consisting of 300. severall dishes of Fish for it was now Lent of such strangenes greatnes and goodnesse for their number as it were not to be beleeued by any report but by a mans owne eye-sight with infinite store of Meandes and beere in Massy plate The Duke sat at the tables end by the Ambas hauing euery dish deliuered him by the name which was enterpreted to the Ambas vvhere hauing long sat and well feasted vve rose and obseruing theyr Countreys fashion after the roome was deasentlie beseene the Ambas dranke the Emperors health in a small gilte cup couered then our Kings and the two Princes all vvhich the Duke pledged willinglye although his cups held foure times the Ambassa besides the drink vvas as different the one being beer or Meand the others alligant Sacke and Muskadell After them the Prestaues the Kinges Gent. and others of the Emp. servantes being there did the like Thus som four or fiue hours was soone stolne away night before diner hauing sent his borrowd torches to light vs when the Duke having receiued a woorthy present of the Ambas was lightly whether you consider the torches his drinking or the Ambassa bounty sent away and so this feastiuall daies-night was concluded The 17. of march the Ambas being before often inuited by this Agent now after so honorable a dispatch was willing to see the English house hauing the Emp. sleds and horses one of the Prestaues the Tolmatch and some Simboyarskes or Gentl. we rode thither where his Lordship had a bountifull feast a harty welcome and as good company After diner the Ambas his Prestaus the Tolmatch went forth of the dining roome to see Mistris Merick for their fashion wil not admit any women at tablâ— who had prouided an excelâ—ent banquet of English stuffe and was much reioyced to see the Amba whom she knew before at her house in so far a Country There the honest and kind Agent by the faire hands of his vertuous wife after the banquet presented his Lord ship with a faire standing gilt cup and couer worth thirty pound likewise his Prestaue and Enterpreter very bountifully so returning to the comp for that time we left One obseruation I there made of the great desire and often offer of the Prestaue when hee saw Mistris Mericke to be gone saying it befitted him not to behold such creatures But the Enterpreter being a Dutch-man borne to our English fashions and acquainted with the Agent perswaded him to Patience both to his profit pleasure and belly delight Thence after a like bountiful suppâ—r about 10. in the night we departed One honorable kindnesse of the Chaunsellor I must not forget who imagining the Kinges Gentlemen woulde that daye â—ide abroad sent to vs to make offer of his Horse and sleds at our command but we not minding to leaue the Ambassador for our pleasures returned humble thankes to his Lordsh for his honorable kindnesse not resoluing as that day to take more then sufficient The 18. of march the Empe. sent by Vassilly Gregorewich Telepnoue the role wherin was the demands of the Ambas and the particulers of the whole negotiation as there at large appeares The 19. his Maiesty sent by Mensboy Buldecâ—ue vnder Treasoror a royal present to the Ambas of many perticulars also to each of the Kings Gent. being rewarded he departed The 20. of march being honorably accompanied with thousands of gallants of each side the streets al along as we passed the Ambas departed from the Citty of Musco Surely a great and according to their woodden building a faire Citty with the whole numbers of horsemen still becking vs till we came a short Myle on this side the Citty where we made a stande and after some complement betweene the Ambassa and his kind and honorable Prestaue the Duke Vollag demor with almost weeping on his part the Ambassa went from the Emp. fled to his coatch set vppon a sled and we alighted from the Emp. horses and betoâ—ke our selues to our easie and pleasant passage in sleds such a passage as this part of the world would wonder at in which a man though he go a Hackney pace maye as easilye reade as sleepe Hauing according to the Amb. request one of our sonnet Prestaues named Constantine Petrowich Arteshove then whom the Emperor could not affoord a more humble or dilligent Gent. with him a Dyack named Patricke Nasonove and three of our former Sunboy arskeis vvith their seruants Thus accompanied with Maister Iohn Mericke M. William Russell somtimes Agent for the Dutch and many other merchants vve easily rode that nighte to Bratteshin 30. myles from the Musco The next morow taking leaue of them all vve continued our iourny 50. and 60. vers a day easily Our Prestaue had in command to let our Ambas see any Monasterye or place hee desired in his trauayle also to lodge in vvhat houses it pleased him in any Cittye or Tovvne and where the English Merchants had houses that the Ambas might haue them which indeed hee desired aswell in respect they