Substitute Kings to prosecute and punish them according to the Laws so that in the Kingdom of Bungo they were burnt and in the Province Chicuin hang'd up by the Legs And here Orbedono sat in the City Facata representing the King at the entrance of one of their Temples with four Judges holding a great Book indors'd thus A Catalogue of the Names of those that deny'd Christ In which every one were to subscribe that return'd again to their former Faith and those that would not were sure to suffer intolerable punishments and death Amongst great numbers were onely Thomas and Joachim that did not apostatize from their Christianity therefore they were immediately Hang'd on a Tree by the Feet on two Boughs that the uppermost his Head touch'd the lowermost his Feet thus they hung half a Day and a whole Night the Japanners deriding them as they pass'd by looking upon them as Fools that would suffer so cruel a Death for a strange Religion but they not regarding their Discourse were soon after beheaded Cruelties us'd against them in Xiqui and Arima In the Island Xiqui the Christians were carry'd about naked Nail'd on Crosses beheaded and with many other exquisite tortures put to death But above all the Apostate King of Arima exceeded them in their tortures having amongst other things two sharp Pieces of Wood between which their Legs were put and after beat close together which occasion'd such a grievous Pain that most forsook the Roman Faith Hazart Church Hist The Reasons which stirr'd up Daifusama to this cruelty and chiefly since the Year 1613. the Jesuit Hazart saith are chiefly four The first Reason why the Japan Emperor persecuted the Christians The first was Daifusama's suspecting the Spanish Forces which spread daily more and more over India insomuch that great Islands and vast Provinces did already bow to them In the West they had subdu'd a whole new World call'd America and still not being satisfi'd with so great a Conquest was come through the unknown South-Sea and had there made himself Master of several Territories in the East the Molucca Islands the Castle Malacca and the far-spreading Philippines being all under his subjection from whence he might when he pleas'd send over his Forces to Japan not that they are so near that the Philippines may be seen from Japan as Hazart without reason sets down their nearest Promontories being at least two hundred Dutch Miles distant from each other but that Japan being already full of Foreigners which were up in Arms and also well stor'd with Christians who knew but that together in a short time they might deliver it up to a Christian Prince The second Reason The second Reason Hazart tells us was this A Ship lying at Anchor in a Japan Haven one Yamondono a Gentleman of that Countrey desirous to see the same went Aboard where he found the Master looking over the Map of the World Yamondono entreated him to instruct and inform him concerning the Territories Mountains Rivers Cities and Havens therein Nothing more amaz'd him than to see the Spaniards have Command over so great a part of Europe America and Asia and that they still held their Possession But the Master being examin'd farther told him That his Countreymen drove a Trade with all the World and that no People suffer'd any damage by them but what wrong any did them they righted by Arms with which they had subdu'd many Kingdoms Yamondano desir'd to know if they did not send their Ministers beforehand to gain the hearts of the Inhabitants by Preaching the Doctrine of Christ and to stir them up against their Heathen Governors to the end that when any Insurrection should happen they might by a conjunction with the male-content Natives enable themselves to a more easie Conquest The Master acknowledg'd that was the Design of their Priests which Yamondono laying up in his mind soon after sent word thereof to the Emperor who slept not upon so weighty a Matter but resolv'd suddenly to free himself of the Popish Clergy as his Predecessor Taicosama did Anno 1587. commanding them all in twenty days to depart from Japan Fathom the Japan Harbors This News of Yamondono was back'd by another casual Information given to Daifusama That a Spanish Pilot had fathom'd and with a Plummet sounded the depth of several Japan Harbors which was suspected to be done for no other end but that they intended to Land in some of those Places and to subdue Japan as they had done many Provinces both in the East and West The third Reason of the Persecution Hazart lays upon the English and Hollanders The third Reason of the Persecution Hazart lays the blame thereof upon the English and Hollanders who reported that the Spaniards had aim'd along time to make themselves not onely Masters of Europe but the West part of the World and to that end not many years since they had made great slaughter in Peru Mexico France Netherlands and other Places that no Age ever heard of so many and so cruel That they sent their Priests beforehand to prepare the ways and under a cloak of Religion to draw the People to their humors extorting great Riches from them and making them believe that the Pope hath an absolute and unlimited Power to dispose of all Kingdoms and Provinces according to his will and pleasure and that Subjects therefore are not ty'd to be always obedient to their Heathen Governors but might release themselves when they saw a convenient opportunity That the Jesuits crept in every where and by subtile Plots and Contrivances sought to dethrone Princes causing many Murders and Uprores where-ever they came for which cause several Christian Princes oftentimes banish'd them from their Courts and Countreys In France stood a long time an Iron Plate whereon was Engraven all the Villanies for which they were banish'd out of that Countrey The Sorbonne in France presented some years past a Writing to the Court wherein they shew'd that the World never bred more traiterous and bloody Villains than the Jesuits The Cities Antwerp Padua Bruges Tholouse Bourdeaux Prague and other Wall'd Places oftentimes for their horrid and abominable actions have thrust them forth And had not the wisdom of the Venetian Governors been deluded along time by their dissimulation of Zeal they had not so long been pester'd with them But quickly the English Scots and several other Kingdoms had rid their hands of them by banishment This Hazart being himself a Jesuit sets down as the most prevailing Reason and Motive that stirr'd up Daifusama against the Roman Christians and chiefly the Priests The fourth Reason But the last Fast Fault he lays upon the Japan Prince Portasius who being King of Arima pretended to be highly in Favor with the Emperor because his Son had married Daifusama's Niece and therefore sought no small share of the Province Figen which by Inheritance he laid claim to For the obtaining this
the Zamarin how that these Strangers who had in a manner surpris'd his Majesty having no other information of what they were or their Condition but from themselves were indeed not so and that they had told him nothing but Lyes for they were able to make out that they were a Crew of Roving Pyrats and Robbers and declar'd by their actions common Enemies to all humane Society and that their King if they had one was a petty Prince far off in the West who not able to enlarge his narrow Territories upon the adjacent Countrey sent these Hectoring Desperado's through all Seas to make Booty of what they could either get by Wheedling down-right Cheating or the Sword And if his Imperial Majesty be so pleased to grant them a free Trade and Commerce that then they would being so enforc'd leave Calicut this their settled Staple and seek Trade elsewhere which sure would not redound so much to his Majesties benefit who had so long brought in their Customs and Duties a certain and great Revenue to the Crown which they by no possible means if they deserted the Place could in many years make the like or any considerable Return Thus the business was agitated and the Emperor inform'd by both Parties The Malabars contrive to make away the Partuguese When the Malabars being by Nature fickle and treacherous not onely perswaded by the Saracens how dangerous such alterations would be but also influenc'd and encourag'd from the wavering Court conspir'd laying a Plot how to dispose of the Portuguese otherwise by their utter destruction which was not so clearly carry'd but that Monzaido the Tunis Merchant and a real Friend to the Strangers Interest scenting the bottom of their Design inform'd Gama of the whole Intrigue who being very sensible of the danger made his escape sudden and privately from the City that he might the better save himself and his Fleet from undoubted Ruine so setting Sail he left the treacherous Harbor for his security where Cruising at Sea Their Plot is spovl'd and Gama falls upon the Malabars he met with an Indian Vessel standing in for Pandarana a safer Port than that of Calicut where the Emperor had formerly advis'd Gama to by whom he sent Letters to the Zamarin wherein he gave an account that he was enforc'd for his safety to leave his Harbor and trust the Sea a Plot being laid to take away not onely his Life but to seize his Ships and make Prize of all he had and that some had so poyson'd his Majesties Ear concerning them gracious to him before with lying and scandalous Tales and other false Aspersions that he would not venture any further Commerce nor have to do with such a fickle and not to be trusted People therefore desiring That such Goods as he had there left ashore might speedily be sent aboard and he would not trouble his Majesty nor them any further But the Zamarin excusing himself laid the fault on his corrupt Officers and Attendants who were already tryed and condemn'd to suffer condign Punishment But whatever his Excuses were there was no Restitution and the Goods lay still as Confiscated for the Emperors Use at which Gama being justly incens'd resolv'd by Reprisal to make up his Loss And soon after he seiz'd on a Malabar Vessel by chance standing into Calicut in which were six Persons of Prime Quality amongst them Thus the Emperor being enforc'd to release those Prisoners of so much esteem deliver'd up all those Goods which Gama laid claim to sending with them also an Answer to the King of Portugal's Letter In the mean time Monzaido the Tunis Merchant his Kindness towards the Portuguese being discover'd made his Escape from the City where he fear'd no less than Death and Confiscation of all he had for his Safety to the Fleet whom Gama receiving with all Civility carry'd him after to Lisbon where he a Convert receiv'd Baptism and lived there being turn'd a Christian Honorably and in good State and Condition many Years But the Zamarin looking upon this as a high Affront to be force'd thus to his dishonor to exchange Goods for Prisoners and to be brought to Capitulations onely three Ships opposing his Mighty and Absolute Power would not thus sit down nor take it so although his own Navy by which nay with a small part he might have vindicated his Cause which were there then by reason of the Annual Tempests hall'd ashore and could by no means possible be suddenly Launch'd yet with wonderful dexterity he Mann'd out sixty Boats with stout and expert Soldiers who were so Order'd and Commanded that they were able to destroy and Swallow them all He flying and they pursuing and just ready to lay him aboard twenty to every Ship so it pleased Providence to befriend him with a sudden Storm which parted the Fray they being routed and forc'd not without danger ingloriously to return and Gama coming clearly off loosing the sight of Calicut Steer'd his Course directly home Gama returns home to Portugal and in something more than two Years compleating his Voyage Anno 1499. he Anchor'd in the Haven of Lisbon where he was receiv'd with great joy being the first to his Eternal Fame and Honor that with an undaunted Courage passing so many imminent Dangers found a Way by Water to the so much desir'd East-Indies After Gama's Return of whom the King had receiv'd sufficient Information concerning the Profit and Advantage which might be made by the East-India Expeditions did so much encourage him that he fitted out thirteen Ships Mann'd with 1500 Mariners and 500 Soldiers under the Command of Pedro Alvaro Caprales who had strict Order That he should endeavour by all means to make a League of Amity and Friendship with the Emperor of Calicut and to request the Liberty of Raising a Fort there to the end they might there settle their Staple of Merchandise Which if the Emperor should refuse nor would be drawn to by any Perswasions then to endeavor to force him to it by Arms. Thus having receiv'd his Instruction and Commission he departed with his Fleet out of the Haven of Lisbon and Steer'd the same Course to St. James Island as Gama had done before Then he Sail'd more Westerly and fell at last on an unknown Coast which he call'd Holy-Cross-Land since Brafile where Landing and finding it a fruitful and rich Soil he cast up a Fort and sent Gaspar Lemius back to Portugal to inform King Emanuel of his New Discovery And leaving the Charge of the New Work which he made there to some choice Men that he took put of the Fleet with all Necessaries to maintain it he departed directing his Course towards Calicut But in the way he rancountred with such Storms that he lost four of his Vessels and glad he came off with no greater damage Steer'd directly for Calicut where soon after he arriv'd Where the Zamarin dealing also treacherously with him they fell at variance but Caprales
arriv'd Three Moneths they diverted themselves in Castile after Sailing to Alicant and visiting the Isles Majorca and Minorca There entring the Haven of Pisa they found Peter sent from his Brother Francis Duke of Florence to meet To Florence and conduct them to his Palace where they receiv'd no less welcom and splendid Entertainments than formerly at the Spanish Court. To Rome Next they progress'd on directly towards Rome the Pope sending Franciscus Gambara to his Confines to attend and invite them to his Palace In the Evening they were met first and receiv'd with all civility by the Master of the Jesuits Colledge who Lodg'd and Entertain'd them in a decent manner Their Entrance into Rome very sumptuous The next day they made their publick Entry and were to be presented to Pope Gregory the third which was perform'd with all the imaginary Grandeur that could be possible First marched his Holiness's Life-Guard Riding all alike suited in rich and costly Habits next the Infantry his Guard of Switzers then the Attendants of the Cardinals all Clincant in Gold and in Carnation Silks then the Cavalcade all the Princes and Nobility in or about the City Riding in Order with all the splendor that might be with Trumpets and Kettle-Drums beating and sounding before them then the Japan Princes well Mounted and richly Clothed after their Countrey manner being an under Garment Vest and Tunick curiously embroider'd with Birds and Flowers wide and short Sleeves about their Necks a Scarf two Scymiters hanging on one side the Hilts and Scabberds Studded and Imbossed with Pearls and Diamonds at last the Magistrates and Gentry of the City made up the Rear thus attended they marched to the Palace and entring the Presence where his Holiness sat surrounded with Cardinals and Bishops all in Pontificalibus according to their Degree with their Myters on Crosiers in their Hands Copes and Surplices which exceeded as Jacobus Augustus Thuanus affirms Thuanus Hist Lib 81. all the pompous Shows that ever were seen there before Thus attended they addressed themselves and according to the manner though Princes in an humble posture kiss'd with joyfulness his Holiness's Feet then the Royal Letters of the three Kings which were Translated into Latine were open'd and publickly Read the first Indorsement thus Remarkable Superscriptions of the Japan Kings Letters Written to the Pope To the most zealous Order and chief Vicar supplying Christs Place on Earth the prime and holy Father prostrated at his Feet humbly presents These subscribing thus Trimus King of Bungo throws himself with all humility under the most blessed Feet of your Holiness After the same manner were the other two directed An Application made by Father Jaspe Gonsalvus to the Pope in behalf of the Japan â—mbassadors After the Letters were Read Jasper Gonsalvus a Portuguese Jesuit in the behalf of the young Japan Princes explain'd in ample manner the meaning of the Address or Embassy and at large Commentated upon the Epistles then made a large Elogium upon the Kings setting forth their Piety and Zeal to Religion This done he turn'd towards the Pope speaking also in his high commendation and praise whatever in such an Audience was fit to be said The Popes Answer by Anthony Buradapulius After this was done Anthony Burapadulius made in the Pope's behalf this Answer which in brief was thus That the Kings had done exceeding prudently and religiously and were highly to be commended for thus sending their nearest Relations in an Embassy so expensive long and dangerous to visit his Holiness at Rome Gods Vicegerent and true Successor of Peter the Apostle the Head of the Catholick Church and Keeper of the Keys of Heaven by which means he hopes the whole Nation may be absolutely reduced to the Christian Faith without which none can be saved and happy would it be for them changing for Salvation their abominable and heathenish Superstition to offer in the Temple of Christ rather than in their Dayro or Pantheon not of Gods but Devils and that they ought to give the Almighty thanks for the holy Xaverius who by his Doctrine and pious Perswasions brought them first to hearken to everlasting bliss and happiness and true welfare of their Souls which saving Faith hath already of late powerfully operated on many Nations both in the West and East-Indies who had time out of mind been led in Ignorance and blinded with the abomination of Idolatry now following Christs Banner are profess'd Enemies to the Doctrine of Devils Much to this purpose he spake intimating also That his Holiness gave them thanks and took it as a great kindness that they had made to him thus their Address by such a magnificent Embassy and so all rising they were dismissed The Japanners are nobly entertain'd in Rome And some few days after the Pope admitted them to his own Privacy and Apartments where they were some hours in familiar Communication with his Holiness enquiring of them concerning the Greatness Wealth Manners and Customs of their Countrey and the like But whilst they stay'd some Moneths in Rome and were frequently and magnificently entertain'd by the Cardinals Officers and Persons of Quality in the City and were visited by the Spanish and French Ambassadors Thuanus spending their time in daily Caresses and variety of noble Entertainments Pope Gregory the thirteenth being taken after Dinner with an Appoplectick Distemper departed so suddenly that they could not administer the Sacrament to him in the 83 year of his Age on whose Monument this Inscription is now to be seen Inscriptions on the Tomb of Pope Gregory the thirteenth Gregory the thirteenth deserving all love and honour from his Successors and all Persons of what degree soever first for his adorning the City of Rome with Churches and other publick Edifices for his great Charity to the Poor for many publick Schools through the Universe for the promulgation of the Faith of Jesus his Fatherly love to all Nations especially for the kind Reception of the Japan Ambassadors sent from the remotest part of the World and last of all for his exact Correction of the Kalendar or Annual Accounts Pope Sextus the fifth gives them many rich Presents Sextus the sixth succeeding him shew'd also great kindness and bounty to those Royal Japanners settling a yearly Revenue of four thousand Crowns towards the Christian Churches in Japan two thousand for the building of publick Schools for the breeding up of their Youth in the true Belief and also made a rich Present to the Kings their Unckles of Swords and Crucifixes emboss'd with Silver Gold Precious Stones and other costly Curiosities They depart from Rome and return to Japan So on the thirteenth of June in the Year 1585 having receiv'd these several Bounties and Benedictions from his Holiness they departed and travelling through Italy and other Lands much toss'd and turmoil'd by Sea spending five years abroad they Landed at Nangesaque in Japan and
