A brief history of Moscovia and of other less-known countries lying eastward of Russia as far as Cathay, gather'd from the writings of several eye-witnesses / by John Milton. Milton, John, 1608-1674. 1682 Approx. 101 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 59 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A50886 Wing M2096 ESTC R12100 11824989 ocm 11824989 49654 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A50886) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 49654) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 817:30) A brief history of Moscovia and of other less-known countries lying eastward of Russia as far as Cathay, gather'd from the writings of several eye-witnesses / by John Milton. Milton, John, 1608-1674. [8], 109 p. Printed by M. Flesher, for Brabazon Alymer ..., London : 1682. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. "Names of the authors from whence these relations have been taken ...": p. 108-109. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Soviet Union -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. Russia -- History -- To 1533. Russia -- History -- 1533-1613. 2002-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-06 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-07 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2002-10 Aptara Rekeyed and resubmitted 2002-11 Chris Scherer Sampled and proofread 2002-11 Chris Scherer Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Brief HISTORY OF MOSCOVIA : AND Of other less-known Countries lying eastward of Russia as far as Cathay . Gather'd from the Writings of several Eye-witnesses . By IOHN MILTON . LONDON , Printed by M. Flesher , for Brabazon Aylmer at the Three Pigeons against the Royal Exchange . 1682. The Authour's PREFACE . THE study of Geography is both profitable and delightfull ; but the Writers thereof , though some of them exact enough in setting down Longitudes and Latitudes , yet in those other relations of Manners , Religion , Government and such like , accounted Geographical , have for the most part miss'd their proportions . Some too brief and deficient satisfy not ; others too voluminous and impertinent cloy and weary out the Reader ; while they tell long Stories of absurd Superstitions , Ceremonies , quaint Habits , and other petty Circumstances little to the purpose . Whereby that which is usefull , and onely worth observation , in such a wood of words , is either overslip't , or soon forgotten : which perhaps brought into the mind of some men , more learned and judicious , who had not the leisure or purpose to write an entire Geography , yet at least to assay something in the description of one or two Countreys , which might be as a Pattern or Example , to render others more cautious hereafter , who intended the whole work . And this perhaps induc'd Paulus Jovius to describe onely Muscovy and Britain . Some such thoughts , many years since , led me at a vacant time to attempt the like argument ; and I began with Muscovy , as being the most northern Region of Europe reputed civil ; and the more northern Parts thereof , first discovered by English Voiages . Wherein I saw I had by much the advantage of Jovius . What was scatter'd in many Volumes , and observ'd at several times by Eye-witnesses , with no cursory pains I laid together , to save the Reader a far longer travaile of wandring through so many desert Authours ; who yet with some delight drew me after them , from the eastern Bounds of Russia , to the Walls of Cathay , in several late Iourneys made thither overland by Russians , who describe the Countreys in their way far otherwise than our common Geographers . From proceeding further other occasions diverted me . This Essay , such as it is , was thought by some , who knew of it , not amiss to be published ; that so many things remarkable , dispers'd before , now brought under one view , might not hazard to be otherwise lost , nor the labour lost of collecting them . J. M. ADVERTISEMENT . This Book was writ by the Authour 's own hand , before he lost his sight . And sometime before his death dispos'd of it to be printed . But it being small , the Bookseller hop'd to have procured some other suitable Piece of the same Authour 's to have joyn'd with it , or else it had been publish'd ' ere now . MOSCOVIA : OR , Relations of Moscovia , As far as hath been discover'd by English VOYAGES ; Gather'd from the Writings of several Eye-witnesses : And of other less-known Countries lying Eastward of Russia as far as Cathay , lately discovered at several times by Russians . CHAP. I. A brief Description . THE Empire of Moscovia , or as others call it , Russia , is bounded on the North with Lapland and the Ocean ; Southward by the Crim Tartar ; on the West by Lituania , Livonia and Poland ; on the East by the River Ob , or Oby , and the Nagayan Tartars on the Volga , as far as Astracan . The north parts of this Country are so barren , that the Inhabitants fetch their Corn a 1000 miles , and so cold in Winter that the very Sap of their Wood-fewel burning on the fire , freezes at the Brands end where it drops . The Mariners which were left a shipboard in the first English Voyage thither , in going up onely from their Cabins to the Hatches , had their breath so congeal'd by the cold , that they fell down as it were stifl'd . The Bay of Saint Nicholas , where they first put in , lyeth in 64 degrees ; call'd so from the Abby there built of Wood ; wherein are 20 Monks ; unlearned , as then they found them , and great Drunkards : their Church is fair , full of Images , and Tapers . There are besides but 6 Houses , whereof one built by the English. In the Bay over against the Abby is Rose Island , full of damask and red Roses , Violets , and wild Rosemary ; the Isle is in circuit 7 or 8 miles : about the midst of May the snow there is clear'd , having two months been melting ; then the ground in 14 daies is dry , and Grass knee-deep within a month : after September Frost returns , and Snow a yard high : it hath a House built by the English near to a fresh fair Spring North-east of the Abby on the other side of Duina is the Castle of Archangel ; where the English have another House . The River Duina beginning about 700 miles within the Country , having first receiv'd Pinega falls here into the Sea , very large and swift , but shallow . It runneth pleasantly between Hills on either side ; beset like a Wilderness with high Firre , and other Trees : their Boats of Timber without any Iron in them , are either to sail , or to be drawn up with Ropes against the stream . North-east beyond Archangel standeth Lampas , where twice a year is kept a great Fair of Russes , Tartars and Samoeds : and to the Land-ward Mezen , and Slobotca two Towns of traffick between the River Pechora , or Petzora , and Duina ; To Seaward lies the Cape of Candinos , and the Island of Colgoieve about 30 leagues from the Bar of Pechora in 69 degrees . The River Pechora or Petzora holding his course through Siberia , how far , the Russians thereabouts know not , runneth into the Sea at 72. mouths , full of Ice : abounding with Swans , Ducks , Geese and Partridge , which they take in Iuly , sell the Feathers , and salt the Bodies for Winter Provision . On this River spreading to a Lake stands the Town of Pustozera in 68 degrees , having some 80 , or 100 Houses , where certain Merchants of Hull winter'd in the year 1611. The Town Pechora small and poor hath 3 Churches . They traded there up the River 4 daies journey to Oustzilma a small Town of 60 Houses . The Russians that have travail'd , say that this River springs out of the Mountains of Iougoria and runs through Permia . Not far from the Mouth thereof are the Straits of Vaigats , of which hereafter : more eastward is the Point of Naramzy , and next to that , the River Ob. Beyond which , the Muscovites have extended lately their dominion . Touching the Riphaean Mountains whence Tanais was anciently thought to spring , our men could hear nothing ; but rather that the whole Country is Champain , and in the northmost part huge and desert Woods of Firre , abounding with Black Wolves , Bears , Buffs , and another Beast call'd Rossomakka , whose Female bringeth forth by passing through some narrow place , as between two Stakes ; and so presseth her Womb to a disburthening . Travailing southward they found the Country more pleasant , fair and better inhabited , Corn , Pasture , Meadows and huge Woods . Arkania ( if it be not the same with Archangel ) is a place of English trade , from whence a days journey distant , but from Saint Nicholas a 100 versts , Colmogro stands on the Duina : a great Town not wall'd , but scatter'd . The English have here Lands of their own , given them by the Emperour , and fair Houses ; not far beyond , Pinega running between Rocks of Alabaster and great Woods , meets with Duina . From Colmogro to Vstiug are 500 versts or little miles , an ancient City upon the Confluence of Iuga , and Sucana into Duina which there first receives his name . Thence continuing by water to Wologda ; a great City so nam'd of the River which passes through the midst ; it hath a Castle wall'd about with Brick and Stone , and many wooden Churches , two for every Parish , the one in Winter to be heated , the other us'd in Summer ; this is a Town of much Traffick a 1000 miles from Saint Nicholas . All this way by water no lodging is to be had but under open Sky by the River side , and other provision onely what they bring with them . From Wologda by Sled they go to Yeraslave on the Volga , whose breadth is there at least a mile over ; and thence runs 2700 versts to the Caspian Sea , having his head Spring out of Bealozera , which is a Lake , amidst whereof is built a strong Tower wherein the Kings of Moscovy reserve their Treasure in time of War. From this Town to Rostove , then to Pereslave a great Town situate on a fair Lake ; thence to Mosco . Between Yeraslave and Mosco which is 200 miles , the Country is so fertile , so populous and full of Villages , that in a forenoon 7 or 800 Sleds are usually seen coming with Salt Fish , or laden back with Corn. Mosco the chief City , lying in 55 degrees , distant from Saint Nicholas 1500 miles , is reputed to be greater than London with the Suburbs , but rudely built , their Houses and Churches most of Timber , few of Stone , their Streets unpav'd ; it hath a fair Castle four-square , upon a Hill , two miles about , with Brick Walls very high , and some say 18 foot thick , 16 Gates , and as many Bulwarks ; in the Castle are kept the chief Markets , and in Winter on the River being then firm Ice . This River Moscua on the south-west side encloses the Castle , wherein are nine fair Churches with round gilded Towers , and the Emperour's Palace ; which neither within , nor without is equal for state to the King's Houses in England but rather like our Buildings of old fashion with small Windows , some of Glass , some with Latices , or Iron Bars . They who travail from Mosco to the Caspian , go by Water down the Moscua to the River Occa ; then by certain Castles to Rezan , a famous City now ruinate ; the 10 th day to Nysnovogrod where Occa falls into Volga , which the Tartars call Edel. From