As for the testimonies of ancient Writers, they are but derivative, and terminate all in one _Aristeus_ a Poet of _Proconesus_; who affirmed that near the _Arimaspi_, or one-eyed Nation, Griffins defended the Mines of Gold. But this, as _Herodotus_ delivereth, he wrote by hear-say; and _Michovius_ who hath expresly written of those parts, plainly affirmeth, there is neither Gold nor Griffins in that Country, nor any such Animal extant; for so doth he conclude, _Ego vero contra veteres authores, Gryphes nec in illa septentrionis, nec in aliis orbis partibus inveniri affirmarim_. Lastly, Concerning the Hieroglyphical authority, although it nearest approach the truth, it doth not infer its existency. The conceit of the _Griffin_ properly taken being but a symbolical phansie, in so intollerable a shape including allowable morality. So doth it well make out the properties of a _Guardian_, or any person entrusted; the ears implying attention, the wings celerity of execution, the Lion-like shape, courage and audacity, the hooked bill, reservance and tenacity. It is also an Emblem of valour and magnanimity, as being compounded of the Eagle and Lion, the noblest Animals in their kinds; and so is it appliable unto Princes, Presidents, Generals, and all heroick Commanders; and so is it also born in the Coat-arms of many noble Families of _Europe_. But the original invention seems to be Hieroglyphical, derived from the Egyptians, and of an higher signification. By the mystical conjunction of Hawk and Lion, implying either the Genial or the sydereous Sun, the great celerity thereof, and the strength and vigour in its operations. And therefore under such Hieroglyphicks _Osyris_ was described; and in ancient Coins we meet with Gryphins conjointly with _Apollo's_, _Tripodes_ and Chariot wheels; and the marble Gryphins at Saint _Peters_ in _Rome_, as learned men conjecture, were first translated from the Temple of _Apollo_. Whether hereby were not also mystically implied the activity of the Sun in Leo, the power of God in the Sun, or the influence of the Cœlestial _Osyris_, by _Moptha_ the Genius of Nilus, might also be considered. And then the learned _Kircherus_, no man were likely to be a better _Oedipus_. CHAPTER XII Of the Phœnix.