A Briefe And yet Exact and Accurate DESCRIPTION Of the Present state of the GREAT MIGHTY EMPIRE OF GERMANY Both touching the Formes of their CIVIL GOVERNMENT and profession in RELIGION Taken By a Diligent and Faithfull Surveyor of it who with much paines travelled over that whole Country to informe himself and others of these things Now published by SA CLARKE somtime Pastor in St. Bennet Fink London for the publick good LONDON Printed by A. M. for William Miller at the Guilded Acorn in St. Pauls Church-yard near the little North Door 1665. A Description of the GREAT EMPIRE OF GERMANY Together with an Account of their Government both Civil and Religious wherein many Memorable things are contained GErmany is divided into ten Provinces which are called the Circuites or Circles of the Empire whereof the first Circuit is of the four Electors besides the River of Rhine viz. of the Archbishops of Mentz Collen and Treere and the Counte Palatine The second is the Circuit of Franconia The third of Bavaria The fourth of Austria The fifth of Suevia The sixth of the Rhine The seventh of Westphalia The eigth of Saxonia Superior The ninth of Saxonia Inferior and the tenth of Burgundia All the which Circuits are Governed by ten severall Heads that are chose out of the Nobility and doe use that Office commonly during their lives or according to the will of the Emperour and the States of the Empire as hereafter in the end of this Book it shall appear where the division of the same Provinces shall more at large be set forth And as all these ten Circuits are but one Body so doe they consist in three estates viz. of Churchmen Temporall Potentates and Free Cities the which all have one Head that is the Emperour who at present hath his residence at Vienna in Austria to whom as for Homage they pay yearly some little Tribute and in cases needfull for the state of the Empire they contribute Men Weapons and Money extraordinary every one according to the assessement made in the division of the said ten Circuits of the Empire The which extraordinary contribution is given by the consents of these three estates being lawfully called to some place certaine by the Emperour unto a Parliament which they tearm a Diett The Churchmen have three heads which are Archbishops and Electors of the which the first is the Archbishop of Mentz High Chancelour of Germany with whom remaine all the Acts of the Diettes And he hath authority sede vacante to call the rest of the Electors to a Diett for the choosing of an Emperour which is alwayes done at Francford upon the River of Mene. Next unto him is the Archbishop of Colen High Chancelour of Italy and after him the Archbishop of Treer High Chancelour of France the which two doe take their place in the Sessions alternis vicibus by turnes And here is to be noted that these three Spirituall Electors have not their Office of Electorship nor their preferment of the Archbishopricks by succession of Inheritance but by election of the Cannons of their Cathedrall Churches who commonly choose such to be their Archbishop as is a Gentleman of a good House Further in this Ecclesiasticall estate are comprehended all the other Archbishops and Bishops of Germany as the Archbishop of Saltzburge which is one of the Ancientest and in respect of his Mines of Salt Silver and Gold is counted the Richest whose Revenue is yearly to the value commonly of one hundred and fifty thousand guilderns The Archbishops of Magdeburge who is called the Primate of the Empire whose Revenue is likewise great for out of one City called Hall he receiveth for the proffit of Salt that is gotten every Saturday at night five hundred Dollars all charges deducted The Archbishop of Bream and Bisontz with about twenty five Bishops that have great possessions and in respect of their Cities Castles and Provinces are called Princes of the Empire Amongst the which the Bishop of Munster in Weastphalia who is also Bishop of Esenburge and Padeborn is counted one of the cheifest Of the Temporall Lords there are counted likewise four cheif the which are also called Princes Electors and have each one a severall Office which they use in their Stiles for any honour in the service of the Emperour at his coronation The Count Pallatine of the Rhine is the greatest amongst them and is chief Sewer to the Emperour and Sede vacante vicarius Imperij in Pallatinatu whose cheif Court is commonly at Heydelberge upon the River of Neccar his Liuetenant in the Office of Sewership is alwayes one of the House of Nortenberge by Inheritance Next to him in all Sessions of Parliament but before him in the Wars the Emperour being personally in the Field is the Duke of Saxon whose principall House is at Dresden in Misuia upon the River Albis who is High Marshall of the Empire and beareth in all Triumphs the Sword before the Emperour His Lieutenant in that Office of high Marshalship is alwayes one of the House of Papenheim by Inheritance The third place of the Temporall Lords and the sixth place of the Electors hath the Marquis of Brandenburge who is high Chamberlain whose Court is cheifly at Birlyn in Marchia upon the River of Spre His