A TREATISE ON THE ASTROLABE (CMASTRO,662.C1.3) Lyte Lowys my sone , I aperceyve wel by certeyne evydences thyn abilite to lerne sciences touching nombres and proporciouns ; (CMASTRO,662.C1.5) and as wel considre I thy besy praier in special to lerne the tretys of the Astrelabie . (CMASTRO,662.C1.6) Than for as mochel as a philosofre saith , " he wrappith him in his frend , that condescendith to the rightfulle praiers of his frend , " therfore have I yeven the a suffisant Astrolabie as for oure orizonte , compowned after the latitude of Oxenforde ; upon which , by mediacioun of this litel tretys , I purpose to teche the a certein nombre of conclusions aperteynyng to the same instrument . (CMASTRO,662.C1.7) I seie a certein of conclusions , for thre causes . (CMASTRO,662.C1.8) The first cause is this : truste wel that alle the conclusions that han be founde , or ellys possibly might be founde in so noble an instrument as is an Astrelabie ben unknowe parfitly to eny mortal man in this regioun , as I suppose . (CMASTRO,662.C1.9) Another cause is this , that sothly in any tretis of the Astrelabie that I have seyn , there be somme conclusions that wol not in alle thinges parformen her bihestes ; (CMASTRO,662.C1.10) and somme of hem ben to harde to thy tendir age of ten yeer to conceyve . (CMASTRO,662.C1.11) This tretis , divided in 5 parties , wol I shewe the under full light reules and naked wordes in Englissh , (CMASTRO,662.C1.12) for Latyn ne canst thou yit but small , my litel sone . (CMASTRO,662.C1.13) But natheles suffise to the these trewe conclusions in Englissh as wel as sufficith to these noble clerkes Grekes these same conclusions in Grek ; and to Arabiens in Arabik , and to Jewes in Ebrew , and to Latyn folk in Latyn ; whiche Latyn folk had hem first out of othere dyverse langages , and writen hem in her owne tunge , that is to seyn , in Latyn . (CMASTRO,662.C2.14) And God woot that in alle these langages and in many moo han these conclusions ben suffisantly lerned and taught , and yit be diverse reules ; right as diverse pathes leden diverse folk the righte way to Rome . (CMASTRO,662.C2.15) Now wol I preie mekely every discret persone that redith or herith this litel tretys to have my rude endityng for excusid , and my superfluite of wordes , for two causes . (CMASTRO,662.C2.16) The first cause is for that curious endityng and hard sentence is ful hevy at onys for such a child to lerne . (CMASTRO,662.C2.17) And the secunde cause is this , that sothly me semith better to writen unto a child twyes a god sentence , than he forgete it onys . (CMASTRO,662.C2.18) And Lowys , yf so be that I shewe the in my lighte Englissh as trewe conclusions touching this mater , and not oonly as trewe but as many and as subtile conclusiouns , as ben shewid in Latyn in eny commune tretys of the Astrelabie , konne me the more thank . (CMASTRO,662.C2.19) And preie God save the king , that is lord of this langage , and alle that him feith berith and obeieth , everich in his degre , the more and the lasse . (CMASTRO,662.C2.20) But considre wel that I ne usurpe not to have founden this werk of my labour or of myn engyn . (CMASTRO,662.C2.21) I n'am but a lewd compilator of the labour of olde astrologiens , (CMASTRO,662.C2.22) and have it translatid in myn Englissh oonly for thy doctrine . (CMASTRO,662.C2.23) And with this swerd shal I sleen envie . (CMASTRO,662.C2.24) Prima pars .- (CMASTRO,662.C2.25) The firste partie of this tretys shal reherse the figures and the membres of thyn Astrelabie by cause that thou shalt have the gretter knowing of thyn oune instrument . (CMASTRO,662.C2.26) Secunda pars .- (CMASTRO,663.C1.28) The secunde partie shal techen the worken the verrey practik of the forseide conclusiouns , as ferforth and as narwe as may be shewed in so small an instrument portatif aboute . (CMASTRO,663.C1.29) For wel woot every astrologien that smallist fraccions ne wol not be shewid in so small an instrument as in subtile tables calculed for a cause . (CMASTRO,663.C1.30) Tertia pars .- (CMASTRO,663.C1.31) The thirde partie shal contene diverse tables of longitudes and latitudes of sterres fixe for the Astrelabie , and tables of the declinacions of the sonne , and tables of longitudes of citees and townes ; and tables as well for the governaunce of a clokke , as for to fynde the altitude meridian ; and many anothir notable conclusioun after the kalenders of the reverent clerkes , Frere J. Somer and Frere N. Lenne . (CMASTRO,663.C1.32) Quarta pars .- (CMASTRO,663.C1.33) The fourthe partie shal ben a theorike to declare the moevyng of the celestiall bodies with the causes . The whiche fourthe partie in speciall shal shewen a table of the verrey moeving of the mone from houre to houre every day and in every signe after thyn almenak . Upon which table there folewith a canoun suffisant to teche as wel the manere of the worchynge of the same conclusioun as to knowe in oure orizonte with which degre of the zodiak that the mone arisith in any latitude , and the arisyng of any planete after his latitude fro the ecliptik lyne . (CMASTRO,663.C2.34) Quinta pars .