Cockatrice (Maplet)

This is the entry for cockatrice from Maplet's A Greene Forest

Of the Coccatrise.

The Coccatrise by his Greeke name should seeme to have bene sometime reckened the Prince in his kinde, for he is reported to be the king of all other Serpents. For all things lyving whatsoever they be, comming into sight with him flie back. He is so poysonous that he killeth with his breath. There is no bird that escapeth him that commeth in his dent, but she is his owne: yet Nature for this thing hath well provided. For they use to seeke for the Weasell which will have this kind of serpent tamed. The greatest stature that it is of is not above .xii. inches or there about.