AN EXACT AND CURIOUS SURVEY Of all the East Indies, even to Canton, the chief City of China: All duly performed by land, by Monsieur de Monfart, the like whereof was never hitherto, brought to an end.  
Wherein also are described the huge Dominions of the great Mogor, to whom that honourable Knight, Sir Thomas Roe, was lately sent Ambassador from the KING.  
Newly translated out of the travailers Manuscript.  
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Dawson, for William Arondell, in Paul's Churchyard, at the Angel. 1615.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF PEMBROKE, one of the Lords of his majesties most honourable privy Counsel, and Knight of the most Noble order of the Garter.  
RIGHT HONOURABLE,  
THis every way so mean a Book, and so unmeasurably disproportioned to your HONOURS eminent rank and merit, I durst never have presumed to have cast, no not so high as your feet, for the first public token of my wholly deouted service, and humble duty; but that myself being totally, truly and most deservedly yours, any thing that is in me, or shall ever come from me, little or much, and of what nature soever, must needs acknowledge that dependence. And when I remembered, the Earnest is ever the least part, yea often no part, of the Payment,( neither do I here intent more) I had some hope your true Nobleness would not altogether reject it. Vouchsafe, than my most noble Lord, to suffer it to pass as a mere Earnest, or rather an Entail to your Lordship, of whatsoever I shall at any time hereafter, be able more happily to bring forth, for your service and pleasure. Which( regardless as it is) if it may but escape the imputation of an offence, it is the highest aim of him, that neither desires, nor is worthy longer to live, than he shall give the world notice to his utmost, how much he is,  
Your lordships most humble, and bounden in all duties▪   

A Preface of the Translator.  
YET WAS I NOT SO much the Translator, as the Fashioner of this work. It was my good hap in my last journey into France, to be acquainted with that brave Spirit, the right Author and performer thereof; who, a right French Gentleman withal, howsoever endowed with Courage and other Martial qualities,( yet as though learning were a stain to a Noble blood, with us) the truth is, he cannot very well write; strongly possessed, with that active humour of ours, so much bend to Doing, as can little curb itself to Musing; and with that preiudicat opinion,( the Shipwreck of all our young Nobility) that it is only for a Gentleman to ride, not to read, and rather handle a bad sword, than a good book, but a Pen least of all. Which hath ever been the unlucky cause that our worthiest counsels, and most generous exploits in peace, or war, would lie for ever buried under the dust of forgetfulness, with the same bodies that performed them; If even they who have felt most smart by us, had not set them down to our own knowledge, and of all nations, to diminish their shame by the valour of their Enemies. So then this Gentleman having only taken some notes of his journeys, still as he went, not able to make a right treatise of them, for want of a fit writer in those barbarous Countries, being as he thought, at his travels end, and happily landed in Christendom, he found it in this case far more Barbarous. For there he was taken himself, and in one of the most rich, and famous Sea-citties of the world, kept four years in prison, watching him carefully, with an intent, so to keep him all his lifetime, least by a full discourse he should make other Nations acquainted with these his observations, thereby to give them an entrance into that Earthly Paradise, which they so enviously bar from all notice, and intercourse of the whole world, by the flaming Mouth of so many Cannons, and the Sunburnt Garrisons of their black Angels, the dearer to sell unto us those delightful fruits of life, which we could fetch ourselves at a better rate: In that plight, our traveler was fain to commend all his knowledge to his best memory( a quality wherewith God hath largely requited his not being a great Rhetorician) & principally to his notes, which yet in the midst of all his troubles, and no small losses, he was more careful to keep then his treasure. So as soon as by a very extraordinary and much unlooked-for favour from Heaven, he had made means, in favour of two great marriages intended, to get out; and finally, being arrived at Paris, I was chosen for the framing and setting together this dis-jointed Treatise, enlarging his notes from his own mouth( as sometimes one doth after a Sermon) and was allowed my own Copy for my labour. The like whereof I may safely avouch is but in three hands beside, through all the world; the one in the Closet of our most Noble and hopeful young King,( whom God for ever bless:) the other, with a great Prince; the third, with the Author himself. Now the truth is, that as soon as I had but the first sight thereof, I immediately, according to my former resolution and profession, wholly to apply myself, my studies, my life, and best endeavours to the service and benefit( as far as I can) of this noble Kingdom, my second and substitute Country, after that which nature first binds me unto, purposed with myself to publish it here, as a witness of my true and ancient love. A love indeed not humorous, nor new, but truly bred, evenwith nature in my childhood, & before my knowledge, under the tender care of an English mother, now of late in my riper and best years, upon good trial & just reasons,( or such at least as I do flatter myself to be so) grown by habitude to such a point of bewitching, as even I content myself to forbear my right Country and Kindred, with all my hopes, perhaps not altogether unlikely,( or but mere hopes unbegun) of higher preferment in the multitude of so many friends, great and small, and of both Religions( as I dare say, and withal praise God for it,) I have yonder. Neither is that love of mine hid or unknown to the world. There are books extant in more than one Language to testify it, which I might very well have kept back, if it had been otherwise; since even many of mine own Countrymen have taken some exceptions at it, as though( God forbia) I would in some sort dissolve the bands of nature, far, far, from my meaning and which scarce can be effected at my very dissolution. Yet did not my love so much carry me away, as that I would witness it in superfluous things. Therefore lest I should run amiss, I was careful both to recover and peruse all such Books, and Pamflets, as are to be found in English, concerning Asia-travailes, which in all do not amount to five or six. And finding the most part speaks of nothing else then of Graecia, Arabia, Syria, with some stale tales of jerusalem, so contrary one to another, and so much beaten, and beaten again, as it is both shame and loss that such toys should be uttered,( but that ever some pretty wit must get money by making others lose their time) I thought this Author could not but prove profitable, and welcome: Seeing that with no other end, but only to see & learn, he did undertake his travel; without load, or engagement of merchandise, or of any private end, or company, ranging still up & down, and curiously prying, and piercing as far as he could into every Island, or Continent; yea, never by water, where he might by land, hath discovered in yonder world more Nations, more People, more Kingdoms, more Towns, more Fashions, more Particularities, than ever any man before, or since, to our knowledge. Now for the Style, this man doth not stand upon flowers, nor I myself; who do follow him as near as I can. Neither doth he fill the paper with idle talks of a Tempest, or a Shipwreck; a Robbery here, a Disgrace there; or shamefully recount how many Kicks, how many Knocks, and Bastinadoes he had this way, or that way; a thing more than most common among Turks and Infidels. He swears upon his credit he had none. Neither doth he stand upon any other vain particulars; but directly goeth to the main; saying what he can, and what he knoweth goes to the heart, and life of whom he intends to be revenged, not only for his long imprisonment, but also for somewhat more than he dares write for this present. Whereof nevertheless, he will give an inkling in his fit place, before he end; sufficient enough to inform of the whole, such as are not altogether blind, or deaf. But now it is high time to hear him speak. ⸫   

THE TRAVAILS of Monsieur de Monfart to CHINA by land, the like whereof was never yet performed.  
