she with her children disrobed in like manner went to the Palace gate and there seated themselves on the ground by him with each a great stone on their head The Queen espying them from her window in this deplorable condition moved with compassion shewed them to the King who gave order they should be bidden to revest themselves go back to their lodgings and there attend his further pleasure so they did trembling with expectation of the consequence Many advised Abdalami to make escape and his wife her self was of that opinion but he would not be perswaded his services raising him a confidence of the Kings clemency Now moreover to compleat his calamity when the King began to relent the suits and supplications which came on all sides in his behalf one of the principal persons in the Court called Isman charges him with a new crime complaining to the King that he had seduced debauched a daughter of his for which he craves justice which suspended the Kings clemency resolving to examine the truth of the matter which proved in fine to be but a meer supposall For it was most true that Abdalami being a Prince of an amiable form and beauty and of high esteem for his valour this Lords daughter had so impetuous a Love-passion for him that she fell sick to death and Abdalamies Lady visiting her as a friend observed she fell on weeping as oft as she beheld her whereupon one day she importuned to know the reason conjuring her to speak freely if she had in any thing offended her protesting she was ready to make her as ample satisfaction as she could desire The poor Lady confounded with shame was sometime before she could form her answer but at length love taking place of Virgin-modesty she ingenuously confessed the eause of her distemper with such abundance of tears sighs and supplications of pardon for the affront she offered her that the other was moved to such tendernesse she promised her notwithanding one so near and dear to her as a husband was aimed at neverthelesse in pity of her violent passion which deserved some pardon she would contribute what was possible to her reliefe hereupon the young Lady told her how she had presented by her bond-maid a chain of pearl and rubies to her husband with request that he would wear them for her sake which he accepted as well for the value of the thing as for that the slave was a gay and pretty girle to whom he gave a pair of pendants of Fauser diamonds of an Olive figure but for the Mistresse he returned her a bare meagar thanks without further acknowledgement which the slave notwithstanding dissembled making her Mistresse believe he had a strong affection for her and for love of her wore her favour and so this slave treated her with these fictions in hope to give some remission to the violence of her passion and t was she who first embarked her in these amorous follies The Lady was amazed at these passages and remembred the chain because her husband had given it to her self without acquainting her where he had it Now being desirous to invert some cure for her malady though a most perfect reciprocal affection animated both her husband and self notwithstanding compassion forced her inclinations to offer her a nights concubitation with her husband which so reviv'd this Damsells heart that immediately she arose from her bed and in few dayes was perfectly recover'd To compasse this without her husbands discovery she consulted both with the daughter and the Lady her Mother who was likewise of the Party so as returning home she told her husband she found some unusuall distemper in the state of health and entreated him he would forbear her enjoyments for some nights which expir'd Abdalami passionate for her commpany she to heighten his flame shewed some unwillingness till pressing her with importunity she consented for the ensuing night upon condition that for that night he should not speak a word to her Being thus agreed she gives the Lady notice to be ready at the houre appointed so being conveyed into the wives roome she conceived with child without the husbands knowledge of the juggle Meanwhile time making the Father perceive the growth of his daughter and understanding by her acknowledgment whose act it was fired with rage accompanied with his Allies and Relations without delay he repaires to the King with a violent complaint of this injury as I said before Hereupon Tahachi enters into a deep consideration of these two Persons whereof the one was his Kinsman and of high deserts for his services the other was Lord of the Province of Essen between Dafila and Ganfilira below Barnagasso heretofore tributary to the great Negus but being not inclined to be a Christian himself nor be subject to a Christian King had put himself voluntarily under the dominion of Tahachi an Infidel In conclusion the King resolved to have the matter examined and to pronounce Justice as the cause merited And hereupon notice was given to Abdalami of the accusation wherein being conscious of his own innocence he was much satisfied that the Kings anger lay on that side and conferring with his Lady told her he admired the impudence of that Lord to accuse him of a a thing he was so ignorant of and much more at the insolency of his daughter that laid two bastards to his charge The Lady smiled as who should say it may be true whereupon as he was about to make oaths and protestations to the contrary she acknowledged and related the whole to him and how the businesse was brought to passe by her invention whereat he was strangely amazed admiring his Ladies goodnesse that was so charitable to her own injury In this conjuncture the King gave licence to Lord Isman to take revenge of Abdalami in what sort he could under his assured grace so he now layes wait for all occasions to effect it and to surprise him on the water as he went to take the Ayre for the town of Zanzibar or Zanguebar is compleatly encircled with water which runs both within and without and almost every inhabitant hath his Almady or flat boat wherein they recreate upon the Lake But Abdalami whether advertised or suspecting it stood upon his constant guard so as passing one day upon the water before the windowes of the Palace-royall that the King might have the prospect if any one attacked him Isman comes up with his boats to assault his enemy who was not unprovided then there succeeded a fierce combat between them where Abdalami did miracles in his own defence so effectually that he put the adverse barks to flight to the extraordinary delight of the King In the mean while Princesse Abasinda waits upon the Queen and recounts to her the plain truth of the mystery which being told the King he sent to Isman to let him know that if the case were found such as he apprehended he would lay the head of
