6 UNION OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 



So the moon likewise, by ancient tradition, while 

 she is in the same sign of Leo, is said to be at the 

 heart, which is not for any affinity which that place 

 of heaven can have with that part of man s body, but 

 only because the moon is then, by reason of the con 

 junction and nearness with the stars aforenamed, in 

 greatest strength of influence, and so worketh upon 

 that part in inferior bodies, which is most vital and 

 principal. 



So we see waters and liquors, in small quantity, 

 do easily putrify and corrupt ; but in large quantity 

 subsist long, by reason of the strength they receive 

 by union. 



So in earthquakes, the more general do little 

 hurt, by reason of the united weight which they 

 offer to subvert ; but narrow and particular earth 

 quakes have many times overturned whole towns and 

 cities. 



So then this point touching the force of union is 

 evident : and therefore it is more fit to speak of the 

 manner of union ; wherein again it will not be perti 

 nent to handle one kind of union, which is union by 

 victory, when one body doth merely subdue another, 

 and converteth the same into its own nature, ex 

 tinguishing and expulsing what part soever of it it 

 cannot overcome. As when the fire converteth the 

 wood into fire, purging away the smoke and the 

 ashes as unapt matter to inflame : or when the body 

 of a living creature doth convert and assimilate food 

 and nourishment, purging and expelling whatsoever 

 it cannot convert. For these representations do 



