Saxon at Alesbury in the year of grace 592 overcame the Britains and bare down all things before him yet no sooner was their Heptarchy weaned and their Monarchy able to stand alone but that the Danes before their strength and growth was confirmed waxed upon them and they not able in so weak a hand to hold fast that weight of greatness they had so grasped gave place to their Conquerours who did many harms in this Province for in the year 914 the Danes furiously raged as far as Brenwood where they destroyed the City Burgh the ancient seat of the Romans afterwards a Royal house of King Edward the Confessor which they utterly destroyed 5 The Shire-Town Buckingham fruitfully seated upon the River Ouse was fortified with a Rampire and Sconces on both banks by King Edward the elder saith Marianus the Scotish Writer where in the heart of the Town hath stood a strong Castle mounted upon a high hill which long since was brought to the period of her estate now nothing remaining besides the signs that there she had stood The River circulates this Town on every side that only on the North excepted over which three fair stone bridges lead and into which the Springs of a Well run called S. Rumalds a child-saint born at Kings-Sutton canonized and in the Church of this Town enthrined with many conceited miracles and cures such was the hap of those times to produce Saints of all ages and sexes This Town is governed by a Bayliff and twelve principal Burgesses and is in the degree removed from the first point of the West for Longitude 19 33 scruples and the North-pole elevated in Latitude for the degree of 52 18 scruples 6 A Town of ancient note is Stony Straâ—ford the Romans Lactorodum being built upon that ancient Causey-way which is called VVatling Street where remain the marks thereof even unto this day At this place Edward the elder stopped the passage of the Danes whilst he strengthened Torcester against them and herein King Edward the eldest since the Conquest reared a beautiful Cross in memory of Eleanor his dead Queen as he did in every place where her Corps rested from Herdby in Lincoln-shire till it was received and buried at VVestminster 7 Places intended for Gods true worship built by devout persons and sequestred from worldly imployments were at Launden Luffeld Bidlesden Bradwell Nothey Ankerne Missenden Tekeford Patrendune Asbridge and Alesbury Asbridge in great repute for the bloud supposed out of Christs sides brought out of Germany by Henry the eldest son of Richard King of the Romans and Earl of Cornwall whereunto resorted great concourse of people for devotion and adoration thereof But when the Sunshine of the Gospel had pierced thorow such clouds of darkness it was perceived apparently to be onely honey clarified and coloured with Saffron as was openly shewed at Pauls Cross by the Bishop of Rochester the twenty fourth of February and year of Christ 1538. And Alesbury for the holiness of S. Edith was much frequented who having this Town allotted for her Dowry had the world and her husband farewel in taking upon her the vail of devotion and in that fruitful age of Saints became greatly renowned even as far as to the working of miracles These all in the storms and rage of the time suffered such shipwrack that from those turmoiled Seas their Merchandise light in the right of such Lords as made them their own for wreacks indeed 8 With four Castles this Shire hath been strengthened and thorow eleven Market-Towns her Commodities traded being divided for service to the Crown and State into eight hundreds and in them are seated one hundred fourscore and five Parish-Churches OXFORDSHIRE OXFORD-SHIRE CHAPTER XXI OXFORD-SHIRE receiveth her name from that famous Vniversity and most beautiful City Oxford and this of the Foord of Oxen say our English Saxons though Leiland upon a ground of conjecture will have it Ousford from the River Ouse by the Latines called Isis which giveth name likewise to the adjoyning I stand Ousney The North point of this Shire is bordered upon by the Counties of VVarwick and Northampton the East with Buckingham the West by Glocester-shire and the South altogether is parted from Bark-shire by Thamisis the Prince of British Rivers 2 The blessings both of the sweet-breathing heavens and the fruitful sight of this Counties soil are so happy and so fortunate that hardly can be said whether exceeds The Air milde temperate and delicate the Land fertile pleasant and bounteous in a word both Heaven and Earth accorded to make the Inhabitants healthful and happy The hills loaden with Woods and Cattle the valleys burthened with Corn and Pasturage by reason of many fresh springing Rivers which sportingly there-thorow make their passage whereof Evenlod Charwell Tame and Isis are chief which two last making their Bed of Marriage near unto Dorchester run thence together in one channel and name 3 The length of this Shire is from Cleydon in the North-West unto Caversham in her South-East near unto Thamisis and amounteth almost to forty miles the broadest part is in her Western Borders which extending from the said Cleydon in the North unto Faringdon seated upon the River Isis in the South are scarcely twenty six and thence growing narrower like unto a Wedge containing in circumference about one hundred and thirty miles 4 The ancient Inhabitants known to the Romans where the Dobuni part whereof possessed further Westernly into Glocester-shire and nearer Eastward betwixt the bowing of Thamisis were seated the Ancalites who sent their submission unto Iulius Caesar when report was made that the Trinobants had put themselves under his protection whereof followed the Britains servitude under the proud yoke of the all-coveting Romans yea afterwards this Counties people being very puissant as â—acitus termeth them and unshaken by wars withstoâ—d Ostorius Scâ—pula the Roman Lieutenant chosing rather to yield their lives in battle than their pâ—rsons to subjection Of later times it was possessed by the Mercian Saxons as part of their Kingdom though sometimes both the West Saxons and the Northumbrians had the dispose of some part thereof for Beda aâ—firmâ—th that King Oswold gave the then flourishing City Dorchester unto Berinus the VVest Saxons Apostle to be his Episcopal See whence the good Bishop coming to Oxford and preached before VVulpherus the Mercian King in whose Court Athelwold the South-Saxons heathenish King was then then present he with all his Nobles were converted to the Faith of Christ and there baptived whereby Berinus became the Apostle also of the South-Saxons 5 Other places of memorable note either for actions therein happening or for their own famous esteem are the Roll-rich stones standing near unto Enisham in the South of this Shire a monument of huge stones set round in compass in manner of the Stonehenge of which fabulous tradition hath reported forsooth that they were metamorphosed from men but in truth were there erected upon some great victory
shiâ—e Dudley in Stafford-shire and Rochford in Herâ—ford-shire whither I must refer the Reader to find out these and the like in these Western Tracts 8 Religious places erected in this Shire and devoted unto God by devout persons were Breden Brodlege Evesholme Alâ—ecester Cochel Eladbury Malverin Pershore Stodlâ—ge Westwoods and Worcester plenteously provided for and further secured by many priviledges both which they abused as were the Inditements of all such in the days of King Henry the eight at whose Bar himself being Iudge they were found guilty and received sentence of their ends and destâ—uction 9 Castles for defence built in this County â—uinate or in strength were Hartlebâ—ry Holt Haâ—dley Norton Elmely and Worcester besides his Majesties Mannour of Tichnel 10 This Shires diviâ—ion is into seven Hundreds wherein are seated ten Market-Towns and one hundred fifty two Parish-Churches WARWICKE SHIRE VVARVVICK-SHIRE CHAPTER XXVI WARWICK-SHIRE so called from her Shire-Town is bounded upon the North with the County of Stafford upon the East with Watling-street-way is parted from Leicester-shire and the rest bordered upon by Nortâ—ampton-â—hire the South part is butted by Oxford and Glocester-shires and all her West with the County of Worcesâ—er 2 The Form thereof is not much unlike to a Scallop-shell growing from her Western-head and sprâ—ading her body wider with many indents The length thereof from Newton in the North to Long-Compton in the South are miles thirty and three and the broadest part of this Shire is from Hâ—wellgrange in the West unto Hill-morton in the East distant assunder twenty five miles the whole in circumference aboâ—t one hundred thiâ—ty and five miles 3 This Shire is seated near unto the heart of all England and therefore participates with her in the best both for Air and soyl wanting nothing for profit or pleasure for man The South part from Avon that runneth thorow the midst of this County is called the Feldon as more champion and tractable to be stirred for Corn which yearly yieldeth such plenty of harvest that the Husbâ—ndman smileth in beholding his pains and the meadowing pastures with their green mantles so imbroydred with â—lowers that from Edg-hill we may behold another Eden as Lot did the Plain of Ioâ—dan before that Sodom fell The Woodland lyeth upon the North of Avon so called in regard of the plenty of Woods which now are much thinner by the making of Iron and the soyl more churlish to yield to the Plough 4 The ancient people that poâ—sessed this Province are by Ptolomies description called the Cornavii wherein after were seated the Mercian Saxons a part of whose Kingdom it was and greatâ—y sought after by the West Saxons whose King Cutâ—red about the year of Châ—ist Iesus 749 in Battel â—ew Ethelbald at Sekington neer unto Tamworth And not far from thence King Edward the 4 aâ— unfortunatelâ— fought agaiâ—st that â—tout make-King Richard Nevil Earl of Warwiâ—k near unto which upon Blacklow hill Pierce Gaveston that proud and new-raised Earl of Cornwall was beheaded by Guy Earl of VVarwick assisted with the Earls of Lancaster and Hereford And surely by the testimony of Iohn Rosse and others this County hath been better replenished with people who maketh complâ—int of whole Town-ships depopulations altogether laid waste by a puissant Army of feeding sheep 5 Notwithstanding many fair Towns it hath and some of them matchable to the most of England The chief thereof is Coventree a City both stately for building and walled for defence whose Citizens having highly offended their â—irst Lord Leofrikâ— had their priviledges infringed and themselves oppressed with many heavy Tributes whose wife Lady Godiva pitying their estates uncessantly sâ—ed for their peace and that with such importunacy as hardly could be said whether was greater his hatred or her love at last overcome with her continual intercessions he granted her suit upon an uneivil and as he thought an unacceptable condition which was that she should ride naked thorow the face of the City and that openly at high noon day This notwithstanding she thankfully accepted and performed the Act accordingly enjoyned for this Lady Godiva stripping her self of all rich attire let loose the tresses of her fair hair which on every side so covered â—er nakedness that no part of her body was uncivil to sight whereby she redeemed her former freedoms and remissions of such heavy Tributes Whose memory I wish may remain honourable in that City for â—ver and her pity followed by sâ—ch posâ—essing Ladies This City had grant to choose their yearly Magistrates a Mayor and two Bayliffs and to build about and â—mbattle a wall by King Edward the 3 whom Heâ—ry the 6 corporated a County of it self and changed the names of their Bayliffs into Sheriffs and the walls then were built as they now stand thorow which open 13 gates for entrance besides 18 other Towers thereon for defence At Gofford-gate in the East hangeth the shield-bonâ— of a wild-Boare far bigger than the greatest Oxe-bone with whose sâ—out the great Pit called Swanswell was turned up and was â—â—ain by the famous Guy if we will believe report 6 Next unto this City in account and commerce is VVarwick upon the North west bank of Avon built by Gurgunstus the son of Beline as Iohn Rosse Monk of the place saith 375 years before the birth of Christ by Ninus called Caer-Guarvic and Caer Leon and by learned Cambden judged to be PRAESIDIUM the Roman Garrisons Town The situation of this place is most pleasant upon a hill riâ—ing from the River over which is a strong and fair Stone-bridge and her sharp stream upon the Town-side checked with a most sumptuous and stately Castle the decays whereof with great cost and curious buildings the right worthy Knight Sir Foulke Grevil in whose person shineth all true vertue and high Nobility hath repaired whose merits to me-ward I do acknowledge in setting this hand free from the daily imployments of a manual trade and giving it full liberty thus to express the inclination of my mind himself being the Procurer of my prâ—sent estate It seemeth this Town hath been walled about as appeareth by the Trench in some places seen and two very fair Gates whose passages are hewed out of the Rock as all other into the Town are over whom two beautiful Chappels are built that towards the East called S. Peters and that on the South-west S. Iames. Two fair Churches arâ— therein seated called S. Marries and S. Nicholas but these in and about the Town suppressed S. Lawrence S. Michaels Iohn Baptist and Iohn of Ierusaleâ— beside the Nâ—nnery in the North of the Town whose North Polâ— is elevated in Latitude 52 degrees 45 minutes and is seated from the first point in the West of Longitude 18 degrees and 45 minutes being yearly governed by a Bayliff twelve Brethren twenty four Burgesses for Common-Counsell a Recorder a Townclâ—rk and one Sergâ—ant their Attendant 7 Places of most memorable note observed in this Shire are Shugbury where the
The second part occupied all the Land Northward from Humber to the Orkney-Sea called by the Latines Marâ— Caledonium or Dâ—ucâ—lâ—â—oâ—ium now famously known by the name of Scotland The third part was this lying betwixt the Irish-Seas the Rivers Sâ—verne and Dee and was called Câ—mbria which name doth yet continue with them though we the Eâ—glish call it Wales as the People Welshmen which is strange and strangers for so at this day the dwellers of Tyroll in the higher Germany whence our Saxons are said to have come do name the Italian their next neighbour a Welshman and his language Welsh 2 This opinion Verstegâ—n doth altogether contradict rather judging by the ancient Tâ—utâ—â—ick tongue which the Germans spake and wherein the G is pronounced for W that these Sâ—xoâ—s called them Gallish from the Gaules whence their original proceeded rather than Wallish from strangers which he thinketh could not be considering their habitations so neer unto them and that the like was in use he proveth by the words of Erench Gardian for Wardian Cornugalles for Câ—rwâ—lles yea and Galles for Walles calling our most famous Edward Prince of Galles not Prince of Wâ—lles insomuch that the County of Lombardy bordering along upon the Germans was of them called Gâ—lliâ—ciâ— cis-alphina and at this day Welsh-land So likewise do the Netherlands call the Inhabitants of Henalt and Artois Wallen or Walloâ—s and some part of Brabant and Flanders Welsh-Brabant and Welsh-Flaâ—ders and all because of the Language and Lineage of the Gauls Neither do the meer Natives of Wales know any other name of their Country than Cambria of themselves than Cambri or Cumri or of their Language than Cambraoc But leaving this opinion free to his affection we will proceed 3 Wales therefore being anciently bounded as before the Saxons did afterwards win by force from the Britains all the plain and Champion Country over the River Dee and especially Offa King of Mercia made their limits straighter by making a Ditch of great breadth and depth to be a Mear betwixt this Kingdom and Wales This Ditch is in many places to be seen at this day and bears the name of Clawh Offa that is Offaes Ditch The Country between it and England is commonly called the Marches and is for the most part inhabited by Welshmen especially in North-Wales even to the River Dee This admirable Trench began at Bassiâ—gwerke in Elintshire between Chester and Ruthland and ran along the Hills to the South-Sea a little from Bristow reaching above an hundred miles in length 4 Silvester Giraldus makes the River Wye to be the Mear between England and Wales on the South part called South-Wales whence he ascribeth the breadth of Wales unto Saint Davids in Menâ—viâ— to be an hundred miles and the length from Caerleon upon Vske in Gwentland to Holly-head in Anglesâ—y an hundred miles he might have said thirty more 5 About the year of Christ 870 our Alfred reigning in England Rodericus Magnus King of VVales did divide it into three Talaiths Regions or Territories which were called Kingdoms This Rodericus Magnus gave Venâ—dâ—tia Gwyneth or North-Wales to Anarawd his eldest son to Cadeth his second son Demeâ—ia Debeuâ—arth or South-VValls and to Mervin his third son Powys 6 North-VVales had upon the North-side the Irish-Sea from the River Dee to Bassingwerke to Aberdyvi upon the West and South-West the River Dyvi which divideth it from South-VVales and in some places from Powysland And on the South and East it is divided from Powys sometimes with high Hills and sometimes with Rivers till it come again to the River Dee It is generally full of high Mountains craggy Rocks great Woods and deep Vallies many strait dangerous places deep and swift Rivers 7 This Land was of old time divided into four parts Mon Arvon Meryonith and y Bervedhwlan or the middle Country and each of these were again divided into several Countries and they subdivided into their Cymeden or Commots wherein we follow that division which was in the time of Llewylyn ap Ruffin last Prince of VVales according to a Copy imparted to me by a worshipful Friend and learned Antiquary as seeming far more exact than that of Doctor Powels 8 Aâ—glâ—sey the chiefest is separated from the main Land with the River Moenai wherein at Aberfraw was the Princes Court now a mean Village In this Island is a fair Town called Beaumarish And common passage to Ireland at Caergybi in English Holly-head 9 Arvâ—n the second part of North-VVales is now called Carnarvanshire the strongest Country within that Principality giving place to none for fertility of the ground or for plenty of Wood Cattel Fish and Fowl c. Here are the Towns of Caernarvan in old time called Caer-Segoâ—t and Bangor the Bishops See with divers other ancient Castles and places of memory This portion hath on the North the Sea and Moeâ—ai upon the East and South-East the River Conwey which divideth it from Denâ—igh-shire and on the South-West is separated from Merionyth by Rivers Mountains and Mears 10 Merionyth was the third part of Gwyneth and keepeth the name till this day it is full of Hills and much noted for the resort of People that repair thither to take Herrâ—ngs Upon the North it hath Arvon and Denbigh land upon the South Caerdigan-Shire and upon the East Montgâ—mâ—ry-shire heretofore part of Powis In this County standeth the Town of Harlech and a great Lake called Llyn-Tegyd This Country is likewise full of Cattel Fowl and Fish and hath in it great store of red Deer and Roes but there is much scarcity of Corn. 11 Y Bervedhwland was the fourth part of Gwyneth and may be called in English The middle Country is inclosed with Hills on the East West and South-parts and with the Sea Northward It is plentiful of Cattel Fish and Fowl as also of Corn and is divided in the midst with the River Clwyd to which run a number of other Rivers from the Hills In this part is Dyffryn-Clwyd the fairest Valley within Wales containing eighteen miles in length and seven in breadth In which is the Town and Castle of Ruthlâ—n near unto the Sea and not far thence S. Assaph an Episcopal seat between the Rivers Clwyd and Elwy Herein stands the fair Town and goodly Castle of Denbigh situated upon a Rock the greatest Market-Town of North-Wales and from thence is seen the Town and Castle of Ruthyn fair for prospect and fruitful for fite This part of North-Wales hath the Sea upon the North d ee toward the East Arvon The River Conwey and Mâ—riâ—nyth upon the West and the Country then called Pâ—wys upon the South And these were the Mears and Bounds of the four Parts of Venedâ—tia Gwyneth or North-Wales 12 The second Talaith or Kingdom was Mathraval or Powys To this belonged the Country of Powys and the Land between Wye and Sevâ—rne It hath South-Wales upon the South and West with the Rivers Wye and Tywy and other Mears upon the North
upon that narrow space of ground betwixt Edenborough Frith and Dunbetton Bay maketh the Southern part a province unto the Roman Empire Afterwards Hadrian the Emperour seeing perhaps the Province too spacious to be well governed without great expence drew back these limits almost sourscore miles shorter even to the mouth of the River Tyne which he fortified with a wall of admirable work unto Carlâ—le where stood the Lands border while it was a Roman Province yet the conquering Saxons did spread again over those bounds and as seemeth enlarged their government to that first Tract as by this inscription in a Stone Cross standing upon a Bridge over the water of Frith appeareth I am a free Mark as Passengers may ken To Scots to Britains and to English men 10 But afterward William the Conquerour and Malcolm King of Scotland falling to an agreement for their limits arreared a Cross upon Stanemore where on the one side the portraiture and Armes of the King of England was sculptured and of the King of Scots on the other a piece whereof is yet remaining there near to the Spittle thence called the Rey-Cross there erected to be a Meare-stone to either Kingdome His successors also abolished the two partitions in the West whereby the Welsh became one Nation and Kingdome with the English It is also said that King Stephen to purchase friendship with the Scottish Nation gave unto their King the County of Cumberland who with it held both Westmorland and Northumberland but as Newbrigensis writeth he restored them to King Henry the second wisely considering his great power and right to those parts 11 The last known borders were from the Sulway in the West bay along the Cheviot hills unto the water of Tweed by Barwick in the East to maintain which on each part many Laws have been made and many inrodes robberies and fewdes practised all which by the hand of God is cut off and by the rightfull succession of King Iames our Soveraigne who hath broken down the partition of this great Island and made the extreames of two Kingdomes the very midst of his great united Empire KENT KENT CHAPTER III. KENT the first province appearing in the South of this Kingdom is bounded upon the North with the famous River Thamisis on the East with the German Ocean on the South with Sussex and the narrow Seas and upon the West with Sussex and Surrey The length thereof extending from Langley in the West unto Ramsgate Eastward in the Isle of Thanet is about 53 English miles From Rother in the South unto the Isle of Graine Northward the breadth is not much above 26 and the whole circumference about 160 miles 2 In form it somewhat resembleth the head of a Hammer or Battle-axe and lieth corner-wise into the Sea by Strabo Caesar Diodorus and Pâ—olomy called Cantium of Cant or Canton an Angle or Corner or of Caine a British word which signifieth Bushes or VVoods whereof that County in those former times was plentifully stored 3 The Air though not very clear because of the vapours arising from the Sea and Rivers that environ the same is both wholesome and temperate as seated nearest to the Equinoctial and the furthest from the North Pole not touched with cold as the other parts of the Land are 4 The soil towards the East is uneven rising into little hills the West more level and Woody in all places fruitful and in plenty equals any other of the Realm yea and in some things hath the best esteem as in broad cloths Fruits and feeding for Cattel Onely Mines except Iron are wanting all things else delivered with a prodigal heart and liberal hand 5 Sundry navigable Rivers are in Kent whereof Medway that divideth the shire in the midst is chief in whose bosome securely rideth his Majesties Navy Royal the walls of the Land and terrours of the Sea besides ten other of name and account that open with twenty Creeks and Havens for Ships arrivage into this Land four of them bearing the name of Cinque Ports are places oâ— great strength and priviledges which are Dover Sandwich Rumney and Winchelsey among which Dover with the Castle is accounted by Matthew Paris the Monk the lock and key to the whole Realm of England and by Iohn Rosse and Lidgate is said to be built by Iulius Caesar fatal only for the death of King Stephen and surrender of King Iohn therein happening 6 A conceit is that Goodwin Sands were sunk for the sins of himself and his sons Shelves indeed that dangerously lie on the North-east of this County and are much feared of all Navigators These formerly had been firm ground but by a sudden inundation of the Sea were swallowed up as at the same time a great part of Flanders and the Low Countries were and the like also at the same time befel in Scotland as Hector Boetius their Historiographer writeth A like accident hapned in the year 1586 the fourth day of August in this County at Mottingham a Town eight miles from London suddenly the ground began to sink and three great Elmes thereon growing were carried so deep into the bowels of the earth that no part of them could any more be seen the hole left in compass fourscore yards about and a line of fifty fathoms plummed into it doth find no bottom 7 The Kentish people in Caesars time were accounted the civillest among the Britains and as yet esteem themselves the freest Subjects of the English not conquered but compounded with by the Normans and herein glory that their King and Commons of all the Saxons were the first Christians converted in Anno 596 yea and long before that time also Kent received the Faith for it is recorded that Lucius the first Christian British King in this Island built a Church to the name and service of Christ within the Castle of Dover endowing it with the Toll of the same Haven 8 This County is enriched with two Cities and Bishops Sees strengthened with 27 Castles graced with 8 of His Majesties most Princely Houses traded with 24 Market-Towns and beautified with many stately and gorgeous buildings The chiefest Ciâ—y thereof the Motropolitane and Arch-bishops See is Canterbury buiâ—t as our British Historians report 900 years before the birth of â—hrist by Henry of Huntington called Caier-Kent wherein as M. Lambard saith was erected the first School of professed Arts and Sciences and the same a pattern unto Sigibert King of the East Angles for hiâ— foundation at Cambridge notwithstanding by the computation of time this Sigibert was slain by Penda King of Mercia thirty years before that Theodore the Grecian was Bishop of Canterbury who is said to be the erector of that Academy But certain it is that Austin the Monk had made this City famous before that time by the conversion of these Saxons unto Christianiâ—y and in building a most magnificent Church to Gods service wherein eight of their Kings have been interred but all their Monuments
name Bibrotes yielded him subjection which proved the ruine of all former liberty But when the Romans had rent their own Empire and retired their Legion into a narrower circuit the Saxons set foot where their forces had been and made this County a parcel of their Western Kingdom The Danes then setting their desire upon spoils from their roaving Pinnaces pierced into these parts and at Redding fortified themselves betwixt the Rivers Kennet aâ—d Thamisis whether after their great overthrow received at Inglefield by the hand of King Ethelwolfe they retired for their further safety 6 This Town King Henry the first most stately beautified with a rich Monastery and strong Castle where in the Collegiate Chuch of the Abbey himself and Queen who lay both vailed and crowned with the daughter Maud the Empress called the Lady of England were interred as the private History of the place avoucheth though others bestow the bodies of these two Queens elsewhere The Castle King Henry the second razed to the ground because it was the refuge for the followers of King Stephen From whence the North pole is raised in Latitude 51 degrees and 40 minutes and in Longitude from the first West-point observed by Mercator 19 degrees and 35 minutes 7 A Castle and Town of greater strength and antiquity was Wallingford by Autonie and Ptolomy called Gellena the chiefest City of the Attrebatians whose large circuit and strong fortifications shew plainly that it was a place of the Romans abode and since in a conceived safety hath made many very bold especially when the sparks of Englands civil dissentions were forced to flame in case of the Crown betwixt Maud the Empress and King Stephen whether her self and associates resorted as their surest defence 8 But of far greater magnificence and state is the Castle of Windsor a most Princely Palace and Mansion of His Majesty I will not with Ieffery affirm it to be built by King Arthur but with better authority say it was so thirsted after-by the Conquerour that by a composition with the Abbot of Westminster whose then it was he made it to be the Kings possesson as a place besides the pleasures very commodious to entertain the King In this Castle that victorious Prince King Edward the third was born and herein after he had subdued the French and Scots held he at one and the same time as his Prisoners Iohn King of France and David King of Scotland Neither was it ever graced with greater Majesty than by the institution of the most honourable Order of the Garter a signal Ornament of Martial Prowesse the invention thereof some ascribe to be from a Garter falling from his Queen or rather from Ioan Countess of Salisbury a Lady of an incomperable beauty as she danced before him whereat the by-standers smiling he gave the impress to check all evil conceits and in golden Letters imbellished the Garter with this French Posie HONI SOâ—â— QUâ— MALY PENSE And yet that worthy Clarenceaux alledging the Book of the first institution finds the invention to be more ancient as when King Richard the first warred against the Turks Saracens Cypres and Acon he girt the legs of certain choise Knights with a tack of leather which promised a future glory to the wearers The most Princely Chappel thereof is graced with the bodies of those two great Kings Henry the sixth and Edward the fourth whom the whole Kingdom was too little to contain the one of Lancaster the other of York where the rest now united in one mould with a branch of both those Houses even King Henry the eighth who there lieth also interred and rests in the Lord. 9 Other places of note in this Shire are Sinodum in the North and Watham in the East both of them places of the Romans residence as by their moneys there oftentimes found appeareth Neither was Sunning the least in this Tract that had been the seat of eight Bishops before the See was translated thence unto Shirburne or that to Salisbury Wantage also is not wanting of honour in bringing to life that learned and most valiant King Ealfred the scourge of the Danes and great Monarch of the English And Finchhamstead for wonder inferiour to none where as our Writers do witness that in the year a thousand and hundred a Well boyled up with streams of bloud and fiftoen days together continued that Spring whose waters made red all others where they came to the great amazement of the beholders 10 The riches and sweet Seats that this County affordeth made many devout persons to shew their devotions unto true piety in erecting places for Gods divine Service and their exemptions from all worldly business such were Abington Redding Bysham Bromehall Hendley Hamme and Wallingford whose Votaries abusing the intents of their Founders overthrew both their own Orders and places of professions all which were dissolved by Act of Parliament and given the King to dispose at his will This Shires division is into twenty Hundreds and hath been strengthened with six strong Castles is yet graced with three of His Majesties most Princely Houses and traded with twelve Market-Towns and is replenished with one hundred and forty Parishes MIDLE-SEX MIDDLESEX CHAPTER XIV MIDDLESEX so called in regard of the situation as â—eated betwixt the West-Saxons and East-Angles was sometimes together with Essex and Hartford-Shire that part and portion which the East-Saxons enjoyed for their Kingdom it lyeth bordered upon the North with Hartford-Shire upon the West by Colâ—â— is severed from Buckingham the South by Thamesis from Surrey and Kent and on the East from Essex by the River Lea. 2 The length thereof extended from Stratford in the East to Morehall upon Colne in the West is by measure nineteen English miles and from South-mines in the North to his Majesties Mannour of Hampton Court in the South are little above sixteen miles the whole Circumference extending to ninety miles 3 In Form it is almost square for Air passing temperate for Soyl abundantly fertile and for Pasturage and Grain of all kinds yielding the best so that the Wheat of this County hath served a long time for the Manchet to our Princes Table 4 It lyeth seated in a vale most wholesome and rich having some hills also and them of good ascent from whose tops the prospect of the whole is seen like unto Zâ—ar in Egypt or rather like a Paradise and Garden of God 5 The ancient Inhabitants known to Caesar were the Trinobants whom he nameth to be the most puisiant in the Land whose chief City and â—eat yieldeth him subjection made the whole with less loss to the Romans to bear the yoke of their own bondage and to come in under terms of truce But when their Forces in these parts were spent and the Empire shaken by intestine wars the Saxons setting their eyes upon so fair a soyl made their footing as sure herein which lastly with Hartford and Essex was the portion of the East-Saxons Kingdom 6 Five
S. Benedict of Holme annexed to it The Commodities of this County I have contained in these four Verses Ingenio populi cultu Norfolcia clara est Hinc fluviis illinc Insula clausa mari Qua ratis vellus frumenta cuniculus agnus Lac scatet pisces pabula mella crocus This Description of Norfolk I received from the Right Worshipful Sir HENRY SPELMAN Knight CAMBRIDGE SHIRE CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE CHAPTER XVIII CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE lyeth bounded upon the North with Lincoln shire and Northfolk upon the East with Northfolk and Suffolk upon the South with Harâ—fordâ—shire and Essex and upon the West with Bedford and Huntington-shires 2 This Province is not large nor for air greatly to be liked having the Fens so spread upon her North that they infect the Air far into the rest from whose furthest point unto Royston in the South are thirty five miles but in the broadest is not fully twenty the whole in Circumference traced by the compass of her many indents one hundred twenty and eight miles 3 The Soil doth differ both in Air and Commodities the Fenny surcharged with waters the South is Champion and yieldeth Corâ— in abundance with Meadowing Pastures upon both the sides of the River Câ—me which divides that part of the Shire in the midst upon whose East-bank the Muses have built their most sacred Seat where with plenteous increase they have continued for these many hundred years 4 For from ancient Grantcester Camboritum by Antonine now famous Cambridge the other brest and Nurse-mother of all pious literature have flowed full streams of the learned Sciences into all other parts of this Land and else where ancient indeed if their story be rightly writ that will have it built by Cantaber a Spaniard three hundred seventy five years before the birth of our Saviour who thither first brought and planted the Muses This City Grantcester by the tyranny of time lost both her own beauty and her professed Athenian Students so that in Beda's days seven hundred years after the word became flesh it is described to lie a little desolate City and as yet retaineth the name without any memory of circuit by walls Of this City in the year of Christ 〈◊〉 as the Monk of Button doth report nine Scholars received their Baptism and became Preachâ—â—â— of the Gospel among the Britains which as he saith happened in the Reign of Hadrian the Emperour But when the Picts Scots Hunnes and Saxons had laid all things waste and with their savage swords cut ouâ— the leaves of all civil learning this as the rest yielded to destruction and so lay forlorn till the Saxons themselves became likewise civil when Sigebert the first Christian King of the East-Anglâ—s from the example of France whither he had been banished built Shools in his Kingdom and here at Grancester the chief recalling thither the Profâ—ssors of Arts and Sciences as the Story recordeth and Traditions do hold But afterwards as it seemeth their increase being straightned the Students complained as thâ— Prophets did to Elisha that the place was too little for them to dwell in therefore enlarging more North-ward seated themselves near unto the Bridge whereupon the place began to be called Grantbridge though others from the crooked River Came will have it named Cambridge This place though sacred and exempted from Mars as Sylla once spake when he spared Athens the Danes in their destructions regarded no whit wherein they often wintered after their spoyls and left the scars of their savage sores ever behind them And in the year 1010 when Suen in his fierceness bare down all before him this place was no place for Scholars to be in Warres loud Alarum ill consorting the Muses mild Harmonies Yet when the Normans had got the Garland on their heads and these Danish storms turned into Sun-shine days Gislebert the Monk with Odo Terricus and William all three of the like Monastical Profession in the Reign of King Henry the first resorted unto this place and in a publick Barn read the Lectures of Grammar Logick and Rhetorick and Gislebert Divinity upon the Sabbath and festival days From this little Fountain saith Peter Blessensis grow a great River which made all England fruitful by the many Masters and Teachers proceeding out of Cambridge as on t of a holy Paradise of God The first Colledge therein endowed with Professions was Peter-house built by Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely in the year of Grace 1284 whose godly example many others followed so that at this day there are sixteen most stately Colledges and Halls for building beauty endowments and store of Students so replenished that unless it be in her other â—ister Oxford the like are not found in all Europe But at what time it was made an Vniversity let Robert de Remyngton tell you for me In the Reign saith hâ— of King Edward the first Granâ—bridge of a School by the Court of Rome was made an Vniversity such as Oxford is Lastly the â—eridian Line Cutâ—ing the Zenith over this City is distant from the furthest West Point according to Mercator 20 degrees 50 scruples and the Arch of the same Mâ—ridian lying between the Aequator and Vertical point is 52 degrees 20 scruples 5 Another City formerly in great fame is Ely had in account for the repute and holiness of Votary Nuns there residing built first by Audry wife to one Tombrot a Prince in this Province who had this place as a part of her Dowry she having departed from her second Husband â— Egbert King of Northumberland devoted her self to the service of God and built here a Monastery whereof she became the first Abbess This in the Danish desolations was destroyed but soon after re-edified by Ethelwood Bishop of Winchester who stored it with Monks unto whom King Edgar granted the jurisdiction over four hundreds and a half within these Fenns and the East Angles limits which to this day are called The liberties of S. Audrey after whose example many Nobles so enriched it with large Revenues that as Malmesbury saith The Abbot thereof laid up yearly in his own Coffers a thousand and four hundred pounds And of later times the Monks thereof became so wealthy that their old decayed Church they renewed with new and most stately buildings which is now the Cathedral of the Diocess and for beauty giveth place to no other in the Land Eight other foundations set apart from secular use in this Province were at Thorney Charteres Denny Elsey Beach Barnwell Swasey and Shengey all which in the days of King Henry the Eighth came to the period of their surpassing wealth and left their Lands to the dispose of his Will 6 The general Commodity of this Shire is Corn which in the South and Champion part doth abundantly grow as also Saffron a very rich Spice Some Woods there are and Pasture both pleasant and profitable The North part thereof is Fenny but withal fruitful whereof Henry of Huntington and William of Malinesbury thus do write
