his answer is I am not learned so that with the Apostle I may say that Antichrist shall sit in the Temple of the Lord and in the latter daies shall be the doctrine of deuils forbidding to marry and eat meat which God hath sanctified so that with the Euangelist I may lawfully tell you of the Vision of the beast which rose out of the sea hauing 7 heads and 10 hornes and that he opened his mouth vnto blasphemy resembled to the woman araied in purple and rose colour decked with gold pretious stones and pearle and holding a cup of gold in her hand full of abomination and filthines The Citie yet is swelling bigger and bigger though nothing comparable to the ostentation of former times For Historiographers haue confirmed it for greatnes riches magnificence Nobilitie and famous illustrations the admiration of the world as contayning 20 English mile in circuit and shewing a countenance of brauery and princely structures But now it onely boasteth of some few ancient buildings the ruines of the Amphitheater certaine Obelisci the swiftnes of Tiber new erected Palaces of Cardinals the Castle of St Angelo olim moles Adriani the Popes owne Palace and the Church of S. Peter threatning to exceed with his high erected Cuba and wondrous crosse Iles our London Cathedrall which is the vastest heape of stones vnder the sunne the aire is most pestilent and vnwholesome so that Sâ—… haue died in a yeere by infection and the vninhabited places afford such damps and mists that many times they effectuate suffocations but are alwaies dangerous and patible of no remedy but extraordinary fires The third part of Italy affordeth an honorable title to the Duke of Florence who is stiled Magnus Dux Hetruriae and registreth in his booke of renowne for principall Cities Florence Pisa Sienna and Legorne a strong new hauen towne on the sea shore almost ouer against Corsica The Citie it selfe is one of the stateliest and richest in Italy the riuer Arnus runneth in the midst playing the wanton vnder the arches of three delicate stone bridges the Dona is a delicate and curious Church the state-house Dukes palace and treasurie with other Arsenals and store-houses are to be made account of as glorious spectacles and worthy structures but whereas you shall finde a booke of the wonders of the Citie when you come to the substance from the shadow it will proue either ridiculous or not answering expectation The Duke himselfe studieth nothing but wealth for which he liueth both sparingly and basely not caring by what meanes his yeerely entrado is augmented taking the indirect profit of common Innes He is of the family of Medices and his subiects if I may so terme them which doe what they list are fine speakers but buggerers and blasphemers The fourth roome of Italies palace is opened for the delicate state of Leuca a Signiory and Citie of that riches and estimation that in comparing it to so much ground againe you shall easily finde the difference For being not 20 mile square yet can they muster 3000 horse and 15000 foote they make much silke and are well conditioned Merchants their chiefest Podesta or officer is called Confaloniero changed euery two moneths his councell are of the chiefest Citizens altred euery six moneths they liue altogether for the time in one Palace they haue had many Gouernors but at the last the Cardinall as you heard purchased their manumition and they as apprehensiue are resolued to maintaine their priuiledges The fift share is taken out of Italies lap by the Venetians who boast of great antiquity haue a Duke during life chosen by the balls of the full Councell who is at this instant a Donatus and are proud of their great possessions but might haue gloried if they had not lost their first footing Within the land they keepe close Forum Iulij or Friaull with the territories of a large countrey round about Venice it selfe which is called the impossible within the impossible scited in the sea and diuided into such channels that you goe both by water and land to their houses which indeed are hansomely contriued and belonging to the Noblemen worthy the reputation of Palaces yet are the streets so narrow that they endure neither horse nor cart neither doth their Gentlemen weare sword or cloake nor is any fresh water or good aire belonging to the same more then what is brought them or they reserue in pargetted cesternes as in Zeland and Holland when it raineth Padoa is their Vniuersitie and a large towne famous for Titus Liuius and Peter Auenons birth who made the bathes vnder the mountaines some fiue mile beyond where the vipers are taken it retaineth a goodly monument of a Hall keeps Antenors toombe in the streets and dare tell you that S. Lukes sepulchre is in the Church called the Santo Palma is a fine towne and strong in fortification Verona a famous Citie whither the Noblemen resort who much stomach the Venetian gouernment Vizenza is a delicate Academie and hath a stately yet hansome theater Crema a frontier towne and well guarded Vdine comely and conuenient enough after the Italian manner and superstitious alike Treuiso hath a faire Piazzo and sheweth some wanton Curtezans and Brescia where the language is corrupt for belike they haue beat out the finenes with hammering their armours On the other side of the Adriaticke sea they command the pleasant shores of Histria Dacia and Dalmatia almost as farre as Ragusa a litle further in their owne Gulph and amongst the musters of the Greeke Ilands they protect Cephalonia once Ithaca or the countrey of Vlisses Corfu where the strong Castle is accounted a principall peece of workmanship Xante an Iland famous for the vallies yeelding 4000 tunne of Corans euery yeere Zerigo and many other Ilands in euery one of which they haue for Gouernour one Prouisor and two Conciliarij as assistant they had also many other fortunes but tempus edax rerum and the Turkes greatnes hath almost broken the chaine of their prosperitie abroad in peeces For they haue lost Rhodes Ciprus and some other commands yet doe they keepe Candy in the Mediterranean sea whose Gouernour is priuiledged with the title of DVKE and hath potestatem vitae necis Modena is the sixt step of Italies glory and an hereditary Dukedome full of riches and fashionable Gentry newly allied to Mantua and reasonable well fortified against his dangerous neighbour in Millane The country is very pleasant and conducteth you to those plentifull water-pooles called Lago de Garda and Lago de Como the first vnder the Venetian the next belonging to the Cardinall of Trento and both very neere 50 Italian mile in length and 30 in bredth On the seuenth degree of honors chaire as he is mounted in Italy is Mantua placed a new Dukedome of an old Marquisate in the name of Gonzaga He liueth in better fashion of Courtship than the other Princes with a guard of Switzers the
of a plentifull country and excellent husbandry in their gardens The mountaines yeeld a red stone and parget called ardoises the vallies plenty of grasse the riuers fish and the barrennest place pasture for cattle The chiefe Citie is Angiers on the banke of the Meduan not far from the Loire yet is it ioyned by a bridge of stone to another on the other side and so you may conclude that two townes make one Citie Here you haue also ruines of Theaters vulgarly Brohan and an Academy enlarged or rather founded by Lodwick the second 1389 the other townes are Samurs Belforce Bange and such like of whose particulars my purpose is not to make relation The fourth part is Britania in times past Armorica It boasteth for sending ouer such inhabitants into our countrey as not onely taught them a language but peopled and possessed the same Wee againe are resolued that though France was first inhabited yet from the greater Britaine the lesse receiued denomination and by entercourse of people affinitie mariage and politike confederation both countries learned one anothers language For being called Armorica it at last condiscended to be entitled litle Britaine retaining a long time an absolute Duke of her owne and diuiding her territories into low and high Britaine in both which are numbred nine Bishopricks Carnouaile S. Paul Treguires Doll Rheines S. Malo Nants Vannes and Brein amongst whom Doll hath the precedency though Renes and Nants be the chiefest and greatest Cities It is three parts exposed to the sea and hath many strong ports especially Brest famous for sundry warlike exploits and the last intrusion of the Spanish leaguers The fift part is Normandy diuided into the countries of Constantine Bessin Maine and Auge in which as principall Cities are recorded Roan Pontoise Alenson Argenni Caen Baieux and some few others The people boast of their endeuors in spinning linnen cloth excellent wits and able bodies for the warres But of all other things they would exceede especially the Gentlemen for mansuetude courtship and affabilitie in attending the affaires of peace and quietnes The sixt part challengeth the title of the I le of France a countrey so named because it is in a manner environed with excellent riuers which make the ground so fertile that for number of Townes Gentlemens houses places of pleasure conueniencie of prouision and other particulars tending to brauery and profit it excelleth all the countrey But her chiefest pride ariseth from the possession of Paris on the riuer Sequana or the Sein the mistris of all Cities and Orleans on the Loire famous for many remarkable actions betweene whom almost 40 English mile is one cawsey of stone or otherwise there were no trauelling especially in winter For all the ground is so fat and clammy that Paris it selfe is called Lutetia of luto or the durtinesse of the soile The seuenth part belongeth to Bourges or Berry a countrey boasting of many delicate things but the Citie is quite out of patience if you either forget her monuments or contradict her first founder to be Ogiges the grand-childe of Noe It is enclosed with the countries of Touraine Burbon and Niuernois and on the riuer of Loire washing cleane the fields with his strange ouer-flowings are erected Cosme Le Charity the Citie of Neuers with her long bridge Molins and many other townes some of hansome eminence and some of lesse consequence The eight part is attributed to Limosin or Lemania contayning the County of Auernge and yeeldeth such plenty of fenns and marishes that the fatnes of the soile is both bettered and augmented thereby howeuer the aire seemeth not so wholesome and the Cities Townes are fuller of inhabitants by reason of natures suppliment in all things and the easines wherewith good husbandry dispatcheth her busines yet are they neither great nor extraordinarily beautified no not Limoges Clermont Beurgard Monferau and Goudade which are the principall The ninth lot of France her renowne is taken out of fortunes lap for Languedock reaching to the sea as farre as Montpelier and Arles on the other side Westward Carâ—…ossen and Narbon yet doe some ioyne Languedock to Prouence and call all these sea-coasts with the territories adiacent by the title of Gallia Narbonensis The tenth principall roome of this French palace is beautified with the Parliament roabes of the seuerall countries of Prouence Daulphine and Orange For they account Arles a towne compassed with the streames of Rhodanus rather in Prouence then Languedock because it standeth as it were at the mouth of the riuer to watch how the sea and the fresh water meets as for Narbon they esteeme it the pride of the riuer Araxis and boast of the great lake for her denomination accordingly Heere abouts were those excellent bathes contriued spoken of so much in the Roman Commentaries and Marius celebrated his triumphs for conquering the Cimbrians who came thus farre in those dayes from that countrey which we now call Denmarck to reâ—…st the Romans To Daulphine they added a gracious allowance of the famous and ancient city of Lyons whom the 〈◊〉 diuideth and whose wals are so ambitious that they â—…mb vp to the top of very rockes the riuer playes the wanton about the towne and runs a pace to Valence Vienna neuer leauing vntill he thrust himselfe into the Mediterranean sea hard by Marselles a city and port of great consequence but is so separated from the riuer as if it were affrayd of his swiftnesse But Lyons hath yet more cause of insulting in regard that all this part of France was called Gallia Lugdunensis from her owne name Lugdunum and diuers monuments of water-workes bridges towers and temples were magnificent in Caesars time The prouince of Daulphine was giuen to the eldest sonne of France with no other intent but to name himselfe accordingly by which occasion all Europe knowes what the Daulphine means To Orange is a town so named appropriate Grenoble with Auignion are coniured within this circle For although euer since the Pope made it his seat established heere a Conclaue for the Cardinals it hath since remaâ—…ed firme to the Roman Clergy yet is it sited in this prouince and called France her naturall mother some reckon heerein the three Bishoprickes of Carpentoract Lissa and Vaurias with many other townes allowing vs to call it the Principate of Orange and will haue vs take notice that the house of Nassau which challengeth the glory of the Low-Countries as by the worthy life of the last Prince of Orange whose younger sonnes are still so famous for the Belgick warres may appeare was extracted from hence and glorieth in her denomination accordingly For mine owne part I haue thus bound them together within the girdle of Prouence and could finde in my heart to make Geneua with her great lake and plaines vnder the mountaines a daughter of France although she hath vrgently denied her first mother Besides howeuer the Rhosne or
