three apparant and certaine causes and a fourth more obscure and darke The apparant and certaine causes bee The first is the Ocean the second the situation of the Land and the third the nature and propertie of many and sundrie windes Besides these three which I hold for manifest I beleeue there is a fourth hidden and lesse apparant which is the propertie of the same Land inhabited and the particular influence of the Heauens Among the speciall causes and reasons I haue first placed the Sea for without doubt the neernesse thereof doth helpe to temper and coole the heat for although the Water be salt yet is it alwayes water whose nature is cold But if wee shall yet search more particularly wee shall not finde in all this Land an equall temperature of heate although it bee in equall distance from the Sea and in the same degree seeing that in some partâ— there is great heate and in some very little Doubtlesse the cause thereof iâ— that the one is lower and the other higher which causeth that the one is hot and the other cold It is most certaine that the tops of the Mountaines are colder then in the bottome of the Vallies the which proceedes not onely for that the Sunne beames haue greater repercussions vpon lower places although it be a great reason yet there is another which is that the Region of the aiâ—e is colder when it is farthest from the ground The cause why the middle Region of the aire is more cold hath beene shewed before for that the Region of the aire next to the fierie exhalation the which according to Aristotle is vpon the Spheare of the aire repells and thrusts backe all the cold the which retires it selfe into the middle Region of the aire by Antiparistasis as the Philosophers speake Now if any one should question with me in this manner If it be so that the aire is hot and moist as Aristotle holds and as we commonly say whence then proceedes the cold which is congealed in the middle Region of the aire seeing it cannot come from the fierie Spheare For if it come from the Water or the Earth by this reason the lower Region of the aire should be colder then the middle To answere truly what I thinke I will confesse that this Argument and Obiection is so difficult as I am almost readie to follow the opinion of such as reproue the qualities agreements and disagreements which Arâ—stotle giues vnto the Elements â—aying they are but imaginations who for this occasion hold the aire to bee cold by nature And to this end they vse many arguments and reasons whereof we will propound one very familiar and well knowne leauing the rest apart In the Canicular dayes we are accustomed to beate the aire with a fan and wee finde that it doth refresh vs so as these Authors affirme that heate is no priuate propertie of any other Element but of fire onely which is dispersed and mingled with all things as the great Denis doth teach vs. But whether it be so or otherwise for I will not contradict Aristotle but in that which is most certaine in the end they agree all that the middle Region of the aire is colder then the lowest next to the Earth as experience doth shew vs seeing that in this middle Region are congealed Snow Haile Frosts and other signes of extreme cold The middle Region then which they call the burning Zone hauing on the one side the Sea and on the other the Mountaines we must hold them for sufficient causes to temper and coole the heate The temperature of this Region ought chiefly to be attributed to the propertie of the winde that blowes in that Country the which is pleasant and fresh The prouidence of the great God Creator of all things hath beene such as he hath ordayned fresh and coole windes in that Region where the Sunne makes his course which seemes should be burnt vp that by their coolenesse the excessiue heate of the Sunne might be qualified Wee see in one climate some Regions and Cities hotter then others onely for that they feele lesse winde to refresh them The like is in other Countries where no winde blowes the which are all on fire like vnto a furnace If we shall neerly looke into the consideration of the winde whereof we haue spoken we may resolue many doubts which some obiect and which seeme strange and wonderfull wherefore the Sunne casting his beames vpon the burning Zone and particularly at Peru and that more violently then in Spaine in the Canicular dayes yet they defend the heat with a light couering so as with a slender couering of mats or straw they are better preserued from the heate then in Spaine vnder a roote of wood or a vault of stone Moreouer why are not the nights in Summer at Peru as hot and troublesome as in Spaine Wherefore on the highest tops of Mountaines euen amongst the heapes of snowe you shall sometimes feele great and insupportable heat Wherefore in all the Prouince of Colao when yee come into the shade how little soeuer you feele cold But comming into the Sunne beames you presently finde the heate excessiue Euery morning the winde from the Sea doth cease and the Sunne begins to cast his beames and for this reason they feele the greatest heat in the morning vntill the returne of the same windes which otherwise they call the tyde or winde of the Sea which makes them first to feele cold Wee haue tried all this whilest wee were at the Ilands of Barlouante where in the mornings wee did sweat for heat and at noone we felt a fresh aire for that then a North Easterly winde which is fresh and coole doth commonly blow Considering with my selfe the pleasing temperature of many Countries at the Indies where they know not what Winter is which by his cold doth freeze them nor Summer which doth trouble them with heat but that with a Mat they preserue themselues from the iniuries of all weather and where they scarce haue any neede to change their garments throughout the yeere I say that often considering of this I find that if men at this day would vanquish their passions and free themselues from the snares of couetousnesse leauing many fruitlesse and pernicious designes without doubt they might liue at the Indies very pleasant and happily for that which other Poets sing of the Elisean fields of the famous Tâ—â—pâ— or that which Plato reports or feignes of his Atlantike Iland men should finde in these Lands if with a generous spirit they would choose rather to command their siluer and their desires then to remayne to it slaues as they are Hauing discoursed in the two former Bookes of that which concernes the Heauens and the habitation of the Indies in generall it behooues vs now to treat of the three elements Aire Water and Land and their compounds which be metals plants and beasts for as for the fire I
Fowle his fighting for Pâ—lchards 979.50 Coffins for buriall the Chinois curiositie about them 368.30.40 Coffin of Camphire preserues the Corpes 181. Cogno is Iconium in Armenia 69.40 Cohilouzaa a Citie in China ouerthrowne with an Earthquake for Martyring a Christian 269.50.60 270.1 Coia Acem the Pirat his Story 257 Coiat the Tartarian word for their Master of the Ceremonies 12.60 Coiganzan the Citie 96.20 Coilac a Citie of Merchants in Catay 20.50 Coyne of Russia with a Horseman and his Whip the occasion of it 419,10 Colla in Lapland 556.40 Colan the Tartarian name for an Asse 19.50 Colchis the extent Wâ—â—ddy and Mountainous called the Petigoren Prouince 636. Idolaters their Customes ibid. Cold extreame in the vttermost of the Torride Zone where it should be hoâ—e or temperate 896.40 Cold vnder some places of the Torride Zone 920.60 In the middle Region the cause 921.20 Cold neere the North Pole not so vehement as in 73. degrees 702.20 Cold extreame in Tartarie 27.1 Cold thickning the breath 415.1 And freezing men dead and cutting off their Noses Toes c. ibid. Cold raises blisters on mens faces 497.1 Cold inuincible where 497.60 When it began to relent in Noua Zembla 499. And increases againe ibid. 503.50 Cold of Russia the experiments of it 415.1 Cold stronger then Fire 496.20.498 It remedies stiflings ibid. Cold freezing the Cloathes on mens backes ibid. Cold stopping the breath 221.2 Cold preserues from Putrifaction 926.30 Cold in Noua Zembla makes the Beares and Foxes and Deere Snow-white Colgoiene Iland the latitude 533.50 Described 536.10 Colima the Prouince and Village in the West Indies the Latitude and distance from the Choacan 874.60 The Commodities 875.1 Collars worne in stead of Bands 459.40 Colledge in China 386.1 389.20 398. The credite of the Doctors therein ibid. Collins Cape in Greenland 571.10 Colmacke the Countrey 235.20 Colmans Point 592.30 Colmogro in Russia 214.10 223.50 Colours aboundance in Iapon and China 354.10 Coola the Towne 517.50 And Riuer 566.40 Colti what 102.10 Columbus his Proposition to our Henry the seuenth 807.20 c. Comanians are the Cumani 53.40 Whence they haue their name 114.30 Comanians where antiently seated 310. 12.50 Ouerrunne by the Tartars ibid. 114.30 Called Valanos and their Countrey Valania by the Dutch 11.1 Combats for tryall still in Muscouie 216.60 The Combatants sweare vpon the Crucifixe 722 Combustions about the Succession in Russia 420.30 Comedies of the Mexicans 1049.40 Birds Flyes Toades c. Personated in them 1049.50 Comedies in China 181.10 Comet seene by Day in Mexico 1020.60 Comet seen in Iapon Anno 15â—5 326.30 Comet 1577. seene seuen dayes sooner in Peru then in Spaine and why 925.10 It s motion Comhay a Port 256.40 Commencements in China 200.385.40.50 Their Commencement House 386.1 The manner of their Examination ibid. Common all is amongst Tartars 443.1 Common-wealth first to bee respected 443.1 Commodities of Pechora Siberia Permia Ougoria and among the Tingussies 522.40 Commodities exported out of China 365.10 Communion receiued but once a yeere in the Russian Church 452.1 Confession before it the Order first to giue both in a Spoone and then both kindes seuerally 452.10 Their mirth and fasting after it ibid. Comolen Ilandâ— 259.30 Comoron beautifull Women 242.50 Compasse made to goe false by Iron Nayles 514 Compasse the vse of it 241.50 Compasse varies not in Shotland Iles 567. Nor in Lofoote 581.50 See Variation Complements in China 391.20 373.20 Complement in Aethiopia 253.10 Composition betwixt Spaine and Portugall 330.10 Concha in China 100.10 Concombres aâ— Indian fruit the sorts and conditions 955.10 Concubines freely kept in Poland 629 Confession how extorted in Tartarie 25.30 Confession Sacramentall not known to the Nestorians or Armenians 38.20 Confession auricular imitated by the Deuill in his Idoll Ceremonies 1041.50 See Auricular Confession alowed vsed in Iapon a horrible Story of that 1042.30 Confutius the Prince of the Learned in China 347.40 Honoured with a Holiday Sacrifices Temple and Musicke ibid 397.30 His Age workes and Authoritie 384.50 385 Coniunction of the Moâ—â—e obserued in China 306.40 The superstitioâ—s vsed then ibid. 307 Conquerours are to prouoke the Enemy to fight suddenly but the Defendant is to protract time 148.60 Constellations 24. numbred in China 346.40 Contagion in Summer occasioned by milde Winters 637.1 Contomanni a people in Cataye 20.60 Contrarie causes producing the like effects 919.10 Controuersies ended by kissing the Crosse 434.10 The Order when both sweare ibid. Couersions of the Indians by the Spaniards what 1025.20 in Marg. Conuicted by Law are fined to the Emperour of Russia 429.30 How much 434.20 How afterwards vsed 434.30 Cookerie in Cathay 30.10 Copies of Patents kept in China 327.30 Copper Mines very hard in the West Indies 875.10 Copper workes 269.10 Copper vsed by the Indians for to make their Armour of 942.50 disused now Copper mixt with Gold in the Mine 943 Coquimbo Riuer in Chile the Latitude 899 Corai the Kingdome 324.20 Entred in hâ—stile manner by the Iaponians 325.30 They wanted Artillerie ibid. Coraâ—nie the Citie and Kingdome 109.30 Without Learning or Religion ibid. Corchu the Iland 308.1 Cardage of Reedes 97.20 Cordage of a Weede very strong it saweâ— Iron in peeces 9â—6 30 9951 10 Cordage of Wooll and Horse-haire in Tartarie 6.40 Cordi the Mountainous people of seuerall Religions 70.10 Coreâ— vnder the Chinois 309.60.377.10 Inuaded by the Iaponians ibid. Releiued by the Chinois against Iapon ibid. Quited by the China King ibid. Corela in Russia granted to the Sweden 795. c. Corelia the Countrey 443.40 Cormorant Fishing 363.60 411.30 The Fishermen pay a tribute for it 364.1 Cormorant Fishing in China 179.30 209 Corne flung on the new Married the meaning 454.50 Corne now growes in the cold parts of Russia 214 Corne buryed with the Indians to sowe in the next World 974.30 Corne and Wine why nâ—â—e in Noua Hispania 86.30 Corne on the ground the Indian Ceremonies for the growing of it 1045.40 Coronation of the Emperour of Russia the forme â—20 741. c. The exceeding Stâ—te of it ibid. Coronation of the Kings of Mexico 1006.10 His Charge ibid. 1009.20 His Oath fashion of his Crowne and Ensignes 1006.10 His Annoynting 1009.30 His Throne and Ensignes of Warre then giuen him ibid. 60. Orations made to him of his Charge 1006.1.1009.20.1011.20 Foure chiefe Electors 1014.40 He is led to the Temple to the continuall Fire before his Coronation ibid. The Feast and other Ceremonies ibid. They must goe to Warre before their Coronation to fetch in Prisoners to sacrifice to their God at the Inauguration 1006.1009.1017 20. The King offers Incense and drawes Blood of himselfe with a Griffâ—ns talon 1014. 1018.40 His Robes and Emerald hung in his Nostrils ibid. 1016.1 Maskes c. at their Coronation 1019.40 Coronation of the Inguas of Peru the Ceremonies 1055.1.10 Corpo Santo what oft seene at Sea 728.20 Corpus Christi Feast of the Papists imitated
the South the Riuer of Nanchiun becomes nauigable which runneth into Canton and the South Sea On the other side of the Hill at the Citie Naugau ariseth another great Riuer which visiteth the Prouinces of Chiansi and Nanquin and many Cities before hee enters the Sea Eastward Thus what comes from forraine Kingdomes to Canton is this way conueyed to the in-land Kingdomes as also from those hither Horses and seates or Chayres for carriage on mens shoulders Beasts for carriage and Porters being almost innumerable euery day yet all in good order The Mountayne is common to both Prouinces which are distinguished by a Gate erected among the stonie precipices All the way is set with Trees paued with stones frequenâ— with Hostries as secure by night as by day both by the guards of Souldiers and frequencie of Trauellers neither are their ouer-flowings by raynes On the Hill top is a neate Temple and therein a Garrison both Prouinces thence offered to the view Naughan signifieth the Southerne Inne Hee went in one of the Presidents Ships till hee came to the Citie Canceu by the way often entring into his owne Ship and discoursing with him of Europaean affayres Sciences and Religion But so many visitations for Magistrates hindred all dealing with his Sonne in this iourney so that by his Father it was deferred In this Citie Canceu resideth a Vice-roy greater then the Vice-roy of that Prouince they call him the Vice-roy of foure Prouinces Chiansi Fuchien Canton and Vquam not that all those Prouinces are subiect to him but because hee gouerneth two adioyning Regions or lesse Prouinces out of each of them The cause of appointing this Vice-roy extraordinarie was the multitude of Theeues in those parts which bordering on so many Prouinces could not easily by ordinarie course of Iustice bee apprehended whence two Regions out of each were committed to one who by Militarie forces repressed those insolences And because the militarie Magistrates are subiect to that Councell of Warre at Pequin the President was heere receiued with greater State aboue three thousand men were sent to meete him a league off with their Captaynes Colours and Armes many with Hand-gunnes mixed shooting off as he passed making a faire show on both sides the Riuer which there is not very large When hee was come into the Citie the Vice-roy with other Magistrates visited him with Gifts Prouisions Banquets and some companies were set to guard the Ships which was also done euery where such is the China veneration of such Magistrates by their inferiours Heere was a Bridge of Boates opened but once a day for Ships passage which haue payd their customes After they were past this Citie another Riuer addes it selfe to this whence they come into a place called Sciepathau about thirtie miles long in which are many Rockes dispersed on which the impetuous force of the water causeth many ship-wrackes goods lost and men drowned and requireth expert Ship-men a strange thing to see a Riuer full of shelues and sharpe rockes in the midst of the continent In the entrance of this dangerous passage is an Idoll Temple wherein the passengers deuoutly commend the safetie of their fortunes to these vanities which Scilan also heere did in vaine for although with multitude and industrie of Saylers his Ship auoyded the Rockes yet was that broken in which his Wife and Children were carryed though they escaped drowning by reason of her high building euery one getting vp into the highest decke which lifted vp it selfe aboue those shallower waters They cryed pittifully and Father Matthew hauing then gotten a Boate for himselfe came first and receiued them going himselfe into another lesse which went before to conduct the way Scilan sent for another Ship presently to Canceu Father Matthew was taken into another Ship of burthen which was in a gust ouer-throwne Iohn Barradas his boy was drowned and hee hardly recouered the Commodities by dyuing were gotten againe though much hurt by the water They came to a noble and populous Citie called Chiengan where the winde by night was so violent that it dispersed all the Fleet which hardly escaped wracke Scilan terrified with this disastrous passage by water purposed to goe by land to Pequin which is done at the Kings cost in certayn places there being Horses Lighters Porters prouisions ready prouided Now thinking to send backe Ricius to Xanceum least some might accuse him in a time of warre for bringing Strangers to the Court hee shewed some the wonders of his triangle Glasse which hee was willing to giue the President if hee knew he should hold on with him in the Iourney They acquainted their Lord and hee gaue him license to goe to Nanquin and to enter those two Prouinces of Cequion or Cechien and Nanchin or Nanquin Hee was carryed thither with two of Scilans seruants still hauing Souldiers from all places to guard him they thinking that some of his Sonnes were there carryed When hee came to that Mother Citie for before hee seldome went foorth to preuent all lets which is in twentie nine degrees to the Northermost part of the Prouince hee made shew of himselfe as one of Scilans houshold seruants and not knowing whither to goe to deliuer his Letters hee first went into a Temple of note which beares name of the Iron Pillar For they fable that one Huiunsin had some hundreds of yeeres agoe brought perfect Siluer out of Quick-siluer and had deliuered this Citie from a huge Dragon whom hee ouer-whelmed in the ground and tyed to that Iron Pillar and then flew with his whole house Mice and all into Heauen The building of this Temple is worthy the view against which are perpetuall Faires in which nothing is lacking to bee sold. The Priests are those which they call Thausu which let their hayre and beards grow When hee entred that Temple much concourse of people came about him to see a Stranger a strange sight there yea reputed holy for they had thought that the fame of that Idoll had brought him thither from farre Countries But when hee did no worship thereto hee was admonished to doe that which the greatest Magistrates refused not then threatned after they would force him till one of the Ship sayd hee worshipped no Idols But seeing the multitude still flocking about him he returned to the Ship and signified that hee came with the President whom euery man knew The seruants visited their Masters friends and receiued gifts of some especially of the Vice-royes Physician Scarcely had they sayled out of the chiefe Citie when they meete with a Lake admirable for the greatnesse and other things on all the bankes as farre as a man can see are innumerable Townes Castles Villages great Houses thence they may passe into Fuchien and thence to the Sea Eastward Amongst other Townes there is one Citie called Nancan at the foot of a Hill called Liu in which Hill are diuers Anchorites each in his
as to the 〈◊〉 They did worship these three Viracocha the Sunne and Thunder after another manner then all the rest as Pâ—llo writes who had made triall thereof they did put as it were a Gantlet or Gloue vpon their hands when they did lift them vp to worship them They did worship the Earth which they called Pachaâ—aâ—a as the Ancients did the goddesse Tellus and the Sea likewise which they call Mamacocha as the Ancients worshipped Thetis or Neptune Moreouer they did worship the 〈…〉 which were the Armes and Blazons of the Ingua with two Snakes stretched out on either side Amongst the Starres they all did commonly worship that which they called Colâ—a and wee here Cabrille They did attribute diuers offices to diuers Starres and those which had neede of their fauour did worship them as the Shepherd did sacrifice to a Starre which they called Vrcuhillay which they hold to be a Sheepe of diuers colours hauing the care to preserue their Cattell and they imagine it is that which the Astronomers call Lyra. These Shepherds worship two other Starres which walke neere vnto them they call them Catuchillay and Vrcuchillay and they fayne them to be an Ewe and a Lambe Others worshipped a Starre which they called Machacuay to which they attribute the charge and power ouer Serpents and Snakes to keepe them from hurting of them They ascribe power to another Starre which they called Châ—gâ—iâ—chinchay which is as much as Tigre ouer Tigres Beares and Lions and they haue generally beleeued that of all the beasts of the earth there is one alone in heauen like vnto them the which hath care of their procreation and increase And so they did obserue and worship diuers Starres as those which they called Chacana Topatarca Mamâ—â—an Mirco Miquiquicay and many other So as it seemed they approched somwhat neere the propositions of Platoes Idees The Mexicans almost in the same manner after the supreme God worshipped the Sâ—nne And therefore they called Hâ—rnando Cortez as he hath written in a Letter sent vnto the Emperor Charles the fifth Sâ—nne of the Sunne for his care and courage to compasse the Earth But they made their greatest adoration to an Idoll called Vitzliputzli the which in all this Region they called the most puiffant and Lord of all things for this cause the Mexicans built him a Temple the greatest the fairest the highest and the most sumptuous of all other The situation and beautie thereof may well be conjectured by the ruines which yet remaine in the midst of the Citie of Mexico But here the Mexicans Idolatrie hath beene more pernicious and hurtfull then that of the Iâ—guas as wee shall see playner hereafter for that the greatest part of their adoration and Idolatrie was imployed to Idols and not to naturall things although they did attribute naturall effects to these Idols as Raine multiplication of Cattell Warre and Generation euen as the Greekes and Latines haue forged Idols of Phoebus Mercurie Iupiter Minerua and of Mars To conclude who so shall neerly looke into it shall finde this manner which the Deuill hath vsed to deceiue the Indians to be the same wherewith he hath deceiued the Greekes and Romans and other ancient Gentiles giuing them to vnderstand that these notable creatures the Sunne Moone Starres and Elements had power and authority to doe good or harme to men Their manner to pray to Viracocha to the Sunne the Starres and the rest of their Idols was to open their hands and to make a certaine sound with their mouthes like people that kissed and to aske that which euery one desired in offering his Sacrifices yet was there great difference betwixt the words they vsed in speaking to the great Ticiâ—iracocha to whom they did attribute the chiefe power and commandement ouer all things and those they vsed to others the which euery one did worshippe priuately in his house as Gods or particular Lords saying that they were their Intercessors to this great Ticciuiracocha This manner oof worship opening the hands and as it were kissing hath something like to that which Iob had in horrour as fit for Idolaters saying If I haue kissed my hands with my mouth beholding the Sunne when it shines or the Moone when it is light the which is a great iniquitie and to deny the most great God THe Deuill hath not beene contented to make these blinde Indians to worshippe the Sunne Moone Starres Earth and Sea and many other generall things in nature but he hash passed on further giuing them for God and making them subiect to base and abiect things and for the most part filthy and infamous for they worshipped Riuers Fountaines the mouthes of Riuers entries of Mountaines Rockes or great Stones Hils and the tops of Mountaines which they call Apachitas and they hold them for matters of great deuotion To conclude they did worship all things in nature which seemed to them remarkable and different from the rest as acknowledging some particular deitie These shewed me in Caxamalca of Nasca a little hill or great mount of Sand which was the chiefe Idoll or Guaca of the Ancients I demaunded of them what diuinity they found in it They answered that they did worship it for the wonder being a very high mount of Sand in the midst of very thicke Mountaines of Stone We had neede in the Citie of Kings of great store of great wood for the melting of a Bell and therefore they cut downe a great deformed Tree which for the greatnesse and antiquity thereof had beene a long time the Oratorie and Guaca of the Indians And they beleeued there was a certaine Diuinity in any thing that was extraordinary and strange in his kinde attributing the like vnto small Stones and Mettals yea vnto rootes and fruites of the earth as the rootes they call Papas There is a strange kinde which they call Lallahuas which they kissed and worshipped They did likewise worship Beares Lyons Tygres and Snakes to th end they should not hurt them and such as their gods be such are the things they offer vnto them in their worship They haue vsed as they goe by the way to caft in the crosse wayes on the hils and toppes of Mountaines which they call Apachittaâ— olde shooes Feathers and Coca chewed being an hearbe they vse much And when they haue nothing left they cast a Stone as an offring that they might passe freely and haue greater force the which they say increaseth by this meanes as it is reported in a prouinciall Counsell of Peru And therefore they finde in the hie-waies great heapes of Stones offred and such other things They vsed another offring no lesse pleasant and ridiculous pulling the haire from the eyebrowes to offer it to the Sunne Hils Apachittas to the Windes or to any other thing they feare Such is the miseries that many Indians haue liued in and doe to this day whom the Deuill doth abuse like very Babes with any foolish
bones and Iewels was gathered and laid vpon a rich Mantle the which was carried to the Temple gate where the Priests attended to blesse those deuellish relickes whereof they made a dough or paste and thereof an Image which was apparelled like a man with a visor on his face and all other sorts of Iewels that the deaâ— King was wont to weare so that it seemed a gallant I doll At the foote of the Temple staires they opened a graue ready made which was square large and two fadom deepe it was also hanged with new Mats round about and a farre bed therein in the which a religious man placed the Idol made of aâ—hes with his eyes toward the East part and hung round about the wals Targets of Gold and Siluer with Bowe and Arrowes and many gallant tuffes of Feathers with earthen vessels as Pots Dishes and Platters so that the graue was filled vp with houshold stuffe Chests couered with Leather Apparell Iewels Meate Drinke and Armor This done the graue was shut vp and made sure with beâ—mes boords and flored with earth on the top All those Gentlemen which had serued or touched any thing in the buriall washed themselues and went to dinner in the Court or yard of the Kings house without any table and hauing dined they wiped their hands vpon certaine locks of Cotten woll hanging downe their heads and not speaking any word except it were to aske for drinke This Ceremonie endured fiue dayes and in all that time no fire was permitted to be kindled in the Citie except in the Kings house and Temples nor yet any Corne was ground or Market kept nor none durst goe out of their houses shewing all the sorrow that might be possible for the death of their King In Mexico were twelue Iudges who were all Noblemen graue and well learned in the Mexican Lawes These men liued onely by the rents that properly appertaine to the maintenance of Iustice and in any cause iudged by them it was lawfull for the parties to appeale vnto other twelue Iudges who were of the Princes bloud and alwayes abode in the Court and were maintained at the Kings owne cost and charges The inferiour Iudges came ordinarily once euery moneth to consult with the higher And in euery fourescore dayes came the Iudges of euery Prouince within the Mexican Empire to consult with the Iudges of Mexico but all doubtfull causes were reserued to the King onely to passe by his order and determination The Painters serued for notaries to paint all the cases which were to be resolued but no suite passed aboue fourescore dayes without finall end and determination There were in that Citie twelue Sergeants whose office was to arrest and to call parties before the Iudges Their garments were painted Mantels whereby they were knowne a farre off The Prisons were vnder ground moist and darke the cause whereof was to put the people in feare to offend If any witnesse were called to take an oath the order was that he should touch the ground with one of his fingers and then to touch his tongue with the same which signified that he had sworne and promised to speake the troth with his tongue taking witnesse thereof of the earth which did maintaine him But some doe interprete the oath that if the paâ—tie sware not true that then he might come to such extremitie as to eate earth Sometime they name and call vpon the God of the crime whose cause the matter touched The Iudge that taketh bribes or gifts is forthwith put out of his office which was accounted a most vile aâ—d 〈◊〉 reproach The Indians did affirme that Necauâ—lpincintâ— did hang a Iudge in Tezâ—â—â—o for 〈…〉 sentence be himselfe knowing the contrary The Murtherer is executed without exception The woman with childe that wilfully casteth her creature suffereth death for the same The Theefe for the first offence was made a slaue and hanged for the second The Traitor to the King and Common-weale was put to death with extreame torments The Woman taken in Mans apparell died for the same and likewise the Man taken in Womans attire Euery one that challengeth another to fight except in the warres was condemned to dye In Tezcuco the sinne of Sodomie was punished with death and that Law was instituted by Necaualpincinth and Necaualcoio who were Iudges which abhorred that filthy sinne and therefore they deserued great praise for in other Prouinces that abhominable sinne was not punished although they haue in those places common Stewes as in Panuco The end of the fift Booke AN ALPHABETICALL TABLE OF THE PRINCIPALL THINGS CONTAINED IN THE FIVE BOOKES of the third Part of PVRCHAS his Pilgrims The first Number notes the Page the second Number directs you to the number noted in the back-margent of the Pages Right against which or betwixt that and the next number the note is to bee found Obserue that whereas many words may bee well written with I. or with Y. the Reader is to looke to both Obserue also that Name of Saints or Knights are not set vnder S. but in the Alphabet of their proper Names A ABaccu is the Caspian Sea 69.60 The largenesse of it 70.1 Abaseia or Habassia is India media 106.50 in Marg. Rich in Gold ibid. Abedalcuria 252.60 Abortion caused by an Herbe 991.40 Acapulco the Prouince and Port in the West Indies the Latitude 871.60 Acias or Akas so the Tartars call the Alanian Christians 10.10 Enemies to the Tartars 12.40 Achbaluch Mangi which in Tartars Language is the White Citie of the Mangi 90.1 Acornes as big as Apples 520 50 Accents the Chinois haue fiue seuerall 384.20 Accounts cast by graines of Corne 1053.50 Accord betweene Poles and Russes about chusing their Emperour 788.789 Acquaintance the Ceremony of beginning it 374 Acacron the Armenian Prophet 49.50 Acon the Citie Arabicke and Syriack vnderstood there 13.50 Adams Sepulcher in Zeilan 106.1 More of that Fable ibid. Adams-Apples grow in Persia 71.10 Adders of India their seuerall sorts and natures 976.1 Adem the Soldan of it discomfited 106.50 Admirals Iland 474.40 Sea horses there 512 Adoration the manner of it in Mexico 1027.30 1028.1 1046.60 Adoption practised in Russia 740.40 Adulterie punished with Death in Peru 1058.40 Adultresses Dowries giuen to poore Girles 276.10 Adulterie Witaldrie the punishment 182.40 Adulterers how punished in China 204.10 Aedgar the King his mightie Nauie 619.40 Emperour of the Ocean ibid. Aegeland and Halgeland discouered 212.1 Aequinoctiall vnder it moyst and raynie and why 918.40 Not so hoâ— as the Antients held it very cold in March causes of the temperature though the Sunne bee very hote the dayes and nights equall 920. No Calmes vnder the Lane 923.60.926 The Ayre vnder or neere it swifter then the Ayre about the Poles and why 925.30 Easterne and Westerne windes continuall vnder the Lino 925.40 See Torride Zone Aequinoctiall whither healthfull liuing vnder it 889.10 Aethiopian Patriarch 327.30
Inhabitants haue a peculiar Language and are Merchants and Artificers who are so couetous that they eate that which is bad and drinke worse Some Nestorian Christians are found there who also haue their Churches The Countrey inlargeth it selfe fiue dayes Iourney Samarchan is a great and famous Citie in that Countrey where are goodly Gardens and a fertile Plaine It is subiect to the Nephew of the Great Cham. In it the Christians dwell with the Saracens whence little agreement is betwixt them It is reported that in this manner a Miracle hapned the brother of Great Cham named Zagatai gouerned that Countrey about one hundred yeares agoe being perswaded to become a Christian the Christians through his fauour built a Church in honour of Saint Iohn Baptist with such cunning that the whole Roofe thereof was supported by one Pillar in the midst vnder which was set a square stone which by fauour of their Lord was taken from a building of the Saracens Zagathais Sonne succeeded after his death in the Kingdome but not in the faith from whom the Saracens obtayned that the Christians should be compelled to restore that stone And when they offered a sufficient valuable price the Saracens refused to receiue any other composition then the stone But the Pillar lifted vp it selfe that the Saracens might take away their stone and so continueth Departing againe from this Citie you come into the Prouince Charchan about fiue dayes Iourney in length This Prouince hath plentie of all victuals beeing subiect to the Dominion of the Nephew of Great Cham. The Inhabitants worship Mahumet yet among them certaine Nestorian Christians dwell They are great Artificers and haue most of them great legges and a great Wenne or Bunch in the throat by reason of the waters which they drinke The Prouince Cotam followeth betweene the East and the North-east It is subiect to the Dominion of the Nephew of Great Cham and hath many Cities and Townes The chiefe Citie thereof is called Cotam The Prouince is extended eight dayes Iourney in length There is no want therein of any thing appertayning to the maintenance of life It hath plentie of Cotton Flaxe Hempe Corne and Wine But the people are not warlike yet good Artificers and Merchants They acknowledge Mahumet Proceeding further through the same Countrey you meet with the Prouince Peim extended fiue dayes Iourney in length It is subiect to Great Can and hath many Cities and Castles The chiefe Citie thereof is called Peim neere which runneth a Riuer wherein precious stones are found to wit Iasper stones and Chalcedonie The Inhabitants of the Countrey worship Mahumet and are Artificers and Merchants There is a custome in this Prouince that when any marryed man goeth into another place and returneth not home within twentie dayes it shall be lawfull for the Wife to marrie another Husband and the men also wheresoeuer they goe doe the like All those Prouinces aforesaid to wit Caschar Cotam Peim to the Citie of Lop are in the bounds of Great Turkie Ciarcian is subiect to the Tartars the name of the Prouince and chiefe Citie it hath many Cities and Castles Many precious stones are found there in the Riuers especially Iaspers and Chalcedonies which Merchants carrie euen to Ouchach to sel and make great gain From Peim to this Prouince and quite thorow it also it is al Sand with many bad waters and few good When any Armie passeth through this Prouince all the Inhabitants thereof with their Wiues Children Cattel and all their houshold stuffe flie two dayes Iourny into the sands where they know good waters are and stay there and carrie their Corne thither also to hide it in the sands after Haruest for like feares The wind doth so deface their steps in the sand that their Enemies cannot find out their way Departing from this Prouince you are to trauell fiue dayes Iourney thorow the sand where no other water almost then that which is bitter is to be found vntill you come vnto the Citie named Lop. Lop is a great Citie from whence is the entrance of a great Desart called also Lop seated betweene the East and the North-east The Inhabitants are Mahumetans subiect to the Great Can. In it Merchants who desire to passe ouer the Desart cause all necessaries to be prouided for them And when victuals beginne to faile in the Desart they kill the Asses and Camels and eate them They most willingly vse Camels because they are sustayned with little meate and beare great burthens They must prouide victuals for a moneth to crosse it ouer-thwart for to goe thorow the length would aske a yeares time They goe thorow the sands and barren Mountaines and daily find water yet is it sometimes so little that it can scarsly suffice fiftie or one hundred men with their beasts and in three or foure places the water is salt and bitter the rest which are eight and twentie good In it are neither beasts nor birds They say that there dwell many spirits which cause great and meruailous Illusions to Trauellers to make them perish For if any stay behind that he cannot see his company he shall be called by name and so going out of the way is lost In the night they heare the noyse as it were of a company which taking to bee theirs they perish likewise Other apparances as of their companions or of enemies haue caused some to miscarrie Consorts of Musicall Instruments are sometimes heard in the Ayre likewise Drummes and noyses of Armes They goe therefore neere together hang Bels on their beasts neckes and set markes if any stay Hauing passed ouer the Desart you come vnto the Citie Sachion betwixt the East and North-east subiect to the Great Can in the Prouince of Tanguth where among the Worshippers of Mahumet a few Nestorian Christians are found Many Idolaters are also there who haue their proper Language The Inhabitants of this Citie liue not of Merchandize but the fruits of the Earth This Citie hath many Monasteries consecrated to diuers Idols in the which many Sacrifices are offered and great reuerence And when a Sonne is borne vnto a man hee presently commendeth him to some Idoll and in honour thereof nourisheth a sheepe that yeere in his house which he presenteth before it together with his Sonne the next Festiuall Day of that Idoll with many Ceremonies and great reuerence Afterward the flesh of the sheepe is boyled and left so long before the Idoll while their Prayers are finished which they make for the conseruation of their Sonne and the Idoll hath sucked out the sauour of the meate after which their fancie all his kindred being gathered together eate that flesh at home with great deuotion and ioy but orderly keepe the bones in certayne vessels The Priests haue the feete head inwards skinne and some part of the flesh for their share In celebrating the Funerals of such as were of esteeme the dead bodies are burned
