CHAPTER VIII

Of the River _Nilus_.

Hereof uncontroulably and under general consent many opinions are passant, which notwithstanding upon due examination, do admit of doubt or restriction. It is generally esteemed, and by most unto our days received, that the River of _Nilus_ hath seven ostiaries; that is, by seven Channels disburdeneth it self into the Sea. Wherein notwithstanding, beside that we find no concurrent determination of ages past, and a positive and undeniable refute of these present, the affirmative is mutable, and must not be received without all limitation.

For some, from whom we receive the greatest illustrations of Antiquity, have made no mention hereof: So _Homer_ hath given no number of its Channels, nor so much as the name thereof in use with all Historians. _Eratosthenes_ in his description of _Egypt_ hath likewise passed them over. [SN: How Egypt first became firm land.] _Aristotle_ is so indistinct in their names and numbers, that in the first _of Meteors_ he plainly affirmeth the Region of _Egypt_ (which we esteem the ancientest Nation in the world) was a meer gained ground, and that by the setling of mud and limous matter brought down by the River _Nilus_, that which was at first a continued Sea, was raised at last into a firm and habitable Country. The like opinion he held of _Mæotis Palus_, that by the floods of _Tanais_ and earth brought down thereby, it grew observably shallower in his days, and would in process of time become a firm land. And though his conjecture be not as yet fulfilled, yet is the like observable in the River _Gihon_, a branch of _Euphrates_ and River of Paradise; which having in former Ages discharged it self into the _Persian_ Sea, doth at present fall short; being lost in the lakes of _Chaldea_, and hath left between the Sea, a large and considerable part of dry land.

Others expresly treating hereof, have diversly delivered themselves; _Herodotus_ in his Euterpe makes mention of seven; but carelesly of two thereof; that is _Bolbitinum_, and _Bucolicum_; for these, saith he, were not the natural currents, but made by Art for some occasional convenience. _Strabo_ in his Geography naming but two, _Peleusiacum_ and _Canopicum_, plainly affirmeth there were many more than seven; _Inter hæc alia quinque_, etc. There are (saith he) many remarkable towns within the currents of Nile, especially such which have given the names unto the ostiaries thereof, not unto all, for they are eleven, and four besides, but unto seven and most considerable; that is _Canopicum_, _Bolbitinum_, _Selenneticum_, _Sebenneticum_, _Pharniticum_, _Mendesium_, _Taniticum_ and _Pelusium_: wherein to make up the number, one of the artificial chanels of _Herodotus_ is accounted. _Ptolomy_ an _Egyptian_, and born at the _Pelusian_ mouth of _Nile_, in his Geography maketh nine: and in the third Map of _Africa_, hath unto their mouths prefixed their several names; _Heracleoticum_, _Bolbitinum_, _Sebenneticum_, _Pineptum_, _Diolcos_, _Pathmeticum_, _Mendesium_, _Taniticum_, _Peleusiacum_: wherein notwithstanding there are no less then three different names from those delivered by _Pliny_. All which considered, we may easily discern that Authors accord not either in name or number; and must needs confirm the Judgement of _Maginus_, _de Ostiorum Nili numero et nominibus, valde antiqui scriptores discordant_.

Modern Geographers and travellers do much abate of this number, for as _Maginus_ and others observe, there are now but three or four mouths thereof; as _Gulielmus Tyrius_ long ago, and _Bellonius_ since, both ocular enquirers, with others have attested. For below _Cairo_, the River divides it self into four branches, whereof two make the chief and navigable streams, the one running to _Pelusium_ of the Ancients, and now _Damiata_; the other unto _Canopium_, and now _Roscetta_; the other two, saith Mr. _Sandys_ [SN: Sand. Relation.], do run between these; but poor in water. Of those seven mentioned by _Herodotus_, and those nine by _Ptolomy_, these are all I could either see or hear of. Which much confirmeth the testimony of the Bishop of _Tyre_ a diligent and ocular Enquirer; who in his holy war doth thus deliver himself. We wonder much at the Ancients, who assigned seven mouths unto _Nilus_; which we can no otherwise salve, then that by process of time, the face of places is altered, and the river hath lost his chanels; or that our fore-fathers did never obtain a true account thereof.