thence the 11 th day to Cazan a Tartan City of great wealth heretofore , now under the Russian ; wall'd at first with Timber and Earth , but since by the Emperour Vasiliwich with free Stone . From Cazan to the River Cama falling into Volga from the Province of Permia , the People dwelling on the left side are Gentiles , and live in Woods without Houses : beyond them to Astracan , Tartars of Mangat , and Nagay ; on the right side those of Crimme . From Mosco to Astracan is about 600 leagues . The Town is situate in an Island on a Hill-side wall'd with Earth , but the Castle with Earth and Timber ; the Houses except that of the Governour 's , and some few others , poor and simple ; the Ground utterly barren , and without Wood : they live there on Fish , and Sturgeon especially ; which hanging up to dry in the Streets and Houses brings whole swarms of Flies , and infection to the Aire , and oft great Pestilence . This Island in length 12 leagues , 3 in breadth is the Russian limit toward the Caspian , which he keeps with a strong Garrison ; being 20 leagues from that Sea into which Volga falls at 70 mouths . From Saint Nicholas , or from Mosco to the Caspian they pass in 46 daies and nights , most part by Water . West-ward from Saint Nicholas 1200 miles , is the City Novogrod 58 degrees , the greatest Mart-town of all this Dominion , and in bigness not inferior to Mosco . The way thither is through the western bottom of Saint Nicholas Bay , and so along the Shoar full of dangerous Rocks to the Monastery Solofky , wherein are at least 200 Monks ; the People thereabout in a manner Savages , yet Tenants to those Monks . Thence to the dangerous River Owiga , wherein are Waterfalls as steep as from a Mountain , and by the violence of their descent kept from freezing ; so that the Boats are to be carried there a mile over land : which the Tenants of that Abby did by command , and were guides to the Merchants without taking any reward . Thence to the Town Povensa standing within a mile of the famous Lake Onega 320 miles long ; and in some places 70 , at narrowest 25 broad , and of great depth . Thence by some Monasteries to the River Swire ; then into the Lake Ladiscay much longer than Onega : after which into the River Volhusky which through the midst of Novogrod runs into this Lake , and this Lake into the Baltick sound by Narv and Revel . Their other Cities toward the western bound are Plesco , Smolensko on Vobsco . The Emperour exerciseth absolute power : if any man die without male issue , his Land returns to the Emperour . Any rich man who through age , or other impotence is unable to serve the Publick , being inform'd of , is turn'd out of his Estate , and forc'd with his Family to live on a small Pension , while some other more deserving , is by the Duke's authority put into possession . The manner of informing the Duke is thus . Your Grace , saith one , hath such a Subject , abounding with Riches , but for service of the State unmeet , and you have others poor and in want , but well able to doe their Country good service . Immediately the Duke sends forth to enquire , and calling the Rich man before him , Friend , saith he , you have too much Living , and are unserviceable to your Prince ; less will serve you , and the rest maintain others who deserve more . The man thus call'd to impart his Wealth , repines not , but humbly answers , that all he hath is God's , and the Duke's : as if he made restitution of what more justly was anothers , than parted with his own . Every Gentleman hath rule and justice over his own Tenants : if the Tenants of two Gentlemen agree not , they seek to compose it , if they cannot , each brings his Tenant before the high Judge of that Country . They have no Lawyers , but every man pleads his own Cause , or else by Bill or Answer in writing delivers it with his own hands to the Duke : yet Justice by corruption of inferiour Officers is much perverted . Where other proof is wanting , they may try the matter by personal combat , or by champion . If a Debtor be poor , he becomes bondman to the Duke , who lets out his labour till it pay the dept ; till then he remains in bondage : another tryal they have by lots . The Revenues of the Emperour are what he list , and what his Subjects are able ; and he omits not the coursest means to raise them : for in every good Town there is a drunken Tavern , call'd a Cursemay , which the Emperour either lets out to farm , or bestowes on some Duke , or Gentleman in reward of his Service ; who for that time is Lord of the whole Town , robbing and spoiling at his pleasure ; till being well enricht , he is sent at his own charge to the Wars , and there squeez'd of his ill got wealth ; by which means the waging of war is to the Emperour little or nothing chargeable . The Russian armeth not less in time of war than 300 thousand men ; half of whom he takes with him into the Field , the rest bestows in Garrisons on the Borders . He presseth no Husbandman or Merchant , but the Youth of the Realm . He useth no Foot , but such as are Pioners , or Gunners , of both which sort 30 thousand . The rest being Horsemen , are all Archers , and ride with a short Stirrup after the Turkish . Their Armour is a Coat of Plate , and a Skull on their Heads . Some of their Coats are cover'd with Velvet , or cloth of Gold ; for they desire to be gorgeous in Arms , but the Duke himself above measure : his Pavilion cover'd with cloth of Gold , or Silver , set with pretious Stones . They use little Drums at the Saddle bow instead of Spurs ; for at sound thereof the Horses run more swiftly . They fight without order ; nor willingly give battail but by stealth or ambush ; of cold and hard Diet marvelously patient ; for when the Ground is cover'd with Snow froz'n a yard thick , the common Souldier will lie in the Field two months together without Tent , or covering over head ; onely hangs up his Mantle against that part from whence the Weather drives , and kindling a little fire , lies him down before it , with his Back under the Wind : his Drink , the cold Stream mingl'd with Oat-meal , and the same all his Food : his Horse fed with Green Wood and Bark , stands all this while in the open Field , yet does his service . The Emperour gives no pay at all , but to Strangers ; yet repaies good deserts in war with certain Lands during life ; and they who oftenest are sent to the wars , think themselves most favour'd , though serving without Wages . On the 12 th of December yearly the Emperour rides into the Field which is without the City , with all his Nobility on Jennets and Turky Horses in great state : before him 5000 Harquebusiers , who shoot at a bank of Ice till they beat it down , the Ordnance , which they have very fair of all sorts , they plant against two wooden Houses fill'd with earth at least 30 foot thick , and beginning with the smallest , shoot them all off thrice over , having beat those two Houses flat . Above the rest 6 great Cannon they have , whose Bullet is a yard high , so that a man may see it flying ; then out of Morter-pieces they shoot wild-fire into the Aire . Thus the Emperour having seen what his Gunners can doe , returns home in the same order . They follow the Greek Church , but with excess of Superstitions ; their Service is in the Russian Tongue . They hold the Ten Commandments not to concern them , saying that God gave them under the Law , which Christ by his death on the Cross hath abrogated : the Eucharist they receive in both kinds ; they observe 4 Lents , have Service in their Churches daily , from two hours before dawn to Evening ; yet for Whordom , Drunkenness and Extortion none worse than the Clergy . They have many great and rich Monasteries , where they keep great hospitality . That of Trojetes hath in it 700 Friers , and is wall'd about with Brick very strongly , having many Pieces of Brass Ordnance on the Walls ; most of the Lands , Towns and Villages within 40 miles belong to those Monks , who are also as great Merchants as any in the Land. During Easter Holy-daies when two Friends meet they take each other by the hand ; one of them saying , the Lord is risen ; the other answering , it is so of a truth ; and then they kiss , whether Men or Women . The Emperour esteemeth the Metropolitan next to God , after our Lady , and Saint Nicholas , as being his spiritual Officer , himself but his temporal . But the Muscovites that border on Tartaria are yet Pagans . When there is love between two , the Man among other trifling Gifts , sends to the Woman a Whip , to signify , if she offend , what the must expect ; and it is a Rule among them , that if the Wife be not beaten once a week , she thinks her self not belov'd , and is the worse ; yet are they very obedient , and stir not forth , but at some Seasons . Upon utter dislike , the Husband divorces ; which Liberty no doubt they receiv'd first with their Religion from the Greek Church , and the Imperial Laws . Their Dead they bury with new Shooes on their Feet , as to a long Journey ; and put Letters testimonial in their Hands to Saint Nicholas , or Saint Peter , that this was a Russe of Russes and dy'd in the true Faith ; which , as they believe , Saint Peter having read , forthwith admits him into Heaven . They have no Learning , nor will suffer to be among them ; their greatest friendship is in drinking ; they are great Talkers , Lyars , Flatterers and Dissemblers . They delight in gross Meats and noysom Fish ; their Drink is better , being sundry sorts of Meath ; the best made with Juice of a sweet and crimson Berry call'd Maliena , growing also in France ; other sorts with Black-cherry , or divers other Berries : another Drink they use in the Spring drawn from the Birch-tree Root , whose Sap after Iune dries up . But there is no People that live so miserably as the Poor of Russia ; if they have Straw and Water they make shift to live ; for Straw dry'd and stampt in Winter time is their Bread ; in Summer Grass and Roots ; at all times Bark of Trees is good Meat with them ; yet many of them die in the Street for hunger , none relieving , or regarding them . When they are sent into Foreign Countries , or that Strangers come thither , they are very sumptuous in apparel , else the Duke himself goes but meanly . In Winter they travail onely upon Sleds , the Wayes being hard , and smooth with Snow , the Rivers all froz'n : one Horse with a Sled will draw a man 400 miles in 3 daies ; in Summer the way is deep , and travailing ill . The Russe of better sort goes not out in Winter , but on his Sled ; in Summer on his Horse : in his Sled he sits on a Carpet , or a white Bears Skin ; the Sled drawn with a Horse well deckt , with many Fox or Wolve Tayles about his Neck , guided by a Boy on his Back , other Servants riding on the tayle of the Sled . The Russian Sea breeds a certain Beast which they call a Morse ; who seeks his Food on the Rocks , climing up with help of his Teeth ; whereof they make as great account , as we of the Elephant's Tooth . CHAP. II. Of Samoedia , Siberia , and other Countries north-east subject to the Muscovites . NOrth-east of Russia lieth Samoedia by the River Ob. This Country was first discover'd by Oneke a Russian ; who first trading privately among them in rich