The world surveyed, or The famous voyages & travailes of Vincent le Blanc, or White, of Marseilles ... containing a more exact description of several parts of the world, then hath hitherto been done by any other authour : the whole work enriched with many authentick histories / originally written in French ; and faithfully rendred into English by F.B., Gent. — Voyages fameux. English

The world surveyed, or The famous voyages & travailes of Vincent le Blanc, or White, of Marseilles ... containing a more exact description of several parts of the world, then hath hitherto been done by any other authour : the whole work enriched with many authentick histories / originally written in French ; and faithfully rendred into English by F.B., Gent. — Voyages fameux. English

Table of contents

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Title page

TO THE Moſt worthy of all Honour, PETER BROOK OF MEIRE, In the County of CHESTER, Eſq.

THE AUTHOURS PREFACE.

THE CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTERS.

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Books Printed for John Starkey at the ſign of the Miter, near the Middle-Temple Gate in Fleet-ſtreet.

Books in Divinity.

Books of Hiſtory and Humanity.

Law-Books.

THE FIRST PART OF THE TRAVAILES OF VINCENT le BLANC.

CHAP. I. The Authors embarking for Alexandria, and his ſhipwrack.

CHAP. II. Of the Townes of Tripoli and Damas, with the relation of a Murther.

CHAP. III. Of the Deſerts of Arabia, of Spirits, or Apparitions there, of the Sea of Sodome, of the Hills of Sina and Oreb, and the three Arabia's.

CHAP. IV. Of the town of Medina, and the falſe Prophet, Mahomets ſucceſsors.

CHAP. V. How Mahomet compoſed his Alcoran, his victories, and of the rarities and ceremonies of Meka.

CHAP. VI. Of Arabia Felix, of Prince Sequemir Governour, of Caſsia, and other commodities of Sabaea.

CHAP. VII. Of the ſtate of Sequemir Prince of the Happy Arabia, of his Salſidas, and of the Califf of Bagdet.

CHAP. VIII. Of Babylon, the red ſea, Homerites, Aden, a strong Town, and famous Haven, Cameran, and other places in the red ſea.

CHAP. IX. Of Dalaſcia Town, belonging to the Grand Neguz, of the Iſle of Socotora, with a deſcription of a prodigious tempeſt.

CHAP. X. Of the Iſland and Kingdom of Ormus, of the King, and his Government, of the trade there, and of his ſeverall Conqueſts.

CHAP. XI. Of Perſia, her confines, and provinces: Of Babylon, and the Lake of Pitch.

CHAP. XII. Of the Town of Tauris, Sumachia, Bachat, Casbin, and ſome of the chiefeſt places of Perſia,

CHAP. XIII. Of the Kings of Perſia, their Power, pleaſures, of the Sophy, Hali, and of ſome Sects of Religious Pericans, of the antient Mages, and other Officers of the Kingdome.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Eaſt Indies, the conqueſt of them, Sects, and Religion of the East, and other particulars of the country.

CHAP. XV. Of Diu, her ſtate and Forts, and the neighbouring Countryes of Cambayette, of the fidelity of the Indian Senſalls, and of the marvelous ebbing and flowing of the Sea.

CHAP. XVI. Of Deli, Malabar, of Goa, the capitall Town of India.

CHAP. XVII. Of Baticola, Decan, Amadiva, and of the Kingdome of Cananor.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Kingdom, and Samorin of Calicut, of the Natives of that Countrey, and of their horrible ſuperſtitions.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Kingdome of Cochin, the goodneſse of the ſoyle, cuſtomes of the Inhabitants, with a ſtrange Hiſtory of certain French Pyrates.

CHAP. XX. Of the Iſle of Zeilan, where they fiſh for pearles, and charme certain great fiſhes, an Idole of a Monkeyes tooth, an Iſle deſerted for the inteſtation of ſpirits, and of the Iſles Maldives.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Kingdom of Biſnegar, or Narſingue, of the King, his Bramins, or Prieſts, of Meliapar, where (they ſay) repoſes the body of St. Thomas the Apoſtle, with a ſtrange Hiſtory of a Beare.

CHAP. XXII. Of the kingdome of Bengala, and Ternaſſery, of musk, ſome rare remarks of the River Ganges, of the Torrid Zone, and the converſion of a young Prince Idolater, to Chriſtianiſme.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Iſles of Archi-Pelagus, of S. Laurance, of the Iſland of Sumatra, of Elephants, and other particulars.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the Iſle of Java, of the Inhabitants, their conditions, and of the riches of the Countrey.

CHAP. XXV. Of the Kingdomes of Malaca and Siam, with a prodigious Hiſtory of Serpents.

CHAP. XXVI. Of the Kingdom of Martaban, marvellous ſtrength of Macaraou, or the flowing of the ſea. Particularities of Pegu.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Kingdome of Pegu, of a bloody war for a white Elephant, of Crocodiles, and the nature of Elephants,

CHAP. XXVIII. Continuation of Pegu, of the Government and Policy, of Superſtitions, and Magicians.

CHAP. XXIX. Of the Idols in Pegu, bloudy Sacrifices, Exorciſms, ſtrange Communions.

CHAP. XXX. The Peguans dyet, their Military exerciſes, their medicinable drugges, their Summer.

CHAP. XXXI. The Election of the King of Pegu, their Officers, the Homages, and preſents of the Subjects to their new Prince.

CHAP. XXXII. Of the Juſtice and Policy with the Peguans, their Sacrifices and horrible dances. A lamentable Hiſtory of two young Princes.

CHAP. XXXIII. Of Abdiare and Vilep, Towns of Pegu Fiſmans, Apes, Unicornes, and other animalls. Fotoque, an Idol with three Heads.

CHAP. XXXIV. Of the Kingdom of Caſubi: their Religion.

CHAP. XXXV. Of Macharana, the hunting of Tigars, and other wild beaſts, a Hiſtory of a Rhinocerot of the Eſcuriall. The eſteem they have for the French there.

CHAP. XXXVI. Of Tranſiana, the valour of their women.

CHAP. XXXVII. Of the Kingdom of Tazatay, and the Philoſophy of the Indians.

CHAP. XXXVII. Of Tartary, Frightfull deſerts, fierce dogs, a ſtrange Hiſtory of two lovers, the Empire of the Tartars, and their Religion.

THE SECOND PART OF THE TRAVAILES OF VINCENT le BLANC IN AFRICA.

CHAP. I. A generall Deſcription of AFRICA.

CHAP. II. A Deſcription of the Iſle S. Laurence, with the conditions of the People.

CHAP. III. The Cuſtomes of the Inhabitants of Belugara, or Monopotapa. Salubrious windes venting from a Cave.

CHAP. IV. The Country of Monbaze, Melinde, and Quiloa: the nature of the Inhabitants, and the reſpect they bear their PRINCE.

CHAP. V. Of Mozambique, the nature of the Inhabitants. Cefala. Mines of gold in Ophir. Belugara.

CHAP. VI. Of Monopotapa, the Princes estates, and Government, his way of living, and the ſingularity of his Country.

CHAP. VII. The Hiſtory and ſtrange adventure of Prince Alfondie. Another of the Amours of Princeſſe Abederane.

CHAP. VIII. The Authours voyage into Ethiope: A deſcription of Preſte Johns Dominions, with the Quality of his People.

CHAP. IX. Of the Town of Bagamidri, and the coronation of their Kings.

CHAP. X. Of the Manſion of Preſte John, and his Juſtice. A History upon this ſubject.

CHAP. XI. Magnificence of the Negus and his military Officers.

CHAP. XII. The victory of the Negus over the Goragues. His entrance into Barua.

CHAP. XIII. The manner of ſervice at the Negus's table, the receipt of the Portugueſe Embaſsadour.

CHAP. XIV. Of the kingdom and policy of Mongibir, of the Mountain Amara, where the Abiſſin Princes are.

CHAP. XV. Of the Town of Barua, Bagamidri, and others. Stories of Sorcerers.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Queen of Saba, and the kingdome of Caraman.

CHAP. XVII. Of ſome particular Towns in Ethiope, viſited by the Authour in his Peregrination.

CHAP. XVIII. A prodigious Hiſtory of a young Abiſsin Prince, by name Joel, by enchantment transformed into an Ape.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Deſert Beniermi, and the Townes Dangala, Machida, Georgia, &c.

CHAP. XX. Of Grand Caire, of Balm of Egypt, of Nile, of Crocodiles, and the particulars of Egypt.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Town of Alexandria, the Iſle of Malta, and the Authours return to Marſeils.

CHAP. XXII. The Authours voyage to the kingdom of Morocca, he is taken by the Spaniards, an accident befell the Authour at Arache, The battel of Sebaſtian King of Portugall.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Kingdome of Marocca and Fez.

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THE THIRD PART Of the Famous TRAVAILS OF VINCENT le BLANC His Voyage to CONSTANTINOPLE.

The Authours voyage into Italy.

The Authours Voyage to Guinea.

CHAP. I. The Authours voyage in the Weſt-Indies, The deſcription, length, and diſtances of America.

CHAP. II. The Authours Departure, Particulars of Demingo.

CHAP. III. A violent Tempeſt, The Iſle of Cuba, and Hiſpaniola, The cuſtomes of the Inhabitants, and their Kings.

CHAP. IV. Of the coaſts of new-Spain, of the torrid Zone, and winds which blow there.

CHAP. V. Of South and North America, The Qualities, and Diſcovery.

CHAP. VI. Of Canada, or new France.

CHAP. VII. Of Virginia and Florida, Fountains of youth, dangerous love.

CHAP. VIII. Of Mexico: the nature of the Inhabitants, their Kings, ſacrifices, &c.

CHAP. IX. The Mexican year, their Paradiſe, Infernall, and their Dances.

CHAP. X. Burning mountains, the Conqueſt of Mexico, and ſome particular trees.

CHAP. XI. Of new Spain, the Provinces thereof, and of Peru.

CHAP. XII. Of certain Fountains, Lakes, Rivers, &c. in this Countrey.

CHAP. XII. The Mines of the New World.

CHAP. XIV. Of Peru, Of the Kings or Incas; and of the Country of Chila.

CHAP. XV. Of the ſtreight of Magellan.

CHAP. XVI. Of Braſile, the Conquest of it, and of the Braſilians, &c.

CHAP. XVII. The Iſle of S. Thomas, according to a deſcription made to the Authour, by Sieur de la Courb, and Caſsis.

A Table of the principal, and moſt remarkable things, contained in this Book.

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FINIS.

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The famous Trauellour Vincent le Blanc of Marſeilles.

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THE WORLD SURVEYED: Or, The FAMOUS VOYAGES & TRAVAILES OF Vincent le Blanc, or WHITE, of Marſeilles: Who from the Age of Fourteen years, to Threeſcore and Eighteen, Travelled through moſt parts of the World.

Viz. The Eaſt and Weſt Indies, Perſia, Pegu, the Kingdoms of Fez and Morocco, Guinny, and through all Africa. From the Cape of good Hope into Alexandria, by the Territories of Monomotapa, of Preſte John and Aegypt, into the Mediterranean Iſles, and through the principal Provinces of EƲROPE.

Containing a more exact Deſcription of ſeveral parts of the World, then hath hitherto been done by any other Authour.

The whole work enriched, with many Authentick Hiſtories.

Originally written in French, and faithfully rendred into Engliſh by F. B. Gent.

LONDON, Printed for John Starkey at the Miter, near the Middle-Temple Gate in Fleet-ſtreet, 1660.

TO THE Moſt worthy of all Honour, PETER BROOK OF MEIRE, In the County of CHESTER, Eſq.

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MY Name being to appear in publick with this Tranſlation in an age that flouriſhes with Pens, and Criticks; conſcious of my diſadvantage, I apprehended a Patron neceſſary; whoſe Name in the Front, like a Princes ſtamp upon Lead, might give authority and make it currant coyne. In my low condition I have often heard your Name glorious for worth and goodneſs, which made me hope though far tranſplanted, and obſcure, you would grant me priviledge to claim a Title in your favour, and let the Reader opening this Book, ſee it is ſomething belongs to you; it will I am confident keep him modeſt, and prevent his diſcharges at my defects. The Authour I dare ſay will, for gravity, novelty, and variety be acceptable to your converſation: for though divers have ſet forth accounts of this nature, I have not met with any, in my opinion, of ſuch credit as this.

Le Blanc was a traveller from his infancy to his grave, 64. years ſurveying the Maſter-piece of his maker: was a perſon of capacity, judgement, and integrity; one [Page] ſeems as it were framed and deſigned to be ſent forth, and to bring home a perfect diſcovery, and the truth of things fables and vanity have ſo much abuſed. You will finde him a perſon of morall and religious principles; one who kept ſelect company; one, who in all parts he arrived at, took not his information at the ſhore or Suburbs, but either for occaſion or curioſity, viſited the inteſtines and ſupreme, whence he might the better look below, and round about him. I do ingeniouſly acknowledge I have injured him in the rudeneſſe of tranſlation; which, next to my want of faculty, I beſeech you attribute to the haſte was preſſed upon me, for I had no more dayes allowed to tranſlate it, then would ſufficiently have ſerved to tranſcribe it: and it was the firſt piece I ever attempted. As it is, I petition you would afford our aged Traveller to take up a reſting room at laſt in your ſtudy, and me the honour to be owned.

Your moſt humble, and moſt reſpectfull Servant, FRANCIS BROOKE.

THE AUTHOURS PREFACE.

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I Cannot look but with admiration, upon the ſtupidity of ſuch as are not confirmed in a due belief of divine Providence, ſince all mundane effects ſhew daily ſuch ſenſible teſtimonies, and eſpecially humane Actions, wherein this wiſe guide directing all things to their end, is ſufficiently apparent, though ſilently, yet forcibly compelling all things. There appears teſtimony enough in my particular, that from my firſt entrance into the world, have been aſſiſted by this divine wiſdome and goodneſſe to my 78. year, my inſtant age, ſo as I can give moſt reall aſſurance. I have been ſenſible of ſupernatural effects in my continual peregrinations through ſuch diverſe parts, and ſo remote from inhabitable Land for above ſixty four years, in ſuch ſeveral dangers, both by Sea and Land, amongſt people ſo diſcrepant in Religion, Laws, Manners, Language, and courſe of living, through all by divine providence preſerved healthful, and ſecure, with the bleſſing at laſt to produce ſomething that may be beneficial to my country and poſterity. For having ever had an obſtinate Propenſion to travail, when I was ſcarce advanced out of my Infancy, and of judgement, neither for diſcourſe, nor election; I felt though ſecret, ſuch vigorous motions, that I had not power to reſiſt them: So as [Page] without conſidering why, or for what end, like a man forlorn, I threw my ſelfe into this courſe of pererration; which afterward, invited by affaires, and unſpeakable content, I embraced with deſign and reſolution: Nor needs it be much admired, ſince well conſidered, our life is but a continual voyage, without reſt or aſſured home, till we arrive at the end, where in a ſempiternall ſtate, our Soveraigne felicity inhabits.

THE CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTERS.

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1

CHap. 1. The Authours imbarking for Alexandria, and his ſhipwrack. page 1.

Chap. 2. Of the Towns of Tripoli, and Damas, with the relation of a Murder. p. 4.

Chap. 3. Of the deſerts of Arabia, of Spirits, or Apparitions there, of the Sea of Sodome, of the Hills of Sina and Oreb, and the three Arabia's. p. 7.

Chap. 4. Of the town of Medina, and the falſe Prophet. Mahomets ſucceſſors. p. 12.

Chap. 5. How Mahomet compos'd his Alcoran, his victories, and of the rarities and ceremonies of Meka. p. 14.

Chap. 6. Of Arabia Felix, of Prince Sequemir, Governour of Caſſia, and other commodities of Sabaea. p. 17.

Chap. 7. Of the ſtate of Sequemir, Prince of the Happy. Arabia. Of his Salſidas, and of the Califf of Bagdet. p. 20.

Chap. 8. Of Babylon, the Red Sea, Homerites, Aden, a ſtrong Town, and famous Haven, Cameran, and other places in the Red Sea. p. 22.

Chap. 9. Of Dalaſci, a Town belonging to the grand Neguz, of the Iſle of Socotora, with a deſcription of a prodigious tempeſt. p. 25.

Chap. 10. Of the Iſland and Kingdom of Ormus, of the King and his Government, of the trade there, and of his ſeveral Conqueſts. p. 29.

Chap. 11. Of Perſia, her Confines and Provinces. Of Babylon, and the Lake of pitch. p. 31.

Chap. 12. Of the Town of Tauris, Sumachia, Bachat, Casbin, and ſome of the chiefeſt places of Perſia. p. 34.

Chap. 13, Of the Kings of Perſia, their power, pleaſures. Of the Sophi, Hali, and ſome Sects of Religious Perſians, of the ancient Mages, and other Officers of the kingdom. p. 37.

Chap. 14. Of the Eaſt-Indies, the conqueſt of them, Sects and Religion of the Eaſt, and other particulars of the country. p. 41.

Chap. 15. Of Diu, her State and Forts, and the neighbouring [Page] countries of Cambayette, of the fidelity of the Indian Cenſals, and of the marvellous ebbing and flowing of the Sea▪ p. 43.

Chap. 16. Of Deli, Malabar, of Goa, the Capital town of India. p. 49.

Chap. 17. Of Baticola, Decan, Amadiva, and of the kingdom of Cananor. p. 54.

Chap. 18. Of the kingdom, and Samorin of Calicut, of the Natives of that country, and of their horrible ſuperſtitions. p. 57.

Chap. 19. Of the kingdome of Cochin, the goodneſſe of the ſoyle, cuſtomes of the Inhabitants, with a ſtrange hiſtory of certain French Pyrats. p. 89.

Chap. 20. Of the Iſle of Zeilan where they fiſh for pearles, and charm certain great fiſhes; an Idoll of a Monkeys tooth, An Iſle deſerted for the infeſtation of Spirits, and of the Iſles Maldives. p. 67.

Chap. 21. Of the kingdom of Biſnegar, or Narſingue, of the King, his Bramins or Prieſts, of Meliapar, where (they ſay) repoſes the body of Saint Thomas the Apoſtle, with a ſtrange Hiſtory of a Bear. p. 72.

Chap. 22. Of the kingdom of Bengala, and Ternaſſery, of Musk, ſome rare remarks of the River Ganges. Of the Torrid Zone, and the converſion of a yong Prince, Idolater to Chriſtianiſme. p. 80.

Chap. 23. Of the Iſles of Archipelagus, of Saint Lawrence, of the Iſland of Sumatra, of Elephants, and other particulars. p. 90.

Chap. 24. Of the Iſle of Java, of the Inhabitants, their conditions, and of the riches of the Country. p. 96.

Chap. 25. Of the kingdomes of Malaca and Syam, with a prodigious Hiſtory of Serpents. p. 102.

Chap. 26. Of the kingdom of Martaban, marvellous ſtrength of Macaraou, or the flowing of the ſea; particularities of Pegu. p. 106.

Chap. 27. Of the kingdom of Pegu, of a bloody war for a white Elephant, of Crocodiles, and the nature of Elephants. p. 112.

Chap. 28. Continuation of Pegu, of the Government and Policy, of ſuperſtitions and Magicians. p. 120.

Chap. 29. Of the Idols in Pegu, bloody ſacrifices, Exorciſmes, ſtrange Communions. p. 125.

Chap. 30. The Peguans diet, their military exerciſes, their medicinable drugges, their Summer. p. 131.

Chap. 31. The election of the King of Pegu, their Officers, the Homages and preſents of the ſubjects to their new Prince. p. 133.

Chap. 32. Of the Juſtice and Policy with the Peguans, their ſacrifices, and horrible dances; A lamentable Hiſtory of two young Princes. p. 139.

Chap. 33. Of Abdiare and Vilep, Towns of Pegu, Fiſmans, Apes, Ʋnicorns, and other Animals. Fotoque an Idoll with three heads. p. 148.

[Page] Chap. 34. Of the kingdom of Caſubi, their Religion. p. 154.

Chap. 35. Of Macharana, the hunting of Tygars, and other wild beaſts, a hiſtory of the Rhinocerot, of the Eſcurial. The eſteem they have for the French there. p. 158.

Chap. 36. Of Tranſiana, the valour of their women. p. 163.

Chap. 37. Of the kingdom of Tazatay, and the phyloſophy of the Indians. p. 169.

Chap. 38. Of Tartary, frightful deſerts, fierce dogs, a ſtrange hiſtory of two lovers, the Empire of the Tartars, and their Religion. p. 163.

Chap. 39. The Authours return with a ſummary of Aſia. p. 182.

2

The Contents of the Second Part.

CHap. 1. A general Deſcription of Africa. p. 177.

Chap. 2. A Deſcription of the Iſle of Saint Lawrence, with the conditions of the people. p. 182.

Chap. 3. The cuſtomes of the Inhabitants of Belugara, or Monopotapa. Salubrious winds venting from a [...]. p. 186.

Chap. 4. The country of Monbaze, Melinde, and Quiloa, the nature of the Inhabitants, and the reſpect they bear their Prince. p. 188.

Chap. 5. Of Mozambique, the nature of the Inhabitants. Cefala. Mines of gold in Ophir. Belugara. p. 191.

Chap. 6. Of Monopotapa, the Princes eſtates, and Government, his way of living, and the ſingularity of his country. p. 193.

Chap. 7. The Hiſtory and ſtrange adventure of Prince Alfondie. Another of the Amours of Princeſſe Abederame. p. 204.

Chap. 8. The Authours voyage into Ethiope: A Deſcription of Preſte Johns Dominions, with the quality of his people. p. 211.

Chap. 9. Of the town of Bagamidri, and the coronation of their Kings. p. 218.

Chap. 10. Of the Manſion of Preſte John, and his Juſtice. A Hiſtory upon this ſubject. p. 220.

Chap. 11. Magnificence of the Negus and his military Officers. p. 223.

Chap. 12. The victory of the Negus over the Goragues. His entrance into Barua. 227.

Chap. 13. The manner of ſervice at the Negus's table, the receipt of the Portugueſe Embaſſador. p. 229.

Chap. 14. Of the kingdom and policy of Mongibir, of the mountain Amara, where the Abyſſin Princes are, p. 233.

Chap. 15. Of the town of Barua, Bagamidri, and other ſtories of Sorcerers. p. 247.

Chap. 16. Of the Queen of Saba, and the kingdome of Caraman. p. 251.

Chap. 17. Gf ſome particular towns in Ethiope, viſited by the Authour in his peregrination. p. 256.

[Page] Chap. 18. A prodigious Hiſtory of a young Abiſſin Prince, by name Joel, by enchantment transformed into an Ape. p. 261.

Chap. 19. Of the Deſert Beniermi, and the Towns, Dangala, Machida, Georgia, &c. p. 271.

Chap. 20. Of Grand Caire, of Balm of Egypt, of Nile, of Crocodiles, and the particulars of Egypt. p. 274.

Chap. 21. Of the town of Alexandria, the Iſle of Malta, and the Authors return to Marſeils. p. 281.

Chap. 22. The Authours voyage to the kingdom of Morocca, he is taken by the Spaniards, an accident befell the Authour at Arache, the battel of Sebaſtian King of Portugal. p. 286.

Chap. 23. Of the kingdomes of Marocca and Fez. p. 297.

3

The Contents of the third Part.

THe Authours voyage to Conſtantinople. p. 305.

The Authours voyage into Italy. p. 313.

The Authours voyage to Guinea. p. 320.

Chap. 1. The Authours voyage in the Weſt-Indies, the deſcription, length, and diſtances of America. p. 327.

Chap. 2. The Authours Departure, particulars of Demingo. p. 331.

Chap. 3. A violent tempeſt, the Iſle of Cuba and Hiſpaniola, the cuſtomes of the Inhabitants, and their Kings. p. 334.

Chap. 4. Of the coaſts of New-Spain, of the torrid Zone, and winds which blow there. p. 340.

Chap. 5. Of South and North America, the Qualities, and Diſcovery. p. 344.

Chap. 6. Of Canada or New-France. p. 349.

Chap. 7. Of Virginia, and Florida, Fountains of youth, dangerous love. p. 352.

Chap. 8. Of Mexico: the nature of the Inhabitants, their Kings, ſacrifices, &c. p. 356.

Chap. 9. The Mexican year, their Paradiſe, Infernal, and their Dances. p. 362.

Chap. 10. Burning mountains, the conqueſt of Mexico, and ſome particular trees. p. 365.

Chap. 11. Of New-Spain, the Provinces thereof, and of Peru. p. 370.

Chap. 12. Of certain Fountains, Lakes, Rivers, &c. in this country. p. 377.

Chap. 13. The Mines of the new world. p. 382.

Chap. 14. Of Peru, of the Kings or Incas, and of the country of Chila. p. 387.

Chap. 15. Of the ſtreight of Magellan. p. 392.

Chap. 16. Of Braſil, the Conqueſt of it, and of the Braſilians, &c. p. 395.

Chap. 17. The Iſle of S. Thomas, according to a Deſcription made to the Athour, by Sieur de la Courbe, and Caſſis. p. 404.

Books Printed for John Starkey at the ſign of the Miter, near the Middle-Temple Gate in Fleet-ſtreet.

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Books in Divinity.

MAſter Thomas Hall's Practical and Polemical Commentary, or, Expoſition upon the third and fourth Chapters of the latter Epiſtle of Saint Paul to Timothy, wherein the Text is explained, ſome controverſies diſcuſſed, ſundry caſes of Conſcience are cleared, many common Places are ſuccinctly handled, and divers uſeful, and ſeaſonable obſervations raiſed. Fol.

Mr. Thomas Halls Homeſus Enervatus, or a Confutation of the Millenarian opinion, plainly ſhewing that Chriſt will not Reign with the Saints for 1000. years on Earth, with a Word to our fifth Monarchy men, in Octavo.

Mr. Thomas Halls Apologia pro Miniſterio Evangelico, in quâ planè & plenè oſtenditur ejus neceſſitas, dignitas, Efficacia & Ʋtilitas; in Octavo.

Mr. Richard Baxters Directions, and Perſwaſions to a ſound Converſion, for prevention of that deceit and Damnation of Souls; and of thoſe ſcandals, hereſies, and deſperate Apoſtaſies, that are the conſequents of a counterfeit or ſuperficial Change, this being the ſecond Part of the Call to the Ʋnconverted, in Oct.

Mr. Richard Baxter of ſaving Faith, that it is not only Gradually, but Specifically dictinct from all common Faith, being a Treatiſe in anſwer to Mr. Barlow of Oxford, in Quarto.

Dr. Thomas Goodwin, Opuſcula Theologica, in Octavo.

Mr. Thomas Gataker, Gods Eye on his Iſrael; being an Expoſition on Numbers 23.21. in Quarto.

Mr. Thomas Gataker, de Juſtificatione, & de Dipthongis, in 120.

Mr. William Cartwright of Oxford, his Sermon of the Paſſion of Chriſt, in Octavo.

Mr. Thomas Warrens Juſtification juſtified, or a Treatiſe of Juſtification by Faith, in Octavo.

Mr. Thomas Coopers Art of Giving, or a Guide to Charity, in Octavo.

Mr. John Philips Chriſtian Alphabet, Containing Grounds of Knowledge unto Salvation, in twelves.

Mr. Adam Harſnets Gods Summons into a general Repentance, in twelves.

Mr. Thomas Hooker of New-England, his Miſcelanies, containing five excellent Treatiſes in Divinity, in twelves.

Mr. Richard Sedgwick. The Synopſis of Chriſtianity, in an Expoſition of the Commandements, Lords Prayer, and the Creed, in Octavo.

Books of Hiſtory and Humanity.

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LEtters of Affaires, Love, and Courtſhip, written to ſeveral Perſons of Honour and Quality, by the Exquiſite Pen of Monſieur de Voiture, Engliſhed by J. D. in Octavo.

Mr. Walter Montague, his Shepherds Paradiſe, a Comedy privately acted before the late King Charles, by the Queens Majeſty, and her Ladies of Honour, whoſe names are prefixt, in Octavo.

Mr. Thomas Halls Phaetons Folly, being a Tranſlation of the ſecond Book of Ovids Metamorphoſis, Paraphraſtically and Grammatically; with an Eſſay on Ovid de Triſtibus, in Octavo.

Mr. Agricola Carpentars Magical Deſcription of the ſoul, in Oct.

M. John Hayes Compleat Tradeſman, or a Guide for the true Stating of Intereſt, at Six per Cent. per. Annum, with other uſeful Tables, in twelves.

A Relation of the Life of the Famous Chriſtina, Queen of Sweden, whereunto is added her Genius, Tranſlated out of French, by J. H. in Quarto.

France no friend to England, or the Reſentments of the French, upon the ſucceſſe of the Engliſh, as it is expreſſed in a Remonſtrance to the King of France, upon the ſurrendring of Dunkirke into the hands of the Engliſh, wherein much of the private Tranſactions between Cardinal Mazarine, and the late Protector, Oliver, are diſcovered; Tranſlated out of French, in Quarto.

Mr. Henry Peachams Truth of Time, Revealed, in twelves.

Aminta, the Famous Paſtoral, written in Italian, by Signior Torquato Taſſo, and tranſlated into Engliſh Verſe by John Dancer; together with divers Ingenious Poems, in Octavo.

Guillims Diſplay of Heraldry, the fourth Edition, unto which is added three hundred new Coats, in Folio.

The Hiſtory of the Engliſh and Scotch Presbytery, wherein is diſcovered their Deſignes and Practiſes for the ſubverſion and government in Church and State, the ſecond Edition, in Octavo.

Law-Books.

JUdge Owens Reports, in Folio.

Juge Hattons Reports, in Folio.

Judge Bridgmans Reports, in Folio.

Sir James Leys Reports, in Folio.

Grounds of the Lawes of England, in Octavo.

The Terms of the Law, in Octavo.

Hernes Law of Conveyances, in Octavo.

Abridgement of Doctor and Student, in Octavo.

Perkins Treatiſe of the Law of England, in Octavo.

Shepherd of Corporations, in Octavo.

The Lay-mans Lawer, in Octavo. Cum multis aliis.

THE FIRST PART OF THE TRAVAILES OF VINCENT le BLANC.

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CHAP. I. The Authors embarking for Alexandria, and his ſhipwrack.

I Was not fully arrived at my fourteenth year of age, when ſeeing a veſſell making ready for Alexandria, and the Grand Caire, impulſed by that noble ambition to view the world, I reſolved to embark with the Company, though ſecretly, and without the privity of my deareſt parents. Of this veſſel, called our Lady of Victory, one Robert Pontoine a Merchant, and my Father Raphael le Blanc were owners, which ſo delightfully took the affections of my infancy, that I ſpent the better part of my time aboard her. I often beg'd my Fathers conſent for the voyage; but he, as a perſon experienced in ſuch affairs, foreſeeing the hardſhip and dangers my tender age was to encounter, ſtill denied me. Notwithſtanding I perſiſted in [Page] my reſolution to go in what ſort ſoever; and though I received ſome ſeverities from my mother on this occaſion, yet with a ſute of apparell and ſome linnens I had provided, I took my way one morning towards Civitad about five leagues diſtant from Marſeills. But my mother reflecting on ſome words I had let fall (that they ſhould never ſee me more) ſent ſome to overtake me, who with fair words perſwaded me home again. At laſt ſhe perceiving my reſolution peremptory, and that I watched all opportunities to eſcape; without acquainting my Father, who would never have conſented, ſhe gave me leave: ſo as delivering me ſome moneys, and recommending me to one Baptiſt Cote a Merchant of integrity, ſhe acquainted not the Captain, who was my Godfather, becauſe ſhe would not have him know ſhe was privy to my voyage. Then I privately went aboard in the Victory, and dealt with the Pilot Auguſtine Battaillon to conceale me; which for the affection I had to travaile, and the reſpect he had to my Father he performed.

Alexandria. Caire.Thus leaving Marſeilles, we ſet ſaile for Alexandria, where with favourable winds in few dayes we ſafely arrived: and from thence at the Grand Caire, of which place I ſhall ſay little, untill my return from my great Orientall voyage, when I travailed thorough Africa; becauſe by reaſon of my green years, I was not then able to make thoſe remarks, I ſhall hereafter diſcourſe of: but ſhall ſatisfie my ſelf for the preſent to tell you, that having ſtaid there by the ſpace of eight whole moneths, and then our Maſter having loaden his ſhip in Alexandria, with drugs of all ſorts, ſpices,His return and ſhipwrack in Candia. and other Indian commodities, was bound homewards: we ſailed happily for ſome few dayes towards the coaſt of the Iſle of Candia; where we firſt felt the miſeries, for the moſt part, accompany ſea voyages: we unfortunately loſt our rudder, which being a principal member of the veſſel was a moſt dangerous accident, and forced us to ſhore to mend it. Both our Merchants and Seamen on a feſtivall day coming aſhore to make merry, they were ſo ſurprized with the beauties and ſubtleties of the Iſland Curtizans, that they not onely exhauſted all their money but ſold their commodities to undervalews to ſatisfie their pleaſures, which ſome of them were glutted with to the loſſe of their lives: and having thus ſpent near two moneths, we put to ſea for France, and two or three dayes had a proſperous winde, which on a ſudden turned to the North-Eaſt, and immediately to a furious violent North-wind, that drove us upon the coaſt of Turluru, Turluru Iſle Canee. an Iſland near Canee, which is a Haven, and Town in Candia, where we caſt anchor to ride out the tempeſtuous weather.

Here another ſad accident befell us, by the malice of ſome of our Merchants, and Seamen, who reduced to great neceſſitie [...] by reaſon of their immoderate and vain expenſes in [Page] Candia, reſolved upon a deſperate courſe, by ſinking the ſhip to ſatisfie all their Creditors at a caſt,A ma [...]icious ſhipwrack. and ſliding the Anchor on one ſide betwixt two waters, in leſſe than a quarter of an hour our ſhip ſtruck on ground; and they having prepared the cockboat for their refuge, about eleven at night got into it, leaving ſome thirty of us behind them to the mercy of the waters, of which our ſhip was already full; thus we were reduced to the very brink of deſpair, nothing but confuſed cryes and groanes amongſt us, accompanied with prayers to God,Juſt puniſhment of the perſidious. whoſe juſt Judgement left not unpuniſhed the Authours of their own, and of our unexpected ſhipwrack, for their boat being overturned within a hundred paces of the ſhip, they were all drowned in an inſtant.

And it is worth obſervation that the greateſt part of our company were reprobate perſons, and abſolute Atheiſts, for ſome of our Marriners ſeeing themſelves in this imminent danger, their veſſel being filled with water, ſecured ſome cans of wine which they pour down their throats, amongſt the reſt one Honoratus a Marſeillian, put on his beſt apparell, and with ſome French coin threw himſelf into the Sea: thoſe raſcals endeavoured to prevent him, inviting him to drink, ſaying 'twas better to dye full than empty, but the poor creature not able to ſwim ſunk immediately, his body was within few dayes caſt upon the ſhore, the Clark of the ſhip ſtript him, took his clothes and money, and buried him, ſince being ſent into France to be impowered, by the Merchants to receive four or five thouſand Zequines, which the goods and commodities ſaved from ſhipwrack were ſold for, he carried the news to Honoratus widow, but I doubt whether he reſtored her his goods as he told us he did. This while the greateſt part of us periſhed on the ſhallowes; for of ſixty five perſons that we were in all, but five eſcaped, whereof (praiſed be God) I was one; and every man ſhifting for himſelf;The Author preſerved. by the help of a planck I got to ſhore, after I had been fifteen hours in the water, and thus I ſaved my ſelf, together with the Clerk of the veſſel.

After reſt and victuals had a little recovered us, and our Secretary returned to the ſea ſide, to view the remaines of the wrack: the Conſul of the French Nation, reſiding in a Town in Canee, eight leagues diſtant, upon notice repaired with ſpeed to us with twenty Souldiers, to preſerve what was ſaved, who took good order to ſee the commodities dryed, and reſtored to the right owners: having taken his due fees, and leaving our Secretary with the Souldiers in charge with the goods, he took me home to his houſe, and provided me clothes after the Greek faſhion and other neceſſaries that I wanted: I ſtayed ſix or ſeven months with the Conſul, who gave me noble and free entertainment for my Fathers ſake, whoſe friend and acquaintance he [Page] was expecting ſome ſhip bound for Jeruſalem, for I had vowed a pilgrimage to the holy Sepulcher to give God thanks for my preſervation in the laſt great danger.

At the ſeven moneths end, here arrived a Venetian ſhip bound for Jeruſalem, the Maſter of the ſhip a Marſeillian, by name Guillem de Caſſis, who ſtood amazed at ſight of me, ſaying he had attended at my Funeral at Marſeilles, and that my Parents heard I was caſt away with the reſt of the company, and that they bore my loſs heavier then that of the ſhip, wherein my Father had halfe ſhare, (as I ſhewed before that) which loſſe broak my fathers partner, Robert Pontoine, and forced him to live privately at home, then I agreed with William Caſſis, who was to bring me to Hieruſalem, and the Conſul advanced me a hundred Zequines towards my journy, adviſing me to keep my money private.

CHAP. II. Of the Townes of Tripoli and Damas, with the relation of a Murther.

LEaving Canee in the moneth of Auguſt, wee ſteered out courſe towards Syria, a famous and renowned countrey, by the Hebrews called Aram, ſince Halad, and Sabal, formerly of great extent, and conteined the Provinces of Comagene, Caeleſyria, Phenicia, Paleſtina or Judea, Meſopotamia, and one part of Arabia, and others.

In the time of our Holy Warres, it reached from the Tigris, unto Egypt, from Cilicia or Caramania, unto the red ſea, formerly Antioche, Antioche. was the chief town in Caeleſyria. The firſt place we landed at was Tripoli in Syria, where Monſieur Toureau a Marſeillian, moſt generouſly entertained us.

Libanus.Upon the Mount Libanus two leagues diſtant from Tripoli, you may ſee ſnow all ſeaſons of the year, you may find the Manna, or Celeſtial dew,Manna. which I often walking the fields, took for ſnow, untill taſting it, I found it ſweet as ſugar, and undeceived my ſelf: when the natives perceived me gather any, they would ſay, Nazarini coul ſacor va la Tayhon which ſignifies, Chriſtian eat of the Manna, for 'tis good.

Chryſorrhoas.The river Chryſorrhoas, famous for her waters riſes out of Libanus, and runnes through Damas, there riſes alſo another river called Magora, and loſes her ſelf in Tripoli: In this mount is the Prophet Joſua's tombe viſited by Chriſtian pilgrims, and by Turks; I have heard from the Inhabitants and labourers of the Mountain, that Vines bear there twice a year, to which I give little credit.

[Page]From Tripoli we travelled to Aman, three dayes journey thence:Aman. this Town was formerly called Emitus, by the Arabians Camahale, by the Turks Amcus, and by the Indians Amſa, 'tis a Country of Mulberries, and ſilke wormes, full of Gardens, and moſt excellent fruits. The Town is peopled with Grecians, Turkes, Mores, Armenians and Jewes; it is very ruinous, nothing left entire, ſave the Market, & exchange for Indian, Arabian, Aegyptian, French, Italian, Engliſh, Dutch Merchants; they trade there in Cottons, Silkes, Linnens, Carpits, Woollens, and Pot-Aſhes; the land is very fruitfull in all ſort of fruit, Corne, wines and Oyles.

From thence 3. days journey to Aleppo, ſome time Hierapolis, Aleppo. a Town of the ſame, and greater trade then Tripoli, amongſt others in jewells, ſpices, and perfumes; my Camarade having learnt here what he looked for, we went to Damas, Damas. the Capitall Towne of all Syria. She is one of the faireſt, and greateſt Traders in the Countrey, remarkeable cheifely for delightfull ſcituation, healthfull ayre, fruitfull Soyle, abundance of waters, fruites, and of all ſorts of commodities neceſſary to livelihood; her vaſt treaſures, trade, and number of ſouldiers, her faire Structures, many ſword & knife-cuttlers, & other expert Artiſts in ſteele, who give a delicate temper with muske and Amber-greeſe. There I ſaw a Marſeillian Cutler who ſpent near a hundred Zequins in forging one blade,A F [...]ench Cutler. which was by many admired: I met him ten yeares after at Paris, he told me he ſold the ſame blade to Collo Dornano for three hundered crownes. Damas is ſcituate in a faire plaine, her ſoyle well watered and fruitfull, with plenty of Gardens, and Orchards round about her, ſhe is ſurrounded with two mountains,Amon and Sahanir, Mounains: the one called Amon, the other Sahanir; There are many grots and caves, (as 'tis ſaid) formerly inhabited by the Chriſtians in time of perſecution, there is one can contain 4000. perſons,Grots of perſecuted Chriſtians. and without doubt are fairer and larger than thoſe at preſent to be ſeen at Saragoſa in Sicily: towards the Eaſt there is a lake 7. or 8. leagues about, through which run two ſweet ſtreams, the one called Aman or Amma, Aman and Pharphar Rivers. which runs by the foot of the wall, towards the South, the other Farfar, and threds through the middle of the Town; ſhe is alſo adorned with many fountains, the water being brought by pipes from Chryſoran. The houſes are built of the Moreſco modell, with galleries, do almoſt cover the whole ſtreets, as at Aleppo. The Town is ſtrong, and begirt with good ditches, well flank'd and man'd in time of war. A Baſſa, or Governour, keeps it for the Turk, who hath a ſtrong life-guard of horſe: The Suburbs are greater, and more populous than the Town.Silkes. There are twenty thouſand Mulberry planters for the trade of ſilk, and an infinite number of cutlers and other Artiſts in ſteel and iron. On the Eaſt there ſtands a Tower where you may yet ſee the Flour de luces, the arms of France; which muſt have been ſet there, when the French were Lords of the Holy land: there in a little encloſure is [Page] to be ſeen Zacharies tomb,Zacharies Tomb Father to St. John Baptiſt: a place of great veneration, the Mahometans themſelves celebrating the feaſt day with ſolemn rejoycings,St. Pauls Impriſonment. they yet ſhew the place where S. Paul perſecuting Chriſtians fell from his horſe, and the place of his impriſonment, and where he was let down in a baſket. They ſhew you the place, where 'tis ſaid Cain killed his Brother Abel. There is an Alablaſter mine affords them great ſtore of fair veſſels, and other peices. From thence commonly are ſet forth the Caravans, or land convoys for Medina and Meca, and to many other places of Arabia, and the eaſt.

The Towne is farr fairer without then within, by reaſon of the commodious ſcituation and beautifull aſpect, but the ſtreets are not ſo well contrived; the Market place, or Baiar is ample, and faire built with Piatzza's, as at Bolonia, moſt of the houſes in Town are ſerved with fountains, derived from Chryſorrhoas, the graffs are planted with Mulbery trees.

There is a Citadell ſaid to be built by a Florentine Renegado, who then commanded it. While we ſtaid at Damas, one day walking the Market place, we ſaw an Executioner (ſurrounded with a great crowd of people) upon a tall horſe,A fatall Execution. and dragging a Malefactor (tyed with a rope) by the leggs to the place of Execution; and enquiring the reaſon of this Juſtice, we were told he was a Chriſtian, and had killed a judge of the Country: This poore ſufferer, as we ſince underſtood, by atteſtations, and letters, he carried about him in a box, was a Frenchman, and born in Saintonge, his name was Roubie, returning from Jeruſalem, where he received the Croſs from the hands of the Patriarch; and paſſing thorough this Town, met a judge, who according to the inſolent cuſtome of the ſworne enemies to Chriſtians with one blow ſtruck Roubie at his feet; which for the preſent he ſeemed to take very patiently, diſſembling the affront, with reſolution nevertheleſs when opportunity ſhould ſerve, cruelly to revenge it, he abſented himſelf for three whole yeares, and in that time having perfected himſelfe in the Turkiſh Language, diſguiſed in the habit of a Dervis, A Dervis. a ſort of Religious, in great eſteeme amongſt them, he weares a Cimitere by his ſide, and a dagger hanging at his girdle, to ſee the commands of their Prophet Nabi, ſtrictly obſerved this ſuppoſed Dervis begirt with his hanger, returned to Damas, and aſſiſted dayly (in Court) the judge his enemy, whoſe diligence to juſtice was held a good Omen; this he practiſed for three whole years and more, not omitting one audience in all that time, dayly expecting an opportunity to revenge himſelfe. Upon a time hearing the judge give Sentence againſt an Orphan, who was ſued for ſome inheritance, ſuddenly ſtept up to him, and with a mortall wound on the forehead laid him dead at his feete, took his place, and ſaid that the judgement newly pronounced againſt the Orphan was unjuſt, and that it was fit to repeate the Evidence [Page] which without the leaſt interruption, in reſpect to the ſuppoſe [...] Dervis, was immediately done by Councill on both ſides,Armin. and a Herauld openly declared, that he thought it Juſtice the Orphan ſhould enjoy one moity of the land in queſtion; this was ſpoken to the ſatisfaction of the Auditory, but eſpecially of the Dervis, who gave his opinion and approbation in few words, and at the ſame inſtant, judgement was pronounced to the great content of thoſe were caſt by the former ſentence: his body was carried home to his houſe, and the Murtherer highly commended for his great act of Juſtice.

Reubie ſatisfied in his revenge, by degrees retired himſelf to Tripoli, where by misfortune being reproached by a certain countrey-man of his, who had ſeen him in the habit; he inconſiderately confeſt it, and the reaſon that moved him ſo to do: and ſome Turks hearing of it, they preſently cauſed him to be apprehended; and upon ſearch found uncircumciſed, he was brought back to Dama, where he was thus arraigned, and executed, and his body caſt to the dogs, to be devoured.

Not farre from Damas, and the Jordan ſprings is the town of Philippa, whence the woman was,Dan Caeſarea. that our Saviour cur'd of the flux, Belinas, ſometime Dan, Paneas, or Caeſarea, it lyes not far from Libanus, and between her and Gallilean, or Tiberiade Sea is a great vale, where is a Lake ſwell'd with the ſnow, that falls from the Mount Libanus, through this Lake runs the Jordan, and is called Es-mal-maron, formerly the waters of Merac; there did Joſhuah overthrow the Kings of Chananee, the Lake is in Summer almoſt drye, and from thence unto Jope, is a very fruitful country called Charon.

Towards the Tiberiade Sea there is another vale very hollow, between two hills, where the Sun is hardly ever ſeen. This hill riſes not far from the Sea ſide, and reaches to Sidon or Sayette, and of the other ſide they both reach the Arabian hills, near Damas, and there lyes the Country formerly called Palmyrena.

CHAP. III. Of the Deſerts of Arabia, of Spirits, or Apparitions there, of the Sea of Sodome, of the Hills of Sina and Oreb, and the three Arabia's.

AFter ſome few dayes ſtay we left Damas, Benin Macharib fo [...] Miſor. and paſſed through Benin, from thence we came to Macharaib, or Macherib, and Maſarib three dayes journey from Damas: 'tis a ſmall town [Page] of Paleſtina,, not very pleaſant, formerly called Miſor, one of the Levies Cities, ſometime belonging to King Balſan, near the torrent of Arnon in the tribe of Reuben. The Torrent Arnor. At our arrivall there, having diſcharged our Chioas, or guide, which coſt us ſix Duckets a man; my companion Caſſis took a little boy for his guide, and brought me firſt to a fair houſe in the Turkiſh quarter, and inhabited by a Turk; inſtead of going to the place inhabited by Chriſtians; which I not a little wondred at, becauſe the difference in Religion breeds a diſcrepance between them and us; as I was entring the houſe, a Turkiſh Dame, well faſhioned, with a child in her armes, briſkly asked me in the Syriack tongue, Achibi, Nazarini che ſenti achelect, Chriſtian what do you here, I ſtreight made anſwer, Mnaar Jeneſay ana cardas amiſi antina, that my Camarade was within to ſpeak with ſome body, but ſhe with indignation thruſt me out of the Porch; young as I was, I had the wit to preſent her with a pair of corall pendants, which ſhe liked well, and ſaid in her language, Thou art a good lad, but the other is a knave that gave me nothing; and as I was retiring my ſelf, ſhe courteouſly invited me in, where I ſaw my companion take ſome ſmall things out of his bagge, which he preſented to ſeveral women who had every one of them a ſucking child at their breſt, they wore rings in their ears of twice hand compaſſe, richly ſet with Diamonds and Pearls, every one of them made choice of ſome Venetian curioſity, which though of ſmall value, they ſet great eſteem upon: as we were thus entertaining theſe Ladies, in came a grave Moore, Counpayniors brother, who upon notice that two ſtrangers were entered his houſe, came preſently home, fir'd with jealouſie, a paſſion moſt of them are infected with, as was eaſily ſeen in the rage and diſtraction of his countenance: but after he perceived his brother, he ran to his embraces, with many careſſes took me by the hand,Morets entertainment. in French ſaid we were moſt welcome; and told us he was the Renegado Murat called Silveſter, compelled thereto by force, but reſolved to leave Turkiſme, and become a Chriſtian again, as we were: after many complements, invited us to eat: then a cloth of leather delicately dreſſed, being ſpread upon the ground, they brought in boyled mutton, rice, and their melted butter called Manteque, we made a good dinner, drinking Ragui their common drink, compoſed of water, figges, and Dates, and is a ſort of ſtrong water, for wine they have not any. At dinner I ſeriouſly obſerved the Renegado Murat, a man of graceful perſonage, well proportioned, and taller by the head then my fellow-traveller, and nothing like him; and I obſerved women with what content they liſtened to our manner of diſcourſe.

At dinner the two brothers diſcourſed of their affaires, and deſign in Arabick, conceiving I underſtood them not, but during my eight moneths reſidence at the Grand Caire, I had learnt [Page] enough to underſtand their diſcourſe; and heard my fellow relate this ſhipwrack, and the manner thereof; and that he came to crave his aſſiſtance to recover his loſses; the Renegado told him, that in few dayes he ſhould take a journey for Meka, and that he could procure him ſo many Cherafs, or Duckets by the month, and at his returne from that voyage he would give him a ſumme of money, if he returned not himſelfe home with him: to this my camarade made anſwar, he had undertaken to conduct me to Jeruſalem, and that it would be a ſhame to him to leave me ſo young; the Renegado replyed, that I ſhould go along with them, and that he would furniſh me with a Camell for the journey, and that coming back we ſhould ſee Jeruſalem. All this I underſtood,Wine ſold by Apothecaries. and though not pleaſed to ſee my intention croſsed, yet I durſt not take the leaſt notice, for feare they ſhould put ſome trick upon me, conſidering they might leave me behind, or ſell me, or exchange me for ſome peeces of wine, which in thoſe Countreys is both rare and deare, ſold onely by the Apothecaries for the ſick, or by Chriſtian Merchants. Thus I heard them adviſe how to be rid of me; but at laſt pittying my tender age, they reſolved to know my will, and then my Camarade freely ſpoke his brothers intention, and that in that journey we ſhould ſee the great Deſart, the Mount Sinai and Oreb, the Townes of Medina, La Meyur, and many other remarkable places, and that returning we ſhould ſee Jeruſalem; I ſhewed my ſelfe moſt willing to what they ſhould reſolve, finding no other way to ſave my ſelfe, and upon my fellowes promiſe coming back to ſhew me the place I ſo much deſired.

Thus reſolved, they provided ſix fat ſheep, prize two ducats,Proviſions for the deſerts. together with other meat, which they boyled in a great chaldron, till the fleſh came from the bones, then put fleſh only, with a good proportion of ſalt butter in the ſame Chaldron, and fryed it well, and potted it up for our journey. This we loaded upon two Cammells, with ſtore of onyons, bisket, three large bottells of ſtrong water, with others full of freſh water, and other neceſſaries, and my camarade and ſelf had a camell betwixt us. Having ſtaid eight dayes at Macherib, we ſet forth with the Caravane, Caravane. compoſed of great numbers of Merchants, and of above twenty thouſand camells, loaden with all ſorts of wares and commodities, reaching two leagues in length. The Captain of the Town accompanied us with five hundered horſe unto the deſert, but further he could not go, by reaſon of the heat of the ſands,Burning ſands. Want of water. that burne their horſes hoofes, and founder them: and beſides in the deſert there is extreme ſcarcity of water, which we carried along with us in leather veſſells, to make uſe of in the deſert of Arabia, where very ſcarcely any freſh is found. We croſt a part of the Holy Land, leaving Jeruſalem on the right hand, with a very ſenſible regret, to be within a dayes journey of that place, and [Page] not to ſee the City. The nights we reſted in our Tents, which we pitched with eaſe, faſtning wooden poles thorough the middle with ropes, which by the helpe of pegs ſtruck into the ground ſuſteined the reſt; drawing towards the ſouth, into ſome vales in ſearch of freſh water, we perceived upon an eminent peece of land the ruines of ſome Towns, and a little lower a Lake, called Sodom and Gomorra, Dead ſea of Sodome. or the Dead Sea, anciently called the Lake Aſphaltite, which to this day doth witneſs the juſt judgement of God, we taſted ſome of this water, which, although very brackiſh, yet refreſht us for the preſent.

From thence, after ſeven or eight houres reſt, we took our way thorough the Deſert, marching in rank and file, following a Jurabi, Jurabi a Guide uſes the Compaſs. who undertook to guide the Caravane, making uſe of the Seamans compaſs.

Upon our March we were from hand to hand advertiſed, that ſome one of our company was miſſing, that ſtrayed from the reſt, 'twas the companion of an Arabian Merchant, very ſad for the loſſe of his freind;Sad accidents in the deſerts. part of the Caravane made an halt, and foure Moores were ſent in queſt of him, and a reward of a hundered duckets was in hand paid them, but they brought back no tidings of him; and 'tis uncertain whether he was ſwallowed up in the ſands, or whether he met his death by any other misfortune, as it often happens, by the relation of a Merchant then in our company, who told us that two yeares before (travelling the ſame journey) a camarade of his going a little aſide from the company about his neceſſary occaſions,Apparitions in the deſerts. ſaw three men, who called him by his name, and one of them to his thinking favoured very much his companion, and as he was about to follow them, his reall companion called him to come back to his company, and the ſtrength of his voice, found himſelfe deceived by the others, and thus was ſaved.

And all Travailers in theſe parts hold that in the Deſerts there are many ſuch fantaſms and goblins ſeen, that ſtrive to ſeduce the Travellers, and cauſe them to periſh with hunger and deſpaire: having travelled fifteen dayes thorough the Deſert, drawing ſtill towards Medina, we were ſeized with a great drowth, whereupon the word was given for hand to hand through the company, that ſome whoſe Camells were not hard loaden, ſhould go ſeek out freſh-water, amongſt others I and my companion offered our ſelves, three ſcore of us then drew out, who waited for us not farr off, ready to aſſiſt us upon the leaſt notice or ſignall given; we were guarded by a ſtrong Troope, aſſigned us by the Captaine,Arabian Robbers. to defend us againſt the Arabian theeves, who have no other livelihoods then the robberies they commit upon the Caravannes; we came unto the ſide of a little ſandy hill, where we found great ſtore of little trees, called Salicor, of which they make their pot aſhes for glaſſes: [Page] a little further we diſcovered an Indian cane with a flagge at the end of it, which is the ſign they put upon a ſpring in thoſe parts; and groaping with our hands in the ſand, we found a great piece of Camels leather, that ſtopt the mouth of a well: we drew up ſome water to drink our ſelves, and ſome to carry back to our Camarades, which we thought pretty good, though very ſalt and brackiſh: a piece of money was given to him that firſt found out the well, and having ſtayed there, ſome ten houres at leaſt, we went back towards our company, with whom we joyned, and diſtributed our water among them: That night we reſted near a hill, and left our lodging an hour before day, entring into very white ſands, and ſo ſmall, that the duſt troubled us very much. We had then entred the ſtony Arabia, and the deſert, and proceeding in our way, we came to the foot of Mount Sina, Montſina called Lurle or Tur. called by the Arabians, Lurle, or Tur, ſo famous in the Holy Scripture, Exod. 19. being the place where God gave the law to Moſes, and is therefore to this day called Gods Mountain, and joyned to Oreb, now called Saint Catherines Mount, becauſe 'tis believed that Saint Catherines ſhryne repoſes there, The Arabians pay,Oreb called Saint Cather-mount. great reverence to Mount Sina, and do not ſuffer beaſts to feed thereon: They yet remark the Rock Moſes miraculouſly drew water out of, Exod. 17. but there is none there for the preſent, although there be plenty in ſeveral other places of the Hill, for both the Prieſts Caloires, and Mahometans, that inhabit the hill, have ſeveral good ſprings.

Some hold Sina and Oreb to be two Hills, others hold them to be but one, divided onely in two Copps, Sina on the Eaſt, and Oreb on the Weſt, and is not ſo eminent as the former; at the foot of this Hill Juſtinian the Emperor founded a Monaſtery called Saint Catherines, poſſeſſed by the Caloires, Monks of the order of Saint Baſil, as thoſe are at Mount Athos, or Mount Santo in Greece; this Mountain abounds in herbage and paſture.

The three Arabia's are commonly called Petrea, Deſerta, The three Arabia's, the deſert, the ſtony, and the happy. and Faelix, this is properly Petrea, or the ſtony Arabia, through which the children of Iſrael went into the land of Promiſe: thus called, not from the ſtones or rocks, but from Petra, a very ancient town, ſince called Herac, or Arach, which was the chief town of that diviſion of Arabia, alſo called by ſome Nabathea; in this Arabia were the ſeveral countries or Provinces of Amalec, Edom, Moab, and Madian, containing ſeveral deſerts, as that of Sin, Sur, Cedat, & Cadez, and others, it begins near the Jordan, and ends Southward towards the deſert Arabia, with great hills interpoſed, and the deſert of Benaſcali, of great extent; where for the benefit of paſſengers, are wells built with bones of dead men and beaſts, for want of ſtones. The deſert Arabia hath great want of water, and is called by ſome Eſtreiemin, by others Soball, the Saraſens call it Barraab, it contains Meka and Medina.

[Page]The happy Arabia towards Ader is called Ayman; The ſtony hath been peopled with Saraſens or Aragenes, the ſpring of Mahometaniſme: The deſert is chiefly poſſeſſed by robbers, cut-throats, and rogues; The happy called Sabea, part of it is ſubject to the Turk, part of it to the Sophy of Perſia, the reſt hath Kings, and particular Lords, and Maſters.

The ſtony is ſurrounded with great hills, and is well ſtored with water, having Weſt-ward Egypt, and the other two Arabia's, Northward, Judaea and Syria, and from Syria, through the ſtony the chiefeſt part of the deſert, is leaſt on the left hand. This deſert hath vaſt wilderneſſes utterly uninhabited, except in few places where there are ſmall rivers;M [...]ka Medina. Metar. Alcoran. and hath onely the towns of Medina and Meka, and the Caſtle of Metar where ſome ſay Mahomet writ his Alcoran, the great deſert of Benhali, or Benaſeali, of which I late ſpoke of runnes quite through her, is twelve dayes journey over, covered with white ſand, and ſmall as duſt: The happy called by the Arabians Rahahac, is divided from the deſert at the Haven Ziden, Zidem, a Haven. and hath very fair Provinces, as Aden, Agias, and others, unto the Iſles of Maera, and Mazira, towards the Cape Roſolgate.

CHAP. IV. Of the town of Medina, and the falſe Prophet, Mahomets ſucceſsors.

FRom Mount Sina, we came in few dayes to a little hill, where there ſtands a Village called Juſoreh, inhabited allmoſt by Jews onely,J [...]ſoreh. and a well of the beſt water can be drunk: thoſe Jews hide their ſecret parts, with a linnen cloth, and are naked for the reſt of their bodies: they are naturally crafty and malicious,Jewes [...]hieves. much given to ſtealing, which is eſteemed a vertue amongſt them. They once cunningly ſtole my Camarades Caſſock which he wore; one amongſt them feigning himſelf mad, begged an almes of him, and ſeeing he had a Caſſock of good fine cloth, maliciouſly threw abundance of vermine which he had in a baſket upon his clothes, and forced my companion to ſtrip himſelf of Caſſock,A cheat. Doublet, and all, to ſhake off the vermine; the reſt of the Jewes gave their ſeeming aſſiſtance, correcting the pretended mad-man, or cheat, whilſt he run away with coat, and doublet; which my fellow never after heard of; but it made us merry in the reſt of our journey.

At length having travelled five and forty dayes travail from Macharib, without much reſt, but on Frydaies, which is the Mahometans Sabbath: we approached near Medinat al Nabi, or the Prophets City,Medinat. al. Nabi. and there ſtopt the Caravane, every one pitching [Page] his tent: 'twas a delight to behold our company, that ſeemed a numerous Army rank't in order round about a well, in the midſt of divers Date trees. We arrived at Medina, formerly Jeſrab, Jeſrab. a Town of the deſert Arabia, where Mahomet died and was buried; he was born at Jetrib, or Meka; in this town there are very good waters, for which cauſe it is well peopled: There my Camarade put a baſe cheat upon his brother; telling him that if he would intruſt him with certain commodities, he would go trade with them at Ziden (a Haven in the red ſea, near to Meka) where were arrived ſome ſhips from the India's, as he underſtood by ſome Abyſſins he met in pilgrimage at Mount Sina, Caſſis deceived his brother. the Renegado Murat believed him, and bought ſix Camels at Medina, and loaded them with ſeveral commodities, which he committed to his brother Caſſis, and to account for them at his return: but inſtead of going to the place, he pretended to his brother, he turned his courſe towards the happy Arabia, Zibit, Aden, Ormus, Zibit, Aden, Ormus. from thence through Perſia, to the Eaſt India's and to the Preſte Johns countrey, and to other places as you ſhall hear.

Some have ſaid, that either at Medina or Meka, Deſcription of Medina. was Mahomets tombe all of iron, ſuſpended in the ayre with a loadſtone; but I have heard for certain, that the falſe Prophet died at Medina, and is there buried, where to this day his tombe is frequently viſited by Mahometan pilgrims,Mahomets tombe. from all parts of the world; as the holy Sepulcher at Jeruſalem, is viſited by Chriſtians: thither go the Caravanes, from Aleppo, Damas, Caravan of Aleppo. Dumas and Grand-Cair. and the grand Cair, and from other places: there meet ſometimes, above forty or fifty thouſand perſons, and as many Camels, with ſome guards of ſouldiers. This tombe is built of white marble, with the tombs of Ebubeker, Ali, Omar, and Ottman, Califfs, and Mahomets ſucceſſors, and every one a book lying by them of their lives,Books of the lives and Sects of Mahomets ſucceſſours. and their Sect or opinion, which are very diſcrepant: there are alſo a great number of Lamps alwayes lighted; we were deſirous to be informed by Murats means, whether the monument had ever been held up in the ayre, we were anſwered by an Alfaquis, or Turkiſh Prieſt, that formerly Mahomets body had there repoſed; but that ſince the Angels had tranſlated his body before God, to aſſiſt him at his great Judgement; and told us many other fopperies, that occaſioned Murat to aſk why that tombe was built, to which we received ſome frivolous anſwer: the tombe is three ſteps or thereabouts in ground, the ſteps are white marble; and the Turks believe to this day, that the Tombe hangs in the ayre, and wonder very much, when we tell them we have ſeen the contrary.

CHAP. V. How Mahomet compoſed his Alcoran, his victories, and of the rarities and ceremonies of Meka.

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Surazins: Saraca, or Elfarabk.THe people of this Country were called Saracenes, ſince Sarazins from a town called Saraco, or rather from Elfarack, which in their language ſignifies, to live by robbery; as all the inhabitants there have ever been great thieves and robbers, as well as the chiefeſt part of the deſert, Arabians, and Africanian Arabians are at preſent.Mahomets birth. The Impoſtor-Prophet Mahomet was born amongſt them at Itrarib, or Jetrib; a ſmall village now called Meka, or near unto it. He derived his Pedegree from Iſmael, from his youth inventing his falſe law; being a ſubtle, crafty, undertaking perſon; he took advantage of the diſcontents of ſome Sarazins, that were not paid their pay by the Grecian Emperour Heraclius his officers, and made uſe of them to run over that Empire, with ſuch ſucceſs from the beginning, that he undertook greater things; which the eaſier to compaſſe,Mahomets law. he gave them a newer Law, compiled with a mixture of their old one, making them believe 'twas revealed and inſpired into him from above: but which in truth he had forged and compoſed himſelf, by the help of ſome Chriſtian Apoſtates, among others of two Chriſtians, ſword-cutlers, and ſlaves then in Meka, Alcoran. and very ignorant fellowes, and thus fill'd his Alcoran full of fopperies and Impertinencies, which he publiſhed by the ſword; and by force of of arms, forced all perſons he could to receive it. Three principal means he made uſe of, to eſtabliſh his Sect: Firſt of all Sorceries, impoſtures, and deceits; Secondly, of a liberty of conſcience, ſenſuality, and licentiouſneſſe. Thirdly, and laſtly, of the force of arms.Medina taken by Mahomet. Medina was the firſt town he reduced, and there was proclaimed King by his Captains and Officers. Ebubeker, Ali, Omar, Ottman: and the others that ſucceeded him, were called Califfs, afterwards he ſent them to conquer Aſia and Africa, and in few years they reduced both thoſe parts wholly to their obedience, ſetting up their law which hath there continued ever ſince; for they and their ſucceſſors have founded the greateſt Empires in the world, and ſo continue at this day, as the Turk, the Perſian, the great Mogull, the Tartar, the Jerez, and Moracko, and infinite more Kings in Africa and Aſia, the Eaſt India's, and the adjacent Iſles: from this curſed Doctrine are ſprouted forth many diverſe Sects.

We left Medina and came to Meka another town of the deſert Arabia, in the two and twentieth degree, and by reaſon of the impurity of the ayr, there is ſcarce any more then theſe two townes [Page] in the whole country: it is two dayes journey from Medina, pretty large, of the quantity of Roan, or twice as big as Marſeils, 'tis ſurrounded with great and ſteep hills, which ſerves her for defence, and makes the acceſſe difficult, there are abundance of Merchants, and very rich, having upon the 23. of May yearly, a famous Fair which they call their Jubile. To facilitate the paſſage from the plain there are four avenues cut through the Mountain, eaſie to be maintained; near unto the Town is the Hill called Jubara, Iubara Abrahams Mountains, Marabouts ſacrificators. where 'tis believed Abraham would have ſacrificed his Son Iſaac, and in a certain place there, the Marabouts immolate at this time; there the pilgrims offer ſheep, and diſtribute the fleſh and offalls to the poor, who are very numerous, and give them water to drink, they devour thoſe entrails half raw, impatient to ſtay the dreſſing of them; they make holes in the ſand and bake them therein; this Abrahams Mountain is a league and a half diſtant from the Town, and near it is ſcituate a village of a hundred and fifty houſes or thereabouts, with a Moſquee or Temple, frequently called Meka ſtately, high, and built upon pillars; thoſe dayes they ſacrifice, they let water run through pipes at the portall, wherewith they waſh their feet, there are no ſprings in thoſe parts, water being brought from other places, and is extream ſcarce and dear, and the leaſt quantity you can drink will coſt you an eſtere, and ſometimes a crown. The Turks aſcending this Hill throw ſtones in three places, where are great heaps; and this (they ſay) they do to ſpite the Devil, becauſe he endeavoured in thoſe three places to divert Abraham from his ſacrifice; for (they ſay) that the Devil appeared to Iſaac aſcending the hill, and ſaid to him, that his Father would ſacrifice him; Iſaac made no reply, and the Devil tempting Iſaac the ſecond time, he threw a ſtone at him; and from hence begun this cuſtom of the pilgrims, from thence by a little deſcent the pilgrims come to the Moſquee or Temple, a league diſtant, or thereabouts, from the top of the Hill, their heads bowed down, and their armes acroſſe,Mahometan ceremonies. the Cherifs deputy caſts a paile of water upon their heads, wetting them from top to toe, which they hold a purification or expiation of their ſins, pronouncing theſe words, Ala rahmani Ala ila, which ſignifies, God purifie thee, next they proceed to prayers in the Moſquee or Temple, which are onely made at the time (they call) Zilaite, which is upon the three and twentieth of May; and at the ſame time without changing their clothes they pray ſtanding, with a great modeſty; and when they keep their faſts they neither eat nor drink by day, but they eat all the next night.

The Moſca or Temple of Meka is a maſſe of ſtones built round, and much like St. Sophya at Conſtantinople, you aſcend unto it fifteen or ſixteen ſteps, without and round about it are built fair piazza's, or galleries, where the Merchants keep their Exchange, and expoſe to ſale their drugs, perfumes, jewels, and [Page] ſeverall other ſorts of commodities; in this Town is vented the richneſſe of the India's, and Merchants flock hither from all parts of the world; they come to unlade at Ziden a Haven in the red Sea, twelve leagues diſtant from Meka: the road between Ziden and Meka is very full of Merchants, they carry their merchandizes upon Camels, ſome bound for Syria, others for Egypt, and from thence for Europe.

The Chriſtians are not admitted into the Moſque, they view it onely through the gate in diſguiſe, you are not ſooner entred but you ſee Mahomets Tomb upon your left hand in the middle of his two Sons in law; to viſit it you deſcend three or four ſteps, yet 'tis generally believed the Tomb is empty, for their Marabouts ſay that the Angels tranſlated his body into heaven: at the end of that ſide there is as 'twere a little turret richly adorned, where the treaſure belonging to the Soudan or Governour of the Town is kept.

A little further within ſtands an altar without any figure, and at each ſide are twelve bookes ſumptuouſly bound, all the pillars are hung with rich tapeſtry, very faire, and of lively colours, but without the figure or image of any animall. the Town is Governed by a Sultan, or Cherif, he is their Head both in Temporall and Spirituall Affaires, and held in great eſteeme amongſt them, for he gives abſolution to all that viſit the Moſque, the ſacrifice ended, he uſes a certain waſhing, in lieu of Baptiſme: The Moſque is moſt gorgeouſly adorn'd, and hung with tapiſtry without any Imagary worke, you deſcend unto it eighteen or twenty ſteps, and it is larger in compaſs then the Coliſee at Rome; Mahometans eſteeme the Town Sacred, as well in reſpect of the excellent things (they ſay) were there revealed unto their impoſtor Prophet, as for the magnificent Temple dedicated to his name; which they imagine built by the Angells, viſited by Adam, tranſlated into the ſixth Heaven during the deluge, to preſerve it from the waters, and ſince reedified by Abraham, by the Modell of the former ſent from Heaven; they give great reverence thereunto, and alſo to a ſtone called Alkible, or Aliete, which they adore, and relate a thouſand fables of it. The Cherif, or Sultan, Governour of Meka ſtiles himſelfe Alaman Alhaſcemi, which ſignifies the Prince, deſcended from Haſcem, Great Great Grandfather to Mahomet; formerly he was ſubject to the Soudan of Aegypt, and now to the Turk, but in ſuch manner as he retains a great Authority; nor doth the Turke ſtile himſelf King, or Lord of Meka, but her humble Subject, he is called alſo Emir, that is, Prince.

The Cherif is ſaid to be of Mahomets race, he preſented, and acknowledged Selinus to be the Turkiſh Emperour, when he had conquered Egypt, and aboliſhed the Empire of Mamelus, and Selinus, returned him a great reſpect, and made him the ſame preſent, of a ſilken ſheet large enough to ſpread over the Prophets [Page] houſe; a preſent the Soldans uſed yearly to make: they are there much vext with the continuall rovings and robberies of the Arabians.

Among the greateſt rarities we ſaw in this Town, were two pearls the Sultane wore in her ears; the three I ſince ſaw at Liſboe, which paid off ſixteen thouſand ducates of the Gabelle, were not like them, for theſe go beyond them both in bigneſſe and beauty. I ſaw alſo in the Sultans Seraglio an Unicorn, as ſince I have ſeen others in the India's, and at the Eſcuriall: I know many miſcreants, that doubt whether the world hath ſuch a beaſt, but beſides thoſe, I have read many grave Authors that witneſſe the ſame, and Bartheme ſayes he hath ſeen one in the very ſame Town of Meka, I ſhall ſay ſomething more of it in my treaty of Pegu and Canarane.

CHAP. VI. Of Arabia Felix, of Prince Sequemir Governour, of Caſsia, and other commodities of Sabaea.

WE left Meka after a ſhort ſtay there, and as I thought my companion would have ſtruck into the road for Ziden towards the red Sea, as he pretended to his Brother Murat, and my ſelf, I wondered he left the chiefeſt part of his company bound for Ziden, and that with the other part he took his way towards Zibit, in the happy Arabia; I asked him why he altered his reſolution, and laughing, he made me this anſwer,Caſſis his treachery. that the commodities he carried along with him were not his brothers, as I imagined, but his own, and that ſince his brother had denied Jeſus Chriſt he deſerved them not, and thought it fitter to make them his own, and reſolved to ſee the world at his charge and expenſes.

From thence I gathered my companions inclinations, ſince thus perfidiouſly he uſed his Brother who had truſted him; yet for fear he ſhould play me ſome trick, I diſſembled, in hopes, that by the grace of God I ſhould be delivered from him, and ſafely accompliſh my intended journey.

Thus we took our way for Zibit, accompanied with ſeverall Chriſtians, and other Merchants, we Inn'd the firſt night at a little village called Ferragous, where we were but ill accommodated: the next day we came to Outor a Caſtle,Ferragous. Outor. noted by ſome travellers, not far remote from the red Sea.

[Page] A draw well at Outor.There is a deep well whence they draw water, with a wheel turned round by a yoke of Bulls, the water was ſharp and hard, but nothing brackiſh, neceſſity made us like it: at two leagues from Outor we left the moſt part of our company, they took the right hand the ready way to Ziden, and we followed our tract for the Happy Arabia, and reached a Town called Gaza, and thence to Zibit.

Arabia the happy.Thus we left the deſert to enter the Happy Arabia, which is a Peninſula between the red and the Perſick Sea, ſcituate under the Tropick Cancer; her length is from the Soltania of Sanna towards the red Sea, unto Agior towards the Perſick gulf, or the Elcatif Sea, ſo called by the Arabians, I have often travelled there for trade ſake, and have viſited moſt of her Towns; this Arabia is of large extent, divided into fair Provinces and Kingdoms.

Zibit. Alibenali.We arrived at Zibit, a Town of Soltania, in the Company of a Jewiſh Merchant, native of Alibenali, a great Province of Arabia, and married at Zibit, he lodg'd us in his own houſe, finding he could make a gain of us, accompanying us where ever we would go, carrying with him on horſe-back things to refreſh us, being a man verſed in the cuſtoms of the Countrey: and ſome reaſon he had to be kind to us, for I am ſure my camarade was ſo to his wife; ſhe adviſed her huſband to be thus familiarly aſſiſtant to us, and he offered me a Daughter of his in marriage, beleeving my Camarade to be my Father.

Zibit is five leagues from the red ſea, there is a Haven where ſhips are laden and unladen, and from this place commodities are tranſported from the India's, to Ziden, Suez, and other places. From Ziden we went to Aden, from thence thorough all the Provinces of Arabia, trading, and viſiting the chiefeſt and faireſt Townes and Kingdomes.

Although there be but one great Prince (named Sequemir or Sechemir) chief Commander of the faireſt Provinces of the Happy Arabia, yet there are ſeverall Lords that acknowledge, ſome the Perſian, others the Turke. The King of Bacharin, or Beſcharin, the neareſt to Perſia, was not many yeares ſince ſubdued by the Sophy; and was likely to have given Lawes unto Elcatif, had not the Inhabitants of Erit, and other Neighbours oppoſed him, with a conſiderable Army compoſed of the people of Maſſa or Maffa, Fartac, Maſcalat, Amazarit, Jurmalamam, Gubelaemam, Machyra, or Macyra, Suza, and others.

This army had for their General the Sultan of Sanna, that commanded the Van, the Sultan of Elcatif the rear, and gave a notable blow to the Perſian, with whom ſince they have [Page] made a peace, and have thus preſerved themſelves. The Soltania of Tabubari, is not now governed by the Sechemir, Black ſand. but by the Turk that ſubdued it, in the laſt warre againſt the Perſian; this countries ſand is very different from that I have ſeen in other places, being as black as a coale, and not ſo troubleſome to travellers, being ſomething heavier and firmer; upon this countries hills you find great ſtore of Frankincenſe, of Storax, Frankinſence. Storax Benjamin. and Beniamin, growing upon trees, and other ſweet gummes, and perſons are purpoſely appointed to gather them: all this country is properly called Sabaea, Sabea. ſo famous in ancient times.

There growes great ſtore of Olive trees, Myrrhe, Aloes,Aloes. Ladanum. Cinamon: Caſſia. Cinnamon, and Caſſia trees in abundance, Falcons, Sparhawkes, and other birds feede thereupon; and an innumerable company of flies bred out of the corruption of the Caſsia, cauſes ſo great an inconvenience, as the Arabians are forced to burne part of it, and in ſome other places they gather it not, becauſe being remote from the ſea, the Portage would ſtand them in more then the value of the Commodity, though in many great Towns they uſe much of it; where by reaſon of their greate heats they diſtill, or melt the juice out of the canes, and drink it. I obſerved that the inhabitants of Arcora, Ara, Teza, Samacara, and of other Townes and places, delighted much in this kinde of drinke, which not only refreſhed them, but looſened them alſo; and in the Townes of Andrivara, Lagi and Dante, it is the ordinary drinke uſed the ſummer time; The fruite of this tree being ripe, hath an unſavory ſweet taſt, Apes and Squirells flock to it to feed;Mazari. Chicali. and another beaſt called Maſari (thoſe of Fez call it Chicali) not much unlike a Fox, a beaſt that unburies the dead, to feed upon their carcaſses; they creepe up the trees, ſhake down the fruit, and make a great ſpoyle, it is that ſweetneſſe that engenders thoſe flyes we have already mentioned, which were no ſmall trouble to us paſsing by.

This Arabia is full of faire great Townes, whether by reaſon of Traffick, Merchants come from all parts, as are Taeſa, Cana, Aſigni, and Kada, where is kept the Sequemirs principall Magazine, or ſtore houſe. The chiefeſt haven,Pecher, a Haven. and the neareſt to this ſide of the Countrey is Pecher, in the Soltania of Fartac, whither thoſe of Bangale, Baticala, Dabul, Cambaye and Malabar, bring their commodities to Bartar, for Aromatick Drugges, which in that Countrey are moſt excellent; but the Jewes that inhabit thoſe places are ſuch cheates, they ſophiſticate all that comes thorough their hands: it is a particular trade to gather the Frankinſence, Storax, Benjamin and Maſtick; that harveſt is got in July, during the dog-dayes. for then the trees are in their perfect ripeneſſe; they gather ſome in other ſeaſons, but by a different manner, making an inciſion in the tree towards ſpring; from thoſe holes runs forth a licquor, or gumme, which thickens of it ſelfe, [Page] and is of a reddiſh colour, but not ſo ſtrong nor good as the other, nor of ſo great a value; the gumme that iſſues from the young trees is whiter then that is gathered from the old ones, they have Myrrhe trees too, but what of that is brought in to our parts,Myrrhe. is compounded and falſified: all the Myrrhe that the Kingdom of Ciuſſimi or Elcatif affords, is for the Sequemirs own uſe, being the moſt perfect, and the pureſt; what the Prince uſes not, he ſells, and is therefore called Sequemir Pure, and is ſold at Naban, Queſibi, Naziri, Carmon, Liva-Orba, Lanua-Orba, Coſtague, Manabon, Batan, Caybir, Jague, Aloron, and in other places in the furtheſt parts of Arabia, in the kingdom of Anna, through which runs the river,Coſan, or Coſara River. Coſan, or Coſara, very ſwift, and loſes her ſelf in the Perſick ſea, near the mouth of Euphrates.

CHAP. VII. Of the ſtate of Sequemir Prince of the Happy Arabia, of his Salſidas, and of the Califf of Bagdet.

His ſtate▪ SEquemir whom we have ſpoken of, is ſupreme Lord of almoſt the whole Arabia Felix, and is called Sequemir, as you may ſay, Holy Lord, for his goodneſſe and clemency, becauſe he puts none to death, except priſoners of warre: but when a perſon hath committed a crime, he keeps him fetter'd in priſon during life, without debarring him from the ſight of the Sunne, ſaying that God hath liberally diſtributed that light to all perſons without exception; there have been twenty thouſand priſoners in irons at one and the ſame time. His Court is ſtately and magnificent, he hath a great number of men devoted to his ſervice, who freely offer up their lives for him at his command, believing they go ſtreight to heaven, dying for their Prince.

They relate of a Turkiſh Emperour returning home from the Perſick war through this country, deſired the ſight of the Prince Sequemir, and of his Salſidas, Salſidas devotes: or Saldridas, for ſo his devotes were called; having viſited him in his towne of Samacara, capital of that country; after many Careſſes, and a Princely entertainment, he deſired the ſight of his Salſidas, and a proof of that great love and fidelity they bore unto their Prince: Sequemir called ſome of them in, and only ſpoke theſe words Amiſſi Barou, and inſtantly four of them threw themſelves out of the window, and more of them attempting it, were hindred by the Grand Seignior, ſatisfied with the proof he had already made, which he held ſo admirable, [Page] that he demanded twelve of them to take back into his Country, which the Sequemir willingly granted; and being aſked whether they would have as great an affection for a new Maſter, and if they would as willingly dye for him, as for their old Lord; one of them made anſwer to the Turk: if our Prince commands us to dye for thee, we are from this very inſtant ready to obey him: The Turk told them, in time he ſhould have need of them, and that he would preſerve them, and eſteem them his beſt friends; and taking them away with him, he maintained them handſomely, and near his perſon; but after the death of the Turkiſh Emperour, they all returned back to their old Maſter, eſteeming it the greateſt happineſſe and ſafety to be near unto that Prince. They accompany him yearly to Meka, Romadan. upon the three and twentieth of May, to celebrate their great feaſt of Romadan. Sequemir wears alwayes a ſheeps-ſkin before and behind, in imitation of Saint John Baptist, who is there in great reſpect and honour; he travels a foot with his whole Court,S. John Baptiſt▪ yet his Courtiers go as they pleaſe, carrying their wives and other trains, upon able and good horſes.

This King is Lord of the Soltania's of Fertac, Siligni, D [...]efar, and other places, he was once Maſter of the entire happy Arabia; but the Turk, and the Perſian, have got ſeveral Provinces from him; his chief reſidence is at Almacarama, or, Samacara, a town very ſtrong and impregnable, ſcituate upon the top of a high hill, but two wayes leading unto it, and thoſe craggy, and eaſily maintained againſt the foe; the town is big, and well peopled, and full of Nobility and Gentry: there he keeps his treaſure, and his women; this Prince cannot be made King, but by the conſent of the Califf of Bagdet, likewiſe as the Prince of Mefra, in purſuance of an ancient Law, for that Califf, though at preſent, retaines nothing but the bare name, yet keeps his ancient and undoubted right, to elect and confirm the Kings of Aſſyria, Arabia, and others; and Soliman himſelf paſſing through Babylon, for form-ſake was inſtalled by his hand. Next unto the Sequemir, are ſeverall Officers, as the Gouvera, Armicahir, Almiracher, the Cayet, the Sidibir, the Admimia, the Boſoldar, Amiſeriech, the Tababait, and ſeveral others; the Tacay Pacou is Maſter of the houſe.

CHAP. VIII. Of Babylon, the red ſea, Homerites, Aden, a strong Town, and famous Haven, Cameran, and other places in the red ſea.

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WE travel'd ſtil through Arabia, from town to town, venting and trucking our commodities, with an earneſt deſire to reach Perſia; all the towns of Arabia are fair ones and yield a great revenue to the Sequemir; between Zidem and Zibit there are ſeveral, and well peopled, and from thence to Aden many more; Zibit is not ſo near Aden, as by ſome ſhee is ſaid to be, as they relate Dalatia in Aethiopia, Dalata. to be oppoſite to Meka, and they ſtand three hundred leagues aſunder.

This Arabia joynes to Perſia Northward, and the way thither lyes through Taeza Sanna, Soufar, Erit, Almacara, and other towns, Almacara ſtands upon a hill but Eaſtward upon Gaza, a bigge town, and well inhabited where there is weekly a Fair or Market kept by night, by reaſon of the heats, and there all ſorts of Merchandizes are expoſed to ſale, perfumes eſpecially.

The Nobility of the Country affect much to eat Ambar, Musk, and other ſweets: the Soudan of Aden, ſubject to Sequemir, ſpends yearly ſix thouſand Duccats therein, for his ſelf, wife, and family, their kitchins may be taken for perfumers ſhops ſo ſweet and odoriferous.

The Red Seas coaſt towards Aden, is thick of good towns, and well traded; and among the Merchants are many thieves, which you muſt have a care on; you ſee the towns called Ahra, Damican, Coubita, Erit, Aridan, Magora, Rabon, Salta, and others; with many villages ſubjects to the Sequemir, who commands ſix Soltania's, or kingdomes, all fill'd with good towns: upon the Sea ſide grow ſtore of reeds or Canes, which in time make little Iſlands, rendring the landing difficult; and from thence the Hebrewes call that Sea Souf, which ſignifies a reed.

Debir. Caravanes come to a town called Albir or Debir, and there load their wares they carry unto Babylon; as we found ſeveral travelling thither; I intreated one of them to furniſh me with as many Maps of the chiefeſt cities he could conveniently; for I was very deſirous of them, and amongſt the reſt he procured me the Mappe of Babylon, or Bagdet, printed upon a Cotton, which Mappe is made in a kinde of ceremony, when the Sequemir receives his Crown and bleſſing from the Califf of Bagdet, as the moſt ancient of Meka, and to inſtruct him in his way; they delineate Samacara, from whence he ſets forth for Babylon, he goes through Byr, then in twelve dayes reaches Falouchia, in a flat [Page] boat, from thence to Babylon, in one day more.

As we were making ſale of our commodities with intention to viſit the Eaſt India's, amongſt other things we got ſome pieces of Velvet, which we had in exchange for our wares: I ſhall by the way adviſe thoſe who intend to make the voyage of Arabia, Trade in Arabia. to ſtore themſelves with great horſe bits; for that is a commodity goes off there at a good rate, you may make your own price, not exceeding ten Duccats a piece.

Thus we travelled through Sanna, paſſing through many fine towns, as Adimar, one of the faireſt of all Arabia, with intention to paſſe over into the Iſle of Cameran, where were three Portugais veſſels bound for Calicut; but we had ſo ill a paſſage,Cameran Iſle. that we altered our reſolutions, and ſailed the coaſt of Aviſa, then to Mount Bacour, where we ſold our Camels, upon condition they ſhould carry our goods in to Aden, within two leagues of that place.

The Red Sea from Suez to the Cape Cardafu, is in the eighteenth degree, in length four hundred leagues, and in breadth fifty;Red ſea. is navigable, but not without great danger, eſpecially by night; becauſe 'tis full of ſhelvy rocks, reeds, and Iſles; and by day (beſides the common Pilot) they have a man placed upon the Maſt to diſcover, and direct the ſhip: from Cameran, 'tis not ſo dangerous; but we were forced to make this voyage by land, to eſcape the dangers at Sea: the water to my thinking, was of the colour of other Sea-water, both in her Superficies and bottom; the name of red onely excepted, which was given her by alluſion to the name of King Erithreus, who named it ſo;King Erithreus. or becauſe of the ſands, which in ſome places are of a reddiſh colour: The Moors call it Babar Corzum, which ſignifies an incloſed ſea, the havens upon it are at Babel-Mandel, which is in the twelfth degree, 'tis called by ſome the ſea of Meka; Arabia upon the red ſea ſide, was formerly inhabited by ſeveral people,Sabeans, Homerites. principally the Sabaeans, ſince called the Homerites; they received the Chriſtian Faith in the dayes of the Emperour Conſtantius; and ſome will have it, that rather from thence then Aethiopia, came Queen Saba, and ſince Queen Candaces Eunuch.

At the end of this Sea in the Streights of Babel-Mandel, is the town and Haven of Aden, Aden. called by thoſe of that countrey Adedoun, a town of the greateſt fame in all the Eaſt, and one of the ſtrongeſt of Arabia, and of greateſt importance▪ by reaſon of the trade and concourſe of all the Nations of the Indies, Perſia, Tartary, Arabia, Aethiopia, and the Levant: ſhe was formerly ſubject to Sequemir, ſince conquered by the Portugais, and now in the poſſeſſion of the Turk; on the land ſide ſtands that famous Mountaine Albacoure, or Dartzira;Abacoure or Bacoure. which muſt be travell'd over to reach hither; the paſſage is ſtreight, and difficult, defended by two ſtrong Caſtles on each ſide of the way one; from the top of the hill you diſcover [Page] Aden, ſtanding in a large plain; her Haven is great and good, butting upon the Cape Gardafu; the Town is grown famous ſince the Portugais ſet footing in the Eaſt Indies. for the Merchants leaving the red ſea, for feare of the Portugais reſt here in their journy to the Indies, whereas before they went throughout, without landing here.

Here are unladen, from the Indies and other places, the Spices,The trade of Aden. Aloes, Braſil, Pearles, and pretious ſtones, Myrobolan, Safron, Wax, Steel, Sugars, Rice, Purcelaines, Linnens, Quick-ſilver, Vermillions, Cottons, Silks, Scarlets, Chamlets, Muſk, Amber, Beniamin, Storax, Azure, and other Commodities vented in ſeveral places.

Spices, and the trade from time to time.Here time out of mind, were the Spices landed, and from hence by the red ſea, and the Nile, tranſported into Alexandria: formerly (they ſay) that the Soudan Governour of this place, was ſo puiſſant, as to ſend an Army of thirty thouſand horſe, and forty thouſand Cammels to aſſiſt the Soudan of Egypt againſt the Chriſtians; and waged ordinary warre, beſides againſt the Abyſſins: Aden how fortified. Aden is well walled, and fortified with ſeveral Caſtles on the Eaſt ſide; on the North ſtands Bacoure, which divides her from the Happy Arabia, and on all other ſides ſhe is incompaſt with the ſea; Weſtward the ſea, enters the land ſo far through a gulf, that you would think the Mountaigne were an Iſland; the Haven is Eaſtward, and large, ſcituate under the foot of the Hill; coming from Arabia, you would take the towne to ſtand upon the top of the hill, whereas it ſtands in a plain almoſt ſurrounded with the Sea, guarded by a ſtrong Block-houſe in a little Iſle adjacent, that defends the Towne and the mouth of the Haven, as by the ſide of the Hill there are ſeverall Forts, that command thoſe paſſages; The oppoſite to Aden of this ſide of the Iſle, and ſtreight of Babel-Mandel is in Aethiopia, ſubject (moſt of it) to the grand Neguz, with a creek of Sea, and a fair Haven, and the Cape called Foubical, or Guardufu, anciently the Promontory called Aromata: from one ſide to the other, the ſtreight is forty thouſand paces over, and in the midſt ſtands this little Iſland, in length ſome two leagues; the mouth is very dangerous to enter at low water, by reaſon of Shelves, Rocks, and Reeds, and a number of Iſles, of different bigneſſe, ſome of them inhabited, ſome not; wee travelled moſt of them, and the chiefeſt I ſaw was Cameran, Cameran. near the coaſt of Arabia, in the fifteenth degree of Elevation, fifteene miles round, or thereabouts; ſhe hath plenty of freſh water, and her Haven is of the continent ſide but two leagues off, or thereabouts; the Town is ſmall, but increaſes dayly, ſubject to the Sequemir, and inhabited by Moores.

[Page]On the other ſide, in Aethiopia, is Dalaſcia, or Dalaca, Dalaſcia. a faire Town, inhabited by an Idolatrous King, tributary to the King of the Abyſsins, ſince the conqueſt that Alexander the Preſte John made of it, which hath ever ſince obeyed his Lawes, together with Rocca, or Eroca, where there is a faire Haven, inhabited by Chriſtians, Abyſſins; very good people, they weep for joy, to ſee any Chriſtians of theſe parts, they call them Romatas, or Roume, make very much of them, and diſtribute what they have amongſt them, according to the charitable practiſe of the Primitive Church: They have a little higher, another faire Iſle, called Meſua, or Mezuan, peopled with Chriſtians, where there is a good Haven,Mezua. that ſaves many good ſhips from ſhipwrack, ſayling in this dangerous ſea: a little above Meſua is another Iſle called Ibrani on Aethiopia ſide, where there is a good Haven, and moſt of the Inhabitants fiſhermen:Ibrani. Camera. beyond that is the Iſle of Camera, ſubject to the Preſte John, ſhe hath two Havens, one ſouthward, the other eaſtward, hath good water, and a good well, two hundered paces from the Sea, in an orchard, called Magodu, or Magot, conteyning twenty or thirty houſes, and every houſe a boate, ready to take the water to fiſh, which is their onely livelihood.

CHAP. IX. Of Dalaſcia Town, belonging to the Grand Neguz, of the Iſle of Socotora, with a deſcription of a prodigious tempeſt.

THe Caravans that come from the Abyſſins Countrey,Suachan. are imbarked at Dalaſcia, or Dalaca, or at the Iſle of Suachen belonging to the Grand Neguz, and bound from thence for the Holy Land; moſt of theſe places are inhabited by Chriſtians.

Suachen is an Iſland in the eighteenth degree of latitude, drawing from eaſt to ſouth; within a bow ſhoote off the Continent. Dalaſcia belongs to the Neguz, governed by a Mahometan, tributary to him, and allowes liberty of conſcience. They have fair Churches, their Prieſts marrying as the Grecians do, who are ſubordinate to the Abuma, or Patriark of Ethiopia.

[Page]The air is exceeding benign, and productive of all excellent fruits, as oranges, citrons, melons, figs, raiſins, there are good ſtore of cattle,Camelots. eſpecially thoſe great goats, of whoſe hair Camelots fine as any ſilk are made, which hair is very long, white, ſoft, and delicate, whereof they make ſtuffs ſo fine they look like white linnen, which they traffick in, and ſell at dear rates. They have here likewiſe the fineſt and beſt Lacca of the world, produced from minute inſects like Bees, which feed on a red gum that iſſues out of a tree like a cherry tree, which the more purgative it is, the finer and more delicate they render the Lacca. Lacca. There are ſome who practice no other trade than to take it immediately upon the production, and laying it upon little Tables cleanſe it, then put it up in ſmall pots of various colours, not above half an ounce in a pot, which by reaſon of the excellency they ſell dear, and call it Laca d' Alaca, whereof the moſt excellent colours are made for Limners. Of this is likewiſe made Spaniſh hard wax.Spaniſh wax. The Iſland abounds in cattle, paſturage, fiſh of all ſorts, pure ſpring waters, which make their gardens flouriſh. They have alſo of the beſt ginger, notwithſtanding not much eſteemed,Ginger. by reaſon that for the too much moyſture 'twill not laſt long. Here is likewiſe great ſtore of the wood called Santall, red,Santall. white, and citron colour, ſtore of Ebony, and the moſt exquiſite Roſe wood, alſo another ſort of wood called Sorba, much like Braſill, but makes a very deep dye: alſo an herb called Lagarozo, that in perfect ripeneſſe makes a moſt excellent crimſon, and being put in cotton cloth, the more 'tis waſhed the more lively it becomes.

The Inhabitants of this Iſland are great Libertines, partly Moors, partly Chriſtians, each living according to his cuſtome, without either confuſion or diſorder. The Mahometan Prince is gracious, obliges much his Subjects, wears the Turkiſh faſhions, with many rich jewels, and is honourably attended.

Dalaſcia Aſſes.Thoſe of the Continent ſpeak of this Town by way of proverb, Sarbayt Dalca, which ſignifies, Dalaſcian Aſſes, becauſe of thoſe beaſts they have the beſt in the world, which do them marvellous good ſervice, and are better to travel the deſerts than any other beaſts they have: In Perſia I have known them ſold at a hundred duckets a piece, and more, becauſe they are good travellers, and of little expenſe, they will go thirty miles a day without any wearineſſe.

Caymans or Crocodile.The King's Father that ruled this Countrey in the time of my travels there, had a fiſh of a marvellous bigneſſe, which he called Caymans, (Caymans is a kind of Lezard, or Crocodile, in the Indies) he kept this fiſh in a Pond near the Sea ſide, and delighted much to feed him with his own hand, the fiſh being very manſuete, he bred it of a young one, but 'twas grown ſo large 'twould come out of the water alone, three hundred paces on land.

[Page]As we were ſailing in the Arabick Sea,A ſtrange diſpute and a tempeſt enſuing. in company of many Merchants of ſeveral Nations, and Religions, there aroſe a diſpute touching the diverſity of Religions, one holding (as our Deiſts and Atheiſts this day do) that all Religions were indifferent and ſufficient, and that all perſons acknowledging a God ſhould infallibly be ſaved: miſ-calling the Chriſtians, and blaming them, for having good opinions of themſelves, and bad of others, to whom a Chriſtian diſcreetly and learnedly replyed, ſhewing the purity of our religion, and that a Chriſtian dying in mortal ſin would be damned as well as Turk or Infidel; at this the Maſters mate offered preſumptuouſly to perſwade us that we were all abuſed, and that Duma governed the Univerſe,Duma the Peguans falſe. god. Lucifer. another acknowledged no other divinity but nature, to this our Abyſſin preſently replyed that Duma had been a ſervant to the great and onely God, but thorough pride, from an angel of light was caſt into the depth of hell, where he remains a fiend, and hath no power but by Gods permiſſion: after many other diſcourſes as we were ſailing towards Guardufu the weather grew very cloudy, and we perceived far enough from us a thing like unto a thick black ſmoak dropt into the Sea:Strange tempeſt. one of our company, a Grecian of the Iſle of Chio, drew his ſword, and having ſaid a Prayer or two, and made the ſign of the croſſe, left not hacking and hewing upon the hatches, until he had cut out three or four pieces, which action ſet the company a laughing, yet we perceived it to diſſipate, and remove that ſmoak from the ſhip: the horrible thunder and lightning which preſently followed, ſtrook us all with terrour; for my part I prayed heartily, and the tempeſt ſo hugely encreaſed, that nothing but lamentations and groans were heard among us; bidding adieu to this world: ſome were maimed; for this Monſter or whirling ſmoak, run in the ſhape of a baloon from rope to rope, and up the maſts of the ſhip, exceeding ſwiftly, ſurrounded with a ſparkling fire, making a moſt hideous noyſe that aſtoniſht us all, and tore and mangled the ſailes into a thouſand pieces: ſome Indian Gentlemen defended themſelves from this terrible thing, with their cimeters, running up and down, and bearing one another down; many were killed and hurt, ſome hid themſelves under hatches; others like madmen threw themſelves into the water: our poor Chriſtian received a great blow upon the head, and all in a gore of blood, and upon his knees read St. Johns Goſpel, and immediately the Spirit vaniſhed, having haunted us an hour and a half: we were all ready to yield up the Ghoſt, my companion was ſo bruiſed, that he wore his arm in a ſcarf for two months after, with a bruiſe black as pitch, we all teſtified our aſtoniſhment by our ſilence, gazing upon one another, ſtruck with amazement to ſee ſo many dead corps lye of all ſides of us: at length by Gods permiſſion we landed, for which mercy we yielded our humble thanks; we could not find the man that [Page] held there was neither God nor Devil, our Maſters mate was ſtrucken lame of a leg and thigh, which remained black many dayes after, yet without ſenſe of the leaſt pain: amongſt the reſt a young man of our company told me, he was in great fear during the tempeſt, becauſe of his guilty conſcience: that venting his commodities in a certain Town we had made ſome ſhort ſtay in, a Mooriſh dame under pretence of buying muſk, and pretending ſhe would ſhew it her huſband, left a pearl of extraordinary bigneſſe with him in pawn, ſhe immediately returned aſking the price of the whole parcell; which was five duckets at the loweſt, ſhe took him at his word, and bade him follow her home for his money, which he did, and there ſhe detained, and treated him for three dayes together:Amorous dames. Thus thoſe Country Ladies ſeek their ſervants, and eſpecially ſtrangers, of whom they are very amorous.

Socotora.Near the Cape Guardufu is the Iſle Socotora, famous for amber-greece, and gum called Dragons blood, and for the plant that produces aloes, which is there the beſt of the world.

This Iſland was diſcovered by Fernand Bereyta, a Portugueſe, and Ariſtotle ſayes that Alexander conquered this Iſle, in his return from the India's, and peopled it with Grecians, purpoſely to plant aloes.

Before Portugall had here any Intereſt, the Indians trade both of ſpices and other precious commodities, came from Malaca by Ormus, and Aden, and from thence by Caravanes to the Leuante, ſome by the Perſick Sea, Balſera, and the mouth of Euphrates, thence through Armenia into Trebiſonde, by the Majorka ſea into Tartaria, or by Damas, Barut, or Aleppo, where the Venetians, the Genovais, and the Catalonians fetched them, others by the red Sea, the Grand Caire, and Alexandria, as we have already ſaid, others by the rivers Indus and Oxus, from thence thorough Caſpia into our Weſtern regions, but they have taken another road round Africa, which is kept to this very day.

CHAP. X. Of the Iſland and Kingdom of Ormus, of the King, and his Government, of the trade there, and of his ſeverall Conqueſts.

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HAving ſayled thorough the Arabick Gulfe, and thoſe Coaſts, we returned to Aden, where we ſpent ſome dayes, trading and exchanging our commodies, then we embarked our ſelves for Ormus, Ormus. to pay cuſtome for ſome Perſian horſes we had ſhipt with us, becauſe they pay no tax thorough the cheifeſt part of the Indies, taking a Cartaco, or paſſe, which the ſeverall Governors upon demand, are bound to give. Thus ſayling from Aden, by the Coaſt of Arabia, and the Cape Taratque, Roſolgate and Moncadon, or Moalandaon, unto the mouth of the Perſick Gulfe, or the Streight of Bazora, at length we arrived at Ormus, The name of a Town, an Iſland, and Kingdome, winding to and fro into the Continent of Perſia and Arabia: In Ormus we lodged with a Portuguais, who took ſtate upon him, his man ſtill carrying after him a guilt ſword, and a dagger, with a ſilver cup to drink in, ſcorning to touch anothers, yet nevertheleſs he kept an Inn common to all paſſengers. The Town of Ormus is ſcituate in an Iſle, in the 26 or 27th. degree, 9 miles diſtant from Perſia, thirty from Arabia, the Iſle is between 35 and 40 miles compaſs, wholly barren; the Town is faire, and hath a ſtrong Fort, begirt with high walls, and eight turrets, in the forme of Caſtles, one halfe of the Town is incompaſt with the ſea, and hath foure large ciſterns, or conduits of freſh water, brought in pipes from the Continent. The Inhabitants are ſome Chriſtians, ſome Mahometans, and others Idolaters: There Reigned a Potent King here for 300 yeares, ſince this ſtate was eſtabliſhed. 'Twas in the Raigne of Ceyfadin, Ceyfadin. Albuquerque. that Alphonſus Albuquerque, reduced both the King and Country to the obedience of the King of Portugall, and ever ſince the Kings of Ormus, were tributary to that King, who yet meddles not with his Lawes and Rights: the native King hath vaſt Revenues, both in the Iſland, and in the Continent of Perſia and Arabia. He is onely ſworne to keepe league and fidelity with Portugall, and the Vice-Roy acknowledges him, honours him,King of Ormus. and viſits him frequently in his Palace: The Iſle onely at this day payes tribute to the Portugais. The King lives moſt ſplendidly and magnificently amongſt his Subjects.

The confines of his State towards the north, are the Kingdom of Dori, toward Perſia, and reaches unto the Cape of Roſolgate, at [Page] the very Gulph, from thence unto the Cape Moncadon, containing the Iſles called Gedri, Gedri. from a great river, that runs into another named Dale, that ſeparates Perſia from Carmania, or Chirmania. In the Gulph, is Baharen, Baharen. an Iſle famous for the fiſhing of the rareſt and moſt pretious Oriental pearls, where the Portugais have a Factor: the Inhabitants of Ormus are very voluptuous, walking the ſtreets, they have carryed after them a Cuppe or Box full of Araca, a dainty, very delicious, and much uſed amongſt the Indians. Areca.

They have little Cabans in the Sea covered with boughs and leaves, where they refreſh, and ſhelter themſelves againſt the wind, Abrazador, Abrazador. ſo named by the Portugais, which blowes in the afternoon. This wind is ſo ſubtle, and ſtirres up ſo ſmall a duſt, that it choaks people; and if a ſtranger be ignorant of the cuſtom of the countrey, he is in very great danger; the people are courteous, and ready to advertize ſtrangers. Their greateſt inconvenience is the ſcarcity of freſh water, which they fetch nine or ten mile out of the firm land: They have two or three wells nearer at hand, five or ſix miles from the town, in a place called Terrabaguen. The Iſle hath two good Havens, one in the Eaſt, the other in the Weſt, the others are not ſecure. There is near the Town a ſulpher Myne, and a little ſalt-hill, of the like goodneſſe to that of Cardonne in Catalonia, from which they draw great profit; it is uſed in many places, and the Prince receives a Gabel out of it; in the town of Ormus there is a Mart of all commodities, from the Indies, Perſia, Arabia, and Aethiopia, in which places the Indians trade, as well as Perſians, Levantins, Turkes, Abyſſins, Venetians, Portugais, and others; the Caravane or Caſile, arrives here twice a year by land from Aleppo, Alep. the firſt in April, the ſecond in September.

Trade from O [...] mus.From Aleppo they travell through Babylon to Balſora, guarded by the Janiſſaries, from thence to Ormus. They travel ſeven or eight thouſand in a company, at Aleppo there are Engliſh, French, and Venetian Conſuls.

From hence they trade in ſpices, perfumes, pearles, precious ſtones, Carpets, Silks, Chamlets, horſes, conſerves, and ſeveral ſorts of ſweet meats.

King of Ormus.We came hither opportunely, to ſee the Creation or Election of their new King, which is performed with many ceremonies, to which the Viceroy of Portugal contributes great ſummes, for the Honour and State of his Maſter. A Prince of the Royal Mahometan Blood is elected and ſworne to maintain his kingdom, under the King of Portugals obedience; and although all his Lands and Lordſhips are ſcituate in the Continent of Perſia and Arabia, where no Chriſtian can reach them, yet nevertheleſſe the King is ſworne to this Fealty and obedience by the Viceroy, that delivers him his Scepter in the Fort, and accompanies him with a great [Page] train, and magnificence into his Royal Palace, where having made his ſubmiſſion and obeyſance, takes his leave, and returns unto his Citadell. This King amongſt other things, is ſworne never to hold a great Aſſembly, without giving notice to the Viceroy, and thus they live peacefully, and keep a good correſpondence;Ormus regained by the Perſian. ſome yeares ſince the King of Perſia, by the help of the Engliſh and Hollander, hath regained Ormus, and reduced it to his obedience as formerly.

CHAP. XI. Of Perſia, her confines, and provinces: Of Babylon, and the Lake of Pitch.

LEaving Ormus we reſolved to travel through all Perſia, Perſia, and her bounds. before we begun our Eaſt-Indian voyage, as we firſt had deſigned. 'Twas occaſioned by a Merchant I have already ſpoken of: having travelled to and fro, through very many towns and countries of Perſia; I could not ſo exactly remark the dayes journies, nor the diſtances, order, or proceed of the voyage, by reaſon of my youth; I will content my ſelf to diſcover a view of the country, as faithfully, and exactly as my memory will ſerve. And firſt I will affirm, that Perſia, called Azemia, Azimir, and Farſi, is a vaſt Empire extending from the confines of Turky towards Armenia betwixt the River Tigris, and the Perſick or Elcatiff Sea. The Caſpien, or the Bachu, the Indian, Cymits of Perſia. and the river Cheſel anciently Jaxartes. Weſtward 'tis bounded by the Turkiſh Empire, Eaſtward it lyes upon the kingdome of Samarcant, the Empire of the Grand Mogul, and Cambaye, Northward upon the Caſpian Sea, Southward upon the great Indian Sea, towards the deſert Carmania, and Guzarate. This Empire containes many great Provinces, or rather kingdomes; and a great number of fair, and flouriſhing Towns and Cities, having ever continued famous ſince the firſt ſettlement under the Grand Cyrus two thouſand two hundred years ſince, untill it was poſſeſſed by the Grecians and Parthians; and ſince ſhe returned unto the natural Perſians, about the year of Grace two hundred, they kept it many ages, untill about foure hundred years ſince, the Saraſins and Mahometans obtained it, and have kept it ever ſince, by many changes, and diverſe races of Kings, and Lords, Arabians Saraſins, Parthians, Turks, and natural Perſians, and by the laſt ſettlement of the Sophyes not many yeares ſince.

The chiefeſt Provinces are Sequel pech, formerly Suſiania, The Provinces of Perſia. Chirmania, or Carmania, Struan, or Media, Corozan, Zagathay, or Hircania, [Page] and the Bactriane, Jex, or Parthia, Guzerat, or Gedroſia. then Arac, Podel, Iſelbas, Sigeſtan, Sableſtan, Chabul, Candahar, and others.

RiversThe chiefeſt rivers are the Euphrates or Aforat, the Tigris, Araxes, or Araſſe, Oxus, and others.

Euphrates hath upon her banks many fair towns, as Babylon, where inhabit a great number of Chriſtians, as likewiſe at Mazeſtan, Aſtmoſia, Artaſara, Tuniſſe perbent, and elſewhere, who freely exerciſe their religion being tributary to the Prince. Northward are the famous town of Giett, ſix days journy from Solſtania, Saban, Comer, Cozan, Egex, Jelli, Sengan, Maluchia, Scio, Meſen, Ere.

Towns of Perſia.Then towards the Perſick gulph ſtands Guerdi upon the river Bindinimar, or Bindamach, and going up the river, you diſcover Marous, Viegan, Maain, Sana; in Media, are Tauris, Rip, Sidan, Eſtrana, Barbariben; Bacchat, Madranelli, Samachi, and others; then the Royal townes of Soltania, Eſpahan, Casbin, Siras, without reckoning many other towns upon the river Benmir, Benmir. called by the Ruſſes Bragadet, where they trade much in cloth of gold, ſilver, and ſilk. Thither they repair from all parts of the world for that trade, as from the Indies, Aethiopia, Arabia, Aegypt, Turkie, Tartary, and other countries which yields a great profit to the Sophy of Perſia.

Babylon.We ran through moſt of theſe towns, making but ſhort ſtayes, but better profit of our ſmall commodities. Babylon, or Bagdet, ſo famous, and formerly the eye and marvail of all the Eaſtern towns, ſcituate upon the great Euphrates, Erat, and Aforat, which was fifty miles about; there is nothing remaining at this day of that ancient town but the ruines, ſince a total deſtruction given her by the Sarazens about 900. years ſince, and inſtead of her, upon the other ſide of the Euphrates, ſome four leagues diſtant, upon the current of the Tigris and Euphrates, is built the town of Bagded, Bagded. or at this day the new Babylon, whither the remains of the ancient were tranſported into a town formerly named Seleucia by the Califf Almanzor, or Elmantzur; It lyes Northward upon Armenia, Weſtward upon the deſert Arabia, upon the happy Southward, and Eaſtward upon Perſia, the Tigris waſhes her walls; upon the other ſide is a pleaſant village, with a bridge of boats riſing and falling, with the flow, and ebbe; in this Burrough is the Fair kept, and here inhabit moſt of the Merchants, who trade freely; The town is large, and full of Merchants, well rounded both with walls, & gardens and Arable land. There was a ſtrong Caſtle well provided with Artillery; where a Baſſa then Lieutenant General for the Turk lived, but ſince the Perſian regained it of the Turk, having ever been ſubject to the Perſian, untill it was reduced by Soliman the magnicent, who cauſed himſelf to be crown'd King by the Califf, (living there at this preſent day) but without any power, retaining the name onely, and ſome rights to receive, and crown the Emperours [Page] of Aſſyria; There goes from this town monethly, Caravane [...], to all parts of the world: In lieu of floats, they tranſport their commodities down the river upon goat ſkins blown, then they load the ſkins upon Camels, for ſervice again at need: They ſay that the tower of Babel ſo much ſpoken of, ſtood in a plain, ſome two leagues off that ſhe was three thouſand paces about, and that her foundation is onely at this day ſeen upon a hill covered with her ruines: a Merchant that had ſeen the place related unto me, that the Tower was built with a clay or earth, ſo ſtrongly cimented, that endeavouring to take up a piece, he could not; and that there was a bed or courſe of that earth firſt laid, then another of reeds platted like a matte, not at all decayed, but ſtrong, beyond imagination. He told me he had paſſed over the lake of pitch, proceeding from a great precipice,Pitch or Bitume. which they trade withall into diverſe places; and that the great town of Nineve, and the walls of Babylon were built with this Bitumen, they burn of it in Holland inſtead of Turf, for it caſts a great light: this lake or river of pitch is between Babylon, and another town called Nane; whence ſprings this pitch diſtilling out of a rock in ſeveral clefts, and ſo plentifully, eſpecially at the full of the Moon, that it is both ſtrange and terrible; from thence thoſe ſprings diſgorge themſelves into this lake of their own compoſing, Marriners thereabouts make uſe of it to calk their ſhips. The inhabitants believe it to be Hels mouth. 'Tis the Bitumen, or ſoft ſulphurous mould ſo much ſpoken of by the ancients: which they made uſe of, and do to this very day, inſtead of chalk. I remember I have ſeen the like in Albema, a Region in the Indies, which the Inhabitants and neighbours thereunto burn in Torches, which yields ſo black, thick, and ill-ſented a ſmoak, that the very birds flying over, are giddyed therewith, and fall down dead. In Cuba, an Iſle in the Weſt-Indies, is ſuch pitch, towards the Cape Magdalen, in the country of Aute, and Province of Apalihen, which Bituminous liquor flows upon the water with ſuch a ſtink, that often ſhips loſt in their road, by means of the ſent, retrive their way.

Euphrates and Tigris incorporate near Babylon, and both run into the Perſick ſea near Balſora, Balſora. a town of great trade, fifteen miles diſtant from the main ſea.

The Town of Bagded or Babylon, is divided into four quarters,Bagded. Precincts, or Wards, and in time of war or troubles the four States or Councels, withdraw themſelves into their reſpective limits; and call their Councels, and he that hath beſt adviſed, makes it out to the Councel, that his advice is moſt neceſſary and uſeful, injoyes royal liberty of freedom, without paying taxe, aſſeſſement, or impoſition, what lands ſoever he be poſſeſſed of. He is much eſteemed and reſpected by the Prince, being ever after freely admitted unto the general Councel, which is held annually for the kingdomes good and welfare. This is alſo an obſervation [Page] as in many townes in Perſia, which inclines the people very much to the ſtudy of Aſtronomy, divination, and all ſorts or kinds of Philoſophy that may make them wiſe, and prudent, and underſtanding; they are much given to vertues, chaſtity only excepted; being a large and laſcivious people, the women in theſe countries are the faireſt, and the ſweeteſt in the whole world, which verifies the Proverb, a Perſian woman, and horſe.

CHAP. XII. Of the Town of Tauris, Sumachia, Bachat, Casbin, and ſome of the chiefeſt places of Perſia,

FRom Babylon we paſſed through all the other towns of Perſia, the chiefeſt whereof I will only mention,Tauris or Tabris, formerly Terva, or Gerva. as Tauris in Media, a great town, and full of Merchants; ſome take her for the ancient Ecbatanes, a Royal town belonging to the primitive Kings of Media; it hath been ſeveral times taken, and retaken by the Turks and Perſians; untill 'twas ſtrongly maintained by the Perſian, ſince the laſt battailes given by the Perſian to the Turk, ſhe was loſt when the King of Perſia aſſiſted Prince Zagathay;Zagathy. which occaſioned the revolt of a good part of his country contrived by his eldeſt ſon. This King to recover his country,Xabas, or Abas and Mirza. and to enſnare his ſon, deviſed a ſtratagem, which was to report himſelf dead, and cauſed his obſequies publickly to be celebrated; concealing himſelf in the place his treaſure was kept in, hither his abuſed Son ſtreight repaired, was ſeized on, and ended his dayes in priſon; after this, the King with a great Army went to regain what he had loſt of his dominions, as Sequetpee, Aremnia, the towns of Siras, and divers others upon the Euphrates, Tigris, and Araxes. The town of Tauris hath been ſeveral times burnt and plundered, in the ſeveral conqueſts ſhe yielded unto: ſhe may be very near as great as London: The Prince receives yearly great revenues, by trade, as well as from the Inhabitants, for they are all tributary, as alſo all artificers are acccording to their faculties and callings: The Merchants that only paſſe through the town without making any ſtay, pay for their commodities at the rate of five per centum for toll or cuſtome, or the rights of paſſage; and if they are minded to ſtay in town, they pay ten per centum: but notwithſtanding the height of the cuſtome, thither reſort very many Merchants, with all ſorts of wares, from all places, as it were in ſpight; they come from the Indies, Africa, Trade of Tauris. Aethiopia, Baldec, Moſul, Cremeſol, Cambalec, Meluſia, Vaouta, Decherin, Saltamach, Chelmodate, Coteſtan, and from other parts of the world, which brings an ineſtimable treaſure to the Sophy. Beſides, [Page] the many other towns that pay the like gabels and cuſtoms, as Giac, Soltania, Jaban, Comer, Caſera, Erget, all very rich Towns:Principall Towns of Perſia. Then towards Cuſiſtan, the great City of Guerd upon the River Bindamar, Virgan, Marout, Aſana, with Nain, all iunumerably peopled, Sidan, Reib, Eſtrana, Barbarihen, Samachir, and in other parts Maluchia, Sengan, Sio, Meſon, Ere, and many more, the Country being five hundred leagues over from Babylon, to Corozan, and from the Perſick to the Caſpian Sea, all inhabited by people civilized, yet moſt of them Mahometans of the Sect of Hali.

A little above Tauris drawing towards the North,Derbent. and the bounds of Media ſtands Arbena, or Derbent, which they ſay was built and ſo named by Alexander the Great, formerly called the Port of Caucaſe, or Iberia, becauſe it is a ſtrait of land, or narrow paſſage, between the Caſpian Sea and the hills, which hindred the Scythians entry upon Media, ſince ſhe is called Temircapi, or Iron gate, and Derbent, which ſignifies a Strait and there be many Iron gates, with a ſtrong garriſon, to ſtop the Northern peoples paſſage, as the Circaſſians, Albanians, Tartars, and others.

Beneath Derbent ſtands Sumachia, Sumachia. Bacchat. a rich Town and full of gentry; then Bachat, or Bacha, another Town of great commerce upon the Caſpian Sea, and a moſt famous one being the nurſery of the faireſt women of all Perſia, and the Perſian dames do far excell in beauty, ſweetneſſe, graces, and are more taking than any Ladies in that part of the world; and they have a proverb in Perſia, that he that hath a mind to ſee a fair and handſom woman muſt go to Bachat.

They are viſited from all parts, for they are of amiable complexions, and there is a certain place in the Town called Gezempee, Gezempee. whither moſt of the Curtizans do retire, and are frequently viſited by ſtrangers. The Jewes that inhabit this Town, do carefully take up all the poor girles that have in any meaſure received natures favour, they cloath them richly, and lodge them in a large ſtreet near to that quarter called Machif:Machif. which ſignifies a ſtews, and make a great benefit of them, they are all ſumptuouſly lodged, apparelled like Princeſſes: and although they are poor yet they find friends that provide for them, you ſpy them at the windows as at Rome, their keeping open houſes gives a free acceſs unto all perſons to trade with them, yet for the moſt part they are married to rogues, or mean conditioned people, as Porters, Car-men, Butchers, or Hangmen, who often interrupt your entertainments or converſation with their rudeneſſe; ſhewing themſelves to be maſters:Marſeilian Curtizan. there I ſaw a Marſeillian dame named Louyſa Campane, brought hither by her huſband to keep a houſe, ſhe became ſo haughty and proud of her gallantry, that a certain Merchant deſirous to buy her favour at ten crowns price, ſhe threw it him out at the window very ſcornfully, and yet was not of the ableſt to live amongſt them; nevertheleſſe ſhe maintained [Page] her huſband in ſilks and ſatins, who was but a poor Seaman ugly and ill behaved, but it is rare if this ſort of women become not moſt miſerable at laſt, by reaſon of their vaſte and continuall expenſes, they will thorough vanity give a crown or two at a time, to a beggar in the ſtreet: This Marſeillian had lived five or ſix years, in a great heighth in Tauris, where by her trade ſhe had got above a thouſand crowns, which through her pride and vanity ſhe wholly conſumed, being baniſht the Town for braving and giving a box on the ear to a Lord that kept her for a time ſince ſhe retired to Bachat.

Bezap or Bezouart.There are many more fair Towns in Perſia, as Spahan, Casbin, Siras, Royall Towns; at Spahan is kept one of the Sophy's Courts, well peopled and rich, there are made many ſilke ſtuffs, and is plenty of a certain ſtone called Beſouart, (which they ſay) goats breed in their ſtomacks: The Turky-ſtone mine is not far from thence, 'tis a very amorous Town, both men and women thinking of nothing but their pleaſures, and coolneſs during the heats: fruit is there very plentiful, & moſt excellent of all ſorts.

casbin and Siras. Casbin is another big and Royal Town, well inhabited; then there is Siras the moſt delicious, and moſt pleaſing of all Perſia, which affords you fair gardens, fountains, and other refreſhments during the great heats, there are many ſtately and good horſes, ſome imagine this Town to be built upon the ruines of old Perſepolis, the City-royal of the ancient Perſian Monarchs, ſcituate near the Araxes, now called Bradamir, and not far from thence are to this day ſeen the admirable ruines of that famous pallace of the Perſian Kings, which Alexander cauſed to be burnt to pleaſe his Thais, Thais Alexanders Cu [...]tizan. of Siras more hereafter.

Going on our Journey we went from place to place without keeping a ſtreight rode, to put off our commodities at a better rate, drawing right upon the Cuſiſtan; of that ſide we found all the keyes or paſſages of Perſia, bad and difficult, for which reaſon the Turk effected not his deſign in thoſe parts, we found it a ſtrange Countrey, and all that part of Perſia but a vaſte ſolitude unpeopled, and very dangerous travelling: The Mountains were inhabited by harbarous or inſolent perſons, then we met with great fens or bogs very deep, and forreſts impenetrable, which renders the paſſages ſo uncertain and arduous, that the merchants have much ado to find them, although they are well guided, and have often travelled them; when you have met with the guide that undertakes to conduct from one kingdom to another, he muſt give account to the Belierbeit, or Governour, what perſons he carries out of his dominions, for you may not return into the ſame country, without producing good licenſe and diſcharge, with a certificate or note of the places you have travelled; which is a laudable order of the Princes, for having ſuch a care both of ſtrangers and of his own Subjects, that he wills and [Page] endeavours their free and ſecure trading in all his Territories. We went towards Vacharin to enter upon Tartary, and raught unto the Province of Samarcant, Samarcant. where is a Town bears the ſame name, famous, for having been the ſeat of Tamberland the Great, ſo much mentioned in our Hiſtories theſe two or three hundered yeares.

We being ſenſible of the hardſhip and inconveniencies in travelling further this way, beſides the beſt experienced Merchants diſſwaded us from it; for we diſcovered that that Countrey coyne was not of any value, being neither gold nor ſilver, but of ſome other baſe metall, and ſome of the barke of trees, as Marke Pole remarkes of Tartarye, Li. 2. Cap. 18. we turned back again into Perſia, from thence by great dayes journey to the happy Arabia and Ormus; we now had aſſociated our ſelves to a jolly company of Merchants, and my companion privately acquainted me he had reſolved to ſee the eaſt Indies, and that if I were unwilling to take ſo long a journey, he would recommend me to ſome French Merchant at Ormus, that ſhould ſafely reconduct me into Europe. I willingly reſolved to go along with him, or whither elſe he would, but not to leave him: this reſolution taken, we came back thorough many Towns of Perſia, as Soriſmell, Soriſmell Sinderate. twelve leagues thence Sinderate, upon the river Adalout, where we were lodged at a Renegades, that gave us good entertainment, his houſe was built halfe upon the water: the Armenian Merchant that deſired to go thorough Pegu to buy rubies, reſolved Caſſis to paſſe thorough Indoſtan, we adviſed together to regain our way, and to eſcape the exciſes, or payments, are paid towards Samarcant, and Corozan; we had much recreation in this voyage.

CHAP. XIII. Of the Kings of Perſia, their Power, pleaſures, of the Sophy, Hali, and of ſome Sects of Religious Pericans, of the antient Mages, and other Officers of the Kingdome.

THe King of Perſia is one of the greateſt, and moſt Powerfull Princes of the World, as well in the extent of Territory,The Powerful ſtate of the Kings of Perſia. treaſure and riches, as in number of men of warr; he can ordinarily ſet forth a hundered thouſand Cavalry, and of infantry foure ſcore thouſand. The ſtate of his Court is moſt ample and Magnificant: his people warlike, with a great number of generous [Page] Nobility; the King is ſerved, and attended by the greateſt Lords of the Land.Delicacies. He is Cheif, or Head of the Religion, or his Church, throughout his whole Empire, and leades a very laſcivious and voluptuous life, keepes many women Royally clad; he uſes the moſt exquiſite perfumes, not in his apparrell and furniture only, but alſo in his meate; he weares Jewells, of an ineſtimable value; and he hath leave to marry as many wives as he pleaſes, as the Grand Seignior hath; He keepes Seleris, Seleris. perſons well qualified, whoſe duties are to travell thorough the whole Empire, to ſee and chuſe the faireſt and rareſt women, having leave to enter all places,Women choſen. nay their very bed-chambers, to view them, in what poſtures they pleaſe, but chiefely to know whether they ſnore, or ſtir much in their ſleepe, or whether they ſleepe quietly, and having made choice of them, as they ought to be qualified, they carry them in a littar to the Princes ſervice, and their parents are much honoured and eſteemed. When the King hath ſeen them, and hath choſen which pleaſe him moſt, he preſents the others to the greateſt Lords and favourites of his Court; which are much happier then thoſe remain with the Prince, for ſo great ſtore he hath of them, that few of them have the Honour to enjoy his Perſon; they are kept, or guarded by Eunuches, as they are in Turky: Thoſe are moſt in his favour the King takes often a hunting with him:Hunting. they are not ſeen of any, although they can ſee others; he goes a hunting, as to the Wars, his men carry ſeverall ſorts of Armes, as bowes and arrowes, cymiters, axes, marching in rank, carefully guarding their Kings Perſon, whom they adore as a God.

Their Military diſcipline is very exact, and they ſuffer much in their exerciſes, they eate nothing untill their chaſe be ended, then they drive heards of ſavage beaſts before the Concubines litters, to recreate, and delight them, killing thoſe the Ladies have moſt minde unto, ſometimes they cauſe of them to be taken alive, and reſtore liberty to the reſt; this Countrey is fuller of great and pleaſant Forreſts,Forreſts. then all the reſt of the eaſt.

Sophy ſignifies wiſe.The Prince is called Sophy, rather for his Religion then for any other reaſon, he maintains the Law of Hali, ſon in Law to Mahomet, and therefore weares a woolen cap, and a red turban flock't with white, from whence he is called Sophy, which ſignifies a red flock't cap, and Caſelbas ſignifies read head, although ſome would have it an Arabick word, and to ſignifie a man purer in Religion then the reſt.

They differ in Religion from the Turks: that follow the feaſt of Hamar, another of Mahomets diſciples, and ſucceſſor, which occaſions mortall hatred, and continuall Warre betwixt them.

Hali.The Perſians Hali was by Mahomet choſen Calife, and hi [...] ſucceſſor after his death: but was ſupplanted by Ebubeker,[Page]Homar, Hamar. and Otman, from whence this Sect was divided. Hali was buried at Cufa, Cufa. not far from Bagded, this place is much eſteemed by the Mahometans, and the Turkiſh Emperours are crowned by the Calife, near unto his tomb called Maſſadali or rather houſe of Ali; The Turks hold the Perſians hereticks, and the Perſians have the ſame opinion of the Turks, the one following their Prophet Hali's interpretation upon the Alcoran, the other following Hamars.

The Perſians ſince the deſtruction of their Kings and Califes, were governed by the Sophy's of the race of Iſmael: Iſmael. Sophy. This Iſmael pretends himſelf deſcended from Hali, by a prophet named Sophy, and ſince they retain the title of Sophy.

In their Sect they have many orders,Sorts of religious orders amongſt the Turks. Sacar. among others one called Sacar, people uſing great auſterities, and abſtinencies, and are exceeding indigent: they carry about the barren places, and the Foreſt veſſels of water, which in charity they diſtribute unto the paſſengers, in the name of Hali, without exacting any thing therefore, onely taking what is freely given them.

There is another order called Jcorma, Icorma. conſiſting of pilgrims, they are cloathed in a long Caſſock, bare-foot, and bare-legged, begirt with rich girdles, hung round with ſilver bells, and are called Jonabam, which means, Religion of love.

There are others called Calenden as among the Turks, thoſe vow chaſtity, and have places appointed for their prayers called Tachie, Calender: or Tachiat, upon their gate theſe words are written, Caeda, Normac, Dilerſin Couſionge Al cachercuir, which ſignifies, who ever enters here, muſt preſerve virginity, and for this purpoſe they are rung with ſilver rings to prevent carnal copulation: Next are the Deruis, Deruis cut-throats. they wear rich rings in their ears, are clothed in ſheep ſkins; and wear hangers, with which they cut and mangle themſelves, when they feel the emotions of the fleſh, having eaten of a certain herb, that renders them frantick and furious; then they cure themſelves with Nicotiane. Some of them dye of thoſe wounds,Nicotiane. which they place in the number of their Saints. Theſe Deruis are rogues and thieves, kill all they meet upon the road, that are not of their religion, thinking they do their Prophet good ſervice; they ask an almes in the name of Hali, ſaying Ferdaxtiay, Malday Chinaila, Some ſay that Amurath was killed by a Tribullian ſoldier, guiſed inhabit of a Deruis. Eli, this order hath not been in ſo great eſteem amongſt the Turks, ſince Amurath was killed by one of them, and that they endevoured to murther Bajazeth the ſecond, and in Perſia the Sophy.

One of them killed a Baſſa at Babylon in the voyd place called Sambacarayma which ſignifies a place of liberty, and was not proſecuted becauſe he was eſteemed the Miniſter of God; one of them diſguiſed, killed a Judge at Damas, as I have before related.

There is another Sect called Durmiſar, Durmiſar. and they are ſooth-ſayers, [Page] and caſters of nativities, they are called Durmiſarnari which ſignifies Prophets, and Fortune-tellers, they deal with the devil, and the eldeſt of them are eſteemed Saints, the younger obey them as their Charif, or high Prieſt. They are abominable Hypocrites, and make ſtrange faces: ſome of them are very ſkilful in Aſtronomy, others learned in the countries lawes; and others great Preachers; they talk extravagantly in their Sermons, and ſpeak predictions, which ſometimes come to paſſe: much credit is given to them by the vulgar, as alſo of thoſe of the beſt note; nay if the Sophy himſelf happens to paſſe by the place they are preaching in, he ſteps with all his houſe to hear him; they have a houſe in Bagdet, near the Royal Palace: they ſeem to be remainder of the ancient Chaldeans, or Perſian Mages ſo famous. Amongſt the Perſians there is a ſort of people called Erade, Erade. which are wreſtlers, they are often expoſed to wild beaſts, armed with ſhining leather, liquored, and very ſlippy, hard to be taken hold of: there are others called Pluviander, Pluviander. armed in another faſhion, theſe people are welcome to the King from what place ſoever they come, be they but ſtrong and valiant; they are exerciſed in publick Schools, and great uſe made of them in war, the ſtrongeſt amongſt them commands the reſt,Barcas. and is called Barcas: and ſome of them will carry ten men upon their arms like kids, and they will ſtrangle a man with graſping, their ſtrength is ſuch: others are like the Arabian Salſidas that will obey their King to death it ſelf,Salſidas. hold their King a God, and think their chiefeſt happineſſe and ſalvation depends upon the execution of his command; and hold it unlawful (the King only excepted, and their General) to be ſubjected to the power of any man: There are Auſſares perſons ſtill attending upon the King; like unto Xerxes his immortals.

Amicabir.In the Sophy's Court there are many places or offices as Amicabir, or Captain General, who keeps a great Court, leads on, and drawes the Army into battalia, appoints the Governours to towns and places, and fils up ſeveral offices, uſing the publick treaſure as he needs. There is next the Naibeſſan, or Nabaſſan, as Lord Treaſurer of the Kings Exchequer,Nabaſſan. his place is next unto the Amicabir, and hath a good number of Cavalry under his command. Next there is the Eſtodar or Oſtader, Oſtader. who guards the Palace, and finds perſons capable for the Royal Army. There is likewiſe L' Amirachor, or Amiracher, Amirachor. who is Maſter of the horſe, hath charge of all the horſe, and other cattle of carriage belonging to the Army. The Caidſidibir or Field-Maſter,Caidſidibir. and he manages or orders the battle.

Caſſander [...]The Caſſandera Pay-Maſter general, receives the Kings revenues to pay off the Army. The Amiſeralif, takes a care of the Sophyes armes: the Teſtacane or Maſter of the Wardrobe: then the Zebedare Faraſſin, Tabucaina, and other Commanders, they march in great pomp and order. There are four ſorts of troops, ſeverally paid, [Page] viz. the Cachias perſons ſlightly armed, all gentry, and very active, the Atheſia's that wear a Cymeter only, the Caraniza or Archers armed with bowes and arrowes, and Cymeters, the Ageleps, Ageleps Archilep in Pegu. or renegats, which are ſlaves, Armenians, Ruſſians, Guſerates, and of other nations; all warlike and ſtout men, keeping good order, never breaking their ranks.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Eaſt Indies, the conqueſt of them, Sects, and Religion of the East, and other particulars of the country.

HAving travel'd the chiefeſt part of Perſia and Arabia backward and forward, we returned to Aden, from thence to Ormus, to fall into the Eaſt-India road, according to our firſt intention. At Aden we agreed upon't, and embarked our ſelves with our commodities, and ſailed along the coaſt of the Indian Sea, as far as Carmania, Deſerta Raſigut, and Guzerate, paſſing through the Cape Jacobo, Guadel, and others, we landed at Cambay at Diu, neare the mouth of the great Indus. But before I treat of that country, for a clearer intelligence of the worthieſt remarkes we made in that great journey, I ſay that the Eaſt-Indies have bin diſcovered time out of mind, ſince Alexanders conqueſts, and of his ſucceſſors, the ſeveral Kings of Syria, Aſſyria, and Aegypt, and by the Romans; and in theſe latter ages, by the Mahometans means,Inhabitants of Genua. trading in our Weſtern parts, amongſt the Venetians and Genoeſes, and others: but they have been further diſcovered and inhabited by the Portuguais, ſince they found out a new way thither through Africa, in the time of Prince Henry of Portugal, brother to King Edward, who through his rare inſight into the Mathematicks, firſt cauſed a Navigation to be made, unto the Capes of Non, and Boyador; where the French having conquered the Canaries, had already been, ſince that Alfonſus the fifth his Nephew continued his diſcovery unto the Cape Verd and Guinny, and other Kings ſince have reached to Conge, Maniconge, Angolal, unto the Cape of good hope, diſcovered by the Grand Vaſque of Gama 1497. few years after the new world in the Weſt, had been found out by Chriſtopher Columbus: from hence the way is open into the whole Eaſt-Indies, by Cephala, Mozambick, Quiloa, Monbaſe, Places in the Indies. the coaſts of Aben, Arabia, Carmania, Cambaye, Malabar, Coromandel, Harſnique, Bengal, Aracan, Pegu, Sian, Malaca, Camboye, Champa, Cochinchine, and China, the furtheſt part of the Eaſt, together with the innumerable Iſlands, oppoſite to theſe coaſts, as S. Helena, S. Laurence, Socotora, Maldives, Quilan, Sumatre, Jave, Bandan, Moluques, the Phillippines, [Page] and the reſt of the Antchidel ſea, or Archipelago, of S. Lazarus, unto Japan.