their men and they promised it to Cublai One morning whiles Naiam was sleeping negligently in his Tent hauing not so much as sent out any scouts to espie Cublai made shew of his Armie vpon a hill to Naiams Hee himselfe sate in a certaine Castle of wood full of Archers and Crosse-bow men borne by foure Elephants on the top whereof was the Royall Standard with the Images of the Sunne and Moone Hee deuided his Armie into three wings of which he sent that on the right hand and the other on the left against Naiams Armie To euery ten thousand Horse were assigned fiue hundred Foot with Lances taught to leape vp behind the horse-men if any occasion of flight happened and suddenly on aduantage to light and slay the enemies horses with their lances Caidu was not yet come The battel 's ioyned and made a cruell fight which continued from morning till noone and then was Naiam taken and brought before Cublai who commanded that he should be sewed betwixt two Carpets which should be tossed vp and downe till the breath were out of his bodie that so the Imperiall blood might not be exposed to the Sunne and the ayre The remainder of his people sware Obedience to Cublai which were foure Nations Ciorza Carli Barscol and Sitingui Naiam was secretly baptised and by profession a Christian but no follower of the workes of Faith and signed his principall Ensigne with the signe of the Crosse hauing with him infinite store of Christians which were all slaine The Iewes and Saracens that were in the Armie of Cublai began to vpbraid the Christians with this disaster of the Crosse who thereupon complained to Cublai Hee then sharply reprouing the Iewes and Saracens turning to the Christians saith Surely your God and his Crosse would not giue any ayde to Naiam but be not you therefore ashamed because God beeing good and iust ought not at all to defend Iniustice and Iniquitie Naiam was a Traytour to his Lord and contrary to all equitie raised rebellion and sought the helpe of your God in his mischieuous purpose But he as a good and vpright God would not fauour his Designes He returned after this with great triumph to Cambalu and stayed there till Easter On that day he called the Christians before him and kissed their Gospels and made his Barons doe the same The like hee doth in the great Feasts of Saracens Iewes and Ethnikes that Sogomamber Can the God of the Idols Mahumet Moses or whosoeuer is greatest in heauen might helpe him Yet he made best shew of liking to the Christian Faith but pretended the ignorance of the Professors and the mightie acts of the Sorcerers to his not professing it Now for rewarding his Souldiers he hath twelue Barons or wise Counsellours which giue him notice of each Captaynes merit who raiseth them command of one hundred to a thousand and from one thousand to ten thousand and so forward giuing them Vessels of Plate and Tablets The Captayne of one hundred hath a Tablet of siluer and the Captayne of one thousand of Gold or siluer gilded the Captayne of ten thousand hath a Tablet of Gold with a Lions head on it the weight of the Tablets differ also according to the worth and weight of the dignitie On the said Tablet is written a command in this manner By the strength and power of the great God and by the Grace which he hath giuen to our Empire the name of Can be blessed and let them all dye and be destroyed which will not obey him All they which haue these Tablets haue priuiledges in writing of all things which they are to doe or demand And the Generals when they ride in publike they haue a cloth borne ouer their heads and when they sit sit on a Chaire of siluer Their Tablet is of three hundred Saggi fiftie ounces of Gold with the Images of the Sunne and Moone They whose Tablet haue a Gerfalcon may take with them for their guard the whole Armie of a great Commander Cublai is a comeley and faire man of a meane stature of a red and white face blacke and goodly eyes well fashioned nose and all the lineaments of his bodie consisting of a due proportion He hath foure wiues which he accounteth lawfull and the first-borne of them succeedeth him in the Kingdome And euery one of these is called Empresse and holdeth a peculiar Court and that Princely in a proper Palace hauing about three hundred chosen Hand-mayds and Mayd-seruant and many Eunuch seruants and at least ten thousand persons in their Family The King hath also many Concubines There is a certaine Nation of faire people Tartars called Vngut whether euery second yeare he sendeth Ambassadors to puruey the fairest Lasses for him of greatest esteeme for beautie which bring him foure or fiue hundred more or lesse as they see cause There are Praysers or Examiners appointed which take view of all their beauties examining Eyes Nose Mouth c. apart and set price on them at sixteene seuenteene eighteene nineteene twentie or more Carrats And they bring those of that rate which their Commission appoints These hee causeth to bee reuiewed by other Examiners and of so many chuseth perhaps thirtie for his Chamber of the chiefe which he puts to some of his Barons Wiues to see if they snore not in their sleepe if in smell or behauiour they be not offensiue Those which are approoued are by fiues diuided each fifth part wayting three dayes and nights in his Chamber by course the other in the next Lodgings preparing whatsoeuer these command them The lesse prized are put to Cookerie and other noble Officers And sometimes the Can bestowes them on Gentlemen with great portions The men of that Countrey esteeme it a grace and credit to haue Daughters worthy his liking and thinke themselues borne vnder an ill Planet if they haue not for his turne Cublai hath two and twentie Sonnes by his foure legitimate Wiues and the first-borne of his first Wife was called Cingis who should haue succeeded him in the Empire if hee had not dyed before his Father He left a Sonne named Temur a valiant man wife and exercised in Armes who is to succeed his Grand-father in the Empire in stead of his deceased Father But by his Hand-mayds and Mayd-seruants he hath fiue and twentie Sonnes all which are daily exercised in feats of Armes and are great Lords Seuen of his Sonnes by his Wiues are Kings of great Prouinces and maintayne their states with great reputation Three moneths of the yeere to wit December Ianuarie and Februarie Cublai remayneth ordinarily in Cambalu which is at the North-east border of Cataio and there on the South part by the new Citie is seated a great Palace First there is a square Wall each square being eight miles with a deep Ditch enuironing and a Gate in the middle of each after which is the space of a mile in circuit where Souldiers stand After this is
Chesmacoran are thirteene Kingdomes India minor is from Ziambi to Murfili in which are eight Kingdomes besides Ilands many The second or middle India is called Abascia The chiefe King is a Christian there are six other Kings three Christians and three Saracens subiect to him there are also Iewes Saint Thomas hauing preached in Nubia came to Abascia and there did the like and after to Malabar They are great Warriors alway in Armes against the Soldan of Adem and the people of Nubia I heard that An. 1288. the great Abissine would haue visited Ierusalem but being disswaded by reason of Saracen Kingdomes in the way he sent a Bishop of holy life to doe his deuotions who in his returne was taken by the Soldan of Adem and circumcised by force whereupon the Abissine raysed a power discomfited the Soldan with two other Mahumetan Kings tooke and spoyled Adem Abascia is rich in gold Escier is subiect to Adem fortie miles distant South-east where is store of white Frankincense very good which drops from small Trees by incision of the barke a rich merchandise c. Some in that Countrey for want of Corne make Bisket of Fish whereof they haue great plentie They also feede their beasts with fishes They take them in March April and May c. Hauing spoken of the Prouinces on the Coast I will now returne to some Prouinces more to the North where many Tartars dwell which haue a King called Caidu of the Race of Cingis Can but subiect to none These obserue the customes of their old Progenitors dwell not in Cities Castles or Fortresses but abide with their King in the Fields Playnes Valleyes and Forests and are esteemed true Tartars They haue no sort of Corne but liue of Flesh and Milke in great peace They haue store of Horses Kine Sheepe and other beasts There are found great white Beares twentie palmes long black Foxes very great wilde Asses and little beasts called Roudes which beare the Sable Furres and Vari arcolini and those which are called Pharaos rats which the Tartars are cunning to take The great Lakes which are frozen except in a few moneths of the yeere cause that the Summer is scarse to bee trauelled for myre And therefore the Merchants to buy their Furres for fourteene dayes iourney thorow the Desart haue set vp for each day a house of Wood where they abide and barter and in Winter they vse Sleds without wheeles and plaine in the bottome rising with a semi-circle at the top or end drawne easily on the Ice by beasts like great Dogs six yoked by couples the Sledman only with his Merchant and Furres sitting therein In the end of the Region of these Tartars is a Countrey reaching to the furthest North called Darknesse because the most part of the Winter moneths the Sunne appeares not and the Ayre is thicke and darkish as betimes in the morning with vs. The men there are pale and great haue no Prince and liue like beasts The Tartars oft rob them of their Cattell in those darke moneths and left they should lose their way they ride on Mares which haue Colts sucking which they leaue with a Guard at the entrance of that Countrey where the Light beginneth to faile and when they haue taken their prey giue reynes to the Mares which hasten to their Colts In their long continued day of Summer they take many the finest Furres one occasion of the Tartars going to rob them of which I haue heard some are brought into Russia Russia is a great Countrey in that Northerne Darknesse the people are Greeke Christians the Men and Women faire and pay Tribute to the King of the Tartars of the West on whom they border on the East There is store of Furres Waxe and Minerals of siluer It reacheth as I was told to the Ocean Sea in which are store of Gerfalcons and Falcons To the Reader IN this admirable Voyage of Polo I confesse Inopem me copia fecit the Translation which I had of Master Hakluyts from the corrupted Latine being lesse then nothing nimirum damno auctus fui did me no steed but losse whiles I would compare it with the Latine and thought to amend it by the Italian and was forced at last to reiect both Latine and English and after much vexation to present thee this as it is out of Ramusio I haue not giuen thee word for word as an exact Translator but the sense in all things substantiall with longer Relations then I haue admitted in others because many which haue read M. Paulus neuer saw M. Polo nor know the worth of the worthiest Voyage that perhaps any one man hath written a man credible in that which hee saw himselfe in some things receiued by Relation rather telling what he heard then that which I dare beleeue and specially toward the end of his third Booke which I haue therefore more abridged Pitie it is that time hath so gnawne and eaten some-where and some-where deuoured vtterly many his names and Tracts which new Lords and new Lawes the Saracenicall Conquests especially euer since his time in those parts haue caused And farre easier by the Cans greatnesse then and his employments vnder him might hee know the World in those times then in the combustions long since begunne and still continued in diuersified and quarrelling States is possible the Saracens quarrelling with Ethnikes Christians and other Saracens the Tartars diuided and sub-diuided into so many quarrelsome Serpentine heads whereby that hugenesse is broken in pieces the Chinois and others prohibiting ingresse of strangers egresse of their owne that I mention not Ethnike and Moorish Diuisions amongst themselues In the same time with Polo liued this following Armenian of whom Ramusio relateth and this Discourse intimateth that the Holy Land being quite lost Pope Clement the Fift minding to recouer it was giuen to vnderstand of helpes which might be gotten from the Tartars and withall of this Haiton or Antonie a Kinsman of the King of Armenia then liuing a Monke or Frier of the Order Premonstratensis in Episcopia in Cyprus who in his young time had beene exercised in the Warres betwixt the Tartars and Egyptian Soldans by whom he might receiue the best Intelligence of Tartarian Affaires He therefore as hee first remoued the Court from Rome to France where it abode seuentie yeares caused the said Hayton to be brought from Cyprus to France with all his Memorials and Writings of that subiect and being comne to Poitiers caused one Nicolo di Falcon a Frenchman to write in French which the other dictated in Armenian which was done Anno 1307. A Copie of this Storie written aboue two hundred yeares since came to Ramâ—sioes hand whereto I here that I say not you are beholden whence hee tooke that which concerned the Tartars omitting the rest or remitting rather his Reader to M. Polo Betwixt which two some difference may seeme but so little that Wisemen need no aduertisement thereof One
desired him to thinke of deliuering the Holy Land out of the hands of the Pagans wherein he promised all his best endeauour and wished the King to send messengers to the Pope and to other Princes of Christendome for their assistance So Abaga hauing ordered the affaires of Turkie returned to the Kingdome of Corazen where hee had left his familie Bendecar the Soldan of Egypt after he had receiued such damage by the Tartars was poisoned died in Damascus whereof the Christians of those parts were very glad And the Saracens very sorrowfull for they had not his like after as they themselues commonly reported For his sonne called Melechahic succeeded him who was soone driuen out of his Dominion by one called Elsi who violently vsurping made himselfe Soldan 36. The time appointed being come when Abaga was to begin his warre against the Soldan of Egypt hee appointed his brother Mangodanior to goe to the Kingdome of Syria with thirtie thousand men being Tartars and couragiously to ouercome the Soldan if he came in battell against him or otherwise to take in the Castles and Holds of the Countrey and deliuer them to the Christians if the Soldan should shun the fight When Mangodanior with his Armie setting forward was come neere the Confines of Armenia hee sent for the King of Armenia who came presently vnto him with a goodly companie of Horse so that they entred the Kingdome of Syria and went spoyling and forraging till they came to the Citie Aman now called Camella which is seated in the midst of Syria Before this Citie lieth a faire great Playne where the Soldan of Egypt had assembled his Power intending to fight with the Tartarians And there the Saracen on the one side with the Christians and Tartars on the other side fought a great battell The King of Armenia with the Christians ruled and commanded the right wing of the Armie which inuaded the Soldans left wing manfully and put them to flight and pursued them three dayes iourney euen to the Citie Aman. Another part of the Soldans Armie was also routed by Amalech a Tartarian Captaine who pursued them also three dayes iourney to a Citie called Turara When they thought the Soldans Power vtterly ouerthrowne Mangodanior who neuer had seene the conflicts of warre before being afraid without any reasonable cause of certaine Saracens called Beduini withdrew himselfe out of the field hauing the better forsaking the King of Armenia and his Captaine which had preuayled against his enemies When the Soldan which thought he had lost all saw the field cleere and all abandoned he got vpon a little hill with foure armed men and stood there The King of Armenia returning from the pursuit and missing Mangodanior in the field was much astonied and imagining which way hee should be gone followed after him But Amalech returning from the enemies whom he had pursued abode two dayes expecting his Lord supposing that he had followed after him as he ought for the further subduing of his enemies and the Countrey which they had ouercome till at last hauing heard of his retrait leauing his victorie hee made speed after him whom hee found on the banke of the Riuer Euphrates staying for him And then the Tartars returned to their owne Prouince But the King of Armenia sustained much losse and hard aduenture in his returne for the Horses of the Christians of the Kingdome of Armenia were so wearied and spent with the length of the way and want of Fodder that they were not able to trauell so that the Christians going scatteringly by vnvsuall wayes were often found out and slayne without mercy by the Saracens inhabiting those parts Insomuch that the greatest part of the Armie was lost and in a manner all the Nobility And this misaduenture of Mangodanior happened in the yeere of our Lord 1282. When Abaga vnderstood the successe hereof he assembled all his people and when hee was readie to set forward with all his power against the Saracens a certaine Saracen the sonne of the Deuill came to the Kingdome of Persia and preuayled by giuing great gifts to sâ—me that serued neere about Abaga in such sort that both he and his brother Mangodanior were poysoned both in one day and died both within eight dayes after The trueth whereof was afterwards disclosed by the mischieuous Malefactors themselues And so died Abaga Can in the yeere of our Lord 1282. 37. After the death of Abaga Can the Tartars assembled themselues and ordayned ouer them a brother of his called Tangodor who had ouergone the rest of his brethren In his youth he had receiued the Sacrament of Baptisme and was baptised by the name of Nicholas But being come to riper yeeres and keeping companie with Saracens whom hee loued hee became a wicked Saracen and renouncing Christian Religion would be called Mahomet Can and laboured by all meanes to turne all the Tartarians to that irreligious Sect of Mahomet the sonne of Iniquitie in such sort that those that hee could not compell by violence hee aâ—lured by preferments and rewards insomuch that in his time many of the Tartarians became professed Saracens as at this day appeareth This Child of perdition commanded the Churches of the Christians to be destroyed and forbade them to vse any of their religious Rites or Ceremonies Hee caused the doctrine of Mahomet to bee publikely preached the Christians to bee banished and their Churches in the Citie of Tauris vtterly to bee destroyed Hee sent Messengers also to the Soldan of Egypt and concluded a Peace and a League with him promising that all the Christians within his Dominion should become Saracens or else lose their heads which gaue the Saracens cause of much reioycing and made the Christians very sad Hee sent moreouer to the King of Armenia in Georgia and to the other Christian Princes of those parts to come vnto him without delay But they resolued rather to die in battell then to obey his commandement for other remedie they could finde none And the Christians being now in such anguish and bitternesse of heart that they rather desired to die then to liue euen God which neuer refuseth them that put their trust in him sent consolation to them all For a Brother of this Mahomet with a Nephew of his also called Argon opposing themselues and rebelling against him for his euill deeds did signifie to Cobila Can the great Emperour of the Tartarians how he had forsaken the steps of his Ancestors and was become a wicked Saracen labouring with all his might to bring the rest of Tartars to be Saracens also Which when Cobila Can vnderstood he was much displeased thereat insomuch that he sent and required Mahomet to reforme his euill wayes for otherwise he would proceed against him Which message replenished him with wrath and indignation insomuch that he being perswaded there was none that durst gainsay his proceedings but his Brother and his Nephew
so escapeth that day may be sure that he shall not be put to death all that yeare following and so remayneth at the Kings charges in the greater Prison In that Prison where wee lay were alwayes one hundred and moe of these condemned persons besides them that lay in other Prisons These Prisons wherein the condemned captiues doe remayne are so strong that it hath not beene heard that any Prisoner in all China hath escaped out of Prison for indeed it is a thing impossible The Prisons are thus builded First all the place is mightily walled about the wals be very strong and high the gate of no lesse force within it three other gates before you come where the Prisoners doe lye there many great Lodgings are to be seene of the Louteas Notaries Parthions that is such as doe there keepe watch and ward day and night the Court large and paued on the one side whereof standeth a Prison with two mighty gates wherein are kept such Prisoners as haue committed enormious offences This Prison is so great that in it are streets and Market places wherein all things necessary are sold. Yea some Prisoners liue by that kind of Trade buying and selling and letting out beds to hire some are daily sent to Prison some daily deliuered wherefore this place is neuer voyd of seuen or eight hundred men that goe at libertie Into one other Prison of condemned persons shall you goe at three Iron gates the Court paued and vaulted round about and open aboue as it were a Cloyster In this Cloyster bee eight Roomes with Iâ—on Doores and in each of them a large Gallerie wherein euery night the Prisoners doe lye at length their feet in the stockes their bodies hampered in huge woodden grates that keepe them from sitting so that they lye as it were in a Cage sleepe if they can in the morning they are loosed againe that they may goe into the Court. Notwithstanding the strength of this Prison it is kept with a Garrison of men part whereof watch within the House part of them in the Court some keepe about the Prison with Lanthornes and Watch-bels answering one another fiue times euery night and giuing warning so lowde that the Loutea resting in a Chamber not neere thereunto may heare them In these Prisons of condemned persons remayne some fifteene other twentie yeares imprisoned not executed for the loue of their honourable Friends that seeke to prolong their liues Many of these Prisoners bee Shoomakers and haue from the King a certayne allowance of Rice some of them worke for the Keeper who suffereth them to goe at libertie without fetters and boards the better to worke Howbeit when the Loutea calleth his Checke Roll and with the Keeper vieweth them they all weare their Liueries that is boards at their neckes Ironed hand and foote When any of these Prisoners dyeth he is to bee seene of the Loutea and Notaries brought out at a gate so narrow that there can but one be drawne out there at once The Prisoner beeing brought forth one of the aforesaid Parthians striketh him thrice on the head with an Iron fledge that done hee is deliuered vnto his friends if hee haue any otherwise the King hireth men to carrie him to his buriall in the fields Thus Adulterers and Theeues are vsed Such as be imprisoned for Debt once knowne lye there vntill it be paid The Taissu or Loutea calleth them many times before him by the vertue of his Office who vnderstanding the cause wherefore they doe not pay their Debts appointeth them a certaine time to doe it within the compasse whereof if they discharge not their Debts beeing Debters indeed then they be whipped and condemned to perpetuall Imprisonment if the Creditors be many and one is to be paid before another they doe contrary to our manner pay him first of whom they last borrowed and so ordinarily the rest in such sort that the first Lender be the last Receiuer The same order is kept in paying Legacies the last named receiueth his portion first When I said that such as be committed to Prison for Theft and Murther were judged by the Court I meant not them that were apprehended in the deed doing for they need no tryall but are brought immediately before the Tutan who out of hand giueth sentence Other not taken so openly and doe need tryall are the Malefactors put to execution once a yeare in the chiefe Cities to keepe in awe the people or condemned doe remayne in Prison looking for their day Theeues being taken are carried to Prison from one place to another in a Chest vpon mens shoulders hired therefore by the King the Chest is sixe handfuls high the Prisoner sitteth therein vpon a bench the couer of the Chest is two boards amidst them both a Pillory-like hole for the Prisoner his necke there sitteth he with his head without the Chest and the rest of his bodie within not able to moue or turne his head this way or that way nor to plucke it in the necessities of nature he voideth at a hole in the bottome of the Chest the meate he eateth is put into his mouth by others There abideth he day and night during his whole Iourney if happily his Porters stumble or the Chest doe jogge or be set downe carelesly it turneth to his great paines that sitteth therein all such motions being vnto him hanging as it were Thus were our companions carried from Cinceo seuen dayes journey neuer taking any rest as afterward they told vs and their greatest griefe was to stay by the way as soone as they came beeing taken out of the Chests they were not able to stand on their feet and two of them dyed shortly after When we lay in prison at Fuquico we came many times abroad and were brought to the Palaces of Noble men to be seene of them and their wiues for that they had neuer seene any Portugall before Many things they asked vs of our Countrey and our fashions and did write euery thing for they be curious in nouelties aboue measure The Gentlemen shew great curtesie vnto strangers and so did we finde at their hands and because that many times we were brought abroad into the Citie somwhat will I say of such things as I did see therein being a gallant Citie and chiefe in one of the thirteene shires afore-said The Citie Fuquico is very great and mightly walled with square stone both within and without and as it may seeme by the breadth thereof filled vp in the middle with Earth laid ouer with Bricke and couered with Tyle and after the manner of Porches or Galleries that one might dwell therein The stayres they vse are so easily made that one may goe them vp and downe a Horse-backe as eftsoones they doe the streets are paued as alreadie it hath beene said there bee a great number of Merchants euery one hath written in a great Table at his doore such things as hee hath to
Mare Caspium and on the North side there is a base Towne the which hath also a Bricke wall about it and so it ioyneth with the Castle wall The Emperour lieth in the Castle wherein are nine faire Churches and therein are Religious men Also there is a Metropolitan with diuers Bishops I will not stand in description of their buildings nor of the strength thereof because we haue better in all points in England They be well furnished with Ordnance of all sorts The Emperours or Dukes house neither in building nor in the outward shew nor yet within the house is so sumptuous as I haue seene It is very lowe built in eight square much like the old building of England with small windowes and so in other points Now to declare my comming before his Maiestie After I had remayned twelue dayes the Secretarie which hath the hearing of strangers did send for mee aduertising me that the Dukes pleasure was to haue me to come before his Maiestie with the King my Masters Letters whereof I was right glad and so I gaue mine attendance And when the Duke was in his place appointed the Interpreter came for mee into the outer Chamber where sate one hundred or moe Gentlemen all in cloth of Gold very sumptuous and from thence I came into the Counsell-chamber where sate the Duke himselfe with his Nobles which were a faire companie they sate round about the Chamber on high yet so that he himselfe sate much higher then any of his Nobles in a Chaire gilt and in a long garment of beaten Gold with an Imperiall Crowne vpon his head and a Staffe of Crystall and Gold in his right hand and his other hand halfe leâ—ning on his Chaire The Chancellour stood vp with the Secretarie before the Duke After my dutie done and my Letter deliuered he bade me welcome and enquired of mee the health of the King my Master and I answered that he was in good health at my departure from his Court and that my trust was that he was now in the same Vpon the which he bade me to dinner The Chancellor presented my Present vnto his Grace bare-headed for before they were all couered and when his Grace had receiued my Letter I was required to depart for I had charge not to speake to the Duke but when he spake to mee So I departed vnto the Secretaries Chamber where I remayned two houres and then I was sent for againe vnto another Palace which is called The golden Palace but I saw no cause why it should be so called for I haue seene many fairer then it in all points and so I came into the Hall which was small and not great as is the Kings Maiesties of England and the Table was couered with a Table-cloth and the Marshall sate at the end of the Table with a little white rod in his hand which Boord was full of vessell of Gold and on the other side of the Hall did stand a faire Cupboord of Plate From thence I came into the dining Chamber where the Duke himselfe sate at his Table without Cloth of estate in a Gowne of Siluer with a Crowne Imperiall vpon his head he sate in a Chaire somewhat high there sate none neere him by a great way There were long tables set round about the chamber which were full set with such as the Duke had at dinner they were all in white Also the places where the tables stood were higher by two steps then the rest of the house In the middest of the chamber stood a Table or Cupboord to set Plate on which stood full of Cups of Gold and amongst all the rest there stood foure maruellous great Pots or Crudences as they call them of Gold and Siluer I thinke they were a good yard and a halfe high By the Cupboard stood two Gentlemen with Napkins on their shoulders and in their hands each of them had a Cup of Gold set with Pearles and Precious Stones which were the Dukes owne drinking Cups when hee was disposed hee drunke them off at a draught And for his seruice at meate it came in without order yet it was very rich seruice for all were serued in Gold not onely be himselfe but also all the rest of vs and it was very massie the Cups also were of Gold and very massie The number that dined there that day was two hundred persons and all were serued in Golden Vessell The Gentlemen that wayted were all in Cloth of Gold and they serued him with their Caps on their heads Before the seruice came in the Duke sent to euery man a great shiuer of Bread and the Bearer called the party so sent to by his name aloude and said Iohn Basiliuich Emperour of Russia and great Duke of Moscouia doth reward thee with Bread then must all men stand vp and doe at all times when those words are spoken And then last of all hee giueth the Marshall Bread whereof he eateth before the Dukes Grace and so doth reuerence and departeth Then commeth the Dukes seruice of the Swans all in pieces and euery one in a seuerall dish the which the Duke sendeth as he did the Bread and the Bearer saith the same words as hee said before And as I said before the seruice of his meate is in no order but commeth in Dish by Dish and then after that the Duke sendeth drinke with the like saying as before is told Also before Dinner he changed his Crowne and in Dinner time two Crownes so that I saw three seuerall Crownes vpon his head in one day And thus when his seruice was all come in hee gaue to euery one of his Gentlemen Wayters meate with his owne hand and so likewise drinke His intent thereby is as I haue heard that euery man shall know perfectly his seruants Thus when Dinner is done hee calleth his Nobles before him name by name that it is wonder to heare how he could name them hauing so many as hee hath Thus when Dinner was done I departed to my Lodging which was an houre within night I will leaue this and speake no more of him nor his Houshold but I will somewhat declare of his Land and people with their nature and power in the Warres This Duke is Lord and Emperour of many Countries and his power is maruellous great For hee is able to bring into the field two or three hundred thousand men he neuer goeth into the field himselfe with vnder two hundred thousand men And when hee goeth himselfe hee furnisheth his Borders all with men of Warre which are no small number He leaueth on the Borders of Liefland fortie thousand men and vpon the borders of Letto sixtie thousand men and toward the Nagayan Tartars sixtie thousand which is wonder to heare of yet doth hee neuer take to his Warres neither Husbandman nor Merchant All his men are Horse-men hee vseth no Foot-men but such as goe with the Ordnance and Labourers which are thirtie