in it for the celebration of Divine Service CUMBERLAND CHAPTER XLI CUMBERLAND the furthest North-West Province in this Realm of England confronteth upon the South of Scotland and is divided from that Kingdom partly by the River Kirsop then crossing Eske by a tract thorow Solomâ—-Moss until it come to the Solwaye-Frith by Ptolomy called the Itune-Bay The north-North-West part is neighboured by Northumberland more East-ward with Westmerland the South with Lancashire and the West is wholly washed with the Irish-Seas 2 The form whereof is long and narrow pointing wedg-like into the South which part is altogether pestred with copped hills and therefore hath the name of Cop-land The middle is more level and better inhabited yielding sufficient for the sustenance of man but the North is wild and solitary cumbred with Hills as Copland is 3 The Air is piercing and of a sharp temperature and would be more biting were it not that those high Hills break off the Northern storms and cold falling Snows 4 Notwithstanding rich is this Province and with great varieties thereof is replenished the Hills though rough yet smile upon their beholders spread with Sheep and Cattel the Vallies stored with Grass and Corn sufficient the Sea affordeth great store of Fish the Land overspread with variety of Fowls and the Rivers feed a kind of Muskle that bringeth forth Pearl where in the mouth of the Irt as they lie gaping and sucking in Dew the Country people gather and sell to the Lapidaries to their own little and the buyers great gain But the Mines Royal of Copper whereof this Country yieldeth much is for use the richest of all the place is at Keswick and Newland where likewise the Black-Lead is gotten whose plenty maketh it of no great esteem otherwise a commodity that could hardly be missed 5 The ancient Inhabitants known to the Romans were the Brigantes whom Ptolomy disperseth into Westmorland Richmond Durham York-shire and Lancashire But when the Saxons had overborn the Britains and forced them out of the best to seek their resting among the vast Mountains these by them were entred into where they held play with their enemies maugre their force and from them as Marianus doth witness the Land was called Cumber of those Kumbri the Britains But when the State of the Saxons was sore shaken by the Danes this Cumberland was accounted a Kingdom of it self for so the Flower-gatherer of Westminster recordeth King Edmund saith he with the help of Leoline Prince of South-Wales wasted all Cumberland and having put out the eyes of the 〈◊〉 soâ—s of Dunmail King of that Province granted that Kingdom unto Malcolm King of Scots whereof their eldest sons became Prefects This Province King Stephen to purchâ—se favour with the Scots what time he stood in most need of aid confirmed by gift under their Crown which Henry the Second notwithstanding made claim unto and got as Nubrigensis writeth and laid it again in the Marches of England since when many bickerings betwixt these Nations herein have hapned but none so bitter against the Scottish-side as was that at Salome Moss where their Nobility disdaining their General Oliver Sinclere gave over the Battel and yielded themselves to the English which dishonour pierced so deeply into to the heart of King Iames the fifth that for grief thereof he shortly after died 6 Many memorable Antiquities remain and have been found in this County for it being the Confines of the Romans Possessions was continually secured by their Garrisons where remains at this day part of that admirable Wall built by Severus also another Fortification from 〈◊〉 to Elâ—â—-Moâ—th upon the Sea-shore toward Ireland by Stillicâ— raised when under 〈◊〉 he suppressed the rage of the Picts and Irish and freed the Seas of the Saxon Pirates Upon Hard-knot hill Moresby Old-Carleil Pap-Castle along the Wall and in many other places their ruines remain with Altars and Iâ—scriptions of their Captains and Colonies whereof many have been found and more as yet lie hid 7 The chiefest City in this Shire is Careile pleasantly seated betwixt the Rivers Eden Petterelâ— and Caud by the Romans called Luguvallum by Beda Luell by Ptolomy Leucopibia by Ninius Caer-Lualid and by us Carlile This City flourishing under the Romans at their departure by the furious outrages of the Scots and Picts was dejected yet in the daies of Egfrid King of Northumberland was walled about but again defaced by the over-running Danes lay buried in her own ashes the space of two hundred years upon whose ruines at length Rufus set his compassionate eye and built there the Castle planting a Colony of Flemings to secure the Coasts from the Scots but upon better advisement removed them into Wales After him Henry his Brother and Successor ordained this City for an Episcopal See whose site is placed in the degree of Longitude from the first West part 17 and 2 scruples and the Pole thence elevated from the degree of Latitude 55 and 56 scruples 8 West from hence at Burgh upon the Sand was the fatal end of our famous Monarch King Edward the First who there leaving his Wars unfinished against Scotland left his troubles and soon missed life to his untimely and soon lamented death 9 And at Salkelds upon the River Eden a Monument of seventy seven Stones each of them ten foot high above ground and one of them at the entrance fifteen as a Trophy of Victory was erected These are by the By-dwellers called Long-Meg and her Daughters 10 This Country as it stood in the Fronts of Assaults so was it strengthened with twenty-five Castles and preserved with the Prayers as then was thought of the Vâ—taries in the Houses erected at Carlilâ— Lâ—ncroft Wether all Holme Daker and Saint Bees These with others were dissolved by King Henry the Eight and their revenues shadowed under his Crown but the Province being freed from the charge of Subsidie is not therefore divided into Hundreds in the Parliament Roles whence we have taken the divisions of the rest only this is observed that therein are seated nine Market-Towns fifty eight Parish-Churches besides many other Chappels of Ease NORTHUMBERLAND NORTHUMBERLAND CHAPTER XLII THE County of Northumberlaâ—d hath on the South the Bishoprick of Durham being shut in with the River Derwent and with Tyne the North is confined upon Scotland the West upon part of Scotland and part of Cumberland the East-side lyeth altogether upon the Sea called Mare Germanicum 2 The form thereof is Triangular and differs not much in the sidings for from her South-East unto the South-West point are near unto 40 miles from thence to her North-point are sixty miles and her base along the Sea-shore 45 miles The whole in circumference is about one hundred forty five miles 3 The Air must needs be subtile and piercing for that the Northernly parts are most exposed to extremity of weathers as great winds hard froâ—ts and long lying of snows c. Yet would it be far more sharp than it is were
For the most part they live not as if Reason guided their actions Maginus numbers twenty five Provinces of this Country which have had their several Governours Now it knoweth but four Kings and those are 1 The King of Tombulum and he is an infinite rich Monarch hates a Iew to the death of his Subject that converseth with him keeps a Guard of three thousand Horsemen besides Foot 2 Of Bornaum where the people have no proper Names no Wives peculiar and therefore no Children which they call their own 3 Of Gonga who hath no estate but from his Subjects as he spends it 4 Gualatum a poor Country God wot not worth either Gentry of Laws or indeed the name of a Kingdom 14 Aethiopia Superior the fifth and is called likewise the Kingdom of the Abyssines It is limited on the North with Aegypt on the South with the Montes Lunae on the East with the Red-Sea and on the West with the Kingdom of the Nigers and Manilongo It is distinct from the Aethiopia so often mentioned in Scripture For by all probability that was in another quarter of the world and teacheth from the Red-Sea to the Persian Gulf. It is governed by one of the mightiest Emperors in the world For his power reacheth almost to each Tropick and is called by us Presbyter Iohn He is the only white man amongst them and draws his Line from Solomon and the Queen of the South His Court rests not long in one place but his moving as well for Housing as Retinue For it consists of Tents only to the number of six thousand and incompasseth in about twelve or thirteen miles He hath under him seventy Kings which have their several Laws and Customes Among these the Province of Dobas hath one that no man marry till he hath killed twelve Christians The Inhabitants of the whole Region are generally base and idle the better sort have the modesty to attire themselves though it be but in Lyons and Tygers skins Their Religion is mixt Christians they have but yet differ from us For they circumcise both Sects Their Oath is by the life of their King whom they never see but at Christmas Easter and Holy Rood Their Commodities are Oranges Lemmons Citrons Barley Sugar Honey c. 15 Aethiopia inferior the sixth part of Africa is on every side begirt with Sea except toward the North that way it is severed form the Abissines by the Montes Lunae The government of this Region is under five free Kings 1 of Aiana which contains in it two petty Kingdoms of Adel and Adia and abounds with Flesh Honey Wax Gold Ivory Corn very large Sheep 2 Zanguebar in this stands Mesambique called by Ptolomy Prassum Promontorium and was the utmost part South ward of the old world The Inhabitants are practised much in South-saying indeed Witch craft 3 Of Monomolâ—pa in which is reported to be three thousand Mines of Gold Here there lives a kind of Amazons as valiant as men Their King is served in great pomp and hath a guard of two hundred Mastives 4 Cafraia whose people live in the Woods without Laws like brutes And here stands the Cape of good Hope about which the Sea is always rough and dangerous It hath been especially so to the Spaniard It is their own note in so much that one was very angry with God that he suffered the English Hereticks to pass so easily over and not give his good Catholikes the like speed 5 Manicongo whose Inhabitants are in some parts Christians but in other By-Provinces Anthropophagi and have shambles of mans flesh as we have for meat They kill their own children in the birth to avoid the trouble of breeding them and preserve their Nation with stoln brats from their nighbouring Countries 16 Aegypt is the seventh and last part of the African Continent which deserves a larger Tract than we can here afford it But for the present be content with brief Survey and satisfie your self more particularly in the many several Authours that write her story It hath on the East the Red Sea Barbary on the West on the North the Mediterraneum and Aethiopia Superior on the South It was first possest by Cham and therefore called Chemiaâ— in their own antique Stories Or at least by Mitzraim his Grand-child and is so agreed upon by most For plenty it was called Orbis hâ—rrâ—um yet it had very seldom any rain but that defect was supplied by the River Nilus The places of note are Caire and Alexandria The first was heretofore Memphis Some say Babylon whither the Virgin 〈◊〉 to escape Herods tyranny intended to our Saviour and blush not to shew the very Cave where â—he had hid her Babe In a desert about four miles distant stand the Pyramids esteemed rightly one of the seven wonders of the world Alâ—zandria was a mangnificent City and the place where Ptolomy took his Observations and was famous for the rarest Library in the world To the Inhabitants of this Country we owe the invention of Astrology Physick writing on Paper Their Kings names were Pharaoh toward the beginning now what the Turks pleaseth 17 And this is as far as we may travel by Land it remains that we lose out into the bordering Sea and descry what Islands we can neer those parts of Africa which we have here mentioned And these lie either South-ward in the Aethiâ—â—pick Sea or else West-ward in the Atlantick Ocean 18 The Aethiopick Islands are only two 1 The Islands of S. Lawrence of Madagascar four thousand miles in compass and the length more than Italy rich in all Commodities almost that man can use The Inhabitants are very barbarous most of them black some white there are supposed to have been transplanted out of China 2 Zocratina at the mouth of the Red-Sea in length sixty in breadth â—wenty five miles It lieth open to sharp winds and by that means is extream dry and barren Yet it hath good Drugs and form hence comes the Aloâ— Zocratina The people are Christians and adore the Cross most superstititously and give themselves much to Inchantments 19 The Atlantick Islands are 1 S. Thomas Island and lyeth directly under the Aequator it was made habitable by the Portugals which found it nothing but a Wood. It is full of Sugar little â—ther Commodities 2 Prince Island between the Aequator and Tropick of Capricorn It is rich â—nough for the owner though I find no great report of it 3 The Gorgades of old the Gorgoss where Medusa and her two fisters dwelt I forbear the fable they are nine in number and because neer to Cape Viridâ— in the Land of Negroes the have a second name of Insulae Capitis Viridis They abound with Goats and the chief of them is called Saint Iames. 4 The Canaries called for their fertility The Fortunate IsIands and was the place of the first Meridian with the ancient Geographers to divide the world into the East and West and from thence the to measure
have the name of Summers Islands possest by a Plantation of English and agreeth well with their temper 10 Hispaniola or Haitie the first that was described by Columbus in the beginning of his attempt An excellent Island for temper of air fertility of soil rich Mines Amber Sugar and Roots medicinal One of the chief Towns in Dâ—mingo ransackt by Sir Francis Drake 1585. The rest are S. Isabella S. Thome S. Iolius c. 11 There are a rank of Islands neer the Basis of the South America that are called Insulae Carâ—lum or Canibalorum part of them are Canibals and wild people yet they yield Commodities especially the Guiaâ—um or lignum Sanctum 26 The Islands of America on the West in the Pacisick Sea are not many of much account 1 The chief is Califormia an Island of about 500 leagues from the North Cape Mendocina to the South S. Lucas which enters a little within the Tropick of Cancer 2 Insulae Salemonis supposed by some to be the Land of Ophir 3 Insulae Lâ—tronum named from the Natives theft who stole Magellanus Coch-boat when he first entred in Ελλας GREECE Petrus Kaerius Caelav The Description of GRAECIA GReece is divided from Italy but by a short cut of the Adriatick Sea Each is so placed in Contra-view of the other as if she were ordered to over-look her neighbours actions And so indeed there that been continually a mutual emulation betwixt the two flourishing Nations which have either in turns possest or at once divided the Empire of our Christian world 2 However now she lieth dejected and groans under a miserable servitude yet once she had as well the preheminence of Rome in glory as the precedence in time For to say truth she was the wisest of any people that were not enlightned with the knowledge of that great mystery she set a patteren for government to all her succeeding ages and in brief she was the mistrest almost of all Sciences some there are which in a strict accompt will except none but the Mathematiques And yet too though those without doubt owetâ—eir Being to the Chaldeans and Aegyptians sure I am that even in them she bred some of the most famous Artists that ever the World had Euclidâ— may be my proof In Philosophy Sâ—crates Plato and our great Aristole In Oratory Demosthemes Aeschines and Isocrates In Historiography Xenophon Theucidides Plutarch and Herodotus In Poesie Hesiod Homer Sophocles and Aristophanes In State policy the wisest Solon of Atheâ—s and Lycurgus of Lacâ—demoniâ— In Military affairs Themisâ—ocles Miltiades and the great Alexander and infinite others which had all past their times and Greece almost sunk in her luster before the name of Rome was heard of almost in her Territories 3 She was at first but a small parcel of this quarter till by her prowess she grew on upon her neighbouring Countries and enlarged her Dominions through all Mâ—cedonia Peloponâ—esus Epirus thâ— Aegean Islands and Thrace and besides sent forth Colonies into other parts as well of Asia and Africa as of Europe whereof some retain the Greek names to this day Her self enjoyed the liberty for a long time which the first Inhabitants took to themselves and felt not the burden of a tributary Nation till the time of the Persian Cyrus He first brought her under After him Xerxes and other of the Kings of Persia which held it till it was recovered by Phillip King of Macedonia and from him it fell to Alexander the great who first took up his Greek Monarchy and at his death in the division delivered this with the rest to his successours in the Kingdome of Macedonia and so it continued until their last Perseus in whose time it fell into the power of the Romans 4 But when that Empire too had its fate to be severed by Constantine the great into the East and West the Greeks again put in for a part and were for a time Rulers of the East till they were successively over-run by the Goths Bulgarians Saracens and Turks under whom to this day the poor wretches suffâ—r continual persecution for the name of Christ and aâ—e scarce permitted by that great tyrant means of learning to know the Names for which they suffer 5 This Region was first called Helles from Hello the son of Dencalion and Pyrrha and in after times took the name of Graecia from Graecus the son of Cecrops and King then of that part only which was called Attica For then there were many States which were ordered by their peculiar Princes But when once they were joyned into a Monarchy the whole retained the name of that part which was accounted most famous and the Inhabitants in their stories generally called Graecians though sometimes by the like synecdoche Achâ—i Achevi Argivi Danai Dolopes Dores Dryopes Hellenes Iones Myrusidones and Pelasgi 6 The bounds of Greece have been severally set as her government hath been either enlarged by her own valour or impaired by a foraign enemy But as she is now taken by Geographers her mark on the East is the Aegean Sea on the West the Adriatick which severs her from Italy on the North the mountain Hanus which is reported though falsly to be of such heighth that from the top a man may descry Seas four several ways and on the South the Meditertaneum Ionium Seas 7 The Region thus limited was once as fertile pleasant and rich as any part of the whole Continent And by reason of her plenteous Rivers and commodious access for ships from almost all Coasts she could want no means to export her own overpluâ— or import forraign merchandise from all parts of the known world If at this day it appears not in that lustre no marvel Barbarus has segetes Impius hac tam culta nevalia miles habebat 8 And besides the base misusage of the mis-believing Turk the very Natives themselves are fallen from the noble disposition of their Predecessors into an incredible sottishness and those which before reckoned the rest of the earth Barbarous in comparision to their polite Common-wealth are now themselves sunk below the envy of the meanest Nation and become the most miserable object of pity living upon the earth Indeed they may hardly be said to live for that they take no farther care than barely to live They are lazy beyond belief and ignorant almost beyond recovery for they have now no means to bring their children either to learning or manners Not an Academy in all Greece Their carriage generally uncivil their feasts riotous and their mirth debaucht Their Wives are well-favoured and so indeed they must be for they use them no longer as their Wives than they continue to their liking when they once fade they are put to the house drudgery Their language is the same as heretofore but rudely corrupted though as Maginus reports it differs not so much as the Italian from the pure Latine They have no habit almost proper but those which serve the Turk wear their
called Epidaâ—num and Croya The whole Country was invaded by Amurath â—nâ— recovered by George Castriot or Scanderbeg the terriblest enemy that ever the Turk had 18 Epirus in her name carries no more than a firm land and is a part as most esteem it of Albania but indeed lies somewhat more South-ward than Abania propria on the East she is divided from Achaia by the River Achelous and on the West is bounded with Monâ—es Acroceraunii on the South with the Ionian Sea It was of old divided into Câ—aonia which took her name from Chaon the brother of Helenus and Acarnania which is now called Graecia the less The Country was fertile and populous but at this day lies wast and breeds better Cattel than men especially Buls Sheep and Dogs of wonderfull bigness among the rest extraordinary Mares which from thence were called Eporiticae It was the Kingdom of Pyrrhus and of later years was governed by George Castriot 19 Achaia is upon the South of Thessalia East of the River Achelous West of the Aegean Sea and North of Peloponnesus It contains many famous Provinces the chief are 1 Attica and her prime City was Athens now Setines she had her first name from Minerva whom they honoured as their peculiar goddess as being at that time accounted the best learned among the Heathens and excelled as well in Martial affairs In a word they came short to noâ—e in wealth State-policy aâ—d what else might make a people happy above expression so Pliny sets her forth The second Priovince is Daris a tract near Parnassus Mount and mother to the most elegant Greek Dialect 3 Aetolian and in this the City Câ—lynan 4 Locris and Regio Opuntiorum her chief City Naupactus and the famous Lepanto 5 Phocis which can glory in nothing more than the City Delphi where the Oracle of Apollo gave answer for many years to the silly Idolaters 6 Beotia and in this stood Thebes 7 Megaris her principal City Megara and from hence was the Seâ—ta Megarica of which Euclide was chief 20 Pâ—loponnesus is a Peninsula on the South of Graecia and joyned to the rest by an Isthmuâ— which is not above 5 miles in breath from one Sea to the other insomuch that it hath been sometimes attempted to be digged through and was began by Nero but the work was found not worth the charge and trouble It waâ— fenced cross with a strong wall and five Castles which being once destroyed was the second time by many hands erected in five days and called Hexamillium 21 This Peninsula is indeed the fortress of all Greece and though it wants much of the ancient glory which it might well vaunt in the time of Agamemnon Menelaus Ajax and the rest yet is she not so much to be contemned as other parts of this ruinated Coâ—ntry However the Turk is her Master and she his now called generally Morea 22 Her Provinces were 1 Corinthia neer the Isthmus and is named from her chief City Corintâ—us which being â—â—red melted sundry metals into a confused medly and made up the Aes Corinthium held more precious than any other of its own simple nature 2 Argia her Common-wealth was heretofore of great note and her City Argos is at this day held pleasant and well seated And in this likewise stood Epidamnus 3 Laconia to the South of the Peninsulae her Chief City was Lacedemonia once Sparta when Lycurgus gave his Laws and is now called Misithra 4 Messeniâ— and her chief Cities are Messene Methone Corone c. 5 Elis. 6 Achaia propria and here stood Aegina and Aegium and Patras 7 Arcadia once Pelasgia in the Centeâ— almost of Peloponnesus full of pleasant Mountains fit for pasture and is therefore made the Shepâ—erds scene in our renowned Sir Philip â—idney's poetical story Her principal City is Megalopolis 23 Thus have we passed the Continent of Greece and want coâ—ing only to give mâ— Reader a brief survey of the Islands which lie round in the Adriatique Mediteraneâ—n Ionian and Aegean seas But by reason the compass is so large and the number so great the little space which is left me will scarce admit more than their bare names which I will set down with reference to their next neighbouring Provinces as I have described them in the Continent 24 First then near Pelepâ—â—â—esus and the Ionian sea toward Macedonia and Epirus the chief â—re Aegina Cithera the Stâ—ophâ—des Zâ—â—ynâ—bus Cephalonia Ithacâ— Eâ—â—inades Corcyra or Corphin and Saphâ— c. In the Aegean sea belonging to Greece are the Cyclades and Sporades and over against Thrace Thassus Samothracia Imbrus and Lemnos Vulcani Neer Macedonia Pepanthos Scopelos Scyathos Scyros Aâ—â—onnesus Cycinnethus Dromus Seraquinus Neer Achaia is Euboea now Megreponte a very large Island and not far distant Andros Tenos Delos Rhene Melos and many others THE ROMANE EMPIRE Petrus Karius Caelavit The Description of the Roman Empire VIRTVTE Duce comite Fortunâ is the word of most Historians upon the low birth and quick growth of the state of Rome For had not matchless prowess and infallible success joyned in their full strength to make up an Empire for the world to admire I see not how she could in so few years raise her self from so small grounds to so high a pitch of luâ—tre as set the whole earth at a gaze and found us all business enough for a time to do liâ—tle else but obâ—erve her actions Look back to Romulus her first founder you shall find him no better man than the base son of a licentious Vestall his father not truly known to this day but simply surmised to be Mars the god of War His mother Rhea burnt by law for that very fact in which she conceived him and himself an out-cast exposed with his brother Rhemus to be torn by the wild Beasts Little hope we see left for such a Nation to spring from their loins had not Fortune lulled them in her own lap and delivered them by meer chance into the hands of one Faustulus the Kings Shepherd when thâ—y were thus found the best Writers afford them no better Nurse than the Shepherds wife a known Strumpet who for her insatiate lust was called Lupa and might perhaps occasion the fable of the Shâ—wâ—lf She suckled them with no choicer milk than she did her own home-spun brats nor were they bred under Faustâ—lus to any better fortune than the Sheep-hook yet no sooner the yonkers were start up to the knowledge of their true birth but they stript themselves out of their disguise revenged their mothers death upon their usurping Uncle Aeâ—ilius Sylvius restâ—red the Latine Kingdom to the rightful Numitor and erected a new Empire for their own posterity 2 These were the progeny of Aeneas who arrived here from the Trâ—jan War and made love to Lavinia daâ—ghter to Latinus King of the Laureâ—tiâ—i The great combat betwixt him and Turnâ—s the Rutilian grew upon no other terms than for her fair looks which he could not nor did he
Captains 5 Lanâ—â—â— North west from Pilsen noted for the most fruitful place in the whole Region 15 Now the out Provinces which are part of the Kingdom though not of Bohemia are first Lâ—â—atia It Iyeth betwixt the Rivers Albis and Odera and the Mountains of â—ohemia On the West it hath Saxony On the North and East Brandenburg On the South Silesia It is divided into the higher and lower Lâ—satia and is watered with the River Nissâ— It is indeed part of Saxony though under rule to the King of Bohemia For both this and Silesia was given to Vratislaus by the Emperor Henâ—y the â—ourth It is a very fruitful Country in most kind of grain and the Inhabitants though employed much in Husbandry yet are they a warlike people as most of Germany and so they have been tried by the Duke of Saxony and others of the Emperors party though they have been by number and main strength over-born The first that was surprised was Bantsen but the Metropolis is â—orlitâ—ia next Zittan c. No soil nor Customes differ much from the next Province 6 Silesia on the West hath part of Bohemia upon the North Dusatia and part of Poland upon the South Moravea and upon the East Polonia At the beginning it was part of the Hircinian Forest It is watered with the River Odera and from hence took her name as Conradus Celtus delivers it Lib Amorum 2. Eleg. 5. Hic Odera à priscis qui nomina Suevus habebat Nascitur Godani praecipitatur aquis Suevos qui Siesum socium sibi convocat amnem A quo nunc nomen Slesia terra gerit But Iohannes Crato a Silesian rather thinks that the name came from the Qâ—adi a people that heretofore inhaâ—â—ted these parts and the rather for thâ—t the very Qâ—adi in the Slavonian Tongue signifieth the same which Sâ—lâ—sium did in the Sâ—xon and old German That they did possess this Provâ—nce is agreed upon by most but where they were before seated Geographers somewhat differ Ptolomâ— placeth them by the Hirâ—inian under Lâ—na sylva and others not far off It was the people which in their war with Mâ—rcus Aâ—tonius the Emperour were scaâ—tered with thundring and lightning obtained by the prayers of the Christian Legion For when the Râ—man was driven to such straight that he could foresee no help which might come from man he put himself upon their prayers to God for his deliverance A strange hope that he could believe in their faith and yet not in that God in whoâ— they believed But the Almighty was pleased to shew his power and force the very heathen â—o honour his people For here ended the fourth Persecution 174. and the Christian Legion was surnamed the Thunderer 17 The air here is somewhat cold but mild and the Land â—ertile The Inhabitants good Husbandmen to make the best They have a kind of forced Wine which the meaner sort drink freely The richer have it sent from those neighbouring Provinces which are better stored The chief City is Perslaw or Vratisâ—avia which takes name from her Founder Vratislaus and in honour of him givâ—â— the Letter W in her Arms. About the seat of this City Ptolomâ— placeth Budorgis insomuch that some think this was raised out of her ruine Not far off there is yet to be seen the remainders of statelâ— old buildings which are supposed to have been the houses of the ancient Quadi Iâ— the year 1341. â—t was ruined by fire but built again with stone and it is now one of the stateliest Cities of Germaâ—y for â—xcellent buildings and fair streets It is an Archbishops See and an Academy The rest are Neissa Niâ—sa â— Bishops See and a fair Town Glats Oppolen Olderberge Glomor c. Maginus numbers 15 Dukedomes in Silesia whereof six remain in their ancient families the rest for want of heirs are â—allen to the King of Bâ—hemia But the two chief of name are Ligintz and Swevitz The first is immediately the Kings Swevitz too is under his government but yet hath a Duke of its own which is honoured with the title and revenues 18 Moravia is bounded on the North and East with Silesia on the West with Brandenburg on the South with Austria and Hungary It was heretofore called Marcomannia received the latter name from the River Moravia which runs through the Country It yields plenty of Corn Wine Fish and People which use a kind of confused mixt language of Sclavonick Bohemick and Tutonick In plowing up their grounds there hath been oftentimes found a certain Coyn of the Roman Emperours Marcus Antonius with this inscription de Marcomannis which the Inhabitants interpret to be of the Spoâ—ls whiâ—h the Roman took from the Marcomanâ—i who inhabited this Region For certain it is that this people were vanquished by Marcus Antonius as appears in their Historians The People were converted to Christianity by Methodius Their chief City is Olmuzium Olmuz an â—niversity Brin c. It is reported by Dubrarius that in Gradiâ—co a part of this Province there grow eth a kind of Myrrhe and Frankincense out of the ground which in likeness resemble the hidden parts of man and woman It was first added to the King and Kingdome of Bohemia by Sigisâ—und the Emperour in the Reign of Albertus GALLIA The Description of FRANCE No people but are ambitious to win upon Antiquity as far as their Line will reach Among others the French are great prerenders to that Title and fetch their original from Mesech the sixth son of Iapheth not above an hundred and fifty years after the Ark â—ested But this passeth not for currant truth among her own Historians and therefore is not the plea which gives France here the second place in my Division of Europe I observe rather her situation which ranks her next to Spain East-ward and that was the course proposed in my general Description 2 As for her Inhabitants the first certainly which we can make good were the Gauls A people of whose beginning we can give no unquestionable account yet this of them is most sure they were a Nation of noted valour above four hundred years before Christ. It is â—ow full two thousand and twelve since they sacked Rome and took the Capitoll In the memory of that great Action we may claim a part For first were themselves conquered by the two â—oble Brittish spirits Brennius and â—elinus Kings of England and aâ—ter led on by them if we may trust the story unto thoâ—e glorious adventures which have to this day continued their fame almost above any other Natâ—on Let the proof resâ— upon my Author This saith Matthaeus west monâ—steâ—iensis out of the Roman History 3 â—â—ecenta millia â—allorum ad sedes novas querendas prâ—â—ecti ducibus Bâ—linâ— Brennio Romam invaseruâ—t ibique diu morati â—unt Sed mille libras auri praemium discessionis â— Romanis suscipientes mox diversis agminibus alii Graeâ—iam alii Macedoniam alii Thraciam petiverunt
the Romans in Citeriorem which lay nearest to their Territories and Vlteriorem which was all the extent beyond the River Iberus ad fretum usque Herculeum The second was by them too in Baeticum the whole tract beyond the River Ana South-ward 2 Lusitanium Northward toward the Cantabrick Ocean and 3 Terraconensem Eastward joyning upon France When the Moors enjoyed it they rent it into twelve parcels a multitude of petty royalties Arragon Catalonia Valentia Castile Toledo Biscay Leon Gallicea Murcia Navarre Corduba and Portugal And these yet retain the name of Kingdoms but their government was long ago recovered into the hands of five which bare the titles of Castile Arragon Granada Navarre and Portugal It was of latter times contracted into the three Kingdoms of Arragon Castile and Portugal but is in the power of one King called the Catholick King of Spain We stand to this last division as most proper for our times and best befitting my brief Discourse Give me leave to add the Islands which lie near to each Kingdom 11 The present state of Arragon comprehends three of those Kingdomes as it was scattered by the Moors and Sarazens 1 Arragon it self which lieth on the South of Navarre on the East of Castile on the North of Valentia and the West of Catalonia The ancient Inhabitants were the Iaccetani Lutenses and Celtiberi her chief City Caesar Augusta 2 Catalonia It lieth betwixt Arragon and the Pyrenâ—an hills It is supposed a mixt name from Gothi and Alani people which heretofore possest it after the Vandals had lost their hold The Region is but barren yet it hath in it many Cities the chief Terra cona which gave name to the whole Province called by the Romans Terraconenses 3 Valentia which on the East is touched with the Mediterraneum on the North with Castile on the South with the Kingdom of Murcia It is reported for the most pleasant and fruitful Region in all Spain it hath her name from her chief City and as Maginus relates admits as yet of 22 thousand Families of Moors In this is the University where S. Dominick Father of the Dominicans studied and the old Saguntum besieged by Hannibal now Morvedre 12 The state of Castile as now it stands comprehends all the rest of those scattered Governments as were possest by the Moors Portugal only excepted And first Castile it self both the old which joyns with Arragon on the East of Portugal and the west of Navarre and the new which toucheth her upon the South The first abounds not much with fruits but yet it breeds many Cattel The Metropolis is Burgos and the other chief are Salamanca an University and Valadolit once the seat of the Kings of Spain Now Castile abounds more with Corn is watered with the River Tagus and Ana And in this stands the Kings chief Cities Madrid and Toledo which was heretofore a propriatory of it self The rest that belong to Castile are 2. Toledo however now but a City of new Castile yet in the division her Territories spread themselves over a large compass The City is in the midst of Spain It was the seat of the Gothish Kings and successively of the Moorish Princes now of the Arch-Bishops who exceed in Revenues any other Prelate in the world except the Pope Here hath sate eighteen National Councils in the time of the Gothish Kings 3. 13 Biscay heretofore Cantabria on the North of old Castile toward the Ocean it was the last people which yielded to the Romans and after to the Moors A Mountainous Countrey but affords excellent Timber for ships and good Iron Her Cities are S. Sebastian Fonterabia and Bilbao which stands but two miles from the Sea and is noted for excellent Blades some have been tried by the English upon their own Crests 4. 14 Leon heretofore Austria on the East hath Biscay on the West Gallicia on the North the Cantabrick Ocean and on the South old Castile The Region is reported to yield plenty of Gold Vermilion red Lead and other Colours else she is barren her inhabitants not many and those live most upon Hunting and Fishing It is the title of the eldest Son of Castile as Wales is to our Prince of England Her chief City is Oveido which bears part with her in the name of a Kingdom and indeed was the Title of the first Christian King after the Moors Conquest 15 Gallicia on the East joyns upon Leon on the West it is bounded with the Atlantick Ocean on the North with the Cantabrick and on the South with the River Mingo It breeds Iennets in abundance insomuch that they have been Poetically feigned to be conceived by the wind Niger writes that here hath been an incredible plenty of Gold Lead and Silver that the Rivers are full of a mixt earth and that the Plough could scarce wag for clods of Golden Ore There appears now no such matter The principal Cities are Saint Iago where S. Iames the Apostle lieth buried his Reliques kept worshipped and visited by Pilgrims And the other of note especially with us is Corugna an excellent Port for Ships and mentioned oft in our wars with the Spaniards by the name of the Groyne Here likewise is the Promontory Nerius called by our Mariners Capo de finis terrae 16 Murcia on the North hath new Castile on the South and East the Spanish Seas It is not much peopled but yet is famous for several commodities especially for pure earthen Vessels and fine Silk Heretofore it enriched the Romans with a daily supply of 25000 Drachmae of silver Her chief places are Alicante whence our Alicant Wines come and new Carthage oft commended by our Travellers for her large and safe Haven and lastly Murcia a Town which gives name to the whole Region 17 Navarre lieth close to the Pirenaean Hills and as Maginus gives it is enclosed with Mountains and so it is North and East on the West it hath the River Ebro and on the South Arragon The Vascones are said to have lived here who afterward placed themselves in France and kept there their name to this day of Vascones corruptly Gascoigns The chief Towns are Bampelme the Metropolis and Viana the title of the Navarran Prince Maginus sets the Revenue annual of this Kingdom at 100000 Duckets 18 Corduba now a City only heretofore a Kingdom and included Andaluzia Granada and Estremadura Equalized almost the whole Province which the Romans in their second division called Baetica Andaluzia hath lost but one Letter of her name since she was possest by the Vandales From them she was first called Vandalicia since Andalicia corruptly Andaluzia It lieth on the west of Granada and is a very fertile Countrey In this Region is the chief City Corduba whence we receive our Cordavan Leather The second of note is Sevil the Metropolitan of Andaluzia and the fortunate Islands esteemed the goodliest City in all Spain and though as Corduba it was not honoured with the Title of a Kingdom
