they pisse they doe it with bended knees Magi. 3 There are comprehended vnder this vaste gouernment such an infinit companie of people and so well ordered broght vp that one noteth these three things of them which breed a terror vnto the whole world The first is their multitudes of men vnconquerable the next their Millitarie discipline vncorrupted the last Corne and prouision for store infinite 4 The Prouinces or rather Kingdomes of this great Prouinces Empire are diuided into two parts Into Dacia vetus vnder which is comprehended Bosnia Seruia Bulgaria Valachia and Moldauia and into Grecia contained in which are Epirus Macedonia Thracia Achaia and Peloponesus 5 In Dacia vetus little is extraordinarie notable and Dacia therefore I omit the description 6 Grecia is limited on the West with the Adriaticke Grecia Sea on the South with the Mediterranean on the East with the Archipelago and Thracian Sea 7 The Inhabitants of it are now very base altogether Inhabitanit ignorant of artes liuing and going in their apparell after the Turkish manner 8 The Prouinces as are before set down are first Epirus Epirus in which Scanderbege liued made famous by his worthy acts hee being called the scourge of the Turkes 9 The next is Macedonia for euer famosed by the Macedonia means of him neuer to be forgotten Alexander the great who raigned there being conquerour of the world In this Prouince is Stagira the countrie of Aristotle and Olympus that high topt Mountaine aspiring aboue the middle region of the aire 10 The next is Romania or Thracia a verie barren Thracia place in which stands the great Cittie of Constantinople wherein the Turke doth alwayes keepe his Court this Citie is very populous containing in it as some write 700000. soules 11 The fourth prouince is Achaia famous for the Achaia most learned Vniuersitie which was in it called Athens once the nurse of all the wittie and best Poets the Mother and bringer vp of all eloquent and heart-winning Rhetoricians and in generall it was the very heart and soule of humane Artes and learning In this Prouince is also Pernassus and Hellicon consecrated to the Muses by all ancient Poets 12 The fist and last is Peloponesus or Morea in whose Peloponesus Istmus or entrance stands that once goodly city Corinth which many bookes doe much mention Further in the prouince stands Lacedemon not inferior vnto any of the rest in antiquitie 13 This Grecia as is before saide is vnder the Turke Gouernment who for money suffers all religions there OF TRANSILVANIA TRansiluania so called by reason of the great Woods Limits which compasse it is limited on the west with Hungarie and part of the Riuer Tibiscus on the North with Poland and the great mountaine Carpothus on the East with Moldauia on the South with Valachia Cisalpina 2 The fruitfulnes of this kingdome is very much hauing Qualitie horses whose manes sweepe the earth Falchons two of which will kill an Eagle or Swanne There is also great store of Mines and in some riuers are found lumps of Gold which weigh a pound weight 3 The Inhabitants of this country are very stubborn slothfull and vntractable following the religion of the Inhabitants Greek church reading from the right hand vnto the left and swearing alwayes by Iupiter and Venus according vnto the olde manner of the Ethnicks 4 The chiefe citie where the King holdeth his residence is Alha Guilia 5 In this Kingdome is the Prouince of Zeckland gouerned Prouinces after the order of the Heluetians 6 The chiefe riuers are Saluata and Rockle both which Riuers are disburdened into Danubins 7 This Transiluania is gouerned by a Christian Gouernment Prince who once paid tribute vnto the Turke but now doth warre against him OF LITVANIA 1 LItuania is bounded on the West with Polonia on Limits the South with Podolia on the East with Muscouia and on the North with Liuonia 2 There is little to be spoken of this Countrey onely Qualitie that in it there is great store of Pitch and Timber planks whereof they build many Ships 3 The inhabitants of it liue after the maner of the Polonians Inhabitants 4 The Metropolitan Citie where the Prince doth Cities keepe his Court is Vilna 5 This Kingdome is gouerned by a Duke but subiect Gouernment vnto the king of Poland OF LIVONIA 1 LIuonia is limited on the West with Mare Balticum Limits or Sinus Venedicus on the East with the riuer Narua the lake Bribas part of Moscouia on the South with Lituania Prussia and on the North with Sinus Finicus 2 The inhabitants of this country are for the most part Inhabitants al Christians and the women do think so wel of themselues that in comparison of their owne beauties they discommend all others 3 The riches of it are chiefly corne horses they haue Qualitie also in their woods wilde beastes of an extraordinarie strength 4 The chiefe cities are first Riga seated vpon the riuer Duina the next is Riualia neare vnto the Baltick Sea the last is Derpt 5 The notedst riuers are two the one is the riuer Einbecke which at the very mouth where it doth disburden Riuers it selfe into the Sea doth fall such a heigth that it roareth making the horriblest horridest noise that it deafeneth the eares of the inhabitants neare adioyning like to those which dwell neare vnto the Cataracts of Nile the other riuer is Duina 6 This Kingdome is a distract gouernement subiect vnto many Princes as the King of Poland Denmark Swecia Gouernment and the Emperour of Moscouia OF SCANDIA 1 SCandia is a Peninsula that is almost an Iland inuironned Limites on the North with the frozen Ocean on the East with Mare Balticum Sinus Finicus and Sinus Bodicus on the South with Sinus Codanus and on the West with the vast Ocean 2 This great coūtry in the North part is very barren but towards the South there is great store of corne Salt Qualitie Horses and Mines both of Siluer Iron and Lead 3 The inhabitants of it are very strong peruerse vnlearned Inhabitants much addicted vnto Sorceries witchcrafts 4 This Scandia is diuided into two great Kingdoms Diuision Noruegia and Swetia OF NORVEGIA OR NORWAY 5 NOruegia is bounded on the West North South Limits with the maine Ocean and on the East with the Dofrine mountaines 6 The Inhabitants of this Kingdom are simple men Inhabitants giuen much vnto Hospitalitie and abhorring Theeuerie or any such courses 7 The chief riches of this coūtrie are Cables Mastes Qualitie and such like furniture for Shipping there is also great store of dried fish which they eate in steede of bread 8 The Metropolitane Citie is Nidrosio there is another Citie Citie called Bergen one of the great Marte Townes of Christendome 9 This