vvere the fayrest and most at his command as also to vnderstand their courses dealings and behauiour of the seruants that kept them and other speciall thinges which but by personally there being he should neuer truly haue vnderstood And for the generall good of the company I know he did that Seruice that while it stands and he liues they neede not fall into any vnaduised courses if by him they will but be councelled being furnished euery way with a ful vnderstanding and iudgment to that honorable intent Especially meeting here vvith so honest discreet an Agent so well beloued of the Emp. Prince and Nobility so approued of by the merchants in as good esteeme of al other so thoroughly experienced in affaires as well concerning their trade as their customes and demeanure hauing a mind and ability I am perswaded for the good and benefit of the whole company as neuer had nor will succeede a fitter man The 23. of march we came to Yery-slaue being satterday and there rested our Saboth where the company hath a very faire and tight house which we lay in and surely an honest discreet seruant then kept it From hence we tooke our Iourney the 25. because we feated the breaking vp of the way we made great but very pleasant iourneys so as the 29. we came to Vollagde wher the Ambas lay at the English house within the walles whereof it hath a great many of roomes as chambers worke-houses and the lyke but the house it selfe is very old and stands with an humble body as though it vvoulde shortly kisse the earth at our being here the company had many ser. and the Amb. tooke a course they should thriue by his there lodging allowing them for their beere for himselfe and the Kings Gent. their whole diet being desirous to â—o the company good and their seruants no hurt After Easter weeke was passed the Prestaue came to desire
Prince held it in his hande openly with the seale towardes them Then the Emperor called the Ambassador to kisse his hand which he did as likewise the Princes and with his face towards them returned Then did he call for the Kings Gentlemen to kisse his hande and the Princes which they after obeysance made did accordingly Afterwards his Maiest invited his Lordsh. the K. Gent. and the rest to dine with him as likewise M. I. Mericke Agent by name who gaue his attendance there on the Ambas and was now as diuers times very gratiously vsed of the Empe. and Prince no stranger that I euer heard of like him in al respects Then we departed the presents accompanied with diuers Noblemen and passed on into the Councel-chamber vvhere vve vvil leaue them Being entred the Presence we might behold the excelleâ—â— Maiestie of a mighty Emperor seated in a chaire of golde richly embrodered with Persyan stuffe in his right hande he helde a golden Scepter a Crowne of pure Golde vppon his heade a coller of rich stones and Pearles about his necke his outward garments of Crimson-veluet Embrodered very faire with Pearls precious stones and Gold On his right side on equall hight to his throne standing a very faire globe of beaten gold on a Pyramedis with a faire crosse vppon it vnto which before he spake he turned a little and croste himselfe Nigh that stoode a faire bason and Ewer which the Emperor often vseth daily Close by him in another throne sat the Prince in an outward garment like his Fathers but not so rich a high blacke Fox cap on his head worthe in those Countreyes fiue hundred pound a Golden staffe like a Fryers with the likenes of a crosse at the top On the right hand of the Emperor stood two gallant Noble-men in cloath of Siluer garments high blacke Fox cappes great and long chaines of Gold hanging to their feet with pollaxes on their shoulders of gold And on the left haÌ„d of the Prince two other such but with Siluer pollaxes Round about the Benches sat the Counsell and Nobility in Golden and Persyan coates and high blacke Fox caps to the number of two hundred The ground beeing couered with cloath of Arrasse or Tapistrie The presents standing all the while in the Roome within little distance of his Maiestie where hee and the Prince often viewed them The Emperors fauor complection and disposition with the Princes I shall defer tell vnhappily before our departing I declaâ—e the manner of his death Beeing now by our Prestaues and others come for to dinner who led vs through much presse and many Chambers to one very faire and rich roome where was infinite store of massy plate of all sortes Towards the other ende stoode the Emperors vnkle named Stephean Vaselewich Godonoue Lord high Steward being attended with many Noblemen and Gentlemen Vnto whom my Lord in his passage saluted which with an extra ordinary countenance of aged Ioy hee receiued making one of their honorable Noddes Thambassador entred the dining roome where wee againe viewed the Emperor and Prince Seated vnder two chaires of State ready to dine each hauing a