or silver, he remarks, "Being fine it is medicinable." His imaginary friend says, "You digresse now, and meddell with that that apperteineth not to this arte." At this Master Gerard waxes wroth and says, "I marvayle what science arte or misterye it were that an herhaught sholde have none intelligence thereof? were it never so secret or profunde. For, if he have not of all thynges some vnderstanding, as well as of severall languages he is not worthye to be an herhaught. Therefore necessary it is for him to have an universal knowledge in eche thinge."[142] I can scarcely hope to interest my reader by a display of the symbolical meaning of the colours of heraldry, yet as perchance some one may feel gratified in being able to judge of his or her own character and dispositions by examining the family achievement, I will here, as briefly as possible, set down the result of Master Leigh's philosophy, divested of its verbiage. GOLD, then, betokens wisdom, justice, riches, and elevation of mind. Compounded with silver, it signifies victory over all infidels, Turks and Saracens; with gules, a disposition to shed one's blood to acquire riches; and with azure, a disposition to keep what one gets. Combined with sable it typifies constancy in all things, particularly in love; with vert, a joyful possession of riches; and with purpure a friendly feeling even towards enemies. SILVER alone signifies chastity, charity, and a clear conscience; but in company with gold--the will 'to reuenge Christ's bluddshed.' gules--honest boldness. azure--courtesy and discretion. sable--abstinence. vert--virtue (!) purpure--the favour of the people. GULES has already been described. AZURE, simple, shows a godly disposition, and joined with gold--the joyful possession of wealth. silver--vigilance in service. gules--aptitude to reprove villany. sable--sympathy for suffering. vert--success in enterprise. purpure--wisdom in counsel. SABLE betokens constancy, divine doctrine, and sorrow for loss of friends. With gold, it means long life. silver--fame. gules, it excites the fear of enemies. azure, it shows a desire to appease strife. vert--joy after sorrow. purpure--a religious disposition till death. VERT, _per se_, means joy, love, and gladness. In poetry it is usually associated with these feelings. He who bears it with gold, is 'all in pleasure and joy.' silver--a sure lieutenant. gules--a determined fellow. azure--has excess of mirth. sable--moderation of ditto. purpure--bad luck after good fortune. PURPURE, alone, betokeneth jurisdiction, and combined with