from America with the rowling waues of the Atlanticke Ocean and on the East from Asia with the Egaean Sea Hellespont Propontus Thracius Bospherus Pontus Euxinus Bospherus Cimirius Maeotis Palus Tanais fluuium so drawing vp a line vnto the riuer Duina which runneth along vnto the Port of Saint Nicholas disburdning it selfe into Sinus Granuicus or the North Sea 2 The forme of Europe is like vnto a Dragon the Simititude head being Spaine the wings Denmarke and Italy 3 In Longitude it is 3800. miles reaching from Longitude the Cape of Saint Vincent in Portugal vnto Constantinople in Thracia Magin Orteli 4 In Latitude it cōtaineth 1200. miles stretching Latitude it selfe from the Archipelago or Egaean Sea vnto Mare Congelatum or the Frozen Ocean 5 The people or inhabitants of it doth farre surpasse Inhabitāts the residue of the other parts in Religiō Learning Artes valor and ciuilitie And are all Christians vnles it be towards the northeren part of Scandia or those which are vnder the Tyrannicall gouernment of the Turke Magin 6. In Europe are to be considered two thinges First the Kingdomes and Empires which are contained within the Continent and then the Ilands 7 First therefore of the Continent in which are Diuision contained 16. Kingdomes Spaine France Germanie Belgia Dania Italie Illyria Hungarie Polonia Prussia the Turkish Empire in Europe Transiluania Lituania Liuonia Scandia Moscouia or Russia OF SPAINE 1 SPaine is in euery place enuironed with the Sea Boundes vnles it be towards the north-east part where it is ioyned vnto France distinguished only by the high Pyrinean mountains It cōtaines in circuit 1890. miles 2 This land is very fertill enricht with all kindes Qualitie of wine Sugar all sortes of fruites graines oyles mettalls especially of Golde and Siluer 3 The inhabitants of it are verie ceremonious superstitious Inhabitāts proude hypocrites laborious addicted more then any other Nation vnto Melancholy and descended of the Gothes Saracens and Iewes 4 This kingdome is diuided into many Prouinces whereof the chiefe are first Portugal famous for Prouinces Nauigation in which the chiefe citie is Lisbone the second is Granado or Andalucia in which are the best horses the chiefe citie in it is Siuill from whence come our excellent ciuill Oranges in this Prouince is also Cadiz or Cales that was once surprised by Englishmen the third Prouince is Casteile in which is that great citie Tolledo the Byshoprick wherof commeth neere in reuenues vnto the Popedome the fourth is Nauarre in which stands the city Bilbao frō whence we haue so many excellent tride blades the fift last is Galicia in which standeth S. Iago where Saint Iames is much reuerenced Ortel 5 The chiefe riuers of these prouinces are foure Riuers Tagus in which is found much golden Sande Guadiana or Ana which runneth into a Cauerne or hole of the earth for a great space and riseth vp againe Guadalquiuir vppon whose bancks stand Siuill And the last is Duerus Merula 6 In times past this was diuided into 12. Kingdomes Gouernement but nowe it is onely one entire Gouernement subiected vnto one King who is called King of Spaine OF FRANCE 1 FRance is limited on the West with Mare Aquitanicum Boundes the Pyrineā Mountains on the North with the English Sea on the South with Mare Mediterraneum on the East with Germanie on the Southeast with the Alpes Magin 2 This country is extraordinary fruitfull abounding Qualitie almost in euery thing especially in Corne Wine and Salt which causeth that saying that France hath three Loadstones to draw riches from forraine Nations Corne caried into Spaine Wines trāsported into England Flanders and Salte wherewith the whole kingdom bordering Nations are plētifully stored 3 The Inhabitants of this Land are in the first onset Inhabitāts of any thing very vehement but at the length as slowe and dull In their words only verball in their deeds cautelous from whence it is said that the Frenchman sings not as hee prickes pronounceth not as he writes speakes not as hee thinkes 4 The Prouinces of this Region are manie among which three of them haue free Princes The first is Lorreine Prouinces in which the chiefe cittie is Nancie the second is Burgundie whose Metrapollitane and chiefe cittie is Bisançon lying vpon the riuer Doux the third is Subaudia or Sauoye whose chiefest citie is Geneua scituated vpon a faire pleasant Lake and in which they haue a law that if any offender flie for refuge thither the law doth as wel take holde on him there as in the place where hee committed the crime 5 The other prouinces are many among which the chief are eight First the Prouince of Normandie whose Metrapolitane citie is Roan famous for trafficke in manie forraine countries the second is Britanie whose chiefe citie is Brest the third is Burges or Berrie whose chiefe citie is called Burges which as Iohn Calmenus affirmes hath an Vniuersitie in it worthy to be intituled The Honour of all learning store house of learned men The fourth is Aquitanie in which stands Tolouse that beautifull best peopled and most ancientest citie of France next vnto Paris the fift is Picardie in which the chiefe citie is Amiens the sixt is Poictou in which is the citie Poictiers the seuenth is Languedocke and the eight is Aniou Many others there are which to rehearse would be too tedious and therefore I omit them 6 The Riuers of note in these Prouinces are foure Riuers The first is Sequana or Seine which runneth through the fairest and Metrapolitane Citie of France called Paris or Lutetia quasi in luto sita The secōd is Loyre vpon whose shores stand Angiers Orleance two famous cities The 3. is Rhodanus or Rhosne the 4. last of any note is Garōne 7 Two things are reported of this Countrey very strāge The one is that the King cureth a certain wenne Wonders which riseth in a mans neck with the touch of his hand saying these words Sanet te Deus tangit te Rex The other is that ther is a certain oyle in the church of Rheims which as they report was sent from Heauen and the Kings being annointed with it euery Coronation day it doth neuer decrease Hondius in Tabulis 8 This Kindome is gouerned by a Monarchicall gouernement subiected vnto one sole King who is called Gouernment the king of France and his eldest sonne is tituled the Dolphine of France From this countrie is excluded by the Salick lawe any woman that shee cannot raigne and be Queene OF GERMANIE 1 GErmany is distinguished on the west from France by Boundes part of the riuer Rheine and a line which is drawen vp directly frō Strasburg vnto Cales on the South from Italie with the Alpes on the South-east with Istria and Illyrica and on the East with Hungarie Polonia and the riuer Vistula Magin 2 This countrie
Riuers of these Prouinces are three the first of which is Rhene mentioned before in Riuers Germanie the next it Schald which washeth the bancks of Antwerpe the last is Meuse vpon whose shore is scituated Luicke 20 This Country famous for wars is in part gouerned Gouernmēt by manie whom they call States of the lowe Countries But the Arche-duke of Austria wageth warre continuallie with them to bring it vnder his Dominion claiming and laying Title vnto it OF DENMARKE DEnmarke is enuironed round with the maine Ocean Limites vnlesse it be on the South where it is ioyned vnto Germanie 2 This Kingdome doth abound in goodly Horses Qualitie and in such store of cattell that there are yearely carried into Germanie 50000. Oxen. There is also such infinite abundance of herring neare vnto the I le Scania that the ships are scarce able by maine strength of Owers to rowe out of the Harbour the fish lying so thicke that their quantitie is supposed to surpasse the water it selfe Ortel Inhabitāts 3 The Inhabitāts of this country are very valiāt both at land and Sea in their Religion they are all Lutherans 4 The Prouinces of this Kingdome are almost all Prouinces Ilands amōg which the chiefe are first Sealand in which is Coppenhagen the chiefe seate of the King and an Vniuersitie in it is also Roschilt where the Kings are still intoombed The second is Loilant in which there growe so many Hazell-nuts that shippes are loaded there with them The third is Fimera in which Ticho Brahe built a Castle by Arte to the wonder of