And soon after they form'd eight several Armies selecting those they thought most likely and fittest for Valour and Conduct to be their Commanders who growing skilful practising dayly Martial Discipline suddenly brought these great Bodies in good Order and Array With these marching as they had well-design'd several ways they made themselves Masters of whole Kingdoms and Provinces none being able to withstand such an universal Inundation of Arms And thus making the whole Riches of the several Countreys which they enter'd their Spoil they gather'd up an inexpressible Mass of Treasure by which enabled as they then thought to wage War with the whole World having in their hopes already devour'd the vast Empire of China all which perhaps might have been done had they unanimously joyn'd to carry on the Work together The Robbers in China fall at variance amongst themselves when their eight Generals every one of them stirr'd up by Ambition began to contrive how he might be Lord and Master of all and either destroy or make the rest his Inferiors Upon these Terms they all stood clashing one at another in their Consultations and Councils and at last the Difference increasing they divided into Factions and began a Civil War amongst themselves which was carried on with so much eagerness and blood-shed that eight Generals were reduc'd to two onely Lycunghus and Changienchunghus And these also not easily suffering any Equal but both ambitious to be absolute and sole Commanders not onely of what the remaining Corrival enjoy'd but also of those Forces which had lost their Leaders in their late Dissentions clandestinely plotted each others Destruction which failing they came to a better understanding of their present Condition from the sad Example of their six slain Competitors So coming to Articles of Agreement That Licunghus should march into and have for his part the Spoil of the two next Southern Provinces Xensi and Honan and the other General Changihen-chungus was contented to Plunder the two Northern Territories Suchuen and Huquang whereupon both seeming well satisfied dividing their Armies they parted Licungzus for Xensi all which Territory he soon Pillag'd and Conquer'd and making his way by force of Arms broke into the pleasant Countrey of Honan where lying down before Caifung meeting a rougher Entertainment than he expected their Cannon always thundering from the Walls though he made furious Assaults yet he was twice repuls'd with the Loss of many Men So finding that Storming would prove in vain he resolv'd by Starving to force them to a Surrender to which purpose he block'd up all the Avenues with a close Leaguer which brought the Besieg'd to that extreme Necessity and Want that their Miseries might have been compar'd with the Calamities of any City suffering in that kind Yet still with an undaunted Courage they held out expecting to be reliev'd by Zung-chinus the Emperor himself who accordingly came with his Army near Caifung This City stands in a Valley on the South-side of the River Huang about three Miles distant whose Waters using to swell very high after great Rains falling in the Mountains they kept off from damaging the City with a Wall built where the Banks were lowest This Water-fence the Emperor broke down designing to destroy the Enemy in his Camp lying near the City in which he fail'd not for such was the violence of the sudden Inundation that Licungzus being surpriz'd with the loss of many Men was forc'd to raise his Siege Destruction of the City Caifung But this comfortable Relief and the Joy of their Delivery from so powerful an Enemy was but of a short continuance a greater Misery soon overtaking them and indeed their utter Destruction for the Waters that were friendly at first swelling to such a height became their deadly Enemies scaling their Walls beating down stately Temples and Houses and at last in a general Deluge swallowing the whole City where perish'd no less than 300000 Souls The Robber Licungzus is Conqueror But the Rebel Licungzus upon this Accident rallying up his scatter'd Forces the had escap'd the Flood March'd on carrying all before him wheresoever he went bringing at last the Emperor to that straight of Necessity that utterly despairing he hang'd himself in his own Palace at Peking The Emperor had three Sons the Eldest escap'd yet was never heard of but the other two the Insulting Conqueror Beheaded Now being Absolute and Reigning as Emperor in Zung-chinus stead looking about saw nothing that could hinder him to settle the Empire upon himself and his Posterity but Usanguejus who with a Standing Army guarded the Walls and Borders keeping out the Incursive Tartar whereupon he sent commanding him to take the Oath of Allegiance But he either scorning to be under a Rebels Subjection or conceiving that it would be more for his Safety and Advantage to trust a Foreign Prince that would undoubtedly hearken to such Proposals and he also having the Opportunity by guarding the Passages mov'd the whole Business to the Emperor of Tartary Vsanguejus fetches in the Tartars against Licungzus who gladly watching all Occasions accepted of it and suddenly March'd in with Eighty thousand Men to try his Fortune against Licungzus who surpriz'd with the News of this sudden Expedition of the Tartars and not able to form so great an Army as might withstand him the Enemy being near at hand he remov'd his Court farther into the Countrey to Sigan making that his Imperial City and with him convey'd from thence the vast Treasure which former Emperors had been gathering Two hundred and eighty Years Vast Treasures of the Chinese Emperor Eight days were spent in carrying away the Wealth through the four Gates of the City upon Cammels Horses and other Beasts of Burthen which from Sun to Sun went laden with Silver and Gold and all manner of costly Gems and Jewels of invaluable Worth But in the way this Prize of prodigious Estimation the Tartar seiz'd on Thus gaining both Wealth and Reputation he soon became Master of Peking Tartars become Masters of China Lycunghus is slain and presently after defeated Lycunghus with his whole Army insomuch that he was never heard of more Then he Rewarded Usanguejus who in the great Distraction of the Nation both Parties setting up several of the Ancient Blood-Royal deposing and killing one another stuck to the Tartar proving so faithful to his Trust that he made him King of Xensi and soon after his Son Xunchi being a Child was chosen Emperor Pyracy at Sen by Iquon ¶ BUt whilst China was thus shatter'd and harras'd by Land arose a great Pyrate at Sea call'd Chinchilung by Strangers and Foreign Traffickers known by the Name of Iquon who serv'd first under the Portuguese at Macaw and afterwards the Hollanders in Formosa Now setting up for himself got a Crew of loose Iquon's strange Rise debauch'd Chineses which daily increasing with their Forces grew not onely Considerable but so Great that he made himself
affirm and no end Furthermore says he as the Japanners account themselves most apprehensive and also full of Fancy so they believe they are in their serious Affairs not inferior to any Nation of the World upon which account they are so elevated in their own opinion that meeting any Stranger they give him onely a scornful glance and with their Hand a goâ—by as if too mean for their Conversation They very well distinguish good and evil which apperas by the Bonzi who committing all sorts of debauchery in private yet are so conscious of it that these Hypocrites Wolves in Sheeps Clothing seem to be the onely Saints Thus far Cosmus Turrensis De Logie voor NANGASACKI op t Eylandt Schisma The Lodge before NANGâ—â—AQUE on the Iland Schisma Description of the East-India Companies Store-house at Nangesaque ¶ IT will not be amiss in short to describe the chief Staple and Residence of the Netherlanders in Japan near Nangesaque The Portaguese when first they were allow'd to setle there rais'd this Fort or Building out of the Water but after being driven out of Japan and the Netherlanders commanded to remove from Firando they were allow'd to supply the empty and deserted Lodge of the Portuguese This Lodge for by that Name it is known through all Japan lies on a small Island divided by a River of forty Foot wide from Nangesaque which they cross going over a Draw-Bridge which by reason of Floods that happen is an hundred and fifty Steps long This Island or Fortress is defended each way round from the Water with a strong wooden Pail Within in a convenient Place the Governor hath a stately and well-furnish'd Residence Near the Gate of the Draw-Bridge stands their Sale-house or Office where they Vend their several Commodities On the other side stands a pleasant Garden beautifi'd with all sorts of Flowers Two Streets cross-ways lead through the whole Work on each side of which are convenient Store-houses fitted for receiving and Packing theiâ— Merchandise Near an Inlet of the Sea is the second Gate where there is a handsom pair of Stairs to carry down or Land their Bales of Goods The middle of the Lodge shews a plain and open Court built round with Houses whither the Merchants resort bringing thither to Sell and Barter these following viz. White raw Silk Pansjens Peelinx Gielems Chions Gasen Sumongus Flanels Merchandise Vended at Nangesaque colour'd Brokaeden Sattins China Fabitas Damasks Chiowerens Hempen-Cloth Sit-Clothes Sowing-Silk Silk Pee Namrack Japan-Wood black Sugar Cambodia-Nuts Caiman-skins red Leather Aloes Capox Wax white Sugar-Candy Steel Cotton Sublemact Cassia Lignum Spanish-Green Porcelin-colour Camphire Calemback Musk Chinesie-Wares Deer-skins Cow-Hides Paper Pepper Elephants-Teeth and Ager-Wood all these are brought by the Chinesies to Nangesaque Other Nations bring more variety Concerning that Factory of the Netherlander Trade at Nangesaque the Emperor sent these his Royal Mandates Indorsed to the Governors of the City This Edict was receiv'd Anno 1665 and Dated thus In the twelfth Year of Quane Emperor of Japan to our Officers at Nangesaque Sengok Gammatane Camy and Sackibibare Andano Camy This was Sign'd by five of his Privy-Counsellors Congao Camy Bongona Camy Inhano Camy Sannickino Camy and Oyemo Camy But now let us go on with our Embassy The Netherland Ambassadors go from Nangesaque to the Japan Emperor ¶ THe 25th of October 1649 their Excellencies Andreas Frisius and Anthonius van Bronkhorst set forth after Noon attended with a Train of twenty Netherlanders three Bonzies three Interpreters and thirty three Japanners who being equally divided into three Vessels took their leave of Nangesaque This City by the French and Portuguese call'd Nangesaqui by the Italians Nangasachi stands on the Island Bungo otherwise Cikoko Without the Bay about six Leagues from Nangesaque in their Way to Jedo lies a Fisher-Town call'd Duvos Description of the Japan Fishers Those that Fish here and also in most Places of Japan wear Boots but to the middle of their Leg like Buskins and have Wicker-Baskets in their Boats whick keeps their taken Fish alive They have several manners of Fishing and use a kind of Casting-Net with a long Line of Twigs at the same Their manner of Fishing They have also another way of Fishing and chiefly for Pilchards and Sitang a Fish which always lies near the Ground at the bottom of which Nets they lay their Baits But before we proceed any farther from Nangesaque let us take a short view of the Situation thereof Description of Nangesaque ¶ THis City stands in thirty Degrees Northern-Latitude near a convenient Harbor fitter for the Reception of Merchant-Vessels than any other Port or Haven in Japan It is both great and populous but without Walls or Fortifications as most Cities in Japan are Their Towns and Churches The Steeples and Turrets which appear very high above the ordinary Houses give the Town a stately and delightful Prospect especially towards the Sea where they have an open view of the Streets where are many magnificent Buildings The City is divided with several Streams and joyn'd together with as many Wooden Bridges Every Street is parted by a Gate The Streets are unpav'd and therefore in rainy Weather very foul and cloggy every Street hath a great Gate which is shut every Night and guarded with a Watch so that growing late there is neither Theft Murder nor any other Outrages committed The Houses of Nangesaque how built Their Houses are commonly uniform but the Materials which they Build withall differ according to the ability of the Builder They use commonly Wood but the poorer sort raise their meaner Habitations with Walls of Rice-Straw Loam'd over with Clay which closes so well that it easily keeps out Rain and Wind yet the richer sort Plaister their Partitions raising the Foundation four Foot high from the Ground with Planks cover'd over with thick Mats curiously sew'd together They are but sleight built four-square Why they build them not high and for the most part as broad as high which to prevent the ruine by Earthquakes that are frequent in that Countrey they raise them no higher Their Roofs are almost flat but something sloaping jetting out beyond the Wall four Foot like a Pent-house under which is an Entry or Passage that leads to their Gardens which are adorn'd with artificial Rocks Gardens and still flourishing Trees which in a pleasant Prospect they view from their Dining-Rooms The foremention'd Cantilivers defend those that walk the Streets both from the Sun and Rain like our Pent-houses these and the whole Roofs are of Planks clinch'd one over another which carries off the Rain easily On these stand Troughs and Tubs fitted to receive the Water to be ready against accidental Fires They dwell all in the first or lower Story for the second and uppermost is so low as scarce fit to lay their Lumber in The Towns and Cities are very subject to
THis Spacious and Wealthy Isle by the Natives call'd Nippon and formerly by the Spaniards Argantana and in the Year of Christ Twelve hundred according to that Famous Author Paulus Venetus Chryse and Zipangry hath on the East-side California Its bordering Countreys and New-Granada but at a vast distance an Ocean of a thousand Leagues spreading betwixt Westward but far off it looks upon the Isle of Corca and Great China Hugh Linschot reckons the nearest Promontories or Head-lands stretching from China to Japan to be eighty Leagues distance The North opposes the Land of Jesso and the Straights of Anian and beyond all the Coast of America The South verges on the Philippines Mindanao Gilolo and the Molucco Isles And Latitude It extends from thirty to forty Degrees Northern-Latitude so that the longest day is fourteen Hours fifteen Minutes and the shortest nine Hours forty five Minutes Their highest Sun appears 15 Degrees at Noon short of the Zenith The Air differs not much from the Temperature of the Islands Sardinia Rhodes Cyprus Candia and Sicilia and like that of the main Land of Portugal and Spain and as moderate as Arabia Syria Persia and China Division of the same ¶ JApan is divided into five Provinces Jamaystero Jetsengo Jetsesen Quanto and Ochio besides the Isles Saykok and Chiccock Maffeus calls Saykok Ximum making that seven Provinces but Francis Cairon being an Eye-Witness deserves more to be credited He affirms That several Kings Govern there and also in Chiccock one King and three Vice-Roys That part of this Countrey that is call'd corruptly Japan boasts two Metropolitans Miaco and Jedo Maffeus also tells us That this hath fifty three Kingdoms amongst which he names Miaco and Amangutium saying Miaco consists of twenty three and Amangutium of thirty Kingdoms but of late all these petty Kingdoms are fallen into the Lap of one Sole Monarch or Emperor who keeps his Magnificent Court at Jedo But Japan also besides Saykok and Chiccock lies surrounded with several lesser Isles as Hiu Tacaxuma Iquicuchi Canga Firando Meacxima Oeno Cocyque Beroe Oqui Murgan Avans Mettogamma Meho Mianisinu Sando being full of Silver Mines Vulcans Isle and Vulcania often ejecting hideous Flames to the Sky lying to the West beyond the Straights of Diemon which washes the Isles Chiccock and Tacaxuma The Territory of Ochio ¶ OChio the North-East Territory of Japan borders on the vast Wildes of Jesso For the Inlet or Bay which divides them runs not up above forty Leagues there ending stopt by the Mountains of Ochio Description of the great Countrey Jesso ¶ THe Extent of Jesso being Mountainous and abounding with costly Furs is yet unknown although the Emperors of Japan were much concern'd taking great pains about the Discovery thereof to that purpose imploying several Persons at his own Cost and Charges who made search over Rocks and Mountains and almost inaccessible Places explor'd vast and wild Countreys very far but found no end though they diligently inquir'd of the People who being Salvages could give them no Account further than where they dwelt So after long Toyl and Trouble they were forc'd to return without any Effect of their Design as we said before The Jesuit Lodowick Frojus in his Letter of the eight and twentieth of February 1565. to the