William Lilly's History of His Life and Times, from the Year 1602 to 1681

by William Lilly

"A cunning man[²⁰], hight Sidrophel.

That deals in destiny's dark counsels,

And sage opinions of the moon sells;

To whom all people, far and near,

On deep importances repair;

When brass and pewter hap to stray,

And linen slinks out of the way:

Footnote 20:[(return)]

A cunning man, hight Sidrophel. 'William Lilly, the famous astrologer of those times, who in his yearly almanacks foretold victories for the parliament with as much certainty as the Preachers did in their sermons; and all or most part of what is ascribed to him by the Poet, the reader will find verified in his "Letter," (if we may believe it) wrote by himself to Elias Ashmole, Esq.' For further curious information respecting William Lilly, the reader may consult Dr. Grey's Notes to Hudibras, vol. ii. page 163, &c. Edition 1819, in 3 vols, 8vo.

When geese and pullen are seduc'd,