that the Ambas would appoint some to go and make choise of boates which then lay vpon the Riuer that they might be fitted for his Lordship which accordinglie verie carefullie was performed the Gouernor of the towne hauing a Letter from the Emperor to giue the Ambassa ful content as indeed without detraction we had to the wonderment of the common people Within few daies after we heard Newes certainly of the Emp. suddaine and vntimely death which considering neyther the Prestaue the gouernor or Bishop had not or would not of ten daâ—es after take knowledge we might in the meane time haue doubted of but that his Lordship had it from Maister Iohn Mericke by letter particularly which news as indeed ther was great cause was very il welcome to the Ambas much troubling him for diuers respects wherfore vpon mature deliberation as whose thoughts then only were intended that way he resolued forthwith to send vp to the Musco to this end therfore early bestirring the next morne he sent for his Prestaues who came willingly and chearfully to heare that with great heauines and sorrow which yet they were so wise as not to beleeue though the day and houre of his death with the maner of his enterring were to them by the Am. own mouth deliuered but he beleeued it and therefore gaue them to vnderstand he would send vp post and write to the Prince their expected Emp. and others concerning affaires of importance To that end he demanded poste horses and convoy accordinglye which demand though yet for the suddainnes and heauines did somewhat distract their heads haue sildome easie resolutions but to sleeping yet after desiring an houres liberty and therin consulting with the Bish. and Gent. of the towne it was effected So then his Lordsh. requested M. Edw. Cherry thogh he was best to be commanded as being vsed to ride poast hauing the language knowing the factions of the Countrey and an easie command in euerie town because of his bountifulnes himself no doubt well pondring the waighte of his message with the care and speed therein to be vsed indeed as the onely he whether you consider the intrest the Amb. had in him or his seruiceable minde often manifesting his duty to his Lordship euen from his first going from the Arch-angell to this present Thus hauing al thinges meete and fit for their speedie iourney and weightie busines he with one of the Emperors Gentlemen vnderwent this dangerous and hard trauaile Here it might be befitting this my relation to declare somwhat at large the Emp. death the cause or disease his nature stature complexion and stratigems The Princes succeeding the Nobles mourning and the commons censuring each of which I could with litle labor perform but I know that man is made to vndergo much enuie doth vndertake to vvrite of Princes persons or pollicies which vvhosoeuer hereof vvrites truely must necessarily incur it being as a fit subiect for another Plato to write of so for a free born spirit to vvade in my selfe protesting rather a vvill to be reputed timorus then a desire to haue the least detraction only because I vvil not be thought dumbe in such a speaking age the time so falling out at my being there nor to want intelligence sufficient to tell the truth I shal say something as accounting him a foole vppon a iuste occasion spâ—akeâ— nothing His death was very suddaine and as it was in it selfe verye straunge for within some two houres after dinner hauinge as hee vsuallie had his Doctors with him who lefte him in theyr Iudgements in health as the good meale hee made could witnes for he dined well and fed plentifully though presently after as may be thought feeding ouer much he felt himselfe not onely heauy but also pained in his stomacke presently went into his chamber laid himselfe vppon his bed sent for his Doctors which alwaies speeded yet before they came he was past being speechles and soone after dying Before his death as speedy as it was hee would be shorne and new christned what the cause was otherwise then the griefe inward sorrow with diuers distractions about the wars and their badde successe fearing the worste on his part onely God knowes yet who so remembers Gods iudgements or Princes pollicies for kingdomes with mans inherent sinfulnes and considereth the one vvith the other may be satisfied if not contented It is reported and I am to the truth thereof rightly perswaded that being in this present not being some of his Counsellors and Nobility demaunded if he woulde not swear them a new to the Prince and whether he shold not be their Em. his answer with much trembling was as it