Indian Fathers writes thus concerning the Inhabitants of Jesso Against the Northermost Part of Japan about three hundred Leagues from Meaco is a very large Countrey full of Salvage People The Inhabitants of Jesso are horrible People which are Cloth'd in Skins of Wild Beasts Hairy all over their Bodies having exceeding great Beards and long Whiskers or Mustachioes which they turn up with Sticks made for that purpose when they drink They covet and are very desirous of Wine also Valiant in War and therefore much fear'd by the Japanners If by chance they receive any Hurts in an Encounter their onely Application is Salt Water with which they bathe and wash the Wound so drying it up On their Bosoms they wear Looking-Glasses which serve them as Shields or Breast-plates Their Swords they tye about their Heads in such a manner that the Hilt thereof hangs on their Shoulders They onely Worship the Moon Aquita a great City stands in the Territory of Genuaen bordering Jesso Hither the Natives come in great Numbers to Trade and also the Aquitans Travel to them but not in such Multitudes because they are oftentimes cut off and murder'd by the Inhabitants Error of the Geographers concerning Japan ¶ THe Maps of the World our Terrestrial Globe have till of late plac'd nothing beyond Aquita but the Ocean though long since confuted by Hugh Linschot proving upon the testimony of the Jesuit Frojus who deserves to be more credited as having resided a long time in Japan than some of our Geographers who set down by hear-say the Largeness and Extent of Japan without any Proofs or Testimony whereas it is made manifest That Japan extends it self much further than commonly drawn Moreover Francis Cairon Ambassador to the Emperor of Japan at Jedo witnesses That the Largeness of this Countrey is not known to the Inhabitants themselves Mistake of Maffeus and Cluverius Therefore Maffeus is much mistaken when he sets down the length of Japan to be two hundred Leagues and its greatest breadth but thirty And Cluverius in his Geography reckons the length to be an hundred and fifty Leagues and the breadth seventy Hazarts ignorance concerning the Description of Japan But none more errs in this than the Jesuit Cornelius Hazart in his History of the Island of Japan which that we may the better answer hear his own Words Japonien or as others call it Japan by the Inhabitants Nippon is a Territory lying in the farthest Point of the East being the outmost Borders of Asia which to prove he quotes Isaiah cap. 18. ver 2. For although to the West to the Frontiers of China Vide Isaiah is no more than fifty Leagues says he and to the City Amacoa two hundred ninety seven and on the South having so vast an Ocean no known Countrey being beyond Japan may certainly be call'd The Worlds End And standing divided into so many small Islands that a Geographer of our times calls it also A World of Isles the chiefest of which are Niphon Ximus and Xicocus consisting of sixty six several Kingdoms The Isle of Niphon reckons fifty three boasting also many stately Cities of which the Metropolis is Meaco The Island Ximus hath nine and several handsom Towns amongst which Usuquin Funai and Cangoxima The Isle Xicocus accounts no more than four Kingdoms Which being taken together Japonien is as big as all Italy Though this his Style be ridiculous yet his Ignorance and so strangely false Description is so much more that he ought rather to be pittied and laugh'd at as one distracted than to be answer'd but that we are bound in Conscience to undeceive his believing Readers Hazart's false
between Meaco and Quano stands more Northerly into the Countrey the famous City Piongo which in the War that Nobanunga maintain'd after the Emperor Cubus's death was quite ruin'd For when Cavadonis Vocata Brother of the deceased Cubus who was the onely Person that was left alive of that Imperial Family escaping from his Enemies and flying to Vantandonus for Aid which he obtain'd was not onely nobly treated by him in his Castle but also endeavor'd by perswasions to stir up his neighboring Kings to take revenge on the Emperor's Murderers amongst whom Nobanunga King of Voari willingly embraced this opportunity to the end as he pretended to help Vocata to the Crown of his deceased Brother Cubus but contrary in a Civil War he embroil'd the whole Countrey for when Nobanunga had quell'd the Rebels and made Peace with their chief Commanders Mioxidoni and Diondoni he never so much as thought of establishing Vocata in the Throne but turn'd his victorious Army against other Japan Kings of which he brought thirty under his subjection as is said before and by these Conquests made himself Master of the whole Empire Amongst which fluctuating Commotions and Turmoils of an intestine War Piongo bore no small share for being taken by force it had not quite worn out the marks of Nobanunga's cruelties and soon after in the Year 1596. was totally ruin'd by a terrible Earthquake that more than half the City with Houses Temples and People were swallow'd up in the Earth and the remaining part thereof turn'd so topsie-turvie that it represented nothing but a heap of Ruins and Rubbish and miserable marks of Divine severity Terrible Earthquakes in Trugillo ¶ THese Earthquakes in Japan are very common as also in America and amongst other Places Trugillo a City in Peru Anno 1619. the fourth of February was exceedingly shaken by the like Trepidation a little before Noon the Ground began to move and in few Minutes ran the space of an hundred and sixty Leagues continuing very fiercely for fifteen Days all which time a dreadful Comet hung over their Heads which added if possible more terror to the Inhabitants expecting their utter destruction and the end of the World Two being struck with a consternation became dumb Besides those great numbers that were destroy'd and had scarce room to lie buried under the ruin'd Buildings it is worthy our observation how Peter Flores a Councellor Johannes Pontinus de Leon Secretary to the Peruan Bishop both Spaniards were struck with such a wonderful consternation that they became dumb and never spake after A strange accident Amongst others also happen'd another strange Accident which may serve as a fit pattern of Divine Justice A publick Notary coming over thither and being busied about drawing some Articles of Agreement by which a poor Man suffer'd much injury and great damage he having false Witnesses ready to Sign the same one there present discover'd the Cheat who falling out with the false Witnesses was by them drove out of the House and he no sooner being got in the Street but the House tumbled down killing him and his false Witnesses Great Earthquakes in Canada No less terrible was another late Earthquake in Canada The first of February Anno 1663. there arose a great noise and rumbling like Thunder in the Air whereupon soon after the Bells fell a Jangling as if they had Rung of themselves the Walls rent asunder great pieces of Timber and Stones fell on the Ground the Roofs of Houses and the Trees struck and fought one against another Near the Village call'd The Three Rivers two great Mountains with Woods were turn'd with the bottoms upwards Rocks and Mountains thrown into the River so making several Channels in the same and the Waters made new Inroads into the Countrey In other Places Hills were swallow'd up whole Woods remov'd and by Pauwels Village a Mountain was wash'd off by the Floods and became an Island and is still to be seen in the River But no Countrey in the World suffers so many Calamities and more almost total Ruines than this our Japan ¶ FRom Quano the Ambassadors took Shipping for between Quano and Mia the Ocean makes a great Bay so that none can travel by Land but with great Charges loss of Time and through bad Ways for which cause they hir'd sixteen Japan Vessels in which they Shipp'd their Goods Horses and Men so hoising Sail and having a small Gale of Wind it was Midnight before they reach'd Mia the Bay being about seven Leagues over Description of the City Mia ¶ THis City is very curiously built and adorn'd with many Temples and fortifi'd towards the Sea with a strong Castle Here the Hollanders stay'd a whole Night Narromi Siriomi and the stately City Occosacci ¶ THe Ambassadors parted from Mia the twenty fourth of January in the foremention'd Year 1646. travelling through the great Village Narromi and Siriomi to the stately City Occosacci full of curious Buildings and fortifi'd with a strong Castle which defends it from the sudden Onset of the Enemy To this City leads a Bridge of an hundred eighty eight Paces long over which the Hollanders carry'd their Goods Here they Din'd and in the Afternoon march'd on through Fintzara to Accasacci The Road thither is exceeding pleasant in some places of it divided by several Rivulets others with easie Ascents and delightful Valleys but each shaded with Trees The Retinue of the Lord of Bungien very strange About ten a Clock they reach'd the Village Ftagawa where they met with some of the Lord of Bungien's Soldiers who according to the Relation of the Interpreter came with a Commission from the Japan Emperor residing at Jedo to take possession of the Castle and Places belonging to Osacca The first Train was follow'd by the Lord himself who was carried in a Sedan after him follow'd his Ammunition and Houshold stuff guarded both by Foot and Horse which Rid on stately and well-train'd Steeds Arm'd with Bowes and Arrows Launces two Scymiters one short the other long with a Dagger and Helmets on their Heads and Wax-leather Boots The Foot as well as the Horse march'd very orderly and in good Martial Discipline not making the least noise nor any one Voice heard notwithstanding they were half an hour passing by in great Companies About eleven a Clock the Netherlanders descending a Hill entred the Village Siraski Siraski bordering the Sea being wash'd by the same on the right side and the left verg'd by a high Mountain cover'd with Trees Leaving Siraski they reach'd to Arei Arei where the Sea makes a Bay of a League and a half broad but is very shallow which put them to much trouble in carrying over their Goods because the Vessels oftentimes ran aground On the opposite side of this Bay lies on a Promontory Meisacca the Village Meisacca From hence Riding on in their Journey they went through several Villages along a Road on
themselves all joyfully and lovingly together Drown themselves Why the Japanners ear no manner of death But nothing more their Religion prompts them to than a sleighting scorn of all the Terrors and Pangs of Death looking upon those that shrink at such fears as Vulgar and Ignoble Persons not fit to be convers'd withal because they all believe that Death is the certain way to Happiness which Opinion hath been anciently receiv'd in Japan and very old in many other places especially amongst the Gauls Brittains and Germanes and several other Nations That the Souls of those that fear'd not Death whether offering themselves for the publick good or the honor of their gods should immediately so dying be translated into Paradice Strange self-murder of the Goths Herodâ—s lib. 4. ¶ HErodotus says That the Goths held for the valliantest amongst the Thracians believe themselves immortal and that they never die but leaving this world they go to their God Zamolxis upon which account every fifth year by Lot they choose an Ambassador whom they send to this their God-amighty in such manner as followeth First Having well instructed him in his Message and made fit for so honorable an Embassy then they lift him up by the Arms and Legs placing under him three Arrows with the barbs upwards which done they let him drop upon the Points by which if he be so well transpierc'd that he dies suddenly then they believe that they have made a good choice but if so it happen that the sharps missing the Vitals he die a lingering death they judge him to be a vicious liver and not fit for the undertaking so presently go to a second Choice giving him the like Instructions The Grave Philosopher Seneca also hints thus concerning the Immortality of the Soul When the time comes that separates the Soul and Body leaving the Material Substance on the Earth the Spirit reascends to God the Donor Then also he makes the Soul thus a Speaker Now free from Earth I dwell in the Air or Etherial Sky This his Description of Dying and leaving this Mortal Life signifies his Opinion of a better and Immortal Residence We must remove says he for death which we fear destroys us not but gives us another and a happier Life which hereafter we shall assuredly know and rejoyce at our so blessed a change This Doctrine of a second Life though wanting the pure light of the Gospel most of the antient Heathens believ'd of which our Western and Eastern World have given notable Testimonies Strabo tells us That one Mandanis a Brachman Strabo lib. 15 Geograph being presented to Alexander the Great and he Courting him with fair Promises and rich Presents to be as his Companion and Councellor look'd upon him though he had Conquer'd the whole World as a contemptible Fellow he being fully satisfi'd from their own Principles of future Hopes Disputes of the old Brachmans concerning the â—â—â—e and after death for his Just and Meritorious Life to receive the great Rewards of Everlasting Beatitude said O Alexander I despise your Gifts neither need I any The saying of Mandanis to receive them from one that is poorer than he that is in the greatest want being hungry and still unsatisfi'd with all the Plunder and Spoil which thou hast got Neither fear I your threats since I by dying already worn out by Age shall remove to a far better and happier life than thou canst expect in the World which thou hast here unjustly gotten or in the World to come Cicero de Dâ—vinat pâ—â—o Calamus the Indian burns himself Cicero also tells of the Indian Calamus Who making a fire under a Gilded Bed covering himself over with Straw kindled the same and so by degrees felt the extremest of all tortures burning to death a brave and noble departure as he says out of this World the day of whose death Alexander the Great appointed to be kept holy and not long after he follow'd him Next he tells us of Hercules who with conjesting Trees which he had himself torn up by the roots erected his own Funeral Pyre where laying himself down and there consum'd to Ashes the greatest of Hero's they after his magnanimous departure reckon'd him among the number of Gods ¶ FUrthermore as to what was said before by the Japan Interpreter concerning the vanishing of one of the Bonzi which annually meet in the Castle on the Mountain Conay The Bouzies are often carry'd away none know whether the like happens as they say in several other meetings in which some of them vanish from thence or are snatch'd away how and by what means we know not Villela relates in his foremention'd Letter That this Romance or Hocus-Pocus of conveying bodies is generally believ'd to be real amongst the Japanners but always lookt upon as a bad Omen And in his time he says there dwelt one of the Bonzi in the City Sacci who being very rich liv'd as vicious a life and being seventy years old lying on his death-bed could not endure to hear of death but one day at high noon he was taken away on a sudden in the presence of all his friends and was never heard of after The Netherland Ambassadors leaving the Palace of the Bonzi Village Cancia they Rode towards the Village Cancia where they rested that night in the morning the Ways being frozen very hard they went on in their Journey and in a short time they reach'd the swift Current Oyengauwa River Oyengauwa which they crost very easily because it had not Rain'd there in a long time for in wet seasons the Floods are so high and the Current so strong that none can pass it but with great trouble There the Emperors Faulkoners met the Ambassadors Stepping on the opposite shore they spy'd three of their Emperors Faulkoners after their Game the Ambassadors Sedans in honor to the Emperor were set down on the ground the Horsemen alighted and the whole Train stood still till the Faulkoners were past by them Then travelling through the Villages Simanda Torisjeda and Ocambe over several steep Ascents and Declivings they enter'd Mirice Surunga a great City but ruinous and uninhabited ¶ SOmewhat farther they came to Surunga a great City but desolate because since the death of the Emperor Toxogunsama who was Crown'd Anno 1629. the Inhabitants deserted it resorting to other places for Trade The Emperor taking some distastes against his Brother forc'd him to rip up his own Belly which cruel Execution they commit in the following manner The manner of the Japanners ripping up their own bellies ¶ THe Criminals sit according to the Eastern manner in an open place before a Temple being bare from the middle upwards behind him stands one with a Cordial if he should faint and six Priests that give him Spiritual Comfort and take care of his Funeral before him sits one with the Knife that must perform the cruel Office on