- (CMASTRO,663.C2.35) The fifthe partie shal be an introductorie , after the statutes of oure doctours , in which thou maist lerne a gret part of the generall rewles of theorik in astrologie . In which fifthe partie shalt thou fynden tables of equaciouns of houses after the latitude of Oxenforde ; and tables of dignitees of planetes , and othere notefull thinges , yf God wol vouche saaf and his Moder the Maide , moo than I behete . (CMASTRO,663.C2.36) HERE BEGYNNETH THE DESCRIPCIOUN OF THIN ASTRALABIE . (CMASTRO,663.C1.39) 1 . (CMASTRO,663.C1.41) Thyn Astralabie hath a ring to putten on the thombe of thi right hond in taking the height of thinges . (CMASTRO,663.C1.42) And tak kep , (CMASTRO,663.C1.43) for from henes forthward I wol clepen the heighte of any thing that is taken by the rewle " the altitude , " withoute moo wordes . (CMASTRO,663.C1.44) 2 . (CMASTRO,663.C1.45) This ryng renneth in a maner toret fast to the moder of thyn Astrelabie in so rowme a space that it distourbith not the instrument to hangen after his right centre . (CMASTRO,663.C1.46) 3 . (CMASTRO,663.C1.47) The moder of thin Astrelabye is thikkest plate , perced with a large hool , that resceiveth in hir wombe the thynne plates compowned for diverse clymates , and thy reet shapen in manere of a nett or of a web of a loppe . (CMASTRO,663.C2.48) 4 . (CMASTRO,663.C2.49) This moder is dividid on the bakhalf with a lyne that cometh descending fro the ring doun to the netherist bordure . The whiche lyne , fro the forseide ring unto the centre of the large hool amidde , is clepid the south lyne , or ellis the lyne meridional . (CMASTRO,663.C2.50) And the remenaunt of this lyne doun to the bordure is clepid the north lyne , or ellis the lyne of midnyght . (CMASTRO,664.C1.51) 5 . (CMASTRO,664.C1.52) Overthwart this forseide longe lyne ther crossith him another lyne of the same lengthe from eest to west . Of the whiche lyne , from a litel cros {COM:figure_omitted} in the bordure unto the centre of the large hool , is clepid the est lyne , or ellis the lyne orientale . (CMASTRO,664.C1.53) And the remenaunt of this lyne , fro the forseide centre unto the bordure , is clepid the west lyne , or ellis the lyne occidentale . (CMASTRO,664.C1.54) Now hast thou here the foure quarters of thin Astrolabie divided after the foure principales plages or quarters of the firmament . (CMASTRO,664.C2.55) 6 . (CMASTRO,664.C2.56) The est syde of thyn Astrolabie is clepid the right syde , (CMASTRO,664.C2.57) and the west syde is clepid the left syde . (CMASTRO,664.C2.58) Forget not thys , litel Lowys . (CMASTRO,664.C2.59) Put the ryng of thyn Astrolabie upon the thombe of thi right hond , (CMASTRO,664.C2.60) and than wol his right side be toward thi lift side , (CMASTRO,664.C2.61) and his left side wol be toward thy right side . (CMASTRO,664.C2.62) Tak this rewle generall , as wel on the bak as on the wombe syde . (CMASTRO,664.C2.63) Upon the ende of this est lyne , as I first seide , is marked a litel cros {COM:figure_omitted} , where as evere moo generaly is considerid the entring of the first degre in which the sonne arisith . (CMASTRO,664.C2.64) 7 . (CMASTRO,664.C2.65) Fro this litel cros {COM:figure_omitted} up to the ende of the lyne meridionall , under the ryng , shalt thou fynden the bordure divided with degrees ; (CMASTRO,664.C2.66) and by that same proporcioun is every quarter of thin Astrolabie divided . Over the whiche degrees ther ben noumbres of augrym that dividen thilke same degres fro 5 to 5 , as shewith by longe strikes bitwene . Of whiche longe strikes the space bitwene contenith a myle wey , and every degre of the bordure conteneth 4 minutes ; this is to seien , mynutes of an houre . (CMASTRO,664.C2.67) 8 . (CMASTRO,664.C2.68) Under the compas of thilke degrees ben writen the names of the 12 Signes : as Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricornus , Aquarius , Piscis . (CMASTRO,664.C2.69) And the nombres of the degrees of thoo signes be writen in augrym above , and with longe divisiouns fro 5 to 5 , dyvidid fro the tyme that the signe entrith unto the last ende . (CMASTRO,664.C2.70) But understond wel that these degres of signes ben everich of hem considred of mynutes , and every mynute of secundes , and so furth into smale fraccions infinite , as saith Alkabucius . (CMASTRO,664.C2.71) And therfore knowe wel that a degre of the bordure contenith 4 minutes , and a degre of a signe conteneth minutes , (CMASTRO,664.C2.72) and have this in mynde . (CMASTRO,664.C2.73) 9 . (CMASTRO,664.C2.74) Next this folewith the cercle of the daies , that ben figured in manere of degres , that contenen in nombre 365 , dividid also with longe strikes fro 5 to 5 , and the nombre in augrym writen under that cercle . (CMASTRO,664.C2.75) . (CMASTRO,665.C1.77) Next the cercle of the daies folewith the cercle of the names of the monthes , that is to say , Januarius , Februarius , Marcius , Aprilis , Maius , Junius , Julius , Augustus , September , October , November , December . (CMASTRO,665.C1.78) The names of these monthes were clepid somme for her propirtees and somme by statutes of lordes Arabiens , somme by othre lordes of Rome . (CMASTRO,665.C1.79) Eke of these monthes , as liked to Julius Cesar and to Cesar Augustus , somme were compouned of diverse nombres of daies , as Julie and August . (CMASTRO,665.C1.80) Than hath Januarie 31 daies , Februarie 28 , March 31 , Aprill , May 31 , Junius , Julius 31 , Augustus 31 , Septembre , Octobre 31 , Novembre , Decembre 31 . (CMASTRO,665.C1.81) Natheles , all though that Julius Cesar toke 2 daies out of Feverer and putte hem in his month of Juyll , and Augustus Cesar clepid the month of August after his name and ordeined it of 31 daies , yit truste wel that the sonne dwellith therfore nevere the more ne lasse in oon signe than in another . (CMASTRO,665.C1.82) 11 . (CMASTRO,665.C1.83) Than folewen the names of the holy daies in the Kalender , and next hem the lettres of the A B C on whiche thei fallen . (CMASTRO,665.C1.84) 12 . (CMASTRO,665.C1.85) Next the forseide cercle of the A B C , under the cross lyne , is marked the skale in manere of 2 squyres , or ellis in manere of laddres , that serveth by his 12 pointes and his dyvisiouns of ful many a subtil conclusioun . (CMASTRO,665.C1.86) Of this forseide skale fro the cross lyne unto the verrey angle is clepid Umbra Versa , (CMASTRO,665.C1.87) and the nethir partie is clepid Umbra Recta , or ellis Umbra Extensa . (CMASTRO,665.C1.88) 13 . (CMASTRO,665.C1.89) Than hast thou a brod reule , that hath on either ende a square plate perced with certein holes , somme more and somme lasse , to resceyve the stremes of the sonne by day , and eke by mediacioun of thin eye to knowe the altitude of sterres by night . (CMASTRO,665.C1.90) 14 . (CMASTRO,665.C1.91) Than is there a large pyn in manere of an extre , that goth thorugh the hole that halt the tables of the clymates and the riet in the wombe of the moder ; thorugh which pyn ther goth a litel wegge , which that is clepid the hors , that streynith all these parties to-hepe . (CMASTRO,665.C1.92) Thys forseide grete pyn in manere of an extre is ymagyned to be the Pool Artik in thyn Astralabie . (CMASTRO,665.C2.93) 15 . (CMASTRO,665.C2.94) The wombe syde of thyn Astrelabie is also divided with a longe cros in 4 quarters from est to west , fro southe to northe , fro right syde to left side , as is the bakside . 16 . The bordure of which wombe side is divided fro the point of the est lyne unto the point of the south lyne under the ring , in degrees ; (CMASTRO,665.C2.95) and by that same proporcioun is every quarter divided , as is the bakside . (CMASTRO,665.C2.96) That amountith degrees . (CMASTRO,665.C2.97) And understond wel that degres of this bordure ben aunswering and consentrike to the degrees of the equinoxiall , that is dividid in the same nombre as every othir cercle is in the highe hevene . (CMASTRO,666.C1.98) This same bordure is divided also with 23 lettres capitals and a small cross {COM:figure_omitted} above the south lyne , that shewith the 24 houres equals of the clokke . (CMASTRO,666.C1.99) And , as I have seid , 5 of these degres maken a myle wey , (CMASTRO,666.C1.100) and 3 milewei maken an houre . (CMASTRO,666.C1.101) And every degre of thys bordure contenith 4 minutes , and every minute secundes . (CMASTRO,666.C1.102) Now have I told the twyes . (CMASTRO,666.C1.103) 17 . (CMASTRO,666.C1.104) The plate under the riet is discrived with 3 cercles , of whiche the leest is clepid the cercle of Cancre by cause that the heved of Cancre turnith evermo consentrik upon the same cercle . (CMASTRO,666.C2.105) In this heved of Cancer is the grettist declinacioun northward of the sonne , (CMASTRO,666.C2.106) and therfore is he clepid solsticium of somer ; which declinacioun , after Ptholome , is 23 degrees and minutes as wel in Cancer as in Capricorn . (CMASTRO,666.C2.107) This signe of Cancer is clepid the tropik of somer , of tropos , that is to seien " ageynward . " (CMASTRO,666.C2.108) For than beginneth the sonne to passen from us-ward . (CMASTRO,666.C2.109) The myddel cercle in wydnesse , of these 3 , is clepid the cercle equinoxiall , upon which turnith evermo the hevedes of Aries and Libra . (CMASTRO,666.C2.110) And understond wel that evermo thys cercle equinoxiall turnith justly from verrey est to verrey west as I have shewed the in the speer solide . (CMASTRO,666.C2.111) This same cercle is clepid also Equator , that is the weyer of the day ; (CMASTRO,666.C2.112) for whan the sonne is in the hevedes of Aries and Libra , than ben the dayes and the nightes ylike of lengthe in all the world . (CMASTRO,666.C2.113) And therfore ben these 2 signes called the equinoxiis . (CMASTRO,666.C2.114) And all that moeveth withinne the hevedes of these Aries and Libra , his moevyng is clepid northward ; (CMASTRO,666.C2.115) and all that moevith withoute these hevedes , his moevyng is clepid southward , as fro the equinoxiall . (CMASTRO,666.C2.116) Tak kep of these latitudes north and south , (CMASTRO,666.C2.117) and forget it nat . (CMASTRO,666.C2.118) By this cercle equinoxiall ben considred the 24 houres of the clokke ; (CMASTRO,666.C2.119) for evermo the arisyng of 15 degrees of the equinoxiall makith an houre equal of the clokke . (CMASTRO,666.C2.120) This equinoxiall is clepid the gurdel of the first moeving , or ellis of the first moevable . (CMASTRO,666.C2.121) And note that the firste moevyng is clepid moevyng of the firste moevable of the 8 speer , which moeving is from est to west , and eft ageyn into est . (CMASTRO,666.C2.122) Also it is clepid girdel of the firste moeving for it departith the firste moevable , that is to seyn the spere , in two like partyes evene distantz fro the poles of this world . (CMASTRO,666.C2.123) The widest of these 3 principale cercles is clepid the cercle of Capricorne , by cause that the heved of Capricorne turneth evermo consentrik upon the same cercle . (CMASTRO,666.C2.124) In the heved of this forseide Capricorne is the grettist declinacioun southward of the sonne , (CMASTRO,666.C2.125) and therfore it is clepid the solsticium of wynter . (CMASTRO,666.C2.126) This signe of Capricorne is also clepid the tropic of wynter , (CMASTRO,667.C1.127) for than begynneth the sonne to come ageyn to us-ward . (CMASTRO,667.C1.128) 18 . (CMASTRO,667.C1.129) Upon this forseide plate ben compassed certeyn cercles that highten almycanteras , of whiche somme of hem semen parfit cercles and somme semen inparfit . (CMASTRO,667.C1.130) The centre that stondith amyddes the narwest cercle is clepid the cenyth . (CMASTRO,667.C1.131) And the netherist cercle , or the firste cercle , is clepid