scul of pearle on their bare heades but the Princes was but a Corronet Also their vestments were chaunged The former Duke that for that day was Thambassadors Prestaue came as commaunded from the Emperor and placed the Ambassador at a Table on the Bench side some twenty foote from the Emperor Then the Kings Gentlemen Maister Mericke Maister Edward Cherry and al the rest were placed so that our eies were halfe opposite to the Emperor Ouer against the Ambassador sat his Prestaues vpermost also in this large place sat the Priâ—y Counsel to the number of 200. Nobles at seuerall tables In the midst of this hall might seeme to stand a great Piller round about which a great heigth stood wonderfull great peeces of plate very curiously wroght with all manner of Beastes Fishes and fowles besides some other ordinarye peeces of seruiceable plate Being thus set some quarter of an houre as it were feeding our eyes with that fayre Piller of plate we beheld the Emperors table serued by two hund Noblemen all in coates of cloth of gold The Princes table serued with one hun yong Dukes and princes of Cassan Astrican Syberia Tartaria Chercasses Russes none aboue twenty yeares olde Then the Emperor sent from his table by his noble seruitors to my lord and the kings Gent. 30. dishes of meate and to each a loafe of extraordinary fine bread Then followed a great number of straunge and rare dishes some in Siluer but most of massie gold with boiled baked and rosted being piled vp on one another by halfe dozens To make you a perticular relation I should do the entertainment wrong consisting almost of innumerable dishes Also I should ouercharge my memory as then I did mine eyes and stomache little delighting the Reader because Garlicke and Onions must besauce many of my words as then it did the most parte of their dishes For our drinkes they consisted of many excellent kindes of Meandes besides all sortes of Wine and Beere I assure you I had rather drinke to you a daily health in them then make you long after their pleasantnesse considering the colde and sower voyage you must vndertake before you tast of their vigor and sweetnesse Diuers times by name the Emperour sente vs dishes but in the midst of dinner he called the Ambass vp to him and dranke our kings health where the Emperor held som discourse of our king state But at one time striking his hand aduisedly on his breast Oh saide he my deere Sister Queen Elizab. whom I loued as mine own hart expressing this his great affection almost in a weeping passion The Ambassador receiuing the cup from his Princelye hand returned againe to his owne place where all of vs standing drank the same helth out of the same cup being of fayre Christall as the Emperor had commanded the wine as farre as my iudgement gaue leaue being Alligant Thus passing some foure houres in banquetting and refreshing our selues too plentifully all being taken away we did arise The Ambassador and the kings gentlemen beeing called by name to receyue from his Emperiall handes a cup or rather as they call it a Yendover of excellent redde Meande a fauour among them neuer obserued before which cups for they wer great and the Meand very strong we often sipped at but without huâ—ting our memories we could not say Amen vnto which the Emper perceiuing comanded them to be taken away saying He was best pleased with what was most for our healthes Thus after our lowe courtesies performed wee departed from his presence riding home with the same former guarde and attendance to our lodgings where our Prestaues as for that instant lefte vs but shortly after they cam again to accompany a great and gallant Duke one of them that held the Emper. golden Polaxes named Knes Romana Phedorovvich Troya Narove whoe was
sent from his maiestie to make the Ambassador and the kinges Gentlemen merry likewise hauing instructions to drinke their Emperors our King and both the Princes healths and diuers Princes else which hee did himselfe verye freelye and some of vs as many of them as we could with our owne healths there being such plenty of Meandes and other drinkes as might wel haue made forty Russes haue stumbled to sleepe Thus light-headed and well laded especialy if you take knoledge of y â— 30. yards of cloth of gold and the two standing cups with couers which the Ambassador rewarded him withall before he departed And surely a wise Duke shall he euer bee that couers his backe with his belly and by taking a cup or two extraordinary can swallow down a hundreth Markes in siluer and gold to recouer his Pâ—pemeliâ— as they call it I say his wits withall but he had it giuen him with a verye good will and with a better mind then he had that did so lightly carry it away Now there was after our first being at the Court much inquiry made whether the Ambassador would go home by the Narue and so ouer land but vpon what reasons I know not only I vnderstood