And therefore when it is said in holy Scripture [SN: _Isa._ 11. 15, 16.], The Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the _Egyptian_ sea, and with his mighty wind he shall shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry-shod. If this expression concerneth the river _Nilus_, it must only respect the seven principal streams. But the place is very obscure, and whether thereby be not meant the river _Euphrates_, is not without some controversie; as is collectible from the subsequent words; And there shall be an high way for the remnant of his people, that shall be left from _Assyria_; and also from the bare name _River_, emphatically signifying _Euphrates_, and thereby the division of the _Assyrian_ Empire into many fractions, which might facilitate their return: as _Grotius_ hath observed [SN: Gr. Not in Isaiam.]; and is more plainly made out, if the _Apocrypha_ of _Esdras_ [SN: _Esdr._ 2. 13, 43, 47.], and that of the _Apocalyps_[SN: _Apoc._ 16. 12.] have any relation hereto.

Lastly, Whatever was or is their number, the contrivers of Cards and Maps afford us no assurance or constant description therein. For whereas _Ptolemy_ hath set forth nine, _Hondius_ in his Map of _Africa_ makes but eight, and in that of _Europe_ ten. _Ortelius_ in the Map of the _Turkish_ Empire, setteth down eight, in that of _Egypt_ eleven; and _Maginus_ in his Map of that Country hath observed the same number. And if we enquire farther, we shall find the same diversity and discord in divers others.

Thus may we perceive that this account was differently related by the Ancients, that it is undeniably rejected by the Moderns, and must be warily received by any. For if we receive them all into account, they were more then seven, if only the natural sluces, they were fewer; and however we receive them, there is no agreeable and constant description thereof. And therefore how reasonable it is to draw continual and durable deductions from alterable and uncertain foundations; let them consider who make the gates of _Thebes_, and the mouths of this River a constant and continued periphrasis for this number, and in their Poetical expressions do give the River that Epithite unto this day.

The same River is also accounted the greatest of the earth, called therefore _Fluviorum pater_, and _totius Orbis maximus_, by _Ortelius_: If this be true, many Maps must be corrected, or the relations of divers good Authors renounced.

For first, In the deliniations of many Maps of _Africa_, the River _Niger_ exceedeth it about ten degrees in length, that is, no less then six hundred miles. For arising beyond the Æquator it maketh Northward almost 15 degrees, and deflecting after Westward, without Meanders, continueth a strait course about 40 degrees; and at length with many great currents disburdeneth it self into the Occidental Ocean. Again, if we credit the descriptions of good Authors, other Rivers excell it in length, or breadth, or both. _Arrianus_ in his history of _Alexander_, assigneth the first place unto the River _Ganges_; which truly according unto latter relations, if not in length, yet in breadth and depth may be granted to excell it. For the magnitude of _Nilus_ consisteth in the dimension of longitude, and is inconsiderable in the other; what stream it maintaineth beyond _Syene_ or _Asna_, and so forward unto its original, relations are very imperfect; but below these places, and farther removed from the head, the current is but narrow, and we read in the History of the _Turks_, the _Tartar_ horsemen of _Selimus_ swam over the _Nile_ from _Cairo_, to meet the forces of _Tonumbeus_. Baptista Scortia expresly treating hereof, [SN: _De natura et incremento Nili._] preferreth the River of _Plate_ in _America_; for that as _Maffeus_ hath delivered, falleth into the Ocean in the latitude of forty leagues; and with that source and plenty that men at Sea do tast fresh water, before they approach so near as to discover the land. So is it exceeded by that which by _Cardan_ is termed the greatest in the world, that is the River _Oregliana_ in the same continent; which as _Maginus_ delivereth, hath been navigated 6000 miles; and opens in a chanel of ninety leagues broad; so that, as _Acosta_, an ocular witness recordeth, they that sail in the middle, can make no land of either side.