is there the best of the world This Island was discovered by Fernand Bereyta a Portuguese and Aristotle sayes that Alexander conquered this Isle in his return from the India's and peopled it with Grecians purposely to plant aloes Before Portugall had here any Interest the Indians trade both of spices and other precious commodities came from Malaca by Ormus and Aden and from thence by Caravanes to the Leuante some by the Persick Sea Balsera and the mouth of Euphrates thence through Armenia into Trebisonde by the Majorka sea into Tartaria or by Damas Barut or Aleppo where the Venetians the Genovais and the Catalonians fetched them others by the red Sea the Grand Caire and Alexandria as we have already said others by the rivers Indus and Oxus from thence thorough Caspia into our Western regions but they have taken another road round Africa which is kept to this very day CHAP. X. Of the Island and Kingdom of Ormus of the King and his Government of the trade there and of his severall Conquests HAving sayled thorough the Arabick Gulfe and those Coasts we returned to Aden where we spent some dayes trading and exchanging our commodies then we embarked our selves for Ormus to pay custome for some Persian horses we had shipt with us because they pay no tax thorough the cheifest part of the Indies taking a Cartaco or passe which the severall Governors upon demand are bound to give Thus sayling from Aden by the Coast of Arabia and the Cape Taratque Rosolgate and Moncadon or Moalandaon unto the mouth of the Persick Gulfe or the Streight of Bazora at length we arrived at Ormus The name of a Town an Island and Kingdome winding to and fro into the Continent of Persia and Arabia In Ormus we lodged with a Portuguais who took state upon him his man still carrying after him a guilt sword and a dagger with a silver cup to drink in scorning to touch anothers yet nevertheless he kept an Inn common to all passengers The Town of Ormus is scituate in an Isle in the 26 or 27 th degree 9 miles distant from Persia thirty from Arabia the Isle is between 35 and 40 miles compass wholly barren the Town is faire and hath a strong Fort begirt with high walls and eight turrets in the forme of Castles one halfe of the Town is incompast with the sea and hath foure large cisterns or conduits of fresh water brought in pipes from the Continent The Inhabitants are some Christians some Mahometans and others Idolaters There Reigned a Potent King here for 300 yeares since this state was established 'T was in the Raigne of Ceyfadin that Alphonsus Albuquerque reduced both the King and Country to the obedience of the King of Portugall and ever since the Kings of Ormus were tributary to that King who yet meddles not with his Lawes and Rights the native King hath vast Revenues both in the Island and in the Continent of Persia and Arabia He is onely sworne to keepe league and fidelity with Portugall and the Vice-Roy acknowledges him honours him and visits him frequently in his Palace The Isle onely at this day payes tribute to the Portugais The King lives most splendidly and magnificently amongst his Subjects The confines of his State towards the north are the Kingdom of Dori toward Persia and reaches unto the Cape of Rosolgate at the very Gulph from thence unto the Cape Moncadon containing the Isles called Gedri from a great river that runs into another named Dale that separates Persia from Carmania or Chirmania In the Gulph is Baharen an Isle famous for the fishing of the rarest and most pretious Oriental pearls where the Portugais have a Factor the Inhabitants of Ormus are very voluptuous walking the streets they have carryed after them a Cuppe or Box full of Araca a dainty very delicious and much used amongst the Indians They have little Cabans in the Sea covered with boughs and leaves where they refresh and shelter themselves against the wind Abrazador so named by the Portugais which blowes in the afternoon This wind is so subtle and stirres up so small a dust that it choaks people and if a stranger be ignorant of the custom of the countrey he is in very great danger the people are courteous and ready to advertize strangers Their greatest inconvenience is the scarcity of fresh water which they fetch nine or ten mile out of the firm land They have two or three wells nearer at hand five or six miles from the town in a place called Terrabaguen The Isle hath two good Havens one in the East the other in the West the others are not secure There is near the Town a sulpher Myne and a little salt-hill of the like goodnesse to that of Cardonne in Catalonia from which they draw great profit it is used in many places and the Prince receives a Gabel out of it in the town of Ormus there is a Mart of all commodities from the Indies Persia Arabia and Aethiopia in which places the Indians trade as well as Persians Levantins Turkes Abyssins Venetians Portugais and others the Caravane or Casile arrives here twice a year by land from Aleppo the first in April the second in September From Aleppo they travell through Babylon to Balsora guarded by the Janissaries from thence to Ormus They travel seven or eight thousand in a company at Aleppo there are English French and Venetian Consuls From hence they trade in spices perfumes pearles precious stones Carpets Silks Chamlets horses conserves and several sorts of sweet meats We came hither opportunely to see the Creation or Election of their new King which is performed with many ceremonies to which the Viceroy of Portugal contributes great summes for the Honour and State of his Master A Prince of the Royal Mahometan Blood is elected and sworne to maintain his kingdom under the King of Portugals obedience and although all his Lands and Lordships are scituate in the Continent of Persia and Arabia where no Christian can reach them yet neverthelesse the King is sworne to this Fealty and obedience by the Viceroy that delivers him his Scepter in the Fort and accompanies him with a great train and magnificence into his Royal Palace where having made his submission and obeysance takes his leave and returns unto his Citadell This King amongst other things is sworne never to hold a great Assembly without giving notice to the Viceroy and thus they live peacefully and keep a good correspondence some yeares since the King of Persia by the help of the English and Hollander hath regained Ormus and reduced it to his obedience as formerly CHAP. XI Of Persia her confines and provinces Of Babylon and the Lake of Pitch LEaving Ormus we resolved to travel through all Persia before we begun our East-Indian voyage as we first had designed 'T was occasioned by a Merchant I have already spoken of having travelled to and