the cleansing of the Graves of his Deceas'd Friends and Relations A dangerous way for the Netherland-Ambassadors ¶ THe Ambassadors Frisius and Brookhurst parting from the Village Faccone soon after encounter'd with a steep and craggy Mountain where getting to the top they ran exceeding great hazard in descending the same the Path not being above two Foot broad and full of Stones having a steep Hill rising on one side and a Precepice on the other that a weak-brain'd Person was not able to look down without danger of being taken with a Dizziness for one of the Ambassadors Train looking upon the Descent was taken suddenly with a Vertigo and so dropp'd over the Pummel of his Saddle that he fell from his Horse where he had miserably perish'd but that holding fast by the Reyns his Horse dragg'd him up where he soon after recover'd They enter the City Oudauro and in the Evening they reach'd Oudauro a stately City one side thereof being adorn'd with a sumptuous Palace surrounded with Stone Walls having also many Spires which are seen at a great distance The Japanners residing here relate An Earthquake in Oudauro That a few Years before a terrible Earthquake had shaken the Countrey exceedingly all thereabouts besides what damage the People sustain'd by the loss of their Houses Steeples and Churches also swallowing up a strong Castle the Ground gaping very terribly so devouring the Fort and the Hill whereon it was rais'd which stood in the same place where the new Castle is now built It is no wonder in Japan for whole Cities or Countreys to be swallow'd up or turn'd topsie-turvey A Japan City swallow'd up and shuffled into Ruins and Rubbish At the Foot of the Mountain Faccone stood formerly a famous City which in few Hours both Men Beasts and Buildings was swallow'd up together in one destruction in place whereof onely a great and almost fathomless Lake appear'd by which the Netherland-Ambassadors pass'd The Opinion of the Japanners concerning Earthquakes Concerning the Reason of these Earthquakes or from whence they proceed the Japanners themselves are of several Opinions Most of them hold and affirm That a great Sea-monster or Leviathan beats the Shore with his Tail every blow of which shakes the Neighboring Countreys The Ancient Greek and Latin Philosophers differ also much concerning the Reason of Earthquakes which are the most terrible of all Humane Afflictions Concerning which hear Plato and Seneca in their own Words the first in his Athenian Antiquities Plato in Timeo A terrible Earthquake hapned which a Day and a Night mov'd the Ground towards a Brook which is now call'd the Mediterranean Sea in which were all your Ancestors swallow'd up Sonec Nat. Quest and also a whole Isle then call'd Atlantis Seneca saith You see whole Countreys remov'd out of their Places Main Continents divided into scatter'd Isles So the Sea also parted Calpe from Abile Barbary from Spain and likewise Sicily from Italy As we hold England from France Ireland â—â—om Wales In our time several whole Countreys and Fields have been so shuffled that the Boundaries and Situations were never found again This happens says he by Winds inclos'd in the Bowels of the Earth which pen'd up like a Cholick striving for vent rumbling up and down in getting passage it not onely shakes but tears up the Superficies They say of old That Ossa and Olympus were but one Mountain but since divided as now they stand by an Earthquake Moreover Pliny tells us Plin. Lib. 1. cap. 91 92. That the steep Mountain Cybotus with the City Curite and also the famous Cities Supylum and Tantalis in Magnesia Galanis and Gamales in Phenicia the Mountain Phegium in the Moors Countrey the Cities Pyrha and Antissa in the Lake Meotis Elice and Bura in the Corinthian Bay were all drown'd and swallow'd in like manner Pausanius relates That Elice and Bura sunk thirty seven Years before the Birth of Alexander the Great The Reasons of Earthquakes are adjug'd to be several Also of the Cause of Earthquakes the Variety and several Manners of its Aguish Fits Writers differ much Democritus tells us That abundance of Rain soaking through the Crannies and Porous parts of the Earth swelling its Belly like a Dropsie rises and recoyls towards the Superficies to disembogue it self but wanting vent beats seeking a Passage against the upper Ground which causes that Trepidation Thales held That the Earth being a floating Ball danc'd upon the then more troubled Waters the cause of its Shaking But the more Modern Opinion which seems most likely is That these Shakings of the Earth arise from a Sulphureous and Nitrous Matter which either by Fermentation or some other Accident taking Fire in the Bowels of the Earth blows up like the springing of a Mine which sudden Bounce in like manner shakes all Parts about it and opens the way that in a Train it explodes other like Combustible Matter And after as many times it happens it makes Breaches whence Flashes of Fire breaking forth tear the Surface of the Earth The right opinion of Aristotle concerning Earthquakes The most Learned agree That these Tremblings rather arise from imprison'd Winds in the vast Caverns of the Earth whose former Passages being stopp'd by accidental falls of Earth and Internal Ruins seek a Vent else-where Or whether it be that the Winds descending nearer the Center finding no way back or whether the thirsty Earth being in Nature dry sucks up abundance of Moysture which either by Subterranean Heat or the piercing Warmth of the Sun-beams are rarified into more stirring Vapors which wanting room for its Activity breaks through the very Adamantine Dungeons of the Earth which violent Ruptures shake the Superficies being also torn and rent in like manner Thus holds Aristotle also demonstrating the same with several Philosophical Arguments saying and proving by Experience That the greatest Earthquakes happen always in serene and calm Weather which falls out in September and March when commonly the Air is most turbulent these Meteors seeming to have left the middle Region of the Air and got into the middle Bowels of the Earth Which he makes more apparent saying That the Earthquakes never cease till the Winds break forth through the erupted Earth again And that those Countreys that have most Excrescencies being more Mountainous and nearest the Sea are oftner troubled with this dire and sad Infliction whereas the Champaign and Inland Countreys scarce ever hear of a Terrene Trepidation The differences of Earthquakes Some Philosophers reckon up three sorts of Earthquakes others seven The first is That the Earth tosseth like a Boat upon the Sea which subverting quite overthrows so many fair Buildings The second seems like a Knocking or great strokes under the Ground which makes the Superficies recoyl and fall inclos'd Vapors then seeking a Passage The third a Ripping and Renting of the Earth into yawning Graves in which are swallow'd up
prov'd his utter ruine for Nobunanga highly incens'd the breach of Peace march'd up again with all his Forces to Meaco defeating the new-come Party took Vojocata the Emperor and soon after assum'd to himself the Imperial Dignity This absolute Conquest brought him thirty Kingdoms Anno 1573. But no sooner setled in the Imperial Throne but he met with as many or rather more difficulties and troubles to break through than his Predecessors for who-ever thought well of him at first and were helps to his great advancement finding that he took no care of keeping his Promise but suddenly broke the soletm Oath taken at his Coronation to protect the People according to the antient Law and be as a Nursing Father and Mother to them but in stead thereof he prov'd to be a greedy devourer of his People tyrannizing by arbitrary Power making his Will a Law and grew more hated and detestable by his ambition of aspiring to be a god to which purpose he set his own Imperial Crown on an Image representing himself in the Temple at Dubo as beforemention'd Loses the love of all the Poeple because of his persâ—cuting the Bonzi But most of all the People were instigated against this Emperor by the Bonzi who suffer'd extremely by his means in Vojocata the former Emperor's Reign of which hear two principal Examples which were thus ¶ THe Mountain Frenoiama having very high Precipices lies two Leagues Eastward from Meaco eight hundred years since a Japan King built here three thousand eight hundred Temples and by every one a Cloyster for the Bonzi and that they might there without any molestation follow their Devotion and Study he remov'd all the Rustick Inhabitants from thence with their Cattel lest any noise should disturb them in their Retirements At the Foot of this Mountain Frenoiama he built two Villages calling them Upper and Lower Sacomotum from whence the Bonzi fetch daily their Provisions They had also a third Part of the Revenue of the Kingdom of Vomis allow'd them Strange Temple and Cloysters These Edifices from time to time grew more and more in splendor and magnificence because that continually some of the Emperor's Relations or at least a King's Son was kept there which made it so famous that all Matters of consequence were decided by these Monks and all Disputations concerning their Religion were held in this University and there as in the chief Academy all Scholars Commence But in process of time and chiefly by the Wars this vast number of Temples which stood on the top of Frenoiama were reduced to eight hundred and also the wanton and luxurious lives of the Bonzies being given over to all Debaucheries made them break out into all manner of outrages and dissolute courses oftentimes throwing away their Books taking up Arms and whilst they grew formidable to maintain a War they made the High-ways and all Places dangerous by their several Murders and Robberies The Bonzi become villaous Murderers nay they grew so impudent at last that without the least regard to the Dayro by the Japanners honor'd as a god Commit great outrages ic Meaco they set upon and Storm'd Meaco in the Year 1535. burning the whole City to Ashes and not onely slew all those which escap'd the Fire but tender Infants in the Cradle This barbarous piece of Cruelty remain'd unpunish'd a long time until thirty six years after they receiv'd a. sufficient reward for their bloody inhumanities A great War arising between Nobunanga and the King of Nechier the Bonzies furnish'd the Nechiers with all manner of Provisions and other Necessaries and blockt up the Passage and Avenues against Nobunanga which he taking very hainously resolv'd to be reveng'd to the full and accordingly to put his Design in execution he return'd to Boari which he Commanded as being King Nobunanga crucifies the Bonzi and there drove all the Bonzies out of their several Abodes Nailing all he could find on Crosses ¶ On the top or highest Spire of this Mountain stands a stately Temple dedicated to Canon Son of the famous Amida This Image hath thirty Arms and as many Hands in each two Arrows a Face representing a handsom Youth on his Breast seven humane Faces with a Crown of Gold richly inchas'd with Pearls Diamonds and all sorts of Precious Gems The Japanners come hither from all Parts of the Countrey paying there their Devotions because they believe that he grants them a long and happy life A great Fast fet Idol Canon Every year the Bonzies keep a great Fast to the honor of this their god Canon which Day draws such a concourse of People that repair thither that it would seem fabulous to recite In Osacca stands also a Temple of Canon but the Image of the god quite another Figure which is a custom amongst the Japanners never to make the same Deity alike Bonzies fortifie themselves The Bonzies chief place of Defence was on the top of the Mountain near Canon's Temple Thither they Muster'd all those that were able to bear Arms and there they fortifi'd themselves as well as they could whilst Nobunanga burnt the two Villages the Upper and Lower Sacamotum from whence they had formerly all their Provision And as the amazing Flames and Smoke ascended the Sky he and his Army march'd up the Hill having before block'd up all the Passages of the Descents with strong Guards that not one of the Bonzies might escape then giving a general Storm to their Fort which they defended aslong as they could but being over-power'd they shrinking from their Stations were as soon possess'd by the Enemy who falling in like a Deluge made a speedy Execution Are all slam those that escap'd the Sword Were burnt in the Temple and others that escap'd away by the Declivings of the Hill were cut off and hunted up and down like wild Beasts by the Guards Yet this general Massacre little appeas'd the wrath of the Enemy for soon after he also fir'd four hundred Temples with their Cloysters and Colledges Four hundred Temples burnt We may easily conjecture how terrible the Mountain Frenoiama smoak'd having so many Temples and Cloysters towards the Building of which in seven hundred years more than the King's Revenues have been from time to time bestow'd on the same This destruction is reckon'd to have happen'd Anno 1571. The Vehisamidono erects a new Order This done Nobunanga march'd through towards Meaco and fifteen Miles beyond the City he set upon the famous Bonzi Taquieno Vehisamidono who having lately rais'd a new Sect to the honor of Xaca and to that end put away his Wife and his Head and Chin according to their manner Shaven having four hundred Scholars under his Tuition for whose Education at his own Charge he had built a stately Colledge which got him great applause and affection amongst the People of which growing proud he boldly and bitterly inveighed against Nobunanga in the presence of the Emperor
their Feasts ¶ THe Province of Amangucium was beyond all other Dominions full of Christians because the King embrac'd that Faith and promoted the same the People upon Festival days flock'd to the Temples in great numbers where the Jesuits represented the Sufferings of our Savior hanging a large Vane on the top of the Church with a Crucifi'd Man in the middle which done all the lights were quite put out and every one having stor'd themselves with Whips and Scourges disrobed the upper part of their bodies and Disciplin'd themselves so long till the fiftieth Psalm was read out On Palm-Sunday Also Palm-Sunday they distributed Consecrated Branches and went in Procession having a great Cross carry'd before them locking the Church-doors round about without stood a Jesuit holding a Cross in his hands saying aloud Open O ye Eternal Gates whereupon those within answer'd Who is the King of Honor At last walking two by two into the Temple towards the Altar a Jesuit Celebrated Mass At other times they walk'd about the Churches with Torches Casp Vilela Epist Eirando 1557. when hiding a Man in a Grave they plac'd two Arm'd Portuguese and two Youths with Helmets on to Guard the same then the Man arose out of the Grave so representing the Resurrection of Christ In the middle of the Church stood the great Altar on both sides of it were built several Chappels all hung with stately Pictures and rich Tapistry shewing the Crucifying on Golgotha the Resurrection Several representations in Japan to establish the Roman Religion and Ascention from Mount Olivet round about the Walls were plac'd a great number of Wax-Candles before the Altar in the corner of the Chappel hung a black Cloth behind which stood a Jesuit in the Habit of a Priest Nine times they sung Kyrieeleyson which done the Cloth was suddenly drawn aside and there appear'd on the Altar the Cross and other Images with many Ornaments then also the Jesuit came in open view whereupon the Bells Were rung then their Singers with Garlands about their Heads and lighted Torches in their Hands follow'd the Host who was carry'd through the Church under a rich Canopy The Province and City Amangucium suffer many inconveniencies This manner of Worship the Japanners were mightily taken withal and chiefly in the Province Amangucium where the Catholick Religion was no way less exercis'd than in the middle of Spain or Italy notwithstanding the City Amangucium had suffer'd much for it being in the space of five years twice pull'd down to the ground and was scarce Re-built when Anno 1557. the Drossaert Moridono laid the whole City the third time in Ashes the King with all the Christian Nobility and Souldiers flying to a Castle five Leagues from Amangucium was slain there with all his Retinue ¶ IN other places the Jesuits enjoy'd themselves in Peace and quietness and receiv'd yearly Revenues of the Lords of the Countreys for the promoting and teaching their Doctrine In the Royal City Facuta The Jesuits build several Churches in Japan they had built a stately Church and in Firando one to the honor of the Virgin Mary to which they got three more of the Bonzi which fled from thence In Meaco they bought a large House which they turn'd afterwards into a Church in Cangoxima they nestled first of all The King of Vocoajura proffer'd them a piece of ground twenty Miles in circumference where no heathen Japanners but onely Christians were permitted to live Within the City Saccay Villela built also a stately Church and another not altogether so costly was erected in the City Ximabra But those built by the Jesuits at Nangesaque exceeded all the other in splendor and magnificence The Japan King of Omura becomes first a Christian ¶ AMongst the first of the Japan Kings that receiv'd Baptism was Xumitanda King of Omura whilest the poor and needy also imbrac'd the same Faith because that according to the Testimony of John Peter Maffeus the Roman Priests taught them that every one according to their Abilities must assist the poor with Alms this King at his Baptism took to him the Name of Bartholomew It seems that the Jesuits brought this manner of changing of Names out of Europe to Japan according to a Custom us'd amongst the Popes who leave off their Christian-Name when they take upon them the Supreme Government of the Church Changes his name The first original of this exchanging of Names Onuphrius and Cardinal Baronius ascribe to Pope John the twelfth but most to Sergius the second who would be call'd so when he was chosen Pope Anno 844. upon the dislike of his own Name which before was Bocca de Porco as Platina Stella Bocca de Porco or Swines-snout Suffrid Epist 1. Suffridus and Aeneas Sylvius testifie Civil Wars against Xumitanda King of Omura But Xumitanda soon found great opposition for his relinquishing his old Heathenism for the Bonzies the prime Actors in this Plot stirr'd up Gotondono base Son of the Deceas'd King against Xumitanda pretending for a reason that he broke in pieces his Predecessors Image which before his Conversion he was wont to Perfume with Incense By this seeming zealous Pretext Gotondono soon got great Aid for every one was much inrag'd that the Old Religion should be banish'd from Omura and a New one brought in by the Portuguese Whereupon the Rebels joyning in a Body together set Omura on fire and storm'd the Palace but the King throwing a Tyger skin athwart his shoulders over a white Silk Suit on which was Embroider'd the Name Jesus with a Cross of Massy Gold on his Breast and a Garland of Roses about his Neck made his escape both through the Enemy and Fire to a Castle near the Sea-shore But Gotondono pursu'd him closely and getting several Ships from Goto and Firando Besieg'd him both by Sea and Land How he escap'd great danger Xumitanda could not possibly have escap'd had not his Father Xengandono by a subtile Policy made the Besieg'd fall at variance and fight among themselves for when he proffer'd the King of Arima's Daughter in Marriage to the chief of the Rebels he immediately sided with Xumitanda by which Conjunction being enabled he Sally'd out and slew the greater part of the Enemy and from thence forward for a considerable time he rul'd in Peace and quietness till Isafay his Brother-in-Law made private Combination with the Lord of Firando who sent a Fleet to Sea whilst Isafay laid the City Omura in Ashes Xumitanda at that time resided with a small Train Obtains many victories in a Castle scituate near the Sea Thither Isafay march'd with all speed and had undoubtedly slain the King had not some unexpected Forces happily come to his assistance with which he March'd to meet the Enemy and after a sharp Conflict utterly routed them The Ships belonging to Firando being separated by stress of Weather were lost The last that rose against Xumitanda was