The Portugais conqueſts in the Eaſt.The Portugais made themſelves Maſters of it, under the famous Albukerke of Goa, 1510. and ſince of Matacha, Diu, Ormus, and other places where they eſtabliſht their Empire, trade, and the Chriſtian faith, finding the wayes eaſie and ſhort, by their knowledge of ſeveral currants of the ſeas, and annual or conſtant winds that ſit for ſix or ſeven moneths together in one point, and as long in another, when they change, as in the Weſt-Indies; the Eaſtern winds predominate, through the torrid Zone, between the Tropicks: and notwithſtanding this exact knowledge and practice of the Eaſtern, and Southern Seas, theſe two ages paſt, many ſhipwracks have hapned; many ſhips, men, and great treaſures caſt away, all which the earth ſtript off, the ſea ſolely inherits; nevertheleſſe 'tis a miracle of providence, that a handful of men with ſmall means, have bin able to eſtabliſh themſelves, in thoſe vaſt Indies, to reſiſt and overcome the oppoſitions of the richeſt, and the moſt puiſſant Kings of the world, and that their example hath ſince drawne to their mitution the Engliſh, Dutch, and French; who trade therein great numbers. In a word, the Portugais, in matter of commerce, dealt not only with the Indians, Idolaters, & Saraſins, but alſo with the Mameluckes and Turks, from whom they got their richeſt trade; they have got the ſuperiority likewiſe in the ſpiritual, againſt all Sects, long ſince broached by the Gentiles, Mahometans, Jews, and the Neſtorians, Chriſtians, and do daily root out and extirpate thoſe Sects and falſe religions, not without much danger, and trouble; but they take the greateſt paines with the leaſt ſucceſſe againſt the Mahometans for their liberty, and ſenſuality, hinders much the progreſſe of our religion; although they find great difficulty in the obſtinacy of the Jews, and little leſſe in the fooliſh, horrible, and ſenſeleſſe ſuperſtitions of the Idolaters, backt by long cuſtom, and more by the ambition, covetouſneſſe, and preſumption of their Bramins, Jogues, Talipoyes, Manigrepes, Bonſes, and other of their Prieſts, and religious of their belief, from hence is gather'd a plentiful and glorious harveſt, by the travels and labours of many regulars, and ſeminaries of Goa, Malaco, Machat, and other places: The Franciſcans were the firſt labourers in this vine-yard,Chriſtianiſ [...]e in the Indies. in the year 1500. or rather ſooner, and the firſt Biſhop ſetled at Goa, was of that order, in the year 1541. S. Francis Xaverius was ſince there, who preached through all thoſe countries, and Iſles, unto Japan, and China, where he died in the year 1552. and therefore was called the Apoſtle of the Indies, his order continues their miſſion thither ſtil, where they gain an infinite number to Chriſtianiſme. At Magor, Pegu, Sian, China, Japan, Jaſo, and other places, the Colledge of S. Paul at Goa, being their chiefeſt Seminarie, where the Archbiſhop inhabits; who is Primate and Patriarch of the Indies, having under him the Biſhops of Cochin, Malaca, and Macao. The Viceroy rules the temporal affaires, and all [Page] Governours, Captains, and Governments of Africa, and the Eaſt-Indies, are at his diſpoſal.

CHAP. XV. Of Diu, her ſtate and Forts, and the neighbouring Countryes of Cambayette, of the fidelity of the Indian Senſalls, and of the marvelous ebbing and flowing of the Sea.

LEt us return to our voyage, and arrivall at Diu, which I ſhall treat more fully of here, as of Cambaye, Goa, Cochin, Calicut, and others, having ſeen them often ſince. Diu is a little neat Town, ſcituate in an Iſle joyning unto the Continent of the Kingdom of Cambaye, whereof it is a part; there have the Portuguais a Fort, or Caſtle inexpugnable, no man being permitted entrance there, without a Cartaco, or paſſe from the Vice-Roy, and the ſhips pay Cuſtom, if they are ſmall veſſells they may enter into Cambayette, which is the Haven of the Town. The Iſle of Diu is by the Indians, called Marmayrdina, 60. miles from the mouth of the Gulf of Cambaye, and 100. from the Royall Town of Cambaye, ſhe joyns almoſt to the Continent, in the 23th. degree and a half of elevation, it abounds in cattell, vaſt trade, uſed by all the Indian Nations: for the abundance of all ſorts of Commodities, which are there to be bought and ſold, as Gold, Silver, Spices, Medicinal drugs, Braſil, Jewels, Pearles, Perfumes, Amber, Musk, Maſtick, Cloves, Safron, Corrall, Braſs, Lead, Mercury, Vermillion, and Lacca; the Town is as big as Marſeills, little leſſe then Goa; there are many fair Churches. The Hoſpitall is large, rich, and very well provided. The Weſt Indians traffick here, come in a ſhorter time, and with more ſurety, thorough the ſea of Sur, then by the Cape of Good Hope a very dangerous paſſage, occaſioned by the great winds, and frequent tempeſts, as you ſhall hear hereafter. The Portuguais having taken this Town out of the hand of Badurius, King of Cambaye, at their firſt ſettlemen there.

The Town of Diu was built by a King of Guzerate, and Cambaye, conſtituted Governour there of a Melique, As or Tas, that made the Haven, made himſelfe Soveraign, and was guarded by Turks; ſince, in the yeare 1508. the Natives, aſſiſted by Campſon, Soldan of Aegypt, fell upon the Portuguais, defeated them, and ſtormed Diu ſeverall times ſo fiercely, that it occaſioned, Nonio Acugna the Vice-roy, in the year 1535, to build a ſtrong Fort, with the conſent of King Badurius, which they maintained againſt the Tartars and Mogors; the ſtrength and importance of the place, drawing both hatred and envy from the Indians, The King [Page] of Cambaye, and other neighbouring Kings, indeavoured to recover it by meer ſtrength, but all in vain; for the gallant oppoſition and defence of the Portugall, hath kept them maſters of it to this day.

The Indians had ſome reaſon for what they did, for from thence depended the whole Trade of the Kingdom, and adjacent Countreyes; and the Portuguais keep all that Countrey in ſubjection; from Diu to Goa, and the Cape Comarin, 270. leagues in length. The chiefeſt part of the Eaſt is furniſhed with commodities from hence, a place very rich, well peopled, and full of good Townes, and of great trade. In the adjacent parts, to Diu, upon the Continent, are the Kingdomes of Circan, and Reytenbura, where ſtands the Royall Town of Ardanat, then Campanell, capitall Town of Cambaye ſtands beyond the River Indus, and the Townes of Albiran, Caſdar, Maſura, Suduſtan, Abedit; all great Townes rich, and well traded, and inhabited by many Merchants, Gentills, Mores, Jewes, and Chriſtians, in this Town Malefactors are put to death by poyſon only, and not by the ſword.

Beyond the River Araba ſtand many fair Townes, viz. Savadir, Barca, Bermen, Pateniſir, a fair haven, where divers of the rareſt,Batiniſir and her Carpets. and richeſt Carpets of the World are made in ſilke, and figured, which are tranſported to Bengale, Malaco, and Pegu, and other places; there are alſo made Calicoes, ſtained of divers colours, which is the chiefeſt and ordinary cloathing the Natives uſe, and there is brought of it into all parts of the world.

Halfe a dayes journey from Bateniſir ſtands Diu, upon a creek of land, ſeparate by a river from the Continent; there are paid great Cuſtomes upon all ſorts of commodities, which brings in a great profit to the Inhabitants, the King of Spain having the leaſt ſhare in it, and what he hath imployed to the maintenance of the Garriſons, moſt of thoſe payments fall to the Officers and receivers ſhares, who agree very well with the Vice-Roy: The King is often of a mind to quit the Countrey, but his Councill is not of the ſame opinion, the Countrey being too conſiderable to their Prince, for ſtrength and reputation; and beſides 'twould indanger the loſſe of Chriſtianity, that is ſo hopefully rooted in thoſe parts, for the Turkes aſſault them often, and took and ſack't the Caſtle of Diu twice, and had reduced the reſt of the Town,Diu aſſaulted by the Tu [...]k. but for the help of three ſhips that came into their aſſiſtance from Cochin, that preſerved the reſt, and beat the Turks out of what they had already got.

The Portuguais, in defence of them and the Nations, have built two ſtrong Forts, the one in the ſea, the other that commands all paſſages by Land; but the Natives having often fallen upon them, to their own loſſe, are now the Spaniards good friends, according unto Articles and Agreements made between them.

[Page]The Inhabitants of Cambaye are ſtrict obſervers of many ſuperſtitious cuſtoms, they will not eat with a Chriſtian although they viſit them often; if you touch their meat they think themſelves polluted, and this they have from the Guzerates, in which they are more rigidly ſuperſtitious than the Jews themſelves.

Thoſe of any quality eat upon ſilken carpets diverſly colour'd, and to preſerve their ſilks ſerve the diſhes upon green leaves, they are temperate in their diet, and drink of ſeverall ſorts of liquors, and they mingle ſome Areca to them all,Areca a fruit common in the Indies. a fruit very common in the India's, it is alſo held very wholeſom, preſerves them and cures them of ſeveral diſeaſes: it preſerves the teeth ſtrangely, for the Inhabitants are never troubled with any pains or aches in them; women are there in very great eſteem, eſpecially the great Ladies, who never ſtir out of their houſes: ſome delight themſelves never to ſee day light, and are ſerved all by candle light.

The whole Countrey is inhabited by Gentills, and Guzerates; The juſteſt, the moſt reaſonable and religious of the Eaſt, according to the ancient Pythagorean rule, they never feed upon any living Creature whatever: their chiefeſt food is rice, white and black, milk, cheeſe, garden ſtuffe, and the like; they do wrong to no perſons, nay they ſpare the bloud and lives of their mortalleſt enemies; the Countrey towards Raſigut produces great ſtore of Turkey ſtones, of Storax, Cornelians red and white. This Kingdom extends it ſelf towards South-eaſt, and the Sea Southward, Weſtward it buts upon Guzerate, Eaſtward are the lands of Mandao, and Paleucate, and Northward it reaches unto Sangan, Dulcinde, and the Territories of the Grand Mogull: Through this kingdom runs the famous River of Indus, called Indus Inder, or Schind, and hath given her name to the whole Countrey, and chiefly to Indoſtan, and other neighbouring Countries; which make up the India citerior, her head ſprings forth of the Mountain Caucaſus Paropamiſus, called at this day Naugracot and Ʋſſonte, and taking her courſe thorough many great Kingdoms, is ſwel'd by many great Rivers, that loſe themſelves in her, and at laſt diſcharges her ſelf into the Indian Sea at two ſeveral mouths near unto the Town of Cambaye.

Cambaye is a large and flouriſhing Town,Cambaye Town. ſeated upon a River called by the Inhabitants Amondoua, and ſeparates the Provinces of Guzerate and Cambaye, both making one Kingdom: This Town ſtands a league from the Sea, and about the ſame diſtance from the River Indus, which affords her a haven in two places, the chiefeſt is in a corner of the Town Northward, and is ſo narrow that in caſe of neceſſity the ſhips may be chained in the harbour, the ſhips come and go with the ebbe and flow, and are often very numerous, and 'tis to be noted that the tides are weakeſt at the full of the Moon, which is wonderfull,A miraculous tide; and contrary [Page] to ours, the reaſon thereof is not yet found out by any Naturaliſt. The ſame happens in Pegu, as we ſhall ſpeak of hereafter.

This Town is one of the richeſt of the Orient, built very ſtately at the Italian model, and the paſſages leading to her ſtrengthened by many forts. The Portuguais have often endeavoured to poſſeſſe themſelves of it, being plentifully furniſht with all things neceſſary to mankind; and here are moſt excellent fruits: Here Diu provides her ſelf with what ſhe wants at home, Cambaye and ſhe being Confederates: ſhe produces the beſt Turbith, Galanga, Nardus, Aſſa foetida, and other drugs, is rich in ſilks, cottons, rice, and all ſorts of ſeeds, and abounds in precious ſtones and Jewels;The King at this time is tributary to the Grand Mogull. The Prince that governs is a Mahometan, gives liberty of conſcience to all his Subjects, to the Chriſtians, Jews, Idolaters, his guard conſiſts of 2000. horſe, and 3000 foot, armed with bows and cimeters.

He keeps fifty Elephants taught to reverence him dayly, and are ſumptuouſly trapped and capariſoned, upon dayes of publick ſhews or feſtivals, their ſtable well and neatly furniſhed, painted, and well ſet forth, and are fed in ſilver veſſels, and their grooms or Governours dreſſe them with great reſpect and humility, without ever offering any rudeneſſe; they are animals approaching very near to reaſon, and want ſpeech onely to expreſſe themſelves;Prodigious food. they underſtand the language of the Country, and do very readily conceive what is taught them: The Prince feeds upon venemous Creatures, which he hath ever ſo uſed himſelf to, that he is become venemous himſelf, and a fly ſtinging of him immediately dies: he preſently killed all the women that ever lay with him, infecting them with his breath, ſo that he had change daily.

The furniture within their houſes is rich, which they have from the Portuguais, they ride in littars, and are great Lovers of Muſick; their houſes are ſumptuouſly dreſſed at Diu, and Ormus, many of them beautified and enriched, with Calcedonians, Turkey-ſtones, Amariſts, Topaſes, and other jewels. At Lymadura a village within three miles of the Town there is a mine of Calcedonians, whence they have of three ſorts of them, white, red, and mingled, called Bazayora, Merchants from divers places furniſh themſelves with many of them, they ſaile with their ſhips into Nogar, a Port not far from the Mine, the commodities laded from this Town are tranſported into divers parts of the world, to Ormus, Ziden, Meka; others are tranſported through the mouth of Euphrates unto Bazora, Babylon, Byr, Aleppo, and Damas.

The imported commodities from Meka, are ſcarlets, velvets, fine woollen cloaths Iron ware, Amſian which is a drug like unto Opium, which the Indians frequently take, chiefly in their Armies, [Page] it makes the Souldiers valiant and furious, fighting to the laſt drop of bloud: and is therefore a rich commodity, the Aſſa foetida, Turbith, Agathes, and other jewels are brought from Diu, where there are many Goldſmiths and Jewellers, thither the Merchants bring them to have them cut into ſeveral figures.

Silks, purſlanes, ſendals, velvets, ivory, braſile, mirabolans, confections, and preſerves, of all ſorts, ſpices, and all ſorts of grocery come from China, and from other places of the Levant: The Town affords you of the beſt Borrax in the world: Trade is very faithfully carried on there, for the Factors and Retalers are perſons of quality, and good reputation; and are as carefull in venting and preſerving other perſons wares, as if they were their own proper goods; they are alſo obliged to furniſh the Merchants with dwelling houſes, and ware-houſes, diet,Women bought and ſold. and oftentimes with divers ſorts of commodities: the houſes are large and pleaſant, where you are provided with women of all ages for your uſe, you buy them at certain rates, and ſell them again when you have made uſe of them, if you like them not, you may chooſe the wholſomeſt and the moſt agreeable to your humour: all things neceſſary to livelihood maybe made your own at cheap rates, and you live there with much liberty, without great incoveniences; if you diſcharge the cuſtoms rated upon merchandizes, nothing more is exacted, and all ſtrangers live with the ſame freedom and liberty as the Natives, do, making open profeſſion of their own Religions.

Ivory is in very great eſteem in this place,Ivory: and the neighbouring Countries, and very much is conſumed; Ladies of the beſt note wear bracelets of ſeveral faſhions made thereof, and at the death of any friend or alliance they break them in many pieces, which is the greateſt expreſſion of ſadneſſe among their ſex; as the ſhaving of beard cloſe is to the men, and when their time of mourning is over, they make themſelves new bracelets.

The Town of Cambaye is much of the bigneſſe of Roan, or rather bigger, beſides the Suburbs, and not much unlike unto the Grand Caire, only that ſhe is much leſſe,Children ſold by Parents. the inhabitants call her Byr, Armadouar, Parents that are overcharged with children ſell thoſe they have ſupernumerary.

Here I will relate you an accident that happened to my Camarade at Cambaye; Having ſpent ſome dayes there trading,An accident. he met a Countreyman of his born at Xaintonge, who feigned himſelf a Merchant, and a great dealer, but proved at laſt an impoſtor. This counterfeit, under the pretenſe of trading, ſtole from my Camarade a pack of wares worth 300. crowns, which by the opportunity of a Caravane bound for Ormus, there he imbarked himſelf to preſerve his theft, timely notice being given my Companion, he purſued him in another ſhip, together with another Merchant, who had formerly been the like ſerved in a greater conſequence.

[Page]This diligence was a little raſh, for I was immediately adviſed by our hoſt, a rich broker or merchant, that my camarade had taken his journey in vain, having not with him a roll of his goods ſtoln, nor the Viceroy's Cartaco; I ſtreight reſolved to follow him with the papers and paſſe-port he ſtood in need of: Caſſis overtook this venturer at Ormus, where he debauched at his charge, and for want of the liſt of wares nothing could be proved againſt him. The cheat put my companion to his wits, denying whatever was alledged againſt him, with an injurious inſolence. The Judge or Alcade, to whom my friend had addreſſed himſelf for juſtice and ſatisfactiō, weighing the others confidence with the ſlender evidence my friend could bring againſt him, and having received a feeling in the caſe, was ready to commit our friends to priſon for barrettors, and impoſtors, had I not come to town three dayes after with comfortable news, I ſhewed my ſelf in Court, and giving information of the whole truth, my teſtimony and evidence was taken in the preſence of the Alcade, and a Portugais Gentleman, named Seignior Jacomo de Mendez, purpoſely ſent by the Viceroy; he gave me charge to take great care of my ſelf, telling me that if I were found a liar it concerned my life, being ſworn, impoſing my hand upon a Croſſe held out to me upon the end of a Vare, or wand; I gave up my evidence at large, and informed the Judicature, that in the ſtoln pack there was a memorial of what was therein contained, beſides I particularly named the chiefeſt goods therein, which Caſſis had wholly forgotten.

Then I produced the Cartaco, and other notes, that witneſſed the diſcharging of the exciſes and cuſtomes, as by advice received from our hoſt Joſepho Groyna, who witneſſed the ſame: The cheat being examined in my ſight whether he knew me or no, he begun his own defenſe injuring and abuſing me, ſtriving to break my evidence by multiplicity of words, with a ſtrange boldneſſe, or rather impudence practiſed by ſuch perſons, ſaying he had taken no exact account of his commodities, pretending himſelf a Gentleman and not uſed thereunto; his many words availed him little, for I preſſing the pack might be opened, my evidence proved true, and the roll compared to my book of accounts, found anſwerable all was verified, and the miſerable man having not a word left in his own excuſe, was convicted, and condemned to the Galleys during life. Thus we found juſtice, and recovered our commodities with little loſſe, and returning thanks to Seignior Mendez we came back to Cambaye: This I have related to the faithfulneſſe and integrity of our Landlord; and really their ſincerity and integrity is ſuch, that the Juſtices eſteem their words and writings to equal ſacred things; and when a Merchant happens to die, leaving his goods in one of theſe perſons hands, they are very faithfully reſtored to his heir, or next of kindred.

[Page]From Diu and Cambaye, unto the Cape Comorin, by the Coaſt of Malabar, it is ſome 300 leagues ſayle: and neer to Cambaye is the Kingdome of Jogues.

CHAP. XVI. Of Deli, Malabar, of Goa, the capitall Town of India.

NEer to Cambaye we fell into the Kingdom of Deli, and Decan;Deli-Decan. they ſay that 300. yeares ſince, Sanoſaradin King of Deli, conquered Decan, Canary, Bellagatte, Concam, Goa, Sano ſararadin. and all the Countreyes reaching unto Comori, but ſince, under his ſeverall Succeſſors, thoſe Countreys were divided, and allotted to ſeverall Captains, that have poſſeſſed themſelves thereof, acknowledging (for forme ſake only) the King of Deli; Idalcan was at Goa, ſince Nyſamaluco, and the Negatana, and many neighbouring Countreys are ſubjected to the Great Mogull; who this laſt age hath conquered the chiefeſt part of the eaſt Indies, and threatens hard to the reſt.

Malabar lies upon the Weſterne Coaſte, from Goa to Comori, as eaſtward on the other ſide lies Coromandell, where are the Kingdomes of Biſnagar, or Narſingue, Orixa, Menduo, and ſeverall others, from Ormus to Goa it is 500. leagues, or thereabouts.

We ſailed all along this Coaſte, and we arrived at Goa, an Iſle and Towne of Malabar, as faire, rich, and ſtately a Town, as is this day in the eaſt, being as a key to the India's, in the ſixteenth degree of elevation, devided from the Continent by a large River,Malabar Mandova. Goa Guari, Rivers. called Mandova, as big as the Euphrates, and by another little River named Guari, from whence the Towne took her name, formerly belonging to the Kingdom of Narſingue, ſince unto Decan, or Dealcan, and ſince 'twas conquered by the Portugall, under Alphonſus Albukerke, of the Moore Sabaco, Generall unto the King of Decan, in the yeare 1500. ſhe hath eaſtward, and northward, the Countrey of Decan, weſtward the great ſea, and ſouthward the Kingdom of Mangalor, ſubject to the King of Narſingue.

The Inſularies, or Inhabitants, having ever been well addicted to trading, they are people ſtout and haughty. There is a great concourſe of all the Indians, a Haven at the village called Bonaſtariu, B [...]nactaru. with a block houſe, that commands the entrance of it, though it be ſtrong of it ſelfe: They have ſeverall other good Ports, as at Danda, Alinga, Banda, Amolapole, and Puntadaſall, then old Goa, [Page]Rama, Guiſantole, and Amadina, each having her particular river: on the continent ſide, there are many Towns and Plantations, moſt of them Mahometans and Idolaters, kept in by the Portugais, they have ſtately ſhip-timber. They are pretty well awed for the preſent, ſince they were puniſht for a treacherous conſpiracy, which by the aſſiſtance of ſome neighbouring Countries, they intended to have put in execution, but was by Gods permiſsion diſcovered by the Barbarians, inhabitants of Paleacate, and although they were 100 Gentills for one Chriſtian, and had almoſt gained the Fort, yet they were gallantly repulſed by Don Garcias Acugna, Governour of the Fort, he very liberally rewarded thoſe that gave him ſo timely advice, diſtributing the Kings Treaſure amongſt them; and ſince thoſe freindly neighbours of Paleacate, injoyed the ſame freedomes and Priviledges with the Portugais, they were made ſubſidy and cuſtomes-free; and ſo ſtrict an alliance and unity contracted between them that many of them ſince are baptized, turned Chriſtians, and do frequently enter-marry: the Plotters were moſt of them put to death, the reſt baniſh't, and their goods confiſcated.

Iſle of Goa.The Iſle of Goa is ſome 15 or 16 miles about, the Inhabitants are ſtrong, and able bodyed, almoſt of an olive colour: The Town is infinitely rich, and the great ſtreet very full of goldſmiths, that have their ſhops well ſtored with gold, ſilver, and Jewells.

Idolatry. Dinary.The Gentills had a moſt magnificent Temple built of ſtone, in a little Iſland neere to Goa, called Dinary, where they adored the Devill that appeared to them in diverſe moſt terrible and horrid ſhapes.

The Portugais ſeeing this diabolicall profanation, demoliſh't the Temple and the Idols, without leaving the leaſt marke behind them, and with the ſtones they fortified the Town, and built many fair houſes, which bred a great malice and hatred amongſt the Idolaters. The Temple was built of a black ſtone, and their Pagodes, or Idolls, were moſt horribly ſhaped. When the Portugais managed that great Warr againſt Samorin of Calicut, it was then in their power to demoliſh this Temple.

But the reſpect they bore to an Image of our bleſſed Lady, Mother of God,The Virgin Mary Honoured by the Indians. made them ſpare it for that time: They call the Bleſſed Virgin Sannacarin, which ſignifies a bird, and hold ſhe is the ſpirit of God; they give great honour to the holy Croſſe, and ſay that at the founding of the Town, a perfect one was found in the ground.

The Inhabitants live very deliciouſly, feed much upon Areca, and are carried in rich Sedans by their ſlaves, and the inhabitants have liberty of conſcience.

Having been often at Goa, amongſt other things I admired the great commerce, the richeſt good order and adminiſtration [Page] of Juſtice, and above all, a moſt admirable government in an Hoſpital, which is very rich, where notwithſtanding are great number of ſick, and maim'd, from the Armies: The Viceroy and Archbiſhop contribute liberally thereunto; the Portugais prove themſelves, of an affable, and compaſſionate nature, although the Indians hold them rough and uncharitable, becauſe they poſſeſſe much of their land.

This Hoſpital is the faireſt, and the moſt accompliſht, in all neceſſaries I know in the world; and I dare affirm that neither that of the Holy Ghoſt at Rome, nor the infirmary of Malta, although they are ſerved in plate in both thoſe places, do equall her in riches, good orders, and ſervices: that are farre better obſerved and tended, then you can expect to be in your own houſe, as I often was a witneſſe of, viſiting the French that were there ſick: the Fathers of the ſociety have the keeping of it, and are very charitable therein; It is built upon a River, founded by the Kings of Portugal; beſides the charity and gifts of the Nobility, which are great; they have for the moſt part a Factor at Cambaye; a Country plentiful in all ſorts of grain, who makes their proviſion at the cheapeſt rates: there a great number of ſlaves, that are employed in all inferiour offices; and are alſo made uſe of in the other Indian Hoſpitals, and other Monaſteries. Perfumes are daily burnt, to prevent infection, and to leſsen the unwholeſome ſents that would otherwiſe very much offend: they uſe very fine linnen, and wine of Dates is their onely drinke, and is full as delicious as that of Grapes: the Portugais are very voluptuous; and great ſenſualiſts and are ſerved in Purcelain, Purcelains which will not hold poyſon. This Country is much infected with the great pox, and with another infection called Mordeſin, Mordeſin. diſeaſes Scorbus. that begins with vomiting, and pains in the head, and is infectious. There is another diſeaſe very common amongſt the natives called Scorbus, and other diſeaſes proceed from the enchantments of bad women; They are no ſooner ſick, but are carried to the Hoſpital, where remedies are preſently uſed for their recovery: they are lodged in well-furniſhed and pleaſant chambers, and have very fine gardens.

The Churches of Goa are fair and well adorned, the Windores of Mother of pearl, very curiouſly carved. At Pegu they are made of Tortoiſe ſhells of diverſe colours, and are the faireſt of the world; the Lanthornes belonging to the Hoſpital, are made of the ſhell of a fiſh, a kind of Mother of pearl.

They burn nothing but wax in the Churches, nor little elſe in the town, it is ſo well provided therewith.

This town being ſome eight thouſand paces about, may be of the bigneſſe of Roan or Avignon, built, and tyled, as the faſhion is in Europe; Goa is an Archbiſhops See, and hath four Biſhopricks depending to her, and her juriſdiction reaches unto Moſambick.

[Page] Churches at Goa.There are many magnificent Churches, and Monaſteries, of Jeſuites, Franciſcans, Auſtin Friars diſcalceate, and many Nunneries of Virgins, and penitents.

There is great commerce of all wares and merchandiſe, of ſlaves eſpecially, both males and females; 'tis but a peccadillie, for a Maſter to lye with his ſlave, but if ſhe proves with child, the law enfranchiſes her, and ſhe may go whither ſhe pleaſes.

The waters are good and well taſted, and although the tyde goes up beyond the town, yet there remaines not the leaſt brackiſhneſſe in the water, the beſt is fetched halfe a mile from the town, from a place called Banquenin, which is ſold. The Portugais are richly clad, with breeches like Sea-men, very rich buttons, coats, and Caſſocks, pretty ſhort, and broad hats; they have their Paraſols carried by them, with bottles full of Colos, and other pleaſing drinks, and they weare very rich ſwords; and in a word, they are very vain and proud, as the Prophet ſpeaks them, Pocos y Locos.

The Haven is very good, onely there is a ſhelf of ſand, as at Larack in Fez, they have an inquiſition, or Court of Parliament, which is their Judicature; The Viceroy is removed every third year. The profit there accrues to the Governours and officers, and little comes to the King, that depends much upon his Armies; beſides the pay of three thouſand officers.

The Iſle is mountainous, ſandy, and reddiſh, yet very fertile, being well water'd with many ſprings, and rivers: of this red earth or clay, are made many ſorts of cups and vaſes white, ſome gray, others red, and as clear and fine as glaſſe, as Bolarmeni.

They have two crops a year, of Rice and French Wheat, and it is green all the year long: this land is ſcituate under the Tropick Cancer, near to the Equinoctial.

There grow many Date-trees, and ſhips come daily into the Haven, laden with Cocos, and other commodities vented in the town.

The ſhips ſtay at the barre or mouth of the Haven wanting water to bring them up: They hold it two miles from the town to the mouth of the river, where are two ſtrong Block-houſes or Forts, to defend the ſhips that ſayle in the middle. Then a league higher there is another called Pangari, where dwells the Captain Major, that grants the Cartacoes to trade, both within, and with out: but ſince many have written of the Judicature, Government, Nobility, ſouldiers; the manner of life of both the Sexes of this town, as well Portugais, as Indians, I will ſay no more; I will onely relate a ſad accident happened to ſome poor French-men, that had ſtolne a ſhip laden with pepper, but having ſuffered ſhipwrack ſome twelve leagues from Goa upon a ſhelve of ſand, the ſhip was taken and ſaved,A ſad fate of Pirats. belonging to a Portugal Merchant of Goa, the poor men arraigned, and condemned to be hanged, [Page] for the Pyracy committed, as well as for their murdering the Captain; the chief of theſe Malefactors was called Raymondin; they were aſſiſted at the time of their ſuffering by ſome good Fathers of the Church of the five wounds of our Saviour, near to the publick place of execution; and the fathers of our Ladies of Mercy cloathed them all in white according to their cuſtom with white caps, and a croſſe in their hands; they died very couragiouſly and penitently, fully contrite and ſorry for their ſin and ſhame; ſome were hanged at Saint Katherines key, others in the Corne-Market. Six of them were hanged there, whereof the youngeſt broak two ropes, and fell down from the Gibbet; the good father that aſſiſted at his death, obtained his pardon, and cauſed him to be taken back to the priſon, he turned Franciſcan, to the great contentment of the whole order, and was viſited by all the Nobility of the town: he was born at Diepe, his name Ratelin, and fell into Raymondins company with no intention to Pyracy, but to ſee the world; and thus God gave him grace miraculouſly to eſcape.

I remember that being in Provence, a young man borne at Aubayne, was upon ſuſpicion of a certain crime caſt in priſon,Provence a Province in France. Aubaynea town in France. and arraigned at Aubayne, and being convicted thereof, was condemned to be hanged; he broak two new halters, and fell without the leaſt harm from the Gallows to the ground; which accident cauſed the multitude to cry out for pardon, for the poor man, which was immediately granted him, but miſerable, as he was ignorant of his own happineſſe, he ended his life by the Gibbet for ſome deteſtable crime by him committed in another place.

A Sicilian Gentleman was accuſed by thirty falſe witneſſes to have intended the ſale of Meſſina to the Turk,A miraculous diſcovery of innocence. and ſentenced for that offence to be hanged, and his children to be decapited, proteſting his own innocency upon the ladder, the Rope breaking, they tyed another to him newer and ſtronger, which broak alſo, the people ſaved him, and his proces was reviewed, the falſe witneſſes examined, condemned, and executed, the wronged Innocent with his children undertook a pilgrimage to our Lady of Loretto, where I ſaw him.

At Goa as alſo at the other townes in the Portugais poſſeſſion, the Merchants may trade with great ſecurity, with leave from the Viceroy or Deputy, and paying the rights and cuſtomes, otherwiſe their goods are confiſcated.

CHAP. XVII. Of Baticola, Decan, Amadiva, and of the Kingdome of Cananor.

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Barcelor.FRom Goa unto Comorin, which is properly the Coaſt of Malabar, are many Forts belonging to the Portugais, as at Onor, which is diſtant 14. degrees, at Barcelor, 13. degrees, called by the Indians Barcelan, at Mangalor 12. at Moſiri or Cananor, 2. at Cranganor 10. the natives call it Cagnanora, then at Cochin 8. degrees diſtant, and at Coulan which is called Coſmans, and at other places.

Baticola.From Goa we came to Baticola which is a kingdom, the town is large, rich, and plenteous in all commodities, ſcituate upon a pleaſant and deep river, which yields her acceſſe eaſie; the haven is a quarter of a league diſtant, for the moſt part full of veſſels, that yield great commerce. The Inhabitants are partly Gentiles, partly Mahometans, but much civilized; of complection between fair and brown, of good ſtatures, and diſpoſitions, both Sexes. The town is invironed with many good Barroughs, that reach unto Decan, ſome five leagues off; the town is ſtrongly wall'd, and frequented by Jewes, who drive a great trade, and inhabited by all nations: ſhe is tributary to the King of Marſingue, they are carried in littars by Cammels, of horſes they have very few, we ſerved our ſelves ſometimes with oxen, which they harniſe, and ride, they eat bread made of Rice, which is more ſavory then wheaten, there grows no grain, but the Country beares moſt excellent fruit, their drink is wine of dates.

About 3. Musket ſhot from the town, there is an Iſle named Amadiva, which hath a large haven, on the continent ſide, inhabited by Moores, and abounding in paſtures, and cattle. The inhabitants are the Portugaiſes mortal, and irreconcilable enemies, but their Iſland being ſmall, not above 8. leagues about; they are not capable to trouble them. The town is rich, and is called Centacola, ſubject to the King of Baticola: there are ſome Jews amongſt them that may eaſily be diſtinguiſht by the complexion, the Moores be tawny, the Jews clearer: women uſe waters and other waſhes that make them very beautiful, and they are held the prettieſt of all the Eaſt, the faireſt are Jews, and they very chaſte, and ſtrangers can only obtain to viſit them, in certain aſſemblies of fair girles; but they go meanly clad, contrary to the cuſtomes of all other towns: they ſing certain ſongs like K. Davids Pſalms, gracefully pronouncing their words, and mingling inſtrumental muſick with their vocal; and thus they entertain their gallants. They refuſe no preſent is made them, but if you offer none, they are never [Page] a whit diſpleaſed: The doores of thoſe places of Aſſemblies are alwayes open, there they keep their Synagogues, every one profeſſes his Religion at liberty; in the middle of this Iſle is a Lake, called Vecharin, which breeds good ſtore of fiſh of ſeverall ſorts, but cauſes the ayre to be a little unwholeſome to thoſe are not accuſtomed to the Clymate; from thence fiſh is tranſported into diverſe places, for a ſort of good laſting fiſh. They have great ſtore of poultry, which they feed with groſſe rice, called Jeracoly.

Baticola hath loſt much of her trade ſince the Portuguais took Goa: for according to the Chafa's, or the Clark of the Cuſtomes account the Revenew is half diminiſhed, which keeps the Princes far in the Continent, for fear of being ſurpriſed by the Portugais, who wage open warr with them, exacting great ranſomes for the liberty of the priſoners they take; nevertheleſſe the Portugais trade much amongſt them, endeavouring to draw them to an alliance; but they are not ſo ſoon driven out of their fears and jealouſies; thoſe of Baticola ſay they formerly inhabited Sian; in this Kingdome is the Town of Onor, that furniſhes all the Countrey with rice.

From Baticola we came to Cananor Moſiri, a great Town unwalled, under the ſubjection of a particular King, where the Portugais have two Forts, and is inhabited by many new Chriſtians, who obſerve the rules and precepts of our Religion ſtricter then the old ones: the Portugais have built about their Fort many dwellings for Merchants and others, which make up a Burrough, called Cananon, where they trade ſecurely, and when the Indians have a mind to trade with them, they muſt have the Vice-Roy of Goa's Cartaco; yet the Portuguais never kept ſo good intelligence with the Natives, as to prevent many diſſentions and diſorders, as is often ſeen in other places, as at Pegu and Calicut, which occaſioned the ruine of the Caſtle, and the death of many Chriſtians, which the Portugais have ſince ſufficiently revenged; for they are of a very cruell nature, and revengefull, for which reaſon they maintain a fleet well armed at ſea, to reſiſt thoſe of Portugall, who wage a warr againſt the Indians, not alwayes to their ſucceſs. It happened on a time to Don Alanſo De Comera, to purſue with two men of warr a Mahometan Frigate, richly laden, and bound from ſome part of the India's, for Gaza, a ſea Town in Arabia.

There were many families, with the goods they had gathered in many years abode there, making homewards, accidentally falling into the hands of this Portugais, they hoiſed ſaile, and thinking themſelves too weak, offered a compoſition, to the value of two hundred duckats; Don Alonſo eager and covetous of the prey, which he held himſelf ſure of, gave her a broad ſide, with many great ſhots,Preſumption of the Portugais. and [Page] boarded her, ſhe, reduced to deſperation, put her ſelf in a poſture of defence, and reſolved to ſell both life and liberty at a deare rate, and the very women ſpared them not, ſo their Alonſo got nothing but blowes, but loſt an eye, and many of his men, and thus was forced to retreate, and the Frigat by a favourable wind got away without any loſſe: this ſhewes the damage preſumption brings with it, and that the Portugais are not unjuſtly accuſed of vanity and folly, which often coſts them deare, and makes them hated by the Indians, as it hapned to them at Calicut, where the peoples rage was ſo raiſed againſt them, that in an inſtant they demoliſhed them a fair Caſtle, not leaving one ſtone upon another, and whoever could preſent the King with any of the ruines, was rewarded, which hath cauſed the ſpilling of much blood amongſt them: The King of Coulan hath often beſieged their Forts, but after long Warres they now enjoy a peace.

The ſtrength of Cananor.The King of Cananor is very potent, and elected out of the Princes of the blood, as at Ormus: He can ſend 100000. men into the field, armed with targets and ſwords, they wear red bonnets turned up on one ſide, and go almoſt naked, the third part of them are Naires, Naires are Gentlemen. or Gentlemen, very reſolute and valiant; they weare red hats, and are not niggards of their lives in their Princes ſervice.

The Portugais have a ſtrong Caſtle on the ſide of the Town, and another on the ſea ſide, both well provided with Amunition and Artillery, and have done them good ſervice, having often been aſſaulted by the Naires, very gallant Perſons; Many of them are ſince Baptized, and grown ſo devout, that if they hear the Ave Maria bell, though they are in their Coaches, or Litters, they are ſet on ground, and ſay certain prayers on both their knees.

At Cananor they have a quarry of a ſtone, called Azazimit which is much eſteemed amongſt the Indians, and hath many vertues,A moſt admirable medicine. it cures feavers, ſtops fluxes, and cauſes digeſtion, and is a preſervative againſt poyſon: they uſe it in their cures againſt the pox, and it is very neere as Soveraigne, as that famous Eaſtern wine, that if a man be ſo rotten as to fall in peeces, yet bathed therein for one month, he will infallibly be cured.

This Countrey produces Myraboian-Citterns,, a moſt excellent fruit, and very common amongſt them: their leaves are like unto our prune leaves, they preſerve of them, and uſe them often;Ebony. there growes the tree of Ebony, which growes to the bigneſſe of an olive tree, the leaves like unto ſage, but as ſmooth as Maſtick leaves, and the bloſſomes like white roſes; the wood is black, and very hard when 'tis dry and ſeaſoned:Areca. they have great ſtore of trees that bear Areca, thoſe of Malaca, call it Faoufell, the Portugais Araguerou, [Page] in other places 'tis called Pinan, the leafe is of the bigneſſe of a palm leafe, the ſtalk is full of ſtrings, which are very uſefull, the nut or fruit is huſkt up, when the huſk pills off, the nut hangs upon the tree of an orange colour, and is very juycy and ſavoury, and the vertue of Succory, cold and dry; and hath another quality aſtringent, the ſhell or nut is not of the bigneſſe of the other palm fruit; but leſſe, as the peach, and ovale, nothing like a nutmeg, being mingled with white and red ſtreaks, and of this fruit the Areca is made, excellent againſt the tooth-ach, they have abundance of other palm-trees that bear Dates.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Kingdom, and Samorin of Calicut, of the Natives of that Countrey, and of their horrible ſuperſtitions.

FRom Cananor to Calicut, in the 9. degree, although the ancients hold it in the 2. Before our arrivall three upon a Sunday morning, drawing towards the Eaſt, before Sun riſing, we heard a Marriner cry out, Jaſan, Jaſan, Malabar, but we were not ſo near it as he thought, for they were the mountains of Calicut, which are diſcovered afar off, for we put into the haven not till night.

Calicut is a great Town, one of the faireſt, richeſt,Calicut. and of the greateſt commerce of all the India's: ſome will have it anciently called Barygaze, yet the Mores hold ſhe hath been built many years ſince, and that ſix hundred years agone, Aſarama Perimel, was Emperour of Malabar, and the Natives reckon upon the years ſince his reign, which is their moſt famous Callander: He kept his Court at Coulan, where was the chiefeſt trade of ſpices,Samorin. and gave the Countrey of Calicut to the Arabians, who frequented it very much for commerce; they made this King a Mahometan, who went through devotion to end his dayes at Meka, diſtributing his eſtate to divers Lords, leaving them the Title of Kings, as of Cananor, Coulan, and others. Calicut fell unto a Nephew of his named Samorin, which ſignifies ſoveraign Emperour over all the reſt, in temporall affairs, as he of Coulan was chief in Spiritualls, ſurnamed Cobritin, viz. high Pontife of the Bramins. Samorin built this Town, the Metropolitan of Calicut, inhabited by the Meres, where was the greateſt trade of groceries, ſince removed by the Portugais to Cochin.

[Page]The Prince is an Idolater at this preſent, although the Town be peopled by all Religions, Gentils, Mahometans, Jewes, and Chriſtians. The building is very good, though the houſes are very low, becauſe they ſtand upon an ill foundation, the Sea water appearing if you dig but a little depth, yet they have by art and induſtry raiſed the Temples, and Pallaces, whereof there are four Royal ones, inhabited by the Kings wives, and concubines; there ſtands one of them without the Town, fair to the ſight, and high. Their Temples are ſo too, and built round, the firſt of that form I ſaw in thoſe parts; they adore the Devil, and put his picture upon their coin, in moſt horrid poſtures: They put two Demons embracing, with cloven or cocks feet at one ſide, on the other a certain Character, which ſignifies, think upon this people.

The King is impiouſly devout, and every Wedneſday performs a moſt ſtrange adoration of Satan; he is pictured ſitting in a chair, with a Crown upon his head, in the middle of many little Devils, moſt ſtrangely and terribly repreſented; after the King hath offered him incenſes, he proſtrates himſelf on the ground in ſign of ſubmiſſion, then begins his prophane prayers, then he ſtretches himſelf at length upon a rich carpet, leaning his head upon his left arm, thus he dines, inviting the Devil to his repaſt; four Bramins aſſiſt him in this impious ſacrifice, and hearken very attentively to the diſcourſe, or Sermon, the King makes during his dinner; repreſenting to them the ſervice they owe to their Idol, they anſwer him not in words at that time, but give him Betel and Areca mingled together, which he drinks without touching the cup, according to their ſuperſtitious cuſtom: becauſe that day his mouth is ſacred, and filled with the praiſes of Sathan; when he hath ended his repaſt, the meat he leaves is carried into a garden near at hand to be devoured by Crows, that there expect it, in ſo great numbers, that they hardly get two bits a piece.

Calicut I conceive is as big as Millan, but not ſo well built nor ordered. The Strangers and Merchants are upon their arrivall put (to a great inconvenience) to buy houſes to dwell in, which troubled us very much, being forced at our departure to leave it for half it coſt us: you buy women for your ſervice, and put them off again, but not without ſome loſſe. The Port is a pretty way diſtant from the Town; there is but one channell; which the ſhips cannot reach by a mile and a half, by reaſon of the ſhelves of ſand, and therefore they uſe flat bottoms, which do great ſervices upon the River: The King keeps a frigate or pinnace called Jonques, Jonque. for his pleaſure, which he treats the Ladies in, as the Venetians do in their Gondola's, Gondola. all the houſes in the Towne are covered with palm-leaves, the Kings onely excepted that are tyled; becauſe no private perſon may have means to fortifie himſelf. [Page] the town is very ſubject to fires; and therefore the houſes are built farre aſunder. 'Tis ſurrounded with pleaſant fields and paſtures, but they never eat beef; they are ſo ſuperſtitious, eſteeming them holy and ſacred cattle, that their Dume hath appointed them to cultivate the land onely, which makes them hard to be bought and ſold; this ſuperſtition is only publickly obſerved, for ſome of the Bramins treated us with beef, who borrowed a chriſtian Cook, and entertained us with a whole calf, the head and intrals ſtewed, and the reſt roſted as we uſe: He feaſted us becauſe one of the company had cured him of a certain diſeaſe, and refuſed any reward, and thus they do like the Turkes, who abſtain from wine in publick, but drink it privately: nevertheleſſe theſe Bramins have the devil pictured open mouthed, red, and flaming, ready to devoure, the law-breaker, and when they have offended, the ſacrifice to him a white cock: which is derived from a very ancient and ſuperſtitious Idolotry of the Pagan, who offered a white cock to Hercules, to the night, to Aeſculapius, and to Annubis: thus the devil renews theſe old ſuperſtitions, and appears viſibly unto them, ſome believing him to be God, ſome a creature of Gods, ſome hold him good, others bad, theſe ſerve and adore him, for fear he ſhould do them harm.

Not far from Calicut, is an ancient Temple or Bagode, which they call Dumana, where there is a general pardon to be gained, certain dayes of the year, they have fifteen dayes of liberty, and freedom, which time the thieves, and baniſht perſons, may appear with ſafety to ſacrifice; the Temple is built in a Marſh, held up by great pillars, with many trees of diverſe ſorts growing about it, each pilgrim chuſeth himſelf one for his reſt, and to hang his cloaths in.

There are many burning lamps which the pilgrims offer up to be purified of their ſins: The Bramins ſay prayers aloud, and ſprinkle them with water, in expiation of their crimes; and after this ablution, they preſent themſelves to the Idol, and adore it: from thence they return to their trees, having provided their lamps with oyle and wick to burn at night; 'Tis pleaſant to ſee ſo much light. The next morning they bathe themſelves all together in a Lake, men, women, boys, and girles, without the leaſt ſhame of their nakedneſſe; then dreſſe themſelves in their beſt clothes, and return to the ſacrifices, which ended, the Bramin makes them a ſhort Sermon clothed in a white ſurplice, reaching down to the kneees, and bare-foot, the legs rounded with bands wrought, and hung round with ſilver bels, and ſtanding thus before the picture of the devil, repreſented gaping, ready to ſwallow the ſpectators crowned, and with ſparkling eyes; Thus the Bramin begins his ſacrifice, caſting himſelf upon the ground murmuring ſomething, and beats himſelf ſo furiouſly, that he ſeems enraged; then he turnes himſelfe to the people (who are very attentive, [Page] ſhewing them the Devil, at which ſight they begin to howle and cry for mercy with ſo furious and horrid a noyſe, as Gods thunder could ſcarce be heard. Next he takes a white cock, and wrings off his head, and mingles his blood with water, which he ſprinkles upon the multitude, who retire as contented as if they had gained an Empire. In the mid-way they meet a man of good preſence, but diſtracted, with the devils picture about his neck, and clothed in a white Tunick or Albe. At the head of the people, the devils picture is carried by eight devotes clothed in cotton robes, followed by four Bramins, and many others, frantick-like, running, leaping, ſinging, and dancing before the devil: ſtabbing themſelves into the faces and arms; and he is eſteemed the holyeſt, that hath given himſelf the deepeſt wounds, of which many dye, when they come before the diſtracted perſon who is expoſed upon theatre; they ſtand ſtill to fulfill the ceremony of the ſacrifice; and having burnt ſome perfumes, the Choourt or Bramin ſprinkles him, with the bloud and water, the people offer him their charities, and dedicating their clothes and lampes to him, they enter the Temple at another gate, leave their Idol in the place they found him, and thus they end their Idolatrous proceſſion. From thence they go to dinner, which they ſprinkle with the ſame water; and feeding upon the Vyands, they ſacrificed, and of others they brought thither, the ſacrifice is ended.

Theſe Bramins, and other religious, never eat any thing that hath received life in publick; although we eat fleſh with them in private, they keep company with none but their fellowes.

They wear white Turbants, Cotton gownes that reach to their heeles, red ſhooes; under this they wear a long linnen cloth or towel, that goes twice or thrice round about them, a fine girdle, long haire, their eares bored, and pearles hanging at them: they wear next to their fleſh certain ſtrings, the badge of their order, which are given them with great ceremony; there are of them of ſeveral ſorts, ſome of them go to the warres with the Naires, others trade, and are rich Merchants, and they are generally peaceable, and meek natured. The King himſelf is of the order, wearing the ſtring in a ſcarf, they are much eſteemed throughout the Indies, and ſome of them are very able Phyſicians. When they affirm any thing to be a truth, they lay their hand upon their ſtring, or upon their Cabaye, or gown. The Portugais did live pretty peaceably amongſt them, but the Moores have ſet them together by the eares. Some of the Moores are permitted to weare the Aſpagates, or habit of of the Bramins, but 'tis to favourites only, that ſuch leave is given. When they eat they ſtrip themſelves ſtark naked, they tye a cloth only to hide their privie [Page] members; the women affect to have their noſes bor'd wirh wyars, either ſilver or gold.

There is another ſort of Bramins in Surate, Guzerate and Cambayes, not ſo auſtere, and are under the obedience of the Grand Mogull.

Thoſe delight to eat flower of Mandel that comes from Braſil, and live very abſtemiouſly.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Kingdome of Cochin, the goodneſse of the ſoyle, cuſtomes of the Inhabitants, with a ſtrange Hiſtory of certain French Pyrates.

FRom Calicut we went to Cochin, about the eighth degree,Cochin. and twelve leagues from Calicut. This kingdome is confederate with Calicut, profeſſing the ſame religion, the town is ſcituate in a ſweet and temperate ayre, the country abounds in cattle and fruit,Pepper of all ſorts. grain is ſcarce but is plentifully ſupplyed from Cambaye. Pepper growes there of three ſorts, of the long excellent conſerves are made: throughout the coaſt of Malabar, which reaches from Goa to Comori, grows the white and black pepper. The Ginger whereof much is confected for their uſe in all ſeaſons, is called Aliah, in the Malaicke tongue.

The Portugueſes are in good eſteem at Cochin, the King being their friend and allye, Since Triumpara ſhewed himſelf conſtantto them, againſt Calicut; ſince, when the Kings of Cochin have never broken their promiſes, whatever made to them; but have inviolably kept their Articles, viz. to give unto the King of Portugal a tribute of twelve pearles,Miticale weight of a crown and a half. of the weight of a Miticale a piece, which is about a crown and a halfe.

The Portugais do chiefly trade in pepper, which they tranſport to all parts of the world; that which they tranſport into Arabia, Suria, Perſia, Babylon, and other places along thoſe coaſts, is farre better then that they carry into Portugal, becauſe much of its ſtrength and vertue is loſt, in the long navigation; and the price falling, they put off the worſt, and often moſt of it green, which nevertheleſſe the Portugueſe carry into Spain.

Beſides, they load their veſſels with refuſe, and never bagge any of it; whereas the Mores, that are bound for the red ſea, the Perſick Gulph, and other parts of the Levant, give a good price for it, and therefore deſerve the beſt.

[Page]The Pepper tree doth not reſemble any tree I ever ſaw growing in Europe: 'Tis a faire and great tree, the leafe pretty long, and large, full of ſtrings, ſhe beares her fruit as our vines do grapes, or rather like the Provence wilde grape, in abundance. I have ſeen of ſeverall ſorts, one which the Weſt Indians, at Carthagene, and Caramel, call Jerac, which ſignifies white, and laid in the ſun becomes as black as the other, and though a little different, yet hath great vertue, and is like a young beane, but ſomething longer: the grain is incloſed in a little cod, as the beane: This ſort of tree beares no leaves, the others, which are the ordinary ſort, beare many both long and large. They uſe it much to heate them, and put it in their pottage; reſting my ſelf one day over a ſtorehouſe which was full, I never felt the like heate.

The other druggs, made in the Territories of Cochin, are ſold to the Portugais only. But to ſave their pay they paſſe merchandizes in exchanga; 'Tis true that every buyer payes ſome ſmall earneſt, for if their dealing were diſcovered, their goods would be wholly confiscated to the King, and ſometime the very ſhips themſelves. When the Portugais have bought at certain rates, if the Mores offer more, the former bargain is void: which to prevent, the King orders certain puniſhments to keep them in awe. The Prince, though not very potent, yet can draw three-ſcore thouſand men into the field.

Cochins ſcituation:The Town of Cochin is built upon a faire river, a mile remote from the ſea. There is another place called Cochin, joyning to the ſea, which belonging to the Portugueſes, there are many Chriſtians, who to enjoy the priviledges of the City, and to be exempted from payments, are married there, all other Chriſtians pay foure Per Cent. at both the Cochins, which are a mile diſtant one from the other.

ſeverall Chriſtians at Cochin.There are many Chriſtians married, of ſeverall Nations and Sects, as Italians, Engliſh, French, Germans, Chriſtians of the Girdle of St. Thomas, who paſſe for Portugueſſes, and are all Merchants. The commodities pay ſeverall cuſtomes, as for the ſugars brought from Bengalo, the ſtrangers pay eight Per Cent. thoſe married upon the place are freed. There are many Amuchies Gentlemen, wearing ſwords and bucklers, who upon all occaſions expoſe themſelves gallantly to death, for the ſafety of their Prince.Women are common. Their wives are in common, and the Natives lend them one another; when they enter any houſe they leave their ſwords and bucklers at the doore, and no man dare enter while another is within.

All ſhips bound for Portugall are prepared for Sea in the moneths of December and January, from thence they ſayle to Coulan, 72 miles from Colchin, where they have a noble Fort in the Territories of the King of Coulan, from thence to the Cape Comori, unto the lower part of Chiloa, or Chilao, about 200. miles. [Page] near wholly converted by the Fathers of the ſociety of St. Paul at Goa, who have built many fair Churches; they had made a greater progreſſe in Calicut, had they not been hindred by the malice of the Moors, mortall enemies to the Chriſtians, ſince they cauſed the Cittadell built by the Portuguais to be demoliſhed.

The Harbour at new Cochin is very large, but very rocky. The Town is full of fair Churches, Monaſteries, Hoſpitalls, and Colledges. The River that waters the ſoyle is pleaſant and large, and helps to make up a good haven, where ſhips ride ſafe. On the North is a pretty Iſle where the Biſhops pallace is of moſt ſtately edifice; and although many Gentiles inhabit there, yet nothing but Chriſtianity is practiſed amongſt them, and who ever will idolatrize muſt remove to old Cochin, which ſtands upon the River, joyned with a long row of houſes like a Suburb. There is great commerce from all parts of the Indies.

The greateſt inconvenience to the veſſels is, that ſometimes they muſt lie three or four months or more, at the mouth of the River, becauſe the entrance is filled with ſand, that choakes her paſſage, which happens from May to September, when fall great raines, which raiſe a Sea wind called by the Weſt-Indians Toumacaut, Toumacaui a weſtern wind in force towards Potereau and Peru. Jenibaron [...]. which by the help of the flouds, blows and bears down thoſe ſhelves of ſand, which do diſſipate, and are ſpent in the ſea. Thus 'tis almoſt with all Towns that ſtand upon Rivers, as I obſerved at Jenibaron, in the harbour of the Iſle of St. Laurence, which carries after this manner all the ſand into the Sea, and then hath one of the ſureſt havens in the world.

But before I leave the coaſt of Cochin and Malabar, Portuguais go from Cohin into Portugall. you muſt know that the fleet of Portugall once laden at Cochin, doth not return to Goa, but ſailes ſtrait for Portugall, paſſing through Maldiue; and all the Armado's, Fleets, and other veſſels whatſoever, that come from the South and the Weſtern parts of Goa, at 36. leagues from thence, are at their journeys end; having reached the Cape of Ramos, where in ſign of joy they pitch their flags and ſtandarts, and draw forth their whole artillery, as being ſafe and free from Pirates, becauſe in that nook is divided the coaſt of Malabar, from the kingdom of Tacara or Dealcan. The like rejoycements make the Fleets that come from the North-ſide, when they reach an Iſle thirty ſix miles from Goa, called Quemada.

Don Sancho Sapatero, A [...] ſtrange Hiſtory of a Portuguais Captain, and certain French Pirates. a Portugueſe Captain met not with the like ſucceſſe; who as I have ſince heard, being arrived at the Iſle, fired ſome guns in ſign of joy, and ſet a plume of feathers upon his maſt: a certain Captain and Pirate born at Rochelle, named Boudard, having caſt Anchor at Cananor, laid wait for a hulk laden with pepper, then at Cochin, expecting fair weather to put out to Sea for Portugall, meeting with another ſhip bound for [Page] Achez for lading, was advertized of Don Sancho's paſſing here, which occaſioned the Rocheller to expect him with all ſecurity, pretending to be a Merchant of that Countrey, and at his firſt meeting with Sapatero he gave him a broad-ſide, killed five of his marriners, and burnt his plume, which ſo terrified the Captain that his courage being loſt, he took down his colours, and craving his life offered the Rocheller what he had in his ſhip.An unheard of curteſie from the hand of a Pyrate. Here the Rocheller came off magnanimouſly, for having power to enſlave him and his, and to ſeize his ſhip, he contented himſelf ſeeing the liſt of goods, to take one of the ſhips laden with certain pieces of cannon and ammunition out of the other ſhips, releaſing Capt. Sancho, with the reſt of his company, which much revived him, and the more, becauſe the prize of thoſe commodities belonged to certain Jewiſh Portugueſe Merchants, he thought to bear no loſſe himſelf, ſince Boudart took nothing out of his ſhip but two pieces of cannon, and ſome ammunition, with a preſent of ſome of the Country rarities. But he was much deceived, for arrived at Goa he was called in queſtion, and the loſs appearing to have proceeded through his ſlender forecaſt and ſmall courage, he being far ſtronger than his enemies; it was ordered that the three ſhips ſhould equally partake in the loſſe, ſince they were all preſerved from Lisboe, and he for the fault he had careleſly committed was forbidden ever to wear feather, under pain of forfeiting a 1000. Croyſades, which ſtruck the poor man with ſuch regret, that he fell deſperately ſick, and caſt himſelf into the Hoſpitall,Puniſhment of the wicked. yielding willingly to death for the ſhamefull loſſe he had ſuſtained: he was ſufficiently revenged by the unhappy end miſerable Boudart at length met withall, who ſwolne with proſperities and with abundance of ill gotten wealth, partly of thoſe three Portuguais ſhips, and of another veſſel bound from Cambaye to Malaca, laden with gold, ſilver, and precious ſtones, and other rich commodities, as he returned towards the Cape of Good Hope, with intention to ſpend the remainder of his life in his own Countrey in pleaſure and content, he met with ſo terrible a tempeſt, that although he was a moſt expert Sea-man he could not long reſiſt, receiving ſmall aſſiſtance from his Company, moſt of them being loſt in former ſights, and many lying ſick of the Scorbus, a cruell Sea diſtemper, and finding himſelf too weak to make any longer reſiſtance, having for three dayes withſtood the tempeſt, and wearied with lading the water that almoſt ſunk his ſhip, he was forced at laſt to ſave himſelf in another bark, with thoſe few half-dead Camarades, leaving his other ſhip with all his pirac'd riches to the mercy of the water, which in a moment ſunk before his face. Nor was this the worſt, his bark meeting with as bad ſucceſſe, for having diſcovered the coaſt of Braſile towards the Cape St. Auſten, and Fernamboue, he was forced to leave this laſt veſſel, that ſprung a leak 15. miles from Fernamboue, [Page] make uſe of ſkill and ſtrength to ſave himſelf in the cock-boat, and come aſhore, with ſome 20. perſons, to a ſugar plantation belonging to ſome Portugueſe, who beholding the arrivall of theſe miſerable ſhipwracks, and moved to compaſſion, with the naturall affection they bear unto the French, helped them to drag their boat on ſhore, where they kindly entertained them, and furniſht them with victuals and cloaths, and the poor men after a while helped them in the Sugar-works, which is there made up in great abundance, and alſo be ſold at ſo cheap a rate that a quartern is worth but a Cruſado, which doth not amount to two pence a pound, and all the Sugar that comes into theſe parts from Madera, is made in America. Thus our Captain having refreſht himſelf and his company by a quarters reſidence in this place, with many boards and planks the Sea had caſt upon the ſhore, he reſolved to build himſelf a little boat for his return into France, wherein he was aſſiſted by the Maſter of the Sugar-work and his ſervants, and having finiſhed and perfected it, and ſtored it with all neceſſaries; eſpecially with meal of Mandoe, ſugars, fleſh, and ſalt-fiſh, with fruit and Potato's, a great dainty in thoſe parts, which have the taſte of a cheſnut, and with roots of Caſha and other refreſhments;Caſſia. They imbarked themſelves aboard this ſmall veſſel, with millions of thanks, for the curteſies received, with many promiſes and proteſtations to requite their charities; for theſe honeſt men gave their very ſheets to make them ſailes, for which they were but ill rewarded. They left the Cape St. Auſten, otherwiſe called Lieneo, becauſe all that coaſt is white, and ſailed happily within the ſight of Fernamboue, where riding the French road they met with a ſmall ſhip returning from Spain, laden with apparell, linnen, and woollen, oyles, and wines bearing towards Braſile; amongſt the reſt were five Portug [...]eſe women,The Pir [...]ts perfidiouſneſſe. who with their whole fortunes were returning unto their huſbands at the Sugar-work in the Cape St. Auſten, the ſame that had ſo kindly entertained theſe Pyrates. Here the moſt unfortunate Captain committed one of the moſt horrid acts can be imagined, for drawing near to the ſhip, under pretenſe of giving the women an account of their huſbands, he ſeized the veſſell, and forced moſt of the paſſengers to leap into the Sea, where they periſht: The reſt together with the five women he retained priſoners: three whereof they immediately exchanged with the Salvages for certain refreſhing Commodities,Antropophayes. and thoſe barbarous people killed one of them before their faces, to feed on, the other two were ſince ranſomed by their huſbands, not above ſix leagues from thence, wondring at the cruell ingratitude of this Pirate and his followers they had ſo much obliged.

Meanwhile the perfidious Captain drew towards the two [Page] other women, he ſaved for his unlawfull and ſenſuall uſes, they begged mercy for nine more Portugueſes, who otherwiſe had ſhared in the generall fate, but at length God ſhewed his juſt indignation againſt this ſavage Monſter, caſting him with a ſudden tempeſt towards the Cape of Good Hope, and Dargagullas, and forced him to run a ſhore againſt his will at Mozambick, an Iſle and Fort belonging to Portugall, on the Coaſt of Affrica, and whereas his ſhip was ready to enter the Harbour, a Frigate of Warr demanded what ſhe was, The women couragiouſly from the Hatches replyed they came from Spain, and ſeeing two ſhips of Warr more make up to them, they grew more confident, giving them notice to board them boldly, which they did accordingly, and requiring the Captain to come before the Governour, he went, though trembling for fear, with three of his Camarades. This while the Merchants that remained in the ſhip animated with this aſſiſtance of their freinds, cryed out, that the Veſſell, and all the Merchandiſe therein belonged to them; The Captains Complices made anſwer, they claimed no ſhare therein, upon condition they might be ſet on ſhore, which was immediately promiſed them: and being landed, the women and all, they began their juſt complaints, and required juſtice of the Governour for the wrong they had ſuſtained; the Governour immediately ſeiſed them, and was ſending them to Goa, that the Viceroy might underſtand their Crimes.

But the women pleaded their own cauſe ſo well, that the Governour with his Counſell having well examined the matter, condemned the Captain, and three of his chiefeſt men to be hanged, and their bodies burnt: The ſentence was ſuddenly executed, and at their death they confeſt, not this crime alone, but many, more enormous, they had committed. After this, the women wel [...] ſatisfied, reembarked themſelves with their goods, and returned happily to their husbands at Braſil.

The reſt of theſe Pirates were ſent to Goa to be executed, but arriving there ſick, by hard uſage and grief, at the intreaty of the Fathers of the Society, they were put into the Hoſpital, where they ſtaid three moneths before they recovered their healths; Then they were ſent to priſon, from whence they were carried in a boate to the place they had robbed, Don Sancho Sapatero, where their right hands were cut off, and brought back to Goa, hanged, and burnt: behold the ſhamefull and juſt end of thoſe miſerable Pirates, which may ſerve for example to all thoſe that take ſuch unjuſt, and dangerous courſe of life.

Now returning to Malabar and Coromandell, I will relate amongſt others the Wonder of thoſe two Coaſts, ſo different, that being divided by the long Mountains of Gates, one to the Weſt, the other to the Eaſt, they have contrary ſeaſons, for in that that reaches from Cambaye to Comori, they have their winter [Page] from Aprill to September, with rains, tempeſts, thunders and windes,Marvellous ſeaſons in the ſame parallells. and the ſame time in the other appeares a ſummer, moſt pleaſant and benign, and in the other moneths the contrary, and this contrariety in the ſame degree and elevation, which is a wonder puzles all Aſtronomers and naturall Philoſophers.

CHAP. XX. Of the Iſle of Zeilan, where they fiſh for pearles, and charme certain great fiſhes, an Idole of a Monkeyes tooth, an Iſle deſerted for the inteſtation of ſpirits, and of the Iſles Maldives.

LEaving the Coaſt of Malabar, and the Cape Comori, that diſcover the Iſle Malaberi, or Zeilan, and Geilan, one of the beſt in all India, extending from North to South. Southward lies the Cape Berebeli, or Berbert, oppoſite to Comori; on an other ſide lies the Coaſt of Coromandell, divided from the other by a Gulfe: South-weſt lie the Maldives, Northward the Gulfe Bengala, and the Indian and Sumatian ſea Eaſtward, The Inhabitants call her Tenariſin, well peopled, hath many great Towns, faire and navigable rivers, large and ſafe harbours; this Iſle yeilds ſuch plenty both of riches and pleaſures, that the Inhabitants grow very groſſe and corpulent, and as if their bellies were blown up.

The aire is temperate, the ſoyle fruitfull in all things, and chiefly in wood, cinamon,Cinamon. called Eſquiſde, the beſt and fineſt of the Eaſt: it abounds alſo in pepper, ginger, and nutmeggs; they gather the cinnamon in March and Aprill, which cleaves with much eaſe, then lay it a fortnight a ſunning, which increaſes it's ſtrength and vertue; They gather it but every ſecond year, becauſe the bark of one yeares growth is little worth, yet they diſtill it with certain juices, and Ladies uſe them with the water to make them ſmell ſweet, mingled with orange flowers, and other perfumes.

This tree is of the height and ſhape of a laurell tree, bearing kernells, or berries, the trunk or body is longer and ſtreighter, the leafe larger, and fuller of ſtrings, hath no ſmell at all, and full ripe, and ready to pill, the leaves fall, which taſt and ſmell like the barke, but without any vertue. This cinnamon, or barke, newly pilled, hath no taſt, more then any other common wood, but laid in the Sun fifteen dayes, gets ſo great a [Page] a ſtrength, that it is impoſſible to eat above the bigneſſe of a good pea, ſuch is the heat and vigour. I have ſeen of this ſpice at Zeilan onely, and in another country of the Weſt-Indies, 26. degrees off this ſide the lyne, called Cheit, where the Inhabitants burn more, then eat of it; they uſe it in their ſacrifices, and to burn their treaſure in. The Arabians call the Cinamon Quirſa, the Perſians Darchini, the Zeilaners Cardo, in Malabar 'tis called Camea, and by the Malayans Cayſmon.

That country abounds in moſt excellent fruits, paſture, and all ſorts of beaſts, in Elephants, and all ſorts of fowl, which are very cheap.Oyle of Cinnamon. Moſt of the Inhabitants plant Cinamon, and make great eſteem of the oyle they draw from it, which is very odoriferous, and uſeful for many things.

There are gold and ſilver mynes, but they have great want of workmen. For the Iſlanders are ſlothful, and vicious. The country is well ſtored with butter and hony,Butter and Hony. but not in ſugar, which is brought them from their neighbouring countries: There are many mynes and precious ſtones and jewels, whereof the moſt in eſteeme is one of Rubies,Rubyes. which is at one end of the Iſle towards the Eaſt; and although they are not of the beſt in the world, yet they are paſſable. There are Chryſolites, Topazes, Jacinthes, and Granatts. At one ſide of the Iſle called Betala, Batecalon, Betale a pearle-fiſhing. A fiſh charmed. there is a fiſhing of pearls, dangerous, for the Turbets a fiſh that devoures, both fiſhermen and nets; yet they have an art to charm them, and make them uncapable of doing harm. They fiſh for pearl only in April, in other places in May, and in ſome others in June. The King receives great profit from this fiſhing, taking the tenths of the faireſt for his ſhare. 'Tis ſaid that the King hath the faireſt, and largeſt Ruby in the world called Matouca, Matouca a Ruby. and that a Prince of Tartarge offered him a fair and rich Province in exchange.

In a word; this Iſle is one of the richeſt of the world, and of great commerce in all commodities, which renders the King both wealthy and potent; for from the Ruby myne alone, he deduces a vaſt treaſure, though he hath ſold a corner of it which is of great value, yet all thoſe that ſurpaſſe four or five Abir or Carrats, belong unto him.

The Rubies of Pegu are ſomething high coloured, and the fineſt of the Eaſt. The Maſter workmen can adde to their colour, and make them finer, in which they ſhew much experience. In this Iſle the Portugueſe have a Fort on India ſide without the town of Columbo, by which means they keep the town in ſubjection.

All this Iſle for the moſt part is governed by a King, elected like him of Ormus, King of Zeilan. but this King is not tributary to Portugal, as the other is; ſo that he ſtands but in a voluntary ſubjection, having permitted that Fort for commerce ſake, eſteeming the Portugueſe valiant and faithful to their allyes.

[Page]This King hath formerly poſſeſſed great territories and kingdomes in the continent. He is a Gentill in religion, magnanimous and liberal, Governs his ſubjects in peace, and quietneſſe, and keeps good correſpondence with his neighbour Princes: The Iſle is held to be 500. miles about. The people are rather fair then Brown, there dwell no Jewes, but many Mahometans. Both men and women are richly apparelled, begirt with girdles of jewels of value. Women do but overcharge their eares with pearles, Rubies, and Diamonds; The country language is the ſame as is ſpoken at Malabar. There grow great ſtore of Oranges in this Iſle, and the Inhabitants delight in eating the rinde, which is as good as thoſe of Lemmons. They drink Areca, and other delicious drinks, mingled with ſugar and cinnamon. They make ſome drinks will inebriate like wine, both men and women drink of it; and when they are intoxicated, they go to ſleep. They have five ſorts of Date trees, which augments their trade; there grows a herb called Nabuc, whereof they make oyle, as well taſted as that of Palmes; the cinnamon oyle is too ſtrong.

The Inhabitants of Bengale, and Coromandel, trade much in this Iſle, whither they come to truck Indian rarities, but they go as much to make merry, and carrouze with them, as for commerce; they eat Rice-bread, as they do throughout the Indies. Bread made of Rice. Trees are green throughout the year, and one fruit extrudes another, the ſoyle is ſo fertile; the trade of Cinnamon belongs to the King onely, as do the mynes, gemmes, gold, and ſilver; the beſt haven of the Iſle is Camouch, or Coſmuche, at the mouth of the River, the town is ill built. The ayr is good on Coromandel ſide,Camouch Haven. Streight of Zeilan. and is divided, but by a little ſtreight, not much longer then Gibraltar, but more dangerous, becauſe the waves raiſe banks of ſand which make it the more dangerous for veſſels of great burthen, forced to enter the Iſle on the other ſide called Betala, or the pearl-fiſhing.

Zeilan is held to be the ancient Taprobane, and others with more reaſon ſay ſhe was anciently called Sumatra, however this Iſle hath ever been potent, formerly governed by one King, of the race of the Sun, or at leaſt from thence he pretended himſelf deſcended.

This King was dethroned by one of Jafanapatan, Jafanapatan. and ſince the country hath been divided into ſeveral kingdomes. The Portuguais warred with the King of Jafanapatan, who overthrown, was conſtrained to deliver up the Iſle of Manar, Manar an Iſland. which they fortified, and inhabit to this day: the Chriſtians were grievouſly oppreſſed, by the Badages their neighbours, barbarous people, & great thieves,Badages. but the Portugueſe ſubdued them at laſt. In this invaſion the Portugueſe amongſt other things took that famous Idol made of the tooth of a Monkey, adored by all the Indians of thoſe parts,Idoll of a Monkeys tooth. and enriched with Jewels. The King of Pegu ſo highly eſteemed it, that he ſent yearly Ambaſſadours thither, to take the print of it upon [Page] Amber, Musk, and other perfumes which he had great reverence unto:Hanimam a Monkey. and ſince it was taken, he offered to redeem it at a great rate, but they chriſtian-like, choſe rather to deſtroy that Idolatry, then to reap a profit thereby, and ſo they burnt it; and from it, there came a moſt ſtinking and black ſmoak. They relate many fables of that white Monky named Hanimam, that he had been a God, expelled heaven, for ſome fault committed, and Metamorphoſed into a Monkey, coming from the land of Badages, or— thence into Ceitan where after his death he was adored, and his tooth kept as a relique. The ſea between the Cape Comori, the lower Chilao, Peſcaria. and the Iſle Zelan was called Peſcaria Delle Perſe, a place of pearl-fiſhing, which laſts about 50. days, and at the point where they begin to fiſh, upon a ſudden many Cabbins and Booths are erected,The manner of fiſhing for pearl. to laſt during the fiſhing onely; then they that can, dyne, and fill their bagges with oyſters, and by a rope tyed about their middle, are pulled up again, and every fiſher makes his own heap. The ſeaſons are not alwayes favourable alike, ſome more, ſome leſſe, and ſome ſeaſons very dangerous, by reaſon of ſeveral fiſhes that devour the fiſhers, and other fiſhes will crop off a thigh or arme of a man, as cloſe and even as a hangar, and thoſe the Portugais call Poccaſpada, this fiſh hath two rowes of teeth, very ſharp and long: and therefore to prevent the danger, they have Magicians that charme the fiſhes: upon a time a fiſher-man ready to be devoured by a fiſh had his mouth open, and within two fingers of reaching him,Fiſh charmed. ſuddenly the Wiſard (who was preſent) cryed out Veruas, which ſignifies, come out or charm, and the fiſh left him; and the man having a ſword in his hand, ſtruck a blow or two, and the fiſh ſwam away, leaving the Sea dy'd with his blood. At night when they go to reſt, they diſſolve their charmes,Chitmi are Commiſſioners. becauſe no one ſhould venture to fiſh; There are certain Commiſſioners to ſet a rate upon the pearle, according to the ſeaſon: and there are of fine ſorts of pearls, ſome like ſtars, others half ſtars, others called Pedrati, which are much eſteemed, and divided into five parts; The Merchants ſtand in order to buy them.

The Portugeſe have thoſe of greateſt price, which they call Quercos, the Bengalians the ſeconds, the Canaranians the thirds; the Cambayans have the ſmalleſt: and the laſt which are of little worth, fall to the Jewes there, which they poliſh for deceit.

It is a gallant ſight to ſee ſo many Merchants together, and ſo many heaps of pearles, before every Cabbin, which within few dayes are all pull'd down. The beſt pearl is fiſhed in the Channel of Setin, Setin. near to Zeilan, where they uſe flat-bottome boats, called Tune, becauſe they have little bottome: ſome are gotten at the other ſide of Chilao between Manar, and the Continent. There is no pearl to be found in all the Eaſt, except in this place, and at Baharem, Baharem. in the Perſick gulph, and the Iſle Aynan near [Page] China; thoſe taken at Baharem are bigger, but they are taken here in greater number. The whole Coaſt of Malabar, from Comori fifty leagues in length, or thereabouts, inhabited by people called Paravians, is much frequented for this fiſhing,Paraves. where fifty or three ſcore thouſand Merchants reſort to that purpoſe.

The Paravians are Chriſtians, and were inſtructed by St. Francis Ilaverius, and live under the protection of the Portugueſſe, who have protected them from the Tyranny of the Mahometans, their neighbours.

South-weſt of the Iſle of Zeilan, are the Maldives, many in number, dangerous to Saylers, for the ſhelves of ſand and rocks:Maldives Iſles. I will ſay no more of them, becauſe my knowledge is but ſmall, beſides, they have amply and exactly been deſcribed by others; but I will ſay ſomething of a wonderfull Iſle, on the Coaſt of Malduce, Southward, ſome ten degrees remote from the Line, and called Patovi, or Polovis, now deſerte, though formerly inhabited and flouriſhing; which (as I learnt ſince at Pegu,) was Governed by a Prince, called Argiac, a Potent King of many Ilands and Kingdomes, he having many children by ſeverall wives, gave this Iſland to one of the gallanteſt amongſt them,Polovis the devills Iſle. called Abdenac, for his portion, with ſeveral Treaſures: this Abdenac was poſſeſt of it peaceably for five yeares ſpace; his elder brother called Argiac, after their Father, and King of Achez, in Sumatra, refuſed him the ſhare of Treaſure his father had left him, the other enraged, craved the aſſiſtance of the King of Bengala, who furniſhed him with ſhips, with which he invaded his brother, burnt his Townes, and put to death moſt part of his followers, but received a mortall wound himſelf, and returning into his Iſland with the Treaſures he had regained of his brother, and finding himſelf near death▪ diſtributed his wealth, and bequeathed his Iſland to be inherited by his Duma, or evill ſpirit, intreating him to preſerve it till the day of Judgement, and that he then hoped to return into the World.

This Will made, he dyed, and had no other ſepulchre then the bowells of his Alliance and Friends, according to the Cuſtome of that Countrey, where in many places they eat the dead fleſh of their Kindered, and near Relations; perſwading themſelves, the Soule to be ſooner at reſt, then if they permitted the corpes to putrifie, and to be conſumed by the wormes, and that there could be no Sepulchre ſo Honourable, as the bowells of a deare friend.

This Iſland falling to the devils ſhare, he became ſo turbulent, that from the very time he took poſſeſſion, the Iſland was not habitable, and all the Inhabitants forced to retire into the adjacent Iſles: ever ſince this place remained deſert, yet there are great ſtore of birds and beaſts▪ ſometimes the [Page] Maldivians have landed there by chance, but have been forced immediately to retreate,Hiſtory of the Magitian of Pegu. the evill ſpirits do ſo perplex them, they raiſe great tempeſts on that ſea. Being at Pegu, I heard a Magitian had promiſed the King to bring him ſome birds, and the Treaſures of Abdena out of the Country, but the Demons did ſo perturb him, he could not effect his promiſe; for as he was taking footing in the Iſle, and beginning his conjurations, he had writ upon a leafe, and put into the hands of one of his boldeſt diſciples, they were by the illuſions of the devill ſo ſuddenly terrified, that the miſerable diſciple fell dead upon the place, and the Maſter Magician was ſo horridly beaten, and dragged by the devills to the ſhip ſide, that his companions had onely time to reembarke him, and hoiſt ſayles for Pegu. All the reſt were ſtrangely tormented and beaten, except the Maſters Mate, and the Seamen, that were wiſer, for knowing the condition of the place, they would not put foot on land, which afterwards they were very glad of.

Thus was the Magitian ſoundly beaten, and 'twas almoſt paſt his skill to recover himſelfe, but more of him another time.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Kingdom of Biſnegar, or Narſingue, of the King, his Bramins, or Prieſts, of Meliapar, where (they ſay) repoſes the body of St. Thomas the Apoſtle, with a ſtrange Hiſtory of a Beare.

Biſnegar or Marſingue,UPon the Coaſt of Coromandell, in the Eaſt of Malabar are the Kingdomes of Biſnegar, Orixa, Mandao, and others. Beſnaga, or Marſingue, hath a King, formerly the moſt puiſſant of the India's, amongſt the Gentills, and was eſteemed their Emperour, and gave his Lawes from Gemora, to Orixa and Bengale, to Goa, Onoe, and Baticola, and many other places were under his Dominion, but at this time he is much weakned, yet he eſteemes himſelf very potent, and aſſumes very ſuperbous and high Titles, as God of the great Provinces, King of Kings, and Lord of the whole Univerſe.

A vaſt Army.'Tis reported that in an expedition againſt Italca, he Muſtered ſeven hundered thouſand of Infantry, forty thouſand Cavalry, horſe-armed, and ſeven hundered Elephants; Biſnegar is the name of the Kingdom, and cheife Town, Negapatan her Haven, the Towne of Biſnegar is faire and large, lying [Page] in the 17. degree 10. dayes journey from Narſingue, and eight from Goa: we came for trade, and to put off our commodities, that paid 4. per cent. viz. thoſe that came from the Weſt, as cloaths, ſcarlets, paper, ſaffron, all ſorts of Iron and Lary ware, except horſe-bits, that pay but two per cent. in the India's:Horſebits Horſes are very ſmall here as in Swethland, but very high prized; the Perſian horſes are the deareſt, becauſe they are the biggeſt and ſtrongeſt: The Prince of Biſnegar, is ſtiled Benganera, or Vente cupati, which ſignifies great King, and moſt magnificent in his State, potent in Elephants and Horſes, which he maintaines with the Gabells of the Countrey; and the eaſier to procure horſe to ſtrengthen himſelf againſt his enemies the toles are abated.

Some few years before we came to this Town of Biſnegar, Hiſtory of the King of Biſnegar. it was aſſaulted and ſack't by four Kings of the Mores, all very potent and united to ruine this Prince: Theſe Kings were Idalcan, Niſamulaco, Cotamulaco, and a Brother-in-law of his called Sultan Jordas, Prince of the Kingdom of Viridi or Var:Var or Viridi. Their hatred was that this King of Biſnegar was an Idolater, and they Mahometans.

Two Mooriſh Captains were corrupted to betray their Maſters, and the day the battle was fought they turned about, and proved the deſtruction of the Town, that was that day ſack't, and taken by the confederate Kings, and the King thereof put to flight into another ſtrong Town called Panigont, Pagont. or Panicota, where there ſtood a ſtrong Caſtle ſurrounded with a great River, and deep trenches, ten dayes journey off Biſnegar. The enemies purſued him thither, and gave him a ſecond battle, where this Prince met with better ſucceſſe, and defeated them, and had utterly diſperſed them, without the auxiliaries lent them by the King of Tranſiane, a mortall enemy of this Prince:Tranſiane. There he took priſoner one of the perfidious Captains, made him an example,Treaſon puniſhed. cauſing him to be nailed on a Croſſe, and to be ſhot to death with arrows, having rallied a puiſſant Army to recover his Town of Beſnegar, he boldly reſolved to fall upon Tranſiane, Timeragi. and to ſeize of Timeragi's Countrey, who had given his enemies their greateſt aſſiſtance; there he made great ſpoyle, ſacking, and burning all before him, before Timeragi could reſiſt him.

He deſtroyed 22. Towns, being advanced unto Gondariane Capitall of that Kingdom, he put all to fire and ſword,Gondariane. and burnt Timeragi's ſumptuous pallace, his wife and children, before Timeragi could ſtop his cruelties, paſſing thorough Lazaray, leaving all places deſolate where ever he paſt, untill he returned to Panigoni, having ſpent but three months in this expedition.

He returned not ſoon enough to recover Biſnegar, for his enemies had ſtrongly fortified it, and every one had their poſt [Page] aſſigned them, Dealcan, on Panigont ſide, the others at other places: the mean time theſe four Kings enjoyed this Countrey which they plundered, and to ſtrengthen themſelves againſt the Inhabitants, moſt affectionate and faithfull to their Prince, they commanded all Merchants and other perſons of eſtate in that Iſle to bring in horſe, and Elephants promiſing payment: They were brought in in great numbers,Merchant deceived. but when they had poſſeſſion of them they turned back the right owners without any ſatisfaction, which was no ſmall loſſe to them.

Chandegry:The Town of Biſnegar, otherwiſe called Chandegry, is eight leagues about, and is ſo populous and powerfull, that ſhe finds her Prince a hundred thouſand horſe.

Narſingue. Narſingue the Capitall of the Country is of the compaſs of Florence, ſtately built, but their covering takes much from their beauty, being not permitted to uſe tyle, which otherwiſe they have great ſtore of. This Town is partly ſcituate upon a hill pretty eminent 3. leagues round: There is a moſt ſumptuous pallace, covered with tyle, where ſymmetry and uniformity is exactly obſerved;Thatched houſes. the Town is bounded on one ſide with the Sea, the other ſide with a great River, the Town is well peopled, and thatched, with a courſe ſtraw reed or ruſh.

The King maintaines a numerous Militia, that makes him formidable to all the Eaſt. No man can inhabit there without expreſſe leave from the King: and no perſon is admitted that appears not an honeſt and candid perſon, Merchants, ſtrangers, and paſſengers, have commodious habitations allotted them, paying the ordinary duties.Lawes obſerved at Narſingue. They live quietly, for juſtice is impartially diſpenſed, and the lawes are ſo well obſerved, that none breaks them for fear of puniſhment. The Citizens are obliged by oath to ſerve the king when ere he commands upon pain of life, or amputation of hands and feet, to keep his army more full he entertains the faireſt women in the world,Coutry Dames. moſt gallantly dreſſed, and are onely courted by the great ones, and the gallanteſt perſons: many ſtrange Lords and Princes flock hither, to fight under Mars and Venus, but they are not admitted to the Ladies, untill they have ſhewed ſome Trophies of their valour, in ſome gallant exploit for the Princes ſervice; then they are courted by the Ladies, honoured and reſpected by the King, who by frequent preſents and obligations, hurry them on to greater actions. Some of them abſtain from women to keep their ſtrength and vigour, boaſting to feed upon Lions, Bears, and Tigars, and drink the bloud of the cruelleſt and wildeſt beaſts, ſuch is their Gallantry, and thus they decline effeminacy. They uſe themſelves to very violent exerciſes, to war, wraſtling, hunting, feeding on ſtrengthning foods onely. They anoint their bodies with certain unxious commixtions or oyles to harden their ſkin. They ſeldome fight in battle-ray, their High-Prieſts or [Page] Bramins, lead on their Armies, who dare not ſtir,Bramins High-Prieſts. if the Bramins are not in the head of them, and when two Parties or Armies cannot agree, ſeveral perſons are called out to decide the quarrell: and when they have fought ſufficiently, a retreat is ſounded, and judgement is given of the victory, ſometimes they are commanded to fall on again. Thoſe Bramins are wiſe,Thus did the Bardes amongſt the ancient Gauls. and well-compoſed perſons, they never permit their Kings to engage their whole Armies, at the great expenſe of their Subjects bloud, and therefore few pitched battles are fought, between thoſe Indian Kings; at leaſt the Idolaters; for the Mahometans they are otherwiſe governed.

When this King intends war to any neighbouring Prince,A manner of declaring war: or Stranger, he marches forth of his capitall Town, accompanied with all his Nobility, in battle-ray, with all his horſe and foot, and Elephants in good order, as if he were ready to march, Then the King mounted on a ſtately courſer, marches towards the Country he declares war unto, and lets fly an arrow: immediately many perſons ride their circuits with flaming torches in their hands, to give notice of the day they are to attend their King, at the capitall Town; and the field Marſhals, keep the paſſages, and let none paſſe but who are fit for war; if war be carried far off, their houſes are commanded to be burnt, that the whole families may go to war, they onely uncover their houſes, for their houſhold-ſtuffe, and goods are preſerved in a publick place built for that purpoſe. The people thus diſpoſed follow their Prince with reſolution, and moſt freely expoſe themſelves to all danger.

They load their Elephants, and Horſes,Poyſoned circles of Iron. with iron and ſteel hoops three fingers broad, keen as raſors, which they uſe in fight; they dart them with ſo ſtrange and dextrous a ſtrength, and fleetneſſe, that an arrow ſhot from a good arm flyes not ſwifter, with theſe inſtruments they make large wounds, moſt of them mortall and incurable, poyſoning the inſtruments, beſides theſe Armes they carry ſwords and bucklers of ſeverall faſhions, javelines, bowes, and croſſe-bowes, and ſome fire-pikes, they go ſo furiouſly to fight, little regarding their lives to ſerve their Prince. Paleacate is another noble Town and haven in Biſnegar, Palecate. upon the gulf Bengale; The Inhabitants are Gentiles, and profeſs the ſame law as at Malabar and Calicut, never eating beef; they war perpetually with Ternaſſari, onely for Religion ſake, and are friends with Calicut; ſo are moſt of the Town upon the ſame gulf, as Aremogan, Bigara, Caricola, Putifama, and other fair harbours belonging to the King of Biſnegar.

The inhabitants of Paleacate are courteous, and civil, yet you muſt be cautious of them, they wear neither breeches nor drawers but a looſe long caſſock, and cloak over it, of ſilk, or ſome fine ſtuf, with a cap of the ſame, and pumps very neatly made, and go bareleg'd, [Page] their caſſocks reach to their ankles. The women wear Turkiſh coats looſe, ſilk ſtockings, and buſkins richly faced: this town hath great commerce, and hither are brought from Pegu and other places all their rich commodities and jewels.

Between Paleacate and Narſingue, is a great vale, overgrown with ſtately trees like Sicamores, yielding a continuall moyſture, like unto thoſe in the Iſle of Fer in the Canaries; this vale is continually covered with clouds, and very deep, it reſembles a perpetuall night, the Sun never appearing, the roads are hard to hit, this vale is a good mile in length, and diſcovering the great and adjacent plains, you are in another world; there runs a little River out of the vale, one end of the plain is planted with Sugar-canes: there are three Sugar works that furniſh the Inhabitants with work all the year long; They have not the art to refine it, but make it up in powder, with theſe canes they feed their cattle; as horſes, bufflers, and ſwine, which makes their fleſh very ſweet & delicious, and Doctors preſcribe ſwines fleſh to ſick perſons, and indeed it is ſweeter and wholſomer than mutton, becauſe of the clean feeding.

S. Thomas his ſhrine.Near Paleacate ſtands Meliapur, or St. Thomas, a pretty fair Town, where the Portugueſe have a Fort; here 'tis ſaid St. Thomas the Apoſtle preached, and is interred; for the province of Parthia falling to his lot, he came into the Indies, and to Coulan: others ſay he was firſt at Socotora, towards the Arabick gulf, from thence to Granganor, then to Coulan, where being perſecuted by the King of that place, he came to Coromandell, and to this Town of Meliapur, where he ſuffered martyrdom. Many are of opinion he came into Pegu, Chriſtian faith preached in the Indies and by whom. and to China, for there are many monuments of Chriſtianiſm all over the Indies; yet 'tis likelier that the Indies were ſince converted by one Panthenus a Grecian Philoſopher, about the year 200. and rather ſince by Aedeſius, and Frumentius, who planted there the Chriſtian faith; the latter whereof was the firſt Biſhop, in the time of S. Athanaſius, as hereafter we ſhall ſay more at large, ſince this they ſent into Armenia, for ſit inſtructers, and the Patriark ſent them ſome itinerant ones, and have continued thus ever ſince. The Armenians had the holy Bible in the Chaldean tongue;Chaldean tongue. Meliapur ſignifies a pea-bird. however 'tis generally believed St. Thomas was buried here, where he was martyred by the Bracmanes, and the King of Sagamo: others ſay he dyed in the Town of Calamine, and was buried at Meliapur, which are one and the ſame Town;St. Thomas intomb'd. and indeed to this day the memory and name of him is much eſteemed, and reverenced by the Natives, by the Gentiles, and Moors themſelves. Many other places of theſe Indies pretend to have the ſhrine of this glorious Saint: from thence 'tis ſaid he was tranſlated to Edeſſe, and from thence into Europe to Otoa: There are many more Churches dedicated to St. Thomas, Albuna in Aethiopia. five leagues from Cochin there is a fair one, but abuſed by the Gentiles, who have got it by force, [Page] and the Chriſtians revenues; many miracles are wrought at the ſhrine of this great Saint, and amongſt the Panaims, many are devout unto him.

It was revealed to one, he was not in the true way, and that he ſhould go into Aethiopia towards Albana, to be inſtructed in the true faith, which he did accordingly, and was baptized, and by his piety and holy life, ſucceeded in the charge of Albuna.

The Chriſtians of this place do yet retain ſome of the inſtructions left them by Saint Thomas, but are very ignorant of the principle Articles of faith; they do not underſtand prayer, and there is great difficulty to reduce them to the right way: they have left the Idolatries, they yearly practiſed, ſacrificing yearly to this S. (at Coulan) a youth, either ſlave, or Freeman, voluntarily offering himſelf.

When a perſon of quality deſires to dye in honour of this Saint, he makes it his requeſt to the King; he inſtantly referres it to his Councel: They conſidering of the importance of the perſon, and the ſervice he may do his country, preſent another requeſt, that he may not be permitted to dye, for the uſe, the State can make of him: the laſt being granted; four of the chief of the Councel are deputed to apprehend him, and bring him before the King, who embraced him, and ſhewes him that both the State and himſelf, ſtand in need of him, and that 'twas neceſſary to preſerve him, and promiſe him in marriage; one of his favourites, making him many rich preſents, he is eaſily altered by the Kings perſwaſions, acknowledges many thanks for thoſe great favours, and returns with his new bride very well pleaſed and contented. I have heard of many more ridiculous ſuperſtitions, which are at preſent totally aboliſhed.

The Town of Calamine or Meliapur, ſince Santhome, is a good haven town, on the coaſt of Coromandel, 53. degrees from the Gulph Bengale, ſubjected to the King of Biſnegar or Narſingue.

They relate many miracles wrought by the interceſſion of this Saint, a certain Princeſſe of Narſingue, daughter to King Zamaluco, or Nizamaluco, was ſhut up by her huſband King of Narſingue, in a fair and rich Seraglio; ſhe was faire, vertuous, and diſcreet, and reputed a Chriſtian; before her marriage ſhe was ſought for by another Prince her neighbour; after three years impriſonment in this ſtately Palace; upon a time the guards through ſome illuſion, ſaw at a window the lively image of the Prince her firſt lover, the place being extremely well fenced, begirt with double ditches, almoſt impoſſible for any perſon to make ſurreptitious entrance, the guard was much aſtoniſhed; the King her huſband being made acquainted, moved with anger and jealouſie, accuſed the Princeſſe of adultery, and condemned her to drink off a glaſſe of poyſon; no excuſes her modeſt innocence could make, prevailing, ſhe begged of her huſband ſhe might dye neare unto Saint Thomas his ſhryne; 'twas granted, and [Page] ſhe immediately led to the place of execution, where a fire was kindled to conſume her body: ſhe cloathed all in white, her hair hanging over her eares, covered almoſt all her body; took the golden bowle, and made her prayer to God, and Saint Thomas, to vouchſafe to grant her mercy; and to diſcover her innocency; which done, ſhe drunk the poyſon, and threw her ſelf into the fire, where without the leaſt harme either to her perſon, or cloathes, ſhe remained upon her knees, continuing her prayers to almighty God, untill all the wood was conſumed; ſhe ſafely came out of it to the great aſtoniſhment, and admiration of all the admiring ſpectators; and being helped into her litter, was carried to Narſingue, brought into her chamber, and was never ſince in the power of the King her huſband: ſhe ſpent the remainder of her dayes, recluſe, in great abſtinence and auſterity.

There are many Chriſtians in Meliapur, and ſome Churches, as Saint Paul belonging to the ſociety Saint Bartholomew, Saint Thomas, the moſt honoured, and reverenced in the Indies: The ſhips arriving here, of the Chriſtians, Idolaters, and Mahometans too, give great charities in honour of this Saint. From Paleacate, Indian earthen ware. and other places they come hither on pilgrimage. The Portugueſe that inhabit here, are imployed in making Indian or earthen veſſels, diverſely, and prettily painted, they do it with the juyce of a root called Saya, and the more you waſh them, the livelyer the colours appear. There is a good harbour,Nutmegs. and great trading, they reſort hither from all parts of the Indies. The people of Sandanes exchange their Nutmegs for that earthen ware,Calanfour a Clovegilliflowr. and other commodities are brought from Malaca and Goa, They trade much in Clove-Gilliflowers, which are cheap.

But before I leave Biſnegar, you ſhall hear what I learnt at a town called Sigiſtan, or Sagiſtan, near that country, being upon a time in one of the Inhabitants houſes, who are very civill, and courteous,A ſtory of a Bear. and much taken with our converſation: By chance I ſpyed the picture of a Bear playing with a young girle, and inquiring the meaning thereof, a moſt prodigious ſtory (if true, which I queſtion much) was related me. A Prince named Iſmahan, Iſmahan. that raigned many Moones, (for ſo they reckon their years) in the Province of Bozari, B [...]zari. ſince Sigiſtan, going a hunting, took a female Beare, and her cub that followed her, which he preſerved, till on a time one of the Lords ſervants, bitten by the Dam, killed her, then the cub was kept alone, run up and down the houſe, and in time grew tame.

This Prince had a daughter about eight yeares of age, that delighted much to play with the Cub, & fed him with her own hands; the young Bear was continually at her heeles. The young Lady (Agarida was her name) fell ſick,Agarida. the Bear lay under her bed and [Page] refuſed all food that came not from her own hand; ſhe recovering continued her care, in keeping of him ſweet and clean, teaching him many tricks, which he readily learnt, and moſt dexterouſly performed. The Lady-Mother one day perceiving the Bear to pull up her daughters coats, to lick her feet; angry to ſee ſuch familiarities and carreſſes; commanded a ſervant to beat Sagiſtan, (for ſo was the Bear named) the beaſt of an immenſe growth, though but 15. months old, flew upon the man (armed with a cudgel onely) very furiouſly, and ſtrangled him, and another ſervant came to help him, upon the place: this ſet a ſtrange Alarum through the houſe, all running headlong to kill the beaſt, that made a moſt ſtrange ſlaughter, and got into the wood, and of three years there was no tidings of him. The unfortunate Lady Agarida took a walk by a little Rivers ſide, accompanied with many Ladyes more: The Bear ſuddenly appeared, ſoon ſcattered the company, ſnatched up Agarida in his pawes, and made away with her ſo ſwiftly, 'twas impoſſible to reſcue her; nor could ſhe be found, for any ſearch they made: The Bear carried her to a remote and obſcure cave, where he kept her many years, and ſtole another girle to attend her: Theſe two women made a ſhift to get food, and other commodities, and have ſince related ſtrange ſtories of the beaſt, and actions worthier a rational, then an irrational creature; I was told moſt ſtrange things of the animal; That Agarida had five ſonnes by him, all gallant men, without the leaſt ſhape or reſemblance of the beaſt. That they left the woods at ten years of age, and built themſelves a Cabbin or houſe to dwell in. But one of Agarida's Brothers hunting in the woods, kild Sagiſtan with a dart. She enraged with diſdain, ſent her ſons to her fathers Palace to revenge him, and accordingly they kild their two Uncles: Iſmahan their Grand-father, endeavoring to have them ſeized on, and ignorant who they were, was ſlain alſo with two of the five brothers; The other three eſcaping, made themſelves ſo Formidable, that none durſt meddle with them; and hearing of the King of Biſnagar's wars, they offered him their ſervice, bearing for arms, the figure of Sagiſtan their father. The King informed of their ſtrange birth, and adventures; gave them great commands in his Army, their behaviour ſhewed their deſert, for they exploited ſo high and unconceivable actions, that one of them married the Sultane of Biſnegar, Sagistan Town. the other the Sultanes daughter, from whence ſprung that illuſtrious family of the Sagiſtans, that hath given the name to that town: whereof thoſe two brothers were the firſt founders.

This was related me of this hiſtory, or fable rather, held for a verity in thoſe parts to this day: all Peoples, States, Townes,Hiſtory of a Spaniſh woman and a Monkey. and illuſtrious families have their ſprings, and beginnings, fabulous, and Romantick. I have heard a ſtory affirmed of a Spaniſh Captains wife, caught in adultery with another by her huſband; [Page] for puniſhment he was ſatisfied to expoſe them both into a deſert Iſland; the man preſently dying, the woman was accoſted by a great Monkey or Drill, by which ſhe had two children, and at the three years end a ſhip ſayling by, diſcovered this miſerable creature, liker a phantaſme then a human creature, ſhe naked with teares in her eyes begged to be releaſed from this horrid and cruell captivity, which they did, and reembarking, the Monkey perceiving, full of rage, in her ſight tore his whelps in pieces, and threw them at her; ſhe was carried to Lisbon, where the Inquiſitors informed of her caſe, cauſed her to be apprehended; and had been proceeded againſt, had not Cardinal Cayetan, the then Popes Nuntio, taken her cauſe in hand, and ſetting forth the violent neceſſity ſhe was forced to, to yield to that beaſt, that had found her ſuſtenance for three whole yeares; ſaved her from the execution, and ſhe ended her dayes in all holineſſe and ſanctity of life and repentance. There are many ancient and modern hiſtories to this purpoſe; all which I refer to Naturaliſts, and Divines.

CHAP. XXII. Of the kingdome of Bengala, and Ternaſſery, of musk, ſome rare remarks of the River Ganges, of the Torrid Zone, and the converſion of a young Prince Idolater, to Chriſtianiſme.

Maginus and Bartheme ſay this town ſtands between Bengale and Narſingue, Modern Authours between Malalaca and Nateabam, unleſſe there are two towns of the ſame name.FOllowing the coaſt of Coromandel, and the gulph Bengale you come to Ternaſſery, which is held to be between the Coſamba of Ptolome, a kingdom lying between Bengal, Narſingue, Orixa, and the ſea; the Capital town, bearing the ſame name, is ſcituate upon the ſide of the ſea, and a fair River called Zayta, making a little Iſland where ſtands another town of the ſame name. She hath plenty of all things, neceſſary to life. Their cowes are low, and their horns grow only ſkin deep. The ſheep have neither horns nor wool, their ſkin as ſmooth as a calves, there grows great ſtore of long Pepper called Caſay, they preſerve of it, and eat it all the year long with ſugar & vinegar, which gives it a pleaſant taſte; in the middle of the Iſle is a Lake that breeds good fiſh, better then any the River affords, it is called Ademas. It affords you Trouts (the moſt ſavory fiſh of the Eaſt) Pykes and Shads taken in March only, & are Sea-fiſh. They never eat the head, becauſe there is a worm found in it, which makes that fiſh chuſe the rapid waters, and ſwim aloft, by the ſtreams affording him much refreſhment.

[Page]The Town of Ternaſſery is large and pleaſant, well built,Ternaſſery. not walled on the River ſide, but ſtrengthned by ſome Forts well fortified and provided: ſhe is ſcituate in a plain, with a Caſtle on the North, with an incloſure or Parke, fenced with a great ditch, where the Queen keepes a breed of ſtately Mares, given her by her Father, who recovered them of an Indian Prince that owed him money, which he could no otherwiſe recover, for in that Country horſes beare a great value.

The King of Ternaſſery is provided with good Cavalry, which renders him potent and formidable, he is of Perſon ſtrong, and Robuſte, and wars continually with the King of Narſingue, and Bengale. The Narſinguer would indamage him much, did he joyne with the other, but he is ſo generous he ſcornes it.

This King is a Gentill, and hath above a thouſand Elephants trained up to Warr, and of the largeſt ſize of the Eaſt; covered to the very ground with beefes hides, and ſeverally trapped; thoſe hides are faſtned underneath the belly, with iron chaines, and are hardly got off, four men may fight on their backs at a time, without the leaſt incumbrance to one another, bearing broad bucklers, made of Tortoyſe ſhells, taken in that River; he that rides the trunk to guide the beaſt, is the beſt Armed of the five, becauſe he lies open to the enemy; their darts have three very ſharp points, or heads, with a ball of iron upon the middle, which ſerves for counterpoiſe. 'Tis a warr-like Nation, yet curteous, civill, and voluptuous; they have fair women, which they Court and Treat in gardens full of rare fruits. They have Cattell, Poultry, and fowle of all ſorts, they delight much in perfumes in their meates and dreſſes, and chiefly in Musk, called Sagay. Musk, and from whence. The beſt Musk is not drawne from the codd, nor blood of the beaſt, but from a certain ſwelling, or riſing upon the lower part of his belly, at the full of the Moone, and that is the ſweeteſt of all: for there gather the humors mixt with the blood, and Impoſtumelike riſe and break, which dryed caſt ſo lively and ſearching ſent, that it drawes blood from the very noſe. The codds and skin, with ſome of the fleſh are tyed faſt together, from which they draw their ordinary Musk, mingling therewith a little of the better ſort.

I quartered at a Jewes, who confeſt to me he had drawne thirteen or foureteen codds or bunches from one beaſt; They are of the bigneſſe of a Goate, and have foure teeth bigger then the reſt, two aſcending ſtreight upward, and the other two oppoſitely deſcending. Their childrenweare of thoſe teeth about their necks, ſet in ſilver & gold, as in ſome places of France they wear wolve's; Perſons of Quality ſet them in a wood, called Betell, that hath a ſtrange vertue againſt poyſon, called by the Aethiopians, Euate, Euate. Bettell wood. whereof they make diſhes, and trenchers of ſeverall ſorts, much eſteemed, and ſought for by the Great Ones, ſtudded and garniſhed [Page] with gold and ſilver, jewells, ivory, and hart's-horn, which they hold to be an antidote againſt poyſon: which I have experienced in many other diſeaſes, as the green ſickneſſe in women, taken in the juyce of a reddiſh cich pea boyled, with harts-horn poudred, mingled with ſteel, the weight of half a Crown, with the double quantity of ſugar, taken every morning for twelve or fifteen dayes together: This is an approved and infallible remedy againſt the green-ſickneſs, and jaundize, yellow or black; they have a beaſtly cuſtome, to betray the virginity of their young daughters to any ſtrangers that are not tawny, be they Chriſtians, or Mahometans, but not to Gentiles nor Idolaters, the women burn themſelves after the deceaſe of their husbands.

From Fernaſſery we paſſed to Auſly, a Town upon the North of Narſingue, on the eaſt of Bengale, and lyes ſouthward, to the main ſea, Governed by a Mahometan Prince, Potent by ſea and Land, and ſworn enemy to the Portugueſe, with whom they make Warr. The Town is provided with all neceſſaries for Warr, and hath a large Harbor, of capacity to contain a good Fleet, the mouth thereof Southward, which is chained in, in caſe of neceſſity. He is Maſter of another Town, called Quelba, Quelba Maturane. Diamond mines. ſince Maturane, ſtrong, and well furniſhed with ſhipping, and ſmall Frigates, wherewith they ſcowr that ſea, to the damage of the Portugueſe, they often fight on both ſides, reduced to ſtreights. This Kings Treaſure chiefly conſiſts in three, Diamond, Rubies, and Jacynth mines, beſides all ſorts of Groceries and Spices, Their frigats, or Buſſes, are caulked with a certain hearb, and Maſtick is uſed in ſtead of Pitch; They are built in ſuch a manner they can hardly ſink, and ſaile with much ſecurity, The Vice-Roy of Indies being upon a time informed of that Kings intentions, to ſend his fleet to the Grand Jave, to wait for the Spice fleet; he ſet forth two great men of warr, with two more, St. Maloes men, who drawing towards that Haven, feigned an eſcape from ſhipwrack, and the better to play their game, tore all their ſayles in peeces, hiding their Canon and Soldiers under Deck.

They met with thoſe Buſſes loaden, and returning home, deſired their aſſiſtance, to hale, and tow them along unto Maturane, that there they might mend their ſayles, and they promiſ'd a reward for their ſervice, the Mahometans, enemies to the Chriſtians, reſolved to conduct them thither, and there to uſe them at will, and having tow'd them two nights and a day to that Haven, ſuddenly the others plaid with their Canon, and ſeizing unawares of the place, made great ſlaughter amongſt thoſe miſerable creatures, burnt their fleet, ſack't the Town, and full fraught with rich plunder, they retired. The two French ſhips not ſatisfied with the pillage, let the Town all on fire, which was eaſie to effect, (as I have ſaid of other places) the houſes were all thatched with palme; returning homeward, not victualled ſufficiently for ſo [Page] much company, their thoughts having been wholly taken up with Treaſure, they caſt the men over Decks, and landed the women in an Iſle. The mean time two Portuguais ſhips ſayling by, and ſeeing the Town a fire, the Inhabitants fled, ſeized of the Haven, plundered the reſt of the Town at leiſure, and loaden with rich priſes they found in a Magazine untouched, They retired with their booty, ignorant of the cauſe and manner of the deſtruction of the Town; ſuch are the good, and bad fortunes of ſea-faring men.

Leaving the Coaſt of Coromandell, we came to the Kingdom of Bengale, Bengale, or Batacouta. the chiefe Town whereof beares the name, or at leaſt ſo called by the Portugueſe, and other Nations, & by the Natives Batacouta, one of the greateſt antiquity in the Indies. Some would have it to be old Ganges, a Royall Town upon the River Ganges. This Kingdom of Bengale was 300 years ſince ſubdued by the great Cham of Tartary, freed her ſelfe ſince, and after that conquerred by the Parthians, or Patates, and is at laſt, and remains ſtil ſubjected to the great Mogull, Prince of Tartary, and Supreme Lord of all Indoſtan: and yet there remaine ſome Lords in that Countrey, that are Soveraignes, and obey the Mogull in a Noble manner: This Kingdom reaches 200. leagues upon the ſea ſide, and containes the Kingdomes of Sirapu, Chandecan, Bacal, Aracan, or Mogor, and others. The Inhabitants of Bengale are Idolaters, Mahometans, and ſome Chriſtians, for there are Portuguaiſes, and Fathers of the Society.

The Town is ſcituate upon one of the mouthes of Ganges, Ganges River. whereof there are two Principall, in regard that river (as ſome perſons believe, with what reaſon judge ye) is one of the four rivers of the Terreſtriall Paradice, called Whiton, or Giho.

The opinions of the Antient and modern Authors do not agree, whether 'tis the true Ganges of the Antients, or whether old Ganges be not rather a Canton in China, or ſome more Eaſtern then this is; I leave to be decided by the moſt curious, and ſhall only ſay that the Portugueſe take this for the true one, relying chiefly upon the name Guenga, or Gangen, which ſhe retaines to this day; and 'tis confirmed by many relations from the great Kingdom of Tebet, or Tibet, and Cathay, and the Fathers of the Society ſay, they have followed that River a great way ſince their leaving of Lahir.

The Moors and Gentills hold there is much holineſs and vertue in that River-water, and waſh themſelves therein thorough Ceremony and Superſtition, as you ſhall hear hereafter. They ſay 'tis the beſt and the wholeſomeſt water in the World, and ſent for 500. leagues off.

Forty or fifty thouſand perſons bathe themſelves therein at a time, and many Kings come diſguiſed thither, her head ſprings out of the great hill Inde, not far from Indus, the Natives think ſhe [Page] ſprings out of the Terreſtriall Paradiſe; at the mouth of the River is the Gulfe Gangetick, The Gulfe Bengale. or Bengale, 500. leagues in circumference, containing the Coaſts of the Kingdomes of Narſingue, Orixa, Terneſſari, Bengale, Pegu, Sian, and others, unto Malaca. I have been told that a Frenchman, named Malherbe Breton, a great traveller, had taken a particular view of this River, and had gone 400. leagues up the River, and that ſhe hath three Mouths, or places, ſhe diſgorges her ſelf into the ſea; the one toward Pegu, the ſecond in the middle, that makes ſome Iſlands, and the third in the Country of Chingara, and each eight or ten leagues over. That at Labas (a Royall Town of Mogor) and fourty dayes journey from Bengale, towards the North, This River is a league over, her mouth towards Bengale is in the three and twentieth degree.

The Kingdom of Bengale borders Northward upon Tartary, or Mogor, and is bounded by the River Hieropec, ſometime Hyphaſis, that looſes her ſelf in the Indus, the bounds of Alexander the great's Conqueſt's in the Eaſt. Eaſtward is the Province Edaſpa, that joynes to the Kingdom of Aracan; on an other ſide is the Province of Mien, and Tapacura, under the obedience of Bengale; Weſtward is Orixae, where is the Diamond mine, and the deſerts of the Kingdom of Deli, Southward the maine Indian ſea.

The Kings of Bengale were able to conquer the Kingdom of Deli, were not the great deſerts of Damida, and the Inpenetrable Forreſts of Sacara interpoſed the two limits Southward, on the one ſide is the Cape Sogora, or Sagagora, and of the other, that of Caſtigan, or Catigan, at the third mouth of the Ganges, over againſt the Kingdom of Verma, where are the mines of Chryſolites, Sardonix, and Topaſes.

Verma hath formerly belonged unto the Kingdom of Bengale, the people are very civill, and given to trade. And all Nations have free traffick, as Perſians, Greekes, Abyſſins, Chineſes, Guſerates, Malabares, Turkes, Moores, Jewes, Ruffes, or Georgians, and many others.

There is great commerce of Jewells, and other Merchandiſes, brought by the Mouth of Ganges ſtreight to Bengale, going up ſix miles by land, but above twenty by water, by reaſon of the ebb and flow, which (as I have already ſaid) is different from other ſeas, the ſmalleſt tides falling out at the full of the Moone, but when the water is at the loweſt 'tis three fadome deepe round the Walls of the Town, ſo that ſhips ſafely enter the Haven, and are there very numerous. 'Tis thought there are fourty thouſand families in the Town, and the King dwells in a ſtately Pallace built of brick, with faire gardens unto it. The Town is pleaſantly ſeated.

[Page]The King keepes a great Court, followed by a gallant Nobility, and his chiefeſt guard conſiſts of women, as the cuſtom is in Jave, Sumatra and Franſiane, they put more truſt in them then in men, they march very gravely, are very valiant, and expert horſeriders and vaulters, uſe the Cimitere and buckler, and battle axes very dexterouſly: you muſt take a care to come neer them in their March, for they will abuſe you, calling you Gueriaer, which ſignifies bold villain, the King maintains a great many of them in his Pallace, and the handſommeſt are richly attired.

The Sun once ſet, 'tis forbidden to any man to come neere the quarter, the Seraglio is kept in, it lookes upon a faire garden,Seraglio guarded. on the ſide of a pleaſant river, where the Ladies walke at night, and 'tis death for any man to be found there. The Captain of the guard carries in his hand a poyſoned noſegay, which (as it were by chance) he puts to the noſe of any perſon he hath a mind to kill, and he dies within two houres, or thereabouts,Subtle poyſon. or elſe he cauſes his hands and feet to be cut off. This cuſtomary law is with more rigour executed upon the inhabitants, then upon ſtrangers.

If the women are ſurprized in their amours, they run no danger, and men are very ſeldom exempt from puniſhments. One of thoſe women being caught with a ſlave, was brought before the King, weeping, to excuſe her fault, ſhe ſaid, that had ſhe not conſented to that act, the ſtrangling of her matrix had killed her, which the King took for an excuſe, and ſentenc'd the ſlave to death, who was a Knight of Malta, and married his wife richly to a Lord of his Court.

The King of Bengale is an Idolater, as generally all the Eaſtern are, he is valiant of Perſon, and can draw into the field a great Army, both of horſe and foot, wanting not wherewithall to maintain them, for his Countrey is rich in gold, ſilver, and jewels, he can draw forth two thouſand Elephants capariſon'd, their teeth are ſhodd with ſteele, and they will carry as many men as thoſe of Narſingue, they uſe hand-guns, muskets, ſwords, javelins, hallebards, and pikes.

The Bengalians are the gallanteſt Perſons of the Eaſt, both men and women, both ſexes go richly apparel'd and perfumed. All other Nations of the Indies flock thither to ſpend their money, and chiefly to buy young ſlaves to attend and guard their women, and manage their buſineſſe; they are bought and ſold as horſes are here: they buy them young the ſafer to geld them; the Parents being poore, do not ſcruple to ſell their children to ſtrangers for three ſcore, four ſcore, and a hundred Ducates, more or leſſe,Children ſold in market. for they are ſure their children run no hazardous fortune, they being inſtructed in all manner of Vertues. The Law is, that if a ſlave return to his [Page] father, they are both enſlaved to the maſter, untill redemption.

Apura.The King of Bengale hath many Kings tributary to him, as the King of Apura, who payes him fifty Elephants yearly, twelve pearls of the weight of a Miticale, he yields this for the ranſome of ſix Towns this King had taken of him in open war; he made the King of Dimali tributary to him alſo, for aſſiſting his enemy King Apura, and makes him pay 50. horſes with 50000. cherats or crowns yearly. The King of Orixa payes him tribute too, and many more Gentiles and Mahometans, although he himſelf in ſome manner acknowledges the great Mogull: he hath an Army ever ready to draw into the field upon an inſtant, the Nobility being generally tributary, and releaſed from that duty, are obliged to ſerve their Prince upon his firſt ſummons, with a certain number of horſe, and other neceſſaries.

And when they are engaged and obliged to it, the war once ended, the King rewards them with money and favour, imbracing them as his children, and after a ſolemn feaſt prepared for them, diſmiſſes them home to repoſe. The Kings benign and gratefull entertninment ſo highly obliges them, that they ſpare nothing for their Princes ſervice.

A prodigious age.The Climate is very temperate, and well air'd, that makes them live long, witneſſe the Moor of Bangale, aged three hundred and thirty years, in 1537. the oldeſt of the Countrey never knew him but old, and of the ſame growth, and remembred Cambaye without a Mahometan, his hair chang'd colour four times, from black to white, and he loſt his teeth as often, and ſtill they came again, he had about 700. wives in his life time, he was an Idolater for a 100. years together, and was the reſt of his time a Mahometan, he was maintained by the Soldan of Cambaye, ſince by the Governour of Diu, although the Bengaliens lye under the Torrid Zone, they are cooled with much rain, that falls from May to mid-Auguſt, it rains from mid-day to mid-night, the other twelve hours there falls none, and that's the time they have to travell and trade in.

Such is the diſpoſition of the air under the Torrid Zone, otherwiſe ſhe would be diſ-inhabitable for the great heats, as the Ancients believed, being not acquainted with the Countrey, nor the rains, beſides many other reaſons, as the nights being of the ſame length with the dayes, the winds, and other cauſes daily obſerved.

The Bengalians are curious, and delicious in their diet, they feed much upon preſerves, and ſweet-meats, for having all ſorts of ſpices green, they confect of all ſorts: the huſk of the nutmegs makes an excellent conſerve, ſo doth the long pepper and ginger bruiſed together. They compound an admirable drink with Areca, mingled with the confection of the leaves of Bettel; they preſerve Tamur, which is a ſort of palm called Tamarindi, myrabolans [Page] or plums, the roots of a certain Bul-ruſh, Clove Gillyflower tops or buds, another root called Cucuma, and many others. They are of complexion more fair than black, their cloathings are ſtuffs of cotton, ſilk, damaſk, ſatin and velvet.

Their breeches, caſſocks, or coats, are almoſt of the Italian mode, eſpecially when they viſit Ladies, as at Ormus. Their chiefeſt drink is milk, with Sugar and Cinamon; they make it of three ſorts, Sugar and Cinamon are ſtill added, and ſometimes pepper, Durions, Mancouſtan, and Bananes.

The Banane tree is fifteen handfull high, the trunk juycy,Bonane is an [...]ndian fig. and covered with a bark, and leaves growing like the ſcales of fiſh, two foot large and five foot long, of a light green: her root growing in the ground caſts out ſprouts, that in time grow up to trees: when this tree is come to full growth, ſhe puts forth from the middle of her ſtock, a flower of a reddiſh colour, about the bigneſſe and ſhape of an artichoke, whence ſprings a bough hung with fruit, to the number of a hundred, each a handfull in length, and four fingers large, and bears but once a year, which is held a wonder. From inciſions made into the tree, there flowes good ſtore of juyce or water, very pleaſant and guſtfull, in ſome places of the Indies they are called Maſa, in others Pican, and ſay 'tis the tree that bears the fruit of life. In that Country Partridges are all white, and bigger than ours; there is plenty of all other fowle.

We went from Bengale in the company of many Merchants, to trade at Caſtigan, where were arrived ſome Portugueſe ſhips, and in thoſe meetings much is got, by the trade of gold and ſilver, and in the exchange of our own commodities, Caſtigan or Catigan belongs to the kingdom of Bengale, which reaches over 400. leagues of land, and the Lordſhip of Aracan, a Kingdom between Bengale and Pegu, ſtronger by Sea than land, and wages often war with Pegu, and ſome years ſince (they ſay) hath ſwallowed up Pegu, but ruined by neighbours, and therefore the King is called King of Aracan, Tiparat, Chacomas, Bengale, and Pegu.

This King hath entertained the Fathers of the ſociety at Chandecan, his Royal Town; and his whole ſtate is ſtrangely altered on a ſuddain, as all the Eaſt is ſubject to innovations and changes: the ſtrongeſt ſtill overcomming the weaker.

Catigan is a good Haven Town, in the Mogor, or Mogull's Country, a great Kingdom, and rich in all ſorts of cattle, in fiſh, rice white and black, ſpices, eſpecially pepper, myrabolans, and ginger, which they candy and preſerve, and is better than any grows at Cananor; the Prince of this Town called Banaſtarin, his Son Achamu was converted by the Fathers of the ſociety, and obtained leave of the King his father, to have a Church built for them, [Page] he married the Princeſſe Caſſubi a Chriſtian Lady newly baptized,A kingdom left for heaven he followed herein the advice of thoſe holy Fathers, for otherwiſe he intended to have ended his dayes in Celibat. They relate many miracles of him, amongſt others, that (the firſt night they were bedded, offering both their prayers to God upon their knees) they were ſuddenly enlightned by a glorious light, and ſmelt many ſweet perfumes, whereupon they mutually reſolved to abſtain from enjoyment, and dedicate the remainder of their lives to chaſtity and ſanctity.

He left his kingdom to his Brother Agazima, deſiring juſtice might be preſerved in his Kingdom, and that he would follow the advice of Father Philip of the ſociety. Agazima promis'd a performance: but thoſe Princes are all ſo jealous of our religion, holding that the Chriſtians adore one God, great above the reſt, that wil not ſuffer any others,The Idolaters fear of Chriſtianiſme. diſdaining to communicate himſelf to any, and that he ſets a greater eſteem and value, upon innocent poor and ſimple people, then upon the rich Kings and Princes; and that Princes had need to preſerve to themſelves the affections and obedience of their ſubjects, to reign with more eaſe: theſe were the ſeeming reaſons Agazima offered his Brother, and 'tis thoſe poor abuſed creatures ordinary diſcourſe and opinion, and the difficulty they find in our religion, ignorant of the true and pure grounds thereof, that teach ſubjects their obedience, and ſubjection to their temporall Kings and Princes above all others. Of Caſſubi, or Chaſubi, ſubject to Aracan, I will hereafter ſpeak.

Sartagan.In the kingdom of Bengale is the Town of Sartagan, or Sartogan, ſcituate upon a River, that runs and loſes her ſelf in Ganges, where the Portugueſe have a fort. There are great plenty of rice, fine linnen cloaths, ſugar, myrabolans, and many other drugs. The people are Gentils, and in their Temples adore many Idols ſtrangely and horridly ſhap'd, others adore the firſt they meet, my Camarade and I being lodg'd at a Brokers houſe, who was happy in a ſweet diſpoſition'd, & a modeſt wife, as we accompanied her one day from the market:Idolaters ſuperſtitions. ſome of thoſe Idolaters proſtrated themſelves at our feet, and begun to make their prayers to us: and were extreamly incenſed, when they ſaw we only endeavored to diſabuſe them, and to laugh them out of their fopperies and idolatries, they anſwered, they were thus inſtructed by their parents, and therefore thought it juſt and equitable. They told me they were not of the Guzerates religion, but were abſolutely oppoſite to Mahometaniſm. They eſteem it a happineſs to be near the Ganges, believing that water purifies them from all filth and ſin, and therefore are carried thither both in health and ſickneſs; ſome leave orders, that after their deaths their bodies may be burnt, and their aſhes caſt therein, that ſo they may go ſtrait to heaven,The river Ganges how eſteemed. others hold the ſame of Euphrates; and for this reaſon the Portugueſe and other Chriſtians abominate theſe rivers, and never make anyuſe of the water but of [Page] force and neceſſity, wch is a little ſuperſtitious, on the other ſide, the water of Ganges, being the ſweeteſt & the wholſomeſt in the world, and many drinking of it have been cured of great paines of the ſtomach which hardly afforded them any reſt before;Strange ceremonies. 'tis ſoveraign againſt many other pains, aches, and diſeaſes. The Indian Prieſts ſing in their Temples from break of day to noon, and after dinner they have other prayers, which laſt till night; when they hear this ſervice, they waſh their hands, feet, and faces, then walk barefoot upon ſtone laid on purpoſe to the Temple, which is matted, and there they ſtand upright without the leaſt motion, and after awhile they ſit croſſe-legged like Taylors.

There are two Altars, one for the riſing, the other for the ſetting Sun, and ſo they turn their faces ever to the Sunne. They bury their dead in their Churches as we do, and maintain women to lament and weep over the dead, according to the ancient Roman faſhion. Theſe women are clothed in mantles of the Spaniſh faſhion, which reach lower then their girdles, and of a purple colour; and beneath that have ſkirts of blew cotton, that trayle upon the ground, and ten or twelve of them are dreſſed after this manner. The corps this while is laid forth in ſome great room, covered with a rich cloth or pall, according to the quality of the perſon with four of thoſe women waiting, whilſt the reſt of them are ſent abroad the town, to deplore and lament the dead perſon, the laſt whereof a little ſeparate from her fellow-ſiſters, declares the name, quality, and life of the defunct, that all perſons may prepare themſelves to aſſiſt at the funerals.

They ejulate, weep, and lament with exotick geſtures, and tortions, and in theſe poſtures having walked round the town, they return to the corps with numbers of people, and when the body is borne to the Temple, then they raiſe yet lowder cries and ejulations.

One of theſe women makes a Panegyrick of the dead, ſetting forth the great loſſe he is to his wife, children, friends, and kindred: then the multitude expreſſe their ſadneſſe, acknowledging the loſſe; they howle and cry out ſo hideouſly all together, that you would think them diſtracted, or at leaſt at the brink of deſpaire; when the body is carried out of the houſe. Flutes, Kettles; and other Inſtruments play to the Church, whither the Parents, Kindred, and Friends follow; a moſt pitiful and ſad ſight.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Iſles of Archi-Pelagus, of S. Laurance, of the Iſland of Sumatra, of Elephants, and other particulars.

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AT the opening of the Gulph Bengale, are many Iſles great and ſmall, which make the Archi-pelagus, called S. Lazarey, and near 80. leagues in length, and end about the Philippines, and the Japon; the chiefeſt thereof are, Sumatra, Javes, Boraco, Banda, the Molukes, the Philippines, and others. Towards Sumatra, are the Iſles of Andreman, or Andemaon, which ſignifies golden mynes, inhabited by Antropophayes; who warre with one another,Andemaon. and eat their priſoners: They make the like proviſion of humane fleſh, as we do of beef or bacon; each of thoſe Iſles have their Kings.

It happened once to a Portugueſe veſſel, (having paſſed the Canall of Micobar, Sad accident. and Sombrero, called by the Indians, Jenibra, lying between Sumatra and the Continent, the Portuguais call it; Call or Canall of Sombrero, becauſe the place is covered by the winding and ſhade of the Iſle, as it were with a great brimmed hat.) One night by a ſudden ſtorme ſhe was caſt upon the Iſles of Andreman, otherwiſe Maduca, within two leagues, whereof is a ſhelf or bottome of white rock, very dangerous, hardly poſſible to ſayle by, without ſhipwrack. The Portuguais call the place Pedra bianca.

Thoſe in the ſhippe foreſeeing the danger they were in, threw over-board all their Artilery, and all other things of weight they had therein, and threw away their main Maſt; and by this means, they eſcaped the ſhelve and rock, being ſuddenly thrown out of that narrow paſſage, by a great wave; but behold their greateſt misfortune, eſcaping one danger, they fell into another; for ſeeing their ſhip begin to fill with water, having ſprung a leake, they were forced to commit themſelves to the mercy of their fierceſt enemy.

The Captain Don ſano Mendo adviſed them to prepare for land, and to reſolve to ſell their lives dear, ſince there was no hopes for a handful of people to eſcape the cruelties of ſo many barbarous villaines, they ſuddenly cut and broak the ſhip to flitters, every one ſnatching a planck, endeavouring to reach the ſhore, which was about halfe a league off, and having put themſelves in the beſt order, could be expected in the like diſorder or confuſion, with ſuch arms they could carry as ſwords and axes; as they were [Page] ready to land, theſe barbarous inſularies met them with their bows and arrowes, and truncks and killed ſome 20. at the firſt onſet; the remainder of them about ſixty, having got footing on land by force, made a great ſlaughter amongſt the Infidels, and ſeized of two Merchants houſes, where they fortified themſelves, the beſt they could; untill their bloody irritated enemy fell upon them, and beſieged their ſconce. The Portugais reduced to this ſad extremity, reſolved to ſally forth, with firebrands in their hands, and to fire the adjacent town or village, which being built with reeds, and covered with palme, was preſently conſumed; then they thought to have eſcaped in boats belonging to the Iſle; but knowing not how to uſe them; they returned back again, and fortified themſelves in the Caſelba or Temple; where with certain proviſions they brought thither, and others they found,Caſelba. they maintained the place eleven or twelve dayes; at the end of which time, ſeeing there was no hope of a compoſition to be made with that furious people, they reſolved to dye gallantly with their weapons in hand, and after a mutual and unanimous preparation, and reſignation of themſelves,Reſolution in extremity. they threw themſelves amongſt thoſe barbarous infidels, killed double or trebble their number, but at laſt yielded all to the ſame doome, and were eaten, and ſalted by thoſe ſanguinary Barbarians. Sumatra is one of the faireſt Iſles in the world, ſometime Taprobane, and Paleſimonde, ſome would have it to be, that which in old time was the Cherſoneſe of gold, and Ophir, moſt renowned for Salomon. It is called by ſome Taſan, which ſignifies a great Iſle, becauſe ſhe hath 800. leagues compaſſe. The Inhabitants of Malaca ſay it was formerly joyned to their continent, but divided by an earthquake; lyes directly under the Equinoctial lyne, in the firſt climate, her dayes and nights are all of a length: is divided into many Provinces, which make three kingdomes, the chiefeſt whereof is Sougar, commonly called Pedir, and have all mynes of gold, ſilver, and other mettals, and of the beſt ſorts of Drugges and Spices: the Pepper that growes there is larger, and more biting then any other, growing under the Torrid zone, which cauſes the country to be the moſt temperate, and beſt inhabited in the world, for the reaſons I have already ſpoken of. The ayre is very wholeſome, and people live there very long, and with good health;Sumatrans Inſularies falſe people. the natives are very tractable, but of little truth; ſo 'tis not ſafe trading with them, for they will falſifie their word for their profit. The kingdom of Aſſy is the richeſt in gold, which is the fineſt of the world, and Achen is the moſt potent. The Iſle is inhabited by Gentiles, Moores, and Jewes, Many Turks have of late planted there for the goodneſſe of the country, and purity of the ayre. The Idolaters only are natives, all others come from other parts.Continual rains. The earth is ſtrangely fruitful in all products: the onely inconvenience is the great flouds from rain, which inceſſantly falls from [Page] Mid-May, untill Mid-Auguſt; and from mid-day, to mid-night; onely, as at Bengale, and as it happens, in moſt of the countries under that Zone. The King of the country diſcovering his ſubjects falſhood, (which cauſes him no ſmall contempt and prejudice) he forbids trading, and takes notice of what quantity of pepper or other Drugge or commodities each ſubject hath, and ſets ſuch a rate upon them, as they may gain thereby; then he ſends one of his chief officers with them to the Magazine, to trade and vent theſe commodities to ſtrange Merchants; & they uſually exchange or put off their commodities for half the rate in ready mony, the other half in other ſorts of commodities. The Bahar of pepper which is 360. pound weight,Bahar Peper. is worth three crowns and a half, or four at the deareſt, which amounts to about a Ducatoon, or 55. pence. Notwithſtanding this order, many are privately licenſed, to trade freely, and by help of the Portuguais interpreters, much is to be got. They have many ſorts of jewels, aromatick drugs, and moſt excellent balms; there is great plenty of all ſorts of fowl and fruit; they feed much upon Buffle, which they eſteem an excellent meat; their beefs have a ſwelling upon the top of their necks (like their Cammels) which is only fat: ſheep of no wool. There are many tame Elephants, and great ſtore of wild ones in the woods.Hunting of Elephants. Thoſe of Malaca who live upon the Continent with the Kings leave, come hither to hunt the Elephant, with their huntsmen and engines, with many trumpets, hoboyes, and drums, with fire, to fright and to drive them up into a ſtreight, and when they have taken them, they almoſt famiſh them; then they bring them amongſt the tame ones; and by degrees make them ſo, feeding them gently, and otherwiſe inſtructing them, and in time they become very ready to learn, and ſerviceable in all things.

The King himſelfe takes much content to feed them, and at ſuch times,Hermophrodites. their allowance is doubled. This Iſle breeds many Hermophrodites (which is very remarkable) and proceeds from an overflowing of imperfect ſeed in both ſexes, cauſed by the drugges, and hot ſpices of the Country.

I have been aſſured by ſome, they have found of Bezar ſtones in the bowels of ſwine, which have been of great vertue. They would have given me ſome in exchange for Cimeters. I believe this ſort of Bezar is that the Portugueſe call Pedra de Porco, ſo as I will not charge my ſelf with what I know not.

That chaine of Iſles from Nicuba to Pegu, is called the Archipelagus of Andemaon, where the inhabitants warre amongſt themſelves, with burkes, and eat one another. They cannot read at all, nor have coyne: They make ſtuffes of the bark of a tree, to cover their nakedneſſe.

They have plenty of cattle, of wool, and poultry, which they feed at home, and of all neceſſaries to life. We have [Page] their beſt commodities in exchang for ſome trifles of ours; for what we eſteem leaſt, are of greateſt value there, and they give us in exchange Pepper, Ginger, Benjamin, and other drugs which they abound in.

And indeed we trade not with them without ſome danger, by reaſon of their cruelty, and brutiſhneſſe, ſince ſome ſhips coming from Malaca, to Sumatra, killed ſome of their people paſſing by, ever ſince they ſtood upon their guards, and have ſurpriſed as many as they could, and have ſtruck ſuch a terrour into thoſe parts, that whoever paſſes there, muſt be ſtrong and well adviſed, otherwiſe they are ſure to be robbed, murdered and eaten.

They have none but forreign coyne,Engliſh and Hollanders in this Iſland. which they break into many pieces, as the Abuſſins do, becauſe they cannot otherwiſe put it off. The King keeps long boats to pillage in, and the eaſier to eſcape if purſued, as they have often been by the Engliſh, and Dutch, and ſurpriſed in their habitations, where they load themſelves with their pepper and other ſpices, on free-coſt, and ſo retreat: they have built ſome Forts in that Iſle, and by that meanes force many tributes from the people, who otherwiſe pay at will; and whoever ſhould aſſault them but with four men of warre, reſolutely man'd, would make it a good buſineſſe, for they have many mynes of gold and ſilver.

Beſides the kingdomes of Pedir and Pacem, there are thoſe of Campa, and Manan, all watered with pleaſant Rivers; There is found Gold refined, and Corral branches, forced from the mynes by the ſtrength of the water; There is alſo the Kingdome of Zabas, plentiful in Pepper, Sugar, Braſil, and Maſtick, Camphire, Mines of Gold and Silver.

At Pacem there is plenty of Pepper, and the beſt ſilver of the Eaſt. The Town of Pacem hath a ſtrong Fort, and three Avenues, where you paſſe by a creek of land Northward.

From this Town you diſcover the Pole-Artick, and the Craſero; There the Sea ebbes and flowes every ſixth houre.

The Town of Achen is well built, well walled, the houſes ſtand upon piles or pillars, and covered with Palmes, and onely two ſtories high. 'Tis very good living there, for you have your own wiſhes, with moſt excellent fruit, different from ours, viz. the Macoudou like unto the Lemmon, Names of fruits. Durions, Ananes, Mangues, Jacas, Mangoſtan, Bananes, and Cocos, Oranges, and Lemmons in abundance.