yet it honoured a Kingdom with her Title in the opinion of some which derive Hispania from her former appellation Hispalus From this shoar they lanch forth toward the Indies and from hence they send their Sevil Oranges The Arch-bishop of Sevil is second to Toledo as well in Revenues as degree Near to Andaluzia is the Island of Gades by which the Carthaginians entred into Spain Since it is called Cadis and commonly Cales The English have had their turn in the possession of that Isle Now again fortune hath cast it upon the Spaniard On the very South edge of this Region stands one of Hercules Pillars which answers to the other Promontory in Mauritania The Sea betwixt both is called Fretum Herculeum and Straits of Gibralter The second Province of Corduba was Granada on the East of Andaluzia the West of Mâ—rcia and South of new Castle toward the Spanish Seas It hath been far more fertile than now it is yet it still reserves a shew of her former beauty affords as excellent Sugar Silk and Wines The principal Towns of note are Granada and Malaga the first for Stockins and the other for good Sacks The third Province of Corduba â—stremadura lieth on the South of Castile and is watâ—ed through the middle with the River Ana. And in this stands the City Merida once a Roman Colony and named by them Augusta Emerita from the Inhabitants which were there planted by Augustus and câ—lled out of his ancient tryed Souldiers 19 Portugal is the third Kingdom in our last division of Spain and it may well be esteemed one of her largest Territories for it runs along the Atlantick Ocean from the borders of Gallicea as Andaluzia on the North it is limited with the River Mingo on the South with part of the Mediterraneum the West with the Atlantick and on the East with the Castiles Andalâ—zia and Estremadura Her name some derive à portu Gallorum Maginus rather à portu Cale a Haven of that name which was much frequented by Fishermen It is almost the same portion of Spain which was heretofore Lusitania and her people were esteemed the most valiant crafty and agile Souldiers of the whole Region yet now they are held to be simple ad proverbium usque But it is their neighbour Spaniards ceâ—sure who indeed have over reached them in cunning and brought them under the subjection of their Catholick King which were before a free State of themselves and carried with them another Kingdom of the Algarbi which stands in her very South and shews the Cape of St. Vincent into the Atlantick Ocean Give them their due they are excellent Sea-men and the best alive to atchieve adventurous actions For they added to their Dominions many Territories of Africa Asia and America could they have been so fortunate as to have kept their Kingdoms and themselves out of the reach of the cogging Spaniard 20 The Country affords not much Corn but fruit reasonable store and Mines of several metals Allum Marble good Silks c. The chief City is Lisbone in Latine Vlissipona supposed to have been built by Vlisses And from hence they set sail towards the East Indies to Aethiopia Brasill c. Insomuch that this very City yields more revenue than the rest of the whole Kingdome Another eminent place of this Region is the Metropolis and Academia of Conimbria called before Moâ—da And this briefly is the whole Continent of Spain but doth not terminate the Spanish Dominions which commands as well the Islands which lye near in the Atlantick and Mediterraneum as many other parts of the World besides interminate with other Regions The Kingdom of Naples in Italy Dutchy of Millain Isles of Sicily and Sardinia the Canaries Towns and Castles and Havens in Barbary In the West Indies Mexico Peru Brasil large portion in the East 21 The Islands near Spain in the Atlantick chiefly the Tarsarae In the Mediterraneum are the Balears and those are two principal Majorica commonly called Mallorca and Minorica commonly Minorca Other less Islands are Dragonera Cabrera Pytussa Erisa Vedraw Gonorello Dragomago and Scombraria ITALIA Petrus Kaerius Caelavit The Description of ITALY ITaly is divided from France and Germany by the Alpes and stretcheth her self South-East betwixt the Tyrrhene and Adriatick Seas almost in just proportion of a mans leg I may spare my Reader her lavish attributes which he can hardly baulk if he will but look into any Author where her name is mentioned She must for me and well may be content here with the brief Elogy of Pliny to which I think the wit of man can add but little Certainly the most blessed seat of man upon earth can deserve no more Italia terrarum omnium alumna eadem Parens numine deorum electa quae câ—lum ipâ—um clarius faceret sparsa congregaret imperia ritus molliret tot populorum discordes linguas sermones commercia ad colloquia distraâ—eret humanitati hominem daret 2 Yet to speak truth we cannot abate her much of this title The mother of Countries we may call her since most writers agree that she was first inhabited by Ianus or Noah as some would report him the Father of Nations It was doubtless a very long time since the World was honest and deserved the name of a golden age yet then was she peopled as Iustin delivers out of Trogus by the Aborigines whose King was first Ogyges then Saturn a man so just that under his Government there was known no tyranny from their Prince no disloyalty from the Subject no injury from the Neighbour They had all one Patrimony one possession and where all acknowledge no peculiar there can be but little cauâ—e of strife 3 I presume not to set down the just year when men were thus ordered But if you will believe the story of the Gentiles compared in Chronology by some of late years and better trust as Munster Quade c. Ianus pater hominum deorum immediate predeceâ—â—or to Saturn was in Italy within 200 years after the floud and received the aged Chronus into part of his Kingdome with him being expulsed by his son Iupiter out of Crete Each of them built a City and left â—â—ound of his name for their remembrance the one Ianua which to this day hath suffered no farther change than to Genus and the other Saturnia and both in their times gave name to the whole Region which are not yet fully worn out though others have since took place as Latium quia hic latebat Saturnus Italia ab It alo Siculorum Rege Hesperia from the Western star Auâ—onia and Oenotria from her excellent Wines 4 But this is the largest scope which we can give to her Antiquity Helvicus and other authentick observers of time cuts off well nigh a thousand years from this account of the Aborigines and placeth their Dynastia 2622 years after the creation 966 after the flood and before Christ 1327. 5 The first change of Inhabitants
whatever else hath its birth from the ground It is well nigh past belief which is reported of the multitude of Bees such as yield more Honey and Wax than the people can find room for They need here neither Art nor care of the good Huswife to order their Hives but naturally are their own Guardians and provide so diligently for their own safety within the bulks of trees that they easily pass over the hardest winter without hurt There is store of game both for hunting fowling and fishing In her Forests is seen a kind of wild Horse with an horn like an Harts and the Alces c. Lastly among other good commodities the worst is not her Pitch and Rosin which yield her a large annual revenue 8 Her chief wants proceed from her bleak situation For it is a plain Countrey and shadowed for the most part with Woods very cold and by that means she hath little Oyl and scarce Grapes enough to teach them the use of Wine A great defect among so good drinkers for they have a name for that equal with any part of Germany and that I think gives no ground to the rest of Europe But they make a shift to find themselves play with a kind of Metheglin Gold or Silver here is not much unless about Cracovia and as Maginus saith in Sandomica where there are likewise some Mines found of the Lapis Lazulus perfect Lead and Iron and pieces of Copper Near the Towns of Nochow and Palukie there is extant a kind of Miracle a certain Earth naturally formed up into pots which if you take forth and dry they differ very little by sight from such as are made by hand and serve aptly for the same use 9 The Inhabitants though they had but a wild beginning yet in the more civil parts are of a gentile behaviour to strangers and not iâ—iurious one to the other Theft is a voice not known to the Polands For they dare travel alone long journeys in the depth of Winter with one poor one to draw their sledge in the night times c. and this with more security and less danger than we â—ay walk in our open streets in the dusk of Evening Questionless this special practise of honesty in that kind above other Nations proceeds from an inbred desire which they generally have to be in employment for they are very industrious in their several faculties Those which pretend to Learning addict themselves much to the study of Languages The Latine is familiar to the Gentry as their own and as Maginus reports is used in some Towns by rich and poor as their proper speech They are prodigal both in diet and apparel give much entertainment and keep a large retinue of servants In brief they are as equal to themselves as they are courteous to others For they will not be oppressed by the greatest Potenate either home bred or foreign They are very vallant and meet their enemy with an undaunted courage be they never so much over-born either by number or strength The truth is no Peasant is suffered to bear arms only their Nobility and Gentry of place in their Common wealth such as war not for others only and upon constraint but have somewhat themselves to lose and therefore are ready as well for their own safety as defence of their King and Country to set on upon all assays and raise an incredible number of excellent Horse well manned almost in an instant For they are kept in continual motion by the Muscovite 10 They have a good mind to Religion but cannot fasten upon any one to their liking and therefore they will try all Christians they have been ever since the year 965. but from that time they have scarce slipt any error schisme or heresie which hath crept into the Church Here are Iesuites and others of the Romish Sects Here are Lutherans and Calvinists and Arrians and Anabaptists and Anti-trinitarians none allowed but all tollerated and indeed Poland had the seniority of Amsterdam for that old saying That if a man had lost his Religion here he might find it They have one ancient custome in their Churches which methinks may well interpret our standing up at rehearsal of the Creed when the Gospel is reading the Nobility and Gentry unsheath their Swords and stand as it were prepared to defend it with their lives against any which dare violate it 11 Their King is chosen by the general States and is for the most part some great Warriour of their neighbouring Princes For they have no peace on their East limit with Muscovites and Tartars but what they make with the Sword The Laws are only temporary Statutes there are none fundamental But when the King hath any great design in behalf of the Common wealth he assembles a Councel of the Nobility to assist him His Revenues coming in are thought to be about six hundred thousand Crowns and each quarter of his Kingdom maintains his expence for one quarter of the year Their first King was Boeslaus crowned by Otho 3. in the year 1001. But the Regal dignity was lost again to Boleslaus the Bold who began his Reign 1078. but was deposed by the Pope and no other suffered to take up the Scepter and rule by the name of King till the year 1295. The first of the second course was Primastaus the second Duke of Poland and Pomerania Since whose time there hath been no breach to this day 12 The chief Provinces of the Kingdome of Poland as they lye from her West to East are 1 Pomerania 2 The Dukedoms of Ozwits and Zator 3 Polonia 4 Prussia 5 Râ—a nigra 6 Samiogitia 7 Massoria 8 Livonia 9 Podlassia 10 Lituania 11 Volhinia 12 Podolia 13 The first is Pomerania bounded on the North with the Baltick Ocean on the West with Germany and it is accounted by some a Province of the Empire as we have ordered in our description But in regard the greatest part is subject to the King of Poland I hope I shall wrong neither to give both their due and reckon it as well to this government since it hath an equal if not a greater title to the rule though not to the Inhabitants for they are most Germans It is a plain Country but exceeding fertile and rich in all commodities which any other part affords flourisheth with forty Cities which are fenced round either with the Sea or ditches answerable for safety Her chief stands upon the shore for it is by nature so well guarded from the violence of the Sea that they need fear no inundation but yet have a very easie and secure entrance for ships Along the Coast stand Coberg Camin Costin Gribswald c. In the up-Land Stetinum the Meâ—ropolis Newgard Lemburg c. The people were harsh persecutors of the Church of Christ till the year 1122. 2 The two Dukedoms of Oswittes and Zator by Silesia in the West bounds of this Kingdom They were heretofore sui juris but
by Pearl-fishing Chamdagrir sometimes honoured with the Residence of the Narsingan Kings Prepeti where an annual Feast is celebrated to their Saint Pereimar once sole King of Malabar Golconda peculiar to Musulipatan a little Province subject to the Crown of Narsinga Madura Gingi and Tanajor the Seat of the Naigi or Tributary Roytelets to the King of Narsinga Mâ—liapur called by the Christians St. Thomas from a supposition that this Apostle martyred by the Idolaters was here interred it is said to have had once 330 Temples Cheromandel whence all that Sea-coast which lies on the West-side of the Gulf of Bengala is denominated Negapatan said to be chiefly inhabited by Thomasians Tarnassart once the Royal Seat of a Kingdom so nam'd Casta remarkable for the kind custom of women there who accompanying their dead Husbands into the Grave are buried with them alive Bisnagar ruined by the joynt Forces of four Decan Kings whereupon the Court was removed first to Ponegardo thence after a short time to the City of Narsinga where yet for the most part it remains 12 Oristan whose eminent Towns or Cities are besides that which gives name and credit to the Countrey Catech â— once the Seat of the Kings of this Countrey till vanquished by the Mogul Bacolli peculiar to a little Kingdom so called Angeli Simergan and Senerpase 13 Bofanter containing divers petty Kingdoms as Botia Kacares Conche Gouren Rame Recon Tippura all denominated from their predominating Cities 14 Patanau of which Patane is the mother City the rest are Banaras seated upon the River Ganges frequented by those whose supeâ—stition leads them to bath in that reputed holy stream Siripur and Ciandecan the Seat of two old Princes not yet subdued by the Mogul Sagtagam reckoned of late too 15 Bengala taking name together with a famous Gulf from a City of great Trade seated on the Ganges whose holy waters enrich it also with a concourse of Pilgrims The rest are Gonro anciently the Seat of the Bengalan Kings Caligan a place once of Traffick as seated on the Gulf Taxda till the diversion of the Channel Porto Grande and Porto Pequeno two Towns built by the Portugheses adjoyning to the North of Bengala and therefore accounted part of it the City and Kingdom of Arachan India extra Gangem contains several Territories which are either large Kingdoms of themselves or are divided into divers lesser Kingdoms the first are six namely 1 Brama or Bâ—rma 2 Cauchin-China 3 Camboia 4 Iangoma 5. Siam 6 Pegu. 1 Brama is subdivided into these following lesser Kingdoms viz. Cavilan or Calum Prom Melinta Miranda Bacan Tangu â—va and Brama peculiarly so called all taking â—his appellation from their grand Cities and inhabited by the Brames or Bramines 2 Cauchin-China with its principal City of the same name it is divided into three Provinces each governed by his particular petty King but all under one Head and he tributary to the King of China 3 Camboia with its Capital City of the same name divided also into two inferior Provinces Champa and Camboia properly so called 4 Iangoma or the Countrey of the Laos divided into three Provinces Lavea Curroy and Iangoma strictly so called 5 Siam a Peninsula the same which of old was termed Aurea Câ—ersonesus or the Golden Cherâ—onese and supposed by some to be Solomon's Land of Ophir as the other tract of this part of India was called the Silver Region This Peninsula comprehends within it the Kingdoms of Malaca Patane Ior Muontay and Siam peculiarly so called Malaca denominated from its Emporium or City of greatest Trade belongs to the Portugheses who have also Sincapura and PaloZambilan Patane or as some say Pathane to distinguish it from that Patane already mentioned taking name also from its chief City where by the Queens leave for it hath of late been governed by Queens the English and Hollanders have their several Factories Muantay whose chief City Odia may be well reputed the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom of Siam being the Seat-Royal of the Siamese Kings it is situate like Venice upon several little Islands tack'd together with Bridges in the River Capumo Siam specially so called whose Cities of chiefest note are Socotai remarkable for a Temple 80 spans high all intirely made of metal Quedoa a Town of great Trade for Pepper of which the best sort is there to be had Tavy lying on the Sea-coast and bordering on the Kingdom of Pegu. Lugor near the Isthmus of the Chersonese Calantan peculiar to a petty Kingdom subordinate to the Crown of Siam Pegu divided into several lesser Kingdoms Verma Marin Martavan Orachan and Pegu peculiarly so called all denominated from their prevalent Cities besides which we find not in the three first any of remark but in Orachan there are also mentioned Dianga destroyed by the Portugheses who took it Ann. 1608. In Pegu Cosmi built of Canes of a vast circumference in the midst of a wilderness Coilan a quadrangular City whose four sides are said to consist of four miles a piece Dala chiefly memorable for the Stables of the Kings Elephants Lanagen delightfully seated among Palm-trees Tocabel and Dian both seated upon a River full of habitable Vessels as big as Gallies Meccao a place of retreat for the King by reason of its strong Castle in time of imminent danger but above all the Cities Pegu it self exceeds in strength pleasantness of situation and sumptuousness of building RUSSIA The Description of Russia RUSSIA sirnamed Alba to distinguish it from Russia Nigra a Province of Poland otherwise called also Moscovia from its chief Province is the greatest or rather only Empire of all Europe and one of the greatest of all the World extending from the 43 d to the 66th degree of Northern latitude the longest day in the most Southern parts 16 hours and an half and in the most Northern 22 hours and an half the length in terrestrial measure is reckoned from the Promontory Litamin vulgarly Cape Oby to the Town Czercassy 380 German miles the bredth from Corelenburgh a Town in the Confines of Finland to the River Ob near Lopin 300 German miles each German mile being equivalent to four of ours all under the Dominion of one Prince the Czar or Emperor of Russia otherwise stil'd the Great Duke of Moscovy It is bounded on the North with the frozen Sea on the East with Tartary on the South with part of Livonia a Province now belonging to the Kingdom of Poland and those Cremensian Tartars inhabiting the Southern Shores of Mar del Zabache and the Euxin or Black Sea on the West with certain Mountains and the River Polne which separates it from Livonia and Finland This large Countrey is judged to have been the principal habitation of the ancient Sarmatae or Sauromatae who yet besides what belongs at present to the Great Czar are concluded also to have possest all Borussia Livonia and Lithuania and that part of Moldovia between the Rivers Ister Tyra and Hierasus As to
Longitude extended from the 13. degree and 20. minutes unto the 22. and 50. minutes according to the observation of Mercator It hath Britain Normandy and other parts of France upon the South the Lower Germany Denmark and Norway upon the East the Isles of Orkney and the Deucaledonian Sea upon the North the Hebrides upon the West and from it all other Islands and Ilets which do scatteredly inviron it and shelter themselves as it were under the shadow of Great Albion another name of this famous Island are also accounted Britannish and are therefore here described all together 4 Britain thus seated in the Ocean hath her praises not only in the present sense and use of her commodities but also in those honourable Eulogies which the learnedst of Antiquaries hath collected out of the noblest Authors that he scarce seemeth to have left any gleanings neither will we transplant them out of his flourishing Gardens but as necessity compels sith nothing can be further or otherwise better said 5 That Britain therefore is the Seas High Admiral is famously known and the Fortunate Island â—upposed by some as Robert of Amesbury doth shew whose Air is more temperate saith Caesar then France whose sâ—yl bringeth 〈◊〉 Grain in abundance â—aith Tacitus whose Seas produce orient Pearl saith Suetonius whose Fields are the seat of a Summer Queen saith Orpheus her wildest parts free from wild beasts saith the ancient Panegyrick and her chief City worthily named Augusta as saith Ammianus So as we may truly say with the royal Psalmist Our lines are fallen in pleasant places yea we have a fair inheritance Which whatsoever by the goodness of God and industry of man it is now yet our English Poet hath truly described unto the first face thereof thus The Land which warlike Britains now possess And therein have their mighty Empires rais'd In ancient times was savage Wilderness Vnpeopled unmanur'd unprov'd unprais'd 6 And albeit the Ocean doth at this present thrust it self between Dover and Callis dividing them with a deep and vast entrenchment so that Britain thereby is of a supposed Penisle made an Island yet divers have stifly held that once it was joyned by an arm of land to the Continent of Gallia To which opinion Spencer farther alluding thus closeth his Stanza Ne was it Island then ne was it paisde Amid the Ocean waves ne was it sought Of Merchants far for profits therein prasde But was all desolate and of some thought By Sea to have been from the Celtick Mainland brought Which as a matter meerly conjectural because it is not plain that there were no Islands nor Hills bofore Noahs floud I leave at large Virgil surely of all Poets the most learned when describing the Shield which Vulcan forged in Virgils brain for Aeneas he calls the Morini people about Calis the outmost men doth only mean that they were Westward the furthest inhabitants upon the Continent signifying that Briâ—ain as being an Island lay out of the World but yet not out of the knowledge of men for the Commodities thereof invited the famous Greek Colonies of Merchants Which dwelt at Marsilia in France to venture hither as hath been well observed out of Strabo 7 And as Iulius Caesar was the first Roman which ever gave an attempt to conquer it so will we close its praises with a late Epigram concerning the outward face of the Isle and the motive of Caesars coming Albionis vertex frondoso crine superbus Arboreas frondes plurimus ales habet Gramineam Montes fundunt pascua pubem Et carpunt circum pascua gramen oves Sed Latii caruit potioribus Insula donis Victori potior Gloria ni Latio Albions high tops her woody locks far shew With Quires of chanting Birds these Woods resounding Her Downs and Meadows clad in verdant hew Meadows and Downs with Flocks and Heards abounding Latium had greater Wealth yet Caesar thought To British Glory Latiums Wealth worth nought 8 The division of Britain concerning the government and territories thereof at such time as Caesar here arrived doth not sufficiently appear Caesar himself makes so sparing mention therein that we have little cause to believe Florus where he makes Livie say that after Caesar had slain an huge multitude of Britaines he subdued the residue of the Isle but rather with exqâ—isite Horace that he did not at all touch them as the word inactus doth in him purport 9 Kings they were and therefore that division which was here in Caesars time was into Kingdoms the old names of whole Nations as also the knowledge of their several abodes hidden under the rubbish of so many ages have of late with infinite labours and exquisite judgment been probably restored and abounded yet that no mans expectation and desire be too much frustrated reason wills that we briefly set forth such divisions of the Land as many repute not ancient only but authentick 10 Our seeming ancient Historians begin it at Brute who to every of his three sons gave a part called presently after by their names as Loegria to Locrine his eldest son Cambria to Camber his second son and Albania to Albanist his third son And doubtless if there had been more Nations of fame in this Island Brute should have had more sons fathered on him which conceit some ascribe to Monmouth's holding that before him it was never so divided 11 Ptolomy naming Britain the Great and the Less hath been by some mistaken as so dividing this Island into two parts But his proportion and distance from the Aequator compared with his Geographical description will evince that he calleth this our Island Great Britain and Ireland Britain the Less 12 Howbeit some later do make indeed the South and more Champion to be called Great Britain and the North more Mountainous Britain the Less whose inhabitants anciently were distinguished into the Majatae and Caledoâ—ii and now by the Scots are into Heilandmen and Lawlandmen But that Northern clime being more piercing for the Roman constitutions and less profitable or fruitful they set their bounds not far from Edenburgh and altogether neglected the other parts more Northward 13 This nearer part of Britain they then divided into two parts for the more Southern tract together with Wales Dio termeth the Higher and that more Northward the Lower as by the seats of their Legions doth appear for the second Legion Augusta which kept at Caerleon in South Wales and the twentieth called Victrix which remained at Chester he placeth in the higher Britain but the sixt Legion sirnamed also Victrix resident at York served as he writeth in the Lower Britain which division as seemeth was made by Severus the Emperour who having vanquished Albinus General of the Britains and reduced their State under his obedience divided the government thereof into two provinces and placed two Prefects over the same 14 After this again the Romans did apportion Britain into three parts whose limits our great Antiquary assigneth by the ancient
seperated from Norfolk by the Rivers of the lesser Ouse and Waveney whose heads meet almost in the midst of her Verge and that very neer together the one taking course East and the other full West upon which part Cambridge-shire doth wholly confront The Soâ—th side is severed by Stoure from Essex and the East together washed with the German Seas 2 The Air is good sweet and delectable and in some parts of some of our best Phyâ—icians held to be the best in the Land the soyl is rich fruitful and with all things well replenished in a word nothing wanting for pleasure or profit 3 The Form thereof is somewhat Cressant shooting up narrower in the North and spreading wider towards the South whose broadest part is about twenty miles but from East to West much more for from Easton point the furthest of this Shire yea of all Britain into the Sea unto great Ouse River her Western bounder are forty five miles and the whole in Circumference about one hundred and forty six miles 4 Antiâ—ntly this part of the Island was possessed by the Iceni who as it seemeth by Tacitus joyned in Amity with the Romans a mighty people saith he and never shaken with wars before the reign of Claudius but then by Ostorius very vanquished though not without great slaughter of the Romans and in a battle against them M. Ostorius the son of the General won great honour in saâ—ing of a Roman Citizens life so ready were they to give and receive Honours to themselves but sleightly to pass over and to smother far greater exploits of the Britains which notwithstanding long in these parts they could not do for the wrongs of the Icenians growing intollerable who by the Roman Souldiers were put out of their rightful possessions their Princes accounted no better than Slaves and their Queen whipped in most ignominious manner under Bodâ—a they wrought their revenge as in the History Christ assisting shall be further related Next to these Icenians were the Saxons that got their footing into these parts and of them this with Norfolk Cambridge-shire and the Isle of Ely was made their East-Angles Kingdom though as it seemeth ever in subjection either to the Mercians or to the Kings of Kent whose off-spring ending in S. Edmund the Martyr after the Danes had laid it most desolate Edward the Elder subdued it unto his West-Saxons Monarchy and that likewise ending in King Edward the Confessor many Noble Normans got their possessions in these parts whose off-spring are plenteously replenished in this Shire to this day 5 The Commodities of this Shire are many and great Whereof the chiefest consisteth in Corn Cattle Cloth Pasturage Woods Sea-fish and Fowl and as Abba Floriensis hath depainted this County is of a green and passing fresh hue pleasantly replenished with Orchards Gardens and Groves thus he described it above six hundred years since and now we find as he hath said to which we may add their gain from the Pail whose Cheeses are traded not only throughout England but into Germany France and Spain and are highly commended by Pantaleon the Physitian both for colour and taste 6 And had Ipswiâ—h the onely eye of this Shire been as fortunate in her Sirname as she is blessed with commerce and buildings she might worthily have born the title of a City neither ranked in the lowest row whose trade circuit and seat doth equal most places of the Land besides It seemeth this Town hath been walled about both by a Rampire of Earth mounted along her North and West parts and places of entrance where Gates have stood which no doubt by the Danes were cast down in the year of Iesus Christ â—991 when they sacked with spoyl all these Sea coasts and again in the year one thousand laid the streets desolate and the houses on heaps yet afterwards recovering both breath and beauty her buildings from Stoke-Church in the South to Saint Margarets in the North now contain 1900 paces and from S. Helens in the East to S. Matthews Church in the West are no less than 2120 full of streets plenteously inhabited wherein are twelve Parish-Churches seated besides them suppressed such were Christ-Church S. Georges S. Iames the White the Black and Gray-Fryers The Site of this Town is removed from the Equator unto the degree 52 25 minutes and by Mercators observation from the first West-points 22 degrees 9 minutes and is yearly governed by two Bayliffs and ten Port-men all wearing Scarlet with twenty four of tâ—eir Common-Councel in Purple a Recorder a Town-Clerk five Serjeants whereof one is for the Admiralty a Beadle and Common Cryer all in blew with the Towns Arms on their sleeves The other eye of this Shire is S. Edmundsbury By Abbo the Royal-Town wherein at the day-break of the Saxons conversion Sigebert King of the East-Angles sounded a Christian Church and upon the occasion of King Edmunds burial who at Hoxon was shot to death hath been ever since called S. Edmundsbury where was built to his honour one of the fairest Monasteries in the world begun by King Canute much affrighted with the seeming appearance of that Martyrs Ghost who to expiate the sacrilegious impiety of his Father Suenus enriched the place with many endowments and offered up his own Crown upon the Holy Martyrs Tomb. For the beauty and buildings of this Abby and Town let Leyland for me declare The Sun saith he hath not seen a City more finely seated so delicately upon the easie ascent of an hill with a River running on the East side nor a more stately Abby either for revenues or incomperable magnificence in whose prospect appeareth rather a City than a Monastery so many Gates for entrance and some of them brass so many Towers and a most glorious Church upon which attend three others standing all in the same Church-yard all of them passing fine and of a curious workmanship Whose ruines lie in the dust lamenting their fall moving the beholders to pity their case Near unto this Town a great battle was fought by Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester against his Soveraign King Henry the second but was worthily overcome by Richard Lucy the Kings high Iustice himself and wife taken with many Flemings and Englishmen slain 7 Other places worthy of remembrance this County affords such is Exning in the West formerly famous for the birth of S. Audrâ—y daughter to King Anna one of the three names of the Shires division Renlisham in the East where Redwald the First Christian in this Kingdom held his Court and Hadley in her South where Guthrum the Dane whom Elfred baptized was buried And things of stranger note are the limits of the East-Angles Territories running along New-market-Heath vulgarly called the Devils-ditch the like fable is formerly told by Nubrigensis that at Wulpes in the heart of this Shire two green boyes of Satyres kind arose out of the ground from the Antipodes believe it if you will and Ralfe Coggeshall in the Monuments of
Colchester declareth that a Fish in all parts like a man was taken near Oxford and for six months was kept in the Castle whence after he escaped again to the Sea As strange but most true was a crop of Pease that without tillage or sowing grew in the Rocks betwixt this Oxford and Aldebrough in the year 1555 when by unseasonable weather a great dearth was in the Land there in August were gathered above one hundred Quarters and in blossoming remained as many more where never grass grew or earth ever seen but hard solid Rocks three yards deep under their roots 8 Places separated from common use and devoted to God and his service by religious Princes were at S. Edmunds Ipswich Ikleworth Blithborow Clare Ieston Burgh Castle wherein Sigebert King of the East Angles entered the profession of a Monk but was thence forced by his people to fight against the Mercians in which Battle he was slain And Dunwich where Foelix founded his Episcopal See These with many others in this County were suppressed in the fall of the Monasteries and their Revenues assumed by King Henry the Eighth 9 This Shire is principally divided into three parts which are called Celdable S. Edmunds and S. Andreys Liberties subdivided into twenty two Hundreds and them again into 575 Parish-Churches wherein are seated seven Castles and twenty eight Market-Towns NORFOLCKE NORTHFOLK CHAPTER XVII NORTHFOLK is an Island inclining to an oval form closed on the South part with the Rivers of Wavenay and the lesser Ouse which divides it from Suffolk On the East and North with the German Ocean on the West toward Cambridge-shires with some branches of the greater Ouse toward Lincolis-shire with that part of the Neve which passeth from Wisbitch into the Washes It containeth in length from Tarmouth to Wifbitch about fifty miles In breadth from Theâ—ford to Wells about thirty The whole Circuit is about two hundred forty two miles The Name ariseth from the situation of the people who being the Norther-most of the Kingdom of East-Angles are therefore called the Northfolk as the Souther-most Southfolk The Air is sharp and piercing especially the Champion and near the Sea therefore it delayeth the Spring and Harvest the situation of the Countrey inclining thereto as being under the 53 degree of Latitude The Soil diverse about the towns commonly good as Clay Chalk or fat Earth well watered and with some Wood upward to the Heaths naked dry and barren Marsland and Flegge exceeding rich but Marsland properly for Pasture Flegge for Corn. 2 The parts from Thetford to Burneham and thence Westward as also along the Coast be counted Champion the rest as better furnished with Woods Woodland The Champion aboundeth with Corn Sheep and Conies and hesein the barren Heaths as the Providence of our Ancestors hath of old disposed them are very profitable For on them principally lie our Fould courses called of the Saxons whose institution they therefore seem to be Paldyocum that is Liberty of fold or foâ—â—dage These heaths by the compasture of the sheep which we call Tathe are made so rich with Corn that when they fall to be sown they commonly match the fruitfullest grounds in other Countries and laid again do long after yield a sweeter and more plentiful feed for Sheep so that each of them maintain other and are the chiefest wealth of our Countrey The Woodland fitter for grass is maintained chiefly by feeding of Cattel yet well stored with Corn and Sheep The Coast is fortunate in Fish and hath many good harbours whereof Lynn and Tarmouth be the mother-ports and of great traffique Wells and Blackeney next in estimation The whole County aboundeth with Rivers and pleasant Springs of which the Ouse is the chiefest by whose plentiful branches the Isle of Ely the Towns and Shires of Cambridge Huntington and the County of Suffolk vent and receive Commodities The next is Hiâ—rus or Yere passing from Norwich to â—armouth where it receiveth the Bure coming from Aylsham both of them of great service for water carriages but very notable for their plenty of fish for some one man out of an hold upon the Bnrâ— hath drawn up ordinarily once a year between two Nets above five or six score Bushels of Fish at one draught The Waveney and the lesser Ouse are also Navigable and of great use The residue I omit 3 The people were anciently called the ICENI as the also of Suffolk Cambridge-shire and Huntington-shire and supposed to be of them whom Caesar nameth Cenimagni Ptolomy Simeni some Tigeni Their manners were likely to be as the rest of the Britains barbarous at those times as appeareth by Caesar and Tacitus Neither can I otherwise commend their successors the Saxons for so also their own Countreyman Ethelward termeth them Since the entry of the Normans they have been counted civil and ingenious apt to good Letters adorning Religion with more Churches and Monasteries than any Shire of England and the Laws and Seats of Iustice for many ages with some excellent men from whom most of our chief Families and some of the greatest Nobility of the Kingdom have taken advancement And herein is Northfolk fortunate that as Crete boasted of an hundred Cities so may she of an hundred Families of Gentlemen never yet attainted of high Treason How the Government of this County was about Caesars time is uncertain but agreeable no doubt to the rest of the Britains under some peculiar Toparch or Regulus as Tacitus termeth him The latter Romans held it by two Garrisons one at Gariannum neer â—armouth the other at Branodunum now called Brancastre both of horse and commanded by the Comes Maritimi Tractus as Mercellinus calleth him and termed after Comes Littoris Saxonici Upon the entry of the Saxons this County with Suffolk fell in the portion of the Angles and about the year five hundred sixty one were together erected into a Kingdom by Vffa of whom the succeeding Kings were tituled Vffines But having suffered many Tempests of Fortune it was in the year 870 utterly wasted and extinct by Hungar and Hubba the Danes who overthrew the vertuous King Edmund about Thetford and after martyred him at S. Edmundsbury Yet they did not long enjoy it for King Edward shortly recovered it from them and annexed it to his other Kingdoms The Daâ—es notwithstanding inhabited abundantly in these parts so that many of our Towns were sounded by them aâ—d a great part of our people and Gentry are risen out of their bloud 4 This Kingdom of East-Angles was after allotted to an Earldom of that name by William the Conqueroâ—r who made Radulph a Britain marrying his Kinswoman Earl thereof but gave the greatest parts of this County about Wimonham Keninghall Lenn Burnham Fulmerstone c. to W. de Albany Pincerne and W. de Warranna Forrestario who to strengthen themselves according to the use of that time with the homage and service of many Tenants divided large portions of the same amongst their friends and