euery body that hath euer seene it In the Continent are containd two other Prouinces Iugtland and Holsten in which is Meldrope the inhabitants of which are so riche that they couer their houses with copper Magin 5 In this Countrie is also a straight Sea passing betweene some of the Ilands called the Sound which by Sound reason of the Imposts and Customs of the Ships which passe that way yeeldeth great gaine and profite vnto the King 6 The Gouernment of this Kingdome is vnder one Gouernmēt sole Prince who is called the King of Denmarke OF ITALIE ITalie called by Merula a Terrestriall Paradice The Boundes Phoenix of this Massie round the earths riche Ornament the Garden of the Muses is garded on the East with the Adriaticke Seas on the South with Mare Mediterraneum on the West with the Terrhene or Ocean and on the North with the Alpes which separateth it from Germanie it is like vnto a mans legge reaching in length from Augusta Pretoria vnto Otranto which is 1010. miles and is in breadth in the brodest place 420. miles 2 To set downe the fruitfulnes of this riche Region it may be as well declared in a line as in a leafe for there Qualitie is of all things such plentie as there is not of any thing any scarcitie 3 The people of this Nation are verie graue frugall wittie excelling both in vertue and vices which are in Inhabitants lust monstrous in hate implacable in their conuersation most deceitfull which had rather bestowe any thing vpon others then vpon themselues do more oftener blaspheme then sweare And will rather kill a man then giue him a disgracefull tearme or word 4 This Kingdome is diuided into many Prouinces whereof the chiefe and most famous are fiue Prouinces 5 The first is the Kingdome of Naples which is greater then any of the rest full of Nobilitie and abounding Naples with all things necessary for mans vse The chiefe citie of it is Naples lying vpon the Terrhenean Sea 6 The second is the Romane Territorie a Prouince richly furnished with all prouisions in which is scituated Roma the Cittie of Rome once called the Empresse of the world as well for the beautie and Magnificence of the Citie as for the Learning and fortitude of the Citizens but now it is much ruinated true Religion and vertue cleane decayed The Gouernour of it beeing the Pope that proud prelate persecutor of all true pietie and zealous professours 7 The third Prouince is Lumbardie comprehending Lumbardie vnder it is the Dukedom of Millaine which doth excell for beautie all the rest hauing in it many faire Riuers pleasant Lakes the chiefe Citie of which is Millaine whose buildings are to be admired for their extraordinarie sumptuousnes In this Prouince is also the great Lake de Como which is 60. miles in lēgth vpon whose bankes stands the citie Como in fashion like vnto a Crab whose two feete couet the water In this Citie the two Plinies had their beginning whose Fame by reason of their great learning shall neuer haue ending Ortelius 8 The fourth Prouince is Tuscanie little inferior vnto Tuscanie the rest in any thing the chiefe Citie of which is Florence whose inhabitants since the time of Macheuill which was their Recorder are most politicke and subtill amounting vnto the number of 80. thousand persons 9 The fift and last is the Signorie of Venice a free Venice State and the most famous of any in Christendome gouerned by a Prince of great Maiestie yet both hee and his authorite subiected vnto the Lawes This Citie with the Apendices vnto it is the richest best prouided with munition of any Citie in Italie as is confest in this particular cēsure of each Prouince before spoken that Naples excells for Nobilite Rome for Clergie Millaine for beautie Florence for policie but Venice for riches 10 There is is another prouince somewhat famous called Verona in which is the mountaine Baldo where all professors of Phisicke doe resort to gather diuerse sortes of pretious Hearbes And in which there is a citie called Negarino wherin is a stone in forme like vnto a womans dugge which doth continually distill a water whose vertuous operation causeth a womans Milke to returne into her brests when she hath lost it 11 The chiefest riuers of these prouinces are first Padus neer vnto which stands Patauine that noble Vniuersitie Riuers the next is Athesis adioyning vnto which is Trent where a Councell was helde vnder Paul the third in the yeare 1546. the next is Tiber that runneth through the Citie of Rome which when it doth ouerflowe the banks doth betoken some ill fortune which shall befall the Citie the last is the riuer Poe neere vnto which stands Cremona a Citie of great note 12 In this Italie which was in time past one intier Gouernement Gouernment are nowe many absolute States and Princedomes by the great Pollicie of the Pope who thought it the best way to make himselfe great by weakening the Empire OF ILLIRIA ILliria is limited on the West with the Adriaticke Sea on the North with the riuer Sauus on the East with Limits the riuer Drinus No certaine limits can be giuen of this countrie For all Geographers that write doe disagree about it 2 The people of this land as
Liuie affirmes are verie Inhabitants proude and outragious 3 The chiefe Prouinces are three whereof the first is Prouinces Zara or Sebenine whose chiefest citie is Zara where as Cornelius Sheppers doth report is a Church called S. Iohn de Maluatia which was built by a companie of Mariners that were in a dangerous tempest and made a vowe that if they escaped they would build a church vnto the honour of S. Ihon de Maluatia whose morter should be tempered with Malmesie 4 The next prouince is Dalmatia in which the chiefe citie is Ragusus or Epidaura where S. Ierosme was borne 5 The third and last is Histria which is vnder the Venetians Many other Prouines there are whereof some Gouernment are subiect vnto the Turke others vnder the Dominion of Hungarie OF HVNGARIE HVngarie is bounded on the South with the riuer Sauus Limites on the East with the riuer Tibiscus on the north with Polonia and Russia and on the west with Austria 2 This country doth exceede any other for plenty of Qualitie corne which thrice in a yeare is there reapt the ground being so fertill that it doth almost growe without tilling There are also such infinit store of Oxen that there doth yearely passe through Vienna into other cuntries 80000. besides there are such a great number of Deere Phesant and Partridge that it is lawfull for any man to hauke and hunt at his pleasure There is great plentie of gold and wines which will suddenly make a man drunke by reason of the Sulpherie waters neere vnto which the grape is gathered 3 The people inhabitants of this Nation are generally Inhabitants very strong warlike vnkinde and of rude behauiour giuen little vnto the knowledge of Mechanick arts They haue an order in their Countrie that no man may weare a Feather vnlesse he hath killed a Turke and they neuer reuenge particular iniuries one against the other any more then with words vnles the disgracefull tear me of cowardise be obiected vnto them whereof the charged is neuer freed vntill he hath proued himselfe in single combate with a Turke The Sonnes inherit equally after their Fathers death In marrying their daughters they giue them onely a new garment and nothing else 4 The chiefe citie of this kingdome is Buda possessed Citie now by the Turke neere vnto which is the fielde Zebuliensis wherein is a riuer that