Furrs got great Wealth , and the knowledge of their Country ; then reveal'd his discovery to Boris Protectour to Pheodor , shewing how beneficial that Country gain'd , would be to the Empire . Who sending Ambassadours among them gallantly attir'd , by fair means won their subjection to the Empire ; every Head paying yearly two Skins of richest Sables . Those Messengers travailing also 200 leagues beyond Ob east-ward , made report of pleasant Countries , abounding with Woods and Fountains , and People riding on Elks and Loshes , others drawn on Sleds by Rain-deer , others by Dogs as swift as Deer . The Somoeds that came along with those Messengers returning to Mosco admir'd the stateliness of that City , and were as much admir'd for excellent Shooters , hitting every time the breadth of a penny , as far distant as hardly could be discern'd . The River Ob is reported by the Russes to be in breadth the sayling of a Summer's day : but full of Islands and Shoals , having neither Woods , nor , till of late , Inhabitants . Out of Ob they turn into the River Tawze . The Russians have here , since the Samoeds yielded them subjection , two Governours with 3 or 400 Gunners ; have built Villages and some small Castles ; all which Place they call Mongozey , or Molgomzay , Further up-land they have also built other Cities of Wood , consisting chiefly of Poles , Tartars and Russes , fugitive or condemned men ; as Vergateria , Siber , whence the whole Country is nam'd , Tinna , thence Tobolsca on this side Ob , on the Rivers Irtis , and Tobol , chief Seat of the Russian Governour ; above that , Zergolta in an Island of Ob , where they have a Custom house , beyond that on the other side Ob , Narim , and Tooina now a great City . Certain Churches also are erected in those Parts ; but no man forc'd to Religion ; beyond Narim eastward on the River Telta is built the Castle of Comgoscoi , and all this Plantation began since the year 1590. with many other Towns like these . And these are the Countries from whence come all the Sables and rich Furrs . The Samoeds have no Towns , or certain place of abode , but up and down where they find Moss for their Deer ; they live in companies peaceably , and are govern'd by some of the Ancientest amongst them , but are Idolaters . They shoot wondrous cunningly ; their Arrow heads are sharpned Stones , or Fish-bones , which latter serve them also for Needles , their Thread being the Sinews of certain small Beasts , wherewith they sowe the Furrs which cloath them ; the furry side in Summer outward , in Winter inward . They have many Wives , and their Daughters they sell to him who bids most ; which , if they be not lik't , are turn'd back to their Friends , the Husband allowing onely to the Father what the marriage Feast stood him in . Wives are brought to bed there by their Husbands , and the next day go about as before . They till not the Ground ; but live on the Flesh of those Wild Beasts which they hunt . They are the onely Guides to such as travaile Iougoria , Siberia , or any of those north-east parts in Winter ; being drawn on Sleds with Bucks , riding post day and night , if it be Moon-light ; and lodge on the Snow under Tents of Deer Skins in whatever place they find enough of white Moss to feed their Sled Staggs , turning them loose to dig it up themselves out of the deep Snow : another Samoede stepping to the next Wood , brings in store of Firing ; round about which they lodge within their Tents , leaving the top open to vent Smoak ; in which manner they are as warm as the Stoves in Russia . They carry Provision of Meat with them , and partake besides of what Fowle or Venison the Samoede kills with shooting by the way ; their Drink is melted Snow . Two Deer being yoak'd to a Sled riding post will draw 200 miles in 24 hours without resting , and laden with their Stuff will draw it 30 miles in 12. CHAP. III. Of Tingoesia , and the Countries adjoyning eastward , as far as Cathay . BEyond Narim and Comgoscoi the Souldiers of those Garrisons travailing by appointment of the Russian Governour in the year 1605. found many goodly Countries not inhabited ; many vast Deserts , and Rivers , till at the end of ten weeks they spy'd certain Cottages , and Herds , or companies of People , which came to them with reverent behaviour , and signify'd to the Samoeds and Tartars , which were Guides to the Russian Souldiers , that they were call'd Tingoesi ; that their dwelling was on the great River Ienissey . This River is said to be far bigger than Ob ; distant from the Mouth thereof 4 daies and nights sayling ; and likewise falls into the Sea of Naramzie ; it hath high Mountains on the East , some of which cast out Fire , to the West a plain and fertil Country , which in the Spring time it overflowes about 70 leagues ; all that time the Inhabitants keep them in the Mountains , and then return with their Cattel to the Plain . The Tingoesi are a very gentle Nation , they have great swoln Throats like those in Italy that live under the Alpes ; at perswasion of the Samoeds they forthwith submitted to the Russian Government ; and at their request travailing the next year to discover still eastward , they came at length to a River , which the Savages of that place call'd Pisida , somewhat less than Ienissey ; beyond which hearing ofttimes the towling of Brazen Bells , and sometimes the noise of Men and Horses , they durst not pass over ; they saw there certain Sayles afar off , square , and therefore suppos'd to be like Indian or China Sayles , and the rather for that they report that great Guns have been heard shot off from those Vessels . In April , and May they were much delighted with the fair prospect of that Country , replenish't with many rare Trees , Plants and Flowers , Beasts and Fowle . Some think here to be the Borders of Tangut in the north of Cathay . Some of those Samoeds about the Year 1610. travail'd so far till they came in view of a White City ; and heard a great din of Bells , and report there came to them Men all arm'd in Iron from head to foot . And in the Year 1611. divers out of Cathay , and others from Alteen Czar who stiles himself the golden King , came and traded at Zergolta , or Surgoot on the River Ob , bringing with them Plates of Silver . Whereupon Michael Pheodorowick the Russian Emperour in the Year 1619. sent certain of his People from Tooma to Alteen , and Cathay , who return'd with Ambassadours from those Princes . These relate , that from Tooma in ten daies and a half , three daies whereof over a Lake , where Rubies and Saphirs grow , they came to the Alteen King , or King of Alty ; through his Land in five weeks they pass'd into the Country of Sheromugaly or Mugalla , where reigned a Queen call'd Manchika ; whence in four daies they came to the Borders of Cathay , fenc't with a stone Wall , 15 fathom high ; along the side of which , having on the other hand many pretty Towns belonging to Queen Manchika , they travail'd ten daies without seeing any on the Wall till they came to the Gate . Where they saw very great Ordnance lying , and 3000 men in watch . They traffick with other Nations at the Gate , and very few at once are suffered to enter . They were travailing from Tooma to this Gate 12 weeks ; and from thence to the great City of Cathay ten daies . Where being conducted to the House of Ambassadours , within a few daies there came a Secretary from King Tambur with 200 Men well apparell'd , and riding on Asses , to feast them with divers sorts of Wine , and to demand their Message ; but having brought no Presents with them , they could not be admitted to his sight ; onely with his Letter to the Emperour they return'd as is aforesaid , to Tobolsca . They report that the Land of Mugalla reaches from Boghar to the north Sea , and hath many Castles built of Stone four-square , with Towers at the Corners cover'd with glazed Tiles ; and on the Gates Alarum-Bells or Watch-Bells twenty pound weight of Metal ; their Houses built also of Stone , the Seelings cunningly painted with Flowers of all Colours . The People are Idolaters ; the Country exceeding fruitfull . They have Asses and Mules , but no Horses . The People of Cathay say that this great Wall stretches from Boghar to the north Sea four months journey with continual Towers a flight-shot distant from each other , and Beacons on every Tower ; and that this Wall is the bound between Mugalla and Cathay . In which are but five Gates ; those narrow , and so low , that a Horse-man sitting upright cannot ride in . Next to the Wall is the City Shirokalga ; it hath a Castle well furnish't with short Ordnance , and small Shot , which they who keep watch on the Gates , Towers and Walls , duly at Sun set and rising discharge thrice over . The City abounds with rich Merchandize , Velvets , Damasks , Cloth of Gold and Tissue , with many sorts of Sugars . Like to this is the City Tara , their Markets smell odoriferously with Spices , and Tayth more rich than that . Shirooan yet more magnificent , half a day's journey through , and exceeding populous . From hence to Cathaia the imperial City is two daies journey , built of White-stone four-square , in circuit four daies going , corner'd with four White Towers , very high and great , and others very fair along the Wall , white intermingl'd with blew , and Loop-holes furnisht with Ordnance . In midst of this White City stands a Castle built of Magnet , where the King dwels , in a sumptuous Palace , the top whereof is overlaid with Gold. The City stands on even ground encompass'd with the River Youga , 7 daies journey from the Sea. The People are very fair , but not warlike , delighting most in rich Traffick . These Relations are referr'd hither , because we have them from Russians ; who report also , that there is a Sea beyond Ob so warm that all kind of Sea-Fowl live thereabout as well in Winter as in Summer . Thus much briefly of the Sea and Lands between Russia , and Cathay . CHAP. IV. The Succession of Moscovia Dukes and Emperours taken out of their Chronicles by a Polack with some later Additions . THE great Dukes of Muscovy derive their Pedegree , though without ground , from Augustus Caesar : whom they fable to have sent certain of his Kindred to be Governours over many remote Provinces ; and among them , Prussus over Prussia ; him to have had his Seat on the eastern Baltick Shoar by the River Wixel ; of whom Rurek , Sinaus , and Truuor descended by the Fourth Generation , were by the Russians living then without Civil Government sent for in the Year 573. to bear rule over them ; at the perswasion of Gostomislius chief Citizen of Novogrod . They therefore taking with them Olechus their Kinsman divided those Countries among themselves , and each in his Province taught them Civil Government . Ivorson of Rurek , the rest dying without Issue , became Successour to them all ; being left in nonage under the protection of Olechus . He took to wife Olha Daughter to a Citizen of Plesco ; of whom he begat Stoslaus ; but after that , being slain by his Enemies , Olha his Wife went to Constantinople , and was there baptiz'd Helena . Stoslaus fought many Battails with his Enemies ; but was at length by them slain , who made a Cup of his Scull engrav'n with this Sentence