English miles and from Turny in the West unto Hartly Coking in the East are not fully fourteen the whole Circumference about seventy three miles 3 The Air is temperate and the Soil bounteous especially in the North whose Borders the fruitful Ouse with her many windings watereth The South is more lean and with greater industry bringeth forth Barley no better elsewhere Generally this County is Champion though some places be sprinkled with Pasturage and Woods 4 The ancient Inhabitants known to the Romans that held in this Shire were part of the Cattieuchlani a Stout and war-stiring people and yet upon the report of Caesars proceeding sent him their subjection for peace But when that conquering Nation had brought Britain into a Prâ—vince under Rome their Legions lay at Selenae and Magintum which are now Sandy and Dunstable places of memorable note in this Shire After them the Saxons coveting for so fair a Seat first dispossessed the Britains under the leading of Cuthwulfâ— the West-Saxon about the year of Grace 572 who making it their own was lastly enjoyed by the Mercians as a part of their Kingdom 5 In the year of Christs Incarnation 1399 immediately before those Civil Wars that rent in pieces the peace of this Land between the Princes of Lancaster and York the River Ouse near unto Harwood stood suddenly still and refrained to pass any further so that forward men passed three miles together on foot in the very depth of her Channel and backward the waters swelled unto a great height which was observed by the judicious to foretel some unkind diuision that shortly should arise 6 This County among the common calamities of the Land when it lay trampled under the feet of the Danes sustained a part and after that in the time of King Stephen when the Civil Wars thundred betwixt Maud the Empress and himself the Shire-Town was sore wasted with great slaughter of men So when the Barons forsook their allegiance to King Iohn the Town and Castle were rendred up into their hands And lastly by King Henry the third laid level even with the ground some ruinous walls appearing towards the Ouse but not a stone left upon the Mount where stood his foundation 7 This Town by the Britains was called Lettidur and of us Bedford being the chiefest in the County from whom it taketh the name and is most fruitful and pleasantly seated having the Ouse running thorow the Town in the middest and a fair Stone bridge built over the same whereon are two Gates to lock and impeach the passage as occasion shall 〈◊〉 At the first entrance standeth S. Leonards Hospital for Lazars and further towards S. Iohns and S. Maries Churches within the Town S. Pauls a most beautiful Church S. Cuthberts and S. Peters without the Town standeth the Friers S. Loyes Alhallows and Caâ—dwell Abbey not far whence sometimes stood a Chappel upon the Bank of Ouse wherein as Florilegus affirmeth the body of Offa the great Mercian King was interred but by the over-swelling of that River was born down and swallowed up whose Tombe of Lead as it were some phantastical thing appeared often to them that seek it not but to them that seek it saith Rosse it is invisible This Town is governed yearly by a Mayor two Bayliffs two Chamberlains a Recorder a Town-Clerk and three Sergeants with Maces 8 A tale of vain credit is reported of Dunstable that it was built to bridle the outragiousness of a â—heef named Dun by King Henry the first but certain it is the place was formerly held by the Romans whose Legions there lay as appeareth by the Coyns there usually found which from Magintum are corruptly called Madning-money 6 Castles in this Shire are Woodhill Eaton Temsford and Amphill an honour now appertaining to the Crown And places of Religion built by devout persons but for Idolatrous Abuses again abolished were at Bedford Harwood Helenstow Newenham Chicksand Wardon Woborne and Dunstable All these with the like felt the hand of Henry the eighth to lie so heavy upon them that they were not able to sustain the weight but were crushed to pieces and fell to the ground 10 The Graduation of this County taken for the Shire-Town is placed from the Equator in the degree of 52 and 30 minutes for Latitude and is removed from the first West point of Longitude 20 degrees and 16 minutes 11 Whos 's Princely Families that have born the Titles both of Dukes and Earls are expressed and whose Counties division are into nine hundreds wherein are seated ten Market-Towns and one hundred and sixteen Parish-Churches BUCKINGHAM SHIRE BUCKINGHAM-SHIRE CHAPTER XXI BUCKINGHAM for the plenty of Beech-trees there growing and those in the elder time of the Saxons called Buckâ—n may well be supposed from them to have the name as afterward the whole Shire had hers from this Town Buckingham 2 In form it somewhat resembleth a Lyon Rampant whose head or North-point toucheth the Counties of Northampton and Bedford whose back or East part is backed by Bedford and Hertford-Shires his loines or South-borders rest upon Bark-shire and his breast thâ— West side is butted upon wholly by Oxford-shirâ— The length thereof from Waisbury in the South to Braidfield in her North are thirty nine miles the breadth at the broadest from Ashbridge in the East to Brenwood Horrest in the West are eighteen the whole in Circumference one hundred thirty eight miles 3 The Air is passing good temperate and pleasant yielding the body health and the mind content The soil is rich fat and fruitful giving abundance of Corn Grass and Meat It is chiefly divided into two parts by the Chiltren hills which run thorow this Shire in the middest and before time were so pestered with Beech that they were altogether unpassable and became a receptacle and refuge for Theeves who daily endammaged the way-faring man for which cause Laestan Abbot of S. Albans caused them to be cut down since when those parts are passable without any great incombrances of trees from whose tops a large and most pleasant prospect is seen The Vale beneath is plain and champion a clayie soil stiff and rough but withall maruellous fruitful naked of woods but abounding in meadows pastures and tillage and maintaining an infinite number of sheep whose soft and fine fleeces are in great esteem with the Turks as far as Asia 4 The ancient Inhabitants â—hat were seated in this Shire were the Catteuchlani mentioned by Ptolomy and them dispersed thorow the Tract of Bedford Hertford and this These yielded themselves with the first to Caesar under the Romans subjection whose over-worn Empire ending in Britain the Saxons by strong hand attained this Province and made it a part of their Mercian Kingdom yet was it first subdued unto them by Cherdike the West-Saxon whose memory is iâ—part continued in the Toâ—n Chersey upon the West of this Country where in a sharp and bloudy battle he was Victor over the Britains So also Cuthwulâ—e a West
obtained either by or against Rollo the Dane who in the year 876 entred England and in this Shire fought two battles one neer unto Hoâ—k-Norton and a second at the ScienStane 6 Rodâ—ot likewise remaineth as a monument of Oxfords highâ— styled Earl but unfortunate Prince Robert de Vere who besides the â—arldom was created by King Richard the second Mâ—â—quess of Dublin and Duke of Ireland but at that Bridge discomfited in fight by the Nobles and forced to swim the River where began the downfal of his high mounted fortunes for being driven forth of his Country lastly died in exile and distressed estate But more happy is this County in producing far more glorious Princes as King Edward the Confessor who in Islip was born Edward the victorious black Prince in Woodstock and in Oxford that warlike Coeur de Lion King Richard the first the son of King Henry the second first took breath 7 Which City is and long hath been the glorious seat of the Muses the British Athens and learnings well spring from whose living Fountain the wholsome waters of all good literature streaming plenteously have made fruitful all other parts of this Realm and gained glory amongst all Nations abroad Antiquity avoucheth that this place was consecrated unto the sacred Sciences in the time of the Old Britains and that from Greek-lod a Town in Wilt shire the Academy was translated unto Oxford as unto a Plant-plot both more pleasing and fâ—uitful whereto accordeth the ancient Burlaeus and Necham this latter also alledging Merlin But when the beauty of the Land lay under the Saxons prophane feet it sustained a part of these common calamities having little reserved to uphold its former glory save onely the famous monument of S. Frideswids Virgin Conquest no other School then left standing besides her Monastery yet those great blasts together with other Danish storms being well blown over King Elfred that learned and religious Monarch recalled the exiled Muses to their sacred place and built there three goodly Colledges for the studies of Divinity Philosophy and other Arts of humanity sending thither his own son Ethelward and drew thither the young Nobles from all parts of his Kingdom The first Reader thereof was his supposed brother Neote a man of great learning by whose direction King Elfred was altogether guided in this his goodly foundation At which time also Assereus Menevensis a writer of those times affairs read the Grammar and Rhetorick and affirmeth that long before them Gildas Melkin Ninius Kentigern S. German and others spent there their lives in learned studies From which time that it continued a Seedploâ— of learning till the Norman Conquest Ingulphus â—ecordeth who himself then lived No marvel then if Matthew Paris calleth Oxford the second School of Christendom and the very chief Pillar of the Catholick Church And in the Council holden at Vienna it was ordâ—ined that in Paris Oxford â—ononiâ— and Salamanca the onely Vniversities then in Europe should be erected Schools for the Hebrew Greek Arabick and Caldean tongues and that Oxford should be the general universiâ—y for all England Ireland Scotland and Wales which point was likewise of such weight with the Council of Constance that from this pâ—â—cedent of Oxford University it was concluded that the English Nation was not only to have pâ—ecedence oâ— Spain in all General Councils but was also to be held equal with France it self By which high peâ—ogatives this of ours hath always so flourished that in the days of King Henry the third thirty tâ—ousand Students were therein resident as Archbishop Armachanus who then lived hath writ and Riâ—haâ—ger then also living sheweth that for all the civil wars which hindred such placâ—s of quiet study yet 15000 Students were there remaining whose names saith he were entered in Matricula in the matriculation book About which time Iohn Baliol the father of â—aliol King of Scots built a Colledge yet bearing his name Anno 1269 and Walter Merton Bishop of Rochester that which is now called Merton Colledge both of them beautified with buiâ—dings and enriched wâ—th landâ— and were the first endowed Colledges for learning in all Christendom And at this present there are sixteen Colledges besides another newly builded with eight Halls and many most fair Collegiate Churches all aâ—orned with most stately buildings and enriched with great endowments noble Libraries and most learned Graduates of all professions that unless it be her sister Cambridge the other â—ursing breast of this land the like is not found again in the World This City is also honoured with an Episcopal See As for the site thereof it is removed from the Equatâ—r in the degree 52 and one minute and from the West by Mercators measure 19 degrees and 20 minutes â— As this County is happy in the possâ—ssion of so famous an Academy so it is graced with most Princely Palaces apperâ—aining to the English Crown whereof Woodsâ—ock is the most ancient and magnificent built to that glory by King Henry the first and enlarged with a Labyrinth of many windings by King Henry the second to hide from his jealous Iuno his intirely beloved Concubine Rosamond Clifford a Damosel of surpassing beauty where notwithstanding followed by a clew of silk that fell from her lap she was surprised and poâ—soned by Queen Eleanor his wife and was first buried at Godsâ—ow Nunnery in the midst of the quiâ—e under a Hearse of silk set about with lights whom Hugh Bishop of Lincoln thinking it an unfâ—t object for Virgins devotion caused to be removed into the Church â—ard but those chast sisters liked so well the memory of that kind Lady as that her bones they translated again into their Chappel Bensington is another of his Majesties Mannors built by William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk but now in neglect through the annoyance arising from the waters or marishes adjoyning Houses built for devotion and for abuse suppressed and again put down the chief in account were Enishamâ— Osney Bruern Godsâ—ow Burchester and Tame besides S. Frideswides and very many other stately Houses of Religion in this City The Division of this Shire is into fourteen Hundreds wherein are seated ten Market-Towns and two â—undred and fourscore Parish Câ—uâ—ches Glocester Shire GLOCESTER-SHIRE CHAPTER XXIII GLOCESTER-SHIRE lieth bordered upon the North with Worcester and Warwick-shires upon the East with Oxford and Wilt-shires upon the South altogether with Somerset-Shire and upon the West with the River Wye and Hertford shire 2 The length thereof extended from Bristow upon the River Avon in her South unto Clifford upon another Avon in her North are about forty eight miles and her broadest part from East to West is from Lechland unto Preston containing twenty eight the whole circumference about one hundred thirty eight miles 3 The Form whereof is somewhat long and narrow the Air thereof is pleasant sweet and delectable and for fruitfulness of Soyl hear Malmesbury and not me The ground of this Shire throughout saith
was resumed by Henry the eight and now by the Heir of Darcy matched to the Lord Clifton is become the seat of the Barony This Hundred had in it no house of Religion but Stolney a Priory of seven black Cannons of the order of S. Augustine founded by the Bigrames and at the Suppression valued at 62 l. 12 s. 3 d. ob It stood within the reach of the great Mannor Kimbolton once an Hundred which was the Land of Earl Harold the Usurper after by grant it came with the Chase of Swinesheved to Fitz-Peter from whom by Magâ—avil to Bohum who in time of the tumulâ—uous Barons built there a Forcelet and so to Staffard by whose attainture forfeited it was given by Henry the eight to the Family of Wingfield that now possesseth it At Bugden the See of Lincoln hath a seat and was Lord of Spaldwick and the Soke given in compensation from the Church of Ely when rent from them it was by the first Henry made a Bishoprick until of late that Church gave up their interest in Spaldwick to the Crown Brampton was given by King Iohn at Mirabel to Earl David and by Ada his youngest Daughter fell to Hastings Earl of Pembroke and now is reverted to the King To the same Earl David by gift of the former King came Alcumesbury and by the bounty of Iohn Scot his son to Segrave and so the Lord Barkley the late possessor To Serlo de Quincy Earl of Winchester was Keston by Henry the second given by whose Heir general â—errars it came to the late Earl of Essex and by exchange to the Crown 10 TOULESLANDHUNDRED taketh name likewise of a Town therein situate in the out Angle of this to the memory of S. Neotus a Monk of Glastenbury but the supposed son to Ethelwolfe King of the VVest-Saxons whose body from Neostock in Cornwall was transferred to Arâ—alphesbury then of Arnulphus a holy man now Enesbury named Earl Alrick and Ethelsteda turned the Palace of Earl Elfred into a Monastery of black Monks which was razed by the Danes but out of the ashes of this Roisia wife to Richard the son of Earl Gilbert to God our Lady de Becco and S. Neot as a Cell to the Abbey of Becco in Normandy erected up of black Monks in the year 1113 the late Priory of S. Nedes suppressed by Henry the eight and valued at 256 l. 15 d. q. At Southo the Land of Eustachius the Sheriff Lovetote made the seat of that Seigniory on which in this Shire 13 Knights Fees and a half depended but from his line by gift of Verdon and Vesâ—y drowned were these in the honour of Gloucester Near to this at Cretingsbury dwelt Sir Adam de Cretings famous in Edward the thirds wars of France whose Heir General Wautoâ— doth now possess it Staunton given by the first VVilliam to Gilbert de Gaunt after the death issueless of De Rupes escheated to the King who gave it to Iohn his â—ister Queen of Scots She on the Abbey of Tarant bestowed part the rest reverting being given to Segrave descended to the Barons of Berkly Godmanchester or Gormanchester so named of that Dane to whom Aelfred at his conversion granted some regiment in these parts was the old Land of the Crown now the Inhabitants in Fee farme by grant of King Iohn pro Sexies viginti libris pondere numero It is flat seated by as fruitful and flowry Meadows as any this Kingdom yieldeth and is the most spacious of any one Parish in fertile tillage oft having waited on their Soveraign Lords with ninescore Ploughs in a rural pompe Some from the name Gunicester which this often beareth in record suppose it the City where Machutus placed his Bishops Chair But for certain it was the Roman Town Durosipont of the Bridges named so many hundred years until the light of our Britain story overshone it forgotten Thus as this City so the old Families have been here with time outworn few onely of the many former now remaining whose sirnames before the reign of the last Henry were in this Shire of any eminency But Non indignemur mortalia Nomina solvi Cernimus exemplis Oppida posse mori Let 's not repine that Men and Names do die Since stone-built Cities dead and ruin'd lie This Description I received from a right worthy and learned Friend RVTLANDE SHIRE RUTLAND-SHIRE CHAPTER XXIX RUTLAND-SHIRE the least of any County in this Realm is circulated upon the North with Lincoln-shire upon the East and South with the River VVeland is parted from Northampton-shire and the West is altogether held in with Leicester-shire 2 The Form thereof is round and no larger in compass than a light horse man can easily ride about in a day upon which occasion some will have the Shire named of one Rut that so rode But others from the redness of the Soyl will have it called Rutland and so the old English-Saxoâ—s called it for that Roet and Rut is in their Tongue Red with us and may very well give the name of this Province seeing the earth doth stain the wool of her Sheep into a reddish colour Neither is it strange that the stain of the Soyl gives names unto places and that very many for have we not in Che-shire the Red Rock in Lanca-shire the Red Bank and in Wales Rutland Castlâ— To speak nothing of that famous Red Sea which shooteth into the Land betwivt Egypt and Arabia which gave back her waters for the Israelites to pass on foot all of them named from the colour of the Soile 3 The longest part of this Shire is from Caldecot in the South upon the River Ey unto Thistleton a small Village seated in the North not fully twelve miles and from Timwell East-ward to Wissenden in the West her broadest extent is hardly nine the whole circumference about forty miles 4 The Air is good both for health and delight subject to neither extremity of heat nor cold nor is greatly troubled with foggy mists The Soil is rich and for Corn and tillage gives place unto none Woods there are plenty and many of them imparked Hills feeding heards of Neat and flocks of Sheep Vallies besprinkled with many sweet springs Grain in abundance and Pastures not wanting in a word all things ministred to the content of life with a liberal heart and open hand Only this is objected that the Circuit is not great 5 The draught whereof that I may acknowledge my duty and his right I received at the hands of the right Honourable Iohn Lord Harrington Baron of Exton done by himself in his younger years Near unto his house Burley standeth Okam a fair Market-Town which Lordship the said Baron enjoyeth with a Royalty somewhat extraordinary which is this If any Noble by birth come within the precinct of the said Lordship he shall forfeit as an homage a shooe from the horse whereon he rideth unless he redeem it at a price with money In witness whereof there are
the whole City Leicester was besieged and thrown down by King Henry and the Wall that seemed indissoluble was utterly raced even to the ground The pieces of these Fragments so fallen down remained in his days like to hard Rocks through the strength of the Morter cementing whole lumps together and at the Kings command the City was set on fire and burnt the Castle raced and a heavy imposition laid upon the Citizens who with great sums of money bought their own banishments but were so used in their departure that for extream fear many of them took Sanctuary both at S. Edmunds and S. Albans In repentance of these mischiefs the Author thereof Earl Robert built the Monastery of S. Mary de Pratis wherein himself became a Canon Regular and for fifteen years continuance in sad laments served God in continual prayers With the like devotion Henry the first Duke of Lancaster built an Hospital for an hundred and ten poor people with a Collegiate Church a Dean twelve Canons Prebendaries as many Vicars suffciently provided for with Revenues wherein himself lyeth buried and it was the greatest ornament of that City until the hand of King Henry the eighth lay over-heavy upon all the like foundations and laid their aspiring tops at his own feet The fortunes of another Crouch-back King Richard Usurper who no less remarkable in this City than the former Robert was both of them in like degree of dishonourable course of life though of different issue at their deaths the one dying penitent and of devout esteem the other leaving the stench of Tyranny to all following ages who from this City setting forth in one day with great pompe and in Battle aray to keep the Crown sure upon his own Helmet in a sore fought field yieldeth both it and his life unto the head and hands of Henry of Richmond his Conquerour and the next day was brought back like a Hog naked and torn and with contempt without tears obscurely buried in the Gray Friers of this City whose suppression had suppressed the plot place of his grave and only the stone-chest wherein he was laid a drinking trough now for horses in a common Inn retaineth the memory of that great Monarchs Funeral and so did a stone in the Church and Chappel of S. Maries inclose the Corps of the proud and pontifical cardinal Wolsey who had prepared for himself as was said a far more richer Monument 7 Other places worthy of remembrance in this Shire were these In the West where a high Cross was erected in former times stood the fair City Cleycester the Romans BENONNE where their Legions lay and where their two principal ways crossed each other as the Inhabitants report Loughborow in the North verge was as Marianus affirmeth taken from the Britains by Cuthwolse their King about the year of Christ 572. At Redmore near Bosworth Westward in this County the Kingdom of England lay in hazard of one Battle when King Richards field was fought where the Land at once was free from a Tyrant and wicked Usurper Neither may we pass Lutterworth as the least in account where the famous Iohn Wickliff Englands Morning star dispersed the clouds of all Papistical darkness by preaching the Gospel in that his charge the stile of his pen so piercing in power that the man of Sin ever since hath been better known to the world 8 Religious houses by Princes erected and by them devoted to God and his service the chiefest in this Shire were at Leicester Grace-Dieu Kerby-Bellers and at Burton a Spittle for Lazers a disease then newly approached in this Land for the erection whereof a common contribution was gathered thorow the Realm the patients in this place were not so much deformed in skin as the other were in the defects of the soul whose skirts being turned up to the sight of the world their shames were discovered and those houses dissolved that had long maintained such Idolatrous sins 9 This Shires division is into six Hundreds and in them are seated twelve Market-Towns for commerce and containeth in circuit two hundred Parish-Churches LINCOLNE SHIRE LINCOLN-SHIRE CHAPTER XXXI THe County of Lincoln by the Normans called Nicolshire is confined on the North with Hamber on the East with the German Ocean upon the South is parted from Cambridge and Northampton-shire by the River Nyne and on the West from Nottingham and York-shires by Dun and Trent 2 The length of this Province extendeth from Barton unto Humber in the North unto Stanford upon the River Nyne in the South are miles by our English measure fifty five and the breadth thereof from Newton in the West stretched unto Winthorp upon her East Sea containeth thirty five The whole in circumference about one hundred and eighty miles 3 The Air upon the East and South part is both thick and foggy by reason of the Fens and unsolute grounds but therewithal very moderate and pleasing Her graduation being removed from the Aequator to the degree of 53 and the winds that are â—ent of her still working-Seaâ— to disperse those vapours from all power of hurt 4 The Form of this County doth somewhat resemble the body of a Lute whose East-coasts lye bow-like into the German-Ocean all along pestered with inlets of salt waters and sands which are neither firm nor safe for travellers as those in the South proved unto King Iohn who marching Northward from Northfolk against his disloyal Barons upon those washes lost all his furniture and carriage by the sudden return of the Sea and softness of the Sands 5 Her Soil upon the West and North is abundantly fertile pleasant and rich stored with pasturage arable and meadowing grounds the East and South Fenny and brackish and for Corn barren but for fowl and fiâ—h exceeding any other in the Realm wherein at some times and seasons of the year hath been taken in nets in August at one draught aboue three thousand Mallards and other Fowls of the like kind 6 The Shires commodities consist chiefly in Corn Cattle Fish Fowl Flax and Alablaster as also in a Plaister much esteemed of by the Romans for their works of Imagery and whereof Pliny in his Natural History maketh mention And the Astoriâ—es a precious stoâ—e Star-like pointed with five beams or rays anciently esteemed for their vertue in victories upon the South-west of this County near Bever are found not far thence in our Fathers memory at Harlaxton was ploughed up a brazen vessel wherein was inclosed a golden Helmet of an ancient fashion set with precious stones which was presented to Katherine of Spain Wife and Dowager to King Henry the eighth 7 This Shire triumpheth in the birth of Beauclerk King Henry the first whom Selby brought forth and of King Henry the fourth at Bullingbrooke born but may as justly lament for the death of King Iohn herein poisoned by Simon a Monk of Swynsted Abbey and of Queen Eleanor wife to King Edward the first the mirrour of wedlock and love to
yet which is wonderful there be many great heaps of Stones called Laws which the neighbouring people are verily perswaded were cast up and laid together in old time in remembrance of some that were slain there There is also a martial kind of Men which lie out up and down in little Cottages called by them Sheals and Shealings from April to August in scattering fashion summering as they term it their Cattel and these are such a sort of people as were the ancient Nomâ—dâ—sâ— The last not least matter of note is this that the Inhabitants of Morpeth set their own Town on fire in the year of Christ 1215 in the spight they bare to King Iohn for that he and his Rutars over-ran these Countries This County hath five Market-Towns in it for her Trade of Buying and Selling 26 Castles for her strength and fortification and 460 Parish-Churches for Divine Service THE ISLE OF MAN MAN-ISLAND CHAPTER XLIII THe Isle of Man is termed by Ptolomy Moneda by Pliny Menabia by Orâ—sius Mâ—navia by Beda Menavia secunda and by Gildas Eubonia and Menaw The Britains name it Menow the Inhabitants Maninge and we Englishmen The Isle of Man It boundeth Northward upon Scotland Southward upon the Isle of Auglesey Eastward upon part of Lanca-shire and Westward upon the Coast of Ireland 2 The form is long and narrow for from Cranston to the Mull-hills where it is longest it only stretcheth it self to twenty nine miles but from the widest part which is from Peele-Castle to Douglas-point are scarce nine the whole compass about is fourscore and two miles 3 The Air is cold and sharp being bordering upon the Septentrionâ—l parts and for her shelter having but a wall of water They have few Woods only they light sometimes upon subterranean trees buried under the ground by digging up the earth for a clammy kind of Turff which they use for fuell 4 The Soil is reasonable fruitful both for Cattel Fish and Corn yet it rather commendeth the pains of the People than the goodness of the ground for by the Industry of the Inhabitants it yieldeth â—uffciently of every thing for it self and sendeth good store into other Countries It hath Fields by good manuring plenteous of Barley and Wheat but especially of Oats and from hence it comes that the People eat most of all Oaten-bread It bears abundance of Hemp and Flax and is full of mighty Flocks of Sheep and other Cattel yet are they smaller in body than those we have in England and are much like to the Cattel in Ireland that are neighbouring upon it 5 This Commodity makes this Iâ—land more happy than we are here for the People are there free from unnecessary commencements of Suits from long and dilatory Pleas and from frivolous feeing of Lawyers No Iudg or Clerks of the Couâ—t take there any penny for drawing Instruments or makâ—ng of Processes All Controversies are there determined by certain Iudges without writings or other charges and them they all Deemsters and chuse forth among themselves If any complaint be made to the Magistrate for wrong either done or suffered he presently taketh up a Stone and fixeth his mark upon it and so delivereth it unto the Party Plaintiff by vertue of which he both calls his Adversary to appearance and to produce his Witnesses If the Case fall out to be more litigious and of greater consequence than can easily be ended it is then referred to twelve Men whom they term The Keys of the Island Another happiness enricheth this Island namely the Security and Government thereof as being defended from neighbour Enemies by Souldiers that are pâ—est and ready for on the South side-of the Isle stands Bala-Curi the Bishops chief place of residence and the Pylâ— and a Block-house staâ—ding in a little Island where there is a continual Garrison of Souldiers And it is so well managed for matter of rule and civil Discipline that every man there possesseth his own in peace and safety No man lives in dread or danger of what he hath Men are not there inclined to Robbing or Thieving or Licentious living 6 The Inhabitants of this Island are for the most part religious and loving to their Pastors to whom they do much reverence and respect frequenting daily to Divine Service without division in the Church or innovation in the Commonwealth The wealthier sort and such as hold the fairest possessions do imitate the people of Laca-shire both in their honest carriage and good house-keeping Howbeit the common sort of People both in their language and manners come nighest unto the Irish although they somewhat relish and favour of the qualities of the Norwâ—gians 7 Things not worthy to be buried in the grave of oblivion are that this Island in the midst thereof riseth up with hills standing very thick amongst which the highest is called Sceafull from whence upon a clear and fair day a man may easily see three Kingdoms at once that is Scotland and Ireland This Isle prohibits the customary manner of begging from dore to dore detesting the disorders as well Civil as Ecclesiastical of Neighbour Nations And the last not least that deserves to be committed to memory is that the women of this Country wheresoever they go out of their dores gird themselves about with the Winding-sheet that they purpose to be buried in to shew themselves mindful of their mortality and such of them as are at any time condemned to die are sowed within a Sack and flung from a Rock into the Sea 8 The whole Isle is divided into two parts South and North whereof the one resembleth the Scottish in Speech the other the Irish. It is defended by two Castles and hath seventeen Parishes five Market-Towns and many Villages A Chronicle of the Kings of MAN CHAPTER XLIV IT is here very pertinent to the purpose to insert a small History of this Island that the atchievements heretofore had may not be utterly buried although they are waxen very old and almost torn from remembrance by the teeth of â—ime I is confessed by all that the Britains held this Island as they did all Britain But when the Nations from the North overflowed these South parts like violent tempests it became subject to the the Scots Afterwards the Norwegians who did most hurt from the Northern Sea by their manifold robberies made this Island and the Hebrides to be their haunt and erected Lords and peâ—â—y Kings in the same as is expressed in this Chronicle written as is reported by the Monks of the Abbey of Russin A Chronicle of the Kings of MAN ANno Dom. 1065 Edward of blessed memory King of England departed this life and Harald the Son of Godwin succeeded him in the Kingdom against whom Harold Harfager King of Norway came into the Field and fought a Battel at Stainford-bridge but the English obtaining the Victory put them all to flight Out of which chase Godred sirnamed Crovan the Son of Harald the black of Iseland came unto Godred the
Son of Syrric who raigned then in Man and honourably received him 2 The same year William the Bastard conquered England and Godred the Son of Syrric died his Son Fingal succeeding him 3 An. 1066. Godred Crovan assembled a great Fleet and came to Maâ— and fought with the people of the Land but received the worst and was overcome The second time renewing his Forces and his Fleet he sailed into Man and joyned Battel with the Manksmen but was vanquished as before and driven out of the Field Howbeit what he could not at first bring to pass with power in those two several onsets he afterward effected by policy For the third time gathering a great multitude together he arrived by night in the haven called Ramsey and hid three hundred men in a Wood which stood upon the hanging hollow brow of an Hill called Sceafull The Sun being risen the Manksmen put their People in order of Battel and with a violent charge encountred with Godred The fight was hot for a time and stood in a doubtful suspence till those three hundred Men starting out of the Ambush behind their backs began to foil the Manksmen put them to the worst and forced them to flie Who seeing themselves thus discomfited and finding no place of refuge leâ—t them to escape with pitiful lamentation submitted themselves unto Godred and besought him not to put the Sword such poor remainder of them as was left alive Godred having compassion on their calamities for he had been pursed for a time and brought up among them sounded a Retreat and prohibited his Host any longer pursuit He being thus possessed of the Isle of Man died in the Island that is called Isle when he had raigned sixteen years he left behind him three sons Lagman Harald and Olave 4 Lagman the eldest taking upon him the Kingdom raigned seven year His brother Harald rebelled against him a great while but at length was taken Prisoner by Lagman who caused his members of generation to be cut off and his eyes to be put out of his head which curelty this Lagman afterwards repenting gave over the Kingdom of his own accord and wearing the Badge of the Lords Cross took a journey to Ierusalem in which he died 5 An. 1075. All the Lords and Nobles of the Islands hearing of the death of Lagman dispatched Ambassadors to Murccard Oâ—brien King of Irelaâ—d and requested that he would send some worthy and industrious man of the Blood-Royal to be their King till Olave the son of Godred came to full age The King yielding to their request sent one Dopnald the son of Tade and charged him to govern the Kingdom which by right belonged to another with lenity and gentleness But after he was come to the Crown forgetting or not weighing the charge that his Lord and Master had given him swayed his place with great Tyranny committing many outrages and cruelties and so raigned three years till all the Princes of the Islands agreeing together rose up against him and made him flie into Ireland 6 An. Dom. 1111. Olave the son of Godred Craven aforesaid began his Raign and raigned forty years a peaceable Prince He took to wife Affrica the daughter of Fergus of Galway of whom he begat Godred By his Concubines he had Raignald Lagman and Harald besides many daughters whereof one was married to Summerled Prince of Herergaidel who caused the ruine of the Kings of the Islands On her he begat four sons Dulgal Raignald Engus and Olave 7 An. Dom. 1144. Godred the son of Olave was created King of Man and raigned thirty years In the third year of his Raign the People of Dublin sent for him and made him their King Which Murecard King of Ireland maligning raised War and sent Osibeley his half brother by the Mothers side with 3000 Men at Arms to Dublin who by Godred and the Dublinians was slain and the rest all put to flight These Atchievements made Godred returned to Man and began to use Tyranny turning the Noblemen out of their Inheritances Whereupon one called Thâ—rsin Otters son being mightier than the rest came to Summerled and made Dulgal Summerleds son King of the Islands whereof Godred having intelligence prepared a Navy of 80 Ships to meet Summerled And in the year 1156 there was a Battle fought at Sea on Twelfth day at night and many slain on both sides But the next day they grew to a pacification and divided the Kingdom of the Islands among themselves This was the cause of the overthrow of the Kingdom of the Isles 8 An. 1158. Summerled came to Man with a Fleet of fifty three Sail put Godred to flight and wasted the Island Godred upon this crossed over to Norway for aid against Summerled But Summerled in the mean time arriving at Rhinfrin and having gathered together a Fleet of 160 Ships coveting to subdue all Scotland by the just Iudgment of God was vanquished by a few and both himself and his son slain with an infinite number of people 9 The fourth day after Raignald began to raign but Godred coming upon him out of Norway with a great number of Armed Men took his Brother Raignald and bereft him both of his Eyes and Genital Members On the fourth Ides of November An. Dom. 1187. Godred King of the Islands died and his body was translated to the Isle of Ely He left behind him three sons Raignald Olave and Tvar He ordained in his life time that Olave should succeed him because he only was born legitimate But the people of Man seeing him to be scarce ten years old sent for Raignald and made him their King This caused great division and many turbulent attempts between the two Brethren for the space of thirty eight years which had no end till at a place called Tingualla there was a Battel struck between them wherein Olave had the Victory and Raignald was slain The Monks of Russin translated his Body unto the Abbey of S. Mary de Fournes and there interred it in a place which himself had chosen for that purpose 10 An. 1230. Olave and Godred Don who was Raignalds son with the Norwegiaus came to Man and divided the Kingdom among themselves Olave held Man and Godred being gone unto the Islands was slain in the Isle Lodaus So Olave obtained the Kingdom of the Isles He died the twelfth Calends of Iune Anno 1237. in Saint Patricks-Islands and was buried in the Abbey of Russin 11 Harold his Son succeeded him being fourteen years of Age and raigned 12 years In the year 1239 he went unto the King of Norway who after two years confirmed unto him his Heirs and Successors under his Seal all the Islands which his Predecessors had possessed 12 An. 1242. Harald returned out of Norway and being by the Inhabitants honourably received had peace with the Kings of England and of Scotland The same year he was sent for by the King of Norway and married his Daughter In the year 1249 as he returned