stories of the beast and actions worthier a rational then an irrational creature I was told most strange things of the animal That Agarida had five sonnes by him all gallant men without the least shape or resemblance of the beast That they left the woods at ten years of age and built themselves a Cabbin or house to dwell in But one of Agarida's Brothers hunting in the woods kild Sagistan with a dart She enraged with disdain sent her sons to her fathers Palace to revenge him and accordingly they kild their two Uncles Ismahan their Grand-father endeavoring to have them seized on and ignorant who they were was slain also with two of the five brothers The other three escaping made themselves so Formidable that none durst meddle with them and hearing of the King of Bisnagar's wars they offered him their service bearing for arms the figure of Sagistan their father The King informed of their strange birth and adventures gave them great commands in his Army their behaviour shewed their desert for they exploited so high and unconceivable actions that one of them married the Sultane of Bisnegar the other the Sultanes daughter from whence sprung that illustrious family of the Sagistans that hath given the name to that town whereof those two brothers were the first founders This was related me of this history or fable rather held for a verity in those parts to this day all Peoples States Townes and illustrious families have their springs and beginnings fabulous and Romantick I have heard a story affirmed of a Spanish Captains wife caught in adultery with another by her husband for punishment he was satisfied to expose them both into a desert Island the man presently dying the woman was accosted by a great Monkey or Drill by which she had two children and at the three years end a ship sayling by discovered this miserable creature liker a phantasme then a human creature she naked with teares in her eyes begged to be released from this horrid and cruell captivity which they did and reembarking the Monkey perceiving full of rage in her sight tore his whelps in pieces and threw them at her she was carried to Lisbon where the Inquisitors informed of her case caused her to be apprehended and had been proceeded against had not Cardinal Cayetan the then Popes Nuntio taken her cause in hand and setting forth the violent necessity she was forced to to yield to that beast that had found her sustenance for three whole yeares saved her from the execution and she ended her dayes in all holinesse and sanctity of life and repentance There are many ancient and modern histories to this purpose all which I refer to Naturalists and Divines CHAP. XXII Of the kingdome of Bengala and Ternassery of musk some rare remarks of the River Ganges of the Torrid Zone and the conversion of a young Prince Idolater to Christianisme FOllowing the coast of Coromandel and the gulph Bengale you come to Ternassery which is held to be between the Cosamba of Ptolome a kingdom lying between Bengal Narsingue Orixa and the sea the Capital town bearing the same name is scituate upon the side of the sea and a fair River called Zayta making a little Island where stands another town of the same name She hath plenty of all things necessary to life Their cowes are low and their horns grow only skin deep The sheep have neither horns nor wool their skin as smooth as a calves there grows great store of long Pepper called Casay they preserve of it and eat it all the year long with sugar vinegar which gives it a pleasant taste in the middle of the Isle is a Lake that breeds good fish better then any the River affords it is called Ademas It affords you Trouts the most savory fish of the East Pykes and Shads taken in March only are Sea-fish They never eat the head because there is a worm found in it which makes that fish chuse the rapid waters and swim aloft by the streams affording him much refreshment The Town of Ternassery is large and pleasant well built not walled on the River side but strengthned by some Forts well fortified and provided she is scituate in a plain with a Castle on the North with an inclosure or Parke fenced with a great ditch where the Queen keepes a breed of stately Mares given her by her Father who recovered them of an Indian Prince that owed him money which he could no otherwise recover for in that Country horses beare a great value The King of Ternassery is provided with good Cavalry which renders him potent and formidable he is of Person strong and Robuste and wars continually with the King of Narsingue and Bengale The Narsinguer would indamage him much did he joyne with the other but he is so generous he scornes it This King is a Gentill and hath above a thousand Elephants trained up to Warr and of the largest size of the East covered to the very ground with beefes hides and severally trapped those hides are fastned underneath the belly with iron chaines and are hardly got off four men may fight on their backs at a time without the least incumbrance to one another bearing broad bucklers made of Tortoyse shells taken in that River he that rides the trunk to guide the beast is the best Armed of the five because he lies open to the enemy their darts have three very sharp points or heads with a ball of iron upon the middle which serves for counterpoise 'T is a warr-like Nation yet curteous civill and voluptuous they have fair women which they Court and Treat in gardens full of rare fruits They have Cattell Poultry and fowle of all sorts they delight much in perfumes in their meates and dresses and chiefly in Musk called Sagay The best Musk is not drawne from the codd nor blood of the beast but from a certain swelling or rising upon the lower part of his belly at the full of the Moone and that is the sweetest of all for there gather the humors mixt with the blood and Impostume-like rise and break which dryed cast so lively and searching sent that it drawes blood from the very nose The codds and skin with some of the flesh are tyed fast together from which they draw their ordinary Musk mingling therewith a little of the better sort I quartered at a Jewes who confest to me he had drawne thirteen or foureteen codds or bunches from one beast They are of the bignesse of a Goate and have foure teeth bigger then the rest two ascending streight upward and the other two oppositely descending Their childrenweare of those teeth about their necks set in silver gold as in some places of France they wear wolve's Persons of Quality set them in a wood called Betell that hath a strange vertue against poyson called by the Aethiopians Euate whereof they make dishes and trenchers of severall sorts much esteemed and