his Lo. should haue had a second audience forthwith after he had deliuered by writing to the Em. those things he did not speake before being sent vnto for them the next day perhaps the heads wherof he did send to the Emper. that his councell might aduise vpon them But vnwelcome newes within four daies after our audience so vnhappilye came as not onlye our affayres but any else except counsell against present danger was not regarded For this was held for currant that one who named himselfe Demetre Evanowich Beola as the son of their late Emperor Evan Vasillovvich he that in the raigne of Pheodor Evannovvich his brother at what time Boris Pheodorvvich now Emperour then Protector was in his infancy as was thought murthered at Ougleets is now reuiued againe and vp in Armes for his right and inheritance so did he distract the Emp. kingdome such a world of tales troubled the commons that the Ambass must necessarily bee in some feare because the Emp. and State were in all and thought he would bee perswaded it was but deceipt yet the butchering of him or at least the intent much terâ—ified his soule and conscience wherupon presently was sent an army of 200000. souldiers eyther to take or sley him But hee was so strengthened vvith Poles Cassackes c that a number of Russes yealded to his obedience Insomuch as he hath byn the author of more bloudshed then hath beene there of many yeares although these Emperors haue continuall warres with diuers Nations Notwithstanding the Emperors fauour was much and greater euery daie then other to the Ambassador and the kin Gentlemen For we had liberty to ride at our pleasure and to this ende had the Emperors sleades or horses vpon demaund with one of our Prestaues other gent. to accompany and guard vs. So as vpon the 21. of Nouember 〈◊〉 Prince of an auncient custome goiâ—g to a Câ—urch within Musco the Kings Gent. vppon knowledge thereof Thâ—mbas being vnwilling to be seene publike as also for that the Emp. himsâ—lfe did not go as he was accustomed went and attended where his excellency might see them and they safely beholde him who rode in a very faire and rich slead hauing a gallant Palfrey led by two groomes to drawe it many hundreds running before to sweep the snow away where he should passe and were said to be slaues which I verily beleeue because certainly they were his subiects Then came the Prince richly apparrelled with two tartar Princes standing before one his slead and two young Dukes behind with 200. sleds following him who when he came against the place the Kings Gentlemen gaue their attendance made a stande gratiously questioning them of the Ambas healthe and their own which with lowe courtesie they made answere vnto so his Maiesty departed and they expected his return which wold be within one houre then came before the Lord Chaunsellor and wished them to stay very honorably and kindly bespeaking them and Maister Iohn Merick who attended there with them so the Prince returning made a seconde stay then giuing knowledge he woulde send them home a present willing his commendations to bee remembred to the Ambas and so passed in Within 4. houres after came a Gent. one of the Emp. chiefe Butlers named Bactayer from the Prince vnto the Kings Gent. with a great present After their entertainment to the Gentlemen and drinking of our Princes healths they brought him into the Ambassadors bed-chamber who gaue great thankes to the Prince on the Kings Gentlemens behalfe they giuing him at the Ambassadors appointment a peece of siluer and gilte plate worth twenty markes and very thankfully returning their seruice to the Prince for his royal present and to himselfe much thanks for his paines The Ambassador kept here a great Christmas hauing a good company not without some sports befitting his state and the present time Vpon New-yeeres day he was very honourably presented with New yeers-gifts from master Doct. Christopher Writtinger the Emperors chiefe Physitians some of the Kinges Gentlemen Maister Iohn Mericke and his wife and many other English Marchaunts wherein they expressed their good wil and loue as to him not onely had or would deserue it but accounted it a vertue not to be vnthankfull or vnmindfull of any kindnes bestowed on him The 8. of February the Emperor sent vs sleds to ride abroade and this day the rather that we might behold a reported victorie against the reputed Rebell Demeatry c So we the Kings Gentlemen did behold three hundred poore prisoners seuenteene Ensignes and eleuen drummes brought in vvith more glory then victorie About this time returned Peter Basman one of the generals who had performed very honourable seruice and certainely he was the man of greatest hope and expectation in the whole Empire who was brought into the Musco with all the Counsell Nobles Gentlemen and Marchants a grace neuer performed before to any Subiect But not without suspicion of some