in Gold ; Seeking after other Mens he lost his own His Sons were Teropolchus , Olega and Volodimir . Volodimir having slain the other two , made himself sole Lord of Russia ; yet after that fact enclining to Christian Religion , had to wife Anna Sister of Basilius and Constantine Greek Emperours ; and with all his People in the Year 988. was baptiz'd , and call'd Basilius . Howbeit Zonaras reporteth that before that time Basilius the Greek Emperour sent a Bishop to them ; at whose preaching they not being mov'd , but requiring a Miracle , he , after devout Prayers , taking the Book of Gospel into his hands , threw it before them all into the Fire : which remaining there unconsum'd , they were converted . Volodimir had eleven Sons among whom he divided his Kingdom ; Boristus and Glebus for their holy Life register'd Saints ; and their Feast kept every year in November with great solemnity . The rest through contention to have the sole Government , ruin'd each other ; leaving onely Iaroslaus inheritour of all . Volodimir Son of Iaroslaus kept his Residence in the ancient City Kiow upon the River Boristenes . And after many conflicts with the Sons of his Uncles ; and having subdu'd all was call'd Monomachus . He made war with Constantine the Greek Emperour , wasted Thracia , and returning home with great spoils to prepare new war , was appeas'd by Constantine , who sent Neophytus Bishop of Ephesus , and Eustathius Abbot of Ierusalem , to present him with part of our Saviour's Cross , and other rich Gifts , and to salute him by the name of Czar , or Caesar : with whom he thenceforth enter'd into league and amity . After him in order of descent Vuszevolodus , George , Demetrius . Then George , his Son , who in the Year 1237. was slain in battail by the Tartar Prince Bathy , who subdu'd Muscovia and made it tributary . From that time the Tartarians made such Dukes of Russia , as they thought would be most pliable to their ends ; of whom they requir'd , as oft as Ambassadours came to him out of Tartary , to go out and meet them ; and in his own Court to stand bare-headed , while they sate and deliver'd their Message . At which time the Tartars wasted also Polonia , Silesia , and Hungaria , till Pope Innocent the Fourth obtain'd peace of them for 5 years . This Bathy , say the Russians , was the Father of Tamerlan , whom they call Temirkutla . Then succeeded Iaroslaus the Brother of George , then Alexander his Son. Daniel the Son of Alexander was he who first made the City of Mosco his Royal Seat , builded the Castle , and took on him the Title of great Duke . Iohn the Son of Daniel was sirnamed Kaleta , that word signifying a Scrip , out of which , continually carried about with him , he was wont to deal his Almes . His Son Simeon dying without Issue left the Kingdom to Iohn his next Brother ; and he to his Son Demetrius , who left two Sons , Basilius and George . Basilius reigning had a Son of his own name , but doubting lest not of his own Body , through the suspicion he had of his Wife's Chastity , him he disinherits , and gives the Dukedom to his Brother George . George putting his Nephew Basilius in prison , reigns ; yet at his death , either through remorse , or other cause surrenders him the Dukedom . Basilius unexpectedly thus attaining his supposed right , enjoy'd it not long in quiet ; for Andrew and Demetrius the two Sons of George counting it injury not to succeed their Father , made war upon him , and surprizing him on a suddain , put out his Eyes . Notwithstanding which , the Boiarens , or Nobles kept their allegiance to the Duke though blind , whom therefore they call'd Cziemnox . Iohn Vasiliwich his Son was the first who brought the Russian Name out of obscurity into renown . To secure his own Estate he put to death as many of his kindred as were likely to pretend ; and stil'd himself great Duke of Wolodimiria , Muscovia , Novogardia , Czar of all Russia . He won Plesco the onely walled City in all Muscovy , and Novogrod the richest , from the Lituanians , to whom they had been subject 50 years before ; and from the latter carried home 300 Waggons laden with Treasure . He had war with Alexander King of Poland , and with the Livonians ; with him , on pretence of withdrawing his Daughter Helena , whom he had to wife , from the Greek Church to the Romish ; with the Livonians for no other cause , but to enlarge his Bounds : though he were often foyl'd by Plettebergius great Master of the Prussian Knights . His Wife was Daughter to the Duke of Tyversky ; of her he begat Iohn , and to him resigned his Dukedom ; giving him to wife the Daughter of Steven , Palatine of Moldavia ; by whom he had Issue Demetrius , and deceas'd soon after . Vasiliwich therefore reassuming the Dukedom married a second Wife Sophia Daughter to Thomas Palaeologus : who is said to have receiv'd her Dowry out of the Pope's Treasury , upon promise of the Duke to become Romish . This Princess of a haughty mind , often complaining that she was married to the Tartars Vassal , at length by continual perswasions , and by a wile found means to ease her Husband , and his Country of that Yoke . For whereas till then the Tartar had his Procurators , who dwelt in the very Castle of Mosco , to oversee State-affairs , she fain'd that from Heaven she had been warn'd , to build a Temple to Saint Nicholas on the same place where the Tartar Agents had their House . Being therefore delivered of a Son , she made it her request to the Prince of Tartary , whom she had invited to the baptizing , that he would give her that House ; which obtaining she raz'd to the ground ; and remov'd those Overseers out of the Castle : and so by degrees dispossess'd them of all , which they held in Russia . She prevail'd also with her Husband to transfer the Dukedom from Demetrius the Son of Iohn deceas'd , to Gabriel his eldest by her . Gabriel no sooner Duke , but chang'd his name to Basilius , and set his mind to doe nobly ; he recover'd great part of Muscovy ▪ from Vitoldus Duke of Lituania ; and on the Boristhenes won Smolensko and many other Cities in the Year 1514. He divorc'd his first Wife , and of Helena Daughter to Duke Glinsky begat Iuan Vasiliwich . Iuan Vasiliwich being left a Child was committed to George his Unkle and Protector ; at 25 years of age he vanquish'd the Tartars of Cazan and Astracan , bringing home with him their Princes captive ; made cruel war in Livonia pretending right of inheritance . He seem'd exceedingly devout , and whereas the Russians in their Churches use out of zeal and reverence to knock their Heads against the ground , his Forehead was seldom free of swellings and bruzes , and very often seen to bleed . The cause of his rigour in government , he alledg'd to be the malice and treachery of his Subjects . But some of the Nobles incited by his cruelty , call'd in the Crim Tartar who in the Year 1571. broke into Russia , burnt Mosco to the ground : he reigned 54 years ; had three Sons , of which the eldest being strook on a time by his Father , with grief thereof dy'd ; his other Sons were Pheodor and Demetrius : in the time of Iuan Vasiliwich the English came first by Sea into the north parts of Russia . Pheodor Iuanowick being under age was left to the protection of Boris Brother to the young Empress , and third Son by adoption in the Emperour 's Will. After 40 daies of mourning , the appointed time of Coronation being come , the Emperour issuing out of his Palace , the whole Clergy before him , enter'd with his Nobility the Church of Blaueshina or blessedness ; whence after Service to the Church of Michael , then to our Lady Church being the Cathedral . In midst whereof a Chair of Majesty was plac'd , and most unvaluable Garments put upon him : there also was the imperial Crown set on his Head by the Metropolitan , who out of a small Book in his hand read Exhortations to the Emperour , of justice and peaceable government . After this rising from his Chair he was invested with an upper Robe , so thick with Orient Pearls and Stones as weigh'd 200 pounds , the Train born up by 6 Dukes ; his Staff imperial was of a Unicorn's Horn three foot and a half long , beset with rich Stones : his Globe , and six Crowns carried before him by Princes of the Bloud : his Horse at the Church door stood ready with a Covering of imbroidered Pearl , Saddle and all suitable to the value of 300 thousand Marks . There was a kind of Bridge made three waies , 150 fathom long , three foot high , two fathom broad , whereon the Emperour with his Train went from one Church to another above the infinite throng of People making loud Acclamations ; At the Emperour's returning from those Churches they were spread under-foot , with Cloth of Gold , the Porches with Red Velvet , the Bridges with Scarlet and Stammel-cloth , all which , as the Emperour pass'd by , were cut and snatch't by them that stood next ; besides new minted Coines of Gold and Silver cast among the People . The Empress in her Palace was plac't before a great open Window in rich and shining Robes , among her Ladies . After this the Emperour came into Parliament , where he had a Banquet serv'd by his Nobles in princely order ; two standing on either side his Chair with Battel-axes of Gold ; three of the next Roomes great and large being set round with Plate of Gold and Silver , from the ground up to the roof . This Triumph lasted a week , wherein many royal Pastimes were seen : after which , election was made of the Nobles to new Offices and Dignities . The conclusion of all was a Peal of 170 Brass Ordnance two miles without the City , and 20000 Harquebuzes twice over : and so the Emperour with at least 50 thousand Horse return'd through the City to his Palace : where all the Nobility , Officers , and Merchants brought him rich Presents . Shortly after , the Emperour by direction of Boris conquer'd the large Country of Siberia , and took Prisoner the King thereof : he remov'd also corrupt Officers and former Taxes . In sum , a great alteration in the Government follow'd , yet all quietly , and without tumult . These things reported abroad strook such awe into the neighbour Kings , that the Crim Tartar with his Wives also and many Nobles valiant and personable men came to visit the Russian . There came also 12 hundred Polish Gentlemen , many Circassians , and People of other Nations to offer service ; Ambassadours from the Turk , the Persian , Georgian , and other Tartar Princes ; from Almany , Poland , Sweden , Denmark . But this glory lasted not long through the treachery of Boris , who procur'd the death first of Demetrius , then of the Emperour himself , whereby the imperial Race after the succession of 300 years was quite extinguish't . Boris , adopted , as before was said , third Son to Iuan Vasiliwich without impeachment now ascended the Throne ; but neither did he enjoy long , what he had so wickedly compass'd ; Divine revenge raising up against him a Counterfeit of that Demetrius whom he had caus'd to be murthered at Ouglets . This Upstart strength'd with many Poles and Cossacks appears in arms to claim his right out of the hands of Boris , who sent against him an Army of 200 thousand Men ; many of whom revolted to this Demetrius : Peter Basman the General returning