The Merchants weare the Turkiſh dreſſe: you muſt recede and keep at diſtance, when you meet women, who otherwiſe will abuſe you, and ſpit upon the ground to ſhew your indiſcretion.

Many Nations of the Indies trade here.Golden coyne. They have Gold-coyne, [Page] called Ma [...], nine of them make a crowne, and are ſtamped with two Lyon-cells. They have Lead alſo, called Caſſe, and two thouſand of them go to a piece of gold; all the reſt of their coyne is called Dran, and Tale. Here are many ſlaves ſold and bartered, and prove very faithfull ſervants.

The Kings of Achen are Mahometans, and warre continually with Idolaters; as formerly a King of Achen did with him of Butos, becauſe he would not be Mahometan, nor repudiate his wife to marry another, ſiſter of the King of Achens, and having ſubdued him,Barres of gold. made him pay the yearely tribute of five barres of Gold, worth two hundred thouſand Crowns; and ſince endeavouring further to enſlave him, and take all from him, he implored the ayde of the portuguais of Malaca, by whoſe aſſiſtance he freed himſelfe.

The acceſſes to this Iſle are very difficult and dangerous, for the ſhelves and rocks in two places.

Two Arms of the ſea, Nicobar, Catarana, called Sombrero.Southward and Northward are two Armes of the Sea navigable, but not without much care and caution.

One of thoſe Armes is called the Canall of Nicobar, and the other Catarana, and the Portuguais as they ſayle along the coaſt, name it Sombrero.

Moſt of the Inſularies are Idolaters, and call their chief Idol Pagode, a general name among the Indians; Their Bramins or Prieſts incourage the women to burn themſelves after the deceaſe of their huſbands, unleſſe they will be eſteemed unchaſte: yet notwithſtanding thoſe Bramins freely frequent the company of women of all ages, and of their neareſt relations: they have little eſteem of Chriſtians, and if they give a cuppe of drink, they preſently break the cuppe, although it be rich Porcelaine, becauſe they hold it polluted.

Metempſycoſes.The inhabitants of Polloue an Iſland, aſſured us thoſe Inſularies eat the dead bodies, but we have found the contrary, for we have ſeen them buried; they believe that the ſoules of the deceaſed enter into other bodies, as Pythagoras held, and therefore they welcome ſtrangers; they raiſe them brave monuments and tombes of ſtone; and in honour to their bodies, accompany them with winde-muſick to their graves. Parents exceedingly lament, and abſtain for a time from Areca, and Betell.

They uſe a pretty recreative manner of fowling. Their country abounding in many ſorts of fruit, which near unto their full ripeneſſe, are eaſily corrupted by the raines; they gather ſuch as are rotten, (as they may not ſpoyle the reſt) and caſt them into rivers, or into the Sea.

Theſe fruits being of many ſorts, as Melons, Pumpions, [Page]Pomegranates, and others; they are not ſooner throwne into the water, but great number of birds flock to them, and feed upon the fruit, the fowler ſtripping himſelf, and hidden behind a tree with his head in a hollow Pumpion, that covers his very ſhoulders, they throw themſelves thus into the water, with a bagge under their arm, the ſilly birds not diſcovering the men, perch upon thoſe fruits, and come ſo neare to them, that with eaſe they catch them by the legges, and ring off their necks, and put them in their bagge, in this manner they take great ſtore; which makes fowl little worth. There are birds ſometimes too bigge and ſtrong for a man to maſter, and they get away, not without a hideous noiſe, tha [...] alarms the reſt for that day, that they are hard to be caught: but the next day hunger baniſhes their fear, and thus they are taken again.

The Kings of this Iſle live in a moſt miſerable condition, being daily in danger of being ſlaine by the firſt perſon, ſhall have courage and reſolution to undertake it: for ſuch a perſon ſhall be eſteemed a God; and by all acknowledged their King; crying, God ſave our lawfull prince, and naturall Lord.

He that raigned at Pedir, during our travels, was called Arioufar, and had been a poor fiſherman, overcharged with children, who uſed to carry fiſh to the Kings Pallace, and being known, had free entrance.

He having on a time loſt his nets, came ſtraight to the Pallace towards the King, (who had reigned many yeares, and was very good to his people) and finding him alone, the guards not miſtruſting him, becauſe he was beloved of the King, and finding free egreſſe, murthered the King, and aſſiſted by one of his ſons, he ſeized of all the treaſure, and the people received him for their King, ſaying 'twas the will of God.

The Aſſaſſin, by force of money having raiſed a potent Army, conquered the whole kingdom of Pedir, and moſt of the other States of this Iſle. Thus the Kings eſtabliſh themſelves then, and to ſuch misfortunes are ſubject. From Sumatra we went to Java the great.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the Iſle of Java, of the Inhabitants, their conditions, and of the riches of the Countrey.

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JAva the Great lies Eaſtward from Sumatra, and is diſtant from her five and fourty miles only, and the ſtreight between them is called Sunde, whence all thoſe Iſles in general take name; the Iſle is of good compaſs, and unknown, containing many Dominions, or Kingdomes, whereof the chiefeſt is Bentan, or Bantan, the Clymate ſweet and temperate.

They ſay it is 150 l. long, the breadth is undiſcovered, and ſome think it reaches the Continent Southward, runs from Eaſt to Weſt, and South,Severall Kingdomes. the Inhabitants are Idolaters, groſſe and brutiſh, and ſome are Anthropophager, it containes ſeverall Kingdomes, as Draſima, Dragoyan, Lembri, Falec, Sumara, Balambua, Bavarucam, Paſſeruan, Andrageda, Auri, Sandacanda, Bacani, Javara, and others.

The Javanians ſay they came from China, being oppreſſed with ſlavery, they left that place, and planted here, they were for a time Tributary to the great Cham of Tartarye, the Kingdom of Falec abounds in gold, ſilver, ſpices, and all ſorts of cattell: the capitall Town is Biſmari, two dayes journey from an Iſland called Cambahar, where is Baſma, a Town ſcituate upon the Sea, towards the Eaſt, where are bred Elephants, Monkeys, and Unicorns. Dragoyen produces the Camphire, as Borneo the Braſill, and all Groceries; neer this place are the Iſles of Bombe, Bacheli, and Java the leſſe.

The King of Paſſeruan is a Mahometan, he demanded the daughter of the King of Balambua in Marriage, and obtained her, and having enjoyed her, murthered her and all her train, becauſe ſhe was not of his Religion. Sandacanda and Bacani afford good ſtore of ſpices, their Kings are Mahometans, they were infected with that impoſture by a famous Pyrate, named Mahomet Chap, who left them two of his ſhips full of men to inſtruct them; there are ſtill ſome Idolaters amongſt them,The infirm eaten. who have not left their old error, of ſtrangling their neereſt kindred, when they think them taken with incurable diſeaſes. I was told of one named Baſaram, being ſick,A fortunate eſcape. and ready to be thus diſpatched, deſired a ſlave of his to bear him company to death, which he durſt not deny, and being tyed together, were both caſt into the Sea; and the ſlave (a luſty ſtrong fellow) ſtriving for his own life, drag'd his Maſter to ſhore, untied him, and put him to bed, and conſpired with another ſlave to ſave themſelves from the Alerir, or Magicians, when they ſhould [Page] come (as the cuſtom was) to devour them, and indeed as they came to ſtrangle the poore men, they cudgelled them ſo luſtily that they left the ſport, and the man recovering his health, lived many years after; and thus was diſcovered the roguerie of thoſe Magitians, who thorough an inſatiate thirſt of blood, when a man was the leaſt indiſpoſed, made him believe he could not live, adviſing him to haſt to their fathers God. Then the poore patient with teares in his eyes, deſired them to cleanſe their bones, when they ſhould have conſumed their fleſh, believing that their ſoules would not be at reſt, til their fleſh were wholly conſumed, & that then they would reunite to the body, and to remain in peace for all eternity.

Meanwhile the King underſtanding what had happened to Baſaram and his ſlave, cauſed him to be brought before him, and laughing told him, that (if he would not devour the Magitian) he would put him to death. The other moſt willing, replyed, he was ready to obey his Prince, and that if the Magitian were brought him, he would eat him up raw in his very ſight. The Judges had already condemned him, and others for their deceipts and villanies to be baniſhed, and he & others were fled into the Ile of Camorre for ſafety, but was taken, & brought to Baſaram, Camorre. who with his ſlaves made a plenteous feaſt of him. Thus, for the moſt part, live thoſe brutiſh Iſlanders; and although they have Rubarbe, Scammone, Agric, and many other very Soveraine Medicinall druggs at command, yet they ſeldome uſe them, for when they are ſick, they wholly pin themſelves upon the advice of thoſe Magitians, who tyrannize over them, and by their enchantments reduce them to ſuch miſerable conditions, and make many a dainty bit of them, being poſſeſt of that notorious impoſture of the immortality of the ſoul,Metympſphy [...]aſ [...]s. and that ſhe tranſmigrates from one body into another, and often into ſtrangers, and therefore they make very much of them, and when one of them dies, they either bury him privately, or caſt him into the ſea, that he may not be devoured.

Theſe Canniballs ſay, we are very ignorant to ſuffer mans fleſh, (that is ſo ſweet and delicious) to rot under ground. The King keepes his Court in Gazima, guarded by women, which he truſts, rather then ſuch unnaturall and ſanguinary men: he maintains three or foure ſcore of the handſomeſt he can pick out, armed with Bowes and Arrowes, and Cimiteres. They are expert Archers, he traines them up, and ſends them to other Maritime Towns, as Japatra, and others.

Though theſe Iſlanders have many gold and ſilver mines, yet they dare not digg them, for going almoſt naked, the ſtones fall ſo ſharp, and keen upon them, they are not able to endure it, neither do they value that treaſure at all, being very well ſtored with fleſh, fiſh, herbs and fruits, all in great abundance; but as I have ſaid, they are very likorous of mans fleſh, and of their neereſt kin, pretending they do it thorough charity, as they may [Page] not be conſumed by the wormes.

I was informed by a Merchant of an accident happened to two Fathers of the order of S. Francis, puſhed on with a fervent zeale to endeavour the converſion of that Countrey, by the help of the language they had learnt, but they got nothing in requital but ſcorns and jeers, of thoſe Barbarians who let them live,Two Franciſcans eaten. believing their Idols would revenge them, but ſome of them beginning to taſte and diſgeſt their rationall diſcourſes, it bred ſome differences amongſt them; of which the King being informed, and fearing that their inſtructions might bring prejudice unto his State, commanded the good Fathers to be thrown into the Sea, thoſe villains unwilling to loſe their fleſh, drained their bloud dry, and fed upon it, then brought them to the publick place of execution, dead and disfigured.

All thoſe that had taſted of their blood dyed ſuddenly, by the permiſſion or vengeance of God, which the King hearing of, aſked why they were not drowned according to his commands, and their falſe Prieſts replyed, it was not in their power to kill them: but the King ſatisfied of the manner of their death, all aſtoniſhed, went to his Temple to aſk his Idols forgiveneſs: ſome fourty Dutchmen having loſt their ſhip upon a ſhelve, ſaved themſelves upon this coaſt, but taken by theſe Iſlanders were cruelly murdered,Japara. and eaten. The Inhabitants of Japara, (a Sea Town) adore the Sun, and are all flat-noſed, have great eyes, and are thin bearded like the Chyneſes. They eat bread made of a root they call Igname or Gouera, Igname. Gouera. their complexions (the womens eſpecially) are rather fair than black: they wear nothing on their heads but their naturall hair platted, like the Italian Curtizans, and if any perſon offers to cover them with any thing, they are in danger of being abuſed to death.

Their houſes are low, being but one ſtory high, for they will ſuffer nothing over their heads, they are all Pyrates, Thieves, and Magicians, they are ſkilfull in Aſtrology. They obey and reverence (an old Magician called Manguin) as their lawfull Prince: when any Pyrates land upon their coaſt, to rob them of their cattle,Pirates how taken. or other commodities, the Wizard makes a round hole in the ground; and cauſes ſome young virgin voted, to be ſacrificed in their feaſt of Fotoque) to urine therein, and at the ſame time there riſes a ſtorm, ſo that the theeves have onely time to ſave themſelves, flying to their boats, and if any are left behind, they are devoured, nor do they kill them out-right, but prolong their dying pains, they pinnacle them, and deliver them up to the fury of the children, who put them to tedious torments, walking them about the Town, and expoſe them to the ſcoffs and abuſes of the multitude: ſome will clap a pompion on their heads hung round with plumes of feathers,Cruelty of the Javans. and every woman and child runs out with their bodkins and aules, to prick and torment them: [Page] then having walked them warm, (as they do the Buls in Spain, to make their fleſh tender) they cut them in pieces, and divide their fleſh, if there be not enough for them all, they play at ball for it, and the gainers treat their friends therewith. This is the ſad fortune travailers are ſubject to, who according to the Spaniſh proverb, Buſcan la vida y topan la muerte, ſearching for life they find death.

'Tis very pretty ſport to ſee them play at that ſort of ball,A ſort of ball-play or Tennis, the like at Mexico. or tennis, which they call Maſiris, without ever ſtriking with their armes or hands; but with their feet, knees, head, elbows, heels, and other parts of the body, with great dexterity.

Bantan is the chief Town of the Iſle with a good and commodious haven, where the Hollanders have a Magazine or Store-houſe,Bantan. and whither many other people for commerce do reſort, as Chyneſes, Guzerates, Portuguais, Perſians, Peguans, Milacans, Turks, Arabians, and others. This Town is of the ſize of Roan, peopled with divers nations, the Chineſes have a Temple wherein they adore a triple-crown'd Demon, offer fruit and other things to him,The devil adored. and they ſay becauſe he is malicious he muſt be appeaſed, and that the great and good God hath no need of ſuch offerings or adorations.

They bring into this Town their ſilks, jewels, and other rarities: here their King reſides, a Mahometan, who governs his own ſubjects and ſtrangers with great juſtice, allowing all perſons free liberty of traffick. He is a great Politician, well belov'd and honoured by his ſubjects, and obſerves good orders in commerce, wherein conſiſts the glory of his greatneſs: of late the Engliſh and Dutch have traded there with good ſucceſs, and very few years ſince ſome French have travelled thither, and have been courteouſly received;French at Bantan. they have a great eſteem of the King of France, and have permitted Dominicans (ſent out of France) to inhabit there, and promiſe them favour and aſſiſtance. The commodities that go off beſt there are iron and ſteel, lead, paper, and ſulphure.

At Fedeyda (a Town in Java) is got the beſt amber-greece of the Eaſt,Ambergris. that which is found in Aniane (an Iſle adjacent) is equal unto the former in goodneſſe.

Not long ſince the greateſt part of Java, and the adjacent Countryes, as Bali, Madura, and others, obeyed a potent Prince or Emperour, who kept his court in the great town of Demaa, and ſometimes at Japara; he was a Mahometan, the Portugueſe relate how he had a mind to propagate his law, and obſerving the King of Paſaruan (an Idolater) to ſlight it; he reſolved to invade him with a ſtrong Army made up of his own ſubjects, and the Portugueſe of Malaca: his greateſt ſtrength conſiſted in certain Souldiers called Anoco, which ſignifies reſolute, and deſpiſers of their lives, perſons who uſed to anoint themſelves with certain oyls, to ſhew their forwardneſs to dye, with theſe men he beſieged the King of Paſaruan, who ſtood gallantly upon his defence, but probably had in time bin [Page] overcome,To be impaled is to have a ſtake thruſt thorough the fundament and to come out of the mouth. had a favourable accident to him, and a moſt unfortunate one happened to the Emperour, who during the Siege, was ſtab'd by one of his young pages, incenſed with a blow given him by his Maſter upon his head in jeſt, which is one of the greateſt affronts can be given there. The boy taken, and put upon the rack, confeſſed no other reaſon, was ſtaked through with his father, brothers, and 60. of his kindred, and his whole generation according to their laws: and thus by this ſtrange accident the King of Paſaruan was freed, and the Empire of Demaa reduced to confuſion.

The moſt ſignall thing in Java is the bone of a fiſh (found no where elſe) called Caball, that ſtops bleeding, as 'twas experienced upon a Captain of Malabar, called Neoboada Beguea, who killed in a fight againſt the Portuguais, in the time of Albukerke, his bloud never iſſued at his wounds untill that bone was taken away, which he wore about him. That rarity was loſt by ſhipwrack, as it was carried to King Emanuel.

The Iſles of Sumatra, Java and others more remote, are very temperate, rich, and fruitfull in moſt of them, they live very long without any infirmity, the air is ſo healthfull in other places, if any perſon fall ſick he is left by kindred and friends, as defiled with ſin, and viſited by God for expiation, whereupon many hide themſelves when they are ſick, and die in holes without any help, ſome live to ſeven-ſcore years active and jolly, and for that reaſon many ſtrangers come thither to inhabit.

Others reſort thither, for the trade of ſpices, which are extream cheap there.

As in other parts there is ſuch plenty of Cattle, that they will give you four Cowes for an old ſhirt, a dozen of ſheep for a pewter ſpoon, a Sea-man once ſhewed an old brazen diſh to a Shepherd, who aſked the price, the Sea-man ſaid his whole flock, the other wondred not much at it; onely replyed 'twas ſomething too dear; I remember that in the Iſle of S. Laurence I ſaw a ſheep given for a counter, and as much for a ſheet of paper; this ſhews the goodneſſe of thoſe Countries, and the Inhabitants ſimplicity: moſt of them are civilized, living in the fear of one onely God, and believe, that in the next world the good will be rewarded, and the bad puniſhed; ſome have no religion, yet they hold naturally the immortality of the ſoul, and one providence.

Nutmegs of Banda.As touching the ſpices that grow in theſe Iſles. The nutmegs grow chiefly in the Iſle of Banda, the tree that bears them is like a peach tree, the leaves onely bigger, the nut is encloſed in a ſlender ſhell, like an almond, (or as when a peach opens it ſelf, and ſhews the ſtone) the nut is incloſed with a red huſk, which they preſerve at Malaca: when this fruit comes to ripeneſſe the ſhell opens, and the nut drops out, if it's left upon the tree beyond the time of maturity.Touman. They ſell theſe nutmegs by a meaſure called Touman, [Page] about a pint, they are called Cani, by thoſe of Banda, Palla, the places they grow in are unwholeſom: Theſe trees grow naturally in the deſerts, and who ever pleaſe may gather them, ſome are planted and kept by particular perſons.

The Calenfour, or carnation Clove-tree, growing in the Melukes is a ſhrub leafed like to the almond, but is larger and longer, and bears Gillyflowers like wild grapes, it needs a prop to bear it up, for 'tis weak; they grow naturally, and from every flower that falls a tree or plant ſprings up in a ſhort time, and they ſuffer no other trees to grow about them.

In Sumatra the ſtalk is bigger, and can ſubſiſt alone, having the collar and trunk like a quince tree, but very upright, and caſts forth great ſtore of white bloſſoms, that become yellow, then red, and thickning they become of a blackiſh colour as they do here, they preſerve them green, and are excellent for the ſtomach, they are gathered from September to January.

The Cocuma that grows in Java, is a root like to Ginger,Cocuma. her bloſſoms like Lillies broken off green, draws near to the yellow, and dried is eaſily broken, is ſharp and quick, and is uſed thoroughout the Indies, to ſeaſon meats, thought better than other ſpices; what they have left of their ſtore, they preſerve or pickle, and vent thoroughout the Eaſt, where 'tis much in requeſt.

There grows great ſtore of ginger in the Eaſt-Indies,Ginger. and chiefly in Nova Hiſpaniola, whence they tranſport yearly for Seville a hundred thouſand weight, this root is beſt if removed every third year, and beſt of all if removed yearly, when they gather it, they take away the earth, and cull the young root: from the old ones, which they replant and do eaſily take root in the weſt 'tis little worth, for in the Iſles of Barlovento a Spaniard may have ſeven hundred weight for a crown.

The Betell which we have ſo often ſpoken of,Betel. is a tree very common in all the Eaſterne parts, and alſo in the Weſt-Indies, where are many, as at Caramell, and called Eſcarucou.

There are ſome alſo growing at Souac in Aethiopia, 'tis the onely tree (I know) bears a leaf better than the fruit, ſhe is almoſt of the heigth and ſhape of a pear-tree, the leaf is thicker, and not ſo full of ſtrings. The Arabians and Syrians call it Bamboni, this leaf hath an excellent taſte, but makes the teeth black.

There are of them in the Preſte-Johns Country, and are kept for the Kings own uſe where er'e they grow; and 'tis death for any tradeſman or Merchant to eat of it, and he that watches the tree may kill any ſuch perſon, and not be queſtioned: for thoſe trees belong to the King, and none dare touch them, [Page] but the Siramis, who are Lords and gentry. Thoſe that feed of it have very black teeth, a thing held honourable, becauſe they are occaſioned by a Royal food.

There are ſeverall ſorts of fruit in the Eaſt, Malaca produces Durions in great plenty,Durions: and few of them grow in the Weſt-Indies, 'tis a fruit like a Melon, but whiter, and covered with a very tender rind or ſkin. 'Tis firm, and taſts rather better than the Melon, within are many little holes wherein lye their ſeed, and is very carefully kept: the leaf is of an exceeding bigneſſe, as that of the vine or figge; The tree is pretty high, her boughs like thoſe of the cherry, the wood is well ſented, they provide it againſt their womens lying in, and then ſacrifice it to their Idols. I have ſeen much of it at the Grand Caire, and in Alexandria.

CHAP. XXV. Of the Kingdomes of Malaca and Siam, with a prodigious Hiſtory of Serpents.

LEaving all thoſe Iſles, to return into the Continent, over againſt Sumatra Northward, ſtands the Town and Kingdom of Malaca, Malaca: Ophir. where is that ſo famous a ſpot of land, with her Cape and Streight called Sicapura, at one degree northward. Malaca is a potent kingdom, formerly the golden Cherſoneſe, (as ſome yet hold) and the Ophir of Salomon, becauſe much gold is found in many places of Sumatra, contiguous to the other: the Ancients believed her joyned to the Continent, as you have heard already. This Country obeyed the King of Siam, untill a Lord of Java ſubjected her, and by the aſſiſtance of ſome fiſhermen, and Pyrates built the Town of Malaca. Since the Malacans became Mahometans, trading with the Perſians, and Guzerates, and at laſt Alphonſus Albukerke, ſurprized the Town for the King of Portugall; it is the center of the Eaſt for trade,The traffick of Malaca. and the mart for all Merchandizes of the Eaſt-Indies, which improves her in grandeur, treaſure, and power. The language is eſteemed the ſmootheſt, moſt elegant, and copious of the Indies, as the mother of all their other tongues, which they diligently ſtudy: they are much addicted to Poetry, Amours, and other Gallantries. Malaca is ſcituate upon a pleaſant river called Criſorant, alluding to Chriſe, or land of gold, which others rather believe to be China and Japan: this river is not altogether ſo big as the Thames, and divides the Town in two parts, coupled by fair bridges ſtately built, as is the reſt of the Town. The people are very civill, of a good ſtature, but a little tann'd; the Country [Page] abounds in fruit, ſubject to the King Siam, though the Town belongs to the Portugueſe, where they have a ſtrong Fort, and a Haven that brings in great Revenues, by reaſon of the cuſtomes impoſed upon the infinite number of Merchandizes, are imported from forreign parts. Thoſe impoſts or cuſtomes were formerly paid to the King of Siam. The Captain hath two good ſhips, well rigged, and man'd, with which he ſcowres thoſe ſeas, and ſailes into China, loaden with wedges of gold and ſilver, cloves, pepper, cinamon, linnen and woollen cloth, ſcarlets, ſaffron, corrall, mercury, vermillion, and all other exquiſite commodities of the Indies, and brings back from thence ſilks, purcelaines, ſatins, damask, harts-horn, musk, rubarbe, pearles, ſalt-peter, iron, ivory, boxes, and fanns; Theſe two places are eight hundred l. diſtant,Quinſay. and a great river, upon which (they ſay) ſhips are drawn by Elephants to Quinſay, capitall of Tabin, or China, where the ſhips arriving, ſalute the King with three peeces of Canon, and the Town with one, if they think good; then the Captain ſetting foot on land, is ſworn upon the Kings Picture, that he comes Bona Fide, to negotiate, and then he is admitted. The ayre of Malaca is not very wholeſom to ſtrangers, nor natives.

From Malaca we went to the Kingdom of Siam, very potent formerly, containing many Kingdomes. Their neighbour,Siam. the King of Pegu, got many of them in a Warr, he maintained againſt Siam for a white Elephant, which the Peguans adore;War for a white Elephant. and ever ſince the Kingdom of Siam hath been weak, and divided into many Provinces, or Dominions, where the King is hardly acknowledged: formerly it contained ſixteen or ſeventeen Kingdomes, or Principalityes, and did reach from Tananſterin, or Tarnatſery, unto Champaa, above 700. leagues from Coaſt to Coaſt, between Malaca, The Empire of Sornao. the Iſles Pacanes, Paſsiloco, Capimper, Chiammay; the Lahos and Gutt [...]s: 'Tis called the Empire of Sornao; the King Prechau Saleu, who kept his Court at the great Town of Odiva, whither the Kings were tied to come yearly, to acknowledge the Princes,Odiva. and pay their tribute, kiſſing the Cimiter at his ſide. Then by reaſon of the great diſtance, and the many Rivers, which lengthen their journeys, and render them difficult, he remitted this kind of acknowledgment to be made to a Lieutenant, or Vice-Roy,Lugor. in the Town of Lugor, neerer, and more commodious.

This Country confines upon Pegu weſtward, northward upon Chiammay, ſouthward towards the Province of Caburi, and the main ſea, and eaſtward upon the Gulfe of Cambaye, 'tis one of the plentifulleſt, and beſt Iſles in the world, abounding in all fruits, victualls, ſilver mines, iron, lead, pewter, ſalt-peter, ſulphure, ſilkes, honey, wax, ſugars, ſweet-woods, benjamin, cottons, rubies, ſaphyres, ivory, and great plenty of all ſpices, and other commodities imported from other parts.

The inhabitants are not warlike; The women are very lovely, [Page] and well diſpoſed,Pretty women. they are richly adorned with Jewells, their coates tuck't up to their knees, their feet and legs bare, to ſhew how they are decked, and loaded with gemms; they weare jewells upon their armes, alſo their haire is platted, and covered therewith, in imitation of the Peguans. They are carried in chariots, richly covered, their gownes open before, diſcover their naked breaſts (their ſmocks being likewiſe ſlit,) when they walke they hold both their hands before them, to hide their nakedneſs, and yet ſo as tis plainly ſeen. They ſay that cuſtom was firſt brought up by Queen Tirada, the wiſeſt of her time, and her bones are to this day kept,Tirada, Queen. with great reverence: perceiving her Subjects to be beſotted, or violently addicted to Sodomie; ſhe thought by ſuch charming allurements, to withdraw them from that beſtiality, as indeed they are ſince wholly taken off from that abominahle ſenſuality: and in truth that Countrey women are very faire, and well ſhaped, they play upon certain Muſicall inſtruments, which they are diligently inſtructed in from their infancy; the men may marry two wives, but they pay double cuſtomes for the ſecond, and moſt of them therefore are contented with one, the women are very tractable, humble, and diſcreet, their greateſt care is to be beloved of their husbands.Strange Funeralls. They cruelly ſacrifice Virgins, and their manner of burying the dead is as inhumane; for as ſoone as one of their alliance is deceaſed, they erect him a Monument in the fields, according to their conditions and abilities: then they ſhave their whole body, in ſigne of mourning: Women caſt off their jewels, and are cloathed in white, the doleful colour there; all the deceaſed's friends and alliance are invited, ſolemnly to attend the Corps to the Interment. The Corps is clothed in a rich habit, expoſed upon a Chariot, in a bed of ſtate, and drawn by ſix of his neareſt kindred, of the beſt of his family, and ſix more of his beſt friends, covered with an aſh-colour canopy, and of the ſame colour, his Relations are cloathed; before the Corpes go ſix flutes, who with two kettle drums,Dolefull Inſtruments. or tabors, make ſo lamentable a noiſe, that it drawes teares from the Aſſiſtants: The ſlutes are hired, and diſcharged by the Publick; drawing neer to the buriall place, they throw perfumes upon the Chariot. This done, they all retire, the parents and kindred only excepted, who ſtrip the body, and make it clean, multiplying their cries and lamentations; then roaſt it with their ſweet woods, gather round about it, and with many ſad groanes,Dead body eaten. they make of it a moſt mournfull repaſt: This done, they ſcrape the bones clean, and perfume them with much ceremony, and lap them up in linnen cloaths (made of Arbeſte) which wil never conſume by fire, but grow whiter, and cleaner, nor rot under ground, but will keep for ever. I have got of the cloath in my Travels, which I have ſhown to curious perſons. Theſe Ceremonies ended, and the bones laid in the Tombe, every one drawes homeward. Such is their ſtrange manner of ſepulture.

[Page]The Town of Siam ſtands upon the fair and large river of Mecan, that ſprings from the famous Lake of Chiamay; Sian is ſtately walled, and conteines thirty thouſand houſes, with a Caſtle ſtrongly fortified, built upon the water, as Penivitan, and Venice. Gigraff a beaſt, got by a Camell, and a female Panther. The Country breeds Elephants, Rinocerots, Giraffs, Tygers, Lions, Leopards, and all ſorts of ſavage beaſts, the faireſt Hermines of the Eaſt, Camels, Dromodaries, and ſome ſay Unicornes, which being very timerous beaſts, ſeldom appear in ſight.

Some of them are found about Chyamay lake, I will ſpeak of them in another place. This Lake is 200. miles about,Unicornes whence many great and famous rivers ariſe, as Ava, Caypumo, Menan, Chiamay Lake. Coſmin, and others, they overflow like the Nilus. This Lake is bounded Eaſtward, with vaſt forreſts, and impaſſible Marſhes and Fens, and very dangerous, prodigious Serpents are bread there, with wings like bats, which bear them from the ground, and carry them with a ſtrange ſwiftneſs; flying, they reſt themſelves upon the end of their tailes, which are ſharp, they did once ſo ſwarm,A ſtory of ſerpents. that they made a whole Province deſert, and deſolate, and without the juice of fig-leaves, (which was an antidote againſt their poiſon) not one had eſcaped. The Prince of thoſe parts having armed his ſubjects, made vaſt trenches and ditches in that Province, and with the help of dogs, tigers, lions, and other ſavage beaſts, trained up to hunting young, and diſguiſed in other skins; he armed many other beaſts againſt them, he deſtroyed an innumerable number of thoſe Serpents, that caſt themſelves headlong into thoſe ditches: then he ſet a prize (to be given to thoſe that ſhould kill any of them) and by theſe meanes that breed was ſoon deſtroyed: Notwithſtanding there are ſome ſeen ſtill in the forreſt, and I have ſeen of them of incredible length; they prey upon ſheep, and other cattell. There is another beaſt in the ſame Country faced like a man, but all wricnkled, which appeares by night only, and is called Eſpaulouco. Eſpaluco.

This beaſt gets up upon the top of trees, and makes a bewailing noiſe, a purpoſe to catch ſomething: when ſhe lights of no prey, ſhe feedes upon earth. 'Tis a very ſlow beaſt, and there are of that kind in many places.

The Kingdom of Siam hath formerly ſuffered many changes ſome few yeares before we were there. The King a moſt renowned and victorious Prince, was by his own Queen poiſoned, who after married one of the ſtewards of her houſehold, with whom ſhe had lived in adultery, and made him King, having likewiſe put to death her own ſon, that ſucceeded his father: ſince they were (by conjurations) both murthered at a feaſt, and the Kingdom ſubject to continuall revolutions, till Bramaa, King of Pegu, took occaſion to beſiege Odiaa, but leaving his life in the ſiege, h [...]r ſucceſſor utterly demoliſhed the Town, and obtained the white Elephant I ſpoke of, ſince that Siam hath revenged [Page] her ſelf upon Pegu. Thus the Kingdomes of the Indies are very various, never remaining long under the ſame condition, or Government.

CHAP. XXVI. Of the Kingdom of Martaban, marvellous ſtrength of Macaraou, or the flowing of the ſea. Particularities of Pegu.

Martaban.FRom Siam we came to the Kingdom and Town of Martaban, ſometime ſubject to Pegu, but ſince to the King of Syam. It buts Weſtward upon the Gulfe of Bengale, Northward upon Pegu, Eaſtward upon Siam, and Southward upon Tanaſſerim and Jangome. The Fathers of St. Francis, and thoſe of the Society have built them Churches there. The ſoyle is very fertile, yielding ordinarily three crops, the year; there is plenty of Rice, and other ſorts of grain, fruit, trees, ſweet and medicinall hearbes of all ſorts, mines of all mettalls, rubies and other ſtones, and the aire is very wholeſom.

Gaypoumo.The Capitall Town is Martaban, ſixteen degrees towards the North, hath a good harbor, and ſcituate upon the river Gaypoumo, or rather upon an arme of the ſea, where the tide runs ſtrangely toward Pegu; for whereas ordinarily it flowes by degrees, with an eaſie motion, without violence, here it fills that arme of the Sea, or River, on a ſudden, and flowes with ſuch fury and impetuoſity, as it were mountains rolled up in water, and the moſt rapid torrent in the world doth not parallel this in ſwiftneſſe; and by three paſſages fills the harbor, and other receptacles, with a moſt fearefull force and rapidity. This arme is by the Indians called Macaroou (which ſignifies) beware the Tyger, for the vehemence of the waves, which I will more amply ſpeak of in another place.

Dougon. Martaban joynes to the Territories of Dougon, the remoteſt Town of Pegu. The Inhabitants are given very much to trading,Laque. and eſpecially in Lacca, a kind of gumm they draw out of trees, very fine, and better then that is made in Dalaſcia, in Aethiopia, which I have already ſpoken of. They have many more Droggues, as Galingall, Turbith, or Camomell, Rubarb,Rubarbe. found upon the mountains of Pegu, and is called Jubara: The leafe is broad, and bitter as gall, they gather it in May, which is the latter end of their winter, the root is of a tan'd collour, ſome is yellow, purple, and red, according to the land [Page] that bears it. Some ſeaſon their meat therewith, and 'tis a preſervative againſt many infirmities; 'tis ſold very cheap, and is mingled with perfumes: there growes wood of Aloes, red Sendal, Aloes· and Cittern upon the hills. Women burn of all theſe to make concoctions, and uſe them in their labours, and delivered, they ſeek for a black-headed lamb, and carry the child to the Temple, covered with flowers, drugges, and perfumes.

Then they begin their ſacrifice,Banean & Satalico ſacrificators. Caſtigay an Idoll. delivering their child and lamb into the hands of the Banean, or Prieſt called Satalico, the ſkin, head, feet, and entrals, fals to his ſhare, this is done in honour of Caſtigay their Idol. All thoſe Flamins are great Magicians; They caſt the childrens nativities new-borne, and ſet down, what ſhall befall them during their lives. This writing is carefully kept by the parents, for to prevent the bad accidents. For they eſteem whatever thoſe Baneans ſay infallible, and when any perſon is ſick, they are conſulted whether the party will dye or recover, and when they have given their opinion, 'tis believed as Goſpel. One being once (as I may ſay) condemned or ſentenced to death by a Wizard, and left off; was undertaken by one of our company, and recovered in nine dayes, which made them believe the Chriſtians were more knowing then their Magicians: the like happened to another, whoſe wife was by a Chriſtian perſwaded, to ſhut out the Magician that had given his opinion of her husband; he recovering, was ſatisfied of the abuſes and falſehoods of their Magicians, Pagodes, and Caſtigais, and of their falſe Prieſts, and was alſo inſtructed in the truth, and purity of our Religion, that he might leave his own Idolatries: but Alas, the poor creatures heart being hardened, replyed: I believe (ſaid he) that thy God is great, and more powerful then ours, and that being ſo great and Majeſtical, he will not vouchſafe to make himſelf known to ſuch miſerable ſimple creatures, as we are; and it would be very unfit to believe a God were not willing to command us. Ours (ſaid he) makes his will known to us, which we all ſubmit unto, and obey, but I ſhall never more truſt the Baneans, for they are falſe Prophets: and upon theſe accidents, many of them remove their habitations. It were eaſie to perſwade them to the truth, they being ſimple, and very credulous; and beſides, they bear a great reſpect to the memorie of Saint Thomas: but opportunities to deſtroy their Idols are wanting, that they might ſee, they have neither force nor motion. 'Twere dangerous to attempt it, without a conſiderable ſtrength. Thoſe deceitful Baneans, do ſo enſlave the people, that they believe things ſtrange, and abſurd, beyond relation.

In their feſtivals, when their Idols are carried in ſtate upon chariots, ſome of them (through zeal) throw themſelves under the wheels, and are broken in pieces. Others thruſt their heads into ſteel hoops, keen as razers, and cut their own throats, putting [Page] their feet in a rope faſtened thereunto: and ſuch are afterwards eſteemed Saints, and regiſtred in their Temples; others cut a hole in their ſides, and faſten a rope thereto, and are dragged by the Chariot after their Idol, then their friends ſay to them (remember that I have ever been thy friend) and believe he hath power to ſave them.

Parents are reverenced, and if poor, they are aſſiſted upon the publick account.

They have a ſolemn feaſt wherein they reckon up the twelve moons or moneths, with the twelve ſignes, and make great jollity; when they draw their Idols upon Chariots, another of Virgins is drawn off one hand, to incenſe and perfume it.

At Martaban there growes a fruit, which opened, repreſents the perfect figure of a Croſſe. At Martaban ſome years before, we made our travels there; a rich and potent King (as the Portuguais relate) named Chaubaina was beſieged by Bramaa of Pegu, Chaubaina's diſaſter. and reduced to extremity, he implored the aſſiſtance of Portugal, offering great treaſures, which for ſome conſiderations was denied; and the diſtreſſed Prince forced to deliver up himſelf, wife, and children, to that inhumane Tyrant of Pegu, who contrary to his promiſe, put them all to cruel deaths, and ſack't that flouriſhing town; and the Portuguais were much blamed for refuſing their aſſiſtance. There was a vaſt treaſure, and (they ſay) ſix and thirty thouſand Merchants all ſtrangers, that repaired thither from fourty ſeveral nations of the Indies, and other remoter places; as Portuguais, Greeks, Venetians, French, Engliſh, Abyſſins, Turks, Jewes, Arabians, Armenians, Tartars, Mogors, Corozans, Perſians, Malabarians, Javans, and many others. This Town had 24. gates.

Pegu.We went from Martaban to Pegu, four ſmall dayes journey diſtant by land, and no more by ſea, although 'tis much further; but their Frigates fleet ſayling, bring all to one; and putting forth with the tyde; if your ſhip ſtrikes upon a Rock, and is able to bear the ſhock, it glides over, like a Balon, for no arrow flyes fleeter. I have ſhot ſeven or eight times through the ſtreight of Gibraltar againſt tyde, but with full ſayles, and ſo you may ſtop in thoſe ſeas, without caſting Anchor, in expectation of better weather, but in Macaraou, the road to Pegu, 'tis impoſſible with the ſtrongeſt winds againſt tyde, to make a ſtand, for the waves there over-powre the winds, I have not ſeen the like fury of the ſeas in any place of the world as in Martaban and Pegu, for there is a gulph of water, and the tyde taking her courſe, meets with thoſe waters, the one roling againſt the main body of the ſea, there is a terrible conflict, they withſtand each other for a time, at length the weakeſt muſt yield, the two bodies ſeparate with ſuch ſwiftneſſe and vehemency, that it ſeems a great hill overturned; nor is there a courage ſo great it daunts not, and where before a [Page] hollow was ſeen empty and dry, covered over with ſhips; on a ſuddain, the Surges are ſo violent, you would believe, the infernal powers were all united, to toſſe thoſe ſhips. I never yet heard a reaſon given for it, a ſearch worthy the labour of the greateſt wits in the world. I remember that ſome yeares after, meeting with a moſt famous Sea-Captain at Calis or Cales, I related him this wonder of Macaraou (ſaying that I ſhould not be credited, if I made any ſuch relation in print) he anſwered me that the words, or little faith of ignorant perſons, could not prejudice the experience of knowing men, and that he himſelf (had he not ſeen) could not have believed the impetuous,Seas from North and South meet in the ſtrait of Magellan. and moſt violent encounter of two ſeas, from the North and South, in the ſtreight of Magellan, from the North the water entred 60. leagues within the ſtreight, from the South forty, where meeting with an unconceivable fury, they ſtrike horrour and amazement into all beholders; which made him believe the diſcourſes, and opinions of all natural Philoſophers to be uncertain, ſince his own experience ſo often contradicted them.

He told me he was very deſirous to go witneſſe what I related of Macaraou, at Cambay, and Pegu, but ſince I have diſcovered, that there is nothing liker to what I have ſaid of Macaraou, Maskaret of Bourdeaux. then the Maſcaret of Bourdeaux. That is well known to be a mountain of water gathered together (in the River of Dourdonne) while the waters are all quiet; that mountain is framed on a ſudden, and rolles down the river, overturning what boats ſoever are in the way, which every man endeavours to avoyd, making with all haſte to the ſhoare.

I have aſked the reaſon of the Inhabitants, who have told me it proceeded from the height of the Seas, meeting with the ebbe of the River, and by that encounter this water gathers together, but others agree not to this, for (if ſo) the like would happen in the Garonne, and in other places, which I never heard of:Garonnne River. ſo that with more reaſon they attribute the cauſe to ſome ayre incloſed in ſome channel or ſpring under ground, running from Garonne to Dourdonne, which raiſes this mountain of water when the Sea flows: but I know not whether the ſame reaſon might be given for Macaraou.

The Kingdom of Pegu, is one of the largeſt, richeſt,Kingdom of Pegu. and moſt potent of the Indies, next to Mogor, and China, but to the two laſt are lately happened ſtrange revolutions, they are extremely fallen off from their ſtate, and have been diſmembred by the Kings of Tangu, and Aracan, who had in my time the poſſeſſion of the white Elephant, that bred ſo much contention in Siam. Empire of Pegu's length. Town of Pegu. This kingdom in my days contained many others, viz. two Empires containing 26. crowned States; Southward, Pegu confines upon Martaban and Siam, Eaſtward upon Brama, Cambay, and Cochin, China, Northward upon Ava Tazatay, & Aracan, Weſtward upon Bengale and the gulf.

[Page]The Town of Pegu is very large and ſquare, 5. gates at every ſquare or ſide, encompaſſed with a deep work or trench full of Water-Crocodils, and other dangerous Serpents. The walls are built of wood, with Watch-towers of rich work, and gilt, repaired every tenth year. The houſes are ſtately edifice. At new Pegu the King keeps his Court, the ſtreets are exactly ſtreight, and large; about the heart of the town you diſcover almoſt all the ſtreets, which is a gallant curioſity; old Pegu is built after the ſame model, and there the Merchants inhabit: In new Pegu the ſtreets are ſet with Palm-trees, and Cocos loaden with fruit; the new was framed and built by the line near a foreſt of Palmes towards the North in a large field: in the trenches (filled with water by the river that waſhes that coaſt) there are certain baths accommodated purpoſely; and very ſafe from Crocodils, otherwiſe ſwimming were very dangerous. The Town is as bigge as Fez, whereof there is the old and new, as Pegu.

The King of Pegu is ſo potent that he never goes to war without a million and a half of men, well armed, with Arquebuſes and other Guns: they are the beſt Gunners in the world, but not many of them, and their Guns are far better then ours, being made of better iron, better temper'd, and better wrought. They have a 100000. good ſouldiers.Iron Guns: they live of little, and for need upon leaves and roots, and are gallant and reſolute men. His guard conſiſts of 30000. horſe,Good horſes, and from whence. either Turk or Perſian: and to have them plenty at a pinch, there is an edict or law, that what Merchant ſoever brings 20. horſes to be ſold, ſhall have the reſt of his commodities free, which make them furniſht from all parts of the Indies, Perſia, and Soltania in Arabia, where are the beſt of the world; the ſouldiers exerciſe themſelves much at marks, and often, the King gives rewards to the beſt marks-men. He may have 5000. Elephants, and many other beaſts. Merchants follow the Armies upon bulls and oxen.

The country is rich in Mynes of Gold and Silver, Rubies, Saphyrs, Garnets, and other ſtones: Theſe daily augment the Kings treaſures: his Magazines may paſſe for the treaſure of the Eaſt. In one Court of his Pallace at new Pegu, there is ſuch ſtore, that 'tis little eſteemed,Statues of beaten gold. not one man to guard it, nor the dores kept ſhut: There ſtands the figure or ſtatue of a proper tall man, all of beaten gold, a crown upon his head of the ſame, enriched with rubies of ineſtimable value; and round it four ſtatues more of youths all of gold, which ſeem to be Idols, (yet they ſay) they were made for delight.Other of ſilver. In another Court is repreſented a Gyant ſitting, of ſilver, with a Crown of the ſame, but far richer ſet with Jewels: in [...]ther Courts ſtand ſtatues made of Ganze, Ganze a mixt mettle. a mixture of many mettals, whereof their Byzes are made, a ſort of coyn, but not royal.Byze a coyne. The Crowns of theſe latter are richer then the others, with rubies and Saphyrs, the biggeſt I ever ſaw.

[Page]The Peguans go all cloathed alike, in Cottons, linnens, and ſilks the beſt, and all are barefoot ever, whether walking or riding; the country abounds in Sugars, which they make great and many uſes of, they cover their houſes with it, and mingle it with ciment, Their buildings are coſtly carved and wrought, ſparing neither Gold nor Azure. When the King or any Noble-man builds a Pallace, he provides himſelf with the pureſt gold to guild it. For there, as in many other places of the Indies Gold is not coyned, but is merchandize: at Tahaba, or old Pegu, Tahaba. are many refyners, and gold and ſilver beaters, they work it into leaves (as we do) for the eaſe and benefit of the Gilders, without committing much waſte, for they gild, (as I have ſaid) the very walls and towers, and their houſes after the Perſian faſhion. New Pegu is almoſt all ſo built, and nothing ſpared to make up a ſumptuous ſplendid ſtructure, they cover them with tortoiſe ſhell, which they place and joyn very neatly. There is a certain place, where Coaches, Litters, Trunks, Boxes, Saddles, Harneſs for Elephants and horſes, are only made, covered with gold and ſilver; I ſaw there a ſaddle and furniture for an Elephant, bought at a very high rate, for their King.

What is moſt remarkable of their buldings is, that thoſe that live of their own rents or eſtates are contented with the meaneſt and pooreſt houſes: they are convenient, but like country houſes, and thatch'd with ſtraw, and only able to preſerve them from the injuries of the weather. The Merchants and other tradeſmen,Goudons or Merchants houſes. and ſhop-keepers, who have ſomething to loſe out of their ſhops, or warehouſes, they live in ſtrong houſes well built, of ſtone & brick, cloſe ſhut with ſtrong gates and locks, and call thoſe houſes Godons.

Throughout all the Towns of Pegu, there are the Taregha, Taregha. or perſons ſworn, to ſee good meaſure and weight made of commodities, to the Merchants they have charge of: and if a bad bargain be made, the fault is laid on them,Faithful trading. with diſcredit and reproaches, which they eſcape ſometimes very narrowly: ſo you take much pleaſure to trade with them, they are ſo faithful and ſincere, and a moſt excellent order is obſerved both in buying and ſelling: and whatever is either bought or ſold, is put in a lump into the Senſals, who gives notice of the number, and ſets a price upon them; and ſets a rate of what they ought freely to get over and above all charges whatever: if the price be liked, the mony is payed, and the Senſal keeps an exact account; for they are able choſen men. There is no danger of any deceit; beſides,Senſals true. they do all to the advantage of thoſe that refer themſelves unto them: and in caſe the price doth not pleaſe buyer and ſeller, they have the whole day to confirm or avoyd it, although 'tis to the Senſals diſcredit and infamy.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Kingdome of Pegu, of a bloody war for a white Elephant, of Crocodiles, and the nature of Elephants,

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THe Empire of Pegu is provided with all things neceſſary and commodious to life, and vyes with others as rich, and good as her ſelf, as Cochinchine, Siam, Tangu, Marſin, Jangoma, Bengale, Ava, Aragan, and others. It is cut through in many places by that great river, called (by the higher Indies) Amoucherat, and (the natives the river of Pegu or Caipumo, River Cappum [...]. or Martaban, that runs (by ſeveral branches) through the level, and fertilizes the ſoyle. This River abounds in Fiſh and Crocodiles, which they feed on in the Indies: Geographers deceived. mean while our Geographers are miſtaken, who ſay that the river that runs through Tangus, is the ſame that waters Pegu, although they be different countries, and remote. This River riſes at the Lake Chiammay, paſſes through Brema, or Brama, waſhing in with her waves refined gold, which ſhe drawes from ſeveral mynes the country is full of.

She runs through the kingdom of Prom, where are the famous towns of Milintay, Calamba, and Amirandou. Thoſe territories joyn to Alva, then to Boldia, called by the high Indians Siami, where they are very courteous,Siami or Siammon. and it paſſes for a Proverb, (courteous as a Siamite) Siami is a vaſt kingdom called the Empire of Siammon. Then to Berma, or Verma, whereof the capital is Carpa, and butts upon Tazatay, and the kingdomes of Pandior, and Muantay. The King of Pegu ſubjugated the kingdom of Berma, two years after he conquered Siam; then there are Vilet, Abdiar, and Caypuma, Canarane. whereof the chief is Canarane, of which more hereafter.

Talcada.The King by his Talcada or Lieutenant, hath conquered many other countries, who ſubdued all the Provinces of Siam, Berma, Javay, Kingdoms conquered by Pegu. Manar, and others unto the kingdom of Perperi, Tarnaſſeri, Maragoura, Guertale, Langoura, Nigrane, and Joncolan, that touches Malaca. Winning Siam he got Ban, Ploan, Odian, Macaon, and others conquered before by the King of Siam.

This Prince is a great lover of ſtrange beaſts, and hath of divers ſorts brought him from all parts of the world, and land at ſeveral places, as at Dagon two dayes journey from Pegu, Martaban, which is four; at Guzan two dayes journey from Caponin, where beginnes the great Gulph of Saharic, at the mouth of Caypumo. This River, with that of Ava, and Siam, overflows like the Nile, from Mid-May, to Mid-Auguſt, which [Page] improves the Country very much, ſhe draws refined gold by wyres, wherewith the King enriches his Temples and Idols, for gold and ſilver in thoſe parts, are but merchandizes, their coin of braſſe, lead, and pewter, called Ganze or Ganza, and any man coins with the Lieutenants leave, who is Generall. That coin is currant thorough the kingdom of Tauay, the laſt of the territories of Pegu, in the middle of the Province of Manar, watered by that famous River of Marſina or Menan.

Pegu is ſo temperate that 'tis green all the year long,Ayr at Pegu is temperate Hermaphrodites: the people are rather whites than blacks, and well ſhap'd women, amiable, gay, and neatly dreſſed. There are many hermaphrodites, as at Sumatra. There is plenty of pepper, vermillion, mercury, cloves. They make Chamlets, hangings of feathers, ſilk ſtuffs, have ſtore of rice, and beaſts for chaſe. They want nothing but good horſes, which the Prince is curious to procure from other parts bating merchants their impoſts to bring of them in.)

The Kings Palace ſtands at the farther end of new Pegu, ſheltered from the Northwind by a little hill: there grow all ſorts of trees, five ſorts of palm trees, incloſed with a wall like a park, where they keep all ſorts of beaſts you can meet with in any part of the world, which the King carefully ſeeks after,War for a white Elephant. never regarding each price, as it appeared, by that long war made by him, and the King of Siam, who refuſed him the white Elephant, to put into his Calachar, or park. 'Twas Aleager or Chaumigrem King of Pegu, begun this cruell war with an Army of a million of martiall men, two hundred thouſand horſe, five thouſand Elephants, and three thouſand Camels. The Vaunt-guard was compoſed but of 50000. horſe: he ſack't, and ruined his principall Town Lagi or Siam, which was reputed to be twice as big as Paris, Lagi. and thrice as Fez. The ſiege laſted 22. months. From Pegu to Siam 'tis ſixty five dayes journey, by camels; he took all his treaſure, wife, and children, and brought them priſoners into Pegu with the white Elephant: This deplorable King reduced to extremities, caſt himſelf down from the higheſt turret in his Palace, and broke himſelf in pieces, ſome of his daughters and Princeſſes made themſelves away, with a hoop or circle of iron, edg'd about, that cloſed it ſelf when they thruſt their necks therein, with their feet in a nooſe hung thereunto, which ſtrangles them immediately: and if Adigola and the other Ladies had had time, they would never have been brought away alive: there was but one Lady ſaved, wife to the Grand Mogull's Son, This Prince followed the Peguan Army, to recover his wife, was taken priſoner, and by his frequent prayers, and deſires, he obtained leave to viſit his wife, and mother-in-law: The King himſelf gives them much comfort by his viſits, repreſenting unro them the change and revolution of affairs, he gave them freedom, and remitted them ranſomleſſe, ſent them all back again, with many and rich [Page] preſents, and married the young Prince to his Lady, who were before but affianced, conducted them to his confines, with great honour and magnificence, whence grew the greatneſſe of the Mogor, Mogoz, or Mogull, tributary to the King of Pegu, who hath ſince broke his faith, making himſelf a Soveraign.

You hear for what reaſons the King of Pegu waged this war, that bred ſo much ruine and deſolation, for a white Elephant onely, a fatal and unhappy beaſt, as Sejans horſe hath proved to all that ever poſſeſſed him, and hath coſt five Kings their lives, and whole Eſtates, as it happened to the laſt King of Pegu, who had it lately taken from him by the King of Aracan, by the treachery of the King of Tangus his Brother-in-law. White Elephants are very rare, yet they are ſo beſotted as to adore them; at Siam feſtivals were kept in his honour, called Quinday Pileu, (which is to ſay) honeſt mens delight.White Elephants adored. The King of Pegu drew four in his coach, and I believe that in the reſt of the Eaſt there were not more to be found. The Kings Palace called Chalouſbemba, was built ſquare, with a Doſme, at every corner ſtands the ſtatue of a Gyant, of poliſht marble, who Atlas-like upheld this goodly fabrick; and are repreſented with ſuch tortions of face, you would think they complain of their load. The ſtone 'tis built with is ſmooth and reſplendent as glaſſe, for the adjacent forreſts, and gardens, are therein perfectly diſcovered.

'Tis inviron'd in with a deep trench, you enter over a draw bridge, thorough a gate of exceſſive heighth and ſtrength, where are the figures of a Gyant and his wife, each of a piece, and of a mixt coloured marble, the pavement is of the ſame, and repreſents (like the Sea) this maſſy ſtructure.

They ſpare neither gold nor azure, and in Galleries you ſhall ſee carved the Hiſtories of all the wars thoſe Kings have made againſt their enemies.

From thence you deſcend ſome ſteps of marble into a lower Court, encompaſſed with balliſters or railes, where there is a pleaſant fountain, whence the water is conducted into ſeverall gardens by pipes; the gardens fenced with ſtrong walls, one of them is three miles long, where grow various ſorts of trees, of a marvellous height, that caſt moſt pleaſant and delicious ſhades. The River Caypomo runs thorough one end of the garden, weſtward: and at the other end there is a large and long walk, whence you diſcover, fair paſtures for Cattle, that are very numerous, under the ſhade of thoſe trees that bear variety of fruit, and great plenty; There are many Monkeys, Pea-birds both wild and tame, pa [...]rats, white partridges, and other birds. There are many other gardens and Palaces nearer hand, built of marble, and Porphyry, and a lake a mile about.

One of thee Palaces is allotted the Queen and her Court, (not far unlike the Eſcurial) which joyns to a Park ſtored with [Page] exquiſite and rare beaſts, as Agouari, that give the muſk, civets,Aguari the musk. car. Sindero. girafs, the Sindero, (like the Stags are bred in Swedeland, and are put to the ſame uſe as Horſes, and are called Arſinga:) Abada, or Rhinocerot. There is an Unicorn called Drougala, Unicorn. and the head of another, with the horn in the midſt of the upper part of the forehead, ſet faſt upon a fountain ſide, with many more curious rarities. In the Sultanes garden there is a cage of birds, we call birds of Paradiſe, the Portuguais Saxaror Dell Sol, and the Indians Manucodiata: ſome of our Europeans believe thoſe birds have no feet, but certain nerves or ſtrings onely, but 'tis a falſhood, for I am certain they have feet which they uſe as other birds: They hold to that they never light upon the ground, but that they build their neſts upon their males backs; but 'tis apparent by thoſe that are brought into our parts, that their feet are dexterouſly cut, that they may ſeem more ſtrange and admirable. I ſaw one at Goa, which a Portuguais fed with the ſweeteſt flowers, as Jaſemin, Gilly-flowers and others, which the bird delighted in. In thoſe parks or gardens are Beſouarts, and ſwine,Beſouarts: that breed the ſame ſtone within them.

In that cage there are other birds of ſtrange ſhapes, one hath the bill long and ſharp, and is ravenous, feeds on fleſh, and is called Tanarif. Another called Tiſcan, white all over the body,Tanarif. Tiſcan. and upon the breaſt, hath a bunch of feather, like a dried Roſe, his bill ſtrong and thick like an Eagles, but bigger and blacker, can break a ſheeps bone in two. I think 'tis the Griffin, though it hath but two legs:Griffin. for I never could hear of any four leg'd, as they are repreſented unto us. This bird is an enemy to the Tanarif, and are therefore ſeparated. There are many more ſtrange birds, brought from Molukes, Maldives, Java, Sumatra, and other Iſles in the Indian Sea, there are Oſtriches which they call Zangir, from the name of the Iſle whence they come, of a prodigious bigneſſe.Oſtriches.

In the Lake belonging to the Sultan's Palace,Water fowle. are ſeen all ſorts of water-fowle, of many different colours, they feed on fiſh, and a ſlime bred therein, that is very ſweet, and when once they have taſted it, they never leave it, but breed often; There are Connills or water-Rats, without tayles, they feed about this lake under the ſhades, they delight to dive into the ſlime or mud: There live little Apes, their hair or down ſofter than ſilk, of a violet colour admirable pretty. There was in this lake a Crocodile brought from the river of Pegu, but becauſe [...]e committed great ſpoyl upon theſe birds and beaſts, the King commanded him to be killed, and with much ado they took him, although wounded in many places under the belly.

We happened to be there at his death, a month after the King had given order for it, he gave many loud groanes, and ſighs at his death: it was flead, and the fleſh diſtributed amongſt the Courtiers, and is as ſweet as muſk, which occaſioned [Page] one of our gang to ſay, he thought Ambergris proceeded from thoſe creatures, as he was informed in Portugall, for my part I am not of that opinion, for in the Iſles Ambergris is gathered, there was never known any Crocodiles: and as I have learn't in my travells, it rather appeares to be bred in the bottom of the ſeas (as ſome Iſlanders (that have gathered it) have remarked) like a bitume, or thick mud: I much leſſe believe it proceeds from a whale, having often both ſeen, and helped to take of them, we have made diligent ſearches into their bowells, but could never find out any ſuch thing. A Portuguais, Don Jamo, informed us that he had ſeen many taken at Malaca, or Tacola, where five or ſix were taken in two years, of an immenſe bigneſs, their entrails were all ſearched into, nothing near Ambergreece was diſcovered.

Francolin. a red leyd fowle, bigger then a Godwit.Near this Palace there is another Park, ſtored with tame beaſts and birds, as Francolins, Pea-birds, Turkeys, their ordinary Poultry for the uſe of the Court, kept and look't to by young ſlaves, to gather their eggs, &c.

There are many white, red, and gray Partidges, which are fed once a day with a ſmall grain, called Naver, like unto buck wheat, but much blacker.

There is a park for Lions, Tigers, and other fierce beaſts, called Siparo, and 'tis a ſad and dayly ſight to ſee criminalls devoured by them. There was a Church founded there, in memory of a miracle that happened to a Chriſtian in the year 1572. who was expoſed to the Lions,Miracle of a Chriſtian, expoſed to beaſts to be devoured. next to the Elephants, and thirdly to the Tigars, the ſierceſt of the three, and came off from them all ſafe and intire, none of the beaſts would touch him, he was preſented to the King, (who gave him a penſion during his life,) and inquiring who he was (he replyed) he was a poore Chriſtian pilgrim, come out of France, with intention to viſit the Holy Sepulcher at Jeruſalem; that ſince he had travelled unto Mount Sinay with the Caravane, whence he thorough devotion came to the Town of St. Thomas, to viſit the ſhrine of that glorious Saint; there he was bidden go to Caranganor, where that St. ſuffered Martyrdom; and that then he had a curioſity to ſee the Court of that great Monarch, ſo famous throughout the Indies, and was not permitted to croſſe the river of Pegu without money (which he was but ſlightly ſtored withall) but caſt himſelf into the water, to ſwim it over, and being re-taken, was condemned to the beaſts.

After this worthy miracle, ſome French Jeſuites at San-Thomas, obtained leave of the King of Pegu to build a Church in remembrance of the miracle. Thoſe Fathers go on cheerfully and ſucceſsfully in the converſion of thoſe parts.

There are in thoſe Parkes ponds of clear water, where they [Page] feed Tortoyſes of a middle ſize, Their ſhells are a mixture of many colours, as black, red, tawny, yellow, and others, and there are none fairer in the world.

They work up many things therewith, as Cabinets, Trunks, Boxes, and other furniture, 'tis very neat work, for the ſhells are poliſhed, like diamonds, and are tranſparent, which make a fine ſhow, and would be much valued here, but he hazards his life that adventures for them. This Prince makes it his only paſtime every January, when their ſummer drawes near (for at Pegu, and all other places under the Tropick, and the Torrid Zone; winter begins in May, becauſe of the diſordinate raines which fall from that Moneth to the end of Auguſt, that is their winter, their Summer begins with our Autumne, and laſts all our winter moneths for other reaſons, and 'tis the ſame in Cochin-China, where they have three moneths winter, and nine ſummer) to viſit his Tortoyſes, which he calls Eliſar, he drawes out of the ponds thoſe of the higheſt colours, and he keeps fiſhermen to that purpoſe only, and which caſe them ſo gently of their ſhells, that they do not die, and within three yeares their ſhells are as well grown, and as bright as before: and thus they laſt 15 or 20 yeares, at that age they turned red, and their ſhels are of a good colour for three yeares: when the King hath a mind to eat of them, they cut off their heads, and five dayes after they are prepared, and yet after thoſe five dayes they are alive, as we have often experienced.

In thoſe ponds there is a certain male animall, whoſe skin is gray,Aſoufar [...] and ſilver coloured, wherewith they cover their furniture. This animal is a great multiplyer, and is called Aſoufa, like our ſea Calfe, and as bigg as a ſmall mule, and much eſteemed amongſt them. They have another kind, whereof they make bucklars, and coats of Armor, no ſteele will pierce them, they are ſo ſtrong and hardned: The King himſelf and his foure white Elephants in war time are Armed with thoſe skins, but covered over with ſlight ſilke ſtuffes. Thoſe Elephants are exceeding ſtrong,Telanſin. the King takes great content to be drawn upon a Telanzin, which is a kind of litter, but with four wheeles: One day I heard him command his Nangin, or chiefe Coachman, to make his Telanzin ready, deſirous to take the aire. Two of the Elephants being brought forth to be ſhewen the Prince Souac, he praiſed them to be two of the ſtrongeſt in the World, he let one of them looſe out of his hand, that took up the litter, (with all belonging thereunto, as wheeles and draughts) in his teeth, and carried it before the Prince, and ſet it ſoftly down, as if it had been a ſmall weight, and yet it was 500. weight. This action ſo highly pleaſed pleaſed the King, that he commanded that ten pound of ſugar ſhould be added to his dayly allowance. Their chiefeſt food is rice boiled in milk, made up in balls: and they have dayly [Page] fifty pounds to their portions, beſides they are turned into the fields, and feed upon ſycamore leaves, and other pleaſing leaves, they love cooleneſs, and bathe in thoſe ponds: they are ſubject to the bloody flux, and heat is very troubleſom to them. When the waters are not high enough to cover them, they lie down and tumble, their naturall diſcretion is ſuch, that they never mingle with females before company, they go two years with their young, and live two hundred.

'Tis a beaſt highly valued by all Eaſterne Princes, and are very ſerviceable; They are taken thorough the whole Empire of Pegu, and beyond the river Savara, at Bremu, Ava, Bengala, and Malaca.

The King of Pegu, becauſe he hath ſuch a number of Elephants, is ſurnamed Quiber Sencal Jaſel; that is, the grand Monarch of Elephants. In the palme Forreſt, neer to new Pegu, they ſet their ſnares to catch thoſe beaſts. 'Tis a very pretty ſight to ſee a tame female lead a wild male thorough the ſtreets, when he ſees himſelf faſt, and caught, he condoles himſelf with many fearfull cries and emulations, and ſometimes ſtriking furiouſly upon pillars, wherewith the houſes are ſuſteined, breaks his teeth, and having ſufficiently tormented himſelf all in water, & being ſenſible of the heat of that water which lies in his belly, he thruſts his trunk into his mouth, or throat, and drawes up all the water, that ſmells extreamly, and is boyling hot: Then with goades and pricks they force him into a dungeon, where in five or ſix dayes he is tamed with the female.

When they are tame they are lodged in a Princely roome, painted over, with imagary and forreſt work, and are fed in ſilver, the King eſteems them the ſtrength of his Army, they are richly attired, and eat bread, they are fed with ſeverall ſorts of corn, or grain boyled, as barly, rice, lupins, and others, they love fruit, but care neither for fleſh, nor ſiſh.

The King delights himſelfe to ſee them monthly exerciſed in Battalia, richly harneſſed, marching ten of breaſt, the Captain marches in the head, armed with a Crocodile skin, covered over with a cloath of gold: his forehead peece of the ſame, the riders cloathed in cloath of gold upon a green ground, with a lance, and a lyons skin hanging thereat; even with the Captain march twelve Negroes women, young, and cloathed in Indian gownes of many colours, with drums handſomely painted, they leap and dance before the Elephants, making many grimoces, and ridiculous geſticulations, their faces painted red and violet; when the Elephants go to war they weare the skin onely, with bars of ſteele over their trunks, and are richly trapped upon their feſtivalls, a ſquadron of a thouſand Elephants well managed [Page] follow the Captain, next the Kings Throne, or State, with his children thereon, high and exalted, like a Ganopy drawn by thoſe famous white ones, followed by many Nobles mounted on others, with ſilken bridles, all this is accompanied with Trumpets, flutes, and other inſtruments, at which ſound they leap and dance, and ſeeme to take great content, and between times they march with a gravity, becoming a rationall creature.

I remember that in this ſolemnity a baſe fellow croſſed the ſtreet before the Royal Throne, the beaſts ſtopt ſuddenly, and could not be driven on till the Criminal was brought unto them, who expected death, a toſſe or two at the leaſt. They gazing upon one another ſcorned to touch him, one of the riders beat the fellow ſorely with his bridle; Their Governour told them with fair words, that they had done an act worthy themſelves; the beaſts ſatisfied, continued their march.

I ſaw a mighty big one preſented to the King of Pegu, by him of Siam his Tributary. The King immediately commanded meat to be brought him, to know his breeding, for the beſt bred eat with great modeſty; but he that brought him ſaid, that if he had drink, he could live without food: he that had the charge of the reſt, either for ſcorne, or to diſparage the beaſt's nature, brought him water in a foule veſſell, the Elephant gave him a diſdainfull look, and putting his tronk into his mouth, ſpouted a great quantity of ſtinking and hot water upon the Maſters head, who returned him a blow with a ſtaff upon the head, the Elephant immediately killed him with his tronk.

The King admired his prudence, and cauſed him water to be brought in a clean ſilver veſſell, and bought him harneſſe, moſt rich and magnificent; they are ſometimes ſerved in golden veſſells, and with great reſpect, otherwiſe they will kill their Keeper for the leaſt offence.

They are capable both of hearing and underſtanding, and learn whatever is taught them.

CHAP. XXVIII. Continuation of Pegu, of the Government and Policy, of Superſtitions, and Magicians.

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PEgu is innumerably peopled with very good ſubjects, ready upon the leaſt command to give obedience, and execute, (and they ſay) that to ſerve their Prince, is to ſerve God: and hold their companions moſt happy, who dye in the Kings ſervice; when the King will raiſe an Army, he enrolls, the number he requires, with their names, their qualities, by certain itinerant Heralds, or Calfenes who publiſh the war abroad, with flaming Torches in their hands,How they raiſe an Army. as I have already ſaid. They ride on Dromadaries, and change often: and they are kept in moſt towns for the Princes ſervice, as are our Poſt-horſes. When the people are acquainted with the Kings will, they generally leave home, wife, and children, and follow the King; every town and village hath a treaſurer, who duely pay the penſions allotted by the King, and every one is ſure of a livelyhood, according to his merit in the Kings ſervice, which is faithfully diſcharged.

Triennial Governours.The Governours of all towns have triennial commiſſions, and are promoted according to their birth to the kings favour, and the peoples free conſent. They behave themſelves with great integrity, and diſcretion; and take care the Kings treaſure ſhould be diſtributed to them that ſerve beſt, to their wives and children, and implore them in honourable occupations, according to quality, capacity, and the occaſion of ſervice, there being publick work-houſes purpoſely maintained; where the third part of the people are continually imployed: as Mynes, Paper-mils, Silk-works, Sugar engines, and other trades, and works belonging to the King. If a ſoldier returned from war complains to the King, that his General had not diſtributed to his family, what the King had commanded: The General is preſently ſent for, laid flat upon the ground or table, where ſome Courtier takes a cudgel (with three whip-cords at the end, and a ball of ciment faſtned thereto) ſtriking upon the ground without touching the man, and the King aſks why he had not payd the Zimbou, or allowance to the ſoldiers family:Zimbou. the other muſt confeſſe the truth, and if he doth alledge any reaſonable excuſe, he hath not ſo many ſtripes, but he hath three at leaſt given him however. The executioner ſtrikes upon the ground, untill the King commands otherwiſe.

[Page]The criminal is next helped up by his friends, and makes the King a low reverence, giving thanks for the mercy he had ſhewed in not ſtripping him. Then the King either invites him to dinner himſelf, or ſome other Noble-man, and the puniſhment he ſuffered, is not held diſgraceful, nor ignominious. The trumpets ſound gives the King notice of his coming, and at his going it ſounds twice, and the multitude cry out, that the General or Governour of ſuch a place was retiring. The General caſts himſelf at the Kings feet, and kiſſes the ground, the King imbraces him, and preſents him with ſome rich Carcanet, Admirable obedience. or chain of Gold, or Jewels: ſo diſmiſſes him, as content, as if he had got a kingdom, and this is a credit to them.

Suits in Law are ſoon decided, for if a man be at difference with his neighbour, the firſt Danubir, or Juſtice,Differences quickly decided; they appeale to, decides it upon the place.

The King once a week, ſits in his ſeat of Juſtice and decides differences of the greateſt importance, by, and with the aſſiſtance of a Naire or Gentleman, that holds him a golden cup to ſpit in: 'Tis held ſhameful to ſpit on the ground in the Kings ſight, but they ſpit in handkerchers.

The King before he riſes, drinks Areca and Betel, Areca. Betel. brought him by one of his women, and another of his favourites annoints his body with a certain oyle, or ſweet balſome, to preſerve his health. Moſt of thoſe nations eat on the ground, and uſe leaves, inſtead of cloathes, they eat in curious woodden veſſels, artificially painted, in various manners; others are ſerved in Purcelain, which will not endure poyſon, no more then the wood Avate. At his riſing from his ſeat of juſtice, a Merchant preſents him with ſome delicate drink; he hath a guard of a hundred Naires, armed with ſhort ſwords hanging by their ſides, in ſcarſes richly embroydered with gold and jewels: There are many Gold-ſmiths, as are in moſt parts of the Eaſt. He hath other Gentlemen of his guard armed with ſteele bowes gilt, and neatly enamel'd:Peguans Armes. they are expert bowmen, and are trained up from their infancy; the guard of 100. Naires, beſides their ſwords bear quivers and arrows gilt,The Kings march. with a marvellous ſtrong Cane that never breaks with a Pike or Fork at one end; azured at both ends like a walking ſtaffe: They march in order. A Noble-man bears the Kings ſword before him, another his buckler, made of Tortoiſe ſhels, garniſhed with Diamonds, and Rubies, as bright as the Sun.

The King weares the Tiara richly adorned with gemmes: at one ſide of him a Lord carries a Paraſoll, before him walk two jeſters, with ridiculous motions and geſtures, relating how they had like to have killed one another: the King is very much pleaſed with ſuch Fictions and Drolleries.

One of theſe Bouffoones, known in many languages, frequented [Page] very much Father Joſeph of the ſocieties company, by whom,A jeſter baptized. he was inſtructed, and ſatisfied of the truth of our religon, and reſolved to be baptized.

The Father advertiſed the King, he conſented, and the man was preſently baptized, and entertained for a time amongſt thoſe good fathers: mean while, his wife not willing to follow her huſbands example, aſſembled her friends and celebrated her huſbands funeral, as for a dead man, and built him a tombe, where they made pitiful moanes, with many ſeperſtitions, bringing the women thither to weep and lament, and they all dined together upon his Tomb. They do this, that the wife of a newly baptized Chriſtian, may marry; otherwiſe they hold her conſenting to her huſbands Chriſtianity.

This new Convert was named James, he came fourty days after his Baptiſme, to ſalute the King, who deſired to know whether he would perform his office as before, and that his penſion ſhould be ſtill continued (he replyed) Sir, I ſerved you in the ſtead of a dead man, but now I will ſerve you alive, and retyring with the Fathers, he was not ſeen of two moneths, in which time his wife married another of meaner quality. But as I have heard, ſhe would have returned to her firſt huſband, and become a Chriſtian, being ſatisfied and perſwaded thereunto by a Portuguais, but her huſband would not conſent thereunto; knowing it could not availe him much.Big canes. Then ſhe married a Rope-maker, which is a great trade there, for they have great need of Lines, Ropes, Reeds, and Canes, which they cleave, beſides the Cables, and other tackling for ſhips. The biggeſt of thoſe Canes they make Pikes or Lances of for Horſe-men, as the Mores uſe, and of the ſtrongeſt they make, Cheſts or boxes; for they never break; of others they make hoops, barrels, and halfe barrels, to keep their drink or water in. There are of them, of an incredible ſize.

In this country (as well as throughout the Indies) they bear a great reſpect to the Image of the bleſſed Virgin, and to the memory of Saint Thomas, who hath wrought many miracles in the country. He raiſed from death to life a brother of the King of Granganor, who became chriſtian thereupon, and built a Church upon the ſide of a little hill near the Sea, dedicated to that Saint, and left great revenues thereunto, which are continued to this day, but are very ill deſerved. They ſay that the ſame King of Granganor, and another brother named Abanachacon, and that the King of Pegu deſired S. Thomas to vouchſafe him a viſit, who promiſed to become a Chriſtian, upon condition he might enjoy all his women, which (as he alledged) he could not live without, by the frequent prayers and interceſſion of this Saint, his concupiſcence was wholly allayed and aſſwaged; and in a viſion this King [Page] thought himſelf dipped in a pond by three celeſtial vertues,A Viſion. A heathen King converted. to cleanſe him of all filth and ſenſuality, from thence lifted up into heaven, and made partaker of the heavenly glory, and received knowledge of his ſalvation, and was baptized by St. Thomas, and by his good prayers obtained of God Almighty, that his tomb (built of tranſparent marble) ſhould be ever full of that water wherein he was purified, that ſhortly after this King ended his dayes wounded in a battle he fought, to aſſiſt a Brother of his againſt King Sangiſcan.

The Bramins who at preſent have the poſſeſſion of this Church, where ſtands this Tomb, ſay that his body is covered over with water to this very day, which is ſeen through the tranſparency of the marble, at the light of three bright-burning lamps, and that this Tomb is four fathom height raiſed from the ground. This they relate of it. And I remember I have ſeen at Arles (in Rolands Chappel, in the Church of St. Honoretus,) an ancient Marble monument replete with water, which increaſes and diminiſhes according to the motions of the Moon; and let the air be never ſo hot or dry, yet at full Moon the Tomb is full of water. They relate as much of another in the Church of St. Severinus, in the Suburbs of Bourdeaux, a German Lord viſiting this wonder, aſſured me he had ſeen the like in Auſtria, as at Verona in St. Zeno's Church, the ſepulture of Pepin, King of Italy, Son of Carolus Magnus, is ſeen full of water: many things are naturally known to riſe and fall according to the courſe of the Moon, as the ebbe and flow of the Sea, ſtones, plants, and animals. They hold that St. Thomas (as I have already ſaid) was martyred at Granganor, S. Thomas mar [...]yred. Oyſima. by a Huntſman, making his offerings to Oyſima, their three-headed Idol, who ſhot the Saint with an arrow, aiming at ſome wild beaſt, much more they relate of this glorious Saint, which they hold by tradition, although the ancient teſtimonies have left us little of his memory.

The Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory ſaith that his body was tranſlated from Meliapur, or Calamina, to Edeſſe, from thence to Ortuna in Pouilla. The Chriſtians (that are in the Indies, who ſtile themſelves of St. Thomas, and ſay they are inſtructed from Father to Son, by that Saint, are Neſtorians, Neſtorians. and infected with many more hereſies, for to this day they are inſtructed by the Syrian hereticks.

Thoſe Indian Kings rely much upon Magicians and Conjurers: the King of Pegu maintains one in his Court, to foretell what he deſires to know; he was called Bongi or Bonze, (as their ſacrificators are called) a bruitiſh man addicted to all ſorts of vices and abominations, yet he is the Kings minion. He carries ever in his hand a very keen hanger, like a Turkiſh Cymeter, onely more bow'd, dreſſed in two Monkeys ſkins, which he wears, the one before the other behind, hung all over with bells, to the weight [Page] of fifty pounds, which make a hideous noyſe: upon a time the King taking the air in a chariot, ſpied one of his choiceſt Ladies at a window, he ſent for her to take the air upon the lake in a barge, or Gondola, covered and richly adorned, they were no ſooner both in,Tempeſt. but a ſudden and dangerous ſtorm aroſe from the weſt; that overcaſt and clouded the ſkies. The King preſently called to his Bongi, to clear the air; the Conjurer immediately made a hole in the ground, wherein he urined, and uſing ſtrange Conjurations, many Devils came forth of the earth, making a moſt horrid and fearfull din, and howling, ſcattered the clouds, and tempeſt; the King made with all ſpeed to his Palace, putting no great confidence in his Duma, for fear of being overturned.

Charms againſt the tempeſt.The Enchanter full of mirth and vanity threatned with his Cymiter the tempeſtuous winds, jumping and leaping inceſſantly, he made a confuſed noyſe with his bels, and mad-man like ran to the Kings Palace-gate, where he skipped and leaped, until he frightned, and ſcared away all the birds and tame beaſts that were kept in the Park. 'Twas the ſame Magician, (who as I have already ſaid, treating of the Maldives) undertook to bring birds and beaſts out of the inchanted Iſle of Pallouis, and was ſoundly beaten for his raſh undertaking, and brought back onely with life enough to witneſſe his ſhame.

The great Cham of Tartary entertaines of thoſe Magicians, and puts great confidence in them; but more of them hereafter.

As throughout Arabia they obey the Seque, or Sequemir, in ſpirituals, ſo do they in the Kingdom of Pegu their Abedale, of a Sect called Abedali, and there are of them at Malabar. They are Santons, Confeſſion amongſt Idolaters. or Hermites, otherwiſe called Jogues, and by the Mahometans Marabouts. A people that obſerve a religious poverty, holding property in nothing, of auſtere life, and as the Guzarates, never feed on any animated creature. Though ready to periſh with hunger they aſk nothing, but the people furniſh them abundantly with all neceſſaries. If any one have rob'd, murther'd, or committed other crime, he preſently repairs to his Charif, who ſupplies the place of principal Abedale, confeſſes entirely what he hath done, and the other enjoyns a puniſhment and penance according to diſcretion. Though he perpetrated all the iniquities on earth, if his Superiour give him abſolution, no man can further queſtion him, or call him to account. Sometimes they puniſh with death,Ʋldarin: as it happened to one Ʋldarin, a Native, who in a ſavage quarrel having killed and privately buried his Brother under a tree, confeſſed it to his Charif, who cauſed him to take up the dead body,Puniſhments for crimes. and ſeeing it ſo cruelly dealt with, condemned him living to be buried, together with the dead. Another time he cauſed another to be caſt into a pond, for that he [Page] had denied their Duma. Theſe people have abundance of zealous followers, who provide them whatſoever they want. Likewiſe are they vertuous people did they not want our true Religion. There were ſome who inſtructed by the Jeſuites,Idolatrous and Mahometan Martyrs. yet continuing their belief, embraced burning from the Mahometans, for holding Mahomet was damned, and Jeſus Chriſt was God, and born of the Virgin Mary. One Ali a Merchant of Guzerate, inhabitant of Amiadiva, told me he ſaw at Bagdet fifteen Religious, called the Deruis of the Sect of Ali, burned for the like confeſſion. Some of this order I have ſeen wear rich girdles,Deruis Martyrs. others with diamond pendants in their ears; one at Pegu, with two curious and coſtly Caſſocks, one of a Munkeys ſkin of divers colours, the hair fine as ſilk, the other given him by the King, covered with a Tortoiſe ſhell, but of a moſt ſplendid delicacy. Theſe Santons, Joguies, or Indian Anchorites, lodge in the field, in hollow trees, ſeldom ſpeak, have ſome Diſciples exceeding obedient to the leaſt notice given them, addict themſelves to Magick, and to recompenſe their auſterities, the Devil perſwades them either to the precipice, or to take a death from their diſciples hands, who afterwards interre them, and build a Chappel over them as to a God. Beſides theſe the generall name of Religious in Pegu and Siam is Talapoyes. Talapoyes.

CHAP. XXIX. Of the Idols in Pegu, bloudy Sacrifices, Exorciſms, ſtrange Communions.

WE have mentioned before how the Rivers of the Country yield the King of Pegu a grand revenue in fine gold,Idols of Pegu. which he deſigns for embelliſhment of his Temples and Idols, whereof they have abundance of ſuch extravagant effigies, as the Devil preſents to their fancies. They have excellent caſters and ſculptors, that draw theſe apparitions to the life, which generally are exceeding hideous and formidable: for the Devil becomes viſibly converſant with theſe poor wretches, ſhewing them any thing they deſire, the more firmly to engage them to his ſervice. At the Princes Palace in the back Court, there are abundance of theſe Idols, all of pure gold, with Crowns, enriched with gems, as I ſaid before; one amongſt the reſt of a prodigious heighth, they call Apalita, who aſſiſts pilgrims and travellers, through the world, whoſe Temple no man viſits but with ſome preſent, which is converted to the uſe of the Prieſts, who ordinarily have wives and children. Such as enter theſe Tambous and Gouias, or places of [Page] adoration would think to have ſome miſerable end before they returned home, if they brought not ſome offering with them, ſo as he that hath but a leather to cover his pudenda, will take it off to offer to the Idol: others will preſent little bels of ſilver and gold which they hang at their genitories, in little rings drawn through the fleſh, which they do to be the better eſteemed of women, teſtifying herein that they delight in no other ſex but theirs. Some there are ſo ſuperſtitiouſly devout,Bleeding ſacrifices. that they will cut themſelves to immolate the bloud to their Idol. 'Tis ſomething probable that the Turks who ſo ſcarifie their bodies for devotion, learnt it of the Indians, becauſe the Alcoran contains no ſuch precept.

The Prieſts confirm them vigorouſly in this Idolatry, and ſome there have been who meeting poor Portugueſe Merchants and travellers, ignorant of their cuſtom paſſing by their Temple, have cruelly cut their throats, and ſacrificed them to their Apalita. But the Jeſuites complaining to the King, and ſhewing him the horrour and indignity of ſuch an execration, he ſentenced to death 70. of theſe abominable Prieſts, and the ſentence had paſſed further even to their wives and children, but for the mediation of the Fathers. Notwithſtanding their devotion, the people looked upon this execution patiently, and without the leaſt commotion, for the affection they bear their Prince. Likewiſe through the ſupplications of thoſe Fathers, they were freed from a peſtilentiall diſeaſe then reign'd amongſt rhem.

Some amongſt theſe Prieſts uſe holy aſhes and holy water alſo. They are the aſhes of things ſacrificed to the Idols, and amongſt the reſt of ſuch as have made themſelves voluntary ſacrifices. There is another Idol of ſilver, in the proportion of a Gyant,Holy aſhes and holy water. An oraculous Idol. who as an Oracle makes anſwer to demands, foretells things to come, but with a thouſand lyes and abuſes. They believe this Pagode, aſſiſts them in their wars, and as their Mars renders them victorious: They coin money in honour of him, and ſtamp his name upon it: But he is not alwaies effectuall in his aſſiſtance, for at the time they ſacrificed the poor Portugueſe I told you of, the Inhabitants of Goa and Malacca for revenge mann'd eight Gallions and ſome Carvells, put in at one of their Towns, which they took poſſeſſion of,Idols deſtroyed by the Portugueſe. thence advanced to another which they pillaged, burnt the Temples and Idols, with all the Prieſts, their wives and children.

'Twas at the time the King of Pegu was gone to the Conqueſt of Siam, ſo as the Portugueſe alarm'd the whole Countrey, and had Don Alouſe d' Aquila, who commanded the Foot, arrived in time, they had eaſily carried the Town of Pegu it ſelf, taken the Kings treaſure, with the Idols rich in gold, ſilver, and precious ſtones, which had been a wealth ineſtimable. [Page] They put abundance to the ſword, and carried away numbers of priſoners: But at the Kings return the Jeſuites reconciled the difference betwixt them; at which time 'twas accorded that at new Pegu, in honour of the Conception of the bleſſed Virgin, a Church ſhould be built at the Kings charges, which in theſe parts is no novelty, where from time out of memory, as I ſaid, they have had an image in honour of the Virgin with her infant, illuſtrated with three lamps, and the Temple of God where this image was reverenced, was ſerved with divers ſorts of Prieſts.

The King of Pegu this while was much incenſed for the affront, the violence and indiſcretion of theſe Prieſts had brought upon him, and conceived a hope that the very Idols would take ſome revenge for the injuries they had ſuffered from the Franques Ramatas, ſo they call the Portugueſe, but he was perplexed, when inſtead thereof,The tooth of an ape. he obſerved them perſever proſperous, daily overturning more Idols, as they had amongſt others burnt the famous Apes tooth adored in Zelan, which he would have purchaſed at the rate of ſo many thouſand crowns, as I ſaid before.

Another Idoll they have, called Fotoque, (as likewiſe in Japan and China) of the ſame ſtature as the other,Fotoque an Idoll. but of different matter, of lead and braſſe mixt, ſuch as their money is made of. They tell us this Idol with his interceſſion inclines their Duma, and obtains grace for all, in particular, for ſoules condemned to black and dark places. The Palpas are obliged to ſacrifice to him every Saturday a black ſwine, and three pullets of the ſame colour. Poultry in this Country contrary to the ordinary, have their fleſh black, which they call Fare, The fleſh of hens black. and makes the pottage black, nevertheleſſe very ſavoury. All the Sacrifices paſſe into the Prieſts bellies, for they burn nothing but the liver with aromatick odours, and pulverizing the bones, mix it with their holy waters.

When they would have any ſacrifices brought to their Idol, they go about the Town, ringing a Bell made like a Still,Sacrifices for the dead. and ſay this is to ſupplicate for ſome of their friends, who are tormented in the black ſhades; for as to thoſe which immitted into other bodies, as of oxen or cows there to be kept till the day of judgement, they hold them well quartered,M [...]tempſycoſe. and to have no need of prayers.

For this cauſe the Peguans had a cuſtome to eat none of theſe ſorts of fleſh, as in Malabar and other places; but ſince ſuch time as their Duma in a viſion gave precept to one of their Chaouris, to uſe all living beaſts indifferently, and that a ſoule condemned to the body of one beaſt, when that dyed, paſſed into the body of another, they have made no further difficulty to eat it. For ſuch beaſts they have [Page] a reverence,Superſtitious ſalutations. Aſſes for chaſe. and bow to them as they would ſalute a friend.

They have a ſort of ſmall Aſſes that come from the Province of Beluacarin, almoſt all red and black, or black and white, which they hunt and take with hayes like Conies, and being brought to hand ſerve for many uſes, but are of low price, by reaſon they hold ſoules never enter them, their fleſh is ſo faint and diſagreeable: we met with heards of them in the Champian, which appeared to be tame, ſuffering one to come ſo near as to lay hand on their neck; when on a ſuddain they ſprung away like Munkeys, and returned about a quarter of an hour after. They are not ſo courtly to them as to other beaſts, for the opinion the Prieſts have put in them: and as we in deriſion would ſalute them, they would reprove us, and tell us, their great Duma had commanded Fotoque to curſe the generation of Aſſes, and the ſoules that ſhould take up habitation in them.

They have likewiſe many other Gods, as that they call the god of atomes in the Sun, and others. Hell, they call the dark cavern of the houſe of ſmoak, where a horrible Serpent devoures ſoules, and whence one of their gods frees them by his power.

In a word, 'tis ſtupendous to conſider the number of gods and Idols in their ſeverall temples; their Monaſteries, Prieſts, Monks, Hermits, Sects, Sacrifices, &c. Their belief likewiſe of the Creation of the world is ſtrange, and of the ſin of the firſt man, all disfigured with a thouſand fables. For in the year 1557. a Cordelier, one Bonfer a Frenchman, being at Goa, moved with a pious vocation, went to preach the Goſpel in theſe parts, and going to San Thomas, and thence by Sea to Port Coſmin, and Pegu, did what could be done by Sermon to impreſſe the faith in theſe people, but with ſmall effect they were ſo hardned,Peguans whence derived. ſo as after ſome ſufferings, he was conſtrained to return from whence he went. He learnt, that 'tis held the Peguans deſcended originally from certain Jews, ſometimes baniſhed,The Peguans creed. and by Salomon condemned to work in the mines of Ophir: that they believed an infinity of ſucceſſive worlds to all eternity, innumerable gods receding reſpectively to the diverſe worlds, and lyable to death at laſt. That men having paſſed thorough all ſorts of animalls at laſt became Gods, and that theſe Soules after many ages being purified in certain appointed places, and having returned diverſe times into theſe new worlds at laſt, were placed ſome in Paradiſe, others in Hell, and ſome reduced to Niban, that is, nothing, and a thouſand other dreams. After this Cordelier, came the Jeſuites with better ſucceſſe, by means of ſome [Page] ſignal ſervices they did them,Jeſuites in Pegu. in certain popular maladies they were infected with. As amongſt others, Father Andrew of the ſociety, at the time that an epidemical peſtilence deſtroyed innumerable people in Pegu, a Chriſtian Townſman came and beſought his interceſſion for his family, that was wholly infected; and the Father demanding wherefore he had not cauſed his wife and children to be baptized, he anſwered, he had ſuch a real intention, but that their Pagode had prohibited him,Converſion and truth. and that his wife would not permit it, but threatned, if he forced Baptiſme upon her or hers, ſhe would publiſh his obſequies according to cuſtom, and marry another: which excuſe the Father took for ſome ſatisfaction, and at his ſupplications the people were cured. Whereupon many more repaired to him for the ſame cauſe, but he would not grant them any ſuch aſſiſtances but upon engagement to receive Baptiſme; which their Prieſts vigorouſly ſought to hinder, telling them 'twere better to dy of that malady then be damned by the cure of Baptiſme.

Theſe Indians,, amongſt other ſuperſtitions,Extravagant communions. which they have derived by corruption from Chriſtianiſme, they have one exceeding remarkable, which is, that once a year they make a ſolemn communion. Having immolated a white ſheep, and mingled the blood with meal, they call Agricar; on the day of the great feaſt of Duma, they give it to the whole congregation in form of a heart, with exhortations and remonſtrance, that this which they take, is the blood of their God, and upon that day ſtrangers are not admitted to celebrate the ſolemnity: but on the morrow they are received, and before they communicate, a Sermon is made to excite them to devotion, telling them their God receives them into his alliance, embraces them as his children, to whom he gives his grace by meanes of the blood they have taken. Behold how they transform and prophane what they have been heretofore taught of the Myſtery of the Paſchal lamb, and the Euchariſt. In Mexica and Peru they have likewiſe confeſſion and Communion after their manner. But they have another ſort of ſacrifice yet more ſtrange, that is, they buy a ſlave of a high price, of thirty yeares age, beautiful, ſound, and jolly, and having waſhed him in a lake, or other water three mornings by the riſing of the Sun, they cloath him in a white gown, keep him fourty dayes, and ſhew him to the people, telling them, this is the innocent that muſt be ſacrificed for the ſins of the people. Then every one brings preſents to him, and with humility beſeeches him to remember them when he ſhall come before the great God. All this while they take a heedful care he eſcape not, giving him good cheer, and Areca. Every morning for the fourty dayes when they ſhew him, they beat a kind of Pan, and melodiouſly play on flutes doleful, and pathetical ſtraines, to excite devotion, in which conſet every one beares a part that he [Page] may be mindful of them. Thirty dayes expired, the ten Prieſts called Gaica, perſons of veneration and antiquity, habited like the Victim, come to advertiſe him, that within ten days he goes to inhabit with the great God, and obſerve diligently if his countenance change at the ſound of death; and take it for an ominous augury, if he ſhew the leaſt fear: For which cauſe on the day appointed, they give him a certain potion that renders him as 'twere frantick, and takes all apprehenſion from him. After diverſe other ceremonies on the fortith, they ſacrifice him, and after eat him.

They lead him to the very top of their Temple, ſtretch him as it were into an oval upon a ſtone of the ſame figure, rip up his belly alive, tear out his heart which they burn, and ſacrifice to their Idol, beſmearing their cheeks with the blood. This fleſh they eat as a ſanctified and ſacred Viand.

During this ſpace, they religiouſly abſtain from all inordinate pleaſures. See but to what deformities they have changed the myſteries of our faith, as Father Andrew often made appear to them, though few made profit of it: we muſt attend till God of his mercy open their underſtanding.

Zibi demons.But amongſt the abuſes and Idolatrie of theſe wretched people, 'tis moſt lamentable to ſee how they are tormented by theſe Demons, Poſſeſſed. where there are ſome called Zibi, which at their grand Feſtivals, enter into them while they dance, counterfeiting the deaf and dumb, contemning all ſort of conjurations: ſo as to eject them, they muſt make new ſuffumigations and ſacrifices; call in the Magicians to implore the favour of their Duma for deliverance of theſe miſerable poſſeſſed creatures,Exorciſms. who all this while neither eat, drink, nor ſleep, become meer ſkelitons, ſo lean, and disfigured, that they are the horrour and pitty of all that ſee them. Now doth the Magician repaire to the Devil to know the quality of this Demon uſurper, and what is to be done to enfranchiſe the poſſeſſed, whom they carry by night into a field, and put him in a cave or tent without light: Then inſtructed by the devil, they ſeek out an hearb called Sacathy, which gives light by night, containing a ſplendour that may be perceived at a large diſtance, but as they ſay ſo peſtiferous, that he who gathers it dyes immediately;Sacathy. for prevention whereof, they tye a dog with a line to it, and ſo pull it up, then they burn it in the room with the Demoniacle; and the Demon in the inſtant, leaves him, as not able to endure the ſent of this hearb. 'Tis not unlike to the root of Bachaza mentioned by Joſeſephus, which growes near the town Machera in Judea. They never have their Feſtival the Corouita, Coranita and the Sacrifice. but ſome one is unfortunate in this kind. For as they carry along their Idol upon a ſix-wheel chariot drawn by Oxen, or Bufflers covered with flowers, and attended by the multitude, along the town, there are ever two or three pitiful wretches on a Scaffold in [Page] long gowns of gray cloth, who declare to the people how they are ready to ſacrifice themſelves for the ſanctification of the reſt; Then down they come with a countenance pale and diſfigur'd with apprehenſion of death, and caſt themſelves under the wheels of the chariot, where they are cruſhed to death. One there was who after he had been well fed by the Palpas or Prieſts for five dayes together, as a thing ſacred, when the houre of ſacrifice was come, his noſe bled, and he would not dye upon any terms, for whatſoever the Prieſts could ſay ſo to encourage him, but at the ſame inſtant there was another, who voluntarily offered to take his place, and was broken under the wheels: afterwards his corps was laid in the chariot by the Idol on the ſide of felicity. For the Idol bears in one hand a number of Serpents, to puniſh ſuch as obey not his commands, and in the other a cup of ſome exquiſite liquor, to recompenſe his good ſervants.

They have ſpecial honour for theſe miſerable Votaries, and all their Alliance. The ſacrifice ended, they take the murthered bodies, and give them honourable burial wrapped in a ſear-cloath, and entombe them with ſolemn ceremonies, and inſtrumental muſick, all their alliances coming for certain dayes to rejoyce over the Sepulcher. When, any one being ſick, the Magician ſhall declare him irrecoverable, he is put apart in a garden, one of his family being appointed to attend him. But if he chances to recover, he is held as a reprobate, and no man will viſit or converſe with him; ſaying, that had he been any thing of good, their God had not diſdained his company. And if he deſires to be admitted in ſociety, the Chaouri or Sorcerer muſt make a ſacrifice of Purification for him: then being purified, he makes his friends a feaſt of the fleſh of black cattle onely, eſpecially a goat, which is eaten with a grand ceremony.

CHAP. XXX. The Peguans dyet, their Military exerciſes, their medicinable drugges, their Summer.

AS to the ordinary dyet of the Peguans, with their lawful wives they feed ſoberly; but with their friends, their ſlaves,The Peguans diet. or others they regard not to drink exceſſively, and be drunk with their ſort of drink: notwithſtanding they have a commendable cuſtom not to ſtirre out of dores upon what termes ſoever, till [Page] they are ſober, lyars are deteſtable to them, and they decline their company.

Salutations.They uſe diverſe manners of ſalutations, according to the diverſity of Countreys: the moſt ordinary with Perſons of Quality, and equals is to kiſs; firſt the cheek, then the hands: the meaner ſort bow the knee to their betters, who are ſuch as keep more ſlaves, and Concubines to bring them children to ſerve the King in his Wars. So are they likewiſe of more honour, and the King gives them allowance for the learning of Military Exerciſes, as to ride, to vault, and others, for which they have Maſters; but their method is different from that of our Cavaliers. For this reaſon the King keepes a good number of horſes, of purpoſe for his ſubjects exerciſe; Gentlemen themſelves unfurniſhed, ſometimes taking them for a year, or more, and then employ them on other occaſions.

They have likewiſe Maſters for ſhooting in a bow, backward upon retreat,Military exerciſes. as it were upon a charge, like the Parthians heretofore, and the Arabians at this day. They uſe it to draw on the enemy, and learn it of the Tartars their neighbours: likewiſe they practice to toſſe the pike, and puſh with it on horſeback without looſing it, ſliding it dexterouſly in their hand; they likewiſe uſe the Azagaye, or javelin, and the Tamaca, which is a ſtaffe, with a ſtone at one end, ſharp as a razour; then they throw the ring, and three or four ſorts of balls, very dangerous, ſword and bucklars they uſe, and other armes much differing from ours. They have had the uſe of Cannon,Cannons. and other guns from all antiquity, like the Chineſes, as they ſay. In a word, they hold Military diſcipline in great eſteem, and every one lives happily, according to his vocation, the greater part at the Kings charges, who in time of peace employes them in mills of ſeverall ſorts, and ſugar-workes; for you muſt know they ſpend more ſugar here, then in any part of the world; for that as I told you, they make the very plaiſter of it that covers the Taraſſes of their houſes, mingling it with pounded ſhells, whereof they make a mortar, that being dryed becomes firm, as marble.

They are a numerous people, but were they more they could find meanes to employ them, for every man labours, and you ſee no man in want; and if they ſee one in poverty, their charity is ſuch, that if he be able, he is immediately employed, or his neceſſities relieved.

Medicinable drugs Cocos.For account of the Medicinall Drugs of this Country, the river Pegu with the inundation brings in the fruit of Cocos, of great eſteem amongſt the Indians, of great vertue to purge all humours, and proper for all diſeaſes. For my part I never uſed it; for we uſed a method of Phyſick, approved of by Perſons of Quality in thoſe parts:Summer in Pegu. That is about the entrance of ſummer, which there begins early with the going out of January, whence Debla [Page] or Scammony thruſts forth it's buds, and a ſort of little birds feed upon them; when we would purge, we got of theſe birds that go in flights like our Snipes, and eating three or foure, we find the ſame effect, as if we had taken a phyſicall medicine; another ſort they have, likewiſe eaſie enough, that is, to take the husk of a certain chich peaſe, a grain like Palma Chriſti, of wonderfull operation. Likewiſe Scammony water, which they draw like roſe-water, to make it more operative: at the ſame time they take the root of Rubarb, when the leaves are on, which are large as the great Lunary, and bitter as gall; when tis firſt pulled up tis full of juice, near orange colour, though the root new gotten be violent.Rubarbe. you need but break it, and the water within diſtills by little and little. Others pound it, and diſtill it with Scammony, and take the quantity of half a ſpoonfull. For purging they uſe likewiſe the water of Jelac and Mechouacan, and other drugs, the ſubſtance whereof they know how to draw very exquiſitly; as they can the quinteſſenece of cinamon and cloves, which they put up in Borrachoes and skins, and with other drugs, load them for the red ſea, ſo to Meca, thence to Suria, where the Venetians fetch them, who know ſufficiently how to chooſe them,How drugs are brought into Europe. leaving the worſt to the Senſall, who diſtributes them to Provence, and thence to the other parts of France, where in ſtead of good drugs, they have nothing oft-times but pieces of wood, and things of ſmall value.

CHAP. XXXI. The Election of the King of Pegu, their Officers, the Homages, and preſents of the Subjects to their new Prince.

FOr account of this Great King of Pegu, his creation,Royall Officers. and Militia, I will ſay in few words what I there learnt. A Prince of high Quality in the Empire, called the Califerech, is as it were Conſtable, and grand Maſter, who by preſcription aſsiſts at the Election and Coronation of the Prince, which cannot be done without him. His Reſidence is in the Town of Mandranelle, Coronation of the King. towards Tazatay. When a new King is to be Crown'd, this Caleferech comes to Pegu in barks of war, and at his arrivall the Prince goes to receive, and entertain him, kiſsing his ſhoulder; the other bowes to the very ground, and kiſſes his leg; then the people cry out, Eſte lanſar, that is, God be praiſed; then they both aſcend into the Princes Chariot, no one preſuming to approach near [Page] them; and returning in gracefull order to the Town, a thouſand ſorts of fireworks play, the Fortreſs Cannon is fired, and all in good order to receive them. Being arrived at the Pallace, abundance of Clarions and Trumpets ſound, and a Noble man ſayes with a loud voice. The Califerech commands you all to joyn in prayers, that if our Prince be not worthy, he may die before his inauguration, and the people cry out aloud, God grant it. Immediately after a repaſt they create Officers, being neceſſary they ſhould be choſen with the good liking of the Prince. The better part of the Officers have Arabian names, in imitation of Sechemir of Arabia, and the Court of Perſia, to which almoſt all the Princes of the Eaſt conform themſelves, as the moſt magnificent. The firſt that is made is the Gadalaro, Gadalaro. who diſpoſes and rules all that belongs to the Empire, and keepes a magnificent Court. The ſecond is the Amicaſſen, Amicaſſen. or Generall of the Army, who commands all that have conduct of any Souldiers, commiſsioning Governors, and diſpoſing the Kings Treaſure in all things neceſſary to war. Then there is the Libaganir, and Libaſan, joynt officers, one whereof adminiſters the Revenewes of the Provinces, the other the tributes, impoſts, gabells, and rents Royall: they have both a good ſtrength of Souldiers to aſsiſt them, and theſe attend the Prince every where, never leaving him. There is the Oſtades, or Captain of the Pallace, who takes order for the Proviſion.

The Amiracho, or Maſter of horſe, that diſpoſes of the Kings horſes, mules, elephants, camels, dromedaries. The Amural that governs the Elephants. The Canſidibir Maſter of the Pages and Eunuches. The Madrecon that drawes forth the Army, and ranges it in battalia. The Amiraf, Agitant Generall. The Armermirac that beares the Kings Poleax. The Caſandera, who gives order to the Captains, and diſtributes the troops where he thinks neceſſary. The Oſtender, the Treaſurer of the Army. The Bicaſſen, Maſter of the Wardrobe. The Teſtacavir, Maſter of the Robes, and divers others; all Noble Men belonging to the Palace Royall, Perſons of Honour, and well attended.

Beſides theſe there are abundance of inferiour Officers, and Honourable Perſons of War, who receive pay by the moneth, according to the occurrence of Affaires, to which the Merchants many times contribute for convoy of their free Commodities. Strangers are there exceedingly reſpected and honoured,Reſpect given to ſtrangers. Amirſent. and if one have uſe of an Amerſent, who are as the Chaoux in Turki, or the French Exempts, they will bear him company every whither with the Kings proviſion, whereof they have the weekly diſpoſall, and a reaſonable matter is ſatisfaction to them. Then there are the Cachi, men of war, armed with Caſſocks, quilted with agglet holes, expert horſemen, and dextrous at their bow, or the Zanfart or Zagaye, Zanfart. with three pikes, which in full ſpeed [Page] they will moſt actively caſt and catch again, Theſe I take for the Captains of Forts and Sconces, and Governours of holds. There is another ſort of ſouldiers called Atefiar, Atefiar. who are paid by Country rents, not of the Kings Demeſus, but things left by Heroes, and Perſons of Armes, the Souldiers right after their deceaſe.

They weare no other Armes then the Alfange, or Cimeterre, with the ſteel ring, and are skilfull wraſtlers.Caranizi. The Caranizi leads the ſouldiers, who have nothing but meat and clothes, being a Conquered people, and obliged to ſerve the King:Archilet. When one dies another ſucceeds, from father to ſon. The Archilet is a conflux of people of all qualities, and religions, like the Grand-Seniors, Spai: Theſe have no pay till they have done ſome ſignall ſervice; as alſo they are placed in the wings of the battell, moſt commonly; prepared with Afarca, a compounded drink, that renders them ſo furious, they apprehend not death; they are armed with the Cimitterre, Cris, or Poniard, and a Target. The Cheſonana, who conducts the Elephants to battell, their teeth armed with ſteel: He that ſits upon the beaſts neck to guide him, is called Dramont, Dramont. and for this purpoſe is choſen with a ſtrong and loud voice, by reaſon of the great noiſe in fight. Their armour is the skin of Crocodills, faſtned with ſtrong iron buckels, and have double pay, when they are expert in the conduct of theſe beaſts, who once heated grow furious. They put twelve of the largeſt, with abundance of feathers before the reſt, to guide them. Theſe beaſts once ſtirred to fury,Number of Elephants in Pegu. make ſtrange ſlaughter in an Army, whereof no Indian Prince is ſo ſtored as the Peguan, where I ſaw foure thouſand five hundered belonging to him; and for this cauſe is he ſtiled the Prince of the Elephants, as I ſaid before. They are exceeding chargeable, being kept with boyled rice, fifty pounds a day a peice: the females have not their teeth ſo long and big, who, if they are governed by young youths, out of ſence and civility will lift them gently to their ſhoulders.

It hath ſometimes happened that the enemy hath turned the Elephants upon their own men, with fire-brands, which they extreamly dread.

But to come back to the creation of the Prince,Creation of the Prince, and the Ceremonies. all the Princes and Nobles of the Kingdom muſt be there preſent, and if any one hath exceptions againſt him for injury or indignity received, before Coronation he may bring his complaint before the Caleferech. Then is the Prince brought by him into the middle of a field, where there is built a Theater of extraordinary height, with a bridge, or aſcent to it, covered with a coloured cloth: then the firſt Prince, whoſe office it is, pronounces with a loud voice, that it is but neceſſary they ſhould have a Prince to Govern and Rule them, to Protect the Common-Wealth, and adminiſter Juſtice▪ [Page] then takes a ball of gold, with three points, exceeding refulgent, and lifts it very high, all the people obſerving a profound ſilence: then he declares to them what the Councill hath decreed, and names the Prince to be Elected, whom he cauſes to ſtand ſtark naked upon a ſtone, with his face toward the Congregation, and tells them, this is he whoſe Anceſtors governed the Empire, and that he hopes by Gods grace he will not degenerate from their vertue.

At the inſtant one makes an Oration of his Endowments, his Benignity, Valour, and Magnanimity, and in breif, all of Galantry he hath ever done; and that if there be any one who hath cauſe of complaint, he ſhould ſpeak, and order ſhall be taken before his Creation: then all the people cry out, God hath bleſſed and ordained him for our Prince. After this they keep ſilence for a good quarter of an hour, to ſee if any complainant appeare. This done, the Hoboys ſound, and the Principal Caſtle diſcharges the whole Artillery.A Crown of lead. Proceeding, they ſet a Crown of lead upon his head, and put an axe in his hand, apparrell him in a ſheet of white ſilk, with a ſhort caſſock of the ſame colour, but embroydered with ſilk of various other coloures.Wholſome documents for Princes. One then preſents to him how he ought to Govern with Preſidents of his Predeceſſors. That the Crown of lead ſignified, that in all things he ſhould uſe both weight and meaſure: and the axe, that he ought to Adminiſter Juſtice, and maintaine peace and concord in his Dominions; and that the Principall ſtrength of a Prince is the hearts of his Subjects.

After theſe wordes they bring him in a Veſſell of Emerald the aſhes of the firſt King of Pegu, upon which he takes his oath to obſerve and keep all that his Predeceſſors have obſerved and kept, at the coſt of his very life. Then they take off his Crown and Robe, which are laid up as things Sacred; and they put on him a Cap of Crimſon Tiſſu, with a Chapplet of gold, that hath a peake before, not unlike the Flower-Deluces, ſet with very reſplendent ſtones. They inveſt him in a Turkiſh Robe, furred with the skins of white hares, to denote the innocence of his life. They ſay theſe hares change their coate twice in a year, winter and ſummer.

Preſently the muſick ſounds, and the three Princes that aſſiſted him, ſupport him in his deſcent from the ſtone he was Crowned on, which emblem'd the ſtability of his life. The aſh-colour he treads on,The Aſhes what. and the aſhes in the cup repreſents to him death, and the incertainty of life, that therefore he muſt imploy himſelfe in goodneſſe, to gain immortality, that his people may pray for him. Then being conducted to the Palace, they preſent to the 3 Princes three golden cenſors, hung in leaden chaines, with odorous perfumes, and the Falcada in a white Robe with the golden axe [Page] pronounces a loud De Cyſimar Caradacy, that is God hath created him, not the people.

As he paſſes by, all proſtrate on the ground, in reverence,Shoulders kiſſed. and reciprocally kiſſing ſhoulders, congratulate with one another for their new Prince.

In the field where the Ceremony is performed are abundance of Tents of ſeverall colours, belonging to the Princes and Nobility, and under Coco and other trees are tables covered with clothes of Cocos, and reeds,Feaſts for the people the wood or leaves painted the China way, ſet with meat to feaſt the people.

The King being come to the Palace, ſits down to eat with the three Princes, and round about for the ſubject Kings and Princes are many tables ſumptuouſly ſet forth and furniſhed, with a device on each of them, that is, a crown of gold, with the arms of the King that eats at it.

The King of Siam as Emperour hath three Crowns, and eats with the Princes: Of Tazatay hath two Crowns, and eats likewiſe with the Princes. The Caleferech hath a ſingle Crown, and eats alone. Mandranele hath two. Gilolo but one: as likewiſe Verma, Salaca, Aua, Martaban, Subject Princes. Paleacute, Capouin, Campa, Tauay. Theſe are all in the firſt room.

In the ſecond are the Princes, Nobles, and Governours of Provinces, as Ternaſſary, Manugaron, Pepery, Micoan, Malaca; and Bengala, all heretofore Subjects, but now for the greater part are infranchiz'd: Odiata ſince did the like, but is returned again to ſubjection. The Tables orderly rank'd, covered and ſerved royally, and what multitude ſoever there be, all is done with order and wonderful ſilence.

The three Princes that bear the Cenſers walk thrice about the Chamber incenſing the King, then ſit down and dine with him at diſtance, notwithſtanding when the King calls for drink, four Princes who have charge of the Talcadifs, or his Cup-bearers, every one with his cup of Purcelain, hoop'd with horn of Unicorne, taſte the drinke and preſent it to him, while the hoboys and the reſt of the muſick ſounds. Theſe four Talcadifs who are of the Princes blood, cry aloud,Talcadifs. The Prince whom God hath newly ordained us, drinks to all the Princes and loyall Subjects: then every one drinks his health, the three aſſiſtants ſtand up and ſalute him, then ſit down again, and the King continually preſents plates of meat, ſometimes to one, ſometimes to another, ſo that for the feaſt time there is buſineſſe enough.

The meat is ſeaſoned with muſk and amber. At the Feaſt there are Buffons to delight the King and Company,Viands perfumed: who have a thouſand anticks and devices. The King having done at Table, the Emperour of Siam kiſſing his buſkin, as an homage, [Page] preſents him a rich Crown of gold,Preſents to the King. which the King receives with embraces, and kiſſes his cheek in teſtimony of perpetuall amity: Then the reſt kiſſing his buſkin, lay every one their preſents at his feet. The Kings bring Crowns, the Princes chains and collars; the reſt preſent according to their quality, all in gracefull order: for the kingdoms and provinces, march all according to their rank, without confuſion: Then the reſt of the people preſent other things both rare and curious. Theſe preſents are brought in ſuch quantity, that every four hours they are forced to remove them: at the coronation, which was in my time, the preſents laſted five dayes from morning till night, with unparallel'd wealth and magnificence; during this time the people are all provided for at the Kings charge, and take up fifteen leagues of land, with wonderful regularity. The Preſents delivered, they ſtay five days for diſmiſſion to return.

Beſiſtan Cockfight.Amongſt other things the King delights much in Cockfights, for which he hath Cocks from Beſiſtan, with beards, which beard is properly but a carnoſity hanging under the throat, very brown, growing of a burnt bloud, the bird being exceeding hot: for ſport they match them with the Cocks of Pegu, that are not altogether ſo fiery, but more heavy, and mortall enemies.

The King and his Court have this recreation once a week. Their pens are cloſe together, with mats of palm that cover the windows, at which they are fed. At the creation which was in my time, they had this game, and lifting up the mats, the Cocks immediately fell to fighting with their bils, through the ſpaces of the lattice, but the keepers parted them with ſwitches, till they had taken their portions, which is of a ſmall black grain, they call Verſin, as big as a grape ſtone, of quality exceeding hot. The mats taken away, then is the ſport, to ſee how they will range themſelves in Battalions for the aſſault, frowning with rage, and the window once open they fall on in good earneſt; till they moſt cruelly tear one another, and fill the place with blood, for a good hour together: then they part them, many lying dead in the place, which they eat, the fleſh being reddiſh like beef, but exceeding tender and taſtefull.

CHAP. XXXII. Of the Juſtice and Policy with the Peguans, their Sacrifices and horrible dances. A lamentable Hiſtory of two young Princes.

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AS to the revenues of the King of Pegu, Revenues of the King of Pegu. when peoples ordinary payments are brought in, there is Proclamation through the Dominions, that no Subject is obliged to pay any Royall right, gabell, ſubſidy, or impoſt, for a whole year. What Handicraftsmen alone pay him amounts to three millions, or as they reckon ſo many Baſelins, a ſort of weight. Every houſe-keeper payes him ſo much by the year. When a new King is elected, all Towns and Villages ſend Deputies to make their acknowledgement, with preſents of rarities, and things extraordinary: As to the elect in our time, were ſent three white Cowes, with tayles differing from others, like ſwine, hornes growing in their ſkins only, not on the top of the head, which they could move as their eares, decked bard bridles, covered with cloathes of crimſon ſilk, and hung over with bells of gold, ſilver, and Calin, a mettal like ſilver, much uſed in the Indies.

This preſent was very acceptable to him, notwithſtanding 'twas done in deriſion of another people, his Subjects,Calin a mettle. who wear the like bells at their genitories, to content their Miſtreſſes, with little hooks, and rings to take them off when they go to viſit them, and teſtifie to them they have ſatiſfaction in nothing but themſelves; for amongſt them there are that are addicted to the unnaturall ſin, no more prohibited there than amongſt the Turks, except there be violence uſed, for which there is ſevere puniſhment.Sodomie. When the firſt Prince of the kingdom comes to take his leave, he embraces him and kiſſes his cheek, then preſents him with ten fair white Perſian courſers, barded with cloth of gold, of diverſe colours,Bells for beaſts only. their feet hang'd round with bells of gold, to ſhew the people they are proper onely for beaſts to wear.

Theſe bells ſo diſquieted the horſes, four or five men could but hold them, ſo unruly they were: likewiſe to the Prince of Siam at his departure he gave a collar of rubies of ineſtimable value, in brief there was neither Prince nor Nobleman, that parted without ſatisfaction. 'Twas thought the King diſtributed the beſt part of the horſes in his ſtable, where he had above thirty thouſand, [Page] which are the moſt magnificent preſent can be made in that country.Honour and ſervice to the King. He gave beſides many pieces of ſcarlet cloth, ſilks of divers colours, and other ſtuffes ſufficient to load twenty thouſand cammels. An Elephant he never beſtowes, but on the contrary, all Princes diligently endevour to get them for him. All the horſes he gives, ariſe to the advantage of the State; for when he hath occaſion for them in war, the ſubjects upon the leaſt orders are all ready, ſo well they affect him, eſteeming them amongſt the bleſſed that dye in his ſervice, and for ſuch the Prieſts never make prayers, as being already in the number of the Saints, and happy.

Juſtice & officers.For their juſtice 'tis equally adminiſtred to all offices and eſtates, depending on the Kings will, who gives them gratis, and payes all officers out of his own Coffers; which keeps them from doing any thing againſt Law and Juſtice; for their puniſhments are very ſevere.

Debtors ſold.Creditours may by right take their Debtors for ſlaves when they have not wherewithall to pay them, and if they will, may ſell them at the price of their debt, and ſometimes ſell their wives and children by Port-ſale, till they are fully ſatisfied. The charge of ſuit amounts to little or nothing. They all live in good awe, and all apply themſelves to labour: who hath no meanes of his own, betakes himſelf to Mills, Buildings, and Mines,Hoſpitals. where the King entertains them, ſo as no one wants a way to live. Poor orphans are brought up at the Kings charge.All employed in Pegu. There are diverſe encloſed places for girles, where they are employed in working ſilk, and many other ingenuous arts. A ſtranger paſſing through the country, may be employed if he will, or they will give him a paſſe to another town. The King hath four hundred ſlaves, but they are only for the ſervice of the houſhold, without regard to either Nation or Religion, ſo they are honeſt and ſerviceable: They have no wages, yet never want money, for all that have occaſion at Court, ſtill give them ſomething. Two hundred ſlaves more there are, who have no other office then to hunt the Woods and Marſhes for triple-coloured tortoiſes for the Kings Vivary: likewiſe they gather the ſilk Cottons which the trees bear naturally,Silk upon trees. whereof they gather ſufficient, and leave enough for the year following.

They have another ſort of ſilk called Fongi, gotten in December, it proceeds from the great Erpo, which we call Alove, whence there comes a ſilk More ſhort, but ſtronger and better then the reſt. I made trial if the like could be produced here by drawing threads out of the leaves, and found it might be done, there being no defect but want of experience; For though the Climats differ, nevertheleſs nature is every where aſſiſted by art and labour. All theſe ſilks come to the benefit of the [Page] people, though the King takes a good ſhare by reaſon of his ſlaves employed in it, beſides abundance of Orphanes and poor girles brought up at his coſt, under the tuition of matrons and ancient women, to govern and correct them for their neglects: and the ſame for men, all with great order and policy.A great policy. When one hath committed a haynous crime, 'tis beſt if he communicate it to ſome friend that may acquaint the King before the Juſtice is informed of it: for the King is moſt clement and ſupremely abſolute: then the King being informed the quality of the crime, perſon, and matter; it may be, that without hearing the parties, he may grant his pardon. The cuſtom of the country is, that as ſoon as one hath perpetrated a crime, he layes by his apparel, puts on a white ſhirt that drawes on the ground, like perſons doing pennance with us, goes bare-head, and bare-foot, lies ſtretched out upon the ground, and ſo attends his ſentence.

Some there are ſit down, others ſtand upright, according to the nature of the offence. Many that preſume upon the Princes grace, are deceived, and meet their death.

They who are condemned, are immediately given to the Elephants, who with their trunks lift them on high,Adultery puniſhed. then let them fall, and ſo they are broken in pieces; then the bodies are given to the Lions, and Tigars, whereof there is a great number. Adulterers are ſeverely puniſhed, as well men as women, and eſpecially, if they are of a good family. One was taken on a time with his ſlave, who were both bound together, and buried alive.

For account of their marriages,Marriage. when perſons of quality will marry, they conſult their Divines, and Magies, to know the ſucceſſe: when children are born, they have their nativity caſt to know if good or ill ſhall befall them, whereof I ſhall rehearſe a remarkable example hereafter.

When theſe Grandees, loſe their affection to their firſt wives,Repudiation. they are allowed to eſpouſe another, without any injuſtice to the firſt, who muſt ſuffer till her huſband pleaſes to call her back, this happening moſt commonly for diſlike and change of diet. Where the huſband and wife preſerve a perfect amity all their life, when the huſband dies, if the wife will do according to the cuſtom of the country, the obſequies ended, ſhe remains with her friends for a certain time to bewaile his death, then makes them a great feaſt, in token of rejoycing, diſtributes her jewels and chiefeſt goods to them, who are deareſt to her; and having embraced and kiſſed her Parents, Kindred, and Friends, they conduct her with Flute and Hoboys, to her huſbands monument under a Tent, adorned with Folliage, and covered with flowers, where they drink, eat, dance, and make merry, and the poor woman takes a potion, that makes her as it were frantick: then dancing, [Page] and carowſing, ſhe ſacrifices her ſelf to her huſbands ghoſt, throwing her ſelfe into a fire, having diſtributed to her friends the reſt of her rings and jewels. Their Prieſts and Magicians confirm them in theſe abominable cuſtoms, which they obſerve in divers other parts of India, as at Narſinga, Cambaya, Coromandel, and other places. But they take diligent care in theſe marriages of the great ones, that the women have free choyce with the conſent of their kindred, to the end it may be the vehemence of affection that obliges them to ſo cruel a teſtimony. Likewiſe men to aſſure their affection to their Miſtreſſes,Teſtimonies of love. uſe ſtrange teſtimonies: ſome with a Torch will burn their Arms before them, others will cut and ſtab themſelves with poniards: others taking a cloth dip'd in oyle, will light it, and have the patience to let it burn out and extinguiſh upon their arm: which obliges a woman to the like love, and to render the like proof at his death.

But that truculent ſacrifice they immolate to their Gods of their poor and wretched daughters, is no leſſe ſtrange and truculent: for in a part of this vaſt Empire to celebrate the feaſt of their great Crocouatas, Sacrifice of their own children. they bring up their daughters in the Temple, Virgins devoted to prayer and faſting, who are conſecrated and preſerved for the ſolemn ſacrifice in ſuch ſort, as when Father, Mother, or kindred viſits them, they do it with reverence and adoration, as to Saints and celeſtial perſons, and entreat they would be mindful of them, when they have the honour to come before their great God: for this conſideration they bring them for an offering all ſorts of dainties. Every year they ſacrifice one of theſe poor girles. In the front of the altar ſtands a marble ſtone very radiant, and of various colours, where they imagine they behold the figure of that furious Demon they adore. The maid deveſted of her rich attire,Palpes, or Prieſts. beholds her God, and obſerves if he yet call her, for they ſay the Demon calls her by name, and invites her to union: then their Palpes or Prieſts veſted in their garments ſacerdotal, take her, and ſetting her ſtark naked upon this ſtone; after divers incenſings both to the Demon and the maid, they ſtrangle her in the preſence of father and mother, who obſerve well if ſhe be dead, that ſhe may not ſuffer a ſecond martyrdom; and having with a ſtone ſharp as a razor ripped up her body, they tear out her heart, which they throw in their Demons face, burn it, and ſprinkle the aſhes mingled with water upon their Idols: the reſt of the body they burn at leiſure with aromatick woods, for the uſe of the Temples. In other places the Prieſts eat the Victim. The ſacrifice ended, they go to dinner, the congregation aſſiſts at the ſervice, and prayers made by the Prieſts with many incenſings: the Prieſts then change their veſtments, and take others of a horrible form, and mounting upon a Scaffold, as ſoon as the Muſick playes, begin to dance. They begin in a low [Page] key, then they riſe, with prayers and imprecations mingled, til healed with keeping time to the cadence of the muſick they become franick, ſome falling to the ground, others continue dancing, holding bells which accord with the inſtruments: So ſoon as any one falls to the ground, none but would think the devil enters into him, they change the tune, and dance with more violence and fury, without miſſing the leaſt point of the cadence.

But what is moſt ſtrange of all, they ſay at the ſame time they ſee the the devils dance with them,The devils dance. and that they eaſily know them by the agility of their motion, for otherwiſe they are attired like the Prieſts. They obſerve viſibly that they muſt needs be Demons; becauſe only a certain number of Prieſts mounting the Scaffold; when any of them fall, you ſtill ſee the ſame number dancing, without diminution. By reaſon whereof, the beholders ſuffer ſtrange diſtempers, and their hair ſtanding an end.Strange accidents to the authour. I remember that being preſent on a time for curioſity, on the ſuddain I felt my ſelf ſeized with a ſwimming in my head, that ſo inflamed me, I was almoſt ſuffocated, not able to ſpeak a word, nor draw my breath, and ſtriving to cry out and call for help to my company that was not far off; I could not poſſibly bring forth a word: ſo as being all in a lavour with agony and diſtreſſe, that held me a quarter of an houre, in my heart I made my prayers to Almighty God, by whoſe grace I was deliver'd, having never known the like torment in my life-time; for I felt I know not what paſs betwixt my legges, then leapt upon my ſhoulders, the phantaſm continually graſping me faſt. I was ſo dejected, as nothing could be more, but my companions reaſſured me the beſt they could; and as ſoon as I was gotten away, I went to tell it to Father Hipolita of Saint Francis order, who aſſured me 'twas a diabolical illuſion to have deſtroyed me, had not God with his grace ſecured me. He counſelled me to be thankful to Almighty God, and come no more where ſuch abominations were, the curioſity whereof had coſt me ſo dear; for I was a glad man to ſee it end in a mockery; but thenceforward I had a care how I came within their Temples, and congregations to ſee their accurſed Idolatries.

But to end the feaſt, when the ceremonies and dances have laſted four dayes, the Nobility makes a feaſt in ſome Palace of account,Feaſts and ceremonies. where the principal of the city, men and women, are invited, and come moſt richly apparelled, and covered with jewels, and rubies ſometimes as bigge as a nut, blazing like burning coales: then after a ſacrifice, theſe Nobles command the Muſick play ſome pleaſant ayre, and one of them takes a dame, whom he likes beſt forth to dance, not touching her hand nevertheleſs, but holding by a handcherchief of ſilk, and all the reſt do the like till the ball be ended. They dance round, and 'tis prety to ſee this humble [Page] dance,Laudative ſongs. artificiall for the many changes are in it. This ended, the muſick changes to a very ſolemn baſe, as 'twere for repoſe, with certain ſtanzoes ſung in praiſe of their deceaſed Anceſtors, celebrating their valours with a thouſand encomiums for the moſt part falſe. Then they ſit round, diſcourſing ſtill of the valour of theſe deceaſed, and the women more tender of heart fall a weeping, and amidſt their lamentations all cry out, they ſhall never be like their Fathers, who did ſuch and ſuch high feats: after having invited each other joyntly to complaints, at laſt being tired, they take a collation together, and ſo the ceremony ends.

By what is ſaid 'tis plainly ſeen, how ſtrangely ſuperſtitious theſe people are, and how ſerious an honour they bear their gods or demons, to which their Prieſts ceaſe not dayly to excite them more and more, and omit not the leaſt diminutive Ceremony for their honour or profit. Theſe Prieſts bear a wonderfull authority over them, which as I ſaid before, is more remarkable in their wars, than in any other thing.

How the Prieſts diſpoſe of wars.For theſe Eaſtern Princes in raiſing war differ much from us, inſomuch as having a conſiderable war to be commenc'd with their neighbour Princes or others, the Prieſts take upon them authority to arbitrate the matter, having ſuch priviledge, as freely to remonſtrate to their Prince his duty to the people: whereupon two Bramins or Prieſts for both ſides, without paſſion, confer together of their Princes complaint, to find a means to accommodate the matter: when they cannot effect it, they draw a hundred of the prime horſe, and as many foot out o [...] their Armies, ranked in battalia, conſiſting many times of three or four hundred thouſand men, rarely ever making war but with equality, the ſtronger ſtill giving law to the weaker. And though one Bramin find his party ſtronger by a hundred thouſand, he yet makes a conſcience to uſe his advantage as much as may be, to prevent combat, and if of neceſſity it muſt be, he uſes a thouſand proteſtations to his Prince to hinder it; but not effecting it, they order the two ſmall parties to joyn, giving their benediction to them, and exhorting every one to do his beſt, the Victor giving conditions to the other, who is compelled to yield, and ſo their wars are concluded for the moſt part. To them who in this action ſhall have done any thing ſignall, the Prince gives a favour which they keep as ſacred, though many times 'tis but a ſcarf or ſilly taffeta ribbon,Reward of valour. with a certain character or figure in the middle, that denotes he hath behav'd himſelf well in fight for his Princes cauſe,A deplorable Hiſtory of two Princes. which they wear on feſtivals in hats or palm bonnets, and ſome there are who have divers of them reſpective to the occaſions they ſerved in.

For the example I touched upon in the predictions at the marriages of great ones, and the fortune of their children, [Page] 'tis thus. In the land of Tranſiane there was a Prince tributary to the King of Pegu, and his near Kinſman, who married a ſiſter of the Prince Tazatay, one of the greateſt beauties in the Eaſtern parts. The nuptials were kept with great joy and ſolemnity, amongſt other things the Divines were conſulted of the ſucceſſe of the marriage, and 'twas found that never two perſons had loved, and ſhould love ſo well as theſe two; the Prince and Princeſſe Alfonge and Abelara, this hariolation doubled the joy and celebrity; and in effect they lived a ſweet and a happy life, with intire affection, and for their greater felicity they had two twin-ſons, who in their under-growth diſcovered ſomething of great and lofty, and appeared ſingularly hopefull for the future: Theſe Infants having attained their ten yeares age, loved ſo cordially they could not live aſunder,Fraternal amity. and the ones deſire, ſtill met with the others conſent in all things; but the Devil, that enemy of concord, inſpires a curioſity into the minds of the Father and Mother to know their fates, and to their grief were told, the time ſhould come when theſe two brothers that now loved ſo fondly, ſhould cut one anothers throats;Curioſity and predictions dangerous. which much aſtoniſhed the poor Princes, and filled them with fearfull apprehenſions.

The two Princes being come to their fifteen yeares, one ſaid to the other, Brother it muſt be you that muſt murther me, for I will ſooner dye a hundred deaths, then do you the leſt harm imaginable: the other reply'd, believe it not good Brother; I deſire you, for you are as dear, and dearer to me than my ſelf. But the Father to prevent the misfortune, reſolved to ſeparate them, whereupon they grew ſo troubled and melancholly, he was conſtrained to protract his deſign, till an occaſion happened that invited all three, the Father and two Sons, to a war betwixt the Kings of Narſinga and Pegu, upon Title of Territories, one detained from the other: but by mediation of the Bramins a peace was concluded, upon condition theſe two young Princes ſhould eſpouſe the two daughters of the King of Narſinga, and the King of Baticalas Siſter, two Princeſſes of tranſcendent beauty, and that the King of Pegu on him that ſhould marry the elder, ſhould conferre all the Countryes he took in the laſt war, with the Kingdome of Martaban, and the other Brother, beſides the Kingdome of Tazatay, ſhould have that of Verma, which containes the Seniory of Zait, that payes yearly for tribute twelve pearles, weighing two Serafs of Gold, and of intire perfection. Theſe contracts agreed upon, were ſignified to the two Princeſſes of Narſinga, who, though then very young,A reaſonable condition. told their Father they conſented to the marriages, but on this condition, that their huſbands happening to die before them, if they made [Page] not voluntary ſacrifice of themſelves, it ſhould not be imputed an infamy to them, becauſe they were unacquainted with them.

This was agreed to, and the Nuptials conſummated to the generall joy of all men for the common peace accompanied them, and great feaſting there was every where. The one of theſe Princes ſtayed with his Lady in Narſinga, the other went to poſſeſſe the Province of Verma, lands ſpaciouſly divided: ſo as a long time they were without inter-view, viſiting each other onely by miſſius and preſents of value or curioſity. Now it fell out the King of Tazatay was engaged in a ſharp war with the King of Mandranella, and ſent to the two Brother-Princes his Sons, for aid: who both haſtening with a good ſtrength of Souldiers, one knowing nothing of the other, the one declining his direct way, marched up to the enemy, and in a bloudy fight defeated him: thence went to preſent himſelf to his Father, but by ſad deſtiny on the morrow, his Brother arriving from Verma with his Lady, in the evening came ſecretly into the Town to viſit a Lady, once their ancient Miſtreſſe:An unfortunate meeting. the other Brother being on the ſame deſign they met at the Ladies gate by night, not knowing one another, where furious with jealouſie, after ſome words they drew and killed each other. One of them dying, amongſt many other things ſaid he, gave humble thanks to God that he had prevented the direfull deſtiny of his Horoſcope, in not making him the aſſaſſine of his Brother, as 'twas prejudicated: Hereupon the other finding him by his voice and diſcourſe, drawing near his end himſelf, crept to him, and embraced him with tears and lamentations, and ſo both dolefully ended their dayes together.

The Father being advertized of it, ſeeing his white haires led by his own fault to ſo hard a fortune, overborn with grief and deſpair, came and ſlew himſelf upon the bodies of his Sons, and with the grief and tears of all the people, were buried all three in the ſame monument: which ſhews us the danger of too great curioſity, nor is it an eaſie queſtion how this can be found by knowledge of the ſtars, or if they are things inevitable, which I leave to be decided by the more learned.

But before I end this Chapter I ſhall obſerve, that amongſt ſuch a diverſity of Idols, as well of the great Corcouitas, who is the principal and moſt ancient, on whom all the others depend, as of the Oyſima, the promotor of all things, and diverſe other ſtrange and horrible ſhapes, every one with Temples and Sacrifices peculiar, amongſt all this they have, as I ſaid, the image of the bleſſed Virgin with her infant, which with lighted lamps they honour reverently. Theſe lamps are not of glaſſe, but Talc [Page] ſtone, of which they have abundance,Talc inſtead of glaſſe. whole mountains at one point of the Countrey, eaſtward. They work it very artificially, and make of it ſeverall ſorts of Utenſills, compounding the mettle Calin, ſo much eſteemed through the Indies, from Perſia, as far as China, like ſilver; but as eaſily melted as tin. Of this they likewiſe make their windowes, and lantorns: lantorns they likewiſe make of the triple coloured tortoiſe ſhell I ſpoke of before.

I omitted to tell you that for their dances they uſe a ſort of pans, which being wel handled, yeild an elegant melody,Muſicall Inſtruments. but to play well requires long practice. They have other Muſicall inſtruments, not of uſe in Europe, amongſt the reſt a ſort of pans, flat and double, the cover whereof ſtands two fingers diſtant, ſet with wyar ſtrings, they call it a Hydrac, it is tedious,Hydrac. and difficult to learn. For the quality of their yeares, I could not well underſtand their manner of account, but in generall I find they reckon by Moones, as the greater part of the eaſt,The Peguan yeares. and their dayes by the ſun; out of theſe Moones they raiſe five dayes, allowing thirteen Moones to the year; and the fift day being come, about midnight they make a ſolemn ſacrifice in their Temples, where they univerſally meet. I conferd with ſome about this matter, who told me, the Peguan year was like that they uſe in China, which is Lunary, and that they compare it as neer as may be to the Solary; for their year conſiſting of twelve moneths, twice in five years they gain a Lunary month, making that year of thirteen Moones, ſo as they have no knowledg of the golden number, nor the nineteen years circle, and the anticipation of one hour and twenty eight minutes, which remits the new Moones to the golden number, with them is accommoded by the annuall ſupputation: for they neither have, nor will have a perpetuall Calander, but at great charge print every year a new one, which they ſend through all the Provinces of China.