Liuetenant in the Office of high Chamberlain is alwayes one of the House of Falkenstein by Inheritance There is also a seventh Elector who is Cupbearer and hath no other Office nor authority in the Empire but only in the Election a voice when the other six are equally divided and then on that side that he giveth his voice there doth the matter prevaile And the same is ever the King of Bohemia which is now Emperour himself His Lieuetenant in the Office of Cup-bearer is alwayes one of the House of Lymburge by Inhetance The seventh Elector was appointed long after the other six viz. in Charles the fourth his time and the rest in the time of Otho Tertius All these four Temporall Electors have their Authority by succession of heritage and the eldest of the House hath alwayes the place of Electorship they have power and Authority after the death of the Emperour to chuse a man whom they list or during the Emperours Life to elect a King of the Romanes who alwayes doth succeed the Emperour as the Prince of Wales doth in the Kingdom of England and the Dophin of France doth the French King After the Lords Electors are reckoned the Noblemen and Princes of their Houses as for example The Duke of Bavire whose residence is at Monachum or Munchen in Bavaria where his yearly revenue is said to be six hundred thousand guildernes with the rest of the Palsegraves whose Feodaries are the Ringraves the Earles of Erbach and Isenberg The Duks of Saxon whose Feodaries are the Counties of Mansfelde Swerzberge and Stolberge The Marquesses of Brandenburge whose Feodaries
18 0 Hawerden 20 4 Essen 26 90 Duke John of Burchenburge 540 90 Duke John of Cleve and Marcke 540 16 Barnard Marques of Baden of Lutzenburge 46 20 William of Dillinmarke Count of Nashaw 90 6 John Count of Sam. 26 4 William Count of Fuerberge 20 12 Diotrick Counts of Manderscheid 54 8 John Counts of Manderscheid 26 2 James Counts of Manderscheid 8 8 John Count of Wye Lord of Ruchen 24 6 William Count de Morsch Lord of Rodenache 24 12 Justus Lord of Brimkurst 54 4 Eberwein Count of Bewthen 54 4 Arnold Count of Steinfeld 18 2 The possessors of the goods of the Lords of Turmesex 8 4 Counts of Teckinberge 18 8 John Count of Oldenburge 60 8 Otto Lord of Rieperge 54 4 Justus Count of Hoye 16 2 Frederike Count of Tirfeild 8 16 Schawenburge and Gemma 68 6 Lord of Spitzenburge 12 2 Lord of Wargenburge 0 8 Eberhard and Rupreckt of the Marcke Lords of Arenburge 90 4 Limaw Count of Frunenburge for the Inhabitants of the Signiory of Somerawâ— 0 8 Symon Lord of Lyffie 36 60 Collen 644 40 Aquesgreve 180 10 Nether-Wesell 100 6 Dewer 40 4 Camerich 36 40 Dortumbt 200 40 Sost. 240 4 Dusburge 36 2 Herwarden 26 14 Bracken 116 6 Warburge 44 0 Verdon 30 80 Leinchawe 44 Summ. 1104. Summ. 5490. The Circle of Saxony Superior whereof Augustus the Elector is Head 120 John Elector of Saxony 554 120 Ihoachim Marques of Brandenburge Elector 554 12 Bishop of Meissen 12 12 Bishop of Mersperge 12 12 Bishop of Nawumburge 12 10 Bishop of Brandenburge 30 18 Bishop of Havelburg 66 10 Bishop of Lebus 30 18 Bishop of Camyn 84 4 Abbot of Salfeld 26 4 Abbot of Rittershawsen 20 4 Abbot of Walchenried 12 2 Abbot of Luedelburge 20 2 Abbess of Gerenrode 20 90 George Duke of Saxony 416 90 George Duke of Barvim 540 18 All the Princes of Anhalâ— 20 8 Gunter the Elder Countz of Scwartzburge 28 4 Gunter the Younger Countz of Scwartzburge 20 2 John Henry Countz of Scwartzburge 10 20 All the Countz of Manfelt 90 6 Otto Count of Stolberge 24 4 Bein Count of Hunstein 0 4 Erneist Count of Hunstein 16 6 Adam Count of Benchlingen 0 2 Countez of Rapm 24 6 Countez of Baxby and Meulingen 8 2 All the Countez of Gleichem 26 2 Countez of Lyswecke 4 4 Contez of Wyldenselss 4 2 Lords of Geracoe 24 4 Renssen of Blat Lord of Gretz 6 2 Barons of Schoenberge 8 2 Barons of Dantenberge Pincernae 8 0 Lords of Branderstain and Rentz 8 0 Dantzik 330 0 Ilburge 164 Summ. 628. Summ. 3230 The Circle of Saxonia Inferior whereof Adolf Duke of Holstein is Head 120 Of the King of Denmarke for those his Countries that belong to the Empire 554 114 The Archbishop of Magdenburge 524 72 The Archbishop of Bream 300 28 Hyldechem and Bishops 56 28 Lubeck Bishops 56 4 Schwerin 26 24 Ratzenburge 38 10 Seblswyke 30 10 Magims Duke of Lawenburge 30 30 Erick Dukes of Brunswike 224 35 Henry Dukes of Brunswike 164 35 Ernest Dukes of Brunswike 164 70 Philip Dukes of Brunswike 328 24 Henry Dukes of Mechelburge 6 40 Albert Dukes of Mechelburge 67 40 Fredrick Duke of Holstein 67 80 Countez of Honstein 134 2 Countez of Rhenstein 8 4 Lubeck 0 40 Hamberck 354 40 Muthawsin in Thuringia 240 6 Northansen 156 0 Gosler 260 0 Gottengen 44 Summ. 822. Summ 3724. The Circle of Burgundia whereof King Phillip is Head 246 Duke of Burgundia for so much of his Country as pertaineth to the Empire 1200 40 Nawssaw and Breda 180 69 Lords of Weryn 44 20 Lords of Egmond and Iselstein 90 20 Lords of Bergea and Walda 134 8 Aswold Count of Bergin 96 Summ. 334. Summ. 1684. Summ. Totall Horsemen 7292. Summ. Totall Footmen 38478. FINIS Courteous Reader be pleased to take notice that these Books following are Printed for and sold by William Miller at the Gilded Acorn in St Pauls Church-yard near the little North Door HIckes Revelation Revealed Folio Clark's Martyrology Compleat with the Persecutions of England to the end of Queen Maries Reign Folio Lives of ten Eminent Divines some being as follow Bishop Vsher Dr Gouge Dr Harris Mr Gataker Mr Whittaker c. and some other famous Christians 4º The Lives and Deaths of such Wotthies who by their PRUDENCE POLICY and POWER have Purchased and procure to themselves the Surnames of GREAT 4º Life of Christ. 