THe Heavens declare the Glory of God, and the Firmament sheweth the work of his hands, Psal. 19. 1. In the Creation of which and the whole earth, and sea, and all things therein contained, of mear nothing within the compass of six dayes; and in this wise and gracious ordering and guiding of all things, is abundantly set forth his infinite, and unutterable wisdom, power, greatness, and goodness: His end herein is first and chiefly for his own glory, The Lord made all things for himself, Prov. 16. 4. And secondly, mens happiness, unto whom the dominion of all things was under God committed, Gen. 1. Psalm. 8. 6.

That men may come therefore to some understanding thereof, I shall first speak of the Heavenly and of the Earthly Globes, and the several matters incident thereunto. Then I shall also make a brief description of the four parts of the earth, and the Countries in each part, the several Religions professed in them; with the varieties of Trade and Commodities therein, never yet set forth in a Treatise of this nature.

The whole world therefore is divided into two parts, Etherial or Celestial, and Elemental; Of which there are two Globes accordingly, the heavenly and the earthly. Now a Globe is a proportionable representation of the heavens or of the earth; the Etherial, Celestial, or heavenly part doth compasse the Terrestial or earthly, and containeth the ten upper Spheres, or nearest unto the earth, 1 the M •… on, 2 Mercury, 3 Venus, 4 the Sun, 5 Mars, 6 Jupiter, 7 Saturn, 8 the starry Firmament, 9 the Crystalline heaven, having no stars at all, 10 the Primum Mobile, or first mover, containing all the rest within it, and moving from the east to the west, carrying about with it in violence all the other Spheres. The rest of the Spheres have contrary motions, every one in his kind, though far flower than the other, and the motions are contrary from the west to the east; and so are carried about oftentimes by the first mover, before they make one perfect revolution in themselves.

The Crystalline or ninth Sphere his motion is almost insensible, and is called the Trembling motion, performed (according to the opinion of latter Astronomers) in four thousand nine hundred years.

The eighth Sphere being the Starry firmament, in seven thousand years, the Sphere of Saturn in thirty years, of Iupiter in twelve years, Mars in two years, the Sun passeth the Zodiack in three hundred sixty five dayes, Venus ends her course in somewhat more than a year, Mercury holds equal pace with the Sun. and the Moon courseth about the Heavens once every eight and twenty dayes.

Thus much for the Coelestial or heavenly part of the world, wherein I shall need say nothing of the Religion of Angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect, seeing it is manifest enough to every one, that there they keep their first estate; The Religion also of the fallen Angels (who are held by many to be thrust out of Heaven, and to abide in the Air, whereupon Sathan is called the Prince of the Air, Eph. 2. 2.) is so notorious for enmity against God, and all manner of wickedness; that poor man is more sentient of sorrow, for their tentations, then furnished with words to express their wickednesse to the life.

The Elemental part of the World is fourfold, earth, water, air, fire, as may be seen in that round Figure of the frame of the heavens and elements one within another; the inmost and middlemost circle containing earth and water intermixed together; the next the three Regions of the air; and immediately above that Orb is the element of fire: all which you may easily discern by their several names in their proper places. And thus much shall suffice to have spoken of the Globe of the whole World.

I shall now speak first generally and briefly of the Globe of the whole Earth, and things incident thereunto; then more particularly of the several parts thereof, and every remarkable Country in each part, as I promised in the beginning.

The Globe of the earth therefore is defined to be a spherical body proportionably composed of earth and water, the two parts thereof.

The parts of the earth are either real or imaginary.

The real parts are either Continents or Islands, A Continent is a great quantity of Land not interlaced or separated by the Sea, wherein many Kingdomes and Principalites are contained; as Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

An Island, called in Latin insula quasi in salo, is a part of the earth environed round with water; as Brittain, Iava, St. Laurence Isle, Bermoodes.

Now these again are sub-divided into a Peninsula; Isthmus, and a Promontory. A peninsula is such a tract of Land, which being almost incompassed round by waters, is nevertheless joyned to the firm land by some little Isthmus, as Peloponesus, Taurica, Cymbrica, and Pervana.

An Isthmus is a little narrow neck of land which joyneth any peninsula to the Continent; as the straits of Dariene in Peru, and Corinth in Greece.

A Promontory is some high mountain which shooteth it self into the Sea, the utmost end of which is called a Cape: as that great Cape of good hope; and Cape Verde in Africa, Cape Gomerie in Asia, and that of St. Michaels mount in Cornwall, the North Cape in Norway, and divers others.

There are also other real parts of the earth, as mountains, valleys, fields, plains, woods, and the like.

The other general part of the Globe is the water, divided into the Ocean. Secondly, the Sea. Thirdly, the Straights. Fourthly, Creeks.

The Ocean is the general collection of all waters, which invironeth the whole world on every side.

The Sea is part of the Ocean, to which we cannot come, but through some strait, as the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltick Sea, and the like.

These two take their names either from the adjacent places, as the Brittish Ocean, the German sea, the Atlantick sea, and the like: Or from the first Discoverer, as the Magellanick sea, Forbushers Straits; or from some remarkable accident, as the Red-sea from the red colour of the sands, and the like.

Thirdly, a Straight is a part of the Ocean, restrained within narrow bounds, and opening a way to the sea, as the Straits of Gibralter, Hellespont, Anian.

Fourthly, a Creek is a crooked shore, thrusting forth as it were two arms, to embrace and affectionately to hold the Sea, as the Adriatick, Persian, and Corinthian Creek. Hitherto belong Rivers, Brooks, and Fountains, engendred of congealed air in the earths concavities, and seconded by Sea-waters, creeping through hidden crannies thereof.

Thus much of the real parts of the Earth in general.

The compass of the whole earth is cast by our latest learned Geographers, twenty one thousand six hundred English miles, which we thus compute. We see by continued experience, that the Sun for every degree in the heavens, gains sixty miles upon the earth towards his circuit round, and after three hundred sixty degrees returneth to the same point in respect of us as before it was. Add the number of sixty so oft, and you will find the account the same, and so by proportion of the circumference to the Diameter, which is, tripla sesqui septima, the same which twenty two hath to seven.

We may count likewise the earths thickness to the center: The whole Diameter by rule being less than a third part of the circuit. That in the proportion to twenty one thousand six hundred, will be six thousand eight hundred seventy two, half the number will reach the middle of the world, and that is, three thousand four hundred thirty six, being considered with great exactness, as the measure of such a great bulk as the earth is, can easily be taken and comprehended.

Geographers attribute unto the earth five circles.

The first is the Equinoctial; when the Sun in his course is come thereunto, about the eleventh of March and September, the day and the night are of equal length through the whole earth. It is also termed the Equator, and by the Sea-faring men the middle Line; because it divideth the earth into two equal parts, of which the one lyeth towards the north, the other towards the south, and because it is in the middest between the two poles of the world, one in the north, the other in the south. The second circle is called the Tropick of the Crabb, because when the Sun is come thither about the tenth of Iune, it returneth by little and little unto the Equator. And then unto them that dwell on the north-side of the Equator, is the day longest; and shortest to them that dwell on the south-side thereof. This circle is distinct from the Equinoctial Twenty three Degrees, three Minutes and an half, Northward.

The third is called the Tropick of Capricorn, because the Sun being come thereto on the eleventh of December, turneth his course backward to the Equator; and then contrariwise, to them who live on the north of the Equator is the day shortest, and longest to them on the south thereof; it is distant from the Equinoctial southward twenty three degrees, thirty one minutes and an half.

The fourth is called the Artickcircle; the fifth the Antartick; of which the one is distant twenty three degrees, thirty one minutes and an half from the north pole; the other just so many from the south pole. And are described by the revolution of heaven from the poles of the Zodiack, which is the Sun. Mercator the ancient Astronomer understood by the Arctick circle not onely that aforesaid, but also every circle whose half Diameter answereth to the pole in any place whatsoever, and containeth, according to the Altitude of every Countrey, certain stars, which never set, but alwayes are above the earth; so that in all regions differing in Latitude, this circle is diverse, as also is the Antartick. Now the four lesser circles, the two Tropicks and polar circles, do fitly part the earth into five Zones, that is to say girdles, because they compass, like bands, the round Globe of the earth. The first of these Zones lyeth under the Artick or north circle, and is called the cold north Zone; the second lyeth under the Antartick or south circle, and is called the cold south Zone; the third is situate in the middle between the two Tropicks called the scorched Zone; the fourth lyeth under that which is between the north circle and the Tropick of Cancer, and is called the temperate north Zone; the fifth also is under that space which is between the Tropick of Capricorn and the south circle, and is called the temperate south Zone.

Now to understand rightly the situation of Countries, their Longitude and Latitude according to the mind of Geographers is to be known. The Latitude of places which with the height of the Pole is alwayes one, beginning at the Equinoctial, is taken two manner of wayes; either towards the south, or toward the north, unto the number ninety. The Longitude is returned from the Meridian circle, and about the west Islands called Carva and Flores, beginning right at the Equator easterly, and running forwards unto the number three hundred sixty. As for example, London lyeth from the Equinoctial northward, fifty one degrees and a half, which is the Latitude; and the Longitude thereof is twenty degrees answering unto that degree of the Equinoctial, reckoning from the Meridian.

And now that I have briefly touched upon the Longitude and Latitude of Countries, and having often spoke of the Meridian and Horizon: I shall, I hope, not unprofitably take time in a word or two, to tell you what each of them are.

The Meridian is a great circle rounding the earth from pole to pole. There are many Meridians according to the divers places in which a man liveth. But the chief and first Meridian passeth through the Islands Saint Michael and of the Azores.

The Horizon is a great circle, designing so great a space of the earth as a quick sight can ken in an open field: the use of it is to discern the divers risings and settings of the stars.

I shall now speak a little of the Climates, and Parallels, and then, I hope, I have done with things generally concerning the earth.

A Climate is a space of the earth included within the space of two parallels.

The use of them is to shew the difference of length and shortnesse of dayes over all the world, as you may see in the midst of every climate, the number of the longest day in the year, under that climate; the longest day in one climate differing half an hour from the longest of another, so that there are twenty four climates, consisting of forty eight parallels, ere the day come to be twenty four hours of length, which is twelve hours longer than the Equinoctial day is. Now under the Equinoctial line, and thirteen degrees, that is, three parallels on either side thereof, the dayes exceed not the length of Twelve hours, but after in every clime encrease the length of half an hour; and when they come to forty eight parallels and twenty four climates (as I said before) the dayes being then twenty four hours long, their increase is then by whole weeks and months, till in the twenty fourth clime about the pole, the day is full half a year long; and as it is thus between the Equator and the north pole, so it is between the said Equator and the south pole: wherefore there are two sorts of climes, that is, twenty four northern, and as many southern: touching the names of which and other circumstances, I shall say nothing here, but leave the readers to other more large discourses, thinking this enough in a Tract of this nature to have spoken of things generally concerning the whole earth.