extraordinary secret herein and besides particular fauors bountifull rewards and a promise he should neuer go againe vntill the Emperor himselfe went he was being but a young man made a Priuy Counsellor foorthwith one thinge I will you shall obserue the Emperors fauor and his then Noble spirit he making diuers times sute as was thought because they were in great daunger to go againe to the vvars once prostrated himselfe to obtaine his desire but falling downe too humblie he could not easily rise againe whereby the Emperor vndâ—rstanding of his many and great vvoundes was said to weepe rysing himselfe vppe to raise and help him vp but extraordinary causes haue the like effects as hereafter you shall vnderstand Among other times of our taking the ayre wee beâ—ing lodged in that large house builded for
the Entertainment of 2000. Poles with as many horse attending the great Chaunsellor of Letto The firste Ambassador of but of a strange peace concluded about the time Sir Richard Lea was Ambassadour there for her late Maiest of England the same house the yong Prince Iohn of Denmarke Brother to that King and our now Queene of England did lodge in who would haue married the young Princes Oucksinia the Emperors onely Daughter but that hee vnhappily there died of a surfet as I was creadible Informed of one of the Em. Doctors The Ambassad as Plaid lying in the same house but not in any those lodgings for it is a custome there that where a Prince dies especially a straunger not of long time after to let anye other lodge there yet we savv and after walked in those lodg though they were for the most part barred vp and kept close which often seeing of the chamb where he departed being brother to our Noble and vertuous Quee. wroght a desire in vs to see his toomb The kings gentlemen and some others hauing the Emp. horses and sleads rode to their Sloboda as we call it Suberbes wher in the Chancell of the dutch Church he vvas interred with a great and Princelie obsequy the Emp himselfe and Prince attending the corps to the first gâ—te but all his Councellors Nobles gentlemen c following to the Church where they stayed tyll the Sermon was ended Hee had a large toombe couered with blacke veluet many banners and Scutcheons hanging about the body of the Church and chancel with his Armes and Creast and considring the countrey very princely Now the Ambassador vnderstanding of the conuenience of his passage down by slead way also fearing as wise men had cause what the yssue of these warres would be knowing the state here vsed in any sutes bethought himselfe aduisedly that it vvas hie time being the midst of February to desire a second audience for his sooner dispatch which he foorthwith requested and wrote a letter to that purpose vnto the L. Chancellor whom he knew must necessarily shew it vnto the Emp. but within twoe daies the Chancellor was himselfe to go vnto the camp vpon businesse of great importance so as it would consequently be vpon his returne before he could haue audience for that none would nor couldâ— so well and willingly supply that office of dispatch for Ambassadors as Ofod Nasse His return accordingly the Ambassad by his Prestaues put him in mind of his dispatch which he said directly should forthwith be performed so as within ten daies aâ—â—â—r the Amb. had his second audience very gratiously and honourably as thus Hauing notice giuen of the day he was accordingly sent for with the Emp. own slead for his own person and horses for the kinges Gent. and the rest as was desired by them Vpon the 10. of March the Ambas with the kin gentlemen all richly apparailed and all his followers decently attending very honourably as before and with the like recourse of beholders and guard of Gunners but that they were said to be Citizens by reason of their wars put in like apparell was attended to the Court being receiued with the former grace or more he ascended the Presence the Emp. and Prince holding their wonted state onely changing their vestments with the season but for the riches nothing inferior So soone as the Ambass and the kings gent. were come opposite to his throne he commanded seats that they might sit downe then with a Maiestâ—cke countenance representing rather constraint then former cheerfulnes he declared that he his sonne and Councel had considered his Maiesties letter the Maiestie of king Iames of Eng. as also on whatsoever else was desired and in token of his ioyful receiued amity with the renowmed king of England as with his predecessor he had wrote his Princelie letters to that purpose Herwith the Chancel from the Emp. deliuered the Amb. his Highnesse letters to his excellent Ma. Withall vnderstanding by the Chan. he had some farther matter to intreat of then in his breefe to his maiest was remembred therfor he had appointed foure principall Councellors to consult with him of his requests which was doone