Another cause is urged by _Campegius_, and much received by Christians; that this ill savour is a curse derived upon them by Christ, and stands, as a badge or brand of a generation that crucified their _Salvator_. But this is a conceit without all warrant; and an easie way to take off dispute in what point of obscurity soever. A method of many Writers, which much depreciates the esteem and value of miracles; that is, therewith to salve not only real verities, but also nonexistencies. Thus have elder times not only ascribed the immunity of _Ireland_ from any venemous beast, unto the staff or rod of _Patrick_; but the long tails of _Kent_, unto the malediction of _Austin_. Thus therefore, although we concede that many opinions are true which hold some conformity unto this, yet in assenting hereto, many difficulties must arise: it being a dangerous point to annex a constant property unto any Nation, and much more this unto the _Jew_; since this quality is not verifiable by observation; since the grounds are feeble that should establish it; and lastly, since if all were true, yet are the reasons alleadged for it, of no sufficiency to maintain it. CHAPTER XI Of Pigmies. By _Pigmies_ we understand a dwarfish race of people, or lowest diminution of mankind, comprehended in one cubit, or as some will have it, in two foot or three spans; not taking them single, but nationally considering them, and as they make up an aggregated habitation. Whereof although affirmations be many, and testimonies more frequent then in any other point which wise men have cast into the list of fables, yet that there is, or ever was such a race or Nation, upon exact and confirmed testimonies, our strictest enquiry receives no satisfaction. I say, exact testimonies, first, In regard of the Authors, from whom we derive the account, for though we meet herewith in _Herodotus_, _Philostratus_, _Mela_, _Pliny_, _Solinus_, and many more; yet were they derivative Relators, and the primitive Author was _Homer_; who, using often similies, as well to delight the ear, as to illustrate his matter, in the third of his Iliads, compareth the _Trojans_ unto _Cranes_, when they descend against the _Pigmies_; which was more largely set out by _Oppian_, _Juvenal_, _Mantuan_, and many Poets since, and being only a pleasant figment in the fountain, became a solemn story in the stream, and current still among us.