yeere also the company furnished and sent out a Pinnesse named the Serchthrift to discouer the Harborowes in the North coast from Norway to Wardhouse and so to the Bay of Saint Nicholas There was in her Master and Pilot Stephen Borough with his brother William and eight other Their discouerie was beyond the Bay toward the Samoeds people dwelling neere the Riuer of Ob and found a sound or sea with an Island called Vaigats first by them put into the Card or Map In that place they threw Snow out of their said Pinnesse with shouels in August by which extremitie and lacke of time they came backe to Russia and wintred at Golmogro Anno 1557. The companie with foure good Ships sent backe the said Russe Ambassadour and in companie with him sent as an Agent for further discouerie Master Antonie Ienkinson who afterward Anno 1558. with great fauour of the Prince of Muscouia and his letters passed the riuer Volga to Cazan and meaning to seeke Cathay by Land was by many troupes and companies of vnciuill Tartarians encountred and in danger but keeping companie with Merchants of Bactria or Boghar and Vrgeme trauelling with Camels he with his companie went to Boghar and no further whose entertainment of the King is to be had of Master Ienkinson which returned Anno 1559. to Muscouie And in Anno 1560. hee with Henrie Lane came home into England which yeere was the first safe returne without losse or shipwracke or dead fraight and burnings And at this time was the first trafficke to the Narue in Liuonia which confines with Lituania and all the Dominions of Russia and the Markets Faires Commodities great Townes and Riuers were sent vnto by diuers seruants the reports were taken by Henrie Lane Agent and deliuered to the companie 1561. The trade to Rie and Reuel of old time hath beene long since frequented by our English Nation but this trade to the Narue was hitherto concealed from vs by the Danskers and Lubeckers Anno 1561. the said Master Antonie Ienkinson went Agent into Russia who the next yeere after passing all the riuer of Volga to Astracan and ouer the Caspian sea arriued in Persia and opened the trade thither Also betweene the yeeres of 1568. and 1573. sundry Voyages after Master Ienkinsons were made by Thomas Alcock Arthur Edwards Master Thomas Banister and Master Geffrey Ducket whose returne if spoyle neere Volga had not preuented by rouing Theeues had altogether salued and recouered the Companies called the old Companies great losse charges and damages But the saying is true By vnitie small things grow great and by contention great things become small This may bee vnderstood best by the Companie The frowardnesse of some few and euill doing of some vniust Factors was cause of much of the euill successe Arthur Edwards was sent againe 1579. and dyed in the voyage at Astracan About which matters are to bee remembred the Voyages of Master Thomas Randolph Esquire Ambassadour Anno 1567. And late of Sir Ierome Bowes Anno 1583. both tending and treating for further Discoueries Freedomes and Priuiledges wherewith I meddle not But in conclusion for their paines and aduentures this way as diuers doe now adayes other wayes as worthie Gentlemen sent from Princes to doe their Countrey good I put them in your memorie with my heartie farewell From Saint Margarets neere Dartforth in Kent To the Reader I Haue had much trouble to giue thee this Authour both for his Language being Portugall which for this and some other parts of this worke I was forced to get as I could and for the raritie of his Relations seeming both in themselues so stupendious and not seconded in many things that I say not contraried by other Authours Besides his booke came not out till himselfe was gone out of the world I answere that Ricius the Iesuite his Relations came not to vs till himselfe was likewise gone and that that might rather plead not onely for the Maturitie but the sinceritie by that Cassian rule Cui bono for whom should a dead man flatter or for what should hee lye Yea hee little spares his owne companie and Nation but often and eagerly layeth open their vices and which is more I finde in him little boasting except of other Nations none at all of himselfe but as if he intended to expresse Gods glorie and mans merit of nothing but miserie And howsoeuer it seemes incredible to remember such infinite particulars as this Booke is full of yet an easie memorie holdeth strong impressions of good or bad Scribunt in marmore laesi is said of one and of the other Omnia quae curant senes meminerunt Neither is it likely but that the Authour wrote Notes which in his manifold disaduentures were lost otherwise but by that writing written the firmer in his memorie especially new whetted filed forbushed with so many companions of miserie whom in that state Haec olim meminisse juuabat their best musicke in their chaines and wandrings being the mutuall recountings of things seene done suffered More maruell it is if a lyar that he should not forget himselfe and contradict his owne Relations which somtimes he may seeme to doe in the numbers of the yeere of the Lord yea and other numbers but his leaues were left vnperfect at his death and those numbers perhaps added by others after and besides mine owne experience hath often found figures mistaken from my hand which being by the Compositor set at large haue runne at large by ten times so much and girt in otherwhiles as narrow with the tenth place diminished or one figure set for another And none but the Authour or he which knowes the subiect can easily amend that fault being so great by so small and easie a lapse The graduations of places I doe confesse otherwise then in the Iesuites and as I suppose not so truely as theirs for I thinke that he neither had Arte or Instrument to calculate the same but contented himselfe in the writing of this Booke to looke into the common Maps of China and to follow them in setting downe the degrees and so the blind led the blind into errour no printed Map that I haue seene being true And perhaps the Chronicler to whom the papers were brought vnfinished might out of those Maps doe it erring either of ignorance or which we haue often seene in Cards of remote places East and West purposely to conceale from others that which they haue found sweet and gainfull the Mariner and Merchant not looking with the generous eyes of the ingenious ingenuous Scholer For his repute at home it was dedicated to King Philip the Third of Spaine which impudence would not haue obtruded if altogether a tale on such Maiestie licenced by the Holy Office and printed at Lisbon translated into the Spanish by the Licentiate Francisco de Herrera Maldonado Canon of the Church Riall of Arbas and dedicated to a Clergie-man Senerin de Faria
Edict set vp by Co the new Vice-roy blaming the China Interpreters which had put into the heads of Stranger-priests to learne the China language and Characters and to desire some place for to erect a sacred and priuate house threatning those interpreters if they persisted In this dispayre of proceeding they had not beene a weeke gone when from Sciauquin the seate of the Vice-roy one of his guard came to Amacao and brought the Ci-fu so they call the Gouernour of that Prouince his Letters Patents by the Vice-royes authoritie inuiting the Fathers to Sciauquin there to receiue a piece of ground for a Church and dwelling house The cause hereof was an offer made by the Fathers when they were sent away from Sciauchin by the deposed Vice-roy to Canton of a summe of money to any which should procure of the New Vice-roy license for their returne One of the meanest Souldiers in name of Interpreter to the Societie had put vp a Petition to the Vice-roy who sent it to the Gouernour of the Region called Guam-puon of Cequion Prouince to bee dispatched who gaue the former Letters Patents to the Souldier which brought them himselfe to Macao They with great ioy as seeing the Diuine hand herein made ready for the iourney which the former expenses and late Ship-wrackes especially of the Iapon Ship in the I le Leuquiceo which alone hath most of the wealth of the Citie in it made difficult but Gaspar Viegas charitably bestowed the expense seconded also by others Thus full of hope they set sayle and in Canton both now and when before they were dismissed from Sciauquin they found Spaniards Then a Ship which from the Philippinas was bound for New Spaine was wracked at the I le Nan-tau on the Canton coast the men which escaped were kept in durance And now seuen or eight Franciscan Friars which had gone from the same Philippinas for Cauchinchina hearing the King was become a Christian and in their returne were wracked on the I le Hainan and taken and spoyled and presented to the Magistrates for Pirats whose libertie these Iesuites procured promising all recompence at Amacao Hence they had set foorth in the beginning of September 1583. and in the same moneth came to Sciauquin in that Souldiers companie by whom they were conueyed to the Gouernours Palace and kneeling before him made request as in the Souldiers mentioned Petition had beene contayned and were kindly answered that they should goe about the Citie and spye out some conuenient place for their purpose which hee doubted not to procure of the Vice-roy for them At the same time at Sciauquin they were erecting by the common charge of the Eleuen Cities of that Iurisdiction a Tower whereof one floore was now raysed to which they intended to adde nine others aboue it in a pleasant place by the Riuers side a myle and more from the Citie the Suburbes continuing further then it In the same place they set foorth a Temple and therein erected a Statue to the Gouernour whose sixe yeeres gouernment had well deserued of the learned and of the vulgar A piece of that field in which the flourishing Tower so they called it was building they desired which hee liked well and promised to further them with the Vice-roy The Iesuites at their former departure had left an Altar with one Ciu Nico who had placed the same in a conuenient place for want of Images inscribing aboue it Thien Chu in Cubicall letters that is To the Lord of Heauen Hee made also thereunto diuers Incenses and at set times yeelded diuine honors before it which much reioyced the Fathers seeing that there was one found which inuoked the true God And this man gaue them entertaynment till they had receiued the Vice-royes answer appâ—ouing their request and the next day the Gouernour set foorth a plot of ground for them with straight caution to obserue the Lawes of China and to admit no Strangers companions to dwell with them which they promised Much was the concourse and admiration of people much the wonder at their triangle Glasse the Image of our Ladie a wrought Handkerchiffe with which they presented the Gouernour but hee returned all afterward fearefull of Bribe-imputation Much trouble arose about that place and another was assigned them where they began to build and were forced to pawne their precious triangle Glasse to fit it for their vse they obtayned also an ample Charter from the Vice-roy and two Patents from the Gouernour which protected them from wrongs In these beginnings they made little mention of the Gospell but imployed their spare time in learning the Language and Characters by a Holy life seeking to insinuate themselues into the peoples good liking Their habite was like the modestest of the Chinois a long Gowne with large sleeues Their house had two Cells and betwixt them a Hall with an Altar in the midst on which they set the Image of the Blessed Virgin carrying her Sonne They called their God Thien-cui Lord of Heauen for the Chinois want the D. which caused that they could not giue any name more fit and this name continueth to this day although they vse others also as Highest Ruler of all First beginning of all and the like The blessed Virgin is called the Great Mother of God This Image on the Altar all which visited them both Magistrates Students Priests and common people did religiously worship kneeling and after their rite knocking lightly the ground with their fore-heads They admired the excellencie of the Picture and colours without ceasing But when it began to bee rumoured that they worshipped a Woman for God they tooke away that Picture and substituted the Image of Christ. After this they painted the ten Commandements in the China language which many approued Some brought them Incense for holy vses and some bestowed their Almes others also Oyle for the Lampe which burned before the Altar and the Fathers commended their Law as agreeing to the light of Nature The first which was Baptised was a poore diseased man cast foorth by his parents whom they instructed and a little before his death baptised The reliefe which they bestowed on him before caused a rumour amongst the vulgar that those Strangers knew by the mans complexion that hee had a precious stone in his head the cause of all that benificence The Chinois much admired the Bookes of which the Fathers had store the artificiall binding gilding cost goodlinesse of the Print and their studiousnesse in the China bookes and receiued with great applause a Booke of Christian learning which they printed Yea the Gouernour after the China rite would needs doe them publike honour which is done by sending a goodly Table with Cubitall letters in praise of them with the Magistrates name and the date inscribed in lesse letters Two of these with great pompe hee sent vnto them the one to bee set ouer the entrance with inscription
Daughters Those assisting Captaynes he honoured with a plate of Iron like a Charger in which are engrauen those their exploits for deliuerance of the Kingdome which being shewne to the King is priuiledged with pardon of any penaltie though mortall three times except for Treason which forfeiteth presently all Priuiledges Euery time it obtaynes any pardon it is engrauen in the Plate The Sonnes in Law and Fathers in Law of the King and some which haue extraordinarily merited of the State enjoy like Honours and Reuenues with the same diminution of time as before He also ordained that all Magistracie and Gouernment should belong to those Licentiates and Doctors whereto neyther the fauour of the King or other Magistrates are necessary but their owne merits except where corruption frustrates Law All Magistrates are called Quonfu and for honours sake they are stiled Lau ye or Lau sie that is Lord or Father The Portugals call them Mandarins These haue some representation of Aristocratie in that Gouernment for though they doe nothing but first petitioning the King hee also determines nothing without their sollicitation And if a priuate man petitions which is seldome because Officers are appointed to examine Petitions before the King sees them the King if hee will grant it sends it to the Tribunall proper for that businesse to aduise him what is fit to bee done I haue found for certaine that the King cannot giue Money or Magistracie to any except hee bee solicited by some Magistrate I meane this of publike Reuenues which doubtlesse doe exceed one hundred and fiftie Millions yearely are not brought into the Palace Treasurie nor may the King spend them at his pleasure but all whether Money or Rice and other things in kinde are layed vp in the publike Treasuries and Store-houses in all the Kingdome Thence the expenses of the King his Wiues Children Eunuches Family and of all his Kindred are in Royall sort disbursed but according to the ancient Lawes neither more nor lesse Thence the Stipends of Magistrates and Souldiers and all Officers thorow the Kingdome are paid the publike Buildings the Kings Palace Cities Walls Towres Fortresses and all prouision of War are thence sustayned which cause new Tributes sometimes to be imposed this huge Reuenue notwithstanding Of Magistrates are two sorts one of the Court which rule there and thence rule the Kingdome and other Prouinciall which gouerne particular Cities or Prouinces Of both sorts are fiue or six Bookes to be sold euery where printed twice each moneth at Pequin as by their course of printing you haue seene is easie contayning nothing else but the name Countrey and degree of the Magistrates and therefore printed so often because of the exaltings shiftings setting lower death of Parents which suspends three yeares to mourning in priuate their owne deaths or depriuations Of the Court Tribunals are reckoned sixe the first Li pu Pu is asmuch as Tribunall or Court and Li as Magistrates to which it belongeth to name the chiefe Magistrates of the Kingdome bringing vp from the lower to the higher according to the Lawes prescribed or if they deserue it abasing or quite depriuing them For those Licentiates and Doctors continually ascend except their owne faults deject them wherein a depriuation makes for euer vncapable The second is called Ho-pu that is the Exchequer Court or that of the Treasury which exacts and disburseth the Kings Reuenues The third is the Li-pu or Court of Rites which ordereth the publike Sacrifices Temples Priests Kings Marriages Schooles Examinations Festiuall Dayes common Gratulations to the King Titles giuen to the wel-deseruing Physicians Colledges of Mathematicians entertayning and sending Embassages with their Rites Presents Letters the King holding it abasing to his Majesty to write to any The fourth is the Pimpu or Military Court which rewards the meriting and takes from the sluggish Souldier ordereth their Musters and giues Military degrees The fifth is Cumpu which hath care of the publike Buildings Palaces for the King or his Kindred and the Magistrates Shippes for publike burthens or Armadas Bridges Walls of Cities and all like prouisions The sixth Court is Himpu which inquireth into Criminall Causes and sentenceth them also all the publike Prisons are subject hereto All the affaires of the Kingdom depend on these Courts which therefore haue Magistrates and Notaries in euery City and Prouince to admonish them faithully of all things the multitude and order facilitating this so weighty a Designe For first in euery Court is a Lord Chiefe Iustice or President called Ciam Ciu who hath two Assistants one sitting at his right hand the other at his left called Cilam their dignity in the Royall Cities is accounted principall After these euery Tribunall hath diuers Offices each of which hath diuers Colleagues besides Notaries Courtiers Apparitors and other Seruants Besides these Tribunals there is another the greatest in the Court and Kingdome they call them Colaos which are three or foure sometimes sixe which haue no peculiar businesses but take care of the whole Re-publike and are the Kings Priuy-Counsell in all Affaires These are daily admitted into the Kings Palace and there abide whole dayes and answere as they see cause to the Petitions which are put vp to the King who was wont to define matters with these Colai in publike and shewing their answere to the King hee alters or approoueth the same and sets his hand thereto for the execution Besides these Orders of Magistrates and others not mentioned as like to our owne there are two sorts not vsuall with vs the one Choli the other called Zauli In each of these Orders are aboue sixty choice Philosophers men approued for their wisdome and courage before experienced These two Rankes are vsed by the King in Court or Prouince businesses of greater weight with great and Royall power which causeth to them great respect and veneration These by Libell admonish the King if any thing be done contrary to the Lawes in any parts of the Kingdome not sparing any of the Magistrates nor the Kings House nor the King himselfe to the wonder of other Nations And although the King sometimes bee touched to the quicke and toucheth them to the quicke againe yet cease they not still to rip the sore till it be cured Other Magistrates may doe it yea any priuate man but these mens Libels or Petitions are of most worth as proceeding from their peculiar Office The Copies of them and of the Kings answers are printed by many so that the Court and State Affaires flye thorow the Kingdome and are by some written in Bookes and those of most moment transcribed into the Annals of the Kingdome Of late when the King would for loue of a second Sonne haue excluded the eldest so many by Libels reprehended the King that he in anger depriued or abased one hundred of the Magistrates They yet ceased not but one day went together into
the Kings Palace and offered vp their Magistracies if he persisted to breake the Law Lately also when the chiefe of the Colai did not obserue the Law in two moneths space about one hundred Libels were put vp notwithstanding they knew him a great Fauourite and hee dyed within a while after as was thought of griefe There are also besides Magistrates not a few Colledges instituted for diuers purposes but the most eminent is that called Han lin Yuen into which none are chosen but choice Doctors after due Examinations They which liue in that Royall Colledge meddle not with Gouernment yet are of higher dignitie then the Gouernours Their Office is to order the Kings Writing to make Annals of the Kingdome to write Lawes and Statutes Of these are chosen the Masters of the Kings and Princes They wholly addict themselues to their studies and in the Colledge haue their degrees of honours which they attayne by writing Thence they are preferred to great dignities but not out of the Court. Neither is any chosen to bee a Colao but out of this Colledge They gaine much also by Writings for their Friends Epitaphs Inscriptions and the like which all seeke to haue of them their name giuing credit and reputation of Elegance These are the chiefe for Examinations of Licentiates and Doctors who hold them for Masters and send them Presents All these Pequin Magistrates are found also at Nanquin but obscured by the Kings absence Hum vu had fixed his Seat at Nanquin but after his death Yun lo one of his Nephewes who in the Northerne Prouinces defended with an Armie those Borders against the Tartars perceiuing Hum-vâ—â— Sonne but weake thought to depriue him of the Kingdome which hee effected by helpe of the Northerne Prouinces and with force fraud and largesse obtayned his Vncles Throne And because he was strongest in the North parts and most feare was from the Tartars there he there fixed his Residence where the Tartar Kings had wonted to abide and called that Citie Pequin that is the Northerne Court as Nanquin signifieth the Southerne leauing to this the former Offices and Immunities The Gouernment of the other thirteene Prouinces depends on two Magistrates the one Pucinsu the other Naganzasu the former judging Ciuill Causes the later Criminall both residing with great Pompe in the Mother Citie of the Prouince In both Courts are diuers Colleagues and they also chiefe Magistrates called Tauli which gouerning other Cities often reside in them The Prouinces are all distributed into diuers Regions which they call Fu each of which hath a peculiar Gouernour called Cifu These Regions are subdiuided into Ceu and Hien that is the greater or more eminent Townes and those which are more vulgar which are not lesse then our Cities if you except our greatest These haue their speciall Gouernours called Ciceu and Cihien The Gouernours of Cities and Regions haue their foure Assistants and Colleagues as Auditors and Iudges to helpe them As for the opinion of some that thinke those only to bee Cities which are called Fu and Ceu and Hien to bee Townes it is an errour for the City wherein the Gouernour of the Region resides is also called Hien and hath its peculiar Gouernour called Cihien and Assistants and the Cifu hath no more power there then in other places of his Iurisdiction which is the first Appeale to him as Superiour from the Cihien or Ciceu The second Appeale is to the Pucimfu and Naganzosu and their Colleagues in the Metropolitane Cities which Cities likewise haue their Cihien and Cifu aswell as the Subordinate all in incredible Symmetrie And because the whole Prouinciall Gouernment hath reference to Pequin therefore in euery Prouince besides these are other two superiour to them sent from the Royall Citie the one fixing his Residence in the Prouince called Tutam which may bee compared to our Vice-roy hauing command ouer other Magistrates and in Martiall affaires the other is yeerely sent from the Court and is called Cia-yuen as a Commissioner or Visitor which reuiewes all the Causes of the Prouince the Cities also and Castles inquireth of the Magistrates and punisheth some of the meaner sort acquainting the King touching the rest how euery one demeaneth himselfe and he onely executeth Capitall punishments Besides these are many others in Cities Townes and Villages and beside them many which haue command of Souldiers especially in the Confines and on the Coasts in supinest Peace watching and warding in Ports Walls Bridges Castles as in the hottest Warres with Musters and Martiall exercises All the Magistrates of the Kingdome are reduced to nine Orders whether you respect the Philosophicall or Militarie Senate to all which out of the Treasury is proportionably distributed monethly pay Money or Rice yet little answerable to that their Magnificence the highest Order not hauing one thousand Duckets yeerely and equall to all of the same ranke the supreame in matters of Warre hauing as much as the supreame in the literate Order if you looke to that which the Law alloweth But much more accrueth extraordinarie then this fee or stipend besides what any mans industrie couetise fortune bribing addeth by which they oft attayne to great wealth All the Magistrates vse the same Caps both Mercuriall and Martiall of blacke Cloath with two Eares or wings of Ouall figure which may easily fall off which being a disgrace causeth the more modestie and steadinesse in carriage of their heads They all weare like Vest and like blacke leather Bootes of peculiar fashion also a Girdle wider then the body about foure fingers broad adorned with circular and square Figures On the breast and backe they weare two square Cloathes Embroidered in which and the Girdles is great varietie according to their diuers Degrees by which the skilfull know their ranke and place The cloathes intimate it by the figures of Flowers Fowles Beasts the girdles by the matter of Wood Horne Sweet wood Gold or Siluer and the best of all of that Iasper before mentioned called Tu ce brought from Cascar Their shadowes or Sumbreros by their Colours and numbers intimate like difference They haue other Ornaments Banners Chaynes Censors Guards with Cryes to make way that in most frequent streetes no man appeareth more or lesse according to the Magistrates Dignitie The Chinois hauing plentie of all things care not for subduing the neighbour-Nations better keeping their owne lesse caring for others Countries then our Europeans their Chronicles of foure thousand yeeres not mentioning any care of enlarging their Empire And if any China impressions or foot-prints bee it is from men voluntarily going to other Countries not from the Kings ambition sending them It is also remarkeable that Philosopers beare all the sway the Souldiers and Captaynes being subject to them and sometimes beaten of them as Schoole-boyes by their Master euen in Militarie matters the King more vsing the aduise of Philosohpers then Captaynes whereupon
of late of the ancient Nobilitie that haue held diuers Prouinces by right of Inheritance with an absolute Authoritie and Iurisdiction ouer them to order and determine all matters within their owne Precinct without all Appeale or controllment of the Emperour But this was all annulled and wrung cleane from them by Iuan Vasilowich Father to this Emperour THeir highest Court of publike consultation for matter of State is called the Zabore that is the Publike Assembly The states and degrees of persons that are present at their Parliaments are these in order 1. The Emperour himselfe 2. Some of his Nobilitie about the number of twenty being all of his Councell 3. Certayne of the Clergie-men c. about the same number As for Burghers or other to represent the Comminaltie they haue no place there the people beeing of no better account with them then as seruants or bond-slaues that are to obey not to make Lawes nor to know any thing of publike matters before they are concluded The Court of Parliament called Zabore is held in this manner The Emperour causeth to to be summoned such of his Nobilitie as himselfe thinketh meete being as was said all of his Councell together with the Patriarch who calleth his Clergie to wit the two Metropolites the two Archbishops with such Bishops Abbots and Friers as are of best account and reputation among them When they are all assembled at the Emperours Court the day is intimated when the Session shall beginne Which commonly is vpon some Friday for the Religion of that day When the day is come the Clergie-men assemble before at the time and place appointed which is called the Stollie And when the Emperour commeth attended by his Nobilitie they arise all and meete him in an out-roome following their Patriarch who blesseth the Emperour with his two fore-fingers laying them on his fore-head and the sides of his face and then kisseth him on the right side of his brest So they passe on into their Parliament House where they sit in this order The Emperour is enthronized on the one side of the Chamber In the next place not farre from him at a small square Table that giueth roome to twelue persons or thereabouts sitteth the Patriarch with the Metropolites and Bishops and certayne of the principall Nobilitie of the Emperours Councell together with two Diacks or Secretaries called Dunmoy dyakey that enact that which passeth The rest place themselues on benches round about the Roome euery man in his ranke after his degree Then is there propounded by one of the Secretaries who representeth the Speaker the cause of their Assembly and the principall matters that they are to consider of For to propound Bils what euery man thinketh good for the publike benefit as the manner is in England the Russe Parliament alloweth no such custome nor liberty to subjects The points being opened the Patriarch with his Clergie-men haue the Prerogatiue to be first asked their vote or opinion what they thinke of the points propounded by the Secretarie Whereto they answere in order according to their degrees but all in one forme without any Discourse as hauing learned their Lesson before that serueth their turnes at all Parliaments alike whatsoeuer is propounded Commonly it is to this effect That the Emperour and his Councell are of great wisdome and experience touching the Policies and publike Affaires of the Realme and farre better able to iudge what is profitable for the Common-wealth then they are which attend vpon the seruice of God only and matters of Religion And therefore it may please them to proceed That instead of their aduise they will ayde them with their Prayers as their duties and vocations doe require c. To this or like effect hauing made their Answeres euery man in his course vp standeth some Abbot or Frier more bold then the rest yet appointed before-hand as a matter of forme and desireth the Emperour it would please his Majestie to command to be deliuered vnto them what his Majesties own iudgement and determinate pleasure is as touching those matters propounded by his Deâ—ake Whereto is replyed by the said Secretarie in the Emperours name That his Highnesse with those of his Noble Councell vpon good and sound aduice haue found the matters proposed to be very good and necessary for the Common-wealth of his Realme Notwithstanding forasmuch as they are Religious men and know what is right his Maiestie requireth their godly Opinions yea and their Censures too for the approuing or correcting of the said Propositions And therfore desireth them again to speak their minds freely And if they shall like to giue their consents that then the matters may passe to a full conclusion Hereunto when the Clergie-men haue giuen their consents which they vse to doe without any great pausing they take their leaues with blessing of the Emperour who bringeth the Patriarch on his way so faire as the next Roome and so returneth to his Seat till all be made ready for his returne homeward The Acts that thus are passed by the Zabore or Parliament the Deiakeis or Secretaries draw into a forme of Proclamation which they send abroad into euery Prouince and head Towne of the Realme to be published there by the Dukes and Diakeis or Secretaries of those places The Session of Parliament being fully ended the Emperour inuiteth the Clergiemen to a solemne Dinner And so they depart euery man to his home THe degrees of persons or Estates of Russia besides the Souereigne State or Emperour himselfe are these in their order 1. The Nobâ—lity which is of foure sorts Whereof the chiefe for Birth Authority and Reuenue are called the Vdelney Knazey that is The exempt or priuiledged Dukes These held sometime a seuerall Iurisdiction and absolute Authoritie within their Precincts much like vnto the States or Nobles of Germany But afterwards reseruing their Rights vpon compoâ—ition they yeelded themselues to this House of Beala when it beganne to waxe mightie and to enlarge it selfe by ouer-matching their Neighbours Onely they were bound to serue the Emperour in his Warres with a certayne number of Horse But the late Emperour Iuan Vasilowich Father to this Prince being a man of high spirit and subâ—ill in his kind meaning to reduce his Gouernment into a more strict forme began by degrees to clip off their greatnesse and to bring it downe to a lesser proportion till in the end he made them not onely his Vassals but his Kâ—lophey that is his very Villaines or Bond-slaues For so they terme and write themselues in any publike Instrument or priuate Petition which they make to the Emperour So that now they hold their Authorities Lands Liues and all at the Emperours pleasure as the rest do The meanes and practice whereby hee wrought this to effect against those and other of the Nobility so well as I could note out of the report of his doings were these and such like First he cast priuate emulations
Officers at his owne price 7. They make a Monopoly for the time of such commodities as are paid him for Rent or Custome and to inhance the price of them as Furres Corne Wood c. What time none must sell of the same kinde of commoditie till the Emperours be all sold. By this meanes he maketh of his Rent Corne and other prouision of victuall as before was said about 200000. Rubbels or Markes a yeere Of his Rent Wood Hay c. 30000. Rubbels or thereabouts 8. In euery great Towne of his Realme hee hath a Caback or other drinking house where is sold Aqua-vitae which they call Russe Wine Mead Beere c. Out of these hee receiueth Rent that amounteth to a great summe of money Some yeeld 800. some 900. some a 1000. some 2000. or 3000. Rubbels a yeere Wherein besides the base and dishonourable meanes to encrease his treasury many foule faults are committed The poore Labouring man and Artificer many times spendeth all from his wife and children Some vse to lay in twentie thirtie fortie Rubbels or more into the Caback and vow themselues to the pot till all that be spent And this as he will say for the honour of Hospodare or the Emperour You shall haue many there that haue drunke all away to the very skin and so walke naked whom they call Naga While they are in the Caback none may call them forth whatsoeuer cause there be because he hindereth the Emperours reuenue 9. Some of his Boiarens or Nobles of his Court whom he vseth vpon trust that haue houses in the Mosko faine themselues robbed Then they send for the Zemskey men or Aldermen of the Citie and command them to finde out the robbery In default of not finding it praue or cease the Citie for their misgouernment in 8000.9000 or 10000. Rubbels at a time This is many times practised 10. In these exactions to shew their Soueraigntie sometime they haue beene vsed very plaine and yet strange cauillations As was that of Iuan Vasilowich father to this Emperour after this sort He sent into Permia for certaine loads of Cedar wood wherof he knew that none grew in that Countrey The inhabitants returned answer they could finde none there Whereupon hee seazed their Countrey in 12000. Rubbels as if they concealed the commoditie of purpose Againe he sent to the Citie of Mosko to prouide for him a Colpack or measure full of liue Fleas for a medicine They returned answere that the thing was impossible And if they could get them yet they could not measure them for leaping out Whereupon hee praued or beat out of their shins 7000. Rubbels for a Mulct By like cauillation hee extoâ—ted for his Nobilitie 30000. Rubbels because he missed of his game when hee went a hunting for the Hare as if their hunting and murthering of Hares had beene the cause of it Which the Nobilitie as the manner is Praued presently againe vpon the Mousicks or common people of the Countrey THe condition of the Commons and vulgar sort of people may partly bee vnderstood by that which already hath beene sayd concerning the manner of their Gouernment and the state of the Nobilitie with the ordering of their Prouinces and chiefe Townes of the Land And first touching their libertie how it standeth with them it may appeare by this that they are reckoned in no degree at all nor haue any suffrage nor place in their Zabore or high Court of Parliament where their Lawes and publike Orders are concluded vpon Againe into what seruile condition their libertie is brought not onely to the Prince but to the Nobles and Gentlemen of the Countrey who themselues also are but seruile specially of late yeeres it may further appeare by their owne acknowledgments in their supplications and other writings to any of the Nobles or chiefe Officers of the Emperours Wherein they name and subscribe themselues Kolophey that is their Villaines or Bond-slaues as they of the Nobilitie doe vnto the Emperour This may truely bee sayd of them that there is no seruant nor bond-slaue more awed by his Master nor kept downe in a more seruile subjection then the poore people are and that vniuersally not onely by the Emperour but by his Nobilitie chiefe Officers and Souldiers So that when a poore Mousick meeteth with any of them vpon the high way hee must turne himselfe about as not daring to looke him on the face and faâ—l downe with knocking of his head to the very ground as he doth vnto his Idoll Secondly concerning the Lands goods and other possessions of the Commons they answer the Name and lye Common indeed without any fence against the rapine and spoyle not onely of the highest but of his Nobilitie Officers and Souldiers Besides the Taxes Customes Seazures and other publike exactions done vpon them by the Emperour they are so racked and pulled by the Nobles Officers and Messengers sent abroad by the Emperour in his publike affayres specially in the Yammes as they call them and thorow faire Townes that you shall haue many Villages and Townes of halfe a mile and a mile long stand all vnhabited the people being fled all into other places by reason of the extreame vsage and exactions done vpon them So that in the way towards Mosko betwixt Vologda and Yaruslaueley which is two nineties after their reckoning little more then an hundred miles English there are in sight fiftie Darieunes or Villages at the least some halfe a mile some a mile long that stand vacant and desolate without any inhabitant The like is in all other places of the Realme as is sayd by those that haue better trauelled the Countrey then my selfe had time or occasion to doe The great oppression ouer the poore Commons made them to haue no courage in following their Trades for the more they haue the more danger they are in not onely of their goods but of their liues also And if they haue any thing they conceale it all they can sometimes conueying it into Monasteries sometimes hiding it vnder the ground and in Woods as men are wont to doe where they are in feare of forraigne inuasion Insomuch that many times you shall see them afraid to bee knowne to any Boiuren or Gentleman of such commodities as they haue to sell. I haue seene them sometimes when they haue layd open their Commodities for a liking as their principall Furres and such like to looke still behinde them and towards euery doore as men in some feare that looked to bee set vpon and surprised by some Enemie Whereof asking the cause I found it to bee this that they haue doubted least some Nobleman or Sinaboiarskey of the Emperour had beene in company and so layed a trayne for them to pray vpon their Commodities perforce This made the people though otherwise hardened to beare any toyle to giue themselues much to Idlenesse and Drinking as passing for no more then from hand to mouth And hereof it commeth that the Commodities of
