A discription of Tangier, the country and people adjoyning with an account of the person and government of Gayland, the present usurper of the kingdome of Fez, and a short narrative of the proceedings of the English in those parts : whereunto is added, the copy of a letter from the King of Fez to the King of England, for assistance against his rebellious subjects, and another from Grayland to His Sacred Majesty Charles the Second : with divers letters and passages worthy of note / translated from the Spanish into English, and published by authority.

A discription of Tangier, the country and people adjoyning with an account of the person and government of Gayland, the present usurper of the kingdome of Fez, and a short narrative of the proceedings of the English in those parts : whereunto is added, the copy of a letter from the King of Fez to the King of England, for assistance against his rebellious subjects, and another from Grayland to His Sacred Majesty Charles the Second : with divers letters and passages worthy of note / translated from the Spanish into English, and published by authority.

Table of contents

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Title page

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A DESCRIPTION OF TANGIER.

The Lawful Government of this Country by Kings.

A Description of the Person and Government of Gayland, the present Vsurper of the Kingdom of Fez.

Gaylands Revenue.

His Forces, and Military Strength.

Gaylands Court.

Gaylands Policies.

The Proceedings of the English at Tangier, since they possessed it, and were opposed by the Vsurper Gayland.

What Natural Impressions and Motions the Air of Africa is subject unto, and what Effects ensue thereupon.

The Qualities of these People, Good and Bad.

A DESCRIPTION OF The KINGDOME of FEZ.

SECT. II.

Of the Cities FEZ and TITUAN.

Of the Innes and Mills of Fez.

A Description of the Occupations, the Shops, and the Market.

The Station or Burse of Merchants.

A description of the second part of Fez.

Of the Magistrates, the Administration of Justice, and of the Apparel used in Fez.

The manner of solemnizing Marriages.

Of their Rites observed upon Festival Days, and their manner of Mourning for their Dead.

A description of the Grammar-Schools in Fez.

Of the Fortune-Tellers, the Conjurers, Inchanters and Juglers in Fez.

Of their Beasts.

Fruits.

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A Guyland, alias GAYLAND, the Present Vsurper of the kingdome of FEZ▪

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[Page] A DESCRIPTION OF TANGIER, The Country and People adjoyning.

WITH An Account of the Person and Government OF GAYLAND, The present Usurper of the Kingdome of FEZ; And a short Narrative of the Proceedings of the English in those Parts.

Whereunto is added, The Copy of a Letter from the King of FEZ to the King of ENGLAND, for Assistance against his Rebellious Subjects; And another from GAYLAND to his Sacred Majesty CHARLES the Second.

With divers Letters and Passages worthy of Note, Translated from the Spanish into English, And Published by Authority.

London, Printed for Samuel Speed, at the Rainbow in Fleet-street, near the Inner Temple-Gate. 1664.

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[Page] of Affrica and America, where an Acre of Ground is a Barony, and a Rood a Dutchy, as yeilding that Wealth with a few weeks pains, that cannot be [...] for [...] Ages Industry.

3. Because this place, and the Country round about, is like to be that Renowned Scoene of Action, which will render us considerable in this last Age to the world. The French do intend to make themselves famous for seeking out a convenient footing in this Country: no doubt but we shall be so, for keeping ours. It is a pleasure to go over his Majesties Dominions at home, in Cambden, Speed, &c. O what satisfaction is it then to go along with his Acquists, and travel with his Conquests abroad! to see how carefully he provides for Trade; how providently he secures the Sea; how zealously he promotes our interest and honour.

Here you will see,

First, the situation, improvement, strength and advantages of Tangier, that hath within 100 years cost 20 millions of money, and the lives of one million of men.

Secondly, the nature of the Country round about it.

Thirdly, the Government of it; together with its ancient Kings before this late Usurpation; and their Correspondence, Embassies and Letters to the Kings of England.

Fourthly, the present Usurpation by Gayland: whereunto is added, a Discourse of his Person, Government, Revenue, Discipline and Policy.

Fifthly, the Transactions between him and the Earl of Tiveot in Barbary, and his Sacred Majesty in England; where are the Letters that passed between them concerning Peace and Accommodation. And

Sixthly, here is the humour and temper of those people with [Page] whom we have to do there; together with their Customes and Manners.

There have been whole Volumes written of this Place; as, 1. That of Hanno a MS. that was preserved for no less then 1400 years, and an hundred years ago printed by the Noble Stephanus. 2. That of Alcazar, kept now in the Tower of Tetuan. And, 3. That of Leo Affricanus, written by him as he travelled that Country in the Hegeira 953, and in the year of our Lord 1528, and translated into English by Mr. Robert Pary of Cambridge, in the year 1600. And, 4. That of Abaf [...]i vel Mammuled, whereof there are but two Copies now in the World; one is kept by the Governour of Morocco, and the other by the Grand Seignior; it being death for any Man to take a Map of that Country without their leave. But I have not observed so much satisfaction within so narrow a compass, so many particulars in so little a Volume, in my life; especially considering that the Book is an outlandish one, and the Author a Spanyard; then whom none go a greater way about, either to do what they say, or to say what they see.

You are to take notice, that the Geography and History are Translated by one hand, and the Letters by another; but both very exactly compared with the Original, and transmitted to the world upon the Faith and Honour of very ingenious persons.

Here is in the Original an exact Account of the whole Kingdome, as to all the remarkable particulars in it: but we thought fit onely to take its general Delineations, together with its chief Ports and Towns, and the places nearest Tangier, as most peculiarly concerning us, whether as we possess that place, or trade that way.

[Page] I will adde no more, but that I must needs think that we are very happy now adays, since Printing is so much improved, that the meanest person need bestow no more pains then a few hours reading to take that view of the world which hath cost others many years travelling: And that my Lord Rutherford Earl of Tiveot communicated to a To Sir G. R. Friend of his a little before his going over the last time, his Designe of either publishing a new Description of that Country, or Translating this, or compleating Leo Affricanus. We can do no more then perform the second, wishing heartily that so knowing, so observing, and so publick-spirited a Person had lived to have done the first.

A DESCRIPTION OF TANGIER.

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TANGIER or Tangis, is one of the greatest and the very antientest City in Fez. Great its now; thrice as great, say the most skilful Surveyors it hath been; so antient, that we find it was built by those Canaanites fled from the face of Josuah; there being an Inscription left, and two Pillars, whereon it is engraven to this purpose; Nos fugimus a facie Josuae praedonis filii Nave: that is to say, We here are the Inhabitants of the Land of Canaan, that fled before the face of Josuah the Son of Nun.

We have heard much of Hercules his Pillars, but here one of them is to be seen, on a Hill within seven Miles of the place, as the other is over against it in Spain: for here Hercules is reported to have slain the Gyant Anteus, that the oftner he fell, the oftner he rose again, and could never be Conquered as long as [Page] he could touch his Mother Earth.

So considerable is this place, that Claudius and other brave Romans, drew here many Legions that they lost before the place; which they at last gained, and gave a new Name, viz. Julia T [...]aducta; yet in spite of that Fa [...]e that devolved the World upon that great City, t is Corner of it returned at once to its old Liberty, and antient Name, that it retains unto this day. When the Romans could do no good, the ingenuous Portuguez guessing there was a shorter Cut that way than that which they knew formerly to the Indies, and yet that that Cut could not be securely passed without an interest and hold in that Country; Vasquez Gama attempts the Expedition 1497. and with so much success, that he found the Streights of Gibralta, but lived not either to instruct or encourage others to make use of, or improve his noble discovery. Yet he found the Continent large, the Sea Towns strong, the Inhabitants numerous; and breaking in to some Sea Ports, spoyled them until he came to the Atlantique, where he dyed.

None could second him but a Prince, and Henry Duke of Visco doth it as far as his Estate or Credit goeth; he consults the experience of all the Sea Commanders, sends for the Astronomers and Navigators, peruseth all the Cosmography that was then in the World; he sets out, and is tossed along the waters, until he finds a Promontory, or an Head of Land, hanging out to the Sea; this he called presently, The Cape of Good Hope: yet he fails, at once the Love and Grief of that Coast. Jo. the 2d. seconds him, and under the Conduct of Degola 1500. gets in to the Princes Island, takes Angola, I mean the City so called, and with the [Page] assistance of Bartholomew Diaz gets in to Quilon, Mosambique, and Melinde, with the King of the last whereof he made a League, and with his help and direction found Port Caliculo, and that way to the East-Indies; but he dyeth too, and his Enterprize with him. A Vasquez had the honour to begin this discovery, and a Vasquez hath the honour likewise to compleat it. He therefore, Almeda, and Albu-quierque, finding their way clear to the Indies, but not safe through the Streights as long as those Moors Possessed the Maritime Forts, they destroy Hamar, ruine Bazre, take Arzilla, and after much expence of Bloud and Treasure under Alphonso the 5th. win Tangier; hard it was to win this Town which was the very strength of Fez. the Mistress of the Sea, the Key of the Inland-Countrey, the Sanctuary of all Male-contents and Enemies. Sometimes we have 60000, sometimes 80000, sometimes an 10000, yea sometimes 200000 before it; Besides the noblest Voluntiers. Once there the two Kings of Morocco and Fez. the Princes of Ezhagger, Asgarre, Benj. Jessen, Alcazaer, 3000 Nobles, 6000 well Horsed Gentry, all in Gold and Silver; and that we may see the Christians Care was not less to keep, than the Infidels were to regain it. Sebastian King of Portugall draws out 80000 Foot, 20000 Horse, to which Stukely a Prince at least in Conceit, who had 6000 men given him to reduce Ireland to the obedience of the Pope, & the King of Spain, and was Created by his Holyness to that purpose, no less than Marquess of Lempster, Earl of Weaford, Lord Rosse added his Fortunes, and in one day all four Princes, viz. Sebastian, Stukely, Mahomet, and Abdemelech, fell therewith no less than 126000 men.

[Page] Upon Sebastians death, the Spaniards had the place, with the Kingdome of Portugall, untill the Revolt 1640. when this City, with that Kingdome, returned to its wonted obedience.

Tangier, say the Inhabitants, was by Seddei the Son of Had, compassed about with walls of Brass, and the roofs of them covered with Gold; for the building whereof, he exacted great tributes of the Cities of the World, believe it who can.

Its distance from the Streights of Gibralter is 30 miles, and from the City of Fez. 150. it hath been alwayes a Civill, Famous, and well-peopled Town, and very stately and sumptuously built, the Field thereto belonging not very Fertill, or apt for health; howbeit not farr off are certain vallies continually watred with Fountains, which furnish the said City with all sorts of Fruits in abundance: without the City also grows certain Vines albeit upon a sandy soil.

The Country was well inhabited untill such time as Arzilla was surprised by the Portugals; for then the Inhabitants being dismayed with Rumors of Wars, took up their bag and baggage and fled unto Fez. Whereupon the King of Portugall his Deputy at Arzilla sent one of his Captains thither, who kept it so long under the obedience of the King, till the King of Fez. sent one of his Kinsmen also to defend a Region of great Importance near unto the Mountains of Gum [...]ra, being Enemy to the Christians.

Twenty five years before the Portugal King wan this City, he sent forth an Armada against it, hoping that the City being destitute of aid, while the King of Fez. was in Wars against the Rebels of Mecnase, would soon yeild it self; But contrary to the Portugals [Page] Expectation, the Fessan King concluding a suddain Truce with them of Mecnase, sent his Counseller with an Army, who encountring the Portugals, made a great Slaughter of them, and among the rest slew their General, whom he caused to be carried in a Case or Sack unto new Fez. and there to be set upon an high place where all men might behold him.

Afterward the King of Portugal sent a new supply, who suddenly assailing the City in the night, were most of them slain, and the residue enforced to flee; But that which the Portugal King could not bring to pass with those two Armadas, he atchieved at length (as is aforesaid) with small Forces, and little disadvantage▪

In my time Mahomet King of Fez. left no means unattempted for the recovery of this City; but so great alwayes was the valour of the Portugals, that he had ever ill success. These things were done in the Hegeira 917. which was in the year of our Lord 1508.

Some 12 miles from Tangier was Casor and Ezzagor, in an open and pleasant place, over against the Coast of Granada, but surprized by the Portugez; And notwithstanding many attempts by the King of Fez, what with money (which is the first offer they alwayes make) and what with men to recover it, it is utterly lost and ruin'd.

Within 13 mile of Tangier is Tettuan, called so from Tet teguin, or one Eye, because of the one Eyed Woman that had the command over it, under the Goths; fourscore and fifteen years. It was desolate after the Portugals first Invasion, until it was rebuilt by Almandaly, who fortified it with a Wall and a Ditch, from whence he cruelly molested Septa, Casor and Tangier, [Page] upon the Coasts whereof he made dayly Incursions This Tow a likewise is Good Port. and Inroads, putting all Christians he took to work in his Forts by Day, and lye in Sackcloath and Fetters within the deepest Dungeon in the Night.

Some 40 miles off is Arzitta a fair Town, between which and Tangier if that correspondence could be kept which was designed by Pedro Navarro, the Trade and Government of that place would lye at our mercy, the Portugals having shewed us an example how we might surprize their Forts, as they did that of Narangia, by a stratagem 1486. take their Isles, as they did Getria with a Fleet 1463. demolish their Cities, as they did Bafra and Homari.

Round about Tangier are the wild but fruitful Mountains Chebal, Rahina, Beni-how, Beni-Chestev, whither the Moors fled and seated themselves since the Portugez took Tangia or Tangier, from whence they made such Invasions even into those Mountains, that the Infidels were hardly able to live there; till of late by the neglect of the Portugez they have been able to build Forts and strong holds in those high places, from whence they infest us at pleasure, having two advantages, whereof the first is their Warlikeness, and the second their Woods.

1. This place stands very convenient to secure and advance the Indian commerce as far as those places where there are more riches than were ever yet discovered unto the World.

2. It commands the Barbarians within, who could never look the Portugez in the Face til of late. 2. And all Nations without, who must ask its leave to pass to and fro the Streights, to the great Treasury of the World: The Authority of that Town well managed, [Page] may make the Masters of it Arbitrators of the Interest of Europe.

3. It may be a Free Port, or a kind of a Sound, to which all Nations on this side the Line may be glad to have addressed themselves.

4. It will be a great relief and security to our Merchants in their long Voyages to the Indies.

5. In that place there may be bred as in a Seminary, such Souldiers and others as may be inured to the temper and way of that Country, and therefore may be in a capacity to carry on our Interest in those Coasts as far as Justice and honour will give way, yea & we may draw thence a Regiment or two of Veteranes, upon any occasion at home. No man knoweth but themselves, what advantage the Hollanders enjoy, and the French promise themselves from one or two Towns upon any of these Coasts.