Now the ground of this assertion was surely the magnifying esteem of the Ancients, arising from the indiscovery of its head. For as things unknown seem greater then they are, and are usually received with amplifications above their nature; so might it also be with this River, whose head being unknown and drawn to a proverbial obscurity, the opinion thereof became without bounds; and men must needs conceit a large extent of that to which the discovery of no man had set a period. And this an usual way to give the superlative unto things of eminency in any kind; and when a thing is very great, presently to define it to be the greatest of all. Whereas indeed Superlatives are difficult; whereof there being but one in every kind, their determinations are dangerous, and must not be made without great circumspection. [SN: _The greatest Cities of the World._] So the City of Rome is magnified by the _Latines_ to be the greatest of the earth; but time and Geography informs _us_, that _Cairo_ is bigger, and _Quinsay_ in _China_ far exceedeth both. [SN: The highest Hills.] So is _Olympus_ extolled by the _Greeks_, as an hill attaining unto heaven; but the enlarged Geography of aftertimes makes slight account hereof, when they discourse of _Andes_ in _Peru_, or _Teneriffa_ in the _Canaries_. And we understand by a person who hath lately had a fair opportunity to behold the magnified mount _Olympus_, that it is exceeded by some peakes of the _Alpes_. So have all Ages conceived, and most are still ready to swear, the Wren is the least of Birds; yet the discoveries of _America_, and even of our own Plantations have shewed us one far less; that is, the Humbird [SN: Tomineio.], not much exceeding a Beetle. And truly, for the least and greatest, the highest and the lowest of every kind, as it is very difficult to define them in visible things, so is it to understand in things invisible. Thus is it no easie lesson to comprehend the first matter, and the affections of that which is next neighbour unto nothing, but impossible truly to comprehend God, who indeed is all in all. For things as they arise unto perfection, and approach unto God, or descend to imperfection, and draw nearer unto nothing, fall both imperfectly into our apprehensions; the one being too weak for our conceptions, our conceptions too weak for the other.

Thirdly, Divers conceptions there are concerning its increment or inundation. The first unwarily opinions, that this encrease or annual overflowing is proper unto _Nile_, and not agreeable unto any other River; which notwithstanding is common unto many Currents of _Africa_. For about the same time the River _Niger_ and _Zaire_ do overflow; and so do the Rivers beyond the mountains of the Moon, as _Suama_, and _Spirito Santo_. And not only these in _Africa_, but some also in _Europe_ and _Asia_; for so it is reported of _Menan_ in _India_, and so doth _Botero_ report of _Duina_ in _Livonia_; and the same is also observable in the River _Jordan_ in _Judea_; for so is it delivered, that _Jordan_ overfloweth all his banks in the time of harvest.

The effect indeed is wonderful in all, and the causes surely best resolvable from observations made in the Countries themselves, the parts through which they pass, or whence they take their Original. That of _Nilus_ hath been attempted by Many, and by some to that despair of resolution, that they have only referred it unto the Providence of God, and his secret manuduction of all things unto their ends. [SN: The cause of the overflowing of Nilus.] But divers have attained the truth, and the cause alledged by _Diodorus_, _Seneca_, _Strabo_, and others, is allowable; that the inundation of _Nilus_ in _Egypt_ proceeded from the rains in _Æthiopia_, and the mighty source of waters falling towards the fountains thereof. For this inundation unto the _Egyptians_ happeneth when it is winter unto the _Æthiopians_; which habitations, although they have no cold Winter (the Sun being no farther removed from them in Cancer, then unto us in Taurus) yet is the fervour of the air so well remitted, as it admits a sufficient generation of vapors, and plenty of showers ensuing thereupon. This Theory of the Ancients is since confirmed by experience of the Moderns; by _Franciscus Alvarez_, who lived long in those parts, and left a description of _Æthiopia_; affirming that from the middle of June unto September, there fell in his time continual rains. As also _Antonius Ferdinandus_, who in an Epistle written from thence, and noted by _Codignus_, affirmeth, that during the winter, in those Countries there passed no day without rain.

Now this is also usual, to translate a remarkable quality into a propriety, and where we admire an effect in one, to opinion there is not the like in any other. With these conceits do common apprehensions entertain the antidotal and wondrous condition of _Ireland_; conceiving only in that land an immunity from venemous creatures: but unto him that shall further enquire, the same will be affirmed of _Creta_, memorable in ancient stories, even unto fabulous causes, and benediction from the birth of _Jupiter_. The same is also found in _Ebusus_ or _Evisa_, an Island near _Majorca_ upon the coast of _Spain_. With these apprehensions do the eyes of neighbour Spectators behold _Ætna_, the flaming mountain in _Sicilia_; but Navigators tell us there is a burning mountain in Island, a more remarkable one in _Teneriffa_ of the _Canaries_, and many Vulcano's or fiery Hils elsewhere. Thus Crocodiles were thought to be peculiar unto _Nile_, and the opinion so possessed _Alexander_, that when he had discovered some in _Ganges_, he fell upon a conceit he had found the head of _Nilus_; but later discoveries affirm they are not only in _Asia_ and _Africa_, but very frequent in some rivers of _America_.