and have been dismembred by the Kings of Tangu and Aracan who had in my time the possession of the white Elephant that bred so much contention in Siam This kingdom in my days contained many others viz. two Empires containing 26. crowned States Southward Pegu confines upon Martaban and Siam Eastward upon Brama Cambay and Cochin China Northward upon Ava Tazatay Aracan Westward upon Bengale and the gulf The Town of Pegu is very large and square 5. gates at every square or side encompassed with a deep work or trench full of Water-Crocodils and other dangerous Serpents The walls are built of wood with Watch-towers of rich work and gilt repaired every tenth year The houses are stately edifice At new Pegu the King keeps his Court the streets are exactly streight and large about the heart of the town you discover almost all the streets which is a gallant curiosity old Pegu is built after the same model and there the Merchants inhabit In new Pegu the streets are set with Palm-trees and Cocos loaden with fruit the new was framed and built by the line near a forest of Palmes towards the North in a large field in the trenches filled with water by the river that washes that coast there are certain baths accommodated purposely and very safe from Crocodils otherwise swimming were very dangerous The Town is as bigge as Fez whereof there is the old and new as Pegu. The King of Pegu is so potent that he never goes to war without a million and a half of men well armed with Arquebuses and other Guns they are the best Gunners in the world but not many of them and their Guns are far better then ours being made of better iron better temper'd and better wrought They have a 100000. good souldiers they live of little and for need upon leaves and roots and are gallant and resolute men His guard consists of 30000. horse either Turk or Persian and to have them plenty at a pinch there is an edict or law that what Merchant soever brings 20. horses to be sold shall have the rest of his commodities free which make them furnisht from all parts of the Indies Persia and Soltania in Arabia where are the best of the world the souldiers exercise themselves much at marks and often the King gives rewards to the best marks-men He may have 5000. Elephants and many other beasts Merchants follow the Armies upon bulls and oxen The country is rich in Mynes of Gold and Silver Rubies Saphyrs Garnets and other stones These daily augment the Kings treasures his Magazines may passe for the treasure of the East In one Court of his Pallace at new Pegu there is such store that 't is little esteemed not one man to guard it nor the dores kept shut There stands the figure or statue of a proper tall man all of beaten gold a crown upon his head of the same enriched with rubies of inestimable value and round it four statues more of youths all of gold which seem to be Idols yet they say they were made for delight In another Court is represented a Gyant sitting of silver with a Crown of the same but far richer set with Jewels in â—ther Courts stand statues made of Ganze a mixture of many mettals whereof their Byzes are made a sort of coyn but not royal The Crowns of these latter are richer then the others with rubies and Saphyrs the biggest I ever saw The Peguans go all cloathed alike in Cottons linnens and silks the best and all are barefoot ever whether walking or riding the country abounds in Sugars which they make great and many uses of they cover their houses with it and mingle it with ciment Their buildings are costly carved and wrought sparing neither Gold nor Azure When the King or any Noble-man builds a Pallace he provides himself with the purest gold to guild it For there as in many other places of the Indies Gold is not coyned but is merchandize at Tahaba or old Pegu are many refyners and gold and silver beaters they work it into leaves as we do for the ease and benefit of the Gilders without committing much waste for they gild as I have said the very walls and towers and their houses after the Persian fashion New Pegu is almost all so built and nothing spared to make up a sumptuous splendid structure they cover them with tortoise shell which they place and joyn very neatly There is a certain place where Coaches Litters Trunks Boxes Saddles Harness for Elephants and horses are only made covered with gold and silver I saw there a saddle and furniture for an Elephant bought at a very high rate for their King What is most remarkable of their buldings is that those that live of their own rents or estates are contented with the meanest and poorest houses they are convenient but like country houses and thatch'd with straw and only able to preserve them from the injuries of the weather The Merchants and other tradesmen and shop-keepers who have something to lose out of their shops or warehouses they live in strong houses well built of stone brick close shut with strong gates and locks and call those houses Godons Throughout all the Towns of Pegu there are the Taregha or persons sworn to see good measure and weight made of commodities to the Merchants they have charge of and if a bad bargain be made the fault is laid on them with discredit and reproaches which they escape sometimes very narrowly so you take much pleasure to trade with them they are so faithful and sincere and a most excellent order is observed both in buying and selling and whatever is either bought or sold is put in a lump into the Sensals who gives notice of the number and sets a price upon them and sets a rate of what they ought freely to get over and above all charges whatever if the price be liked the mony is payed and the Sensal keeps an exact account for they are able chosen men There is no danger of any deceit besides they do all to the advantage of those that refer themselves unto them and in case the price doth not please buyer and seller they have the whole day to confirm or avoyd it although 't is to the Sensals discredit and infamy CHAP. XXVII Of the Kingdome of Pegu of a bloody war for a white Elephant of Crocodiles and the nature of Elephants THe Empire of Pegu is provided with all things necessary and commodious to life and vyes with others as rich and good as her self as Cochinchine Siam Tangu Marsin Jangoma Bengale Ava Aragan and others It is cut through in many places by that great river called by the higher Indies Amoucherat and the natives the river of Pegu or Caipumo or Martaban that runs by several branches through the level and fertilizes the soyle This River abounds in Fish and Crocodiles which they