4º Life of Herod the Great 4º Life of Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus the Great the one the first founder of the Babylonian Empire the other the first founder of the Empire of the Medes and Persians 4º Life of Alexander the Great the first founder of the Grecian Empire As also of Charles the Great commonly called Charlemagne the first founder of the French Empire 4º The Life and Death of Hannibal the Great Captain of the Carthaginians who maintained Wars against all the power of Rome for eighteen years together in Italy As also the Life and Death of Epaminondas the Great Captain of the Thebans who was famous both for his Vertues and Valour 4º The Life and Death of Pompey the Great with all his Glorious Victories and Triumphs As also The Life and Death of Artaxerxes Mnemon one of the great Persian Emperours 4º The Life and Death of Julius Caesar the first founder of the Roman Empire As also the Life and Death of Augustus Caesar in whose Raign our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jasus Christ was born 40 A Prospect of Hungary and Transylvania together with an account of the qualities of the inhabitants the Commodities of the Countries the Chiefest Cities Towns and Strong-holds Rivers and Mountains with an Historycal Narration of the Wars amongst themselves and with the Turks continued to this year 1664. As also a Brief Description of Bohemia Austria Bavaria Steirmark Croatia Dalmatia Moravia and other Adjacent Countries contained in a Map joyned therewith by which Map you may know which Places are in the Power of the Turk and which Christians have 4o. Ministers Dues 4º Cradock's KNOWLEDGE and PRACTICE Or a Plain Discourse of the Chief Things necessary to be KNOWN BELIEVED and PRACTISED in Order to SALVATION 4º Ford of Baptism 8º Vennour's Whole Armor of God 8º Cotton on the Covenant of Grace 8º Culverwell of Assurance 8º Records Urinal of Physick 8º Ravius Oriental Grammer 12º Peacocks Visitation 12º Dr Tuckney's Good Day well Improved 12º Death Disarmed 12º Balm of Gilead 12º Cleaveland Poems Characters and Letters 12º Clamor Sanguinis 12º Aristippus or Balscat's Master-piece 12º King Charles's Works 24o. Defence and Vindication of Tithes 4º Dr Mays Relation of a strange Monster or Serpent found in the left Ventricle of the heart of a Gentlemen 4º Estwicks Christ's Submission to his Fathers Will 4º Ferriby Lawfull Preacher 4o. Ten Provinces of Germany The Governours of â—he ten Provinces elected The Empire consisteth of Church-men Temporall Potentates and free-Cities The Diett The first estate of the Empire The heads of the Church-men Archbishop of Mentz Chancellour of Germany Archbishop of Collen and Trier Archbishop of Saltzburg Archbishop of Magdeburge Arch-Bishop of Bream Twenty five bishops The two estates of the Empire Temporal Electors four First Count Pallatine of the Rhine Second Duke of Saxon. Third Marquis of Brandenburge Fourth King of Behemia The Electors may chuse also a King of Romans Duke of Bevaria The common guildern or floren is worth 38. Starling Duke of Saxon. Marquesse of Brandenburge Duke of Brunswick The Daller is worth 4s 4d sterling Duke of Lumberge Hamberge Duke of Lawenburge Princes of Anhalt Landgrave of Hessen Duke of Wirtemberge Duke of Pomer Mechelberge Marquesse of Baden Order of preheminence 7. Electors 4. Dukes 4. Marquesses 4 Landgraves 4 Burgraves 4. Earles 4. Barons 4 Knights The three estates of the Empire Free Cities the number Their Tribute Absolute power of the three-estates The Government and pâ—licy of the Count Pallatine His Court. 1. His Counsell 2. Counsell 3. Counsell 4. Counsell His reformation of the spitituall Court 5 Counsell Officers of his Court. The exercises of the Pallatine His Parliament His Countries His Religion His touble in the Diett at Augusta for Religion His chiefe Court No appeal from him Punishment of Adultery and Fornication