to Mosco with the empty Triumph of a reported Victory . But the Enemy still advancing , Boris one day , after a plentifull Meal finding himself heavy and pain'd in his Stomach laid him down on his Bed ; but ' ere his Doctours , who made great haste , came to him , was found speechless , and soon after dy'd , with grief , as is suppos'd , of his ill success against Demetrius . Before his death , though it were speedy , he would be shorn , and new christn'd . He had but one Son , whom he lov'd so fondly , as not to suffer him out of sight ; using to say he was Lord and Father of his Son , and yet his Servant , yea his Slave . To gain the Peoples love , which he had lost by his ill getting the Empire , he us'd two Policies ; first he caus'd Mosco to be fir'd in four places , that in the quenching thereof he might shew his great care and tenderness of the People ; among whom he likewise distributed so much of his Bounty , as both new-built their Houses , and repair'd their Losses . At another time the People murmuring , that the great Pestilence which had then swept away a third part of the Nation , was the punishment of their electing him , a Murtherer , to reign over them , he built Galleries round about the utmost Wall of Mosco ; and there appointed for one whole month 20 thousand pound to be given to the Poor ; which well nigh stopt their Mouths . After the death of Boris , Peter Basman their onely hope and refuge , though a Young man , was sent again to the Wars , with him many English , Scots , French and Dutch ; who all with the other General Goleeche sell off to the new Demetrius ; whose Messengers coming now to the Suburbs of Mosco , were brought by the Multitude to that spatious Field before the Castle Gate ; within which the Council were then sitting ; many of whom were by the Peoples threatning call'd out and constrain'd to hear the Letters of Demetrius openly read : which , long ' ere the end , wrought so with the Multitude , that furiously they broke into the Castle , laying violence on all they met ; when strait appear'd coming towards them two Messengers of Demetrius formerly sent , pittifully whipt and roasted , which added to their rage . Then was the whole City in an uproar , all the great Counselours Houses ransack't , especially of the Godonova's the Kindred and Family of Boris . Such of the Nobles that were best belov'd , by entreaty prevail'd at length to put an end to this Tumult . The Empress flying to a safer place had her Collar of Pearl pull'd from her Neck ; and by the next Message command was given to secure her with her Son and Daughter . Whereupon Demetrius by general consent was proclaim'd Emperour . The Empress now seeing all lost , counsel'd the Prince her Son to follow his Father's example ; who , it seems , had dispatch't himself by Poyson ; and with a desperate courage beginning the deadly Health , was pledg'd effectually by her Son ; but the Daughter onely sipping , escap'd . Others ascribe this deed to the secret Command of Demetrius , and Self-murther imputed to them , to avoid the envy of such a Command . Demetrius Evanowich , for so he call'd himself , who succeeded , was credibly reported the Son of Gregory Peupoloy a Russe Gentleman , and in his younger years to have been shorn a Fryar ; but escaping from the Monastery , to have travail'd Germany and other Countries , but chiefly Poland : where he attain'd to good sufficiency in Arms and other Experience ; which rais'd in him such high thoughts , as grounding on a common belief among the Russians , that the young Demetrius was not dead , but convey'd away , and their hatred against Boris , on this foundation with some other circumstances , to build his hopes no lower than an Empire ; which on his first discovery found acceptation so generally , as planted him at length on the Royal Seat ; but not so firmly as the fair beginning promis'd ; for in a short while the Russians finding themselves abus'd by an Impostor , on the sixth day after his marriage ▪ observing when his Guard of Poles were most secure , rushing into the Palace before break of day , drag'd him out of his Bed , and when he had confes'd the fraud , pull'd him to pieces ; with him Peter Basman was also slain , and both their dead Bodies laid open in the Market-place . He was of no presence , but otherwise of a princely disposition ; too bountifull , which occasion'd some exactions ; in other matters a great lover of justice , not unworthy the Empire which he had gotten , and lost onely through greatness of mind , neglecting the Conspiracy , which he knew the Russians were plotting . Some say their hatred grew , for that they saw him alienated from the Russian Manners and Religion , having made Buchinskoy a learned Protestant his Secretary . Some report from Gilbert's relation , who was a Scot , and Captain , of his Guard , that lying on his Bed awake , not long before the Conspiracy , he saw the appearance of an aged man coming toward him ; at which he rose , and call'd to them that watch'd ; but they denied to have seen any such pass by them . He returning to his Bed , and within an hour after troubl'd again with the same Apparition , sent for Buchinskoy , telling him he had now twice the same night seen an aged man , who at his second coming told him , that though he were a good Prince of himself , yet for the injustice and oppression of his inferiour Ministers , his Empire should be taken from him . The Secretary counsell'd him to embrace true Religion , affirming that for lack thereof , his Officers were so corrupt . The Emperour seem'd to be much mov'd , and to intend what was perswaded him . But a few daies after , the other Secretary , a Russian , came to him with a drawn Sword ; of which the Emperour made slight at first ; but he after bold words assaulted him , strait seconded by other Conspiratours crying liberty . Gilbert with many of the Guard oversuddenly surpris'd retreated to Coluga a Town which they fortify'd ; most of the other Strangers were massacr'd , except the English , whose mediation sav'd also Buchinskoy . Shusky who succeeded him reports in a Letter to King Iames otherwise of him ; that his right name was Gryshca the Son of Boughdan ; that to escape punishment for Villanies done , he turn'd Fryar , and fell at last to the Black art ; and fearing that the Metropolitan intended therefore to imprison him , fled into Lettow ; where by counsel of Sigismund the Poland King , he began to call himself Demetry of Ouglitts ; and by many Libels and Spies privily sent into Mosco , gave out the same ; that many Letters and Messengers thereupon were sent from Boris into Poland , and from the Patriarch , to acquaint them who the Runnagate was ; but the Polanders , giving them no credit , furnish't him the more with Arms and Money , notwithstanding the League ; and sent the Palatine Sandamersko and other Lords to accompany him into Russia , gaining also a Prince of the Crim Tartars to his aide ; that the Army of Boris hearing of his sudden death , yielded to this Gryshca , who taking to wife the Daughter of Sandamersko , attempted to root out the Russian Clergy , and to bring in the Romish Religion , for which purpose many Jesuits came along with him . Whereupon Shusky with the Nobles and Metropolitans conspiring against him , in half a year gather'd all the Forces of Moscovia , and surprising him found in writing under his own hand all these his Intentions ; Letters also from the Pope and Cardinals to the same effect , not onely to set up the Religion of Rome , but to force it upon all , with death to them that refus'd . Vasily Evanowich Shusky after the slaughter of Demetry or Gryshca was elected Emperour ; having not long before been at the Block for reporting to have seen the true Demetrius dead and buried ; but Gryshca not onely recall'd him , but advanc'd him , to be the instrument of his own ruine . He was then about the age of 50 ; nobly descended , never married , of great wisedom reputed , a favourer of the English ; for he sav'd them from ritling in the former Tumults . Some say he modestly refus'd the Crown , till by lot four times together it fell to him ; yet after that , growing jealous of his Title , remov'd by Poyson , and other means all the Nobles that were like to stand his Rivals ; and is said to have consulted with Witches of the Samoeds , Lappians and Tartarians , about the same fears ; and being warn'd of one Michalowich , to have put to death three of that name ; yet a fourth was reserv'd by fate to succeed him ; being then a Youth attendant in the Court , one of those that held the golden Axes , and least suspected . But before that time he also was supplanted by another reviving Demetrius brought in by the Poles ; whose counterfeited Hand , and strange relating of privatest Circumstances had almost deceiv'd Gilbert himself ; had not their persons been utterly unlike ; but Gryshca's Wife so far believ'd him for her Husband , as to receive him to her Bed. Shusky besieg'd in his Castle of Mosco , was adventrously supply'd with some Powder and Ammunition by the English ; and with 2000 French , English and Scots , with other Forces from Charles King of Sweden . The English after many miseries of cold , and hunger and assaults by the way , deserted by the French , yielded most of them to the Pole , neer Smolensko , and serv'd him against the Russ. Mean while this second Demetrius being now rejected by the Poles , with those Russians that sided with him laid siege to Mosco : Zolkiewsky for Sigismund King of Poland Beleaguers on the other side with forty thousand Men ; whereof 1500 English , Scotch , and French. Shusky despairing success betakes him to a Monastery ; but with the City is yielded to the Pole ; who turns now his force against the Counterfeit Demetrius ; he seeking to fly is by a Tartar slain in his Camp. Smolensko held out a siege of two years , then surrender'd . Shusky the Emperour carried away into Poland , there ended miserably in prison . But before his departure out of Muscovy the Polanders in his name sending for the chief Nobility as to a last farewell , cause them to be entertain'd in a secret place , and there dispatch'd : by this means the easier to subdue the People . Yet the Poles were starv'd at length out of those Places in Mosco which they had fortify'd . Wherein the Russians who besieg'd them , found , as is reported , 60 Barrels of Man's Flesh powder'd , being the Bodies of such as dy'd among them , or were slain in fight . After which the Empire of Russia broke to pieces , the prey of such as could catch , every one naming himself , and striving to be accounted that Demetrius of Ouglitts . Some chose Vladislaus King Sigismund's Son , but he not accepting , they fell to a popular Government ; killing all the Nobles under pretence of favouring the Poles . Some overtures of receiving them were made , as some say , to King Iames , and Sir Iohn Meric , and Sir William Russel imploy'd therein . Thus Russia remaining in this confusion , it happen'd that a mean Man , a Butcher dwelling in the North about Duina , inveying against the baseness of their Nobility , and the corruption of Officers , uttered words , that if they would but choose a faithfull Treasurer to pay well the