It is gross in Body, of fiery Eyes, and sharp Head, on which it wears a Crest, like a Cock’s Comb; and has the Honour to be stiled Regulus by the Latins, the Little King of Serpents; and ’tis generally supposed to be terrible to them. The Sight of this Animal, and Sound of his Voice, puts them to flight, and even to over-run their Prey[[157]]: Yea, Tradition adds, that his Eyes and Breath are killing; that is, I presume, when he grasps the Spoil. Several dreadful things are attributed to his venemous Qualities, so sing the Poets[[158]].
[157]. Sibilo ejus reliquos terreri & prædam derelinquere.
Plate 3d.
Tam teter vacuas odor hinc exhalat in auras,
Atque propinquantes penetrant non segniter artus.
Nican.
Ante venena nocens, late sibi submovet omne
Vulgus, & in vacua regnat Basiliscus arena.