The Butts present to my view the Bow and Arrows in the Hands of the Parthians, who were esteemed the best Archers in the world, and very deservedly, having the Art of shooting backwards, and making their Retreat more terrible than their Charge: Whence that of Seneca[[273]], The Parthians Flight does most affright. The manner of their Fight is describ’d by the Poet, who says, They were better Soldiers when they run away, and fought best when furthest off, trusting most to the Bow[[274]].
[273]. Terga conversi metuenda Parthi.
Pugna levis, bellumque fugax, turmæque fugaces,
Et melior cessisse loco quam pellere miles.
Lucan.
M. CRASSUS, in his Expedition against them, being told by an Astrologer it would be unprosperous, because of some ill Aspect in Scorpio: Hush Man, quoth he, I fear not Scorpio, but Sagittarius.—But to return to the Motherly Serpent, which is about a Foot and a half long, the Body slender, adorn’d with red and white Streaks. Another Author says, ’tis of a red Colour, distinguish’d by black Lines, intermix’d with white Spots: The Indians play with this Serpent (as Ladies with their Lap-dogs) and for Diversion, wear this little innocent and pretty Animal (as a Necklace of Pearls) about their Necks[[275]].
[275]. Joan. Euseb. Nierembergii Historia Naturæ, p. 272,-3.
CX. The Macacoatl, or Anguis Cervinus, so called from its horned Head, which resembles that of a Deer, as thick as a Man’s Thigh, in length about twenty Foot, sprinkled with dusky Spots inclining to the black and yellow.—This seems to be a Member of the gigantick Family, already described. Ibid. 273. Therefore I dismiss it, and proceed to the
CXI. AQUASEN Serpent, which seems to be the Birth of the Philippines, and very venemous: Its Wound proves fatal in a few Minutes, which is preceded by the Putrefaction of the Flesh, next to the affected part. It is about two Spans long, of a brown Colour, and a large Head[[276]].