The Christians had another excellent Harbour upon the Mediterranian, called Bedis, or Velles de Gumern, which Ferdenand King of Castile took, by shutting it up, with two Forts that commanded it, and kept it two years, until it was betrayed by a false treacherous Spaniard (who slew the Governour, because he had taken his Wife from him) into the Moors possession, and all the Christians were slain, not a man escaping, save only the Spanish Traytor, who, in regard of his Treason, was greatly rewarded both by the Governour of Bedis, and also by the King of Fez. Anno 1520.

True, it is a wild kind of Harbour, lying open to the Sea, without any windings or high-land-shelter; so that let the wind blow from what Compass it will, the Ships riding there are exposed to the sury of it; and [Page] upon the dragging of an Anchor, Wracks do commonly follow upon the adjoyning Strand; but that is to be remedied by a Moll, such as that in Weymouth, of two Furlongs Compass; that may be raised by the Shoar, some twenty yards high, within which the Ships may ride safe and quiet.

The Lawful Government of this Country by Kings.

THE Xeriff of Fez, whose Dominion reacheth from Capo Boiudor to Tangier, N. S. and from the Atlantique to the River Melvia; the fairest, fruitfullest, best inhabited, and most civil Port of all Africk; and likewise the most trafickable, as well in reference to the passage that way to the Indies, as to the Commodities there afforded: hath continued his Government from the year 1508. to this day, after this manner.

A subtle, learned and ambitious Mahumetan, Benumotto, 1508. boasting his descent from Mahomet, laid a Design in Numidia, where he lived, to possess Mauritania, Tingitania, while the Moors and Portuguez were at Variance: To this end, he sent his three Sons on Pilgrimage to Mella and Medina, that returning thence with a great Fame for their Religion, the people might reverence them, as they did, when they went up and down as men ravished with Contemplation, alwayes crying Ala! Ala! The cunning Father sends them to the King of Fez, where they had [Page] no sooner got into esteem, than they desired to display their Banners against the Christians. The Kings Brother smelt the Design, and asked the Xeriff; If these holy men conquered the Christians, who should conquer them?

But their pretended holiness carried it, first for a Commission from the King, and then for a whole multitude of men, that followed the devout men, giving them a Tenth of their Estate for the Cause: With these men they poysoned the King of Morocco, set up Xeriffo, and his Son; who, with the assistance of the Christian Renegadoes, over-ran the whole Country; whereof 1. Amet, 1542. 2. Mahomet, 1549. 3. Abdalla, 1557. 4. Abdalla, 1572. 5. Mahomet the Second, who was murthered, 1590. 6. Hamet Abdalla, 1599. 7. Maly Shecti, 1603. 8. Sidon, who rebelled against him, 1607. 9. Hamet Abdall, 1623. against whom a Hermit stirred up the people. 10. Misil Tira, 1628. who writ to King CHARLES the First of glorious memory, for assistance against the Rebells, to this purpose.

A Letter from the King of Fez and Morocco, to the King of England.

WHen these Letters are so happy as to come to thy Renowned Majesties pure hands, I wish the Spirit of the Righteous God may direct thy mind, to consider, that Regal Majesty is given men, to reward the good, and punish the bad: for we are the [Page] Servants of the Creator, to do good to the World, that it may bless us: for we are like those Coelestial Bodies, that have our Reverence for our Beneficence; which I speak not as if I would instruct thee, whose mind is so clear, and whose apprehension is so quick, that thou art one of the great Gods greatest Viceroy that is in Europe,

There are a Company of Rebells and Pirates, that molest thy People, and are too hard for me; if thou wilt assist me, and right thy self against them, thou wilt be as glorious as the Sun, and thy Name shall perfume all Ages, who shall sing thy Virtue equal to thy Power.

Thy God is a Lyon of the Tribe of Juda, and a Prince of Peace; One that seeks Peace through War: Thy Father was a Peace-maker, by his Power, as well as his Counsel. Thy God increase thine happiness, and thy dayes.

Fez 1131. Hegerin 1633:

10. Myralla Shin, 1642. who was judged to death in that fatal year 1648. 11. Mahomet A [...]dalla, against whom Aguiland, or Gayland, hath managed a Rebellion to this day, after this manner.

First, Finding the People under a very great discontent, because of the Christian Invasions on the one hand, and their own Kings Oppressions on the other; Particularly,

1. Because there was an Order, That every man that married a Wife, should bring her to Court, and there offer her Virginity to the In [...]idells Lust.

[Page] 2. Because there was a Licence to drink Wine, contrary to Mahomet's Law.

3, Because the King being weak, was about to Treat with the Christians, about building of Forts in those Countries, contrary to the Fundamentalls of their Religion.

He stirs up the Puritan Mahumetans, I mean the Zealots of that way, whereof he was one himself, (for as Cromwel was a Preacher, so is Gayland a Priest) to go up and down, and propnesie of Woes, Lamentations, and Desolation; some of which Zealots pretended a familiarity with Mahomet, that is, as our good people canted it, Communion with God. Then it was taught, That the Law was corrupted; That Mahomet would come and reform it. To this cry were added discourses of humane Liberty and Slavery. This was helped with a Dearth 1656. The alteration of some old Customes 1657. The advancement of unworthy Persons, and the admission of strangers the same year. To help forward the Design, Jealousie is raised between the King and the Nobility, who now 1658. hold their Meetings, settle their Correspondence, (and so many overthrown Estates, as there were so many Votes for Troubles) New Revelations are broached, and while the Kingdom is in a hurly burly, an Invasion is continued. The King is left so dest [...]ure, that he cannot help himself: These discontented Forlornes offer him their service, his necessity accepts it; they tye him up, and gain to themselves the Military Power. Now one General is set up, and when he falls anon another; Gayland shewing not himself, but as an eminent Souldier, without whom the Kingdom could not subsist. He foments [Page] the former Jealousies, prolongeth the War, frustrateth all Treaties, until at last there were two Parties in the Army, one for Peace, another for War. Now was his time to gratifie the Warriours, to caress the Souldiers, to whom his Valour and Conduct had endeared him. Here is the Case in short, the Army must stand by him, or be disbanded; hereupon they choose him General, he modelleth them. At last they Remonstrate, That the King must be laid aside, as who had betrayed his Country to Foreigners. Yet he kept this close until he overcame the Enemy, shut up the Christians in their Garrison; and then he turned upon his own Masters, cut off some of his Senate for ill advising; and at last shut him up, as at this hour, within a strong City. Sure there was an evil Star, this last Age that looked upon the World; That all Men, of all Religions, were unanimously disposed to Innovate, Reform, (as we call it) and Disturb the World.

A Description of the Person and Government of Gayland, the present Vsurper of the Kingdom of Fez.

THis Gayland, since his success, hath his Pedigree derived from Mahomet, as Cromwel had his from the Welch Kings. His Person looks handsomer than his Condition; his Look is fat and plain, but his Nature close and reserved. He is plump, yet melancholy; [Page] valiant, yet sly; boysterous, yet of few words; watchful, and lustful; careful, and intemperate; a contradiction in Nature. Although he hath a sadness, and a heaviness by Nature, that becometh a Priest: yet he hath gained a complaizance by Art, that becomes a Prince. He hath two Qualities that may do any thing; 1. Perfidiousness, and 2. Cruelty. When he swears most solemnly, then you may be sure he lyeth; so treacherous he is: and when fawns most basely, then you must look for mischief; so bloody he is. You shall have him 8. times a day at his Devotion, and as many with his Concubines, whom he never toucheth after sixteen; having his Ministers of pleasure to annoint him, and his Ladies to that purpose: So prodigions is their Lust there, that they take pleasure in haughtiness, when they cannot be naught themselves. You may be preferred and poysoned there in a day: to speak cunningly, to act daringly, to have many strong Relations, a great Estate, or one handsome Wife, is reason enough to send a man into another world.

Gaylands Calling is a Butcher, and a Priest; for they have all Trades there. He is setling a new way of Religion, which he calls, The Antient One: His Council are all Trades-men, that understand business very well; and his Judges the like: His Brethren are his Favourites, who yet are Gelded, and so not dangerous. He hath little or no strength at Sea, only his tampering under-hand with them of Tunis and Tripoli. He hath divided the Country among his Followers, who must be true to him, or they will not be so to themselves; the old and loyal possessors being transplanted. When he is courted to a Peace, he saith, [Page] It is in uain for him to think of Peace, until he hath made himself terrible. His Ports are strong; his Speech alwayes dubious, and knowingly intangled. ‘His Interest obliging him to a reserve; for he dares neither clearly own his thoughts, nor totally disclaim them; the one way endangering his Design, the other his Person: so that the skill of his Port lyeth in this, neither to be mistaken by his Friends, nor understood by his Enemies. By this middle course, he gaineth time to remove Obstacles, and ripen Occasions, which to improve and follow is his peculiar Talent. He is a Slave to his Ambition, and knoweth no other measure of good and bad, but as things stand in this or that relation to his end. Honour, Faith, and Conscience, weighing nothing in that Country, further than they subserve to Interest.’

He is one that will hazard very little, if either Money or Wiles may do his work. He hath his Renegadoes, from whom he hath learned all his skill in Fortifications and Guns.

Gaylands Revenue.

HE receiveth from his Tributary Vassals, the Tenths and first-Fruits of their Corn and Cattel. For the first-Fruits, he taketh no more than one for twenty, and the whole being above twenty; and demandeth no more than two, though it amount to an hundred. For every dayes Tilth of Ground, he hath a Ducket and a quarter, and so much likewise for every [Page] House; as also, he hath after the same rate of every Person above fifteen years old, Male or Female, and when need requireth a greater summ. And to the end that the people may the more chearfully pay that which is imposed upon them, he alwayes demands half as much more as he is to receive.

Most true it is, that on the Mountains there inhabit certain fierce and untamed People, who, by reason of the steep, craggy, and inexpugnable situation of their Country, cannot be forced to Tributes; that which is gotten of them is the Tenth of their Corn and Fruits; only that they may be permitted to have recourse in the Plains.

Besides these Revenues, the King hath the Tolls and Customes of Fez, and of other Cities; for at the entring of their Goods, the natural Citizen payeth two in the hundred, and the Stranger ten.

Amongst many other things, he hath the Revenues of Mills, which yield him little less than half a Royal of Plate, for every Hanega of Corn that is ground in Fez; where (as I told you) there are four hundred Mills. The Moschea of Caruven had fourscore thousand Duckets of Rent: The Colledges and Hospitalls of Fez had also many thousands: All which the King hath at this present.

And further, He is Heir to all the Alcaydes, and them that have Pension of him; and at their Death he possesseth their Horses, Armour, Garments, and all their Goods. Howbeit, if the Deceased leave any Sons apt for the service of the Wars, he granteth them their Fathers Provision: but if they be but young, he bringeth up the Male Children to years of service, and the Daughters till they be Married. And therefore, [Page] that he may have Interest in the Goods of Rich men, he bestoweth upon them some Government, or Charge, with Provision: Wherefore, for fear of Confiscation after death, every one coveteth to hide his wealth, or to remove far from the Court, and the Kings sight: For which cause, the City of Fez cometh far short of her antient glory.

Besides, His Revenues have been augmented of late years by mighty summs of Gold, which he fetcheth from Tombuto and Gago, in the Land of Negros; which Gold (according to the report of Fame) may yearly amount to three Millions of Duckets.

His Forces, and Military Strength.

HE hath not any Fortresses of great importance, but only upon the Sea Coast, as Cabo de Guer, Larache, and Tetuan: For as the Turks and Persians do, so he placeth the strength of his Estate in Armed men; but especially in Horse. And for this Cause he standeth not much upon his Artillery; although he hath very great store (which his Predecessors took from the Portugalls, and others) in Fez, Morocco, Tarodant, and in the aforesaid Ports; causing also more to be Cast when need requireth; for he wanteth not Masters of Europe in this Science. He hath a House of Munition in Morocco, where they make ordinarily Six and forty Quintalls of Powder every Month; as likewise Calivers, and Steel Bowes.

[Page] His Forces are, First, Of two thousand seven hundred Horse, and two thousand Harquibuziers.

The second is, of a Royal Squadron of six thousand Gentlemen, being all of noble Parentage, and of great account. These men are mounted upon excellent horses, with Furniture and Armes; for variety of Colours, most beautiful; and for Riches of Ornament, beyond measure estimable; for every thing about them shineth with Gold, Silver, Pearls, Jewells, and whatsoever else may please the eye, or satisfie the curiosity of beholders. These men, besides all sorts of Provision for their Family, receive further in Wages, from seventy to an hundred Ounces of Silver a man.

The third sort of Forces which he hath, consisteth of his Timarioth: For he granteth to all his Sons, and Brothers, and other Persons of Account and Authority among the People of Africk, or to the Princes of the Arabians, the benefit of great Lordships and Tenures for sustentation of his Cavalry; and the Archiades themselves till the Fields, and afterwards reap Rice, Oyl, Barley, Butter, Sheep, Hens, and Money, and distribute the same monthly to the Souldiers, according to the several qualities of their Persons. They also give them Cloth, Linnen, and Silk to apparel themselves, Armes of Offence and Defence, and Horses, with which they serve in the Wars, and if they dye, or be killed, they allow them other. Every one of these Leaders contendeth to bring his People into the Field well ordered. Besides this, They have between four and twenty and thirty Ounces of Silver wages every year.

His fourth Military Forces are the Arabians, who live continually in their Avari, (for so they call their [Page] Habitations, each one of them consisting of an hundred or two hundred Pavilions) governed by divers Alchiades, to the end they may be ready in time of need. These serve on horseback; but they are rather to be accounted Thieves, than true Souldiers.

His fifth kind of Forces Military, are somewhat like unto the trained Souldiers of Christian Princes; and among these, the Inhabitants of Cities and Villages of the Kingdom, and of the Mountains are enrolled, whom the King makes very little account of, and very seldom puts Armes into their hands, for fear of Insurrections and Rebellions, except in the Wars against the Christians, for then he cannot conveniently forbid them: For it being written in their Law, That If a Moor kill a Christian, or is slain by him, he goeth directly into Paradice: Men, Women, and those of every Age and Degree, run to the Wars hand afore head, that at least they may there be slain, and by this means gain Heaven.

200000. Men he brought against Tituan 1659. Yet he cannot long continue a War; yea, not above 3. Months, because his Forces living on that Provision which he hath daily coming in, as well for Sustenance, as for Apparel; and not being able to have all this conducted thither, where the War requireth, it followeth of necessity, that in short time they must return home for their Maintenance.