by North and West and by South from thence they woond ouer againe till noone and sayled three miles North and by West and then till the Sunne was North-west they held North-west and by North three miles then they woond East-ward and sayled foure or fiue miles North-east and by East The thirteenth of Iuly at night they found great store of Ice as much as they could descry out of the top that lay as if it had beene a plaine field of Ice then they woond Westward ouer from the Ice The seuenteenth of Iuly William Barents tooke the height of the Sunne with his Astrolabium and then they were vnder 77. degrees and a ¼ of the Pole and sayled Southward six miles and perceiued the firme Land lying South from them Then they sayled till the nineteenth of Iuly in the morning West South-west sixe or seuen miles with a North-west winde and mistie weather and after that South-west and South-west and by West seuen miles the Sunne being 77. degrees 5. minutes lesse Then they sayled two miles South-west and were close by the land of Noua Zembla about Cape Nassaw The fiue and twentieth of Iuly they were so inclosed about with flakes of Ice that out of the top they could not discerne any thing beyond it and sought to get through the Ice but they could not passe beyond it At night they tooke the height of the Sunne when it was at the lowest betweene North and North-east and North-east and by North it being eleuated aboue the Horizon 6. degrees and ¾ his Declination being 19. degrees 50. minutes now take 6. degrees ¾ from 19. degrees and 50. minutes and there resteth 13. degrees 5. minutes which substracted from 90. there resteth 77. degrees lesse 5. minutes The sixe and twentieth of Iuly in the morning they sayled sixe miles South South-east till the Sunne was South-west and then South-east sixe miles and were within a mile of the land of Noua Zembla and came againe to Cape Trust. The eight and twentieth of Iuly the height of the Sun being taken at noone with the Astrolabium it was found to be eleuated aboue the Horizon 57. degrees and 6. minutes her Declination being 19. degrees and 18. minutes which in all is 76. degrees and 24. minutes they being then about foure miles from the land of Noua Zembla that lay all couered ouer with Snow the weather being cleare and the winde East The nine and twentieth of Iuly the height of the Sun being taken with the Crosse-staffe Astrolabium Quadrant they found it to be eleuated aboue the Horizon 32. degrees her declination being 19. degrees which substracted from 32. there resteth 13. degrees of the Equator which being substracted from 90. there rested 77. degrees and then the nearest North point of Noua Zembla called the Ice point lay right East from them There they found certaine Stones that glistered like gold which for that cause they named Gold-stones and there also they had a faire Bay with sandie ground Vpon the same day they woond Southward againe and sayled South-east two miles betweene the Land and the Ice and after that from the Ice point East and to the Southward sixe miles to the Ilands of Orange and there they laboured forward betweene the Land and the Ice with faire still weather and vpon the one and thirtieth of Iuly got to the Ilands of Orange And there went to one of those Ilands where they found about two hundred Walrushen or Sea-horses lying vpon the shoare to bast themselues in the Sunne This Sea-horse is a wonderfull strong Monster of the Sea much bigger then an Oxe which keepes continually in the Seas hauing a skin like a Sea-calfe or Seale with very short hayre mouthed like a Lion and many times they lye vpon the Ice they are hardly killed vnlesse you strike them just vpon the forehead it hath foure Feet but no Eares and commonly it hath one or two young ones at a time And when the Fisher-men chance to finde them vpon a flake of Ice with their young ones shee casteth her young ones before her into the water and then takes them in her Armes and so plungeth vp and downe with them and when shee will reuenge her-selfe vpon the Boates or make resistance against them then she casts her young ones from her againe and with all her force goeth towards the Boate whereby our men were once in no small danger for that the Sea-horse had almost stricken her teeth into the sterne of their Boate thinking to ouer-throw it but by meanes of the great crie that the men made she was afraid and swomme away againe and tooke her young ones againe in her armes They haue two teeth sticking out of their mouthes on each side one each being about halfe an Ell long and are esteemed to bee as good as any Iuorie or Elephants teeth specially in Muscouia Tartaria and thereabouts where they are knowne for they are as white hard and euen as Iuorie The Sea-horses that lay bathing themselues vpon the Land our men supposing that they could not defend themselues being out of the water went on shoare to assaile them and fought with them to get their Teeth that are so rich but they brake all their Hatchets Cuttle-axes and Pikes in pieces and could not kill one of them but strucke some of their Teeth out of their mouthes which they tooke with them and when they could get nothing against them by fighting they agreed to goe aboord the Ship to fetch some of their great Ordnance to shoot at them therewith but it began to blow so hard that it rent the Ice into great pieces so that they were forced not to doe it and therewith they found a great white Beare that slept which they shot into the bodie but shee ranne away and entred into the water the men following her with their Boate and killed her out-right and then drew her vpon the Ice and so sticking a halfe-pike vpright bound her fast vnto it thinking to fetch her when they came back againe to shoot at the Sea-horses with their Ordnance but for that it began more and more to blow and the Ice therewith brake in peeces they did nothing at all After that William Barents finding that hee could hardly get through to accomplish and end his pretended Voyage his men also beginning to bee wearie and would sayle no further they all together agreed to returne backe againe to meet with the other Ships that had taken their course to the Wey-gates or the Straights of Nassaw to know what Discoueries they had made there The first of August they turned their course to sayle backe againe from the Ilands of Orange There William Barents tooke the height of the Sunne it being vnder 71. degrees and â— 3. and there they found a great Creeke which William Barents judged to bee the place where Oliuer Brunel had beene before called Costinâ—sarch From the Blacke Iland they sayled
Riuers and Woods The Riuer Wichida springeth out of the Mountaines of Iugoria which to the South ioyne vpon Tartarie and from thence runne Northwards to the Ocean Sea Out of the same Mountaines issueth the Riuer Petsora which falleth into the Ocean Sea on this side the Streight of Waygats From Iauinis after three weekes iourney they come to Neem a Riuer so named of the gentle gliding of her streames through the Woods For Neem in English signifieth Still or Dumbe On this Riuer they proceed about fiue dayes space with their Boats and then for that the Neem taketh his course another way for shortning their iourney they must of force cause their stuffe to be carried by Land the space of a league And so they come to the Wisera a Riuer issuing out of certaine Rockes adioyning to the Mountaines of Iugoria These Rockes the Moscouites call Camenas From hence they are carried downe the Riuer Wisera for the full space of nine dayes vntill they come to Soil Camscoy a small Towne builded by the Moscouites for refreshing of Trauellers for a short space which hence forward are to proceed on their Iourney by Land As for the Wisera it keeping on his course somewhat farther at length falleth into the Cam which passing by Viatcam a Towne of Moscouia falleth into the great Riuer Rha commonly called Volga which entreth with seuenty branches into the Caspian Sea as I haue receiued from eye witnesses The Towne of Soil Camscoy is reasonably inhabited hauing many Villages round about it The Inhabitants for the most part are Russes or Tartars Here is great store of Cattell and chiefly of Horses Trauellers hauing here somewhat refreshed themselues doe lade their carriages on Horses and trauell for the most part through Mountaines full of Firres Pines and other trees of strange sorts Betweene these Mountaines they passe ouer the Riuers Soiba and from thence ouer Cosna both running toward the North-east Now these Mountaines are diuided into three parts whereof the two first are passed ouer each of them in two dayes and the third in foure dayes The first part is called Coosuinscoy Camen The second Cirginscoy Camen The third Poduinscoy Camen And doubtlesse all these mountainous Countries are much different from the other Countries out of which they enter into them For the Woods vpon them are fairer and thicker growne with trees bearing euery where diuers sorts of Plants These three Desarts are frequented by none in a manner but Tartars and Samoieds who onely hunt after those costly Furres which are to pay their tribute to the Emperour of Moscouia The Mountaines of Poduinscoy Camen are higher then the rest and for the most part couered with Snow and Cloudes and therefore difficult for Trauellers to passe ouer but by little and little they haue a gentle descent From thence they come to Vergateria in which Towne they must abide vntill the Spring by reason of the Riuer Toera which arising not farre from thence is all the rest of the yeere very shallow But the Spring approaching when the Snow melts from the hoary Hills and the Land waters arise it is passed ouer with Skiffes and small Boats Vergateria is the first Towne of the Countrey of Siberia and was begun to be builded with some other Townes within these one and twenty yeeres It is reasonably full of buildings and the lands about it are tilled as in Moscouia Heere there is resident for the Emperour of Moscouia a Gouernour which yeerely at the beginning of the Spring by way of the Riuers doth distribute great store of Corne and Victuals among the Castles with Garrisons throughout all Siberia furnishing also in like manner the Moscouites which remayne beyond the Riuer Oby For in those places the ground is not yet tilled and the Samoieds as before is said for the most part feed on the flesh of wilde beasts Downe the Riuer Toera in fiue dayes they come to Iaphanis a Towne builded and inhabited within these two yeeres Thence againe they passe downe the Toera and hauing proceeded two dayes thereon they are enforced by reason of the often windings and turnings of the Riuer to cut ouer it in certaine places for shortning of the way In these places there now dwell here and there Tartars and Samoieds liuing for the most part vpon Cattell and Fishing At length leauing Toera they come to the mighty Riuer Tabab distant from Vergateria about two hundred leagues And from thence they proceed farther to Tinna a populous Towne and builded by those aboue mentioned But many trauell also from Iaphanis to Tinna by Sleds in the Winter time in the space of twelue dayes And here is vsed much buying and selling of costly Furres betweene the Muscouites Tartars and Samoieds And this is a very conuenient place for such as determine to stay in the Countrey not aboue sixe moneths But many doe search the further parts and trauell farre beyond the Oby toward the East and South From Tinna they come to Tobolsca the chiefe of all the Townes of Siberia wherein is the seat of the chiefe Gouernour of Siberia and of the Moscouites that are in the same To this place yeerely are brought from the other Townes of the whole Countrey as well on this side as beyond Oby the tributes which being brought together and guarded with Souldiers are after carried into Moscouia to the Emperour Here also the Law is most seuerely administred and all the other Gouernours in Samoiedia and Siberia are bound to obey him onely In this Citie besides is the chiefe Market of commodities brought out of Moscouia the Tartars out of the South parts and almost farthest parts of Tartarie and men of other Nations repairing thither who the farther that the report of these Countries reacheth doe in so much the greater number assemble thither whereby there ariseth great profit to the Moscouites Furthermore in diuers places there are Churches and Chappels erected wherein the Greeke Religion is exercised which among the Russes and other Northerne People is most vsed although corrupted with diuers Superstitions But howsoeuer no man is forced against his will to their Religion but certaine gentle meanes are vsed by the Russes by which these people are perswaded and wonne thereunto The Citie Tobolsca is situated on the Riuer Yrtis which with a most forcible streame and as it were another Danubius rising from the South taketh his course toward the Oby through which it seemeth to runne with the same course On the other side is the Riuer Tobol of which the Citie taketh her name Into this falleth the Riuer Tassa which seemeth to spring from the North-east and from certaine Mountaines there vpon the Coast. On the side of this Riuer the Moscouites haue of late builded a Towne called Pohemy inhabited with dwellers drawne out of Siberia for no other cause but that it is enuironed with an exceeding fertile soyle as also with very
pleasant Woods wherein diuers sorts of wilde beasts doe breed as Panthers Ounces Foxes Sables and Marterns Now Pohemy is distant from Tobolsca about two weekes Iourney toward the North-east Yrtis with almost the like distance from Tobolsca falleth into the Oby And at the mouth of it was builded a Towne called Olscoygorod but afterward razed downe by commandement of the Gouernour of Siberia The cause whereof was not then knowne which notwithstanding I guesse to haue been either the extremity of the cold or that the Towne stood rer vnto the Sea then they thought fit and feared lest some inconuenience might grow thereby for which cause about fiftie leagues aboue that razed Towne they builded another vpon an Iland of the Riuer Oby called Zergolta From hence sayling vp the Riuer they vse small sayles either because winds blow faintly or for the highnesse of the shoare so that though the Oby bee almost euery where very broad notwithstanding they drew their Boats in it with ropes altogether after the same sort that they trauell vp the Riuers of Moscouia Two hundred leagues aboue Zergolta they came to Noxinscoi a Castle builded thirteene yeers agoe at which time the Gouernour sent certaine men thither out of Siberia to seeke ouâ— Countries profitable for mankind and fit to build Townes in Wherefore at that time they builded this Castle and furnished it with a certaine Garrison in a very pleasant wholsome warme and fertile soyle and wherein were great store of Beasts and Fowles of rare kinds The very Castle being situated toward the South-east by little and little grew to be a Citie The Inhabitants whereof were enioyned to proceed by degrees into further and more temperate Countries and to trafficke truely in euery place and courteously and kindly to entreat all people that they met withall whereby at length they might more largely extend the Dominion and spread abroad the Russian Name Wherefore flocking thither in great numbers and piercing into the Inland foure hundred leagues they found goodly Countries but not inhabited And whereas ten yeeres past hauing sayled two hundred leagues vp the Riuer Oby they lighted vpon a Countrey very fruitfull and pleasant which was very temperate and free from all discommodities and the Winters very short and in a manner none at all They tooke occasion thereupon to returne into Siberia to send word of these things into Moscouia Boris Godonoua was then Emperor there who hauing receiued such good tidings forthwith commanded the Gouernour of Siberia that with all speed hee should cause a Citie to bee builded there The Gouernour obeyed and there was a Castle builded vpon his commandement with certaine houses adioyned so that now it is a large Citie The name thereof is Tooma because they vnderstood that a great multitude of Tartars in times past were seated there of whom this Citie tooke that name for the pleasantnesse of the situation thereof And it is reported that these Tartars had at that time a King whose name was Altin Whereby it came to passe that the Citie which was first builded held out many assaults of sundry people that dwelt in those Champion Countreyes And now this Citie is so mightie that in processe of time some reasonable great Kingdome is likely to grow out off it Furthermore betweene this Castle of Noxinscoi and the Citie Tooma and Siberia the Moscouites daily doe discouer many people dwelling in the In-land parts some of whom call themselues Ostachies and now are growne into one bodie with the Tartars Samoieds and Russes liuing friendly together they haue many Kings among them almost like vnto the Indians I speake of the pettie Kings not of the greater Kings of India And to bee briefe the Moscouites haue proceeded so farre into that mayne Land that we haue just cause to maruell thereat Moreouer there are many Castles and Townes betweene the Riuers of Obi and Yrtis builded almost at the same time when Tobolsca was and are now proper Townes whose Inhabitants are Moscouites Tartars and Samoieds of their kind which we call The tame Samoieds in respect of those which are altogether wild And the first of the Townes is Tara from which place it is neere ten dayes iourney between Obi and Yrtis Then Iorgoetum builded about fifteene yeares past Besobia and Mangansoiscoigorod both of them builded aboue Iorgoetum toward the South The Inhabitants that dwell on the west side of the Riuer Obi seeke daily to discouer more and more On this side of Obi are seated the Cities Tobolsca Siberia Beresaia and certaine others builded vpon certaine Riuers and more are builded daily Beyond Obi are Narim Tooma and diuers other Cities the Inhabitants whereof insteed of Horses vse Reyne Deere or exceeding swift Dogs which they fatten with diuers kinds of fishes and especially with Thornebacks because they thinke they be made the stronger with that kinde of food Iorgoetum whereof I spake before is builded in an Iland of the Riuer Obi. Also aboue Narim as men trauaile toward the East they meete with the Riuer Telta on the banke whereof they haue builded a Castle named Comgof-scoi The garâ—ison Souldiers of which Castle together with the Inhabitants of Narâ—m about seuen yeeres past were commanded by the Gouernour of Siberia to trauell East and diligently to search what vnknowne Nations dwelt in those parts Therefore trauelling through certaine vast Deserts for the space of tenne weekes or there abouts passing in the way through many faire Countreys many Woods and Riuers at length they espied certaine Cottages set vp in the fields and certaine Hords or Companies of people But because they had Samoieds and Tartars for their guides which were acquainted with those places they were not afraid The people came vnto them reuerently and with humble behauiour and signified by the Samoieds and Tartars that they were called Tingoesi and that their dwelling was vpon the banke of the great Riuer Ieniscè which they said did spring from the South South-east but that they knew not the head thereof These people were deformed with swellings vnder their throats and in their speech they thratled like Turkie-cocks Their language seemed not much to differ from the Samoieds which also vnderstood many of their words Ieniscè being a Riuer farre bigger then Obi hath high mountaines on the East among which are some that cast out fire and brimstone The Countrey is plaine to the West and exceeding fertile stored with plants flowers and trees of diuers kinds Also many strange fruits do grow therein and there is great abundance of rare Fowles Ieniscè in the spring ouerfloweth the fields about seuentie leagues in like manner as they report vnto vs as Nilus doth Egipt Wherwith the Tingoesi being well acquainted doe keepe beyond the Riuer and in the mountaines vntill it decrease and then returne and bring downe their heards of Cattell into the plaines The Tingoesi being a very gentle people by the perswasion of the
perspicuous by the rusticks for they wanted then altogether those Lawes Rites Letters and Manners But the Tartars being taught by the Turks humanitie and that false worship the more nobler now generally practise hospitality Law or Iustice is administred in the Towns or Cities of the Chan other Sultans among the Tartars after the Mahometane Law There are alwayes presbiterall Cadi or Iudges in the Villages Begi or Iustices who heare and decide particular iniuries but causes of life bloud theft which we call Criminall or of Land which we call Ciuill or Officiall the Chan himselfe decideth with his Counsellours In resoluing of which they need no Lawyer nor vse tricks of law calumnies excusations nor procrastinations The Tartars or Strangers of meane condition lay open themselues very freely their wrongs before the Iudges and Chan of whom they are alwayes heard and speedily discharged for at any time any may haue accesse to him When hee comes in publike men of the basest degree are not excluded but being seene of the Chan are examined to wit if they haue any suit that they relate it For they doe not onely performe great obedience to the Lawes they adore and venerate their Princes in Gods steed All spirituall Iudges after Mahomets Law are accounted among them for Saints men of all equitie and integritie fidelitie and opinion The Princes and Magistrates execute and dispatch whatsoeuer is bidden or commanded suddenly and faithfully with alacritie promptnesse and great feare They are far from controuersies criminations iustices vnnecessary and personall brawlings enuy hatred filthy excesse luxury and ambition in their victualls and array I abode their nine moneths neither heard I Criminall or Ciuill Act to haue happened among them or any composition by reason of enmitie In the Princes Court they weare not nor at home Swords neither Bowes nor any other weapon except Wayfarers and Trauellers to whom they are very courteous and friendly They are alwayes secure from Spoylers but except they keepe perpetuall watch they are lesse safe from High-way-theeues and Night-robbers who steale nothing from them but their Horses Although they haue a rich soyle yet very few Gentlemen or Plebeians prouide for the houshold estate for many neither till nor sow their ground they abound with Horses Camels Oxen Kine Sheepe and Flockes of all Cattle and thereof liue Yet the Gentlemen haue bread flesh meate distilled wine and Metheglin but the rusticks want bread but vse stampt Millet and macerated with milke and water which they vulgarly call Cassa for meate and for drinke they vse Mares milke and cheese They feed on Camels Horses and Oxen vnprofitable for burthen and kill them when they are about to dye sometimes eate sheeps flesh The Gentlemen dwell not in the Plaines but in the Villages of Taurica or the Peninsula They which are neere Woods liue in them although many doe not possesse proper Villages yet they haue peculiar Lands and Manors They vse the Vngarian Russian Moschouian Valachian or Moldauian slaues which they keepe and whereof they haue great plentie as beasts to euery worke Their houses are of Timber much after the Turkish fashion but the Greeke Christians who are in a few Townes labour and till their grounds as beasts The Tartars serue the Chan or Tartarian Nobles being hired at no price but onely that they may haue meate and apparell but the rest and the greatest part of them are alwayes idle In the Cities or Townes are very few Merchants but some few practise Mechanick crafts and some Merchants or Artificers are found there either Christian Slaues or Turkes Armenians Iewes Cercessians Petigorens which are Christians Phylistins or Cyngans men of obscure and lowest degree Those Tartars which liue in the Plaines beyond Perecopia or in the Peninsula haue no woods euery where digge Wells They vse in stead of Wood Beasts dung which their Bond-men gather in the Fields and dry in the Sunne and houses of the same forme whereof mention is made in the former description Those Tartars which are Slaues and Subiects of the Chans Sultans and other Noble-men are drudges and alwayes keepe and pasture their Lords innumerable Herds of Cattle and although they goe from place to place into the Plaines and Pastures in seuerall Streets Hamlets Townes or Villages by separated troupes or hords whereof they beare the Names and of their Masters so that men may easily find there those Tartars Slaues which they seeke to buy The Chan hath alwayes by the leagues and agreements an annuall Donatiue of the King of Polonia the great Dukedome of Lituania the Palatine of Moldauia and Cercasian and Nogaien Tartars The Legats Orators Messengers Truchmen of those Princes come to him yeerely whom sometimes he entertaines benignely and bountifully but sometimes receiues misuses and detaynes a great while after a more then brutish manner When therefore they come into Perecopia one of the Chans men meets them in the Summer in the Medow or Plaine where they rest vnder a Tent in the Winter they are opportunely and commodiously conuayed into the Village of Alma or Bacchasanium more safely bordering on the Towne of the Kings Palace But after they are lodged there they are saluted by the Counsellours or Seruants of the Court in the Chans name which procure them refreshing or victuals two oxen or one some sheep bread wine and barley not liberally but in a kind of hospitalitie and moderately sufficient for once But when they are called to the Chan hee heares them the Soldans Tuians Vlans Marzies chiefe Counsellours and many other Ministers of his Court and principall Tartars being present they are conducted onely by one man to the Chans gate but are brought in by two Counsellours When as therefore they are entred in they reuerence the Chan after the ancient custome of the Nation and hauing saluted him on bended knees declare their message and are admitted to eate with him They are honoured with cups and goblets gilded and embossed with gems filled with Mead or Methegline reached from the Chans hand after the order of that people in signe of clemencie and beneuolence which they drinke on bended knees And when they are dispatched the Chan inuites them againe to a Feast The Feast being ended they goe backe a little from the Palace doores and are rewarded with Silke Vests wouen with Gold as low as the anckles prepared after the guise of the Nation with one Horse or two not seldome with Captiues of their owne people And so attired with those Vests they returne againe to the Chan and render thankes to him for his hospitalitie and liberalitie and hauing saluted him depart from the Banket Sometimes a small prouision is procured for them by one of the Chans men in his Dominions when he takes his iourney and he is conuayed by him as farre as Boristhenes The Turkish Emperours haue made that authoritie constant to the Chan in Taurica or the
Aequator that the Arctick Circle diuides it in the middest that is to say sixtie fiue degrees and a halfe The Ilands called Ebudae are obiect to the North part of this Iland But whether that be of these which Ptolemie and ancient Writers call Thule or rather Iseland that great Iland I dare neither affirme nor altogether denie because there is no Iland found where Ptolemie set Thule Now the later Writers make another manner of longitude about Scotland and the bordering Ilands then Ptolemie euer thought HONDIVS his Map of ISLAND ISLAND In these whirle-pooles and darknesse this Fleet one onely Ship excepted perished They that were preserued after many long labours and perils sayling through the Tartarian Sea came into a very hote Countrey and entring into a large Bay they went on shoare vpon the next Land And when the Inhabitants had hid themselues in secret places by reason of the great heate and scorching of the Sunne they saw Gold and other precious things set heere and there without a guard And when they had carryed away asmuch as they would and hasted to the Ship they saw some pursue them with Dogs of strange bignesse One who was hindred and laden with a prey that hee could not escape was torne in peeces of the Dogges The rest after long sayling shunning these Whirle-pooles arriued in Muscouia thence by the Balticke Sea returning vnto Breme they brought backe these tidings to Alebrand the Bishop with part of the prey Much about this time the Noruegians by example of the Heluetians in Iulius Caesars time are supposed to haue come out of Norway who then long time possessed that part of France which now also is call Normandie And when they had performed great attempts by Sea and Land against the Britaines they did not onely scoure the Sea by hostile incursions but also expelled the Saracens who at that time came into Italy and sought to seat themselues in Calabria and Apulia After they brought Colonies Northward into Hitland Ferow and Island which way they learned of the Bremians by meanes of the Nobilitie of Frisia aforesaid And euen the very proprietie of their speech doth testifie that they came out of Norway for the pronunciation of the Iselanders doth agree with the antient Inhabitants of Norway For vpon the Sea coast of Norway especially where the famous Hauen and Citie of Bergen is by reason of the resort and familiaritie with the Germaines and Danes the Language is changed Of the Iselanders Religion IN the yeere of Christ 1398. Woldemarus the second of that name gouerned the Danish Kingdome whereunto Norway was added whose posteritie held it vntill Ericus Duke of Pomerania and Christopher Banar Vnto this Waldemarus all the Arctoian Colonies obeyed so that now vnder that Woldemarus the Iselanders were first instructed in the Christian Religion when before they had worshipped strange Gods And when almost all Christian people in that lamentable darkenesse and title of a Church as it were by Witchcraft deceiued were detayned in most deepe bonds of superstition it could not bee but they who were furthest remoued from the societie of Learned men and dwelling vnder an vnciuill and barbarous Climate should fall into most foule Idolatrie when sometimes as hereafter shall bee declared they had Deuils to serue them as familiar as domesticall seruants But after Luther began to bee knowne Christianus the King of Denmarke procured purer Doctrine to himselfe and purged the Churches in the Kingdome of Denmarke Norway and all the Ilands subiect vnto him sending Ministers into Iseland to sow the seede of the Gospell there Hee sent a Printer also out of Denmarke to set forth the Bible the common places of Philip Melancthon the Workes of Vrbanus Regius and others in the vulgar Tongue to the Pastors who were ignorant of the Latine as at that time almost all of them were And also sent for fit and apt young men out of Iseland whom hee maintayned in the Haffâ—ian Vniuersitie at his owne costs and gaue them charge ouer Churches and Schooles King Woldemare as soone as they should professe Christian Religion in Iseland ordayned them two Bishops one in Scalholden in the East part and another in Hollen in the West whose Successours at this day retayne nothing but a shadow and a bare Title for they haue no other reuenues but Butter and Fish But when that reformation whereof I spake was made by King Christian in the Churches of Iseland one of the Bishops in Scalholden conspiring with the people reiects the Doctrine of the Gospell and making a rebellion they kill the Kings Lieutenant The yeere following which was 1535. the King sent a Noble man of the Order of Knighthood one Paul Hitfelt whom I saw an old man in Denmarke furnished with a Fleet Souldiers and Munition into the Iland The seditious being slaine hee renueth the reformation of the Doctrine of the Gospell and returneth into Denmarke leauing a certayne Noble man to take charge of the Church and Iland The greatest man in Iseland at that time was one Tadde Bonde Hee after the Kings Armie was departed conspiring with the principall men whom by his Authoritie hee drew to take his part reuolted from his Allegiance and perswaded the rest of the Ilanders to follow They meete together in a place called Waloe and conspiring to rebell and cast off the Kings subiection they impart their counsels together and Tadde had his possâ—ssions not in one place and many retayners and for these causes hee thought they could not easily bee suppressed The Bishop who dwelt in the East had a speciall care to acquaint the Kings Lieutenant with all that was done for the Lieutenant was absent in the West part of that Iland and the Bishop hated Tadde a long time For in that first Rebellion hee had falsly accused him to the Lieutenant as guiltie and author of the Rebellion This accusation onely brought great and extreame calamitie vpon him The Lieutenant being certified what was done hee perswadeth by fit instruments some of the Complices of the faction to continue in their Allegiance propounding rewards and punishments Then many of them when they saw the greatnesse of the danger leauing him came humbly to the Lieutenant and begge pardon and obtayne it Tadde therefore is adiudged an Enemie both of the King and of his Countrey they promise therefore by an Oath and giuing of their Faith that they will pursue him Then hee through feare of the danger with a few of his Domestickes which hee had gathered together kept himselfe at the foote of Hekelueld but being circumuented they were all slaine and hee taken They that tooke him brought him to the Bishop to commit him to Prison but hee refused to receiue him Therefore they draw him to another certaine man of those who had the chiefe place in Iustice neither would hee receiue him fearing the hatred of the people There was at that time there a certayne Iselander Ionas by name a