the buâ—…nesse in hand but to please one another in matters of incontinency yet haue they many wiues who striue with all â—…cting demeanour to bee best beloued of their 〈◊〉 But you haue diuers bookes of this subiect both anâ—… and moderne as Herodotus Pliny and other Cosmographers who thus relate the matter that since the conquest of Bacchus whom by another name they call â—…oer Paâ—…r they haue settled in their countrey with magnificent eqâ—… page 5000. principall cities aduancing a fashion â—…le gouernment to equall the best Common-wealths onely they adored Bacchus for a God and Hercules for a giant they neuer intruded into any other princes territories but haue defended their owne from all innouation of strangers as Q. Curtius relateth adding withall a delicate commentary of their famous exploits and noble greatnesse euen against the Conquerour of the world in the time of the Heâ—…e Porus who with great maiesty valour and armies of Elephants would haue maintained their freedome and glory but that Fortune and Successe had condescended to the conditions of ratifying Alexanders prosperity And although the many Princes haue sometimes repined one against another and for superiorities sake shewed the â—…ety of their owne glories and mightinesse yet 〈◊〉 still combined in the propâ—…ing of forâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appeasing priuate encombrances not reaching 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ciuill deciding and hating iniustice and coâ—… 〈◊〉 much as may bee They loue and reuerence their Kings amongst whom the great Mogull hauing vs in some estimation before other Princes of Europe and with whom we haue a kinde of correspondency as by reciprocall letters may appeare is principall and of greatest reputation making holy-day when hee shaueth his head and attending his chariot with pompous brauery spredding the way where he must passe with costly ornaments and delicate perfumes For hee is carried in great pomp on the shoulders of men adorned with purple golde and precious stones the chaire hanging with orient pearle and all thing so ordered as if the best of our ceremonies should adde an honor to Maiesty His Guards for his person are many and the best of his souldiers who suffer no neerer approaches to his stately throne then hee himselfe shall command which is publikely knowen by the disrobing of his head of common ornaments and inuesting himselfe with a magnificent Diadem then are Embassadors admitted and diuers lawes enacted for the good of the people Another booke will discouer that when hee disposeth himselfe to pleasure his concubines are sent for to be partakers of the hunting and then in open view the beasts are killed being chased before hand into certaine straight enclosures for the purpose but if he determine a longer progresse their chariots are drawne with Elephants and their honourable Queenes left at home but the wantons are enstructed to make proud incontinency swell with variety not accustoming their wiues to be partaker of such lasciuious changes but reseruing them for necessity of children or moderation of contentment when he determineth to sleepe or peraduenture is ouerloded with wine that he must resettle his spirits and senses with rest and ease the loueliest dames bring him to bed singing a song of inuocation to the God of silence and the night Another will relate how worthily their honest matrons liue after they haue had children how euer they yeelde their chastities at the first to their louers for the price of an Elephant which yet neuer exciteth any exprobation against them In some places when a virgin desireth marriage her parents bring her to publike view amongst a number of young men where shee electeth whom shee fancieth In their mutuall commerces they hate vsury disclaime iniustice denie indentures of couenant contracts of writing and haue many seeming excellencies of loue confidence and trusting one another onely they are impatient of wrong and thinke it a glory to take reuenge but will not offer the occasion Another will tell you that they once esteemed two sorts of wisemen by the names of Samaraei and Brachamanes both which were charactered for Gymnosophists but the Samaraei for their precisenesse were better esteemed of the Kings for liuing more moderate then the rest as eating neither fish nor flesh it added to their reputation that the peace of their Kingdomes was established by their orizons and the prosperity of the countrey confirmed through their holinesse Another will demonstrate how St. Thomas conuerted them to Christianity how euer with the Syrians in Samaria they haue since intermingled horrible idolatry and vntill the Portugals came amongst them would scarse reforme the most grossest abuses Another will enlarge the conquest of their countrey by the Portugals and Spanyard with a full description of all things which may shew you the perfect portraiture of their kingdomes courts common-wealth riches pleasures ciuill administration and mightinesse yet as I take it so farre from a conquest as wee were ouer France when we had only Callis in Picardy or Turwin and Tornay which cost more the re-edifying then all the country about it was worth Heere you shall also finde how they haue striued with the Aegyptians for antiquity and cunning how many Ilands are subiected vnto them amongst whom Summatra in times past called Taprobana mustreth the power of eight Kings Iapan affoordeth our English a harbour and at Bantam they receiue the commodities of China from the Indian Marchants who are only admitted to commerce amongst them and diuers others as are therein variated with many particulars To conclude no one Countrey comes neere it for greatnesse which without other addition lifteth vp her title alone as challenging all the territories betweene China and Persia yea in times past China it selfe almost 1200. English mile and amongst many Kings hee is principall that obtaineth by force or popularity But of late they haue ouer-exalted the high Priest called Voo who in spirituall matters as I may say hath absolute power and authority and vpon whose blessing or cursing dependeth the expectation of future happinesse Yet hath this idolatrous superstition acknowledgement of a God whom they inuest with a triple crowne not yeelding any reason for the same but that he commandeth Heauen Earth and Hell The Iesuites haue taught them to baptize infants in some places and to fast wherein they are now tedious obseruants as barbarous people are best maintainers of customes and ceremonies and they vse the signe of the crosse but it is where they are enforced by the Spanish garisons otherwise what I spake before of China for all their silkes clothes of gold delicate beds houses of canes Serpents Elephants precious stones minerals pearles perfumes drugs spice sweet wood barkes of trees shels nuts and other things of estimation I may with a Christinn-like sorrow amplifie concerning their turpitude and morosity As for their cities euery one would affoord a story and I am vnwilling to runne into the errour of fiction or miracle considering your best Cosmographers haue onely extended the relations of others
yeeld no other they weare coloured bootes comming no higher then their knees the soles plated with yron the better sort haue them gilded painted and embrodered the women weare such too and like the Turkes are not seene abroad bare-faced all sorts loue iustice or at least the shew of it For they punish petty thefts how euer great robberies and manslaughters yea after due examination passe without capitall execution which makes me remember the answer of Cleonidas the Pirate to Alexander the Great when he sharply reprehended him for the basenes of his life and intimated besides the common scandall of a rouer the mischiefes depending as hindring the Merchant from filling the harbours and resorting to the Cities whereby the Kings customes were inlarged and the Common-wealth enriched T is true O King saith he because I rob with one or two ships I am condemned for a rouer but thou that runnest ouer the Hellespont and fillest great seas with thy Nauies art saluted a mighty Monarch and reuerenced more for the feare of thy reuenge then beloued by the extention of thy bounty or liberalitie Their coine is both gold and siluer without forme as stamped long and vnfashionable their furres fill all the world with merchandize making vs not onely warme but proud in Europe yea such is the estimation of Ermines Sables and blacke Fox from a receiued opinion of Priamus King of Troy whose mantle to the greatest shew of ostentation and magnificence was lined with Ermines that in the secrets of Armory except the Prince all persons are limited what and how to weare them and amongst themselues though the Emperor Nobles haue gownes of cloth of gold and siluer tread vpon Persian and Turky carpets and are indeed adorned with great wealth both in iewels and marks of maiestie yet hath their head attires of blacke fox the preeminence wherein he thinketh himselfe more honored than in an imperiall crowne after the manner of auntient Kings Their great Cities are very thin and villages lye scattered with low houses spatious on the ground with stones and the territories which now he challengeth extendeth almost 1200 English mile their woods foster plenty of beasts which in an extreame winter will come downe to their houses and endanger both cattle and people their horse are reasonable good many by whom they maintaine the strength of their Armies and practising them in hunting haue them the more seruiceable in the warres But I purpose no further discoueries and therefore attend the businesse proposed which is onely to giue you a superficiall view of these countries that when we come to compare England vnto them we may finde them the sooner and be able to iudge the better Thus liueth and raigneth this North-east Monarch with reputation of one of the greatest sharers in the aduenture of the worlds happines As for the other Kingdomes of Norway Sweden Goteland Denmarke with the prouinces of Bothnia Finmarck Lapland Finland and such like they are onely called Reges simplices because they liue and take care of their particular Scepters without ambitious intrusion into anothers possession to make it their owne hereditary For though sometime Sweden and Norway is vnited sometimes Denmarke triumphing and sometimes as it were disioynted yet hapneth it by seuerall factions amongst themselues and to reuenge iniuries for the present and may resemble a throng and presse of people in a yard who one while driue to that corner another while shoue to this and suddenly stand at a stay as wearied with the