OF THE RUFF Common Wealth. OR MANNER OF Government by the Ruff Emperor, (commonly called the Emperor of Moskovia) with the manners, and fashions of the people of that Country. ⸪  
The Contents are noted in the Table, set down before the beginning of the Book.  
AT LONDON Printed by T. D. for Thomas Charde. 1591.▪   

To the Queen's most excellent Majesty.  
MOst gracious Sovereign, being employed in your majesties service to the Emperor of Russia, I observed the State, and manners of that Country. And having reduced the same into some order, by the way as I returned, I have presumed to offer it in this small Book to your most excellent Majesty. My meaning was to note things for mine own experience, of more importance than delight, and rather true then strange. In their manner of government, your Highness may see both: A true and strange face of a Tyrannical state, (most unlike to your own) without true knowledge of GOD, without written Law, without common justice: save that which proceedeth from their Speaking Law, to wit, the Magistrate who hath most need of a Law, to restrain his own injustice. The practice hereof as it is heavy, and grievous to the poor oppressed people, that live within those Countries: so it may give just cause to myself, and other your majesties faithful subjects, to acknowledge our happiness on this behalf, and to give God thanks for your majesties most Princelike, and gracious government: as also to your Highness more joy, and contentment in your royal estate, in that you are a Prince of subjects, not of slaves, that are kept within duty by love, not by fear. The Almighty still bless your Highness with a most long, and happy reign in this life, and with Christ jesus in the life to come.  
Your majesties most humble subject, and servant G. Fletcher.   


The sum of this discourse containing the 

1. cosmography of the Country. 

1. The breadth and length of the Country, with the names of the Shires.  
2. The Soil and Climate.  
3. The native commodities of the Country.  
4. The chief cities of Russia.    
2. Policy. 

1. The ordering of their State. 

5. The house or stock of the Ruff Emperor.  
6. The manner of inauguration of the Ruff Emperors.  
7. The form or manner of their public government.  
8. Their parliaments and manner of holding them.  
9 The Ruff Nobility, and means whereby it is kept in an under proportion agreeable to that State.  
10. The manner of governing their Provinces, or Shires.  
11. The emperors privy Counsel.  
12. The emperors Customs and other Revenues, & what they amount unto, with the Sophismus practised for the increase of them.  
13. The Ruff commonalty & their condition.    
2. Their judicial procecding 

14. Their public justice and manner of proceeding therein.    
3. Their warlike provisions. 

15. The emperors forces for his wars, with the officers and their Salaries.  
16. Their manner of mustering, armour, provision for victual, encamping, etc.  
17. Their order in marching, charging, and their martial discipline.  
18. Their colonies and policy in maintaining their purchases by conquest.  
19 Their borderers, with whom they have  
20. most to do in war and peace.    
4. Their Ecclesiastical State. 

21. Their Church offices, and degrees.  
22. Their Liturgy or form of Church service, with their manner of administering the Sacraments.  
23. The doctrine of the Ruff Church.  
24. Their manner of solemnizing marriages.  
25. The other Ceremonies of the Ruff Church.      
3. Oeconomie or private behaviour. 

26. The emperors domestic or private behaviour.  
27. The emperors household, and offices of his house.  
28. The private behaviour, and manners of the Ruff people.        

The description of the Country of Rus●ia, with the breadth, length, and names of the Shires.  
The I. Chapter.  
THe country of Russia was sometimes called Sarmatia. It changed the name (as some do suppose) for that it was parted into diverse small, and yet absolute governments, not depending, nor being subject the one to the other. For Russee in that tongue doth signify as much as to part, or divide. The Ruff reporteth that four brethren, Trubor, Rurico, Sinees, and Variws, divided among them the North parts of the country. Likewise that the Southpartes were possessed by four other, Kio, Scieko, Choranus, and their sister Libeda: each calling his territory after his own name. Of this partition it was called Russia, about the year from Christ 860. As for the conjecture which I find in some Cosmographers, that the Ruff nation borrowed the name of the people called Roxellani, and were the very same nation with them, it is without all good probability: both in respect of the etymology of the word (which is very far fet) and especially for the seat and dwelling of that people, 
Strabo in his 7. book of ●●ogr.  which was betwixt the two rivers of Tanais and Boristhenes, (as Strabo reporteth) quite an other way from the country of Russia.  
When it bore the name of Sarmatia, it was divided into two chief parts: the White, and the Black. The White Sarmatia was all that part that lieth towards the North, and on the side of Liestand: as the Provinces now called Duyna, Vagha, Vstick, Vologda, Cargapolia, Novogradia, &c: whereof Nouograd velica was the Metropolite, or chief city. Black Sarmatia was all that country that lieth Southward, towards the Euxin, or Black Sea: as the dukedom of Volodemer of Mosko, Rezan, etc. Some have thought that the name of Sarmatia was first taken, 
Gen. 10. joseph. l. 1. cap. 14.  from one Sarmates, whom Moses and josephus call Asarmathes, son to joktan, and nephew to Heber, of the posterity of Sem. But this seemeth to be nothing but a conjecture taken out of the likeness of the name Asarmathes. For the dwelling of all joktans' posterity is described by Moses, to have been betwixt Mescha or Masius (an hill of the Amonites) and Sephace, near to the river Euphrates. Which maketh it very unlikely, that Asarmathes should plant any colonies so far off in the North and Northwest countries. 
The borders of Russia.  It is bounded Northward by the Laps and the North Ocean. On the Southside by the Tartars, called Chrimes. Eastward they have the Nagaian Tartar, that possesseth all the country on the East side of Volgha, towards the Caspian sea. On the West and south-west border lie Lituania, Livonia and Polonia.  
The whole country being now reduced under the government of one, 
The shires of Russia.  containeth these chief Provinces or Shires. Volodemer, (which beareth the first place in the emperors style, because their house came of the Dukes of that country) Mosko, Nisnovogrod, Plesko, Smolensko, Novogrod velica (or Novogrod of the low country) Rostoue, Yaruslaue, Bealozera, Bezan, Duyna, Cargapolia, Meschora, Vagha, Vstuga, Ghaletsa. These are the natural shires pertaining to Russia. but far greater & larger than the shires of England, though not so well peopled. The other countries or provinces which the Ruff Emperors have gotten perforce added of late to their other dominion, 
The Provinces or countries got by conquest.  are these which follow Twerra, Youghoria, Permia, Vadska, Boulghoria, Chernigo, Oudoria, Obdoria, Condora, with a great part of Siberia: where the people though they be not natural Russes, yet obey the Emperor of Russia, and are ruled by the laws of his country, paying customs and taxes, as his own people do. Besides these he hath under him the kingdoms of Cazan and Astracan, gotten by conquest not long since. As for all his possession in Lituania (to the number of 30. great towns and more,) with narve and Drop in Livonia, they are quite gone, being surprised of late years by the kings of Poland and Sweden. These Shires and Provinces are reduced all into four jurisdictions, which they call Chetfyrds (that is) Tetrarchies, or Fourthparts. Whereof we are to speak in the title or chapter, concerning the Provinces, and their manner of government.  
The whole country is of great length and breadth. 
The breadth and length of the country.  From the North to the South (if you measure from Cola to Astracan which bendeth somewhat Eastward) it reacheth in length about 4260. verst, or miles. Notwithstanding the Emperor of Russia hath more territory Northward, far beyond Cola unto the river of Tromschua, that runneth a 1000 verst, wellnigh beyond Pechinga, near to Wardbouse, but not entire nor clearly limited, by reason of the kings of Sweden and Denmark, that have divers towns there, aswell as the Ruff, plotted together the one with the other: every one of them claiming the whole of those North parts as his own right. The breadth (if you go from that part of his territory that lieth farthest Westward on the narve side, to the parts of Siberia eastward, where the Emperor hath his garrisons) is 4400. verst or thereabouts. A verst (by their reckoning) is a 1000 paces, yet less by one quarter then an English mile. If the whole dominion of the Ruff Emperor were all habitable, and peopled in all places, as it is in some, he would either hardly hold it all within one regiment, or be over mighty for all his neighbour Princes.   

Of the Soil and Climate.  
The 2. Chapter.  
THe soil of the country for the most part is of a sleight sandy mould, yet very much different one place from another, for the yield of such things as grow out of the earth. The country Northwards towards the parts of S. Nicolas and Cola, and North-east towards Siberia, is all very barren, and full of desert woods by reason of the climate, and extremity of the cold in winter time. So likewise along the river Volgha betwixt the countries of Cazan, and Astracan: where (notwithstanding the soil is very fruitful) it is all unhabited, saving that upon the river Volgha on the west side, the Emperor hath some few castles with garrisons in them. This happeneth by means of the Chrim Tartar, that will neither himself plant towns to dwell there, (living a wild and vagrant life) nor suffer the Ruff (that is far off with the strength of his country) to people those parts. From Vologda (which lieth almost 1700. verst from the port of S. Nicholas) down towards Mosko, and so towards the south part that bordereth upon the Chrim, (which containeth the like space of 1700. verst or there about) is a very fruitful and pleasant country, yielding pasture, and corn, with woods & waters in very great plenty. The like is betwixt Rezan (that lieth southeast from Mosko) to Novograd and Vobsko, that reach farthest towards the northwest. So betwixt Mosko, and Smolensko (that lieth south-west towards Lituania) is a very fruitful and pleasant soil.  
The whole country differeth very much from itself, by reason of the year: so that a man would marvel to see the great alteration and difference betwixt the winter, and the summer Russia. The whole country in the winter lieth under snow, which falleth continually, and is sometime of a yard or two thick, but greater towards the north. The rivers and other waters are all frozen up a varde or more thick, how swift or broad so ever they be. And this continueth commonly five months, vz, from the beginning of November till towards the end of March, what time the snow beginneth to melt. So that it would breed a frost in a man to look abroad at that time, and see the winter face of that country. 
The cold of Russia.  The sharpness of the air you may judge of by this: for that water dropped down or cast up into the air, congealeth into Ice before it come to the ground. In the extremity of winter, if you hold a pewter dish or pot in your hand, or any other metal (except in some chamber where their warm stoaves be) your fingers will fries fast unto it, and draw of the skin at the parting. When you pass out of a warm room into a cold, you shall sensibly feel your breath to wax stark, and even stifling with the cold, as you draw it in and out▪ divers not only that travel abroad, but in the very markets, and streets of their towns, are mortally pinched and killed withal: so that you shall see many drop down in the streets, many travelers brought into the towns sitting dead and stiff in their sleds. divers lose their noses, the tips of their ears, and the balls of their cheeks, their toes, feet, etc. Many times when (the winter is very hard and extreme) the bears and wolves issue by troops out of the woods driven by hunger, and enter the villages, tearing and ravening all they can find: so that the inhabitants are feign to fly for safeguard of their lives. And yet in the Summer time you shall see such a new hue and face of a country, the woods (for the most part which are all of fir and birch) so fresh and so sweet, the pastures and meadows so green and well grown, (& that upon the sudden) such variety of flowers, such noise of birds (especially of Nightingales, that seem to be more loud and of a more variable note then in other countries) that a man shall not lightly travel in a more pleasant country.  
And this fresh and speedy growth of the spring there, seemeth to proceed from the benefit of the snow: which all the winter time being spread over the whole country as a white rob, & keeping it warm from the rigour of the frost, in the spring time (when the sun waxeth warm, and dissolveth it into water) doth so thoroughly drench and soak the ground, that is somewhat of a sleight and sandy mould, & then shineth so hotly upon it again, that it draweth the herbs and plants forth in great plenty and variety, in a very short time. As the winter exceedeth in cold, so the summer inclineth to over much heat, specially in the months of june, july, and August, being much warmer than the summer air in England.  
The country throughout is very well watered with springs, rivers, & ozeraes, or lakes. Wherein the providence of God is to be noted, for that much of the country being so far inland, as that some part lieth a 1000 miles and more every way from any sea, yet it is served with fair rivers, and that in very great number, that emptiing themselves one into an other, run all into the sea. Their lakes are many and large, some of 60. 80. 100 and 200. miles long, with breadth proportionate.  
The chief rivers are these 1. Volgha, 
The chief rivers of Russia.  that hath his head or spring at the root of an Aldertree, about 200. verst above Yaruslaue, & groweth so big by the increase of other rivers by that time it cometh thither, that it is broad an English mile and more, and so runneth into the Caspian sea, about 2800. verst or miles of length.  
The next is Boristhenes (now called Neper) that divideth the country from Lituania, and falleth into the Euxin sea.  
The third Tanais or Don, (the ancient bounder betwixt Europe and Asia) that taketh his head out of Rezan Ozera, and so running through the country of the Chrim Tartar, falleth into the great sea lake, or mere, (called Maeotis) by the City of Azou. By this river (as the Ruff reporteth) you may pass from their city Mosko to Constantinople, and so into all those parts of the world by water, drawing your boat (as their manner is) over a little Isthmus or narrow slip of land, a few versts overthwart. Which was proved not long since by an Ambassador sent to Constantinople, who passed the river of Moskua and so into an other called Ocka, whence he drew his boat over into Tanais, and thence passed the whole way by water.  
The fourth is called Duyna, many hundred miles long, that falleth Northward into the Bay of Saint Nicholas, and hath great Alabaster rocks on the banks towards the sea side.  
The fifth Duna, that emptieth into the Baltic sea by the town Riga.  
The sixth Onega, that falleth into the Bay at Solouetsko 90. verst from the port of Saint Nicholas. This river below the town Cargapolia meeteth with the river Volock, that falleth into the Finland sea by the town Yama. So that from the port of S. Nicholas into the Finland sea, and so into the Sound, you may pass all by water, as hath been tried by the Ruff.  
The seventh Suchana, that floweth into Duyna, and so into the North sea.  
The eight Ocka, that fetcheth his head from the borders of the Chrim, & streameth into Volgha.  
The ninth Moskua, that runneth through the city Mosko, and giveth it the name.  
There is Wichida also a very large and long river that riseth out of Permia, and falleth into Volgha. All these are rivers of very large streams, the least to be compared to the Thames in bigness, and in length far more, besides divers other. The Pole at Mosko is 55. degrees 10. minutes. At the port of S. Nicholas towards the North 63. degrees and 50 minutes.   

The native commodities of the Country.  
The 3. Chapter.  
FOr kinds of fruits, 
The fruits and grain of Russia.  they have Appels, Pears, plums, cherries, red and black, (but the black wild) a deene like a musk, million, but more sweet & pleasant, cucumbers & goords (which they call Arbouse) rasps, strawberries, and hurtilberies, with many other berries in great quantity in every wood and hedge. Their kinds of grain are wheat, rye, barley, oats, pease, buckway, psnytha, that in taste is somewhat like to rice. Of all these grains the country yieldeth very sufficient with an overplus quantity, so that wheat is sold sometime for two alteens or ten pence starling the Chetfird, which maketh almost three English bushels.  
Their rye is sowed before the winter, all their other grain in the spring time, & for the most part in May. The Permians and some other that dwell far north, and in desert places, are served from the parts that lie more Southward, and are forced to make bread sometimes of a kind of root (called Vaghnoy) and of the middle rind of the fir tree. If there be any dearth (as they accounted this last year, An. 1588. wheat and rye being at 13. alteens, or 5. shillings 5. pence starling the Chetfird) the fault is rather in the practice of their Nobility that use to engross it, then in the country itself.  
The native commodities of the country (wherewith they serve both their own turns, 
The chief commodities of the country.  and send much abroad to the great enriching of the Emperor, and his people) are many and substantial. 
1. Furs.  First, furs of all sorts. Wherein the providence of God is to be noted, that provideth a natural remedy for them, to help the natural inconvenience of their country by the cold of the Climate. Their chief furs are these, Black fox, Sables, Lusernes, Dunne fox, Martrones, Gurnestalles or Ermins, Lasets or Miniver, Beaver, Wuluerins, the skin of a great water Rat that smelleth naturally like musk, Calaber or Grace squirrel, red squirrel, red, & white Fox. Besides the great quantity spent within the country (the people being clad all in furs the whole winter) there are transported out of the country some years by the merchants of Turkey, Persia, Bougharia, Georgia, Armenia, and some other of Christendom to the value of four or five hundred thousand rubles, as I have heard of the Merchants. The best Sable fur groweth in the country of Pechora, Momgosorskoy and Obdorskoy, the worse sort in Siberia, Perm, and other places. The black fox and red come out of Siberia, white & dun from Pechora, whence also come the white wolf, and white Bear skin. The best Wuluerin also thence and from Perm. The best Martrons are from Syberia, Cadam, Morum, Perm, and Cazan. Lyserns, Minever, and Ermins the best are out of Gallets, and Ouglites, many from Novogrod, and Perm. The Beaver of the best sort breedeth in Murmonskey by Cola. Other common furs, and most of these kinds grow in many, and some in all parts of the country.  
The second commodity is of Wax, 
2. Wax.  whereof hath been shipped into foreign countries (as I have heard it reported by those that best know it) the sum of 50000. pound yearly, every pound containing 40. pound, but now about 10000 pound a year.  
The third is their Honey, 
3. honey.  whereof besides an exceeding great quantity spent in their ordinary drinks (which is mead of all sorts) & their other uses, some good quantity is carried out of the country. The chief increase of honey is in Mordua & Cadam near to the Cheremissen Tartar: much out of Severskoy, Rezan, Morum, Cazan, Dorogobose, & Vasma.  
Fourthly, 
4. Tallow.  of Tallow they afford a great weight for transportation: not only for that their country hath very much good ground apt for pasturage of cat-tail, but also by reason of their many Lents and other fasts: and partly because their greater men use much wax for their lights, the poorer and meaner sort birch dried in their stoaves, and cut into long shivers, which they call Luchineos. Of tallow there hath been shipped out of the realm a few years since about a 100000. pound yearly, now not past 30000. or thereabonts. The best yield of tallow is in the parts & territories of Smolensko, Yaruslaue, Ouglits, Novogrod, and Vologda, Otfer, and Gorodetskey.  
another principal commodity is their Losh and Cow hide. 
5. Hide.  Their Losh or buff hide is very fair and large. Their bull and cow hide (for oxen they make none, neither yet weather) is of a small size. There hath been transported by merchants strangers some years, a 100000. hides. Now it is decreased to a 30000. or thereabouts. Besides great store of goats skins, whereof great numbers are shipped out of the country. The largest kind of Losh or buff breedeth about Rostoue, Wichida, Novogrod, Morum, and Perm. The lesser sort within the kingdom of Cazan.  
An other very great and principal commodity is their Trane oil, 
6. Trane oil.  drawn out of the seal fish. 
The manner of hunting the Seal fish.  Where it will not be impertinent to show the manner of their hunting the seal, which they make this oil of: which is in this sort. Towards the end of summer (before the frost begin) they go down with their boats into the Bay of S. Nicholas, to a cape called Cusconesse or Foxnose, where they leave their boats till the next spring tide. When the sun waxeth warm toward the spring, and yet the ice not melted within the Bay, they return thither again. Then drawing their boats over the sea ice, they use them for houses to rest and lodge in. There are commonly about 17. or 18. fleet of them, of great large boats, which divide themselves into divers companies, five or six boats in a consort.  
They that first find the haunt, fire a beacon, which they carry with them for the nonce. Which being espied by the other companies, by such among them as are appointed of purpose, they come altogether and compass the seals round about in a ring, that lie sunning themselves together upon the ice, commonly four or five thousand in a shoal, and so they invade them every man with his club in his hand. If they hit them on the nose, they are soon killed. If on the sides or back they bear out the blow, and many times so catch and hold down the club with their teeth by main force, that the party is forced to call for help to his fellows.  
The manner of the Seals is, when they see themselves beset, to gather all close together in a throng or plump, to sway down the ice, and to break it (if they can) which so bendeth the ice that many times it taketh the sea water upon it, and maketh the hunters to wade a foot or more deep. After the slaughter, when they have killed what they can they fall to sharing every boat his part in equal portions: and so they flay them taking from the body the skin, and the lard or fat withal that cleaveth to the skin. This they take with them, leaving the bodies behind, and so go to shore. Where they dig pits in the ground of a fathom and an half deep, or there about, and so taking the fat or lard off from the skin they throw it into the pit, and cast in among it hot burning stones to melt it withal. The uppermost and purest is sold & used to oil wool for cloth, the grosser (that is of a red colour) they sell to make soap.  
Likewise of Ickary or Cavery, a great quantity is made upon the river of Volgha out of the fish called Bellougina, 
Ickary. 9,  the Sturgeon, the Severiga & the Sterledey. Whereof the most part is shipped by French and Netherlandish merchants for Italy and Spain, some by English merchants.  
The next is of Flax and Hemp, 
8. Hemp and flax.  whereof there hath been shipped (as I have heard merchants say) at the port of narve a great part of a 100 ships small & great yearly. Now, not past five. The reason of this abating and decrease of this & other commodities, that were wont to be transported in a greater quantity, is the shutting up of the port of the narve towards the Finland sea, which now is in the hands & possession of the Sweaden. Likewise the stopping of the passage overland by the way of Smolensko, and Plotsko, by reason of their wars with the Polonian, which causeth the people to be less provident in maintaining and gathering these & like commodities, for that they lack sales. Partly also for that the merchants & Mousicks (for so they call the common sort of people) are very much discouraged by many heavy & intolerable exactions, that of late time have been imposed upon them: no man accounting that which he hath to be sure his own. And therefore regard not to lay up any thing, or to have it before hand, for that it causeth them many times to be fleeced & spoiled not only of their goods, but also of their lives. For the growth of flax the province of Vobsko and the country about is the chief and only place. For hemp Smolensko, Dorogobose and Vasma.  
The country beside maketh great store of salt. 
9 Salt.  Their best salt is made at Stararouse in very great quantity, where they have great store of salt wells, about 250. verst from the sea. At Astracan salt is made naturally by the sea water, that casteth it up into great hills, and so it is digged down, and carried away by the merchants & other that will fetch it from thence. They pay to the Emperor for acknowledgement or custom 3. d. Russee upon every hundred weight. Besides these two, they make salt in many other places of the Realm, as in Perm, Wichida, Totma, Kenitsma, Solovetske, Ocona, Bombasey, & Nonocks, all out of salt pits, save at Solovetskey, which lieth near to the sea.  
Likewise of tar they make a great quantity out of their fir trees in the country of Duyna & Smolensko, 
10. Tar.  whereof much is sent abroad. 
11. Ribazuba.  Besides these (which are all good and substantial commodities) they have divers other of smaller account, that are natural and proper to that country: as the fish tooth (which they call Ribazuba which is used both among themselves & the Persians & Bougharians that fetched it from thence for beads, knives, & sword hafts of Noblemen, & gentlemen, & for divers other uses. Some use the powder of it against poison, as the unicorns horn. The fish that weareth it is called a Morse, & is caught about Pechora. These fish teeth some of them, are almost two foot of length, and weigh eleven or twelve pound apiece.  
In the province of Corelia, 
12. Slude.  and about the river Duyna towards the North sea, there groweth a soft rock which they call Slude. This they cut into pieces, and so tear it into thin flakes, which naturally it is apt for and so use it for glasse-lanthorns and such like. It giveth both inwards and outwards a clearer light than glass, and for this respect is better than either glass or horn: for that it neither breaketh like glass, 
13. Saltpetre & brimstone.  nor yet will burn like the lantern. Saltpetre they make in many places, as at Ouglites, Yaruslaue and Vstug, and some small store of brimstone upon the river Volgha, but want skill to refine it. Their iron is somewhat brittle, 
4. Iron.  but a great weight of it is made in Corelia, Cargapolia, and Vstug Thelesna. Other mine they have none growing within the Realm.  
Their beasts of strange kinds are the Losh, 
The strange ●●●sts, fish, fo●le, etc. that breed in Russia.  the olen, the wild Horse, the Bear, the Woluering, or wood dog, the Lyserne, the Beaver, the Sable, the Martron, the black and done Fox, the white Bear towards the Sea coast of Pechora, the Gurnstale, the Laset or Minever. They have a kind of Squirrel that hath growing on the pinion of the shoulder bone, a long tuft of hair, much like unto feathers, with a far broader tail than have any other squirrels, which they move & shake as they leap from tree to tree, much like unto a wing. They skies a large space, and seem for to fly withal, and therefore they call them Letach Vechshe, that is, the flying squirrels. Their hares and squirrels in Summer are of the same colour with ours, in winter the Hare changeth her coat into milk white, the squirrel into grey, whereof cometh the Calaber.  
They have fallow Deer, the roe buck, and goats very great store. Their horses are but small, but very swift and hard, they travel them unshod both winter and Summer, without all regard of pace. Their sheep are but small and bear course, and harsh wool. Of foul, they have divers of the principal kinds: First, great store of Hawks, the Eagle, the gerfalcon, the Slightfaulcon, the Goshawk, the Tassel, the Sparhawk, etc. But the principal hawk that breedeth in the country, is counted the gerfalcon.  
Of other fowls their principal kinds are the swan tame and wild, (where of they have great store) the Stork, the Crane, the Tedder, of the colour of a pheasant, but far bigger and liveth in the fir woods. Of pheasant and Partridge they have very great plenty. An owl there is of a very great bigness, more ugly to behold then the owls of this country, with a broad face, & ears much like unto a man.  
For fresh water fish besides the common sorts (as carp Pikes Perch, Tench, Roach, etc.) they have divers kinds very good & delicate: as the Bellouga, or Bellougina of 4. or 5. elnes long, the Ositrina or Sturgeon, the Severiga, & Sterledy somewhat in fashion and taste like to the Sturgeon, but not so thick nor long. These 4. kinds of fish breed in the volgha, & are catched in great plenty, & served thence into the whole Realm for a great food. Of the Roes of these four kinds they make very great store of Icary or Caviary as was said before.  
They have beside these that breed in the volgha a fish called the Riba bela, or white salmon which they account more delicate than they do the red salmon whereof also they have exceeding great plenty in the rivers northward, as in Duyna the river of Cola, etc. In the Ozera or lake near a town called Perislave, not far from the Mosko, they have a small fish which they call the fresh herring, of the fashion, and somewhat of the taste of a Sea-hearing. Their chief towns for fish are, Yaruslaue, Bealozera, Novogrod, Astracan, and Cazan: which all yield a large custom to the Emperor every year for their trades of fishing, which they practise in Summer, but send it frozen in the Winter time into all parts of the Realm.   