IN the name of GOD, in the year of our LORD, 1608. I Henry Defeynes, commonly called by the name of the Manor of Monfart, waiting then upon the most Illustrious, & most Reverend Cardinal of joyeuse, upon some private discontent taken against such a person, of whom I could not well, nor yet truly would, revenge myself; knowing nothing doth so much aggravate, and nourrish up grief, as Idleness, yea, idleness in the same place where the grief hath been taken, and in continual sight of the cause and subject thereof; neither seeing at that time any worthy war in Christendom, to apply my body and mind away from my wont thoughts; did fully resolve to undertake some far and hard travel, that by leaving behind old displeasures, and purposely going to seek and find me new, I should strive to banish the one, by means of the other; or at least try what change( the chiefest, I think, comfort in misery) would work in me: For sure it is not to have fellows, otherwise a man might soon be contented.  
First then I went the common and nearer way from Paris directly to Venice, not yet well resolved which way I should bend afterwards; but determining there to take my course. At Venice I must needs indeed take ship. Therefore having resolved upon Babylon, Persia, and the East Indies, I sailed to Alexandretta, otherwise called by the Turks, Scanderone, in Syria. This is a common way, a known town, which serves for a haven to Aleppo, though three days journey off. It is an ill-favoured, unlucky, and unwholesome City, within eight miles of Tharshis, the birth-Cittie of S. Paul. But many, going & returning daily from thence, have both said and written so much of it, as I need little to add. Only thus much, that it is the first place of firm land, where first and foremost, and for the first discommodity, there are no Inns to be found for travelers: so that they must either carry their own victuals, and provision themselves, or put it upon Camels. Secondly, almost all travelers, but truly at least, and chiefly, all Christians, come to lose the right of themselves, and become as poor wretched slaves, subject to all injuries, disgraces, robberies, mis-usings in words and deeds, by thieves, drunkards, or the next base fellow, from which their very janissaries and Guards, cannot always defend them, though they be paid dearly for it, and sometimes indeed do their best for the same: and for some private offence, either punish the malefactors themselves, or cause them sharply to be punished. But against hundreds of thieves, as they flock ordinarily together, to assail passengers, there is none, nor can be any justice, or help at all. So that a Christian, being now become the weaker, though twice stronger, must here begin, whether he will or no, to observe his master's commandment, and turn the left cheek, when he hath been smitten on the right. For indeed the ready way to prevent more blows, is even to take the hand that hath stricken you, very heartily kissing it, & with a cheerful countenance, stroke the knave by the beard, which he will take very kindly.  
From Scanderone therefore, I went to Aleppo; and your chief place in the way, is Antiochia, where Christians were first so called. This Aleppo is one of the fairest and greatest Mart-Citties in all the world. And from thence one cannot travel with a simple guard or Convoy; but with whole caravans,( otherwise called Caffes) that is, whole numbers and multitudes of men, with their Camels, joining and cleaving all in a troup, like an Army; to march together in those hence forward most hard, desolate, and very dangerous ways.  
There having found the usual Ambassador from the Bassa of Babylon, Captain of the Caffe, or caravan, 
20 l. sterling  which goeth twice a year from thence thither, I gave him a 100 Rials of eight, for my diet & safe conduct, 
The Desert.  through the Arabian desert. The caravan consisted at that time of 10000 men or rather more. They travel all by night, as well to avoid the vehement heat of the day, as to be guided by the star; and therefore such guides as are expert in that faculty, name themselves Pilots. They carry all their victuals on Camels, till they come to certain place beyond the Desert, whereof I'll speak anon. This desert is all sandy, and destitute of paths, or highways; neither may there be any, by reason of the continual motion, which the wind causeth in the sand. All that groweth there, as well trees as shrubbs, are Caper-plants, or Tamariskes, on which the Camels do feed. There shall you find no kind of fierce, or Savage beasts, but only Asses, Roes & Gazells,( which is a kind of wild goats) with an innumerable number of stags; yea in such quantity, and so bold, as often times they run through the caravan, not knowing whether men are to be feared or no.  
We were most commonly constrained for mere necessity, to go and bait out of our way, to enjoy the use and commodity of some wells, which to this day are preserved among the ruins of certain towns, that heretofore were builded, in those places; And sometimes without finding any: They make their provison of water in great Borachoes, made of whole goate-skins; and sometimes are much distressed through want of it.  
There is no fowl in all the desert but Pigeons, which nestle in those ruins. The king of this hither part of the desert, is a Mahometan, tributary to the Turk, and so superstitious or timorous, that by reason of certain vows, customs and ancient traditions, he never entereth under any roof, the better to behold his forces about him. He is so strong, that at an hours warning he will bring 100000. horsemen to the field; with out any difficulty, their horses being the goodliest in the world. Their Attire is after the Turkish fashion, Turban only excepted, in steed whereof they have a kind of cap, rolled about with a black Turban. They are of a swart complexion, and all as well men as women go almost naked. It is very true that such as intend to write back to Aleppo, take with them at their departure some sitting Pigeons from their young-ones, which afterwards they let fly back again from what part soever they will, handsomely loaden with their letters: And the like do they in some other cases for speedy warnings through all those parts.  
After thirty days journey, more or less, we came to Nane, where the whole Caravan takes water upon Euphrates; 
Nane, or Anna.  and there we reposed and refreshed ourselves some eight days together, expecting boats for our transportation. It is a good Town, full of bad people; but yet there begins to cease all penury, and discommodity for want of victuals, finding in that Country all kind of meats, and refresh fit for man's life. So we embarked ourselves there; and after twelve days came within four leagues of Babylon: having seen nothing else on either side the river but palm-trees, & Date-trees, which bear most excellent fruit when they be ripe, and return a most comfortable odour on the water. Between Nane and Babylon, 
Mare Piceum, whereof Strabo, Pliny and Curtius, do also speak.  there is a great lake, which is vulgarly named the Pitchy sea. I went expressly to see the head of it; which proceedeth out of a rock in five several clefts, about the bigness of a man's waste; which soon after meeting all in one; run 18. leagues long, till it looseth itself under the ground. This black and thick lickour serves to build withal, instead of lime.  