top exceeding sharp and his body mailed with leather liquored and made fit so as he could use his teeth at pleasure the lists were rounded with painted cloth with pieces of timber and cords hard straind under which the Ape might shift when he was hard pressed upon he made most horrible faces when the Serpent came to assault him who raised himself upon little feet like a Gooses Next was brought in an Ape of extraordinary size armed with silvered Paste-board mounted upon a great sheep with a small lance against a beast they call a Chilacou like a wolf whose design was to attack the Palfrey not the Cavalier who during the conflict fretted and made mouthes in a strange manner at length they were parted After them was brought in a small Lion of a brave courage who finding nothing to combat laid him down along but he no sooner saw a Creature called a Bachuro enter arm'd with scales but with a loud roar he nimbly flew upon him for a good hour the fight lasted with terrible assaults on both sides till at last the Lion had the day strangled his foe and eat him for the flesh is exceeding good Then the Cheger or Elephant with the Rhinocerot which was a most furious combat but of little delight because for their bulk and weight they could shew but little agility or motion Then was brought in play another sort of Elephant called by the Indians a Gachias and against him four dogs of exceeding greatnesse of which at the very first bout he kil'd one The fiercenesse of the beasts made this fight of much recreation Next was a Crocodile and a Tigar who treated each other very rudely After them two great Dogs against a Targout a kind of wolf but much different from ours 't was a bloudy combat where one of the dogs was kil'd and the Targout hurt So this day was concluded with the combats for other dayes there were other Triumphs which I omit to avoid prolixitie This is all of remark which happened at Court while we staid at Barra which I thought fit to recount for information of the nature and manners of the people We stayed something the longer at Barra in expectation to see his Majesty the Negus who was suddenly to come thither and because he had not been there of a long time a magnificent entrance was prepared for him CHAP. XI Magnificence of the Negus and his military Officers THey have a custom that whensoever the Prince visits their Towns he makes each to observe whatsoever his Predecessors and himself at his coronation engag'd for as to worship one onely God to have but one Faith and one Law to uphold the Christian and Apostolick Church some say of late years they have added Romane acknowledging now obedience to the Pope then to administer Justice love the poor observe continency to impugn with all his power the Moores Jews and Idolaters in sum all who believe not in Jesus Christ to innovate no new laws nor coyn other money than the Ordinary not to stay above three dayes in any one Town not to admit any Prince of the blood or next in succession to be at large but to keep them immur'd in the Mountain of Amara with other things of like sort To be brief The Negus was received into the Town with a sumptuous state and magnificence and we had the satisfaction to see his whole Court march Here the Portuguese Embassadour arriv'd of whom I spoke with a train of twenty men all mounted upon Mules having staid as they told us three months at the famous monastery of the Vision in the Country of Bamazaz towards the red sea where report goes are 2000. religious gray-Friers who live in great austerity without want either of victuals or habit He addressed himself to receive audience of the Negus but was deferr'd to another time by reason his Majesty having staid some dayes at Barra was constrained to depart that night to go towards Sacouon three leagues from thence two dayes march for the Army which moves not above three or four miles a day and here we saw the order of the Armies march About break of day the Vaunt-guard marched first consisting of some twenty thousand Horse without shoes which in those mountainous and stony waies is a great inconvenience to them They ride as the Arabians do with a bill their stirrups very short wearing certain cimeters and generally a certain two-edg'd arms they call Perdagalzes This troop was led by a great Prince called Lychano which in vulgar Greek signifies Light but his proper name in Abissine speech is Betudete This troop being passed in very regular order came the baggage of the court amongst whom were a multitude for removal and ordering of the Tents Then the officers and servants of the kitchin about three thousand who carried the kings fare in baskets and his drink in small barrels marked and sealed next followed a great number of horses mules elephants Alsinges and other kinds of beasts with carriage Amongst others there were four Lions as tall as mules under one mans charge who never ceas'd raving and rating after them to keep them from straying from their company They were gentle and tame as sheep and by the way 't is a strange thing to see these beasts feed their keeper to shew us a rarity hung up a joynt of mutton upon the wall of the stable or den all the four gaz'd upon it and then lay down as knowing their share was in it afterwards the first that was hungry came and at two or three mounts active leaps spear-high fetches down the piece of meat But after this train of seven or eight thousand head was past came 12. or 1500. Foot with bows quivers and short swords led by one they called Abagarindas after them followed another part of the Cavalry and the body of the Army in handsom order with trumpets and hoboys before them to cheer and recreate them Lastly came twelve or fifteen thousand Musqueteers upon the wings as 't were in the form of a half moon carrying their guns strait upright cimeters they had and wore a very large cap or hood which they folded up and let hang upon their shoulders because they are troublesome and inconvenient The Army which consisted of fourscore or a hundred thousand men being past the Negus his Majesty followed of whom we could not then have a sight Afterwards he came to Church with Standart borne before him by the Berenega upon an Elephant 't was the figure of a plain crosse in a piece of silk And 't is remarkable that you finde not the figure of our Saviour nailed to the Crosse in any Church of the Abissins and their reason is because we are not worthy to behold him in his passion Before this Ensigne march about fifty Priests singing Psalmes and Hymnes and four in Pontifical robes who carry a hollowed stone large and square which they call the Tabuco which they use when they
