[77] Academ. iv. 8.
[78] James, Epist. Chap. i. Verse 17.
[79] Samuel, (al. Kings) ii. Chap. xix. Verse 35.
[80] Nat. Deor. ii. 56.
[81] Lib. xvi. §. 42.
[82] Ovid. Amorum, lib. i. Eclog. ix. ver. 4.
CHAPTER VII.
The disease of king Nebuchadnezzar.
Those things, which are related of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, appear so surprizing and contrary to nature, that some interpreters have imagined that he was really transformed into a beast. For “being driven from the company of men for seven years, his dwelling was with the beasts of the field, he fed on grass as oxen; his body was wetted with the dew of heaven; his hair and nails were grown like those of birds. At length at the end of that space of time, his understanding was restored to him, and he was established in his kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto him. Now his crime was pride and the contempt of God[83].”