shouldring For as Princes are exasperated to displeasure by their owne conceiued opinions of a wrong and indignity so doe they prosecute reuenges from a wrathfull indignation and many times draw whole Armies into the field to stop further outrages and shew the aduersarie there is no end but blood and death yea the countries deuastation without an honorable agreement or satisfaction and thus haue these people vpon no other colour but wilfulnes weakned one another with counterchangeable preuailings But yet I doe not see that the Russian Emperor taketh aduantage of their disagreements onely at this instant by reason of former troubles about the succession and well-grounded suspition of the King of Polands warlike humors he standeth on his guard and for some priuate respects hath bin auxiliary to the King of Swedea to which belong so many particulars that a whole history might fill your eares with pleasure and instances of worthy prosecution which I desist from for swelling the booke too bigg with so poore a breath of common and knowne relations and will onely goe forward with some slender descriptions as the country now lieth vnder fortunes controule Norway is famous vpon the etymologie of the word as it were the North-way and yeeldeth plenty of fish called stockfish which is taken in the greatest frost for lasting and is a reasonable good country for feeding cattle the increase of a dairy and many other excellent blessings for the nourishment of life Swedia inviteth you to a Towne in imitation of Venice called Stokeholme as if shee boasted onely of this place considering the rest of her villages resemble the scattered troopes of a retired Armie yet must you not ouer-passe the famous Castle of Calmar which is proprietory to Goteland and so depending on Sweden as the principall Port Citie and fortification of these parts and aduanceth her reputation of strength in such a manner that excellent enginers and iudicious Trauellers haue ranked it next the Castle of Millaine Denmarke and his tributes are knowne to euery body with the shipping and customes of the Sont where at one time you shall haue 5000 saile brought to the barre of payment and defraying the Kings charges Their feasts and drinking customes wherein you must not challenge their liberall promises nor take hold of cursory speeches vpon an hereafter remembrance least his displeasure suppose you ouer-politicke for his plainenes yet dangerous humors in his rages Their maintayning of Gentry though fearefull for affording titles of honour by opening the enclosures of desires to affect greatnes and popularitie so that you haue no ambitious titles amongst them Their feminine scorne of mechanicall men trades or professors of Arte insomuch though a man bee neuer so excellent a scholler or Musician yet will not the Ladies of their countrey admit of their society nor entertaine their wiues with befitting complement but with a primordiall contempt of ill musico scholastico pedante or such like countermand their intrusion Their ouer-looking of passengers into the East Countries and many other things are matters of some notice But amongst other points of Heraldry the blason of the coates of these countries displaieth the profitable distribution of masts firre deale pitch tarre rosen cables ropes hempe flax and such like To which I must needes adde how from this Continent former times detruded those Nations of Vandalls Gothes Lombards Getes and other famous people who not onely blotted out the scandall
Noe whose history giueth life to many strange and fabulous relations How presently followed the possession of many Nations whose loue to the Countrey changed her name into Oenotria Ausonia Hesperia Saturnia Italia and some others of lesse consequence some significantly according to the goodnes of the place some metonimically either pars pro toto or totum pro parte some ironically for idle actions or Poeticall fictions and some iudicially according to the vertue of the Inhabitants excellency of the soile or honour of the first explorator or Redacter to gouernment and thus it was suddenly diuided into Prouinces as Liguria Hetruria Vmbria Latium Campania foelix Lucania Brutia or Magna graecia Salentitij or Salentini Appuleia Peucetia Appuleia Daunia Samnites Pisenum Aemilia or Galsia transalpina now Lombardy and forum Iulij or Friaul now Venetorum regio Some say 15. Blondus 18. and Leander 19. parts How Rome became the metropolitane Citie of Italy and Queene of the world so that the Emperors amplified the same with magnificent structures and monuments and in diuiding or rather translating their seates to Constantinople left all to the Exarchat of Rauenna and vsurpation of Byshoppes who by a higher stile at last made themselues Popes and with the cuppe of abomination like the whore in the Apocalips poisoned the westerne Kingdomes How the Venetians beganne their Citie and State and about anno 700. constituted a DVKE boasting indeede that they were the poore remainder of the Roman Nobility as it were sequestred into certaine remote Ilands which the Goths respected not nor Lombards regarded yet hath Time you see raised a glorious flame from the poore dispersed imbers almost extinguished either from heate or light How Millane was incorporated to a principalitie First built by the Frence after subuerted by the Vandalls then reedified next made a Duchy fiftly strengthned with the band of Sforza sixtly possessed by the French againe and now by the Spaniard How Genoa boasteth of her antiquitie from Ianus and about 1237. constituted a DVKE like vnto Venice but daring not to trust her owne foundation entertained the noble assistance of the Spanish castells How Turine or Taurinum was an Academy the chiefe Citie of Piemont and now giueth so much aire to Sauoy that he breatheth with one of the noblest Dukedomes of the world How Papia or Pauy in times past Ticinum by reason of the riuer that runnes round about it was vnited to the Duchy of Millane by Iohannes Galeazius the first Duke How Padoa boasteth of her neighbourhood to the riuer Padus her Vniuersitie Antenors foundation fertillity of ground strong ramparts and repineth at her subiection to Venice How Cremona is very auncient and flourished with orderly strength and prosperity vntill it was burnt in the warres betweene Vitellius and Otho How Verona is pleased with the common enterpretation of her name quasi vera vna with the orderly accesse of Italians nobles with the ruines of her Amphitheater so goodly a structure that I dare be bold to say it would containe 80000. people to behold the spectacles presented to the Inhabitants for triumphs of Emperors and famous Consuls and being once free was subiected to the Venetians about anno 1405. How Mantua was first a Marquisate but by the marriage of the onely daughter of Montisferate raised to a Duchy by the Emperor and thrust warme vnder the mantell of Gonzaga by the Pope How Mirandula was fortified besieged by the Emperor and Pope assisted onely by the French and at last vnited to the principate of Parma How Ferrara was first subiect to the Byshoppe of Rauenna then vnder the family of Est made a Marquisate lastly a Dukedome and now vsurped by the Pope as part of Saint Peters patrimonie How Parma boasteth of antiquitie suffered many concussions fell into the blessing of the Clergy and with the Coronet of a Duke was presented to Alexander Fernesius How Bononia was once ruled by an Exarchate as a place of greatnesse and important conueniency for the gouernment of the Countrey after giuen to the Church by King Pepin and Carolus magnus and hath now a famous Vniuersitie How Rauenna boasteth of antiquitie was the principall seate of the Vicegerents for the Emperors of Constantinople and after surrendred into the Popes hands by the name of Romandiolas territories How Vrbine was famous for courtshippe and made a Dukedome 1476. by Pope Sixtus in the family of Fredericus Vbaldinensis who were once citizens of Florence but for their vertue raised to this honour so that the family extinguished it is returned to the possession of the Pope againe How Ancona is an old walled Towne and port in the Adriaticke sea now Gulpho Venetiano is knowne by her white cliffe inuiteth you to come on land and see the wonders of our Lady at Loretto and obeyeth the Pope in his temporall iurisdiction How Florence suffered many alterations increased in wealth buildings state populousnesse was honored in the house of Medices and aduanced her fame with the best through the valour and well-deseruing of that valiant Cosimo by the stile of Magnus Dux Hetruriae and hath since boasted of two Queenes of France from her daughters who haue filled the Courts of all the Princes in Europe with strange reports How Pisa was once Mistresse of Maiorca had an Acedemy was sold to the Florentines by the Vicount Iohannes Galeasius and bought of the Emperour Charles 1369. by Petrus Gambacurta for 12000. peeces of gold How Leuca was made a Seignory and had many Gouernours but at last obtained their freedome by donation of a Cardinall who distributed for the same 25000. Checkinos How Sienna boasteth of the birth of Aeneas Siluius called Pope Pius of the Vniuersity of Physicians is delicately scited was tossed or rather tormented in the factions of the Guelphs and Gibellines submitted to the Spanyard then to the French next to the Cardinall Mâ—…ndoza and at last 1558. yeelded to the Duke of Florence How Naples encreased in glory and raised her dignity next to Lombardy of all the Principats of Italy to a Kingdome suffred many alterations had Princes of seuerall families filled the world with the occurrences of her troubles and at last by example of Sicilia prostituted it selfe to Spaines insulting Of all which to discourse at large were another Gordion and with the Preacher a man may cry out all things are so hard to be knowen that no creature can expresse them the eye is not satisfied with sight the eare not filled with hearing the thing that hath beene commeth to passe againe and there is no new thing vnder the Sunne and therefore I will desist from further tormenting my selfe or you because many worthy authors are opposite to one another in vnfolding the secrets of antiquity and hee which striueth to please all readers with satisfaction must transforme himselfe into all shapes especially
resembled vnto children pull'd out of the armes of a louing mother But I will quietly bring you into her own roomes whereby you shall partly behold the beauty and workmanship of her building onely by the way I must a litle touch the Etymologie of the word and tell you that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke signifieth milke and so the people from their complexion and resemblance to whitenes were called Galli or Galati For other particulars you haue Caesars commentaries and well compacted histories which haue tossed and tumbled the lodgings yea the very beds of her chambers and our owne acquaintance hath ouer-lookt her choicest closets It was once the nurse of valour and afforded her vberant paps in those daies to such men as trampled ouer the fields of Greece robbed Apollos Temple at Delphos fetcht away the spoiles of Asia and by the assistance of Brennus an Englishman performed actions of wonderment and applause It was afterward the pride of Roman Consuls and the greatest ambition thought it selfe sufficiently recompenced with her gouernment when Rome had yet lessned her roome to make it prouinciall Presently followed the diuision of the Empire and all the gouernment almost of Europe was rent asunder with the furie of very strange and sauage Nations whose confused Chaos of barbarisme the brauery and goodnes of this countrey redacted to vniformity A litle while after diuers families by being maiores palatij became masters of the Kingdome wherein some by suppression some by merit some iure militari and some by right of inheritance lifted vp the crowne and maiesticall head of this country Straight-way the Eagle of Rome was sicke and from France recouered health how euer afterward it sought for further cure from the Germanes Then followed the Law Salick amongst them with absolute interdicting the Crowne of this glorious Monarchy to fall