There the Bassa, sent us all manner of necessary assistance, to bring our men and Merchandise to Babylon, 
Babylon.  paying a certain custom, as one per centum, silver and precious stones, excepted which are tole-free. This City, which now the Turks call Bagdat, is at this present situate upon the River Tigris, and not upon Euphrates, as anciently it was; though it be still the self same stuff and rubbish, which the Babylonians carried four leagues further, to rebuild their CITY, on the bank of TIGRIS; wherein finding yet a further inconvenience, they transported it on the other side; as to this day there are yet extant great tokens, together with some habitations which have still kept in the first place. There is also a great bridge of boats, though somewhat incommodious by reason of the largeness and height of the River. The town is twice as big as Paris, but therein are many great Gardens, Orchards, and arable grounds: & that which seems most admirable, is to see so great an enclosure, compassed with so fair walls. For indeed 4. wagons may go a front upon them, and are built all with brick. The houses within the City are low enough, vaulted under, and tarassed on the top. The Castle is exceeding strong, fair, great, and well stored with munition. There the Bassa makes his dwelling place. I saw him walk abroad on a day, and 'twas reported he had very near 50000 foot to wait upon him, and as many horse, the best arrayed that can ever be, having their harnesses all decked with gold, silver, and precious stones, to the very stirrups: with a great noise of Trumpets, Drums, Cymbals, Clarions and hautbois. I was so curious likewise as to go to the place, where it is said the great tower of Babel was built, 
Tower of Babel.  being about half a days journey distant; where I saw nothing but a high mountain of earth in the midst of a plain wherein digging you may find certain bricks, whereof it is laid the tower was built.  
From Babylon I went to Ezpan, 
Ezpan, or Ispahan in Persia.  now the chief and most gallant City of Persia( I durst almost say of all the world) where the Sophy is most resident. The way is troublesome and discomodious enough, being of fifteen long days travail, through waste deserts, void of all towns and houses, or any other succour, partly by nature, partly so wasted of purpose to impeach th'approaches of the Turk. Only from one days journey to another, the Sophy hath caused to be erected certain kind of great harbours, or huge lodgings( like hamlets) called Caravan-sara, or Surroyes, for the benefit of Caravans; out of which lodgings, travailers dare not issue without a convoy, which the governors of the said places give from one to another; and the Captain of the convoy must bring back a good certificate from the Captain of the Caravan, how he hath faithfully brought them to the next lodging, and that they were well pleased with his convoy. Otherwise upon the least complaint the king should hear, he would cause the governors head to be cut off, 
Severe justice.  & his house set a fire, under whom the spoil were committed; restoring to the full out of his own treasure, what goods soever of the Merchants, which were past recovery. Yet is it true, thereof have been seen few examples by reason of very few misdemeanures in that nature; but whensoever any hath happened, that justice hath been severely executed. Now these lodgings are exceeding comely with fair shops belonging thereto; and are able to entertain all Caravans, never so great, the like being so set throughout all Persia.  
Hispaan is half as big again as Paris; very strong, very populous, & wonderful frequented, aswell because of traffic, as for the King's presence and all the Courts of justice, chequer, and Religion. It is unpossible to relate the pleasures, recreations and delights which are there; either for stately Buildings, great fair Gardens; store and goodness of fruits, continual riding, and all other kinds of noble exercises, with an incredible Pomp, triumph and magnificence, where once they undertake it. There is also great peace and plenty through all Persia, both of common things, which others have in some sort aswell as they; as of sundry other singularities which none have but they indeed, or at least with such abundance and excellency. Among other, the finest, fairest, and best bezear-stones which they find cleaving to the liver of certain goats. There also is found the great mine of Turquesses; and the greatest quantity of silk that can be imagined, which the men themselves do spin. For their bodies, they are reasonable handsome, for their minds, reasonable tractable and civil.  
Being in the said City I saw 70000. gallant arquebusiers go out to meet the king, at his return from a victorious journey against the Turks, upon whom he had conquered four Provinces; and because they were not come far enough to his mind, 
Pleasant severity.  he did condemn them to pay three Zequins a piece, with threats that if they offended again in the like he would cut off their heads: And did compel them to remain in guard in a large spacious place before his Palace; where every evening he caused them to play and exercise themselves as though they had been in war: causing withal store of artillery to be shot in among them, and if any one through fear seemed to neglect his duty, he caused his Turban to be taken off, & the man knocked down to death with staves, 
Then cruel.  himself giving the first stroke. At this his entry they made him a great triumph, with a long magnificence. Among the rest they erected in the said place before his Palace, four fortresses: 
A true asiatall Magnificence.  all full of fireworks, with Lions, Dragons, Leopards, Crocodiles and other beasts; whose motion was artificially made to run upon lines, from one fort to another, fight as they had been alive. They made likewise four forests to be burnt, consisting of all sorts of fruit full trees; whereon the fruits were so naturally represented, that nothing could be more perfect.  
The said place is all vaulted about with Porches, like to the Place Royal in Paris; 
Like the royal Exchange in London but exceeding far greater  having fair shops of every side, as well within as without. There the king commanded each one, according to his several trade, to deck their shops in the richest manner they could; which they also did: and having shut up all the passages for the sun, there was no other light but with lamps and torches, placed in the best order that can ever be devised, which burning continually did return a brightness clearer than the day itself, and I might well have said there was all the riches in the world, for so they had diligently sought after, and either bought, or borrowed it of purpose from all parts, to appear every one more gallant and well-minded to their Prince, than his neighbour. Surely all that ever I have seen since, through all my travails, I think I saw it first there. About four a clock in the evening, the King used to come within that place & remained there till morning, playing, walking, & passing the time: which triumphs, continued so for the space of two months together. There I saw the greatest quantity of rich stuffs and tapestries that ever I saw before or since; silver, and coined money of all countries; yea with a good quantity out of France & Spain. Within that place there is a 1000 pieces of ordinance as well great as small, which they say they had gotten from the Turk; And among the rest I perceived four French pieces, of which having told the king, he made me answer, that he had taken them from the great Vizier, when he defeated him before Tawris, in his father's time.  
He is in a manner of the same religion the Turk is of, except some, I know not what differences, which I understand not: being heretics, one to another. When the King dies, he that succeedeth puts out the eyes of all his Brethren, and keepeth them close prisoners in a great Castle, but yet with as much ease as he can; a kind of courtesy which hath been but since this king's time that now is, for in times past they slew them as they do in Turkey.  
From Ispaan I went to Casbin, 
Casbin.  12. days journey distant, a very Populous and rich City, & of great Traffic, about the bigness of Orleans: which though it be great and strong enough, yet the chiefest strength thereof lieth in the great number of horsemen that are continually about it. But there are no further commodities then at Ispaan. From thence I travailed 15. days journey through very fair and well manured countries, 
Tauris.  till I came to Tauris. A City very populous too, and of great traffic, somewhat perhaps bigger than Toulouse And was heretofore far greater, yea of a huge bigness, as yet is to be seen by the ruins; but since having been sacked, and sacked again by the Turk, hath lost almost all former beauty, having heretofore, both for the fairness and plentifulness of the soil, and stateliness of the place, been the seat of the Persian Kings.  