conuerts wood into a stone the water it selfe being taken out turneth into a stone 5 The Prouinces which are most mentioned in this realme are onely two the one is the countie of Zoliense Prouinces wherein there is a certaine gaping of the earth the stinking vapors of which doth kill all the birdes that flie ouer it The other is the Iland Komora in Danubius the land of which is so fertill that the grasse of it doth exceede in length the height of a man Magin 7 The chiefe Riuers are Danubius Tibiscus Drauus and Sauus all which haue great plentie of fish especially Riuers of Salmon and Sturgeon 7 This Kingdome of Hungarie was once gouerned by Gouernment Spirituall men but now it is vnder the Emperor of Germanie and the Turke who haue it betwixt them OF POLONIA 1 POlonia is limited on the West with Germanie on the Limits East with the riuer Boristines or Neiper on the north with Mare Balticum and parte of Moscouia and on the South with Hungarie 2 This kingdome chiefly abound in Hunnie Waxe Qualitie Fish Mines of Copper Iron Brimstone and in such great store of Horse that it is thought the Polanders are able vppon any necessitie to raise 100. thousand In this countrie there is no wine but in steede thereof they haue an excellent kinde of Methegline 3 The Inhabitants are generally braue souldiers excellently well furnished with weapons and most impatient Inhabitants if iniuries be offered them they are very proude thinking exceeding well of their owne worth making great account of anie one that will flatter them louing braue attire and delicious meates 4 In this Kingdome are tollerated all sorts of Religions Religion and Colledges of all sectes and factions which causeth this saying that if any one hath lost his religion let him goe into Poland and hee shall finde it 5 The Kings seate and Metrapolitane Citie is Cracouia Citie in which is an Vniuersitie seated vpon the banke of the riuer Vistula 6 The most noted Prouinces are first Podolia the land of which is so fertill that of one Sowing they haue Prouinces three Haruests and in their meadowes the grasse doeth growe so much in three dayes that if an Oxe goe in it his hornes cannot be seene 7 The next is Sammagitia in which the people liue in cottages with their cattell and labouring Beasts some of them sacrificing vnto a certaine Diuell called by them Siemiennicke 8 The next is Nigra Russia in which there is great plentie of Waxe and Hunnie 9 The last is Massouia in which the chiefe citie is Massouia wherein is made the best Methegline 10 The chiefe and onely Riuer of this Countrey is Riuers Vistula 11 This kingdome of Poland is gouerned by one sole Gouernment King who doth not succeed but is alwayes elected by the Nobilitie of the Land OF PRVSSIA 1 PRussia is compassed on the West with the riuer Vistula on the East with Lituania on the South with Polonia Limits and on the North with Mare Balticum Liuonia 2 This countrie is most famous for Amber which is found on their Sea shore scarce any where else to be Qualitie seene It is also well stored with a kinde of leather which wee call Spruce leather 3 The Inhabitants of this place are much of the same Nature as the Polonians are Inhabitants 4 The chiefe Citie is Dantzike seated vpon the riuer Vistula Citie 5 The Gouernment of this countie is vnder a Duke who doth subiect his power and himselfe vnto the King Gouernment of Poland Of the Turks kingdome in Europe VNder the Turcian Empire in Europe is comprehended all that lyeth between the borders of Epidaurus Limites and Tanais betweene Buda and Constantinople and betweene the Euxine Sea the bankes of Sauus in which territory are comprehended many puissant kingdomes 2 The Turkes are great Souldiers patient in labour sparing in their foode slaues vnto their Lord great obseruers Inhabitāts of their lawes and for the rest very inconstant In the Lent they abstaine frō meat in the day times but take it out freely in the night They acknowledge Christ not as the Sonne of God but as a great Prophet They detest Images wil not be called Turks but Musulmani which is as much as beleeuers of the truth Their priuate houses are most base vile whereas their publike places are stately They vse no tables but eate their meate on the ground sitting after the fashion of Tailors vpon a stall when
Countrey of the great Physitian Hypocrates And the last of any note is Pathmos the Iland where Saint Iohn liued in banishment and in which there is a dead hand the nailes of it still growing which as the Grecians say was the hand of Saint Iohn But the Turkes affirme it to be the hand of one of their Prophets CHAP. V. Of Africa HItherto haue I remained within the cōfines of Europe now succeedeth Africa 1 Africa so called in Greeke of a Bounds phrica a place without coldnesse is limited on the West with the Atlanticke Ocean on the North with Mare Mediterraneum and on the South with the Aethyopicke waues and on the East with the Red Sea 2 This great part of the world is for the most part Qualitie full of Desarts very dry and sandy hauing few Riuers which is a great occasion that some parts are not habitable It is also full of all strange beastes as Elephants Lions Leopards Hyppopotomos Crocadiles and such like which caused this saying of Plinie Africa aliquid semper opportat Noui. 3 The inhabitants of it are generally very blacke of Inhabitāts countenance rude barbarous and of vnciuil behauiour addicted to all sorts of religion of Gentiles Iewes Turkes Christians and such like 4 The famous Riuers of this part are first Nilus which Riuers springeth out of the Mountaines of the Moone as Ptollomie affirmes but as Heroditus sayes out of a Lake called Strabo The other riuers are Niger Fluuius Senega Cambra Naire Cuama and Spiritus sancti There is another Mountaine in Africa called the Mountaine Atlas from whence as Hondius writeth in his Mappes most of the Riuers haue their beginning The chiefe parts of Africa are seuen Barbarie vnder Diuision which is comprehended Mauritania Tingitana and Caesariensis Ptolamt Numedia or Benedulgerid Libia or Sarra Terra Nigritarum Aethtopia superior or the kingdome of the Abisines Aethiopia inferior and Aegypt OF BARBARIE 1 BArbarie is enuironed on the West with the Atlanlanticke Bounds Sea on the North with Mare Mediterraneum on the South with the great Mountaine Atlas and on the East with Aegypt 2 This Region doth abound with Oranges Dates Qualitis Oliues Figges and a certain kind of Goate whose haire doth make a stuffe as fine as silke 3 The inhabitants of this countrey are very faithfull Inhabitants in their promises ambitious greedy of wealth and most iealous of their wiues 4 The chiefe Prouinces of this great kingdome are Prouinces Morocco Fez Tremisen Tunis Barca Marmarica 5 Morocco wherin the chiefe citie is Morocco the people of which doth alwaies keepe their beards shaued before they be married There is also in this Prouince the mountaine Halemo in which there is so much gold that the inhabitants are at continuall strife for it 6 The next Prouince is Fez the chiefe Metropolitan citie of which is called Fez beeing of a wonderfull greatnes hauing in it 700. churches one among the rest being of a mile halfe in compasse In this citie are also two Colledges wherein liue many Schollers 7 The next prouince is Tremisen whose Metropolitan citie is Tremisen in it is also Algera a great receptacle for Pirats 8 The next is Tunis in which is Bona where