to the distass whereupon the three famous houses of Valois Burbon Loraine entailed the same and made as it were a feofment of perpetuity wherein this Diadem still keepeth her residence and is dunged watred and liketh her manuring so that whatsoeuer hath bin long since diuided amongst many Princes looking vpon one another with the eyes of emulation and ambitious desires to become greatest in the same is now at length vnited vnder one Monarchy and title of France so that howsoeuer some will haue Loraine absolute of it selfe and no subiect some stomach that Burgoine is revolted some repine that Daulphine was vnited by donation some confound Gascoigne and Guienne abolishing quite the name of Acquitane some remember that Normandy was English some presume of Britany as a Principate of her owne some make Sauoy afraid when Geneua calls the King of France patron and protector and some by diuision and subdiuision would extenuate her greatnes yet is now all France and the worthy Princes are resolued to keep correspondency with strangers but suffer no new intrusion nor any forreine claimes to preuaile at their marble table I will therefore desist from any further vnwinding the yarne of strange bottomes but spread a moderne cloth and giue you some slender taste of her present dainties whereby you shall not depart away altogether vnsatisfied To begin euen vnder the mountaines Pirenei which diuide Spaine from France the first part is called Gasconia including Guienne and Acquitane Dukedomes once appropriate to the heire of England before the inuesture of the Principat of Wales The chiefest Cities are Burdeaux and Tholouse washed with the plenteous waters of the Garonn a riuer not onely spreading her many armes abroad to send plenty all ouer the fields but powring out her greater streames into the sea welcommeth store of ships into her ports and harbours sending them backe againe into many countries of Europe with glad tidings of an abundant vintage Burdeaux is watrishly scited by reason the riuer and springs raiseth many marshes here about yet is it wholesome and the heat of the climate can endure the moistnes of the aire the Citie is ancient and boasteth of an Vniuersitie but more properly of the great concourse of Merchants It is beautified with many monuments especially the Pallace wherein King Richard the second the sonne of the blacke Prince was borne and another without the Towne a worke euer since the Emperor Galienus and then supposed a glorious Amphitheater The towne of Tholouse is more proud of antiquitie and telleth of time before Troies devastation yea remembreth since Deborah Iudge of Israel was famous for her wisdome and gouernment It hath now a well disciplined schoole a court of Parliament populous streets and reasonable buildings but indeed they seeme very ancient and for some speciall structures may carry the credit of magnificence The other townes are many and very good except countrey villages which are as rude as in other places and the Pesant liueth like a drudge not daring scarse drinke of the wine of his owne garden lest he should not raise such profit as would answer the proportion of his rent But herein our English Merchant hath somewhat ouer-reached them For they hire the gardens themselues and make the best vse of them not trusting their labourers and husbandmen to handle the presses but as they be hired by the day or great The second part is called Poictoy a countrey so great and plentifull that there are numbred 1200 parishes and three Bishopricks faine would haue you reckon these principall walled townes within her diuision of inferior and superior The bishopricks are Poictiers Leucòne and Mailezay The superior townes Roch sur yon or if you will Rochell one of the strongest townes in Europe and the rather because it hath not trusted her walls and ramparts which are yet stupendous and magnificent but the Lord of hostes and his true religion which hath alwaies raised their spirits to an extraordinary confidence of mercy and preuailing against any Antichristian attempt Talmont Meroil Vouuant Meruant Bresfure Lodun Fountenay le Conte The inferior or townes of the lower diuision Noiart Partenay Touars Moncontoul Herenault Meribeau Chastelleraut and others of like eminence amongst whom Poictiers is reckned the most populous of all France next to Paris it is watred with the ouer-flowings of Clanius a riuer filling the Loire and sending it the faster into the sea it boasteth of some antiquities a Theater called the Sandes a palace of the Emperor Galienus an Aquaeduct to which belong certaine fountaines vulgarly called arceux de parigne and other memories from famous Romans who were here euer resident To talke of their Churches prisons walls ports ramparts arsenals towers riuers bridges and such like it were superfluous considering they are not subiects either of admiration or delicacie but euen common or ordinary buildings The third part is Aniou though a litle Prouince yet very fruitfull and affordeth such excellent vines that the common prouerbe crieth out the wine of Aniou For the stately riuer of Loire comming from Orleance posteth a pace with the glad tidings
Rhodanus commeth a pace out of Burgundy it was once knowen by the name of Araris and telleth a true tale of an hundred seuerall townes dispersed on his streames and supported by his bankes The eleuenth booke of this noble countrey openeth the leaues of knowledge for Burgundy which was once a Kingdome as absolute as the King of France himselfe and is still a Dukedome and County graced with such royalties that by their owne prerogatiues they haue brought armies into the field and proclaimed the absolute freedomes of their gouernment yea in the latter times of contestation with France they held the dignity of a Parliament kept a full palace sequestred and instituted the noble order of knighthood called the golden Fleece some would annex the Dutchy of Barr vnto it which I thinke more properly belongs to Loraine and many Earledomes of estimation The petty riuers receiue augmentation from the springs of her fields and the swift Araris is sent into the sea from her mountaines Her cheefest cities are Digion and Austune maintaining regall tribunals exposing ostentous edifices boasting of great antiquity setting out the brauery of diuers monuments and palaces and supporting the necessities of many people The townes of the Dukedome would bee called Latornelle Rochpot Chalons Verdune Seure Argilly Sausieu and such like The townes of the County please the inhabitants with the titles of Iussy Gray Dole Besanson Quingay Salins Arboies Paligny Bouteuant Noseroy Vennes Chastillion and diuers others none of which but either boasteth of one excellency or other some for making salt some for fulling cloth some for spinning linnen some for mines and minerals some for excellent pastures some for vines some for cattle and all for good building plenty of Gentle-men and concourse of people The twelfth doore of this Countries enclosure is vnlocked for Loraine howeuer the Duke repineth that he is not a King with his ancestors and still protesteth he wil be as absolute within his own territories as an Emperor nay sometimes addeth the French King himselfe For louing both alike he will bee auxiliary to either and sometimes enemie to both as being such a Prince who aduanceth and diminisheth at his pleasure the Marquisate of Ponce the Earledoms of Vademont Verdune Blamont Demanche Marchen and diuers other coronets with the immunities of sundry Baronies all depending vpon his praemium poena The townes of this countrey are Metts famous for the Emperours siege and many warlike fortifications Nancy Voige Chaligy Vaudmont Dompair Rosiers Rumbelluillier and such like worthy description but as I sayd in the beginning I intend not to extenuate the endeauours of other men either in their trauels or commentaries nor tell any abrupt tales when such and so many famous Authors and Cosmographers speake so orderly and plainely Therefore I referre you thither for more ample discourses especially concerning such cities as I haue ouerpassed and yet flourish at this hower in seuerall countries it shall only suffice me to name the countries and principall places that I may prepare you the better to attend my comparison when I shall set out England to the sale with her ornaments of commendation indeed The thirteenth roome of the palace of France her Honour is appropriate to Callis and Boloigne maintaining the sea-shores ouer against Kent and the sweet breathing mouth of the Thames in England but in such emulation being so neere that either they complaine to be thus long disioynted from her gouernment or seeme offended that we euer possessed them and could keepe them no longer much of this countrey once belonged to Artoys and was diuided betweene the Emperour and France by way of composition But if you would know wherin and wherof it boasteth indeed it is for two famous Dukes of the same or if you will but Earles who by their valours and heroik endeauours obtained the noble Diadems of the world the one was Godfrey inuested King of Ierusalem and made like another Agamemnon Captaine Generall of the Christian army against the Saracens The other was Stephen sonne of Duke Williams daughter of Normandy raised to the dignity of England and maintaining the possession against Maud the Empresse and her sonne during his life The last part of this glorious Kingdome may include Vermond and Picardy whose principall townes are Guise La Fere Han St. Quintine Tornay Chatel Abeuile Amiens Auxi Peron and such like washed with the streames of the Some and Scaldis whose rivulets make the fields plentifull in corne and grasse although the inhabitants are not industrious in planting of vine-yards which I rather impute to the indisposition of the soile then their negligence Thus you see with what a glistring crowne the head of France is impaled in the chaire of Maiesty and may visit the palace of honour with more and better attendance of Princes Dukes Earles and Gentle-men then any absolute Monarch of the world yet because it hath some defects in meere matters of state according to the true prosperity of a countrey and that diuers deficiencies chance somewhat disgraciously vnto her like staines and spots to pure linnen I cannot yeeld her the pride of happinesse because you shall see in my next book of comparison wherin her fulnesse of glory is ecclipsed and how wee our selues enioy many prerogatiues before her CHAP. XV. The Description of the Low-Countries BEyond all euen to the sea which made a sea of their fields and townes lie the seuenteene Prouinces called the Low-Countries or Germania inferior For alas the name and title of Gallia Belgica is long since extinguished although as I sayd all the Countries on this side the Rhene toward France were reputed as France Of these I must vse a little ampliation because I cannot chuse but wonder how any Prince would neglect such a benefit as the peaceable possession of these places which for goodnesse greatnesse and wealth vnited with the loue of the inhabitants might haue exceeded Spaine it selfe as by their reuenewes multitude of people cities shipping traffique with all nations and home-bred commodities may appeare They are called Ditiones inferior is Germaniae diuided into Dukedomes Counties and Lordships and knowen by these Characters The Dukedomes Brabant Limburck Luzenburg and Gelderland The Counties Flanders Artoys Henault Holland Zeland Namurs and Zutphen which is but one principall towne and some small territories adiacent The Marquisate of the Empire The Lordships Freesland for you must take notice that East Freesland belongeth to a Prince of her owne and euer disclaimed to bee subiect either to Emperour or King and so holdeth vp a head of liberty accordingly Mechlin Vtrech Trans-Ysell and Groining In these are numbred 228. great townes murited with wals ramparts ditches warlike ports bridges and fortifications Besides their guards are continuall either of their owne Burgers or Souldiers lying in garison according to the proximity of the enemy importance of the place necessity of affaires or inconueniences of the time The villages or dorps are 6300.