Thence I prosecuted my travail to Syras, being 16. days journey distant. 
Syras.  It is still a brave place for trade, but chiefly for armour; the healthfullest Seat and the fairest in all Persia: where the Verdican or lieutenant general of the Sophy, resideth with all his janissaries, to the number of 50000. horsemen; the best horses in the world next to those of the desert: for they dare not have any other, but such as the king giveth them, neither can they sell them: and when they die he giveth them others, as also to all the rest of his horsemen.  
The City is somewhat greater than Avignon, where there are the fairest remnants of greatness, & of stately buildings, the finest Gardens▪ Brooks and Fountains that can be seen. There are kinds of causeys in those parts made for pleasure 12. leagues in length, bordered on each side with fair trees, in form of a vaulted palisado, so thick, that the sun beams cannot pierce through. Of each side of them there are fair springs of clear running water, and between every 15. foot of ground, are great vessels full of clear water, made in form of a fountain, which throws out water the bigness of a man's body.  
From Syras I went 8. days journey to the chief City of the great Realm of Lar, 
Lar.  which gives his name to the whole kingdom, and from whence comes the best Bezar-stones. There is the galantest, the strongest, and best stored Castle under the Persian king, being impossible to be battered or mined; underneath is the City wholly commanded by this Castle.  
There the king causeth such an order to be observed through his whole kingdom, that before his Subjects sell any thing, those commodities, that are his own shall first be put to sale, than they must sell theirs at the same rate. He is very affable to strangers.  
From Lar I went to Bandier, 
Bandier.  a small fort which the Portugals hold in Persia, to supply Ormus with water and victual, which hath but very little or none at all.  
Thence I passed to Ormus, an Island and kingdom which the Portugals do hold, though the Moorish king hath not abandoned his possession, but live in some reasonable peace one with another. It is of a great force and consequence to them, drawing from thence very great commodities, for it lieth just in the passage to Mecha, and of necessity every ship that passeth that way, must make a stay there to pay the customs. Among the rest I can affirm to have seen one, that willingly taxed herself at 100000. Francs for her customs. 
10000 l. sterling.  There is but Brimstone and salt in this Island, with out fresh water or any other commodity, and they must carry from Persia, all what they stand in need of: the Island is but 3. leagues compass, but there depends on it divers other countries: the gulf is but 4. leagues over, which is all the distance from Persia to Ormus.  
There I embarked myself for Macati, 
Macati in Arabia petrea.  which is a fortress in Arabia Petrea, on the same side of Ormus, and some 8. days journey distant, belonging to the Portugals. This place is between Ormus, and Sourat: there are exceeding good horses, swifter than those of Persia: but lesser and yet more headstrong. There is also a great quantity of Dates, which is their best merchandise, for man and horse do eat of them. They are Mahometans, of a dusky hue, and as well men as women, wear long gowns with long high hats, without brim, and nothing but the crown.  
There I embarked again for Sindio, 
Sindio.  which is another Island and kingdom, about 80. or a 100, leagues compass, and there I saw nothing but store of fair feathers, and plumes of two kinds of Herons, whereof they make great traffic, because they are found no where else. Likewise they have all sorts of skins, which are wrought very curiously with needlework serving to sleep on in the cool. There is also great quantity of Rice, which is all their merchandise, and is a great traffic throughout all the Indies. They are Gentiles, and adore that creature, on which they first place their devotion. They wash themselves every morning before the Sun rising, and in the evening after Sun setting, they wash their hair also, which they wear very long, and comb them very carefully, like women. They burn their dead men: and their best beloved wives being tricked up in their best and sumptuosest apparel, are conducted by their nearest kinsfolks, and go nine turns about the fire, and at the ninth round throw themselves very cheerfully in the midst of it. They are a very loyal and chaste people, and who would not be a liar for a world.  
Thence I returned the same way I came, 
Returned to Bandier, to get again into the Continent, & thence to Cambaya, a great Kingdom, the the beginning that way of the huge Territories of the great Mogor.  to Bandier, and prosecuting my travail by land, I entered the confines of the great Mogor, and made it two months, and a half till I came to Cambaya, the Metropolitan City of that Kingdom, and whereof it beareth the name. There are found all kind of Merchandises, and jewels, to wit, Diamonds, sapphires, Pearls, Rubies, Cats-eys, & great quantity of Crystal, Cotton linen, and silk stuffs. This City is very near as big as Hispaan. The great Mogor oftentimes makes there his residence: he is a Gentile, and adoreth a Bull and a Cow, which they Mary together, and keep them in a kind of Temple, of an inestimable value: their Cratch is all covered with Diamonds, Emeralds, and other more precious jewels, the Arches and walls, are all full of them: and no sooner they can recover any rare things, but they carry them thither to the offering. Then the offspring which is produced from this noble Marriage, succeed also to be their God. They have an hospital for all sorts of sick beasts, whereon they bestow great costs, and they observe the before mentioned custom in burning their dead bodies. This is a wonderful mighty Prince, able to bring, at any time 400000. gallant soldiers, and above to the field. In my conscience, I think, he is very near as mighty, as rich, and Lord of as much ground, better peopled( at least, I am sure) then the Turk himself; with as many great Kingdoms, with their Viceroys, as many brave Towns, as Bramport by name, Agra, Lahor, and others, not inferior in any thing to any the Turk hath: They altogether make use of Elephants, as well to carry burdens, as to launch forth ships: to guard their Fortresses, or any other Military actions, making them to carry a pretty big Tower on their backs, with 24. or 25. bowmen, & 4. harquebus a crock, by which means they mightily molest the Portugals, who have not yet found any invention to defend themselves from them, except with fired lances, which they throw in their eyes; but whatsoever comes within their reach, they break into pieces with their trunks. For to take them( as it was related to me in the Country) they make use of a female, when she goeth proud, in her heat, which they let go up and down in a great wood, well enclosed, and environed with great stakes and trees, leaving but only one passage open with a strong Portcullis, on the top whereof stands a man as a Sentinel, keeping himself unseen, letting down the Portcullis, as soon as the Elephants be entered, then very solemnly, some certain men which have thereof a particular skill, go to them, and capitulate with them, as with prisoners of war, what exercise they will be put unto, either to serve in the wars, or some other employments, whereupon, according as they like the conditions, they make signs with their head to the Interpreter, than they suffer them to come forth, & they fail not to follow him unto whom they have yielded themselves. Then men must be sure to keep promise with them, or else finding themselves abused, they would wilfully pine themselves to death. But some there are, who either through shame or courage, will not yield themselves, and had rather suffer themselves to be slain on the place. The Interpreter must give them to understand whether they go, and how they shall be entreated; but if they come and find the contrary, they starve themselves to death, & if their Lord doth sell them to a meaner man than himself, they will not go to him. I have seen one myself, at Cochin, esteemed the valiantest of that Country, finding himself unable, to bring to pass an enterprise imposed upon him, which was to launch a very great ship, made all the signs he could to avoid it, whereupon the Trucheman told him, that they should be constrained to go and find out another that should do it, which would prove a vile affront unto him, having already purchased, so great a reputation, as he had, whereupon he went to work, upon mere desperate vain glory, and drew the ship into the sea, than bursted; which I have also heard to be usual, and have happened to many others in some such cases. It is a creature that never lieth down, the female only excepted, in her copulation with the male, which is very much alike to the man & woman, then with his trunk he gently raiseth her up again.  