are the Earles of Reppein and Vyer Rotton which Earldom now the Earle of Houlstine possesseth and the Barrons of Potlas The Dukes of Brunswick whose yearly revenue is two hundred thousand guildernes the eldest of that House who is called Duke Julus of Wolfenbottel receiveth every day through out the year one hundred Dollers out of one Silver Myne at Gloster only besides his other mines of Lead and Copper c. his Vassales are the Contz of Regenstein and Barrons of Warberge The Dukes of Lumburge and Harburge who are of the House of Brunswicke The Dukes of Lawenburge and Princes of Anhalt which are of the ancientest House of Saxon The Landesgrave of Hessen whose Country is very great for they be also Earles of Catzenelbogen and have in Hessia seventy Citties their Vassals are the Earles of Rippan of Hoyz of Trefeld of Lipe of Sulmos of Witstem of Nefsowz and of Shaumborcke The Duke of Wirtemberge whose yearly revenue is two hundred thousand Florens or Guildernes The Dukes of Pomer and Mechelburge The Marquesses of Baden with a number of other Princes Marquesses Earles and Barrons of all the which in all Conventions and Dietts of the Empire next after the seven Electors the four Dukes which are of Suevia Brunswick Bavaria and Lothering do take their place And after them the four Marquesses of Misnia Marchia Baden and Brandenburge And next unto them the four Landgraves of Muring Heses Litchtenberge and Elsotz After them the four Burgraves of Magdenburge Normberge Renake and Strumburge And after them the four Earles of Savoye Cleve Zilie and Schwartzburge And next to them the four Barons of Lymsperge Tasis Westerburge and Aldenwalde And last of all the four Knights of Andelaw Meldin Stomeck and Frawenberge The third estate consisteth in the Free Cities which are in number at present as some say seventy two and have been heretofore eighty five All the which doe acknowledge no other head but the Emperour to whom they pay a small Tribute yearly not amounting in all to the summe of fifty thousand Guildernes from the which payment also certaine of these Citties are exempted and pay nothing but at the Generall contribution of all the states at the Diett as shall hereafter appear Touching the pollicy of these three estates of the Empire it is to be understood that every one hath within their own Dominions an absolute power to Coyn Monies which serve not in any other Teritories but in their own except Dollers which according to their rate are currant in all places to determine by Law to execute Justice to dispence and deal with their Subjects according to right and equity as they list But forasmuch as it would be too tedious to speak of every Princes Government apart namely seeing that in most things they have one order and form I shall therefore give an example of one or two of the most principall which may serve for all the rest And because among the temporall estates the Count Pallatine as was said is the chiefest I will begin with him At Heidelberge where his Court is he hath a very fair House adjoyning to his Castle which is called his Chancery In the which place are five principall Counsels or Courts The first is his Privy Counsel where he himself with a few others whereof the chiefest be Doctors of the Civil Law doe daily sit to consult of matters of Importance touching the state of his Country The answering of forreign Princes Ambassadours dispatching of his Ambassadours to forreign Princes the bestowing of his Children in marriage c. The second Counsell whereof the Chancelour is cheife is of a few Civillians where all matters extrajudiciall as they tearm it are handeled and compremitted and in case they cannot by the arbitrators be ended then are they by the Chancelour referred to the third Counsel which is called the Hossegerichte which is of a great number both of Doctors and Gentlemen In the which all Civill controversies and causes between his Subjects and Actions both personall and reall are by Law decided and in the which the Subject if he be injured by his Prince may have the Law against him from the which Court it is not lawful to apeal to the Chamber of the Empire except the cause doth surmount the some of six hundred guildernes The fourth Counsell is the Consistory Court and is of Civillians and Spirituall men wherein all Church matters both for Doctrine and Discipline are determined Testaments proved and controversies in marriage decided This Prince hath reformed this Court and whereas before it had no other Counsellours then Spirituall men now he hath joyned together with them certain honest discreet Ministers some of his wisest and best-learned Counsellours The fifth Counsell whereof the Camer Master that is the Chamberlain or the Treasurer is President is of certain Doctors and of houshould Officers in the which there is accompt taken of all his Revenues how his debts are to be paid his Houshold ordered and served his Lands sett and lett his Customes and Tolls examined This Prince maintaineth commonly in his Court of all sorts of People twenty four Tables eight persons to every Table the which do eat commonly in two severall places In the one place which is a faire large Chamber sitteth himself his Wife and Children at one Table standing alone in the upper end of the Chamber and his Gentlewomen and Preachers at two other Tables and about ten Tables more adjoyning to those two Tables which stand in a rowe on one side of the said Chamber whereat doe sit his Gentlemen who immediatly after the Prince is set down do likewise sit and eat continually at one hour which is at ten and at five of the clock In the other place the rest of his Family as his Guard which are twenty four Halberders with others of his Yeomen and Groomes together with all the Officers and Gentlemen Servants who likwise eat together at one time which is at nine and four of the clocke before which houres they are continually