Hessen or Saxony but out of what Records we know not and Eusebius where ere he hath it calls Ashkenaz the Father or first Prince of the Gothes whil'st the Modern Jews make him the Planter of the Teutonick Nations or High-Dutch and the transplanted Seed of Riphat into more Northern Regions gave Denomination to the Riphean Mountains beyond Scythia which afterwards took in Paphlagonia From his third Son Togarma sprang the Togarmians who sat down on the North-side of Canaan beyond Cappadocia but it appears by the Chalde Paraphrase that Togarma peopled Germany and the Jews affirm that the Turcomany or Turks are also sprung from the Togarmians whereupon still the Turkish Emperor is by them call'd Togar But Magog Japhets second Son inhabited Coelesyria Mada and the Territory of Media Javan the third was Father to the Ionians who in process of time growing great with other conjoyn'd Nations call'd themselves Greeks their Countrey Grecia From these the Latines drew their original whereupon at first a great part of Italy was call'd Greece and still several Names of Italian Cities do undeniably shew the Extract of the Latines from the Greeks which the antient Writers affirm by making Javan to be the Bifronted Janus signifying Father both to the old Greeks and new Latines descended from him The Sons of Javan were four Elisha who Planted in the Islands of the Mediterranean Sea Tarshish from whom Tarsus in Cilicia bears the Name and Kittim a Place in Cyprus where between the two utmost Points Thronus and Dades in the Entrance formerly stood the City Kittim and still the Point Dades bears the Name of Cape Chiti Dedanim Javans youngest Son possess'd that part of Eperia where the City Dodona was renown'd famous for the Oracle of Jupiter Dodoneus presaging by tinckling Brass Instruments or Cymbals and also from the oraculous Oak it self which as they say spake from its hollow womb giving Responses From Japhets fifth Son sprang the Tubaleans afterwards call'd Syrians Others according to Josephus set themselves down in Spain so believ'd because the antient City Setubal in that Kingdom retains Tubals Name Meshechs Progeny steer'd their Coast towards Arabia The Antients differ in no thing more than settling the Habitations of Tiras Japhets youngest Son Josephus affirms him to be Father of the Thracians in whose Countrey Pliny and Mela delineate the River Atira Others transplant him to the European Sarmatia according to Ptolomy sprinkled with the Stream call'd Tyras and at present Nester Some make Tiras the Builder of Tyre in Phoenycia again some of the Duringians and others of Thurium a very antient City in the entrance of Tarentine The Progeny of Shâ—m Thus far Japhets Successors next Sems that is to say Elam Ashur Arphaxad Lud and Aram did overspread Armenia Persia India and the farther Eastern part of Asia But especially Elam is acknowledg'd to be the Father of the Elamites from whence the Persians proceeded extinguishing by their firm establishment of their sole Dominion the first Name of Elamites Ashur Founded within the built City Nineveh the Assyrian Power formerly the Heathen Histories bring these down from Ninus Concerning Arphaxad Moses saith thus Genes 10. And Arphaxad begat Salah and Salah begat Eber. And unto Eber were born two sons the name of one was Peleg for in his days was the earth divided and his brothers name was Joktan And Joktan begat Almodad and Sheleph and Hazarmaveth and Jerah and Hadoram and Uzal and Diklah and Obal and Abimael and Sheba and Ophir and Havilah and Jobah all these were the sons of Joktan And their dwelling was from Mesha as thou goest unto Shephar a mount of the east These are the sons of Shem after their families after their tongues in their lands after their nations Benedictus Arias Montanus ascribes particularly these Distributions to every one of the Children of Joktan that is to say to Almodad the People of Themeotes according to Ptolomy and Mela transplanted into the Asiatick Sarmatia to Sheleph the Selebians to Hazarmaveth the Sarmatians to Jarka the Arachosians to Hadora the Hircanians to Uzal the Oxiaenian Bactrians to Dikla the Scythians within the Mountains of Imaus to Obal the Obolites between the top of Caucasus and Paropanisus to Abimael the Imaenses where the renown'd Imaus hath very high Precipices to Sheba the famous Saces yet others think it more advisable to bring the Sabeans to Sheba bordering on the Persians Ophir call'd The Territory of Ophir whether Solomon every third year set forth a Fleet to fetch Gold from thence Yet after all the Distributions and Sprinklings of Mankind over the surface of the Earth much of it confirm'd by many Authors and also by sacred Writ our Modern Geographers and late Travellers hardly make out scarce two Parts of three of the Terrestrial Globe to be yet inhabited all the Antartick and most of the Artick Regions an unfrequented Desolation and Africa and Asia full of unpenetrated Desarts and inaccessible Mountains and many Isles Of which several were discover'd by the Antients and since by our Moderns not thought worthy the labour of Cultivation amongst which our Japan lay a long time Fallow till by a necessitous Calamity a few miserable Exiles being as they say banish'd from their Countrey were enforc'd to Plant there which from such poor beginnings and unwilling undertakers hath insensibly by degrees in few Ages shot up from nothing to be a most Potent and formidable Empire But before we proceed any farther in this our intended Design concerning a Description and Relation of Japan of which the Hollanders are most able to give the best account it seems not amiss raising our selves a little from our Seat to look round about and by an easie Prospect take a brief and general Survey not onely of the new Art of Navigation but also of those famous Navigators that boldly first adventur'd to unloose though thought unpossible before the Virgin Zone of this our Terraqueous Globe so not onely finding undiscover'd Parts of the East but also a new Western Indies abounding in Gold and Silver as the other in Silk and Spices besides giving us a farther account of a third Continent though yet unknown equivalent to either of the former The Compass by whom found The Loadstone or Magnet whose several Vertues and wonderful Operations being well known through many Ages yet that it was a Terrella or little Earth having Poles respecting the North or Southern Points of the Firmament having imaginary Meridians and Parallels being the greatest wonder and of most use was not found untill Flavius Melvius a Neopolitan discover'd it about two hundred years since to the great benefit of Mankind and perfection in Navigation before which without Compass or Chart the poor Seaman when stressed with Weather the Sun and Stars his onely Pilot Night and Day muffl'd in Clouds he crept along the Shore which was the constant practice or emboldned by the signs of fair Weather ventur'd farther into the Offin their
them not to be decided but by the Sword and Force of Arms whereupon soon after they engag'd all their Forces that were there present resolving to venture all their Stakes both by Sea and Land Strength of the Netherlanders on Java The Hollanders had erected there two Store or Block-houses one whereof they call'd Nassau Fortifying the South-side of the Harbor and the other being last built was nam'd Fort Maurice On the North-side along the Shore they had rais'd a Platform with Palisadoes to plant their Cannon on but the Breast-work not being finish'd they lay open to the Enemy Also another Eastwards near the City on which were planted two Great Guns and three Sakers The Point of the River that lay North by Fort Maurice was rais'd two Foot high and made defensive with Trenches On this Point also were planted two Great Guns and five Sakers The North-West Point towards the Sea was of the same height as the Palisado'd Platform having a Breast-work of Wood and a Shelter against Rain with seven Sakers planted upon it The other side on the West had yet no Out-works which the Gallery of Fort Nassau supply'd from whence the Soldiers might play with their Muskets And in these Places they dispos'd of their whole Forces at Land Strength of the English and Javanners against the Netherlanders On the other side Jacatra had by this time a strong Wall built of red Stone and a high Tower planted with Ordnance which declaring for the English put it self in a Posture of Defence The English had onely their Store-house and a Breast-work at the Point of the Harbor made up of coyl'd Cables strengthned with Pyles and Earth well ramm'd together to stop the Netherlanders from entring into the Mouth of the Harbor In this Posture and all being prepar'd The Netherlanders fall upon the English the English first gave Fire which was presently answer'd by the Hollanders and so follow'd that suddenly they fired the English Store-house and became Masters of the Entry or Point of the River the Fort from Jacatra in the mean time playing upon the Hollanders which were as they say but two hundred and forty Men whereof eighty were Blacks Ware affbeeldinge Wegens het Casteel ende Stadt BATAVIA gelegen oâ—it groot Eylant JAVA Anno 1669. Aneract Portratura of the Castle and Citty BATAVIA Lying on the great Ilanâ— JAVA Anno 1669. The English demand the Netherlanders Fort. Captain Thomas Dale the English Admiral shot Arrows into the Hollanders Works with Letters expressing That he himself was no way accessary to the Blood which already had been spilt on both sides and also advising them not to deliver up their Fort to the Javanners which being of dangerous consequence to either Party they should do well to assist them with their Additional Defence and so save both Stakes in surrendring to them which if they would not he should do his best Indeavors to save their Lives and Goods from so merciless an Enemy by forcing them to it to which purpose he had already planted sixteen Pieces of Ordnance against Fort Maurice and would suddenly fetch up more from the Fleet. The next day he sent them a second Letter in the same manner promising them to save their Goods as well as Lives and give them two Months time to dispose of themselves and those that thought fit to receive Pay he would List with his own and use them with the like Respect and Kindness as if they were all one Nation Which if they refus'd or us'd delay he was prepar'd immediately to fire his Guns and at once with a general Assault to Storm them on every side Scarcity in the Fort. They had not within the Fort Amunition sufficient for one day in hot Service and the English having a great help by their Auxiliaries the Javanners and also a Victorious Fleet ready at Sea The Dutch being continually upon Duty were weary weakned and disheartned and also a Breach being made in their Works which could not possibly be made up ere they were Storm'd and as he threatned there was no hopes of Coens Return in four Months at least Upon these Considerations forc'd by an inevitable Necessity they thought it best not to refuse the English Proffer Articles on which the Fort was to be deliver'd to the English So they agreed to deliver them the Fort the Guns and what more belong'd to the Defence thereof and to the King of Jacatra all the Merchandise Money and Jewels But the English were to furnish out the Hollanders with a Vessel of two Guns fifty Muskets one Barrel of Powder and six Months Provision that so they might convey themselves to Cormandel In earnest whereof Admiral Dale receiv'd the Governor Coens Houshold-Plate the Fort and all things before-mention'd were to be deliver'd up so soon as the Ship was ready to receive them ¶ BUt just when they were upon Surrendring up the Fort and going from thence aboard the prepared Vessel according to the Articles a wonderful Accident hapned which gave quite another face to the whole Businefs A Merchant one Cornelius Houtebraken having admittance to Vanderbrook their Prisoner whom they had so treacherously seiz'd upon A strange Accidenâ— perswaded Cornelius to go to the Panagran or King of Bantam to intreat him to use what means he could to get him into his Custody and make him his Prisoner which if he did he would nobly requite at their Admiral Coens Return This Account the Merchant giving him and he considering that there might be an Advantage in having such a Pledge as the second Man of the Hollanders in his own Hands bethought himself of a way to put in Execution his Design which was thus Whilst Rama the English and the Hollanders were agreed and Articles of Surrender ready to be perform'd he sent Damagon a Prime Favorite of his with 2000-Men to Rama's Court Jacatra where venturing Damagon sets upon the King of Jacatra and securing the Passages sages with his own Soldiers went and presented the Panagran's Letter to Rama which whilst he was perusing he pull'd out a Steeletto and seizing on him setting the Point to the Kings Breast said Either resign thy kingdom to my Master the King of Bantam or die Rama being astonish'd and thus suddenly surpriz'd willinger to lose his Right and Possession than his Life yielded and at the same instant having no more warning took his Wife and eldest Son and so leaving his Palace and what else belong'd to him went like a willing Exile into strange Countreys where after he was driven to that Necessity that he turn'd Fisher-man going in a poor Canoo to Sea to maintain his Wife and Family Bantamers besiege the Netherlanders Fort. The English seeing so great and sudden an Alteration and the Work carried on so strangely the Bantamers to and about the Hollanders Fort and Vander Brook rescu'd and carried from thence to Bantam they plainly and evidently perceiv'd to their
the Treasure of the deceas'd Taycosama and all Necessaries for War In the interim some of these Provincials set upon Dayfusama who entertain'd them so roughly that Eighty thousand Men were either slain by the Sword ripp'd open their own Bowels or were taken Prisoners few of them escaping by Flight Conquest of Dayfusama Hereupon Dayfusama carried his Victorious Army with all speed to Osacca where Morindono was so much astonish'd at his gotten Victory that he left the Invincible Castle Osacca which was provided with double Stores and strong enough to endure the greatest Siege that could be Osacca is taken to Dayfusama before whose Approach he with some of his Nobles forsook the Castle and went to his stately Palace beyond Osacca resolving to submit himself freely to the Mercy of the Conqueror But the King of Sassuma shew'd much more Courage for he with Six hundred Soldiers valiantly fought his way through the Conquering Army of Dayfusama and marching on undiscompos'd towards Osacca got thither some Hours before Dayfusama where he furnish'd himself with such Vessels as he found with which he Sail'd to his own Kingdom Sassuma distant above two hundred Leagues from Osacca to the end that he might there Fortifie himself against Dayfusama A horrible Earthquake in Osacca ¶ BEsides this their suffering by War this City before endur'd a far greater Misery almost to an utter Desolation by a sudden Earthquake happening Anno 1585 the fourth of August about Midnight which was so terrible that they expected nothing less than present Destruction The first shudder or shake was so vehement that in less than half an hours space many hundreds were buried in the Rubbish of their own fallen Houses The fairest Buildings first failed coming to ground with horrible cracks amongst which that stately Palace the fairest and largest that ever the Sun shin'd upon which Taycosama built with ample Galleries and such spacious Courts that therein they say he was able to Exercise a hundred and fifty thousand Men. This stupendious piece of Architect he built on purpose to shew his Power and Magnificence to Ambassadors that were ready with an Embassy from the Emperor of China Their Journey to Menco With this Train the Ambassadors came about Noon to the great Village Firaskatta where they Dined and about four a clock they travell'd through Jonda which is a small City curiously built Fortified with a strong Castle and surrounded with Walls The Governor of this Place came to meet the Ambassadors who having a considerable Train was carried in a Sedan and follow'd by some of his Guards All the way which they pass'd was on a high Bank verg'd with Rice-Fields so far as could be discern'd At that time it was every where Frozen very hard on the top of this Bank and in going down the same they Travell'd through several Villages and the Way it self was planted on both sides with Trees Description of the Japan Cedars Amongst these the Cedars rais'd their lofty tops above all the others to an exceeding height Theophrastus relates That the Syrians and Phenicians us'd Cedars for the Building of their Ships The same Custom is at this day in Japan and no marvel because the Cedar hath a Gummy Moysture which preserves it from rotting which Secret the Japanners not knowing oftentimes look upon the Sudor or Sweating of their Cedar Images as a great Wonder But this is occasion'd by the moist Air and a South Wind which generally draws an Oyl out of that Wood. Moreover this Tree grows higher and thicker according to the several Places it is Planted in On the Mountains of Syria they grow so large-wasted that four Men are scarce able to fathom one of them but these have spiny and slender Bodies considering their wondrous Height whose lofty Crowns seem to mingle with the Clouds Japan also produces Cedars no ways inferior to those The Leaves thereof are soft and downy but prickly at the sharp ends There is also a small kind of Resemblance between the Cedar and the Juniper-Tree but the Leaf of the last is longer and smaller and grows nothing near so high and the Wood thereof being cut asunder and us'd is soon subject to rot And also the Cedars are of a more fragrant smell and bear a kind of Cod not unlike the Myrtle which being open'd hath four white Corns or Grains like Rice inclos'd in them which when ripe are of a deep yellow Colour whereas the Juniper-berry is black bitterish and unpleasant to the Palate Gum of Cedars of what Vertue and Use The Gum which the Cedar produces preserves the dead Corps from decaying and the Berries have three several tastes for the innermost of them is of a sharp rellish the outermost Shell sweet and the Pulp it self between sweet and sowre These Trees either have continually Fruits or Blossoms on them So that whilst one Tree bears Blossoms or Green-fruit the other Ripen This Fruit being hot in Operation helps all Coughs proceeding from cold Defluxions the Cramp opens obstructed Uritories and the Oyl thereof if the Body be annointed therewith defends it from the biting of Venomous Creatures Furthermore the Cedar always flourisheth being constantly green whose stately Branches run up in an exact Line like the Trees themselves but if the Branches grow too heavy for them the Body of the Tree commonly bends growing crooked under the Burthen The Cod which incloses the Berries when it begins to ripen opens it self and in time of Rain or Mists drops off leaving a round Stalk at the Boughs This Stalk decays not till two Years after the dropping off of the Cod which of it self requires a whole Year before it becomes ripe and this happens chiefly in Winter The Ambassadors come to Meaco Along this Bank shaded with Trees verging the River the Netherland Ambassadors going through a Town call'd Iondo came to Meaco where they were Receiv'd and Lodg'd in the House of a Wealthy Merchant ¶ THis Imperial City Meaco lies in the Province of Mino eighteen Leagues beyond Osacca Along this River which takes its Original from a great Lake three Hours Walk beyond Meaco discharging its Waters through Osacca into the Sea stands the Imperial Blood-Grove The Imperial Blood Grove near Meaco why so call'd which Denomination it receiv'd from the Japan Emperor Nobunanga who was murder'd there June 22. Anno 1582. The Emperor Nobunanga would be worshipp'd as a God ¶ THis Nobunanga in the time of his Reign had erected a new City and call'd it Anzuquiama on a pleasant Hill raising within it a stately Temple which to make the more famous he caus'd to be brought thither the most Ador'd and Venerable Idols in all Japan Next to this Temple he Founded a Sumptuous Chappel where on a polish'd Marble he had his Imperial Arms Ingraven and his own Statue delineated to the Life which so soon as finish'd he publish'd his Royal Edicts with strict Commands That after Proclamation and
according to their merits either to worthier or baser Creatures himself giving out that he had once been Aethalides Son of Mercury who granted him a Boon to ask one favor whatsoever he desir'd excepting Immortality whereupon he requested That he might know and remember what-ever happen'd to him after his death and not be forc'd to drink Lethe the River of Oblivion so after Aethalides his Decease he was transmigrated into Euphorbus a Trojan Heroe slain by Menelaus next Hermotius then Pyrrbus a Fisherman of Delier and lastly the foremention'd Pythagoras the Philosopher who broach'd this so much follow'd Doctrine The Idol Omyto This Sect which they style Xenxus worship the Deity Omyto commonly call'd Amida The Fables which the Japanners relate of this Idol are beyond all apprehensions and above our Faith to believe It will be enough to relate how they ascribe Salvation and everlasting happiness to this their god Amida The Ido Amida always invoking him with these words Namu Amida Buth that is Save us Blessed Amida save us which oft repeated Prayers they number upon Beads as the Roman Catholicks do their Devotions the Image holding a String of Beads like theirs The Secth Foqueux worship the Idol Xaca The third of the Grand Sectaries being Foqueux pay their Devotions to the Idol Xaca to whom they use commonly thus to Pray Namu Mio Foreo Qui Quio which whosoever speaks best and pronounces best seems to them so doing to be a good Omen of their future happiness notwithstanding there is no Japanner extracted from India that well understands these words These Worshippers of the Idol Xaca are Cambadagies and Cacubo's both esteem'd very zealous and religious amongst the Japanners Mord des Keisers Kubo Vermoorde vande Keyser CUBUS The Murdering of the Emperor CUBUS Cambadagi teaches Idolatry Cambadagi taught them first to offer Sacrifices to the Devil and use Necromantick Arts the other Divination and Witchcraft like the Chinese Priests Most of these live in Hills and desolate Places remote from all humane Society In the Village Dubo on the Skirts of the Mountain Dubojamma a Mile from Meaco stands a Temple the Residence of the great Idol Xaca The River which near Osacca discharges it self in the Ocean runs through the City The chief Building of Meaco This City is surrounded by Suburbs and hath a Bridge with two Towers on each side of the River near the Gate through which runs the Way that leads to Oets and Jesi are very strong Watch-houses both for Horse and Foot where constantly they keep a strict Guard Somewhat farther stands the high Tower from whose top the Emperor may behold the great Lake near Jesi and the pleasant Hill Pauromama Temple of the Boâ—zi Next to this is another Tower which is the Emperors Armory On the right side of this Structure appears the magnificent Temple dedicated to the six Orders of Bonzi where the chief of this Priesthood call'd Xaximofins dwell and have their Residence The Palace of the Gayro But in the Center or middle of the City stands what out-shines all the glorious Palace of the Dayro whom they so much reverence esteeming his Royal Person to be so sacred that his Feet are not suffer'd to touch the Earth nor the Sun to shine on any part of his Body nor will they allow him to breathe the common or open Air neither must the Hair of his Beard and Head be Clipt or Shav'd nor his Nails Par'd his Table is always plentifully supply'd and every Course dress'd and serv'd up in new Dishes The Emperor's Court. On the right hand is the Emperors Court built more obscurely under the jetting side of a Mountain and therefore scarce seen by those which travel from Osacca to Meaco onely some of the Pinacles appear above the Hills Great Costs and Charges did Nobunango bestow in the re-building of this Palace after the burning of the same by the Rebels Near this is the Imperial Garden full of Trees and odoriferous Flowers which are so curiously Planted that the Eye which beholds them seems never satisfi'd with so pleasant an Object Palaces of the Japan Kings On both sides of this Garden are the Courts in which the Kings that commonly attend the Emperor have their Residence every one striving to exceed the other in Building so that end of the City seems all one Palace being adorn'd with so many sumptuous Edifices The left side of the Dayro's Palace is shaded by an exceeding high Turret Banquetting-Turrets cover'd with a Golden Plate below the Court towards the River are twelve more large and stately Houses which make one Seraglio The Seraglio in which the Dayro keeps his Concubines Besides all other Buildings the House of the chief Bonsjosen call'd Eglanmith that is The light of understanding makes a most glorious shew Somewhat lower you may see the Wall built by the Emperor Dayfusama when he extended Meaco four Leagues in circumference No less costly is the great square Temple with three Roofs rais'd very high which incloseth the gilded Idol Dai Buth to whose Worship the Japanners repair and flock from all Parts both far and near On the left side of the Custom-house a beautiful Temple shews it self three stately Spires rising from the uppermost Roof which contains as many gods or Idols as there are days in the year Daily in order they take down an Image which with great Ceremony they carry to the Chamber of the Eglamnith where after staying all Night the Priests next Morning waiting upon it carry it with great solemnity to the Temple affixing it in its former Place The Emperors prime Herald or King at Arms call'd Honroccou Racclaybono resides in another fair Court with three Roofs Next this a Watch-house under whose Roof two thousand Men constantly keep Courts of Guard always ready under Duty At the farthermost part of the City stands the Emperors Stables and Store-houses wherein are kept all the Furniture and Arms belonging to Horse and Man within whose utmost Bounds they may exercise forty thousand Horsemen The Citizens themselves dwell also in little Palaces with such variety of Rooms Lodgings and Apartments as they think fit which when they please they divide into many more with Partitions curiously Gilt and Varnish'd after the Indian manner which they set up and remove with small trouble so altering their whole House upon all occasions for their conveniency Meaco flourishes beyond all the Cities in Japan because all others suffer much and often by Civil Wars when this being the Seat of the Dayro after he was degraded of his Imperial Authority they bearing so much respect and reverence to his Person that they never look'd that way nor drew their Armies near that Place not so much as once to disturb him Father progress of the Netherland Ambassadors Oets ¶ ONe Night the Hollanders stay'd in this City and towards Noon on the one and twentieth of January travell'd to the great Village
put their trust in Rats destroy without mercy all Crocodiles Besides Strabo Juvenal sat 15. Cicero Diodorus Siculus Juvenal Plutarch and Aelianus witness How the Egyptian Ombits worshipped the Crocodiles with as great Zeal as the Greeks and Latins did their gods but the Apolletick Egyptians curs'd their Crocodile because Tiphon transform'd into a Crocodile slew Osiris and also because the Daughter of Psammymitus King of Egypt was likewise devour'd by a Crocodile Moreover he relates Strab. Geog. lib. 17. How that the Psyli a People in Cyreen and the Egyptian Tentyrietes have a private Charm against Serpents and the other against Crocodiles which they can both order according to their pleasure Crocodile by whom taken without prejudice The Tentyrietes dive without any fear to the bottom of deep Lakes and Rivers after the Crocodiles and kill them with great ease to which end when they were to shew this amongst their publick Shows in Rome they leapt into the Water and fetch'd them up to the open view of the whole Concourse The same Strabo relates also of Arsino formerly call'd the Crocodile City That the Priests there feed those Beasts with Cakes Flesh and Wine which was brought as an Offering by strangers and laid near a Consecrated Lake Maximus Tyrius dissert 31. Miracle of a Crocodile ¶ MAximus Tyrius relates That an Egyptian Woman feeding and breeding up a young Crocodile was accounted holy by the Egyptians because she Nurs'd a Deity and therefore both she and the Crocodile were daily Worshipp'd by many of the Egyptians This Woman also had a Son about the same Age as the Crocodile a long time the Youth and the Serpent agreed playing together but at last growing old and fierce with hunger he prey'd upon the Boy and eat him up the Mother being much amaz'd at this sad accident yet she esteem'd her Son happy because the Crocodile which she held for a god had devour'd him By this ignorance of the Heathens appears plainly Gods Wrath and Divine Judgements men Adoring in the presence of a Never-dying and Omnipotent God that which is not onely Mortal and Frail but much Inferior to themselves But who can give us a better account and the reason of Worshipping of Beasts than the never-failing School-master of the Heathens I will here set down the whole words written in the first Epistle to the Romans Rom. 1. v. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shew'd it unto them For the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and Godhead so that they are without excuse Because that when they knew God they glorifi'd him not as God neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkned Professing themselves to be wise they became Fools and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible man and to birds and four-footed Beasts and creeping things Wherefore God also gave them up to unleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonor their own bodies between themselves Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipp'd and serv'd the creature more than the Creator who is blessed for ever Amen There is scarce one living Creature either on the Earth Sea or Air which the Heathens do not worship Strabo saith thus of the Egyptians Strab. Geogr. lib. 17. There are some Beasts which they serve joyntly three of them inhabiting the Earth as an Ox a Dog and a Cat Of flying Fowls the Hawk and the Bird Ibis Of Fishes those call'd Lepidotus and Oxyrinchus Besides these there are also other Creatures which they serve For the Saiten and Thebans adore a Sheep the Latopolitans the Fish Latus which swims in the River Nyle the Lycopolitans a Wolf the Hermopolitans the Baboon whose head is like that of a Dog the Babylonians living near Memphis an Ape these Apes are like Satyrs half their bodies like Dogs the other half resembles a Bear they are bred in the Moors Countrey The Thebans Worship a Crane the Leontines a Lion the Mandesiers a Ram others Worship other Deities about which they maintain great and hot Disputations Out of these Testimonies of the Greek and Latin Writers of which some lived before after or about the time of our Saviours Birth and the undisputable Testimonies written by the Apostle St. Paul we may easily Conjecture that not onely the Idolatrous Worshipping of Beasts is very Ancient but chiefly with ugly and deform'd Baboons and Monkies nay there is scarce one Beast which the Heathens worshipp'd more than the Ape Not far from Toska through this Village the Netherland Ambassadors Frisius and Brookhurst travell'd In their return to Nangesaque on the 18 of Aug. 1650. stands The Temple of Apes famous through all Japan the Structure is no less Artificial than Costly It deserves no small wonder that these Temples of Apes were not onely before the Birth of our Savior for the Hermopolitans and Babylonians according to the testimony of Strabo Worshipp'd Baboons and Monkies above eighteen hundred years since The Religion of Apes very antient and spread over Asia ¶ ANd how far this shameful Worshipping of Apes is spread over Asia may hereby appear for it is not onely usual in Japan and China but also in the Territory of the Malabaers and the Wild Countrey between Macaw and Pegu and the Island Cylore where they set up Apes for their gods The famous Italian Balbus relates in his Voyage from Macaw and Pegu How that amongst the Indian Idols which they call Pagods he found that they generally Worshipped Apes and also living Baboons which they Chain'd in their Varralloes for so the Indians call the Isles of their Temples Who discover'd Ceylon It is worth observing what the Learned Vossius hath taken out of Linschot The Island Ceylon which the Portuguese Writer Johannis Barruis affirms with several pregnant Reasons to be the antient Taprobana discover'd by Francois Almeida his Son who was to pillage the Saracen Merchants which Trade along the Maldivian Islands from the Molluco's to Arabia but missing of them set upon Ceylon after which the Portuguese General Soarius obtain'd leave of the King of the Western part of Ceylon that he might raise a Fort there near the Sea-side but whilst they were busie in building the same the King being inveigl'd by the Saracen Merchants that they would be a great hindrance to them in their Cinamon-Trade he set upon them with some thousands of Men Wars between the Ceylonians and the Portuguese which proved at first a sharp Assault because the Portuguese never in the least suspected to be so treacherously surpriz'd But the General Soarius soon after putting his Men in order they made such a valiant Resistance that they forc'd the King to pay for his
by the unnavigable Ocean Mamare the West border'd by Muscovy the South jutting against the Caspian Sea Bactriana India and China the East borders America and is divided into five several Territories which are these viz. The Wild Tartary whose Inhabitants keep no constant Place of Residence removing daily according as the Pasture for their Horses Cows and other Cattel lasts yet although they range thus up and down without Law they have their own Inclosures beyond the Limits of which they may not go These Parks or Forests are call'd Zarolhia Casane Nagaia Schibanoka Casakka Astoacan Baskirda and Tumen all being under the Emperor of Russia besides Tumen the Tartarian Province Zagatai is very famous for the Inhabitants call'd Kircasii and the Cities Sakasba Bichend and Samarcande the native Countrey of Tamerlane The Province Turchestan hath the Cities Taskent Cotam Cascar and Jarkem The fourth Province call'd Cataia under the great Cham's Jurisdiction is divided into seven Territories viz. Tendue Camul Engimul Caindu Thebet and Carazan where the Men in stead of the Women when deliver'd of a Child keep their Beds two and forty days the seventh Territory is Tangud where Printing was us'd a thousand years ago The Tartarian River Polisange Moreover Captain Schaep signifi'd to Siovan That the River Polisange came flowing out of the Tartarian Territory Cataie into the South-Sea The Banks of this River Polisange whose original is a hundred Leagues from the Sea where it disembogues are adorn'd with the famous Trading Cities Quinsen in which Paulus Venetus saith are twelve thousand Bridges under which great Ships may pass with all their Sails spread Jangio Brema and Cambaly whither the chief President of the East-India Company in Batavia had sent the Ship Castrecom and the Ketch Breskens to discover that River and all the other Cities but he being separated from the Ship Castrecom whom he fear'd was lost he found himself necessitated to put in for some other Part and leave off that Design At last Captain Schaep told him That since he understood not the Portuguese Tongue and much less the Japan he would give a full Relation of all his Adventures to the Emperor 's Privy Council so soon as the two Dutch Interpreters came from Firando to Jedo Upon which Answer Kitsbioie Phatsiosaimon and Siovan departed from the Hollanders Hollanders advise amongst themselves Mean while the Hollanders concluded with one accord to declare to the Council that which they had oftentimes said before viz. That since the eleventh of June when they came for fresh Water into the Haven of Namboe and put out again they stood direct into the Sea plying it up by a Wind two hundred Leagues to Weather the South-Point of Japan that so they might attain to forty Degrees Northern-Latitude and at last being toss'd and driven up and down by a Southern Storm they were necessitated a second time to put in for Namboe Furthermore they found it convenient not to declare their intentions of going to the Gold and Silver Islands Whilst the Holland Prisoners tarried in the Dutch Inn in Jedo they were visited by some Japan Nobles amongst which also Phoechychemon Isicauwa and Joaiemon who comforted them asking them if they were entertain'd with good Meat Drink and Clothes against the Cold of the Night Phoechychemon fetch'd a Paper full of Itsibos which is a sort of Japan Gold-Coyn giving it to Captain Schaep and withall promis'd him more if he desir'd it then giving him a Roll of the Mens Names belonging to his Ship which he had requir'd of him between Namboe and Jedo he desir'd him to Transcribe two fair Copies of it which he promis'd to keep in memory of the Hollanders Captain Schaep taking the Scroll assur'd him to prepare the Copies according to his desire against his next coming The two Dutch Interpreters arrive at Jedo On the last of September in the Evening the two Dutch Interpreters came from Firando to Jedo and immediately visited the imprison'd Hollanders the eldest of them was call'd Tosaimon and the youngest Maniekebe both seeming to bear an affection to the Hollanders advising them how to carry themselves before the Council viz. That they must answer quick and short upon any Question that was ask'd them in which the Japan Lords are us'd to take great delight They also told them that they were not to Lodge in their Inn as they had been misinform'd but that they should be Entertain'd in Tonnosamma's House Lord of Firando The Hollanders are Examin'd before the Council concerning their Voyage to Tartary The next day their long-expected Examination began before Sicungodonne in this manner The Interpreters Tosaimon and Maniekebe propos'd the following Questions by order of Sicungodonne to Captain Schaep the Merchant Bylevelt and Jacob de Paw When and with how many Sail did you come from Batavia and since from Ternata Whether did you design your Voyage How came your Ship so far to the North Why did you stand to and again before the East-Coast of Japan and why dropp'd ye Anchor in the Haven of Namboe Their Answer To which they answer'd We set Sail from Batavia on the third of February Anno 1643. and steer'd our Course for Ternata with two Ships call'd Castrecom and Breskens the fourth of April we weighed Anchor from Ternata to Sail to Taiovan and from thence to Tartary that there we might discover a Place for Trade according as we had been inform'd But Sailing on with this intention were driven by a great Storm that happen'd in the Night on an unknown Coast after which we lost the Ship Castrecom judging that she may be split against the Rocks yet we sought for it along the Japan Coast though we had little hopes of finding it mean while we suffer'd under a great inconvenience by reason of the scarcity of our Provisions because the Ship Castrecom carry'd six Tun of Rice for our Pink to be put aboard of us when our need should require it therefore because she could not be found we were forc'd not to proceed in our Journey for Tartary and according as Wind and Weather would permit to Sail to Taiovan Nangesaque or Batavia so soon as we were furnish'd with fresh Water which we had great want of on the East-Coast of Japan and therefore stood directly thither The tenth of June we entred into the Mouth of the Haven Namboe where we came to Anchor and were courteously receiv'd by the Inhabitants and instantly furnish'd with what Water we requir'd so that on the next day we stood again to Sea and steer'd directly Easterly that we might first Weather the South-East Point of Japan at last we laid it over due West but by Southern Storms and contrary Currents were so driven towards the Japan Shore that we fell a whole Degree to the Northward from our intended Course having then according to Calculation Sail'd about two hundred Leagues from Namboe Thus toss'd by Tempests and the Vessel requiring necessary repair and