Pyramid upon which there is the statue of a King named Soualin who once rescued this Town out of an enemies hands by the ayd of the Towneswomen who in the action attested an un-heard of Magnanimity for a monument whereof he enacted a Law in their favour that they may have three husbands but the men for their basenesse onely one Wife Some few dayes journey from thence we entered the kingdome of Couran a good and fertile countrey but full of Forests infested with very dangerous wilde beasts and amongst others with a sort of fierce and ravenous dogges by which many Passengers are devoured as by the way we met with sufficient evidence in bones apparel and bagges of Pearles and Emeraulds Afterwards we passed through divers countries as Souchalbi Choucay and others In all these parts we far'd at a cheap rate for it cost us not in two dayes the value of a farthing the good people bringing us share of what prey they had in hunting came themselves to eat with us for our exhilaration they used certain strange instruments which they played on The women are reasonable faire very chast but ill apparelled The maids at twenty yeares of age may marry whom they will without hinderance of either Father or Mother When they solemnize matrimony they go to the Temple where the Father sayes to the young man I give thee my daughter for thy spouse and the other Father sayes the like to the maid Then they take two sheeps hearts male and female and present them to the Priests who saying certain prayers burn them on the Altar then kisse the married couple and joyn them in mutuall embraces then they feast with musick and deprive the maid of a lock of haire growing on the hind-part of her head as is the custom for all maids and widowes they religiously observe marriage all their lives in perfect peace and concord To give account of the Mountain Amara whereof I made mention before which is in four degrees and a halfe of the Meridian where all the Princes of the blood are enclosed and carefully guarded 't is a large Province adjacent to Belequanze Zoa and Ambian containing a good number of Towns Villages and Castles and is above 150. leagues in circuit Much about the middle there is a high risen mountain of the same name directly under the Equinoctiall line which is the proper Mansion of the Princes There are some who relate wonders of the height extent beauty and richnesse of it making it a terrestriall Paradise but there is more probability in what I learnt of some inhabitants beyond it who say the Mount is round of but few leagues compass at the top exceeding high constituted of a rock cut like a wall of difficult ascent but onely by one certain way There are Palaces and Gardens for accommodation of the Princes and their People besides a Monastry of S. Anthonies Order with corn fruit and cattle for their sustenance without any other water then rain which they preserve in Cesterns Franciscus Aluarez neverthelesse saith this mountain is not to be rounded in lesse than fifteen dayes but I suppose he means at the very bottom and that upon this huge mountain where 't is exceeding cold there stand lesser which compose valleys where there are both Rivers and Fountains with some hamlets and habitations but having not been an eye-witnesse I report but what I have heard for 't is death to a stranger to come there and the natives to have their hands and feet cut off The Monastery is called Zio marina Christos the religious whereof employ themselves wholly in the service of their order which some report to be of huge number others lesse All of them betake themselves to labour every one having his little cell apart for his devotions not entring the Church but on Festivals when they celebrate but one Masse onely Their fasts are stupendous and incredible The women receive the Communion in the porch or entrance not within the Church it self except on the feast of the Visitation when they have priviledge to enter The chief of the Monastery is called the Barnagaz and by another name the Lebetera which means a Devote or Sage as 't is called also the Church of Sages Here the Princes of the blood are kept secured since the dayes of a king called Abraham who having many children received a vision in his sleep to this purpose for prevention of civil wars in the State 'T is forfeit of life for these Princes to come out of their enclosure except him who is immediately to succeed when time falls then he comes forth and takes with him one who is most in his favour presenting gifts to all the rest to whom he sends a rich Crown set with stones which is given to him whom by unanimous consent they acknowledge chief and next to succession who is honoured next to the Negus himself for there the succession goes by proximity of blood except power carry it as it hath often happened Some say they call all of the blood-royal by the name of Israel For the rest of the Province of Amara 't is very mountainous and very fruitfull the air good and temperate enough without discommodity but excesse of rains from mid May to the middle of August according as other Countries all along the line We had most of this relation from the Spanish Embassadour I mentioned who had great familiarity with Prince Gabriel who came out of the Mountain when David the last of that name deceased at the election of Nabur his confident friend who freed him from that Princely confinement and admitted him to live in his presence so long as in no sort he medled not in affairs of the State Many other particulars of the Mountain we learnt of one of the Religious of the Monastery there who amongst other things told us how he once attended the Negus against the King of Geret assisted with the Kings of Abat and Eri who denied the customary tribute whom this Prince invaded as far as the Countries of Ganfrila and Drafrila who otherwise the Negus had absolutely lost for the Barnagaz who was Governour was then come to Court to do homage to the new Prince who understanding that his Countrey was seiz'd on with all possible expedition repaired thither with fifteen or sixteen thousand men and brought a seasonable relief assisted by a Prince called Lulibella Abelicano esteemed a Saint and in effect with a handfull of men in comparison of the Enemy they got but little lesse then a miraculous victory This religious man told us many more very remarkable things of the death of the late Negus father to him who reigned when we were there a Prince so vertuous and so beloved of his people that after his death many of his chiefest Noblemen left their Fortunes and stately mansions and becoming recluse religious spent the remainder of their dayes in pennance Amongst others a Prince who had espoused