S. Agustine was Bishop and Hippo where he was borne The chiefe and Metropolitan city is Tunis not farre from the ruines of old Carthage 9 The last Prouince is Barca Marmarica full of great sandy places and in which Ilands is the Temple of Iupiter Hammon 10 This Kingdome of Barbarie is a distracted gouernment Gouernment Fez and Morocco being vnder the Xeriffe and the other Prouinces vnder the Turkes OF NVMIDIA 1 NVmidia is bounded on the West with Mare Atlanticum Bounds on the North with the Mountaine Atlas on the East with Aegypt and on the South with the Desarts of Libia 2 This countrey hath in it great plenty of Dates and Qualitie the ayre is so holesome that it admitteth neither Poxe nor Plague in it but cureth any one that hath it 3 The inhabitants are oftentimes blinded by reason Inhabitants of the vnreasonable store of sand which is there much of it being carried and blowed with the winde They are also much addicted vnto Poetry 4 The gouernment of this Region is not vnder any Gouernment sole King but subiect vnto many free Gouernors Of Libia or Sarra 1 LIbia is limited on the West with Gualata on the East Bounds with Gaoga on the North with Numidia and on the South with the kingdome of the Negroes 2 The inhabitants of this countrey are base minded Inhabitants ill nurturde and great theeues they liue not subiect vnto any lawes In this place were two of the Sybils who prophesied of the comming of Christ 3 This kingdome is ful of Desarts of which the chief are Zanaga Zueziga Tarsa Lempia and Berdoa Of the Kingdome of the Nigers 1 THe Kingdome of the Nigers is bounded on the Bounds West with the Atlanticke Sea on the East with the Kingdome of the Abissines on the South with Manicongo and on the North with Libia 2 The inhabitants of this Countrey are most barbarous Inhabitants people Gentiles and free from the Plague or Poxe 3 In this great and large kingdome there are twentie Prouinces fiue Prouinces among which these things are chiefly to be noted First is the Riuer Niger which with a great invndation encreasing from the 15. of Iune vntill 40. daies after doth ouerflow a great part of the land and in the like time it doth decrease againe The next is the kingdome of Canaga wherein the King hath no certaine reuenewes but onely what his Nobles giue him The next is Tombutum where the king doth entertain a great company of learned men and where inhabitants doe spend their time in dauncing and singing The last is Bornaum where the people haue neither proper names children nor wiues 4 This great Kingdome of the Nigers is gouerned by foure Kings the King of Tombutum Bornum Goaga and Gouernment the King of Gualatum Of the Kingdome of the Abissines 1 THe Kingdome of the Abissines is limited on the North with Aegypt on the South with the Mountaines Bounds of the Moone on the East with the Red Sea and on the West with Manicongo and the Kingdome of the Nigers 2 This countrey is chiefly inricht with Oranges Lemons Qualitie and Citrens which grow of themselues There is also great store of Barley Suger and Hony 3 The inhabitants of this Nation are generally vnlearned Inhabitants base idle the better sort of them attyring themselues in the skinnes of Lions Tigres and Linces They feare a Smith as much as a Diuell and at meate neuer vse a table cloth nor napkin They alwayes in any matter sweare by the life of the King whome they neuer see but thrise in a yeare which is on Christmas Easter and Holy-Rood day They
wherein are to be seene the ruines of olde Troy and in which stands Pergamus where Gallen that famous Physitian was borne In this country also liued Gordius who knit the knot which for the intricatenesse therof was called Nodus Gordianus The next is Lidia in which liued rich King Craessus The next is Ionia wherein stands that famous citie Ephesus most renowned for the great Temple of Diana which was in it accounted to bee one of the wonders of the world This is also one of the seuen Cities which Saint Iohn in the Reuelation wrote vnto and vnto which Saint Paule did direct one of his Epistles In this Prouince is also Smirna an other of the seuen Cities and in which Policarpus that was Bishoppe there liued who sometimes had beene Scholler vnto Saint Iohn the Euangelist The next is Halicarnassus wherein Dionisius and Heroditus those famous Historiographers liued The last of any fame is the riuer Meandrus which hath 600. turnings 8 In Licia little is to be noted onely that there stand Licia some ruines of the Temple of Apollo and that S. Nicholas liued there 9 In Pamphilia stands the Citie of Seleucia built Pamphilia by Seleucus one of the foure great successours of Alexander 10 In Galatia were the people vnto whome Saint Galatia Paule writ one of his Epistles And this also is one of the Prouinces where the Iewes were dispersed 11 In Capadocia is that flourishing Citie of Trepizond Capadocia which in times past was a Citie Imperiall 12 In Cilicia is the Citie Tarsus where S. Paule was Cilicia borne vnto which Ionas fled when hee was commanded to goe vnto Niniuie 13 The last Prouince is Armenia minor in which there Armenia the lesse is great store of Oyle and excellent Wine OF TVRCOMANIA 14 TVrcomania or Armenia maior is bounded on the Limites West with the Riuer Euphrates and Pontus Euxinus on the South with Mesopotamia on the East with Media and Mare Caspium and on the North with part of Tartaria 15 The inhabitants of this Region are great robbers Inhabitants liuing after the manner of the basest sort of Tartars that is vnder tents going from one place vnto another in companies 16 The chiefe Prouinces are two the first is Georgia Prouinces seated on the bankes of the Caspian Sea wherein the inhabitants do chiefly worship Saint George The other is Colchus from whence Iason did setch the Golden Fleece 17 In this Turcomania the thing which is most famous is that the Arke of Noe did first rest it selfe vpon the Mountaines of Armenia now called Nohae montes Of Syria or Palestina 18 SYria Palestine or the Holy land is limited on the Limits West with Mare Mediterraneum on the South with Arabia on the East with Mesopotamia and on the North with the mountaine Libanus This countrey is in compasse 200. miles 19 The inhabitants of it were once so many that it did Inhabitants containe in it 30. Kings and when Dauid did command the people to be numbred there were found 1300000. fighting men But at this time there are very few those Christians of euery sect and Saracens 20 The fruitfulnesse of this Kingdome doth chiefly Qualitie consist of Wines whose Grapes do grow in such aboundance that they are gathered thrice in a yeare They haue also great store of Apples and Lemons 21 The Prouinces which this Region is diuided into Prouinces are foure Gallilie Samaria Iudaea and Idumea 22 Gallily is diuided into the higher and lower In the Gallilie higher is Phinicia vnder which is comprehended Tire Sidon In the lower is Nazareth where Christ was borne and in it is also the Mountaine Tabor where our Sauiour was transfigured 23 In the Prouince of Samaria stood that great city of Samaria Samaria the ruines of which are yet to be seene and not farre from thence the citie Sichar where Christ desired water of a certaine woman 24 In the Prouince of Iudaea stood the once famous Iudaea Citie of the world called Ierusalem where the Sepulchre of Christ is to be seene and not farre from thence stood Bethlaem where he was borne There is also in this Prouince an hearbe called Bachara whose colour is like vnto a flame and in the euening shineth like vnto a Sunne-beame which if any one come to plucke it vp it wil wag from him vntill the vrine of a woman bee sprinkled on it Iosephus de Bello Iudaico Lib. 7. 