Now for the people, they are of a swarthy kind, like to those of Sindio, and wear a white turban very little, with Cotton garments. They bequeath their goods, to their sister's Children, before their Brothers, being well assured, that without doubt, they are sprung of their blood. It is very profitable trading with this people, for if but a child went thither with his wares, he should gain as much as the subtlest Merchant in the world. For as soon as you are arrived into the City, the King's officers come and disburden you of what you desire to expose to sale, which they lock up by account, within the public Storehouse; you need but tell them the price, and make choice of one of their Brokers, who goeth to exhibit them to their Merchants, and so make more of your wares by th' one half, than you should have done yourself; in the end he comes and gives you a faithful account of all. Likewise for such Merchandise as you desire to have among them, in giving them a note thereof, they will by & by bring you all kind of Patterns, and they themselves will fraught your ship, you needing not to trouble yourself any further, & most commonly will furnish you with better wares than they had before shown you: yea, after having given you up their accounts, as well of the sale, as of the goods bought, and restored you the overplus, if there be any, sometimes they will present you with some good gift, for having done them the credit, in making choice of them above all their fellows.  
The fruits of this Country are excellent, and far differing from ours: among the rest there is one not much unlike a Melon, which groweth on the ground between two leaves, with a very yellow rind, being ripe, and this is called Ananas, very hot of quality, but of taste, above all things so sweet, that after having eaten of it, water will seem to you as bitter as gall. There is another very licquorish fruit, called Amangues, growing on trees, & is as big as a great quince, with a very great stone in it. Moreover there is another that groweth on trees, resembling a great citrul, with a kind of horny rind, after the form of a pointed Diamond; They are green in colour, and called jugues, containing a liquor like honey, which liquor is found likewise in another fruit named Chatagu, very good to eat, but dangerous to those that are not accustomed unto it, by reason of the heat of it. Furthermore, there is another, named jambes, which also groweth on trees, and is of the bigness of an apple, very good and wholesome, containing five stones in it, the outside half red, and half yellow. They have yet another fruit, of colour green, cool, and wholesome,( which groweth on a tree called Carambole) square, and of a finger's length▪ they make great use of it in Physic. There is withal great quantity of Anis-seed, white Ginger, whereof they make great Traffic, which also they preserve and confect.  
Thence I continued my journey 12. days together, 
Sourat.  all along the coast, till I came within four leagues of Sourate, which is a most fair Island, and a very populous Kingdom,( much frequented by Merchants) subject to the great Mogor. There I embarked myself to pass that little gulf. The City is about the bigness of Rouen, the Castle impregnable, because inaccessible: for of one side it is environed with the Sea, and the other side is built on so strong and sleep a Rock, that it is as much as a man can do with great difficulty to get up, and withal, the best guarded and furnished with Ordinance, and all kind of Munition, as ever I saw, & indeed they have good reason, for on that place depends the safety of the whole Island.  
Thence I held my course for Diu, 
Diu.  some fourteen days journey distant, which is a most important strong hold, which the Portugals possess there, by them conquered from the great Mogor, very near as big as Pontoise. They are Gentiles, and differ little or nothing from the others, in humours, Religion, Traffic, soil, or fruits.  
Thence I travailed to the Kingdom of Calicut, 
Calicut.  the King whereof is a Mahometan; and made it 17. days journey complete, along the coast, no extraordinary thing presenting itself to my view, beside the forementioned Commodities: the men being of a wartie hue.  
Departing from the afore said Kingdom, 
Malebar.  I entered into that of Malebar, where they are exceeding black, but yet not curled, flat nosed, or great lipped, as the Negroes be; nevertheless, with as good faces, as any in all Europe. They are Mahometans, and valiant, although they are somewhat of a savage inclination, and would never come to composition with the Portugals, but delight themselves to be at variance with all their neighbours. They lie in the field, and have very few houses of any importance. Mean while that I was there, they took 160. Caravels from the Portugals. And when they take any prisoner, who by chance hath his garments cut, or iaged, they say he did tear them of purpose; knowing they should once be theirs, and knock him in the head with staves. This Kingdom contains in length some 14 days journey.  
Departing thence, 
Cananor.  I entered the Kingdom of Cananor, where I travailed four days, without the sight of any rarity of importance, more than is abovesaid. It is a little Mahometan Kingdom, they are swarthy, and great Traffickers.  
Thence I entered the Country of Mangalor, 
Mangalor.  which is also a little Mahometan Kingdom; the inhabitants of a swarthy colour, where I travailed 8. days along the coast, without any thing worth writing, besides that which is in their neighbour Countries, only that they have no formal Towns, or scarce any good houses.  
Thence I entered the Island and Realm of Sumatra, 
Sumatra.  resembling altogether the former in all things, as well for Religion, and commodities, as for the stature & hue of men. Only they have more than the rest, the great pepper in abundance, whereof they do furnish the Portugals. But they are wise enough, to keep the best from them, which they call Ganry, of a grey colour, bigger & smother, then that which they send us, which is but that which falleth from the tree, before it be ripe, which makes them become so withered and bare, keeping the better sort for their own use, whereof they preserve a great part, delighting much to eat hot things, although their Country be very hot. This pepper groweth on a tree, about the bigness of a man's arm▪ there groweth also a great quantity of good Ginger.  
Thence I entered the Kingdom of Bombas, 
Bombas.  in all things like the other, Pepper only excepted, being found in no part of the East Indies, but in Sumatra, and I travailed 12. days journey along the coast, without seeing one good Town.  
Departing thence, I returned within the Countries of the great Mogul, and arrived at Chaoul, 
Chaoul.  a small Town, about the bigness of S. Clou. There are made the fairest Cabinets in the world, being not to be matched by any, or Germany, or of China. They are Gentiles, as in Cambaya, and great Traffickers.  
Thence I want to Damans, 
Damans.  which is a place fortified by the Portugals, about the bigness of Chaoul, being 11. days journey, one from another, and are likewise Gentiles.  