Another opinion confineth its Inundation, and positively affirmeth, it constantly encreaseth the seventeenth day of June; wherein perhaps a larger form of speech were safer, then that which punctually prefixeth a constant day thereto. For this expression is different from that of the Ancients, as _Herodotus_, _Diodorus_, _Seneca_, etc. delivering only that it happeneth about the entrance of the Sun into Cancer; wherein they warily deliver themselves, and reserve a reasonable latitude. So when _Hippocrates_ saith, _Sub Cane et ante Canem difficiles sunt purgationes_: There is a latitude of days comprised therein; for under the Dog-star he containeth not only the day of its ascent, but many following, and some ten days preceeding. So _Aristotle_ delivers the affections of animals: with the wary terms of _Circa, et magna ex parte_: and when _Theodorus_ translateth that part of his, _Coeunt Thunni et Scombri mense Februario post Idus, pariunt Junio ante Nonas_: _Scaliger_ for _ante Nonas_, renders it _Junii initio_; because that exposition affordeth the latitude of divers days: For affirming it happeneth before the Nones, he alloweth but one day; that is the Calends; for in the _Roman_ account, the second day is the fourth of the Nones of June.

Again, Were the day definitive, it had prevented the delusion of the devil, nor could he have gained applause by its prediction; who notwithstanding (as _Athanasius_ in the life of _Anthony_ relateth) to magnifie his knowledge in things to come, when he perceived the rains to fall in _Æthiopia_, would presage unto the _Egyptians_ the day of its inundation. And this would also make useless that natural experiment observed in earth or sand about the River; by the weight whereof (as good Authors report) they have unto this day a knowledge of its encrease.

Lastly, It is not reasonable from variable and unstable causes, to derive a fixed and constant effect, and such are the causes of this inundation, which cannot indeed be regular, and therefore their effects not prognosticable like Eclipses. For depending upon the clouds and descent of showers in _Æthiopia_, which have their generation from vaporous exhalations, they must submit their existence unto contingencies, and endure anticipation and recession from the movable condition of their causes. And therefore some years there hath been no encrease at all, as some conceive in the years of Famin under _Pharaoh_, as _Seneca_, and divers relate of the eleventh year of _Cleopatra_; nor nine years together, as is testified by _Calisthenes_. Some years it hath also retarded, and came far later then usually it was expected, as according to _Sozomen_ and _Nicephorus_ it happened in the days of _Theodosius_; whereat the people were ready to mutiny, because they might not sacrifice unto the River, according to the custom of their Predecessors.

Now this is also an usual way of mistake, and many are deceived who too strictly construe the temporal considerations of things. Thus books will tell us, and we are made to believe that the fourteenth year males are seminifical and pubescent; but he that shall enquire into the generality, will rather adhere unto the cautelous assertion of _Aristotle_, that is, _bis septem annis exactis_, and then but _magna ex parte_. That Whelps are blind nine days, and then begin to see, is generally believed, but as we have elsewhere declared, it is exceeding rare, nor do their eye-lids usually open until the twelfth, and sometimes not before the fourteenth day. And to speak strictly, an hazardable determination it is unto fluctuating and indifferent effects, to affix a positive Type or Period. For in effects of far more regular causalities, difficulties do often arise, and even in time it self, which measureth all things, we use allowance in its commensuration. Thus while we conceive we have the account of a year in 365 days, exact enquirers and Computists will tell us, that we escape 6 hours, that is a quarter of a day. And so in a day which every one accounts 24 hours, or one revolution of the Sun, in strict account we must allow the addition of such a part as the Sun doth make in his proper motion, from West to East, whereby in one day he describeth not a perfect Circle.

Fourthly, It is affirmed by many, and received by most, that it never raineth in _Egypt_, the river supplying that defect, and bountifully requiting it in its inundation: but this must also be received in a qualified sense, that is, that it rains but seldom at any time in the Summer, and very rarely in the Winter. [SN: _That_ Egypt _hath rain_.] But that great showers do sometimes fall upon that Region, beside the Assertion of many Writers, [SN: _Sir_ William Paston _Baronet_.] we can confirm from honourable and ocular testimony, and that not many years past, it rained in Grand _Cairo_ divers days together.

