Vespertilio.

The bat.

Vespere quae tantum volitat, quae lumine lusca est,
Quae cum alias [=alas] gestet, caetera muris habet.
Ad res diversas trahitur, mala nomina primum
Signat: quae latitant, iudiciumque timent.
  Link to an image of this page  [Q6v f113v]Inde & philosophos, qui dum coelestia quaerunt,
Calligant oculis, falsaque sola vident.
Tandem & versutos, cùm clàm sectentur utrunque,
Acquirunt neutra qui sibi parte fidat [=fidem] .

The creature that flies only in the evening, that has poor sight, that is endowed with wings, but has other features belonging to a mouse, is used to represent various things. First it indicates persons of bad standing who lie low and fear being called to account. Next philosophers, who, while they search the heavens, develop blurred vision and only see what is false. Lastly, wily men, who secretly court both parties, but do not win trust on either side.

Ira.

Rage.

Alceam veteres caudam dixere leonis.
Qua stimulante iras concipit ille graves.
Lutea cùm surgit bilis, crudescit & atro
Felle dolor, furias excitat indomitas.[1]

The ancients called the lion’s tail alcaea, for under its stimulus he takes on dreadful fury. When the yellow bile rises and his temper grows savage with the black gall, the tail incites his indomitable rage.