The chief Cities of Russia.  
The 4. Chapter.  
THE chief Cities of Russia are, Mosko, Novograd, Rostoue, Volodomer, Plesko, Smolensko, Iaruslaue, Perislave, Nisnovograd, vologda, Vstiuck, Golmigroe, Cazan, Astracan, Cargapolia, Columna.  
The city of Mosko is supposed to be of great antiquity, 
Mosko.  though the first founder be unknown to the Ruff. It seemeth to have taken the name from the river that runnet on the one side of the town. Berosus the Chaldean in his 5. book telleth that Nimrod (whom other profane stories call Saturn) sent Assyrius, Medus, Moscus, & Magog into Asia to plant Colonies there, and that Moscus planted both in Asia and Europe. Which may make some probability, that the city, or rather the river whereon it is built, took the denomination from this Moscus: the rather because of the climate or situation, which is in the very farthest part and list of Europe, bordering upon Asia. The city was much enlarged by one evan or john, son to Daniel, that first changed his title of Duke into King: though that honour continued not to his posterity: the rather because he was invested into it by the Pope's Legate, who at that time was Innocentius the fourth about the year 1246. which was very much misliked by the Ruff people, being then a part of the Eastern or Greek Church, Since that time the name of this city hath grown more famous, and better known to the world: insomuch that not only the province, but the whole country of Russia is termed by some by the name of Moscovia the Metropolite city. The form of this city is in manner round with three strong walls, circuling the one within the other, and streets lying between, whereof the inmost wall, and the buildings closed within it (lying safest as the heart within the body, fenced and watered with the river Moskua, that runneth close by it) is all accounted the emperors castle. The number of houses (as I have heard) through the whole city (being reckoned by the Emperor a little before it was fired by the Chrim) was 41500, in all. Since the Tartar besieged and fired the town (which was in the year 1571.) there lieth waste of it a great breadth of ground, which before was well set and planted with buildings, specially that part on the south side of Moskua, built not long before by Basilius the Emperor for his garrison of soldiers, to whom he gave privilege to drink Mead, & Beer at the dry or prohibited times, when other Russes may drink nothing but water, and for that cause called this new city by the name of Naloi, that is, skinck or pour in. So that now the City of Mosko is not much bigger than then the city of London. 
Nouograde.  The next in greatness, and in a manner as large, is the city Nouograde: where was committed (as the Ruff saith) the memorable war so much spoke of in stories of the Scythian servants, that took arms against their masters: which they report in this sort: uz. That the Boiarens or Gentlemen of Nouograde and the territory about (which only are soldiers after the discipline of those countries) had war with the Tartars. Which being well performed and ended by them, they returned homewards. Where they understood by the way that their Cholopey or bondslaves whom they left at home, had in their absence possessed their towns, lands, houses, wives, and all. At which news being somewhat amazed, and yet disdaining the villainy of their servants, they made the more speed home: and so not far from Novograd met them in warlike manner marching against them. Whereupon advising what was best to be done, they agreed all to set upon them with no other show of weapon but with their horse whips (which as their manner is every man rideth withal) to put them in remembrance of their servile condition, thereby to terrify them, & abate their courage. And so marching on & lashing altogether with their whips in their hands they gave the onset. Which seemed so terrible in the ears of their villains, and struck such a sense into them of the smart of the whip which they had felt before, that they fled altogether like sheep before the drivers. In memory of this victory the Novogradians ever since have stamped their coin (which they call a dingoe Novogrodskoy currant through all Russia) with the figure of a horseman shaking a whip a fit in his hand. These two cities exceed the rest in greatness. For strength their chief towns are Vobsko, Smolensko, Cazan & Astracan, as lying upon the borders. But for situation Iaruslaue. far exceedeth the rest. 
Iaruslaue.  For besides the commodities that the soil yieldeth of pasture & corn, it lieth upon the famous river Volgha, & looketh over it from a high bank very fair & stately to behold: whereof the town taketh the name. For Iaruslaue in that tongue signifieth as much as a fair or famous bank. In this town (as may be guessed by the name) dwelled the Ruff king ulademir surnamed Iaruslaue, that married the daughter of Harald king of England, by mediation of Sueno the Dane, as is noted in the Danish story about the year 1067.  
The other towns have nothing that is greatly memorable, save many ruins within their walls. Which showeth the decrease of the Ruff people, under this government. The streets of their cities and towns in steed of paving, are planked with fir trees, plained and laid even close the one to the other. 
The manner of Russee building.  Their houses are of wood without any lime or stone, built very close and warm with sir trees plained and piled one upon an other. They are fastened together with dentes or notches at every corner, and so clasped fast together. Betwixt the trees or timber they thrust in moss (whereof they gather plenty in their woods) to keep out the air. Every house hath a pair of stairs that lead up into the chambers out of the yard or street after the Scottish manner. This building seemeth far better for their country, then that of stone and brick: as being colder and more dampish than their wooden houses, specially of fir, that is a dry and warm wood. Whereof the providence of God hath given them such store, as that you may build a fair house for twenty or thirty rubles or little more, where wood is most scant. The greatest inconvenience of their wooden building is the aptness for firing, which happeneth very oft and in very fearful sort, by reason of the dryness and fatness of the fir, that being once fired, burneth like a torch, and is hardly quenched till all be burnt up.   

Of the house or stock of the Ruff Emperors.  
The 5. Chapter.  
THe surname of the imperial house of Russia, is called Beala. It took the original (as is supposed) from the Kings of Hungary. Which may seem the more probable for that the Hungarian Kings many years ago have borne that name: as appeareth by Bonfinius and other stories written of that country. For about the year 1059 mention is made of one Beaela that succeeded his brother Andreas, who reduced the Hungarians to the Christian faith from whence they were fallen by atheism and Turkish persuasion before. The second of that name was called Beala the blind, after whom succeeded divers of the same name.  
That their ancestry came not of the Ruff nation, 
The house Beala not natural Russee.  ivan vasilowich father to this Emperor would many times boast, disdaining (as should seem) to have his progeny derived from the Ruff blood. As namely to an Englishman his goldsmith, that had received bullion of him to make certain plate: whom the Emperor commanded to look well to his weight. For my Russes (said he) are thieves all. Whereat the workman looking upon the Emperor, began to smile. The Emperor being of quick conceit, charged him to tell him what he smiled at. If your Majesty will pardon me (quoth the goldsmith) I will tell you. Your highness said that the Russes were all thieves, and forgot in the mean while that yourself was a Ruff. I thought so (quoth the Emperor) but thou art deceived. For I am no Ruff, my ancestors were Germans (for so they account of the Hungarians to be part of the German nation though in deed they come of the Huns. That invaded those countries and rested in those parts of Pannonia, now called Hungary.  
How they aspired to the Dukedom of Volodemer (which was their first degree, and engrafting into Russia) and whether it were by conquest, or by marriage, or by what other means, I could not learn any certainty among them. 
The advoncement of the house of Beala.  That from these beginnings of a small Dukedom (that bare notwithstanding an absolute government with it, as at that time did also the other Shires or Provinces of Russia) this house of Beala spread itself forth, and aspired by degrees to the monarchy of the whole country, is a thing well known, and of very late memory. The chief of that house that advanced the stock, and enlarged their dominions, were the three last that reigned before this Emperor, to wit. ivan Basileus, & ivan father to the other that reigneth at this time. Whereof the first that took unto him the name and title of Emperor, was Basileus father to ivan, & grandfather to this man. For before that time they were contented to be called great Dukes of Mosko. What hath been done by either of these three, and how much they have added to their first estate by conquest or otherwise, may be seen in the chapter of their colonies, or purchases perforce. For the continuance of the race, this house of Beala at this present is in like case as are many of the greatest houses of Christendom uz. the whole stock and race concluded in one, two or some few of the blood. For besides the Emperor that now is, who hath no child (neither is like ever to have for aught that may be conjectured by the constitution of his body, and the barrenness of his wife after so many years marriage) there is but one more uz. a child of six or seven years old, in whom resteth all the hope of the succession, and the posterity of that house. As for the other brother that was eldest of the three, and of the best towardness, he died of a blow given him by his father upon the head in his fury with his walking staff, or (as some say) of a thrust with the prong of it driven deep into his head. That he meant him no such mortal harm when he gave him the blow, may appear by his mourning and passion after his sons death, which never left him till it brought him to the grave. Wherein may be marked the justice of God, that punished his delight in shedding of blood with this murder of his son by his own hand, and so ended his days and tyranny together, with the murdering of himself by extreme grief, for this his unhappy and unnatural fact.  
The emperors younger brother of six or seven years old (as was said before) is kept in a remote place from the Mosko, under the tuition of his mother and her kindred of the house of the Nagaies: yet not safe (as I have heard) from attempts of making away by practice of some that aspire to the succession, if this Emperor die without any issue. The nurse that tasted before him of certain meat (as I have heard) died presently. That he is natural son to joan Vasilowich, the Ruff people warrant it, by the Father's quality that beginneth to appear already in his tender years. He is delighted (they say) to see sheep and other cattle killed, and to look on their throats while they are bleeding (which commonly children are afraid to behold) and to beat geese and hens with a staff till he see them lie dead. Besides these of the male kind, there is a widow, that hath right in the succession, sister to the old Emperor, and aunt to this man, sometime wife to Magnus' Duke of Holst, brother to the king of Denmark, by whom she had one daughter. This woman since the death of her husband hath been alured again into Russia by some that love the succession better than herself, which appeareth by the sequel. For herself with her daughter so soon as they were returned into Russia were thrust into a Nunnery, where her daughter died this last year while I was in the country, of no natural disease as was supposed. The mother remaineth still in the Nunnery, where (as I have heard) she bewaileth herself, and curseth the time when she returned into Russia, enticed with the hope of marriage, and other fair promises in the emperors name▪ Thus it standeth with the imperial stock of Russia of the house of Beala, which is like to determine in those that now are, & to make a conversion of the Ruff estate. If it be into a government of some better temper, and milder constitution, it will be happy for the poor people that are now oppressed with intolerable servitude.   

Of the manner of crowning or inauguration of the Ruff Emperors.  
The 6. Chapter.  
THe solemnities used at the Ruff emperors coronation, are on this manner. In the great Church of Precheste (or our Lady) within the emperors castle is erected a stage, whereon standeth a scrine that beareth upon it the Imperial cap and rob of very rich stuff. When the day of the Inauguration is come, there resort thither, first the Patriarch with the metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and Priors, all richly clad in their Pontisicalibus. Then enter the Deacons with the quire of singers. Who so soon as the Emperor setteth foot into the Church, begin to sing: Many years may live noble Theodore juanowich &c: Whereunto the Patriarch and Metropolite with the rest of the Clergy, answer with a certain Hymn, inform of a prayer, singing it all together with a greatnoyse. The hymn being ended, the Patriarch with the Emperor mount up the stage, where standeth a seat ready for the Emperor. Whereupon the Patriarch willeth him to sit down, and then placing himself by him upon an other seat provided for that purpose, boweth down his head towards the ground, and sayeth this prayer: Oh Lord God King of Kings, Lord of Lords, which by thy prophet Samuel didst choose thy servant David, and anoint him for King over thy people Israel, hear now our prayers, and look from thy sanctuary upon this thy servant Theodore, whom thou hast chosen and exalted for King over these thy holy Nations, anoint him with the oil of gladness, protect him by thy power, put upon his head a crown of gold and precious stones, give him length of days, place him in the seat of justice, strengthen his arm, make subject unto him all the barbarous nations. Let thy fear be in his whole heart, turn him from an evil faith, and from all error, and show him the salvation of thy holy and universal Church, that he may judge thy people with justice, and protect the children of the poor, and finally attain everlasting life. This prayer he speaketh with a low voice, and then pronounceth a loud: All praise and power to God the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost. The prayer being ended, he commandeth certain Abbots to reach the imperial robe and cap: which is done very decently, and with great solemnity, the Patriarch withal pronouncing aloud: Peace be unto all. And so he beginneth an other prayer to this effect: Bow yourselves together with us, and pray to him that reigneth over all. Preserve him (oh Lord) under thy holy protection, keep him that he may do good and holy things, let justice shine forth in his days, that we may live quietly without strife and malice. This is pronounced somewhat softly by the Patriarch, whereto he addeth again aloud: Thou art the King of the whole world, and the saviour of our souls, to thee the Father, Son and Holy ghost, be all praise for ever, and ever, Amen. Then putting on the robe and the cap, he blesseth the Emperor with the sign of the cross: saying withal, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy ghost. The like is done by the Metropolites, Archbishops, and Bishops: who all in their order come to the chair, and one after an other bless the Emperor with their two forefingers. Then is said by the Patriarch an other prayer, that beginneth: O most holy virgin mother of God, etc. After which a Deacon pronounceth with an high loud voice: Many years to Noble Theodore, good, honourable, beloved of God, great Duke of Volodemer of Mosko, Emperor, and Monarch of all Russia, etc. Whereto the other Priests and Deacons that stand somewhat far of by the altar or table, answer singing: Many years, many years, to the noble Theodore. The same not is taken up by the Priests and Deacons, that are placed at the right and left side of the Church, and then all together, they chant and thunder out, singing: Many years to the noble Theodore, good, honaurable, beloved of God, great Duke of Volodemer, Mosko, Emperor of all Russia, etc. These solemnities being ended, first cometh the Patriarch with the Metropolites. Archbishops, and Bishops, than the Nobility, and the whole company in their order, to do homage to the Emperor, bending down their heads and knocking them at his feet to the very ground.  

The style wherewith he is invested at his Coronation, runneth after this manner.  
THeodore juanowich, by the grace of God great Lord and Emperor of all Russia, great Duke of Volodemer, Mosko, and Novograd, King of Cazan, King of Astracan, Lord of Plesko, and great duke of Smolensko, of Twerria, joughoria, Permia, Vadska, Bulghoria, and others, Lord and great duke of Novograd of the Low country, of Chernigo, Rezan, Polotskoy, Rostoue, Yaruflaveley, Bealozera, Liefland, Oudoria, Obdoria, and Condensa, Commander of all Siberia, and of the North parts, and Lord of many other Countries, etc.  
This style containeth in it all the emperors Provinces, and setteth forth his greatness. And therefore they have a great delight and pride in it, forcing not only there own people but also strangers (that have any matter to deliver to the Emperor by speech or writing) to repeat the whole form from the beginning to the end, Which breedeth much cavil, and sometimes quarrel betwixt them and the Tartar, and Poland Ambassadors: who refuse to call him Czar, that is Emperor, and to repeat the other parts of his long style. Myself when I had audience of the Emperor, thought good to salute him only with thus much uz. Emperor of all Russia, great Duke of Volodemer, Mosko and Novograd, King of Cazan, King of Astracan. The rest I omitted of purpose, because I knew they gloried, to have their style appear to be of a larger volume than the Queens of England. But this was taken in so ill part, that the Chancellor (who then attended the Emperor, with the rest of the Nobility) with a loud chafing voice called still upon me to say out the rest. Whereto I answered, that the emperors style was very long, and could not so well be remembered by strangers, that I had repeated so much of it, as might show that I gave honour to the rest &c: But all would not serve till I commanded my Interpreter to say it all out.    

The State or form of their Government.  
The 7. Chapter.  
THe manner of their government is much after the Turkish fashion: which they seem to imitate as near as the country, and reach of their capacities in politic affairs will give them leave to do.  
The State and form of their government is plain tyrannical, 
The Ruff government tyrannical.  as applying all to the behoof of the Prince, and that after a most open and barbarous manner: as may appear by the Sophismata or secrets of their government afterwards set down, aswell for the keeping of the Nobility and Commons in an under proportion, & far uneven balance in their several degrees, as also in their impositions and exactions, wherein they exceed all just measure without any regard of Nobility or people: farther than it giveth the Nobility a kind of injust and unmeasured liberty, to command and exact upon the commons and base sort of people in all parts of the realm where soever they come, specially in the place where their lands lie, or where they are appointed by the Emperonr to govern under him. Also to the Commons some small contentment, in that they pass over their lands by descent of inheritance to whither son they will: which commonly they do after our Gavillkinde, and dispose of their goods by gift or Testament without any controlment. Wherein notwithstanding both Nobility and Commons are but stoarers for the Prince, all running in the end into the emperors coffers: as may appear by the practice of enriching his treasury, and the manner of exactions set down in the title of his customs, and revenues.  
Concerning the principal points and matters of State, wherein the sovereignty consisteth (as the making and annulling of public Laws, the making of Magistrates, power to make war or league with any foreign State, to execute or to pardon life, with the right of appeal in all matters, both civil and criminal) they do so wholly and absolutely pertain to the Emperor, and his Counsel under him, as that he may be said to be both the Sovereign commander, and the executioner of all these. For as touching any Law or public order of the Realm, it is ever determined of before any public assembly or Parliament be summoned. Where besides his Council, he hath none other to consult with him of such matters as are concluded before hand, but only a few Bishops, Abbots, and Friars: to no other end then to make advantage of the people's superstitions, even against themselves, which think all to be holy and just, that passeth with consent of their Bishops and Clergy men, whatsoever it be. For which purpose the Emperors are content to make much of the corrupt state of the Church, as now it is among them, and to nourish the same by extraordinary favours, and immunities to the Bishop's seas, abbeys and Friaries: as knowing superstition and false religion best to agree with a tyrannical state, and to be a special means to uphold and maintain the same.  
Secondly, as touching the public offices and magistracies of the realm, there is none hereditary, neither any so great nor so little in that country, but the bestowing of it is done immediately by the Emperor himself. Insomuch that the very Diacks or clerk in every head town, are for the most part assigned by himself. Notwithstanding, the Emperor that now is (the better to intend his devotions) referreth all such matters pertaining to the State, wholly to the ordering of his wives brother, the L. Borris Federowich Godonoe.  
Thirdly, the like is to be said of the jurisdiction concerning matters judicial, specially such as concern life and death. Wherein there is none that hath any authority or public jurisdiction that goeth by descent, or is held by charter, but all at the appointment and pleasure of the Emperor, and the same practised by the judges with such awe and restraint, as that they dare not determine upon any special matter, but must refer the same wholly, up to the Mosko to the emperors Council. To show his sovereignty over the lives of his subjects, the late Emperor ivan Vasilowich in his walks or progresses, if he had misliked the face or person of any man whom he met by the way, or that looked upon him, would command his head to be struck off. Which was presently done, and the head cast before him.  
Fourthly, for the sovereign appeal, and giving of pardons in criminal matters to such as are convicted, it is wholly at the pleasure and grace of the Emperor. Wherein also the Empress that now is, being a woman of great clemency, and withal delighting to deal in public affairs of the Realm, (the rather to supply the defect of her husband) doth behave herself after an absolute manner, giving out pardon (specially on her birth, day and other solemn times) in her own name, by open proclamation, without any mention at all of the Emperor. Some there have been of late of the ancient Nobility, that have held divers provinces by right of inheritance, with an absolute authority and jurisdiction over them, to order and determine all matters within their own precinct without all appeal, or controlment of the Emperor. But this was all annulled and wrung clean from them by ivan Vasilowich father to this Emperor.   

The manner of holding their Parliaments.  
The 8. Chapter.  
THeir highest Court of public consultation for matter of State, 
The States of Parliament.  is called the Zabore, that is, the Public Assembly. The states & degrees of persons that are present at their Parliaments, are these in order. 1. The Emperor himself. 2. Some of his Nobility about the number of twenty being all of his Council. 3. Certain of the clergy men, etc. about the same number. As for Burghers or other to represent the commonalty, they have no place there: the people being of no better account with them then as servants or bond slaves that are to obey, not to make laws, nor to know any thing of public matters before they are concluded.  
The Court of Parliament (called Zabore) is held in this manner. 
The order of the summons or assembling.  The Emperor causeth to be summoned such of his Nobility as himself thinketh meet, being (as was said) all of his Council: together with the Patriarch, who calleth his Clergy, to wit, the two Metropolites, the two Archbishops, with such Bishops, Abbots, and Friars as are of best account and reputation among them. When they are all assembled at the emperors court, the day is intimated when the session shall begin. Which commonly is upon some friday, for the religion of that day.  
When the day is come, the clergy men assemble before at the time & place appointed, which is called the Stollie. And when the Emperor cometh attended by his Nobility, they arise all, and meet him in an out room, following their Patriarch, who blesseth the Emperor with his two forefingers, laying them on his forehead, and the sides of his face, and then kisseth him on the right side of his breast. So they pass on into their Parliament house, where they sit in this order. The Emperor is enthronized on the one side of the chamber. In the next place not far from him at a small square table (that giveth room to twelve persons or thereabouts) sitteth the patriarch with the Metropolites and Bishops, and certain of the principal Nobility of the emperors Council, together with two Diacks or Secretaries (called Dumnoy dyakey) that enact that which passeth. The rest place themselves on benches round about the room, every man in his rank after his degree. Then is there propounded by one of the Secretaries (who representeth the speaker) the cause of their assembly, and the principal matters that they are to consider of. For to propound bills what every man thinketh good for the public benefit (as the manner is in England) the Ruff Parliament alloweth no such custom, nor liberty to subjects.  
The points being opened, 
Their discourse at Parliament.  the Patriarch with his Clergy men have the prerogative to be first asked their vote, or opinion, what they think of the points propounded by the Secretary. Whereto they answer in order, according to their degrees, but all in one form without any discourse: as having learned their lesson before, that serveth their turns at all Parliaments alike, whatsoever is propounded. Commonly it is to this effect. That the Emperor and his Council are of great wisdom, and experience, touching the policies and public affairs of the Realm, and far better able to judge what is profitable for the common wealth, than they are, which attend upon the service of God only, and matters of religion. And therefore it may please them to proceed. That instead of their advise, they will aid them with their prayers, as their duties and vocations do require, etc. To this or like effect having made their answers every man in his course, up standeth some Abbot or Friar more bold than the rest (yet appointed before hand as a matter of form) and desireth the Emperor it would please his Majesty, to command to be delivered unto them what his majesties own judgement, and determinate pleasure is, as touching those matters propounded by his Deiake.  
Whereto is replied by the said Secretary in the emperors name. That his Highness with those of his noble Council, upon good and sound advise have found the matters proposed to be very good and necessary for the common wealth of his Realm. Notwithstanding, for as much as they as religious men, & know what is right, his Majesty requireth their godiie opinions, yea and their censures too, for the approving or correcting of the said propositions. And therefore desireth them again to speak their minds freely. And if they shall like to give their consents, that then the matters may pass to a full conclusion.  
Hereunto when the Clergy men have given their consents (which they use to do without any great pausing) they take their leaves with blessing of the Emperor: who bringeth the Patriarch on his way so far as the next room, and so returneth to his seat, till all be made ready for his return homeward. The acts that thus are passed by the Zabore or Parliament, the Deiakeiss or Secretaries draw into a form of proclamation, which they send abroad into every Province, and head town of the Realm, to be published there by the Dukes and Diakeiss, or Secretaries of those places. The session of Parliament being fully ended, the Emperor inviteth the Clergy men to a solemn dinner. And so they depart every man to his home.   

Of the Nobility, and by what means it is kept in an under proportion agreeable to to that State.  
The 9 Chapter.  
THe degrees of persons or estates of Russia, 
The Vdelney Knazey chief of the Nobility,  besides the sovereign State or Emperor himself) are these in their order. 1. The Nobility which is of four sorts. Whereof the chief for birth, authority, and revenue are called the Vdelney Knazey, that is, the exempt or privileged Dukes. These held sometime a several jurisdiction, and absolute authority within their precincts, much like unto the States or Nobles of Germany. But afterwards (reserving their rights upon composition) they yielded themselves to this house of Beala, when it began to wax mighty, and to enlarge itself by overmatching their neighbours. Only they were bound to serve the Emperor in his wars with a certain number of horse. But the late Emperor ivan Vasilowich father to this prince, being a man of high spirit, and subtle in his kind meaning to reduce his government into a more strict form began by degrees to clip of their greatness, & to bring it down to a lesser proportion: till in the end he made them not only his vassals, but his Kolophey, that is, his very villains or bondslaves. For so they term and write themselves in any public instrument or private petition which they make to the Emperor. So that now they hold their authorities, lands, lives and all at the emperors pleasure, as the rest do.  
The means and practice whereby he wrought this to effect against those, & other of the Nobility (so well as I could note out of the report of his doings) were these, and such like. First, he cast private emulations among them about preroragative of their titles, and dignities. Wherein he used to set on the inferiors, to prefer or equal themselves to those that were accounted to be of the nobler houses. Where he made his advanntage of their malice and contentions, the one against the other, by receiving devised matter, and accusations of secret practice and conspiracies to be intended against his person, and state. And so having singled out the greatest of them, and cut them off with the good liking of the rest, he fell at last to open practice, by forcing of the other to yield their rights unto him.  
2 He divided his subjects into two parts or factions by a general schism. 
The faction of Oppressini & Zempskey devised by the Emperor.  The one part he called the Oppressini or Select men. These were such of the Nobility and Gentry as he took to his own part to protect and maintain them as his faithful subjects. The other he called Zemskey, or the Commons. The Zemskey contained the base and vulgar sort, with such Noblemen and Gentlemen as he meant to cut off, as suspected to mislike his government, and to have a meaning to practise against him. Wherein he provided that the Oppressini for number and quality of valour, money, armour, &c: far exceeded the other of the Zempskey side, whom he put (as it were) from under his protection: so that if any of them were spoiled or killed by those of the Oppressini (which he accounted of his own part) there was no amends to be sought for by way of public justice, or by complaint to the Emperor.  
The whole number of both parts was orderly registered and kept in a book: so that every man knew who was a Zempskey man, and who of the Oppressini. And this liberty of the one part to spoil and kill the other without any help of Magistrate, or law (that continued seven years) enriched that side, and the emperors treasury, and wrought that withal which he intended by this practice, viz. to take out of the way such of the Nobility, as himself misliked: whereof were slain within one week to the number of three hundred within the city of Mosko. This tyrannical practice of making a general Schism, and public division among the subjects of his whole Realm, proceeded (as should seem) from an extreme doubt, and desperate fear, which he had conceived of most of his Nobility, and Gentlemen of his Realm, in his wars with the Polonian and Chrim Tartar. What time he grew into a vehement suspicion (conceived of the ill success of his affairs) that they practised treason with the Polonian and Chrim. Whereupon he executed some, and devised this way to be rid of the rest.  
And this wicked policy & tyrannous practice (though now it be ceased) hath so troubled that country, and filled it so full of grudge & mortal hatred ever since, that it will not be quenched (as it seemeth now) till it burn again into a civil flame.  
3 Having thus pulled them and seized all their inheritance, lands, privileges, etc. save some very small part which he left to their name, he gave them other lands of the tenor of Pomestnay (as they call it) that are held at the emperors pleasure, lying far of in an other country, and so removed them into other of his Provinces, where they might have neither favour, nor authority, not being native nor well known there. So that now these of the chief Nobility (called Vdelney Knazey) are equalled with the rest: save that in the opinion and favour of the people they are of more account, and keep still the prerogative of their place in all their public meetings.  
Their practice to keep down these houses from rising again and recovering their dignities are these, and such like. First, many of their heirs are kept unmarried perforce that the stock may die with them Some are sent into Siberia, Cazan and Astracan, under pretence of service, and there either made away, or else fast clapped up. Some are put into Abbeys, and shire themselves Friars by pretence of a vow to be made voluntary, and of their own accord, but indeed forced unto it by fear, upon some pretenced crime objected against them. Where they are so guarded by some of special trust, and the Covent itself (upon whose head it standeth that they make no escape) as that they have no hope but to end their lives there. Of this kind there are many of very great Nobility. These and such like ways begun by the Emperor ivan Vasilowich are still practised by the Godonoes', who being advanced by the marriage of the Empress their kinswoman, rule both the Emperor, and his Realm, (specially Borris Federowich Godonoe, brother to the Empress) and endeavour by all means to cut of, or keep down all of the best and ancientest Nobility. Whereof divers already they have taken away, whom they thought likeliest to make head against them and to hinder their purpose, as Knez Andrea's Guraken Bulgatkove, a man of great birth and authority in the Country. The like they have done with Peter Gollanni (whom they put into a dungeon where he ended his life) with Knez Vasilie Vrywich Golloohen, with Andrieu luanowich Suskoy accounted among them for a man of a great wisdom. So this last year was killed in a Monastery, (whither they had thrust him) on Knez ivan Petrowich Suskoy a man of great valour, and service in that Country: who about five or six years since, bore out the siege of the City Vobsko made by Stepan Batore King of Polonia, with a 100000. men, and repulsed him very valiantly, with great honour to himself, and his country, and disgrace to the Polonian. Also Mitheta Romanowich uncle to the Emperor by the mother's side, was supposed to have died of poison, or some like practice.  
The names of these families of greatest Nobility are these in their order. 
Names of the greatest houses of the Ruff Nobility.  The first is of Knez Volodemer, which resteth at this time in one daughter a widow, and without children (mentioned before) sometime wife to Hartock Magnus' brother to the king of Denmark, now closed within a trunnery. The 2. knez Metheloskey thrust into a Friary, and his only son kept from marriage, to decay the house. The 3. Glimskoy. But one left of his house, & he without children save one daughter. The 4. Suskoy, whereof there are 4. brethren young men, & unmarried al. The 5. Hubetskoy. Of this house are 4. living. The 6. Bulgaloy now called Guletchey house, whereof are five living, but youth's al. The 7. Vorallinskoy. Two left of that stock. The 8. Odgoskey. Two. The 9 Telletskoy. One. The 10. Taytove, three. These are the names of the chief families called Vdelney Knazey: that in effect have lost all now, save the very name itself, and favour of the people, which is like one day to restore them again, if any be left.  
The 2. degree of Nobility is of the Boiarens. 
The 2. degree of Nobility.  These are such as the Emperor honoureth (besides their nobility) with the title of counsellors. The revenue of these 2. sorts of their Nobles that riseth out of their lands assigned them by the Emperor, & held at his pleasure (for of their own inheritance there is little left them as was said before) is about a thousand marks a year: besides pension which they receive of the Emperor for their service in his wars, to the sum of 700. rubles a year, and none above that sum.  
But in this number the lord Borris Federowich Godenoe is not to be reckoned, that is like a Transendent, and in no such predicament with the rest, being the Emperor's brother in law, his protector for direction, for command and authority Emperor of Russia. His yearly revenue in land & pension, amounteth to the sum of 93700. rubles and more, as appeareth by the particulars. He hath of inheritance (which himself hath augmentented in Vasma Dorogobose six thousand rubles a year. For his office of Connick, or Master of the Horse 12000. rubles, or marks, raised out of the Conaslue Sloboday, or the liberties pertaining to that Office, which are certain Lands and Towns near about the Mosko. Besides, all the meadow and pasture ground on both sides the bank of the river Mosko, thirty verst up the stream, aod forty versed downwards. For his pension of the Emperor (besides the other for his office) 15000. rubles. Out of the Province or Shire of Vagha, there is given him for a peculiar exempted out of the Chetfird of Posolskoy 32000. rubles, besides a tent of furs. Out of Rezan and Sever, (an other peculiar) 30000. rubles. Out of Otfer and Turiock an other exempt place 8000. rubles. For rend of Bathstoaves and Bathing houses without the walls of Mosko 1500. rubles. Besides his pomest, or lands which he holdeth at the emperors pleasure, which far exceedeth the proportion of land allotted to the rest of the Nobility.  
One other there is of the house of Glinskoy that dispendeth in land and pension about 40000. rubles yearly. Which he is suffered to enjoy because he hath married Borris his wives sister, being himself very simple, and almost a natural. The ordering of him & his lands are committed to Borris.  
In the third rank are the Voyavodey or such Nobles as are, 
The 3. sort of Nobility.  or have been generals in the emperors wars. Which deliver the honour of their title to their posterities also: who take their place above the other Dukes and Nobles that are not of the two former sort, uz. of the Vdelney knazey, nor of the Boiarens.  
These three degrees of their Nobility (to wit) the Vdelney knazey, the Boiarens, and the Voiaudey have the addition of vich, put unto their surname as Borris Federowich, &c: which is a note of honour that the rest may not usurp. And in case it be not added in the naming of them, they may sue the Bestchest or penalty of dishonour upon them, that otherwise shall term them.  
The fourth and lowest degree of Nobility with them, is of such as bear the name of Knazey or Dukes, but come of the younger brothers of those chief houses, through many descents, and have no inheritance of their own, save the bare name or title of Duke only. For their order is to deliver their names and titles of their dignities over to all their children alike, what soever else they leave them. So that the sons of a Voiavodey or General in the field, are called Voiavodey though they never saw the field, and the sons of a Knez or Duke are called Knazey though they have not one groat of inheritance or livelihood to maintain themselves withal. Of this sort there are so many that the plenty maketh them cheap: so that you shall see Duke's glad to serve a mean man for five or six rubles or marks a year, & yet they will stand highly upon their Bestchest or reputation of their Honours. And these are their several degrees of Nobility.  
The second degree of persons is of their Sina Boiarskey, 
The second degree of persons.  or the sons of Gentlemen: which all are preferred, & hold that name by their service in the emperors wars, being soldiers by their very stock and birth. To which order are referred their Dyacks or Secretaries, that serve the Emperor in every head town, being joined in Commission with the Dukes of that place  
The last are their Commons, 
The third degree.  whom they call Mousicks. In which number they reckon their Merchants, & their common artificers. The very lowest and basest sort of this kind (which are held in no degree) are their country people whom they call Christianeis. Of the Sina boiarskey (which are all soldiers) we are to see in the description of their forces, & military provisions. Concerning their Mousicks, what their condition & behaviour is, in the title or chapter Of the common people.   