The whole Earth is now divided into four parts.

Of each part, and their several Regions, Empires, Kingdoms, Dominions, Common-wealths, Titles of honours and Laws, as briefly as I can, together also with their sundry trade and commodities.

Europe, though the least of the three first parts of the world, nevertheless excelleth all other parts in worthiness, power, renown, multitudes of wellbuilded Cities, and of People skilful in all kind of arts; also excelling in virtue, and the knowledge of God, better than all the riches of the world.

Through the Grecian and Romane Empire in it: it hath had once the Dominion over Asia and Africa. Mr. Heylin mentions in it fourteen mother Tongues, which I will not stand now to name.

It hath plenty of grain, plants, fruits, coals, rivers, and fountains of admirable virtue; it needs nothing but what may be well spared, as hot spices, not so fit for our temper; precious jewels, the nourishers of vain and soul-destroying pride; and wild beasts which cause desarts where they breed; yet of gold, silver, and other commodities it hath a part: it is divided on the east from Asia, partly by the Rivers Duina and Tunnis, and partly by the lake called Meotis, now termed Mare de le Zabacche, & pont Euxine, or Mare Maggiore.

From Africa it is severed by the midland Sea; on the west and north side it hath the great Ocean. I shall follow Mr. Heylin's method in the description of the Regions and Countries thereof, beginning with, first, Italy, then going, secondly, to the Alps, thirdly France, fourthly Spain, fifthly Brittain, sixthly Belgia, seventhly Germany, eighthy Denmark, ninethly Swetheland, tenthly Russia, eleventhly Poland, twelfthly Hungary, thirteenthly Solavonia, fourteenthly Dacia, and the fifteenth Greece; speaking of the several Islands as they relate to some or other of the greater Countries.

Italy, the Mother of all Latine Learning, stretcheth out easterly on Asia, between the Adriatick and Thuscan Seas, and borders towards the west upon France, and towards the north on Germany, and is severed from those countries by the river Varus, and the mountains called Alpes, the rest being compassed with the Sea. It hath had seven kinds of Government, first Kings, second Consuls, third Dictators, forth Decemviri, fifth Tribunes, sixth Emperours, seventh Popes. It flourished most in the time of Christ, and a little afterwards by means of the great and wide dominion of the mighty city of Rome, which then reigned as Queen of the world, over many Lands of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

This land excelleth all the lands of Europe, in fruitfulness and pleasantness, the inhabitants are witty, industrious, and frugal, yet hot and lascivious. And withall the men very jealous, and that taken to be not without cause. The religion there now professed, is the Popish religion, unto which they are more straightly kept by the Inquisition.

The chief Wares which are carried out of Italy into other Countries, are rice, silks, velvets, sattins, taffaties, grogrems, rashes, stamels, bumbasins, fustians, felts serving for Clokes, costly arras, gold and silver thred, allum, galls, Venetian drinking and looking-glasses. It containeth at this day the Kingdoms of Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia, the lands and patrimony of the Church so called, which the Pope posseth; the great Dukedomes of Urbin and Tuscany, the Common-wealths of Venice, Genoa, and Luca, and the estates of Lumbardy, being the Dukedomes of Millain, Mantua, Modena, Parma, Monferrat, and the Principality of Piemont; of all which I shall observe somewhat.

The Kingdome of Naples in Italy, is environed on all sides with the Adriatick, Ionian, and Tuscan Seas, excepting where it joyneth on the west to the Lands of the Church, from which separated by a line drawn from the mouth of the River Tronto or Druentus, falling into the Adriatick, to the spring head of Axofenus, it taketh up all the east of Italy, one thousand four hundred sixty eight miles; it hath anciently been called the Kingdome of both the Sicilies. The fertilest place of all Italy, abounding in all things necessary for life, delight, and physick. Hence are also brought the Neapolitan Horses. It hath had thirteen Princes, twenty four Dukes, twenty five Marquesses, ninety Earls, and nine hundred Barons, not Titular only, but men of great Estates; It hath had twenty six Kings of several Countries, beginning first with the Norman race, and now being in the hand of Spain. The disease called now the French Pox, was first in all Christendome found here. The Arms of this Kingdome are Azure seme of Fleur de Lices, Or, a file of three Labels Gules.

Its revenue is two millions and an half of Crowns, whereof twenty thousand are the Popes for his chief rent, and the rest so exhausted in maintaining Garrisons upon the Natives, and a strong Navy against the Turks, that the King of Spain receiveth not a fourth part the •… eof clearly. It hath twenty Arch-bishops, and one hundred twenty seven Bishops-seas.

This Crown and Kingdom hath been in long dispute between France and Spain. Charles the Eighth of France won and lost it in a Dream, so transitory was his possession of it; much blood being spilt in the quarrel. The Duke of Guise of the Family of Lorrain, now pretends a right to it, and hath attempted the Conquest of it, of late years twice, being called in by the Citizens of Naples in 1647. after that famous insurrection in the City of Naples, under M •… ssianelio the Fisherman, who led and commanded 100000 men at his beck and pleasure for 14. dayes, at the end whereof, he and his mutinous Government expired, being supposed to be poysoned by the Artifice of the Spaniard.

In the year 1654. the same Duke of Guise, having better retained in mind the Courtsh •… ps of the Neapolitans, than his own misfortunes and his promises made at Madrid, where he was kept prisoner, from the time that Naples was reduced 1647. equipped another Fleet from that Kingdome from Toulon and Marseilles, which n •… rrowly escaped the English Fleet under General Blake; designed against it, and after much bad weather, landed and was defeated by the Spanish Vice-roy; his Lieutenant General, Marquis du Plessis being killed in the place with 2000 more: and so the French were forced to re-imbarque, and the Expedition frustrated.

The Spaniards how quietly hold it from the Papacy, by a fealty Present, yearly, of a White Horse to his Holyness.

The Kingdom of Sicilia in Italy is situate under the fourth climate; the longest day being thirteen hours and an half; it shoots forth into the Sea with three Capes or Promontories.

The People are Ingenious, Eloquent, and Pleasant, but withall very inconstant and full of talke; they Invented Oratory, Pastorall Eclogues, Hour-glasses, with Military Engins. The Soyl is incredibly fruitfull in Wine, Oyl, Honey, Minerals of Gold, Silver, and Allum; together with plenty of Salt, and Sugar; there are also gems of Agats, and Emeralds; it yieldthe also great store of the richest Silk, hath most excellent and delicious Fruits both for tast and colour; with abundance also of all sorts of Grain. Here is the hill Aetna, which many have taken to be Hell, and ignorant Papists Purgatory; because of its sending forth of flames of fire, which eth brimstone there causeth. It hath many Cities, Rivers, and Lakes, of which I cannot stand to treat.

There were eight Kings of Sicilia, six of the first whereof were called to rule. In the year one thousand two hundred eighty one, the house of Arragon governed it, and there hath succeeded ten Kings. It is now united to the Crown of Spain; the revenue is eight hundred thousand, some say a million of Ducats disbursed again on the entertainment of the Vice-Roy & defence of the Island; the Arms are four Pallets, Gules Sable, being those of Arragon between two Flanches Argent, charged with as many E •… g'es Sable beaked Gules.

It hath had seven Princes, four Dukes, thirteen Marquisses, fourteen Earls, one Viscount, and fourty eight Barons; the People are Papists, and have three Arch-bishops, and nine Bishops.

The Island and Kingdom of Sardinia in Italy, lieth west from Sicilie from the neerest point, Cape Boy, or Cape Bara.

It is distant about two hundred miles, it is in length one hundred eighty miles, ninety in breadth, five hundred sixty in the circuit; and is situate under the fourteenth Climate, the longest day being fourteen houres; there is neither Wolf nor Serpent, neither venomous or hurtful beast, but the Fox only, and a little creature like a Spider, which will by no means endure the sight of the Sun, except held by violence: Some pools it hath, very plentiful of Fish, but generally are so destitute of River-water, that they are fain to keep the rain which falls in winter for their use in summer; by means whereof, and for that there is no passage for the Northern Winds, being obstructed by the high Mountains neer Cape Lugudori, the air is generally unhealthy, if not pestilential. The soil is very fertile, but ill manured, well stored with all sorts of cattel: the horses hereof hot, head-strong, and hard to be broken, but will last long: the bullocks naturally gentle, so that the Country-man doth as familiarly ride them, as they do in Spain on Mules or Asses. Here is also the beast called Mufr nes or Muscriones, found in Corsica also, but in no other part of Europe; somewhat resembling a Stagg, but of so strong an hide, that it is used by the Italian: in stead of Armour; of the skin of which carryed to Cordova in Spain, and there dressed is made the right Cordovant leather: also there is an Herb whereof if one eat, it is said that he will die with laughter; the Herb being of such a poysonous nature, that it causeth the Man to die with such a convulsion of sinews, that he seemeth to grinn, or laugh, at the time of his death. The People are small of stature, their Complexion inclining unto swarthiness, rude in Manners, very slothful and rebellious, yet given to Hunting; their Diet mean, their Apparel in Towns Gorgeous, in Villages base; their Religion Papistically formal, little Curious, their Clergy being counted the most illiterate and ignorant in that part of the World called Christendome; it is now in the hands of the King of Spain, governed by a Vice-Roy, who resides at Calaris, and must of necessity be a Spaniard, under whom are two Deputies-Governours, Spaniards also; inferiour Officers of command may be of the natives: what profits arise here to the King of Spain, I have no where found. The arms hereof are said to be Or a cross Gules betwixt four Saracens heads Sable curled argent. There are also divers small Islands belonging thereunto. And lastly, it hath three Arch-bishops and fifteen Bishops.

