Emilius Protus also observes, that Timoleon, the Corinthian, gained most
of his victories on the anniversary of his birth. To these facts, drawn
from ancient history, many from more modern times may be added. It is
said, that most of the successes of Charles V. occurred on the festival
of St. Matthew. Henry III. was elected king of Poland, and became king
of France on Whitsunday, which was also his birthday. Pope Sextus V.
preferred Wednesday to every other in the week, because it was the day of
his birth, of his promotion to the cardinalate, of his election to the
papal throne, and of his coronation. Louis XIII. asserted, that Friday was
always a favourable day to him. Henry VII., of England, was partial to
Saturday, on which most of the happy events of his life had taken place.
Oliver Cromwell always considered the 3rd of September, 1650, when he
defeated the Scotch at Dunbar; on that day, in the following year, he
gained the battle of Worcester, but on the 3rd of September, 1658, he
expired. Though this distinction of good and evil days, be in reality as
absurd as it appears to be, I much doubt if it be yet entirely eradicated.
When it is considered how many things concur to keep up an error of this
kind, and that among the great as well as with the vulgar, opinions as
puerile are not only received, but even made a rule of action, it may be
inferred, that in every age and in every country, however civilized,
superstition always maintains its influence, though it may occasionally
vary in its object or name. The human mind alternately wise and weak,
indiscriminately adopts error and truth.

_Romford_.

H.B.A.

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