are indeed heaps of ostentation and fabricks of great delight the place called Iobs tombe sequestred for the buriall of the Emperours children who are commonly all strangled on the day of his elder sonnes inauguration by Mutes and then enclosed in coffins of Cypres and so receiued by the Mufti into chapples consecrated for that purpose the Patriarcks house certaine Balnea's Aquae ductus Constantines palace and the Towers on the wall To these you may adde the Besesteine a place like our Exchange for varietie of marchandize market of virgins selling of slaues and the vaults vnder ground fenced with iron gates to secure their treasure which especially belongeth to the Iewes who farme the office of Dacij or customes and are as it were the Turkes receiuers so that these places must needes bee strongly guarded both to preuent the furie of the Ianizaries who are very irregular in their tumults and the extremity of fire and earth-quakes to whose violence the Citie is many times subiect The next diuision is of Galata a city ouer against it diuided onely by sea no broader heere then our Tamisis of great antiquity walled about and retaining a particular name and renowne for holding out a yeere and better after Constantinople was surprized it standeth likewise vp a hill and equals it both for beastlinesse confusion and vncomely streets and houses heere liue many Greekes and the Francks as they terme the Papists of what nation soeuer haue a Church by permission the Curtezan likewise liueth at some liberty yet is it death for any Christian to lie with a Turkish woman or Iew. The third part of this great city comprehendeth the vine of Pera which is a huge suburbs compassing Galata round about a place of quiet dwelling good aire and pleasant gardens yet in regard the many thousand tombs of Turkes for you must know that neither Turke Iew nor Christian interre any corps in their Mosques or city except they build a chapple of purpose or haue the priuiledge of the Franck Church fill vp a great quantity of ground with disordered confused noysome and fearefull graues On the one side toward the north-east you haue an Arsenall for gallies a little beyond a handsome Seralio somwhat further a pretty fresh water riuer as if they lay in sequence by whose banks are certaine houses erected of purpose for the pleasure reposednes of speciall Bashawes On the other side toward the south-west the office of artilery called Tapinaw inuiteth you to the view of such ordnance and munition that for number greatnesse and vse surmount any one city of Europe you haue likewise another Seralio and in these suburbs are resident the English French and Venetian Ambassadours as for the Persian Emperours of Germany and Polacks they liued in the great city and sometimes visited one another as either necessitie of businesse or pleasure of inuitation affoorded The last quarter of this diuision affoordeth the obiect of a towne in Asia called Scideron or Scideret betweene which and Constantinople the sea runneth 20. English mile in length and onely two in bredth as farre as Pompey's pillar and the blacke Tower resembling a lace fringed with spangles and purles for the Bashawes and Chawses houses so stand on both sides as if they were made to answer a proportion of handsomnesse but when time and a daies trauell hath taken away the pleasure of this spectacle then fall you into a larger gulph once called Euxinum mare now the blacke sea extending a thousand mile as farre as Trebisond on the farther shore of the continent now called Russia is shouldred vp close Maeotis Palus into which the great riuer of Tanais sendeth his streames as if a messenger of glad tydings and businesse should hasten to discharge his duty Thus I confesse if on the towers of the Amorata or battlements of the Sophia you beheld all at once as it were one vnited body it would equall if not surpasse London for spaciousnesse of grounds some monuments and diuers palaces and houses but yet come no way neere my satisfaction as being defectiue in many things which I supposed to excell in it deficient in all things wherin a happy countrey supplieth the wants of her enhabitants For heere is neither good lodging proportionable fare free recourse gracious entertainment true religion secure abiding allowable pleasure orderly gouernment or any thing wherein a noble city is made glorious indeed nor is it so populous as report hath busied vs but famarialum and it may be the plague hauing consumed 80000. and the army of 200000. deducted diminished somewhat the glory left the rest of the people to enioy more freedome And thus much for Constantinople Now a word or two for Venice Venice I confesse is both rare in situation and wonderfull for gouernment as cementing together diuers Ilands with small bridges and not trusting their liberty either into the the hands of one Prince or iudgement of inferiour persons Thus hath the Duke but a binding voyce and the sword is carried before the Senate thus is nothing done without the consent of the Nobility who are very neere 1500. in number and the trades-man is in no sort admitted amongst them till either he purchase the freedome or deserue it by some heroicke imployment therefore they doe them wrong that call the Venetians marchants For though some of them haue a traffique at sea yet doe the better sort of the Nobility scorne to trade for profit and those which are aduenturers are either newly raised houses or licensed by the state for speciall purposes but howsoeuer hee leaues the managing of affaires to inferiours and the drudging as we say for money either to the Iew as an Vsurer or to common banke for the good of the city or to the Shop-keeper for the entertaining the concourse of people sitting at home in ease and going abroad for some variety of delight as the true Gentle-men of Naples and Millane accustome who suppose nothing worthy which sauours of curbing liberty and tying them to seruile attendance But yet in all this so farre short of our London as a dumb painted statua of a liuing substance For neither are the Noble-men permitted the eminency of other natious nor patible of such degrees as our greatnesse looketh vpon one another withall nor can the Marchant equall the twentieth part of our comparison for number nor in that which they boast of which is wealth can they generally match our Londoners as for the Trades-man and Shop-keepers as I sayd before neither for order gouernment libertie of meeting diet purchasing of land delicate furniture and all the particulars whereby a city is made famous worthy or wealthy onely some few houses haue a handsome shew of comelinesse and according to the custome of their stone-buildings seeme pretty piles for the receipt of a small company But where are their fiue hundred ships at sea when all Venice hath not aboue thirty marchant men and ten galleasses onely they boast
of Deuils the glory of the firmament the diuision of the earth the bonds and limits of the sea the secrets of hell and the terrors of the last dissolution what neede wee more or go any further for a marking stone to colour any kingdome with whereby it may be known to come neere and enioy most of those blessings wherewith God hath sealed and ratified the glory of Countries then out of the storehouse of the Scriptures To this purpose I dare be bold to aduance our England into the highest chaire as if she were to triumph for some notorious victory and that I may bring vp my forces together to a close encounter and connect my reasons with probability I will discouer at large what I haue learned out of industrious Authors obserued by my owne indeauours knowne as oculatus testis in most countries of Europe and since determined in a combat of comparisons not that I meane to rippe vp the bowels of antiquity and call in question so many thousand volumes which haue consumed as many thousand yeeres in discouery of originals and as it were tormented Time with strange discourses so that if you should take off the vaile wherewith diuers Authors haue ouermantled both Countries Kingdomes and Cities you would stand amased at their deformed shapes and remaine confounded to veiw now their disparity I will therefore leaue all maligne circumstances of my quiet and shew you with what countenance they looke vp to heauen at this instant and in what manner they seeme proud of their establishment whereby 〈◊〉 that are willing to be impartiall shall be the better enâ—…ed to yeeld vp a verdict of truth against all adulterate sophistication Yet must I adde with all this lesson of morality that in 〈◊〉 kingdome where vnderstanding hath pleasured the people with 〈◊〉 of ciuility as for barbarous natâ—…s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 onely make vse of their names Sol vitae est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Antidotus vitae patientia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c Vita vitae conscientia c gloâ—…â—…ntia For with wealth your entertainement 〈◊〉 â—…ght wâ—…th Princes attonement made with Tyrants 〈◊〉 â—…ed amongst strangers adoration aâ—… 〈◊〉 and such as know not ciuilitie will stand 〈◊〉 at thy â—…rauery and florishing By wealth are ofâ—…â—…gated imperfections remitted scandals reâ—… 〈◊〉 pardoned follies excused and the frowns 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ed For wealth beauty yeeldeth to a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…es are in opposition enforced 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 men transported to exorbitant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for strange vndecencies and all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ounded with contraries But this is a pasâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 part of my worke or meaning 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for feare of longing after that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aâ—…l as the Dutchman who onâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now to conclude The whole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into two seuerall Bookes In the first you shall haâ—… a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Countries of the world by way 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 planaâ—…on as they are noâ—… 〈◊〉 In the 〈◊〉 as Drapers doe 〈◊〉 clotâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whereby the 〈◊〉 and prerogâ—… of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 made apparâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. Discite nunc miseri Quid sumus aut Quis datus aut mâ—…ae quam mâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quis modus argeâ—…o Uâ—…le numâ—…us habâ—… Quantum elargâ—… Iussit humana qua THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST BOOKE THe Empire of Tartaria Fol. 1 The Monarchy of China 10 The Monarchy of India 14 The Empire of Persia. 19 The Empire of the Turkes 27 The story of the Ottomans together with their conquests 31 The Empire of Aethiopia 39 The Empire of Russia 44 The story of the Goths and Lombards comming into Italy and Spaine 53 The Empire of Germany 56 The history of Coleine 64 The glory of the Spanyard 69 The Description of Italy as in times past 78 Italy described at this time 83 The story of Sauoy 93 The story of Millaine 100 The description of France 111 The description of the Low-Countries 123 The Monarchy of Great Britaine 142 The description of Ireland 144 THE CONTENTS OF THE SECOND BOOKE THe Maiesty of Salomon and happinesse of Canaan a full and absolute example for all Nations 155 Countries compared to Canaan and Salomons glorious happinesse and first of all the Tartars 162 China compared and her deficiency manifested 166 India compared and her defects manifested 170 Persia compared with her insufficiency 174 Turkie compared and her imperfections layd open 177 The lamentable death of the principall Viceer when Sultan Achmat came first to the crowne 181 The famous history of Mustapha 185 The story of a Renegado Bashaw 188 The indirect proceedings of Turkes against Christians contrary to all religion or morality 191 Their manner of aduancement and diuersity of customes farre from our example and orderly prosperitie 198 Russia compared 210 Aethiopia compared 213 Germany compared 217 Italy compared 221 Spaine compared 230 France compared with a discouery of her defects 236 England compared with the probable reasons why shee is neerer the example of Canaans happines than any other nation 242 Wherin the happinesse of England is both perspicuous and commendable 251 Forraine Cities compared to London with the defects of either made apparent and our sufficiency manifested 256 Diuers particulars wherein England excelleth other kingdoms and first in religion 270 Certaine particulars concerning the Greeke Church 282 Certaine particulars concerning the Latine Church 289 Another excellency of England exposing the noble worth of hier Princes beyond other nations 294 Another excellency of England casteth vp an account of her anâ—…quity in one vnited Monarchy before other nations 299 Another excellency of England consisteth in the happy life of our Countrey man and common people 3â—…4 Another excellency of England consisteth in the goodnesse of our nauy and shipping 309 Another excedency of England consisteth in the number riches enâ—…uors and extraordinary worth of our Marchant 316 Another excellency of England may bee drawne from this obseruation that wee haue had more glorious persons and famous Kings and Princes to visit our countrey then any other nation 320 The Conclusion 330 THE GLORIE OF ENGLAND The First BOOKE TOPOGRAFICALLY describing the Countries of the World with some historicall amplification CHAP. I. The Empire of TARTARIA ACcording to the vaine popular and indeed ridiculous error of opinion the world hath inuested nine seuerall Monarchs with his glory and from strange disproportions giuen them prerogatiues to command all the Nations of the earth interdicting any petty Prince to come neere them by way of competition or comparison First then the Empire of Tartaria laid prostrate vnder the throne of the great Cham called Dominus dominantium and Rex regum spreadeth it selfe with so large embracings that it extendeth from the northren Obba or if you will Tanais which falleth into the great Euxinum euen to the easterne sea sometimes surnamed the Atlanticke whose vast lappe is almost filled with a fry of Ilands all Idolaters and most of them enemies to strangers but especially Christians It begirteth those Countries