homeward with his Wife he was drowned in a Tempest neer unto the Coasts of Radland 13 An. Dom. 1249. Raignald the Son of Olave and brother to Harold began his raign and on the thirtieth day thereof was slain by one Tvar a Knight in a Meadow neer unto the holy Trinity-Church and lieth buried in the Church of S. Mary of Russin 14 In the year 1252. Magnus the son of Olave came to Man and was made King The next year following he went to the King of Norway and stayed there a year 15 In the year 1265. Magnus Olaves son King of Man and of the Islands departed this life at the Castle of Russin and was buried in the Church of S. Mary of Russin 16 In the year 1266 the Kingdom of the Islands was translated by reason of Alexander King of Scots who had gotten into his hands the Western Islands and brought the Isle of Man under his dominion as one of that number 17 An. 1340. William Montacute Earl of Salisbury wrested it from the Scottish by strong hand and force of Arms and in year the 1393 as Thomas Walsingham saith he sold Man and the Crown thereof unto William Scroope for a great summe of money But he being beheaded for high Treason and his Goods confiscate it came into the hands of Henry the Fourth King of England who granted this Island unto Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland But Henry Piercy entring into open Rebellion the fifth year following the King sent Sir Iohn Stanley and William Stanley to seize the Isle and Castle of Man the inheritance whereof he granted afterwards to Sir Iohn Stanley and his Heirs by Letters Patents â—with the Patronage of the Bishoprick c. So that his Heirs and Successors who were honoured with the Title of Earls of Darby were commonly called Kings of Man HOLY ISLAND GARNSEY FARNE IARSEY HOLY-ISLAND CHAPTER XLV THis Island is called Lindisfarne by the River Lied that is opposite unto it on the Coast of Northumberland Beda termed it a Demâ—-Island The Britains name it Iuis Medicante for that it twice every day suffereth an exordinary inundation and over-flowing of the Ocean in manner of an Island which twice likewise makes it continent to the Land and returning unto her watry habitation lays the Shore bare again as before It is called in English Holy-Island for that in ancient times many Monks have been accustomed to retired themselves thither and to make it their receptacle for solitude having on the West and South Northumberland and more South Eastward the Island Farne 2 The form of it is long and narrow the West-side narrower than the East and are both conjoyned by a very small spang of Land that is left unto Conies The South is much broader than the rest It is from East to West about two thousand two hundred and fifty paces and from North to South twelve hundred and fifty paces so that the circumference cannot be great 3 The Air is not very good either for health or delight as being seated on those parts that are subject to extremity of cold and greatly troubled with vapouâ—s and foggy mists that arise from the Seas 4 The Soil cannot be rich being rocky and full of Stones and unfit for Corn and Tillage It is neither commended for Hills to feed Sheep nor Pastures to fat Cattel neither hath it Vallies replenished with sweet Springs or running Rivolets only one excepted descending from a standing Pond The only thing this Island yieldeth is a fit and accommodate aptitude for Fishing and Fowling 5 Notwithstanding this is very worthy of note concerning the same which Alcun wrote in an Epistle to Egelred King of Northumberland namely that it was a place more venerable than all the places of Britain and that after the departure of S. Paulinus from York there Christian Religion began in their Nation though afterwards it there felt the first beginning of misery and calamity being left to the spoil of Pagans and Miscreants 6 It is also remembred of this Island that sometime there hath been in it an Episcopal See which Aidan the Scot instituted being called thither to Preach the Christian Faith to the People of Northumberland being thus delighted with the solitary situation thereof as a most fit place for retirement But afterwards when the Danes rifled all the Sea-Coasts the Episcopal See was translated to Durham 7 This Island so small in account either for compass or commodity and so unpeopled and unprofitable cannot be numerous in Towns and Villages It hath in it only one Town with a Church and a Castle under which there is a commodious Haven defended with a Block-house situate upon an Hill towards the South-East FARNE-ISLE THis Isle South-Eastward seven miles from Holy-Island sheweth it self distant almost two miles from Brambrough Castle On the West and South it beareth upon Northumberland and on the North-east-side it hath other smaller Islands adjoyning to it as Widopons and Staple-Island which lie two miles off Bronsinan and two lesser than these which are called the Wambes 2 The Form of this Iâ—le is round and no longer in compass than may easily be ridden in one half of a day The breadth of it is but five miles and the length no more The whole circumference extends it self no further than to fifteen miles 3 The Air is very unwholsom and subject both to many Dysenteries and other Diseases by reason of the miâ—ty Fogs and Exhalations that are thereunto drawn up from the Ocean It is many times troubled with unusual Tempests of Winds with boisterous â—ury of stormy Rains and with several and uncouth rages of the Sea 4 The Soil cannot be fertile being incircled about with craggy Clifts â—either hath it in it much matter either of pleasure or profit It can neither defend it self from Cold lacking Fuel as Wood Coal Turffs c. Nor from Famine wanting Food as Corn Pastures Cattel c. The best Commodity it yields is Fish and Fowl 5 This thing nevertheless is worthy to be remembred of it which Beda writing of the Life of Cuthbert Bishop of Lindisfarne that Tutelar Patron of the Northern Eâ—glishmen reporteth namely that in this Isle he built a City fitting his Government and erected certain Houses in the same the whole building standing almost round in compass and reaching the space of four or five Pearches The Wall about it he made higher than a Mans height to with-hold and keep in the wanton lasciviousness both of his thoughts and eyes and to elevate the whole intention of his mind up to heavenly desires that he might wholly give himself to the service of God But these are all made the ruins of time as sithence many other Monuments have been of worthy Antiquity 6 I cannot report that there are now many Houses standing in it much less Towns or Villages Only this that it hath a Tower or Place of Fortification belonging unto it placed well-neer in the middle part of the Isle GARNSEY THis Island
in the East or North of the Land For besides that great and high Hill called Plinillimon a continual range of lesser doth shoot along yielding in their Vallies both goodly rich Pastures and very large Pools which being assisted with Springs from the Rocks do branch themselves as Veins in the Body and make fruitful their passages unto the Sea In Tyuy one of these as Giraldus hath written the Beaver hath been found a Creature living both by Land and Water whose Stones the Physicians hold in great price His foreâ—eet are like unto a Dog but the hinder whole skinned as is the Goose the Dog-like serve him on shore for to run and the Goose-like as Oars give him swift motion in swimming his Tail broad and gristly he useth as a Stern wherewith on the sudden he can divert his swiâ—t floating course But this creature in these parts a long time hath not been seen whose room we may well say the Salmon hath possessed who still coveting fresh-water-Rivers at their down-right falls useth this policy He bendeth himself backward and taketh his Tail in his Mouth and with all his strength unloosing his circle on the sudden as a Lath let go mounteth up before the fall of the Stream whereupon such water-falls are called the Salmons-leap and in these Rivers many such Salmons are caught 4 The Commodities of this Shire chiefly consist in Cattel Sea-Fowl and Fish Corn sufficient but of Woods some scarcity and at the Head of Istwyd are certain Veins of Lead a Merchandize of no mean regard or wealth 5 The ancient People that possessed this Province were the Dimâ—tae by Ptolomy branched thorow the Tract of Caermarden Pembroke and this Shire who in their struglings against the Romans did not a little rely upon Caractacus their most warlike King from whose name though unlikely some will have the Shire called Cardigan yet lastly felt the fortune of subjection with the rest when Iulius Frontinus warred with these Mountains Scarce had the Normans setled their Kingdom in Britain but that they aâ—â—ailed this County as well to enjoy so fair a Possession as to secure those Seas from any Invasion against them so that Rufuâ— first wrested from the Welshmen the Maritime Coasts and Henry the first gave the whole County to Gilbert de Clare 6 This Gilbert fortified Cardigâ—n and Shire-Town with a Wall and strong Castle whose aged Lineaments do to this day shew the industry both of Nature and Art for the Town is seated upon a steep bank her South side guarded with the deep River Tyvy and passable no way but by a bridge under the Castle The Walls take the advantage of the rising Rocks and circulate the Town even round about The Castle is higher built upon a Rock both spacious and fair had not Storms impaired her beauty and time left her carkass a very Anatomy The Walls range as thou feest and are indifferent for repair having three ways for entrance and contain in compass six hundred and fourscore paces whose position for Latitude is in the degree 52 33 minutes from the North-pole and for Longitude from the first West point by Mâ—rcâ—tor in the degree 15 and 10 minutes 7 This Shire as it is little in circuit so accordingly is besprinkled with Townships whereof four only have the Trade of Markets neither find I other remembrance of religious Foundations but at Cardigan Istradfleet and at Llan Bâ—dern Vaur where sometimes was seated an Episcopal See which as Hoveden writeth was decayed many years since when the people had wickedly stain their Pastor And yet Llan-Devi-brevi built and so called in memory of the most famous David Bishop of Menevia was in great esteem where in a frequent Synod there holden he refuted the Pelagian-Heresie sprung up again in Britain both by the authority of holy Scriptures and also by miracle as is reported while the earth whereon he stood and preached rose up unto a certain height under his Feet 8 The Shires Division for businesses belonging either to the Crown or Common-wealth is into five Hundreds wherein are seated four Market-Towns and sixty four Parish-Churches for Gods Divine and daily Service CAERMARDEN-SHIRE CHAPTER VI. CAERMARDEN-SHIRE so called from the chief Town Caermarden lyeth bordered upon the South with Cardigan-shire upon her East by Brecknock and Glamorgan-shires upon the South with a Bay of the British-Seas and upon the West with Pembroke-shire 2 The form of this County is long and shooteth it self from the South-West into the North and by East betwixt whose further bounds are thirty five English miles and in her broadest part twenty miles the whole in circumference about one hundred and two miles 3 This Shire is not altogether so pestred with Hills as her bordering Neighbors are and those that she hath neither so high nor so thick and therefore is better for Corn and Pasturage yea and in Woods also so that for Victuals this County is very well stored which the Stomach doth as well digest the Air being wholsome temperate and pleasing 4 Anciently these parts were possessed by the Dimetree as Ptolomy Gildas and Ninius do name them though Pliny holds opinion that they were part of the Silures with whom no doubt they were subdued to the Romans yoke by Iulius Frontinus when he struggled with the Rocky Hills in those Southern parts And this County is accounted by Writers to be the very strength of South-Wales In the West thereof at Kilmanlloid as it should seem their Legions were kept where lately an earthen Pot hoarded with store of Roman-Coyns was by the Spade digged up being stamped upon imbased Silver from the time of Commodus unto the first Tribuneship of Gordian the third which fell in the year of Christ two hundred forty three and amongst these were the Coyns of Helvius Pertinax Marcus Opellius Antonius Diadumenianus Iulius Veruâ— Maximuâ— the Son of Maximus of Coelius Balbinus of Clodius Pupienus of Aquilla Severa the wife of Heliogabalus and of Soll. Barbia Orbianaâ— pieces rarely found 5 The Commodities of this Shire chiefly consist in Cattel Pit-coal Fowl and Sea-Fish whereof the Salmon is common among them and that of such greatness and plenty as no place is better furnished therewith than the Shire-Town Caermarden is 6 Which Town by Ptolomy is called Maridunum by Antoninâ— the Emperour Muridunum by the Britains Caerfridhin and by us Caermarden It is pleasantly seated upon the South-West side of the River Tovy that runneth through the midst of this Shire and falleth South from hence into the British Sea where before-times was a convenient Haven for Ships arrivage but now is sore pestred with Sands and Shelves notwithstanding some small Vessels ascend up the River even unto the Bridge of this Town which is fairly built of Free-stone And over the same upon a hanging Rock standeth a very large Castle from whose Stone-wall another intermingled with Brick rangeth about the Town being in circuit one thousand and four hundred paces The Inhabitants of this place do
or ever become the ruin of time which is much feared for the merciless underminings of the Sea that with her daily and forcible irruptions never ceaseth to wash away the Foundations of the Key The People of this Town are well approved for courtesie and also Civil Government which is administred by the Constable of the Castle who is ever Mayor by Patent having the assistance of one Alderman two Bailiffs two Sergeants at Mace and one Town-Cleâ—k The Townsmen do not a little glory that King Edward the Second was born there in a Tower of the Castle called Eagle-Tower and surnamed of Caer-nar-von he being the first Prince of Wales of the English Line The site of this Town according to Mathematical observation is in the degree of Longitude 15 and 50 scruples from the first West point and the Pole elevated in Latitude 53 and 50. Bangor the Bishops See though it be now but a small Town yet it was in time past so large that for the greatness thereof it was called Banchor-Vaur that is Great-Banchor which Hugh Earl of Chester fortified with a Castle But it hath been long since utterly ruinated and laid level with the ground insomuch as there is not any footing to be found or oâ—her monuments left thereof although they have been sought with all diligent enquiry This Bishops See hath been the Diocess of ninety six Parishes But the ancient Church which was consecrated unto Daniel sometime Bishop thereof was defaced and set on fire by that notorious Rebel Owen Glendowerdwy who had a purpose also to destroy all the Cities of Wales for that they stood for the King of England And though the same Church was since repaired about the time of King Henry the seventh yet hath it scarce recovered the resemblance of her former dignity The River Conwey which limiteth this Shire on the East-side is in Ptolomy by corruption or ignorance of Transcribers called Toissonius instead of Cononius whence Canonium a Town mentioned by Antonine took name and albeit both it and its name be now utterly extinct yet is there a covert remembrance thereof in the new name of a poor Village standing among the rubbish thereof called Caer-hean that is the ancient City Out of the Spoil whereof King Edward the first built a new Town at the Rivers mouth termed thereupon Aber-Conwey that is the mouth of Conwey which being formerly fortified by Hugh of Chester and strongly situate and senced both with Walls and a fair Castle by the Rivers side deserves rather the name of a City than a Town if it were more populous and traffiqued with Inhabitants Neither must I here forget Nowin though but a small Market-Town for that it pleased the English Nobles Anno 1284 to honour it and the memory of King Arthur with triumphant celebrity after they had subdued the rebellious Ringleaders of Wales 7 Other matters of memorable note this Country affordeth not much unless perhaps this That just over-against the River Conwey where it issueth into the Sea there sometimes stood an ancient City named Diganwey which many years ago was consumed by Lightning and so made utterly desolate as many other Monuments have been of ancient and worthy memory As likewise that in the Pool Lin-Peris there is a kind of Fish called there Tâ—rcoth having a red Belly no where else seen For touching these two other miracles famoused by Giraâ—dus and Gervasius that on those his high Hills there are two Pools called the Mears the one of which produceth great store of Fish but all having only one Eye and the other there is a moveable Island which as soon as a man treadeth thereon it forthwith floateth a great way off whereby the Welsh are said to have often scaped and deluded their Enemies assailing them these matters are out of my Creed and yet I think the Reader had rather believe them than to go to see whether it be so or no. It is traded with five Market-Towns fit for bargaining buying and selling fortified with four Castles and hath sixty eight Parish-Churches in it where the Inhabitants concur and meet together for the celebration of Divine-Service THE KINGDOME OF SCOTLAND SCOTLANDS General Description CHAPTER I. SCOTLAND the second Kingdom of Great-Britain and the North part of the Island hath on the East the German-Ocean on the North the Orkneys and Deucalidon-Sea the West affronted with Ireland and the South hath the River Tweed the Cheviot-Hills and the adjacent Tract reaching to the Sulway-Sands whereby it is separated from England 2 This Kingdom is fair and spacious and from these South borders spreadeth it self wide into the East and West till again it contracts it self narrower unto the Northern Promontories furnished with all things befitting a famous Kingdom both for Air and Soil Rivers Woods Mountains Fish Fowl and Cattel and Corn so plenteous that it supplyeth therewith other Countries in their want The People thereof are of good feature strong of body and of couragious mind and in Wars so venturous that scarce any service of note hath been performed but that they were with the first and last in the Field Their Nobility and Gentry are very studious of learning and all civil knowledge for which end they not only frequent the three Universities of their own Kingdom S. Andrews Glasco and Edoâ—borough the Nurseries of Piety and Mansions of the sacred Muses but also much addict themselves to travel into forain Countries The South ê‘ t of ScotlaÌ„d wherin are contayned Edinbrough St. Andrew and Glasco Archbishoâ— 4 Yet in the mean while lest I should seem too defective in my intendments let me without offence in this third though short Book give only a general view of that Kingdom upon observations from others which to accomplish by mine own survey if others should hap to fail and my crazy-aged body will give leave is my chief desire knowing the Island furnished with many worthy remembrances appertaining both unto them and us whom God now hath set under one Crown and the rather for that their more Southern People are from the same Original with us the English being both alike the Saxoâ— branches as also that the Picts anciently inhabiting part of that Kingdom were the inborn Britains and such as thither fled to avoid the Romans servitude whose names began first to be distinguished under Dioclesian the Emperor when they were termed Picts for painting their Bodies like the Britains as saith Flavius Vigetius which is more strengthned for that the Northern Britains converted by Saint Columb are called Britain-Picts 5 But the Highland-men the natural Scot indeed are supposed to descend from the Scythians who with the Getes infesting Ireland left both their issue there and their manners apparent in the Wild-Irish even to this day And from Scytha as is thought the name of Scot grew for so the Netherlanders by Scutten express indifferently the Scythian or Scot so Gildas called the Irish-Britains Scythians so King Elfred in translating the History of Orosius
turneth Scotos into Scyttan and so saith Walsingham from one and the same original Scythae Scytici Scota Scotici take their names as from Geta Getici Gothi Gothici have done The Southren parte of Scotland wherin is y e strange Lake Lomund Petrus Kaerius caelavit 6 Their Manners were alike saith Diodorus Siculus and Strabo and their Garments not much different as by Sidonius Apollinaris may be gathered where he seemeth rather to describe the modern Wild-Irish than the antike Gete Notwithstanding this Nations Original by some hath been derived from Scota the supposed Daughter of the Egyptian King Pharaoh that nourished Moses afterwards married unto Gaithelus the Son of Cecrops Founder of Athens who first seating in Spain passed thence into Ireland and lastly into Scotland where his Wife Scota gave Name to the Nation if we believe that they hit the mark who shoot at the Moon 7 But that the Scythians came into Spain besides the Promontory bearing their name Scythicum Silius Italicus a Spaniard born doth shew who bringeth the Concani a Nation therein seated from the Massagetae which were the Scythians and the Sarmatae whom all confess to have been Scythians were the builders as he saith of the City Susanna in Spain And how from Spain they possessed themselves of Ireland at the time when the Kingdom of Iudah flourished Ninius the Disciple of Elvodugus doth tell and their own Histories of Nemethus and Delas besides Cisnerus and others do shew who were first known by the name of Scots as is gathered out of Porphyry alledged by S. Ierome in the Reign of Aurelianus the Emperour Gildas calleth them the Irish-Spoilers Giraldus A Scottish Nation descended from Ireland which in regard of them by Eginhardus is termed The Isle of Scots by Beda The Isle inhabited by the Scots and by other Historians Scotland the great as their seat in Britain was called Scotland the less The Eastern part of Scotland wherin ther are diuers Shires and the Vniversity of Aberdyn Petrus Kaerius caelavit 9 Scotlands South-part in Galloway washed with the water of Solway-Bay toucheth degree 56 of Latitude and thence imbosoming many Loughs and Inlets upon the East and West extendeth it self unto the degree 60 and 30 minutes whose Logitude is likewise laid betwixt the degree 13 and 19 and the same grown very narrow being so near the North-Pole as lying directly under the hinder-most Stars of the Greater Bear 10 The which Kingdom is divided into two parts by the great River Tay the South whereof is the more populous and more beautified in manners riches and civility the North more rude retaining the customs of the Wild-Irish the ancient Scot in whose several Territories these Counties ensuing are contained South Teifidale Merch Laudier Liddesdale Eskedale Anuandale Niddesdale Galloway Carricke Kyle Cunningham Arrar Cluidesdale Lennox Stirling Fife Stratberne Menteith Argile Cantire Lorne North. Loquabrea Braidalhin Perth Athol Anguis Merns Mar Buquhan Murrey Rosse Sutherland Cathanes Strathnavern Part of Scotland it is called of the înhabitance Stranauerne with his borderers Petrus Karius caelavit 1599. 11 And these again are subdivided into Sheriffdomes Stewardships and Bailiwicks for the most part Inheritory unto honourable Families The Ecclesiastical Government is also subject under two Metropolitan Arch-Bishops which are of S. Andrews the Primate of Scotland and of Glasco whose Iurisdictions are as followeth S. Andrews Dunkeld Aberdon Murray Dunblan Brechin Ross Cathenes Orkney Glasco Galloway Argile Iles. Amongst the things worthy of Note of Antiquity in this Kingdom most memorable was that Fortification drawn from Abercorne upon the Frith of Edenborougâ— unto Alcluyd now Dunbritton opening upon the West-Sea where Iulius Agricola set the limit of the Roman Empire past which saith Tacitus there was no other bounds of Britain to be sought for and that here the second Legion Augusta and the 20 Legion Victrix built a part of the Wall certain Inscriptions there digged up and reserved at Dunloyr and Cader do witness as also an ancient coped Monument of an high and round compass which as some think was a Temple consecrated unto the God Terminus others a Trophy raised by Carausius who fortified this Wall with seven Castles as Ninius doth declare The Iles of Hebrides w th ther borderers Petrus Kaerius caelavit 13 Ninian a Britain is recorded to have converted the South-Picts unto the Faith of Christ in the Reign of Theodosius the youâ—ger and the Church in Galloway bearing his name doth witness it so likewise in the same age Palladius sent from Pope Celestine became an Apostle unto the Scots whose Reliques lay enshrined at Fordon in Mernis as was verily supposed but that Christianity had been formerly planted in this uttermost Province is testified by Tertullian in saying the Britains had embraced the Faith further than the Romans had power to follow or persecute them whereupon Peter Monk of Clun in Spain concludeth their conversion to be more ancient than the Southern Britains 14 But touching things observable for the present surely admirable is the report of the plenty of Cattel Fish and Fowl there abiding their Neat but little yet many in number Fish so plentiful that men in some places for delight on Horse-back hunt Salmons with Spears and a certain Fowl which some call Soland-Geese spreading so thick in the Air that they even darken the Suns light of whose Flesh Feathers and Oyl the Inhabitants in some parts make great use and gain yea and even of Fishes brought by them abundant Provision for Diet as also of the Sticks brought to make their Nests plentiful provision for Fuel CATHANES and ORKNAY INS Petrus Kaerius caela 16 No less strange than any the fore-mentioned waters but more lamentable is the remembrance of the great inundation hapning by the sudden rising of Tay which bare away the Walls and Town of Berth and with it the Cradle and young Son of King William into the Sea wherein the Royal Infant with many others perished the King and his Courtiers hardly escaping the danger with life The ruine of this Town raised another more famous and more commodiously seated even Berth since called Saint Iohns-Town 17 Islands and Ilets yielding both beauty and subjection to this scottish-Scottish-Kingdom are the Western the Orkneys and the Shetlands reckoned to be above three hundred in number the Inhabitants for the most part using the frugality of the ancient Scot. 18 The Western lying scattered in the Deucalidonian Sea were anciently ruled by a King of their own whose maintenance was out of their common Coffers and the Regal Authority never continued in lineal succession for to prevent that their Kings were not permitted to have Wives of their own but might by their Laws accompany with other mens as the like Law was in the other parts of Scotland that the Virginity of all new Wives should be the Landlords prey till King Malcolme enacted that half a mark should be paid for redemption The residence of those fore-mentioned Kings was chiefly
in Ila Bunals and Iona now Columbkill where as Donald Munro who travelled through these Islands reporteth are three Tombs having the several Inscriptions of the Kings of Scotland of Ireland and of Norway 19 Among these Western Islands the Hebrides Skie Mula Ila and Arran are the greatest All of them plentiful of Corn Woods Salmons and Herrings as others of Conies Deer Horses and Sheep where in some they are wild and in others without any owners but the People uncivil and lacking Religion they rather live rudely in state of necessity than as Lords of these portions which God hath allotted them and with a sufferable ease ignorant of ambition enjoy those contentments which some others though they no great sum do more laboriously attain unto by the Precepts of Philosophy for feeding themselves with competency without any excess they return all the over-plus unto their Lords as do the Inhabitants of Hirta and Rona but alas Religion not known among them these penurious vertues are rather the curses of Cham than the followings of Christ who forbids us to be too careful for the morrow 20 The â—sles of Orkenay upon the North of Scotland lying in a most raging and tempesâ—uous Sea are about three and thirty in number whereof thirteen are inhabited and the other replenished with Cattel in these are no venomous Serpents nor other ugly vermin the Air sharp and healthful and the Soil apt to bear only Oats and Barley but not a stick of Wood among these Pomonia is the greatest accounted and called the Main-Land affording six Minerals of lead and Tin and in her chief Town a Bishops See wherein are seated twelve Parish Churches one of them very magnificent for so remote a Country 21 Of all the Romans Iulius Agricola first discovered the Orkenays yea and subdued them if we will believe Tacitus but Pomponius Mela that wrote thirty years before him doth mention them and Iuvenal in Hadrians time after him tells us the Romans had won them and lastly Claudian nameth Saxons that were slain in them and so doth Ninius name Octha and Ebissus Saxou Commanders who in their roving Pinnaces wasted the Orknays These Islands Donald Bane the Usurper of the Scottish Crown gave the King of Norway for his assistance and by the Norwegians were they held the space of an hundred and sixty years until that Alexander the third King of Scotland with Sword and Composition got them from Magnus the Fourth King of Norway which afterward King Haquin confirmed unto King Robert Bruce but lastly Christian the First King of Norway and Denmark utterly renounced all his right to those Islands when he gave his Daughter in Marriage unto King Iames the Third which deed was further ratified by the Pope who openeth the way to the possession of Kingdoms with his own Key 22 More North and further than this Chart could well express lie the Isles of Shetland of some thought to be Thule and by the Commenter upon Horace the Fortunate Island where as Tzeâ—zes fabuleth the Souls of good Men are ferryed into those Elizian Fields that ever grow green and whence Iulius Caesar could hardly be drawn as Muretus had written but their Fictions intended only that the vertuous Souls of the dead passed the uttermost bounds of earthly abode and attained to an ever-pleasing repose and ever-flourishing happiness which whether they borrowed from the description of Paradise taken both for a fair Garden and the Souls happy rest I cannot define but sure they would not have made those Fields always green if they had seen how they lie ever covered with Ice and Snow being in the 63 degree of Latitude as Ptolomy hath placed it where for the most part is a continual Winter but for proof that this was the Thule besides Ptolomies Positure Saxo Grammaticus betwixt Norway and Scotland hath placed it and Solinus two daies sailing from the point of Caledonia and Tacitus saith that the Romans kenned Thule afar off as they sailed about Britain by the Orcades and lastly Mela maketh it to face Berge a City in Norway THE KINGDOME OF IRLAND IRELAND Described CHAPTER I. THe Traditions of time have delivered unto us divers names whereby this famous Island is recorded to have been called yet none of more fair probabiliâ—y than that of Ortheus Aristotle and Claudian by whom it is named Ierna by Iuvenal and Mela called Iuverna by Diodorus Siculus Iris by Martian of Heraclea Ioyepnia by Eustachius Oyernia and Bernia by the native Inhabitants Erin by the Britains Yverdon the Welsh Bards in their Ballads Tirvolas Totidanan and Banno and by the Engâ—ish Ireland But from whence these diversities were derived arise many opinions Doubtless it is that Hibernia Iuverna and Overnia came from Ierna spoken of by Orpheus and Aristotle and the same Ierna as alâ—o Iris Iverdhon and Ireland from Erin the term that the Inhabitants now usâ— From this Erin therefore a word proper to the Nation the original is most likely to be deduced 2 Some derive Hibernia from Hiberno tempore that is from the Winter season some from Hiberus a Spaniard some from a Duke named Irnalph some again from the ancient River Iberus and some from Hiere an Irish word which signifieth the West or a Western Coast whence Erin may also seem to fetchâ—he derivation for it lieth furthest Westward of any Region in ail Europe As also for that the River running in the most remoâ—e West-part of this Island is in Pâ—olomy called Iernus like as the furthest Western Promontory in Spain from whence our Irish-Men came is by Strabo called Ierne and the River next unto it by Mela Ierna yea and Spain it self for the Western situation is called Hesperia the West-Cape of Africk Hesperium and in Germany Westrich and Westphalen from their position have their names Postelius a man that rather followed his own fancy than the judgement of others fetcheth the original of Ireland from the Hebrews as if Iâ—in should be as much as Iurin that is the Iews land which opinion I hold no better than those that would have it from the Winter-like storms although upon every Wind the Air is cold there 3 Festus Avienus in that little Book which he entituled Orae Maritimae calleth Ireland Sacram Insulam that is The holy Island to which opinion the people are soon drawn by reason of the many Saints that the Island is said to produce and the blessed Soil that affords no venomous Creatures to retain Life It is thought that Plutarch meant Ireland by his Ogygia for her great antiquity and of latter times by Isidore and Bede it was called Scotia of those Scots that inhabited it and that thence the name of Scotland together with the Scots themselves came into Britain 4 For largeness and circuit in times past this Island challenged the third place in rank of all the Isles of the then known World for thus have Geographers left us that the Indian Taproban for greatness was the first the Isle
such as think their censures worthy to pass for currant and credible yet let us suppose that haply they be possessed with the disease and malady that the Physicians call Lycanthropy which begetteth and endangeâ—eth such like phantasies through the malicious humours of Melancholly and so oftentimes men imagine themselves to be turned and transformed into forms which they are not Some again embrace another ridiculous opinion and perswade themselves that he who in the barbarous acclamation and out-cry of the Souldiers which they use with great forcing and straining of their voices when they joyn battel doth not showre and make a noise as â—he rest do is suddenly caught from the ground and carryed as it were flâ—ing in the Air out of any Country of Ireland into some desert vallies where he feedeth upon grass drinketh water hath some use of reason but not of speech is ignorant of the present condition he stands in whether good or bad yet at length shall be brought to his own home being câ—ught with the help of Hounds and Hunters Great pity that the foul fiâ—nd and father of darkness should so grievously seduce this people with misbelief and that these errours be not chased away with the truth of Christian Religion whereby as they carry much grace in their countenances they may also not be void of the inward grace of their souls and understanding 9 This Province hath been sore wasted in the rebellions of Desmond to whose aid Pope Gregory the thirteenth and Philip King of Spain sent câ—rtain companies of Italians and Spaniards who arrived not far from Dingle fortified themselves and gave it the name of Fort de Ore sounding loud threats against the whole Country But Arthur Baron Grey Lord Deputy of Ireland at the first onset decided their quarrel by sheathing his Sword in their bowels and Desmond fearfully flying into the woods was by a Souldier cut shorter by the head And again when the Kingdom of Ireland lay bleeding and put almost to the hazard of the last cast Don Iohn D'Aquila with eight thousand Spaniards upon confidence of the excommunications of Piuâ— the fift Gregory the thirteenth and Clemenâ— the eight Popes all of them discharging their curses like unto thunderbolts against Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory landed near unto Kinsale presuming that the rebellions of Tyrone had turned the hearts of the Irish for Rome Sir Charles Blunt Lord Mountjoy in the depth of Winter and with his tired Souldiers so daunted their Spanish hearts that with one victory he repressed their bragging â—oldness and recovered the Irish that were ready to revolt 10 God hath oftentimes shewed his tender love and affection to this people in laying his fatherly chastisements and afflictions upon them sometimes by winds sometimes by famine and dearth and sometimes again by opening his hand of plenty into their laps to convert them to himself and to divert their hearts from superstitions In the year 1330 about the feast of Saint Iohn Baptist there began such a dearth of Corn in this Country by the abundance of rain and the inundation of waters which continued until Michaelmas following that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twenty shillings a Cranoc of Oats for eight shillings a Cranoc of Pease Beans and Barley for as much The winds the same year were so mighty that many were hurt and many slain out-right by the fall of houses that was forced by the violence of the same The like whereof were never seen in Ireland In the year 1317 there was such a dearth of Corn and other Victuals that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twenty three shillings And many Housholders that before time had sustained and relieved a great number were this year driven to beg and many famished In the time of which famine the mercy of God so disposed that upon the 27 th day of Iune in the year 1331 there came to land such a mighty multitude of great Sea-fishes that is Thursheds such as in many ages pâ—st had never been seen that the people were much comforted in this distress and received great relief and sustenance by the same 11 Places of Religion in this Country were the two Abbies at Toghall calleth the North-â—bbey and South-Abbey The two Abbeys at Limerick S. Francis Abbey and S. Dominick Abbey The two Abbeys at Cork the Abbey of the Isle and S. Frances Abbey and the famous Abbey in times past for the holy Cross which hath had many priviledges and liberties granted unto it in honour of a piece of Christs Cross that was as they say sometimes preserved there Thus were Christians perswaded in ancient times And it is a wonder in what Troops and Assemblies people do even yet conâ—low thither upon devotion as unto a place of holiness and sanctity so firmly are they setled in the Religion of their Fore-fathers which hath been increased beyond all measure by the negligent care of their Teachers who should instruct their ignorance and labour to reduce them from the errors they persevere in This Province is governed by a Lord President who hath one assistant twelve learned Lawyers and a Secretary to keep it in duty and obedience It was in times past divided into many parts as Towoun that is North Mounster Deswoun that is South Mounster Hierwoun that is West Mounster Mean woun that is Middle Mounster and Vrwoun that is the Front of Mounster But at this day it is distinguished into these Counties Kerry Desmond Limerick Tiperary Holycross Waterford and Cork which County in times past had been a Kingdom containing with it Desmond also for so in the Grant given by King Henry the second unto Robert Fitz-Stephen and to Miles de Cogan it is called in these words Know ye that I have granted the whole Kingdom of Cork excepting the City and Cantred of the Oustmans to hold for them and their heirs of me and Iohn my son by the service of sixty Knights The County of Waterford King Henry the sixth gave unto Iohn Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury with the name stile and the title of Earl of Waterford which was afterward again assumed to the Crown Touching the County of Holy Cross as the opinion of that much frequented Abbey is much lessened so that County is swallowed up altogether in the County Tipperary It is fortified with five strong Castles traded with six Market-Towns and divided as followeth MOVNSTER Limerick Kerry Cork Waterford Desâ—ond Holy-Cross in Tipperary LINSTER LEINSTER CHAPTER III. THis Country the Natives call Leighnigh the Britains Lein in Latine Lagenia in the ancient lives of the Saints Lagen and in English Leinster It lieth Eastward along Hibernicum Sea on Connaught side Westward it is bounded with the River Shaenon the North with the Territory of Louth and the South with part of the Province of Mounster This Country butteth upon England as Mounster and Connâ—ught do upon Spain 2 The form thereof is triangle and sides not much unequal from her South East unto the