25 The chiefe Riuers and Lakes of these Prouinces Riue are foure The first is Iordan which springeth out of the Mountaine Libanus so called of Ior and Dan two riuers which meete together The second is the Lake of Gallilie The third is the Lake of Genazareth or Tiberia famous for our Sauiours sailing in it The fourth and last is Mare Mortuum or the Dead Sea into which Iordan is disburdened At the top of this Lake swimmeth Pitch and Brimstone from whence reaketh such a stinking mist that it killeth all the birds that flye ouer it and maketh the Apples that grow by it being faire in shew very rotten Moreouer the water is of that nature that if an Oxe were throwne in with his feete bound hee will not sinke Iosephus Solinus 48. Chap. OF ARABIA 26 ARabia is encompast on the West with the Red Sea Limites on the South with the maine Ocean on the East with Sinus Persicus and on the North with Syria and Mesopotamia 27 It is diuided into three parts into Arabia Deserta Diuision Petrosa and Foelix 28 In Arabia Deserta nothing is worth the obseruing but that it was the place where God did keepe the children of Israell for the space of 40. yeares feeding them with Manna from heauen 29 Of Arabia Petrosa little can be spoken onely that there stands the Mountaine Sinay where God gaue the Tables of the Law vnto Moses 30 Arabia Foelix is one of the most fruitfullest Countries in the world hauing in it Franchincense mirrhe most pretious Balmes which are in no other places to be found 31 The chiefe Citie is Mediua where Mahumet was intombed in an yron Coffin which being carried into a Temple the roofe whereof was made of Adamant is attracted vnto the toppe of the Vault and there hangeth being supported by nothing 32 The inhabitants of this Region are superstitious Inhabitants and in all their doings very vnconstant They are in their Religion Mahometans And as we reckon our time frō the yeare of our Lord so they from the time of Mahomet whose comming they haue long expected saying there were three great Prophets Moses Christ and Mahomet And as the Doctrine of Moses was bettered by Christ so was the Doctrine of Christ mended by Mahomet Thus much concerning the Turkes Dominions in Asia OF TARTARIA 1 TArtarie is limited on the North with the Scithian Limites Sea on the East with the East Ocean on the South with
the Indies and the Wall of China and on the West with Moscouia and Sarmatia 2 The inhabitants of this Countrey are of a meane Inuentions stature large in the shoulders broad in the face hauing flat Noses and long Beardes They marrie as many wiues as they will liuing abroad in Tents made of the skinnes of Beastes thinking it a great vnhappinesse if they remaine in one place longer then the pastures haue meate for their Cattell They eate the raw flesh of Horses onely a little scorcht in the Sunne not respecting how they were killed or what diseases they died of When they thirst they let their Horses blood and then sucke till they bee satisfied They cannot abide Hogges flesh And for their Religion they are both Pagans and Saracens 3 The chiefe Prouinces of Tartarie are fiue Tartaria Prouinces minor Tartaria Asiatica Tartaria Antiqua Zagathay or Scithia intra Imaum montem Cathaia or Scithia extra Imaum montem 4 In Tartarie the lesse is Horda Precopensium which liue in the fieldes about Pontus Euxinus Meotis Palus and about Taurica Chersonesus These are all subiect vnto the Turke 5 In Tartaria Asiatica lying betweene the Riuer Tanays and the Caspian Sea are many Hordes amongst the which the cheife are Horda Astinchanensis and Casanensis both beeing subiect vnto the Moscouite 6 In Tartaria Antiqua are the Kingdomes of Gogge and Magogge from whence the Tartares first had their beginning and from whence came King Tabor 7 In Zargathay or Scithia intra Imaum montem is Samarchand lying betweene the Riuer Iaxartes and Oxus where Tamburline liued that went into the field against Baiazeth the Turke with seuen hundred thousand Tartares The chiefe and Metropolitane Citie of it is Richend a place of great Trafficke 8 In Cathayo or Scithia extra Imaum montem is the Citie of Cambalowe the chiefe seate of the Great Cham beeing in compasse twenty foure miles In this part also is the mountaine Altay where they intombe alwayes the bodie of their Great Cham which whyle they carrie the dead corpes vnto the Mountayne they kill all they meete and bid them goe and serue their Maister in another world 9 This part of Tartarie or Carthayo extra Imaum montem Gouernment is gouerned onely by one who is called the Great Cham whose word stands for a lawe and is titled of his subiects Filius Dei Vmbra Dei Anima Dei. OF PERSIA 1 PErsia is limited on the West with Sinus Persicus on Limits the North with Mare Caspium and the riuer Oxus on the South with the maine Ocean and on the East with Indus Fluius 2 This mightie Region hath in it great store of mettals Qualitie and pretious stones as much flourishing in faire Riuers and Lakes as poore in fruits hauing no trees but onely Palmes 3 The inhabitants of this Kingdome are very courteous Inhabitants affecting hospitalitie addicted much vnto Poetry and Physicke and among whom Nobilitie is highly esteemed They are of Religion for the most part Mahumetans Religion but such as the Turkes call Scismatickes 4 The Prouinces of this great Gouernement are sixteene Prouinces Mesopotamia Assiria Chaldaea Susiana Farsus Germania Parthia Hyrcania Gedrosia Drangiana Aria Margiana Aracosia Parapomissus and Brachana 5 Mesopotamia quasi mesos potamos lieth betweene the Mesopotam riuer Tigris and Euphrates in which some thinke stood the terrestiall Paradise and that from hence came the wise men which brought presents vnto Christ beeing guided by a starre This countrey is now subiect vnto the Turke 6 Assiria is very famous for the great Citie Niniuie Assiria which stood in it vnto which Ionas was commanded by God to go and preach This is also subiect vnto the Turk 7 Chaldaea is renowned for that great citie of Babylon Chaldaea one of the seuen wonders of the world from whence came the confusion of tongues Here was that famous Erithea the fift Sybil that prophesied of the comming of Christ 8 Of the other Prouinces nothing I finde worth the noting and the refore omit them 9 The chiefe and Metropolitane Citie is Persepolis seated vpon the Riuer Bindimire 10 This Kingdome of Persia is gouerned by one Gouernment whom they call the Sophy Of the East Indies 1 INdia Orientalis or the East Indies is bounded on the Limits West with the riuer Indus on the North with the Mountaine Taurus on the East with China and on the South with the maine Ocean 2 This country doth exceed any other in fruit which is Qualitie gathered there twise in a yere There are also such a huge kind of Mastiffe Dogges that for strength they are able to contend with Lions There are great store of Elephants white Apes Camels Dragons and an innumerable company of Serpents which are as big as any man the inhabitants eating them as commonly as we do any meate 3 The inhabitants are a mixt sort of people beeing Inhabitāti Persians Scithians Arabians Hebrewes some Christians They are commonly