the toe with a peake After many conflicts Hosenus the immediate Heire of Alis preuailed against his Vnkle Sophy and set the crowne on his owne head with remembrance yet of the others glory so farre that he was proclaimed Hosenus Sophy 〈◊〉 in the next generation the sanctity of Guines the sonne of Hosenus continued with such applause that the 〈◊〉 were reputed Heretikes and suffered that contumeâ—…s diuision as now the Papist and Puritane in EVâ—… but so the fortune of Guines Sophy preuailed that 〈◊〉 laine himselfe tooke armes in his defence and as a principall Sectarie of Mahomet made the colourable suppreding of Heretikes for so doe Turkes and Persians reciprocally vpbraid one another the stimulatory cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all Asia minor vntill the Emperor Baiazet with 〈◊〉 Turkes fell vnder the stroakes of his warlike hand Next vnto him succeeded Secaider as obstinate as his father and as successefull in enlarging their Mahomets blasphemies of whom I will say no more seeing they acknowledge one God one Prophet and circumcision differing onely as I said in the antiquity of their Rabby and idle nicety for which they haue set in combustion the Countries of the East and with violent entercourses diuided the spoiles of Asia For this Secaider attempted the conquest of Georgia and Mengrelia on the West of the Caspian who being Christians according to the superstition of the Greeke Church submitted to certaine conditions as tolleration of religion paying tribute and disclaiming to assist the Turke against them whereby they obtained a kinde of peace and protraction vntill againe the Persians declined in their fortunes and could not preuent the forwardnesse of the Oâ—…oman glory yet euer since there hath beene an intermixture and admittance on all sides especially in the interims of their truce and when counterchangeable Embasies haue passed betweene them Besides from an absolute tradition of the East which that lasciuious Mahomet inserted as a tolleration and princely prerogatiue from Ahasuerosh instance or if you please Salomons Concubines all the beautifullest Virgins are taken vp between Persian and Turke euen perforce out of the laps of Christian mothers and sequestred with purifying oyle and â—…e fare for the Emperors pleasure witnesse SIR 〈◊〉 SHâ—…S LADY who was a Christian Georgian either liuing with some kinred in the freedome of religion or taken out of the Seralio wherein he was exceedingly fauoured before shee was graced with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 presence otherwise it is death to marry a Christian or a Persian to bee married to a Christian Thus you see how the name of Sophy began and was added to the Emperours titles as the Abimelechâ—… to Pâ—…e Pharaoh and Pâ—…olomeus to Aegypt yea within our memorie the Soldan called Cairo new Babylon and Caesar was and is an attribute to all Emperours since Iulius and Augustus But no sooner had the distinction of these people Persians Turkes and Moores from an interpretation of their law limited the seuerall subiects within certaine bounds of strict allegeance but time and curiosity corrupted all their manners and neither Herodatus 〈◊〉 nor Pliny liuing now amongst them would suppose them the same nations for whom they tooke such paines in their descriptions so that who viewes them now must not looke vpon their riches and glory otherwise theâ—…â—…pon mighty conquerours and magnificent people â—…yet because there are some differences amongst them according to a breuiary obseruation wherein my time was employed and that as the Iewes repined at the Samaritans the â—…ritans at the Galilaeans so heer is the same discrepancy â—…ut extending to particulars of better consequence 〈◊〉 â—…e thought good to publish these vses The Persian is 〈◊〉 minded liberall sociable and farre from affectâ—…on The Turke is dogged proud sparing and contempâ—… â—…s not knowing either consanguinity neighbor-hood or any thing but the name of a â—…aue The Persian 〈◊〉 noble-men loueth such as we call hawke-â—…ee from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 commendation of Cyrus weareth his vpper â—…p wâ—…â—…g and turning mustachoes boasteth of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in propagato sanguine is glorious in appâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…ous enclining to peace and deâ—…rous of pleâ—… 〈◊〉 they giue life vnto by solemnizing of feasts whereat their noble wiues may meet except when they are heated to lasciuiousnesse then are they sent away and concubines inuited to make wantonnesse the fuller to which they come by degrees beginning with a modest shamefastnesse but more bold at last set open all the doores of petulant and luxurious variety nor are they ashamed to produce instances of Darius banquetting in Susa 180. dayes with all his Princes of Baltashars solemnities when the cups of of gold were filled and the beds of iuory spred of Alexanders the Conqueror imitating the Persian brauery and reiecting the barren and shuffling customes of the Grecians and diuers others whose inuentions and customes are remembred to set on flame the already burning fire of their voluptuousnesse The Turke contemneth such formality in condition yet is more curious in apparrell for his Turban is delicately plighted and when it raines hath a hood to couer it his vpper gowne is cleane brusht his mustacho carefully preserued his beard the grace of his countenance and many other delicacies maintained while hee is resident in corrupted cities seeming more solid tyrannous warlike and knoweth nothing but obedience as coniured to raise vp all the trophees of his endeauours to the glory of Othoman yea in his matters of incontinency he runneth also a strange race with a more impudent violence then the Persian as if the Satyre were exemplined Dum vitant stulti vitia in contraria currunt and both from that horrible corruption of the Grecians haue admitted the defiling of males and the better sort do both geld and keepe Eunuchs and other to the same purpose The Persian loueth learning painting exercises and many generous qualities The Turke scorneth any language but his owne supposing him a right Politician who speaketh or learneth his careth for no quality but riding shooting and playing at chesse contemneth many superfluous customes of Europe and hath in derision yea in malicious contempt all the ceremonies of the Westerne Churches by reason of their images and foolish prophaning of God through idolatry Thus then from India to Arabia East West and from the Caspian to the Persian Gulph where the great Euphrates emptieth his streams and vnder whose shores is that famous Ormus scited where they fish for pearle and trauell six weekes together from Damascus and Cairo to the same with 6. or 700 cammels and asses in a company to carry their prouision for feare of the theeues of Arabia preuaileth this Emperour possessing withall diuers cities on this side Ganges as intermingled with the Portugals so that in India at this instant you haue many ports and harbours of fortification lying intricately diuiuided betweene Turkes Persians Spanyards and the Indians themselues CHAP. V. The Empire of TVRKS THE fift and absolutely the greatest share of the worlds honour for goodnes of
ciuill sociable and superstitious For amongst the Churches they are of opinion that the three Kings haue a memorable monument concerning the birth of our Sauiour when they were commaunded to returne another way home but comming hether it was the fortune and glory of this place not onely to be their refuge from the fury of Herod in their life but a receptacle for their bodies after death but how the truth would proue all this ridiculous it were pity to dispute Howsoeuer as I haue said the Citie and territories now swell with the pride of exemption from the Emperors iurisdiction and in the same race runne many other famous Townes whereby you may see the disioynted gouernment of Germany and the poore authority the Emperors haue ouer the Electors and imperiall Cities For although Charles the 5. had the fortune to imprison the Lantsgraue of Hesse and by the seruice of the Duke of Burbone to possesse the Castle of Saint Angelo and punish the Pope with a terror of vsurpation euen ouer his spirituall authoritie yet was it a sudden greatnesse and like the blaze of a bauin lasted but a while For the German Princes quickly repined and the next Pope as quickly ratified his owne conditions so that the Emperors since haue no more to doe in Italy then a Pilgrimme who is admitted to see the wonders of our Lady at Loretto But if you would know how Germany is neighboured and beloued of strangers I answer as if my friend should aske me my opinion concerning anothers loue the heart is vnsearchable we onely can discouer the outward countenance and formall protestations thus is it with Topographicall descriptions wee can say these and these be the Countries and people but whether enuious ambitious reuengefull traiterous cowardly or such like it must be referred to actions and time Toward the North lies Pomerania Prussia Lithuania Silesia Podolia and Poland but Poland now stands for all within these 300. yeeres a factious Dukedome limited within her owne territories now a well compacted kingdome of many Countries yet wilfully resolute to haue no hereditary Prince amongst them whereby the supreame authority is subiect to the suffrages of men and a manner of Oligarchy of Nobles limiteth the King in his royaltie and maketh his establishment but a slauish brauery The Countrey from her plaines as spreading it selfe abroad without mountaines or hills addeth to the Etymologie of the word and hath only the great Citie of Cracow vpon the Vistula meriting discourse but litle commendation or wonder Toward the East lieth the noble Kingdome of Hungary I call it noble because whole volumes might be writ in relating her troubles externall with her enemy of Christendome internall with a confused dissention For sometimes the glory of the Kingdome elateth them sometimes priuate reuenges diuideth them sometimes the Clergie doth tyrannize ouer them and sometimes the generall cause exciteth compassion then adioyneth what in times past you called Illiria now Transiluania and Sclauonia Toward the South but you must first see what snow lieth vpon the Alpes all along the bankes of the Adriaticke sea now Gulpho Venetiano are spred abroad the Prouinces of Friaull in times past forum Iulij Histria Croatia Dacia Dalmatia as farre as Ragusa once Epidaurus all full of prety Townes the shores beautified with Ilands and the sea beating on diuers rockes seruing yet for many vses as the Venetians can tell who are the Commaunders of these people and places for the most part Toward the West what wee now nicke-name the Wallons Loraine with the memorable Towne of Mets and in a prety corner Heluetia containing the 13. Cantons of Switzerland euen amongst the Alpes which remaine with freedome of both religions in despight of Pope and other turbulent Princes and can shew Bazill Bern and Zuricke as fine and delicate Townes as any in the pride of Italy but withall you must vnderstand that both the Emperour France and Spaine haue diuers times attempted the subiection of these people especially Geneua which belongeth to Sauoy yet failed as the Romans did with the Parthians concluding a corroboration of friendshippe rather then a publication of their shame to be propulsed which appeared in the time of Charles the fift who was mightily incensed against them had not the blunt reprehension of a foole diuerted him For when diuers fiery spirits had brought fuell to set on flame these guiltlesse people and that hee determined to ouerrunne them as it were with one speedinesse I I saith the foole you all conclude well for going into the Countrey but vnacquainted with the terrible passages of the Alpes you litle consider the difficultie of comming out againe Vpon which pithy and compendious obiurgation a new debatement of matters set vp another loome of retraction CHAP. IX The glory of the SPANIARD THE ninth proportion of the earths happinesse hath so confirmed the King of Spaine in a large inheritance that hee now lifteth vp a head of maiestie with an imperiall countenance and extraordinary titles But if I must conduct you into the enclosures of vnderstanding how this comes about I am affraid I shall torment former times with vaine repetitions and confused originals yea indeede abuse your patience with tedious and friuolous discourses considering so many excellent histories haue explained the difficulties of these people and the moderne commentary is a true and delicate glasse to behold her forme and beauty in Otherwise I could fill your lap with these abstracts and make vp a kinde of reckning with pleasure and contentment from a modest ampliation That Hercules with his large and warlike embracements clasped this country about infusing such vertue as his father Ioue innated in him whereby his actions tended to reformation of abuses purging the Kingdom of such monsters as had both terrified them with their huge bodies and made them miserable with the confusion of rapes murthers and cruell oppression so that Hesperus Gerion and Cacus mighty giants were subdued and the country calmed of all stormy blasts of rudenes and confused barbarisme That after such heroicke proceedings he stood like a Colossus ouer the streights naming the great mountaines of Abila and Calpe his pillers with this inscription of Non plus vltra howeuer afterward it was the fortunate brauery of Charles the Emperor vpon the discouery of the West Indies to write Plus vltra quite obliterating Non as if his new glory had better consequence That hee erected a Temple in the Iland of Gades now Cales and as it were enfeoffed the seas and streights with his surname That from the burnt ashes of Tyrus after Dido was forewarned to abandon Phoenicia by the ghost of her husband Sichaeus like the Phaenix sprung vp a many Phoenixes who possessed the shores of Africke and built an airy in Gades that is the banished and discomfited people of Tyrus erected Carthage Gades and many other townes in Africke and Spaine That presently followed the dissention betweene the Gaditanes