Thence to the Kingdom of the Canarrins▪ 
Canarra.  which is but a little one, & 5. days journey from Damans. They are tall of stature, idle, for the most part, & therefore the greater thieves. They hold some points of Christianity. They wear a cap, a long cloak, in form of a gown. They lie in the field, under vile Cabins of Turf.  
Thence I entered the Kingdom of Brameny, 
Brameny.  which containeth but 2. days journey in length, and in a manner, of the same qualities, and habit, with the Canarrins. Only they have a kind of linen cloth, which they make ambergris of.  
Thence to the Kingdom of Coulam, 
Coulam. ( who are Gentiles, and of a swarthy hue) which having traversed from one end to the other, in a 11. days journey, I beheld no place of importance. There is nothing there, but all open.  
Thence I took my way to Conchin, 
Conchin.  possessed by the Portugals: though the King keeps( nevertheless) still there his title and Court. The City is about the bigness of Mante, and is as well frequented with Merchants, as any other place in all the Indies, being the thoroughfare to China. And there is a Citadel of exceeding great strength.  
Thence I went to the Mountain of S. Thomas, 
S. Thomas.  where they are all Christians, and have always so borne themselves( notwithstanding their king is a Gentile) their number being so great, that very hardly may they be rooted out; besides that, the passages to it are most difficult. They go for the most part almost naked, as commonly they do in all those Countries. And there is a certain place where there is a Miraculous cross, whether they go to procession, in the holy week. And then during their service time, while they repeat the passion, this cross begins to change colour, and to sweat I know not what kind of black liquor like ink, but the passion being ended, it returns to its former nature. They hold it to be a grace which Saint Thomas obtained from God, for their perseverance in the faith. The City is about the bigness of Poissy there are found certain stuffs by them much esteemed, although they be made but of herbs, wherewith they cloth themselves, and make a great trade thereof.  
Thence I returned to Conchin, 
To Conchin again and thence to Bengalla.  & from Conchin to the kingdom of Bengala, wherein the Portugals also hold the capital city, & best fortress, of which the whole kingdom takes their name, which notwithstanding, is very small & of little strength. It is a country full of all sorts of commodities. Among the rest, they have pretty coverlets, of yellow linen-cloth, all pinkte and wrought with needle work▪ whereof some are to be seen in these parts, This City lies all open, being of the bigness of Saint Denis, and is some 5. weeks journey from Conchin.  
Thence to the kingdom and Island of Seilan, 
Seilan.  which the portugals hold, being a place of importance. In that country are whole forests of Cinnamon, all other countries being destitute of it. There be also whole mountains of Crystal, and out of their rivers they draw Pearls; Rubies, sapphires, and Cats-eyes, which are of great value, and whereof they make a great trade in China. It is a good country and exceeding plentiful in corn, rice, fruits, and all other things which are frequent throughout the Indies. And is held to be 300 leagues compass, being all Gentiles. True it is, that the beasts which they adore, vary from the others, for they will worship the first creature they meet withal. They eat nothing that hath blood, and of their very bread they will make no more than will be eaten at a meal, for if it be kept but 2. hours, they are forbidden by their religion to eat it. Moreover there is a River of salt water which issueth out of the sea, and runneth near the fort, where there is a certain fish, or rather a kind of sea dragon, a monster, or I know not what, comes often howling even under the windows, & will not depart before they have given him his prey, because( as they say) the Governor hath used him to it, causing all such as he beareth grudge unto, or he any way distrusteth, to be thrown to him, so that none but he and his men can tell, what is become of them.  
Thence I bent my course,( for the kingdom of jor) as much as I could by land, for this climate is all full of waters, 
jor.  and islands and is very temperate, being about a months travail between Seilan and, jor, which is a very pretty little town, about the bigness of Avignon. They are Gentiles, and of a yellowish hue, they worship I know not what shape with three heads, they observe the like abstinence as is above mentioned, and have very near the self same commodities.  
Thence I passed to Malaca, 
Malaca.  an exceeding strong fortress, belonging to the Portugals, 10. days travail beyond jor. There you have an air most unwholesome, and those whose constitution is able to bear it and live, at least their complexion is all changed to a yellow; There groweth a certain fruit, prickled like a chestnut, and as big as one's fist, the best in the world to eat, these are somewhat costly, all other fruits being at an easy rate. It must be broken with force, and therein is contained a white liquor like unto cream, nevertheless it yields a very unsavoury sent, like to a rotten onion, and it is called Esturion. There groweth likewise, and no where else, Nutmegs and Cloves upon their trees, or stalks; as also the Bezar-stone; which is found joined to the breast of Monkeys, but not so good as those of the Persian Goats. Likewise there be Diamonds, but far inferior to those, whereof I am to speak anon: yet are there Porcupine-stones of the colour of white soap, which are had in great estimation, having seen one about the bigness of a Nutmeg, 
90. l. sterling  sold for 300. crowns which indeed was a fair one, they make use of it, almost against all diseases, leaving it an hour to steep in water, which afterwards they drink of, though it be as bitter as Gall.  
This kingdom is of the Molucos, and the Hollanders possess there a strong fortress, called Sonde, whence they bring us the birds of Paradise, for they are found no where else, the country folks take them up dead, and sell them for 8. rials a piece; All a long this coast, is found great quantity of grey Amber, and black, Musk and Civet, But the men of those countries are very liquorish of the Amber, and eat the most part of it, as fast as they find it. They are well furnished with all manner of commodities, wine only excepted: But they have in steed of it, a certain drink called Caahiete as black as ink, which they make with the bark of a tree, and drink it as hot as they can endure it. Their houses are low, vaulted, and tarrased on the top, the better to sleep in the cool air.  
From Malaca I went to Macao,( near a month's travail: 
Macao.  which is a City situate on the sea coast, at the foot of a great Mountain, where in times past the portugals had a great fort, and to this day, there be yet many that dwell there. This is the entrance into China, but the place is of no great importance; they are Gentiles, and there the inhabitants begin to be fair complextioned.  
Thence I Travailled 2 months to the Cochinchines, finding nothing by the way worthy of note; no not so much as necessaries, so that we were fain to carry our victuals with us, the greatest part of the way. They are Subjects to the King of China, but sometimes they rebel and make war against him; And there is great number of Christians among them. Their King's treasure consisteth in a certain kind of wood called Calamba: for which the portugals pay 100 crowns a pound, to make paternosters with. It is of a mixed colour, with black and yellow veins; the better sort of it is moist, so that being cut it expelleth a kind of fat oily liquor, It groweth out of a certain tree, which they fell and let it lie a while a putrefying: then they bruise it, and within the same, they find this kind of wood, like many hard knots. They are a very white people, because there it begins to be cold, low of stature, flat nosed, and little eyed, with a very few hairs on their chins, and moustaches: none at all on their cheeks, the hair of the head they wear long like women, tied up with a black silk hairlace, & wear a flat cap upon them. They wear cloth Breeches made very level, & a short rob above them, like a master of the chamber of accounts. There are found a kind of Serpents that will swallow up a whole Stag; Two Friars assured me that travailling in that country, together with 16 other men, through a fenni-marsh, about the dawning of the day, they met to their seeming, a great tree lying along the ground, the boughs begging lopped off, upon which they all began to sit down & rest themselves: but no sooner were they sat, but that which they took for a tree, fiercely roused itself from under them, and left them all to pick straws on the ground, for indeed this was one of those Serpents.  