with three Forts rais'd on three Hills being the outmost Angles of the Town The first and chiefest St. Paulo stands fortifi'd with thirty Brass Guns each carrying Balls of 36 pounds weight and is the Court and Residence of the Governor The second call'd Nostra Signiora Dellapenna de Francia And the third Nostra Signiora de Guyle are the Priory of the Cleusenars These so soon as they descry any Ships in the Offin Steering thither from Japan Manillas or any other Coast they give notice by Ringing their Bells This City hath also four Redoubts or strong Bulwarks on the Land side and three Fronting the Sea The first of these call'd St. Jago de la Barra is so great that it seems a City it self where two Platforms with well Mounted Guns make the place impregnable under whose command the Channel lying all Vessels must pass entring the Harbor Over whose Captain or Commander being Commission'd by the King himself the Governor hath no Authority The second Bulwark Nostra Signiora del bon Pelta Guardes the South-West side of the Town close without the Gates stands a Powder-Mill from whence a Wall running in manner of a Cressant Invirons a Bay or standing Pool replenish'd with a Water to the Bulwark Francisco Between the two Bulwarks or Redoubts are many stately Edifices near which stand their Land-Marks The third Bulwark Francisco hath at its Foot a Platform on which is always ready Mounted a Culvering that carries a Bullet of 48 pound weight which when Discharg'd at random height reaches to the Point of the Island Cavean From this runs a Wall towards the Land to St. Johns Bulwark near the Gate Lazaro and from thence up Hill to the Jesuites Colledge adorn'd with large and handsome Buildings Within the City the Jesuites Dominicans Franciscans Augustines and Cleusenars have their several Cloysters to which the three first add no small Splendor The Bishop of this place is under Diocess and Jurisdiction of the Arch-bishop of Goa The Trade of Macaw This City Macaw drives a great Trade with Tonkyn Quinam Champa Cambodia Macasser Solos Timos Marillas and formerly also Japan to which place none dare set Sail without Commission from their Council Their Traffick none of the meanest being Gold Silver White Silks Cloth of Tishew Rubies Pearls Musk Quick-Silver Spiljauter Porcelin China-Roots and Rubarb the City within also abounding with all manner of Artificers A great Storm which drove the Fleet from Japan After the Fleet lost sight of Macaw on the fourth of September there happen'd a terrible Storm and violent Rain mix'd with dreadful Thunder and Lightning which foul Weather was sadly guess'd at by a strange Sight Sirius or the Dog-Star the greatest and brightest of all the fixed Stars whose Body appeard darting out fiery Beams resembling Claws like a Scorpion Three days they suffer'd under this vehement Tempest and driving still more to the Leeward they were forc'd to drop Anchor which coming home and the Storm rather increasing they were not able to weigh again but for present safety cut their Cables and carrying onely a fore Course they lost nine Leagues more of what they had formerly gain'd then attempting to put out their main Course that they might not lose any longer so much of their Way Peter Davenson a stout Sea-man and good Commander handling the Tackle was carried over-board Sail and all Upon this a Council being presently call'd to consult of what was best to be done in this exigency all their Lives lying at stake they resolv'd to lie upon a close Hale and bear what Sail they could if possible so to double the Point of Piscadores from thence to bring her to their intended Course if Wind and Weather permitted which by that time might prove more favorable but that Night it blew so hard that they could scarce carry their Sprit-Sail yet in the Morning growing calmer they put out their Mizne to keep them from Driving to the Southwards finding themselves in 22 Degrees Northern-Latitude but when they hop'd the violence of the Tempest had been spent at Noon it began afresh blowing from the East with greater violence than ever in which they lost their Sprit-Sail when despairing and quite out of hope of any possibility of preservation the Wind all the fore-part of the Night continuing the same fury then believing themselves at Deaths-door and ready to be swallow'd up it pleas'd Divine Providence in mercy to asswage the great violence of the Tempest and the Wind changing they lay more Eastward haling close aboard their main Tackle so got within a League of the Coast of China under which being high Land and shelter'd by the Spoon-Mountain which broke off the fury of the Weather they had smoother Water and at last being deliver'd from so great a danger came safe to Anchor at Formosa Description of the Island Formosa ¶ THe Formosan Isle formerly call'd by the China's Paccande extends it self in length from the South to the North and in breadth East and West being an hundred and thirty Leagues in Circuit the Prospect shews you much rising Ground and a Hilly Countrey which abounds with Deer great store of wild Goats Hairs Coneys Swine Tygers and the Luvasey whose Flesh hath a delightful and excellent rellish The Woods also have no want of Pheasants and Pigeons The Ground being fruitful produceth store of Sugar Ginger Cinamon Coco-Nuts and several other Necessaries fit for humane sustenance besides full of populous Villages They are Govern'd by several Lords not depending nor acknowledging any Superior so that each Town being a Republick they still have Wars and are at difference one with another Town against Town Village against Village insomuch that Peace never set foot in that Isle Of their many Villages the prime and of chiefest note are Sinkan Mandauw Soulang Backeloang Taffacan Tifulucan Teopan and Tefurang the last in a Valley near the High-lands where Fort Selandia stands formerly call'd Tyovan The Inhabitants of Tefurang are very salvage The Inhabitants of this Village are rude and salvage robust and almost of a Gigantick size Their Customs not black like the Caffers and count it no immodesty to go stark naked Their Women well built for stowage short and inclining to grossness wearing Apparel yet twice a day they strip themselves and are not asham'd to bathe and wash in publick These though a barbarous People are kind to the Netherlanders heartily entertaining them with their own though mean yet wholsome Fare Inhabitants of Soulang Soulang breeds a needy spiteful inhospitable and a bloody People Notwithstanding the fruitfulness of the Soil they commonly live in want being extreme lazy tilling no more than they suppose will supply their necessity which often falling short they are so hardly put to it that when they perceive Provision growing scant they live sparingly many days or else they might be utterly famish'd for in such exigencies they never help one another nay they are so
And soon after they form'd eight several Armies selecting those they thought most likely and fittest for Valour and Conduct to be their Commanders who growing skilful practising dayly Martial Discipline suddenly brought these great Bodies in good Order and Array With these marching as they had well-design'd several ways they made themselves Masters of whole Kingdoms and Provinces none being able to withstand such an universal Inundation of Arms And thus making the whole Riches of the several Countreys which they enter'd their Spoil they gather'd up an inexpressible Mass of Treasure by which enabled as they then thought to wage War with the whole World having in their hopes already devour'd the vast Empire of China all which perhaps might have been done had they unanimously joyn'd to carry on the Work together The Robbers in China fall at variance amongst themselves when their eight Generals every one of them stirr'd up by Ambition began to contrive how he might be Lord and Master of all and either destroy or make the rest his Inferiors Upon these Terms they all stood clashing one at another in their Consultations and Councils and at last the Difference increasing they divided into Factions and began a Civil War amongst themselves which was carried on with so much eagerness and blood-shed that eight Generals were reduc'd to two onely Lycunghus and Changienchunghus And these also not easily suffering any Equal but both ambitious to be absolute and sole Commanders not onely of what the remaining Corrival enjoy'd but also of those Forces which had lost their Leaders in their late Dissentions clandestinely plotted each others Destruction which failing they came to a better understanding of their present Condition from the sad Example of their six slain Competitors So coming to Articles of Agreement That Licunghus should march into and have for his part the Spoil of the two next Southern Provinces Xensi and Honan and the other General Changihen-chungus was contented to Plunder the two Northern Territories Suchuen and Huquang whereupon both seeming well satisfied dividing their Armies they parted Licungzus for Xensi all which Territory he soon Pillag'd and Conquer'd and making his way by force of Arms broke into the pleasant Countrey of Honan where lying down before Caifung meeting a rougher Entertainment than he expected their Cannon always thundering from the Walls though he made furious Assaults yet he was twice repuls'd with the Loss of many Men So finding that Storming would prove in vain he resolv'd by Starving to force them to a Surrender to which purpose he block'd up all the Avenues with a close Leaguer which brought the Besieg'd to that extreme Necessity and Want that their Miseries might have been compar'd with the Calamities of any City suffering in that kind Yet still with an undaunted Courage they held out expecting to be reliev'd by Zung-chinus the Emperor himself who accordingly came with his Army near Caifung This City stands in a Valley on the South-side of the River Huang about three Miles distant whose Waters using to swell very high after great Rains falling in the Mountains they kept off from damaging the City with a Wall built where the Banks were lowest This Water-fence the Emperor broke down designing to destroy the Enemy in his Camp lying near the City in which he fail'd not for such was the violence of the sudden Inundation that Licungzus being surpriz'd with the loss of many Men was forc'd to raise his Siege Destruction of the City Caifung But this comfortable Relief and the Joy of their Delivery from so powerful an Enemy was but of a short continuance a greater Misery soon overtaking them and indeed their utter Destruction for the Waters that were friendly at first swelling to such a height became their deadly Enemies scaling their Walls beating down stately Temples and Houses and at last in a general Deluge swallowing the whole City where perish'd no less than 300000 Souls The Robber Licungzus is Conqueror But the Rebel Licungzus upon this Accident rallying up his scatter'd Forces the had escap'd the Flood March'd on carrying all before him wheresoever he went bringing at last the Emperor to that straight of Necessity that utterly despairing he hang'd himself in his own Palace at Peking The Emperor had three Sons the Eldest escap'd yet was never heard of but the other two the Insulting Conqueror Beheaded Now being Absolute and Reigning as Emperor in Zung-chinus stead looking about saw nothing that could hinder him to settle the Empire upon himself and his Posterity but Usanguejus who with a Standing Army guarded the Walls and Borders keeping out the Incursive Tartar whereupon he sent commanding him to take the Oath of Allegiance But he either scorning to be under a Rebels Subjection or conceiving that it would be more for his Safety and Advantage to trust a Foreign Prince that would undoubtedly hearken to such Proposals and he also having the Opportunity by guarding the Passages mov'd the whole Business to the Emperor of Tartary Vsanguejus fetches in the Tartars against Licungzus who gladly watching all Occasions accepted of it and suddenly March'd in with Eighty thousand Men to try his Fortune against Licungzus who surpriz'd with the News of this sudden Expedition of the Tartars and not able to form so great an Army as might withstand him the Enemy being near at hand he remov'd his Court farther into the Countrey to Sigan making that his Imperial City and with him convey'd from thence the vast Treasure which former Emperors had been gathering Two hundred and eighty Years Vast Treasures of the Chinese Emperor Eight days were spent in carrying away the Wealth through the four Gates of the City upon Cammels Horses and other Beasts of Burthen which from Sun to Sun went laden with Silver and Gold and all manner of costly Gems and Jewels of invaluable Worth But in the way this Prize of prodigious Estimation the Tartar seiz'd on Thus gaining both Wealth and Reputation he soon became Master of Peking Tartars become Masters of China Lycunghus is slain and presently after defeated Lycunghus with his whole Army insomuch that he was never heard of more Then he Rewarded Usanguejus who in the great Distraction of the Nation both Parties setting up several of the Ancient Blood-Royal deposing and killing one another stuck to the Tartar proving so faithful to his Trust that he made him King of Xensi and soon after his Son Xunchi being a Child was chosen Emperor Pyracy at Sen by Iquon ¶ BUt whilst China was thus shatter'd and harras'd by Land arose a great Pyrate at Sea call'd Chinchilung by Strangers and Foreign Traffickers known by the Name of Iquon who serv'd first under the Portuguese at Macaw and afterwards the Hollanders in Formosa Now setting up for himself got a Crew of loose Iquon's strange Rise debauch'd Chineses which daily increasing with their Forces grew not onely Considerable but so Great that he made himself
troubled and the Pilots seeing more Islands opening near the Mouth of the Bay of Nangesaque growing more diffident stood again to the Offin where they discover'd two Japan-Vessels Steering Southward and making towards them they were forc'd being over-power'd by the Gale then growing fresher and fresher to leave their Design of Intelligence But soon after they descry'd another Japan-Vessel to which drawing near and Hailing not understanding one another they lost that Labor also When early on the eighteenth day the Point of Nangesaque appear'd North-North-East about five Leagues and a half distant and the Island Goto North-North-West By which Position of the Course they knew they were in the right Channel which would lead them safely to the Harbor and by Night they reach'd the Point or Promontory of Nomoo which extends it self South-West along to the Bay of Arima Thus they wrought themselves up within four Leagues of Nomoo lying North and by East in thirty Degrees Northern-Latitude from thence plying Easterly onely with their Fore-Sail The next Morning they enter'd Come into the Bay of Nangesaque with all their Sails a-trip running up merrily to the Northern Shore into the Bosom of the Bay of Nangesaque behind the Summit of whose opposite Coast rises a Rock resembling a Steeple beyond which seven Leagues to the Southward stands Nangesaque passing which Sailing on to their Harbor they incounter'd many Isles and some Rocks which all opening seem'd courteously to entertain and give them a Passage So by Noon they Rode before Nangesaque having six Fathom and a half Water and a Clayie Ground where they found six more of their Friends Dutch Vessels Frisius his Entry into Nangesaque ¶ AT this time Derick Sneck was Consul there for their East-India Company where also was Philip Shillemans Governor of Tonking who as soon as the Fleet arriv'd went aboard to wait upon and conduct with all Ceremony of State Andreus Frisius being appointed by the Council at Batavia to succeed in the Place of the deceas'd Ambassador Bloccovius With the like Formality and Honorable Respect the Embalm'd Corps of Bloccovius was brought ashore and interr'd to the Wonder and Admiration of the Natives Derick Sneck Sails to Batavia ¶ THe first of October Derick Sneck went from Nangesaque to Batavia whose Place Antonius Brekhurst supply'd who was also added as Colleague to Andreus Frisius in his Address as Ambassador to Quaeme then Emperor of Japan Residing in his great City of Jedo concerning the Free-Trade and Commerce between the Hollanders and his Subjects According to the great Consequence of this Embassy an answerable Train and Equipage was prepar'd but being not well setled since their coming from Firando to Nangesaque their Store-houses were as yet out of order so that there was a confusion in the carrying on of their Procedure And though Nangesaque is a more Rich and Populous City and more resorted to than Firando yet that Island had better Conveniencies and fitter for the Hollander to Trade upon Description of the Castle Firando ¶ THis Countrey produces nothing worthy nor any thing to show but the Castle in which Firandano Brother to the Lord of the Island inhabits The Castle stands amidst a pleasant Mead to which they pass over a Bridge of blue Slate which leads unto the Base Court guarded on each side with a File of Musquetiers The Gate is cover'd with a double Penthouse one a good distance beneath the other The opposite Jaumes are adorn'd with the Emperors Arms and those of their Noble Family The Castle standing upon a Hill shews it self in Prospect at a great distance because its Tower or Spire being seven Stories tapering in a Pyramidical Form appears afar off Upon each side of the Castle open eight Doors by which on Steps cut out of the hard Rock climbing the steep Ascent they enter through several Doors to the Palace Below are four Arbours of Pleasure or Banquetting-houses standing on square Pillars built round with Galleries and a Cupiloe on the top This is all that Firando boasts But they were much troubled whilest they were preparing to go upon this Embassy being inform'd that never any had Audience from his Imperial Majesty if they did not open their way with rich and costly Presents before-hand It seems not here amiss to say something concerning the Description of the Countrey Customs and Character of the People from a good Author Johannes Petrus Maffeus ¶ THe Countrey Jon Peter Maffeus Historiar lib. 12. Description of Japan commonly call'd Japan says he is not one but three Islands whose Skirts or Margents are sprinkled round with many lesser The greatest and wealthiest stands divided into three and fifty Provinces or petty Kingdoms the chief City call'd Meaco gives its denomination to that Isle The second Island call'd Ximus divides it self into nine Principalities whose most eminent Cities are Vosuquim and Funaium The third Division or Isle is Xicocum Division and hath onely four Vice-gerents and famous for the City Tosa so that the three Isles of Japan number 66 Kingdoms all subordinate under one Emperor The whole Countrey extends in length almost 200 Leagues Bigness the breadth not answerable to the length for the broadest part not being above thirty Leagues and the smallest but ten its circumference is not yet well known and lying in a manner North and South extends it self from thirty two to eight and thirty degrees of Northern Latitude Borders The East looks towards Nova Hispania but at 150 Leagues distance The North Buts upon Seythia or Tartary and other unknown Countreys The West views China but far off for from Liampo a City standing on the most Eastern Point of China to Goto being the most Western Island of Japan where first the Ships arrive makes sixty Leagues and from Amaccen on the most Western Harbor of the East-side of China to the foremention'd Isle is 290 Leagues The South lies border'd with the wide washing Ocean at great distance unknown Territories whence they say a strange People were drove by foul weather on the Coast of Japan which setling there never return'd The Soil ¶ THis Climate for the most part is Snowy and cold and the Soil not very fruitful Rice which is their general Food and grows most plentiful there they Reap in September their Harvest for other sorts of Grain in many places is in May which they Bake not to make Bread of as in Europe but eat it soft being boyl'd to a Pap or Gruel They have several warm Springs or Baths which cure as they say many Distempers Strange Mountains in Japan ¶ THe Countrey appears more Hilly than Plain amongst which are two wonderfull Mountains one of which Vomiting continual Flames with terrible smoke and fragors a horrid Figure fancy'd by some to resemble the Devil appears standing amidst a Circle of Fire on the very top The other call'd Figenoiama reaches as some report several Miles Perpendicular above
Description Japan contradicted First he plants Japan on the West side of China This is such a blind nay such a stupid Mistake that the like was never heard of For was there ever any Writer or Geographer that settled Japan West from China All agreeing neither can it be otherwise being an Isle but East from China that Empire being not onely the utmost Borders of Asia Eastward but of Europe also being one continu'd Main Continent Westward to Gads Pillars and the Atlantick Ocean Next admit it were as he affirms That Japan lay West from China yet out of what Chinese Haven did ever any Vessel reach any Port in Japan measuring but sixty Leagues Whereas it is notoriously known That the Distance betwixt these Empires is much greater And who can shew me in any Map or Journal of his Travels a City call'd Amiaco lying at such a distance from Japan as he gives without any proof or testimony Next which is very strange he says That Japan looks on no Countrey Southward but the Main Ocean or else Lands so far off that they are utterly unknown What then will become of all these Countreys as Tanaxima Lequeio Granda Formosa de Philippines Mindore Mindanao Borneo Celebes Molucco and other Realms besides many other Countreys which are cut off by the Ocean and lye far and near distant from thence and daily frequented and Navigated by Strangers insomuch that all Geographers mention the same Which belongs more especially to you who have publish'd instead of grave Experience your no want of Ignorance and utter Deficiency in that Science For what can be more absurd than this your Description of the Principal Islands Niphon Ximus and Xicocus dividing of them into sixty six Kingdoms and setling them all so handsomly with a perfect Mistake on the wrong side not consulting Francisco Cairon who being himself upon the Spot took an exact Survey of Japan which your Church-History makes truly manifest in several Pages Japan is much bigger the Italy Lastly Of all Comparisons this seems the most odious That Japan with all it circumjacent Isles is no larger than Italy For the same Cairon whom concerning other Matters you have for the most part copy'd out and trick'd up this your Japan-History with tells us in the beginning of his Description thereof That beyond Quanto a Territory lying up high in Japan from whence the Emperor raises his chiefest Revenue and keeps his Court in Jedo it is twenty seven days Journey before you come to the Province of Sunguar lying in the most Northerly part of Japan At this rate how can Italy be compar'd to Japan Sure Father Hazart you neither know the one nor the other For let any one take the Extent of Italy The Largeness of Italy which they reckon from the Alps and the City Aosta passing through Rome and Capua to Rhegio and the Promontory de Army he shall never make more than two hundred twenty five Leagues And though the breadth along the Alpine Mountains reacheth a hundred and forty Leagues yet taken generally it proves much less for betwixt Ancona and the Tyber gives the rate of the common breadth which is no more than thirty four Leagues How apt then seems this Comparison when several Writers Eye-witnesses tell you That Miaco lying almost in the middle of Japan is three hundred Leagues distant from Jesso bordering the said Isle ¶ NOw to what concerns the Extract or Original of the Japanners the general Opinion thereof we have already related which was That they not unlike the Batavians who by a Civil War were drove from Hessen to the Island between the Rhine and Wael Rebelling against their Emperor in China were Banish'd to the desolate Isles of Japan The Extract of the Japanners from China Some are of opinion that the Tartars have interment themselves with the Chineses From whence this opinion proceeds But Father Martinius contradicts this Opinion in his Chinese Atlas saying That the Japanners are not onely Extracted from the Chineses but also from the Tartars because they still retain some of both their Customs For they follow the Chinese Religion as also the same Apparel which at this day is worn in the Chinese Territory call'd Honan It is no wonder that this Territory could produce People enough to Plant Japan for it contains above eight great Cities and at least a hundred Populous Villages Moreover the Chinese Book of their Annual Accounts reckons that this Province can bring five Millions seven thousand two hundred and seventy Men into the Field But although the Japanners do so much resemble the Chineses in several of their Customs yet they also imitate the Tartars in many of their Fashions for they not only shave their Heads after their manner leaving but little Hair but they use also the Letters D and R which the Chinese Speech doth not acknowledge Martinius opinion concerning the Extract of the Japanners Martinius moreover relates That the Chinese Memorials make mention of Xio an Emperor who was deluded by a peculiar Person telling him That Japan produc'd an Herb which if the Emperor could get would make him Immortal for which he to be assur'd thereof sent several thither which never returning by degrees Planted our Japan A Catalogue of the great Persons and inestimable Revenues of Japan ¶ LAstly Concerning the Revenues that belong to this vast Empire it doth manifestly appear by the Sign'd Account of the In-comes of the Japan Princes and Kings taken by Francis Cairon The Revenues are reckon'd according to the Japan manner by Cockiens of which every one makes a French Crown The nearest to the Emperor which had the greatest Revenue in the time of Francis Cairon's Residence there was the King of Canga Getchiu and Natta call'd Cangona Tsiunangou living in the Castle of Langa Every Tun of Gold is 10000 l. His Yearly Revenue came seldom to less than a hundred and twenty Tun of Gold Surnango Daynongon King of the Territory of Surnga Toto and Micauwa inhabiting the Fort Faytsiu and Onwarino Daynaugou King of the Countreys of Owary and Mino Resident in the Fortress Mangay have each seventy thousand Pounds per Annum Sendayno Thiunangon King of Massanine and Ochio dwelling in the invincible Castle Senday hath Yearly above sixty four Tun of Gold 640000 l. Satsumanon Thiunangon King of Satsuma Ossina Fiungo and Luchio in the Fortress of Cangasima treasures Yearly sixty thousand Pound Sterling Kinocouny Dayanangon King of the Countreys of Kino and Iche commanding the Strong Hold of Wake Jamma hath Five hundred and fifty thousand Pound Sterling Yearly Near upon the like Sums have the Kings of Catto Fingonocamy of Fingo in the Fortress Koumamotte and Matsendeyro Jemnosco of Sunkicen in the Castle Foucasa and Matsendeyro Inocamy of Jetchesen keeping the Fortress of Oecde These petty Kings Catto Cibo of Osio Commanding the Fort Ais and Assaino Taysima of Bingo in the Burrough of Oky have each forty
call'd Oets The way which directed thither was between high Mountains on both sides built with Houses one side appearing a stately Fort rais'd on the Promontory of a River In Oets the Ambassadors stay'd some hours to refresh themselves then going forward they went through Jesi a Wall'd City Jesi to which leads an even Path each side beset with pleasant Trees at the end of which Lane stands a Village wash'd by the Water on whose Promontory the Castle Oets is built The Water in this Place makes two Inlets or Greeks over the one a small Wooden Bridge and over the other a Bridge of two hundred and thirty Steps long Japan Beggars ¶ THis Road is much pester'd with Beggars as most Ways of Japan are which commonly have a great many Children with them These poor People carry a Dish in their Hands in which they receive and gather Alms. The Women carry a Budget or Bag and a Callibash which hangs before them and under that their Purse Oftentimes whole Generations of them banish'd by the Emperor from the Cities Range all over the Countrey with their Wives and Children The antient People and Infants they carry in square Baskets which they make fast to the Horns of two Oxen one going before and another behind the rest lead the way and follow Singing Songs and Sonnets of the valiant Acts of the antient Japan Hero's and so passing by several Houses of which the Inhabitants in reward for their Singing bountifully bestow Alms upon them ¶ THe Netherlanders departing from Jesi came towards the Evening over a steep and scraggy Mountain into the Village Cusatz Here grow the best sort of Canes This Place produces the best sort of Japan Canes or Sticks The young Sprigs fill'd with sweet Juice are tough and full of Joints each distinguish'd at equal distance by a round Knot being small at bottom and thick on the top These Canes they use in stead of Ropes to tie with The use and description of them and also make Cables of them for their greatest Ships which last longer than those of Hemp. They also make all manner of Baskets and Hampers of these Canes which are much stronger than the Europeans that are Pleited of Twigs and two Pieces of the said Cane being rubb'd hard together serve in stead of a Flint and Steel for to strike Fire with Fruit-bearing Canes There is a sort of these Canes which bears a sharp Fruit the Shell of a Chesnut colour thorny and full of streaks which grow athwart one another and is about the bigness of a small Apple or Crab on each Bough from the top to the bottom in stead of Leaves are small knotted Branches which being very tough are Pleited together like a Rope The longest of these bears the Fruit which hangs just at the end thereof in a Cluster of six or seven Cods together each containing a hard Kernel out of which they press Oyl of a peculiar Vertue for the curing of Wounds and therefore much us'd by the Slaves to heal those cruel Blows which oftentimes they receive from their Masters with those Canes till the Blood runs down their Backs Moreover there are another sort which grow about Cusatz shooting up from the Roots of small Trees which spread themselves Pleited together a great way ¶ BEfore day-light the Ambassadors proceeded forward in their Journey and ere the Sun appear'd Itzibe they were got to the Village Itzibe About two Leagues beyond Itzibe they Ferry'd over the River Jocatangauwa and about ten a Clock they came to Minacutz Here a strong Castle stands for the securing of the Road which leads to Meaco To Minabutz guides an even Way on both sides Planted with shading Trees and border'd with Rice-Fields as far as they could discern Japan above all other Countreys abounds in Rice Japan Rice and produces much better than any other Place in India whose Coasts it not onely supplies but also all Europe in a plentiful manner they Mowe it in September the whitest sort bearing the higest Price that which is brown growing in Begu and Sian is of a far less value In Japan as also in all India are no Mills to Grind any manner of Corn wherefore they Bake no Bread after our European manner Their Rice serves them in stead of Bread but is boyl'd in Water and brought to their Tables like Pap or Pudding The Rice which is not kneaded but in Lumps is very unwholsom and occasions the griping in the Bowels and weak Eyes They also Roast their Rice after that it is boyl'd making it in Cakes Father Xaverius relates that travelling through Japan he sustain'd himself a long time by those Cakes of Rice which the Japanners call'd Arela carrying some of them with him in his Sleeves The Rice when growing hath a fatty thick Leaf not unlike those of Housleek but broader shooting up half a Yard from the Ground with a Purple-colour'd Flower and a double Root Plinius affirms that the Indians made Oyl of Rice but at present not onely in Japan but in all India they make a very strong Liquor of it The Mountain Coetsecajamma ¶ THe Hollanders leaving Minacutz encountred with that high Mountain call'd Coetsecajamma where they found much trouble in carrying over their Goods and Package yet at last getting through Zintzsamma and Sacca they came to Sicconoziro where they rested all Night An hour before day-light the next Morning the Moon shining the Ways and Rivers also Frozen very hard they proceeded forward in their Journey where afar off they espy'd a costly Edifice Castle Cammiammi being the Castle Cammiammi rising aloft with very high Turrets The Walls built of Free-stone fortifi'd the Castle in such a manner that it seem'd able to endure a hard Siege Beyond this Fortress appears a large Village About two Leagues farther they entred the Town Isacutz PLACE = marg Isacutz and whilst they were there at Dinner some Rusticks came and offer'd them Provisions to sell being Clothed as the ordinary Citizens or Burgers Description of the Japan Rusticks Riding through the Countrey on Buffles having a Hook in his Nose which being made fast to a Chain and coming about his Ears and between his Horns serves them for a Bridle The Women wear Clogs under their Feet which have a Knob that sticks between their great and second Toe to keep them close to their Feet they wear a kind of short Boots or Buskins which they fasten with Strings athwart one another ¶ FRom Isacutz the Ambassadors travell'd through Zono Ojebakitz Owaka Isacutz Jokeitz and Tonuda to Quana The City Quana In the closing of the Evening they entred the City which above all Places in Japan is most artificially built and surrounded with strong Walls on one side fortifi'd with a large Castle all of hewn Stone whose Turrets are seen at a great distance The City Piongo ruin'd by Wars and Earthquakes ¶ ABout half way
it into the Fire and Meal-cakes Vid Virgil Hemes What Observations made not the Augurists out of the Flight and various Voyces of Birds Others of Howling of Wolves With Birds and Barking of Dogs Swarming of Bees Voyces in the Air Numbers Lots and Dreams Of Spirits and imaginary Spectrums Of their certainty of Future Fortunes by Physiognomy and Palmistry The appearing of Blazing Comets and their Astrological Predictions by the various Configurations of the Celestial Bodies Who first found out Soothsaying and Conjuring The Greeks having all their Learning from the East say That Zoroaster was the first of the Magi that studied and brought to light Magical Conclusions whether Natural or Diabolical For such and so abstruse were some of their Practices that not being able to make out the Reason most Ages have suppos'd That many of them have been perform'd by Demons and Cacademons Evil Spirits which after was brought by Osthanes who follow'd Xerxes wonderful Army into Europe Which Juggling Art Democritus describes at large finding the Original Practices in Phenicia Apollonica Captidenes and Dardanus So that Antiquity concludes That the Assyrians Chaldeans and Persians and other Eastern Countreys under which we may reckon China and Tartary were the first Soothsayers and Magicians So that we need not wonder that Japan at this day continuing still under Idolatry nurses great store of Sorcerers and Wizards who without dispute came thither from China the Place of their first Original Netherland Ambassadors proceed in their Journey ¶ BUt the Netherland Ambassadors Frisius and Brookhurst having refresh'd themselves with a good Dinner and delighted in hearing the strange Relation of the Japan-Priests call'd Janambuxi who ascended the top of Fusinojamma they left the Village Jussiwarra and rode along a Sandy-way through Farri The Common Road being very dusty they cross'd over to a Meadow wash'd by the Sea which directed them to a great Village call'd Nomatz Thence going on they came to Missima lying at the Foot of Mount Faccone The Way that led thither was exceeding pleasant both sides being shaded with Trees Missima burnt In this City which was destroy'd by Fire but eight Months before and since rebuilt in that time the Ambassadors lodg'd one Night Ambassadors hire fresh Horses The next Morning they hir'd divers Horses to carry the Netherlanders and their Retinue over the Mountain Faccone for their other Horses were much tired and these fresh ones better us'd to Travel the craggy Paths of Faccone being kept for that purpose Thus fitted about seven a clock they ascended the Mountain and passing through several Villages not without great trouble and danger The Village Faccone of what kind about Noon they enter'd Faccone scituate near a Navigable River on a Mountain and surrounded by many others The River destitute of Fish is seventy and eighty Fathom deep and in some Places ninety and a hundred The Gate of Faccone why so strong Guarded After Dinner they rode through a Gate at the end of the Village which was Fortified by a Castle where all Persons were stopp'd that were carried in Sedans or rid on Horseback except the Japan-Nobility And on each side the Gate stands a Watch-house with four Rooms being square and open the Walls hung with Arms being Muskets Pikes and Scymiters The Soldiers fit on the Ground cross-legg'd Description of the Japan Sentme's They use a Game or Play among them not unlike our Draughts which requires great Leisure and Study In this Exercise they spend much time in their fore-mention'd Watch-houses or else they smoke Tobacco exercise their Pikes Fence with their Swords or shoot at a Mark. At one end of the Watch-house hangs a great Lanthorn with fine Painted Linnen in stead of Glass or Horn at the other end a Flag with the Emperors Arms and those of the Governor of the Castle At each end stands a Sentinel one being Arm'd with a Musket and the other with a Pike Strange manner of Notes to be bought for the Deceas'd ¶ MOreover along the River on whose Banks stands the Village Faccone are also three Temples of the Japan-Priests to which they repair from all parts of the Countrey where for a small piece of Money about the value of Three-pence they buy a Ticket which they stick upon the Stones that lie near the River by which means as they imagine the Souls of their deceas'd Friends have free egress and regress to drink of the Water of the said River THey also spend two days in August in Remembrance of Departed Souls which thus they perform Towards the Evening they light many Torches being curiously painted How the Japanners visit the Souls of the Deceas'd with Dishes of Meat and other things with which walking round about the Town or Village some out of Zeal and some as Spectators when grown dark they proceed out of the City where as they fancy and verily believe they meet with the Departed Souls Here though they see nothing they generally cry aloud saying Ah welcome welcome Where have you been this long time Where have you been Sit down and refresh your selves you must needs be weary and tired with such a Journey Which said they prepare a light Treatment of Rice Fruits and other Provisions and the meaner sort of People bring warm Water after they have been there an Hour as if they had waited on them at their Collation then making Excuses for their mean Fare they invite the Deceas'd Souls to their Houses saying We will go before and prepare your Lodgings and provide better Cheer against your coming Then two days being past they all go out of the City with Torches that so they may light the Souls of the Dead to the end they should not stumble by the way and after they have thus conducted them out every one returns home throwing Stones against and chiefly on the tops of their Houses to the end that none of the Souls may hide themselves for if they stay longer than two days they take it as an ill Omen Moreover they seem also to be very careful of them fearing that if they should stay behind and go alone they would easily lose their way to Paradise or be destroy'd by Tempestuous Weather Distance of the Japan-Paradise ¶ BEsides this their vain Folly of Entertaining the Dead they reckon Paradise exactly to be Eleven hundred thousand Leagues neither more or less distant from them which long Journey the Souls that are Aerial Bodies finish in three Years time Wherefore they set two days apart bringing them Provisions and entertaining them in their Houses that so they may be refresh'd and the better able to proceed on in their Journey Cleansing the Graves At the same time also they make clean all the Graves in which Office the Bonzis's assist them but are well paid for their Labor None though never so poor but will endeavor to get so much Money as to pay their Priest for