length The compass is reckoned by us to be 1890 English miles It is begirt on every side with Seas unless on the Eastern and there it is joyned to France by a kind of Isthmus when the Pyrenaean Mountains cross from one Sea to the other and set the limits to both Kingdoms On the West it is bounded with the Atlantick Ocean on the North with the Cantabrick and on the South with the Fretum Herculeum South East with the Mediterraneum Till within this 800 years it continued mangled and broken by many turns of Fortune Since it hath felt variety enough now it is wholly subject to one Monarch though it yet carry the name of three Kingdoms Aragou Castile and Portugal The Land yields all sorts of Wines Sugar Fruits Grain Oyls Metals especially Gold and Silver It is fertile enough for the Inhabitants For indeed they are not many nor have they so great Cities as there are in other Regions in Europe Besides the conditions of those for the most part are base The meanest proud the best superstitious and hypocrites most of them lascivious Give them their own they are good Souldiers not so much for their valour in performing as patience to endure labours hunger thirst and by this means oft-times weary out an enemy rather than Conquer him 10 France the second Region of Europe beginneth from the West at the Pyrenean Mountains and is bounded on the East with Germany on the North with our English Seas and South-ward with the Mediterraneum South East with the Alpes which divide it from Italy It was once tributary to Rome as most of these parts besides and had its division into Provinces as they pleased Now the chief are Loraign Burgundy Savoy and these have their free Princes the rest are Norway Brittany Berry Aquitane Picardy Poictou Languedock Anjow Gascoin Province Compagne and many more The Country is very fruitful and calls her neighbouring Nations to her for Traffique Their special Commodities are Wine Corn and Salt Well peopled and hath very many illustrious Cities But the Inhabitants are naturally light in their carriage almost Counter-point to the Spaniard yet of great â—ame both in learning and wars Commended by all strangers for compleat Courtship 11 Belgia hath France on the South on the North Denmark on the East Germany and the main Ocean on the West It is known best with us by the Name of Low Countreys or Netherlands The compass of it is about a thousand miles It is divided into 17 Provinces And of these four are Dukedoms seven Earldoms five Baronies and one Marqueship The Dukedoms are 1 Brabant and in this is Antwerp 2 Luick 3 Lutzenburg here stands the vast Forrest of Ardeuna 4 Gelderland The Earldomâ— 1 Flanders 2 Artois 3 Hainalt 4 Holland 5 Zealand 6 Zutphen 7 and Hamme The Baronies 1 Friezland 2 Vtreck 3 Mechlin 4 Overissell 5 Groueling The Marqueship is that of the holy Empire The Land is good and affordeth great store of Butter Cheese and breeds Oxen of incredible bigness and weight The people too are very industrious and excellent Mechanicks The men commonly are of a goodly Porrtaiture yet of more fame for their wars than their volour but are forced to maintain their liberty by the Sword good Sea-men indeed and in that they bear some sway Their Governours are called the States of the Low Conntries The General of their Forces is the Prince of Orange 12 Germany lyeth East-ward from Belgia and on her own East is bounded with Hungary and Polonia and the River Vistula and the North with the Germane Ocean and on the South with the Alpes that divide her from Italy In the middle is situated the Kingdome of Bohemia compassed with the Sylva Hircinia and in this stands Prague where the Emperour commonly keeps his Court. And comprehends many Provinces of note Saxony Brandenberge Pomerania Bavaria Silesia Franconia Austria Helvetia East-Friezland Westphalia Cleveland Alsatia Brunswick and Hassia It hath now the name of the Empire as once Rome had but it comes far short of her in glory The right to it descends not by succession but by choice of six Electors Arch-Bishops of Triers Mentes and Cullen Count Palatine of Rhene Duke of Saxony and Marquess Brandenbâ—â—g In case of equality the King of Bohemia hath a suffrage which carries it It is a rich Country in Corn Wine Fruits Mines and hath in it healthfull Bathes The people warlike and ingenious for the invention of many useful implements 13 Italy hath Germany on the North divided by the Alpes on the South the Mediterraneum on the East the Adriatique Sea and on the West Mare Tyrrhenum In length it is 1010 miles and in the broadest place 420. It was once intirely one Now it is divided into many States and Provinces The chief are the Kingdom of Naples the Territory of Rome Lumbardy Tuscain the Seignory of Vâ—nice Verona and others of great fame For indeed the whole Country is of admirable fertility and called by good Authors The Paradise of the earth The Inhabitants grave and frugal yet hot and lascivious 14 Denmark is joyned to Germany on the South and on the West hath the Mare Germanicum and so almost is invironed with Sea and is a Peninsula In the Continent are two Provinces of note Irglant and Holsten The other are petty Islands for the most part The chief Zealand and Loiland The Country breedeth goodly Horses and store of Cattel The people are good Souldiers and subject to one King 15 Hungaria hath part of Germany on the West on the East the River Tibiscus and Walachia on the North with Poland and on the South with the River Saure South West with Sclavonia The great Danubius cuts her in the middle and names her parts Citerior and Vlterior The chief Provinces are 1 The Country of Soliense where the earth sends forth such a ftench that it poysoneth the very Birds which fly over it 2 An Island in Danubius exceeding fertile And so indeed is the whole Country The people are generally strong but shew the Ancientry to be of the Scythians by their barbarous manner and neglect of learning Their daughters portion are only a new attire and their Sons equally inherit without priviledge of birth-right The Emperour of Germany and the Turk share it betwixt them 16 Polonia and Silesia a Province of Germany on the West on the East the River Boristhenes or Neiper on the North the Baltick Sea and Hungary on the South It is in compass 2600 miles The chief Provinces which belong at least to Poland are Livâ—nia Lituania Volinia Samogiiia Podolia â—ussianigra Mazoria Prussia Podlassia The Dukedomes of Optwittes and Zotor Polonia propria The Land abounds with Honey Wax Mines of Copper and Iron It breeds store of Horses fit for service Their Religion is promiscuous of all kinds from the true worship to the very Atheist which acknowledgeth no God yet they are governed by one King which doth not succeed but is chosen by
honour which were after in frequent use to stir up the souldier to deserving actions 11 Their sixth Servius Tâ—llius was so dâ—xâ—erous in his rule that no person past him almost without equity of his wealth years worth employments for which special purpose he distinguished the people by several Tribes and overlookth all by this method with as much ease as a nimble housewife doth her private family 12 Tarquinius Superbus was the seventh and last King proud and cruel yet that too though it cost him his Crown enlarged the Kingdom to the Romans for it prevailed upon many strong Provinces of Italy which they after enjoyed with better hearts and ruled with more equity than he used in the unjust oppression of his neighbours His name was grown odious when the lust of his Son Tarquinius wronged the chaste Lucretia both together stirred the people to disâ—obe him of his Title and bethink themselves of some other form of government which might sound more of the Romaâ— liberty 13 This variety had took up hitherto scarce 245. years since the City was first built a time too short for her greatness if we compare her with the progress of other Nations yet to her own ensuing fortunes it is esteemed but her child-hood her infancy while she had not yet spake nor the world well heard of her actions farther than her own home and her Countries near about She began now to feel her strength and when she had first freed her self from the oppression of her home bred Tyrant she soon after spread her Arms over all Italy and her fame through most parts of the world Her power was now no more at the disposing of one King but designed over into the hands of two aged and wise Citizens of their own though the best rank and this they were to use rather as â—eoâ—â—es in trust than free possessors wherefore the Romans baulkt their insolency which their last King had before practised both in the name of their new Governours for they were called only Consules à Consulendo and in their term of Government for it became now annual which was not before limited unless by death and lastly by their ensigns of state their twelve lictors and fasces which were not allowed to both but to each in turns for their several month And this went on without breach almost six years till the Romans thought fit to correct their Laws by the Greek Copy and therefore deputed three of their best esteemed subjects to see Athens to peruse their orders and customs of which the world had then a great opinion for it was indeed the mother of learning 14 They returned them written at first in ten tables made of brass two more were soon after added and together were distinguished from their own municipal laws by the name of Leges 12. tabularum The Consuls power was now taken off and thus was their rule of justice put into the hands of ten whom they called Decemviri Each ruled in his turn and for that course had a power well-nigh as large as their Kings or Consuls else differed little at other times from a private Romane This began some 303 years after their first founder and had continued but three when Appius laid false claim to Virginia for his bond-maid that indeed he might dishonour her as his strumpet By this means he doubly provoked the Commons both with her injuries and her fathers sorrow who was forced to murder his own daughter to quit her from the lust of the Decemviri and therefore they took revenge not upon him only but his office abrogated the Decemviratus and returned the authority into the hands of Consuls as before yet so as oft times by intercourse the Tribuni militum put in for a consulary soveraignty and was admitted to the same dignity though not the name which the Patricii only referred to themselves as their royalty It was first procured by the importunate motion of the Commons that they might be equally capable of the Consulship To this though the nobility would not give their full assent in all circumstances yet they were constrained for their own peace to yield in effect and mince it with another title of Tribuni plebis Consulari potâ—state 15 Under these forms of government for three hundred years after the fall of Tarquinnius to Appius Claudius and Q Fulvius Coss. They were still in growth but not yet come to their state of honours and therefore Florus rightly styles it the youth of Rome in comparison to the age of man In this while their most famous stories are the war with Porsenna some eight years after their first Consuls the creation of Dictators and Tribunes of the People within twenty the injuries of M. Coriolanus and attempt against his own Country not long after the construction of many set Laws which continued in force to after ages the Lex agâ—aria Publia de Aventino Tarpâ—ia of the twelve Tables Clodia Aeâ—â—ilia de Ambitu de Mulctis c. The Censors fiâ—st created about 68 years after the Regifugium the conspiracy of the servants some 92 after many victories in the interim and Rome her self at last taken by the Gaules but freed by Camillus about the 120. Marcus Curtiâ—s casts himself into the pit to preserve his Country more Laws are made the first Punikâ— war waged all within 120 and odd years after Rome was surprised some 28 after that the Bellum Ligusticum and Ianus Temple the second time shut then the Bellum Illyricum Gallicum Ciâ—alpinum and the last of this age the second Punike war 16 By this time Italy was subdued and now she swept on with full sayl and confirmed strength and about twenty after was able to resist the Macedonian made war with Perses set on to the third Punike war wasted Carthage and then Numantea took Arms against Iugurtha all in less compass of years than one hundred and about this time was the Eagle took up by Marius for the Roman ensign Soon after was the Bellum Marsicum and Mithridaticum Catilines conspiracy and the noble acts of those great Heroes Scylla and Cicero Câ—sâ—r and Pompey and the rest which removed the Greek Empire to Româ— and made her the seat of the fourth Monarchy about seven hundred and three years after the City was built forty eight before Christ. 17 Hitherto though with some change and curb they continued the succession of Consuls till Iulius Caesar returned from Spain with victory over Pompeys sons and then the Senate expressing more worship to him than foresight of their own future mischief invented new titles of singular honour call him Pater patriae Câ—nsul in Decennium Dictator in perpetuum Sacrosanctus and Imperator all which himselfe made good not in bare name only as perhaps they meant but in short space gathered a power equal to their flaâ—tery and by his own strength kept what was only theiâ—s to give till by Brutus and Cassius he was slaiâ— in the Senate and
Inhabitants there of Spain after the Syrians and indeed the first which affords us any Story worth observing were the Carthaginians and the first cause of their entrance was to defend the Islanders of Cales but when they had once got firm footing and sucked the sweetness they were not to be removed by the easie term of friendship but there kept hold till a people stronger than themselves dispossessed them The attempt was made by Scipio and the Roman forces but they withstood their assault with so resolved a courage and so strong a hand that it might oft times be questioned Vter populus alteri esset pariturus and so held play almost 200 years and could not be fully subdued into the form of a Province till the Reign of Augustus Caesar yet after they were held to it till Honorius 3 About his sixth year was there a second Invasion made by the Vandales and soon after by the Gothes which bare sway for above 300 years The last King was Rodericus who lost both himself and Kingdom for a rape committed upon the Daughter of Iulian a Noble Gentlemen and at that time Embassadour with the Moors in Africa When the Father had understood of his Daughters unworthy injury he brought back his revenge with him 30000 Horse any 180000 Foot of Moors and Sarazens which discomfited the King overthrew all the ressistance which he could make and bespread the Countrey with their Forces where they and their posterity stood firm till within the memory of some which yet live 4 This change of State was before prophesied and concealed in a large Chest within a part of the Palace which both the last King and his Predecessors were forewarned not to discover But the hope of an inestimable treasure made him transgress and when he had entred there appeared nothing but the Portraictures of armed Moors with a presage annexed that when the part of the Palace should be forced open such enemies should ruine Spain It is now at last but one people but yet retains the mixtures of those many Nations which have heretofore possest it Goths Sarazens and Iews who were partly banisht hither by Hadrian the Emperour and partly sent hither by Vlider Vbit the Caliph after the Moors conquest 5 In all this discourse touching the beginning and setling of the State of Spain it appears not from whence she derives her several names of Iberia Hesperia and Hispania It seems they are more ancient than the entrance of the Carthaginians and therefore they allow us no certain Story nor other reason indeed more than likely conjecture and in some scarce that Her first name of Iâ—eria was given by her ancients from a River that runs almost through the middle of the Countrey So saith Maginus and relies upon Pliny and Iustin for his Authors Others give it rather to the Iberi the ancient people of Asia thas came in under Panus from toward Syria and possest it before the Carthaginians Her second name admits as much question Some fetch it from Hesperus the brother of Atlas and their twelfth King from Tubal Others beyond the Moon from the Evening star because it is situate upon the West of Europe The last Hispania is supposed from one Hispanus or Hispalus who reigned in those parts and was the third in the account of some from Tubal or else from Hispalis now Seril rather we may take it from the fore-mentioned Panus Captain of the Iberians by the prefiction of an S. for so the Greeks give it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and since by their own addition and corruption it is made Espania Hispania 6 Her whole compass is reckoned to be 1893 English miles and her bounds are Seas on every side unless on the East towards France from which she is severed by the Pyrenaean Mountains On the West the Atlantick Ocean on the North the Cantabrick and on the South the Fretum Herculeum and other of the Mediterraneum which divide her from Africa Her Rivers of note are specially 1 Minius of Mingo 2 Dorio now Duerus 3 Tagus now Taio famous for her golden sands 4 Botis or Guadilquiver 5 Iberius now Ebro and 6 Ana or Guadiana which in one place glides under ground for fifteen miles together and gives the Spaniard an occasion as he will catch at any to brag that they have ten thousand Cattel daily feeding upon one bridge Yet give them their own sense the truth may be questioned For they have not such plenty of meat as they have of sawce 7 It yields indeed abundance of Oranges Lemmons Capers Dates Sugar Oyl Honey Licorish Horses It hath been heretofore noted for rich Mines insomuch that Hannibal received daily 3000 from one Mine in Spain The number is not answerable in proportion to other Regions of Europe Their Cities not so great nor so many The reason may be because indeed their Women are not so fertile to multiply among themselves and their usage of strangers so uncivil that very few of other Countries seat themselves there as in France England and Germany And yet they have of late times sent many Colonies abroad into both Indies 8 They are extreamly proud and the â—illiest of them pretend to a great portion of wisdom which they would seem to express in a kind of reserved state and silent gravity when perhaps their wit will scarce serve them to speak sense But if once their mouths be got too open they esteem their breath too precious to be spent upon any other subject than their own glorious actions They are most unjust neglecters of other Nations and impudent vain flatterers of themselves Superstitious beyond any other people which indeed commonly attends those which affected to be accounted religious rather than to be so For how can hearty devotion stand with cruelty lechery pride Idolatry and those other Gothish Moorish Iewish Heathenish conditions of which they still savour 9 Yet it hath yielded heretofore men very famous for their excellent endowments both of wit and Religion The Apostle himself expresseth a great desire to see Spain as hoping to do much good among those which had entertained the name of Christ. Osius a learned Bishop in the time of Constantine the Great And Pacianus mentioned by S. Hierome Isidore â—ulgentiuâ— Arius Montanus Tostatus and 〈◊〉 were all Spaniards Sâ—neca Quintilian the Orator Lumen Romanae elâ—quentiae as Valla stiles him Martialis Lucan Silius and Pomponius Mela were Spaniards Trajan the Emperour Theodosius Ferdinand the Catholick and Charles the Emperour were Spaniards To this day it breeds good Souldiers â—low but sure and successful in their Conquests Yet such as prevail more by art than valour Their continual scarcity of victuals inureth them to hunger and other hardness which oft times wearieth out their enemy and makes him yield at least to their patience if not to their strength 10 She hath been subject to many divisions according to the humour of those that have been her Lords The first of note was made by
was forced by Evander the Arcadian a man of that admirable eloquence that he was called the son of Mercury but had by chance slain his Father and was therefore expulsed his inheritance and advised into Italy by his Mother a great Prophetess of those times He removed the Aborigines from their seat and planted his companions in the same plot of ground where after Rome was built and in the Mons Palatinus founded a little Town which he called Palâ—auteum in memory of his great grandâ—father And this was about the year 2710. 6 About 60 years after Aeneas arrived in this Countrey from the siege of Troy was entertained as an amorous suitor by Lavinia with consent of her Father Latinus and after the death of his corrival Turnus King of the Rutilians was setled heir to the Latin Monarchy after his Father 7 From Aeneas to Numitor the succession went on not without some rubs but suffered no great breach for almost four hundred years When the title should have fallen to him being the elder and true heir he was spoiled of the Kingdom by his younger Amulius Sylvius nor could it be recovered till time had given growth and strength to Romulus and Remus his grand-children by his daughter Rhea 8 The birth and breeding of these two brothers is well known we need not enlarge their story farther than thus They were the sons of Rhea a Virgin which was cloystered up into the Temple of Vesta by her Uncle Amulius Sylvus that she might not bring forth an heir to endanger his Title Notwithstanding means was found so that she conceived at once two children by Mars and was delivered among her Sister Vâ—stals For this her self as the censure was upon such delinquents was buried alive her boys exposed to be destroyed but were preserved by Faustulus the Kings Shepherd and nursed by his wife Laurentia or Lâ—pa for her bad life 9 When years and their supposed father had taught them their pedegree and the base tyranny of their Uncle they began with revenge upon him for their mothers quick burial for their own intended murder and their Grandsires injury To be brief they slew their great Uncle Amâ—lius Sylvius and turned the Kingdom to the rightful 〈◊〉 10 Thus when they had once dealt in disposing of Empires they could not easily return to the Shepherds hook but bethought them of the like fortune for their own advancement and stirred not far to make good their purpose but in the very Mons Palatinus the place where they suckt their nurse they drew together a monstrous head of debaucht Shepherds and built the City which is now called Rome from Romulus who in strife for the name or as some say for a disdainful skip over the new walls slew his brother Rhemus and was left the sole Founder and Commander of this rascal crew for so indeed it was and held in that contempt by their borderers that they could not by intreaty get wives from them to continue their succession till by a guile they had enticed the Sabines to their Pastimes ravisht their women and afterward by degrees either made their peace or wan it with the sword from the people round about them 11 Thus began the Empire of Rome and was governed at first by 7 Kings in a direct succession to Tarquinius Superbus who lost both himself and Kingdom by his own pride and his Son Sextus rape upon Lucretia It was next taken up by Consuls two annually chosen out of the Patritii or principal Citizens The third rank were of Decemviri but they again were dispossest for the like rape of Appius upon Virginia and Tribunes were constituted of Consulary authority Then Consuls again in another course and for a while Dictators which when Caesar had once clapsed he soon made to himself a power Imperial and though after five years it cost him his life which he enchanged with Brutus and Cassius for 23 wounds in the Senate-house yet the liberty of Rome was never so fully recovered but that soon after the Government fell upon Angustus by the death of Anthony and deposing of Lepidus who for a while were joyned with him into the Triumviratus 12 Thâ—s hold was scarce ever lost clearly to this day though by the changing of the seat Imperial from Rome to Bizantium in the reign of their forty third Constantinus by the division into the Eastern and Western in the time of Theodotius by the many invasions of the Goths Huns Vandals Alani Burgundians and Lombards it comes now far short of that full glory in which it once shined 13 Yet is Italy still as before a happy soyl pleasant and fertile at all times moderate weather and healthful air full of variety as well of living creatures as Plants Corn Wine Oyl Linnen Herbs c. And can afford into other Countries Rice Silks Velvets Sattins Taffataes Grogram Rash Fustians Gold-wire Armour Allom Glasses c. The rich are very rich for wealth will come with much labour in great abundance but the poor are extream poor for they are most of them very idle 14 Her chief Rivers are Padus or Poe Athesis Rubica Tyberis Arnus c. And her chief Mountains are the Alps and Mons Appennius The first are in height 5 dayes journey covered with snow and from thence have their name à nivibus albis They have two passages from Germany into the Countrey and three out of France From Germany by the Valtoline and by Trent Out of France through Provence and Liguria through the hills Genura to Lombardy and through the Countrey of Turaign The Appennine Mountains run at length with Italy like the ridge of a mans back and is called indeed Spina The measure of Italy is from North-west to South-East about 1020 miles and from the two Seas cross in some places 410. 15 The Inhabitants are of a sad temper solid judgement witty Politick and frugal yet they are as deeply engaged to their peculiar vices hot letchers and those seldome stand quit from that horrible torture of jealousie over their Wives for it measures others actions by its own rule Both in them are incredible and makes treachery and murder seem no fault in their eye if they be provoked by suspition Little friendship with them but for advantage and a man must beware that he venter not farther upon those terms than he may well step back lest he be betrayed perhaps forced to a love worse than their hate for they are most unnatural in their lust The Women when they have their free liberty differ not much but their close keeping either hinders or at least hides their faults so as they appear modest lovely and witty for as much as they dare speak 16 For war and learning it bred in times past the mirrour of both Camillus Fabius Maximus Scipio Pompey Caesar Cicero Livie Tacitus Virgil Ovid and many hundreds which yet prompt our tongues and pens with examples of goodness in several kinds Nor hath it lost that
of Millain is of circuit not much short of Florence and her chief Town is Mantua who may still glory in the birth of that excellent Pot Virgil. It is very strongly situated and fenced on three sides with water a quarter of a mile broad and the rest is guarded by a firm wall And to this Principality belongs the Dukedome of Mount-ferrat in the South East of Piedmont 24 The Dukedom of Vrbin in the midst of the Papal Territories and upon the North side of the Appennine Mountains Her principal City is Vrbin the birth-place of another Virgil though not of equal â—ame yet one in whom we have somewhat more interest for he writ an English History being at that time here resident and Collector of the Popes Peter-pence Besides this here are two hundred Castles The rock of Sâ— Leo Marivol c. Some other Towns as Cabo Pisanco c. 25 The Principality of Parma on the South of Mantua and the North of the Appennine East of Millain and West of Medena Besides other commodities which she yields in equal plenty with other parts of Italy sends a pleasant Cheese into other Countries which we call Parmasans And her chief City is Parma This Principate carries with it Mirandula and her Territories a place heard of by the common mention which is made of learned Picus de Mirandula 26 The state of Genoa is contracted now from that large compass which heretofore it fetcht in It contained once Liguria and Capua with the Taurica Chersonesus Hetruria and a fair company of Islands in the Greek Seas Little left at this time upon the main Land besides Liguria and that lieth betwixt the Rivers Varus and Marca hath the Alps on the West which divide her from Provence Hetruria on the East on the North of the Appennine Mountains and on the South the Tyrrhene Seas She hath her name from the chief City built by Ianus It is in compass eight miles and the houses for two stories high are built with marble The people noble minded and forward to any honourable action be it in Wars by the Land or hazzard by Sea One Christopher Columbus is sufficient to make good this Elogy for whose birth she deserves to be honoured to the Worlds end The women of Genoa are the most happy of any in Italy for they may see a man and speak and be courted if not too boldly without suspition of their friends or jealousie of their husbands 27 The state of Luca is in Tuscania and comprehends the Territories and City Luca built by Lucumâ— King of Italy upon the River Serchius It was once the rendezvouz of Pompey Caesar and Crassus Here they joyned their forces in their great attempt This hath been the Emperours the Genoa's the Vâ—netians the Mâ—llanois and the Florentines in their several turns They now rest under the protection of the King of Spain HUNGARIA Petrus Kaerius Caelavit The Description of the Kingdom of HUNGARY IT is not without example of good authoriy if I take into this Description not only that part which is now more peculiarly known by the name of Hungary but the whole Country likewise of Darcia which was once one with it though time and fortune have at last severed them so that each hath now its own Princes Laws Customes Language and Religion different from other I the rather take to my self this leave to avoid both the charge and trouble of ordering for every one a several Table 2 First then the Kingdom of Hungaria is on the South-East of Germany and joyns upon the Dukedom of Austria They heretofore divided betwixt them the Countrey of Pannonia Austria was the superior and this the inferior Pannonia The government and titles are now dis-joyned and Austria hath got the start in power for she is the mother of many German Princes and hath drawn the crown Imperial almost into a succession 3 Yet is Hungary still an absolute Kingdom and if not so rich and populous as heretofore it must not take from her honour since her fortunes sunk not through want of valour and fault of her former Inhabitants but we have been for a long time exposed to hazzard in the defence of Christendome against the mis-believing Turks and for that it hath been by some stiled the Coâ—k-pit of the world where once in a year at least a prize is played and some ground either won or lost by either party 4 The first Inhabitants of this Country were the Pannones those were expulsed by the Gothes And when the Gothes went into Italy it was leâ—t to the possession of the Hunni a Scythian people which lived before near the Palâ—s Mâ—otis and when they saw their time changed their seat and about the year three hundred seventy three brake by great multitudes into these parts of Europe which they held till they were displaced by the Lombards These last were the Winnili which lived in Scandia or Scandinaria a Northern Peninsula betwixt the German and Hyperborean Seas Their seat it seems was too barren for their number and meer want of Victuals forced them to seek better sustenance in some other quarter They over-ran many Countries e're they could find any one to their content Among the rest the Parnonia had her course and here they continued till they marched into Italy under the command of Alboinus where after 200 years their Kingdom was ruined by Charlemain 5 When it was thus left by Lombards the Hunnes returned to their former seat and after some time of rest grew up to a great Nation able to encounter the Roman Macrinus to break his forces and return victors from the battel About the year 439. they chose for their King Attyla whose inscription was Attyla Mundizi filius Magni Nim nepos Engadiae natus divinâ benignitate Hunnorum Medorum Gothorum ac Danor um metus orbis Deique flagellum An insolent title but indeed he was victorious over most parts of the then known world and bethought himself of enlarging his Territories in Asia and Africa But that design was drowned in wine and Lust which at length brought him to a most miserable destruction For in the night time when he had filled himself with both as he lay by his Concubine with his face upward in a dead sleep his nose gusht a bleeding and châ—ked him being not able to recover himself from his back to give it pasâ—age 6 Since this setling they were once more disturbed by the Lombards and after by Charles the Great so that they were not well â—astned in their possession of this Countrey till the time of the Emperour Arnulphus about the year 900. And indeed at this day hardly enjoy it by reason of the incredible spoils and massacres which the Tartars commit amongst them This last name of Hâ—ngaria without doubt had the Original from their present Inhabitants and their Predecessors which at times have peopled this Countrey above 1200 years 7 This Hungaria propria is bounded on the West with
Sibenburgen which she yet keeps as a remembrance of her residence in these parts The Country is populous and fertile It breeds fair and fierce Horses wild Bulls Indeed their men in some parts are not very tame Toward the North in the Province Zaculcia they live most upon the spoil maintaining continual war with the Turks and Germans and acknowledge no difference of worth or degrees among themselves Their Government or rather want of government is compared to the Helvetian Three places they have Hâ—sdy Corbay and Sceply whither they resort to determine of their State busines The chief Towns of Transylvania are Harmenstad Alba Iulia or Weisingburg Claneenburg Schlesburg Millenbachium Coronae or Cronstant 15 Moldavia lieth in the North of Transylvania and reacheth as far as the Euxine Sea on the West it hath part of Ruthenia This Country hath been by course in the several possessions of the Emperour of Germany the King of Poland and sometimes the Turk thereafter as it was cast by chance of war It was a Vayvodate and her chief Cities Occazonia Fuchiana and Falezing To this Moldavia belongs the Countrey of the Bessi mentioned by Ovid in his 6 de Tristibus Vivere quà m miserum est inter Bessosque Getasque They were a people of Thrace not far from Pontus who lived most by theft and pillage and after possest the Mountain Haemus and a part which lies betwixt it and Lituania and from the Inhabitants bears the name of â—essaralia Their principal Towns are â—ilim and Chermem This last is the seat of the Turkish Sanziack for the whole Province became subject to his tyranny in the year 1485. 16 Walachia is supposed rather to have been first named Flaccia by the Roman Flaccus who placed here a Colony which have continued the Latine tongue to this day among the Inhabitants though in a corrupt idiome such as can hardly be understood Near to this over the River Danubius stands Pons Trajanus built by the Emperour Trajanus Nerva a work worth admiration as appears by those ruinous parcels which are yet standing It hath puzzled the best Artificers to find out how such a vast foundation could be framed in so deep and fierce a stream which could not be turned into any other course to give way to the building The Country abounds with good commodities Gold Silver and Iron Salt-pits Wine Cattel and excellent great Horses The chief Cities are Sabinivus Prâ—ilaba and Tergoresta 17 Servia lies divided from Hungary and Rascia with the River Savus on her North and Bosnia on her West It was the seat of the ancient Triballi who met with Philip King of Macedonia and took from him the spoils which he had brought from Maeteas King of the Sarmatians It was it seems but a barbarous people and therefore Aristophanes in one of his Comedies among his mock-gods names Marathane-triballos Her chief Cities are 1 Taurunum which Pliny placeth in the utmost bounds of Pannonia It is commonly known by the name of Belgard and Alba Graeca It is not so great as glorious nor is it fortified so much with walls as Rivers it lieth open for a siege only one way which the Turk often attempted and returned with great loss yet at last in the year one thousand five hundred twenty one it gave up to Solyman and became a Province to his Empire It stands near where the Rivers Danubius and Savus are dissevered and is the Town which the Hungarians report to have been once delivered by the admirable industry of Ioannes Capistranus a Franciscan who is much honoured for the action by those of his own Society But Ioannes Huviades thaâ—t great Souldier and terrour to the Turk challengeth the glory as his peculiar Vadianus 2 Samandria and 3 Stoniburg 18 Rascia is on the North of Danubius where it parts with the River Savus and lieth betwixt Servia and Bulgaria In her chief City Boden there is kept a Fair once every year and much people resort for enterchange of commodities from most Countries thereabout 19 Bulgaria somewhat North-East from Rascia and is bounded with Danubius upon the South Theophylact was here Bishop and was called Bulgarius Near this is the City Tomos where Ovid lived in Banishment as himself mentioneth in his 3. de Tâ—istibus The principal Cities at this present are 1 Sophia the seat of the Berlegbeg of Greece And 2 Nicopolis The ornament of their King was imperial a Crown of gold attire of silk and red shoes Their title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a tearm allowed by the Greek Emperours to those only which might wear this habit the rest they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as much as Reges 20 Bosnia on the West of Servia and South of the River Savus had her name from the Bossi or Bessi the people of Bulgaria within the memory almost of our Fathers it was governed by Kings and as yet retains the title of the Kingdom of Bosnia The chief Towns are Cuzachium and Iaâ—iga the first is the place of residency and the second of burial for the Bosnian Kings Heretofore the City Sinderoria had that honour which some suppose to be the same that was once called Dardanum DANIA The Description of the Kingdom of DENMARK THE Kingdom of Denmark strikes into the Sea upon the North of Germany as Italy on the South the manner of both is not much unlike and the glory of this heretofore was not inferior For however in these latter ages the pride of Rome hath pranked up her Territories in gay apparel yet the day was when both she and they stooped to the Inhabitants of this Country though then known by another name of Cimbria Chersonesus Three Roman Consuls Manilius Sillanus and Cepio fell by their sword and the Empire it self it seems was in a shrewd hazzard when their own Historian reports that Actum esset de imperio nisi illi saecul Marius contigisset 2 The people were then and had been from their beginning the Cimbri a Progeny of Gomer first son of Iapheth who before they removed into this quarter of the world dwelt in the inner Asia near the straight which passeth from the Pontus Euxinus to the Polus Maeotis there we yet find the Bosphorus Cimmericus in Ptolomy which took name from the Cimmerii for so they were called at large and by contraction Cimbri 3 From thence they were in time disturbed by the Scythians and forced to seek them a new sea for their habitation which after long travel here they found fittest for their security as being a Peninsula fenced almost round with Seas from the force of all foreign Enemies Yet here too they met at last with a worse danger which they could less resist For the main Ocean brake into a great part of the Countrey displaced many of their Colonies and sent them Petitioners to Rome for a dwelling within her Dominions but their entreaty being with some neglect denied it kindled the sparks which to this time had lain as it were
pass the â—aws of that narrow strait The Inhabitants are as greedy of Rhâ—nish French and Spanish Wines the Spices of Portugal and the fruits of Andaluzia as they again are needy of the Wax Honey and Skins which are brought thither from Prussia Livonia Muscovia and the bordering Nations The other chief riches of Denmark are goodly Horses great store of Cattel and Corn enough sent to the supply of divers other parts of Christendome It hath been observed that 50000 Oxen have been driven out of these Provinces into Germany for which toll hath been paid at Guttaorp Such incredible plenty of Herring near the Isle of Scania that the Ships they say are searce able by main strength of Oars to row out of the Harbour Besides these here are furniture for War both by Sea and Land Armour Masts Cables Steel Saddles c. 11 Their chief person of fame in course of Learning was Ticho Brahe an excellent Mathematician memorable for his artificial Tower in the Isle of Fimera In Religion the greatest part of them are now Lutherans but were first converted to Christianity by Ansuerus 12 We are come to her division which the Sea almost hath made to our hands For her several Provinces are well-nigh so many Islands at least Peninsula The chief are 1 Iuttia or the old Cimbria Chersonesus 2 Diethmarsia 3 Scania 4 Hollandia 5 Blesâ—ide 6 The Islands in the Sinus Codanus which lye betwixt Iuttia and Scanta That is the West and this is the East limits of the Danish Dominions North and South are the Ocean and the River Esdora or Hever 13 Iuttia as it was the first so it is the principal part of this Kingdom Her bounds upon the West and East and North are the Bâ—ltick Seas and upon the South it â—s joyned to Holjatia and the Istumes of Dithâ—arsex It is in length 〈◊〉 Muginus eighty German 〈◊〉 from the River Albis to the Cimbrick Promontory called Seagen and in breadth twenty It is a fruitful Region for Wheat Rie Barley c. And in the North-west there is good pasture though more North-ward it becomes sandy and barren and puts the Inhabitants to fish for their victuals by which they make a shift to live though hardly enough God Knows in poor sheds sleightly clapped together and of a slender stuff such as if need be they can remove at their pleasure upon very short warning and bear them away almost upon their back They transport into other Countries great store of good Horses for service besides Barley Cheese Butter Suet Hides and rich Skins Nuts and Fish In this Province are twenty eight Cities twenty Castles and four Bishops Sees Ripensis Arthusienses and AElburga all near to the Sea-side wilburga in the up-land Country From this Province came the Iuits who joyned in with the Saxons and Angles to conquer England Her chief Towns are Rincopen Hoine and Achausen 14 Diethmarsia is situated betwixt the Rivers Albis and Eidera They were a parcel of the old German Saxons and the Country it self is by some yet reckoned the lower Saxony but it is in subjection to the King of Denmark for it is the seat and title of his first Son and heir apparent as the Dauphinate is to the Son of France and Wales to the Son of England Her Metropolis is Breme the rest Meldorp and Heininckst and Tellinckst and other rich Towns yet the soyl cannot be very fertile by reason of the moist air and her many Marshes especially toward the North which makes it unfit for tillage and indeed impassable for travellers Upon which impediments the Inhabitants have made this advantage to keep out all forein Invaders and appropriate what wealth they have to their own secure possession 15 Scania or Scandinaria in the largest compass comprehends more than belongs to the Kingdome of Denmark and is invironed round about with Seas except on that side where it is joyned to Muscovy On her West â—s the Kingdom of Norway on her East Swethland and upon the South of that is this Scania which gives place to no Region at least within these Dominions either for wholsome air or fertile soyl for commodious Havens and plenty of Merchandise for dainty Rivers of store of Fish for Cattel Mines of Iron Lead Silver and Gold fair Towns and civil Customs The Metropolis is Lumpis This whole Province is some eighteen miles in length and in breadth about twelve in some places in others not above six 16 Hollaudia on the North of Scania and South of Suecia is bounded with the Seas upon the West and on the East with vast Woods which divide her from Gothland It is a fertile Region and not much unlike unto Scandia but that it comes somewhat short of her happiness in soyl Her chief Town is Hallausoc 17 Blescida or Blicker is bounded on the East and South with Baltick Ocean and on the North is parted from Scania by a little patch of the Sea It is a Region full of Rocks Woods and Mountains Her chief City and Castle is Culmaria a strong defence against the Swethelander and the next Town of note is Malmagia the birth-place of Casparus Bartholinus a late approved Writer in the Arts. 18 In the Sinus Codanus near to the Cimbria Chersonesus there are numbred 35 Islands The chief are 1 Zealand in length 64 miles in breadth 52 it contains in it 13 Cities 7 Castles with divers pretty Towns and Villages The Metropolis is Haâ—â—nia the single University within the King of Denmarks government And here is his chief place of reâ—idency which by the Germans is called Koppâ—nhagen the Merchants Haven Her other Towns are Roschilt a Bishops See and heretofore a strong Fortress well furâ—isht for war and honoured with the Sepulchres of some of their Kings but yet it is now at a lower ebb and of little respect Elsner or Helsinura is a Sea-town That in Helsinura is called Croneburgh well furnished with all provision The other in Scania Hepsigburgh of equal strength to cause the best Ship to cast Anchor and satisfie their King before they shall have the way open out of the Baltick into the Ocean 19 2 Fionia or Fimera is second to Zealand both in bigness and plenty of rich commodities It is in length 12 miles and 4 in breadth A pleasant Region fertile and fruitful Here are in this Island 8 Cities the chief is Ottonium Odensch or Oâ—sell in the very middle almost It was a Bishops See well built but ill fenced for it hath been oft times wasted and burnt by the Enemy The other Towns are upon the Seaâ— coast and their names are Neburgh Sinborgh Feborch Ascens Eorgena Middlesar and Kortemunde beside some Castles many Villages and Noble-mens houses 20 3 Laglant 7 miles in length and hath in it many Villages and fair buildings The City Râ—theopinga and the Castle Trancura 4 Loilant near Seelant It is full of Hazels that they fraught Ships with Nuts and traffique for them into many other