The lands of the Church, or the Popes Dominions in Italy, lie west of the Realm of Naples, extended north and south, from the Adriatick to the Tuscan-Seas, bounded on the north-east with the river Trontus, on the south-east with the Axofenus, by which two it is parted from that Kingdom as on the north-west by the rivers Poe and Frore; by which it is separated from the State of Venice: and on the southwest by the river Pisco, by which it is divided from the modern Tuscany, or the State of the Florentine. It is the middle of Italy, having in breadth from one Sea to another, above one hundred miles, and in length above three hundred miles; the land exceeding fertile, abounding with multitudes of people, seldom consumed with wars: they are good husbands for their ground, but no tradesmen for Manufactures: there have been fifteen Exarches of Ravenna in Romandiola: which Province became wholly subjected to the Papacy, by the inhumane treachery of Casar Borgia, Nephew, or indeed Son to Pope Alexonder the sixth, who having waged a war, with the Nobility and States thereof, who refused his absolute Soveraignty, fraudulently entered into a Treaty with them, whereby it was concluded as the main Article, that he never should assemble the said Estates together, they suspecting his malicious perfidiousness against them would then find an advantage of destroying them together; which nevertheless he by policy and dissimulation effected, and then murthered them; which being related to the Pope, and the perjury of his Nephew upbraided: He answered, it was not his Nephew had broke the Articles, but the Estates themselves in coming altogether, meeting there Seventeen Dukes and Marquesses of Ferrara: the revenue whereof was two hundred fifty thousand crowns yearly, but now it is not worth so much to the Pope: There have been also six Dukes of Urbin, the revenues are one hundred thousand crowns; but the chiefest glory they have, is of the City of Rome, sometime the Empress of the world: there are accounted to have passed in it sixty five Bishops before it usurped the spiritual supremacy over Christendom; Bonifacius the third, in the year of Christ six hundred and six, making the sixty sixth Bishop, so fulfilling the mark of Antichrist. Rev. 13. 18. of the number six hundred sixty six, which also the numeral letters make up in his arrogant Title, GeneraLis VICarIVs DeI In terrIs.

The Bishops taking this Title in the year one thousand six hundred forty four, had been one hundred seventy nine, and both added together, two hundred forty four; and how many more they shall be, he only knoweth, who knoweth all things; the ordinary temporal revenues of the Pope, are two millions of Crowns, but the extraordinary spiritual, twice as much. There were several Orders of Monks installed at several times called the Orders of Saint Basil, Austin, Ierome, Carmelites, Crouched Fryers, Dominicans, Benedictines, Franciscans, Iosuites, and Oratorians: And of women the Orders chiefly of Clare and Bridget, which to name onely, I think may suffice in a Treatise of this nature. The Archbishops here are forty four, The Bishops fifty seven.

The Italian Provinces of the State of Venice, lie northward of the lands of the Church from Romandiola to the Alps, bounded on the South with the Territory of Ferrara and the rest of Romandiola on the west, with the Dukedome of Millain on the north, with the main body of the Alps; and on the east with the Adriatick Sea, and the river Arsia, by which it is parted from Liburnia, a Sclavonian Province. It abounds with wise people and fruitful Cities and Countries; their Religion is Popish, but not so absolutely slavish as the rest. They baptize the Sea yearly, and their Duke marryeth •… it as often.

Their government is Aristocratical, of the Nobility; they have had neer one hundred Dukes of Venice; They have two principal orders of Knighthood, of Saint Mark the Patron of the City, instituted one thousand three hundred thirty, and renewed one thousand five hundred sixty two. They are to be of noble blood, at least a Gentleman: their word or Motto is, Pax tihi Marce: the other is of the glorious Virgin, instituted one thousand two hundred twenty two: their charge is to defend the Widows and Orphans, and to procure (as much as in them is) the peace of Italy. The arms of the order is a purple cross between certain stars: the Habit a white Surcoat over a russet cloak, and seems to be religious as well as military: there are in this Italian part of Venice, two Patriarchs, and sixteen Bishops.

The Venetians are now, and for more then twenty years last past, have been engaged in a war against the great Turk, which is carried on at Sea, in the Archipelage, in Dalmatia, and most fiercely in the Isle of Candia, which is equally possessed by them both, with little difference of success, having been so maintained twenty four years and like to continue as many more: though the Venetians lost the Island and Kingdom of Cyprus as big again, to the said Turkish power, in Sultan Selymus's time, in less than half a year: This Maiden-Common-wealth, is the bulwark of Christendom.

For besides the famous Battel of Lepanto, where they defeated all the naval power of that Empire: in the year 1654. General Morosini gave them another overthrow as the Turkish Fleet was endeavouring to come out of the Dardanellces, on the 14. of Iuly: who lost in the fight, 16. Ships, 6. Galleys, 2. Mahoons, and many other Vessels; 4000 men taken prisoners, who were made slaves, and as many killed. Their whole Navy consisted of a hundred Ships, the Venetians not above fifty.

The Dukedom of Florence or the estate of the Great Duke of Tuscany, is divided in the east from Saint Peters Patrimony by the river Pisca, on the west, from the Common-wealth of Genoa, by the river Macra, and the strong Fort of Sarezana; on the north from Romandiola, and Marca Anteritana by the Appeninne hils: and on the south-side, it is bounded with the Tuscan o •… Tyrrhenian Seas: It was a while a Free-state, having Princes of the House of Medici, but now it is governed by the Duke of Florence, or great Duke of Tuscany, of the same Family. The length of this State is two hundred sixty miles, the breadth in some places much inferiour: the only order of Knighthood here, is that of Saint Stephen, instituted one thousand five hundred sixty one. It is kept August the 6. yearly, and hath all the priviledges of them of Malta, upon the condition that they of the order should make a vow of charity, of continual chastity and obedience: they are to be nobly born, and in lawful wedlock; of the Romish Church, and without note of infamy: their Robe is of white Chamlet, with a red Cross of their left side sewed upon their midday garments, or their wearing Cloaks: the number is uncertain; the great Duke is the supreme Master of it; the reve •… es are very great; besides the great Duke is a Merchant, and taketh Excise almost of every thing: the Arms are, Or, five Torteaux, Gules, two, two and one and one in chief, Azure charged with three Flower-de-luces of the first. Here are three Arch-bishops, and twenty six Bishops.

The free State of Luca in Italy, lieth betwixt the State of the great Duke, and the Common-wealth of Genoa; they are a free, courteous, modest People, of good judgement and discreet, wisely preserving their liberty against the strength of potent neighbours, they are industrious, also well seen in Manufactures, especially in weaving cloth of gold and silk. The Dominions of it are eighty miles, the revenue is eighty thousand crowns yearly; it can raise for war fifteen thousand foot, and three thousand horse; the Government is mixed of Aristocracy, and Democracie: the principal Magistrate, called Gon Falinere, is changeable every second month, assisted by a certain and determinate number of citizens, whom they change every sixth month also, during which time they lie together in the Palace, or common-hall; their Protector is also elective, of some neighbour King or State; their Religion is Popish: they have two Bishops, onely acknowledging the Arch-bishop of Florence for their Metropolitan.

The Common-wealth of Genoa in Italy lieth west of Tuscany, from which it is divided by the river Macra. They were anciently a large State, but have now onely Liguria and the Isle of Corsica in their power; the men were good warriors, Merchants, and given to usury, which they learned of the Jews. Mr. Heylin reporteth, that it was the saying of a merry fellow, that in Christendome there were neither Scholars enough, Gentlemen enough, nor Jews enough: not Scholars enough, for then so many would not be double or treble-beneficed: not Gentlemen enough, for then we should not have so many Pesants turn Gentlemen: nor Iastly Jews enough, for then so many Christians would not turn Usurers.

The Women here are priviledged above all Italy, having liberty to talk with whom they will, and be courted by any that will, both publikely and privately: from hence and some other particulars, they have made this proverb, of the State of the Countrey: Mountains without wood, Seas without fish, Men without faith, and Women without shame. They have a Duke and eight more assistant with him, all subject to the general Councel of four hundred men: the Duke and his eight assustants hold but two years: Spain is their Protector, and they have one Arch-bishop, fourteen Bishops.

This Common-wealth hath maintain'd it self in perfect peace at home, and free Commerce at Sea, by its good Government for many ages past: having sometimes been troubled by the quarrelling interests of its Neighbour potent Princes, viz. the Duke of Savoy, the French, and the Dutchy of Millain, belonging to the Spaniard. They are the King of Spain's constantest Exchequer.

The State of Lumbardy in Italy, is bounded on the east with Romandiola, and the State or Territory of Ferrara; on the west with that part of the Alps which divides Italy from France: on the north (reckoning Marca Trevigiana within the bounds thereof) with that part of the Alps which lyeth towards Germany: and on the south with the Apennine, which parteth it from Liguria, or the States of Genoa: as Italy is the Garden of Europe, so Lumbardy is the Garden of Italy for the fruitfulness.

The Dukedome of Millain in Italy, hath on the east the States of Mantua and Parma, on the west Piemont, and some part of Switzerland one of the Provinces of the Alps, on the north Marca Trevigiana, and on the south the Apennine, which parteth it from Liguria or the States of Genoa: It hath had several Lords and Dukes of Millain, accounted the chief Dukedom in Christendom, but now under the Spaniards: the annual rent worth eight hundred thousand Duckets: but considering all charges, the Spaniard is taken to lose in keeping it. The arms are Argent, a Serpent Azure crowned, Or, in his Gorge an infant Gules. There are one Arch-Bishop, six Bishops.

The title to this Dutchy was, as above, long contested for by the two Crowns of France and Spain, but was finally vested in the most Catholique King: during the last rupture between those two Monarchs, this was a sad Theatre of War and Bloodshed. The last parting blow, not to recite more, before the whole general peace concluded, 1659. was at the City of Pavia, besieged by Prince Tho. of Savoy General for the French, and the united strength of Savoy and Prince of Modena, which by the valour of the besieged, and the succour brought them by the Marquess of Caracena Governour of Millain, was freed after four months siege: and the two aforesaid Princes put to the rout with the loss of 3000. Men, some Cannon, Bag, and Baggage, the said Duke shot in the Arm, and the Prince thereby contracted such a Feaver, that it soon after ended him.

The Dukedome of Mantua in Italy, is bounded on the west with Millain, on the east with Romandiola, on the north with Marca Trevigiana, and on the south with the Dukedom of Parma; the Soyl is reasonable good, and yieldeth all sorts of fruits, being well manured, plentifull in Corn, Pastures, and abundance of Vines, but the Inhabitants not so civil and well bred as the rest of Italy, childish in their Apparel, without Manly gravity in entertainment of friends, and exacting all they can from strangers; it is a Soveraignty and hath had many Dukes thereof. The chief Order of Knighthood in these Dukedomes is of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, instituted Ann. one thousand six hundred eight; it consisteth of 20 Knights, whereof the Mantuan Dukes are Soveraigns. The collar hath threds of gold, laid on with fire, and enterwoven with these words, Domine probasti.