embracements And least the miserable cry of the children in horrible torment being heard might moone the bowels of the parents the Priests of Moloch filled the ayre and skie on euery side with the harsh sound of Trumpets and striking vp of Drummes so long as the sacrifice continued Whereupon also the place was named Tophet which signifieth a Drumme This Adricomus writeth And least any might thinke that the common people onely of the Iewes became thus blinde behold Kings Ahaz 2. King 16. 2. Paralip 28. Manasses there in the 21. and 33. where also the ancient custome of the Nations may bee alleaged But that crueltie and those sacrifices of Saturne seeme not to haue continued long with the Islanders and surely they were vsed no where else saue in the two places assigned Nor yet of all the Inhabitants of that Prouince where it was exercised For it is reported of Hiâ—rleifus the companion of â—ugulfus before mentioned that he altogether abhorred the worshipping of Idols And Helgo also surnamed Biola descended from the Barons of Norway an inhabitant of the Prouince of Rialarues fauoured the Ethnick Religion but a little for he receiued an Irish man a banished Christian into his neighbourhood one named Ornulfus with his families which came with him and did not onely receiue him but also permitted him to build a Church consecrated to Saint Columbe in the Village of Escuberg A yong man also of the same Prouince called Buo destroied that most accursed Temple of humane sacrifices with fire and burned all the Gods although afterward it was repaired by the Proprietors Moreouer Torchillus surnamed Mane it may bee because hee honoured the Moone called Mane and the rest of the Starres with more Religion then the rest a man of a very vpright life and famous among the Nobilitie of Island a little before the agonie of death caused himselfe to bee set forth ouer against the Sunne and openly admiring the workmanship of Heauen and the whole World commended his Soule departing when he was readie to die to that God who created the Sunne and the rest of the Starres He liued about the yeere of Christ 970. The same or the like may be reported of very many others while Ethnicisme yet continued As of Hallerus a certaine inhabitant of South Island who because hee followed not the worship of Idols was called Godlaus that is to say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as was also his sonne Helgo The publique Offices some of them are distinguished from hence others haue their originall from some other place Those which are taken from hence are a Reppagogie that I may deuise a word and the administration of Prouinces to wit as that partition into Reppes and Prouinces ended as it were in sundrie species but both had some kinde of gouernment ioyned with it For aswell the Reppagogi for so I may call the Masters of Reppes as the prouinciall Gouernours proclaimed Assemblies established Iudgements euery one in their Court and punished the guiltie whereby it is euident that they also vsed the Law of Appeale in forren Causes for in their own euen priuate men had libertie of Appeale so that I need not doubt that the Reppagogi also were comprehended vnder the Title of a Magistrate Who is defined by Bodinus to bee Hee that hath part of a publique gouernment Metho hist. cap. 16. I added saith he the word Publique that it might be distinguished from the gouernment of a Master or a Father If therefore any would desire a more perfect distinction of a Magistrate it should be such A Magistrate is inferior or superior The inferior is a Reppagogie or Gouernour of fiue men which fiue inhabitants chosen for gouernment of the Reppes vsed in euery Reppe whom we are here compelled to call Reppagogie and The fiue men they call them Hreppflior ar appointed first for their wisedome and integritie next for the possession of immoueable goods vnlesse concerning this latter it seeme good to doe otherwise by the common opinion Moreouer the Office of the Reppagogi is limited by the care of the Poore But that which the care of the Poore required euery one within the bounds of their Reppe endeuored to attaine by these two meanes First that they should prouide that none should bee suddenly brought to extreme pouertie as much surely as consisteth in mans pollicy Secondly how they might prouide for such as were become Beggars to be maintayned by the common aide And surely they attempted the first part of their office three manner of wayes first by making Lawes against such as through their owne fault speaking after the manner of men became beggars of which sort are those titul de exhaeredandis cap. 3. Parentibus mendicis natus ipse hâ—stiatim victum quaerendo educatus nisi morbo affectus hareditatem nullam adito c. that is to say So long as he liueth from doore to doore The 18. chapter of the same and the first three yeere next from the time of begging cap. 20. Least any vnder a feigned shew of vertue should deceiue and abuse the Lawes Also Altera lex de eiusmodi mendicis impunè castrandis etiamsi cum eorundem nece coniunctum foret titul de pupillis cap. 33. to wit Lest liuing from doore to doore they might beget children like vnto the parents which afterwards should be a burden to the Commonwealth Also a third Law De ijsdem mendicis non alendis titul de mendicis cap. 39.63 not repugnant to the commandement of the Apostle Hoe that laboureth not let him not eate 2. Thes. 3. and of not receiuing them so much as into their house cap. 45. of the same a grieuous penaltie being inflicted if any offended against this Law in the same place By which Decree what other thing I pray you is meant then the custome of the Athenians in times past among whom the Areopagitae inquired of the particular Citizens by what art euery one liued and prouided to haue them called in question who gaue themselues to filthy and slothfull idlenesse What other thing I say then what was meant by the Decree of the Massilienses who forbad them to enter their Citie who knew no arte whereby to sustaine their life and lest any should practise either vnprofitable or dishonest artes they gaue no place to Players counterfeit Iesters laughing Companions sawcy Scoffers and Iugglers To conclude What other thing then what the Decree of Solon meant who ordayned a Law that the children should owe no thanks nor fauour to their parents by whom they had beene instructed in no honest arte to get their liuing The ancient World had so great and vehement prouocations vnto Vertue euen with our Countrimen which in this last age ah too degenerate you may finde wanting with griefe all these Constitutions being taken away Wherefore the number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that I may vse the word of Paul is more abundantly increased that is to say of them
who being void of all discipline liue infamous to themselues and grieuous and troublesome to their common Countrey in slothfull and filthy idlenesse inuerting and changing that order instituted by God himselfe The care of which thing if the Magistrate would yet vndertake surely many should fare the better The second meanes and way of preuenting pouertie was a Law or Edict concerning those who desired to be admitted into a Reppe or become Citizens of Reppes For none was to be receiued into a Reppe vnlesse hee had first gone vnto the solemne assembly of that Reppe and desired that he might be admitted which they might not iustly denie vnlesse to one conuicted of theft or otherwise of some other crime or so poore that therefore hee was vnfit for the Reppes and that hee could not sustaine himselfe and his family without the common almes of the beggars But if any could not be present at this assembly hee was bound to intreat leaue of cohabitation of fiue inhabitants hauing lands of their owne and next vnto him whom hee was about to goe vnto If any of honest fame and rich in abilitie would notwithstanding goe into the Reppes without demanding leaue he retayned his habitation but yet was excluded from the Law and priuiledges of the Reppes But if any wicked and dishonest person had thrust himselfe in without leaue although he had lawfully hired void and emptie land from the Lord and Owner therof the same was to be expelled by force Titulus de Reppis cap. 48. To the same purpose appertaineth that Edict concerning seruants taken out of the Rep. cap. 47. of the same The third Statute against pouertie was concerning the restitution of priuate losse in the title recited before cap. 47. whereof an example shall bee giuen first in houses by chance consumed by fire and those of foure sorts For if a Store-house Kitchin Bed-chamber or Bed and Chappel had been burned the losse receiued was to be valued within fourteene dayes by fiue of the next neighbours as well of the house it selfe as of the most necessary things contained therein as of the prouision of victuals apparell and houshold-stuffe daily vsed onely properly belonging to the Master of the family excluding other mens goods as treasures and other things more precious because a man might bee a sufficient Citizen of Reppes without these Then the halfe part of the losse valued by the whole Reppe was to bee restored within an appointed time by Subsidies contributed in common according to the abilitie of euery Inhabitant Another example of this liberalitie enioyned by the Lawes is concerning Cattle destroyed by the Murren or Rot for if the fourth part of any mans Cattle or more dyed the losse likewise being valued within fourteene dayes after the Murren ceased was to bee releeued by common supplies for the halfe part as the former was But concerning both there was a caution added that this benefit should not be performed the fourth time least any thing through too much carelesnesse and retchlesse negligence should procure damage to himselfe De Reppis cap. 47. 48. The other part of the Office of the Reppagogi was imployed about the care of the poore concerning the maintaining of such with certaine contribution of almes as were now become beggers either through sicknesse or age or other casualties not in their owne power and also concerning the excluding of others who should not appertaine vnto the almes and diuers cases thereunto belonging This almes was either priuate or publike Priuate for the which a law was made concerning the receiuing of the beggers into the number of their family by their kindred or cousins one or more inabled by a certaine increase of wealth limitted by law and to bee maintained by certaine lawes according to the degree of hereditarie succession For as any was next to the inheritance of the begger if hee possessed goods so was hee accounted the first that should sustaine him But the next degree failing or the same being poore or not hauing wherewith to maintaine himselfe and his besides that begger that necessitie was imposed vpon the second or third degree of kindred c. to be releeued Publike almes was as often as the kindred or cousins of the beggar failed they liued by the helpe and reliefe of the Reppes euery one was to bee maintained in his Repp whereof there are prescript constitutions of lawes to wit what beggars should belong to what Repp and what not and concerning the driuing away and expelling of them by processe of law who appertaine not thereunto Therefore the Reppagogi partakers of a publike Office limited with these bounds proclaimed assemblies Some surely both in time and place standing or ordinary others not standing or extraordinary that is to say as often as any new matter came pertaining to their charge to bee determined Also priuate men might call extraordinary assemblies to wit they who had any cause worthy of an assembly and iudgement But the signe and token of hauing an assembly after the thousand yeere when they had now sworne to the Christian Faith peraduenture before Iupiters Hammer and battle Axe Hamor pors was according to the religion of that time a woodden Crosse which euery Inhabitant carryed to his neighbour at the day place and occasion of the assembly proclaimed of which signe intermitted or neglected a certaine penaltie was inflicted There therefore the Reppagogi concerning the matters appertaining to their charge consulted according to equitie and right determined them and punished the guiltie There the guiltie person if the iniury were priuate was cited into the Court of Iustice by him that was iniured euen without publike authoritie which also wee reade was vsed by the Spartanes but if the iniury were publike or if the partie iniured in a priuate offence would not cite the guiltie person or could not then was hee cited by some of the Rappagogi Priuate men also had libertie and power to sue the Reppagogi negligent in their Office or otherwise iuiurious where a penaltie of money fell to the Citizens of the Reppes all which and other things here belonging are handled in codice legum de Reppagogijs cap. 43. And concerning the inferiour Magistrates that is to say the Reppagogi onely to wit the first species of the Ciuill Magistrate Now followeth the superiour Magistracie which is distinguished into Gouernours of Prouinces and Iustices They were each of them Gouernours in euery Prouince which before I called Thirds to wit of euery Tetrade executing as well the publike Offices of the Courts of Iustice as of holy mysteries or they were Interpreters of the Law and matters of Religion although afterward the interpretation of the Law belonged more to the Iustices As with the Romanes the Aediles also vsurped part of the Praetorian Iurisdiction Among the ancient Hebrewes also the High Priests also among the Romanes the High Priests were sacrificers Whereupon Horatius carm lib. 3. Ode 23. Victima Pontificum secures ceruice tingit
my course North-east and by North being at noone in the latitude of 59. degrees the Cape or Head land which wee saw that night bearing West South-west sixteene leagues off All this afternoone and night following it was for the most parâ— still weather this euening I found the variation 23. degrees 55. minutes The sixteenth faire weather with a fresh gale at East South-east our course as before being in the latitude of 60. degrees 20. minutes the ships way North and by East northerly twentie leagues This afternoone and the night following the wind as before we steering still North-east and by North. The eighteenth also thicke weather being forced to stand away North North-west to double a great banke with great Mountaines of Ice almost incredible to be reported yet by the helpe of God wee passed the same sayling all this day by great and huge mountainous Ilands of Ice with the winde at South-west and by South being at noone in the latitude of 63. degrees 45. minutes Wee did see our selues beset round about with mightie bankes of Ice being forced to make more saile and to lye to and againe all this night to keepe vs cleere of great and small Ilands of Ice where many times we were in such danger that we did looke for no other thing then present death if God had not beene mercifull vnto vs and sent vs cleere weather where by his assistance we kept our selues very hardly and with great difficultie cleere of the Ice The nineteenth day in the morning cleere weather with a fresh gale at South-west wee plying amongst the Ice to see if wee could get a gut to get cleere of the same at which time wee saw the Land of America about the latitude of 64. degrees it lying next hand South and North being high ragged Land couered with snow the shoare being all beset with Ice So lying off and on amongst the Ice in great perill till about noone when God of his goodnesse sent vs to espie a little gut where wee went through and stood South South-east away comming still by many Ilands of Ice Heere I did finde both by my course and reckoning the variation also of the Compasse respected that wee were carried with a mightie Current to the Westwards as both now and afterwards wee did probably prooue and see the same For I setting my course from the coast of America in the latitude of 58. degrees and a halfe for the coast of Groenland North North-east with a compasse whose wyers were placed more then two third parts of a Point to the Eastwards of the North the variation being 23. degrees 30. minutes Northwesting and 24. degrees as by obseruation I found betweene the latitude of 58. and a halfe and 54. degrees yet I did finde my selfe contrarie either to mine owne or to any of their expectations which was in the Fleet with mee carried almost foure Points with the Current to the westwards ouer our iudgements The twentieth wee still sayled to the Eastwards by many great Bankes and Ilands of Ice being still compassed in wee being forced to stand to the Southwards to get cleere where being sometimes becalmed wee did plainly see and perceiue our selues carried into the Ice to the westward very violently This Current setteth West North-west The twentieth in the euening I found the Compasse varied 23. degrees The one and twentieth day in the morning faire weather wee espyed a gut through the Ice it seeming cleere to the southwards of the same where bearing into the same about noone wee were cleere of all the Ice by the mercifull prouidence of God Here I obserued the latitude it being 63. degrees 33. minutes Now hauing the one and twentieth day at afternoone caused the Admirall to call the other Captaines and Steermen aboord with whom wee might conferre and hauing shewed briefly my reckoning with the other euents which contrarie to my expectation had happened the cause whereof at that instant they did plainly see and perceiue They confessing the Current as they did now plainly see to bee the cause of the same So hauing done I gaue to the other Steermen directions that being cleere of the Ice they should goe betweene the East and the East and by North ouer for the coast of Groenland and not to the Northwards of the East and by North because of the former euents And now at this instant by Gods helpe being cleere I called to them giuing the same directions This afternoone and the night following it was calme This euening I found the Compasse varied 23. degrees 25. minutes The two and twentieth day at noone I found vs in the latitude of 63. degrees 20. minutes The three and twentieth faire weather the ayre very cold as with vs in the moneth of Ianuarie the winde variable betweene the East North-east and the South-east and by East being at noone in the latitude of 63. degrees hauing made a South-east and by South way eleuen leagues This day at noone I cast about to the Westwards the other ships doing the like lying North-east and by North with the stemme finding this euening the Needle varied to the Westwards 23. degrees 30. minutes The foure and twentieth the winde variable betweene the South South-east and the South-east and by South with raine and fogge This day about eleuen a clocke wee did see much Ice to leeward wherefore I cast about to the Southwards the winde comming to the East North-east wee lying South-east with the stemme supposing the ship to haue made a North and by West way halfe Northerly two and twentie leagues This afternoone by reason of the fogge we lost sight of the Lion and the Gilliflowre wee looking earnestly forth for them and shooting both we and the Vrin diuers pieces of Ordnance but wee could neither see nor heare them at which time the winde came vp Southerly we standing away our course betweene the East and East and by North. The fiue and twentieth wee had sight of Groenland being about ten leagues to the Southward of Queene Annes Cape Wee standing away East South-east in wiâ—h the Land with the winde at South All this night it did blow very much wee steering North by West and North North-west The seuen and twentieth day in the morning was reasonable cleere weather with a fresh gale at South South-west This morning betweene foure and fiue of the clocke I espyed Queene Annes Cape to beare East by South next hand of mee and King Christians Foord South South-east of me being thwart of Rumels Foord Queene Sophias Cape bearing North halfe westerly about fiue leagues off Therefore I thought it conuenient to put into Cunninghams Foord where the siluer was both in regard that I had sworne to his Maiestie as concerning the same and also because wee were expressely commanded to bring home of the same So hauing a faire gale at West South-west wee came into the aforesaid Riuer anchoring in a
from out of the Ocean which in those parts is very great and spacious and hauing drawne vnto it this great abundance of vapours doth suddenly dissolue them into raine and it is approued by many tried experiences that the raine and great stormes from Heauen proceed from the violent heate of the Sunne first as we haue said before it raines in those Countries when as the Sunne casts his beames directly vpon the earth at which time he hath most force but when the Sunne retires the heate is moderate and then there falls no raine whereby wee may conclude that the force and heate of the Sunne is the cause of raine in those Countries Moreouer we obserue both in Peru new Spaine and in all the burning Zone that the raine doth vsually fal in the afternoone when as the Sunne beames are in their greatest force being strange to see it raine in the morning And therefore Trauellers foreseeing it begin their iourneys early that they may end and rest before noone for they hold that commonly it raines after noone Such as haue frequented and trauelled those Countries can sufficiently speake thereof And there are that hauing made some abode there say that the greatest abundance of raine is when the Moone is at the full but to say the truth I could neuer make sufficient proofe thereof although I haue obserued it Moreouer the dayes the yeere and the moneths shew the truth hereof that the violent heaâ—e of the Sunne causeth the raine in the burning Zone experience teacheth vs the like in artificiall things as in a Limbecke wherein they draw waters from herbs and flowers for the vehemency of the fire forceth and driueth vp an abundance of vapours which being pressed and finding no issue are conuerted into liquor and water The like wee see in gold and siluer which we refine with quick-siluer the fire being small and slow we draw out almost nothing of the quick-siluer but if it be quick and violent it doth greatly euaporate the quick-siluer which encountring the head aboue doth presently turne into liquor and begins to drop downe Euen so the violent heate of the Sunne produceth these two effects when it findes matter disposed that is to draw vp the vapours on high and to dissolue them presently and turne them into raine when there is any obstacle to consume them And although these things seeme contrarie that one Sunne within the burning Zone being neere should cause raine and without the Zone afarre off should breed the like effect so it is that all well considered there is no contrarietie A thousand effects in naturall causes proceed of contrarie things by diuers meanes we drie linnen by the fire and in the aire and yet the one heats and the other cooles Pastures are dried and hardened by the Sunne and with the Frost moderate exercise prouokes sleepe being too violent it hindereth if you lay no wood on the fire it dyeth if you lay on too much it likewise quencheth for the onely proportion entertaines and makes it to continue To well discerne a thing it must not be too neere the eye nor too farre off but in a reasonable distance proportionable being too farre off from any thing we lose the sight and too neere likewise we cannot see it If the Sunne beams be weake they draw vp no fogge from the Riuers if they be violent hauing drawne vp the vapours they presently dissolue and consume them but if the heat be moderate it drawes vp and preserues it for this reason the vapours rise not commonly in the night nor at noone but in the morning when as the Sunne begins to enter into his force There are a thousand examples of naturall causes vpon this subiect which wee see doe often grow from contrarie things whereby we must not wonder if the Sunne being neere engenders raine and being farre off works the like effect but being of a moderate and proportionable distance causeth none at all Yet there remaines one doubt why the neernesse of the Sunne causeth the raine vnder the burning Zone and without when it is farthest off In my opinion the reason is that in Winter without the Tropicks the Sunne hath not force sâ—fficient to consume the vapours which rise from the Land and Sea for these vapours grow in great abundance in the cold Region of the aire where they are congealed and thickned by the extremitie of the cold and after being pressed they dissolue and turne into water Therefore in Winter when the Sunne is farthest off the dayes short and the nights long his heat hath small force but when the Sunne approcheth which is in the Summer time his force is such as it drawes vp the vapours and suddenly consumes and disperseth them for the heat and the length of the dayes grow through the neernesse of the Sunne But within the Tropicks vnder the burning Zone the farre distance of the Sunne workes the same effects that the neernesse doth without the Tropicks by reason whereof it raines no more vnder the burning Zone when the Sunne is farre off then without the Tropicks when it is neerest for that in this approching and retyring the Sunne remayns alwayes in one distance whence proceedes this effect of cleernesse But when the Sunne is in the period of his force in the burning Zone and that he cast his beames directly vpon the Inhabitants heads there is neither cleernesse nor drynesse as it seemes there should be but rather great and strange showers for that by this violent heat he drawes vp suddenly a great abundance of vapours from the Earth and Ocean which are so thicke as the winde not able easily to disperse them they melt into water which breedeth the cold raine in so great abundance for the excessiue heat may soone draw vp many vapours the which are not so soone dissolued and being gathered together through their great abundance they melt and dissolue into water The which wee may easily discerne by this familiar example roast a piece of Porke Mutton or Veale if the fire be violent and the meate neere wee see the fat melts suddenly and drops away the reason is that the violent heat drawes forth the humour and fat from the meat and being in great abundance cannot dissolue it and so it distils more away But when the fire is moderate and the meat in an equall distance wee see that it roasts handsomly and the fat drops not too suddenly for that the moderate heat drawes out the moistnesse which it consumes suddenly And therefore Cookes make a moderate fire and lay not their meate too neere nor too farre off lest it melt away The like may bee seene in anoother experience in candles of tallow or waxe if the wike bee great it melts the tallow or the waxe for that the heat cannot consume the moistnesse which riseth but if the flame bee proportionable the wax melts nor drops not for that the flame doth waste it by little and little as it riseth But this is
see no speciall matter at the Indies which is not in other Regions vnlesse some will say that the manner to strike fire in rubbing two stones one against another as some Indians vse or to boile any thing in gourds casting a burning stone into it other such like things are remarkable whereof I haue written what might bee spoken But of those which are in the Vulcans and Mouthes of fire at the Indies worthy doubtlesse to be obserued I will speake in their order treating of the diuersitie of grounds whereas they finde these fires or Vulcans Therefore to begin with the windes I say that with good reason Salomon in the great iudgement which God had giuen him esteemes much the knowledge of the windes and their properties being very admirable for that some are moist others drie some vnwholsome others sound some hot others cold some calme and pleasant others rough and tempestuous some barren and others fertile with infinite other differences There are some windes which blow in certaine Regions and are as it were Lords thereof not admitting any entrie or communication of their contraries In some parts they blow in that sort as sometimes they are Conquerors sometimes conquered often there are diuers and contrarie windes which doe runne together at one instant diuiding the way betwixt them somtimes one blowing aboue of one sort and another below of an other sort somtimes they incounter violently one with another which puts them at Sea in great danger there are some windes which helpe to the generation of Creatures and others that hinder and are opposite There is a certaine winde of such a qualitie as when it blowes in some Countrie it causeth it to raine Fleas and in so great abundance as they trouble and darken the aire and couer all the Sea-shoare and in other places it raines Frogs These diuersities and others which are sufficiently knowne are commonly attributed to the place by the which these windes passe For they say that from these places they take their qualities to be cold hot drie or moist sickly or sound and so of the rest the which is partly true and cannot be denyed for that in a small distance you shall see in one winde many diuersities For example the Solaâ—â—â— or Easterne winde is commonly hot and troublesome in Spaine and in Murria it is the coolest and healthfullest that is for that it passeth by the Orchards and that large champaine which wee see very fresh In Carthageâ—e which is not farre from thence the same winde is troublesome and vnwholsome The Meridionall which they of the Ocean call South and those of the Mediterranean Sea Mezo giorâ—o commonly is raynie and boysterous and in the same Citie whereof I speake it is wholesome and pleasant Plinie reports that in Africke it raines with a Northerne winde and that the Southerne winde is cleere He then that shall well consider what I haue spoken of these windes he may conceiue that in a small distance of Land or Sea one winde hath many and diuers qualities yea sometimes quite contrarie whereby wee may inferre that hee draweth his propertie from the place where it passeth the which is in such sort true although we may not say infallibly as it is the onely and principall cause of the diuersitie of the windes It is a thing we easily find that in a Riuer contayning fiftie leagues in circuit I put it thus for an example that the winde which blowes of the one part is hot and moist and that which blowes on the other is cold and drie Notwithstanding this diuersitie is not found in places by which it passeth the which makes me rather to say that the windes bring these qualities with them whereby they giue vnto them the names of these qualities For example we attribute to the Northerne winde otherwise called Cierco the propertie to be cold and drie and to dissolue mists to the Southerne winde his contrarie called Leuasche we attribute the contrarie qualitie which is moist and hot and ingenders mists But it is needfull to seeke further to know the true and originall cause of these so strange differences which we see in the windes I cannot conceiue any other but that the same efficient cause which bringeth forth and maketh the winds to grow doth withall giue them this originall qualitie for in truth the matter whereon the winds are made which is no other thing according to Aristotle but the exhalation of the interior Elements may well cause in effect a great part of this diuersitie being more grosse more subtill more drie and more moist But yet this is no pertinent reason seeing that we see in one Region where the vapours and exhalations are of one sort and qualitie that there rise windes and effects quite contrarie We must therefore referre the cause to the higher and celestiall Efficient which must be the Sunne and to the motion and influence of the Heauens the which by their contrarie motions giue and cause diuers influences But the beginnings of these motions and influences are so obscure and hidden from men and on the other part so mightie and of so great force as the holy Prophet Dauid in his propheticall Spirit and the Prophet Ieremie admiring the greatnesse of the Lord speake thus Qui profert ventos de thesauris suis. Hee that drawes the windes out of his Treasures In truth these principles and beginnings are rich and hidden treasures for the Author of all things holds them in his hand and in his power and when it pleaseth him sendeth them forth for the good or chastisement of men and sends forth such windes as he pleaseth not as that Eolus whom the Poets doe foolishly feigne to haue charge of the windes keeping them in a Caue like vnto wilde beasts We see not the beginning of these windes neither doe we know how long they shall continue or whither they shall goe But wee see and know well the diuerse effects and operations they haue euen as the supreme Truth the Author of all things hath taught vs saying Spiritus vbi vult spirat vocem eius audis neseis vnde venit aut quò vadit It is true that the Northerne winde is not vsually cold and cleere there as here In some parts of Peru as at Lima and on the Playnes they finde the Northerne windes troublesome and vnwholsome and all along the Coast which runnes aboue fiue hundred leagues they hold the Southerne windes for healthfull and coole and which is more most cleere and pleasant yea it neuer raines contrarie to that wee see in Europe and of this side the Line Yet that which chanceth vpon the coast of Peru is no generall rule but rather an exception and a wonder of Nature neuer to raine vpon that coast and euer to haue one winde without giuing place to his contrarie whereof we will hereafter speake our minde It is no generall rule there that the Northerne winde is neither hot nor
raynie there as the South winde is on this side but contrariwise it raines when as the South winde blowes there as wee see in all the Sierre or mountaine of Peru in Chile and in the Countrie of Congo which is on the other side of the Line and farre aduanced into the Sea And in Potozi likewise the winde which they call Tomahani which is our North if my memorie faile me not is extremely cold drie and vnpleasant as it is here with vs. Yet doth not the Northerne winde disperse the cloudes vsually there as it doth here but contrariwise if I be not deceiued it doth often cause raine There is no doubt but the windes doe borrow this great diuersitie of contrarie effects from the places by which they passe and the neere Regions where they are bred as wee see by daily experience in a thousand places But speaking in generall of the qualitie of the windes we must rather looke to the coasts or parts of the World from whence they proceede then to obserue whether they be on this side or beyond the Line as it seemes the Philosopher held opinion These capitall windes which be the East and West haue no such vniuersall qualities nor so common in this Continent nor in the other as the two former The Solanus or Easterne winde is commonly here troublesome and vnwholsome and the Westerne or Zephirus is more milde and healthfull At the Indies and in all the burning Zone the Easterne winde which they call Brise is contrariwise very healthfull and pleasant Of the West I cannot speake any thing certaine or generall for that it blowes not at all or very seldom in the burning Zone for in all the nauigation betwixt the two Tropicks the Easterne winde is ordinarie And for that it is one of the admirable workes of Nature it shall bee good to vnderstand the cause and the beginning thereof The wayes at Sea are not as at Land to returne the same way they passe It is all one way saith the Philosopher from Athens to Thebes and from Thebes to Athens but it is not so at Sea for wee goe one way and returne by another The first which discouered the East and West Indies laboured much with great difficultie to finde out their course vntill that Experience the Mistresse of these secrets had taught them that to saile through the Ocean is not like the passage in Italie through the Mediterranean Sea where in their returne they obserue the same Ports and Capes they had sight of in their passage attending still the benefit of the winde which changeth instantly and when that failes they haue recourse to their Oares and so the Gallies goe and come daily coasting along the shoare In some parts of the Ocean they may not looke for any other winde then that which blowes for that commonly it continues long To conclude that which is good to goe by is not fit to returne with for in the Sea beyond the Tropicke and within the burning Zone the Easterly windes raine continually not suffering their contraries In the which Region there are two strange things the one is that in that Zone being the greatest of the fiue into the which the World is diuided the Easterly windes which they call Brises doe reigne not suffering the Westerne or Southerne which they call lower winds to haue their course at any season of the yeere The other wonder is that these Easterly windes neuer cease to blow and most commonly in places neerest to the Line where it seemes that Calmes should be more frequent being a part of the World most subiect to the heat of the Sunne but it is contrarie for you shall hardly finde any Calmes there and the winde is cold and continues longer which hath beene found true in all the Nauigations of the Indies This is the reason why the voyage they make from Spaine to the West Indies is shorter more easie and more assured then the returne to Spaine The Fleetes parting from Siuil haue more difficultie to passe the Canaries for that the guife of Yegues or of Mares is variable being beaten with diuers windes but hauing passed the Canaries they saile with a Westerne winde vntill they come to the burning Zone where presently they finde an Easterly winde and so they saile on with full windes so as they haue scant any need to touch their sailes in the whole voyage for this reason they called this great gulfe the gulfe of Dames for the calmnesse and pleasantnesse thereof Then following their course they come to the Ilands of Guadelupe Dominique Desired Marigualante and the rest which in that place be as it were the Suburbs of the Indies There the Fleetes separate and diuide themselues whereof some which goe to new Spaine take to the right hand towards Hispaniola and hauing discouered Cape Saint Anthony they passe vnto Saint Iohn Delua alwayes vsing the same Easterly windes Those for the mayne Land take the left hand discouering the high mountaine of Tayrone then hauing touched at Carthagene they passe vnto Nombre de Dios from whence they goe by Land to Panama and from thence by the South Sea to Peru. But when the fleetes returne to Spaine they make their voyage in this sort The fleete of Peru discouers Cape Saint Anthony then they enter into the Hauana which is a goodly Port in the Iland of Cuba The fleet of new Spaine doth likewise touch at the Hauana being parted from Vera Cruz or from the Iland of Saint Iohn Delua the which is not without difficultie for that commonly Easterly windes blow there which is a contrarie winde to goe to the Hauana These fleetes being ioyned together for Spaine they seeke their height without the Tropicks where presently they finde Westerly windes which serue them vntill they come in view of the Acores or Terceres and from thence to Siuil So as their voyage in going is of a small height not aboue twentie degrees from the Line which is within the Tropicks But the returne is without the Tropicks in eight and twentie or thirtie degrees of height at the least for that within the Tropicks the Easterne windes continually blow the which are fittest to goe from Spaine to the West Indies for that their course is from East to West and without the Tropicks which is in three and twentie degrees of height they finde Westerly windes the which are the more certaine and ordinarie the farther you are from the Line and more fit to returne from the Indies for that they are windes blowing from the South and West which serue to runne into the East and North. The like discourse is of the Nauigation made into the South Sea going from new Spaine or Peru to the Philippines or China and returning from the Philippines or China to new Spaine the which is easie for that they saile alwayes from East to West neere the Line where they finde the Easterly windes to blow in their Poope In the yeere 1584.