Souldiers , and a good General ( naming one Pozarsky a poor Gentleman , who after good service done liv'd not far off retir'd and neglected ; ) that then he doubted not to drive out the Poles . The People assent , and choose that General ; the Butcher they make their Treasurer who both so well discharg'd their Places , that with an Army soon gather'd they raise the siege of Mosco , which the Polanders had renew'd ; and with Boris Licin another great Souldier of that Countrey fall into consultation about the choise of an Emperour , and chose at last Michalowich , or Michael Pheodorowich , the fatal Youth , whose name Shusky so fear'd . Michael Pheodorowich thus elected by the valour of Pozarsky and Boris Licin , made them both Generals of his Forces , joyning with them another great Commander of the Cossacks whose aid had much befriended him ; the Butcher also was made a Counselour of State. Finally a Peace was made up between the Russians and the Poles ; and that partly by the mediation of King Iames. CHAP. V. The first discovery of Russia by the North-east , 1553 with the English Embassies , and Entertainments at that Court , untill the Year 1604. THE discovery of Russia by the northern Ocean , made first , of any Nation that we know , by English men , might have seem'd an enterprise almost heroick ; if any higher end than the excessive love of Gain and Traffick , had animated the design . Nevertheless that in regard that many things not unprofitable to the knowledge of Nature , and other Observations are hereby come to light , as good events ofttimes arise from evil occasions , it will not be the worst labour to relate briefly the beginning , and prosecution of this adventurous Voiage ; untill it became at last a familiar Passage . When our Merchants perceiv'd the Commodities of England to be in small request abroad , and foreign Merchandize to grow higher in esteem and value than before , they began to think with themselves how this might be remedied . And seeing how the Spaniards and Portugals had encreas'd their Wealth by discovery of new Trades and Countries , they resolv'd upon some new and strange Navigation . At the same time Sebastian Chabota , a man for the knowledge of Sea-affairs much renown'd in those daies , happen'd to be in London . With him first they consult ; and by his advice conclude to furnish out three Ships for the search and discovery of the northern parts . And having heard that a certain Worm is bred in that Ocean , which many times eateth through the strongest Oak , they contrive to cover some part of the Keel of those Ships with thin sheets of Lead ; and victual them for 18 months ; allowing equally to their journey their stay , and their return . Arms also they provide and store of Munition , with sufficient Captains and Governours for so great an enterprise . To which among many , and some void of experience that offer'd themselves , Sir Hugh Willowby a valiant Gentleman earnestly requested to have the charge . Of whom before all others both for his goodly personage , and singular skill in the services of War , they made choise to be Admiral ; and of Richard Chancelor , a man greatly esteem'd for his skill , to be chief Pilot. This man was brought up by Mr. Henry Sidney , afterwards Deputy of Ireland , who coming where the Adventurers were gather'd together ; though then a young man , with a grave and eloquent Speech commended Chancelor unto them . After this , they omitted no enquiry after any person that might inform them concerning those north-easterly parts to which the Voiage tended ; and two Tartarians then of the King 's Stable were sent for ; but they were able to answer nothing to purpose . So after much debate it was concluded that by the 20 th of May the Ships should depart . Being come near Greenwich where the Court then lay , presently the Courtiers came running out , the Privy Council at the Windows , the rest on the Towers and Battlements . The Mariners all apparell'd in Watchet , or sky-coloured Cloth , discharge their Ordnance ; the noise whereof , and of the People shouting is answer'd from the Hills and Waters with as loud an Echo . Onely the good King Edward then sick beheld not this sight , but dy'd soon after . From hence putting into Harwich , they staid long and lost much time . At length passing by Shetland , they kenn'd a far off Aegelands , being an innumerable sort of Islands call'd Rost Islands in 66 degrees . Thence to Lofoot in 68. to Seinam in 70 degrees ; these Islands belong all to the Crown of Denmark . Whence departing Sir Hugh Willowby set out his Flag by which he call'd together the chief men of his other Ships to counsel ; where they conclude , in case they happen'd to be scatter'd by Tempest , that Wardhouse a noted Haven in Finmark be the appointed place of their meeting . The very same day after noon so great a Tempest arose , that the Ships were some driv'n one way , some another in great peril . The General with his loudest voice call'd to Chancelor not to be far from him ; but in vain , for the admiral sayling much better than his Ship , and bearing all her Sayles was carried with great swiftness soon out of sight ; but before that , the Ship-boat striking against her Ship was overwhelmed in view of the Bonaventure whereof Chancelor was Captain . The third Ship also in the same Storm was lost . But Sir Hugh Willowby escaping that Storm , and wandring on those desolate Seas till the 18 th of September put into a Haven where they had Weather as in the depth of Winter ; and there determining to abide till Spring , sent out three men southwest to find Inhabitants ; who journy'd three daies but found none ; then other three went westward four daies journey , and lastly three southeast three daies ; but they all returning without news of People , or any sign of Habitation , Sir Hugh with the company of his two Ships abode there till Ianuary , as appears by a Will since found in one of the Ships ; but then perish'd all with cold . This River or Haven was Arzina in Lapland neer to Kegor , where they were found dead the year after by certain Russian Fishermen . Whereof the English Agent at Mosco having notice , sent and recover'd the Ships with the dead Bodies and most of the Goods , and sent them for England ; but the Ships being unstanch , as is suppos'd , by their two years wintring in Lapland , sunk by the way with their Dead , and them also that brought them . But now Chancelor with his Ship and Company thus left , shap'd his course to Wardhouse , the place agreed on to expect the rest ; where having staid 7 daies without tydings of them , he resolves at length to hold on his Voiage ; and sayl'd so far till he found no night , but continual day and Sun cleerly shining on that huge and vast Sea for certain daies . At length they enter into a great Bay , nam'd , as they knew after , from Saint Nicholas ; and spying a Fisherboat , made after him to know what People they were . The Fishermen amaz'd with the greatness of his Ship , to them a strange and new sight , sought to fly ; but overtak'n , in great fear they prostrate themselves , and offer to kiss his Feet ; but he raysing them up with all signes and gestures of courtesie , sought to win their friendship . They no sooner dismist , but spread abroad the arrival of a strange Nation , whose humanity they spake of with great affection ; whereupon the People running together , with like return of all courteous usage receive them ; offering them Victuals freely ; nor refusing to traffick , but for a loyal Custom which bound them from that , without first the consent had of their King. After mutual demands of each other's Nation they found themselves to be in Russia where Iuan Vasiliwich at that time reign'd Emperour . To whom privily the Governour of that place sending notice of the strange Guests that were arriv'd , held in the mean while our Men in what suspence he could . The Emperour well pleas'd with so unexpected a Message , invites them to his Court , offring them Post-horses at his own charge , or if the journey seem'd overlong , that they might freely traffick where they were . But ' ere this Messenger could return , having lost his way , the Muscovites themselves , loath that our men should depart which they made shew to doe , furnish't them with Guides and other Conveniences to bring them to their King's presence . Chancelor had now gon more than half his journey , when the Sled man sent to Court meets him on the way ; delivers him the Emperour's Letters ; which when the Russes understood , so willing they were to obey the Contents thereof , that they quarrell'd and strove who should have the preferment to put his Horses to the Sled . So after a long and troublesome journey of 1500 miles he arriv'd at Mosco . After he had remain'd in the City about 12 daies , a Messenger was sent to bring them to the King's House . Being enter'd within the Court Gates , and brought into an outward Chamber , they beheld there a very honourable company to the number of a hunder'd sitting all apparell'd in Cloth of gold down to their Ancles : next conducted to the Chamber of presence , there sate the Emperour on a lofty and very royal Throne ; on his Head a Diadem of gold , his Robe all of Goldsmiths work , in his Hand a chrystal Sceptre garnish'd and beset with precious Stones ; no less was his Countenance full of majesty . Beside him stood his chief Secretary ; on his other side the great Commander of silence , both in Cloth of gold ; then sate his Council of 150 round about on high Seats , clad all as richly . Chancelor nothing abash'd made his obeysance to the Emperour after the English manner . The Emperour having taken , and read his Letters , after some enquiry of King Edward's Health , invited them to dinner , and till then dismiss'd them . But before dismission the Secretary presented their Present bareheaded ; till which time they were all cover'd ; and before admittance our men had charge not to speak , but when the Emperour demanded ought . Having sat two hours in the Secretary's Chamber , they were at length call'd in to dinner ; where the Emperour was set at Table , now in a Robe of silver , and another Crown on his Head. This place was call'd the golden Palace , but without cause , for the English men had seen many fairer ; round about the room , but at distance , were other long Tables ; in the midst a Cupboard of huge and massy goblets , and other Vessels of gold and silver ; among the rest four great Flagons nigh two yards high , wrought in the top with devices of Towers and Dragons heads . The Guests ascended to their Tables by three steps ; all apparell'd in Linnen , and that lin'd with rich Furrs . The Messes came in without order , but all in Chargers of gold , both to the Emperour , and to the rest that din'd there , which were two hundred persons ; on every Board also were set Cups of gold without number . The Servitors one hundred and forty were likewise array'd in gold , and waited with Caps on their heads . They that are in high favour sit on the same Bench with the Emperour , but far off . Before Meat came in , according to the custom of their Kings , he sent to every Guest a slice of Bread ; whom the Officer naming saith thus , Iohn Basiliwich Emperour