After the Ambas yeâ—lding curteous thanks for his Maiest fauour his Lordsh. attended by many Nobles proceeded to the Councell chamber whether presently after came fouâ— Councelors and the Em. Tolmach who after salutations we withdrew to the next chamber wher we passed away an hour in discourse among many young Nobles hauing the Ambass enterpreter In the end after three or four goings and returns of the Chancelor from the Em. we went again before him where after he had commanded vs to sit downe as before by the mouth of the Chauncelâ—our was openlye deliuered a briefe of the whole Embassie and that dâ—yes perticuler desire according to the Ambassadors request confirmed Also in good and pleasing language vvas declared the great desire that the Emperor hadde for the continuâ—nce of pâ—ace and amitiâ— with the renowmed Iamâ—s king of Eng. as with the laâ—e Q. Eliz. with all that in due time all accidents well ended he would send an honorable Ambas for further affaires as likewise to congratulate with our King of his happines in so applausable comming to his right and inheritance Farther that of al demands their graunts or reasons why not graunted he would send the Ambas a role Also of the grant of 600. robles which for the loue of the King of England and at the Ambas earnest request he commaunded should be paid backe againe Likewise a graunt of a new Priuiledge for the company which he saide should be vnder the golden seale c. Which ceremonius speech ended the Emp. called for the Ambas and the Kinges Gent. to kisse his hand and the Princes which done with the Empe. Nod or bowing to vs as likewise the Princes desiring the remembrance of his and the Princes commendations to his Maiesty the Prince and Queene of England we were dismissed but not before the Emp. said he would send home to vs. Thus we tooke our last leaue of the Emperors Court being more gratiously and especially entertained then before or then euer any would take knowledge Ambas were vsed withall At which I do not a litle wonder considering the heauines of times and the bad succâ—sse of his new entertained wars and no doubt the secret trouble and griefe of his conscience but hee that was from his Infancy then being a subiect esteemed and accounted subtile and ingeaâ—ious now being an Emp. experienced with many straunge plots and stratigems to his number of yeares and imploiments could he lesse be or lesse seeme thâ—n a wise polititian But we are honorably attended home and a Duke of great account named Knas Euan Euannowich Courletev cals me at this time from Princes proceedings to attend him that was attended with many of the Emp. seruants within our gates following him a dinner sent from the Emp. by some 200. persons
throwne downe and their ware-houses violently entred vpon yea some aged Merchantes very euilly intreated Insomuch that the Ambassadour himselfe stood not free from the daunger to reuenge which both English and Dutch manned out their boates to haue gone on shore with some shot but by intreatie they were staide and all vvas pacified not without some hurt on both sides but most of the Russes The next day being the sixth of Iuly the Ambassadour beeing accompanied with mayster Iohn Mericke diuers Merchantes and others passed in his Cherdeck the Riuer of Dvyna the shipps then lying at the Barr-foote for a Winde which not hauing we vvent on boord vpon the twenty eight of Iulye beeing compelled notwithstanding to staye heere seauen daies both for winde and Water to carry vs away which the Countrey hauing hadde our companye of many monthes togither seemed to deny vs as vnwilling to license our departure Yet on the 8. day following we went ouer the Bar not without some daunger of the Sands which by the prouidence of God and the care and cuning of maister William Wye our pilot and maister we happilie escaped and very ioyfully arriued vppon the sweet shores of our owne natiue Countrey England c. The state of Rushia when Borris Pheodorvvich came to be Emperour OVr Voyage is ended yet must I now intreate your immaginations to be carried backe againe into Rushia where you shall receiue so much and such perfect Newes as will make vp the precedent matter into a pleasing History Vnderstand therefore that the old Emperor Euan Vassiliwich dying left two Sonnes behind him Viz Pheodor Euannowich the eldest vvho succeeded the father in his Empire and Demetrie the yongest an infant Pheador being giuen to deuotion and neglecting the State and dignity due to a Prince was held but simple insomuch that by the secret workings of Bodan Belskey who was chiefe Minion to the olde Emperour Euan Vassiliwich in hope of honours and preferment procured Boris who was brother to the then Empresse to be created Protector ouer Pheador who vpon his presentâ— comming to the Crowne sent his mother in Law with her father and mother defending of the house of the Nagayes and