Their custom is( as they say) to put themselves in ambush among the boughs of a tree, and when they espy their prey to draw near, be it man or beast, they fall upon him with open mouth and devour it. There are also store of Lions, Leopards, and Tigers: and there the fruits begin to resemble those of these parts: but the fruit, which above all others aboundeth there, is the Mirabolan.  
Thence I set forwards to Canton, the principal City of all China, 
Canton in China. ( some 3. months travail distant) beyond which there is no passage, say any body what he will to the contrary; for never any man proceeded further, except( as they say) 6 jesuits, who dwelled 20 years at Canton, as well to learn the language perfectly, as to let their hair to grow long, after the country manner, of whom there was never since heard any news, nor is their hope ever to see their return. That people is very white, and appareled as is above said; they are likewise Gentiles, and worship the same Image with three heads. Their women of of the better sort; and quality, which are able to live of their own without working, never go out of their houses but as they are carried in a chair. And to that effect, from their infancy, they put their feet into certain wooden slippers, to make them stump-footed and impotent, in so much as they are not able to go: the reason they allege for it, is that women were made to no other end, then to keep at home.  
The Christians are not permitted to lie within the City, but as soon as night approaches they must retire themselves to their ships, being lawful for them to traffic wheresoever they please by day light. And for their traffic, what rarities soever there be throughout all China, are to be had in this city, which are diligently brought thither, to wit great store of cloth of gold and silk, cabinets, wrought vessels, Venus' shells, Massive gold, and many other things. They will exchange or barter gold for twice as much weight in silver; for they have no coined money, for when they would buy any thing, they carry with them a piece of gold, and will cut of as much as they intent to bestow on what they take. They make carved Images of silver, which they erect here and there through the streets, and no body dares touch them. The City is governed by 4 rulers, and each one hath his government, or circuit a part, secluded from each other: those of one quarter dare not go and labour in another, and those which cause themselves to be carried, from one part to another, must change their bearers when they come to the gate of the next circuit: those gates are opened every morning, and shut every night, unless there be any complaint made of some misdemeanour, committed within the circuit: for than they shut them suddenly, or if they be shut, they open them not, till the offendor be found. The King bestows these commands on those, who are best learned. This is a most fair City, and well built, very near as big as Paris, but there the houses are arched, and nothing near so high. Their Venus-shells consist of certain kind of earth or clay which hath remained a 100 years in one place, and removed every eight days. There is so much sugar, in that Country, that it is by them very little set by, yet is silk in far more great abundance, but withal more course than ours, by reason of their store, being so great as they are constrained to make it abroad in the fields, on the very trees, in this wise; when the worms are hatched,( whereof the eggs are far greater than ours) They observe what quantity of worms each tree will be able to feed, than they lay so many on it, leaving them there without any more ado, except it be to gather the quods, when they are ready to be spun, which is done as they gather Apricocks: for indeed a far off they appear to be so, and is a very fine sight to behold: they use a strange kind of fishing with Cormorants, and surely from thence must needs have derived at first the like invention, which( as I hear) was of late brought into England, and thence hither. They tie their necks a little above their stommacks, lest they should devour the fish they take: then coming to their master, he pulleth it a live, out of their throats: likewise for water foul, they make use of great bottles with two holes, which they leave floating up and down the water a good while, to acquaint the fowls therewith: then some fellows will wade up to the neck in the water, thrusting their heads into those bottles, and having a bag underneath, come as near the foul as they will, taking them with their hands, without the rest being afraid of it.  
From Canton I returned to Macao, 
Again to Macao.  and took, my way through the kingdom of Pegu, 
Pegu.  which is much transformed from what it was heretofore by reason of a certain king, who forbade his people the exercise of husbandry and Tillage, or any other thing necessary for the use of man; And having gathered together all the victuals of the country, caused it strongly to be immured, where he kept his residence, suffering the most part of his subjects to perish, through famine or sickness, so that at this instant the whole country, remains waste and desolate. Where in times past, there was wont to be found many rare commodities: namely, most fair rubies, and is now all together frequented with savage beasts; yea in so great quantity that they have almost driven out the inhabitants. Yet for such as remain there to this day, they be Gentiles and of a swhartie hue.  
Thence I made it 18. days journeys, to the Realm of Camboge, 
Camboge.  which is very spacious, but void of any rarities of note, only that the King is able to bring 400000. men to the field, and makes war upon the King of Sian.  
Thence I came to Sian, 
Sian.  the King whereof is able to bring 600000. men to the field. These two Kings have neither Horses, nor any fiery Instruments: but make use only of bows, and a certain kind of pike, made of a knotty wood like Canes, called Baubuc, which is exceeding strong, though pliant and supple for use.  
Both these Kings are Gentiles, but yet differ enough in manners; for the King of Sian worshippeth a white Elephant; And that of Camboge doth as the most of the abovementioned. I saw nothing remarkable in both these kingdoms,( having but coasted them) but only much Benzoin in Sian; which is an aromatical gum, distilling out of a certain tree, when they have first cut an incision into it, whereof they make a great trade: as being the only place where it is found. I spent three months in traversing these two Kingdoms.  
Thence I embarked myself in one of the Portugal ships, which usually traffic thither for Benzoin, and arrived at Conchin, a most fertile Kingdom, as likewise all the others be in those Climes, Pegu only accidentally excepted.  
From Conchin I travailed by land 2. months and a half, to Bisnagat, 
Bisnagat.  otherwise called Ballagat, by the Portugals: which is a most fair City, and the Metropolitan of the kingdom, unto which it gives his name. It stands within two leagues of the rock of Diamonds, belonging to the King, who makes his ordinary abode in the said City, and retaineth 15000. men, continually labouring in the said mine, with strait commandment, that all the great ones be laid up in his Treasury, suffering none to be sold, but little ones, such as we see in these parts. So that there is not any great ones sold, or transported, unless it be by stealth, or some device; As I have seen one with the great Mogor, as big as a Hen's egg, and of that very form, which he caused expressly to be pierced like a pearl, to wear it on his arm; which stone had been so purloined from this King, and cost the other 500000. Parrots, which is little less than a million. It weigheth 198. Mangelins, and each Mangelin weigheth five grains. I myself found means by money, privily to have another great one, conveyed into my hands, whereof I will speak more by and by.  