Countries It hath five Towns Nistad Nasco Togrop Rothus and Marilus with some strong Castles pretty Villager and Noble-mens houses 5 〈◊〉 in length four miles Her Cities are Stubecopen and Nicopen a pleasant and a fair one for which she is by some stiled the Neopolis of Denmark 6 Moena or Muen In this the City Steck and Elmelanda 7 Femera or Femeren Her chief Cities are Derborch and Petersborn and Stabull and here is the Castle Vraniburgh built by the great Mathematician Ticho Brahe which besides the fame of its own artificial structure is much celebrated for the admirable Instruments which are there kept whereby the particular motion of the Heavens is excellently observed 21 8 And to this Kingdom belongs the Islands Borâ—holme which lies in the Baltick Seas called more particularly Mare Suevicum betwixt Blicker and Pomerania It is a Region of excellent pasture and feed abundance of Cattel and therefore is full of Butter Cheese Wool Hides c. and sends into other Countries much of their provision for victuals powdered and barrelled up for the longer keeping It hath some well peopled Towns the chief is Boruholme It had lain for fifty years together in pawn to the State of Lubeck but was redeemed by Frederick the second 22 From these and those many other Northern Islands there have issued in several ages an innumerable sort of Nations which like so many birds as Maginus calls them have flown over the greatest part of our Christian world He concludes that ex his insulis olim Gothi Ostrogothi Vestrogothi Vandali Franci Cimbri Gepidae Dani Hunni Suedi Herculi Rugi Alani Longobardi Alemani alii plures Danubio Rheno superatis omnem Europam praesertim ipsam Italiam altricem imperii dominum 400. plus annis perpetuâ quadam regionum successione subjugarunt ac Romani nomines gloriam ferè omnem extinxerunt POLONIA P. Kaerius Caelavit The Description of POLAND THE Kingdom of Poland borders upon the East-side of Germany and indeed as far as the Râ—ver Vistula it is accounted a part of the Empire and useth the same Speech Religions and Customes as the other Territories admitting only that variety which all of them have among themselves and must needs be found in so large compass s governed by so many several free Princes Beyond the River as it shrinks from the seat of Christianity so it begins to degenerate into a kind of Heathenish rudeness which favours of their Predecessors 2 For this Tract is a part of Sarmatia Europae and the first Inhabitants were the Sauromatae a Scythian people as well for barbarisme as by name It was next possest by the Vandals an active Nation of whom we have had some inkling at least almost in every place which we have past For they have spread their Victories through Europe and have left either name or story behind them in Spain France Italy Germany Tnrace and where not Their most received pedegree is from Vandalus whom Tacitus remembers the Tuscane King of the Progeny of Tuisco first Founder of the Germans Yet Munster in his Cosmography mentions a pretty conjecture of some well wishers it seems perhaps to their own Countrey which gave the original of their name of Vandals to one Vanda a Queen of Poland 3 Briefly Were the Vandals natives or were they invaders here they were found and ejected by the Sclavonians and these were the third Inhabitants of Polonia She was over-run at the same time and had the same fortune with Bohemia they were both lost to their old Lords and divided betwixt the two runnagate brothers of Croatia Zechius and Lechius who being forced for a murder out of their own soyl brought on their crew into these parts abouâ— the year 550. and here have continued in their posterity to this day They are as yet remembred in the very names of the people For the Bohemians in their proper language call themselves Zechians and in the greater Poland there is still extant a Territory known by the title of Regnum Lechitorum 4 Her Etimon signifieth no other than the site of the Country as the Sclavonians first descryed it For it was a Champian or plain field and so is Pole land interpreted out of the Sclavonish tongue It was before called Sarmatia and the people Sauromatae ab oculis Lacertarum Lizzards eyes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a property it seems which gave name to all her Nations For this was divided from another Sarmatia by the River Tanais that on the one side was Asiatica for the most part wild Heathenâ—sh Idolaters and in the farthest parts of Scythia some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this other is Europaea which being joyned with some parts of Germany Westward to the River Odera Silesia and Moâ—avia make up the Kingdome of Polonia as it is here described 5 The bounds then of this great Region are on the West the River Odera Silesia and Moravia on the East the River Neiper which Ptolomy calls Boristhenes on the North Pomerania or rather the Baltick Ocean and on the South Russia and the Mountains of Hungary And if we will with Maginus take in the out Provinces which belong to this Government we must reach Eastward the Tartars and 〈◊〉 that live near on the other side of Boristhenes and North-east ward part of Muscovia Southward the Hungarian mountains and the Vallaci insomuch that the compass would come little short of all Spain as it lieth beyond the Pyrenaean 6 The principal Rivers of Poland are 1 Vistula it hath its rise in the Caparthian Mountains which divide this Kingdom from Hungary and it self runs into the Baltick but by the way takes in divers other streams on the West out of the Polonia Germanica and on the East out of the Sarmonica It is navigable 400 miles 2 Neister which hath her Fountains in the hills of Hâ—ngary and glâ—des East ward on the South of Podolia into the Pontus Euxinus 3 Neiper or Boristhenes which bounds the Kingdom on the East is navigable 600 stadia and runs from North to South into the Pontus Euxinus where there is naturally cast up plenty of Salt which needs no art to perfect it 4 Rubin in Lituania 5 Hypanis now Bugh not far distant from the City Oleska and falls at last into the River Vistula with many others of lesser note though all conduce to make the Countrey in some kinds very fertile 7 For it abounds with most sorts of Corn and Pulse sufficient both for their own spending and continual traffique into other Countries Many of her neighbouring Regions could not well miss her plenty as well of Whet Rie and Barley as Beeves and other Cattel which gives supply to Saxony and the rest of Germany near hand which hardly yield enough for their Inhabitants out of their own store The blessing of this fertility cannot come alone but must needs bring with it the like riches of butter Cheese Milk Wax Honey and
had a trick that it might seem to have been sent from heaven into the hands of Mahomet and to this purpose he had himself fed up a tame Bull which by custome became so familiar that no sooner he heard the voice of his Master but he would straight run cast the head in his lap and use his wanton dalliance as with a fellow Betwixt the horns of this Bull had he fastned the Alcoran and conveyed him into a by-place near where he had assembled the multitude at a set time to expect a wonderful miracle from Heaven that might confirm his Prophecy The sceâ—e thus ordered on the sudden he lift up his voice and made a loud cry which no sooner the Beast heard but he brake his way through the prease overturned many of the spectators which now stood at a gaze and gently laid his Horns and Book in the bosome of this false Couzener which he with much ceremony and feigned reverence received and in their presence opening the Volume began to interpret the chief of their Laws which for hereafter they were to observe 14 Circumcision he allowed and with the old Law forbad Swines flesh that he might with more ease lead on such as were Iewish he suffered himself to be baptized by Sergius that the Christian too might have in some measure his content Moses and our Saviour he denied not to be great Prophets but that neither party might emulate the greater observance of other and indeed especially that his own might seem new and yet take place from both he changed the Circumcision of the Iews from the eight day and multiplies Baptisme which can be conferred but once for all upon the true believer For the like reason of difference with other Nations and Sects he left both the Iews Sabbath and Diem Christianorum Dominicum and commands his holy ceremonies to be celebrated on the Friday for so it was when the Bull bestowed on him his Alcoran Before they enter the Temple they wash all the unclean parts of their bodies and then to Prayer which must be performed five times in a day with their face toward the South They have a moneths fast too once every year but it iâ— observed only for the day for they may when the Sun is down redeem it with what gluttony they please Wine is forbidden only for a shew that he might not seem to have loved that which as he was guilty to himself had brought him into his epileptical fits Briefly what he knew would best agree with the bruitish desires of the people that he took order should be confirmed by his laws four or five wives to every husband and as many Concubines as they would maintain For their bliss after life he proposed no invisible delights which over-reacht their understanding but proportioned to each of their sensual thoughts and promised to those which could keep his Law a Paradise of all kinds of pleasure which they themselves most affected To the covetous wealth to the ambitious honours to the gluttonous meats to the Virgins rich attire and embraces of Angels the poor souls were never so fitted and when he had thus for a long time discoursed over his Alcoran he took a yoke from Sergius and put it upon the Bulls neck for it was foretold by an inscription brought by his door that whosoever could yoak the Bull it should be a sign to declare the man as one sent from God to govern his people 15 This huddle of miracles put the gazers beyond all pause so that in an instant they cryed him up King and held his companion in reputation of a minor Prophet called themselves Musulmanni true believers which the Turk still affects rather than his right name of Turk which imports banishment and upbraids him with the disgrace of his original 16 And now he hath past the difficulty of his attempt an easie matter to draw on millions of followers such as would like that Religion best which baulkt not their pleasures yet at last he met with an end answerable to his beginning for he was poysoned by some of his own Family 17 He had long before prophesied that he should be wonderfully conveyed to Heaven and to make good this fraud had framed an iron chest for his Sepulchre which he purposed should have been held up by force of a Load-stone placed in the top of the Temple and by this means have appeared to the beholder to hang in the air without any support But this trick it seems was prevented by death yet they expected still his ascent to Heaven till he stank upon earth so that at last they were forced to convey him into his iron coffin which remains to this day in Mecha a City of â—ersia and is visited by the Turks as the Sepulchre of our Saviour at Ierusalem by Pilgrim Christians 18 I took leave here to supply the room with the Customes and Religion of the Turks which in course of our former method was due to the division of the Empire and her several Provinces But I suppose I have the less trespassed in regard that most of them have already had their place and description in each of their particular Kingdomes to which they did formerly belong It will be sufficient here to name them with reference to the Map where you have them delivered more at large 19 In Europe it runs along the Sea coast of the Adriatick bay from the Land of Epidaurus now Ragusi and so about the Aegâ—an Sea and Propontus and a great part of the Euxine to the City Theodosia in the Taurica Câ—ersonesus which is now called Caâ—â—a In the Mediterranean from Iovarinum in Hungary to Constantinâ—ple in Greece The several Provinces of this compass are 1 a great part of Hungary Bosnia Servia Rassiâ— Bulgaria Walachia and Transylvania c. in the description of Hungary 2 Graecia and her Provinces Thracia Macedonia Epirus Achaia Peloponnesus with the Islands of the Egean c. in the description of Greece 3 A part of Sclavonia 20 In Africa almost all the Sea-coasts from the City Bellis de â—omera to the Arabick bay In this stands Algiers Tunis Tripolis all Aegypt Fâ—sse Marolum c. in the African description 21 In Asia Natolia the Islands of Cyprus all Syria Palestine Iudaea Coelofyria Phoenicia Babylonia Arabia Triplex Turcomannia and Georgea Mesopotamia and part of Media And these belong to the description of Asia CHINA Petrus Kaerius Caela The Description of the Kingdom of CHINA THE whole Tract of Asia which lies severed from Persia by the River Indus on the West is well known by one General name of the East-Indy and that again is divided by the other famous River Ganges into India intra Gangem the part which looks toward Europe and is conjectured by most to be the land of Evilah and India exter Gangem to the very East some think it was that which of old was called Seria both have now other names imposed by the Inhabitants the
first Indostand this other Tame Tangis Mangi or Macys and lasâ—ly Sinarum regio China 2 This Kingdom then is the utmost bounds East ward of the whole Continent and therefore lies farthest remote from Christendome the Mistress of Arts and example of civility to all the other parts of the world yet do the Chinoisâ— much exceed us for ample Cities ingenious artificers and multitude of Inhabitants which methinks pleads fairly for her antiquity though I give not â—ull credit to those which settle here the sons of Iocktan much less to their own records which reckon two hundred threescore and two Kings in almost a continued succâ—sâ—â—on to this day and number from their first above four thousand years For to make this good they must either vary from us in their measure of times as we from the Germans in length of miles else we must commit a foul errour to look beyond the Floud for their original since that time it is not yet above three thousand nâ—ne hundred and twenty and surely I think they were not exempted from the general deluge no more than from the sins of the whole earth 3 But if this conjecture of different account be not approved the solecisme must rest for me upon their own ignorant vain-glory which in their stories transport them beyond probability upon hope perhaps that no other Nation could controul them for in those first ages they had liâ—â—le converse unless with men more barbarous than themselves such as could not deliver their acts to posterity and therefore being left wholly to their own relations good reason they thought they had to do themselves what honour they might though ignorance of the main truth makes them oft times to trespass upon Chronology and forge stories so unlikely that the whole may be justly suspected 4 Their first King they name Vitei and report him to have reigned an hundred years his successors went on without breach or conquest to their two hundred forty second Prince but were then for a while cut off by the Tartarians This change was fore-told to Fairfar the last China King of the first race and the Prophecy laid it upon one which should have an hundred eyes and so had Chisanbaan the Invader if you will allow his name to make up the miracle For the very word in their language signifies no other than an hundred eyes A poor cousenage of the Devil but served the turn first to dazle them with a strange Prophecy and then to keep up the credit in the performance with the simple Idolaters After nine Tartarian Princes it was again recovered to the state in which it now stands by the prowess of one Gombne their 250 King 5 This brief account of their beginning and progress is more than I can warrant for undoubted truth The most part was past e're they were a people known to the Europaeans for Ptolomy himself scarce reached so far toward the East or if it be the same with his Sinarum Regio which yet some doubt yet it seems he knew little more of it than the bare name we must be content to pass over many ages untoucht and break abruptly into our own times and stories which do afford us more certainty by the relation of later travellers some of our own Nation 6 It is now a vast Empire which contains in latitude almost forty degrees from the Tropick of Cancer to the fifty three towards the Pole Artick and thirty in longitude from the degree one hundred thirty to one hundred sixty the bounds on the West is Industan India intra Gangem on the East Mare Cin on the North the Empire of the great Chane severed from the Chinoyâ—e by high mountains continued with a wall of a thousand miles in length built by Tzanitzan their 117 King on the South the Kingdom of Chauchinchinae part of the other India intra Gangem 17 The Air here is temperate and the ground fruitful the mountains and wild fields breed incredible numbers of Cattel and the Woods wild Boars Foxes Hares Conies and other useful beasts which gives us flesh for our food and skins for our cloathing The tilled ground returns again plenty of Corn Wheat and Barley their higher Poulse and their lower Rice in great abundâ—nce their Gardens pleasant set with all sorts of Flowers whâ—ch may delight either the eye or scent no clod almost of earth there but hath its wealth for what yields not fruit is inrichâ— with Mines of Gold and Silver The chief River is Polysango both it and the rest give fish in great abundance and water fowl enough almost to feed a whole Nation Maginus reports it that ten or twelve thousand wâ—ld Ducks have been commonly spent in one day in the City Canton besides their own profit they advantage them much in their course of traffique to convey their Merchandise into several parts of the Empire to meet with their Chapmen from all quarters Their principal commodities are Silks and Sugars yet besides these they send forth Wooll Cotton Olives Metals Rhubarb Honey Pursâ—â—â—n dâ—shes Camphire Ginger Pepper c. Musk Salt great store whose Custome in only one Town of Canton amounts to the yearly value of 18000 Crowns To this happiness of soyl may be added the thrift and great industry of the Inhabitants who hold it a soul disgrace to be accounted idle and therefore make the most of what they have so that without doubt as they are infinitely populous so they are proportionably rich beyond any other Nation of the world 18 The Chinoyse is described with a broad face of a dusky colour crooked nose small and black eyes and very thin beard but long hair on the head if any be deformed for so they take it with a better feature they are as like to break a jest upon his handsome comely visage as a scoffer would upon their ill-fashioned countenance The better sort are clothed in long silk garments the ordinary people in linnen for they have not yet the Art well to weave woollen their women deck their heads with gold and precious Iewels seldome shew themselves abroad without great attendance of servants 9 The men in their several employments are infinitely laborious and ingenious it is very rare to see any of them in a strange Country nor will they easily admit a Stranger far into theirs unless he be first well tried for his honesty and good meaning toward their State they are addicted much to manual arts for they have excellent practick wits and indeed for that go beyond any other Nations Much quarrel hath been about the invention of Guns and Printing which several people have been ambitious to take to themselves as the master-piece of mans wit but without doubt they were both used here long before any of Europe pretended to the knowledge of either In their writings they make not their lines from the right hand to the leâ—t as the Hebrews nor from the left to the right as we do but from
precepts of civility from their Fore-fathers though never so long since For what people can we read of in Stories which have at any time been enlightned with the truth and yet afterward fallen into that gross barbarism which is now found among the Tartarians See their Character which as they are by most described deals impartially gives them ill-fashioned bodies answerable to their rude minds fit Houses for so unclean Guests 7 There stature is different The most part have large shoulders a broad face with a crooked nose deformed countenance swarthy colour hollow eyes hairy and untrimmed beard and head close shaved Their speech is boysterous and clamourous their noise in singing like the yell of Wolves and endurance of Hunger Thirst Heat Cold and Watching equals them in strength of body to the most able beast for it exceeds the common power of a man Their lust is without law For they except no kindred but their own Mothers Daughters and Sisters No species for they mix with Beasts no sex for they are insatiate Sodomites and yet take liberty for as many wives as they can maintain which contrary to our civil courses they buy of their Parents instead of receiving dowries Their meat is the raw flesh of Horses without regard how they were killed or of what diseases they died sometimes they suck bloud from the living to appease their Hunger and Thirst if in a journey they be distressed for want of food 8 Cities they have but few nor Houses other than moveable Tents made of Beasts skins which they pitch up by great multitudes in the form of a Town and those are called Hordes when the grass is once eaten bare aâ—d the ground yields not meat for their Cattel they trudge with bag and baggage to another quarter and so in course they wander through the vast deserts unsetled and indeed impatient to be setled or rather imprisoned as they take it within any one bounded compass having the widâ— world to roam in Their chief Arms are Bow and Arrows which they use most on Horseback for their more speedy flight and have them commonly strongly poysoned for the more sure mischief to the Foe Their Stratagems are down right fraud and breach of truth for they keep no Faith with any enemy regard not any compact made upon terms of peace but follow their own sense and commit what outrages they can with least danger to themselves 9 Their Religion is answerable to their vile customs Some are Pagans others Mahometans yet will not be called Turks but Bersemanni and their chief Priest Seyd whom they reverence more than their Maker and admit that none should touch his Hand but their Kings and these too with an humble gesture their Dukes aspire not above his knee nor their Nobles higher than his feet the rest are happy if they can but reach at his garment his horse his any thing so simple are they in their Superstition and thus have they continued either Atheists or false Idolaters ever since their first entrance upon this Kingdome in the year 1187. Before they were not esteemed a Nation at all but wild people without law or reason almost who lived in the open fields and conversed with no other than their own Heards of Cattel 10 Their first King was one Chinchis a man of low birth but high spirit impatient of that slavish condition to which he was bred he brake forth at last and drew more by his example into the thoughts of better fortunes which he ceased not to prosecute till he had made good his purpose and not only setled himself in the throne but enlarged the dominion of the Tartars through a great part of Asia and Europe which had scarce before heard of any such people His first Forces he imployed upon Tenduch and Argon bounded with the Eastern Seas both of them were then Provinces governed by Vnchan or Presbyter Iohn Soon after they got ground in Sarmatia Asiatica followed their blow upon Russia Hungary and Polonia fetcht in the Kingdoms of China Mein and â—engala and left many out-reaches to their successors which have not kept entire to this day as being not able to match so many potent adversaries as they have from every quarter of their Kingdome 11 The limits are now on the North the Scythian Ocean on the West the Muscovian Empire Sarmatia Europoea and mare Caspium on the South Mount Caucasus the Kingdom of Persia and part of India and on the East partly the Easterly Seas and partly the Kingdom of China Thus divided she contains five Provinces 1 Tartaria minor 2 Asiatica 3 Antiqua 4 Zagathai intra Imaum 5 Cathai extra Imaum 12 Tartaria minor is called likewise Horda Precopensium a sort of Tartars which have their name from one City Precops but inhabit all those plains which lie round about the â—ontus Euxinus or Mare Magor and Palus Maeotis including the whole Taurica Chersonesus so that she extends her limits from the banks of the River Boristhenes as far as Tanais Her chief Province is the Chersonesus a Peninsula seventy miles in compass which took the name of Taurica from Oâ—yris who they say first ploughed this Land with a yoke of Bulls It was invaded by one Vlanus from whom the Inhabitants of this whole Region were sometimes called Vlani as they were after Crym Tartars from that City Crym once the Kings seat of this Peninsula though it stood not within her limits For her principal Town was 1 Theodosia now Casta where there was heretofore a Colony of Genoaes till they were dispossest by Mahomet the eighth Emperour of the Turks 2 Eupatoria 3 Parthenium c. The other Towns of this Tartaria Precopensis which stand without the Chersonesus are Ocâ—acon which this people took from the Dukes of Lituania and Tanas which stands in the utmost part of this Tartaria above the mouth of the River Tanais some three miles distant It is called by the Inhabitants Azac and it is a place of great Traffique and free access from many neighbouring Nations Near this South-ward begins the Palus Maeotis reacheth as far as the Taurica Chersonesus betwixt which and the main Land is the Bosphorus Cimmerius and on their South banks flows their Poutus Euxinus which runs into the Propontis but returns not This Sea is in some places so deep that the water appears at top black and was therefore called Mare nigrum It might be thought that the people living so near the civil parts of Christendome were better mannered than the Asiatick Tartars but their stubborn rudeness takes in foul scorn to be taught by any other Nation and therefore stands stiffly to their old course of life in Woods and wild Fields and cease not to commit continual murders and rapines upon the Countries adjoyning with an inveterate hate to such as profess the Name of Christ insomuch that they have engaged themselves to pay yearly three hundred Christians as tribute to the great Turk which number they draw
out of Polonia Russia Lituania Walachia and part of Muscovia 13 Asiatica or Tartaria deserta Muâ—covitica differs not much from the ancient Sarmatia Asâ—â—tica which in Ptolomy's description is bounded on the West with the River Tanais and Palus Maeotis on the East with Scythia intra Imaum on the North with the Montes Hyperborei and on the South with the mountains Coran and Caucasus The Inhabitants live in Hordes as the rest do which remove often and direct their wandring course by observing the Pole-star In this too their Hordes have divisions and are known by several names The chief is Zavell which for the most part lies betwixt the Rivers Volga and Layich and in regard it is as it were the Mother Horde to the rest it was called magna Horda and her Emperour Vlacham magnus dominus for so he was and had full power of a Prince till they were subdued by the Precopenâ—es in the year one thousand five hundred six and after by Basilius Duke of Moscovia Next to this are the Casanenses which have their chief City Casan upon the River Velga near the confines of Muscovia It was once an entire government to it self but in the year one thousand five hundred fifty one after many victories and revolts it was fully and irrecoverably vanpuisht and made an addition to the Duke of Muscovia's title The Inhabitants here are somewhat more ingenious than the Precopenses they till their ground and in some places build houses and practise Merchandise with the Turks and Moscovites Not much unlike to these are the Astrocâ—anenses situate toward the Mare Caspium and have their name from the rich Metropolis Astrachan twenty Italian miles distant from the mouth of Volga both they and it were subdued in the year one thousand four hundred ninety four by the Duke of Muscovia Besides these there are many other wild Hordes of Tartars Of the Nohaicenses Thumenenses Scâ—ibaschienses Casachienses Astnichanenses Bascâ—irdi Kirgessi Molgamozani These last strange Idolaters of the Sun and a piece of a red clout hung up before them upon a pole They live in Caves and feed for the most part upon such creatures as creep upon the ground some of them are Anthropophagi And hereabouts is the great Lake called Kvtay 14 Tartaria Antiqua the ancient seat of the Tartars and Kingdom of Magog when both the first Inhabitant was placed by the Son of Iapheth and when these last Tartars entred under the Command of Chinchis It was the utmost portion of the Tartarian Empire to the frozen Seas on her North the Scythian on the East and the mare de Annian for it contains many disperst Hordes all almost subject to the great Cham of Cathai In the most Northern tract which strikes into the Sea beyond the Polar circle dwell the Dani Neptalitae Mecriti c. more South-ward the Kingdom of Tabor and the vast desart Caraecoranum and the Mount Altay the place of burial for the Tartarian Emperours Toward the East Seas and near the Promontory of Tabin are the Regions of Arzaret which some think to be the very place first possest by the remnant of the ten Captive Tribes and Annian and Argon and Tenduch and Mongal and many other whose people live after the antique manner in tents moveable some few Cities they have poorly built and as rudely customed Among other incivilities they have this fashion to prostitute their wives and sisters to such guests as they would entertain most friendly and when it was once forbad by their great Cham they recovered it again with much suit and solemn protestation that they had not thrived since it was laid aside The ground bâ—ings forth good store of especial good Rhubarb 15 Zagathai the same with Scythiaintra Imaum and is bounded upon the West with the mare Caspium upon the East with the Desart as far as Lop upon the North with the River Iaxartus and upon the South with the Mount Caucasus It hath the name from their Prince brother to theâ—r great Cham and contains in it these several Provinces 1 Zagatai where Tamberlane was born and first bare rule in the City Sarmachand a place enrâ—cht by his victories and memorable for the death of Clytus slain by Alexander in his drunken fury The seat of the Governour is in Bochara another town of the best note here 2 Bactria now Coccazzan the Inhabitants were led by â—essus which â—lew Darius and the first King was Zoroastes in the time of Ninus the Assyrian and twice tried the fortune of war with him but was at last vanquished and his Kingdom made a Province to the Monarchy In several ages it hath been tossed into the hands of divers States among the rest the Romans had it once in their possession at which time the Inhabitants received knowledge of the truth from the mouth of Saint Thomas but have lost it since by the tyranny of the Sarazens and Tartars 3 Sogdiana on the North of Bactria where Gâ—opolis stood built for a Fort against the Scythians and standing to the time of Alexander who battered it to the ground 4 Margiana and 5 Turchestan East of the Mare Caspium and was the sâ—at of the Turks before they brake into Armenia 16 Cathaie the same with Scythia extra Imaum and is the Empire of the great C ham of the Tartars and true progeny of Chinchis It is compassed almost with mountains and deserts and is divided from China only by a great wall on the South The soyl is exceeding fertile and the people far more civil than in the other parts of Tartaria Her Provinces are 1 Cathaie whâ—ch is supposed to be the Antique seat of the Seres and is therefore called Regio Serica For it sends forth excellent Silks Stuffs and Chamlets and other rare commodities which equalize her at least in her own esteem to the best parts of Europe Her Metropolis is Cambelu twenty eight miles in compass besides the Suburbs built four square by the River Polysangus and enricht from India China and other Regions with all sorts of Merchandise Here their great Cham lives but is buried at the Mount Altay and is conveyed thither by a strong guard which kills all they meet in the way and commands them to serve their Lord in the other world Maginus reports from Marcus Polus that while he was in Cathai ten thousand persons lost their lives upon one such occasion 2 Tangut which they say had the Art of Printing many hundred years before it was known among us 3 Camul 4 Tanifu 5 Tebet not much differing either from themselves or the other parts of Tartaria which belong to the Kingdom of Carthaie FINIS The Description of Virginia VIRGINIA now Properly so called and which is here peculiarly to be described is is the most Southern part of that tract of Land which at its first discovery namely by the two Cabots and after them Iohn Vâ—razzano a Florentine though afterwards more distinctly by others was all comprehended by
takes up the largest part thereof it being all that part which lies beyond the River Indus now Sâ—â—do and bounded Eastward with part of China and the Indian Ocean Southward wholly with the Indian or Oriental Ocean Westward with Persia and Northward with that part of Mount Taurus which divides it from Tartary This Countrey as it was by the Ancients so is still primarily distinguished into India intra Gangem and India extra Gangem the first is vulgarly term'd Indostan the other Mangi under which some doubt not to comprehend China it self already described It extends from the nequator to the 44th degree of Northern latitude which makes the longest day 15 hours and ½ as in terrestrial length it reacheth from the Fountains of the River Inâ—us to the utmost Promontory of the Golden Chersonese six hundred German miles So that the temperature of the Air must needs be very diverse under so large an extent lying partly under the torrid partly under the temperate Zone Many vast and barren Desarts there are but generally the Soil is fruitful and the Countrey abounding with things convenient for life and in some parts are produc'd most delicious fruits especially the Palm of which the people of those parts make Wine more frequently than of the Grape and for Gums Spices and all sorts of rich Drugs it surpasseth all other Countreys but that which is the chief glory of the East-Indies is that the rest of the World receives lustre from the Diamonds Rubies and other precious Gems that are brought from thence So that it so far out-shineth the opposite or Occidental Indies by how much these Gems exceed in value Gold it self besides the great Trade that is driven in many places in Silks and other curious Stuffs and rich Commodities whereupon they are much frequented and resorted to by Strangers from all parts of the World The Indian people are generally of a complexion somewhat tawny tall of stature and strong of constitution healthful and for the most part long-liv'd even many times to the age of 130 years notwithstanding their addiction above all other people in the World to luxury and venereal exercises It is permitted them to marry every man as many Wives as he can maintain whereof nevertheless one of them hath a more peculiar respect and observance and a predominance over the rest for which she pays dear enough if she survive her Husband for at his death she is obliged to throw her self into the same Funeral Pyre with him They are simple-hearted and vold of all fraud and deceit in their bargains and contracts and not given to any quirks or cavils in the Law and scarcely is there any such thing as the every known among them so that their houses have little or no need of the guards of locks and bolts so usual and necessary among us The lowermost rank of people go very ill-habited or rather almost stark naked except their head feet and what decency requires to have hid but those of Quality Birth or Estate go richly clad in Silks fine Linnen or other the most costly attire and spare for no adornments of Pearl and the most precious of Gems and they stand very much upon the honour of their Birth and Family observing a suitable grandure in their garb and retinue admitting not of any mixture of affinity with those of mean degree The strength of the Indian Militia consists in their Nairi who are a select number of the Nobility and better sort of Citizens who from seven years of age are train'd up in all manner of bodily exercises by which and by a continual inunction and suppling of their nerves joynts and bones with oil of Sesamum they attain in time to an incredible dexterity and agility of body The chief Ministers and Dispencers of the Rites and Ceremonies of their Religion or rather Idolatry are said to be of the stock of those ancient Brachmanes who doubtless were the same with the Gymnosophists so term'd by the Greeks among whom they had a very great fame being mentioned for their Learning and Philosophy by divers both Greek and Latin Writers and reckoned in the same rank of honour and esteem as the Magi among the Persians and the Druids among the Gauls and Britains The great Mountain Taurus which for extent is doubtless the biggest in the World stretcheth in a continued ridge through the whole length of Asia only under several names as Imaus Emodus Caucasus Parapomisus c. This Mountain Taurus is judged to be the same with that Mount Ararat mentioned in holy Scripture upon which the Ark of Noah rested after the Flood Of the Rivers of India Oriental Indus and Ganges are the chiefest and most famous and of the number of the most principal and largest of all Asia Indus which gives denomination to the Countrey and is now vulgarly called Hiind Duil Inder Caercede and by some Pengah taking its rise in Parapomisus or Naugrocot a branch of the Mountain Taurus falls after 900 miles course Northward with seven mouths into the Indian Ocean having taken in by the way 19 navigable Rivers the chief whereof are Hydaspes and Hypasis which terminated Alexander the Great 's expedition This River where broadest is accounted 50 furlongs broad where deepest 15 paces deep Ganges now Guencam from her uncertain original some say the Mountain Imaâ—s falls into the Ocean having according to the testimony of Pliny taken in by the way 30 Navigable Rivers This River where narrowest is accounted two German miles broad where shallowest 100 foot deep It is moreover famous for the 460 Channels cut like so many wounds out of its sides by Cyrus King of Persia in revenge for the drowning of an Horse upon which he set a very great value The Empire of the Great Mogul is so promiscuously spread throughout that part of India which lies within Ganges that there are reckoned up no less than 37 Provinces or Kingdoms under his Dominion But because his Dominion doth not exactly comprehend all Indostan or Interior India others have chosen rather to divide it into those several Regions which have been adjudged the proper contents or comprehensions of it In most of which however the Mogul hath the greatest share if not the intire Iurisdiction of them namely these 14 following 1 Dulcinda in which the chief Cities and places of note are Caximir Roree Sestan and Multan 2 Pengah supposed the ancient Kingdom of Porus conquered by Alexander the Great The first Ciâ—y of this Province is Laâ—or once the Royal Seat of the Mogul Other places of note are Sultan-Puare Atheâ— and if we reckon as some do the Kingdoms of Haiacan and Buchor under this division Buchor and Suchor 3 Mandao the warlike temper of whose women-Inhabitants hath made them pass for a race of the Amazons The Head-City of this Province is of the same name remarkable both for its 30 miles circuit and for the great Battel between Baldurius King of Cambay and Mirumudius or
