152 THE OLD ENGLISH HERBALS 



own concluding charge to this work of his lifetime : " Goe 

 forth now therefore thou issue artificial of mine and supply 

 the defect of a Naturall, to beare up thy Father's name and 

 memory to succeeding ages and what in thee lyeth effect more 

 good to thy Prince and Country then numerous of others, which 

 often prove rather plagues then profits thereto, and feare not 

 the face of thy fiercest foe." 



The ornamental title-page of the Theatrum Botanicum is both 

 interesting and impressive. The two most important figures 

 are those of Adam and Solomon (representing Toil and Wisdom 

 respectively). Solomon is dressed in a long coat with an ermine 

 cape, and he wears Roman sandals. At the four corners of the 

 page are female figures : Europe driving majestically in a 

 chariot with a pair of horses ; Asia clad in short skirts and shoes 

 with curled points and riding a rhinoceros ; Africa wearing only 

 a hat, and mounted upon a zebra ; and America, also unclothed, 

 carrying a bow and arrow and riding a sheep with surprisingly 

 long ears. Each of these figures is surrounded by specimens 

 of the vegetation of their respective continents. 



It is curious to find in the dedicatory letter to Charles I 

 a touch of the old belief that diseases are due to evil spirits : 



" And I doubt not of your Majesties further care of their 

 bodies health that such Workes as deliver approved Remedyes 

 may be divulged whereby they may both cure and prevent 

 their diseases. Most properly therefore doth this Worke belong 

 to your Majesty's patronage both to further and defend that 

 malevolent spirits should not dare to cast forth their venome 

 or aspertions to the prejudice of any well-deserving, but that 

 thereby under God and Good direction, all may live in health 

 as well as wealth, peace and godliness, which God grant and 

 that this boldnesse may be pardoned to 



" Your Majestyes 

 "Loyale Subject 



" Servant and Herbalist 

 " JOHN PARKINSON." 