warned by the noise of eight Trumpets and two kettle Drummes His Houshold Officers be the Marshall the Steward the Treasurer the Secretary and the Clarke of the Kitchen The Marshall first placeth all men and seeth good order kept the Steward seeth all things provided for the House and Houshould The Treasurer disburseth the money The Secretary taketh the accompt and writeth the Letters The Clarke of the Kitchen seeth all things ordered in the Kitchen and everv one served according to their degrees and of all the Houshould expences keepeth a Book The Prince is served in Silver with four courses besides fruit and in every course nine covered Dishes which three Gentlemen with their Caps on their Heads do alwayes bring to the Carver having the Marshall to goe before them with his staffe and when they have delivered their Dishe they sit
was of nature sediciously disposed always attempting new designs in his Countrey for in the Wars that Marquess Albert made against the Bishops and Churchmen he took part with him and never left him so long as he kept the field And although he was oftentimes called home by the Bishop of Wertzburge whose Vassall he was under the pain of Confiscation yet he continued with the said Marquess untill he was overthrown Whereupon the Bishop seized on his Goods and Lands After the overthrow of Marquess Albert he went into France to Henry the second of whom he received great summes of money to levy Souldiers to serve against the Emperor Charles but peace being concluded between them at Amienz in Anno 1558 he returned into his Countrey where by secret means he had caused the Bishop of Wietzburg to be slain in Anno 1557 because he had confiscated his Lands Afterwards in Anno 1564 he was commanded by the Duke of Guise to Levy certain Souldiers for the service of the French King whose Colonell he was against them of the Religion in France but peace being then also concluded he was not there imployed whereupon he returned home and with part of those Souldiers whom he had taken up with the French Kings money he marched against the other Bishop of Wertzburg and Bamberg the which succeded him that before he had killed where he not only by force recovered his goods taken away by the said Bishop but also spoiled and made havock of both those Bishoppricks for which cause he procured to himself the Bann of the Empire and was Proclaimed a Rebel by reason whereof he was forced always to keep a good guard of souldiers about him for the safety of his Person But in the last Dyett holden under the Emperor Ferdinand an Edict was published that no man of what Degree soever he were should keep any man in Arms except it were by the publique consent of the States of the Empire Notwithstanding Grombache did not only keep his old band of men still together but also Levyed new and practised with some Personages of Name and Authority to enteprise somewhat for the liberty of such as were oppressed and sustained wrong in the Empire Of the which enterprise the forenamed John Frederick of Wymar was one of the chiefest favourers being perswaded by the same Grombache that then the time served him to recover the Electorship the which was taken by force from his Father and that the most part of the Princes of Germany would aid him therein Whereupon in the Dyett holden by Maximilian the Emperour that now is at Augusta in Anno 1566 by the common consent of all the States the said Grombache was declared a Rebell of the Empire with all his adherents and order taken to proceed against him as against a sedicious man and disturber of the Commonweale This notwithstanding Grombache continuing his faction was received by John Frederick into his Castle of Gottha the which was of such force as they in all respects thought themselves safe from their enemies But Augustus now Elector of Saxony being in the aforesaid Dyett appointed the Emperors Lieutenant for the Wars and having at the charges of the Emperor six thousand horses thirty Ensigns of Footmen and forty pieces of great Ordnance besieged the Town of Gottha and Castle of Grimsteteine which thing the Citizens and certain Captains there perceiving and weighing with themselves that the matter was taken in hand by all the Estates of the Empire were contented to yield both Grimbache the Town and the Castle to the said Elector who as soon as he was entred took John Frederick and sent him with a sufficient guard to the Emperor with whom he remaineth still a prisoner in the City of Presburge in Hungary above one hundred English miles beyond Vienna near Turkey and executed above twenty of the chiefest Rebels whereof Grombache and Dr Pontanz Chancellor to Duke John Frederick with certain others were quartered quick This Victory was so joyfull to the Elector Augustus that in memory thereof he caused Dollers to be coyned with this Inscription Tandem bona Causa triumphat A good cause at last prevails After he had sent Duke John Frederick away Prisoner he caused his Castle which was one of the fairest houses and strongest fortresses in all Germany and the principall Mannour house of the old Elector John Frederick to be utterly razed and destroyed