for by Cambioie's Life-guard of which having notice he privately made his escape and the Soldiers out of Revenge raged against those where he Lodged which coming to his knowledge griev'd him exceedingly that for his sake they should come to any inconveniency who had receiv'd and Lodged him in their House whereupon he travell'd thither and went to Cambioie accompanied with Simon Jempo a Japanner who had spent his youthful days amongst the Bonzies but embracing the Christian Religion Serv'd the Jesuit for a Dogico that is A Clerk Ab Angelis told the Governor that he was a Priest sent from Sicily to Japan there to Preach the Roman Doctrine Galves makes his escape but is taken again The younger Brother Francis Galves being inform'd that he was discover'd fled to Camacura a Mile beyond Jedo where he thought to escape but was overtaken Mean while forty seven Christians were taken in Jedo which were all condemn'd by Conbosama with Ab Angelis Galves and Jempo to be burnt the fourth of December Anno. 1629. their Sentence was put in execution The Executioners put strong Cords about the Necks of the Condemned and ty'd their Hands behind their Backs Ab Angelis Rid on a Horse with a Letter on his Breast on which his Name was written in great Characters behind him came Jempo and fifteen others on foot Franciscus Galves and Fara Mondono were also bound on Horses every one follow'd by a train of Martyrs Fara Mondono the Nephew condemn'd to be burnt But before Fara Mondono Rid a Cryer or Herauld who when the Drummer left off beating on the Copper Bason Read out of an Edict these words The whole World might apparently behold and guess how much the Emperor Conbosama abhorr'd the Christian Religion condemning his own Nephew to be consum'd by Fire because he had embraced it Not far from Jedo towards Cami stood fifteen Stakes three of which were somewhat nearer to the City than the other all surrounded with great heaps of Wood about one Fathom and a half from the Posts The Soldiers though they surrounded the place of Execution to keep off the multitude of Spectators which were innumerable yet could not hinder their sight the Stakes being all driven in a plain Field near which lay a high Mountain that swarm'd with People and several of the chief Nobles had built Scaffolds in the hanging of the Hill to have the clearer view of the Execution in this manner performed First they made fast seven and forty of them Fifty Romans burnt near Jedo tying their Hands to the tops of the several Stakes and their Feet to the bottom their Names were Leo Taqueua Gonfiqui Fanzabusus Quaxia Chesaiemon Simon Jempo Peter Xixabucus Johannes Matagaremon Michael Quizaiemon Laurentius Cacuzaiemon Laurentius Gagiqui Matthias Juraiemon Matthias Quisaiem Thomas Jofacu Peter Santarius Peter Saiemon Matthias Xigigemon Ignatius Chorimon Simon Muam Decius Joccuno Isaacus Bona Ventura Quidairi Johannes Xinocuro Hilarius Mongazaiemon Franciscus Quisaiemon Saximononia Jinxiquir Johannes Chosaiemon Romanus Goniemon Emanuel Buyemon Peter Quicheiemon Quisaburus Peter Choiemon Andreas Disuque Raphael Quichaiemon Quizequi Anthony and thirteen others whose Names are not express'd in the foremention'd Japan Letter Ab Angelis Galves and Mondono saw their Companions burnt first Whilst the Fire flam'd round about and the Martyrs made a doleful and terrible noise Fara Mondono Ab Angelis and Galves sat still on their Horses to the end they might first behold the miserable conditions of those that suffer'd And when Fara Mondono was first ty'd to the Stake and next Ab Angelis and at last Galves there were some of the former that yet struggled betwixt life and death But Hazart relates farther That two Noble-men being amongst the other Spectators lighted from their Horses and crowding through the People Watch and Pyles of Wood one ran to Galves the other to Ab Angelis and holding them about their Necks suffer'd themselves to be burnt with them But of this I have no great testimony onely the foremention'd Japan Letter mentions two Women who when they saw the forty seven miserably roasting they forthwith went to the Judges and declared themselves openly to be Christians whereupon they were immediately carry'd to Execution Farther Cruelties in Jedo But these Cruelties ceased not thus for Maria Jageia Mother of Leo Gonfiqui who was burnt among the last had Lodged Ab Angelis in her House for which cause she with thirty six more that had entertain'd Christians or Let them Houses or were their Security for the Rent amongst which were also Heathen Japanners were condemn'd to the Fire Unheard-of wickedness committed upon Children Nay it rag'd after a most unheard-of barbarity against Children for leading them with the sound of Instruments to the Place of Execution they were before their Parents Eyes either beheaded or split in the middle or cut in small Pieces and with all other imaginable Tortures put to death An Edict against the Romans Immediately after it was proclaim'd in Jedo and other adjacent Countreys That if any one could give information of a Christian or him that entertain'd them or Let them Houses should have for a Reward the Mansion of him that Let it besides thirty Pieces of Gold worth fifteen hundred Crowns Upon this Murdering began to spread it self as Wild-fire all over Japan Are slain at Scondai In the City Xenxai Didacus Cervalio the Jesuit with sixty Christians were discover'd in Myne-diggers Apparel all which were put to death in Scondai in the cold Winter Nights putting them to Freeze up in the Water At Omura In Omura Peter Vasques the Dominican the Franciscan Lodowick Sasandra and Sotello and one Michael Carvalho a Jesuit were condemn'd to be Frozen to death in like manner At Arima In Arima Vincentius Caun a Native of Corea fell into the hands of the Persecutors who broke his Fingers with Iron Pincers setting him up to the Throat in cold Water and at last burnt him At Farina At Farima the Christians were onely banish'd At Fingo In Fingo Michael Maxima was miserably Scourg'd with Rods and hoised up to a high Post The Strappado and so on a sudden let fall to the Ground that done cold Water mix'd with blood was pour'd down his Throat which they made him disgorge by trampling on his Belly then laid they him in the heat of the Sun and at last carry'd him to the boyling sulphureous Waters at Singok and so long wash'd therein that he gave up the Ghost At Tiroxima In Tiroxima dy'd on Crosses and by the Sword Joyama Sintaro Xobara Schizaimon and others In the Province Figen the greatest Persecutor of the Christians was Nobexima Cami who was one of the Spectators at Jedo when Conbosama burnt fifty Christians Persecution in Nangesaque In Nangesaque they also sometimes burnt a Portuguese and a Japanner for Religion but the Governor Gonrocou seem'd not to delight so much in
Murder as other Commanders who aim'd by their Cruelties to exceed each other he being most commonly troubled with a Distemper that would scarce let him rest either Night or Day So that he regarded the Christians but little being also very intent in desiring his Nobles to let him resign up his Authority Kauwaytsdo is made Governor of Nangesaque This at last was granted him and Kauwaytsdo sent by the Emperor to succeed not without great trouble and amazement to the City Nangesaque and especially to the Christians because Kauwaytsdo was a stern and high-spirited Person and the rather because heretofore Nangesaque had always been Govern'd by ordinary Merchants who by the Command of the Emperor had their Residence there to the end they might buy all things necessary that the Imperial Court requir'd Whereas the Japan Nobles are so exceeding proud and high-minded that they look upon all Tradesmen as Dogs which made every one stand in fear of Kauwaytsdo the New Governor Begins instantly to murder the Christians Anno 1626. in June he came to keep his Court at Nangesaque The second day after his arrival he commanded fifty three Stakes to be drove into the Ground and according to the custom to place Piles of Wood round about them The next day after were led thither the Japan Bishop Franciscus Parquero Balthazar de Torres who had lain a whole Year hid in a Cave under the Floor of a House Baptista Sola Overseer of the Jesuits Cloyster at Arima besides five Japanners which had lodg'd the Priests and as many Portuguese namely Albemen Josse and his Son of fourteen Years old Diego de Costa Johan de Costa and Balthazar de Solse the last two being Pilots The Portuguese became Apostates embracing the Heathen Religion but the rest remain'd constant After that five Men and three Women more were burnt because they had also entertain'd the Priests in their Houses One of the Women saw first her Child of six years old Beheaded Finds out a cunning way to make them apostatize from the Christian Faith But Kauwaytsdo found more Work in this his Murder than he expected for he saw that he must destroy at least a thousand more before he could root the Christian Religion out of Nangesaque Therefore he bethought himself of another way Forcing the Christians to declare by Oath what they were worth and what Moneys they had out either in the Hands of Portuguese Japanners Chineses or their own Servants whether upon Interest or otherwise all which he kept and seiz'd upon for his own use Besides thus depriving them of their Estates he threatned them also with intolerable Tortures and a horrible Death if they continu'd to persist in the Romish Belief But if they would Apostatize they should reap great Benefit Which indeed those that did immediately receiv'd for Kauwaytsdo gave them the Houses and Estates of those that were burnt and also forc'd the Chineses which come yearly with above sixty Vessels to an Anchor before Nangesaque to Lodge in their Houses for which they should pay them Ten in the Hundred of whatever Commodities they sold by which means many poor People on a sudden rais'd themselves to considerable Estates Moreover the Portuguese Merchants might neither lodge with the Christians nor drive any Trade with them Many embrace the Japan Doctrine again In October Kauwaytsdo commanded all those that had Apostatiz'd from Christianity to come before him who being all cloth'd in rich Habies made above fifteen hundred He speaking to them very courteously promis'd to shew them more and greater Favors Cruelty us'd in Mongy ¶ MEan while the heat of Persecution in several Places increas'd A Mile from Nangesaque stands a Village nam'd Mongy belonging to Bongemendo Governor of Arima where seven Men and five Women were put to death Being brought before the Executioners they were first Stigmatiz'd with hot Irons in the Foreheads and immediately after demanded If they would renounce the Christian Religion Which refusing they were again burnt on both Cheeks But still remaining constant they were stripp'd of their Apparel and their Legs and Arms stretch'd abroad with great Scourges so outragiously beaten that they lay a considerable time for dead Then being ask'd anew If they would not change their Opinions which they deny'd with detestations of the Japan Idolatries whereupon the Executioners began their Tortures afresh burning their Privities and other tender parts of the Body with glowing Irons and cutting off their Fingers and Toes It seems a matter worthy no small admiration that a Child of six Years old being amongst these twelve Martyrs endur'd all the foremention'd Tortures with inexpressible Courage Thus punish'd they were cast into Prison Mean while the number of the discover'd Christians amounted to one and forty which all patiently endur'd the foremention'd Afflictions insomuch that at last the Executioners seem'd to be more wearied and tir'd than the Sufferers of which seventeen having large and heavy Stones ty'd about their Middles were carry'd a good distance into the Offin and there thrown over-board amongst which number was a Man and his Wife and three Children the one seventeen the other thirteen and the youngest six years old who being terrifi'd with such strange Preparations began to cry when the Executioners laid hold of him to tye the Stones about his Waste whereupon they asking the Parents if they would have the Child to live and they replying No it was drown'd with the rest Japan Children very hardy enduring the greatest Tortures ¶ IT is very common in Japan to put to death or destroy Children for their Parents Offences Yet the Parents have an unlimited Power over their Children of either Life or Death and it is at their choice to let them live or cause them to suffer with them But there was scarce a Japan Child that went not willingly to encounter Death and endur'd their Tortures with exceeding Courage In the City Usacca two Youths the one ten and the other five years old voluntarily died with their Father Alexius Morifoibioye and a Sister being an Infant of four days old was Decollated On the Island Necaie a whole Noble Family were all condemn'd to the Slaughter amongst which several Children Japanners have little knowledge of the Christian Religion These Examples manifest sufficiently that the Japanners are not only of Noble Hearts but constant Resolutions enduring the greatest Tortures in their Infancy with inexpressible Valour for a Religion the first beginning whereof they scarce understood For besides reading the Pater Noster Ave Maria and some Prayers to the Saints they have little or no knowledge of either the Old or New Testament Therefore we may judge the Japan Martyrs to be very Zealous and Constant Far more holy were the Sufferings of these Infants if they had understood the Grounds of the Christian Faith than the Child which Romanus being tortur'd in Antioch by Asclepiades call'd from amongst the Multitude of Spectators Anno
one hundred and sixty times greater than the Terrestrial Orb or its quick and sudden Motion by which it runs ten hundred thousand Miles in an Hour as they held the Earth being the Center or its fecundating Power whose Warmth preserves all Plants and is the Breeder and Fosterer of all Living Creatures or its necessary Light beneficial for all Humane Affairs or measuring of the Days by a Motion from the East to the West or the Seasons of the Year by a Course from the South to the North or from the North to the South or whether it be that one Sun performs so many excellent Effects All these taken together amaze the Heathens who with great admiration wonder at the Mystery thereof and so honor one of the Celestial Luminaries in stead of him that Created it In Symb. Aposs Thomas Aquinas compares these Idolaters to Countrey People that entring a Princes Palace take the first gay Courtier they see for the King to whom they make Legs and shew Reverence as if he were the same being deceiv'd by his outward Apparel But the Japanners differ from the Ancients in their representation of the Sun which they drew resembling a Beardless young Man in his prime and vigor because the Sun neither grows old by Time or Labor For which reason the Youth at Athens Rome and Italy offer'd to the Sun their Hair when they were first shaven The Japanners would perhaps signifie the Suns Age by its Beard Furthermore the Tortoise which the Sun pricks to turn round was Religiously worshipp'd long before the Japanners came from China Plin. lib. 9. cap. 11. fox Pliny relates That the Troglodites have horn'd Tortoises which guide themselves in the Water with their Horns and where-ever they happen to come ashore they are ador'd as Holy Netherland Ambassadors leave Meaco ¶ But to return again to the Ambassadors Frisius and Brookhurst They departed from Meaco Anno 1650. the thirtieth of April But before they left the City they view'd the great Temple consecrated to Dayboth and the Cloysters inhabited by the Bonzi as well without as within the City A Japan King about nine hundred years since Incredible number of Cloysters belonging to the Bonzi built on the Mountain Fronojama three thousand eight hundred Colledges of which Nobunanga laid a great part in Ashes But the Mountain which lies opposite to Meaco had formerly seven thousand such Buildings in every one of which liv'd ten fifteen twenty or more Priests One of these Cloysters exceeds in Riches and Beauty all the rest The Kings when they prepare for War promise great Sums of Money to them for their Enlargement and Maintenance which they punctually pay after they have gotten the Victory To this place poor People driven by extreme Necessity take their flight Every Cloyster hath an Overseer whom they call Ninxir that is to say The Heart of Truth The Bonzies Employments The Office of the Bonzies bred up there is to Bury and perform the Obsequies of the Dead especially of the Rich reading and praying before the Statues of their Gods every fifteenth Day or once in three Months preaching in publick and unfolding the Mysteries of their Divine Worship These are the Seminaries in which they are bred and here the Masters How they teach their Youth according to their manner give them their Lessons to perfect and Themes to inlarge upon the whole Argument consisting in the several Articles of their Faith and also what they shall say in their Spirit at the last gasp and how to answer Death and the Devil when they appear to them most terrible So setting them their several Tasks commanding them to perform their Exercise well and punishing those that are negligent and dull in their Duty Will not refer their Doctrine to any Princes They keep up their Doctrine to such a height that they suffer not Kings nor the Emperor himself to decide any Controversie or intermeddle with any Matter concerning Religion Father Tursellinus writing the Life of Xaverius tells us That Xaverius had a Hearing granted him before the King of Bungo to declare at large what he could say concerning the Christian Religion and to dispute the Articles of their Faith with any of the Japan Doctors to which the King listning and seeming to be taken with several Reasons unfolding divers Mysteries a Bonzi call'd Faciandono standing by and perceiving the King to be pleas'd too well highly offended broke out in a great rage saying That in Matters of Religion Kings were not competent Judges being altogether unexperienc'd in the Divinity thereof and if he pleas'd he would by the Defence that he should make utterly convince him in all his Arguments that had so lately tickled his Ear. So the King being silent hearkned to and gave them leave to speak Whereupon Faciandono began after having studied a considerable time to discourse upon the Grounds of their Faith and the several Tenents and Mysteries of Religion to prove the Truth of which there needed no more than the exemplary Lives of the Bonzi whose Zeal Piety and strictness of Holy-living must be above all others acceptable to the Gods first for their Chastity and their abstaining from Fresh-fish their pains and diligence in the Schools in instructing of Youth in their Divine Knowledge and Philosophical Learning for giving to those that pleas'd to receive after their Deaths besides Eternal Bliss ten times as much as they lay down in this World of which none doubts or is so impious to question but at sight to have present payment for rising at all Hours in the Night their Watching and Nocturnal Prayers to their Gods for the Health Safety and Preservation of the People But that which advanc'd them to the height of Religious Dignity was their usual Conversation when rapt up into the Heavens with the Sun and Moon and all the Celestial Luminaries Then he turn'd his ranting Discourse and fell upon the King which he not taking well but much displeas'd at his endless Railing wanting not much of distraction the King commanded Silence telling him That he well remembred one of the Bonzi a special Pattern of Piety and Sober Life but he was fitter in his judgment to serve the Devil and the Fiends of Hell than be any ways instrumental in the Worship of the Ever-just Gods Eternal haters of all Debauchery But Faciandono no ways daunted with this smart Expression of the Kings but rather more discompos'd in a rage reply'd thus Well Sir the time will come when such will be my Power and Authority over Mortals in the other World that I shall dispose of them at my Leasure and how I please And you King of Bungo though you look so big in all your Greatness now then shall address your self to me scarce regarding such a Trifle as a King or any Prince whatsoever This arrogant return of his was very ill resented yet Faciandono raising his Voice ranted higher saying May Fire from
