Other relations there are, and those in very good Authors, which though we do not positively deny, yet have they not been unquestioned by some, and at least as improbable truths have been received by others. Unto some it hath seemed incredible what _Herodotus_ reporteth of the great Army of _Xerxes_, that drank whole rivers dry. And unto the Author himself it appeared wondrous strange, that they exhausted not the provision of the Countrey, rather then the waters thereof. For as he maketh the account, and _Budeus de Asse_ correcting the mis-compute of _Valla_, delivereth it; if every man of the Army had had a chenix of Corn a day, that is, a sextary and half; or about two pints and a quarter, the Army had daily expended ten hundred thousand and forty Medimna's, or measures containing six Bushels. Which rightly considered, the _Abderites_ had reason to bless the Heavens, that _Xerxes_ eat but one meal a day; and _Pythius_ his noble Host, might with less charge and possible provision entertain both him and his Army. And yet may all be salved, if we take it hyperbolically, as wise men receive that expression in _Job_, concerning _Behemoth_ or the Elephant; Behold, he drinketh up a river and hasteth not, he trusteth that he can draw up _Jordan_ into his mouth. 2. That _Annibal_ eat or brake through the Alps with Vinegar, may be too grosly taken and the Author of his life annexed unto _Plutarch_ affirmeth only, he used this artifice upon the tops of some of the highest mountains. For as it is vulgarly understood, that he cut a passage for his Army through those mighty mountains, it may seem incredible, not only in the greatness of the effect, but the quantity of the efficient and such as behold them, may think an Ocean of Vinegar too little for that effect. 'Twas a work indeed rather to be expected from earthquakes and inundations, then any corrosive waters, and much condemneth the Judgement of _Xerxes_, that wrought through Mount _Athos_ with Mattocks. 3. That _Archimedes_ burnt the ships of _Marcellus_, with speculums of parabolical figures, at three furlongs, or as some will have it, at the distance of three miles, sounds hard unto reason, and artificial experience: and therefore justly questioned by _Kircherus_ [SN: De luce et umbra.], who after long enquiry could find but one made by _Manfredus Septalius_ that fired at fifteen paces. And therefore more probable it is, that the ships were nearer the shore, or about some thirty paces: at which distance notwithstanding the effect was very great. But whereas men conceive the ships were more easily set on flame by reason of the pitch about them, it seemeth no advantage. Since burning glasses will melt pitch or make it boyle, not easily set it on fire.