pleased God and the Commons thereby presuming of the sufficiency of their former oaths but dispairing of the commons if not withâ—l fearing gods iudgments For the Princes succeeding I must defer that to hereafter but for the mourning who doth consider the fodaine losse in that timeâ—â—f rebellion of their best chief and wisest heads whose first election was froÌ„ their own applause the youth with the inocency of the Prince herewithal remembring many strang plots long time vsed by the hous of the Godonoves and flattring themselues in theyr good successe and novv the general opinion in the right of Demetre whereby all their hopes ended may thinke there was moorning sorrow and feare as in those whose consciences are compacted all of feare For this many headed-beastes of the multitude none caring how nor vvhat hee spake beeing naturally euer suspicious of the best howe coulde they digest this which of all other was the vvorst The rumor of the Emperors poisoning with his reuiuing Demetres Crowning the Princes imprisoning the Nobles fighting most of the councellors reuolting and the Merchants flying vvith the variety the likelihood the necessitye the desire the hope the feare being all as nothing to them liuing vnder that gouernment which least needeth to care who gouern them so they be ouer-ruled in anye other more ciuil Nation A subiect might haue loste his toong to haue spoken al his eares to haue herd al his life to haue beleeued and defended al. For the Em. person he was tall and well bodyed teaching out of his authority obedience of an excellent presence black and thinne haired well faced round and close shaued strong limbed A Prince framed betweene thought and resolution more fit for a kingdom then a king as being euer in labour but neâ—er till death deliueâ—ed neuer acting though euer plotting but in his closet or councel chamb One rather obeyed than loued being feared where he was not serued protected by the mighty rather than any particular perhaps vnder pretence of continuall wars to oppresse his poore subiects couching tyranny vnder pollicy as one whom long experience in opposite actions had made as fit to rule thereby as by cquity and conscience But gaining that Crowne with much cunning that hee had no right vnto held it great wisdome accordinglye to maintaine the
the Entertainment of 2000. Poles with as many horse attending the great Chaunsellor of Letto The firste Ambassador of but of a strange peace concluded about the time Sir Richard Lea was Ambassadour there for her late Maiest of England the same house the yong Prince Iohn of Denmarke Brother to that King and our now Queene of England did lodge in who would haue married the young Princes Oucksinia the Emperors onely Daughter but that hee vnhappily there died of a surfet as I was creadible Informed of one of the Em. Doctors The Ambassad as Plaid lying in the same house but not in any those lodgings for it is a custome there that where a Prince dies especially a straunger not of long time after to let anye other lodge there yet we savv and after walked in those lodg though they were for the most part barred vp and kept close which often seeing of the chamb where he departed being brother to our Noble and vertuous Quee. wroght a desire in vs to see his toomb The kings gentlemen and some others hauing the Emp. horses and sleads rode to their Sloboda as we call it Suberbes wher in the Chancell of the dutch Church he vvas interred with a great and Princelie obsequy the Emp himselfe and Prince attending the corps to the first gâ—te but all his Councellors Nobles gentlemen c following to the Church where they stayed tyll the Sermon was ended Hee had a large toombe couered with blacke veluet many banners and Scutcheons hanging about the body of the Church and chancel with his Armes and Creast and considring the countrey very princely Now the Ambassador vnderstanding of the conuenience of his passage down by slead way also fearing as wise men had cause what the yssue of these warres would be knowing the state here vsed in any sutes bethought himselfe aduisedly that it vvas hie time being the midst of February to desire a second audience for his sooner dispatch which he foorthwith requested and wrote a letter to that purpose vnto the L. Chancellor whom he knew must necessarily shew it vnto the Emp. but within twoe daies the Chancellor was himselfe to go vnto the camp vpon businesse of great importance so as it would consequently be vpon his returne before he could haue audience for that none would nor couldâ— so well and willingly supply that