his yong brother Demetre to a place called Ouglets where he was to bee Nursed Pheadors raigne beeing expired and his brother vnfit to rule being but an infant Boris set vp such ladders that from a protector he was aduanct to be Emper. Bodan Belskey afore named Andrea Shulcan and Andrea Clyskenine being his there instruments that wrought for him But Boris growing weary of their presence by whom he was mounted so hie and thinking that he must euer holde himselfe bound vnto them laid plots in his braines howe to be rid of such creditors which he did by throwing discontents vpon one of them and a slightly-regarding of the other Whereupon Bodan Belskey left the Courte But the other two prying into Borris his actions signified from time to time all matters to Bodan who knowing the ambitious thirst of Borris to extirpate the race of Euan Vassiliwich himselfe now but an Vsurper took deliberation with the old Empresse mother to Demetre for the preseruation of the child And seeing a farre off arrowes aimed at his life which could very hardly be kept off it was deuised to exchange Demetre for the child of a churchman in yeares and proportion somewhat resembling him whilst the other by this meanes might liue safe though obsure This counterfet Churchmans sonne being then taken for the lawful Prince was attended on and associated according to his State with whome one day another child that was appointed to bee his play-fellow disporting themselues finding faulte that the collor which the supposed Demetre wore about his necke as the fashion of the Countrey is stoode awry preparing to mende it with a sharpe knif prouided as seems of purpose cut his throat The report of this arriued presently at court the Vsurper makes shew of much lamentation yet to satisfiy the people seat himself faster in his throne the dead body was openly showne three daies to the eyes of all men Many arguments were drawne to make the world beleeue that Boris sonne sought the death of this his brother in lawes childe and to weane the peoples loues and hopes they had from him as first to haue it spred abrod that Demetre was like to proue like his father that 's to say a Tyrant because euen in his childhood he tooke delighte to see Hennes and Chickens kilde and to bath his hands in the blood adde vnto this the poisoning of his Nurse besides it was forbidden to haue him praied for as the rest of the Emperors children wer because hee should be vtterly forgotten To conclude an old ouer-worne law buried long in forgetfulnes was now againe freshly reuiued and that was That the child of a sixt wife was not to inherit yet the murder beeing acted Boris the vsurper to blind the eies of the world and to weare a cunning maske ouer his owne Sent a noble man with diuers others to take strict examination of each particular circumstance and to imprison all those that had the guardiaunce of him yea to put some of them to tortures and to death which was done accordingly But heauen protected the lawfull to be an instrument for the Vsurpers confusion Obscurely liude this wronged Prince the changing of him being made priuate to none but his owne mother Sister as is said before to Boris who is now liuing and to Bodan Belskey but vpon what wheele his various fortunes haue bin turned which of necessitye must needs be strange came not within the rech of our knowledge being there Onely thus much was receiued as currant that the king of Poland sent word to the Vsurper that such a Prince of Rushia was abiding in his court describing him by name and other perticular notes to be sonne to their olde Emperour vppon receipte of which Newes which went but coldly to the heart of Borris an Ambassadour was presently dispatcht into Poland one that had been Godfather vnto Demetre because he should bring certaine knowledge of the truth whoe at his comming was presented with a Counterfait Princely attyred but afterward with true Demetrius whom by the ayde of the Polack the Rushians within short time after receiued for their Emperour and now raigneth ouer them FINJS Errors escaped in the Printing thus to be corrected IN the first page for Chain Concatenation read chain and Concatenation for Neves read Nerues for allude read Allurde for squred read Squared In the eight page for Dronia read Dwyna In the xv page for Coliâ—gro read Colmagro In the 31. page for Meands read Meades and so in any other place where that word is found In the 56. p. for Comp. house read companies house In the 66. p. read Boycrins In the 67. pag. read Knees Pheodor and Knees c. Reader thou shalt vnderstand that the Godonoues is the name of the Royall family A Prestave is a chiefe Officer about the Emperour whoe hath continuall accesse and doth command prouision and lodging for any Ambassador c. A Verst signifies a Myle A Derevena is a little village These wordes because thou mayst doubt of them I thought good to explaine