It may be our Peguans would imitate this after their faſhion, and according to their underſtanding, which is very weak for ſuch matters, which the beſt wits amongſt us find task hard enough.

Of the Philoſophy of the Indians, and their opinions in Aſtronomy and Geography, I ſhall ſay ſomething hereafter.

Before I leave the ſtate of Pegu, I will not omit what ſome of the Peguans told me, and have mentioned in writing in their Travailes. That ſome yeares before we arrived, there was in the Countrey a King of the ancient Royall Race, who had many Deputies in the Countrey of Bramaa, towards the Lake Chiamay, amongſt the reſt, one in the Kingdom of Tangu that rebelled againſt him, defeated and ſlew him, and made himſelf King of Pegu, Alterations in Pegu. they called him the Bramaa of Tangu, a great Tyrant, and a Potent Prince, who by force of Armes joyned many Kingdomes to his Empire, as Pram, Melintay, Calani, Bacam, Mirandu, Aua, Martaban, [Page] and others; He afterwards was put to death by a Peguan Lord, called Xemin, of Zatan, who made himſelf King, but was defeated, and ſlain by another, called Xemindoo, who likewiſe being made King, was not long after defeated, and put to death by Chaumigren, of near aliance to Bramaa, who became one of the moſt Powerfull Kings hath raigned in Pegu, who brought totally under the Empire of the Kingdom of Syan, with twelve great Kingdomes more.Vaſt Armies in the Eaſt. They report that in the War of Syan, he led into the field ſeventeen hundered thouſand Combatants, and ſeventeen thouſand Elephants, whereof nine thouſand were for fight, the reſt for carriage. To which the immenſe Armies brought heretofore by the Perſian Kings againſt the Grecians, may induce us to give credit; the cauſe is, that in all theſe Eaſtern Countreys, the greater part of the people go to the wars, and that there are not amongſt them ſo many Eccleſiaſticks, Lawyers, Clarks, Bookmen, and idle Perſons as are with us.

The King that raigned in Pegu in our time, called the Brama, was as I think, the ſon of this Chaumigren, afterwards hard enough dealt with by the Kings of Tangu, Aracan, and Syan, as I ſaid before.

But it is time to advance to the Provinces and Towns of high India, ſubject, or confining, and neighbours to Pegu, as Abdiare, Vilep, Canarane, Caſſubi, Tranſiane, Taſata, Mandranella, Tartary, and others.

CHAP. XXXIII. Of Abdiare and Vilep, Towns of Pegu Fiſmans, Apes, Unicornes, and other animalls. Fotoque, an Idol with three Heads.

PErſevering conſtantly in our trafick, thorough the Towns and Provinces of this great Empire of Pegu, and the Countreyes adjacent; amongſt others, in the Town of Abdiare and Vilep, a Kingdom in high India, ſubject to the Peguan; and having traded with certain Merchants (whom we found open and reall) treating with the Senſall, or factor, not by words, but by fingers, and joynts of the hand, the practiſe of all the Indies, to conceale the price of Merchandiſes. We parted from Vilep with good company, and within three houres came to the deſcent of a hill, exceeding ſhady; upon the hanging whereof was a pleaſant fountain, where the whole company ſtayed for refreſhment, [Page] but we had not been long there when there came about us an extraordinary number of Apes, the greater part black as jet, ſome ſmall ones black and white, very lepid: one of them addreſſed himſelf to me, as it had been to crave ſomething of that I was eating, and thinking to fright him away, he was not ſcared at all, as if he were accuſtomed to paſſengers: I caſt a piece of bread to him, which he took very modeſtly, and divided with his company and two young ones he had with him;Apes. preſently there came three more, which ſeemed to crave their ſhare, I gave them ſomething and they eat very quietly: but on a ſudden part of our company aroſe and took their Armes, by reaſon of a heard of Fiſmans, Fiſmans. or wilde dogs they diſcovered, making towards us, which with one musket ſhot were all ſcared away: in our ſight they fed on graſſe like ſheep.

Proceeding on our way we met with abundance of other ſorts of ſtrange animalls, as likewiſe of fruits, ſome whereof of growth much to be admired: ſome that bore roſin,Fruit [...]. that ſmell like Maſtick; others a red berry, wherewith they dye carnation, which never fades, but dayly becomes more lively. Having thus travelled ten or twelve dayes through diverſity of ſoyles, meeting with many rivers, animalls, trees, and other things unknown to us, amongſt others abundance of civit Cats, whereof they have ſome domeſticall, which you may buy foure for one Pardai, Civit cats. but they are ſtinking, and their dung ſmells like Mans. At length we took to the River Jiame, and in three dayes came to the Village called Tanza, on the morrow to Canarane, a faire Town, rich and flouriſhing as any Town in India, the Capitall of a Kingdom, bearing the ſame name, confining eaſtward, on the Country of Tazatay, ſouth on Carpa, and northward on Moantay, another great Kingdom. The Town is ſeated betwixt two great rivers, Jiame and Pegu, it is in circuit about foure leagues, magnificently built: in cuſtomes and conditions the people differ much from thoſe of Pegu, for they never go barefoot as the others do. Princes and Noble Men weare rich buskins, and ſandalls ſet with gold.

The King of Canarane is Potent and Wealthy in Mines of gold and ſilver. He hath alſo one of Emerald, the fineſt in the eaſt,Mines. whence he drawes great profit. This Prince was never known to diminiſh, but augment his Treaſure. Likewiſe they have Mines of Turkeſſes.

When a King dies, they interr all his Treaſure with him, and ſweare his Succeſſor not to meddle with it. For the firſt year he and his Court are maintained at the Subjects charge, and all the Nobility by obligation come to make their acknowledgment with rich preſents, and ſue to be eſtabliſht in their Eſtates, Offices, Seniories; for the King hath right to ſell eſtates of all ſorts then vacant; and hereupon all his [Page] people high and low, are tied with petition in hand, and with preſents, to ſue for their offices and vacancies, which raiſes him in this year a marvellous treaſure. No one can wear ſhooes, rings, nor girdles of gold, without the Kings licenſe, which brings him in a great gabel, a ſhare whereof belongs to the King of Pegu as ſoveraign, who granted him the grace, becauſe the Countrey is colder than Pegu, and I have heard it of Merchants, that in the winter here rage certain in windes,Mounſons windes cold in extremity. Debtors ſlayes. or Mounſons which come from the North, ſo cold that travellers loſe their toes the cold is ſo ſharp and rigorous. Their cuſtom is, if a Merchant will oblige himſelf, he obliges likewiſe all his goods, wife, and children, and failing at the day promiſed, the Creditor may ſeize on all for ſlaves.

The uſual money is called Canza, and all the Peguan is currant there, which the King ſtamps in gold or ſilver, through the Indies called Jamis, beſides what every particular Prince coins of his own. They have another ſort of ſilver money called Pardain and Tazifo. They make ſome likewiſe of tin mixt with copper, which being no coyn royal is lawfull for any man to ſtamp; as alſo another ſort called Biſe, wherewith they may buy any thing: one muſt be carefull in taking it, or he may be deceived. The King keeps abundance of ſlaves for his Elephants and ſtables. In their ſtructures they uſe ciment mixt with ſugar, as in Pegu, which mixt with calcin'd ſhels becomes very firm,Sugar uſed in buildings. the ſhels are dear and ſold by meaſure. They have many plantations of ſugar, the canes whereof they give their Elephants, who love them exceedingly, ſo as when they commit any fault they deprive them of that food, and ſo eaſily chaſtize and inſtruct them;Elephants inſtructed. when their keeper ſpeaks to them they will moove their great ears to underſtand what he ſayes. They are decently lodg'd, and, as at Pegu, fed in ſilver veſſels. The better ſort of people live after the Perſian way, their houſes ennobled with gold and azure. They have onely one lawfull wife,Women. but divers concubines who go richly apparelled, their face vail'd in the ſtreets, as in Spain and Italy, but within door their faces are uncovered, and are very ſociable. They are Gentiles and Idolaters, and eaſie to be dealt withall. If a Merchant make ſtay in Town, he ſhall have a couple of young women will furniſh him with a houſe, and all neceſſaries, and ſerve him like ſlaves; nay 'tis lawfull to beat and chaſtize them if they do not what they are commanded, having once ſubmitted to it. They go well apparelled and decent as may be, are very affable, dance, and ſing well; preſerve a Merchants goods with great care, Larceny amongſt them being held a notorious ignominy. Almoſt all the women are clothed in white, as all the Inhabitants, men and women in Arabia Felix.

We lay in the Town of Canarena, at one Chamuts, a Brokers houſe,Unicorns hornes. who had two Unicorns horns, one whereof had half the head remaining to it.

[Page]We put the end in water to ſee if 'twould make it boyle as the horn doth, but I thought it boyled more vivaciouſly, and it came out like pearle. I aſked him if he ever ſaw of theſe creatures alive, he told me he never ſaw but two, which were very young; and not come to have hornes. That the King going a hunting, took one of them, but they could not take the damme, whatſoever they could do, becauſe as they ſay, they ſhun and fly from the aſpect and preſence of a man, and the places where the Serpents haunt, whereof we ſpoke before, who make a cruel warre upon them for greedineſſe of their blood, which is ſaid to be of excellent ſcent, as it hath been divers times proved; particularly, when one was ſent by their Prince to the King of Pegu: which ſtung by a fly, the bloud which iſſued out, was put in a bottle and brought to the King, who made no great eſteem of it, not finding the ſcent agreeable, though notwithſtanding he found it more odorous then Civet, This the Senſal or Broker told us. I my ſelf ſaw a perfect Unicorn in the King of Regues Seraglio, who had the tongue differing from other beaſts, very long, and jagged; the head more like a horſe then a hart, and there are of ſeveral haires. The Keeper ſaid, 'tis but an uncleanly beaſt, delights in his own ſoyle, and that having often ſeen him drink, he never obſerved him to put his horn in the water.

The Indians report many other things of them, but ſo ſtrange and various, there is no great aſſurance, as that they breed but once in their life-time, and like Elephants, go two yeares with their young, and the like. A Bramin (an order Kings themſelves hold it an honour to be of) told me once with a proteſtation, laying his hand on the wreath of his order, that he was preſent with the King of Caſubi at the taking of one of theſe Unicorns, which was all white, and very old, the chops ſo hanging down, all her teeth were ſeen, that ſhe was ſo fierce in her owne defence, ſhe broke her horn amongſt the boughs, that being taken, they brought her bound to the Kings Pallace, but being ſo bruiſed with blowes, for having hurt the Kings Nephew, ſhe would not eat, and ſo died within five dayes, which ſhewes ſhe is a cholerick and ſullen beaſt,

The Queens had bracelets made of the bones, as Indian Ladies have a curioſity in wearing bracelets of Ivory, and the like.

The King of Caſubi reſerved the horne of this beaſt to himſelfe: about five moneths after being at this Princes Court, who was both courteous and curious, I deſired the Sieur de la Courb, one of our own company, to requeſt the favour we might ſee this horne, which he did; and the [Page] King immediately ſent for it, and gave it him, and the Sieur in requital, gave him a delicate watch.

This horne was of different colour to thoſe I had ſeen in the Sultan of Mecaes Serallio, and other places, for this drew neare a white gray, whereas the other were of a black gray.

I have been told that Lewis de Bartheme in his travailes, recounts how he ſaw at the Seldans of Meca in Arabia, two of theſe Unicornes, which were ſent him by the King of Aethiopia, high, as a two year old colt, of a dark colour, the head like a Hart, the horne three fathome long, a little Mane, ſmall legges, cloven feet, and a Goats cley; likewiſe the Engliſh and the Hollanders report, that in their laſt voyage towards Spiteberg, in a place called Horendſond, they found Unicornes hornes, not knowing of what beaſt they were.

The Prince of Caſubi moreover ſhewed us his Ladies bracelets, made of the other piece of this horn, which had a very ſweet ſcent.

He ſhewed us likewiſe the bones of an intire head, which one of his Princes kept in a Cabinet, and divers other curioſities; amongſt the reſt an Eſtrif, that which we call a Griffin, but the head was wanting, becauſe at the time it was killed,Estriffe or a G [...]iffon. it fell amongſt brakes, ſo thick and thorney, they could not finde it till the morrow; by which time the Marmoſets had eaten the whole head; the feet were of ſtrange length, and the Tallons would well have ſeized a buſhel, his plume was white, and reddiſh upon the breſt; they have but two feet, and a Tallon is a good halfe ell long, from one end to the other: I have ſeen of them of prodigious ſtrength, and furiouſly ravenous, that would have carried away a calfe of ſix moneths old, and eaten him. There are abundance of them about the lake Chiammay, whereof we ſpoke before.

MandranelFrom Canarana we made ſome dayes to Mandranella, a fair Town, fifty leagues from Taſatay upon Zingis, a large and deep river, that bears great veſſels.

They traffick with the Tabins, or Chineſes; and the people of Bugazan come thither for all neceſſaries.

Califerech.This is the reſidence of the grand Caleferech of Pegu, whereof we ſpoke before: All perſons of quality that paſſe this way, go kiſſe the Princes buſkin, who is as affable and courteous as may be. There is another Town of the ſame name in Indoſtan towards Perſia, above ſix hundred leagues from this. In this countrey there is a ſort of domeſtical fowle, they call Bouiagui, which live for the greater part in the water, and feed on what is thrown them: ſuch as have [Page] houſe and lands upon the river, keep abundance of them, being of little charge, and great profit; he who can get two hundred of them, thinks himſelf wealthy; for he needs no more then one little lad to drive them a field, with a basket to gather up the eggs, whereof he will not looſe one; for they ſit down to lay, and are very fruitfull. They have a cuſtom every evening to ſtay an houre in the water, then to call them out to ſeat; they have an uſual ſigne, which they readily obſerve. They are very good meat, and delicious. The nature of them is, that turn them into a ground ſowed with Mil, or Rice, they will moſt ſtrangely pull up all the weedes by the root, without touching the grain.

The grain they call Taffin, is like our Millet, and hath a leaf like a reed, which theſe birds will in no ſort meddle with, whether for averſion, or other cauſe. They are very cheap, we had two for a halfe fanon, which is no more then two pence with us,Fanon money. and are as big as a hen, and very fat. We found them to be excellent meat, we bought more of them, my Companion and I, for our recreation, walking by the river ſide, to turn them into ſuch grounds to ſee them cull, and pluck up the no cent hearbs. We were conſidering how to tranſport of the eggs into France, and ſpecially to Arlids, a corn Countrey, where they are at ſo great charge in weeding, but making tryall of them in a ground ſowed with Chiza, which in other places is called Mouſſa, a ſort of round beanes,Chiza. but twice as big as ours, and of the ſame taſte, only the skin more thick and hard, of cheſnut colour, the leaf flat; but we found they eat the corn, and let the weeds ſtand, ſo we learnt of the Indians theſe birds are not weeders for all grains. For two Fanons, which in our money amounts not to eight pence; one may ſometimes buy a hundred: they take paines from morning till night, without intermiſſion, and coſt little the keeping.

In other parts of India we ſaw another ſort, of a different colour, drawing towards green and gray,Artipan. called Artipan, ſerving for that uſe, and others; For in November they Mue, and caſt all their feathers, with which the Inhabitants ſtuffe cuſhions and pillowes of Coco mats, to ſit and ſleep upon, to cover their Country houſes, for lattices, and diverſe other things: they are ſo large, they eat all ſorts of vermin, fleſh, and fiſh.

In this Town of Mandranella, an Indian of good quality frequented our company, and often eat with us, bringing of his Countrey fruits with him; of whom I demanded one day, if he made no ſcruple, we being Ramata, ſo they call the Portugues, Ramata. and all Chriſtians on this ſide, to eat with us, ſince the greater part of the Indians eſteem themſelves polluted by it. But he told us no, and that their three headed God, Fotoco, was eſteemed a friend to the Franques Ramata, and that one of them had brought a [Page] Sanacarin, Sanacarin, or virgin. or image of the Virgin, as they terme it, which their great Oyſima had honoured with ſuch high vertues and attributes, that it had the priviledg to make the third head of their Fotoco, for which reaſon this God hath ever ſince been the moſt accompliſhed, the greateſt and higheſt of all, to whoſe excelſitude none can attain, and that the day will come when he ſhall judge all the other Gods for abuſing his faithful people, but for being cruell to the wicked, that they ſhall be quit of.

The Indians faith.In Cambaya likewiſe they adore a triple headed God, and ſay the God the firſt cauſe of all things, had three children, on whom he conferred his Divinity, and that they had all but one will. In Tazatay likewiſe they have the ſame God, with three heads, which they ſay is three Gods united in one. In other places they adore a fowle, which they hold to be the Holy Spirit of God, and many things of like ſort, by which may be ſeen theſe poore Indians have heretofore had ſome Doctrine of the bleſſed Trinity, and other Myſteries of our Religion, but they have confounded all with fables and imaginations. The Bramins themſelves, to ſignify this, weare three cords tyed on one knot, and a croſs on others.

CHAP. XXXIV. Of the Kingdom of Caſubi: their Religion.

FRom Mandranella we went to Caſubi, both a Kingdom and a Town (ſometime ſubject to the King of Bengala) where we firſt diſcovered a moſt high mountain, and then the Town, and drawing nearer we perceived abundance of lighted torches, and a multitude of people: We ſtayed to obſerve the matter, and ſaw ſome bring the body of a Tree, which immediately was laid in the ground, with lime and ciment, attended with women clothed in red jackets as low as the girdle, and a cotton ski [...]t thence to the foot,Interment and Ceremonies. in which colour they likewiſe were cloathed that carried the Tree, in which was encloſed a Corps wrapt in linnen, and aromatically imbalmed with maſtick and other drugs, that prevent corruption, then laid in this Coffin, and covered with the ſame timber, and faſtned with pins of the ſame, all pargetted over, within and without with maſtick, frankincenſe, and bitumen. Forty dayes they ſpend in feaſting over the ſepulchre, near to which there is a booth built, of purpoſe to dreſs and ſeaſon the Viands, with Aromaticks, that, they ſay, the ſoule of the deceaſed may ſent the prefume.

They go then before their Pagode, or Idol, without weeping, [Page] becauſe they think the dead all go ſtreight to heaven. Theſe fourty dayes terminated, they employ fourty more in erecting a Piramis, made ſillily enough of earth and water, but as high as a Tower, proportionable to the elevation of the perſon. This done, the wife of the deceaſed all alone, retires to her houſe for fourty dayes more, inceſſantly weeping for her husband; her kindred mean while ſupplying her with all neceſſaries, for ſhe would ſooner be her own death, then go forth to demande any thing.

During theſe ſix ſcore dayes there is continual treaty of a new marriage for the widow,Widowes, how remarried. who is led forth in a delicate virgin garment, accompanied with other delicate young dames, that make a ſet to play at tennis, or ball, made of a ſpungy Ciment,Ball play that bounds higher then one filled with wind. The women affect it much more then men, and uſe this game to get them husbands, by their agility and addreſſe.

While we were in this Country, there was one, who after ſhe had ended her widow Ceremonies, was found dead in her bed,Sapony, a mo [...]tiberous herb. by having ſlept upon an hearb, called Sapony, abſolutely mortall to ſuch as lie on it.

The Town of Caſubi is faire, great, and of good traffick.Caſubi, and the ayre. The men are of good ſtature, ſomething tawny, the women very beautiful, and kind, well apparelled, of blith and jolly humour,Women. their garments are ſomething laſcivious, for being cut, and open their skin is ſeen, and diſcovered; the aire there is likewiſe temperare enough.

The Town is environed with high mountains, garniſhed with pure fountains, and fruit of all ſorts, chiefly quinces of the largeſt ſize, and the moſt kindly of any other part of the eaſt, they call them Goncha: here grew likewiſe excellent grapes,Goncha grapes. the ſame as at Aleppo, which they bag up in ſacks, made of Coco cloth, and load, and unload upon the ground, as they were nuts, without hurting the leaſt grain, upon the trees there is abundance of Manna, which they gather diligently before ſun riſing, for it diſsipates, and vaniſhes ſo ſoon,Manna. as the ſun rayes come upon it. They ſell it very cheap, though it is very purgative; I remember that gathering ſome once of a tree that reſembles our ſalleyes, I thought I had taken Scammony.

In theſe parts people live long,Long life. ſometimes above a hundered and fifty yeares, and they who retire beyond the Mountain live yet longer.

The Town is croſſed with the great river Paroget, ſtored with Merchandizes of all ſorts, and a good company of Merchants.

There is a vaſt ſpace incircled with walls, as at Goa, in the middle whereof ſtands the Pallace Royall, where there is kept a great market, and where every Saturday all ſorts of Marchandizes are brought, chiefly ermyn skins,Furs. and Martins of [Page] three kinds, very exquiſite. The mountains round about are ſtocked with cattle and veniſon, the inhabitants being great hunters, and given to nothing but to husband their land, and make profit of their commodity; women when they work, wear buskins, and the Otoyac ſhooes. They make in their houſes great ſtore of cloth for their uſe,Cocos the benefit of the tree. and decent living. Likewiſe they make a thouſand delicates, and artificers of Cocos, as flaſkets, baſkets, boxes, mats of diverſe colours, ſingularly wrought, this fruit ſerving them for meat, drink, and all other humane neceſſities.

They are exceedingly addicted to Idolatry, and fond ſuperſtitions, teſtifying much religion and devotion in their ceremonies, and affectionate to their Prieſts, who are married: they have a ſort of remarkable confeſſion, which holds ſomething of Chriſtianiſm.

Before the great day of jubily, which they make at their Oyzima, Confeſſion in Caſubi. they go to a lake to waſh themſelves, where they ſtay ſome part of the night, then wrap themſelves in ſheets of cotton, they call Bambou, and retire under trees, where there hangs abundance of lights.

The day of confeſſion being come, they go to their Catibe, or Prieſt, and falling on their knees, throw off their mantle, which they wear on the bare ſhirt, then preſenting ſome ſmall matter to the Prieſt, confeſſe their ſins, and the Prieſt with a ſmall ball made of a root, beats them, often repeating Gazay, that is, ſpeak, ſpeak.

Confeſſion ended, he enjoyns them a penance, and again they go to waſh in the lake, and after all they go in proceſſion,Proceſſion together with their Idols, which they bear along likewiſe in proceſſion: when they have gone quite round the Town, the Prieſts cry out, Go eat in the name of our God, and his peace be upon you all, then kiſſing in ſign of peace, and ſuch as have had any difference, or animoſity betwixt them, embrace and kiſſe, weeping as heartily as for the greateſt matter that could befall them.

Reconcilements.Whereupon their friends and kindred come to comfort them, telling them they muſt forget all; ſo as thus reconciled, they go dine together, and continue ever after perfect friends.

They take not eaſily offence one of another, never uſing bad language one of another.

Theſe Prieſts eſteem us polluted people, and I remember that ſome of them once conferring with us, waſhed their garments, and would not eat of the meat we had touched.

All the people are much addicted to ſciences and manual arts. [Page] The ſoyle is good and fertile, and their land bears twice a year as their ſheep do likewiſe.

Being there we came acquainted with a Chriſtian Merchant born at Aracan, expert in Greek, in the Abiſſine, Syriack, and the Spaniſh language, who was converted at Diu. He took much ſatisfaction in our company, and told us how his mother was an Abiſſine, and that his Father dying young ſhe bred him up to Greek and Abiſſine, and ſhewed me a Greek Author he ever carried with him, where he met with many worthy Hiſtories, amongſt others, how the Chriſtian faith was brought into the Indies, and particularly into this Countrey of Caſubi.

That St. Thomas was to preach to the Parthians, and at Bengala, St. Matthew in Ethiope, and St. Bartholomew in the further India, towards the Kingdome of Verma, Aua, Pegu, and other places.

Since that, about three hundred yeares after,This is partly taken out of the Eccleſiaſticall Hiſtory out of Socrates Sedomenes. Theodoret and Ruffinus. Ardeſius and Frumentius. a Chriſtian Philoſopher Native of Tyre in Phenicia, by name Meropius, came into the Indies with two young Children, his Nephews, called Edeſius and Frumentius, out of curioſity onely to ſee the Country, at the example of another Philoſopher called Metrodorus, ſome years before, and that having well view'd and conſidered thoſe Countries, about to return, his veſſel was aſſaulted by the barbarous Idolaters, and he and all his ſlain, except the two young youths, who were brought to the King of Caſubi, and he taken with their Gentileſſes, cauſed them to be brought up carefully, afterwards made Aedeſius his Cup-bearer, and the other Frumentius Steward of his houſhold, whereof they did both acquit themſelves very worthily, and to the Kings content, who loved them exceedingly, as alſo the Queen Arſinda and her onely ſon.

The King dying, the Queen became Regent with her onely ſon, who had a ſpeciall favour for the two Chriſtians, to whoſe charge the King had committed his Son for inſtruction, till he came to age; wherefore the Queen had a ſpeciall regard of them, and they behaved themſelves laudably in their office, all this while continuing in the right Religion, reaping ſtill ſome benefit amongſt ſuch Chriſtians as came into thoſe parts, who were Merchants, or Roman negotiators, whom they ever confirmed in their faith, and by permiſſion royall they built a kind of Church, or Oratory, to meet and make their prayers in. Notwithſtanding wanting ſuch freedome as they deſired, and inclining to their naturall Countrey, the young King being now of age to reign, they requeſted his licenſe, and whatſoever the King or his Mother could ſay to diſſwade them, they could not prevaile, they aiming to [Page] carry neither gold, ſilver, nor other wealth with them. So they both came back into the Roman Empire, and the Aedeſius retired to Tyre, his native Countrey, where he became Prieſt.

We ſtaid ſome time at Caſubi, to ſell and truch our Marchandiſes, where we made good profit; and amongſt other things of ſome ſafron we had, of which they make no other uſe then to die their nailes, mingling it with braſill, whereby they make a dainty colour.

There are men and women that make inciſions in their Armes, with a pointed piece of wood, out of which wood they get fire,Wood to ſtrike fire. putting the end of one of theſe ſticks in the cleft of another, and turning it hard about till ſmoak and fire come. In theſe inciſions they then paint what they liſt in ſeverall colours, and ordinarily cover it with a pole-cat skin newly flawed, which makes the colours more lively, without ever fading.

CHAP. XXXV. Of Macharana, the hunting of Tigars, and other wild beaſts, a Hiſtory of a Rhinocerot of the Eſcuriall. The eſteem they have for the French there.

Macharana.FRom Caſubi we took our way towards Macharana, a dayes journey and a halfe from thence, which I may reckon about fifteen leagues, and came to a Village entirely ſurrounded with Paliſadoes, cloſe by a pleaſant river, wherein we ſaw diverſe women and girles bathing and ſmimming, as it is the generall cuſtom of the Indies, Women ſwimers. where the women are as expert in ſwimming as the men, and ſome take great delight in it, ſo as to be more proper they ſhave all their haire, except a lock on the fore part of their head. The women of this Countrey have all very black hair, which they hold for a great beauty, with a white plump body.

Quinſin.They uſe an oyle called Quinzin, which dyes their hair, and makes it ſhine like ebony. We were at a brothers houſe, who had foure beautiful daughters ſhaved in this manner, only a lock on the fore part of their head, as it is the faſhion throughout the Indies, though in ſome parts they ſhave only the girles of eight or ten yeares old. Theſe maids brought us certain coros to eat with them,Pudomel. called Budomel, in ſhape like a quince, with a thin skin upon it, which bruiſed betwixt two ſtones yields [Page] a kind of muſty flower; but laid it the Sun, or before the fire becomes like wheaten ſtarch, boyling it with Cocoes of Palm mingled with yolks of egges and ſugar, they make the moſt delicate diſh India affords.

Of Poultry and Turkies they have abundance,Poultry. as of white and gray Partridges, and Pheaſants, which are there as domeſtical as Turkies: Peacocks both wild and tame of no great price: their money except the royal coyn is all tin or braſſe.Money. They have for another dainty a grain in the Iſlands called Bindi, Bindi. very ſmall and black, they boyl it with milk and ſugar, or honey drawn from Palm, and eat it upon broad leaves, which ſerve but for once: they invited us to this as a great dainty.

Still as we travelled through theſe parts,Apes importunate. we were every where troubled with Apes and Monkeys, which haunted us continually, and whenſoever we reſted, they were importunate to get ſomething of us. 'Twas our cuſtom in the fields to erect a little tent of cotton cloth with a pole in the middle, and cords to hold it; and having made our repaſt, we went to reſt, while two ſtood Centinel to ſee that our horſes, or beaſts of carriage ſtrayed not away.

There is a kind of beaſt called Azoufa, Azoufa. which haunts moſt commonly Church-yards, to ſcrape up dead bodies, and feed on the fleſh, whereof they are very ravenous.

I have ſeen many of them at Fez, Morocca, and other places in Africa, where they call them Chicali;Chicali. I my ſelf ſaw them one day pull up one of our company that died ſuddenly. There is another beaſt called an Ira, exceeding greedy of mans fleſh,Ira's, A beaſt of the ſame nature as the Chicali, but red. they go in heards, and if they meet with any ſtraying, they will devoure him: theſe likewiſe unbury the dead for food; but the ſkins of theſe have an odour ſo excellent, that nature ſeems to have given it them, that men may be incited to hunt and take them for the repoſe of the living and dead.

Really the importunity of the Apes is great and troubleſome, but they take good order for them by ſhutting them out of the high wayes, as every one hath notice to do carefully, but the Azoufa and Iras are both troubleſome and dangerous. Throughout theſe countries there are abundance of other wild and ſanguinary beaſts, as Tygars extremely fierce,Tygars▪ and are not daunted with men, though never ſo troop'd and armed. They are as big as ſmall Aſſes, and go night and day in great heards, their heads are like the Cats of Suria, but more furious, a Lions paws, and their colour white, red, and black, and very ſhining.Tygar skins. The ſkins are very precious with them, becauſe from Perſia, Indoſtan, Samarcant and China, they come to be furniſhed here.

The King and and the whole Court make a great buſineſſe of this chaſe, and take a ſtrong number along for it,Tygar hunting. though notwithſtanding ſome ſtill come to misfortune; at narrow paſſages [Page] no man dare aſſault them, for they will fly moſt furiouſly at men on horſe-back, ſtrangle and tear them to pieces in an inſtant, and in another inſtant leap away to flight ſo ſwift, 'tis impoſſible to reach them: the Kings make this chaſe their delight and glory, and the people pray for him for deſtroying this pernicious race.

Elephants.They likewiſe chaſe the Elephant and Rhinocerot, beaſts ſo huge and robuſtious, there needs both art and craft to take them; for the Elephant which they call Cheſes and Guſier, is ſo forcible and impetuous, they could never gain him, but by means of a female, as I ſaid before.

A ſtory of the Rhinocerot of Eſcurial.As to the Rhinocerot, there muſt be good heed taken of him, becauſe he is armed from head to foot, with his dark gray horn on his noſe, exceeding ſharp, of two foot long, his ſcales not penetrable by any thing whatſoever, of Cheſnut colour: if they can lay hold on man and horſe, they will fling them ſix paces from them. At the Eſcurial in Spain I ſaw one that was brought from the Indies; but becauſe he had overturned a Chariot full of Nobility, though fortunately no harm was done, the King commanded his eyes ſhould be put out, and his horn cut off.

The difficulty was in the execution; for they were conſtrained to put him in a cloſe place to bind him, which was done with ſo much trouble and danger, that nothing more; for he wounded and maimed divers: there was one Caſabuena, a bold reſolute man, who to prevent danger, put an armour of proof under his Caſſock, the beaſt came upon him with ſuch force, that he threw him againſt the wall with ſuch violence, he was carried forth for dead, bleeding both at mouth and noſe. The Duke of Medina adviſed the King to kill him with a Muſket, becauſe he had maimed a Gentleman of his, one Cavalier Mortel, but the King would not, and at laſt they compaſſed their ends; and his eyes were put out, and his horn cut off. By this we may ſee how dangerous the chaſe is. They are chiefly found in Bengala, Patana, and Macharana.

Very dangerous Wolfes.There is another kind of beaſt like to our Wolf, but black, and ſo fierce, they will venture on a man armed with ſword and buckler, and he muſt quit himſelf well to eſcape; the ſkin is hard as a Bufflers. The Indian Kings delight much to ſee the fury of this beaſt, exerciſed upon ſome unfortunate criminal, and 'tis lamentable to ſee how they will tear their throats out.An armed Monkey. For this purpoſe I remember the King of Caſubi had a great black Monkey chained, who armed with his ſtaffe, the King would ſet to fight againſt a man; ſuch as came without arms he ſtrangled: but he met at laſt with an Indian ſo valiant and reſolute, he ſubdued him, and ordered him ſo handſomely, the King gave him to him for his trophy.

He made him cleanſe the ſtreets, and carry the filth out of [Page] town, and when he muttered or grumbled he gave him the cudgel ſoundly; ſo as he got his Maſter a livelyhood, who was a poor man newly come out of ſlavery. We often met upon the way with ſeveral of theſe ſavage beaſts, but we never met with any ſo ſafe as are the Lyons, who will not riſe at the approach of men, be they never ſo few.

They ſeem to look for nothing from paſſengers, but if they are ſought for, and aſſaulted, they defend themſelves in a furious manner, and are light and ſtrong runners.

One day as we went from Caſubi, to Tranſiana, with a numerous convoy of all nations, Moores, Gentiles, Malabates and others, becauſe there is no other travailing through theſe foreſts, repleat with ſuch beaſts, and every water and river ſwimming with Crocodiles or Caymans, a youth who waited on de la Courb in his chamber, a Frenchman one of our company, of a daring ſpirit, had a deſire to ſhoot at a Lyon he had ſpy'd, for which purpoſe he left the way ſome twenty paces, and had with him an Indian called Talmaſſac a perſon of courage likewiſe: a Bramin adviſed them as ſoon as they had given fire to make all haſte with the beſt ſpeed of their horſes for fear of miſchief.

The Lyon lay along under a tree, and though he received two ſhots at the ſame inſtant one in the head, the other in the left ſhoulder, notwithſtanding finding himſelf wounded, he ſprung ſo vigorouſly after them, that though they made good haſte, he overtook one of them in going two hundred paces, and caught his horſe by the Crouper, which he killed like lightning, though his ſtrength was ſpent. Poor Talmaſſac was ſo aſtonied with a blow he gave with his head on the ſide, that he fell ſick, and we were fain to ſend him back to Caſubi in a Palanquin or Litter with four Camalous or Porters, yet for a further miſchief he was ſtript by the way. The Naires, with leave of the hunters took the Lyon, and preſented it to the King of Tranſiana, who admired his growth, having teeth great and thick, as a pullets egge.

The King recompenſed Talmaſſac with another horſe in lieu of that he had loſt,The King of Tranſiana his curioſity, and affability. which was looked upon as a great liberality for the eſteem they make of horſes in that country, and our Frenchman had a gown of razed cloth of gold, and the King cauſed us all to be treated and entertained in his Palace, enquiring diverſe things of Sieur de la Courbe, amongſt others the ſtate of our King; and becauſe I underſtood ſomething of the country language, I was called to the conference, and I know not if he were pleaſed with my diſcourſe, but he called one of his grooms of his chamber to bring him a handful of gold, which he gave me, telling me, if I would ſtay with him, he would give me every Moon as much, and that I ſhould have care of his perſon, for the Sieur de la Courbe had intimated to him [Page] that I applyed my ſelf to Phyſick. I made him an humble reverence and acknowledgement, ſaying: I was of ſuch a humour, I ſhould never ſerve Princes for their money, but I ſhould be ſufficiently ſatisfied with the honour to be near his Majeſty:Eſteem of the French on the Eaſt. he was exceedingly pleaſed with my anſwer, ſaying the French are the flower of the world, and I am delighted with your converſation.

Afterwards he ſhewed us two Culverins given him by a Captain of Diepe, well wrought, and upon either of them a Dragon for Armes.

The Sieur de la Courb's preſent.The Sieur de la Courbe preſented him with a ſteel ſword of Damis, which he had gotten in the Indies, a thing the Prince highly prized, and inſtantly taking a ring off his finger, with three rich Rubies, would have given it him, but the Sieur would not receive it, rendring thanks; and ſaying, 'twere a great indiſcretion in him to acccept of ſuch a rarity, that was worth a thouſand times more then his preſent; and that it was a full ſatisfaction, and ample recompence, that his Majeſty would vouchſafe to accept ſo poor a thing; with many more reſpects and compliments, which gained the Kings eſteem much more; ſaying, 'twas apparent there was ſomething of great amongſt the Chriſtians, becauſe their diſcourſe was more elegant and polite then the ordinary language of other Merchants; and if he would ſtay at Court, he would conferre upon him any office in his Palace, he ſhould like of, and would tender him as his brother; the Sieur rendring his acknowledgement with reverence and ſubmiſſion. In brief, we were obligingly treated by this Prince, on whom we waited to chaſes, which is a thing truly royal and magnificent.

In this country there is another kinde of ſavage beaſt, exceeding fierce, that indifferently falls on all things come before her. She hath four teeth that cut like a razor. About the ſize of a midling oxe, a head like a Bear, and a taile like a hogge.

Theſe beaſts are naturally black, they hunt them for their hydes which are of admirable ſtrength to reſiſt blows: the fleſh is good and ſpends like Pork, though it be ſomething red.

This chaſe is exceeding dangerous, and ſome alwayes periſh, for ſhe flyes moſt furiouſly on the firſt that attempts her, and failes not to ſtrangle him, though a hundred ſhould come to his reſcue, if they kill her not at the firſt ſtroake. She is exceeding licorous of a fruit they call Coeoma, which is of excellent taſte, and great refreſhment, ſo as in Summer 'tis much ſought after: for one ſhall no ſooner eat of it, but he perceives an entire refreſhment, nay a chilneſs if he eat a quantity. [Page] The Indians make hollowes in great trees, near this fruit, and hide themſelves within to wait for this beaſt, and kill her, when ſhe comes to feed: but when ſhe findes her ſelfe ſurprized, She enters into ſuch rage, that ſhe tears up the tree for ſpight. There are ſo many other ſorts of ſavage beaſts, that it were too troubleſome to rehearſe them all. They have divers birds of delicate plumage, whereof they make divers works, the moſt quaint and lively in the world; and birds ſo great, they will take a calf up into the ayre. They have Griffins, which in my opinion, are, no other then that they call a Tofon, of white plumage, and reddiſh under the belly; but they have not four feet, as our Painters draw them; but two only long and great, as likewiſe Tallons like a Falcon, but large, and exceeding ſtrong; the beake like an Eagle, but much thicker; they are cruel creatures.

They have here likewiſe thoſe we call the birds of Paradiſe,Birds of Paradiſe. the Irico: they cut the feet off, and ſell them ſo to Merchants; as I ſaid in another place.

They have abundance of Turkies; and wild ones, that go in flocks, as Peacocks, white Partridges, and other birds and fowles of divers kinds.

CHAP. XXXVI. Of Tranſiana, the valour of their women.

THe Town of Tranſiana, Tranſiana. which is likewiſe the name of the kingdome, lying between the Towns of Sian and Tinco, is the laſt in ſubjection to the Empire of Pegu, towards the North, having Weſtward the Province or kingdome of Tazatay, Northward the kingdom of Carforan, South Pegu, and Eaſtward Cauchinchine, ſituate upon a pleaſant river, that comes from the lake Daracan.

The countrey is temperate enough, except in the extreme heats of Summer, when they muſt of neceſſity travel by night.

Here they have a Myne of Diamonds, which they call Geay, beſides thoſe of Gold and Silver in abundance, and of the pureſt in the Eaſt, abundance of grain and fruits of all ſorts, and Palm-wine, which they call Serolle.

The people are inſolent and proud; of make, and faſhion like the Perſians: the women exceeding beautiful,Women, more then in other parts; but ſomething laſcivious, and affecting the coverſation of ſtrangers.

They love to dance to the muſick of their Pan, and delight much [Page] in melody and banquets: they wear their hair at length in knots, and platted with ſilk ribbands very quaintly in divers manners, with rings and jewels according to their quality. For none but Princeſſes and Ladies of the better rank may wear Diamonds ſet in gold;Jewels, and to whom. rubies and other ſtones are for the reſt of the nobility whom they call Canubi; amongſt whom are comprehended the whole Militia of the King. For the vulgar they wear bracelets and rings, of ſilver, tin, braſſe, and Ivory, neatly made and enamel'd with all colours, and they hold the ſame cuſtom I have obſerved in other places to break them all in token of mourning at the death of their kindred. If any one will wear jewels above his degree, he muſt agree with the Kings Officers, to be rank'd in the Nobility, for there as in other places all is carried by money. The women affect to be courted, wear their gowns ſlaſh'd like the French, and go habited like our Europeans, quite different from the other Indians.

Adultery puniſhed.Women of what degree or condition ſoever are obliged to nurſe and ſuckle their own children. Adultery is there puniſhed with death, for which cauſe there are divers will never marry, that they may live with more liberty: for maids and widowes are ſubject to no law, without any diſhonour nevertheleſſe,Maids free. and having taken their pleaſure, they may marry without any mark of infamy; and if ſhe have had children by any others, each Father is bound to take his own and breed it.

A female guard for the King.When the King goes into the field, whether to chaſe or war, he hath a Van-guard of a hundred women, who carry Croſſe-bowes, wherein they will ſhoot ſo directly, they will hit the breadth of a peny, they call them Memeytas, and ſucceed one another for their portion Royal, which is great and honourable; which they gain'd for a ſignal ſervice they performed for King Bugunda, great Grandfather to Amaous, who reigned in our time. They have this place for their valour and fidelity, and are excellent in all things: they keep ſlaves, and may wear jewels as the nobility of the firſt rank. They attend the Prince in his wars, as well as the gallanteſt Cavaliers of his Court, and they are more welcome to the Prince at his Table, then any other;A dance in armes. eſteeming them for their magnanimity. Sometimes for his recreation armed with ſkins of beaſts covered with ſcales, they will enter the Palace four and four, and preſent the King with a civil combat, with ſword, buckler, and caſk of wood, and all with ſuch grace, that the King will leave both meat and drink, to judge of the blowes and addreſſe: for they combat in order and meaſure, without miſſing a ſingle ſtep to the purpoſe; like a dance well conſorted. And they have their Maſters to inſtruct them in the uſe of all ſorts of arms, which they practice diligently.

[Page]When they have performed any noble act of dexterity, or feat of arms, they are aſſured of a chain of gold from the King: they are all lodg'd in the Kings Palace. There was one that performed a combat once with ſuch grace, boldneſſe, and dexterity, that the King could not forbear, but taking off her caſk upon the field, he kiſſed her before all the Court, and put about her neck a chain he wore himſelf, of rubies, pierced in form of pearls, and garniſhed at the ends with fauſet diamonds of ineſtimable value: opinion was, that after the King had ſo blandiſhed her, and given her ſuch a gift, without doubt he would marry her.

She was indeed one of the moſt amiable Ladies of the Indies, of twenty years age, her ſkin admirably white, her hair diſ-ſhevel'd, black as jet, her name was Langir, and I aſking mine hoſt who the maid was, and if 'twere probable the King would marry her? ſmiling he told me in my ear, 'twas ſurmis'd ſhe was ſiſter to the Prince himſelf, ſo paſſionately his Father Amaycan lov'd her Mother Acoſrias, who was ſo gallant and valiant, that at wraſtling ſhe had not her match, and that ſhe threw all the ſtrangers ſhe wraſtled with: and if they took it with diſdain ſhe would ſtrangle them in the place: ſhe was a Lady of perfect beauty, and was unfortunately ſlain by a Lion: whereupon the King her lover was violently grieved, he buried her with royall obſequies, and mourned with ſolemnity a long time, abſtaining ſome dayes from eating Areca or Betel, being ſhav'd, in ſign of grief and ſorrow. In his huntings the King takes great pleaſure to ſee theſe women ſhoot in their croſbows, whence they will diſcharge three arrows at a time, with ſuch celerity and vigour, that lighting upon a tree they ſtrike themſelves ſo deep, that they are not to be drawn out. They uſe alſo fire-locks, and other arms, wherein they are well exerciſed. Theſe women are not at liberty to marry without the Princes licenſe, who allows them not but to Favourites, who at the ſame time have charge or office at Court, or ſome other place, for they never diſplace any. There are other guards called the Viluaires, Viluaires. who bear no more before the King than the bow made of Indian cane, or Palm-wood which never breaks. The ſervitors and domeſtick Officers of the Palace are called the Lambri, Lambri. who are for carriage of all neceſſaries to the Palace, and ſerve likewiſe in war, being honourably habited, and armed with great Indian canes, which they know how to manage very well, and theſe take orders from the King.

The Prince is very powerfull both in Foot and Horſe,The militia of the King of Tranſiana. being provided alwaies of a thouſand Elephants, and fifty thouſand Horſe, which are leſſe, but ſtronger than the Perſian, whereof he keeps divers races; for the Country hath the faireſt and moſt fertile herbage of the world, and abounds in all ſorts of commodities. This King is tributary to the great Emperour, to whom he [Page] payes yearly ſo many horſes, the beſt in the Indies, being indefatigable in travaile,Horſes and their breeding. he is likewiſe exceeding carefull, and breedes them of an extraordinary manner, getting Mares from Perſia: when there is a number of foles, of foure or five moneths old, they are put to certain wild cowes, that are expreſly for this purpoſe kept in the race: ſo as the little cowes, the mares, and the colts are all together; then taking the calves from their dams, they put the colts to ſuck them: This courſe continued for ſome time, makes them more ſtrong and laſting then can be imagined, and it is obſervable their hoofes are more durable then any others. All their fault is, they are not ſo ſleet as the Perſian, which horſes are moſt eſteemed of all in the Indies, and next to them thoſe of Tranſiana. This King hath ſo great a number of them, they render him formidable throughout the Indies; he is exceeding peaceful, and beloved of his people. In the Countrey, though it be very fertile, and well tilled, there are notwithſtanding vaſt and profound forreſts, ſtocked with wilde beaſts, who often intercept the paſſengers, and devoure them; as Ounces, Lions, Tigars, beares, Wolves, and dangerous Boares of an incredible ſize. The King hath huntſmen for the purpoſe, well ſkill'd in the woodes, with little dogs proper for finding out the beaſts. They have alſo tame Lions, and Hart-Wolves brought up to hunt their own kinde, and ſo animated againſt their own Species, that there are not in the world more cruell enemies, as man hath not a more mortall foe then man himſelfe,Beaſts brought up to hunt. and amongſt men Renegado Chriſtians more cruell to true Chriſtians then the other Infidels. Theſe Lions, wolves, and other beaſtes of chaſe are taught to it, when they are young, and trained in parkes to hunt others, till they are at growth; and then they take them abroad to the grand chaſe, armed with caps and pointed collars, which with the aſſiſtance of the hunters makes them more dangerous, ſo as they make a great ſlaughter amongſt the other beaſts. There are likewiſe abundance of harts, large as heifers, which lie in the fields, and will not ſtir for a paſſinger. When the King goes into the Country, he is attended with a thouſand horſe at leaſt, and when he goes to the grand chaſe, he takes along abundance of Pioneers, to ſtop up the Avenues with walls of clay, and turf, to ſecure himſelfe and his Court. There will be ſometimes twelve or fifteen thouſand hunters, the greater part Lords, Perſons of Quality, and the Kings domeſticks, who frequently engage themſelves; there being pleaſure without danger. Sometimes theſe beaſts come in ſuch heards, they are forced to open for their paſſage, and fall upon the laſt; and notwithſtanding the walls are ſtrong and high, being made of palms, and earth mixt with brakes, there are beaſts ſo light and nimble,Chaſe of recreation. they will leap over them; and before the ſouldiers, (who lie concealed) can take them, they will do incredible things, making ſuch ſtrange aſſaults, and ſuch havock with teeth [Page] and nailes; but the whole Court, with the female guard, ſtands in order upon the curtain and parapet of the walls, to attend them at the paſſage, where there is a great ſlaughter. But after this tragicall danger, comes a comedy of the Marmoſets, Apes, and Monkeys, and others of that kind, for the greater part unknown to us: The young ones will be there ſo faſtned to the necks of their dams,Apes. you would think they grew there: all together makes a very pleaſant prize. The hair of theſe Apes is ſoft as ſilk, and their genitories violet colour, or pale red. There are huge Munkeyes white as ſnow, that make a thouſand ridiculous faces, ſeeming to crave liberty, and they of the guard that know their humour, give them a ſigne to climbe upon a tree, and ſave themſelves, where of ſhe faile not, but then the ſport is to ſee the trees covered over with them, with the confuſed chattering they make one at another.

For wild ſwine, wild goats, harts, hindes, fallow-Deer, and Aloroc, with beaſts of Beaſar there are abundance; as alſo of porcupines, the Country yeilding ſuch plenty of grain, and wild fruits for their ſuſtenance. The boares are very dangerous, panching all they meet with their tuſhes: Elephants they hunt but ſeldom, being forfeit of life to kill one. They go with ſuch vehemency, they break all before them; and when by ſubtlety they are once encloſed, they make moſt horrible cries and roarings, for rage breaking all that is near them: being tyred, they lie along, and thruſting their trunk down their throat, they fetch up a loathſom water, as hot as if it came out of a furnace.

When all the dangerous beaſts are either killed or ſcaped, the King for his pleaſure kills the boares, the goats, and others with the Ront, the moſt aſſured armes, and makes the wideſt wound. Then the hunters all chooſe their marke,Ront. Armes. taking pleaſure in darting their lances, taking what ſerves for proviſion of the Palace, leaving the reſt for another time. The skins of bears,Beaſts skins. ounces, lions, leopards, ſerve to Arme the foot and horſe, and to bard the horſes, Elephants, and other beaſts for uſe in hunting, whereof they make them caps, that cover ſo well the head and neck, it is not eaſie for the ſavage beaſts to endanger them, there being ſteel piques that make them looſe their hold; nor is there great or ſmall, who hath not his horſe capped with theſe skins. Towns and Villages circumiacent to the hunting, come with a thouſand preſents and rejoycings to the King, eſteeming themſelves much honoured to have any ſhare of the prize, wherewith they make a publik feaſt, as of a thing ſacred and ſolemn. For their falconry and hawkes, the King hath eagles and ravens, ſo well trained both for furr and feather, that nothing more. Fiſhing is there likewiſe much practiſed. As we travailed through the Country, we came one day to a [Page] mountain of extraordinary height, they call the Culma, or Columa, grown over with all ſorts of trees, as Sendal, Danum, Ebony, Palmes of all ſorts, and others. All the ground we paſſed over was full of Rhubarbe,Rhubarb. with leaves large, and very bitter, and round the skirt of the mountain Tombes orderly ranged, cut in the rock,Remarkable Mountaines. ingenuouſly carved. Maritime windes are frequent there which the Indians call Sourou, and other windes exceeding drying, which they call the Mounſons, and the Portugueſe Abrazador, which conſume even iron.

Theſe mountains have a reaſemblance of the Cordilleras of Peru of a long extent. Amongſt the reſt there is one mountain that rain never falls upon, by reaſon the ſouthern windes which continually blow there, force back the cloudes, ſo as the mountain is exceeding barren.

The mountain of Columa being fanned with the maritime windes on one ſide, preſerves and keepes incorruptible all the bodies brought thither. The other ſide towards the North, being defended by the heads of trees, enjoyes rains in abundance: but both the one and the other ſide are fertilized with large ſtreams, that nouriſh theſe trees of excellent odour.

IntermentsWhen they will bury a body, they waſh it, and taking out the heart and bowells, they burn them with Aromatick woods, ſacrifiſing them to their Duma, then put the aſhes within the Corpes again, that nothing, as they ſay, may be wanting at the day of Reſurrection. For this purpoſe there are ſix men engaged, who buy their offices of the King, and whoſoever will cut a Tombe there, muſt pay great rates to the King: Their burialls are ſo conſiderable to them, that ſo ſoon as they are marrried they provide for it.

Divorces.By the way I ſhall tell you they are much inclined to divorces, which they may make three ſeverall times, and accept again, but not the fourth time; for he muſt ſtay till the wife be married to another, and after divorce ſhe may marry with her firſt husband, and the children ſtay with the father.

As to the dead bodies, they who order them, cleanſe them exceeding carefully, putting within them a perfume like Maſtick, then the aſhes put in again, as I told you; the Nubis, Nubis Prieſts. or Prieſts in their Ceremonies recommends them to their God, with ſeverall prayers, and having dined with their kindered, ſix women approach the corps, with loud cries and lamentations, which laſt till evening, meanwhile ſix ſworne men put the body in a ſheet of Chantli, or cotton, the better ſort have Taffeta, with cotton under or over, ſo diſpoſing the hands, that one lies on the eare, the other ſtretched down by the thigh.

Then having watched by it all night, they reſtore it to the kindred, to be laid in a coffin, and thence to be borne [Page] to a Tomb at the foot of the mountain, where they remain incorruptible, as well by reaſon of theſe drying winds, as a compoſition they apply. There are abundance of them in this place, and if any through fatneſſe, which cauſes humidity, and by conſequence putrefaction, chance to be conſumed by worms, they hold the ſoule that left this body loſt, and condemned to darkneſſe amongſt the Devils. When they bear the body to the Tomb they go all bare-headed, and the women their hair diſchevelled, weeping and lamenting, but wear no ſort of mourning, onely their neareſt kindred will be ſhaved, and abſtain from eating Betel. In this Mountain there are intire dryed bodies, which they ſay are of ſeven or eight hundred years,Mummy. and this is the right Mummy brought into ſeverall parts of the world; For that Mummy that is taken out of the ſands is a meer fable, ſince there is nothing but bones to be found there, the reſt being eaten by the worms.

CHAP. XXXVII. Of the Kingdom of Tazatay, and the Philoſophy of the Indians.

WEſt of Tranſiana lies the kingdom of Tazatay, or Taſatail, otherwiſe called the red kingdom, or the land of Liarrean, or Hiarcan, and the Kingdome of the Sun, for the ſeverall apparitions the Sun makes there during his twenty four hours courſe, as they ſay. While we were in Tranſiana, a Country appertaining to the Empire of Pegu, hearing ſpeech of Tazatay, and the wonders of a Mountain there, I prevailed with my companion to go thither, ſo with an Interpreter two ſmall Elephants, and two Hacambals or Camels, we parted thence, leaving all our goods and Merchandizes with our Hoſt, having regiſtred them in the Caſa de la contration, Fidelity for the Merchants in India. in the Indies thoroughout there being ſuch order that a Merchant can looſe nothing, though he ſhould dye, all being faithfully kept and reſtored to his heirs, paying onely the dues of cuſtome and impoſt.

After three dayes travaile we came on the top of a mountain, where there was a ſmall Town called Braſifir, here we had convenient accommodation that night; in the morning going down we croſſed a River, and came to the other great Mountain we ſo much deſired to ſee,The mountain of the ſun. that appeared exceeding high and arduous: nevertheleſſe having aſcended [Page] about two good leagues we met a man mounted on a Dromedary coming down the Mountain, and aſking him if we had far to the next habitation, he anſwered we had but the tenth part of one Sun, as through the Indies they count Suns, that is, by dayes journies. Then travailing about an hour, we came to Tambo, and alighting from our beaſts that were all in a water for the difficult travaile, we found there plenty of proviſion for our refreſhment. There was a good old man and his wife that gave us freely what they had,Tambo an Inne. and amongſt other things Areca, the beſt methought I ever drunk.

At the ſame time there arrived a man we took by his carriage to be a fool, he ſate down with us at table, nevertheleſſe would eat nothing but what we entreated him to, and while we were at meat he told us ſeverall ſtories anſwerable to the opinion we had of him. Our Hoſt aſked us if we would not go ſee the Lord of the place at his Chabacaran, or Palace: to which we agreed, and went this viſit on foot, for 'twas on the top of the next mountain, not far off.

Ridiculous opinions of the ſurriſing.Being arrived we went to make our reſpects to him, and he returned us great civilities, and diſcourſing of our voyage, he told us 'twas truth, that at the top of the Mountain the Sun roſe three ſeverall times in four and twenty hours, as we might eaſily perceive if we aſcended: whereupon out of curioſitie I requeſted my companion we might go thither early in the morning, and hereupon I asked the Lord being there two houres before day, if I ſhould ſee the rayes of the Sun; he told me for this purpoſe I muſt be on the top of the Mountain upon a ſtructure we ſaw ſome two leagues and a half above us in a bending of the Mountain, and that below, where his Caſtle ſtood, it was not ſeen but twice a year, that is, once three houres before day, and another time an hour and a quarter before Sun riſing: and ſeeking to be informed by the moſt ancient Inhabitants, they all told me the ſame thing.

But I found my companion ſo incredulous of this matter, as he had reaſon, that we deſiſted, and on the morrow took the way to return whence we came: and ſince, meeting with a Gentleman of great curioſitie, he told me he had been in a Countrey beyond Swedeland, where for four moneths together the Sun continually appeared, which muſt needs be in Lapland, Lapland. in ſeventy eight degrees, from May to Auguſt. And a Merchant of Sabooram aſſured me that in his Countrey the longeſt dayes were one and twenty hours of Sun,Sabooram Liberia in high Tartary. with little or no night, which is in about ſixty four or ſixty five degrees.

[Page]Hereupon I will ſay ſomething of the Aſtronomy uſed amongſt theſe Eaſt Indians; their opinion is, the earth is not round but flat,The Indians ſtrange opinions in Aſtronomy. and that there are not, nor can be Antipodes, elſe ſay they, there muſt be two ſuns, one to lighten us, the other them; that there is but one Hemiſphere for the Sun and Moon to move in; that the ſun is not of the bigneſſe we make it, nor ſo great as the earth, whereof it is but the ſixtieth part, that the Sun never leaves our Hemiſphere, no not by night; but then conceales himſelfe behind certain Mountains. That 'twere a great folly to ſay the earth were higher then the heavens, which notwithſtanding muſt needs be, if we allow Antipodes. That the Poles held immovable are not ſo, but that theſe two ſtarres turn within two degrees round the Pole. That 'tis an errour the Sun ſhould by night go hide himſelf under us: that the two Poles are not diametrically oppoſite, ſince, as they ſay, they may be ſeen at the ſame time, upon ſea and land, though very low nevertheleſſe. That if there were Antipodes, that muſt be the bottom of the earth, and all rivers would naturally run thither, contrary to experience, and a thouſand other opinions as ſtrange, as abſurd, for want of knowledge in the ſpheare and Aſtronomy:

So they laugh as at a thing childiſh and fabulous, at the opinion of the Ancients and Moderns on this ſide, of the rotundity of the earth in the middle of the world, and the Ubiquitary habitation, and that the Sun turns quite round from Eaſt to Weſt. They hold for certain, that the Sunne riſes in all other points, as they obſerve in Tazatay where they imagine it to riſe as 'twere North, and North-Weſt. They think to prove their phantaſtical imaginations, when they deſcribe the Iliaca, a bright ſtarre in the Weſt,The Indians Iliaca and Piliaca. and oppoſite to that Biliaca, which appears beyond the Line; and is, that the ſhepheards fear ſo much,This muſt be the dog or Meduſa's head. by the Perſians called Zobona, ſo mortiferous to cattle; for which cauſe they houſe them while that ſtarre raignes, and the better to preſerve them, they make them turn tayle to the ſtarre, for if they face it, it makes them languiſh, and dye in the end.

They ſay that theſe two oppoſite ſtarres may be ſeen in a Line at the ſame time through a trunck, and that each moves about his Pole in twenty four houres, but that theſe are not the ſame, as the North, and the Cruſero.

The North being no more diſtant from the Pole then two degrees and a quarter, and one of the other two, a degree and a half onely.

And whereas the ancients obſerved onely two Poles, each in his Hemiſphere, they make ſix Poles in the ſame Hemiſpheare, [Page] which are Caſara, Six Poles with the Indians. the pole of the World, that of the Zodiack, the Artick, and Antartick, and theſe two ſtarrs, and a thouſand other fancies as incomprehenſible, as they are farr from the ſence of reaſon and experience, And that which confirmes them in their errors, is, that they can diſcerne the two polar ſtarrs from the ſame place, as in Japaca, ſeven degrees beyond the Line in Java, and the like in Sumatra, and other parts, and accordingly in travell, they make a ſtrange calculation of the diſtances of places.

They jeer likewiſe at the frame of our ſpheare, and the diviſion of the Zodiack into twelve ſignes; ſome to the North, ſome to the South, and underſtand not this but after their own way.

The Zodiack.They call the Zodiack Cazatoni, that is, Significator. The ſignes they call Ant, Ronia, Amieſſem, Emiſen, Courpſa, Cheoſer, Irat, Metrias, Eſcorgat, Tamaſee, Beſir, Bizihir, Azourac, Perſan, the higheſt ſpheare Birquen, Emine, the Ecliptick Zoberna, that is obſcurity, becauſe Ecclipſes proceed thence. That the Zodiack is an oblike circle, and that from thence and the Region of fire, the Sun takes his courſe, and thence makes generation of all inferiour things. Like ſome of the ancients, likewiſe they hold that the Heaven ſtands like a vault over the earth, and floates, and ſwimmes upon the waters.

St. Baſil in Exameron.In breife, I ſhewed them the work of Paul Rao the Italian, who ſpeakes of all this Aſtronomy of the Ancients, which ſuppoſes the Equinoctiall divides the Zodiack in two parts, South and North, at which they ſcoffed, and grew cholerick, ſaying, ſo baſe a book was fit for the fire, that held nothing but errors, and wondered our Prince would ſuffer ſuch frauds and impoſtures, as they called them, to be publiſhed in his Dominions; they believing as well the lands inhabited from Eaſt to Weſt, as from South to North, are in view of the pole Artick, and that it is falſe there ſhould be any part of India under the Antartick, ſince, as they think, they have the North as much elevated as we in Europe, and many extravagancies hereupon, which I leave to be argued, and confuted by the learned in Aſtronomy and Coſmography.

Hearkning to theſe Indian opinions, I have been told, that the Chineſes, The Earth ſquare with the Chineſſes. that ſpeculative Nation, hold the Heavens to be round, but the Earth ſquare, and the Empire of China ſtands punctually in the middle, as being the excellence and Principality of the World, other parts being but as the skirts and acceſſaries, ſo as they were a little cholerick when they ſaw our cards deſigne their Countrey in the extremity of the Eaſt, as an indignity to the Grandeur, and Majeſty [Page] of their Country and King, whom they call the ſonne of the ſun.

And truly theſe poore Indians wanting the knowledg of ſciences and experience,The opinion of the G [...]eek Philoſophy, of the forme of the Earth. are not ſo much to be blamed for their opinions, ſince in the middle of ſage and learned Greece, there were of the ancient Philoſophers that maintained almoſt the ſame; that the earth was not round, but ſome as Lucipus, that it was like a drum, others, that it was hollow like a barke, as Heraelitus, others like a Cilinder, or Roler, as Anaximandrus, and Democritus; others that it was abſolutely flat, as Empodocles and Anaximines: ſome have wandered as far as this Paradox, to releaſe it from the center,Antripodes, by whom not believed. and make it run in the heavens, about the immovable ſun, which with no leſs extravagancy hath been renewed in our times. But for the Antipodes, they who held the rotundity of the earth, allowed them not for all that, holding thoſe parts inhabitable, either for being covered with innavigable ſeas, or for the inſupportable heats of the Torrid Zone: even ſome of the ancient fathers have for other conſiderations been taken with this opinion, as Lactantius, St. Auguſtine, and others,Virgill, Biſhop of Strasbourg. and they ſay a learned Germane Biſhop was accuſed of Hereſie, for maintaining there was Antipodes.

But beſides the reaſons of ſcience, experience of Navigation, and modern voyages ſhewes ſufficiently the truth of this matter, whereof I leave the large diſcourſe to the more learned.

CHAP. XXXVII. Of Tartary, Frightfull deſerts, fierce dogs, a ſtrange Hiſtory of two lovers, the Empire of the Tartars, and their Religion.

OF Grand Tartary, which lies on the North of all the Provinces I have ſpoken of, I know nothing but by the relation I received in theſe parts, and by the Memorialls of a certain Hollander, who was at Pegu. The Inhabitants of theſe Countreys then tould me, that beyond the Kingdom of Tazatay, Mandranella, Tranſiana, and Caſubi, towards the North, are vaſt ſolitudes, and ſandy deſerts,Sinabo. which you muſt travell for many dayes, before you can arrive at a Kingdom called Sinabo, which at one end, towards the Eaſt confines with Cochinchina, ſubject to the great King of Tabin or China.

[Page]To paſſe theſe vaſt ſands, there muſt be made good proviſion of victualls, water, and beaſt; for as a Merchant of Drogomania told me,Drogomania may be Dragoian, or Turcomania. Deſerts of Tartary. a Country confining Eaſtward upon theſe Kingdomes, the deſerts of Arabia are little in compariſon to them: and when I told him the fourty tedious days it coſt us, betwixt Suria and Medina, through the deſerts of Arabia, he anſwered, this was nothing in reſpect, ſince by the help of guides they might here and there find a well, whereas in the deſerts of Aſia, in two and twenty dayes journey together, nothing was to be found but ſand, and that one day as he travailed along with the convoy, by miſfortune one of the jarrs of water broke, which was a great miſchiefe to them, and a very important loſſe, being forced for want of it to kill one of their Camells, to drink the loathſome water within him, and eat his fleſh.

He told me then for more commodious paſſage, above all things it was neceſſary to provide good beaſts, and chiefly Perſian Aſſes,Perſian Aſſes. the beſt beaſt the world affords for carriage, and the moſt proper for thoſe wayes, and are worth as much as a good horſe.

That after theſe ſands they came to huge Mountains, abſolutely barren, which in my opinion muſt needs be mineralls, but they try them not, they are ſo far diſtant, and the way ſo troubleſom.

I obſerved in my Eaſt and Weſtern voyages, that where the Mines of gold, ſilver, and precious ſtones, where the Mountains were ordinarily barren, having nothing growing about them, as they obſerve of the Calanfour, or clove, which ſuffers no plant near it.

The Merchant obſerved likewiſe, that in theſe Mountains, which muſt be thoſe the Ancients called Juac, dividing high and low Aſia; there are abundance of ſerpents of prodigious bigneſſe,Serpents good meat. but are more advantage then damage to them; for being free from venom, and of an excellent ſubſtance and nouriſhment, they eat there nothing elſe. As I remember I ſaw in the Mountains of Syr, in Africa.

For, paſſing theſe Mountains, and lodging with the Arabians under their tents, 'twas our admiration to ſee huge ſerpents play with children, who would give them morſells of bread.

But to return to our Tartarian Merchant, he told me, that having paſſed this Mountainous Country, they came to another deſert, of twenty dayes over, void of all food, where he was conſtrained to ſtray a good dayes journey to hunt for water, and other commodities, and this too with weapon in hand, becauſe there lives a certain Horde or nation of [Page] Shepherds or Tartars Nomades, who keep huge Maſtifes,fier [...]e dogs the moſt fierce and bloody in the world, which indeed have more of the wolf then the dog: they keep theſe dogs to deſtroy paſſengers on the way, to which they train them for diet for themſelves.

He told me that about three yeares before this breed of Raſcals were almoſt all devoured by their own dogs, after their cruell uſage of certain Merchants who paſſed that way, theſe to revenge themſelves made an Ambuſh, and having taken them, ſerved them as they had done others.

He told me many other curioſities of this country, and amongſt others, that about twenty years before, he paſſed by the Iſle of Volmous or Ayman, near to Cauchinchina, and the country of the Meores, that the people are haughty, great ſouldiers,Volmous. well clothed, and very civil, lovers of honour and vertue, and of complexion rather white then black: that the land is full of impenitrable Foreſts, but well ſtor'd with Veniſon, and betwixt the Mountains good paſturadge; that they had there a potent King by the title of Emperour, on the day of his birth, wearing on his head three Crowns, in form of a Tiara, for the three kingdomes he poſſeſſed: that this Prince was King of Sinabo, the Magers, and Patanes.

Amongſt other particulars of this country,This muſt be the great Mogor. he related to me a ſtrange Hiſtory, if it be true: Thus, that in a mountanous country vulgarly called Iſmanca, very fertile, where there are clownes very wealthy in cattell, whereof they drive a great trade; as alſo in ſkins of divers beaſts: there was a rich ſhepherd called Iſmahan, who amongſt other children, had a daughter of excellent beauty, who according to the cuſtome of the country,A Hiſtory of an Incubus. kept her fathers flocks.

This maid of twenty yeares of age, loved a young ſhepherd her neighbour and kinſman, but poor, and to whoſe Father the rich ſhepherd had ſent ſome corn, who ſeeing he could not be paid, and being aware of his daughters affection, he told his debtor, that on condition he would ſend his ſon to live in ſome remote parts, he would forgive the debt, which the other did; the young man being thus baniſhed by force, the maid was extremely afflicted, and as one day ſhe walked alone in the fields, lamenting the abſence of her beloved Liza, ſo he was called; a Fiend in the ſame ſhape appeared to her, and demanded for whom ſhe was ſo much tormented, ſince ſhe had him aſſuredly preſent, and that he loved her more then the world beſides.

Some ſay this poor young man being baniſhed the preſence of his dear Miſtreſſe, ſought out a Magician, who promiſed he ſhould ſee and enjoy her; but bringing into a room to him a ſpirit in the form of the maid, as the ſpirits of joy and love made him fly [Page] to embrace her, the Demon ſtrangled him afterwards, taking the ſhape, or rather the body of the dead youth, continued his viſits a long time to the maid, whereof her Father and Brothers having notice, reſolved to ſurprize him; and in effect breaking up her chamber door, they found a ſtinking carcaſſe in bed by her, at which both ſhe and the reſt were extremely frighted; and the King of the country having notice of it, ſent for the maid to know the truth, which ſhe related as it was. The King ſent her to live with an Aunt of his, where they ſay the Devil ſtill frequented her, and would viſit her publickly in the ſhape of her friend, wherein ſhe took extreme content, nor could ſhe be diſſwaded from his converſation. How I know not, but they ſay ſhe conceived, and was delivered of two children; who grown up, became the moſt valiant and ſtrong in the country: ſo as ſince ſpirits are incapable of generation, as the beſt Divines conclude; we may ſuppoſe this was the youth himſelf, who by the Magicians means enjoyed the maid, and was afterwards killed by the devil that abuſed him; and indeed ſome authentick authours mention ſuch another Hiſtory of one Phillinnion, and Machetus, and others.Phlegon Trallianus.

The adventures of Amador a Painter.But let us come back to Tartary, where I learnt many other things of one Amador Baliora a Limner, with whom I met coming back from Pegu, and ſaw good part of his Memorials. He had been in the Indies twelve or thirteen years, and had drawn the plots of ſeveral Towns excellently well, inſomuch as having eſcaped ſhipwrack, and arrived in health at Diu, when all his company was hanged; for his qualification the Governour ſaved his life, and he drew him many exquiſite pictures, for which he gave him five hundred Croyſades.

He had about fifty draughts of the principal townes in the Indies, Perſia, and Tartary; and had leave of the Vice-roy to draw the plots of as many more as he would; his deſign being to compile them in a large volume, and preſent it to the King of Spain; but I underſtood afterwards, that returning for Europe, he died upon the ſea of Scarbut, and for that his Comerade had diſguſted him, he would not give him his memorials and draughts, but by Teſtament bequeathed them to the Captain of the ſhip he was in, Joſeph Grogne a Portugueſe, eſteemed a Jew though he diſſembled the Chriſtian. The Memorials was a great loſſe; for beſides the draughts, there was abundance of remarkable ſingularities he had noted in his travailes, whereof the Captain made ſmall account, for that he had written them in French, which he underſtood not, and withall in an imperfect and bad character: But the plots and draughts were excellently done, and beſides the deliniation of the towns, he had drawn the inhabitants and their garments to the life.

I drew ſome my ſelf though rudely, which is not hard to compaſſe,

THE SECOND PART OF THE TRAVAILES OF VINCENT le BLANC IN AFRICA.

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CHAP. I. A generall Deſcription of AFRICA.

HAving left the Eaſt Indies, as I ſaid in the former part of this work towards the end, and having taken the road of Africa Weſtward, the firſt land we came on was the Iſle of S. Laurence. Before I relate the particulars either of this Iſle, or other places I have ſeen in Africa, I conceive it not improper to draw a general Deſcription of this third part of the Univerſe, as well for that I have traverſed it from one end to the other in three ſeverall voyages, as to ſhew the errour of modern [Page] Geographers, who in their Maps of Africa, have left out more then fifty kingdoms or Provinces of note,Maps of Africa defective. as I ſometime made appear to the late Mr. du Vair, then chief Preſident of the Province, and afterwards Keeper of the Great Seale of France.

And firſt to take it from the ſtreight of Gibraltar, or rather from Porto Farina towards Tunes to the Cape Bona Eſperanza, the greateſt extent from North to South,The extent of Africa. there, is found to be ſeventy degrees, which are above two thouſand leagues: And from Cape-Verd to Cape de Guardafu or Guardafy, from Eaſt to Weſt there is near upon eighty Degrees, which are about two thouſand five hundred leagues of Teritory, comprehending a ſpace moſt prodigious, ſuch as our Europe is a very ſmall matter in compariſon of; the greateſt part lying betwixt the two Tropicks, the reſt on this ſide and beyond.

For from the kingdom of Budonell paſſing through the Negres, lyes Eaſtward the Empire of Tombut, or Tombotu; by the Arabians called Iza, containing thirteen large kingdomes watered by the famous River Nigrite or Niger, with Senega, a part of Guinee, Melli, See Pliny l. 5. c. 1. of the Cavarian [...] of Affrick. and many other Countreyes, as far as the Cape Verdi. The people here ſo ſavage, they ſcarce know how to ſpeak; ſo ſordid, they eat beaſt-entrailes uncleanſed, and ſo brutiſh, they are more like ravenous dogs, then men of reaſon.

The people toward the Weſtern Coaſt are better civilized, in the Provinces of Gavaga, Azemay, Galata, by the Arabians called Abugazai, or Zenaga and Azanaga, and on the Coaſt of Cape-blanc, where they drive a great trade in white ſalt. Senega, where the River Niger waters large territories, abounds in Crocodills and fiſh, with which it furniſhes Budonel, Meli, Gago, Guber, Agades, Cano Gazena or Caſſena, Zegzog, Zanfara, Burneo, or Borno, Gangara, Gaoga, and others where it reaches. The kingdome of Gangara contains ſeven others, as that of Borneo nine, who to gain a ſingle dominion, have often come to Battell, but in the end ſatiated with blood, were conſtrained to agree again. Then have you the kingdomes or Temian, Daouma, Medra, Benin, Gorbani, Giafiar, or Biafar, Amas or Amaſen, which towards the South fronts Damula and Vangue, lying towards the Zaire.

From Senega towards the North, we find Scombaya, Muſmuda, Zenera or Havia, Gumea, Guzula, Hea, Sus, with others called the Whites of Africa, who ſpeak not Arabian, but uſe the tongue of Songay, Leon of Africa, lib. 1. cap. 11. as they term it; Likewiſe the uſuall Language in Nue [...]edia through the kingdomes of Terga, Gaziga, Lemta, and Berdoa. Theſe people have a black or gray cloth hanging from their Turbith over their face, that while they eat their mouth may not be ſeen, which were a great incivility. There are moreover, the Countries of Guzulan, Belu, Benin, Belbee, Toga, Afar, Alates, Crin, Beni, Gumi, Muzali, Abubenam, Zuir, Cazai, Dura, Zinzaler, and others. The vaſt kingdome of Fezor Morocco, contains Agar or [Page] Agal, Elebat, Eris, Geres, Elcanus, Elegazar, or Elgezair, with the kingdomes of T [...]nes, Bugie, Conſtantine, [...]ipoli, Telenſin, Tremeſen, Telche, Te [...]eſ [...]e, &c. There is here a River which iſſuing from the bowels of Africa, paſſes through many countries, and threads Feſſe where it ſe [...] three hundred and threeſcore mill-wheels of extraordinary compaſſe at work, and gliding from thence under Miquin [...] and Elcaſſour, throwes it ſelf in ſea at Mamocre, under Arache, little diſtant from Arzille. Towards Tombut and Meli on the other ſide Senega lyes the wide-ſtretcht kingdome of Gago, the King whereof is highly potent,Majeſty of the King of Tombut. compelling in a manner adoration from his people, who how great ſoever ſpeak not to him but on knees, holding in their hand a cup of ſand, which they caſt on their head while they proſtrate before him, and retire without tergiverſation.

He affords not audience to his ſubjects, but at certain houres, morning and evening, and when they are found guilty in any crime, he chaſtiſes them with confiſcation of goods, and ſale of their wives and children, for ſlaves to ſtrangers.

The two great Rivers Niger or Gambra, and Senega, Waſh a very great part of the country, overflowing in the ſame ſort and times as Nile doth. Budomel which is in like manner a River of the ſame denomination, as the country it travailes through, unites it ſelf with Gambra, and the kingdome of Melli is upon a branch of Senega, environed with diſmal deſerts, and impenetrable Foreſts. This river on the North and South, is banked with the Deſerts of Gilolef and Jalofel, on the Weſt it hath the vaſt Foreſt of Abacara, and Gago on the Weſt. Next you come to Guber, Mount Chigi, or Gigi, or Sierra de Meleguete, then Guinga or Guinee, or Guinoy. Theſe people are all black like quenched coles. Salt in the kingdome of Gago is more precious then gold, which there abounds; as likewiſe Fruit and Cattle.

Guber abutts Northward on Cano, Eaſtward on Zeger or Zegzeg, a woody and deſert country, peopled with an infinite heard of beaſts. In theſe Deſerts you meet with Caſſena, then drawing towards the Cape of bona Eſperonza; You enter upon the kingdomes of Benin and Zanfara, under the Equatour, well inhabited, containing in length two hundred and forty leagues, where from mid-May to the middle of Auguſt, it rains for the moſt part, and almoſt conſtantly from noon till mid-night, as I have obſerved it to do in other countries under the ſame line. In fine, ſo fertile are theſe countries, that like thoſe water'd by the river Nile, they yield two harveſts annually, and each harveſt of ſufficiency to furniſh the people with proviſion for five years. Whence it comes, that ſtoring up their corn in Cavernes under ground, which the Moores call Mattamorres, calked againſt moyſture with a cement made of Sea-ſhels, —where being firſt dryed in the Sun, they keep it what time they pleaſe; they never think of ſowing more [Page] while they have any thing to live on, ſo as the land being thus laid up at reſt, becomes more fertile. Their ſheep breed twice a year, and often two or three lambs at a time.

The Cape of Palmes is in the territory of Iſma towards Guinnee, with the Caſtle of Mina which the Portugues built upon this coaſt, drawing towards the Cape de bona Eſperanza, the kingdom of Manicongo extends it ſelf from the River Val de Biraco, or da Borca, as far as the River of S. Paul. This River da Borca, otherwiſe called Rio de Los Reyes, is a quarter of a dayes journey from that of Agina or Aſicera.

True it is, there are Maps which place it near to Biafar, though it be diſtant thence more then five hundred leagues; Biafar lying near to Amaſan and Medra; the cauſe of this errour is, that they take it for the River called the Infanta of Portugal, which on the Eaſt hath the River Angra which waters the Town of Maſire, or Maciera, directly over againſt the Iſle of S. Thomas, and fronts the great kingdome of Damute, through the middle whereof paſſes the River of Bancara, Vibris and Vamta, with a branch of Noir, all which conjoyne in Zaire. Zaire overflowes like Nilus, and runs through many countries,Africans who adore the Sun. ſome Mahometan, ſome Pagan, who adore the Sun, and about the break of day compoſe themſelves on ſome eminent place, to make their Salema, that is, their prayer; at his Riſing, caſting themſelves covered with a large cloth a hundred times to the ground, and kiſſing it moſt devoutly. Some ſay that theſe two great kingdomes Damute and Monicongo bound upon Goyame or Guiame, which by reaſon of their great diſtance is moſt incredible. It is rather on one ſide, for on the South and Weſt ſide, Monicongo is divided by the River Bancara, which lyes three degrees on the other ſide the line, and two from Cape de Lopo, or Loubo, at his diſgorging near the river Gouan, or Gabam, not far from the Cape Gonzal, and the Cape St Catherine directly oppoſite to Cape Primaco, ſomething near the Torrent of Fremo, which the Natives call Gouira. The laſt Cape of Damute is Almada or Almadias, into the Gulph whereof one branch of Zaire, and the River of Saint Helen iſſuing forth at the ſame place do caſt themſelves, having on the North Abidara, which joynes it ſelf to the Cataracts; On the Weſt the land of Jair and Gubara, on the Eaſt Cogira, where begins the Cape de Corrientes, twenty four degrees from the South.

The Empire of the Abiſſins.Next we come to the great Empire of the Abiſſins, containing more then thirty five kingdomes, inſomuch as ſome would have it equall with all Europe. The people for the greateſt part are groſſe and bruitiſh, clothed with beaſts skins; though the country abound with gold, which the Rivers waſh in with their ſtreams. The women carry their Infants at their back in Goat skins, and never go into the field without their ſtaffe, and victualls, and caſt their hanging breaſts over their ſhoulders for their children to [Page] ſuck. For the generality, they are a very wretched people, ſubjects to the great Neguz, who Commiſſions certain Deputies for adminiſtration of Juſtice amongſt them.

But theſe Deputies finding them ſo voyd of reaſon retire themſelves to Townes twenty or thirty leagues diſtant, and the others will not afford the paines to go ſo far; ſo as when any difference happens, they entreat the next Paſſenger to decide it, and in caſe he refuſes, they way-lay him with bow and arrows, and by force oblige him to give ſentence, which be it good or bad is obſerved moſt religiouſly, for recompenſe preſenting him with ſome beaſt to carry his baggadge, moſt commonly with a Dent which is much like to a little Mule, only it hath a hogs taile, and little horns, which grow only skin deep, which it moves as the eares, and is much more ſwift: travelling on the ſands his hoof will burn and cleave, ſo as 'tis impoſſible to get him wag a foot: then their only way is to make meat of him, his fleſh being exceeding delicate, though without ſalt not long to be kept from corrupting to worms.

The greatneſſe of this part of the world is particularly ſeen in that we find within it a hundred and fifty large kingdoms,The prodigious greatneſſe of Africa. without reckoning many more of leſſe quantity; which people this vaſt Peninſula of above two thouſand leagues in length and latitude. It is water'd with many fair rivers, ſome whereof have their overflowes like the River Nile, and as beneficiall; others role before them ſands of gold, beſides Lakes, Marſhes, and impenetrable Foreſts, rich gold mines, numerous heards of cattle, double harveſts, the horrible monſters, the diverſity of people; ſome civilized, others ſo bruitiſh, they know neither religion nor articulate language: ſome chriſtians of various Sects, others Mahometans, and a great part Gentiles and Idolaters, under the dominion of ſeveral Princes, of which the chiefeſt are the Grand Seigniour, who poſſeſſes Egypt wholly, with great part of the Coaſt of Barbary. The great King of the Abiſſins, who holds almoſt all the inteſtine Africa, with both the ſtrands of Nile. The great Monomotapa Lord of almoſt all the Southerne Verges, even to the Cape de bona Eſperanza. The potent King of Fez, and Marocco, and a multitude of other Kings and particular Princes, as thoſe of Tombut, Ganga, Borno, who poſſeſſe many kingdomes.The diviſion of Africa. Of this ſo ſpacious and populous Africa, the Ancients had diſcovered but ſome few countries under the name of Egypt, Cirenaica, Numidia, Libia, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Nigrites, Garamantes, Atlantes, and very few more.

The Arabians at this day make a quadrupart diviſion of it, notwithſtanding that it is not intirely known by reaſon of the diſmal deſerts which ſhut up paſſages, and deprive us of diſcovery. The firſt begins at the Cape of Babouchi or Guardafuni, where they inſert many countries out of Africa, taken in by a Prince named [Page] Tramurat, who ſubdued Arabia Felix, and went in Arms as far as Carmanio, to which they call Erac, and amongſt theſe are the kingdomes of Macran and Guadel, which are contained herein. The ſecond called Biledugerid, heretofore Numidia terminates Egypt at the Town Eleocat. The third is a vaſt and horrid wilderneſſe, which ſtretches it ſelf to the bounds of Lible by them called Saria, or the Deſert, becauſe it takes beginning at Nile, and ends at the Deſert of Saria. The fourth begins at the kingdome of Gonaga, and ends at the kingdome of Galata.

Some make another diviſion likewiſe into four parts, which are Barbary, Numidia, Libia, and Nigres. Barbary extends it ſelf by the ſide of Mount Atlas upon the Mediterranean, from Egypt to Meſſa upon the Ocean, and comprehends the kingdomes of Morocca, Fez, Teleſſin, Tunes, &c. Numidia or Biledugerid hath in it Segelmeſſe, Bugie, Zeb, &c. Libia is Saira. And the land of Negres containes Galata, Tombut, Melli, Gaigo, Guber, Guinee, and others, as far as the Cape of bona Eſperanza.

CHAP. II. A Deſcription of the Iſle S. Laurence, with the conditions of the People.

Read Andrew Corſals letter of this Iſland.WE came then on ſhore in the Iſle of S. Laurence, or Madagaſcar one of the largeſt in the world, ſcituate under the Tropick Capricorn between fourteen and twenty ſix degrees of Latitude, in circumference about eight hundred leagues, double the quantity of Candia. Upon one point thereof towards the Meridian line, ſtands a reaſonable good Town called Sancta Maria, under it is the Coaſt of Saint Sebaſtian, which compacts a Gulph full of ſmall Iſlands, inhabited only by an exceſſive number of fowle.

That point which looks towards the Cape de Corientes in Africa contains ſix hundred leagues or thereabouts, betwixt the river Monica, and Mount Monica, and is called Gouara or S. Auguſtins, almoſt under the Tropick. Here is a very pleaſant being, the Inhabitants civill, and well clothed, yet the heat is extream, where a River ſtuff't with fiſh frames a good harbour, and the ſoyle is fertile in fruits.

A Topography of the Iſland S. LaurenceIn progreſſe upon this coaſt of Sancta Maria, we meet with a gallant Town called Antipara, between two Rivers, one of which forms the Cape Salido, ſo called from the ſaltneſſe of the water, and is preciſely the point of one end of the Iſland. Going on we [Page] fall upon the Bay of S. Rochon de Machara near the Cape of S. Roch, which gives it name; then winding about eight miles from thence, we arrive at the Cape of Turmey, four miles downwards from the Bay Sancta Maria, directly underneath the Tropick. The country abounds in fleeceleſſe ſheep, cattle, and fruits of all ſorts. Fourty leagues from hence, aſcending towards the Indies, you ſhall ſee Manalba a gentile Town, then Moropata a good Port, Manazero, Arco, Peſcado de S. Antonio, and about a hundred paces from thence, the Point of Soulatar, by Mariners called the Cape of Amtar, and between them lye two Iſlands called the Irmanos, by the Iſlanders Bema.

Paſſing on from the Cape of Natall in Africa, the Coaſt is well peopled, there the Point of S. Anthony is, and the fair river Omzel with fertile Plaines all along from the Cape of S. Vincent, to that of S. Anthony. Here it is that Chriſtianity was firſt embraced: likewiſe have you there many Townes, and many Villages, as Acouſia, Nabrada, Monalega, Dolaganza, Zanabi, Zarcara, Franonzara, Manatape, Babonda, Mancaua; with very good Havens almoſt throughout, with rivers and ſhallows, where the Sea flows and ebbes, as in Europe. Mancauia abounds in all ſorts of neceſſaries for livelihood, and the Inhabitants of a kind diſpoſition, becauſe that part is much frequented: On the contrary, they of Alocanza or Aleganza, where the coaſt abounds with fiſh, are fierce, and proud. The more Southern Coaſt towards the Cape of Ambar is not ſo populous, though throughout the Iſland there are ſufficient, and ſome are ſavage, others civil, and ſome of them as well men as women, richly clad and adorned with jewels and precious ſtones.

The Inhabitants of Secora and Ambia, are handſomely houſed,Chreumain or Indian Safron. Garcias l. 1. c. 39. and well accommodated, they reach as far as Cape Salido, from whence to Cape Dental is taken the breadth of the Iſland. In generall, this Iſland abounds in all ſorts of good fruits, as Oranges, Lemons, and Spices, which the Inhabitants eat confectioned, but Ginger eſpecially; Cecuma, or Corcuma, and long Peper. They likewiſe boaſt of Clove-Gilli [...]lowers, which I dare not affirm, becauſe I know it not. Of woods they have Ebony, Sendall, red, white, and Citron colour, Braſil whereof they make their bowes and arrowes, Sicamores, and Maſtick.

They have moreover, Mines of excellent ſilver, but ſuch is their ſloth, they had rather live from hand to mouth, then work; here is gotten the beſt Indian Safron, and very excellent Sugar, which they order but very groſſely, becauſe they have not the perfect art to refine it; though nevertheleſſe they make a great Trade of it. They have Melons of incredible bigneſſe, yellow, red, and white, much more delicate then Provence or Spain hath. Throughout the whole Iſland there growes a root they call Igname, or Patata, Igname or Inhame a root. from whence the invention was brought to Spain, of taſte like a [Page] Cheſtnut, but more dainty, particularly when it is boyled, rather then roaſted. This root is of great uſe to the poorer ſort, which though it be produced from ſeed ſown, yet it multiplies in a prodigious manner, being cut in gobbits.

They have Dates of five ſeverall kindes, and other trees which yield them excellent drinks, beſides fruits to eat, and ſtrings which they pull out to make Akpargates, or thread ſhooes after the Spaniſh manner, which they call Pargas or Otayas: they have alſo thread from another tree called Langir, or Coatir in another language, whereof they make cloth as fine as ſilk.

Then from one certain nut they draw oyle ſundry wayes, preſſing what is within, and pouring thereon hot water, which makes an oyle like that of Almunds, or elſe preſſing a little kernell which growes within the nut, when 'tis ripe like that of a Paſtique, or Pumpion; Likewiſe from a grain or nut which is in common Dates, they draw a very good oyle, and the ſtrong prickles which grow about the leaves ſerve them for needles to few their ſayles, and the apparell of the poorer ſort; which needle they call Cambiza.

As for the drinks they make of theſe trees, being drawne by diſtillation they are incorruptible, otherwiſe they grow ſowre and dead in four and twenty houres; they make a certain compound of the juyce of Igname or Joucas, which in taſte is like good Aqua vitae, and mixt with ſugar and cinamon, is a good and kindly nouriſhment.

The Inhabitants of this Iſland take thought for nothing but how to live jovially, and which is admirable, in ſo great a number of people, you ſee neither beggers nor vagabonds, as in Europe.The occupations of the Inhabitants of Madagaſcar. They all live happily without injuring others; ſome content with little, others will have more, and no man wants imployment, if he will take paines. Here ſome give themſelves to gardening, others there labour in the Mines, ſome apply themſelves to Merchandizes, others to fiſhing, with their boats made of neats leather, ſo well joyned and liquored, that water cannot pierce them.

They live in perfect amity, ſuch as if one man take fiſh, he parts freely with it to him that asks him. Some there are who addict themſelves to hunt wild beaſts, whereby they get skins of price, as Ermins, the Girafe ſtriped with white and red, which breed in this Iſle, with all ſorts of wild creatures, as Elephants, Rhinoceros, which they call Couzan, and a certain ſort of Aſſes, which are like the uſual Aſſes, being almoſt all dapled gray, and white or black, and bay; they will ſuffer you to come cloſe to them, but if you touch them, though never ſo gently, they ſpring away with moſt ſtupendious leaps.

Birds of Paradice.There are in this Iſland ſix kingdoms, the Kings whereof delight much in field-ſports, as Hawks, for the Hare, and for the Partridge, [Page] which with them are called Gits, and others for fiſhing. Here are likewiſe the birds of Paradiſe, which live on Muſchroms, and fragrant flowers; ſome call them Lapi, others Mie: The Rivers feed Tortoiſes to a wonderful bigneſſe, excellent meat, and very fat, but are ſo laxative, they cauſe even Diſenterias, as it happened to the Sieur Amador and his company, of whom we made mention in the firſt part.

We finde there likewiſe Crocodils,Crocodils, and the manner how to take them. in the world again none ſo cruell and bloody, which come ſometimes above a mile on land to feed on beaſts, which they devoure at a morſell. They are tataken with hooks faſten'd to a ſtrong twiſted cord made of canes, by them called Reſtant, laying ſome raſchal ſheep or goat for a bait, which the Crocodile ſwallows at a bit, and ſo is caught.

'Tis almoſt incredible, what hideous cries, groans, and tears, this creature ſends forth, finding himſelf taken; as if foreſeeing, he were now to be the fiſhers diet, who feaſt it merrily, the fleſh being white, in taſte like Capon, and of an excellent favour, but in Lent 'tis not to be eaten.

For which reaſon ſome have thought Amber gris to come from this creature, though there is more likelihood that it comes from the bottome of the Sea, and not from a fiſh as we ſaid elſewhere.

To conclude, the Iſland is ſo plentiful of cattle, that they have often given a fat ſheep for a Counter, or a leafe of paper; and a Marriner told me for truth, that being at the point of Cape Salido, to take in freſh water; an inhabitant of the Town of Antipara, gave him four Cowes for a ſcurvie piece of leather, he was about to throw into the Sea with his dead Maſter.

I remember Sieur Amador told me, how that paſſing through this Iſland, Alitadir King of Janiharou ſent for him to have a piece of Scarlet, and that being upon a River imbarked with a Mahometan, they ſayled two dayes compleat from the mouth of the River; then landed, where were ready for them two Chariots drawn by four bufflers a piece, which brought them to the King.

This River is called Janiharou from the name of the chiefe Town, where they have extream heats in the month of February, Janiharou a Town and River. which is their Summer. It takes name from a fair fountain called Maraca Jenehar, that is, the fountain of Janiharon, then joyning with another called Marouca, it divides into two large ſtreames, the one whereof preſents it ſelf directly face to face with Natal on the Ethiopian Coaſt; the other ſwelled with that of Macarahou, falls down to twenty two degrees near the coaſt — of S. Auguſtine, which is in twenty three. There we ſuffered ſuch violent heat, that each moment we were forced to go into the river or ſea for refreſhment.

Theſe people are of Olive hue, their humour docile enough, The women are kind and courteous; handſomely clad in Mantles; of amiable complexion, and take much delight in dancing to the [Page] muſick of certain Cimbals, which as they ſay they learnt from the Iſles of Comore, or the Iſles of Theives, not far from thence, Ethiopia lying betwixt them in twelve degrees and a halfe, and 200. miles from Mozombique. Iſles of Theives. Of theſe Iſles of Cemore there are five principal, which are of reaſonable greatneſſe, beſides many ſmall ones; almoſt all inhabited, whereof the moſt conſiderable is Malaquil.

As for the Edifice in the Iſles of S. Laurence, their houſes are covered with the leaves of Coco tree,The Coco tree. whence they produce their principal ſuſtenance; as the people of the Maladines doe, and have great ſtore, becauſe this tree furniſhes them with all neceſſaries, though here they are not ſo good, as with the Maladines.

They have moreover another root called Joguia, which being dried yields flower, whereof they make a very delicate pudding, mingling it with milk, with ſugar, or honey, and with the yelks of egs.The root Joguia. They eat alſo, as likewiſe throughout all India, bats of extraordinary greatneſs, and very good taſte. They who dwell along the Sea coaſt, apply themſelves chiefly to fiſhing, making their houſes of turfs — dried at the Sun, or of Date leaves, aptly tempered with ſtone and morter, and ſome again for coverings, uſe the ſhells of large Tortoiſes, which live both on land and water like Crocodiles.

CHAP. III. The Cuſtomes of the Inhabitants of Belugara, or Monopotapa. Salubrious windes venting from a Cave.

AT our departure from the Iſle of S. Laurence, we ſteer'd our courſe towards the Cape of bona Eſperanza, and in a ſhort ſpace arrived at the Arme del Spiritu Sancto, a renowned river which deſcends from high Ethiopia, and thence in two dayes we reacht to Belugara, Belugara. a Town ſcituated upon the river of S. Lucie in the kingdome of Monopotapa, below Cephala in five degrees beyond the Tropick Capricorne, upon the ſide of the Mountain Bezula which ſtands in the middle. Winter is there in the months of June, July, Auguſt. The country is fertile, and abounding with game for Chaſe. As we ſtay'd by the way to refreſh our ſelves at a fountain, and make ſome repaſt, The Sieur de la Courbe, of whom I made mention in the firſt part, went on hunting, where he took ſome Hares, and many white Partridges, which did us much courteſy. A league or thereabouts from the Town is a Cave, where during the violence of the heat the windes are very frequent, as in the Monſons of the Eaſt, and the Tournacaui of Potozzi, or Peron. And to make free paſſage [Page] for this anniverſary gale, the inhabitants have ſlit the Mountain,Windes which preſerve bodies incorruptible. through which it blowes to the very Town, refreſhing it exceedingly, and purifies bodies in ſuch ſort, that it renders them in a manner incorruptible. For which reaſon the Belugarians and they of Zenzana, and Albigara burying their dead in this Cavern, the winde dries them and preſerves them from corruption, as I noted in another place of another Mountain,Lib. 11. c. 2. and like windes blowing in the Eaſt Indies.

The People are either Idolaters or Mahometans. The greateſt part at the riſing of the Sun, proſtrate themſelves many times on the ground, muttering between their teeth I know not what prayers; and all, as well Moores as Gentiles,Chriſtians in B [...]lugara. are given to theſe ceremonies. You have there men both white and black, well civilized and courteous, of handſome carriage and addreſſe; there are amongſt them ſome who have received documents of Chriſtianity; for one of them obſerving one of ours reading in a Primmer, had a curioſity to ſee what it was, where perceiving a Croſſe, he kiſſed it with tears, requiring of Captain Inart if there were a Prieſt in our company, and being brought to one called Chaouſandre, who afterwards became a Capchin, he confeſſed to him, and told us that he had formerly travailed three hundred leagues to finde one to confeſſe to, but at that time he was not in capacity for voyages of that length being guide of a family; that he had but one ſingle wife, though fully as perverſe as ſhe was faire, and deprived of the light of Religion, as the reſt of his houſhold were.

He feaſted us at his home with great kindeneſſe, and we preſented him with a Roman Primmer, which he held in high eſteem, for the pictures onely; for our characters were unknown to him, nor did he underſtand our language. He beſtowed upon us a Girafe and a ſheep all white, but the head, which was black, as they are all in that countrey. For Girafes, they are docile beaſts, white and ſpotted with red, their fore-feet very ſhort in proportion to the hinder, with a Deers head, and very ſhort horns, there is great ſtore of them in the land of Cefala.

CHAP. IV. The Country of Monbaze, Melinde, and Quiloa: the nature of the Inhabitants, and the reſpect they bear their PRINCE.

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HAving left Bulgara, we run all along that ſtretched forth coaſt of Ethiope, where we viſited Melindo, Monbaze, Quiloa, Mozambique, Cefala, and other Townes, for truck of our commodities.

The country of Monbaze takes name from a Town and Iſland ſo called, which on the Eaſt hath the vaſt Indian ſea, on the North Melinde, on the South Quiloa, and Weſtward the ſpacious lake of Zaflan, and the kingdome of Xoa belonging to the King of Abyſſins. Heretofore this kingdome was ſubject to a great Prince ſtyled the King of Monemuge, neighbouring to Ethiope, Monatapa, The town of Monbaze. and Mozambique. As for Monbaze 'tis a Town about the rate of Monpellier, built almoſt after the Italian model: the people are of Olive colour, affable, courteous, and well apparelled, ſpecially the women, who delight in rich apparel.

There is a good Sea-port, ſtrong, and much frequented by the Indians, who drive a great trade in ſpices, drugges, and precious ſtones, which much enriches the place, and brings a great conflux of people from Zanzbar, Penda, Agair, and other parts of Africa. There is gold, ſilver, precious ſtones, and Ivory in great quantity. The country abounds in good fruit of all ſorts, particularly in Citrons and Oranges of prodigious bigneſſe, and of excellent taſte, whereof the rind is ſweet, and good to eat. There are likewiſe Peaches without ſtones, but of little ſavour, Pomegranates exceeding large; and above all, excellent waters, freſh and light, herein ſurpaſſing Quiloa, which is defective.

The People are of a ſweet diſpoſition, contrary to other Maritime places, where the natives are ordinarily mutinous, and litigious. We had there an Hoſt called Franceſco Coſmel, of complexion between black and white, as he were born of a Father black, and a Mother white, he gave us teſtimonies of a generous ſoule, and ſeemed to be of good extraction. He lodged us in the chief chamber of the houſe hanged with Matte, both walls and floore, with abundance of well-wrought cuſhions, with an artificial fountain on one ſide which water'd little trees, where was a whole flight of birds of Paradiſe male and female, which contrary to the common opinion had feet, as I ſaid elſewhere; whereupon I ſhall relate a pleaſant paſſage which befell us. My companion reſolving to go [Page] to a jolly town not far thence to put off ſome Safron which he had, was taken with an extreme cholick, which made him go to ſtool oftner then he would, in our chamber there was a little Ciſtern full of pure water, he finding himſelf preſſed, and conceiving this Ciſtern to be a place of purpoſe for diſcharge, ſeats himſelf on it.A merry paſſage, ſee the like ſtory in the firſt part.

By misfortune there was a young maid waſhing clothes, who finding this naſty ſhowre fall upon her, began to cry out, and I that knew what the matter was, immediately went out; pretending I had ſomething to buy; ſo as my companion, who ſuſpected nothing, was amazed, when he ſaw two ſlaves fall upon him with cudgels, who cured his diſeaſe with a new ſort of Cataplaſme.

Returning up again I ſaw this lucky adventure, and my companion as well as he could defending himſelf. In fine, after many excuſes, the matter was taken up, by mediation of twenty ſeven Miticales, each being in value four French Livers; which my companion was forced to pay for mundifying the Ciſtern. True it is he was cured of his cholick, but ſo aſhamed of the accident, he had not confidence to ſuppe with us.

The Territory of Monbaze is of no great extent, confining on one ſide on the Town of Orgaba, or Orgabea ſeated on the river Onchir, which runs to powre it ſelf into Nile near Mount Amara, where the kingdome of Melinde begins, having Amara on the North, and Monbaze on the Eaſt. The common diet of the country is honey and rice, their drink Areta, Fatigar, and Belinganze, which they keep in great Oxe hornes, cut in ſeverall figures, that they may be the more uſeful.

This ſort of veſſel is much uſed in the Ethiopian Court, as well for their capacity, as their not being liable to break, eſpecially with the Monbazians, who nevertheleſſe will make no uſe of any but of a beaſt that had his throat cut, deriving this cuſtome from the Jews.

In their traffick with Merchants they apply charms to force them to their intent, a thing I never obſerved in any other nation.The manner how they receive Embaſſadors. When notice comes that ſome neighbour Prince hath ſent Embaſſadours to their King upon affaires of importance, they doe then much more. They take a wilde goat by them called Machorati, and having laid ſome charmes upon it, mounted upon his Elephant, the Prince paſſes three times over him with moſt horrible cries and imprecations, which their Labis or Prieſts pronounce againſt their Singiſcan or Demon: Then having made three cries more in manner of prayer, they require to know if this Embaſſadour comes for Peace or Warre, if it be anſwered for Peace, they march before him with abundance of perfumes, and ſignes of joy; and being arrived at the Town, the perfumes are caſt into the water, to ſhew that all this was only to do him honour, and to endear him. But if it be for Warre, they teſtify the plain contrary.

[Page]I have heard ſince my return, that the town and Port of Monbaze is by the Portugals taken and demoliſhed.

Melinde Town and Kingdom.For a draught of Melinde, which is a kingdom lying above Monbaze, and ſubject to the ſame King, the Capitall Town of the ſame name is ſcituate on the ſea in two degrees and a halfe beyond the Line, the Port is at ſome diſtance, by reaſon that on the water ſide 'tis peſter'd with many craggy rocks, which render the landing dangerous.Melons of excellency, The country abounds in all ſorts of Fruits and Viands, bread excepted; inſtead whereof they make uſe of Parates, which are both good and wholeſom. They have likewiſe variety of fleſh which they roaſt and dreſſe in ſeveral manners, the fruits excell, and chiefly the Melons, called there Dormous, admirable in taſte, which they eat not but in Summer, becauſe they are exceſſive cooling, and as it were freeze the ſtomack, being nevertheleſſe not ill of digeſtion, or cauſing chollicks; what quantity ſoever one eats. They are for the moſt part Idolaters, except ſome Mahometans, who diſſemble their Religion; for which cauſe, the Prince hath but a ſiniſter look for them. This Prince hath a high veneration from his people, who ſubjugate their ſhoulders for his ſupport, burn perfumes to him when he appeares in publick, as they do likewiſe for all Princes or Potentates who come to viſit them. But indeed this Prince is moſt laudable in this particular, that he himſelf will take cognizance of whatſoever is acted by his Governours and Magiſtrates, and if any one impleads other before him, it behoves him on the price of his head, to be aſſured of the fact.

When a complaint is made to him, immediately he ſends for the party accuſed: If he be a Noble man, when he arrives at the Palace gate,The Prince of M [...]linde a g [...]ave Juſticiar. he gives notice to the Officers of his preſencce, by the ſound of a Cornet, who cauſe him to aſcend ſingle before the Prince, who with great patience hears hoth parties in preſence of his Council. If [...]oth are found culpable, the inferiour is remitted to the ordinary Juſtice, who puniſheth him with ſtripes of cudgell, the Grandee is puniſhed by fine: But if the Noble-man prove only guilty, the King leads him to his chamber, where being diſrobed, proſtrate on the ground, craving pardon, he receives from the Kings own hand certain ſtripes with a cudgell, more or fewer, in proportion to the crime and ſervices he hath done. Which done he reveſts, kiſſes the Kings feet, and with all humility thanks him for the favour received. Then without further ſhew of any thing attends the King to his Hall, who in preſence of all the Court, gives him a diſmiſſion, and recommends [...]o him adminiſtration of Juſtice to his people, cauſes him to be accompanied out of town with ordinary ceremony, ſo as what hath paſſed, is not perceived by any, and this Grandee returns as well content, as if he had received a rich treaſure. The charges of ſuit are defrayed out of the Kings Coffers, or if he pleaſe by the [Page] criminall, without the knowledge of any one.

When as this King who by his ſubjects is eſteemed a Saint, makes a progreſſe into the Country, he is mounted on a horſe richly trapp'd, and going out of his Palace paſſes over a new kill'd heifer, where the people raiſe a loud outcry, and inſtantly go view the entrails of the beaſt, to judge by ſorcery if this voyage ſhall be ſucceſſeful, or no. When he makes entrance into any town, all the faireſt Ladies walk before him with cenſers of perfumes burning in their hands, ſome ſinging his encomiums, others melodiouſly playing on Baſons, with fine nods, endeavouring to render themſelves as complaiſant as poſſibly they can.

To conclude, their territories confine upon the country of Zangueliac and Ethiopia. Aquiloa is a Kingdome with an Iſle and a Town of the ſame appellation, where the Portugals have a Fort, the Governour whereof drives a main trade by means of the veſſels he ſends for the Indies. The King of Quiloa was Lord heretofore of Mozambique.

All theſe are countries of Zanguebar, or Zanzibar, which comprehends that large extent of ground which lyes between the Oriental and Occidental ſeas, of the people called Cafres. Zanzibar, properly ſpeaking, is an Iſland which faces directly Monbaze, but the country I intend to ſpeak of is Zanguebar, named ſo by the Arabians, becauſe in their language, this word Zangue ſignifies black, and this country for the greateſt part is inhabited by Blacks. Mark Pol eſteems it an Iſland of above a thouſand leagues in circuit, being water'd with many rivers, making as it were an Iſland.

Concerning the Town of Quiloa 'twas built,Quiloa, Zanguefar, Zanzebar. as Tradition ſayes, above ſix hundred years paſt by one Hali ſon of Hocen King of Siras in Perſia, who came to live there. Women here go exceeding well arrayed, richly adorned with Jewels and Ivory bracelets quaintly wrought, which upon death of husband and allies, they break in ſigne of ſorrow, as the men forbear to eat and ſhave their hair, as I before recounted of the Eaſt Indies.

CHAP. V. Of Mozambique, the nature of the Inhabitants. Cefala. Mines of gold in Ophir. Belugara.

HAving paſſed by Viada, where the people for the beſt part dwell upon the river Dumes or Humes, The river Humes. ſince the vaſt inundation of this and other rivers in the country, upon the day of Saint Abiblicane, we entered the kingdome of Mozambique; this River runs towards the Eaſt, paſſing by the foot of the Mountain Zet, [Page] out of which iſſues one of the heads of Nile, the other from the Mount Betzoan, which ancients called the Mountains of the Moon ſtreaming towards the points Maeſtro and Tramontanus. The branch which runs Southward, is divided not far from the head by a rock into two ſtreams, the one watering the land of Sefala, the other running to diſgorge it ſelf in the ſea right over againſt the Iſle of Saint Laurence.

Mozambique. Mozambique is a ſmall Iſland hard upon the firm land, with a Haven and a Fort of the Portugals within fifteen degrees of the Line. 'Twas ſubject to the King of Quiloa, till the Portugals became Maſters, where now in their voyages from Portugal to the Indies is one of their ſecureſt harbours to reſt and refreſh themſelves. The greateſt part of the Inhabitants, who are all Blacks, profeſſe Mahometiſme, the reſt Idolatry.

They upon the firm land are abſolute brutes, going ſtark naked, their privities only covered with a cotten cloth. Adorers of the Sun, like them of Sephala ſpeaking the ſame language as they; their traffick is Gold, Ivory, and Ebony; their chief food the fleſh of Elephants. They delight much to parget their bodies with a reddiſh earth, perſwading themſelves that ſo dawb'd, the world ſhewes not finer men. The better ſort paint themſelves with a certain Folliage, which to make azure, they uſe Indico and other compounds. There are amongſt them who bore their lips like the Americans, enchaſing ſome delicate ſtone.

Salomons gold.Some ſay this count [...]y in times paſt depended upon Ethiopia, and and 'twas hither Salomon ſent his Fleets for gold, and that the Queen of Saba ſtil'd her ſelf likewiſe Queen of Mozambique and Melindo; moreover that their ſpeech reſembles in ſome ſort that of Senega. Though to ſpeak truth, 'tis more likelihood Salomon fetched his gold from the mines of Sefala, which are not farre thence, or may be from the Eaſt Indies.

Zinguebar.Touching the country of Cefala, or Sefala and Zinguebar, which takes up in a ſort the whole breadth of that end of Africa, even to the Cape of Bona Eſperanza, which coaſt is inhabited with Blacks, called Cafares, or Cafres, they appertain to the great Empire of Monomotapa, of which we are to ſpeak preſently.

In particular for what concerns Zinguebar, or Zanzibar, which ancients called Agezymba, and which they placed above the high and interiour Ethiopia, 'tis as it were an Iſland environed with ſeas, and rivers, 'tis a plentifull country of all kinds of commodities for livelihood.

The town of the ſame appellation in twenty four degrees and a half, hath a good Port well frequented upon a lake, excellently well built, of ſtone, lime and ſand, after the manner of the Italian Towns, embelliſhed with pleaſant gardens, entirely beguirt with water, as Meroc is, but there is no drink but the draw-well. The Princes Palace ſeems very lofty, which defends the [Page] mouth of the haven, before which there is a convenient place for calking veſſels. 'Tis ſcituate in the beſt part of Monomotapa, and fronts Eaſtward with the Province of Simen or Simis, which joynes with the land of Melinde. The Inhabitants are well civilized, and 'tis thought this is the ſame Monomotapa which lies upon the river of the Holy Ghoſt, where all the houſes are flat roofed — as they are at Naples, and the Palace royall like that at Calicut, there is not one but hath his Alfongi, which is a boat of one peice. The Preſterian or Natahachi, Abaſſins. and Abaſſi hath often attempted to take in this country, but failed, only he plundered it, taking away a number of ſlaves to make Chriſtians of his kinde. Amongſt his other warres he took the Region of Canfild, which Geographers place where they ſhould not.

This country ſtretches very far even to the lake of Zaflan, The Iſle Zunan. which makes the faire Iſland of Zunan or Zanan, near which is Garga, or Gorga, the capitall town of the countrey, beautified with pleaſant gardens, and abounding in fowle and cattle, rice, and other commodities for livelihood. This lake of Zaftan is as 'twere a wide and vaſt ſea of ſweet water;The lake Zaflan. lying cloſe upon the great Province of Gazaſele, which confines upon Cafates, Cara, Eſaui, Noua, Ambian, all which meet at Agag, ſcituate between the two Cataracts called by the Inhabitants Zembra, with the entire kingdome of Aygamar. As to Cofala, 'tis likewiſe a reaſonable large country, rich and fertile at leaſt from the lake Gourantes to the Cuama: for the reſt of the Coaſt,Magnice a river. from the River Magnice to the Cape, is but barren. This Magnice, or the River de Eſpiritu Sancto, as the Portugalls call it, riſes from one of the lakes whence Nile takes its Origine, called Zembra; or as others will have it more probably from Zachaf, and croſſing the mountaines of the Moon, and the great Empire of Monomotapa, deliver themſelves in the Meridian Sea, in twenty three degrees and a halfe forth of the ſame lake Cuama or Coueſme takes his birth, which diſgorges it ſelfe at ſeven mouthes, a little above the Cape of Courantes, in ſort that this kingdome of Sefala is invironed with two great Rivers, which towards Mid-Auguſt make exceeding inundations, and fatten the ſoyle, as Nile, by its overflowes, fertilizes the countries of Egypt, Beniermi; Nubie, Tamatas, Soba, Bugamidei, Goyame, and others.

Theſe two rivers then launch out of the lake Zaire and Zembre or Goyame as ſome think, and moderne writers ſay,Zaire and Zembre. from a lake called Zuman, or Zuama, or Sachaf, as two great branches, one whereof which is Magnice, runnes into the ſea, as at a place by the Portugalls called Punca, or Labras [Page]del Spiritu ſancto. The other is called Fuama, that is, faint, becauſe it failes at threeſcore and fifteene miles from Cefala, and is loſt in the ſand, whence it riſes again afterwards. The large lake of Zembre bears great veſſels, and ſome report they have ſailed upon it above two hundred and fifty leagues. It receives other rivers, as the Paname ſixty leagues beneath Cefala, others about twenty leagues, as the Libia Mariancia, called by the Abiſſins Eſhuſula and Sancola, both great inundations, laying the whole country under water, and in Marſhes of difficult paſſage.

Rivers in Suama.The ſoyle of Cefala is exceeding rich in gold, and the river Cuama brings it ready fn'd in ſmall threads which are found in the ſand, ſo as this river paſſes through mines of gold, for which reaſon the Portugals by permiſſion of a Mahometan Prince who rules the Country, have here built a Fort to facilitate their negotiation with the Inhabitants. Before they arrived here, ſome Mahometans of Quiloa and Magadoxo built the town of Sefala in one of the Iſlands made by Geueſme, Divers rivers in Couama. this river augmented by Paname which takes birth near the town Amara, and ſwelled by Laanga, who leads with it the Arrouia, and joyns with Monoua at the Ruenia, and the Inedita called Iradi by the Ethiopians, which together water many countries, making vaſt inundations and Marſhes, which render the land ſo dangerous to paſſe, that there needs well experienc'd guides, and to make Mount Maſima, by the natives called Manica, the way to Ethiopia, there are many fair Provinces,Goldmines. rich in ore of gold and ſilver. They term the gold mine Manica, the country Matuca or Mataca, and thoſe which get the gold Bothones. There is another an exceeding rich one in the Province of Torta or Toroa, and in that of Gag or Agag one of ſilver, as there is alſo at Bocaua or Batua, Boror, Tacouir, and other places, and the ſoyle is univerſally very fertile; as likewiſe at Potozzy and Perou. To avoid theſe immenſe Marſhes, as I ſaid, one is forced to take the way of Mount Manica, bending towards Ambea, and Sabaim, where at this day are ſeen huge ruines of ancient ſtructures, which reſemble the greatneſſe and magnificence of thoſe of the ancient Romanes, chiefly in the kingdomes Batua and Toroa, where are the moſt ancient mines of gold in Africa. Alvarez teſtifies, that in the mines of Chaxumo, there are ſtones of 64 fathoms, ſix in breadth, and three height. There you finde likewiſe ſtore of ſtones of exceſſive bulke ſo excellently polliſhed, they never loſe their luſtre, fixed together without Cement, ſo fine, it is not perceivable.

In like manner we finde there Remainders of walls of above twenty five handfulls thick, with certain hieroglyphick characters engraved, not to be read, as the like is obſerved in Perſia among the ruines of the town Perſepolis. Many do conceive 'twas from hence Salomon fetcht his gold, as I ſaid elſewhere; [Page] and theſe great ruines to have been of that Ages building, and by the ſame King.

Howſoever we took not this road by the Mountain, for being come from the Cape Gourantes, with a Portugall Captain called Baccheo, a fiery and inſolent perſon, with whom we had contracted for our paſſage, with deſign to come for Spain, by the Cape of Bona Eſperanza, and along the coaſt of Africa, we were conſtrained to go on ſhore at Agoas de ſan Biaſio, by ſome called the coaſt of S. Rafuel, to avoid the tyranny of this Captain.The author changes the deſign of his firſt voyage. 'Tis ſcarce credible what diſcommodities one ſuffers in theſe Portugal veſſels; for though he ſhift his clothes and linnen a hundred times the day, he is eaten up with lice; have you need but of a glaſſe of water, you muſt make inſupportable ſubmiſſions to a very boy, conteſt every evening for your lodging, run every hour to the drudgery of the ſhip, and depend on a Captain more cruell then a Comet; finding my ſelf in this diſtreſſe, I reſolved to disbark at what rate ſoever, and I took my time when I ſaw them putting ſome Hogs-heads in boat, to put in a little cheſt of mine alſo covered with red leather, and locked, pretending I went to fell ſome commodities. Being now on land, I followed a path towards a village called Git Bulgara with my mantle on my ſhoulders where meeting by the way with a country-man, who underſtood me not, becauſe I ſpoke Indian, he only apprehended ſome Arabian words, and made ſignes to me, that at the next village I ſhould be underſtood, and helped me himſelf to carry my Baggadge. Being come to a Fiſhers houſe we found him mending his nets, who at firſt accoſt cryed to me, Afartas, as to bid me I ſhould not be afraid. I took him by his countenance to be an honeſt man, he had many children, and amongſt the reſt two tall girles, who gazed upon me with wonder at the ſtrangeneſſe of my habit, which was Perſian, with long Baſes, a Caſſock, and a veſt like a Honger-line over all of a neat ſtuffe: I opened my cheſt, and took out ſome bracelets made of Venetian Beads of ſeveral colours, wherewith I preſented them,The courteſie of ſavages. which they accepted with much content, even raviſhed with the prettineſſe of theſe little toyes of glaſſe: but the Father reſtored them to me again, and rebuked them ſharply for having taken them, conceiving them to be precious ſtones, till with entreaties I prevailed with him to take them, and gave them back to his daughters, who had never before ſeen themſelves ſo richly deck'd. This good man having hidden my cheſt, and given me notice by ſignes that I ſhould not ſpeak a word of it to any one, leſt it ſhould be enquired after, cauſed a Moor to be brought to me, who had on his arme a Croſſe, by whom I underſtood he had been at Tunis, and, what was more content to me, told me I might travell throughout Africa as far as Cair and Alexandria, going from town to town, and from dwelling to dwelling, with ſecurity.

[Page] The Abifſins imprint a Croſſe on their fleſh.I had a curioſity to know why he bore that croſſe upon his arme, he replyed, his Father lived at Magadeli, and was a Mahometan, but that he and the reſt to exempt themſelves from paying tribute to the N [...]gus, imprinted this mark, that they might be known for Chriſtians. In the mean while my courteous Hoſt killed a kid, and made ready plenty of fiſh to entertain me, adding that, though I ſhould ſtay a twelve moneth entire in his houſe, he could not make ſatisfaction for the preſent I had given his daughters, who would get husbands much the ſooner. And really all the neighbours near at hand flocked to behold and admire them with theſe ſplendid bracelets, and chriſtall pendants red and garniſht with guilt, which I hung at their ears when we roſe from table, notwithſtanding their fathers oppoſition, who was aſhamed and confounded at my prodigality. Some three houres after, or thereabout, the boat belonging to our ſhip came to ſhore, where I preſently ſaw my Comrades arrive, who had been at ſharp words with the Captain, for that he permitted me to leave the ſhip, and importunely entreated me to return, rather then to expoſe my ſelf ſingle to the hazard of being devoured by wild beaſts, till being ſatisfied by the Moore, that we might ſecurely travel through the midſt of Africa, they took my deſign themſelves, and reſolved to go ſtrait to Alexandria by the River Cuame, which is a branch of Zaire as I ſaid before; which falls very gently; and the ſea at full tide comes in, and goes above twenty five leagues upward; upon this deſign we bought two Almadies, wherein we ſtowed our carriage, Sieur de la Courbe, Caſſis my companion and I, with our Moore, and one Iſmaro who came aboard with us at the Cape of Courantes to go for Lisbon, we took our leave of our Hoſte, whoſe name was Adilau, and going along up the River, we arrived the firſt evening at a Town called Alzizir, the Lord whereof, whom we preſented with a paire of knives, treated us with much humanity, and having feaſted us with good cheer, lodged us upon cotton quilts.

On the morrow we took the tyde, and in our Almadies going up the river, he met two men, one of which ſpake Arabian to us, which was much comfort to us, he embarked with us, promiſing to wait on us three Moones, that is, three moneths for a Capos which I gave him. At night we landed at Aiaſita, a convenient town, but meanly built, whoſe ſituation my companion took with his Aſtrolabe, and found it diſtant from the Line twenty four degrees. Being arrived, although there were no danger for the reſt of our journey, we thought beſt to go together to Belugara, to viſit the Lord of the place, and get a paſſe from him. He was very glad to ſee us, and much the more for a preſent we made him of a little neat basket, a diverſe coloured glaſſe, and a pair of knives, which he ſo highly eſteemed, that he cauſed us to dine at his own table, and gave us a piece of Parchment of Azure colour, [Page] about the bigneſſe of a card for play, with a writing for our paſſage; gave us a favour two Gazells, and two Pea-Birds, and cauſed four ſmall Elephants be made ready to carry us to our Barks, which lay ſome two leagues from thence, and he himſelf bore us company for a quarter of a league, mounted on a another little Elephant decently trapped with cotton cloth of ſeveral colours. The reſt of the day we traveld not far by reaſon the tide was ſpent, as alſo for that we went a ſhooting in the woods with our Guns, where we found ſuch abundance of white rabbets, that they were troubleſome, and great ſtore of tame Partridges, and went through no other then onely the town called Langada, belonging to the Prince of Ataſinga. The Candi came himſelf to viſit us, inviting us to ſtay that night there, but in reſpect the day was far ſpent, we held on our way, and arrived ſomething late at a town called Suguelane, ſubject to the Subacchi, Suguelane. whither we ſent one of our men before to take a lodging for us. On a ſudden behold a company of young girles, who came to us with Pipes, and Tabors, made of the bark of a tree of one entire piece, drawn over with certain fruit, which ſound much like Cimballs, danceing and tripping to the muſick of theſe inſtruments. Sieur de la Courbe gave them a piece of money, which on one ſide had certain characters, on the other a crown'd head, with a kind of Noſegay in the form of a Pyramid, with a great many flowers round about. They beheld this piece with much curioſity, and one of them holding it aloft to the view of the party, the reſt fell to dancing after their faſhion, till ſuch time as perceiving a troop of about fifty men, wrapt in woollen cloth, which covered their whole bodies, we made a ſoft retreat to our Barks. Then we ſaw in the middle of the company one raiſed above the reſt, borne on a Palanquin, having on his head a Miter, enriched with ſtones, who being come near our boates, deſcended, and having ſaid Afrares, which ſignifies come nigh, entered affably into one of our Barks, and ſaluted us with the word Erga [...]i, which is, welcome. The Sieur de la Courbe underſtanding this to be the Lord of Suguelane, kiſſed his hand, and by an Interpreter delivered him the occaſion and deſign of our voyage. This whole night was divided into good chear, and dancing with the wives of this Potentate, the Principall of whom, The Sieur de la Courbe preſented with a chain of various colour'd glaſſe beads, which caus'd as much wonder and envie in the other Ladies, as contentment in the Prince, who reciprocally gave him a cup of Euate, filled with Pepitaian gold, which he forced upon our country-man by the ſtrength of entreaties, but in retribution, out of the civility naturall to his country, he preſented a guilt Cimeterre with hangers of China work. I likewiſe preſented the Ladies with ſome rare pendants of red Pauſell chriſtall, and very glittering, who immediately caſt off their upper garments, and fell to dancing.

[Page]To conclude, having ſeen Jerma, and Simbada, a great and huge Town erected in the water, where is the right country of Agiſimba, agiſimba. ſtaid fifteen dayes at Rifa, where we became known to the Chanubi or Governour, who gave us good inſtructions for our journey, and brought us better then half the way to Cheticoura in a boat of his; The Sieur de Courbe, and I, who had a particular curioſity to ſee the country, reſolved there to go render a deference to the great Taboqui or Monomotapa, who was at his capital Town of Zanguebar or Monopotapa, who beſtowed many indulgements on us while we ſtaid, our boats being left with the reſt of our company, who had no ſuch curioſity, with order to meet all together at a certain place called Calboute, without parting any more thenceforward. I cannot give a particular account of the diſtance of places, I may be excuſed by reaſon of the deviations and turnings we were forced to make, returning ſometimes the ſame way we came: notwithſtanding I ſhall ſpeak preciſely enough of what concerns Monopotapa.

CHAP. VI. Of Monopotapa, the Princes estates, and Government, his way of living, and the ſingularity of his Country.

Monopotapa.THis Prince is by ſome called the Benemotapa or Benemataxa, and by the native people the Grand Tahaqui, he poſſeſſes ſo large an Empire, that 'tis given for a thouſand leagues in circuit, invironed with ſeas and great Rivers, which render it inacceſſable and inexpugnable; for on the North it hath the vaſt lake Zembré or Zembaré, on the South the Cape of Bona Eſperanza, and on the other ſides the Eaſtern and Weſtern ſeas. Towards the Siroch it ſtretches it ſelf as far as the Mountaines of Manice where the kingdome of Toroca or Toroa takes beginning, whereof the principal town is Zenebra, next is Tatuca rich in gold, ſilver, and ivory.

Then there are the kingdomes of Agag and Boro, which on the Blacks ſide face towards the Beche, on the Weſt towards Tacui, which goes as far as Mozambique. Likewiſe within this Empire the Province of Butua lyes, as alſo that of Simbage or Simbatni, plentiful in Ivory,Mines of ſalt. by reaſon of the great multitude of Elephants, in ſalt of the rock whence good part of Africa is furniſhed, though at dear rates in ſome places; by reaſon of the great diſtance and difficulty of the roads.

Theſe people for the greateſt part are Idolaters, ſtiling their chief God Maziri, the maker of all things; others call him Atuno. [Page] In great reverence they have likewiſe a Virgin by name Peru, and have Monaſteries where live recluſe maids; moreover, they are grand magicians, as they are through the whole country of Guynee. There came a certain one who reported he had paſſed the kingdomes of Candabar, Couzani, Tranſiani, Ʋſbeque, and many other countries of the Eaſt, as China, San, Pegu, Bengale, Beſnagari, Calicut, and the wide ſea of Alondon, to have runne through all the dominions of Preſte John, to have been in the floods of the Torrid without wetting himſelfe, clothed with a meer Sattin, walking upon the clouds, to have paſſed the Zember upon the back of a devill, and to have arrived in the kingdome of Sahama, to finde the Monopotapa to declare his Religion to him, having in few dayes gone thirteen thouſand leagues. He added far more, the particular ſatisfaction he received after ſo long a travell, in that the Prince cauſed four Chriſtians their hateful enemies to be maſſacred, and engaged in honour of their God to pray at the Temple five times the day, under pain of the ſcourge.

The King building a faith in this ſorcerer, made an ordinance that all ſhould yield obedience to this Mulila and his aſſociates, whom they named the Jubacumba.

For the firſt time the people preſented themſelves at their ceremonies, but being abſent the ſecond time, theſe impoſtor Prieſts, coming forth, fell upon them with ſcourges made of Elephants hyde, and beat them moſt rudely, perſevering in this harſh way of treatment, till on a day a young Portugues, called Franciſco Sanche, who lived in the Fort of Safala, being come to the town for trade, and to viſit a Miſtreſſe he had, a Merchants daughter, received ſome laſhes in the ſtreet from theſe magicians, whereupon being ſenſible of his injury, lets flye his cimeterre at one of them, and lays him dead on the ground, without much trouble, confiding in the Kings favour, to whom he had brought a preſent from the Governour of the Fort Henrique Mendez, and they joyning in their defence, he killed four, and wounded four more, then mounted on horſe, and went ſafe off.

The King being told of it fell into laughter, and praiſed the Portugues for his courage, which ingratiated him with his Miſtris; ſo as ſhe after married him.

True it is, this Prince had not long before put ſome Jeſuits to death, but he made them ample ſatisfaction, by putting to death all the Mahometans, who gave him ſuch councell, whereupon the Fathers of Cochin being advertiſed of it, ſent others preſently, who declared to the King the benefit they were to all mankind, in inſtruction and ſalvation of ſouls, and gain'd ſo highly upon his grace, that beſides other particular favours which he did them, he granted free liberty to his people to be converted, and embrace the Chriſtian faith. So it is that Chriſtian faith was introduced by the fathers of the ſociety, where to this day 'tis preſerved [Page] and practiſed by them and the Dominicans, and though the Prince be an Idolater, he is a well-wiſher to the Chriſtians. He holds a ſtately gravity, allowing audience to none but on the knee, nor tergiverſation in retiring. No man hath acceſſe but upon extreme ſubmiſſions, and proſtrating himſelf on the ground on ſix paces diſtance, the Princes anſwers are briefe. He delights at be decked with chains and ſtones as women are, beſtowes little, and loves to be preſented with all curioſities poſſible. He keeps a great Pack or Seraglio of wives, and ſome ſay he hath a guard of armed Ladies, like Amazons, and a number of fierce great dogges.

Madrogan the chief town of Monopotapa.The capitall town where he keeps his Court is called Madrogan, where he hath a ſtately Palace; the houſes are good building, the materialls are wood and loome, which being well tempered and whitened over, are ſufficiently gracefull and inhabitable.

The King muſt not go robed, but after the manner of his Anceſtors; that is, a Caſſock of his own country ſilk, for ſtuffes brought from forrain parts he wears not for fear of poyſon, over this a large and long ſcarfe, like a womans mantle, which comes betwixt his legs, and is brought up to be tucked under his girdle, with a rich handcherchief over his ſhoulders, he hath buskins embroydered with gold, and rich carkanets on his neck, with a band about his hat interwoven with big pearles, rubies, and emeralds. He makes great uſe of Elephants, and of a beaſt called an Alſinge, ſeldome ridden on, which reſembles a hart, never uſing horſes, for that rhere are ſo few.

What is moſt remarkable in this place is, that there is no ſort of priſon, the reaſon, becauſe all matters of juſtice are finally concluded upon the place. Here as in other parts 'tis a crime capitall, to deflowre a maid before her years of maturity, becauſe ſhe ought to be capable of bearing children.

The Kings wives are moſt richly and artificially attired, who live ſeparate in ſeveral apartements, without any knowledge of one another, unleſſe when through ſpeciall grace he convokes them. 'Tis pain of death for him that but goes about the lodgeings of theſe Ladies.

Many Colledges likewiſe where youth is inſtructed in vertue. The Ladies of quality held it an honour to dreſſe the Princes meat, and wait by turnes, taking charge of his diet at meals, at which time he hath Muſicians for his alacrity, but they are hoodblinded, that they may not view his face, and when he drinks, a great perſon calls out aloud, Pray for the Kings health.

His drink is wine of diſtilled Dates, with Manna, Ambar, and Musk. His odours and perfumes for each day, come to two pound weight of gold, provided him by certain Merchants. The Tapers for his ſervice are compounded with odours. When he goes forth in a morning, if the Sun with his rayes have not refined the [Page] ayre, he hath four great perfumed torches borne before him, himſelf being carried by foure Gentlemen, in a Chaire Richly adorned, with a Curtaine, or Canopy over it: an Umbrella, enriched with jewells, and a numerous Attendance of Nobility; Before him goes a Guard of two hundered Maſtiffs, each lead by his keeper; and amongſt theſe (for his deſport) a Buffon. Upon the way he never gives audience to any one, and goes not out of his Pallace, whether on foot, or mounted either on Horſe, Elephant, or Alſigne, but he beſtrides ſome new-killed beaſt (as I related of Monbaſe,) and being paſ'd, they raiſe a loud cry, making inſpection on the intralls, to know, if there be good or bad towards the Prince, whereof their Flamins make report. His Chaire-bearers are dawb'd all over with a red earth, wherin they work folliage of divers ſorts, after the manner of the Mozambiques.

The Royall Pallace is very commodious, flank'd with Towers without, within furniſh'd with cotton cloth of diverſe colours, gold tiſſue: the floore coſtly pav'd with plates of gold cut in figures, with great Candleſticks of ivory hung in chaines of ſilver; Seats enriched with gold Folliage, properly beautified with colours, and Tranſparent Ennamell, and foure Principall Gates, ſumptuouſly wrought; and Guarded by thoſe they call Sequender. His Family is by a number of Officers, very orderly govern'd, who obſerve him with a moſt profound ſilence. While he ſits at Table, you heare not a whiſper, nor the leaſt noiſe. His Veſſell is Purcelan, garniſh'd and ſet round with ſprigs of gold, faſhion'd like Corall. The Captain of the Gate is called Cadira. The Captain of the Guard Acar. The Treaſurer, or he who diſpoſes the Revennues, Cabacada. The Seniglaren is as 'twere Conſtable, or Lieutenant Generall, who are all in array of Honour, of cotton cloth, or ſilke of diverſe colours, girdles inrich'd with ſtones, guilt falchions, or ſwords, with hilts of Maſſie gold carv'd and enammell'd, which is for ordinary; on high dayes, of Diamonds, Rubies, and other ſtones of ineſtimable price. I ſaw there the pommell of an Alfange, or cimeterre, made of one fauſell Ruby of extraordinary bigneſſe, of one peice entire, which was given for the Ranſom of a Province.

For, the Father of Tabachi, who reigned at the time we were there, having disburſ'd a Maſſe of gold-ingotts, to releive the King Vidarati, the other gave him a Province for ſecurity, and when he came to redeem it, Tabachi choſe rather this gorgious ſword, then all the gold they would reſtore him, which was a great quantity.