Of the government of their Provinces and Shires.  
The 10. Chapter.  
THe whole country of Russia (as was said before) is divided into four parts, which they call Chetfirds, or Tetrarchies. Every Chetfird containeth divers shires, & is annexed to a several office, whereof it takes the name. The first Chetfird or tetrarchy beareth the name of Pososkoy Chetfird, 
The four Chetfirds.  or the jurisdiction of the office of Ambassages, and at this time is under the chief Secretary and officer of the Ambassages called Andrea's Shalcalove. The standing fee or stipend that he receiveth yearly of the Emperor for this service, is 100 rubles or marks.  
The second is called the Roseradney Chetfird, because it is proper to the Roserade or high Constable. At this time it pertaineth by virtue of office to Basilie Shalcalove, brother to the Chancellor, but it is executed by one Zapon Abramoue. His pension is an hundred rubles yearly.  
The third is the Chetfird of Pomestnoy, as pertaining to that office. This keepeth a Register of all lands given by the Emperor for service to his Noblemen, Gentlemen, & others, giveth out & taketh in all assurances for them. The officer at this time is called Eleazar wellusgine. His stipend is 500 rubles a year.  
The fourth is called Cassanskoy dworets, as being appropriate to the office that hath the jurisdiction of the kingdoms of Cazan and Astracan, with the other towns lying upon the Volgha, now ordered by one Druzhine Penteleove, a man of very special account among them, for his wisdom, and promptness in matters of policy. His pension is 150. rubles a year.  
From these Chetfirds or Tetarchies is exempted the Emperor's inheritance or Vochin (as they call it) for that it pertained from ancient time to the house of Beala, which is the surname of the imperial blood. This standeth of 36. towns with their bounds or territories. Besides divers peculiar jurisdictions, which at likewise deducted out of those Chetfirds, as the Shire of Vagha (belonging to the Lord Borrise Federowich Godonoe) and such like.  
These are the chief governors or officers of the Provinces, not resident at their charge abroad, but attending the Emperor whether soever he goeth, and carrying their offices about with them, which for the most part they hold at Mosko, as the emperors chief seat.  
The parts and practice of these four offices, is to receive all complaints and actions what soever, that are brought out of their several Chetfirds, and quarters, & to inform them to the emperors counsel. Likewise to send direction again to those that are under them in their said Provinces, for all matters given in charge by the Emperor and his Counsel, to be done or put in execution within their precincts.  
For the ordering of every particular Province of these four Chetfirds, there is appointed one of these Dukes, which were reckoned before in the lowest degree of their Nobility, which are resident in the head towns of the said Provinces. Whereof every one hath joined with him in Commission a Dyack or Secretary to assist him, or rather to direct him. For in the executing of their commission, the Dyack doth all.  
The parts of their Commission are these in effect. 
The Commission of the Dukes or Precedents of Shires.  First to hear and determine in all civil matters within their precinct To which purpose they have under them certain officers, as Gubnoy Starets' or Coroners, who besides the trial of self murders, are to attach felons: and the Souldiae or under justices, who themselves also may hear and determine in all matters of the same nature, among the country people of their own wards or bailiwicks: but so that in case either party dissent, they may appeal, and go farther to the Duke and Dyack that reside within the head town. From whom also they may remove the matter to the higher court at Mosko of the emperors Counsel, where lie all appeals. They have under them also Sotskoy Starets', that is Aldermen, or Balives of the hundreds.  
Secondly in all criminal matters, as theft, murder, treason, etc. they have authority to apprehend, to examine and to imprison the malefactor, and so having received perfect evidence & information of the cause, they are to send it ready drawn and orderly digested up to the Mosko, to the officer of the Chetfird, whereunto that Province is annexed: by whom it is referred and propounded to the emperors Counsel. But to determine in any matter criminal, or to do execution upon the party offending, is more than their commission will allow them to do.  
Thirdly, if there be any public service to be done within that Province, (as the publishing of any Law, or common order, by way of proclamation, collecting of taxes and impositions for the Emperor, moistering of Soldiers, and sending them forth at the day and to the place assigned by the Emperor or his Counsel) all these and such like pertain to their charge.  
These Dukes & Dyacks are appointed to their place by the Emperor himself & are changed ordinarily at every years end, except upon some special liking or suit, the time be prorogued for a year or two more. They are men of themselves of no credit, nor favour with the people, where they govern, being neither borne, nor brought up among them, not yet having inheritance of their own there, or else where. Only of the Emperor they have for that service an 100 marks a year, he that hath most, some fifty, some but thirty. Which maketh them more suspected & odious to the people, because being so bare, and coming fresh and hungry upon them lightly every year, they rack & spoil them without all regard of justice, or conscience. Which is easily tolerated by the chief officers of the Chetfirds, to the end they may rob them again & have a better booty when they call them to account: which commonly they do at the end of their service, making an advantage of their injustice & oppression over the poor people. There are few of them but they come to the Pudkey or whip when their time is ended, which themselves for the most part do make account of. And therefore they furnish themselves with all the spoil they can for the time of their government, that they may have for both turns, aswell for the Emperor, and Lord of the Chetfird, as to reserve some good part for themselves.  
They that are appointed to govern abroad, are men of this quality: save that in the four border towns that are of greatest importance, are set men of more special valour and trust two in every town. Whereof one is ever of the emperors privy counsel. These four border towns are Smolensko, Vobsko, Novogrod, & Cazan, whereof three lie towards the Polonian & Sweden, one bordereth far of upon the Chrim Tartar. These have larger commission than the other Dukes of the Provinces that I spoke of before, and may do execution in criminal matters. Which is thought behoveful for the Commonwealth: for incident occasions that may happen upon the borders▪ that are far of, & may not stay for direction, about every occurrent and particular matter from the Emperor and his Counsel. They are changed every year (except as before) and have for their stipend 700. rubles a year he that hath most: some have but 400▪ Many of these places that are of greatest importance, & almost the whole country is managed at this time, by the Godonoes' and their clients.  
The city of Mosko (that is the emperors seat) is governed altogether by the emperors Counsel. All matters there both civil and criminal, are heard and determined in the several courts, held by some of the said Counsel, that reside there all the year long.  
Only for their ordinary matters (as buildings, 
The Government of Mosko.  reparations, keeping of their streets decent and clean, collections, levying of taxes, impositions and such like) are appointed, two Gentlemen, & two Dyacks or Secretaries, who hold a court together for the ordering of such matters. This is called the Zempskey house. If any towns man suspect his servant of theft or like matter, hither he may bring him to have him examined upon the Pudkey, or other torture. Besides these two Gentlemen, and Secretaries that order the whole City, there are Starusts or Aldermen for every several company. The Alderman hath his Sotskey or Constable, and the Constable hath certain Decetskeiss or Decurions under him, which have the oversight of ten households a piece, whereby every disorder is sooner spied, and the common service hath the quicker dispatch. The whole number of Citizens poor and rich are reduced into companies. The chief officers (as the Dyacks and Gentlemen) are appointed by the Emperor himself, the Starust by the Gentlemen and Dyacks, the Sotskoy by the Starust or Alderman, and the Decetskoys by the Constables.  
This manner of government of their Provinces and towns, if it were aswell set for the giving of justice indifferently to all sorts, as it is to prevent innovations, by keeping of the Nobility within order, and the commons in subjection, it might seem in that kind to be no bad nor unpollitique way, for the containing of so large a Commonwealth, of that breadth and length as is the kingdom of Russia. But the oppression and slavery is so open, and so great, that a man would marvel how the Nobility and people should suffer themselves to be brought under it, while they had any means to avoid and repulse it or being so strengthened as it is at this present, how the Emperors themselves can be content to practise the same, with so open injustice and oppression of their subjects, being themselves of a Christian profession.  
By this it appeareth how hard a matter it were to alter the state of the Ruff government, 
An hard matter to alter the State of Russia.  as now it standeth. First, because they have none of the Nobility able to make head. As for the Lords of the four Chetfirds or Tetrarchies they are men of no Nobility, but Dyacks advanced by the Emperor, depending on his favour, and attending only about his own person. And for the Dukes that are appointed to govern under them, they are but men of a titular dignity (as was said before) of no power, authority, nor credit, save that which they have out of the office, for the time they enjoy it. Which doth purchase them no favour, but rather hatred of the people, for as much as they see that they are set over them, not so much for any care to do them right and justice as to keep them under in a miserable subjection, and to take the fleece from them, not once in the year (as the owner from his sheep) but to paul and clip them all the year long. Besides the authority & rule which they bear, is rend and divided into many small pieces, being divers of them in every great Shire, limited beside with a very short time: which giveth them no scope to make any strength, nor to contrive such an enterprise, if happily they intended any matter of innovation. As for the common people (as may better appear in the description of their state & quality afterwards set down) besides their want of armour & practice of war (which they are kept from of purpose) they are rob continually both of their hearts & money, (besides other means) sometimes by pretence of some service to be done for the common defence, sometimes without any show at all of any necessity of Commonwealth or Prince. So that there is no means either for Nobility, or people to attempt any innovation, so long as the military forces of the Emperor which are the number of 8000. at the least in continual pay) hold themselves fast and sure unto him, and to the present state. Which needs they must do being of the quality of Soldiers, and enjoying withal that free liberty of wronging & spoiling of the commons at their pleasure, which is permitted them of purpose, to make them have a liking of the present state. As for the agreement of the Soldiers and commons, it is a thing not to be feared, being of so opposite and contrary practice much one to the other. This desperate state of things at home, maketh the people for the most part to wish for some foreign invasion, which they suppose to be the only means, to rid them of the heavy yoke of this tyrannous government.   

Of the emperors Counsel.  
The 11. Chapter.  
THE Emperors of Russia give the name of counsellor to divers of their chief Nobility, rather for honours sake, then for any use they make of them about their matters of state. These are called Boiarens without any addition, and may be called Counsellors at large. For they are seldom or never called to any public consultation. They which are of his special and privy Counsel indeed (whom he useth daily and ordinarily for all public matters pertaining to the State) have the addition of Dumnoy, and are named Dumnoy boiaren, or Lords of the Counsel, their office or sitting Boarstua dumna.  
Their names at this present are these in their order. 
The number and names of the counsellors of State.  First, Knez Feoder joanowich Methisloskey. 2. Knez ivan Michailowich Glinskoy. 3. Knez Vasilie juanowich Suskoy Scopin. (These three are accounted to be of greater birth than wisdom taken in (as may seem) for that end, rather to furnish the place with their honours and presence, then with their advise or counsel.) 4. Knez Vasilie juanowich Suskoy, thought to be more wise than the other of his name. 5. Knez Feoder Michailowich. 6. Knez Micheta Romanowich Trowbetskoy. 7. Knez Timophey Romanowich Trowbetskoy. 8. Knez Andriew Gregoriwich Curakine. 9 Knez Demetrie juanowich Forestine. 10. Knez Feoder juanowich Forestine. 11. Bodan juanowich Sabarove. 12. Knez ivan Vasilowich. 13. Knez Feoder Demetriwich Shestinove. 14. Knez Feoder Michailowich Troyconiove. 15. ivan Buterlyney. 16. Demetrie juanowich Godonoe. 17. Borrise Federowich Godonoe, brother to the Empress. 18. Stephan Vasilowich Godonoe. 19 Gregory Vasilowich Godonoe. 20. ivan Vasilowich Godonoe. 21. Feoder Sheremitove. 22. Andriew Petrowich Cleshenina. 23. Ignatie Petrowich Tatislove. 24. Roman Michailowich Peva. 25. Demenshoy juanowich Cheremissen. 26. Roman Vasilowich Alferiove. 27. Andriew Shalcalove. 28. Vasilie Shalcalove. 29. Eleazar Wellusgin. 30. Drezheen Penteleove. 31. Zapon Abramove.  
The four last of these are called Dumnoy deiakey or Lord Secretaries. 
Four Secretaries.  These are all of the emperors privy counsel though but few of them are called to any consultation, for that all matters are advised and determined upon by Borris Federowich Godonoe brother to the Empress, with some five or six more whom it pleaseth him to call. If they come, they are rather to hear, then to give counsel, & do so demean themselves. The matters occurrent which are of state done within the Realm, are informed them at their sit by the Lords of the four Chetfirds, or Tetrarchies. Whereof mention is made in the Chapter concerning the Government of their Provinces. Who bring in all such letters as they receive from the Dukes, Dyacks, Captains, and other officers of the Cities, and Castles, pertaining to their several quarter or Chetfird, with other advertisements, and inform the Counsel of them.  
The like is done by the chief officer of every several office of Record: who may come into the Counsel chamber, and inform them, as occasion incident to his office doth require. Besides matters of State, they consider of many private causes, informed by way of supplication in very great numbers. Whereof some they entertain and determine, as the cause or means can procure favour. Some they send to the offices whereto they pertain by common course of Law. Their ordinary days for their sitting, are mondays, wensdays, and fridays. Their time of meeting is commonly seven a clock in the morning. If there be any extraordinary occasion that requireth consultation on some other day, they have warning by the Clerk of the counsel called Dorofcy Bushew, who receiveth order from the Roserad or high Constable of the realm, to call them together at the time appointed.   

The emperors customs Of the emperors customs and other Revenues.  
The 12. Chapter.  
FOR the receiving of customs, 
The offices of receipt.  and other rents belonging to the Crown, there are appointed divers under officers, which deliver over the same into the head treasury. The first is the office of Dwoertsova or Steward of the household. The second is the office of the Chetfirds: which I comprehend under one, though it be divided into four several parts, as was said before. The third is called Bulsha prechode, or the great Income.  
As touching the first, 
The Steward receiver of the crown land rents.  which is the office of the Steward, it receiveth all the rents of the emperors inheritance, or Crown land, which they call Vochin. The Vochin or Crown land containeth in it 36. towns with the territories or hundreds belonging unto them. Whereof the chief that yield the greatest rents are these: Alexandrisca, Corelska, Otfer, Sloboder, Danielska, Moisalskoy, Chara, Sametska, Strararouse, ●ransoue, etc. The inhabitants or tenants of these and the other towns, pay some rend money, some other rend duties (called Obrokey) as certain Chetfirds, or measures of grain, wheat, rye, barley, oats, etc. or of other victual, as Oxen, Sheep, Swans, Geese, Hares, Hens, wild fowl, Fish, Hay, Wood, Honey, etc. Some are bound to sow for the emperors provision certain Acres of ground, and to make the corn ready for his use: having for it an allowance of certain acres of ground for their own proper use.  
This provision for the household, specially of grain served in by the Tenants, is a great deal more than is spent in his house, or in other allowance served out in livery, or for the emperors honour, called Schalovaney: for which use there is bestowed very much both in grain, and other victual. This surplus of provision is sold by the Steward to the best hand, and runneth into the emperors treasury.  
In the time of ivan Vasilowich, father to this Emperor (who kept a more Princely & bountiful house then the Emperor now doth) this overplus of grain, and other incomes into the stewards office, yielded to his treasury not past 60. thousand rubles yearly, but riseth now by good husbanding of the Steward Gregory Vasilowich Godonoe, to 230. thousand rubles a year. And this by the means of the Empress, and her kindred, specially (Borris Fedorowich Godonoe) that account it all their own that runneth into the Emperor's treasure. Much of this surplusage that riseth out of the rend provision, is employed to the payment of the wages of his household officers, which are very many attending at home, and purveying abroad.  
The second office of receipt called the Chetfirds, 
The office of Chetfird.  (being divided into four several parts, as before was said) hath four head officers: which besides the ordering and government of the shires contained within their several Chedfirds, have this also as a part of their office, 
Tagla and Podat.  to receive the Tagla and Podat belonging to the Emperor, that riseth out of the four Chetfirds or Quarters. The Tagla is a yearly rent or imposition raised upon every Wite or measure of grain, that groweth within the land, gathered by sworn men, and brought into the office. The Wite containeth sixty Chetfirds. Every Chetfird is three bushels English, or little less. The Podat is an ordinary rent of money imposed upon every soak, or Hundred within the whole Realm.  
This Tagla and Podat bring in yearly to the Offices of the Chetfirdes a great sum of money: as may appear by the particulars here set down. The town and Province of Vobsko, pay yearly for Tagla & Podat about 18000. rubles. Novogrod 35000. rubles. Torshocke & Otfer 8000. rubles. Razan 30000. rubles. Morum 12000. rubles. Colmigroe and Duyna 8000. rubles. Vologda 12000. rubles. Cazan 18000 rub. Vstiug 30000. rubles. Rostoue 50000. The city of Mosko 40000. rubles. Sibierskoy 20000. rubles. Castrome 12000. rubles. The total amounteth to 400000. rubles, or markr a year, which is brought in yearly the first day of September, that is reckoned by them the first day of the year.  
The third (that is called the Bulsha Prechod, 
The office of Bulcha Prechod or great income.  or great Income) receiveth all the customs that are gathered out of all the priucipall towns and Cities within the whole Realm. Besides, the fees and other duties which rise out of divers smaller Offices, which are all brought into this office of Bulsha Prechod. The towns of most trade that do yield greatest custom, are these here set down. Mosko, Smolensko, Vobsko, Novogrod Velica, Strararouse, Torshocke, Otfer, Yaruslaue, Castrome, Nesna Novogrod, Cazan, Vologda. This custom out of the great towns is therefore more certain, and easy to be reckoned, because it is set and rated precisely what they shall pay for the custom of the year Which needs must be paid into the said office, though they receive not so much. If it fall out to be more, it runneth all into the emperors advantage.  
The custom at Mosko for every year, 
The emperors custom.  is 12000. rubles. The custom of Smolensko, 8000. Vobsko 12000. rubles. Novogrod velica 6000. rubles. Stararouse by salt and other commodities 18000. rubles. Torshock 800. rubles. Otfer 700. rubles. Yarusslave 1200 rubles. Castrome 1800. rubles. Nesna Novogrod 7000. rubles. Cazan 11000. rubles. Vologda 2000 rubles. The custom of the rest that are towns of trade, is sometimes more, sometimes less as their traffic, and dealings with commodities too and fro, falleth out for the year.  
This may be said for certain, 
The whole receipt of the Bulsha Prechod or great income.  that the three tables of receipts belonging to this office of Bulsha Prechod, when they receive lest, account for thus much, uz. The first table 160000. rubles. The second table 90000. rubles. The third 70000. rubles. So that there cometh into the office of Bulsha Prechod, at the least reckoning (as appeareth by their books of customs) out of these and other towns, and maketh the sum of 340000. rubbles a year. Besides this custom out of the towns of trade, there is received by this office of Bulsha Prechod, the yearly rent of the common Bathstoaves, & Cabacks or drinking houses, which pertain to the Emperor, Which (though it be uncertain for the just sum, yet because it is certain and an ordinary matter, that the Ruff will bathe himself aswell within as without) yieldeth a large rent to the emperors treasury.  
There is beside, 
Rents out of the judicial offices.  a certain mulct or penalty that groweth to the Emperor out of every judgement, or sentence that passeth in any of his courts of Record in all civil matters. This penalty, or mulct is 20. Dingoes or pence upon every double or mark, and so ten in the hundred. Which is paid by the party that is convict by law. He hath beside for every name contained in the writs that pass out of these courts, five Alteens. An Alteen is five pence sterling, or there about. This is made good out of the office, whence the writ is taken forth. Thence it goeth to the office that keepeth the lesser seal, where it payeth as much more to the emperors use. This riseth commonly to 3000. rubles a year, or thereabouts. Farther also out of the office of Roisbonia, where all felonies are tried, is received for the Emperor the half part of felons goods the other half goeth the one part to the informer, the other to the officers.  
All this is brought into the office of Bulsha Prechod, or great income. Besides the overplus or remainder that is saved out of the land rends, allotted to divers other offices: as namely to the office called Roserade, which hath lands and rents assigned unto it to pay the yearly salaries of the soldiers, or horsemen, that are kept still in pay. Which in time of peace when they rest at home not employed in any service, is commonly cut off and paid them by halves, sometimes not the half: so that the remainder out of the Roserade Office that is laid into the emperors treasury, cometh for the most part every year to 250000. rubles.  
In like sort (though not so much) is brought in the surplus out of the Strelletskoy offices which hath proper lands for the payment of the Strelsey men or gunner's, aswell those at Mosko, that are of the Emperor's guard (12000. in ordinary) as on the borders, and other garrison towns and castles. Likewise out of the office of Prechase, Shisivoy Nemshoy which hath set allowance of lands to maintain the foreign mercenary soldiers, as Poles, Sweadens, Doutches, Scots, etc. So out of the office of Pusharskoy, (which hath lands and rends allowed for the provision of munition, great Ordinance, powder, Shot, Salpeeper, Brimstone, Led, and such like) there is left somewhat at the years end, that runneth into the treasury. All these bring into the office of Bulsha Prechod that which remaineth in their hand at the years end. Whence it is delivered into the emperors treasury. So that the whole sum that groweth to this office of Bulsha Prechod, or the great income (as appeareth by the books of the said office) amounteth to 800000. rubles a year, or thereabouts.  
All these offices, 
The emperors treasure house within his castle of Mosko.  to wit, the office of the Steward, the four Chetfirds, and the Bulsha Prechod deliver in their receipts to the head treasury, that lieth within the emperors house or castle at the Mosko. Where lie all his moneys, jewels, crowns, sceptres, plate, and such like, the chests, hutches, and bags being signed by the Emperonrs themselves with their own seal. Though at this time the Ld Borris Federowich Godonoe his seal and oversight supplieth for the Emperor, as in all other things. The under officer at this time is one Stepan Vasilowich Godonoe, Cousin german to the said Borris, who hath two clerk allowed to serve under him in the office.  

The sum that groweth to the Emperors treasury in money only, for every year. 

1 Out of the Steward's office above the expense of his house 23000. rubles. 
The sum of the emperors rend money.   
2 Out of the four Chetfirds for soak & head money 400000 rubles.  
3 Out of the Bulsha Precod Office, or great incoome, for custom and other rents. 800000 rubles. 

Sum 1430000 rubbles clear, besides all charges for his house, & ordinary saleries of his soldiers otherwise discharged.       
But besides this revenue that is paid all in money to the emperors treasury he receiveth yearly in furs, and other duties to a great value out of Siberia, Pechora, Permia, and other places, which are sold or bartered away for other foreign commodities to the Turkish Persian, Armenian, Georgian and Bougharian Merchants that trade within his countries, besides others of Christendom. What it maketh in the whole (though the value can not be set down precisely, as being a thing casual as the commodity may be got) it may be guessed by that which was gathered the last year out of Siberia for the emperors custom, uz. 466. timber of Sables, five timber of Martrones, 180. black Foxes, besides other commodities.  
To these may be added their seazures, and confiscations upon such as are in displeasure, which riseth to a great sum Besides other their extraordinary impositions, and exactions done upon their officers, Monasteries, etc. not for any apparent necessity or use of the Prince, or common wealth, but of will and custom: yet with some pretence of a Scythian, that is, gross and barbarous policy (as may appear) by these few Sophismata, or counterfeit policies, put in practice by the Emperors of Russia, all tending to this end to rob their people, and to enrich their treasury. To this purpose this byword was used by the late Emperor ivan Vasilowich: That his people were like to his beard. The oftener shaven, the thicker it would grow. Or like sheep, that must needs be shorn once a year at the leasst: to keep them from being ouerladen with their wool.   

Means used to draw the wealth of the land into the emperors Treasury.  
TO prevent no extortions exactions, or briberies whatsoever, done upon the commons by their Dukes, Diacks, or other officers in their Provinces: but to suffer them to go on till their time be expired, and to suck themselves full. Then to call them to the Praueush (or whip) for their behaviour, and to beat out of them all, or the most part of the booty, (as the honey from the Bee) which they have wrung from the commons, and to turn it into the emperors treasury, but never any thing back again to the right owners, how great or evident soever the injury be. To this end the needy Dukes, & Diacks, that are sent into their provinces, serve the turn very well, being changed so often (to wit) once a year: where in respect of their own, and the quality of the people (as before was said) they might be continued for some longer time, without all fear of innovation. For coming still fresh upon the commons, they suck more eagerly: like Tiberius the emperors flies, that came new still upon all old sore. To whom he was wont to compare his Praetors, and other provincial officers.  

2  
TO make of these officers (that have rob their people) sometimes a public example, if any be more notorious than the rest: that the Emperor may seem to mislike the oppressions done to his people, & transfer the fault to his ill officers.  
As among divers other, was done by the late Emperor ivan Vasilowich to a Diack in one of his Provinces: that (besides many other extortions, and briberies) had taken a goose ready dressed full of money. The man was brought to the market place in Mosko. The Emperor himself present made an Oration. These good people are they that would eat you up like bread, etc. Then asked he his Polachies' or executioners, who could cut up a goose, and commanded one of them first to cut off his legs about the mids of the shin than his arms above his elbows (ask him still if goose flesh were good meat) in the end to chop off his head: that he might have the right fashion of a goose ready dressed. This might seem to have been a tolerable piece of justice (as justice goeth in Russia) except his subtle end to cover his own oppressions.   

3  
TO make an open show of want, when any great tax, or imposition is towards. As was done by this Emperor Theodore juanowich, by the advise of some about him at the beginning of his reign: when being left very rich (as was thought) by his father, he sold most of his plate, and stamped some into coin: that he might seem to want money. Whereupon presently out came a taxation.   

4  
TO suffer their subjects to give freely to the Monasteries (which for their superstition very many do, specially in their last wills) & to lay up their money and substance in them, to keep it more safe. Which all is permitted than without any restraint or proviso, as was & is in some countries of christendom. Whereby their Monasteries grow to exceeding great wealth. This they do to have the money of the Realm better stored together, and more ready for their hand, when they list to take it. Which many times is done without any noise: the Friars being content rather to part from somewhat (as the increase groweth) then to lose all at once. Which they were made to doubt of in the other emperors days.  
To this end ivan Vasilowich late Emperor used a very strange practice, 
A strange practice to get money.  that few Princes would have done in their greatest extremities. He resigned his kingdom to one Velica Knez Simeon, the emperors son of Gazan: as though he meant to draw himself from all public doings to aquiet private life. Towards the end of the year, he caused this new King to call in all Charters granted to bishoprics and Monasteries, which they had enjoyed many hundred years before. Which were all canceled. This done (as in dislike of the fact and of the misgovernment of the new King) he resumed his sceptre, and so was content as in favour to the Church and religious men) that they should renew their charters, & take them of himself: reserving and annexing to the Crown so much of their lands, as himself thought good.  
By this practice he wrung from the bishoprics, and Monasteries (besides the lands which he annexed to the Crown) an huge mass of money. From some 40, from some 50, from some an hundred thousand rubles. And this aswell for the increase of his treasury, as to abate the ill opinion of his hard government, by a show of worse in an other man. Wherein his strange spirit is to be noted: that being hated of his subjects, (as himself knew well enough) yet would venture such a practice, to set an other in his saddle, that might have rid away with his horse, while himself walked by on foot.   