The second time he took upon him the shape of a Tortoise because the Mountain Merouwa was thrown into the Ocean that Amortan that is Dispeller of the Poyson Callecote Wisjam might be found but the Mountain weigh'd so exceeding heavy that it began to sink which forc'd Wistnow to transform himself into a Tortoise that he might bear up the World on his back but though the Tortoise carrys the World on its back yet he is carry'd by the Hog call'd Sersja and Leesja is bore up by the Sea The third time Wistnow appear'd like a Hog wherefore a Hog growing out of the Earth in the famous Temple Adi Warraha in the City Trinottam was religiously Worshipp'd The fourth time he appear'd like half a Man and half a Lion The fifth time by the name Wainana on purpose to subdue the Devil Belli and soon after he became Paresje Rama Dajerratha Rama Cristna Bouddha and the Horse Celki His chiefest appearance was when he became Cristna for as the Bramine Padmanaba related to Abraham Rogerius The Gate to Paganism 2 k. 3. That Wistnow appear'd in all his other shapes but with part of his Godly Glory as a spark of Fire which flies from a great Coal but that in Cristnaes shape he appear'd in full Splendor with all the Host of Heaven attending him insomuch that the Heavens were empty and without a God Little Japan gods ¶ THe Japanners have besides their chief also lesser Deities which they call Fotoques and Camos the first were Priests which many Ages before taught their Doctrine The second valiant Hero's who by their Noble Atchievements or new Inventions made their Names famous The Fotoquis procur'd such things as were necessary to Salvation and the Camo's Temporal Blessings Their gods Nequiron and Denichi Maristines preside matters of War Difference of their gods but Daibut Tamondea Besamondes Hemocondis and Zajolis busie themselves in ordering the Course of the Heavens The Sects of the Bonzies are twelve ¶ THe Sects into which the Bonzi divide themselves Xaverius reckons nine But Caron in his Description of Japan sets down twelve The Xingovini Bonzi honor the Idol Dinichi the Jenxuani serve Fobem the Foquexani their Mion the Jondaxuenses Amida the Xintani Quoquium the Baracacque spend their time in Study the Icoxuani teach That there is nothing more requisite to Salvation than the Merits of Amida so that nothing can be more to his prejudice than for any one to depend on their own good Works for so much as a man ascribes to himself of Salvation so much he bereaves of the honor of Amida who alone merited Salvation Icoxi Bonzi Over the Icoxuani or Icoxi a prime Bonzi hath the Command who commonly though addicted to all manner of Vices yet is highly esteem'd by the People insomuch that they often fall down crying before him entreating him to Intercede for them and sue for a Pardon and Forgiveness of their Offences The Neugori place Cacubau for their Chief and Supreme Deity and are divided into Praying Arrow-making and Fighting-Persons The Legi-Oxi judge the Hamacuten Clerks to be of the same Order The Jamambuxi who after sixty days suffering all Inconveniences are Install'd by the Devil himself who appears to them in a horrible manner on the top of the Mountain Fusinojamma their Prayers the common People buy for great sums of Money But the twelfth Sect of the Bonzies are the Ikkois Ikkoi's Bonzi whose Respect and Power exceeds all the other Then Gengues Harboribonzjj and Jammoboos are also Japan Priests extracted out of Asia and experienc'd in Necromantick Arts but because of their poor and mean condition and their solitary life they are not accounted amongst the Bonzies The Feast Gibbon how kept ¶ THe Deceits and Fictions of the Bonzies may be plainly discern'd by the Feast-days which they chiefly observe In August the Japanners have a Holiday which they call Gibbon which word signifies A Man and is Consecrated to Men. This day is kept in the following manner They erect Scaffolds in every corner of the City according to the number of Handicrafts-men when the day is come the multitudes flock together no otherwise than to a great Feast fifteen or sometimes twenty Waggons cover'd with rich Silk Clothes lead the way every one of which is drawn by forty Men. In every Waggon sits a great number of Youths singing and playing on Drums or Pipes the Men and Women of every several Trade or Company buy their own Waggon Soon after more Waggons follow with Arm'd Men in like manner cover'd with Silk Clothes on which are Painted the Valiant Exploits and Noble Atchievements of antient Japan Hero's This Train passes along slowly by their Temple Against the Evening two Sedans are brought out of the Temple in one of them sits the Idol whom they Worship and in the other his Consort The bearers of the first Sedan seem'd to swoon under it being so exceedingly oppress'd by the presence of the God-head but soon after appears the Sedan in which the Idols Goddess sits she being advised by Messengers that her Husband comes to meet her with his Concubine the bearers of the Sedan run to and again like Distracted Persons by which they express the great sorrow which the Goddess receives by her just anger for the Idol her Husbands Adultery and whilst the bearers of the Sedan run thus madly up and down the People cry aloud after them pittying the condition of the Goddess comforting and Praying to her on their bended Knees At last the three Sedans are brought together and are set down in their Temple which done Gibbon's Feast ends The bloody feast of Maristenes ¶ FOr their God of War Maristenes they keep a bloody day in Lent after Noon they all flock together every one having the Picture of his Image Painted on his shoulder upon a sudden they divide themselves in two Parties the Boys beginning first to throw Stones which done the graver and older Persons of both sides go forth between the Youths their first business then is to exchange a Bullet or two then drawing nearer to one another they pull out their Japan Scymiters and fight so long till one or other of them leaving the Field betakes themselves to flight Description of the Japan Wrestlers ¶ BUt besides these strange Customs belonging to their Religion the Japanners have also several bodily Exercises amongst which Wrestling is none of the meanest The place wherein they Wrastle is surrounded with a square Rail about which the Spectators stand and look over it reaching up to their middle on a Hillock under a square Roof supported by four Pillars the Judge of the Field hath his Seat The Wrestlers put their Hair under a Net made in the fashion of a Cap which they draw close and make fast on the Crown of their Heads from whence hangs a small String over their Backs their Bodies from the middle upward are quite Naked onely about their
sides and Backs they wear a Copper Plate with the Emperors Arms Ingraven thereon open on their Breasts and made fast about their Middle with two Cords the like kind of Plates they tie also on their Skins their Breeches are ty'd up betwixt their Legs with two Strings made fast to the Plates Thus Accouter'd they fall very eagerly one upon another he that Throws his Antagonist goes to the Hill on which the Judge stands and receives Silver or Golden Plates sometimes mark'd with the Emperors Arms and sometimes not It may not be contradicted but that the Japanners have the same intention in these Exercises as formerly the Greeks and Romans had which was to make them expert in War and accustom their bodies to labor Art Gymuast l. 5. c. 5. for Hieronimus Mecurialis cites out of Hypocrates That Wrastling warms and strengtheneth the Flesh Sinews and Nerves Theodorus Priscianus judges this Exercise also to be good against a bad and cold Stomach and Oribasius reckons it a notable remedy against the Dropsie Other Physitians on the contrary are as much against it especially if done with eagerness but the Wisdom and Custom of Antiquity may well over-poise their single and more novel Opinions De Legib. And to prove that Wrestling is very antient Theseus King of Athens Train'd up all his young Soldiers to die War first with that Exercise Plato sets down Antheus and Circion Who were the first Wrestlers for Inventers of that Art in which those employ'd themselves which afterwards gave proofs of their Experience in Races Besides the Heathens the antiquity of this Recreation appears by Moses who relates That the Patriarch Jacob Wrestled with God and became Lame thereby Therefore the Children of Israel eat not of the Sinew which shrank Gen. 32. v. 32. which is upon the hollow of the Thigh unto this day because he touched the hollow of Jacob's Thigh in the Sinew that shrank Stately bridge in Meaco ¶ THe Ambassadors Fristius and Brookhurst Riding on the thirtieth of April Anno 1650. from Meaco were amaz'd at the costly Bridge over which they pass'd out of the City This Bridge being two hundred and thirty Paces long leads over the River which cuts Meaco in the middle and rests on large Columns hewn out of a Rock the top being very strait is Wall'd on both sides with Stone Adorn'd and Beautifi'd with great Brazen Balls The Ambassadors Din'd that day in the delightful Village Fissima where they hired four Barks to Sail down the River to Osacca passing by the City Jonda Castle of Jonda defended with a strong Castle continually supply'd with fresh Water by two Mills Over the River lie two Artificial Bridges not unlike that of Meaco It appears that the Antient and Modern World hath spent much time with no less Art than Charges to make the Waters flow faster than their ordinary Course Bridge of Trajanus Famous is that Bridge which the Emperor Trajan laid over the Danou the greatest River in Europe Paulus Jovius relates That in his time there were yet remaining of it thirty six Arches hewn out of square Stone every one a hundred and fifty Foot high sixty broad and a hundred and seventy Foot distance one from another Slaughter-Bridg of Caligula And who hath not read Writers of the Slaughter-Bridge made by Caligula This cruel Tyrant caus'd the In-let between Baja and Puteoli being three thousand and six Paces long to be laid over with Vessels two and two ty'd together and made fast with Anchors which Ships he cover'd with Planks and the Planks with Earth Over this new Way he Rode to and fro the first day on a stately Horse on his Head a Garland Pleited of Oak his Body cover'd with a Cloke of Gold in his Hand he carry'd an Ax The second day he sat in a Chariot Darius the King of Parthia's Son walking before and the Roman Nobility following him On the third day a considerable number of Spectators came flocking thither which were all thrown into the Sea Wonderful Bridge at Peru. The Art of the Americans of Peru deserves also our Observation for between Chicuito and Callao in Peru is a Lake no less broad than deep over which leads a Bridge of Rushes Pleited together in such a manner and made so fast on both sides that great Loads may pass over the same without any danger From whom the Japanners learn'd to make Bridges ¶ But it appears that the Japanners brought the Art of making Bridges from their Native Countrey China for there is scarce any place in the World that hath gain'd so much Reputation in that particular as the Chineses either for their Curiosity or great number insomuch that some eminent Cities as Nanquin Hancheu and others reckon every one above ten thousand Bridges in all which there is a Vie of Art and curious Workmanship The Bridge Cientao In the Territory of Xensi between the Cities Hanchen and Siganfu lies that marvellous Bridge Cientao to the building of which Changleang General to the Emperor Lieupang employ'd several hundred thousand Men besides his whole Army some cutting a Way through the Mountains some securing and making even the Valleys other carrying Timber cross the River and ramming in Pillars of exceeding bigness and supporting them by lesser Arms on both sides Chogan's Bridge The Bridge that leads betwixt two high Mountains over the River Fi near Chogan merits admiration consisting of one Arch four hundred Yards broad and fifty Rods high the Sides strengthned with Stone Curtains Bridge on Chaina In the Countrey Junnan the Emperor Mingus rais'd a Bridge about sixteen hundred years since of twenty great Iron Chains made fast betwixt two Rock sover a mighty Water-fall which Chains he cover'd with huge Timber and large Planks which when any great weight passeth over it moves to the amazement and terror of the Traveller Gangin-Bridge The Bridge in the Town Gangin is also very famous for its Foundress who after the Decease of her Husband Parents and nearest Relations spent all her Treasure that she had on the building of it and the Work being finish'd she leap'd into the River and drown'd her self Loyang-Bridge above all wonderful But the Bridge Loyang in Civenchau the second Metropolis in the Territory of Fokien exceeds all the former being three hundred and sixty Rods long and one and a half broad cost the Governor Cayang fourteen hundred thousand Ducats and would have cost twenty times more if the Chinese Laborers were not forc'd to work on all Structures for the publick good for nothing onely the neediest have some small matter for their daily Labor All the Bridge consists of black shining Stones and is not supported by Arches but rests on three hundred great Pedistalls made like a Ship sharp before purposely to break the steep of the Water on whose uppermost part lie from Pillar to Pillar five large Stones of an equal bigness every
Devil appearing to them in humane shape They walk one by one towards Goquis and repeat their sins in such a mournful note that they are heard by the whole Company and whilst they thus spend their time a Sword hangs pendant in the Air according to Peter Davity's Description of Asia This kind of presentation occasions a strange alteration amongst the Spectators some Laughing and others Crying those that have confess'd right return with the multitude but those that conceal their sins are by Goquis thrown down the Hill so breaking their Necks The Netherland Ambassadors departure from Osacca ¶ THe Ambassadors Frisius and Brookhurst having dispatch'd their Affairs in Osacca took Shipping the sixth or May about the Evening but the Wind being Westerly they made little Way yet at last getting out of the River they entred the Sea and left Sacai on their Larboard and near it the great Temple built by the Dairo and in the City the Temples built by the Saccaians to the honor of Daimaogini Gotzenhaus ausserhalb Sackai De Groote TEMPEL Buyten Saccay The great TEMPLE without Saccay Description of the great Temple near Saccai ¶ THe Temple near Saccai built by the present Dairo's Father some years since is a most excellent Piece of Architecture Art and Cost seeming to have made a vye which should out-do the other in fitting it The Situation on boasts a most delightful Plain one side bordering fertile Valleys the other shaded by a pleasant Grove of lofty Cedars both large and delightful at some distance appear the tops of those Mountains at whose Foot the City Saccai is Founded betwixt the Cedar-Grove and the Temple flows a pleasant Stream that runs through a great part of the Temple then you discover a large Porch whose Doors Varnish'd with Wax after the Indian manner lead the Way to the Brook at the entrance on the right-side stands a spacious Gallery on five Columns betwixt each Pillar appears a large Window looking through that nearest the Gate you see a second Portico through which goes the Way to the Temple under the Windows a thick Wall Rail'd on both sides affords a stately Walk each side verg'd with pleasant Trees that yield a most delightful Prospect the Roof of the Gallery cover'd with Copper Tyles are kept so bright and clear that they give a dazling lustre when the Sun shines bright on the left-hand of the Water-gate stands a stately Hall built on three Ranks of great Pedistalls five Foot from the Ground the out-parts having each a thick Ledge on which the Walls are rais'd which being adorn'd with Flower-work and three-corner'd Windows makes a lovely sight to the Eye Houses and Gardens belonging to the Temple On one side of this Hall is a Garden full of all manner of Plants Flowers and Herbs kept in order by the skill of choice Gardners wherein are two Walks between Copper Rails curiously Painted that reach from the foremention'd Hall to the Brook along which a crooked Wall sloaping on the top with several Windows reaches to the end between this Wall and the Copper-Rails a Way leads towards the Treasuries and Habitations of the Priests Of which Buildings three stand in a Row each Front facing towards the Cedar-Grove the Roofs jetting a great way over the side-Walls are supported by six Pillars under which are five Walks like Piazza's behind these three appear several other Houses of the same fashion but much bigger wherein reside Japan Priests to perform their Service in the Temple Over these Houses may be seen the top of the first Gate being exceeding large and artificially cover'd with thick Copper Plates A stately Turret Close by stands a stately Turret almost three hundred Foot high being eight Stories one over another with eight Angles every Story boasts many spacious Rooms and