of Russ , &c. doth reward thee with Bread , at which words all men stand up . Then were Swans in several pieces serv'd in , each piece in a several Dish , which the great Duke sends about as the Bread , and so likewise the Drink . In dinner time he twice chang'd his Crown , his Waiters thrice their Apparel ; to whom the Emperour in like manner gives both Bread and Drink with his own hands ; which they say is done to the intent that he may perfectly know his own Houshold ; and indeed when dinner was done , he call'd his Nobles every one before him by name ; and by this time Candles were brought in , for it grew dark ; and the English departed to their Lodgings from dinner , an hour within night . In the Year 1555. Chancelor made another voiage to this Place with Letters from Queen Mary ; had a House in Mosco , and Diet appointed him ; and was soon admitted to the Emperour's presence in a large room spread with Carpets ; at his entring and salutation all stood up , the Emperour onely sitting , except when the Queen's name was read , or spoken ; for then he himself would rise : at dinner he sate bareheaded ; his Crown and rich Cap standing on a Pinacle by . Chancelor returning for England , Osep Napea Governour of Wologda came in his Ship Ambassadour from the Russe ; but suffering shipwrack in Pettislego a Bay in Scotland , Chancelor who took more care to save the Ambassadour than himself was drown'd , the Ship rifled , and most of her lading made booty by the People thereabout . In the Year 1557. Osep Napea returned into his Countrey with Antony Ienkinson who had the command of four tall Ships . He reports of a Whirlpool between the Rost Islands and Lofoot call'd Malestrand ; which from half ebb till half flood is heard to make so terrible a noise , as shakes the Door-rings of Houses in those Islands ten mile off ; Whales that come within the Current thereof make a pittifull cry ; Trees carried in and cast out again have the ends and boughs of them so beaten , as they seem like the stalks of bruized Hemp. About Zeinam they saw many Whales very monstrous hard by their Ships ; whereof some by estimation sixty foot long ; they roard hideously , it being then the time of their engendring . At Wardhouse , he saith , the Cattel are fed with Fish. Coming to Mosco , he found the Emperour sitting aloft in a Chair of state , richly crown'd , a Staff of gold in his hand wrought with costly stone . Distant from him sate his Brother , and a Youth the Emperour's Son of Casan whom the Russ had conquer'd ; there din'd with him diverse Ambassadours , Christian and Heathen , diversely apparell'd ; his Brother with some of the chief Nobles sate with him at Table : the Guests were in all six hundred . In dinner time came in six Musicians ; and standing in the midst , sung three several times , but with little or no delight to our men ; there din'd at the same time in other Halls two thousand Tartars who came to serve the Duke in his Wars . The English were set at a small Table by themselves direct before the Emperour ; who sent them diverse Bowles of Wine and Meath and many Dishes from his own hand : the Messes were but mean , but the change of Wines and several Meaths were wonderfull . As oft as they din'd with the Emperour , he sent for them in the Morning , and invited them with his own mouth . On Christmass day being invited , they had for other provision as before ; but for store of gold and silver Plate excessive ; among which were twelve Barrels of silver , hoop'd with fine gold containing twelve gallons apiece . 1560. Was the first English traffick to the Narve in Livonia , till then conceal'd by Danskers and Lubeckers . 1561. The same Antony Ienkinson made another voiage to Mosco ; and arriv'd while the Emperour was celebrating his marriage with a Circassian Lady ; during which time the City Gates for three daies were kept shut ; and all men whatsoever straitly commanded to keep within their Houses ; except some of his Houshold ; the cause whereof is not known . 1566. He made again the same voiage ; which now men usually made in a month from London to Saint Nicholas with good Windes , being seven hundred and fifty leagues . 1568. Thomas Randolf , Esq went Embassadour to Muscovy , from Queen Elizabeth ; and in his passage by Sea met nothing remarkable save great store of Whales , whom they might see engendring together , and the Sperma-ceti swimming on the Water . At Colmogro he was met by a Gentleman from the Emperour , at whose charge he was conducted to Mosco : but met there by no man ; not so much as the English ; lodg'd in a fair House built for Ambassadours ; but there confin'd upon some suspicion which the Emperour had conceav'd ; sent for at length after seventeen weeks delay , was fain to ride thither on a borrow'd Horse , his men on foot . In a Chamber before the presence were sitting about three hundred Persons , all in rich Robes taken out of the Emperour's Wardrobe for that day ; they sate on three ranks of Benches , rather for shew than that the Persons were of honour ; being Merchants , and other mean Inhabitants . The Ambassadour saluted them , but by them unsaluted pass'd on with his Head cover'd . At the Presence door being receiv'd by two which had been his Guardians , and brought into the midst , he was there will'd to stand still , and speak his message from the Queen ; at whose name the Emperour stood up , and demanded her health : then giving the Ambassadour his Hand to kiss fell to many questions . The Present being deliver'd , which was a great silver Bowle curiously grav'n , the Emperour told him , he din'd not that day openly because of great Affairs ; but , saith he , I will send thee my Dinner , and augment thy Allowance . And so dismissing him , sent a Duke richly apparell'd soon after to his Lodging with fifty Persons each of them carrying Meat in silver Dishes cover'd ; which himself deliver'd into the Ambassadour's own hands tasting first of every Dish , and every sort of Drink ; that done , set him down with his Company , took part , and went not thence unrewarded . The Emperour sent back with this Ambassadour another of his own call'd Andrew Savin . 1571. Ienkinson made a third voiage ; but was staid long at Colmogro by reason of the Plague in those Parts ; at length had audience where the Court then was , near to Pereslave ; to which place the Emperour was return'd from his Swedish War with ill success : and Mosco the same year had been wholly burnt by the Crim ; in it the English House , and diverse English were smother'd in the Sellars , multitudes of People in the City perish'd , all that were young led captive with exceeding spoil . 1583. Iuan Basiliwich having the year before sent his Ambassadour Pheodor Andrewich about matters of Commerce , the Queen made choice of Sir Ierom Bowes , one of her houshold , to go into Russia ; who being attended with more than forty persons , and accompanied with the Russe returning home , arriv'd at St. Nicolas . The Dutch by this time had intruded into the Muscovy-Trade ; which by privilege long before had been granted solely to the English ; and had corrupted to their side Shalkan the Chancellor , with others of the great ones ; who so wrought , that a creature of their own was sent to meet Sir Ierom at Colmogro , and to offer him occasions of dislike : Until at Vologda he was receiv'd by another from the Emperour ; and at Yeraslave by a Duke well accompanied , who presented him with a Coach and ten Geldings . Two miles from Mosco met him four Gentlemen with Two hundred Horse , who after short salutation , told him what they had to say from the Emperour , willing him to alight , which the Ambassadour soon refus'd , unless they also lighted ; whereon they stood long debating ; at length agreed , great dispute follow'd , whose foot should first touch the ground . Their Message deliver'd , and then embracing , they conducted the Ambassador to a house at Mosco , built for him purposely . At his going to Court he and his followers honourably mounted and apparell'd , the Emperour's Guard were set on either side all the way about 6000 shot . At the Court-gate met him four Noblemen in Cloth of Gold , and rich Furr-Caps , embroider'd with Pearl and Stone ; then four others of greater degree , in which passage there stood along the Walls , and sate on Benches seven or eight hundred men in colour'd Sattins and Gold. At the Presence-dore met him the chief Herald , and with him all the great Officers of Court , who brought him where the Emperour sate : there were set by him three Crowns of Muscovy , Cazan and Astracan ; on each side stood two young Noblemen , costly apparell'd in White ; each of them had a broad Axe on his shoulder ; on the Benches round sate above a hundred Noblemen . Having giv'n the Ambassadour his hand to kiss , and enquir'd of the Queens Health , he will'd him to go sit in the place provided for him , nigh ten paces distant ; from thence to send him the Queens Letters and Present . Which the Ambassadour thinking not reasonable , step'd forward ; but the Chancellor meeting him , would have tak'n his Letters ; to whom the Ambassadour said , that the Queen had directed no Letters to him ; and so went on and deliver'd them to the Emperour 's own hands ; and after a short withdrawing into the Council-Chamber , where he had Conference with some of the Council , he was call'd in to dinner : about the midst whereof , the Emperour standing up , drank a deep Carouse to the Queens Health , and sent to the Ambassadour a great Bowl of Rhenish-Wine to pledge him . But at several times being call'd for to treat about Affairs , and not yielding ought beyond his Commission , the Emperour not wont to be gain-say'd , one day especially broke into passion , and with a stern countenance told him , he did not reckon the Queen to be his fellow ; for there are , quoth he , her betters . The Ambassadour not holding it his part , whatever danger might ensue , to hear any derogate from the Majesty of his Prince , with like courage and countenance told him , that the Queen was equal to any in Christendom who thought himself greatest ; and wanted not means to offend her Enemies whomsoever . Yea , quoth he , what saist thou of the French and Spanish Kings ? I hold her , quoth the Ambassadour , equal to either . Then what to the German Emperour ? Her Father , quoth he , had the Emperour in his pay . This answer mislik'd the Duke so far , as that he told him , were he not an Ambassadour , he would throw him out of doors . You may , said the Ambassadour , doe your will , for I am now fast in your Countrey ; but the Queen I doubt not will know how to be reveng'd of any injury offer'd to her Ambassadour . Whereat the Emperour in great sudden bid him get home ; and he with no more reverence than such usage requir'd , saluted the Emperour , and went his way . Notwithstanding this , the Muscovite , soon as his mood left him , spake to them that stood by , many praises of the Ambassadour , wishing he had such a Servant , and presently after sent his chief Secretary to tell him that whatever had pass'd in words , yet for his great respect to the Queen , he would shortly after dispatch him with honour and full contentment , and in the mean while he much