To the collar are pendent two Angels supporting three drops of blood, and circumscribed, Nihil isto triste recepto. It is accounted a great circuit, but not worth above five hundred thousand Ducats: the arms are Argent, a cross Patee Gules between four Eagles sable, membred of the second, under an Escuchion in fise charged quarterly with Gules, a Lion Or, and Or three bars Sable: here are, one Archbishop, and four Bishops.

In the year 1627. the 26 of December, Duke Vincent of Mantua deceasing without Children; the succession fell to the Duke of Nevers, a Peer of France, of the illustrious kin and family of Gonzaga; who received it, and precipitated his investiture therein, without the knowledge of the Emperour to whom that Dutchy is Feudatory. The Spaniards out of jealousie, the Savoyards out of an old pretension, seized of many places in Montferrat, and besieged Casal. The Duke of Never •… garrisoned many tenable places, and joyned with the Venetians untill such time as the French forces arrived, who had been detained at the seige of Rochel, under the command of the Duke of Crequi, who opposed those Armies, and at last came an Army of twenty thousand out of Germany sent by the Emperour to assert his own Authority. By these numerous Hosts the Country was almost depopulated, the Churches robbed, the Germans being most Lutherans, and so enemies to the Romish Superstition; till at last by the powerfull instance of Cardinal Richleiu who set up this Duke in spight of the Emperour; and to allay the greatness of the House of Austria; a peace was concluded at Vienna, (wherein the Duke of Nevers was established, and did his Homage) and published, just as the Armies of the French and their Confederates were ready to joyn in battell at the Seige of Casal, defended by the brave French Marquess De Toyrass, who maintained the Isle of Rhee against the Duke of Buckingham newly before. This Ducall Family is now by Marriage principally allyed to the Emperour and House of Austria.

I shall pass by the Dukedoms of Modena, Parma, and Mountferrat, as being all three but small estates of Italy, and havin •… but four Bishops amongst them all: the arms of Modena the same with the Dukedom of Ferrara; and the arms of Mountferrat, Gules, a chief Argent: thus much for Italy.

These three small principalities, have afforded very excellent Couragious Princes. Not to mention the exploits of that renowned Alexander Duke of Parma, Governour of the Low-Countries for the King of Spain in the time of Queen Elizabeth; it shall suffice to say that they ballance the over-growing Power of either of the Monarchs of France or Spain, siding alwayes with the weakest, lest they become a prey to the Conqueror; and to that purpose are commonly divided in the Quarrel, siding in opposition, yet exercise no Hostility upon each others Dominions. Moun ferrat is now annexed to the Dutchy of Mantua, whose Duke is Prince of the same.

The Principality of Piemont, a part of the Alpes, situate at the foot of the Mount, is bounded on the east with Millain, and Mountferrat, on the west with Savoy, on the north with the Switzers, and on the south it runneth in a narrow valley to the Mediterranean, having Mountferrat on the one side, Provence and a part of the Alpes upon the other: it is very fertile, compared with Sav •… y, and Switzerland, but thought to be inferiour to the rest of Italy: the Arms of this Principality are Gules, a Cross Argent, charged with a Label of three points Azure▪ It is now subject to the Dukedom of Savoy.

This Principality hath been often made the seat of War, especially in the Reigns of Hen. the 4. and Lewis the 13th. of France, in the passage of their Armies into Italy, and the Duke of Savoy, who is Prince and Soveraign thereof, hard put to it, most of his strong holds being seized while he partaked with the Spaniard: but since the alliance of that Duke with the French, it hath had a refreshment, which hath been inte •… rupted by some intestine troubles about Religion, a great part thereof being of the Reformed Religion; witness that Massacre there, for which such liberal Collections and Contributions were made in 〈◊〉 for those Protestants, in time of Oliver.

Savoy strictly and specially so called, is bounded on the East with Wallisland, and part of Piemont, on the west with Daulphin and La Bresse, on the south with some parts of Daulphine only, and on the north with Switzerland and the lake of Geneva. The Country is altogether Hilly and Mountainous; very healthful, but not very fruitful: The Common People are naturally very dull, but the Gentry pleasant, ingenious, and civil: There have been near thirty Earls and Dukes of Savoy: It is a very strong place with fortifications of nature; the Revenue ordinarily a million of Crowns yearly. The onely Order of Knighthood here is that of the A •… nunciado, ordained one thousand four hundred and eight; their Collar is of fifty links, to shew the mysteries of the Virgin; at the end is her pourtraicture with the history of the Annunciation; in stead of a Motto these Letters, F. E. R. T. i. e. Fortitu •… o ejus Rhodum tenuit, are engraven to every plate or link of the Collar, each link being interwoven one within another in form of a true lovers knot; the number of Knights is fourteen beside the Duke the Soveraign of the Order; the Solemnity held annually on our Lady-day: the Arms are G. a crosse A. Geneva is a City of the Dukedome of Savoy, now a free State, having cast off both the Pope and their own Duke, and kept free by their neighbours jealousie each of other touching it; the Religion is Calvinist Protestant, the Government Presbyterial, the Language the worst French, the People industrious, and Merchants; their situation for neighbours advantagious thereunto.

Of the Duke and this Dutchy enough hath been said before, in the Historical description of Mantua and Piedmont, onely thus much may be added, that the present Duke is Cousin German to our Soveraign King Charles the Second, by his Mothers side, who is Sister to our present Queen Mother; and that he is the powerfullest Arbitrator of the Affairs of Italy, and hath the peculiar stile of His Highness Royal, as a pretender to the Kingdoms of Cyprus, as also Ierusalem, and Portugal.

Wallisland reacheth from the Mountain de Burken to the Town of St. Maurice, where the hills do close and shut up the valley, which is so narrow in that place, that a bridge laid from one hill to another, (under which the River Rosne doth passe) is capable of no more than one Arch onely, and that defended with a Castle, and two strong Gates; on other parts, it is invironed with a continual Wall of steep and horrid Mountains, covered all the year long with a crust of Ice, nor passable at all by Armies, and not without much difficulty by single passengers, so that no Citadel can be made so strong by Art, as this Countrey is by nature. The Valley is very fruitful in Saffron, Corn, Wine, and most delicate Fruits, having Meadows and pleasant Pastures. They have also a Fountain of Salt, and many hot Baths and Medicinal VVaters; they have Cattel enough to serve them; also a wild Buck, equal to a Stag in bigness, footed like a Goat, and horned like a fallow Deer, leaping with wonderful agility, and not so easily caught, but in Summer time, for then with the heat he is blind. The People are courteous towards Strangers, but very rough and churlish towards one another: They are of the Romish Religion, and subject to the Bishop of Sion. The Deputies of the seven Resorts having not onely voices with the Cantons in his Election, but being chosen they joyn with him also in the Diets for choosing Magistrates, redressing grievances, and determining matters of State.

Of this Countrey few Military Occurrences are historified, for that it is by Nature as it is described, no way fit for the entertainment of Mars; and is onely a nursery, no residence for Souldiery.

Switzerland hath on the east side the Grisons, and some part of Tyrol in Germany, on the west the Mountain Iove and the lake of Geneva, which parts it from Savoy and Burgundy; on the north Suevia, another Province also of the Upper Germany; and on the south Wallisland, and the Alpes which borders on the Dukedome of M •… . It is totally in a manner over-grown with craggy Mountains, but such as for the most part have grassy tops, and in their hollowness rich Meadows and nourishing Pastures, being two hundred fourty miles in length, and one hundred eighty in breadth: The Inhabitants are rich, and rugged of disposition like their Land, good Souldiers, and mercenary almost to every one; their Religion mixed, some Papists, some Protestants-Zwinglians, yet they have agreed to tolerate one another; their Government popular.

These People first knew their strength by the defeated Ambition of Charles Duke of Burgundy some Ages since, whom, after their request to him for Peace, which he would not admit without Subjection, intending also to swallow Italy, they utterly overthrew at the Battel of Nancy; but Francis the first of France made them know they were not invincible, at the Battel of Serisolles in the Dutchy of Millain, where he slew near 20000 of them, and brought down their stomachs. They are now the best strength the Kings of France have for Infantry, of which there is a constant standing Force maintained; but so Mercenary, that upon any failure of their Pay, their cry, grown into a Proverb, i •… , No Money, no Switzer. The Cantons of the two different perswasions Roman and Zuinglian, were lately at feud, and several skirmishes happened to the Breach of the Confederacy and Union, but all was at last Composed by the mediation of the French Ambassadors; no lesse a Person then the Duke of Longoville, being employed in that affair, to prevent the designs, and intrigues of the Spaniard and the Pope, who promoted that difference.

The Country of the Grisons is bounded on the east with the Country of Tyrol, with Switzerland on the north, with Suevia and a part of the Switzers, on the south with Lombardy, on the west a very Mountainous and barren Land: the People now Protestant, their Government popular; in these Alpine parts there are two Arch-bishops, thirteen Bishops.

This Countrey is modernly called the Valtoline, being the passage out of the Emperour's Hereditary Countrey in Germany, into Italy, and therefore anxiously and jealously look'd upon by both the Crowns of France and Spain, lest the Spaniard should have it open for any assistance, suddenly to overwhelm the Princes thereof: upon which account these Grisons suffered by both Armies in the business of Mantua aforesaid; but in that Peace were re-established in their own Signiory as it now continues, more out of others distrust then its own impregnability.

In this Country of the Grisons some thirty years agoe a Mountain by an Earth-quake fell and covered a Village called Pelura, burying the Town and Inhabitants together in its ponderous Sepulchre, so irrecoverably, that not the Cry of any of those miserable persons was ever heard, and were swallowed up quick in that terrible manner.