other Apartments from whose Windows is a most delightful Prospect of several Villages Mountains Woods Champain-grounds and the City Saccai between the Turret and the Gallery along the Rivulet stands the stately Temple within curiously adorn'd with Imagery on whose top appears a square and very large Chamber the Floor being on the Roof of the Temple Pav'd with Free-Stone on each side thereof four Pillars and between each Pillar three Windows the octangular Roof rising to a Point in the middle is all cover'd with Massie Gold The Riches of the Temple near Saccai The Dairo at whose Charges this Edifice was erected settled a Revenue of two hundred thousand Tail of Silver on the same Annually every Japan Tail valu'd at five Shillings Sterling ¶ THe Dayro according to the Japan Chronicles hath always bore the chief Commands in that Empire But since Anno 1550. his Throne being shaken by Civil Wars which were occasion'd by the Dayro's youngest Son brought it at last to that effect that the Dayro had nothing left him but only the Name of Chief Commander in Ecclesiastical Affairs the Emperors keeping all the other Power without any Limitation in their own Hands Only they go once in five or six years to Meaco where as a token of their Obedience they present the Dayro with many rich Gifts and drinking out of a Silver Cup then breaking it in pieces preserve them in their Pockets which Custom amongst the Japanners is a token of great humility Wherefore not onely the Dayro but nine of his nearest Relations esteem themselves above the Emperor Apparel of the Dayro The Dayro goeth clad in a black Coat with a red Cape or Coller o which hangs a Cloke full of great Pleits On his Head a Bonnet about which hang divers Tassels In his Palace are three hundred sixty five Idols of which one is set every Night before his Bed to take care of his Welfare If notwithstanding the Idol Scourging of Idols why any disaster befal him then the Idol that watch'd that Night is soundly beaten with Sticks which Punishment sufficeth not for besides he banishes him a hundred days from his Palace after the expiration of which time the Idol returns and takes possession again of his old Station Chief-Priest Ninxit The same Custom the Chief-Priest Ninxit otherwise call'd Jaco or Xaca maintains He being chosen amongst the Bonzi keeps House in Meaco and hath also three hundred sixty five Images like the Dayro and the Power to make and elect Tondes that is Bishops Dayro's Seat The Dayro in the day time sits with his Legs under him on a pretty high Seat having a Hanger on one side and on the other his Bow and Arrows in each Hand a Silk Towel or Handkerchief his Forehead painted black and white sometimes wearing a black Shirt over which one of Purple and upon that a Silk Coat How he may be depos'd The Dayro's Honor and Dignity may be taken from him but none dare bereave him of Life if he touches the Earth pares his Hair or Nails or kills any one His Councellors are generally call'd Bungies with whom he orders all
manner of Handicrafts resided in the City but the number of the Ships which Sailed to Persia Ceylon Cormandel Malacca Siam Molucco-Islands Tayoan and other Places from Batavia was unknown to them They were also ask'd If the Hollanders saw any way by which they might Conquer Nangesaque Are silent in one Question as they had done Quilang But making as if they understood them not this Question was not answer'd Sicungodonne enquir'd of them also Why their Ketch Breskens had fir'd her Guns several times in the Haven of Namboe which had frighted the Fishermen and all the Countrey People thereabouts Also if they had not a Minister aboard The Hollanders acknowledg'd That the hady fir'd with bare Powder on the intreaty of some Japan Gentlemen which came Aboard of them to view the Ship and that they had not the least intentions to scare the People which they not once thought of being accustom'd to do the same before Firando when any Gentlemen desir'd it but out of fear they deny'd that they had a Minister Aboard At last they were ask'd if they could not swim as they had seen many Hollanders do at Nangesaque This Question amaz'd them much not knowing why they should ask it yet they reply'd That some could swim and others not Sicungodonne leaving off to make any farther Examination gave the Hollanders leave to go to their Lodgings where they rested till the three and twentieth of September without any farther molestation Then the Secretary told them that their Landlord was gone to the Lord Sicungodonne's House to ask for some Clothes for them because the cold Weather began to pinch and they were us'd to go warm Cloth'd Sicungodonne promis'd to furnish them with Coats He also signifi'd that the imprison'd Jesuits and Japanners not being able to endure the exquisite Tortures had deny'd Christianity The next day the Interpreters Kitsbioye and Fatsiosaimon with the Renegado Priest Siovan came and brought for every Hollander two Japan Coats made of Cotton by Sicungodonne's Order Which kindness the Hollanders knew not how to return sufficient thanks for A new fear arises amongst them Mean while understanding by some of the Servants that the next day they were to appear before some of the Magistrates they were exceedingly afraid and the more because they very well knew the two Dutch Interpreters expected from Firando could not yet be come to Jedo And whilst they sorrowfully sate considering of these Matters the Walls of the House began to shake the Timber to crack the Roofs to rent the Doors and Windows flying open and the Ground to move under them At which the Japanners signifi'd to them that a horrible Sea-Monster struck his Tail so vehemently against the Shore that he made all things to shake and tremble The Japanners Opinion concerning Earthquakes is antient But under this kind of ignorance seems to lie hid the antient Opinion of some Greek Philosophers which gave to Neptune the Name of Ennosigaeus that is A shaker of the Earth because it creeps into the Crevices thereof and breaks the Foundations with its swelling Waters This Opinion Thales and Democritus Abderita affirm'd with these Arguments viz. Because that in Earthquakes new Fountains often broke forth and great Places lay hid under almost fathomless Lakes and Plashes of Water But others with much more seeming Reasons attribute tke Earthquakes to the Winds inclos'd in the Caverns of the Earth Agellius puts both the said Reasons together Who are not saith he Nost A. A. l. 2. c. 19. sufficiently instructed by Nature whether the shakings and gapings of the Earth are occasion'd by the power of imprison'd Winds or inclos'd Waters swelling within the Earth Wherefore the Romans order'd a solemn Day of Humiliation to be kept when any great Earthquakes happen'd but they express'd not of what God they sought for help because they knew not whether it were Aeolus Commander of the Winds or Neptune Lord of the Seas that shook the World Japanners are much terrifi'd at an Earthquake The Japanners are exceedingly terrifi'd at Earthquakes knowing by dear Experience that Mountains have sunk into deep Pits Villages turn'd topsie-turvey Cities and whole Territories swallow'd up therefore when the inner parts of the Houses began to crack the Walls to totter the Mats which cover'd the Floors to move and other Houses here and there began to tumble every one ran to seek for a Place of safety their amazedness was so exceeding great which indeed was no wonder for who would not be afraid when the firm Earth affords no sure Foot-steps when it falls in under Towns and Villages An enemy may be repuls'd by high Bulwarks and inaccessible Ways against great Storms Harbors are sure Guards Fire follows not those which flye from it raging Sickness though it empties Cities yet swallows them not up but the Earthquakes hide oftentimes under heaps of Rubbish or almost bottomless Pits Mountains Cities nay whole Territories without leaving the least Mark behind so that whole Generations of People are buried with the Ruines of their Habitations Why the Hollanders were less afraid The Hollanders seem'd to be less afraid than any because they not onely knew of their Mortality in what Place soever they were but that they might easily suffer an involuntary Death not yet knowing how they should come off but that they were at the pleasure and dispose of a barbarous Nation It would be no great matter of difference to them if some merciful Japanner if such a one might be found any where cover'd their Bodies with Earth or if the Earth it self perform'd the Office for without doubt they should suffer a far more easie Death under than upon the Earth Strange alteration in Japan by an Earthquake Most part of the Evening this Trepidation continu'd onely giving several shakes for at other times Japan feels greater sorrow by these Earthquakes because it often happens there that the Earth sinks or makes terrible gapings Rivers swelling overflow cooling hot Springs and making hot cold that Flames break forth from the Mountains or on the contrary that burning Mountains are quenched by Earthquakes that plain Countreys become Mountains and Mountains turn into Plains that Islands are blown up out of the Sea and others sink under Water The reasons of Earthquakes descrid d after divers manners We must acknowledge it to be a great Wisdom which is not onely satisfi'd by the outward appearance of such horrible Motions but also searches into the Secrets of Nature to find out the Reasons of such Trepidations The Japanners as we said before ascribe it to the Water or rather according to their Custom and idle Fancies to a Sea-Monster But those that ascribe it to the Water differ in their Opinions Some maintain according to Thales Milesius that the Earth swims upon the Sea and is moved by it almost like a Ship Others say That the Earth is cut through by continual flowing Streams by immense Lakes inhabited round about
Ships that are by a Storm either out of the East or South-east driven from the Coast of Japan thither are easily lost This Island affords store of Provisions is full of People Horses and Cattel in the middle a high Mountain crown'd with Trees seems to touch the Clouds the lesser Hills have barren tops yet the Valleys abound in Rice Wheat and Barley Their remarkable Journey there ¶ AFter five days time the Wind changing the Hollanders as before were again Shipp'd aboard of four Jonks and getting to Corea at Sun-set were carry'd ashore at the Sun-rising where being furnish'd with Horses they all met together in the City Heinan whither they came in four several Companies for the four Jonks Landed them all in several Places Whilst they Lodg'd in Heinan the Governor Paul Johnson Kool died having never enjoy'd his health since he suffer'd Shipwrack The Commander of their Guard gave order to bury the Corps after which the Hollanders travell'd through the Cities Sansiang and Tiongop and also by the great Castle Jypansangians built upon a Rock then they past the Town Tunge and the great City Sendy where some years ago the King of Corea kept his Court but was now onely the Residence of a Vice-Roy Going from hence they Lodg'd in Jesorn the last City in the Territory Thielado Lastly after they had travell'd seventy Leagues and besides the foremention'd Villages pass'd through Lynjin Jesaen and Consio they came into the Royal City Sioor where not long after they were Examin'd at Court by the Interpreter Weltevree whereupon the Prisoners declaring their whole Adventure at last begg'd that they might have leave to go for Japan that they might once more see their Wives and Children which their Request was deny'd receiving this Answer That the King never suffer'd any Stranger to go out of his Countrey therefore they must not think of any thing but to die in Corea Soon after every Hollander receiv'd a small Board with the King's Arms burnt on it and every ones Name Extract and Office which he was to perform Carv'd on the same in Corean Letters Weltevree bore the Command as Sergeant over them all An expert Soldier taught them to handle the Corean Arms and whilst they were busie in learning this Martial Discipline the Tartars according to their custom came to fetch in his Revenues from Corea whereupon the King sent the Hollanders to the strong Castle Nanna Sansiang built on a Rock seven Leagues beyond Sioor to which in time of need the King takes his flight A strange undertaking of two Sea-men When the Tartars went the second time out of Sioor the chief Pilot Henry Johnson an Amsterdammer and the Gunner Henry vander Boss also went out with them under a pretence to cut some Wood for Fewel but their Design was to intermeddle themselves with the Tartarian Horse that if so they might find a Way home through Tartary they stay'd therefore till the said Horsemen with the Corean Money were half pass'd by then running amongst them but were known by some Coreans that follow'd after and re-taken put close Prisoners where not long after they dy'd Their Companions could never be certainly inform'd if they dy'd a natural death or whether they were Executed During this time news was brought to the King's Court that another Ship was lost on Quelpaerds Island wherefore three Hollanders that best understood the Corean Tongue were sent thither because Weltevree being over-grown with Age was not able to Travel Lastly The King grown weary of the Hollanders resolv'd to make them away by Murder but the King's Brother begging their Lives as Weltevree inform'd them they were sent to the strong Castle Thiellapeing where they found the three Hollanders sent to Quelpaerds Island here being a House provided in which the thirty three Hollanders were Lodg'd The Governor seem'd to have some small inclination for the Hollanders but his Successor a hatred forcing them to fetch Fuel three Leagues off over the Hills and kept those Clothes from them which they were promis'd at the Corean Court so that they endur'd extream cold and were also very much plagued with Lice which almost kill'd them yet it happen'd at last that half of the Prisoners had leave by turns to go a begging whilst the other half staid at home for the Coreans seldom deny any requir'd Alms and chiefly the Priests which being there in great abundance are very charitable These kind of People entertain'd them very courteously the more because they began to speak the Corean Tongue and related to them the Affairs of Europe and India in which they took great pleasure ¶ ANno 1660. A new Governor succeeded the old one of Thiellapeing he being of a quiet and mild disposition Protested oftentimes that if it were in his Power he would release the Hollanders instantly Famine in Corea In the second Year arose a great Famine in Corea the over-dry Seasons having so scorch'd the Ground that thousands of People dy'd of Hunger some eating Wild Herbs others Barks of Trees and had not the Valleys afforded them some Corn most of the People had been Starv'd The Hollanders bore no small share in this general Calamity Their allowance which was given them by the King's Order being exceedingly pinch'd In the interim Order came from Court that the two and twenty Hollanders for the rest dy'd of hardship were to be divided into three Towns twelve should go and live in Saysing five at Sutsen and as many more at Wammon and whilst they suffer'd either more or less inconveniencies according to the Dispositions of the Governors which chang'd every three year who either us'd them kind or cruelly there appear'd two Blazing Stars or Comets Blazing Stars about the latter end of 1664. The first appear'd in the South-East the second in the South-West These Signs struck the Coreans into a great Consternation because the same were seen just before the Tartars Invaded them and also when the Japanners sent over their Forces thither The Coreans therefore enquir'd of the Hollanders What those Planets Prognosticated What the Europeans thought of them They answer'd That experience had sufficiently taught that those Stars were always very Prodigious Signs generally threatning War Famine or Sickness The King exceedingly amaz'd Fortifi'd all his Towns Castles and Bulwarks with double Watches and forbad strictly that none living near the Sea-side should burn Lights at Night Remarkable passage of eight Holland Prisoners ¶ BUt the Hollanders at last found a way to make their escape they having a long time before gather'd some Moneys together for which they intended to buy an old Fishermans Barque it being subtilly contriv'd to make their Landlord believe that they would now and then go to the small Islands before Corea to fetch Cotton from thence of which he should have his share This Proposal was very well approv'd of by the Coreans so buying a small Vessel he gave it to the Hollanders who what e're they