Who so would neerely looke into what hath bin spoken may likewise vnderstand that going from the West to the East in altitude beyond the Tropikes we shall finde Westerne windes for that the motion of the Equinoctiall being so swift it is a cause that the ayre moueth vnder it according to this motion which is from the East to West drawing after it the vapours and exhalations that rise of either side the Equinoctiall or burning Zone in countring the course and motion of the Zone are forced by the repercussion to returne almost to the contrary whence grow the South-west windes so ordinary in those parts Euen as we see in the course of waters the which if they be incountred by others of more force returne in a manner backe So it seemes to be like in vapours and exhalations whereby it growes that the windes doe turne and separate themselues from one part to another These Westerly windes doe commonly raine in a meane altitude which is from twenty and seuen to thirty and seuen degrees though they be not so certaine nor so regular as the Brises that are in a lesse altitude The reason is for that the South-west winds are no causes of this proper and equall motion of the heauen as the Brises are being neere to the Line But as I haue said they are more ordinary and often more furious and tempestuous But passing into a greater altitude as of fortie degrees there is as small assurance of windes at Sea as at Land for sometimes the East or North winde blowes and sometimes the South or West whereby it happeneth their nauigations are more vncertaine and more dangerous That which we haue spoken of windes which blow ordinarily within and without the Zone must be vnderstood of the maine Sea and in the great gulphes for at land it is otherwise where we finde all sorts of windes by reason of the inequalitie which is betwixt the Mountaines and the vallies the great number of Riuers and Lakes and the diuers scituations of Countries whence the grosse and thick vapours arise which are moued from the one part or the other according to the diuersitie of their beginnings which cause these diuers windes the motion of the ayre caused by the heauen hauing not power enough to draw and moue them with it And this varietie of windes is not onely found at land but also vpon the Sea coast which is vnder the burning Zone for that there be forraine or land windes which come from the land and many which blow from the Sea the which windes from the Sea are commonly more wholesome and more pleasant then those of the land which are contrariwise troublesome and vnwholesome although it be the difference of the coast that causeth this diuersitie commonly the land windes blow from mid-night to the Sunne rising and the Sea windes vntill Sunne setting The reason perhaps may be that the earth as a grosse substance fumes more when as the Sunne shines not vpon it euen as greene wood or scarse dry smoakes most when the flame is quenched But the Sea which is compounded of more subtile parts engenders no fumes but when it is hot euen as straw or haâ—e being moist and in small quantitie breedes smoake when it is burnt and when the flame failes the fume suddenly ceaseth Whatsoeuer it be it is certaine that the Land winde blowes by night and that of the Sea by day So that euen as there are often contrary violent and tempestuous windes vpon the Sea coast so doe we see very great calmes Some men of great experience report that hauing sailed many great passages at Sea vnder the Line yet did they neuer see any calmes but that they alwayes make way little or much the ayre being moued by the celestiall motion which is sufficient to guide a Shippe blowing in poope as it doth I haue already said that a Shippe of Lima going to Manilla sailed two thousand seuen hundred leagues alwayes vnder the Line or not aboue twelue degrees from it and that in the moneths of February and March when as the Sunne is there for Zenith and in all this space they found no calmes but alwayes a fresh gale so as in two moneths they performed this great voyage But in the burning Zone and without it you shall vsually see great calmes vpon the coasts where the vapours come from the Ilands or maine land And therefore stormes and tempests and the sudden motions of the ayre are more certaine and ordinary vpon the coasts whereas the vapours come from the Land then in full Sea I meane vnder the burning Zone for without it and at Sea there are both calmes and whirlewindes Notwithstanding sometimes betwixt the two Tropickes yea vnder the Line you shall haue great raine and sudden showers yea farre into the Sea for the working whereof the vapours and exhalations of the Sea are sufficient which mouing sometimes hastily in the ayre cause thunder and whirlewindes but this is more ordinary neere to the Land and vpon the Land When I sailed from Peru to new Spaine I obserued that all the time we were vpon the coast of Peru our voyage was as it was ordinary very calme and easie by reason of the Southerne winde that blowes hauing alwayes a fore winde returning from Spaine and new Spaine As we passed the gulph lanching farther into the Sea almost vnder the Line wee found the season coole quiet and pleasant with a full winde but comming neere to Nicaragua and to all that coast wee had contrary windes with great store of raine and fogges All this Nauigation was vnder the burning Zone for from twelue degrees to the South which is Lima we sailed to the seuenteenth which is Gautâ—lco a port of new Spaine and I beleeue that such as haue obserued their nauigations made vnder the burning Zone shall finde what I haue said which may suffice for the windes which raigne at Sea vnder the burning Zone It were a very difficult matter to report particularly the admirable effects which some windes cause in diuers regions of the world and to giue a reason thereof There are windes which naturally trouble the water of the Sea and makes it greene and blacke others cleere as Christall some comfort and make glad others trouble and breede heauinesse Such as nourish Silke-wormes haue great care to shut their windowes when as the South-west windes doe blow and to open them to the contrary hauing found by certaine experience that their wormes diminish and dye with the one and fatten and become better with the other and who so will neerely obserue it shall finde in himselfe that the diuersities of windes cause notable impressions and changes in the body principally in sicke parts and ill disposed when they are most tender and weake The holy Scripture calleth one a burning winde another a winde full of dewe and sweetnesse And it is no wonder if we see such notable effects of the winde in Plants
and hands Finally their operation is outward But that of the Indies whereof I speake without molesting of foote or hand or any outward part troubles all the entrailes within and that which is more admirable when the Sunne is hot which maketh me imagine that the griefe wee feele comes from the qualitie of the ayre which wee breathe Therefore that is most subtile and delicate whose cold is not so sensible as piercing All this ridge of mountaines is for the most part desart without any Villages or habitations for men so as you shall scarce finde any small Cottages to lodge such as doe passe by night there are no Beasts good or bad but some Vicunos which are their Countrie Muttons and haue a strange and wonderfull property as I shall shew in his place The Grasse is often burnt and all blacke with the ayre and this Desart runs fiue and twenty or thirty leagues ouerthwart and in length aboue fiue hundred leagues There are other Desarts or places inhabited which at Peru they call Punas speaking of the second point we promised where the qualitie of the ayre cutteth off mans life without feeling In former time the Spaniards went from Peru to the Realme of Chille by this Mountaine but at this day they doe passe commonly by Sea and sometimes alongst the side of it And though that way be laborious and troublesome yet is there not so great danger as by the Mountaine where there are Plaines on the which many men haue perished and dyed and sometimes haue scaped by great hap whereof some haue remained lame There runs a small breath which is not very strong nor violent but proceeds in such sort that men fall downe dead in a manner without feeling or at the least they loose their feete and hands the which may seeme fabulous yet is it most true I haue knowne and frequented long the Generall Ierome Costilla the auncient peopler of Cusco who had lost three or foure toes which fell off in passing the Desart of Chille being perished with this ayre and when he came to looke on them they were dead and fell off without any paine euen as a rotten Apple falleth from the tree This Captaine reported that of a good armie which he had conducted by that place in the former yeares since the discouery of this Kingdome by Almagro a great part of the men remained dead there whose bodies he found lying in the Desart without any stinke or corruption adding thereunto one thing very strange that they found a yong Boye aliue and being examined how hee had liued in that place hee said that he lay hidden in a little Caue whence hee came to cut the flesh of a dead Horse with a little Knife and thus had he nourished himselfe a long time with I know not how many companions that liued in that sort but now they were all dead one dying this day another to morrow saying that he desired nothing more then to dye there with the rest seeing that hee found not in himselfe any disposition to goe to any other place nor to take any taste in any thing I haue vnderstood the like of others and particularly of one that was of our company who being then a secular man had passed by these Desarts and it is a strange thing the quality of this cold ayre which kils and also preserues the dead bodies without corruption I haue also vnderstood it of a reuerend religious man of the Order of Saint Dominicke and Prelate thereof who had seene it passing by the Desarts and which is strange â—e reported that trauelling that way by night was forced to defend himselfe against that deadly winde which blowes there hauing no other meanes but to gather together a great number of those dead bodies that lay there and made thereof as it were a rampire and a bolster for his head in this manner did hee sleepe the dead bodies giuing him life Without doubt this is a kinde of colde so piercing that it quencheth the vitall heate cutting off his influence and being so exceeding colâ—e yet doth not corrupt nor giue any putrifaction to the dead bodies for that putrifaction groweth from heate and moistnesse As for the other kinde of ayre which thunders vnder the earth and causeth earthquakes more at the Indies then in any other Regions I will speake thereof in treating the qualities of the Land at the Indies We will content our selues now with what we haue spoken of the winde and ayre and passe to that which is to be spoken of the water §. II. Of the Ocean that inuirons the Indies and of the North and South Seas their ebbing flowing Fishes fishing Lakes Riuers and Springs AMong all waters the Ocean is the principall by which the Indies haue beene discouered and are inuironed therewith for either they be Ilands of the Ocean Sea or maine Land the which wheresoeuer it ends is bounded with this Ocean To this day they haue not discouered at the Indies any Mediterranean Sea as in Europe Asia and Affrica into the which there enters some arme of this great Sea and makes distinct Seas taking their names from the Prouinces they wash and almost all the Mediterranean Seas continue and ioyne together and with the Ocean it selfe by the straight of Gibraltar which the Ancients called the Pillers of Hercules although the Red Sea being separated from the Mediterranean Seas enters alone into the Indian Ocean and the Caspian Sea ioynes not with any other so that at the Indies we finde not any other Sea then this Ocean which they diuide into two the one they call the North Sea and the other the South for that the Indies which were first discouered by the Ocean and reacheth vnto Spaine lies all to the North and by that Land thereafter discouered a Sea on the other side the which they called the South Sea for that they decline vntill they haue passed the Line and hauing lost the North or Pole-articke they called it South For this cause they haue called all that Ocean the South Sea which lyeth on the other side of the East Indies although a great part of it be â—eated to the North as all the coast of new Spaine Nuaragna Guatimala and Panama They say that he that first discouered this Sea was called Blascowunes of Bilbo the which he did by that part which we now call Maine Land where it growes narrow and the two Seas approach so neere the one to the other that there is but seuen leagues of distance for although they make the way eighteene from Nombre de Dios to Panama yet is it with turning to seeke the commoditie of the way but drawing a direct line the one Sea shall not be found more distant from the other Some haue discoursed and propounded to cut through this passage of seuen leagues and to ioyne one Sea to the other to make the passage from Peru more commodious
doth likewise returne into smoake to be resolued againe into quick-siluer Quick-siluer is found in a kinde of stone which doth likewise yeeld Vermillion which the Ancients called Minium and at this day they call the Images of crystall Miniades which are painted with quick-siluer The Ancients made great account of this Minium or Vermillion holding it for a sacred colour as Plinie reports saying That the Romans were accustomed to paint the face of Iupiter and the bodies of those that triumphed in Ethiopia yea their Idols and their Gouernours likewise had their faces coloured with this Minium And this Vermillion was so esteemed at Rome which they brought onely from Spaine where they had many pits and mynes of quick-siluer which continue there to this day that the Romans suffered it not to be refined in Spaine lest they should steale some of it but they carried it to Rome sealed vp in a masse as they drew it out of the myne and after refined it They did yeerly bring from Spaine especially from Andalusie about ten thousand pound weight which the Romans valued as an infinite treasure I haue reported all this out of that Author to the end that those which doe see what passeth at this day in Peru may haue the content to know what chanced in former ages among the mightiest Lords of the world I speake for the Inguas Kings of Peru and for the naturall Indians thereof which haue laboured and digged long in these Mines of Quick-siluer not knowing what Quick-siluer was seeking onely for Cinabrium or Vermillion which they call Limpi the which they esteeme much for that same effect that Plinie reports of the Romans and Ethiopians that is to paint the face and bodies of themselues and their Idols the like hath beene much practised by the Indians especially when they went to the warres and vse it at this day in their feasts and dancing which they call slubbering supposing that their faces and visages so slubbered did much terrifie and at this day they hold it for an ornament and beautifying for this cause there were strange workes of Mines in the Mountaines of Guancauilca which are in Peru neere to the Citie of Guamangua out of the which they drew this Mettall it is of such a manner that if at this day they enter by the caues or Soccabones which the Indians made in those dayes they loose themselues finding no passage out but they regarded not Quick-siluer which naturally is in the same substance or mettall of Vermillion neither had they knowledge of any such matter The Indians were not alone for so long a time without the knowledge of this treasure but likewise the Spaniards who vntill the yeare 1566. and 1567. at such time as the licentiate Castro gouerned in Peru discouered not the Mines of Quick-siluer which happened in this manner A man of iudgement called Henrique Guarces a Portugall borne hauing a piece of this coloured Mettall as I haue said which the Indians call Limpi with which they paint their faces as he beheld it well found it to be the same which they call Vermillion in Castile and for that hee knew well that Vermillion was drawne out of the same mettall that Quick-siluer was he coniectured these Mines to be of Quick-siluer went to the place whence they drew this Mettall to make triall thereof The which he found true and in this sort the Mines of Palcas in the territorie of Guamangua being discouered great numbers of men went thither to draw out Quick-siluer and so to carry it to Mexico where they refine Siluer by the meanes of Quick-siluer wherewith many are inriched This Countrie of Mines which they call Guancauilca was then peopled with Spaniards and Indians that came thither and come still to worke in these Mines of Quick-siluer which are in great numbers and very plentifull but of all these Mines that which they call d' Amador de Cabrera or of Saints is goodly and notable It is a Rocke of most hard Stone interlaced all with Quick-siluer and of that greatnesse that it extends aboue fourescore Vares or yards in length and fortie in breadth in which Mine they haue many pits and ditches of threescore and tenne stades deepe so as three hundred men may well worke together such is the capacitie thereof This Mine was discouered by an Indian of Amador of Cabrera called Nauincopa of the Village of Acoria the which Amador of Cabrera caused to be registred in his name He was in suite against the Procurer fiscall but the vsufruite was adiudged to him by sentence as the discouerer Since he sold his interest to another for two hundred and fiftie thousand Ducates and afterwards thinking he had bin deceiued in the sale he commenced an action against the buyer being worth as they say aboue fiue hundred thousand Ducates yea some hold it to be worth a Million of Gold a rare thing to see a Mine of that wealth When as Don Francisco of Toledo gouerned in Peru there was one which had bin in Mexico and obserued how they refined Siluer with Mercury called Pero Fernandes de Valesco who offred to refine Siluer at Potozi with Mercury and hauing made triall thereof in the yeare 1571. performed it with credit then began they to refine Siluer at Potozi with Quick-siluer which they transported from Guancauelicqua which was a goodly helpe for the Mines for by the meanes of Quick-siluer they drew an infinite quantitie of mettall from these Mines whereof they made no accompt the which they called Scrapings For as it hath beene said the Quick-siluer purifies the Siluer although it be drie poore and of base alloy which cannot be done by melting in the fire The Catholike King drawes from it Quick-siluer mines without any charge or hazard almost foure hundred thousand pieces of a Mine the which are foureteene rials a peecâ— or little lesse besides the rights that rise in Potozi where it is imployed the which is a great riches They doe yearely one with another draw from these Mines of Guancauilca eight thousand quintals of Quick-siluer yea and more Let vs now speake how they draw out Quick-siluer and how they refine Siluer therewith They take the stone or mettall where they finde the Quick-siluer the which they put into the fire in pots of earth well luted being well beaten so as this mettall or stone comming to melt by the heate of the fire the Quick-siluer separates it selfe and goes forth in exhalation and sometimes euen with the smoake of the fire vntill it incounters some body where it staies and congeales and if it passe vp higher without meeting of any hard substance it mounts vp vntill it be cold and then congealed it fals downe againe When the melting is finished they vnstop the pots and draw forth the mettall sometimes staying vntill it be very cold for if there remained any fume or vapour which should incounter them that should vnstop the pots they were in danger of death or to
the Tree as doe the fingers out of the hand wreathing themselues one within another and so spreading abroad these Trees are high and are found in great plentie in the Coast of the Sea of Sur in the Prouince of Cacique Chiman These Date Trees bring forth a Fruit after this sort being altogether vnite as it groweth on the Tree it is of greater circumference then the head of a man and from the superficiall part to the middest which is the fruit it is inuolued and couered with many Webs much like vnto those Hirds of Towe which they vse in Andalusia Of this Towe or Web the East Indians make a certaine kind of Cloth of three or foure sorts and Cordes for the Sayles of Ships but in these Indies of your Maiestie they passe not for these Coards or this Cloth that may be made of the Fruit of Coco by reason of the great plentie that they haue of the Bombage or Cotton of Gossampine Trees The Fruit which is in the middest of the said Tow is as I haue said as bigge as a mans fist and sometimes twice as bigge and more It in forme like vnto a Walnut oâ— some other round thing somewhat more long then large and very hard the rinde or burke hereof is as thicke as the circle of Letters of a Riall of Plate and within there cleaueth fast to the rinde of the Nut a carnositie or substance of coornell of the thicknesse of halfe a finger or of the least finger of the hand and is very white like vnto a faire Almond and of better taste and more pleasant When this Fruit is chewed there remayne certaine crummes as doe the like of Almonds Yet if it be swallowed downe it is not vnpleasant For although that after the iuyce or moysture be gone downe the throat before the said crummes be swallowed the rest which is eaten seeme somewhat sharpe or sowre yet doth it not so greatly offend the taste as to be cast away While this Cocus is yet fresh and newly taken from the Tree they vse not to eate of the said carnositie and Fruit but first beating it very much and then strayning it they draw a Milke thereof much better and sweeter then is the Milke of Beasts and of much substance the which the Christian men of those Regions put in the Tartes or Cakes which they make of the grain of Maiz whereof they make their Bread or in other Bread as we put Bread in Pottage so that by reason of the said Milke of Cocus the Tartes arm more excellent to be eaten without offence to the stomacke they are so pleasant to the taste and leaue it aswell satisfied as though it had beene delighted with many delicate Dishes But to proceed further your Maiestie shall vnderstand that in the place of the stone or coornell there is in the middest of the said carnositie a void place which neuerthelesse is full of a most cleere and excellent water in such quantitie as may fill a great Egge shell or more or lesse according to the bignesse of the Cocos the which water surely is the most substantiall excellent and precious to bee drunke that may be found in the World insomuch that in the moment when it passeth the palate of the mouth and beginneth to goe downe the throate it seemeth that from the sole of the foot to the crowne of the head there is no part of the bodie but that feeleth great comfort thereby as it is doubtlesse one of the most excellent things that may bee tasted vpon the earth and such as I am not able by writing or tongue to expresse And to proceed yet further I say that when the meate of this fruit is taken from the Vessell thereof the vessell remayneth as faire and neate as though it were polished and is without of colour inclining toward black and shineth or glistereth very faire and is within of no lesse delicatenesse Such as haue accustomed to drinke in these Vessels and haue beene troubled with the Disease called the fretting of the guts say that they haue by experience found it a maruellous remedie against that Disease and that it breaketh the stone and prouoketh vrine This fruit was called Coca for this cause that when it is taken from the place where it cleaueth fast to the Tree there are seene two holes and aboue them two other naturall holes which altogether doe represent the gesture and figure of the Cattes called Mammons that is Monkeyes when they cry which cry the Indians call Coca but in very deed this Tree is a kind of Date Tree and hath the same effect to heale fretting of the guts that Plinie describeth all kinde of Date trees to haue There are furthermore in the firme Land Trees of such bignesse that I dare not speake thereof but in place where I haue so many witnesses which haue seene the same as well as I. I say therefore that a league from Dariena or the Gitie of Sancta Maria Antiqua there passeth a Riuer very large and deepe which is called Cuti ouer the which the Indians laid a great Tree so trauersing the same that it was in the stead of a bridge the which I my selfe with diuers other that are at this present in your Maiesties Court haue oftentimes passed ouer And forasmuch as the said Tree had lyen long there and by the great weight thereof was so shrunke downeward and partly couered with water that none could passe ouer it but were wet to the knee I being then in the yeere 1522. the officiall or Iustice in that Citie at your Maiesties appointment caused another great Tree to bee laid in that place which in like manner trauersed the Riuer and reached more then fiftie foote ouer the further side This Tree was exceeding great and rested aboue the water more then two Cubits in the fall it cast downe all such other Trees as were within the reach thereof and discouered certaine bynes which were so laden with blacke Grapes of pleasant taste that they satisfied more then fiftie persons which ate their fill thereof This Tree in the thickest part thereof was more then sixteene spannes thicke and was neuerthelesse but little in respect of many other trees which are found in this Prouince For the Indians of the Coast and Prouince of Cartagenia make Barkes or Boates thereof which they call Canoas of such bignesse beeing all one whole Tree that some containe a hundred men some a hundred and thirtie and some more hauing neuerthelesse such void space within the same that there is left sufficient roome to passe to and fro throughout all the Canoas Some of these are so large beside the length that they conteine more then tenne or twelue spannes in breadth and saile with two sailes as with the Master saile and the trincket which they make of very good Cotton The greatest Trees that I haue seene in these parts or in any other Regions was in the Prouince of
that this fish is one of the best in the world to the taste and the likest vnto flesh especially so like vnto beefe that who so hath not seene it whole can iudge it to be none other when hee seeth it in pieces then very Beefe or Veale and is certainly so like vnto flesh that all the men in the world may herein be deceiued the taste likewise is like vnto the taste of very good Veale and lasteth long if it be powdred so that in fine the Beefe of these parts is by no meanes like vnto this This Manate hath a certaine stone or rather bone in his head within the braine which is of qualitie greatly appropriate against the disease of the stone if it be burnt and ground into small powder and taken fasting in the morning when the paine is felt in such quantitie as may lye vpon a peny with a draught of good whiâ—e wine For being thus taken three or foure mornings it acquieteth the griefe as diuers haue told me which haue proued it true and I my selfe by testimonie of sight doe witnesse that I haue seen this stone sought of diuers for this effect There are also diuers other fishes as bigge as this Manate among the which there is one called Vihnella This fish beareth in the top of his head a sword being on euery side full of many sharp teeth this sword is naturally very hard and strong of foure or fiue spans in length and of proportion according to the same bignesse and for this cause is this fish called Spada that is the Sword fish Of this kinde some are found as little as Sardines and other so great that two yokes of Oxen are scarsly able to draw them on a Cart. But whereas before I haue promised to speake of other fishes which are taken in these Seas while the ships are vnder saile I will not forget to speake of the Tunny which is a great and good fish and is oftentimes taken and kild with Trout speares and hookes cast in the water when they play and swim about the ships In like manner also are taken many Turbuts which are very good fishes as are lightly in all the Sea And here is to be noted that in the great Ocean Sea there is a strange thing to be considered which all that haue beene in the Indies affirme to bee true And this is that like as on the Land there are some Prouinces fertile and fruitfull and some barren euen so doth the like chance in the Sea So that at some windes the ships saile fiftie or a hundred or two hundred leagues and more without taking or seeing of one fish and againe in the selfe same Ocean in some places all the water is seen tremble by the moouing of the fishes where they are taken abundantly It commeth further to my remembrance to speake somewhat of the flying of fishes which is doubtlesse a strange thing to behold and is after this manner When the ships saile by the great Ocean following their viage there riseth sometimes on the one side or on the other many companies of certaine little fishes of the which the biggest is no greater then a Sardine and so diminish lesse and lesse from that quantitie that some of them are very little these are called Volatori that is flying fishes they rise by great companies and flocks in such multitudes that it is an astonishment to behold them Sometimes they rise but little from the water and as it chanceth continue one flight for the space of an hundred paces and sometimes more or lesse before they fall againe into the Sea sometimes also they fall into the ships And I remember that on an euening when all the companie in the ship were on their knees singing Salue Regina in the highest part of the Castle of the poope and sailed with a full winde there passed by vs a flocke of these flying fishes and came so neere vs that many of them fell into the ship among the which two or three fell hard by mee which I tooke aliue in my hand so that I might well perceiueâ— that they were as bigge as Sardines and of the same quantitie hauing two wings or quils growing out of their sinnes like vnto those wherewith all fishes swim in Riuers these wings are as long as the fishes themselues As long as their wings are moist they beare them vp in the aire but assoone as they are drie they can continue their flight no further then as I haue said before but fall immediatly into the Sea and so rise againe and flie as before from place to place In the yeere 1515. when I came first to enforme your Maiestie of the state of the things in India and was the yeere following in Flanders in the time of your most fortunate successe in these your Kingdomes of Arragon and Castile whereas at that voyage I sayled aboue the Iland Bermuda otherwise called Garza being the furthest of all the Ilands that are found at this day in the world and arriuing there at the depth of eight yards of water and distant from the Land as farre as the shot of a piece of Ordinance I determined to send some of the ship to Land aswell to make search of such things as were there as also to leaue in the Iland certaine Hogs for increase But the time not seruing my purpose by reason of contrarie winde I could bring my ship no neerer the Iland being twelue leagues in length and sixe in breadth and about thirtie in circuit lying in the three and thirtieth degree of the North side While I remayned here I saw a strife and combat betweene these flying fishes and the fishes named Gilt heads and the fowles called Sea-mewes and Cormorants which surely seemed vnto me a thing of as great pleasure and solace as could be deuised while the Gilt heads swam on the brim of the water and sometimes lifted their shoulders aboue the same to raise the flying fishes out of the water to driue them to flight and follow them swimming to the place where they fall to take and eate them suddenly Againe on the other side the Sea-mewes and Cormorants take many of these flying fishes so that by this meanes they are neither safe in the Aire nor in the Water In the selfe same perill and danger doe men liue in this mortall life wherein is no certaine securitie neither in high estate nor in lowe Which thing surely ought to put vs in remembrance of that blessed and safe resting place which God hath prepared for such as loue him who shall acquiet and finish the trauailes of this troublesome world wherein are so many dangers and bring them to that eternall life where they shall finde eternall securitie and rest Of the increase and decrease that is rising and falling of our Ocean Sea and South Sea called the Sea of Sur. I Will now speake of certaine things which are seene in the