5  
TO send their messengers into the Provinces, or shires where the special commodities of their country grow, as furs, wax, honey, etc. There to forestall & engross sometime one whole commodity, sometime two, or more, taking than at small prices what themselves list, & selling them again at an excessive rate to their own merchants, and to merchants strangers. If they refuse to buy them, then to force them unto it.  
The like is done when any commodity either native or foreign (as cloth of gold, broad cloth, etc.▪) thus engrossed by the Emperor, and received into his treasury, happeneth to decay, or mar by long lying, or some other casualty. Which is forced upon the Merchants to be bought by them at the emperors price, whether they will or no. This last year of 1589. was engrossed all the wax of the country: so that none might deal with that commodity, but the Emperor only.   

6  
TO take up & engross in like sort sometime foreign commodities (as silks, cloth, led, pearl, etc. brought into his realm by Turkish merchants, Armenians, Bougharians, Poles, English, and other. And then to force his merchants to buy them of his officers at his own price.   

7  
TO make a Monopoly for the time of such commodities as are paid him for rent, or custom, & to inhanse the price of them, as furs, corn, wood, etc. What time none must sell of the same kind of commodity, till the Emperors be all sold. By this means he maketh of his rent, corn, & other provision of victual (as before was said) about 200000. rub. or marks a year. Of his rend wood, hay, etc. 30000. rubles, or thereabouts.   

8  
IN every great town of his Realm he hath a Caback or drinking house, where is sold aquavitae (which they call Russee wine) mead, beer, etc. Out of these he receiveth rend that amounteth to a great sum of money. Some yield 800, some 900, some a 1000 some 2000 or 3000. rubles a year. Wherein besides the base, and dishonourable means to increase his treasury, many foul faults are committed. The poor labouring man, and artificer, many times spendeth all from his wife, and children. Some use to lay in twenty, thirty, forty rubles, or more into the Caback, and vow themselves to the pot, till all that be spent. And this (as he will say) for the honour of Hospodare, or the Emperor. You shall have many there that have drunk all away to the very skin, and so walk naked (whom they call Naga.) While they are in the Caback, none may call them forth whatsoever cause there be, because he hindereth the emperors revenue.   

9  
TO cause some of his Boiarens, or Nobles of his court, (whom he useth upon trust) that have houses in the Mosko, to feign themselves rob. Then to send for the Zemsk●● men, or Aldermen of the city, and to command them to find out the robbery. In default of not finding it, to brave or seasse the city for their misgovernment in 8000. 9000. or 10000 rubles at a time. This is many times practised.   

10  
IN these exactions to show their sovereignty, sometime they use very plain, and yet strange cavillations. As was that of ivan Vasilowich, father to this Emperor, after this sort. He sent into Permia for certain loads of Cedar wood, whereof he knew that none grew in that Country. The inhabitants returned answer they could find none there. Whereupon he seized their Country in 12000. rubles, as if they concealed the commodity of purpose. Again he sent to the city of Mosko to provide for him a Colpack, or measure full of live fleas for a medicine. They returned answer that the thing was impossible. And if they could get them, yet they could not measure them, for leaping out. Whereupon he praved, or beat out of their shins 7000. rubles for amulct.  
By like cavillation he extorted from his Nobility 30000. rubles, because he miss of his game, when he went a hunting for the Hare: as if their hunting and murdering of hares had been the cause of it. Which the Nobility (as the manner is) praved presently again upon the Mousicks, or common people of the Country. This may seem a strange kind of extortion, by such pleasant cavils to flies his poor subjects in good sadness: but that it agreeth with the quality of those Emperors, and the miserable subjection of that poor Country. These, and such like means are practised by the Emperors of Russia, to increase their Treasury.    

Of the state of the Commonalty, or vulgar sort of people in the country of Russia.  
The 13. Chapter.  
THE condition of the commons, and vulgar sort of people may partly be understood by that which already hath been said concerning the manner of their government, & the state of the Nobility, with the ordering of their Provinces, and chief towns of the land. 
The servile and miserable estate of the Ruff people.  And first touching their liberty how it standeth with them, it may appear by this: that they are reckoned in no degree at all, nor have any suffrage nor place in their Zabore, or high court of Parliament, where their laws and public orders are concluded upon. Which commonly tend to the oppression of the commons. For the other two degrees vz: of the Nobility, and Clergy, which have a vote in the Parliaments (though far from that liberty that ought to be in common consultations for the public benefit, according to the measure and proportion of their degrees) are well contented that the whole burden shall light upon the commons, so they may ease their own shoulders by laying all upon them. Again into what servile condition their liberty is brought, not only to the Prince, but to the Nobles, and Gentlemen of the Country (who themselves also are but servile, specially of late years) it may farther appear by their own acknowledgements in their supplications, and other writings to any of the Nobles or chief officers of the Emperors. Wherein they name and subscribe themselves Kolophey, that is, their villains, or bondslaves: as they of the Nobility do unto the Emperor. This may truly be said of them, that there is no servant nor bondslave more awed by his Master, nor kept down in a more servile subjection, than the poor people are, & that universally, not only by the Emperor, but by his Nobility, chief officers, and soldiers. So that when a poor Mousick meeteth with any of them upon the high way, he must turn himself about, as not daring to look him on the face, and fall down with knocking of his head to the very ground, as he doth unto his Idol.  
Secondly concerning the lands, goods, and other possessions of the commons they answer the name and lie common indeed without any fence against the rapine, and spoil, not only of the highest, but of his Nobility, officers, and soldiers. Besides the taxes, customs, seazures, and other public exactions done upon them by the Emperor, they are so racked and pulled by the Nobles, officers, and messengers sent abroad by the Emperor in his public affairs, specially in the Yammes (as they call them) and through fair towns, that you shall have many villages and towns of half a mile, and a mile long, stand all unhabited the people being fled all into other places by reason of the extreme usage and exactions done upon them. So that in the way towards Mosko, betwixt Vologda and Yaruslaveley (which is two nineties after their reckoning, little more than an hundredth miles English) there are in sigt fifty Darieunes or villages at the least, some half a mile, some a mile long (that stand vacant) & desolate with out any inhabitant. The like is in all other places of the realm (as is said by those that have better traveled the country than myself had time, or occasion to do.  
The great oppression over the poor Commons, maketh them to have no courage in following their trades: for that the more they have, the more danger they are in, not only of their goods, but of their lives also. And if they have any thing, they conceal it all they can, sometimes conveying it into Monasteries, sometimes hiding it under the ground, and in woods, as men are wont to do where they are in fear of foreign invasion. In so much that many times you shall see them afraid to be known to any Boiuren or Gentleman of such commodities as they have to sell. I have seen them sometimes when they have said open their commodities for a liking (as their principal furs & such like) to look still behind them, and towards every door: as men in some fear, that looked to be set upon, & surprised by some enemy. Whereof ask the cause, I found it to be this that they have doubted lest some Nobleman or Sinaboiarskey of the Emperor had been in company, & so laid a train for them to pray upon their commodities perforce.  
This maketh the people (though otherwise hardened to bear any toil) to give themselves much to idleness and drinking▪ as passing for no more, then from hand to mouth. And hereof it cometh that the commodities of Russia (as was said before) as wax, tallow, hides, flax, hemp, etc.) grow and go abroad in far less plenty than they were wont to do: because the people being oppressed and spoiled of their get, are discouraged from their labours. Yet this one thing is much to be noted, that in all this oppression there were three brethren Merchants of late that traded together with one stock in common, that were found to be worth 300000. rubles in money, besides lands, cattles, and other commodities. Which may partly be imputed to their dwellings far of from the eye of the Court, uz. in Wichida, a 1000 miles from Mosko, & more. The same are said by those that knew them to have set on work all the year long ten thousand men in making of salt, carriages by cart, & boat, hewing of wood, and such like: besides 5000 bondslaves at the least, to inhabit and till their land.  
They had also their physicians, surgeons, apothecary's, and all manner of artificers of Doutches and others, belonging unto them. They are said to have paid to the Emperor for custom to the sum of 23000. rubbles a year (for which cause they were suffered to enjoy their trade) besides the maintaining of certain garrisons on the borders of Siberia, which were near unto them. Wherein the Emperor was content to use their purse, till such time as they had got ground in Siberia, and made it habitable, by burning, and cutting down woods from Wichida to Perm, above a 1000 verse and then took it all away from them perforce.  
But this in the end being envied, and disdained, as a matter not standing with their policy to have any so great, specially a Mousick, the Emperor began first to to pull from them by pieces, sometimes 20000 rubles at a time, sometime more: till in the end their sons that now are, are well eased of their stock, and have but small part of their father's substance: the rest being drawn all into the emperors treasury. Their names were jacove, Gregory, & Simon the sons of Onyka.  
For the quality of their people otherwise, 
The tyranny and oppression over their very minds and wits.  though there seemeth to be in them some aptness to receive any art (as appeareth by the natural wits in the men, and very children) yet they excel in no kind of common art, much less in any learning, or literal kind of knowledge: which they are kept from of purpose, as they are also from all military practice: that they may be fit for the servile condition, wherein now they are, and have neither reason, nor valour to attempt innovation. For this purpose also they are kept from traveling, that they may learn nothing, nor see the fashions of other Countries abroad. You shall seldom see a Ruff a traveler, except he be with some Ambassador, or that he make a escape out of his Country. Which hardly he can do, by reason of the borders that are watched so narrowly, and the punishment for any such attempt, which is death if he be taken, and all his goods confiscate. Only they learn to write, and to read, and that very few of them. Neither do they suffer any stranger willingly to come into their realm out of any civil Country, for the same cause, farther than necessity of uttering their commodities, and taking in of foreign doth enforce them to do.  
And therefore this year 1589. they consulted about the removing of all merchants strangers to the border towns, 
The jealousy of the Emperor concerning his state.  to abide and have their residency there, and to be more wary in admitting other strangers hereafter into the Inland parts of the realm, for fear of infection with better manners and qualities, than they have of their own. For the same purpose also they are kept within the bounds of their degree by the laws of their country: so that the son of a Mousick, artificer, or husbandman, is ever a Mousick artificer, &c: and hath no means to aspire any higher: except having learned to write and read, he attain to the preferment of a Priest, or Dyack. Their language is all one with the Slavonian, which is thought to have been derived from the Ruff tongue, rather than the Ruff from the Slavonian. For the people called Sclavi, are known to have had their beginning out of Sarmatia, and to have termed themselves of their conquest Sclavos, (that is) famous or glorious, of the word Sclava, which in the Ruff & Slavonian tongue, signifieth as much as Glory, or Fame. Though afterwards being subdued and trod upon by divers nations, the Italians their neighbours have turned the word to a contrary signification, and term every servant or peasant by the name of Sclave, as did the Romans by the Geteses & Syrians, for the same reason. The Ruff character or letter is no other than the Greek, somewhat distorted.  
Concerning their trades, diet, apparel, and such like, it is to be noted in a several chapter of their private behaviour. This order that bindeth every man to keep his rank, and several degree, wherein his forefathers lived before him, is more meet to keep the subjects in a servile subjection▪ and so apt for this and like Commonwealths, then to advance any virtue, or to breed any rare or excellent quality in Nobility or Commons: as having no farther reward nor preferment, whereunto they may bend their endeavours, and employ themselves to advance their estate but rather procuring more danger to themselves, the more they excel in any noble or principal quality.   

Of their public justice, and manner of proceeding in civil, and criminal matters.  
The 14. Chapter.  
THeir courts of civiliustice for matters of contract, 
Courts of civil justice three.  & other of like sort, are of three kinds, the one being subject unto the other by way of appeal. The lowest Court (that seemeth to be appointed for some ease to the subjects) is the office of the Gubnoy Starust, that signifieth an Alderman, & of the Sotskoy Starust, or Bailiff of the soak or hundred, whereof I spoke before in the ordering of the Provinces. These may end matters among their neighbours within their soak, or several hundred, where they are appointed under the Dukes & Diacks of the Provinces, to whom the parties may remove their matter, if they cannot be agreed by the said ●abnoy, or Sotskoy Starust.  
The second is kept in the head towns of every Province or Shire, 
The Dukes and Diacks Court.  by the said Dukes and Diacks, that are deputies to the four Lords of the Chetfirds (as before was said) From these courts they may appeal, 
The high Court of Mosko.  and remove their suits to the chief Court, that is kept at the Mosko, where are resident the officers of the four Chetfirds. These are the chief justices or judges, every of them in all civil matters that grow within their several Chetfird or quarter, and may be either commenced originally before them, or prosecuted out of the inferior Courts of the Shires by way of appeal.  
Their commencing, 
Their manner of procedeing in Civil matters.  and proceeding in civil actions is on this manner. First, the plaintiff putteth up his supplication, wherein he declareth the effect of his cause, or wrong done unto him. Whereupon is granted unto him a Wepis, or warrant, which he delivereth to the Praestave, or Sergeant, to do the arrest upon the party whom he meaneth to implead. Who upon the arrest, is to put in sureties to answer the day appointed, or else standeth at the Sergeant's devotion, to be kept safe by such means as he thinketh good.  
The Sergeants are many, and excel for their hard and cruel dealing towards their prisoners, commonly they clap irons upon them, as many as they can bear, to wring out of them some larger fees. Though it be but for six pence, you shall see them go with chains on their legs, arms, and neck. When they come before the judge, the plaintiff beginneth to declare his matter after the content of his supplication. As for Attourneiss counsellors, procurators & Advocates to plead their cause for them, they have no such order, but every man is to tell his own tale, and plead for himself, so well as he can.  
If they have any witness, or other evidence, 
Ending of controversies by kissing the Cross.  they produce it before the judge. If they have none, or if the truth of the cause cannot so well be discerned by the plea, or evidence on both parts: then the judge asketh either party (which he thinketh good plaintiff or defendant) whether he will kiss the Cross, upon that which he avoucheth, or denieth. He that taketh the Cross (being so offered by the judge) is accounted clear, and carrieth away the matter. This ceremony is not done within the Court or office, but the party is carried to the Church by an officer, and there the ceremony is done: the money in the mean while hanging upon a nail, or else lying at the idols feet, ready to be delivered to the party, as soon as he hath kissed the Cross before the said Idol.  
This kissing of the Cross (called Creustina chelouania) is as their corporal oath. and accounted with them a very holy thing, 
judgement by lot.  which no man will dare to violate, or profane with a false allegation. If both parties offer to kiss the Cross in a contradictory matter, than they draw lots. The better lot is supposed to have the right, and beareth away the matter. So the party convicted is adjudged to pay the debt or penalty whatsoever, and withal to pay the emperors fees, which is twenty pence upon every mark, as before hath been noted.  
When the matter is thus ended, the party convicted is delivered to the Sergeant, who hath a writ for his warrant out of the office, to carry him to the Praueush or Righter of justice, if presently he pay not the money, or content not the party. This Praueush or Righter, is a place near to the office: where such as have sentence passed against them, and refuse to pay that which is adjudged, are beaten with great cudgels on the shins, and calves of their legs. Every forenoon from eight to eleven, they are set on the Praueush, and beat in this sort till the money be paid. The afternoon and night time, they are kept in chains by the Sergeant: except they put in sufficient sureties for their appearance at the Praueush at the hour appointed. You shall see forty or fifty stand together on the Praueush all on a row, and their shins thus becudgelled, and bebasted every morning with a piteous cry. If after a years standing on the Praueush, the party will not, or lack wherewithal to satisfy his creditor, it is lawful for him to fallen his wife, and children, either out right, or for a certain term of years. And if the price of them do not amount to the full payment, the creditor may take them to be his bondslaves, for years or for ever, according as the value of the debt requireth.  
Such kind of suits as lack direct evidence, or stand upon conjectures and circumstances to be weighed by the judge, draw of great length, and yield great advantage to the judge▪ and officers. If the suit be upon a bond, or bill, they have for the most part good and speedy justice. Their bonds, or bills are drawn in a very plain sort, 
The form of Russee bills or bonds.  after this tenor. I ivan Vasileo have borrowed of Alphonasse Dementio, the sum of one hundred rubbles of going money of Mosko. from the Kreshenea (or hallowing of the water) until the Saburney voscreshenea (or Counsel Sunday) without interest. And if this money rest unpayed after that day, than he shall give interest upon the said money, after the common rate, as it goeth among the people, uz. for every five the sixth rubbel. Upon this there are witnesses, Micheta Sydroveskoy, &c: Subscribed. This bill have I written Gabriel I acovelesni, in the year 7096. The witnesses, and debtor (if he can write) endorse their names on the back side of the bill. Other signing, or sealing have they none.  
When any is taken for a matter of crime (as treason, 
Proceeding in criminal matters.  murder, theft, and such like) he is first brought to the Duke, and Diack, that are for the Province where the party is attached, by whom he is examined. The manner of examination in such cases, is all by torture, as scourging with whips made of sinews, or whitleather (called the Pudkey) as big as a man's finger, which giveth a sore lash, and entereth into the flesh, or by tying to a spit and roasting at the fire, sometimes by breaking and wresting one of their ribs with a paure of hot tongues, or cutting their flesh under the nails, and such like.  
The examination thus taken withal the proofs, and evidences that can be alleged against the party, it is sent up to the Mosko to the Lord of the Chetfird or Fourthparte, under whom the Province is, and by him is presented to the Counsel table, to be read and sentenced there, where only judgement is given in matter of life & death, and that by evidence upon information, though they never saw nor heard the party, who is kept still in prison where the fact was committed, and never sent up to the place where he is tried. If they find the party guilty, they give sentence of death according to the quality of the fact: which is sent down by the Lord of the Chetfird, to the Duke and Diack to be put in execution. The prisoner is carried to the place of execution with his hands bound, and a wax candle burning held betwixt his fingers▪  
Their capital punishments are hanging, hedding, knocking on the head, drowning, putting under the ice, setting on a stake, and such like. But for the most part the prisoners that are condemned in Summer, are kept for the winter, to be knocked in the head, and put under the ice. This is to be understood of common persons. For theft, and murder, if they be committed upon a poor Mousick by one of Nobility are not lightly punished, nor yet is he called to any account for it. Their reason is, because they are accounted their Kolophey, or bondslaves. If by some Sinaboiarskey, or Gentleman soldier, a murder or theft be committed, peradventure he shall be imprisoned at the emperors pleasure. If the manner of the fact be very notorious, he is whipped perchance, and this is commonly all the punishment that is inflicted upon them.  
If a man kill his own servant little, or nothing is said unto him, for the same reason: because he is accounted to be his Kolophey, or bondslave, and so to have right over his very head. The most is some small mulct to the Emperor, if the party be rich: & so the quarrel is made rather against the purse, then against the injustice. They have no written law, save only a small book that containeth the time, and manner of their sitting, order in proceeding▪ and such other judicial forms and circumstances, but nothing to direct them to give sentence upon right or wrong. Their only law is their Speaking Law, that is, the pleasure of the Prince, and of his Magistrates and officers. Which showeth the miserable condition of this poor people, that are forced to have them for their law, and direction of justice, against whose injustice, and extreme oppression, they had need to be armed with many good, and strong laws.   

Their forces for the wars, with the chief officers and their salaries.  
The 15. Chapter.  
THe soldiers of Russia are called Sinaboiarskey, or the sons of Gentlemen: because they are all of that degree, by virtue of their military profession. For every soldier in Russia is a gentleman, and none are gentlemen, but only the soldiers, that take it by descent from their ancestors: so that the son of a gentleman (which is borne a soldier) is ever a gentleman, 
Soldiers by birth & inheritance.  & a soldier withal▪ & professeth nothing else but military matters. When they are of years able to bear arms, they come to the office of Roserade, or great Constable, and there present themselves: who entereth their names, and alotteth them certain lands to maintain their charges, for the most part the same that their fathers enjoyed For the lands assigned to maintain the army, are ever certain, annexed to this office without improving, or detracting one foot. But that if the Emperor have sufficient in wages, the rooms being full so far as the land doth extend already, they are many times deferred, and have nothing allowed them, except some one portion of the land be divided into two. Which is a cause of great disorder within that country: when a soldier that hath many children, shall have sometimes but one entertained in the emperors pay. So that the rest having nothing, are forced to live by unjust and wicked shifts, that tend to the hurt & oppression of the Mousick, or common sort of people. This inconvenience groweth by maintaining his forces in a continual succession. The whole number of his soldiers in continual pay, is this. First, he hath of his Dworaney, that is, Pensioners, or Guard of his person, to the number of 15000. horsemen, with their captains, and other officers, that are always in a readiness.  
Of these 15000. horsemen, 
Degrees of horsemen.  there are three sorts or degrees, which differ aswell in estimation, as in wages, one degree from another. 
1. Praetoriaenior such as attend the emperors person, 15000.  The first sort of them is, called Dworaney Bulshey, or the company of head Pensioners, that have, some an hundred, some fourscore rubles a year, and none under 70. The second sort are called Seredney Dworaney, or the middle rank of Pensioners. These have sixty, or fifty rubles by the year, none under forty. The third and lowest sort are the Dyta Boiarskey, that is, the low Pensioners. Their salary is thirty rubles a year for him that hath most, some have but five and twenty, some twenty, none under twelve. Whereof the half part is paid them at the Mosko, the other half in the field by the general, when they have any wars, and are employed in service. When they receive their whole pay, it amounteth to 55000. rubles by the year.  
And this is their wages, besides lands allotted to every one of them, both to the greater and the less, according to their degrees. Whereof he that hath least, hath to yield him twenty rubles, or marks by the year. Besides these 15000. horsemen▪ that are of better choice (as being the Emperors own guard when himself goeth to the wars, not unlike the Roman soldiers called Praetoriani) are a 110. men of special account for their Nobility, and trust, which are chosen by the Emperor, and have their names registered, 
Two other troops to the number of 65000.  that find among them for the emperors wars, to the number of 65000. horsemen, with all necessaries meet for the wars after the Ruff manner.  
To this end they have yearly allowance made by the Emperor for themselves, and their companies, to the sum of 40000. rubles. And these 65000 are to repair to the field every year on the borders towards the Chrim Tartar, (except they be appointed for some other service) whether there be wars with the Tartars, or not. This might seem peradventure somewhat dangerous for some state, to have so great forces under the command of Noblemen to assemble every year to one certain place. But the matter is so used, as that no danger can grow to the Emperor, or his state by this means. 1. Because these noblemen are many, to wit, an 110. in all, and changed by the Emperor so oft as he thinketh good. 2. Because they have their livings of the Emperor, being otherwise but of very small revenue, and receive this yearly pay of 40000. rubles, when it is presently to be paid forth again to the soldiers that are under them. 3. Because for the most part they are about the emperors person, being of his Council either special, or at large. 4. They are rather as paymasters, than Captains to their companies, themselves not going forth ordinarily to the wars, save when some of them are appointed by special order from the Emperor himself. 
Horsemen in continual pay 80000.  So the whole number of horsemen that are ever in a readiness, and in continual pay, are 80000, a few more or less.  
If he have need of a greater number (which seldom falleth out) than he entertaineth of those Sinaboiarskey, that are out of pay, so many as he needeth: and if yet he want of his number, he giveth charge to his Noblemen, that hold lands of him, to bring into the field every man a proportionable number of his servants (called Kolophey, such as till his lands) with their furniture, according to the just number that he intendeth to make. Which the service being done, presently lay in their weapons, and return to their servile occupations again.  
Of footmen that are in continual pay, 
Footmen in continual pay 12000.  he hath to the number of 12000. all Gunners, called Strelsey. Whereof 5000. are to attend about the City of Mosko, or any other place where the Emperor shall abide, and 2000 (which are called Stremaney, Stresley, or Gunners at the stirrup) about his own person at the very Court or house where himself lodgeth. The rest are placed in his garrison Towns, till there be occasion to have them in the field, and receive for their salary or stipend every man seven rubles a year, besides twelve measures, a piece of Rye, and Oats. Of mercenary Soldiers, that are strangers (whom they call Nimschoy) they have at this time 4300. 
Stranger's mercenaries in pay 4300.  of Polonians: of Chirchasses (that are under the Polonians) about 4. thousand, whereof 3500. are abroad in his garrisons: of Doutches and Scots about 150: of Greeks', Turks, Danes and Sweadens, all in one band, an 100 or thereabouts. But these they use only upon the Tartar side, and against the Siberians: as they do the Tartar soldiers (whom they hire sometimes, but only for the present) on the other side against the Polonian and Sweaden: thinking it best policy so to use their service upon the contrary border.  
The chief Captains or leaders of these forces, 
The chief captains or leaders.  according to their names, and degrees, 
1. The voivode or General.  are these which follow. First the Voyavodey Bulshaia, that is, the Great Captain, or Lieutenant general under the Emperor. This commonly is one of the four houses of the chief Nobility of the land: but so chosen otherwise, as that he is of small valour, or practise in martial matters, being thought to serve that turn so much the better, if he bring no other parts with him save the countenance of his Nobility, to be liked of by the soldiers for that, and nothing else. For in this point they are very wary that these two (to wit) nobility, and power meet not both in one, specially if they see wisdom with all, or aptness for policy.  
Their great Voiavod or General at this present in their wars, is commonly one of these four: Knez Feodor juanowich Methissoskey Knez ivan Michailowich Glinskoy, Cherechaskoy, and Trowbetskoy, all of great Nobility, but of very simple quality otherwise: though in Glinskoy (as they say) there is somewhat more than in the rest. To make up this defect in the voivode or General, 
2. Lieutenant general.  there is some other joined with him as Lieutenant General, of far less nobility, but of more valour and experience in the wars than he, who ordereth all things that the other countenanceth. At this time their principal man, and most used in their wars, is one Knez Demetrie juanowich Forestine, an ancient and expert captain, and one that hath done great service (as they say) against the Tartar, 
3. Marshals of the field four.  and Polonian. Next under the voivode and his Lieutenant general are four other that have the marshalling of the whole army divided among them, and may be called the marshals of the field.  
Every man hath his quarter, or fourth part under him. Whereof the first is called the Prava Polskoy, or right wing. The second is the Levoy Polskoy, or left wing. The third is Rusnoy Polskoy, or the broken band▪ because out of this there are chosen to send abroad upon any sudden exploit, or to make a rescue▪ 
Four marshal's deputies 8.  or supply, as occasion doth require. The fourth Storeshovoy Polskoy, or the warding band, Every one of these four Marshals have two other under them (eight in all) that twice every week at the least must muster and train their several wings or bands, and hold and give justice for all faults, and disorders committed in the camp.  
And these eight are commonly chosen out of the 110. (which I spoke of before) that receive and deliver the pay to the soldiers. Under these eight are divers other Captains, 
Five Cotonels under Captains.  as the Gulauoy, Captains of thousands five hundreds and 100 The Petyde Setskoy or Captains of fifties, and the Decetskies' or captains of tens.  
Besides the Voiavoda or General of the Army (spoken of before) they have two other that bear the name of Voiavoda: whereof one is the Master of the great Ordinance (called Naradna voiavoda) who hath divers under Officers, 
Six Masters of the Artillery.  necessary for that service. The other is called the Voiavoda gulavoy, or the walking Captain, 
The waking Captain.  that hath allowed him 1000 good horsemen of principal choice, to range and spy abroad, and hath the charge of the running Castle, which we are to speak of in the Chapter following. All these Captains, and men of charge must once every day resort to the Bulsha voiavoda or General of the Army, to know his pleasure, & to inform him, if there be any requisite matter pertaining to their office.   

