Adam therefore was the first Signator. And it cannot be denyed, that also from the Hebrew tongue true and proper names doe flow, and are put upon every thing according to its nature, and condition.
The nature of the Hebrew tongue.
For what names are put upon them from the Hebrew tongue, doe with the same labour signifie their vertue, power, and property.
So when wee say, this is a Hog, a Horse, a Cow, a Beare, a Dog, a Fox, a Sheep.
The signification of a Hog, Horse, Cow, Beare, Fox, Dog, sheep, in the Hebrew tongue.
The name of a Hog signifies together with it a filthy and unclean Animall: so a Horse signifies a strong and patient Animall: a Cow, a devouring, and insatiable beast: a Bear, a strong, victorious, and an untamed brute: a Fox, a shifting, and crafty beast: a Dog, an animall false to those of his own kind: a Sheep, a mild and profitable beast, and hurtful to none.
Hence it is that a man is called a Hog, for his sordid and swinish life.
And a Horse for his bearing, for which hee is eminent.
And a Cow, because shee is unsatiable with meat, and drink, and knows no measure of her belly.
And a Bear, because he is mishapen, and stronger then other men.