so as there is not one stone left upon another I heard as I passed through the town of Gottha that the razing only of that Castle Grimsteteine and the Walls of Gottha cost him seventy three thousand Guilderns which the States of the Empire as I hear do grudge to repay because as they alleadge repay they did not consent to the razing thereof Grombache and divers others that were executed with him and since before their death confessed that their intent was to have killed Augustus and to have reduced the Electorship to John Fredicks house whom notwithstanding Grombache in that respect did clear as not privy to that enterprise for the killing of Augustus and protested that he was not culpable in any thing but in defending him to the which he said by great perswasions he had also allured him And moreover because his brother Duke John William would not agree to this enterprise but ever withstood the same the said Grombache found means to set dissention betwixt him and his brother about the partition of their third brothers part who died a little before the same time for the which cause Duke John William was content to assist Augustus the Elector against his brother in the siege of Gottha By means whereof both his brothers parts were given unto him the which he at present enjoyeth Notwithstanding there is now a heart-burning betwixt the Elector Augustus and the said Duke John William as well for the cause of their Electorship that moved his foresaid brother to the former enterprise as also for certain controversies in Religion that are between their Preachers whereof I shall speak further hereafter Now because I have not heretofore touched the manner and custom that the Princes of Germany have in the devision of their Lands I think it good in this place to shew what I have learned thereof The manner commonly of all the Noblemen Princes and Gentlemen in Germany is by their last Will to dispose to every Child their Portion both of Lands and Money The Women so long as there liveth any Male of the Name do never inherit any Land He that hath many sons and beareth an affection to one more than to another if he be a great Prince then he calleth the Gentlemen and great States of his Countrey and Cities together and by their consent establisheth in his life time the division of his Childrens portions and giveth to some more to some less according as he favoureth and as his Estates will agree whose consent commonly dependeth upon the Princes pleasure But to disinherit any son
or to make too much an unequall devision of Land is very dangerous as it appeareth by that which John Selden writeth in the fourteenth book of his History touching the devisions of the Lands of the Dukes of Saxony whereof sprang the first quarrell betwixt them of that house and was cause of a great Civill War in Germany Such inequality in Partition is not therefore lightly seen except it be for certain such causes as are prescribed in the Civil Law that is in case the Son conspireth his Fathers death or doth not his endeavour to redeem him out of Prison if he be taken by their Enemies c. If the Father dieth Intestate then doe his Children divide his goods equally pro raeta Portione Sons have the Land and the Daughters the Mony and in case there be no Mony left then the Sons are bound every one out of his portion of Land to pay a certain summe of Money towards the Dowry of his Sisters In the which cases there are certain Ordinances whereby every one knoweth what to have according to their quality The Subjects of all the Princes and Gentlemen in Germany do hold their Lands ether in Feodo for paying a chief rent and acknowledging Homage or in Fee-Farm paying a certain Rent either in Money Corn or Wine or in all Or else there are Tennants at the will of the Lord for so many years and for so much Rent as is agreed between the Lord and the Tennant There is almost no Prince Nobleman nor Gentleman but hath certain Vassals that of right do owe them their labour some to sowe some to mowe till carry ditch hedge c. by whose labour their Demesnes are for the most part Manured Thus I have as briefly as I could set forth by the examples of the Count Palatine and the Elector of Saxony the form of Government in Politicall matters of the two first Estates that is to say of the Spirituall and Temporall Potentates who both in their Houshold service and Civill Affairs have also the most part the same Order and Form that the foresaid Electors have Touching the third estate which I said was of the Free Cities thus much is to be understood that of the same Free Cities some are meerly Subject to the Empire as Augusta Acona Argentina Francfordia ad Menum Lubeca Hamburga Vlma Colonia Spira Noriberge c. And other some for that they were once under another Lord to whom every one yet acknowledgeth a certain duty do therefore yield no such contribution as the Imperiall Cities do as for Example Magdeburge Erford Breme Brunswicke Luniburge c. have each of them a severall Lord who is either the Bishop or Duke of the name that every one is called by to whom they owe their Homage and a small Duty besides But they use notwithstanding their