Of their mustering, and levying of forces, manner of armour, and provision of victual for the wars.  
The 16. Chapter.  
WHen wars are towards (which they fail not of lightly every year with the Tartar, and many times with the Polonian and Sweden (the four Lords of the Chetfirds send forth their summons in the emperors name, 
Their order for mustering.  to all the Dukes and Dyacks of the Provinces, to be proclaimed in the head Towns of every Shire: that all the Sinaboiarskey, or sons of gentlemen make their repair to such a border where the service is to be done, at such a place, and by such a day, and there present themselves to such, and such Captains. When they come to the place assigned them in the summons or proclamation, their names are taken by certain Officers that have Commission for that purpose from the Roserade, or high Constable, as Clerks of the Bands.  
If any make default and fail at the day, he is mulcted, and punished very severely. As for the General and other chief Captains, they are sent thither from the Emperors own hand, with such Commission and charge as he thinketh behoveful for the present service. When the soldiers are assembled, they are reduced into their Bands, and companies, under their several Captains of tens, fifties, hundreds, thousands, etc. and these Bands into four Polskeiss, or Legions (but of far greater numbers than the Roman Legions were) under their four great Leaders, which also have the authority of Marshals of the field (as was said before.)  
Concerning their armour they are but slightly appointed. 
The horseman's furniture.  The common horseman hath nothing else but his bow in his case under his right arm, and his quiver & sword hanging on the left side: except some few that bear a case of dags, or a javelin, or short staff along their horse side. The under captains will have commonly some piece of armour beside, as a shirt of male, or such like. The General with the other chief Captains and men of Nobility, will have their horse very richly furnished, their Saddles of cloth of gold their Bridles fair bossed and tasselled with gold, and silk fringe, bestudded with Pearl and precious stones, themselves in very fair armour, which they call Bullatnoy, made of fair shining steel, yet covered commonly with cloth of gold, and edged round with armin fur, his steel helmet on his head of a very great price, his sword bow and arrows at his side, his spear in his hand, with an other fair helmet, and his Shestapera, or horseman's sceptre carried before him. Their sword, bows, and arrows are of the Turkish fashion. They practise like the Tartar to shoot forwards and backwards, as they fly and retire.  
The Strelsey or footman hath nothing but his piece in his hand, 
The footemen furniture.  his striking hatchet at his back, and his sword by his side. The stock of his piece is not made caliever wise, but with a plain and strait stock (somewhat like a fowling piece) the barrel is rudely and unartificially made, very heavy, yet shooteth but a very small bullet. As for their provision of victual, 
Provision of victual.  the Emperor alloweth none, either for Captain, or soldier, neither provideth any for them except peradventure some corn for their money. Every man is to bring sufficient for himself, to serve his turn for four months, and if need require to give order for more to be brought unto him to the Camp from his tenant that tilleth his land, or some other place. One great help they have, that for lodging and diet every Ruff is prepared to be a soldier beforehand. Though the chief Captains and other of account carry tents with them after the fashion of ours, with some better provision of victual then the rest. They bring with them commonly into the Camp for victual a kind of dried bread, (which they call Sucharie) with some store of meal, which they temper with water, and so make it into a ball, or small lump of dough, called Tollockno. And this they eat raw in stead of bread. Their meat is bacon, or some other flesh or fish dried, after the Dutch manner. If the Ruff soldier were as hardy to execute an enterprise, as he is hard to bear out toil and travail, or were otherwise as apt & well trained for the wars, as he is indifferent for his lodging and diet, he would far exceed the soldiers of our parts. Whereas now he is far meaner of courage and execution in any warlike service. Which cometh partly of his servile condition, that will not suffer any great courage or valour to grow in him. Partly for lack of due honour and reward, which he hath no great hope of, whatsoever service or execution he do.   

Of their marching, charging, and other Martial discipline.  
The 17. Chapter.  
THE Ruff trusteth rather to his number, than to the valour of his soldiers, or good ordering of his forces. Their marching or leading is without all order, save that the four Polskey or Legions, (whereinto their army is divided) keep themselves several under their ensigns, and so thrust all on together in a hurry, as they are directed by their General. Their Ensign is the image of Saint George. The Bulsha Dworaney or chief horsemen, have every man a small drum of brass at his saddle bow, 
horsemen's drums.  which he striketh when he giveth the charge, or onset.  
They have drums beside of a huge bigness, 
The horseman's manner of charging.  which they carry with them upon a board laid on four horses, that are sparred together with chains, every drum having eight strikers, or drummers, besides trumpets and shawms, which they sound after a wild manner, much different from ours. When they give any charge, or make any invasion, they make a great hallow or shout altogether as loud as they can, which with the sound of their trumpets, shawms, and drums, maketh a confused and horrible noise. So they set on first discharging their arrows, then dealing with their sword, which they use in a bravery to shake, and brandish over their heads, before they come to strokes.  
Their footmen (because otherwise they want order in leading) are commonly placed in some ambush or place of advantage, 
The footemen charge.  where they may most annoy the enemy, with least hurt to themselves. If it be a set battle, or if any great invasion be made upon the Ruff borders by the Tartar, they are set within the running or moving Castle (called Beza, 
The walking Castle  or Gulay gorod) which is carried about with them by the Voiavoda gulavoy (or the walking General) whom I spoke of before. This walking or moving Castle is so framed, that it may be set up in length (as occasion doth require) the space of one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven miles: for so long it will reach. It is nothing else but a double wall of wood to defend them on both sides behind and before, with a space of three yards or thereabouts betwixt the two sides: so that they may stand within it, and have room enough to charge and discharge their pieces, and to use their other weapons. It is closed at both ends, and made with loop holes on either side, to lay out the nose of their piece, or to push forth any other weapon. It is carried with the Army wheresoever it goeth, being taken into pieces, and so laid on carts sparred together, and drawn by horse that are not seen, by reason that they are covered with their carriage as with a shelf or penthouse. When it is brought to the place where it is to be used (which is devised & chosen out before by the walking voiavod) it is planted so much as the present use requireth, sometime a mile long, sometimes two, sometimes three, or more: Which is soon done without the help of any Carpenter, or instrument: because the timber is so framed to clasp together one piece within an other: as is easily understood by those that know the manner of the Ruff building.  
In this Castle standeth their shot well fenced for advantage, specially against the Tartar, that bringeth no ordinance, nor other weapon into the field with him, save his sword, and bow and arrows. They have also within it divers field pieces, which they use as occasion doth require. Of pieces for the field they carry no great store, when they war against the Tartar: but when they deal with the Polonian (of whose forces they make more account) they go better furnished with all kind of munition, and other necessary provisions. It is thought that no Prince of Christendom hath better store of munition, than the Ruff Emperor. And it may partly appear by the Artillery house at Mosko, where are of all sorts of great ordinance, all brass pieces, very fair, to an exceeding great number.  
The Ruff soldier is thought to be better at his defence within some castle, or town, than he is abroad at a set pitched field. Which is ever noted in the practice of his wars, and namely at the siege of Vobsko, about eight years since: where he repulsed the Polonian king Stepan Batore, with his whole army of 100000. men, and forced him in the end to give over his siege, with the loss of many of his best Captains and soldiers. But in a set field the Ruff is noted to have ever the worse of the Polonian, 〈◊〉 Sweden.  
If any behave himself more valiantly than the rest, or do any special piece of service, the Emperor sendeth him a piece of gold, stamped with the Image of Saint George on horseback. 
Reward for valour.  Which they hang on their sleeves, and set in their caps. And this is accounted the greatest honour they can receive, for any service they do.   

Of their Colonies, and maintaining of their conquests, or purchases by force.  
The 18. Chapter.  
THE Russee Emperors of late years have very much enlarged their dominions, and territories. Their first conquest after the Dukedom of Mosko (for before that time they were but Dukes of Volodomer, as before was said) was the City, and Dukedom of Novograd on the West, and Northwest side: which was no small enlargement of their dominion, & strengthening to them for the winning of the rest. This was done by ivan great grandfather to Theodore now Emperor, about the year 1480. The same began likewise to encroach upon the countries of Lituania, and Livonia, but the conquest only intended, & attempted by him upon some part of those countries, was pursued and performed by his son Basileus, who first won the city and dukedom of Plesko, afterwards the city & dukedom of Smolensko, & many other fair towns, with a large territory belonging unto them about the year 1514. These victories against the Lettoes or Lituanians in the time of Alexander their Duke, he achieved rather by advantage of civil dissensions, and treasons among themselves, then by any great policy, or force of his own. But all this was lost again by his son ivan Vasilowich, about eight or nine years past, upon composition with the Polonian king Stepan Batore: whereunto he was forced by the advantages which the Pole had then of him, by reason of the foil he had given him before, and the disquietness of his own state at home. Only the Ruff Emperor, at this time hath left him on that side his country, the cities of Smolensko, Vitobsko, Cheringo and Beala gorod in Lituania. In Livonia, not a town, nor one foot of ground.  
When Basileus first conquered those countries, 
Lituania.  he suffered the natives to keep their possessions, and to inhabit all their towns, only paying him a tribute, under the government of his Ruff Captains. But by their conspiracies and attempts not long after, he was taught to deal more surely with them. And so coming upon them the second time, he killed and carried away with him, three parts of four, which he gave or sold to the Tartars that served him in those wars, and in steed of them placed there his Russes, so many as might overmatch the rest, with certain garrisons of strength beside. Wherein notwithstanding this oversight was committed, for that (taking away with him the upland, or country people (that should have tilled the ground, and might easily have been kept in order without any danger, by other good policies) he was driven afterwards many years together, to victual the country (specially the great towns) out of his own country of Russia, the soil lying there in the mean while waste, and untilled.  
The like fell out at the port of narve in Liefland, 
narve.  where his son ivan Vasilowich devised to build a town, and a castle on the other side the river, (called juangorod) to keep the town, and country in subjection. The Castle he caused to be so built, and fortified, that it was thought to be invincible. And when it was finished, for reward to the Architect (that was a Polonian) he put out both his eyes, to make him unable to build the like again. But having left the natives all within their own country, without abating their number or strength, the town and castle not long after was betrayed, and surrendered again to the king of Sweden.  
On the Southest side, they have got the kingdoms of Cazan, and Astracan. These were won from the Tartar, by the late Emperor ivan Vasilowich, father to the Emperor that now is: the one about 35, the other about 33. years ago. Northward out of the country of Siberia, he hath laid unto his realm, a great breadth and length of ground, from Wichida to the river of Obba, about a 1000 mile's space: so that he is bold to write himself now, The great Commander of Siberia.  
The countries likewise of Permia, 
Permia and Pechora.  and Pechora▪ are a divers people and language from the Ruff, overcome not long since, and that rather by threatening, and shaking of the sword, then by any actual force: as being a weak and naked people, without means to resist.  
That which the Ruff hath in his present possession, 
Means of holding his chief towns.  he keepeth on this sort. In his four chief border towns of Vobsko, Smolensko, Astracan, and Cazan, he hath certain of his Counsel not of greatest nobility, but of greatest trust, which have more authority within their precincts (for the countenancing and strengthening of their government there) than the other Dukes that are set to govern in other places, as was noted before, in the manner of ordering their Provinces. These he changeth sometime every year, sometime every second or third year, but exceedeth not that time, except upon very special trust, and good liking of the party, and his service: lest by enlarging of their time, they might grow into some familiarity with the enemy (as some have done) being so far out of sight.  
The towns beside are very strongly fenced with trenches, castles, and store of munition, and have garrisons within them, to the number of two or three thousand a piece. They are stored with victual if any siege should come upon them, for the space of two or three years before hand. The four Castles of Smolensko, Vobsko, Cazan and Astracan, he hath made very strong to bear out any siege: so that it is thought that those towns are impregnable.  
As for the countries of Pechora and Permia, 
Means of holding the countries of Pechora, Permia, and Siberia.  and that part of Siberia, which he hath now under him, they are kept by as easy means, as they were first got. uz. rather by showing, then by using of arms. First, he hath stored the Country with as many Russes as there are natives, and hath there some few soldiers in garrison, enough to to keep them under. Secondly, his officers and Magistrates there, are of his own Ruff people, and he changeth them very often, uz. every year twice or thrice: notwithstanding there be no great fear of any innovation. Thirdly, he divideth them into many small governments, like a staff broke in many small pieces: so that they have no strength being severed, which was but little neither when they were all in one. Fourthly, he provideth that the people of the Country have neither armour, nor money, being taxed and peeled so often as he thinketh good: without any means to shake of that yoke, or to relieve themselves.  
In Siberia (where he goeth on in pursuing his conquest) he hath divers castles and garrisons, to the number of six thousand soldiers of Russes, and Polonians, and sendeth many new supplies thither, to plant and to inhabit, as he winneth ground. At this time beside he hath gotten the king's brother of Siberia, alured by certain of his Captains, to leave his own country by offers of great entertainment, and pleasanter life with the Ruff Emperor, than he had in Siberia. He was brought in this last year, and is now with the Emperor at Mosko well entertained.  
This may be said of the Ruff practise, wheresoever he ruleth, either by right of inheritance, or by conquest. First, he berieveth the country of armour & other means of defence, which he permitteth to none, but to his Botarskies' only. Secondly, he robbeth them continually of their money, and commodities, and leaveth them bare with nothing but their bodies, and lives, within certain years compass. Thirdly, he renteth and divideth his territories into many small pieces by several governments: so that none hath much under him to make any strength, though he had other opportunities. Fourthly, he governeth his Countries by men of small reputation, & no power of themselves, and strangers in those places where their government lieth. Fiftly, he changeth his governors once a year ordinarily, that there grow no great liking nor entireness betwixt the people and them, nor acquaintance with the enemy if they lie towards the borders. Sixtly, he appointeth in one and the same place adversary governors, the one to be as Controller of the other, as the Dukes and Diacks: where (by means of their envies and emulations) there is less hurt to be feared by their agreement, and himself is better informed what is done amiss. Seventhly, he sendeth many times into every Province secret messengers of special trust about him as intelligences, to pry and hearken out what is doing, and what is a miss there. And this is ordinary, though it be sudden, and unknown what time they will come.   

Of the Tartars, and other borderers to the Country of Russia, with whom they have most to do in war, and peace.  
The 19 Chapter.  
THeir neighbours with whom they have greatest dealings & intercourse, both in peace & war, are first the Tartar: Secondly the Polonian whom the Ruff calleth Laches, 
The Polonians called Laches by the Ruff.  noting the first author or founder of the Nation, who was called Laches or Leches, whereunto is added Po, which signifieth People, & so is made Polaches, that is, the People or posterity of Laches: which the Latins after their manner of writing call Polanos. The third are the Swedens'. The Polonians and Swedens' are better known to these parts of Europe then are the Tartars, that are farther of from us (as being of Asia) and divided into many tribes, different both in name, and government one from another. The greatest and mightiest of them is the Chrim Tartar, 
The Chrim Tartar.  (whom some call the Great Cham) that lieth South, and Southeastward from Russia, and doth most annoy the Country by often invasions, commonly once every year, sometimes entering very far within the inland parts. In the year 1571. he came as far as the city of Mosko, with an army of 200000. men, without any battle, or resistance at all, for that the Ruff Emperor (than ivan Vasilowich) leading forth his army to encounter with him, marched a wrong way: but as it was thought of very purpose, as not daring to adventure the field, by reason that he doubted his nobility, and chief Captains, of a meaning to betray him to the Tartar.  
The city he took not, but fired the Suburbs, which by reason of the buildings (which is all of wood without any stone, 
The firing of Mosko by the Chrim Tartar, in the year 1571.  brick, or lime, save certain out rooms) kindled so quickly, and went on with such rage as that it consumed the greatest part of the city almost within the space of four hours, being of 30. miles or more of compass. Then might you have seen a lamentable spectacle: besides the huge & mighty flame of the city all on light fire, the people burning in their houses and streets, but most of all of such as laboured to pass out of the gates farthest from the enemy, where meeting together in a mighty throng, and so pressing every man to prevent another, wedged themselves so fast within the gate, and streets near unto it, as that three ranks walked one upon the others head, the uppermost treading down those that were lower: so that there perished at that time (as was said) by the fire & the press, the number of 800000 people, or more.  
The Chrim thus having fired the City, and fed his eyes with the sight of it all on a light flame, returned with his army, and sent to the Ruff Emperor a knife (as was said) to stick himself withal: obbraiding this loss, & his desperate case, as not daring either to meet his enemy in the field, nor to trust his friends, or subjects at home. The principal cause of this continual quarrel betwixt the Ruff and the Chrim, is for the right of certain border parts claimed by the Tartar, but possessed by the Ruff. The Tartar allegeth that besides Astracan, & Cazan (that are the ancient possession of the East Tartar) the whole country from his bounds North and Westward, so far as the city of Mosko, and Mosko itself, pertaineth to his right. Which seemeth to have been true by the report of the Russes themselves, 
Homage done by the Ruff to the Chrim Tartar.  that tell of a certain homage that was done by the Ruff Emperor every year, to the Great Chrim or Cham, the Ruff Emperor standing on foot & feeding the Chrims horse, (himself sitting on his back) with oats out of his own cap, in stead of a bowl or manger, & that within the castle of Mosko. And this homage (they say) was done till the time of Basileus grandfather to this man. Who surprising the Chrim Emperor by a stratagem, done by one of his Nobility (called ivan Demetrowich Belschey) was content with this ransom, vz: with the changing of this homage into a tribute of furs: which afterwards also was denied to be paid, by this emperors father.  
Hereupon they continue the quarrel, the Ruff defending his country, and that which he hath won, the Chrim Tartar invading him once or twice every year, sometime about Whitsuntide, but oftener in Harvest. What time if the great Cham or Chrim come in his own person, he bringeth with him a great army of 100000. or 200000. men. Otherwise they make short, and sudden roads into the country with lesser numbers, running about the list of the border as wild geese fly, invading and retiring where they see advantage.  
Their common practice (being very populous) is to make divers armies, 
The manner of the Tartars fight, and armour.  & so drawing the Ruff to one, or two places of the frontiers, to invade at some other place, that is left without defence. Their manner of fight, or ordering of their forces, is much after the Ruff manner (spoken of before) save that they are all horsemen, and carry nothing else but a bow, a sheaf of arrows, and a falcon sword after the Turkish fashion. They are very expert horsemen, & use to shoot as readily backward, as forward. Some will have a horseman's staff like to a bore spear, besides their other weapons. The common soldier hath no other armour than his ordinary apparel, vz: a black sheep's skin with the wool side outward in the day time, & inward in the night time, with a cap of the same. But their Morseys or Noblemen imitate the Turk both in apparel, & armour. When they are to pass over a river with their army, they tie three or four horses together, & taking long poles or pieces of wood, bind them fast to the tails of their horse: so sitting on the poles they drive their horse over. At handy strokes (when they come to join battle) they are accounted far better men than the Ruff people, fierce by nature, but more hardy & bloody by continual practice of war: as men knowing no arts of peace, nor any civil practice.  
Yet their subtlety is more than may seem to agree with their barbarous condition. 
The subtlety of the Tartar.  By reason they are practised to invade continually, and to rob their neighbours that border about them, they are very pregnant, and ready witted to devise stratageams upon the sudden for their better advantage. As in their war against Beala the fourth king of Hungary, whom they invaded with 500000. men, & obtained against him a great victory. Where among other, having slain his Chancellor, called Nicholas Schinick, they found about him the King's privy seal. Whereupon they devised presently to counterfeit letters in the King's name, to the cities and towns next about the place, where the field was foughtt with charge that in no case they should convey themselves, and their goods out of their dwellings, where they might abide safely without all fear of danger, and not leave the country desolate to the possession of so vile & barbarous an enemy, as was the Tartar nation, terming themselves in all reproachful manner. For notwithstanding he had lost his carriages, with some few stragglers that had marched disorderly, yet he doubted not but to recover that loss, with the access of a notable victory, if the savage Tartar durst abide him in the field. To this purpose having written their letters in the Polish character, by certain young men whom they took in the field, & signed them with the King's seal, they dispatched them forth to all the quarters of Hungary, that lay near about the place. Whereupon the Vngarians, that were now flying away with their goods, wives, & children upon the rumour of the King's overthrow, taking comfort of these counterfeit letters, stayed at home. And so were made a prey, being surprised on the sudden by this huge number of these Tartars, that had compassed them about before they were aware.  
When they besiege a town or fort, they offer much parley, and send many flattering messages to persuade a surrendry: promising all things that the inhabitants will require: but being once possessed of the place, they use all manner of hostility, and cruelty. This they do upon a rule they have, vz: that justice is to be practised but towards their own. They encounter not lightly, but they have some ambush, whereunto (having once showed themselves, and made some short conflict, they retire as repulfed for fear, and so draw the enemy into it if they can. But the Russee being well acquainted with their practice, is more wary of them. When they come a roving with some small number, they set on horseback counterfeit shapes of men, that their number may seem greater.  
When they make any onset, their manner is to make a great shoot, crying all out together Olla Billa, Olla Billa, God help us, God help us. They contemn death so much, as that they choose rather to die, then to yield to their enemy, and are seen when they are slain to bite the very weapon, when they are passed striking, or helping of themselves. Wherein appeareth how different the Tartar is in his desperate courage from the Ruff, and Turk. For the Russee Soldier if he begin once to retire putteth all his safety in his speedy flight. And if once he be taken by his enemy, he neither defendeth himself, nor entreateth for his life, as reckoning strait to die. The Turk commonly when he is past hope of escaping, falleth to entreaty, and casteth away his weapon, offereth both his hands, and holdeth them up, as it were to be tied: hoping to save his life, by offering himself bondslave.  
The chief booty the Tartars seek for in all their wars, is to get store of captives, specially young boys, and girls, whom they sell to the Turks, or other their neighbours. To this purpose they take with them great baskets made like bakers panniers to carry them tenderly, and if any of them happen to tyer, or to be sick on the way, they dash him against the ground, or some tree, and so leave him dead: The soldiers are not troubled with keeping the captives, and the other booty, for hindering the execution of their wars, but they have certain bands that intent nothing else, appointed of purpose to receive, and keep the captives and the other pray.  
The Ruff borders (being used to their invasions lightly every year in the summer) keep few other cattle on the border parts, 
The Tartar religion.  save swine only, which the Tartar will not touch, nor drive away with him: for that he is of the Turkish religion, and will eat no swine's flesh. Of Christ our Saviour they confess as much as doth the Turk in his Alcoran, uz. that he came of the Angel Gabriel, and the Virgin Marie, that he was a great Prophet, and shallbe the judge of the world at the last day. In other matters likewise, they are much ordered after the manner and direction of the Turk: having felt the Turkish forces when he won from them Azon, & Caffa, with some other towns about the Euxine, or Black sea, that were before tributaries to the Chrim Tartar. So that now the Emperor of the Chrims for the most part is chosen some one of the Nobility whom the Turk doth commend: whereby it is brought now to that pass, that the Chrim Tartar giveth to the Turk the tenth part of the spoil, which he getteth in his wars against the Christians.  
Herein they differ from the Turkish religion, for that they have certain idol puppets made of silk, or like stuff, of the fashion of a man, which they fasten to the door of their walking houses, to be as janusses or keepers of their house. And these idols are made not by all, but by certain religious women, which they have among them for that, & like uses. They have beside the image of their King or great Cham, of an huge bigness which they erect at every stage: when the army marcheth: & this every one must bend and bow unto as he passeth by it, be he Tartar, or stranger. They are much given to witchcraft, & ominous conjectures, upon every accident which they hear, or see.  
In making of marriages they have no regard of alliance or consanguinity. Only with his mother, sister, and daughter a man may not marry, and though he take the woman into his house, and accompany with her, yet he accounteth her not for his wife, till he have a child by her. Then he beginneth to take a dowry of her friends of horse, sheep, kine, etc. If she be barren after a certain time, he turneth her home again.  
Under the Emperor they have certain Dukes, 
The Tartar Nobility.  whom they call Morseiss or Divoymorseiss: that rule over a certain number of 10000 20000. or 40000. a piece, which they call hoards. When the Emperor hath any use of them to serve in his wars, they are bound to come, & to bring with them their soldiers to a certain number, every man with his two horse at the least, the one to ride on, the other to kill, when it cometh to his turn to have his his horse eat. For their chief victual is horse flesh, 
The Tartar diet.  which they eat without bread, or any other thing with it. So that if a Tartar be taken by a Ruff, he shall be sure lightly to find a horse leg, or some other part of him at his saddle bow.  
This last year when I was at the Mosko, came in one Kiriach Morsey, nephew to the Emperor of the Chrims that now is (whose father was Emperor before) accompanied with 300. Tartars, and his two wives, whereof one was his brother's widow. Where being entertained in very good sort after the Ruff manner; he had sent unto his lodging for his welcome, to be made ready for his supper and his companies, two very large and fat horses, ready flawed in a fled. They prefer it before other flesh, because the meat is stronger (as they say) than beef, mutton, and such like. And yet (which is marvel) though they serve all as horsemen in the wars, and eat all of horse flesh, there are brought yearly to the Mosko to be exchanged for other commodities 30. or 40. thousand Tartar horse, which they call Cones. They keep also great herds of kine, and flocks of black sheep, rather for the skins and milk (which they carry with them in great bottles) then for the use of the flesh, though sometimes they eat of it. Some use they have of rise figs, and other fruits. They drink milk or warm blood, and for the most part card them both together. They use sometimes as they travail by the way, to let their horse blood in a vain, and to drink it warm, as it cometh from his body.  
Towns they plant none, 
The Tartars dwelling.  nor other standing buildings, but have walking houses which the Latins call Veij, built upon wheels like a shepherds cottage. These they draw with them whithersoeur they go, driving their cat-tail with them. And when they come to their stage, or standing place, they plant their cart houses very orderly in a rank: and so make the form of streets, and of a large town. And this is the manner of the Emperor himself, who hath no other seat of his Empire but an Agora, or town of wood, that moveth with him whithersoever he goeth. As for the fixed and standing building used in other countries, they say they are unwholesome and unpleasant.  
They begin to move their houses and cat-tail in the spring time from the South part of their Country towards the North parts. And so driving on till they have graed all up to the farthest part Northward, they return back again towards their South country (where they continue all the winter) by ten or twelve miles a stage: in the mean while the grass being sprung up again, to serve for their cat-tail as they return. From the border of the Shalcan towards the Caspian sea, to the Ruff frontiers, they have a goodly Country, specially on the South and Southeast parts, but lost for lack of tillage.  
Of money they have no use at all, and therefore prefer brass and steel before other metals, specially bullate, which they use for swords, knives, and other necessaries. As for gold and silver they neglect it of very purpose, (as they do all tillage of their ground) to be more free for their wandering kind of life, and to keep their Country less subject to invasions. Which giveth them great advantage against all their neighbours, ever invading, & never being invaded. Such as have taken upon them to invade their Country (as of old time Cyrus and Darius Hystaspis, on the East and Southeast side) have done it with very ill success: as we find in the stories written of those times. For their manner is when any will invade them, to allure and draw them on by flying and recoiling (as if they were afraid) till they have drawn them some good way within their country. Then when they begin to want victual and other necessaries (as needs they must where nothing is to be had) to stop up the passages, and enclose them with multitudes. By which stratagem (as we read in Laonicus Chalcacondylas in his Turkish story) they had well-nigh surprised the great and huge army of Tamerlan, but that he retired with all speed he could, towards the river Tanais, or Don, not without great loss of his men, and carriages.  
In the story of Pachymerius the Greek (which he wrote of the Emperors of Constantinople from the beginning of the reign of Michael Palaeologus to the time of Andronicus the elder) I remember he telleth to the same purpose of one Nogas a Tartarian captain under Cazan the Emperor of the East Tartars (of whom the City and kingdom of Cazan may seem to have taken the denomination) who refused a present of Pearl and other jewels sent unto him from Michael Palaeologus: ask withal, for what use they served, and whither they were good to keep away sickness, death, or other misfortunes of this life, or no. So that it seemeth they have, ever or long time been of that mind to value things no further, then by the use, and necessity for which they serve.  
For person and complexion they have broad and flat visages, of a tanned colour into yellow and black, fierce and cruel looks, thin haired upon the upper lip, and pit of the chin, light and nimble bodied, with short legs, as if they were made naturally for horsemen: whereto they practise themselves from their childhood, seldom going afoot about any business. Their speech is very sudden and loud, speaking as it were out of a deep hollow throat. When they sing you would think a cow lowed, or some great bandog howled. Their greatest exercise is shooting, wherein they train up their children from their very infancy, not suffering them to eat, till they have shot near the mark within a certain scantling. They are the very same that sometimes were called Scythae Nomades, or the Scythian Shepherds, by the Greeks and Latins. Some think that the Turks took their beginning from the nation of the Chrim Tartars. Of which opinion is Laonicus Chalcocondylas the Greek Historiographer, in his first book of his Turkish story. Wherein he followeth divers very probable conjectures: The first taken from the very name itself, for that the word Turk signifieth a shepherd, or one that followeth a vagrant and wild kind of life By which name these Scythian Tartars have ever been noted, being called by the Greeks' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or the Scythian shepherds. His second reason, because the Turks (in his time) that dwelled in Asia the less, to wit, in Lydia, Coria, Phrygia, and Cappadocia, spoke the very same language that these Tartars did, that dwelled betwixt the river Tanais or Don. and the country of Sarmatia, which (as is well known) are these Tartars called Chrims. At this time also the whole nation of the Turks differ not much in their common speech from the Tartar language, Thirdly because the Turk and the Chrim Tartar agree so well together, aswell in religion, as in matter of traffic never invading, or injuring one another: save that the Turk (since Laonicus his time) hath encroached upon some Towns upon the Euxin sea, that before pertained to the Chrim Tartar. Fourthly, because Ortogules' son to Oguzalpes, & (father to Otoman the first of name of the Turkish nation) made his first roads out of those parts of Asia, upon the next borderers, till he came towards the countries about the hill Taurus, where he overcame the Greeks that inhabited there: and so enlarged the name and territory of the Turkish nation, till he came to Eubaa and Attica, and other parts of Greece. This is the opinion of Laonicus, who lived among the Turks in the time of Amurat the sixth Turkish Emperor, about the year 1400. when the memory of their original was more fresh: and therefore the likelier he was to hit the truth.  
There are divers other Tartars that border upon Russia, as the Nagaies, the Cheremissens, the Mordwites, the Chircasses, and the Shalcans', which all differ in name more than in regiment, or other condition, from the Chrim Tartar except the Chircasses that border south-west, 
The Nagay Tartar the cruelest.  towards Lituania, and are far more civil than the rest of the Tartars, 
The Chircasce the civilest Tartar.  of a comely person, and of a stately behaviour, as applying themselves to the fashion of the Polonian. Some of them have subjecteth themselves to the kings of Poland, & profess Christianity. The Nagay lieth Eastward, and is reckoned for the best man of war among all the Tartars, but very savage, 
The Cheremissen Tartar.  and cruel above all the rest. The Cheremifrn Tartar, that lieth betwixt the Ruff & the Nagay, are of two sorts, the Lugavoy (that is of the valley) and the Nagornay, or of the hilly country. These have much troubled the Emperors of Russia. And therefore they are content now to buy peace of them, under pretence of giving a yearly pension of Russee commodities, to their Morseiss, or Divoymorseiss, that are chief of their tribes For which also they are bound to serve them in their wars, under certain conditions. They are said to be just & true in their dealings: and for that cause they hate the Russee people, whom they account to be double, & false in all their dealing. And therefore the common sort are very unwilling to keep agreement with them, but that they are kept in by their Morseiss, or Dukes for their pensions sake.  
The most rude & barbarous is counted the Mordwit Tartar, 
The Mordwite Tartar the most barbarous of the rest.  that hath many self fashions, & strange kinds of behaviour, differing from the rest. For his religion, though he acknowledge one god, yet his manner is to worship for god, that living thing, that he first meeteth in the morning & to swear by it all that whole day whether it be horse, dog, cat, or whatsoever else it be. When his friend dieth, he killeth his best horse, and having flayed off the skin he carrieth it on high upon a long pole, before the corpses to the place of burial. This he doth (as the Ruff sayeth) that his friend may have a good horse to carry him to heaven: but it is likelier to declare his love towards his dead friend, in that he will have to die with him the best thing that he hath.  
Next to the kingdom of Asiracan, that is the farthest part Southeastward of the Ruff dominion, lieth the Shalcan, and the country of Midia: whither the Ruff merchants trade for raw silks, syndon, saphion, skins, and other commodities. The chief towns of Media where the Ruff tradeth, are, Derbent (built by Alexander the great, as the inhabitants say) and Zamachie where the staple is kept for raw silks. Their manner is in the Spring time to revive the silkworms (that lie dead all the Winter) by laying them in the warm sun, and (to hasten their quickening that they may sooner go to work) to put them into bags, and so to hang them under their children's arms. As for the worm called Chrinisin (as we call it chrymson) that maketh coloured silk, it is bred not in Media, but in Assyria. This trade to Derbent and Samachie for raw silks, and other commodities, of that country, as also into Persia, and Bougharia, down the river Volgha, and through the Caspian sea, is permitted aswell to the English, as to the Ruff merchants, by the emperors last Grant at my being there. Which he accounteth for a very special favour, and might prove in deed very beneficial to our English merchants, if the trade were well, and orderly used.  
The whole nation of the Tartars are utterly void of all learning, and without written Law. Yet certain rules they have which they hold by tradition, common to all the Hoards for the practice of their life. Which are of this sort. First, To obey their Emperor and other Magistrates, whatsoever they command about the public service. 2. Except for the public behoof, every man to be free and out of controlment. 3. No private man to possess any lands, but the whole country to be as a common. 4. To neglect all daintiness and variety of meats, and to content themselves with that which cometh next to hand, for more hardness, and readiness in the executing of their affairs. 5. To wear any base attire, and to patch their clothes, whether there be any need or not: that when there is need, it be no shame to wear a patched coat. 6 To take, or steal from any stranger whatsoever they can get, as being enemies to all men, save to such as will subject themselves to them. 7. Towards their own hoard and nation to be true in word, and deed. 8. To suffer no stranger to come within the Realm, If any do, the same to be bondslave to him that first taketh him, except such merchants and other as have the Tartar Bull, or pastport about them.   

