The first impression was sold in less than one week;
when I presented some to the members of Parliament, I complained of John
Booker the licenser, who had defaced my book; they gave me order
forthwith to reprint it as I would, and let them know if any durst
resist me in the reprinting, or adding what I thought fit; so the second
time it came forth as I would have it.
I must confess, I now found my scholar Humphreys's words to be true
concerning John Booker, whom at that time I found but moderately versed
in astrology; nor could he take the circles of position of the planets,
until in that year I instructed him. After my _Introduction_ in 1647
became publick, he amended beyond measure, by study partly, and partly
upon emulation to keep up his fame and reputation; so that since 1647, I
have seen some nativities by him very judiciously performed. When the
printer presented him with an _Introduction_ of mine, as soon as they
were forth of the press; 'I wish,' saith he, 'there was never another
but this in England, conditionally I gave one hundred pounds for this.'
After that time we were very great friends to his dying day.
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