France hath alwayes been held the principal and worthiest Kingdome of all Christendome; it is bounded on the east with Germany, and southward with the Mediterranean Sea, south-east with the Alps, and on the north with the British Sea. It is very fruitful in all sorts of grain, and whatsoever is needful for the maintenance of life, especially it hath great abundance of wines, wherewith many other Lands are also served. It is divided into many great Dukedoms and Provinces, it hath in it also divers great, mighty, and famous Cities; the People are heady; but ingenious, and good Warriours. The Government is meerly Regal, and at the pleasure of the Prince, of which it hath had many great and powerful ones: The Religion of the Land is Popish, but there are many Protestants there, who although they have been greatly persecuted, yet sometimes their number hath indulged them in the exercise thereof: The chief Orders of Knighthood yet extant here, are, first of St. Michael, instituted one thousand four hundred and nine. It consisted first of thirty persons, but after, of three hundred: the Habit of the order, a long Cloak of white Damask, down to the ground, with a border interwoven with cockleshels of gold, interlaced and furred with Ermins, with a Hood of Crimson Velvet, and a long tippet about their necks; they wear a Collar woven with Cockle-shels: the word Immensi tremor oceani; the Picture of S. Michael Conquering the Divel was annexed to the Collar, the Seat thereof, antiently, Saint Michael's mount in Norm •… dy, and the day Saint Michael's day. Secondly, of the Holy Ghost, ordained one thousand five hundred seventy nine. The order of St. Michael is to be given to none but such as were dignified with this, whereunto none were to be admitted, but such as could prove their Nobility by three descents: their Oath, to maintain the Romish Catholick Religion, and persecute all opponents to it: their Robe, a black velvet mantle, pourtrayed with Lillies and flames of gold, the Collar of Flower-de-luces, and flowers of gold, with a Cross, and a Dove appendent to it: The Arms of France are Azure three Flower-de-luces Or; it hath seventeen Arch-Bishops, one hundred and eight Bishops, and one hundred thirty two thousand Parishes.

The Pyrenean hills are only a bound between France and Spain, two potent Kingdoms; the whole length, not reckoning in the windings and turnings, affirmed to be eighty Spanish Leagues at three miles to a League: the People barbarous, but of what Religion my Author saith not: It may be, he esteemed them so barbarous, that he thought they could live without any Religion at all.

The Kingdom of France hath been Governed, and possessed by three several Races of Princes since the failure of the Issue of Charlemayn, the last of whose name Chilperick the fourth was deposed, first by the Pope, and then by the common Consent of Parliament: and Pepin the Great, Son of the Mayre of the Pallace (which Officer a long space, of 120 years and upwards, had successively mannaged the State both for Peace and War) was advanced to the Crown, which after a long descent vested in the name of Valois: which for some centuries of years, and during the Wars with England, valiantly and prudently swayed the Sword and Scepter. This line was extinct almost in memory in the Person of Henry the 3. of France, stabbed at the Siege of Paris by a Iacobine Monk, when by vertue of the Salique Law, which admits of no Females to the Crown, it devolved after a long and bloody war, worse then their three Civil Wars concerning Religion, (the Head of the Protestant Armies being this very Prince,) to Henry of that name the fourth, of Bourbon. This was a Son of Valour, the Great Captain, who by assistance of Queen Elizabeth, by some Forces under the Earl of Essex, broke that abominable League of the Guisians against him, and established his Throne: and preparing for some great design, was stabbed by one Francis Ravilliac in h •… s Coach in the Streets of Paris. His Son Lewis the 13 succeeded, in whose Reign, in the year 1627. was that unfortunante Expedition of the English to the Isle of Rhee, in relief of the Rochellers: where, the French taking advantage; the English, as they were retreating after four Months Continuance in that Island, defying the whole strength of France (but in vain besieging the strong Citadel of St. Martins) were at last ventured on as they were passing over a Cawsey to their Ships. On both sides this way there were Salt-pans, the way it self broad enough but for four Men a Breast, where they were put unto some Confusion, and a great many perished in the Salt-pans; but the Van that had passed resolutely returning to the assistance of those Companies in the Reer thus endangered: the French, their first fury being over, fled back over the same Cawsey with more Confusion than the English were driven before, and durst never attempt any further upon them, but permitted them, and gladly too, to embarque, where the Duke of Buckingham stayed eight dayes, resolving to do something more if the supply under the Earl of Holland had come sooner. This Invasion of the English put the French into another pannick Fear of their Victorious Armes; but Providence, and the Policy of Cardinal Richleiu secured them, by whose Conduct the Raign of this Prince was very fortunate, though embroyled in a War with Spain and the House of Austria, for some years before his death, which a while after the decease of the said Lewis 14, and Cardinal Richleiu, by the prudence of Cardinal Mazarine was Concluded in a Peace and Marriage betwixt Lewis the 14. present King of France, and the Infanta of Spain, by which Treaty, France gained some Provinces, and since by the Surrender of the Duke of Lorrain, is possest also of that Soveraignty. The Nobility are Couragious and valiant, but the Plebe or Peasants the most abject heart-less People in the World; the Gentry also of a like temper with the Nobility, so that if they have no War abroad to spend that fury, they will waste it among themselves in intestine troubles, as long Experience hath demonstrated it.

Spain is severed from France by the Pyrenaean Mountains, on all other sides it is environed with the Sea: it containeth at this day divers Kingdoms; One, Goths: Two, Navars. There have been fourty one Kings: The Arms are Gules a Carbuncle nowed, Or. The chief Order of Knighthood was of the Lilly, their Blazon a pot of Lillies with the pourtraicture of the Virgin ingraven upon it; their Duty, to defend the Faith, and daily to repeat certain Ave Maries: Third, Biscay, and Empascon, it hath had nineteen Lords: Their Arms Argent, two Wolves Sable, each of them in his mouth a Lamb of the second. Four, Leon and Oviedo, hath had thirty Kings; The Arms are Argent, a Lion passant crowned, Or; Five, Gallicia hath had ten Kings: the Arms Azure semee of Cressets ficed, a Chalice crowned, Or; Six, Cordu •… a hath had twenty Kings; the Arms Or, a Lion Gules armed and crowned; of the first a border, Azure charged with eight Towers Argent: Seven, Granado hath had twenty Kings, the Arms Or, a Pomgranate slipped, Vert: Eight, Murcia; Nine, Toledo, hath had eleven Moorish Kings: Ten, Castile hath had twenty Kings; the Order of Mercy is the chief Order here: their Arms are a Cross Argent, and four Beads, Gules in a field, Or; their Habit white: the rule of their Order, that of St. Augustine: their Duty was to redeem Christians taken by the Turks with such Money as was bestowed upon them: Eleven, Portugal hath had twenty one Kings; the principal order of Knighthood here, are, first of Avis, wearing a green Cross; second of Christ, instituted one thousand three hundred twenty one: their Robe is a black Cassock under a white Surcoat, wherewith a red Cross stroked in the midst with a white line: their duty, to expel the Moors out of Boetica the next neighbour to Portugal: the Arms of this Kingdome are Argent on five Escouchins Azure, as many Besants in Saltire, of the first pointed sable, within a border Gules, charged with seven Towers, Or: Twelve, Aragon hath had twenty Kings: the Order of Knighthood is of Mintsea, their Robe a red Cross upon their breast; the Arms Or, four Pallets Gules: All these, but Portugal and Navar, are united in one Monarchy of the King of Spain: their Religion is Popish, whereunto they are kept by the violence of the Inquisition. The Land yields all sorts of Wines, Oyles, Sugar, Grain, Mettals, as Gold, and Silver: it is fertile enough for the Inhabitants, whose ambitions for the most part are base, the meanest proud, the best superstitious and hypocrites, many of them lascivious, yet good Souldiers, by patience in enduring hunger, thirst, labour. The King is not rich, by reason of his great expences to keep his Dominions, in which he hath eleven Arch-bishops: fifty two Bishops.

This Kingdome of Spain is risen to this grandeur and united strength within the Memory of our Grandfathers. Ferdinand King of Aragon, by his valour in vanquishing the Moors, and expelling them out of Spain, and his prudence and happiness in marrying with the Heir of the Kingdome of Castile, made it of many one entire Realm. The wealth of the Indies by the offer and fortunate discovery of Columbus, being thrown as an addition to his Felicity. This was further aggrandized and increased by the Marriage of his Heir Ioan to the House of Austria, who by a late Marriage with the Heir of Burgundy, was reckoned the most considerable Prince in Europe. This was Philip, the first of that name, King of Castile, Son to Maximilian Arch-Duke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy; and from which Marriage with Ioan descended Charles the fifth, Emperour of Germany, who had Issue Philip the second, King of Spain, who, by pretence of a Right by his Wife, and by Force of Arms, wrested Portugal from the right Heir, the House of Braganza; This Philip long Coveted an universal Empire, and for which ambition many thousand lives, and more hundred thousand pounds drawn from his inexhaustible Mines have been expended. His War in the Low-Countries 〈◊〉 the United Provinces which revolted from him, lasted above 80. years, during which time He had several ruptures, with the French and English, both being his constant Enemy all Queen Elizabeths Reign.

Yet since the Peace of the United Provinces, he hath been as hard put to it as before; his Provinces in the Low-Countries much harassed, and his Forces over-powered by the united French and English Forces, sent by Oliver Cromwell, to attaque him there, while a Fleet was sent to the West Indies, to seize his Mines, that his Treasure, by the great charge, difficulty, and danger, in bringing it from thence, was neer exhausted; so that a Peace was very requisite for him, whereby he regained Catalonia, who revolted at the same time, in the year 1640. with Portugal, and hath advantage of employing his Armies solely against that Kingdome; but it is not to be doubted with but little success, so that he will be constrained to abandon his pretences, as he did to the Hollander. He hath quitted the Provinces of Artois and Henault in Flanders, and the County of 〈◊〉 to the French, as Dower with his Daughter.

England together with Scotland, on the north part thereof, maketh the greatest Island of Europe, and the richest in the World, situated in a very temperate Soil and wholesome Air, and exceeding fruitful in Wheat and other grain; hath many pleasant Rivers, plentifully stored with Fish, excellent Havens both commodious and safe, Mines of Silver, Lead, Iron, especially of fine Tinn; bearing fine Wool, of which is made Cloth that serves not onely themselves, but is also transported into other parts: their chief City is London, the Inhabitants are brave Warriors both at Sea and Land, and many of them learned and witty: The Orders of Knighthood are, of St. George, or of the Garter; there are twenty six Knights of it, whereof the King of England is the Soveraign: the Ensign is a blew Garter, buckled on the left leg, on which these words are embroidered, Hony soit qui mal y pense: about their necks they wear a blew Ribond, at the end of which hangeth the Image of Saint George, upon whose day the Order is for the most part celebrated. Secondly of the Bath, instituted one thousand and nine. They use to be created at the Coronation of Kings and Queens, and the installing of the Prince of Wales: Their duty, to defend true Religion: Widows, Maids, Orphans, and to maintain the Kings Rights: the Knights thereof distinguished by a red Riband, which they wear ordinarily about their necks, to difference them from Knights Batchelours, of whom they have in all places the precedence, unless they be also the Sons of Noble-men, to whom the Birth gives it before all Orders. Thirdly of Baronets, an hereditary Honour: the Armes are Mars, three Lions passant gardant Sol.

