We question
whether the astronomer-royal ever suspected he was illustrating his
own science when engaged in one of his quiet games of chess with the
master of trinity.
The sixth advantage is somewhat astrological in character: as there
are four principal movements of chess, these answer to the four
physical temperaments, Cold, Warm, Dry, and Wet, which are ruled by
their respective planets; and thus each piece on the board is made to
have its peculiar significance in relation with the stars. It is
further shewn, that chess-playing is remedial against many of the
lesser bodily ailments; 'and no illness is more grievous than hunger
and thirst, yet both of these, when the mind is engaged in chess, are
no longer thought of.' Next in order, the seventh advantage, is 'in
obtaining repose for the soul;' as the author observes: 'The soul hath
illnesses like as the body hath, and the cure of these last is known;
but of the soul's illness there be also many kinds, and of these I
will mention a few.' These are ignorance, disobedience, haste,
cunning, avarice, tyranny, lying, pride, deceit, and envy. Deceit is
said to be of two kinds: that which deceives others, and that which
deceives ourselves.
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