[29]. Numerum animalculorum ex unius asselli majoris lactibus provenientium, plus decies superare homines in universo terrarum orbe viventes.—Epistola ad Dom. N. Grew, p. 1.
N. B. It is the infinite Number of these little invisible Animals that makes stagnating Waters or Pools appear of so many different Colours, as green, reddish, brown,—according to the several Natures of these little Animals that live therein.
Thus, among Men, we find big and little; Giants and Pygmies: Whether that Disproportion be from meer natural Causes, or by Designation of Providence, I determine not. It is very questionable whether there be a particular Nation of Pygmies; but no doubt is made about the Existence of Dwarfs in many Places as well as Giants. Julia, the Niece of Augustus, had a Dwarf called Canopas, that was about two feet in height. Philippa French, born at Milcomb in Staffordshire, aged about 36, being then married, wanted something of three Feet in height[[30]].
[30]. Dr. Plot’s Natural History.—Oxford 16.
On the other hand, we are not without Instances of Men, that were of a gigantick Stature, after, as well as before the Deluge, as Goliah and the Sons of Anak.
In the Days of Claudius the Emperor, Pliny tells us, that one called Gabara, brought out of Arabia, was nine Feet and nine Inches high: He tells us also, of two others in the days of Augustus Cæsar, Iducio and Secundilla, that were half a Foot taller than Gabara[[31]]. Maximinus the Emperor, was eight Foot and a half in height. But to come near home:
[31]. Nat. Hist. B. vii. cap. 16.
WILLIAM EVANS born in Monmouthshire, and Porter to King Charles I. was two Yards and a half high. Walter Parsons, Porter to King James I. was about the same height. “Some say, William Evans exceeded Walter Parsons two Inches in height, but was far beneath him in proportion of Body. Tho’ he halted a little, and going out squalling with his Feet, yet made a shift to dance in an Antimasque at Court, where he drew Little Jeffrey, the Dwarf, out of his Pocket, first to the Wonder, then to the Laughter of the Spectators[[32]].”
[32]. Fuller’s Worthies of Engl. Monmouthshire, p. 54.