ingenious much inclined vnto all Sciences They adore one sole God which they paint with three heads but cannot giue a reason for it 4 India is diuided into two parts India infra Gangem and India extra Gangem De India within Ganges 5 INdia intra Gangem is inuironed on the West with the Limits riuer Indus on the South with the maine Ocean on East with Sinus Bengala and the Riuer Ganges and on the North with part of the Mountaine Taurus 6 This part is diuided into fortie seuen Kingdoms Prouinces among which there are onely fiue of any note Cambaia Decan Malabar Narsinga and Delly 7 In the Kingdome of Cambaia the people are so Cambaia ceremonious and superstitious that they will not eate any thing that hath had life in it They are great Idolaters liuing in due obseruance of their King who is a most valiant Prince The chiefe Citie is Cambaia wherein if any one dye they presently burne his body that it may dissolue into his proper elements Hondius in tabulis 8 Decan is a Kingdome made famous by the Portugalls Decan which lye continually in the great Citie of Goa Not farre from this citie is a place which if the hornes of any Beast bee cast they will take roote and grow vp out of the ground Hugo a Linschotten in cap. 61. of the description of the Indies 9 In Malabar stands the Citie Calicute the inhabitants Malabar of which doe worshippe the Diuell the King of it is titled by his subiects Samori which signifieth God on earth They are very skilfull Souldiours vsing when they goe vnto Warre to tye vnto the hilts of their Swordes Shingles of Copper or Siluer the sound whereof in steed of Trumpets and Drummes encourageth them vnto fight By the lawe of their Countrey they may not marry but are allowed women in common 10 Narsinga is a land fruitfull in euery thing vnlesse Narsinga
it bee Horses The chiefe Citie in it is Bisnagar in which the people when they dye are burned and if they were marryed their wiues doe come and leape into the fire willing to dye with them 11 The last is the Kingdome of Delly in which the Delly chiefe and Metropolitane Citie is Delly where the great Mogor doth alwayes keepe his Court. 12 The gouernment of all these Kingdomes are vnder Gouernment the great Mogor vnlesse it be Narsinga and Calicute which haue free Princes Of India without Ganges 13 INdia extra Gangem is limited on the West with Sinus Limits Bengala and the Riuer Ganges on the South with the maine Sea on the East with part of China and the East Sea and on the North with part of the Mountaine Taurus 14 The chiefe Prouinces of this part of the Indies are Prouinces three Pegu Siam and Chauchin china 15 In Pegu there are most beautifull Parrats and great Pegu. store of ciuet Cats The chiefe city is Pegu. 16 In Siam there are many Schooles the inhabitants Siam whereof are great Idolaters worshipping the higher Elements And when any one dyeth with them they will not bury them in the earth but hang them vp in the aire rather wishing the Birdes which are heauenly to eate them then the worms which are earthly to touch them In this Prouince is also Comboia the people of which do thinke themselues and all other men to bee of the same nature that brute beasts are Hondius 17 In Chauchinchina there is great store of gold siluer and Purceline of which the Purceline dishes are made Chauchinchina The inhabitants in many places of this countrey are Anthropophagi or men eaters 18 This part of the Indies was once gouerned by the King of Paga and Siam but now is brought in subiection Gouernment vnto one sole King who is King of Barma keeping his Court in the Citie of Odia in which are contained 200000. Citizens OF CHINA 1 CHina is bounded on the West with India and the riuer Cautan on the South with Chauchinchina on Limits the East with the East Ocean and on the North with a wall of 600. miles in length which defends it from the inuasion of the Tartares 2 This Kingdome is not onely held to bee the chiefe of all Asia but of al the world being so fertil that it doth Qualitie both yeeld what is fitting for humane life and whatsoeuer the delicate and effeminate appetite of man may lust after 3 The inhabitants of it are very witty politicke great Inhabitants Mathematicians conceiuing so well of themselues that they are accustomed to say that themselues haue two eies the people of Europe one the residue of the other Nations none 4 Vnder this great kingdome are comprehended 15. Prouinces the least of which exceeds in largenesse the greatest in Europe and in them are contained 70. Kinges which are all subiect vnto the King of China The inhabitants are so many also that they exceede the number of 70000000. And the cities and townes stand so thicke that the whole kingdome seemeth as one mighty citie 5 The chiefe thinges which are to bee obserued in these Prouinces are first that there are some of the inhabitants which dwell in houses vpon the Sea buying selling and keeping market as they doe in any towne And in many plaines they haue houses running vpon wheels with sayles at the top of them that when they will go vnto any place they tarry onely for a winde to driue them There is also in this Kingdome the great City of Quinzay whose circuit is 100. miles hauing in it 1600000. inhabitants and 12000. stone bridges among which there are some so high that a great Shippe with top-saile may passe vnder them In the middle of this Citie there is a Lake thirtie miles in compasse in which there are two goodly Ilands Some put this Citie in Tartarie some in China others in the confines of both but wheresoeuer it is it is much ruinated since the time of Paulus Venetius who maketh a full description of it 6 This great kingdome is gouerned by one sole king Gouernment who is called of his subiects the Lord of the world the sonne of the shining Sunne CHAP. VIII Of the Ilands in Asia THus farre haue I rashly run ouer the Continent of Asia now therefore will I linke vnto it the description of the Ilands belonging thereunto 1 The Asian Ilands are diuided into those in the Mediterranean Sea and those which are in the Indian Ocean Of the Ilands in the Mediterranean Sea 2 THe chiefe Ilands in the Mediterranean Sea are only Diuision two Rodes and Cyprus 3 The Iland Rodes is very famous for many things Rodes but chiefly for three The first is that the Sunne was neuer so maskt with a cloud but that once in a day shee did shine vpon this Iland The second is that the great piller of the Sunne offered by the Gentiles vnto Iupiter stood in this I le made in the forme of a mighty huge man The third last is that the order of the Knights of the Rodes was held in this place 13 The Iland Cyprus is very fuitfull but little famous Cyprus De Insulis In Mari Indico 5 THe chiefe Ilands in the Indian Ocean are Ormus Diuision Zeilan Samatra Aureae Iusulae Borneo Iaua Maior Iaua Minor Iapan the Molucco and the Philippian Ilands 6 Ormus is of it selfe a kingdome and commaundeth Ormus most part of the Persian gulfe it is exceeding barren but the Citie Ormus in which the Portugals doe hold a strong Castle is so faire and full of trade that they say there if the world were a ring Ormus ought to bee the stone thereof 7 The Ile Zeilan is seated in Sinus Bengala in which Zeilan there are Fieldes whose grasse continually groweth and Trees that are laden with fruit all the yeare long Insomuch that some did thinke that this was the place where Paradise stood This Iland is subiect vnto the Mogor notwithstanding the Portugalls doe hold a strong Castle in it 8 The Iland Samatra lyeth directly vnder the Aequator Samatra hauing in it a Fountaine which sendeth foorth water that if it bee put into fire doth not quench it but makes it burne more vehemently In it is also a Mountaine which sendeth foorth continuall flames of fire The inhabitants of this Iland are Anthropophagi 9 In Iaua Maior the inhabitants are excellent Seamen Iaua Maior great Pirats which acknowledge Mahumet and liue vpon Cats and Mise Yet this Iland for the extraordinarie fruitfulnesse of it was called by Scaliger the Compendium of the world 10 In Iaua Minor little is worth the noting onely that Iaua Minor it doth flourish with Spices 11 In the Iland Iapan the inhabitants are very superstitious Iapan and great Idolaters washing their children so soone as they bee borne