the orizonte , that is to seyn , the cercle that divideth the two emysperies , that is , the partie of the hevene above the erthe and the partie bynethe . (CMASTRO,667.C1.132) These almykanteras ben compowned by 2 and 2 , all be it so that on diverse Astrelabies somme almykanteras ben divided by oon , and somme by two , and somme by thre , after the quantite of the Astrelabie . (CMASTRO,667.C1.133) This forseide cenyth is ymagined to ben the verrey point over the crowne of thin heved . (CMASTRO,667.C1.134) And also this cenyth is the verray pool of the orizonte in every regioun . (CMASTRO,667.C1.135) 19 . (CMASTRO,667.C1.136) From this cenyth , as it semeth , there comen a maner croked strikes like to the clawes of a loppe , or elles like the werk of a wommans calle , in kervyng overthwart the almykanteras . (CMASTRO,667.C1.137) And these same strikes or divisiouns ben clepid azimutz , (CMASTRO,667.C1.138) and thei dividen the orisounte of thin Astrelabie in 24 divisiouns . (CMASTRO,667.C1.139) And these azymutz serven to knowe the costes of the firmament , and to othre conclusions , as for to knowe the cenyth of the sonne and of every sterre . (CMASTRO,667.C1.140) . (CMASTRO,667.C1.141) Next these azymutz , under the cercle of Cancer , ben there 12 divisiouns embelif , muche like to the shap of the azemutz , that shewen the spaces of the houres of planetes . (CMASTRO,667.C1.142) 21 . (CMASTRO,667.C1.143) The riet of thin Astrelabie with thy zodiak , shapen in manere of a net or of a lopweb after the olde descripcioun , which thou maist turnen up and doun as thiself liketh , contenith certein nombre of sterres fixes , with her longitudes and latitudes determinat , yf so be that the maker have not errid . (CMASTRO,667.C2.144) The names of the sterres ben writen in the margyn of the riet there as thei sitte , of whiche sterres the smale point is clepid the centre . (CMASTRO,667.C2.145) And understond also that alle the sterres sitting within the zodiak of thin Astrelabie ben clepid sterres of the north , for thei arise by northe the est lyne . (CMASTRO,667.C2.146) And all the remenaunt fixed oute of the zodiak ben clepid sterres of the south . (CMASTRO,667.C2.147) But I seie not that thei arisen alle by southe the est lyne ; (CMASTRO,667.C2.148) witnesse on Aldeberan and Algomeysa . (CMASTRO,667.C2.149) Generaly understond this rewle , that thilke sterres that ben clepid sterres of the north arisen rather than the degre of her longitude , and alle the sterres of the south arisen after the degre of her longitude - this is to seyn , sterres fixed in thyn Astrelabie . (CMASTRO,668.C1.150) The mesure of this longitude of sterres is taken in the lyne ecliptik of hevene , under which lyne , whan that the sonne and the mone be lyne-right , or ellis in the superficie of this lyne , than is the eclipse of the sonne or of the mone , as I shal declare , and eke the cause why . (CMASTRO,668.C2.151) But sothly the ecliptik lyne of thy zodiak is the utterist bordure of thy zodiak there the degrees be marked . (CMASTRO,668.C2.152) Thy zodiak of thin Astrelabie is shapen as a compas which that contenith a large brede as after the quantite of thyn Astrelabie , in ensample that the zodiak in hevene is ymagyned to ben a superfice contenyng a latitude of 12 degrees , whereas alle the remenaunt of cercles in the hevene ben ymagyned verrey lynes withoute eny latitude . (CMASTRO,668.C2.153) Amiddes this celestial zodiak is ymagined a lyne which that is clepid the ecliptik lyne , under which lyne is evermo the wey of the sonne . (CMASTRO,668.C2.154) Thus ben there 6 degres of the zodiak on that oo syde of the lyne and 6 degrees on that othir . (CMASTRO,668.C2.155) This zodiak is dividid in 12 principale divisiouns that departen the 12 signes , (CMASTRO,668.C2.156) and , for the streitnesse of thin Astrolabie , than is every smal divisioun in a signe departed by two degrees and two , (CMASTRO,668.C2.157) I mene degrees contenyng mynutes . (CMASTRO,668.C2.158) And this forseide hevenysshe zodiak is clepid the cercle of the signes , or the cercle of the bestes , (CMASTRO,668.C2.159) for " zodia " in langage of Grek sowneth " bestes " in Latyn tunge . (CMASTRO,668.C2.160) And in the zodiak ben the 12 signes that han names of bestes , or ellis for whan the sonne entrith into eny of tho signes he takith the propirte of suche bestes , or ellis for that the sterres that ben ther fixed ben disposid in signes of bestes or shape like bestes , or elles whan the planetes ben under thilke signes thei causen us by her influence operaciouns and effectes like to the operaciouns of bestes . (CMASTRO,668.C2.161) And understond also that whan an hot planete cometh into an hot signe , than encrescith his hete ; (CMASTRO,668.C2.162) and yf a planete be cold , than amenusith his coldnesse by cause of the hoote sygne . (CMASTRO,668.C2.163) And by thys conclusioun maist thou take ensample in alle the signes , be thei moist or drie , or moeble or fixe , reknyng the qualite of the planete as I first seide . (CMASTRO,668.C2.164) And everich of these 12 signes hath respect to a certeyn parcel of the body of a man , (CMASTRO,669.C1.165) and hath it in governaunce ; as Aries hath thin heved , and Taurus thy nekke and thy throte , Gemini thin armholes and thin armes , and so furth , as shall be shewid more pleyn in the 5 partie of this tretis . (CMASTRO,669.C1.166) This zodiak , which that is part of the 8 speer , over-kervith the equinoxial , (CMASTRO,669.C1.167) and he overkervith him ageyn in evene parties ; (CMASTRO,669.C1.168) and that oo half declineth southward ; and that othir northward , as pleinly declarith the Tretys of the Speer . (CMASTRO,669.C1.169) Than hast thou a label that is shapen like a reule , save that it is streit and hath no plates on either ende with holes . (CMASTRO,669.C2.171) But with the smale point of the forseide label shalt thou calcule thin equaciouns in the bordure of thin Astralabie , as by thin almury . (CMASTRO,669.C2.172) Thin almury is clepid the denticle of Capricorne , or ellis the calculer . (CMASTRO,669.C2.173) This same almury sitt fix in the heved of Capricorne , (CMASTRO,669.C2.174) and it serveth of many a necessarie conclusioun in equacions of thinges as shal be shewid . (CMASTRO,669.C2.175) Here endith the descripcioun of the Astrelabie (CMASTRO,669.C2.177) and here begynne the conclusions of the Astrelabie . (CMASTRO,669.C2.178) 1 . (CMASTRO,669.C1.182) TO FYNDE THE DEGRE IN WHICH THE SONNE IS DAY BY DAY , AFTER HIS COURS ABOUTE . (CMASTRO,669.C1.183) Rekne and knowe which is the day of thy month , (CMASTRO,669.C1.185) and ley thy rewle upon that same day , (CMASTRO,669.C1.186) and than wol the verrey poynt of thy rewle sitten in the bordure upon the degre of thy sonne . (CMASTRO,669.C1.187) Ensample as thus : (CMASTRO,669.C1.188) The yeer of oure Lord 1391 , the 12 day of March at midday , I wolde knowe the degre of the sonne . (CMASTRO,669.C1.189) I soughte in the bakhalf of myn Astrelabie (CMASTRO,669.C1.190) and fond the cercle of the daies , the whiche I knowe by the names of the monthes writen under the same cercle . (CMASTRO,669.C1.191) Tho leyde I my reule over this foreseide day , (CMASTRO,669.C1.192) and fond the point of my reule in the bordure upon the firste degre of Aries , a litel within the degre . (CMASTRO,669.C1.193) And thus knowe I this conclusioun . (CMASTRO,669.C1.194) Anothir day I wolde knowen the degre of my sonne , (CMASTRO,669.C1.195) and this was at midday in the 13 day of Decembre . (CMASTRO,669.C1.196) I fond the day of the month in manere as I seide ; (CMASTRO,669.C1.197) tho leide I my rewle upon this forseide 13 day , (CMASTRO,669.C1.198) and fond the point of my rewle in the bordure upon the firste degre of Capricorne a lite within the degre . (CMASTRO,669.C1.199) And than had I of this conclusion the ful experience . (CMASTRO,669.C1.200) 2 . (CMASTRO,669.C2.203) TO KNOWE THE ALTITUDE OF THE SONNE OR OF OTHRE CELESTIAL BODIES . (CMASTRO,669.C2.204) Put the ryng of thyn Astrelabie upon thy right thombe , (CMASTRO,669.C2.206) and turne thi lift syde ageyn the light of the sonne ; (CMASTRO,669.C2.207) and remewe thy rewle up and doun til that the stremes of the sonne shine thorugh bothe holes of thi rewle . (CMASTRO,669.C2.208) Loke than how many degrees thy rule is areised fro the litel cros upon thin est lyne , (CMASTRO,669.C2.209) and tak there the altitude of thi sonne . (CMASTRO,669.C2.210) And in this same wise maist thow knowe by night the altitude of the mone or of brighte sterres . (CMASTRO,669.C2.211) This chapitre is so generall evere in oon that there nedith no more declaracioun ; (CMASTRO,669.C2.212) but forget it not . (CMASTRO,669.C2.213) 3 . (CMASTRO,669.C2.215) TO KNOWE EVERY TYME OF THE DAY BY LIGHT OF THE SONNE ; AND EVERY TYME OF THE NYGHT BY THE STERRES FIXE ; AND EKE TO KNOWE BY NYGHT OR BY DAY THE DEGRE OF ENY SIGNE THAT ASCENDITH ON THE EST ORISONTE , WHICH THAT IS CLEPID COMOUNLY THE ASCENDENT , OR ELLIS HOROSCOPUM . (CMASTRO,669.C2.216) Tak the altitude of the sonne whan the list , as I have seid , (CMASTRO,669.C2.218) and set the degre of the sonne , in caas that it be beforn the myddel of the day , among thyn almykanteras on the est syde of thin Astrelabie ; (CMASTRO,670.C1.219) and if it be after the myddel of the day , set the degre of thy sonne upon the west syde . (CMASTRO,670.C1.220) Take this manere of settyng for a general rule , ones for evere . (CMASTRO,670.C1.221) And whan thou hast set the degre of thy sonne upon as many almykanteras of height as was the altitude of the sonne taken by thy rule , ley over thi label upon the degre of the sonne ; (CMASTRO,670.C1.222) and than wol the point of thi labell sitte in the bordure upon the verrey tyde of the day . (CMASTRO,670.C1.223) Ensample as thus : (CMASTRO,670.C1.224) The yeer of oure lord 1391 , the 12 day of March , I wolde knowe the tyde of the day . (CMASTRO,670.C1.225) I tok the altitude of my sonne , (CMASTRO,670.C1.226) and fond that it was 25 degrees and minutes of height in the bordure on the bak side . (CMASTRO,670.C1.227) Tho turned I myn Astrelabye , (CMASTRO,670.C1.228) and by cause that it was beforn mydday , I turned my riet (CMASTRO,670.C1.229) and sette the degre of the sonne , that is to seyn the first degre of Aries , on the right side of myn Astrelabye upon 25 degrees and mynutes of height among myn almykanteras . (CMASTRO,670.C1.230) Tho leide I my label upon the degre of my sonne , (CMASTRO,670.C1.231) and fond the point of my label in the bordure upon a capital lettre that is clepid an X . (CMASTRO,670.C1.232) Tho rekned I alle the capitale lettres fro the lyne of mydnight unto this forseide lettre X , (CMASTRO,670.C2.233) and fond that it was 9 of the clokke of the day . (CMASTRO,670.C2.234) Tho loked I doun upon myn est orizonte , (CMASTRO,670.C2.235) and fond there the degre of Geminis ascendyng , which that I tok for myn ascendent . (CMASTRO,670.C2.236) And in this wise had I the experience for evermo in which manere I shulde knowe the tyde of the day and eke myn ascendent . (CMASTRO,670.C2.237) Tho wolde I wite the same nyght folewyng the houre of the nyght , (CMASTRO,670.C2.238) and