Poetry and verse in measure with Meetre and called their Poets Harauee that is Inventors Their Temples were of stone magnificently built sumptuous for gold and silver The statue of the Sun was massy gold which a Spaniard took and gam'd away in a night whereupon one said by way of jeâ—r that he had plaid away the Sun before he was up Of precious stones they have none but Emeraulds and Torqueses the country yields neither Diamonds nor Rubies In their golden garden were all sorts of hearbs and plants trees flowers fruits animals of massy gold and silver to the life In short the Spaniard found there unspeakable wealth yet all was nothing in comparison of that the Natives concealed or cast into the Sea or Lakes which could never be recovered There were Monasteries of maids dedicated to the Sun bound to perpetual virginity and never beholding other person the superiours called them Mamacunes The last of these Incas was Atahualpa the 14 from Manco Capac Leon the 7. Inca called Viracocha was a great souldier and Conquerour who saw in a vision one of their Gods Viracocha a Phantasm with long Mustachoes and a long gown of the Spaniards fashion whom for this cause they call Viracocha the Indians having no beard and wearing short garments They say this Phantasme foretold the arrival of the Spaniards an unknown people who should take away their Estates and Religion Tapangui the tenth King atchieved great conquests and extended his Empire to Chisa above 1000. leagues and built the fortification of Cusco that seems rather rocks grafted together by enchantment than an edifice built by industry and strength of men for the vastnesse of the stones of 38. foot long and 18. broad when they had use neither of Iron Waggons Oxen Cranes nor Pullies but fetched all from remote parts by humane strength The 12. Inca Huaina Capat by the Spaniards called Guainaecauan that made the famous roads with the monumentall stones and Innes from Quito to Cusco for above 500. leagues the one by the Mountains the other along the Sea shore upon the plain works far surpassing all the Romans boast of for length art labour and cost besides the rich and prodigious chain of gold every link wrist thick made for a sort of dance never found by the Spaniards This King was capable of the true Religion for he would reason that the Sun could not be the Soveraign God but that there must be one more powerful that commanded his perpetual circulation because were the Sun his own master he would sometimes rest for his pleasure not for necessity whereas the Soveraign God ought to enjoy the most perfect tranquillity without perturbation which was not seen in the Sun King Huiana now in peace at his palace of Tamipampa in 1515. had intelligence of certain strangers not altogether unknown that coasted the shore of his Dominions First Nunez Balboa discovered it in 1513. afterwards Pizarra and his Company who first gained it in 1531. The news much disturbed the King calling to mind an ancient oracle amongst them how a forraign bearded people should conquer and destroy their Empire besides in 1512. they had divers presages that portended the same For which reason the King dying advised his Sons with the white men with beards that were to be their Masters and the Indians in excuse that they no better defended themselves against such a handfull of Spaniards say 't was not for want of courage but in obedience to the orders and premonitions of their Prince Huiana had by all his wives above 300. children yet but one legitimate called Hilascar by his wife who was his Sister and one other by his dear Concubine called Acabalipa to whom he left the kingdom of Quito and Huascat reigned soveraign at Cusco But Acabalipa to throw off his homage to his Brother invaded him with a bloudy war defeated him and took him and put to death all the Incas and Princes of the blood-Royal that he might reign sole King though according to the Sanctions of the State not capable his Mother being Daughter neither of Coya that is a Queen nor of Palla a Princess of the blood He gave death to above two hundred of his Brothers then to as many of his alliance as he could lay hands on as well men as women with cruell torments and extended his tyranny upon the very servants and officers royal with fire violations and other villanies In the Province of Canares alone he put to death sixty thousand men because they had held with his Brother and covered the land with carcases and horrible desolations In recompense this villain was justly punished by the Spaniards more wicked than himself and they afterwards by themselves not finding any that could exceed them again in villany In the year 1526. Francisco Pizarra and Diego Almagro being at Panarma having lived a long time in the Indies and assisted at the conquest of Vraba Cartagena and other places resolved upon the expedition and discovery of Peru where they met with ill-favoured entertainments at their first landing Then Pizarra going to Spain obtained the chief command in the designed conquest and with four of his Brothers Diego Almagro and others made their invasion in the year 1531. with most fortunate success Acabalipa they took who paid a ransom of gold and silver neverthelesse they gave him an ignominious death by the hands of the Hangman Thus was this mighty and opulent Empire conquered by a handfull of Spaniards divine providence in inscrutible councels making the avarice cruelty and other vices of these Victors instrumentall to bring these people to the knowledge of the true God Now is the time the Spaniards glut their avarice and cruelty perpetrate all insolencies and truculencies imaginable which have been so fully represented observed and exaggerated by their own histories and Authours I shall not need to paint them in any other colours but they all or the greatest part paid dear for it when by intestine discord envy and amutinies amongst themselves they butchered one another and so revenged the nefarious treatment of the poor Indians and those who overstood this self-destruction were justly executed by the command of Charles the fifth who commissioned certain Licenciados Vacca de Gastro and Gasca to pronounce severe justice upon these seditious Mutineers there the Pizarras Almagros and others all perished The fifth Viceroy established in Peru was Blasius Nuez 1544. Lima or the Town of Kings was founded at this time first by Pizarra in 1533. afterwards the residence of the Viceroys the seat of Parliament Inquisition University and the Metropolitan Church of the whole Countrey As to Chila that wide Countrey which the Incas could never subdue Almagro first discovered it then in 1540. oâ—e Valdiâ—ia entred and over-run it but he found such opposition of the Araucans a small people of this great Territory that he breathed his last there was slain and eaten and from that time for 50. years they