This King is a Gentile, and of a hard, Swarthy complexion. He worshippeth the tooth of a Monkey, and some in his Kingdom, worship a certain kind of Serpent.  
Thence I travailed 11. days, till I came to the Realm of Decan, Dialcan, 
Dialcan.  or Idalcan; their King dwelleth within a days journey of Goa, which is a strong City, the Portugals hold: and the viz-roy of the Portugall-Indies keeps there his residence, against whom this King( who is a Mahometan, and very mighty) makes war now and then.  
Thence I came to Goa 
Goa.  itself, an Island but five leagues in compass, nevertheless the greatest Mart town in all the Indies: for there all the abovementioned Kingdoms, and the Portugals, mutually come to discharge and recharge themselves. It is a very fair City, about the bigness of Poitiers. At the mouth of the Port, on each side is erected a great Fortress, very strongly manned by the Portugals. In this Island is the hard Wax made( which we call Spanish Wax) and is made in manner following. They enclose a large plot of ground, with a little trench filled with water, than they stick up a great number of small staves, upon the said plot, that being done; they bring thither a sort of pis-mires, far bigger than ours, which being debarred by the water to issue out, are constrained to retire themselves upon the said staves, where they are killed with the heat of the Sun, and thereof it is that the Lacka is made. This is a Climate where it rains, without intermission, the three months of Winter, and so outrageously, that it is unpossible to keep the sea upon that coast, without Shipwreck. After the rain is fallen, comes there a land wind, which drieth up the air, and two hours after, is very safe sailing.  
Thence I embarked myself,( with the permission, and Passport of the Viz-roy) for Lisbon, but we had such a terrible tempest, that we were eight whole days, in the bottoms and Isles of Las Chagues, despairing ever to come out again: in the end, God miraculously delivered us, and brought us to Mozambique, 
Mozambique. Solfale.  which is a Fort belonging to the Portugals. Then to Solfale, where they are Mahometans, and all black; And thence only cometh the Ebony. Then we arrived at Lisbon, 
Lisbon.  where I was imprisoned, and continued so four years long, without ever telling me the cause why. Finally, after much ado, I was set at liberty, through the great means my LORD the Duke of Mayenne made for me, when he came into Spain about the marriages; And as it seemeth in favour and hope of them; or else I fully believe I had never been released. For as I heard there, by the means of some prisoners, the Viz-roy of Goa had given strait warning, that I was an undertaking man, who had exactly viewed all those Countries, and could do much hurt unto the King their Master, by the acquaintances, and intelligences I had of them, if ever I could come among the French, English, or Hollanders. There was I in my chamber of the prison, by an unlucky adventure miserably robbed, of a little hollow pipe of white latten, long and slender, which I had ever kept so close, that no body in the world knew of it, and therein were 35. rough Diamonds, which was all that I ever had gotten, in my long and painful travels, among which( the others being but common) there was a mighty great one, weighing no less than 79 Carrats, and therefore of an unestimable value, the first thief was presently, yea within a quarter of an hour robbed of them by another, & so being passed, from hand to hand, when after many days and troubles, I almost had given over at inquiry, all last the second thief was found out, by means of the first, and being found seized with my Diamonds, he was both taken by the justice, and they with him, which afterward were restored back unto me, I mean all the small ones, but not the great, which came never since in sight, and did vanish away, through so many honest hands. So that all the reason I could ever have for it, yea after much importunity to the King himself and the officers, was to have( though not at my request, nay) most against my will) that poor fellow hanged, who in my conscience I think, was not the least nor the last thief, having been( as I am sure) robbed also by a third; howsoever, the stone is not of so small value, but a great Prince may be gorgeous and proud with it. God grant pardon to all sinners.   

Certain general observations, touching the Indies.  
IT is to be understood, that all the kings and kingdoms between Cochin and the great Mogor, were in times past his subjects, but in the end many have withdrawn themselves from him, & are become sovereigns: Yet there are still whole numbers that acknowledge him.  
The Portugals possess no inland fort, through all the above named countries, but altogether on the borders and sea-coasts.  
From Cambaya to Macao, they make use of Elephants all together in battles, Garrisons, and for Carriage.  
All these Gentiles, keep living Serpents in their ships, in stead( as it were) of an Almanac, or rather some demi-god, for their good luck; so that if they see them not frolic and blithe, they dare not set sail: but if they be jolly and merry, they will set out, whatsoever comes of it.  
The abovenamed drink Caahiete, is drunk from Turkey to China, and is exceeding wholesome and good.  
Throughout all these Indies, in stead of glass-windows, they use mother of pearl.  
They have the fruit of a tree, like unto a Peach stone, called Areque, which they continually keep in their mouth, and can no more forbear it, than those who have used themselves to Tobacco; in like manner, they use an herb, which they call Betre, somewhat like ivy, which both men and women chaw night and day in their mouths: and to abstain from that, would make their hearts faint: Sometimes they eat it with lime; which makes it the ardentest thing in the world. Once I would needs taste of it, but I thought verily to have burnt all my Entrails: thus they forbear 5. or 6. days from meat.  
They have also certain figtrees, which bear leaves, about 3. else long, in so much, that they cover themselves with it, from the rain, and use them in stead of tablecloths, and the only half of one sufficeth 10. or 12. men. They are exceeding fair and green, and a far off, seem a piece of water-chamlet; their fruit is of 2. sorts, the one, of the bigness of a mean Cucumber, the other, somewhat less; both yellow, being ripe, and wonderful good, but the lesser is the best. Out of this fig tree groweth a stem, as big as a man's arm, within the which lie a great number of figs, clustering together, like a bunch of Grapes, every stem, together with the figs, weighing 50. or 60. li. They gather the said stems, while the figs be green, for they ripen as well in the house, as upon the tree, therefore they make great use of them in long voyages. The custom they use in planting these trees, is to take a long line, and to draw it stiffly through the figs,( as a Shoemaker waxeth his thread) to the end, that the small seed within the fruit, may stick to the cord, than they stretch it in the ground, half a foot deep, whereof proceedeth an infinite number of fig-trees.  
Moreover, you have there, as far as Macao, a kind of Palm trees, like those which bear Dates, but this bears another fruit, which together with the shell is as big as a man's head. It is exceeding wholesome, and yields both wine, vinegar, oil to eat, and to burn, sugar, and a kind of liquor, which they drink: the fruit itself tasteth like a hasle-nut; of his rind, they make cordage, and of the wood; 
It is the Cocos.  they build houses and ships. Many other things, could I add but thus much will suffice, for a taste to such, as will be pleased, to hear me further speak.  
FINIS.