When this King Marches to the Warr in Magnificence, he weares a Robe of ſilke, with hanging ſleeves, a girdle enchaſ'd with ſtones of peculiar vertues, as the Magicians make him beleive; a Poniard at his girdle, and his ſword borne before him by a Prince, with a ſmall casket of jewells; Himſelf in a Littar, born by Gentlemen, called Singaro, one Page marches before him, with his Umbrella, another with a fan of Auſtrich feathers, which are here in [Page] abundance, ſome as large as oxen. The Princes and Gentry habited in the Turkiſh dreſs, ſaving that for a Turban, they weare little round bonnets, all bravely mounted on Elephants, or Horſes, which are bred and ſuckled by Cowes, and train'd by Jaloſes, ſo expert at it, that running at high ſpeed, they will throw a dart, and riding catch it again, ſo dexterouſly, and with ſuch agility, that without ſtop, they will (ſtooping) take a ſtone off the ground. He hath with him a hundred Elephants, capariſon'd with the skins of Sea-oxen, unpeirceable by any dart, each carrying foure Eunukes, with croſs-bowes, of farther reach then long-bowes. Upon the neck ſits the Beſ [...]gu, who guides and commandes him; and during the clamour and confuſion, layes his mouth to his eare, hollowing to him, that he may underſtand him; and ſo docile is this creature, that he will turn back his long eare, to hearken, and obey what he bids him. This Beſigu beares a bow and quiver, a ſhort ſword, and a coat of Sea-oxe. In the Van of the Elephants march great Maſtiffs, cap'd in the ſame manner, to each a keeper, who hath him linked to his girdle with an iron chaine. In ſumme, tis of Faith with all of them,Subjects zealous to their Prince. that he who dies for his King, gains ſalvation, though in other points they embrace all ſorts of Religions, telling you they cannot be damn'd, for that they are freinds with all the Gods in Heaven, and cheifely with Runia, Adula, Iſaten, thoſe are the Chriſtian Gods.

In the Head of this Maſtiffe-Regiment, Marches a body of Musketteirs, who do good ſervice with their fire-clubs: before them above two thouſand chariots, covered with leather, drawn with ſix oxen, which carry each fifteen men, of thoſe called Arbeſrait, with ſhort guns, like Carabins. One part of the Army may ſhade by day under theſe Charrets, which again will ſhelter them by night, while the Maſtiffs with their keepers lye in the Head, under Tents, who by turns ſtand centinell abroad. The whole Army Marches divided in three Squadrons.

The Eunuques go clothed like women, and do all ſorts of ſervice, dreſs their Maſters diet, made of Rice, Mill, or the Root Igname, whereof they make cakes, which are heavy, and offenſive to the ſtomack, and ſoon hurt it. Their ordinary fare is powder'd beef, milke a little turn'd their drink; The King, & Great ones drink honnyed-wine, which they keep in oxe-hornes, as they do in Ethiopia.

The Vulgar are cloathed only from the girdle downwards, caſing up their privities in little purſes, or pumpions, made hollow like ſheaths, when they go into the field, by reaſon of certain venimous creatures, which ſting cruelly, wherewith ſome have been ſore handled.

All that belong to the Court, are known by the priviledge they have, to weare upon the ſhoulder the Talmaſſaca, or Mantle of ſeverall ſtuffs, according to quality, and of the ſort the King wears it, which is very coſtly, and tis a high Honour to weare the Mantle of the Kings make.

[Page]Poyſon is very common throughout the Empire, and at deare rates, there being ſome that is ſold at a hundred Miticales, or Sequins the ounce; The reaſon ſo much is uſed, is, the rigour of the King, and his Miniſters of Juſtice, who inflict ſuch cruell puniſhments upon Offenders.

For, no ſooner hath a perſon committed a Crime, but he is puniſhed in the inſtant, and if the Crime requires the Offender ſhould be ſuſpended ſome dayes, to render his puniſhment more long and greivous, he is tyed to a tree, with ſtrong guards, there being no Priſons, as I ſaid before; ſo, as the Criminall ſeeing no poſſible eſcape, the beſt remedy is to poyſon himſelf, by a ſpeedy death to cut off the rigour of a long paine.

Nor will the Prince be clothed with any thing but what is made within his own Palace, for fear of poyſon. There are certain trees called Coſcoma, which beare fruit like the golden apple, of violet ſent, which taſtes well, but, being eaten in any quantity, purges ſo violently, that it voids blood, and at laſt is mortall. There are thoſe that ingroſs the poyſon by Patent, for which they pay a high exciſe to the Prince, by reaſon there are ſo many who uſe it for there death, to free themſelves from the Torments of Juſtice, for there is no pardon to be expected for offences. If one injures another without cauſe, he is cruelly baſtinado'd, as they are in Turky, where I have ſeen Judges themſelves, for that they have failed in Juſtice, puniſhed in that manner.

They are laid naked upon the ground, and the Officer, or Executioner, is to beat them with a cord knotted, and buttond at the end, and when the Preſident gives the word, then he doth his Office: having done, he gets up, puts on his clothes again, and gives thanks to the Judges, and Executioner, for their Juſtice, without any diſgrace for the matter, and returns to his function, as if no ſuch thing had happened. This makes the Judges candid in their ſentences. The greateſt Lords and Magiſtrates find the like from the King, as I obſerved before, ſpeaking of Melnida. For, he hath them caſtigated in his preſence privately, and then with inſtructions diſmiſſes to their charge. Juſtice thus ſeverely executed, without exception of perſons, preſerves the Nation in firm Peace and Tranquillity, and gets the King as 'twere a Divine Adoration, ſo really, that as he paſſes thorough the ſtreets, the people praying for him, caſt themſelves to the ground on their face, not preſuming ſo much as to look upon him.

There are ſome Princes and particular Lords, fancy much to hang bells at their neck or leg, conceiving it well becomes them.

At Court every man goes habited as pleaſes him beſt, ſo,Lions skins as there are Courtiers: but they are of the higheſt rank, who, over all, weare a large caſſock, of a Lions skin, made up unſhapely enough, as they uſe in Preſte Johns Court; but no man can weare this Lions garment, but a Prince of the blood. Others [Page] go to the wars in coats of ſea-oxe covered with ivory, to defend the thruſt of a ſword, for 'tis not their cuſtome to cut. They alſo uſe Swords and Bucklers faced with ivory, or skins of ſea-oxe, or Crocodiles, with which all their Rivers abound, the fleſh whereof they eat throughout all Africa and India, as an excellent meat.

CHAP. VII. The Hiſtory and ſtrange adventure of Prince Alfondie. Another of the Amours of Princeſſe Abederane.

BEeing here, we further came to underſtand that Alfumigarbachi, one of the laſt who raigned in this Empire, dying ſuddenly at the age of 47. years, without leaſure to call a prudent councell, or ſettle the ſucceſſion in the child, that of all the reſt, he moſt deſired, amongſt the ſixty four ſons and eleven daughters, which he had by ſeveral wives, whoſe name was Abditſinda, his minion, a gallant and generous Prince.

This change bred great tumults and diſſentions at Court, each of theſe wives ſtriving to thruſt her childs head under the crown, ſo as to attain more eaſily to it, and to gain the Peers and Officers of the Crown, to purchaſe the Scepter, they ſpared not whatſoever was deareſt to them, a cauſe of much blood and murther. Of theſe ſons there were four principal, whoſe names were Abgarou, Adala, Corcut, and Gulman, who having ſeap'd ſome enterpriſes upon their perſons, united themſelves againſt their other brothers, of whom they put to death as many as they could lay hold on, the reſt ſaved themſelves in ſeveral places, flying the cruelty of thoſe who proclaimed Offices and places of truſt to whoſoever brought in their heads. During this ſtate of things, here raged great warres, and many bloody encounters paſſed, wherein two of the four brothers payed their lives, and there remained only Corgut and Gulman, who at laſt reconciled with a general peace, and lived in great amity, copartners in the royalty, ſo as after the modell of Eteocles and Polinice, thoſe ancient Kings of Thebes, each governed ſix moneths by turns. This laſted for a time, till Corcut took to wife the Princeſſe Dafila, an ambitious Lady, who ſix moneths after her nuptials, perſwaded her conſort to murther his brother, and reign without a partner, which was done accordingly, calling him to Court under pretence of communicating ſome affaires of conſequence, and ſo he became ſole King, and reigned thirteen years, till an Uncle of his called Nahi, [Page] in revenge, put both him, his wife, children, and all his allies to death, to the great content of the people, for the hatred he bore to this unfortunate Fratricide. Then they imagined an ancient Prophecy which they kept amongſt them, was accompliſhed: That the Lamb ſhould kill both the Wolfe and his wife: She was called Gildada, and was drowned. But the King of Dafila incenſed with the death of his daughter and Son-in-law, brought a moſt cruell warre upon the new King Nahi, wherein fell numbers on both ſides. In the mean while, amongſt the Princes who had ſcap'd the truculent hands of their brothers, one there was who ſtrayed far off, and got into the kingdome of Deli, where contenting himſelf to live meanly as an unknown private perſon, he purchaſed a ſmall poſſeſſion for his livelihood, and betook himſelf to labour: where taking a wife, ſhe brought him a ſon they called Alfondi; who at ſeven or eight years of age, gave the world great hopes of his perſon, for the excellent parts which began to bud in him, and which made him amiable to all men; in ſo much that addicting himſelfe to the words, as yeares encreaſed his vigour, he did wonders in the ſlaying of Lions, Beares, Tigars, and other furious beaſts, and in all his actions appeared nothing but what was great and noble; inſomuch as hearing ſpoken on day how ſtrenuous a war there raged betwixt Tahachi his unknown great Uncle, and the King of Dafila, he was tranſported with emulation to be a Party, and being furniſhed with a good horſe and Arms, with the ſociety of a Troop of brave young men, he haſted to thoſe parts, where, in the ſervice of Tahachi, he ſoon gave proofe of his Courage, and abilities in warr; but, amongſt others, on one ſignall occaſion which preſented it ſelfe, where, with a ſmall party of Souldiers, he defeated the much more numerous Enemy; and the King of Dafila admiring his Valour, endeavoured under-hand to win him to his ſide, by offering a Daughter of his in Marriage, with a Province, which he had taken from Tahachi. To which Afondi ſeeming to give eare, dexterouſly made uſe of the opportunity, to ſeize upon the Towne of Amazen, a moſt conſiderable place, which exceedingly pleaſed Tahachi, and heightned his affection to him, feeling, I know not what ſecret motion in his ſoul, which puſhed him on to this Dearneſſe, without any apprehenſion that he was his Nephew; but, Good blood, as they ſay, cannot diſſemble. At length, Alfondi, aſſiſted with his Uncles Forces, did ſuch Atcheivements and Exploits, that within ſix Months, he delivered the Empire Zanzibar from the oppreſſion of the Enemy, which obliged Tahachi for recompenſe, to give him one of his Daughters in Marriage, without any deeper knowledg of him, then his Heroick Actions, and Noble Aſpect; forall the Orientall and Meridionall Princes, regard more the Mind, and Phyſiognomy of a Man, then they do the extraction, or Nobility of Blood.

[Page] Alfondi raiſed to ſo high a degree, reflects upon his father the honeſt labourer, whom he omitted not to ſend for, who being arrived, and having declared who he was, begat an unparalleld joy in Tabochi and his whole kingdome, every one ſhedding teares for his diſcovery, rendring praiſe to God, and his juſt providence for reducing things to ſo unhoped for a point, and after ſo many years repoſing the inheritance on him, to whom of right it appertained. For this Prince was immediately acknowledged by all, even Tahachi himſelfe, who voluntarily releaſed the Empire, which he ſurrendred into the hands of his Daughter, his Son-in-law, and Nephew Alfondi, who with the conſent of the good man his Father, to the general joy of all was received and crowned King, and governed with ſo much equity and juſtice, that he gained the hearts and ſuffrage of his people, who adored him as a God: nor failed he in rendring to his Father and Uncle while they lived, a due honour and reſpect. This Prince had reigned forty ſeven yeares, when he arrived in the countrey.

Before I conclude my diſcourſe of Tahachi, and his condition, I ſhall not omit another ſtory, which teſtifies the ſingular juſtice he diſpenſes with indifferency to all his ſubjects. He had conſtituted in the Province of Quame one Abdalami, a perſon of high quality, his confident, a gallant Cavalier, and one who had done moſt ſignal ſervices in the war with the King of Dafila; but being inclined to avarice, and hord up wealth, he played the Tyrant, and ſacked the country to ſatiate his own humour, and the deſires of ſome women he gave entertainment to: When Tahachi was informed thereof, he was much diſpleaſed, for 'twas his rule to maintain equal juſtice, peace and freedome amongſt his ſubjects: Notwithſtanding he concealed his reſentments for a while, giving way to his proceedings as well for his great ſervices, as for that he had beſtowed on him a kinſwoman to wife, called Abiaſinda, by whom he had children. He admoniſhed him often by letter, to bear himſelfe more temperately, but perceiving his ſmall regard, by the conſtant intruſion of complaints that came to him, he ſent expreſſe command that he ſhould repaire immediately to Court to give account of his actions upon pain of death, and being proclaimed rebell, and guilty of his treaſon. Abdalami underſtanding his own wealth and power, ſlighted this ſummons, and fortified himſelf in the holds of his Government. Whereupon the King cauſed his wife and children to be apprehended and brought priſoners to his city royall. This Princeſſe with her beſt art excuſed her huſband, beſeeching his Majeſties mercy towards him, for his former ſervices, adding withall that theſe complaints, were but a calumny raiſed by the malice of his enemies. The King covering his reſentments, mildely anſwered her, that ſhe ſhould only procure her huſband to come to Court, but ſhe fearing to bring his perſon in danger, thought beſt only to adviſe him [Page] to ſend a certain Casket of rings, and all ſorts of rich jewels for a preſent to the Queen, and by that means work his peace: This he did, and ſhe having preſented it, the Queen ſhewed them to the King, who wondred at ſo great a treaſure, where amongſt others were five hundred pearles, each being a Miticale or Crown and half in weight, beſides many other jewels of value, ſufficient to buy a kingdome. 'Twas much affliction to the Prince to ſee ſuch treaſures gotten at the price of his peoples blood, and then he commanded the Princeſſe his kinſwoman to bring her huſband to Court by a day appointed, or he would make feel the weight of his diſpleaſure. Poor Abdalami was amazed at the news, and fearing not without cauſe, the Kings incenſement, failed not to come accordingly; and without calling on his wife and children, went ſtrait to the Palace, where having ſounded the Trumpet according to the cuſtome, as I obſerved before; he unclothed himſelf, and ſitting on the ground ſtark naked, only a linnen cloth before his concealed parts, he attended in this manner the mercy of the King: whereof notice being brought to his Lady, ſhe with her children diſrobed in like manner, went to the Palace gate, and there ſeated themſelves on the ground by him, with each a great ſtone on their head.

The Queen eſpying them from her window, in this deplorable condition, moved with compaſſion, ſhewed them to the King, who gave order they ſhould be bidden to reveſt themſelves, go back to their lodgings, and there attend his further pleaſure; ſo they did, trembling with expectation of the conſequence.

Many adviſed Abdalami to make eſcape, and his wife her ſelf was of that opinion; but he would not be perſwaded, his ſervices raiſing him a confidence of the Kings clemency. Now moreover to compleat his calamity, when the King began to relent, the ſuits and ſupplications which came on all ſides in his behalf, one of the principal perſons in the Court called Iſman, charges him with a new crime, complaining to the King that he had ſeduced & debauched a daughter of his, for which he craves juſtice, which ſuſpended the Kings clemency, reſolving to examine the truth of the matter, which proved, in fine, to be but a meer ſuppoſall.

For it was moſt true, that Abdalami being a Prince of an amiable form and beauty, and of high eſteem for his valour, this Lords daughter had ſo impetuous a Love-paſſion for him, that ſhe fell ſick to death, and Abdalamies Lady viſiting her as a friend, obſerved ſhe fell on weeping as oft as ſhe beheld her, whereupon one day ſhe importuned to know the reaſon, conjuring her to ſpeak freely if ſhe had in any thing offended her, proteſting ſhe was ready to make her as ample ſatisfaction, as ſhe could deſire. The poor Lady confounded with ſhame, was ſometime before ſhe could form her anſwer, but at length love taking place of Virgin-modeſty, ſhe ingenuouſly confeſſed the eauſe of her diſtemper, [Page] with ſuch abundance of tears, ſighs, and ſupplications of pardon for the affront ſhe offered her, that the other was moved to ſuch tenderneſſe, ſhe promiſed her notwithanding one ſo near and dear to her as a huſband was aimed at; nevertheleſſe in pity of her violent paſſion, which deſerved ſome pardon, ſhe would contribute what was poſſible to her reliefe; hereupon the young Lady told her, how ſhe had preſented by her bond-maid a chain of pearl and rubies to her huſband, with requeſt that he would wear them for her ſake, which he accepted as well for the value of the thing, as for that the ſlave was a gay and pretty girle, to whom he gave a pair of pendants of Fauſer diamonds, of an Olive figure; but for the Miſtreſſe, he returned her a bare meagar thanks, without further acknowledgement, which the ſlave notwithſtanding diſſembled, making her Miſtreſſe believe he had a ſtrong affection for her, and for love of her, wore her favour: and ſo this ſlave treated her with theſe fictions, in hope to give ſome remiſſion to the violence of her paſſion, and twas ſhe who firſt embarked her in theſe amorous follies.

The Lady was amazed at theſe paſſages, and remembred the chain, becauſe her huſband had given it to her ſelf, without acquainting her where he had it.

Now being deſirous to invert ſome cure for her malady, though a moſt perfect reciprocal affection animated both her huſband and ſelf, notwithſtanding compaſſion forced her inclinations to offer her a nights concubitation with her huſband; which ſo reviv'd this Damſells heart, that immediately ſhe aroſe from her bed, and in few dayes was perfectly recover'd. To compaſſe this without her husbands diſcovery, ſhe conſulted both with the daughter, and the Lady her Mother, who was likewiſe of the Party; ſo, as returning home, ſhe told her husband ſhe found ſome unuſuall diſtemper in the ſtate of health, and entreated him he would forbear her enjoyments for ſome nights, which expir'd Abdalami paſſionate for her commpany: ſhe, to heighten his flame, ſhewed ſome unwillingneſs, till preſſing her with importunity, ſhe conſented for the enſuing night, upon condition that for that night he ſhould not ſpeak a word to her. Being thus agreed, ſhe gives the Lady notice to be ready at the houre appointed, ſo being conveyed into the wives roome, ſhe conceived with child, without the husbands knowledge of the juggle. Meanwhile, time making the Father perceive the growth of his daughter, and underſtanding by her acknowledgment, whoſe act it was, fired with rage, accompanied with his Allies and Relations, without delay he repaires to the King, with a violent complaint of this injury, as I ſaid before. Hereupon Tahachi enters into a deep conſideration of theſe two Perſons, whereof the one was his Kinſman, and of high deſerts for his ſervices, the other was Lord of the Province of Eſſen, between Dafila and Ganfilira, below Barnagaſſo, [Page] heretofore tributary to the great Negus, but being not inclined to be a Chriſtian himſelf, nor be ſubject to a Chriſtian King, had put himſelf voluntarily under the dominion of Tahachi an Infidel. In concluſion the King reſolved to have the matter examined, and to pronounce Juſtice as the cauſe merited. And hereupon notice was given to Abdalami of the accuſation, wherein being conſcious of his own innocence, he was much ſatisfied that the Kings anger lay on that ſide, and conferring with his Lady, told her he admired the impudence of that Lord, to accuſe him of a a thing he was ſo ignorant of, and much more at the inſolency of his daughter, that laid two baſtards to his charge: The Lady ſmiled, as who ſhould ſay it may be true, whereupon as he was about to make oaths and proteſtations to the contrary ſhe acknowledged and related the whole to him, and how the buſineſſe was brought to paſſe by her invention, whereat he was ſtrangely amazed, admiring his Ladies goodneſſe, that was ſo charitable to her own injury. In this conjuncture, the King gave licence to Lord Iſman to take revenge of Abdalami in what ſort he could, under his aſſured grace; ſo he now layes wait for all occaſions to effect it, and to ſurpriſe him on the water as he went to take the Ayre, for the town of Zanzibar, or Zanguebar, is compleatly encircled with water, which runs both within and without, and almoſt every inhabitant hath his Almady or flat boat, wherein they recreate upon the Lake. But Abdalami, whether advertiſed, or ſuſpecting it, ſtood upon his conſtant guard, ſo as paſſing one day upon the water, before the windowes of the Palace-royall, that the King might have the proſpect, if any one attacked him, Iſman comes up with his boats to aſſault his enemy, who was not unprovided: then there ſucceeded a fierce combat between them, where Abdalami did miracles in his own defence; ſo effectually, that he put the adverſe barks to flight, to the extraordinary delight of the King. In the mean while Princeſſe Abaſinda waits upon the Queen, and recounts to her the plain truth of the myſtery, which being told the King, he ſent to Iſman to let him know, that if the caſe were found ſuch as he apprehended, he would lay the head of Abdalami in his hands, to carry into his own country; whereof, though ſpight & ſhame of his defeat had made him their Bedfellow, and he had not ſtirr'd forth of twenty dayes; he was ſo ſatiſised, he came immediately to the King, who remitting the matter to Councell, 'twas concluded that the Mother and daughter ſhould be brought to Court, to anſwer what ſhould be demanded of them. At the ſame time the King made a perſonall viſit to Abdalami, who upon this vouchſafed deſcent to come thus alone to his houſe, conceived ſome hopes of his buſineſſe, and caſting himſelf at his feet, ſaid he held himſelf over happy in the favour his Prince had done him, and for ever after he ſhould eſteem it an honour to lay down his life for his ſervice. The King cauſing him [Page] to riſe, embraced him, aſſuring him of pardon for what was paſs'd, for which he and his Lady rendring humble thanks, attended him to his Pallace. Three dayes after, the Mother and her daughter arrived in their Pelanquins, born on their ſlaves ſhoulders, then the Councell being ſate, three Calſena or Officers were ſent for Abdalami, as who underſtood not the matter looking on him as a loſt perſon, and Iſman for his part conceiving he durſt not appear, but rather truſt to flight, had laid ſouldiers to wait and intercept him on the way. But they were ſtrangely amazed when they ſaw him appear at the Palace in his Talia Maſſara, or Perſian mantle down to the foot, under a Caſſock, a figur'd cloth of gold, covered with a white Cipreſſe in teſtimony of his innocence, and about his head a cord made of ſmall reeds according to cuſtome, in teſtimony of ſelf-puniſhment, if he were found guilty. The Judges then examined both parties, and finding they could produce no ſufficient evidence, they took the Mother and daughter apart, and learning from their mouthes the pure and reall truth, they thought fit to have Princeſſe Abiaſinda to be brought, and ſince 'twas through her charity this affair was conſented to and contrived, 'twas but reaſon ſhe ſhould ſpeak her opinion: Then placing her on the Bench with the Judges, Abdalami was called forth, who being aſked if he would ſtand to what ſentence his Lady ſhould pronounce, anſwered, Yea moſt willingly: then raiſing her voyce, ſhe pronounced, that ſince Alberane had ſo firm an affection to her huſband, and had born for him two lovely children, by the good favour and permiſſion of his Majeſty, ſhe condemned him to eſpouſe her preſently, and ſhe would receive her for her faithful companion. The judgment was admired by the whole Aſſembly, and the Father being asked if he held this Award ſufficient reparation of his honour, was ſo confounded with the unfolding of what he was before kept ignorant, he knew not what to ſay, but the King preſſing his reſolution, in teſtimony of ſubmiſſion, he caſt himſelf on the earth, ſaying, If Abdalami would honour him with marrying his daughter, he would give with her the Province of Aſſen, with the mines, and threeſcore carriages of fine gold, which he had gotten that preſent year. The buſineſſe ſo well accommomodated, the King gave order for great rejoycings, with ſolemn feaſtings, and open court for fifteen dayes, for all Princes and Lords of his Train. The Councell would have had the moity of this treaſure diſpenſed, for ſatisfaction to the complaining province of Zuamin, but the King oppoſed, content only to abridge him of the Crown rights for five yeares, which amounted to much more then all that treaſure: which was done accordingly, to the content of all, and theſe two Ladies with ſincere affection, lived dear companions in peace and unity.

CHAP. VIII. The Authours voyage into Ethiope: A deſcription of Preſte Johns Dominions, with the Quality of his People.

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HAving ſtaid ſome dayes in the Court of Tahachi, and learnt what is here before rehearſed, we took our way back to our company, whom we left at Cheſicoure, who were ſomething troubled for us having ſpent two and twenty dayes in this ſhort voyage: for paſſing by Aruama a beautifull town, the Sieur de la Courbe for ſome occaſion would needs ſtay; then upon a ſtreame from Zuama we came to Gazira, Sequeſma, Boagiara, Salera, Aimaca, or Armeta, and many other Townes and Villages. At length being come to Guſtigoari we underſtood there had happened a difference in our company whereby ſome were wounded, and being come to Sigara, three dayes journey thence, we took the other part of the River, which bears name with the Town of Zuama, croſſing the Province of Almadrega, which with the country-men is called Calhouras, becauſe the capitall Town bears the ſame name; 'tis but ſmall, governed by the King of Tigrai, Vaſſail to the grand Zeguz, facing Weſtward the Province of Bagamidri: we made it four dayes from Calhouras to the town of Bagamidri, and it happened well we covered our Almadies, for the rain much inconvenienced us travelling theſe four dayes through a waſte country,Land Tortoiſes. where land-Tortoiſes abound of exceeding bigneſſe, which were very commodious for our diet, and within them there were great numbers of egges which purged us ſtrangely, this being very laxative meat.

Our fellows lying at Chaſicours had intelligence that we were on the other ſide the River, and enquiring, found us at Carboran, a Village three leagues diſtant from Bagamidri, where you may imagine the joy this review diffuſed through all of us. In the firſt place we conſidered and reconciled their diſcord, on the morrow together went we all to dine at Bagamidri, where we reſted ſome dayes to truck and put off our commodities, as well in Town, as the adjacent Villages. We had all the ſame deſire to behold the Court, and perſon of the grand Negus, who ever reſides in field under Tents and Pavillions, ranged about like a formall City. To which we were rather induced for the meeting with a Portugal [Page] Lord who came from the Indies expreſſely to viſit the grand Negus in the name of the Spaniſh King his Maſter, who went aboard on the coaſt of the red Sea, and landed on the territories of Barnabas, who accompanied him to the place we found him at, and brought us together as far as Barra upon Moraba, where we expected to finde the Prince. To be ſhort, I ſet not down the wayes and diſtances betwixt Bagamidri and Barra, another town of Ethiope, becauſe for our negotiation we made diverſions to both hands, as we did through Arabia, Perſia, and India. But from Barra to our compleat return, we obſerved as near as might be. Before we diſcourſe of Bagamidri, it ſeems not improper to tell you that 'tis the beginning of the vaſt Empire of Ethiope, or the grand Negus, The extent of the Abiſſins country. whom commonly we ſtile the Preſte John of Ethiopia, in diſtinction from another who was ſometimes in high India. He is alſo titled Kibir Negus and Senab, and King of the Abiſſins. They report him to have in poſſeſſion above thirty five kingdomes or Provinces, which containes a ſtrange ſcope of a populous countrey, of more then three moneths travell. True it is, he is not at inſtant of ſuch power as heretofore by reaſon the neighbouring Mahometans, and amongſt others the King of Adel, with the Zeilan, by a continual war have deprived him of many territories, even of the beſt part of the towns and havens he held about the red Sea, the chief whereof are Zuachim Manzua, Manzua. an [...] Ercoco. So as at preſent this Empire is much diminiſhed, both in extent, ſtrength, and dominion, only that by the aſſiſtance of the Portugues of the Eaſt, he hath regained ſome places of late years. And though at this day he is very ample, ſo muſt we not give credit to many things of Grandeur and Magnificence we finde in Spaniſh Authours taſting ſomewhat of the fable,C [...]dignus & others. publiſhed in a Romantick way: which are ſufficiently refuted by the Fathers of the ſociety, in their more authentick works, extracted from the very notes of thoſe who were, and are conſtantly in perſon there, from whom we have exact information both for the ſpiritual, and for the temporal.

The countrey of the Abiſſins was known to our Anceſtours by the name of Ethiope under Egypt, afterwards the leſſer India. This Ethiopia is divided into the Eaſtern, the Weſtern, and the middle. The bounds at this day are the red Sea on the Eaſt, Egypt on the North, the Mountains along Nile, Maniconge, the Black River and Nubia on the Weſt, and Southward the Mountains of the Moone, and the Lakes where the Nile riſes, or rather the borders of the Empire of Monopotapa. Some afford it fifty kingdomes and more, others are ſatisfied with five and thirty or leſſe. For abſurdly ſome would make this Empire greater then all our Europe, and that it ſhould hold out from Egypt to the Promontory of Guardaſu, and to Babelmandel and Mogadoxo, and of another ſide to the Southern or Ethiopian [Page] Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope, allowing for Tributaries many Mooriſh Kings, to Monomotapa it ſelfe, with the S. Laurence Iſlanders: though at this day he hath his hands full to defend himſelf againſt the Mahometans, the Gales or Galois, and the Agays, a people that are Blacks, by whom for theſe threeſcore years he hath been rudely joſtled; till the Prince was conſtrained to ſupplicate the aid of the Portugals who brought effectuall aſſiſtance, and by degrees have reſtored him to a recovering condition.

As you go from the red Sea Weſtward lye theſe Kingdomes,Kingdomes. Tigrai, Dancaly, Angote, Xoa, Amara, Leca, Baga, Midai, Dambea, Datali, Fatigar, Ambra, Anogotera, Bernagas, Belinganza, Damure, Edear, Guiame, there are the Cataracts of Nile, Vangui, Maſmude, Cafates, Gilama, and others; ſome whereof Chriſtians inhabit, the reſt Mahometans and Gentiles.

The people of theſe kingdomes when they bring their Gibre or tribute to the Prince, They have wound a rope about their head, and proclaim with a loud voice, The Revenue of ſuch a Province, My Lord I am here preſent. Then doth the Negar diſtribute this Gibre or revenue to three uſes, the firſt to relieve the poor of the Nation, and ſupport the Church, a ſecond for pay and maintenance of his army, and the third to his Coffers for the exhibition of his houſhold. Now is the Revenue ſmall, for they have trees, of which we finde many growing upon the high ways loaded with ſilk, not by the work of art but nature, whereof the gatherers pay a fift to the Prince, as they do of their gold and ſilver mines, where they employ their ſlaves, as ſometimes they do the children of them who have not paid the King dues for their harveſt of ſilk. Of Benjamin, Storax, and other Aromaticks, 'tis the ſame thing, for the gathering whereof they make choyce of young lads, as concerning their ſmell to be more exquiſit, and more firm, and indeed the Merchants have a ſpeciall regard for theſe gatherers, and the younger, the more they give them. They who get Safron, pay the ſame rates, but they obſerve not the like niceneſs in the gathering. The Farmers of theſe cuſtomes have a ſet day to bring it in to the Prince himſelf, who receives it in perſon, who ſo much delights in odours, that whatſoever uſed in Court even to the Flambeaus is perfumed. But when theſe are brought in, they are attended with Drums, Hoboyes,Tributes paid to Preste John. with other inſtruments and conſorts of muſick, which the towns are by duty to provide. The ſame Prince hath likewiſe his fift out of the ſouldiers booty in time of warre, as the Spaniſh King hath out of the Merchants mines, but that he exacts an impoſt from thieves or Curtizans, is a miſtake.

This State was known to all Antiquity, but upon uncertainty enough, till about 120. years ſince, the Portugueſe gave us a better information of it, and ſpecially ſince theſe laſt threeſcore years that the Fathers of the ſociety came thither.

[Page]The ſoyle in ſome part is exceeding fertile, in others not, It abounds in mines of gold, ſilver, braſſe, lead, ſulphure, fruits of all ſorts, as citrons, oranges, but vines are ſcarce: The air is temperate enough, though under the torrid Zone, the people there are black for the greater part, and of long life. Their principall traffick is ſalt, which they carry very deep into the Provinces, and ſell dear, making it ſerve as 'twere for their money, trucking it for all ſorts of commodities, whereof they have ſquare pieces of ſeverall proper weights, as we have gold and ſilver. In the ſacred Hiſtory, the land of Ethiope is called Chuz, or Phut, from the two ſons of Cham. who lived there.

'Tis ſaid the name of Abaſſie, or Abiſſine, came from the Arabians, who called them Elbabaſſi, and Abex. Others ſay 'twas given by the Egyptians, who by this name underſtand all ſuch as inhabit a Countrey encircled with deſerts, as we find this is.

But the Ancients made ordinarily two Ethiopes, the one Eaſt on the other ſide the red ſea, in Sabia, or Arabia the happy, the other weſt, on this ſide, or under Egypt. And indeed the Homeriſts, a people of Arabia, along the coaſt of the red ſea are called Ethiopians, and there is ſome evidence, that heretofore Kings of Ethiopia reigned on both ſides the Gulph; alſo ſome do opinion the Queen of Saba came from Arabia, others from the true Ethiopia. The weſt Ethiopia was either the lower from Egypt to Meroe, Ethiopia double. or the high from Meroe to the Mountains of the Moon. Some there are again, who confound the Eaſtern with the Abiſſins, place the Weſtern towards the Atlantique ſea, then will have tho interiour towards Zanzibar.

Some hold the Ethiopians to have been the firſt Idolaters, as deſcending from Chus the ſon of Cham, and that they firſt received Judaiſme, and circumciſion upon the Queen of Saba's voyage to Salomon; and after Chritianiſme, by the Queen Candace's Ennuch. Times paſt the Ethiopian Kings were very potent, and brought under yoke Egypt it ſelf, and being by Semiramis and Cambyſes aſſaulted, defeated their armies, nor durſt Hercules and Bacchus, thoſe famous Victors, invade them: The Poets had this land in ſuch eſteem, were it for the goodneſſe, or for Religion, that here they would celebrate their Deities feſtivals, and inthrone Alemnon, Cephee and Perſet, mighty and illuſtrious Kings of this Countrey. There was one Melilec, who holds the chief renown amongſt them, who they report to have been the ſon of Salomon, and Mecheda Queen of Saba, and of whoſe race by lineal deſcent, from Father to Son, all their Kings to this day report themſelves deſcended: I know not how juſtly it can be proved. Howſoever it be, the moſt ancient Hiſtories atteſt, that about the year 521. in the time of Juſtin the Emperour, there was one Eleſbaan King of Ethiopia, a Chriſtian, who ſubdued Dunaam a Jew, King of Arabia the happy, who infeſting the Homerites being Chriſtians, [Page] Eleſbaan he freed them, and being returned into his Countrey, became Hermite. Afterwards there was another King named Helliſteus, a Chriſtian alſo, who entred confidence with Juſtinian the Emperour, and brought famous victories from the Infidels in Arabia.

Theſe kings made the royal town of Cachumo, ſometimes called Aucumo, their manſion, which ſtil holds the name ſince thoſe times, by reaſon of the length and difficulty of roads, we have had little or no intelligence of the Ethiopian Kings, the Turks and Saracins having conſtant poſſeſſion of the paſſages, til the voyages of the Portugueſe, who have given us ſome light ſince this latter age. As to ſpiritualty this Countrey hath ever ſubmitted to the direction of the Patriarch of Alexandria, who for the danger of coming thither by reaſon of the Saracins who ruled in Egypt, The Abiſſins religion. ſent them a Prelate called Abuma, for Governor; as the Patriarch of Antioch ſends one into the Eaſt, called Catholica. Some ſay that in the year 1439. the Abiſſins came to render obedience, and to acknowledge Pope Clement 5. at Auignon, that they ſent ſince to the Council of Florence, in the year 1439. But 'tis more certain that ſince the Portugueſe converſed with them, the Kings have made a fuller acknowledgement of the Romane Church. As to their Religion, though it be Chriſtian, yet they retain divers Jewiſh ceremonies, and other hereſies, received as wel from Pagans, as from the heretical Eutiches and Dioſcorus, ſent to them by ſchiſmatical Patriarchs from Alexandria, whereof at preſent they begin to be purged, and better inſtructed by the Jeſuite Fathers, and the Patriarks ſent to them from Rome, as we find in modern relations.

For a long time there have regular Religious been in the Countrey, and Anchorites of the order of St. Anthony, St. Macharius, and St. Baſile, but no Dominicans, as ſome would have us believe.

From St. Anthonies order is proceeded another, they call Eſtefarrus, which muſt be St. Stephen.

For the nature of the people, they have a ſtrong propenſity to vertue, and orthodox religion, render exact obedience to their Prince, and moſt high veneration to Church and Clergie, are ſeverely chaſt, and addicted to pennance, and auſterity of life, very charitable and very hoſpitable.See Aluarez ch. 41. Prieſts while they celebrate maſs are covered with a vail, after the Greek manner, and the men divided a part from the women in the Church.

The whole Court lodges alwaies under pavilions in the field, rang'd in the form of a Town, for places and ſtreets drawn to a direct line, where there is aſſigned for every one a Captain, or Juſticiar to prevent tumults. 'tis of great circuit, ſometimes containing two leagues of land, with twelve ports in honour of the Apoſtles: within this circuit there are two Churches, one for the [Page] Emperour and Nobility, of ſeven or eight hundred paces in circumference, the other for the vulgar.

The reverence they bear to ſacred places.Within there is one Altar onely, and upon it the figure of a Croſſe of a gray colour, ſhadowed with a vail of white ſilk, on the middle of the Altar ſtands a picture of the bleſſed Virgin in colours, betwixt two more of the Apoſtles, St. Peter, and St. Paul: upon ſolemn Feaſts the Emperours white tent is changed for a red: through all the Churches there is ſaid but one Maſſe a day, where there is obſerved ſuch reverence, that 'tis not lawfull to ſpit, ſpeak, or ſit down, upon any occaſion whatſoever; the Temple of our Lord, as they ſay, being a place neither for uncleanneſs nor diſcourſe: If one be conſtrained to paſſe by on horſeback, he alights, and walks with hat in hand. When the Sacrament is elevated, one rings a bell of ſtone, the clapper of wood, (as are all the bells in Ethiope) and immediately all fall upon their knees. The Emperour himſelf if he be on horſeback, alights in haſte, and continues on his knees till another ſign be given. The Prieſt is never ſeen while he conſummates, becauſe he is covered and ſurrounded with a white vail, as likewiſe the people never behold the bleſſed Sacrament, but they bow their face to the ground, jogging their bodies in a dancing manner, and ſtanding on their toes. The Offertory is made at the end of Maſſe. They give the Sacrament to little children as well as others, cauſing them to abſtain before.

The Negus never eats in gold or ſilver, but in veſſels of Euate onely, which endures no poyſon, but breaks immediately. For wine there is none made but in his Palace, or in the Abuma's houſe. As for the Abiſſine, or Nubian language, 'tis a diſtinct tongue, but much compounded as they ſay, with Hebrew, Chaldean, Syriack, and Arabick words, which reaches to the very Eaſt, by reaſon of the ſoft and ſweet pronunciation, and becauſe 'tis plain and eaſie to learn. So the Abiſſins when they travel, as I have often mark'd, make themſelves eaſily underſtood, with the Guinoii themſelves. They uſe the Chaldaick for ſacred matters and ſciences, in which all their books are written, and Maſſe celebrated, as the Abiſſins do in their Church of St. Stephen of India at Rome, in like manner as the Maronites and other Syrians. Now for the Rivers in this Countrey there are many very great ones, but the principal is the ſo famous Nile, which cuts it from one end to the other, ſallying, as ſome ſay, out of an unſoundable lake in the Country of Guyame, others will have it from the Mountains of the Moon, or Cafartes, and from Befſi or Zech, whence likewiſe iſſues the Zaire and the Aquilonde, which run Weſtward, and the Zuama ſouthward. But the Nile towards the Weſt, falls into the lake of Zambra or Zaire, and from thence paſſing betwixt the Kingdoms of Damus and Ambea, inclining towards the Eaſt, then on the other ſide the Equinoctial enters Beleguanza, corporates with another River flowing [Page] from the lake Zanflan, likewiſe called the Nile, and thence betwixt Bagamidri, Vangue, and Abiancantiva, it viſits Tigremabon; and having ſwallowed the Tagazzi, or Tecaſſin, and other Rivers, ſwel'd with ſo many flouds, it creates the famous Iſle of Meroe, with two arms, by the Ancients called Aſtapus and Aſtaboras, at this time Tecaſſin and Ahambi; afterwards re-uniting, paſſes the Tropick Cancer, and at Siena or Aſma, makes the renowned Cataracts, or falls amongſt the Mountains, which ſo compreſſe it, that it ſeems a ſhot or lightning in quickneſſe, and thunder in horrid noyſe; till having croſſed Egypt, and entertained ſome Rivers of Nubia, branching it ſelf into many ſtreams, which compoſe the ſo much celebrated, fair and fertile Countrey of Delta, comes to render it ſelf into the Mediterranean at mouthes and ſluces, which our Anceſtors took for ſeven, others nine; at this day the moſt known and remarkable, are thoſe of Damiete Roſete, heretofore called Heracleotique and Peluſiaque, which compoſe the two ſides of the triangle.

As to the ſurfluxes and inundations which fertilize all Egypt, Cauſes of the flowing of Nile. and ſerve inſtead of fructiferous rains from June to September, laying the Countrey like an Archipelagus, covered with innumerable little Iſlands, wherein ſtand their habitations more excelſe then the reſt, which is a piece of water, I leave to Philoſophers to ſearch the cauſes, who in all ages were much perplext and much divided, ſome attributing it to the diſſolving of ſnows from the Ethiopian mountains, where ſnow never fell: others to anniverſary winds forcing the waters to remount, and ſo overflow: others with more probability to the continual rains of the torrid Zone in this ſeaſon, as I my ſelf have ſeen it happen all along this Zone to the Indies, both Eaſt and Weſt. Yea there are ſome who go further for a cauſe, and will have it proceed from winds and furious tempeſts, which at this ſeaſon rage about the Cape of good Hope; ſwelling the Sea, which by certain ſecret Subterranian channels, communicates it ſelf with the Ethiopian Lakes, which makes Nile and other Rivers taking birth from thence, to ſurfeit. But howſoever it is, and whenceſoever it proceeds, certainly the effect is altogether admirable, the encreaſe laſting fourty daies, as likewiſe the decreaſe, and ſome ſay the River Noir, or Cambra, or Senega do the ſame. The courſe of this River from birth to diſſolution, is eſteemed to be nine hundred leagues in right line, and windings and boſomes conſidered to be above two thouſand, which is the longeſt courſe of any River in the Univerſe, except the Plate and Maragnon in Braſile.

CHAP. IX. Of the Town of Bagamidri, and the coronation of their Kings.

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TO return to our voyage, I ſhal tell you that Bagamidri is a Town in Ethiopia, in three degrees of altitude beyond the line, in a fair champion upon the River Zuama, which diſbanks as Nile do's. For the kingdom of Bagamidri it reaches to the Tropick, watered by Zuama, called by the inhabitants Zimbada, which croſſes the deſerts of Manica, where are diſmal Mountains, and goes til it ingulphs it ſelf in the Oriental and Meridian ſea, compoſing a moſt commodious ſhore, where veſſels take in freſh-water and fuel. Here are abundance of wild goats, and ſmall Buls and Cows ſo fierce, that he muſt be very ſkilfull that takes them, they have little horns which grow but ſkin-deep, mooving them as their ears, as I obſerved in another place. This River of Zuama is by the Portugalls called, Rio del Spiritu ſancto, for the content they receive who ſaile upon it.

Moreover, in paſſing or bathing in this River, there ought great caution to be had, and to be well arm'd againſt the Crocodiles, which are here in great numbers: nor is the danger on land much leſſe, for the Tigars, of which there are great Troupes, and will very ſawcily diſmount you, either from Horſe or Mule.

Towards the Weſt the Countrey borders on Mancigonge, Eaſtward on Cafates, to the North it lyes on Gidada, which ſome call the Countrey of Amazons, South-ward on Monopotapa.

The Town of Bagamidri is called Imperial, by reaſon the King of Tigrai, or Tigremahon, having received his firſt Crown at the place of his election, receives the ſecond here.

Abba Licanus who ſome ſay baptized Candace the Queen Aluarez. ch. 14,This Ceremonie was firſt inſtituted in the time of St. Abiblicanus, who lived in a cave near the Town, in ſo high repute, that the King who then reigned would have the honour to be crown'd by ſo great a Saint, ſince which time there is an Ordinance, that all the Kings of Tigray ſhal be crown'd here, (as the ſeveral Crowns of our Emperours were received at Aix, Milan, and Rome) and the third he receives from the hand of the Grand Negus, his Soveraign, who hath onely a crown of ſilver, whereas the King of Tigray hath his of ineſtimable value.

Here I ſhal tell you by the way, that in Tigramahon I ſaw a Church of one intire piece, wrought in a Rock near [Page] to Tecaſſin, which they call the Church of Creatures, for that 'tis dedicated to the four Evangeliſts. In the lower Ethiopia, there is the like which they call the Maiant Calaſſen, that is, the Seat of Eternity.

For the Kingdome of the Amazons they report it to be betwixt the country of Damut and Gorage, or Goraga and Gongara where they recount many things, not unlike the ſtories of our Anceſtors; as that the women have the authority, are exceeding valiant, and excellent Archers, that they cut off their right breaſt to draw a how the better, with other things of that kinde.

There is mention made of the like women in many other parts of the world. Some ſay the word Amazon is derived from a country belonging to the Negus, or Monopotapa, near Mancinconge, where the women are of great courage,Amazons. though the men are Maſters, and Preſte John makes uſe of them in his warres. In this country ſtands the faire city Felucia, or Falacia, where they ſay is a ſumptuous Tombe of a Princeſſe called Agagina, built all of a black marble, clear and tranſparent as glaſſe. The people of theſe countries,People black and white. are of ſeverall complexions, according to the place that gives them breath: For under the line they are neither white nor black, but of a ſwart tawny colour, though the world affords not a more temperate climate then they are under.

They who live Weſtward from the countrey of Agagne to Ambian are intirely black, and four degrees from the Line, troubled with exceſſive raines for three moneths together. But they of the Province of Zembre, are more white and very docile, eſpecially the women who are paſſably beautifull and gracefull, and good Chriſtians, though they were the laſt that received the faith, ſince the Eunuch baptized by Saint Philip planted it in the better part of the Provinces of Ethiope, and as ſome will have in Arabia the happy it ſelf, and as far as Tuprobane ▪

CHAP. X. Of the Manſion of Preſte John, and his Juſtice. A History upon this ſubject.

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BEing at Bagamidri, ſome of us more curious then the reſt of our company, agreed to go ſee the Court of the Grand Negus, or King of the Abiſſins; and to this purpoſe leaving them that had no ſuch deſire we took a ſide-way towards the towns Barra, and Barua, where we were told the Prince moſt commonly reſided: Following on this road, and having croſſed many Provinces and Kingdomes, at length we arrived at Barra the chief town of the Country, where we found a numerous multitude of people living under Tents, to the number of ten thouſand, or more. Amongſt theſe there was one covered with white cloth conſpicuous above the reſt, with twelve gates of marvellous largeneſſe belonging to it. We Inn'd in an Abyſſins tent, who obliged us with curteſies, and while meat was making ready, they brought us in an oxe horne honied wine, whereof we drunk. Not long after, we perceived upon the way, a troop diverſly armed with twelve Ʋgandes or Trumpets before them; then came a Prince mounted on a black and white Elephant, which is a great rarity, accompanied with four Noble-men, who bore over him a Canopy of gray damask. Being advanced near the Kings tent, he diſmounted and preſently was attended with a numerous and honourable train. Next with great ſubmiſſion he ſuffered his garments to be taken off; they were of ſilk, interwoven with gold, and embroydered with pearles of exceeding greatneſſe: He was a potent Prince, who having received injury from another King, came to ſeek juſtice at his Majeſties hands. 'Twas not for want of power to take revenge himſelf, but he would ſhew this deference to the King, who inflicts moſt ſeverely on all tranſgreſſors.Aranuhi. Now this Prince, called Aranuhi, ſtript off his gorgious habilliments, caſt over him a Lions skin, which in the Soveraigns preſence all are obliged to weare, with a large ſhirt of ſilk trailing on the ground. Being come before the Palace, the Trumpets began in a dolefull ſound, and the King having notice, gave order he ſhould enter; for this Prince in times paſt had done famous military ſervices, then caſting himſelf on the ground, framed his complaint, that the other King his enemy had violently carried away his wife, with a daughter which he had heretofore refuſed him, intending to marry her to another a greater Prince then he, and had taken beſides 40. Quintalls of gold.A hundred weight. Upon this complaint the Negus immediately diſpatched a Calſcena to ſummon the Prince offender, [Page] whom he met upon the road,Calſcenas, P [...]este J [...]hns meſſengers. Aluaca. 141. haſting to Court to clear himſelf of the accuſation.

Then inſtantly the Prince complaynant was called aſide, reveſted with a rich habit given him by the Negus, with a hat of more then uſuall largeneſſe, according to the cuſtome. When the latter was arrived and diſrobed as the former, and mantled with a Lions ſkin, he took a ſtone, carried for him by a Gentleman to the Palace gate, and having cauſed the Trumpets ſound, he could not be admitted; but for above two houres waited in this poſture, taken for a bad omen amongſt them, till a ſlave brought orders he ſhould repair to his lodgings, and attend there till he were called for. Some dayes paſſed in this manner, before any commands came from the Negus, then having laid down his apparell, and put on the Lions ſkin, he ſeated himſelf on the ground with a heavie ſtone upon his head, as a criminall, till the Alicaſſin or Steward of houſhold came, who cauſed him to reaſſume his apparell, which put him in ſome hope of grace. This Officer conducting him by the hand, brought him before his Majeſty in ſtate, under a rich Canopy, with a Curtain of ſilk of the ſame colour as the Canopy, ſcreening his face, then cryed aloud; Moſt mighty Emperour, I bring thee here this Prince thy ſervant, and tributary according to thy command. At that time the King was complementing a Princeſſe wife to the Tigraian King, arrived lately at Court in a very plain habit of frized Cottons. The Prince no ſooner entered, but he caſt himſelf on the ground, the complainant who was ſummoned being preſent, of whom the Negus demanded what he had to object againſt this perſon; the other anſwered, that this Prince of Jauas had ſtolne away his daughter, and a great quantity of fined gold. To which the Negus commanded the Defendant to make anſwer, and deliver the very truth; who firſt putting his hand to the ground, then laying it on his head, with eyes lifted to heaven, a ſad pale countenance, fell on his knees, not preſuming to turn an eye towards the Kings face, who is alwayes ſcreen'd, and anſwered.

Moſt excelſe and redoubted Sir, moſt true it is, I ſent to requeſt this Prince for his daughter Adila in mariage, and being denied without further inſtance I deſiſted, content to ſeek another of my own degree. But not long after, the Queen her mother accompanied with many of her Alliance brought her to me, together with gold, which ſhe told me was of her own proper treaſury, and not her huſbands, and thereupon gave me both reaſon and licenſe to marry her, and that with her own free mind and conſent, without the leaſt violence impoſed upon her, whom I love and honour more then the whole world beſides.

The Negus having then taken the matter into conſideration, told Prince Aranuhi, he found not the other ſo guilty as was pretended; that his ſentence was, he for his part ſhould repay the gold [Page] doubled, that the Princeſſes, his wife, and daughter ſhould be bor'd through the lips, and confin'd during pleaſure, to what place he ſhould appoint. The Prince of Jauas to this ſentence durſt make no reply further, then to deſire time for payment: two moneths was allowed him, and immediately Commiſſioners were diſpatched to ſee the Arreſt of the Court executed, nor did either of the Princes quit the Court till the King bad them retire. But in this conjuncture, the Princeſſe of Tigremahon, moved with compaſſion for the condemned young Lady, caſting her ſelfe at the Negus feet, beſought him, that for a ſingular grace and favour to her, he would vouchſafe the young Lady might continue with her huſband; and the Queen having applyed her prevalency to Aranubi for his conſent, by the mediation of theſe two Ladies, all was ended in peace, and the two Princes embraced as friends and Allies. Mean while the Commiſſaries ignorant of what had paſſed, had already done execution upon the mother, and had likewiſe on the daughter, but that ſhe made a ſeaſonable eſcape, to the joy of the whole Court, and the Negus cauſing them to come to Court, would have the Nuptialls ſolemnized there with all ſorts of rejoycing, feaſts, and combats of ſavage beaſts.

Then certain Lords of the Court with the Kings Siſter were ſent to the Sea-ſide to bring the Ladies, who being arrived, covered with a white linnen cloth, and bare-footed, caſt themſelves on the ground before the King and the Father. At that time the King wore a Crown of ſilver for ſome myſtery which I could not learn by any enquiry I could make, and the treaſure and jewels being brought, were diſtributed by the Father to his two children, and the King in token of his favour and indulgement releaſed to Prince Aranubi all rights of Signeurie, with letters Patents of free and abſolute Principality.

Amongſt the Combats at this ſolemnity, one was of a white ſhaggie Ape put within an incloſed liſt, with a Serpent that had ſix wings, and was 14. foot in length. The Ape was armed with a wooden helmet, having a pike on the top exceeding ſharp, and his body mailed with leather, liquored, and made fit, ſo as he could uſe his teeth at pleaſure, the liſts were rounded with painted cloth, with pieces of timber, and cords hard ſtraind, under which the Ape might ſhift when he was hard preſſed upon, he made moſt horrible faces when the Serpent came to aſſault him, who raiſed himſelf upon little feet like a Gooſes. Next was brought in an Ape of extraordinary ſize, armed with ſilvered Paſte-board, mounted upon a great ſheep, with a ſmall lance, againſt a beaſt they call a Chilacou, like a wolf, whoſe deſign was to attack the Palfrey, not the Cavalier, who during the conflict, fretted, and made mouthes in a ſtrange manner; at length they were parted.

After them was brought in a ſmall Lion of a brave courage, who finding nothing to combat, laid him down along, but he no [Page] ſooner ſaw a Creature called a Bachuro enter, arm'd with ſcales, but with a loud roar, he nimbly flew upon him; for a good hour the fight laſted, with terrible aſſaults on both ſides, till at laſt the Lion had the day, ſtrangled his foe and eat him, for the fleſh is exceeding good.

Then the Cheger, or Elephant with the Rhinocerot, which was a moſt furious combat, but of little delight, becauſe for their bulk and weight, they could ſhew but little agility or motion. Then was brought in play another ſort of Elephant, called by the Indians a Gachias, and againſt him four dogs of exceeding greatneſſe, of which at the very firſt bout he kil'd one: The fierceneſſe of the beaſts made this fight of much recreation. Next was a Crocodile and a Tigar, who treated each other very rudely. After them two great Dogs againſt a Targout, a kind of wolf, but much different from ours, 'twas a bloudy combat, where one of the dogs was kil'd, and the Targout hurt.

So this day was concluded with the combats, for other dayes there were other Triumphs, which I omit, to avoid prolixitie.

This is all of remark which happened at Court, while we ſtaid at Barra, which I thought fit to recount, for information of the nature and manners of the people.

We ſtayed ſomething the longer at Barra, in expectation to ſee his Majeſty the Negus who was ſuddenly to come thither, and becauſe he had not been there of a long time, a magnificent entrance was prepared for him.

CHAP. XI. Magnificence of the Negus and his military Officers.

THey have a cuſtom that whenſoever the Prince viſits their Towns, he makes each to obſerve, whatſoever his Predeceſſors, and himſelf at his coronation engag'd for, as to worſhip one onely God, to have but one Faith, and one Law, to uphold the Chriſtian and Apoſtolick Church, ſome ſay of late years they have added Romane, acknowledging now obedience to the Pope, then to adminiſter Juſtice, love the poor, obſerve continency, to impugn with all his power the Moores, Jews, and Idolaters, in ſum all who believe not in Jeſus Chriſt, to innovate no new laws, nor coyn other money than the Ordinary, not to ſtay above three dayes in any one Town, not to admit any Prince of the blood, or next in ſucceſſion to be at large, but to keep them immur'd in the Mountain of Amara, with other things of like ſort. To be [Page] brief, The Negus was received into the Town, with a ſumptuous ſtate and magnificence, and we had the ſatisfaction to ſee his whole Court march.

Here the Portugueſe Embaſſadour arriv'd, of whom I ſpoke, with a train of twenty men, all mounted upon Mules; having ſtaid, as they told us, three months, at the famous monaſtery of the Viſion in the Country of Bamazaz towards the red ſea, where report goes are 2000. religious gray-Friers, who live in great auſterity without want either of victuals or habit. He addreſſed himſelf to receive audience of the Negus, but was deferr'd to another time; by reaſon his Majeſty having ſtaid ſome dayes at Barra, was conſtrained to depart that night to go towards Sacouon three leagues from thence, two dayes march for the Army, which moves not above three or four miles a day: and here we ſaw the order of the Armies march.

Aua. c 8.About break of day the Vaunt-guard marched firſt, conſiſting of ſome twenty thouſand Horſe without ſhoes, which in thoſe mountainous and ſtony waies, is a great inconvenience to them. They ride as the Arabians do with a bill, their ſtirrups very ſhort, wearing certain cimeters, and generally a certain two-edg'd arms they call Perdagalzes: This troop was led by a great Prince called Lychano, Betudete a grear officer. Al. c. 69. which in vulgar Greek ſignifies Light, but his proper name in Abiſſine ſpeech, is Betudete. This troop being paſſed in very regular order, came the baggage of the court, amongſt whom were a multitude for removal and ordering of the Tents. Then the officers and ſervants of the kitchin, about three thouſand, who carried the kings fare in baſkets, and his drink in ſmall barrels marked and ſealed: next followed a great number of horſes, mules, elephants, Alſinges, and other kinds of beaſts with carriage. Amongſt others there were four Lions, as tall as mules, under one mans charge, who never ceas'd raving and rating after them, to keep them from ſtraying from their company: They were gentle and tame as ſheep; and by the way, 'tis a ſtrange thing to ſee theſe beaſts feed; their keeper to ſhew us a rarity, hung up a joynt of mutton, upon the wall of the ſtable or den, all the four gaz'd upon it, and then lay down, as knowing their ſhare was in it: afterwards the firſt that was hungry came, and at two or three mounts & active leaps ſpear-high, fetches down the piece of meat. But after this train of ſeven or eight thouſand head was paſt, came 12. or 1500. Foot, with bows, quivers, and ſhort ſwords, led by one they called Abagarindas: after them followed another part of the Cavalry, and the body of the Army in handſom order, with trumpets and hoboys before them, to cheer and recreate them. Laſtly came twelve or fifteen thouſand Muſqueteers upon the wings, as 'twere in the form of a half moon, carrying their guns ſtrait upright; cimeters they had, and wore a very large cap or hood, which they folded up, and let hang upon their ſhoulders, [Page] becauſe they are troubleſome and inconvenient.

The Army which conſiſted of fourſcore or a hundred thouſand men, being paſt the Negus, his Majeſty followed, of whom we could not then have a ſight: Afterwards he came to Church with Standart borne before him by the Berenega upon an Elephant; 'twas the figure of a plain croſſe in a piece of ſilk. And 'tis remarkable, that you finde not the figure of our Saviour nailed to the Croſſe in any Church of the Abiſſins, and their reaſon is, becauſe we are not worthy to behold him in his paſſion.

Before this Enſigne march about fifty Prieſts ſinging Pſalmes, and Hymnes, and four in Pontifical robes, who carry a hollowed ſtone large and ſquare, which they call the Tabuco, which they uſe when they celebrate Maſſe before the Negus: before it veſted as the four are, marches another who going backward,Tabuto the altar ſtone. incences the ſtone: then followes the Standart, and ſome five hundred gentlemen of quality, all on horſe-back, and clad in large white ſhirts of ſilk, and plaited like a Chanons Surplice. One part of this company they call Calſena, who are exempt Officers in readineſſe to execute the Kings commands. After this attended with Muſick and Hoboyes, appears a Canopy high exalted, and before it one whom they call Licadona mounted on an Elephant, bearing in his hand a lump of gold or ſilver guilt, who ſeemed to be the chief of this muſick. Four Princes, upon four of the higheſt Elephants can be gotten, bear the Queens Canopy, plainly habited with Lions ſkins over their ſhirts, and broad hats on their heads: the Queen her ſelf's in a Littar, and with her commonly a little childe for her recreation, accompanied with a numerous train of Littars, Chariots, and other attendance in great magnificence. Next comes a man mounted on a great horſe, trapped with Aiofar, a ſort of ſtuffe which the tree Areca bears, and he often cries aloud, Tacar and Etefra, which is the ſame; as take heed, and make room. Then three hundred Elephants follow richly mail'd with Sea-wolf ſkins, lin'd with ſkins of Crocodile, of four or five hundred pound weight, and of ſuch firmeneſſe, that they are Muſquet proof. One clothed in Velvet, embroydered with gold, ſits for-moſt upon the head; the principal rider beares a banner of a Lions ſkin at the end of an Indian Cane: upon the neck ſits one who guides the beaſt with two barres of ſteele faſtened to his jaws, hanging downwards, not turning up, as our Printers repreſent them; the Saddles are girt with chaines of iron, four men beſides the guides may conveniently mount them. They call the guide the Digali, who is armed with a moſt hard ſkinne, and in time of battel hath a Trumpet or Cornet to put in the beaſts eare, to make him know his meaning, who otherwiſe could not for the confuſed noyſe: after follow many chariots, ſome of four, ſome of ſix wheels, bound with maſſie bonds [Page] of iron drawn by horſes, mules, and other beaſts, wherein the baggage of the Army is carryed. They alſo uſe theſe chariots againſt the Elephants, who at firſt onſet falling into fury by the inſtigation of the riders, make bloody havock. Againſt which the enemy ſometime provides fire-works, which thrown into their eyes before their feet, terrifies them, and makes them turn and ruſh over their owne men; but being backed with theſe ſtrong chariots, and managed by ſouldiers ſkilfull in the art of war, they maintaine battell. Two thouſand foot next with bows arrowes,Ariates. and broad ſhort well temper'd hangers. In the middle of them twelve men march, termed the Ariates, that is, the Apoſtles: after them came a Prince mounted on a white Elephant, bearing upon his lance a banner of a Lions ſkin, who marched with ſolemne gravity before 2000. horſe, richly capariſſon'd with a certain ſtuffe, down as low as the Cambrell, a forehead-piece of a hard ſkin doubled, which arm's the whole head, except the ears. The Prince that led theſe, they called the Betudete or Generall, who had to wait on him a company of the Neguſes pages, whom they called Legameneos. Next to theſe marched another great Lord they called the Alicaſſin, upon a gallant horſe in the head of two thouſand horſe more, armed with ſwords; and woodden bucklers, who are Gentlemen of Guard to the Prince, with them called Cumali. Then another great Lord mounted on an Elephant, and two horſe-men advanceing ſomething before others, who often cry out Imbrane, room, room: next two thouſand barded Cammels, each mounted, with two men armed with halfe-pikes, and ſtrong bucklers of leather: then another on horſe-back with a banner of a Lions ſkin, the like as I ſaw before the King of Angotera, with a company of four thouſand horſe; this Prince bore a ball of ſilver, with four pages riding bare, excellently mounted, called Laga Menegus. The Audrugez, or high Steward, with a thouſand horſe in rich equipage: at the heeles of theſe came twenty venerable old men in gowns ſo large, they almoſt covered the horſe, then as many on foot, who ſeemed to be of the family of thoſe they call Snachagora, who are Phyſicians, Philoſophers, and Counſellours. Then appears a moſt rich Canopy, with Valence of gold and ſilver, borne by four Noble-men, with a numerous cavalry, no body under it, and four Beteneguz, who carry lumps of ſilver gilt, all accompanied with muſick of Hoboys, and other Inſtruments.

Then comes the King of Tigrai with his ſtandart and a numerous company; and not farre after the Abuna, or grand Patriarck, with four Lycanates, or Prelates, who beare a Tabutt, with the Logatera, and march reverſed, giving incenſe, facing the Catamar, or body of the Army.

Laſtly, the Baldaguin or Canopy of State of the grand Negus, appears, accompanied by the reſt of the Princes, himſelf mounted [Page] on a horſe richly trapped, with excellent muſick. Two Kings on foot hold his bridle, two more at his ſtirrups, and two at the crupper; all in white ſilk ſhirts, which they call Aotila, the Princes wearing over all a Lions ſkin, a thing allowed to none but thoſe of the blood, except ſome few upon ſpeciall favour. The Negus goes under the State with a vaile over his face, nor does he appear unvail'd to his people more then foure times in the year, and ſome years only at New-years tyde, and Eaſter, when he keeps open Court. But ſince the death of Negus Nahut was concealed ſo many moneths after his deceaſe, this cuſtome is changed, and 'twas enacted by the Councell generall, or States aſſembled, that he ſhould ſhew himſelf four times the year at ſolemn feaſts.

When theſe times come, the people expreſſe extraordinary joy, as if the Deity it ſelf deſcended to them, by reaſon this Prince is exceeding juſt, compaſſionate and mercifull, dividing his revenue in three parts, one for his family, a ſecond for the Church, and a third for Orphans, widowes, and others in want, for which purpoſe he builds abundance of well-founded Hoſpitalls.

CHAP. XII. The victory of the Negus over the Goragues. His entrance into Barua.

LEaving Barra we went to the town of Barua out of deſire to ſee more of the Negus, and the triumphant entrance provided for him, for a victory lately had over the Soldan of Gorago, a people ſo wilde and ſavage, that of how many ſoever are taken in war, 'tis impoſſible to preſerve one alive; by reaſon they are no ſooner priſoners, but by the ſent of a certain poyſon they have in readineſſe, they die in the very inſtant, or ſuddainly after. In this war the King of Tigray brought him very effectuall auxiliations, elſe he had had a bad match of the Goragues, a mortall enemy to the Abiſſine, whom they call Iſraelites.

In concluſion, after he had put them to the rout, he purſued and beſieged them in Tamar, a town ſurrounded with ſtrong walls, and good ditches, where they were provided of Engines, made of great timber-pieces ſo drawne and bent by cordage and wheeles, fixt oppoſite, that the reverſe was ſo vigorous, they would founder or break a ſhip in pieces. For which reaſon the Negus, after the trench was filled forbore to ſtorme, nor indeed, but for the help of a Genoeſe had he accompliſhed his deſigne without extream loſſe. This Genoeſe by mine blew up a Tower, which opened a marvelous breach. Then the people, [Page] mad with deſpaire, chooſing rather to dye, then be reduced to ſervitude, expoſed their wives and children in the face of the aſſault. In the end, the town was taken and demoliſhed, and the inhabitants to a man put to the ſword, not one amongſt them yielding to accept of mercy. The Negus took priſoners the Kings wife and daughters, and while he was uſing perſwaſions to gain them to come live with his Queen, and that he would wealthily beſtow the daughters, the mother and one of the daughters had diſpatched themſelves with poyſon: The other who was faire in perfection had no ambition of death. The Negus gave her to his wife, who richly clothed her, and uſed all ſorts of blandiſhments to comfort her.

After this victory in Gorago, againſt the Negus was to viſit Barra, the inhabitants amongſt other magnificences had erected to him a ſtately Pyramid of timber, covered with Fauſell garnets, either cut by the hand of Lapidaries, or coming ſo from the mine, ſupported by four Gyansts: with a ſpacious Palace of divers works and Niches, furniſhed with ſtatues of Ladies, gloriouſly adorned with gold and ſilver, and laid with colours to the life, many Trophies of victories. Upon the town River, called Morabo, was erected a ſumptuous Pageant, with the figures of an Elephant, and a Rhinocerot. The Elephant was filled with fire, and the Rhinocerot was ſo contrived with ſprings that ſuck'd in water, and ſpouted it againſt the Elephant; the whole ſupported upon piles, by which the fire was conveyed with a ſingular ſleight: for from the bank to the Elephant there [...]ere ſecretly lines drawn, whereon were hanged cartridges filled with powder, which being ſired with a cane,The triumphall entrance of the Negus into Barra. the blazing cartridge flew like lightening upon the Rhinocerot; and at the ſame inſtant the ſprings being ſet on work, the Rhinocerot encountered the Elephant with ſuch a ſtream of water, that the cartridges (the fire not being wilde-fire) loſt their effect. It could not but be delightfull to ſee theſe flaming ſquibs of ſuch velocity, and in ſuch a multitude in the middle of a bulk of water which oppoſed, and vanquiſhed their fury.

The Negus and all the Court were much delighted therewith, and the Divertiſement diſcharged a good part of thoſe griefes, which oppreſſed the captive Princeſſe, to whom the combate of the artificiall beaſts was very pleaſant, it continued above two houres, till at laſt the conflict grew ſo robuſtious, they overturned the Fabrick under them; and all fell at once, and vaniſhed in the River together, to the exceeding pleaſure of all the Beholders, and thus was this day ſpent. The Negus on the morrow went to Maſſe, and as he paſſed, the Militia of the town ſaluted him with fire-works of ingenious invention. Being returned from Maſſe, and going to Dinner, unexpected came in a ſtrange Prince, who falling to his feet, petitioned him he would beſtow upon him the captive Princeſſe, or vouchſafe to impoſe a ranſom on her, [Page] The King looked upon him as admiring how he paſſed the guards, a thing extraordinary, and unuſual amongſt them; nevertheleſſe admitting his paſſion for an excuſe, he demanded who he was; the other anſwered that his Countrey bordered upon the dominions of the Barnaguz, that is high-Admiral, north-ward towards Ganfrila and Drafrila, Ganfrila and Drafrila. and that the late Zambaze Prince of Gorago had given him this Princeſſe his daughter for wife: whereupon the Negus cauſed her to be called, and after a mutual acknowledgment, weeping ſhe told the Negus and Queen, that but for hope of meeting again with her huſband, ſhe would not have preſerved her life, but had in death wayted on her mother and ſiſter.

The Queen had gotten a promiſe from her that ſhe would become Chriſtian, and being mov'd anew, ſhe ſaid ſhe was moſt ready; then turning to the affianc'd Prince, ſhe declared to him that being a Chriſtian ſhe could not match with an Infidel, and therefore requeſted him they might together receive their baptization: this at firſt ſeem'd very harſh to him, yet at length by perſwaſions and manifeſtations, they ſo prevailed, that he condeſcended, and both of them with divers Lords of his train were baptized together. The Negus releaſed him of a certain tribute due, which, as likewiſe other Princely preſents, he gave his Lady.

CHAP. XIII. The manner of ſervice at the Negus's table, the receipt of the Portugueſe Embaſsadour.

AS to the ſervice at the Negus's table, 'tis as magnificent as with any Prince on earth, for the multitude of Officers: our curioſity found ſo much favour as to ſee it, and amongſt other things remarkable, there were three pages in raz'd tiſſue, ſuitable with a bed in a corner of the room, as we perceived coming in, the Negus's lodging as I ſuppos'd. Theſe Pages brought to the Table three diſhes made of a black wood they call Euate, Al. calls it Gauete. like to our Ebony, of precious eſteem with them, for the property it hath to burſt in pieces as ſoon as poyſon comes within it. Theſe diſhes were half full, one you muſt know with a ſort of pear, which cut in middle preſents the perfect figure of a Croſſe, a ſtrange rarity in a fruit, the ſecond half full of burning coals, and the third of aſhes. This to repreſent Chriſts Paſſion, Death, and Hell.

[Page]The reſt of the ſervice was moſt ſplendid, as well for ſtate as delicacy of meats, ingeniouſly dreſſed and perfumed, with an odour ſo ſweet and pleaſant, as 'tis impoſſible any could be more. The canopy of ſtate over the Princes head was of the ſame as the bed and the Pages apparel were. There were others diverſly habited, but all rich, and every one two diſtinct veſtures, one that had but a half-ſleeve, with baſes falling over their buſkins, and hiding ſome part of their ſhoe. But I will relate the reſt of the ſervice, when I deliver the reception of the Spaniſh Kings Embaſſadour, Don Franciſco di Lopes, ſent to the grand Neguz for leave to build Forts upon his coaſts, as well for the advance of commerce, as the propagation of Religion. He came on land in Africa, towards the river Souac, near the Monaſtery of the Holy Ghoſt, of the religious Obſervantines I ſpoke of before. We met with him before that in our travels, and he came along with us as far as the head of that River, where we ſet him on ſhore near the Church or the Monaſtery of the Holy Ghoſt, which is one of the chiefeſt Fortifications the King of Ethiopia hath, and 'tis there 'tis ſaid 300. religious are, where he ſtaid ſome dayes to refreſh himſelf, then took his journy towards the Court, whither from that place he had 4. or 500. leagues of land to croſſe, and yet 'twas a fortune to him that the Court was no further remov'd, for as it might have happened, he might have had above 700. leagues before he reacht thither. Being furniſhed with horſes at this Monaſtery for himſelf and his company, (who were ſome fourteen or fifteen in number, he came, as he ſince told us, to another Church or Monaſtery ſome ſeven or eight leagues from thence, but with extream trouble, his horſes ſo tiring, that the ſervants were fain to carry the baggage themſelves for two leagues together. At length he got to the Monaſtery of St. Dominick, as he called it, where he found good entertainment, and changed his horſes, which were for no further ſervice, being ſo extreamly beaten out with travailing unſhod, as they uſe in thoſe parts, becauſe they have not the art of ſhooing. As he was upon the point to depart thence, there fell ſuch an exceſſe of rains, that the Rivers were ſo broken out, that he was conſtrained to ſtay near a month longer, and expect till they retir'd within their banks. Then he continued his journey, and having croſſed a vaſt Countrey came to Mongibir, where he made a viſit to the King, who was then ſick, but uſed him with great civilities. The Embaſſadour offered him the advice of his Phyſician, but he told him our Lord who had ſent his grief ſhould cure it. He furniſhed him with horſes, and appointed his own Son to conduct him even to the Court. By the way he met with many other Monaſteries, and mountainous and unpleaſant Countries: thence he came to the Province of Tigremahon, ſubject to the Negus, who hath five kingdoms under his dominion: here 'twas he firſt drunk the honied wine kept in great oxhorns. [Page] From thence he travailed to Culuſen, and many other Countries, till he arrived near Barra, where the Court lay. As ſoon as we had notice of it, we failed not to preſent our reſpects to him, and he returned many civilities to the Sieur de lu Courb, as the principal amongſt us, but nevertheleſſe with a Soſſiego and Spaniſh gravity, of which the Sieur ſeemed to take no notice, for that we deſigned by his mediation to ſee the Negus at table, which as yet we had not compaſſed; though for his own part out of the gravity or vanity of his Countrey, he diſdained to ſee it, yet by reaſon of his quality he might have done it without difficulty. This being obſerved by the Sieur de la Courb, he ſo well feaſted a Maſter of houſhold to the Abuma, that he promiſed us we ſhould ſee him at ſupper, as we did two dayes after: but I believe he firſt demanded his Maſters licence, then he brought us to the Monaſtery of Atania, for the Negus ſeldom lodges in tents, where he finds Monaſteries or Churches, as there are plenty in this Countrey. 'Twas there we ſaw the Prince ſup, in the manner I ſpoke of.

As concerning the Embaſſadour, the Negus having intelligence of his coming, ſent a handſom company of Cavaliers to receive him, and ſome eight dayes before had ſent a grand Serami to conduct him, which Serami was not ſparing of his cudgell to any upon the way, that gave not the Embaſſadour honour, who being met by theſe Cavaliers many ſalutes and complements were interchanged. Being arrived at the Camp they preſented him a tent of Canvas, which was ſomething diſliked by the Embaſſadour, as being unſuitable to his quality, nevertheleſſe he ſeemed to take no notice of it; but the Serami perceiving ſomething, told him for excuſe, they uſed him no courſer than the Prince himſelf who had no better: which gave ſatisfaction to the Embaſſadour: then they brought him in proviſion of victuals, for him and his retinue. 'Twas three dayes before he had audience, then ſome principall Gentlemen and Officers came for him by night, and conducted him to the Court, which was then at a goodly Monaſtery; and being brought into the chamber of preſence, he found the Negus ſitting on a bed of raz'd gold, and ſilver tiſſue, four pages in the ſame ſtuff ſtanding bare at the bed [...] feet with lighted Flambeaus in their hands. The Embaſſadour made him a moſt reſpectfull reverence at ſeven or eight paces diſtance, bowing exceeding low, whereas others kiſſe the ground; and the Negus unvailing a little one ſide of his face, demanded the Preſents the King of Spain had ſent him, where the other being ready to anſwer, ſuppoſing he ſhould have a compleat audience, the perſon that brought him in told him at preſent it might not be, and that the King had ſeen him was ſufficient for the firſt time, and ſo without further ceremonies he delivered his letters, which were read by an Interpreter. On the morrow about midnight the Embaſſadour was ſent [Page] for again in the ſame ſort and ceremony; then the Embaſſadour carried the Preſent, which was in pieces of ſilk, ſpices, and ſome rich and well-wrought arms. The Negus received them, then diſmis'd him, cauſing one to tell him he ſhould ſhortly be diſpatch'd.

The next day he was ſent for again to Court, where he dined with the King and Queen, the King a little remov'd at ſome diſtance from them. The firſt ſervice was three gold diſhes, the firſt full of fire, the ſecond of aſhes, and the third of the miraculous pears I ſpoke of, in which, being cut, there appears a perfect naturall croſſe, repreſenting our Redemption, as the other eternall pains and death.

Afterwards came all ſorts of exquiſite and delicate meats. The Embaſſadour having ſtaid ſome months in the Court, the Negus ſent him a letter for his Maſter, though letters are not in uſe with them, content onely to ſend their meſſengers, who deliver their miſſives by vocal relation: but this letter was at the proper inſtance of the Embaſſadour himſelf, as he told me a good while after, when I met him at Grenada in Spain.

When I mentioned the Army of the Negus, I forgot to tell you 'tis ranged in ſuch ſort, that the Lanciers are quarter'd outmoſt round the Camp, lined with the Cavalry, and muſqueteers within them, all quarter'd in order, and ſtreets, as in a Town: the Souldiers apart by themſelves, Merchants on one ſide, and Artificers on the other; ſix or ſeven thouſand tents will ſerve for fourſcore thouſand men. The Cavalry moſt commonly conſiſts of thirty thouſand horſe, all unſhod, for they have not the art to ſhooe them, ſtout and indefatigable, being brought up by Cowes from which they take the calfs and put colts in their places.

To conclude, the Emperour ordinarily depends not upon his proprietary poſſeſſions: for bedes the gold and ſilver his people pay as tribute, they pay him amber, musk, civet, ſtones, and all ſorts of victuals and ſuſtenance; ſo as he hath not much uſe of money more then to pay his Officers and ſervants, who are paid their ſtipend in gold or ſilver uncoin'd in gobbets exactly weighed, beſides ſuch a proportion of diet every day for their livelyhood, as in Italy, Cardinals, Princes, and the Nobility uſe to do.

CHAP. XIV. Of the kingdom and policy of Mongibir, of the Mountain Amara, where the Abiſſin Princes are.

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BEcauſe I have made mention of Mongibir, Mongibir. I ſhall inform you that this Countrey, the capitall Town whereof is called Scanfourin, is ſubject to the Negus, and neighbour to the Province of Calaſen. The Natives are of a middle ſize and olive colour, which makes them affect ſtrangers exceedingly, eſteeming them more beautiful than themſelves; though very few come amongſt them: for they are wretched, baſe, and timorous beyond imagination, trembling at the report of a gun, which they ſay is the Devils handycraft, and call him Hocalſic, that is a good man, who carries none of theſe fire cudgels. Nevertheleſſe they maintain a continuall war upon the Calaſens, who are Chriſtians, and they Idolaters, worſhipping the ſun, the Negus never being able to reconcile them, nor introduce Chriſtian religion amongſt them.

Amongſt other hereſies they believe, that after death the ſoule enters into another body, which makes them indulge ſtrangers ſo highly, upon opinion they may be of their alliance; yet they hold they cannot enter into the Calaſenians, nor the Suecans, becauſe they are Romarins, that is Chriſtians:Romarins Chriſtians nor delight to inhabit a body of a contrary Religion, and ſo ceremonious and auſtere as ours is.

The earth, ſay they, was made for our ſuſtenance, and 'twere indignity to the Maker not to make uſe of all which it produces. When one ſpeaks to them of the kingdom of Heaven, they ſay 'tis the manſion of the Gods and Lights, and not of men, and that God will have no communication with ſinners, who are unworthy to approach a thing ſo holy, which ſhews they once had better knowledge of our myſteries,Strange proſtitution of wives. though in the whole time of our travaile there, we ſaw not any book or the leaſt record of the true religion. They will invite Paſſengers to lodge with them, and command their wives to keep them company; while they go to the wood or river for entertainment for their gueſts, their wives careſſe them, and eſteem it a happineſſe if they prove with child by a ſtranger, which when they bring into the world, they call it Gilchaquillan, that is a child of the ſun, who being grown up, the Prince takes him to his ſervice, ſaying, this is the way to multiply his Nation with vertuous people. And what is more, the wife is the better eſteemed of her huſband; and the Prince, if it be a male child, ſends him a little ſnake of gold or ſilver, in [Page] form of an ear-pendant, which renders him ſo qualified, that the time may come he may be capable of the charge of Benchaye, who is the perſon next to the King: if it be a girle ſhe ſhall be married to a perſon of high degree. Though they want not mines of baleys, rubies, and of ſilver, beſides other mettals, as tin and copper, whence they get an earth which makes the moſt pure violet colour in the world, wherewith they make their houſes very gracefull to the eye, nevertheleſſe their fancy is to paint their arms and legs, ſpecially the nails, and hang pieces of old iron in their ears. A Portugueſe one day ſhewed them a piece of gold againſt the ſun, which charmed them ſo, that they immediately made it known to their king, who reſolved to have it at any price to hang in his ear, as a thing miraculous and ſacred, and gave for it half a tun-weight of cinamon.

As concerning the Articles of their Faith, they have no Idols in their Temples, but on ſolemn feaſts being aſſembled they dance round, and ſing hymns in honour of the ſun, abſtaining from ſuſtenance till his ſetting. They acknowledge a place where ſinners are tormented after death, and ſome more grievouſly than others, proportionably to their offences.

Further they have no ſpeculation, being Maſters neither of literature nor characters, a ſimple people eaſie to deceive, content with a bare ſufficiency for livelyhood, not ſtudying how to make uſe of their national commodities to the beſt advantage: beſides ſo kind, they give freely to one another whatſoever they are poſſeſſed of, and ſo groſſe, there are many things amongſt them they know no name for, and are abſolute forrainers at a mile diſtance. Their onely traffick is for honied wine, which is brought them from Suechan and Calaſen, in truck for wild beef-hides, and Elephants, which they ſell to Biguen. They are of ſuch fidelity in their commerce, that they are really ignorant what 'tis to lye, and keep their promiſe with religious obſervation. 'Tis true the Ingreſſes to the Countrey are very dangerous, by reaſon of robbers of diverſe nations who rendezvous there, but the King executes moſt ſevere juſtice on them that are apprehended, condemning them to the jawes of wild beaſts, which he keeps in Parks.

This Princes court is governed with good policy, and is moſt commonly attended with four hundred tall men at arms, drawn out of his Provinces called Marac, which on the South confine on the kingdom of Couran, ſmall Countries, but the Inhabitants have a particular renown for their fidelity: Beſides he hath conſtantly near him 400. horſemen well mounted, and in his ſtable a thouſand able horſes at reſt, becauſe being generally bare-foot, they are apt to batter their hoofs. To march before him he hath 50. Cavaliers whom they call the Joarmamir, that is the chief Guard, cloth'd in cotton cloth, with bow and arrow in hand: then follow [Page] fifty Cavaliers more in cotton Caſſocks variouſly painted, with a ſhort ſilk Cloak, not unlike Meca Tapiſtry, wearing on their head a cap in faſhion like a Miter, at their girdles hang little balls of ſteel with three pikes, wherewith they ſeldom miſſe when they ſtrike, and at their Saddle bow a ſharp'ned iron like the head of a lance. Theſe they call the Kings Champions.

Theſe two troops march in the field about a bow-ſhoot before the Prince, having between them fifty Elephants richly trapp'd with Tapiſtry of ſilk, each bearing three or four men with ſtrong bows, and arrows three ells long, Ethiopian bonnets on their head, and Alparyates, or open ſhooes on their feet: them they call Jourles, that is Archers. Then 50. Cavaliers mounted on white horſes, bearing balls of ſilver richly wrought, in white ſhort cloaks with ſilver buckles, on their head a red bonnet hanging over their ſhoulders, like a Chapperoon, they term theſe Gouaique Soumimara, that is, the Princes Councell of ſtrangers. Then a hundred more well mounted, ſtuck with abundance of feathers, their horſes covered with caſes of Beares, Lions, or other beaſts ſkins fringed with little coloured feathers, a bow in a ſcarfe, and a club in their hand of a ſufficient length. In the laſt place comes up the troop which is called Mameiteque Ebaulbic, or the Guard of the Body armed with long lances pointed with certain ſtones keen as any razor, which next fire-pikes is the moſt dangerous arms I ere beheld. One amongſt them bears the Standart, which is the figure of a Sun, and the King marches next after, habited much after the ſort as the Gouaique Soumimara, a bonnet on his head, banded with a white Taffety hanging over the horſe cruppers, with many devices repreſenting the high atchievements of his Predeceſſours, to ſatisfy the humour of the people, who glory in generous Princes, whoſe fame may live with poſterity.

Amongſt other the fundamental lawes of this Nation, there is one whereby the King is obliged to marry three wives all of his own quality, without regard to their being forrainers, or of a contrary religion, holding that a good wife ought to make her huſbands will her rule in all things. If they conform not preciſely to this law, they render their children incapable of ſucceſſion, and muſt be content with a bare penſion, and become ſubject to an elected King, who poſſibly he might have raigned over himſelf. But this difference ſeldome happens amongſt them, and Tradition makes mention only of one Cbapoularin ſon of Jazalga, whom his mother had inſtructed to adore the infernal ſpirit, which was ground of much combuſtion in the State, ſo as the mother and nine of her ſons were maſſacred in a ſedition, and they elected for King a ſon of the laſt wife, from whom the people received ſo prudent a Government, that being dead, they erected a ſtatue to his memory in the middle of the Market-place, in the town of Biguen, where it ſtands at this day. This is a town [Page] of exceeding ſtrength, mantled with good Baſtions, every ſtreet provided of chains for caſe of neceſſity, girt with good ditches, ſcituate upon the fair River Gambir, abounding in fiſh, which they fiſh for in little boats made of reeds, capable only of two men. The King hawks at river in thoſe boats, as 'tis the ordinary way of the country. They uſe bridges of ſtraw to croſſe the rivers, as they do in the kingdome of Garamel, which ſtraw they call Ingar, as in the Weſt-Indies they call it Tortora. The women appear freely in the ſtreets, their garments are a ſhort gowne after the Arabian cut, ſleeves to the elbow onely, linnen hoſe, hanging on the left ſide a rich girdle colour'd in devices, to diſtinguiſh maids from married women, upon their head a linnen vaile curiouſly wrought, hanging down their ſhoulders.

Three times the year they admit commerce with the Suecheuians, for their civility at Memite, when they took away all their women, and by expreſſe command of their King, reſtored them without the leaſt injury to their honour, a moſt heroick action of a barbarous Prince. From this country of Suechen they receive very conſiderable commodities, as likewiſe from Couran and Marat, countreys where they have plenty of honied wines, corne, cattle, fiſh, and excellent fruits, which they tranſport to Biguen without the leaſt tribute for any thing whatſoever. When the Kings wives go abroad, they are ſeated on Chariots, in ſuch manner as the Chineſes or the Geneſes are, all three together, in the ſame dreſſe like three ſiſters, and with like affection. The Prince keeps a perfect amity amongſt all the three, a thing much to be admired. Three principal noble-men called Genelcoulbre ever aecompany them, walking ſeven or eight paces before them, with ſtaves in their hands. The Ladies wear crowns of flowers and ſtones wonderful refulgent, their face open, with pendants in their ears of rich pearls, and bracelets of the ſame.

If they meet the King, they deſcend from their Chariots, and immediately aſcend again without further complement, as if they had never ſeen him. He makes a turn towards them, then paſſes on; and three of the chief of his train alight from horſe, and come kiſſe the Queens Chariots, who deliver ſome certain words to them, and ſo the Gentlemen remount. I often enquired what it might be they ſpoke, but I could never be ſatisfied for the ſeveral relations told me. The Princes royall are educated in the Province of Marat, with prudent perſons well warn'd to inſtruct them in obedience to the King, whom they viſit once in the year, which they divide into four ſeaſons as we do. The Daughters remain near their Mothers, where for their exerciſe they are taught to work the ſhort coats, which reſemble the Tapiſtry of Meca, which the King beſtowes as preſents on the Principal of his Court, to whom he marries his daughters: theſe Perſons by priviledge may have two wives more, but of inferiour degree [Page] to his Lady-Royall, and ſo may be elected Bene-Chayc, an honourable office next his Majeſty.

The Court is well governed, and very polite, but the vulgar are exceeding groſſe and ignorant. Daughters of the Nobility marry not but with huſbands of vertue and valour. The King uſes all endeavour to civilize the People, but to no effect. Upon a time the King met a clowne carrying fiſh, and aſking him what he was, received but a ſlight anſwer; but being told 'twas the King ſpoke to him, he was ſo overjoyed, he would needs give him all his fiſh, which the King refuſed, but out of love he would needs force it upon him, and kindly threw it all in his lap, whereat the King laughed heartily, and cauſed one to give him a thanks of a better price, and made him come to Court, whence he would part no more.

Some dayes journey from Bilguca towards the Province of Marat, Weſtward there is a mountain to imagination ſurpaſſing the higheſt ſteppe of the Ceuares in altitude, which never wants ſnow, no not in July when we ſurmounted it, which is the end of Winter there. At the foot of the Mountain there is a gentile towne called Moulgas, the inhabitants whereof are Jewes, tributary to the King of Mongibir: one of theſe Jewes was our Hoſte, who gave us good entertainment, and falling into diſcourſe upon the Old Teſtament, he took us for Jewes, and preſently we had a whole Synagogue about us to congratulate, but they were ſoon ſcared away, when we aſſured them we were Chriſtians. Our Hoſt preſented us for a dainty with the fleſh of Crocodile, but not being uſed to it, for my part I could not taſte it, for the apprehenſion I had of that furious creature, though I were ſufficiently ſatisfied the meat was wholeſome, white, and ſipid. He ſhewed us two Ducarfs, the leaſt I ever ſaw, who for paſtime he had hors'd upon a ſheep. Having gotten an Elephant for the remove of our baggage and commodities, we left Moulgas, and came to Suarin, the firſt Town in Marat, a place of ſtrength ſcituate upon a little Mountain, whence there ſallies a ſtream of water that turns three Mills. The people are kinde and courteous, but Idolaters, believing the Sunne to be the maker of all things, and like them of Mongibir, that Heaven is onely for the Gods, and not for men.

Thence we came to Moucal, an uniform Town, having eight ports, which are all perſpicable from the middle ſtation of the Town: Before the Palace-Royall ſtands a Pyramid, upon which there is the ſtatue of a King named Soualin, who once reſcued this Town out of an enemies hands, by the ayd of the Towneſwomen, who in the action atteſted an un-heard of Magnanimity, for a monument whereof, he enacted a Law in their favour, that they may have three huſbands, but the men [Page] for their baſeneſſe, onely one Wife.

Some few dayes journey from thence, we entered the kingdome of Couran, a good and fertile countrey, but full of Foreſts, infeſted with very dangerous wilde beaſts, and amongſt others with a ſort of fierce and ravenous dogges, by which many Paſſengers are devoured; as by the way we met with ſufficient evidence in bones, apparel, and bagges of Pearles and Emeraulds.

Afterwards we paſſed through divers countries, as Souchalbi, Choucay, and others. In all theſe parts we far'd at a cheap rate, for it coſt us not in two dayes the value of a farthing; the good people bringing us ſhare of what prey they had in hunting, came themſelves to eat with us: for our exhilaration, they uſed certain ſtrange inſtruments which they played on. The women are reaſonable faire, very chaſt, but ill apparelled. The maids at twenty yeares of age, may marry whom they will, without hinderance of either Father or Mother.

When they ſolemnize matrimony, they go to the Temple, where the Father ſayes to the young man, I give thee my daughter for thy ſpouſe, and the other Father ſayes the like to the maid. Then they take two ſheeps hearts, male and female, and preſent them to the Prieſts; who ſaying certain prayers, burn them on the Altar, then kiſſe the married couple, and joyn them in mutuall embraces: then they feaſt with muſick, and deprive the maid of a lock of haire growing on the hindpart of her head, as is the cuſtom for all maids and widowes, they religiouſly obſerve marriage all their lives, in perfect peace and concord.

See Al. cap. 58. and 59.To give account of the Mountain Amara, whereof I made mention before, which is in four degrees and a halfe of the Meridian, where all the Princes of the blood are encloſed, and carefully guarded, 'tis a large Province, adjacent to Belequanze, Zoa, and Ambian, containing a good number of Towns, Villages, and Caſtles, and is above 150. leagues in circuit. Much about the middle, there is a high riſen mountain of the ſame name, directly under the Equinoctiall line, which is the proper Manſion of the Princes. There are ſome who relate wonders of the height, extent, beauty, and richneſſe of it, making it a terreſtriall Paradiſe, but there is more probability in what I learnt of ſome inhabitants beyond it, who ſay the Mount is round, of but few leagues compaſs at the top, exceeding high, conſtituted of a rock cut like a wall, of difficult aſcent, but onely by one certain way. There are Palaces and Gardens for accommodation of the Princes and their People, beſides a Monaſtry of S. Anthonies Order, with corn, fruit, and cattle for their ſuſtenance, without any other water then rain, which they preſerve in Ceſterns.

[Page] Franciſcus Aluarez nevertheleſſe ſaith, this mountain is not to be rounded in leſſe than fifteen dayes, but I ſuppoſe he means at the very bottom: and that upon this huge mountain where 'tis exceeding cold, there ſtand leſſer which compoſe valleys, where there are both Rivers and Fountains, with ſome hamlets and habitations; but having not been an eye-witneſſe, I report but what I have heard, for 'tis death to a ſtranger to come there, and the natives to have their hands and feet cut off.

The Monaſtery is called Zio marina Chriſtos, This is Domine miſerere nobis the religious whereof employ themſelves wholly in the ſervice of their order, which ſome report to be of huge number, others leſſe. All of them betake themſelves to labour, every one having his little cell apart for his devotions, not entring the Church but on Feſtivals, when they celebrate but one Maſſe onely. Their faſts are ſtupendous and incredible. The women receive the Communion in the porch or entrance, not within the Church it ſelf, except on the feaſt of the Viſitation, when they have priviledge to enter.Aluarez cals them Debiteres. The cannons of Ethiopia. Of this Abraham See Al. ca. 54. The chief of the Monaſtery is called the Barnagaz, and by another name the Lebetera, which means a Devote or Sage, as 'tis called alſo the Church of Sages. Here the Princes of the blood are kept ſecured, ſince the dayes of a king called Abraham, who having many children received a viſion in his ſleep, to this purpoſe, for prevention of civil wars in the State. 'Tis forfeit of life for theſe Princes to come out of their encloſure, except him who is immediately to ſucceed when time falls: then he comes forth and takes with him one who is moſt in his favour, preſenting gifts to all the reſt, to whom he ſends a rich Crown ſet with ſtones, which is given to him, whom by unanimous conſent they acknowledge chief, and next to ſucceſſion, who is honoured next to the Negus himſelf: for there the ſucceſſion goes by proximity of blood,Iſraelites is as much as Princes of the blood-royal, or officers deſcended from thoſe Jews who came thither in the daies of Salomon. Al. c. 61. & 138. except power carry it as it hath often happened. Some ſay they call all of the blood-royal by the name of Iſrael. For the reſt of the Province of Amara, 'tis very mountainous and very fruitfull, the air good and temperate enough, without diſcommodity, but exceſſe of rains from mid-May to the middle of Auguſt, according as other Countries all along the line. We had moſt of this relation from the Spaniſh Embaſſadour I mentioned, who had great familiarity with Prince Gabriel, who came out of the Mountain when David the laſt of that name deceaſed, at the election of Nabur his confident friend, who freed him from that Princely confinement, and admitted him to live in his preſence, ſo long as in no ſort he medled not in affairs of the State. Many other particulars of the Mountain we learnt of one of the Religious of the Monaſtery there, who amongſt other things told us, how he once attended the Negus againſt the King of Geret, aſſiſted with the Kings of Abat and Eri, who denied the cuſtomary tribute, whom this Prince invaded as far as the Countries of Ganfrila and Drafrila, who otherwiſe [Page] the Negus had abſolutely loſt, for the Barnagaz who was Governour, was then come to Court, to do homage to the new Prince, who underſtanding that his Countrey was ſeiz'd on, with all poſſible expedition, repaired thither with fifteen or ſixteen thouſand men, and brought a ſeaſonable relief, aſſiſted by a Prince called Lulibella Abelicano eſteemed a Saint, and in effect with a handfull of men in compariſon of the Enemy, they got but little leſſe then a miraculous victory. This religious man told us many more very remarkable things of the death of the late Negus, father to him who reigned when we were there; a Prince ſo vertuous, and ſo beloved of his people, that after his death many of his chiefeſt Noblemen left their Fortunes and ſtately manſions, and becoming recluſe religious ſpent the remainder of their dayes in pennance. Amongſt others a Prince who had eſpouſed a ſiſter to the deceaſed, mourned with ſuch paſſion, that he fir'd his Palace, and got himſelf to ſo uncouth and ſolitary a place, that no man knew where to find him.

'Twas in a Cave in the wild of the woods, where he concealed himſelf, and this by the conſent of his Lady, who on her part with two of her daughters became a recluſe Nun, in a Monaſtery of women called Aranatingil, to whom after deceaſe of the Mother, the Negus ſent to perſwade to become ſecular again, and prevailed with the one who was married to the Prince of Dafila, but the other called Agaria, perſiſted in her devotion, and proceeded to ſuch ſanctity, that, as they ſay, by revelation, ſhe underſtood the Place where her father was retired, and ſent her Confeſſor to viſit him, whom he found in the hollow of a rock, to which one muſt aſcend by many ſteps, and in one corner of the rock he had a little garden with a fountain, and ſome Coco Dates, which the Abiſſins call Miguel, and other trees ſet round. There the Prince ſpent his daies with one onely ſervant, living on the fruits of theſe trees. He was exceedingly beloved and lamented by the whole Court, as well for his valour and vertue, as for that he was of the bloud of Tigray, being deſcended from the Emperour of Tigray: and the Negus himſelf, holding wars with the King of Deli, felt ſpecial want of him; and coming to underſtand where he was concealed, took the pains to go in perſon with his whole Army thither, to entreat his aſſiſtance in a buſineſſe of ſo main importance, to the preſervation of the Faith, promiſing him that the wars ended, he ſhould return to his hermitage; whereto the other would not be refractory, but leaving his grotte, and appearing to the Army, they conceived ſo great a confidence of good ſucceſſe in the war, that with a generall ſhout they cryed out victory. 'Twas a noble pleaſure to ſee the kindneſſes wherewith the whole Court welcom'd the Prince, ſome embracing his knees, other caſting themſelves at his feet, ſo great is the devotion of theſe people. Then arming him with arms of the skin of Coſcuma, back and [Page] breaſt, and mounting him on a gallant horſe with an azure Croſſe in a white ſtandart before them, as on the day of battel, they have a red Croſſe of the colour of the Emperours tent, they marched into the field, and the war was proſperouſly ended to the wiſhes of the Negus: whether this Prince returned to his grotte or continued at Court I cannot tell. But to proceed, the Province of Amara confines upon Angote, divided by the River Ancona, 'tis true that Olabi lies betwixt, through which the River Cabella paſſes, riſing out of the lake of Amara, abounding with Sea-horſes, by them called Gomaraes, and by the Arabians Garmaran, and another like to a Lamprey, which being boiled in water, makes pottage white as milk, but red being boiled in milk. The Negus is eſteemed one of the richeſt and moſt potent Princes in the Univerſe. His ordinary Army conſiſts of thirty thouſand horſe and fifty thouſand foot, partly of tawny, partly of entirely black people, by reaſon of the heat of the Countrey, though notwithſtanding they have both winter and ſummer. The Prince never ſtayes in Town above three dayes, and ever hath a well ordered Army in the field, amply provided of all ſorts of military ammunition, and his Court walled with a ſtrong and magnificent Guard.

When any one ſues for acceſſe to the Prince, there is a Nobleman whoſe office is to queſtion him, what he is, whence he comes, and what he deſires of his Majeſty, and holding him conſtantly by the hand at the gate of the Tent-Royal, he ſpeaks in a loud tone after a manner of ſinging, and ſo gives the King notice of this perſons arrivall, who immediately receives a diſpatch of his buſineſſe in few words and ſhort time.

When the King marches into the field, which is never without his Court and Army, of above fourſcore or a hundred thouſand men, he removes not above four or five miles a day, ever lodging at Churches or Monaſteries. The Army marches foremoſt, with all the baggage packed up in baſkets inſtead of coffers. This Court is not hung upon by ſuch a raſcallity as ours is, nor is the Countrey harried and eaten up by ſuch a rabble, the villages contribute nothing, but the whole is diſcharged out of the treaſure and revenue of the Prince. After the Army is paſſed, comes about three thouſand Officers, who carry the proviſions for the Kings table, wine in Barrels, and meat in Panniers, every one carrying his proportion on his head, thoſe who conduct them are called the Seraif: Then the Lords called the Serami follow afoot, a javeline in their hand, and a guilt falchion like a ſhort ſword by their ſide, and the Prieſts bare-headed, whereof four, who ſerve by the Quarter, carry the ſacred ſtone for celebration.

The Prince marches under a Canopy, in an Apoſtolike habit of white ſilke, with wide ſleeves, and a broad large hat.

[Page]When the Court marches they are all well mounted, but ill-armed, for their Armes are neither ſo neat nor ſo well wrought as ours: The Prince hath one compleate ſuite of Armes which he puts on but ſeldom: The King of Spain preſented him with a ſuit by his Embaſſadour, which was muſquet proof.

Their ordinary Arms are half-pikes, and battle-axes, of which they know how to make good uſe. Their tents of thick ſtrong cloth: the Prince's of white linnen lined with leather, ſo ſpacious, 'tis capable to comprehend twelve thouſand perſons, domeſtick Officers, and Servants, as I ſaid before, and the Ladies of Honour to the Queen, beſides the Cavalry who ſerve by Quarter, and are thoſe who wear the Lions ſkin. In the middle of the Tent there ſtands a Church of vaſt circumference, near to which the King and Queen onely inhabit, for upon occaſion of any conference, they come into other apartements. His Tent alone is like a little Town, containing within it his very ſtables, all regularly compoſed, and well governed. He hath his muſick ſinging day and night, the Muſicians diſcharging their duties by turns; though he be not in his Tent, the ſame reverence and reſpect is obſerved as if he were preſent. He who hath the office to expoſtulate and induct thoſe who make addreſſes to the Prince, after he underſtands the buſineſſe; if he cannot of himſelf give ſatisfaction, he repairs to the Prince, to whom he relates the whole upon his knees, without preſuming to behold his face, or riſe up while the King ſpeaks, then returns and exacts the like reverence from others to himſelf.

As touching Juſtice there, 'tis equally and ſpeedily adminiſtred, without any tedious proceſſe. If any man either in court or Army be found guilty of a crime, he is immediately puniſhed with baſtinadoes, the ordinary chaſtiſement, but they uſe alſo buffeting as the Turks do.

For the tributary kingdoms and dominions under the Negus, the Law is ſuch, that no one can confer the ſucceſſion on his Children without expreſſe licence, and 'tis ſeldome that the Sonne ſucceeds the Father, but where he hath done ſome ſignall ſervice for the State: inſomuch as they are as it were Governments for life, nor have they aſſurance to continue ſo long; for ſometimes the Prince to reward their ſervices will deprive them of their Crown or Government to advance them to a higher. If he be diſpleaſed with any one, he ſends but a meer Serami or Lord, with a verbal command onely, for letters they have no uſe of, and the ſubject Prince having notice of his arrivall, puts on his Lions ſkin, in token of obedience, and meets him with all ſubmiſſion and civilities: whom the Serami having told that the King commands his preſence, without reply he immediately prepares for his journey, with his treaſure, wife and children. [Page] The King afterwards diſpoſes of him at his pleaſure, either detaining him at Court, or ſending him to the warres, till he ſhall think to beſtow on him ſome other government or dominion on better or worſe according to his deſert; for this King is a benigne and equitable Prince, exceedingly beloved of his ſubjects, which ſupports the ſtate in happy juſtice, peace, and tranquillity, every one obſerving his duty: whence it proceeds that they regard not to erect any State by buildings, having no aſſurance they ſtall deſcend to their heirs.

The Crown revenues conſiſt in corn, wine, cloth, linnen, ſilk, ſilver, not coyn; but counted by weight, for here there is no mint, no more then in China. He hath alſo an impoſt upon ſalt, which is a deer commodity here, and in ſome places is uſed as mony. The Prince hath theſe payments out of the neceſſaries to livelyhood, and hath his receivers in every town. His revenue is extraordinary great, which he diſpenſes part in payment of his Army, part in ſupport of his family, and the reſt to the Church and Poor.

The countrey abounds in all commodities, except ſpice and ſalt, which comes from very forrain parts, and are exceeding deer, inſomuch that for a little bag of ſalt, you ſhall have what you deſire, weight for weight; for what ſalt they have comes either from Egypt, betwixt whom and them there are immenſe deſerts, or from other places ſeven or eight hundred leagues remote, which ſets ſuch price upon it: As again they have their ſpices by the red Sea from Cochin Narſingue, and elſewhere, and as far as the Weſt-Indies.

All the Towns of the country are ill built and little, and the reaſon is, becauſe the Prince reſides ſo little in them, and the Court is continually upon march and change of ſtation. The principall are Barra, Tiena, and Barua, whereof the greateſt is not by a third part ſo big as Florence: They are all ſtrongly wall'd, and ſome well moated, but Baſtions with them are not uſed. The Fort or Citadel is commonly upon the gates of the Towns, where they keep their Artillery, whereof they have great ſtore, and ſay as well as the Chineſes; 'tis two thouſand years ſince they firſt had the invention. I ſaw a piece upon a Chineſe veſſel of 800. years caſt, and 'tis no ſmall queſtion, if they had the invention from us, or we from them, as 'tis more likely, if it be of ſuch antiquity with them as they ſay, or whether we happened upon it upon the like accident as they, I transferre to more curious inſpections.

Amongſt other things I obſerve it as moſt ſingular and laudable in theſe people, that they bear a paſſionate affection to their Princes, and ſo firm a fidelity that they ſubmit to all ſorts of torments, yea to death, rather then fail in their duties; and will conſent ſooner to the deſtruction of their proper Parents, then of their Princes: It being unheard of, that any one ever conſpir'd [Page] againſt his Prince, and if it ſhould ever happen, they would extirpate him and his, even to the child in the cradle, ſaying; there can be no lawful or valuable excuſe for the ſubject that conſpires againſt the King. A Tenent ſtrange enough to the perverſity of nearer nations, and in particular to our unfortunate France, who out of I know not what furious enraged and diabolical zeale, hath too often dipt her paricide [...]ands in the Royal blood. God grant her grace to imitate theſe loyal Abiſſins, better Chriſtians in this then ſhe. In all crimes they uſe a moſt ſevere and exemplar Juſtice; and a man once obſerved to be nefarious, is hated and avoyded by all men: ſo as if for any fact he once fall under the hands of Juſtice, he ſhall be ſo baſtinadoed, he ſhall feel it all dayes of his life. And on the contrary, men of good lives are beloved and favoured by all men, and if any misfortune befall him, he ſhall finde every where aſſiſtance. The Priſons commonly are full of priſoners, maintained at the Princes charge, and 'tis but rarely that any ſuffer death in publick, but commonly within the Priſon where they fell the condemned with a club. They have likewiſe a moſt remarkable Rule for Creditors and Debtors: for if one ſell, or lend to another any thing, upon condition of payment at a certain day, and after the day paſt, the Debtor hath not paid it, the Creditor goes to the Preſident or Judge, to whom he opens his caſe: The Judge gives him a faire hearing, and having given ſufficient teſtimony, the Judge delivers him a wand, wherewith he goes to ſeek the Creditor, and having found him, with the end of that wand draws a circle round about him, with command in the name of Juſtice not to ſtirre thence, till he be ſatisfied; then he muſt either diſcharge the debt, or to priſon without excuſe or delay: and if he endeavour to eſcape, 'tis death. Being in priſon, they aſſign him a day of payment, on which if he perform not, he muſt endure the cudgel; then they aſſign him another day, and ſo forward, till he either pay the debt, or dye with ſtripes; or render his perſon ſlave to his Creditor, till his ſervice hath made ſatisfaction: Sometimes they have the favour to go get their bread abroad. So ſeverely is Juſtice executed, without reſpect of perſons, or bribery; for in ſuch caſe the Judge is both degraded, and puniſhed: but it happens very rarely becauſe they have but few ſuits amongſt them. If one be found to have accuſed another wrongfully, he ſhall ſuffer the baſtinado: again if one deny a fact whereof there is evident proof brought againſt him, they put him to rack, by ſcrewing his fingers between two planks, and in caſe he confeſſe not then, they break his arms and legs. Their priſons are very large, and capable to hold many, where every priſoner labours for his living. The offendors by day have freedome of the houſe, but at night are ſhut up in a room ſo cloſe, they can ſcarce ſtirre.

In Ethiopia there are many Churches, but of mean architecture, [Page] though ſomething after the Roman way, with bells with wooden clappers, which yield a very ſweet ſound. They have very little iron and very few fountains; I remember not I ſaw above five or ſix throughout the countrey where I was. Their pictures are very courſe, Statues ill proportioned, without any figures of relief.Alu. ſaith the Prieſts & Cannons are ſingle, Monkes married. There are Monaſteries of all ſorts, more or leſſe auſtere, yea they have Religious that marry, but no more then once. In the Church they never ſit down, but ſtand upright, leaning at certain times on a kind of Croſiar, or Crutch. They conſecrate the Sacrament in a piece of bread according to the Greek rites, and then in imitation of David before the Ark, they uſe a motion in a manner of dancing in time of prayer, then bow themſelves very low: When they go forth of the Church, they hang thoſe Crutches out of the Gate in a place covered for that purpoſe, and every one knowes his own again. Their Prieſts live very exemplarly, and in great auſterity: In the Church they never demand any thing, every man gives to whom he pleaſes.Inſtituted ſince Al. time, who ſpeaks not of them. They have ſome amongſt them who never eat fleſh nor drink wine, living on nothing but fruits, hemp-ſeed, ſuch as we feed birds with here, and other ſeeds unknown to us, and on certain roots.

Others there are of an order not ſo auſtere, but every one, upon pain of moſt rigorous correction, obſerves the rule he hath made choyce of. There are Icronimites who ever go barefoot and bare-headed, ſleep upon the boards, wear hair-cloth, never taſte wine nor fleſh, and are as 'twere continually in prayer; Their Convents are in woods, where with leave of ſuperiours, they walk at liberty, without any communication, but at confeſſion. Their office holds from Mid-night till an hour before day, then it rings to prayer, then they repoſe an hour, and return to ſing the office of the Church; which done, they ſay Maſſe with extraordinary devotion, then take their Sandals, and ſit down to a very innocent meal. They confeſſe not at all, have commonly their eyes fixt on the ground, and are much in ſolitude.

A man when his wife is departed, loſes the repute of honeſty, if he become not religious. They rebaptize as often as they pleaſe, and ever after confeſſions they go to a Prieſt in a corner of the Church to be baptized, and you ſhall ſee thoſe of the greateſt age go to the Font like little infants.

Some have ſaid that they baptize in fire, but 'tis nothing ſo, for they uſe water onely as we do, though their words are ſomething diſcrepant.

They have long precept-faſts, and keep lent very ſtrictly, diſpenſation being allowed neither to Soldier nor Infant, therefore this is the time the enemy chooſes to invade them, ſuppoſing they ſhall finde them weak. At Eaſter they communicate after the Greek rites, and force the ſucking infants to receive it, giving [Page] them the Teat after it, ſo that the Church is filled with the cries and bawling of children.

Obſtinate Hereticks they condemn to the fire, but this hath not often occurred, but with Moores who diſſembled Chriſtians. In ſumme, the Ethiopians, though Chriſtians, retain many ceremonies, ſuperſtitions, and hereſies, both of the Jewes and Grecians, as Circumciſion, Purification, the Sabbath, abſtinence from Swines fleſh, from Hare, from blood, from all things ſtrangled, and from certain fiſh. With the Grecians they deny the Proceſſion of the Holy Ghoſt, the two-fold will of Chriſt, repeat Baptiſme, condemn the Councel of Calcedon in favour of Eutiches and Dioſcorus, hold that the ſoul freed from the body, enters not into heaven till the diſſolution of the world, and many other errours attributed to them, denyed by ſome of them: but of this the Modern relations of the Jeſuites, afford better information; who live amongſt them, and bring in a plentiful harveſt to the Church, by the converſion of theſe people to the Catholick and Roman Faith.

Concerning the Prince he hath divers appellations, as Senap and Negus which ſignify Emperour and King, Belulgian or Beldigian, that is, excellent or precious Lord, and with the vulgar, the Preſteian, whether the name came from an ancient Perſian word which ſignifies Apoſtolical, or whether in imitation of a King, who ſometime raigned in Tartary, called the Preſteian of India a Neſtorian Chriſtian, who was vanquiſhed, and caſt out by the Tartars, and had this name from having a Croſſe borne before him, when he appeared in publick.

Afterwards the Portugueſe by the ſame name called the King of the Abiſſins, either for a parity, or becauſe they apprehended him the Preſteian of Aſia and India, ſo high in hiſtory for theſe three or four laſt Ages. But of all I have ſaid, and of all other particulars of the Empire of the Abiſſins; their Manners,Look Al. G [...]es, Godagne, and the modern relations of the Jeſuites. Religion, Speech, and Power, I referre my ſelfe to the more ample diſcourſes of ſuch as have written expreſſely, whoſe reſidence and obſervation was of higher growth then mine, content onely to have touched upon that little I obſerved paſſing through the Countrey, and now I will revert to the Town of Barua, which I left for this ſhort digreſſion.

CHAP. XV. Of the Town of Barua, Bagamidri, and others. Stories of Sorcerers.

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BArua is a Town, that for bulk and ſcituation may ſtand in Parallell with Samacara in Arabia the happy, whereof I ſpake in the firſt part. It is raiſed upon a Mountain, at the Foot whereof ſlides a lovely River called the Arabic Arat, by the Abiſſins Morato, which yields abundance of fiſh, but chiefly ſtore of Crocodiles, which are excellent meat, and they eat them chiefly in lent, at which ſeaſon there comes more plenty then at any time of the year beſides. They come up from Nile, and ſo diſperſe themſelves through all the Rivers of Ethiope, that fall upon it. This creature lives both on land and water, is a great deſtruction of cattell, chiefly of ſheep, whereof he is very licourous, and will devour one at a morſel, for want of them will break into gardens, and eat the fruits. This creature is ſo ſubtle, that he will hide himſelf near to houſes, and vent moſt heavie ſighs, to entice people to him and devoure them, as it had fortuned to a poor woman at Barua, who had been ſo taken and devoured, but for the timely reſcue of her huſband, howſoever was mutilated.

The like happened to us going by night from Alexandria to Rouſſete, for we ſaw one, which we took for a block, and as a ſervant belonging to the Conſul of Alexandria, ſtept before to take it up, he was caught by this beaſt, who with his tayle drew him under water, and was never ſeen more.

In fine having wandered to and fro amongſt theſe townes of Ethiopia, ſelling or trucking our Merchandizes, we reſolved to fall again upon our way to our country. In the company there were ſome Nubian Merchants of the town of Caſas civill perſons and good Chriſtians. We conſulted together of our way, if we ſhould take towards the River Falucia, or make to Gayuelle, along the River Morabon, which runs to Barua. But our company being compoſed of perſons of divers intereſts, according to their affaires, there aroſe ſome diſpute; but at laſt 'twas determined we ſhould go by Gayuelle, whither we had ſeven long dayes journey, to avoyd the danger of robbers, who are very infeſtuous to thoſe parts; as alſo the Tigars, whereof there is ſtore throughout all Ethiopia, and ſo at length gaine Zuama, or Bagamidri, where we left our veſſels, and part of our goods. [Page] Then we travailed along the river through diverſe wild and diſinhabited places, being ever ready upon our guard for robbers that might way-lay us to ranſack what we had, and ſo croſſing Areal and Chauſſabir two Provinces, we met with Heardſmen of exceeding bigneſſe, who kept tame goats, which furniſhed us with milk and cheeſe, and veniſon as much as we would have, for a ſmall quantity of ſalt in exchange, being of opinion we had given them ſomething of high price. Not long after we beheld Gazuelle, and other ſmall Townes, where the greater part are Chriſtians, though they hold ſomething of Judaiſm, as I ſaid before.

As we thought to go take our dinner at Moradar, about a league from Almina, a ſtormy wind under a cloak of thick black clouds purſued us at the heels, which made us keep near our boats, that if the rain ſhould ſurprize us we might have ſhelter at hand.

At the inſtant, two men and a Prieſt in a gray habit accoſted us, the Prieſt with his hat in his hand, ſaluted us in Italian, ſaying he was of Cagliari in Sardaignia, and that 'twas his deſire to return for his Countrey, whence he came into Ethiopia with a Roman Biſhop, who paſſed to the other world at Magadeli: and underſtanding of ſome Italians that were travailing through Ethiopia for Egypt, he had ſought us out to be admitted into our company, intending to take ſhip at Alexandria, and ſteer the courſe for Italy, and ſo for Rome. The two men that were with him gave us high commendations of him, aſſuring us he would pay well for his paſſage, for that the Biſhop had left him threeſcore Doublons for his voyage. We made little anſwer, but at the ſame time, two Noblemen overtaking us in Palanquins, or Littars born by ſlaves on their ſhoulders, this Prieſt made to them and aſked an alms, and one of them gave him a piece of ſilver, then preſently returned to us, and as familiarly as we had been acquainted all dayes of our life, told us, by asking one could looſe nothing but the deniall.

At length we came to Moradar, where we ſtayed our boats, as we had often done, ſince the loſſe of Monſieur de la Courbs man, in hope to find the body, for he had rich things about him.

Being at our Inne we ſmelt a ſtrong ſent, and found 'twas ſome musk cats this Prieſt carried with him, which he would have trucked with us for other commodities, but we were loth to be troubled with ſuch unwholſome things. There they brought us to table a diſh of raw fleſh, well ſeaſoned with ſalt and ſpices, which was of delicate taſte and an excellent meat. After dinner we obſerved certain people, looking ſtedfaſtly in a bright ſhining baſon, and asking the reaſon, they told us they were looking to ſee a troop of Devils that were going to a battail, that was preſently [Page] to be fought. We replyed if it might be without danger we ſhould be very glad to participate with them, and would content them with a piece of money, which they accepted of, and the Sieur de la Courb gave them what we promiſed. Hereupon one of them caſt a kind of greaſe upon a chafing diſh of burning coals, which flamed and went out again, and there aroſe a thick ſmoak, then they perfumed the baſon, and oyled it with a ſort of oyl, and in an inſtant a formidable darkneſſe involved us, and we ſaw paſſing in the air, as it were great ſwarms of knats, not being able to diſcern directly what likeneſſe they were of, we deſired the Magician he would ſtay them, and aſk theſe Demons or hags whither they went with ſuch celerity; then renewing the fumigations and muttering I know not what incantations betwixt the teeth, we ſaw as 'twere ſwarms of Ants, which removing on his command, in imagination we ſaw the form of a body covered with linnen, without being able to diſtinguiſh more: but this Phantaſme drawing near us, ſuch horrour ſeized us, that for my part the hair of my head ſo ſtarted up, that it threw my cap on the ground, and ſtrait a moſt loathſom ſtink, as 'twere of carrion, filled the room: this thing gabbled ſomething which the Magician underſtood, and told us he learnt by theſe demons there was a battaile at hand, to be fought by the king of Barma, and thither they were travelling, to receive the ſouls of the ſlaughtered, that they had croſſed a Sea of darkneſſe and horrour, and the confines of a land where the Sun never ſhone, nor Creature lived, and things of the like kind which this man related.

At laſt all vaniſhed, leaving a ſcene of ſuch lovely trees, that from thence-forward we were bewitched with no ſuch unlucky ambition to ſee Diabolicall deluſions: But to our buſineſſe, after many daies travaile we arrived at Bagamidri, where we learnt the reſt of our Company, who would not come along with us, ſtayed for us at Zambera, or Zambre, a gentile Town upon the lake of Zuame. We were thirteen dayes travelling this ſhore, where we found many villages or hamlets, but few good dwellings:Abiblicains. from Zets to Caſera which are the beſt Towns, 'tis three dayes journey, and from Abiari, which is the Biſhoprick of St. Abiblicano, three more, and to Cafata four: we had extraordinary rains all this way, which nevertheleſſe hindered not our journey.

We made five dayes from Cafate to Girat, Bilibranos the name of a Monaſtery. Dragoyan or Doragila in ſum. See Mark Pol. l. 3. [...].17. and two to Giſara in the Province of Ambian: from thence in ſix dayes we reached to Samodera a very neat Town betwixt two Rivers, and in two and a half to Coſiana, where we found the Princeſſe of Bilibranos, with eight Almadies, in whoſe Company we reached in three dayes to Cabeſtane, in two more to Cabeſera, and in a day and a halfe to Ambadara, or Ambadora.

[Page]From thence we went to Albias or Albian, a ſmall Town, but full ſtocked with people, here we lodged at a Dragoyan merchants houſe, who was married there, and he let us want for nothing. At this Town, in the River were abundance of tame ducks, and a number of diſplumed geeſe, as likewiſe moſt part of the ducks were, the reſt frizeled, which cauſed a laughter amongſt us; to ſee theſe poor birds ſo ill apparelled, which ſome of the Town obſerving, and amongſt them ſome of the Conſuls or Magiſtrates themſelves called the Abiari, they told us, when theſe ſhould come to our table, they would bring us a double pleaſure both in eating and ſleeping, and at laſt we underſtood 'twas uſual to pull their fowle alive to ſtuffe their beds with the feathers, making little caſes of tender Oſiers, which ſtuft with feathers, compoſe a very eaſie lodging, then for the meat 'tis both wholſom and delicate: for this purpoſe they fleece them twice a year: Sheep they have in abundance, which are of admirable increaſe, bringing young ones two or three times a year, and very often two at a fall. They conſtantly coat them under covert by night, holding for certain that the two ſtars which predominate in theſe parts in June and July, which the Indians call Zobana, Or Zabano as the Perſians call them. See the firſt part, c. 37. which muſt be Meduſa's head, or the dog, or one of Orion. riſing in the Eaſt, are mortiferous to their cattle: they have a cuſtom they teach their heards to feed ſo as they turn their heads from them as they paſſe by.

In this Town of Abbiar we had good entertainment for nothing, all upon the Princes account; But whereſoever we came we diſtributed ſome grains of ſalt, which is very acceptable in thoſe Countries, as indeed throughout the whole Empire of Preſte John, being in effect their moſt currant money, for that is ready truck for any thing.

In this place we ſtaid two dayes, at the inſtance of the Magiſtrates and others of Quality, and left our Almadies and goods in charge with ſome of our company, to take the way to Amina, and ſo upon a branch of the Tecaſſin, viſit the Town of Saba or Soba. We made it about nine miles before we arrived at Amina, by a road caraſſed with the ſweeteſt folliage in the world, that is of dates, citrons and oranges, which grow there to a very great harveſt. The fields are full ſtocked with cattle of all kinds, and wild poultrey, leaving their eggs upon the earth, which the ſhepherds and others will not ſtoop for: we had good ſport to catch theſe fowls wherein no one hath propriety; amongſt them ſome have combs like cocks, and many other kinds there are.

At Amena, which is a pleaſant Town, there we agreed with a man to furniſh us with two Bungi, or barks, to carry us to Saba and back again. The Bungi are little cloſe boats like the Gondolaes of Venice, toed by two Bibaries which are ſmall bulls trained to it, who go a conſtant trot. We went off in the [Page] morning and breakfaſted above ten leagues off, by reaſon of the ſwiftneſſe of our Bibari.

This branch of Tacaſſin is much about the rate of the ditch or channel of Piſa at Liuorne; but towards Amina it runs ſoberly enough, where fiſh is plenty and cheap, as all other neceſſaries, by reaſon of the fertility of the Countrey in all things. The whole Iſland or Countrey of Saba, called by the Natives Maguedan, or Soba, is environed with two large Rivers, Sabalete and Morabo, waſhed with the Tecaſſin, who runs thither to joyn with Nile, of large extent, very populous and fertile. The Inhabitants are Chriſtians, except ſome ſtrangers of ſeverall Religions, there being liberty of conſcience, and freedom to enjoy their own Temples. There came in our company a man and his wife in a boat of his own, both decently habited, he wore a large two-corner'd cap of Chamlett: many diſcourſes paſſed betwixt us, his wife being very reſerv'd and diſcreet in her huſbands preſence, but in his abſence more free and jolly.

The evening brought us to a fair Town called Salete or Caleta, a different from that which is 'twixt Barra and Barua, Al. ſayes they call it Berenegus c 46. Sabalete a river. Al. ca. 52. being 300. leagues diſtant from one another: we landed in a ſpacious place, much reſembling the Tambou of Peru, one houſe being reſerv'd for entertainment of ſtrangers, where we beheld many gardens of pleaſure, and amongſt the reſt one appertaining to the Prince of Sabalete, who is as 'twere Vice-roy, or Governour of the Countrey. This garden in my judgement was the moſt pleaſant I ever ſaw in any place, full of all ſorts of trees, fruit trees and others, with Bird-cages, and trees bearing berries for the birds.Saba called Sabin by Al. c. 41. Thence we went to dine at Saba, where we ſtaid ſome time, as well to view the Town, as for our ſmall commerce and traffick.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Queen of Saba, and the kingdome of Caraman.

THe Town of Saba or Soua, and Soba and Sabin, is not the ſame which is in the Iſle of Meroe, near the 15. or 16. degree beyond the line, whereas this is onely in the 7. or 8. Some will have it the Queen of Saba came from hence, others from the Saba in Meroe, others from that in Arabia. This Queen, by name Macheda, or Nictoeris and Nicaula, and with the Arabians, Belchis, they have it that ſhe went from Saba to Mazua, a port upon the red Sea, that ſhe went from thence to Mount Sina, and thence in eight daies to Hieruſalem, that ſhe preſented Salomon with gold, ſilver, aromaticks, precious woods, and the true [Page] natural Balſome ſo much ever ſince eſteemed, growing onely in the gardens of Jericho. That ſhe had one Son by Salomon, whoſe name was Melilec, from whom the Kings of Ethiopia are derived to this very age; That Judaiſme was at that time planted in Ethiopia, whence 'twas afterwards driven in Candaces time, when the Chriſtian faith was eſtabliſhed: but till then 'tis probable it kept footing there, in that the Eunuch belonging to Queen Candace or Judith, was travelling to Jeruſalem, to adore, when he was converted by Saint Philip; and indeed they retain ſtill many Jewiſh ceremonies, as I ſaid before.

There are thoſe who recount ſeveral things of the Queen Saba, which ſavour of the Talmud fables, and the ragings of the Rabbins, as her having intelligence how Salomon was building the Temple, ſhe made a viſit to him with a numerous train, a multitude of Cammels, Elephants, Mules, and other beaſts of burthen, carrying great treaſures. That ſhe travers'd Nubia, Canſila, Dala, and Tamatas, and arriving in the lower Egypt, ſhe diſmiſſed her Cavalry, as incapable to travail the Deſerts, and croſſing the red ſea, landed at Ziden a Port in Meca, came to Medina, and thence to Sina, and in forty five dayes journy upon the Deſerts to Paleſtine, that being to paſſe over a river, upon a piece of timber, being informed by the prophetick ſpirit what it was, ſhe choſe rather to wade through the water in her clothes, then ſet her foot upon that wood, wherein the Maker of the Univerſe for us, ſhould conſummate his death and Paſſion, and how of this beam then buried in the ground, was afterwards fram'd the Croſſe on which our Saviour ſuffered; and many other things of like mettle they relate; which they ſay come to them by tradition.

Of Candace they ſay more, ſhe built the firſt Church in Ethiopia, by the Title of S. Mary of Sion, and that the ſacred Table of the Altar was brought from thence. But reverting to Saba, the ayre is temperate, and the ſoyle exceeding fruitful, loaded with Oranges and Lemons, and covered with birds of game. They are a good natur'd people, kind and civill, of long life, and not ſubject to many maladies; and 'tis not improbable theſe are the Ethiopian Macrobees ſo much celebrated by the Ancients for Longaevity. They delight in good horſes, and chiefly in thoſe brought from Perſia and Arabia, which they eſteem the beſt of the world. They affect to go handſomely apparelled, wearing two corner'd hats of Chamlet lin'd with cloth of cotton or ſilk, their garments long, their doublets and hoſe of the Mariners cut, like them of Goa. The women are decently dreſſed in ſilk, their face open, with little round bonnets exquiſitely wrought; at the crown whereof, which is ſlit, comes out a lock of their hair, deck'd with gemmes; of pearls they wear abundance, eſpecially the Nobility; others wear a vaile of linnen over their face. They have an hearb they call Amatura, which makes the beſt Carnation and [Page] Nacar dye in the world, and being waſhed, becomes an excellent crimſon which never loſes colour. The town in proſpect may be aptly ſaid like Tauris. Directly over againſt it on the other ſide the river, ſtand two other towns and a ſpacious Village. The kingdome of Saba is ſtor'd with many other good towns, as Madrara, Ambadarae or Ambadora, Mathida or Machada, Betmaria, Madraneli or Manadelli, and others of great trade, the people Chriſtians, of devotion enough, but with ſome mixture of Judaiſme. They worſhip Saints, but above all the bleſſed Virgin, and when the Angelical ſalutation, or Ave Maria is rung, the Prince, if he be on horſe-back deſcends to ſay the prayer on his knees, otherwiſe he ſhould be mulcted. They have a Legend of a Paralitick, who being on horſe-back, and hearing the Bell ring, without excuſe preſently alighted, and was cured; whereupon he became a Monk of S. Abiblicanus giving all his wealth to the poor. 'Tis death to blaſpheme the name of God or the bleſſed Virgin, and all both men and women, as they are generally addicted to labour, while they work ſing pious ſongs to cheer them. Curteſans and publick Harlots are there expreſſely prohibited, and ſeverely puniſhed. A Shoomaker ſeeing one who was very beautiful, (for lewdneſſe) led to puniſhment, took her to wife, and ſaved her, for which he had a general applauſe of all men, and ſhe ever after lived vertuouſly and modeſtly during her matrimony. They bear great honour to the Croſſe, and ſalute it on their knees, as oft as they finde one on the high way, inſomuch as one ſhall ſcarce ſee a Croſſe without divers kneeling about it: When a Church, Chappel, or Oratory is to be erected, they ring the Gadapi, which means the bell of charity, the bell made of baked clay, and the clapper of wood, which calls them together; and a Calſena declares the neceſſity of the ſtructure, to which they make a general voluntary contribution. I have ſeen the very principal Ladies along the river, carry, two and two, the neceſſaries to it, as Stones, Lime, Sand, and other materials, which ſome will carry on their heads. The Princeſſe her ſelf leads the way on ſuch occaſions, and all the other Ladies follow her example. The men likewiſe do their parts, and in certain ſtations ſtand religious perſons, with muſical inſtruments to recreate the Lady-taſkers; on the other ſide 'tis the Princes part to provide fruits and other refreſhments for them, with tables ſet here and there, furniſhed with all ſorts of diet, and wine of honey in large hornes, for they ſeldom uſe other wine, except ſome of Dates; wine of the vine being forbidden by Law to all whatſoever. In this town is the Church of S. Mary of Sion, of which I ſpoke before, which they will have to be the firſt in Chriſtendom, built by the Queen of Saba, wherein they deceive themſelves; there being more probability, 'twas the Queen Candace, or ſome other after her: for in the dayes of Salomon, and long [Page] after, there was no Temple but that of Jeruſalem, whither they reſorted from all parts, to the ſervices and ſacrifices at certain ſolemn feaſts. There are 300. Debeteres or Cannons belonging to this Church: There is likewiſe a ſtately Palace for the Tribunal Juſtice called the Macabate, where they judge the Proceſſe, and Appeal to Tigray, whereon they depend; the Province being tributary to the kingdome of Tigray. The Town of Saba or Soba is properly upon that Nile which comes from Zaire, for the other branch called Tecaſſin, or Tagazzi, deſcends from the Lake Baretna in high Ethiopia, and they joyn about Ermita. From Saba, before we went aboard, we had a deſire to go ſee the Town of Caraman, the Seigniory whereof confines upon Gianamora, or Gianamara towards the Eaſt and North, towards the South upon the Kingdom of Cauas, and on the Weſt upon the Province of Sieto, which touches upon Nubia.

Here is a Church dedicated to the ſacred Virgin, which is one of the moſt famous in the country, for that by exquiſite artifice 'tis cut out of the natural rock. Candaces Eunuch is ſaid to be the Founder of it. Within we ſaw thirteen Domes or Niches excellently wrought with fine columns, and drawing near the Altar in one of the Niches, the picture of the Virgin with her infant Jeſus crowned, and a creſcent at his feet, then in the middle of the Church the figure of a Bird, ſignifying the Holy Ghoſt, without any either image or figure in the whole Church: The Niches made Seats for the Prieſts, in repreſentation of the thirteen Apoſtles. They have many Sects amongſt them. The chiefe Prelate wore a long garment cloſe girt to him, at which is faſtened a picket capouch. The man ſhewed much gravity and Majeſty, and ſtood amazed when he ſaw us on our knees before the image of the Virgin, whereof he deſired to know the reaſon. But as there were but few amongſt them of the ancient religion, ſo omit they not to ſing the Prime, the third, the ſixt, and other Canonical houres, ſinging the Pſalmes ſtanding, Interjecting many ſentences, and prophane ceremonies. They much rejoyced at our devotion to the bleſſed Virgin, and began to cry out with great joy, Anderi, behold people of the fartheſt point of the world of our religion, then ſhewing them our Primmers with ſome pictures in them, they could not contain from kiſſing our garments, welcoming us with ſuch profound humility, that in tenderneſſe we melted tears.

May be the Monaſtery of Abba Gariman.The Prince of the place having heard of us, and that we were entertained by theſe Prieſts, conceived well of us, and imagined we were Prieſts, travailing towards Saba in Meroe, to viſit the chaire of a holy Prophet of the great God Magoura, which they hold to be the Chaire Saint John Baptiſt preached in, by them called Nabi Aſiſta, and the Robe King David danced in before the Ark, preſerved as a venerable Relick, with a ring preſented, [Page] as they ſay, by Salomon to the Queen of Saba, a very ſplendid one, and ſeems like a burning coale.

Now being lodged in the Prieſts apartment, he entertained us with excellent fare, variety, and well-dreſſed, but the firſt diſh ſeemed ſtrange to us, for 'twas fleſh raw, ſeaſoned with ſpices; 'twas of no ill taſte, but rather procuring appetite; then we were ſerved with all ſorts of good meat. At this feaſt many came to accompany us, and I ſuppoſe every one brought in a ſhare, for the people underſtanding us to be of their religion, uſed us with great kindneſſe, and as we came out of the Church, kiſſed our garments, and preſented us with birds of divers kinds, for which we ſhewed a gratitude, but accepted nothing.

While we were at Supper, we had every one an Inhabitant ſitting by him with a cup of Date wine in his hand, others waiting to fill again when occaſion was, and not one of thoſe who ſate with us eat a bit, but ſate onely to entertain us. More we obſerved, that in all the meats, there was not one bone, but ſo neatly ordered, one could not perceive how they were taken out. There was no fruit for the laſt, though they have great abundance; but Plates full of little fryed cakes, like fritters, to which none of us had any great ſtomack, yet to comply with them, every one took one for a taſte onely, but for my part I liked them ſo well, that two douſins ſcarce ſerved my turn. After ſupper a great concourſe came in to look upon us, and ſome amongſt them modeſtly deſired me to ſhew them my Primmer, for a picture of the bleſſed Virgin which was in it, which I did, and they took it, and ſhrunk away ſo in the throng, I could never hear more of it.