We want nothing but Men, and those men nothing but the Apprehension of that infinite Treasure we might have in Mandinga, Aethiopia, Congo, Angola, Pratua, Toroa, Monomolapa, &c. If we could but bring this man to terms.

His Men march not all in Company, but the respective [Page] Commanders set forth two hours one after another, every one having its Ambuscado and Stratagem, not in any strict Order of Rank and File. Ye though their Discipline is not exact, their Order is so without confusion and violence. All the Commanders have their Wives and Boyes attending them well guarded. Their hoarse Drums serve to deafen the Ears, and confound the Senses to any other Clamour, with some Brass Dishes, and wind Instruments, to noise the Varnes, carried by Fellows on horse-back, a little before every Company; whose Horses are very swift, it being a shame there to lose a Drum.. His Weapon is Bow and Arrow, an Iron Pole, a Shrene, a Petronel, a Harque-buz, Scemiter; all over armed like a Porcupine.

They Eat and Lye in one Blanket, tying their horses bridle to their armes while they graze.

When they come towards an Enemy, they march very exactly and silently, not a man, upon pain of death, daring to break the Order.

When they are near an Engagement, the Horse encompass their Foot in the Rear, in form of a half-Moon or Crescent; those Horse have order not to meddle with the Enemy, but only to drive and necessitate the Foot upon them, till they have peirced through their Batalia, if possible; and if they chance to recoyl, to hold them to the Slaughter, till they have wearied and dulled the Enemies Swords; and then the Reserve and they together fall in with fresh fury and vigour: and this serves for all advantages of Military Policy, to quicken his multitudes through despair to high and gallant services.

He chooseth rather to tire out a Town, than storm [Page] it; then as soon as he hath raised his Battery, and made a kind of breast-work, with some Mounts in it, to over-look the place, he makes his approaches in spite of the Bullet, and filleth up the Trenches with Bodies, if he cannot do it with other matter; and when once a breach is made, its either a Souldiers death in honour, or a Doggs in the Camp, for any to retreat. Their Patience and Resolution making up their defect of Skill and Art.

Gaylands Court.

HE hath one chief Counsellour, to whom he gives a third part of his Revenue, of whom he hath taken a secret Oath, to establish his Son after him. To him he adds a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Steward, the Captain of his Guard, and the Governours of the respective Cities under his Command. Next them are his Deputies, or Major Generalls, who have their Provinces on condition they have in readiness on any occasion 200. Horse a man. After these are his Collectors of Tribute; and next them the Commanders of Forts, to awe the Country to the payment of that Tribute.

He hath likewise a Troop of Light Horse, who have nothing but their Diet, save what they can plunder; and Apparel once a year: whose Horses are attended by Christian Slaves, in Shackles, carried about on Camells. To these we may adde his Purveyors, his Grooms of the Stable, his Granators, and their Notaries. [Page] He keeps 500. Horse ready to execute any of his Offices, Decrees, and expedite their service.

He hath the Keeper of his Seal, who over-looks all others, and is as it were Lord high Controllor. He is attended alwayes in pubick with 1200. Horse and Foot. His Armies are led by Ensign-Bearers, who are alwayes such as understand best all Passages, Fords, &c. The Cities are bound at their own Charge to send the Magicians to the Wars.

He hath one, like a Master of Ceremonies, that sitteth at his Feast, ordering every man to sit down in order, and speak in his turn. His Concubines are all white, but the Women he will have Children by must be black.

He goeth very plain, and feareth nothing more than gathering of Taxes, the burden whereof their Law hath mittigated, and the people cannot endure.

When he goeth abroad, there is notice given to all his Relations, and Servants, who attend at his Gate or Tent, and march thence according to the Harbingers direction in order. 1. The Standard. 2. the Drums. 3. the Master of the Horse. 4. the Pensioners and Guards. 5. the Officers of State. Then the Sword, the Shield, and the Cross-Bow; and at last Gayland and his Favourite, with the Footmen; one whereof, the first carrieth his Stirrups, the other his Partizan, the 3. the Covering of his Saddle, the 4. the Halter for his Horse, and the 5. his curious Pantofle; after him come his Eunuchs, his Harquebuziers, and Light Horse; of all which he is the plainest man.

When he lyeth in the Field (as all those Kings do most part of the year, to keep their Subjects quiet) his Tent is four square like a Castle, in the midst of [Page] his Noble-mens, that make a Town, made of Cloath, with glistering Spheres a top, and then the Souldiers made of Goats-skins. In the midst of all are his Kitchin and Pantrey; next these Pavilions are the Artificers, the Merchants, and other Followers Tents: Next them the Stables, and round them the Foot, about them the Horse, and the Light-Horse of the outside. You would think his Tent is inacessible, yet are they sometimes so careless and sleepy, that Enemies have been known to come within a Furlong of his Royal Pavilion. Barbarism, with all its care, hath not the art to secure it self.

Gaylands Policies.

1. HE hath a standing Army, enriched with the Spoyles of the King and Country; that will be undone, if it returns either to a Peace, or any thing that may threaten a Restitution.

2. Most of the Officers of this Army, are related to himself, by Kindred, or Alliance.

3. All the old Nobility, are either cut off, or kept under.

4. All the Grievances that the People have lain under these forty years, are ordered to be brought to him in Tables, and he hath the honour to redress them.

5. Every Body hath access to him himself; Provided, that they come with no Mantle, or Sleeves, or with their Breasts opened.

[Page] 6. He keeps his Revells and Gamballs, wherewith he takes the Country People three times a Year, as Running, Hunting, &c.

7. He employeth so many rigid Officers over the respective Provinces, as may exasperate them, and then he offereth those Exactors a Sacrifice to the Vulgar Fury; gaining thereby, together with their Rigour, the Reputation of Mildness and Moderation.

8. The Army knoweth not one day where it must be the next; so marching it up and down at once, to keep the Country from rising, and his Followers from settling to any Combinatior or Confaederacy.

9. Besies that, they are of so many Nations and Interests, that they can hardly ever close to any Particular Design against his General one.

10. He hath an excellent way of Droll, whereby he at once pleaseth and discovereth the common Humour.

11. He layeth out as much Money as he can in Slaves and Renegadoes, to whom he is beholding for all his Skill and Conduct.

12. He hath wrought upon the Necessities of those about his Master the King, that there is not any Order passeth him, whereof he hath not Advertisment, before ever it comes to be put in Execution.

13. He hath got in likewise with the two last Viziers, and him that now governeth, by Money; whereof none hath so little use as the Turk, and yet none more Covetous.

14. It is as usual as can be with him to send in his own very Souldiers and Ingineers with Provision, in the habite of Country Fellows to the very Walls of Tangier to descry in what posture things stand, and where he may make his most successfull attempts.

[Page] 15. To countenance his own Usurpations, he hath appointed 200 Priests and Souldiers to regulate both the Religion and Law of the place; both which he intends to publish, with certain new Interpretations delivered, as he pretends, to two holy Priests at Tituar, who are now under ground for two years, discoursing with Mahomet, and shall get up after the two years end with two Trumpets, to reform the World. Lord! That there can be no Treason, even in Africa without Inspiration.

16. There is now a design set on foot to draw the poor Country that hath been harassed with these late divisions, and are ready to embrace any settlement, rather than the late Disorders, to press him to take upon himself the Soveraignty, as the most likely means to heal the breaches (that we may borrow our modern Elegancies) and lay aside the unhappy Xeriff as the grand obstacle of the peace and settlement. (Goodly, goodly! sure the Phanatique Spirit hath possesled them, and they that turn the world upside down are gone thither also.

17. He is upon setling a Company, to traffick upon the same terms that the Europeans do; at whose Charge he intends such a Navy may be Equipped, as may give Law to the Streights, with the Grand Seigniours leave.

18. He doth intend to bring in some ambitious Christian Prince, with whose Interest he intends to check all other Pretenders.

19. He cannot endure any man that speaks cunningly and subtlely; insomuch, that it is the way of his Creatures, to make their Addresses in clear Terms, when Canting Parts are Treason against Tyrants.

[Page] 20. His special Cronies are the Zealous and Enthusiastick Ecclesiasticks, with whose grave Countenances he gains a great Reverence to all his proceedings.

21. He keeps up a constant Faction in his Camp between his chief Officers, whereby they watch one another so closely, that they cannot do any thing to his prejudice, for fear of one anothers mutual inspection and observation. Divide & Impera is got now beyond Italy.

22. He trains up the Moors to so much Discipline, that they shall march 20000. together, with that order and silence, for forty Mile, that they cannot be discovered; yea, there is not a word spoken in the Camp for two dayes together sometimes, except in his own Tent: And what is more remarkable, 2. or 3000. of them shall lodge themselves in the Fernes, and among the rising Grounds, so that you may ride through those very Grounds, and not discover a man, Nay, bear up your belief a little longer, while I tell you, that 10000. of them shall hide themselves in the Sand, so as that you may go over them, and not discover them.

23. He armes his choice men very well, that they may survive his Encounters to a considerable Skill, Experience and Considence; which if his men were cut off in every occasion, fresh-water-Souldiers are not capable of: And besides, being so armed, he ordereth them not to Charge until they come within Execution of the Enemy, which they will do manfully, bearing up against his Charges to his very face.

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The Proceedings of the English at Tangier, since they possessed it, and were opposed by the Vsurper Gayland.

AMong the many great Benefits we proposed to our selves by our Alliance with Portugal, this is not the least, that we might enjoy a secure and free Trade in Africa and America, those Treasures of the Universe: In order to which end, we had in the year 1661. the antient City of Tangier delivered to us; a place where we might in our Traffick that way, both refresh, and secure our selves, and give Law to others: And no sooner was it delivered to us, than the Right Honourable the Earl of Peterborough, Listed 1000. Foot, and 300. Horse; the last in Southwark, the first in Black-Heath, to possess and secure it. His Officers were, Captain Levet, Captain Mordant, Captain Blake, Captain Anesley, Captain Belletore, Captain Clerk, Captain Fairborn, Captain Colls, Captain Car, Captain Nerve, Major Johnson, and Lieutenant Collonel Sir James Snith.

And as his Lordship prepared himself for the Government of it from hence, so the Right Honourable the Earl of Sandwich, went thither October in the same year; where he found strong Fortifications, many fair Gardens, and so well situated, that no Ship can pass in or out of the Streights, but Ships as ride there may see and speak with them; and that the Portuguez [Page] were very civil to the English, and made great expressions of their welcome: And thereupon, in December following, the aforesaid Honourable Lord addressed himself for his Charge, I mean the Command of Tangier, which we found situated strongly on the side of a Hill, having one Gate only to the water side, and Land-ward four Gates, one within the other; and a great many good brass Canons were mounted on the Walls of it; and in the middle of it we saw a Fountain of Water, that continually runneth with a very full stream, that conveyeth it self under the Town.

December 9. 1661. The English and Irish Forces were embarqued in several Vessels, according to my Lord Rutherfords order, from Dunkirk to Tangier; never any Souldiers were shipped to foreign service more willingly, never any carried more resolutely; the number 3200. old Souldiers; the Commanders, Col. Fitz-Gerard, Col. Farrel, Sir Robert Horley, L. C: Kingwell, Major Fiernes, Captain Summers, Captain Flord, Captain Herbert, Captain Emerson, Captain Brooks: No sooner was my Lord upon the place, than he setled a very fair Correspondence with the Portuguez and Moors there, upon the old Portugal terms, until he could be able to procure himself better; so that we had the Accommodations of that Place upon as good Conditions as we could wish: In the mean time our works went on, our Souldiers were inured to the Country, we were better acquainted with the humour and interest of the People; and in a word, had exacter Observation of our Advantages, in order to a further settlement.

April 11. 1663. The Moors had a Design of drawing upon Tangier, whereof his Excellency having Intelligence [Page] by the Arabian Spies he employed to that purpose, drew up a Regiment of Foot, and a Troop of Horse; but being not willing to spend any of his own men upon the Barbarians, he sent out some Moors who had heretofore revolted, and come in, and have been many wayes useful and serviceable to us; who accordingly being horsed, encountred with a Party of the Enemy, in the sight of the Town, and wounded the Shots Son, one of the principal Persons of the Country, of which wounds he is since dead, and his loss is much lamented by the Infidels. In revenge whereof, as we conjecture, five dayes after a considerable Party came within our Trench, and one of their chief Captains was killed by our Artillery. These little Braveries prejudice them more than they can annoy us, who can look on until the Country is harassed and ruined with Poverty, Hunger and Sickness. The Moors will be necessitated in all probability ere long to a better Complyance with Tangier; already many of them did run over to us with Horses and Cattel; so that fresh Provisions were no varieties; and upon the whole matter our condition was much another thing than it was when we first setled there; Health, Plenty, Trade, Security, and good Government, having put us into a very setled Condition; and his Excellency the Lord Peterborough, having so well and happily setled all the Concernments, to the honour and advantage of his Majesty, then ready, by his Majesties grace and favour, to return into England, and put the City into his Successors hands, having payed off all Arrears, and filled up all Stores and Ammunitions. And as an Argument of our Prosperity, we had very good Correspondenee with Algier, together with a resolution to [Page] continue in Amity with us; they of Sallee likewise desire a good understanding with us: Tangier rendring England much more considerable to Algier, than it would be, were this Garrison in other hands. The Works were strengthned by the same Noble Lord; the Garrison enlarged; the Quarters were disposed; the Rate of Victualls was setled; the Guards were ordered, and 5. Mile round clearly gained.

But the Earl of Tiveot arriving, there began a little stone Redoubt, which we perfected without any opposition from the Enemy, also we made Entrenchments and Lines of Communication from place to place, insomuch that a great deal of ground was left free to us, to feed our Cattel in safety.

Thursday the 4th. of June we began another Redoubt on the top of the hill, which overlooketh the Town to the very Ports thereof; at the same time we made Retrenchments beyond the hill that we might not be surprised, nor our works molested. Gayland hearing of the consequence of this Redoubt, and of our dayly Retrenching, assembled his Army consisting of 4000 Horse, and 20000 Foot, and Encamps within a league of the Town: Two fugitives one after another brought us news that he resolved to attaque our works.