This Kingdome famous for Warlike Exploits abroad (there being no Nation in the known world, but where their dreadful Arms have been carried, witness our Holy-Land Expeditions, our Atchivements in Spain, several Times; our Conquests in France, our defence of the Netherlands, our Triumphs over Scotland, and subduing of Ireland: our Naval Power not less formidable, in 88. and lately with the stubborn Dutch, whom for all our more than uncivil Broyls we humbled into an intreaty of Peace,) was infinitely more terrible to it self, in the late Convulsion and Subversion of the Laws and Government by a fatal Quarrel of the Parliament with the King. A Prince no doubt of the greatest vertues, piety and abilities that ever Swayed this Scepter: nor could the Malignity of our Distempers have seized one of a sounder Constitution, as to Honour, Conscience, Clemency, Justice, or what ever good quality is requisite for a King: being absolutely the best of all the Princes that ever Reigned in this Island. It will be alike grievous and tedious, to relate the Miseries of this unnatural War, the Battels, Seiges, and Surrenders that happened therein: It will be too much to say, that after a bloody Contest, the King was worsted, and with him the Laws, and afterwards, by his own rebellious and traite ous Subjects brought to a new unparallel'd High Court of Justice, and by Sentence thereof, beheaded before his own Court-Gates at White-Hall, Ianuary 30. 1648.

By the perpetration of this Murder, and by a thing called an Act of Parliament, Monarchy seemed to be actually dissolved, it being made Treason to Proclaim the Prince, or any other Person, King or Queen of England. All Empires have their certain periods and measures of Time, at the Expiration whereof, they tast of that Vicissitude and Change to which all other sublunary things are more frequently subject. This Monarchy had •… asted, without any great alteration, in a direct Line (the Name only changed from Plantagenes, which begun in Henry the second (who restored the Saxon Line, to T •… wdor, in the Person of Henry the seventh) (who united the two Houses of York and Lancaster) after to Stuart, in the Person of King Iames, who united the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland, and continuing, and long may it, in our present Soveraign) six hundred years and upwards, till this fatal Revolution was come when we were under an Anarchy, no Government at all in reality. There are reckoned, during this interregnum, no less then seventeen Forms of Authority we were under, in the space of eleven years, betwixt the Parliament, Protector, and Army.

In the year 1651, our present Soveraign, to regain his Right, entered England from Scotland, (where Cromwell had p evailed, and very like to carry all before him) and got a start of three dayes march, and came to Worcester, where he was not long after defeated, but most miraculously escaped into France, where Divine Providence preserved him safe, and after many strange over-turnings; (after we had been ridden by a Rump of a Parliament, and tyrannised over in our Lives and Estates by the Protector Oliver Cromwell, (who by wicked means had scrued himself into the Supreme Power,) and wearied with the lording Insolencies of an Army) by the Conduct of General Monk, returned him in Honour and safety to his Kingdomes, and his Kingdomes to Peace and Prosperity on his most happy Birth-day, May 29. 1660. since which His Majesty is most happily Married to the Infanta of Portugal, and such an alliance made, as will be most beneficial to the Trade, and consequently promote the Glory of these Nations.

Scotland, invironed with the Sea, except on the south side, where it bordereth with England, is not so fruitful, yet hath of all things enough to fustain it self; the head-City, is Edenborough. Scotland giveth many sorts of course Woollen, Cloth, Wool, Mault, Hides, Fish. The principal Order of Knighthood here, is that of St. Andrew. The Knights did wear about their necks a Collar interlaced with Thistles, with the picture of St. Andrew appendent to it. The Motto is,

Nemo me impune lacesset.

Secondly of Nova Scotia, ordained by King Iames, one thousand six hundred twenty two, hereditary; but the Knights thereof distinguished by a Riband of Orange Tawney: the Arms of the Kingdome are Sol, a Lion Rampant, Mars within a double Tressure counter-flowered.

Little can be said of Scotland, because its story is all one with England, as to latter Times. But be it remembred, that soon after the union of the two Kingdoms was dissolved by dividing the Head thereof by the hand of Violence, that Realm was totally Conquered by the English, which all the English Prowess and valour of our Ancestors could never effect. This was atcheived by the incomparable Felicity and conduct of the thrice renowned General Monck, who in 1653. marched over Hills, Rocks, and Praecipices, into the furthest Northern parts of Scotland, and there forced General Middleton to fight, where the said Middleton was overthrown, and the whole Countrey thereupon submitted to the Conquerour.

Ireland is full of brooks, marshes, waters and woods, hath good pasture, and abundance of tame and wilde beasts, but little grain: the Inhabitants are rude and wilde People, yet through the conversation and Government of the English are daily more and more brought to Civility; the air here is very temperate, cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter than in England: the Arms of Ireland are Azure, an Harp Or, stringed Argent.

This Kingdom was never in a better constitution of Government as to appearance, than in the beginning of our Troubles in 1639. by the prudent steerage of the Earl of Strafford Deputy thereof, but in 1640. the 23. of October, such a sudden and bloody Rebellion broke out, that from that day to the 25. of March 1641. but five months, there are reckoned 150000. Protestants slain and murthered by the Catholick confederate Rebels. After many Combats and change of Fortune and Governors in that Kingdom, it was by Ireton, Cromwel's Son in Law, totally reduced, and the prime ringleaders of the Rebellion (with Sir Phelim O Neale of the Family of Tyrone, their Generalissimo) deservedly executed.

The Isles belonging to Great Brittain are the Surlings or Scillies, Garnesey, Iarsey, Wight, Anglesey, Man, Hebrides, 〈◊〉 , and many others. All which three Kingdoms and Islands aforesaid, make up one Realm, restored to the Government of his most Sacred Majesty Char •… es the second, whom God long preserve. Their Religion is Protestant, their Church Government by Gods mercy, again Episcopal.

The Low Countries contain seventeen Provinces, the Dukedoms of Erabant, Guelderland, Lymburge, and Luxenburge •… , the Counties of Flanders, Artois, Utrecht, Henault, Holland, Zeland, N •… men, Zutfen, the Marquisate of the Holy Empire, the Lordships of Freezland, Mechlen, Overysel and Graving; All which are Lands above measure well tilled and inhabited, conta •… ning two hundred and eight Cities, fortified with Walls and Ditches, and about six thousand three hundred Villages, with Parish-Churches, beside▪ the Castles, Forts, and Noble-Mens Houses, which are almost infinite in number. This Land is watered with many excellent Rivers, as the Rhine, the Mose, the Mard, the Scheld, and others. It hath also many commodious Sea-Havens, abounding in Ships, and very skilful and expert Mariners and Pilots, as by their Navigations may appear, whereby they have compassed, as it were, the whole World. The Inhabitants are also very valiant, and notable Warriours, as well by Sea as by Land, as their Enemies themselves will witness. They are excellently well skilled in all cunning and handy-crafts. Many attribute unto them the Invention of the Sea-Compass, as also the Needle, and laudable Art of Printing Books: they send abroad into other parts all sorts of Linnen and Woollen Cloth; Camerick, Pasement-lace, of Gold, Silver and Silk, Taffata, Wrought Velvet, Grograms, Sayes, whole and half Velvet Bags, Silk Laces, Say, and Li •… en.

All manner of twined Thred, wrought Silk, refined Sugar, prepared Buff, and Ox-hides, as also Spanish Leather; Pictures, Books, Cables, Ropes, and other Ship-furniture; Cards, Pins, and all kind of Mercery; dried and salt Fishes, Herrings, Butter, Cheese, and Bisket; the People are of the Reformed Religion, except the Spanish Provinces, and they are Papists; they suffer any Religion among them: the principal Order of Knighthood ordained by these Princes, is that of the Golden Fleece, instituted one thousand four hundred thirty nine; ordained, as some •… conceive, from Gideons Fleece: Their Habit is, a Collar of Gold interlaced with Iron, seeming to strike fire out of a Flint, Or; Ex ferro flammam being the word, at the end whereof hung the Foison'd Or, or a Fleece of Gold; the King of Spain may now make as many of them as he please. There are in these parts three Arch-bishops, fifteen Bishops.

These Provinces have been Governed by several distinct Soveraigns, as the Dukes of Brabant and Guelderland, Earls of Flanders, Holland, Henault and Zeland, &c. All which by several Marriages of the Co-heirs, for want of Issue-male, at last devolved the entire Soveraignty into the House and Family of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Male-line whereof expiring, the Heir General Married with Maximilian Arch-Duke of Austria, in the time of H. 7. and conveyed these seventeen Provinces to her Son Philip the 1 of Spain, by Marriage with Ioan, Daughter and Heir of Castile and Arr •… gon, in whose Posterity they continue; the Emperour Charles the fifth, in his division of his Estates, leaving these to his Son Philip the second, who by the Tyranny of the Duke of A •… va, and the Establishing the Inquisition, and a bloody Council, like our High Courts of Justice, contrary to the Fundamental Laws of those People, so alienated the Affection of those Provinces, that they (the most of them) revolted, and being Headed and led by William Prince of Aurange Count of Nass •… n, and a Feudatory Subject of Burgundy, shook off the yoke of Spain, and declared themselves a Free Estate; for that the King of Spain had forfeited his Right, Title and Authority over them.

The Wars thereupon are so famous both for the length, vigourousness, and policy thereof, both in Battels and Seiges, it becoming a Trade in which most of the young Gallants of all Nations were bred, and also for the renown of those Captains Generals on both sides, such as Prince William (assissinated by a B •… rgundian) Prince Maurice and Prince Frederick Grandfather to this prince of Aurange on the Estates side (who were mainly supported by the English, and by their blood raised to this Grandeur, and partly also by the French;) and Alexander prince of Parma, natural Son to Charles the fifth, and the Marquiss of Spinola, on the King of Spains; who by more moderation and Arms regained some provinces of the Defection: but seven of them, to wit, Holland, Zeland, and •… trecht; and Overysel, part of Brabant, and most part of Guelderland, and Zutfen could never be reduced, but after a War of 80. years, he was constrained to acknowledge them a Free State or Commonwealth, now Governed in Common by the States General, and in particular, by the Estates of each individual Province.