office of dispatch for Ambassadors as Ofod Nasse His return accordingly the Ambassad by his Prestaues put him in mind of his dispatch which he said directly should forthwith be performed so as within ten daies aâ—â—â—r the Amb. had his second audience very gratiously and honourably as thus Hauing notice giuen of the day he was accordingly sent for with the Emp. own slead for his own person and horses for the kinges Gent. and the rest as was desired by them Vpon the 10. of March the Ambas with the kin gentlemen all richly apparailed and all his followers decently attending very honourably as before and with the like recourse of beholders and guard of Gunners but that they were said to be Citizens by reason of their wars put in like apparell was attended to the Court being receiued with the former grace or more he ascended the Presence the Emp. and Prince holding their wonted state onely changing their vestments with the season but for the riches nothing inferior So soone as the Ambass and the kings gent. were come opposite to his throne he commanded seats that they might sit downe then with a Maiestâ—cke countenance representing rather constraint then former cheerfulnes he declared that he his sonne and Councel had considered his Maiesties letter the Maiestie of king Iames of Eng. as also on whatsoever else was desired and in token of his ioyful receiued amity with the renowmed king of England as with his predecessor he had wrote his Princelie letters to that purpose Herwith the Chancel from the Emp. deliuered the Amb. his Highnesse letters to his excellent Ma. Withall vnderstanding by the Chan. he had some farther matter to intreat of then in his breefe to his maiest was remembred therfor he had appointed foure principall Councellors to consult with him of his requests which was doone After the Ambas yeâ—lding curteous thanks for his Maiest fauour his Lordsh. attended by many Nobles proceeded to the Councell chamber whether presently after came fouâ— Councelors and the Em. Tolmach who after salutations we withdrew to the next chamber wher we passed away an hour in discourse among many young Nobles hauing the Ambass enterpreter In the end after three or four goings and returns of the Chancelor from the Em. we went again before him where after he had commanded vs to sit downe as before by the mouth of the Chauncelâ—our was openlye deliuered a briefe of the whole Embassie and that dâ—yes perticuler desire according to the Ambassadors request confirmed Also in good and pleasing language vvas declared the great desire that the Emperor hadde for the continuâ—nce of pâ—ace and amitiâ— with the renowmed Iamâ—s king of Eng. as with the laâ—e Q. Eliz. with all that in due time all accidents well ended he would send an honorable Ambas for further affaires as likewise to congratulate with our King of his happines in so applausable comming to his right and inheritance Farther that of al demands their graunts or reasons why not graunted he would send the Ambas a role Also of the grant of 600. robles which for the loue of the King of England and at the Ambas earnest request he commaunded should be paid backe againe Likewise a graunt of a new Priuiledge for the company which he saide should be vnder the golden seale c. Which ceremonius speech ended the Emp. called for the Ambas and the Kinges Gent. to kisse his hand and the Princes which done with the Empe. Nod or bowing to vs as likewise the Princes desiring the remembrance of his and the Princes commendations to his Maiesty the Prince and Queene of England we were dismissed but not before the Emp. said he would send home to vs. Thus we tooke our last leaue of the Emperors Court being more gratiously and especially entertained then before or then euer any would take knowledge Ambas were vsed withall At which I do not a litle wonder considering the heauines of times and the bad succâ—sse of his new entertained wars and no doubt the secret trouble and griefe of his conscience but hee that was from his Infancy then being a subiect esteemed and accounted subtile and ingeaâ—ious now being an Emp. experienced with many straunge plots and stratigems to his number of yeares and imploiments could he lesse be or lesse seeme thâ—n a wise polititian But we are honorably attended home and a Duke of great account named Knas Euan Euannowich Courletev cals me at this time from Princes proceedings to attend him that was attended with many of the Emp. seruants within our gates following him a dinner sent from the Emp. by some 200. persons