Thus he Sail'd in between steep and high Rocks of which some terrifi'd the Beholders as they were passing by them Within the Harbor appears a strong and Artificial Water-Castle built by Ongoschio the Emperor Chongon's Grand-Father when he design'd to take the Crown from Fideri Taicosama's Son because Congoxuma was a place of great concern to him for this City is not onely the Key of the Province Saxuma but of all Bungo This Water-Castle rais'd out of the Sea with Free-Stones is square with many Redouts like the European Bulwarks Here is kept a strong Garrison where the Ships pay Custom Moreover the Stone-Causey made up out of the Sea and along the Rails on both sides Plated with Copper deserves no small admiration This Causey leads from the Water-Castle to two great Watch-houses the Out-walls of which rest on the said Causey and have an excellent Prospect of all the Haven each of them Garrison'd with five hundred of the Emperors Souldiers which have a continual eye with those in the Water-Castle on all Transactions because the King of Saxuma hath oftentimes boldly taken up Arms against the Emperor refusing to pay him the usual Tribute but still been brought to reason yet notwithstanding his bad Fortune he would now and then take fresh Courage and receive more Losses between the Watch-houses and the Mountain on the North-side of the City is a convenient Harbor in which the Jonks and other Vessels in great numbers come to an Anchor or are moor'd to the Shore Close by are the City Store-Houses built on a Stone-Wall rais'd out of the Water in the middle whereof is a large square Gate with the Stairs of Free-Stone that descend into the Haven at which all the Goods and Merchandizes that are brought to Coxenga are Landed and carry'd into the City The Store-houses on the North-side of the Gate consists of four spacious Halls but that which is on the other side hath a double Roof and fourteen large Rooms besides Garrets Between the North Store-house and the Watch-houses the River flows out of the City into the Haven and is adorn'd on one side with brave large Custom-houses in which Art shews its Master-piece no Charge having been spar'd in the building of them here the Ships must pay a second Custom which brings in a great Revenue yearly to the Emperor Japan Temple in which ley wash their dead ¶ BUt opposite to these Toll-houses appears a stately Temple in which the Bodies of Dead Persons are plac'd for some days before they are burnt after the Japan manner The Bonzies belonging thereto get vast Sums of Money especially from the rich People for cleansing of the dead Bodies that they may appear the more acceptable to their Gods Amida Canon or any other whom they chiefly serv'd in their Life time This kind of Custom of keeping the Dead Bodies Unbury'd for some time to cleanse and then to burn them hath been in use a long time in the World for the Ancient Romans and Greeks observ'd such a Custom with their Dead In Phenissis before the Birth of our Saviour The Greek Tragedy written by Euripides brings in King Creon saying I will withdraw that so Jocasta may From her Sons body cleanse the filth away I understand that the Dardanian Illyrians saith Aelian are wash'd three times Aeliani var. Hist l. 4. c. 1. once when born a second time when Marry'd and lastly when they are dead The Jews also observ'd this Washing of Dead Bodies St. Luke saith of Tabytha And it came to pass in those days Act 9.37 that she was sick and dy'd whom when they had wash'd they laid in an upper Chamber The Embalming of Dead Bodies is full as Ancient Tacitus Herodotus Diodorus Siculus Pomponius Mela Cicero Sextus Philosophus Lucian and other Ancient Greek and Latin Writers ascribe the first Embalming of the Dead to the Egyptians with which Opinion the Gospel agrees for Moses relates that the Patriarchs Jacob and Joseph were Embalm'd by the Egyptians And Joseph commanded his Servants the Physitians to Embalm his Father Gen. 50.2 3 26. and the Physitians Embalmed Ifrael And forty days were fulfilled for him for so are fulfilled the days of those that are Embalmed and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days And Joseph died being a hundred and ten years old and they Embalmed him and he was put in a Coffin Sextus Philosophus tells us Pyrrbâ—n Hypothes 6.24 That the Egyptians took out the Bowels of the deceas'd Bodies and fill'd them with Balsom and other Perfumes to preserve them from stinking and rotting and kept them in their Houses letting them at the Table with them Syl. Ital. l. 12. Of which the Latin Poet Sylvius Italicus saith thus Egypt Embalms her Dead with rich Perfumes And then at Feasts gives them the chiefest Rooms Nay they oftentimes gave the dead Bodies of their Parents or near Relations as a Security to their Creditors which if they did not release whilst they liv'd might not saith Lucian be buried Moreover they us'd for their Embalming Salt Cedar-Oyl Honey Wax Myrrhe Chalk Lime Asphalt and Nitre The Washing of Bodies was perform'd by the Roman and Greek Women Plato brings in Socrates saying In Phadono It is convenient before I drink the Poyson that I wash my self that I may not leave any thing to do for the Women to wash me after I am dead The Japanners seem also to have learnt from the Romans That the preparations for the Burial are to be perform'd in the Temples for all things necessary for Funerals were to be had for Money in the Temple of Libitina Goddess of the Dead And according to the establishment of the Roman King Numa Pompilius every one was bound to throw certain Sums of Money into the Treasury of Juno Lucina when ever they had a Child born and also when any one dy'd into a Pot Consecrated to Venus Libitina But the Embalming of Dead Bodies was perform'd by Men. Moreover not far from this Temple towards the City are several Stone Store-houses against Fire in which the Treasures of all the Province of Saxuma are kept and are once a year by the Emperors Forces fetch'd to Osacca between these Buildings and the Water-Castle stands a fair Temple to which the Countrey People come daily in great numbers there to Pray for a Blessing on their Plants Trees and Cattel to which they shew Reverence almost like the Romans and Greeks who in former times us'd to honor their Idol Pan with a Goats Face and Bucks Feet as a Deity plac'd over all Herdsmen and Hunters and also to the Fauni they attributed Horns and Horses Feet to whom they sacrific'd a Goat as likewise Milk to Sylvanus God of their Forests And in like manner to Bacchus the God of Wine the Deform'd Priapus of the Gardens Ceres the Corn Deity and Oreades of the Mountains Further description of Congoxuma But on the South side of the River
of the dark Night fled to Malacca where they came to an Anchor close under the Shore The Hollanders Fleet wanting all Necessaries steer'd for the Kingdom of Jor there to get such Provision as was to be had but the chiefest which they wanted being Gunpowder Jor could no ways furnish them withal Yet the Hollanders not willing to leave their Business half undone resolv'd come of it what would to fall upon the Portuguese Fleet that Rode at an Anchor under Malacca In the first Engagement Matelief conquer'd four of the greatest Gallions in the second three The Hollanders also burnt no small number of their little Vessels so that the great Fleet which consisted of sixteen Gallions four Galleys fourteen Foysts and one Carvil Mann'd with three thousand seven hundred Portuguese and above twice as many more Indians at which the Kingdoms Achien Jor Pahan and Patama trembled had nothing remaining but a few ruin'd Ships by a small Fleet. Hollanders Trade to Bengala Moreover the Hollanders also drive a vast Trade to Bengala Anno 1659. the King's Brother march'd with a mighty Army against the King to the great prejudice of this mighty Kingdom Great Broyls there The Rebel had such great assistance that it wanted little but the King had lost both Life and Crown had not the East-India Company furnish'd him privately with all manner of Ammunition from Batavia But whilst the King's Party was a long time threatned with ruine the Hollanders secur'd all their rich Commodities in the Ship Avenhorn The Hollanders Staple is in Ongli where the English also keep a Store-house But the King of Bengala in return for the Aid he receiv'd from Batavia hath given the Hollanders so great Priviledges that the English effect but little there Their Residence is up in the Countrey near the famous River Ganges The Hollanders Store-house built of Stone is fortifi'd by a strong Fort with twelve Guns and very deep and broad Trenches upon one side of it are a hundred Huts made of Straw and Leaves by the Natives call'd Gabbegalbes These Leaves are three Foot and a half long three Fingers broad sharp at the ends and prove convenient shelters against the Weather Bengala Merchants go very handsom in Apparel ¶ THe Bengala Merchants go very richly Clothed their Hair cut very short they cover with a Ribbon of white Cotton commonly fifty Yards long they wear short Whiskers but their Beards hang down to their Breast their upper Garment is a Coat of fine white Linnen Laced before with white Silk Ribbon and about their Waste a Silk Girdle hanging down under their right Arm their Breeches are not unlike the Chineses and their red Shoes agree with the Moors The ordinary Man goes bare-headed with a Cloth thrown about his middle and a pair of narrow Breeches Shoes and Stockings they use none Their Women go with their Breasts bare and their Hair hangs over their Shoulders tied up in Locks Trade in Bengala ¶ THe East-India Company barter in Bengala Japan Silver Copper wax'd Chests and Tin which Malacca produces and also Quicksilver Scarlet and all sorts of Netherland Stuffs likewise Nutmegs Pepper Mace Cloves and chiefly Elephants which they bring from Ceylon of which they make four hundred Crowns a piece for all which Merchandise they receive in Truck brown Bengala Sugar which by the Hollanders is for the most part transported to Persia Here also is a great Trade driven with Salt-Petre of which the seven Powder-Mills at Batavia make Gunpowder The raw Silk and Cotton to be had at Bengala is commonly carry'd to Japan ¶ TO the West of Bengala lies Negopatam a great Town inhabited by Moors which drive a vast Trade at Sea Negopatam but oftentimes use Dutch Pilots The Ropes of their Ships are made of Shells or Barks of Trees Womens Habit there The Apparel of the Negopatam Women is very strange for those that are of any Quality wear a fine Shift through which the upper part of their Body is seen then a Cloth wrapp'd about them six times covers them from the middle downwards their Elbows are adorn'd with Golden Armlets two Fingers broad But that which is most foolish the Female Moors wear two Gold Rings through their Noses The Town Negopatam lying on an even Shore between two Rivers hath neither Gates nor Walls In the Rivers are always store of Barques and Fisher-mens Boats Before the City are several Wharfs on which they build their little Vessels Six Leagues from Negopatam lies Pulo Pille provided with large Docks for great Ships Strange way of Marrying ¶ THe Negopatam Parents Marry their Children in the eighth and ninth year of their age at which Solemnities the Bride and Bridegroom sit in a Sedan one over against another whilst the Guests drink themselves dead drunk and Dance Hollow and clap their Hands like frantick Persons ¶ THe Hollanders Store-house is built with cross Timber-work mix'd with Stone When the Governor of the East-India Company comes abroad either on Horseback or carry'd in a Palankin or Sedan he hath a great Guard of Moors with him all Arm'd with round Shields and long Swords The Hollanders barter here a sort of Japan Wood us'd at the burning of dead Corpses and also the China Root Japan Chests Porcelan and Camphire against all sorts of Cottons Formerly they us'd to freight their Vessels with Negopatam Rice but since Japan abounds in that Grain they gave over that Trade Lastly the East-India Company drive a great Trade in Elephants of which Ceylon affords the best How they transport Elephants The transporting of them is somewhat strange being in large Barques cover'd over on the top with Palmito-Trees cut off close by the Ground the Leaves whereof are the most acceptable Food for the Elephants When the Barque carries the Elephant aboard of a great Ship they blind and hoise him over with strong Cables under his Belly they put pieces of four-doubled Canvase so broad that it reaches from his fore to his hind-Legs and when thus hoised over they put them under Deck and place them one over against another putting onely a Manger with Fodder between them The Hollanders meddle not with the looking after these Monsters but the Ceylonians creep under their Bellies and rake away the Dung. ¶ THe Elephant is the chief pattern of the wonderful Works of God Job 40. Vers 15 16. Behemoth God calls him Behemoth Behold now Behemoth which I made with thee he eateth grass as an Ox Lo now his strength is in his loins and his force is on the navel of his belly Thomas Aquinas and Nicholas Lyra following the Opinion of most of the Rabbins understand that Behemoth is an Elephant and created on the same day that Man was and though it be a fearful Monster yet it is afraid of Mankind for he satisfies himself like an Ox with what the Earth produceth and trembles at the smell of a Mans foot-steps The Indian Elephants far
exceed those of Africa The strength of those in India may be judg'd by the great Towers which they carry on their backs In the Wars by Antiochus Eupator against the Jews every Elephant carry'd a small Tower with thirty six Soldiers besides the Indian which guided him That these Monsters live three hundred years Aristotle Pliny Ambrose and Nonnus witness Policy of the Elephants Moreover Philostratus the Greek Writer saith That the Elephant is likest to Man of any Beast in Policy and Prudence his Sence the Elephant expresses two ways either by his natural Apprehension or by good Instruction to the first must be reckon'd that the Elephant rowls himself in the Mudd against the heat of the Sun and when he goes to drink he first stirs the Water with his Snout that he may not swallow any hurtful Creature which is more credible than what Theophilactus Simocatus saith That the Beast stirs the Water because he is afraid of his own Shadow When they go to wade through any River the youngest walk before for otherwise the old ones would sink and make the Ground deeper by their weight so that the young ones could not possibly get over But concerning the Apprehensions of this Beast several credible Witnesses give us many remarkable Examples Seneca Pliny and Suetonius relate That the Elephants in the Theatre at Rome not onely Fenc'd with Swords but Danc'd on the Ropes Hieronimus Osorius relates That Anno 1514. an Indian Elephant bow'd himself three times to Pope Leo the tenth Augerus Busbequius relates in his Embassy to the Turkish Emperor That he saw a young Elephant who observ'd the steps and Danc'd exactly after the Time of a string'd Instrument and cast a Ball backwards It deserves peculiar observation Epist Lyps ad Janum Hautanum what Peter Bellon an eye-witness related to Carolus Clusius who told it again to Justus Lipsius That his Elephant coming weary and hungry into the Stable where he found an Ass eating of Corn he drove him from the Manger and eat up what he found but soon after the Master of the Elephant coming into the Stable gave him his fill of Corn the Beast considering the wrong which hunger had made him do the Ass he divided the Corn and gave the Ass as much as he had taken from him This vast Monster Lib. 8. c. 9. as we said is very fearful of Man-kind Pliny saith So soon as the Elephant spies the foot-steps of a Man though he never saw one before he is afraid of private Ambuscades and looking about him goes not a step forwarder but makes it known to his followers so from one to the very last whereupon they all return The same Pliny relates Lib. 8. c. 5. That Bacchus set thirty Elephants against several Prisoners which he had condemn'd but they less bestial than their Master would not observe or obey his cruel Commands Wherefore Ptolomy Physcon made the Elephants drunk when he would have the naked Jews with their Wives to be put to death And full as fearful they are of Stags When Alexander the Great had past beyond the utmost bounds of the Herculean Pillars and Bacchus Encamp'd his Army those that were sent into the Forrests for Wood came amazedly running back upon the sight of a great number of Elephants coming towards their Army at which Porus an Indian King encourag'd Alexander telling him That he need not fear the least danger if his Troopers took but some Hogs on their Horses and with beating compell them to make a noise at which the Elephants all return'd back again into the Woods ¶ BUt to return again to Malacca This City is inhabited by Hollanders Chineses and Malacquers Half a Mile off at Sea lies the Red Island from whence the Hollanders took Malacca from the Portuguese The Malacquers of Queda some years since maintain'd a War against the East-India Company but were subdu'd by force of Arms. Queda belongs to the Queen of Achien on Sumatra who not long since would have Marry'd with a Hollander but that the Councel in Batavia for several weighty Reasons judg'd it no way convenient Dingding an Island ¶ BEtween Queda and Peru thirty Leagues from Meaco lies the uninhabited Isle Dingding close by the Marine Coast Here is that famous red Wood of which the East-India Company Anno 1663. made a trial The Haven before Dingding full of Fish and very safe which they enter Eastward and go out Westward The Water which flows from the Mountains along the Valleys into the Sea is as good as any fresh Water in India A League Westward from Dingding appear the three Islands which the Hollanders for a certain accident call'd The Man-eaters Isles because the Weesop and Schelling Frigats were cast away there and the People which were sav'd going ashore were all slain by the Inhabitants Anno 1661. five Ships going from Malacca to fetch their Countrey-men found them unbury'd whereupon they brought their Guns ashore to take revenge on the Cannibals and built a Ship of the Pieces of the Wreck that were remaining which was afterwards us'd at Malacca ¶ THe East-India Company traffick at Mesopatam with Japan wax'd Chests Copper and Silver besides other European Commodities This Mesopatam is a great City inhabited by Moors that drive a vast Trade with large Ships the Tackle whereof is made of Trees as we mention'd before ¶ IN Peleacato is also no small Trade driven the Hollanders having a Fort there close under the City fortifi'd with sixty Guns which was assaulted by the Natives but being beaten off by Laurence Pitman left a considerable number of their Party dead behind them after which Peleacato came wholly under the subjection of the East-India Company The Vessels which they have there are very remarkable and by them call'd Catamarous being four round pieces of Wood ty'd together he that steers it sits with his back-side in the Water Dabbles with his Feet and Rows with an Oar small in the middle and broad at the end which he moves to and again so making his way very fast through the Water The King who keeps his Residence up in the Countrey is a Tributary to the great Mogull On the same Fort stands an exceeding high Mast upon whose top is plac'd a Flag five hundred Yards long which is seen eight Leagues off at Sea ¶ SInce the Governor of Goa Conquer'd the City Cochin on the Coast of Malabar the third of February Anno 1653. the Netherlanders have driven a great Trade there Through the City runs a Rivulet sixteen Foot deep and an Island lying before Cochin makes a convenient Harbor there The Malabar Coast produceth good store of Ambergreece which in stormy Weather thrown upon the Shore the Malabars a strong People strugling with the Waves take up in great quantities and preserve in their Stores THus we have given you a large account of the present Estate prodigious Wealth and wonderful Magnificence of the Empire of Japan taken out of the Journals of several Embassies from the Councel of the Netherland East-India Company setled in New Batavia being the latest and fullest Observations that ever were taken concerning that Isle reaching within three years of this our present Publication presuming the Discourse though long will not be tedious the variety of Argument being such and so strange that hitherto we presume hath scarce reach'd any English Ear. If this by Volume meet with a kind acceptation we shall be encourag'd to give you betwixt our great Atlantick Work for your divertisement a Continuation of China as full of Novelty and as much or rather more illustrated with Sculptures than the former FINIS