CHAPTER XI

Of Griffins.

That there are Griffins in Nature, that is a mixt and dubious Animal, in the fore-part resembling an Eagle, and behind, the shape of a Lion, with erected ears, four feet and a long tail, many affirm, and most, I perceive, deny not. The same is averred by _Ælian_, _Solinus_, _Mela_, and _Herodotus_, countenanced by the Name sometimes found in Scripture, and was an Hieroglyphick of the Egyptians.

Notwithstanding we find most diligent enquirers to be of a contrary assertion. For beside that _Albertus_ and _Pliny_ have disallowed it, the learned _Aldrovandus_ hath in a large discourse rejected it; _Mathias Michovius_ who writ of those Northern parts wherein men place these Griffins, hath positively concluded against it; and if examined by the Doctrine of Animals, the invention is monstrous, nor much inferiour unto the figment of Sphynx, Chimæra, and Harpies, for though there be some flying Animals of mixed and participating Natures, that is, between Bird and quadruped, yet are their wings and legs so set together, that they seem to make each other; there being a commixtion of both, rather then an adaptation or cement of prominent parts unto each other, as is observable in the Bat, whose wings and fore-legs are contrived in each other. For though some species there be of middle and participating Natures, that is, of Bird and Beast, as Bats and some few others, yet are their parts so conformed and set together, that we cannot define the beginning or end of either; there being a commixtion of both in the whole, rather then an adaptation or cement of the one unto the other.

Now for the word γρὺπς or _Gryps_, sometimes mentioned in Scripture [SN: _Levit. 11._], and frequently in humane Authors, properly understood, it signifies some kind of Eagle or Vulture, from whence the Epithete _Grypus_ for an hooked or Aquiline Nose. Thus when the Septuagint makes use of this word, _Tremellius_ and our Translation hath rendred it the Ossifrage, which is one kind of Eagle. And although the Vulgar Translation, and that annexed unto the Septuagint, retain the word _Gryps_, which in ordinary and school construction is commonly rendred a Griffin, yet cannot the Latine assume any other sense then the Greek, from whence it is borrowed. And though the Latine _Gryphes_ be altered somewhat by the addition of an _h_, or aspiration of the letter π, yet is not this unusual; so what the Greeks call τρόπαιον, the Latine will call _Trophæum_; and that person which in the Gospel is named Κλέοπας, the Latines will render _Cleophas_. And therefore the quarrel of _Origen_ was unjust, and his conception erroneous, when he conceived the food of Griffins forbidden by the law of _Moses_: that is, Poetical Animals, and things of no existence. And therefore when in the Hecatombs and mighty Oblations of the Gentiles, it is delivered they sacrificed Gryphes or Griffins; hereby we may understand some stronger sort of Eagles. And therefore also when its said in _Virgil_ of an improper Match, or _Mopsus_ marrying _Nysa_, _Jungentur jam gryphes equis_; we need not hunt after other sense, then that strange unions shall be made, and different Natures be conjoined together.

As for the testimonies of ancient Writers, they are but derivative, and terminate all in one _Aristeus_ a Poet of _Proconesus_; who affirmed that near the _Arimaspi_, or one-eyed Nation, Griffins defended the Mines of Gold. But this, as _Herodotus_ delivereth, he wrote by hear-say; and _Michovius_ who hath expresly written of those parts, plainly affirmeth, there is neither Gold nor Griffins in that Country, nor any such Animal extant; for so doth he conclude, _Ego vero contra veteres authores, Gryphes nec in illa septentrionis, nec in aliis orbis partibus inveniri affirmarim_.

Lastly, Concerning the Hieroglyphical authority, although it nearest approach the truth, it doth not infer its existency. The conceit of the _Griffin_ properly taken being but a symbolical phansie, in so intollerable a shape including allowable morality. So doth it well make out the properties of a _Guardian_, or any person entrusted; the ears implying attention, the wings celerity of execution, the Lion-like shape, courage and audacity, the hooked bill, reservance and tenacity. It is also an Emblem of valour and magnanimity, as being compounded of the Eagle and Lion, the noblest Animals in their kinds; and so is it appliable unto Princes, Presidents, Generals, and all heroick Commanders; and so is it also born in the Coat-arms of many noble Families of _Europe_.

But the original invention seems to be Hieroglyphical, derived from the Egyptians, and of an higher signification. By the mystical conjunction of Hawk and Lion, implying either the Genial or the sydereous Sun, the great celerity thereof, and the strength and vigour in its operations. And therefore under such Hieroglyphicks _Osyris_ was described; and in ancient Coins we meet with Gryphins conjointly with _Apollo's_, _Tripodes_ and Chariot wheels; and the marble Gryphins at Saint _Peters_ in _Rome_, as learned men conjecture, were first translated from the Temple of _Apollo_. Whether hereby were not also mystically implied the activity of the Sun in Leo, the power of God in the Sun, or the influence of the Cœlestial _Osyris_, by _Moptha_ the Genius of Nilus, might also be considered. And then the learned _Kircherus_, no man were likely to be a better _Oedipus_.