sent from his maiestie to make the Ambassador and the kinges Gentlemen merry likewise hauing instructions to drinke their Emperors our King and both the Princes healths and diuers Princes else which hee did himselfe verye freelye and some of vs as many of them as we could with our owne healths there being such plenty of Meandes and other drinkes as might wel haue made forty Russes haue stumbled to sleepe Thus light-headed and well laded especialy if you take knoledge of y â— 30. yards of cloth of gold and the two standing cups with couers which the Ambassador rewarded him withall before he departed And surely a wise Duke shall he euer bee that couers his backe with his belly and by taking a cup or two extraordinary can swallow down a hundreth Markes in siluer and gold to recouer his Pâ—pemeliâ— as they call it I say his wits withall but he had it giuen him with a verye good will and with a better mind then he had that did so lightly carry it away Now there was after our first being at the Court much inquiry made whether the Ambassador would go home by the Narue and so ouer land but vpon what reasons I know not only I vnderstood his Lo. should haue had a second audience forthwith after he had deliuered by writing to the Em. those things he did not speake before being sent vnto for them the next day perhaps the heads wherof he did send to the Emper. that his councell might aduise vpon them But vnwelcome newes within four daies after our audience so vnhappilye came as not onlye our affayres but any else except counsell against present danger was not regarded For this was held for currant that one who named himselfe Demetre Evanowich Beola as the son of their late Emperor Evan Vasillovvich he that in the raigne of Pheodor Evannovvich his brother at what time Boris Pheodorvvich now Emperour then Protector was in his infancy as was thought murthered at Ougleets is now reuiued againe and vp in Armes for his right and inheritance so did he distract the Emp. kingdome such a world of tales troubled the commons that the Ambass must necessarily bee in some feare because the Emp. and State were in all and thought he would bee perswaded it was but deceipt yet the butchering of him or at least the intent much terâ—ified his soule and conscience wherupon presently was sent an army of 200000. souldiers eyther to take or sley him But hee was so strengthened vvith Poles Cassackes c that a number of Russes yealded to his obedience Insomuch as he hath byn the author of more bloudshed then hath beene there of many yeares although these Emperors haue continuall warres with diuers Nations Notwithstanding the Emperors fauour was much and greater euery daie then other to the Ambassador and the kin Gentlemen For we had liberty to ride at our pleasure and to this ende had the Emperors sleades or horses vpon demaund with one of our Prestaues other gent. to accompany and guard vs. So as vpon the 21. of Nouember 〈◊〉 Prince of an auncient custome goiâ—g to a Câ—urch within Musco the Kings Gent. vppon knowledge thereof Thâ—mbas being vnwilling to be seene publike as also for that the Emp. himsâ—lfe did not go as he was accustomed went and attended where his excellency might see them and they safely beholde him who rode in a very faire and rich slead hauing a gallant Palfrey led by two groomes to drawe it many hundreds running before to sweep the snow away where he should passe and were said to be slaues which I verily beleeue because certainly they were his subiects Then came the Prince richly apparrelled with two tartar Princes standing before one his slead and two young Dukes behind with 200. sleds following him who when he came against the place the Kings Gentlemen gaue their attendance made a stande gratiously questioning them of the Ambas healthe and their own which with lowe courtesie they made answere vnto so his Maiesty departed and they expected his return which wold be within one houre then came before the Lord Chaunsellor and wished them to stay very honorably and kindly bespeaking them and Maister Iohn Merick who attended there with them so the Prince returning made a seconde stay then giuing knowledge he woulde send them home a present willing his commendations to bee remembred to the Ambas and so passed in Within 4. houres after came a Gent. one of the Emp. chiefe Butlers named Bactayer from the Prince vnto the Kings Gent. with a great present After their entertainment to the Gentlemen and drinking of our Princes healths they brought him into the Ambassadors bed-chamber who gaue great thankes to the Prince on the Kings Gentlemens behalfe they giuing him