enlarg'd his entertainment . He also desir'd that the Points of our Religion might be set down , and caus'd them to be read to his Nobility with much approbation . And as the year before he had sought in marriage the Lady Mary Hastings , which took not effect , the Lady and her Friends excusing it , he now again renu'd the motion to take to wife some one of the Queen's Kinswomen either by sending an Embassage , or going himself with his Treasure into England . Now happy was that Nobleman whom Sir Ierom Bowes in publick favour'd ; unhappy they who had oppos'd him : for the Emperour , had beaten Shalkan the Chancelour very grievously for that cause , and threatn'd not to leave one of his race alive . But the Emperour dying soon after of a Surfeit , Shalkan to whom then almost the whole Government was committed , caus'd the Ambassadour to remain close Prisoner in his House nine weeks . Being sent for at length to have his dispatch , and slightly enough conducted to the Council Chamber , he was told by Shalkan that this Emperour would condescend to no other agreements than were between his Father and the Queen before his coming : and so disarming both him and his Company , brought them to the Emperour with many affronts in their passage , for which there was no help but patience . The Emperour saying but over what the Chancelour had said before , offer'd him a Letter for the Queen : which the Ambassadour , knowing it contain'd nothing to the purpose of his Embassy , refus'd , till he saw his danger grow too great ; nor was he suffer'd to reply , or have his Interpreter . Shalkan sent him word that now the English Emperour was dead ; and hasten'd his departure , but with so many disgraces put upon him , as made him fear some mischief in his journey to the Sea ; having onely one mean Gentleman sent with him to be his Convoy ; he commanded the English Merchants in the Queen's name to accompany him , but such was his danger , that they durst not . So arming himself and his Followers in the best wise he could , against any outrage , he at length recover'd the Shoar of Saint Nicholas . Where he now resolv'd to send them back by his Conduct some of the affronts which he had receiv'd . Ready therefore to take Ship , he causes three or four of his valientest and discreetest men to take the Emperour's Letter , and disgracefull Present , and to deliver it , or leave it at the Lodging of his Convoy , which they safely did ; though follow'd with a great Tumult of such as would have forc'd them to take it back . 1584. At the Coronation of Pheodor the Emperour ▪ Ierom Horsey being then Agent in Russia , and call'd for to court with one Iohn de Wale a Merchant of the Netherlands and a Subject of Spain , some of the Nobles would have preferr'd the Fleming before the English. But to that our Agent would in no case agree , saying he would rather have his Leggs cut off by the Knees , then bring his present in course after a Subject of Spain . The Emperour and Prince Boris perceiving the controversy , gave order to admit Horsey first : who was dismiss'd with large Promises , and seventy Messes with three Carts of several Meath sent after him . 1588. Dr. Giles Fletcher went Ambassadour from the Queen to Pheodor then Emperour ; whose Relations being judicious and exact are best red entirely by themselves . This Emperour upon report of the great learning of Iohn Dee the Mathematician invited him to Mosco with offer of two thousand pound a year , and from Prince Boris one thousand Marks ; to have his Provision from the Emperour's Table , to be honourably receiv'd , and accounted as one of the chief men in the Land. All which d ee accepted not . 1604. Sir Thomas Smith was sent Ambassadour from King Iames to Boris then Emperour ; and staid some daies at a place five miles from Mosco till he was honourably receiv'd into the City ; met on horseback by many thousands of Gentlemen and Nobles on both sides the way ; where the Ambassadour alighting from his Coach and mounted on his Horse , rode with his Trumpets sounding before him ; till a Gentleman of the Emperour 's Stable brought him a Gennet gorgeously trapt with gold , pearl and stone , especially with a great Chain of plated gold about his Neck , and Horses richly adorn'd for his Followrs . Then came three great Noblemen with an Interpreter offring a Speech ; but the Ambassadour deeming it to be ceremony , with a brief Complement found means to put it by . Thus alighting all , they saluted , and gave hands mutually . Those three after a tedious preamble of the Emperour's Title thrice repeated brought a several Complement of three words apiece , as namely , the first , to know how the King did , the next , how the Ambassadour , the third , that there was a fair House provided him . Then on they went on either hand of the Ambassadour , and about six thousand Gallants behind them ; still met within the City by more of greater quality to the very Gate of his lodging : where fifty Gunners were his daily Guard both at home and abroad . The Prestaves or Gentlemen assign'd to have the care of his entertainment , were earnest to have had the Ambassadour's Speech and Message given them in writing , that the Interpreter , as they pretended , might the better translate it ; but he admonish'd them of their foolish demand . On the day of his audience other Gennets were sent him and his Attendants to ride on , and two white Palfreys to draw a rich Chariot , which was parcel of the Present ; the rest whereof was carried by his Followers through a lane of the Emperour's Guard ; many Messengers posting up and down the while , till they came through the great Castle , to the uttermost Court gate . There met by a great Duke they were brought up stairs through a Stone-gallery , where stood on each hand many in fair Coats of Persian Stuff , Velvet and Damask . The Ambassadour by two other Counselours being led into the presence , after his obeysance done , was to stay and hear again the long Title repeated ; then the particular Presents ; and so deliver'd as much of his Embassage as was then requisite . After which the Emperour arising from his Throne demandeth of the King's health ; so did the young Prince . The Ambassadour then deliver'd his Letters into the Emperour's own hand , though the Chancelour offer'd to have taken them . He bore the Majesty of a mighty Emperour ; his Crown and Sceptre of pure gold , a Collar of Pearls about his Neck , his Garment of crimson Velvet embroider'd with precious stone and gold . On his right Side stood a fair Globe of beaten gold on a Pyramis with a Cross upon it ● to which , before he spake , turning a little he crost himself . Not much less in splendour on another Throne sate the Prince . By the Emperour stood two Noblemen in Cloth of silver , high Caps of black Furr , and Chains of gold hanging to their Feet ; on their Shoulders two Poleaxes of gold ; and two of silver by the Prince ; the ground was all cover'd with Arras or Tapistry-Dismist , and brought in again to dinner they saw the Emperour and his Son seated in state , ready to dine ; each with a Skull of Pearl on their bare Heads , their Vestments chang'd . In the midst of this Hall seem'd to stand a Pillar heap'd round to a great height with massy Plate curiously wrought with Beasts , Fishes and Fowl. The Emperour's Table was serv'd with two hundred Noblemen in Coats of gold ; the Princes Table with young Dukes of Casan , Astracan , Siberia , Tartaria and Circassia . The Emperour sent from his Table to the Ambassadour , thirty Dishes of Meat , to each a Loaf of extraordinary fine Bread. Then follow'd a number more of strange and rare Dishes ●il'd up by half dozens , with boyl'd , roast and bak't , most part of them besawc'd with Garlick and Onions . In midst of dinner calling the Ambassadour up to him he drank the King's health , who receiving it from his hand , return'd to his place , and in the same Cup being of fair Chrystal pledg'd it with all his Company . After dinner they were call'd up to drink of excellent and strong Meath from the Emperour's hand ; of which when many did but sip , he urg'd it not ; saying he was best pleas'd with what was most for their health . Yet after that , the same day he sent a great and glorious Duke , one of them that held the golden Poleax , with his Retinue , and sundry sorts of Meath to drink merrily with the Ambassadour , which some of the English did , untill the Duke and his Followers light-headed , but well rewarded with thirty yards of Cloth of gold , and two standing Cups , departed . At second audience the Ambassadour had like reception as before : and being dismiss'd had dinner sent after him with three hundred several Dishes of Fish , it being Lent , of such strangeness , greatness and goodness as scarce would be credible to report . The Ambassadour departing was brought a mile out of the City with like honour as he was first met ; where lighting from the Emperour's Sled , he took him to his Coach , made fast upon a Sled ; the rest to their Sleds an easy and pleasant passage . Names of the Authours from whence these Relations have been taken ; being all either Eye-witnesses , or immediate Relaters from such as were . THE Iournal of Sir Hugh Willowby . Discourse of Richard Chancelor . Another of Clement Adams taken from the mouth of Chancelor . Notes of Richard Johnson . Servant to Chancelor . The Protonotaries Register . Two Letters of Mr. Hen. Lane. The several Voiages of Jenkinson . Southam and Sparks . The Iournal of Randolf the Embass. Another of Sir Jerom Bowes . The Coronation of Pheodor written by Jerom Horsey . Gourdon of Hull 's Voiage to Pechora . The Voiage of William Pursglove , to Pechora . Of Josias Logan . Hessel Gerardus , out of Purchas , part 3. l. 3. Russian Relations in Purch . 797. ibid. 806. ibid. The Embassage of Sir Thomas Smith . Papers of Mr. Hackluit . Jansonius . The End. Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A50886-e320 The North and East , Hack. 251. Hack. vo . 1. 248. Saint Nicholas , Hack. 376. Rose Island ▪ Hack. 365. Archangel . Duina . Pinega . Lampas , 284. Candinos , Colgoieve , Pur. par . 3. 533. Pustozera , ibid. Purc . Purc . 549. 545. 551. Riphaean Mountains . From Saint Nicholas to Mosco . Arkania , 546 , 542. Colmogro , Hack. 376. Vstiug . Hack. 312. Wologda . Yeraslave . Hack. 377. 248. 251. 335. Mosco . 313. South-east . Hack. 325. 334. West . Novogrod . 365. Governm . Hac . 240. Hac . 309. Revenues . Hac . 314. Forces . Hac . 1239. 250. Hac . 314. 250. 250. Hac . 316. Religion . Hac . 253. 242. 321. 320. 318. 320 , 254. Marriages . Hac . 322. 314. Burial . 242 , 254 , 323. Manners . 241 , 314. 323. Habit. 239. Travailing . 314. Beasts . 252. Purch . part . 3. 543 , 540. Molgomsay . 524. 526. 526 , 527. Manners of the Samoeds . 522 , 555. 548. Pur. par . 3. 527. Ienissey . 527. 551. 546. 527. Manners . Ibid. 528. 543. 546. 797. 799. 806. Hac . vol. 1. 221. 573. 988. 1237. 1514. Horsey's Observations . 1571. 1584. Hac . vol. 1. 466. Horsey . 1604. Pur. par . 3. 750. Pur. par . 3. 764. 1606. Purch . part . 3. 769 , &c. 1609. 779. 1612. Purch . part . 3. 790. 1613. Hac . vol. 1. 243. 234. Hac . 235. Hac . 464. Hac . 258. 263. 465. 286. 310 , &c. 317. 311. 373. Hac . vol. 1. 458. 508.