own proper Municipall Laws which have their ground on the Civill Laws and their Ancient Customs as the Imperiall Cities do from the which their Laws Ordinances and Customs it is lawfull for the Citizens in some cases to appeall to the Chamber of the Empire which is at Spires They are all Governed either by Democriti's that is by certain chosen out of the multitude of the common people or by the State of Olygarchy that is by a few of the Wealthiest and most Principall of the People Or else by Aristocracy that is by a few of the best sort not in respect of their Wealth but of their Vertue They got their liberties either by purchase of money or else by the favour of the Emperor or by force of Arms from that Prince that was their Sovereign and have by that means of liberty such traffique and handling as they are grown so rich that they have fortified their Cities and Territories in such sort as they fear not the force of the Enemy be they never so mighty There are four Cities which are called by an Ancient name The four Cities of the Empire and are free that is Augusta Metis Acona Lubeca Whereof Metis is at present under the French King and is not free as the rest be Also there are four other Cities which are named the Dorffes that is the Towns of the Empire viz. Bamberga Erlistadia Haganoa Ulma whereof Bamberga is now under a Bishop and Salistadium under Archduke Ferdinando the Emperors brother that now is There be also four other Cities which are termed The Boores of the Empire that is the Villages but yet are notwithstanding great Cities as Collen Regensburge Constantia and Saltzburge the which three last are all Subjects to the Bishops of that name There be many other Cities of great fame and force as Magdeburge which sustained the siege by the space of thirteen moneths together of the Emperours Lieutenant Duke Maurice Elector of Saxon and others the mightiest Princes of Germany In the which siege they took Prisoner George Duke of Mechelburg and in the end compounded not with so unreasonable conditions as the other Cities did in the Wars of Smascald For they would never agree to receive the Interim no more than the Cities of Brunswiche Hamburge Lubecke and the sons of John Frederick the Elector of Saxon did Breame standing upon the River of Wesar is likewise famous for resisting Duke Erike of Brunswicke Lieutenant Generall to the Emperour Charles the fifth where he besieged the same in vain and was in the end by the help of the Hamburgers conducted by Coúnte Peninge chased away from thence and forced to leave his great Ordinance behinde him Brunswicke standeth neer the River of Owker which taking in another little River called the Sconder above the Town of Zell falleth into the Weser the which City of Brunswick hath been at variance with their Dukes from the year of 1536 untill this present year 1569. Henricus Senior Duke of Brunswick besieged it a whole year in vain Henricus Junior the Father of Duke Julius that now is besieged it twice once by the space of six weeks and another time eight weeks together and prevailed not The said Duke Julius is now agreed with them and entreth the Town with seven hundred Horse the third of October next but is not to remain there with any force In this City is an Ancient Monument of a monstrous Brazen Lyon the which beast Duke Henricus surnamed Leo is said to have brought thither with him out of England There is also made in this City the best Harnis for the proof and otherwise and the best Daggers and Firelocks that be in all Europe Lubeck upon the River of Trowe hath as it were conserved the King of Denmark in his seat against the Swede but is at this day greatly Impoverished because of the continuall Wars they have had with the King of Sweden and stopping of a River between them and the City of Hamburge called the Trow with Jasper Bucolt a Gentleman of that Country because they refused to pay a small towl unto him hath of mallice thrown a number of
Saltzburge 554 36 The Bishop of Bassaw 156 28 The Bishop of Brisingen 64 18 The Bishop of Regensburge 62 12 Bishop of Rempsen 48 4 Provost of Betchtadsgaden 68 8 Abbot of Waldsachsen 36 2 Abbot of Rode 20 8 Abbot of Raysheime 134 8 Abbot of Haymerachs 90 8 Abbess of Nether Mynster 36 4 Abbess of Over Mynster 20 120 Dukes William and Lodowicke Palatines 554 60 Ottho Henry Phillips Countes Palatines 230 42 Landtgrave of Lichtenberge 28 8 Count of Haage 36 4 Countes of Ortenberge 12 6 Barons of Stanssen of Erenselfe 20 4 Lords of Degenberge 18 4 Lords of Wolsteine and Barons of Over Sultzberge 8 40 Town of Regenspurg 224 Summ. 514. Summ. 2524. 