Upon Sunday morning we divided our Retrenchments into three Posts: whereof Col. Fitz-Gerard and his Regiment, was to maintain that near the Sea on the East: Col. Norwood, with half the Governours Regiments the middle Post, wherein lay the new great Redoubt: L. C. Knightley, with the other half of the said Regiment, where the little Redoubts were on the right hand: Col. Bridges with the Horse in the middest of all, to give succour as need should require, and repell [Page] the Enemy if they entred our works: Col. Alsop the Town Major still visiting the posts; The outmost lines of all for favouring the work-men being divided into three posts, commanded one by a Lieutenant and 30 men, another by an Ensign and 18 men, and the third by a Serjeant and 12. We made a six Pounder Gun to be carried to the outmost line at the Serjeants post, and gave order that after all, the Garrison should be in readiness, and at the shooting of the said Gun, should take arms; which was accordingly executed at 12 a Clock at night; and after the Gun was brought off, all those outer Lines were sown with Chaustraps, Cultrips or stories, whereof we brought over 36000. and the avenues with Sowgards or hollis, wherein was put Powder as in a Mine, and Loaden above with Stones, Granadoes and Swedes feathers were put into those farther posts.

Sunday the 14 precisely at twelve a clock in the day, whenall the Officers were retired to dinner, the ordinary Guards in the Retrenchments, appeared in an instant Gaylands forces, who had long attaqued our outmost Lines, (the Lieutenant, Ensign and Serjeants Posts) with three Regiments of Red and White Colours, Black Colours, & one of a sort of Violet Colour, seconded by a Regiment of Horse. Our Souldiers surprised and amazed, abandoned their Posts, and left the Powder in the Sowguards, with some Granadoes, to the Enemy, who pursued with incredible vigour the Souldiers towards the Town. Mean time the great Body of Foot attaqued the great Redoubt, and shewed more than ordinary resolution in standing firm before our Granadoes and fire. In the Fort was Commander, by his turn, Major Ridgert with some forty men; and [Page] to his succour came Lieutenant-Col. Chun Voluntier, and Captain Giles a Lieutenant in the Governours Regiment, and several others Reformed Officers: which Major & Officers defended themselves most gallantly, killing about 40 of the Moors. The Chaustraps that were sown about all the Lines, and the Redoubt in particular, were of wonderful use and effect: for the bare-footed Moors, when they were pricked in the feet by them, sitting down to pick them out, were pricked behind. Many both of Foot and Horse were so hurt. Mean time, the Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonels, with the Officers, commanded in case of Alarm to maintain the three Posts; as also Col. Bridges with his Horse marched out, repulsed most gallantly the Enemy, took in all their Posts again; and in the end the Enemy retired in great hast and disorder. They lost, as near as we can conjecture by taking off the dead, (for they never leave any bodies behind them, if possible) above 100 in all, 14 being left within our Lines, which they could not carry off, and several others in the fields; Colonel Norwood with all imaginable gallantry going to the outer point before the Redoubt, and Captain Needham with him. The said Captain did kill a Moor for his part, and for his pains was shot himself thorow the arm in the flesh only. We lost 14 killed in the field, and twenty hurt with Horse: and we suppose we had more of our men hurt from our inner Line and Walls, than by the Enemy.

It is reported by the Portuguez and Jews, that he had never lost so many men at any time. They are men of order and resolution, and have most excellent Firearms and Lances.

[Page] I had forgot to tell you, that when the Horse charged us, he that did command them was cloathed in Crimson Velvet; who being killed, they went all off immediately: which maketh us suspect he was of eminent quality.

After this Encounter, an Express was sent to complement Gayland; who returned the Answer inclosed by one of his own domesticks, who confesseth that our Crows feet or Chaustraps did their Foot great harm, and that they have lost many men.

The Earl of Tiveots Letter to Gayland. Written in Spanish.

THe King my Master having honoured me with the Command of this place, I did not look for less courtesie than your Excellencie used with my Predecessor, giving me the welcome: but on the contrary, your Excellencie stole from me the hour of eating, in which visits are usually received. Notwithstanding what is passed, if your Excellencie doth incline to a better correspondence, be it in peace or war, you shall not find me less disposed or provided, though it be at the same hour. Valuing my self upon the Laws of Souldiery, I shall bury the dead bodies you left behind you: but if your Excellencie desire to bury them your self, after you manner, you may send for them. God keep your Excellencie the many years that I desire.

Tangier, June 14.

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Gaylands Letter to the Earl of Tiveot. Written in Spanish. Signed above in Arabick Letters.

I Received your Excellencies of the 14 currant, in which you seem to complain, that I did not bid you welcome: whereas on the Contrary it belongs to me to do so; Persons of your quality being accustomed in these parts to give notice of their arrival, and not to dispose of any thing, as your Excellency hath done in my Lands. Notwithstanding, I gave order to my Subjects, that, the occasion presenting it self, they should give good quarter to your Excellencies, as they did with the Centinel which they took the other day, whom I charged them to use well. As to the Correspondence, it is well known how punctal I am in it; of which you may be informed. I did not expect less from your Excellencies courtesie, than you have used to the dead; for which I am insinitely obliged to you. God keep your Excellency many years, as I desire.

Postscript.

If your Excellency please to send any person or persons from you, you may do it; and this shall secure him, which goes with my servant.

The Earl of Tiveots Reply.

I Received your Excellencies of the 15 currant, the same Evening by the hands of your Servant, who carries this back to you. To which I answer, That if there hath been any omission on my part, as to the accustomed Civility of th [...]se [Page] Countries, it was a sin of ignorance, for which your Excellency hath sufficiently chastised. I am beholden to you for the good quarter which your Excellency commanded to be given to the Souldiers your men took the other day: if my good fortune gives me the same occasion, I will pay it with Interest. As to what concerns the Peace and good Correspondence between the King my Master and your Excellency, there only wants a good disposition on your part, as it hath been treated formerly with my Predecessor: to which if your Excellency enclines, signifying it to me, I will send persons to effect it on my behalf. God k [...]p your Excellency many and happy years.

From Tangier, June 16. 1663.

Notwithstanding these Complements, Gayland attempted a new Work of ours with 10000. Men: but the most vigilant and excellent Governour had so warily supplyed the defects of that place, by planting great Gun to annoy the Assailants; that, though the assault was very sharp, the Enemy was beaten off, and that with the loss of 900. men; which entertainment they liked so ill, that the Army was drawn off: And thereupon the said Governour, as happy to improve Advantages, as resolute to gain them, sent a Letter to Gayland, to let him know, That his Master, the King of Great Britain, as he wanted neither Resolution nor Ability to manage his just Right in that Garrison: so he was so great a Friend to Peace, that he would be ready to entertain a better Correspondency with his Excellency: Which seconded with the Defeat, (then only you oblige the unworthy, [Page] when you can awe them) prevailed so much upon the Usurper, that he sent Messengers for a Treaty, which had so fair a progress, that both Parties came to an Agreement. Indeed so ill was Gaylands success, so great our progress in Fortifications; such convenience we had for fresh Air, and fresh Victualls, that we were in a plight (if it had been thought fit to have sent Sir John Lawson, to do as much by Sea, as we could do by Land; to shut up the Havens and Towns of Sallee and Tituan, and batter A [...]sella to the ground. Every day put us in a better state, both of freedom and security, having by our late Treaty gained a six Months Peace, which did exceedingly conduce to our settlement. At our first arrival, a Flux troubled us, but within six Months our temper agreed exceedingly well with the temper of the Climate.

August 24. 1663. The Vigilancy, Courage and Conduct of the Earl of Tiveot, moved Gayland (in his own Expression) to require a Peace; which, although concluded but for six Months, was by him desired for seven Years: After which time the English Forts are finished, and this Advice waited upon his Excellence, who was then embarquing for Englond.

At that time, the Design of the Mould, intended for the safety and advantage of Shipping, was in a good forwardness of persection, the Passage of the Stone being out out of the Rocks, & way made for a Gun-powder blow, & undermining. There was a new Key made, 30 yards foundation laid, & 3 yards raised above water; & well they might for no Place in the World afforded either better Materialls, or those more conveniently disposed for the perfecting of such a Work, wch the [Page] Moors call, and others shall find, The Key of the World: Indeed, they that understand the World, and themselves very well, look upon this Place with great hopes of the Reputation and Advantage it may one day bring to the English Nation.

August 26. 1663. The Moors kept their Peace made with the English very punctually, whom they treated, when they went down into their Countries (which is rich, and well inhabited) with great Civility. The Earl of Tiveot was much esteemed for his Valour, and well beloved for his Candour and Humanity; insomuch, as the very Moors term him a Good Man. (and indeed, he was a Person of exact honour and integrity) The Place was healthy, and the situation pleasant, and Provisions of sorts in such abundance, that a man can scarce live cheaper any where.

But about this time we began our Mould, and found it very hard to blow up the Rocks under water, to make way for our Boats and Engines, which otherwise cannot bring Stone, but with difficulty, at the top of high water: but in a month, way was made for our Engines to weigh our Stones, and in six weeks time we laid 30. yards of Foundation, and raised that two yards high: It should seem we are better at this work than any other, this being better work than any in the Streight.

But that we might not only secure our selves, but oblige our Neighbours; we sent Supplyes, with a great deal of hazard, to the Saint & Falle; a Favour he acknowledged so great, that he hath promised, when ever it is in his power, he will not be backward in requital. And now Gayland Complements his Sacred Majesty in Spanish, to this purpose.

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A Letter from Gayland to His Sacred Majesty Charles the Second, King of England.

Sacred Royal Majesty,

HAving been advertis'd by his Excellency the Earl of Tiveot, of his sudden occasion to visit these Parts; I could not forbear this Address in respect of the Peace, and good Intelligence we have lately affected in Your Majesties Name. And having found his Excellency a Cavalier of great Valour and Honour, and of so noble a Mind; I could not choose but desire to Correspond with him by my Letters, to signifie my Inclination of Complyance in all things that concern the Service of Your Majesty; and which formerly I have forborn to do, for want of so fit a Juncture to enable me.

I hope from the Divine savour, that this Peace will be attended with many considerable Augmentations in order to Your Majesties Service, the effecting of which good Work being iustly attributed (with no small prais [...]s) to the Prudence of his Excellency; I beseech Your Maiesty to command him speedily back, that we may perfect all things with him so greatly to be loved and esteemed.

If in any parts of our Dominions there is any thing that offers it self for Your Majesties Service, the signification of Your Commands shall be esteemed the greatest favour that can be expressed.

God keep your Maiesty, and give You all manner of felicity.

And the Governour of Morocco to the King of Portugal, thus.

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The Copy of a Letter from the King of Tetuan, Governour of Morocco to the King of Portugal

Sancta Crux, June 27. 1663.

HIgh and Mighty, Don Alfonso, King of Roman Christians and of Portugal, thanks be to God that we are obliged to give account, and none is free from that duty, and therefore we give him the prayse unto him due, and this praise is for the dayly favour we receive from him.

By Order of the Servant of our Lord God on high, to whom I submit all my affairs, who is called Abdelazir 4 Mahomet, Grand-son of Aly; This our writing in the name of God our Lord. To your Majesty the King of Portugal, Catholique D. Alfonso, whom God bless, and after that we give thanks to God for having made us Moors, and Participate unto your Majesty, how much we esteem the favour which you have done to my Servants, who arrived in a little English Vessel safe in the Haven of Sancta Crux, together with the good news which I received from the King Maly Mahomet, to whom your Majesty was generously pleased to give his liberty, and I for my part, cannot but he very thankfull, and doe offer my self and my Subjects with all that which from this Kingdom may be necessary, to your Majesty without any fail: and your Majesty, whom God bless, may out of hand make tryal thereof. And I do give my Word, and so this Letter goes signed by my hand and seal, and from hence forward will celebrate the Peace between me and your Majesty with these undernamed conditions which are.

[Page] That all the Portugal Nation, and their contractions, may go, and come, enter, and come out feeely, into, or from any of my Havens, by Sea or Land, with all security; and in case they meet in the Sea with the Turk, or any other Shipping, of whatsoever Nation it be, coming out of any of my Sea-Port Towns, they shall receive no damage. And also if any of your Majesties Vessels chance to have bad weather at their Fishing, they may retire into this Haven: wherein, (although they meet with any Shipping, either Turks, or Spaniards, or any Nation whatsoever Enemies to your Majesty) you Majesties Shipping or Men shall be in no danger; and as for the Wheat and Horses which shall be necessary for your Majesty, all shall be punctually and with speed given to your Majesty, whereof your Majesty may make present tryal, sending Ships, Goods, Money, and Vessels, for the Wheat and Horses, and One that understands Our Language, whom your Majesty may send in the Company of Maly Mahomet who is there, to whom your Majesty was generally pleased to give his Liberty, for at his arrival here, he is to be King of Morocco, where they expect him each hour, and the Kingdom has no other Heir by Maly Mahomet, and I engage for him, that he will perform his word in whatsoever he promiseth to your Majesty, wherein he shall not fail as in duty bound, and is natural to him to do it: so waiting for Maly Mahomet, and for all your Majesties Orders, which I shall alwayes observe, and [...] as your Majestics loving Subject and Servant to God, who may bless your Majesty, give you long life, and happy, and defend you from your Enemies.

Your Majesties Friend, Cide Abdelazi, Son of Mahomet, Grand-Son of Aly.

[Page] Hereupon we had free Trade with the Moors, they daily bringing their Camels, laden with Hides and Skins, which is their chief Commodity; and in return they get Money, and other Provision: This Place being the great Market for those things that come from Algier to Tituan, and from thence hither; especially when a square of 30. yards towards a Molle was brought a yard above the water mark: That new experiment of Maste-floates promoting our Design exceedingly.

Indeed, so forward were we in February, that Gayland began to be jealous of us, and therefore there are several Debates between him and his Excellency, the Earl of Tiveot, whether a War or Peace. Free he would have us to the Fortification of those Redoubts nearest the Town; but as for those further off, as the Hollanders answer the Ambassadors that come to them, saying, It may be so, we will consider: So said he, He would take 14. dayes time to think of it. And they have a Saying amongst them, the meaning whereof I understand not; 13. dayes make a wise man.

But from Debate it comes to Action; the Moor comes on with Horse and Foot to hinder the Enlargement of our Quarters, as it concerned him, but was beaten off; and, what is a shame in that Country, left one of his Horse Colours behind him: Neither is he more in earnest than we, for we banish all the Jewes out of Town, and go on a pace with the Works, without any further Attempt or Interruption; only when the Lord Governour declared, he could entertain no Peace, without some more Liberty allowed, and secured in the Country: Gayland advised with his Mushrome Grandees, his Lords of the other House; and [Page] after mature deliberation, he sent word by two of his principal Officers, and his Secretary, which was to this Effect; That, having consulted all his Savois and Rabbies upon the Point, it appeared, That they were bound by a Law not to suffer Christians to Fortifie in Africa; but if his Excellency accepted of Quarters, as in the Portuguez time, they were willing to give them. To which my Lord replyed; That, He must either have Peace with those Terms aforesaid, or War without them.

