39. Mention is made of Oaks in divers parts of Scripture, which though the Latin sometimes renders a Turpentine Tree, yet surely some kind of Oak may be understood thereby; but whether our common Oak as is commonly apprehended, you may well doubt; for the common Oak, which prospereth so well with us, delighteth not in hot regions. And that diligent Botanist _Bellonius_, who took such particular notice of the Plants of _Syria_ and _Judæa_, observed not the vulgar Oak in those parts. But he found the _Ilex_, _Chesne Vert_, or Ever-green Oak, in many places; as also that kind of Oak which is properly named _Esculus_: and he makes mention thereof in places about _Jerusalem_, and in his Journey from thence unto _Damascus_, where he found _Montes Ilice, et Esculo virentes_; which, in his Discourse of _Lemnos_, he saith are always green. And therefore when it is said[229] of _Absalom_, that his _Mule went under the thick Boughs of a great Oak, and his Head caught hold of the Oak, and he was taken up between the Heaven and the Earth_, that Oak might be some _Ilex_, or rather _Esculus_. For that is a thick and bushy kind, in _Orbem comosa_, as _Dale-champius_; _ramis in orbem dispositis comans_, as _Renealmus_ describeth it. And when it is said[230] that _Ezechias broke down the Images, and cut down the Groves_, they might much consist of Oaks, which were sacred unto Pagan Deities, as this more particularly, according to that of _Virgil_, _Nemorúmque Jovi quæ maxima frondet Esculus._ And, in _Judæa_, where no hogs were eaten by the Jews, and few kept by others, 'tis not unlikely that they most cherished the _Esculus_, which might serve for Food of men. For the Acrons thereof are the sweetest of any Oak, and taste like Chesnuts; and so producing an edulious or esculent Fruit, is properly named _Esculus_. [229] 2 Sam. 18. 9, 14. [230] 2 King. 18. 4. They which know the _Ilex_, or Ever-green Oak, with somewhat prickled leaves, named Πρίνος, will better understand the irreconcileable answer of the two Elders, when the one accused _Susanna_ of incontinency under a Πρίνος, or Ever-green Oak, the other under a Σχῖνος, _Lentiscus_, or Mastick Tree, which are so different in Bigness, Boughs, Leaves and Fruit, the one bearing Acrons, the other Berries: And, without the knowledge hereof, will not Emphatically or distinctly understand that of the Poet, _Flaváque de viridi stillabant Ilice mella._ [Sidenote: _Cedars of_ Libanus.]