wroughte in this wise : (CMASTRO,670.C2.239) Among an heep of sterres fixe it liked me for to take the altitude of the faire white sterre that is clepid Alhabor , (CMASTRO,670.C2.240) and fond hir sittyng on the west side of the lyne of midday , 12 degrees of heighte taken by my rewle on the bak side . (CMASTRO,670.C2.241) Tho sette I the centre of this Alhabor upon 12 degrees among myn almykanteras upon the west side , by cause that she was founde on the west side . (CMASTRO,670.C2.242) Tho leyde I my label over the degre of the sonne , that was discendid under the west orisounte , (CMASTRO,670.C2.243) and rekned all the lettres capitals fro the lyne of midday unto the point of my label in the bordure , (CMASTRO,670.C2.244) and fond that it was passed 9 of the clokke the space of degrees . (CMASTRO,670.C2.245) Tho lokid I doun upon myn est orisounte , (CMASTRO,670.C2.246) and fond there degrees of Scorpius ascendyng , whom I tok for myn ascendent . (CMASTRO,670.C2.247) And thus lerned I to knowe onys for ever in which manere I shuld come to the houre of the nyght , and to myn ascendent , as verrely as may be taken by so smal an instrument . (CMASTRO,670.C2.248) But natheles this rule in generall wol I warne the for evere : (CMASTRO,670.C2.249) Ne make the nevere bold to have take a just ascendent by thin Astrelabie , or elles to have set justly a clokke , whan eny celestial body by which that thou wenyst governe thilke thinges be nigh the south lyne . (CMASTRO,670.C2.250) For trust wel , whan the sonne is nygh the meridional lyne , the degre of the sonne renneth so longe consentrik upon the almykanteras that sothly thou shalt erre fro the just ascendent . (CMASTRO,670.C2.251) The same conclusion sey I by the centre of eny sterre fix by nyght . (CMASTRO,670.C2.252) And more over , by experience I wot wel that in our orisounte , from xi of the clokke unto oon of the clokke , in taking of a just ascendent in a portatif Astrelabie it is to hard to knowe - I mene from xi of the clokke before the houre of noon til oon of the clokke next folewyng . (CMASTRO,670.C2.253) 4 . (CMASTRO,670.C2.255) A SPECIAL DECLARACIOUN OF THE ASCENDENT . (CMASTRO,670.C2.256) The ascendent sothly , as wel in alle nativites as in questions and eleccions of tymes , is a thing which that these astrologiens gretly observen . Wherfore me semeth convenyent , syth that I speke of the ascendent , to make of it speciall declaracioun . (CMASTRO,670.C2.258) The ascendent sothly , to take it at the largest , is thilke degre that ascendith at eny of these forseide tymes upon the est orisounte . (CMASTRO,670.C2.259) And therfore , yf that eny planete ascende at thatt same tyme in thilke forseide degre , than hath he no latitude fro the ecliptik lyne , (CMASTRO,670.C2.260) but he is than in the degre of the ecliptik which that is the degre of his longitude . (CMASTRO,670.C2.261) Men sayn that thilke planete is in horoscopo . (CMASTRO,670.C2.262) But sothly the hous of the ascendent , that is to seyn , the first hous or the est angle , is a thing more brod and large . (CMASTRO,671.C1.263) For , after the statutes of astrologiens , what celestial body that is 5 degrees above thilke degre that ascendith , or withinne that nombre , that is to seyn neer the degree that ascendith , yit rekne they thilke planete in the ascendent . (CMASTRO,671.C1.264) And what planete that is under thilke degre that ascendith the space of 25 degres , yit seyn thei that thilke planete is " like to him that is the hous of the ascendent . " (CMASTRO,671.C1.265) But sothly , if he passe the boundes of these forseide spaces , above or bynethe , thei seyn that the planete is " fallyng fro the ascendent . " (CMASTRO,671.C1.266) Yit saien these astrologiens that the ascendent and eke the lord of the ascendent may be shapen for to be fortunat or infortunat , as thus : (CMASTRO,671.C1.267) A " fortunat ascendent " clepen they whan that no wicked planete , as Saturne or Mars or elles the Tayl of the Dragoun , is in the hous of the ascendent , ne that no wicked planete have noon aspect of enemyte upon the ascendent . (CMASTRO,671.C1.268) But thei wol caste that thei have a fortunat planete in hir ascendent , and yit in his felicite ; (CMASTRO,671.C1.269) and than sey thei that it is wel . (CMASTRO,671.C1.270) Further over thei seyn that the infortunyng of an ascendent is the contrarie of these forseide thinges . (CMASTRO,671.C1.271) The lord of the ascendent , sey thei that he is fortunat whan he is in god place fro the ascendent , as in an angle , or in a succident where as he is in hys dignite and comfortid with frendly aspectes of planetes and wel resceyved ; and eke that he may seen the ascendent ; and that he be not retrograd , ne combust , ne joyned with no shrewe in the same signe ; ne that he be not in his discencioun , ne joyned with no planete in his descencioun , ne have upon him noon aspect infortunat ; (CMASTRO,671.C1.272) and than sey thei that he is well . (CMASTRO,671.C1.273) Natheles these ben observaunces of judicial matere and rytes of payens , in whiche my spirit hath no feith , ne knowing of her horoscopum . (CMASTRO,671.C2.274) For they seyn that every signe is departid in thre evene parties by degrees , (CMASTRO,671.C2.275) and thilke porcioun they clepe a face . (CMASTRO,671.C2.276) And although that a planete have a latitude fro the ecliptik , yit sey somme folk , so that the planete arise in that same signe with eny degre of the forseide face in which his longitude is rekned , that yit is the planete in horoscopo , be it in nativyte or in eleccion , etc . (CMASTRO,671.C2.277) 5 . (CMASTRO,671.C2.279) TO KNOWE THE VERREY EQUACIOUN OF THE DEGRE OF THE SONNE YF SO BE THAT IT FALLE BITWENE THYN ALMYKANTERAS . (CMASTRO,671.C2.280) For as muche as the almykanteras in thin Astrelabie ben compowned by two and two , where as somme almykanteras in sondry astrelabies {TEXT:astrelabies_labies} be compowned by 1 and 1 , or elles by 2 and 2 , it is necessarie to thy lernyng to teche the first to knowe and worke with thin oune instrument . Wherfore whan that the degre of thi sonne fallith bytwixe 2 almykanteras , or ellis yf thin almykanteras ben graven with over-gret a poynt of a compas for bothe these thinges may causen errour as wel in knowing of the tide of the day , as of the verrey ascendent , thou must worken in this wise : (CMASTRO,671.C2.282) Set the degre of thy sonne upon the hyer almykanteras of bothe , (CMASTRO,671.C2.283) and wayte wel where as thin almury touchith the bordure (CMASTRO,671.C2.284) and set there a prikke of ynke . (CMASTRO,671.C2.285) Sett doun agayn the degre of the sunne upon the nether almykanteras of bothe , (CMASTRO,671.C2.286) and sett there another pricke . (CMASTRO,671.C2.287) Remeve than thin almury in the bordure evene amiddes bothe prickes , (CMASTRO,671.C2.288) and this wol lede justly the degre of thi sonne to sitte bitwene bothe almykanteras in his right place . (CMASTRO,671.C2.289) Ley than thy label over the degre of thi sonne , (CMASTRO,671.C2.290) and fynd in the bordure the verrey tyde of the day , or of the night . (CMASTRO,671.C2.291) And as verraily shalt thou fynde upon thin est orisonte thin ascendent . (CMASTRO,671.C2.292) 6 . (CMASTRO,671.C2.294) TO KNOWE THE SPRYNG OF THE DAWENYNG AND THE ENDE OF THE EVENYNG , THE WHICHE BEN CALLED THE TWO CREPUSCULES . (CMASTRO,671.C2.295) Set the nadir of thy sonne upon 18 degrees of height among thyn almynkanteras on the west syde ; (CMASTRO,672.C1.297) and ley thy label on the degre of thy sonne , (CMASTRO,672.C1.298) and than shal the point of thy label shewen the spryng of the day . (CMASTRO,672.C1.299) Also set the nader of thy sonne upon 18 degrees of height among thin almykanteras on the est side , (CMASTRO,672.C1.300) and ley over thy label upon the degre of the sonne , (CMASTRO,672.C1.301) and with the point of thy label fynd in the bordure the ende of the evenyng , that is verrey nyght . (CMASTRO,672.C1.302) The nader of the sonne is thilke degre that is opposyt to the degre of the sonne , in the 7 signe , as thus : (CMASTRO,672.C1.303) every degre of Aries by ordir is nadir to every degre of Libra by ordre , and Taurus to Scorpioun , Gemini to Sagittarie , Cancer to Capricorne , Leo to Aquarie , Virgo to Piscis . (CMASTRO,672.C1.304) And if eny degre in thy zodiak be derk , his nadir shal declare hym . (CMASTRO,672.C1.305) 7 . (CMASTRO,672.C1.307) TO KNOWE THE ARCH OF THE DAY , THAT SOME FOLK CALLEN THE DAY ARTIFICIALL , FRO SONNE ARISYNG TYL IT GO TO RESTE . (CMASTRO,672.C1.308) Set the degre of thi sonne upon thin est orisonte , (CMASTRO,672.C1.310) and ley thy label on the degre of the sonne , (CMASTRO,672.C1.311) and at the point of thy label in the bordure set a pricke . (CMASTRO,672.C1.312) Turne than thy riet aboute tyl the degre of thy sonne sitte upon the west orisonte , (CMASTRO,672.C1.313) and ley thy label upon the same degre of the sonne , (CMASTRO,672.C1.314) and at the poynt of thy label set there another pricke . (CMASTRO,672.C1.315) Rekne than the quantite of tyme in the bordure bitwixe bothe prickes , (CMASTRO,672.C1.316) and tak there thyn arch of the day . (CMASTRO,672.C1.317) The remenaunt of the bordure under the orisonte is the arch of the nyght . (CMASTRO,672.C1.318) Thus maist thou rekne bothe arches , or every porcioun , of whether that the liketh . (CMASTRO,672.C1.319) And by this manere of worching maist thou se how longe that eny sterre fix dwelleth above the erthe , fro tyme that he riseth til he go to reste . (CMASTRO,672.C1.320) But the day naturall , that is to seyn 24 hours , is the revolucioun of the equinoxial with as muche partie of the zodiak as the sonne of his propre moeving passith in the mene while . (CMASTRO,672.C1.321) 8 . (CMASTRO,672.C1.323) TO TURNE THE HOURES INEQUALES IN HOURES EQUALES . (CMASTRO,672.C1.324) Know the nombre of the degrees in the houres inequales , (CMASTRO,672.C1.326) and depart hem by 15 , (CMASTRO,672.C1.327) and tak there thin houres equales . (CMASTRO,672.C1.328) 9 . (CMASTRO,672.C2.331) TO KNOWE THE QUANTITE OF THE DAY VULGAR , THAT IS TO SEYN FRO SPRYNG OF THE DAY UNTO VERREY NYGHT . (CMASTRO,672.C2.332) Know the quantite of thy crepuscles , as I have taught in the 3 chapitre bifore , (CMASTRO,672.C2.334) and adde hem to the arch of thy day artificial , (CMASTRO,672.C2.335) and tak there the space of all the hool day vulgar unto verrey night . (CMASTRO,672.C2.336) The same manere maist thou worche to knowe the quantite of the vulgar nyght . (CMASTRO,672.C2.337) . (CMASTRO,672.C2.339) TO KNOWE THE QUANTITE OF HOURES INEQUALES BY DAY . (CMASTRO,672.C2.340) Understond wel that these houres inequales ben clepid houres of planetes . (CMASTRO,672.C2.342) And understond wel that som tyme ben thei lenger by day than by night , and som tyme the contrarie . (CMASTRO,672.C2.343) But understond wel that evermo generaly the houre inequal of the day with the houre inequal of the night contenen degrees of the bordure , which bordure is evermo answeryng to the degrees of the equinoxial . Wherfore departe the arch of the day artificial in 12 , and tak there the quantite of the houre inequale by day . (CMASTRO,672.C2.344) And