And the very next week his Lordship commenced a new Redoubt upon the utmost Liue; against which Work, what Stratagems! what Ambuscadoes! what Surprizes! while we were so confident, that one writes to England thus.

‘We expected Gaylands whole Army any time these seven dayes; if he stayes but two dayes longer, he must come to our terms, and suffer this Place to be comfortable to the Garrison, and the Inhabitants: Or, which is more, let him come when he will, we question not, but we shall maintain our Ground in spite of his heart: We have good Lines to defend; and better Men certainly are not in the World: To which must be added; That we have a Governour, under whose Conduct (with Gods ordinary Providence) we can fear nothing.’

But ah! humane Confidence! he was an excellent man, but a man still; for the next News you heard, was; That the Earl of Tiveot, designing to cut wayes and passages in an adjoyning Wood, that was as great annoyance to Tangier, as it was a shelter to the Moors; and having in vain sent out Scouts, who were suffered to graze their Horses in the midst of the Enemies, who lay undiscovered, behind those rising Grounds, in [Page] Fernes, and thick Grass; fell into an Ambuscado of the whole Infidel Army, where he sold his life at a dear rate; a life indeed invaluable but that there are many such lives comprehended in his SaCRed Majesties large and universal Care; which hath that influence even upon this distant Place; that, notwithstanding Gaylands attempts upon it several times since that miscarriage, not only secures, but advanceth it to as much Reputation as ever it enjoyed since it was in the Christians hands. How many Millions would the French give for such a place? who are now to seek for a footing in those Coasts.

The Soyl is proper for any Grain, or Trees, and asketh nothing but dressing to be admirable. There is no need of carrying Provision thither, as to other Plantations, for the support of the Colonies; the abundance of things there being so great, that the Country produceth enough for its self, and to spare. The Waters are excellent; the Fruits delicious, and and without Hyperbole; the Place may be improved into a Paradice: Over and above this, there are Golden Mines, in such plenty, that in great falls of Rain, and ravages of Water, the Veins of Gold discovered themselves, all along the Coast, and upon the Mountains. The Inhabitants are of a Disposition tractable enough, & with good words, are ready and willing to be employed in any service; being a People humble, and obedient, and of a very good humour. The Country is shared among divers petty Pretenders, who are still making warr one upon the other; and from whose Disagreement we might easily take a rise to an absolute establishment of our selves among them. Beyond this Place the Trading [Page] lyeth open without difficulty into India; and more commodiously yet to the Country of Aethiopia, where Commerce is scarce understood, and where are the richest Gold Mines upon the face of the Earth. In a word, there is not any where a fitter Place for a general Magazine of all Commodities to be brought from those Parts into Europe, than is this Place; from whence we may carry the business of Commerce and Discovery further than any have yet done before us. Besides that, the Place is of so gentle a Climate, that what cloaths serve us here in the spring, may serve us there all the year; and having within its self whatsoever may honestly, by way of Commerce, serve either to the pleasure, plenty, or necessities of humane life.

Adde to this, that lying in a middle way, it secures us from the danger and loss o [...] long and tedious Voyages backwards and forwards, which we were tired with before this acquists; which is as good a breathing place as can be, with all Conveniences about us, to refresh our men, and follow our course at pleasure: wheras others meet no relief between India & home commonly at 7. months Voyage; for want of which, they are so miserably harassed with the Journey, that a long time it takes them to recover it.

And over and above all this, when others are come as far as Tangier, they dare not pass the Channel without our leave, which they may be made either to fight, or pay for.

Again, this openeth an honest way of livelyhood to those English men, whose Necessities have debauched them to unable and shifting wayes of living; this relieveth the Poor, that must either begg or starve; [Page] employeth those whose languishing Industry is as good as lost, because not exercised: And brings back that sincere and quiet way of Dealing, which is now lost among a lazy sort of men, that have nothing to do but to be troublesome.

What Natural Impressions and Motions the Air of Africa is subject unto, and what Effects ensue thereupon.

THroughout the greatest part of Barbary stormy and cold Weather begin commonly about the midst of October. In December and January the Cold groweth somewhat more sharp in all places, howbeit this hapneth in the Morning only, and that very gently and remisly. In February the Weather is somewhat mitigated, but very unconstant. In March the North and West Winds usually blow, which adorns the Trees with Blossoms. In April Cherries are commonly ripe, and all fruits attain to their proper form and shape. In the midst of May they gather their Figs; and in Mid-June their Grapes are ripe in many places: In which Month and July their Pears, sweet Quinces, and their Damascens attain unto sufficient Ripeness. Their Figs of Autumn may be gathered in August, howbeit they never have so great plenty of Figs and Peaches as in September. By the midst of August they [Page] usually dry their Grapes in the Sun, whereof they make Reisons, which if they cannot finish in September, by reason of unseasonable Weather, of their Grapes as then ungathered they use to make Wine and Must. In the midst of October they take in their Hay, and gather their Pomegranets and Quinces. In November they gather their Olives, beating them off their Boughs with certain long Poles, by reason of the tallness of their Trees, which no Ladder can reach. They have three Months in the Spring always temperate. They begin their Spring on the fifteenth day of February, accounting the eighteenth of May the end thereof, all which time they have most pleasant Weather, But if from the five and twentieth of April, to the fifth of May, they have no Rain fall, they take it as a sign of ill Luck, which wa [...]er they call Naisau, that is, Water blessed of God, and some store it up in Vessels, most religiously keeping it as an holy thing. Their Summer lasteth till the sixteenth of August, all which time they have most hot and clear weather; Except perhaps some showers of Rain fall in July and August, which do so infect the Air; the great Plagues and Pestilent Fevers fall thereupon, which are almost always mortal. Their Autum they reckon from the 17 of August to the 16 of November, having commonly in the Months of August and September not such extream heats as before. Howbeit all the time between the 15 of August and the 15 of September is called by them, The Furnace of the whole Year; for it brings Figgs, Quinces, and such kind of Fruit to their full Maturity. From the 15 of November begin their Winter; and as soon as Winter cometh they begin to till the Ground, which lyeth in the Plains; but in the [Page] Mountains they go to plough in October. The People here are most certainly perswaded, that every year containeth 40 extreme not dayes, beginning upon the twelfth of June: and again, so many dayes extreme cold, beginning from the twelfth of December. Their Equinoxies are upon the 16 of March, and the 16 of September: and their Solstice on the 16 of June, and the 16 of December: These Rules they most stri [...]ctly observe (though they know not a Letter in the Book) in Husbandry, and Navigation; which together with the Houses of the Planets, are the first Lessons they teach their Children; as also the great Book in 3 Volumes, called, The Book of Husbandry. They reckon Trine by the Moon; and allow 354 Nights to the Year, viz. 30 Nights in each of the first six Months, and 26 in each of the last six. They are undone if it rains not 12 dayes in the year, viz. the six first of April, and the six last of September. They live till threescore, as lustily as we do at thirty, and then they droop suddenly, scarce any of them exceeding seventy; the failing of their Teeth and Eyes fore-running their deaths; the reason whereof may be their excessive inclination to Venery, for which purpose they tolerate hundreds of Stews in Fez: they being so impudent, that they will continue in the very Act of Uncleanness, though twenty should come and see them, therefore they are [...]ald at 26 commonly; and many of them dye of the French Pox: a Disease that came thither with the Jewes that were banished Castile; with whose Wives the Moors lay, and were infected: A Disease, they say, that if you go but into Numidia, the very Air of the Place Cures you of: As the Armenian Earth doth of the Plague here.

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The Qualities of these People, Good and Bad.

THey are Religious to a Superstition, so far, the day they Pray (and they are very often at their Churches or Masques) they spit, nor touch their privy parts. Their dexterity and skill in Mathematiques and Mechaniques is extraordinary: Very Faithful they are, but Cunning, No People so Lustful, and none so Jealous; Familiarity with one of their Wives is Death. Give Place to thy Elders, is a great Rule amongst them. When ever they discourse of Love, the Youth are to withdraw.

But with these Vertues, they have their Vices too, being very needy and covetous; very proud and wrathful; very implacable and revengeful. So Clownish they are, that they will scarce hear you: yet so credulous, that they will believe you, say what you will. Abounding so much with Choler, they speak alwayes angry and loud; and you will never walk the Streets, but you will meet with a Squabble. Desperate they are in their Undertakings: Careless they are of their Time; which they spend in Hunting, or War, or Theft. Thus have I described as well their Vices as their Virtues; though I am indebted to this Country for my Birth, and most part of my Education.

Now to deliver somewhat concerning the estates of these Christians: They are called by some Cofti, or Coptitae, and by others, Christians from the Girdle upward: for albeit they be baptized, as we are, yet do [Page] they circumcise themselves like to the Jews: so as a man may say, their Christianity comes no lower than the girdle-stead. But that which is worse, they have for 1000 years followed the heresie of Eutiches, which alloweth but of one Nature in Christ: by which heresie they also separate and dismember themselves, from the Union of the Church of Europe. The occasion of this separation and schism, was the Ephesine Council, assembled by Dioscorus in defence of Eutiches, who was now condemned by the Calcedon Council by six hundred and thirty Fathers congregated together, by the authority of Leo the first. For the Cofti fearing, that to attribute two natures unto Christ, might be all one, as if they had assigned him two hypostases or persons, to avoid the heresie of the Nestoreans, they became Eutichians. They say their Divine Service in the Chaldean, oftentimes repeating Alleluja. They read the Gospel first in Chaldean, and then in Arabick. When the Priest sayeth Pax vobis, the youngest among them layeth his hand upon all the people that are present. After Consecration, they give a simple piece of Bread to the standers by: a Ceremony used also in Greece. They exercise their Function in the Church of Saint Mark, amidst the ruines of Alexandria, and in that of Suez, upon the Red Sea: They obey the Patriarck of Alexandria, and affirm themselves to be of the Faith of Prete Ianni, In our dayes two Popes have attemptted to reduce them to the Union of the Romish Church, Pius the Fourth, and Gregory the Thirteenth; whose Letter they received with reverence, laying them upon their heads before they opened them.

A DESCRIPTION OF The KINGDOME of FEZ.

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THe World we know is divided into four parts; Asia, Europe, Affrica and America: the place under present consideration lieth in Affrica.

Affrica is bounded on the East by the Red Sea, and the famous Bay of Arabia; on the West, with the Atlantick Sea, which divides it from America; on the North it is parted by the Mediterranean from Europe; and on the South with the Ethiopian Sea, from that place which Geographers call Terra Australis incognita; altogether bounded by the Sea, but that there is an Isthmus, or a Neck of Land, (of threescore, faith Dr. Heylin; threescore and nine, saith Leo Affricanus; but fifty and four, saith Munster; and seventy four miles, saith Atlas) between it and Asia: over which Neck Cleopatra would have drawn her Ships when her dear Anthony was defeated, and adventured her self to an unknown Coast to escape Caesar's success and fortune, had not her Minions company invited her to her own Egypt, [Page] to put a period to that Rant and Frolick wherewith Fate and Fortune played with, and exercised that Age of the World.

The form of Affrica, saith Leo, is a Pyramide reversed; the Basis whereof, which reacheth from Tangier, and the Streight of Gibraltar, to the foresaid Isthmus, and is in length 1918 Italian miles; the Cone narrow, but 4155 miles in length; that is to say, in plain English, that part of the world is 1920 miles abroad towards us, and runs up narrower and narrower 4156 miles the further it goeth from us. Asia is less then America, Affrica then Asia, Europe then Affrica; that course cloth hath good measure.

Touching the temper of the Air, which depends most an end upon the position and aspect of the Heaven; we guess that since the Aequator, (I mean that Line that is supposed to divide the Heavens into two equal parts) crosseth over the middle of this Country, therefore it was, by those of old, (that had no more Geography then they drew up by aim in their Studies, and concluded from some of their own uncertain Speculations and conjectural Principles) judged to lie under the most Torrid Zone, and so for the most part unhabitable: whereas a few more years experience, travel and observation, hath manifested most part of this Country habitable and temperate; the cool of the Nights allaying the heat of the Days: for there the mists, dews, and showres of the one, refresh the scorches and parches of the other; as indeed that vicissitude of Sun and Moon was designed by the Almighty, (who disposed all things in number, weight and measure, according to the eternal counsel of his will) to keep this world in an equal temper, not overheated [Page] with the fever of the Torrid, nor overcooled with the ague of the Frigid Zone.

The best Description extant of this Coast that the Ancients had, was that great Souldier and exact Observator Hannoes Journal, a great while locked in his Punick Tongue, until that great Restorer of Learning at once bestowed upon it the pains of a Translation into the Greek Tongue, and the charge of an Impression at Basil, 1526.

Affrica is divided into, 1. Egypt, 2. Numidia, 3. Lybia, 4. Terra Nigritorum, 5. Ethiopia, Superiour and Inferiour; with the Islands adjoyning to these respective parts. The subject of this Discourse lieth in Barbary.

Barbary lieth Eastward towards Cyrenaica; Westward, toward the Atlantick Sea; Northward, upon the Mediterranean, towards the Streights of Gibraltar, and the Atlantick; and Southward, towards Atlas, Spain and Numidia.

It is called Barbary but lately by the Saracens, either, as the more ancient Authors will have it, from the word Barbar, which among those people signifieth Murmur or Grumbling, because the Language of that place is like the condition of it, discontented: Or from Bar, (as our modern Writers assert it) a Desart in that Viz. The Punick. Language, intimating the desolateness of the place before their replenishing or peopling of it.

It is in length from the Atlantick to the Streights, fifteen hundred miles; and in breadth from Mount Atlas to the Mediterranean, an hundred in the Inland Countries; but outwardly towards the Streights, three hundred.

This Barbary is divided into four parts by most Geographers; [Page] but it is well known by those that travel to consist of six parts, viz. Cus or Chus, Hea, Hascora, Duccala, Morocco and Fez.

The first, is a long piece of barren ground, of one hundred and almost eighty Italian miles.

The second coasts along as may miles upon the Atlantick to the very mouth of the Streights: It's sixty German miles long, and fifty English miles broad; Mountainous, but well inhabited; Hilly, but plentiful with all manner of necessaries; the highest places there, being as well peopled as our Valleys here.

The third is large, but wild and Mountainous; useless rather from its inhabitants carelessness, then its own nature.