After this they brought us to our lodging, our beds were mats,Bernuſſe a ſort of African cloth. and Bernuſſe inſtead of ſheets.

That night we ſlept very well, and on the morrow we went to hear their Church-ſervice: where there was an extraordinary congregation. We ſung a Salve before the Image of the Virgin, and interpreted the ſignification to them, wherewith they were extremely edified, weeping for joy to ſee and hear us, and learnt by heart what we had taught them, for they are a very docile people, and proclive to Religion.

CHAP. XVII. Of ſome particular Towns in Ethiope, viſited by the Authour in his Peregrination.

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HAving ſtayed there ſome few dayes we returned back to Albiar, where we found our company, with our Almadies and goods, then together we held our courſe upon the Nile for three dayes journey, meeting neither with Town nor Village of any importance, but we ſaw abundance of Cattle, Bufflers, Cammels, and a ſort of Goats, which have hair ſoft and delicate, as white ſilk, then ſteeceleſſe ſheep; others all white but the head: Swine of extraordinary greatneſſe, which quietly carry boyes who guide them, and travell them like horſes; but for Apes and Monkies, 'tis incredible what number and variety there is in thoſe parts, beſides many other Specieſes of beaſts unknown to us.

The third day we paſſed by a corner of a wood, which is in the famous deſert of Goran, whereof we had the proſpect fifteen days before. There we found Tortoiſes of ſuch prodigious greatneſſe, they will travel with a man upon them. The fourth day we came to a gentile town called Camiſſan, where amongſt other ſingularities; their women are of extraordinary beauty, who entertained us with many kindneſſes, and the more freely, becauſe there were but few men in town, the greateſt part being in the Princes attendance, who at that time made a new entrance into Caſila, another Province upon the Nile. Then we came to Caſſoudra three leagues from thence, where there is a Colledge, and a School of the Syriack language, which the Mahometans of Dalaſcia, as ſubjects to the Negus, are obliged to maintain for their tribute; at night we went to bed at Baza, and were exceedingly moleſted with knats or couſins, by reaſon of a little coppice of Caſſia, by which we came, and after that by another of Orange trees, which kept us company as far as Baza. Theſe knats breed in the fruit of the Caſſia trees, which is ſweet, and falling upon the ground ſoon corrupts, as I ſaid in another place, ſpeaking of Arabia.

From Baza we made three dayes to Hermita, a pretty town, only one mile diſtant from Nile, which comes not to it, becauſe the Channel is choaked up.

The ſcituation is very pleaſant, ſtanding in a thicket of Orange and Lemon trees: there again we ſaw thoſe huge Tortoiſes, which men ride on, and 'tis a wonderful thing of thoſe creatures, they, their heads cut off, will live four or five dayes, retaining their blood, as we ſeveral times experienced.

[Page]On the morrow, holding on our journey, we came to lodge at Fougira, which ſtands in a wood of Orange trees, that perfumes the air with a ſweet odour. There we ſaw Archers ſo excellent they will ſhoot as directly as a Gunner: and they told of one that ſet an apple upon his ſons head, and ſhot it off with an arrow: we went to ſee the Governour of the Town, who was lately married to a wealthy Lady; and having made our reſpects to him, he had little regard of us, wherewith we were no more ſatisfied, than we were with his Phyſiognomy, which was very ill-favoured, but well matched with his Ladies. We ſpent moſt part of the night to ſee the devices and ſports the people made, in honour of their Governours nuptials to delight his ſpouſe. Leaving Fougira we went to Fougiara to bed, a ſmall but a pleaſant Town, having all the day had a violent ſtorm at our back, and happy it was our Almadies were well covered; but here befell us a ſad misfortune through the fault of the ſteers-man, for holding too cloſe to ſhore, a torrent of water from this deluge of rain falls upon the open part of the veſſel, with ſuch weight and force, that in an inſtant we were all under water, and all our gold, ſilver, and merchandize loſt, with our Interpreter, and two ſervants. 'Twas a moſt deplorable thing to ſee a ſhipwrack ſo near the land. Yet I had notwithſtanding the good fortune to ſave a woman, who with her huſband came aboard with us for Caſiane, but with this I had the hard fate, that by preſerving her I loſt a little pannier of the chiefeſt curioſities I had, which was a loſſe of importance to me, and much grieved the good woman, ſince it happened upon her occaſion, ſo as ſhe beg'd of her huſband to take it into conſideration, and to give me ſomething in recompenſe when we came to Carſiane; but he who was a ſubtle companion gave me good words, which produced nothing. The truth, is in this miſchance, if we had not been relieved by another Almadie, we had all been caſt away, beſides that the ſhore is infeſted with robbers, and beaſts of prey, as Lions, Tigars and others.

'Tis true the Lions here are not altogether ſo dangerous, for they will not meddle with a man except they be firſt aſſaulted: but the Tigars are bloody and ravenous of mans fleſh, ſo as if they once compaſſe a man he is loſt, venturing upon horſemen themſelves, giving moſt ſtupendous leaps and aſſaults, yea they will fearleſſe break into the midſt of a troop of horſe. By night we got to Fougiara, where we had a good ſupper provided, but we could eat nothing for the terrour our late danger had left in us, and the affliction for our great loſſe, but for the men above all: For the Sieur de la Courb loſt a ſervant that had ſerv'd him twenty years, beſides a thouſand Spaniſh doublons, and a pound of pearles, by eſtimation of great value, with great ſtore of other rich commodities and curioſities. Notwithſtanding 'twas our duty to embrace all with patience, with praiſes to God that preſerved our perſons, [Page] and in this misfortune the Sieur de la Courb had a baſon full of gold, of Pepitas, (as the Spaniard calls them) or ſeeds given him by one of the Lords in our travaile, which was in another Almadie with the reſt of his people, and now ſtood us in good ſtead. On the morrow we went to Carſiane, and lodged at her houſe who was ſaved when our bark was loſt, ſhe made us a free entertainment, and upon her account we were viſited by all the principall of the Town. There we reſted our ſelves two daies, and the good woman in acknowledgement of her obligation, thought no treaty ſufficient for me, taking ſo much care for me that next morning ſhe brought me a clean ſhirt, and gave me other preſents as ſhe was able, amongſt the reſt, a peice of very ſine cloth of Calicut to make me ſhirts. Thence we went to Saraboma or Saraboeſun, that ſo famous Iſland, which the Ancients called Meroe, and now Caeguere, between the line and the Tropick.

Some ſay 'twas originally called Saba, and took the name of Meroe from a ſiſter of Cambyſes king of Perſia. This Iſland is embraced by the two arms of Nile, the one anciently called Aſtaboras the other Aſtupus, or Aſtuſapes, which is on the weſt ſide. Saraboma ſtanding betwixt two rivers like Saba, is quite hidden in trees very pleaſantly. There we ſaw not ſo much as one Trades-man, or publick ſhop, but every man in his own houſe works by himſelf. The greateſt part ſpin wool or ſilk, and dames of the beſt quality make ſtuffs of ſilk. In brief, they all work except thoſe of baſe repute. They are a people of honeſt and religious life, where there is not a Malefactor, nor a perſon in the hands of juſtice, no Lawyers, nor no Pettyfoggers. They celebrate Maſſe after the Georgian rites, with ſome ceremonies of the Jew or Abiſſine. Through all the churches they ſay but one Maſſe a day, as through the reſt of all Ethiopia, and all, men, women, girls and infants, muſt hear every day one: there cannot be a people better, nor more devout.

They generally obſerve lent, and the greater part faſt it entirely. They give the Communion to ſucking infants, uſe extream auſterities, are of very reſerved life, timorous to offend God in the leaſt, grounding themſelves on the words of the Evangeliſt, who ſaith, Hardly ſhall the juſt man be ſaved.

From thence we paſſed by many habitations of tents, compoſed in the form of Tremiſen, or Ducalia, where throughout, the people were very large of perſon, and ſtoutly armed, and waited on with fierce dogs. Then we travailed five dayes, not meeting with any Town but Guelba, a place inconſiderable: nor durſt we lodge there for fear of ſome injury, but lay in our barks. As we paſſed along, we enquired ſtil of the Country-men if they ſaw by the banks the bodies of any drowned men, but in vain, for we could learn no tidings. The fifth day we came to a fair Town called Eſſere, in the ſame Iſle of Meroe, ſeated on a ſoyle covered with dates, oranges, and other fruit trees. They have likewiſe Coloquintida, but make [Page] no account of it. We had ſight of a wild Rhinocerot, that was croſſing a thick wood, that with breaking the boughs as he went made the woods ring, afterwards we ſaw the female follow him. The people of the Country venture not to deſtroy them, for that he is ſo dangerous, and his natural armour impenetrable.

From Eſſere we made towards Bigan, having taken in proviſion becauſe we had four dayes journey thither. The way is ſomething dangerous by reaſon of certain Cafies, aſſaſſines who murther the paſſengers, and live onely upon pillage.Tamatan. There they call them Tammatans, becauſe they are of the kingdom of Tamatas: They can ſubſiſt three or four dayes together, without eating any more then a little butter, and two dates a day: They are of a large ſize by a good ſpan taller than the ordinary, but very megre and lean, and they never lie down.

As we paſſed we ſaw vaſte Countries but few inhabitants, except ſome ſhepherds. But before we arrived at Bigan, we came to a great hamlet, called Carfouran, where we went on ſhore to refreſh and recreate a little: There we bought a barrel of wine of honey, which barrel was made of a cane of one piece, all but the ends. They have of theſe barrels that are wonderful large; towards the Weſt we ſaw a great field covered over with capers, of which they make little account: we boiled a young calf, which they gave us, I think, for fear we ſhould do them ſome harm, ſeeing us go in company, and well appointed, and every where we took paſſes of the Princes and Lords.

Nevertheleſſe, when we came away we gave them ſome few dragmes, which are little ſquare pieces of ſilver, currant all along Nile up into high-Egypt, and are taken by weight. Thence we came at night to Bigan, and we neglected not as ſoon as we landed, to go viſit the Governour, whom they call the Baſira; we ſhewed him the Negus's paſports, which with great ceremony in token of reverence he laid upon his head, ſhewed us great kindneſſes, and invited us to ſupper.

He ſent us to our lodging four great hornes of date-wine, exceeding ſtrong and ſearching; for drinking it without water one would think himſelf on fire, and I believe it paſſes through ſome diſtillatory: We kept it to take in mornings in the manner of ſtrong-water. We returned the Governour ſome ſweet-meats in exchange, which were very acceptable, and he gave us beſides certain birds which are good meat, in Province we call them Franſons, with ſix turkeys, and four white partridges. Departing from Bigan we came in one day as far as Caſima, directly over againſt the deſert of Goran, which lies on the Eaſt and South of it.

This was a day of great pleaſure to us, paſſing ſtill by Lawrels and other ſorts of lovely and wholſom fruit-trees, and meeting with many Towns and hamlets, where they have horſes in abundance: [Page] We ſaw there a great troop of Munkies paſſing by a lake in the middle of a Plain, and a Gentleman fiſhing with Hawkes, which took great ſtore of good fiſh, and carried them to their Maſter. The ſight of this fiſhing retarded us above an houre, though we had ſeen the like in ſeveral places in India. When the people ſaw we were delighted with their ſport, they brought us a good part of their fiſh, as Eels, Trouts, Carps, and Barbels, and we returned them two fine horns excellently wrought, full of Date wine. They walked by us upon the River Bank, and deſired us we would ſtay and drink with them, mean while one of them wrote a note to the Lord of Caſima, whereupon when we were arrived, he ordered us very noble accommodation, ſent us divers ſorts of fruits, and a dozen of rabbets black and white; exceeding ſmall, but of excellent taſte. With great courteſie, he offered us any thing we had uſe of, and on the morrow, he invited us to dinner in his garden called the Motochon, which word is vulgar Greek, though uſed in Nubia. This garden was made at the Princes charge with great art, full of abundance of trees, graffed with ſeveral kindes one above another, which to the eye is delightful to ſee ſeveral variety upon the ſame ſtock, as amongſt others two ſeveral ſorts of figs. The like I have ſeen in the Iſle of Chio, and at Zaure, at the Convent of S. Francis, for there on the one ſide I have ſeen fruit ripening, on the other ſide fruit decayed and rotten, out of which corruption, certain knats take life, which immediately go and peck the others, which makes them preſently periſh, which otherwiſe would endure for ever, an admirable thing in nature, nevertheleſſe moſt true. There were beſides certain trees which bear nuts as bigge as Eſtridge egges, full of cotton, as fine as ſilke.

There were other ſorts of fruit which I never ſaw but there, and one amongſt the reſt, leav'd like the Siccamore, with fruit like the golden apple, but no gall more bitter, and within five kernels as big as Almonds, the juyce whereof is ſweet as ſugar, betwixt the ſhell and the nut there growes a thick ſkin of Carnation colour, which taken before it be throughly ripe, they preſerve with Date-vinegar,Lacque ſanguine colour for Painters. and makes an excellent ſweet meat, which they preſent to the King as a great curioſity. Another tree bears of the fineſt ſort of Lacque for Painters. Alſo they ſow here Orient Auil or Indico, an hearb that makes a dye of great price; whereof they make great traffick, and profit.

Beſides, they have another grain from which they draw an excellent oyle, beyond that of Cinamon, which they uſe for reſtoration of the ſpirits. Then they have a tree like a Pomegarnat, which bears a moſt ſoveraign balme, as I have had the experience: for I brought one of theſe nuts from thence, which I had of this Governour in truck for a Turqueſe, wherewith I did great cures amongſt my friends.

[Page]I ſhould never conclude if I ſhould write but half the curioſities of this garden, where there is a collection of all the Oriental ſingularities: But that which ſeemed of all moſt rare and artificial, was two hands of tranſparent Marble at the Fortal, which held a bow bent; when any one knock't at the gate, the hands diſcharged arrowes upon them, but the arrovves had no piles, and the danger vvas not great: all this done by ſprings dexterouſly ſet on vvork. The beauty and excellence of this garden ſtay'd us tvvo vvhole dayes here in contemplation of the rarities.

In fine, we took our leave of this worthy Lord, whom they called Lebetera, and bent our courſe for Miſan, through which vve vvere to enter Nubia, a kingdom vvhich confronts the Deſerts of Goran, Egypt, Ganga, and Borno, the bounds of Preſte Johns Empire, vvhich confines on that ſide on Nubia and Egypt.

We croſſed many countries in a ſhort ſpace, becauſe Nile is more rapid and ſvvift here then in any other part, for having reunited all his vvaters, and meeting ſometimes vvith open plain countries, vvhere he ſpreads himſelf at length and breadth, ſometimes vvith rocks and mountains, vvhich gird and ſtraighten him, he cannot ſo properly be ſaid to glide or run, as to precipitate himſelf headlong, with falls that make ſuch noyſe, it deafens the people round about. There are the Cataracts ſo celebrated in antiquities, the great and the leſſe, not far above the ancient Townes, Elephantina, and Siena, or Aſna.

CHAP. XVIII. A prodigious Hiſtory of a young Abiſsin Prince, by name Joel, by enchantment transformed into an Ape.

AS we paſſed along Nile in our Bark, entertaining the day with various diſcourſes, one ſhewed me a book of many prodigious hiſtories, and amongſt others, this of Prince Joel, of whom I had heretofore heard at Pegu, where the ſtory is repreſented in a Tapiſtry of the Kings, after this manner. In Janamira a Province of Ethiopia, there lived a Prince called Roſtan Sofar, otherwiſe Fafarin, who by a firſt wife had a ſon named Alarin Sofar, but uſually called Joel; and by a ſecond wife two, Aman Sofar and another whoſe name I know not. Not long before his death, he made his will, and left to Joel his eldeſt ſonne, his principial dominion, and all his treaſure; betwixt the other two, he divided the reſt of his dominions. The guardian-ſhip of young Joel, he committed to a friend, to whom he diſcovered the place where [Page] the greateſt part of his treaſure lay hid, which he had incloſed in a ſtone that was laid in the bowels of a wall. Three dayes after his deceaſe, this friend dyes with grief, ſo as the treaſure, together with Joels perſon, were left in the power of Roſtans widow, Joels ſtep-mother: who, ambitious the ſucceſſion ſhould come to her own children, out of a frantick malice, reſolved to ſend Joel upon a ſpecious pretence, far enough from his Palace, to a ſiſter of hers, a moſt powerful Magician, who to raze out all remembrance of him, ſhould by vertue of charms, transform him to an Ape, giving out that he was loſt, and could by no means be heard of.The ſame we read in the Hiſtory of Ganfredi. They ſay the work was executed after this manner. This Sorcereſſe was blind, but on the Sabbath that darkneſſe left her, and ſhe could ſee as others do: a: On a Sabbath day ſhe took Joel with her to ſacrifice to Sathan, and do him ſuch homage, as his profeſſed ſervants uſe to do. But he refuſing to perpetrate ſuch abhominable duties to the Prince of darkneſſe, ſhe reſolved to diſpatch him by murther; but again moved to compaſſion by the gracious ſweetneſſe in his face, ſhe changed her deſigne. She compoſed a Bath wherein ſhe put him, and by power of her inchantmens, transformed him to an exceeding pretty, and tractable Ape, ſuperinducing an Apes ſkin over his humane ſhape, ſo abſtracting his reaſon and ſence, that little more remained in him then was proportionable to a meer ſenſual creature, notwithſtanding which a knowledge was ſomething more perfect, though he had not the uſe of articulate ſpeech, and with a marvellous addreſſe to render thoſe little ſervices to them of the family, who cheriſhed him, and fancied him exceedingly.

The deplorable Prince lived divers years in this condition, at length he made his eſcape into the woods, where he ſuffered great acerbities, and often perplexed with illuſions of the devill, but was ſtill aſſiſted by an extraordinary flame of grace, and the vigilancy of his guardian Angell, who for his conſolation appeared to him ſometimes in the form of a dove, ſometimes in ſome other ſhapes of like quality. Mean while, it being generally believed Joel was dead, Aman Sofar his younger brother had poſſeſſion of his fathers eſtate, and enjoyed thoſe wide dominions without contradiction. Upon a time as he progreſſed with a magnificent train towards the Province of Dafila; he ſate dovvn to refreſh himſelf under a ſhade, and cauſed the green bank of a cool fountain to be covered for his table, the pretty Ape being at hand, preſented himſelf before his brother, and addreſſing himſelf upright upon his feet, by mute expreſſions ſeemed to beg ſome bread. Aman obſerving the quaintneſſe of his dapper gueſt, with a neat white flaxen beard, ſoft as ſilk, and his-body powder'd with Orange colour'd tufts, bad ſome bread and meat ſhould be given him on a Plate, which before he would touch, he went and waſhed his hands at the waſte of the vvell. Aman vvas ſo taken [Page] vvith theſe Mimick civilities, that he gave him drink in his ovvn cup of gold, and entertained him as one of his train, taking him along upon one of his Elephants, 'Tis ſcarce imaginable hovv diligent and officious this poor creature vvas in their voyage, hunting for vvater for them, and climbing trees to get them fruits; but 'tvvas obſerved he would be Cup-bearer to none but his brother.

Aman had married a Lady of high Deſcent, and beſides had a Concubine whoſe name was Amer, and by both had many children. Joel being arrived at Court, failed not to go kiſſe the hands of all his little nephewes, and Neices, and of his brothers lawfull conſort, which he did with ſo courtly a grace, that Aman laughing, ſaid, you are very imperfect in your courtſhip to Ladies, if you complement the children, and forget the mother, upon which hint he immediately tender'd the like reſpects to the Concubine, he had before performed to the wife. In a word, there was not the leaſt offence of bruitiſhneſſe to be obſerved in the pretty Alſinge, for ſo they named this little Ape, inſomuch that he himſelf in imitation of people would pare his nailes; would ſtill his Nephews when they cryed with plums, and fruit he would have in a corner, did all kind of offices for his brother and ſiſter, except ſuch as were ſordid and inferiour, which he left for inferiour Officers.

In Court there liv'd a Lady of Quality, widow to the aforementioned Tutor of Joel, with a moſt beautiful daughter of thirteen or fourteen years of Age called Eugenia, or as others ſay Ozania, who falling ſick, entreated her mother ſhe would deſire the Ape of Prince Aman, to be ſome exhilaration to her with his blandiſhments he uſed to ſhew her when ſhe came to Court to viſit the Princeſſe, which was eaſily granted. The Ape being brought, as he had been ſome learned Phyſician, immediately found the nature of her diſeaſe, and preſently applyed himſelf to make her merry: which divertiſement betrayed her into the hands of ſleep, then he ſtept back to the Palace to communicate himſelfe, and play with his little kinſmen, and returned not long after to viſit the ſick Lady newly waked, ſtroaking her with his little hands, which had ſomething I know not what of finer make then other creatures of the ſame Species, as I my ſelfe obſerved in the figure I ſaw at Pegu. By little and little, ſo firme a friendſhip grew betwixt Joel and Eugenia, that they could not be aſunder, eſpecially the Lady who was aſtoniſhed to reflect, ſhe ſhould have ſo ſtrong a paſſion for an Ape, without knowledge of any cauſe or ground: That cauſed her greateſt admiration was, that one day paring her nayls, ſhe would needs pare the Alſinges alſo, and viewing them attentively, ſhe obſerved ſome part of them to be covered with a thin ſkin like that of his armes, which were better ſhap'd, and more ſolid then his fellows. This put her often [Page] into muſings, till ſleeping on a night in a viſion, ſhe be held a venerable Matron covered with a white vaile, who ſpake thus. Ozania my daughter, wherefore protract ye to relieve my ſonne Joel, who is the ſelfe-ſame Ape you ſo tenderly cheriſh, reduced to the deplorable eſtate you ſee him, by the infernal cruelty of a Step-mother.

But as it pleaſed the Creatour of all things to ſuffer this tranſformation, and in this forme to preſerve him to this houre; ſince 'tis Heavens Decree he ſhall one day be your husband, I recommend him to you. Faile not to ſoak him in a bath of thoſe hearbs I have properly collected for him, and laid them in ſuch a place (ſhe told her where) and you ſhall ſee his natural humane form reſtored him, and he ſhall be your Spouſe, as I have already commanded him, having appeared to him in the ſame poſture and habit you now behold me. And that you may have no ſuſpect of theſe my words, as ſoon as you awake, go to ſuch a place of your garden, where you ſhall find a ſtone, which you ſhall break, and within you ſhall finde a key of Treaſure, my huſband put into your Fathers hands to keep for Joel. In unity may you both live long: And with theſe words ſhe embraced and vaniſhed. The Lady affrighted wakes, and with a ſuddain ſhreek wakes her mother, who ſuddainly ranne to know the matter, to whom Eugenia relating her apparition, the Mother ſoon called Prince Joel to remembrance, how about his nine or ten yeares of age, by the malice of his Mother-in-law, he was loſt, no one knew how. Hereupon they both embraced the Ape Joel, who had received the ſame viſion, and was as 'twere out of countenance to be ſo indulged by theſe Ladies, to whoſe hands he paid his kiſſes, but chiefly to his dear and beſt affected Eugenia.

Together they went then to councel what was to be done in this conjuncture, that they might not be liable to the indignation of Prince Aman Sophar. The Mother thought beſt, before he reaſſumed his ſhape by vertue of the intended Bath, that he ſhould return to his brother, and after ſome dayes of himſelf get away, and then they would adviſe of what was to follow; But in the firſt place they fetched the ſtone in the garden, and putting it in a ſtrong fire, as they were directed by the viſion, it burſt, and they found a key, and deſcending three ſteps in a little Arch, they found a door, which they opened with the key, and found a great iron cheſt, with a Maſſe of Jewels, and Treaſure, with ſome notes of what Joels Father deſired after his deceaſe. This done, Ozania's mother led back the Ape to Aman, acknowledging her obligation, for that the Ape had recovered her daughter. Joel then ſtayed ſome dayes at Court performing his wonted offices, and application, and as he went one day to gather ſome fruit for the children, the [Page] peeviſh Gardener threw a ſtone at his face, which fetcht ſome little bloud: upon this hurt he preſently run away, and was ſeen no more at Court, for which all were much troubled; Aman cauſed him to be ſought for, but they could find him no where, not with Ozania her ſelf. This while the Ape lay cloſe in a buſh, til at night he ſtole ſecretly to the Ladies houſe to his fair Miſtreſſe, who ſuffered torments for him. There he found the bath in readineſſe, and being in it 'twas an admiration to behold how the ſkin which maſked him over, no ſooner felt the heat of the water and vertue of the herbs, but it diſſolved to nothing like a miſt, chaſed by the wind, or diſſipated by the Sun.

They then cloathed the Prince in ſplendid and rich apparell, and the Ladies entertained and feaſted him with an exceſſe of joy, which he embraced with an affectionate tenderneſſe, all three weeping for joy of ſo ſuddain and unhop'd for a bleſſing.

The joy was generally through the houſe, they to whom the ſecret was undiſcovered, ſuppoſed him to be ſome young Lord, kinſman to the Lady who called him Nephew. Then they entred into conſultation what courſe was beſt, but Prince Joel in the firſt place, would aſſure his faith to fair Ozania, to whom he promiſed ſolemn Matrimony in fit time and place. After this they peruſed ſeriouſly the Teſtament of Prince Roſtan Sofar, father to Joel, who in preference of Joel, had diſpoſed him all his treaſure, and the dominion of Chaſubir. To his ſecond Son he had given the Seniory of Sanat, and other Territories, with other ſubſequent diſpoſals.

All this they found ſigned and ratified by their Soveraign Lord and Emperour, the Grand Negus, for they found diverſe letters, many rich preſents, amongſt which a cimeter with curious hangers. Now Chriſtians of the Ethiopian rites, they celebrate the marriage 'twixt Joel and Eugenia in the open Church. And after ſome dayes of felicity, they were of advice, that before he diſcovered himſelf to Aman Sofar his beſt way would be to make his addreſſe to the Emperour of the Abiſſins, that by his authority he might have reſtitution made him of the eſtate and treaſure left him by the laſt will and diſpoſition of his Father, poſſeſſed for ſo long time by his Brother.

In proſecution of this reſolve, he took his voyage in an ample and magnificent equipage, and came to Barra, where the Court then lay, then having erected his Pavillions he advanced to the Palace gate, and having cauſed the trumpets ſound according to cuſtom, two principall Noblemen conducted him to the Princes preſence, where plac'd on his knees, in few words he delivered the ſtory of his fortunes.

The Emperour with extream wonder called him to remembrance, how he was loſt in his youth, and that rumour went, [Page] his Mother-in-law had cauſed him to be ſtrangled and caſt into a River; how ſhe had been called to Court, to anſwer theſe accuſations, and could hardly juſtifie her ſelf.

Prince Joel brought moſt rich Preſents to his Majeſty, in a veſſel of gold, amongſt the reſt, a delicate Clock with weights to it, a moſt rich collar with a ſtone inchaſed, of admirable vertue to ſtanch bloud, as was experienc'd upon a goat, which they wounded in three ſeverall places, and not a drop of bloud iſſued. The Emperour received Joel and his Preſents with indulgements, and deſired his Lady who was come in company with him ſhould viſit the Queen, who received her with exceeding kindneſſes. The Emperour was ſeated on a Throne, under a Canopy, with large curtains, called there a Mandilate.

Princeſſe Ozania preſented the Queen with chains of corrall, a croſſe of rich Rubies, a Chryſtall looking-glaſſe, ſet in a fine Emerald, and other beautifull preſents out of the Treaſury of Joels father.

The cuſtomary Ceremonies of the preſents performed, the Emperour at the requeſt of Joel, diſpatched a Calſena, to ſummon Aman Sofar to come anſwer the matter at Court, which ſtrangely amazed him, both for the demande and re-appearance of his brother Joel, whom he thought dead long before.

Notwithſtanding to Court he came with all diligence, and found the Negus removed many dayes journey from the place, where Joel found him at firſt, for the Court reſides not above three daies in one place, by reaſon of the numerous train which followes the Prince, and at that time was in the Province of Gianamora, a Countrey of Mahometans, who were in rebellion for their impoſts or cuſtoms. Aſſoon as Aman arrived, he pitched his Tents, and before he preſented himſelf to the Emperour, enquired for Joels quarter, who having intelligence of his arrivall, though the elder Brother prevented him with a viſit, and knew him exactly, whereas the other had not of him the leaſt knowledge: Nevertheleſſe at firſt ſight, as right bloud cannot diſſemble, he ſaw his Fathers face in Joel's, and his heart melting, he fell at his knees, and wept. Joel raiſed him up, kiſſed him, and with mutuall embraces gave demonſtration of joy and affection, then ſupped together.

Supper ended, Aman with exemplar deference aſſured his Brother he ambitioned not to detain any thing from him that appertained to him, but preferring his love before all worldly wealth, ſince by divine providence he was returned, after ſo long an abſence, wherein all gave him loſt, with a free heart he ſurrendred all he poſſeſſed into his hands, beſeeching he would have conſideration on him and his children.

Joel embraced him upon the ſame, and told him he would [Page] ſhare ſo with him, that he ſhould reſt content, and he deſired to live with him in peace and amity: Then ſhewed him his Fathers Teſtament, which was to regulate them both, wherewith Aman was exceedingly ſatisfied, onely he had a little regret for his Brothers matching with Ozania as inferiour to his quality, beſide that he had an opinion ſhe uſed ſome ſurprizall or art to gain his brother; for the preſent nevertheleſſe he diſſembled it, eſpecially upon Joels relating the hiſtory of his life and tranſformation, and recovery of his form, manifeſting the obligation he had to this good Lady was ſo great, he could do no leſſe than marry her daughter.

Hereupon they reſolved to go together to the Palace, through the middle of the Army or Court, which is ranked in Pavillions, as a fair ſtrong Town in ſtreets and publick places.

Then with accuſtomed ceremony they tendered their reverence to the Emperour, to whom they ſignified the agreement and amicable accommodation betwixt them, wherewith he was exceedingly pleaſed; and looking on the ſword by Joels ſide, he told him he knew it to be the ſword he heretofore ſent his Father, and if he would employ it in his ſervice, he ſhould loſe neither time nor labour. Then he called for two battle-axes for horſemen of an excellent temper, and perfection, enriched with precious ſtones, in ſcabbards of ſilver guilt, then drawing them out, told them he deſired they would both keep them in remembrance of him, and that at the Palace gate ſtood two horſes ready ſadled, which he gave them, and exhorted them to live in peace and fraternall love. The Negus gave moreover to Joel, in requital of his Preſents, two Elephants loaded with Matirals, a kind of ſilver money not ſtamp'd in Ethiopia, for there they make no ſort of coin: one of which Joel gave to his brother, together with the burthen. Likewiſe the Empreſs when Ozania or Eugenia came to receive her diſmiſſion, preſented her a chain of fair pearls, of an exceeding ſize, and a pair of ear-pendants, of rubies which to the eye were two coals of fire.

Having parted with the Court they ſent all their baggage by land, to return the ſame way they came, and went themſelves to Vangot, and thence upon Zambre, cut their voyage ſhorter by the half.

At their arrivall Joel was welcomed with the joy and acclamations of all the Countrey, and Aman ſurrendred into his hands all that he poſſeſſed of his till that time, and retired to thoſe Seniories that were allotted him: And Joel had by Ozania two ſons, Gabriel and Aman, who ſucceeded after his death.

Here ye have the Tragie-Comedie, I mean the deplorable and afterwards happie adventures of Prince Joel, who during his Apes life ſuffered all ſorts of miſeries, ſeeking his Victuals with a thouſand hazards and troubles, often [Page] brought to events the laſt, with hunger, thirſt, cold and heat, wandring through forreſts and deſerts, often expoſed to the malice of weather, but more to the malice of men, who proclaim a moſt mortall war againſt theſe creatures, for ſpoyling gardens, pillaging their trees before the fruit be ripe, and committing many outrages on their poultry, connies, and domeſtick fowl, for which cauſe they purſue them with ſtones, bows, and guns: So as he was forced to uſe his beſt providence and dexterity to evade theſe inconveniences: and told his Mother-in-law Iſania, he was often conſtrained to live on rats, moles, mice, ſnakes, worms, and other vermine, to prevent dying for hunger.

Iſania enjoying now a perfect tranquillity, took great delight to hear the particulars of the afflicted life her Son led during his transformation, and captivity. This life being properly a moſt cruell ſlavery, when Magicians ſhall have power to transform a humane body, contrary to his conſent and will. And indeed he affirmed, it often brought him into ſtrange deſpairs, even to caſt himſelf from ſome precipice. So as one day being in this furious reſolution, another huge black Ape came to him, and leading him to a dark deep well, perſwaded him to leap into it, but terrified with the vacuity and darkneſſe, he retired; then a pure white bird came to him, who freed him from this temptation, and led him to a place where he found a pocket full of bread to ſatisfie his hunger. Again he related, how following on a time a beaſt he ſaw at ſome diſtance, it brought him at length to an aſſembly of people of all ſexes and ages, dancing to muſick with their faces outwards: amongſt the reſt he ſaw a nurſe of his, who beſtowed a garment on him, for then he conceived he was returned to his priſtine ſhape of man. That in the midſt of all this he ſaw a Beare to whom all theſe people made adoration, and that the nurſe perſwaded him to do the like, aſſuring him this Lord was infinitely powerfull, and could reſtore him to his eſtate and dominions, and give him all ſorts of content and pleaſure, upon condition he would do him homage as others did. But as a Chriſtian, he had a horrour of it.

In apprehenſion he ſaw Tables brought in, and covered with all ſorts of dainties, whereof they all eat, and he amongſt the reſt, but thought the meat very ill dreſſed, and of an unſavoury taſte. In the end all vaniſhed, and he ſtaid behind like an Ape as before, and in a vaſt ſolitude, whence he had much difficulty to get forth.

Telling this ſtory, dame Iſania much admired to hear that Joels nurſe who was her kinſwoman ſhould frequent Magicians Sabbaths, and reſolved to ſearch the truth. Whereupon they went to viſit her, for ſhe lived not farre off, and found 'twas truth, as the poor wretch confeſſed her ſelfe; [Page] and Joel was of ſuch abilities, that by argument and eloquence, he reduced her to the right way, leaving that life of abomination, and went to S. Mary of Sion, one of the moſt celebrated Churches of Ethiopia, the chief reſidence of their Abuma or Patriarch, of whom with penance and contrition, ſhe received abſolution, and was exorciſed together with a ſon of hers, whom ſhe had ſeduced to this accurſed ſodality.

Her neighbours adde, that there were about her certain marks where her fleſh was inſenſible of pinching or piercing, as we report of our witches here, which ſhews the devil is every where the ſame. In ſumme, their memorials in particular relate this ſtory of Joel for a truth, which I had alſo by relation from the people.

'Tis no ſmall difficulty, how theſe transformations can be made by the work of the devil; for though ſacred hiſtory mention the like of the Babylonian Emperour, that was done by the plenipotentiary power of the Almighty, and if the devil do the like,See if this may be, in S Aug. l. 18. c. 18. De civitate Dei. 'tis but by meer illuſion, or by applying Actives to Paſſives, and this no further then he hath permiſſion from his ſoveraign Maſter, who executes his juſt and ſecret judgements, how, and when he pleaſes.

We have plenty of examples both ancient and modern of Anthropolychi, or men turned to Wolves, whether really, or in apparance only by diſtracted fancies, which doubtleſſe is the ordinary way Magicians transform themſelves into ſeveral ſorts of beaſts: and theſe Anthropolychi have been known to come into Villages, and divers women and children have been murthered by them, and that their teeth were ſhort like a mans. I my ſelfe was preſent, when my aſſociate Caſſis apprehended himſelf tranſformed to an horſe at Tranſiana.

In reference to what I have ſaid, I remember at the great Caire, I ſaw a Jugler or Magician rather, by name Harafit, who had an Aſſe would do ſtrange and ſupernatural feats, and many opinion'd 'twas a young man ſo chang'd to get money, which they call Carabit, and the beaſt underſtood both the word and the matter very well.

For my part I thought him to be ſome reaſonable creature, or at leaſt ſome beaſt poſſeſſed and agitated by a Demon; for amongſt other things he had judgement to diſtinguiſh the faireſt woman in the company, though they go all as 'twere maſked and covered with an Huke that hides their face, and a thouſand other tricks, far beyond what I ſaw of the famous horſe Morace at Paris, long agoe.

Some would go further, and have it to be the Magicians own proper ſon: ſo as the Clark of our ſhip, another, and my ſelf, out of curioſity would needs go ſee this Mountebank at his ſtation at Brillac, on the other ſide Nile; where having wound him up with [Page] good chear, and given him a handſome piece of money to unlock his ſecret, the Clark told him if he would transform a young Grecian they had redeemed out of ſlavery, they would give him an hundred Sequins, for they had a deſign to make a benefit by ſelling him to the King of France, whereto he conſented, and promiſed to effect it, ſo that he who was to own the Aſſe and the Grecian both, would renounce their Faith: and hereupon ſhewed him ſeven Figures for that purpoſe, in every of which, there was one name of theſe ſeven principal Demons, and a book wherein there were moſt funeſtous and execrable things. But with horrour we were ſatisfied with the diſcovery of ſo much wickedneſſe, and left him.

As concerning the Androlychi, I have not heard of any thing ſo ſtrange, as that the Governour of Bagaris related one day to me. He told me, that going with ſome of his company from Lionac to Montpelier, they overtook an old man with a ſack on his ſhoulders, going a great pace towards the ſame town, a Gentleman of the company out of charity told him, if he would, one of his ſervants to eaſe him, ſhould carry his burthen for him, at firſt he ſeemed unwilling to be troubleſome, but at length accepted the offer, and a ſervant of the Commanders chamber called Nicholas took the burthen, and being late, every one doubled his pace, that they might get in in good time, telling the good old man, they would goe before, and he ſhould finde them at the White-horſe. The ſervant of the Chamber coming in with the firſt, had a curioſity to ſee what was in the ſack, where he found a Wolfs ſkin, ſo properly accommodated for the purpoſe, that he had a ſtrong fancy to diſguiſe himſelfe in it: whereupon he got it on his back, and put his head within the head-piece of the ſkin, as 'twere to ſhew his Maſter a Maſkarade, but immediately a fury ſeized him, that in the Hall where they ſupped, he made ſtrait to the company at table, and falling on them with teeth and nailes, made a dangerous rude havock, and hurt two or three of them, ſo as the ſervants and others fled to their ſwords, and ſo plyed the Wolf with wounds, that they laid him on the ground, and hurt in ſeveral places. But as they looked upon him, they were amazed when they ſaw under the ſkin a poor youth wallowing in blood. They were fain to lay him preſently on a bed, taking order for his wounds and hurts, whereof he was covered; and was long before he could be cured: but this cured him of the like curioſity againſt another time. The company by this means had but a bad ſeaſoned ſupper, and many of them were ſick either of hurt or apprehenſion. For the old man Wolf, 'twas not known what became of him, but 'tis probable, that hearing of this tydie accident, he was cautious to appear.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Deſert Beniermi, and the Townes Dangala, Machida, Georgia, &c.

[Page]

IN this Navigation, which I have interrupted for this prodigigious ſtory, we met with a countryman upon a Mare, who went aboard a Bark, to croſſe the river to the Province of Dafila: but the man never obſerved a Colt that followed him, and leapt into the water to come after his damme, which the man ſeeing, he beſought the Pilot to turn back and take him in, but the Pilot would not be perſwaded, ſo as he was conſtrained to leap into the water himſelf to ſave the Colt: But had not we by good fortune been at hand to help him, the poor man and his Colt had periſhed together, the violence of the water carrying them both away. Being in ſafety, he was ſo amazed and out of breath, that he was not able to ſpeak us thanks: But he told us afterwards his Maſter made him pay for the Colt, becauſe he had not tyed him faſt.

After this, for four long houres we cut through a Deſert, they call Beniermi, where we ſaw ſeveral kindes of wild beaſts; amongſt the reſt two Lions lying in a ſhade, with their muzzles all bloody; they ſtirred not at all at the ſight of us, though ſome were afraid, they would have leapt into the Bark upon us. But others better experienced, aſſured us no, except they were diſturbed; for the noble and generous nature of the beaſt, who are only dangerous to thoſe that hurt them. Joyning upon theſe deſerts, we ſaw fair till'd fields, ſome ſow'd with Lupines and Beans, others with ſugar Canes.

Being come to Miſen we reſted there one day, then about two miles further we had ſight of Cafa a gentile town, and paſſing further into the country, we went on ſhore at a gallant town on the coaſt of Nubia, they call Hami, to take in Melons and Potatoes, the beſt of the world.

And from thence ſteer'd towards Dangala a very good town; but bearing ſo much upon the land, our Almadie was ſo faſt gravell'd, we were forced to unload our goods, which hinder'd us at leaſt two hours, and made us lye at Biſen, four leagues ſhort of Dangala, whither we went on the morrow in the company of continual rain, thunder, and lightenings: which was the cauſe we could not go on the other ſide of Nile, to ſee Dafila the chief town of the Province of the ſame denomination, where one of the gallanteſt, and moſt valiant Princes of the Neguſian Empire reigns.

Touching Dangala, 'tis ſubject to Barnagus, who at firſt had it in [Page] exchange for Caſſina, and ſince hath both by help of money. 'Tis in Nubia the oppoſite of the Province of Dafila, which extends as far as Danfila. Thence in five dayes we came to Mara, a neat town, oppoſite to the Province of Ganfila, on the other ſide of Nile. The country is well peopled, and plentiful of all commodities; amongſt the reſt there is a mine of the fineſt ſilver. Thence in two days to Bergan, and in one more to Tiruti, a town abounding in all things, but very dirty. On the other ſide of Nile is Gourage in the kingdom of Tamatas. Then in two dayes ſeventeen leagues to Daerue, where there is a mine of Lead and Antimony, whereof they make great profit, ſending their mettals every where, they mixe braſſe in their money and call it Cazec.

We had the pleaſure there to ſee a morall repreſentation of the Magdabens converſion, which was full of delight and contemplation. Thence we had a deſire to walk under the ſhades to Machida, a town they will have to be built by the Queen of Saba, who was ſo called; and they told us we ſhould ſee in the Church a very antique ſtatue of this Queen; but being arrived, we ſaw nothing but the ruines of a town, which nevertheleſſe ſhewed, that in times paſt they had been ſomething of noble. For there we ſaw the ruines of a Caſtle, which we muſt needs judge to have been a place of great ſtrength, for that all the avenues were of difficult acceſſe. The day following we went to Fuingi or Fungi, and thence in four dayes to Rifa, then to Sania, Aſmona, Canan, Aſna, where there is a Caſtle called Aſiar. Some will have it, that the ancient, and ſo much renowned town of Siena, was there ſcituated directly under the Tropick on this ſide. Thence in four dayes to Banaa; and on the other ſidetowards the red ſea is Georgian, a town inhabited by Georgian Chriſtians, who have licence with flying banners from the Turk, to viſit the Sepulcher at Jeruſalem, without paying Toles, or Impoſts, as others do. They recount a miracle upon theſe people, when they were once perſecuted by an Infidell King, Almighty God covered the enemies with a continual darkneſſe, whereby they were delivered: upon which ſubject the Arabian great Poet and Hiſtorian, wrote ſome verſes. But I have heard others ſay, 'tis the ſame that happened to the countrey of Georgiane or Albania in Aſia the greater, in a part thereof called Bonhainſon, where the Chriſtians were purſued by Saure King of Perſia a Mahometan, and being reduced to ſave themſelves by flight, he invironed them with his forces, in which extremities they had recourſe to their prayers, and an obſcurity came over the King and all his, whereby the Chriſtians had means to ſave themſelves. Some ſay that a darkneſſe ever ſince continued in that part of the countrey, and that no man dare come upon the ground, and that the cries of men, and neighing of horſes are continually to be heard, without knowing any ground for it.

[Page]Having ſtaid one day in the Town of Georgian, or Georgia, on the other ſide, we paſſed in two dayes to the town of Erir, thence to Coſia, then repaſſing Nile we came to Pemin, the firſt Town of high-Egypt: Here they are all Moores, but yet people of conſcience, and very courteous to us. Thence we went to complement the Sultan, or Governour of the Town of Almona, and to have his paſſe, becauſe we were to enter into a Countrey all Infidels, and ſubject to the Grand Sinior. The Sultan favoured us with many teſtimonies of affection, and ſent by a Frigot to the other ſide of Nile, to a garden in the Town of Tima for fruit for us, amongſt others Peaches of extraordinary ſize without ſtones, but not ſo ſweet nor good as ours in Europe.

Thence in two daies we came to Grandole, a very Mercantile Town, and in two dayes more to Manucat, a great Town of about a thouſand fires; but about a league from thence there is one more large and fair, called Bazuelle, or Bazielle, which was heretofore eſteemed the Suburbs of Caire. Here are the moſt ſumptuous Moſquees of all Egypt, which they call Gemit Azore, See Leon. Afr. l. 8. or Hamore, where the Mahometans go to render their vows, with diverſe offerings, and hold this Moſquee was erected in the honour of a holy woman, called Naciſſe, kinſwoman to the falſe Prophet Mahomet, people of a moſt auſtere life: within they give entertainment to divers ſorts of Marabuts, or hermites, who are there to do penance. They recount many fabulous miracles, amongſt others, one of the reſurrection of a dead perſon, pretended in the time of Soudan Saladin, who had a ſervant called Aliaze, married to a fair and rich young maid, but ſhe behav'd her ſelf ſo ill towards him, that her love was fixed on another object, wherefore in deſpair he complained to the Cherif, or Prieſt of the Moſquee. This Cherif bade him be of comfort, and adviſed him for ſome dayes to conceale himſelf, to ſee how his wife would take it.

In the mean while the Cherif viſited his wife, and enquired moſt earneſtly of her huſband, telling her if he were dead or loſt, through her occaſion, ſhe was damn'd without hope: being troubled hereat, ſhe told him ſhe had not ſeen him of fifteen or ſixteen dayes, and that ſhe was much afflicted for his abſence, but that ſhe would make a vow to God and the Prophet, if ſhe could have him again ſhe would be more dutifull to him. At the ſame time, by fortune, there was taken up the body of a young man who was drowned in Nile, ſo disfigured that he could not be known. The Cherif taking this opportunity, and having conferred with her huſband, they concluded to take his body, and cloathing it in a ſuit of his, and putting his ring on his finger, lay him in the Moſquee, covered with a cloth, and ſay 'twas the corps of this womans huſband, which was done, and the woman hearing the news went preſently, and knowing the cloaths and the ring, fell into a [Page] moſt paſſionate lamentation, whereupon the Prieſt to comfort her told her, that on condition ſhe would make a 9. dayes viſit in the Moſquee, the moſt bleſſed Prophet would reſtore her huſband to life, and told her ſomething of a certain viſion he had, while he ſaid the office of the dead. In brief, with ſubtlety and authority he ſo prevailed with her, that in the morning ſhe went to the Moſquee to make her prayers and ſacrifice, to this purpoſe, upon the Tomb where the Cherif the night before had hidden her huſband; and then the egregious Prieſt pronounc'd his conjurations over the dead, that in the name of the great God, their Prophet and Saint, he ſhould riſe and comfort his diſconſolate relict: which was no ſooner ſaid, but the good fellow began to ſtir, and cryed out, behold I am here: then the Cherif rejoycing opened the monument, and out marches the huſband, who embrac'd his wife, overcome with joy for ſo great a miracle, which was blown immediately through the world, and ever ſince this Moſquee hath been devoutly frequented where every one makes their vows, to obtain their wiſhes: and theſe are the goodly miracles of Mahomet.

CHAP. XX. Of Grand Caire, of Balm of Egypt, of Nile, of Crocodiles, and the particulars of Egypt.

HAving had a view of Bazuelle, and the ſtately Moſquee, which in perfection of architecture is not notwithſtanding to be compared with our Churches of the better ſtructure, we came in four hours to the great Caire. Firſt we arrived at Bebelot, or Bebelloch, which is but a Burrough or Suburbs of 20000. fires; then one league further, to another called James Talon, or Gemeth Tailon; thence to another called Garafa, or Charafa, joyning upon the Grand Caire, and at length to the people of Bebzuailac, or Bulac.

This great Town treads upon the ruines of the ancient Babylon and Memphis, the reſidence firſt of the Pharoes kings of Egypt, then of the firſt Saracine Emperours, and the laſt Soudans and Califes of Babylon of Caire, diſtinct from the Babylon of Chaldea, who in our hiſtories are called the Soudans, and Califes of Balda, or of Baudas, or Bandas, the ſame as Bagded.

The Town of Caire, or Alcayr, writes ſix hundred yeares erection, the firſt ſtone laid by a ſlave of Calife Elcaine, by name Gehoar, or Chetiq, where the Califes of Egypt [Page] fixt their ſiege, whilſt they maintained another at Bagded, and one at Cairoan, a hundred miles from Thunis. This Towne having been long under the Soudans, was as at laſt, in the year 1517. taken by the Turks, who extirpated the Empire of the Mamelues. 'Tis ſeated upon a good place of the Nile, and known by four principall diviſions. One ſtands upon a riſing or eminent place, the other along the Nile more low, where ſome ſay Memphis was heretofore, and there Nile compoſes a ſweet Iſle full of lovely gardens. This part may be of eighty or ninety thouſand fires, inhabited by the wealthieſt merchants. About two miles from thence there is another part, of little leſſe extent, by the Inhabitants called Mubacar. Next is the ancient Town, which the Inhabitants call Bezuela, whereof we ſpoke before, where there is magnificent and ſtately edifices, and Moſquees, and amongſt others one very fair hoſpitall. This part conſiſts of about twenty thouſand fires, ſtretching it ſelf about half a league towards the Weſt, towards the South touches the Palace of the Sultan, or Baſcha, and toward the North a little Suburb which they call Bebeſor, which runs bending towards the Eaſt, to another of like greatneſſe, Jemet Taulon, the name of the Soudan who founded it.

In this part there is a ſpacious Palace, and a ſumptuous Colledge well founded, whither they reſort from all parts to ſtudy the ſciences. About two miles from thence, there is another well-built part Carafa. The ancient Town Bezuela, or Bazieles, otherwiſe called Mifuletif, or Mifruletif, is that where the famous Sepulcher of their pretended St. Naſſiſſe, the neice of Mahomet by his ſon in law Haly, ſtands.

On this ſide lies the garden which bears the plant of the true Balm, ſo much renowned there, which they call Almatria, Truebalm Pe Mar. in his Lega. babil. l. 3. who ſayes 'tis in the year 1502 this plant was loſt. and Chriſtians Materea. This plant hath a leaf like Lentisk, or Maſtick tree, which they prune every year as a vine, as a Gardener told me, who kept it, 'tis but ſmall, and there is but little of it.

Ethiopians ſay the Queen of Saba carried this plant to Salomon who cauſed it to be ſet in the gardens of Jericho, and afterwards was tranſplanted to this place by the Sarazins; but others ſay that 'twas firſt brought from Arabia the happie, where all the balm that grows there at this day, is of like vertue and quality.

About the end of May they ſlit the bark, not with iron, but ſomething elſe, and the liquor diſtills out, which they receive in a glaſſe. They adde that this plant will proſper with none but Chriſtians, and that it dyes in the hands of Infidels.

In ſome places of the Weſt Indies, in Nova Hiſpania, See Monardes. and Carthagenia, there is ſome of no leſſe eſteem than this of Egypt; it grows in the middle of a fountain, which is like a [Page] draw-well. The Mahometans ſay when the bleſſed virgin was in Egypt, ſhe reſted at this fountain, and here waſhed the linnens of her child Jeſus. A little on one ſide is an Iſland, with a fair Palace, where the Baſcha goes ſometimes for recreation, 'tis called Michial. Here lies the head of the Channell, or Aqueduct, on which there ſtands a Column, to foreknow the fertility or ſterility of the year, according to the heighth of the inundation of Nile.

The Part of Caire which lies upon Nile is very large, called Boubacon, or Bebeſoe, and Boulac, here land the veſſels which come from Roſete, or Alexandria, and other parts.

In ſum, this Town conſiſts of many more Towns, or Burroughs, or Suburbs, full of people, and I believe in this Town there are as many ſouls, as in all the reſt of Egypt throughout; and he had need of a good horſe that would ſurvey all theſe habitations, in two, nay in three dayes.

The Baſha's Palace is the ſame where the Soudans was, and that while the Empire was in glory, was one of the moſt rich and magnificent in the Univerſe, as a French Authour deſcribes it who was there in thoſe times: There being many Courts, every one with a guard, Porches, Galleries, and Columns of Martle, guilt vaults, various-coloured pavements of Moſaick work, frets, carvings and ſculptures, pleaſant large gardens, fountains, viviaries, bird-cages, and other ſingularities: All ſorts of rich moveables, ſtones, gold and ſilver. The Calife or Soudan had a throne of maſſy gold, and rarely was ſeen to any except Embaſſadours.

The Ladies for the greateſt part are attired in white, with coats, and a maſk of the ſame colour, a ſilk ſmock of diverſe colours, a little bonnet on their head, of ſome rich ſtuffe, with a band or wreath about it, and over all a large veſt or huke, which covers the whole body.

Touching the Inundation of the River Nile, it advances moderately, not doing any dammage: and when it comes they make a generall triumph; then they run at the veſt, a certain game of prize amongſt them, and prepare ditches expreſly to receive the water, certain perſons being ſubſtituted of purpoſe, who aſcend four or five dayes journey towards the Channell, to ſee if the waters flow with vigour and violence, and thence return with poſte-haſte, and acquaint the Baſha to what degree; and when there is notice that 'tis arrived within half a dayes journey, the Baſcha with the whole Nobility mounts on horſeback, clothed in their apparell, with the robe of Mahomet, born by a Marabou, in great triumph before them; and by the way, running the Maſſe, ſhooting with a Bow at a golden apple upon the end of a Pike. Firſt they ride three or four rings, then running at high ſpeed in a full career, they let fly at the apple, and he who do's beſt bears away the prize.

[Page]And ſo they ſolemnize the arrival of the flood, every one cleanſes and prepares their ceſterns, to ſtore up water for the whole year; for they have neither draw-wells nor fountains, that ever I ſaw: and it never rains there, only every evening there falls a dew, ſuch as if one ſhould ſleep abroad, he ſhould be as wet, as if he came out of the River. The like is in Peru, where they never have rain. But inſtead thereof, they are viſited with a wind that fannes and moyſtens.

The Paraguary, or the River de la Plata at Brazill, hath the like inundations as Nile, but with more violence and rapidity, and lodges full three moneths upon the land it waters, whereas Nile comes quietly, and retires with the ſame civility, not ſtaying before any town above 15. or 20. dayes. They contrive to build their houſes upon hills, and riſing grounds, to ſecure themſelves from waters and humidity: In the countrey, the houſes for the greater part are built of loom, of beaſt-dung, and earth, and there are ſome which have no other then tents of ſtrong cloth of a reddiſh colour; but they who live near the ſilver River by reaſon of the impetuous ſtream of the water which overturns, and carries all before it, are conſtrained to forſake their houſes, and for a time betake themſelves to their Canoes, where they lead the Ducks life, till the flood retiring within its bounds, leaves their dwellings to their poſſeſſion again: But I am not certain if this happen by a conſtant annual courſe as in Egypt. The cuſtome of triumphs at the arrival of the inundation of Nile, we finde to have been amongſt the ancient Egyptians, amongſt others they celebrated the great feaſt of Niloa towards the Summer-Solſtice, holding the River for a God, whom they worſhipped under the names of Oſiris and Orus, giving him the appellations of the Saviour of high Egypt, Father and Creatour of the lower, who water'd and manur'd their ſoyle. Now for the Crocodile, there are great ſtore in this River, as there are in many other places of the Eaſt and Weſt-Indies, as I obſerved before.

The Indians call them Caymans, they have ſo luſtful a greedineſſe to Mans-fleſh, that they will venture for it with unſpeakable outrage and vigour. A man walking by the River ſide with a little child in his hand, a Crocodile leaps ſuddenly upon him, and tore the boy out of his armes, not being able to ſave him. If any one by chance fall in the water, there's an end of him, therefore 'tis exceeding dangerous to refreſh or bathe there without good caution; the very boats loaded with people have often periſhed by them. Theſe creatures generally make cleare work, their aſſaults being ſo forcible, that from ſome they crop armes and legges, others they devoure intirely: They hold a fierce and rude war with the Tigars, 'tis a creature without tongue, moving only the other chop, contrary to the nature of all other creatures; [Page] the Egyptians made him a part of their Idolatry. Some obſerve that they were not pernicious to the countrey hertofore, as they have been particularly ſince the Mahometans uſurped it. Again, ſome ſay the [...]ountrey hath been much the more infeſted with theſe creatures, ſince a Governour of Egypt deprived them of a leaden Crocodile placed by enchantment, like a Taliſman, in a certain place.

From Caire down towards the ſea, they are not ſo dangerous, as in the higher Egypt. Beſides Crocodiles, this River breeds Hipopotumes, or Sea-horſer, with divers other Monſters and Fiſhes.

About four leagues from Caire, and one and a halfe off Nile, ſtand the famous Pyramids of ſo prodigious a height, and admirable ſtructure, erected heretofore by the ancient Kings of Egypt, either for oſtentation and monument of their greatneſſe and magnificence, or for cuſtody of their treaſure, or for ſepulture of their bodies. This ſtructure is by ſo much the more ſtupendious, for that the ſtones of ſuch immenſity and hardneſſe were traſported ſo far with ſuch coſt and pains, as ſome ſay from Arabia and Ethiopia: and theſe bulks not rear'd to that height, with Cranes, Scaffolds, or other Engines as then not known, but by Cavaliers, and Platforms of earth, by ſtrength of arms, and extremity of labour, as 'tis related of the wonderful edifice of Jugas, of Perou at Cuſio and other places. 'Tis not without wonder to be conſider'd, that the greateſt of the three which, as they ſay, was erected by Chemmis King of Egypt, with the employment of 360. thouſand mens labour for twenty years together, is at this day perfect and entire, though three thouſand years ſince the raiſing of it. They ſay on every ſide of the ſquare near the Baſis, it is 200. fathomes over, and 800. foot high; 'tis hollow, and within there are walks, and a fair room where the Sepulcher may be. The other two are leſſe and Maſſie, one built by King Cophus, the other by Mycerine, or the Curtiſan Bhodope.

The bulk of theſe ſtructures hath put them in the number of the ſeven wonders of the world, and ſome ſay the children of Iſrael were employed at the building of theſe enormious Fabricks. There is yet to be ſeen ſome remainder of a monſter, wonderfull both in form and quantity, which they call a Sphinx wrought in Numidian or Serpentine marble extraordinary hard, with humane face, and the body of a Lyon, as the ancients repreſented this monſter. There is yet left a kind of Obeliske or Needle, the work likewiſe of the Ancients, which ſome attribute to King Pheron, others to Philadelphe; Howſoever thoſe great Obelisks which are at this day at Rome, Hieroglyphicks. were brought from thence; as the Hieroglyphick letters engraved upon them teſtify; for 'twas the holy and ſacred Scripture of the ancient Egyptians.

A ſide off thoſe Pyramids beyond Nile Eaſtward towards the red Sea, lyes the famous countrey called Ehebaida, and her deſerts, [Page] where ſo many Chriſtian Hermits and Anchorites lead their lives, as S. Paul, S. Anthony, and others, adorned heretofore with ſo many Towns, filled with religious communities, where there were more Monaſteries and Churches, then other houſes, and no corner where one might not hear day and night the Almighties praiſes. Amongſt the reſt 'tis ſaid of Oxininchus, that at the ſame time had in it ten thouſand religious men, and as many women, who with emulation kept a marvellous hoſpitality for poor travellers and ſtrangers. Here in Thebaida flouriſhed heretofore the famous town of Thebes, with a hundred Ports, nothing whereof remaines but ruines.

On the other ſide Weſtward lye the Deſerts of Barea, towards Barbary and Lybia, where was the celebrated Temple and Oracle of Ammon, viſited by Alexander the great. In brief, all Egypt is ſurrounded with Deſerts, and Sands, except on the Sea coaſt. For on the Weſt they had deſerts of fifteen dayes over, on the Eaſt the Thebaidan deſerts for three or four dayes up to the Arabian Gulph: Then on the other ſide the red ſea, the great deſert as far as Paleſtine, where the Iſraelites were forty years, of many dayes travail over.

From Caire to Delbequi, 'tis all Deſert, where Mummy is found,Mummie. or bodies dried in the Sand. Of it there is another ſort, which is of embalmed bodies found in ancient Sepulchers.

Theſe Deſerts are above 18. or 20. dayes over, and they who travail them, ride upon Cammels in Wainſcot cabbins for the great duſt and heat, with ſmall holes for ayre and light, where they both eat and ſleep. For there is no greater danger then the winds in that place, bearing and removing mountains of ſand from one ſide to the other, under which Paſſengers are often overwhelmed, and loſt (as heretofore whole Armies have been) without the leaſt poſſibility of aſſiſtance to one another in the convoy, which ſometimes conſiſts of ten or twelve thouſand perſons and more, every one ſtriving to ſave himſelfe, and go with the greateſt ſpeed they can without ſtay night or day, there being no poſſibility to know a track, though one ſhould have paſſed a thouſand times, by reaſon of the continual variation of the ſand, which lyes to day in one manner, to morrow in another; ſo as through this ſea of ſand they muſt uſe their Pilot and compaſſe, without hope of refreſhment during the journey, onely about fifteen leagues from Delbegut, where a fair fountain proceeds from a neighbouring river, which is thought to be an arm of Nile, the water whereof is warm like Niles, but ſomething better. Afterwards they muſt again paſſe over Deſerts and dangerous moveable mountains of ſand, which put me in mind of the gray Tents or Adonars; with the Moores of Fez and Morocca, which you ſhall ſee in a numerous heap upon a field, and on the morrow no ſuch thing, but removed to another ſtation: for ſo it is with theſe [Page] walking mountaines day by day ſtill in motion, differing from a mountain of ſand of exceſſive height; I ſaw ſince near the Town of Lima or of Rois in Poru, which exalting to an extraordinary height amongſt many other hills, never alters or diminiſhes for any wind or ſtorm that can aſſault it; a thing much admired by all men, and for this the Indians adore it as divine; but of this we ſhall with Gods leave ſpeak in another tract of a voyage to the Weſt-Indies. But returning to the ſands of Egypt, 'tis thence the greateſt part of Mummy or fleſh buried and roſted in the ſand is gotten, which the wind uncovering, the next paſſenger brings to town for trade, it being very medicinable. Here you ſee a dead man is often more ſerviceable to the living, then the living themſelves; yet ſome approve not of the phyſick: But howſoever embalmed fleſh is prefer'd before it, for the Aromatick drugs the Egyptians uſed for preſervation of dead bodies, wherein they were at great charge and ſtudy, whether for their hope of reſurrection, or for the opinion of ſome Philoſophers, that ſoules ſhould ſo long live after departure, as the bodies remain intire and incorrupt: for which cauſe they ſeaſoned and embalmed them with Bitumen, Salt, Frankincenſe, Myrrhe, and other Aromaticks; and bodies thus embalmed and preſerved for many ages, by the Arabians are called Mummies. To proceed, the land of Egypt is highly renowned for a very potent and wealthy kingdom, where ſome ſay heretofore have been reckoned 20. thouſand wall'd towns, to entertain the infinite multitude of Inhabitants ſhe had in thoſe dayes: but now there remaines but little of all this. The firſt Kings of the world were their Rulers, from whom they derive their lines of ſo many thouſand fabulous years. Their firſt and kings were called in the Scripture by the generall name of Pharoes, then the Perſians became their Maſters, afterwards the Greeks, then at laſt the Romans, till the Saracins got them under their Califes and Soudans, and the Turks for this laſt age. The ayre is good and temperate, the ſoyle fertile, and abounding in all commodities, but ſo plentiful of corn, that 'twas held the Granary of Rome in her chiefeſt glory: in medals of antiquity, Egypt was ſtill figur'd with ears of corn.

The country about Caire they call Sabida, heretofore Sais, and Egypt, taken together Chibib, in Heibrew Mitfraim by the name of the ſon of Chus who firſt poſſeſſed it, thence the Arabians at this day call it Meſre.

The region called Delta from the triangular form, is the fertile part of it, becauſe 'tis water'd, and cut through by ſeven branches or armes of Nile; This country is exceeding fertile throughout; but the reſt from Caire to Ethiopia is not ſo, but only along the Nile for three or four leagues on each ſide, where the river flows, the reſt is ſandy, parched and waſte, except ſome places where the river comes in channels, which they ſay were heretofore the work of Joſeph, ſon of Jacob.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Town of Alexandria, the Iſle of Malta, and the Authours return to Marſeils.

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WE ſtaid ſome dayes at Grand Caire, where in the advance of my voyage I ſtaid many moneths; but before I go away, I will tell you how we met there with a brother of my companion Guillen Caſſis, whom he had ſo baſely abuſed at our coming from Meca, as I ſaid in another place, when he cheated him of ſeven Cammels, under colour to go to traffick in the red ſea and Ethiopia, and we paſſed into Arabia the happy, to Perſia, the Eaſt Indies and Affrica, where in all we were forth in our travailes ſix years and a halfe. But as ſoon as he perceived at a diſtance his brother Marat, he got ſlily into a company, that his brother might not take notice of him; at length he paſſed by us, with a fixed eye, but ſaid nothing, no one thinking of him; for my part I knew him not, yet me thought I had ſeen him before, till at laſt I called him to mind, and told the whole ſtory to our company, who condemned it for an unworthy action. In fine, the good fellow by this means ſcap'd a bad encounter.

Being departed from Grand Caire we went to embarke in our Almadies which ſtaid for us at Boulac, which is the Rendezvous of all Merchants, Chriſtians, and others, who are bound for Alexandria. Thence we came in a day and a half to Auas, where we met with my friend who had made all ſpeed for fear of his brother. From Auas we came in a day and a half to Rouſette, called by the natives Raſchill, a town by the ancients called Metilis, or Canapus, upon an arm of Nile called Heraclettick, which Hiſtorians call Rexi. At Rouſſetta we ſold our Almadies, and imbarked by night in a Germe, and the next day were in Alexandria.

Alexandria is a town half ruinate, of little pleaſure,Alexandria▪ a moſt remarkable example of the inconſtancy of worldly things; that this town ſhould now be brought to ſo lacerate a condition, that was for many ages one of the moſt ample, fair, populous, rich, and flouriſhing towns of the world, chiefly renowned for excellent and commodious ſcituation, for her Founder Alexander the great, for having been the Seat-royall of the Ptolomi [...]s, for her ſo famous and frequented Haven, for her proud buildings; amongſt the reſt, Pharoes tower, one of the wonders of the world, for her Academy renowned for all Sciences, for being the mother of ſo many famous Philoſophers, great Doctors, and holy Patriarcks who kept the chriſtian faith ſo long flouriſhing in thoſe parts, briefly for ſo many ornaments of art and nature, from which glory ſhe fell after ſhe [Page] was taken with the reſt of the country by the Saraſins, and their third Calife Homar, ſo as after this conſternation ſhe never recovered any thing of her priſtine ſplendour. But ſhe remains a good Haven, and a good landing place for all Merchandizes of the Levant and Indies, where all Levantine Merchants, Africans, and Europians come to traffick. Heretofore the Romans, afterwards the Ptolemies made it the greateſt Mart in the world, by the means of the ſea and Nile, drawing thither all ſorts of drugs, ſpices, and other Arabian commodities from India by the red ſea, then by land to Nile, and ſo to Alexandria. Since again under the Soudans this courſe was continued, where the Venetians, and all Europians fetched their ſpices, till the Portugueſe found out another way as we ſaid in another place.

I will ſay no more either of this town or Caire as places ſufficiently underſtood in theſe parts by the ample relations of divers accurate travailers: only I ſhall obſerve, that in this town when the Nile flowes, they preſerve ſweet water in their Ceſterns, and make Channels to water their gardens. There is reſident a Conſul for the French Nation, Le ſieur de Rhode, was then the perſon who ſhewed us much kindneſſe, and much admired our tedious and painful peregrination. He had his wife there with him, by whom he had two twin daughters, which for devotion he ſent to take baptization at Jeruſalem, and twenty years after my own natural brother married one of theſe daughters called Lucretia, by whom he had many children at Marſels. We travell'd all Africa to Alexandria, in eight moneths.

Having ſtayed ſome dayes in Alxandria, we departed for Tripoli in Suria, without accompliſhing my vow to go to Jeruſalem, for which I had gone ſo much ground, and there we went aboard the Chriſtina of Marſels, and were five monthes intire before we could arrive there, for that having touched upon Malta, we ſtayed ſome time to ſee the ſports of their Carnavalle, which ſtayed us awhile. By the way it happened that the Saylers having rifled a little veſſell of Greek wine, drunk ſo freely, that one of them amongſt the reſt, climbing the Maſt to do his office, knowing his own condition tyed himſelf for fear of falling, and lay down in the ſcuttle, where he ſlept two dayes before he waked. In the mean time, the others calling for him to come to dinner, and not hearing any anſwer, they apprehended they had heard ſomething fall into the ſea the night before, which made a great noyſe, and that 'twas the poor Marriner, who was drowned in his drink, whereupon the Steward of the ſhip rung the bell thrice; then, as the cuſtom is, threw a fire-brand into the ſea, and ſaid aloud, Gentlemen Mariners, pray to God for the ſoul of poor Veran (that was his name) becauſe through Gods mercy, he reſts with the ſoules of the faithful. Then every one kneeling down prayed for him, then preſently what goods he had were inventoried, and prized. But the day following, the Maſter of [Page] the ſhip, whoſe name was Pier de Soulier for diſcovery of the land; like a careful Marriner, climbed the Maſte himſelf, but he was amazed, when he found there the ſuppoſed dead man faſt tyed, and yet in a profound ſleep; but upon the Maſters call, he awaked ſuddenly, which made the company very merry. That night we lay upon a dangerous ſea, and feared we were upon the Aſquequi, or Seques, which towards the land is a bad bottome,Seques Sbelus heretofore Syrtes. that which made us judge of it, was certaine Moſſe ſwimming upon the water, which hangs to the rocks, which made us very apprehenſive. In the evening a huge Whale followed us as the Pilot told us, who had diſcovered him, and at laſt minding to leave us, as he turned, bruſhed ſo rudely upon the ſhip, that it ſhook all over, as it had daſhed againſt a rock. At the inſtant every man affrighted, cryed out for mercy, ſuppoſing we were loſt, for we were in the middle of a vaſt ſea, where there was no poſſibility of ſafety. The Maſter preſently ran to the Hold, to ſee if the ſhip were founder'd; on the other ſide the Pilot from the Poupe diſcovered the monſtrous fiſh had left us, and was gone with a hideous noyſe, ſo as we were ſafe, and by Gods goodneſſe freed of a deſperate fear.

After ſome dayes ſayling on, we came to touch at Malta, and being Shrovetide, we reſolved to ſtay awhile to ſee the celebration of this feaſt, and there we put off ſome pieces of fine cloth, which they call Calicut, but the miſchief was, that the Courtizans, of which they have there very ſubtle ones, had good ſhare of them, cheating us of ſome crowns under colour of treating us at our own coſt.

Of this Iſland I will ſay no more, then that at this day 'tis the Reſidence of the Knights Hoſpitallers of S. John of Jeruſalem inſtituted in the year 1134. in the time of Baldouin of Bourgos the third French King of Jeruſalem, for the ſecurity of them who went to the Holy-land, and in the year 1309. their great Maſter Villaret took by force of Armes the Iſle of Rhodes from the Saraſins, who uſurpt it from the Greek Empire, and there eſtabliſht the Reſidence of his Order, and maintained it ſtoutly againſt the many attempts of the Soldans of Egypt; but in the year 1522. Turk Soliman carried it from the great Maſter Philip Villers, and by the licenſe of Pope Leo the tenth, this great Maſter with his order retired to Viterbo till better times; and divers places being propounded for their Reſidence, as Saſda in Candia, Serigo, Elba, and others: in concluſion they reſolved to petition Charles the fifth for Malta, to whom it belonged, as dependant on the kingdome of Sicily; againſt the French, Engliſh, and Italians, who would have had no ſuch obligation to the Emperour, but at length they conſented, becauſe it had good Havens, and was near to Barbary; ſo they got Malta and Goza, in the year 1529. without other tribute or condition, then a ſolemne [Page] Maſſe annually, and a Falcon every yeare to the Viceroy of Naples, but withall that they ſhould have free tranſport of corne from Sicily. This in effect was more advantage to the King of Spain then the other Nations of Chriſtendome, the Iſle of Malta being a guard to all the Spaniſh and Italian Coaſts under his dominion.

The Order at firſt was divided by ſeven Languages, three of France, which were France, Avernia, and Provence, then of Italy, Germany, England, and Spain. Afterwards an eighth was added, Spain being divided into Caſtile and Portugall, and England being left out, they took in Aragon.

Of theſe eight Languages, every one had two Electours for election of the Grand Maſter. Theſe Grand Maſters have for the greater part been French, and the greateſt part of the Order conſiſts of our French Nobility, but I ſhall ſpeak no more of it, being a matter ſo generally known.

Having left Malta, we ſet ſayle for Marſells, where we landed within few dayes, ſetting a period to that long voyage, which had coſt us ſo much time, paines and danger; God be glorified who guided us to ſo ſafe a Port, at the time of the great Commet, whoſe extent was thirty degrees, the taile pointing to the Weſt, embracing Sagittarius and Capricorne, and appeared not in the Sublunary Region, but the Celeſtial, ſo as 'twas ſeen throughout the Indies both Eaſt and Weſt. But I cannot omit to relate how, when I came to my Fathers houſe, who was then ſixty five yeares of age he knew me not, but thought me dead, and had made my funeral ſix years before: ſo as ſeeing me in the Greek habit, he took me for ſome ſtranger, and asking me who I was, I anſwered him in language barbarous enough, I was a Grecian, and 'twas but truth, I had almoſt forgot my native language, being very young when I left my countrey, and for that I had diſcontinued it ſo long time. Some vulgar Greek I underſtood, which I learnt at Canea in Candia, where I ſtaid ſix or ſeven moneths after our firſt ſhipw [...]ack.

Then my Father who ſpoke good Greek, having traffick'd a long time in that country, aſked me what was my buſineſſe, and telling him I came to dine with him, he told me I was welcome, and bad me draw near the fire, as I did. Then he demanded who, and of whence I was, and telling him I was a Marſellian, the ſonne of one Raphael Blanc, he was amazed, and troubled, and calling my mother, told her a ſon of his was come from Sicily to viſit him, my father having had a former wife in Sicily, by whom he had two children, who lived there upon their mothers means: whereupon they both afforded me great indulgements; but at length I declared my ſelf to them, and then there was amongſt us ſuch a tyde of tenderneſſes, there was not [Page] room for words, nor could we contain our tears of joy. Afterwards I related to them at leaſure the ſtrange and various adventures of my voyage, ſhewing them divers curioſities I had brought along with me, amongſt others, Aſbeſte linnen, which is made clean with firing, being incombuſtible linnen, uſed by Indian Princes, and Lords, and are wrapt in it when their bodies are committed to the pile, as the bodies of Roman Emperours were in ancient time. I have often ſhewed the experience of it to perſons of quality in Provence. I ſhewed them the herb Falacit, having this property, that laying it under a bed all thoſe loathſome Chemiſſes worms ſtock to it, and ſo are killed. I brought it in a box, but I was ill adviſed, I brought not the ſeed to plant in theſe parts. I ſhewed them divers other things of ſingularity, admired by many both of knowledge and quality. But before I conclude I ſhall tell you in order, to this re-acknowledgement of my Father and Mother, Brothers and Siſters, what long after happened to me at Palerma in Sicily, after my Father was dead.

For calling to mind he had often told me he had a Son and Daughter there, I made diligent enquiry for them: at firſt no one could tell any thing of them, for that they were called by their Mothers name, whoſe heirs they were; and my Brother who was called Nazaro Bianco, was called onely de Nazara; but at length I enquired by ſo many tokens that I found out his houſe, and going thither I was told he was ſick, which hindered me not, but I went confidently up into the Chamber, meeting a young maid upon the ſtairs, blood which cannot lye, told me that muſt needs be my Siſter: nevertheleſſe without further notice, deſiring to ſee her Brother, ſhe led me to his Chamber, and ſeating me near the bed where he lay, I obſerved in him the very pattern of my Father, and aſking if he had not Brothers at Marſeills, he told me yea, and aſked if I knew them: whereupon many diſcourſe [...] paſſed, telling him divers news and recommendations.

During our diſcourſe, this Siſter of mine looked ſtedfaſtly upon me, as ſhe were raviſhed to ſee and hear me, and I preſenting my hand to her, ſhe kiſſed hers, and took mine, a thing not uſuall in Italy, and leſſe in Sicily.

Hereupon my Brother having cauſed a little daughter of his to be brought in, I kiſſed her hand as I did my Siſters, and taking a ring off my finger of an orientall fauſet emerald, one of the beſt I ever ſaw, I preſented it to her, wherewith ſhe was quite confounded, and in doubt whether ſhe ſhould take it or no; but telling her her Uncle ſent it her by me, with leave of her Mother who was preſent, ſhe accepted it; and at the ſame inſtant I gave a fair table Rubie to my Siſter. But as we were in the middle of theſe complements and diſcourſe of our friends, who ſhould come into the chamber with a French garb and alacrity, but the Governour of the Baſtide, nephew to the grand Prior of St. Giles, and [Page] other Cavaliers my friends, who knowing I was there came to ſeek me, and by their calling upon my name my Brother and Siſter knew me, and confeſſed they had ſome ſuſpicion of me when I gave the rings: my Siſter told me at the inſtant ſhe met me on the ſtairs, ſhe felt ſomething extraordinary, which made the colour riſe in her face. Then we fell to embraces and rejoyces, like the American women, who when they will bid their friends welcom, ſit on the ground and weep, and entertain them, embrace, and feaſt them weeping. So I ſtaid there ſome ſix weeks in jollity and congratulation with my friends. I was willing to relate this paſſage, as well to ſhew the various encounters of mans life, as the inſtinct of bloud which will diſcover it ſelf be it never ſo concealed and unknown.

CHAP. XXII. The Authours voyage to the kingdom of Morocca, he is taken by the Spaniards, an accident befell the Authour at Arache, The battel of Sebaſtian King of Portugall.

BUt let us come back to my return to Marſeills, where I felt the cuſtom of change to be of no ſmall force, which was ſo prevalent with me, that I had ſcarce reſted ſix moneths there, but I grew weary, finding neither the air, cuſtoms, nor manner of living agreeable, I was ſo moulded to change and variety.

As this inquietude poſſeſſed me, it happened fortunately that one Don Guillerm paſſed by Marſeills, ſent by Henry the 3. Embaſſadour or Agent to Fez and Marocco, and being very much a friend to my Father, dining one day at our houſe, he heard me ſpeaking of my travails, and was pleaſed with my converſation; he aſked me if I would go along in his company: And I was in a humour ſo well diſpoſed that I accepted very willingly, ſo he entertained me. This Don Guillerm was a Chirurgion born at Nice, who travailing to Marocca, was ſo happy as to cure the King of a peſtilence, with which he was viſited at Conſtantinople, which brought him in great eſteem with the Prince; Inſomuch that he ſent him to treat of an alliance with King Henry the third, who returned him with preſents to Molouco and Abdelmelech.

Being thus agreed, we parted from Marſeills about ſixty in [Page] company, and imbarked upon a well-arm'd veſſel, within ſix dayes we came by night near upon the ſtreight of Gibraltar, but the ſtream was ſo violent it held us back till day, and well-nigh caſt us on ſhore near the Tower called the Devils manſion, where no body ever lives: for they have a tradition that the maſter Maſon which built it, being not paid his price by him that ſet him on work, gave it to fiends who have kept it ever ſince.

Being thus driven on ſhore, againſt the mount of Gibraltar, as we endeavoured with ſtrength to ſhove her off, the veſſel overturned, and the maſt and ſails lay in the water, which much amazed us; but by happy fortune a Pilot of Marſeills, John Saffoulo, being aboard with us for his private affairs, ſeeing our danger, and that every one was fled to the other ſide the deck, fell to work and with an ax opening the ſide of the ſhip let in the water, ſo as the weight ſet her upright, and by Gods aſſiſtance we ſcaped this imminent danger, being driven by a gentle gale to a point where we caſt anchor.

But notice hereof coming to the Spaniſh Gallies, which lay at anchor not far thence, they ſent out preſently to take us and bring us to the Town of Gibraltar; while they were towing us along, we caſt into the Sea above two thouſand cannon bullets, and a great quantity of powder. The Spaniards hereupon accuſed us of treaſon, for carrying ammunition to their enemies, for they had found ſome barrels of powder which were left behind. Then coming aboard us, like right ravenous wolves they ranſack'd every where, ſeizing all the merchandizes, and opening the cheſts eat all that was good: amongſt the reſt ſearching a Phyſicians cheſt they found ſome purging lozanges, whereof ſome of them eat in great quantity, and found ſo ſudden an effect, they had ſcarce time to untie their breeches, whereof two or three died, ſaying, we had poyſoned them.

Mean while they put Irons on our legs, and removed us into the Galley, with rude treatment and rough menaces, till at laſt ſentence paſſed upon us, by which the Embaſſadour, and ten of the chief Gentlemen were to looſe their heads, all the reſt to the Gallies for ever.

The Embaſſadour hearing this ſad ſentence, appealed to the King of Spain, who confirmed the ſentence, ſaying no more than Loque es hecho es hecho. But by good fortune the Marſeillian Pilot that was with us, when he firſt ſaw the Galleys coming upon us, caſt himſelf privately into the Sea with ſome moneys, and ſo gaining the land went to Madrid, and this in conſideration of one amongſt us, to whom he had promiſed his daughter in marriage. Being there, and underſtanding the King had ratified this ſentence of death; he addreſſed himſelf preſently to the moſt Serene Infanta Donna Iſabella, and ſo handſomly laid before her the inconveniences would enſue upon this execution, which was ſufficient [Page] to break the peace between the two kings; that ſhe moved with theſe reaſons, went immediately to the King her Father, to petition for grace, which was granted, and we releaſed, to the diſcontent of them who thought to make a good booty of us and our goods.

Being now again Maſters of our lives, goods, and veſſel, after two months time, which was ſpent in theſe proceedings, we put to ſea again upon our courſe to Arache, a fort of importance in the kingdom of Fez, about 70. or 80. miles from Gibraltar, where there is a Port made by a River, as at Goa in the Indies, which is croſſed with a bar of ſand, ſo as there is no coming in but at high water, which is here every day, but at Goa you may expect a month. Coming on ſhore there we were very well entertained, and the Embaſſadour provided of horſes, and other neceſſaries to go to the King of Fez Abdelmelech, who was then in great vexation for that Mahomet his nephew, who diſputed with him for the kingdom, and whom he had defeated in many battails by the aſſiſtance of the Turk, was newly ſcaped towards Don Sebaſtian, King of Portugal, to crave his aid. Being come from Arache to Miguine ten leagues from Fez, ſeeing the Embaſſadour was to hold on his way to Morocca to the King, we reſolved four or five of us to go ſee Fez, the capital Town of the Countrey. Having walked through Meguine, beyond the Town we came to a Church-yard of the Mahometans, where two of us making water, it happened to be near the Sepulcher of one of their Marabons, or Santons, and being perceived by ſome of the Moores, they would have ſtopt us, but we defending our ſelves ſtoutly with fiſts and feet, I got out of their hands; but my heart failed when I ſaw fifty Archers of the Townguard about us, who paid me well for the blows I had given their fellows, for they beat me moſt outrageouſly, as they did the reſt of us, the very Children crying after me, Taraſti Nazarani, that is kill him, at every word calling me Quichequet, dog. At laſt I was brought before the Cadi, or Judge, to whom I kneeled, but he made me lye along on the ground, and gave me thirty laſhes on the back, with a whip of o [...]-ſinews, and as many bangs on the belly with an Indian cane, ſo that I was almoſt dead, with the blowes which had quite benum'd me; yet again for theſe threeſcore bangs I muſt pay as many miticales in gold, which are worth four franks a piece, after all they laid me in priſon, with another bath'd in blood at the ſame time.

Then they uſed all art poſſible to perſwade me to renounce my faith. Amongſt others came in one in ſcarlet, and under pretenſe of ſome compaſſion on my youth, ſpoke ſoftly in the Spaniſh tongue, I ſhould be adviſed and have a care how I loſt my ſoul.

Not content with this they ſent a young Spaniſh damſell to me cloathed in white, with a Huke which covered her all over, who after ſalutation, expreſſed her reſentment of my misfortune, and [Page] with ſome words of conſolation, told me ſhe was come to inſtruct me how to ſave my ſelf from death, and to ſet her at liberty immediately. I bent my thoughts upon the woman, not as yet comprehending what ſhe meant, till ſhe explained further that I ſhould marry her, and renounce my faith for a time, and when the King of Portugal who was upon point to give battaile to the Marocco ſhould be victorious, we ſhould have means to eſcape amongſt the Chriſtians.

I muſt confeſſe ingenuouſly, the words of this young maid made a ſtrong aſſault upon me, and made me take the matter into conſideration, but God gave me the grace to hold firme to my ſelf, and at laſt to ſatisfie her that neither for her beauty nor enjoyment of all the world, would I ever renounce the faith of Jeſus Chriſt my God, ſo ſhe took her leave. But after this the Judges themſelves attended with the Executioner, with his heading-knife at his ſide, came to me, and ſpeaking to me, told me I had committed a hainous crime, but that there might be ſome remedy found, that we had all one God the Creatour of all things, and the benign common Father of all men, who had ſent divers Prophets for our inſtruction, and to ſhew us the way of ſalvation; but they having one more excellent than the reſt, they were obliged in all they could to augment the number of his Diſciples; ſo as to ſave my life there was no other way then by deniall of Jeſus Chriſt: not that they eſteemed his law nefarious, for they knew he was likewiſe a great Prophet, the breath of the Almighty, and a great friend of Mahomet; but becauſe their law was the beſt and the moſt perfect.

To this, God aſſiſting me with his extraordinary grace, I with courage anſwered, that rather then deviate voluntarily in the leaſt from my Religion, I would ſacrifice a thouſand lives if I were maſter of ſo many.

Perceiving my conſtancy, they told me I was ill adviſed, nevertheleſſe to teſtifie their affection and conſideration of my youth, they would make me another offer which might conduce to the ſecuring of my life: whereupon there was a ſumptuous tapeſtry ſpread upon the floor, with rich bracelets and pendants of value, all this ſtirred me not; ſo as ſeeing they gained nothing upon me, the principall of them, the Ermin, Ermin a Judge. pronounced ſentence of death, and at the inſtant the Executioner ſeizing on me made me lay my head on a block of wood, and without further Ceremony with his weapon naked in his hand prepared to give the blow: but as he was haſtening me to pull my doublet off that the collar might not hinder the blow; God inſpired one amongſt the reſt, that told them they committed an errour to cut me off being ſo young, for that 'twas againſt their Law to execute any one for [Page] that crime being under 17. years of age, and that they ought to inform themſelves preciſely of it: For in the Alcoran the ſevere law is, that whoſoever ſhall commit Formicat, that is, pollute a holy place, he ought not to be put to death, onely chaſtized with baſtinadoes, and abſolved.

But this puniſhment was exceeding cruelly and fully inflicted upon me, for I ſtood the fury of a multitude, who in the inſtant came in, and aſking, Chate quei feuti houat Romi, that is, what hath this Chriſtian done, and being related, they ſaid, haley, that is, make room, then they all fell upon me, and laid on till they were weary, ſo much as a decrepid, horrid, ſqualid old man, who while he beſtowed his labour on me, told me, that as I had preſumed to piſſe upon the head of one that waited on their great Prophet, ſo after death the Saints ſhould ſhit upon my ſoule, which ſhould feed upon that ordure till the Judgement-day, and then be caſt into flames amongſt her fellowes. His opinion was approved of, but the execution ſuſpended.

Mean while my Companions were eſcaped ſeverall waies, and crept into caves, where one of them lived three dayes upon ſnailes, ſo as they could no waies help me. But my misfortune coming to the eares of ſome Chriſtian merchants, who lived in Town, they went immediately to ſupplicate the Judicature to have conſideration of my youth, that I was a Gentleman belonging to the Embaſſadour of France, who would reſent the affront, and acquaint their Prince with it, whence inconveniences might accrew.

They were not ſo moved with theſe reaſons, but ſome bribes muſt be given, ſo as the Merchants entring caution of a vaſt ſum with me, and obliging themſelves for my re-appearance when time ſhould be, I was ſet at liberty: Of all thoſe there was not one of my Countrey nor acquaintance.

Being at large, I was quartered in a noble houſe, with a rich Portugueſe Merchant, who ſpared nothing for my recovery, out of this ſad eſtate.

This Merchant, by name Andrieto Gaſparo, born in the Iſland of Corſa, had two Brothers at Marſeills, and knew my Father very well, to whom he gave ſpeedy intelligence of my misfortune, and received an anſwer with expreſſe order, to worke my delivery at what rate ſoever. Hereupon theſe worthy people adviſed together, and reſolved to ſend two men to court on dromedaries, there called Bacambal, which are beaſts of extraordinary velocity, that will go their hundred miles a day, with the principall Rider, and one to guide him, with their baggage and neceſſary proviſions for their journey.

But by the way, the Riders had need be well ſwath'd back and [Page] head for the extreme ſhakings they give the body, as likewiſe to have their ears well ſtopt, for being deafened with the hideous noyſe they make by the way. They diſpatched theſe two Courriers, one ſtrait to Marocca, whither 'twas reported the King was gone, the other Franciſco Maria a Portugueſe, towards the Sea Coaſt to Alcaſſeur, where he met with Muley Moluco, to whom he was well known, and laying himſelf at his feet, related the proceedings to him. Whereupon the King cauſed the Embaſſadour of France who was there, to be called; in the end he reſolved to return this Meſſenger with all ſpeed, with order and command to the Ermin of Mequine, to diſcharge me without further caution. Upon Eſtradiors return, he preſented theſe letters to Ermin, and the reſt of the Judicature who received it with great ceremony and humilty, laying it upon their head, and ſo I had my freedome, and my life ſaved, with ſufficient marks to remember, and for the future be better adviſed at my coſt; for I felt the ſtripes longer after: and indeed this is the greateſt danger we ranne amongſt the Infidells. Beſides, it coſt me deere, for I was fain to preſent the Gentlemen of the Judicature, with a barrell of Safron, and ſome Tapiſtry hangings for their curteſie, who afterwards in teſtimony of their Amity, ſent me to Fez a magnificent preſent of a fat ſheep, and ſome other comeſtible things, as biſquet, ſugar, cheeſe, and abundance of dates, and that was all I got.

At my departure with theſe worthy Merchants, one of their wives called Cauſabonna, in return for a bladder of Muſk I preſented her, gave me ſix fine ſhirts, with caps, and handkerchers. At my return from Africa, going back for Arache this way, I failed not to viſit my good friends theſe Merchants, and was likewiſe to ſee the Ermin Mahomet Muſtapha, who by reaſon of my change of habit and countenance, at firſt knew me not; but afterwards gave me noble entertainment, for his heart was Chriſtian▪ and made us taſte his good wine, and eate with him, offering me gold, but I refuſed it, notwithſtanding I muſt needs take them, ſaying they belonged to me; being ſome Duckets given him for the Mutton, and other things that were ſent to me, ſo as he made the account but even: which ſhews how juſt this man was.

And he it was that in my ſuffering came to adviſe me to ſtand firm, and not renounce my faith, and religion. He had two wives of moſt perfect beauty, and he told me if any occaſion ſhould occurre to draw him out of Barbary, he would embrace baptization, there being throughout theſe parts, no meanes to exerciſe Chriſtian Religion, for I heard not one Maſſe ſo long as I was here, neither at Fez, nor other townes where there are abundance of Chriſtians. They will not allow of Prieſts, which is otherwiſe at Conſtantinople, where there are above [Page] twenty Churches, where they celebrate divine ſervice, both in Greek, Latine, and Abiſſinian, and is free exerciſe of Religion for all Chriſtians: and if the body of a Chriſtian be to be interred at any diſtance from thence, the Prieſts with the croſſe go publickly for it, and carry it whither they pleaſe, without the leaſt injury from any one, upon pain of being well puniſhed.

During this progreſſe of affairs, King Mahomet had agitated ſo with Sebaſtian King of Portugal, that he was upon the march with a potent Army, and that many veſſels were already arrived at Arzille, Oran, Tanger, and Cerote, forts on the African coaſt in the Chriſtians hands: whereof Muley Malouco being advertized, made diligent preparation, and firſt takes a march into the mountains againſt the Arabians, whom he diſtruſted to be of his nephews party. He took courſe to diſ-arm them totally, and diſabled them of ſixteen thouſand good horſes, for which he promiſed good payment, and mounted on them ſo many muſqueteers with red caps; thus ſecuring the Arabians, and blocking up all avenues that they might not come upon his back. By this means having raiſed an Army of ſixty thouſand horſe, he advanced to Alcaſſour, or Alcaſquinir, about fifteen leagues from Arache, with his Brother Muley Hamet. Don Sebaſtian on the other ſide appeared there with about ſixteen or eighteen thouſand horſe and foot, Portugueſe, Caſtillians, Italians, and Germans.

On the 4. of Auguſt the battaile was given, wherein the King of Portugall was ſlain, and his Army wholly defeated: Mahomet flying to Arzille to ſave himſelf, was drowned, fording the River of Mucazen, which runs by Arache, though bravely mounted. Above twelve thouſand Chriſtians fell there, beſides many priſoners, amongſt whom were [...]00. women, and 200. ſucking infants. I was my ſelf at this fight, with about threeſcore Marſeillians more, whereof few came off. Malouco dyed of ſickneſſe in his time of triumph, and his young Brother Muly Hamet ſucceeded, whoſe race continues to this day. I ſaw the body of the King of Portugall carried away in a cheſt, filled with unſlack'd lime to preſerve it, begged of King Muley Hamet, by Andrietto Gaſparo Corſe, his great favourite, who ſent it to Lisbone, for which the King of Spain ſent him a rich preſent in recompenſe, and interred it in the Church of Belen. 'Tis true, I underſtood ſince by ſome Portugueſe ſlaves, that this was the body of a Swiſſe, and that the King being beaten from his Horſe eſcaped: and indeed ſome years after one appeared, who ſaid he was the King of Portugal, and ſhewed ſeverall teſtimonies, but howſoever he was executed in Spain as an Impoſtor, after ſo many who deſcribed this battle at large, and faithfully, I will content my ſelf to ſay onely what I ſaw. Thus then, the whole Portugueſe Cavalry being landed, drew up in two ſquadrons. Don John of Cordoua, Commander in chief of the one advanced towards Alcaſſar, where the Moores [Page] attack'd them ſeverall times, and ſtanding obſtinately to their pikes broke their ranks, but the Chriſtians falling on with their piſtols, Azimut their Commander in chief was ſlain, then the reſt made no great reſiſtance, ſo as the Moores not uſed to this ſort of arms, fell into diſorder and fled, which put ſuch vanity in the Chriſtians, that they lay in the field, in hope to take Alcaſſar, five leagues from Arache, being both between two Rivers, a league diſtant one from another. Don Sebaſtian to prevent ſurprizall by night, ſurrounded his Army with waggons, carts, baggage, utenſils barrels, and all the train of Artillery.

Don Aluaro Perez led the Van, with five hundred horſe, and twelve hundred Landſquenets, guarded on the right with the River, on the left with pikes, barely armed with a corſlet, and a thouſand Muſqueteers in the head, who marched the faſter to get at ſome diſtance from the Army, to provoke the Moores to fall upon them with hope of being releived by ten thouſand Arabians under the command of Armabachi then with the Portugueſe who ſuſpended to declare themſelves for hazarding their fortunes, wives, and children they knew not how, for they had intelligence how the King of Fez had drained their Countrey, and blocked up the avenues to hinder relief coming to his Nephew. Hereupon they made a ſtand, reſolving not to declare themſelves, advertiſing Soliman the ſon of Armabachi, that they would ſtand Neuters, till time ſhould adviſe them what to do, under the conduct of Amet Sarran, a prudent Commander, who had engaged to Malouco, that he would be ready at his command.

But Courco Abrahin who led five thouſand Mooriſh horſe being young and gallant, ambitious to do ſomething of noble, ſent to Sarran, that if he would ſecond him he would give battaile, but Sarran anſwered 'twas no policy to attack an Army well rang'd and defended with Artillery, without more poſſibility: ſo that day he did nothing, onely four Moores well mounted made a bravado.

I went along with one Hercules, a Cannoneer, and John Saſſello a Marſeillian, to view the Portugueſe Army, which was a noble proſpect, all we diſliked was the burthenſome number of women and children.

The 13. of July, Aluarez about day break ſpied Courco Abrahin with his five thouſand Moores: and with a grand ſtratagem drew them under ſhot of all his Muſqueteers, and five field-pieces, that made a great ſlaughter. Theſe Moores were all defeated, and their Leader ſlain, to the great glory of Don Aluarez, and Captain Balliotin, Commander of the Lanſquenets, Don Sebaſtian view'd all the combat with exceeding delight, embraced Aluarez returning with victory, and gave him a rich Rubie in a Jewel, ſet round vvith diamonds, which he tied himſelf in his hat, and to Banaſtarin and to Baliotin Captains of the Lanſquenets, and Arquebuſiers, to [Page] each a rich Diamond. The Mooriſh King gave likewiſe to Alvarez his Cimeterre of an excellent temper, and a ſcabbard of great price. Of theſe five thouſand horſe, not above three hundred eſcaped; of Chriſtians, there dyed not above twenty, and fifty wounded.

Malouco hearing of this defeat was exceedingly troubled, and blam'd Sarran, that he came not in with relief. Hereupon he draws his Army towards the Sea ſide; but the French Embaſſadour adviſed him rather to take courſe with the Arabians, who had engaged to bring in to Mahomet fifty thouſand horſe, and to fall upon them before they got into a body. He accepted the Councell and marched againſt them, and put the country of Loyaſſan and others to fire and ſword: The Arabians ſubmitted, and promiſed him all obedience, but he being cautious, and fearing their perfidiouſneſſe, took all their horſes, and left the men for the next harveſt, ſo with dexterity he prevented that danger.

Thence he returned towards the Sea-coaſt, and began already to be ill diſpoſed, which proceeded from exceſſive conſtipation or Melancholy: from the beginning of his ſickneſſe he never came on horſe-back, but went ever in his Littar. He was a benigne and courteous Prince, affectionate to his friends, without ſtate or diſtance, ſpeaking affably to them, and rendring ſalutes with great civility. But on the other ſide he was cruell to his enemies, in juſtice rigorous, but chiefly to ſuch as injured the Sutlers, as to a boy who putting his hand into a pannier, ſtole three dates, the Sutler complaining, he cauſed three of his fingers to be cut off. Some who had intention to turn to Mahomet, he made them be rammed into a Cannon, and fire ſet to it.

The fourth of Auguſt, at that time when the prodigious Planet menaced Portugal and Marocca, the King of Portugal having made his prayers, and received a benediction from the Biſhop of Conimbria, mounted on a white horſe capariſon'd with gold and green, of about five and twenty years of age, with ſomething a riſing noſe, a good ſtature, his lip a little hanging, went through all the Army, to animate and encourage the ſouldiers. Some ſay the Biſhop of Conimbria dreamed the night before, that the battel was loſt, and that they were all ſlaves, as it came to paſſe; and that upon this alone he ſent his treaſure, and all things he had of value to Arzille, which ſerved for his ranſom afterwards.

Malouco the ſame day about eleven in the fore-noon, left his Littar and mounted on horſe-back, veſted in a rich robe of cloth of gold, wrought with a folliage, a Cimeterre at his ſide, his ſaddle ſet over with precious ſtones, and thus went from rank to rank, encouraging his men to combat. His Army marched in good order like a half-creſſent, drums of the Moriſco very ſmall, beat, and the Fifes founded a ſhriller ſound then the Trumpet. 'Twas thought the battels ſhould have been given on Sunday the third, but 'twas [Page] defer'd to the fourth, and Sebaſtian and Mahomet were adviſed to ſtay battel till the approach of night, becauſe the Arabians promiſed to come over to them, and leave Malouco, which proved falſe, and they were ſo diſappointed. King Sebaſtian was armed, as the day before, in green Armes, upon a white horſe one of the beſt in Portugal.

The Moores Army was rampar'd on the left hand with the River. Sebaſtian thought himſelf ſure of the Arabians aſſiſtance, and ſpecially of Melouco's Van-guard, which was all of Arabians, and for this reaſon ſtayed till night, that they might not be perceived. 'Twas in a field of above two large leagues every way, without either tree or ſtone. Before the Van-guard marched, the Light-horſe-men mounted on the Arabians horſes, compoſing the point of the Creſſent, and were wholly cut off with the Cannon. The Arabians ſeeing this rout, thought good to do the like; but not perceiving a man of the other Battalia's fall, they ſet a good face on it, by force Muley Hammet being at hand to inſtigate them. The battail at length grew hot, and the Arabians performed nothing of what they had promiſed: Molouco employed the remaining houres of his life in giving order for victory: The King of Portugal and the Moor remained on the ground as well as Molouco, the one ſlain, the other drowned, and the third dead of infirmity in his Littar, Hamet remaining only victorious, and heire of all.

Don Sebaſtian did wonders in his own perſon, but overpowred with number, he hung his handkercher on the point of a lance in token of yeilding, but the raſcally Moores ignorant of this practice, run upon him, and thoſe that ſtood with him, and put them all to the Sword. The ſlaughter was great, but chiefly of thoſe who went along with the baggage, who were as many or more then all the Army.

There were ſome mingled themſelves amongſt the dead, to ſave their lives. 'Twas ſad to ſee 200. ſucking children, and above 800. women, boyes, and girles, who followed father and mother, thinking to inhabit this country, who had loaded chains and cords to fetter the Moores, and ſerved for the Chriſtians themſelves, of whom there are 17. thouſand priſoners, the two hundred infants, and the eight hundred women not reckon'd. As to the kingdom of Fez or Marocca, heretofore Mauritania, or Tingitania, 'tis of vaſt extent, and amongſt others hath the two potent towns of Fez and Marocca.

Fez is the Capitall of the kingdom, ſtrong in ſcite and people, ſeated on two great hills, being able upon occaſion to raiſe ſixty thouſand horſe: of ſumptuous edifice, of the Perſian building, embelliſhed with Folliages of gold and azure, their walls ſtrong, ſtreets cleanly kept, being a Captain for every one, with ſtrong gates at the ends for their ſecurity, and croſſed with chaines; a [Page] fair river called alſo Fez paſſes through the middle.

This River is divided into two channels, one towards the South, which waters Fez the new, the other towards the Weſt, watering Fez the old, beſides divers fountains which creep through Subterranean channels.

The houſes for the greateſt part are of brick, with Towres and Tarraſſes, where the women prune themſelves in the evening, for they ſeldom ſtirr abroad. There are Moſquees of fair building with their Marabouts for their ſervice; the Principall called Cairimen is of as large circumference as the Town of Arles, with 31. principall gates, ſuſtained by 38. large Arches in length, and 20. in breadth, every night 900. lamps are lighted, and on feſtivall dayes, as in their Romadan, the feaſt of S. John, the Nativity of our Lord, more Lamps without number upon braſſe candleſticks, where after Mid-night they ſing Mattens. Sixty leagues from hence is Marocca chief of all other kingdomes under that Empire, as Hea, Ducalea, Guſula, Haſcora and Trelle: as Fez hath under it, Teſmenia, Aſgar, Flabat, Errif, Garet, Eſcaus, &c.

This Town was built, or rather augmented by a Prince, called Manſor in the year 1024. ſcituate in a Plain invironed with Date-trees. He built there a Magnificent Moſquee; there is the high tower with three Spires, on which ſtand three balls of gold, of twenty thouſand Miticales, or two hundred and twenty five pounds weight a piece, Muley Malouco would have had them for his warres, but the Inhabitants would not permit him, whereupon the Janiſſaries that came from Conſtantinople to aſſiſt Malouco, made ſome Muſquet ſhot, and pierced them in divers places. He promiſed them that after a time he would ſet the like there again, but the others anſwered, if he ſhould dye, all was loſt; as his great Grand-father who ſold the foundation rents of the Hoſpitall of Fez, and dyed before he could reſtore them, ſo as 'twas loſt to the poor.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Kingdome of Marocca and Fez.

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MArocca ſtretches it ſelfe very farre, and the parts Northward joyn upon the countrey of Aſgar, croſſing the Mountaines of Gouraigoura, thirty leagues from Fez, whence there flowes a lovely River which runnes Weſtward, and joynes with the River Bar, where there are vaſt Plaines and Paſtures without ſtone, like the Camargue of Arles.

The Arabians call this countrey Suambiz, a countrey abounding in Cattell, and fronts upon another Nation of the Arabians called Aluzar, and betwixt theſe two people, there is ever a mortall warre and hatred.

The People of Aſgar confine Northward on the Ocean, Weſtward on the River Buragray, which cuts through Foreſts full of Celoquintida, and Oranges, rendring a moſt pleaſant odour, Southward on the River Bonazar, inhabited by thoſe wealthy Arabians called Alalur, whence come a brave company of Cavaliers.

Here there are many faire Townes, as Argac, Larais, and Caſar, Alcahir, or Elcabir, that is the Grand Palace built by the great Manſor, upon an encounter hee had, being loſt a hunting, and Northward the countrey of Habar.

The Region of Habat, or Elbabat, ends alſo on this ſide the Ocean, beginning from the South to the River Gonarga, or Orga, and Suerga, and from the Eaſt to the Straight. The Principall City is Azaget or Ezageu, which ſtands upon the hanging of a Hill, neare to the River Gourga, and hath many other good Townes, as Agla, Tonſer, Merga, Omar, and others upon the Straight, conquered by the Portugueſe, as Arzile, and others; and joynes to the Province of Errif, which beginnes at the Straight; and Eaſtward ſtretches as farre as the River Necor, Northward to the Mediterranean. The principall town of it is Targa, or Terga, upon the ſaid ſea, who traffick with the People of Tunnis, and Biſette.

There are beſides the Townes of Jelles, Gebba, and others. Garet joynes to this Province, which reaches as farre as the Deſerts of Numidia, and the Cities there [Page] are Mazelle, Megger and others, where there are many Mines of Iron.

This Countrey joynes upon the Region of Chaus, which Weſtward runnes to the River Barnagara, that goes to the borders of Lybia, with her townes of Teurere, Beſornin, &c. It extends as farre as the Kingdome of Teleſin, exceeding rich, which on the Weſt bounds upon the Rivers Moluia and La, South upon the deſerts of Numidia, comprehending from Weſt to Eaſt near four hundred miles, environed with many great deſerts, confining on the blacks, and hath two remarkable Havens, Marzalquibir, and Oran, beſides the townes of Gualdida, Hauan, the great City of Nodroma, and Teleſin the capitall, where the King reſides, who keeps a magnificent Court.

There is alſo Conſtantina, the Walls whereof are black ſtone poliſhed, ſcituate upon a Mountain at the foot whereof the River Sufamar runnes. About it are other Provinces, whereof ſome joyn to the deſert of Barqua, which borders upon Tenez, a City of Numidia, and on the North embraces the Province of Daro, which joynes upon Sequelme or Segelmeſſe, taking name from the capitall towne, and extends to the River of Zez, which confines on the Deſerts of Lybia.

All theſe countries are inhabited by ſeverall barbarous people, as Zonetes, Azonagia, Zabara, Egilefe, and runnes to the Province of Chenega, which joyns to the Mountaine of Atlas. This Mountaine reaches to the Deſerts of Numidia, amongſt which there is one countrey terminates upon the kingdom of Bugia, called Zeb, on the North having Biledulgerib, or Numidia.

Lybia is of great extent, and Numidia larger. In Lybia are the vaſt Deſerts of Zonzaga and Zuenziga, almoſt all inhabited on the ſkirts, with Arabians, who have the blacks on the Weſt and South called Galata, confining upon Tombur. In the middle is the Deſert of Zarat, which is two hundred miles over, without any habitation: but the deſert of Aroboan affords ſome comfort, and it joynes upon Tombur. Then next are the deſerts of Hair, over which lyes the paſſage from Tombur to Telenſin.

We leave the Deſert of Goſde on the right hand for the numbers of fierce beaſts that reſort thither: then to the deſert of Gir, which on the North confines on Tuas, Tegerin and Dameſab, which hath the kingdome of Agades on the South, a countrey plentifull of Herbage, Fountaines, and Manna, which they uſe much in their Diet, and Pottages; they have ſuch abundance of it, it renders them exceeding ſtrong and agile, they likewiſe, boyled with water, [Page] make drink of it. They are ſubjects to the King of Tombur, and border upon Cano another kingdome tributary to Tombur. The people are all black as pitch. Near the Town of of Maſar in Arabia Salban, there was once a Gulph of the Sea. There was formerly a Temple dedicated to Venus, where maids did proſtitute themſelves for pleaſure or profit, they report: but a famous Courtiſan, beautiful and rich, by name Ameliga, being courted by divers Princes and great perſons, would accept of nothing from them, only obliging them to give ſomething to the poor, uſing theſe words, Honour the Goddeſſe Ameliza to whom you offer this; which made her famous through all Africa, ſo as they came from very forrain parts to ſee her, and the King of Bodumal ſued to have her to wife, which ſhe refuſed: amongſt others there was a Maraban who viſiting her, erected a magnificent Temple to her, which was immediately frequented with a concourſe of people, and everyone repair'd thither to obtain their deſire, provided they were able of member, otherwiſe 'twas not to be looked for. The People of Guiner, Tombur, and others were of this devotion. The Prieſts of the Temple received the word, and render'd them at certain houres.

For the kingdome of Melli 'tis very wealthy, by reaſon 'tis cut through with the black river or Senega, or a branch of it, or rather a channell made by hand, ſo as 'tis very fruitfull in Dates, Raiſins, Cotton, and other commodities; for 'tis ſaid this River flowes as Nile does, and at the ſame houres: They have abundance of Canoes, or boats of one piece, in which they travaile upon their little negotiations, paſſing from kingdome to kingdome, moved out of the Hiſtory of Jonas, who they ſay came on ſhore there. They make great benefit of Whales, and believe no Whale can paſſe that way without burſting.

An ancient Gentleman of Siban told me, that in the yeare one thouſand five hundred ſeventy one, walking on the ſhore, he ſaw three great Whales, which being entered the Gulph, made a moſt horrid noyſe, and on the morrow one of them was caſt up with his belly ſlit, as it had been done with a knife, the other two were carried away with the ſtreame of the water. Whether this be a miracle or magick, I will not judge.

Melli borders upon Gago; and Gago is the better countrey of the two, and though Melli have the better townes, yet the other is of much more eſteem for many things, but chiefly for the quantity of gold, brought thither by the Moores from all parts, and this gold is very exquiſite, whereof they make moſt part of their pieces of a crown and halfe, which they call Miticales. But Melly hath the glory from all her [Page] neighbours for a fair Colledge of their Prophet Haly, where all the other kingdomes come to ſtudy the Sciences: there being many learned Doctors of their kind. Thither for this purpoſe repaires the youth of Cambre, the chief town of Tambur, as alſo from Gago and other place. Gago is a Town of great traffick where there is a great Mart for pepper, and ſlaves of all parts of Chriſtendom, whom they employ in Mines, there being ſome who for avarice bring their own children for this purpoſe. Gago borders Eaſtward on Cober, and the capital towns of theſe two countries are 200. leagues diſtant. They are alſo under the inundation of Niger, which manures the countrey, and makes it plentifull in cattle, and proviſions: the reaſon the people apply themſelves more to huſbandry then ſtudy, and ſo are groſſe and ruſtick. Weſtward from thence lyes the great Cape Serrelyonne, on the Eaſt the kingdome of Agades, then Cano, Zegeg, which breeds ſuch ſtore of horſe, then Zanfara and Guangara Northward, whoſe King hath a Guard of 7000. men, foot and horſe, with bowes and Cimeterres. Then comes Borro which runs above five hundred miles Eaſtward, having on the South the Deſerts of Get, and on the North thoſe of Barea. They are a brutiſh people, and entertain their wives in common. Towards the Piroc are the Deſerts of Goran, towards Ethiopia: there are people in abundance, and a party of Giloſes, who come thither by reaſon of a ſedition, and a party from Zenega who came thither by reaſon that a daughter of the king of Azangues being married to the King of Gambra, finding ſhe was no maid, repudiated her, whereof aroſe great warres amongſt them.

The people of Temeſne ſay they were the Founders of Marocca, they uſe a finer language then others, which they call Aquela Marig, that is, the noble language, the other kingdomes of Africa ſpeaking but a rude language in compariſon. Another called Sigay, which goes in the kingdomes of Galatas, Tombut, and Guinée, Meli, Gago different from the reſt: another at Juber, which cannot be written, becauſe of the gutturall pronunciation, and goes as far as Cana and Caſena: Again at Hea, Gangara, Borne, they uſe other languages. At Sena, Terga, Gueziga, and Lenta, they expreſſe themſelves well, ſomething like the African, and pronounce in the throat, but diſtinctly. They are much contented to ſee a ſtranger learn their language.

I was acquainted with a Phyſician learned in all theſe Languages, as likewiſe in Latine, Greeke, and Italian, and French, reaſonable well. One night being in bed in the ſame Chamber with him, and Captain Thomas Martin, on a ſuddain enters a Moor, mine Hoſt having brought him in, with a ſlave carrying a Torch, cover'd from head to foot with woollen cloth, who ſaluted us in French: ſeeing him ſo black I bleſſed my ſelf, taking him for a devill, whereat he laughed, bidding [Page] me I ſhould not be afraid, for there was no danger. He kiſſed his hand, and took mine with many kindneſſes and expreſſions, that he could not have ſlept if he had not ſeen me, entreating me to come to him on the morrow, to communicate to me a matter of importance. Aſking how he came ſo perfect in our tongue, he told me he was once ſervant to one Charbi at Marſeills, that he had had buſineſſe with my father, whom he named, and my brother: that he had been a ſlave 9 years, then redeemed himſelf. On the morrow he was with us at our firſt ſtirring, and we took a walk together, and then he invited us to dinner to his houſe, which was very noble. I demanded of him how a perſon of ſuch quality had remained ſo long in ſlavery: he told me that for five years his ranſom being a thouſand duckets was loſt. He had four horſes in his ſtable, his lodging chamber was gilt, and had many other very fair rooms. He had one wife only, and he would never marry other, but would live like a Chriſtian. His wife was fair in perfection. He gave me high commendations to his wife that ſhe might be courteous to me, and ſhe was therefore very civill to us: He ſhewed us all his houſe, and a fair Library of well-bound books, and ſhewed me how the Africans had been Lords of a great part of the world, ſhewing me a Book titled Albazer full of curioſities, and hiſtories of the renowned Africans, as Hannibal, Maſſiniſſa, Septimus Severus Emperour, and many other Kings, Princes, and Biſhops, as St. Auguſtine and others.

I aſked him why he followed not the Law of ſo many holy Biſhops. He told me he was not ſo far divided, and that in their Alcoran Mahomet confeſſes that Jeſus Chriſt was greater than he: that he met him in the ſixth heaven and humbled himſelf to him, beſeeching him to pray to God for him, which he never did to other Prophets, who all beg of Mahomet to pray to God for them. So as this man wanted nothing of a Chriſtian but Baptiſme; and told us that having paid his ranſom, if his Maſter Churbi the Conſul had not preſſed him to marry a young widow whom he dearly lov'd, he had willingly become Chriſtian. He was a man very upright, wiſe, and vertuous, and if he would marry other wives, of the chiefeſt in Town he might have plenty. He told me as a ſecret that the Governour of Arzille, who was in heart of the Spaniſh opinion, would have given his daughter in marriage, if he would have become Chriſtian, he had likewiſe a particular affection for Chriſtians. This is that Arzille which in the year 1421. was conquered by Cordoue the Moor, which Don Alphonſo, King of Portugal regained from him.

But to return to Marocca, I ſhall ſpeak of what I have often ſeen in Mountains of Ziz, that is, how the people have a familiarity with ſerpents, and very infants will play with them. The Mahometans having it by precept of Law, to kill none of theſe pernicious creatures, [Page] inſomuch as I was once reproved by one of them for throwing a ſtone at a toad.

Being departed from Sequeline, we croſſed the Mountains of Ziz, which takes beginning at the ſkirts of Mezetazu, towards the Weſt, and terminates at Telde, towards Numidia. The Arabians call it Segelmeſſe, which are fifteen Mountains where theſe Serpentine people inhabit, which the people call Zanaga, who keep company with ſerpents, and have their gardens full of toads. 'Tis true there are amongſt them Magicians of divers kinds, whereof ſome can charm theſe reptile Creatures, as in the Indies they charm the Caymanes and Tiburons, Leon. Abr. l. 3. that theſe fiſh-monſters devour not them who fiſh for pearls, they call theſe Magicians Malurman. In theſe Mountains of Ziz there are other Magicians, who boaſt they can cure all diſeaſes,Mahazin. Zaira. them they call Mahazin, and are in great eſteem. Another ſort called Zairan conjure tempeſts, lightenings, hails, and other Meteors, which are hurtfull to fruits. I remember I there ſaw a Magician, who perceiving a horrid tempeſt approaching in a thick black cloud, which would quite deſtroy their Seytume, or olives then in flower, he made a hole in the ground, and with certain words urined in it, which diverted the ſtorm to another part: yet they have another ſort they call Machabell, who ſay they can cure all diſeaſes in cattle. Others called Sadahachar, who have power over devils, and can compell them to any place they command them: They have alwaies one amongſt them, and they call them white devils. Others very ſkilfull in Geomancy, who can ſhew ſpirits in a bright baſon like a looking-glaſſe, which repreſents what is deſired: Others they have that cauſe beaſts or men to languiſh and die; but this laſt ſort is not onely amongſt Infidels, I have ſeen them likewiſe amongſt Chriſtians. For being once at Seville in Spain, I knew a Flemiſh Limner excellent in his art, who languiſht by this means, betwitch'd by a famous ſtrumpet called Segnora Maria de Villara, who would have ſerved a Comrade of his in like ſort, with certain biskets wherewith ſhe entertained him, whereof one was charm'd and the other not; but he ſuſpecting ſome villany, cunningly conveyed it to her own plate, and took another. Afterwards ſhe doubting nothing gave him one to preſent to his wife, with a curious purſe. But he returning home made triall on a dog, who immediately fell to howling, and dyed. Mean while the Biſket which the Curtizan had taken unawares, began to work, whereupon perceiving her ſelf loſt, ſhe ſent for her friend, who acknowledged he had given her the morſel, ignorant what it was. Hereupon ſhe deſired him for a laſt ſervice, he would go to a certain place in a garden out of Town, and cut a cord which he ſhould find tied to a tree; which taking ſome friends with him he did, and found a toad tied by the leg at the end of the cord, and he had no ſooner cut it but the Curtizan died. I was [Page] in Sevill when this happened, and ſeeing the body of this woman going to buriall, he who was the principal actor told me the ſtory, for we lodg'd in the ſame houſe. And his wife upon this ſtrange effect durſt no longer wear the purſe ſhe ſent her.

In order to this I will relate you two other examples of Sorcerers, which happened in our Countrey of Provence, one of a Shoemaker at Aix. On the day he was married a witch tied a knot upon a point, with certain words, and laid it on the Altar in time of Maſſe, and afterwards put it in a hole. For five or ſix years theſe people could never live together, till the witch being apprehended before her death, confeſſed where the point was, which was found together with croſſes, caracters, and ſacred words: The witch was burn'd alive, and the ſhoemakers wife afterwards became with child.

The other of a Marſellian, who being in love with a maid, whom her friends would not conſent ſhould marry him, was adviſed to go to Baile de Luc, a grand Sorcerer, who made him make an offering to Sathan, then drawing a circle on the ground, he divided it in ſeven parts, and in each placed a character, ſignifying the name of a Devil, who ſhould appear to him in what form he would, and carry him whitherſoever he deſired. But the other not being over confident named the form of man, but the Sorcerer would have the form of a beaſt. In fine, the other for money procured him to let him have the caracter of a Demon with him to his own home, to make tryal of, and made choice of the name Leviathan, and about midnight went to do this work at his Miſtreſſes door, the Magician having told him 'twould work the more forcibly. He then laid the Caracter upon a ſtone and on his knees made his prayers to Leviathan to aſſiſt him in his enterprize.

He ſaid this prayer five times, then on a ſudden the devill appeared in a hideous and horrible form, which the poor man having not courage to endure, fell in a trance on the ground for three hours together. Afterwards returning to himſelf, he got up, took his ticket, and returned home ſad and vext at his want of courage. He caſt the Caracter in the fire, whence broke three ſuch claps of thunder, as if the houſe ſhould have ſunk to hell. The Father, Mother, and Siſters ran to ſee what the matter was, but he ſeemed to know nothing. The poor man being in this diſtreſſe, came to me, for he was my friend, and telling me the proceedings aſked my advice, with moſt deſperate ſpeeches, ſaying, that to gain his love he did not care to be damned. Whereupon I adviſed him in the beſt ſort I could, telling him that this way though he ſhould gain his Miſtreſſe, nothing but miſery could befall him; then I made him promiſe me to go together to a Capucin of my acquaintance to reconcile him, and receive his diabolical renunciation; but this miſerable man came not according to appointment, perſiſting in his accurſed reſolution.

[Page]Mean while the maid having knowledge of all, married honourably with another, and left the wretched man infamous and diſgraced, to a Tragick death. Now to conclude this diſcourſe of Africa, I ſaw there certain beaſts, the like whereof I never ſaw in India Eaſt or Weſt, they call them Pachacou, like foxes, and are of ſo ſtrange and ravenous a nature, that if they wind a dead corps before it be interr'd, they will ſcrape and mine till they get to it, and eat it to the bones, ſome call them Chicali, they live onely on fleſh. And I remember that a poor boy, ſervant to one of our company, being dead, we buried him in a ſandy ground, and as deep as we could, but the day following we found him drawn out of the earth, and knawed to the bones. Not imagining how this came to paſſe, we went next evening to watch, and found 'twas thoſe beaſts, who came in a troop to hunt after ſuch booty: We hit one of them ſo with a ſtone, that he lay for dead, and as we were viewing him, as a ſtrang thing, on a ſudden he leapt up and ran away, which made us think this Creature is exceeding crafty, that can diſſemble death ſo naturally. The Arabians call him Duburh, the Africans, Ilef.

A while after this battail, I went aboard at Lareche, and came to Calis, a hundred miles from thence, ſo to San Loucas, then to Seuille, 16. leag. from Calis, going thither by the Gadalquivir: and received ſome money I had a letter of exchange for from Fez, I went to Grenado, two dayes journey from Seuille, ſo down to Cordoua, and Guadix, and meeting with a waggon loaded with wool, I came to Cartagena, then following the coaſt to Malaga, Valencia, Barcelona, and at laſt to Marſeills.

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THE THIRD PART Of the Famous TRAVAILS OF VINCENT le BLANC His Voyage to CONSTANTINOPLE.

REturning from Africa, I embarked in a Scette at Arache, and together with John Safolt, the Navigator that preſerved us from wrack at Gibraltar came to Cadiz, and thence to Marſeills, where after three or four moneths reſt, with the ſame Maſter I went to ſea again in a veſſell fraught for Conſtantinople. We ſet ſaile at Marſeills the twenty fourth of January, and arrived at this great town, the capitall of the Weſtern Empire, on the twenty ſecond of February following, having croſſed the Archipelagus, and touched in at the Iſle and Town of Seio, or Aſion, where we heard a ſad diſaſter, of a Lover, that in deſpair killed himſelf, and bequeathed his whole ſubſtance to his Miſtreſſe, the ground of his deſtruction: There at a Convent of Franciſcans, we ſaw the Fig-trees; the fruit whereof never ripens, till certain knats ingendered of the corruption of another, they call the Sicamore Fig, bites it; and then it ripens immediately, and is [Page] exceeding delicate. Conſtantinople hath been the ſubject of ſo many ingenious pens, who have and daily do pourtray both the Town, and the Empire, the Court and State of the Grand Senior, his Officers, Religion, Cuſtoms, and other particulars of the Turks, that I ſhall enlarge my ſelfe no further, then to ſay 'tis admirable for pleaſant ſcituation, and beautiful aſpect at diſtance, though the intrinſick correſponds not; for the ſtreets lye extremely ſordid, out of the negligence or ruſticity of the Inhabitants, who think of nothing but gain, and avarice, without regard to decency either in their houſes, or ſtreets. The Grand Senior, Baſhaws, and ſuch, have magnificent Palaces painted with gold and azure, after the Perſian. Her Founder Conſtantine the Great diſmantled Rome and all the Province of the Empire to adorn this his new City, which in imitation of ancient Rome he ſeated on ſeven hills: afterwards Juſtinian erected the magnificent Church of our Saviour, or S. Sophia, of circular Modell, by which pattern the Saraſins built their Temple, or Moſque at Meca, though there be much difference betwixt them, that at Meca, being only brick building, ſupported with abundance of Pillars.

Conſtantinople hath within nothing graceful, but the Princes Seraglioes, the Moſques, Hoſpitalls, and the Baſhaws Palaces built by the art and induſtry of their ſlaves, as heretofore at Rome: likewiſe theſe Baſhaws for the greateſt part are Renegado-Chriſtians, or Chriſtians children, of more elegancy then the naturall Turk, the moſt avaricious people of the world, who without mony, afford not the leaſt civility imaginable.

Conſtantinople is ſcituate on a Promotory environed on all ſides, except the Weſt, with the Sea, with a Gulph or Channell on the North, and Port Pera, or Galata ſecured with a chain as Malta is. Pera is as 'twere a Suburbs beguirt with Walls, raiſed in Anaſtaſius the Emperours time, who fortified it. Within the circumference there are four good Ports beſides this. On the Land ſide 'tis double wall'd, with good ditches equall'd, ſlankard and rampar'd, no work of the Turks notwithſtanding, but the ancient Chriſtians, who poſſeſſed it, and ſince repaired by them. 'Tis of triangular form, one point towards the Weſt, the other two declining with falls and windings towards the ſea on the South ſide. From ſome houſes in Pera, one may take a view of the ſcite and precinct of it, and perceive how it opens it ſelf into three Angles, the one towards the Port of the Iſlands, a ſecond to the River Port, and the third points upon the Grand Siniors Seraglio, which takes up the ſide of the hill, that emboſoms the Gulph towards Pera, the height whereof is a ſhelter to the veſſels that ride on that ſide, and here the Sultans, and Sultaneſſes Gardens are. The Seraglio is of a noble and delightfull Fabrick, for it hath both land and ſea for proſpect, which from the Mount ſurveyes the champain. There are long ridings adjacent, [Page] encloſed with high walls, and beautifyed with columns of diſcolour'd marble, and tall trees ranked in walkes. Within the Seraglio is the Temple of S. Sophia, ſince the demoliſhment of a number of goodly Churches, made their Moſque: having left none for the Greek Chriſtian ſervice, but thoſe of S. Peter, S. Thomas, S. Theodoret, Saint Luke, S. Lazarus, Saint John, and S. Sebaſtian; now in the Patriarcks hands where Chriſtians celebrate with permiſſion.

The Turks practice a Religion in Part and countenance meerly, without regard to law either divine or humane:The Turks Religion. relying for their faith upon others, without further indagation, and conditionally that their Prophet were not miſtaken: Their principal care is the manage of their affaires, to be eſteemed wiſe, and enjoy the pleaſures of the world. They eſteem Chriſtians far ſhort of them, yet notwithſtanding they allow Chriſt to be born of a Virgin, that he was a great Prophet, and the Breath of the mighty God. There have riſen amongſt them ſome Sectaries, who held him a greater Prophet then Mahomet: but ſome being ſo bold as to publiſh it, were dragg'd by the heels, had their brains beaten out, and were made food for dogs. The prohibition to diſpute of their law they obſerve exactly, for manifeſting the impertinence and abſurdity of it, and for the diverſe interpretations of their Alcaron, which would intangle them in a thouſand confuſions. They place their Paradiſe intirely in ſenſual pleaſure, as in guſtfull and delicate meat and drink, in fair women, and the like; and doubt not ſalvation, if they abſtain from wine and ſwines fleſh. Their Taliſmanſat and Cadileſchers, their Doctors preach them this wholeſome doctrine: telling them the Paradiſe promiſed to Chriſtians where there is neither meat nor drink, is for poor and wretched creatures; in theirs they make good cheer, ſo carnal, and below ſpirit are theſe people. The Prieſts muſt be a little learned in the courſe of the Sun and Moon, for the knowledge of their Feaſts and New-Moons: they go daily upon the ſteeple of their Moſque, and proclaim the hours of prayer to God and their Prophet.

They have Religious of ſeveral orders, ſome like men in deſperation, counterfeiting the ideot, others diſſembling ſimplicity, others that moſt frantickly torment themſelves to death, women who ring themſelves with wire, as we do Mares, but of this I have ſaid ſufficiently in my Treatiſe of Perſia. The Mufti is their Grand Patriarck, who decides all differences in Religion and diſputes amongſt the Prieſts, and the Grand Sinior himſelf cannot wave his ſentence, who owes him ſuch reſpect, that he riſes from his ſeat to receive him when he makes a viſit to him, and ſeats him by him. The determination of civill and criminal cauſes is committed to the Soubaſſi or Gadileſcher Baſha, Armin, or Arcair. This Mufti as of the line of Mahomet, weares a green [Page] Turbith, the Emir wears it alſo; not for holineſſe, but for authority. Theſe Emir are egregious Hypocrites, as are the Deruis, who wear the Cimeterre, and under colour of executing divine Juſtice, commit a thouſand murders in the country. There are others who go in troops, and coming to a Village beg almes upon their knees, which Turks give them liberally, and they eat it in the place, nevertheſſe having done, for all this charity, all they can meet alone, they omit not to pillage and murther.

During my ſtay at Conſtantinople, there died Baſha Zabahim, a perſon of worthy repute according to his law: Being departed, his death was notified to all the people, who came in a multitude and wept for him, and according to cuſtome he was interred without the town. Perſons of ſuch quality at their deceaſe ever bequeath to pious uſes, as to the foundation of an Hoſpitall, or Moſque, or the like; officers clad in duſkiſh courſe rugs, give notice to the people to pray for the ſoule of this pious Lord: His neareſt kindred covered with fine white linnen from head to foot, go to the houſe and attend at the gate, no man entring in but the Maſter. Such as are more remote, are only vail'd over the face with a fine cloth, which hangs down to the girdle. They are known by their wailings and lamentations, which they duplicate when they come together. Then come forth all the Domeſticks in gray Aſh-coloured cloth, next come twelve horſes, with clothes of the like drawing on the ground, the leaders clothed with the ſame. Theſe horſes ſeem to weep, and by intermiſſions to ſigh and ſobbe, which they are brought to by rubbing their noſtrils with a certain drugge, while the people thinking them to weep really, accompany them with tears and lamentations.

Then follow four in gray with four banners trailing on the ground, then four more trailing Arms, Pikes, Javelins, Cimeters, Bowes, and Arrows, all with like lamentation; next comes the Corps contrary to us with the head foremoſt, clothed in a rich garment, born by ſix men well habited, ſix more holding up the Pall of the ſame colour; with the robes, with a black Turbant, upon which there is a green ribband of a finger breadth, ſignifying the heaven promiſed by their Prophet, and upon the Turbant a bundle of feathers of great value.

All his Allies and Friends follow after weeping covered with white, by the head of the Corps walk four Talimaſſans, reading prayers for the dead, theſe aſſiſted at his departure, and are obliged for ſome charity beſtowed on them to pray for him all the yeare; when they come to the croſſing of a ſtreet, the Corps ſtayes, and a Talimaſſan with a loud voyce cryes, Ala Ramani arban Muhis la ala ila ala ale Huma ala. Which meanes, God is mercifull, pray to God for him; and with that the Prieſts, with Tallow Tapers walk round the Corps, repeating the ſame words, and thus conduct him to [Page] his Sepulcher, lin'd with thin boards and roof'd over: for nine dayes all his kindred viſit the tomb with lamentations, whither they bring proviſion for the Prieſts and poor; for whom there is almes aſſigned, and this, they ſay, maintains them till the reſurrection; when the breath of God will judge in favour of the Prophet, who gives teſtimony of their good works before the divine Tribunal.

Meanwhile the widow of the deceaſed layes out for birds kept in cages, which ſhe buys and ſets at liberty, that the merciful God may ſo free the ſoule of the departed, as ſhe hath ſhewed mercy to the birds, and poor: With the Turks Proceſſe is decided,Turk [...]ſh juſtice. according to the letter of the Alcoran. Near the Seraglio gate is the Diuan, where the Principals ſit in ſcarlet robes. The ſecond Tribunall or Diuan, is within the Seraglio hard by the other, where ſit the four Bachats, with the grand Seniors Secretary, three Cadeleſchers and the Beglierbeg, who is as high-Conſtable. Here are criminall cauſes determined, and all that concerns the Militia, and pay of Janiſſaries and Souldiers, attended by the Dragoman, one ſkilled in all languages, for the benefit of ſtrangers; for people of all ſorts come to theſe tryals, and 'tis allowed to any one to ſee Juſtice executed. The Dragoman takes perfect information, that no man may be ſurprized in his cauſe, and then makes report to the Diuan. The Judges are ever of a graceful preſence, holding for a principle, that a fair mind was never covered with a foule face, or very rarely. They afford a fair attention, and as diligent to a child as to the grand Senior. In the Diuan there is a private window where ſometimes the Grand Senior, ſtands to hear the Juſtice of the Court, which keeps him in awe and remembrance.

They have an equall and ſpeedy Juſtice adminiſtred by the States gratis, nor can they admit either of preſents or mediations. Bad cauſes are rewarded with good bangs, all done with weight and meaſure, for to the Judges 'tis death to proceed otherwiſe. In affairs of importance where the grand Senior ought to take cognizance, the Cadileſchir makes the report to him, and he ſentences as he pleaſes. There are other Courts and Judicatories in ſeverall places of the Town, for multitude of the Inhabitants, who for the moſt frivolous things appeale to Juſtice. The Cadis, Armis, and Soubaſſi, are the Judges, who for tranſgreſſion are diſcharged of their office. The high Court of the Seraglio ſits all day, from morning to night, where they are provided of three meals a day; before they enter, at nine, and in the evening, no man being allowed to ſtir out, but the Viſier, keeper of the ſeale, who before he can ſeale any diſpatch, muſt acquaint the grand Senior. Three dayes a week theſe grand Seſſions are held, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and ſometimes Tueſday, in occurrence of great affairs, or of ſtrangers: the other four dayes are [Page] aſſigned to the Courts of the four Bachats, who diſpatch the reſt, and ſit in places appointed, whence on the Saturday they faile not to be at the grand Seſſions, where all attend, ſeated with croſſed arms, and their feet cloſe together, till the grand Baſha appear; to whom they addreſſe themſelves with great reverence, then to their ſeats with rigorous ſilence. The Baſha with a liſt of papers in hand, looking round, obſerves him who prepares to plead, then with his hand gives him a ſign to ſpeak, and having heard the complaint, then hears the adverſe party, and with great prudence judges and gives ſentence.