Mexican wheel Page 363 Their superstitions ibid. Mappes of Africa defective Page 178 Monbaze a country Page 188 Monbaze in extent Page 189 A merry passage ibid. How in Monbaze they receive Embassadours ibid. Melinde a town kingdom Page 190 Melons of Excellency ibid. The Prince of Melinde a grave Justiciar ibid. Mozambique a kingdome Page 191 The Inhabitants of Mozambique Page 192 Magnice a River Monopotapa an Empire Page 198 Monopotapians Idolaters ibid. Magicians proceedings in Monopotapa Page 199 Mexican festivals and dances Page 363 Mexican sacrifices and ceremonies ibid. Mountains burning Page 365.376 Mexican Mascarades called Quacones ibid. Mexico by whom conquered Page 367 The King of Mexico 's state and strength ibid. Wealth of Mexico ibid. Monkeys Page 374 Mines in Potossi Page 375 Mines of silver and gold the nature and manner of working in them Page 383 N NIcotiana Page 39 Nahassan Page 40 Nutmegs Page 100 Nestorians Page 126 Number of nine amongst the Tartars Page 177 Niger and Gambra rivers flowing as Nile Page 179 The Negus his triumphant entrance Page 227 Service at the Negus table Page 226 Navasse an Island Page 334 New-found-lands what Page 349 O OReb Page 11 Ormus Page 30 31.13.29 Outor Page 17 Ostander Page 40 Oyl of cinamon Page 68 Ostridges Page 115 An oraculous Idol Page 123 Ordinance in China from antiquity Page 243 Oximinchus famous for multitude of religious persons Page 279 Obsequies of the King of Guinalla Page 326 An order of knighthood Page 359 Orellana the greatest of rivers Page 395 P A Just punishment of the perfidious Page 3 St. Paul's imprisonment Page 6 Provision for the deserts Page 9 The Prophets City Page 10 Pecher a Haven Page 19 Persia and the bounds Page 31 Pitch Page 33 The Powerfull State of the Kings of Persia Page 37 Plucciander Page 40 Places in the Indies Page 41 The Portuguese conquest in the East Page 42 Purcelans Page 51 A sad fate of Pirats Page 52 Presumption of the Portugals Page 55 A strange History of a Portugais Captain Page 63 An unheard of curtesie from the hand of a Pirat Page 64 Punishment of the wicked ibid. Perfidiousness of Pirats Page 65 Pearle fishing Page 68 The manner of pearle fishing Page 72 Polouis the Divells Isles Page 71 Subtle poyson Page 85 Pirats how taken Page 85 Pegu. Page 112.108 109 Peguan Armies Page 121 Punishments for crimes Page 124 Peguans whence derived Page 128 The Peguan Creed ibid. The Peguans diet Page 131 The Peguan salutations Page 132 The Peguans Military exercises ibid. The Peguan Kings Coronation Page 133 Peguan ceremonies at creation of their King Page 135 The King of Pegues Revenues Page 139 Peguan Justice Page 140 A Peguan policy Page 141 Priests dispose of war Page 144 The Peguan yeare Page 147 Philosophy of the Indians Page 171 The point of St. Anthony Page 183 Persipolis and the ruines of structures Page 194 A passage Magicall Page 199 No prison in Monopotapa Page 200 Poyson common and deare in Monopotapa and the reason Page 203 Preste Johns Mansion Page 220 Preste John's Justice ibid. Priests singing Psalmes in state Page 225 A Princesse prisoner restored to her lover Page 229 A figurative peare ibid. Perfumed meat Page 230 Prostitution of wives Page 233 Paraguary hath the like inundations as Nile Page 277 Piramids of prodigious structure Page 277 Piperons Giants Page 327 Pit the highest mount in the world Page 331 Peru why so called and the description Page 371 Peru in extent ibid. A passage so cold 't is extremely dangerous Page 375 Plumes in use Page 380 Peru discovered Page 387 Peru by whom civilized Page 388 Peru taken by the Spaniard Page 390 Paragous people Page 392 Q. QUinsay Page 103 Queen Tyrada Page 104 Quiloa a town of antiquity Page 191 A Queen and nine sons massacred for worshipping the Devill Page 235 Quite a Province Page 372 R. RImadan Page 21 Rivers of Persia Page 32 Religious orders amongst the Turks Page 39 Resolution in extremity Page 91 Continual rains ibid. Rubarbe Page 106 Respect to strangers Page 134 Repudiation Page 141 Reward of valour Page 144 Reconcilements Page 156 The Rhinocerot of the Escuriel Page 260 Rivers in Suama Page 194 Manica a gold Mine ibid. Manica a mount and the ruines of structures there of strange thicknesse ibid. The Religion of the Abyssins Page 215 Religions of several orders in Abissina ibid. Rivers in Abissina Page 216 Reception of the Portugal Embassadour at the Negus 's Court Page 231 An heroick restoration of captive women Page 236 Religion of the Ethiopians Page 245 Religion of Saba Page 253 A miraculous cure ibid. Religion and customes of the Sarabomians· Page 258 A wild Rhinocerot Page 259 Religion of the Jalofes Page 323 Rauana the securest Haven Page 336 Religious devoured by Savages Page 357 Rivers in Peru. Page 179 Good natural reasons from Savages Page 401 S. SHipwrack of the Authour in Candia Page 2 A malicious shipwrack Page 3 Sahanir a mountain Page 5 Silks Page 5 The Sea of Sodome Page 10 Mount Sina Page 11 Sarazins whence called Page 14 Black sand Page 19 Storax ibid. Sabea ibid. Sequemir his state Page 20 Salsidas devotes Page 20.40 Read Sea Page 23 Sabeans ibid. Spices Page 24 Suachan Page 25 Santal Page 26 Socotoro famous for Ambargris Page 28 A Stratagem Page 34 Sumachia Page 35 Samarcant Page 37 Sotismel Sinbarate Page 37 Seleres Page 38 Sophy Page 38 Sacar Page 39 Sanosaraden Page 49 Samorin Page 57 Seraglio Page 85 Sartagan a town Page 88 Siam a kingdom Page 103 Statues of beaten gold Page 110 Sacrifices for the dead Page 127 Superstitious salutations Page 128 Sacathy a mortiferous plant Page 130 Sodomy not prohibited Page 139 Sacrifices of proper children Page 142 Sugar used in building Page 150 Sinabo a kingdom Page 163 Serpents good meat Page 174 Sonderia an Island Page 183 Secora ibid. A superstitious ceremony Page 191 The state the Negus is received into towns with Page 224 Scanfourin the capital town of Mongibir Page 234 Salt exceeding precious Page 249 Sorcerers Page 247 Subtilty of Crocodiles ibid. A star in Ethiopia mortiferous Page 250 Salete a fair town and a most pleasant garden there Page 251 Saba Queen ibid. Saba or Soua a town Page 252 Swine for carriage like horses Page 256 Saraboma a famous Island Page 258 Sebastian king of Portugal defeated and slain by the Moors Page 292 Familiarity with Serpents Page 301 Examples of Sorcery Page 303 Seraglio of Constantinople Page 306 Temple of Saint Sophia Page 307 Seraglio described Page 310 Serri Leonna a country Page 325 Sarboul a fruit growing all the year Page 333 Frozen sea Page 347 A Stratagem Page 360 Spanish vanity Page 368 Seasons of the year in Peru. Page 372 Sheep for carrige Page 382 The Strait of Magellan Page 392 Sugar exceeding cheap Page 404 T. TRade in Arabia Page 23 A strange tempest Page 27 Trade from Ormus Page 30 Tauris a town Page 34