The fourth is eminent for nothing but that great Temple or Mosche made all of VVhale-bones.

The fifth, Morocco, the Inhabitants whereof are called Moores from [...], which in the Greek signisieth black or obscure, and denotes either their Complexion, which is Tawny, and inclining to black; or their Condition, as who are bafe in their Original, and not very honourable in their present state.

Morocco hath on the East of it Maloa; on the VVest from Tremison, the Atlantick Ocean; on the South, Atlas; and on the North, Fez. It hath its chief denomination from the chief City of it, Morocco: it hath large Cities well inhabited & as well fortified; whereof one contained Anno 1659, (when there went out an Enrolment from the Xeriff or chief Governour to Tax every Family by the Poll) 150000 Families, 486 Mosches or Churches: on the Tower of the chiefest whereof, or the Mother-Church, as they call it, there was a Globe that weighed 800 pound in Gold, and was valued [Page] at 1300000 Duckats. The Country is like Ireland, rich and fertile, and wants onely skilful and laborious inhabitants, that may improve it to that rich advantage it is capable of; that Country coming up, as all Travellers aver, to our Saviours proportion of increase, some times and places thirty fold, some fifty, some sixty, and some and hundred.

The Air is much after the temper of England, but that there is a South-wind that ever and anon blows and brings along with it an extraordinary and a very hurtful heat, like that at Scanderoon, did not an Eastern blast bring with it four times a year, (viz. about the middle of July, the latter end of August, the beginning of March, and most part of May, as extraordinary cold that balanceth the former excess to a temper exceeding pleasant and healthful; insomuch as it was observed by Mr. Tevillian, (that traveiled Morocco anno 1633. when King Charles the first of glorious memory, upon the humble Request of the King of Fez, sent 15 ships to assist him in the Conquest of the Pyrates of Sala, who were too hard for him; and to his great grief, poor man, infested all Europe and Asia that were concerned in the Eastern Trade) that never any English, VVelch, or Scotch, that were cast upon those coasts, died before they were an hundred years old: nor any French or Irish that lived there a twelve-month for some years together, until Art helped Nature; and they understanding the temperature of the Climate, and their own constitution, were taught those Rules and Prescriptions that corrected the first, and assisted the second.

Of the eleven Mountains of Barbary, four are fallen to the share of this part of it; 1. Thanebes, 2. Gous, [Page] 3. Phocra, 4. Usaletto: from which spring up those pleasant and wholesome streams, that run like so many Veins of Blood, turning and winding through this uneven Ground, dispensing their Refreshments and Verdure on all sides, with equal kindness to Men, to Beasts, to the Grass and Corn.

But Morocco and Fez are as it were all one, as well in the state and condition of the Countrey, as in the Government.

Come we then at last to Fez, wherein lieth Tangier, the place we have in our Eye.

Fez hath on the South of it Morocco, which is no other then the other half of it: on the North, the Mediterranean; on the East, Malon and Tremeson; on the West, the Atlantick. It is thought by that excellent Surveyor Maurus, to be as big as Toledo, that is almost twice as big as England, and something over.

The Ground is very uneven and unequal; no Hills higher then its Mountains, no Wilderness wider and looser then its Deserts; no Parks more woody than its Forrests; no Valleys more Pleasant and Profitable than its Champaigns, which what they want in length and breadth, they gain in depth; as if Nature had heaped one Acre upon two, in the matchless fertility thereof: Our Age, barren of Belief, affords not Faith so easily to the Story, as this Land afforded Food to their ten hundred thousand men, Anno 1569, when an hundred thousand fell at the famous Battel before Tangier.

The Soil of the Countrey of Armagh in Ireland is so rank of it self, that if any compost or artificial improvement be added unto it, it turns barren (saith my ingenious Author) out of fullenness and indignation, that men should suspect the native fruitfulness thereof; [Page] and Fat upon Fat is false Heraldry in Husbandry: An English man once dunged two Acres of this Countrey towards Gosel, and it's barren to this day, and called by the Inhabitants in the Punick, Erapi vosci Dos; Gods curse upon Europe.

Ships, when sailing, are generally conceived to have one moyety of them invisible under Water; and some Countreys in like manner are counted to have their Wealth equally within the Earth, and without it: But the proportion holds not exactly in Fez, whose visible Wealth far transcendeth her concealed Substance. And yet we finde some Minerals therein of considerable use and value: As,

1. Brass and Iron, so plentifully, that though they have not the Blessing of Asher, Thy shooes shall be iron and brass, yet have they so competent a store of it, that she is no Gentlewoman there, that hath not her twenty great Iron Rings about her.

2. Salt, without which no Meat is savoury to Man, no Sacrifice acceptable to God: Abimelech sowed Sechem and Abdamelech Gasel with Salt. There are two sorts of Salt; 1. Fossilis, digged; 2. Coctilis, boyled: both here plentifully, the first about Hea, the last about Heahem, and in Lakes near Fez, where they set no Salt on their Tables, but every one takes a little in his hand.

3. Glass; whereof the best in the World (saith the great Historian of Nature) is found on the River Belus, and the next to that, (saith Solinus) in Hevalous, or as they call it now, Hebal.

4. Marble; the great Ornament of their Cities and Temples.

5. Precious Stones in abundance, no doubt near [Page] Arzilla, as we may guess by those few found there by chance, by Vasquez in his second Expedition.

6. Curious medicinal Waters, arising from the sulphurious spring of Mount Anaba.

7. For Gold and Silver: though to avoid the Invasions of other Nations, they say with St. Peter, Silver and Gold have I none; yet no doubt if the European Industry possessed the place of the Affrican sloth, it would finde the Indies in its way thither: for Fez the chief City of this Region hath its name from that Gold that is supposed to lie a breeding in the very Bowels of it: But the upper fruitfulness of the Soyl makes them the more negligent in digging into the bowels thereof; as those need not play beneath board, who have all the Game in their own hands: For this Countrey hath plenty,

1. Of Oyl-Olive; so called, to difference it from Seed or Train-Oyl: hereof there are three kindes, or rather degrees: whereof, 1. the coursest makes lamps, which they burn in their Mosques, Temples and great Palaces, Day and Night: 2. A middle sort for fineness, used for Meat or rather Sallad, with their cold Herbs, and colder Pap: 3. The finest, compounded with Spices, for Ointment for Kings, Priests and Ladies, at their more solemn occasions of Pomp and State, of Piety and Devotion, and of Pleasure and Entertainment. Three Carrects of Oyl was one of the designed Presents to the Renowned King CHARLES the First, 1634, by Abdalla, that were lost in the Mediterranean, where Oyl it self sunk.

2. Honey: This is their Sugar, as Salt is their Pepper; whence it was called by the Ancients Terra Melliflua: the Canaanites here (for you shall hear anon how [Page] they fled hither from the face of Joshua) as well as in their own Countrey, enjoying a Land that flowed with Honey: the Gentile part whereof use Honey after the Persian manner in their Sacrifices; which Grotius saith Lev. 2. 11. Vid. Critic. Sacra, in loc. is the reason why Honey was forbidden in the Jewish Oblations. And to this Honey belongeth Wax, wherewith they dress their Leather, the best here, if you will believe Valtolin, that famous Shooe-Maker and Traveller, whose Shooes were surely made of running Leather.

3. Fruits. The biggest and most plentiful that ever I read of: As,

1. Dates: whereof there is this tradition amongst them, That a Date-Tree over-shadowed an Olive-Tree, and that Olive-Tree a Fig-Tree, and that Fig-Tree a Pomegranate, and that Pomegranate a Vine. 2. Almonds. 3. Nuts. 4. Figs. 5. Pomegranates. 6. Pears. 7. Spices. 8. Cherries. 9. Plums and Apples. Of which they made their most considerable Presents, whereof good store were sent at several times to the Earles of Peterburrough and Tiveot, from that excellent Rebel Gayland, who wants nothing of a compleat man, as Cromwel did not, but that he hath not common Honesty.

4. Barley: It was the Humility of Christ, it is the necessity of the Fezians, to eat Barley-Loaves.

5. Vines: so good, that notwithstanding the strict Laws of Mahomet, to which they are most subject, the inhabitants cannot but request their King to allow, and the King cannot but grant them a liberty to drink Wine; especially at Ezhaggen, some fifteen Leagues off of Tangier; where it's a part of the City-Charter, That they may drinke VVine on Mundays, Tuesdays, [Page] Thursdays and Sundays. Yet as great as good; so that what is prophesied of Judah, may be true here, That they may binde their foals to the Vine, and their asses colts to the choice Vine, though Vines with us are tied to other Trees for their support; and that a Grape there in many places is as big as a Plum with us.

6. Wood: so that round Tangier the Countrey seemed formerly a continued Grove of sweet Firs, shady Palms, strong Oaks, close Cypress, &c. and where Trees are wanting, there Grass and Ferns look like thick Coppices, so high, that a whole Army may be lodged Horse and Foot in a field, and not discerned; as they did to our sorrow, in the late action on the third of May, 1664.

These are their Vegetables: Their Beasts are,

1. Goats: whose flesh is good Meat, as their skins make good Leather, and their Fleeces good Chamlets.

2. Their Diet is so plain, that they have very few Cattle for meat, but many for shew and service; as 1. Lyons, so tame, that they will gather stones up and down the streets in Fez, and hurt none; and his Highness Prince Rupert hath one of my Lord Rutherford's bestowing, that will lie upon his Bed as quietly as any Lamb. 2. Elephants. 3. Dragons. 4. Leopards. 5. Horses, the handsomest, the strongest and swiftest in the World: A Barbary Horse, is a Proverb.

I had almost forgot that Balm or Balsome, whereof the first Plants, Josephus saith, (Antiq. l. 8.) the Queen of Sheba brought from this place to Judea. This Balsome is two-fold:

1. Xylo-Balsamum, the Parent, being the shrub out of which it proceeded.

[Page] 2. Opo-Balsamum, being the Daughter, which trickled like tears from the former: Useful, 1. for the Healthful, making a most odoriferous and pleasant perfume: 2. For the Sick, being soveraign and medicinal: 3. For the Dead, being an admirable preservative against corruption.

To Balm I adde what is more necessary, as well as more common, I mean Water: They think we Northern People are drowned with a Dropsie; and we suspect they of the South are on fire with a Feavour: This is a Land like Judea, (as it is described Deut. 8. 7.) A land of brooks of waters, of fountains and depths, that spring out of valleys and hills: [...], saith Strabo, A well-watered Countrey.

Object.

But you will say, Our Englishmen talk of Mountains and Hills.

Answ.

Such fruitful Hills as make the Land insensibly larger in extent, though no whit less in increase: some Cattle, as Goats, some Fruits, as Vines, thrive never better than on these Mountains, or on the side of these Hills: [...], Grassie and fair fruitful Hills; which as they afford a plentiful Prospect, so they conduce much to make the Cities impregnable that are built among them.

Object.

They talk of Desarts too.

Answ.

‘Indeed the word Desart sounds hideously in an English Ear, and frights our Fancies with the apparitions of a place full of dismal shades, salvage Beasts, and doleful Desolation; whereas among these People it imports no more than a woody Retiredness from publick Habitation; most of them in extent not exceeding our great Parks in England, and more alluring with the pleasure of privacy, [Page] than affrighting with the sadnesse of Solitariness.’

SECT. II.

TOuching the Inhabitants of this place, we are to understand, That when the Isles of the Gentiles were divided among the Sons of Noah, this Coast fell to the lot of Mizraim and Phut, the sons of Cham, who first inhabited it upon the dispersion; but thinly, until upon Joshua's approach, the Canaanites fled hither from the face of Joshua, and built Tangier, as will appear more particularly in the description of that place.

Of those Canaanites there were seven People, whereof six came hither: As,

1. The Hittites, those sons of Anak, so formidable to their Foes, that some conceive them named from Hittah, to scare or frighten, such the terrible impressions of them upon their Enemies!

2. The Gergashites, whom the Hierusalem-Talmud makes to dwell near Cinnereth, on the East of Jordan, whence they stole (faith my Author) into Egypt.

3. The Canaanites, particularly so called, that dwelt by the sea and coast of Jordan.

4. The Cadmonites, or Easterlings.

5. The Amorites.

6. The Arvadites.

These men possessed the place until the Phoenicians and most remote Punicks dispossessed them; and they, until the Saracens turned them out of doors.

1. Here are placed the Cynocephali, that have heads like Dogs, snouts like Swine, and ears like Horses.

[Page] 2. Here are the Sciapodes; that have such a broad foot, and but one, that they cover their heads from the heat of the Sun, and the violence of the showrs, by lifting this up over them.

3. Here are the Gumnosophantes that go naked, and fear nothing more then a cloathed man; being ignorant of the use of Weapons, and one being able without a miracle to chase 1000 of them.

4. Here are the Blemmiae, men that walk as St. Dyonis did from Paris to Rheimes, without heads, having their eyes and mouths in their breasts.

5. Here are the Egipans, that have onely the bodies of men, sometimes made up of the necks and heads of Horses, Mules, Asses, &c. And,

6. That this part of Affrica may have its share in that saying, Semper aliquid Affrica portat novi, Affrica is always teeming with some new Monster. The other day not far from Tangier, was to be seen a Child with an Eagles Bill, Claws, and Feathers too, which was understood to bode some alteration in that Government: whereupon the King and his Friends bestirred themselves against Gayland, and he gathered up all his forces against us; breaking the League with us, and upon no terms admitting the Forts we designed in those parts to enlarge our quarters.

But the People that we converse with, are as other men, save that they are of a duskish Complexion, and something inclining to black. Their Stature tall and slender, having much of the Arabians in them. Their Nature subtle, sly, close, and reaching. Their Disposition active for War and Horsemanship, otherwise there is not an idler people under the Cope of Heaven: the simplest of them shall dwell with you a [Page] twelve-month, and you know no more of his minde then the first day you saw him; and he shall give as exact an account of your Actions, Inclinations and Designes, as any man living. They are very proud and ambitious; and shall do more for an Obeysance, then they will sometimes for a Town; and buy a Feather for their Cap at a higher rate, then they will a Suit of Cloaths to their backs.

They are as light as the Feathers they wear, and as unconstant as their Interest; never trusted by the Spaniard or Portugez, but when they had Swords in their hands. Neither are they more wily themselves, then jealous of others; especially in the case of their Women, whose feature is comely, whose skin is delicately soft, whose complexion is blackish, and the darker the more amiable; whose Ornaments are sumptuous onely to please their Husbands, and keep at home; it being death to stir abroad without leave, and a Keeper. Distrust is the nature there of every particular man, and the policy of all; whereby they keep strangers from that acquaintance with their advantages and disadvantages, which otherwise they might have. No peace is to be had with them without an Hostage, no kindness without a security; it being a saying amongst them, as some think, received by tradition from their Ancestors the Canaanites, Remember Ai, and distrust.