In caſe of murther they make particular inquiry of all acceſſaries, and they ſcape not without a good fine that could, and hindered not the murther: For all that are preſent are bound under fine and penal puniſhments to apprehend the murtherer, and bring him to the Soubaſſi, the Cadi's Lieutenant, who having heard the matter gives judgement. I was at Conſtantinople in the time of Amurath grand Son to the Sultan Soliman, where by one Bernard Nadal a Marſeillian, I learnt many particulars of the Court: He was taken by the Turks in his youth, and preſented to the Soliman, who made him renegado, and his page. He made me an exact relation of the whole Court and Seraglio, out of which I collected ſome memorials that I loſt. I can humbly ſay, God made me an inſtrument to regain this man, who came back to Marſeills, while his Father and Mother were yet alive, where he was reconciled to the Church, but ſometime after going to ſea, was by the Turks retaken, and put to death. Of the Seraglio I remember he told me that within the ſecond gate upon the left hand is the Princes kitchin, not comparable to thoſe in our Royal Palaces; he reckon'd all the Officers to me, which I ſet not down. Beyond that is the great hall, or chamber of the Agas Capigis, or Cadun, the door-guards, a different office from the Chaous, who are exempt from guarding. Of this guard there are a great number, divided by thirty to a Company. The third gate opens into gardens, ſet with dates, and trees of other ſorts; at the bottom whereof is a fair Subterranean apartment, ſumptuouſly ſtored with riches, on the top ſtands a golden Mund, and on that a Creſſant. Here the Prince bathes in hot ſeaſons, and ſometimes eats; here he gives audience to Embaſſadours, conducted through divers gates and Courts, for oſtentation of the State and magnificence of the Palace, the rich columns, Moſaick Tapeſtries, &c. He gives audience to Embaſſadours onely twice; when they arrive, and when they depart, and then for a ſpeciall favour reaches them his right hand to kiſſe. In the middle of the chamber ſtands a great globe of Chryſtal,A deſcripti [...]n of the Seraglio. exceeding delightfull to the eye, for the diverſity of colours it preſents, enriched round with fair diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. At one end of the Chamber is a door where the grand Senior goes to viſit the Sultanaes, while the Baſha's entertain the [Page] Embaſſadours; for the ſecond room is for his wives and Ladies, where none enters but Eunuchs. Nadal that I ſpoke of as a Favourite, went in often with the Prince, and was fortunate in this that the Sultan excuſed him from caſtration, for fear of looſing of him, many looſing their lives by it, though when 'tis done they are caſt in a ſleep, by vertue of a ſtupifying water. He told me the Ladies would blandiſh him exceedingly, and that there was one who daily ſaid the roſary of the bleſſed virgin, and was daughter to the Prince of Natolia. The Sultan keeps ten pages, as grooms of his chamber to dreſſe and undreſſe him, who ſerve not by quarter, but attend the Prince continually, as Pages of honour: They are cul'd out of many more, and ordinarily are choſen by their Phyſnomy, or good face. 'Tis the office of one of theſe to go every morning to the Chaſna, or Treaſurer for fourty duckets to put in the Grand Seniors pocket for his charity, and bounty; at night when he goes to bed, all the money left in his pockets the Pages of honour divide amongſt them, where they often find the ſum compleat, the grand Seniors affairs not allowing him leiſure to think of it. They fetch every day the like ſum for his ſports. Theſe Pages watch all night by the Prince, two and two by turns, and have Flambeaus burning, till Sun riſing that the Prince riſes: for then from a high ſteeple the Dalliman calls every one to prayers. The Prince aſſoon as he is ready goes to the Moſquee, and if he pleaſe, takes his Pages of honour to attend him; ſometimes to take the air he goes on horſe to a Moſquee more remote, and then is attended in handſom order. Furthermore the Porter or Capaigis, Baſhaw Abrahor the maſter of horſe. hath authority to puniſh any that ſhall raiſe any broiles in the Palace, and ſuffers no man to go in with armes. The Querriſhip comprehends 300. goodly horſes, twelve whereof are reſerved for the Princes ſaddle alone, on which onely the pages of honour may ride: there are other ſtables for above ſix thouſand horſe, as 3000. palfreys, called there Deuagilar. There are a number of horſes beſides, and the Maſter of horſe they call Baſhaw Abrahor.

In my time 'twas thus, perhaps things are altered ſince, I onely touch upon this Court paſſing by, with reference to more ample relations extant of this ſubject.

I was not forth in this voyage to Conſtantinople above eight months, but I returned the ſame year to Marſeills, where I found the Town in much inquietude, for apparition of certain ſpirits in the houſe of one George Trian, who had had two wives both deceaſed. Theſe Goblins made ſtrange noyſes, and preſented ſtrange illuſions, as Tiran reported, in effect it much diſturbed the neighbours, at laſt all was ſet at reſt by a neighbour that diſcovered there remained ſome things unſatisfied, by one of the wives, which ſhe appeared to reveale.

[Page]Going one day to viſit Monſieur, the Count of Carſa, living then at Marſeills, diſcourſing of this accident, he related to me ſeverall things of this kind; amongſt others, that being on a time with two friends at Suſa in [...]eemont, they were told at their lodging how there was a Chamber haunted with ſpirits, and ſtrangely moleſted with horrible rumblings: hereupon they were taken with a curioſity to lie in this chamber, whatſoever their hoſt could ſay to diſſwade them; their evenings diſcourſe was onely of apparitions, which one amongſt them abſolutely denied, ſaying 'twas all but fables, and phantaſticall imaginations: But lying all together in the ſame bed, about midnight the Count wakes, and by the light of a Flambeau they had left burning, he ſaw ſome Monks both black and white, reading their Breviaries by the blew light of a Taper, that made the whole chamber of the ſame colour: he could not underſtand a word they ſaid, though he obſerved them diligently: he was ſeiz'd with ſuch horrour he could not ſpeak to his bed-fellowes, onely jogged the next with his elbow, who ſlept as he were charm'd; and when he ſaw the Monks with grave ſteps draw nearer the bed, his fear redoubled, and though their ſwords lay hard by him, terrour onely poſſeſſed him. He thought the Monks muttering ſome words, turned off the cloaths, took one of his companions out of the bed, and burnt him to aſhes in a great fire; and in effect one of them was gone and never heard off more, and none but himſelf and one more left in the bed.

I remember alſo that being at St. Bauma, while Godfrey the accurſed ſorcerer was there, as they carv'd him fiſh, being Lent, and laid it on his trencher, he ſeemed ſtill to eat, yet there was nothing leſſe on his trencher; and Father Michaelis exorcizing Magdalen de la Palu, aſked her what it meant? who anſwered he could not eat of all things; and that the Devils brought him human fleſh, of which he fed and left the reſt, And divers Sorcerers executed at Aix, have confeſſed that in their Sabbaths, moſt commonly they feed on ſuch fare.

This makes me doubt whether thoſe Goblins or Sorcerers, ſeen by the Count, carried not the poor Gentleman away for the like proviſion; for he was never ſeen more, and the other two remained frighted and aſtoniſhed almoſt to death. Notwithſtanding de Carſis, ſo he was called, was a prudent and valiant perſon; and the third that ſcaped with the Count, was called Vieramont. I made the ſame year a journey into Italy, and coming to Pecholi to viſit ſome friends, being in bed at an Inne, I heard a ſtrange noyſe, and a voice that called me by my name, which I took to be the voice of my mother, who told me ſhe was dead: frighted wherewith I fell into lamentations, till my Brother-in-law over-heard me, and came with a candle, who underſtanding the matter reaſſured me. But continuing in ſadneſſe, about ſix dayes after going from Pecholi, [Page] I fortuned luckily on a Marſeillian Merchant, my acquaintance, who came but four dayes before from thence, and aſſured me he left my mother in health, ſo I found 'twas but a meer illuſion. Afterwards in the ſame voyage going from Rome to Naples, betwixt Aquila and Abruzza, we lodged in a village called Chelana, where mine hoſt having ſeen us well accommodated in bed, retired to another room, for fear of ſpirits that haunted that: and in good earneſt we had a very troubleſome night of it, not able to reſt for ratlings and jinglings, both upon the ſtairs and in the Chamber, without perceiving any thing, much ado to comfort one another, and 'twas to no purpoſe, we called mine hoſte; who in the morning excuſed himſelf the beſt he could, and all paſſed in laughter; but coming back that way we found the houſe pulled down, and a Church building in the place.

Then returning into France, we paſſed by Beaucaire, where we ſupped with the Sieur de St. Andre, Governour of Montpelier, and telling him of theſe ſpirits, being a Proteſtant, he made a ſcoffe at it; but the beſt was, that in the night as he lay in bed, he was waked with ſuch a noiſe, that leaping to his ſword, he cryed out, and raiſed us all; ſuppoſing thieves were robbing the houſe, but finding doors and windows all faſt, he was amazed, and made an oath he would never jeſt at ſpirits again.

The Authours voyage into Italy.

REturning to Marſeills in a time of ſickneſſe, I went to ſea again, in a veſſel bound for Braſile, under the command of Captain James Varin. Our ſufferings in this voyage were great, ſpecially in our return, when we were glad for food to eat all manner of leather, Munkeys, Parrots, and Rats, which paſſed for plovers. I was the moſt troubled with a young Marſellian I brought along with me, one William Vias, a neighbour, a moſt malicious untoward fellow, who did me not the leaſt ſervice, though I laid in proviſion for him, and paid his paſſage. He quarrelled with every one, and was beaten by every one, without any amendment, growing worſe and worſe.

Once he was ſoundly bang'd for ſaying he would kill the Captain, and had my advice been followed, they ſhould have made a Fricaſſee of him, as I ſaw one ſerved at Braſile, as I ſhall relate in my ſecond voyage to the Weſt Indies.

At our return, we came a ſhore at Haure, where I diſmiſſed him, and came alone to Marſeilles, where I married the moſt perverſe woman in the world, ſo as when I thought to have ſpent the remainder of my life in repoſe, I was conſtrained [Page] to wander again for quietneſſe, and in effect made a voyage to Portugall, to barter ſome pearls.

I laid in Merchandizes proper for Cadiz, as Camlots of the Eaſt, cloth, corall, and two hundred crowns in gold, upon letters of exchange to Hierome Viguer of Chativa, and an hundred piſtols, I depoſited with Noe Meneſtier, which I loſt; yet he an honeſt man; for this Viguier a Spaniard, uſed ſuch ſleights and delays, that I was conſtrained to quit all, by a misfortune which befell me. For waiting for my money at his Brothers houſe one Emanuele, one evening coming out of a Church, there ſtood diſcourſing a companie of Cannons, who ſeeing me in a French dreſſe, according to that degenerous cuſtome of the Spaniard, began to affront me, which I waved with patience; and telling them how injurious 'twas to abuſe a ſtranger thus meerly paſſing by them, they wanted not much to come from words to blows with me and my man: Hereupon I complained to the Duke of Gandia, who gave me no other ſatisfaction than to refer me to the Biſhop, from whom I returned with as little ſatisfaction.

Thus diſcontented I left the Town, and removed to Cadiz, by the way I lighted upon one of theſe venerable Cannons travailing for Valencia, well mounted, and glaſſes before his eyes to preſerve them from the wind; now I having this opportunity for my revenge, gave him ſuch a buffet that I broke his glaſſe, and ſent him ſenſeleſſe to the ground: then upon the ſpur doubled my pace to Guadix, where 'twas my hard fortune to looſe a bill of exchange I had for cloth I ſold at Valence. thence by Granado I went to Cadiz, where ſome ſmall negotiations being diſpatched, I returned for Provence: But having ſome prick in conſcience for my treaty of the Cannon of Gandia, I went to a Prieſt to confeſſe my ſelf, who conſidering the ſpecies of my fault, turned me over to the Biſhop, who abſolved me, and for penance obliged me to make a pilgrimage to Rome: I performed it, and coming to Saint Peters Church, to confeſſe me to one of the Penitentiaries, with long ſlaves, by ill luck he prooved a Spaniard, and underſtanding I had beaten a Cannon of Gandia, was much concerned, howſoever gave me abſolution.

A Hiſtory.At this time there was an Almner of the Popes, who had the diſpoſing of ten or twelve thouſand duckets to the poor yearly, and as they ſay, reſerved a good ſhare for himſelf; ſo as in few yeares he became exceeding rich, but very avaritious: Whereupon ſome good fellows there, were reſolved to ſhew him a trick, and partake with him; for this purpoſe one of them opens a ſhop of ſmall commodities, with ſome curioſities and antick medals of gold and ſilver.

This Almner as he came from Church, went every day to [Page] converſe with this new Merchant, who ſtill ſhewed him rarities, whereof ſometimes he bought, ſometimes not. At laſt when their familiaritie was confirmed, behold another of the pack, diſguiſed like a ſlave, an iron plate about his neck, and a red cap, ſtands to beg at St. Peters porch, and as the Almner came by, beſought a charity of him: the other ſeeing him of a good aſpect, aſked him what he was? who anſwered he was a poore Gentleman newly come out of ſlavery, and having his conſcience burthened, deſired he would hear his confeſſion. So entring the Church, this Gallant told him a long ſtory, how he had been divers years captive to Dragut Rais that famous Pirate, that at length he made him groom of his Chamber, and truſted him with all his money and jewels, and that his Maſter being ſlain at the ſiege of Malta, he took a jewell of extraordinary value, and a ſum of duckets, and came with the Fleet to Conſtantinople, where he met with means to get into Chriſtendom, and return to his Countrey with his wealthy prize.

The Almner was on fire, to have a ſight of the rich piece, and told him if it were a thing of that value, he would procure his holineſſe to buy it: The ſlave then conjuring him to ſecrecy by the name of God, ſhewed him a fawcet Chryſtall, artificially coloured with Dragons bloud, which made it of an admirable luſtre; wherewith the Almner dazled, deſired him he might ſhew it to a Merchant a friend of his, of knowledge in ſuch things, ſo they went together to the Merchant, who viewing the jewell, made unuſuall admirations, as at an exceſſive treaſure, telling him 'twas worth many thouſand duckets; whereby his longing growing ſtronger, after many offers and refuſals betwixt the ſlave and him, they at length bargained for two and twenty thouſand crowns, which he paid upon the naile: Whereupon the Merchant ſhuts up ſhop, packs away, and vaniſhes with the ſlave, never to be heard of.

Meanwhile the Almner was ſo ſwell'd with his purchaſe, that he could not contain himſelf, imagining by this means he might arrive at any office or dignity whatſoever, and fancied himſelf Pope already, with this Carbuncle in his Tiara: For ſome dayes he concealed it, not diſcovering the leaſt to his very neareſt friends. At length meeting with two Goldſmiths of his old acquaintance, he ſhewed it them, and would know their opinion of the value, or near the matter; who perceiving it a counterfeit carbuncle, laughed heartily, and ſaid 'twas a pretty Chryſtall, and might be worth ſome few realls, which ſo ſtroke the good man, that overcome with grief and vexation, he betook himſelf to his bed, whence he never roſe again. Thus was the good man abuſed by the knaviſh cheats.

To ſecond this, I ſhall tell you of an exploite was put [Page] upon me in this very voyage. I intended for Naples, to buy ſome horſes, for which purpoſe I had a good handſom ſum of money I had taken for pearls I brought from Liſbone, and ſold to the Marqueſſe of Oraiſon, which I had put in two bags, whereof one I ever carried about me. One day paſſing through the market Colonna, I obſerved a Goldſmith well furniſhed with jewels, and having cheapned a good diamond of about four or five carrats weight, and a good luſter, by reaſon the Biſhop of Marſeills deſired me to buy him one if I met with a good bargain; we agreed for threeſcore and odd piſtols, which I laid down; but he recanting and demanding more, I withdrew my money. Upon this comes in a man in good faſhion, his beard white, and a black velvet cap, and told me in private if I would buy a good diamond, or other jewels, he would ſhew me thoſe were good, and at a reaſonable rate. I took the man for ſome Senatour, or perſon of quality, and followed him, though the Goldſmith pulled me by the ſleeve, to come into his ſhop again. As we went along, my Gentleman entertained me with diſcourſe of ſeverall jewels he had at his Chamber, without Port Popolo, at laſt he had brought me to a place out of all wayes, near the Palle Malle, by the wall ſide; I began to ſuſpect ſome miſchief when I heard a Faquin by the way bid farewell, ſuch a one calling him by his name; and as I was thinking to take my leave of him, and go back again, I was ſeized upon by four or five Ruffians, who ſet a dagger to my breaſt, and made me deliver my purſe, and the bag I had about me, and my guide vaniſhed ſo as I could ſee him no more.

In this miſerable condition I came back to Rome, full of ſhame and ſadneſſe, and though I ſpoke not a word of it, yet my misfortune was immediately divulged through all Rome, how I had been cheated by one in ſuch cloaths, who was known and famous for ſuch a one, he was not long after apprehended and meeting me I knew him not at all, having cut his hair and changed his cloathes, and ſtoutly denyed the fact. They ſhewed me ſome pieces of gold, which I claimed as my own, but that was all I could get.

Notwithſtanding he was within few dayes after, with two of his Comrades hanged, convicted of divers other robberies.

Being upon return to Marſeills I made a digreſſion towards the river Genes, and Malta, and by reaſon the plague was at Martigues, I could not without difficulty be admitted into Ville Franche, to take a bill of health to croſſe the River Genes, where they are exceeding ſevere upon ſuch occaſions.

The day after I arrived, coming abroad two houres before day to take freſh ayr, I heard a doleful voyce coming, as I thought, from Capo Ferino, that cryed, Alas, kill me not, and take all I [Page] have; and after ſome profound groanes ceaſe. The day brought the matter to light, and it appears a poor man was murthered by ſome of Nice, perſons of quality, and free from ſuſpition.

For theſe people with the Caſtle-Frigot went aboard a Bark, and having put all to the ſword, and pilladged, ſunk it: but God for his juſt judgement permitted him, who ſate at helme to leap into the water, and being ignorant of ſwimming, they ſay a Dolphin came betwixt his legges and carried him to ſhore, then knocking at the Caſtle Gate, he was brought wet as he was, before the Governour, to whom he related, that ſome with the Caſtle Frigot had boarded their veſſell, and uſed them as I told you. The Governour amazed at the matter, called for him who had charge of the Frigot, to know to whom he had delivered it, who told him that ſuch and ſuch had taken it without asking, becauſe he had ever allowed them the priviledge.

The Governour put on his clothes and went to the ſhore, where he found his Frigot drawn on land, and a boy waſhing away ſome blood which was in it; for it ſeems one of the Bark endeavouring to eſcape, they took him, killed him, and threw him into the ſea. The Governour quietly aſked what he was doing, he cunningly anſwered, they had in the night taken a great Fiſh, and that he was waſhing away the blood. In the inſtant came he who had taken away the Frigot, to give good morrow to the Governour, whom the Marriner immediately knew, and cryed out, that was he who had done the fact; whereupon the Gentleman, with two others, were brought to the Caſtle, and upon triall executed; two more eſcaped, but being taken afterwards, paid the ſame rates, confeſſing many more murthers, and veſſels ſunk; amongſt others, one wherein were 22. Religious, Jeſuits, and Capucins, whom they wrapt all in a ſaile, and caſt into the ſea, having pilladged what they had.

Thence we went to the Town of Genes in company of one Alari, who had brought Hawkes to the King, and was going towards the Dutchy of Ʋrbina, and being at Vay about three or four miles from Savona, they would not ſuffer us on any conditions to paſſe further, and of neceſſity we muſt turn our courſe to the mountains of Mountferrat a country peſter'd with Bandits, and ſuch other; in which paſſage we were rob'd, and poor Alari loſt above two thouſand franks which he had in his Valice.

We met with many difficulties in this paſſage, croſſing through narrow paſſages, fill'd up with ſnow by Alcare to Caſoanta, Alexandria, Placenta, Parma, Bolonia, Florence and Rome, where we arrived againſt the canonization of ſome Saints.

I got Letters from Sieur Guileo Falio Embaſſadour of Malta for ſome of the money owing me by the Grand Maſter. Thence we came to Naples where ſuch a famine raigned, that the women in mutiny threw ſtones at the Governour in his Coach, the Cardinal [Page] and Sapata, whoſe heeles ſaved his life.

Then we took a Frigot for Meſſina, and by edict we were to take no more bread aboard then for half a day; I brought halfe a crowns worth, which I hid under the Planks: we had been undone if it had been found, and the ſouldiers were exact ſearchers; we ſuffer'd ſome hardſhip when we had no bread to our meat, yet ſo we paſſed two dayes intire: and putting in at the Pouilla, we could not amongſt all the Fiſher-men for any money buy a morſel, nor could have any thing amongſt them but fiſh, which we afterwards trucked with a youth for bread, he had in reſerve; coming to Aſilla, there we got bread; thence to Meſſina through the Straight, ſo dangerous for three or four leagues, where violence of the winde caſt us on the Rocks. I got as well as I could to land, but ſeeing ſome women left in the Bark, and ready to periſh, I perſwaded a young ſhoomaker to aſſiſt me, nnd in effect, carrying them on our backs through the boyſterous waves, we got them ſafe to ſhore, for which afterwards they vouchſafed us not ſo much as thanks.

At Meſſina I underſtood the Sieur de Mantis was with his Gallion at Saragoſſa, being diſperſed from his Admirall, and ſeven or eight more that put to ſea together at Marſeills, and lighting upon Sanſon the famous Pirat, with his ſix ſhips they maintained a long fight, at length the S. Katharine torn with the Cannon ſunk, and had it not been for Monſieur de l'Iſle Captain of the Admiral, things had gone worſe, but night parted them. De Mantis, his ſhip repaired, intended to put to ſea to ſeek his company, but there was news brought that Sanſon with ſix tall ſhips waited his coming forth within Cannon ſhot of the Haven mouth. Notwithſtanding the oddes, de Mantis reſolved to fight him ſingle. 'Twas the admiration of all that ſaw him hoyſe ſayle, looking on him as a frantick man, leading two or three hundred men to the Butchery, but this cenſure was changed into applauſe, when they beheld him environed with ſix Turkiſh ſhips, whoſe Cannons made the ſea ſeem on fire▪ of which engagement he cleared himſelf, and reſtored them a bloody requitall.

His veſſel endured ſeven hundred Cannon ſhot, he loſt twelve men, and the Turks above three hundred, beſides what wounded. Thus victorious he returned to Saragoſſa, where he was ſaluted with Cannon from all the Forts, and received into the town with an eminent honour and endearments, for his boldneſſe to attack theſe ſix men of war well mann'd and commanded by an Engliſh Renegado, the moſt daring and deſperate Pirate on the ſea, who on the other ſide incenſed with his diſgrace, new mann'd his veſſels, and reinforced them with two Gallies, and three hundred Muſkettiers: The Grand Maſter de Vignacourt had intelligence of it, and de Mantis arriving at Malta, with his torne veſſel, he repaired it; and at the ſame time the ſhips of Marſeills [Page] coming from Suria, put in there. Sanſon having put to ſea, rode in ſight of Cape Paſſaro, whereof the Grand Maſter gave notice to the Marſellian veſſels laden with Merchandiſes. Mantis with his Admirall deſign'd to fall upon the Pirats, whereupon I had ſome doubt if I were beſt go from Malta to Sicily, for 'twas ten dayes ſince I had my diſpatches from the grand Maſter, who amongſt other things had given me order to procure him three Gallies, built with all poſſible expedition: I was loth to imbark with de Mantis, for the hazard he was engag'd in, though of favour he promiſed me civill uſage, and I employed my beſt art, with the Maſter of a ſhip, to carry me to Ligorne, and thence to Marſeilles, promiſing to load him with Gally timber for Sicily, ſo as he reſolved accordingly, and that we might paſſe unperceived of the Turks, we ſet not ſaile till towards the approach of night. The grand Maſter being advertiſed of our intention, ſent the Galley de la Religion, to call us in again, to my extream vexation, having attended ſo long for a paſſage; But after I with my goods was ſet a aſhore, the Maſter had liberty to go whither he pleaſed: The grand Maſter blam'd me exceedingly, for that the Turks lay then in the Channell, which was true, and in effect the veſſel was taken next day, ſo as I had the better luck to eſcape. Mean while the Gallion of Malta was making ready to execute the Kings command, and within fifteen dayes 'twas ready to be brought to the key, where de Mantis, with the Marſeillian veſſels ſtaid for it, to put out together for the coaſt of France ▪ at the ſame time the Gallies of Malta were departing for Sicily, and de Mantis, being in the Kings ſhip, where he commanded for his Majeſty, ſaluted them not as they paſſed by, whereat the Knights were much incenſed, looking upon it as a point of honour, advertiſing the grand Maſter that he ought to fire all the Fort artillery upon him, and ſink him: But the prudent Lord managed the affaire with more moderation; and three dayes after the Galley being made ready to launch, and being brought to the key, they aſked de Montis who lay before the Palace, if he would ſalute the Galley of Malta, when it came to the key; and anſwering reſolutely no, there paſſed tart words from both ſides, with menaces they would make him do it per-force; but he perſiſted, that he would loſe his life firſt, and that he had no ſuch Commiſſion; and when they demanded to ſee his Commiſſion, he refuſed it in plaine termes.

But the grand Maſter deſirous to accommodate all this, found out this expedient: 'Tis an order of Malta, when the grand Maſter comes upon the ſhore, all the veſſels in the Haven ſalute him, with three volleyes of Cannon: now he gave order that about ſeven next morning the Gallion ſhould fall down to the key, at which time he exactly contrived to appear upon the ſhore, under pretence of going that way to Maſſe at a ſumptuous Church he had [Page] built with a faire fountaine before it, that caſt up waters a Pike high.

His coming was no ſooner diſcovered, but all the veſſels prepared with haſte to ſalute him, and de Mantis the foremoſt, as a thing not to be deny'd gave him all his Cannon as well of his own veſſel as of the Admiralls commanded by the Sieur d'Iſle, and at the inſtant, all the other veſſels did the like, ſo as nothing was to be ſeen but ſmoak and fire. At that very point the Gallion with her blazing Standart, a S. John upon her poop, enter'd the mouth of the Haven, and thought this diſcharge of Ordnance was a ſalute for her, who returned them the like with her roaring Ordnance, and thus by the prudence of the great Maſter, the difference was compoſed.

All this while Sanſon lay at ſea waiting for de Mantis, but having intelligence that the Gallion was of the company, he was better adviſed, and knowing himſelf too weak to cloſe with us, hoyſed ſayle and went his way, leaving a Galley to round us, and view our equipage, which came one morn before the Gallion, and made a turn in the head of the whole Fleet, the Gallion gave him two culverins, and de Mantis one, and with this ſalute they parted, and we came ſafe to Marſeills.

The Authours Voyage to Guinea.

BEing at Sevill for traffick of ſtones and pearles, I met with ſome Marſeillians, who had bought of the Engliſh a veſſel at a good penny-worth, they had taken at ſea; they invited me into their company, and from Sevill being bound for Cadiz, by that we got ſome ſixteen leagues at ſea, they had ſo prevailed with me, that for trade I was reſolved to joyn with them, whoſe deſign was for the white Cape, by others called the Cape of fiſhing, to load themſelves with fiſh, which there they have for taking, there being ſuch abundance, that but for ſalting they might lade many veſſels in a days ſpace: within ten days we came to Cape Nona, where we took in freſh water, and ſeven dayes after we arrived at the white Cape, a main ſhelter in the winter ſeaſon, where the fiſh lye ſo thick, the ſhip bruſhes, and rubbes upon them as 'twere ſayling through a ſhelf of ſand.

There we found two veſſels, a Fleming and a Marſeillian; the Maſter whereof was John Baptiſta le vuſt called Servat, who for his Merchant employed Aurigues: the 15. of November we were upon a River of Guinea called Senega.

I ever carried with me a little memorial or diurnall, where I ſet down all the curioſities I met with, for which purpoſe I informed my ſelf of the ſcituation of the countrey, the quality of the Prince and government, of which I will make a brief relation.

[Page] Guinea on the Weſt is bounded with the River Senega, which ingulfs into the Ocean at ſixteen degrees to the North, and the borders of Angela are at thirteen. Guinea is divided into the high and the low; the high Guinea inclines to the North, the lower lyes along the Senega, which they call Jeni, and reaches to the kingdome Manicongo, that begins at the firſt degree of the Line. Upon the coaſt of Cape Verde, are many Iſlands of one appellation, the principal is of S. James, in the hands of the Portugueſe, ſince the year 1446. where they have a well-fortified town, and a Biſhoprick ſtil'd Civitad: an Iſland of 60. miles in length, and 36. in breadth, a mountanous country, where they have never rain but in September and October, which comprehend their winter. The valleyes are fertile, and afford excellent Melons the year round, Dates and Sugar-canes in abundance, fleſh of all ſorts, Fowle and Veniſon, with beards of horſes and ſpecial good. 'Tis inhabited as that of S. Thomas, by a conflux of all nations, and the ayre being unwholeſome, they tranſport their infirm to an Iſland two leagues diſtant called Praya, under a fine climate; the ayr healthful, and a commodious Haven betwixt two fair Rivers, which compoſe two gulphs for harbours, one whereof is capable to containe many veſſels in ſecurity, having before the mouth of it a little Iſland, which guards it from the Maritime guſts, and the land lying high, defends it from windes by ſhore. The other Iſlanders affect to land at this Port, for that the reſt are peſter'd with ſands; and chiefly, Borlouento and S. Thomas, where there is ever ſome veſſel caſt away. This Iſle lyes cloſe upon the Iſle of Mago, otherwiſe called Barlouento, and near to Bona Viſta, Saint Nicholas, Saint Anthony, Saint Vincent, Saint Lucie, and Fell, Iſlands plentifull of Cattle, and Veniſon, the inhabitants applying themſelves onely to the chaſe, powdering the fleſh to ſell to ſtrangers, as the ſkinnes likewiſe.

A little Eaſtward lyes the Iſle del Fuego where they get as good wine as in the Canaries: next is the Iſle of Braua, full of Veniſon, and wilde Beeves, whereof the Hydes are much ſought after, as being thick and tough. But to Guinea, the kingdome of the Jalofes is the firſt, which beginnes Northward at the River Senega, hath the Ocean on the Weſt, the Jalofes called Fonlogageias, on the Eaſt, and the kingdom of Barbeſſin on the South: 'tis above a hundred and fifty leagues in length, of ſeveral commodities there is abundance; as gold and ſilver, which the natives conceale with all care from ſtrangeers, though in dealing with them 'tis plain they have ſtore, for that by whiles they produce ſome unfined. Taboucaton is their chief town. They are Blacks, but of good ſhape, the women comely, round-faced, with eyes lively and attractive. The men are martial, dextrous in throwing a Javelin, which [Page] they will throw with as exact arm as we ſhoot with our Gunnes. They ride on good horſes, clothe as the African, in ſhort breeches; a large Harnus, like a ſheet of wollen covers them from head to foot, ſhod with Date-tree Sandals. Vpon the coaſt they have the good and well-fortified Haven Beziguche, whoſe entrance is ſkreen'd with a fair Iſland, much frequented with ſtrangers trading for the Indies. Here are many Portugueſe ſetled amongſt them, ſome married, others who think of nothing but to heap up gold, living ſomething after the Barbarian. Many of the Blacks go naked, painted with diſſolved gold, their bodies carved, and drawn with a various tincture, as azure, red and yellow, which hold their life-time. There are amongſt them maids adorned in the ſame manner, with great pendants in their ears, and their lips pierced like the Braſilians, they are generally libidinous, and given over to luxury. They who are thus engraved and inlay'd with paints, or juyce of hearbs, moſt commonly do it for want, and this curioſiry is their attire.

Throughout the coaſt we find abundance of leather; wax, gold, ſilver ivory, and Amber-gris, which is the reaſon the Engliſh, Hollanders, and Flemings, viſit them ſo oft.

The Jalofes are eaſie of belief, and inclined to Chriſtianity; when they behold the Moon, they make ſtrong ejulations, with ſorts of adoration: They adore yet ſome other Idols, which nevertheleſſe fixe not their faith, the Mahometans on one ſide who impugne them with their law, on the other the Portugueſe preaching ours, and their own Prieſts charming them with their deluſions, and Idolatries. They make their ſacrifices in the woods, making large hollow trees their Temples, where they keep many Idols to which they ſacrifice pulſe, Mill, Rice; and the blood of beaſts, whoſe fleſh they eat.

The countrey of Bracala confines upon the rapide River of Gambra, which in the mouth is five good leagues over, ſhips cannot enter it without a direct wind, with which they may advance three hundred leagues within the Countrey. This River cuts the great kingdome of Mandinga in the middle, peopled with Blacks, Idolaters, and abundance of Sorcerers, wicked, treacherous, and baſe people. When they hold a counſel ,tis in a cavern under ground to ſecure them from the prying of ſtrangers. They have ſtore of Braſil wood, as good as they of America, and upon the river many townes and villages where they mantain many veſſels of Warre to encounter with any whatſoever, but upon advantage. This countrey ends Southward at the Cape of S. Mary 30. leagues from the river Chougala, by the Portugueſe called S. Dominick. There are two nations of the ſame quality, the Barbachins called Ariates, and Falupes who trade in nothing but fiſh and cattel. They have an excellent [Page] way to take the ſea-oxe, the ſkins whereof they make great uſe of. They apply themſelves to till the ſoyle, and get Mill, Rice, Pulſe, and other graine.

Out of this countrey comes the River Caſamanca, bounded Northward with the Jabundos, on the South, with the people of Bemum, who on the Eaſt have the Caſangas. Of late yeares the Portugueſe have diſcovered a way by an Arme of the Sea to Caſangas, and for this purpoſe have erected a good Fort upon the cheek of it called S. Philips. This kingdome reaches Northward to Jaren, and together do homage to the Sultanſhip of Mandinga, rich in gold and ſilver, having excellent mines.

The Prince keeps his Court in the Town of Senrigo, more Eaſtward by a hundred leagues, then the Cape of Palmes; all the Blacks, as well of high as low Guinea, acknowledge this King, whereas the inhabitants along the Rivers, Faraca, Nigrate, and Budomel obey the King of Tombut, Lord of three kingdomes of Blacks.

This countrey is called by the Protugueſe Mandimanca, where they adore the Moon, called by them the Bariamari, that is, the God of night or darkneſſe, and offer ſacrifices to it in the moſt obſcure woods, in hollow trees, at midnight; as they do likewiſe at Caſſanga, who have one China for their principal Idol, in whoſe honour they goe on proceſſion the twenty ninth of November, about Midnight. One of their Prieſts or Magicians with them called Acacani, bearing a banner of ſilk, with a faggot of Vine branches, and divers bones of dead men. I believe they are bones of ſuch as have made voluntary ſacrifice of themſelves to this Demon, who appeares to them after divers manners; this Enſign weares a garment of woven twigges, at which there hang divers heads of little dogs, Munkeys, and other ſmall creatures. Proceſſion ended, they repoſe the Idols within the ſame tree, and burne moſt ſweet perfumes to it, ſacrificing Mill; then make their prayers and depart.

In their dealings theſe people are lawleſſe, trading in ſlaves with the Portugueſe and others, which they rapine from all parts, and make their Market of them, to a miſerable ſlavery. The Caſſangarians neighbour upon another Nation called Lebouramos, who live along the River Saint Domingo, by the natives called Jarin, full of fiſh, but a dangerous Haven, for the Sands and Rocks which lye before it.

Towards the North is Guinalla, another River; in the mouth whereof, the Portugueſe have built a Fort they call Sancta Cruz, and the Haven Guinalla.

They are Negroes, which they term Beafares, abominable thieves, making prey of one another, to ſell to the Portugueſe. The King of Guinalla keeps a great State, hath a numerous guard of Archers, beſides fifty huge ſtrong dogges, all armed with [Page] ſkin of ſea-oxe dreſſed for the purpoſe, and made of proof, to every one a keeper. In Townes by night they have no other guards then ſuch dogges, who once turned looſe, ſpare no man, ſo as there is no ſtirring out of dores, without danger of being worried. This they do to defend themſelves from ſuch as by night come to break their houſes, which are onely turfe covered with leaves, to carry away Negroes for the Market. The King hath a mutiplicity of wives, and believes that ſuch wives as dye with him for company, meet him in the other world, and become his wives again; but ſince they heard the true doctrine by ſome Fathers of S. Francis, who ſhew'd them their folly, they have not been ſo extravagant. Some of them were baptized, and went along with the Portugueſe.

At the ſide of Guinala comes out a branch which runnes to Port Begama, and a few leagues higher divides again in two, and upwards, delivers it ſelf to the Sea. The Portugueſe hold this Port, which they call Balola, and the people on this branch are called Lanſados. Both theſe are good Havens joyntly inhabited by the Portugueſe and the Natives. For from the Meridionall point of this River to Cape Vergas, there are three nations mingled with the Portugueſe, the Malus, Ebagas, and Coſolins.

Now from the South of that Cape begins a fair well-peopled Province they call Gatulia, and the Portugueſe Serellionna, that is a point throwing it ſelf into the ſea by the ſide of a great river of the ſame appellation, by reaſon of a hollow concavity roaring like a Lyon. This is a very pleaſant country, full of Groves of Braſill trees, and Vines which they have not knowledge to dreſſe, abundance of Midian Figges which they call Bancanes, Sugar-canes grow without planting; Beſides, they have good conveniences, as Mills and Engines to make their Sugar; for they have Mines in all parts. There is Rice, Cotton, Cattle innumerable, Fiſh, Pepper in abundance, and more keen and pure then other; but there is prohibition upon life to carry any to Spain or Portugal, for ſpoyling the ſale of that which comes from India.

Likewiſe there are Mines of Gold and Silver, Ivory, Amber-gris white and black; in brief, 'tis abſolutely a land of promiſe and delights. This Pepper the Portugueſe call Dimienta de cola, one would take it for a Cheſtnut, it growes in a ſhell, though without prickles. Other ſtrangers who come to traffick for it, lade with it, but the Spaniard dares not take a grain.

In this country there is variety, and abundance of Birds; a ſort of Ape they call a Baris, he is great and ſtrong, the inhabitants take them with nets, traps and other engines, entrapping the ſire and dam, with the young ones ſet in cages. They uſe them but [Page] rudely, and beat them till they cry like children; make them walk upon two feet, tying the foremoſt in their pole to a ſtick: beſides make them do many offices, as fetch water in a pitcher, waſh diſhes, blow the fire, draw wine, fetch meat from the Butcher, and any other domeſticall charre: But amongſt all they will ſtill be committing their petitlarcenies for meat and drink, but are well corrected for it. The ſport is, when they turn the ſpit, to ſee how he will ſmell the meat, and turning his great ſhaggy head with hanging hair, flyly watch if any body ſee him, and they muſt be very vigilant, or he ſhews them a trick for the roaſt. As it happened to a Portugueſe, who had invited certain Merchants; but when they came to take up dinner, Mr. Jack-turn-ſpit, had made uſe of one of the legs of a Turky-cock. His Maſter for the preſent beat him not, for the neceſſary uſe they had of him; who filled them wine and waſhed their glaſſes, and ſtill at laſt took his cup when it came to his turn, and with his rogueries made them very merry.

To proceed, the Portugueſe make a good time with theſe Negroes, who bring them unrefined gold for things inconſiderable, and to facilitate their traffick upon a point of the Sea called Corco, five degrees North, they have built a Fort near a Town, inhabited by the Natives and Portugueſe together. The whole Countrey of Serri Lionna is exceeding populous, and watered with fair Rivers, bounded with tall dates, and great orange trees. The firſt River from Capo Verga, the Countreymen call Piterones, the Spaniards di Pietro, dividing into many branches, which interweave the land, and compoſe many Iſlands, by the Negroes called Cagaſian; where at an ebbing tide they find Amber-gris: for which cauſe the Portugueſe built a good Town there, co-inhabited by Portugueſes and Negroes; where they live ſo ſtrangely, 'tis hard to know a Chriſtian from a Pagan, nor is it eaſie to judge who lives the better; there are at leaſt two thouſand, Chriſtians onely by name, living and dying like Pagans.

After this River there are two more, Capor and Tanabaſira, deſcending from a high Mountain, called Machamala, where ſtands a great rock of Chryſtal, with divers Pyramids of the ſame, hanging from the top downwards; almoſt entirely in the air, two or three ſpans diſtant from the ground, which ſeems a great wonder, for touching it with the leaſt fillip, it ſounds like a bell. They ſay 'tis a congelation, made ſo by the heat of the Sun, which melting the foot of the Rock, left theſe points hanging in the air. 'Tis for a truth that certain Magicians on a feaſt, carried their Idols thither, whither they ran from all ſides to the ſacrifice, two thouſand notwithſtanding loſt their lives, and the Prieſts in the firſt place; for making their ſacrifice and ſuffumigation at the foot of the Chryſtall rock, the roof at which theſe Pyramids hung, ſhook, ſo as they broke and cruſhed to pieces the greater part of [Page] them. The Devil having not power to hinder the extraordinarie heate of the Sacrifices from diſſolving the congelations, ſince which time no one comes near this Chryſtall grotte.

Something farther North there are other great Rivers, which render this Province of Serrilyonna as a pack of Iſlands▪ particularly over againſt the mouth of one of them, there are two very pleaſant and good, the one called Toro, where are rocks called St. Anne, which bear pearl oyſters, yet they go not to fiſh for them, by reaſon of Sea-monſters, which have ſwallowed ſome who ventured.

In one degree to the South, lye the Iſlands Dolos and Tanſente, inhabited with Dates, Sugar-canes, Citrons, and abundance of Cattell, covered with Rice, Millet, and long Pepper.

To conclude, theſe Blacks are governed by a King, and have Judges who adminiſter juſtice to them, whom they call Foncos. At certain times the King in a various coloured robe, comes into a room hang'd with mat, ſet round with ſeats for Counſellours, whom they call Seitequi, and Advocates to plead for both parties. The Counſellors ſpeak their opinion, and the King gives ſentence, which is immediately executed.

When the King of Guinalla dies, who governs many kingdoms, there go twelve Seitequi, in long gowns of divers colours, made of feathers, with twelve trumpetters before them, ſounding the more dolefully, by reaſon of a certain ſkin they make uſe of, for rendering the note more ſharp, and proclaim his death: whereupon every one comes out of his houſe; muſſled in a white cloath: while the allyes of the deceaſed aſſemble to elect another. They take the corps and waſh it, burn the bowels before their Idol, and preſerve the aſhes to be embalmed with his body. His Funerals are not celebrated till the next moon, when the people aſſemble from all parts of his dominion, bringing balm, incenſe, ambergris, white and black, muſk, and other aromaticks, to burn and perfume his body; which then ſix principall perſons, in robes of white ſilke, bear to his Sepulcher, flutes and hoboyes ſounding mournfully, and attended with a concourſe of people cloathed in white cloth, ſadly ſinging and lamenting. The Princes who are in election are mounted on horſes capariſoned with white, and themſelves cloathed with the like. The corps laid in the monument well cloſed and cimented, they return to the Palace to feaſt and make good cheer. On the morrow is the election of a new King, and as they ſay, 'tis made according to divine inſpiration, without favour or affection. Then four Bacharin, or twelve Seitequi go to his houſe, bind him and lay him upon a Palanquin, four carry him to the Palace, where the chief Bachir unbinds him, gives him three rude laſhes with a whip, he being on his knees [Page] makes a ſpeech of remonſtrance to him; then takes him by the beard or ear, and ſayes to him, If I deliver you this Scepter will you bring ſuch a ſhame upon me, as to be a Tyrant to your people? whereto he anſwers nec Bachir, that is, no my Lord. The other then ſtriking harder ſayes, do you promiſe this by the living God, he anſwers Nec Bachis Ameleichina, which is, before the Almighty God, I promiſe it. Then they veſt him in Royall robes, put a triple Scepter in his right hand, a lance in his left; then that perſon caſts himſelf at his feet, and craves his pardon; this done, he goes in triumph through the Town, where all rejoyce and bring him preſents.

CHAP. I. The Authours voyage in the Weſt-Indies, The deſcription, length, and diſtances of America.

THe coaſt of America taken intirely as it lies on the North Sea, from end to end, containes near upon ſix thouſand leagues, as I have found it in two ſeverall voyages: the firſt when I went from Marſeilles in the Salamander, laded by one Boudar, under the command of James Varin, and the other with John Andes, who carried me from Marſeilles to Cadiz. This new world is a continent from the Northern Sea to the Southern, and Northward extends to Groneland, Iſland, &c. from Iſland they eſteem it 200. leagues to Ronevado, thence 110. leagues to Cape Maluas, the Countrey of Labrador, oppoſite to the Iſles of Divels: frō Maluas to the cape of Marcos 60. to cape Belgado 50. This coaſt is of 200. leagues in right line, lying on the ſame bound, and buts upon the River St. Laurence, where Captain Velaſco a Spaniard landed, who found it to be a good air, the Countrey well peopled, and full ſtocked with cattle: in the middle of the River he went upon an Iſland ſo covered with pidgeons, they could not paſſe for treading on them. He ſayes the people called Piperons were giants of ten foot high, but kind and affable. This Captain Velaſco thought this gulf had been an arm of the Sea, and ſailed upwards above 200. leagues, meeting with divers habitations, where they live meerly upon veniſon and fiſh, butter and cheeſe. They preſented him divers ſheep, goats and kids, and in lieu Velaſco preſented Cacique a rich ſword and poniard, and a watchet-Taſſata coat.

The people wear ſhort cloaks of ſkins, neatly made up, and [Page] inſtead of bread have another ſubſtance which is very taſtefull, 'tis a root whereof being dryed they make meale, then taking odoriferous flowers, they boile them together in earthen pots, ſcum them, and put thereto a good quantity of milke and ſalt, then binding this cloſe in goat-ſkins, they lay it for two or three daies in the ſun, and it becomes firm as Parmaſan cheeſe, which they eat for excellent bread.

The diſcloſure of this River frames a ſquare harbour, extending as far as Bacalaos: From this harbour or gulf to Florida, is 6000. leagues, from thence to Baya del Rio 60. leagues; thence to the Iſlands 70. l. in 40. d. to Rio fendo 75. l. in the River of Gama 70. l. 43. d. Cape St. Maria 50. l. Cape de Baco 50. l. Rio di Sancto Antonio 100. l. Cape di Arenos 80. l. paſſing by the harbour called in thoſe parts Ariouſa, the Cape whereof is in 23. degrees, thence to Cape Alegano, or of the Princes, 75. leagues, to the River Cambinga or Jordan, and 70. to the Cape St. Helen in 32. degrees, to Rio ſecco 40. to La Croix 20. (Berugon in the Indies) thence to Cagnoval or Cannaveral 40. leagues, People of Cano or Cagnoval, the point of Cagnoval in 28. degrees, and to Florida 40. leagues, the tongue of Land extending it ſelf 100. leagues by Sea, over againſt Caba; on the Eaſt Behame or Lucaros, the point of Florida in 15. degrees, thence to the Angle di Baccho, 100. leagues, Ancon du Baxos, and to Rio Nives, and Rio di Flores, 20. leagues, and 20. to the harbour of Spirito Sancto, by the Indians called Caulatan, 70. leagues in 28. degrees, and from thence 200. leagues to the River di Palmo, 30. leagues over, thence to the River of Peſcadoros, (Ind. Sotaſſi) under the Tropick, thence to Panonco 35. leagues, to villa ricca 70. to San Jouan de Loua, a famous port, 5. leagues, from the Shallous of Vega to the river Aluarado 40. leagues (Ind. Papa Jouapan) to Cauacalo, fl. 50. and to Guiſalua fl. 50. 18. degrees, thence to Cape Rotundo 80. leagues, by the way ſtand Chagraton and Lazaro, thence to Cape Catuco 90. leagues, (Jacatan) 21. degrees, thence to Florida 900. leagues, from the gulf of Mexico 60. leagues, where there are ſtrange currents and falls of water; from the edg of the gulph to Rio grande 120. leagues, paſſing by Punto di Mugeres, and the harbour di la Aſcenſion: Rio grande boſomes it ſelf in the Sea in 17. degrees, thence to Cape Cameroze 150. leagues, thus 30. to Queras, 30. to Caualles, thirty to Trionfada, 30. to Honduma, and 20. to Camzone, thence to Agata, or Gratia dios 70. leagues in 14. degrees, Cartago is in the middle of the coaſt of Gratia a dios, to di San Guadero 60. leagues, which is a great waſte out of the Lake Nicaraga, thence to Zanbara 40. leagues, and to Nombre di dios 60. Vetagua is the midway.

From Nombre de dios to Sucatan is good 500. leagues, the Iſthmus is but 5. leagues, but from Eſcarpoucos 'tis 17. from Nombre de dios to Faralones 70. leagues, 8. degrees, there was a deſign to [Page] cut this Iſthmus, but ſome were of opinion that the South-ſea lying higher would fall in and drown all. By the way we meet with Aola and the Porto de Miſſa, ſo called, for that the Prince that diſcovered it, cauſed Maſſe to be ſaid there in thanks for the ſucceſs. The harbour of Ordea, thence to Carthagena 70. thence to St. Martha 50. leagues, by the Port of Zembra, and Rio grande: thence to Cape de vello 50. leagues, and thence to Sancto Domingo 100. leagues, from Cape de vello to Guiboucas 40. leagues, then the Gulph of Venuſuela, extending it ſelf 80. leagues, to Cape St. Romano: thence to Gulph Tuſte 50. leagues, in the middle of the Gulph is Curiana: thence to the Gulph Cariari 100. leagues, the coaſt is in 10. degrees: There is Porto di Caſſia Tiſtula Chiribichi, and Cumana fl. the point of Areya, Cubaga, or the Iſle of Pearle, or the Margarite: from this point to the Salines is 60. leagues, thence to Cape Anegades 8. degrees, 80. leagues, where in a boſome lies the harbour of Paria, from Anegades to Ric dolee 50. leagues, ſix degrees: thence to Oreglane, or di Amazonas fl. 110. leagues, from Nombre di dios to Oreglane 800. leagues, a river that in the mouth is 50. leagues over, there the firſt that arrived to traffick were maſſacred by the women.

Douglane and Onaragnen, which is 15. leagues broad in 4. degrees, are held 100. leagues diſtant, thence 'tis 100. leagues to the Angla di S. Luca, and a hundred to Cape Promero: thence to Cape St. Auguſtine, in 8 degrees, 70 leagues, the next land to Ʋfo, for from thence to Cape Verde, is 500 leagues, thence to the Gulph di 'Todos Sanctos 100 leagues, in 13 degrees; by the way is the river St. Franceſco, and the river Reali: thence to Cape Abraloſoios 100 leagues, a Coaſt full of ſhelves, conceal'd rocks, and bars of ſands, very dangerous, wherefore they muſt hold 20 miles off to ſea, in 13 and 18 degrees, from de Fue to the point bono Abrigo, thence to the Point St. Michael 50 leagues, and 60 to the river St. Franciſco, ſix and twenty degrees, thence to Tibiquiri one hundered leagues, in the road the Port Patos, Port Fariol, Sigaro, Toubanaco, &c. Thence to Plata fifty leagues, five and thirty degrees; from St. Auguſtino there is ſix hundered and ſixty leagues; from the Mouth of it to the Point St. Helen ſixty five leagues; thence to Arenas Gordas thirty leagues; to low Anegado fourty; to Tierrabaxa fifty; to Baya ſin fondo ſixty; a Gulfe in one and fourty; to Arifices de Loubos fourty, to Cape Saint Domingo five and fourty; to Chiquera, or Cape Bianco twenty; to the river Saint John Serran twenty; called Agova de Trabaios nine and fourty degrees; thence to the Promont, at the thouſand Virgins, the Streight ends. The ſumme is twelve hundered leagues, from Venoſuela to Deſrado, a Cape in the Mouth of the Streight from North to [Page] South. From Cape Deſrado to the mouth of the Straight not far from the Bell, a Rock which ſeems to cover the mouth of it, to the South ſea 70. leagues; the bounds are firſt Cape Promero, 49. degrees; thence to Salmas 44. degrees, and 165. leagues from Salmas to Cape Hermoſo, 110. leagues, and 44. degrees; thence to the River S. Franceſco 60. to Rio Sancto 120. leagues, to Chirinaca 100. leagues, 31. d. not farre off Geſt and Rio de Plata [...] to Chinca or Rio de Plobados 200. leagues, 22. degrees, to Arequippa, 18. degrees, 90. l. to Lima 12. degrees, 140. leagues, to Cape Anguilla 100. leagues, Truxillo and other Ports are upon this coaſt: Thence to Cape Bianco 40. leagues, and 60. to Cape Helena, 2. degrees; thence to Guegemir 70. leagues, the Cape Saint Laurenzo: They finde it to be thence to Cape S. Auguſtine, 1000. leagues; thence to the River of Peru 100. leagues, the way lyes by the Gulf S. Matthew, the River S. James, and S. John of Peru: to the gulf S. Michael 70. leagues 6. degrees, extending 50. leagues, from thence to Panama 8. degrees 155. leagues, the 17. of Novemb. de dios: Perou of 1000. in breadth, and 1200. in length: Corrcalatron 4065. leagues, from Panama to Teouentepée 650. leagues, adding 70. leagues from the coaſt of Panama to the Point of Aguera: From the Bruche 100. leagues, from thence 100. to the Cape Bianco, where the Port Heiradura, and 100. to the Port of the poſſeſſion of Niqueraga, 12. degrees; thence to the gulf Fonſeca 15. to Cortega 20. to Rio grande 30. to the River of Guali-Mala 45. to Sitoula 50. joyning to the Lake of Cortes, which is twenty five long, and eight broad; from this Lake to Porto Pourado 100. and 40. to Crantepee, which runnes from North to South, with the River Coaſacalco in 13. degrees; and there compleat the 650. leagues, from Tecoantepee to Colima 100. leagues, by the way is Eſcapulio and Zacatula: from Colima to Cape Coruentes 100. leagues, 20. degrees; betwixt them is the Porto de Nativitad, thence to Chiamelan 60. under the Tropick, where are the Havens Caliſto and Vanderas, from Chiamelan to the deep River, or R. de Miraſlores 250. leagues, 33. degrees. In this ſpace of 250. leagues, they paſſe the River of S. Michael, Logagaual; Porto del Remedio, Cape Vermego, the Port of Ports, the Paſſe of Miraflores, to the point of Balenas 200. leagues, or California going to Porto Eſcondido: By the way you come to Belen Port del fuego, the gulph of Canoas; the Iſle of Pearles called Tarrarequi: from the point of Balenas to Cape Courantes, 'tis 80. leagues, where comes in the ſea of Cortez, like to the Adriatick, being ſomething coloured from the point de Valenas 100. leagues to the point of Abad, and as much to the Cape Lingano 30. degrees, from thence to the Cape of Bruz, fifty leagues, and one hundred and fifteen to the Port of Sardinia.

[Page]On this coaſt is the Crick S. Michael and the gulf de los fuegos, and the white coaſt reſembling the coaſt of Braſile, ſo as one would think white linnen hung there: from Sardinia to Terra Nevada 150. l. paſſing by the Port of Todos ſantos Cape Gabeca, Cape Nevado, Golfo, Primero: Sierra Nevada in 40. d. This is the laſt country, which runs North to Labrador. Thus we find the South ſea to contain 3375. l. and the Notth 5960. l. together 9300. l. new Mexico, 1000. l. in circuit: comprehending 15. large inhabited Provinces.

CHAP. II. The Authours Departure, Particulars of Demingo.

FRom the Port of Sancta Maria, in 37. degrees we ſteer'd the ordinary courſe of the Canaries, whither 'tis 590. miles, the gulf de las Yegas lying in the way. The Canaries, heretofore called the Fortunate, had that appellation from ſome terrible and ſanguinary dogs which were there, going in packs like ſheep, and at this day there is abundance of them exceeding fierce and dangerous. Of theſe Iſlands there is the grand Canari, Tenerif, Palma, Gomora, du Fez, Fortaventura, and others leſſe, to about 28. degrees.

They afford divers curioſities, amongſt which Mount Pic in Tenerif; which I eſteem to be one of the higheſt on the earth, Libanus it ſelf is not ſo high by halfe, much leſſe Mount Gibel in Sicily, for it may be diſcovered at 120. miles diſtance, and is the firſt land the Marriners diſcover at ſea, when they come from Spain.

This is not to be aſcended but two moneths in the year, July and Auguſt, for the extreme colds, and becauſe 'tis commonly covered with ſnow, which cooles the ayre to ſuch a degree, that one cannot breath upon it without iminent danger of life. From the top of this, the reſt of the Iſlands are all diſcoverable, and amongſt them one which ſeems rather an illuſion then a reality: For one plainly views the Iſle, and go to the place you find nothing. They have three names for it, the Fortunate, the Inchanted, and the Not to be found: and there is no more to be learned of it, only the common people ſay 'tis an Iſland inhabited by Chriſtians,The fortunate Iſland and that God prohibits they ſhould be diſcovered: for my part I have ſeen it as I have the others, and I believe 'tis conceal'd with clouds which are exhal'd from the abundance of freſh water there, which render it ſo obſcure to be found out.

[Page]In the Iſle of Tenerife there is a cave in a firm Rock. where the heardſmen in bad weather ſhelter their cattle, 'tis ſome 5. leagues from St. Chriſtophers. They report that heretofore there was an apparition of extraordinary ſplendour, with an image of the bleſſed virgin, which wrought many miracles, and was the reaſon of a Church built by the title of Nueſtra Sennora de la candelaria, where there is a monaſtary of Dominicans.

In the Iſland of Iron is that miraculous tree, the leaves whereof diſtill water, which ſuffices the inhabitants for drink. The tree is alwaies hooded with a thin cloud, of colour between gray and white, and never extenuates for wind nor tempeſt, nor ſuffers any motion, whence is deduced all the liquor, which the tree emits ſo plentifully into ceſterns placed for the purpoſe, that it waters both the Inhabitants and the heards of the whole Iſland, there being no other water at all, ſo as without this 'twould lye waſte and deſert, and by this is rendered inhabitable and fruitfull.

Having taken in proviſions at the Canaries, we continued our courſe towards the Deſſeada, croſſing the great pacifick gulph, which may be ſaid one of the calmeſt Seas of the world; for during the fourty dayes we were upon it, we perceived not the leaſt alteration, but an air or gentle gale blew equally and conſtantly without ceaſing; ſo as veſſels are there almoſt alwaies driven by the Poupe, without ſcarce ever uſing ſaile for above two thouſand four hundred and ninety two miles to Deſſeada; which takes name from the deſire they have to get thither, there being no other land betwixt that and the Canaries, paſſing the gulph, the voyage taking up ſometimes thirty two dayes, ſometimes thirty five, as it happens.

Deſſeado, one of the Antillaes, was the firſt Columbus diſcovered in his ſecond voyage, where from the Canaries he arrived in twenty dayes, 'tis in 15. degrees towards the North. Thence they come to Domingo, a good and a fertile Iſland in eighteen degrees: The inhabitants are ſanguinary, and man-eaters, practiſing all ſort of guile, to betray ſtrangers to their broach.

They are dextrous archers, and ſeldom miſſe their mark, their bow [...] ten or twelve foot long, and their arrows will pierce a corſelet good ſword proof; they are made of a hard and ſtrong wood they call Sourgar, whereof they poyſon the pile. They live upon veniſon, grapes, and fruit, both men and women go abſolutely naked, adore the Sun, have little ſtock more than a few garden utenſils, a bed made of cotton in the manner of netting, hanging from one ſide of the houſe to the other, which is round, made of ſtraw, called Tortora. Their goods are all in common, and what they have they eat together. They are not injurious to one another, are very Martial, their armes, clubs of eight foot long, made like Bel-clappers, which they will mannage very effectually; but [Page] they affect their bow more than their club. They have ſome Prieſts in their Gentiliſm, whom they call Chaouris, who ſolemnize certain ceremonies and feaſts. There being a neceſſity of taking in freſh water, ſome of the ſhip of Cape Moulini, would needs go on ſhore, and but that ſome of the Company diſſwaded him, the Captain himſelf had gone with them, howſoever he ſent the Maſters mate, with twenty reſolute men and twelve Muſqueteers. Our Captain Noguena ſeeing this raſh enterprize, knowing the humour of the Countrey, immediately ſent a ſhore thirty of his men, whereof twenty were muſqueteers to aſſiſt them: but they were no ſooner at the fountain, but they perceived two hundred Savages making towards them, and had they not by the perſwaſions of ſome caſt up a bulwark, the ſucceſſe had proved worſe with them. The muſquetteers playing on them, the Sauages with terrour began to run, having loſt four or five of their men, whereupon ours thought they had been freed of them, but were amazed when they perceived them rallyed, and advancing from another ſide came on with ſuch fury, that had it not been for good conduct ours had had the worſt of it; for our Muſqueteers were ſo amazed they knew not how to give fire, and for all ours could do, they left ſeven or eight of our men behind them; for with main ſtrength they bore down our Barricado, but by Gods aſſiſtance ours repulſed them ſo vigorouſly, that ſome of theirs remained on the place, and we were relieved very ſeaſonably.

They had a reſolution to fetch off their fellowes, but ſeeing they could not, retreated, and left us in peace; one that we preſerved alive was quite amazed, and made us good laughing, with his mows and monkey faces. He was ſtark naked, round viſaged, and flat-noſed like a dog. We aſked in whom he believed, he anſwered in Toquilla and Toupan, that is the Sun and the thunder. He was inſtructed in the Faith, and afterwards baptized. Theſe people know not what tillage is, and eat no bread, but of a root they call Taquen, whereof they make meal, in Braſile they call it Caouin, they dry it, and grind it, and boyling it with water, make drink of it, 'tis in taſte like ſowr milk. The root in the mouth is more ſharp than unripe cheſnuts.

They have a tree called Sarboul, growing naturally in the woods bears fruit all the year, 'tis firm as a Meloun, and looks like thoſe golden apples which in Spain they call Berengenas. A kind of flower they alſo make of fiſh, as they do in Braſile, drying it againſt the Sun, 'tis ſharp and grates the throat of thoſe that are not uſed to it. Beaſts they have abundance of all kinds, which they call Paſcous, that is ſheep. They are great Fiſhers, their boats of that ſtraw they call Tortora, and have likewiſe ſome of timber all of a piece, like Canoes.

At their nuptials they uſe ſome Ceremonies, their Prieſts put on them a kind of open ſhoes, the Spaniard calls Aſpargates, the [Page] Indians Otrya. They ſhooe them both with theſe ſhooes, then change them, and afterwards reſtore them to their Chaouris. While a maid, ſhe is free to her pleaſurc, but married ſhe is lyable to death if ſhe tranſgreſſe. They are neither avaricious nor ambitious, ſaying as the earth was ſufficient to feed their Fathers, ſo 'twil them; and 'tis a folly to waſte our ſhortned life with care: the meaneſt is as good as the beſt amongſt them.

The Spaniards who live in the Town of St. Domingo uſe them very harſhly, for which cauſe they call them Salbini, that is Tyrants. Abundance become Chriſtians, and the reſt are moſt zealous adorers of the Sun and Thunder, and offer a kind of Sacrifice to them.

CHAP. III. A violent Tempeſt, The Iſle of Cuba, and Hiſpaniola, The cuſtomes of the Inhabitants, and their Kings.

FRom Domingo about 336. miles, lies Nauaſſe in 17. degrees, a very ſmall but a good Iſland, and neighbouring to it another called Jamaica, in length 150. miles, in breadth 40. Theſe Iſlands are lyable to a wind the Indians call Ʋracans, or Foracans, moſt violent and dangerous to Saylors, who do what is poſſible to avoid it, and when they diſcover it riſing, rather then be ſurpriz'd at ſea, they lie in harbour two or three months together. Betwixt theſe two Iſlands were we overtaken with one of theſe ſtormes, which aſſaulted us with ſuch fury, as if all the Infernals had been broke looſe, for it bore away ſailes and yards, tore the cordage with other moſt prodigious effects; it roſe all in an inſtant, and before we could think of it, caſt away a veſſel of our Company laden with Souldiers, going to relieve Truxillo, infeſted by the Engliſh. We ſaved divers of them by a bridge of planks caſt into the Sea, and faſtened to the Ship with a ſtrong cable. The firſt time we ſaved twenty ſix men and a woman, whoſe coats had kept her floating on the water: But the ſecond time we caſt it forth when there were more upon it, cloſe by the Ship ſide the cable broke, and all theſe poor people ſo near recovery periſhed; and we had not ſtrength to make another we were ſo num'd and ſtrark, with the cold this wind brings along with it, ſo as 'twas lamentable to behold theſe poor people periſh for want of help; and no aſſiſtance could be had from the other veſſel, being in the evening ſo driven from us that we could hear no more of it. All [Page] the night we heard the ſad cryes of people, calling for help, which we knew not how to give them, and when day came, we ſaw nothing either of ſhip or perſon.

Some of them died as ſoon as they got aboard our ſhip. Amongſt the reſt they had a Capuchin Father worthy of record for his conſtancy and reſolution,A violent tempeſt. who in the very ſea exhorted them, and called upon them to dye well, and recommend themſelves into the hands of God, heard their confeſſions, and gave them abſolution, and at laſt died amongſt them encouraging and giving conſolations to the very laſt. This tempeſt conſiſts not of a ſingle wind, but of all the four together, which ſo incumber a veſſel, that it cannot ſtir neither forward nor backward. The day brought us ſome comfort, but we were ſtill perſecuted with the tempeſt, and waves that flew upon us with ſuch violence, that at every blow we thought we ſhould have periſhed, as I believe we had, had we not reſolved to caſt all over-board. Then without further diſpute, or more words, ſeven or eight of us taking a draught of wine, a little to reinvigourate us in our extreme feebleneſſe, we betooke to caſt our fraught over-board, Cloth, Tapeſtry, Camlets, Moccadoes, Corrall, Hunney, Wines, &c. with ſuch celerity, that in an houre we caſt more over-board then was laded in a day; and twas happy we did ſo, for immediately we perceiv'd the Veſſell to be more luſty; and I and my partners had the happineſſe to ſee the goods we laded to beare our charges, caſt into the ſea in the firſt place, which as little troubled us, as if they had been none of ours, being ſatisfy'd with the fruition of our lives; after all we were conſtrain'd to cut down the maine Maſt, one of the ſayles was unfurl'd, which made a ſtrange noiſe, and exceedingly annoy'd the Veſſell; wherefore the Captain commanded the ſaylers to go up and furle it, but at that time he was ill heard, and worſe obey'd;Aroucane [...]. thereupon one who was more obedient and reſolute then the reſt, undertook it, as he mounted they called to him to encourage him, but by that time he got to the middle of the Maſt, the winde had ſeiz'd him, and he cryed out Juro a mi vida Senior que el Viente me deſpega las manos de las cuerdas; I ſweare to you Sirs, the winde teares my hands from the ropes, and with that crying Santiago, he fell down upon the Deck, he had better have falne beſides it, for he dyed within three houres after. The Tempeſt continu'd, and the Veſſell being light, could not uphold the Maſt againſt the ſtupendous force of the ſtorme and the waves, which took ſome of our men over-board: whereupon we down with the main Maſt, but in the fall the cordage broke, and is tumbled into the ſea, and carried ſome men along with it, the veſſel reeling quite down on one ſide with the weight of the maſt was immediately filled with water, and recoyling to the other ſide, very many were loſt, without poſſibility to relieve them, the reſt of us left deſolate to ſorrow and diſtreſſe. [Page] The veſſel being aſſaulted by ſo many ſeveral winds, cannot move any way except ſome one wind be mightier than the reſt: For theſe veſſels are not by half ſo able as ours are.

Beſides theſe winds cauſe ſo unſufferable a frigidity, that one cannot endure to look into the air, cut like a razor, and make ones limbs ſtiffe and immoveable as a piece of wood. For my part my face was hard and ſtrark as any ſtone. I am of opinion the Devill comes in it, for I believe that naturally no wind can break a ſtrong cable, as 'twere a thread. At laſt as it pleaſed our good God the tempeſt ceaſed, and the ordinary Breezes return. By good fortune we had one ſayle left in reſerve, which we uſed to our advantage in the beſt manner we could, ſcarce finding rope ſufficient for it, the tempeſt had ſo broken our cordage, ſo we then ſayled on. 'Tis true the ſea was yet ſo turbulent and contumacious, that we were as fearful as ever; for this kind of ſtorm is more dangerous in the end then the begining; and we might behold the waves, like two engaged armies plying one another with continual aſſaults, without intermiſſion. But in fine, it became a little calmer, and we came in view of Cape S. Anthony, a point of the Iſle of Cuba diſcoverable a long way off; till we arrived there the ſtorm left us not: nor do I know that I had ſo famous an encounter in all my voyages in Aſia and Africa, though in my travail to Alexandria, three leagues off Candia our ſhip ſunk, in the depth of Winter, and about mid-night: which was nothing compar'd to theſe diabolical Ʋracanes, for there we conteſt but with one wind, here we are ſurrounded with all the winds at once, whence it comes, that few eſcape.

Cuba an Iſland. Cuba is one of the principal Iſlands of the Indies in 22. d. in circuit 630. miles, 120. miles over. 'Tis the moſt fruitful in all America, full of fruits of all ſorts, Mines of gold and braſſe, and hath Ravana, one of the faireſt and ſecureſt Havens of the world, the coming in being narrow, flanked on both ſides with ſtrong Towers, and a town with an impregnable Cittadel. Where the Fleets of Peru and Nombre de Dios put in for proviſions, the Iſle abounding in all commodities, and plentiful of all properties for maritime travail. 'Tis as 'twere a ſuburbs to the Indies, having not above 130. leagues off ſea to S. John de Loua on the firm land in Nova Spania.

The Iſland abounds particularly in fiſh, and amongſt the reſt in a ſort of ſea Breezes, which Spaniards call Beſée Eſpada who is very ſanguinary, and greedy of mans fleſh. So as no man dare bathe himſelfe for fear of theſe ravenous creatures, the teeth whereof cut like any raſor, and upon their back have three Pikes like Partiſans. He is ſo greedy of mans fleſh, that he will follow a veſſell three hundred leagues outright without appearing, in hope of a corps. They likewiſe call them Taburintes, or Tiburins, a Captain told me, that [Page] coming from Florida one followed him 500. leagues without appearing, and that arriving at Por [...]o Rico, the fiſh was taken with a ſheeps head, & horns in his belly, which he had brought from Florida, where 'twas caſt into the ſea. They go likewiſe up into the rivers.

As to their Crocodiles, they are covered with ſkin ſo firm, 'tis impoſſible to pierce it, except under the belly where he is eaſily vulnerable. As I ſaid before, in the Eaſt Indies Ethiopia they make meat of them, the fleſh being very good, but here they do not. In like manner here is abundance of all other ſorts of fiſh, as well ſuch as breed in our ſeas, as others.

This Iſland was diſcovered by Columbus in his ſecond navigation, and called Juane, afterwards Ferdinand and Iſabella; from Ferdinand King of Spain, as before of Juane his daughter. 'Tis in length 230. leagues, on the Eaſt it hath the Iſle of Hiſpaniola or Hairi, on the Weſt Jucatan, and the Gulf of Mexio, on the South Jamaica or S. James, and Northward the Lucayes, and the channel of Bahama. There we finde many townes, and habitations of Spaniards, who began to plant, or rather to ſupplant in the year 1511. For they uſed ſuch abominable cruelties, that in a ſhort time they almoſt extirpated all the Natives: beginning with the King or Catique Haiuey, whom they burnt alive for publiſhing to his ſubjects the cruelty uſed by the Spaniards in the Iſle of Hairy or Hiſpaniola. The Mines deſtroyed many of them; and Las Cafas ſayes, that being there, he ſaw in four moneths ſeven thouſand children ſtarved to death; for both their fathers and mothers were held ſo ſtrictly to their labour in the Mines, they had not freedom to look after their families.

The Iſle Hiſpaniola was diſcovered by the ſame Columbus in his firſt navigation in the year 1492. began to be inhabited in 1494. and was otherwiſe called Hairy Quiſquera, and Cipaugi, Eſpaniola. or Cibai, being in circuit about 400. leagues: It abounds in fruit, ſugar, cattle, and Mines of gold and copper. This Iſland had many Caciques or potent Kings, amongſt them the King of Magna or Magana, that is, Champion, or the field, was Paramount, who is called Guarionexi. Theſe Kings lived peaceably, without any great State. Their chiefeſt expenſe was in Dancers, Muſicians, and Wreſtlers, who were for his Majeſties recreation both in his Palace and progreſſe. He was carried by men upon a frame ſet with feathers of divers fine colours, and thoſe dancers danced before him. The people held their King for a God, and the meaneſt of them could raiſe an Army of ſixteen thouſand men armed with ſkins of wild beaſts, Clubbes of wood with a keen ſtone at the end, which they called Courcoumachi; they had likewiſe bows and arrows pil'd with bone. Together they were able to raiſe fourſcore thouſand men, holding good correſpondence with one another, interchanging viſits at 80. or a hundred leagues [Page] diſtance, without other buſineſſe then to be merry. They are a ſtrenuous people, docile, and capable of religion, were it not for the unſufferable Tyranny of the Spaniard, who of four hundred thouſand ſoules found on this Iſland, have left ſcarce the hundreth part, which is the cauſe you meet ſcarce with any thing but deſolation; and dead mens bones.

The firſt of theſe kingdomes is called Mangna, a fertile ſoyle with many good and large rivers, in length 80. leagues, from the South ſea to the North invironed with mountaines, amongſt which are theſe Cibar, where are gold mines of 23. Carats and a half, the ſecond kingdome is Sigouaya: the third Magana or Magnane: the fourth Xantiga: the fifth Hegay.

Magana. Magana abounds in gold and ſugar, and, different from the reſt, the King is created by election. The King dead, foure Tabuſamin, who are principal Peeres, aſſemble the people at the Palace of Bibical, a Conquerour, and eſtabliſher of the ſtate.

This Bibical was the miracle of his time for ſtrength, who came hither from Mecheoarin on the Continent in Mexico to viſit his brother, ſervant to the King of Mangna, and one of his chief dancers; being here, would needs ſee the other dominions of the Iſland:The Hiſtory of Bibical. at Sigouaya, where the exerciſe of wreſtling is much in requeſt, he made ſome ſtay, as indeed in war it ſelf the matter is decided as much or more by vigour of arm as weapon, and being very perfect, he entered liſts with the beſt amongſt them, and in the Princes preſence came off with ſuch advantage, that he gained the honour of a Lions ſkin, a matter ſo conſiderable with them, that in warre, 'tis worne by none but perſons of quality.

Invited by the King he ſtayed at Court, but the King of Mangna, with whom his brother was, having notice, he ſent expreſſely to have him return, and that he would find an honourable employment for him; withall, ſent him an ample preſent, not in wealth, but Mexican curioſities as Jewels, to hang in the ears and lips, and the like; the people not prizing ſo much gold, as innocent and ſimple gaity; and with great reaſon liberty above all. All the Kings civilities, nor his brothers entreaties, could draw him from the Prince of Sigouay, King Biblical. who had deſigned him to march with a hundred Indians into the kingdom of Magana, and take a ſtrong town called Saalan; for that it maintained it ſelf a free town, and would ſubmit to no Prince. With much joy Bibical received the Commiſſion, and by his valour reduced the place to his Princes obedience, with many famous gallantries, putting numbers to the ſword, and the reſt to flight. Their Baſtion called Courcoumeca barrocadoed with timber twice mans height, he took by aſſault.

By this means not the town alone, but the whole countrey was [Page] ſubjugated to the King of Sigouaya, who repayed Bibical with collation of honours, and erected him monumental trophies of ſtone with this inſcription Aray jourcoumac Bifical, that is, a man worthy of principality. Gibbeleca the Kings ſiſter became ſo paſſionate a lover of him, that ſhe reſolved to marry him, though her brother in diſpleaſure ſecur'd her in a ſecret priſon: Biblical freed her, married her, and carried her to Magana, where he made himſelfe King of the Countrey, which ſo incenſed the brother, he uſed all meanes to deſtroy him, for which purpoſe he ſuborned an Indian, who from an ambuſh ſhot him on the high way with a poyſoned ſhaft: this ſo moved Biblical, that he invaded him with a vigorous and violent warre, aſſiſted by his brother Gouayquibal, and at laſt overthrew him; but the venome of the wound he had formerly received, by degrees ſo prevailed over him that he dyed, ſwelled and black as a coale, leaving no child behind him. The people petitioned the Dowager ſhe would marry again, that they might have a Prince to govern them, whereto, though with difficulty, ſhe at laſt condeſcended, and called a Councel, where 'twas ordered that the moſt ſtrong and active ſhould ſucceed and marry the Queen.

Then they proclaimed an Aſſembly at all exerciſes of ſtrength, as leaping, wreſtling, and Clubbe-fight, in which amongſt them all one Calips prov'd eminent, and was made King. For his chief Councel he elected the deceaſed Kings brother, to whom he gave his ſiſter in marriage; and ſince that time the Kings have been elected by ſtrength, which cuſtome continued to Moulſamberc, who died at the Spaniards invaſion.

This Iſland was heretofore exceedingly vexed with the Canibales of the Antilles, and other neighbour-Iſlands, who come to hunt men and women as others do ſavage beaſts,The Iſles of the Antilles. Canibals hunt men and women. the men to eat them, and the women for procreation.

This Iſland, though under the torrid Zone enjoyes a temperate ayre, and almoſt a perpetual ſpring by meanes of Mountains which ſhelter it from the North, and refreſh it, as in moſt parts under the Zone.

The Fecundity of the ſoyle is ſuch, that corn ſowed produces moſt great and long eares, of above a thouſand cornes in an ear: Beſides, it yields Gold, Maſtick, Aloes, Cotton, Silk, Sugars, Spices, Pepper, and Ginger; with Jucan and Caſſaue, whereof they make their bread. 'Twas from hence the Spaniards firſt took and brought into Europe the Morbus, and remedy, Guaicum. Here chiefly raign the furious winds called Ʋracans or Foracanes, furies that rend trees, daſh the waves againſt the sky, deſtroying Navies, and other prodigies.

But as theſe people were delivered from the cruelty of the Canibales, they fell under that of the Spaniards, a hundred [Page] times worſe, who laid the Iſland with the reſt of her neighbours deſert and depopulate, though the Natives at their landing uſed them with all humanity; but they fell preſently to bloudy butchery, carrying them ſlaves to other Countries, and reduced them to ſuch deſpair, that the wretches thought better to uſe violence on themſelves and children,Cruelty of the Spaniards. then to be led ſlaves under theſe Salbins, thieves and tyrants.

Indians averſion to the Spaniard.As one of theſe miſerable Kings was going to be burnt, a Father of St. Francis, exhorted him to baptiſm; he liked well of all he told him of eternal life, and heaven, but underſtanding the Spaniards went thither alſo, he loſt his vocation, ſaying in his language, Heiti ſiltiba Salbin, Spaniards in heaven and I with them, fie, fie: adding he had rather live with the Yares, the Devil, and ſo dyed; they deſtroyed all generally, & being glutted & weary with ſlaughter they made markets of the reſt, as of Cattle, to toyle and carry burthens, not regarding any countermands of the Spaniſh King to keep them ſlaves. Theſe new gueſts at firſt they called children of the Sun, but afterwards they changed their ſtile and called them Solbins and Devils, and with good reaſon, when theſe newcomes would lay inſupportable burthens on them, and when they failed or fainted, cut off their heads to ſave a labour of unlocking an iron collar about their neck to put upon another. Notwithſtanding they were a people very capable of religion and doctrine, as appeared in ſuch as were converted, who proved very pious Chriſtians; but theſe unfaſhionable Doctors had mind on nothing but to ſatisfie their inſatiable avarice and ambition.

CHAP. IV. Of the coaſts of new-Spain, of the torrid Zone, and winds which blow there.

HAving ſtaid ſome dayes in Cuba to recruit, we took ſhip again to continue our voyage. Noguera Captain of the veſſel we came in, was very ſorry to part with us, and made large profeſſion to one of our Company for the ſervice he had done him, and gave him three hundred Reals, offering if he would return to Sicily with him, he would give him the command of a veſſel, ſhare equally what was gained, and ever eſteem him as a brother. Our comrade engaged himſelf at his return, accepting but the half of his money, and that upon importunity, which he preſented to a Lady the Captain had brought with him from Spain, and ſhe returned him a Crucifix ſet with emeralds, and ſo they parted with much reſentment; the Captain proteſting he had periſhed [Page] but for God and the Levantisks; with particular acknowledgment of what we did in Domingo at their going for water. He recommended us to a Captain who was very civil to us, and would accept of nothing for our paſſage.

We came to the Cape of St. Anthony, and thence with good advice ſteer'd the courſe towards Foudora or Houduras: 'tis not the ordinary way for Fleets, when they go directly to St. John de Loua in new Spain, having ſeven hundred miles to croſſe, ſayling in view of fruitful Campeche, in the land of Jacatan. The Port of St. John is a well-fortified Town, and amply provided of artillery: in 19. degrees from thence to Mexico, they hold it ſeventy leagues, and fifty to vera Cruz, a place hot and unhealthfull,Coaſt of Mexico. but plentifull in proviſions, about two hundred miles from Mexico.

This quarter is called La Vega, a ſhallow, not a haven; theſe two places ſo neere neighbours, differ exceedingly in the ayre, for at Vera Cruz 'tis extraordinary bad; and at St. Johns tis excellently good; as indeed thoroughout all Mexico, a good Country, and well inhabited both by Natives and Spaniards: temperate enough, and contains ſixteen great Provinces. Then there is the new Mexico, lately diſcovered, and whereof there is further diſcovery every day, and is of wonderfull extent, as likewiſe the Mexican language goes very farre.

From St. John de Loua Coaſting along by Jucatan Hunduras, and Nicaruga, we came to Nombre de Dios, in the Northern ſea; and on the other ſide, in the ſouthern to Parama, and thence to Peru, &c. Now tis neceſſary to underſtand there commonly blowes a winde they call Brizes, which carries Veſſells by the Poope, from the eaſt to the Indies, which winde riſes in 28 degrees of Artick altitude, towards the Torrid, following the Minenſe and rapid motion of the Heavens in that Hemiſphere, more like a gentle blaſt, or a breathing of the ayre, then a winde, ſo quietly it beares veſſells along, without any alteration, or contrary violence; as in other Parts among the Tropicks, where the ſtrongeſt carries it his way, and where diverſe Raigne according to the diverſe times and ſeaſons.

The other windes are Tramontone, or north, ſouth, eaſt, weſt, ſouth-eaſt, north-weſt, north-eaſt, ſouth-weſt. The Brizes come eaſt-ward, and ſerve very well from the Canaries to Cuba: from Spain to the Canaries the voyage is more difficult, by reaſon of the diverſe windes, which blow in the Gulfe de Las Yequas; and betwixt that and the Continent are other windes, which blow oppoſite, and often force to lye along in the Haven in expectation of a faire gale.

But as theſe Brize windes in going, afford a delightfull accommodation, ſo in returne they prove our vexation: for we muſt go without the Tropicks to fetch the ſouth-weſt, otherwiſe we [Page] have the Brizes in our teeth, which force us to beare up higher for others, and be perpetually tacking about to the roade of Terretta: In ſo much that one may ſooner go twice, then return once from the Indies; the return is ſo labourous, I meane for them who come from new Spain to Seuille; for from Peru they have the ſame Navigation, as the ſhips that go by the Brizes from the Canaries to the Indies, and by the ſouth ſea. Coming from Peru, they have the winde in the Poope as farr as Lima, in twelve degrees, which carries them to 17, to the Port Guatulio in new Spain. Then they muſt go fetch the ſouth-weſt in the elevation of 27 degrees above: nor is there any certainty of it, for ſometimes theſe windes raigne there; ſometimes the north-weſt, and Tramontane invade the Regions: They call them nevertheleſſe Brizes, as coming from the motion of the ſame Hemiſphere; ſometimes they bring along with them ſo exceeding a frigidity, that though the ſea ever naturally yeild a certain warmth of it ſelfe, I never felt ſo much cold as in theſe parts; and but for the Wines we laid in at our return, we had ſuffered much more.

Admirable windes.'Tis then certain, that they who go to the Indies muſt make uſe of theſe proſperous windes, and to gaine them muſt keep in the loweſt elevation poſſible, for the neerer they come to the Equinoctiall, the more certaine and conſtant are theſe Brize windes, as nearer to the motion.

For this reaſon the ſea from the Canaries is called the Ladies ſea; from this benigne Winde, as is alſo the ſoutherne ſea beyond Peru, and ſo along weſtward. Notwithſtanding this rule is not ſo generall, but in the Torrid of the Eaſt-Indies there are two anniverſary principall windes, eaſt and weſt, which by turnes raigne ſix moneths together, more or leſſe, called the Mouſons, or Mneſſons, as I ſaid in another place.

The Torrid Zone.As to the quality of the Torrid Zone, contrary to what Antiquity delivers, that it is impenetrable, and abſolutely diſinhabitable for the exceſſive hea [...]e of the perpendicular rays of the ſun, I have ſpoken ſufficiently in another place; and ſhewed it to be the moſt temperate place of the world, and beſt inhabited, full of large lakes, rivers, and ſhowers at certain ſeaſons and houres, and windes which refreſh and fertilize in an admirable manner.

According to naturall Philoſophy there was reaſon to believe theſe parts diſinhabitable, and ſcorched with the fervour of the ſun, who is verticall to them; but experience had not acquainted them with the lakes and rivers that lye almoſt all along this ſame Zone, and chiefly in America, ſo cooling and moiſtening, that they allay the heats to a moderate temper; [Page] and by a myſtery at the extremity of winter produce dryneſſe, and in ſummer rains and humidity; ſo as in many places they are forced to retire to their Canoes to avoid the emanations of the rivers, Orlano, Plata, Paraguay, and others which lay the circumjacent Countreys like ſeas, to which the ſpacious lakes are a ſecond meanes; like as the Egyptians in time of Niles inundations, retire to their field-houſes of dung, loome and ſtraw ſet upon the higheſt points. But the people, upon Portogay and Plata, they quite abandon theirs, and betake themſelves to their Canoes, or Pirago [...]a, upon the water like Ducks, and returne not till the floud is ſunk, ſo that the extreameſt heats of the Torrid produce their rains, and when the heate ſlackens, it rains not at all: But out of the Torrid and the Tropick, theſe qualities change, their raine coming together with the cold of winter, as here with the heat of ſummer: For the Sun where 'tis moſt forcible exhales vapours in more abundance, which breaking fall in plentifull ſhowers. They who live in towns and plantations built on grounds of advantage, paſs theſe flouds and rains with ſatisfaction, and their fruits of the earth, no more than in Egypt are not deſtroyed and loſt: But the more vulgar and ſavage ſort who live in the Countrey, that can neither ſow nor plow, retreat to their barks with a heap of roots, and ſuch fruit as the earth affords them naturally: They have abundance of Cattle likewiſe, which they feed with the Joſni they call Tortora, which they eat alſo themſelves, cover their houſes with it, make their boats and fewell of it.

True, the air throughout the torrid is not of one quality, there being ſome places burnt for want of lakes, fountains or rivers, or by reaſon of the huge barren mountains, as in other parts of Ethiopia, Guiney, deſerts of Africa, the Andes, mountains of Peru, and other places. And hence it comes, that according to the diverſe conſtitutions under the ſame line you have blacks in one place, and whites in another: and as the extremity of theſe qualities hot and dry, render ſome places diſ-inhabitable, ſo the abundance of water, lakes, marſhes, and great rivers, with their conſtant inundations, render others as little habitable: as in the greateſt part of America, where this inconvenience is ſuch, that the rivers ſwel'd with the ſummer rains, at every turn break out of their limits, with ſuch impetuoſity and violence, they force and carry all before them, nor can one travaile for dirt, and mud of marſhes.

CHAP. V. Of South and North America, The Qualities, and Diſcovery.

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AMerica for the greateſt part is not inhabited, by reaſon of the huge barren and cold mountains, and little plain for a long way, abundance of ſandy and barren forreſts, as in Egypt and Lybia, where there is neither habitation nor commodity of living; huge trees bearing nouriſhment neither for man nor beaſt; onely in ſome parts there are trees yeild ſome refreſhment to paſſengers, with a leaf like the vine and fruit like the Quince, but more ſoft, and in taſte like the apples of Italy, called Mele Roſe, but ſweeter. The tree is high and fair like a mulberry: The fruit never heats upon the tree, and very little being gathered, but quenches thirſt, and refreſhes more than any fruit in the world;A myſtical fruit. wherefore the Indians will go fifteen or twenty leagues to look it: and being extream hot, lay pieces of it on their forehead and cheeks, which refreſhes as well as eating it, be the heat never ſo violent. But 'tis exceeding dangerous for ſtrangers; for the Indians are ſo jealous of this fruit that they will ſuffer no others to eat it, but beat their brains out, as they did at Curaufour, where they killed a number of Spaniards for eating them, which they after eat themſelves. To conclude, the fruit, how long ſoever it continues in the ſun, looſes not its freſhneſſe.

Three regions of America.Of the three Regions America may be divided into, there are the two outmoſt, the high and the low, and the interiour. The lower is along the Sea coaſt, hot and moiſt, having few or no rains in many places unpeopled, by reaſon of the deep ſands, marſhes, and ſtanding waters, which make the Countrey unwholſome. But the plains from Peru to Chila are more temperate, by reaſon of the freſh and fruitfull vales, whereof there are ſtore.

The ſecond is the land of Hamen, cold and dry, well peopled, plentifull in herbage, and rich in mines.

The interiour is the beſt, and 'twas the Spaniards kind fortune or rather Providence, that landed them there at firſt: for had it been any where elſe, they had never or with more difficulty attained their deſign, for the ſcarcity of commodities to live upon after their diet, very different from that of the Natives. But at the very firſt they fell upon the beſt parts, as the Iſles of Hiſpaniola and Cuba: and on the continent on the one ſide new Spain, on the other Peru, and many other, all good Countries, full, and temperate, which yeilded them ſuch plenty of commodities for livelihood, and rich mettals. For this middle diviſion abounds [Page] corn, fruit, cattle, paſtures, and forreſts, the air wholſome, and the Countrey pleaſant and commodious.

They have cattle in great abundance, as ſheep, goats, beeves, horſes, and others. They preſerve a ſtock of wild beeves for their hides, wherewith they lade ſhips for Europe; and make a good traffick of them to ſupply our vanity for coaches boots, and other uſes of leather. The ſoyle in ſome parts is proper enough for vines, but the Spaniards will admit no plantation of them, for taking away the profit of the wine brought from Spain, for which they carry back good gold and ſilver. But notwithſtanding their prohibitions in New-Spain, they have planted them for eaſe of their burthenſome tributes; for they made no conſcience to impoſe fifty or ſixty crowns upon a tun of Spaniſh wine; which they get at a better rate upon the place, where they proſper excellently well.

Mexico, or New-Spain, where one ſtill aſcends unperceivably, is a good and fruitful Countrey, rather better than Peru towards Cuſco and Gouamanga, and Aroquipa, which is likewiſe very fertile; but this is without compariſon, and would be yet better if the Mountaines were nearer, to mitigate the exceſſive heat. Notwithſtanding the Spaniſh women affect it ſo much that they will come two thouſand leagues by ſea, leaving their Native Countrey to ſettle here, and this in no ſmall number: For in the Fleet that went one thouſand five hundred ninety two, they reckon that in thirty veſſels that were caſt away, there periſhed above 800. women, and many ſmall infants: Some were going with their huſbands, others with their friends, and others of their own inclination; and not a year but they tranſport a great number. And 'tis no wonder they expoſe themſelves to this danger, living exceeding miſerably in Spain, where there are abundance of ſingle women that work or worſe for their living.

America, the new world is divided into two principall parts, North and South, both as 'twere Peninſula's, faſtened to by the ſtreight or neck of land, of Nombre di dios and Panama, and betwixt them is comprized the great Archipelagus of all thoſe Iſlands, Antillias, Luccaes, Barlouente, Sotauente and others, whereof we ſpoke already, towards the great Mexican gulph.

The North part might be taken to begin very near the North pole, and according to ſome at Groenland, which they will have to be upon the Continent of America: from thence we come by the ſtreights of Hudſcas, Davis Forbiſher and others, which are thought to croſſe to the Orientall and Tartarian ſea; but here they appear rather gulphs and arms of the Sea then ſtreights: Then we come to the Lands of Eſtotiland, Labrador, Cortereal, New-France or Canada, and Bacaleos, Norembeck, Virginia, New-Nideoland, or the New-Low-Countries, Florida, and New-Spain, or Mexico, as well the old as new, and the lands above [Page] new Granada, Mar Vermeio, California, Quiuira, or new A [...]bion, and Anian to the famous Streight of land, or ſea of the ſame name, which joynes, or divides North Aſia, or high Tartarie, from this part of America. And 'tis probable that this way for many Ages men and beaſts have paſſed, who have peopled this new World, whether from China, Tartarie, Moſcovia, and other places, or as farr as Scandia, or from elſewhere carried by the windes, caſt up by ſhipwrack, or coming upon deſigne, or for eaſe of people, alwayes growing onward: But this diſpute I leave to be decided by better abilities, being out of my reach, and no part of my deſign.

South America.South America from Jucatan, Honduras, and Nicanagua to the Streight of Panama, proceeds by Ʋraba, Dariena, Caſtilia, Dor, Veneſuſla, Paria, Cabagna, Cumana, Curibana, and further up into the famous Land of Guinea; then comes the vaſt Territory, or Coaſt of Braſile, of above 1000 leagues; Patagona, and Chica, to the Streights of Magellan and Maire; and at laſt aſcending towards the South-ſea, by Chila and Peru, to the Iſthmus of Mannama.

As for the Parts ſouthward, beyond the Streights, towards the Land of Fou, or Queinos, to the Iſles of Salomon, new Guinea, and others, 'tis not yet knowne what they are.

As to the Diſcovery of this New World, leaving that common queſtion, If our Anceſtors had any knowledge of it, twas firſt made by Columbus, in the yeare 1492. afterwards ſucceſſively, by Americus Veſpaſius, Cabot, Cortercall, Cupral, Verazan, Cortez Piſarra, and at laſt by Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Rawley, Forbiſher, Davis, Hudſon, and others.

Towards the Lands of Labrador and Canada, one Captaine Velaſco, a Spaniard, paſſing that way, entred the river of Canada, or St. Laurens, and taking it for an Arme of the Sea, having a faire winde, ſayl'd up about 200 leaugues, where he found many Townes and Villages inhabited by people called Piperones, of an extraordinary ſtature, as ten foote high, or more, people kinde enough, and tractable, ſpending their time only in hunting and fiſhing: their ordinary diet milke and cheeſe.

Upon a Sunday, coming on ſhore to celebrate Maſſe, there came innumerable Savages to admire our Sevice and Ceremonies, as a thing altogether new to them. They preſented the Spaniards abundance of ſheep, Kids and goats, and they might have taken off the common what Cows and Cattel they would.

A people otherwiſe not very Military, but exceeding ſimple, and uſe Barkes, like the Braſilian Canoes. The Captaine, in gratuity, gave to the cheife of them a handſome ſword and dagger, who by ſignes let him underſtand, he had nothing to returne him but 50 Cows, and 200 ſheep, deſiring him to accept [Page] them for accomodation for his company.

Part of them he took, and gave him a Coate of Azure Tafeta, which he highly eſteemed and admir'd, and went confidently abord them with a ſcore of his men; and at ſeverall times came little boats loaded with fruit, which this Lord had provided to preſent the Captain with; at his departure he fired ſome Cannons, which ſtrangely amazed theſe poor people, who thought the World at an end; they go cloath'd with skins, commodiouſly ſew'd together.

In the Land of Labrador, and beyond Northward, are abundance of Mountains and Forreſts, where there are numbers of wilde beaſts, and amongſt others huge beares, and great Griffins all white, which are nothing like thoſe of the Eaſt, or Africa, which are gray, only a little red under the belly, but both of them have but two feet, and not foure as they are painted. They have alſo Partridges, and other ſorts of birds all white.

A little higher lies the frozen ſea,The frozen Sea. which ſome ſay is not a ſea frozen, but land covered with ice. An Indian, one Irica, told me that in his youth he had been in the Land of Labrador, which the Natives call Ʋchacara, which borders on a Countrey called Alfringa, and that croſſing from Province to Province, he ſaw ſeas of Vaſt extent, all frozen, and the people aſſur'd him twas not a Sea, but Land, covered with freſh water-ice, a thing hard to be credited.

They have not any Townes, but Villages, where on little hills they live in timber houſes, covered with hides of Beifes, and other beaſts. The people are Whites, kinde and affable. This Coaſt extends to the ſpace of 400 leagues, there is a large river they call de tres Hermanos, which ſome Spaniſh were about to croſſe, but could not for ſnows. Some imagine here is a ſtreight, that goes into the Orientall ſea, others that tis an Arme of the ſea only.

Some take this for the river Rio Neuado, which on one ſide coaſts this Countrey for 200 leagues; on the other ſide, to the Bay of Maluas, and by the Gulph Meroſco lyes the Iſle of Devills, ſo called becauſe they hold it to be haunted with ſpirits, as many of the eaſtern Iſlands are, as I obſerved in another place.

There are Tawnies amongſt them, they weare in their eares rings of gold and ſilver, their cloaths lin'd with Martins, and other furrs, amongſt them there live ſome Britains and Engliſh men.

Next lies the Countrey called Bacaleos, or Bacca-Lao, Bacalao Codfiſh. ſo called from our fiſhing for Codds there, to which the Seamen give that terme. That place is ſo thronged with this ſort of fiſh, that ſometimes they cumber a Veſſell in ſayling.

The coaſt from thence to Florida is about 900 l. The Country is [Page] cold like Flanders, and under almoſt the ſame climate. The people are Idolaters, and bruitiſh, void of civility, except along the ſhore where the French inhabit; there they live better, and eat not mans fleſh as the reſt round about them do. They live in obedience to one they elect out of the moſt potent amongſt them, many Iſlands adjacent are poſſeſſed by the French.

Not far from thence lyes the Countrey called Chicora, the people whereof are of extraordinary ſize, they wear their hair down to their girdle, the women much longer: They believe the immortality of the ſoule, and that after death they tranſmigrate to a better Countrey than their own.

They keep ſtocks of tame Deer, which they drive to paſture as we do Cows and Oxen; from them they make excellent cheeſe which mingled with a ſort of clouted cream, is a very delicate diſh.

The Engliſh ſay the land of Bacalaos was firſt diſcovered by one Cabor, ſent thither by Henry the 7. King of England; to which the Spaniards conſent not, much leſſe the French, who trafick'd here long before any other Nation.

Chicora lyes upon the Continent a little above Bacalaos, and according to ſome is part of it, as likewiſe the Country of Hari. The Spaniards ſay that Licenciado Ayllon going from Hiſpaniola, run along all theſe coaſts, and amongſt others viſited Chicora. They feed here on the roots of Jucca, Caſabe and Potataes. They have variety of Idolatries, and Idols, with a thouſand ceremonies, ſuperſtitions, and feaſts. Their great God they call Mateozunga, the leſſer Quexuga, and fancy a Mahometan Paradiſe, of all ſorts of pleaſures, muſick, dancing, feminine embraces, &c.

They believe the rotundity of the earth, and that 'tis in the middle of the Univerſe, and that by conſequence there are Antipodes. Their Prieſts abuſe them with a thouſand prodigies and impoſtures: widows, if their huſbands died naturally, marry not again, but if by Juſtice or other violence they may. No man hath more than one wife, except the King, who may have two. They compoſe their year of 12. moons, all their commerce is in exchange. They have excellent remedies for all diſeaſes, by means of their patriot herbs, wherein they have good knowledge, amongſt others they have one called Guachi, againſt choler. The Spaniard Ayllon recounted many other particulars of Chicora, that 'twas of great extent, and contained many Provinces.

CHAP. VI. Of Canada, or new France.

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CAnada, or new France, was diſcovered, and frequented by the Brittains and Normans, in the yeare 1504, and before that alſo; ſince again by Verraz [...]n, who took poſſeſſion of the Coaſt and Continent for King Francis the firſt, which hath continued from time to time to this day.

The Countrey hath not any Mines of gold, as they know of, but white Corall it yeilds, called Eſurqui, and ſome Jaſper and caſſidone ſtones, with abundance of Beavers, wherein conſiſts their traffick.

They have diſcovered a tree, called Aneda, or Zuaboya, much like our nut-tree, the decoction whereof is a ſoveraine, and preſent remedy for a diſeaſe, common in this Country, which infects them like a plague, from head to foot, with a violent contraction of the ſinews, ſtinking breath, and mouth running with purtefication, as at Scurbut, and at laſt ſeizes on the vitall ſpirits, and with extreme torments finiſhes their lives: but Providence hath furniſhed them with this remedy Aneda, as Carter in his Voyages obſerves.

All theſe Countreys of Bacaleos, Caneda, Hochelaga, are compriſed under the name of New-found-Lands, or new France, frequented theſe many yeares by the French for fiſhing of Cods. For in the exact deſcription, I refer myſelfe to Hiſtories, and publiſhed Relations; only I will repeat what ſeverall, who have travailed it, have told me.

Canada extends it ſelfe by a point ſouth-weſt, within the Countrey of Goulmaran, coming up to the River Diquero, where there is a ſpacious Town of the ſame name, otherwiſe called Sougoubal, where the King keepes his Court; towards the ſea it joynes with Baraleol, and the New-found-Lands; the Natives of extraordinary ſtature, favoured like them of new Mexico, heavy like a gilt Morian, they are of a cruell nature, warring upon their neighbours, and there are of them that eat Mans fleſh: they inhabit up as farr as the great river Hochelaga, and uſe boats made of the barke of a tree, at the getting of this barke, they uſe particular ceremonies, and prayers to their Idols, to protect them in warr in which they are aſſiſted with Virgins dedicated to the Gods, as our Religious.

Some amongſt them are of more humanity and aſſaſibility, addicting themſelves only to fiſhing, which they will willingly do for ſtrangers.

The King derives himſelfe from the firſt ſtock which peopled [Page] world after the deluge, whereof they have ſome light.

They bear great reverence to the Sun for the light and benefit they receive. They feed on bread made of fiſh, and the like as in Florida; live in common, and diverſe families under a roof. Men have ſeveral wives, whom they marry with little ceremony, and leave them when they pleaſe. Their King they call the great Sagamos or Sahagama, that is the great King, whom they carry upon a Sindela of cotton, mixt with feathers, very curious and artificiall: women wait at his table, nor will he truſt men with any thing of his diet; as he paſſes by, all bow with great reſpect, none is capable of ſucceſſion but the eldeſt Son, all the other Children are ſubjects; for which cauſe the other wives, rather chooſe abortion, then to live to ſee it.

After the Kings deceaſe; they live perpetual widows, and in ſigne of mourning immediately put on the Singaye, make inciſions in their face, then laying gum on a fire, hold over their faces that ſmoak may colour the ſcarifications, with this gum, and oyle of date-ſtones, the meaner ſort make their face black and orange-tawny, their hair hangs looſe about their ſhoulders, having nothing about their head but the Singaye, which they wear as the Moors do their hair, appearing both under and over it. This is made of feathers of a bird they call Tanaps: the Americans eſteem this bird ominous, when they meet it. The vulgar women wear other plumes with cotton, but they neither marry the ſecond time.

The men wear apparel of Deer-ſkins uſefully contrived, one arm uncovered, and ſo they wear their garment like a ſcarf, their breeches like the Egyptians, but not ſo long. The Countrey is exceeding cold, and lyable to earth-quakes, for which they ſacrifice to their Idols, whereof they have one in figure, half a man, and half a ſerpent, which they call Andouagni, and adorn him in a rich habit, and their Country diamonds, which are not ſo good as others.

They have mines, but none very good, fruits of many ſorts, and amongſt others a tree called Coltan, which yeilds an excellent liquor that they make drink of, their King drinking nothing elſe. Vines grow there in abundance, naturally without labour, exceedingly loaded with grapes, but they have not the ſkill to make wine of them, except they have been lately ſhewed: they have pumpions and gourds which they eat roaſted, oyle out of Date-ſtones, very ſweet and ſoveraign in diſeaſes. One tree there is which takes away any feaver in few hours. They are great hunters, and wear engines like raquets on their feet, whereby they go the lighter on the ſnow in purſuit of their chace. Of late years the Engliſh have changed the appellations the French gave theſe Countries, of New-France, and Canada, to New-England, New-Scotland, [Page] and New Brittanny above, before called Labrador, and Eſtotiland.

Goulmaran is the name of a river and a country, where the ſavages chief food is fiſh, of which they have abundance, and drying it in the ſun make flower, which they eat without other baking: they eat the fleſh of their enemies; they houſe in caverns or cabbins of ſtraw, without either apparel or houſhold-ſtuffe more then Gourds which the ſoyle produces in abundance: great ſtore of cattle which fatten themſelves without further care; they live in common, and admit no ſtrangers to inhabit amongſt them. Their mortal enemies are the Siniga neighbouring Mountaneers, covered at halfes with beaſt ſkins; and theſe nations as profeſſed enemies, eat one another. For arms, they have ſtaves, bows, and ſlings, wherein they are very effectual, being ſtrong and good wreſtlers. They lead into the field troops of fierce and ſtrong dogs, and fling them the head, hands, and feet of an enemy for reward; they only ſpare their wives to whom they yield all honour, and marry with them. There is not amongſt them any ſort of Science, Learning, or Character: they believe the ſoul immortal, and that the Sun created the world, whom they call Courcourant ▪ and the Moon Beleida: live like brothers, without any Law of property, every man hath his wife, and with her is ſatisfied; no diſtinction of ſin amongſt them, vice nor vertue: all equal, onely a particular reverence to one chief as their King, whom they call Caraybalan: They ſhave their head and beard with a root called Meite, which dryed at the Sun, they make into powder, and apply it plaiſter-wiſe all night. Maids deflowr'd before Matrimony, never marry, though the fact is no diſhonour to them.

Their Singay by the advantage of their mountains, often fall upon them; they have a ſort of trunks through which they will blow their poyſoned arrowes with ſtrange vigour, and wound incurably. They are of admirable Footmanſhip, and will fly like Grayhounds before a purſuing enemy, and on ſuch occaſions their dogges ſtand them in good ſtead. They ſcatter about the fields certain poyſoned paſte for the enemies dogges, and leſt their own ſhould be taken with it, they hold them up tyed: he that hath two with him thinks himſelf ſecure. When the dogge winds any thing, if the Maſter cryes Taip, the dogge ſtayes till his Maſter hath viewed his prey: they carry burthens like horſes. Their houſes are of ſtraw, and their burrowes are fortified with Timber-Palizadoes, which they poyſon againſt the invading enemy. Of the ſame ſtraw they cover their houſes, they make bridges, and never make bridge of ſtone; which ſtraw-bridges are of good firmneſſe. They have ſome houſes made of earth, mingled with chopt ſtraw. The Charaybalan or King, walks through the country with no attendance but dogges, and allowes no man to approach him. Theſe dogges are his guard, being very fierce;Military dogs. and [Page] when they find any thing, they firſt look on their Maſters face, to underſtand if they ſhould eat it or not, and ſtand for good ſervants: the enemy hath ſtrong apprehenſion of them. Theſe dogges have great tayles like Bulles, and it hath been knowne that they have aſſaulted and defeated a good body of men▪ ſo as the race of them is prized at a high rate.

CHAP. VII. Of Virginia and Florida, Fountains of youth, dangerous love.

ON the South and Eaſt of all theſe parts lyes Virginia, diſcovered by Sir Walter Rawleigh and the Engliſh, and Florida, firſt found by Sebaſtian Cabot an Engliſh Navigator in the yeare 1496. as he looked for another matter: and more perfectly afterwards diſcovered by John Ponce of Lyons who ſo chriſtened it, becauſe he arrived on Palme-Sunday in French, called Flowre-Sunday, or elſe becauſe he found the land fragrant and ſpread with flowers.

This is a country of wide circuit towards 34. degrees, having on the Eaſt the Channel of Bahama the Lucays and Virginia, on the Weſt Mexico and the gulph Panuco, on the South it looks upon Cuba or Jucatan, and on that ſide extends above 200. leagues to the 24. degree: on the North lyes Canada, New France, and the Auanares, towards this point or tongue of land, in form of an Iſthmus, 'tis dangerous ſayling for the oppoſite winds and currents of water. The natives are ſtrong and turbulent, eat their enemies of war, but their friends and confederates never, not for any extremity. The men eradicate their beards to appear more lovely and pleaſing to the women: pierce their noſe and ears, and hang in rings and jewels: they marry not till 40 years of age, and the woman 25. holding that the children will be more robuſtious. Women before matrimony obſerve not chaſtity, and without diſhonour: but after marriage they will forfeit life as ſoon as their fidelity.

North they border on the Aunares, and beyond them the Abardaos, a cruell and wicked people, continually in warre, and uſe a thouſand ſubtleties to enſnare their enemies, but eſpecially by night, firſt laying their Engines or Caltrops, then give the Alarme, and ſeem to flye; ſo the enemies purſuing, are often taken in theſe trappes; as they likewiſe take wilde beaſts: as they on the other ſide make conceal'd pits for them to fall in.

[Page]There are alſo the Jagares, a people ſo ſwift, they boaſt they can take a Deere in plain running, and indeed the Deere there are not ſo wilde. For they feed in fields, in Heards like Cows, whereof they make their ordinary ſuſtenance. Ponce de Leon ſayes he ſent one of theſe people with a letter, and ſome proviſion to his company, and in few houres he went and came thirty 1.

They are cloathed with skins of beaſts, but cheifly Deere, which they dreſſe very artificially.

Then there are the Apalchen and Chahamo, people intirely barbarous and brutiſh, who adore and ſacrifice to devills, that appeare to them in diverſe formes. The whole Countrey abounds in all Commodities; as fleſh of all ſorts, and fiſh, and they ſay there are Mines of Gold and Silver, whereof they make no great account. They have a King, whom foure of the Principall amongſt them beare in the skin of a Saliabe, a beaſt like a Hart: apparrelled with skins, and ſet with feathers; they adore the Sun, and believe the immortality of the ſoule: and that ſome go to Heaven, and others to the bowells of the earth. Towards the Promontory of Baxos, there is a fiſhing of ordinary pearles, neither ſo fine nor great as in the River of Palmes, and Margarita; nor do the Natives much eſteem them, and value more a meaſure of Sperma Caetae, then a handfull of pearles.

The people of Canada ma [...] a greater account of them: for the women weare them in their eares. In many places they build their houſes in forme of a Creſsant, in Honour of the Moone, and cover them with barkes of trees, or ſea reeds.

For Armes they uſe Bows, and poyſoned Arrowes, as doth the greater part of America. They are much given to Hunt and Fiſh. For more of the deſcription of the Country, and the manners of the people, I refer my ſelfe to the French and Spaniſh relations.

I will only make mention of one miracle in the Countrey, atteſted by the Licentiados, Ayllon, Figuerra, and other Spaniards of Quality; 'tis a fountain of Youth, whereof the water being drunke, not only mitigates all maladies, but makes the old young again, reſtoring decayed ſtrength and vigour, whereof they ſaw the experience in an old decrepid man, quite worne out, who became vigorous and luſty, that married and got children.

The Spaniards advanced not into the Country, finding the People Martiall, bloody, and violent enemies to them; which I ſuppoſe proceeded rather from cruelties, they themſelves exerciſed, then the inclinations of the people, whom the French, who uſed them mildely, found quite otherwiſe. And we ſee that Once de Leon leaving them by reaſon of their ſalvageneſse, one Ferdinand de Sot [...], in [Page] the year one thouſand five hundred thirty four for booty and diſcovery of Mines, made a voyage thither: where he committed a thouſand cruelties upon the people, and the Catiques themſelves; ſo as at laſt, in revenge he and all his company were maſſacred.

Afterwards Pamphilio de Naruanez brought a good Colony into the River of Palmes, where either by tempeſt or want, the greater part periſhed. Then in the year one thouſand forty nine, ſome Religious of Saint Benedicts order were ſent thither, who had but little better ſucceſſe, ſo as the countrey remaining unplanted by any forrainers, in the yeare one thouſand five hundred ſixty two, our French went to make a conqueſt of it.

Lo here the firſt diſcovery and taking poſſeſſion of theſe territories, by Verazan in the name of King Francis the firſt, in the year 1524. For Admirall Chatillon, ambitious the French ſhould have the honour and Empire of thoſe parts, had induced Charles the ninth to commiſſion John Ribaut Diepois, to go plant there at his own coſt and charges; adviſed to the deſigne by a French-man, who under the ſtile of a Levantisk, and Savoyard, not a French-man, had before made a voyage that way to New Spain.

Ribaut with a good party [...]f French ſouldiers, and Marriners, firſt touch at the Cape of France, ſo named by him, in thirty eight degrees, and the faire River May which he ſo called, becauſe he arrived there on the firſt of May. There the Indians and their King gave him kinde entertainment, and many preſents were interchanged: ours gave them bracelets of Tinne; Bills, Looking-glaſſes, and Knives: They returned Plumes of red feathers, Baſkets of twigges finely platted, and ſkinnes of beaſts ingeniouſly figured. On further they found other Rivers, to which they gave the names of Seine, Somme, Loire, Charante, Garoma, Gironda, Belle and others within leſſe then ſixty leagues off coaſt, then upon the River Jordan they caſt Anchor, and called that place Port Royal, where they ſet up the Armes of France, as they did in the River May, upon a ſtone pillar. Ribaut upon his deſigne of planting, built a Fort he called Charles-Fort, in the mouth of a faire River by the natives called Toubachire, by Chenonceau; and placing in it Captain Albert with twenty ſouldiers, and foure pieces of Ordnance, he returned for France, bringing for a ſhew ſome pieces of Rock ſtreaked with gold and ſilver, and abundance of Munkeys and Paraquitoes, promiſing to return ſhortly with a conſiderable Colony of men and women.

Here Captain Albert Governour of the Fort falls in love with a daughter of one of the principal Caoiques, very fair [Page] and coming, whom he had procured into the Fort with her Fathers conſent;Unfortunate love. the maid holding it for a great honour to be affected by ſtrangers. But here upon a ſouldier one of the chiefeſt and gallanteſt of the company, becomes her ſervant alſo, and by ſo much the more ardent for ſome countenance ſhe ſhewed him though in private: the Captain perceiving it, he fell into ſuch rage, he would have killed him, but for fear of mutiny amongſt the ſouldiers; ſo thought better to ſet him a ſhore in a deſert Iſland, three leagues from thence, promiſing to ſend him proviſion from time to time: but not performing accordingly, the poor man was brought to ſuch extremity, he had no ſuſtenance but Oyſters, Tortoiſe egges, Birds that he took with his hand, and hearbs, and was forced to creep into hollow trees, for ſecurity from wilde beaſts, eſpecially Crocodiles, whereof there are great ſtore; nor did his ſword and punniard ſtand him in ſmall ſtead againſt them. The very Apes and Munkies were vexatious to him. Sometimes for better ſecurity he climbed into trees, and, they ſay, falling aſleep one night in a tree, he tumbled down on the back of a Crocodile, that was come a ſhore for his prey, 'twas hard to ſay which was moſt frighted, but he purſued the Crocodile to the River ſide, being but ſlow of pace by reaſon of his ſhort legges, and heavie body.

Certain Indians fiſhing, ſaw the miſerable condition of this poor man, and advertiſed his comerades in the Fort, who incenſed againſt their Captaine for this and other rigours killed him, and fetched back the ſouldier halfe dead with hunger: then choſe another Captaine, and conſtrained by neceſſity to return into France; by help of the Indians, they built a little Bark, nailed with wooden pinnes, and fitted with Sayles of ſuch linnen as they had, victualled with the round corne of the countrey, they call Mays, and powdered fleſh but were driven to ſuch exigent by the way, they were fain to caſt lots, who ſhould be ſo unhappy, as to be food for the reſt.

In the year one thouſand five hundred ſixty four, Captain Landoniere was ſent thither with three veſſels, who built Fort Caroline upon the River May, and thence made ſome inroads upon the Continent; amongſt other things he relates a flaſh of lightening the moſt horrid and prodigious was ever heard of: for it covered and burnt above five hundred Acres of Meadow, green, and watered, roaſted the Fowle,A prodigious lightning. and continued for three dayes without ceaſing. The year following Captain Ribaut returned thither with his ſon, and about four hundred men and women to compoſe his colony, and till the ſoyle.

He was upon opening a Mine of Gold, and in the rock [Page] was come to fine gold, of the bigneſſe of needle points, about 30. leagues from the ſea: but afterwards being about to go on with the work effectually; he was unexpectedly ſurprized by Spaniards who uſed him and his company with all cruelty, and treachery imaginable.

Our Hiſtories relate the paſſage at large, ſo as our Forts were taken, and all our countrymen hanged or murthered. Young Ribaut eſcap't, came back into France and complained to the King,French hanged in Florida. who wrote to the King of Spain about it; but he onely ſent order to the Viceroy of New Spain, to informe himſelf of the matter, and accordingly to do juſtice: which nevertheleſſe was forgotten, and ſo the outrage was unſatisfied, till the year 1567. that Captain Gourgues nobly undertook the revenge at his own charges, and bravely drove out all the Spaniards, and demoliſhed their Forts. I ſhall make no further progreſſe, for that the Hiſtories of Florida, make large relations.

CHAP. VIII. Of Mexico: the nature of the Inhabitants, their Kings, ſacrifices, &c.

FRom Florida by degrees we arrive at New Spaine, or the kingdom of Mexico. A countrey extending in length and breadth from the River Tanaſco or Griſalue towards the Weſt, or Jucatan, to the Province of Caliacan, and the river Saint Michael bounded on the North with new Granada, and the Provinces of new Mexico. On the South lyes the great gulph of the pacifick ſea of Mexico. On the Eaſt the River Panuco, and the ſkirts of Florida.

The kingdome of Mexico is otherwiſe called Culbuca, and Anauas by the Inhabitants, it holds dominion from Panuco to Dariene, which divides it from Peru. The principal Provinces are Guatemala, Xaliſco, Chalcos, Taica, Mechoachan, Tlaſcalan, Acapulco, Culiacan, Tezuco, Teſcuco, Huaca-chalque, Huacachala, Claortomaca, Maxalcinco, Giſtecapan, and others.

New Spaine is one of the moſt excellent Provinces of the New World, fully inhabited, pure ayre, abounding in corne, and all ſorts of graine, Cattle, Mines of Gold, and chiefely of Silver, wanting nothing but oyle and wine.

The principal and capital town is Temiſtican or Temoxtitlan, [Page] or Temuiſtican, upon a Lake of thirty Leagues in circute, is contained threeſcore thouſand Houſes, at the time the Spaniards took it, under the famous Ferdinand Cortez. The lake is of two waters, ſalt and freſh, by reaſon of the rivers that enter it. There are many other great Townes, but leſs then Mexico.

Before they received Chriſtianity, they were all great Idolaters, and given to ſtrange ſuperſtitions, many whereof they continue ſtill. Their Sacrifices were formidable, Fathers not ſcrupling to make their own children victims.

The Mexicans are an ingenuous people, and of experience in all ſorts of workes, particularly in Tapeſtry of feathers, where they have things artificially drawne to the life. The Soyle abounds in all ſorts of fruits, and commodities for livelihood, as well naturall as adventitious: even vines, whereof they have very good, notwithſtanding the prohibition to plant any.

True, in many parts the grapes come not to perfect maturity; by reaſon of the abundant rains in June and July, when the grapes begin to ripen, ſo as they ſoake raine, and corrupt, wherefore they are forced to eat them halfe green. Some have try'd to make wine, but it proves ſharp, and more like wine of quinces, then grapes.

They have planted olive-trees, which come to good growth, and full of leaves, but without fruit. All ſorts elſe grow well and plentifully. The wine they drink comes all from Spaine, and is very deare, for it coſt five of us three crowns a day for our parts, and a good bargaine, the plenty of mony making all things deare, for a bed 12 realls a night.

In Peru tis yet dearer, though they get very good wine and figs, as likewiſe in the Iſles of Barlouento, and Cuba. There are many Forreſts by the Indians called Arcaboucos, ſtore of Ebony Gu [...]acum, or Lignum Sanctum, wide and thick Forreſts of Cedars, Laurells, Dates, Pines, Oaks, and hearbs of all ſorts, proceeding from the nature of the Climate, being hot and moiſt. The greater part of the ground lies notwithſtanding uncultivated,The temperature of Mexico. for want of Labourers, of which they have none, but ſome Blacks of Maniconga and Guinea, lazy people, and no good workers.

The Country is not very populous, many more women then men, by reaſon warr and labour conſumes them.

The extent of theſe Regions is admirable, nay infinite, in reſpect of the few Inhabitants, and leſs agriculture; for this late diſcovered Mexico contains above 15 Provinces, of above a thouſand leagues in circuite, where there are as faire Towns and buildings as in Europe.

Good part ſpeak the Mexico Tongue. Farther on there ſucceed ſeverall unknowne Nations, without number: Some Religious went thither to Preach the Faith, but the Savages devoured them.

[Page]'Tis not yet found out what Territories border with Cape Mendocino, California, high Florida, new Mexico, and others towards the North Pole, no more then what is beyond the Streight of Magellan, higher by 56. or 57. degrees.

The Inhabitants of old Mexico, do intirely apply themſelves to the Trades and wayes of the Spaniard, being grown good Weavers, and make all ſorts of ſilke ſtuffs: in like manner they are docile and judicious, and ſuch as are become Chriſtians, follow the Doctrine moſt religiouſly.

The Countrey is of ſuch a ſcituation, that you aſcend wherever you go from the ſea Coaſt, but ſo eaſily you perceive it not. So coming from the middle of the land to the Sea-ward, you deſcend on which ſide ſoever, but ſo, as afterwards one admires how they aſcended mounted ſo high, or came ſo low; all the Mexican Territory is of this quality and ſcituation.

The Ancient Mexicans.The Mexicans derive themſelves originally from other parts, the Ancient Inhabitants were barbarous, and eat nothing but veniſon, which they called Chichimeques, and Otomies; then the Navatalks came from the North, from Provinces, which ſince are joyned to New Mexica, who peopled, cultivated, and civiliz'd the ſoyle and Nation: But withall they introduced their ſtrange Idolatries, and horrible ſacrifices of men and infants, whereof they perpetrate abundance every yeare: Whereby 'tis very probable that not only this, but all the other Countreys are inhabited with people deriv'd from the North, whither the Aſians and Europians may have paſſed by little and little by the Streights, either of Sea, or Land, as we have already demonſtrated.

Theſe Mexicans being well ſetled, choſe a King to Govern them, who was one Acamipixtſi, a Mexican Lord, who had married a daughter of the King of Cublivacan, an ancient people of the Country: ſince which time they have ever had Kings, not by ſucceſſion, but Election, continued to the ninth and laſt King Montezuma, taken by Cortez: under which Kings they had diverſe Warrs, and tooke in many neighbors, augmenting it to a great ſtate.

The King was not Elected by the Commons, but by 4 Principall of the Court, and had the Crowne from the hands of the Teſcaio.

But the King Elect, before he receives his Crown, is obliged to go fight the Enemy, and bring ſuch a number of Priſoners to their Sanguinary ſacrifices. If he faile in the firſt expedition, they excuſe it, but if the ſecond time, they poyſon him, and chooſe another. If he returne victorious, they conduct him with great ceremony to the Temple, where they make the great ſacrifice, with proceſſions, and muſick, through the Town. He was crowned with a Crown like a Miter, and every one made [Page] oath to ſerve him to the laſt drop of bloud; then was conducted with great magnificence to the Pallace-Royal, the Electors called Laceocal, marching firſt, that is, Princes of the Lance, then the Lacaterret, or Thunder-bolts of men, who are the gallanteſt of the Cavaliers, then Hazeuocal, that is, bloud-ſhedders, and the Lilbancalqui, Knights of the black lance. Theſe four orders were his Majeſties privy Council: in the Town they had other Councils for adminiſtration of Juſtice. When the King went to the Temple, an hundred men marched before him with great bows taller than themſelves; then 100. more with long ſtaves with a hardbroad keen ſtone in the end, with which he will cut off a horſe-head; I have ſeen one cut a ſheep in two with it, thoſe they call a la a tilpeo.

The Kings Pallace is ſumptuous and magnificent, a Parke by it ſtored with wilde beaſts of all ſorts, ponds full of fiſh, with boates of rich worke, and cages for Birds. The Pallace is compoſed of ſeparate apartments, and ſeverall habitations for the Courtiers, every one according to his dignitie and degree.

The Mexican Kings had high eſteem for men of valour, and rewarded them very amply, by which means they were ſo well ſerved in their wars, and got ſo many victories. Their weapons were clubs with keen ſtones, lances, pikes, a ſort of javelins, at the throwing whereof they were exceeding dextrous, bows, arrows, little targets, and a head-piece with a plume of feathers; coats of Lions, Bears, Tigers, and other beaſts-ſkins, great runners, and wraſtlers.

The King of Montezuma in his Militia had an order of Knights, that from the Crown had their hair tyed with carnation ribbons, rich feathers, and a ſcarf of the ſame colour, who for every gallant atchievement they have done, have ſo many waves faſtened, and hanging over their ſhoulders. This King was of that order, as he is to be ſeen repreſented in his ſtatue at Chapultapes. This habit was very ſtately, enriched with plumes of all colours, and makes the Spaniards deck themſelves with feathers in imitation, and adorn their horſes with them: another order of Knights there was called Agourlas, clad in another manner, and with other differences; then there were the Ataroncos, the Tigers, the Blacks armed from head to foot in fight, the others half armed: Their cloaths of Combi, cotton and other things, theſe had licenſe to eat in gold and ſilver veſſels, a thing not allowed to others; who were apparelled with courſer cloathes, called Nequen.

Theſe firſt Knights lodge in the Kings Palace, and have their apartments amply accommodated, whom I cannot compare better than to the Mayl'd Knights at Malta, diſtinguiſhed in divers companies, by the Titles of Princes, Eagles, Tigers, and Blacks. The reſt of his Valiant Militia lodged in other diviſions apart, aſſigned [Page] them by the Council, and upon pain of death could not change their lodging. This Militia was ſo well ordered and diſciplined that they ſtroke, terrour in the neighbouring people. And what was moſt to be admired, that they could keep ſo many different Nations in concord, for the perfection of the Country drew people from all parts thither.People of Mexica. There is one ſort of people amongſt them called Chalcas, that is, men of the ſtreight, which argues them to be a people come from the ſtreight: others called Souchimilcos, that is field men; others Tapaneras, men of the bridge; others Alcapouſalcas, Couluas, crookback'd: Tſaluicas, mountain-men. All theſe Nations are come to inhabit, and feed on Mexica; to build Towns and Burroughs, and that as their Characters ſhew above ſeven or eight hundred years ſince. The Tlaſcaltecaes never agreed with the Mexicans, but aſſiſted the Spaniards againſt them, and in compenſation are eaſed of tributes, and have many priviledges; and poſſeſſe the room the Chichimeras who fled from their homes at the approach of the Spaniards, ſo much they were aſtoniſhed with that new way of war, eſteeming them children of the Sun.

A ſtratagem.The Tſalcaltecaes uſed a ſtragatem to diſpoſſeſſe the Chichimecaes, who made good reſiſtance at firſt, for under colour of a feaſt of amity, while theſe were drinking, the others ſtole away their arms, and ſo got their ends. The Hiſtory whereof ſtands at this day painted in the Countrey. The original people were Gyants, as appears by bones of dead men, and teeth as big as pullets eggs. They who remained by little and little, conformed themſelves to the others.

The Mexicans had a moſt truculent cuſtom, to ſacrifice their priſoners of war, and enemies, to their gods, and in want of them their own natural children. The Prieſts or Papas performed the ſacrifice opening the breaſt of the miſerable victim, and with the heart ſprinkled the Idol to appeaſe it, and watered the ſtairs and the temple with his blood. In Peru they made the like ſacrifice of children, from four to ten years old, with ſuch madneſſe that they would ſlaughter 200. at a time, and this for the health and proſperity of their Ingas or Kings, and the like of maids drawn out of their Monaſteries.

The Mexicans ſacrifices.To gain their Childrens conſent, they tell them they ſhall be immediately made Saints, and go ſtraight to heaven amongſt the gods: At Peru at deceaſe of their Kings they ſlaughter a number of his ſervants to attend and wait upon him in the other world. This cuſtom of bloody ſacrifices was common through all the parts and Iſlands of the new world.

What is admirable, in Coluacane, as alſo in Jacatan, Ʋraba, and Dariena, there are many circumciſed, whence ariſes a queſtion, whether they came from the ten Tribes, ſent to Tarty and Arſarach.

[Page]The Mexicans chief god, or wooden Idol, was Vitzilipatzli, The Mexicans Ido [...] ▪ whom the Toucouacans or Te [...]calhuacans, the firſt civilizers of Mexico brought with them in a Tabernacle of Sea-reeds, who promiſed to make them Lords of this vaſte Countrey, ſhewed them the way to it, and how to keep it, which at this day is to be ſeen in hiſtorical paintings, as I have often my ſelf obſerved. In proſecution they built lofty Temples, and inſtituted their Feaſts and bloudy Sacrifices, whereof I ſpoke before.

The Devil, that Ape of the Almighty, would imitate what we read of the Ark in the old Teſtament, conducting the children of Iſrael, and other myſteries; the ſtile this Seducer uſes, to gain credit and adoration from theſe abuſed people. And the Indians in memory of this Ark, to this day place a caſe of reeds upon the Altar.

Being in the Kingdome of Tabin, and paſſing on to the Countrey of S [...]iton, we viſited the Lord of the Territories Palace, where amongſt divers figures of Princes, there was one of a King with an emerald hanging in his noſe: whom we were informed was King of Mexico, and how after the deceaſe of Montezuma, one Tlacaeler a perſon of high valour, was elected King, or Lord of the Countrey, who nevertheleſſe waved the offer, ſaying he had charge enough in the ordering his own dominions.

The Mexicans perceiving his reſolution, requeſted he would name them a King, and then he elected Ticoci [...], ſon of the King deceaſed, who being young was conſtantly aſſiſted with the counſel of Tlacaeler.

This King had his noſe pierced, and an Emerald hang'd in it, and hence in their books and monuments, this King is figured with his noſe pierced.

In the Temples of Peru they ſet the Image of Pachacamas with a Monde under his Feet, who they ſaid had a Spirit that he ſent upon earth to execute his will; that being a potent crowned King, he went naked, for their example, and that in his hand he bore a dart to exterminate thoſe of bad lives, and called him Chinnequil, that is, the Ghoſt of the Great Creatour.

Letters they had none, onely a ſort of ſignificant Characters, figures and draughts like Hieroglyphicks, which they continue ſtill to expreſſe the myſteries of Chriſtianiſme. They will form all their words and diſcourſes in theſe figures and paintings, as when they would ſay, I confeſſe me to Almighty God: they draw a Prieſt ſitting, a man at his feet upon his knees▪ and over them three faces in one, ſignifying the Trinity, and ſomething lower the image of the Virgin with her infant, &c. and pictures of [Page] Saints and Angels. In this manner they expreſſe all by figure, which aſks a long time to ſignifie a matter of importance, and ſometimes a whole day to draw it. Wherefore in all great Towns there are thoſe that ſell papers, with all neceſſary and ordinary communications ready delineated.

Their Records, Hiſtories, Calendars, and Annals, were ever expreſſed in this manner.

CHAP. IX. The Mexican year, their Paradiſe, Infernall, and their Dances.

THe Mexican year was divided into eighteen moneths, of twenty dayes to a moneth, and the five dayes over they ſet apart for feaſts, ſacrifices, and recreations. The year began in March with the coming of the leaf, each month having a particular pourtraict.

The Peruians more properly divided their year into 12. months, or moons, wherein they exquiſitely compacted all the dayes of the year, which they began in January.

Theſe months they deciphered by 12. columns in order, with names ſignifying the feaſts contained, and the ſeaſons to ſow, reap,The Mexican year & month. &c. the firſt was Soucangae, the 2. Rayme, then Hoſtino [...]qui, Aucayqui, Ar [...]ucouqui, Caualiarqui, J [...]urtaqui, Jouapaqui, Cayarayme, Payconeo, Jomarayme, Ayamara, the twelfth.

They pourtrayed the Sun and Moon, and by certain diſtinctions, knew the full and the qualities of it. The Mexicans had a mooving wheel, whereon the months, feaſts, and ſeaſons, were ſet with diſtinct cyphers. For the ſeven dayes are not founded upon the ſolary or lunary courſe, but with the Hebrewes upon the creation, and our number of Planets with the Pagans.

The years are denoted by ſeverall ſignes, from four to four, of thirteen years each diviſion, which in 25. years contained the whole period, and concluded the circle.

Chicora.So the people of Chicora divided their year into twelve Moones, in Coluacana they uſe the Lunary Months, and call the Months Books. The Moon in their language is T [...]na, the Sun Tanaric. The Mexican wheel I have often enquired of the uſe of this Mexican wheel, but could never underſtand it: it moves very ſlowly, and goes round every Month, noting the periods, and account of years, as to ſay: ſuch a thing was done in ſuch a year, de [...]yphered by a Temple, a Roſe, a Rabbet, a Stone, the four [Page] marks of the wheel. When a little needle in the middle of the wheel comes to point at the period of fifty years, then are they ſtroken with a ſtrong apprehenſion, believing the world is to be ended, and for three or four dayes before lament, and make Sacrifices to appeaſe the angry gods; but when it arrives at the point, they leave their Sacrifices, break all their utenſils, as they were to die at the inſtant, lay themſelves on the ground with extream contuſion for their bad lives, and terrour of approaching torments: and having ſpent a day and night thus dolefully, upon appearance of the next day, which they never thought to ſee, they go ſtrait to viſit the wheel, which now hath entered a new circulation; then repleat with joy they render a thouſand benedictions to the gods for the grace received, whereof they thought themſelves unworthy, with engagements of reformation for the future. Then prepare for a ſolemne faſt abſtaining till night from all ſuſtenance: for three dayes they obſerve theſe faſts, without company with their wives.

After this their Prieſts or Papaes, with 12. men and youths in feather garments, dancing ſilently to muſick, bear the Idol of their God Ʋriacocha, followed with a number of boyes and girls in white, decked with flowers and feathers of various colours, then the Religious in their proper habits, next come 12. ſheep for ſacrifice, then the principal perſons with tapers in their hands, then follow the whole multitude of men and women, with hymns and gratifications, up to a Mountain: from whence they obſervantly return to the Temple. Amongſt them there are ſome that furiouſly laſh their bare ſhoulders with thorns of Mangouay, ſo as the Temple runs with bloud, wherewith the Prieſts waſh the face of their Idol. After this the ſheep with their ears peirced, and a thouſand gayties were dejugulated, and with them ſome Children were ſacrificed, whileſt others dance and ſing about them, the Prieſts inſtructing and encouraging them to it.

But before the Feaſt, they compound a meat of the fleſh of certain venemous Creatures, Mace, Tobacco, and certain roots, which the Prieſts eating, a Devil enters their bodies, and they fall into a fury; then they begin their ball. The feaſt is called Procrayme. Every year they have the like Sacrifices, beginning with faſts and lamentations.

They have proceſſions likewiſe, and with dances and ſongs carry their Idols very ſolemnly, ſtill concluding with bloudy ſacrifices.

When Lords and Maſters dye, their Servants ſacrifice themſelves in hope to ſerve their Maſters in the other world, and if through indiſcretion or want they were not paid and well rewarded in this life; ſuppoſe it ſhall be amply done in [Page] the next. They believe the immortality of the ſoule, felicity for the good, and the wicked to be tormented by the Devil, whom for this reaſon they adore, wearing his counterfeit in their ears, that he may ſhew them ſome favour when they come to the Abyſſe. They believe that after death their actions are preſented and pleaded before the great God, who gives definitive ſentence one way or other to eternity.

They believe no reformation, as the Bretellians ▪ and others believe no hell, but that all go to live merrily with their forefathers. In ſome parts they embalm the Corps, and together interr their whole treaſure. In other parts they lay victuals and drink by them, in opinion God ſometimes confines their ſouls to their Sepulchers, ſo as they may want ſuſtenance.

Ceremonies and Prayers.The Indians when they fall ſick, preſent their Prieſts with divers rarities, that they would make prayers for their health; But if their diſeaſe grow vigorous, with Braſile they die a ſhirt vermillion, and ſend it to be ſacrificed for their recovery; alſo they ſend divers prayers figured in Characters to be burned with ſhels, they call vila coronea. Likewiſe they ſacrifice ſheep, and the rareſt of birds, nay ſlaves themſelves terming this hurlauical: as that of the feaſts contauical, wherein they mingle odoriferous woods called Jauli, reſembling the Lemon tree, together with ceremonial prayers.