This peace was concluded on at Munster in 1647. to the great content of the Spaniard, who was embroiled in a fierce War against the French, who therefore mightily obstructed the proceeding thereof; but after this calm there arose such a Tempest at Sea, that had neer sunk them to their former condition of the distressed Estates; by a difference between the up-start Common-wealth of England and them, concerning Traffique and Soveraignty of the Sea. The usurping Protector after six terrible Naval Fights, to secure his invasion of the Government granted them peace in 1653. which hath been better confirmed by our Soveraign Charles the second since his Restitution, of which they seemed to be as exceedingly and pompously (during his stay in their countrey just before his happy return) as concernedly joyous. Of the ten other provinces belonging to the Spaniard, two of them Artois and Henault, are conveyed and transferred to the French, in portion for the late Marriage: and a part of West-Flanders, in which is seated that memorable and well fortified Port of Dunkirke, at present acknowledgeth the Dominion of the Crown of England, being put into English Hands during the Usurpation in 1658. after the joynt Conquest of it by their, and the French Forces the same year.

Germany is one of the greatest Provinces in Europe, (and is in the midst thereof) bounded on the East with Hungaria and Polonia; on the South with Italy and Bolonia; on the West with France; and on the North with the North-Sea, and with the Sea called Mare Balticum. In the midst whereof lieth Bohemia, wherein stands Prague, where the Emperour commonly keeps his Court: It is adorned with magnificent Towers, well fortified, and furnished with such a number of Castles, and Villages, such abundance of People, and with such Politique Government, that she may compare with any. The Soil is fruitful both in Corn and Wine; it hath many Navigable Rivers, stored with plenty of Fishes, most excellent Fountains, and hot Bathes, Mines of Gold, Silver, Tin, Copper, Lead, and Iron; it hath very Learned Men, skilful in all Sciences and Mechanick Arts: The Religion is here very diverse: for there being many free Provinces, some are Papists, some Protestants; and of these again, some Calvinists, some Lutherans: There are six Arch-Bishops, and thirty four Bishops.

The Wars of Germany, ushered in by the Comet or Blazing-Star in 1618, have had dire and prodigious effects; first the Prince Elector Palatine undertaking the Crown of Bohemia, was worsted at Prague; and the King of Denmark seconding him, was likewise brought very low by Count Tilly the Emperour's General, and glad to accept of a Peace upon hard terms; when in 1629 enters Gust •… vus Adolphus the King of Sweden, whose victorious Armes conquered Tilly at the Battel of Leipsick, and presently over-run all Germany, defeated the Emperours next General Wallestein Duke of Freidland at Lutzen, where, notwithstanding he was killed, his Army had the Day; of whom it was said, that Before Death, in Death, and after Death he was victorious. At the Battel of Nordling •… in the Fortune of the Swedes failed, a great slaughter being made on them by the Imperial Army, and so a Peace was afterwards patched, and again interrupted, till the solemn and general Pacification at Munster; since which time, the Princes and People have been in quiet. The Prince Elector Palatine losing the one half of his Estate, as forfeited to the Emperour, who hath invested the Duke of Bavaria, the Electors neerest kinsman, in the upper Palatinate.

Denmark and Norway are very great Regions, bordering southward upon Germany; they extend toward the north to seventy one degrees and thirty minutes, north Latitude; towards the east they border upon Sweden, and on the west and north-side they are invironed with the Sea; they at this time are under the Government of one King, who is Lord of Seland, Greenland, Hitland and Gothland. These Kingdomes afford unto other Lands Oxen, Barley, Mault, Stock-fish, Tallow, Sand, Nuts, Hides, Goat-skins, Masts, Deals, Oakenboards, Wood to burn, Pitch, Tarr, Brimstone, and the like: their Religion is the Lutherans.

The chief Order of Knighthood in it is that of the Elephant, their Badge a Collar powdered with Elephants, towered, supporting the Kings Arms, and having at the end the Picture of the Virgin Mary. The Arms of the Land are, Quarterly Of, three Lions passant, Vert, crowned, of the first, for the Kingdome of Denmark, and two Gules, a Lion rampant; Or, crowned and armed, of the first in the Paws, a Dansk hatchet; Argent, for the Kingdome of Norway; there are two Arch-Bishops, thirteen Bishops.

This King is allyed to the Crown of England; Queen Ann, Wife to King Iames, being Aunt to this present King Frederick. Twice in twenty years (not to mention other Wars before) hath this Crown been endangered by the Swedes, but more neerly in 1657, and 8, when the King of Sweden, Carolus Gustavus being drawn out of Poland to prevent the Dane, then in Arms against him, with strange success almost overrun his Countrey. In a most hard Winter, he passed his Arms and Canon over the Sea, from the Continent unto the Island of Funen, where he overthrew the Dane, took Cronenburg Castle, which Commanded the Sound, and at last laid Seige to Copenhaguen, the chief City of Denmark, where, attempting a Storm by night, he was repulsed, with the loss of three thousand Men; and, soon after, the Hollanders, with a Fleet, in spight of his Navy, and the said Castle, entered, and relieved the Town; with Conceit whereof, and a violent Feaver, the said King not long after deceased: and the Danes, in gratitude and Honour of their King Frederick, who had so bravely defended and stood by them, consented to make that Kingdome hereditary, (as now it is established, all the Estates having done Homage) which before was onely Elective: the Family of this King afore, injoying onely the Crown of Norway by descent and inheritance. This Prince suffered much; for, siding with the Dutch against the English, in the late difference, seizing there twenty of our Merchant-men, on pretence of his Aunts Dower, but was forced at last to make recompense for the dammages, which the Dutch undertook for him.

Sweden is a great and mighty Kingdome, bordering on the East upon Muscovia, on the south upon the Baltick Sea and Denmark; on the West upon Norway: and on the North upon the Finmark and the Zurick Sea. The Merchandises it selleth are Copper, Iron, Lead, costly Furrs, Buff, and Ox-hides, Goat-skins, Tallow, Pitch, Barley, Mault, Hazel-nuts, and such like things: their Religion is Lutheran. the Arms of the Kingdom Azure, three Crowns, Or: It hath two Arch-Bishops, eight Bishops.

It is a wonder, and Men can scarce comprehend, how this Nation is come to this greatness, to make War in so many parts of Europe, being to pass over the Sea: or how they get so many Men in Arms, the Dominions thereof being large, but not populous, so that there never came from thence, sixty thousand Men. It was reported that many Women in Mens clothes supplyed their places, and fought like Amazons. The beginning of this upstart greatness, was from Charles Duke of Sunderman, who being Uncle to Sigismond, King of Sweden by Descent, and of Poland by Election, upon his seating himself in that Kingdom, and constituting his Uncle Vice-Roy of his Native Kingdome of Sweden; he, with the consent of the Senators, assumes the Crown, and maintaines it against his Nephew; whereupon ensued divers Battels, the Usurper wafting over his Swedes into Poland, and beginning an offensive War: when he dying, his Son, the Great Gustavus, prosecuted it afresh, till after various Successes a Truce was concluded on; before the expiration of which, he fell with that strange success into Germany before said. After his death, his Daughter Christina was Crowned, and Reigned seventeen years, when another occasion of War hapning, they judging her not capable to mannage it, procured her to renounce her right to the Crown, and resign it to her kinsman Carolus Gustavus, who with a powerfull Army invaded Poland, prompted thereunto by Cardinal Mazarine, and the Usurping Protector of England, who by an Ambassador Mr. Whitlock, projected that Invasion, to keep the Arms of the House of Austria in suspence and attendance of the issue of that War, which were raised to the assistance of the Spaniards, then in War with both French and English. Carolus Gustavus dying, as aforesaid, the Crown is placed on the head of his Son Charles, (a Child of five years old,) by his Wife, the Daughter of the Duke of Holsteyn: Of their late Conquests, within these fourty years, there remains to that Crown, all Pomerania, and the Arch-Bishoprick of Br •… men in Germany, besides other less Provinces gained from the Dane, and several Islands in the Baloick Sea; with Riga, the chief City of Liefland, a wealthy Maritine City, being seated as the Grand Emporium of the more remote North-east Countreys, as Russia, &c. and was the onely Port of Trade thither, before the passage about the North-Cape to Arch-Angel was found out. The Swede (a miracle) is now in full peace with all his Neighbours; but no doubt according to Custome, is contriving another Invasion upon some of his Neighbours.

Russia is the last Region towards the East in Europe, a good part of it is Asia, it is bo •… ded on the North with the Frozen Sea, on the East with Tartaria, on the West it borders upon Livonia, and on the Realm of Sweden, and on the South with the Sea called Mare C •… spium; the greatest part is extreme cold, but for the help of the Inhabitants, Nature hath stored it with Furs, Sables, white Fox, Martins, and other commodities, as Cattel, Corn, and Fruit: the whole Region is subject to the Emperour of Russia, a wast tract, and as wilde a Government.

The people are base, ignorant, and contentious, and foolishly superstitious; after the Greek Church, they deny the proceeding of the holy Ghost, they bury their dead upright, with many other Ceremonies: Muscovia is the Seat of the Empire. The Countrey affords very good flax, and hoops to make casks, and ropes, and store of hides as well of Oxen as of Elks, much salt-fish, and whales grease; the Arms are Sable, a partel open of two leases and as many degrees, Or. Here is one Patriarch, two Arch-Bishops, eighteen Bishops.

The Emperour hereof is the onely Tyrant for Government, in Europe, and the people more absolute slaves than in Turkey, which makes them though perpetually in War with the Tartars, and every other year with the Polanders, no better Souldiers; Slavery begetting in them mean and abject Spirits, so that of many years they have effected nothing considerable, save the taking in of the City and Dutchy of Smolensko, in the year 1654. taken from them thirty years before; where upon their besieging of it with an Army of an hundred thousand men, they were besieged themselves with an Army of Poles, not above ten thousand in the open fields, and were forced upon hard conditions to render themselves; for which the Russian General nd his Son, lost their heads at their return to Musco, They attempted Riga also, in 1657. from the Swedes, but even as the place was by Famine and Scarcity of men ready to Capitulate, the Emperour in dispair, broke up his Siege, and departed. A peace is now concluded this year 1662. at Stockholm, by the Russian Ambassadours sent thither in most solemn manner: But the Poles and they, are still at War with mutual success; some fifty years ago, the Pole (in behalf of Demetrius a counterfeit Emperour) made an in-road into Russia, of above 1200. miles length, and was possest of the City of Musco, which by the valour and Conduct of one Collonel Hamilton a Scot, was rescued, and the Poles glad to depart, whose reward (of the greatness whereof he was so confident, as that to make himself capable thereof, he turned Russian and renounced his Religion,) was but neglect, and jealous distrust of his abilities. This Emperour is likewise forced to keep a constant Army of fifty thousand men, to attend the Tartars and Cossacks bordering upon his Kingdom of Astracan, who every year invade him, and make incursions some hundreds of miles, when in their return with their spoil and booty the Russian either way-lays or overtakes him, and gives Battel. If the Russian prevail, he enters their Countrey and makes havock, with Fire and Sword; if not, the Tartar keeping what he has plundered, is content to leave his victory and return home. Nevertheless every year Ambassadors, some hundred in number, come to Musco; but their main design is, to get Presents of Silken Vests and Rayments, they look, and are sure to receive from the Emperour.