Hence they pretend it is one of the Laws of Mahomet, (as they alledged it to the Earl of Tiveot) That they should not suffer either the Christians or the Europeans to build any Forts in their Country.

So cautious and wary are they, that you can hardly wrong them; and so implacable if you do, that they will [Page] never forgive you. Remember this (said Gayland's Brother of a little Brush given them) two years hence: as much as to say, We will never forget or forgive. They are too ignoble to be Masters of that honourable quality of Passing by Offences.

And as they are themselves irreconcileable, (it's the Heathens Character, and it is a true one; Without understanding, Covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful) so they judge others too: If once the Moore offendeth, he will never trust you; once angry, he thinks, and ever so: his own unkindness makes him as much your enemy out of caution, as yours can make him out of Passion.

A stately Gate is that which they observe most in themselves, and that which they take most notice of, and tender most respect to in others. The Moore loves and fears a Man; therefore the tallest and most personable men were employed to treat with that Barbarian, who was more guided with his eyes then his ears; with what he saw, then what he heard; in a word, Appearances then Reasons.

And yet so much Reason are they Masters of, that (though their shifts, tricks and unconstancy argue them men of a little reach, those being onely the little ways and escapes of men that have not a solid wisdome to look round about them, and carry on things handsomely) they say when pressed to an Affair of a sudden, Stay a little, we must think what we shall do next year.

Though their Gate seem Majestick when they strut and walk, yet none more low and despicable when they sit, even in greatest state: for when our General and Governour was to meet Gayland and his Nobility, we found them all upon the ground upon their Carpets, sitting cross-legged like Taylors.

[Page] Their Garments are as sumptuous as their Gate majestick: for though the poorer sort wear raw Hides, I mean Goatskins, Leather, Hair-cloth, Sack-cloth, and other course Vestinents; yet we seldome meet them out of their fine Linen, their Silk, their Scarlet, and their Cloth of Gold. Of all Colours, they, as the Jews, delight in white, as the emblem of purity, cheerfulness, knowledge and victory. No work are they more taken with, then with Washing: but their most solemn Colour is Black, and their most Royal and Noble one is Blew; the true and natural Dying whereof, is lost in all the world but in that place. Their Scarlet and Crimson is worn by the Nobility; and their Purple, which is but the Gaudiness of Red, allayed with the Gravity of Blew, is with them as with us, Royal.

Next their skin they wear Linen (as most cleanly, soft and wholsome, but dyed in Violet) loose, and at night lie in the same. Next this, their Coat, which comes down to their feet, as modest and grave; and about that a Girdle, which is also their Purse. Fringe is a great Ornament among their Priests. Over this a Mantle, which is among the poorer sort their Coat by day, and by night their Coverlet. As soon as they are born, they are Coated; and when Striplings, the Coat is Party-coloured; when Men, the Coat becomes a Cloak; when in the Field, he hath a Coat of Maile tucked on with a Military Girdle, his Bow and Arrow, his Sword, his Buckler, his Pike, and of late his Gun too; to all this the Ancients adde his Staff: all their Turbants or Mithraes of: pleyted Linen or Callico, in the manner of a Pyramide on their heads, and their Sandals on their feet, which had Soles, but no upper [Page] Leather, save onely the Ligaments whereby they were tied to the Instep and cross of the feet. Hence their frequent Washings in those parts, not onely to cool them, but chiefly to clear them from the Gravel, and cleanse them from the dirt, which those Casements of their Sandals let in: but for fear of foul weather, they have their Shooes carried after them, as the Jews had; whence the expression, whose shooes I am not worthy to bear.

Their Women are veiled, and as I told you kept in, but nobly apparelled with Garments wrought with Needle-work, or very curiously woven; adorned with their Ear-rings, Bracelets, Frontlets, Mufflers: and if they chance to go abroad, Oh how they stretch out their necks! how they walk and mince as they go! how they paint their eyes and eye-brows, and gild their nails!

Thus are they attired; a man would now know how they are disposed. Very idle I told you they are; and what usually follows upon that, very quarrelsome: nothing more usual among them then deadly feuds; 1000 against [...]000; one Tribe as it were against another; which nothing can compose but a forreign Enemy, against whom their very hatred unites them more effectually then their love could do among themselves. Yet I must say this for them, Though they are the worst Enemies, yet they are very good Friends, i. e. very civil: for let a stranger travel amongst them, and come into town, they will throw Dice who shall entertain him. If the Pilgrim saith be will to his Inne, thither they flock to him with their gifts and their presents: if he is not provided, then say they, This mans house is yours. Their reason for it they will give you; Abraham [Page] entertained strangers, and thereby angels unawares: we are so journers as all our fathers were.

You would ask, What is their Religion? what is their Language?

I answer: For their Religion in the uttermost parts of it, it's Heathenish; and all that we ever observed them do, was crossing their foreheads, kissing their hands, bowing their heads to the Sun, and once a year offering a Kid, once a month meeting at their Groves: for these Heathens think it not fit to circumscribe any thing that hath the name of a god within any compass, but that Heaven they say he dwells in.

But most of them are Turks; and though that Countrey hath been most famous of old for the Studies of Mathematicks and Philosophy, those great Philosophers, Avicenna, Averroes; those ingenious Poets, Terrence, Apuleias; those holy Fathers, Cyprian, Tertullian, Lactantius, Victor, Fulgentius; and as famous for the excellent Library in Fez, wherein there were 4000 Volumes of History, 2000 of Philosophy, 3000 of Astronomy, Geography, and other Mathematicks, that were more worth then all the Libraries in the world, which that Tyrant, made up of ignorance and fury, Maleche Shegge, destroyed all but two Books; whereof the one was an ancient Book of the Mysteries of Mahomets Religion and Government, and the other the State of Europe: yet now is it but the seat of Barbarism, and the habitation of gross ignorance in every thing but, as you may read more anon, in Mechanicks.

The Bishop of Dunkelden thanked God he knew not a Letter either in the Old Testament or the New, but that he had his Proless and Ladies Psalter by heart. The very Priest here pretendeth to no more skill then [Page] so much Chyrurgery as may serve him to circumcise a Childe, and so much Divinity as may serve him to read his Alcoran or Testament. It was dangerous to understand Greek, and Heresie to profess Hebrew in this Land some two hundred years ago: it may cost a man his life there to be wise above the age; for that they call conjuring against the King. But Cities are the Maps of Countries, and Metropolis of Kingdomes: as therefore he who would look into the nature of England, had best take a Survey of London; so he that would be satisfied about this Kingdome, needs no more but look into Fez and Tituan, whose Descriptions follow.

Of the Cities FEZ and TITUAN.

Of the Innes and Mills of Fez.

THe Innes of this City are three stories high, and contain an hundred and twenty or more Chambers a piece, and are almost unparallelled for greatness of Buildings. Herein also are Mills in four hundred places at least; every Mill standeth in a large Room, upon some strong Pillar or Post, like unto our Horse-Mills.

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A Description of the Occupations, the Shops, and the Market.

EAch Trade and Occupation hath a peculiar place allotted thereto; the principal whereof, are next unto the great Temple. Then follow the Butchers Shambles; next, the Course-cloath-market; afterwards, the Shops of them that scowre Armours; next unto them, the Fishmongers; then follow them that make hard Reed-Coops, and Cages for Fowles. Then the Shops of them that sell liquid Sope, the Shops of them that sell Meal, albeit they are diversly dispersed throughout the whole City. Next are Seed-grain-sellers; next to them, are the ten Shops that sell straw; then the Markers, where thred and hemp use to be sold. Next to the smoaky Place in the West part, (which stretcheth from the Temple to that Gate that leadeth unto Mecnase) their habitations directly stand that make Leather-tankards to draw water out of Wells. Unto these adjoyn such as make Wicker Vessels; next to them are the Taylors shops; then the Leather-shield-makers; then the twenty shops of the Laundresses or Washers. Next unto them are those that make trees for Sadles, who dwell likewise in great number Eastward, right in the way by the Colledge founded by King Abuhinam. Next unto them are those that work Stirrops, Spurs and Bridles. From thence you may go into the streets of Sadlers; then follow the long shops of them that make Pikes and Launces: all the which shops begin at the great Temple. Next standeth a Rock or Mound, having two Walks thereupon; the one whereof leadeth to the East-gate, and the other to one of the Kings Palaces.

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The Station or Burse of Merchants.

THis Burse being walled round about, hath twelve Gates, and before every Gate an Iron Chain; which Burse is divided into twelve several Wards or Parts: two whereof are allotted unto such shooe-makers as make shooes onely for Noblemen and Gentlemen: two also to Silk-merchants or Haberdashers that sell Ribbons, Garters, Scarffs, and such other like Ornaments. Then follow those that make Womens Girdles of course VVool. Next unto these, are such as sell VVoollen and Linen-cloth brought out of Europe. Then may you come to them that sell Mats, Matresses, Cushions, and other things made of Leather. Next adjoyneth the Customers Office. Next of all dwell the Taylors, then the Linen-Drapers, who are accounted the richest Merchants in all Fez. Next are VVoollen Garments to be sold. Last of all is that place where they sell wrought shirts, towels, and other embroydered works; as also, where Carpets, Beds and Blankets are to be sold.

The aforesaid Burse or Station of Merchants was in times past called Caesaria, according to the Name of that renowned Conquerour Julius Caesar: the reason whereof some affirm to be, because all the Cities of Barbary in those days were first subject to the Romans, and then to the Goths.

Next unto the said Burse, on the North-side, in a straight Lane, stand an hundred and fifty Grocers and Apothecaries shops, which are fortified on both sides with strong Gates. The Physitians houses adjoyn for [Page] the most part unto the Apothecaries. Then the Artificers that make Combs of Box and other Wood. Eastward of the Apothecaries dwell the Needle-makers. Then follow those that turn Ivory. Unto them adjoyn such as sell Meal, Sope and Brooms; whereof some are dispersed in other places of the City. Amongst the Cotten-Merchants are certain that sell Ornaments for Tents and Beds. Next of all stand the Fowlers. Then come you to the shops of those that sell Cords and Ropes of Hemp; and then to such as make high Cork-slippers for Noblemen and Gentlemen to walk the streets in when it is fowl weather. Unto these adjoyn the ten shops of Spanish Moores, which make Cross-Bows; as also those that make Brooms of a certain wild Palm-tree. Next unto them are Smiths that make Nayls, and Coopers that make certain great Vessels in form of a Bucket, having Corn-measures to sell also. Then follow Wool-Chapmen; then Langols or Wyth-makers. Next of all are the Braziers; then such as make Weights and Measures; and those likewise that make Instruments to card Wool or Flax. At length you descend into a long street, where men of divers Occupations dwell together; and here the West part of the City endeth, which in times past was a City by its self, and was built after the City on the West-side of the River.

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A description of the second part of Fez.

THe second part of Fez is situated Eastward, and is beautified with most stately Palaces, Temples, Houses and Colledges; albeit there are not so many Trades and Occupations as in the part before described, yet are there many, especially of the meaner sort; but notwithstanding here are thirty shops of Grocers: Here also are more then six hundred clear Fountains, walled round about, and most charily kept; every one of which is severally conveyed by certain Pipes unto each House, Temple, Colledge and Hospital.

The South part of East-Fez is almost half destitute of Inhabitants; howbeit the Gardens abound with Fruits and Flowers of all sorts. Westward, that is, toward the Kings Palace, standeth a Castle built by a King of the Lutune Family, resembling in bigness a whole Town; within this Castle stands a Noble Temple and a certain great Prison for Captives, supported with many Pillars. By this Castle runneth a certain River very commodious for the Governour.

Of the Magistrates, the Administration of Justice, and of the Apparel used in Fez.

IN Fez there are four sorts of Magistrates; one of the Canon Law, the other of the Civil Law, the third of Marriages and Divorcements, the next an Advocate to whom they appeal.

A Malefactor they proceed against by leading him [Page] naked about the streets with an iron chain about his neck, after he hath received an hundred or two hundred stripes before the Governour, a Sergeant going along and declaring his faults; and at length is carried into prison back again.

Sometimes many Prisoners are thus chained together, for each of which the Governour receiveth one Duckat, and one fourth part; and likewise he demands certain duties at their first enterance into the Goal: and amongst his other living, he gathereth out of a Mountain seven thousand Duckats of yearly Revenues, so that (when occasion serveth) he is to finde the King of Fez three hundred Horses, and to give them their pay.

The Canon-Lawyers live according to Mahomet's Law, onely by their reading of Lectures and Priesthood.

In this City are four Sergeants, who receive for stipend some fee of every Malefactor that they lead about in chains. That one onely that gathereth Customs and Tributes about the City, dayly payeth to the Kings use thirty Duckats.

Very strict are they that nothing comes into the City by any means, before some Tribute be paid; which is paid double of him that is caught in a deceit. The set order or proportion of their Duckats is to pay two Duckats for the worth of a hundred; for Onyx-stones one fourth part; but for Wood, Corn, Oxen and Hens, they give nothing at all: Though at the entrance into the City they pay nothing for Rams, yet at the shambles they give two Liardos a piece, and to the Governour of the shambles one: which Governour with his two men, is careful to see that the Bread be weight; if [Page] not, the Baker is led about with contempt, and beaten with cudgels.

Decently and civilly attired they are, wearing in the Spring-time Garments made of outlandish cloth; over which shirts, they wear a narrow and half-sleev'd Cassock or Jacket, whereupon they wear a certain wide Garment close before on the Brest. They wear thin Caps covered with a certain Skarff, which being twice wreathed about their head, hangeth by a knot. They wear neither Hose nor Breeches; but in the Spring-time when they ride a Journey, they put on Boots. The poorer sort have onely a Cassock, with a Mantle over that, and a course Cap; the Doctors and Gentlemen in a wide-sleev'd Garment; the common sort in a kind of a course white cloth: And so all according to their state and ability.

The Inhabitants of Fez eat thrice a day, but nastily and filthily; their Tables low and dirty, their fingers their spoons and knives, the ground their seats: they never drink before they have done eating, and then a good draught of cold water.

The manner of solemnizing Marriages.