upper end of the City close by the River Toncaw appears an exceeding large Watch-Tower being Four-hundred fifty eight Foot and a half high Guarded with twelve hundred Souldiers On the East side of this the Emperors Magazine a large Structure in the West rang'd in order stand several Temples of their Idol Fotoques one consecrated to Camis and another to their Evil Natur'd god which we call the Devil In the middle of the City rises a most delightful Banqueting-House in which the Emperor Chiongon Toxogunsama us'd to Recreate himself The Emperors Garden Moreover those that view the West part of Jedo will first see the Palace of the King of Bungo to which is joyn'd his Imperial Majesties Garden which is so exceeding pleasant and delightful that those famous Orchards of Semiramis being reckon'd amongst the Seven Wonders of the World are much inferior to it Nature and Art striving to out-vye one another Next to this stands the Palaces of the Lords of Chiecow and Firando His Imperial Majesties Councellors Bungono Nognicono Vonemo Ingando Cambano Rimo Cuno and Texinucano The Camies also Resides in a very sumptuous Building Somewhat farther is another fair House in which Utrandono the Emperors Groom-Porter dwells Southward from thence is the Temple of Xaca close by which stands the Custom-house near this are several large Buildings for the Emperors Generalissimo somewhat farther a Wall'd Plain where two thousand Horse may be drawn up and Mustred The Temple of Xantay to what end and by whom built Amongst other Temples is also very Beautiful that which is consecrated to the Idol Xantay having three Roofs one above another The Emperor Nobunanga after he had brought thirty Kingdoms under his Subjection and by that Victory obtain'd the Imperial Crown spar'd no Cost in the building thereof that by that means his Name might be ever after kept in memory He would also have been honor'd as a God and with more Zeal than any other of the Japan Deities but being murther'd by the Prince Aqueche Anno 1582. with his Death the Ceremony of his Service a Divine Worship was utterly ceas'd and his Temple consecrated to Xantay Temples full of Images Not far from thence you pass by the Court of the Chief Governor of the South part of the City Jedo which being built long in Front hath in the middle a Portall with a square Tower Farther into the City are two Temples of the Ickoisen almost touching one another both full of little Images Next to these are two more that belong to the Priests which they call Bulgru within these are no manner of Statues found except one representing the shape of a horrible Monster This City hath also several other fair Buildings in that part which is beyond the Mountain Tocajamma for there is a strong Garrison wherein are Quarter'd Three thousand five hundred Souldiers On one side of which is the Palace of the Mayor or Chief Governor of that part of the City to whom all the Inferior Officers are to render an account weekly of what hath happen'd in that time in their several Wards The Watch-Tower which is seen at a great distance both by Sea and Land and the Garrison with the Chief Governors Court make most ways a Triangular Prospect somewhat farther stands a Temple Dedicated to all sorts of Beasts with a very high double Roof On the North side of which appears a large Court in which four of the prime Bonzies live together having also three Temples built in a Row The Temple of Camis and Fotoques ¶ AT last appears the Temple Consecrated to the Idol Camis and Fotoques which Names are not peculiar for one or two but general for the Japanners call all their gods to whom they Pray for future Bliss in the world to come Fotoques and those from whom they expect Transitory Happiness as Health Wealth and a fair Race of Children that should enjoy what they are possess'd withal after their Deaths they call Camis The Emperors Seraglio In the List of Superior Deities many of their Princes and Emperors for their great Atchievements when living have been Registred by their Subjects and after departure Worshipp'd as their gods as the Antient Greeks and Romans heretofore But on the other side of the Imperial Garden stands the Seraglio for his Women being in thirty large Divisions which the Japanners call the Chandran nearer the Sea are more Palaces belonging to the Kings Quicougeu and Date and beyond those the King of Saxuma hath his Court much resembling Quicougeu his Palace onely the last hath a large Porch built Arch-wise high like a Steeple TEMPEL met Duysend BEELDEN ¶ BUt that which Crowns the City and appears above all the rest is the Empresses Magnificent Palace which they call Miday rising aloft with three Galleries or Stories according to their manner one surmounting the other The King of Figens Court makes also a stately show But on one side of the Empresses Palace are Houses being large built all of Stone wherein lies the Inexhaustable Emperial Treasures and heap'd-up Mountains of Gold and Silver not to be valued within the compass of Arithmetick the Riches of St. Mark and the Golden Mines of Potosi with the whole Revenues of all the European Kings cast up together would scarce Ballance the unimaginable Audits and vast Accompts thereof Phaiglerodano Cammangon the Empresses Brother being the King of Jamaystero dwells here also in a sumptuous Palace near which are three Courts belonging to his Unckles the first being the King 's of One way the second of Mito the third of Cinocuni all three Brothers to the Emperor Xogunsama surnam'd Conbosama These three Palaces stand very near one another the largest and fairest is that in which Cinocuni Resides having two Roofs one above another Xogunsama Son to the Emperor Daifusama succeeded his Father in his Throne Anno 1616. Other Palaces in Jedo Near this place also stands a fair Building belonging to two Brothers of the King Amanguci Somewhat farther is the Court of the King of Tacata and next that the Residences of the Kings of Zanuaquq Fanga and Omura About the middle of the City are five Palaces more in which reside the Princes Amacusa Beyond these the King of Arima hath a large Court The Temples of the two Emperors are also very beautiful on the North end is a Light-house of Five hundred ninety four Foot high A Light-house for ships to steer into the Harbor Some distance from hence is a fair Cloyster for Widows And near this the Palace in which the Chief Governor of the East part of the City resides Six Streets farther a Temple Dedicated to the Idol with four Heads But that which exceeds all the Buildings at this end of the City is a stately Cloyster whose height largeness and magnificence deserves no small wonder in this Colledge the second and third Son of the Emperor have their Education bred up to several Arts and Eastern
Bonzi the Minister that performs the Funeral-Rites in a great Coach which shines being all Silk and Gold Thirty Bonzies more run about the Coach they wear broad-brimm'd Hats over a fine Linnen Surplice a Black Cloke cover'd with a gray upper Garment each carrying a long Torch lighted made of Pine-Branches which they say lights the Defunct that he may not mistake or miss the Way These thirty are follow'd by two hundred more who call aloud upon that God or Idol which he most Worshipp'd when alive They also beat on great Copper Basons and carry two large Baskets full of Artificial Paper-Roses of divers Colours which they tie at the end of a long Stick shaking them as they go in such a manner that the Roses fly out of the Baskets that being a sign as they say That the Soul of the Deceas'd is already gone to the Place of Everlasting Happiness After these follow eight Youths young Bonzies in two Rows who trail after them long Canes with Flags each Inscrib'd with the Name of his Idol They also carry eight Lanthorns with lighted Candles which in stead of Horn are cover'd with fine Cotton Near these Lanthorn-carriers walk two Youths in gray Clothes which carry also Pine-Torches which they light when they come out of the City and with these kindle the Fire that must consume the dead Body The remaining Ceremony Next before the Corps walk a great number of People all in gray Clothes their Heads cover'd with little three-corner'd Caps of black shining Leather on which they pin small Papers written with the Name of his Idol And that it may be more conspicuous a Man follows which carries in a Frame in large Characters the Name of that God he had so much ador'd The Corps it self Then follows the Corps it self which is carried by four Men on a Bier cover'd with a Bed very richly adorn'd on which sits the dead Body with his Head bent forward and his Hands folded together being cloth'd all in white over which hangs a Paper Coat being a Book concerning the Mysterious Devotions belonging to his Deity and full of Prayers That he would be pleas'd in mercy to save him After the Corps follow the Sons of the Deceas'd in comely Habits the youngest Son carrying also a Torch of Pine to kindle the Funeral-Pyre Last of all comes a second Rabble of Common People suited with black Caps as the former How the dead are burnt in Japan When coming near the Pyle they stand in a Ring and soon after make a hideous Noise the Bonzies striking with great force on their Copper Basons and Kettles and all the People calling aloud on the Name of his Idol which continues a whole Hour during which they prepare the Pit being square and Rail'd about and hung with Mats Towards the four Points of Heaven are four Entrances being the East West North and South The Pit is cover'd over with Canvas and on each side of it stands a Table with all manner of Fruits near the Table Pots smoking with Perfumes and Frankincense no sooner they approach near the Inclosed place but they throw a long Rope over the Corps on which every one lays their hands and call on the name of their Idol several times together then they walk three times about the inclosed place At last they set the Bier with the Bed and Corps on the Funeral-pyre to which the Bonzi who Conducted the whole Train steps forth and Mutters several Words which none of those that are present can understand and takes a burning Torch which he Waves three times over the Head of the Dead Body signifying by those Circles that the Soul of the Deceased had never beginning nor shall ever have an end when done he throws away the Torch which two of the nearest Relations to the Deceased whereof one stands at the East end of the Bier and the other at the West as a Ceremony reaching it over the Corps to one another thrice together then they throw it on the Pyle whilest others pour on Sweet Oil then setting Fire which kindles so suddenly and grows to that height that the Body is consum'd in a moment Strange Custom when the body is burnt In the Interim his Sons and kindred walk towards the two Tables where setting Fire to the Pots with Perfumes they fall on their Knees and Worship the Deceased then as they believe to be in Heaven This finish'd their Bonzies are rewarded according to their several Services and the Chief Orderer of the Funeral receives at least twenty Duckets and the other Officers lesser Sums After the departure of the Friends and Bonzies to their several Houses then the Common People and those which were Habited in Grey make merry about the Fire with such Food as stands on the Tables On the next day the Children and Friends of the Deceased repair again to the Funeral Fire where they gather the Ashes Teeth and Bones in a Gilded Pot or Urn which they carry home and covering it over with a Cloth set it in one of the chief Rooms of the House Make repetition Sermon after what manner Thither all the Bonzies come to make a Repetition of the Funeral Sermon On the seventh day they begin their Visit and set the Urn with the Relicks on the Ground others set down a square Stone on which is Engraven the Name of the Idol After this the Sons go daily to their Father's Grave on which they strow Roses and place hot Liquor and set several Dishes of Meat about it so that their Father's Soul may be refresh'd Bon a dead Fast But besides these Funerals which commonly cost those that are able at least three thousand Duckets and the ordinary Citizens generally two or three hundred They keep on one day yearly a general Feast through the whole City which they call Bon dedicated to all the souls of their deceas'd friends on which day each hangs a Lanthorn and Candle at his Door and all visit the Graves of their several Relations great multitudes carrying out of the City Chargers full of Variety of Cates with which they Treat as they believe their departed Spirits then inviting them home to their Houses of which we have already spoke at large The corps of poor people misused The Funerals of the Poor People are no way to be compar'd to those of the Rich for not one Bonzi follows their Dead they having no Money for to satisfie them for their Labor without which they will not budge one Foot so that they onely take care for to provide Food for the Departed Souls and the more because most of them either publick or private are against the Immortality of the Soul therefore the Dead Bodies of the Poor of which there are very great numbers in Japan they throw in the night time in some private place or other or else upon the nearest Dunghil Departure of the Netherland Ambassadors from Jedo ¶ BUt to return
never saw but soon after hearing thereof sent a second Embassy over The Chief in Commission was Peter Gonsalves his assistance four Franciscan Monks Bartholomew Ruiz Francisco de Sancto Michael Peter Baptista and Gonzales Garcia Anno 1593. they had their Audience before Taicosoma presenting him with Gifts of great value which pleas'd the Emperor so well that his former jealousies being quite blown over The Franciscans built a Church in Japan he granted the Friers leave to build a Church and Cloyster near Meaco provided that they should not meddle with his Subjects nor perswade them neither in private or publick concerning matters of Religion all which they promis'd and in a years time rais'd a Church Consecrating it to the Virgin Mary of Portiuncula but however notwithstanding all this they busied themselves clandestinely and often in publick to raise Proselites which Doctrine spread every where in short time amongst the Japanners who imbrac'd Christianity with such eagerness and came flocking to them in such multitudes that these four were not able to perform their Functions at the Ceremony belonging to their Conversion and Baptism for which cause they sent for assistance to the Manilla's from whence soon after came the Franciscans Augustin Rodrigo Marcello Ribadeneyra and Hieronimo de Jesu with Letters and Gifts from the Governor of the Philipines to Taicosama to whom the Presents were very acceptable but the Letters unpleasing seeing they answer'd him not to what he had written Franciscans build Cloysters in Japan Peter Baptista was the chief of the Friers which so spread their Religion that they built another Cloyster calling it Bethlehem in Osacca Moreover they obtain'd liberty of the Governor of Meaco to build a third Cloyster at Nangesaque under pretence of two sick Brothers Peter Baptista and Hieronimo de Jesu which could not agree with the Air about Osacca so that for their health-sake they were necessitated to remove These two went and resided in a Chappel Dedicated to Lazarus standing near Meaco between two Alms-houses which were govern'd by the two Brothers of Mercy Thither a great number of people flock'd daily from the City to see them perform Mass and hear their Disputations A Japan Nobleman erects an Order of the Virgin Mary ¶ AMongst whom came a Noble Person call'd Didacus Gonnoi who soon after imbracing the Roman Religion was a great Promoter of it in the Territory near the City Macava insomuch that he Indow'd a Brotherhood with Means and built a Colledge Dedicating the Society to the Holy Virgin who also invited the Heathens to the hearing of the Gospel Why Taicosania permitted the Friers to be in Japan Taicosama seem'd to wink at this nestling of the Monks sent from the Philipines to Japan because those Islands brought him in yearly a great Revenue and amongst other Rarities which came from thence were certain Pots or Cruises call'd Boioni which might be had there at a mean Price but by the Japanners valu'd above Gold because no Vessels whatsoever preserves their Liquor mixt with the Powder Chia better than these Cruises This Drink the Noblest men in the Countrey make with their own hands in a peculiar place of their Houses built for that purpose Trades in Cruises Taicosama sent two Persons to the Philipines to buy up all these Pots being certain to make vast profit thereof But these his Factors found in the City Manilla several Japan Christians which bought up all those Vessels with intention to dispose of them again in Japan Taicosama being inform'd thereof took all those Traders and seiz'd upon all their Cruises which he could light on and forbad them upon pain of death not to bring any more thereof into his Dominions so they escaping narrowly with their lives were again released Promotes his Brothers Sons to high dignities ¶ BUt before Taicosama began the Wars with the Coreans he Promoted his Brothers Sons having no Children of his own to high Dignities and Honor the eldest whom he alotted to be his Successor he Crown'd King over five Kingdoms the second over three lying near Meaco and to the youngest he gave two preserving fifteen for himself with the Supreme Command over all The remaining Provinces and Territories were divided amongst his Courtiers Generals and nearest Friends with Proviso's to pay an Annual Tribute to the Emperor But those Princes which were not removed were oppress'd by Taxes that they were scarce able to rebel living continually in fear on one time or other to loose life and all His intention about the common War And indeed it was so design'd for he had no other intention to make Wars with the Coreans but that those Kings which he sent thither might be ruin'd there or at least so much Work to do that they should not disturb him in his Dominions or if they should in any time Conquer Corea then he would give them the Conquer'd Territories in exchange for those in Japan that so he might be absolute Governor over his own Empire at home Pretends to give over his authority And that none might suspect this his Design he pretended that he would no longer Administer but give over his Imperial Authority to his eldest Nephew of twenty five years of age Whereupon he nominated him the Quabacondono which name is onely given to those that are Heir-apparent But this was but dissembled for though he Nominated him yet he no ways intended nor did part with his Authority But the Kings and Princes which he imploy'd for Corea never scented in the least that he had laid this Plot for their destruction and the enjoying of their Estates pretending nothing but the care of theirs and the publick good so that they went chearfully abroad with an Army of sixty thousand men Japan Forces goes to Corea and soon after follow'd a hundred and forty thousand more which Forces Landing in Corea in a short time carrying all before them made themselves Masters of the Metropolis Pingjang and most part of the Island yet oft they met with repulses and great obstructions for the Chinese Auxiliaries Chineses assist the Coreans which still came fresh and fresh maintaining a doubtful War six years and drove them at last towards their Landing-place Beat the Japanners from Corea where they were sorely gall'd by twelve well man'd Fortresses that oft Sally'd out upon them so that they were forc'd to make a dishonorable Peace the relinquishing of all their Conquest in Corea Thus ended the War which exhausted Taicosama's Treasure and spent him a hundred thousand men amongst which his second Nephew whose youngest brother dy'd before Quabacondono commits great outrages in Japan The eldest made Quabacondono was yet living he being witty and quick of apprehension yet was most inhumanely cruel for his greatest delight was Butchering of Men in a humane Shambles which he had thus contriv'd himself in a place near his Palace in the middle of an open Court inclos'd with
when he girdled the Universe by Sailing round about it The Fleet set Sail from the Haven Nativitad under the Command of Michael Lopez de Legaspi who making his way through the South Sea discover'd those Islands which from Philip the Second are call'd Philippines where setling himself in the City Manilla he soon after built a great Church and three Cloysters the first for the Augustine Monks the second for the Franciscans and the third for the Dominicans The Spaniards possess'd these Islands quietly till a Fleet from China gave them disturbance and the first occcasion of War The Spaniards in Manilla are set upon by a Chinese Pyrate call'd Limahon One Limahon born in a City of China by name Trucheo a Person of mean Extract had a long while made the Seas dangerous for in a short time a great Company of Pyrates and Robbers joyn'd with him to the number of two thousand with which he Ransack'd and Pillag'd all the adjoyning Countrey Therefore the King of Cuytan rais'd all the Forces he could possible to take Limahon but he having notice of it retreated to a Sea-Port Town not having a sufficient Army to encounter the Vice-Roys Forces At the same time the Harbour lay full of Ships which his Men taking and setting Sail with them stood off to Sea making all Prize whatever he met with And being forty Sail all well Mann'd on a day he descry'd another Chinese Pyrate call'd Vintoquiam who had twenty Sail more than he yet Limahon resolv'd to set upon them and had such good Success that he conquer'd and made himself Master of fifty five Vessels more Vintoquiam himself hardly escaping with five Thus being encourag'd he resolv'd to set upon all Sea-Port Towns and Villages by which means all China was in an Uproar and in few days the Vice-Roy of Cuytan set out a hundred and thirty Vessels to Sea Mann'd with forty thousand Seamen Limahon having notice thereof made Sail toward the desolate Isle Touzuacotican to hide himself from the Navy Conducted by the Knight Omoncon Limahon's Actions Whilst he lay lurking there he seiz'd on two Ships richly laden and bound from Manilla to China The Prisoners which he took gave him information That there were not above seventy Spanish Soldiers in Manilla the rest being imploy'd to discover the adjacent Isles and how that the Countrey was fruitful and populous and the Inhabitants unprovided for War neither were they us'd to be disturb'd by it This News was very acceptable to him whereupon he steer'd his Course thither and Sailing beyond the Islands Illocos ran in sight of the New City Fernandina built by John de Salzedo and there fell upon a Spanish Galley freighted by Salzedo to fetch Provisions which he set on fire and without mercy put all the Men to the Sword Salzedo affrighted by so great a Fleet which steer'd directly towards Manilla immediately sent thither fifty four Spaniards to make resistance against the Enemy and to give them at Manilla notice of the Invasion to the end they might prepare all things in readiness against their coming But Limahon who was forc'd to Victual at the nearest Islands came after Salzedo whose Fleet was stor'd with all manner of Provisions arriv'd at Manilla in the Evening on the last of October Anno 1574. And had the Wind blown any thing hard that Night would have laid Manilla in Ashes and drown'd the Inhabitants in their own Blood For Limahon sent in the darkest part of the Night four hundred Men on Shore which he commanded to spare neither Fire nor Sword But the Sea going very hollow they could not possibly Land till next Morning at eight of the Clock About a League below the City they leap'd ashore and march'd up along a plain Field in good order with two hundred Musqueteers in the Front and as many Pike-men in the Rere towards the City Manilla The Countrey People discovering them brought the News to the Spaniards of which not one would believe it every one thinking it onely to be an Uproar made on purpose by the Natives Storms Manilla Mean time the Chineses came to the first House of the City in which the Field-Marshal Martin Goyty had his Residence which they fir'd and slew him with all his Family except his Wife which fled desparately wounded into the City By her every one might see how the Business was whereupon some Soldiers ran disorderly to encounter the Enemy but being all slain in a short time made the rest more wary who marching up very orderly against the Enemy forc'd them to retreat and at last drove them back to their Ships Limahon hearing this News weigh'd Anchor and Sail'd to the Haven Cabita two Leagues beyond Manilla At this time Guido de Labassares was Governor of the Philippines in the place of the Deceas'd Michael Lopez de Legaspy Labassares saw no likelihood to keep off so great an Enemy with Pallisadoes with which Manilla at that time was onely defended and to fly from thence would be too great a Reproach and Disgrace for the Spanish Nobles Therefore they thought it convenient to leave the City and on a Hill not far off with all speed to throw up a Platform The Spaniards raise Fortifications Two Days and Nights all those were imploy'd that were able to finish the Work ramming Poles into the Ground against which they nail'd Planks throwing Earth against them and Barrels with Sand. Four Iron Guns for so many they had in the City were planted on a Point of the New Fortification It so fortun'd that Limahon made some stay in the Haven Cabita whilst Salzedo brought fifty four Spaniards to Labassares Assistance Limahon burns Manilla The Fort was scarce finish'd and Salzedo enter'd with his Men when Limahon dropp'd Anchor at break of Day before the City Manilla and put six hundred Men on Shore which ran into the City and set the same on fire That done Storms their Fortification they march'd towards the new Fortification where they met with so stout Resistance that in short time two hundred of the Chineses were slain and as many wounded Is beaten off where on the contrary the Spaniards lost onely two Men an Ensign call'd Sancio Ortiz and another nam'd Francis de Leon. The Pyrates being thus roughly entertain'd durst adventure no more wherefore they Sail'd back to Cabita and from thence forty Leagues up the great Stream Pangasinan Goes to live near the River Pangasinan where he found a pleasant and fruitful Countrey and a convenient place to hide himself from the Chinese Forces So Sailing up a League into the Countrey he rais'd a Fort on a Promontory and forc'd the Inhabitants to pay him Tribute as their Prime Lord. From hence he sent Ships abroad continually which Cruising too and again about that Coast let not one Vessel scape they met with reporting That he had utterly routed the Spaniards from the Philippines These
his Kingdoms yet he resign'd up all his Kingdoms and Dominions and retir'd to the Territory of Fiungo where on a pleasant Plain he resolv'd to build a New City and to People the same with none but Christians to the end they might there all together live after God's Laws and Ordinances Travels to build a new City The fourth of October Anno 1578. he set Sail with his Fleet the Pennons and Flags of white Damask embroyder'd with red Crosses spreading from their Masts and Yards The Jesuits Capriales Lodowick Almeida and John the Japanner with a considerable number of Christians that were to inhabit the new-built City were Shipp'd aboar'd Upon his departure Franciscus commanded his eldest Son whom he appointed his Successor in all his Dominions That he should no ways molest the Christians but rather assist them in all things His Son is kind to the Jesuits The New King promis'd to perform his Fathers Command faithfully and indeed did more than he promis'd for he pull'd down the Temple of the Idol Camis and Fotoques and allow'd the Jesuits Means giving them also a place to build a stately Church in Usuquin and crost the Bonzies in all their undertakings acting all things after the Christian manner Against which resisted many Princes in Bungo being back'd by Riogozes King of Ximo which were too hard for the young King oftentimes loosing many Men in Skirmishes Cities and whole Dominions were taken from him either by Riogoze's Forces or mutinous Subjects in short it was so decree'd that Jacatondono his Son should be Disinherited of all his Jurisdictions Most of the Loyallest Subjects Voted that Jacatondono should Re-possess his former Authority Why he is in great danger to the end that the Crown of Bungo which was near lost might again by his Prudence be settled before it was quite Demolish'd Mean while Jacatondono now call'd Franciscus expecting daily that he should be forc'd out of his new Christian City in Fiunga march'd Arm'd into the Fields and his Necessity requiring Policy he came forth no less Prudent than Circumspect Franciscus re-possesses his throne four Councellors having by their ill advice order'd their Affairs badly those he drove first out of the Countrey then getting a considerable Army together he march'd against Chicacuro the head of the Rebels Both Parties lay Encamp'd one over against the other Franciscus inviting them daily to fight by Embattelling his Men but Chicacuro who had no very good opinion of his People would not hazard his Life in the hands of wavering Fortune during which time most of his Men quitted his Army His Conquest and went over to Franciscus Camp insomuch that all left him but eight hundred which being slain brought Peace and quietness to the Kingdom of Bungo After which the Conqueror went again to his new City Cuchimochi but liv'd not long after to enjoy the advantages of his gotten Victory For being upon his return from the Japan Emperor he was taken with the Plague at Usuquin of which many dy'd at that time yet notwithstanding though the Distemper threatned nothing but death yet he was desirous to be carry'd to Cuchimochi and being come within nine Miles of the place his Sickness so increas'd that he was necessitated to stay at Sucuma where soon after he gave up the Ghost Dies Anno 1587. The Jesuit Laguna had the ordering of the Funeral-Solemnity to which an incredible number of people came flocking from all parts of the adjacent Countreys The Corps was carry'd by four of the chiefest Peers Is bury'd on both sides went meaner Lords carrying Banners with red Crosses next follow'd the Queen and her Daughter and then a great company of Noble-men clos'd up the whole Train ¶ BUt besides the Province of Bungo several others have embrac'd the Christian Religion which happen'd thus When Xaverius Anno 1551. in November travel'd from Japan to Goa he took with him two Christian Japanners Mattheus and Bernard which were sent to salute his Holiness in Rome But Mattheus dying at Goa Bernard us proceeded in his Journey alone and was the first of the Japanners that kiss'd his Holiness Feet He in his return home-ward dy'd at Conimbrica in Spain Xaverius himself travel'd to China Xaverius leaves the Jesuits in Japan there to Preach the Gospel for the Japanners cry'd continually that the Chineses from whom the Japan Religion was Extracted did not imbrace the Christian Faith There stay'd behind in Japan Cosmus Turrianus and Joannes Fernandez besides two Japan Converts being Paul of the Holy Belief and Lawrence One-Eye by whose extraordinary diligence the Christian Religion was imbrac'd by many of the Commonalty the Jesuits teaching them the Commandments and the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity in Cangoxima Firando Amangucium and Bungo Xaverius a little before his death sent from Goa to Japan Balthazar Gago Edward Sylvius and Peter Alcacova after that went over thither also Casper Vilela Lodowick Almeida Gonsalves Fernandes Franciscus Caprialis Lodowick Frojus Joannes Baptista Montanus Organtinus Brixiensis Peter Diasius Arias Blandonius Arias Sanctius Duartes a Sylva Melchior Mugaez Franciscus Perezius and others These effected so much in few years that Christianity began now to increase wonderfully and as an effect of their Zeal they built several Towns Cloysters and Churches being every where highly respected and much esteem'd These successful Progresses gave hopes of a happy Event especially for that now Cosmus Turrianus and Edward Sylvius besides many Citizens in Amangucium Converted two Bonzies of Meaco and indeed Christianity so prevail'd both in strength and number that the Rusticks near Amangucium began to dispute with the Bonzi of which some falling short in the Arguments of their Religion were forc'd to flie for shame Not long after Turrianus built a great Church in the City intending there to perform in publick all Divine Services Some of the Courtiers were by this time also become Proselites and amongst the rest the King's Treasurer Ambrosius Eunadus Faisumius who soon after Dying was Inter'd in the following manner Edvard Sylv Epist Bungo 1555. Besides the Jesuit Edward Sylvius above two hundred young Christians went to his Burial a great Cross was carry'd before the Corps and a considerable number of Torches round about which turn'd the day into night not without great admiration of the Inhabitants by whom the Funeral Solemnities were perform'd quite contrary Fasumius his Widow feasted the Poor four days together after the Funeral A new Almshouse in Funaco distributing much Houshold-stuff and many Clothes among them Moreover Turrianus built a double Alms-house or Hospital in the City Funaco one side being for those that had the Leprosie which came flocking thither from all parts of Japan that Countrey being very subject to that distemper the second partition was for other sickly Persons over both these Turrianus made a Japan Christian Master one that was experienc'd in Physick How the Japanners kept
sides and Backs they wear a Copper Plate with the Emperors Arms Ingraven thereon open on their Breasts and made fast about their Middle with two Cords the like kind of Plates they tie also on their Skins their Breeches are ty'd up betwixt their Legs with two Strings made fast to the Plates Thus Accouter'd they fall very eagerly one upon another he that Throws his Antagonist goes to the Hill on which the Judge stands and receives Silver or Golden Plates sometimes mark'd with the Emperors Arms and sometimes not It may not be contradicted but that the Japanners have the same intention in these Exercises as formerly the Greeks and Romans had which was to make them expert in War and accustom their bodies to labor Art Gymuast l. 5. c. 5. for Hieronimus Mecurialis cites out of Hypocrates That Wrastling warms and strengtheneth the Flesh Sinews and Nerves Theodorus Priscianus judges this Exercise also to be good against a bad and cold Stomach and Oribasius reckons it a notable remedy against the Dropsie Other Physitians on the contrary are as much against it especially if done with eagerness but the Wisdom and Custom of Antiquity may well over-poise their single and more novel Opinions De Legib. And to prove that Wrestling is very antient Theseus King of Athens Train'd up all his young Soldiers to die War first with that Exercise Plato sets down Antheus and Circion Who were the first Wrestlers for Inventers of that Art in which those employ'd themselves which afterwards gave proofs of their Experience in Races Besides the Heathens the antiquity of this Recreation appears by Moses who relates That the Patriarch Jacob Wrestled with God and became Lame thereby Therefore the Children of Israel eat not of the Sinew which shrank Gen. 32. v. 32. which is upon the hollow of the Thigh unto this day because he touched the hollow of Jacob's Thigh in the Sinew that shrank Stately bridge in Meaco ¶ THe Ambassadors Fristius and Brookhurst Riding on the thirtieth of April Anno 1650. from Meaco were amaz'd at the costly Bridge over which they pass'd out of the City This Bridge being two hundred and thirty Paces long leads over the River which cuts Meaco in the middle and rests on large Columns hewn out of a Rock the top being very strait is Wall'd on both sides with Stone Adorn'd and Beautifi'd with great Brazen Balls The Ambassadors Din'd that day in the delightful Village Fissima where they hired four Barks to Sail down the River to Osacca passing by the City Jonda Castle of Jonda defended with a strong Castle continually supply'd with fresh Water by two Mills Over the River lie two Artificial Bridges not unlike that of Meaco It appears that the Antient and Modern World hath spent much time with no less Art than Charges to make the Waters flow faster than their ordinary Course Bridge of Trajanus Famous is that Bridge which the Emperor Trajan laid over the Danou the greatest River in Europe Paulus Jovius relates That in his time there were yet remaining of it thirty six Arches hewn out of square Stone every one a hundred and fifty Foot high sixty broad and a hundred and seventy Foot distance one from another Slaughter-Bridg of Caligula And who hath not read Writers of the Slaughter-Bridge made by Caligula This cruel Tyrant caus'd the In-let between Baja and Puteoli being three thousand and six Paces long to be laid over with Vessels two and two ty'd together and made fast with Anchors which Ships he cover'd with Planks and the Planks with Earth Over this new Way he Rode to and fro the first day on a stately Horse on his Head a Garland Pleited of Oak his Body cover'd with a Cloke of Gold in his Hand he carry'd an Ax The second day he sat in a Chariot Darius the King of Parthia's Son walking before and the Roman Nobility following him On the third day a considerable number of Spectators came flocking thither which were all thrown into the Sea Wonderful Bridge at Peru. The Art of the Americans of Peru deserves also our Observation for between Chicuito and Callao in Peru is a Lake no less broad than deep over which leads a Bridge of Rushes Pleited together in such a manner and made so fast on both sides that great Loads may pass over the same without any danger From whom the Japanners learn'd to make Bridges ¶ But it appears that the Japanners brought the Art of making Bridges from their Native Countrey China for there is scarce any place in the World that hath gain'd so much Reputation in that particular as the Chineses either for their Curiosity or great number insomuch that some eminent Cities as Nanquin Hancheu and others reckon every one above ten thousand Bridges in all which there is a Vie of Art and curious Workmanship The Bridge Cientao In the Territory of Xensi between the Cities Hanchen and Siganfu lies that marvellous Bridge Cientao to the building of which Changleang General to the Emperor Lieupang employ'd several hundred thousand Men besides his whole Army some cutting a Way through the Mountains some securing and making even the Valleys other carrying Timber cross the River and ramming in Pillars of exceeding bigness and supporting them by lesser Arms on both sides Chogan's Bridge The Bridge that leads betwixt two high Mountains over the River Fi near Chogan merits admiration consisting of one Arch four hundred Yards broad and fifty Rods high the Sides strengthned with Stone Curtains Bridge on Chaina In the Countrey Junnan the Emperor Mingus rais'd a Bridge about sixteen hundred years since of twenty great Iron Chains made fast betwixt two Rock sover a mighty Water-fall which Chains he cover'd with huge Timber and large Planks which when any great weight passeth over it moves to the amazement and terror of the Traveller Gangin-Bridge The Bridge in the Town Gangin is also very famous for its Foundress who after the Decease of her Husband Parents and nearest Relations spent all her Treasure that she had on the building of it and the Work being finish'd she leap'd into the River and drown'd her self Loyang-Bridge above all wonderful But the Bridge Loyang in Civenchau the second Metropolis in the Territory of Fokien exceeds all the former being three hundred and sixty Rods long and one and a half broad cost the Governor Cayang fourteen hundred thousand Ducats and would have cost twenty times more if the Chinese Laborers were not forc'd to work on all Structures for the publick good for nothing onely the neediest have some small matter for their daily Labor All the Bridge consists of black shining Stones and is not supported by Arches but rests on three hundred great Pedistalls made like a Ship sharp before purposely to break the steep of the Water on whose uppermost part lie from Pillar to Pillar five large Stones of an equal bigness every