at the Ambassadors appointment a peece of siluer and gilte plate worth twenty markes and very thankfully returning their seruice to the Prince for his royal present and to himselfe much thanks for his paines The Ambassador kept here a great Christmas hauing a good company not without some sports befitting his state and the present time Vpon New-yeeres day he was very honourably presented with New yeers-gifts from master Doct. Christopher Writtinger the Emperors chiefe Physitians some of the Kinges Gentlemen Maister Iohn Mericke and his wife and many other English Marchaunts wherein they expressed their good wil and loue as to him not onely had or would deserue it but accounted it a vertue not to be vnthankfull or vnmindfull of any kindnes bestowed on him The 8. of February the Emperor sent vs sleds to ride abroade and this day the rather that we might behold a reported victorie against the reputed Rebell Demeatry c So we the Kings Gentlemen did behold three hundred poore prisoners seuenteene Ensignes and eleuen drummes brought in vvith more glory then victorie About this time returned Peter Basman one of the generals who had performed very honourable seruice and certainely he was the man of greatest hope and expectation in the whole Empire who was brought into the Musco with all the Counsell Nobles Gentlemen and Marchants a grace neuer performed before to any Subiect But not without suspicion of some extraordinary secret herein and besides particular fauors bountifull rewards and a promise he should neuer go againe vntill the Emperor himselfe went he was being but a young man made a Priuy Counsellor foorthwith one thinge I will you shall obserue the Emperors fauor and his then Noble spirit he making diuers times sute as was thought because they were in great daunger to go againe to the vvars once prostrated himselfe to obtaine his desire but falling downe too humblie he could not easily rise againe whereby the Emperor vndâ—rstanding of his many and great vvoundes was said to weepe rysing himselfe vppe to raise and help him vp but extraordinary causes haue the like effects as hereafter you shall vnderstand Among other times of our taking the ayre wee beâ—ing lodged in that large house builded for
hee being there vnto elected by so generall a consent and the like importunitie and besech of the Byshops Counsellours Nobles and Commons of their Empire vndertaking the gouernment thereof meerely of pittie without the least motion of pride or popularitie onely to satiâ—fie them all in generall rather then in any pâ—rticular to please himselfe but in happying and blessing them withall his Princely and contionerie conditions thereafter that wee his onely Sonne so beloued of the mightie and many so reuerensed of the good and religious will fâ—r many princely arguments approued of by our selfe and our grauer Counsell notwithstanding a double oath of the most to our Emperiall dignitie lawfull succession and inheritance in person come into the field with an inuincible Armie to make good our cause against thee yet doth it not befit such a mightie Prince as thou eyther art or wouldest bee thought so cruelly and vniustly to determine of our selfe our royall Mothâ—r and no lesse deare and princely Sister of which wee are informed thou thy selfe of vs art resolued Thou shouldest wisely and thankefully haue remembred thy owâ—e hard fortunes and as myraculous a preseâ—uing with our innâ—censie and youth and that wee bâ—th were or have thought our selues if so to bee wee are yet worthy great Princes Sonnes and Christians yea and more happynes and glory would it haue been to thee sitting on thy deare Fathers Throne to rule his pâ—ople with equitie and iustice then to haue bâ—en accounted his Sonne in tyrranie aâ—d blood Litle cause shall this Nation haue to hope of a mercifull and iust Prince that begins thus to terrifie and condemne the Innocent What â— it were graunted Wee haue no right yet our Father was elâ—cted Doe wee resist thee Dost thou not or will not blood-thirstie greatnâ—ss let thee vnderstand what an Innocent in yeeres and Counsell wee then were and yet haue been What if wee were perswaded thou art the right yet there are many many that neuer will bee and the greater are their arguments as thy cruelties aâ—d pollicies But that thou shalt perceiue wee neuer did resolue to keepe thee from thy Inheritaunce if of thy Iustice and true Title thereunto wee were but reasonably leâ— notwithstanding our Princely and safe Intelligence behold for thee our only Enimy we sacrifize our selfe behold how Innocencie Youth