Of the Permians, Samoites, Of the Permians, Samoites, and Laps.  
The 20. Chapter.  
THe Permians & Samoits that lie from Russia, north & North-east, are thought likewise to have taken their beginning from the Tartar kind. And it may partly be guessed by the fashion of their countenance, as having all broad, & flat faces, as the Tartars have, 
The Permans.  except the Chirchasses. The Permians are accounted for a very ancient people. They are now subject to the Ruff. They live by hunting, and trading with their furs, as doth also the Samoyt, that dwelleth more towards the North sea. 
The Samoites.  The Samoyt hath his name (as the Ruff saith) of eating himself: as if in times past, they lived as the Cannibals, eating one another. Which they make more probable, because at this time they eat all kind of raw flesh, whatsoever it be, even the very carrion that lieth in the ditch. But as the Samoits themselves will say, they were called Samoie, that is of themselves, as though they were Indigenae, or people bred upon that very soil, that never changed their seat from one place to another, as most nations have done. They are subject at this time to the Emperor of Russia,  
I talked with certain of them, and find that they acknowledge one God: 
The Samoites religion.  but represent him by such things as they have most use and good by. And therefore they worship the Sun, the olen, the Losh, and such like. As for the story of Slata Baba, 
Slata Baba or the golden Hag.  or the Golden hag. (which I have read in some maps, and descriptions of these countries, to be an idol after the form of an old woman) that being demanded by the Priest, giveth them certain Oracles, concerning the success, and event of things, I have found it to be but a very fable. Only in the Province of Obdoria upon the Sea side, near to the mouth of the great river Obba, there is a rock, which naturally (being somewhat helped by imagination) may seem to bear the shape of a ragged woman, with a child in her arms (as the rock by the North cape the shape of a Friar) where the Obdorian Samoites use much to resort, by reason of the commodity of the place for fishing: and there sometime (as their manner is) conceive, and practise their sorceries, and ominous conjecturings about the good, or bad speed of their journeys, fishings, hunt, and such like,  
They are clad in Seal skins, 
The Samoits habit and behaviour.  with the hairy side outwards down as low as the knees, with their breeches and netherstocks of the same, both men and women. They are all black haired, naturally beardless. And therefore the men are hardly discerned from the women by their looks: save that the women wear a lock of hair down along both their ears. They live in a manner a wild and a savage life, roving still from one place of the country to another, without any property of house or land more to one then to an other. Their leader or director in every company, is their Papa or Priest.  
On the North side of Russia next to Corelia, 
The Laps.  lieth the country of Lappia, which reacheth in length from the farthest point Northward, (towards the Northcape) to the farthest part Southeast (which the Ruff calleth Sweetness or Holy nose, the English men Capegrace) about 345. verst or miles. Fron Sweetness to Candelox by the way of Versega (which measureth the breadth of that country) is 90. miles or there about. The whole country in a manner is either lakes, or mountains, which towards the Sea side are called Tondro, because they are all of hard and craggy rock, but the inland parts are well furnished with woods, that grow on the hills sides, the lakes lying between. Their diet is very bare & simple. Bread they have none, but feed only upon fish & fowl. They are subject to the Emperor of Russia, and the two Kings of Sweden, and Denmark: which all exact tribute and custom of them (as was said before) but the Emperor of Russia beareth the greatest hand over them, and exact of them far more than the rest. The opinion is that they were first termed Laps of their brief and short speech. The Ruff divideth the whole nation of the Laps into two sorts. The one they call Nowremanskoy Lapary, that is, the Norwegian Laps: because they be of the Danish religion. For the Danes and Norwegians they account for one people. The other that have no religion at all, but live as brute and Heathenish people, without God in the world, they call Dikoy Lopary, or the wild Laps.  
The whole nation is utterly unlearned, having not so much as the use of any Alphabet, or letter among them. For practise of witchcraft and sorcery, they pass all nations in the world. Though for the enchanting of ships that sail along their coast (as I have heard it reported) and their giving of winds good to their friends, and contrary to other, whom they mean to hurt by tying of certain knots upon a rope (somewhat like to the tale of Aeolus his windbag) is a very fable, devised (as may seem) by themselves, to terrify sailors for coming near their coast. Their weapons are the long bow, and handgun, wherein they excel, aswell for quickness to charge and discharge, as for nearness at the mark, by reason of their conntinuall practice (whereto they are forced) of shooting at wild fowl. Their manner is in Summer time to come down in great companies to the sea side, to Wardhuyse, Cola, Kegor, and the bay of Vedagoba, & there to fish for cod, Salmon, & But-fish, which they sell to the Russes, Danes, & Norwegians, and now of late to the English men that trade thither with cloth, which they exchange with the Laps and Corelians for their fish, oil, and furs, whereof also they have some store. They hold their mart at Cola on S. Peter's day: what time the Captain of Wardhuyse (that is resiant there for the king of Denmark) must be present, or at least send his deputy to set prices upon their stockfish, train oil, furs, and other commodities: as also the Ruff emperors customer, or tribute taker, to receive his custom, which is ever paid before any thing can be bought, or sold, When their fishing is done, their manner is to draw their carbasses, or boats on shore, & there to leave them with the keel turned upwards, till the next spring tide. Their travail too & fro is upon sleds, drawn by the Olen deer: which they use to turn a grazing all the Summer time, in an island called Kilden (of a very good soil compared with other parts of that country) and towards the winter time, when the snow beginneth to fall, they fetch them home again, for the use of their fled.   

Of their Ecclesiastical state, with their Church offices.  
The 21. Chapter.  
COncerning the government of their Church, it is framed altogether after the manner of the Greek: as being a part of that Church, and never acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Latin Church, usurped by the Pope. That I may keep a better measure in describing their ceremonies, than they in the using them (wherein they are infinite) I will note briefly: First, what Ecclesiastical degrees, or offices they have with the jurisdiction, and practise of them. Secondly, what doctrine they hold in matter of religion. Thirdly, what liturgy, or form of service they use in their Churches, with the manner of their administering the Sacraments. Fourthly, what other strange ceremonies, and superstitious devotions are used among them.  
Their offices, 
The church officers.  or degrees of Churchmen, are as many in number, and the same in a manner both in name and degree, that were in the Western churches. First they have their Patriarch, than their Metropolites, their Archbishops, their Vladikey or Bishops, their Protopapes or Archpriests, their Papes or Priests, their Deacons, Friars, Monks, Nuns, and Eremites.  
Their Patriarch, 
The Patriarch.  or chief director in matter of religion until this last year, was of the city of Constantinople (whom they called the Patriarch of Sio) because being driven by the Turk out of Constantinople (the seat of his Empire) he removed to the isle Sio, sometimes called Chio, and there placed his Patriarchiall sea. So that the Emperors, and clergy of Russia, were wont yearly to send gifts thither, and to acknowledge a spiritual kind of homage, and subjection due to him, and to that Church. Which custom they have held (as it seemeth) ever since they professed the Christian religion. Which how long it hath been I could not well learn, for that they have no story, or monument of antiquity (that I could hear of) to show what hath been done in times passed within their country concerning either Church, or common wealth matters. Only I hear a report among them, that about three hundred years since, there was a marriage betwixt the Emperor of Constantinople, & the king's daughter of that country: who at the first denied to join his daughter in marriage with the Greek Emperor, because he was of the Christian religion. Which agreeth well with that I find in the story of Laonicus Chalcacondylas concerning Turkish affairs in his fourth book: where he speaketh of such a marriage betwixt john the Greek Emperor, and the King's daughter of Sarmatia. And this argueth out of their own report, that at that time they had not received the Christian religion: as also that they were converted to the faith, and withal perverted at the very same time, receiving the doctrine of the gospel, corrupted with superstitions even at the first when they took it from the Greek Church, which itself then was degenerate, and corrupted with many superstitions, and fowl errors, both in doctrine and discipline: as may appear by the story of Nicephorus Gregoras, in his 8. and 9 books. But as touching the time of their conversion to the christian faith, I suppose rather that it is mistaken by the Ruff, for that which I find in the Polonian story, the second book the third chapter: where is said that about the year 990. Vlodomirus Duke of Russia, married one Anne sister to Basilius, and Constantinus brothers, & Emperors of Constantinople. Whereupon the Ruff received the faith & profession of Christ. Which though it be somewhat more ancient than the time noted before out of the Ruff report, yet it falleth out all to one reckoning, touching this point, vz: in what truth and sincerity of doctrine the Ruff received the first stamp of religion: for as much as the Greek church at that time also was many ways infected with error, and superstition.  
At my being there, 
The translation of the patriarchical sea from Constantinople or Sio, to Mosko.  the year 1588. came unto the Mosko the Patriarch of Constantinople, or Sio) called Hieronimo being banished as some said) by the Turk, as some other reported by the Greek clergy deprived. The Emp. being given altogether to superstitious devotions, gave him great entertainment. Before his coming to Mosko, he had been in Italy with the Pope, as was reported there by some of his company. His errand was to consult with the Emp. concerning these points. First about a league to pass betwixt him & the king of Spain, as the meetest Prince to join with him in opposition against the Turk. To which purpose also Ambassages had passed betwixt the Ruff & the Persian. Likewise from the Georgians to the Emperor of Russia, to join league together, for the invading of the Turk on all sides of his dominion: taking the advantage of the simple quality of the Turk that now is. This treaty was helped forward by the emperors Ambassador of Almain, sent at the same time to solicit an invasion upon the parts of Polonia, that lie towards Rusland, and to borrow money of the Ruff Emperor, to pursue the war for his brother Maximilian, against the Swedens' son now king of Poland. But this consultation concerning a league betwixt the Ruff & the Spaniard, (which was in some forwardness at my coming to Mosko, and already one appointed for embassage into Spain) was marred by means of the overthrow given to the Spanish king by her Majesty, the Queen of England, this last year. Which made the Ruff Emperor and his Counsel, to give a sadder countenance to the English Ambassador at that time: for that they were disappointed of so good a policy, as was this conjunction supposed to be betwixt them and the Spanish.  
His second purpose (whereto the first served as an introduction) was in revenge of the Turk and the Greek clergy, that had thrust him from his seat, to treat with them about the reducing of the Ruff church under the Pope of Rome. Wherein it may seem that coming lately from Rome, he was set on by the Pope, who hath attempted the same many times before, though all in vain: and namely in the time of the late Emperor ivan Vasilowich, by one Anthony his Legate. But thought this belike a far better mean to obtain his purpose by treaty and mediation of their own Patriarch. But this not succeeding, the Patriarch fell to a third point of treaty, concerning the resignation of his Patriarchship, & translation of the Sea from Constantinople, or Sio, to the city of Mosko. Which was so well liked, and entertained by the Emperor (as a matter of high religion, & policy) that no other treaty (specially of foreign Ambassages) could be heard, or regarded, till that matter was concluded.  
The reason wherewith the Patriarch persuaded the translating of his Sea to the city of Mosko, were these in effect. First, for that the Sea of the Patriarch was under the Turk that is enemy to the faith. And therefore to be removed into some other country of Christian profession. Secondly, because the Ruff church was the only natural daughter of the Greek at this time, and holdeth the same doctrine & ceremonies with it the rest being all subject to the Turk, and fallen away from the right profession. Wherein the subtle Greeke to make the better market of his broken ware, advanced the honour that would grow to the Emperor, and his country: to have the patriarchs seat, translated into the chief city, and seat of his Empire. As for the right of translating the sea, and appointing his successor, he made no doubt of it, but that it pertained wholly to himself.  
So the Emperor, & his Counsel, 
The Patriarchship of Constantinople translated to Mosko.  with the principal of his clergy being assembled at the Mosko, it was determined that the Metropolite of Mosko, should become Patriarch of the whole Greek Church, and have the samefull authority, & jurisdiction that pertained before to the Patriarch of Constantinople, or Sio. And that it might be done with more order, & solemnity, the 25. of january, 1588. the Greek Patriarch accompanied with the Ruff Clergy, went to the great Church of Precheste, or our Lady, within the emperors castle (having first wandered through the whole city in manner of a procession, and blessing the people with his two fingers) where he made an Oration, and delivered his resignation in an instrument of writing, and so laid down his patriarchical staff. Which was presently received by the Metropolite of Mosko, and divers other ceremonies used about the inauguration of this new Patriarch.  
The day was holden very solemn by the people of the city, who were commanded to forbear their works, and to attend this solemnity. The great Patriarch that day was honoured with rich presents sent him from the Emperor and Empress, of plate, cloth of gold, furs, &c: carried with great pomp through the streets of Mosko and at his departing received many gifts more, both from the Emperor, Nobility, and Clergy. Thus the Patriarchship of Constantinople, or Sio, (which hath continued since the Counsel of Nice) is now translated to Mosko, or they made believe that they have a Patriarch with the same right and authority that the other had. Wherein the subtle Greek hath made good advantage of their superstition, and is now gone away with a rich booty into Poland, whither their Patriarchship be currant or not.  
The matter is not unlike to make some schism betwixt the Greek & Russee Church, if the Ruff hold this Patriarchship that he hath so well paid for, and the Greeks' elect an other withal, as likely they will, whither this man were banished by the Turk, or deprived by order of his own Clergy. Which might happen to give advantage to the Pope, & to bring over the Ruff Church to the sea of Rome (to which end peradventure he devised this stratageam, and cast in this matter of schism among them) but that the Emperors of Russia know well enough, by the example of other christian Princes, what inconvenience would grow to their state & country, by subjecting themselves to the Romish sea. To which end the late Emperor ivan Vasilowich was very inquisitive of the Pope's authority over the Princes of christendom, & sent one of very purpose to Rome, to behold the order, & behaviour of his court.  
With this Patriarch Hieronimo was driven out at the same time by the great Turk, one Demetrio Archbishop of Larissa: who is now in England, & pretendeth the same cause of their banishment by the Turk (to wit) their not admitting of the Pope's new Calendar, for the alteration of the year. Which how unlikely it is, may appear by these circumstances. First, because there is no such affection, nor friendly respect betwixt the Pope & the Turk, as that he should banish a subject for not obeying the Pope's ordinance, specially in a matter of some sequel for the alteration of times within his own countries. Secondly, for that he maketh no such scruple in deducting of times, and keeping of a just and precise account from the incarnation of Christ: whom he doth not acknowledge otherwise then I noted before Thirdly, for that the said Patriarch is now at Naples in Italy, where it may be guessed he would not have gone within the Pope's reach, and so near to his nose, if he had been banished for opposing himself against the Pope's decree.  
This office of Patriarchship now translated to Mosko, 
The patriarchs jurisdiction.  beareth a superior authority over all the Churches, not only of Russia, & other the emperors dominions, but through out all the churches of Christendom that were before under the Patriarch of Constantinople, or Sio: or at least the Ruff Patriarch imagineth himself to have the same authority. He hath under him as his proper diocese the Province of Mosko, besides other peculiars. His court, or office is kept at the Mosko.  
Before the creation of this new Patriarch, 
The Metropolites.  they had but one Metropolite, that was called the Metropolite of Mosko. Now for more state to their Church, and new Patriarch, they have two Metropolites, the one of Novogrod velica, the other of Rostoue. Their office is to receive of the Patriarch such Ecclesiastical orders, as he thinketh good, and to deliver the charge of them over to the Archbishops: besides the ordering of their own diocese.  
Their Archbishops are four: of Smolensko, 
Archbishops.  Cazon, Vobsko, and Vologda. The parts of their office is all one with the Metropolits: save that they have an under jurisdiction, as Suffragans to the Metropolites, and superiors to the Bishops. The next are the Vladikeiss, 
Bishops.  or Bishops, that are but six in all: of Crutitska, of Rezan, of Otfer and Torshock, of Collomenska, of Volodemer, of Susdalla. These have every one a very large diocese: as dividing the rest of the whole country among them.  
The matters pertaining to the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, 
Ecclesiastical jurisdiction.  of the Metropolites, Archbishops, and Bishops are the same in a manner that are used by the Clergy in other parts of Christendom. For besides their authority over the Clergy, and ordering such matters as are mere Ecclesiastical, their jurisdiction extendeth to all testamentary causes, matters of marriage, and divorcements, some pleas of injuries, etc. To which purpose also they have their Officials, or Commissaries (which they call Boiaren Vladitskey) that are Lay-men of the degree of Dukes, 
Their Gentlemen commissaries.  or Gentlemen, that keep their Courts and execute their jurisdiction. Which besides their other oppressions over the common people, reign over the Priests: as the Dukes & Diacks do over the poor people, within their precincts. As for the Archbishop or Bishop himself, he beareth no sway in deciding those causes, that are brought into his Court. But if he would moderate any matter, he must do it by entreaty with his Gentleman official. The reason is, because these Boiarskey, or Gentlemen officials, are not appointed by the Bishops, but by the Emperor himself, or his Counsel, and are to give account of their doings to none but to them. If the Bishop can entreat at his admission to have the choice of his own official, it is accounted for a special great favour. But to speak it as it is, the Clergy of Russia, aswell concerning their lands and revenues, as their authority and jurisdiction, are altogether ordered and over ruled by the Emperor, and his Counsel, and have so much, and no more of both as their pleasure doth permit them. They have also their assistants or several Counsels (as they call them) of certain Priests that are of their diocese, residing within their cathedral cities, to the number of four and twenty a piece. These advise with them about the special and necessary matters belonging to their charge.  
Concerning their rents and revenues to maintain their dignities, 
The church revenues.  it is somewhat large. The patriarchs yearly rents out of his lands (besides other fees) is about 3000. rubles, or marks. The Metropolites and Archbishops about 2500. The Bishops some a 1000 some 800. some 500, etc. They have had some of them (as I have heard say) ten or twelve thousand rubles a year: as had the Metropolite of Nouograde.  
Their habit or apparel (when they show themselves in their Pontificalibus after their solemnest manner) is a mitre on their heads, 
The habit of their clergy men.  after the popish fashion, set with pearl and precious stone, a cope on their backs, commonly of cloth of gold, embroidered with pearl, and a Crosiers staff in their hands, laid over all with plate of silver double guilt, with a cross or shepherds crook at the upper end of it. Their ordinary habit otherwise when they ride or go abroad, is a hood on their heads of black colour, that hangeth down their backs, and standeth out like a bongrace before. Their upper garment (which they call Reis) is a gown or mantel of black Damask, with many lists or guards of white Satin laid upon it, every guard about two fingers broad, and their Crosiers staff carried before them. Themselves follow after, blessing the people with their two forefingers, with a marvelous grace.  
The election, 
The election of Bishops.  and appointing of the Bishops and the rest, pertaineth wholly to the Emperor himself. They are chosen ever out of the Monasteries: so that there is no Bishop, Archbishop, nor Metropolite, but hath been a Monk, or Friar before. And by that reason they are, and must all be unmarried men, for their vow of chastity when they were first shorn. When the Emperor hath appointed whom he thinketh good, he is invested in the Cathedral church of his diocese, with many ceremonies, much after the manner of the Popish inauguration. They have also their Deans, & their Archdeacon's.  
As for preaching the word of God, 
The learning & exercise of the Ruff Clergy.  or any teaching, or exhorting such as are under them, they neither use it, nor have any skill of it: the whole Clergy being utterly unlearned both for other knowledge, and in the word of God. Only their manner is twice every year, uz. the first of September (which is the first day of their year) and on S. john Baptists day, to make an ordinary speech to the people, every Metropolite, Archbishop, and Bishop in his Cathedral Church, to this or like effect: That if any be in malice towards his neighbour, he shall leave off his malice: if any have thought of treason or rebellion against his Prince, he beware of such practice: if he have not kept his fasts, and vows, nor done his other duties to the holy Church, he shall amend that fault, etc. And this is a matter of form with them, uttered in as many words, and no more, in a manner, than I have here set down. Yet the matter is done with that grace and solemnity, in a pulpit of purpose set up for this one Act, as if he were to discourse at large of the whole substance of divinity. At the Mosko the Emperor himself is ever present at this solemn exhortation.  
As themselves are void of all manner of learning, so are they wary to keep out all means that might bring any in: as fearing to have their ignorance, and ungodliness discovered. To that purpose they have persuaded the Emperors, that it would breed innovation, and so danger to their state, to have any novelty of learning come within the Realm. Wherein they say but truth, for that a man of spirit and understanding, helped by learning and liberal education, can hardly endure a tyrannical government. Some years passed in the other Emperor's time, there came a Press and Letters out of Polonia, to the city of Mosko, where a printing house was set up, with great liking & allowance of the Emperor himself. But not long after, the house was set on fire in the night time, and the press and letters quite burnt up, as was thought by the procurement of the Clergy men.  
Their Priests (whom they call papa's are made by the Bishops, 
Priests.  without any great trial for worthiness of gifts, before they admit them, or ceremonies in their admission: save that their heads are shorn (not shaven for that they like not) about an hand breadth or more in the crown, and that place anointed with oil by the Bishop: who in his admission putteth upon the priest, first his surplice, and then setteth a white cross on his breast of silk, or some other matter, which he is to wear eight days, and no more: and so giveth him authority to say and sing in the Church, and to administer the Sacraments.  
They are men utterly unlearned, which is no marvel, forasmuch as their makers, the Bishops themselves (as before was said) are clear of that quality, and make no farther use at all of any kind of learning, no not of the scriptures themselves, save to read and to sing them. Their ordinary charge & function is to say the Liturgy, to administer the Sacraments after their manner, to keep & deck their idols, and to do the other ceremonies usual in their Churches. Their number is great because their towns are parted into many small parishes, without any discretion for dividing them into competent numbers of households, and people for a just congregation: as the manner in all places where the means is neglected, for increasing of knowledge, and instruction towards God. Which cannot well be had, where by means of an unequal partition of the people, and parishes, there followeth a want and unequality of stipend for a sufficient ministery.  
For their priests, 
The Ruff Priests can marry but once.  it is lawful to marry for the first time. But if the first wife die, a second he cannot take, but he must lose his Priesthood, and his living withal. The reason they make out of that place of Saint Paul to Timothy 1. 3. 2. not well understood thinking that to be spoken of divers wives successively, that the Apostle speaketh of at one and the same time. If he will needs marry again after his first wife is dead, he is no longer called Papa, but Rospapa, or Priest quondam. This maketh the Priests to make much of their wives, who are accounted as the matrons, and of best reputation among the women of the parish.  
For the stipend of the Priest, their manner is not to pay him any tenths of corn, or aught else: but he must stand at the devotion of the people of his parish, and make up the incommes towards his maintenance, so well as he can, by offerings, shriftes, marriages, burials, dirges, and prayers for the dead and the living. (which they call Molitua) Forbesides their public service within their Churches, their manner is for every private man to have a prayer said for him by the Priest, upon any occasion of business whatsoever, whether he ride, go, sail, plough, or whatsoever else he doth. Which is not framed according to the occasion of his business, but at random, being some of their ordinary and usual Church-prayers. And this is thought to be more holy, and effectual, if it be repeated by the Priest's mouth, rather than by his own. They have a custom beside to solemnize the Saint's day, that is patron to their Church once every year. What time all their neighbours of their country, and parishes about, come in to have prayers said to that Saint for themselves, and their friends: and so make an offering to the Priest for his pains. This offering may yield them some ten pounds a year, more or less, as the patron, or Saint of that Church is of credit, and estimation among them. The manner is on this day (which they keep anniversary) for the priest, to hire divers of his neighbour priests to help him: as having more dishes to dress for the Saint, than he can well turn his hand unto. They use beside to visit their parishioners houses, with holy water, and perfume, commonly once a quarter: and so having sprinkled, and besensed the goodman and his wife with the rest of their household, and household-stuff, they receive some devotion more or less, 
The priest's maintenance.  as the man is of ability. This and the rest laid altogether, may make up for the priest towards his maintenance, about thirty or forty rubles a year: whereof he payeth the tenth part to the Bishop of the Diocese.  
The Papa or Priest is known by his long tufts of hair, 
The priest's attire.  hanging down by his ears, his gown with a broad cape, and a walking staff in his hand. For the rest of his habit, he is appareled like the common sort. When he saith the Liturgy or service, within the Church, he hath on him his surplice, and sometimes his cope, if the day be more solemn. They have beside their papa's or Priests, their churnapapa's (as they call them) that is; Black Priests: that may keep their Benefices, though they be admitted Friars withal within some Monastery. They seem to be the very same that were called Regular Priests in the Popish Church. Under the Priest, is a Deacon in every Church, that doth nothing but the office of a parish Clerk. As for their protopapa's, or Archepriestes, and their Archdeacon's (that are next in election to be their Protopopas) they serve only in the cathedral Churches.  
Of Friars they have an infinite rabble far greater than in any other country, 
Friars.  where popery is professed. Every city, & good part of the country, swarmeth full of them. For they have wrought (as the popish Friars did by their superstition and hypocrisy) that if any part of the Realm be better and sweeter than other, there standeth a Friary, or a monastery dedicated to some Saint.  
The number of them is somuch the greater, not only for that it is augmented by the superstition of the country, but because the friars life is the safest from the oppressions, and exactions, that fall upon the Commons. Which causeth many to put on the friars weed, as the best armour to bear off such blows. Besides such as are voluntary, there are divers that are forced to shire themselves Friars, upon some displeasure. These are for the most part of the chief Nobility. divers take the Monasteries as a place of Sanctuary, and there become Friars, to avoid some punishment, that they had deserved by the laws of the Realm. For if he get a Monastery over his head, and there put on a cool before he be attached, it is a protection to him for ever against any law, for what crime soever: except it be for treason. But this Proviso goeth withal, that no man cometh there, (except such as are commanded by the Emperor to be received) but he giveth them lands, or bringeth his stock with him, & putteth it into the common Treasury. Some bring a 1000 rubles, & some more. None is admitted under 3. or 4. hundred.  
The manner of their admission is after this sort. 
Their manner of shiring Friars.  First, the Abbot strippeth him of all his secular or ordinary apparel. Then he putteth upon him next to his skin, a white flannel shirt, with a long garment over it down to the ground, girded unto him with a broad leather belt. His uppermost garment is a weed of Garras, or Say, for colour and fashion, much like to the upper weed of a chimney-sweeper. Then is his crown shorn a hand breadth, or more close to the very skin, and these, or like words pronounced by the Abbot, whiles he clippeth his hair: As these hairs are clipped of, & taken from thy head: so now we take thee, and separate thee clean from the world, and worldly things, etc. This done, he anointeth his crown with oil, and putteth on his cool: and so taketh him in among the Fraternity. They vow perpetual chastity, and abstinence from flesh.  
Besides their lands, (that are very great) they are the greatest merchants in the whole country, and deal for all manner of commodities. Some of their monasteries dispend in lands, one thousand, or two thousand rubles a year. There is one Abbey called Troits, that hath in lands & fees, the sum of 100000. rubles, or marks a year. It is built in manner of a Castle, walled round about, with great ordinance planted on the wall, and containeth within it a large breadth of ground, and great variety of building. There are of Friars within it, (besides their officers, and other servants) about 700. The Empress that now is, hath many vows to Saint Sergius, that is patron there: to entreat him to make her fruitful, as having no children by the Emperor her husband. Lightly every year she goeth on pilgrimage to him from the Mosko, on foot, about 80 English miles, with five or six thousand women attending upon her, all in blue liveries, and four thousand soldiers for her guard. But Saint Sergius hath not yet heard her prayers, though (they say) he hath a special gift and faculty that way.  
What learning there is among their Friars, 
The friars learning.  may be known by their Bishops, that are the choice men out of all their monasteries. I talked with one of them at the City of Vologda, where (to try his skill) I offered him a Ruff Testament, and turned him to the first Chapter of Saint Mathewes Gospel. Where he began to read in very good order. I asked him first what part of scripture it was, that he had read? he answered, that he could not well tell. How many Evangelists there were in the new Testament? He said he knew not. How many Apostles there were? He thought there were twelve. How he should be saved? Whereunto he answered me with a piece of Russee doctrine, that he knew not whether he should be saved, or no: but if God would Poshallovate him, or gratify him so much, as to save him, so it was, he would be glad of it: if not, what remedy. I asked him, why he shore himself a Friar? He answered, because he would eat his bread with peace. This is the learning of the Friars of Russia, which though it be not to be measured by one, yet partly it may be guessed by the ignorance of this man, what is in the rest.  
They have also many Nunneries, 
Nunneries.  whereof some may admit none but noblemen's widows, and daughters, when the Emperor meaneth to keep them unmarried, from continuing the blood or stock, which he would have extinguished. To speak of the life of their Friars, and Nuns, it needs not, to those that know the hypocrisy, and uncleanness of that Cloyster-broode. The Ruff himself (though otherwise addicted to all superstition) speaketh so foully of it, that it must needs gain silence of any modest man.  
Besides these, 
Eremites.  they have certain Eremites, (whom they call Holy men) that are like to those Gymnosophists, for their life and behaviour: though far unlike for their knowledge, & learning. They use to go stark naked, save a clout about their middle, with their hair hanging long, and wildly about their shoulders, and many of them with an iron collar, or chain about their necks, or mids, even in the very extremity of winter. These they take as Prophets, and men of great holiness, giving them a liberty to speak what they list, without any controlment, though it be of thee very highest himself. So that if he reprove any openly, in what sort soever, they answer nothing, but that it is Po gracum, that is, for their sins. And if any of them take some piece of sale ware from any man's shop, as he passeth by, to give where he list, he thinketh himself much beloved of God, and much beholding to the holy man, for taking it in that sort.  
Of this kind there are not many, because it is a very hard and cold profession, to go naked in Russia, specially in Winter. Among other at this time, they have one at Mosko, that walketh naked about the streets, and inveigheth commonly against the state, and government, especially against the Godonoes', that are thought at this time to be great oppressors of that Common wealth. An other there was, that died not many years ago (whom they called Basileo) that would take upon him to reprove the old Emperor, 
Basileo the Eremite.  for all his cruelty, and oppressions, done towards his people. His body they have translated of late into a sumptuous Church, near the emperors house in Mosko, and have canonised him for a Saint. Many miracles he doth there (for so the Friars make the people to believe) and many offerings are made unto him, not only by the people, but by the chief Nobility, and the Emperor, and Empress themselves, which visit that Church with great devotion. But this last year, at my being at Mosko, this Saint had ill luck, in working his miracles. For a lame man that had his limbs restored (as it was pretended by him) was charged by a woman that was familiar with him (being then fallen out) that he halted but in the day time, and could leap merrily when he came home at night. And that he had intended this matter six years before. Now he is put into a Monastery, and there raileth upon the Friars, that hired him to have this counterfeit miracle, practised upon him. Besides this disgrace, a little before my coming from thence, there were eight slain within his Church by fire in a thunder. Which caused his bells (that were tingling before all day and night long as in triumph of the miracles wrought by Basileo their Saint) to ring somewhat softlier, and hath wrought no little discredit to this Miracle-worker. There was another of great account at Plesko, 
Nicôla the Eremite.  (called Nichôla of Plesko) that did much good, when this emperors father came to sack the town, upon suspicion of their revolting and rebellion against him. The Emperor, after he had saluted the Eremite, at his lodging, sent him a reward. And the Holy man to requite the Emperor, sent him a piece of raw flesh, being then their Lent time. Which the Emperor seeing, bid one to tell him, that he marveled that the Holy man would offer him flesh to eat in the Lent, when it was forbidden, by order of holy Church. And doth Euasko, (which is as much to say, as jacke) think (quoth Nicôla) that it is unlawful to eat a piece of beasts flesh in Lent, and not to eat up so much man's flesh, as he hath done already. So threatening the Emperor with a prophecy of some hard adventure to come upon him, except he left murdering of his people, and departed the town: he saved a great many men's lives at that time.  
This maketh the people to like very well of them, because they are as Pasquil's, to note their great men's faults, that no man else dare speak of. Yet it falleth out sometime, that for this rude liberty, which they take upon them, after a counterfeit manner, by imitation of Prophets, they are made away in secret: as was one or two of them, in the last emperors time, for being over bold in speaking against his government.   