The same is also attested concerning other parts of _Egypt_, by _Prosper Alpinus_, who lived long in that Country, and hath left an accurate Treaty of the medical practise thereof. _Cayri raro decidunt pluviæ, Alexandriæ, Pelusiiq; et in omnibus locis mari adjacentibus, pluit largissime et sæpe_; that is, it raineth seldom at _Cairo_, but at _Alexandria_, _Damiata_, and places near the Sea, it raineth plentifully and often. Whereto we might add the latter testimony of Learned Mr. _Greaves_, in his accurate description of the _Pyramids_.

Beside, Men hereby forget the relation of holy Scripture. [SN: _Exod._ 9.] _Behold I will cause it to rain a very great hail, such as hath not been in_ Egypt _since the foundation thereof, even untill now_. Wherein God threatning such a rain as had not happened, it must be presumed they had been acquainted with some before, and were not ignorant of the substance, the menace being made in the circumstance. The same concerning hail is inferrible from _Prosper Alpinus. Rarissime nix, grando_, it seldom snoweth or haileth. Where by we must concede that snow and hail do sometimes fall, because they happen seldom.

Now this mistake ariseth from a misapplication of the bounds or limits of time, and an undue transition from one unto another; which to avoid, we must observe the punctual differences of time, and so distinguish thereof, as not to confound or lose the one in the other. For things may come to pass, _Semper, Plerumq; Sæpe, aut Nunquam, Aliquando, Raro_; that is, Always, or Never, For the most part, or Sometimes, Ofttimes, or Seldom. Now the deception is usual which is made by the mis-application of these; men presently concluding that to happen often, which happeneth but sometimes: that never, which happeneth but seldom; and that alway, which happeneth for the most part. So is it said, the Sun shines every day in Rhodes, because for the most part it faileth not. So we say and believe that a Camelion never eateth, but liveth only upon air, whereas indeed it is seen to eat very seldom, but many there are who have beheld it to feed on Flyes. And so it is said, that children born in the eighth moneth live not, that is, for the most part, but not to be concluded alwaies: nor it seems in former ages in all places: for it is otherwise recorded by _Aristotle_ concerning the births of _Egypt_.

Lastly, It is commonly conceived that divers Princes hath attempted to cut the Isthmus or tract of land [SN: Lingua maris Ægyptii. _Isa. 11. 15._] which parteth the _Arabian_ and _Mediterranean_ Sea: but upon enquiry I find some difficulty concerning the place attempted; many with good authority affirming, that the intent was not immediately to unite these Seas, but to make a navigable chanel between the Red Sea and the Nile, the marks whereof are extant to this day; it was first attempted by _Sesostris_, after by _Darius_, and in a fear to drown the Country, deserted by them both; but was long after re-attempted and in some manner effected by _Philadelphus_. And so the grand Signior who is Lord of the Country, conveyeth his Gallies into the Red Sea by the Nile; for he bringeth them down to Grand _Cairo_ where they are taken in pieces, carried upon Camels backs, and rejoyned together at Sues, his port and Naval station for that Sea; whereby in effect he acts the design of _Cleopatra_, who after the battle of _Actium_ in a different way would have conveyed her Gallies into the Red Sea.

And therefore that proverb to cut an Isthmus [SN: Isthmum perfodere.], that is, to take great pains, and effect nothing, alludeth not unto this attempt; but is by _Erasmus_ applyed unto several other, as that undertaking of the Cnidians to cut their Isthmus, but especially that of _Corinth_ so unsuccessfully attempted by many Emperours. The Cnidians were deterred by the peremptory disswasion of _Apollo_, plainly commanding them to desist; for if God had thought it fit, he would have made that Country an Island at first. But this perhaps will not be thought a reasonable discouragement unto the activity of those spirits which endeavour to advantage nature by Art, and upon good grounds to promote any part of the universe; nor will the ill success of some be made a sufficient determent unto others; who know that many learned men affirm, that Islands were not from the beginning, that many have been made since by Art, that some Isthmus have been eat through by the Sea, and others cut by the spade: And if policy would permit, that of _Panama_ in _America_ were most worthy the attempt: it being but few miles over, and would open a shorter cut unto the East Indies and China.