like the Twins of affection are maâ—e guiltie in themselues and wee are an Vsurper to our selfe onely Yet be not thou hardned here with nor yet reioyce herein least neither bemeetes thy dignitie but bee thou rather if not at least the true heire to Vertue yet like a King in Pittie and assure thy selfe wee die not for feare of thee but for loue to our selfe not desparing of thy mercy but for our preuenting thy iustice as he that thinks hopelesse benefite a comfort then presumption foâ— wee die but to conteyne our owne burthen yet with a much better resolution then eytheâ— selâ—e-coâ—ceite or inthrald cowardize can be witnes of as he that had much rather be condemnâ—d than by accusing Enâ—mies spared to be iusâ—ified indeâ—d onâ—ly for thy expected Seruants our beloued and louing Subictes who wee know dearely would purchase our life and libertie for them wee doe thus lay violent hands on our pâ—ttied but not hatefull lâ—fe as hee that esteemes it more worth to die an innoceâ—t then liue it but deemed death worthy for greater sorrow shoulâ— wee sustaine to suffer without desert then thus to die without compassion Shall not the Earth say Thou weart the cause yes yes All Priâ—ces wordes are Lawes or should be yet oft times vnlawfull or vnmercifull be their entents and actions May the world report wee were our owne murderer If they can yet let them remember onely if our selfe iustice but of our innocent selfe and better were it for any one Innocent then many Innocents should perish for so thy freinds shall be more and thy loue greater when wee that are thy Ryuall are departed yet imagine with what ioy or sorrow wee imbrace death that breath our last in that bosome wee first receiued our beeing and be perswaded our selfe our deare Mother and sweete Sister drinke onely for thee this Cupp of Lyres So bee thou a King and thy posteritie Princes as thou hast right to our late Empire and art iust to thy Enemies louing to thy Subiectes mercifull to the poore and so be thou euer pâ—osperous Thus thou mayst be assured of vs. Lo thus wee dearely go to Heauen These Funerall speeches being afterward deliuered to the Emperour hâ—e fell into teares vppon reading them mixing much gracious language of the young Prince amongst his bemoninges of his fortunes And hearing some speake vnreuerently of his Father hee checkt them in these wordes It ill beseemeth any much lesse his Subiectes and those who had elected him to wound his Honour now hee lyes dead whom lyuing they kneeled to as their lawfull Emperour if not as right Heire but as approued by the generall voyces of the States Then he gaue commaundement that all those who had the keeping of the yong Prince should be imprisoned till his further pleasure were knowne and that the Mother and Sonne should bee basely and obscurely huried which accordingly was done The old Emperour Borris his body being likewise taken from the royall Monument where it first was layde to bee buryed with theirs in a meane Church within the Mosco Before we carry you any further it shall not bee amisse to place before your eye the picture of the young Prince who was in countenaunce effeminate in tongue faire and quicke his speach like his body high and great charitable to the poore which his Father was not bountifull to the mightie an indifferent rewarder both of the Vertuous and Valorous The lyuing thus hauing made the dead serue as Stayres to lift him vp into a Throane each one held â—t safest insudome to flye with the formost into â—he Campe there to make their peace by which meanes they flocked in troopes beeing dryuen therevnto eyther through feare of present dangers or of tempestes to come But their rightfull Emperour casting behinde him all thoughts of precedent actions onely â—pplyed himselfe to the present receiuing those that came vnto him with princely and kind embracementes esteeming himselfe then to be an absolute Prince when hee could so subdue his owne affections as to forgiue his Enemies yea those that were accounted Arch-traytors and Bloody-tyrantes Besides hee held it a good part of wisedome not to detaine any by force as his predecessors did within the Countrey not suffering any to enter but rather made it knowne that all his Dominions should be free for euery Subiect to goe foorth and euery Stranger to come in by which meanes besides the honour of beeing styled the First Emperour that made the State Free he should through commerce with other nations inrich his owne and propagate the fame and greatnesse of his name and Empire Thus suddenly he became of a Poore and il-attended