Of their Liturgy, or form of church-service, and their manner of administering the Sacraments.  
The 22. Chapter.  
THeir morning service they call Zautrana, 
Their morning Service.  that is, matins. It is done in this order. The Priest entereth into the Church, with his Deacon following him. And when he is come to the middle of the Church, he beginneth to say with a loud voice: Blasslavey Vladika (that is) Bless us heavenly Pastor: meaning of Christ. Then he addeth, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, one very God in Trinity: and Aspody Pomeluy, or, Lord have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us: repeated three times. This done, he marcheth on towards the Chancel, or Sanctum Sanctorum, (as they use to call it) and so entereth into the Scharsuey Dwere, or the heavenly door: which no man may enter into, but the Priest only. Where standing at the altar, or table (set near to the upper wall of the chancel) he sayeth the lords prayer, and then again Aspody Pomeluy, or Lord have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us, &c: pronounced twelve times. Then praised be the Trinity, the Father, the Son and holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Whereto the Deacons, and people say, Amen. Next after, the Priest addeth the Psalms for that day, and beginneth with O come let us worship, and fall down before the Lord, etc. and therewithal himself, with the Deacons, & people, all turn themselves towards their Idols, or Images, that hang on the wall and crossing themselves, bow down three times, knocking their heads to the very ground After this, he readeth the ten commandments, and Athanasius Creed, out of the Service book.  
This being done, the Deacon that standeth without the heavenly door, or chancel, readeth a piece of a Legend, out of a written book, (for they have it not in print) of some Saint's life, miracles, etc. This is divided into many parts, for every day in the year, and is read by them with a plain singing note, not unlike to the Popish tune, when they sung their Gospels. After all this (which reacheth to an hour, and an half, or two hours of length) he addeth certain set collects, or prayers upon that which he hath read out of the Legend before: and so endeth his Service. All this while stand burning before their Idols, a great many of wax candles, (whereof some are of the bigness of a man's waist) vowed, or enjoined by penance, upon the people of the parish.  
About 9 of the clock in the morning, they have an other service, called Obeidna, (or Compline) much after the order of the Popish Service, that bore that name. If it be some high, or Festival day, they furnish their Service beside, with Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, etc. and We praise thee O God, &c: Sung with a more solemn, and curious note.  
Their Evening service, 
Their Evening service.  is called Vecherna, where the Priest beginneth with Blaslavey Vladika, as he did in the morning, and with the Psalms appointed for the Vecherna. Which being read, he singeth, My soul doth magnify the Lord, etc. And then the Priest, Deacons, and people, all with one voice, sing, Aspody pomelui, or Lord have mercy upon us, thirty times together. Whereunto the boys that are in the Church, answer all with one voice, rolling it up so fast, as their lips can go: Verij, Verij, Verij, Verij, or, Praise, Praise, Praise, etc. thirty times together, with a very strange noise. Then is read by the priest, & upon the holidays sung, the first Psalm: Blessed is the man, etc. And in the end of it, is added Alleluia repeated ten times. The next in order is some part of the gospel read by the Priest, which he endeth with Alleluia repeated three times. And so having said a collect in remembrance of the Saint of that day, he endeth his evening service. All this while the Priest standeth above at the altar or high table, within the Chancel, or Sanctum Sanctorum, whence he never moveth all the service time. The Deacon, or Deacons (which are many in their cathedral Churches) stand without the chancel by the Scharsuey dwere, or heavenly door: for within they may not be seen all the service time, though otherwise their office is to sweep, and keep it, and to set up the wax candles before their Idols. The people stand together the whole service time in the body of the Church, and some in the church porch▪ for piew, or seat they have none within their churches.  
The Sacrament of baptism they administer after this manner. 
The manner of the Ruff baptism.  The child is brought unto the Church (& this is done within eight days after it is borne) if it be the child of some Nobleman, it is brought with great pomp in a rich sled or waggon, with chairs & cushions of cloth of gold, & such like sumptuous show of their best furniture. When they are come to the Church, the Priest standeth ready to receive the child within the church porch, with his tub of water by him. And then beginneth to declare unto them, that they have brought a little Infidel to be made a Christian, etc. This ended, he teacheth the witnesses (that are two or three) in a certain set form out of his book, what their duty is in bringing up the child after he is baptized uz. That he must be taught to know God, and Christ the Saviour. And because God is of great majesty, and we must not presume to come unto him without mediators (as the manner is when we make any suit to an Emperor, or great Prince) therefore they must teach him what Saints are the best, & chief mediators, etc. This done, he commandeth the devil in the name of God after a conjuring manner, to come out of the water: & so after certain prayers he plungeth the child thrice over head, & ears. For this they hold to be a point necessary, that no part of the child be undipped in the water.  
The words that bear with them the form of baptism uttered by the Priest, when he dippeth in the child, are the very same that are prescribed in the gospel, & used by us, vz: In the name of the Father, & of the Son, & of the Ghost. For that they should alter the form of the words, and say by the holy Ghost, (as I have heard that they did (following certain heretics of the Greek church, I found to be untrue, aswell by report of them that have been often at their baptisms, as by their book of Liturgy itself, wherein the order of baptism is precisely set down.  
When the child is baptiszed, the Priest layeth oil and salt tempered together upon the forehead, and both sides of his face, and then upon his mouth, drawing it along with his finger over the child's lips (as did the Popish priests) saying withal certain prayers to this effect: that God will make him a good Christian, &c: all this is done in the Church porch. Then is the child (as being now made a Christian, and meet to be received within the church door) carried into the church, the Priest going before, and there he is presented to the chief Idol of the Church, being laid on a cushion before the feet of the image, by it (as by the mediator) to be commended unto God. If the child be sick, or weak (specially in the winter) they use to make the water luke warm. After baptism the manner is to cut of the hair from the child's head, and having wrapped it within a piece of wax to lay it up, as a relic, or monument in a secret place of the church.  
This is the manner of their baptism, which they accounted to be the best & perfectest form. As they do all other parts of their religion, received (as they say) by tradition from the best church▪ meaning the Greek. And therefore they will take great pains to make a proselyte, or convert, either of an infidel, or of a foreign Christian, by rebaptizing him after the Ruff manner. When they take any Tartar prisoner, commonly they will offer him life, with condition to be baptised. And yet they persuade very few of them to redeem their life so: because of the natural hatred the Tartar beareth to the Ruff, and the opinion he hath of his falsehood, and injustice. The year after Mosko was fired by the Chrim Tartar, there was taken a Divoymorsey, one of the chief in that exploit with 300. Tartars more: who had all their lives offered them, if they would be baptised after the Ruff manner. Which they refused all to do, with many reproaches against those that persuaded them. And so being carried to the river Mosko (that runneth through the city) they were all baptised after a violent manner: being thrust down with a knock on the head into the water, through an hole made in the ice for that purpose. 
Rebaptizing.  Of Lieflanders that are captives, there are many that take on them this second Ruff, baptism to get more liberty, & somewhat beside towards their living, which the Emperor ordinarily useth to give them.  
Of Englishmen since they frequented the country there was never any found, that so much forgot God, his faith, and country, as that he would be content to be baptised Russee, for any respect of fear, preferment, or other means whatsoever: save only Richard Relph, that following before an ungodly trade, by keeping a Caback (against the order of the country) and being put of from that trade, & spoiled by the emperors officers of that which he had, entered himself this last year into the Ruff profession: & so was rebaptized, living now as much an idolater, as before he was a rioter, and unthrifty person.  
Such as thus receive the Ruff baptism, are first carried into some Monastery to be instructed there in the doctrine and ceremonies of the church. Where they use these ceremonies. First, they put him into a new and fresh suit of apparel, made after the Ruff fashion, and set a coronet or (in Summer) a garland upon his head. Then they anoint his head with oil, & put a wax candle light into his hand: and so pray over him four times a day, the space of seven days. All this while he is to abstain from flesh and white meats. The seven days being ended, he is purified and washed in a bathstove, and so the eight day he is brought into the church, where he is taught by the Friars how to behave himself in presence of their idols, by ducking down, knocking of the head, crossing himself, and such like gestures, which are the greatest part of the Ruff religion.  
The sacrament of the lords supper they receive but once a year, 
The administering of the Lord's supper.  in their great Lent time, a little before Easter. Three at the most are admitted at one time, and never above. The manner of their communicating, is thus. First they confess themselves of all their sins to the Priest (whom they call their ghostly father. Then they come to the Church, & are called up to the Communion table, that standeth like an altar, a little removed from the upper end of the Church, after the Doutch manner. Here first they are asked of the Priest whither they be clean or no, that is, whither they have never a sin behind that they left unconfessed. If they answer, No, they are taken to the table. Where the Priest beginneth with certain usual prayers, the communicants standing in the mean while with their arms folded one within an other, like penitentiaries, or mourners. When these prayers are ended, the Priest taketh a spoon, and filleth it full of claret wine Then he putteth into it a small piece of bread, and tempereth them both together: and so delivereth them in the spoon to the Communicants, that stand in order, speaking the usual words of the Sacrament. Eat this etc. Drink this &c. both at one time without any pause.  
After that he delivereth them again bread by itself, and then wine carded together with a little warm water, to represent blood more rightly (as they think) and the water withal, that flowed out of the side of Christ. Whiles this is in doing the communicants unfold their arms. And then folding them again, follow the Priest thrice round about the communion table, and so return to their places again. Where having said certain other prayers, he dismisseth the communicants, with charge to be merry, and to cheer up themselves for the seven days next following. Which being ended, he enjoineth them to fast for it as long time after. Which they use to observe with very great devotion, eating nothing else but bread and salt, except a little cabbage, and some other herb or root, with water or quasse mead for their drink.  
This is their manner of administering the Sacraments. Wherein what they differ from the institution of Christ, and what ceremonies they have added of their own, or rather borrowed of the Greeks', may easily be noted.   

Of the doctrine of the Ruff church, and what errors it holdeth.  
The 23. Chapter.  
THeir chiefest errors in matter of faith I find to be these. 
The Ruff errors.  First, 
1. Their disallowing of certain parts of the Canonical scriptures.  concerning the word of God itself, they will not read publicly certain books of the Canonical scripture, as the books of Moses: specially the four last, Exodus, Leviticus, Numeri, and Deuteronomie, which they say are all made disauthentique, and put out of use by the coming of Christ: as not able to discern the difference betwixt the moral, and the ceremonial law, The books of the prophets they allow of, but read them not publicly in their churches for the same reason: because they were but directors unto Christ, & proper (as they say) to the nation of the jews. Only the book of Psalms they have in great estimation and sing and say them daily in their Churches, Of the new Testament they allow, and read all except the Revelation: which therefore they read not (though they allow it because they understand it not, neither have the like occasion, to know the fulfilling of the prophecies contained within it, concerning especially the apostasy of the Antichristian Church, as have the Western Churches. Notwithstanding they have had their Antichrists of the Greek Church, and may find their own falling of, and the punishments for it by the Turkish invasion in the prophecies of that Book.  
Secondly (which is the fountain of the rest of all their corruptions, 
2. Traditions equal to the holy Scripture.  both in doctrine & ceremonies) they hold with the Papists, that their church Traditions are of equal authority with the written word of God. Wherein they prefer themselves before other churches: affirming that they have the true and right traditions delivered by the Apostles to the Greek church, and so unto them.  
3. That the church (meaning the Greek and specially the Patriarch and his Synod, 
3. The Church to have sovereign authority in interpreting the Scriptures.  as the head of the rest) have a sovereign authority to interpret the Scriptures, and that all are bound to hold that interpretation as sound, and authentic.  
4. Concerning the divine nature & the three persons, 
4. The holy Ghost to proceed from the Father only.  in the one substance of God, that the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father only, and not from the Son.  
5. About the office of Christ, 
5. Christ not sole mediator of intercession.  they hold many fowl errors, and the same almost as doth the Popish church: namely that he is the sole mediator of redemption, but not of intercession. Their chief reason (if they be talked withal) for defence of this error, is that unapt and foolish comparison, betwixt God and a Monarch or Prince of this world, that must be sued unto by Mediators about him: wherein they give special preferment to some above others, as to the blessed Virgin whom they call Precheste, or undefiled, and S. Nicôlas, whom they call Scora pomosnick, or the Speedy helper, and say that he hath 300. angels of the chiefest appointed by God to attend upon him. This hath brought them to an horrible excess of idolatry, after the grossest & profanest manner, giving unto their images all religious worship of prayer, thanksgiving, offerings, & adoration, with prostrating and knocking their heads to the ground before them, as to God himself. Which because they do to the picture, not to the portraiture of the Saint, they say they worship not an idol, but the Saint in his image & so offend not God: forgetting the commandment of God, that forbiddeth to make the image or likeness of any thing, for any religious worship, or use whatsoever. Their church walls are very full of them, richly hanged & set forth with pearl & stone upon the smooth table. Though some also they have embossed, that stick from the board almost an inch outwards. They call them Chudovodites, or their miracle workers: and when they provide them to set up in their Churches, in no case they may say that they have bought the image, but exchanged money for it.  
6. For the means of justification, 
6. justification by works.  they agree with the Papists, that it is not by faith only apprehending Christ, but by their works also. And that Opus operatum, or the work for the work sake, must needs please God. And therefore they are all in their numbers of prayers, fasts, vows, & offerings to saints, alms deeds, cross & such like, and carry their numbering beads about with them continually, aswell the Emperor & his Nobility as the common people, not only in the church, but in all other public places, specially at any set or solemn meeting, as in their fasts, law courts, common consultations, entertainment of Ambassadors, and such like.  
7. They say with the Papists that no man can be assured of his salvation, 
7. Salvation uncertain.  till the last sentence be passed at the day of judgement.  
8. They use auricular confession, 
8. Auricular confession.  & think that they are purged by the very action from so many sins, as they confess by name, and in particular to the Priest.  
9 They hold three sacraments, of Baptism, 
9 Three Sacraments.  the Lords supper, and the last annoiling, or unction. Yet concerning their Sacrament of extreme unction, they hold it not so necessary to salvation as they do baptism, but think it a great curse and punishment of God, 
10. All damned that die without baptism.  if any die with out it.  
10. They think there is a necessity of baptism, and that all are condemned that die without it. 
11. Anabaptisme.   
11. They rebaptise as many Christians (not being of the Greek church) as they convert to their Ruff profession: because they are divided from the true Church, which is the Greek, 
12. Difference of meats.  as they say.  
12. They make a difference of meats & drinks, accounting the use of one, to be more holy then of an other. And therefore in their set fasts they forbear to eat flesh, and white meats (as we call them) after the manner of the Popish superstition: which they observe so strictly, & with such blind devotion, as that they will rather die, then eat one bit of flesh, eggs, or such like, for the health of their bodies in their extreme sicknese.  
13. They hold marriage to be unlawful for all the Clergy men, 
13. Marriage for some persons unlawful.  except the priests only, and for them also after the first wife, as was said before. Neither do they well allow of it in Lay men after the second marriage. Which is a pretence now used against the emperors only brother, a child of six years old: Who therefore is not praised for in their churches (as their manner is otherwise for the Prince's blood) because he was borne of the sixth marriage, and so not legitimate This charge was given to the priests by the Emperor himself, by procurement of the Godonoes': who make him believe that it is a good policy to turn away the liking of the people from the next successor.  
Many other false opinions they have in matter of religion. But these are the chief, which they hold partly by means of their traditions (which they have received from the Greek church) but specially by ignorance of the holy Scriptures. Which notwithstanding they have in the Polonian tongue, (that is all one with theirs some few words excepted) yet few of them read them with that godly care which they ought to do: neither have they (if they would) books sufficient of the old and new Testament for the common people, but of their Liturgy only, or book of common service, whereof there are great numbers.  
All this mischief cometh from the clergy, who being ignorant and godless themselves, are very wary to keep the people likewise in their ignorance and blindness, for their living and bellies sake: partly also from the manner of government settled among them: which the Emperors (whom it specially behoveth) list not to have changed by any innovation, but to retain that religion that best agreeth with it. Which notwithstanding it is not to be doubted, but that having the word of God in some sort (though without the ordinary means to attain to a true sense and understanding of it) God hath also his number among them. As may partly appear by that which a Ruff at Mosko said in secret to one of my servants, speaking against their images and other superstitions: That God had given unto England light to day, and might give it to morrow (if he pleased) to them.  
As for any inquisition or proceeding against men for matter of religion, I could hear of none: save a few years since against one man and his wife, who were kept in a close prison the space of 28. years, till they were over grown into a deformed fashion, for their hair, nails, colour of countenance, and such like, and in the end were burned at Mosko, in a small house set on fire. The cause was kept secret, but like it was for some part of truth in matter of religion: though the people were made to believe by the Priests and Friars, that they held some great, and damnable heresy.   

Of the manner of solemnizing their Marriages.  
The 24. Chapter.  
THe manner of making & solemnizing their marriages is different from the manner of other countries. The man (though he never saw the woman before) is not permitted to have any sight of her all the time of his wooing: which he doth not by himself, but by his mother or some other ancient woman of his kin, or acquaintance. When the liking is taken (aswell by the parents as by the parties themselves, for without the knowledge & consent of the parents, the contract is not lawful) the fathers on both sides, or such as are to them in steed of fathers, with their other chief friends, have a meeting & conference about the dowry, which is commonly very large after the ability of the parents: so that you shall have a market man (as they call them) give a 1000 rubles, or more with his daughter.  
As for the man it is never required of him, 
The manner of endowment for wives.  nor standeth with their custom to make any jointer in recompense of the dowry. But in case he have a child by his wife, she enjoyeth a third deal after his disease. If he have two children by her or more, she is to have a courtesy more, at the discretion of the husband. If the husband depart without issue by his wife, she is returned home to her friends without any thing at all, save only her dowry: if the husband leave so much behind him in goods When the agreement is made concerning the dowry, they sign bonds one to the other, aswell for the payment of the dowry as the performing of the marriage by a certain day. If the woman were never married before, her father and friends are bound beside to assure her a maiden. Which breedeth many brabbels and quarrels at Law, if the man take any conceit concerning the behaviour, and honesty of his wife.  
Thus the contract being made, the parties begin to send tokens the one to the other, the woman first, than afterwards the man, but yet see not one an other till the marriage be solemnized. On the eve before the marriage day, the bride is carried in a Collimago, or coach, or in a fled (if it be winter) to the bridegrooms house, with her marriage apparel and bedstead with her, which they are to lie in. For this is ever provided by the Bride, and is commonly very fair, with much cost bestowed upon it. Here she is accompanied all that night by her mother, and other women: but not welcomed, nor once seen by the Bridegroom himself.  
When the time is come to have the marriage solemnized, 
Ceremonies in marriages.  the Bride hath put upon her a kind of hood, made of fine knitworke, or lawn, that covereth her head, and all her body down to the middle. And so accompanied with her friends, & the bridegroom with his, they go to Church all on horseback, though the Church be near hand, and themselves but of very mean degree, The words of contract, and other ceremonies in solemnizing the marriage, are much after the order, and with the same words that are used with us: with a ring also given to the Bride. Which being put on, and the words of contract pronounced: the Bride's hand is delivered into the hand of the Bride groom, which standeth all this while on the one side of the altar or table, and the Bride on the other. So the marriage knot being knit by the Priest, the Bride cometh to the Bridegroom (standing at the end of the altar or table) and falleth down at the feet, knocking her head upon his shoe, in token of her subjection, and obedience. And the Bridegroom again casteth the lap of his gown, or upper garment, over the Bride, in token of his duty to protect, and cherish her.  
Then the Bridegroom, and Bride, standing both together at the table's end, cometh first the father, and the other friends of the Bride, and bow themselves down low to the Bridegroom: and so likewise his friends bow themselves to the Bride, in token of affinity & love, ever after betwixt the two kindreds. And withal, the father of the Bridegroom offereth to the priest, a loaf of bread, who delivereth it strait again to the father, & other friends of the Bride, with attestation before God and their idols, that he deliver the dowry wholly and truly at the day appointed, & hold love ever after, one kindred with another. Whereupon they break the loaf into pieces, & eat of it, to testify their true & sincere meanings, for performing of that charge, and thenceforth to become as grains of one loaf, or men of one table.  
These ceremonies being ended, the Bridegroom taketh the Bride by the hand, and so they go on together, with their friends after them, towards the Church porch. Where meet them certain with pots, & cups in their hands, with mead and Russee wine. Whereof the Bridegroom taketh first a charke, or little cup full in his hand, and drinketh to the Bride: who opening her hood, or vale below, and putting the cup to her mouth underneath it (for being seen of the Bridegroom) pleadgeth him again. Thus returning altogether from the Church, the Bridegroom goeth not home to his own, but to his father's house, and she likewise to hers, where either entertain their friends apart. At the entering into the house, they use to fling corn out of the windows, upon the Bridegroom, and Bride, in token of plenty, and fruitfulness to be with them ever after.  
When the Evening is come, the Bride is brought to the Bridegroom's father's house, and there lodgeth that night, with her vale or cover still over her head. All that night she may not speak one word (for that charge she receiveth by tradition from her mother, and other matrons her friends) that the Bridegroom must neither hear, nor see her, till the day after the marriage. Neither three days after, may she be heard to speak, save certain few words at the table, in a set form with great manners, and reverence to the Bridegroom. If she behave herself otherwise, it is a great prejudice to her credit, and life ever after: and will highly be disliked of the Bridegroom himself.  
After the third day, they depart to their own, and make a feast to both their friends together. The marriage day, and the whole time of their festival, the Bridegroom hath the honour to be called Moloday Knez, or young Duke, and the Bride Moloday Knezay, or young Duchess.  
In living with their wives, they show themselves to be but of a barbarous condition: using them as servants, rather than wives. Except the Noble-women, which are, or seem to be of more estimation with their husbands, than the rest of meaner sort. They have this fowl abuse, contrary to good order, and the word of God itself, that upon dislike of his wife, or other cause whatsoever, the man may go into a Monastery and shire himself a Friar, by pretence of devotion: and so leave his wife to shift for herself so well as she can.   