THe Bride and Bridegroom go together to Church, accompanied with their Parents and Kinsfolks, and two Witnesses of the Covenants and Dowry; which being done, the present Guests are invited to two Banquets; the one on the Bridegroom's cost, the other upon the Bride's Fathers, who though he promiseth but thirty Duckats onely for a Dowry, yet will he sometimes bestow every way two or three hundred [Page] Duckats besides, which is accounted a point of Liberality. The Bridegroom causeth his Bride to be carried home in a Cage eight square, accompanied with his Parents and Kinsfolks, with Musick and Torches, the Bridegrooms Kinsfolk going before, and the Bride following after, and going unto the great Market-place; and passing by the Temple, his Father-in-law takes his leave of the Bridegroom: The Father, Brother, Uncle of the Bride lead her unto the Chamber-door, and there deliver her with one consent unto the Mother of the Bridegroom, who as soon as she is entered, toucheth her foot with his; and forthwith they depart unto a several Room by themselves, where she is deflowred, and the purity of her Virginity afore that time, is declared with a Napkin stained in blood, carried in hand about, which if she be not found, the Marriage is frustrated, and she with great disgrace turned home to her Parents.

But at a compleat Marriage there are three Banquets; the one for men, the other for women, the third seven days after for all her Friends. Furthermore, At the Bridegrooms Fathers there are two Feasts; the one the night before, which is spent in Musick and Dancing; the other the day after, at her brave dressing by a company of Women.

These and many more Ceremonies do they use at a Maids Marriage, but a Widows is concluded with less a do. They make also great Feasts and Jollities at the circumcision of their Males, which is upon the seventh day after their Birth; but at the Birth of a Daughter, they shew not so much alacrity.

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Of their Rites observed upon Festival Days, and their manner of Mourning for their Dead.

UPon Christmas they eat Sallet of divers herbs, and seethed Pulse. Upon New-years-day the children go with Masks and Vizards on their faces, to the houses of Gentlemen & Merchants, singing Carols and Songs, having Fruits given them. On St. John Baptist's they make great fires of Straw. When their Children's Teeth begin to grow, they make another feast called Dentilla. And in many things they imitate Rome and other places. The women at the death of their friends assemble together in a company of their own Sex, and put on most vile sackcloth and ashes, and sing a Funeral-Song to the commendation of the party deceased, and at the end of every verse, utter hideous outcries and lamentations; all which continue seven days, at the end of which, they cease mourning forty days, and then begin to torment themselves in like manner for three days together; which Obsequies are observed by the baser sort of people, but the better sort behave themselves more modestly: At this time all the Widow's friends come to comfort her, and send divers kindes of meats unto her: for in the mourning House they may dress no meat at all, till the Dead be carried forth: And the woman that loseth her Husband, Father or Brother, never goeth forth with the Funeral.

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A description of the Grammar-Schools in Fez.

THere are almost two hundred Schools in Fez, every one of which is in fashion like a great Hall. The School-Masters teach their Children to write our or a certain great Table: Every day they expound a Sentence of the Alcoran, and firmly commit it to memory; which they do right well in the space of seven years: Then read they unto their Scholars some part of Orthography, which, and the other parts of Grammar, is more exactly taught in the Colledges, then in these trivial Schools. Their School-Masters have a very small stipend; but when their Boys have learned some part of the Alcoran, they present certain Gifts unto their Master, according to each ones ability. So soon as any Boy hath perfectly learned the whole Alcoran, his Father inviteth all his Sons School-fellows to a great Banquet; and his Son in costly Apparel rides through the Street upon a gallant Horse; all which, the Governour of the Royal Citadel is bound to lend him: the rest of his School-fellows being mounted likewise on horse-back, accompany him to the Banquetting-house, singing divers Songs to the praise of God and Mahomet: Then are they brought to a most sumptuous Banquet, whereat all the Kinsfolks of the aforesaid Boys Father are usually present, every one of whom bestoweth upon the School-master some small Gift, and the Boys Father gives him a new Suit of Apparel. The said Scholars likewise use to celebrate a Feast upon the Birth-day of Mahomet, and then their Fathers are bound to send each one of them a Torch [Page] unto the School, which every Boy carrieth in his hand; which being lighted betimes in the Morning, burn till Sun-rise; in the mean while, certain Singers resound the Praises of Mahomet; and as soon as the Sun is up, all their solemnity ceaseth. The School-Masters sell the remnant of the Wax upon the Torches for an hundred Duckats, and sometimes for more. They are Free-Schools, in which, as also in the Colledges, they have two days of Recreation every Week.

Of the Fortune-Tellers, the Conjurers, Inchanters and Juglers in Fez.

SOme of them use Geomantical Figures, others pour a little Oyl into Water, and there shew several shapes, of whom they ask such questions as the Party would be satisfied in. A third sort are women that lie with Devils, which pretend to speak within them: These lie with one another, yea, and with other young women, until some wiser than some beat the Devil out with a Cudgel. Another kind are the Conjurers that make Circles, and turn out Devils by the Magick Rule called Zairagia: First, they draw many lesser Circles within the compass of a greater: in the first they make a Cross, in the four corners of it they set down the four Quarters of the World, and at the end of each Cross the Poles, and about the Circumference they paint the four Elements; then they divide the same Circle into four parts, and every one of those four parts into seven, each part being distinguished by great Arabian characters, every Element contaming twenty eight characters: in the third circle [Page] they set down the seven Planets, in the fourth the twelve Signs, in the fifth the twelve Latine Names of the Month, in the sixth the twenty eight hours of the Moon, in the seventh the three hundred sixty five days of the Year, and about the middle thereof, the four Winds: Then take they one onely character or letter of the Question asked, multiplying the same by all the particulars aforementioned, and the sum total they divide after a certain manner, placing it in some room according to the quality of the character, and as the Element requireth wherein the said character is found, without a figure: all which being done, they mark that figure which seemeth to agree with the aforesaid number or sum produced, wherewith they proceed as they did with the former, till they have found twenty eight characters, whereof they make a word that resolveth the question demanded; this Word or Speech they make a Verse of, which is an infallible answer to the question propounded. These circles I have seen at King Abulunan's Colledge at Fez, where I saw likewise these Cabalists imprisoned by the Mahometan Inquisitors, who allow not that Art, as derogatory to the Great GOD that knoweth Secrets.

Besides these Juglers, there are here a Sect of People who say they are sent from Heaven to beget an holy Seed in the Earth; under which pretence they abuse the fairest Women in the Countrey, even tiring themselves with lust, endeavouring to lie with half a dozen or half a score a piece in a night; saying they carry about them the ninety nine Virtues that are contained in the Name of GOD.

Another Sect there is, that pretend they are sent of GOD to dig for Gold: for which purpose they ransack [Page] Ditches, Graves, Kennels: Right Gold-finders!

Here are a third sort that deal in Sulphur and Alchymy, who dispute every week in a great Temple, how they may turn all things to Gold; of whom the learned Geber and Mugainbi have given the World an account.

In the Summer you shall have Towns full of Charmers, with their Scroles, their Drums, their Pipes, their Apes and their Citterns.

At the same time you may observe their Gentlemen strut and keep their distance from the commonalty, and their Doctors and Judges keeping as far from them.

From eleven of clock to three you will not meet with a man in his shorts; they are all run to Taverns and B [...]wdy-houses.

In every Town there is a Lazer-house, the Governour whereof is to take care of all the Lepers in the Town.

Their Burying-places are certain Fields bought for that purpose, where they lay over every Grave two Stones, one at the head, and another at the feet of the Party deceased; their Kings being buried in Palaces.

Hereabout are Gardens of ten or twenty miles in length, through which they derive small Veins of the River, from some of which they carry away 15000 cart-loads twice a year.

Here no Mahometan is suffered to be a Goldsmith or a Coyner; for they say, That is an Employment good enough for a Jew.

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Of their Beasts.

1. THe first is the Elephant, plentiful in the Land of the Negroes, and taken by the Inhabitants thus: They make a round hedge of Boughs and Rafts, leaving a space round on the one side of them, and likewise a door standing upon the plain ground, which may be lift up with Ropes, wherewith they can easily stop the said open place or passage: the Elephant coming to take his rest under the shady boughs, entreth the hedge or inclosure, where the Hunters by drawing the said Rope, and fastening the door, imprison him.

2. The second is Girapha, headed like a Camel, eared like an Ox, and footed like a Horse.

3. Their Camels and Dromedaries, their strength, treasure and pleasure: wherefore if you ask how rich a man is? they will say, he hath so many Camels: they are watred but once in five days, and can go without water or provender fifteen. When they are tired they will not go for beating, but with singing such songs as they are pleased with. The swiftest of them will carry you an hundred miles a day, and the slowest but eight. They teach them to dance thus: They take a young Camel, and put him for half an hour together into a place like a Bath-stove prepared for the same purpose, the floor whereof is hot with fire: then play they without upon a Drum; whereat the Camel, not so much in regard of the noyse, as of the hot pavement that offendeth his feet, lifteth up one leg after another in the manner of a Dance; and having been accustomed to this exercise for the space of a year and [Page] ten moneths, they then present him to the publick view of the people; whenas hearing the noyse of a Drum, and remembring the time when he trod upon the hot floor, he presently falleth a dancing and leaping: and so Use being turned into a kinde of Nature, he perpetually observeth the same custome.

4. The fourth is the Barbary-horse, brought up in the wild desert, and broken by Arabians since Ishmael's time. The tryal of these Horses is the overtaking of a Beast called Lant or Ostrich; which if he can do, he is worth 1000 Duckats. Used they are for Hunting, fed with Camels milk, and never rid while in Pasture.

5. The next sort of Beasts is, 1. The white Ox, called Dant or Lant, of whose skin they make sheilds. 2. Adimaim, like a Ram in every thing but his long Asses cars, of whose wool they make Coverlets, as of their Milk Butter and Cheese; whose tayls, as do the Barbary Rams, weigh some ten, some twenty pound apiece: all the fat of them is in their tayl. 3. The Lyon, who the hotter the Country is, the fiercer; especially towards Spring-time, and their time of coupling, when nothing is spared by them but a woman that sheweth her privy-parts; at the sight whereof they cry, cast their eyes to the ground, and depart. 4. The spotted Leopard, that never killeth any thing but when toyled by Hunters into an extreamity: whosoever lets a Leopard escape his Toyl, must feast all the Hunters of that Province. 5. The Dabuh, that is brought out of his Den with singing.

6. The Civer-Cat, whose excrement, which is nothing but their sweat, they gather thus thrice a day: they keep the young ones with milk, bran, and flesh [Page] in cages and grates; and first they drive them up and down the Grate till they sweat, and then they take the said sweat from under their flanks, their shoulders, their necks and their tayls: which excrement of sweat is onely called Civet.

7. The Apes and Coneys run up and down in companies, one of them always watching the husbandmans coming.

8. The Crocodile that goeth on four legs like a Lizzard, not above a cubit and an half high; its tayl is full of knots; it lurks about the banks of a River, craftily laying wait for men and beasts that come the same way; about whom suddainly it winds its tayl, draweth them into the water, and devoureth them. In eating they move the upper Jaw onely, their nether Jaw being joyned unto their breast-bone. I saw them running and gaping on the banks-side, and little Birds flying in and out of their mouths; which sometimes they would catch when they had eaten up the worms in their jaws, but that a little prick upon the Birds head so galleth them that they must let it go.

9. The Hydra, against whose poyson there is no remedy but the cutting off the infected part.

10. The Dab, a creature like a Lizzard that cannot endure water, and revived when dead by fire.

11. The Guoral, whose head and tayl they say is poyson, and whose body they eat as good meat.

12. The Camelion, like a Lizzard, save that it hath a Mouses tayl, nourished with air, roasted in Sunbeams; at which it gapes, and changeth its colour with its place.

13. The silly Ostrich that seedeth on Iron, and forgetteth [Page] her great Egges of eleven or twelve pounds apiece in the sand.

14. The Locusts, that fly in such swarms that they intercept the Sun-beams.

15. The Monster begot between the Male-Eagle and the She-Wolf, that hath a Serpents tayl and skin, a Wolfs feet, a Dragons beake and wing, that lives 300 years they say.

Fruits.

AS for their Fruits, besides what we formerly mentioned, they have,

1. Euphorbium, an herb like the wild Thistle, upon the branches whereof grow fruits like Cucumbers, 20 or 30 upon each; which when ripe, are pricked for their slimy Juyces, which the people put in Bladders, and dry.

2. Maus, or Musa, growing on a small tree, which beareth large leaves of a cubit long, big as a Cucumber, sweet as a Musmillion: they [...] it was the fruit forbidden our first Parents in Paradise, because the leaves are fit to cover the nakedness.

3. Terfez, a Root like Mushroom, growing in hot grounds, but of a cooling vertue, as lushious as Sugar; and being boyled in water and milk, is a great dainty in Sela.

4. The Ettalche, an high and thorny tree, bearing leaves like the Juniper, and sweating a Gum like Mastick: the onely Remedy there against the French Pox.

[Page] 5. The Root Tauzorghent, an inch whereof perfumes a house three years, and is sold in one place for half a Duckat, and in another for 100 Duckats.

6. The Root Addad, that kills a man in an hour with the smell of it: a Present the good Women send sometimes to their beloved Husbands.

7. The Root Turnag, which they take to strengthen men: upon which if a Maid make water, she looseth her Virginity; yea, and swelleth too, they say.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

A discription of Tangier, the country and people adjoyning with an account of the person and government of Gayland, the present usurper of the kingdome of Fez, and a short narrative of the proceedings of the English in those parts : whereunto is added, the copy of a letter from the King of Fez to the King of England, for assistance against his rebellious subjects, and another from Grayland to His Sacred Majesty Charles the Second : with divers letters and passages worthy of note / translated from the Spanish into English, and published by authority.

Edition statement

1664

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A35762

ID [STC]

Wing D1151

ID [STC]

ESTC R12756

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12846198

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12846198

ID [VID]

94431

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This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A35762)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 94431)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 711:4)

Source

— A discription of Tangier, the country and people adjoyning with an account of the person and government of Gayland, the present usurper of the kingdome of Fez, and a short narrative of the proceedings of the English in those parts : whereunto is added, the copy of a letter from the King of Fez to the King of England, for assistance against his rebellious subjects, and another from Grayland to His Sacred Majesty Charles the Second : with divers letters and passages worthy of note / translated from the Spanish into English, and published by authority., Charles I, King of England, 1600-1649., Charles II, King of England, 1630-1685., Ghaylān, Aḥmad al-Khāḍir ibn ʻAlī, d. 1673., Teviot, Andrew Rutherford, Earl of, d. 1664..

Extent

[6], 84 p. : port.

Printed for Samuel Speed ...,. London :: 1664.. (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.)

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