that no people of the West Indies haue beene more apt to receiue the Gospell then those which were most subiect to their Lords and which haue beene charged with the heauiest burthens as well of Tributes and Seruices as of Customes and bloudie Practises All that which the Mexican Kings and those of Peru did possesse is at this day most planted with Christian Religion and where there is least difficultie in the Gouernment and Ecclesiasticall Discipline The Indians were so wearied with the heauy and insupportable yoke of Satans lawes his sacrifices and ceremonies whereof wee haue formerly spoken that they consulted among themselues to seeke out a new Law and an other God to serue And therefore the Law of Christ seemed vnto them and doth at this day seeme iust sweet cleane good and full of happinesse And that which is difficult in our Law to beleeue so high and soueraigne Mysteries hath beene easie among them for that the Deuill had made them comprehend things of greater difficultie and the selfe-same things which hee had stolen from our Euangelicall Law as their manner of Communion and Confession their adoration of Three in One and such other like the which against the will of the Enemie haue holpen for the easie receiuing of the Truth by those who before had embraced Lyes God is wise and admirable in all his workes vanquishing the Aduersarie euen with his owne weapon hee takes him in his owne snare and kills him with his owne sword Finally our God who had created this People and who seemed to haue thus long forgot them when the houre was come hee would haue the same Deuils enemies to mankinde whom they falsly held for gods should giue a testimonie against their will of the true Law the power of Christ and the triumph of the Crosse as it plainly appeares by the presages prophesies signes and prodigies here before mentioned with many others happened in diuers parts and that the same ministers of Satan Sorcerers Magicians and other Indians haue confessed it And wee cannot denie it being most euident and knowne to all the World that the Deuill dareth not hisse and that the Practises Oracles Answers and visible Apparitions which were so ordinarie throughout all this Infidelitie haue ceased whereas the Crosse of Christ hath beene planted where there are Churches and where the Name of Christ hath beene confessed And if there be at this day any cursed minister of his that doth participate thereof it is in Caues and on the tops of Mountaines and in secret places farre from the name and communion of Christians The Soueraigne Lord be blessed for his great mercies and for the glorie of his holy Name And in truth if they did gouerne this people temporally and spiritually in such sort as the Law of Iesus Christ hath set it downe with a milde yoke and light burthen and that they would impose no more vpon them then they can well beare as the Letters Patents of the good Emperour of happy memorie doe command and that they would imploy halfe the care they haue to make profit of these poore mens sweats and labours for the health of their soules it were the most peaceable and happy Christian part of all the World c. CHAP. V. Of the ancient superstitions of the Mexicans and Indians of America gathered out of the fifth Booke of IOSEPHVS ACOSTA FIrst although the darknesse of Infidelitie holdeth these Nations in blindnesse yet in many things the light of Truth and Reason workes somewhat in them And they commonly acknowledge a supreme Lord and Author of all things which they of Peru called Vnachocha and gaue him names of great excellence as Pachacamac or Pachayachachic which is the Creator of Heauen and Earth and Vsapu which is admirable and other like names Him they did worship as the chiefest of all whom they did honor in beholding the Heauen The like wee see amongst them of Mexico and China and all other Infidels Which accordeth well with that which is said of Saint Paul in the Acts of the Apostles where he did see the Inscription of an Altar Ignoto Deo to the vnknowne God Whereupon the Apostle tooke occasion to preach vnto them saying Hee whom you worship without knowing him doe I preach vnto you In like sort those which at this day doe preach the Gospell to the Indians finde no great difficultie to perswade them that there is a High God and Lord ouer all and that this is the Christians God and the true God And yet it hath caused great admiration in mee that although they had this knowledge yet had they no proper Name for God if wee shall seeke into the Indian tongue for a word to answere to this Name of God as in Latin Deâ—s in Greeke Theos in Hebrew El in Arabike Alla but we shall not finde any in the 〈◊〉 or Mexican tongues So as such as preach or write to the Indians vse our Spanish name Dios fitting it to the accent or pronunciation of the Indian tongues the which differ much whereby appeares the small knowledge they had of God seeing they cannot so much as name him if it be not by our very name yet in truth they had some little knowledge and therefore in Pâ—ru they made him a rich Temple which they called Pachacamac which was the principall Sanctuarie oâ— the Realme And as it hath beene said this word of Pachacamac is as much to say as the Creator yet in this Temple they vsed their Idolatries worshipping the Deuill and Figures They likewise made Sacrifices and Offerings to Viracocha which held the chiefe place amongst the worships which the Kiâ—gâ— Iuguâ—â— made Hereof they called the Spaniards Virâ—cochas for that they hold opinion they are the 〈◊〉 of Hâ—auen and diuiâ—e eâ—en as others did attribute a Deitie to Paul and 〈◊〉 calling the one Iupiter and the other Mercurie so would they offer sacrifices vnto them as vnto gods and as the Barbarians of Mâ—litâ— which is Maltè seeing that the Viper did not huâ—â— the Apostle they called him God NExt to Viracocha or their supreme God that which most commonly they haue and doe adore amongst the Infidels is the Sunne and after those things which are most remarkâ—able in the celestiall or â—lementarie nature as the Moâ—ne Starres Sea and Land The Guiâ—cas or Oratories which the Iâ—guas Lords of Peru had in greatest reuerence next to Viracocha and the Sunne was the Thunder which they called by three diuers names Châ—â—â—â—illa Catuillâ— and Iâ—tiillapa supposing it to be a man in heauen with a Sling and a Mace and that it is in his power to cause Raine Haile Thunder and all the rest that appertaines to the Region of the Aire where the Cloudes engender It was a Guacâ— for so they called their Oratories generall to all the Indians of Peru offering vnto him many sacrifices and in Câ—scâ— which is the Court and Metropolitan Citie they did sacrifice children vnto him
fiue or ten dayes together before any of their great Feasts and they were vnto them as our foure Ember weekes they were so strict in continence that some of them not to fall into any sensualitie slit their members in the midst and did a thousand things to make themselues vnable lest they should offend their gods They drunke no Wine and slept little for that the greatest part of their exercises were by night committing great cruelties and martyring themselues for the Deuill and all to bee reputed great fasters and penitents They did vse to discipline themselues with cords full of knots and not they onely but the people also vsed this punishment and whipping in the procession and feast they made to the Idoll Tezcalipuca the which as I haue said before is the god of penance for then they all carried in their hands new cordes of the threed of Manguey a fadome long with a knot at the end and wherewish they whipped themselues giuing great lashes ouer their shoulders The Priests did fast fiue dayes before this Feast eating but once a day and they liued apart from their wiues not going out of the Temple during those fiue dayes they did whip themselues rigorously in the manner aforesaid In Peru to solemnize the feast of the Yta which was great all the people fasted two dayes during the which they did not accompanie with their Wiues neither did they eate any meate with Salt or Garleeke nor drinke Chica They did much vse this kinde of fasting for some sins and did penance whipping themselues with sharpe stinging Netâ—les and often they strooke themselues ouer the shoulders with certayne stones This blind Nation by the perswasion of the Deuill did transport themselues into craggie Mountaynes where sometimes they sacrificed themselues casting themselues downe from some high Rocke Wee may draw all the Sacrifices the Infidels vse into three kindes one of insensible things another of beasts and the third of men They did vse in Peru to sacrifice Coca which is an hearbe they esteeme much of Mays which is their Wheate of coloured feathers and of Chaquira which otherwise they call Mollo of shels or Oysters and sometime Gold and Siluer being in figures of little beasts Also of the fine stuffe of Cumbi of carued and sweet wood and most commonly Tallow burnt They made these Offerings or Sacrifices for a prosperous winde and faire weather or for their health and to be deliuered from some dangers and mishaps Of the second kind their ordinary Sacrifice was of Cuyes which are small beasts like Rabbets the which the Indians eate commonly And in matters of importance or when they were rich men they did offer Pacos or Indian sheepe bare or with Wooll obseruing curiously the numbers colours and times The manner of killing their Sacrifices great or small which the Indians did vse according to their ancient Ceremonies is the same the Moores vse at this day the which they call Alqulble hanging the beast by the right fore-legge turning his eyes towards the Sunne speaking certayne words according to the qualitie of the Sacrifice they slue for if it were of colour their words were directed to Chuquilla and to the Thunder that they might want no water if it were white and smoothe they did offer it to the Sunne with certaine words if it had a fleece they did likewise offer it him with some others that he might shine vpon them and fauour their generation If it were a Guanaco which is gray they directed their sacrifice to Viracocha In Cusco they did euery yeere kill and sacrifice with this Ceremony a shorne sheepe to the Sunne and did burne it clad in a red Waste-coate and when they did burne it they cast certayne small baskets of Coca into the fire which they call Vilcaronca for which Sacrifice they haue both men and beasts appointed which serue to no other vse They did likewise sacrifice small Birds although it were not so vsuall in Peru as in Mexico where the sacrificing of Quailes was very ordinary Those of Peru did sacrifice the Birds of Puna for so they call the Desart when they should goe to the Warres for to weaken the forces of their aduersaries Guacas They called these Sacrifices Cuzcouicca or Conteuicca or Huallauicca or Sophauicca and they did it in this manner they tooke many kinds of small Birds of the Desart and gathered a great deale of a thorny wood which they call Yanlli the which beeing kindled they gathered together these small Birds This assembly they called Quico then did they cast them into the fire about the which the Officers of the Sacrifice went with certayne round stones carued whereon were painted many Snakes Lions Toades and Tygres vttering this word Vsachum which signifies Let the victorie be giuen vnto vs with other words whereby they sayd the forces of their enemies Guacas were confounded And they drew forth certayne blacke sheepe which had beene kept close some dayes without meate the which they called Vrca and in killing them they spake these words As the hearts of these beasts bee weakened so let our enemies be weakned And if they found in these sheepe that a certayne piece of flesh behind the hear were not consumed by fasting and close keeping they then held it for an ill Augure They brought certayne blacke Dogges which they call Appuros and slue them casting them into a Playne with certayne Ceremonies causing some kinde of men to eate this flesh the which Sacrifices they did lest the Ingua should bee hurt by poyson and for this cause they fasted from morning vntill the starres were vp and then they did glut and defile themselues like to the Moores This Sacrifice was most fit for them to withstand their enemies Gods and although at this day a great part of these customes haue ceased the warres being ended yet remaynes there some Relikes by reason of the priuate or generall quarrels of the Indians or the Caciques or in their Cities They did likewise offer and sacrifice shels of the Sea which they call Mollo and they offered them to the Fountaynes and Springs saying that these shels were daughters of the Sea the mother of all waters They gaue vnto these shels sundry names according to the colour and also they vse them to diuers ends They vsed them in a manner in all kinde of Sacrifices and yet to this day they put beaten shels in their Chica for a superstition Finally they thought it conuenient to offer Sacrifices of euery thing they did sow or raise vp There were Indians appointed to doe these Sacrifices to the Fountayne Springs and Riuers which passed through the Townes or by the their Charcas which are their Farmes which they did after Seed time that they might not cease running but alwayes water their grounds The Sorcerers did conjure to know what time the Sacrifices should be made which beeing ended they did gather of the contribution of the people what should
to death and the rest sent them instructions of the Sentences they had giuen By meanes whereof they gaue the King to vnderstand what had passed in his Realme There was a good order and settled policie for the Reuenues of the Crowne for there were Officers diuided throughout all the Prouinces as Receiuers and Treasurers which receiued the Tributes and Royall Reuenues And they carried the Tribute to the Court at the least euery moneth which Tribute was of all things that doe grow or ingender on the Land or in the water aswell of Iewels and Apparell as of Meat They were very carefull for the well ordering of that which concerned their Religion Superstition and Idolatries and for this occasion there were a great number of Ministers to whom charge was giuen to teach the people the custome and ceremonies of their Law Hereupon one day a christian Priest made his complaint that the Indians were no good Christians and did not profit in the Law of God an old Indian answered him very well to the purpose in these termes Let the Priest said he imploy as much care and diligence to make the Indians Christians as the Ministers of Idols did to teach them their ceremonies for with halfe that care they will make vs the best Christians in the world for that the Law of Iesus Christ is much better but the Indians learne it not for want of men to instruct them Wherein he spake the very truth to our great shame and confusion THe Mexicans gaue the first place of honour to the profession of Armes and therefore the Noble-men are their chiefe Souldiers and others that were not noble by their valour and reputation gotten in warres came to Dignities and Honors so as they were held for Noble-men They gaue goodly recompences to such as had done valiantly who inioyed priuiledges that none else might haue the which did much incourage them Their Armes were of Rasors of sharpe cutting flints which they set on either side of a staffe which was so furious a weapon as they affirmed that with one blow they would cut off the necke of a Horse They had strange and heauy Clubs Lances fashioned like Pikes and other manner of Darts to cast wherein they were very expert but the greatest part of their combate was performed with stones For defensiue armes they had little Rondaches or Targats and some kinde of Morions or Head-pieces inuironed with feathers They were clad in the skinnes of Tigres Lions and other sauage beasts They came presently to hands with the Enemie and were greatly practised to runne and wrestle for thir chiefe manner of combate was not so much to kill as to take Captiues the which they vsed in their sacrifices as hath beene said Moteçuma set Knight-hood in his highest splendor ordayning certaine militarie orders as Commanders with certaine markes and ensignes The most honorable amongst the Knights were those that carried the crowne of their haire tied with a little red Ribband hauing a rich plume of feathers from the which did hang branches of feathers vpon their shoulders and rolls of the same They carried so many of these rolls as they had done worthy deeds in warre The King himselfe was of this order as may be seene in Chapultepec where Moteçuma and his sonnes were attyred with those kindes of feathers cut in the Rocke the which is worthy the sight There was another order of Knight-hood which they called the Lions and the Tigres the which were commonly the most valiant and most noted in warre they went alwayes with their Markes and Armories There were other Knights as the Grey Knights the which were not so much respected as the rest they had their haire cut round about the eare They went to the warre with markes like to the other Knights yet they were not armed but to the girdle and the most honorable were armed all ouer All Knights might carry gold and siluer and weare rich Cotton vse painted and gilt vessell and carry shooes after their manner but the common people might vse none but earthen vessell neither might they carry shooes nor attire themselues but in Nequen the which is a grosse stuffe Euery order of these Knights had his lodging in the Pallace noted with their markes the first was called the Princes lodging the second of Eagles the third of Lyons and Tigers and the fourth of the grey Knights The other common officers were lodged vnderneath in meaner lodging◠if any one lodged out of his place he suffred death THere is nothing that giues me more cause to admire nor that I finde more worthy of commendations and memory then the order and care the Mexicans had to nourish their youth for they knew well that all the good hope of a Common-weale consisted in the nurture and institution of youth whereof Plato treates amply in his bookes De Legibus and for this reason they laboured and tooke paines to sequester their children from delights and liberties which are the two plagues of this age imploying them in honest and profitable exercises For this cause there was in their Temples a priuate house for children as Schooles or Colledges which was seperate from that of the yong men and maides of the Temple whereof we haue discoursed as large There were in these Schooles a great number of children whom their fathers did willingly bring thither and which had teachers and masters to instruct them in all commendable exercises to be of good behauiour to respect their superiours to serue and obey them giuing them to this end certaine precepts and instructions And to the end they might be pleasing to Noblemen they taught them to sing and dance and did practise them in the exercise of warre some to shoote an Arrow to cast a dart or a staffe burnr at the end and to handle well a Target and a Sword They suffered them not to sleepe much to the end they might accustome themselues to labour in their youth and not be men giuen to delights Besides the ordinary number of these children there were in the same Colledges other children of Lords and Noblemen the which were instructed more priuately They brought them their meate and ordinary from their houses and were recommended to ancients and old men to haue care ouer them who continually did aduise them to be vertuous and to liue chastely to be sober in their diet to fast and to march grauely and with measure They were accustomed to exercise them to trauell and in laborious exercises and when they see them instructed in all these things they did carefully looke into their inclination if they found any one addicted vnto warre being of sufficient yeares they sought all occasions to make triall of them sending them to the warre vnder colour to carrie victuals and munition to the Souldiers to the end they might there see what passed and the labour they suffered And that they might abandon all feare they were laden
which they had taken captiues opening their brests and plucking out their hearts sprinkling their bloud in the Ayre their fellowes looking on and not able to reuenge it They slew likewise many Indians foure Spaniards of Aluarado's company whom they ate in the open sight of the Army The Mexicans danced drank themselues drunke made bonefires strucke vp their Drums and made all solemne expressings of ioy Dread Disdaine and all the Furies that Passion or Compassion could coniure vp had now filled the Spaniards hearts and their Indian partakers and Cortes that hitherto had hoped to reserue some part of the Citie now did the vtmost that Rage aed Reuenge could effect helped no lesse within with Famine and Pestilence then with Sword and Fire without At last Mexico is razed the Earth and Water sharing betwixt them what the Fire had left and all which had sometime challenged a lofty inheritance in the Ayre Their King also was taken all that mightie State subuerted And as the Mexicans before had prophesied That the Tlaxantleca's should againe build the Citie if conquered for them if conquerors for the Spaniards It was re-builded with a hundred thousand houses fairer and stronger then before The Siege lasted three Moneths and had therein two hundred thousand Indians nine hundred Spaniards fourescore Horses seuenteene Peeces of Ordinance thirteene Galliots and sixe thousand Canoas Fiftie Spaniards were slaine and sixe Horses of the Mexicans a hundred thousand besides those which died of Hunger and Pestilence This was effected Anno 1521. on the thirteenth day of August which for that cause is kept festiuall euery yeare For the Description of the Country wherein Mexico is situate Cortes in his second Narration to the Emperour saith it is enuironed with hils He telleth of some hils also in his iourney wherein diuers of his people died with cold in the middest is a plaine of 70. leagues compasse and therein two Lakes which extend the circuit of 50. leagues the one salt which ebbeth and floweth an argument for Patritius his opinion that saltnesse is a chiefe cause of that vicissitude of ebbing and flowing in the Ocean the other fresh When the water of the Salt Lake increaseth it runneth lâ—ke a violent streame into the fresh Lake which when it decreaseth is repaired againe by the like issue of this into the former Nunno di Gusmau hath written his expedition into Mâ—choacan and other Countries of New-Spaine 1530. subduing and taking possession for the Emperour He found some of them Sodomites others Sacrificers of mens flesh and some closly practising this butchery after they had professed themselues Christians none of them which durst looke a Horse in the face but were afraid that that Beast would eate them The seuerall peoples by him reckoned would here be tedious to name which we may say of the like made by Godoy and Aluarado Of the Customes of the Auntient Mexicans one of Cortes his Gentlemen hath written a Treatise extant in Ramusius wherein are described their Citie Temples Rites of Sacrifice and the like as after followeth out of him and others CHAP. IX Larger Relations of things most remarkeable obserued by the Spaniards at their first comming Cholollas holies Popocatepecs ashes Mutezumas multiforme magnificence and maiestie Mexican Citie and Temple with other antiquities gathered out of the Third part of the Historie of Francis Lopez de Gomara CHololla is a Citie as Tlaxcallan and hath but one person who is Gouernour and generall Captaine chosen by the consent of all the Citizens It is a Citie of twenty thousand housholds within the wals and in the suburbs as much more It sheweth outwards very beautifull and full of Towers for there are as many Temples as dayes in the yeare and euery Temple hath his Tower Our men counted foure hundred Towers The men and women are of good disposition well fauoured and very wittie The women are Goldsmiths and also Caruers the men are warriers and light fellowes and good Maisters for any purpose they goe better apparelled then any other Indians yet seene They weare for their vpper garment cloakes like vnto Moriscos but after another sort All the Countrey round about them is fruitfull and errable ground well watered and so full of people that there is no waste ground in respect whereof there are some poore which begge from doore to doore The Spaniards had not seene any beggers in that Countrey before they came thither Chololla is a Citie of most deuotion and religion in all India it is called the Sanctuary or holy place among the Indians and thither they trauelled from many places farre distant in Pilgrimage and for this cause there were so many Temples Their Cathedrall Temple was the best and highest of all the New Spaine with a hundred and twenty steps vp vnto it The greatest Idoll of all their gods was called Quezalcouately God of the Aire who was say they the founder of their Citie being a Virgin of holy life and great penance He instituted fasting and drawing of bloud out of their eares and tongues and left a precept that they should sacrifice but onely Quailes Doues and other foule He neuer ware but one garment of Cotten which was white narrow and long and vpon that a mantle beset with certaine red crosses They haue certaine greene Stones which were his and those they keepe for relickes One of them is like an Apes head Here they abode twenty dayes and in this meane while there came so many to buy and sell that it was a wonder to see And one of the things that was to be seene in those faires was the earthen vessell which was exceeding curious and fine The hill called Popocatepec THere is a hill eight leagues from Chololla called Popocatepec which is to say a hill of smoake for many times it casteth out smoake and fire Cortes sent thither ten Spaniards with many Indians to carry their victuall and to guide them in the way The ascending vp was very troublesome and full of craggie rocks They approached so nigh the top that they heard such a terrible noise which proceeded from thence that they durst not goe vnto it for the ground did tremble and shake and great quantity of ashes which disturbed the way but yet two of them who seemed to be most hardie and desirous to see strange things went vp to the top because they would not returne with a sleeuelesse answer and that they might not be accounted cowards leauing their fellowes behinde them proceeding forwards The Indians said what meane these men for as yet neuer mortall man tooke such a iourney in hand These two valiant fellowes passed through the Desart of Ashes and at length came vnder a great smoake very thicke and standing there a while the darkenesse vanished partly away and then appeared the vulcan and concauity which was about halfe a league in compasse out of the which the ayre came abounding with a great noise very shrill and whistling in
towards the water at the which they take Boate to goe where they list And although this Citie is founded vpon water yet the same water is not good to drinke whereof there is brought by conduit water from a place called Capultepec three miles distant from the Citie which springeth out of a little hill at the foote whereof standeth two Statues or couered Images wrought in stone with their Targets and Lances the one is of Mutezuma and the other of Axaiaca his Father The water is brought from thence in two Pipes or Canals in great quantity and when the one is foule then all the water is conueied into the other till the first be made cleane From this Fountaine all the whole Citie is prouided so that they goe selling the same water from streete to streete in little Boates and doe pay a certaine tribute for the same This Citie is diuided into two streetes the one was called Tlatelulco that is to say a little Iland and the other Mexico where Mutezuma his dwelling and Court was and is to be interpreted a Spring This streete is the fairest and most principall and because of the Kings Pallace there the Citie was named Mexico although the old and first name of the Citie was Tenuchtitlan which doth signifie Fruite out of stone for the name is compounded of Tetl which is Stone and Nuchtlâ— which is a Fruite in Cuba and Hispaniola called Tunas the Tree or to speake properly the Thistle that beareth this fruite is named Nopal and is nothing almost but leaues of a footebroad and round and three inches thicke some more and some lesse according to the growth full of thornes which are venemous the leafe is greene and the thorne or pricke russet After that is planted it encreaseth growing leafe vnto leafe and the foote thereof commeth to be as the body of a tree and one leafe doth onely produce another at the point but at the sides of the same leaues proceede other leaues In some Prouinces where water is scant they vse to drinke the iuice of these leaues The fruite thereof called Nuchtli is like vnto Figges and euen so hath his little kernels or graines within but they are somewhat larger and crowned like vnto a Medler There are of them of sundry colours some are greene without and Carnationlike within which haue a good taste Others are yellow and others white and some speckled the best sort are the white it is a fruite that will last long Some of them haue the taste of Peares and othersome of Grapes it is a cold and a fresh fruite and best esteemed in the heate of Summer The Spaniards doe more esteeme them then the Indians The more the ground is laboured where they grow the fruite is so much the better There is yet another kinde of this fruite red and that is nothing esteemed although his taste is not euill but because it doth colour and dye the eaters mouth lippes and apparell yea and maketh his vrine looke like pure bloud Many Spaniards at their first comming into India and eating this Fruite were in a maze and at their wits end thinking that all the blood in their bodies came out in vrine yea and many Phisitions at their first comming were of the same beliefe for it hath happened when they haue bin sent for vnto such as haue eaten this fruite they not knowing the cause and beholding the vrine by and by they ministred medicine to stanch the bloud a thing ridiculous to see the Phisitians so deceiued Of this fruite Nuchtli and Tetl which is a Stone is compounded Tenuchtlitan When this City was begun to be founded it was placed neere vnto a great Stone that stood in the middest of the Lake at the foote whereof grew one of these Nopal trees and therefore Mexico giueth for armes and deuise the foot of a Nopal tree springing from a stone according to the Cities name Mexico is as much to say as a Spring or Fountaine according to the property of the vowell and speech Others doe affirme that Mexico hath his name of a more ancient time whose first Founders were called Mexiti for vnto this day the Indian dwellers in one streete of this City are called of Mexico The Mexiti tooke name of thir principallest Idoll called Mexitli who was in as great veneration as Vitzilopuchtli god of the warre Mexico is enuironed with sweet water and hath three wayes to come vnto it by cawsie the one is from the West and that cawsie is a mile and a halfe long Another from the North and containeth three miles in length Eastward the Citie hath no entrie But Southward the Cawsey is sixe miles long which was the way that Cortez entred into the Citie The Lake that Mexico is planted in although it seemteh one yet it is two for the one is of water saltish bitter and pestiferous and no kinde of fish liueth in it And the other water is wholesome good and sweet and bringeth forth small fish The salt water ebbeth and floweth according to the winde that bloweth The sweet water standeth higher so that the good water falleth into the euill and reuerteth not backward as some hold opinion The salt Lake contayneth fifteene miles in breadth and fifteene in length and more then fiue and fortie in circuit and the Lake of sweet water contayneth euen as much in such sort that the whole Lake contayneth more then thirtie leagues and hath about fiftie townes situated round about it many of which townes doe contayne fiue thousand housholds and some ten thousand yea and one towne called Tezcuco is as bigge as Mexico All this Lake of water springeth out of a Mountaine that standeth within sight of Mexico The cause that the one part of the Lake is brackish or saltish is that the bottome or ground is all salt and of that water great quantitie of salt is daily made In this great Lake are aboue two hundred thousand little boates which the Indians call Acalles and the Spaniards call them Canoas according to the speech of Cuba and Santo Domingo wrought like a kneading trough some are bigger then other some according to the greatnesse of the body of the tree whereof they are made And where I number two hundred thousand of these boats I speake of the least for Mexico alone hath aboue fiftie thousand ordinarily to carry and bring vnto the Citie victuall prouision and passengers so that on the market day all the streets of water are full of them The Market is called in the Indian tongue Tlanquiztli euery Parish hath his Market place to buy and sell in but Mexico and Tlatelulco onely which are the chiefest Cities haue great Faires and places fit for the same and especially Mexico hath one place where most dayes in the yeere is buying and selling but euery fourth day is the great Market ordinarily and the like custome is vsed throughout the Dominions of Mutezuma This place is wide and
of Brabants Stile in the yeare 1241. Dukes in Russia of the fourth degree of Nobilitie their descent from younger Brothers 425.30 They haue no inheritance glad to bee Seruing-men ibid. Dâ—ng a good Commoditie in China 189 40 Dung Bread baked in it 34.20 Dung bought by sound of Taber 270.40 Dung of Birds a strange report of it 266 Dutch disturbe the English at Greenland 466. See Netherlanders And againe 467.1 ibid. 20. The English take some of their Fiâ—h from them ibid. At difference with the English there ibid. 60. They Fish perforce braues and threatens the English and is surprized 468.1.10 They returne to Greenland to driue away the English ibid. 40. They assault the English ibid. Beate and rifle them and ouerthrow their Voyage 569.1.10 So doe they the next two or three yeares after they spoyled the Greenland Discoueries 472.60 Some Discoueries of theirs towards Noua Zembla 473. c. Their hard Voyages thither ibid. 474. c. They are forced to Winter and build a House thereabouts 490. c. Their often and dangerous Fights with the Beares ibid. The Eleuation vnder which they Wintred 497.10 They liue vpon Foxes 495. c. They get to Sea againe 508.1 Their dangerous Voyage into Russia 509. Their admirable returne into Holland 518 Dutch men in Tartarie set to digge Gold and make Armour 20.30 Dutch Knights their Acts in Prussia 626.627 Dutch Fish at Greenland 716.30 Forbidden ibid. Withstand the English 719.1 Dutch men pull downe our Kings Armes in Greenland 727.1 Their intollerable insolencies 734.10 Dwellings all vnderground in Iseland 649 E EAgle found by the Mexicans by Oracle and worshipped the Storie of it 1004.40 Strange storie of another Eagle there 1021 Earthquakes in Island 649.1 Earth in China shining like Gold 265. Marg. Earth thought to be square 329.40 Earth why it moues not about with the Primum Mobile 924.50 Earthquake in China 269.60 Earthquakes a Philosophicall discourse of them 940. c. Affinitie betwixt burning Mountaines and them they happen nearest to the Sea and why some runne a hundred leagues ibid. Their effects noyse they make before when they mostly happen 941 Earthquakes in China 198.10.20 c. Earthquakes frequent in Peru whence they proceed 895.20 Earthquake a prodigious one in the West Indies 868. â—0 Earings generally worne by the Russe Women 460 East winde raignes within the burning Zone 923.50 Healthfull called the Brise ibid. Cause of the Brises 924 Easter the Russes haue a Festiuall greater then it 762.50 This is about the fourteenth or sixteenth of May. Conferre the places page 762. with page 764. Easter in Russia how kept 227.60 They salute and kisse one another 228.1 On the Eue they sleepe in the Church 227.50 Easterne people generally haue little Eyes 23.50 Eating neere a Tartarian Honour 378.30 Eating of Men sacrificed in Mexico 1032 Ebbe and flowe much or little what Seas doe and what do not 989.30 40 50 Ebbing and flowing of seueral Seas A great secret 929.930 Opinions of it Ebone wood whence brought 938 10 Eclipses the Chinois opinion of them 345.40.346.1 Eclipses the Chinois opinion of them 385.10 Bels beaten then ibid. Edges Hand discouered 732.10 Edenborow in Scotland more Northerly then Mosco and yet not so cold and why 472.40 Edeffa the Citie or Robais 110.50 Eddie winds 925.40 Egges at Easter giuen to the Priests 227.50 Died red or gilded and carried in the hand then ibid. Exchanging them with their friends 228.1 Egtegaia the Prouince 80.10 Elements worshipped by the Mexicans 1027 Elements fiue in China 345.50 Elephants carrying woodden Castles 93.20 Elkes or Loshes men ride vpon them 523.60 Elbing the English trade for Flaxe there 627 Elsenore in Denmarke how bigge 625 50 Emanuel Sina his mischance 318 18 Ember-weekes of the Heathen Mexicans 1035.40 Embassie of the Russian Lords to the King of Poland the points of it 788 Emeralds a Myne of them where 884.40 885.30 How they grow 889.20 Emeralds haue the third place amongst Precious Stones his value now A prettie story of them where in the Indies is the greatest store and how vsed by the Indians the Myâ—es and manner of growing greatnesse of some moderne and ancient â—52 Enchanted sleepe 45.10 Sleepe inchanted of three dayes long 45 10 Enchantments of the Islanders how they hinder ships from sayling 646.20 Engines of battery 97.1 Engines of wood to two ships 341.1 Englâ—sh aydes sent into Sweden 772.1 The conditions of their entertainment 771.1 10. In distresse at Sea and landed in Iuitland ibid. Relieued by a Dane the ship that brought them sayles away They are billetted in seuerall Houses in danger of the people 773. Falsly accused by Griffin a Welchman 774.1 Bound in their beds vnbound 774.40 c. Foure of them slaine all in danger againe relieued by the King of Denmarke enforced to pawne their Lieutenant arriue in Sweden 775. Fall foule with the Burgers of Stockholme for meate ibid. Relieued by the King shipt into Finland and distrest there at Sea dye of cold in Finland Their miserable march into Russia 776. They defeat sixe thousand Poles 777. They meete the Russian Army being engaged vpon an Enemy their owne Army and Generall forsakes them their valour their Horse defeated the foot receiue quarter 779 English right to the North-west passages 806.40 Their Discoueries that way 807 English conquests in Sweden 621 40. And Norway 623. Two other places 624.50 English finde America before Columbus his Voyage thither 808 20 English flagge aduanced in the Caspian Sea 241 English houses in Russia 755.10 English Merchants slaine in a tumult at Mosco 763.30 An Englishman his strange Aduentures amongst the Tartars 63 40. His relation of them ibid. Sent as the Tartars Messenger and Interpretâ—r to Hungarie 64 10. His trauels 64.10 20. c. English Voyages to the Riuer Obi 530.40 English Voyage to the West Indieâ— 999.40 English ships on the Coast of China 309.40 Suspected by the Chinois ibid. The Spaniards would punish them as Enemies 310.40 English suffer shipwracke in Media 246.40 Ensigne of the Tartars 643.1 Entertainments in China the fashion 373.20 A particular garment for it ibid. Entertainments in China 392.1 Epethites of the seueral Europaean Nations 63.1 Episcopia a Monastery in Cyprus 125.50 Era reckoned by in Iapon 323.40 Ergâ—â—ul the Kingdome in Tangut 79.50 Estotiland the Ile Latine spoken there 610. Their Language Mynes of Gold trade c. 611.1 Estridges in Peru terrifie the sheepe 964 Ethicks the Philosophy of China 359.2 Ethicks and Politicks are the learning of China 343 Ethicks the learning of China 384 50 Etilia or Volga diuides it selfe and where 48.10 Frozen ouer 48.10 Etilia or Edel is Volga 54 Etilia is the Riuer Volga 12.40 Euerlasting punishments not belieued by the Indians 1047.10 Eunuches in China and why 183 30 Eunuches great men in China 346 saepe Eunuches are bed-chamber men to the Tartarian Emperours 310 60 Eunuches serue the Kings of China how made c. Their numbers and choice ibid. Eunuches