Of the other Ceremonies of the Ruff Church.  
The 25. Chapter.  
THe other ceremonies of their Church, 
The sign of the cross.  are many in number: especially, the abuse about the sign of the Cross, which they set up in their high ways, in the tops of their Churches, and in every door of their houses, signing themselves continually with it, on their foreheads and breasts, with great devotion, as they will seem by their outward gesture. Which were less offence, if they gave not withal, that religious reverence and worship unto it, which is due to God only, and used the dumb show, and signing of it instead of thanksgiving, and of all other duties which they own unto God. When they rise in the morning, they go commonly in the sight of some steeple, that hath across on the top: and so bowing themselves towards the cross, sign themselves withal on their foreheads, and breasts. And this is their thanksgiving to God for their nights rest, without any word speaking, except peradventure they say, Aspody Pomeluy, or Lord have mercy upon us. When they sit down to meat, and rise again from it, the thanksgiving to God, is the crossing of their foreheads and breasts. Except it be some few that add peradventure, a word or two of some ordinary prayer, impertinent to that purpose. When they are to give an oath for the deciding of any controversy at Law, they do it by swearing by the Cross, and kissing the feet of it, making it as God, whose name only is to be used in such trial of justice. When they enter into any house (where ever there is an idol hanging on the wall) they sign themselves with the cross, & bow themselves to it. When they begin any work, be it little, or much they arm themselves first with the sign of the cross. And this commonly is all their prayer to God, for good speed of their business. And thus they serve God with crosses, after a cross and vain manner: not understanding what the cross of Christ is, nor the power of it. And yet they think all strangers Christians, to be no better than Turks, in comparison of themselves (and so they will say) because they bow not themselves, when they meet with the cross, nor sign themselves with it, as the Ruff manner is.  
They have holy water in like use, 
holy-water.  and estimation, as the Popish Church hath. But herein they exceed them, in that they do not only hollow their holy water stocks, and tub full of water, but all the rivers of the country once every year. 
Hallowing of rivers.  At Mosko it is done with great pomp, and solemnity: the Emperor himself being present at it, with all his Nobility, marching through the streets towards the river of Moskua, in manner of procession in this order as followeth. First go two Deacons, with banners in their hands, the one of Precheste (or our Lady) the other of S. Michael, fight with his dragon. Then follow after, the rest of the Deacons & the priests of Mosko, two & two in a rank, with coaps on their backs, and their idols at their breasts, carried with girdles or slings, made fast about their necks. Next the priests come their Bishops in their pontificalibus: then the Friars, Monks, and Abbots: and after, the patriarchs, in very rich attite, with a ball, or sphere on the top of his mitre, to signify his universality over that Church. Last cometh the Emperor with all his nobility. The whole train is of a mile long, or more. When they are come to the river, a great hole is made in the ice, where the market is kept, of a rod and a half broad, with a stage round about it to keep off the press. Then beginneth the Patriarch to say certain prayers, and coniureth the devil to come out of the water: and so casting in salt, and censing it with frankincense, maketh the whole river to become holy water. The morning before, all the people of Mosko use to make crosses of chawlke over every door, and window of their houses: lest the Devil being conjured out of the water, should fly into their houses.  
When the ceremonies are ended, you shall see the black Guard of the emperors house, and then the rest of the Town, with their pails and buckets, to take off the hallowed water for drink, and other uses. You shall also see the women dip in their children over head and ears, and many men and women leap into it, some naked, some with their clothes on, when some man would think his finger would freeze off, if he should but dip it into the water. When the men have done, they bring their horse to the river, to drink of the sanctified water: and so make them as holy as a horse. Their set day for this solemn action of hallowing their rivers, is that we call Twelfthday. The like is done by other Bishops, in all parts of the Realm.  
Their manner is also to give it to their sick, in their greatest extremity: thinking that it will either recover them, 
Drinking of holy water.  or sanctify them to God, Whereby they kill many, through their unreasonable superstition, as did the Lord Borris his only son at my being at the Mosko: whom he killed (as was said by the physicians) by pouring into him, cold holy water, and presenting him naked into the Church, to their Saint Basileo, in the cold of the Winter, in an extremity of sickness.  
They have an image of Christ, which they call Neruchi, (which signifieth as much as Made without hands) for so their priests, & superstition withal, persuadeth them it was. This in their processions, they carry about with them on high upon a pole, enclosed within a Pixe, made like a lantern, and do reverence to it, as to a great mystery.  
At every brewing, their manner is likewise, 
Brewing with holy water.  to bring a dish of their wort to the Priest, within the Church: which being hallowed by him, is powered into the brewing▪ and so giveth it such a virtue, as when they drink of it, they are seldom sober. The like they do with the first fruits of their corn in Harvest.  
They have an other ceremony on Palm-sunday, 
Palmsunday.  of ancient tradition: what time the Patriarch rideth through the Mosko, the Emperor himself holding his horse bridle, and the people crying Hosanna, & spreading their upper garments under his horse feet. The Emperor hath of the Patriarch for his good service of that day 200 rubles of standing pension. Another pageant they have much like to this, the week before the nativity of Christ▪ When every Bishop in his Cathedral Church setteth forth a show of the three children in the Oven. Where the Angel is made to come flying from the roof of the Church, with great admiration of the lookers on, and many terrible slashes of fire, are made with rosin, and gunpowder, by the Chaldians (as they call them) that run about the town all the twelve days, disguised in their players coats, & make much good sport for the honour of the Bishop's pageant. At the Mosko, the Emperor himself, and the Empress never fail to be at it, though it be but the same matter played every year, without any new invention at all.  
Besides their fasts on Wednesdays, 
Fasts.  and Fridays throughout the whole year, (the one because they say Christ was sold on the Wednesday, the other because he suffered on the Friday) they have four great Fasts, or Lentes every year. The first, (which they call their great Lent) is at the same time with ours. The second, about Midsummer. The third, in Harvest time. The fourth, about Hallontide: which they keep not of policy, but of mere superstition. In their great Lent for the first week, they eat nothing but bread and salt, and drink nothing but water, neither meddle with any matter of their vocation, but intend their shriving, and fasting only. They have also 3. Vigils, or Wakes in their great Lent, which they call Stoiania & the last Friday their great Vigil, 
Vigils.  as they call it. What time the whole parish must be present in the Church, and watch from nine a clock in the Evening, till six in the morning, all the while standing, save when they fall down, and knock their heads to their idols, which must be an hundred and seventy times, just through the whole night.  
About their burials also, 
Burials.  they have many superstitious and profane ceremonies: as putting within the finger of the corpses, a letter to Saint Nicolas: whom they make their chief mediator, and as it were, the porter of heaven gates, as the Papists do their Peter.  
In Winter time, when all is covered with snow, and the ground so hard frozen, as that no spade, nor pikeaxe can enter their manner is not to bury their dead, but to keep the bodies (so many as die all the Winter time) in an house, in the suburbs, or outparts of the town, which they call Bohsedom, that is, God's house: where the dead bodies are piled up together, like billets on a woodstack, as hard with the frost as a very stone, till the Springtide come, & resolveth the frost: what time every man taketh his dead friend, and committeth him to the ground.  
They have beside their years and months minds, 
months minds.  for their friends departed. What time they have prayers said over the grave by the Priest: who hath a penny ordinary for his pains. When any dieth, they have ordinary women mourners, that come to lament for the dead party: and stand howling over the body, after a profane, and heathenish manner (sometimes in the house, sometimes bringing the body into the backside ask him what he wanted, and what he meant to die. They bury their dead, as the party used to go, with coat, hose, boots, hat and the rest of his apparel.  
Many other vain and superstitious ceremonies they have, which were long and tedious to report. By these it may appear, how far they are fallen from the true knowledge, and practise of Christian religion: having exchanged the word of God, for their vain traditions, and brought all to external, and ridiculous ceremonies, without any regard of spirit and truth, which God requireth in his true worship.   

Of the emperors domestic, or private behaviour.  
The 26. Chapter.  
THe emperors private behaviour, so much as may be, or is meet to be known, is after this manner. He riseth commonly about 4 a clock in the morning. After his appareling and washing, in cometh his ghostly father, or priest of his chamber, which is named in their tongue, Otetz Duhouna, with his cross in his hand, wherewith he blesseth him, laying it first on his forehead, then upon his cheeks, or sides of his face, and then offereth him the end of it to kiss. This done, the Clerk of the cross (called Chresby Deyack Profery) bringeth into his chamber, a painted image, representing the Saint for that day. For every day with them hath his several Saint, as it were the patron for that day. 
His private prayer.  This he placeth among the rest of his image gods, wherewithal his chamber is decked, as thick almost as the wall can bear, with lamps and wax candles burning before them. They are very costly and gorgeously decked with pearl, and precious stone. This image being placed before him, the Emperor beginneth to cross himself after the Ruff manner, first on the forehead, then on both sides of his breast, with Aspody Pomeluy, Pomeluy mena hospody, sacroy mena gresnick Syhodestua: which is as much to say, as, Help me O Lord my God, Lord comfort me, defend and keep me a sinner from doing evil, etc. This he directeth towards the image, or Saint for that day, whom he nameth in his prayer, together with our Lady (whom they call Precheste) Saint Nicholas, or some other, to whom he beareth most devotion, bowing himself prostrate unto them, with knocking his head to the very ground. Thus he continueth the space of a quarter of an hour, or thereabouts.  
Then cometh again the ghostly father, or chamber priest, with a silver bowl full of holy water, which they call in Russee, Sweta Voda, & a sprinkle of Basill (as they call it) in his hand: & so all to besprinkleth first the image gods, and then the Emperor. This holy water is brought fresh every day from the Monasteries, far and near, sent to the Emperor from the Abbot or Prior, in the name of the Saint, that is patron of that Monastery, as a special token of good will from him.  
These devotions being ended, he sendeth in to the Empress, to ask whether she hath rested in health, etc. And after a little pause goeth himself to salute her in a middle room betwixt both their chambers. The Empress lieth apart from him, and keepeth not one chamber, nor table with the Emperor ordinarily, save upon the eve of their Lentes, or common Fasts: what time she is his ordinary guest at bed and board. After their meeting in the morning, they go together to their private Church or Chapel, where is said, or sung a morning Service (called Zautrana) of an hour long or thereabouts. 
The Emperor giveth presence every morning.  From the Church he returneth home, and sitteth him down in a great chamber, to be seen and saluted by his Nobility, such as are in favour about the Court. If he have to say to any of them, or they to him, then is the time. And this is ordinary, except his health, or some other occasion alter the custom.  
About nine in the morning, he goeth to another Church within his Castle: where is sung by Priests, and Choristers, the high Service (called Obeadna or Complin) which commonly lasteth two hours: the Emperor in the mean time▪ talking commonly with some of his Council, Nobility, or captains, which have to say to him, or he to them. And the Council likewise confer together among themselves, as if they were in their council house. This ended, he returneth home, and recreateth himself until it be dinner time.  
He is served at his table on this manner. First, every dish (as it is delivered at the dresser) is tasted by the Cook, 
The emperors service at his Table.  in the presence of the high Steward, or his Deputy. And so is received by the Gentlemen waiters (called Shilshey) and by them carried up to the emperors table, the high Steward or his Deputy going before. There it is received by the Sewer (called Erastnoy) who giveth a taste of every dish to the Taster, and so placeth it before the Emperor. The number of his dishes for his ordinary service is about seventy: dressed somewhat grossly, with much garlic, & salt, much after the Doutch manner. When he exceedeth upon some occasion of the day▪ or entertainment of some Ambassador, he hath many more dishes. The service is sent up by 2. dishes at a time, or three at the most that he may eat it warm, first the baked, than the roast meats, & last the broths. In his dining chamber is an other table: where sit the chief of his Nobility that are about his Court, and his ghostly father, or Chaplain. On the one side of the chamber standeth a cupboard or table of plate, very fair and rich, with a great cistern of Copper by it, full of ice and snow, wherein stand the pots that serve for that meal. The taster holdeth the cup that he drinketh in all dinner time, and delivereth it unto him with a say, when he calleth for it. The manner is to make many dishes out of the service after it is set on the table, and to send them to such Noblemen and officers, as the Emperor liketh best. And this is counted a great favour, and honour.  
After dinner he layeth him down to rest, where commonly he taketh three hours sleep, except he employ one of the hours to bathing, or boxing. And this custom for sleeping after dinner, is an ordinary matter with him, as withal the Russes. After his sleep, he goeth to even song (called Vechurna) and thence returning, for the most part recreateth himself with the Empress till supper time, with jesters, and dwarves, men and women, that tumble before him, and sing many songs after the Ruff manner. This is his common recreation betwixt meals, that he most delights in. On other special recreation is the fight with wild Bears, which are caught in pits, or nets, and are kept in barred cages for that purpose, against the Emperor be disposed to see the pastime. The fight with the Bear is on this sort. The man is turned into a circle walled round about, where he is to quite himself so well as he can: for there is no way to fly out. When the Bear is turned lose he cometh upon him with open mouth. If at the first push he miss his aim, so that the Bear come within him, he is in great danger. But the wild Bear being very fierce, hath this quality, that giveth advantage to the Hunter. His manner is when he assaileth a man, to rise up right on his two hinder legs, and so to come roaring with open mouth upon him. And if the Hunter then can push right into the very breast of him betwixt his forelegs (as commonly he will not miss) resting the other end of their boarespeare at the side of his foot, & so keeping the pike still towards the face of the Bear, he speedeth him commonly at one blow. But many times these Hunters come short, and are either slain, or miserably torn with the teeth & talents of the fierce beast. If the party quite himself well in this fight with the Bear, he is carried to drink at the emperors seller door: where he drinketh himself drunk for the honour of Hospodare. And this is his reward for adventuring his life, for the emperors pleasure. To maintain this pastime the Emperor hath certain huntsmen that are appointed for that purpose to take the wild Bear. This is his recreation commonly on the holy days. Sometimes he spendeth his time in looking upon his goldsmiths, and jewellers, tailors, embroiderers, painters, & such like, & so goeth to his supper. When it draweth towaeds bed time, his priest saith certain prayers: and then the Emperor blesseth and crosseth himself, as in the morning for a quarter of an hour or thereabouts, and so goeth to his bed.  
The Emperor that now is (called Theodore juanowich) is for his person of a mean stature, somewhat low and gross, of a sallow complexion, and inclining to the dropsy, hawk nosed, unsteady in his pace by reason of some weakness of his limbs, heavy and unactive, yet commonly smiling almost to a laughter. For quality otherwise, simple and slow witted, but very gentle, and of an easy nature, quiet, merciful, of no martial disposition, nor greatly apt for matter of policy, very superstitious, and infinite that way. Besides his private devotions at home, he goeth every week commonly on pilgrimage to some Monastery, or other that is nearest hand. He is of 34. years old, or thereabouts, and hath reigned almost the space of six years.   

Of the emperors private, or household Officers.  
The 27. Chapter.  
THe chief officers of the emperors household, are these which follow The first is the office of the Boiaren Conesheva, 
Master of the Horse.  or master of the Horse. Which containeth no more than is expressed by the name, that is▪ to be overseer, of the Horse, and not Magister equitum, or Master of the Horsemen. For he appointeth other for that service, as occasion doth require (as before was said.) He that beareth that office at this time, is Borris Federowich Godonoe, brother to the Empress▪ Of Horse for service in his wars (besides other for his ordinary uses) he hath to the number of 10000 which are kept about Mosko.  
The next is the Lord Steward of his household at this time, 
The L. Steward.  one Gregory Vasilowich Godonoe. 
The L. Treasurer.  The third is his Treasurer, that keepeth all his moneys, jewels, plate, &c: now called Stepan Vasilowich Godonoe. The fourth his Controller, 
Controller, Chamberlain.  now Andreas Petrowich Clesinine. The fift his Chamberlain. He that attendeth that office at this time, is called Estoma Bisabroza Pastelnischay. 
Tasters.  The sixth his Tasters, now Theodore Alexandrowich, and ivan Vasilowich Godonoe. The seventh his Harbingers, 
Harbingers.  which are three Noble men, and divers other Gentlemen that do the office under them. These are his ordinary officers, and offices of the chiefest account.  
Of Gentlemen beside that wait about his chamber, 
Gentlemen of the chamber.  & person (called Shilsey Strapsey) there are two hundred, all noblemen's sons. 
The Gard.  His ordinary Guard is 2000, Hagbutters ready with their pieces charged, and their match lighted, with other necessary furniture▪ continually day and night: which come not within the house, but wait without in the court or yard, where the Emperor is abiding. In the night time there lodgeth next to his bedchamber the chief Chamberlain, with one or two more of best trust about him. A second chamber of there lodge six other of like account, for their trust and faithfulness. In the third chamber lie certain young Gentlemen, of these two hundred, called Shilsey Strapsey, that take their turns by forties every night. 
Grooms.  There are Grooms besides that watch in their course, and lie at every gate and door of the Court, called Estopnick.  
The Hagbutters or Gunners, whereof there are two thousand (as was said before) watch about the emperors lodging, or bed chamber by course two hundred and fifty every night, and two hundred & fifty more in the Court yard, and about the Treasure house. His court or house at the Mosko is made Castle wise, walled about with great store of fair ordinance planted upon the wall, and containeth a great breadth of ground within it, with many dwelling houses. Which are appointed for such as are known to be sure, and trusty to the Emperor.   

Of the private behaviour, or quality of the Ruff people.  
The 28. Chapter.  
THe private behaviour and quality of the Ruff people, 
Constitution of their bodies.  may partly be understood by that which hath been said concerning the public state and usage of the country. As touching the natural habit of their bodies, they are for the most part of a large size, and of very fleshly bodies: accounting it a grace to be somewhat gross and burley, and therefore they nourish and spread their beards, to have them long and broad. But for the most part they are very unwieldy & unactive withal. Which may be thought to come partly of the climate, and the numbnes which they get by the cold in winter, and partly of their diet that standeth most of roots, onions, garlic, cabbage, and such like things that breed gross humours, which they use to eat alone, and with their other meats.  
Their diet is rather much then curious At their meals they begin commonly with a Chark or small cup of Aqua vitae, 
Their diet.  (which they call Russee wine) and then drink not till towards the end of their meals, taking it in largely, and all together, with kissing one another, at every pledge. And therefore after dinner there is no talking with them, but every man goeth to his bench to take his afternoons sleep, which is as ordinary with them as their nights rest. When they exceed, and have variety of dishes, the first are their baked meats (for roast meats they use little) and then their broths, or pottage. To drink drunk, is an ordinary matter with them every day in the week. Their common drink is Mead, the poorer sort use water, and a thin drink called Quasse, which is nothing else (as we say) but water turned out of his wits, with a little bran meashed with it.  
This diet would breed in them many diseases, but that they use bathstoves, or hot houses in steed of all physic, commonly twice or thrice every week. All the winter time, and almost the whole Summer, they heat there Peaches, which are made like the German bathstoaves, and their Potlads like ovens, that so warm the house, that a stranger at the first shall hardly like of it. These two extremities, specially in the winter of heat within their houses, and of extreme cold without, together with their diet, maketh them of a dark, and sallow complexion, their skins being tanned and parched both with cold and with heat: specially the women, that for the greater part are of far worse complexions, than the men. Whereof the cause take to be their keeping within the hot houses, and busying themselves about the heating, and using of their bathstoves, and peaches.  
The Ruff because that he is used to both these extremities of heat and of cold, can bear them both a great deal more patiently, than strangers can do. You shall see them sometimes (to season their bodies) come out of their bathstoves all on a froth, and fuming as hot almost as a pig at a spit, and presently to leap into the river stark naked, or to power cold water all over their bodies, and that in the coldest of all the winter time. The women to mend the bad hue of their skins, use to paint their faces with white and red colours, so visibly, that every man may perceive it. Which is made no matter, because it is common, and liked well by their husbands: who make their wives and daughters anordinarie allowance to buy them colours to paint their faces withal, and delight themselves much to see them of fowl women to become such fair images. This parcheth the skin and helpeth to deform them when their painting is of.  
They apparel themselves after the Greek manner. 
The Noble man's attire.  The Nobleman's attire is on this fashion. First a Taffia or little night cap on his head, that covereth little more than his crown, commonly very rich wrought of silk and gold thread, & set with pearl & precious stone. His head he keepeth shaven close to the very skin, except he be in some displeasure with the Emperor. Then he suffereth his hair to grow and hang down upon his shoulders, covering his face as ugly and deformedly as he can, Over the Taffia he weareth a wide cap of black Fox (which they account for the best fur) with a Tiara or long bonnet put within it, standing up like a Persian or Babylonian hat. About his neck (which is seen all bare) is a collar set with pearl and precious stone, about three or four fingers broad. Next over his shirt, (which is curiously wrought, because he strippeth himself into it in the Summer time, while he is within the house) is a Shepon, or light garment of silk made down to the knees, buttoned before: & then a Caftan or a close coat buttoned, and girt to him with a Persian girdle, whereat he hangs his knives and spoon. This commonly is of cloth of gold, and hangeth down as low as his ankles, Over that he weareth a lose garment of some rich silk, furred and faced about with some gold lace, called a Ferris. An other over that of chamlet, or like stuff called an Alkaben, sleeved & hanging low, and the cape commonly brooched▪ and set all with pearl. When he goeth abroad, he casteth over all these (which are but sleight (though they seem to be many) an other garment called an Honoratkey, like to the Alkaben, save that it is made without a collar for the neck. And this is commonly of fine cloth, or Camel's hair. His buskins (which he weareth in stead of hose, with linen folles under them in steed of boot hose) are made of a Persian leather called Saphian, embroidered with pearl. His upper stocks commonly are of cloth of gold. When he goeth abroad, he mounteth on horseback, though it be but to the next door: which is the manner also of the Boiarskey, or Gentlemen.  
The Boiarskey or Gentleman's attire is of the same fashion, 
The Gentleman's apparel.  but differeth in stuff: and yet he will have his Caftan or undercoat sometimes of cloth of gold, the rest of cloth, or silk.  
The Noble woman (called Chyna Boiarshena) weareth on her head, 
The Noble woman's attire.  first a cawl of some soft silk (which is commonly red) and over it a fruntlet, called Obrosa of white colour. Over that her cap (made after the coif fashion of cloth of gold) called Shapka Zempska, edged with some rich fur, and set with pearl and stone. Though they have of late begun to disdain embrodering with pearl about their caps, because the Diacks, and some merchants wives have taken up the fashion. In their ears they wear earrings (which they call Sargee) of two inches or more compass, the matter of gold set with Rubies, or sapphires, or some like precious stone. In Summer they go often with kerchieffes of fine white lawn, or Cambric, fastened under the chin, with two long tassels pendent. The kerchief spotted and set thick with rich pearl. When they ride or go abroad in rainy weather, they wear white hats with coloured bands (called Stapa Zemskoy). About their necks they were collars of three or four fingers broad, set with rich pearl and precious stone. Their upper garment is a lose gown called Oposhen commonly of scarlet, with wide lose sleeves, hanging down to the ground buttened before with great gold buttons, or at least silver and guilt night as big as a walnut. Which hath hanging over it fastened under the cap, a large broad cape of some rich fur, that hangeth down almost to the mids of their backs. Next under the Oposken or upper garment, they wear another called a Leitnick that is made close before with great wide sleeves, the cuff or half sleeve up to the elbows, commonly of cloth of gold: and under that a Ferris Zemskoy, which hangeth lose buttoned throughout to the very foot. On the hand wrists they wear very fair bracelets, about two fingers broad of pearl and precious stone. They go all in buskins of white, yellow, blue, or some other coloured leather, embroidered with pearl. This is the attire of the Noblewoman of Russia, when she maketh the best show of herself. The Gentlewoman's apparel may differ in the stuff, but is all one for the making or fashion.  
As for the poor Mousick and his wife they go poorly clad. 
The Mousicks or common man's attire.  The man with his Odnoratkey, or lose gown to the small of the leg, tied together with a lace before, of course white or blue cloth, with some Shube or long waistcoat of fur, or of sheepskinne under it, and his furred cap, and buskins. The poorer sort of them have their Odnoratkey, or upper garment, made of Kowes hair. This is their winter habit. In the summer time, commonly they wear nothing but their shirts on their backs, and buskins on their legs. The woman goeth in a red or blue gown, when she maketh the best show, and with some warm Shube of fur under it in the winter time. But in the Summer, nothing but her two shirts (for so they call them) one over the other, whether they be within doors, or without. On their heads, they wear caps of some coloured stuff, many of velvet, or of cloth of gold: but for the most part kerchiefs. Without earrings of silver or some other metal, and her cross about her neck, you shall see no Ruff woman, be she wife, or maid.  
As touching their behaviour, 
Their wits and capacities.  and quality otherwise, they are of reasonable capacities, if they had those means that some other nations have to train up their wits in good nurture, and learning. Which they might borrow of the Polonians; and other their neighbours, but that they refuse it of a very self pride, as accounting their own fashions to be far the best. Partly also (as I said before) for that their manner of bringing up (void of all good learning, and civil behaviour) is thought by their governors most agreeable to that State, and their manner of government. Which the people would hardly bear, if they were once civilled, & brought to more understanding of God, and good policy. This causeth the Emperors to keep out all means of making it better, and to be very wary for excluding of all peregrinity, that might alter their fashions. Which were less to be disliked, if it set not a print into the very minds of his people. For as themselves are very hardly and cruelly dealt withal by their chief Magistrates, and other superiors, so are they as cruel one against an other, specially over their inferiors, and such as are under them. So that the basest & wretchedest Christianoe (as they call him) that stoopeth and croucheth like a dog to the Gentleman, and licketh up the dust that lieth at his feet, is an intolerable tyrant, 
Cruelty of the Ruff people.  where he hath the advantage. By this means the whole Country is filled with rapine, and murder. They make no account of the life of a man. You shall have a man rob sometime in the very streets of their towns, if he go late in the evening: and yet no man to come forth out of his doors to rescue him, though he hear him cry out. I will not speak of the strangeness of the murders, and other cruelties committed among them, that would scarcely be believed to be done among men, specially such as profess themselves Christians.  
The number of their vagrant and begging poor is almost infinite: that are so pinched with famine and extreme need, as that they beg after a violent and desperate manner, with give me and cut me, give me and kill me, and such like phrases. Whereby it may be gheassed, what they are towards strangers, that are so unnatural and cruel towards their own. And yet it may be doubted whither is the greater, the cruelty or intemperancy that is used in that country. 
intemperancy.  I will not speak of it, because it is so soul and not to be named. The whole country overfloweth with all sin of that kind. And no marvel, as having no law to restrain whoredoms, adulteries, and like uncleanness of life.  
As for the truth of his word, the Ruff for the most part maketh small regard of it, so he may gain by a lie, and breach of his promise. And it may be said truly (as they know best that have traded most with them) that from the great to the small (except some few that will scarcely be found) the Ruff neither believeth any thing that an other man speaketh, nor speaketh any thing himself worthy to be believed. These qualities make them very odious to all their neighbours, specially to the Tartars, that account themselves to be honest and just, in comparison of the Ruff. It is supposed by some that do well consider of the state of both countries, that the offence they take at the Ruff government, and their manner of behaviour, hath been a great cause to keep the Tartar still Heathenish, and to mislike (as he doth) of the Christian profession.  
FINIS.