I have been twice in danger of drowning.
Notes.
[J] This beginning of Aubrey's autobiography is explained by Henry Coley's judgment on his nativity, found in MS. Aubr. 23, fol. 104, on the scheme 'J. A. natus 1625/6, March 11th, 17h 14´ 44˝ P.M., sub latitudine 51° 30´.'
'The nativity,' Coley says, 'is a most remarkable opposition, and 'tis much pitty the starres were not more favourable to the native.' Coley goes on to state that the stars 'threaten ruin to land and estate; give superlative vexations in matters relating to marriag, and wondrous contests in law-suits—of all which vexations I suppose the native hath had a greater portion than ever was desired.' Aubrey must have been only too glad to have authority for attributing his failure in life to the stars, and not to his own ill-conduct.
[K] In MS. Aubr. 7, fol. 3, in jottings at the side of his horoscope, Aubrey suggests that his failure in this respect was due to defects of his upbringing, not of natural ability.
Ἐὰν ᾖς φιλομαθής, ἔσῃ πολυμαθής. By pian piano I might have <attained to learning>; though <my> memory <was> not tenacious, <yet I had> zeale to learning, and ...[227] extraordinary, ... ...[228]; <but I was> bred ignorant at Eston.'
[L] Henry Coley, in his 'Observations upon the geniture' of Aubrey, MS. Aubr. 23, fol. 105v, finds that the stars show that he 'will be in great danger between the years of 40 and 50.'—On this Aubrey remarks:—
'Much about that time the native was several times in danger of expiration, as,
first, by the e<arl> of P<embroke>;
2, a bruise of the left side;