Pebble-stones falling from the Hill in abundance In some places Fountains spring up in others flow delightful Rivers which the Fire often swallows or stops up with heaps of burnt Stone There are also great Mill-stones found in the hanging of the Mountain which were cast up Anno 1537. in a terrible Fire The uppermost part of this Mountain smokes continually and sometimes Flames break through it seen above a League in compass the inner parts are consum'd by the Fire a little below the top lyes Snow continually which melts not in the hottest Summer but when the Flames strike downwards it floweth over and pours down into the Valleys like a boyling Stream In the foremention'd year the highest part of Aetna fell into the Hole so that at present it gapes wider but is not so high as formerly The Hole from whence issue the Smoke and Flames emits a continual thundering noise from its fathomless Bottom and the other little Vent-holes always roar Philippus Cluverius says That he saw Stones ejected thence above sixty thousand Paces off and that it also spoil'd a Way with its burning Sulphurous Streams of four Leagues long destroying all things before it Moreover Vesuvius Vesuvius in Italy is also very well known which sometimes boyls over in that manner that it fires Campania Amongst other times this Mountain burnt very terribly the sixth of October Anno 473. the Ashes thereof flying as far as Constantinople The Roman Empire for several years together according to Joseph Scaliger kept a Fast-day in remembrance of that dreadful Conflagration ¶ IT is very well worth bur Labor to make an Inquiry Why those Countreys in which Burning Mountains are found are generally very fruitful as appears by Campania in which Vesuvius vomits continual Smoke and Fire Sicily famous as we said before for Mount Aetna and Siurpurama in the Japan Kingdom Voari The nature of the Earthy Fire It seems without contradiction that there is Fire under Ground which spreads it self through the Bowels of the Earth no otherwise than the natural warmth of a Mans Heart diffuses it self through all his Body This Truth appears plainly because the Earth commonly smokes in the Winter time and the Snow which falls on the Ground that is newly Plowed melts instantly From the Water and Earth Vapors or Mists are drawn up by the Sun and Moon into the Air where being cleansed they fall down again in Hail Rain or Snow which never sink above ten Foot deep into the Ground The Heat of the Sun warming the moist Earth makes the Soil fruitful but the Fire in its Bowels yields no small help thereby as it were thrusting up the Seed and Plants The warm Fountains that spring out of the tops of the Mountains Warm Fountains are no despicable Testimonies for the Water being driven upwards by the Heat forcing its way spouts out not unlike a Still in which the purer Spirits or Moisture goes upwards and through a Pipe come dropping from it or like the Fumes which rise from the Stomach up into the Brain where gathering Substance Nature discharges them through the Mouth or Nose Warm Baths in Japan and other places Also the warm Lakes or Baths do greatly testifie that they are heated by a Fire inclos'd in the Earth for if it were otherwise how could the Japan Water at Singok be of such force that being pour'd on the Body it should scorch the Flesh to the Bone How could the Italian Pool near Parma as Fallopius relates draw Flames to it so that the Water being set on Fire cannot be put out but by throwing Cloth over it or else by a stiff Gale of Wind Sulphur Mountain in Japan It deserves peculiar observation That Siurpurama without ever ceasing should for so many Ages together pour down Sulphurous Streams between decay'd Stones that all the Ground thereabouts is chang'd into a kind of Sulphur Italy about Mutina gives us a sufficient Testimony hereof If the Pits out of which they dig Sulphur are fill'd up with Earth it will in the space of four years be converted into Sulphur Necessity of the Earthy Fire Lastly This Earthly Fire is necessary for the making of Minerals which being boyl'd by the Heat thereof are molted and cleansed The same Fire occasions also Earthquakes wherefore sometimes upon the sinking of the Ground which consum'd underneath falls in terrible Flames break forth To conclude By the abundance of Earthquakes and richness of the Soil may easily be conjectur'd That Japan hides great store of Sulphur in the Bowels of the Earth which there serves for the Food of that Subterranean Fire Indiik's further Journey ¶ BUt Indiik leaving Siurpurama on his Larboard came the fifth of April to Meaco where by his Landlord he immediately made his Return known to the Governor Mackino Sandosamma which presented Indiik with some Silk Coats and gave him leave to depart After which he was carried by the Master of the House where he lodg'd to see a Comedy wherein the Japanners are very neat and exact The Players richly attir'd represent on the Stage all the Transactions of Mankind so well that they are no ways inferior to any of our European Comedians and indeed Indiik would have judg'd better of them could he have understood the Japan Tongue But Indiik having deliver'd a hundred Japan Silk Coats to his Landlord to keep for the East-India Company and seen the great Temple of Dayboth and also several other Temples left Meaco and lodg'd in Fissima where taking Shipping he came to Osacca From the City his Landlord with a great Train of Friends and Servants His Voyage conducted him in two Pleasure-Boats to the Mouth of the River Osacca where the Barque which had the Hollanders Goods aboard lay at Anchor The Wind blowing fresh from the West they could not make Sail. Mean while the Pleasure-Boats lying on each side of the Barque the People went aboard her and made merry with the Japan Wine which they had brought with them to drink at the Ambassadors departure His Journey through Bungo The third of May weighing Anchor on the eleventh with Rowing and Sailing they pass'd by Simonisicci and came to Cokero where Indiik staying a Night hired Horses and Men to travel through Bungo by Land to Nangesaque Description of the Bath at Orismo After he left Cokero he came on the fourteenth day to Orismo where he took great delight in a Stove or Bath which was cover'd with a very handsom Roof The Water came running through Copper Cocks into the Bath from a Brook so hot on one side that none can put in their Fingers without scalding But that which is no less strange and a remarkable Privacy in Nature is that the same Brook on the other side flows extreme cold in one Channel with the hot Water When they prepare a Bath the Master thereof first lets the hot Water run in which he afterwards tempers with the cold as those that
with Turn'd Cups the Coachman holding a Pike with a Gilded Star at the end of it in his left Hand and in his right four Reins which came thorow as many Holes of the Axel-Tree he sate with his Legs under him on a square Seat cover'd with Flower'd Silk behind the Coach also sate three Musicians on each side went several Servants with Fans The four Horses which drew the Coach were led by four Persons of Quality the Governor looking out sometimes between the Curtains all those that saw him fell down with their Faces flat on the Ground just behind the Coach came a Guard of Souldiers half of them carrying Pikes and the other half Musquets which were follow'd by a Merchant richly Cloth'd his Horses Head whereon he Was Mounted adorn'd with a stately Plume of Feathers some distance after him a Sedan or rather a Throne was carry'd by fourteen Gentlemen seven going on each side carry'd a long Pole to which the Sedan was made fast on their Shoulders this Throne having an ascent of five steps on a Square each corner supported by a curious Turn'd Post about every one of which Silk Curtains were ty'd the Covering also of Silk was adorn'd with Fringe In this Sedan two of the Magistrates of Meaco were carry'd then follow'd several other ordinary Sedans with Noblemen and last of all Rode divers Troops of Horse The Holland Ambassador receiv'd in this State Rode towards the City Description of Meaco ¶ The first Gate of the City Meaco hath three Entrances whereof the middlemost is the biggest built between a Free-Stone-Wall the inner Gate is one Story high from whose Roof Stream'd a Flag with the Citie-Arms Miaco by the Japanners also call'd Cabucoma and Cocquay contain'd formerly in its Circumference one and twenty Miles but is since by the Civil Wars become above a third part less yet at this day it reckons above eighty thousand Families divided into the upper and lower City the lower spreads it self to Fissima and is so costly built that one Edifice seems to be above a Mile long In the upper Miaco the Dayro with his Cungies that is Counsellors keeps a stately Court himself looks like a Savage being never Shav'd nor his Nails par'd besides five Eminent Colledges in the City there are five Free-Schools more about Miaco viz. Coja Wegru Franzon Homi and Bandu every one of which hath above three thousand five hundred Scholars which are there taught the Arts of Rhetorick Oratory Histonography Astronomy Poetry and Arithmetick Strange Tree Here grow Palm Trees of whose Juyce the Japanners make an excellent Drink the Root digg'd up and dry'd in the Sun then Planted again in a short time will grow to be another Tree Not far from Miaco the Mountain Frenojamma riseth with its spiring top towards the Clouds Peter Davity tells us of a very strange Mountain seen in the Kingdom Jetchu which Flames continually In the Meacomean Lake is a Fish not unlike a Poor-Jack which the Japanners dry and send to all parts of the Countrey Pet. Davity in his Description of Asia The foresaid Davity relates also That the French King Lewis the thirteenth had tasted of them Strange Graves in Japan Moreover here as in most places of Japan are several Tombs or Graves rais'd of Free-Stone about two Foot high in which being hollow the Friends to the Deceas'd often times lay Water and raw Rice which the poor People or Birds fetch from thence They also strow the Graves with Flowers and Boughs of Trees Taicosama's Court ¶ VEry admirable is the Palace which Taicosama built in Miaco in which hang a thousand Pieces of Tapistry Embroyder'd with Gold just before the Palace is a spacious open Court in the middle of which stands a Theatre where they Act both Tragedies and Comedies on every side thereof stand four Turrets each four Stories high The Houses and Apartments are for the most part built of Wood yet handsome to behold They seldom Build of Stone because the Earthquakes are so frequent in Japan and though often times whole Villages nay Cities are burnt down yet they all Build again of Timber Wood in Japan wherewith the Woods furnish them plentifully for they not onely produce ordinary Timber but also White Wood not unlike that of which in Europe we make Virginals besides all manner of Fruit-Trees and tall Cedars whose lofty Crowns seem to salute the Skies The Cedars are us'd most for Pillars and Masts The Japanners have strange Orders when a Fire happens in the Night for the Street in which the Fire is must help themselves for none else will come near to assist them by which means many times the Fire gets such a head that the Flame consumes all before it IN Meaco as in most other places of Japan they drive a great Trade in far better order than in any part of Europe for it is no small help or benefit that all the Japan Lordships Dukedoms and Provinces have one Measure both for wet and dry Goods Their Measure call'd Ichin Japan Measure is six Rhyneland Feet long divided into six greater and sixty lesser parts of else every Foot into ten Inches From this Ichin they make their Ell call'd Issiack which is exactly the sixth part of the Ichin but the Issiack hath also ten great and sixty lesser parts the tenths are call'd Isson ten Issons make an Itsiebou and six Itsiebous one Ichin which Measure all Shop-keepers use and is so exact that it differs not a Hairs breadth Their Streets and Miles All the Streets in Japan as well in the Cities as in the Countrey Villages are of an equal length viz. sixty Jekjens or Ichins that is thirty Rhyneland Rods sixty Streets make a Japan Mile or a thousand eight hundred Rods. In the High-ways at every Miles end are little round Hillocks thrown up by Men employ'd for that purpose on which they plant four high Trees which are great Guides and Helps to Travellers Japan Weight Moreover the Japan Weight is full as exact as their Measure which consist of Fiaekin being a hundred and twenty five Dutch Pounds one Fiaekin makes a hundred Cattys one Catty sixteen Taile one Taile ten Maes one Maes ten Coudryn one Coudryn ten Rinnen Japan Coyn very strange The same order they observe with their Coyn. The Mint-Master coyns no Money either of Copper Silver or Gold but every Merchant goes to the Farmers of the Metal-Mines of whom he buyes the gross Silver and Gold as cheap as he can then makes it of an exact weight according to the Emperors Order then he delivers the Pieces to the Emperors Officers of the Mint which meet on certain days to weigh the Money which is brought in to them whether it be full weight and if it wants but half a Grain they cut it in the middle and so return it to the Owner Those that are weight the Officers mark with their Stamp which done it must be
before Sofala the chief City of that Countrey They come to Sofala where he found the Inhabitants more civiliz'd who thought themselves very gay in Copper Hoops or Rings which they wore as Bracelets and Armlets and proud of Daggers with Cotton Hilts using a Language altogether unknown but one of the Towns-men spake Arabick by whom they understood that a white People in Vessels like theirs had traffick'd with them formerly Vasco de Gama had ten Convicts or condemn'd Persons in his Fleet sent by the King who sav'd their lives to be put ashore where the Admiral thought fit there to wander and seek their Fortunes and if they liv'd to make Observations of the Countrey and learn the Language which hereafter might come to some account two of these he turn'd ashore leaving them there for that purpose Mean while staying a Moneth at Sofala a great Sickness happen'd in the Fleet from the alteration of Diet which before was scarce and salt now fresh and plentiful of which many died To Mosambique The next start he made was to Mosambique a rich City famous for Trade and Commerce situated in a small Isle under fifteen Degrees of Southern Latitude Here the Merchants and Citizens went all in Sattin embroider'd with Gold and wear great Turbants of fine Linnen Simiters hanging across their Shoulders and in their left Hand a Buckler who being thus Habited came in small Boats aboard the Admiral who civilly and kindly treated them where Discoursing they told him That their King was call'd Abraham and was the sole Monarch of Mosambique but under him his Xeque or Lieutenant Govern'd the City That he was call'd Zocacia Gama soon after conversing and being amongst them got so much in theirs and the Deputies favor that he obtain'd two Pilots who undertook to carry his Fleet safe to the East-Indies which kindness of theirs arose from a mistake supposing them to be Western Saracens but afterwards understanding that they were Christians all this sweetning and good will turn'd to rancor and hatred the Pilots first repenting abhorring to do any thing for Unbelievers leapt over-board and so swimming to Shore deserted the whole business The Portuguese being troubled at this high affront conceiving their relinquishing of them was influenc'd from the Town it self brought all their Guns to bear upon them Fires at the City which discharging they hurt and slew several of the Inhabitants insomuch that Zacocia was forc'd to call a Council who there resolv'd to send him another Pilot which had also private instruction in stead of carrying them to their designed Port to betray and deliver them up to the King of Quiloa making them believe that they were Abyssine Christians who would kindly receive and furnish them with all sorts of Provisions This treachery they willingly undertook out of malice and detestation they bore to Christianity Thence weighing Anchor Gama hasted with a fair Gale to the Port of Quiloa suspecting nothing to his utter ruine which was there decreed as before mention'd when Providence being now ready to enter the Mouth of the Harbor sent a terrible Storm but indeed a friendly one which in spite of all his endeavors Tacking to get in drove him at last back into the Offin and so much to the Leeward that by his treacherous Pilots advice and they willing to save their lives steer'd his Coast to Mombaza a City or rather a Fortress being built on a Rock impregnable almost Moated round about by the Sea Here Gama having no sooner dropt his Anchors but the Inhabitants delighting in Novelty came flocking in great Companies aboard who entertain'd them with all civility whilst the Pilots not forgetting their treacherous Design inveigl'd the Inhabitants having the advantage of the Tongue first telling them that they were Christians and that they would do God and their Countrey good Service besides their own private benefit being able to over-power them to seize their Ships and sacrifice those unbelieving Dogs Thus concluding they inform'd one another going from Ship to Ship as if upon curiosity and pleasure resolving to put in action what they had thus concluded when the Decks were more fill'd with the Inhabitants This matter was the easier to perform because one of his Ships he had burnt already being not able to Man her losing so many in their last great Sickness But Gama not liking his Anchorage being too much within and too near some Rocks if he by stress of Weather should chance to drive suddenly upon better consideration gave order to weigh and to Anchor as he suppos'd in a fitter place to Ride in and to moore his Vessels A Plot against Gama discover'd and by what means Now the Saracen Pilots seeing an unexpected hurry amongst the Sailers busie to and again about their Tackle bending to Sea-wards thought their Plot discover'd and that they were carrying them clear away leapt suddenly over-board muttering they were betray'd the rest of the Natives taking the Alarm as soon follow'd them Diving under Water like a Flock of Sea-Fowl not appearing till they were out of Musquet-shot rejoycing they had so escaped But this Rout was not so sudden nor were they all so ready in making of their escape but that he took thirteen Prisoners and also carry'd away with him two of their Vessels that lay near him Gama takes two Vessels amongst which he found an expert and honest Pilot who first truly inform'd him that the City Melinde was not far distant from thence being almost under the Equinox and that their King was an affable Prince receiving all Strangers with great civility The Admiral Gama being thus encourag'd and believing the Pilots report follow'd his directions Steering streight on for Melinde where they found though a Saracen his Relation to be true The Melindian King having withdrawn himself being old from all publick Address and Business sent a handsom Present as a token of Amity and true Friendship by the young Prince his Son and soon after provided him an excellent Pilot who conducted his Fleet in twenty days safely to Calicut in the East-Indies Description of Calicut The City Calicut lies on the Coast of Malabar and though it boasts no Haven or any safe Harbor and yearly much troubl'd especially in the latter end of May with foul Weather and overgrown Seas raging with sudden and often violent Heuricanes yet by its great Commerce and Trade is a famous rich and well peopled Seat It happen'd that the Portuguese arriv'd there in the midst of this their turbulent Winter getting within two Leagues of the City and soon after there being a short intermission of Rain and Tempest the Inhabitants being able came aboard in nimble Skiffs for that purpose and Gama hoisting out his Pinnace went ashore with some chosen Men carrying another of the foremention'd condemn'd Persons along with him who being turn'd loose to seek his Fortune and distinctly habited from the rest the People flock'd about him amongst which happen'd to be
from thence went directly to the Emperors Court at Meaco These as we said before were the onely Addressers employ'd in an Embassy from thence into Europe or any other part of the World Since which time the Hollanders have Traded to Japan to their great benefit especially since the Portuguese upon the account of the Jesuits Conspiracy were prohibited to Traffick any longer in that Countrey which in brief was thus The Jesuits are banish'd from Japan because of a Plot. ¶ THe Jesuits having laid a Plot to deliver up the whole Empire of Japan to the King of Portugal and having well digested the same sent him inviting Letters promising that if he would send them eight stout Vessels well Mann'd they no sooner mould be arriv'd but that several Kings and many thousands of the People their Converts should be all at once ready to Declare for him which would so much overpower the Emperors remaining Party that if he then prov'd stubborn and would not yield they should be able to force him to his subjection But this being discover'd The Portuguese age banish'd from Japan the Portuguese were presently banish'd and excluded for ever from Japan in the Year 1641 the Jesuits and principal Confederates being all put to death suffering condign punishment So the Trade lay in a manner open to the Hollanders which they being almost solely employ'd in made so great an advantage thereof that they were able every three years to send Gratulatory Embassies with several rich Presents to the Emperor The Hollanders Staple at Firando The first Staple they settled in that Countrey was upon Firando a small Isle which on the East-side Coasts with Bongo by some call'd Cikoko on the North with Taquixima on the South faceth Goto both also wash'd by the Sea the West respecting the Main Ocean The Haven of Firando better accommodateth Japan Vessels than the Hollanders which being of greater Burthen draw more Water especially the Mouth of the Haven being narrow and their Ships large is very dangerous but within they lie safe being Land-lock'd round about which breaks off all force of Winds and Waves whatsoever and though it blow to the heighth of a Heuricane yet they Ride still in smooth Water De Logie op FIRANDO The Store-house of the East-India Company there The Store-house which was first order'd there for the Company consisted of four Low Rooms and five Upper Chambers for the Reception of their Goods besides Kitchen Larder and other Offices lying close by the Haven with a Key and Stairs to the Water but being built of Wood which in short time grew dry and rotten it could not preserve their Merchandise either from Fire foul Weather or Thieves Therefore in Anno 1641. they began to build one more large of Stone which the Emperor not rellishing supposing they might convert it into a Fort of Defiance The Netherlanders remove from Firando to Nangesaque commanded them to desist and at the same time remov'd them to Nangesaque A strange Idol Near Firando at an In-let of the Sea stands an Idol being nothing but a Chest of Wood about three Foot high standing like an Altar whether many Women when they suppose that they have Conceiv'd go in Pilgrimage and offering on their Knees Rice and other Presents with many Prayers imploring That what they go withal may be a Boy saying O give us a Boy and we will bear him though a big one But before the Hollanders left Firando they sent their Merchandise in small Vessels to Nangesaque where they had then a Factory and there found in the Year 1694. a Hollander call'd Melchior Sandwoord who Sailing with the Fleet from Mabu through the Straights of Magellan losing his Company had suffer'd Shipwrack on that Coast thirty Years before Thus the Hollanders being remov'd from Firando keep their Staple ever since at Nangesaque Netherland Ambassadors sent from Nangesaque to Jedo THe Ambassadors that were dispatch'd from Batavia to the Emperor of Japan June 28. Anno 1641. receiv'd peremptory Orders to Land only at their ple Nangesaque and to go from thence to the Imperial Court at Jedo The Chief in Commission for this Imployment was his Excellency the Lord Bloccovius who had joyn'd to him as an Assistant Andreas Frisius a great Merchant All things in readiness and rich Presents prepar'd they put to Sea their Fleet consisting of three Ships and one Ketch The Governor himself and several others conducted them aboard and weighing Anchor from them falling to Leeward lay that night before Batavia Description of Batavia This City of old call'd Calappa since Jacatra and now Batavia hath its last Denomination from the Batavians which were a People driven out of their own Countrey before the Birth of our Savior by their Neighbors the Hessens The Batavians from whence extracted What Tract or Land they formerly inhabited then known by the Name of Catti settled in the Lower Countreys as Germany between the two Hornes or the Arms of the Rhine which now happens to be the United Netherlands So that in Commemoration and to keep up the Honor and Antiquity of their ancient Name and first Original they call this their New City and Head of their East-Indian Government Batavia Description of Jacatra When first Cornelius Matcleif Anchor'd at this place Anno 1607. it was call'd Jacatra being a mean Village the Houses being all built after the Javan manner from the Foundation of Straw the Town having no other Fence-work but Ranges of Wooden Pales like our Parks Power of the King of Jacatra The Royal Palace it self was a great Huddle of Deformity consisting of many Rooms one within another the whole Materials that built it being nothing but complicated Reeds Bulrushes Pleated Sedges of which Work and Contrivance they were then proud But the King about that time had a Design to Fortifie this his pitiful Metropolis with a Stone-wall His Royal Navy consisted of four Galleys in which beneath his single Bank of Oars sat his Soldiers or Life-Guard which attended his Commands upon the Decks This Prince who drove there the onely Trade in Pepper though by his Subjects restrain'd not to dispose of more than 300 Bags Yearly a Commodity of which the Hollanders knew very well the Advantage struck a League of Amity with them annexing Articles of Traffique to which they both agreed which the King being of an inconstant and covetous Nature observ'd so little that he rais'd both the Prizes and Customs whenever he pleas'd So that the Hollanders conceiving themselves neither certain in their Trade nor safe in their Persons rais'd a Fort there for their better Security of Commerce and Defence English and Netherlanders fall at variance before Jacatra HEre also at the same time the English drove an equal Trade not inferior to the Hollanders who clashing in their Commerce striving to ingross the Commodities one from the other there arose an irreconcileable Difference between
no great comfort That the Hollanders would break their Faith and Articles concluded and agreed upon and their Golden Dream of such Acquirements by their Agreement would come to nothing Nor were they deceiv'd in their Judgment for the Hollanders in the Hurly-burly and sudden Alteration of Government thought they had a fit opportunity to Fish while the Waters were troubled and so taking new Counsel and Courage Fortified themselves afresh and repair'd their Breaches and withal high in their Hopes ostentatiously set over the Gates of the Fort in Capitals the foremention'd BATAVIA Vander Brook calls it Batavia which Name after they gave their City To back this their haughty Proceedings done as if in defiance to the English Coen also little expected arriv'd with seventeen Sail the 25 of March gather'd up from the Molucco Islands and lay before their New Batavia The next day he set some few Men ashore Coon takes Jacatra and ruins it which broke into Jacatra pulling down the Wooden Walls and Straw Houses Then adding fresh Supplies they march'd from thence to Bantam and there demanded of the Panagran his Prisoner the Governor Vander Brook with seventy others taken out of the Ship the Black Lion The Panagran Duâ—c Prisoners delivered from Bantum though unwilling yet being threatned by them deliver'd most of the Men that Evenning and the next Morning the rest with their Vice-Admiral Vander Brook But the English seeing Coen thus arriv'd with such Recruits and all things falling out cross to their Concern not able to strive with these unexpected Misfortunes with all speed getting their Guns that lay on the Shore aboard they hoysed Sail directing their Course to the Straights of Sunda Peace proclaim'd between the English and Netherlanders When soon after on the ninth of June Peace was Proclaim'd there by Order from the States of the United Provinces between the English and the Netherlanders in which setled Quiet whilest they imploy'd themselves in a constant and undisturb'd Trade they not onely improv'd their private Estates but also this their new Plantation raising what was an inconsiderable Store-house at first to a sleight and undefensive Platform then to a petty Fort and next to a Castle with Redoubts which in few years after they so flourishing there became a strong and almost impregnable City now famous through the Eastern World and well known every where by the Name Batavia ¶ BUt this their growing Metropolis the Emperor of Java look'd upon with an ill eye and could not well digest such their Proceedings to build such Fortifications upon his Ground scarce asking his leave and jealous of future Events what a Goad it might be in his Side hereafter that had already Eclips'd his Authority in his own Ports by losing his Custom and Traffick which they had ingross'd by a new and peculiar way of their Trading with Japan China Samutra Succadanen Siammos and other Countreys so his displeasure and jealousie breaking out at last into open Hostility he began a War and to vindicate his Cause against those that so had injuriously intruded upon him and Anno 1629 drew up against the New City an Army consisting of 150000 Men and vested round within Pistol Shot of the Walls which he ply'd with such continual Stormings that he kept the Besieg'd with fresh Alarms in such hot service that they had neither time to eat drink nor sleep or any minute of refreshment but they so roughly entertain'd him what with playing their great Guns throwing Granadoes and Fire-Balls from their Outwork and Platforms that it cost him daily an incredible number of men so that at last their Souldiers filling their Trenches and Outworks with their Bodies the Besieg'd suffer'd more under the assaulting stench and noisome smells of the Dead than by the charge of their living Enemy to ease them of which they were forc'd themselves to dig Pits and tumble them in at such times when they had any respite or the least breathing while granted by the Retreat of their Foes Strange storming of a Fort near Batavia ¶ AMongst many memorable Passages that happen'd in this Siege that of the most remark chanc'd to be at Fort Magdalen the utmost Redoubt of the City being defended onely by sixteen men who made such stout resistance placing their Guns with that dexterity that making Lanes through the Enemy they lay on heaps one upon another that they almost floated in their Goar At last Powder and Shot failing and having no time granted nor any possibility to spare any one of their men to fetch more Ammunition the Storm being so terrible these so great were their Resolutions that they until'd the Roofs and digg'd up Stones and whatever else they could find throwing at the Enemy and so kept them off a great while This also at last failing and that they must be swallow'd up by the fresh assaults of the Javanners they bethought themselves of defensive Weapons such as never were hear'd of before nor as may be suppos'd never used in the world throwing upon them Close-stool-pans Jakes and what the Common-shore did afford which Merdurinous Arms so Painting and perfuming their naked bodies was more terrible to them than Powder and Ball flying not onely from the enemy but even from themselves such was the loathsome stench but more especially when fresh men sally'd out of the City they betook themselves to their heels in a general rout crying in their Language Oseitang Orang Hollanda de Bakalay Sammatay that is You Holland Devils fight with T The Javans break up their Siege from Batavia The Javanners courage began to fail almost quite despairing of ought that could be gotten by the Leager so Firing their Camp in three places towards Evening the first of October 1629 they marcht off and the Hollanders fearing Treachery kept close within their Works Private slaughter amongst themselves but in the morning sent forth a Party of Foot and Horse to explore the Enemy and bring an account where they were and in what condition and posture These perceiv'd at last that the Enemy quite deserting the Siege were dispersed and fled leaving eight hundred slaughter'd bodies many of them desolated the rest run through which wondrous news bringing back every one decsanted upon but in a few days after they were inform'd of the cause which was thus PULO TYMON The Reasons THe Emperor in the former Siege which was the year before had Invested Batavia with as he suppos'd an innumerable Army which having ill success thousands of his Men were kill'd baffled and beaten off by a few sturdy Hollanders return'd with a great loss and disparagement The Prince of Mandura an Isle in an Inlet of the Sea two Miles Northward from Java having a Quarrel against the Emperors General who had the sole Conduct of the former War and being now return'd with shame and disgrace cast out words against him to this purpose That he had behaved himself indeed well and Very
THis Spacious and Wealthy Isle by the Natives call'd Nippon and formerly by the Spaniards Argantana and in the Year of Christ Twelve hundred according to that Famous Author Paulus Venetus Chryse and Zipangry hath on the East-side California Its bordering Countreys and New-Granada but at a vast distance an Ocean of a thousand Leagues spreading betwixt Westward but far off it looks upon the Isle of Corca and Great China Hugh Linschot reckons the nearest Promontories or Head-lands stretching from China to Japan to be eighty Leagues distance The North opposes the Land of Jesso and the Straights of Anian and beyond all the Coast of America The South verges on the Philippines Mindanao Gilolo and the Molucco Isles And Latitude It extends from thirty to forty Degrees Northern-Latitude so that the longest day is fourteen Hours fifteen Minutes and the shortest nine Hours forty five Minutes Their highest Sun appears 15 Degrees at Noon short of the Zenith The Air differs not much from the Temperature of the Islands Sardinia Rhodes Cyprus Candia and Sicilia and like that of the main Land of Portugal and Spain and as moderate as Arabia Syria Persia and China Division of the same ¶ JApan is divided into five Provinces Jamaystero Jetsengo Jetsesen Quanto and Ochio besides the Isles Saykok and Chiccock Maffeus calls Saykok Ximum making that seven Provinces but Francis Cairon being an Eye-Witness deserves more to be credited He affirms That several Kings Govern there and also in Chiccock one King and three Vice-Roys That part of this Countrey that is call'd corruptly Japan boasts two Metropolitans Miaco and Jedo Maffeus also tells us That this hath fifty three Kingdoms amongst which he names Miaco and Amangutium saying Miaco consists of twenty three and Amangutium of thirty Kingdoms but of late all these petty Kingdoms are fallen into the Lap of one Sole Monarch or Emperor who keeps his Magnificent Court at Jedo But Japan also besides Saykok and Chiccock lies surrounded with several lesser Isles as Hiu Tacaxuma Iquicuchi Canga Firando Meacxima Oeno Cocyque Beroe Oqui Murgan Avans Mettogamma Meho Mianisinu Sando being full of Silver Mines Vulcans Isle and Vulcania often ejecting hideous Flames to the Sky lying to the West beyond the Straights of Diemon which washes the Isles Chiccock and Tacaxuma The Territory of Ochio ¶ OChio the North-East Territory of Japan borders on the vast Wildes of Jesso For the Inlet or Bay which divides them runs not up above forty Leagues there ending stopt by the Mountains of Ochio Description of the great Countrey Jesso ¶ THe Extent of Jesso being Mountainous and abounding with costly Furs is yet unknown although the Emperors of Japan were much concern'd taking great pains about the Discovery thereof to that purpose imploying several Persons at his own Cost and Charges who made search over Rocks and Mountains and almost inaccessible Places explor'd vast and wild Countreys very far but found no end though they diligently inquir'd of the People who being Salvages could give them no Account further than where they dwelt So after long Toyl and Trouble they were forc'd to return without any Effect of their Design as we said before The Jesuit Lodowick Frojus in his Letter of the eight and twentieth of February 1565. to the Indian Fathers writes thus concerning the Inhabitants of Jesso Against the Northermost Part of Japan about three hundred Leagues from Meaco is a very large Countrey full of Salvage People The Inhabitants of Jesso are horrible People which are Cloth'd in Skins of Wild Beasts Hairy all over their Bodies having exceeding great Beards and long Whiskers or Mustachioes which they turn up with Sticks made for that purpose when they drink They covet and are very desirous of Wine also Valiant in War and therefore much fear'd by the Japanners If by chance they receive any Hurts in an Encounter their onely Application is Salt Water with which they bathe and wash the Wound so drying it up On their Bosoms they wear Looking-Glasses which serve them as Shields or Breast-plates Their Swords they tye about their Heads in such a manner that the Hilt thereof hangs on their Shoulders They onely Worship the Moon Aquita a great City stands in the Territory of Genuaen bordering Jesso Hither the Natives come in great Numbers to Trade and also the Aquitans Travel to them but not in such Multitudes because they are oftentimes cut off and murder'd by the Inhabitants Error of the Geographers concerning Japan ¶ THe Maps of the World our Terrestrial Globe have till of late plac'd nothing beyond Aquita but the Ocean though long since confuted by Hugh Linschot proving upon the testimony of the Jesuit Frojus who deserves to be more credited as having resided a long time in Japan than some of our Geographers who set down by hear-say the Largeness and Extent of Japan without any Proofs or Testimony whereas it is made manifest That Japan extends it self much further than commonly drawn Moreover Francis Cairon Ambassador to the Emperor of Japan at Jedo witnesses That the Largeness of this Countrey is not known to the Inhabitants themselves Mistake of Maffeus and Cluverius Therefore Maffeus is much mistaken when he sets down the length of Japan to be two hundred Leagues and its greatest breadth but thirty And Cluverius in his Geography reckons the length to be an hundred and fifty Leagues and the breadth seventy Hazarts ignorance concerning the Description of Japan But none more errs in this than the Jesuit Cornelius Hazart in his History of the Island of Japan which that we may the better answer hear his own Words Japonien or as others call it Japan by the Inhabitants Nippon is a Territory lying in the farthest Point of the East being the outmost Borders of Asia which to prove he quotes Isaiah cap. 18. ver 2. For although to the West to the Frontiers of China Vide Isaiah is no more than fifty Leagues says he and to the City Amacoa two hundred ninety seven and on the South having so vast an Ocean no known Countrey being beyond Japan may certainly be call'd The Worlds End And standing divided into so many small Islands that a Geographer of our times calls it also A World of Isles the chiefest of which are Niphon Ximus and Xicocus consisting of sixty six several Kingdoms The Isle of Niphon reckons fifty three boasting also many stately Cities of which the Metropolis is Meaco The Island Ximus hath nine and several handsom Towns amongst which Usuquin Funai and Cangoxima The Isle Xicocus accounts no more than four Kingdoms Which being taken together Japonien is as big as all Italy Though this his Style be ridiculous yet his Ignorance and so strangely false Description is so much more that he ought rather to be pittied and laugh'd at as one distracted than to be answer'd but that we are bound in Conscience to undeceive his believing Readers Hazart's false
