e wrote singularly well both Secretary and
Roman. In process of time he served Sir Christopher Clethero, Knight,
Alderman of London, as his clerk, being a city Justice of Peace: he also
was clerk to Sir Hugh Hammersley, Alderman of London, both which he
served with great credit and estimation; and by that means became not
only well known, but as well respected of the most eminent citizens of
London, even to his dying day.

He was an excellent proficient in astrology, whose excellent verses upon
the twelve months, framed according to the configurations of each month,
being blessed with success according to his predictions, procured him
much reputation all over England: he was a very honest man, abhorred any
deceit in the art he studied; had a curious fancy in judging of thefts,
and as successful in resolving love-questions: he was no mean proficient
in astronomy; he understood much of physick; was a great admirer of the
antimonial cup; not unlearned in chymistry, which he loved well, but did
not practise. He was inclined to a diabetes; and in the last three years
of his life was afflicted with a dysentery, which at last consumed him
to nothing: he died of good fame in 1667. Since his decease I have seen
one nativity of his performance exactly directed, and judged with as
much learning as from astrology can be expected.

His library of books came short of the world's approbation, and were by
his widow sold to Elias Ashmole, Esq. who most generously gave her[6]
far more money than they were worth; but out of his respects unto the
deceased and his memory, he most willingly paid her the money. He left
behind him two sons and two daughters. He left in writing very little
but his annual prognostications. He began first to write about the year
1630; he wrote _Bellum Hibernicale_, in the time of the long parliament,
a very sober and judicious book: the epistle thereunto I gave him. He
wrote lately a small treatise of Easter-Day, a very learned thing,
wherein he shewed much learning and reading. To say no more of him, he
lived an honest man, his fame not questioned at his death.

[Footnote 6: They cost me one hundred and forty pounds.]

In this year 1633, I became acquainted with Nicholas Fiske, licentiate
in physick, who was born in Suffolk, near Framingham[7] Castle, of very
good parentage, who educated him at country schools, until he was fit
for the university; but he went not to the academy, studying at home
both astr