The word near, sheweth that the two Eclipses, one of the Sun and the other of the Moon, shall be near one another.
The Ephemerides of John Stadius, teach us, that in the year 1556 in the Month of November, these two Eclipses did meet. That of the Sun upon the first of November, at 17 hours (as the Astrologers reckon) and 53 Minutes. That of the Moon at 12 hours and 43 Scruples; and thus the two last Verses are plain.
Concerning the other two: Belleforest teacheth us two things; the first, that the same year was extraordinary dry, in so much that from April to October it did not rain, but only upon the Eve of St. John the Baptist, and that the Vintage was made in August, the Wine proving excellent. The second is, that in the Month of December began a horrid Frost, which lasted a great while. Thus there was Cold and drought.
Concerning the dangers towards the Frontiers, Belleforest saith, that towards Pickardy the Spaniard began to break the truce, making inrodes about Abbeville, St. Spirit of Rue, la Chapele, Rozoy, Thierasse, and Aubenton.
When complaints were made of it, they alledged their necessity and want of Victuals; which did oblige the Lord Admiral to permit the Souldiers retaliation; and in this manner, there was danger towards the Frontiers.
As for the Town where the Oracle (that is, our Author) had his beginning or birth, whether it be that of St. Remy or Salon de Craux. The dangers that were there, proceeded from the Civil Wars between the Protestants and the Roman Catholicks.
V.
French.
Pres le defaut des deux grands luminaires,