house of Entertainment for Ambassadors and Envoys The description of the mighty City Osacca ¶ AS to what concerns Osacca it is an Imperial City and the Metropolis of the Territory of Quioo Near the mouth of the River an obstructing Rock divides the Channel making it troublesom and dangerous for those that pass the River runs up Northerly branching through the middle of Osacca and also through Meaco making many Sands and Shoals and at last looseth it self in a spreading Lake beyond that City On the utmost Point or Promontory of the River stands the King's Custom-House where all Ships must touch that pass by the same there paying such Customs as belongs to their Cargo with which they are Freighted this House rais'd each Story with a several Roof shews very stately and is to be seen far into the Sea Mountains near Osacca On each side appear two rising Hills which hinder the Prospect of the East and West side of the City onely some of the high Spires appear above The Water-Castle of Osacca Opposite to the Custom-house stands the Kings Block-house surrounded with a strong Wall rais'd out of the River ready and fully replenish'd for all Occasions with well-mounted Cannon The Emperor Xogunsama began to build this Fort but his Son Toxogunsama succeeding him in his Imperial Throne Anno 1629. finish'd and Garison'd it in the space of three Years Store-houses against Fire Behind the same are built ten Store-houses opposite to the Sea with a broad Street and a Stone Cause-way These Ware-houses are exceeding large and built all of Stone that they may not suffer Damage by Fire Imperial Turrets There are also several Towers in which the Emperor keeps his Treasure collected from the Isles Chiccock Saycock and Tonsa Besides these foremention'd Buildings Water-Gate is also seen the Water-Gate through which the Custom'd Goods go in and out having a great and broad pair of Stairs which descend to the Sea and a Guard of five hundred Soldiers constantly attending the same Somewhat further is the Emperors Ship-yard which is of a great Circumference having many Docks in the same wherein continually all manner of Vessels are a building whose Hulls they make generally very broad The other part of the City stands behind the Hills but is divided from them by a Rivulet The Governors House A little way up the River from the Sea is the Governors House curiously built and within full of costly Rooms and rises aloft in manner of a Steeple with four Roofs The Temple of Devils Between this Edifice and the Block-house appears the lofty Roof of the Temple of Infernals within which the Japanners worship a horrible Image Their Idols very horrible His Head represents that of a Wild Boar with two great Tusks sticking out of his Jaws and adorn'd with a stately Crown full of Diamonds and other Precious Stones Over his Breast hangs a Scarf which is parted in the middle and that which makes it the more terrible to behold are four out-spread Arms of which one of the left stands upwards holding a Ring on the longest Finger the other hanging downwards holds a Flower not unlike a Lilly The uppermost Right Hand gripes fast a small Dragons Head spitting Fire the lowermost a Golden Scepter trampling with his Feet upon the Belly and Thigh of another Devil which lies along under him He having his Head all hairy and a pair of Ox Horns graffed thereon with an Iron Chain about his Neck a Girdle with great Buttons about his Middle a long Tail between his Leggs and broad Garters about his Knees the Right Arm stretch'd out and the left bended in to his Side is as dreadful a Spectacle as the other These horrid Shapes they nominate Joosie Tiedebak How they call them and God they call contrarily Joosie Goesar The Japanners honor and worship these resemblances of Devils with all manner of Offerings to the end they might not receive any hurt from them The Image of their Devil Vitziputzli The same Opinion have the Western Indians of their Devil Vitziliputzli whom they Worship and Reverence with great Zeal This Vitziliputzli sits on a Silver Foot-stool which stands upon a Bier whose four ends have as many Props with Serpents or Adders Heads fix'd on them The Forehead of this Idol is painted blue with two Streaks of the same Colour athwart his Nose running to each Ear. His Head like a long-Bill'd Bird is impalled with stately Plume of Feathers the tip of the Bill of massie Gold In his Left Hand he holds a white round Box and five white Plumes pleited cross-ways over one another in the middle a Branch which signifies Victory On his Side hang four Arrows which according to the Opinion of the Mexicans were sent him from Heaven His Right Hand rests on a Staff in manner of a Serpent painted with blue Streaks Upon his Bosom appears the Face of a Man with glaring Eyes a high Nose and a wide Mouth opening before or near the Orifice of his Stomach Thus stood he for the most part vail'd with a Curtain his Body almost cover'd with Chains of Pearls Diamonds and other Precious Stones which hung round with various colour'd Plumes like Labels The Devil Tezcatlipuca They no less fear their Demon Tezcatlipuca made of black Jet and cloath'd in a rich Habit In his mouth he holds a Silver Spike about a Finger long in which sometimes stick Green other times Red Plumes of Feathers which distinguish'd Colours they wear as Favors at their several Festivals Between both his Ears hang many Gems of great Value and about his Neck an Emrauld that covers most part of his Breast also wearing Golden Armlets On his Navil a costly Topaz his Left-hand bearing a Fan of Gold being a Plate so curiously pollish'd that it well perform'd the Office of a Mirror or Looking-glass by the Mexicans call'd Itlachcaia wherein they believe Tezcatlipuca sees all the Transactions of the World by which he Judges Determines and Punishes or Prefers every one according to their well or ill doing Therefore he stands ready with four Darts to distribute upon those which commit the highest Offences The Tempell of the Idoll Canon TEMPEL VAN DEN AFGODT KANON The Watch-house in Osacca is very stately ¶ BUt return again to the Description of the Imperial City Osacca Behind the Diabollical Temple spreading it self along the Shore stands a Watch-Tower a more than Royal Building rais'd extraordinary high in the great Street which leads to the City Saccai At some distance from this next you may behold a large and stately Temple in which is a wonderful Idol being fifty Foot high Its Head all of Silver presented by the King of Bom whose Countrey abounds with Mines of that Metal Imperial Banquetting-house On the Left-hand at the lower end of the City opens from behind the Hill a fair Prospect of the Imperial Tower crown'd with an almost unmeasurable
Spire beyond which about a League Southward from Osacca may be seen another Tower call'd Lords-Castle where the Noble-men use to meet both for their Serious Occasions and Divertisements The Temple of the Idol Canon But in the Center or middle of the City stands the much celebrated Temple of the Idol Canon whom the Japanners believe hath the absolute Power over all sorts of Fish and Fowl that haunt the Water he being as their Neptune or Sea-commanding God A few Steps from which stands the Porters Lodge with a broad-brimm'd Roof whose Edges shoot far out before the Walls Near this lies a Path leading to the Out-wall which now lies for the most part in its own Ruins yet this Wall hath one very fair Gate resembling a Triumphal Arch through which they walk to a pleasant Plain full of shady Trees but this Pleasure is divided from them by a second Quadrangular Wall Plaister'd with white Loam every Quarter a pleasant Green belonging to it Strange Porch before Canons Temple But the Temple-Porch belonging to the first Wall that incloses the Court is built Orbicular with six Angles making a kind of Cupiloe on the top To this sad Place many wretched People resort who weary of their Lives either suffering under Poverty or Chronical Infirmities or distracted with blind Zeal in Fits of their Religious Melancholy Japanners drown themselves here expecting to be freed from all their Sorrows and to enter into present Happiness by drowning themselves in this their Soul-saving Pool of their Water-God But first they warily consult Canon himself in the Portal seeking his Advice from which as their fond Fancies dictate they either return full of Hopes or desperately throw themselves headlong in and for a quicker dispatch greedily swallow the Water As did also the ancient Germans to the Honor of the Goddess Hertha This kind of dreadful Sedecede or destroying themselves is not unlike the ancient Worship of the Teutonick Goddess Hertha which Tacitus relates thus That in an Isle lying not far out at Sea a Priest waited in a Grove consecrated to the Goddess Hertha in which stood a close Chariot which was profan'd if touch'd by any but this her Attendant His Function was to know at what time the Goddess set forth upon her Holy Voyage to visit the Seats of Joy and Everlasting Happiness to which purpose he made ready the Chariot and Harness'd the Buffles to draw her which he attended with great Zeal and Religious Diligence And what Countreys soever she pass'd through all War turn'd suddenly to Peace Nor finish'd she her Progress till the Priest had fully inform'd her of the several Impieties raging and reigning everywhere which done she driving into a Lake as weary of this World suddenly vanish'd never appearing more and all the Retinue that belong'd to her following the Chariot in like manner drown'd themselves From whence arose that kind of mad Zeal and frantick Desire of thus making themselves away by Water that so they might meet with the Pleasures of the other World In what place the Goddess Hertha was chiefly worshipp'd Philippus Cluverius in his History of Germany affirms That the Island before-mention'd by Tacitus is no other but Rugau where yet to this day near the Promontory Stubbenkamar stands a Thicket call'd De Stubenitz and in the same a Lake of Black Water so deep that it is suppos'd to be bottomless which though it abounds with Fish yet is not frequented by Fishers this proceeding out of a Reverential awe or fear of this thought to be Sacred Water Yet some less scrupulous in Points of that nature undertook lately to leave a Boat in the foremention'd Pool designing to Fish there the next day and coming in the Morning their Boat was gone which after long search they found fix'd in an Oaken Tree Whereupon one of the Fishermen cry'd aloud saying What! were all the Devils joyn'd together to cast my Boat in yonder Tree Strange Relation Upon which he heard a terrible Voyce replying All the Devils were not imploy'd but onely two I and my Brother Claes But not only this Pool belonging to the Nymph Hertha were they Diabollically perswaded to make themselves away in but many other Places in Germany where upon the like account Self-murder was committed by throwing themselves headlong into the Water raging to follow the same Goddess to the foremention'd Seats of Bliss A farther Description of Canons Temple ¶ BUt to return again to the Temple of Canon The same rises aloft with three peculiar Stories whose Roofs are six-square jetting out a great way over the Walls Every Partition hath three double Windows only between the second and lowest Story stands a Gallery supported on twenty eight great Pillars The Walls painted with all manner of Fishes adorn much the outside of the Temple The Chief Buildings in Osacca ¶ ON the right side of Canon's Temple stands the Admirals House and somewhat near this City a stately Cloyster of the Bonzies rising with two high Roofs or Stories a great distance one from the other Next this is the Habitation of the General known by its double Roofs and Gable Ends hard by which stands the Temple with two hundred Images And no less stately is the Palace belonging to the Lord-Treasurer of Japan In the same Street stands a Watch-Tower which is seen by Land six Leagues from the City and at Sea seven The Church in which the Images of the old Bonzies are kept as Holy Reliques is also very curious to behold part of it may be seen at some distance at Sea and the other part conceals it self behind the Hills How it is within Moreover Osacca like most of the other Cities in Japan hath neither Walls nor Bulwarks but is divided in the middle by a Current on both sides of which are stately Buildings made of Clay the outsides cover'd with Boards to keep the Water from soaking through within full of large Chambers In the time of the Emperor Xogunsama Anno 1614. seven Ships with Convicts went from the Haven of Osacca to Nangesaque because they would not desist from the Roman Catholique Religion At that time also the Jesuits Church in Osacca was pull'd down by Sangamido who was impower'd by the Emperor to persecute the Romanists which was perform'd with all manner of Cruelty all imaginable Tortures being us'd on them Osacca is oftentimes ruin'd in the Japan Civil-Wars But above all Osacca suffer'd much by the Civil Wars which the Japanners maintain'd one against another each striving to obtain the Imperial Crown insomuch that the City and Castle fell now into the hands of one and then of the other After the Death of the Emperor Taycosama Anno 1601. Japan was exceedingly turmoyl'd in a Civil War nine Princes joyning against Dayfusama of whom the Chief Commander was Morindono King of nine Provinces out of which he rais'd Forty thousand Men many Great Persons amongst them and had also
both sides shaded with Trees which brought them in the close of the Evening to Fannama Fannama The City Mitzke Before day-light leaving this Village they cross'd the River Terui and visited Mitzke a City curiously built and fortifi'd with a fair Castle From hence they reach'd Teucarai where Dining they went on through Kakingaw to Nisaca near which is the Mountain Conay a League and a half long The Way that goes over this Mountain is pleasant being Planted on both sides with Trees The Pallace of the Bousi on a high Mountain From the top of this Hill they saw a steep Ascent which on the left side as they went had a sumptuous Edifice rais'd and adorn'd with many Turrets and double Roofs which appear'd Spiring above the shading Trees The Japan Interpreters related That it was one of their chiefest Universities or Schools in Japan and the Residence for their most Learned Priests which seldom or never come abroad Bonsi seldom come abroad being continually busied with instructing and teaching their Youth there every year on a Set-time repair thither from all parts of the Countrey divers other Priests for to dispute with those that reside there about Religion and Philosophical matters which Disputation is very strange for often one of the Assembly or Priests is wanting on a sudden One a year lost whom they say if you will believe them they never hear more of Horrid self-murder committed in Japan to the honor of their Idols The Japan Interpreters being demanded how it happens reply'd That the Devil carry'd them away Yet others think that they sacrific'd themselves to the honor of the Idols Amida or Xaca who they look upon as favorers of Sedecedes or self-slaughter upon which account many make themselves away commonly after this manner A few days after they are possess'd with this Frantick Zeal mad to see their gods and be where they reside they go up and down craving Alms and what they get they put in their wide sleeves desiring the people to let them know their Commands and what Commendations they should carry from them to their Deities on whom speedily they were resolv'd to attend which frenzy the people look upon as true Devotion and a Religious undertaking This done they take with them new whetted Sythes which they say must clear the rough and untrodden ways leading to Everlasting Happiness Then they enter a Boat which they prepare for that purpose tying great stones about their Necks Arms Middle and Legs and thus they either leap over or sink down-right by pulling out a Plug with the Boat under them if he leap over his friends that follow to see the horrid spectacle presently throw Fire into his Boat not allowing it to be fit for any Profane or common use after Great honor shown to them that drown themselves for their gods ¶ FAther Lodowick Frojus relates That in his way to Miaco coming to the Island Heu in the Village Fore where six Men and two Women had thus drown'd themselves to whom the people had Built and Dedicated a Chappel near the Shore in memory of their so great Merits and Devout destroying of themselves The Walls of the Chappel within were hung round with Clift Sticks wherein were Verses stuck with Elogiums highly extolling the Religious Magnanimity of these miserable Desparadoes which thus ventur'd by water to visit their God Amida This place by Travellers and others is daily frequented there entring to pay their Devotions to these Water-Saints and tells us also That passing another time that way with his Brother Lodowick Almeida meeting with some antient Women that came out from their Worship each having a Garland of Roses in their hand which they seem'd to tell over muttering Prayers as we our Beads fell foul and railing bitterly at them as profane irreligious Fellows though they might perceive by their Habits they were Strangers that durst presume to pass by and not entering pay there their due Devotions How they carry themselves before their drowning Also Gasper Villela in his Letter from Saccai dated Anno 1562. relates that he saw several of these wilful Murders which he thus sets down The Japanners says he when they are heated with a frantick Zeal raging to be delivered from this vale of misery and be suddenly transplanted to Eternal Happiness which they believe to be in the bottom of the Sea or else in some Subterranean world where those gods reside that dispence eternal rewards and everlasting happiness for transitory merits in this mortal life First they get up upon a Bench or Form the better to be heard where they Preach and Inculcate against the short and uncertain Pleasures of this World and how the best of Earthly joyes are mingled and imbitter'd always with grief and sorrow and that so short and uncertain a Life to be taken away oftentimes on a sudden without any warning were better to make a resignation of than to be snatch'd away at pleasure of those that gave it This being the Theme or Argument which they always insist upon there they and others keep commiserating people being in a manner as frantick as they bestowing great Alms upon them and have always an audience thronging about them The last day for to close up all they make their Rehearsal of all the Sermons being a Repetition of what they formerly deliver'd which done they drink off a chearing Bowl of lusty Liquor then dressing themselves up in their best Habits stuffing their wide Sleeves with Stones and hanging weights of Iron about their Necks they enter the Boat in which they lay a sharp Scythe for to Mow off as we said before the Thorns and Briars which grow in the way to Bliss I saw says Villela in his foremention'd Letter one that had seven Associates which did all throw themselves into the Sea with like joy as at the Celebration of a Marriage that I stood astonish'd with admiration Jamam-Buxen converse with evil Spirits Moreover the Japanners are much inclin'd to Sorcery and Witchcraft the chiefest pretenders to that Art they call Jamam-buxen that is Souldiers or Knights of the Round Valley which they believe have familiarity with Evil Spirits These Sectaries to purchase fame of Zeal and Piety watch never letting their Eye-lids close in two nay sometimes three days and nights together taking small sustenance whilest they seem to do wonders that is removing in a dexterous manner by such their Diabolical Arts Bodies from their Graves none knowing how Strange actions or when they were carry'd thence Nay more by confederacy they will seem to raise the dead and having some who lye stiff before them like bodies laid out that at a certain word in their Imprecations start up alive and when these by their Disciplining Fasting and Watching three Moneths together have thus Massarated themselves they invite some of their intimatest Friends with them so going aboard their Vessel fitted for that purpose sink and drown
one and a half thence to Isacutz two and a half from hence to Jokeitz also two and a half so to Quano three Then the Ambassadors cross'd a Bay seven Leagues broad to Mire from thence to Narroma a Mile and a half then to Siriomi two Mile and a half so to Ocosacci three then to Fintzawa one and a half from hence to Accosacci two then to Goi half a League from Goi to Josenda two and a half so to Ftagawa one and a half from thence to Suriski one and a half so to Arei one then to Meisacca over a Bay one and a half from hence to Fannama three so to Foucorais one and a half then to Cacingaaw two from thence to Nisaca one and a half from Nisaca to Cancia is the like distance so to Simanda one then to Fovisjeda two from hence to Ocambe one and a half then to Mirico two from Mirico to Surunga one so to Jesare two and a half then to Okis one thence to Jui two from hence to Cambaro one so to Jussiwarra two and a half then to Farry two from thence to Nomatz one and a half so to Missima one and a half more then to Facanne four from thence to Odaura is also four from Odaura to Oiso is the like distance from hence to Fraski two so to Fovissaunea three then to Toska two from Toska to Fundaga one and a half thence to Cammagawa three so to Cawasacca two from hence to Sinagawa three from Sinagawa to Jedo is also three Leagues so that their whole Journey from Nangesaque to Jedo was Three hundred forty five Leagues five and twenty Leagues reckon'd to a degree But Nangesaque and Osacca How far Nangesaque lies from Jedo are Two hundred and twenty and Osacca and Jedo One hundred thirty five Leagues distant one from another Frisius and Brookhurst come to Jedo No sooner were the Ambassadors enter'd Jedo and entertain'd in the house where the Agents for the Netherland East-India Company have their Residence but they sent to the Chief Governor Sickingodonne and the Masters of the Ceremonies Sabroiseimondonne to inform them of their Arrival The Street through which they Rid when they enter'd the City before they came to the Inn was at least four Leagues long both sides closely Built with Houses and parted or divided with Fifty three Gates which are lock'd up every night for at every Hundred and eighty Paces distance stands a Gate Description of the Imperial City Jedo ¶ THis City stands in Thirty five Degrees and Thirty eight Minutes Northern Latitude near a Bay of the South-Sea Before it are several Banks and Shelves so that none but small Vessels can come near and though the Water be very shallow in this place yet it produces great store of Flounders Gurnets Plaice Roaches Eels and excellent Oysters but cannot be bought but at great Rates As also all other Provisions are dear the City being very large and exceeding populous After what manner the houses are built in Jedo Most of the Houses are built of Clay the outsides cover'd with Boards serving as a defence against Rain besides the innumerable small Buildings the great Houses of the Nobility adorn the City very much every one of these large Edifices have several stately Entrances amongst which one exceeds all the other in Beauty and Art which is never open except for the Emperor For when a Noble-man builds a House Strange gates at Jedo he makes one Gate or Arch which is cover'd over with Planks it being artificially Carv'd with Imagery all Gilt and Varnish'd after the Indian manner and are also kept so close cover'd that none may or can look upon them but in one Moneth of the Year which is when the Emperor is pleas'd to Dine in the new Edifice then they open their ample Gates through which none but the Emperor passeth and after that they shut them up again because none should be so much honor'd as to Tread in the same place where the Emperor had been before for he never but once makes a Visit Streets in Jedo This City also stands in the Territory of Quanto and like most Cities in Japan without Walls The Streets are generally of a good length every one being sixty Ikins long which is One hundred and fifty Paces at the end of which stands a Gate that is Lock'd and Guarded every night at every end of the Street is a Gate which is a Ward within it self having two Head-boroughs or Constables that look to keep all things in good Order in these their Precincts and deliver up an account Weekly of all Accidents in the same to the Chief Warden of the City This dividing Street from Street is not onely observ'd in the Cities of Japan but also in all their Towns and Villages IEDO Inhabitants are free from Custom ¶ ALl the Inhabitants here are free from paying of Taxes onely giving a certain Sum of Money to their Landlords for the Ground-Rent of their Houses most of which are built of Wood and therefore Jedo and all other places are very subject to Fire often-times whole Cities so being consum'd yet they still Re-build them of the same Materials Every Street hath also a large Store-house built of Stone which in the Fire time they preserve all their Richest and most considerable Goods they all dwell in the lower-most Rooms of their Houses the upper being scarce big enough to hold their Lumber The Mountain Tacajama As you come from Sea to Jedo the Mountain Tacajama stands on the left side of the City rising with its shady top towards the Clouds from which also descends a River running along under a Woodden Bridge by several Houses into the Sea On this Rock stands also the chiefest of the Emperors Towers at whose Foot is a fair Temple Dedicated to the Emperor Emperors Temple for which reason none upon pain of death dare presume to enter the same but onely his Imperial Majesty his nearest Relations and the chief of the Bonzies Village Tonquarba ¶ THe Village Tonquarba lies in a pleasant Grove on the right side of the Mountain somewhat more Easterly the City Algirham is shaded and surrounded by many tall Cedars a Castle belonging to it onely appearing above the Trees about half way between Tacajama and Tonquarba flows the River Toncaw through Jedo into the South-Sea The River Toncaw Without the City is a large Stone-Bridge with nine Arches crossing the foremention'd River Near this Bridge stands the Palace of Toerodono Chief Ranger of Quanto Palaces and Churches in Jedo Near the City is another Stone-Bridge which crosses the River that on one side washes the Village Tonkoujamma opposite against which stands the Castle of a Noble-Man rising aloft with four Galleries like a large Turret Somewhat more Westerly stands another stately Building of one of the Emperors Chief Officers on the top of whose Frontispiece stands a Square Turret At the
Learning Towards the East end of Jedo appear two fair Temples both Dedicated to their god Amida The Temples of Amida But distinguish'd by calling the one onely Amida and the other The Golden Amida At the farthest end of the City opposite to the Village Tonquerba is the Court of the Emperors Chief Custom and Collector in the East part of Jedo The Empress worships Amida ¶ FAther Lodowick Frojus relates in his Letter from Canga an Island in Japan dated Anno 1565. That the Emperor Cuba his Royal Consort had built a Chappel in her own Palace Dedicating it to Amida in which she daily attended with a great Train of Ladies there paying her Devotions to his Statue representing a comely Youth Crown'd with Gold that Reflected Rayes like Sun-Beams for when the Emperor Cubus was slain by the Rebels Diandono and Mioxindono and the Empress making her escape took Sanctuary in a Monastery near Miaco where being discover'd the Priviledge of the place not protecting they sent an Executioner to take away her life she preparing to obey the hard Sentence call'd for Pen Ink and Paper and Wrighting to her two Daughters which were also Imprison'd in the next House Informing them That she was to be unjustly Murder'd but she rejoyc'd and would be glad to Imbrace Death because she doubted not but that Amida had found this means to bring her to a better Habitation and the sooner to enjoy that Paradise where her Dear Husband so lately Murder'd remains expecting by her company the full accomplishment of both their Happiness Then Sealing the Letter she thank'd the Bonzi for his kind entertaining of her in their Colledge and drawing near to Amida's Altar where kneeling she lifted up her Hands and call'd twice on the god for to forgive her her Sins Then the Bonzi laid his Hand upon her Head as a Token that she had Absolution from all her Offences then going from thence into a private Room she lifted up her hands again to Heaven and cry'd Amida Amida which said Was beheaded she was Beheaded Images of Amida are divers Furthermore it is to be observed that there are several Images Representing this god for whereas he sometimes is made as we said before with a Dogs Head riding on a Seven-Headed Horse another resembling a Naked Youth with Holes in his Ears sitting on a large Rose Carv'd of Wood and in a strange Shape with a Fantastick Cap on his Head slit before with two large Buttons on the top with a comely and youthful Countenance in his Ears hang two Rings one within another about his Neck a Scarf his Breast cover'd with an Oval Plate curiously Engraven over his Shoulders and Back hangs a Coat of Feathers neatly Wrought and joyn'd together in his Hands a String of Beads his Breast and Belly exceeding large sitting on a great Cushion before him stands several Japan Letters Engraven on a square Stone They also place oftentimes near their god Amida another Idol with thre◠Heads which are cover'd with one flat Cap or Bonnet joyn'd close together their Chins Hairy about the Neck a Pastboard Band on each side four Arms and Hands the Breast and Waste girded with five Strings of Pearl the Belly appears like the Body of the Sun darting Rays with several Characters in the middle the Walls are all hung with rich and costly Japan Habits and before them many burning Lamps A very stately Temple with a thousand Images near Meaco But besides these two Temples of Amida in Jedo there is a most famous Chappel about a League from Meaco being of more antiquity erected by some of their antient Emperors and since by the Modern enlarg'd and beautifi'd being four hundred and twenty Foot long having two great Porches with Portcullises in the middle where entring you may first see a large Seat on which sits an Image bigger than the Life resembling a Giant with Holes in his Ears Bald-headed and shaven after the manner of the Indian Brachmans over this huge Figure hang several Cups on both sides divers shapes of Armed Soldiers Morisco Dancers Exotick Wizards and other dreadful Figures with antick Gestures Their Wind and Thunder also are personated in terrible Figures Then they enter the Chappel ascending on seven Steps having five hundred Idols on each side fix'd to the Wall all representing Canon the Son of Amida with amiable Looks each having thirty Arms two of which are of ordinary size but all the other very small and in every Hand two Arrows on their Breasts are engraven seven little Faces on their Heads Golden Crowns with Strings of Diamonds Moreover not onely the Chains Bells and other things belonging to these Images but also the Statues themselves are all Massie Gold wrought by the Goldsmith insomuch that the beholders Eyes dazle at the glory and splendor of Canon's Chappel To which most People from all Parts of Japan repair to perform their Devotions and the rather because there are many more Temples near it to which they also resort upon the same account Description of an University in Japan ¶ ABout two Miles from the aforemention'd Chappel is a famous University built at the Foot of a Hill and divided into several Halls Colledges Cloisters surrounded by a pleasant Stream near which are many Chappels in some of which they worship a horrible Image representing as we suppose the Devil On the top of the Hill appears three great Temples built of Wood on exceeding large and thick Pillars the Ground Pav'd with polish'd Marble Of the Idol Xaca In one of these stands a very large Image of their god Xaca having many lesser Statues plac'd on both sides of him at his back hangs a Piece of Parchment to which are joyn'd two thousand broad Seals near which stands forty Representations of two-year-old Children on each side of the Temple are two foul and horrible Monsters Arm'd with great Clubs All these Images and Seals are richly Gilt. In the second Temple or rather a Theatre for there they keep all their Commencements promoting of Students according to their several Merits to Places and Dignities which they perform thus The Proficient and the Master of this Ceremony are placed in the middle of the Stage with Penons and Flags hanging over their Heads where the Graduate in a formal manner beseeches a Prime Doctor to put him in Orders and prefer him according to his Deserts which done he takes Place as he is advanced The Temple for the Porcupine This Edifice is dedicated to the Porcupine amongst them the Embleme of Learning but they erect no Altar nor Image for him as for other gods but onely hang the dead Animal up in the Roof of the Hall that when the Students implore this Deity to fill them with Arts and Sciences they may lift with their Eyes their Hearts also to Heaven The third exceeds the other two in heighth and beauty Palaces for Scholars Here are other several Halls adorn'd with
Recess under a Mountain where he spent his time in Study Writing many Books and as the Chineses say Instructed eighty thousand Disciples but out of this number he selected first five thousand five hundred and out of them drew one hundred and at last he reduced that hundred to ten which he made great Masters of this so much follow'd Science And then dying he left them a great Legacy He dies being all those Books that he had Written in the Cave and that there should be no dispute hereafter concerning the Contents of these Written Volumns he Seal'd them and Indorst with this positive Superscription Thus I Xaca have Written the Truth His Opinion concerting the transmigration of the Soul Amongst others of the Pythagorean Assertions he maintains That the Soul is transmutated eighty thousand times into several Bodies and Shapes and that under six vile transformations they committed all sorts of wickedness and impiety and at last turn'd into a white Elephant by the Indians call'd Lothan hoe Laenses then they attain'd to the City of rest and everlasting happiness but before they come thither they Flye with Birds Graze with Oxen Crow with Cocks Swim with Fishes Creep with Serpents and grow with Trees Hermias a Learned Christian Of this their Opinion the Learned Hermias saith thus When I view my Body I am afraid thereof for I know not by what Name to call it whether a Man a Dog a Wolf Stier Bird or Serpent for they say that I exchange into all these several Shapes which live either on the Earth or in the Air and in the Water neither wild tame dumb prudent or foolish I flye in the Air I creep on the Earth I run I sit and sometimes I am enclos'd a Prisoner in the Bark of a Tree The Japanners and the Chineses which are of Xaca's Religion believe that the Soul changes into Trees or Plants A strange Story of a Tree that spake Philip Marimus in his Japan Voyage relates That in Cochinchina Anno 1632 a Tree of an hundred and twenty Foot high and a proportionable thickness was by a Storm blown down to the Ground which a hundred Men could not move whereupon being conjur'd as they say by one of their Exorcists to know the reason why it could not be stirr'd it answer'd I am a Chinse Pince my Soul having been transmigrated into several Bodies a hundred Years at last is setled in this Tree from which as an Oracle I am to tell you of Couchin China that a woful War is ready to fall upon you under whose pressure you shall suffer extremely This Story whether fabulous or an Illusion of the Devil is believ'd both through all China and Japan insomuch that ever since they put Dishes of Rice to the Roots of great Trees that the Souls dwelling within may not languish by long fasting and therefore they feed Animals and living Creatures also that they may not suffer by Hunger Within Camsana if we may credit Bollandus stands a Cloister of the Bonzi Of a Clovster in Camsana Bolland Vit. Sanctor A. â— L. â—an 15. C. 4. near which is a Hill shaded with pleasant Trees thither one of the Priests carry daily at a set time two great Baskets full of all manner of Food when drawing near the Hill he Rings his Bell at the found of which is summon'd all sorts of Creatures that in an incredible number come flocking from their several Shelters and Recesses to which he throws his Alms and so scatters that they are generally satisfi'd which done in the same manner he Rings them back again and they fairly retreat to their respective Receptacles These Animals they believe are animated with the Souls of formerly famous Persons which reside in several Creatures analogizing in their different kinds and natures with the humor and disposition of those Hero's when alive From whom the Japanners have the Opinion of Transmigration It is without contradiction that this Learning of Transmigration took original in Egypt And from them Plato and Pythagoras receiv'd that Doctrine which they Preach'd into Greece the Seminary then of Philosophy which at last spread through several Angles of the World The Gothes had it in the North the Germans and Gauls in the West and at the same time the Chineses and Japanners in the East who receiv'd it from the Indian Brachmans The Brachmans also affirm amongst a world of strange Fancies that some Men for their Crimes after Death become aerial Spirits fantastick Shapes unsubstantial Bodies wandering up and down so long till they have suffer'd enough to expiate their Offences These Spirits are not permitted to Eat the least Blade of Corn Herb Grass nor any thing whatsoever but onely what they receive by Alms to which purpose they throw Meat to Daws and Pies nine days together after their Friends departed Souls that so the wandring of their deceased Relations may pick up something with them These Spirits sometimes also appear in humane Shapes but are not to be fear'd because they are harmless The Brachmans believe there is a Hell Moreover the Brachmans also acknowledge a Hell by them call'd Jamma Locon from whence the Souls after great punishments are released and appear again in the World in several Shapes But besides their Jamma Locon they make mention of a deep dark and dismal Pit by them call'd Antam Tappes which as they say is full of Thorns Vultures and Ravens with Iron Beaks and Claws Mastiff-Dogs Stinging-Wasps and Hornets which heavily afflict and torture the Wicked condemn'd to that Dungeon in a most horrid and petulant manner without any cessation and that which is worse their punishment as they say never ends And also a Life after this They also hold two Conditions of such as are Saved entring into happiness some of them travel to an inferior Heaven call'd Surgam where no sins are committed nor death suffer'd to enter yet the Dewetas for so they call those that after death are believ'd to go to Surgam when their time of residence there is expir'd travel from thence Soul and Body again conjoyn'd but what becomes of the Body in their return the Brachmans have not well made out onely they affirm That some come back to the World and are regenerated and born again and those Feast on all manner of Delicacies and enjoy fair Women but without Issue But this they have not well anvill'd out neither for some they say never remove from Surgam but bear Children there which they number amongst the Stars this they hinted from the antient Astronomers that often as we do sometimes discover new Stars in the Firmament Their Opinion of Heaven But those which worship and obey Wistnou keeping themselves from all Offences are transported to Weicontam where God sits on a most glorious Throne But they say there are two Weicontams calling one Lela Weicontam which is a most pleasant and delightful Heaven but the first onely call'd Weicontam From thence none
Apes requiring a peculiar Worship the Inhabitants Consecrated a peculiar Prayer Lucan saith That the Lybians worshipp'd the famous Jupiter Ammon in the manner of a Ram as being one of the twelve Celestial Signs to whom the Heathens came from all Parts to know future Events Moreover he saith some of these Worshippers of Beasts did not adore them as gods but because they were Consecrated to their Deities and for their good Deeds shewn either to the gods or men and therefore at Delphis according to Aelianus a Wolf was religiously honor'd because he gave direction of the sacred stoln Gold buried in the Mountain Parnassus The Ambraciots worshipp'd a Lyonness after the Tyrant Phayllus was devour'd by one big with Young Aristotle tells us That the Citizens of Troas worshipp'd the Mice Arist Rhetor. L. 2. because they gnaw'd their Enemies Bow-strings when they were at War with them Moreover some of the Heathens and also the Japanners believ'd That the Souls of Men by death were transmigrated into Beasts and therefore they worship not the Beast it self but the Souls of Men which resided in them Apollonius Tyancus perswaded the Alexandrians Philostr in Vit. Apollon That a tame Lyon which he had was the Egyptian King Amasis for which reason the Priests made Offerings to this suppos'd Amasis adorning the Beast with Golden Armlets and Collars and in that manner sent him to the farthermost Parts in Egypt Singing before him religious Hymns and Praises of their god In Leontopolis they erected a stately Temple because Apollonius said That it was not fitting that the powerful King Amasis whose Soul was transmigrated into a Lyon should go a begging from Door to Door for his Food But chiefly the Apes seem to afford the best Residences for humane Souls because they resemble a Man both in outward Shape and within Humane Bodies as Aristotle affirms wherefore Physicians when they want humane Bodies often Anatomize an Ape Galen calls an Ape an imperfect resemblance of a Man Arist L. 2. Hist Anim. Coel. Resp L. 3. C. 10. as Coelius Rodignius relates of him What more resembles Humane Shape Than the vile ridiculous Ape Moreover the foremention'd Tulp relates That the King of Sambaces told Samuel Blomert that the Baboons in the Island Borneo dare encounter with Armed Men and will set upon Women and if by their kindness and courtship they cannot vitiate they will force them Therefore by reason of the great resemblance of Apes and Men the Japanners are of opinion and chiefly those that believe the Pythagorean Doctrine concerning Transmigration That the Souls of deceased Kings and Emperors reside in Apes The Bonzies call'd Neugori how they live ¶ THe Netherland Ambassadors left the Temple of Apes near Toska and came on the eleventh day after their departure from Jedo on the seven and twentieth of April to Meaco the chiefest City for Trade in Japan wherein are erected several Cloysters of the Bonzi in which the Penitentiaries are Lockt up that will take their leave of this World yet account it no sin to commit all manner of Vices without the least regret in which wickedness those exceed which have promoted Cacubaw to be a god The Sect call'd Neugori are divided into three Degrees or Sections for some of them Pray continually others study and exercise themselves in Martial Discipline and the rest make daily a set number of Arrows And because they acknowledge no Superior nor chief Commander they carry on business in great disorder The oldest give their Votes first which if any one oppose the business falls so that all jangle and disagree which Consultation the Bonzies break up till the Evening and when grown dark they decide their business with the Sword and often kill one another though their Religion strictly forbids them to hurt a Mouse or kill the smallest Flye The Netherland Ambassadors take a survey of Meaco ¶ FUrthermore as to what concerns Meaco it is much adorn'd by the Palaces of the Emperor Cubus Taikosama and also that of the Payro In this City the Ambassadors stay'd till the thirtieth of April and being invited on a Day by the Master of the House where they lay and one of the Bongois to view some of the chiefest Buildings in the City they were carry'd with several other Merchants in Sedans often standing still to admire the costliness and magnificence of their several Temples and Towers after which being scarce satisfi'd with viewing the beauty of the various Edifices they were carry'd to a Musick-Lecture where the Master of their Lodgings had provided a handsom Collation for them which done they in the dusk of the Evening return'd to their House Description of the Emperor Cubo's Palace But amongst those famous Buildings which they view'd none seem'd so rich and stately as the Palace of the Emperor Cubo Lodowick Frojus an eye-witness relates That he had not seen the like Fabrick neither in Europe nor all India The Gardens which encompass it are surrounded with Cedar Cypress Pyne and Orange-Trees besides many others whose Names are to us unknown which are all Planted in such a decent order that they represent many fair Arbors the Lilies Roses and other Flowers which deck the Garden Beds also amaze the beholders not onely for their sweet Smells and various Colours but also their strange manner of Setting them The Governor of Meaco's Palace The Governor's Palace of Meaco merits also observation behind whose Privy-Lodgings is a marvellous Garden which is not onely artificially adorn'd with Imagery Trees and Plants but a River in the middle cut through Rocks and runs up above nine thousand Paces This River or Lake is shaded on both sides with all manner of delightful Trees the middle every where sprinkled with Isles which are all conjoyn'd with Stone-Bridges The Cloysters of the Bonzi in a Grove Not far from the City appears a pleasant Grove which shadeth fifty large and spacious Cloysters of the Bonzi where most of the Royal Youth have their Education sent thither to ease their Parents of the charge of bringing them up yet all pay great Admittances which are to be disbursed in the enlarging and beautifying of their Colledges each striving to outvie one another in greatness lustre and conveniency Lodowick Frojus viewing one of them saith thus I went being led by some that had newly embrac'd the Christian Faith through a Door curiously varnish'd into a Cloyster of the Bonzi behind the fore Gate was an open Court Pav'd with black square Stone and surrounded with a large Gallery the Walls underneath being also Varnish'd shine very curiously next to this Court lay a stately Garden where neither Art nor Cost had been spar'd several rising Grounds or Mounts being made in the same of polish'd Marble neatly joyn'd together the tops of these Hillocks crown'd with Trees were all made passable to one another with Stone-Bridges the Ground underneath being a course and glittering Sand mix'd with small black