with Ianus looke two contrary waies and study the arts both of detracting and flattery yet there is but one truth if a man did liue in such a blessed age that he might maintaine the same with worthy boldnesse speaking what he thinkes thinking what he knowes and knowing nothing but honest certainties wherein not to be corrupted is a glory exceeding report and a worke of wonder indeed therefore as neere as I can I will reiect all impossible reports and authorities and tie my selfe to probabilities and truth or at least so much as is either receiued for currant in iustifiable relations or my poore experience dare warrant from mine owne endeauours and so I will shew you with what face Italy lookes vp to heauen at this houre and may with Heraclitus weepe for the vanities and miseries of the earth yet is cheerefull and thus like a strumpet is knowne by the pride of her eyes CHAP. XI ITALY described at this time FIrst towards the East lies the Kingdome of Naples within whose enclosures are detained the countries of Calabria Brutia and Apulia now Abruzzo Puglia and separated by the chāmpaine of Romandiola and the large Appenini which bee mountaines rising by Ancona and running forward to the great gulph that thrusteth it selfe between Rocca Imper◅all and Gallipolis It hath many townes but few cities onely Brindisi Ottonto Barletto and Naples are of some account the Countrey is rich in vines oyle and silke-wormes the people are dangerous superstitious and the Villano liues beastly the Gentle men are maintainers of liberty and pleasure scoffers at their owne religion and as great blasphemers as the Greekes of Cyprus insomuch that I haue heard them in their rages cry out Iddio Beco Puttana del Di and sweare by the absurd oath of potta del Cielo as in their commedy called Ruffiana and published in print may appeare yet is their adoration of her so superstitious that the Sauiour of the world is accounted her inferiour her attributes make heauen amazed and her altars smoke with incense and prophanation And what is this but to cause the Prophets to exclaime against the sacrifices of the Queene of Heauen and what is this but with Ahaz to make images for Baalim and burne children in the valley of Hinnon after the abhomination of the heathen and what is this but to build high altars with Manasses and like a Sorcerer to regard the crying of birds to vse enchauntments giue way to the imposturing art of witchcraft As for true religion oh God! thou laughest them to scorne as they haue the truth in derision which makes me remember what is reported in these parts of that worthy Sr. Philip Sidney who conuersing with a Neapolitane Count and brought to one of their Churches wherein he was loth to enter at that time was yet vnwilling altogether to distaste him but interiected some excuses but the Count vnderstanding him well enough bad him tarrie a while and so went into his formall deuotion but quickly returning embraced him with an oath by his Santa Donna that he would renounce all the religion of the world yea his part of Paradice before hee would trouble againe the conscience of so well deseruing a Gentle-man and companion They liue in great pomp for outward shew and make the City both rich and stately because they are not permitted to be resident in the Countrey but keepe heere continuall entercourse howeuer they groane vnder the Vice-Royes controll and the ouerwatchings of two strong castles which keepe both towne and harbour in awe and although the Spanish pride and sometimes cruelty is exercised amongst them as abating their natiue glory yet doth it little abridge them of moderne pleasures and customary wantonnesse so that if the Prophets in times past exclaimed against Tyrus and Sidon threatned Damascus and Syria prophesied the desolation of Aegypt and Aethiopia lamented Iuda and Samaria and mourned for Babylon and Assyria they might now cry out against Italy and Naples which as in times past was called Parthenope of the Syrens haunting these shores of the dangers of Scilla and Caribdis and for the notorious transhaping men into monsters by Circes allegorically alluding to the voluptuous sinnes and abusiue pleasures of this City and Countrey so still may it retaine the comparison and men bee terrified with the same dangers For if any place in the world keepes wickednesse warme with glorious flames and stretcht-out sensuallity to the length and bredth heere men are not only drunke with iniquity but commit fornication with Idols yea are mad with the rage of impiety The next is Romagnia or Romandiola called S. Peters patrimony a great countrey vnder the Pope in which are reckned the two Dukedomes of Ferrara and Vrbine of late daies fallen into the power of the Conclaue of Cardinals for want of lawfull succession or else by reason of their weaknes who peraduenture haue right but are not able to contest with so irregular an aduersary which makes them step a litle aside for feare of being trampled to peeces indeed The chiefe Cities are Rome Loretto Rimano Bologna Ferrara Vrbine Perugia Viterbium Spoletto Ancona and Rauenna all places of account well fortified adorned with palaces replenished with inhabitants and resort of Gentills both natiues and trauellers and supplied with all manner of prouision both for necessitie and wantonnes But Rome is the seat of the Pope and keepeth the Priests to the duties of the Sanctuary For the Colledge of Cardinals suffer no man to depresse the glory of the Church and proclaimes him an heretike that intermedleth with the ordinances of the great Bishop so that according to their seuerall degrees religious persons liue in great st◅te keepe Curtezans trauell in Carosses with six moiles sumptuously trapped though but a quarter of a mile to the Conclaue solemnize feasts and banquets make onely show of some ridiculous ceremonies and are in truth of slender deuotion in spirituall secrets but foolish superstition in absurd apparitions so that if I were an Atheist and a man vnconscionable to suppose that there were not a day of account to be made with the commander of all actions I had rather liue a religious man in Rome than be a Nobleman of Naples who as I said a litle before of all men liuing wash their hands in carelesnes and like Pollicrates the tyrant haue nothing to trouble them but that nothing hath troubled them concerning worldly encombrances so that with the Prophet I may well cry out the Priests are gone astray by the meanes of strong drinke and are ouercome with wine they faile in prophesying and stumble in iudgement their tables are full of vomit and filthines and no place is cleane yea the vision of the Prophet is come vnto them as the words of a booke which is sealed vp which men deliuer to one that is learned saying read thou and he replies I cannot for it is sealed then it is deliuered to an ignorant with read thou but
in their former renowne as part of Gallia Cisalpina but afterward mischeefe was added to mischeefe till it was concluded otherwise by time and worthy endeauours as you haue heard whereupon Chambery was the cheefest towne on this side the Alps scituated in a delicate rich valley full of Gentle-mens houses on the other side of the mountaine Agabella ouer which the traueller spendeth commonly fiue or six hours it hath a handsome castle now manned with Spanyards in the behalfe of the Duke the City is orderly ditcht and fortified by the fauor of a pretty riuer hath commodity of a reasonable water otherwise it is snowy through the countrey and the people are Strumosae as in Switzerland The suburbs are not fully recouered of her ruines which they were subiect vnto in the yeere 1600. when the King of France as stomaching the cunning violence of the Duke of Sauoy's detention of the Marquisat of Salust came to Grenoble by the marches and after good surueigh besieged Chambery lodging in the suburbs and commanded Villeroy to parley with Iacob and the President Rochet about the surrendring the towne and castle whom at last the people compelled to a composition as finding it impossible to resist the French forces thus within three dayes was the towne and within six the castle surrendred and Le Buise a Gentle-man of Daulphine left for Gouernour but the successe of these actions was not comparable to the fortune of attaining mount Melian and St. Katherines fort two of the strongest holds that euer I saw For mount Melian is seated on the top of an high and rocky mountaine the ditch bankes very steepe and the defences consist of fiue great bastions flanked in most warlike manner to which is but one passage and that from the towne The King according to the condition of men transported onely with outward shewes sayd it was impregnable but vnderstanding himselfe afterward a little better commanded to besiege it so the Marquis Rosny great master of the artillery drew vp seuen canons by the force of armes and strength of men and two batteries were made by De Bourdes Lieutenant Generall of the artillery against the bastions of Maiuosin and Bouillars besides an old Tower which had beene shaken by Francis the first The Fort was commanded by the Earle of Brindis who had all prouision for his defence and like one of Dauids Worthies prooued an honourable Seruitor had not the Duke failed and brake his word leauing him to such a fortune as extremities accustome For hee held it out foure months after many thousand shot of fortie canons whose voyces sounded out nothing but terrour and effects made way vnto feare and mistrust and accordingly seeing the French had too good footing to bee remooued a composition was condescended vnto and the castle surrendred The towne of Aguabelle is scituated at the foot of a great rocke as if it lay asleepe in the lap of security By it runnes the riuer of Arck it was surprized by the good endeauours of the Signeurs of Crequy and Morges not giuing them of the castle any leasure to burne it At the same time was Conflans commanding the passage of Tarentaies and Carboniers with all the straights of Morien in the Kings hands but if you would know what pleased him indeed it was the braue surprizall of St. Katherines Fort a gift as if fortune should open her lap and bid him with cheerefulnesse be his owne caruer For it is scited on a high hill within six mile of Geneua and not onely ouerlookes the Countrey but raiseth her rocky sides in such a manner as if it cared neither for battery nor bullet but would return them backe againe as you see a man spit against the winde to his owne defiling Concerning Geneua by the water it seems impregnable as washed with the pleasant billowes of the lake Lemanus and yet made vnaccessable by reason of certaine marishes ouer which neither horse nor cart can trauell by the land it hath all the helps of art nature yet not without danger of treason and stratagems but that I am perswaded God hath reserued it as little Zoar was a city of refuge when all the cities of Sodome and Gomorrha were on a blaze round about it So Sauoy the King of Spaine the Pope and her owne treasons were all disappoynted and it still remaines in the freedome of ablessed protection boasting of nothing more then her 300. yeeres continuance in an vniformity of religion and that it retaineth the true method of the Primatiue Church But to St. Katherines Fort againe It consisteth of fiue bastions which are not walled but ditcht well furnished with artillery and had 600. men to defend it who yet were in seuerall distractions when they perceiued the confidence of the Kings army not to take all that paines without further satisfaction so they submitted to the clemency of Count Soysons after the King was departed to goe meet the Queene at Lyons and thus were these impregnable places made the tennis-ball of fortune and left vs this obseruation that men money and endeauours will ouercome all disasters and make the very mountaines yeeld to heroike resolutions This is that Fort which was excepted in the composition between Sauoy and France This is that Fort that was to keepe the Countrey in obedience This is that Fort whose gouernment being denied to Duke Byron startled his resolutions and plunged him in the irrecouerable gulph of discontented treasons The towne of Moriana is beautified with a Colledge Monastery and Churches and tooke the first name either because the people are swartish blacke or the earth like some places of Aethiopia resembleth clots of pitch and so indeede their swine are of the same colour A little further lies Bramont a city of that antiquity that Caesar filleth some part of his Commentaries with her relations The passages to all these places are somewhat fearefull to strangers For to ride vnder and behold such mighty mountaines and rockes to see the snow dissolue and runne downe with that impetuous force making such anfractus and ruptures that diuers hundred mils are turned with the same to heare the terrible noyse of the channell whose foundation is huge stones disseuered from the hils to see the pine trees stand vnder like a carpet ready to receiue the falling of the snow is a thing both of admiration and pleasure But for mine owne part it startled me not at all in regard I had marched ouer some mountaines and places in Ireland especially Pen men mawre in Wales which for the length of the passage is the fearefullest that euer I saw because the stony rocke hangeth ouer so many hundred fathome high and the sea lieth vnder as great a depth so that a quarter of a mile together the way is not eight foot broad and as it were patch vp in the broken places with furrs and bauin to keepe both horse and man from slipping Besides after a great frost