Againſt their Enemies they have other Sacrifices, as to burn their Effigies, with the pictures of ſeverall venemous and mortiferous Creatures, the Prieſt pronouncing, So periſh the ſtrength of our enemies, then they ſacrifice a black ſheep kept long from food, and the Prieſt cries, So let the heart of our enemies be weakned.

To Rivers they ſacrifice the ſhels that come from them, to fountains fruits and vertual herbs; holding there is nothing on earth which hath not his like in heaven, and that they hold a correſpondence: and that any thing of good operation on earth, is acceptable to their gods in heaven. In what condition ſoever, in health or ſickneſſe, peace or war, on all occaſions they have recourſe to prayers and ſacrifice, even to immolation of their ſlaves and children. The Mexicans diſ-avow all peace with their neighbouring enemies, the Tapacques, Ilaſcalcans and Mechoachans, that they may be ſtored with priſoners of war for ſacrifice, & hold theſe wretches for Saints and celeſtiall, when they go with conſent.

Their dances.Dancing was very frequent with the Mexicans, mixing many Ceremonies and ſuperſtitions, the Lords themſelves the moſt grave, and of what office ſoever, diſdained it not, and to uſe the Mitecos, that is, dancings in ſtately rooms, or gardens, with ſpirituall ſongs, rather a ſort of adoration than a dance. One Indian hangs about anothers neck, then he dances to a taber or flute, others ſhew a thouſand poſtures and agilities of body, like our [Page] tumblers. They have ſometimes their Muſcurades called Quacones, diſguiſing themſelves like Devils, and glory in this dance. Likewiſe dancers on the rope, ſtanding with their head down and feet up, with a thouſand Turn-overs, and Gamboles; others dance with an extraordinary weight on their ſhoulders, and this they call Tanquil, then comes another and leaps upon this weight, yet he dances ſtill, though painfully. Then all weaving Arms, and ſinging, dance in a ring very prettily without the leaſt trouble to one another, then in couples by turns they fall out, and dance about the ring in ſeveral manners, at laſt joyn all together. For this they adorn themſelves with their beſt attire, and ſtill ſing prayers and praiſes to their Gods.

CHAP. X. Burning mountains, the Conqueſt of Mexico, and ſome particular trees.

AMongſt the Mexican Marvailes are the burning mountaines, which vomit forth flames, and thick ſmoak, more or leſſe,Burning Mountains. according to the matter that feeds the fire, ſhut up in the bowels of the earth.

The moſt famous of theſe Mountaines for height and compaſſe are the Guatamala, diſcernable at vaſt diſtance on the South ſea. A Spaniſh Prieſt out of avarice would needs ſound this Mountain, ſuppoſing the bottom to be full of gold: This Prieſt was called Moſſen born at Antequera who came to the Indies with Pirarow at the time of Ferdinand Cortez conqueſt: he had a ſiſter living with him, who had a fair daughter, whom the Captain married to Lazart d' Almadia, Clark of the ſhip, promiſing 1000. duckets in marriage: But the Clark being jealous of his Captain, left his wife in Spain, and the Captain being come on ſhore with grief for his Miſtreſſe abſence dyed, to whom by his laſt will he ratified the 1000. duckets: Mean while the Clark took command of the veſſel, and arrived in New Hiſpaniola, where the Prieſt was very welcome, Prieſts being there very acceptable, and was accommodated in the town of Sanda, where he lived in great eſteem for ſincerity and devotion, ſo in few years he grew very wealthy. But not content with this, upon ſuggeſtion that the flaming Mountain, not farre thence was a Mine of gold, he thought to get ineſtimable riches out of it:A Hiſtory of a covetous Prieſt for this purpoſe he cauſed a ſtrong iron chain to be made, to the meaſure of the height of the Mountain, which he had taken by Artizans, then by [Page] ſtrength of men began to cut a way for portage of his neceſſaries; which could not be done but at great expence: a mans labour there being worth two crowns a day, nevertheleſſe avarice made him paſſe it eaſily: But this beginning was a mean matter, for he muſt continue the labourers, being yet not advanced far by reaſon of the height of the Mountain, and firmneſſe of the rock, which he muſt cut through: nor though many looked upon the enterprize as extravagant and inconſiderate, yet the Prieſt every day got nearer to the mouth of the Furnace, with expence of time, labour, and difficulty. After four moneths ſpace; the ponderous chains and chaldrons, with great coſt and paine were drawne up. The good man boaſted, he doubted not now to come ſhortly to his ends, and that he had a revelation of it in his ſleep: at length all theſe iron Engines were ſet in order, and the work-men to the number of 50. began to let down a Chaldron well faſtened to a ſtrong chain of iron with other Engines ſecured, and the Prieſt himſelf ſet his hand to the work: But as they thought to draw up the Chaldron full of rich melted mettle, the ſtrength of the fire conſumed all, and they hardly eſcaped without burning their hands and feet, ſo violent a heat burſt out upon them. The Prieſt halfe mad cry'd out, the Devil had broken his chain with a thouſand curſes, ready to throw himſelf headlong into the Precipice, covered over with ſoot and cindars, and frying with heat, fright, and toyle, that he looked like a right fury; running like a madman to and fro; the reſt in little better condition, the greateſt part being lam'd and conſum'd with labour, and the violence of heat which had even melted them. The good man at laſt was brought to his lodging in extreme torment, where they laid him to bed in ſo much grief and diſcomfort, that he was the pitty of the world. Waking in the night he was ſurprized with ſuch a rage, that he gave himſelf ſeveral ſtabbes in the throat with his knife, and in the morning his ſiſter coming to viſit him, found him ſteep'd in blood and gaſtly, half dead, whereupon ſhe cryed out for help, and friends came immediately in, and a Chirurgion applyed the country balſom ſo fortunately to his wounds, that he was well within few dayes; nevertheleſſe for extreme griefe and ſullenneſſe he could eat nothing, at laſt he languiſhed to death, having conſum'd all he had gotten, beſides what his ſiſter had, and other friends whom he quite ruined.

The poor woman lived a while after, but miſerably, her Son-in law making ſome voyages betwixt the Indies and Spain, in the beſt ſort he could, who afterwards had other ſtrange misfortunes upon his wives account, eſteemed the daughter of that unfortunate Prieſt·

The laſt King of Mexico Montezuma was ſo potent, that he had three thouſand men for his guard, and could bring three hundred thouſand fighting men into the field. He ſacrificed every [Page] year above 20000 perſons to his Idols. His revenue in gold, ſilver, precious ſtones, pearles, cotton, furres, and fruit was infinite, he had thirty feudatary Kings under him,Montezama King of Mexica. each whereof command a hundred thouſand vaſſals. He gained nine battailes againſt his enemies, and was nine times victorious in cloſe liſts: He kept ſuch State and Majeſty, that none durſt look in his face. He was ſlain in an inſurrection of the Mexicans againſt Cortez, and his Nephew Catamazin choſen in his place; but he continued not long.

Mexica was conquered by Ferdinand Cortez, born at Medelin, Ferdinand Cortez conquered Mexica. in Eſtremadura, who came to the Weſt Indies in the year 1485. and 1519. went from Cuba to the conqueſt of Mexica, diſcovered before by Fr. Fermandez de Cordoua, who firſt found Jucatan in 1517. and by the intelligence he had from Velaſco Governour of Cuba, he ſent his Nephew John de Grizalua, who went as far as San Jouan de Ʋſua, and took poſſeſſion of the countrey for the King of Spain. Velaſco ſent afterwards one Oſio to relieve Grizalua, but he returned without advancing further. Cortez undertook the invaſion with five hundred ſouldiers, his Captains, Auilla, Porto Carrecco, Orda, Eſcalente Salſedo, Olid, Eſcouar, Aluarada, and others. He gain'd the Kingdom with great toyle and induſtry, defeated, and took the King Montezuma; afterwards being driven out by the Mexicans, with a neighbouring people their enemies he returned, and brought them abſolutely under the yoke. The Indians called him Malnixa, as a God deſcended from heaven. Amongſt the Spaniards themſelves he had great enemies, as Garary, Eſtrada, Olid, and Navez, whom he routed, and compleated his conqueſt. The Emperour made him Marqueſſe del Valla. He was indued with all the qualities of a Spaniard vertuous and vitious. He was bold, valiant, ſuddain in execution, clear ſpirited, ſubtle, patient, and reſolute; but ambitious, out of meaſure cruell, and libidinous. He dyed in Spain, at the age of 63. in the year 1546. He conquered in Mexica from 12. to 15. degrees. The town of Mexica is in 19. degrees: about the 8. of May, and the 16. of July the Sun is perpendicular. The countrey is temperate, but rather hot then cold, clothes there not being tedious or troubleſome, nor nakedneſſe importune, or broyling.

The Mines are not ſo wealthy as in Peru: but more profitable by reaſon of the leſſe charge and danger. Beſides gold, ſilver, iron, and braſſe; they bring from thence ſugar, cochenell, cotton, plumage, honey, wax, balm, amber, ſalt, medicinable drugges, &c. and few veſſels return light, which is not in Peru, Spain being enriched as well from one as the other. For though there is ſo much treaſure to be exhauſted, yet there is not ſo much danger. The faith hath made a farther progreſſe, the countrey is better peopled, the natives better ordered, more regular, better Markets [Page] of cattle, horſes, ſugars, and meat, wherein Peru cannot compare, which doubtleſſe would be better if it had more rain.

The natives wondring why the Spaniards were inquiſitive of gold and ſilver, at firſt they made them believe 'twas to cure them of a pain at their heart, whereto they were ſubject, but in time they found it did hold them there indeed.

Cortez to bring theſe people in obedience to his King, told them he was Emperour of all the Chriſtians, the greateſt Lord on earth, who had under him more Kingdomes and Provinces then other Kings had ſubjects.Spaniſh vanity. That his government was founded on Juſtice, and proceeded immediately from God, that he was accompliſhed with all vertues, and that the Monarchy of the whole Univerſe, was by right his inheritance, and other Spaniſh boaſts and vanities.

Concerning the particulars of this great country, beſides what I have ſaid already. In the Province of Mechoacan, there is an excellent root of the ſame name with the countrey, by others called Jeheurais, of the ſame vertue to purge, as Rhubarb, but more light and white, and purges with leſſe violence, which is a great traffick in Spain, where 'tis worth three or four realls the pound, and there almoſt nothing. 'Tis taken by the weight of a Crown pulveriz'd in an egge, wine, or broth. I have ſeen greater effects of it then Rhubarb. It may be kept four or five years or longer with care, but there is ſuch abundance, they matter it not.

By information of the natives, ſome of the Spaniards were cured of diſeaſes by this root, and ſo it became famous. 'Tis called Indian Rhubarb. Amongſt other trees in Mexico or the land of Caperous, there is the famous tree of Muguey, whereof they tell as many wonders, and ſeveral uſes, as of the Eaſtern Cocos, for it yields water, wine, vinegar, oyle, honey, wax, thread, and needles;A tree yielding all neceſſaries. ſo as this is ſufficient to keep a man. After drawing freſh water, the fruit will be like ſweet ſmall nuts. The water a little boyled becomes good wine; more boyled, like burnt wine, which coagulate again excellent honey, whereof they make Syrupes: The firſt water ſet in the Sun makes good vinegar: From the leaves iſſues ſweet milk, and out of the leaves you may draw thread, ſtrong enough to make cloth. I brought with me two ſhirts of it, and ſome of the fruit, as perfect into Europe, as it grew on the tree, for the rind is very thick, and that preſerves it. cloth made of this yarne, will ever have ſome dark gray ſtreaks in it. About the leaves grow little prickles, ſo ſtrong and hard, they uſe them for needles, and ſew with no other. There are many who live on this tree alone, which puts forth leaves upon leaves continually, and in ſuch abundance, that the tree is covered over from the root to the top, which makes it unſhapely. To make it pregnant, they lay cindars to the root: the wood is of ſuch quality, it endures twice as long in the fire as any other, and when [Page] they will keep fire a long time, they uſe a piece of this wood.

Balm comes from a tree ſomething like a Pomegranate tree, and it produces ſeveral ſorts of ſeveral vertues. The firſt is Opobalſamo, excellent for wounds and the plague, of gold colour like Ambar: another ſort is ſomething white: another ſort is preſs'd out the leaves and ſprigges burnt; of ſuch vertue, 'twill draw any iron out of the fleſh.

I brought ſome into France, wherewith I did moſt admirable cures of wounds, and old ulcers which had eaten to the very bone.

In a word, 'tis moſt ſoveraigne for wounds, paines in the ſides, contagions, and holding a little in the mouth, preſerves from bad ayrs.

They much eſteeme another tree called Cacao, as the fruit is of great uſe and traffick, which paſſes with them as money to buy all commodities. The fruit is like an Almond, a little leſſe: They are never without Cacoas in their pockets, to buy what they want, for alms, or to eat;Fruit uſed for mony. and 'twill keep a long time. The Province of Guatima produces them in abundance, where they make a precious drink of it, that accordingly mixt cools, or heats: it makes good wine. They make Cakes of it good for the ſtomack, and ptiſick, 'tis like an Almond tree, the leaves a little broader, and of a thicker body. To make it proſper, they plant another by the ſide of it: 'tis very tender, and ſuffers equally by cold and heat.

This latter tree they call Cacaos mother, becauſe it preſerves it from the injuries of the weather. Whoſoever hath this tree, they eſteem him happy and pious, in opinion, if he were not ſuch, their God would not have ſent him this tree: and when ſuch a tree dyes, they believe the Maſter hath committed ſome heinous crime.

In like manner they have their Coca in high eſteem at Peru, which being chewed and held in the mouth, marvellouſly revives the ſpirit. 'Tis of very delicate taſte, whereof they make great traffick to Potoſſi.

Of the Gold and Silver Mines in Mexico, I will ſpeak jointly with thoſe of Peru.

CHAP. XI. Of new Spain, the Provinces thereof, and of Peru.

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NEw Spain is the greateſt Dominion in North America, as Peru in the South. Betwixt both lyes Jucatan, Hondura, Nicaragua, Veraga, or Nombre de Dios & Panama, which chain them together.

Jucataen. Jucatan is a point of land which extends to the 21. degree, like a peninſula, being in the ſtreighteſt place from Xicalanco to Chotemal ſome hundred leagues over: the country was firſt diſcovered by one Fernandez in one thouſand five hundred and ſeventeen. afterwards by Griſalua, who came from Cuba to the Iſle of Coſumel, or Saint Crois, thence to Campechia, Champatron, and Tauaſco.

Hondura was firſt diſcovered by Columbus in his laſt voyage, 1502. laſt by one Caſan who ſetled the Plantation of Tucillo in 1515. Pedrarias d' Avila, in 1519. planted the Colonies in Nombre de Dios, and Panama towards the South Sea; the firſt diſcoverer of that ſea was Vaſco Muntz, coming from Dariana in 1513. who with great joy rendred thanks to God, and took poſſeſſion for the King of Spain.

Betwixt Nombre de Dios and Panama, 'tis 17. or 18. leagues of Marſhes, Mountains, and craggy aſperous rocks, full of fierce wild beaſts of all kinds, and a multitude of Apes that make a very troubleſome noyſe. They tranſport their Merchandiſe from ſea to ſea, either by land with convoyes, or by the river Chagra to about five leagues from Panama, Panama. and then by land with Convoy. They have often thought of cutting this Iſthmus in the ſtreighteſt place, but the difficulty of the Rocks and Mountains by the way, beſides the doubt if the ſeas are levell, as at the Egyptian Iſthmus, hindred the proceeding.

A Colony at Sancta Maria Antiqua in Dariana, diſplanted for the unſoundneſſe of the ayre: for but throwing warm water on the ground, toads, and other venemous creatures would engender.

Advancing towards the Eaſt, we came to the Provinces of Ʋraba, S. Martha, Cartagena, Popayan, Dorado, new Eſtramadora, new Granada, Venecuela, Caſtilia Doro, Bagota, new Andolouſia, Paria, Cahaqua Cumana, &c.

South lyes Dariana, then the great kingdome of Peru, then Chila to the Streight.

Dariana was planted by one Anchiſa, there are Cowes with feet, like Mules, and hornleſſe.

[Page] Peru according to ſome extends from Dariana to Chila others clipping it from Popayan North, to Chila South. It took name from the River Peru in two degrees Northward; the Provinces thereof are Quito, Quixos, Popayan, Canela, Pacamores, Gualſonge, then Collao, Carchas, Anedas, Tecuman, to Chila.

Popayan is about two hundred leagues in length, and forty in breadth, lying upon new Granada towards the Eaſt. The Provinces are Antioch, Tataho, Anſerma, Arma, Pacoura, Catapa, Quinhaya, Calix, and Paſto.

Anſerma 70. leagues from Antioch is called by the Indians Ombra; but the Spaniards ſeeing the Inhabitants hold ſalt in their hand, and call it Anſer, thought the town had been ſo called, and continued that name: there is a paſſage over the river Saint Martha at that town. Arma is of note for rich Mines: Parmoura hath alſo ſilver Mines: the Province of Arbi extends to the Mountains of Cordilleras, which runs a thouſand leagues Southward: on that ſide which ſtretches to the ſea, they never have raines by reaſon the South, and South-Weſt winds blowing continually, drive the clouds away, whereby this part is barren without tree, fruit, or graſſe. but the other ſide onely a league diſtant, by reaſon of the rains, abounds in fruits and all commodities.

In Quinbaya at the end of the Cordilleras over againſt Andes, there is a famous burning mountain. In the Province of Paſtro there is a large valley called Arris ever cold, both winter and ſummer. All theſe parts are well peopled, and the Inhabitants not ſo bloody, nor man-eaters as in other parts; living under a government and obedience to their Prince, and believe in the reſurrection after death, and that they ſhall live in fields of peace, with all ſorts of delights.

Peru extends from Paſto to Chila, The extent of Peru. ends Southward at the River Manto, North at Augar Mayo: here are vaſt ſandy Plains as far as the Indies, where the heat is extreme, while ſnow lyes on the Mountains, and the like diverſity of the ſeaſons; I remember when I went to Sicily, walking on the coaſt of Calabria in the beginning of March, winter was ſo ſharp, there was not the leaſt ſprout of a Vine to be ſeen, whereas in Sicily I found them a ſpan high, young beanes, good Artichocks, and they mowed green corn, to give the blades to horſes.

In this part between the ſea and the Codilleras called Sanaria, for want of wood, they get a certain earth out of the water, which they dry and make turfes, like thoſe in the low countreys: the Mountains are the moſt deſert and arduous in the world, of long extent, running from Panama to the ſtreight: they throw down divers Rivers, and compoſe very fertile Valleys.

At the point of Sagotta at the entrance into thoſe vaſt plains, betwixt the Mountains and the Sea, lyes a wide countrey, [Page] covered with nothing but ſand, like the deſerts of Arabia, but not ſo white: ſome ſhrubs there are, or rather ſtalks, ſtrong as the Caper ſprigges in the deſerts of Paleſtine, the ſame we call ſalt graſſe, which refreſhes the paſſengers exceedingly, and continues till May. The ſeaſons differ but little in Quito Cagnales, Santiago, de porto Vieio Cuſco, Cagnata, Collao, Charcas.

Q [...]ito.The Province of Quito is called by the Spaniards Poblada de San Franceſco, and the capitall town S. Francis of Quito. The length of Peru from Quito to Chila is ſome ſix hundred leagues, the breadth about fifty. The countrey is divided into three parts, the Plaines upon the ſea ſide, about ten leagues over, the Mountains and Valleys twenty leagues, the Foreſts and Lawns twenty leagues, within which little ſpace of fifty leagues; there is ſuch difference, that it rains as 'twere alwayes in one part, in another not at all, and in the middle upon the mountaines ſeldome.

The Cordileras which run from Pole to Pole by the names of Andes and Sierra, are very different though in the ſame elevation: one ſide covered with woods, where it rains, and is ever hot; the other ſide bare and cold, winter and ſummer. Theſe mountains go for a thouſand leagues in view of one another, dividing at Cuſco, where they incloſe the Province of Collao, a Champaign countrey full of Lakes and Rivers. Next Collao lyes Charcas a mountanous countrey, rich in Mines. Quito is under the Equinoctial abounding in all ſorts of fruit, whereof they make two harveſts in the year.

The ſpring laſts from Aprill to November, and from October to March their rains, which they eſteem their winter. Here they have of thoſe famous ſheep called Pacos which ſerve as properly for carriage as horſes: of the height of an ordinary aſſe, long legges, deep belly, long and riſen neck, and the head like ours in Europe. They draw and do any work, the fleſh is wholeſome and ſavory, freſh or ſalt: theſe beaſts are tame, and apt to be brought to labour.

Out of the Province of Cognata towards the Eaſt comes the great River Maragnon, and on the Weſt lyes the Province of Gouacabilcas, the capital whereof is Guayaquil, then Porto Veio, where are good Mines, as I ſhall relate hereafter.

The Province of Santiago is South under the Equinoctial, containing Porto de Paſſao, the River S. Jaques, Tamebamba, point S. Ellen, Valley of Chaga, Mount Chriſto, Cheramica, Manta, Sapil and other towns. Their houſes are of timber covered for the beſt part with Tortota, a fort of reeds, whereof they make many uſes. Then comes the Province of Caxamolca from the town of Traxillo to Gouancabanca, and it may be fifty leagues over. In this country Pizaro took King Atabalipa.

Caſio.Then followes the Province of Caſio, with a town-royall of [Page] the ſame name fenced with divers walls, 13. degrees to the South, the Countrey is cold and mountainous, but the valleys fertile. The principal Nobility of the Empire reſided here, who held long ears for a grace and beauty, for the hanging of many jewels, whence the Spaniards called them Oreiones, the moſt magnificent in Peru. Eaſt lye the mountains of Andes. There are the Canches and Ayauires, great Souldiers. The chief Towns are Houtoncana, Chicano, Cachahurara. The Inhabitants of all theſe parts go cloathed, and neighbour upon the Province of Collao, the largeſt of all, having the Andes on the Eaſt, on the South Suchiabo. The principal Towns are, Culy and Chilane, Acos, Pamoura, Pomata, Cepita, and Tiquanaco, and reaches to Carocoles. 'Tis a flat Countrey and hath many rivers: and the great lake of Titicata, that is, the Iſle of Lead, becauſe within it is an Iſland that yeilds lead: 'tis 80. leagues in compaſſe, and in ſome places is ſo many fathoms deep, many rivers fall into it, and it again diſcharges into another called the Oulagas.

The laſt Province of Peru neighbouring to Chila is called Charcas, in which as the Town of Plata, the Capital,Plata. where the famous mines of Porco and Potoſſi are. Potoſſi of four or five houſes, built at firſt to fine their mettal, by degrees is grown a fair Town in 2 [...]. and 22. degrees: where notwithſtanding the ſterility of the Countrey, all commodities abound by reaſon of the rich mine; of ſuch power and attraction is wealth. Next to Charcas is the Province of Chila, which they hold to be 500. leagues over to the Streight.

'Tis an admiration to obſerve the quality of Peru, on this ſide. For here there is but one wind, not that which in the Torrid univerſally blowes Eaſtward, as we ſaid, but this is South and Southweſt; without which 'twere not to be inhabited for the dryneſſe of the place, but this wind renders it very healthfull: for 'tis to be obſerved that in this Countrey it never rains, ſnows,A wind of the uſe of rain. or thunders, nor any thing that may refreſh it, but this wind alone effects it. On both ſides of the Countrey are the high Mountains Cordilleras, productive of fair trees, and there, as in other places they have variety of weather, hot, cold, rain, ſnow: and on both ſides the mountains are bare and cold in extremity. This Countrey is long and narrow, compoſed of plains, mountains, and valleys: The plains are by the Sea-coaſt; on the other ſide the Mountains are reaſonable good, but ſome hungry enough. The plain may be of thirty or fourty miles broad, from Weſt to Eaſt, and holds the length from North to South. And 'tis ſtrange that in ſome parts they never have any rain, and in others more than they wiſh for, being but fourty or fifty Leagues diſtant.

In the plains then it never rains, all they ever have is a dew, which is ſo ſlender it never wets at all. Their houſes are covered [Page] with ſtraw or reeds. In the mountains they feed on thoſe wild-goats that have the Beſar ſtone.

They have likewiſe ſtore of ſheep, and cows, which they call Guanacos and Pacos, abundance of Apes and Munkeys, making moſt exotick faces upon paſſengers,Munkeys. ſome you ſhall ſee chattering their teeth, others ſcratching their bellies, here one running with three or four young ones under her armes, there another upon a tree that ſtirs nor at all; but the miſchief is, if we carry them out of their own air they die immediately. Beſides there are infinite Parrots upon the trees that never ſhun the paſſengers; but the young ones for fear thruſt the head under the Mothers wing; and if we take one of theſe without the Mother they dye immediately.

Some valleys are better than others, as thoſe of Yneay Andagaylas, and thoſe that run up to Cuſco, the Town-Royall, heretofore great and populous, now ruined by the Spaniards. The Cordilleras, mountains of a thouſand leagues long, where they divide and ſeparate, compoſe the large Campania of Collao. The Countrey towards Titicata is barren, without either bread or wine, but the inhabitants live upon a root called Papas, which they dry, and make a courſe bread of it, called Choignos; the Countrey nevertheleſſe populous for the heards of cattle, goats, and ſheep it breeds. There is abundance of veniſon, partridges, and other ſorts of game.

The vales of Charcas yield good ground, and the Mountains are rich in Mines. The reaſon they have no rain in ſome parts, is want of matter for exhalation, there being nothing but ſand, and neither Rivers nor Fountains. There are ſome draw-wells of exceſſive depth,Temper of Peru. it being impoſſible to derive water from other parts, for the interpoſition of the mountains. Beſides there blowing no wind but one, without any other to oppoſe it, that can engender no vapours. Where the Mountains are not ſo very high, there they have ſometimes rains, as at Arica, Arequipa, and ſome other places. Notwithſtanding, the other parts where it rains not, by means of the wind are fertilized even to wonder, and graſſe grows through the ſand which feeds the Cattle exceedingly, as it doth near Lima, where graſſe grows on a Mountain entirely ſand.

In May, when we firſt begin to feel heats in Europe, in Peru they are extream cold, where the Toumacaui reigns, as at Potoſſi and through all the Countrey of Charca, as 'twere the heart of Peru; a wind more cold and piercing than any in Flanders, and at Potoſſi is indurable, though the Mountain be higher than Noſtre Dame de la garde, at Marſeills, or Mount Martre at Paris: there is a leſſe Mountain at the ſide of it, called Guayna Potoſſi, or young Potoſſi, both of a colour, red without any verdure. The air is very intemperate, either hot or cold in extremity, ſo as an [Page] hermit would ſcarce live there, yet the ambition of gold and ſilver makes it pleaſant to every one.Mines in Potoſſi. The Mines were firſt diſcovered by Indians, amongſt whom one acquainted his maſter Villaroel a Spaniard, who became Lord of it, paying the fifth to his King, about 1545.

One of the wonders of Peru, nay of the whole earth, is the Mountain Perlaca, where the air is ſo cold, thin, and piercing, that it cauſes paſſengers to vomit, to that extremity they bring up bloud and kils them with intolerable gripings: and if the travailers make not all poſſible ſpeed 'tis no ſcaping: for in this ſhort paſſage of four or five dangerous leagues, men looſe their ſenſes, and often their horſes or what they ride on will ſtand immoveable, without ſenſe either of ſpur or whip, ſo as they are conſtrained to run on foot, and drive their beaſts before them.

Some cover their eyes, others ſtop their ears, and their noſe, others muffle and lap their head and whole body. Others put their head in a bag of herbs, and aromatick drugs, others carry cordials to eat, others eat not of all day, that they may not have ſo much matter to vomit; but oftentimes this ſerves not the turn, when one is in this pernicious place, where there is nothing to be heard but laments and vomitings, and notwithſtanding that the Sun ſhine never ſo clear, this vapour hath ſtill its force: ſome go other wayes a ſide off, but they ſtill find the ſame inconvenience, and the danger ſometimes more great: all the wayes are exceeding bad, and the worſt by the Sea ſide.

The whole extent of this quarter is not above five and twenty leagues, without people, beaſts, trees, or graſſe, ſo deſert is the place, and beyond the Countrey extends 500. leagues: At the foot of theſe Mountains there are ſome raſcally Innes, they call Tambos, where one finds but wretched entertainment. This is the high-road from Peru to Chila: At the foot of the Mountain towards the Sea, one would think the paſſage more benign, but there reigns a wind chiefly in May, June, July, and Auguſt, which cools and penetrates with extremity, ſo as fingers and toes freeze and fall off with cold, the greateſt part periſh in paſſing, and the wind renders them incorruptible.

Of burning mountains we have ſpoken ſufficiently in Mexico, ſome there are in Peru towards Arequipa, which throw forth ſtones; others onely ſmoak, others flaming pumice ſtones, ſome vomiting flames and cinders, others ſcalding winds.

In Mexico, near a place called la Peubla de los angelos, Earthquakes. there is a hill five and twenty leagues high, anſwerable to another on the top of a Mountain; where when it thunders it makes an Echo that ſhakes the whole Countrey: a formidable thing to thoſe that are not uſed to it. Near Guatimala in 1586. for ſix moneths this hill caſts out flames and cinders, followed with earthquakes, that they have thought the Countrey had been ruined. All Mexico [Page] and Peru are ſubject to theſe earth-quakes, and chiefly on the Sea-coaſts, from Chila to Quito, For above 200. leagues, the Sea-men with aſtoniſhment beheld flames riſing from theſe mountains, and afterwards learnt that the Town of Guatimala was almoſt entirely ſwallowed in the earth-quake. In 1587. it reached 200. leagues diſtance, and at St. Croix, the Refectorian of the Dominicans was beaten dead, and twenty of the religious killed under the vaults. The Inhabitants of Guatimala having notice made a timely retreat. There are of theſe Mountaines near Lima, and another at Arequipa, to which you muſt aſcend two dayes in ſand.

Moſt parts of this India are ſubject to theſe furnaces, and earth-quakes, and chiefly near the Sea. Near Leon de Nicaragae there is a terrible one, where ſometimes by night the flames may be diſcerned 25. leagues, in diſcourſe whereof Benzoni relates the ſame of a Jacobin, as Acoſta of a Prieſt at Guatimala.

In the Province of Seiron near the Town of Bouſan, is mount Malat, where is one of the moſt conſpicuous furnaces of the Indies, next that of Guatimala; for the hill at the bottom hath five mouths, and at the top one, which is more formidable than the other five, for caſting out fire, with miraculous fury; but this is by intervals, ſometimes nothing but ſmoak appearing, at other times throwing up burning ſtones, ſpecially when the wind Tourmacaui reigns: during which time there is heard a moſt hideous tumult and tempeſt within. One King went about to quench it with water, but in vain, the fire encreaſing the more, on which deſign divers periſhed, and amongſt the reſt a near Allie of the Kings, in whoſe memory he made a ſtatue, adorned with plumes, mounted on an Elephant, and armed with ſkin of Crocodile. All that paſſed by it, proſtrated before it with great humility, believing the Prince happy, as being deify'd by their God; this fire which they adore as a Divinity. The Mexicans call theſe furnaces Popocatepech, Popoca ſignifying ſmoak, and tepech a Mount. The Neighbouring Inhabitants in their Armes, and Enſignes bear a flaming Mountain.

CHAP. XII. Of certain Fountains, Lakes, Rivers, &c. in this Countrey.

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NEar Potoſſi at the bottom of the vale Tarapaye, there lyes a Lake, round as 'twere drawn with a compaſſe, and the water ſo hot, that but at the brims there is no enduring it, but thirty paces forward 'tis impoſſible, notwithſtanding the Countrey round about is exceſſive cold. In the middle it boyles and runs round, that you would think ſome tempeſt were underneath. From this Lake they draw a Channell that ſets certain Leather-Engines at worke, uſefull for the Mines, without any waſte of the water. Titicaca in Collao is famous for largeneſſe, and bearing veſſels of burthen: fiſh abounds in it, whereof the Inhabitants round about take great quantity, very ſweet, good, and commodious for paſſengers, to whom they freely give part of their fiſh, taking them with certain hand Engines. If a Prieſt come that way they will preſent him a thouſand civilities, and he is happy with whom he will lodge. One is in perfect ſecurity amongſt them, not underſtanding what theft meanes, and you may truſt them with all the treaſure of the world, while you live like good Chriſtians.

Throughout the Countrey there are abundance of other Lakes, as that of Eupama in Braſile, whence ſo many Rivers iſſue; and amongſt others the great Paraguay, or Plata, which make inundations like Nile, but not ſo moderately, for Nile comes without any injury, but on the contrary with all commodity: whereas Plata breaks with fury into the Countrey for three months together, courſing from the Cordilleras in Peru to the South Sea. They have a way to paſſe rivers upon floats of gourds or pumpions faſtened together, which they uſe for all ſort of carriage, in ſome places they have bridges of ſtraw. The Spaniards have built ſtone bridges, which the Indians much admire, and at firſt had no confidence to truſt themſelves upon bridges in the air.

Now for their Fountains, near the cape St. Helen in Peru, there is a Fountain of liquor burns like oyl: 'tis a certain Bitumen, or Gum, which they call Copey, or Copal, that never decreaſes, how much ſoever is taken out. Marriners uſe to liquor their cordage with it. The like is in the Iſle of Lobos, in Mexico, which the Marriners can ſmell three miles at Sea, and more, if the wind [...]it right.

In Cuſco there are Fountaines, the water whereof immediately [Page] congeals into white ſalt, in which Peru abounds. In Guancaueſica there are hot ſprings that condenſe to ſtone, whereof they build their houſes; but the water drunk is mortall: wherefore they ſtop up all high-wayes to it, for it cauſes a preſent heavineſſe, and then they die immediately. They have many other fountains hot and cold cloſe together, ſome whereof cure the French diſeaſe, though never ſo confirmed, by reaſon of the Saſſaparilla that grows in them.

In Peru there is a ſheam red as bloud, for that called Rio Vermeio.

In Caramel they have another Fountain cures all feavers, and purges like Rhubarb; the water is brackiſh and ſalt at the firſt taſte, but afterwards one feels nothing, but may drink his fill without dammage: it drives through the body all that is malignant, then paſſes clear. I thought I ſhould have vomited my bowels up, but afterwards I found my ſelf ſound and cheerfull, and cured of a Rhume in my teeth I had been troubled with for a long time. I drunk three flagons a day, and ſtill it provoked me to drink more: They come to it from all parts, and for all diſeaſes, even for wounds. And the place is made ſo neceſſary one may bath in it. 'Tis onely hurtfull to hot livers.

Round about it are tents of ſtraw, and beds of cotton, and ſheep-ſkins, where you ſhall have all accomodation for a ſmall matter, and they will officiouſly fetch and furniſh you with any thing you want, amongſt others they bring us a fowle called Magnota, more delicate than a patridge, another that is white and black, and eats like a capon, and abundance of turtles. But of Lakes, where is there any ſo admirable as that whereon the Towne of Mexica is ſeated? whereof one part by reaſon of Salt-peter at the bottome is ſalt as the Sea, the other by reaſon of the Rivers that fall into it freſh as any Fountaine, each diviſion being ten leagues in length, and five in breadth, and three dayes journey in circuite, with a delightfull Mountain in the middle, and a bath hot as that at Baleru. In the middle of the Lake is the Charnell of green Tombs, ever covered with herbs and flowers.

The Spaniards have laid moſt of the Town dry, being before in the manner of Venice, and have made conduits that convey water throughout the Towne, and chiefly round the walls. Out of avarice the new Conquerours admit not the Indians to fiſh on the Lake without licenſe, who now, contrary to Articles, enjoy not their ancient liberties, neither in this nor other things.

There are three Cauſwayes lead to the Town, of halfe a league long. They account upon 4000. houſes of Spaniards, [Page] and thirty thouſand Indians: For Rivers you have there ſpacious Lakes, or rather Seas, as the Magdala in the Province of St. Martha called Rio grande, then the Orenoque towards Caſtilia of gold, and Veneſuela. The ſilver River in Braſile coming from Mountaines far remote from Peru, above all, the great Ozeilliana, or Maragnon, and Amaſones, which cuts through the South America, from Chachaneyas, and Quito, through infinite Territories and Dominions, to the Northern Sea.

This River comes from the Province of Araquixo, or de los Quixos, near to Popayan, and thirty leagues from the South-Sea, diſcovered firſt by Franciſco Orellano, a Spaniſh Captain, ſent thither by Gonzala Pizarra, who had ſought a long this River for the land of Canela; and miſſing the wealth he ſought for, and finding the trees few in number,A diſcovery. and of ſmall value; not lighting on the Country of the Prince ſurnamed Dorado, in 1562. he ſent Orellano with fifty men to ſeek proviſion, view the Countrey, and attend his coming in an appointed place.

The Captain following the ſtream, which ſtill grew wider by the Rivers that every where augmented it, going fifty leagues a day; without oar or labour, for a long while he diſcovered no habitations: go up again he could not, and by land there was nothing but woods and buſhes, after he had ſuffered plenty of hunger, he met with ſeverall people, and of ſeverall tongues, and conditions, ſome mild and courteous, others fierce and ſavage; purſuing his way without card, compaſſe, or guide, by many Iſlands and populous Countryes, amongſt others of Amazons the female Archers, of whom there are ſome Curtiſans,Amazon [...] at Braſile, not much diſcrepant from thoſe Antiquity renowns in Aſia, who co-inhabit not with men, and at certain times have Neighbours come over to them for procreation, to whom again they tranſmit the Males, and keep the Girles.

After a tedious Navigation, and many turns and compaſſes for above ſeventeen hundred leagues upon this River, he came to the confuſion of it in the North Sea, fourty leagues over, following the Coaſt he arrived at Cubaga, or the Iſle of Pearles, which is above four hundred leagues, whence Orellano with 14. of his men being recruited, came to S. Domingo, afterwards made an ample relation to the Emperour, where Ouiede took his inſtructions, and inſerted it in his Hiſtory.

Meanwhile Pizarra expected, and having ſuffered extream hunger, ſeeing Orellanio came not, he returned to Quito much troubled, he found not the ſought for Dorado, a golden Prince indeed, who wore no other garment but pulverized Gold lay'd on with gumme, with [Page] which he goes dayly covered. To conclude, this is one of the greateſt and longeſt rivers on the earth, and waſhes more lands and people than any other. Afterwards many other Spaniards ſailed it, as Salinas Orhia, and others.

Adde hereto the great Lake or Ocean Guiana, Parimi, and Manoa, in Countries diſcovered by the Engliſh, Sir Walter Rawley in 1595, who equals it with the Caſpian Sea, that containes many Iſlands. The capital Town is Manoa, a Countrey rich in gold, fruit, and cattle. North lies Caſtile of gold, Paria and Caribana, Weſt new Andalouſia, and Peru, South Omaga, Pegu, Picora, Paguana, Eaſt Tiſnado, Braſile, &c.

Concerning beaſts in America, there are great numbers as well the naturall of the Countrey, as Europian tranſported, which are multiplyed exceedingly.Strange beaſts. Amongſt others in Mexico there is one the Spaniards call an Armadillo, armed with ſcales like the Rhinocerot, in ſhape like a little pig, about the ſize of a Cat, and lives in Burroughs like a Rabbet. The Pacacou like a fox, that preys on dead mens carcaſes, and digs them up how deep ſoever, I have ſeen of them in Aſia and Africa, where they call them Chicali.

Birds of prodigious greatneſs.There are the Birds called Conderos, which the Chaca poyas of Peru adore; theſe will carry away a ſheep, tear in pieces and eat him; they are aſh-coloured like a Sea-Crow [...]: others again ſo minute they ſeeme rather Flyes or Gnats.

Tabala.Another ſort that is as 'twere all feathers, and none or little fleſh, and as they ſay never comes upon the earth. Their feathers are of various colours, in perfection beautifull, when they reſt they hang on a bough by the tayle, claſped round it: their plumes are worn and much eſteemed.

In Marſeills I ſaw one ſold for 500. crowns, in Portugall they come at 60. The Indians of theſe curious feathers make Pourtraicts as artificiall as thoſe in colours, nor can they well be diſcerned aſunder.

Plumes in uſe.The Guacamayes have more beautifull and curious feathers than the Paraquito. They affect plumes throughout all India, but in Mexica above others, for wear, for adornement of their Temples and Idols, and to make pourtraicts of their faſhion. Feathers are there good chaffer, I ſaw an Indian truck pearls with a Leuantian, (ſo they term us) for feathers he brought with him, which coſt him but five Crowns, and he had above three hundred pearls for them. This was a poor Marriner who made a fortune by it,A good bargain. for he made many voyages afterwards to the Indies, with a good ſhip, and merchandizes of his own.

They wear them likewiſe in their dances. Firſt one called the Tamari dances ſingle, then makes a ſigne to a Lady to come dance with him, then others follow after the ſame rule; [Page] but they never kiſſe nor touch hands, and uſe all reſpect to their women.

Of fiſh, there are abundance of Crocodiles and Tiburons, Fiſh of Mexico. that are man-eaters. The Manati that ſuckles her young ones with teats, hath legges to walk by land, and eats fruit and graſſe: the fleſh is good like veale, there are many about the Iſles of Barleuento, the coaſts of Peru, Cape Magdalen, and the Iſles of Salomon.

They are very good to ſalt, and eat like powder'd beef. There are abundance of Whales, but they are ignorant how to take them. The Floridans take them, and make their chiefeſt ſuſtenance of them, the fleſh dryed in the Sun, they make into flower, and without wetting eat it in powder, and it nouriſheth exceedingly. Another fiſh with wings flyes as ſwift as an arrow, they are like Mackarels, but not ſo good meat. The Meri that ſwim alwayes againſt ſtream, and the Indians ſay, in Auguſt, have a worm in their head, vexing them, and makes them go upward, that the water entring at a little hole, may refreſh them.

Another ſort called Perpil ſtreaked with divers colours, that they eat roaſted, and is meat for ſick perſons. They have ſoals of extraordinary growth, weighing ten or twelve pound, but the fleſh is hard.

Vicognes are like Deer without hornes, greater then Goats, living on Mountains without fear of froſt or ſnow, in their bowels they have a ſtone of the vertue of the Unicorne, or Beſar, againſt poyſon: they bear a wool as fine as ſilk, whereof they make Summer garments that refreſh them. The fleſh is good againſt divers diſeaſes, the ſtone is like a Pullets egge, black, or gray; this beaſt they ſay having eaten ſome poyſonous hearbs, eats another called Capas, proper againſt poyſon, and ſo breeds this ſtone of the ſame vertue.

There are little wild ſwine called Saynes, that go in heards, and are very dangerous: others that are alſo very dangerous to take if the hunters have not good aſſiſtance, which are good meat, and the greaſe of them ſerves for oyle, for Spaniſh oyle is there very deare.

There is likewiſe a very heavie beaſt called Manaquail, covered with Pikes like the Hedge-hog, that will dart them at a diſtance, a ſnowt like a hogge, but nothing ſo big, and a ſhort foot, he is very good meat. There is alſo another ſort of Crocodile, of which we found one hunting in the Foreſt of Caramel, and we judged him to be ſeven or eight paces long, and after we had viewed him a while' we raiſed him, and put him to flight with ſtrange ejulations.

Of Apes and Munkies there are great numbers of all ſors, and ſizes. Some as little as rattes or mice, with a white beard, that will imitate all they ſee, and are very ſerviceable, as I have ſeen [Page] at Sevill, that ſeem to have a kind of reaſon. In Candia I ſaw another that the Maſter bidding him go ſtand Centinel, and look if he could diſcover any ſayle, would preſently climbe the Maſt, or get upon the Lanthorne, and if he diſcovered any veſſel, would make ſigns, and cry out, and was ever very certain.

Their ſheep called Lamas or Pac [...]s ſerve for all carriages, with fine wool, whereof they make Combi and Auafra for their apparel. One of theſe ſheep will carry eight heavie jarres, nine or ten leagues a day, but like mules they are humourſome, and one muſt have patience to pleaſe them, and expect their good mood before they will travail.

In new Spain they have the Eſpoulcou about the ſize of a Hare, with a furre ſo fine, 'tis not for any but perſons of quality to wear it; they ſay the blood of it drunk breaks the ſtone in the bladder in few dayes.

For ſpices, in the Iſle of Barlouento there is abundance of ſugars (as alſo in Braſile) Ginger, Maſtick, Aloes, Caſſia, Cinamon. In Carabana they have likewiſe Cinamon, and in Canela upon Orellana beyond the Quixos where Gonzala Pizarra went to look it, for he was told in form it was little different from that in Borneo, Moluccos and Leilan, that the other grew in canes and reeds, but this on certain fair trees that bore a fruit like an Acorne, and that the bark was Cinamon: the fruit is not pleaſant, nor the bark ſo good as the Cane; nevertheleſſe they make uſe of both. Pizarra at length, after great toyle, found the trees upon a Mountain, in ſmall number, and of little value.

Other trees of ſuch compaſſe, good dwellings may be made within the bodies of them which they call Sesbiraich, ſome in new Hiſpaniola, eight men cannot fathom about, and of a flight ſhot in height, on the top whereof they make Arbours.

CHAP. XII. The Mines of the New World.

AMongſt other rarities and riches, the New World produces Mines of Gold and Silver, pearles and precious ſtones in divers places, and chiefly in new Spain and Peru, which of all parts of the world, are moſt indulged with theſe advantages of nature, though other parts of Aſia and Africa have them in ſome abundance, and Europe likewiſe: but it appeares America had the principal and better portion, as well in theſe as other Dowries, as I have before mentioned.

In divers Iſlands they finde moſt wealthy Mines, as in Hiſpaniola,[Page]Cuba and the reſt upon the great gulph; again, in Carabana, Veragna, Caſtile of gold, the country of Dorado, or Eſ [...]ramador. In new Spain, there are theſe of ſilver Paxuco, Taſco, Mines of ſilver. Zupango, Guanaxato, Tumazlan, and other places in Acapulco.

At the gold and ſilver mines they coyne not, for want of Artiſts, but they cut pieces and gobbits, whereon they mark the price from one reall to eight, and ſo ſend them to Spain. The Mines belong to Merchants, who give ſo much to the King, ſome four, ſome five per centum. For want of men that can and will work, they get the mettle with much difficulty, being the toyle wherein the Spaniards have ſpent the lives of ſo many thouſands, nay millions of miſerable Indians.

The Mines are exceeding deep, where the workmen are much inconvenienced with water, and with damps that poyſon them: few free-men will venture themſelves, and the meaneſt ſlave hath his three crownes a day, who are often buried under the falls of the Mine, ſo as by this means by degrees,Mines of gold and ſilver. the generation of the Indians will be in ſhort time totally conſumed, who are conſtrained to undergo the work to get their livelyhood, how good Chriſtians ſoever they are; and to ſpeak uprightly, looking on the inſatiable avarice of the Spaniard, and the miſery theſe Mines put them to, 'tis hard to judge who is the better, the ſlaves or the natives; for the ſlaves, for 800. or 1000. crowns may redeem themſelves again; the extreme colds they meet with at the bottom, often ſtrikes them dead, having little or no wine to relieve them: being a barren country, and the leaſt glaſſe of wine at the price of a Reall, the ſmalleſt money they have amongſt them, where they uſe not to ſtamp any Demy-Realls: if a man will live but with moderation, his wine will ſtand him in a crown a day, which cuts their gaines the ſhorter: they pay dear for apparell, and principally for ſhooes, which rot with continually ſtanding in water: They have the better of it, that work at the mouth of the Mine, for they hand the materials from one to another, and ſo have the benefit to ſee the day light, whereas they below ſee not but by candle-light: the depth is ſometimes a thouſand, or two thouſand ſteps, which are fac'd with boards, or leather,The manner of their working in the Mine. or 'twere impoſſible to endure it: But again, 'tis much more inconvenient to one that is not uſed to it, by reaſon of the ayre, that makes one vomit in extremity, as I experienced going in one day, though I had travailed all the ſeas in the Univerſe, without the leaſt motion. Now the ſilver Mine containes four ſeveral vaines, (or Veta [...], as the Spaniard terms them) of different ſtone, as they are likewiſe different mettles, which run all from Weſt to Eaſt, of not above two ells broad, and every vain is of ſeveral oares, as ſilver, braſſe, tin, and iron. The largeſt Mine any Merchant may purchaſe, i [...] of 80. ells, and no more; for which he hath the Kings Patent: there are ſome very ſmall Mines, that are not of above 4. ells, but they [Page] may ſink down to the center if they can without incroaching on his neighbour: and if it happen that one makes the leaſt inciſion beyond the direct line; mining upon another, he loſes all he hath by confiſcation.

In the Veta or vein of ſilver there are 78. Mines belonging to ſeveral Maſters, except ſome one hath rented ſeveral, the tin Mine hath 24. Maſters, every one his particular Mine, they go leſſe and leſſe, according to the quality of the mettle, as that of braſſe is leſſe, iron leſſe then that. There is a gate, and goods locks to every Mine, they work by turnes, otherwiſe they could never endure it, the ayre is ſo ſtrong and pernicious.

The ſilver Mine may be 150. ells deep, toylſome to the labourers, eſpecially the ſlaves, whoſe backs are loaded with ſilver, and their legges with iron. When a Mine yields five for a hundred, 'tis ſufficient.

Great art is required to direct the Mine, ſometimes they can neither find men nor Mine, being all for want of good direction, overwhelmed: wherefore Geometry is very neceſſary.

Silver generally lyes betwixt two rocks or mountains, the one very ſoft, the other as hard, and ever in the very middle. There are ſeveral ſorts of it▪ the fineſt is called Caſilla by the Spaniards, by the Indians Tacana, of Ambar colour, the other more black; and there is of other colours. I took all to be the ſame, perceiving nothing of ſilver in any ſtone, but the workmen know it perfectly. The oare they carry to little furnaces to be fin'd. When the ſtone is good, a hundred weight yields fifty pieces of eight, ſome not above thirty, nay five; but the richeſt of all, two hundred and above. There is not a Mine but hath belonging to it at leaſt four thouſand of theſe little furnaces, ſome five or ſix thouſand, as that at Caratecas and Potoſſi. You would think you ſaw an Army of the bellows-blowers.

Quickſilver.They have one Mine of Quick-ſilver, the heat whereof emits a moſt pernicious vapour that deſtroyes them all; makes them loſe their teeth, and often their ſenſes and underſtanding. Staying by it but a quarter of an hour, I was almoſt ſtupified to a ſtone, and the reſt likewiſe that were with me, and had ſped worſe, if notice had not been given us. They get an earth they call Azague, which melted yields quick-ſilver, with which they uſe to purify the ſilver, and have it likewiſe from Spain, where there is a Mine near Sevill, for this at Cacatera will not ſuffice. The ſilver being fin'd and made money, they carry it upon ſheep to the Sea-ſide, to ſhip it for Spain. The fining of it is troubleſome, for often it muſt paſſe the fire ſeven or eight times.

They bring to Spain every year 12. or 13. millions more or leſſe, whereof the fifth comes to the King, the reſt to the Maſters. There was one in few years got two hundred thouſand crownes and more for his ſhare; and when he dyed, had not a ſheet to bury [Page] him in. Of gold there is ſeveral ſorts, the Popitas, or gobbets, or grains of gold, abſolute gold, pure and neat, without mixture, wanting neither furnace nor melting, ready for the ſtamp, being perfect by nature.

The maſſieſt I ever ſaw was but of three pounds, yet 'twas preſented to the Spaniſh King for twenty pounds.

Out of the Mounts of Libani in Cuba, there was one taken weighing 3310. weighs, each weigh worth fourteen or fifteen realls, which with infinite other riches was caſt away at ſea, going for Spain.

There is no ſilver comes pure from the Mine except ſome ſmall bit which they call Capa di plata, pure ſilver.

Another ſort of gold inſerted in ſtone of the Mine, hard to be extracted; in breaking which ſtone, one diſcerns little luſtre of gold, in ſome leſſe, in ſome none at all.

The moſt delicate gold I ever ſaw, was a ſtone tranfixt as 'twere with prickles of gold, like a Hedge-hogge, refulgent both within and without, this gold is the beſt and fineſt of all.

Another ſort is in ſees or powder, found in rivers, 'tis pure, and needs paſſe but one fire.

Such are found in the rivers of the Iſles of Barlouento, and in the Paſaguey, &c.

The beſt gold is of Chila, Quito, and Granado.

The Mine of Carauana, in Peru, and Vuldiuia in Chila, which is the moſt perfect, is of twenty three Carats, and a halfe, as likewiſe at Varaquae.

Silver abounds in the rich mines of Potoſi, and the Province of Charcas.

Next the Mine of Porto not farre off; likewiſe very rich, but of little benefit for want of workmen, by reaſon of the unſound ayre, and extreme cold, and water which drownes it, but in Potoſi 'tis not ſo.

In the time of Jugas King of Peru, the Mine of Porto was open and wrought in, but not that of Potoſſi which was not diſcovered, till the Spaniards time.

This is the richer, and yields moſt.

At the firſt they drew forth every week above two thouſand Weighs, or Caſtillans, whereof the gain came to forty thouſand.

They fiſh for pearle in the South ſea,Pearle-fiſhing▪ neare Pa [...]ama, and in the North ſea in divers places, as in the Iſle [Page] Margareta towards the coaſt of Paria, where the Oyſters feed upon Cubuca, and ſurname it ſo. There are very large and precious of them, I have ſeen one no bigger then a nut ſold for three thouſand duckets, there are of higher price. The Maſter of the South fiſhing, aſſured me he ſaw one as bigge as an indifferent egge. There were three brought to Lisbone that paid a duty of ſixteen thouſand duckets to the King, as is to be ſeen in the Regiſter of Contracts.

There is a ſort they call ſtars, another demi-ſtars, others Cadenetas Pedreria, &c. Allofat, or minute-pearls, and ſeed-pearls, and thoſe of greater price, Quilates, or Carats. For this fiſhing they chooſe the beſt winded men, and ſuch as can contain longeſt under water.Men divers. At Barlouento, Cula, and Hiſpaniola, I have ſeen them ſtay three quarters of an hour under water, and I was told they have had ſome have continued the whole houre. The General of Margaita keeps many of theſe men, who are ſlaves to him called Bouze, and are ready enough to pilfer the beſt and ſell them, though 'tis forbidden upon life to buy them. The Maſter muſt uſe all fair means to get them out of their hands with ſomething elſe, otherwiſe they will ſooner return them to the ſea then let him have them, if he give them not wine and good cheer.

The Incas make no uſe of pearls, unwilling out of benignity to expoſe their ſubjects to ſo much danger; but the Spaniards are nothing ſo ſcrupulous, they make their poor ſlaves dive ten or twelve fathom deep, to tear oyſters from the rock: and to fortify their lungs for retention of breath, they keep them faſting, and hold them to a diet.

One was brought to the King, bigge as a Pidgeons egge, valued at 14000. duckets; by ſome at a hundred thouſand, and 'twas called a Peregrina. The Negro that extracted it from the oyſter had his liberty for it, and the Maſter was made Arguazilmaior of Parama.

For Emeraulds there is a Mine in Mexico, at new Granado in Peru, near Manta and Porto Vieio. I bought an excellent one of an Abiſſin Merchant, which ſurpaſſed in hardneſſe and luſtre, any of Mexico and Peru; Being in company with a friend, he deſired it of me, and I gave it him; but two dayes after, I perceived it broken upon his finger, whereat he much admired, and I told him the reaſon: which was, he had had familiarity with a woman, but he was aſhamed to acknowledge it, there being none but Idolaters, which is a great baſeneſſe.

Another time being in an Indian Town, Inhabited by the Spaniards, Emeralds enemies of incontinency. I had an Emerauld, which a Lady, daughter to the Lalcayde or Governour of the place deſired to buy; but on the morrow ſhe ſent for me, complaining I had ſold her a broken [Page] ſtone, which I diſavowed; at laſt I aſked her if her huſband were in town, and anſwering no, I whiſpered to her ſmiling, ſhe had then been kinde to ſome friend, whereat ſhe ſtood amazed, and in the end acknowledged the truth, taking me to be ſkilled in divination. The like happened another time to another friend of mine, who acknowledged the like truth: for ſuch is the vertue of this ſtone if it be good and fine, and of the old Mine. There are very fair ones, and of great price, did not the plenty of them make them leſſe eſteemed, I once ſaw one weighed four ounces, ſold for 6000. realls.

The Emerald incorporated within a rock, is like the mettle contained, and while 'tis imperfect, the rock will be vein'd with green and white, and opening the rock, the Emerauld lyes there imperfect, of the colour of the rock, green and white; ſo as to have it come to maturity, they leave it there till nature bring it to perfection, and go digge another place for riper: The Mexicans had a cuſtome to peirce the noſe and chin of their Idols, to put Emeraulds in them: one of their kings himſelfe had his noſe ſo bor'd and adorn'd with an Emerauld, and from thence was ſurnam'd Noſe-bor [...]d.

CHAP. XIV. Of Peru, Of the Kings or Incas; and of the Country of Chila.

PEru was firſt diſcovered by Vaſco Munes de Balbon, Peru by whom diſcovered. in the year 1515. and the firſt Haven knowne, was Porto Vieio under the Equinoctial. The Dominions of Peru under the Incas reached from Quito to Charcas 700. leagues, then to Chila 500. leagues. By tradition 'tis about 500. yeares ſince the Natives of Peru living barbarouſly, without civility, law, or policy; ſome amongſt them eſteemed, deſcended from heaven, and a generation of the Sun, civilized the reſt, and modelized the government. The firſt King was called Ma [...]ca Capac, all his Progeny and ſucceſſors Incas, Kings, as Manco Capac ſole King.

This firſt inſtituted adoration of the Sun amongſt them, with their Temples and Sacrifices. Their Prieſts or Sages are called Amantas, who believe the immortality of the ſoule, after death reſt for the good, and torment for the wicked, with reſurrection of bodies.

Theſe Kings, or Incas, enacted good lawes, and by degrees extended the Empire to the ſtate the Spaniards found [Page] it in. And like as the Roman Empire was as the hand of providence to reunite and ſweeten the rude and ſavage on this ſide, ſo in a manner the Monarchy of the Incas in Peru did the ſame amongſt theſe groſſe and wilde Idolaters, living like bruites, to modelize and regulate them,By whom civilized. and at laſt lead them to the knowledge of the true God, as now it hath.

Notwithſtanding 'tis to be admired, that in ſuch darkneſſe and ignorance of all moral and and natural ſciences, their Amantas or Sages, ſhould have a ſort of knowledge of the courſes of the Sun, and Moon,Calander of Peru. and other ſtars, for they knew in ſome kinde the annual motion of he Sun, and the vulgar counted their yeares by the harveſts. They likewiſe underſtood the Solſtices, obſerving them of eight days in the Eaſt at Cuſco, and another number in the Weſt: they reckoned the moneths by Moons, allowing twelve in the year, adding though groſſely, the eleven dayes over-plus, at the points of Solſtice; obſerved the Equinoctials, whence in September they made the principal feaſt of the Sun.

The Equinoctial they found by the ſhadow of a pillar, and the Eclipſes in like manner, during which time, they think the Sun angry with them, and the moon ſick. The king took the Rainbow for his Arms and device. They kept all accounts by knots upon ſtrings of various colours: and they had ſome harmony of Muſick in ſongs and Inſtruments of Canes faſtened together, four and four, in the nature of Organs, whereon they could expreſſe their paſſions of love, content, or ſorrow. They had alſo ſome Poetry and verſe, in meaſure with Meetre, and called their Poets Harauee, that is, Inventors.

Their Temples were of ſtone magnificently built, ſumptuous for gold and ſilver. The ſtatue of the Sun was maſſy gold, which a Spaniard took and gam'd away in a night, whereupon one ſaid by way of je [...]r, that he had plaid away the Sun before he was up. Of precious ſtones, they have none but Emeraulds, and Torqueſes, the country yields neither Diamonds, nor Rubies.

In their golden garden were all ſorts of hearbs and plants, trees, flowers, fruits, animals of maſſy gold, and ſilver to the life; In ſhort, the Spaniard found there unſpeakable wealth, yet all was nothing in compariſon of that the Natives concealed, or caſt into the Sea or Lakes, which could never be recovered. There were Monaſteries of maids dedicated to the Sun, bound to perpetual virginity, and never beholding other perſon, the ſuperiours called them Mamacunes.

Incas, or Kings of Peru.The laſt of theſe Incas was Atahualpa the 14, from Manco Capac.

Leon the 7. Inca, called Viracocha was a great ſouldier and Conquerour, who ſaw in a viſion one of their Gods Viracocha a Phantaſm, with long Muſtachoes, and a long gown, of the Spaniards faſhion, whom for this cauſe they call Viracocha, the Indians having no beard, and wearing ſhort garments. They ſay this Phantaſme [Page] foretold the arrival of the Spaniards, an unknown people, who ſhould take away their Eſtates and Religion.

Tapangui the tenth King, atchieved great conqueſts, and extended his Empire to Chiſa, above 1000. leagues, and built the fortification of Cuſco, that ſeems rather rocks grafted together by enchantment, than an edifice built by induſtry and ſtrength of men; for the vaſtneſſe of the ſtones of 38. foot long, and 18. broad, when they had uſe neither of Iron, Waggons, Oxen, Cranes nor Pullies, but fetched all from remote parts by humane ſtrength.

The 12. Inca Huaina Capat, by the Spaniards called Guainaecauan, that made the famous roads, with the monumentall ſtones and Innes from Quito to Cuſco, for above 500. leagues, the one by the Mountains, the other along the Sea ſhore upon the plain, works far ſurpaſſing all the Romans boaſt of, for length, art, labour, and coſt; beſides the rich and prodigious chain of gold, every link wriſt thick, made for a ſort of dance never found by the Spaniards.

This King was capable of the true Religion, for he would reaſon that the Sun could not be the Soveraign God, but that there muſt be one more powerful that commanded his perpetual circulation; becauſe were the Sun his own maſter he would ſometimes reſt for his pleaſure, not for neceſſity; whereas the Soveraign God ought to enjoy the moſt perfect tranquillity without perturbation, which was not ſeen in the Sun.

King Huiana now in peace at his palace of Tamipampa, in 1515. had intelligence of certain ſtrangers, not altogether unknown, that coaſted the ſhore of his Dominions: Firſt Nunez Balboa diſcovered it in 1513. afterwards Pizarra and his Company, who firſt gained it in 1531.

The news much diſturbed the King,Preſage of the Spaniards arrivall. calling to mind an ancient oracle amongſt them, how a forraign bearded people ſhould conquer and deſtroy their Empire: beſides in 1512. they had divers preſages that portended the ſame. For which reaſon the King dying adviſed his Sons, with the white men with beards that were to be their Maſters, and the Indians in excuſe, that they no better defended themſelves againſt ſuch a handfull of Spaniards, ſay 'twas not for want of courage, but in obedience to the orders and premonitions of their Prince.

Huiana had by all his wives above 300. children, yet but one legitimate, called Hilaſcar, by his wife who was his Siſter, and one other by his dear Concubine, called Acabalipa; to whom he left the kingdom of Quito, and Huaſcat reigned ſoveraign at Cuſco: But Acabalipa to throw off his homage to his Brother, invaded him with a bloudy war, defeated him, and took him, and put to death all the Incas, and Princes of the blood-Royal,Cruelty revenged. that he might reign ſole King, though according to the Sanctions of [Page] the State not capable, his Mother being Daughter neither of Coya, that is, a Queen, nor of Palla, a Princeſs of the blood. He gave death to above two hundred of his Brothers, then to as many of his alliance as he could lay hands on: as well men as women, with cruell torments; and extended his tyranny upon the very ſervants, and officers royal, with fire, violations, and other villanies.

In the Province of Canares alone, he put to death ſixty thouſand men, becauſe they had held with his Brother, and covered the land with carcaſes, and horrible deſolations. In recompenſe this villain was juſtly puniſhed by the Spaniards, more wicked than himſelf, and they afterwards by themſelves not finding any that could exceed them again in villany.

In the year 1526. Franciſco Pizarra, and Diego Almagro, being at Panarma, having lived a long time in the Indies, and aſſiſted at the conqueſt of Ʋraba Cartagena, and other places, reſolved upon the expedition and diſcovery of Peru, where they met with ill-favoured entertainments at their firſt landing. Then Pizarra going to Spain obtained the chief command in the deſigned conqueſt; and with four of his Brothers, Diego, Almagro, and others, made their invaſion in the year 1531. with moſt fortunate ſucceſs: Acabalipa they took, who paid a ranſom of gold and ſilver, nevertheleſſe they gave him an ignominious death by the hands of the Hangman.

Thus was this mighty and opulent Empire conquered by a handfull of Spaniards, divine providence in inſcrutible councels, making the avarice, cruelty, and other vices of theſe Victors inſtrumentall, to bring theſe people to the knowledge of the true God.

Now is the time the Spaniards glut their avarice, and cruelty, perpetrate all inſolencies and truculencies imaginable, which have been ſo fully repreſented, obſerved, and exaggerated by their own hiſtories and Authours, I ſhall not need to paint them in any other colours: but they all or the greateſt part paid dear for it, when by inteſtine diſcord, envy, and amutinies amongſt themſelves, they butchered one another, and ſo revenged the nefarious treatment of the poor Indians; and thoſe who overſtood this ſelf-deſtruction were juſtly executed by the command of Charles the fifth, who commiſſioned certain Licenciados Vacca de Gaſtro, and Gaſca, to pronounce ſevere juſtice upon theſe ſeditious Mutineers: there the Pizarras, Almagros, and others, all periſhed.

The fifth Viceroy eſtabliſhed in Peru, was Blaſius Nuez, 1544. Lima, or the Town of Kings, was founded at this time, firſt by Pizarra, in 1533. afterwards the reſidence of the Viceroys, the ſeat of Parliament, Inquiſition, Univerſity, and the Metropolitan Church of the whole Countrey.

[Page]As to Chila, that wide Countrey, which the Incas could never ſubdue, Almagro firſt diſcovered it, then in 1540. o [...]e Valdi [...]ia entred, and over-run it, but he found ſuch oppoſition of the Araucans, a ſmall people of this great Territory, that he breathed his laſt there, was ſlain and eaten, and from that time for 50. years they held the Spaniards in play, with good order and military diſcipline; they had learnt of one Lanearo, an Indian, ſometime page to Valdiuia, and afterwards revolted againſt him. This Arauco is a ſmall diviſion in Chila, not above ten leagues▪ in length and ſeven broad, upon the Sea-ſide, and breeds the moſt warlike people of the Indies, upon which account the Spaniards ſtiled it El eſtado in domito, wherein are contained the vales of Ponco, Purto, Tucapol, Angol, Cauten, &c. and the Towns of the Conception, and the Imperiall.

In 1599. the Arucans took and demoliſhed the Town and Fort Valdiuia, and others, putting all the Spaniards to ſword, man woman and child, and ſacked and burnt all, and had repoſſeſſed the reſt of the Country had they not been repulſed.

This conſtant war with the Araucans gave occaſion to the famous Poet Alonzo de Ercilla, to make his Poem the Auracana, where he deſcribes the Countrey, and their war with the Spaniard, and begins with this vanity, truely poetical and Romantick Spaniard-like.

No Las damas, Amor, no gentilezas

Di cavalieros canto enamorados,

Ni las Maeſtras, regales y ternezas

De amoroſos a feijos y cay dados;

Mas el valor, los huecos, las proeſas

De aquelles Eſpagnoles eſbercadòs

Que a la cermi de Arauco no do madae

Paſieron duro y ago, per la eſpada.

Here I obſerve a ſingularity amongſt theſe people, in election of their Chief, or Captain Generall, who is the man that can carry longeſt a great tree like a date tree upon his ſhoulders; as one Canpolican who was choſen did for three dayes together, without the leaſt reſt.

CHAP. XV. Of the ſtreight of Magellan.

[Page]

The ſtrait of Magellan.FRom Chila the next is the ſtreight of Magellan, of about 100. leagues in length, and not much more in breadth, or any waies, which is not to be ſurvey'd till you are well within the land: The tides are ſtrong and dangerous, principally from the South ſea, by reaſon of the narrow entrance in the mouth, and a multitude of rocks and mountains before the mouth of it, which render the paſſage hard to find, and being but a little out at ſea one can perceive nothing of it, ſo as you muſt go caſt about with the cock-boat, though otherwiſe you know the way and the true heighth, which is about 52. degrees. There is one very high Mountain hard upon the mouth, called la campana, being in form like a bell. The ſhalloweſt place is fifteen or twenty fathoms, and a very good bottom.

The South ſea enters thirty leagues within, amongſt very high Mountains covered with ſnow, the North ſea enters it ſeventy leagues on the other ſide, where they find bottoms in many places, as on the contrary, on the South ſide the depth is ſuch no ſhip can ride at anchor. On the North ſide there are expatiate plains and champians upon the firm land, and divers Rivers that fall into this ſtreight, ſhaded with odoriferous trees, which ſhews the goodneſſe of the ſoyle. It containes ſome Iſlands not to be ventured on without diſcretion.

The Inhabitants on the South ſide are exceeding little, on the North of Gyants ſtature, whom in Magellan they call Paragous, for their great feet:Paragows. they clothe with ſkins of ſheep and other beaſts for the rigidneſſe of the Climate. Theſe are a people without civility,Chica a Countrey. law, or policy, wandring up and down without any certain abode, repoſing in Cabins, and no other arms than bow and arrows; when we ſpeak to them and they underſtand not the language, they lift their eyes to heaven. They live upon fleſh dried in the Sun, enemies to none, but give themſelves wholly to chaſe and fiſhing.

This Streight is vexed with forcible tides from both ſides, which like two Cells encounter with a moſt obſtreperous fragour, where the danger is great, and chiefly in winter, when the winds rage there with more violence: for the Streight is never free from winds, no not in ſummer: divers veſſels periſh in croſſing the Rocks, which ſeem an Archipelagus of Iſlands, both thoſe on the South-ſea-ſide, and thoſe which come from Lima.

The immenſe depth on the South ſide renders the ſea more navigable, and on the North the length of the fall breaks the [Page] force of the waves, ſo as there is no great danger but in the narroweſt, and in ſome places of not above a muſket ſhot.

In the winter the Sea is higher than in Summer, and the paſſage wider, notwithſtanding the ſailing is nothing more ſecure by reaſon of the croſſe winds and colds. Some are of opinion that the Tides do not meet at the ſame time, but as it flowes on one ſide it ebbs on the other, by a locall remotion of the ſea: but they are deceived, for 'tis certain that the floud comes in and goes out on both ſides at the ſame time, like as the boyling of a pot riſing from the center diſperſes to all parts, and cooling, ceaſes all together: this hath been proved by experience, that at the ſame time the floud came thirty leagues form the South, and ſeventy from the North, the Sea ſwelling from both parts, as the Pilots obſerved, following the courſe of the Moon, the Tides augmenting or diminiſhing according to her ſtate, the Tide and Ebbe coming ſooner or later by three quarters of an hour daily conformable to the courſe of that plannet: The Spaniards call the high-tide at the new-moon Cabeza de aguas, the tide at the full Aguas viuas, the low tides in the wane, Aguas muertas.

This ſo admirable motion of the Sea ſeems rather a combat, or like the boiling of water in a pot over a fire, then a locall remotion, which nevertheleſſe I refer to Naturaliſts.

The ſtreight begins Northward at the Cape of eleven thouſand Virgins, as Magellan called it, and ends Southward at Cape Victoria: in the middle ſtood the Towne and Fortreſſe of St. Philip, which afterwards, the Inhabitants periſhing with hunger and cold was called the Port of Famine.

The firſt that paſſed this ſtreight was Ferdinand Magallanes a Portugueſe, who had both heard and ſeen ſomething of it in their cards. 'Twas in 1519. when he went to find a road to the Moluccas that way, for Charles the fifth.

Afterwards one Pedro Sarmicates paſſed the ſtreight from North to South; from South to North few paſſe, for the danger and difficulty to find the way. Since that the famous Argonautes who went round the world by Sea, as Sir Francis Drake in one thouſand five hundred ſeventy nine, Candiſh in one thouſand five hundred eighty five, Oliuier de Nort in one thouſand five hundred ninety nine, and of freſher memory Spilberg, le Maire, Hermita, and others. But le Maire in 1618. a little further, in ſome fifty ſix or fifty ſeven degrees, towards the South, found the new Streight, called by his own name much ſhorter, and much eaſier than the other, not being above eight leagues in length, and the breadth wide and facile: the Spaniards came thither afterwards, and gave it the name Saint Vincent.

Upon the North-ſide the ſtreight of Magellan are abundance [Page] of wingleſſe birds,Wingleſs birds. that live in holes in the ground, fat and good meat, they called Pinguins.

Sir Francis Drake found many good Harbours in the Streight, where good freſh waters came; but they are not eaſy to enter, for the ſtrong and turbulent windes that raigne there. The Land on both ſides lies exceeding high, and banked with inacceſſible Mountains, particularly on the South and Eaſt, where they are ever covered with ſnow.

The breadth in ſome places is of two, three, or foure leagues, in the narroweſt of one, or of two musket ſhots. 'Tis exceſſive cold, and never without ſnow and ice, the trees notwithſtanding ever green, and laden with fruit.

From this Streight by Cape Foendo, and the White Cape, they aſcend again into the ſilver river, where begins Braſile in 35 degrees beyond the line, reaching to the River of Amazons, under the Line. This ſilver river, or Paravai Parana, and Paraguay, diſgorging altogether like Cordillera, de ſerra, Muada in Peru and Charcas over-flow the whole Countrey, ſo as the Inhabitants for that time live in Canoes, faſtned to Trees, till the floud be retired within the banks. At the mouth tis about 35. leagues over, but further within the Land fifty; being ſtreightened towards the Mouth by reaſon of the Mountains, and compaſſing a number of Iſlands: this River riſes near the Town of Plata, towards Potoſſi, whence it takes name. Others derive it from the great lake called Eupania, where the other Rivers take birth, as Maragnon, but it ſhould rather be Parana, which afterwards falls into the ſilver River.

The firſt that came within the mouth of this River, was Americus Veſputius, ſent by the King of Portugall to diſcover Braſile, in the yeare fifteen hundered and one, and ſuppoſing it a paſſage from the South ſea to the Moluccas, ſatisfied himſelfe, and returned without looking farther.

After that, in the yeare fifteen hundered and twelve, the King of Spain ſent one John Solis, who named it Solis. In fifteen hundered twenty five Sebaſtian Ganor made a farther advance up the River, and by reaſon of the ſilver he found amongſt the people, or rather becauſe the head of it lies near the Town Plata, towards Potoſſi, called it the ſilver River, or Plata.

The Inhabitants along the River are of large ſtature, long-lived, light, and nimble of foot, uſe bows and ſlings in warr, and ſpeak the Patagonick Language, or the Chicaan: of later times the Spaniards have aſcended this River as farr as Charcas and Colao.

The other river I mentioned is above fifty leagues in the mouth, and riſes amongſt the Mountains of Cuntiſuya, near Cuſco, the Indians call it Apurimac, principall, and Capacmaya, [Page] the Prince of Rivers. It runs from South to North above five hundred leagues from his ſource at the equinoctiall: Then it turns to the Eaſt for 650. leagues in a right line, and goes with windings and turns, for above a thouſand five hundred leagues, two miles to the league.

This is the greateſt River upon the earth,The river Orellan [...]. which at his infuſion keeps the Sea freſh for many leagues: firſt diſcovered by the Pinſons of Siville in the year 1500. then Orellana ſailed it from the ſource almoſt to the end in 1543. 'tis filled with ſeverall Iſlands, and the Tide mounts above a hundred leagues: They find Meragnon to be ſeventy leagues Southward, diſtant from Orellana, that riſes from the great Peruian lakes, which deſcend from the Mountains covered with ſnow: others put them both in one: it may be falling ſo cloſe together into the Sea, they may joyn waters, and Orellana bear the name of both.

CHAP. XVI. Of Braſile, the Conquest of it, and of the Braſilians, &c.

BRaſile is a large Province of America appertaining to the Crown of Portugall, extending from 25. degrees to the ſecond from North to South, ſome ten degrees in breadth from Eaſt to Weſt, from fort Para in the mouth of the great River of Amazons to Plata.

Maragnon bounds it Northward in two degrees, Plata South in thirty five, on the Eaſt the excelſe and inacceſſible Mountains of Peru, Braſile. and on the Eaſt the Ethiopian or Atalantick Sea, as likewiſe on the North. For the Country, the benignity and ſweetneſſe of the air, and water, and the fertility of ſoyle is a miracle in ſuch a Climate and temperature: which renders the Inhabitants of ſo healthfull and long life: and though the Climate be under the Torrid, there come freſhgales from the Sea that moderate it, ſo as it becomes a delicate habitation, having every morning ſome miſts and dews, which the Sun afterwards diſſolves into air. Here you meet with nothing but fair open fields, pleaſant hills, fertile mountains, freſh valleys, green meadows, abundance of woods, rivers, and fountains of excellent waters, with infinite plenty of all ſorts of trees, plants, fruits, grain, cattle, ſugar, balm. In a word 'tis for neceſſaries and delights, the fulleſt Country on the earth. Of ſtrange Creatures there is the Cerigon, in ſhape and bigneſs like a Fox, betwixt [Page] yellow and gray, whoſe belly is like a purſe or pocket, wherein ſhe ſaves her young ones when ſhe is hunted: another the Portugueſe call Pereza, for his ſlow gate, in fifteen dayes not going a ſtones caſt, nor can any force drive him faſter, he feeds on nothing but leaves of trees, and 'tis ſome dayes work for him to climb up and come down. There are Camelions whereof I have ſpoken in another place.

Betwixt Braſile and the Cape of bona Eſperanza, there is a Gulph of 1200. leagues, formidable and furious for winds and tempeſts.

The Countrey is divided into nine Governments, or Captainſhips, wherein are 7. Colonies of Portugueſes along the coaſt, that is Tamaraco, Pernanbuco, Todos ſantos, or San Saluador, Puerto ſeguro, eſpiritu ſanto, Paraibi, Genero and others: the Capes of S. Auguſtine, and St. Vincent, the River St. Francis &c.

Braſile by whom diſcovered.The firſt diſcoverers were Veſpuſius, the Pinions Lopez, and Cabral about 1500.

Pedro Aluarez Cabral made the principall diſcovery in 1500. being ſent by King Emanuel for the Eaſt Indies; but a tempeſt caſt him here, and he named it the countrey of St. Chroſſe, and the place he landed on Porto Seguro.

Cabral for that time contented himſelf with taking poſſeſſion, and the Kings of Portugall being full of concernments in Africa and the Eaſt, neglected new conqueſts: till Emanuell not long before his death, ſent thither one Gonzalo Cotello, who ſailed on along the coaſt not without trouble and danger, and returned without any advantage.

Afterwards King John the [...]. ſent Chriſtopher Jago, who diſcovered about 1100. leagues upon the coaſt, amongſt others the Bay of Todos Santos, where in the River Paraguaſu he found two French veſſels traficking with the Natives; which ſhewes the French men traded with this Nation before the Portugueſes had any knowledge of it. This Jago barbarouſly ſunk their veſſels, and murthered all the men, done like the Spaniard who though he cannot diſcover and poſſeſſe all, will not ſuffer others to do it.

In 1533.From that time the Kings continued ſending thither, and divided the Countrey into Captainries, and Duarte Coello fortified himſelf in that of Pernanluco, aſſaulted perpetually by the Natives, who like the benign humour of the French much better. In like manner other Portugueſes with their Kings Patents accommodated themſelves in other Captainries, as Pedro Contino, on the River St. Francis, and the Bay de todos Santos, where they planted ſugar-canes, and built Engines to make it. But the Captain at laſt was defeated, and had his brains beaten out by the T [...]p [...]bous, his neighbours and enemies.

The firſt Governour or Captain Generall of all Braſile, was [Page] one Thomas de Soſa in one thouſand five hundred forty nine, with a Fleet of one thouſand ſouldiers, and ſome Jeſuites brought thither to convert the Natives, who were placed in the town of San Saluador: one Fernandez Sardinia was the firſt Biſhop of Braſill, in the year one thouſand five hundred and fifty.

The French under Villegagnon, Villegagnon. would have planted there in one thouſand five hundred fifty five; about the river Ganabara, in twenty three degrees: but the ſucceſſe is too well known, which happened through our own errour, and the ill uſage of the Portugueſe: nor was it better in one thouſand five hundred ninety four, one thouſand ſix hundred and four, and one thouſand ſix hundred and twelve towards Margnon, where our former errour, and the baſeneſſe of the Portugueſe, ſhut us quite out of this country: But the Hollanders afterwards with better fortune, better reſolution, and more patience, have ſince eſtabliſhed themſelves. The French notwithſtanding had moſt right for the commerce they had with the Nation from time to time, who loved them naturally, as they hated the Portugueſe, and indeed all others.

The Braſilians are ſaid originally to have come ſome ages ſince from [...]eru, advancing thither by progreſſion from time to time.

The Natives are exceeding barbarous, eaters of humane fleſh, but their enemies onely: go totally naked both men and women, of hue betwixt yellow and green, low and flat noſed; for by cuſtome when a child is born, they cruſh their noſes, as we do by whelps, but females are not ſo ſerved. The men are beardleſſe, and with great care keep themſelves ſo with ſmall pincers. They make holes in their chins ſo bigge, they will thruſt their tongues through them, an ugly thing to look upon, enchaſing precious ſtones, and hold this for a beauty. The women have holes in their ears, and wear glaſſe pendants they get in truck▪

They wear onely a ſmall [...]u [...]t of cotton upon their haire, and maids the like; for the reſt ſtark naked. But I obſerve their nakedneſſe yeilds leſſe provocation to concupiſcence, then the apparel and ornaments of ours: For going naked, they are ſordid and naſty, though never ſo handſome by nature: they are free for any mans voluptuouſneſs, both maids and widows, but married women are particular to their huſbands▪ ſo long as they are alive; [...]ut they have variety of cuſtomes, as they have variety of people. They live according to nature upon ſuch proviſion as the earth of it ſelf produces: the root whereof they make their bread and drink, is a good material: another they call Pachouqui, in taſte like a Cheſnut, they brought of theſe into Spain, where they proſper well; the Spaniard calls them Pacates. Of beaſts there are abundance, and all kindes of Veniſon, and they are [Page] very dexterous in killing it with their bow, wherein they ſhoot exactly.

Divers of ours being taken, have naturalized amongſt them, whether for that they had not means to eſcape, or voluntarily, having wife and children with them, of whom ours have learned much of their manners and language: but the miſery is, divers of them have fallen to frequent their Superſtitions and Idolatries: when we did inculcate to them to leave that unfortunate and bruitiſh life, they anſwered us with nothing but ſighs and tears, though they knew us for French-men, nor would have diſcovered themſelves ſuch to us, had not one of us found it out by obſerving how attentively they harkened to our language, and as we told them they were Chriſtians, one amongſt them anſwered no, which ſhewed they underſtood us, and in effect one of them was a Rocheler, the other of Saint Malo, who were taken in one thouſand five hundred ſeventy one, going towards the Cape of Saint Anthony to look water: Five of them the Savages eat and preſerved three for their youth; they are exceeding greedy of humane fleſh, and hold it the moſt delicate of all other.

Otherwiſe theſe people live in great innocency in little round Cabbins, without moveable or utenſil, except ſome ſilly veſſel of earth or wood, and a cotton bed like a fiſhing-net hanging in the ayre: they are very credulous, and underſtanding their language a ſmall matter might convert them.

Generally they believe the immortality of the ſoule, and that after death they go to dance with their Fathers behind the mountains▪ for all their delight is in dancing, and dance perpetually, if they have the leaſt leiſure; as they eat at all hours, without obſervation of any order: Sometimes riſe at midnight to eat, and never drink till they have quite ended: ſome believe that the ſoules of ſuch as have lived well, according to their law of nature, tranſmigrate into beautiful bodies, and others on the contrary for puniſhment into deformed and ſqualid ones, which in a manner is the Metempſycoſy of Pythagoras, whereof we ſpoke in the Eaſt Indies.

The Sourons and Carmels who live upon the River of Plata, towards Paraguay have but one wife, whom they petition her father for, who never denies her to brave and martial men, all vertue and honour lying in that: at their marriages the Prieſts Caraibes or pages, perform ſome ceremonies, cauſing them to change ſhooes: of houſhold ſtuffe, they have nothing but a couch, a cotton bed, and an Eſtere of ſtraw, or ſea-reeds. The father gives her in a baſket cotton girdles, and other ribbands to bind her hair, and feathers for her huſhand.

All is in common except their wives, who keep a ſevere fidelity to their huſbands, never tranſgreſſing, if otherwiſe they are puniſhed without remiſſion, or fly the countrey, in other crimes [Page] they are not ſo rigorous: maids and widows uſe all freedom; and if a huſband find his wife a maid, he eſteemes himſelf unhandſomely married, and that ſhe muſt needs be contemptible, for that no man hath medled with her.

Contention betwixt man and wife ſeldom or never happens, and when it does, they hold it to proceed from the diſpleaſure of their Gods, and make ſacrifices to appeaſe them.

The women being delivered, they ſwathe the child with a cotton fillet without other clothes, and when they foul themſelves, make them clean with ſand, and lay them on their faces on the ground to ſleep, where they lye without further danger.

They have certain experienced hearbs which they lay about them being near child-bed, which are very beneficial to them; and rejoyce much at the birth of a child, eſpecially a Male-child; and the joy is general, all crying out, That is, the Infant ſhall take revenge of their enemies.

They eat upon the ground, or elſe on a ſort of reeds,Cuſtomes of the Braſilians, wherewith they likewiſe cover their Cabbins; they ſleep commonly in the open ayre without the leaſt inconvenience, ſo ſweet and temperate is their climate.

Letters nor characters they have none, but are very ignorant, Mandioc a root is their chiefeſt diet, whereof they make flower, and eat it without baking, likewiſe boyled with water, it makes them drink in taſte like turned milke: they make flower alſo of fiſh dryed in the Sun, are great hunters, and good archers.

Braſil or Araboutan is their principal traffick, which both men and women go a long way for, and bring it on their ſhoulders to truck for glaſſe toyes, little knives and looking-glaſſes.

Braſil is a tree of more then ordinary height, with ſmall leaves, and infructiferous. many kindes of it, yellow, white, and carnation.

They make their chaffer with Merchants, without language, ſetting their wood an end on one ſide, and what they would buy on the other, and ſo bargaining by ſignes, every one takes away his own.

In ſome places they make drink of a root called Piroua, which hath a ſent that flyes into the head of thoſe that are not uſed to it; it refreſhes like Tiſan, of Orange colour, when 'tis boyled.

Being at Caramel, they feaſted us exceedingly, with the beſt dainties they had, and on all occaſions invited us to eat with them, admiring our wayes, and highly taken with our civilities: amongſt other things it ſeemed ſtrange to them, why we ſo oft took off our hats, but informing them it was to do honour, they were ſatisfied: they invited us to marry there, and live with them, offering us their [Page] faireſt women, and much affected our manners, and apparell.

Braſilians man-eaters.At Feaſts moſt commonly they make their deſignes of Warre upon their enemies for priſoners; and preſently joyning all together, do reverence to the Sun, promiſing the faireſt priſoners for a ſacrifice, if he proſper them; then chooſing four of the beſt experienced amongſt them, they obey them without exception. They march with certain Inſtruments that make a loud noyſe like drummes, and are ſtuck with abundance of feathers: their Armes are Clubbes of Braſil, which they call Sangal or Araboutan: bowes longer then ordinary, and arrowes without piles; of wood ſo hard, they are as effectuall as ſteel'd: Thus equipag'd, they will march fifteen or twenty leagues into the Mountaines, to ſurprize their enemies, whom they ſeldome take unprovided, and there will they fight with a bloody obſtinacy, preferring death before captivity: it being their ſatisfaction and glory, to take their enemies alive, and feaſt with their fleſh. Having taken any they bind them, uſe them well, marry them with their ſiſters, or whom they will, and let them live together till the day of ſacrifice: the evening before, they acquaint them with it in a friendly way, and the other accepts it with alacrity, feaſting and dancing all together: The day come, they lead him round the town or habitation, and all the people follow him with joy and triumph, the boyes ſhouting and jeering him; who without dejection boaſts his own feats and proweſſe; reproaches them that he has done as much for ſome of theirs, and that his ſlaughter ſhall be revenged at full, then reckons up all theirs, that he and his party have eaten: the other ſtill ſinging and dancing, regardleſſe of what he ſayes: coming to the place of execution, they unbind him, and bid him before his death revenge himſelf the beſt he can;Priſoners of War. then he with whatſoever comes to his hand, falls on, and layes at any one he can reach, and ſometimes wounds ſuch as make not a timely evaſion, then come two with Clubbes, and at a blow beat him to the ground; preſently they rip him, take out his bowels, and deliver the heart to their Caraibs or Prieſts, to ſacrifice to their Gods, the Sun, and thunder; then waſhing the carcaſſe in warme water, they cut it in pieces, broyle it upon a wooden Gridiron, never turning till it be fully enough on one ſide, and then feaſt all together.

They aſſault their enemies in their habitations, which are ſurrounded with a ſort of pointed Palizadoes to gore the aſſaylants: the others ſtorme it in the weakeſt place, and being robuſtious and ſtrong backed, ever ſtrive to come to hand-fight.

[Page]The miſerable wife of the priſoner, makes moſt ſad moan, and ſpecially if ſhe be with child, foreknowing they will do the like for her infant, when it ſhall come to two or three years old, a ſtrange cruelty, and ſo ſwallow their own bloud, under pretence 'tis the child of an enemy.

Savages though they are, there appeares ſomething of good natural reaſon in them, which by inſtruction and addreſſe might be improved, As when we reproach them with their nakedneſſe, they retort that we are the ſtupid and unreaſonable to conceale what God hath ſo liberally given us, and have we nothing to doe with our money, but to caſt it away upon clothes, things of no uſe, being borne without them.

Another aſked me one day why we Chriſtians would hazard our lives in ſo long voyages,Savages indued with reaſon. if it were to ſee or poſſeſſe their countrey, to which we had no right? and ſaying 'twas for neither, but onely to fetch ſome things of gaine amongſt them: and what gaine, ſaid he, a ſcurvy piece of wood, and other things as little worth? And telling him, that wood was of value in our countrey, and uſefull to our livelyhood: And how, ſaid he, is your countrey ſo wretched, it yields you not ſufficient for life, and ſuſtenance?

I anſwered, the countrey had a good ſufficiency in it to maintain us; but we deſired to get wealth for the felicity of our ſelves and poſterity.

And what ſayes he, will theſe riches advance you in Gods favour, will they preſerve from death, or can you carry them with you? and replying, 'twas for none of all this, but that we took a felicity to leave it to our children: Well, ſaid he, if the ſoyle were ſufficient to maintain you and your Fathers before you, why ſhould it not do the ſame for your children and poſterity.

They alledge the ſame reaſon, when we blame them for not cultivating their land, ſaying ſince it kept their fathers, 'twill not faile to maintain them and their children. So theſe ſilly people live free from all paſſion, avarice, ambition, envie, and labour of body or ſpirit.

If they get any thing that is good, they call in their neighbours, and make merry together, with perfect friendſhip, candor, and freedome, without quarrels or calumnies, go freely to one another, and eat what they finde, with a good will.

They have a drink of the root Cavain, which the Carmels call Piroa, made thus, they boyle the root with water, and when they uſe it, they ſtirre it together and drink it warm, this taſtes like turned milk, but in ſome places for a dainty, [Page] the maids chew the root, then boyle it, and make a moſt exquiſit drink.

In ſome parts there is a ſort of root called Elcout, of the taſte of a nut, which I hold the beſt amongſt them, 'tis of great vertues, but the exceſſe dries; infuſed with another called Monqueil, it purges without violence: they have an herb that growes low with leaves a hand-broad, that cures all ſorts of ſoares and wounds, of which I had once a triall. For falling from a rock, I got ſeven or eight very troubleſome hurts, and an Indian with this leafe, cured me in three dayes.

I have ſeen the ſame in Egypt, in Italy alſo, and believe 'tis in France.

Another root they have called a Jehearit, that purges like Rhubarbe, but more gently: I believe 'tis the ſame that comes from new Spain called Mechouacan.

Another that purges, being laid Emplaiſter-wiſe on the ſtomack: women lay it on the heads of their daughters, to emit their Meſtruits making them ſtand with their feet together upon a ſtone, and a ſleight inciſion, to draw that blood without pain.

Braſilians,, and chiefly the Toupina [...]ba are kinde to ſtrangers, ſpecially the French, and freely part with their victuals to them.

A woman when ſhe would be kinde, or entertain one, ſhe ſeats her ſelf on the ground, and weeps as ſhe had been beaten, then on a ſuddain addreſſes her ſelf with a thouſand blandiſhments, inviting him freely to the pleaſure of her daughters. I have knowne ſome ſo baſe amongſt us, that buckled with theſe idolatrous girles, a thing moſt deteſtable.

They are abſolutely without letters or characters, and in pronunciation uſe not F. L. R. So as we may thence derive, they are without Faith, without Law, and without Royalty.

They are addicted to Divinations and ſuperſtitions, and their Prieſts are ſorcerers: by an ancient tradition they have ſome obſcure knowledge of the deluge: ſome believe reward and puniſhment of good and evill after death, others, not; but all believe the immortality of the ſoule, and that they ſhall remain the ſame they were in this life, and at the houre of their death: they interre their dead, and for ſeveral dayes lay meat in the Sepulcher, with a cotton bed: they have no King, nor ſuperiour to command them, every linage living apart in a ſeveral valley, and change their habitation according to fancy; many families living under the ſame roof: great hunters, fiſhers, and ſwimmers, exceeding [Page] vindicative: of a turbulent ſpirit, and inclined to Warre, the ſame in proſperity and adverſity, endure hunger with patience, when they have nothing to eat, and when they have they gourmandize, and drink drunk after their faſhion. The good or evill that befalls them ſome attribute to deſtiny, others to fortune or chance.

They are divided into ſeveral nations, and for the moſt part enemies: as the Sourons, and the Carmils, and the Tapus, whom they call Savages, who are enemies to all, as more wilde and bloody then the reſt.

The Cariges are more ſoft and humane, who inhabit beyond the Winter Tropick two leagues from the Sea; they inhabit on high ground, and ſow the Mandior: then there are the Oeuetacas, Margaiars, Toupinanbas, and others: theſe laſt are thoſe our French have had commerce withall, of whom we have ample printed relations: and there might have had good plantations, had we made uſe of our time, and moderated our paſſions.

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CHAP. XVII. The Iſle of S. Thomas, according to a deſcription made to the Authour, by Sieur de la Courb, and Caſsis.

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THis Iſland is under the Equinoctiall between the Iſles of Prince and Anchan, diſcovered by the Portugueſe in their firſt navigation to the Eaſt.

The Iſle of Saint Thomas hath fifty leagues of ſound land, was diſcovered on Saint Thomas day, that gave name of it. It beares little more then Sugar-Canes, planted by the Portugueſe, but the trees are ever green. The Portugueſe built here the town Pauoazan, The Haven whereof looks towards Ethiopia.

At firſt all Nations inhabited there, but at preſent the Portugueſe will have none but themſelves, and the French who are exceedingly beloved, for a French Jeſuite who propagated Religion exceedingly in this Iſle.

The natives are ſome white, ſome black, and marry ſtill in their own colour. The town is pleaſant, and the whole land is full of Sugar-Canes, which fill the Iſland with flyes, as Arabia is infeſted with the ſame creatures by reaſon of the Caſſia there: Sugar is ſo cheap, that for eight Realls you may have a hundred weight, but it has this fault, 'twill not eaſily dry; in exchange they carry thither Wines, Cheeſe, Leather, Clothes, becauſe neither Vine, nor Corne, will proſper there.

Upon a Vine there the grape will be green on one ſide, and ripe on the other; and bloſſoms at the ſame time.

Their Gardens produce all ſorts of herbes and fruit, but ſtone-fruit; but above all, Figges, and Melons.

The root Igname growes there in abundance, very wholeſome boyled, or raw.

Likewiſe Millet which they call Zaboucou, whereof they make excellent things with Sugar; the ſoyle is ſtrong, inclining to a yellow, and in ſome parts reddiſh, where the dew of the night tempers it like waxe, ſo as it never comes to duſt: They bend their Sugar-Canes to the Eaſt, and ſay they proſper beſt then: they may have there ſome ſeventy Sugarmills.

Theſe Engines or Mills, reſemble the Samaritane at Pontneuf in Paris, eaſily riſing and falling.

[Page]That which diſpleaſes is, they pour it into great caldrons, and it is like honey, then they make it in loaves hardly dry, you never ſeeing any ſo ſolid from thence as from Madero, nor is it worth ſo much though they uſe all poſſible art to refine it: They purify it with cindars. At the plantations far from water the Blacks fetch water to ſet the mills at work. The ſugar being drawn they give the canes to the ſwine, which fattens them, and makes the fleſh of excellent taſte, and wholſome; from mid-May to mid-Auguſt they have Eaſtern winds wherewith they dry their Sugars, without which they could never do it; for all other windes are adverſaries to them, becauſe of the raines they ſtirr up in the other months.

The Iſland is unhealthfull by reaſon of the corrupted ayr: their houſes are good, built and covered with timber, out of the abundance of huge high trees.

All nations heretofore went thither by reaſon of franck traffick; but now they muſt pay tribute, all but the French, who enjoy the ſame immunities as the Portugueſe.

They have many ſlaves from Guinea, brought by the Corſairs to be ſold.

Captain Ribaut Diepois took a veſſell with diverſe whole families, men, women, and children, whom he ſet free on land, but cauſed two Blacks to hang the Maſter and five Marriners. 'Tis a cruell inhumanity to carry the Father away by violence into perpetuall ſlavery, while his poor family is expoſed to miſery and ſtarving. They marry the ſlaves amongſt themſelves, for breed, like a race of horſes; who continue ſlaves by inheritance: whereas in the Eaſt at ten yeares end they are made free-men: they have but one day in the weeke free to themſelves, which they employ induſtriouſly, in making themſelves fine to be acceptable to their Miſtreſſes.

The Portugueſe of St. Thomas following the humour of their Nation, have a vanity to have their ſlaves grow rich, and walke with gravity like them, and will give them a hundred or two hundred Crownes, to buy Turks for their gain and eaſe. They bring the greater part to be baptized, and marry together, providing them of a livelyhood. They celebrate certain feaſts like the Basks, with drums beaten by hand, and ſongs to them, and have their meetings under the ſhade of trees. The ſlaves yearly chooſe one amongſt them for their Prince, to command and govern at their meetings, who ſeats himſelf in the middle, and then they give him one of theſe drums, and with both hands above his head he makes a moſt harmonious muſick, together with flutes, and other inſtruments, looking on their Miſtreſſes with a thouſand munkey tricks, while they dance and [Page] trip Moreſco Sarabrands to them again. They go together to fetch their Prince at his Maſters, who firſt makes them a collation, then bringing forth the Prince decked with flowers, a ſcepter in one hand, and a noſegay in the other, they carry him on their ſhoulders in a Palanquin, to the place of dancing, where their Miſtreſſes meet them. The Prince firſt dances with his Miſtreſſe, & then the others follow. The Prince de la' amour, called the Arcadit, ſalutes his Lady, and then with gravity preſents her the Poſie, which ſhe receives, and dances with amorous ſmiles and ſimpers. Afterwards they all attend the Prince to his Maſters houſe, where the nuptials are conſummated, provided they become Chriſtians.

At that time Sieur de la Courb was there, there was a Portugueſe Lady, widow of a Merchant, called Bornauente, rich, fair, and young, to whom the chiefeſt of the Iſland ſued for marriage, and ſhe would give ear to none, becauſe ſhe would not put her ſelf under ſubjection. She kept divers ſlaves, and there arriving a veſſel laden with ſlaves, ſhe bought ſome, and one amongſt the reſt of ſo handſome garb and addreſſe, ſhe judged him to be of good extraction, whereupon aſked whence he was? he told her he was of Danieta, the Son of a wealthy Nobleman, who had intelligence of his captivity, and would ſhortly free him, that he was taken fiſhing in a ſmall boat; and enquiring further of his religion, ſhe perceived he was an Idolater.

But the Lady taken with his gracefull behaviour, uſed him with all poſſible kindneſſe, and one day her luſt bearing her away, ſhe reſolved to call him to her Chamber, and receive a ſatisfaction from him; for which purpoſe having ſent for him, in expectation ſhe lay down upon her bed, fell faſt aſleep, and in a dream thought ſomething came that rudely pulled the ſheet from under her: waking affrighted, ſhe called her maid, and related the viſion to her; the maid wiſhed her to lay by ſuch troubles, and commend her ſelfe cordially to Almighty God: On the morrow ſhe roſe early and went to her Confeſſor, to whom ſhe related the whole, and he gave her for penance to ſell this ſlave, and never to ſee him more; promiſing he would be her chapman, and buy him to be his boatman, when he went to take the aire.

The Lady made her advantage of his proffer, and doubting the ſlave to be ſome Demon or Magician ſent him to the Prieſt, who bought him to his ſad misfortune; for rowing along by the ſhore to take the air, there came a ſudden guſt from the land that overturned the boat: Now the Prieſt ſwimming well made to ſhore, but the ſlave with a pole daſhed his brains out, and himſelf was never heard of after.

[Page]In this Iſland the Rats do great miſchief, eating their Sugar loaves, whatſoever they can do to prevent it. Here upon a Mountain there are certain trees that diſtill water continually, as in the Iſle of Iron in the Canaries; theſe trees are ever hooded with a thick cloud, which moyſtens them in ſuch ſort that they yield ſufficient to water all their fields of Sugarcanes, whereas that in the Iſle of Iron diſtills but at certain hours.

A Table of the principal, and moſt remarkable things, contained in this Book.

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A

A.

ALexandria. Page 2.

Aleppo. Page 30.5.

Aman a town. ibid.

Aman a river. ibid.

Antioche. Page 4

The Authour preſerved. Page 3

Amon a mountain. Page 5

Arnon a torrent Page 8

A ſad accident in the deſerts. Page 10

Apparitions in the deſerts. ibid.

Arabian robbers. ibid.

The three Arabia's. Page 11

Aden. Page 13

Arabia the happy. Page 18

Alibenali. Page 18

Albacoure a mountain Page 23

Aden how fortified. Page 24

Aſſes of Dalaſcia. Page 26

Amarous dames. Page 56.30.

Reca. Page 28

Abrazador. ibid.

Amurath ſlain by a Tribullian ſouldier, diſguiſed like a Deruis. Page 39

Amicabir. Page 40

Amiracor. ibid.

Ageleps. Page 41

Areca a fruit common in the Indies. Page 45

An accident. Page 47

Anthropophage. Page 65

a vaſt Army. Page 72

a prodigious age. Page 86

Andreman an Iſland. Page 90

a ſad accident. ibid.

Amber Gris. Page 99

admirable obedience. Page 121

Adultry puniſhed. Page 141

Accidents to the Authour. Page 143

Armies in the Eaſt vaſt. Page 148

Apes. Page 149.159.

Adventures of Amador a Limner. Page 176

Aſia. Page 182

Africa deſcribed. Page 177

Africans that adore the Sun. Page 180

Africa prodigious in greatneſſe. Page 181

Africa as 'tis divided. ibid.

Aquiloa a Kingdom, Town, and Iſland: Page 191

Abyſſins imprint a croſſe upon their fleſh. Page 196

Agiſimba a country.

The hiſtory and ſtrange adventure of Prince Alfondi. Page 204

A hiſtory of the amours of Princeſſe Abderane. Page 206

The Authours voyage into Ethiope. Page 211

The country of the Abyſſins known anciently by the name of Ethiope under Egypt. Page 212

The Abyſſins reverence to ſacred places. Page 216

Saint Abiblicanus venerable in Bagamidri. Page 218

Amazons Page 219

Arietes, Apoſtles: Page 226

Amara a mountain. Page 238

Archers excellent. Page 257

an unfortunate accident to the [Page]Authour. ibid.

Attire of the Ladies in Caire. Page 276

Ammon an Oracle. Page 279

Alexandria. Page 281

The Authours arrival at Marſeils. Page 284

The Authour taken by the Spaniards Page 287

The Authours hard uſage by the Turks. Page 288

Alcahir a town in Morocca. Page 297

Aſgar a country. ibid.

Baſhaw Abrahor Maſter of the horſe to the Sultan. Page 311

The Authours ſufferings at Sea. Page 313

The Authours affront at Gandia. Page 314

The Authour cheated. Page 316

The Authours voyage for Guinea. Page 320

America deſcribed; the length and diſtances. Page 327

The Americans upon Saint Laurenzo, their habit and diet. ibid.

Antilles Iſles of Canibals. Page 339

America how divided. Page 344

South-America. Page 346

A corruptive ayre. Page 370

Arma of [...]ote for rich Mines. Page 371

Amazons. Page 379

A peculiar motion of the Sea, in the ſtrait Magellan. Page 393

B

B.

BUrning ſands. Page 9

Books of the lives and ſects of Mahomets ſucceſſors. Page 13

Benjamin. Page 19

Biharen. Page 30

Benmir. Page 32

Babylon. ibid.

Bagded. Page 32, 33.

Balſora. ibid.

Bacchat. Page 35

Beſoart ſtone: Page 36

Barcas. Page 40

Batiniſar, and her Carpets. Page 44

Baticola. Page 54

Biſnegar. Page 72.74.

A Hiſtory of the King of Biſnegar. Page 73

Bramins high Prieſts. Page 75

Barrs of gold. Page 94

Ball-play. Page 99.155.

Betell a tree. Page 101

Birds of Paradiſe. Page 115

Beaſts trained up to hunt. Page 166

A bloody battell. Page 178

Birds of ſtrange nature. ibid.

Belugara, a town in Monopotapa. Page 186

Butua a Province. Page 198

Bagamidri, a town in Ethiopia. Page 218.

Bagamidri called Imperial, and why? ibid.

Bagamidri a kingdom. ibid.

Bagamadri how bounded. ibid.

Barua a town. Page 241.227.

Biguen a ſtrong town. Page 235

Bridges of ſtraw. Page 236

Baza, a pleaſant town. Page 256

Beniermi a deſert. Page 271

Bazuelle a fair town Page 273

Natural Balſome, and how it growes. Page 275

Barua an Iſle. Page 321

Bracala, a country. Page 322

Baris, an Ape very ſerviceable. Page 325

Bread made of fiſh. Page 333

Beſeé eſpada, a dangerous fiſh. Page 336

A Hiſtory of Bibical. Page 338

Breezes winds. Page 341

Bacaltos why ſo called, a coaſt annoyed with fiſh. Page 347

Bacaltos diſcovered by an Engliſh man. Page 348

Strange beaſts. Page 380

Birds of prodigious greatneſs. ib.

A good bargain. Page 380

Braſile deſcribed. Page 395

Braſile a fruitful, and for pleaſure[Page]a miraculous country. ibid.

Strange beaſts in Braſile. Page 397

Braſile divided. ibid.

Braſile by whom diſcoverrd. ibid.

Braſilians, their nature, their weare, and ornaments. Page 397

Braſilians Religion. Page 398

Braſilian ceremonies at marriage. ibid.

The Braſilian cuſtomes. Page 399

The Braſilian way of traffick. ibid.

Braſilians man-eaters. Page 400

Braſilians their arms and wars. ibid.

Braſilian uſage of priſoners at war. ibid.

Braſilians kind to ſtrangers. Page 402

Braſilians given to divinations and ſuperſtitions. ibid.

C

C.

CAire. Page 2

Candia. ibid.

Chryſorrhas. Page 4

Carauane. Page 9

A cheat. Page 12

Caſſia. Page 19

Cinamon. ibid.

A Cutler. Page 5

Caſſis deceived his brother. Page 13

Carauanes from Aleppo, Damas, and the grand Cair. ibid.

Caſſis his treachery. Page 17

Chicali. Page 19

Coſan, or Coſara, a River. Page 20

Camaran an Iſland. Page 23

Camara. Page 25

Camelots. Page 26

Caymans or Crocodils. ibid.

Ceyfadin. Page 29

Cimites of Perſia. Page 31

A Marſeillan Curtiſan. Page 35

Casbin. Page 36

Cuſa. Page 39

Calander. ibid.

Caidſidibir. Page 40

Caſſandera. ibid.

Chriſtianiſme in the Indies. Page 42

Cambaye a town. Page 45, 46.

Children ſold by Parents. Page 47.85.

Calicut. Page 57

Cochins ſcituation. Page 62

Cinamon. Page 67

Circles of poyſoned iron. Page 75

Chriſtian faith preached in the Indians, and by whom, Page 76

Ceremonies. Page 89

Cruelty of the Javans. Page 98

Chiamay a famous Lake. Page 105

Caſtigay an Idoll. Page 107

Chaubanoys diſaſter. Page 108

Caipomo a River. Page 112

Confeſſion amongſt Idolaters. Page 124

Communions extravagant. Page 129

Cannons in the Indies from all antiquity. Page 132

Cock-fights. Page 138

Ceremonies. Page 143

Caſubi a kingdom. Page 154

Caſubi a town. Page 155

Cocos and the benefit. Page 156

The Cape of Palmes. Page 180

Cape of Natall. Page 183

where Chriſtianity firſt planted in Africa. ibid.

Crocodiles, and how taken Page 185

Chriſtians in Belugara. Page 187

Courteſy of ſavages. Page 195

Courteſy of the Prince of Belugara. ibid.

Suguelane a town, and the entertainment of that town, with their cuſtomes. Page 197

The Court of Abiſſina under tents in the field. Page 215

Combats of ſavage beaſts. Page 222

Couzan a kingdom Page 238

Ceremonies at matrimony. ibid.

Crown revenues of the grand Negus. Page 243

Churches, and Church-ſervice [Page]in Ethiopia. Page 244

Candace Queen. Page 252

Caraman a town. Page 254

A Church cut out of the natural Rock founded by Candaces Eunuke. ibid.

The Chair of Saint John Babtiſt. ibid.

The celebrated cataracts. Page 261

Chriſtians delivered from Infidels by miracle. Page 272

Caire built upon the ruines of Babylon, and Memphis. Page 274

Crocodiles, and their nature. Page 277

Conſtantina a town in Morocca. Page 298

Conſtantinople, the ſcituation and founder. Page 306

A ſtupendious rock of Chriſtal. Page 325

Canaries, why ſo called. Page 331

A Cave in a rock once a Church. Page 332

Cuba the moſt fruitful Iſland of America. Page 336

Crocodiles good meat. Page 337

Canibals hunt men, and why. Page 339

Cruelty of the Spaniards. Page 340

Coaſts of Mexico. Page 341

Canada, or New-France, by whom diſcovered. Page 349

the King of Canada whence extracted. Page 350

the Canadans nature, religion, laws, habit, and cuſtomes. ibid.

An example of covetouſneſſe. Page 365

Cordileras vaſt extended mountaines of wonderful ſcituation. Page 372

Coſca a Province. ibid.

Charcas a Province in Peru. Page 373

the Calandar of Peru. Page 388

Cruelty revenged. Page 389

Chica a country. Page 392

D

D.

DAmas. Page 5

A Deruis. Page 6.39

Dan Caerea. Page 7

Dalatia. Page 22

Dehir. ibid.

Dalaſcia a town: Page 25

A ſtrange diſpute. Page 27

Derbent. Page 35

Delicacies. Page 38

Durmiſar. Page 39

Diu aſſaulted by the Turk, Page 44

Delidecan. Page 49

Dinari, Page 50

Country dames. Page 74

A declaring of war. Page 75

Diamond mines. Page 83

the Devill adored. Page 99

Dead bodies eaten. Page 104

How drugges are brought into Europe. Page 133

Documents for Princes. Page 136

The devil's dance. Page 143

A dance in Armes. Page 164

Deſerts frightfull. Page 174

Dumes a river. Page 191

King Davids robe. Page 254

Dangala a town. Page 272

Deluſion of a Mahometan Prieſt. Page 274

Deſerts of Caire, and how travailed. Page 279

a difference ingeniouſly reconciled. Page 319

Domingo an Iſland. Page 332

Inhabitants of Domingo, their Nature, Lawes, Cuſtomes, and Religion. ibid.

Diſcovery of the new World. Page 346

The Devil Gods ape. Page 361

Dancers on the rope in Mexico. Page 365

a diſcovery. Page 379

Diving men. Page 386

F

[Page]

F.

A Fatall execution. Page 6

Erithreos a King. Page 23

Ecade. Page 40

Ebony. Page 56

Euate a precious wood. Page 81

A ſtory of an Elephant. Page 117

The manner of their keeping. Page 118

Exorciſms. Page 150

Number of Elephants in Pegu. Page 135

Extent of Africa. Page 178

The Empire of the Abiſſins. Page 180

Extent of the Abiſſins country. Page 212

Ethiopians deſcended from Chus the ſonne of Cham the firſt Idolaters.

Euate, a precious veſſel, that endures no poyſon. Page 216

An entertainment. Page 255

Ermin a Judge with the Turks.

Election of the King. Page 327

Encreaſe of corn admirable. Page 339

Election of the King of Mexico. Page 358

Earthquakes. Page 375

Emerald enemy to inconſtancy. Page 386

F

F.

FErragous. Page 17

Frankincenſe. Page 19

Foreſts. Page 38

Prodigious food. Page 46

The French pox in Indies. Page 51

Fiſh charmed. Page 72

A fortunate eſcape. Page 96

Two Franciſcans eaten. Page 98

Strange funerals. Page 104

Faithful trading. Page 111

Fraternal amity. Page 145

Faith of the Indians. Page 154

French highly eſteemed in the Eaſt. Page 162

A female guard for a King.

The flowing of Nile whence it proceeds. Page 217

Fidelity in ſubjects. Page 243

Fleſh eaten raw for a dainty. Page 255

Fougira an odoriferous town. Page 257

The fountain where the Virgin Mary reſted, when ſhe fled into Egypt. Page 276

Figs of particular quality. Page 305

A gallant fight at Sea. Page 318

Del Fuego an Iſle. Page 321

A myſtical fruit. Page 344

Florida diſcovered, and deſcribed. Page 352

Florida, why ſo called. ibid.

Floridans, their nature, and cuſtomes. ibid.

Floridans wealthy. Page 353

The miraculous Fountain of youth. ibid.

French hanged in Florida. Page 356

A fountain of hot oyle. Page 377

A fountain congealing immediatly. Page 378

Fountains medicinable with accommodation for the ſick. Page 358

Fiſh in Mexico both uſeful and dangerous. Page 381

French naturalized amongſt the Braſilians. Page 398

G

G.

GRots of perſecuted Chriſtians. Page 5

Ginger. Page 26

Gedri. Page 30

Gezempee.

Goa Page 50

Ganges a River. Page 83.88.

The Gulph Bengala. Page 84

Giraffe a beaſt. Page 105

Gaypoumo a ſtrange River. Page 106

Gunnes. Page 110

Geographers miſtaken.

[Page]Griffins. Page 115.152

Grages extraordinary. Page 155

Guber how bounded. Page 179

Goragues wild and ſanguinary people. Page 227

A Garden at Caſima, moſt pleaſant. Page 261

Guinea how bounded. Page 321

Gambra a famous River. Page 322

Guinalla a Kingdom, a River, and a Haven.

The king of Guinalla's State. ibid.

Gutulea a pleaſant country, the riches thereof. Page 324

Gold for things inconſiderable.

Goulmaran, the name of a River and countrey. Page 351

Goulmarans their nature, houſing, habit, diet, religion, warre, and innocence. ibid.

Goulmarans, their armies of dogges.

H

H.

HUnting. Page 38

Hali. Page 38

Hamar. Page 38

A Hiſtory of a Bear. Page 78

A hiſtory of a Spaniſh woman and a Monkey. Page 79

Hunting of Elephants. Page 92

Hermophrodites. Page 92

A hiſtory of Serpents. Page 105

Horſes. Page 110

Holy aſhes, and holy water. Page 121

Hens black of fleſh. Page 127

A deplorable hiſtory of two Princes. Page 144

Horſes and their breeding. Page 166

A Royall hunting. ibid.

A hiſtory of an Incubus. Page 175

Horſes ſucked by Cowes. Page 202

Dexterous horſemen. ibid.

A hiſtory of Prince Aranubi. Page 220

Hereticks condemned to fire with the Ethiopians. Page 246

A prodigious hiſtory of Prince Joel. Page 261

A hiſtory of the Popes Almne. Page 314

An accidental deſtruction of Idolaters. Page 325

Hiſpaniola by whom diſcovered, and when. Page 337

In Hiſpaniola, the people how governed, their Laws and Nature. ibid.

A hiſtory of a ſlave. Page 406

I

I.

Jurabi a guide uſes the Compaſſe. Page 10

Jewes thieves. Page 12

Jeſrab a town. Page 13

Jubara Abrahams mountain. Page 15

Saint John Baptiſt. Page 21

Ibram. Page 25

Iſmael Sophy. Page 39

Icorma. Page 39

Inhabitans of Genoa. Page 41

Ivory. Page 47

Idolatry. Page 50

A miraculous diſcovery of innocence. Page 53

Idoll of a Monkeys tooth. Page 69

Indian earthen ware. Page 78

Idolaters fear of Chriſtianiſme. Page 88

Idolaters ſuperſtitious. ibid.

Java an Iſland. Page 96

Infirme eaten. ibid.

Inhabitants of Sapara. Page 98

Idolatrous, and Mahometan Martyrs. Page 125

Idolls of Pegu. Page 125

Idolls deſtroyed by the Portugals. Page 123

The Image of the Virgin Mary in the Indies reſpected. Page 154

Interrement. ibid.

Interrements. Page 168

Igname a delicate root. Page 182

[Page]Janiharou, a Town and River. Page 185

Joguia a root. Page 186

Juſtice betwixt Creditor and Debtor, ſevere. Page 244

Joconomites, an auſtere order. Page 245

Kingdome of the Jalofes. Page 321

Jalofes have perſon'd and qualified their ornaments and nature. Page 322

Jalofes in their dealings lawleſſe. Page 323

An Iſland ſeen and not known. Page 331

The Iſbane of Iron. Page 332

Jagares famous for ſwiftneſſe. Page 353

Jucatan deſcribed. Page 370

Incas Kings of Peru. Page 387

The Iſle of Saint Thomas deſcribed. Page 404

K

K.

A Kingdome left for heaven. Page 88

Kingdomes conquered by Pegu. Page 112

Kingdomes tributary to the Emperour of the Abyſſins. Page 213

Knights of Malta, and their inſtitution. Page 283

L

L.

LIbanus. Page 4

Ladamum. Page 19

Lacca. Page 26

Lawes in Narſingue. Page 74

Lagi a town. Page 113

Largaray a Kingdom. Page 177

The Iſle of Saint Laurence, or Madagaſcar. Page 182

In the Iſle of Saint Laurence, how they employ the Inhabitants. Page 184

Lacque for painting. Page 260

Lions their nature. Page 271

Saint Laurence a river in the Eaſt-Indies. Page 327

An unfortunate love Page 355

A prodigious lightning. ibid.

M

M.

MAnna. Page 4

Morets entertainment. Page 8

A deſcription of Medina. Page 13

Mahomets tombe. ibid.

Mahomets birth. Page 14

Mahomets law. ibid.

Medina taken by Mahomet. ibid.

Marabuts ſacrificators. Page 15

Mahometan ceremonies. Page 15

Mazara a beaſt. Page 19

Mirrhe. Page 20

Mezua. Page 25

Machif. Page 35

The Virgin Mary honoured by the Indians. Page 50.

A moſt admirable medicine. Page 56

Maladives Iſles. Page 72

A hiſtory of the Magicians of Pegu. ibid.

Merchants deceived. Page 74

Muſk, and from whence. Page 81

Metempſicoſis. Page 94.97

Malaca, and the traffick. Page 102

Martaban. Page 106

A miraculous delivery of a Chriſtian expoſed to beaſts to be devoured. Page 116

Meat perfumed. Page 137

Mandronella a town. Page 152

A Monkey armed. Page 160

Militia of Tranſiana. Page 165

Mountains remarkable. Page 168

Mummy. Page 169

Mountain of the Sun. ibid.

Maſtiffes for prey. Page 175

Magicians. Page 180

Madrogan the chief towns of Monopotapa. Page 200

The Monopotapian Kings habit. ibid.

The King of Monopotapa's Pallace.[Page]ſervice, officers, and magnificence. Page 201

The King of Monopotapa's accoutrement for the warre. ibid.

The order of his Militia. Page 202

Military Maſtiffes. ibid.

The Monopotapian Eunuchs how clothed, and their office. ibid.

The Monopotapian puniſhments. Page 203

Monopotapian Princes are diſtinguiſhed by a Lyons skin. ibid.

Manica a gold Mine. Page 194

Mount Manica, and the ruines of ſtupendous ſtructures. ibid.

Magnificence of the Negus. Page 203

Three myſticall diſhes. Page 226

The Mongibir Kings reſignation. Page 230

Mongibir a Kingdom. Page 233

Mongibirians low-ſpirited and timerous. ibid.

Mongibirians Idolaters worſhip the Sun. ibid.

Mongibirians opinion of the Chriſtians. ibid.

Magnificence in Mongibir. Page 234

A mountain never free from ſnow. Page 337

Moucall an uniforme town. ibid.

A paſſionate mourning. Page 240

The march of the grand Negus. Page 241

Monkes married. Page 245

Men turned into Wolves. Page 269

A man turned into an Aſſe by Magick. ibid.

A magical relation. Page 270

A famous Moſquee. Page 273

Mummi. Page 279

Morocca. Page 297

Melli a kingdome very wealthy. Page 299

Magicians of divers kinds. Page 302

A cruell murther. Page 317

The Crick S. Michael. Page 331

Marriage in Domingo. Page 334

Mexico and the coaſts. Page 341.345

Mexico how called and deſcribed. Page 356

Mexicans ingenious and Idolaters. Page 357

Of the temperature of Mexico. ib.

The ancient Mexicans. Page 358

The Mexicans armes. Page 359

The King Montezuma. ibid.

Mexicans divided into ſeveral nations. Page 360

Mexicans Religion. Page 361

The Mexican year and month. Page 362

The Mexican wheel. Page 363

Their ſuperſtitions. ibid.

Mappes of Africa defective. Page 178

Monbaze a country. Page 188

Monbaze in extent. Page 189

A merry paſſage. ibid.

How in Monbaze they receive Embaſſadours. ibid.

Melinde a town & kingdom. Page 190

Melons of Excellency. ibid.

The Prince of Melinde a grave Juſticiar. ibid.

Mozambique a kingdome. Page 191

The Inhabitants of Mozambique. Page 192

Magnice a River.

Monopotapa an Empire. Page 198

Monopotapians Idolaters. ibid.

Magicians proceedings in Monopotapa. Page 199

Mexican feſtivals and dances. Page 363

Mexican ſacrifices and ceremonies. ibid.

Mountains burning. Page 365.376

Mexican Maſcarades, called Quacones. ibid.

Mexico by whom conquered. Page 367

The King of Mexico's ſtate and ſtrength. ibid.

Wealth of Mexico. ibid.

Monkeys. Page 374

Mines in Potoſſi. Page 375

Mines of ſilver and gold the nature and manner of working in them. Page 383

N

[Page]

N

NIcotiana. Page 39

Nahaſſan. Page 40

Nutmegs. Page 100

Neſtorians. Page 126

Number of nine amongſt the Tartars. Page 177

Niger and Gambra rivers flowing as Nile. Page 179

The Negus, his triumphant entrance. Page 227

Service at the Negus table. Page 226

Navaſſe an Iſland. Page 334

New-found-lands, what. Page 349

O

O

OReb. Page 11

Ormus. Page 30, 31.13.29.

Outor. Page 17

Oſtander. Page 40

Oyl of cinamon: Page 68

Oſtridges. Page 115

An oraculous Idol. Page 123

Ordinance in China from antiquity. Page 243

Oximinchus famous for multitude of religious perſons. Page 279

Obſequies of the King of Guinalla. Page 326

An order of knighthood. Page 359

Orellana the greateſt of rivers. Page 395

P

P

A Juſt puniſhment of the perfidious. Page 3

St. Paul's impriſonment. Page 6

Proviſion for the deſerts. Page 9

The Prophets City. Page 10

Pecher a Haven. Page 19

Perſia, and the bounds. Page 31

Pitch. Page 33

The Powerfull State of the Kings of Perſia. Page 37

Plucciander. Page 40

Places in the Indies. Page 41

The Portugueſe conqueſt in the Eaſt. Page 42

Purcelans. Page 51

A ſad fate of Pirats. Page 52

Preſumption of the Portugals. Page 55

A ſtrange Hiſtory of a Portugais Captain. Page 63

An unheard of curteſie from the hand of a Pirat. Page 64

Puniſhment of the wicked. ibid.

Perfidiouſneſs of Pirats. Page 65

Pearle fiſhing. Page 68

The manner of pearle fiſhing. Page 72

Polouis the Divells Iſles. Page 71

Subtle poyſon. Page 85

Pirats, how taken. Page 85

Pegu. Page 112.108, 109

Peguan Armies. Page 121

Puniſhments for crimes. Page 124

Peguans, whence derived. Page 128

The Peguan Creed. ibid.

The Peguans diet. Page 131

The Peguan ſalutations. Page 132

The Peguans Military exerciſes. ibid.

The Peguan Kings Coronation. Page 133

Peguan ceremonies at creation of their King. Page 135

The King of Pegues Revenues. Page 139

Peguan Juſtice. Page 140

A Peguan policy. Page 141

Prieſts diſpoſe of war. Page 144

The Peguan yeare. Page 147

Philoſophy of the Indians. Page 171

The point of St. Anthony. Page 183

Perſipolis, and the ruines of ſtructures. Page 194

A paſſage Magicall. Page 199

No priſon in Monopotapa. Page 200

Poyſon common, and deare in Monopotapa, and the reaſon. Page 203

Preſte Johns Manſion. Page 220

Preſte John's Juſtice. ibid.

Prieſts ſinging Pſalmes in ſtate. Page 225

[Page] A Princeſſe priſoner reſtored to her lover. Page 229

A figurative peare. ibid.

Perfumed meat. Page 230

Proſtitution of wives. Page 233

Paraguary hath the like inundations as Nile. Page 277

Piramids of prodigious ſtructure. Page 277

Piperons Giants. Page 327

Pit the higheſt mount in the world. Page 331

Peru why ſo called, and the deſcription. Page 371

Peru in extent. ibid.

A paſſage ſo cold, 'tis extremely dangerous. Page 375

Plumes in uſe. Page 380

Peru diſcovered. Page 387

Peru by whom civilized. Page 388

Peru taken by the Spaniard. Page 390

Paragous people. Page 392

Q

Q.

QUinſay. Page 103

Queen Tyrada. Page 104

Quiloa a town of antiquity. Page 191

A Queen, and nine ſons maſſacred for worſhipping the Devill. Page 235

Quite a Province. Page 372

R

R.

RImadan. Page 21

Rivers of Perſia. Page 32

Religious orders amongſt the Turks. Page 39

Reſolution in extremity Page 91

Continual rains. ibid.

Rubarbe. Page 106

Reſpect to ſtrangers. Page 134

Repudiation. Page 141

Reward of valour. Page 144

Reconcilements. Page 156

The Rhinocerot of the Eſcuriel. Page 260

Rivers in Suama. Page 194

Manica a gold Mine. ibid.

Manica a mount, and the ruines of ſtructures there of ſtrange thickneſſe. ibid.

The Religion of the Abyſſins. Page 215

Religions of ſeveral orders in Abiſſina. ibid.

Rivers in Abiſſina. Page 216

Reception of the Portugal Embaſſadour at the Negus's Court. Page 231

An heroick reſtoration of captive women Page 236

Religion of the Ethiopians. Page 245

Religion of Saba. Page 253

A miraculous cure. ibid.

Religion and cuſtomes of the Sarabomians· Page 258

A wild Rhinocerot. Page 259

Religion of the Jalofes. Page 323

Rauana the ſecureſt Haven. Page 336

Religious devoured by Savages. Page 357

Rivers in Peru. Page 179

Good natural reaſons from Savages. Page 401

S

S.

SHipwrack of the Authour in Candia. Page 2

A malicious ſhipwrack. Page 3

Sahanir a mountain. Page 5

Silks. Page 5

The Sea of Sodome. Page 10

Mount Sina. Page 11

Sarazins whence called. Page 14

Black ſand. Page 19

Storax. ibid.

Sabea. ibid.

Sequemir his ſtate. Page 20

Salſidas devotes. Page 20.40

Read Sea. Page 23

Sabeans. ibid.

Spices. Page 24

Suachan. Page 25

Santal. Page 26

Socotoro famous for Ambargris. [Page] Page 28

A Stratagem. Page 34

Sumachia. Page 35

Samarcant. Page 37

Sotiſmel, Sinbarate. Page 37

Seleres. Page 38

Sophy. Page 38

Sacar. Page 39

Sanoſaraden. Page 49

Samorin Page 57

Seraglio. Page 85

Sartagan a town. Page 88

Siam a kingdom. Page 103

Statues of beaten gold. Page 110

Sacrifices for the dead. Page 127

Superſtitious ſalutations. Page 128

Sacathy a mortiferous plant. Page 130

Sodomy not prohibited. Page 139

Sacrifices of proper children. Page 142

Sugar uſed in building. Page 150

Sinabo a kingdom. Page 163

Serpents good meat. Page 174

Sonderia an Iſland. Page 183

Secora. ibid.

A ſuperſtitious ceremony. Page 191

The ſtate the Negus is received into towns with. Page 224

Scanfourin, the capital town of Mongibir. Page 234

Salt exceeding precious. Page 249

Sorcerers. Page 247

Subtilty of Crocodiles. ibid.

A ſtar in Ethiopia mortiferous. Page 250

Salete a fair town, and a moſt pleaſant garden there. Page 251

Saba Queen. ibid.

Saba, or Soua, a town. Page 252

Swine for carriage like horſes. Page 256

Saraboma a famous Iſland. Page 258

Sebaſtian king of Portugal defeated and ſlain by the Moors. Page 292

Familiarity with Serpents. Page 301

Examples of Sorcery. Page 303

Seraglio of Conſtantinople. Page 306

Temple of Saint Sophia. Page 307

Seraglio deſcribed. Page 310

Serri Leonna a country Page 325

Sarboul a fruit growing all the year. Page 333

Frozen ſea. Page 347

A Stratagem. Page 360

Spaniſh vanity. Page 368

Seaſons of the year in Peru. Page 372

Sheep for carrige. Page 382

The Strait of Magellan. Page 392

Sugar exceeding cheap. Page 404

T

T.

TRade in Arabia. Page 23

A ſtrange tempeſt. Page 27

Trade from Ormus. Page 30

Tauris a town. Page 34

Trade of Tauris. ibid.

Principall towns of Perſia. Page 35

Thais, Alexanders Curtiſan. Page 36

A miraculous tyde. Page 45

Toumacant a Weſtern wind. Page 63

Treaſon puniſhed. Page 73

Saint Thomas his ſhrine. Page 76

Ternaſſery. Page 80

Tydes from North to South, meet in the strait of Magellan. Page 109

Tahaba. Page 111

Trienniall governments. Page 120

The martyrdom of S. Thomas. Page 126

A tempeſt calm'd by charms. Page 124

Teſtimonies of love. Page 142

Tygars hunted. Page 159

The King of Tranſiana his curioſity and affability. Page 161

Tranſiana a town, and the valour of the women there. Page 163

Tazatay a kingdom. Page 169

Tartary Page 163

The Tartars conqueſts. Page 180

The King of Tombut's majeſty. Page 179

Trees that yield drink and thread. Page 184

The Iſle of thieves. Page 186

The Talmaſſaca a garment of [Page]difference for nobility in Monopotapa. Page 202

Land Tortoyſes. Page 211

Tributes to the Emperour of the Abyſſins. Page 213

A magnificent triumph. Page 228

Titles of Preſte John. Page 246

Tortoiſes uſeful for travel. Page 256

Tamatans pillagers. Page 251

Triumphs at the inundation of Nile.

Thebaida and the deſerts. Page 279

Turkiſh proceedings againſt the Authour. Page 290

Temeſne and the people thereof. Page 300

The Turks Religion. Page 307

Turks have religious of ſeveral orders. Page 307

Turkiſh Obſequies. Page 308

Turkiſh Juſtice. Page 309

Taboucaton the chief town in the kingdom of the Jalofes. Page 321

A miraculous tree that continually diſtills water. Page 332

A terrible tempeſt called an Aroucane and remarkable paſſages in it. Page 335

Temiſtican the capital town in New-Spain. Page 356

A tree yielding linnen, and all neceſſaries. Page 368

Balſom from a tree of ſoveraign vertue. Page 369

Fruit uſed for money. ibid.

Temper of Peru. Page 374

V

V.

UNicorns horns. Page 15

The Virgin Peru. Page 199

Virginia by whom diſcover'd. Page 352

Deſcription of Virginia. ibid.

Ʋnknown lands. Page 357

A remarkable viſion foreſhewing the arrivall of the Spaniards in Peru. Page 389

Vanity of the Portugals. Page 405

W

W.

WIne ſold by Apothecaries. Page 9

A draw-well at Outor. Page 18

Spaniſh Wax. Page 26

Women choſen. Page 38

Women bought and ſold. Page 47

Wives in common. Page 62

A war for a white Elephant. Page 103 113

White Elephants adored. Page 114

Winds called Monſouns cold in extremity. Page 150

Widows married. Page 155

Wood to ſtrike fire. Page 158

Women ſwimmers. ibid.

A furious wind called Tafon. Page 182

Winds that preſerve bodies incorruptible. Page 187

Wine in Oxe horns. Page 230

Walking mountains. Page 280

A Whale. Page 283

A remarkable accident of Whales. Page 299

Singular windes. Page 342

A wind of the uſe of rain. Page 373

Water boyling hot by nature. Page 377

Wingleſſe Birds. Page 394

Z

Z.

ZAcharies tombe. Page 6

Zibit. Page 13

Zagathy. Page 34

King of Zeilan:

Zinguebar. Page 192

Zunam an Iſland. Page 293

Zaflan a Lake. ibid.

Zaire and Zambre two rivers. ib.

Zuama a river by the Portugals called Rio del ſpiritu ſanto. Page 218

Zio Marina Chriſtos a Monaſtary. Page 239

The torrid zone, and the quality of the climat. Page 342

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Information about this book

Title statement

The world surveyed, or The famous voyages & travailes of Vincent le Blanc, or White, of Marseilles ... containing a more exact description of several parts of the world, then hath hitherto been done by any other authour : the whole work enriched with many authentick histories / originally written in French ; and faithfully rendred into English by F.B., Gent.Voyages fameux. English

Leblanc, Vincent, 1554-ca. 1640.

Edition statement

1660

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A49883

ID [STC]

Wing L801

ID [STC]

ESTC R5816

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

13213117

ID [OCLC]

ocm 13213117

ID [VID]

98515

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Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A49883)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 98515)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 425:13)

Source

— The world surveyed, or The famous voyages & travailes of Vincent le Blanc, or White, of Marseilles ... containing a more exact description of several parts of the world, then hath hitherto been done by any other authour : the whole work enriched with many authentick histories / originally written in French ; and faithfully rendred into English by F.B., Gent., Voyages fameux. English, Leblanc, Vincent, 1554-ca. 1640., Brooke, Francis..

Extent

[13], 407, [12] p. : port.

Printed for John Starkey ...,. London :: 1660.. (Translation of: Voyages fameux.) ("Epistle dedicatory" signed by the translator: Francis Brooke.) (Errors in pagination.) (In three parts.) (Some pages stained, and p. 188-189 have faded print in filmed copy. Beginning-p. 15 photographed from Cambridge University Library copy and inserted at the end.) (Advertisements: p. [12]-[13] at beginning.) (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.) (Marginal notes.) (Includes index.)

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