Silk when they are ready the Drummers beat and the signal being given they start the Race being betwixt a Man and a Horse they thus perform The Man holds the Horse by a single Rein drawn out with which he must not straiten nor hold in the Horse who runs at his full speed and the men by him when drawing near the Goal the foremention'd Posts and Cord the Horse and he must leap over at once together which done with equal dexterity he gains the propos'd Reward or Prize which if he fail making a feeble or no performance he not onely looseth the glory of the Victory but also all manner of Court-Preferment ¶ BUt as to what concerns the Dayro he is the onely true and lawful Heir of Japan and was formerly held in such Veneration by the Japanners that they honor'd him as a god and by this his great respect he kept the Empire a long time in Peace and Quietness till Anno 1550. During the Dayro's Government Japan never tasted the inconveniencies of a Civil War which after his removal from the Throne Civil Wars were terrible in Japan the reasons thereof brake out in that nature that scarce any Countrey in the World was ever a greater Stage or Blood-shed The salvage cruelties which they us'd against one another in that grand Commotion are unexpressable the Conquerors turn'd their new-gotten Provinces top-si-turvey killing not sparing Infants in the Cradle destroying and burning both Towns and Villages of which some to this day lie bury'd in their own Rubbish by which they sufficiently testifie the Destructions which were made by their Civil Wars in which Japan was turmoil'd above fifty years The occasion and beginning was thus The Dayro who is accounted so holy that the Sun must not shine upon him nor his Feet touch the Earth nor his Hair or Nails ever suffer'd to be cut which Custom hath been in use from many Ages to this day had a hundred and eighteen years ago two Sons of which the second according to an antient Law supply'd the place of Captain-General to be ready on all occasions to quell all manner of Insurrections either by substitute Kings or Subjects The eldest expected after his Fathers Decease to possess the Throne during whose life he held no Command Their Mother out of her affections to both prevail'd so far with the Dayro that the General-ship should be so divided betwixt both the Brothers that they might Command their Forces Alternately each his Trienial But the youngest when the time came that he should Resign his Commission to his eldest Brother refus'd and privately chose several Princes of Japan for to assist him if need should require by which means he Fortifi'd himself so strongly that he car'd for no Forces whatsoever no not his Father himself who immediately chose another General granting him Commission not onely to subdue but kill his Rebellious Son Soon after several of his Substitute Kings raising all their Forces brought a mighty Army together in the Field with which they went on so successfully that in short time they utterly defeated and destroy'd the Rebel and all his Forces Insurrection against the Dayro This was the first Rebellion and Insurrection that was made against the Dayro but by the death of his Son the War was no way finish'd For the conquering General taking that opportunity as having all the Forces under his Command after the Decease of the Dayro made himself Emperor of Japan Against him the young Dayro arose notwithstanding the new Emperor allow'd him all his former Revenues and shew'd him the same Respect as had formerly been shown to his Father At last the Dayro march'd towards the new Emperor whom by means of a chosen General by the Japanners call'd Cubo he defeated and slew This Conquering General not regarding the miserable end of the new-slain Emperor aim'd also at the Crown making himself absolute Master of all the Forces The Inland Wars in Japan are very cruel From hence proceeded a bloody War Kings and Princes dividing the Countrey appropriating Territories and Provinces to themselves which was not done without much trouble for by this means not onely Countrey against Countrey and City against City but also petty Villages had peculiar Wars one with another those which were Conquer'd were sure not to find the least mercy for they neither spar'd Houses nor Temples nor indeed poor Infants consuming and destroying all by Sword and Fire so that in short time whole Cities lay bury'd in Ashes Mioxindeu◠opposeth Cubo This new Cubo overcoming all at last setled himself on the Imperial Throne which was but for a small time for when he thought himself surest not thinking of the least Insurrection Mioxindono whom he had entrusted with all his Forces joyn'd in conspiracy with Dajondono Lord of Nara who had gotten an Army as we said before of twelve thousand Men which they drew up close to Meaco Soon after Mioxindono accompany'd with a strong Life-guard enter'd the City under pretence to congratulate the Emperor for some prime favors which he had pleas'd to shew him And to that purpose that he might the better bereave the Emperor of his Life privately and without disturbance he invited him to a Banquet in the Cloyster of the Bonzi near Meaco where he intended to put in Execution his bloody Design But the Emperor Cubo scenting the business suspected it the more because he had information that the Army was drawn up near Meaco made all things in readiness for his escape who being on the Way was perswaded and call'd back by some of his Council telling him that they could not perceive any such danger in the business accounting it ignoble for an Emperor to flye from a Prince which was his own Subject But in the interim Mioxindono entred the City Meaco with all his Forces and drew up towards the Palace but before he committed any hostility he sent to the Emperor Cubo demanding to send him the Heads of some of his Nobles whose insupportable Greatness as he pretended stood in his way which if the Emperor would grant a Peace should immediately be concluded and he would suddenly withdraw his Forces and depart from the City The Herald brought a Letter in which was written the Names of those Grandees which Mioxindono would have Executed An antient Courtier being sent from Cubo receiv'd the Paper which not without many reproaches to the Rebels he tore to pieces and returning again to the Emperors Presence One of the Emperors Courtiers stab himself drew out a Stilletto with which he desperately Stabbing himself fell dead on the Ground at the Emperor's Feet The Revenge of a Son taken for his Father After the same manner six more made away themselves But the Son of the old Courtier seeing his Father weltring in his own Bloud on a sudden ran out amongst the Rebels where having wounded and kill'd several of them he himself was slain Whilst
the Whore she polluteth her Father therefore she shall be burnt with fire But the Rabbin Jews are very ignorant in their reckoning of Time in which they commonly make great mistakes as taking Thamar to be Mechisedech's Daughter not onely without testimony but also against apparent truth for there is above two hundred years difference betwixt the Age of Melchisedech and Thamar Anno 2490 after the Creation Abraham and Melchisedech met one with another and Judah committed Adultery with Thamar a hundred and ninety years after that meeting Luther is of opinion that Judah perform'd the Office of a Priest amongst the Canaanites Luthers opinion concerning Thamars burning and that a Daughter in Law was held to be as an own Daughter and therefore Thamar was condemn'd to be burnt being a Priest's Daughter But most judge the chief reason of her condemnation to be for committing Adultery being found with Child when she was promis'd to Shelah Judah's third Son According to the Laws of several People all Adulterers were condemn'd to die and chiefly the Roman Emperor Opilius Macrinus burnt all those alive that were accus'd of that Crime The Antients worshipp'd Fire ¶ IT is worthy our labor to set down the great Reverence the Antients shew'd to the Element of Fire When the Royal Consort and Daughter of Julianus the Emperor appear'd in State they always had holy Fire carry'd before them The Roman Emperors also themselves ever follow'd such a Fire which Custom they learn'd of the Persian Mace-bearers The Romans when any Marriages were solemniz'd made the Bride and Bridegroom touch Fire and Water which they set on an Altar Nimrod by some call'd Ninus the first of the Assyrian Monarchs commanded Fire to be worshipp'd as a god in Ur a City in Babylon so call'd from that kind of religious Worship Hieron Quaest in Genesis St. Jerome relates and besides him the Rabbins Salomon Jarchy and Moses Gervedensis That Abraham was condemn'd to be burnt because he would not worship the Fire in Ur according to the Chaldeans example and when he stood in the midst of the Flame Divine Providence preserving him he fled to Canaan But St. Jerome looks upon the Story as not authentick but one of the Jews Fables Persians worshipp'd Fire The Persians also according to the testimony of Julius Firmicus Maximus Tyrius Hilarius and Isidorus fell down daily on their Knees worshipping Fire as an Image of God Concerning whom also the famous Historiographer Socrates relates a strange Story That Maruthas Bishop of Mesopotamia Socrat. Hist â—â—7 c. 81. being dispatch'd from Constantinople to Isdigerdes King of Persia got exceedingly into his Favor for his great Holiness and obliging Carriage which the chief of the Persians could no ways digest but look'd upon with great envy Isdigerdes us'd daily in his Chappel to worship Fire under which they digg'd a Cave and privately hiding a Man in it order'd him to call to the King as he was kneeling before the Fire telling him That he would certainly lose his Kingdom if he shew'd favor to the Christian Bishop This voyce Isdigerdes took as an Oracle and thereupon resolv'd to put away Maruthas notwithstanding he had cur'd him of an intolerable pain in his Head But Maruthas discovering the Cheat to the King soon after obtain'd free priviledge for the Christians in Persia Ammianus Marcellinus farther adds Ammian Mart. l. 23. That they reported the Fire was faln from Heaven preserv'd on everlasting Hearths Strabo the Greek Geographer averrs Strabo l. 15. That the Cappadocians built several Temples for their consecrated Fires in which about the middle they erected an Altar and set the Fire upon it Rabbi Benj. in Jouthasins Rabbi Benjamin in his famous Hebrew Book of Travels on which several Learned Men have Commented says That he Sail'd from Haanlam now call'd Zeilan to the Asiatick Isles Chenerag inhabited by such Idolaters as were call'd Dug-Bijim where he found their Priests to be the greatest Sorcerers in the World The Greeks and Romans worshipp'd Fire But these were not all for the Egyptians Greeks and Romans also worshipped Fire Amongst the Greeks the chiefest were the famous and Learned Hippasus the Metapontine and Heraclitus the Ephesian wherefore the greatest Offerings were not sacrificed without Fire by the Heathens Lastly the Vestal Virgins in Rome and the like in Greece at Delphos and Athens as its Priestesses tended the Everlasting Fire The Northern Tartars and also the Lituanians worshipp'd Fire for a Deity and Alexander Gaguinus affirms That the Lituanians Alex. Gaguin de prise Lituan Relig. till they embraced the Christian Religion in Anno 1230. continu'd the same sort of Worship The Chaldeans Medians and Assyrians offer'd Sacrifice to Fire presaging by the Flames thereof future Events Those Priests that belong'd to the Temple of Diana Echatana whose care it was to look after the consecrated Fire were not permitted to have any conversation with Women The antient Britains worshipp'd Minerva their Temple being famous for an unquenchable Fire that wasted not into Ashes but into Stones Corps by whom and why burnt ¶ THe Massagetes and also Thales one of the Learnedst among the Grecians maintain'd that the Custom formerly us'd in most Parts of the known World which was to burn dead Corps was to be esteem'd wicked because the Fire being the greatest of the gods was corrupted by dead Bodies But others maintain'd the contrary holding it best to cleanse and purifie the Body by the Flame that so it might neither rot nor occasion any noisomness or stench which Opinion was held by most of the Eastern People as also amongst the Germans Spaniards Gauls and Britains Plin. l. 8 c. 〈◊〉 But this Custom of burning the Dead was a long time after entertain'd by the Romans for which Pliny gives this Reason because their Enemies would oftentimes dig the dead Bones out of the Graves carrying them away as Trophies which to prevent they follow'd that fashion of the Germans and Indians but whether that were the true reason or no sure we are that the first among them recorded to be burnt was the Consul Sylla which he himself commanded fearing to be serv'd in like manner as he had done to his Competitor Marius whom he digg'd up out of his Grave After the Romans had once throughly entertain'd this Custom Pliâ— l. 12. c 18. none were equal to them for the magnificent preparations of Funeral Pyles furnishing the same with the sweetest Perfumes for which they bestowed great sums of Money The Emperor Nero according to the foremention'd Pliny burnt more Perfume with the dead Corps of his Empress Poppea than all Arabia Felix could produce in one year When Germanicus's Lady travell'd with the Ashes of her burnt Husband through Calabria Apulia and Campania to Rome the Inhabitants of those Places through which they pass'd came to meet them all Cloth'd in Black and the Nobility in Purple every one burning according to
they stick on the Walls of the Houses then they run all over the House making a noise as if they were Devils themselves and by this means they pretend to banish the Devil The worshipping of evil Spirits spread far and near Vertoman l. 5. Navigat ¶ BUt this worshipping of evil Spirits is not onely usual in Japan and China but also in the East and West-Indies The Calicuters believe That Tamarini Creator of the World hath resign'd the Government thereof that he might live the better at ease but that he hath given the Command thereof to the Devil Deumam whose Image being made very horrible is religiously worshipp'd by the Brachmans that he should not prejudice them Practis'd in the time of Moses This adoring of diabolical Fiends hath not onely spread it self over a great part of the World but also is very antient for in Moses his time this wickedness had gotten great footing he speaks of it in Levit. 17.7 And they shall no more offer their Offerings unto Devils after whom they have gone a whoring And again in Deut. 32.17 They offer'd unto Devils not to God The unripe Fruit ripp'd from the tender Womb ' Gainst Natures Laws finds a too cruel Tomb On Wooden Altars cover'd with their Gore To shew how highly Devils they adore But on the left hand of the Japanners Creator two Kings and an ancient Philosopher hold the remaining part of the foremention'd Serpent to the Tail The nearest King towards the Image wears a Crown with three Points The first King that holds the Japan-Serpent◠and turns up behind under which hangs a Golden Scarf about his Neck is a double String of Pearls on his Breast a costly Diamond tied with a Silk Ribbon his Coat is open below the Belly his Face represents that of a young Man and looks upon the two Evil Spirits that stand on the right side of the Image This King resided some time near the Sea and joyn'd with the Devils to hinder the Creation of Heaven and Earth The ssecond King hath four Heads The same Intentions that King had which stands next He likewise grasps the Serpent with both his Hands a single String of Pearls hangs on his Breast his Coat covers above half his Legs a Scarf hangs over his Right Shoulder he hath four Heads each with a picked Beard and all cover'd with one Golden Crown like a Bonnet on which are several Tops some smaller than others all running with a Point upwards These four Heads signifie four thousand Years which this King liv'd An ancient Japan Philosopher The old Philosopher with his right Hand holds the Body of the Serpent with his left grasping the Tail His Coat just covers his Knees his Beard long and parted in the middle his Face represents that of an Old Man behind on his Head appears the Image of a Dragon looking towards the right side and towards the left his contorted Tail on his Forehead he hath a golden Circle Gods with many Heads in Japan But as to what concerns the Four-headed Idol the Japanners have divers Gods with several Heads for they oftentimes make Xaca with three which they cover all with one Cap Sometimes they represent Canon the Son of Amida with seven Heads on his Breast Father Gruber relates That he found several Temples in Necbal a Province in Tartary in which were Idols with divers Heads and in some Places six Heads without Bodies were set on a Table with three Ascents on the lowermost of which three of them were plac'd in a row on the middlemost two and on the top one each standing betwixt the Vacancy above the other On both sides stood Vessels all of Oval fashion for the burning Incense and flat Dishes with Offerings to the Heads But to come to our Description Between the foremention'd Ancient Philosopher and Four-headed King an Image appears representing the Sun rising out of the Water cloth'd in a Vest part of it seeming under the Water over his left Arm a Scarf and in the same hand many sharp Spikes his Beard long and on his Head a Crown of golden Rays his right Hand arm'd with a Steeletto or sharp Iron Bodkin with which it seems to prick and push the Tortoise on which the Brazen Tree and the Creator as they call him rest to cause it to turn which moves so slowly that they say it comes but once about in a thousand Years Nothing is less to be admir'd than that the Japanners worship the Sun also in their Temples for no Idolatry whatsoever can boast to be so old in which they did not worship the Sun whose Adoration was more Venerable and spread it self further than any Idol whatsoever concerning whose Antiquity Job speaks thus Job 31.26.27 If I beheld the Sun when it shined or the Moon walking in brightness And my heart hath been secretly enticed or my mouth hath kissed my hand Here this Adoration of the Celestial Bodies after the manner of the Heathens is apparent according to which the first Worshippers of the Sun kiss'd their Hands in token of Honor App. Met. lib. 4. though afterwards according to Apuleius they bent only their foremost right Finger towards the Thumb whilst they turn'd themselves round Deut. 4.19 and pray'd to the Rising Sun Moses also saith And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto Heaven and when thou seest the Sun and the Moon and the Stars even all the Host of Heaven shouldest be driven to worship them and serve them But notwithstanding Gods Commands the Israelites have chiefly learn'd the Sun-worship from the Syrians which call'd the Sun Bahal that is to say Lord the Phenicians Beel-Samen according to Philo from the Ancient Writer Sanchoriathon which is Lord of the Heavens The Inhabitants of the Phenician City Accaron gave the Sun the Name of Baal-zehaim signifying The Lord of Offerings but afterwards that Name was chang'd to Baal-zebub that is The God of Flies to whom in bad Times De Abstinent Animal lib. 2. as droughty Seasons when those Insects ushering great Sicknesses rage they offer'd their Children The Ammonites understood the Sun likewise by their Moloch or Milcom to whose Honor the Parents carried their Sons and Daughters betwixt two Fires or caused them to be led by Priests to be cleansed and at other times they were burnt in that Image of Moloch which was divided into seven Copper Caverns which when they are made red hot with the Image the Officer according to Rabbi Simeon throws into the first Division fine Flower in the second a Turtle-dove in the third a Sheep in the fourth a Ram in the fifth a Calf in the sixth an Ox and in the seventh a Child These seven Chambers represent the seven Planets Saturn Jupiter Mars Sol Venus Mercury and Luna Therefore the Sun of old receiv'd the chiefest Offering being held for the most eminent God The Emssenians in Syria Apomena built for the Sun Saturn l. c. 23.
by them call'd Heliogabalus that is God of the Mountain an exceeding great Temple Macrobius relates That the Assyrians ascrib'd to the Sun call'd Adad the chief Command over all and made the Goddess Adargatis his Vice-Roy Adad's Image shot its Beams downwards and Adargatis upwards By the first they gave to understand That the Power of Heaven consisted in those Sun-beams that reflected on the Earth and by the second That all things were drawn up from the Earth The Arabians offer'd to the Sun daily on Altars made on the Roofs of their Houses Frankincense and Myrrh The same and no other was the Idol Chamis and Baal-Peor of the Moabites and Midianites Hieronymus saith In Esai 15.2 That in the City Nabo was the Consecrated Idol Chemosh which was also call'd by a second denomination Baal-Peor The City Baisampsa near the Red-Sea was exceeding famous amongst the Arabians it being consecrated to the Sun Sampsa in the Arabian Tongue as Stephanus witnesses signifies The Sun So that Baisampsa is as much as to say The House of the Sun Why three peculiar Feasts to the Sun The Persians held the Sun for their Chief and Supreme Deity to whose Honor they kept three Feasts yearly because they observ'd in him Prudence Benignity and Omnipotence and also to express the three Operations of the Sun by Heat Splendor and distinguishing of the Times or lastly for its altering the Days as in Harvest and Summer long and short in Winter The Armenians Massagetes and Persians offer'd to the Sun a White Horse Ovid. l. 1. East To Mithra for so the Persians call the Sun that precious Gem call'd Mithridax is consecrated because according to Pliny and Isidore the Sun-beams shining upon it give it various and still changeable Colours The Egyptians worshipp'd the Sun under the Name of Osiris Heliopolis or The City of the Sun was most famous amongst them wherein the Ox Mnevis was dedicated to that Deity Saturn l. 1. c. 21. But this Statue of the Sun was in the time of the Egyptian King Senemuris carried from thence to Assyria Apias an Agent to the Assyrian Standard-bearer Delebores brought it thither which Macrobius describes thus It is says he of massy Gold without a Beard in the right Hand it holds a Whip after the manner of a Rustick the left Hand holds a Sickle and an Ear of Corn. Strange Sacrifice to the Sun The Moors also took the Sun for the chiefest God calling him Assabin and offer'd him Sacrifice in the following manner Their Priests onely had the Liberty to gather Cinnamon with a Proviso That they should first kill to the Honor of Assabin forty four Oxen and as many Goats and Rams neither should they seek to gather the Cinnamon but either before or after Sun-set The Cinnamon-sticks brought together were divided by the Priests in Holy Ground That part which remain'd for the Merchants was by them carried away as soon as paid for Then the Priests took every one their part but if any was imbezilled in the sharing it was instantly known for if justly divided the Sun-beams fir'd the Fragments and broken Pieces that were neglected and left scatter'd behind otherwise not as Theophrastus Pliny Heophr Hist Ph. l. 9. c 5 Plin. l. 12. c. 19. Solin c. 31. and Solinus aver The Suns Feast The ancient Greek Writer Proclus describes a Solemn Feast amongst them in honor of the Sun which thus they perform They hang upon a great Pole store of Laurel and all manner of Flowers in the first Quarter of the Moon then they plac'd on the top of the Staff a great Copper Ball from which hung many lesser the middle of the Pole adorn'd with three hundred sixty five Garlands the bottom cover'd with a Womans Vestment died yellow The uppermost Ball signified the Sun the lesser the Stars and the number of Garlands the Days of the Year There are scarce any People that have not been guilty or at least made themselves so of that Idolatry of Worshipping the Sun For the far-distant Massagetes worshipp'd the Sun Herod lib. 1. as Herodotus relates The Germans also were ravish'd with the Worship of this Celestial Luminary before they embrac'd the Christian Religion Geothic Rer. lib. 3. cap. 2. Moreover Olaus Magnus relates That the People in the most Northern Parts of the World pray'd to the Sun when after a six Months Night it appears above their Horizon and brings Light and Comfort And what is more common among the Western Indians than the Worship of the Sun For which cause they mock'd at the Spaniards when they told them of a Savior telling them That they had a better God which appear'd every Morning in Glory Josephus Acosta relates peculiarly concerning the Peruvians Hist. Mor. Var. Jud. That they mention'd Viracocha for their Prime Deity and next him the Sun and for the third Ictillapa signifying Thunder a Man arm'd with Stones and a Sling All three of them are worshipp'd after one manner viz. with Hands lifted aloft making a noise like the Smacks of Rusticks and then praying for what ever they want In Lusco they offer'd living Children to the Sun Eastern-Indians have a long time us'd to worship the Sun Amongst the East-Indians the Sun was Religiously worshipp'd long before the Birth of our Savior Ctesias relates of them That they travel yearly fifteen days to an appointed Place to keep a Feast in honor of the Sun praying That it would please him to grant them thirty five days cool Weather that they may not be scorch'd whilst they are coming worshipping and returning home Benjamin Tudelensis the Jew relates also of the Inhabitants of Haaulam if the Learn'd Vossius takes not Haaulam to be Zeilan or rather Sumatra After seven days Travel I came to Haaulam which is the beginning of the Kingdom where they worship the Sun in stead of God A People deriv'd from the Astronomer Chus The Sun is worshipp'd by them on several great Altars built in all Places about two Miles distant from the City They commonly run to meet the Sun early in the Morning to which stand dedicated several Images on all their Altars seeming by Necromantick Art to dart Beams which when the Sun rises seem to crackle at which time both Men and Women offer their Sacrifices Furthermore it is requisite for us to know how the Japanners and besides them many other ancient and late Heathens amongst their other Deities worship the Sun Arist de Coelo lib. 1. cap. 3. The general Opinion of all Men as Aristotle Simplicius Themistius and others witness is to place the Omnipotent Godhead in the uppermost Region that surrounds the Earth Why the Japanners worship the Sun for which cause those that pray lift up their Hands to Heaven And since the Heavens represent nothing more glorious than the Sun that is held for the onely and chief Deity whether it be for its Beauty and Splendor or its Bigness being
The second time he took upon him the shape of a Tortoise because the Mountain Merouwa was thrown into the Ocean that Amortan that is Dispeller of the Poyson Callecote Wisjam might be found but the Mountain weigh'd so exceeding heavy that it began to sink which forc'd Wistnow to transform himself into a Tortoise that he might bear up the World on his back but though the Tortoise carrys the World on its back yet he is carry'd by the Hog call'd Sersja and Leesja is bore up by the Sea The third time Wistnow appear'd like a Hog wherefore a Hog growing out of the Earth in the famous Temple Adi Warraha in the City Trinottam was religiously Worshipp'd The fourth time he appear'd like half a Man and half a Lion The fifth time by the name Wainana on purpose to subdue the Devil Belli and soon after he became Paresje Rama Dajerratha Rama Cristna Bouddha and the Horse Celki His chiefest appearance was when he became Cristna for as the Bramine Padmanaba related to Abraham Rogerius The Gate to Paganism 2 k. 3. That Wistnow appear'd in all his other shapes but with part of his Godly Glory as a spark of Fire which flies from a great Coal but that in Cristnaes shape he appear'd in full Splendor with all the Host of Heaven attending him insomuch that the Heavens were empty and without a God Little Japan gods ¶ THe Japanners have besides their chief also lesser Deities which they call Fotoques and Camos the first were Priests which many Ages before taught their Doctrine The second valiant Hero's who by their Noble Atchievements or new Inventions made their Names famous The Fotoquis procur'd such things as were necessary to Salvation and the Camo's Temporal Blessings Their gods Nequiron and Denichi Maristines preside matters of War Difference of their gods but Daibut Tamondea Besamondes Hemocondis and Zajolis busie themselves in ordering the Course of the Heavens The Sects of the Bonzies are twelve ¶ THe Sects into which the Bonzi divide themselves Xaverius reckons nine But Caron in his Description of Japan sets down twelve The Xingovini Bonzi honor the Idol Dinichi the Jenxuani serve Fobem the Foquexani their Mion the Jondaxuenses Amida the Xintani Quoquium the Baracacque spend their time in Study the Icoxuani teach That there is nothing more requisite to Salvation than the Merits of Amida so that nothing can be more to his prejudice than for any one to depend on their own good Works for so much as a man ascribes to himself of Salvation so much he bereaves of the honor of Amida who alone merited Salvation Icoxi Bonzi Over the Icoxuani or Icoxi a prime Bonzi hath the Command who commonly though addicted to all manner of Vices yet is highly esteem'd by the People insomuch that they often fall down crying before him entreating him to Intercede for them and sue for a Pardon and Forgiveness of their Offences The Neugori place Cacubau for their Chief and Supreme Deity and are divided into Praying Arrow-making and Fighting-Persons The Legi-Oxi judge the Hamacuten Clerks to be of the same Order The Jamambuxi who after sixty days suffering all Inconveniences are Install'd by the Devil himself who appears to them in a horrible manner on the top of the Mountain Fusinojamma their Prayers the common People buy for great sums of Money But the twelfth Sect of the Bonzies are the Ikkois Ikkoi's Bonzi whose Respect and Power exceeds all the other Then Gengues Harboribonzjj and Jammoboos are also Japan Priests extracted out of Asia and experienc'd in Necromantick Arts but because of their poor and mean condition and their solitary life they are not accounted amongst the Bonzies The Feast Gibbon how kept ¶ THe Deceits and Fictions of the Bonzies may be plainly discern'd by the Feast-days which they chiefly observe In August the Japanners have a Holiday which they call Gibbon which word signifies A Man and is Consecrated to Men. This day is kept in the following manner They erect Scaffolds in every corner of the City according to the number of Handicrafts-men when the day is come the multitudes flock together no otherwise than to a great Feast fifteen or sometimes twenty Waggons cover'd with rich Silk Clothes lead the way every one of which is drawn by forty Men. In every Waggon sits a great number of Youths singing and playing on Drums or Pipes the Men and Women of every several Trade or Company buy their own Waggon Soon after more Waggons follow with Arm'd Men in like manner cover'd with Silk Clothes on which are Painted the Valiant Exploits and Noble Atchievements of antient Japan Hero's This Train passes along slowly by their Temple Against the Evening two Sedans are brought out of the Temple in one of them sits the Idol whom they Worship and in the other his Consort The bearers of the first Sedan seem'd to swoon under it being so exceedingly oppress'd by the presence of the God-head but soon after appears the Sedan in which the Idols Goddess sits she being advised by Messengers that her Husband comes to meet her with his Concubine the bearers of the Sedan run to and again like Distracted Persons by which they express the great sorrow which the Goddess receives by her just anger for the Idol her Husbands Adultery and whilst the bearers of the Sedan run thus madly up and down the People cry aloud after them pittying the condition of the Goddess comforting and Praying to her on their bended Knees At last the three Sedans are brought together and are set down in their Temple which done Gibbon's Feast ends The bloody feast of Maristenes ¶ FOr their God of War Maristenes they keep a bloody day in Lent after Noon they all flock together every one having the Picture of his Image Painted on his shoulder upon a sudden they divide themselves in two Parties the Boys beginning first to throw Stones which done the graver and older Persons of both sides go forth between the Youths their first business then is to exchange a Bullet or two then drawing nearer to one another they pull out their Japan Scymiters and fight so long till one or other of them leaving the Field betakes themselves to flight Description of the Japan Wrestlers ¶ BUt besides these strange Customs belonging to their Religion the Japanners have also several bodily Exercises amongst which Wrestling is none of the meanest The place wherein they Wrastle is surrounded with a square Rail about which the Spectators stand and look over it reaching up to their middle on a Hillock under a square Roof supported by four Pillars the Judge of the Field hath his Seat The Wrestlers put their Hair under a Net made in the fashion of a Cap which they draw close and make fast on the Crown of their Heads from whence hangs a small String over their Backs their Bodies from the middle upward are quite Naked onely about their
one eighteen Paces long two broad and of like thickness and make up the number of fourteen hundred The Defences on both sides are adorn'd besides other curiosities with Lyons hewn out of Stone standing upon high Pedistalls This is the form of the Bridge from the City to the Castle but on the other side of the Castle the remaining part is somewhat smaller Bridge Tiensen The Bridge Tiensen near the City Liping made over the River Tanki consists of one Stone Of this kind of wonderful Stone China it self is able to produce more than all the rest of Asia Europe Africa and America therefore we may easily guess from whence the Japanners learn'd the building of artificial Bridges ¶ THe Netherland Ambassadors leaving the City Jonda got about the Evening beyond the handsom Village Firaskatta and about two a Clock in the Morning to Osacca These wild Saints are in great esteem with the Japanners generally spending their time amongst sick and dead Persons with whom they sit whole Nights muttering in their holy Language which differs quite from the common Japan Tongue without ceasing their Prayers to reconcile the Sick and Dead with their gods Amida Xaca Canon or any other Idol which in their life and prosperity they served A large Description of the strong Castle in Osacca ¶ THe Ambassadors Frisius and Brookhurst being got to Osacca went and addressed themselves on the third of May to the Governor and Commander of the Castle to present them according to the Custom with several Presents By which means they had an opportunity to view the Fortress being three Leagues in the outermost Circumference it stands about two Mile to the Southward of Osacca on a Hill belonging to the City so that it looks down on all the other Buildings and is the glory of the Province of Osacca for here the richest Merchants reside the meanest of which commonly poffess thirty thousand Crowns The Castle is built of blew Stone rarely polish'd and each a Fathom long the Walls are rais'd to an equal heighth Depth and breadth of the Moats The Retinue of the Netherland Ambassadors relate That standing on the Edges of the Walls and looking down on the Moat their Eyes dazled that being also exceeding deep The Ground of the outmost Trench being cover'd with three and thirty Foot Water is three hundred and ninety broad The same depth hath the inner Moat but wants a hundred and forty in breadth Who made the Castle Osacca so big and why None hath bestowed more Cost and Charges towards the building of this Castle making it the eighth wonder of the World than the Emperor Taicosama who falling sick in Fissima troubled himself exceedingly for his young Son Fideri his sole design being to settle him in the Throne and make him Monarch of the Japan Empire Amongst many other cunning and subtile Inventions to bring the foremention'd Design to pass he caus'd the Castle of Osacca to be made much larger and more invincible whilst his Sickness grew daily to a greater heighth he set thousands at work to finish this new Structure Within the Walls stood above seventeen thousand Houses which in three days time were all pull'd down the Rubbish every one was commanded on forfeiture of their Goods to carry away in four and twenty hours Those whose Houses were pull'd down had Ground provided in a spacious Field to build on according to the Marks made by Surveyors in a direct Line The new City went on with no less speed than the enlarged Castle about which Taicosama was exceedingly concern'd sending Messenger after Messenger to forward the Work He had by this time chosen five Councellors of State who with Ongoschio should be Guardians of Fideri binding them all by Oath That when Fideri came to be fifteen years old they should Crown him Emperor but because his Decease might occasion some Insurrection the Japan Kings being ambitious of higher Authority he thought if convenient to get them out of their own Provinces and by securing so disenable them to which purpose the Castle in Osacca was the most convenient Place whether they were commanded to remove their Courts from Fissima The Charges of so great a removal were born by Taicosama Civil War in Japan But though Taicosama had order'd all things with so much prudence before his Death yet notwithstanding soon after all Japan was turmoil'd in a Civil War The Councellors of State took up Arms against Ongoschio who being Conqueror in a Field-Battel march'd with his victorious Army to Osacca where the Castle that being nobly stor'd with all manner of Ammunition and Necessaries might have endur'd the greatest Siege imaginable was by the cowardly Commander thereof Morindono treacherously deliver'd up that otherwise would have proved an invincible Fort. Description of the mighty Out-works of the Castle Osacca After which time Fideri kept a most magnificent Court there but was at last set upon by his Father-in-law Daifusama and burnt with the innermost Castle which Loss at last was renew'd and made good for the Edifice was re-built much costlier than before according to the splendor in which at present to admiration it may be seen The Out-work is rais'd from the bottom of the Moat with gray Stone a Foot above the Ground and built with Inlets according to the Bulwarks Near the three Gates they appear higher and higher and the Stone-Walls about the Moat rise above the Water a hundred and eighty three Foot on whose top stand Breast-works of Clay Plaister'd on both sides with Mortar The chiefest Fortifications have on their Out-points large Towers three Stories high made of Stone two of the Stories have peculiar Roofs that jet over the Walls but the uppermost is smaller yet the Chambers are very pleasant and convenient to discover any Enemy at great distance In these Towers being sixteen in number lies an incredible store of all manner of Ammunition as Darts Armor Helmets Shields Javelins Battel-Axes Swords Pikes Daggers large Knives Skeans Match Bandileers Bowes Mortar-Pieces Builets Musquets Fire-hooks and other Japan Arms. The Way towards the Gate of the Castle after what manner To the chiefest Gate leads a Cawsie made over the Moat on both sides fortifi'd with a Stone-Defence joynd to the Out-works and reaches to the top of the Wall being even with the Gate whose Square is cover'd with a Roof that runs taporing behind and before Passing through this Porch you enter into a Quadrangular Court on all sides Fenced with a high Wall on the left-side stands a great Tower and within on the righ-side of the Entry through the Gate a fair Watch-house from hence a Way leads under the Tower through an Entry into a spacious Court on the left-side thereof is a long square Inlet whose Entrance inwardly faces the interior Castle An Inlet in the Castle full of Palaces Here are divers Palaces which Taicosama caus'd to be built forcing the Japan Princes to remove thither They are