some good customes though farre short of our example all which in in this Chapter shall be for diuers reasons enlarged You must then consider that euery second or third yeare his Officers range ouer all his kingdomes and territories for slaues Moores and Eunuchs but especially for the beautifullest and handsommest children they can finde being all the sonnes and daughters of Christians who accordingly are brought into his seuerall Seralios by 20. and 30000. at a time and there from their infancy instructed in the Law of Mahomet circumcised and disposed of without knowledge of parents friends or countrey except some Eunuch or Keeper out of meere commiseration discouer the same so that all his Concubines Wiues Officers and souldiers are the off-springs of Christians depending immediately on the Princes Exchequer and pensions not acknowledging other God other law other religion other King other Benefactor or other life except in the story of George Castriot who rebelled against him after he knew his father was a Christian and King of Epirus which we may briefly runne ouer thus When Amurath the 2. had conquered Epirus with many other places of Seruia Bulgaria and Albania he tooke prisoners with him to Adrinopolis the King and fiue of his sonnes whom he tormented most barbarously vpon some distasting reply of the old Prince by putting out their eyes and at last strangling them except the youngest named George whom he so fancied in his infancie that he presently circumcised him instructed him in the Law of Mahomet and kept him secure in his owne pallace vntill a mighty Champion of Persia made a challenge to fight with any Turke for the honour of both Empires hand to hand starknaked and with single Semiters wherein as the motiue might be honourable enough so the manner seemed ridiculous yet so formidable that for three daies together he insulted round about the Court without a daring answerer or any man who durst take the matter in hand at last this George Castriot out of some diuine inspiration and generous spirit stepped foorth in the presence of the Emperour not fully 18. yeere old and without procrastinating the matter stripped himselfe before them and made them as much amazed at the beautifulnesâ—… and comelinesse of his person as greatnesse of courage and shaking his sharp and glistring curtelax triumphantly ouer his head approached the Persian who by this time was prepared to the encounter and in lesse then one quarter of an houres trauersing the ground closed with him wrastled with him stradled ouer him like a Colossus after hee had layd him on his backe and strucke off his head for which hee was presently embraced in his sweat by the great Emperour inuested with a robe of honour proclaimed by the sound of a trumpet Scanderbeg quasi Alexander Magnus and aduanced to the dignity of Generall of the army Therfore I wonder at their ignorance or slender enformation which haue published in print that it was a name of scorne and derision when we neuer read of so famous an action and so high a recompence wherein hee proceeded more and more with loue of the army and regard of the Prince till indeed an Eunuch rauished with his worthinesse discouered what he was and opened at large his fathers story vnto him whereat hee startled as it were confounded and neuer desisted till he had perswaded the army to reuolt and so obtained his Kingdome making war against the Turke seuenteene yeere together as in the larger stories may appeare But to the businesse in hand The naturall Turke they call Muscellman and he seldom comes to preferment but liues as a trades-man in cities husbandman in the countrey or mariner at sea yet for the most part are all your gally-slaues Christians and ouerlooked by the cruell eyes of hard-hearted masters the rest cast vp their account in this manner At the beginning they are called Gimoglanes or Azamoglanes resembling poore hospitall-boyes doing all manner of drudgery both in court the houses of Bashawes and are known by a plaine habit and strange hat on their head which is a felt like a suger-loafe of a maiden-haire colour The second degree is of Ianizaries whose Haga or Captaine is a most honourable though dangerous place Of these be two sorts of the court limited in their numbers and at large without restraint as alwaies mustred for chiefe souldiers in the army yea as a man may say the principall beame of the whole Empires frame For from their suffrages and obedience the Gran Signeur is confirmed from their repinings disorders are multiplied from their partiality a sonne deposeth a father and from their mutinies confusion riseth and like a swelling sea casteth downe the bankes of all gouernment The third sort are Capogies employed as porters of gates purseuants on errands attenders on the Viceers as they sit at meat in their great Dowana's which be open hals trauersed as occasion shall serue with Persian hangings and sometimes trusted with secret murthers and such like dangerous businesse The fourth place is appropriate to the Spahyes who are inferiour horse-men with high fethers in their strange fashioned hats somewhat more glorious then the Ianizaries their arming as also the Ianizary keepes some correspondency with the Persian On foot either bow and arrowes and a semiter or hargabush and a semiter on horse-backe the very same with addition of a shield made of sinewes or the barke of an Indian tree cast behinde at their backs with addition of a pollax hatchet or iron mace which are made like scepters but for the most part none presumes to weare them vnder the degree of a Chiaus who haue them in the city of siluer for shew and of steele for execution The fift roome is supplyed by the Chiaus a degree of honourable eminence and may ranke with our Barons For they ride in veluet gownes siluer-plated saddles costly stirrups and rich turbanes with these I may almost equall the Captaines of castles forts frontire townes bands of foot cornets of horse and such like Commanders known by the name of Haga's Heere also though hee seeme to step a little higher may be seated the Cady who is a Iudge or Magistrate ouer criminall causes ouer whom there is one principall called Cadeleskier as our Lord cheefe Iustice in some places they haue also Sub-Bashawes according to his Sansacks Trimatriots or countrey diuisions either for maintaining his armies or prouision ouer his cities Then may you name with a little better reputation the Treasurer called Testerdy ouerseer of customes which is an office farmed by the Iewes his Chancellor Doctours of the Law and such like On the sixt step ofhonour is the Bashaw lifted vp who is a principall Viceroy or at least hath beene ouer Kingdomes and Countries such as Arabia Aegypt Tauris Tunis and diuers others both in Asia Affricke and Europe and according to the dignity and maiesty of the place called Beglerbeg these are euery three yeeres
glasse to see vnity and beauty in such a treasury of wealth such a store-house of all terrestriall blessings vnder the sunne If you will view it without at all times and yet consider the customes of keeping our country houses you will say there are not so manie Gentle-men in anie place nor gathered together to better purpose nor can the varietie of Paris bring you into the walks of such pleasure with so little charge and offence as London For with vs our riding of horses musique learning of all Arts and Sciences dancing fencing seeing of commedies or interludes banquets masques mummeries turnaiments shewes lotteries feasts ordinarie meetings and all the particulars of mans inuention to satiate delight are easie expences and a little iudgement with experience will manage a very meane estate to wade through the current of pleasure although it runne to voluptuousnesse But if you come to our Court I hope you finde not such another for stately attendants dutifull seruice plentie of fare resort of Nobles comelinesse of Ladies gallantrie of Gentles concourse of people princely pastimes noble entertainment and all things befitting the Maiestie of a King or glorie of a nation so that I may say for London as the King of France answered the Emperors tedious titles with France France France and nothing but France so crie I London London London and nothing but London to their proudest and all their cities And thus much for Paris now to Constantinople What I haue said of Paris by way of comparison concerning the gouernment and orderly managing the affaires of a citie I may well conclude against Constantinople but because this imperiall place looketh with a more maiesticall countenance then other cities and lifteth vp as it were a daring head against all contradiction for her superioritie I must needes pensill out the line of her praises at some length and tell you truely wherein her worthinesse consisteth and yet may deceiue opinion without true iudgement Constantinople otherwise called Stanbole the Beautifull hath a handsome and formall triangle of a wall the first part whereof reacheth from the seuen towers which is a place for suppliment of a prison a treasurie and ward-robe vnto the Seralio some three English mile The second from the Seralio to Porta del Fieume a little more and both toward the sea which runneth one way betweene Asia and Europe into the Euxinum and another way to encounter a pretty fresh water riuer beyond the North of Pera. And the third ouerlooketh the fields of Thracia with a greater compasse and strength because it is a double wall and openeth three or foure gates as Andrinople Gratianople the Tower gate c. into the countrey which flourished when Pausanias was contented with the title of Duke and Captaine of the Spartanes and built this wonderfull towne by the name of Bizantium in honour of his father Bize who was Admirall of the Grecian Nauy when Thebes and other cities stroue for superiority The wal is orderly beautified with square towers of hard stone whose equall distance makes a reasonable shew but that it resembles a painted Curtezan of outward good becomming yet within full of corruption and danger For concerning the streets citizens houses or order of a well compacted Common-wealth it retaineth nothing comming neere our London or happinesse The situation is yet a stately ascent from the sea as if it had a pride to mocke at the swelling of any tempest and embolden the Marchant with the security of the Sacra Porta being indeede the goodliest habour in the world twenty fathom deep close to the shores of two cities Thus it containeth ten English mile in circumference hauing no suburbs and shewing much waste ground in the vnfrequented places toward the land especially where the Bashawes houses are sequestred from the hurliburly of the Trades-man The Seralio is the palace of the Gran Signeur yet is a name appropriate to diuers sequestred places wherein his women are detained and hath questionlesse the deriuation from our Latin word Sera or locked vp it is a receptacle for diuers thousands enclosing as much ground as St. Iames parke For the courts are very large with seuerall guards of Ianizaries according to the necessity of the times or neernesse to the Emperours person The gardens spacious with embattelled walls stored with artillery the gates most of them iron kept by Capogies the buildings are many and stately bearing in their front certaine Dowana's or open hals which haue trauesses of Persian stuffe and are roomes of great receipt wherein the officers of the palace sit in open view at their feasts and diet The banquetting-houses wherein his concubines and boyes are aparted from the court hurliburly expose diuers manner of structures and seeme indeede seuerall palaces amongst whom there is one called a Caska without the wall of the Seralio close to the sea-side where hee accustometh to take his gally of the delicatest and richest presence that euer I beheld for it is a quadrant of seuen arches on a side cloyster wise like the Rialto walke in Venice in the midst riseth a core of three or foure roomes with chimnies whose mantell trees are of siluer the windowes curiously glazed besides protected with an iron grate all guilt ouer most gloriously the whole frame so set with opals rubies emeralds burnisht with golde painted with flowers and graced with inlayed worke of porphery marble iet iasper and delicate stones that I am perswaded there is not such a bird cage in the world Vnder the walls are stables for sea horses called Hippopotami which is a monstrous beast taken in Nilus Elephants Tygres and Dolphines sometimes they haue Crocadiles and Rhinoceros within are Roe-buckes white Partridges and Turtles the bird of Arabia and many beasts and fowles of Affrica and India The walkes are shaded with Cypres Cedars Turpentine and trees which wee onely know by their names amongst which such as affoord sustenance are called figs almonds oliues pomegranets limons orenges and such like but it should seeme they are heere as it were enforced and kept in order with extraordinary diligence for the sunne kisseth them not with that freuency as may make them large or ripen in their proper kindes The city is very populous toward the harbour the Besesteine Bashawes houses Mosques conduits tombs and monuments open as it were a store-house of magnificent workes yet when I read that Constantine vnplumed Rome and as it were robbed all the world making this place accessary to the theft and cannot finde the particulars in mine inuentory I maruell who hath either dared to purloine them or presumed to ruinate and deface them For the cheefest structures and monuments are now the great Seralio the lesser Seralio's the seuen towres the double wall diuers Bashawes houses before some of which are spacious quadrants graced with antiquities recording the ancient manner of turnaiments when the Greekes flourished the Mosques or Temples amongst whom the Sophia Solimana and Amorata