if thou abate the quantite of the houre inequale by day out of , than shal the remenaunt that levith parforme the houre inequale by night . (CMASTRO,672.C2.345) 11 . (CMASTRO,672.C2.347) TO KNOWE THE QUANTITE OF HOURES EQUALES . (CMASTRO,672.C2.348) The quantite of houres equales , that is to seyn the houres of the clokke , ben departid by 15 degrees alredy in the bordure of thin Astrelaby , as wel by night as by day , generaly for evere . (CMASTRO,672.C2.350) What nedith more declaracioun ? Wherfore whan the list to knowe how many houres of the clokke ben passed , or eny part of eny of these houres that ben passed , or ellis how many houres or parties of houres ben to come fro such a tyme to such a tyme by day or by night , know the degre of thy sonne , and ley thy label on it . (CMASTRO,672.C2.351) Turne thy ryet aboute joyntly with thy label , (CMASTRO,672.C2.352) and with the poynt of it rekne in the bordure fro the sonne arise unto that same place there thou desirist , by day as by nyght . (CMASTRO,672.C2.353) This conclusioun wol I declare in the last chapitre of the 4 partie of this tretys so openly that ther shal lakke no word that nedith to the declaracioun . (CMASTRO,673.C1.354) 12 . (CMASTRO,673.C1.356) SPECIAL DECLARACIOUN OF THE HOURES OF PLANETES . (CMASTRO,673.C1.357) Understond wel that evermo , fro the arisyng of the sonne til it go to reste , the nadir of the sonne shal shewe the houre of the planete ; (CMASTRO,673.C1.359) and fro that tyme forward al the night til the sonne arise , than shal the verrey degre of the sonne shewe the houre of the planete . (CMASTRO,673.C1.360) Ensample as thus : (CMASTRO,673.C1.361) The xiij day of March fyl upon a Saturday , peraventure , (CMASTRO,673.C1.362) and atte risyng of the sonne I fond the secunde degre of Aries sittyng upon myn est orisonte , all be it that it was but litel . (CMASTRO,673.C1.363) Than fond I the 2 degre of Libra , nadir of my sonne , discending on my west orisonte , upon which west orisonte every day generaly , atte sonne arist , entrith the houre of eny planete , after which planete the day berith his name , and endith in the next strike of the plate under the forseide west orisonte . (CMASTRO,673.C1.364) And evere as the sonne clymbith upper and upper , so goth his nadir downer and downer , teching by suche strikes the houres of planetes by ordir as they sitten in the hevene . (CMASTRO,673.C1.365) The firste houre inequal of every Saturday is to Saturne , and the seconde to Jupiter , the thirde to Mars , the fourthe to the sonne , the fifte to Venus , the sixte to Mercurius , the seventhe to the mone . (CMASTRO,673.C1.366) And then ageyn the 8 is to Saturne , the 9 to Jupiter , the to Mars , the 11 to the sonne , the 12 to Venus . (CMASTRO,673.C1.367) And now is my sonne gon to reste as for that Saturday . (CMASTRO,673.C1.368) Than shewith the verrey degre of the sonne the houre of Mercurie entring under my west orisonte at eve ; (CMASTRO,673.C1.369) and next him succedith the mone , (CMASTRO,673.C1.370) and so furth by ordir , planete after planete in houre after houre , all the nyght longe til the sonne arise . (CMASTRO,673.C1.371) Now risith the sonne that Sonday by the morwe , (CMASTRO,673.C1.372) and the nadir of the sonne upon the west orisonte shewith me the entring of the houre of the forseide sonne . (CMASTRO,673.C1.373) And in this manere succedith planete under planete fro Saturne unto the mone , and fro the mone up ageyn to Saturne , houre after houre generaly . (CMASTRO,673.C1.374) And thus knowe I this conclusyoun . (CMASTRO,673.C1.375) 13 . (CMASTRO,673.C1.377) TO KNOWE THE ALTITUDE OF THE SONNE IN MYDDES OF THE DAY THAT IS CLEPID THE ALTITUDE MERIDIAN . (CMASTRO,673.C1.378) Set the degre of the sonne upon the lyne meridional , (CMASTRO,673.C2.381) and rekne how many degrees of almykanteras ben bitwyxe thin est orisonte and the degre of thy sonne ; (CMASTRO,673.C2.382) and tak there thin altitude meridian , this to seyn , the highest of the sonne as for that day . (CMASTRO,673.C2.383) So maist thou knowe in the same lyne the heighest cours that eny sterre fix clymbeth by night . This is to seyn that whan eny sterre fix is passid the lyne meridional , than begynneth it to descende ; (CMASTRO,673.C2.384) and so doth the sonne . (CMASTRO,673.C2.385) 14 . (CMASTRO,673.C2.387) TO KNOWE THE DEGRE OF THE SONNE BY THY RYET , FOR A MANER CURIOSITE . (CMASTRO,673.C2.388) Sek besily with thy rule the highest of the sonne in mydde of the day . (CMASTRO,673.C2.390) Turne than thin Astrelabie , (CMASTRO,673.C2.391) and with a pricke of ynke marke the nombre of that same altitude in the lyne meridional ; (CMASTRO,673.C2.392) turne than thy ryet aboute tyl thou fynde a degre of thy zodiak according with the pricke , this is to seyn , sitting on the pricke . (CMASTRO,673.C2.393) And in soth thou shalt finde but 2 degrees in all the zodiak of that condicioun ; (CMASTRO,673.C2.394) and yit thilke 2 degrees ben in diverse signes . (CMASTRO,673.C2.395) Than maist thou lightly , by the sesoun of the yere , knowe the signe in which that is the sonne . (CMASTRO,673.C2.396) 15 . (CMASTRO,673.C2.398) TO KNOWE WHICH DAY IS LIK TO WHICH DAY AS OF LENGTHE . (CMASTRO,673.C2.399) Loke whiche degrees ben ylike fer fro the hevedes of Cancer and Capricorne , (CMASTRO,673.C2.401) and loke when the sonne is in eny of thilke degrees ; (CMASTRO,673.C2.402) than ben the dayes ylike of lengthe . This is to seyn that as longe is that day in that month , as was such a day in such a month ; (CMASTRO,673.C2.403) there varieth but litel . (CMASTRO,673.C2.404)