the Decks unstow'd Nay if there blow a contrary Wind and a Storm yet they must away so soon as their Ammunition is brought aboard again If the Seamen are not quick in weighing their Anchors immediately a hundred Soldiers are sent to every Ship to cut their Cables and carry them out beyond the Priest-Mountain whether it be Night or Day making no distinction In the like hurry the Ambassadors Frisius and Brookhurst came from Japan and at last arriv'd safe in Holland A Second and Later DISCOURSE Concerning the EMPIRE OF JAPAN Japan Kingdoms JAPAN divided into five Provinces viz. Jamaystero Jetsengo Jetsesen Quanti and Ochio besides Saykok and Chiekok therein reckons these several Kingdoms according to Peter Davity that is Nangato Inami Suno Isxumi or Juxumi Aqui Foqui Inaba Bichu Mimazaca Fatima Tanqueina Tamba Tango Barosa Xamixiro Xamato Inzumo Quiy Jechigen Bonni Inga Xma Ixe Mino Cangan Noto Jetchu Fitaqui Ximano Boari Micava Cay Jenchingo Deva Chaneuque Tuttomu Furanga Izu Mucazi Ximonojuque Sangamie Xila Bungo Figen Arima Omura Saxuma or Sucuma Fingo Chicugen Chicungo Buigen Tosa or Tonsa Quiloo Aba or Ava Sanoqui or Samuqui Ho or Hyo besides the Islands Sado Voqui Ceuxima Iqua Abagi and Iniunoxima each of which makes also a Kingdom Chief Cities in Japan Nangato hath for its Metropolis the City Amanguei bordering the Sea and reckons ten thousand Houses The chief City of Mino is Guefu and also Funamaca of the Kingdom Boari The Kingdoms that lye Northerly belonging to Saykok are Buge Figen and Chichugen the Southern Fiunga or Finga Bonzumi or Ozumi Saxuma Bungo and Chungo Finga is divided betwixt two Lords the first Governs over Emacusa and the other over Xiqui But as the Dominion of Nangato is oftentimes call'd by the Name of its Metropolis Amanguei so also for the same Reasons the Kingdom Bonni is call'd Concor in which is very famous the strong Castle Saojama Moreover the Islands Firando and Goto belong to Saykok The Kingdom of Bungo boasts besides other eminent Places the Towns Vozuqui or Uzuqui Funay and the Fort Ximabara Next to Bungo joyns the Territory Figen famous for its Metropolis Riosoge The Dominion Arima borrows its denomination from the chief City besides which are also the Towns Arye Ximaga Canzula Chingia Saigo and Facirao This Realm Arima is by an In-let of the Sea commonly call'd The Bay of Arima divided from Fingo whose most eminent Cities are Uto Cateuxiro Nonzuy Consura Tondo Xiqui Catatinova Fondi and Amacusa The Metropolis of Omura is also call'd by the same Name as the whole Realm besides which there are the Towns Coru and Sonuguy Saxuma is famous for the City Cangoxima Mye and the Invincible Castle Cogiro Chicugen contains the eminent City Facata inhabited by many rich Merchants and also the Towns Chinsuchi and Xataqua In Chicungo stands the great City Corumi fortified with a strong Castle In Quiloo Osacca In Quanto the Imperial Residence Jedo In Caquinay that famous City Meaco Unlimited Power of the Japan Kings ¶ EVery King hath an unlimited Power within his own Territories only such as are too much oppress'd may appeal to the Emperor for Justice Nay every Master hath the same Authority over his Servants and every Father over his Children and yet all Persons even the Kings themselves are in such subjection under the Emperor that he doth with them what he pleases So that the Subjects must do what their Governors are desirous to have them and expect to be put to death when they think fit Pride of the Japan Nobles ¶ NO Persons whatsoever are so ambitious of Honor so high-minded and proud as the Japanners for not only their Kings but Cunixes that is Dukes and Tones which are like our European Barons nay ordinary Noblemen account themselves too good to answer any one with Words scorning almost to give the least Signal by Beck or Nod for what they would have to be done but sometimes write it down in Paper not valuing in the least to be belov'd nor fearing to be hated by their Subjects When any Person is remov'd by the Emperor from one Command to another his Subjects are always remov'd with him It seldom happens that the Crown remains long in one Family because for small occasions according to the Emperors pleasure they are deliver'd to others Not. Pol. It seems strange which Justus Lipsius relates of the Japan Emperors that at their Coronation they promise by Oath Strange Oath of the Japan Emperors To provide Necessary Rains and Sun-shine and also to prevent Storms and Floods hurtful to the Plants ¶ IN the more barren parts of Japan the Inhabitants are valianter than elsewhere Firando and Goto produce much Salt which they barter for Rice The Breeding of their Children in Japan The Japanners breed up their Children not only mildly but very prudently for if they should cry whole Nights they endeavor to silence them by fair means without the least snapping or using hard Language to them Before their Youths come to be seven years old they put them out to School where being tutor'd by the Bonzi they learn to Write and read till they are fourteen of which their Writing is the most troublesom Strange manner of Wriâ—â—â—g having four several sorts of Characters which differ not onely in shape but signification some Letters and Words being us'd in Writing to Noble-men others to the Common-people one Form of Speech in their Verses and a far differing Dialect in Prose The Teaching of Youth 〈◊〉 what manner Their Teaching is perform'd without rashness for there is no Japanner that will do any thing by foul means But they provoke the Children with Honor to strive one against another which seeming to be born in them they seek with their utmost Endeavors to exceed one another in Learning In their twelfth year they begin to wear Swords How they wear their Hair The Hair of their Foreheads the Children pull out with a pair of Pinchers the Burgesses half their Hair the Noblemen shave their Heads quite bare leaving a Tuft behind as a sign of his Nobility if they differ about Buying or Selling Commodities their Children decide the difference Japanners are very mannerly ¶ ABove all things it is much to be admir'd to see the Noble and Ignoble Citizens and Rusticks Youth and Age so mannerly and of a civil Deportment and Carriage as if they had been bred in an Emperors Court They abstain from Beef and Mutton as the Europeans do from Horse-flesh feeding most on Rice Fish and Venison and are very Moderate in all things to prolong their Lives and indeed they attain to a great and healthful Age. Live long Women with Child destroy their Fruit Child-bearing women destroy their fruit when they have not wherewithal to bring up their Children the Bonzies not accounting such Murder for Sin They have not the least Pity or Compassion on Strangers
often testifi'd Whereupon the Hollanders were carry'd to their new Lodgings being not a little frighted to fee their Lodging Room seem more like a Prison than otherwise but soon after the Master of the House and his Family bidding them welcome and withal giving them some Wines they were again comforted Hither the two Interpreters came to them proffering their Service to them to give a Letter in private to the Ambassador Elserak Schaep and Byleveld were a long time doubtful what to do in this Affair whether or no they durst repose so much confidence in them Lastly They ventur'd to advise Elserak in a Letter that which they had suffer'd concerning their Voyage to Tartary when being busie about finishing the same Orders came from the Magistrates that the Hollanders must instantly appear in the usual Court But the Counsel not sitting they return'd home without being heard Of Osacca ¶ OSacca bears in a Square Field a Wild Bores-Head of Gold above which stands the Emperors Arms four Silver Blocks plac'd sloaping towards the four Corners of the Field and distinguish'd by the Marks of the Emperors chief Governors of the Castle City and Haven of Osacca The Seal of Miaco is eight Square Miaco hath in the middle a Half-Moon on the left side the Japan Flower call'd Toxanpinang and on the right a Snails Shell underneath stand three Stars on the top of the Shell are the Dayro's Arms and below it the Emperors Quano Quano a known City lying at the Bay of the Japan Sea where the Ferry is to Mia uses for a Seal three round Balls and as many long Blocks in a round Field mix'd one among the other about the Edges are the Marks of the Governor two Deputies and two of the Councel Saccai hath a Scollop'd Flag Saccai the Ground of the Arms a dark Green distinguish'd by Golden Flames a White Space five Square made in the Flag close to the Stick represents a Semi-Circle parted in the middle the one half White the other Black surrounded by the Emperors Arms but separated by three round O's and the City Mark. The use of Seals and Coat of Arms is very ancient ¶ IT seems that Signets or Arms whether in Flags for Ornaments or on Stamps or in Rings to Seal Writings withal are very ancient Cicero relates in his Disputation against Cataline That shewing Seal'd Letters to Lentulus He ask'd him if he knew the Seal Which Seals the Romans made of Wax but the People in little Asia of Chalk which in the Island of Crete now call'd Candy is very plentiful from whence Chalk in several Languages borrows its Denomination But these kind of Seals are much older than the ancientest Romans for Thamar receiv'd a Seal Ring from Judah Gen. 38.18 as a Pledge of Payment for his enjoying her Moses also saith thus of Joseph Gen. 41.42 And Pharaoh took off his Ring from his Hand and put it on Joseph's Hand that as a Chancellor he might with the Kings Seal seal his Letters Hesychius and Isaac Tzetzes relate That the oldest Lacedemonians us'd to Seal with pieces of Wood eaten by Worms before the Art of Ingraving was invented Hollanders are again brought before the Japan Judgen ¶ THe Hollanders being brought back to their new Lodgings had but little rest for the next day the Interpreters Tosaymon and Manykebe conducted them to the place of Audience without Jedo before the inner Gate the Prisoners stood still except Schaep and Byleveld who being commanded to enter were amaz'd at the stateliness of an exceeding pleasant Garden through which they were led At the end thereof was the Entrance into a Princely Hall wherein was a most artificial Gallery where the Councellors sat in such splendid State that no European Princes might compare to them So soon as the Hollanders approach'd they were commanded to kneel Sicungodonne as before gave the Word saying You Captain and Merchant shall in this instant speak the Truth for if Elserak's Relation who is hourly expected here doth not agree with yours you shall no way escape the most cruel Tortures Schaep reply'd Nothing hath been said to our knowledge but what is truth and we will at present give you a further account concerning what your Honors please to demand of us New Examinations of Sicungodonne Whereupon Sicungodonne ask'd them the following Questions Do you not know the Goods shewn you by the Gentleman Bongyo in your Inn the eighth and ninth of this Month Have you also not seen the Ship on the North of Japan out of which those Goods were exchang'd What did you think that she stood to the East when the Wind favor'd to go from the Northern Coast of Japan to Jacatra Lastly he ask'd If they could not guess to what place those Ships belong'd which some days ago sail'd along the Coast of Satsammoo Byleveld's Answer Byleveld answer'd Concerning the Goods which were shewn to us we have so much knowledge of them that the like is aboard our Ship Breskens but because we know not that an Exchange was made between the Seamen belonging to her and the Japanners therefore we believe that the Goods came out of Castrecom which we judge to have been cast away in May by a Storm which arose in the Night before an unknown Land The said Ship stood to the East the easier to Weather the South-East Point of Japan and so to shorten their Voyage judging the Wind always to blow good in that Latitude in the middle of September But concerning the two Ships they could not say any thing of them for a certainty but that perhaps they might be Castrecom and Breskens both returning to Batavia by reason of the Imprisonment of their Chief Commanders More strange Questions To the foremention'd Questions Sicungodonne added the following Can you Captain and Merchant give no Relation concerning the Forces consisting of Land and Seamen which the Prince of Orange sent for Aid to the King of Portugal Why they mutinied for want of Pay and so occasion'd a Civil War Have you no Advice concerning the Event thereof Do the Hollanders not sell the Portuguese Commodities What signifie those Crosses and several Strokes with which the Wrappers of the Dutch Packs are mark'd Are there no Ave-Maries nor Woodden Crosses found in the Dutch Ships Byleveld's Answer ByleVeld answer'd again The Entertainment of the Dutch Forces in Portugal and their Transactions there was not known in Batavia when we came from thence neither are the Portuguese so much at Peace with the Hollanders as to sell one anothers Commodities Moreover the Crosses and Marks on the several Packs and Bales signifie nothing else than the Arms of the Holland Towns in which the inclos'd Goods are to be had Lastly the Woodden Crosses and Ave-Maries belong to the Roman Church and therefore they never carried them in their Ships Byleveld had no sooner ended but Sicungodonne ask'd again Is said he your God the
Emperor like Slaves Between the two outward Pillars come one half Year all the Kings that inhabit the West part of Japan and the other those of the East and one by one throw themselves down with rich Presents on the second Step upwards that leads to the Throne For by three Steps you ascend to a square place whose utmost Corners bear the two foremost Pillars Right forward rise the Steps which ascend to the Throne which being seven in number are all cover'd with rich Tapestry By the King that lyes with his Face flat on the Ground are two of his Nobility in the same posture on the first Step and behind them the Kings Private Guard-Man lies in the humblest posture that may be No Japan King how powerful soever he be may bring into the Emperors Inner Court above three Servants The Emperors Apparel The Emperor sits in a Suit embroider'd with Gold with his Leggs cross-ways under him This Coat which covers his Under-Garment is clasp'd together a little below his Chin and the rest open before so that the Lappets thereof hang on each side of his Breeches Between the gaping of it appears a broad Girdle stifned with Gold and beset with Pearls and Diamonds On his Head he wears a little Golden Crown which rises aloft with three spiring tops Japan Government how ¶ BY this Splendor and State may easily be judg'd the ground of the Japan Government namely To bring the Power of the Empire into one sole Monarchs Hands of whom all Persons are in fear Their Emperor never appears but he is dreaded for his Power and reverenc'd for his Magnificent Splendor which so dazzles the Eyes of the Beholders that no Subject nay Prince or King that doth not fear and tremble at his Authority much less dare they offer to Plot or Rebel against him And indeed who would not be terrified where the Sword being drawn punishes the least Offence offer'd against the Supreme Power and destroys not onely the Malefactor and his whole Family but his Relations to the third Generation Who would not be afraid of such a Commander before whom the powerfullest Kings in Japan fall down on the Earth So that Japan is by his Strictness and great Power kept in good Order whereas otherwise these People are subtile and stout enough to plot and undertake great Designs and in their Performance to undergo the greatest Torments and look upon the cruellest Deaths Joy wish'd to the releas'd Hollanders ¶ AFter the Imprison'd Hollanders were by Sicungodonne discharg'd in the Emperors Name they receiv'd Order to go to the place where they waited first being wish'd Joy for their happy deliverance by Poechennemondonne besides other Persons of Quality that attended the Court. Lastly the Ambassador Elserak's Retinue came also to wish them Joy and desir'd them all in his Name and likewise the Merchant Paul Cornelison Veer to go to the Dutch Inn whilst he took leave of some of the Council to wash away the Sorrows they had suffer'd during their Imprisonment in Jedo Elserak's Journey from Jedo to Nangesaque ¶ THe four and twentieth of December Elserak went with his releas'd Hollanders out of Jedo and riding that day seven Leagues lodg'd in Cawasacca From thence he travell'd as followeth From Cawasacca through Cammagowa Fundaga Taska where he din'd Fovissauwa Tamra Banio and Firaski he came against the Evening to Oiso being twelve Leagues Journey Going from thence he found a troublesom way through the Mountain Toukery so that he travell'd scarce six Leagues and lodg'd in Odauro a stately City at the Foot of that Mountain The next day he went as far again For after having din'd in Faukeney where on the hanging of the Mountain lies the pleasant Village Faccone he came late in the Evening through Jammakak and Scabary to Missima From Missima he travell'd to Nomatz and from thence through Farri Jussiwarri over the River Fisicaw to Cambaro where he refresh'd himself and viewing Ini and Okis staid at Jesares having travell'd thirteen Leagues that day Then they view'd the famous City Surunga the Town Miriko the Villages Ocambe Tovisjeda and Simanda and crossing over the River Oyengauwa lodg'd in Kaneia Elserak's Journey farther Next day the Ambassador Mr. Elserak travell'd along the Foot of the Mountain Comi whose Top is crown'd with lofty Cedars and saw in the way as he pass'd the Villages Nisaca and Kakingow refresh'd himself at Foucorai saw many Rarities at Mitske and Nagaisum lost some time before he could be Feried over the River Terni met with divers Woods and Forests between Terni and Tannama where staying a Night he went by Day-break to the Villages Meisacca Arei Straski and Itagawa and dining in Arei he afterwards view'd the beautiful City Josinda Then leaving Astanamica on the left Hand he travell'd through Goi and staid that Night at Accosacci On the first of January Anno 1644. going on forwards the first Village he came to was Fuitzawa from whence he came to the great City Occosacki so passing on through the Villages Siriomi and Narromi to Mia This City lying in a Bay of the South-Sea is very Populous and hath many stately Buildings Opposite to it lies Quano where he rested and afterwards went through the Villages Tonuda Jokeitz Owaka Oiebakits Zono Isacuts the City Cammiammy and lodg'd after having travell'd eleven Leagues at Siceonosiro Then he Posted thirteen Leagues further and by the way saw the pleasant Village Sacca Ferried over at Jocatangauwa to Sintzamma scituate on the Shore of the River and having pass'd by the Foot of the Mountain Coetsekajamma din'd at Minacutz from whence travelling on he pass'd another Ferry at Jacatungauwa and so through the Village Itzibe came and staid a Night in Cusatz shaded in the middle of a pleasant Grove through which he rode to the River Osacci which brought him into the great Lake of Meaco on whose Shore in the middle of a Bay lies Jesi a considerable City and about two Miles further on a Promontory Oets border'd by the foremention'd Lake In Oets he eat fresh Cod whose taste agreed with those in England and Holland Towards Evening Elserak enter'd the City Fissima famous for the stately Palace in which the Emperor Taicosama kept his Court. Taking Shipping at Fissima he left Meaco and sailing by Sonda saw Achas on the right side and Firaskatta on the left and at last landed at Osacca sixteen Leagues distant from Fissima So that Elserak in twelve days time had travell'd a hundred and forty Leagues for so far Jedo lies distant from Osacca The redeem'd Hollanders also spent twelve days in going a hundred thirty two Leagues from Namboe to Jedo But Elserak staid six days in Osacca ¶ NOt far from this City as generally through all Japan were seen several Burying-places or Tombs on which the Japanners bestow great Cost and Charges as indeed most People do in Europe Wherefore the Heathens accounted them barbarous that misus'd
dead Corps Of which the Greek and Latin Writers accuse the Lotophagi The strange Dealings and Cruelty of some People us'd to their dead Corps which threw their Dead without Chests or Coffins into the Sea judging it to be all one if they rotted in the Earth or whether they were consum'd by Fire or decay'd in the Water The Sabeans cast their deceased Friends nay their Kings dead Bodies on the Dunghils The Taxili Iberi and Brachmans gave departed Corps to the Crows and Ravens to eat This Custom also was observ'd by the Barchaei but onely to Valiant Men that were slain in the Wars Those that died a natural Death they burnt The Parthians gave the Flesh of the Dead to Dogs onely burning the Bones The Hyrcanians in their Life-time bred up great Mastiffs that when they died they might be eaten by them The Essedons brought their departed Friends Bodies out at their Doors where calling their nearest Relations together they cut the Corps asunder so mixing and boyling it amongst Sheeps Flesh they eat it as a Solemn Funeral Feast The Massagetes carbonado'd their Dead also and eat them The ancient Jeren accounted it Religious to feed upon the Flesh of their Deceas'd Friends Parents and Relations The Dervices slew all their Men and Women before their Altars when they came to seventy years of age The Hyperboreans made Feasts for their dead Bodies hanging Garlands about their Necks at last throwing them from the Rocks into the Sea On the Island Code those that attain'd to sixty years were forc'd to drink Poyson because their Provisions should not grow scarce The Caspians so soon as their Fathers and Mothers were seventy years old lock'd them into a Chamber or drove them to desolate and uninhabited Wildernesses that there they might die of Hunger Remarkable Ceremonies us'd about the burning of Beasts ¶ BUt although these People wanted Humanity acting such unnatural things with their Dead yet others have bestow'd vast Charges on their Funerals nay some have not stuck with prophaneness to erect Monuments for their Beasts of which Lacys was one who with great Ceremony Entomb'd a Goose that whilst it liv'd would not go from him Alexander the Great made a sumptuous Feast at the Death of his Horse Bucephalus The Emperor Angustus and after him Adrianus and Commodus built every one for their dead Horses a stately Marble Tomb. Cimon and Xantippus famous Generals amongst the Greeks Interr'd their Dogs with Funeral Ceremonies And nothing was more usual and common amongst the Egyptians than to take dead Cats Crowes and Cranes and having Salted and Imbalm'd them to wrap them in fine Linnen and in a Coffen Interre them Japan toomes or burning places Of Men. Yet far greater Cost was bestow'd on the Burying of Men. How famous is the Tomb which Artemisia erected for her deceas'd Husband Mausolus The Stones thereof were all Marble it contain'd in the Circumference four hundred and eleven Foot and five and twenty in Height surrounded by twenty six curiously ingraven Pillars The famous Architects Scopas Briar Timotheus and Leocares had scarce finish'd every one their Parts when Artemisia died after having burnt the Bones of her Husband to Powder and drank them up and spent all her Revenues on the before-mention'd Structure Who hath not heard of the famous Pyramids which were the Burying-places for the Kings of Egypt of which three are yet remaining The greatest is square and runs up sloaping yet on the top so broad that there may stand fifty Men The breadth from one corner to another at the bottom being three hundred twenty four Paces and rising aloft with two hundred and fifty Steps every Step five Foot high and each Foot nine Inches long At each of the four Corners is a low Descent to which none can go but stooping Peter Belloon relates That he found this Pyramid Anno 1548. built within after this manner Creeping through a narrow Passage with a Wax Candle in his Hand he came into an empty Room where turning on the left Hand they found a spacious Place to which a curious Gallery led the way The Gallery was pav'd with great Free-stones curiously polish'd without Steps so that he was forc'd to support himself by the Rails on both sides after which manner he ascended sixteen Paces at the end of which appear'd a handsom square Chamber in which stood a Chest of twelve Foot long five high and as many broad without a Cover hewn out of one entire piece of black Marble wherein the Egyptian King lay Interr'd that built this Pyramid Besides these he found several other Apartments and also a Well fill'd with Stones Moreover the Athenians made so much ado about the Burying of their Dead that they condemn'd ten Commanders because they neglected to do that Office to two departed Soldiers The Hebrews neglected not to bury their Enemies The famous Roman Orator Paulus accounts it Death for those that dig up dead Bodies out of the Ground Alexander the Great kept so magnificent a Funeral in Babylon for Hephestion that the Charges amounted to six hundred Tun of Gold Furthermore the Ancients bestow'd great Sums of Money on Pillars Images Coffins Imbalmings and other strange Ornaments with which they adorn'd the Burying-places every one according to his Capacity This ancient Custom is yet observ'd amongst the Japanners Japanners burn their Dead where the Bodies being burnt after the Roman manner they lay the Ashes under stately Tombs It is certain that the Romans have not always burnt their Dead for their ancient Law commanded Bury none in the City nor burn none Cornelius Sylla a Roman General was the first that order'd his Body to be burnt fearing some might out of revenge do to him what he had done to Marius whose Bones he digg'd up and threw into the River Anienis After that the Romans us'd only Funeral Pyres which Custom decay'd and became void in the Emperor Antoninus his Reign he commanding again That the Dead should be buried in great State and have costly Tombs erected over them Their remarkable and strange Ceremonies used about the Dead The Roman Pride in those Affairs the Japanners have taken an exact Pattern by for when a Person dies they set the Corps on a Bier with his Head bow'd forwards and his Hands folded together in a praying Posture clad in White over which hangs a Paper Coat pasted together whereon is written the Religion of that Idol whom the deceas'd honor'd and worshipp'd In this posture four Men carry it out of the City to the Fire then a great number of his Relations and Friends which attended the Corps stand round about the Fire and call a whole Hour together on the Name of the Idol whether Amida Xaca Canon or any other to whose Service in his Life-time the Departed was most devote whilst the Bonzies play making a horrible noise by striking on Copper Kettles and Basons The Pit wherein the Fire is made is square hung
their Breath squeez'd out of their Bodies and others crawling over all Mean while the Fire approach'd the Sparks and Smoak whereof was ready to choak them Nay the Smoke so darkned the City that the Afternoon seem'd rather to be midnight onely now and then the Sun pierc'd through the thick ascending Cloud and the Night seem'd to come on six Hours too soon None could have known whether to have fled had not the Flame lighted them And the horrible Cry of those that were in danger calling to others that were somewhat safer to fly further enough to deafen the Hearing Wagenaer and his Retinue found themselves straitned on all sides Before them the Street was fill'd with Goods and Men that lay heap'd one upon another On one side the Flame had pass'd them on the other it went somewhat farther from them behind the Fire pursu'd them very closely whilst they stood in a thick Smoke full of innumerable Sparks which were driven by the North Wind like Flakes of Snow The Fronts of Houses sometimes tumbling forwards into the Street so covering in a glowing Grave both Men and Goods which by reason of the Throng could not get away Sometimes falling sidelong or inwards they seem'd to cover the Flame so as at present to keep it from seeking any farther Food Here crack'd the Wainscots and Partitions which suddenly taking Fire hastned the ruine of the Floors and Walls The Roofs cover'd with little Wooden Shingles generally took Fire first unless sometimes one House burning set fire of another either about the middle or the bottom There the Timber and whole Stories tumbled down yonder great Splinters of burning Wood flew into the Streets in another place the Roofs fell through into their Cellars elsewhere the Ground was shaken by falling Towers These kind of Falls and several Blows would have been more distinctly heard had not the miserable Cry of Young and Old or those that lay scorching in the Flames or fear'd being burnt deadned the sound thereof It may easily be guess'd in what an exigence of danger the Holland Ambassador was with his Retinue which they perceiving at last strove to save themselves by helping one another over the Heaps of Goods and Lumber So stepping over Men Chests and all things that lay in their way to get farther and farther out of the Press and breaking through Fences Pales and Walls In which Work had not the Bonjoisen and the Interpreters been great Assistants to them none of the Hollanders had escap'd with Life from the Fire At last getting into an open place not without extraordinary danger they went to seek for shelter against the cold Night They judg'd it convenient to go to Joffiesamma his Palace but the Way thither being exceedingly crowded the Ambassador Wagenaer went to the Lord of Firando's House being not far distant from them Wagenaer can sind no Lodging Their Request of Lodging there was modestly denied notwithstanding the said Lord was indebted a considerable Sum to the East-India Company which had not yet been demanded of him After this Wagenaer went to four places more but could not be admitted So that walking most part of the Night to and again in Jedo he got at last Westward out of the City Gâ—ts out of Jedo into a Hut near the River where he knock'd at the Hut of a poor Rustick who gave him leave to come in but found neither Fire nor Candle Mean while it froze exceeding hard and soon after several that were fled from the Fire came also thither and inform'd Wagenaer that half an Hour after his departure the Hollanders Inn was laid in Ashes The next day views the Fire At day-break Wagenaer went again into the City where he found all the South part of Jedo lying in Ashes and the Fire raging with more fierceness than the day before the Flame about Noon taking hold of the Emperors Castle Here the great Gates were burnt from the Hinges Half the Watch-houses tumbling into the Moats were there quench'd and the remaining part thereof became Fewel for the Fire About the Evening the Imperial Palace also began to kindle The Flame never appear'd more terrible The Palace is burnt than when it blazed out of the high Turrets for it seem'd to threaten the Sky This Spoil went on so ragingly that the Emperor and his Council had scarce time to secure themselves in the Play-houses built on the North side of the Castle In two days time the Imperial City lay all in Ashes above a hundred thousand Houses being burnt to the Ground Wagenaer searches for his melted Silver The fourth of March Wagenaer requested of the chief Bonjois that he would be pleas'd to order some of the Soldiers that attended the Embassy to search if they could find any Silver under the burnt Goddon The Bonjois approving of it provided him Men with which Wagenaer and Verschuren went to the place where the Hollanders Inn stood Approaching the City of which nothing remain'd but the Eastern and Western Suburbs he saw with admiration as far as possible he could discern a great Plain smoaking in several Places where two days before had stood a little World of Houses the Ground heap'd with whole and half-burnt Timber and abundance of Ashes according as the Building had been greater or lesser All the Ways far and near miserable to behold which but a little before were adorn'd with Habitations for above a Million of Souls stately Palaces fair Towers sumptuous Temples and the Imperial Castle no ways inferior to all Amsterdam Now nought but a bare Wall surrounded the Plain whereon Jedo the Metropolis of Japan stood but eight and forty Hours before The Ambassador could scarce go ten Paces but he saw several strange deform'd Bodies of which some had been squeez'd flat under the Timber of Houses some stifled in the Smoke and others had their Limbs burnt off and not a few were so strangely handled by the Flames that it was impossible to know them by what Limbs they had left In some places they lay three or four one upon another being either crowded to death smother'd scorch'd or burnt In the Street along which they pass'd to the Hollanders Inn the Ambassador Wagenaer told above three thousand dead Corps At one of the outmost Points of Jedo lies a corner of the City that is separated from the other by strong Walls and great Gates Thither a great number fled thinking they should there be safe wherefore those within lock'd the Gates But it was not long before the Flame took hold of those Houses that stood along the Walls so that in that small place above eight hundred were destroy'd besides the Emperors Prisoners that were carried thither The Japanners reckon'd the number of those that died by that Calamity Above a hundred thousand People burnt to be above a hundred thousand Wagenaer accompanied with twenty Bonjoises Verschuren and Ginnemon whose House within three Years had been twice burnt came to
Tower but also all the Presents amounting to several Tun of Gold which the King's Daughter had receiv'd from the Mandarins This Image representing the Deceased was placed in the chiefest Temple to be worshipp'd and such a kind of Image stands in the great Temple in Saccai Wagenaer's farther Journey to Jedo ¶ WAgenaer having Sail'd past Saccai came on the seventeenth of March to Osacca where he found Provision exceeding dear and scarce occasion'd by a great Storm which had spoil'd all the Corn about the Courttrey so that the Carriage of Goods on Pack-horses amounted to much more than at other times Wagenaer presented the Governor Faitosamona and Tambesamma who furnish'd him with thirty Men to carry the two Bengael Oxen and their Carrs Whilst Wagenaer spent five days in Osacca preparing all things necessary for his Journey by Land news came from Meaco that forty Streets were burnt down in that City and not a few of the Inhabitants destroy'd by the Flame Description of the City Jonda From Osacca Wagenaer took his Journey through Firaskatta to Jonda which is a small Town lying in the Territory Jamaisiro at the River which runs through Osacca and lies eight Leagues distant from thence There is scarce any Place in Japan that for pleasantness surpasseth Jonda for if you look for curious Buildings here are stately Turrets large Churches and very neat Houses the Windows are clos'd with bright glittering Shutters their Chambers are bigger or less according to their several Partitions the Walls painted with all manner of Imagery on gilded Paper and edg'd above below and on all sides with black wax'd Ledges the Doors of the standing Partitions are also adorned like the Walls at the upper end of the Chamber hangs generally a Picture before which stands a Flower-pot which kind of Furniture is us'd in all Japan Near Jonda lies an Imperial Castle surrounded with a Stone Wall raised out of deep Moat within it a stately Palace whose Turret may be seen at a great distance The Countrey about it is Woody on one side and abounds with Deer and wild Boars on the other side appear pleasant Meadows which produce store of Rice and all manner of Plants No Place affords more Swans Geese Ducks Pheasants Pigeons Partridges Woodcocks Quails and all manner of Fowls than this The River yields Breams Place and exceeding good Salmon all which Fish come up the River out of the Sea but those that are taken at Jonda are much better than those which are taken at Osacca It is to be admir'd that their Salmon here though the Heart be cut out will live several hours afterwards and that the Heart cut out dies not till a night and a day after But though this Salmon be acceptable and of a pleasing taste yet the Head thereof is very unwholsom for those that eat much of it are subject to get a Fever Wagenaer arrives at Jedo Wagenaer got on the one and twentieth of March towards the Evening to Meaco and presented there the Grand Judge Mackino Sandosamma from whom he got a free Pass to Jedo where hearriv'd in safety thirteen days after he left Meaco the foul and rainy Weather making the Journey longer than at other times so that the usual time on which the Emperor us'd to give Audience being past the Ambassador was forc'd to stay a considerable time before he could be admitted to the Emperor's Presence Mean while he understood that Sicungodonne had the year before because of his great age given over following all publick Employments and that the Emperor had given his Place to a prime Courtier call'd Hootye Auwanno Cammisamma Yet nevertheless Wagenaer sent an Inventory of all the Presents to Sicungodonne that he might order the dividing of them but the Interpreters went not to Sicungodonne but to Joffiesamma Governor of Nangesaque who Read the Inventory over several times and approv'd at last of the dividing of them onely he would have the Ambassador to add two Pieces of black Cloth to the Emperor's Presents and since Joffiesamma would have it so Wagenaer was forc'd to let the two Pieces of black Cloth go Moreover he judg'd it unhandsom to leave out Sicungodonne notwithstanding he was retir'd from Courtly Employments considering he had been so great a help to the Hollanders on all occasions heretofore Whereupon Wagenaer commanded the Interpreters a second time to give the fore-mention'd Inventory to Sicungodonne but he sent it back without Reading of it and modestly excus'd himself that hence-forward he could not serve them in their Business yet he was satisfi'd that they still acknowledg'd him Sicungodonne's new Successor Hootye Auwanno would not concern himself with the Hollanders this first time therefore they were forc'd to Govern themselves according to Joffiesamma's humors who was a stern and churlish Person Wagenaer found no small trouble about the securing of his Presents for the Inn wherein he Lodg'd being nothing else but a Hut cover'd with Straw having not been re-built since the Fire and indeed all the Houses in Jedo were made after such a manner that it seem'd rather a large Village than a City The Store-house behind the Hollanders Inn lay still buried in Rubbish But Joffiesamma proffer'd Wagenaer his Goddon and a Chamber in the Palace to divide the Presents in when they should be given to the Emperor and although Wagenaer consider'd the removing yet he durst not deny the Proffer but Packing up their Goods sent them thither Mean while there came Orders that the Councellors and Japan Princes were to appear before the Emperor on the eight and twentieth of the new Moon by them call'd Ninguats which time agrees with our ninth and tenth of April Joffiesamma acquainted Wagenaer with it two days before ordering him that he and his Retinue should be in handsom Apparel and come to Court on the appointed day by nine of the Clock in the Morning The day being come Wagenaer rose very early and fetching the Presents from Joffiesamma's House carry'd them to Court where he set them in publick view Appears before the Emperor But that which most troubled him were the Bengael Oxen many hundreds of the Japanners having waited all the day before to see them and indeed they made so great a Crowd that it would have been impossible for him to have gotten through them to prevent which trouble the Oxen that stood in the Hollanders Inn were cover'd with red Flannel with silk Tassels Roses gilded Bells and all manner of Ribbons Before day-break they were led to the Court by the Interpreters where Wagenaer met them at the appointed time he stay'd two hours in the Emperor 's little Palace which stands Westward from the greater in which the Emperor resided since he was burnt out of the biggest two years before What they did with them before the Emperor In the interim Joffiesamma came into the usual Waiting-Hall and taking Wagenaer by the Hand led him through a stately Gallery to the