neuer baptise their children before the fortieth day and also circumcise both men and women 4 This great Kingdome is gouerned by Prester Iohn Gouernment who hath vnder him 70. Kings and whose colour is white his subiects being all blacke He draweth his pedigree from Melecke the sonne of Salamon and Queene of the South Of Ethiopia inferiour 1 EThiopia inferior is euery where begirt with the Sea Bounds vnlesse it be towards the North where it is bounded from Ethiopia superior with the Mountaines of the Moone 2 The inhabitants of this Country are very Sauage Inhabitāts cruell and for the most part great Idolaters so much cōtemning Christianitie that in the Prouince of Douos no man can marry vntill he hath killed twelue Christians 3 The Prouinces of this Region are vnder fiue free Prouinces Gouernment Kngs The king of Zanzibar Monomotapa Manicongo Aiana and Carfraria of all which little can be spoken only that in the Monomotapa there are Amozons which are more valiant then the men and that the King thereof doth keepe for his guard 200. Mastiffe dogges OF AEGYPT 1 EGypt is limited on the West with Barbarie on the Bounds South with Aethiopia superior on the East with the Red Sea or Sinus Arabicus and on the North with Mare Mediterraneum 2 As concerning the fruitfulnesse of this Countrey Qualitie these two verses which follow shall and doe sufficiently make it knowne Terra suis contenta bonis non Indiga Mercis aut Iouis In solo tanta est fiducia Nilo Lucan 3 The inhabitants of this Kingdome are very actiue Inhabitants liberall giuen vnto feasting somewhat superstitious many of them Christians but the greater part Mahumetās 4 The chiefe cities are two the first is Caire once called Cities Memphis neere vnto which stands the Piramides of Aegypt one of the seuen wonders of the worlde The other is Alexandria which was built by Alexander the Great and wherein was the most famous Library of the world This was the place also where Ptolomie tooke all his obseruations 5 In this Kingdome was inuented Astronomie Physicke Inuentions and writing on paper It was called Papirus of the thing which it was made of and in Latine Charta of the place where it was inuented Hond 6 The gouernment of this once famous Region was heretofore vnder Kings whom they commonly called Gouernment Pharoes but now belongeth to the trueth abhorring Turke CHAP. VI. Of the chiefe Ilands in Africa THus much of the continent of Africa now will I knit vnto it the description of the Ilands 1 The Ilands of Africa are diuided into Diuision two parts into those which are in the Atlanticke Sea and into those which are in the Aethiopicke Ocean 2 Those Ilands which are in the Atlantick Sea of note are onely the Canarie Ilands the Gorgades and the Iland of S. Thomas 3 The Canarie or Fortunate Ilands are 7. of which the Canarie chiefe is Madera wherein there is great store of Suger and Canary Wine There is another which is called Tanariffa wherein is a mountaine so high that the inhabitants haue all their fresh water from a cloude that droppeth there very fast hanging about a tree 4 The Gorgades are nine all which are full of Goates Gorgades and subiect vnto the King of Spaine 5 The Iland of Saint Thomas lyeth directly vnder the Aequator it is very plentifull of Suger and a place vnto which the Portugals do much resort Of the Ilands in the Aethiopicke Sea 1 THe Ilands of the Aethiopicke Ocean are but two of Diuision any fame Magdagascar and Zocotara 2 Magdagascar or the Iland of S. Iames is a countrey Magdagascar whose inhabitants are very cruell and barbarous and in which there are great store of Elephants 3 Zocotara is an Iland in which the people are all Zocotara Christians and dwell in Caues and great holes CHAP. VII Of Asia HItherto haue I scorcht my selfe in the heate of Africa now therefore of the temperate Continent of Asia 1 Asia is in euery place begirt with the Sea vnlesse it be towards the Westerne Limits parts where it is limited from Europe with the Riuer Tanais and a line directly drawne vp vnto the Port of Saint Nicholas And from Africa with that Istmus betwixt the Arabick Gulfe and the Mediterranean Sea 2 This part of the world is farre more famous then any other For here was the place where the Monarkes of the Medes Persians Babilonians Assirians flourished Here was the place in which all the actes and monuments of the olde Testament and almost in the new were accomplished And here was and is the place where the Myracles of our Sauiour were done for euer to be celebrated 3 The fruitfulnesse of this great Continent is very Qualitie much for it doth containe within it almost plentie of euery thing 4 The inhabitants of it are generally very wittie for Inhabitants from hence sprang all the Sciences which the Greekes haue learned of the Hebrewes 5 The chiefe Riuers of Asia are Iaxartes Euphrates Tigris Riuers Indus and Ganges 6 Two other things there are in this part worthy to be noted First is the Mountaine Taurus which diuides whole Asia into two parts being in length 5625. miles in breadth 375. Next is Mare Caspium a Sea which hath no entercourse with any part of the Ocean 7 This Asia is diuided into sixe great Gouernements Diuision into that of Moscouia in Asia which I haue before described Into Turcia Asiana Tartarie Persia India China OF TVRCIA ASIANA 1 VNder the Turkes Empire in Asia are comprehended Diuision Natolia or Asia minor Turcomania Syria or Palestina and Arabia OF NATOLIA 2 NAtolia or Asia minor is limited on the West with Limits the Archipelago on the South with the Mediterranean Sea on the East with the Riuer Euphrates and on the North with Pontus Euxinus 3 This Countrey is very fruitfull and temperat but Qualitie by reason of the Turkes tyranny it lyeth very waste and not inhabited For in it may be seene the ruines of 4000. Townes and Cities 4 The inhabitants are most idle lazy and in religion Inhabitants Mahumetans Once they were all Christians for with them were the seuen churches which S. Iohn in his Apochalips did write vnto 5 The chiefe Prouinces of Natolia are 8 Pontus Bithinia Asia propria or Sarrum Licia Pamphilia Galatia Prouinces Cappadocia and Cylicia 6 In Pontus and Bithinia there are two famous cities Pontus Bithinia the one called Nice where the first generall Councell was held the other Chalcedō where the fourth was held These Prouinces were once gouerned by Mithridates who was the first finder out of Metridate 7 In Asia Propria or Sarcum there are many things Asia propria worthy the obseruation as first Phrigia maior of which Midas was King next Phrigia minor