Shewing the reason why the Sunne without the Tropicks causeth greatest quantitie of waters when it is farthest off and contrariwise within them it breedeth most when it is neerest l. 2. chap. 7. Exceptions to generall rules The Authors experience Various and diuersified tempers of the Torrid Zone Causes of temperatenâ—sse vnder the Line and within the Tropicks Second cause That there bee other reasons besides the former mentioned which shew that the burning Zone is temperate especially alongst the Ocean Chap. 11. Arist. 〈◊〉 Dionys. c. 15. 〈◊〉 câ—â—l â—ierar That the cold windes bee the principal cause to make the burning Zone temperate Chap. 13. It is noted by trauellers that there is a hot winde sometimes neere to Balsara and Ormus which swalloweth mens breath and suddenly kils them Linschoten obserue at Goa the wind to blow twelue houres from the Sea and other twelue constantly from the land Temper of the Indies Of the windes their differences properties and causes in generall lib. 3. cap. 2. * We haue abbreuiated and to preuent tediousnesse cut off a great part of Acostas obseruations in the two former bookes as hauing handled the same in our Pilgrimage l. 8. where we haue shewed whence men and beasts might come thither and that the opinion of the worlds vnhabitablenesse betwixt the Tropicks is false for the daily raines when the Sunne is neerest the long nights therein great dewes the breezes and constant course of the windes the great Lakes Riuers height of Hills c. make those parts not onely habitable but more temperate then others and fitter for mans life there being more heat at and on this side the Tropicks then vnder the Line We here doe but cull ouâ— choise things for better vnderstanding the naturall historie of those parts for other things referring the Reader to the Authour himselfe Occasionally our notes shall elucidate those things also which are in the Text omitted * Vulcans as Aetâ—â— Hecla c. sulphurous earth whence â—â—re issueth Generall windes Monsoâ—â— Windes receiue their qualities from the places by which they passe Psalme 134. Ieremie 10. Herera hath shewed the height of the Hills to bee the cause of the windes constancy and raines raritie Eastern winde raineth betwixt the Tropicks That the burning Zone the Brises or Easterly windes doe continually blow and without the Zone the Westerne and that the Easterly are ordinarie alwayes there Chap. 4. Iuan de Gacos in Decade 1. lib. 4. cap. 6. They goe one way to the Indies and return another why Sayling 2700. leagues without sight of Land in two moneths See Candishes voyage Cause of the Brises Motion of the Primum Mobile carrieth the inferiour aire with it The Comet 1577. seene eight dayes sooner in Peru then in Spaine The Brize or motion of the air with the heauens is a winde Why withouâ— the Zone in a greater altâ—tude we finde alwaies Westerly windes Chap. 7. 〈◊〉 windes Of the exceptions to the foresaid Rules of the winds and calmes both at Land and at Sea Chap. 8. Cause of the variety of windes Simile Note Of some maruellous effects of the windes which are in some parts of the Indies Chap. 9. Silkewormes killed with South-west windes Exo. c. 10. 14. Iob 17. Ioan 4. Osâ—e 13. Dan. 3. The like Linschoten obserueth in the Terceras Sea sicknesse whence Agitation and Sea ayre Strange passion at Pariacaca by the ayre there Height of Pariacaca 〈◊〉 too subtile for mens bodies So we see Horses to beate the water with their feete to make it more grosse and thereby more agreeable to their bodies Vicunos Great Desart Punas ayre kilâ—ing Strange Story The same confirmed by a Iesuites report and a Dominicans Such effects of cold wâ— haue obserued in Russia and other Northern parts and the like Master Kniuet will tell vs at the Maggelan Straits No Mediterranean Sea of great note in America Terra firme Straight of land but eight leag betwixt North South Seas Herodotus Iouius Experience in Drakes and Maires voyage haue found them no straights but broken Ilands to the South contrary to our Author here See of this Sir Francis Drakes Voyage to 1. l. 2 I haue omitted Sarmientoes voiage c. The supposed Straight in Florida Of the ebbing and flowing of the Indian Ocean Chap. 14. The Philosophers in searching the cause of ebbing and flowing haue easily erred following the Greekes and Latines which knew not the Ocean and could not therfore know the cause * Hernando Alonso which with Sarmiento had gone to the Straights to seeke Captaine Drake At the Downes on our coast two tides meet one from the Westerne Sea or slewe the other from the North which there cause much varietie Of sundry Fishers and their manner of fishing at the Indies The Manati a strange fish The Whales also bring forth their yong aliue and nourish them with their brests being in that huge creature scarce twice so big as the breasts of a woman and farre lesse then those of many women Their foode is also Sea weedes Sharking sharkes They haue rough heads whereby they cleaue and sticke fast to the Sharke which thus are forced to caâ—ry them with their swift motion of whose off all also they liue Crocodiles * Yet so as euer and anon hee dips it in the water his tongue being so short that otherwise he could not swallow it Tigre kils a Crocodile Indians exploit on a Crocodile Whale killed by the Sauages Of Lakes and Pooles that be at the Indies Chap. 16. Thicke water Fishes and fishing Originall of Lakes Greatest riuers flow from Lakes Hot Lake and many wonders thereof Lakes of Mexico salt and fresh Râ—ch Lake Of many and diuers Springs and Fountains Chap. 17. Hot Spring turning into Stone Fountaine of Pitch Cold and hot Springs together Salt Spring which yeeldes Salâ— without boiling Pocke-â—pring Smoak Spring Inke c. Of Riuers Chap. 18. Maragnon or Amazons Water-fall Golden thirst Riuer of Plata increasing as Nilus How they passe their Riuers Haire and Straw Bridges L. 3. C. 19 Decay of people in the Indies by the Spaniards Corn groundâ— The Indies mountainous and thereby temperate Of the properties of the land of Peru. Chap. 20 One winde onely The Plaines the hils and the Andes See sup in Herera Raine almost euer and almost neuer Diuers Beasts Their bread The reason why it raines on the Lanos along the Sea coast Chap. 21. Of the propertie of new Spaine of the Ilands and of other Lands Chap. 22. Peru wine Sugar workes and Hides Indians wasted Of the vnknowne Land and the diuersitie of a whole day betwixt them of the East and the West Chap. 23. Of the Volcans or Vents of fire Chap. 24. Terrible earthquake at Guatimala Couetous Priest Causes of this burning Basil. Psal. 28. in exaâ— Of Earthquakes Cap. 26. Great earthquakes Noyse before the earthquake Why the Sea coast is subiect to earthquakes Earthquake at Ferrara terrible Aâ— Angoango Metals grow as
the Castillos saying that he tooke it of them to bring it vnto him for that they did certifie him that it was a thing that did import very much Hauing read the letter he answered that he would giue the King to vnderstand thereof as hee said at the first time And in that touâ—hing the Friars remaining in that Countrey to preach at that time he could make them no answer for that in such matters it was first requisite to haue the good-will of the Royall Counsell Yet would hee make answer vnto the Letter they brought from the Gouernour of Manilla and that they might depart and returne againe at such time as they brought Limahon prisoner or dead the which being done then shall the friendship be concluded which they doe pretend and to remayne and preach at their will With this answer they remayned without all hope to remaine there and did incontinent prepare themselues for to depart from Manilla and bought many bookes to carrie with them wherein was comprehended all the secrets of that Kingdome By reason whereof they might giue large notice vnto the royall Maiestie of King Philip. The which being vnderstood by the Vice-roy who had set spyes to watch their doings he did send them word that they should not trouble themselues in the buying of bookes for that he would giue them freely all such bookes as they would desire to haue the which afterwards hee did not accomplish In the meane time that they stayed in this Citie amongst all other things that they vnderstood to driue away the time was one it was giuen them to vnderstand that in one of the Prisons there was a Portugall prisoner who was taken in a ship of the Iapones with others of his Nation who were all dead â—n the Prison and none left aliue but hee alone Our people being very desirous for to see him and to learne of him some secrets of that Countrey for that hee had beene there a great while they did procure to talke with him asking licence of the supreame Iudge and Lieutenant vnto the Vice-roy who did not onely refuse to gâ—ant it them but did make diligent inquirie who they were that did giue them to vnderstand thereof for to punish them Vpon a sodaine there came newes vnto the Citie that the Rouer Limahon was vpon the coast of Chincheo vsing his old accustomed cruelties and how that he had spoyled and robbed a Towne vpon the sea coast This newes was throughout all the Citie and appeared to bee true touching the effect of the deed yet false touching the person for that the Rouer was called Taocay an enemie and contrarie vnto Limahon but a friend vnto Vintoquian of whom wee haue spoken of But thereupon the Vice-roy and all of the Citie were comformable in the suspition that they had receiued which was that our people were come into that Kingdome vpon some euill pretence and to see the secrets thereof to some euill end which was the occasion that from that time forwards they shewed them not so good countenance as they did before These newes was not so soone come but straight-wayes the Vice-roy did send for Omoncon who was then returned from his visiting and Sinsay vnto whom he had done courtesie and giuen them the tytle of Loytias and Captaynes and hee did reprehend them very sharpely for that they had brought ouer people thither and sayd that they had told him a lye in saying that Limahon was besieged in such sort that hee could not escape neither had the Castillos burnt his Ships and that all was but a made matter amongst themselues and how that the Captiues which they brought and sayd that they had taken from Limahon they had robbed from other places and sayd that the Spaniards were spyes that came to discouer the secrets and strength of the Kingdome and that they had brought them thither by force of gifts that they had giuen them They answered him with great humilitie in saying that in all that which they had sayd they did speake the truth and that it should appeare at such time as the newes of the Rouer should bee better knowne the which if it shall appeare to be contrarie they were there readie for to suffer whatsoeuer punishment that should bee giuen them The Vice-roy being somewhat satisfied with this their iustification bad them to depart remitting all things vnto time for the true declaration thereof Then Omoncon and Sinsay came straight-wayes to giue the Spaniards to vnderstand of all that had passed with the Vice-roy and what they vnderstood of him which caused in them so great feare that for the time which it indured which was till such time as they vnderstood the truth as aforesayd they payed very well for their feasts and banquets the which they had made them All this happened in the time that Omoncon and Sinsay were at variance and spake many iniurious words the one of the other discouering their intents and deuises whereby it plainely appeared that in all that which they had told vnto the Vice-roy they lyed but in especiall Omoncon Sinsay did dissemble for hee sayd and told vnto all people that by his order and industrie our people did fire the Ships of Limahon and besieged him with other speeches in the like sort yet twentie dayes before his comming thither all was ended and done as appeared The occasion of their enmitie and falling out was for that the Vice-roy had giuen vnto Omoncon a tytle and charge of more honour then vnto Sinsay hauing made betwixt them a consort that the reward or dignitie should bee equally diuided betwixt them and that the one should speake of the other the best they could because the Vice-roy should doe them friendship This condition and consort as appeareth was euill performed by Omoncon being addicted vnto selfe-loue and seemed vnto him that Sinsay did not deserue so much as hee did for that he was a base man and of the Sea and hee of the more nobilitie and had the office of a Captayne WIth this griefe and care remayned the Spaniards certaine dayes kept close in their lodgings and were not visited so often as they were when they first came thither which did augment very much their feare till such time as they vnderstood that the Vice-roy either of his owne good-will or else by some particular order from the King and his Counsell had called together all the Gouernours of that Prouince of Aucheo to intreat of matters touching Limahon as also in particular why and wherefore the Spaniards came thither and to resolue themselues wholly in all things requisite for the same So when that they were all come together which was in a short time and amongst them the Gouernour of Chincheo who by another name was called Insuanto they had particular meetings together with the Vice-roy in the which they were all agreed to haue a generall meeting whereunto should bee called the Castillos and to demand of them in
publike audience the cause of their comming and being heard to giue them their answer according as they had determined for the which vpon a day appointed they met all together but not the Vice-roy in the house of the Cagontoc and commanded to come before the Castillos who did accomplish their request with a great good-will for that they vnderstood that they were called to entreat of their matter either to tarrie or depart So when they came thither they were commanded to enter into a mightie Hall whereas they were all set in verie rich Chayres with great grauitie and maiestie The Insuanto seemed to bee the chiefest amongst them but whether it was for that hee was the principallest next vnto the Vice-roy or as it was told them for that it was hee that sent Omoncon in the chase of the Rouer Limahon they knew not but so soone as they were entred into the Hall they were commanded to draw nigh there whereas they were all placed without bidding them to sit downe neither did they vse any particular circumstances or courtesie The Insuanto tooke vpon him the charge and demanded of the Spaniards by meanes of the Interpreters what was the occasion of their comming into that Countrey The Spaniards answered as they thought and supposed that at that time it could not bee but that Limahon was either taken prisoner or slaine Then did the Insuanto conclude his speech in saying vnto them that they should returne vnto their owne Countrey to the Ilands and at such time as they did bring Limahon they would conclude all things touching the friendship they requested and also for the Preaching of the Gospell So from that day forwards they did procure with all haste for to depart and gaue the Vice-roy to vnderstand thereof who answered them and sayd that they should comfort themselues and receiue joy and pleasure and that hee would dispatch them so soone as the Visitor of that Prouince was come to Aucheo which would bee within ten dayes for that hee had written vnto him that he should not dispatch them vntill his comming for that he would see them From that day forwards he commanded that sometimes they should let them goe foorth abroad to recreate themselues and that they should shew vnto them some particular pleasure or friendship So one of them was carryed to see the Mustering of their men of warre which they haue in a common custome throughout all the Kingdome to doe it the first day of the New-moone and is sure a thing to bee seene and they doe it in the field which is joyning vnto the walls of the Citie in this manner following There were joyned together little more or lesse then twentie thousand Souldiers Pike-men and Harquebusse shot who were so expert that at the sound of the Drum or Trumpet they straight-wayes put themselues in battle aray and at another sound in a squadron and at another the shot doe diuide themselues from the rest and discharge their Pieces with very gallant and good order and with a trice put themselues againe into their places or standings this being done the Pike-men came foorth and gaue the assault all together with so good order and consort that it seemed vnto the Spaniards that they did exceed all the warlike orders vsed in all the world and if it were so that their stomacks and hardinesse were equall vnto their dexteritie and number of people it were an easie thing for them to conquer the dominion of all the world If it so chance that any Souldier should lacke in his Office and not repayre to his place appointed hee is straight-wayes punished very cruelly which is the occasion that euery one of them hath a care vnto his charge This their Muster indured foure houres and it was certified vnto the Spaniards that the same day and houre it is done in all Cities and Townes throughout the whole Kingdome although they are without suspection of enemies Fiue and twentie dayes after that the Insuanto had giuen the resolute answer vnto the Spaniards came the Visitor thither and the whole Citie went foorth to receiue him who entred in with so great Maiestie that if they had not knowne who hee was they could not haue beene perswaded but that he had beene the King The next day following the Spaniards went to visite him for duties sake as also for that hee had a desire to see them They found him in his lodging where he began to make visitation of the Citie In their Courts were an infinite number of people which came thither with Petitions and complaynts but in the Halls within there was none but his Seruants and Sergeants When that any came for to present his Petition the Porter that was at the entrie made a great noyse in manner of an Oâ—est for that it was a good way from the place whereas the Visitor did sit then commeth foorth straight-wayes one of his Pages and taketh the Petition and carryeth it vnto him At this time it was told him how that the Castillas were there hee commanded that they should enter and talked with them a few words but with great courtesie and all was touching the Imprisonment of Limahon without making any mention of their departure or tarrying So after a while that hee had beheld them and their apparell he tooke his leaue of them saying that by reason of the great businesse hee had in that visitation he could not shew them any courtesie neither to vnderstand of them what their request and desire was but gaue them great thankes for their courtesie shewed in that they would come to visite him Three dayes after the Visitor was come thither the Insuanto departed for his owne house with order that with all speed possible hee should ordayne Ships wherein the Castillas should returne vnto the Philippinas Likewise the same day all those that were there assembled by the order of the Vice-roy departed vnto their owne houses And the Spaniards were commanded for to stay vntill the full of the Moone which should bee the twentieth of August and that day they should take their leaue of them for on that day amongst them it is holden for good to begin any thing whatsoeuer Wherein they doe vse great superstition and doe make many banquets as vpon New-yeeres day The day before the departure of the Spaniards there came some in behalfe of the Vice-roy to inuite them and made them banquet in the order and fashion as at the first although this for that it was at their departure was more sumptuous wherein was represented a Comedie which was very excellent and good whose argument was first declared vnto them All the which they did represent so naturally and with so good apparell and personages that it seemed a thing to passe in Act. There was not in this banquet the Vice-roy but those Captaynes which were there the first time and another Captayne vnto whom was giuen the charge to
other things which they reuerence much They serue as Conjurers to tell what hath passed in the farthest parts before any newes can come As it hath chanced since the Spaniards arriued there that in the distance of two or three hundred leagues they haue knowne the Mutinies Battailes Rebellions and Deaths both of Tyrants and of those of the Kings partie and of priuate men the which haue beene knowne the same day they chanced or the day after a thing impossible by the course of nature To worke this diuination they shut themselues into a house and became drunke vntill they lost their senses a day after they answered to that which was demanded Some affirme they vse certaine Vnctions The Indians say that the old women doe commonly vse this office of witchcraft and specially those of one Prouince which they call Coaillo and of another Towne called Manchey and of the Prouince of Guarochiri They likewise shew what is become of things stollen and lost There are of these kindes of Sorcerers in all parts to whom commonly doe come the Anaconas and Cyua which serue the Spaniards and when they haue lost any thing of their Masters or when they desire to know the successe of things past or to come as when they goe to the Spaniards Cities for their priuate affaires or for the publike they demand if their voyage shall bee prosperous if they shall be sick if they shall die or returne sate if they shall obtaine that which they pretend and the Witches or Conjurers answer Yea or No hauing first spoken with the Deuill in an obscure place so as these Anaconas do well heare the sound of the voyce but they see not to whom these Conjurers speake neither doe they vnderstand what they say They make a thousand ceremonies and sacrifices to this effect with the which they mocke the Deuill and grow exceeding drunke for the doing whereof they particularly vse an herb called Villea the jâ—yce whereof they mingle with their Chica or take it in some other sort THe Indians had an infinite number of other ceremonies and customes which resembled to the ancient Law of Moses and some to those which the Moores vse and some approched neere to the Law of the Gospell as their Bathes or Opacuna as they call them they did wash themselues in water to clense them from their sinnes The Mexicans had also amongst them a kinde of Baptisme the which they did with ceremonie cutting the eares and members of young children new borne counterfaiting in some sort the Circumcision of the Iewes This ceremonie was done principally to the sonnes of Kings and Noblemen presently vpon their birth the Priests did wash them and did put a little Sword in the right hand and in the left a Target And to the Children of the vulgar sort they put the markes of their offices and to their Daughters instruments to spin knit and labour This ceremonie continued foure dayes being made before some Idoll They contracted marriage after their manner whereof the Licenciate Pollo hath written a whole Treatise and I will speake somewhat thereon hereafter In other things their customes and ceremonies haue some shew of reason The Mexicans were married by the hands of their Priests in this sort The Bridegroome and the Bride stood together before the Priest who tooke them by the hands asking them if they would marry then hauing vnderstood their wills he tooke a corner of the vaile wherewith the woman had her head couered and a corner of the mans gowne the which he tyed together on a knot and so led them thus tyed to the Bridegroomes house where there was a harth kindled and then he caused the wife to goe seuen times about the harth and so the married couple sate downe together and thus was the marriage contracted The Mexicans were very jealous of the integritie of their wiues so as if they found they were not as they ought to bee the which they knew either by signes or dishonest wordes they presently gaue notice thereof to their fathers and kinsfolks of their wiues to their great shame and dishonor for that they had not kept good guard ouer them When they went to the house they made an Inuentorie of all the man and wife brought together of prouisions for the house of land of jewels and ornaments which Inuentories euery father kept for if it chanced they made any diuorce as it was common amongst them when they agree not they diuided their goods according to the portion that euery one brought euery one hauing libertie in such a case to marry whom they pleased and they gaue the Daughters to the Wife and the Sonnes to the Husband It was defended vpon paine of death not to marry againe together the which they obserued very strictly And although it seeme that many of their ceremonies agree with ours yet differ they much for the great abomination they mingle therewithall It is common and generall to haue vsually one of these three things either Crueltie Filthinesse or Slouth for all their ceremonies were cruell and hurtfull as to kill men and to spill bloud or filthy and beastly as to eate and drinke to the name of their Idols and also to pisse in the honour of them carrying them vpon their shoulders to anoint and besmeare themselues filthily and to doe a thousand sorts of villanies which were at the least vaine ridiculous and idle and more like the actions of children then of men Whereas the temporall power was greatest there superstition hath most increased as we see in the Realmes of Mexico and Cusco where it is incredible to see the number of Idols they had for within the Citie of Mexico there were aboue three hundred Mango Ingua Yupangui amongst the Kings of Cusco was he that most augmented the seruice of their Idols inuenting a thousand kindes of sacrifices feasts and ceremonies The like did King Iscoalt in Mexico who was the fourth King There was also a great number of superstitions and sacrifices in other Nations of the Indians as in the Prouince of Guatimala at the Ilands in the new Kingdome in the Prouince of Chille and others that were like Commonwealths and Comminalties But it was nothing in respect of Mexico and Cusco where Satan was as in Rome or in his Ierusalem The Inguas Lords of Peru had two kindes of Feasts Some were ordinarie which fell out in certayne moneths of the yeere and others extraordinarie which were for certayne causes of importance as when they did crowne a new King when they beganne some warre of importance when they had any great need of water or drought or other like things For the ordinary Feasts wee must vnderstand that euery moneth of the yeere they made Feasts and diuers Sacrifices and although all of them had this alike that they offered a hundred sheepe yet in colour and in forme they are very diuers In the first moneth which they call Rayme which is the moneth
of December they made their first Feast which was the principall of all others and for that cause they called it Capacrayme which is to say A rich and principall Feast In this Feast they offered a great number of sheepe and Lambes in Sacrifice and they burnt them with sweet wood then they caused Gold and Siluer to bee brought vpon certayne sheepe setting vpon them three Images of the Sunne and three of the Thunder the Father the Sonne and the Brother In these Feasts they dedicated the Inguas children putting Guaras or Ensignes vpon them and they pierced their eares then some old man did whip them with slings and annoynted their faces with bloud all in signe that they should be true Knights to the Ingua No stranger might remayne in Cusco during this moneth and this Feast but at the end thereof they entred and they gaue vnto them pieces of the paste of Mays with the bloud of the Sacrifice which they did eate in signe of confederation with the Ingua as hath beene said before It is strange that the Deuill after his manner hath brought a Trinitie into Idolatry for the three Images of the Sunne called Apomti Churunti and Intiquaoqui which signifieth Father and Lord Sunne the Sonne Sunne and the Brother Sunne In the like manner they named the three Images of Chuquilla which is the God that rules in the Region of the Ayre where it Thunders Raines and Snowes I remember that beeing in Cuquisaca an honourable Priest shewed me an information which I had long in my hands where it was prooued that there was a certayne Guaca or Oratory whereas the Indians did worship an Idoll called Tangatanga which they said was one in three and three in one Comming then to the Feast of the second moneth which they called Camey besides the Sacrifices which they made they did cast the ashes into the Riuer following fiue or sixe leagues after praying it to carry them into the Sea for that the Virochoca should there receiue this present In the third fourth and fift moneth they offered a hundred blacke sheepe speckled and grey with many other things which I omit for being too tedious The sixt moneth is called Hatuncuzqui Aymorey which answereth to May in the which they sacrificed a hundred sheepe more of all colours in this Moone and moneth which is when they bring May from the fields into the house they made a Feast which is yet very vsuall among the Indians and they doe call it Aymorey This Feast is made comming from the Chacra or Farme vnto the house saying certayne Songs and praying that the Mays may long continue the which they call Mamacora They take a certayne portion of the most fruitfull of the Mays that growes in their Farmes the which they put in a certayne Granier which they doe call Pirua with certayne Ceremonies watching three nights they put this Mays in the richest garments they haue and being thus wrapped and dressed they worship this Pirua and hold it in great veneration saying it is the Mother of the Mays of their Inheritances and that by this meanes the Mays augments and is preserued In this moneth they make a particular Sacrifice and the Witches demand of this Pirua if it hath strength sufficient to continue vntill the next yeere and if it answeres No then they carry this Mays to the Farme to burne whence they brought it according to euery mans power then make they another Pirua with the same Ceremonies saying that they renew it to the end the Seed of Mays may not perish and if it answers that it hath force sufficient to last longer they leaue it vntill the next yeere This foolish vanitie continueth to this day and it is very common amongst the Indians to haue these Piruas and to make the Feast of Aymorey The seuenth moneth answereth to Iune and is called Aucaycuzqui Intiraymi in it they made the Feast that is called Intiraymi in the which they sacrificed a hundred sheepe called Guanacos and said it was the Feast of the Sunne In this moneth they made many Images of Quinua wood carued all attired with rich garments and they made their dancings which they doe call Cayo At this Feast they cast flowers in the high wayes and thither the Indians came painted and their Noblemen had small plates of Gold vpon their beards and all did sing we must vnderstand that this Feast falleth almost at the same time when as the Christians obserue the Solemnitie of the holy Sacrament which doth resemble it in some sort as in dancing singing and representations And for this cause there hath beene and is yet among the Indians which celebrated a Feast somewhat like to ours of the holy Sacrament many Superstitions in celebrating this ancient Feast of Intiraymi The eight moneth is called Chahua Huarqui in the which they did burne a hundred sheep more all grey of the colour of Viscacha according to the former order which moneth doth answere to our Iuly The ninth moneth was called Yapaguis in which they burnt an hundred sheepe more of a Chesnut colour and they doe likewise kill and burne a thousand Cuyes to the end that neither the Frost the Ayre the water nor the Sunne should hurt their Farmes and this moneth doth answere vnto August The tenth moneth was called Coyarami in the which they burnt a hundred white sheepe that had fleeces In this moneth which answereth to September they made the Feast called Situa in this manner They assembled together the first day of the Moone before the rising thereof and in seeing it they cryed aloude carrying Torches in their hands and saying Let all harme goe away striking one another with their Torches They that did this were called Panconcos which being done they went to the common Bath to the Riuers and Fountaines and euery one to his owne Bath setting themselues to drinke foure dayes together In this moneth the Mamacomas of the Sunne made a great number of small Loaues with the bloud of the Sacrifices and gaue a piece to euery stranger yea they sent to euery Guaca throughout the Realme and to many Curacas in signe of confederation and loyaltie to the Sun and the Ingua as hath beene said The Bathes drunkennesse and some Relickes of this Feast Situa remayne euen vnto this day in some places with the Ceremonies a little different but yet very secretly for that these chife and principall Feasts haue ceased The eleuenth moneth Homaraymi Punchaiquis wherein they sacrficed a hundred sheepe more And if they wanted water to procure raine they set a blacke sheepe tyed in the middest of a Plaine powring much Chica about it and giuing it nothing to eate vntill it rayned which is practised at this day in many places in the time of our October The twelfth and last moneth was called Aymara wherein they did likewise sacrifice a hundred sheepe and made the Feast called Raymicantara Raquis In this moneth which