De prodigiosa specie, naturaq[ue] cometae, qui nobis effulsit altior lunae sedibus, insolita prorsus figura, ac magnitudine, anno 1577 plus septimanis 10. apodeixis tum physica tum mathematica

The true method of presage from phenomena.

the differences of times is defined, to the dispensing providence of things, and being content with a general notion (the only end for which prodigies are contained), he should submit his intellect for the rest to the will of the Divine, mindful of that oracle, that it is not for us to know the times or the seasons. This was also observed long ago by those holy men and our ancestors before the destruction of the city of Jerusalem under King Antiochus. For they did not immediately apply an interpretation to phantasms seen in the air, but struck as if by certain signs of divine wrath, they prayed to God that He might either mitigate the onset of His fury, or (which is often His supreme kindness) turn it away against the enemies of His name.

On the observers and prognosticators of our time.

I am the more surprised by the insipid rashness of many who, having barely looked at the sky once, and bringing forward nothing regarding the essence of the present phenomenon, are nevertheless not afraid to speak out so promptly whatever comes into their mouths, and not only name the regions themselves, but threaten specific cities and the specific time they will come. It is as if they had recently descended as prophets from the tripod Reference to the Delphic oracle or from the messengers of the gods. But such men are truly ridiculous and entirely ἀμέθοδοι methodless / without systematic knowledge, after it should have been clear to them