4. The Circle of Austria with the Countries and Estates apertaining whereof the Emperour is head 240 Archduke of Austriche 1200 28 Trent 182 28 Brixen 182 24 Gurke 120 12 Sackaw 48 10 Cavall 38 6 Bayliffes of Ostriche 26 16 Bayliffe of Etsche within the mountain 26 16 Count George of Schemburg in the County of Entz. 48 6 Barons of Wolchenstein 48 6 Lords of Cassentrin 26 4 Lords of Rogendorfe 8 24 Count of Hardeche 90 Summ. 420. Summ. 2042 5. The Circle of Suevia whereof in the place of Christopher late Duke of Wertemberge Charles Marquess of Radan is now head 42 Bishop of Auspurge 200 28 Bishop of Constans 120 10 Bishop of Cur. 36 10 Abbot of Rempten 36 2 Abbot of Rephenawe 60 12 Abbot of St. Gallus 36 10 Provost of Elwangen 134 8 Salmenschweyler 36 8 Wyngarten 26 6 Schutter 40 4 Weisenaw 36 8 St Blasie 20 2 St Petro in Silva Sereina 44 10 Maulbrunen  8 Schaffhausen 36 0 Steyne upon the Rheyne 20 0 Petershausen 12 6 Emisedell 44 2 Pfeffors 8 2 Rrentzlingen 8 2 Dissides 20 2 St John in Turgaw 8 4 Schaschrurent 36 2 Rockenburck 16 6 Ochsengaroson 26 2 Koningsborn 20 2 Marckthall 8 6 Elchingen 26 2 Psuye 12 2 Munchrodt 20 0 Owersperge 20 0 Hursawe 18 2 Gengenhache 18 2 Abbess of Lindawe 20 0 Abbess of Rottencuaster 18 4 Abbess of Bynhawe 20 0 Abbess of Hickhache 10 0 Abbess of Guttstell 10 0 Abbess of Bounde 10 6 Bayliffes in Alsatia and Burgundia 26 120 Duke of Wirtenberge 554 38 Marquess Phillip of Baden 96 4 Count Vlrich of Helsenstein 0 16 Count of Werdenberge 90 16 Count of Ottingham 90 8 Count of Rupsen 36 16 Counts of Mimdford Wolsange 90 16 Counts of Mimdford Johan 90 16 Count Frederick of Furstanberge 90 6 Count of Eberstem 8 12 Solern Joachim and Wegand Sons to Count Francis 60 4 Randolfe Count of Sultz 18 4 Lewis and Frederick of Lewinstem 18 2 Tubengen 2 10 The Inhabatants in the County of Kirkberge 20 2 Brandis the Count Radalfe of Sultz 12 4 Zimmern 18 2 The Inhibitants of the Signiorie of Islingen 8 2 Christopher Count of Denngen 0 4 Gandelfing Lord of Schwdukharte 8 24 Dapiferi de Waldeburge possessores honor de Sonnenburge 134 2 Heirs of the Lord Leo of Stanffe 18 2 Sigismond Lord of Fawlkenstein 6 4 John Lord of Roingsocke 20 0 John Dennys Lord of Konigs Ekerberge 10 2 Gandalf Walter Lord of Serotzecher 6 2 Lord of Hoenloe 8 50 Augusta 300 8 Rawssbewru 136 50 Vlma 134 20 Mynningen 72 6 Rempten 72 12 Bibrache 110 4 Lutkirtche 36 8 Pslyn 44 4 Wangen 46 8 Lyndawe 144 8 Ravenspurge 134 0 Buerchorn 20 20 Vbereingen 156 12 Constance 144 6 Pfullendorfe 80 0 St. Gallas 114 14 Schafdansen 90 12 Renthingen 110 20 Esslingen 134 10 Sunndt 90 4 Weyl 36 12 Helbron 120 6 Wiwpfen 26 20 Hall 160 10 Drinkelspuell 116 2 Dopffingen 18 4 Gingen 26 4 Alen. 36 20 Nortlingen 160 8 Werdt 72 0 Buchatt 12 0 Offenburge 90 0 Gengenbache 72 0 Zell in Hamberspache 44 6 Rotheoell 244 Summ. 918. Summ. 6394. The Circle of the Rhine whereof the Count of Sulmos is Head 4 Bishops of Wormes 26 36 Bishop of Speire 120 30 Bishop of Strasburge 200 14 Bishop of Basill 84 48 Bishop of Bysontz 150 0 Bishop of Wallis 450 6 Bishop of Geneva 26 28 Bishop of Losanna 120 48 Bishop of Metz 200 18 Bishop of Doll 48 38 Bishop of Verdon 86 28 Abbot of Fuldawe 92 4 Abbot of Hirchfell 18 12 Abbot of Murbache 38 8 Provost of Wisenburge 36 28 Master of the Jobaintes 92 2 Provest of Odenhayme 20 2 Abbot of St. Gregories 8 8 Abbot of Rfrin 60 2 Abbess of Ranfinget 20 120 Duke of Lorayne 554 36 Duke John Count of Spanheime 150 120 Duke of Savoy 554 16 Donest Marques of Baden 46 48 Duke Lewis Count of Veldent 150 136 Landgrave of Hesen 554 60 Prince of Calyn 188 4 John Lewis Count of Nasshawe of Barbruck 24 6 Ringraves with the Tutors of the Children of Phillip deceased 24 4 Wolfgange Lord of Leipoltzkirche 26 4 Lord of Krirchingen 8 2 Phillip of Buxing Lord of Oberstein 2 8 Raynard Count of Bitch his Children 24 2 George of Recheshoven Count of Bitsch 6 4 Nicholas Count of Salyn 18 8 Phillip Count of Hannaw Lord of Litchtenburge 24 6 Emmieht and Englehardt Brothers Lords of Leinnigen 18 2 Werrich of Oberstein Count of Folkenstein 8 8 John Jacob Lord of Merspurg and Beffort 40 8 Lord of Bavilstein 90 4 The Inhabitants of high Koningsperg John of Sukingen to bring them to Eusisheim 18 12 Of the Duke of Lorrayne as Possessor of the Signiory of Blankenburge 50 6 Phillip of Wysbaden Count of Nassaw 26 8 Eberhard Count of Koningstein Lord of Ebstein 26 12 John and Anthony of Buttingen Counts of Nether Isenburge 60 8 William Count of Sulmos 40 6 Barnard Count of Sulmos 32 4 Tutors of the goods of the Count of Wayker of Leymengen to bringe their Souldiers to the Lords of Riepolkirch and of Oberstein of Rixingen 18 24 Balthasar as Tutor to the Children of Phillip Count of Hannow Lord of Muntzburg late deceased 60 4 Can Count of Westerburge 20 2 William Count of Wytenstein 18 6 Phillip and Harry Counts of Waldeck 32 2 Lords of Bless 0 Towns 20 Bassil 360 20 Mulhausen in Simâ—kaw 54 10 Colmar 78 6 Kaysersberge 36 2 Turkheim 18 0 Munster in the valley of St. Gregories 54 86 Strasburge 450 6 Obernesheim 62 2 Rosheim 18 14 Stridestade 116 14 Haganawe 116 4 Wysenburge upon the Rhine 44 4 Landaw 44 6 Speire 198 20 Worms 158 40 Francford 280 0 Fridburg 44 0 Weislor 62 80 Metz. 500 20 The order of the Knights of the Castle of Frieberge 90 8 The order of the Knights of the Castle of Gelhausen 30 14 Doll 122 20 Verdun 90 4 Kansmans Sarbrucke 18 14 Bisons 116 Summ. 1468. Summ. 8008. The Circle of Westphalia and of the Low Country whereof the Duke of Cleve is Head 36 Padenborn 68 120 Lutich 380 100 Vtriche 410 68 Munster 338 44 Chamerick 164 12 Osenbruck 72 10 Pserden 48 12 Mynden 30 4 Werden 26 4 Stabell 44 8 St. Cornelius Minster 90 4 Achternach 36 4 Corfei