The Predecessor of this Emperour shewed himself very affectionately respectful to our Soveraign, and regardful of his Cause, when, upon the murder of his Father, he presently seized all the Estates of the English, and would have sold them, and delivered the product thereof to my Lord Wentworth, then Ambassador from His Majesty, and for his use, if he had not wholly refused it, telling the Emperour, They were his Masters Subjects, whom he ought rather to protect, than to spoil, for the Rebellion of other People in England: whereupon the Emperour lent a sum of Money freely himself, with promise of further assistance, but would by no means grant the English their Priviledges, of being Custome-free, till His Majesties Restitution. This Great Duke lives in great State and Splendor, in a most ample and Magnificent Pallace and Castle at Musco City, which is now half built from Timber with Brick-Houses; the Fire, when it happened before, usually burning down a third part thereof, the flame running three or four miles in an instant. He is also very wealthy (all his Subjects riches being his own when he pleaseth) and therefore very potent. The Patriarch now governeth Him and his Empire, being the Chief Minister, or Commander of State. The Emperours Name is Alexei Michalowich.

Poland is bounded on the south with Moldavia, and Hungary, on the east with Muscovia, and with the Tartaries Praecopenses, on the west with Germany, and on the north with the Baltick Sea. Their Religion is partly with the Greek Church, partly with the Roman: and so there are here of the Romish Church three Arch-bishops, and ninteen Bishops; and of the Greek Church two Archbishops and six Bishops: The Arms are one Gem, and Eagle, an Ass Argent Crowned and Nowed Or, for the Region of Polonia: and two Gules, a Chevaleir armed Cap a •… pe advancing his sword Argent mounted upon a barbed Courserof the second, for the Dukedom of Lituania: the commodities sent hence, are, Spruce or Dantz Beer, Amber, Wheat, Rye, and other grain; Honey, Wax, Hemp, Flax, Pitch and Tarr: it hath also Mines of Copper and Iron.

This Kingdom, as well as the great Dutchy of Lituania is elective, and hath had Kings often from their Neighbour Nations, such is the aemulation among the chief Nobility: They have of late years been addicted to the French, and now to the Duke of Anguien Son to the Prince of Conde, supposed to succeed King Casimir. It is reckoned one of the Bulwarks of Christendom, to the east, against the Turk and Tartar; but hath been lately miserably harrassed by the Swede and Transylvanian, who came to his assistance under Ragotzki. It proved luckily for this People, that the King of Denmark quarrell'd with the Swede, and raising a formidable Army, drew him to defend his own Countrey out of the Bowels of Poland, and made him leave his design of Conquest thereof, which he had promised to himself. The Marquiss of Brandenburgh assisted him in the beginning, but seeing his unreasonable Encroachments, and the injustice of his Arms, which he might afterwards upon the same pretences use against his Dominions, forsook his side, and turned enemy, a practise used to the Swedes by the German Princes before: for just so the Elector, Duke of Saxony, served them in the German War. This lost the Swede all he had got, save his plunder, who by a Peace now resigned the Dutchies of Prussia, which he had Garrisoned and possessed, and took a sum of Money in lieu thereof; like a cunning Merchant, as my Lord Bacon observes in Hen. 7. that gets by importing and exporting of Merchandize, such indeed is War to the Swede. But the Duke of Brandenburgh is invested and possessed of the Ducal Prussia: seldome is it also, that the Poles are without War, either at home or abroad; abroad now with the Muscovite: at home a difference betwixt the Senators and the Confederate Army, which threatens some danger, if not timely composed by the Prudence of the King, who is a most Excellent Prince, and a •… isted by very able Noblemen, such as is the Renouned old General Czarnecki, he who hath so often defeated th •… Muscovites and Tartars, and once overcame the Swedes, whose Prince Adolph Iohn was wounded by Sandomiria, in 1657. They are a very warlike people, and the bravest enemy both for gallantry, in mind and body in the world, carrying most of their wealth with them into the field. Their arms, and horse-furnitures glittering with gold and silver. They serve most on Horseback, the Gentry mounting their Tenants, and Servants, and charge furiously with Lances, and then expertly manage a Shabel or Scymiter: they have this year had two victories against the Muscovites. They have been often vexed with the Cossacks, a People (bordering upon the black Sea, where they annoy the Turk) mercenary and stipendiary to this Crown, who under 〈◊〉 their Generall, often combated them, but are now in a better understanding and good complyance by a late Treaty. The Tartars are as well disposed to be quiet, so that at present Poland seems likely to enjoy some respite, and draw breath after so many Con •… ulsions, and Concussions of its State and Government.

Hungary is bounded on the south with Bosnia and Croatia, on the west with Germany, on the east with Transylvania, Moldavia, and Walachia, and on the north with Polonia: A great and mighty Kingdome and exceeding fruitful, it hath many Navigable Rivers, wherein are multitudes of Fish.

The People are strong, and shew their antiquity to be of the Scythians, by their neglect of Learning, and barbarous manners; their Sons equally inherit without priviledge of Birthright; their Daughters Portion is onely a new attire. The German Emperour and the Turk share it between them; the Commodities that go from thence are, divers sorts of colours, wheat, beef, salt, wine, and river-fish salted: the A •… ms are bar-wise of eight pieces, Gules and Argent: there are here two Arch-bishops, thirteen Bishops.

This Kingdom of Hungary was anciently that Fortress against the Turks, which now Poland is, several of its Kings being slain in the fields thereof, in battel against them, so very remarkable is that War maintained by them throughout all the Turkish History. This Crown was devolved at last to Maximilian as Hereditary to the House of Austria, who a long while also grapled against the same power, to a greater expence of men and money than the Title, Revenue, and Possessions were worth; and could not expel nor drive them out, being put to it to defend his own; Sultan Solyman, in the raign of H. 8. carrying his Army to the Walls of Vienna the Emperours Imperial City in Austria. The Emperours chief City, and assembly of the States is Presburgh, where the King his Son is usually Crowned. The grand Siegnieurs is Buda upon the River Danubius, Governed by one of his Principal Bashaws. The Hungarians have enjoyed a long, though narrow peace, some part thereof being disquietted by the troubled affairs of their Neighbours, such as are the Wayvods of Moldavia, and Walachia (who are tributary Princes to the Grand Signiour, and are invested by him, who not seldome revolt, and as often pay the price of it with their heads) and lately, and at this time, the Princes of Transylvania, Of which next.

Transylvania, a Principallity, is bounded on the north with Poland, on the east with Servia and Bulgaria, on the west with Hungary, and on the east with Moldavia and Walachia, two other small Principallities, Tributaries and Vassals to the Turks. This Country of Transylvania is notable for good Warriours, being beholding for their stoutness to the strength of their Countrey, which, toward the south-east, is surrounded with Mountains. For these four last years it hath been the Seat of a cruel War; for, the King of Sweden having invited Prince Ragotzki to the spoyles of Poland in 1657. The Pole complained of this Invasion to the Grand Seigniour, who commanded Ragotzki to withdraw, and withal sent an Army to depose him for presuming against his leave and permission to engage against the Pole. Ragotzki defended •… mself a while, but, being over-toyled, and spent with care and hard service against so potent an Enemie, dyed. Whereupon the States chose one Remini Ianosch to be their Prince, whom the Turks likewise rejecting the States stood by him, against Prince Michael Abassi, invested by the Grand Signiour. After severall encounters; and the loss of Waradin, Remini was taken and strangled, and his head and quarters set upon the Gates of one of the chief Cities. Michael Abassi is now in authority, and the Country subdued, which makes the Emperour fear an invasion of the Turks in Hungary and his hereditary Countryes, wherefore he is now in Treaty with those Infidel.

Sclavonia hath on the South the Adriatick Sea; on the west, part of Italy; Greece on the southeast, and Hungary on the north; part of it belongs to the Turk, some to the Venetian Estate, some to the Hungarians, and some to the Austrians: The arms, Argent, a Cardinals Hat, the strings meeting in bsae Gules perpendant and placed in a true lovers knot; there are four Arch-Bishops, twenty six Bishops.

In a part of this Country called then Epirus, but losing now its name with its Liberty under the Turkish Yoke, was born that famous Warriour Scanderb •… g the Scourge of the Turks, whose bones, he being dead, the Turks, long time after, took out of his grave, and made them Meddals and Rings therewith; there are few of this whole Nation left that have any spark of their Ancestors Spirit or valour against their Tyrannical Masters, but onely a People called the Morlacks, who valiantly side with the Venetians, and are a great assistance to them in keeping that footing they have in Dalmatia: The rest are buried im their slavery, and by the heaviness of their Fetters are so benummed, that they stir not a hand, either in holding it up to Heaven, or in putting it out to the aid of others, who would endeavour their redemption, so that the Country may better be called Slavonia.

Greece, once a Mother of Learning and Arts, now the Den of the Turkish Empire, who hath its abode at Constantinople: it is bounded on the west with the Adriatick Sea, on the north with the Mountain Hemus, on the south with the the Mediterranean Sea, and on the east Egypt, Hellespont, Propontis. The commodities brought from hence are, Gold, Silver, Copper, divers Colours, Wines, and Velvets, Damask, and Turkish Grogram; Their Religion hath in it some substantial error, as that they deny that the Holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father and the Son, they hold also baptism of Fire to be necessary, yet they resist the authority of the Bishop of Rome.

This Greece that once had the Empire of the World, the great Mistress of Arts and Arms is degenerated into the like base servility of minde with their neighbours of Sclavonia. Here also the Gospel shone in its first purity, the seven Candlesticks being placed here, as we read in the beginning of the Revelations; and now is universally over-spread with the thick darkness of Mahometisme. Nothing left to comfort them in their Condition, but their Vines, and the Proverb, The Merry Greeks: that arose from the wretchless stupidity and carelessness of their Condition, which they know no better to put out of their mind than by making themselves Beasts; metamorphosing themselves from Slavery, into Brutality: nor are they falsly taxed with Bestiality, that crying sin of Sodomy. So that there is little hope left, of their recovering their liberty, who are fettered in the chaius of such abominable impieties.

And thus now have I finished Europe, the first Part of the World.