Merhamed the Great Mogul The others of most note are Moltan Scheâ—â—us for antiâ—uity Polymbothy the Palibothra of Ptolemy 4 Delly so nam'd from its Mother City sometimes the Seat of the Great Moguls where many of them had their Sepulchral Monuments many other great Towns and Cities there are in this Province among which Tremer is particularly culiarly mentioned and also Doceti made the more remarkable by the great overthrow given by Merhamed to Badurius 5 Agra whose Supreme City of the same name is the present Imperial Seat and ordinary residence of the Great Mogul ever since the time of Ecâ—ar it stands on the Eastern-bank of the River Iemâ—na and not above 18 miles the way being stag'd with Mahometan Temples from Fatepore once a stately City to which Echebar removed his Court from Caximir and built him here a Royal Palace with sumptuous Gardens but much demolished since the removal of the Imperial Seat to Agra whither the materials of the said Palace were conveyed Hendee adorned with a Regal Castle which serves for a Prison of State hewn out of the main Rock as also two Hospitals for maimed Commanders Biani the most peculiar place in all East-India for the manufacture of Indico all the way between Lahor and Agra which is reckoned 400 miles is set with rows of Mulberry and other fair trees on each side the way and at every ten miles end fair houses for the entertainment of Travellers Within this Terrritory is included the Kingdom of Gualiar with its grand City of the same name where the Mogul hath a rich Treasury of Gold and Silver and a strong Castle for Prisoners 6 Sanga once a Kingdom whose Regal City Citor of 12 miles circuit and seated on a Rocky Hill with a narrow access shews the ruines of 100 Temples since its being taken first from Queen Crementina by Badurius King of Cambaia afterwards from him by the Great Mogul 180 miles from Agra is Azimere remarkable for the Pillars erected by Echebar between that and Agra one at the end of every mile and half and at 15 miles end a Caravansera or Inn for Travellers Into this division is reckoned the Kingdom of Nagracut with its Metropolis of the same name in which is a Chappel seel'd and pav'd with Plates and adorn'd with figures of massy Silver 7 Cambaia divided into 3 Provinces Sinda Gusarate Cambaia properly so called Of Sinda a great part whereof is a wast sandy Desartâ— the chief Towns or Citi 's are Tutta a Town well Traded by the Portugheses Lauribander supposed very near if not in the same place with that ancient Aâ—exandria Calwalla given by Echebar for the maintenance of a race of Women-dancers Radempoor a large City at the entrance of the Desart fortified with a strong Castle Nuraquemire a grateful retreat for such as have past a wearisome journey of ten daies through the Desart at the farthest end whereof it is seated Sarrama the center of the Province to which it belongs as it is usually accounted Of Guasarate whose ancient Inhabitanâ—s are the Râ—sboochs yet unsubdued by the Mogul Diu a Town of great importance to the Portughâ—ses by whom it hath been long possest and so well fortified that it held out and baffleda strong Siege laid against it by the Admiral of the Great Turk Solyman the Magnificent in the year 1537. Sauran a Town of the forementioned Resboochs which fortified with a strong Castle defies the whole power of the Mogul Boldra a Town more neat and handsome than large Amadabat accounted by some the chief City of Gusarate Sâ—rkâ—ff adorned with the Sepulchres of the ancient Cambaian Kings Ardovat Saringo and Periano Of Cambaia properly so called the Metropolitan City of the same name for its populousness term'd the Caire of the Indies Baracho where the best Calicuts are made Swally giving name to a very commodious Bay Surat a pleasant well-built and well-fortified City and at present a very eminent Factory of English Merchants Neriand a Town of all the East-Indies second only to that of Biani for the manufacture of Indico's Daman a neat and well-fortified Town in possession of the Portugheses Campanel once the usual Râ—sidence of the Cambaian Kings being encompassed with a seven-fold wall and seated on the top of an high Hill Dacaiotote a place whose strength rendred it capable to capitulate with the Mogul for a King or Governor of their own Netherby a Town trading in Aâ—mory and brasen Ware Tanai and Bandore 8 Decan having a City of the same name whose Inhabitants are very wealthy though Bider was rather made choice of for the Royal Residence at least it was the Seat of Mamutâ—a as Danager of Niâ—almoxa and Visapore of Idalcan Goa the most flourishing Emporium of the Portugheses in the East-Indies and therefore the Seat of their Vice-Roy and an Arch-Bishops See and so impregnably fortified that Idalcan attempted in vain with all his force to take it in the year 1573. Chaul a Sea-port Town in possession also of the Portugheses by them no less strongly fortified and no less vainly assaulted by Nisamolocco another King of Decan Brampore once the Royal Seat of Chanlis taken from Miram the then King by the Mogul in the year 1600. Sintacora and Balagnate the native people of this Countrey were formerly called Venazarari who still hold out in some parts against the Mogul as the Resboochs in Cambaia 9 Canara ancient accounted a part of Decan but now almost wholly in the power of the Kings of Narsinga except what the Portugals possess of it The now most flourishing Towns belonging to it are Meâ—inde Onor Sea-Port Towns Baticalia Mayendre Mongalor recovered from the Portugals by the King of Narsinga Lispor chiefly remarkable for the Quarries of Adamant near it Salsette seated in a Peninsula under the subjection of the Portugals 10 Malabar divided into 7 Provinces some whereof are Kingdoms viz. Calecut Granganor Cochin Caicolam Coulan and Travancor The most memorable Towns or Cities of Calecut are the Metropolitan from whence it takes denomination and whence that sort of linnen-Cloath which had here its first manufacture is called Calicut Of Cranganor there is only of note one City of the same name in which are said to be no less than 70000 Christlans of the race of those converted by Sr. Thomas Of Cochin Angamale an Archiepiscopal See of these Thomasian Christians and Cochin an Episcopal See Of Caicolam one only of remark giving name to the Province Of Coulam the like accounted by some the Soveraign City of all Malabaâ— and once the peculiar Residence of the Cobâ—itin or Arch-Priest of the Bramines Of Travancor the denominating City and Quilacare which a petty King of Travancor holds of the King of Narsinga by a most bloody tenure being obliged at 12 years end to sacrifice himself in a horrid manner to a filthy Idol 11 Narfinga or Bisnagar in which are many Cities worth notice as Cael whose Inhabitants the Paravi a sort of Christians live
Gwyâ—eth and upon the East the Marches of England from Chester to Wye a little above Hereford This part was divided into Powis Vadoc Powis between Wye and Severne and Powis-Weâ—wynwyn In Powis-Vadoc is the Castle of Holt in Bromefield and the Castle of Chirke in Chirkâ—land the Castle likewise of Whittington and Lordship of Oswestrie with others 13 The second part of Powiâ— or the Territory belonging to Mathrâ—vâ—l is Poâ—is between 〈◊〉 and Severne or Guy and Hauren whereof some is at this day in Montgoâ—ery-shirâ— some in Radnor-shire and some in Brecknock-shire and among sundry other hath these Towns and Castles following Montgomery The Castle of Clyâ— The Town of Knightâ—n The Castle of Cyâ—aron Presteyn The Town and the Castle of Radâ—or called in Welch Maesyvet which is at this day the Shire-Town The Town of Kinton and the Castle of Huntington 14 The third part belonging to Mathraval the chief seat of Powis after the Welsh were driven from Peâ—gwern or Shrewsbury was Powis Wenwynwyâ— a County full of Woods Hills and Rivers having in it among others the Towns of Welsh-Pool New-Town Machinâ—aâ—th Arustly was anciently in this part but afterward it came to them of Gwyneth This may suffice for the description of that which in old time was called Gwyneth and Powis 15 It now remaineth that we describe the last Kingdom of Wales called Demetia-Deheubarth or the Talaith of Dinevowr which although it was the greatest yet was it not the best because it was much molested with Flemings and Normans and for that also divers parts thereof would not obey their Prince as in Gwent and in Morganwe 16 This was divided into six parts of which Cardigaâ— was the first and is a Champion Country without much Wood. It hath Merionyth-shire on the North part of Powys upon the East Carmarden-shire and Pembroke-shire with the River Tivi upon the South and upon the West the Irish-Sea In this part is the Town of Cardigaâ— upon Tivi not far from the Sea as also the Town of Aberstwyth upon the River Istwyth and Lâ—aâ—badâ—râ—evowr which in times past waâ— a great Sanctuary there were also many Castles as of Strâ—tneyrie of Walter of Lâ—anâ—ysted of Dyvâ—rth and of Aâ—er-Roydâ—ll c. 17 The second part was called Dyvet and at this day Pembroke-shire It hath upon the North and West the Irish-Sea upon the East Carmarden-shire and upon the South Severne There are in it sundry Towns and Havens among others these Pembroke Tenby Hereford-West with the goodly and many Branched Haven of Milford called in Welsh Aberdangledhett S. Davids or Menevia which is the chiefest See in Wales Fiscard called Aberwayn and Newport named Tresdreth 18 The third part was Carmarden-shire which is a Country accounted the strongest part of all South-Wales as that which is full of high Mountains great Woods and fair Rivers 19 The fourth called Morganwe now Glamorgan-shire hath on the South the Severne-Sea which divideth it self from Devon-shire and Cornwall upon the West and North-West Carmardenshire upon the North-East Brecknock-shire and upon the East Monmouth-shire 20 The fifth now called Gwent and in Monmouth-shire hath in it the ancient City of Caerlheâ—n upon Vske There are also divers Towns and Castles Chepstow Glynstrygul Ros Tynterne upon the River Wye c. This is a fair and fertile Country It hath on the West Glamorgan and Brecknock-shirâ—s upon the North Hereford-shire upon the East Glocester-shire with the River Wye and the River Severne upon the South and South-East 21 The last is Brecknock-shire for the most part full of Mountains Woods and Rivers This Country is both great and large being full of fair Plains and Valley for Corn it hath plenty of thick Woods Forrests and Parks It is full also of clear and deep Rivers of which Severne is the chiefest although there be other fair Rivers as Vske and the like 22 Thus far concerning the ancient Welsh division by Talaiths but the present division distributeth them more compendiously into two Countries and twelve Shires enacted so by Parliament under King Henry the Eighth The Countries are North-Wales and South-Wales which have shared and as it were devoured between them all Powysland each of which Countries contains 〈◊〉 Shires North-Wales Aâ—glesâ—y Câ—ernarvan Merionyth Denbigh Flint Montgomery South-Wales Cardigan Pembroke Carmarden Glamorgan Brecknock Radâ—â—r But whereas Monmouth-shire and Radnor were anciently parts the first of South-Wales the other of Powys-land Monmouth-shire by Act of Parliament also under the same King was pluckt away wholly from Wales and laid to England one of whose Counties and Shires it was from that time forward and is at this present reckoned and Radnor-Shire as it were in lieu thereof is comprehended in South-Wales Humphry Hluyd a Welsh Gentleman in his Epistle and Map of old Wales maketh mention of a West-Wales which he calleth Demeâ—ia and Dyfer the one the Latine and the other the British name there but because it is wholly swallowed up by this last division we will not perplex the Reader with superfluous and impertinent recitals PEMBROK Shire PEMBROKE-SHIRE CHAPTER II. PEMBROKE-SHIRE the furthest Promontoâ—y of all West-Wales liâ—th parted on the North from Cardigan-shire with the Rivers Tivy and Keach and on the East is Confronted by Caermarden-shire the South and West shooting far into the Irish-Seas is with the same altogether washed 2 The form thereof is longer than it is broad for from S. Govens South-point to Cardigan-bridge in the North are twenty six miles the Eastern Landenie to S. Davids-point in the West are twenty miles the whole circumference is ninety three miles 3 The Air is passing temperate by the report of Giraldus who 〈◊〉 his reason from the sitâ— of Ireland against which it butteth and is so nearly adjoyned that 〈◊〉 Rufâ— thought it possible to make a Bridge of his Ships over the Sea whereby he might pass to 〈◊〉 on foot 4 Anciently it was poâ—â—essed by the Demetia further branched into Cardigan and Caermarden-shires as in that County hath been said and in the Saxons Conquest and Hâ—ptarchy by the Britaiâ—s forced into those parts for refuge whither Hâ—â—ry the First and third of the Normans Kings sent certain Flemings whose Country was over-whelmed with the breaking in of the Seas to inhabit the Maritime Tract called Rosse lying West upon the River Dougledye These Dutchmen saith Giraldus were a strong and stout Nation inured to Wars and accustomed to seek gain by Cloathiâ—g Traffique and Tillage and ever ready for the Field to fight it out adding withal that they were most loyal â—o the English and most faithful to the Englishmen Whereupon Malmesbury writeth thus Many a timâ— did King William Rufus aâ—â—aile the Welsh but â—ver in vain which is to be wondred aâ— â—nsidâ—ring his other fortunate success But saith he it may be the unevenness of the ground and sharpness of the air that maintained their courage and impeached his valour which to redress King Henry his Brother found means for those Flemings who in regard
of his Mothers kindred by the Fathers side sâ—rely pestred and endamaged the English he sent into Wales both to purge aâ—d disburden his own Kingdom and to quell and keep back thâ— courage of his enemies These men here seated deceived not his expectation but so carried themselves in his quarrel that they seldome communicated with their Neighbours so that to this day they speak not the Language and the Country is yet called Little England beyond Wales 5 The Commodities of this Shire are Corn Cattel Sea-Fish and Fowl and in Giraldus his daies of saleable Wines the Havens being so commodious for Ships arrivage such is that at Tenby and Milford and Haven of such capacity that sixteen Creeks â—ive Bays and thirteen Roads known all by several names 〈◊〉 therein contained where Henry of Richmond of most happy memory arrived with 〈…〉 of Eâ—glands freedom from under the government of an usurping Tyrant 6 Near unto this is Pembroke the Shire-Town seated more ancient in shew than it is in years and more houses without Inhabitants than I saw in any one City throughout my Survey It is walled long-wife and them but indifferent for repair containing in circuit eight hundred and fourscore paces having three Gates of passage and at the West-end a large Castle and locked Causey that leads over the water to the decayed Priory of Monton The site of this Town is in the degree of Longitude as Mercâ—tor doth measure 14 and 35 minutes and the Elevation from the North-Pole in the degree of Latitude 52. 7 A City as barren is old Saint Davids neither clad with Woods nor garnished with Rivers nor beauâ—ified with Fields nor adorned with Meadows but lieth alwaies open both to Wind and Storms Yet hath it been a Nursery to Holy Men for herein lived Calphurnius a Britain Priest whose Wife was Choncha Sister to Saint Martin and both of them the Paâ—ents of Saint Patrick the Apostle of Ireland Devi a most Religious Bishop made this an Archepiscopal See removed from Isca Legiâ—num This the Britains call Tuy Dewy the House of Devi we Saint Davids a City with few Inhabitants yet hath it a fair Cathedral Church dedicated to Saint Andrew and David in the midst of whose Quire lieth intombed Edmond Earl of Richmond Father to King Henry the Seventh whose Monument as the Prebends told me spared their Church from other defacements when all went down under the Hammers of King Henry the Eighth About this is a fair Wall and the Bishops Palace all of Free-Stone a goodly House I assure you and of great Receit whose uncovered Tops cause the curious Works in the Walls daily to weep and them to fear their downfal ere long 8 But Monton the Priory and S. Dogmels places of devout piety erected in this County found not the like favour when the commission of their dissolutions came down against them and the axes of destruction cut down the props of their Walls 9 This Shire hath been strengthened with sixteen Castles besides two Block-Houses commandiâ—g the Mouth of Milfâ—rd-Haven and is still traded in five Market-Towns being divided into seven Hundreds and in them seated one hundred forty five Pariâ—h-Churches RADNOR BREKNOK CARDIGAN and CAERMARTHEN discribed Petrus Kaerius caelavit 1500. RADNOR-SHIRE CHAPTER III. RADNOR-SHIRE lyeth bordered upon the North with the County Monmouth upon the East toucheth Shropshire and Herefoâ—dshire the Rivers Clarwen and Wye divide it from Brecknock in the South and the West part doth shorten point-wise in Cardigan-shire 2 The form thereof is in proportion triangle every side containing almost a like distance for from West to North are twenty miles from North to South twenty two miles and from South to West are twenty four miles the whole in circumference extending to fourscore and ten miles 3 The Air thereof is sharp and cold as most of Wales is for that the Snow lieth and lasteth long unmelted under those shadowing high Hills and over-hanging Rocks 4 The Soil is hungry though not barren and that in the East and South the best the other parts are rough and churlish and hardly bettered by painful labour so that the Riches of the North and West consisted chiefly in the brood of Cattel 5 Anciently this County was posseâ—â—ed by the Silâ—res warlike People and great withstanders of the Romans Impoâ—itions who had not only them to â—ight against but withal the unacceâ—â—ible Mountains wherewith this Shire is so overpressed and burdened that many times I feared to look down from the hanging Rocks whereunder I passed into those deep and dark Dales seeming to me an entrance into Limbâ— Among thâ—se as say our Historiaâ—s that hateful Prince to God and Man Vâ—rtigâ—r his Countries scourge and last Monarch of the British-blood by Fire from Heaven was consumed with his incestuous Wise from whom â—iniâ— nameth the Country wherein his Castle stood Guartiger-Maur of whose Rubbish the Castle Guthremion was raised as some are of opinion Yet they of North-Wales will have his destruction and Castle to stand in their parts near unto Beth-Kellech whereof we will further speak in the relation of his Life Fatal was this place also to Llewellin the last Prince of the British Race who being betrayed by the Men of Buelth â—â—ed into those vast Mountains of Radnor where by Adam Francton he was slain and his Head Crowned with Ivy set upon the Tower of London 6 Places most worthy of note in this Shire are as ensueth The first is Radnor from whom the County receiveth her name anciently Magi where the Commander of the Pacensian Regiment lay and thought to be the Magnos in Antonine the Emperours Survey This Town is pleasantly seated under a Hill whereon standeth mounted a large and strong Castle from whose Bulwark a Trench is drawn along the West of the Town whereon a Wall of Stone was once raised as by the remains in many places appeareth This Trench doth likewise inverge her West-side so far as the River but after is no more seen whose Graduation is observed to have the Pole elevated for Latitude 52 degrees and 45 minutes and for Longitude from the first Point of the West set by Mercator 17 degrees and one minute Prestayn for beautious building is the best in this Shire a Town of Commerce wonderfully frequented and that very lately Next is Kâ—ighton a Market-Town likewise under which is seen the Clawdh-Offa or Offaes Ditâ—h whose Tract for a space I followed along the edge of the Mounâ—ain which was a bound set to separate the Welsh from the English by the Mercian King Offa and by Egberâ— the Monarch a Law made by the instigation of his Wife that it should be present death for the Welsh to pass over the same as Iohn Bever the Monk of Westminster reporteth and the like under Hâ—â—ald as Iohn of Salisbury writeth wherein it was ordained that what Welshman soever should be found with any weapon on this side of that Limit which was Offaes Ditch should have
peaceably enjoy till he had vanquished his corrival and then he soon fastned himself in the right to that Kingdom and not long after pâ—ssest it about the year of the world two thousand seven hundred eighty seven It would not be much to our purpose to lead you down step by step through the succession till we come to Romulus All before him were before this Empire had Being and therefore outâ—eacht the line of my story yet this in brief we may recount here that he was the 17 from Aeneas and founded Rome in the year 3198. 3 The plat-form was first cast in a figure of a quadrangle upon the mons Palatinus for the other six noted hills were not then taken in but added in after ages by their several Kings It was began it seems but sleight and the walls raised not very high when Rhemus could skip them over in contempt of his brotâ—ers poor enterprise but the mock cost him his life he was slain by Roâ—ulus and he now left the sole founder to give name to this new building 4 Romulus then is their first King and takes upon him the government of such discontented and masâ—erless young Shepherds as he had raked together to people his Common-wealth a crue so scorâ—ed of their neighbours that their daughters denyed to joyn in marriage with such â— refuse of men so that by this means this up-start Nation was like to sink in the birth for meer want of issue to continue their succession And without doubt themselves had seen their last man born had not their own wit bestead them more than the womens love For when they saw â—heir worth was not sufficient to woe fairly with effect they proclaimed a day for solemn sports which they presuâ—ed and rightly too would call in their borders of both sex and for that purpose had made provision of strength to force the women to their lust whom theâ— could not entiâ—e to their lawful eâ—braces The plot held and the Sabiâ—â—s bear the name to have suffered most in that brutish treacheâ—y yet others it seâ—â—s â—â—d their part too in the injury and joyntly beset them round with strong enemies which the Râ—mans notwithstanding shook off with that ease and undaunted courage that the rest were glad at last to yield them truce for their own quiet and assist them too in their â—nsuing Conquest 5 The City at this time was not above two miles in circuit the Inhabitants not much above the proportion of that little ground till Romulus had built an Asylum a Râ—fuge for debaucht people where the servant might secure himself from his Master the â—urderer from his Magistrate the debtor from his arrest and each fault from his punishment and then he soon called in incredible swarms such as they were of Latines Tuscaines Trojans Arcadians and made up a Miscellany of people each brought in the proper sins of his own Country and have there left them as a testimony of their ancest â—rs to this day 6 This policy might seem good at first to make up his number For who else but such would leave a setled state though mean in a well ordered Kingdom to apply himself to novelâ—es of so uncertain event But in a few years their King found that there was more need of a Pistrinum to correct than an Asylum to shelter his offenders and therefore was foâ—ced to make setled Laws for his Common-wealth and cull out a certain number of the best ordered to assist him with their câ—unsell and see execution duly performed upon the rest These be called Patres or Senatores and wâ—re at first not above one hundred chosen out of the elder wâ—althâ—er and gravest Citizens who were either called Patricii for that they had mâ—st of them many children or Patroni as being the Patrons of the Plebeii or poorer sort which were therefore oft times called Clients as having no business of actâ—on in the Common-wealth scarce so much as to require their own right unless under the protection of some one or other of the Patricii yet afterward both the number of Senators was encreased to 200 and at last 300. and the Plebeii too in time had the priviledge to be elected into their society 7 No sooner Romulus had thus set the form but while he was yet in speech to the people at a set assâ—mbly a tempest rose the skies darkned and â— trick was found to juggle him clean out of their â—ight as if at this instant he had been rapt into the Heavens He past not it seems to lose his life so that he might gain the opinion of a God For so the Romans believed and it was confirmed by one Proculus who pretended to have seen him after his change and received a charge from his deiâ—y that he should be thence forward honoured in Roâ—e as her tutelare In brief the more likely surâ—ise of his manner of death is that in the storm he was cut in pieces by some of his Senators who had either suffered under his tyranny or at least had hope to â—aise themselves by his fall 8 Their second King was Numa Pompilius religious in his kind beyond all others and ordained in Rome a set form to worship their gods invested Priests and South-sayers to perform their rites and fortel things to come committed the Vestal fire to Virgins to be kept aâ— a perpetual watch over the Empire in an emulation to the bright stars of heaven which were never extinguisht and in brief civilized the people so far as they began now and scare till now to have a sense of moâ—ral goodness a moderate love to themselves mixt with some equity towards others 9 Their third Tullus Hostilius stirred them up first with the desire of true honour and enabled them by martial discipline to provoke the Albanes a Nation then of long standing and great fame thâ—ough most parts of Italy yea so equal was their prowess that open war might well lessen their several strengths but not determine the conquest till by the tried fortune of the Horatii and Curiatii brothers on each party it stoopt at last to Rome beyond her own hope for she had at last but one Champion left of her Horatii against the three others who were notwithstanding by a feigned flight of their own adversary drawn severally out into single combate and successively fell by the sword of the Roman victor Alba was now carried captive to Rome and gave up her honours as a Trophy to this new born Empire 10 Ancus Martius their â—ourth King enlarged her walls joyned those parts of the City which were before served by the River Tyber with a large bridge Their next Tarqâ—inius Priscus was a Corinthian and knew well how to use his Greek wit with a Roman valour Nor peace nor war could â—ver-march him He triumpht over the Tuâ—cains and was the first which entred the City in Chariotroyal drawn with four horses and first indeed that ordained the vestments and ensigns of
hath oftentimes done The rest are not many and those but weakly peopled For the often incursions of the Tartars their speedy Horse to ride a great compass in a little time their 〈◊〉 of Faith upon terms of composition and their cruelty when they have got a victory causeth the Inhabitants of those parts to fly them at a great distance and leave their Land waste since they dare not trust their peace nor are able to withstand their war PERSIA P. Karius Caelavit The Description of the Kingdom of PERSIA THis Empire was one of the first and most potent in the Eastern world and though since in several ages she hath felt the variety of fortunes to which all Kingdomes are subject and been forced to deliver up her glory to the succeeding Monarchies of the Macedonians Parthians Turks and Sarazens yet now at last is she recovered to her own heighth and greatness and the name of Persia reacheth farther than ever if we take in as most Geographers do the Regions of Media Assyria and the rest which were heretofore the seat of several illustrious Kingdomes 2 Surely the first which inhabited any part of this compass were the Medes a people of great antiquity who reach both their original and name from Madai the son of Iapheth for it was not long after the floud that they were subdued by Ninus King of the Assyrians one and t'other Media I mean and Assyria though then they had apart their peculiar governments yet both were but a parcel of this Countrey which is now known by the name of Persia. 3 To Ninus and his successors they continued faithful for many years till the effeminate weakness of Sardanapalus gave opportunity to the ambition of Belochus governour of Babylon and Arbaces of Media to divide his Empire betwixt them which they did in the year of the world three thousand one hundred forty six and then began the Monarchy of the Medes which spread it self through the the greatest part of Asia and for above two hundred years gathered strength till the time of Astiages who dreamed himself out of his Empire as Iustine relates the story 4 Persia propriè dicta from whence this whole Country at last took name was at this time but an obscure Kingdom in respect of what now it is and tributary to the Medes Her Prince was Cambyses the Father of the great Cyrus by Mandanes daughter to Astiages when she was great and expected the time of her deliverance her Father touched with a perplexed dream that she made so much water as would drown all Asia interpreted it that her issue should be the overthrow of his state and therefore delivered the child which was born to her into Harpagus his charge to be destroyed and he to the Kings Herdsman who unawares to Both preserved the guiltless infant so that at last he took revenge upon his cruel Grand-father and laid a foundation for the Persian Monarchy 5 In this attempt his anger wrought him no farther than his enemy for he left the government of Media still to Cyaxares the son of Astyages and afterward married his daughter joyned with him in his conquests and till his death gave him preheminence of title They were both engaged in the taking of Babylon slaughter of Baltazar and destruction of the Chaldâ—ans The Scripture gives this victory to Darius Medus who as most hold was no other than Cyaxares and he only named as the principal of the two while he yet lived though Cyrus had his part in the action after his Uncles death enjoyed it as his own and made perfect the Monarchy of the Persians in the year of the world 3046. 6 About thrity seven years after the succession was broke for want of lawful heirs to Cambyses their second King and therefore their Princes consulted to salute him whose Horse first neighed at a set meeting upon the Court green before the Sun-rising Darius Histaspes was one and by the subtiliy of his Horse-keeper carried the Crown for the night before in the same ground he had coupled a Mare with the Horse that his Master should ride which when the lustful Steed missed the next morning being full of spirit no sooner had he set footing upon the place but with much eagerness he snuffed and neighed after his Mare and gave the quue to the other Princes to proclaim Darius King of the Persians This was he whom the Scripture calls Ahasuerus he was Hâ—sters husband 7 Thus is the Empire now setled and entailed by descent after him to that famous Xerxes who made war upon Greece with an incredible Army joyned Asia to Europe with a bridge and dammed up Hellespont with his Navy yet was at last vanquished by four thousand at Thermopyle and after by Themistocles forced to make his flight in a small boat towards his own Countrey contemned of his subjects and within a few years slain in his Palace by Artabanus His immediate successour was Artaxerxes Lengimanus who sent the Prophet Esdras to re-edifie the Temple and so on to Darius the last Persian of that course who was ost vanquished by Alexander the Great and left the Monarchy of the world to the Macedonians After the death of their victorious Captain it was divided among many of the most potent Princes of Greece 8 But when the Persians saw the force of their enemy thus severed they began to conceive a hope of recovering their liberty and so they did indeed under the conduct and command of the Parthian Arsaces but. found themselves little bettered in their condition as being now become new slaves to a more harsh tyrant and therefore in the year two hundred twenty eight after the Incarnation they made a second attempt to quit themselves from the Parthians they took their time when their Masters were sore afficted with a strong enemy from Rome which had broke their Forces to their hands so that by the admirable prowess of another Artaxerxes they made good their Conquest upon the Parthians and adventured so far with the Romans themselves that their name began to grow terrible and the Emperour Constantine forced to fortifie his Provinces which lay towards the East and his might be some cause too why he removed his seat to Constantinopolis 9 After this fell into the hands of the Saracenical Caliphs in the year six hundred thirty four and to the Turks in the year one hundred and thirty next to the Tartars and so again to the Parthians by the help of Gempsas who redeemed both his own and this from the Tartarian and briefly after many turns it became the possession of Ismaâ—l Sophy of Persia whose race continues it to this day 10 The bounds of this Empire on the North are the Caspian Sea and the River Oxus on the South the Sinus Persicus and the Maâ—e Indicum heretofore called Rubrum on the West the Turkish confines as far as the River Tigris and the lake Giocho on the East the River Indus and the Kingdom of
Cambaia a spacious Land it is and contains from East to West 38 degrees and about 20 from the North to South 11 This variety of distance in respect of the Heavens must needs cause as much difference in the qualities of her several Regions In some places there is that fertility which makes her equal to any part of Asia in others again she is so barren unfruitful and unprofitable that the Land is left waste as being not able to nourish an Inhabitant Ora maritima saith Quadus aestuosa est ac ventosa fructuum inops praeterquam palmarum mediterranea regio Campestris est omnium ferax pecorumque optima nutrix stuminibus lacubus plena Maxime autem suppeditat Araxes plurimas commoditates It abounds much with metals and stones of great price 12 The ancient Persians were warlike and ambitious of rule for not content with their own which they freely posses in Asia they attempted the nearest parts of Africa and Europe which cost them the first fall from their Monarchy Nec enim petituri Macedones Persidem vide bantur in priores Persae Graeciam provocassent faith Vadianus Their customes are most of them superstitious but they held nothing almost in so great reverence as water it might not lawfully be soyled so much as with a soul hand but to piss or cast rubbish or a dead carcass into the Rivers was a kind of Sacriledge They had many Wives and more Concubines for they were exceeding desirous of increase and great rewards were appointed by their King himself for him that could most augment the number of his subjects in one year They seldome entred into any consultation of State till they had well armed themselves with drink for then they thought they should be more free to speak what they most thought To spit or laugh before their Prince was a crime well nigh unpardonable some say that they bury not their dead but cast them forth to be devoured by wild beasts and thought him most happy which was soonest torn to mammock the rest their friends bewailed as such who had lived impurely and were therefore by this sign declared worthy of hell only without any redemption 13 Their Philosophers were called Magi and studied principally the art of fore-telling things to come from whence we have our tearm of Magick and usurp the word only in the worse sense whereas questionless it was no other with them than the Greeks Philosophy Philosophi or Sapientes with the Latines for it is by most thought that such were those good Magi which came from the East to worship Christ and Saint Chrysostome directly names Persia to be that East from whence they were led by the Star 14 They have now put off most of their antique barbarism and are become good Politicians excellent Warriour sgreat Scholars especially in Astrology Physick and Poetry Those which apply themselves to Mechanick trades are not inferiour to any almost in our quarter they deal most in making of Silks which they send into all the Eastern Countries in great abundance They are mild and courteous to Strangers yet jealous of their Wives which for the most part are very fair and richly attired not withstanding their affection to them usque ad insanam Zelotypiam yet are they much addicted to that beastly sin of the Turks and have their Stews on purpose whither they resort without controul or shame Their language is elegant and in use in most of those Eastern Countries The Christian Religion was once planted here both by Saint Thomas and Saint Andrew yet are they now fallen to Mahametism and differ but as Schismaticks from the Turks which occasioneth much hatred and perpetual war betwixt them 15 The Regions which belong to the Empire of Perfia are 1 Persii 2 Media 3 Assyria 4 Susâ—ina 5 Mesopotamia 6 Parthia 7 Hyrcania 8 Bactriana 9 Parapomissus 10 Aria 11 Drangiana 12 Gedrosia 13 Carmania and 14 Ormus 16 Persis had her name from Perseus which came hither out of Greece and this gives it to the whole Empire It is now called Faâ—st or Farsâ—stâ—n and was heretofore Panchaia It lieth betwixt Media on the North and the Sinus Persicus on her South on her West Susiana and East Carmania Her Metropolis is Siras once Persepolâ—s and is built toward the mid land near the River Araxis it was surprized by Alexander and many thousand talents of gold sent into Greece with other rich spoâ—l and trophies of Victories which the Persians had before gotten from most parts of the then known world Upon the Sea-coast stands Cyrus a City which was built by their first absolute Monarch and called by the Inhabitants Grechaia It was the Bishop seat of the learned Theodoret who lived here about the year 450 and in this Region is Laodicea built by Antiochus and Passagarda where Cyrus had his Sepulchre 17 2 Media now Servania on the North of Persis and South of the Caspian Sea hath Armenia major and Assyria on her West and on her East Parthia and Hyrcania It was before Cyrus the seat of the Empire and mother to a warlike potent Nation Their Kings had many wives seldome fewer than seven and their women thought it a great calamity to have less than five husbands In this stands the Territory of Tauris which was called by our ancients Erbathana and doth stand some eight dayes journey from the Hyrcinian Sea it is rich and populous and was the seat of the Sophies till it was removed to Casbin which lieth somewhat more South Betwixt both stands the City Turcoman and elsewhere in this Province are many others dispersed of good note especially Suliana Symmachia Nassinum Ardovil Marant and Saucazan c. 18 3 Assyria now Arzeram on the West of Media South of Armenia North of Susiania and East of Mesopotamia it was the seat of Ninus his Kingdome lost by Sardanapalus and here stands the most famous City Nineveh near the River Tigris larger than Babylon containing full threescore miles in compass for the community which the Babylonians had with them in course of government they were oft times promiscuously used by Historians both had this custome to sell their Virgins which were fair and most desired and tender the price into the common treasury The homelier sort were placed in marriage with that money to those which would accept of them for gain at least if not for beauty They were much addicted to Astrology and were questionless led to it by the opportunity of their situation which gives them a more perfect view of the Heavens and several course of the Planets than any other part of the world besides 19 4 Susiana now Cuceston seems to have her name from Cus upon the South of Assyria West of Persia East of Babylonia and North of the Persick bay It is severed by Pliny from Elemauss the great by the River Euleus of whose waters only the Persian Kings were wont to drink as being more sweet and pure than any other