Impertinent it is unto our intention to speak in general of Oracles, and many have well performed it. The plainest of others was that of _Apollo Delphicus_ recorded by _Herodotus_, and delivered unto _Crœsus_; who as a trial of their omniscience sent unto distant Oracles; and so contrived with the Messengers, that though in several places, yet at the same time they should demand what _Crœsus_ was then a doing. Among all others the Oracle of _Delphos_ only hit it, returning answer, he was boyling a Lamb with a Tortoise, in a brazen vessel, with a cover of the same metal. The stile is haughty in Greek, though somewhat lower in Latine. _Æquoris est spatium et numerus mihi notus arenæ Mutum percipio, fantis nihil audio vocem. Venit ad hos sensus nidor testudinis acris, Quæ semel agninâ coquitur cum carne labete, Aere infra strato, et stratum cui desuper æs est._ I know the space of Sea, the number of the sand, I hear the silent, mute I understand. A tender Lamb joined with Tortoise flesh, Thy Master King of _Lydia_ now doth dress. The scent thereof doth in my nostrils hover, From brazen pot closed with brazen cover. Hereby indeed he acquired much wealth and more honour, and was reputed by _Crœsus_ as a Diety: and yet not long after, by a vulgar fallacy he deceived his favourite and greatest friend of Oracles into an irreparable overthrow by _Cyrus_. And surely the same success are likely all to have that rely or depend upon him. 'Twas the first play he practised on mortality; and as time hath rendred him more perfect in the Art, so hath the inveterateness of his malice more ready in the execution. 'Tis therefore the soveraign degree of folly, and a crime not only against God, but also our own reasons, to expect a favour from the devil; whose mercies are more cruel than those of _Polyphemus_; for he devours his favourites first, and the nearer a man approacheth, the sooner he is scorched by _Moloch_. In brief, his favours are deceitfull and double-headed, he doth apparent good, for real and convincing evil after it; and exalteth us up to the top of the Temple, but to humble us down from it. CHAPTER XIII Of the death of _Aristotle_. [Sidenote: _What an_ Euripus _is generally_.]