Jonks which were robb'd the Fact was done by rude Sea-men and without the least knowledge of the Councel at Batavia wherefore the Criminals should be severely punish'd for an example to others Emperors Presents This Answer pleasing the Council exceeding well they caus'd thirty of the Emperors richest Coats to be brought on three long Boards Auwanno said Your Presents O Holland Ambassador are most acceptable to the Emperor wherefore he hath given you these in return and also gives you free leave to go to Nangesaque Which said Wagenaer was by Joffiesamma conducted to the Guard-Hall where he wish'd him much joy of his quick Dispatch and the Emperors Favor and also proffer'd to do him all the Service he could if he requir'd any thing to his Journey Hollanders Presents are not accepted and why Moreover the Kings of Ouwarri Cunocuni and Mito the Emperor's Uncle and also the Councellor Minosamma ask'd for some Strings of Blood-Coral and six Cast of Loopen the form of which was drawn on a piece of Paper and given to Wagenaer Minosamma requir'd also a Perspective-Glass which being accordingly sent was return'd again the same being as he pretended too dark but indeed the fault was in the bad Informations of his Servants who knew not how to use it And just so it was with the costly Book of Plants of Rembert Dodoneus for although the Flowers Trees and Herbs were extraordinary handsom to the Life yet Minosamma sent it back again because he look'd upon the Prints to be too small and not well drawn so desiring a bigger Book and one that was handsomer painted And as little was the Globe esteem'd which with all the Art imaginable was made for the Emperor of Japan in Amsterdam because they knew not the meaning thereof yet some of them could find the chiefest Kingdoms in Europe upon it and pointing to them with their Fingers name them But as for the representation of the Planets they have many strange thoughts for most of them think that certainly such Men and Beasts do invisibly stick to the Clouds others that they inhabit the Heavens Wagenaer's Journey from Jedo to Nangesaque ¶ THirty days Wagenaer spent at Jedo and going out of this Imperial City on the fourth of May he came in fourteen days time safe to Osacca out of whose Haven he set sail the twentieth of the same Month the Wind and Weather favoring him and got to Simonificci where he dropp'd Anchor eight days after he left Osacca The Interpreter and Bonjoises forbad their Pilot to sail into the Straights between Bungo and the Main Coast of Japan towards the Corean Sea layings That the time of the Trade-Wind was gone therefore they should lye longer on the Sea and that they could not possibly get forward the Winds blowing continually against them The Hollanders might according to the Advice of the Council travel over-land to Nangesaque and so chuse a certainty for an uncertainty and they were sure to be safer on Shore than at Sea Yet Wagenaer was doubtful because new Inventions bring new Inconveniencies and Charge wherefore he thought it best to go the usual way by Water and not through Bungo which would increase their Charge that was great enough otherwise Yet it avail'd not that Wagenaer seem'd to dislike the Proposal of the Bonjoises and Interpreters but they went against his will their own way Ferrying over from Simonisicci to the City Cokero lying on Bungo in an Inlet opposite to Simonisicci and landing at Cokero whether Wagenaer would or not he was forc'd to follow them His dangerous Journey though Bungo The Journey was dangerous because of the Rivers which run between the Rocks through which they were forc'd to wade The steep Banks and doubtful Depths made it the more troublesom With these Dangers also came Inconveniences for the Island Bungo otherwise call'd Cikoko is but poorly stock'd from Cokero to Nangesaque so that scarce any thing of the meanest Provisions were to be had there Wagenaer travell'd in that manner five days leaving Jammanganomisacci and Assia on the right hand and passing through the Kingdoms of Facata and Fisen along a dirty way made so by the continual Showrs of Rain that fall there In the City Fisen he refresh'd himself where he got abundance of all manner of Provisions and chiefly was entertain'd with a dainty Fish not unlike a Salmon being taken in the River Day which washes the Castle Daymats Description of the city Fisen and the stately Castle Daymats This Castle is very beautiful to behold The Governor thereof hath a Banquetting-house built in the middle of the River on thick Pillars between which the Stream sets very swift in it are several delightful and spacious Rooms the lowermost jutting Roofs are all adorn'd with Golden Balls underneath them lye several Pleasure-Boats to shelter them from the Weather The Burrough of the Castle Daymats affords a Habitation for the Customers which receive the Custom from the Ships which pass up and down the River and the Revenues of the adjacent Countreys so that there is a continual Concourse of People in this Place not an Hour passing but one or other is carried in a Sedan to the Water-gate others ride thither on Horses some rouling of Packs and Barrels others loading them on Carts drawn by Oxen. Between this Burrough and the River Day lies a Plain very convenient for Landing or Shipping of Goods which are to pay Custom The Burrough it self hath three Gates the chiefest lies on the Shore where the Entrance begins under a Roof with two Trap-doors between two Walls that rise higher and higher to the second Gate made fast in the Wall on each side the top of it appears a little above the Bulwarks These Bulwarks have many Redoubts on some of the outmost of them are square Watch-houses two Stories high within are several fair Houses inhabited by the Customers Lordship and Castle DAâ—MATS Mid-way between the Burrough and the Castle stands a handsom Temple in which the Bonzies daily perform their Service The City Fisen lies for the most part hid in a Valley behind the Castle and appears with several high Temples and Turrets with above twenty thousand lesser Buildings ¶ WAgenaer travelling through the Province Omura left Auwo Tabra Aynoro Oysinucobi Omodakey Nantsjamma Zetta and Focunda on the right hand and came on the second of June five days after he Landed on Cokero to Nangesaque where he had News from Formosa News from Formosa That the Tartars and Coxengans were upon concluding a Peace wherefore he lay before the Nankin Coast to hasten the Confirmation of it There was also News from Tayovan concerning the Chinese Interpreter Cabessa Pingua that privately he demanded the Custom in Coxenga's Name from the Jonks which Traded to Formosa which being known he was committed to Custody and after having receiv'd some small Punishment releas'd but yet was since fled with his Wife and Children to China where
after the Storm blowing afresh they were not able to carry out the least Sail till the Gusts were more favorable mean while the Ship being so miserably toss'd sprung a Leak so that they could scarce keep her free with Pumping sometimes a Sea beat over her in such a manner that the Water could scarce find ways to run out again seeming as if it would sink immediately With these inconveniences came far greater for towards the Evening a Sea wash'd away one of the Galleries and soon after another the Head so loosning the Boltsprit yet they had not been in such great danger had not the Ship rowl'd so extremely and the Seas follow'd one another so suddenly they judg'd it convenient to hale up their Mizin and Sail before the Wind the second Watch they discover'd Land but the Ship in the dark was got within Musquet-shot of the Shore before they could see it the steep Shore suffer'd the Ship to run against a Rock which with three blows broke it into a thousand pieces and of sixty four Men escap'd onely thirty six most of which were miserably wounded by the sharp Rocks those that lay in their Cabbins being tir'd with watching died all amongst those that were sav'd was the Captain Reinier Egbertson of Amsterdam From the Wreck they sav'd one Barrel of Flower one Barrel of Salt-Beef some Pork and a Rundlet of Tent which prov'd very happily for the wounded Moreover they gather'd up as many Pieces of the Ship as would make them a Booth to defend them from the Weather for they knew not in what Countrey they were how call'd or whether inhabited or not because the Skie being Clouded for several days they could take no observation On the second day after they suffer'd Shipwrack they saw a Man whom they beckning to come to them ran away soon after came three other of which one carry'd a Musquet the other two Bows and Arrows which also fled from them but one of the Sea-men running after them unarm'd got some Fire which they wanted extremely Against the Evening their Tent or Booth was surrounded with above a hundred Men wearing Hats made of Horse-hair The next day came a small Army being about two thousand Foot and Horse while the Hollanders were making of a bigger Tent. The Commander of them fetch'd the Book-keeper Henry Haemel with the Pilot Quartermaster Strange usage by the Coreans of thirty six Shiâ—wracked Hollanders and a Boy out of the Booth which were all four thrown down on the Earth before the General at which the whole Army made a kind of strange noise The Hollanders that remain'd in the Tent believ'd certainly that their Companions were put to a miserable death but they us'd them not so cruelly for the Coreans onely put an Iron Chain about their Necks to which a great Bell was made fast under their Chin. Then some of the Officers went into the Booth and had a great deal of Discourse which the Hollanders understood not but they signifi'd to them that they intended to go to Japan but suffering Shipwrack they were come ashore there to save themselves The Chineses look'd upon those Goods which they had sav'd and finding onely a little Meal Salt-Beef and Pork they brought some Rice boyl'd in Water which was a great refreshment Not long continu'd their joy that they were not in a barren Countrey for whilst they were eating a great many of the Soldiers came running towards their Tent every one holding a Rope in his hand which made the Hollanders think that they should be bound and kill'd but this fear soon vanish'd when the Coreans ran with all speed towards the Wreck every one laboring to hale the Wood ashore which burning they carry'd the Iron away In the interim the Pilot taking an observation found that it was Quelpaerds-Island where they had lost their Ship and were in thirty three Degrees and thirty two Minutes Latitude Moreover the Coreans still busied themselves in haling ashore the Pieces of the Wreck and burning it for the Iron and lastly they set the whole Wreck on Fire which might have cost them dear for two Brass-Guns deeply loaden went off but it so hapned that the Muzzles of them lay towards the Sea this Blow struck such a fear amongst them that every one fled and coming to the Hollanders desir'd to know of them if it would do the like again but they informing that there were no more Guns that were Charged in the Ship they went on with their work Moreover the Hollanders visited the Governor of Quelpaerds-Isle and presented him with a Bottle of Tent which pleas'd him so well that he became very kind to them sending them boyl'd Rice twice a day and bid them come and see the punishment which would be inflicted on those that had robb'd the wreck'd Vessel The Iron they had stole was tied to their Backs and they themselves laid upon the Ground receiv'd several Drubbings on the Balls of their Feet with a Stick about a Fathom long and as thick as an ordinary Boy 's Arm so beating them unmercifully Their Journey through Quelpaerds-Island After this was over the Hollanders had order to be gone with all their things so travelling with a Guard of Foot and Horse they went that day four Leagues and Lodg'd in a small Town call'd Tadjunch in an old Store-house from thence they went to the City Moggan where the Governor of Quelpaerds keeps his Court here on a great Market place three thousand Armed Men were drawn up in Battel aray The Governor caus'd Henry Hamell with the Pilot and Quartermaster to come to him and ask'd them where they were going at which Hamel cry'd several times Japan and Nangesaque at which the Governor nodding his Head seem'd to understand it The remaining Hollanders were also carry'd four and four to the Governor Examin'd and Lodg'd in a House in which as they afterwards understood the Kings Uncle had a long time been kept Prisoner and at last died there because he endeavor'd to depose his Nephew Every day they had their allowance of boyl'd Rice wheaten Flower and another strange Food which they could not eat wherefore they liv'd most upon Rice The Governor a Man aged about seventy years and of a noble Aspect signifi'd to them that he would Write to the King to know what should be done with them but it would be a considerable time before he could have an Answer for the Place where the King kept his Court was thirteen Leagues over-Sea and above twenty Leagues from Moggan But whilst they waited for it the Hollanders had fresh Meat allow'd them and also leave for six at a time to walk abroad by turns The Governor oftentimes invited them to his Palace bidding them write their Names and cur'd those that were wounded at their Landing and also prepar'd several noble Dinners for them In which kind Hospitality-the Heathens far exceed very many Christians Strange adventure of a Hollander But
could catch whether Sails Anchors or Provisions in the Night carry'd them Aboard and whilst they were thus busie preparing for their departure the Chyrurgeon Matthew Bokken Cornelius Derickson and John Pieterson de Uries came from the City Sutsen to visit their Countreymen in Saysing These being made acquainted with the Design forwarded it with all diligence and indeed it fell out very fortunately for De Uries was exceeding well experienc'd in the Art of Navigation The fourth of September Anno 1666. they began their Voyage eight of them being Henry Hamel Goverard Dionys John Pieterson de Uries Garret Johnson Matthew Bokken Cornelius Derickson Benedict Clark and Dionys Govertson first clambering over the Walls of Saysings and getting Aboard Weigh'd Anchor about Ebbing Water and setting of the Moon they furnish'd themselves with Water at a small Island near Corea and in the dark Sail'd thorow all the Jonks of War In this passage they strook Sail that so they might not be discover'd and fell to Work with their Oars till they lost sight of Corea so Steering South-East they went right before the Wind and in a short time got to the Westward of Goto where the Wind blowing very fierce they came to an Anchor here whilst they Rode fast a small Vessel with six Men every one Arm'd with two Swords came Sailing by them and put one of her Men a Shore which causing some suspicion in them made them Weigh Anchor and endeavor to put off again to Sea but the foresaid Vessel prevented them by making signs that they must strike their Sail and come farther up into the Haven at which the Hollanders cry'd Hollande Nangesaque whilst they were Tow'd to the Shore and surrounded with a great many Boats The Japanners took two Men out of the Corean Barque which went a Shore where all things were in an uprore and about Midnight a great Barque came Rowing close by their sides which inform'd them of the Arrival of the Holland Ships at Nangesaque which made them take fresh courage as well as the Japanners furnishing them with Provisions for nothing who also cover'd the Corean Barque which had no shelter with Mats against the continual Rain The fourteenth of September after thirteen years Imprisonment they came to their Countreymen on the Island Disma to their great admiration Zelderen's Journey ¶ BUt the Journey which Van Zelderen made from Nangesaque to the Emperor is better worthy of our Observation who having kept his day of Sale in November with all manner of Drugs Scarlets Hats Looking-Glasses Elants or Buff-Skins Musk Cotton and other Commodities in Silver Dishes plac'd on the long Table standing in the middle of the Gallery in the Hollanders Store-house which is as we said divided into three hundred Rooms and four Streets standing on the Island Disma by a narrow Channel separated from the City Nangesaque above Stairs live the Servants belonging to the East-India Company below lie the Merchandizes in several Apartments the Locks of which are Seal'd up with the Emperors Arms in the presence of a Nangesaque Magistrate who daily Dines in the Store-house at the first Table where he is serv'd all with Plate Mountains about Nangesaque ¶ Moreover Nangesaque lies between exceeding high Mountains which are cut thorow very artificially with Walls so that the Water in the Inclos'd Parks is at that command that every one lets in what he pleases because they can either stop or let in the Water which comes running down the Hills But though Nangesaque in this Point is much Indebted to Art much more she ought to thank Nature that the Soil about it abounds with Rice Wheat and all manner of Plants Their Citizens Martial-Discipline About October the Nangesaquean Citizens are always up in Arms and March thorow the City every Precinct makes a particular Company before which the Arms of every ones Employment are carry'd not without great State None dare Discharge a Gun for fear of Fire a Souldier is held in very great esteem amongst the Japanners for he may visit a Merchant in his Shirt and if he should not be Saluted by him with bowing his Head and Hands to the Ground he is sure to be soundly beaten But much more abominable and horrid is the Custom of Murthering Children especially Girls for the Parents that think their Children troublesome to them throw the Females ty'd to a bundle of Straw in the Water and drown them The Boys are deliver'd to the Emperors Officers which Train them up in Martial Discipline CANGOXUMA ¶ BUt the Holland Ambassador prosecuting his Voyage to Jedo was overtaken by a stiff Gale out of the North-East in the Corean Ocean Description of the mighty City Congoxuma that running right before it with her Fore-Sail he soon arriv'd in the Haven of Congoxuma and dropt Anchor before the Beacon-Hill which was first with the Approbation of the Japanners built by the Portuguese at the time when they drove a free Trade there Congoxuma is the first City where the Portuguese Landed and got footing in Japan by the means of a Japan Youth call'd Angier who fearing the cruelty of his Persecutors secur'd himself in a Japan Cloyster where he made his escape to Malacca whither he Sail'd in a Merchant-Man Commanded by the Portugal George Alvares Anno 1547. The Jesuit Francis Xaverius coming acquainted with him there he not long after went with him to Congoxuma where being kindly Entertain'd by Angier's Friends he had an opportunity to Plant the Roman Religion After this the Portuguese made this City Congoxuma their Staple for which it lay very convenient in the Kingdom of Saxuma the foresaid Beacon square on the top with a Turn'd Ball stands on a thick Cedar Pole supported with two great pieces of Timber which on the top are fasten'd to the Pole with great Iron Hooks a high Ladder of which the Rounds jet out beyond the sides stands against and leads up to it below is a Watch-house and on the other side several Houses built on the hanging of the Mountain onely in some places the tops of the Houses appear above the Hills This Beacon Sea-men can discover about seven Leagues off at Sea because the Rock on which it stands is of an excessive height at the Foot thereof a little towards one side is a Fishers Village and before that good Ground to Anchor in close under the Shore Reception of the Holland Ambassador ¶ THe Holland Ambassador Sail'd in a stately Jonk towards the City against a swift flowing River which comes along thorow the middle of Congoxuma from a Harboring Mountain and runs into the Corean Ocean The speedy Current of the Rhone in France or the Donaw in Hungary flow but slowly in comparison of this which passeth thorow Coxenga The Jonk in which the Ambassador was had two Masts between which stood a Tent or rather a Cabbin on six Pillars the edges adorn'd with Gilded Imagery before on her Bow hung two Anchors
Thus he Sail'd in between steep and high Rocks of which some terrifi'd the Beholders as they were passing by them Within the Harbor appears a strong and Artificial Water-Castle built by Ongoschio the Emperor Chongon's Grand-Father when he design'd to take the Crown from Fideri Taicosama's Son because Congoxuma was a place of great concern to him for this City is not onely the Key of the Province Saxuma but of all Bungo This Water-Castle rais'd out of the Sea with Free-Stones is square with many Redouts like the European Bulwarks Here is kept a strong Garrison where the Ships pay Custom Moreover the Stone-Causey made up out of the Sea and along the Rails on both sides Plated with Copper deserves no small admiration This Causey leads from the Water-Castle to two great Watch-houses the Out-walls of which rest on the said Causey and have an excellent Prospect of all the Haven each of them Garrison'd with five hundred of the Emperors Souldiers which have a continual eye with those in the Water-Castle on all Transactions because the King of Saxuma hath oftentimes boldly taken up Arms against the Emperor refusing to pay him the usual Tribute but still been brought to reason yet notwithstanding his bad Fortune he would now and then take fresh Courage and receive more Losses between the Watch-houses and the Mountain on the North-side of the City is a convenient Harbor in which the Jonks and other Vessels in great numbers come to an Anchor or are moor'd to the Shore Close by are the City Store-Houses built on a Stone-Wall rais'd out of the Water in the middle whereof is a large square Gate with the Stairs of Free-Stone that descend into the Haven at which all the Goods and Merchandizes that are brought to Coxenga are Landed and carry'd into the City The Store-houses on the North-side of the Gate consists of four spacious Halls but that which is on the other side hath a double Roof and fourteen large Rooms besides Garrets Between the North Store-house and the Watch-houses the River flows out of the City into the Haven and is adorn'd on one side with brave large Custom-houses in which Art shews its Master-piece no Charge having been spar'd in the building of them here the Ships must pay a second Custom which brings in a great Revenue yearly to the Emperor Japan Temple in which ley wash their dead ¶ BUt opposite to these Toll-houses appears a stately Temple in which the Bodies of Dead Persons are plac'd for some days before they are burnt after the Japan manner The Bonzies belonging thereto get vast Sums of Money especially from the rich People for cleansing of the dead Bodies that they may appear the more acceptable to their Gods Amida Canon or any other whom they chiefly serv'd in their Life time This kind of Custom of keeping the Dead Bodies Unbury'd for some time to cleanse and then to burn them hath been in use a long time in the World for the Ancient Romans and Greeks observ'd such a Custom with their Dead In Phenissis before the Birth of our Saviour The Greek Tragedy written by Euripides brings in King Creon saying I will withdraw that so Jocasta may From her Sons body cleanse the filth away I understand that the Dardanian Illyrians saith Aelian are wash'd three times Aeliani var. Hist l. 4. c. 1. once when born a second time when Marry'd and lastly when they are dead The Jews also observ'd this Washing of Dead Bodies St. Luke saith of Tabytha And it came to pass in those days Act 9.37 that she was sick and dy'd whom when they had wash'd they laid in an upper Chamber The Embalming of Dead Bodies is full as Ancient Tacitus Herodotus Diodorus Siculus Pomponius Mela Cicero Sextus Philosophus Lucian and other Ancient Greek and Latin Writers ascribe the first Embalming of the Dead to the Egyptians with which Opinion the Gospel agrees for Moses relates that the Patriarchs Jacob and Joseph were Embalm'd by the Egyptians And Joseph commanded his Servants the Physitians to Embalm his Father Gen. 50.2 3 26. and the Physitians Embalmed Ifrael And forty days were fulfilled for him for so are fulfilled the days of those that are Embalmed and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days And Joseph died being a hundred and ten years old and they Embalmed him and he was put in a Coffin Sextus Philosophus tells us Pyrrbâ—n Hypothes 6.24 That the Egyptians took out the Bowels of the deceas'd Bodies and fill'd them with Balsom and other Perfumes to preserve them from stinking and rotting and kept them in their Houses letting them at the Table with them Syl. Ital. l. 12. Of which the Latin Poet Sylvius Italicus saith thus Egypt Embalms her Dead with rich Perfumes And then at Feasts gives them the chiefest Rooms Nay they oftentimes gave the dead Bodies of their Parents or near Relations as a Security to their Creditors which if they did not release whilst they liv'd might not saith Lucian be buried Moreover they us'd for their Embalming Salt Cedar-Oyl Honey Wax Myrrhe Chalk Lime Asphalt and Nitre The Washing of Bodies was perform'd by the Roman and Greek Women Plato brings in Socrates saying In Phadono It is convenient before I drink the Poyson that I wash my self that I may not leave any thing to do for the Women to wash me after I am dead The Japanners seem also to have learnt from the Romans That the preparations for the Burial are to be perform'd in the Temples for all things necessary for Funerals were to be had for Money in the Temple of Libitina Goddess of the Dead And according to the establishment of the Roman King Numa Pompilius every one was bound to throw certain Sums of Money into the Treasury of Juno Lucina when ever they had a Child born and also when any one dy'd into a Pot Consecrated to Venus Libitina But the Embalming of Dead Bodies was perform'd by Men. Moreover not far from this Temple towards the City are several Stone Store-houses against Fire in which the Treasures of all the Province of Saxuma are kept and are once a year by the Emperors Forces fetch'd to Osacca between these Buildings and the Water-Castle stands a fair Temple to which the Countrey People come daily in great numbers there to Pray for a Blessing on their Plants Trees and Cattel to which they shew Reverence almost like the Romans and Greeks who in former times us'd to honor their Idol Pan with a Goats Face and Bucks Feet as a Deity plac'd over all Herdsmen and Hunters and also to the Fauni they attributed Horns and Horses Feet to whom they sacrific'd a Goat as likewise Milk to Sylvanus God of their Forests And in like manner to Bacchus the God of Wine the Deform'd Priapus of the Gardens Ceres the Corn Deity and Oreades of the Mountains Further description of Congoxuma But on the South side of the River
the Elbows on their Helmets they wear Plumes of Feathers Whilst the King eats they beat on Kettle-drums before his Hall The Inhabitants freely proffer their Daughters to the Hollanders to vitiate them Description of Malacca ¶ SOme Ships that sail from Nangesaque go for Malacca which City lies on an even Shore being about three Miles in length well seated for Conveniency of Trade and cut through with a River made passable by a fair Bridge over which the Citizens come to one another At the time when Alphonsus Albuquerque re-took the famous City Goa for Emanuel King of Portugal the Arabian Mamud King of Malacca had contrary to his Oath set upon some Portuguese and kept them close Prisoners But Albuquerque hasting to Malacca to release them met in his way with a Malacca General call'd Naodabeguca who setting upon them bought his Death dearly falling down at last with a hundred gaping Wounds on the Ground It occasion'd no small wonder Strange Wonder of a wounded Malaccan that not one of them bled a drop but so soon as a Golden Armlet was taken from him the Blood gush'd forth from all parts in great abundance so that Naodabeguca instantly gave up the Ghost The Prisoners inform'd that a Bone of the Beast call'd Cabim was inclos'd in the Armlet by whose Power the Blood was stopp'd Strange Wedding-house ¶ MAmud's Daughter marrying to the Prince of the Panenses kept her Wedding in Malacca The Nuptial Ceremonies were perform'd in great State A great House or moving Castle built on thirty Wheels and hung with rich Tapestry was by Elephants drawn through the City within stood the Tables cover'd and the Guests sung danced and acted all manner of pleasant Pastime Whilst thus Malacca was in the height of its pleasure Albuquerque brought his Fleet into the Harbor and demanded the delivery of the Portuguese Prisoners which Mamud out of fear deliver'd him yet the Portuguese set the City on Fire Malacca on Fire and not thus satisfied Albuquerque would have a place in the City to build a Castle that they might drive their Trade without fear Moreover he demanded the Damage and Charges which the Fleet had cost preparing because it was done purposely for this Expedition The Kings Son and Son-in-Law cry'd out They would venture the utmost of it which though the Event prov'd never so bad could not be worse than the insufferable high Ambition of the Portuguese Thus the two young Princes perswaded Mamud to take up Arms who otherwise would have bought Peace though on unequal Terms Whereupon with speed raising some Fortifications but chiefly guarding the Bridge that went over the River with Men and Arms he carried out his Elephants with Towers full of Soldiers to hinder the Landing of the Portuguese Valiant Fight yet they notwithstanding all his resistance Landed John Lima marching directly on towards the smallest part of the City where the Kings Palace stood and also a Mahumetan Temple but hapned to fall in amongst Mamud's Son Alodyn's Soldiers which occasion'd a fierce Battel for a considerable time when Mamud himself came with his Elephants on the Backs of the Portuguese wherefore Lima facing about with a part of his Men broke their Ranks and wounded their Elephants who returning amongst their own Army made such a Rout that they tumbled one over another every one then seeking which way to fly Mamud being cruelly wounded sav'd himself by flight Alodyn also began to give ground But Albuquerque found so great Resistance at the Bridge that he sounded a Retreat yet a few days after he renew'd the Fight when it fortun'd much better for although Mamud had undermin'd the Streets so to blow up the Portuguese with Powder yet they being inform'd of it went along another way into the City led by Albuquerque whilst Anthony Abreus made himself Master of the Bridge But Albuquerque ran great danger for the Malaccans keeping close together in their narrow Streets made fierce resistance the Women and Children throwing Stones and other combustible things out of their Windows yet at last he forc'd them to fly raising a Bulwark at each end of the conquer'd Bridge and cover'd the same over on the top with Sails to keep off the Heat of the Sun Mamud running into the Woods there died of Grief Great Booty in Malacca The City it self was given to the Soldiers for Booty of which the fifth part should be preserv'd for Emanuel King of Portugal whose part amounted to two hundred thousand Golden Crowns Albuquerque building a strong Castle here gave the Command of it to Rhoderick Palatyn Treachery in the Fort. But not long after Alodyn had like to have made himself Master of the new Fort by Treachery for one Maxelys extracted from Bengala made particular acquaintance with Alphonsus Persona Treasurer of the Castle Alodyn giving Maxelys a good Sum of Money that he should admit Soldiers in Merchants Apparel to murder and kill all the Garrison which he had done had not Persona though mortally wounded behind by Maxelys retain'd so much strength that he got open his Door and cry'd out Treason Matelief's Voyage ¶ AFter this the Portuguese liv'd here undisturb'd till Cornelius Matelief sailing from the Texel Anno 1605. with eleven Ships Mann'd with thirteen hundred fifty seven Men fetch'd four great Ships out of the Haven of Malacca rais'd a Platform on Pulo Malacca and landed seven hundred Men which made the Portuguese retreat to their Suburbs fortified with a strong Wall and out of their Suburbs which were set on fire into the City Malacca it self the Portuguese had so fortified with wide Trenches strong Forts Gates and Towers that it would easily endure a great Siege John de Patuan King of Jor brought some Assistance to them but those Countrey People were neither fit to work for laziness nor to fight for faintheartedness Malacca besieg'd In the interim Matelief rais'd another Platform against the corner of the City-Trench from which he fired continually In the City died daily above forty People of Hunger and noysom Smells But the Besiegers also suffer'd almost as great Inconveniences not only a great Sickness hapning among them but being lodg'd under the open Canopy of Heaven were miserably stung by the Wasps so that continual waking had quite tired them yet they took fresh Courage when two Ships came from Holland with two hundred forty five Men to their Assistance But soon after the little Sung Frigat discover'd the Portuguese Fleet sent to relieve Malacca The Fight between the Hollanders and Portuguese Matelief being inform'd thereof fetch'd his Guns from the Platforms aboard brake up the Siege and prepar'd himself for an Engagement The next Morning the Fight began near the Promontory Rachabo Both Parties lost each of them two Ships but Matelief's Gun-powder growing short he resolv'd to clap them aboard and enter Calm Weather twice hinder'd their valiant Design and the third time the Portuguese taking advantage
set forth Bartholomew Diazio who Coasting Africa reach'd at last the great Southern Point which indeed was the Work if he had understood it and made right use thereof but there being disanimated by mutinous Mariners and stress of Weather giving a bad Epithet to the great Point calling it Cabo Buyig or Cabo Boyie because there he was stopt and soon after forc'd to return yet his wiser Master understanding it better Cape of Good Hope why so call'd nam'd it Cabo de Bona Esperanca that is The Cape of Good Hope A strange Voyage of a Franciscan Monk But whilst Diazio Rid before the great Southern Cape a Franciscan Monk call'd Anthonio his intimate Friend incited by a strange curiosity Landed there and ventur'd alone to seek his Fortune in so vast and unknown a World I tell this Story though not so pertinent because of the wonder that one Man should be so hardy to venture his single Person to travel through Countreys so full of Heat Drought and Desarts and Peopled with such as he could neither understand nor they him but thus he went not onely through all Africa but a great part of Asia reaching to Jerusalem there paying his Devotion he return'd to Lisbon giving the King an account of his miraculous adventures Upon this the King bethought himself of a less chargeable way than Rigging a Fleet which could onely discover the Coast to which end he employ'd Pedro de Cavillano and Alphonso Payva both skilful in the Arabick A wonderful Journey of two Portuguese as private Pilgrims to make Inspections of those Countreys which were yet to them unknown They first came to Naples then touched at Rhodes after visited Egypt and saw Grand Cair from thence to Jerusalem here paying due Tears to the holy Sepulchre they parted travelling several Ways Payva for Ethiopia where he died and Cavillano to Ormus so to Calicut in India Here he receiv'd Messages from the King his Master not to return till he was able to give him a good account of Africa Thus commanded he ventur'd into Ethiopia where the King of that Countrey became his great admirer much taken with his Person and Parts inviting him to dwell in his own Court and offering him if he would Marry a Lady of great Fortune and Noble Extract From the Emperors Palace he made means to send a Letter to the King of Portugal in which he inform'd him at large both of the Asiatick and African Countreys and amongst the rest described the City of Calicut and gave a Character of the Inhabitants who he said were of a swarthy and of an Olevaster Complexion scarce knowing ought of humanity or civil address unaffable irreligious and ignorant of all Moral Vertue they are proud of going naked from the Middle upwards onely above their Elbows they wear Armlets of Pearl and a Simiter in a Belt hangs thwart their Shoulders and about their Middle they wear Skirts or long Bases of Purple-Silk richly embroider'd with Gold Here the Female Sex are allow'd Polygamy one Woman may Marry as many Husbands as she pleases and those which enjoy the greatest number are esteem'd there the most Noble so there is no priority to their Children by Birth none knowing well their own Father but either they are all Co-heirs or else her Sisters Children Inherit That the Natives of Ethiopia were all Blacks and a kind of Christians but mix'd with an allay of Judaism and Mahumetan and how the Emperor maintain'd a great standing-Army to defend his Dignity and Territories which were very vast Emanuel King of Portugal is earnest to make farther Discoveries of Africa and India Soon after this Information King John died in the Year 1495. Emanuel succeeding him and willing to go on with the Work of Discoveries advised with his Peerage what was best to be done in so high a Concern His Council consisting more of private than publick Spirits who aim at Grandeurs and the general good first looking upon the difficulty danger and great Charge then considering as to the Honor and Profit they had gotten enough by the Discoveries in Africa already and it were meer madness to take upon them more than they were able to perform for sending fresh Ships and new Colonies to Plant remoter Countreys would weaken the Kingdom and disable their Navy neither would these new-found Lands turn to any other account more than to maintain those that settled there these and the like they alledged The publick-spirited Party which were and are commonly the fewest in all great Consultations convinced them in all their Arguments saying That they had no cause to complain of the Honor and Profit which the Nation had already gotten in their first Discoveries but that it should rather encourage them to proceed The King's Treasure being better suppli'd and the whole Nation much employ'd and more enrich'd by this their foreign Trade and should they neglect what they had so happily begun and undertaken they would not onely lose their Expence and Pains but the whole Affair would in time by degrees moulder away to nothing And if we should wave such honorable Enterprises as these who would attempt discourag'd by our example any Business that had the least face of difficulty or danger Thus the business being highly debated the King hearkned onely to those of his Council who advis'd according to his judgment and inclination and with all diligence speedily set forth four Ships well appointed with Soldiers Sea-men and all other Necessaries making Vasco de Gama their Admiral adding his Brother Paulo and Nicolao Celio for his assistance who set Sail on the tenth of June Anno 1497 follow'd with great sorrow cries and tears of the Adventurers Wives Children and their nearest Relations being possess'd with a prejudice that the Voyage was so long and dangerous that they should never see them again Having weigh'd Anchor first they directed their Course to the Fortunate Isles from thence to the Hesperides and having clear'd Cape de Verd they steer'd more Easterly till he lost all sight of Land and lay engag'd in the wide and open Sea three Moneths together when in ten Degrees of Southern Latitude Land appear'd towards which he made with all possible speed and soon anchor'd in the Mouth of a pleasant River where Landing he found some of the Natives whose Hair was short and curl'd and they of a swarthy Complexion were naked who never knowing what belong'd to Commerce nor having seen any Strangers before they made but small Traffick with them onely trucking Spikes and several sorts of Nails for Cattel and Fruit. Gama call'd this Place St. Hellens Bay and the River falling in it St. James River SEFALE From hence having refresh'd themselves they Sail'd on but making little way being ruffl'd often with foul Weather hollow Seas and a contrary Current still running Westward yet at last they reach'd the Confines of Zanguebar which he so call'd from the Name of that Saint and soon after cast Anchor