of Nature, a slip or effluxion [SN: Ἔκρυσις.], that is an exclusion before conformation: before the birth can bear the name of the Parent, or be so much as properly called an _Embryon_. CHAPTER VII Of the Basilisk Many Opinions are passant concerning the Basilisk or little King of Serpents, commonly called the Cockatrice: some affirming, others denying, most doubting the relations made hereof. What therefore in these incertainties we may more safely determine: that such an Animal there is, if we evade not the testimony of Scripture and humane Writers, we cannot safely deny. So it is said _Psalm_ 91. _Super Aspidem et Basiliscum ambulabis_, wherein the Vulgar Translation retaineth the Word of the Septuagint, using in other places the Latine expression _Regulus_, as _Proverbs_ 23. _Mordebit ut coluber, et sicut Regulus venena diffundet_: and _Jeremy_ 8. _Ecce ego mittam vobis serpentes Regulos, etc._ That is, as ours translate it, _Behold I will send Serpents, Cockatrices among you which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you_. And as for humane Authors, or such as have discoursed of Animals, or Poisons, it is to be found almost in all: in _Dioscorides_, _Galen_, _Pliny_, _Solinus_, _Ælian_, _Ætius_, _Avicen_, _Ardoynus_, _Grevinus_, and many more. In _Aristotle_ I confess we find no mention thereof, but _Scaliger_ in his Comment and enumeration of Serpents, hath made supply; and in his Exercitations delivereth that a Basilisk was found in _Rome_, in the days of _Leo_ the fourth. The like is reported by _Sigonius_; and some are so far from denying one, that they have made several kinds thereof: for such is the _Catoblepas_ of _Pliny_ conceived to be by some, and the _Dryinus_ of _Ætius_ by others. But although we deny not the existence of the Basilisk, yet whether we do not commonly mistake in the conception hereof, and call that a Basilisk which is none at all, is surely to be questioned. For certainly that which from the conceit of its generation we vulgarly call a Cockatrice, and wherein (but under a different name) we intend a formal Identity and adequate conception with the Basilisk; is not the Basilisk of the Ancients, whereof such wonders are delivered. For this of ours is generally described with legs, wings, a Serpentine and winding tail, and a crist or comb somewhat like a Cock. But the Basilisk of elder times was a proper kind of Serpent, not above three palms long, as some account; and differenced from other Serpents by advancing his head, and some white marks or coronary spots upon the crown, as all authentick Writers have delivered.